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U.S. appeals court keeps Trump's sweeping tariffs in place for now

Xinhua) 09:05, June 12, 2025

A police officer stands on duty in front of the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York, the United States, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)

NEW YORK, June 11 (Xinhua) -- A federal appellate court on Tuesday granted the Donald Trump administration's request to keep the president's far-reaching tariffs in effect but agreed to fast-track its consideration of the case this summer.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit extended its earlier temporary pause of a trade court decision that found Trump exceeded his powers by imposing the tariffs.

The appeals court said it intends to hear arguments on July 31, which means the tariffs likely will remain in effect until then.

Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University's Scalia Law School and the plaintiff's attorney in the case, described the court's decision as "unfortunate" and expressed his confidence in the case and hopes for a faster ruling.

The appeals court has yet to rule on whether the tariffs are permissible under an emergency economic powers act that Trump cited to justify them, but it allowed the tariffs to remain in place while the appeals play out.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled on May 28 that the U.S. Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to levy taxes and tariffs, and that the president had exceeded his authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a law intended to address "unusual and extraordinary" threats during national emergencies.

The next day, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit granted the Trump administration's request to temporarily pause the trade court's ruling until further notice while the appeals court considers the motion's papers.

A pedestrian walks past the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York, the United States, June 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Yanan)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Shortly after his 546-543 loss to incumbent Jamie Clapham was certified, Rapid City Area Schools Board of Education candidate Brian Johnson criticized district Chief Financial Officer Coy Sasse for his handling of the election.

Johnson, who lost a bid for the Area 6 seat, won the Pennington County portion of the area, but lost in Meade County. He claims voters in Meade County were left off voter rolls, the district doled out ballots with discrepancies in Meade County, and a Summerset polling place miscommunication possibly led some not to vote.

"We pay him a lot of money to do his job, and it feels like if he put as much time into working out as he did into learning about election law maybe we could have matched what Pennington County did," Johnson said of Sasse. "If I'm on the board and his (Sasse) contract comes up, we're going to have a long, serious conversation about whether or not he's a right fit for the Rapid City school system going forward. He's a perfect fit for this board, because there is no transparency and no accountability."

Sasse maintains the district followed the proper ballot format and notified voters of the correct polling place through a Meade County paper of record.

Although the Meade County Auditor's Office admitted the initial voter rolls did not include all names, a representative with the office said that was remedied on election day. Before receiving the missing names, poll workers looked up voter information through the South Dakota Secretary of State to confirm they lived in the area. No one was turned away or denied the right to vote, according to the district.

When asked for comment about Johnsons remarks Tuesday evening, Sasse emailed the Journal, "I understand that Mr. Johnson is disappointed with the outcome of the recent school board election, especially given the narrow margin."

He added, "Allegations concerning the administration of any election must be taken seriously, and I welcome a thorough and impartial review of the process."

The school board canvassed the election during its Tuesday night meeting, certifying the results despite Johnson's request for a delay. Per state law, the board had to canvass the results within seven days of the election, but the board is not responsible for issuing a recount or determining the validity of ballots.

Johnson says voters may have been turned away

In conversations with the Journal, Johnson said several Meade County citizens were left off voter rolls. He said one person had to strongly contest to Meade County polling place workers they were on the list so they could vote for Johnson.

"I don't know what those exact counts are, but it's potentially upwards of 1,000 potential voters that could have voted in the election, and some of those may have been turned away because they technically weren't on the voter list, but were eligible to actually vote in that particular election," Johnson said.

In response to this, a Meade County auditor told the Journal "No pages of eligible voters were missing. The Auditor's Office realized on election day that we had inadvertently missed a portion of a precinct, but this registration information was sent to the polling place as soon as we learned of this."

Sasse said no voters were turned away because Meade County polling place workers looked up the names and addresses.

"There was a situation that wasn't discovered until election day. We got an updated voter registration list in the mid-afternoon from the Meade County Auditor's Office, and they discovered that they had missed several pages of voter registration information. And so there were individuals that came through that because of the missing information, were not on the registration list," Sasse said.

"We don't believe that there was any negative impact from that situation," he added.

Johnson takes issue with ballot stamp, Sasse explains stamp contents

Johnson claims the official stamp on the Meade County ballots had incomplete information.

Per South Dakota Codified Law 12-16-30, ballots must be stamped and, "The stamp shall contain the words, official ballot, the name or number of the election precinct, the name of the jurisdiction holding the election, and the date of the election."

The date can be excluded if it's pre-printed on the ballot, and in this case, it was, removing the requirement it be included on the stamp.

The stamp on the Meade County ballots included the words "official ballot," the name of the school district, Area 6 and the state.

It did not explicitly list the six precincts within Area 6 in Meade County, but Sasse said that decision was made because there was only one polling place in Meade County for Rapid City Area Schools voters within the area.

"If that's challenged, then then we'll work through that process. And you know, ultimately, if that was incorrect, then we'll understand that and we'll address any issues that need to be addressed," Sasse said.

Walt Swan, an RCAS Area 4 representative, said he agreed with Johnson's frustration during Tuesday's school board meeting.

"Having it all thrown into one pile and not being able to show where we're from, it would be a little frustrating for me if I were a candidate as well," Swan said.

Polling place miscommunication

Among the flashpoints of the Area 6 race  and Johnsons contention  was a polling place miscommunication where both Johnson and Clapham told constituents in Summerset to cast their ballots at Summerset City Hall while campaigning.

On Election Day, however, voters and candidates were surprised to learn Summerset City Hall wasnt their polling place, rather it was Black Hawk Fire Station. Both candidates said they told constituents to vote at Summerset City Hall because this is where Summerset voters typically go and the district didnt directly notify them of the change.

Johnson alleges Sasse and the districts decision to not tell him directly illustrated the lack of transparency hes seeking to change. Plus, he alleges, it led to voter disenfranchisement because some arrived to the city hall outside of its operating hours but inside of the voting hours. The polls were open at Black Hawk Fire Station from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but Summerset City Hall is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There were no public signs about the change.

Johnson said the district shouldve used the districts paper of record, which is the Journal, to let citizens of Summerset know where to vote.

But Sasse said the district followed all guidelines by putting placements in papers of record for the district. For Pennington County it was the Journal, for Meade County it was the Black Hills Pioneer or the Faith Independent. The school district placed notices in the Journal and the Black Hills Pioneer. The Journal notice included the Meade County voting location.

Without the mixup, Johnson said he may have won over Clapham because he had momentum in Meade County, which he characterized as conservative-leaning. School board elections, however, are nonpartisan.

"I feel like it's what cost me the election. I ran strong in Meade County. The people I know up there and the voter lists I saw were strong towards the Republican and red, and most of the people I was talking to, even in Jamie's district, even in her backyard, were all very much strong Republican, strong conservative," said Johnson, who characterized his views as conservative.

Johnson lost Meade County by six votes and the election by three.

One Johnson supporter told the Journal Clapham knew about the polling place change all along. Clapham, however, said she didnt. To validate this, she sent screenshots of texts with confused constituents the morning of the election at 8:23 a.m.; calls placed to Pennington County and Summerset City Hall at 8:26 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. respectively; and emails with Sasse and Liesel Olivier, who assisted with the election, beginning at 10:03 a.m.

On Wednesday, June 11 Clapham told the Journal, "I am very disappointed in the personal attacks and insults made by Mr. Johnson. Name calling and insults have no place in school board business."

She added: "There are no indications that anyone had any malicious intent regarding this election. It was a very unique situation and Area 6 being a two-county area is an anomaly that creates certain challenges."

Canvass

In a public forum during Tuesday evenings Rapid City school board session, the votes for the Area 6 and Area 3 races were reviewed and certified in whats known as canvassing. Johnson requested the board take a few days to discuss his alleged infractions before making the results official.

Prior to knocking his gavel, board president Troy Carr said "one of the challenges of that (Johnson's request) is that we would not be able to have any other meeting until we did the canvass. And I think there are going to be other recourses of action."

Katy Urban, an RCAS school board member, said the election "was not a flawless process" and "if I was a candidate, I would be upset as well."

Johnson, while speaking with the Journal afterward, said not delaying the canvass was another misstep by the board and a poor example to set for RCAS several thousand students who are taught to take accountability for mistakes.

"We have such a lack of leadership on the board, nobody's willing to stand up and say, 'We need to be doing this. This is how we're going to fix it with the citizens. Let's try this and move forward from here.' I don't see that on this board. Everybody's just kind of following one another around in a circle," Johnson said.

Clapham abstained from the vote verification and sat in the audience.

Johnson plans to ask for a recount, Sasse open to feedback

There could be a recount in the race, which Johnson said he's looking to do. Johnson is within his rights, per law, given the vote came down to less than a 2% margin. Johnson has five days to petition for the recount.

If the vote remains 546-543 in favor of Clapham after the recount, Johnson said hell discuss with his campaign and counsel which remedies to proceed with next.

He could contest the election in Meade County and a court would determine if there should be a revote. The other alternative, he said, would be asking a judge to dismiss the results from Meade County and only utilize the results from Pennington County. Johnson won in Pennington County.

"Pennington County was done to a tee, no complaints, no issues. Completely professionally done," Johnson said. "Then we have Meade County, which was a total cluster."

Sasse said hes open to any feedback regarding the election process and making adjustments based on what he receives for future elections.
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In an effort to increase the accessibility of environmentally conscious agriculture, Teller Wildlife Refuge, in collaboration with the Bitterroot Conservation District, will soon be renting out a no-till seed drill to Ravalli County residents.

After receiving approximately $45,000 in funding assistance from the Bitterroot Conservation District, the refuge was able to acquire a sevenfoot wide Remlinger 2300 No-Till Grain Drill and trailer that they plan on renting to local farmers as soon as next week.

Dan Bailey, Executive Director of the Teller Wildlife Refuge, told the Ravalli Republic that the drill is more environmentally friendly than a typical till-seed drill because it is less disruptive for the soil biome. No-till seed drills operate without flipping the soil which preserves moisture, prevents erosion and conserves soil health.

In a no-till system, seeds are planted directly into undisturbed soil, resulting in numerous environmental and climate benefits, states an article from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute. No-till farming can build climate resilience by enhancing soil health. Healthy soil has a higher water-holding capacity, meaning it can better absorb and hold on to water during periods of heavy precipitation and drought, making farms more resilient to extreme weather.

Although there are numerous agricultural and environmental benefits associated with no-till seed drills, it makes up only 33% of US tillage according to USDA.

You dont see a lot of them around, Bailey said. Theres a big need for it and thats why Lake County and Missoula County have already done this program.

The rental program was implemented in other Montana counties including Lake and Missoula; with their respective conservation districts similarly spearheading the initiative to make drills accessible in the county. Bailey said that until now, individuals in Ravalli County interested in no-till drilling had to rent from Missoulas Conservation District and transport the drill to the valley.

This is the first time that its taken place between the conservation district and a nonprofit, Bailey said. Teller is responsible for housing this thing, maintaining and making sure its operable and running well neither the conservation district or Teller view this as a moneymaking venture.

Rental revenue will be directly reinvested into maintaining the drill, being saved in a fund oversaw by the Bitterroot Conservation District.

Weve been talking about it for a while, said Kent Myers, Bitterroot Conservation District vice chairman and south county urban supervisor. We get inquiries from time to time about the availability of a no-till drill. So, when Teller approached us and asked if wed be interested in partnering with them it fit right in with our thinking.

Myers told the Ravalli Republic that the nonprofit partnered with the refuge to protect soil health in the valley.

One of the natural resource concerns we have outlined in our plan is soil health, Myers said. No-till drilling is a way to improve soil health, so it was right in line with the conservation districts mission.

Because of the drills smaller size, Bailey said that it was ideal for about 20 acres of cropland and explained that individuals rehabilitating smaller farms would be perfect candidates for the program.

Its a lot of folks like that who are looking to do plantings with pollinator plots and small seed and native grass mixes because these drills can handle those real small seeds, Bailey said. Were not gonna influence a lot of what goes on on big traditional ag lands around here. But what we can do is work with new folks moving in who bought 20 acres and want to rehab it and want to do some work on it.

Myers and Bailey emphasized that Teller and the district would be monitoring the reception of the rental program.

This is a new thing for the conservation district and for Teller and so were just gonna have to see what the uptick is and how much interest there is and go from there, Myers said. If there was such a tremendous amount of interest that it seemed like a second drill would be worthwhile, wed consider that. But for now, we just want this one to be available, to be used and to do the work.

No-till seed drills are generally a more expensive alternative to normal drilling. Myers explained that individuals interested in the rental program would likely be focused on an environmentally conscious decision as opposed to an economic one.

There is less input cost, Bailey said. If you were farming traditionally, youd have to make a pass, run a plow through here and then you gotta come back and spray it. Youre talking a lot more passes through the field or you can come through with this once and put seed in the ground and you're good to go.

Drill rental prices will be $150 a day, with a $500 rental deposit, according to Bailey and will be available sometime after June 16 on the Bitterroot Conservation District Website. Teller Wildlife Refuge will be answering questions about the program, their number is 406-961-3507.
The governments of Hanover and Henrico held a joint meeting Wednesday in the wake of two Richmond water outages this year that left county leaders frustrated.

The topic of conversation: how do the two counties work with Richmond and Chesterfield to make sure it doesnt happen again? Henrico and Hanover have been talking about the need for regional oversight since January.

Both boards have considered options that would form either a commission for sharing information on water operations, or an authority, which would take a more direct role in day-to-day operations. In the immediate term, most board members from Henrico and Hanover prefer some type of body that would bring everyone together and share information.

I dont see this as a conservatorship, said Hanovers Henry District Supervisor Sean Davis. I dont think we need to take over the citys plant. I think we need to make sure that a (water) supplier, which the citys water treatment plant is, is a (water) supplier.

Tyrone Nelson, Henricos Varina District Supervisor, also said he doesnt want regional cooperation to be seen as a way of bullying the city over infrastructure.

Richmond, you have the asset. The water treatment plant in your city and our region. Were not trying to big boy you into making a decision. We are saying we want to be at the table in whatever that looks like.

Nelson said he favored an authority more than a commission, because it means Henrico brings more to the table.

Hanovers board chair, F. Michael Herzberg, said the ultimate agreement needs to be mutually beneficial for every member in the regional agreement.

We are willing regional partners to work collaboratively in areas that are mutually beneficial on behalf of our residents, Herzberg said. And we feel the same way, even with the city water plant. We want to see the plant successful. We want to see the city residents have good, safe reliable water. We are not just thinking about Hanover County here today.

Henricos board chair Dan Schmitt said regardless of the final solution, its critically important that Henrico build a water system with more pipes that can move water in more directions, which protects it from catastrophe when one area of the regionally interconnected system fails.

My vision for what we can do here collaboratively, together in this region, would (be to) have more flexibility, Schmitt said. My goal is for our staff to continue to explore the feasibility of a more flexible system that allows multiple options in which we distribute water. Thereby solving the redundancy issue.

The regions water collaboration is decades in the making. Since 1994, Richmond has sold water to Henrico and Hanover through separately negotiated contracts that end in 2035 (Hanover) and 2040 (Henrico). Henrico buys water that supplies Varina, and its central Fairfield District. Hanover buys water that serves many of its suburban areas in the east.

Henrico is now moving towards building a $350 million, cross-county pipeline to move water from its smaller, western water treatment plant to the east, which is served almost entirely by Richmond. Officials said that pipeline would create redundancy should Richmond face problems delivering water in the future.

They said that line could later be modified to serve areas of Hanover that are currently supplied by Richmond. The estimated time on that water line is between five to seven years, with parts of it coming online in stages.

Meanwhile, Hanover is also researching the possibility of building a new water treatment plant along the Pamunkey River. That study is looking at possible sites, timing options and the suitability of the Pamunkey River for a plant and phasing options for construction, among other aspects.

Along with this study, were going to evaluate different options for interconnections and coordinate with Henrico County to identify mutually beneficial infrastructure for a region, said Matt Longshore, Hanovers Director of Public Utilities.

What could a regional water agreement look like?

The boards heard from Chris Pomeroy, a co-founder for a utility legal firm called AquaLaw. He laid out the types of regional utilities being used in other areas around Virginia.

Some agreements are a simple contract around the sale of a certain quantity of water per day for a fixed price. Other, more elaborate options involve the sharing of assets like a water treatment plant or pipelines.

Virginia Beach and Norfolk share water from Lake Gaston, at the North Carolina border. In that instance, a pipeline owned by Virginia Beach runs to reservoirs owned by Norfolk. The treatment plant is owned by Norfolk and clean drinking water is sold to Virginia Beach.

A total retail method in Roanoke involves shared assets. Both the city of Roanoke and Roanoke County merged their pipelines under a board that manages it. They share operations and executive staff. Pomeroy said that has grown overtime as neighboring counties joined the arrangement.

In the Tri-Cities, the Appomattox Regional Water authority manages a plant on Lake Chesdin and sells water wholesale to Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, Dinwiddie and Prince George.

The point is, there is a lot of flexibility. We have a lot of options under Virginia law on how interested parties can go about doing that together. Based on differing needs in communities, Pomeroy said.

Should Hanover or Henrico want to break their agreements with the city, they would have to give notice. Henricos notice period is five years. Hanovers is 10 years.

Officials said that there are still financial and operational questions to be answered before the boards decide on an authority, but that the next steps should include Richmond and Chesterfield, which receives around 20% of its water from Richmond.
Feds seize historic shipment of Mexico shark fins bound for China

Ensenada, Baja California  The Federal Attorneys Office for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has intercepted a historic shipment of shark fins bound for China. The interception was made June 5 in the Mexican Port of Ensenada.

Profepa inspectors, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Navy (Semar), seized the shipment containing 2,433 kilos of dried shark fins in the Port of Ensenada, Baja California.

According to a June 11 statement by Profepa (Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Ambiente), the shipment was destined for Shanghai, China. The illegal shipment, they said, was detected by Navy personnel during a port inspection.

Some of the species identified in the 135 bags are listed in CITES Appendix II. Federal inspectors say the seizure was historic for that type.

On June 5, Navy personnel alerted Profepa personnel about the shipment. Upon arriving at the Strategic Precinct of the Port of Ensenada, Baja California, inspectors found a container containing 135 sacks of various weights containing shark fins, they said.

In coordination with personnel from the Navy and Customs, the bags of shark fins found were emptied, weighed, identified and separated by species. The sorting revealed that the container bound for Shanghai was carrying 2,433 kilograms of dried shark fins.

After inspecting the cargo, it was possible to locate 1,282.35 kg of shark and ray fins, 151.65 kg of dried bull shark fins (Carcharhinus leucas), 317.38 kg of dried hammerhead shark fins (Sphyrna lewini) and 682.22 kg of silky shark fins (Carcharhinus falciformis).

Among the identified fins of these species, some also belong to juveniles and newborns. NOM-029-PESC-2006, on the Responsible Fishing of Sharks and Rays, establishes that the exclusive use of the fins of any species of shark is prohibited, they reported.

The seizure was made during a June 5 port inspection.

The export of bull sharks, hammerhead sharks and silky sharks to the international market is regulated by the current Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as they are listed in Appendix II, which establishes that their trade must be controlled so as not to jeopardize their survival.

During the investigation, the corresponding CITES certificate was requested to corroborate the legality of the seafood export. However, as the legality of the export to China was not proven, the fins were seized as a precautionary measure.

A total of 135 sacks of shark fins were found during the inspection.

Customs was also requested to immobilize them immediately to prevent the product from leaving the country. Profepa will coordinate with the relevant authorities to follow up on the case.
Police continue search for Chetumal taxi driver in deadly hit and run

Chetumal, Q.R.  A public services worker died Thursday morning after being struck by a taxi the night before. The man was on duty cleaning city property when he was hit by a cab that kept going.

The city worker was rushed to hospital where he died several hours later. Police are searching for the responsible Chetumal taxi driver. The incident happened at an intersection along Avenidas Reforma. The deceased worker has been identified as 10-year city employee Jose Ismael Miss Canche.

In a statement Thursday, Othon P. Blanco Mayor Yensunni Martinez, released the name of the city worker killed along with a brief statement.

With profound sadness, we join in the grief felt by family and friends over the passing of our colleague Jose Ismael Miss Canche, an exemplary employee of the Municipal Public Services Department. Rest in peace.

Witnesses to the Wednesday night hit and run were able to provide police with the cab number that subsequently killed the city worker. Police are in search of that driver who has since been identified as Armando G.
SIOUX CITY  When the Western Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America meets for its assembly Friday and Saturday, the theme will be "God's love made real."

One order of business for the church body is to vote on a successor to The Rev. Lorna Halaas, a 68-year-old Sioux Cityan and, since July 2019, bishop of the synod, with its 40,000 members and 116 congregations.

The theme is a fitting one for Halaas to go out on. In her single term as the synod's first female bishop, she has worked to get the church more involved in local efforts and have it be in greater dialogue with other denominations and faiths. In fact, the assembly will have events at locations like Trinity Heights and Congregation Beth Shalom.

"We need to get to know our neighbors and not live in fear of new neighbors, of people that we don't know their story," Halaas said during a conversation at St. Mark Lutheran, which is pastored by her husband David, a columnist for The Journal. "We have a chance to learn their story, to get to meet them, to be part of their life and to just listen and learn, and it breaks down barriers. We have too many barriers in this world right now and so how do we listen and learn and discover one another's stories and be people, God's people, together?"

Bishop Lorna Halaas prepares for retirement Halaas sits in front of a stained glass window on Wednesday at the St. Mark Lutheran Church in Sioux City. The window pictured represents East

An emotional roller coaster

Halaas, who has lived and worked in multiple states, describes her tenure as "an emotional roller coaster." One high? Riding in the 2023 RAGBRAI with the two other Iowa ELCA bishops. That effort was to raise money for the Hunger Program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America which supports advocacy and charity projects to alleviate hunger in the United States and around the world. (They raised over $90,000 but weren't able to make it all the way to the northeast corner of the state so they'll be going again this year to raise more money and finish the route.)

An ongoing point of pride for Halaas and the synod is a "pig project" -- wherein the church body has worked with area hog producers to take hogs that aren't market ready and pay for the processing with a local processor, then give the meat to a community food bank.

"To see projects like that happening, and to see ideas coming forward for more projects, it's like, oh, I want to keep going and be a part of this. But nope, there are other people that can do this. I don't need to hang on to this," she said.

The pandemic problem

One of the biggest challenges came early in her time as bishop with the COVID-19 pandemic.

"February, March we were shutting down. And so how do we continue to be a community of 100-plus congregations when we can't see each other, and so that was challenging. And just mixed messages of, should we be in person or not be in person? And everybody was on a different page about that. That was challenging," Halaas said.

Bishop Lorna Halaas showcases some of her church's signs Halaas poses with two signs that she felt represent her church on Wednesday at the St. Mark Lutheran Church in Sioux City. "We need to get to 

More recently the challenge has been to speak into the culture. To speak, as followers of Jesus, to the needs of the people whose voice isn't heard be they poor people or immigrants or members of the LGBTQ community.

"Our call is to love our neighbor and how is that love lived out? How are we welcoming to all people? Sometimes that means whatever side of the fence you might fall on, politically. The Gospel calls us to love our neighbor, and we need to to speak to that," Halaas said. "Not just in our pulpits or in our buildings, but take the church into the street to listen, not necessarily to force our ideas onto folks, but to listen and to be present with people and a voice of love and justice and mercy."

Putting religion into practice

In February, former U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn made a post on X (formerly Twitter) that organizations of the Lutheran faith doing refugee work were responsible for money-laundering operations. That post was then amplified by Elon Musk, who said his Department of Government Efficiency would work to shut down "illegal payments" by the federal government to such organizations. Various Lutheran groups, including the Western Synod, pushed back against the claim.

That same month, the Western Synod released a statement slamming the passage and signing of an Iowa bill that removed gender identity protections from the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

"I think for me that has always been an important piece, that my faith is not a private thing, that my faith has called me into community, to be in a community as we gather for worship. But at the end of worship we don't just come together for one hour. We are sent to go into the world to live our vocation, whether it's a journalist or a teacher or a doctor, our faith goes with us. Our faith goes with us when we go into the voting booth or when we meet people on the street," Halaas said. "And how do we live that out? And so as we see people being harmed by laws, rights or voices being stifled, I think that for me the Gospel calls me to speak to that, that I live my faith out in the world, and when I see a need for justice, I see a need for forgiveness or to work for peace or to work for human rights, that is me living out my faith."

Halaas doesn't anticipate such matters disappearing for the church anytime soon. And though she was reluctant to go overboard with advice for the next bishop, she did offer two pointers.

"Breathe," Halaas said. "And remember that you don't do this alone. You have people around. It's Christ's church. It's not (one person's) church. You breathe. You do what you're able with the help of others and listen to the power of the Holy Spirit. I certainly didn't work this ministry alone. It takes everybody working together. The synod staff, there's six of us that serve on staff together. We've laughed and cried and argued a bit over these six years."

Once she steps down in August, Halaas said she has a long list of things to address.

"Probably first would be to dig in the dirt, in the flowers. I love to dig in the dirt in the backyard. Ride my bike more. Read more. In the long run its continue to keep learning. Theres all kinds of places Id love to go to learn that I havent had the time."
Skeptical Science New Research for Week #24 2025

Posted on 12 June 2025 by Doug Bostrom, Marc Kodack

Open access notables

A Rapid Deterioration of the Transmissive Atmospheric Radiative Regime in the Western Arctic, Bertossa & LEcuyer, Geophysical Research Letters:

The tendency for the atmosphere to reside in one of two radiative states (transmissive or opaque) is unique to the high latitudes. This phenomenon makes the Arctic climate particularly sensitive to change if the conditions that support one of these states vanish. This study examines 25 years of in-situ data from the North Slope of Alaska to investigate how these two states have changed over time. While November once had nearly equal occurrences of both states, the transmissive state has almost completely disappeared, resulting in an increase of over 30 W/m2 in surface downwelling longwave radiation since the turn of the century. This dramatic shift highlights a crucial climate feedback that any region prone to sea ice loss may experiencereducing the transmissive state enhances atmospheric warming and moistening, further promoting the opaque state. This feedback accelerates surface energy imbalances and could amplify Arctic change beyond current projections. This work was supported, in part, by the NASA Earth Ventures-Instrument (EV-I) program's Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-Infrared Experiment (PREFIRE) mission under Grant 80NSSC18K1485.

Regional emperor penguin population declines exceed modelled projections, Fretwell et al., Communications Earth & Environment:

Emperor penguin populations are predicted to decline rapidly over the current century owing to habitat loss in Antarctica arising from warming oceans and loss of seasonal sea ice. Previous work using very high-resolution satellite imagery from 2009 to 2018 revealed a population decrease of 9.5%, characterized by a continuous decline until 2016, with a slight recovery until 2018. Our study, for the sector 0 to 90W, includes the recent period of sea-ice loss between 2020 and 2023 and provides a regional population update for around a third of the global population. We used supervised classification of very high-resolution imagery, linked to a Markov model and Bayesian statistics. Results indicate a significant reduction in emperor penguin numbers, variance in the methodology is relatively high, but provides a best fit estimate of 22% decline over the period equating to a reduction of 1.6% per year. This decline exceeds the predictions of demographic models based on high-emission scenarios. It is unclear whether the sector analyzed here reflects conditions around the entire continent and our results highlight the need to extend the analysis to all sectors of Antarctica to determine whether these trends are reflected elsewhere.

Considering durability in carbon dioxide removal strategies for climate change mitigation, Streck et al., Climate Policy:

Durability  together with scalability and sustainability  is an essential condition of CDR. It depends on (i) the duration of CO2 storage and (ii) the risk of reversing such storage. The risk profile of durability varies widely across CDR methods. Because engineered, novel CDR methods involve more stable forms of CO2 storage than nature-based CDR, these methods are often promoted as a priority for CDR mitigation investments. However, shorter-term CDR plays an essential role in balancing sources and sinks of greenhouse gases in the second half of this century. Decision makers must also consider CDR policies in a larger context that takes into account readiness and feasibility, policy alignment and co-benefits of different CDR methods. They must also address durability in CDR policies and contracts, which tend to span much shorter timeframes than those contemplated by science when discussing durability. We argue that nature-based conventional CDR and novel engineered CDR that show complementary timing and risk profiles can be deployed in synergistic CDR portfoliosto balance the conditions of durability, feasibility and social and environmental sustainability.

Warming accelerates global drought severity, Gebrechorkos et al., Nature:

Drought is one of the most common and complex natural hazards affecting the environment, economies and populations globally. However, there are significant uncertainties in global drought trends, and a limited understanding of the extent to which a key driver, atmospheric evaporative demand (AED), impacts the recent evolution of the magnitude, frequency, duration and areal extent of droughts. Here, by developing an ensemble of high-resolution global drought datasets for 19012022, we find an increasing trend in drought severity worldwide. Our findings suggest that AED has increased drought severity by an average of 40% globally. Not only are typically dry regions becoming drier but also wet areas are experiencing drying trends. During the past 5 years (20182022), the areas in drought have expanded by 74% on average compared with 19812017, with AED contributing to 58% of this increase. The year 2022 was record-breaking, with 30% of the global land area affected by moderate and extreme droughts, 42% of which was attributed to increased AED. Our findings indicate that AED has an increasingly important role in driving severe droughts and that this tendency will likely continue under future warming scenarios.

From this week's government/NGO section:

The Scale of Significance: Power Plants, Peter Howard and Jason Schwartz, Institute for Policy Integrity

The Trump Administration is openly questioning the significance of U.S. contributions to climate change, playing down U.S. greenhouse gas emissions as contributing only some mysterious amount above zero to climate change. According to a leaked draft of a proposed regulatory repeal, Trumps EPA will compare the U.S. power sectors greenhouse gas emissions to worldwide totals and find, judged on that relative scale, the sectors contribution to climate change is neither significant nor meaningful. That kind of skewed appraisal would produce the reductio ad absurdum under which no U.S. sector, sliced thinly enough, is ever a significant source of greenhouse gasesa clearly irrational outcome. By any measure, emissions from major U.S. industries like the electric power sector contribute significantly to climate damages. The best available evidence shows that each year of greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. coal-fired and gas-fired power plants will contribute to climate damages responsible for thousands of U.S. deaths and hundreds of billions in economics harms.

Beyond LCOE: A Systems-Oriented Perspective for Evaluating Electricity Decarbonization Pathways, Moraski et al., Clean Air Task Force

Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) is a widely used standardized metric to assess electricity generation project costs per expected generation output. Often used to compare technology costs, LCOE has become a ubiquitous metric used in electricity industry literature, cost forecasts, project business cases, and policy making. The LCOE metric is popular in part due to its simplicity and standardization and has been used widely to display LCOE declines of solar and wind. LCOE is calculated by summing the discounted project cost, primarily capital and operating expenditures, and dividing those costs by the discounted expected electricity generation over the life of the project. While LCOE is a good metric to track historical technology cost evolution, it is not an appropriate tool to use in the context of long-term planning and policymaking for deep decarbonization. The authors explain why LCOE fails to reflect the full complexity of electricity systems and can lead to decisions that jeopardize reliability, affordability, and clean generation.

112 articles in 51 journals by 634 contributing authors

Physical science of climate change, effects

A Rapid Deterioration of the Transmissive Atmospheric Radiative Regime in the Western Arctic, Bertossa & LEcuyer, Geophysical Research Letters Open Access 10.1029/2025gl115362

Drivers of the extreme North Atlantic marine heatwave during 2023, England et al., Nature Open Access 10.1038/s41586-025-08903-5

Effective Heat Capacity and Its Role in Arctic Amplification, Previdi & Polvani, Geophysical Research Letters Open Access 10.1029/2025gl115061

How does the lifetime of detrained cirrus impact the high-cloud radiative effect in the tropics?, Horner & Gryspeerdt, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Open Access 10.5194/acp-25-5617-2025

Strengthened influence of Atlantic Nino on ENSO in a warming climate, Zhang et al., npj Climate and Atmospheric Science Open Access 10.1038/s41612-025-01105-w

Understanding ENSO Weakening in Warmer Climates, Tuckman, Geophysical Research Letters Open Access 10.1029/2024gl113124

Observations of climate change, effects

Satellites reveal hot spots of ocean changes in the early 21st century, Li et al., Science Advances Open Access 10.1126/sciadv.ads0307

Simultaneous Drought and Heatwave Events During Austral Summer in Northeast Brazil, Bezerra et al., International Journal of Climatology 10.1002/joc.8920

Warming accelerates global drought severity, Gebrechorkos et al., Nature Open Access 10.1038/s41586-025-09047-2

Instrumentation & observational methods of climate change, effects

Reconstructing central African hydroclimate over the past century using freshwater bivalve shell geochemistry, Kelemen et al., Biogeosciences Open Access 10.5194/bg-22-2621-2025

The IPCC Interactive Atlas DataLab: Online reusability for regional climate change assessment, Cimadevilla et al., PLOS Climate Open Access 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000644

Modeling, simulation & projection of climate change, effects

Atmospheric Fronts Drive Future Changes in Extratropical Extreme Precipitation, Konstali et al., Geophysical Research Letters Open Access 10.1029/2025gl116032

Constraining Future Projections of Freezing Level Height and Equilibrium-Line Altitudes in the Tropical Andes Based on CMIP6, Turner et al., Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres 10.1029/2024jd042963

Western Mediterranean Droughts Fostered by Arctic Sea Ice Loss, Saurral et al., Journal of Climate 10.1175/jcli-d-25-0066.1

Advancement of climate & climate effects modeling, simulation & projection

An improved and extended parameterization of the CO2 15 m cooling in the middle and upper atmosphere (CO2&cool&fort-1.0), Lopez-Puertas et al., Geoscientific Model Development Open Access 10.5194/gmd-17-4401-2024

ICON: Toward Vertically Integrated Model Configurations for Numerical Weather Prediction, Climate Predictions, and Projections, Muller et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society 10.1175/bams-d-24-0042.1

The Sea Surface Temperature Pattern Effect on Outgoing Longwave Radiation: The Role of Large-Scale Convective Aggregation, Quan et al., Geophysical Research Letters Open Access 10.1029/2024gl112756

Using a data-driven statistical model to better evaluate surface turbulent heat fluxes in weather and climate numerical models: a demonstration study, Zouzoua et al., Open Access 10.5194/egusphere-2024-568

Cryosphere & climate change

Annual and sub-seasonal dynamics of a rapidly eroding permafrost coastline along the Beaufort Sea in northern Alaska, Ward Jones et al., Scientific Reports Open Access 10.1038/s41598-025-04753-3

Dynamic and Thermodynamic Impacts of Atmospheric Rivers on Sea Ice Thickness in the Arctic since 2000, Gong et al., Journal of Climate 10.1175/jcli-d-23-0509.1

Mapping of sea ice in 1975 and 1976 using the NIMBUS-6 Scanning Microwave Spectrometer (SCAMS), Kolbe et al., Remote Sensing of Environment Open Access 10.1016/j.rse.2025.114815

Permafrost Peat Plateau on Sosnovets Island: Formation and Long-Term Stability (the White Sea, NW Russia), Kutenkov et al., The Holocene 10.1177/09596836251340827

Seasonal and interannual variability of Karakoram glacier surface albedo from AVHRR-MODIS data, 19822020, Xie et al., Global and Planetary Change 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2025.104914

Surface Temperature Influenced by Downward Longwave Radiation Is the Main Driver of Deglaciation in Central Asia, Tang et al., International Journal of Climatology 10.1002/joc.8934

Sea level & climate change

Waterline responses to climate forcing along the North American West Coast, Graffin et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access 10.1038/s43247-025-02414-x

Paleoclimate & paleogeochemistry

Climate change and cascading effects on nomadic societies in the Mongolian Steppe (16th18th Century), Han et al., Global and Planetary Change 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2025.104915

Enhanced deglacial carbon transport by Pacific southern-sourced intermediate and mode water, Karas et al., Nature Communications Open Access 10.1038/s41467-025-60551-5

Isotopic evidence from a Brazos River (Texas, USA) cretaceous/paleogene boundary section consistent with a pulse of greenhouse warming shortly after the Chicxulub impact, MacLeod et al., Global and Planetary Change 10.1016/j.gloplacha.2025.104924

Biology & climate change, related geochemistry

A combined effect of heat and drought limits the growth of Central European silver fir, Marcis et al., Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110610

Anthropogenic climate change will likely outpace coral range expansion, Vogt-Vincent et al., Open Access 10.1101/2024.07.23.604846

Body size as a mediator of climatic effects: Insights from a long-term study of social Iberian magpies, Aviles et al., Ecology Open Access 10.1002/ecy.70130

Comparative thermal tolerance of haploid and diploid phases of two intertidal Antarctic red algae Iridaea cordata and Sarcopeltis antarctica, Navarro et al., Marine Environmental Research 10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107244

Coping with warming and drying climate: Xylem adjustment in four temperate diffuse-porous tree species in northeastern China, Yuan et al., Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110657

Enduring a Major Marine Heatwave: The Role of Local Cool Refugia and Kelp Forests in the Resilience of Marine Invertebrates, Maucieri et al., Diversity and Distributions Open Access 10.1111/ddi.70044

Environmental Change Is Reshaping the Temperature Sensitivity of Sesquiterpene Emissions and Their Atmospheric Impacts, Bourtsoukidis et al., Global Change Biology Open Access 10.1111/gcb.70258

High thermal variation in maximum temperatures invert Brett's heat-invariant rule at fine spatial scales, Pintanel et al., Ecology Open Access 10.1002/ecy.70124

Higher growth synchrony and responsiveness to drought in managed-young than in unmanaged-old sessile oak stands during a shift to hotter summers, Petritan et al., Dendrochronologia Open Access 10.1016/j.dendro.2025.126371

Hotter winter-spring droughts accelerated the growth decline of marginal pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) populations in dry sites from Romania, Nechita & Camarero, Dendrochronologia Open Access 10.1016/j.dendro.2025.126369

Impact of heatwave amplitude, duration, and timing on parasite fitness at different baseline temperatures, McCartan et al., PLOS Climate Open Access 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000632

Multi-Decadal Trends in Northern Lakes Show Contrasting Responses of Phytoplankton and Benthic Macroinvertebrates to Climate Change, Johnson et al., Global Change Biology Open Access 10.1111/gcb.70274

Possibilities for a critical social science of assisted ecosystem adaptation and other climate intervention practices, Lockie & Paxton, Environmental Sociology Open Access 10.1080/23251042.2025.2513090

Powerful yet challenging: mechanistic niche models for predicting invasive species potential distribution under climate change, Fenollosa et al., Ecography Open Access 10.1002/ecog.07775

Projected Increases in Climate Extremes Across Global Vertebrate Diversity Hotspots, van den Bosch et al., Global Change Biology Open Access 10.1111/gcb.70272

Regional emperor penguin population declines exceed modelled projections, Fretwell et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access 10.1038/s43247-025-02345-7

Responses of the Natural Phytoplankton Assemblage to Patagonian Dust Input and Anthropogenic Changes in the Southern Ocean, Demasy et al., Earth's Future Open Access 10.1029/2024ef005762

Snowmelt and laying date impact the parental care strategy of a high-Arctic shorebird, Etchart et al., Scientific Reports Open Access 10.1038/s41598-025-02318-y

Temperature-driven shifts in spatiotemporal stability of climate-growth responses of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) from the southern Baltic Sea region, Klisz et al., Agricultural and Forest Meteorology Open Access 10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110628

The Accelerating Exposure of European Protected Areas to Climate Change, Cimatti et al., Open Access pdf 10.1101/2024.11.25.625168

The Effect of Structure Building Small Mammals in a Shifting Arctic Landscape, Roy & McLaren, Ecology and Evolution Open Access 10.1002/ece3.71523

Thermal priming and epigenetic changes improve heat-tolerance mechanisms of tropical seagrasses under warming ocean along Palk Bay region, southeast coast of India, Danaraj et al., Marine Environmental Research 10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107287

Tolerance of organisms composing an Arctic kelp community to ocean warming and marine heatwaves, Lebrun et al., Journal of Ecology Open Access 10.1111/1365-2745.70074

Urban Tree Growth and Drought Responses Show Evidence of Climate Resilience, Esperon?Rodriguez et al., Global Change Biology Open Access 10.1111/gcb.70281

Warmer Lakes Support Phytoplankton Over Fish, Mooney et al., Global Change Biology Open Access 10.1111/gcb.70288

Warming aggravates physiological drought in Betula platyphylla during the winterspring transitional period in Greater Khingan Mountains, Li et al., Dendrochronologia 10.1016/j.dendro.2025.126375

Warming and freshening coastal waters impact harmful algal bloom frequency in high latitudes, Silva et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access 10.1038/s43247-025-02421-y

GHG sources & sinks, flux, related geochemistry

Carbon sequestration in mangrove ecosystems: Sources, transportation pathways, influencing factors, and its role in the carbon budget, Ali et al., Earth 10.1016/j.earscirev.2025.105184

Coastal Restoration May Not Necessarily Enhance Blue Carbon Sink, Zhu et al., Geophysical Research Letters Open Access 10.1029/2025gl114614

Current Forest Carbon Offset Buffer Pool Contributions Do Not Adequately Insure Against Disturbance-Driven Carbon Losses, Anderegg et al., Global Change Biology Open Access 10.1111/gcb.70251

Data-Driven Modeling of 4D Ocean and Coastal Acidification in the Massachusetts and Cape Cod Bays From Surface Measurements, Champenois et al., Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences Open Access 10.1029/2024jg008465

High-resolution global map (100 m) of soil organic carbon reveals critical ecosystems for carbon storage, Creze et al., Open Access 10.5194/essd-2025-294

Limited evidence that tropical inundation and precipitation powered the 20202022 methane surge, Xiong et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access 10.1038/s43247-025-02438-3

Long term carbon export from mountain forests driven by hydroclimate and extreme event driven landsliding, Howarth et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access 10.1038/s43247-025-02382-2

Old carbon routed from land to the atmosphere by global river systems, Dean et al., Nature Open Access 10.1038/s41586-025-09023-w

Spatial and temporal variations of gross primary production simulated by land surface model BCC&AVIM2.0, Li et al., Advances in Climate Change Research Open Access 10.1016/j.accre.2023.02.001

CO2 capture, sequestration science & engineering

Considering durability in carbon dioxide removal strategies for climate change mitigation, Streck et al., Climate Policy Open Access 10.1080/14693062.2025.2501267

Decarbonization

From innovation to integration: institutional design challenges for emerging energy storage technologies in the Netherlands, Kranenburg & Groenleer, Energy Research & Social Science Open Access 10.1016/j.erss.2025.104141

Satellite-Based Climate Effects of Photovoltaic Plants in China, Li et al., Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres 10.1029/2025jd044085

Geoengineering climate

Simulated terrestrial climate and carbon cycle response to cloud albedo enhancement over ocean and land, FANG & CAO Cao, Advances in Climate Change Research Open Access 10.1016/j.accre.2025.06.003

The impact of stratospheric aerosol injection: a regional case study, Cohen et al., Frontiers in Climate Open Access 10.3389/fclim.2025.1582747

Climate change communications & cognition

Emotion as Motive: Aligning Hope and Action in Jane Goodalls Climate Rhetoric, Murphy, Environmental Communication 10.1080/17524032.2025.2510371

Limited effectiveness of psychological inoculation against misinformation in a social media feed, Wang et al., PNAS Nexus Open Access 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf172

Mapping, understanding and reducing belief in misinformation about electric vehicles, Bretter et al., Nature Energy 10.1038/s41560-025-01790-0

Neural topic modeling reveals German televisions climate change coverage, Schirmag et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access 10.1038/s43247-025-02402-1

Rising Seas: Representations of Antarctica, Climate Change, And Sea Level Rise in U.S. Newspaper Coverage, Bruns et al., Environmental Communication 10.1080/17524032.2025.2512373

Agronomy, animal husbundry, food production & climate change

Agro-meteorological services in the era of climate change: a bibliometric review of research trends, knowledge gaps, and global collaboration, Khatibu & Ngowi, Frontiers in Climate Open Access 10.3389/fclim.2025.1576058

An index-based approach to assess the vulnerability of coffee-based farmers to climate change and variability across districts in Western Ethiopia, Akafu et al., Frontiers in Climate Open Access 10.3389/fclim.2025.1537045

Combined effects of temperature change and natural habitat on the abundance of arthropod trait syndromes in agroecosystems, Guezen & Anand, Ecography Open Access 10.1002/ecog.07815

From Depletion to Restoration: Lessons From Long-Term Monitoring of Carbon Gains and Losses in Cropping Systems, Moore et al., Global Change Biology Open Access 10.1111/gcb.70291

Modeling biochar effects on soil organic carbon on croplands in a microbial decomposition model (MIMICS-BC&v1.0), Han et al., Geoscientific Model Development Open Access 10.5194/gmd-17-4871-2024

The importance of a dynamic norm for climate adapted forest management via personal norm and perceived feasibility, Eriksson, Journal of Environmental Psychology Open Access 10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102651

Hydrology, hydrometeorology & climate change

Assessing and Modifying the Formula for Estimating the Conditional Transition Probabilities and Daily Precipitation Variance under the Influence of Climate Change, Xiao et al., Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology 10.1175/jamc-d-24-0193.1

Evolution of rainfall in Italy over the last 200 years: Interactions between climate indices and global warming, Marco & Monica Bini, Atmospheric Research 10.1016/j.atmosres.2025.108276

Impact of April and May, 2024 extreme precipitation on flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Neto et al., Urban Climate 10.1016/j.uclim.2025.102487

Warming accelerates global drought severity, Gebrechorkos et al., Nature Open Access 10.1038/s41586-025-09047-2

Climate change economics

Climate policy, Least Developed Countries, and the Sustainable Development Goals: A critical review of SDG13 and infrastructural, institutional, and informational resilience, Seddik & Sovacool, Environmental Science & Policy Open Access 10.1016/j.envsci.2025.104129

How do oil and gas workers cope with a changing economy? Economic vulnerability among rural Canadians in the oil and gas sector, Hodge et al., Energy Research & Social Science Open Access 10.1016/j.erss.2025.104146

Repercussions of energy efficiency, FinTech, industrialization, and technological advancements on climate change: evidence from G20 countries, Zhao & Arshad, Frontiers in Environmental Science Open Access 10.3389/fenvs.2025.1557830

The impact of the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism on China based on the climate club, Yue et al., Carbon Management Open Access 10.1080/17583004.2025.2505727

Climate change mitigation public policy research

Accelerating heat pump adoption in Switzerland: An agent-based policy assessment, Brodnicke et al., Energy Policy Open Access 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.114718

Assessing risks to the implementation of NDCs under the Paris Agreement, Peterson & van Asselt, Climate Policy Open Access 10.1080/14693062.2025.2513023

Carbon trade biases and the emerging mesoscale structure of the European Emissions Trading System network, Flori & Spelta, Nature Communications Open Access 10.1038/s41467-025-59913-w

Closing the ambition gap: Germany's energy transition in line with a 1.5C carbon budget, Jurgens et al., Climate Policy Open Access 10.1080/14693062.2025.2506610

Coal communities views on local economic Futures: Implications for energy transition policy and planning, Greenberg et al., Energy Policy Open Access 10.1016/j.enpol.2025.114717

Electrifying tensions: Stakeholder narratives to electrification of industry and transport in Sweden, Phan et al., Energy Research & Social Science Open Access 10.1016/j.erss.2025.104142

European Union needs large heat pump and targeted renovation subsidies to meet heating targets, Vivier et al., Nature Climate Change 10.1038/s41558-025-02342-w

Improving costbenefit analyses for health-considered climate mitigation policymaking, Shen et al., Nature Climate Change 10.1038/s41558-025-02351-9

Meeting climate target with realistic demand-side policies in the residential sector, Vivier et al., Nature Climate Change Open Access 10.1038/s41558-025-02348-4

Renewable energy communities assembling energy governance, Concetti, Energy Research & Social Science 10.1016/j.erss.2025.104085

Climate change adaptation & adaptation public policy research

Climate change adaptation in global mountain regions requires a multi-sectoral approach, Kapruwan et al., Communications Earth & Environment Open Access 10.1038/s43247-025-02444-5

Floating and stilted structures as strategies in coastal climate adaptation: local monsoon adaptation practices and implications for flood risk management, Huebner, Climate Risk Management Open Access 10.1016/j.crm.2025.100719

Global Mapping of Concurrent Hazards and Impacts Associated With Climate Extremes Under Climate Change, Messori et al., 10.5194/egusphere-egu25-4486

Increasing Exposures to Compound Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat Hazards in California, 20112020, Jones?Ngo et al., Earth's Future Open Access 10.1029/2024ef005189

Migration due to floodplain buyouts mimics general post-disaster migration patterns, Schwaller et al., Climate Risk Management Open Access 10.1016/j.crm.2025.100715

Non-stationary precipitation design standards for stormwater infrastructure modernization at USAF installations, Jaks et al., Climate Risk Management Open Access 10.1016/j.crm.2025.100718

Climate change impacts on human health

Cognition, emotion, and belief in the adaptation response of older people to heatwaves, Bourgeois et al., Climate Policy 10.1080/14693062.2025.2514106

Improving health professionals capacity to respond to the climate crisis: Outcomes of the Caribbean climate and health responder course, Sorensen et al., PLOS Climate Open Access 10.1371/journal.pclm.0000566

Other

Revealing future changes in Chinas forest fire under climate change, Li et al., Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 10.1016/j.agrformet.2025.110609

Informed opinion, nudges & major initiatives

How to spot suspicious papers: a sleuthing guide for scientists, Naddaf, Nature 10.1038/d41586-025-01826-1

Kickoff of a Joint AMS/ASCE Effort to Assess the Potential Contribution of AI in Addressing Infrastructure Resilience in a Changing Climate, Giovannettone et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society 10.1175/bams-d-25-0077.1

Recommendations for producing knowledge syntheses to inform climate change assessments, Ford et al., Nature Climate Change Open Access 10.1038/s41558-025-02354-6

Articles/Reports from Agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations Addressing Aspects of Climate Change

The Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit is Rebuilding U.S. Manufacturing, Taylor et al., Atlas Public Policy

The authors outline the potential reach of the Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit on the production of batteries, solar energy components, wind energy components, inverters, and critical minerals. To date, a total of $48.3 billion in announced investments and 62,700 jobs are associated with operational facilities that qualify for the tax credit. There is a further $137.2 billion and 103,100 jobs in tracked announcements at facilities that are planned or under construction that will be eligible for the tax credit. Overwhelmingly, the factories supporting this manufacturing are in Republican House Congressional districts (77 percent of all investments).

National Climate Change Risk Assessment Main Report (Ireland), KPMG Ireland, Environemnt Protection Agency (Ireland)

Irelands first National Climate Change Risk Assessment (NCCRA) provides a comprehensive national overview of the potential risks and opportunities posed by climate change for Ireland. It will play a critical role in meeting national policy objectives and supporting sectoral and local authority climate adaptation planning processes. The NCCRA integrates scientific and technical knowledge with input from expert stakeholders, to identify, assess, and prioritize climate change risks to build a comprehensive understanding of risks.

Principles for responsible and effective marine carbon dioxide removal development and governance, Doney et al., The High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy

Launched on June 4, 2025, at the One Ocean Science Congress in Nice, France, ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference, this Blue Paper was commissioned by the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) to inform evidence-based decision-making on the responsible development and governance of marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR). As countries seek to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, mCDR approachesdesigned to enhance the oceans natural capacity to absorb and store carbon through biological and chemical processesare likely to play a complementary role alongside emissions reductions. However, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding their effectiveness, cost, permanence, and potential environmental and social impacts.

Analysis of the alignment between energy transition pathways for Irish carbon budgets with EU energy and climate targets, Ciara Doherty and Hannah Daly, The Climate Change Advisory Council, Ireland

The authors assess the alignment between Irelands national energy system decarbonization pathways and key EU energy and climate-related targets. Specifically, they examine how scenarios consistent with Irelands carbon budget, approved and legally adopted in the period to 2030 and proposed in the period to 2040, and sectoral emissions ceilings, compare to EU obligations, namely:  The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS)  The Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR)  The Energy Efficiency Directive (EED)  Indicative 2040 GHG emissions target The analysis focuses on energy-related sectorselectricity, buildings, transport, and industryand excludes agriculture and land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF), which are not included in the energy system model used.

Climate risk analysis for Switzerland, Federal Office for the Environment

The authors identify and assesses climate risks and climate-related opportunities for Switzerland up to the year 2060. The content and methods of the first climate risk analysis published in 2017 was comprehensively reviewed and updated with the involvement of numerous specialists from the government, academic and business. The results serve as a basis for the Federal Council's future adaptation strategy and for developing adaptation strategies and action plans in the cantons and regions.

Americans Views on Energy at the Start of Trumps Second Term, Kennedy et al., Pew Research Center

How have Americans views on energy changed in recent years? The authors surveyed 5,085 U.S. adults from April 28 to May 4, 2025, to takes a look. While wind and solar power are still popular overall, Americans have become less supportive of these sources since the first Trump administration. This shift has been driven by sharp declines in support among Republicans and Republican leaners. Nuclear power has seen an increase in support in recent years, with more positive views among Republicans and Democrats alike. Phasing out the production of new gasoline cars and trucks by 2035 is unpopular with Americans. A majority oppose this proposal, and opposition has become more widespread since 2021 among both Republicans and Democrats. Americans are more likely to say they would seriously consider buying a hybrid vehicle (45%) than an electric vehicle (33%). Democrats remain more likely than Republicans to say that next time they purchase a vehicle, they would be interested in buying a hybrid or electric model.

The Scale of Significance: Power Plants, Peter Howard and Jason Schwartz, Institute for Policy Integrity

The Trump Administration is openly questioning the significance of U.S. contributions to climate change, playing down U.S. greenhouse gas emissions as contributing only some mysterious amount above zero to climate change. According to a leaked draft of a proposed regulatory repeal, Trumps EPA will compare the U.S. power sectors greenhouse gas emissions to worldwide totals and find, judged on that relative scale, the sectors contribution to climate change is neither significant nor meaningful. That kind of skewed appraisal would produce the reductio ad absurdum under which no U.S. sector, sliced thinly enough, is ever a significant source of greenhouse gasesa clearly irrational outcome. By any measure, emissions from major U.S. industries like the electric power sector contribute significantly to climate damages. The best available evidence shows that each year of greenhouse gas emissions from U.S. coal-fired and gas-fired power plants will contribute to climate damages responsible for thousands of U.S. deaths and hundreds of billions in economics harms.

A just energy transition deferred: How the World Bank counts pro-privatisation energy sector reforms as climate finance, Jon Sward and Laure-Alizee Le Lannou, The Bretton Woods Project

The authors found that the World Bank counted 70 per cent of energy-sector reforms in Development Policy Financing as having 'climate co-benefits' between 2018-2023 - but most of these promoted a private-led energy transition.

The 2025 Progress Report. Climate Risk Reporting in the U.S. Insurance Sector, Jaclyn de Medicci Bruneau, Ceres

The author analyzes climate disclosures from 526 insurance groups representing over 1,700 companies, following the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework's four pillars: governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets. 99% of insurers reported on risk management, 97% on strategy, and 87% on governance. However, just 29% disclosed metrics and targetsvirtually unchanged from previous years. Only 28% of insurers disclosed across all four pillars of the TCFD framework. Use of climate scenario analysis is up 28%, with 148 insurance groups incorporating it in 2023.

Cambodia Climate Change Strategic Plan 2024 -2033, Department of Climate Change, Royal Government of Cambodia

The Cambodias Climate Change Strategic Plan 2024-2033 (CCCSP 2024-2033) aims to address gaps identified in the approach towards the countrys Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0 (NDC3.0) and Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality targets and give specific attention to emerging climate themes and to the most vulnerable, marginalized and at risk-population, especially children and women. It has been developed to be aligned with key national policies such as the Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1 and the Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028 and line agency sectoral strategies. The CCCSP 2024-2033 also presents financial and technology needs and estimated resource needs which will be further refined according to the national development needs and circumstances. Moving forward it is anticipated the line agencies will develop and implement their respective action plans to support Cambodias progress towards carbon neutrality and climate resilience through inclusive and sustainable national development.

The Compelling Business Case for Climate Adaptation, Brandon et al., World Resources Institute

The authors found that investing $1 in adaptation can yield more than $10.50 in benefits over 10 years. This reflects not only the avoided losses from climate impacts, but also a wide range of economic, social and environmental benefits that are generated even when disasters don't occur. In other words, adaptation is not just a crucial response to the climate crisis; it is also one of the smartest investments of our time.

Silent Influence. Are companies failing to govern their climate lobbying?, Danu Insight

Corporate political lobbying is a critical global issue to the progression of climate change. However, there is little transparency in the market regarding which companies are supporting policy and who is effectively governing their climate lobbying actions. To address this gap, the authors examined the public disclosures of 8,500 of the largest listed companies and assessed them using data science and AI models to provide both quantitative and qualitative results.

Beyond Planting Trees: Taking Advantage of Satellite Observations to Improve Forest Carbon Management and Wildfire Prevention, Lee et al., United Nations University, Institute for Water, Environment and Health

In many parts of the world, forests and peatlands, previously considered to be the largest terrestrial carbon storehouses, are transitioning into super carbon emitters under warming conditions, due to large and frequent wildfires. Carbon mitigation actions and policies including carbon pricing, credit verification, and Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) projects under the forestry and land-use category, as well as the Paris Agreement, fail to properly account for wildfire-related carbon emissions. Natural carbon sequestration in dry soils through forestation policies might be ineffective in warming environments with more frequent wildfires. Under certain conditions and mostly in arid and warming environments where the efficiency of photosynthesis is reduced, controlled harvesting and grazing could be actively considered as a strategy for maintaining soil and vegetation moisture and preventing increased carbon emissions. A global platform of near-real-time satellite observations of forest conditions is needed to ensure transparency and accountability of VCMs in accordance with the changing conditions of forests under global warming.

Wildfire: An Updated Look at Utility Risk and Mitigation, Macomber et al., Stanford Law Schools Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Program and the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environments Climate and Energy Policy Program

The authors share new findings from survey of wildfire mitigation efforts across investor-owned utilities, and explore how utilities, policymakers, regulators, and community leaders can work together to reduce wildfire risk and create a more resilient, sustainable electric grid. The authors examined how investor-owned utilities (IOUs) across the country are confronting the escalating threat of wildfires. The key takeaway: while progress has been made across many Western states, utilities in some potentially high-risk areas remain underprepared. Using a combination of public data and wildfire hazard modeling, the authors assigned tiers to utility wildfire mitigation efforts. Tier 1 utilities have implemented comprehensive plans and technical measureslike fast-trip settings that can turn power lines off more quickly when an object touches them during high-fire-risk periodsto reduce the chance of ignitions. Tier 3 utilities, on the other hand, lack even a public plan describing their implementation of wildfire mitigation or safety shutoffs.

Beyond LCOE: A Systems-Oriented Perspective for Evaluating Electricity Decarbonization Pathways, Moraski et al., Clean Air Task Force

Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) is a widely used standardized metric to assess electricity generation project costs per expected generation output. Often used to compare technology costs, LCOE has become a ubiquitous metric used in electricity industry literature, cost forecasts, project business cases, and policy making. The LCOE metric is popular in part due to its simplicity and standardization and has been used widely to display LCOE declines of solar and wind. LCOE is calculated by summing the discounted project cost, primarily capital and operating expenditures, and dividing those costs by the discounted expected electricity generation over the life of the project. While LCOE is a good metric to track historical technology cost evolution, it is not an appropriate tool to use in the context of long-term planning and policymaking for deep decarbonization. The authors explain why LCOE fails to reflect the full complexity of electricity systems and can lead to decisions that jeopardize reliability, affordability, and clean generation.

Powering a Brighter Future in Pennsylvania, Generation180

During the last 10 years, the solar capacity at Pennsylvania K-12 educational institutions has more than tripled and the number of K-12 schools with solar installations has more than doubled. By the end of 2024, Pennsylvania reached a key milestone: over 100,000 studentsmore than 5.5% of the states student population  now attend a solar-powered school. Pennsylvania has made a commitment to build on this progress and support schools in accessing the benefits of solar energy. In 2024, Pennsylvania enacted the Solar for Schools Act and launched a new state grant program to help public schools statewide fund solar energy projects. In May 2025, the state awarded $22.6 million to support over 42 megawatts (MW) of new solar projects at 73 school sites71 of which are K-12 school. While this momentum is promising, currently only 2% of K-12 schools statewide have installed solar energy projects. There is more work to do for all Pennsylvania schools to access the benefits of clean energy. Solar is a practical solution that reduces costs, enhances energy independence, and inspires students to become informed and engaged citizens. By investing in solar energy for schools, Pennsylvania creates opportunities for students to develop valuable skills, strengthen their communities, and build a resilient future.

The Long Term Will Be Decided Now. Why Climate Risk Demands System-Level Action from Investors, Ben Cushing, The Sierra Club

The author explains why climate change must be treated as a system-level financial threat; then, he outlines how investors can use their influence to reduce emissions and protect long-term portfolio value. He argues that conventional strategiessuch as ESG integration and shareholder divestmentdo not confront companies climate pollution or the broader economic damage driven by rising emissions. Instead, he lays out a practical framework for system-level investing that prioritizes real-world impact to mitigate systemic risk.

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For the past 50 years, Forsyth County, Georgia, has been one of the fastest-growing places in the United States. Today, the population of this Atlanta exurb, 45 miles northwest of the city, is 280,000more than 10 times as many people as lived there just 40 years ago. Its emblematic of the Sun Belt boom that has shifted the nations population geography south, into a string of fast-growing cities from Orlando to Phoenix.

Forsyth County may be emblematic of the Sun Belt in another way: It has soured on growth. In the last election, one commissioner ran as big corporate developers worst nightmare; another trumpeted zero apartments approved. This spring, county commissioners voted to establish a 180-day moratorium to freeze rezoning for residential development. Our roads are gridlocked, and our schools are full, said a third commissioner, Mendy Moore.

Similar growing pains are playing out in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, as residents grow irate over the loss of farmland, overworked sewer systems, crowded schools, and traffic. They are responding with impact fees, traffic studies, minimum lot sizes, and moratoriums, among other urban-planning tactics to slow down subdivision builders. Anti-Growth Fervor Grips US South, Bloomberg wrote last year. The belt isnt buckling anymore.

In a new working paper, economists Edward Glaeser and Joe Gyourko put some data behind the anecdata. They show that the rate of new home construction is collapsing in big metro areas like Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Raleigh that have long been synonymous with sprawl and cheap housingespecially on the urban frontier. They are building housing at a pace much closer to those of Rust Belt cities like Detroit and coastal cities like Los Angeles these days. What we show is there is a sharp decline in the intensity of building in high-price, low-density housing tracts. Whats that? Thats the best suburbs, Gyourko, a professor at Penns Wharton School, told me.

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As sprawl dries up, prices are soaring: The paper notes that home prices in Miami, Tampa, and Phoenix have grown faster than those in metro New York City since 2000. Increasingly, housing affordability is a national problem, inspiring policy action in once cheap cities like Dallas and states like Montana. But problem solvers in those places may be up against a vicious cycle, in which rising prices attract well-heeled buyers who support policies that stop developmentand cause prices to rise further.

Sun Belt residents are starting to behave and stop development the way Bostonians did in the 80s and 90s, Gyourko hypothesized. Its similar behavior but just starting much later. Theyre not [exactly like] coastal cities yet, but if this keeps going for another 20 years they will be, and housing will be very expensive.

From the 1970s to the 2000s, Sun Belt cities built on a massive scalehundreds of thousands of new homes each decade. The sweet spot for those new homes, Glaeser and Gyourko show, was in high price, low density tractsplaces that were in high demand, relative to the metropolitan average, and very suburban in character. In the 1970s, for example, Atlanta built 88 percent of its new homes in such areasareas like Forsyth County. Miami built 65 percent of homes in those parts of the region in the 1980s. Dallas and Phoenix peaked in the 1990s.

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Since then, the share of new homes getting built in those areas has fallen in all of those cities and othersevidence, the authors suggest, of a rising tide of not-in-my-backyard sentiment. And thats a smaller share of a much smaller pie: Overall, the housing stock in these cities is growing by less than 1 percent a year, a fraction of the pace of decades past.

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Related From Slate Your City Could Be Better for Parents Read More

Of course there are other possibilities. Nationally, construction has not recovered from the 2008 financial crisis. The accompanying mortgage finance crackdown boxed lower-income buyers out of the market. There may be geographical and temporal limits to desire in sprawl, points so far from the metropolitan center of gravity that nobody wants to live there. And then there is the shift toward demand for more housing in closer-in, denser neighborhoods, which command high per-square-foot prices and have long been starved for development.

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But the data suggest that the sprawl decline began before the financial crisis. And while a comb of tall apartment buildings on Miamis Biscayne Bay waterfront in Brickell might reflect increased demand for urban living, there may be a push factor theredevelopment is going where development can go.

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In some quarters, this will be taken as good news. In addition to its environmental costs, sprawls reputation for affordability is undermined by the enormous transportation expenses that come along with living miles from schools, shops, and jobs. If you include the obligation that every adult in the household own, fuel, maintain, and insure a car, supposedly affordable cities like Houston can wind up being more expensive than cities like New York, by some measures.

Still, what construction has shifted to higher-density areas hasnt been enough to offset sprawls decline, and rising home prices reflect that. In April, Conor Dougherty wrote a story for the New York Times Magazine questioning the conventional wisdom of anti-sprawl, arguing that exurban development has been a vital escape valve for the nations failure to build enough infill housing. His focus was on Princeton, Texas, 43 miles from Dallas, where the population has more than doubled since the pandemic, to 37,000 last year.

In May, the Census Bureau dubbed Princeton the fastest-growing city in the country. But it is also a poster child for the limits of sprawl. Last year, Princeton passed a moratorium on new residential development. The city staff said: The citys water, wastewater and roadway infrastructure is operating at, near, or beyond capacity. Princeton, Texas, is full. Keep moving.
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The Supreme Court delivered an important victory to disabled children on Thursday, unanimously affirming their right to reasonable accommodations in public education. Chief Justice John Roberts opinion for the court reiterated that schools engage in unlawful discrimination when they deny these accommodations to kids, even if officials are not acting in bad faith. His ruling provides a lifeline to schoolchildren throughout the country who are wrongly denied equal access to learning opportunities because of a disability.

Yet this victory comes with an asterisk: In a concurrence, Justice Clarence Thomasjoined, alarmingly, by Justice Brett Kavanaughlaunched an assault on civil rights law that would devastate disabled Americans ability to receive an education and participate in all aspects of public life. Thomas and Kavanaugh suggested that the long-standing interpretation of disability law is, in fact, unconstitutional, arguing that states should have far more leeway to discriminate against those with disabilities. We should expect such callous radicalism from Thomas. But Kavanaughs endorsement of this position is yet another ominous sign that the justice is drifting toward the hard-right flank of the court.

It is difficult to know exactly what to make of Kavanaughs drift to the right because he remains an intellectual lightweight who struggles to articulate and defend his views with any coherence. Is he just another MAGA-pilled jurist eager to promote Trumps agenda? Did his bruising confirmation battle leave him with a lifelong grudge against Democrats that he acts upon by trashing progressive priorities from the bench? Has he fallen under the influence of Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito, who spurn centrism as craven capitulation to their perceived enemies on the left? Whatever the cause of his transformation, it is by now an undeniable fact that he has abandoned the middle of the court, sliding to the right of Roberts, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, and sometimes even Justice Neil Gorsuch.

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Thursdays case, A. J. T. v. Osseo Area Schools, shows exactly why robust federal protections for disabled Americans remain so vital. The plaintiff, Ava Tharpe, suffers from a rare form of epilepsy that severely limits her physical and cognitive functioning, as Roberts put it. Her seizures are worst in the morning, leaving her able to learn only after about 12 p.m. each day. When Tharpe transferred to a new school district in 2015, officials refused to provide her with special evening instruction, leaving her with far fewer hours of instruction than her peers.

Eventually, Tharpes parents sued under several laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act, which broadly bar discrimination on the basis of disability. But the federal courts tossed out their suit. These courts acknowledged that Tharpe was denied equal access to education because of her disability. But they held that Tharpe was not entitled to an injunction or damages under the relevant statutes because she had not proven that school officials acted with bad faith or gross misjudgment. Mere non-compliance with the law, the courts concluded, was not enough to justify judicial intervention.

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Related From Slate John Roberts Gave the Game Away With This Quote Read More

This holding was, Roberts wrote, flatly wrong. The widespread adoption of this approach, however, has allowed rampant discrimination against disabled children to fester for decades, despite Congress clear effort to stamp it out. In other disability discrimination contexts, Roberts wrote, courts do not force plaintiffs to prove that state officials acted with malign intent. And there is no reason why this rule should apply to the educational services context alone. In imposing a higher bar for discrimination claims based on educational services as compared to other sorts of disability discrimination claims, the chief justice declared, the lower courts bungled the unambiguous directive of the law. So Tharpes suit can move forward. And now all disabled children denied accommodations by school officials will have an easier time establishing illegal discrimination and securing judicial relief.

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But Thomas and Kavanaugh were not content to let Roberts deliver a clean victory for civil rights law. Instead, Thomas chose to write a concurrence, joined by only Kavanaugh, that aimed an arrow at the heart of disability law. He argued that courts have been misinterpreting these statutes for decades, granting overly generous protections to disabled people. And he warned that this prevailing understanding of civil rights law may actually violate the Constitution in several different (and dubious) ways.

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Thomas central gripe is that, as Roberts wrote on Thursday, federal courts do not typically need proof of intentional discrimination to rule in favor of disabled plaintiffs. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973two closely related statutes that cover much the same grounddisability discrimination can occur even when government officials are not actively seeking to inflict harm. For instance, a school district might not intend to injure wheelchair users when it installs a stairway with no ramp. This refusal to consider the needs of mobility-impaired students has long been seen as discrimination nonetheless. Both the school district and a coalition of red states, however, argued that federal law does not clearly prohibit unintentional discrimination against disabled people. In his concurrence, Thomas embraced that argument. And he wrote that Congress must use clearer language under the Constitutions spending clause if it wishes to outlaw such unintentional discrimination.

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This solution, though, turns out to be a miragebecause Thomas then declared that even if Congress clarified the statute, his view is that it would violate the Constitution in at least three different ways. First, he wrote that Congress has no general power to protect the learning environment in schools under the commerce clause. Second, he wrote that Congress has no authority to mandate special accommodations for the disabled under the 14th Amendment. Third, he wrote that Congress cannot compel states to provide such accommodations without violating the anti-commandeering doctrine rooted in the 10th Amendment. If the Supreme Court adopted these views, it would effectively eviscerate all disability rights lawnot just public education requirements, but the entire framework prohibiting discrimination against disabled children and adults alike.

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Thomas did hedge by noting that he expressed no definitive views on these theories. But he urged the lower courts to carefully consider whether the existing standards comport with the Constitution. And caveats aside, the justice left no room for doubt that he believes all three of these constitutional objections to disability law have serious merit.

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It is hard to know where to start with this hodgepodge of grievances, because none of them are plausible under a fair reading of the law as it stands today. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissected Thomas gripe about unintentional discrimination in her own deft concurrence. Sotomayor explained that existing statutes apply whether or not officials show any invidious animus or purpose. At bottom, these laws do not simply outlaw state bigotry toward disabled people; they also impose an affirmative obligation to accommodate disabilities. Their expansive language clearly applies even where no ill will or animus toward people with disabilities is present. So the Constitutions spending clause does not require Congress to speak any more clearly than it already has.

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Thomas deeper constitutional objections are equally specious. The Supreme Court has consistently held that the commerce clause empowers Congress to address noneconomic conduct as part of a broader regulatory scheme. Disability laws are a key part of Congress efforts to grant all children equal access to education, a universal public service on which the federal government spends billions each year. If these statutes exceed the commerce clause, then much (perhaps all) federal rules and regulations in this area must fall, too.

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But disability laws like the ADA do not even need a foundation in the commerce clause to survive constitutional assault, because they arecontrary to Thomas claimdeeply rooted in the 14th Amendment, a standalone basis for their enactment. It is true that the Supreme Court has never held that the 14th Amendment, on its own, always requires states to accommodate disabled people. But SCOTUS has held that this amendment empowers Congress to go beyond what the Constitution requires in order to prevent and deter unconstitutional conduct. The court has, in fact, expressly upheld some of the ADAs mandates under congressional authority to enforce the 14th Amendment. The court has also wielded the 14th Amendment to invalidate discriminatory policies in public education. It seems obvious that, under this precedent, Congress may rely upon the amendment to impose expansive nondiscrimination policies on state education systems. And when Congress acts pursuant to its enumerated powers, it cannot run afoul of the anti-commandeering doctrine.

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Of course, Thomas has long taken a hostile view of Congress right to protect individual freedoms, particularly when it does so by limiting state authority. It is no surprise that the justice sounds eager to tear down the whole edifice of disability law. What is jarring, and portentous, is that Kavanaugh signed onto Thomas opinion in full, further solidifying the justices spot on the courts ultraconservative bloc. Earlier in his tenure, Kavanaugh often posed as a moderate, siding with the chief justice nearly 100 percent of the time. Over the past few years, though, he has shifted to the right, making bedfellows with Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito more and more often. Just in recent weeks, Kavanaugh has argued that the Second Amendment protects AR-15s, andalone among the justicesargued for a ruinous assault on class actions. (The class-action case involved blind people denied an accommodation, a hint of the animosity toward disabled people he displayed in Thursdays case.)

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The list goes on. In March, when the Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to pay out $2 billion in foreign aid, Kavanaugh joined Alitos bilious dissent, which smeared the lower court judge as a power-drunk hack. Last year, Kavanaugh sided with the hardcore conservatives in voting to let Texas nullify the Biden administrations authority over immigration enforcement. In other cases, the justice has staked out a far-right position, as when he suggested that a landmark federal law protecting Native children is, in fact, unconstitutional discrimination. And he pressed the court to consider striking down laws restricting conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors before some of his conservative colleagues were ready to do so.

You sowed the wind, Kavanaugh warned Democratic senators during his confirmation battle, and now the country will reap the whirlwind. That threat now reads less like a warning than a mission statement.
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For a different perspective on whats going on at Bluesky, check out this conversation between my colleagues Alex Kirshner and Nitish Pahwa.

Ever since Elon Musk purchased Twitter for $44 billion and gradually infused its brand with his grotesque visage, the prevailing thinking has been that the websites refugees would soon need a new home. I was largely sympathetic to this cause. Like a lot of good people on this earth, I hated the idea of bolstering the stock value of a company owned by a tech baron who indulges the most psychedelic corners of MAGAdomespecially as his tics, grievances, and ketamine-addled hyperfixations were mechanized into the infrastructure of what became known as X. In an effort to own the libs, Musk hatcheted his platform into incompetence. Today X exclusively surfaces the most upsetting content conceivable in our timelines; its gouging monetization program encourages incessant spam from brain-dead engagement farmers; its doofus A.I. model lectures the public about imaginary white genocide; its emboldened Nazi community edits together Day-Glo fan cams of Joseph Goebbels, Reinhard Heydrich, and Adolf Hitler. Oh, and if youre not paying the $8 a month for a premium subscription, nobody else on the site can see your posts.

All of this is to say that X isnt a very nice place to hang out on the internet anymore. It was inevitable that the liberal mainstreamexiled into the wildernesswould try to regroup with a version of the Twitter they knew and loved. Done correctly, this place could overcome Musks terrible vision in a far more hygienic environment and, if nurtured properly, could be the opening of a new front in the culture warsomething to rival the vise grip Republican-aligned media has on digital airwaves.

Unfortunately, but perhaps unsurprisingly, the social media service liberals came up with was even worse. Yes, Im talking about Bluesky. The name evokes a spiritual purification, a much-needed reset of cultural norms after Armageddon. Naturally, Bluesky was founded by Jack Dorsey, the man who very recently was the CEO of Twitter, and he imbued his new project with the same texture as its mother site. (Posts are limited to 300 characters, while an algorithm sorts an infinite tide of new missives at the top of the screen. Unlike todays X, Bluesky is basically readable, devoid of the random ads and mind-breaking A.I. slop that have made unbearable so much of the experience of being on our phones.) The design is deliberately minimalist, in a way that gestures toward the original dream of social media: a global salon adjusted to our tightly held proclivities in which we arent constantly confronted with conflict, anxiety, and catastrophe. That premise sounded pretty intriguingI eagerly signed up for Bluesky when it launched in 2023, because I have long lusted for a population-wide Men in Blackstyle memory wipe that could send us back to the salad days of social media, when every other tweet was about the sandwich somebody was currently eating.

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Unfortunately, if Bluesky has proved anything, its that peace can no longer exist on the internet. There is no way to go back to a time before social media norms, no way to preclude how we have all learned to interact online. The platformmaybe any platformis incapable of transporting its users to the blissful dawn of Twitter; the best Bluesky can replicate is a hellish, inescapable, never-ending version of 2016.

I do not want to be unfair to the many people horrified about the second Trump administration. There are lots of indignities to be angry about, and more of them mount every day. That said, I would hope that one of the major lessons rank-and-file liberals internalized after two defeats at the hands of the Republicans is that there is a certain school of internet posting that is perceivedby a growing majorityto be laughably ineffective in stemming the globes authoritarian drift and, worse than that, extremely annoying. Ive struggled for years to articulate the distinct contours of the structure, but, thankfully, Bluesky endlessly blooms with perfect examples. Here is one, from a 444,000-follower-strong account belonging to Anonymous. It is a crudely A.I.generated mockup of Trump bowing at the feet of Vladimir Putin, solemnly captioned Reality. Here is another, from Harry Dunn, who has 256,000 followers on the platform and hosts a podcast called Cleanup on Aisle 45. Donald Trump is an orange idiot, he writes. Anyone who votes for his tax bill is an oranger idiot. (The post has accrued more than 800 likes.)

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The elements of cringe are on full display. The coin of the realm is a reliance on hacky material well past its shelf life (were on Year 9 of orange jokes), alloyed with a dour sense of ceremonyas if the poster itself is the only one to register the gravity of this historical moment and is demonstrating that somberness through the trillionth permutation of a TrumpPutin meme. Given the platforms ostensible opposition to Xs thriving far right, it isnt shockingor even a problem!that Bluesky has taken on an outwardly liberal character. The issue, rather, is that the people who have orbited to the top of its algorithm are the exact same group of clout-hungry #Resistance characters who first made a name for themselves on Twitter during those confused early years of the MAGA insurgency. Remember George Conway, alumnus of the hilarious-in-retrospect Lincoln Project? Hes back, repeating the exact same But Her Emails jokes he was making in 2017. Seth Abramson, chief promulgator of the wildly overheated Russia collusion scandal, has also taken his talents to Bluesky. Recently, he has been defending Joe Biden against charges regarding his highly visible cognitive decline. And Anthony Scaramucci, the Trump comms director who notoriously lasted exactly 10 days before getting axed? Youd better believe hes on Bluesky, fantasizing about Trumps third impeachment.

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The total absence of contrasting voices on Bluesky is certainly a balm for the massive swath of Americans who need to be reminded that 75 million citizens did indeed vote for Kamala Harris. But the platform really fronts the reality that Democrats are stuck in the pastunable, still, to process the grievous psychic injury left behind by the MAGA realignment that occurred nearly a decade ago. Scrolling through these posts, you begin to get the sense that the #Resistance has had its spirit beaten out of it. There was a time in living memory when Democrats genuinely seemed to believe that Donald Trump could be conquered by a collective mass of angry tweetsa defiance composed of covfefe and Drumpf and the emoluments clause, maybe with the occasional tribute to erstwhile special counsel Robert Mueller. With that premise proved spectacularly false, all thats left is this graying generation of liberal influencers, propping up a fun housemirror incarnation of the former Twitter, like a nostalgia tour for curdled boomers.

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Frankly, this isnt all Blueskys fault. At the end of the day, a platform is a receptacle for posts; it is up to us what we do with it. And in 2025, the only way anyone knows how to interface with social media is to try and leverage it for fame. The version of the internet I loved, the one where we could talk about sandwiches, is irretrievable. Scaramucci and Conway will continue to aim for the cheap seats, and they will be rewarded with oodles of likes and reposts lighting up their dopamine synapses and inspiring hangers-on to chase the same hit. Sure, there are some great posters on the platform fighting the good fight, but Blueskys preservation of Obama-era liberalism has brought with it some of the coalitions most unsavory tendencies: the exasperating pedantry, the god-awful reaction GIFs, the ridiculous instinct to audit the ideological purity of every one of its users. Earlier this week, the pseudonymous shitposter @drilresponsible for some of the most canonical tweets of all timeshowcased the baffled, scolding responses that billow up in his replies whenever he makes one of his characteristically hallucinogenic jokes on Bluesky. All humor is reflexively punished. @Dril described the experience thusly: Blue sky is supreme because every time you post you get 100 school principals in the replies asking to see you in their office.

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The Democratic Party is committing huge tranches of cash to consulting firms and media brands in search of a definitive rebrand. (Youre seeing some evidence of that already, with the partys largely successful pivot to shitposting on X.) How can the Democrats become cool? How do they shed their hall monitor reputation? Does the party have the means to ferment a counterculture that is agile, tech-savvy, and fashionable? A movement you wouldnt be embarrassed to be a part of? The sooner they find an answer to that question, the better. Because Bluesky has crystallized the Democrats as they are currently perceived. And no one wants to hang out with them.
Mandy Archer added another four victories to her lead in the Rideau Carleton Raceway trainers standings as she went undefeated at the Ottawa-area track on Wednesday, June 11.

Sonofamillionaire headlined the quartet of winners as the stable newcomer fired off cover to win his Rideau Carleton debut in the $10,000 Preferred Handicap Trot.

The gelding landed fifth early for driver Robert Shepherd as three rivals butted heads for the lead on the first turn. Favourite Impressive Dude (Guy Gagnon) finally found the front after pressing forward on the rim throughout the :27.3 first quarter. Sonofamillionaire remained on the cones through the half in :57.4, shifting out third-over as the field entered the backstretch.

Shepherd tipped Sonofamillionaire three-wide around stalling cover at three-quarters in 1:26.3 to chase Mystic (Ryan Guy), who struck the front after a first-up march. Sonofamillionaire closed rapidly on the final turn and glided by the tiring Mystic in deep-stretch to score by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:56.3.

Mystic was a clear second-best with Wishyoudtellme (William Roy) three further lengths behind in third. The winner returned $9.10 as the co-second choice.

Sonofamillionaire, returning to action four days after a fifth-place finish at Georgian Downs, raised his lifetime win total to 19 with Wednesdays victory. The 10-year-old raced most of his career in western Ontario before shipping to the Ottawa-area oval for new owners Jamie Copley, Kimberly Eaton and Max Webster Stable this week. The win also marked the first career Preferred-level tally for the son of Donato Hanover-Moms Millionaire. He has earned $169,529 in 159 lifetime outings.

Archers first winner of the evening also came with a horse making his debut for the stable. Mae Lose Control ($7.20), in his first trip to Rideau Carleton, wired the third race field in a lifetime-best 1:54. The five-year-old had previously not hit the board in seven starts this season. The conditioner made it a triple in the seventh race as Bettor At Hightide ($8.20) went back-to-back with a pocket-popping victory in 1:53.3 with Ryan Guy aboard. Gimmie A Corona ($2.60), driven by Gagnon, then completed the grand slam in the eighth race with a tough first-over effort.

Archer, with 38 victories this year at Rideau, now holds a 16-win cushion over Gagnon in the trainers standings.

To view Wednesdays harness racing results, click the following link: Wednesday Results  Rideau Carleton Raceway.

(Standardbred Canada)
LINCOLN  With a small amount of money and a large goal, the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission officially launched its effort Monday to set the framework that will allow for access to the treatment.

The commission didnt get into specifics of a program, but it set a meeting for June 26 when it will propose criteria for applicants wanting to become providers in the program and gather public feedback.

A series of state employees laid out some of the logistical challenges the commission  empowered to regulate all phases of the control of the possession, manufacture, distribution, delivery and dispensing of cannabis for medical purposes  will face.

The November ballot initiative that created the commission set a July 1 deadline to establish the application criteria for possible providers, the state budget allocated only $30,000 for staff (though the commission can borrow funds from the Liquor Control Commission) and the commission cant just gather on a whim because of public meeting laws.

We realize that we have a small amount of money. We have a large goal. And well do the best we can, said Bruce Bailey, who serves on the Medical Cannabis Commission through his service on the Liquor Control Commission.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Bailey said the goal is to first develop regulatory proposals to show the public and get some feedback. With just about three weeks to work with, he said the commission will likely have to enact emergency regulations to meet its deadline.

Bailey and Monica Oldenburg, an appointee to the Medical Cannabis Commission who was elected chair on Monday, agreed to work with Department of Health and Human Services staff to bring back a draft to the rest of the committee when it meets later this month. Bailey said its likely that the public release of its proposal will happen at that meeting along with the public input.

While the meeting was short on specifics, Bailey said it was a milestone. We got step one, he said.

Crista Eggers, executive director of the group that spearheaded the November ballot initiatives to legalize medical cannabis and establish some of the framework, agreed, calling the day a win.

While the ballot initiatives passed comfortably, the rollout has been challenging. Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana backed a bill to facilitate access and help fund the commissions regulatory system, but it fell short of advancing.

Meanwhile, the initiative has faced legal challenges from the state attorney general, and NMM opposed both of Gov. Jim Pillens appointments to the commission because of their past statements opposed to legalizing medical cannabis.

Pillens appointees were Oldenburg, an anesthesiologist, and Lorelle Meuting, an addiction prevention specialist. Meuting did not attend Mondays meeting. Oldenburg said she had a prior commitment, but the commission did not want to delay starting its work.

The Liquor Control Commission consists of Chairman Bailey and Kim Lowe, both appointed by the governor. The third seat is vacant: Former commissioner Harry Hoch Jr. served for six years until his term expired in May.

He told the Nebraska Examiner he wanted to serve another term but withdrew his application after a discussion with the Governors Office. Pillen told the outlet he wanted the final commission member, who must live within the 2nd Congressional District, to have experience with medical cannabis.

Eggers said she has concerns with the funding and the commissions resources to execute its regulations, but shes grateful to see the commission meet and have a plan.

She said it was logistically impossible to cover all elements of a new medical cannabis program through ballot initiatives, so advocates had to have faith and trust in the process. She said the ballot initiative legalized possessing medical cannabis, but the day hasnt come where its accessible and that patients and caregivers can access it without being criminals or made to feel that way.

She also said she has concerns about the influence of the governor and attorney general over cannabis regulations given their past opposition to legalization, but she also said the first meeting presented opportunity.

Maybe its with the establishment of this commission that we can all come together and realize that we are moving forward on this. ... We still have the opportunity to all work together to provide Nebraskans with safe access, she said.

After July 1, the commission will have Oct. 1 in its sights. The ballot initiative requires the commission to start approving eligible medical cannabis provider applicants by that date.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

An innovative 3D printing technique called cold spray was applied to a Western Massachusetts bridge last month in a first-of-its-kind proof-of-concept demonstration that could reduce the repair cost of critical infrastructure and disruptions to passing traffic.

The test repair, led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst in collaboration with researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Department of Mechanical Engineering, was made in Great Barrington, Massachusetts on the red bridge, formerly known as the "Brown Bridge" and built in 1949.

"Now that we've completed this proof-of-concept repair, we see a clear path to a solution that is much faster, less costly, easier, and less invasive," said Simos Gerasimidis, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and one of the principal investigators on the project.

"To our knowledge, this is a first. Of course, there is some R&D that needs to be developed, but this is a huge milestone to that," he added.

Other collaborators on the project include the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

"Any time you drive, you go under or over a corroded bridge," Gerasimidis said. "They are everywhere. It's impossible to avoid, and their condition often shows significant deterioration. We know the numbers."

Across the U.S. 49% of the nation's bridges are only in "fair" condition and 6.8% are rated "poor," according to the 2025 Report Card for America's Infrastructure. The projected cost to restore them exceeds $191 billion. Roughly 9% of Massachusetts's 5,295 bridges are structurally deficient and require repaira need that far outpaces available funding.

The former "Brown Bridge," which crosses the Housatonic River at the intersection of state routes 7, 41 and 23, served as a demonstration site for new technologies aimed at addressing the broader crisis.

The cold spray technique of additive manufacturing (often called 3D printing) involves spraying high-velocity metal powder particles to coat sections of the beam. Repeated sprays create multiple layers, restoring thickness and other structural properties to the treated area.

This method has proven to be an effective solution for other large structures like submarines, airplanes and ships, but this is the first time it's been applied to a bridge. Bridges present unique challenges due to their size and because the 3D printer must be brought on site.

One of the biggest advantages of the technique is that repairs can be made with minimal disruption to traffic. "Every time you do repairs on a bridge you have to block traffic, you have to make traffic controls for substantial amounts of time," explained Gerasimidis. "This will allow us to [apply the technique] on this actual bridge while cars are going [across]."

Part of this work has been developing 3D LiDAR scanning methods to replace time-consuming, subjective visual assessments. This enables researchers to precisely identify corrosion, develop a digital repair plan and deposit the material only where necessary.

"By combining scanning with precise material deposition, we can be very targeted and say, 'we're going to print here and here and here and we're going to give this bridge another 10 years of life," which is huge," he explains.

Gerasimidis and his team have been studying bridge deterioration and working with Massachusetts's and other state DOTs for about a decade. "We know this problem quite well," he says.

"We have seen thousands of inspection reports, we have gone to bridges. We have tested many beams in our lab, so we know how these things behave and exactly where we need to repair."

The red bridge is scheduled for demolition in a few years. After that, the UMass team will take the sprayed beams back to their lab and test them, measuring how successfully the deposited steel powder adhered to the structure in the field compared to in a controlled lab setting, if it corroded further after it was sprayed, and determine its mechanical strength properties.

More information: Research reports on this effort can be found here.
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Books rest on a shelves at Langdell Hall, which houses the Harvard Law School library, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. Credit: AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Everything ever said on the internet was just the start of teaching artificial intelligence about humanity. Tech companies are now tapping into an older repository of knowledge: the library stacks.

Nearly one million books published as early as the 15th centuryand in 254 languagesare part of a Harvard University collection being released to AI researchers Thursday. Also coming soon are troves of old newspapers and government documents held by Boston's public library.

Cracking open the vaults to centuries-old tomes could be a data bonanza for tech companies battling lawsuits from living novelists, visual artists and others whose creative works have been scooped up without their consent to train AI chatbots.

"It is a prudent decision to start with public domain data because that's less controversial right now than content that's still under copyright," said Burton Davis, a deputy general counsel at Microsoft.

Davis said libraries also hold "significant amounts of interesting cultural, historical and language data" that's missing from the past few decades of online commentary that AI chatbots have mostly learned from. Fears of running out of data have also led AI developers to turn to "synthetic" data, made by the chatbots themselves and of a lower quality.

Supported by "unrestricted gifts" from Microsoft and ChatGPT maker OpenAI, the Harvard-based Institutional Data Initiative is working with libraries and museums around the world on how to make their historic collections AI-ready in a way that also benefits the communities they serve.

"We're trying to move some of the power from this current AI moment back to these institutions," said Aristana Scourtas, who manages research at Harvard Law School's Library Innovation Lab. "Librarians have always been the stewards of data and the stewards of information."

A bicyclist walks by Langdell Hall, the Harvard Law Library, on the Harvard Law School campus at Harvard University, Aug. 1, 2005, in Cambridge, Mass. Credit: AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File

Harvard's newly released dataset, Institutional Books 1.0, contains more than 394 million scanned pages of paper. One of the earlier works is from the 1400sa Korean painter's handwritten thoughts about cultivating flowers and trees. The largest concentration of works is from the 19th century, on subjects such as literature, philosophy, law and agriculture, all of it meticulously preserved and organized by generations of librarians.

It promises to be a boon for AI developers trying to improve the accuracy and reliability of their systems.

"A lot of the data that's been used in AI training has not come from original sources," said the data initiative's executive director, Greg Leppert, who is also chief technologist at Harvard's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society. This book collection goes "all the way back to the physical copy that was scanned by the institutions that actually collected those items," he said.

Before ChatGPT sparked a commercial AI frenzy, most AI researchers didn't think much about the provenance of the passages of text they pulled from Wikipedia, from social media forums like Reddit and sometimes from deep repositories of pirated books. They just needed lots of what computer scientists call tokensunits of data, each of which can represent a piece of a word.

Harvard's new AI training collection has an estimated 242 billion tokens, an amount that's hard for humans to fathom but it's still just a drop of what's being fed into the most advanced AI systems. Facebook parent company Meta, for instance, has said the latest version of its AI large language model was trained on more than 30 trillion tokens pulled from text, images and videos.

Meta is also battling a lawsuit from comedian Sarah Silverman and other published authors who accuse the company of stealing their books from "shadow libraries" of pirated works.

Now, with some reservations, the real libraries are standing up.

Greg Leppert, executive director at the Institutional Data Initiative, poses at Langdell Hall, which houses the Harvard Law School library, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. Credit: AP Photo/Charles Krupa

OpenAI, which is also fighting a string of copyright lawsuits, donated $50 million this year to a group of research institutions including Oxford University's 400-year-old Bodleian Library, which is digitizing rare texts and using AI to help transcribe them.

When the company first reached out to the Boston Public Library, one of the biggest in the U.S., the library made clear that any information it digitized would be for everyone, said Jessica Chapel, its chief of digital and online services.

"OpenAI had this interest in massive amounts of training data. We have an interest in massive amounts of digital objects. So this is kind of just a case that things are aligning," Chapel said.

Digitization is expensive. It's been painstaking work, for instance, for Boston's library to scan and curate dozens of New England's French-language newspapers that were widely read in the late 19th and early 20th century by Canadian immigrant communities from Quebec. Now that such text is of use as training data, it helps bankroll projects that librarians want to do anyway.

Harvard's collection was already digitized starting in 2006 for another tech giant, Google, in its controversial project to create a searchable online library of more than 20 million books.

Google spent years beating back legal challenges from authors to its online book library, which included many newer and copyrighted works. It was finally settled in 2016 when the U.S. Supreme Court let stand lower court rulings that rejected copyright infringement claims.

Now, for the first time, Google has worked with Harvard to retrieve public domain volumes from Google Books and clear the way for their release to AI developers. Copyright protections in the U.S. typically last for 95 years, and longer for sound recordings.

Greg Leppert, executive director at the Institutional Data Initiative, poses at Langdell Hall, which houses the Harvard Law School library, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. Credit: AP Photo/Charles Krupa

The new effort was applauded Thursday by the same authors' group that sued Google over its book project and more recently has brought AI companies to court.

"Many of these titles exist only in the stacks of major libraries and the creation and use of this dataset will provide expanded access to these volumes and the knowledge within," said Mary Rasenberger, CEO of the Authors Guild, in a Thursday statement. "Importantly, the creation of a legal, large training dataset, will democratize the creation of new AI models."

How useful all of this will be for the next generation of AI tools remains to be seen as the data gets shared Thursday on the Hugging Face platform, which hosts datasets and open-source AI models that anyone can download.

The book collection is more linguistically diverse than typical AI data sources. Fewer than half the volumes are in English, though European languages still dominate, particularly German, French, Italian, Spanish and Latin.

A book collection steeped in 19th century thought could also be "immensely critical" for the tech industry's efforts to build AI agents that can plan and reason as well as humans, Leppert said.

"At a university, you have a lot of pedagogy around what it means to reason," Leppert said. "You have a lot of scientific information about how to run processes and how to run analyses."

At the same time, there's also plenty of outdated data, from debunked scientific and medical theories to racist and colonial narratives.

"When you're dealing with such a large data set, there are some tricky issues around harmful content and language," said Kristi Mukk, a coordinator at Harvard's Library Innovation Lab who said the initiative is trying to provide guidance about mitigating the risks of using the data, to "help them make their own informed decisions and use AI responsibly."

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Kindel Media from Pexels

In a study published in Cell Reports Sustainability, researchers conducted the most comprehensive analysis to date on lithium supply and demand in China, Europe, and the U.S. Despite the fact that domestic lithium production in some of these regions could grow as much as 10 times by 2030, it would still fall short of the soaring demand for electric vehicles (EVs) without expanding imports or technological innovation.

"Lithium today is as important as gasoline in the industrial revolution," says author Qifan Xia of East China Normal University in Shanghai. "While lithium reserves are substantial around the world, they are distributed unevenly across different countries. So, we were interested in whether the major EV markets could be self-sufficient."

Together, China, Europe and the U.S. account for 80% of the world's EV sales, and their demand is expected to increase further. The team estimated that China might need up to 1.3 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalenta standard measure of lithium contentto produce new EVs. Europe might require 792,000 metric tons, followed by 692,000 metric tons for the U.S.

Based on existing and proposed lithium-mining projects from all three regions, the team found that China could produce somewhere between 804,000 and 1.1 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent by 2030. Production in Europe could reach 325,000 metric tons, and in the U.S., production could range from 229,000 to 610,000 metric tons in the next five years.

The results showed that even when these regions follow the most ambitious development plans to expand domestic lithium mining, none could fully meet their lithium needs through local production alone.

The U.S. and China could come close to meeting their needs if all proposed mining projects begin quickly. Europe would face the largest gap, and the team's computer model showed that these countries would rely heavily on imports.

Currently, many of the lithium imports come from only a handful of suppliers, including Chile and Australia. The team, including co-author Andre Manberger at Lund University in Sweden, warned that increased imports by one region would directly reduce access for others, exacerbating supply constraints and straining international trade relations. For example, if China's imports increase by 77%, imports to the U.S. would drop by 84% and Europe's by 78%.

In addition to ramping up mining efforts, the study points to other means of easing future shortages. For example, adopting battery technologies that use less or no lithiumincluding sodium-ion batteriescould alleviate lithium shortages while supporting climate goals. Countries could also avoid the looming crisis by shifting the focus from producing personal EVs to promoting the use of public transit.

"Our study showed that without immediate action to expand mining, diversify suppliers, and rethink how we manage demand, the world risks delays in meeting critical climate and energy goals," Xia says.

More information: Long on expectations, short on supply: Regional lithium imbalances and the effects of trade allocations by China, the EU, and the USA, Cell Reports Sustainability (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.crsus.2025.100404. www.cell.com/cell-reports-sust  2949-7906(25)00100-4
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Some shelves at a Whole Foods in New York City sit emptier on June 10, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Wyatte Grantham-Philips

A string of recent cyberattacks and data breaches involving the systems of major retailers have started affecting shoppers.

United Natural Foods, a wholesale distributor that supplies Whole Foods and other grocers, said this week that a breach of its systems was disrupting its ability to fulfill ordersleaving many stores without certain items.

In the U.K., consumers could not order from the website of Marks & Spencer for more than six weeksand found fewer in-store options after hackers targeted the British clothing, home goods and food retailer. A cyberattack on Co-op, a U.K. grocery chain, also led to empty shelves in some stores.

Cyberattacks have been on the rise across industries. But infiltrations of corporate technology carry their own set of implications when the target is a consumer-facing business.

Beyond potentially halting sales of physical goods, breaches can expose customers' personal data to future phishing or fraud attempts.

Here's what you need to know.

Cyberattacks are on the rise overall

Despite ongoing efforts from organizations to boost their cybersecurity defenses, experts note that cyberattacks continue to increase across the board.

In the past year, there's also been an "uptick in the retail victims" of such attacks, said Cliff Steinhauer, director of information security and engagement at the National Cybersecurity Alliance, a U.S. nonprofit.

Some shelves at a Whole Foods in New York City sit emptier on June 10, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Wyatte Grantham-Phillips

"Cyber criminals are moving a little quicker than we are in terms of securing our systems," he said.

Ransomware attacksin which hackers demand a hefty payment to restore hacked systemsaccount for a growing share of cyber crimes, experts note. And of course, retail isn't the only affected sector. Tracking by NCC Group, a global cybersecurity and software escrow firm, showed that industrial businesses were most often targeted for ransomware attacks in April, followed by companies in the "consumer discretionary" sector.

Attackers know there's a particular impact when going after well-known brands and products that shoppers buy or need every day, experts note.

"Creating that chaos and that panic with consumers puts pressure on the retailer," Steinhauer said, especially if there's a ransom demand involved.

Ade Clewlow, an associate director and senior adviser at the NCC Group, points specifically to food supply chain disruptions. Following the cyberattacks targeting M&S and Co-op, for example, supermarkets in remote areas of the U.K., where inventory already was strained, saw product shortages.

"People were literally going without the basics," Clewlow said.

Personal data is also at risk

Along with impacting business operations, cyber breaches may compromise customer data. The information can range from names and email addresses, to more sensitive data like credit card numbers, depending on the scope of the breach. Consumers therefore need to stay alert, according to experts.

"If (consumers have) given their personal information to these retailers, then they just have to be on their guard. Not just immediately, but really going forward," Clewlow said, noting that recipients of the data may try to commit fraud "downstream."

Shoppers pass a Victoria's Secret store at a shopping mall in Scranton, Pa., May 3, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, file

Fraudsters might send look-alike emails asking a retailer's account holders to change their passwords or promising fake promotions to get customers to click on a sketchy link. A good rule of thumb is to pause before opening anything and to visit the company's recognized website or call an official customer service hotline to verify the email, experts say.

It's also best not to reuse the same passwords across multiple websitesbecause if one platform is breached, that login information could be used to get into other accounts, through a tactic known as "credential stuffing." Steinhauer adds that using multifactor authentication, when available, and freezing your credit are also useful for added lines of defense.

Which companies have reported recent cybersecurity incidents?

A range of consumer-facing companies have reported cybersecurity incidents recentlyincluding breaches that have caused some businesses to halt operations.

United Natural Foods, a major distributor for Whole Foods and other grocers across North America, took some of its systems offline after discovering "unauthorized activity" on June 5.

In a securities filing, the company said the incident had impacted its "ability to fulfill and distribute customer orders." United Natural Foods said in a Wednesday update that it was "working steadily" to gradually restore the services.

Still, that's meant leaner supplies of certain items this week. A Whole Foods spokesperson told The Associated Press via email that it was working to restock shelves as soon as possible. The Amazon-owned grocer's partnership with United Natural Foods currently runs through May 2032.

Meanwhile, a security breach detected by Victoria's Secret last month led the popular lingerie seller to shut down its U.S. shopping site for nearly four days, as well as to halt some in-store services. Victoria's Secret later disclosed that its corporate systems also were affected, too, causing the company to delay the release of its first quarter earnings.

Several British retailersM&S, Harrods and Co-ophave all pointed to impacts of recent cyberattacks. The attack targeting M&S, which was first reported around Easter weekend, stopped it from processing online orders and also emptied some store shelves.

A bus passes a branch of Marks and Spencer in London, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. Credit: AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, file

The company estimated last month that the it would incur costs of 300 million pounds ($400 million) from the attack. But progress towards recovery was shared Tuesday, when M&S announced that some of its online order operations were backwith more set to be added in the coming weeks.

Other breaches exposed customer data, with brands like Adidas, The North Face and reportedly Cartier all disclosing that some contact information was compromised recently.

In a statement, The North Face said it discovered a "small-scale credential stuffing attack" on its website in April. The company reported that no credit card data was compromised and said the incident, which impacted 1,500 consumers, was "quickly contained."

Meanwhile, Adidas disclosed last month that an "unauthorized external party" obtained some data, which was mostly contact information, through a third-party customer service provider.

Whether or not the incidents are connected is unknown. Experts like Steinhauer note that hackers sometimes target a piece of software used by many different companies and organizations. But the range of tactics used could indicate the involvement of different groups.

Companies' language around cyberattacks and security breaches also variesand may depend on what they know when. But many don't immediately or publicly specify whether ransomware was involved.

Still, Steinhauer says the likelihood of ransomware attacks is "pretty high" in today's cybersecurity landscapeand key indicators can include businesses taking their systems offline or delaying financial reporting.

Overall, experts say it's important to build up "cyber hygiene" defenses and preparations across organizations.

"Cyber is a business risk, and it needs to be treated that way," Clewlow said.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
AHMEDABAD, India  An Air India passenger plane bound for London crashed into a medical college in Ahmedabad after takeoff Thursday, killing at least 240 people in one of India's worst airline disasters in decades, officials said.

Vidhi Chaudhary, a top state police officer in the northwestern city of Ahmedabad, said medical students who were in a college hostel when the plane hit the building are among the dead.

Most of the bodies have been charred beyond recognition, she said.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that a single passenger survived the crash and he met him at the hospital. A doctor said he had examined the survivor, whom he identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh.

He was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body, Dr. Dhaval Gameti told The Associated Press. But he seems to be out of danger.

Black smoke billowed from the site where the plane crashed and burst into flames near the airport in Ahmedabad, a city of more than 5 million and the capital of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state.

Firefighters doused the smoking wreckage of the plane, which would have been fully loaded with fuel shortly after takeoff, and adjacent multistory buildings with water. Charred bodies lay on the ground and parts of the fuselage were scattered around the site. Indian army teams were assisting civil authorities to clear debris and help treat the injured.

A video on social media showed the jet slowly descending as if it were landing. As soon as it disappeared out of view behind rows of houses, a giant fireball filled the sky. The AP was able to verify the video by matching up the flight path of the plane from the runway with the crash site and the nearby residential area.

At the crash site, the tail cone of the aircraft with damaged stabilizer fins still attached to it was lodged near the top of one of the buildings.

In a social media post, Modi called the crash heartbreaking beyond words" and said my thoughts are with everyone affected.

Sambit Patra, a lawmaker from Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, said Gujarats former chief minister, Vijay Rupani, was among the dead.

Divyansh Singh, vice president of the Federation of All India Medical Association, said at least five students from the medical college were killed on the ground and 50 others were injured. Singh said some of them were in critical condition and many people are feared buried in the debris.

Air India said the flight bound for London Gatwick Airport was carrying 242 passengers and crew, with 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian aboard. The Boeing 787-8 crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar five minutes after taking off at 1:38 p.m. (08:08 GMT), Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the directorate of civil aviation, told AP.

The first crash of a Boeing 787

This is the first crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, according to the Aviation Safety Network database. Boeing said it was working to gather more information.

Indias aviation regulatory body said the aircraft gave a mayday call, signalling an emergency, but then did not respond to the calls made by the airport traffic control.

Aviation consultant John M. Cox, the CEO of Safety Operating Systems, told the AP from Los Angeles that while the first images of the crash were poor, it appeared the aircraft had its nose up and was not climbing, which is one of the things that investigators would look at.

At this point, its very, very, very early; we dont know a whole lot, he said. But the 787 has very extensive flight data monitoring  the parameters on the flight data recorder are in the thousands  so once we get that recorder, theyll be able to know pretty quickly what happened.

The wide-body, twin-engine aircraft was introduced in 2009, and more than 1,000 have been delivered to dozens of airlines, according to the flightradar24 website.

Air Indias chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, said that at the moment our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

UK promises support

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the crash devastating" and British Cabinet minister Lucy Powell said the government will provide all the support that it can to those affected by the crash.

This is an unfolding story, and it will undoubtedly be causing a huge amount of worry and concern to the many, many families and communities here and those waiting for the arrival of their loved ones, she told lawmakers in the House of Commons.

We send our deepest sympathy and thoughts to all those families, and the government will provide all the support that it can with those in India and those in this country as well, she added.

Britain has very close ties with India. There were nearly 1.9 million people in the country of Indian descent, according to the 2021 U.K. census.

Condolences also poured in from King Charles III, who said he and his wife, Queen Camilla, were desperately shocked by the crash.

Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, he said in a statement.

Previous air disasters in India

The last major passenger plane crash in India was in 2020, when an Air India Express Boeing-737 skidded off a hilltop runway in southern India, killing 21 people.

The worst air disaster in India was on Nov. 12, 1996, when a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight collided midair with a Kazakhstan Airlines Flight near Charki Dadri in Haryana state, killing all 349 on board the two planes.

The crash comes days before the opening of the Paris Air Show, a major aviation expo where Boeing and European rival Airbus will showcase their aircraft and battle for jet orders from airline customers.

Boeing has been in recovery mode for more than six years after Lion Air Flight 610, a Boeing 737 Max 8, plunged into the Java Sea off the coast of Indonesia minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. Five months later, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a Boeing 737 Max 8, crashed after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, killing 157 passengers and crew members.

Shares of Boeing Co. tumbled nearly 9% before trading opened in the U.S.

___
The Nebraska State Fair is seeking $2.6 million from the city of Grand Island to complete the second phase of its master plan improvement project.

Representatives of the State Fair and Fonner Park made the request at Tuesday nights City Council meeting.

Phase 2 includes major improvements to the parking lot south of Fonner Park, where most of the vendors operate during the fair. The lot is being repaved, with new concrete and storm sewer work.

Speaking on behalf of the State Fair were executive director Jaime Parr; Cindy Johnson, the fairs governmental affairs manager, and State Fair board members Boyd Strope and Tom Schellpeper. Other speakers were project engineer Brian Friedrichsen of Olsson and Fonner Park executive director Chris Kotulak.

Former Grand Island mayor Jay Vavricek also spoke in support of the fair and Fonner Park.

The City Council was not able to act on the request Tuesday because the citys legal department has to explore whether the request can be granted in full or in part.

The State Fairs request includes an amount of $1,535,300 that would pay for site improvements related to city property and easements.

As part of the project, electrical, communication and lighting improvements will be made in the parking lot south of the Heartland Events Center. That work will allow for more events to be held outdoors and help increase the safety of the parking lot while saving on electrical costs. The power to the parking lot poles will also provide connections to security cameras and internet access.

In addition, underground storm sewer improvements are being installed in that lot, and the lot is being regraded. These improvements will help the overall aesthetic of the area as well as provide drainage solutions to remove stormwater quickly and efficiently to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians, a PowerPoint presentation at the meeting related.

The work also includes the installation of security cameras, fiber and video storage for all of the light poles south of the Events Center.

Because the Events Center is owned by the city, a strip of right-of-way runs south from the Events Center to Stolley Park Road. The right-of-way is maintained so that the Events Center is not landlocked.

In 2021, the State Fair, the State Fair Foundation, the city of Grand Island, the Community Redevelopment Authority and Fonner Park put together a master plan for the Fonner Park campus to address infrastructure needs.

The State Fair applied to the state for $27 million in grants through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). A total of $20 million was awarded.

The entities that use the Fonner Park campus then teamed up for a two-phase project to greatly improve stormwater drainage.

The first phase is mostly complete. The infield of the Fonner Park training track has been regraded for concerts, and motorsports were moved outside of the track. A driving aisle was paved, and a ditch was enclosed on the west side of the animal buildings. New underground detention systems were installed to hold stormwater and connect with the city system.

The funding is being requested from the city to complete the work as envisioned in the master plan.

At Tuesdays meeting, Parr talked about how much the Fonner Park campus is used throughout the year. Visitors totaled 1.6 million in 2023 and 1.4 million in 2024.

After the request was made, Mayor Roger Steele said the council could not take action because the citys legal department needs to sort through what can be recommended. There are restrictions, he noted, on how the city can spend its money. So well get back to you on that, he said.

But Steele hopes the city can help the State Fair.

If you have ever read every Louis LAmour novel, like I have, you know that the cowboys always ride and fight for the brand, Steele said. The brand on their cattle is their identity. Our brand  what were known for throughout the state, what were known for throughout the nation  is the Fonner campus. That is our brand  horse racing, the State Fair, the cattle shows that draw people from around the nation.

He mentioned the addition of the Grand Island Casino Resort.

Those are all our brand. I hope we can be like the cowboys in the Louis LAmour novels, Steele said. We ride and we fight for the brand.
Thailand targets faster EV growth

By Vietnam News Agency Thu, June 12, 2025 | 10:46 pm GMT+7

Thailands Board of Investment (BoI) is stepping up efforts to promote the electric vehicle (EV) industry by offering more investment incentive packages aimed at supporting the emerging sector and creating additional EV-related jobs.

BoI secretary general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said EV manufacturers operating in Thailand have so far employed around 9,600 workers. These employees work for EV companies with assembly plants in the country, most of which are Chinese brands such as MG, GWM, BYD, GAC Aion, and Changan.

BoI data show that 85-95% of these workers are Thai nationals, employed in positions ranging from engineering and technical roles to executive-level management.

Among these companies, BYD currently employs the largest workforce, about 5,900 workers, and plans to increase that number to 8,000 by 2026.

BYD currently employs about 5,900 workers in Thailand. Photo courtesy of the company.

Narit said Chinese EV manufacturers are planning to use up to 90% locally produced components. At present, the local content ratio stands between 40% and 60%.

He expressed confidence that Thailand holds strong potential to become a major production base for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs).

Under its "30@30" policy, Thailand aims for EVs to account for at least 30% of total automobile production by 2030. The national target includes 725,000 zero-emission cars, 675,000 electric motorcycles, and 34,000 electric buses and trucks.

As the traditional automotive sector faces stagnation, EV firms are urging the government to maintain subsidies and waive penalties on manufacturers that have failed to meet production targets mandated by the Thai authorities.

Under the EV3.0 incentive package, participating EV producers have benefited from reduced excise and import taxes, along with other subsidies to support imported EV sales - on the condition that they begin local EV assembly from 2024.

However, many companies have struggled to meet these requirements due to a prolonged slowdown in vehicle sales in the Thai market over the past year.
Turtles, ice cream cones, tic-tac-toe, houses, flowers and slogans like love wins quickly crowded the sidewalks and walkways surrounding the Evansville Municipal Building Tuesday evening in a hastily organized effort to cover up dozens of swastikas that had been drawn around the town hall in protest of miniature Pride flag displays.

The day before, Jeremy Brown, Evansville resident, drew dozens of swastikas on the sidewalks and walkways surrounding the town hall and its adjoining police department shortly before a regularly scheduled town council meeting. He described the act as a show of principle in response to the town displaying miniature Pride flags that had been donated by Casper Pride.

In response to the symbols on the sidewalk of the town building, dozens of locals  mostly Casperites  joined an impromptu pizza party to draw over the swastikas and show support for those who felt targeted by what they described as hate slogans.

Nazis during World War II frequently deported those accused of being queer to concentration camps.

The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, a British charity founded to promote and support Holocaust Memorial Day in the UK, estimates the number of men sent to camps on that premise between 10,000 and 15,000 and states that the majority died.

Background

Brown at a Evansville Town Council meeting rebuked the roughly a dozen miniature flags placed along the front of the municipal buildings lawn. He demanded the council remove the flags after he drew the swastikas on the sidewalks of the building.

The environment this council has created has become so toxic its almost like a cancer. I have a tremendous disdain for what I see on the front lawn of the town hall building, Brown said at the meeting. Not just because of [what] the pride flags  represents, because it goes against my beliefs, but because of the doors you have now opened. You have now pretty much opened Pandoras box.

Brown requested the council to remove the flags and draft an ordinance stating the only flags to ever be on Evansville government property are those related to government entities  such as state, American, Prisoner of War and Missing in Action flags.

I cannot stress this enough unequivocally, I am not a Nazi, and nor do I believe their ideology, Brown said.

He added he had ordered flags of his own and that he would put them up if the Pride flags were not taken down by the time his flags were delivered.

It opens the doors, because then I can put my swastikas, because its like a free speech thing, Brown said when asked how Pride flags are hateful.

Evansville Mayor Candace Machado thanked Brown for exercising his First Amendment rights but did not respond further at the meeting.

Wyoming Equality Executive Director Sara Burlingame said Brown is seeking attention.

His point was to be provocative and hes making this claim that it walks like a Nazi, it quacks like a Nazi, it talks like a Nazi but trust me  its not a Nazi, Burlingame said.

I think most Wyomingites can see things with more clarity than that and say we absolutely do not want our communities to become a welcoming place for Nazi and far-right propaganda, she added.

Machado said the display of flags and similar items on the town halls lawn was a normal procedure for the town and had put up similar displays in for Child Abuse Awareness Month in April and on other occasions.

This is the first year the Pride flags display has been put up and town employees and other council members were not aware of the flags being placed, Machado noted.

The flags were donated by Casper Pride and town employees were not involved with putting them up.

Counter-protest

I mean, this is awesome. Like, this is, this is the community I want to live in, Jai-Ayla Sutherland, a former Casper city councilmember, said. This warms my heart. It makes me really happy to see everybody show up and put loving words out there.

Those in attendance ranged in age from toddlers hitching a ride in their mothers arms to adults.

Most attendees couldnt pinpoint exactly who organized the event and credited Facebook posts that had come across their feeds for hearing about it.

Some sidewalk artists brought pizza, water, popsicles or Pride flags.

A couple people in particular pointed toward ]Amber Bland  a Casper resident and local protest organizer.

It was pretty appalling and also kind of really scary to see that that is just considered more acceptable now than perhaps it had been in the past, Bland said of the scene at the Municipal Building Tuesday morning. And also, I mean, in some of the comments, there were actually people kind of defending the persons actions, which, again, speaks to the climate of the country and everything that is happening right now.

Blands husband, Michael Bland, was less surprised by the display.

I think 10 years ago, I dont know that anybody would have the audacity to do it, showing their face, but in light of the current political climate, its not surprising, which is why you have to meet it with as much enthusiasm that they come with, he said. Every American should stand up to that stuff. I have family members that fought Nazis, so Im not going to sit by in my community and see that stuff.

Machado attended the gathering but stressed that the town was not affiliated with the event.

We do not condone hatred of any kind, she added, before reaffirming her support of the First Amendment.

Machado declined to comment on whether the town or police department was considering citing Brown for vandalism.

Following Tuesday nights gathering, Casper Pride denounced the swastika display in its first official comment on the issue, saying the Pride flags were donated as a symbol of love and unity.

This incident reminds us why Pride is necessary, according to the organization. Its not just a celebration  its a statement that LGBTQ+ people belong in Wyoming, deserve to be safe, and are an important part of every community.

Whats next?

On Wednesday, Brown said he still plans to go through with placing the flags he mentioned at the town council meeting.

He also said he hadnt noticed similar displays for Child Abuse Awareness Month or Mental Health Awareness Month and that the Pride display was the first one he picked up on.

Once you allow one thing on a government property like that, then you open the doors for everything, Brown said of why he chose a swastika. I just wanted to pick the most offensive thing that I could or symbol that I could to transpond that message.
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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.
Protesters clashed with security officers outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Tucson Wednesday afternoon, as some protesters threw rocks, balloons of paint and used bear spray, while the masked officers defending the ICE facility appeared to fire pepper balls, and deployed pepper spray and a flash-bang device.

For many, the violent and chaotic confrontation was a disappointment that detracted from the peaceful intentions and conduct of most attendees, who said they wanted to publicly resist the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement.

Several hundred protesters had gathered at the intersection of South Country Club Road and Valencia at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, with a plan to march up the road to the ICE office, as part of an anti-ICE protest and a show of solidarity with immigrants.

But as the crowd reached about six private security officers behind metal barricades near the ICE office, a confrontation broke out and some protesters forced their way through the barriers, pushing them into the security officers.

Many in the crowd retreated or left as the confrontation began, but some who remained threw rocks, balloons filled with paint and smoke bombs. Some also formed a front line using makeshift shields.

The security officers used chemical irritants like pepper spray and deployed a flash bang. One protester appeared to use bear spray on the security officers, who eventually retreated.

As dozens of Tucson Police Department reinforcements arrived in riot gear around 5:30 p.m., the crowd quickly moved back from the ICE office and re-grouped a short distance away.

For almost an hour, the 100 or so remaining protesters continued rallying a couple hundred feet from the line of TPD officers, before returning to the intersection of Valencia and County Club, which had been partially shut down by that time.

Around 7:30 p.m. TPD began clearing the area, after declaring an unlawful assembly and asking everyone to leave. A journalist saw three people being taken into custody at that time, though it's not clear if they were arrested.

Earlier Wednesday, Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar issued a statement saying, "Federal immigration enforcement operations have been occurring throughout Arizona, including locations in Tucson. We recognize that these activities cause concern and uncertainty for members of our community. The Tucson Police Department is not involved in federal immigration enforcement operations."

"We fully respect the constitutional rights of individuals to peacefully assemble and express their views. Our role is to help ensure the safety of all involved and to treat everyone with dignity and respect," Kasmar wrote.

Large-scale protests, starting in Los Angeles last Friday, have spread across the U.S over the last week, amid growing outrage over the Trump administrations escalating mass-deportation campaign and what critics call the increasingly unjust and violent tactics of immigration agents supporting ICE.

On Tuesday afternoon, a peaceful protest in downtown Tucson drew nearly 300 people to the Garces Footbridge.

At the beginning of Wednesday's protest, before violence took place, peaceful protesters waved flags, blew bubbles and displayed protest signs, chanting in support of immigrants, workers and Palestinians.

Attendee Miroslava Hernandez said at the start of the protest that she felt compelled to take action against the "cruelty" of Trump's mass deportation campaign.

"I just can't see myself not trying to stop this in some way. It's too much. It's too cruel," she said. "I think this will go down in history as a very dark time for this country, and I want to be able to say, 'I spoke up. I was there.' Hopefully we can make a difference."

Protester Taylor Smith said she rendered aid to someone who had been pepper sprayed Wednesday, though she and many other attendees had planned on a peaceful demonstration.

The Tucson tattoo artist said the chaos at the protest doesn't reflect most protesters' actions and shouldn't overshadow their message.

"I think a lot of people out here tonight wanted to just peacefully demonstrate that this isn't the America we want to live in," she said. "My goal tonight was to come out in support of what's happening across the country right now. I feel like we're really teetering on fascism. ... We're taking people without due process, and that's not okay. That's not the America that I stand for and I want to live in."

Photos: Protesters clash with TPD and security outside ICE facility. Graphic images.
New body-cam video shows Tucson police officers confront a student who they say flashed a gun and threatened as classmate earlier this month during summer school at Rincon High.

Valente Lazaro Zambrano, 19, is accused of threatening a fellow student June 2 during a brief argument inside a school bathroom. During the spat, Zambrano allegedly displayed a gun he had hidden near his ankle, Tucson police said.

The arrest, caught on police body cam footage was released on social media by police. It shows armed officers enter a classroom occupied by Zambrano and several other students. The faces of the students are blurred in the video.

Zambrano was swiftly taken from the classroom and searched.

A handgun, containing a magazine with 10 live rounds, was located hidden near his ankle as had been described by the student who said hed been threatened, police said.

Zambrano was booked into the Pima County jail on suspicion of felony disorderly conduct with a weapon. Bond was set at $50,000.
Pima Countys administrator recommends approval of a proposed multi-billion-dollar data center complex on the far southeast side that will eventually become one of the largest electricity users in the entire Tucson Electric Power system.

County Administrator Jan Lesher has for the first time identified the site developer and prospective land purchaser for the now county-owned, 290-acre data center site near the county fairgrounds.

The prospective land purchaser is Humphreys Peak Properties, LLC, of San Francisco, and the developer is Beale Infrastructure, a company developing other data centers nationally, a new memo from Lesher says.

Leshers memo asks the Board of Supervisors to require that the complex employ at least 75 employees at an average annual salary of $75,000. Thats more than the $64,000 annual salary that the data center company has said it will pay on average to its long-term workforce of 180.

The developer will spend $1.2 billion to build the complex and invest $2.4 billion in new equipment at the site during its first three years of operations, a fact sheet accompanying Leshers memo says, citing an economic impact analysis of the project done by the Chamber of Southern Arizona. The first buildings would be open in 2027. The complex could eventually expand to as many as 10 buildings.

When three phases of construction of the project are finished, it will occupy 2.5 million square feet of building space, the fact sheet says.

The developer is committed to replenishing all consumptive water losses that the data center generates through its water use. It will pay to create a 30-acre aquifer recharge project in the area and has committed that its water projects will save more water than its industrial processes consume, Leshers memo says.

The data center complex, known as Project Blue, also has a long-term power agreement with Tucson Electric Power to protect existing rate payers, promote overall system reliability, and help create a cleaner energy portfolio, Lesher wrote. Over time, Project Blue will become one of the utilitys largest customers, the fact sheet says.

Leshers memo provides some but not all the details about the project that have been requested by county supervisors and some residents.

It gives no details, for instance, on how the project would recoup its future water uses to achieve its goal of being water positive. It doesnt explain how the project would protect existing TEP ratepayers. It doesnt say how big the reclaimed water line to be built to the data center site would be or how the site could meet a commitment not to take reclaimed water away from any existing uses including water recharged daily into the Santa Cruz River.

Pima County officials, citing a non-disclosure agreement they made with Project Blue developers, have declined to release specifics on the projects water or energy use.

On Tuesday, June 17, the county Board of Supervisors will consider a proposed $20.8 million land sale for the project and a specific plan and comprehensive plan amendment that would put through the zoning changes needed for the data center project to be built.

Leshers memo recommends board approval of those actions, based on significant economic benefits the project is predicted to generate. She also cites what she calls a committed comprehensive approach by the project to sustainably mitigate resource consumption.

Data centers are the physical backbone of the internet, Leshers memo says. They drive our modern economy and have become essential to our daily lives. Data centers support all of Tucsons major industries, enabling both day-to-day operations and long-term innovation in aerospace & defense, bioscience & health care, advanced manufacturing & mining operations, financial services, education & research, tourism and all levels of government.

Her memo doesnt say, however, what kinds of industries would be served by the new data centers, or that much of the recent, explosive growth in data centers has been to serve the burgeoning artificial intelligence industry.

The developer, Beale Infrastructure, says on its website that it partners with the worlds leading technology companies to develop data centers and infrastructure that supports national economic growth. The company says it is developing new data centers and infrastructure throughout North America.

The website cited no specific projects, however. The Tulsa, Oklahoma, Metropolitan Area Planning Commission last week gave its blessings to a rezoning for a 500-acre data center proposed by Beale Infrastructure.

The Pima County fact sheet describes Beale as a data center and infrastructure development company featuring a diverse and developing portfolio of projects and a focus on responsible development including community engagement and investment, sustainable power and water resource alignment, and design and construction safety.

Beale is active in North America, with a team of 20+ industry professionals and a fully capitalized investment fund through their parent company, Blue Owl, it says.

Blue Owl is a major national player in data center investing, reports Data Center Frontier, an online site that covers the data center industry nationally. Headquartered in New York City, it describes itself as an investment management asset company.

An estimated 3,024 construction jobs and 2,049 additional indirect jobs could be created during Project Blues expected construction period of 2026-2028, Leshers fact sheet says.

Once the complex is complete, the company could generate an annual economic impact of of $63.5 million by 2029, or $507 million total over the next 10 years, according to the economic impact analysis.

The company could support an estimated 136 indirect and induced jobs and $7.3 million in annual labor income at other local businesses in Tucson at full employment levels, the analysis says.

Specifically on water, a fact sheet released this week by Pima County says Project Blue will ultimately use 100% renewable water, primarily reclaimed water, for its industrial purposes. The memo doesnt say, however, how long it will be before reclaimed water is used at the site.

Project Blue developers have pledged to build an 18-mile-long pipeline to carry water to their site from county and city sewage treatment facilities on the northwest side. This pipeline will significantly increase city-wide access to reclaimed water, providing the opportunity to reduce overall potable demand, the county fact sheet says.

The pipeline will be over-sized in capacity, allowing Tucson Water to facilitate sustainable growth in southeast Tucson and convert existing potable water customers to non-potable supplies.

The developers will also pay to build a new 30-acre aquifer recharge facility that will improve system-wide supply, the fact sheet says.

It didnt say what the reclaimed lines capacity is and how the recharge facility will improve area water supplies.

Project Blue, in partnership with Tucson Water, will provide direct investment into local water projects that have a measurable, net positive impact on water availability, quality, and accessibility within the region.

The total volume of water projects funded by Project Blue will meet or exceed the consumptive water usage, says the fact sheet, which again provides no statistics detailing the savings gained by the water projects.

The reclaimed water supply for this project has been allocated for development projects like Project Blue and will not adversely affect other existing reclaimed water customers and uses, including the water currently supplying the Santa Cruz River Heritage Project, which recharges reclaimed water into the river on Tucsons south side to improve wildlife habitat there, the fact sheet says.

On energy issues, the fact sheet says Project Blue developers were drawn to Tucson by Southern Arizonas excellent solar resource and a utility that is embracing the clean energy transition in a cost-effective way that maintains reliability.

Tucson Electric Powers (TEP) approach to growing its energy independence by harvesting regional solar and wind resources in tandem with flexible energy storage facilities underpins its ambitious carbon reduction targets and supports long-term rate stability. These attributes make TEP an ideal partner for Project Blue, the fact sheet says.

Project Blues long-term power agreement with TEP will be structured to protect existing ratepayers and the project will help support electric affordability for TEP customers, it says, without explaining how that will happen.

Project Blue will finance electric grid upgrades that will benefit other customers and support economic growth without impacting local reliability, the fact sheet says, again without offering specifics.
PHOENIX  The state House gave preliminary approval Wednesday to stricter laws against animal cruelty, but only after a proponent agreed to eliminate some key provisions  including a mandate to provide suitable drinking water.

On a voice vote, lawmakers voted to expand the definition of cruelty to domestic animals (pets) to also include failure to provide necessary shelter for a dog. What that requirement would entail depends on whether the dog is an indoor or outdoor pet.

Potentially more significant, the legislation would make it a felony to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly fail to provide medical attention to prevent unreasonable suffering to any pet under that persons custody.

Rep. Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale, argued that, as worded, it would require people to provide more medical care for a pet than they could afford for themselves  under fear of a felony conviction that could land them in prison for a year.

The measure still needs a final roll-call vote before it goes to the Senate, which already approved similar language, but on a different bill.

Whats driving much of this is a high-profile case from Chandler last year involving a woman who said she was running an animal rescue operation out of her house. Police eventually found dead dogs in her freezer and dozens of others in poor condition.

But because of vague statutes and legal loopholes, law enforcement had limited options, said Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix.

Part of the problem is that current animal cruelty laws include a requirement to show protracted suffering to the animal, language that animal rights advocates say often leaves police and prosecutors unable to act. Gress said that, given the language of the law, it ended up leaving many of these dogs in insufferable conditions.

None of that convinced Kolodin.

This bill imposes, under pain of criminal penalty, for folks who may not be able to afford a high level of medical care for themselves and their families to provide that level of medical care to a dog, he said.

Kolodin acknowledged there is an exception in the measure for those who themselves are homeless. But he said that isnt broad enough to cover those who are couch surfing with friends or others.

It also requires those folks to provide their family pets with a level of housing quality that they themselves may not possess, Kolodin said.

That goes to the requirement in the legislation to provide access to shelter that is necessary and adequate. Even for dogs that live outside, the measure would require a shelter that has natural or artificial cover accessible throughout the year.

It also mandates that the shelter be maintained in good repair and large enough to protect the dog from injury as well as to be able to stand, turn around, lie down in a natural manner, and maintain normal body temperature.

Outdoor shelters also would have to be kept in a manner that minimizes the risk of disease, infestation or parasites.

To me that is a cruel and unjust use of criminal law, Kolodin said.

He also said much of this could be addressed with a provision that would allow pet owners to fight any charges by showing they are financially unable to meet the standards for treatment or shelter.

And that change has still not been made to the bill (which) leads me to believe that whoever is pushing this bill simply does not care that this will have unjust consequences on the folks who may not have the means that a lot of us enjoy, Kolodin said.

But Sen. Shawnna Bolick, who wrote the original bill, said what the House approved was worked out with and agreed to by House leadership and stakeholders who were pushing for broader protections in the law. Those include the Arizona Humane Society.

If Kolodin has issues, he should have contacted us, Bolick, a Phoenix Republican, said after Wednesdays vote. He knows how to reach all of us.

Rep. Lupe Diaz had different concerns. The Benson Republican pointed out that the requirements to provide medical attention apply to any domestic animal under the persons custody or control.

What if an animal comes up to your property and dies on your property? he asked.

Anything on your property is under your control, Diaz said. You could be subject to a felony.

She got the original proposal through the Senate on a 22-4 vote. But Bolick said she could not get the measure heard in a House committee to which it was assigned.

So Bolick worked with Rep. Walt Blackman to strip the language onto an unrelated bill in the House Government Committee which he chairs. But after a preliminary House vote last month, it became clear it was in trouble.

That forced Blackman to make last-minute alterations in a bid to secure more support.

One provision that disappeared from the final version would have mandated that pet owners provide water that is suitable for drinking, as appropriate for the species. That means not just a supply but water that does not have algae.

Also gone is a mandate for food that is fit for consumption, a category that includes not having maggots.

What it all came down to, said Blackman, was lining up votes.

The two provisions were moved as part of broader negotiations to advance the legislation and secure wider support for the bill, he told Capitol Media Services.
Andrea Eger Tulsa World Projects Reporter Follow Andrea Eger 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

MCALESTER  The State of Oklahoma carried out a death sentence Thursday for the man convicted of carjacking an elderly woman from Tulsas Promenade mall before gunning her down at a dirt pit near Owasso.

John Hanson, 61, received a lethal injection at 10:01 a.m. at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary nearly 26 years after a crime spree with an accomplice that also included the robbery of a Tulsa credit union and the murder of a second innocent bystander.

Hanson, whose aliases included George and Jon and the use of Fitzgerald as both a middle and last name, was convicted by a Tulsa County jury in the August 1999 murder of 77-year-old Mary Agnes Bowles of Tulsa.

He was being held in a Louisiana federal prison for bank robbery when President Donald Trump returned to office and ordered federal officials to begin complying anew with capital punishment sentences.

Hansons return to Oklahoma on March 1 was expedited at the request of Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who was present among the witnesses to his execution on Thursday.

Hansons accomplice, Victor Cornell Miller, was convicted in the killing of Jerald Max Thurman, 44, a husband and father who owned the trucking company and dirt pit near Owasso where prosecutors said he happened upon the scene of Bowles shooting death with her stolen car.

Miller is serving two life-without-parole sentences at the Oklahoma State Reformatory in Granite for the murders of Bowles and Thurman.

At the time of Bowles death, former colleagues she had mentored described her as a pioneer for women in the banking industry, in Tulsa, getting her start as a switchboard operator and rising through the ranks to become senior vice president during her 40-year career.

She was an active member in the First Christian Church of Tulsa. She donated more than 10,000 volunteer hours as a member of the Saint Francis Hospital Auxiliary between 1970 and the day she was kidnapped after her hospital shift while running an errand at Tulsa Promenade mall.

She was born in Turley in 1920 and raised by parents who were both public school educators. She was a Tulsa Central graduate and attended the University of Tulsa and Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) for her bachelors degree and the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University, where she was one of only a handful of female graduates in the early 1950s.

Her niece, Sara Mooney, said the public perception that Bowles advanced age and experience of a full professional and personal life overshadowed the real pain her family endured because of the terror and tragedy her aunt was met with at the end.

She was left like garbage in a field for the predators to scavenge, Mooney wrote.

Mooney recalled Bowles becoming the matriarch of her extended family upon Mooneys grandmothers death in the early 1970s and a kind of surrogate parent to several of Mooneys cousins upon the death of some of Bowles four siblings.

To find that she died in the manner you have now learned is something with which no one can ever come to terms, Mooney wrote in a December 2000 victim impact statement to the local district attorney. I cannot begin to quantify the emotional impact of this terrible occurrence. ... Beyond all measurable loss is our greatest loss.

Thurmans only child, Jake Thurman, told prosecutors that his father languished on life support for two weeks after being shot execution-style at his workplace.

He said his mother sank into a deep depression and struggled with alcohol addiction from which she never recovered before her ultimate death a couple of years ago.

My father was my hero and still is today, he was always there for me when I needed him. His laughter could fill a room and turn frowns into smiles, Jake Thurman said. Jerald was the thread that held this and other family members together. Lots of family outings were canceled after he passed, and some never resumed again.

Hansons official time of death was 10:11 a.m.; his execution was uneventful and one of the quickest in recent memory, according to Oklahoma Department of Corrections officials and media witnesses.

A pastor named Michael Scott of Stillwater Bible Baptist Church stood at the foot of Hansons deathbed, offering him a warm, broad smile until Hansons eyes shut, and then read Scripture to him for a couple of minutes until he was declared unconscious by a doctor.

The state of Oklahoma currently employs a three-chemical cocktail for lethal injection: midazolam for sedation, vecuronium bromide for halting respiration and potassium chloride for stopping the heart.

Two journalist witnesses as well as Mooney, who was also in an observation room overlooking the death chamber understood Hansons last words as Just forgiveness and peace to everyone, while three other journalist witnesses thought they heard Hanson say Just forgive me and peace to everyone.

Mooney lamented what she thought Hanson said at the end.

I thought he was forgiving us. That was my interpretation of the statement, she said to reporters afterward.

She first thanked Tulsa Police and local and state prosecutors who assisted her and the rest of Bowles survivors, but then shared her belief that significant reform is needed in the justice system to prevent taxpayer-funded, last-minute, frivolous litigation to try to spare the condemned from receiving their sentence.

Capital punishment is not an effective form of justice when it takes 26 years, Mooney told news reporters in the media center. Respectfully, if the state is going to continue to execute individuals, a better process is needed. The existing process is broken.

Attorneys last-ditch efforts to halt Hansons execution included a lawsuit claiming a state Pardon and Parole Board member who voted to deny him a chance at clemency should have recused because he once worked for the then-Tulsa County District Attorney who prosecuted Hansons case.

Sean Malloy, the Pardon and Parole board member, said he had not worked on the case and was previously unfamiliar with it, according to court records.

The lawsuit initially succeeded when Hanson was granted a temporary stay by an Oklahoma County District Judge.

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled 4-0 Wednesday that Hanson should not have been given a temporary stay.

Hanson is the 212th person to be executed at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary since 1915, according to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. The states current death-row population now numbers 27 men and one woman.
Curtis Killman Tulsa World Reporter Follow Curtis Killman 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

People released by cash bail from Tulsa Jail on pending charges are no more likely to make their court dates than those released on their own recognizance or with no financial payment, according to a study released Tuesday.

The Bail Project, a national nonprofit, says The False Promise of Bail study counters the long-held belief that requiring someone to pay bail to gain release from jail while their case is pending is the best way to ensure someone shows up in court when required.

Our data shows that people released without financial requirement returned to court with similar or higher rates than those with money on the line, Tara Watford, chief data and program innovation officer at The Bail Project, said during a media briefing Wednesday.

The findings of this study make a compelling case for relying far more on nonmonetary supportive mechanisms of pretrial release in lieu of cash bail in most or all cases, according to the study.

The Bail Project provides free bail assistance and pretrial support to low-income people in 30 jurisdictions across the country, including Tulsa.

The False Promise of Bail study challenges the fundamental assumption behind cash bail, that money is necessary to ensure people return to court, a spokesman for The Bail Project said.

The study followed 3,320 detainees as they made their way through the Tulsa County District Court system between June 2020 and June 2021.

Focusing on those with a bond of less than $15,000, the study found 48% of the detainees utilized a bail bond agent to secure release, while only 9% were released on their own recognizance.

The study was limited to those with a bail not exceeding $15,000 because that mirrors the limit allowed for The Bail Project clients. This permitted researchers to better study those with comparable financial conditions, spokesman Jeremy Cherson said.

The pandemic likely affected all court hearing attendance, according to the study. Cherson said the timing was driven by the availability of the data and the need for sufficient case processing time.

For context, since The Bail Project has been operating in Tulsa, clients have appeared for 89% of their court cases, according to Cherson.

Another 7% of the 3,320 were released on pretrial supervision, while 4% each were released after posting bail themselves or by The Bail Project. Twenty-nine percent, or about 948 of those in the study, were never released before their case was resolved, most of which were for nonviolent reasons.

Since 2018, The Bail Project has posted bond for 2,700 indigent individuals detained in the Tulsa jail who otherwise could not afford to gain their release, according to Cherson.

While the study found that 43% of those released via a bail bond agent attended all of their court dates, slightly more, or 45% of those released on their own recognizance made all of their court dates.

Those who posted their own bail had the lowest rate of attending all court dates, with just 29% making it to all hearings, according to the study.

Persons released under bail posted by The Bail Project had the best rate of attending all court hearings, or 58%.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Bondsman Association released a statement that questioned the cashless bail industry. While saying it welcomed all ideas to improve the bail industry and public safety, it challenged some aspects of cashless bail systems.

In regard to unregulated non-profits, there are many issues that have yet to be resolved, the statement said. ... Unlike licensed bondsman who are not only licensed but also regulated by the Oklahoma Insurance Department  there are no rules for those other groups posting bond.

Of even more importance is public safety, the statement continues. What happens when a non-profit client fails to appear in court? Licensed bondsmen hold their clients accountable throughout the court process, and the money on the line is not a lump-sum sitting in a non-profit bank account  its the bondsmans own funds at risk.

Without any oversight, rules, or regulations, non-profit bail is not the way to improve the bail system in Oklahoma.

The release of the study comes as a judge overseeing a federal lawsuit on the issue is seeking solutions after finding in 2024 that the Tulsa Jail secured bail system violates both the equal protection clause and the due process clause of the 14th Amendment.

A spokesman for The Bail Project said the release of the report was not timed to coincide with the lawsuit.

In an interview Wednesday, Tulsa County Sheriff Vic Regalado defended the current bail system but said there is room for improvement.

Time and time again, under cashless bail, persons charged with violent crimes have the potential to be released very quickly and they pose a threat, Regalado said. A prime example of that is domestic violence offenders.

Regalado agreed that people who use the cash bail system to obtain release either through a bail bond agent or by themselves often skip their court date.

But he said the cash bail system provides bail bondsmen, who also have a financial interest in their client showing up for court.

Is it foolproof? Absolutely not, but there is more incentive through that for a defendant to show back up to court than there is with having cashless bail, Regalado contended.

I think the effort should be to find a balance in that system, that would include giving judges the opportunity to take into account violent criminal histories and how violent the crime was, Regalado said. Because nobody, including myself, wants to see an individual who, lets say has been arrested just for traffic warrants, and their record doesnt show them to be a serious violent risk to the public, I think in that instance, absolutely (cashless release should be considered).

Regalado said other jurisdictions that have implemented cashless bail systems are now trying to revise them.
Call for Entries: AACTA Awards 2026

"As we open entries for the 2026 Awards, we invite our nation's visionary filmmakers, writers, and creators to showcase their work."

Entries are now open for the 2026 AACTA Awards returning to the Gold Coast for the third year as part of the 2026 AACTA Festival.

This years awards will honour excellence in over 50 categories across film, TV, documentary, short film, and online content. All categories from last year will return, with exciting updates to follow in the coming months

Jack Christian, AACTA Chair said, The 2025 AACTA Awards and Festival reaffirmed the global impact and creative excellence of Australian storytelling. As we open entries for the 2026 Awards, we invite our nations visionary filmmakers, writers, and creators to showcase their work. This is an opportunity to celebrate the innovation and artistry that define our screen industry and to inspire audiences both at home and around the world.

Documentary entries close August 4 and TV entries on October 6.
Eurovision the musical

Will Ferrell's 2020 movie homage is heading for a Broadway production.

2020 Netflix musical Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga was recently announced as heading to Broadway.

The musical adaptation will be written by Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, alongside Anthony King (Beetlejuice).

Alex Timbers will be directing the musical, while Savan Kotecha  hitmaker for Ariana Grande, One Direction and The Weeknd will be overseeing the music.

The Story of Fire Saga starred Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams as Lars Erickssong and Sigrit Ericksdottir, two aspiring Icelandic musicians who are given the chance to represent their country at the worlds most famous song competition.

The soundtrack went on to be nominated for a Grammy award and one of the songs was nominated for Best Original Song at the 93rd Academy Awards.

Will Ferrell, said, We are more than excited to bring Eurovision to Broadway. The stage musical is a perfect place to continue our celebration of all the things we love about this amazing and unifying song competition.

Director of the show Alex Timbers added, Will Ferrell and Harper Steele are my comedy heroes. And when I first saw their joyful Eurovision movie during the pandemic, it buoyed spirits during a very dark time. With this stage adaptation, I cant wait to bring that same mix of heart, spectacle, irreverence and awe to audiences across the world.

Martin Green CBE, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said, This is a stellar team for what I am sure will be an equally stellar adaptation of a film the world loved. Our aim always is to bring the joy of the Eurovision Song Contest to more people globally  especially as we approach our 70th edition in 2026.

Its not the first time Eurovision has inspired stage productions, but its possibly the first authorised musical.
Four Corners: June 16

Mark Willacy questions what happens to Australia if Trump decides the AUKUS deal doesnt serve Americas interests?

As the US launches a review into AUKUS, Four Corners examines the future of the $368 billion submarine deal.

Reporter Mark Willacy and the Four Corners team travel to Washington, DC to speak with key players inside the Congress and the defence community.

One former Trump Defense Secretary says the program is moving too slowly.

Now, the Pentagon is reviewing the entire AUKUS deal with fears it might not align with the new administrations America First policy.

In London, senior UK figures also sound the alarm. They warn of cost blowouts and delays in building the new AUKUS-class nuclear submarine with Australia.

Submerged asks the tough questions about what happens to Australia if Donald Trump decides the AUKUS deal doesnt serve Americas interests  leaving Australia out of pocket and stranded.

Monday 16 June at 8.30pm on ABC.
The amount of sleep should be determined by countries' norms.

The recommended amount of hours somone should sleep for varies from country to country

Researches from the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia, in Canada, say poeple should sleep the recommended amount of hours that has been recommended in their country.

The team's study - which involved 5,000 people, who completed an online questionnaire in 20 different countries acorss North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa - saw them analyse if life expectancy, rates of heart disease, obesity and diabetes were linked to how much sleep someone gets.

The experts' results showed there was a variation in how many hours of sleep the volunteers get across the 20 countries - with the French getting the longest amount of sleep (seven hours and 52 minutes), and the Japanese getting the shortest amount of kip (six hours and 18 minutes).

As a result, the psychologists found no evidence that people in countries who sleep less compared to those in other places where people sleep more had worse health.

Doctor Christine Ou, lead author and an assistant professor at Victorias School of Nursing, told BBC Science Focus: "Sleep is shaped by more than just biology  its influenced by culture, work schedules, climate, light exposure, social norms and other factors.

Whats considered enough sleep in one country might feel too much or not enough in another.

Keele University sleep psychologist Doctor Daljinder Chalmers - who was not involved in the study - said there is "no evidence" to back the claim that people should sleep for eight or more hours.

She told BBC Science Focus: "Sleep is really complex, and there's no evidence to support the idea that we should all sleep for eight hours per day.

Our study found that people tend to be healthier when their sleep aligns with whats typical in their culture.

Recognising cultural context can help people focus on what actually supports their health, rather than chasing a fixed number.

When youre looking at sleep and health, you need to consider culture.
Jacob Greber becomes 7:30 Political Editor

Chief Digital Political Correspondent to succeed Laura Tingle on ABC's 7:30.

Journalist Jacob Greber has been appointed new Political Editor of ABCs 7.30 succeeding Laura Tingle who was recently appointed ABC Global Affairs Editor.

The announcement was made during last nights program, with presenter Sarah Ferguson.

Greber joined the ABC in mid 2024 and is currently Chief Digital Political Correspondent. He has had an almost 30-year journalism career covering economics, politics and world affairs, starting as a copyboy in the Canberra Press Gallery.

After covering state politics for The Courier-Mail in Brisbane he moved to his fathers homeland of Switzerland and worked for the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation and then Bloomberg News in Zurich, covering the European economy and Switzerlands global banks.

Returning to Australia in 2012 he joined The Australian Financial Review as Economics Correspondent, based in Canberra, US Correspondent in Washington DC from 2018-2021 and most recently Senior Political Correspondent.

ABC Director, News Justin Stevens: Were thrilled to have Jacob take on the role of 7.30 Political Editor. Jacob has been a fantastic addition to the ABC and has just come off a superb election campaign.

7.30 is a flagship program for ABC News and Jacob joins a brilliant team. We cant wait to have him on the program.

Its an incredible time to join 7.30 with Sarah Ferguson and the team. Our audience rightly demands clarity and insight about the people who govern us and the challenges we face as a nation, Greber said.

I also salute Laura Tingle  an absolute class act and fearless force of nature. Im humbled and thrilled to pick up where shes left off.

Greber will continue to write regularly for the ABC News website and appear on the Politics Now podcast and Insiders.

He will take up the new role from 7 July.
About 10,000 children are believed to be active in Madagascar's mica sector Safidy Andrianantenaina/UNICEF

There are now 138 million child laborers, down from an estimated 160 million in 2020, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) said in a joint report that was released to mark Thursday's World Day Against Child Labor.

The drop represents good news for child welfare; in 2000, the ILO estimated 245.5 million children were forced to work. The almost 50% decrease is especially promising, as the number of children has risen by 230 million over the same period.

The number of children, which the ILO defines as 5 to 17-year-olds, engaged in "hazardous work"  mostly in mining, industrial or agricultural sectors  has also decreased from 79 million in 2020 to 54 million in 2025.

However, the ILO said even optimistic estimates project it will be decades before child labor is completely eliminated.

These Mozambican children are forced to look for gemstones in the Zambezia region Roberto Paquete/DW

Challenges remain across Africa

Around 86.6 million child laborers  almost two-thirds of all child laborers  are in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Nankali Maksud, regional adviser for child protection at UNICEF, told DW: "In terms of prevalence rate, it has been reduced. So we've gone from 24% to 22% between 2020 and 2024. But what we're challenged with in this region is the rapid population growth. So in absolute numbers, we haven't made much progress."

Particularly concerning for Maksud is that younger children, between the ages of 5 to 11, make up the largest share of child laborers.

"We're not addressing seriously enough poverty at household level, particularly in rural areas. Unless we have the right political will and financing to lift those households, we will not be able to address child labor," she said.

Additionally, Maksud believes regional efforts to increase access to quality education  through building schools and encouraging parents to send children to school  must be prioritized, as well as stronger enforcement of laws to punish child labor practices.

Recommendations also include more stringent labor inspections in high-risk sectors like mining and agriculture, and improved supply chain accountability.

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"The majority of our countries have laws in place," said Maksud, noting that enforcement of those laws is weak. "The ministries responsible for issues like child labor, most of the time, they have the smallest budget lines."

Lisa Zimmerman, head of the UNICEF country office in Madagascar, said 47% of 5- to 17-year-olds there are affected by child labor  much higher than in other parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

"Child labor affects boys a little bit more than girls. It also affects children in rural areas more than those in urban areas, and it generally affects children from poor families," Zimmerman told DW, adding that "32% of all children in Madagascar actually engaged in child labor work under dangerous conditions, so that is the worst form of child labor."

Mica mining in Madagascar is an intergenerational affair, as some families need every member to contribute Safidy Andrianantenaina/UNICEF

Climate change brings more misery to child workers

Multiple climate-related problems, from drought to cyclones, have plagued agriculture-dependent Madagascans.

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"Climatic shocks push families and children into labor, new forms of labor and into more hazardous forms of labor," said Zimmermann.

Some rural communities in arid southwestern Madagascar have turned to mica mining, instead or alongside agricultural practices.

Madagascar is the third-largest exporter of mica, after Russia and India, and the sector has boomed in recent years as the mineral is used in the renewable energy sector.

"It's then mostly children that have to climb into the mines to support their families and to have enough to eat," Zimmermann added.

Mica mining in these communities often involves the whole family, from elders to young children. They also told UN researchers that if their family members do not work, they cannot afford to eat.

How is child labor perpetuated?

While the ILO defines child labor as work that deprives children of their childhood, dignity, potential and development, especially with regard to schooling, communities across Africa have their own understandings of what constitutes child labor, and when it is necessary.

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Lydia Osei, a researcher from the University of Ghana, has observed trends within Ghanaian society.

"Child labor is a huge problem, except we haven't as a people made conscious efforts to deal with it," she told DW.

Particularly under scrutiny in West Africa is child labor in mining, agriculture and housework. In Ghana, reports of child labor in cocoa farming and informal mining are rife.

"I don't think any parent would want their child as young as 8 years to be at the quarrying site, to be hit and hurt. But because tradition allows that the child helps in the maintenance of the family, they take their children to artisanal mining sites," said Osei.

Often, employers at mining sites participate in child labor by allowing children to work alongside their parents, with small children given jobs in sorting, or climbing into areas that adults cannot reach.

"Usually, young people do not get physical cash as payment. They get some of the rocks or ore as payment," said Osei. "But because the underage workers are usually able to get something they classify as enough, they don't see it as exploitation. And that is why the relationship keeps going."

As in other communities, the effects of children being unable to attend school and entering the job market early become apparent only in the long term. For this reason, the ILO and UNICEF have said governments across sub-Saharan Africa need to introduce strategies that break the cycle of child labor.

'Trying to survive'

Despite the disappointment of not eliminating child labor by 2025, Maksud told DW progress is being made with the introduction of legal frameworks to stop child labor, and a continent-wide growth in education opportunities, especially for girls.

As economies in sub-Saharan Africa grow, Maksud said it raises the chances that all communities will receive better opportunities. "Families are trying to survive and they're making choices not because they're bad people, but because they're trying to survive. And if we give them a way out that, maybe asking their children to work won't be a solution they pick," she said.

Edited by: Keith Walker
I was a kid when Jade came out and, man, I remember the negative buzz so clearly. My mom was working at the local, small-town video store, and I remember customers coming in, saying things like, Gosh, what a terrible movie! I cant believe David Caruso ruined his career by leaving NYPD Blue to be in this thing! What was he thinking?! Or, theyd say, Its too dumb to be a thriller, but its not sexy enough to be a porno! But despite how much everyone seemed to loathe Jade, they couldnt rent it fast enough. If people werent complaining about it, they were asking when it would be back in stock. Hell, I even remember a big cardboard display in the lobby of the shop!

Jade. Its funny the things you remember. It took me years to finally get around to seeing it. I got a bug up my butt on some '90s erotic thriller kick, and I saw it for sale on VHS for about two bucks (yes, I still have a functioning VCR), so I gave it a watch. I wasnt sure what to expect going into it. For years, Id been told it was somewhere between the worst movie ever made and the worst "experience on this planet." So, I was a little nervous. I know William Friedkin doesnt have a spotless record or anything, but cmon. The French Connection, The Exorcist, and Sorcerer, all in a row? Three stone-cold classics back-to-back-to-back? Plus all his other hits throughout the years, like To Live and Die in L.A. Sure, hes made some interesting choices, like that movie about the babysitter who feeds kids to an evil tree, but hes earned his status as a legendary filmmaker.

David Caruso plays ADA David Corelli, who finds himself up to his waist in sex, lies, videotape, and intrigue when he stumbles into a brutal murder case involving his close friend Matt (Chazz Palminteri) and Matts wife Katrina (Linda Fiorentino), who used to be Corellis lover. The screenplay by Joe Eszterhas was apparently rewritten extensively by Friedkin, so Im not sure whos exactly to blame, but the issue with the movie, by and large, is simply a lack of coherence.

Jade is a lot of things all at once, somewhere between a Chinatown-flavored Neo-noir (both due to its Chinatown, San Francisco setting and homage to the '70s film) and a sleazy softcore Cinemax flick, but a lot of things that happen dont make a lick of sense. A lot of what happens feels required by the plot, so the answer to Why is this happening? is usually Because the movie needed it to. And far too often, the plot twists and turns simply to pull the rug out from underneath its audience again and again. Its disorienting, but not in an exhilarating way, where were taken along with the filmmakers on this journey through the dark sexuality of the human spirit; its just exhausting.

Watching Jade again for the purpose of this review, I dont believe its anywhere near as bad as its reputation would have you believe, but its still a mess. This release of the film also includes the extended Directors Cut, which does flesh out some of the story, adds some clarification here and there, and improves the film but not by any substantial margin. I dont like the ending as much, either. I preferred the theatrical cuts final twist, which had a nasty, biting edge to it. The Directors Cut dulls that edge by adding yet another twist which ironically brings a sort of closure to the story. I preferred the open-ended vibe of the original, which almost felt like a sort of horror movie thriller ending.

Jade is an interesting entry into a very specific genre made during a very specific time. Its not a great movie, but its also not a bad one. Its a solidly fine, messy entry into the catalog of 90s erotic, twisty thrillers. This being a William Friedkin film, you can expect at least one awesome car chase in the movie. Friedkin knows how to film vehicular carnage. He just inherently understands it, somehow. He understands how to convey a sense of geography to the audience, and its not all swerving, crashing, and burning rubber. Theres a lot of cat-and-mouse tension in the thrill of the chase. But as far as delivering a tantalizing edge-of-your-seat erotic thriller, he stumbles through.

Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray

Vinegar Syndromes release of Jade arrives on two discs (one 4K UHD and one Blu-ray) housed in a standard case with reversible cover art. On one side is the original, jade-green (what else?) poster artwork from its original theatrical release and subsequent home video releases. On the other side is brand-new artwork commissioned for this release. If you ordered from Vinegar Syndrome (or are a subscriber), you score an exclusive custom-art slipcover and hardstock slipcase complete with a booklet containing essays and photos from the film.
Tesla shares tank by 7 pc amid Trump-Musk feud over new mega bill 07 Jul 2025 | 6:45 PM Austin, July 7 (UNI) Amid the ongoing row between US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, the businessmans company Tesla is facing a bad time, with the automotive giants shares tanking by 7.6% today, reports CNN. see more..

Russian FM urges BRICS nation to be leaders in creation of just multipolar world 07 Jul 2025 | 2:14 PM Moscow, July 7 (UNI) Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged for BRICS nations to lead the process of creating a just multipolar world order, as global institutions undergo fundamental transformations. see more..

Iranian supreme leader makes first public appearance post war with Israel 07 Jul 2025 | 1:36 PM Tehran, July 7 (UNI) Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei made his first public appearance in the country yesterday, post Tehrans 12-day war with Israel. The appearance got a mixed reception, with the state media and political leaders backing it, though it was reportedly dismissed or slammed by several, both within the country and outside it. see more..

BRICS must lead Global South by example in multipolar world: PM 07 Jul 2025 | 1:33 PM Rio de Janeiro/ New Delhi, July 7 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the BRICS Summit plenary session in Brazil and called upon the nations in the bloc to lead by example and meet the expectations of the Global South. see more..
Since the US announced the new tariffs, the Vietnamese government has taken proactive steps, including undergoing bilateral trade negotiations with the US, to safeguard the countrys economic interests.

Marcus Yiu, a leading credit analyst for international rating agency Moody's who covers a portfolio of sovereign ratings in Asia, in particular Viet Nam, shares Moody's latest views on Viet Nam's sovereign rating as well as challenges and opportunities for Viet Nam's economy under the volatile US trade policy.

After the US announced the new tariffs, how are you looking at the growth prospects for Viet Nam's economy, both in the shorter term as well as over the longer term?

I'm sure the tariffs are as shocking to me as they are to everyone. For Viet Nam, I think with the proposed 46 per cent, it is a very high level compared to the rest of the world as well. So starting with the near term growth prospects, I think for now we have lowered our growth expectations for the year. Previously, we were expecting around 6.5 per cent, I think now we have it around 5.5 per cent. All that being said, I think there is a bit of uncertainty with this, because really on one hand we expect the tariff overhang.

Now it's on pause, but I think that would drive really a pause in investment activity as investors take a wait-and-see approach to see where negotiations head to and where tariffs will ultimately land. This pause in investment activity will in turn weigh on growth, especially as Viet Nam actually is highly dependent on capital as a contributing factor to growth.

That being said, I think on the other hand, we've seen a bit more front-loading activity and that drives up export performance. Based from the numbers from April, year-on-year basis exports was up 20 per cent, I believe May last I checked was up 14 per cent. So really export performance could be stronger this year and that balances out in parts really the investment slowdown. So where growth lands, I think we've been conservative. I think it will still be slightly soft this year, but it's really uncertain.

But on the longer term, in terms of how tariffs could impact Viet Nam's maybe growth prospects, I think this really depends on where the relative tariff rates that Viet Nam ultimately will be exposed to compared to peers. If that gap is very high, then there could be that weakening of really investment attractiveness for Viet Nam. But really, I think it's also important yet on the other hand is the perception of investors on whether these rates will persist. So I think there has been a bit of uncertainty as well on the longevity of tariff rates, regardless of what level it is.

There's a lot of uncertainty and the uncertainty in any ways keeps investors on edge. I think with not our baseline is that it's unlikely that we will see a capital exodus away from Viet Nam. And that's because Viet Nam remains a very attractive place to invest.

I think the fundamental attractiveness of Viet Nam remains to be very solid. And if the tariffs provide impetus to enhance domestic capabilities, reduce FDI reliance and diversify export markets, I think that could have some long-run benefits for Viet Nam really in the longer term.

How do you look at these opportunities for Viet Nam to diversify export markets? And if Viet Nam is supposedly just starting this journey, how long will it take before it starts seeing the fruits of its labour?

I think this has provided impetus for Viet Nam and for many other countries to really diversify away from the US market.

Viet Nam does have a very wide network of trade relationships in the form of bilateral FTAs or really multilateral FTAs. I think that with the EU, for example. Viet Nam also has memberships in ASEAN, CPTPP, RCEP, which helped to bring down trade barriers with key trading partners.

I think already we see ASEAN enhancing their trade agreement, as well as further pursuing partnerships. I think the recent ASEAN-China Gulf Summit was the first ever. That's also an example of really further efforts to forge that trade relationship, not just Viet Nam, but Viet Nam as a participant of ASEAN, and really to, with countries excluding the US.

So overall, I think this very wide network of FTAs and really multilateral organisations that Viet Nam is in, helps in the manoeuvrability of Viet Nam's export market. And this is really further support by the countries, really business friendly, open to business, open to friendship kind of policy environment that Viet Nam has always maintained.

Now it is hard to estimate how long it will take for businesses to diversify from the US.

I think this one, it's really sector dependent. But, anecdotally I've seen news reports suggesting producers like seafood exporters or garment manufacturers already looking towards Europe, other parts of Asia, given that there's a bit of a loss in confidence of the US market. We released a flipbook recently, and within that flipbook, there's an exhibit that looks into intra-regional trade. So Asia trading within Asia, and compared to other regions, intra-regional trade, I think the Asia share of Asia trade has been increasing over the past few years.

And Asia's trade with the rest of the world, excluding the US, has also been increasing. So actually, there's already this trend, and this trend could accelerate just given what's happening. But I think Viet Nam is well positioned, just given that all the efforts it has pursued over the past decade or so in really making, forging these trade relationships, and it continues to do so.

As Viet Nam accelerates developmental priorities and reforms and starts spending more on public investments, how can Viet Nam benefit from a better and more improved long-term competitiveness?

The reform momentum recently has increased, and that's something that they will recognise to be positive. We've seen quite strong macro-economic data in recent years.

Besides the concerns around potential shifts in US policies post-election, in the middle of last year, we also raised concerns around Viet Nam's structural and infrastructural gaps that have lagged behind that FDI field growth in the past one to two decades.

And here I'm talking about areas like underinvestment in public infrastructure and human capital. There was also a bit lack progress in regulatory capabilities compared to the surge in foreign capital that we've seen over the past year. So we've seen Viet Nam grow too, and there were institutional, structural and infrastructure gaps that needed to catch up.

But since then we've seen really an acceleration in reform momentum. I think many of which targeted at some of these issues that I mentioned. For example, the government restructuring and an ongoing provincial restructuring, I think we view this to be well-intended, if executed effectively. This will not only help to reduce fiscal costs and also free up resources for capital expenditures, but hopefully enhance that efficiency of public investments which has been quite lagging over the past few years.

Other than these, I think we've seen the few connectivity projects like the high-speed rail, the railways with China, the highway expansions, the new resolutions focusing on science and innovation, and development of the private sector. I think these are all really positive developments that we've seen over the past year.

I recognise that surge in reform momentum, if executed effectively over the longer term, will help to further enhance Viet Nam's attractiveness, especially towards the high value-added investments that Viet Nam is seeking to attract.

With the reform agenda underway and a lot of investment to help spruce the economy and to support future growth, are we getting closer to a rating upgrade for Viet Nam?

Without the tariff stresses, I think Viet Nam's upside potential has increased. So it is at a place where upside risk or upside potential have been enhanced with that newfound momentum in reforms. But at this moment in time, balance against the downside risk that has also increased due to the tariffs.

So as mentioned earlier on the upside that reform momentum, the infrastructure upgrades, has really enhanced that upside potential rating. Should we see increasing evidence that these reforms have been effective in enhancing institutional effectiveness and economic competitiveness?

While the tariff shock appears increasingly likely to be more near-term noise, so that balance towards upside have shifted, then there could be scope for a higher rating, I think, in the future. And really on public investments, I think there were some questions on the fiscal impact, but that increase in public investment spending itself does not have any credit negative or positive inclinations.

Rather, it is where the spending is directed to, how the budgeting around the spending is transparent and well-governed, whether these projects are deemed to add value for the country and how it's financed, and how the budget planning is made such that there's no volatility in capital plans that leads to a sudden year where borrowing needs increase substantially that could cause really fiscal and financial volatility, and thereby reflecting weak, medium-term fiscal management.

So, I think, overall, to put it together, the stronger public investment momentum is much needed. I think there's always been the view that Viet Nam under-invests in itself.

So, it's important to shore up, and with all the new reforms, to shore up that institutional effectiveness, to shore up that human capital, to really attract the highly technical, high-value-added investments, and to close the gap on connectivity, on power reliability and power availability. I think all these things drive a more fundamentally stronger economic and credit profile for Viet Nam outside of that FDI reliance. I think there needs to be that absorption of the benefits that FDI has been providing for the country into investing and shoring up Viet Nam itself. And really, the resolution to build more domesticall grown businesses, I think that's also quite important as well.

So, really, to sum it up, I think, at this moment, both the upside and downside risks to the rating have increased. I think that the downside risk is more shorter-term in my view, but the upside potential with the reforms, if sustained and executed consistently, I think the longer-term upside potential has increased as well.  BIZHUB/VNS
Thu Ha

HA NOI  The outlook for Viet Nam's banks in 2025 is stable, but challenges remain, especially risks from real estate and liquidity pressure at some small-scale banks, experts said at a conference on Wednesday.

At a conference titled Vietnam banking outlook: credit ratings and the path to sustainable finance held in Ha Noi, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Hung, Vice Chairman and General Secretary of the Vietnam Banks Association (VNBA), said this year the Vietnamese banking industry will face both opportunities and challenges as the economy gradually recovers and stabilises after the fluctuations of 2024.

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) report on Viet Nam's financial market in 2025, the creditworthiness of Vietnamese banks is expected to improve slightly, led by State-owned banks and some large commercial banks. The business environment is gradually being strengthened thanks to the promotion of public investment, stable foreign direct investment (FDI) flows and supportive legal policies from the Government.

According to Hung, credit growth is expected to reach 15-16 per cent, supported by long-term borrowing demand in the fields of production, trade, construction and real estate. Meanwhile, net interest margin (NIM) is forecast to rise by 5-10 basis points to 3.5 per cent in 2025, thanks to better control of funding costs.

A bright spot in the banking industry outlook for 2025 is the improvement in asset quality," Hung said.

"The bad debt ratio is expected to decrease thanks to better control of the loan portfolio and more effective debt handling by large banks. The Government is also implementing many policies to address legal issues related to collateral and bank rights, which are expected to help credit institutions reduce legal risks when handling debt.

However, he notes that potential risks remain in the banking industry, especially risks related to real estate. Some small- and medium-sized banks, which have high loan ratios to real estate developers, are facing difficulties and it could put pressure on their asset quality. Meanwhile, large banks have an advantage by focusing on lending to manufacturing and commercial businesses.

The overall banking sectors profitability in 2025 is forecast to improve slightly, with return on assets (ROA) increasing from 1.55 per cent to 1.60 per cent. This growth comes from expanding profit margins, helping banks increase income from lending. NIM is expected to reach 3.5 per cent, up from 3.4 per cent in 2024; while non-interest income is expected to increase slightly thanks to bond trading, debt collection and insurance sales. Total revenue from these sources this year could increase by 5-7 per cent compared to last year. Credit costs are also expected to decrease, especially in the group of State-owned and large banks, as asset quality is improved.

In addition, digital business and digital transformation continue to play an important role. Banks are investing heavily in digital platforms to increase customer reach, reduce operating costs, and improve operational efficiency. It is forecast that digital banking transactions will account for more than 70 per cent of total transactions by the end of 2025, Hung said.

Speaking at the event, Alka Anbarasu, Associate Managing Director, Financial Institutions, Moodys Ratings, said: Viet Nam's economic growth will remain at somewhere around real GDP growth of 5.5 per cent over the next two years. This follows a very strong growth in 2024, with real GDP growing at around 7 per cent in 2024. We do note that perhaps the target the government has set here is for 8 per cent real GDP growth, but clearly in the near term, there are some uncertainties arising from the US tariff impact. But despite that, we think the country's real GDP growth will remain in the 5-per cent range, which is quite healthy compared to most of the peers in the region.

For Viet Nam, we think the two factors, despite the macro uncertainty, will persist. One is that Viet Nam remains a very strong channel for FDI inflows, and that has boosted domestic production and productivity of the country. But even tourism inflows are extremely strong in Viet Nam, supporting the local economy and further boosting the growth here. Nevertheless, from a global perspective, clearly the export outlook is uncertain until the tariff negotiations are complete.

According to Anbarasu, the outlook for Viet Nam's banks is stable. Most of the areas, except asset risk, where Moodys has concerns, are stable. Vietnamese banks have now built some buffers, so their profitability will remain stable. The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio, if including specially mentioned loans, has broadly remained stable over the years at around 2 per cent.

However, she notes: Our main concern remains around the real estate sector and its recovery because we think for now banks have continued to support the sector and the sector is gradually recovering, but in that process we think there is some uncertainty for the banking sector from at least their exposure to the real estate sector. Also, the banks' buffers for NPLs have come down.

From a global macro-economic perspective, we do have some concerns on global growth and we expect that some of those will trickle into most of the countries globally. For banks in Viet Nam, we think asset risk from the real estate sector remains, perhaps at least from our perspective, the key credit concern. But we think that banks' profitability and capital do provide them adequate buffer against the risk from these uncertainties, Anbarasu concluded.  BIZHUB/VNS
HA NOI  Solutions are urgently needed to regain consumer trust in Vietnamese durians and continue developing production sustainably, said General Secretary of the Viet Nam Fruit and Vegetable Association ang Phuc Nguyen.

A system for quality supervision from the source must be established and the testing process strengthened at durian production facilities, Nguyen told a seminar on sustainable development in the durian industry held on Tuesday in Ha Noi.

This includes developing food safety and plant quarantine programmes within orchards and packaging facilities by expanding and improving the standardised testing laboratories across durian growing areas to ensure accurate and clear traceability, according to Nguyen.

Expanding and enhancing the capabilities of laboratories will help cover durian growing regions more comprehensively, he noted.

Accurate traceability will help Vietnamese and Chinese authorities identify origin codes, banned residues and other critical data on exported durians.

According to statistics from the General Department of Customs, in the first four months this year, the export value of durian reached US$183 million, a drop of 61 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Durian's sharp decline has dragged down the overall fruit and vegetable sector.

Issues like cadmium residues exceeding permissible limits and the presence of banned substances like auramine O  an industrial dye  should be addressed by establishing supervision systems and plant quarantine protocols directly at the source.

Experts and authorities identify the main cause of cadmium contamination as the accumulation of heavy metals in soil, primarily due to long-term use of chemical fertilisers, especially phosphate-based fertilisers like diammonium phosphate (DAP). Intensive farming focused on yield without input control has inadvertently introduced toxic substances into the supply chain.

In addition to cadmium, Chinese authorities are now tightening inspections for auramine O, which is used to enhance the fruit's yellow colour and stimulate uniform ripening.

This points to major gaps in post-harvest handling and preservation.

In light of the situation's urgency, Nguyen called for strong regulations and penalties against violations related to quality, food safety and commercial fraud. Publicly naming individuals and enterprises in violation of these rules would serve as a deterrent and promote a healthier business environment.

For long-term development, the Viet Nam Fruit and Vegetable Association recommends easing production and export difficulties through zoning concentrated and sustainable cultivation areas, tightening management and issuing of planting area and packaging facility codes, stricter input material control, adjusting cultivation methods and building a national brand.

Chairwoman and CEO of Auto Agri Software Technology JSC Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuc said that based on her many years of agricultural business experience, especially in the Chinese market, current standards for toxins like cadmium and auramine O are just some of the technical criteria that markets may impose.

Early preparation is essential, she said.

Thuc also emphasised the need for planning sustainable, concentrated growing zones to avoid unregulated expansion, which can result in oversupply.

Proper control and issuance of planting area and packaging facility codes  the 'passport' of Vietnamese durians  are crucial.

Localities must increase both scheduled and surprise inspections to ensure compliance with assigned codes, she noted.

Thuc said: We hope the provinces of the Central Highlands will have a biotechnology centre to address the root challenges of Vietnamese agriculture, and invest in post-harvest processing technology.

According to the ak Lak Durian Association and Auto Agri, a major shortfall remains in key farming areas, with a lack of wholesale markets, inspection and quarantine centres, and on-site import-export procedures.

The two main agencies with control over export 'visas' are customs and the Plant Protection Department, which manages planting area codes.

Currently, planting area codes are not properly managed or authorised. There have been cases of code misuse, with one code being applied to multiple locations, making regulation difficult.

Thuc urged farmers to protect their assigned codes to avoid unnecessary risks.

From the Governments perspective, Nguyen Quang Hieu, deputy director of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, said that after the export protocol with China was signed, Viet Nams durian exports surged.

The value exceeded $2 billion and $3.2 billion in 2023 and 2024, respectively, accounting for 4547 per cent of total fruit and vegetable exports.

Faced with this overheating growth, the ministry held a major conference to raise awareness of emerging risks.

Regarding cadmium residue warnings from China, Hieu said that Viet Nam received the first alert in March 2024. His department conducted investigations and found some regions with high cadmium levels.

Hieu noted that cadmium contamination stems from both natural factors, such as soil composition, and human factors like excessive fertiliser use without allowing the land to rest.

As for auramine O, he explained that China introduced new rules after detecting the substance in Thai durians.

It is typically used post-harvest.

To prevent risks, China now applies these rules to all exporters, including Viet Nam.

He also mentioned that the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection is assisting farmers in dealing with cadmium-contaminated soil, though this will take time.

Deputy Director of the Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development Phan Van Duy said that Viet Nam currently has 34 certified cadmium testing facilities and 19 for auramine O, of which 24 cadmium and 15 auramine O labs are recognised by China.

However, four labs were delisted by Chinese authorities due to discrepancies between test results in Viet Nam and those upon arrival in China.

This discrepancy is a real risk, partly because testing is based on representative samples while actual farming areas are vast, making absolute compliance difficult.

He urged localities and agencies to coordinate more closely, especially in early-stage production monitoring.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued food safety programmes for agricultural supply chains, including durian.

To sustain the industry, they aim not only to boost production, but also to build a robust food safety control system across the value chain.

The ministry is drafting and consulting on a Food Safety Control Process for durian products, taking input from departments including Plant Protection, Crop Production, the Department of Science and Technology and agriculture departments in key provinces like Tien Giang, ak Lak, ong Nai and ak Nong.

They have also gathered feedback from major durian exporters, most of whom support the initiative.

In addition, the ministry is reviewing and updating National Standard TCVN 10739:2015 for fresh durian first issued in 2015.

The revision aims to align technical requirements with international practices, enabling Vietnamese durians to meet standards not only in China but also in high-end markets like Japan, South Korea and the EU, which demand strict food safety compliance. VNS
HA NOI  A rice production cooperation project between Viet Nam and Cuba launched more than two decades ago has generated positive results, becoming a model that should be expanded, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long.

In a recent visit to a rice field in Matanzas Province which is part of the project, the ambassador affirmed that both governments are always ready to create favourable conditions for this project to continue to develop and contribute to Cuba's mission of ensuring food security.

Under the project implemented since 2003, Viet Nam sent its experts to Cuba to directly guide Cuban people to change their farming methods, provided training, and donated some specialised agricultural machinery. The rice fields in Matanzas Province are the result of technical support from Vietnamese experts to help Cuba become self-sufficient in rice supply for years.

According to the Cuban project management board, the 2020-25 phase of the rice production project in Matanzas province has achieved outstanding results. At demonstration model No. 4, where the most advanced techniques were applied, the rice yield in 2024 reached 11.16 tonnes per hectare (ha) in two crops each year, far exceeding the target of 10 tonnes and 3-4 times higher than the national average yield.

At a mass production scale (Model 5), nearly 2,000 ha out of 5,798 ha of rice yielded 5.31 tonnes per ha, three times higher than the average yield of the Cuban rice industry. The total rice output in the 2024-25 winter crop is 13,005 tonnes, of which model 5 alone contributed 10,368.5 tonnes.

The project not only improves productivity but also builds a synchronous infrastructure system. To date, 4,708 ha have been leveled using laser technology, 2,757 km of intra-field roads have been upgraded, and 5,942 km of canals and ditches have been renovated. This system not only serves rice production, helping to optimise irrigation and field management processes, but also creates a foundation for the development of many other crops.

Regarding human resource training, the project has organised 3,398 agricultural extension activities, training 29,207 farmers, technicians and managers. Notably, 25 Vietnamese rice varieties have been tested in Cuba, of which four promising varieties are completing registration procedures.

Within the framework of the project, Vietnam also supported Cuba in equipping a system of synchronous agricultural machinery and equipment worth more than US$17 million. This important resource has contributed to increasing labour productivity by 40-50 per cent compared to traditional farming methods, while significantly reducing post-harvest losses.

Orlando Linares Morrell, President of the Agricultural Business Group (GAG) under the Cuban Ministry of Agriculture, said that thanks to the technology transfer from Vietnamese experts, Cuba has built a sustainable rice production system that is capable of adapting to climate change.

Gerardo Rodriguez, one of the producers participating in the project, said that they learn from Vietnamese experts not only farming techniques, but also the spirit of resilience and creativity to overcome all challenges. Even when hail destroyed part of the field, they still believed in a bumper crop.

Pham Van Thuan, head of the Vietnamese rice expert delegation, said that the project receives special attention from Cuban authorities at all levels. The teams of experts from the two countries have worked together for many years, understanding each other's culture and working style, so the exchange of expertise and technical transfer became very convenient.

Thuan said the biggest difficulty is the shortage of electricity, gasoline, oil and machinery and materials in Cuba. However, up to now, the project has achieved, and event exceeded all set targets, from area scale, productivity to output.  VNS
BINH DUONG  Vice Chairman of the Binh Duong provincial People's Committee Bui Minh Tri on Wednesday had a working session with a delegation from Taiwan (China)'s MiTAC Information Technology Corporation led by its Chairman Su Liang, who came to learn about the investment environment and technology development policy in the southern industrial hub of Viet Nam.

The provincial leader affirmed that Binh Duong is implementing an economic development strategy oriented towards sustainability and high added value, in which high technology and digital transformation are the pillars.

He said the province prioritises investments in the areas that are environmentally friendly, efficiently utilise resources, and supply products and services with high added value, including semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), green energy, circular economy, and green economy, expected to contribute to a knowledge-based economy.

The official said Binh Duong is working with international partners on its smart city and innovation zone projects. The province is building science and IT parks to become a regional innovation hub, while also applying technology to government and public services to develop a digital government, economy, and society.

For his part, Su said that MiTAC, a technology multinational headquartered in Taiwan (China) and present in more than 70 countries, has more than 40 years of experience in the field of system integration and core technology development, specialising in AIoT solutions integrated with cloud technology and terminal equipment. It is also a strategic partner of many cities in AI, big data, smart transport, and digital govenment projects.

Su highly valued Binh Duong's smart city development orientation and expressed his desire to implement a number of specific projects in the province such as urban railway, smart camera, and smart street lighting systems.

He noted the fields that MiTAC is implementing highly match Binh Duong's digital transformation strategy. The enterprise hopes to become a long-term partner of the province in hi-tech application projects, thus supporting the digitalisation of urban infrastructure and creating new momentum for local economic development.

Welcoming MiTACs proposals, Tri said Binh Duong is ready to work closely with reputable global tech investors. The province is committed to offering the best support in policies, procedures, and infrastructure to help businesses succeed, especially in industries driving growth transformation.  VNS
Deacon Blue have been dealt a blow as James Prime has been forced to step back the bands tour after falling seriously ill.

Deacon Blue have been dealt a blow as James Prime has been forced to step back the bands tour after falling seriously ill

The 64-year-old keyboardist is currently receiving hospital care, his bandmates confirmed on social media.

James, a founding member of the iconic Scottish pop-rock band, was described as being in a serious condition in a statement posted to X.

The message said: Unfortunately he is seriously ill and undergoing care in hospital. We would like you to join us in wishing him well and to share your love with him.

Deacon Blue, which includes Ricky Ross, Lorraine McIntosh, Dougie Vipond, Gregor Philp, Lewis Gordon and Tom Gordon, said they spoke to James about the bands schedule going forward.

We spoke to Jim yesterday about Deacon Blues plans for the rest of the year, they said  adding and he encouraged us to continue with love in our hearts and with his full blessing that the shows go ahead, even if it means replacing the irreplaceable James Miller Prime for the time being.

James, who was born in Kilmarnock and also works as a university lecturer, has been with Deacon Blue since its inception in the 1980s.

The band is known for their chart-topping hits such as Dignity, Chocolate Girl and Real Gone Kid.

Following James departure from the tour, Deacon Blue are still next set to perform in Aberdeen, Scotland, with further shows scheduled in Liverpool, Brighton, Birmingham and Leeds later this year. The current tour is expected to wrap up on 11 October in Glasgow.

Fans expressed their support for James across social media, with many sharing heartfelt messages. One said: Sending love and best wishes xxxx.

Another added: Thinking of you all, but especially Jim. Love and solidarity. xx, while a third user commented: Gutted to hear this praying Jim pulls through. One of my keys heros and such a huge talent. Thoughts are with the band and Jims family.

Another post simply read: Get well soon Jim. Youll be missed.

Deacon Blues current line-up includes Ricky, 66, James, 64, Lorraine, 59, Dougie, 58, Gregor, 57, Lewis, 42, and Tom, 35.

The band has undergone several line-up changes over the years, with past members including Graeme Kelling, Ewen Vernal, Mick Slaven, Scott Fraser, Taj Wyzgowski, Ged Grimes and Chris Henderson.

Deacon Blues 1987 debut album Raintown reached number 14 in the UK Albums Chart.

Their 1989 follow-up When the World Knows Your Name hit number one, with its lead single Real Gone Kid nominated for British Single of the Year at the Brit Awards, ultimately losing to Perfect by Fairground Attraction.

After a hiatus in 1994, the band reunited in 1999 and have remained active ever since.
HA NOI  As concerns mount over the potential for disruptions to global trade, a new study published in the journal Nature Food has identified Viet Nam as one of the few countries with a high level of food self-sufficiency, capable of withstanding major interruptions to food imports and exports worldwide.

The research, conducted by scientists from the German University of Gottingen and the Scottish University of Edinburgh, used data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to assess the self-sufficiency of 186 countries and territories across seven major food categories: cereals, vegetables, fruit, starchy staples, dairy products, meat and fish.

According to the findings, Guyana, with a population of around 800,000, is the only one able to fully meet domestic demand for all food groups without relying on imports. China and Viet Nam followed closely, each achieving self-sufficiency in six categories.

Viet Nams strong performance is attributed to its robust agricultural sector, which maintains consistently high yields in key areas such as rice, fruit and vegetables, fishery products, meat, and starchy foodstuffs. While many nations remain heavily reliant on food imports, the Southeast Asian nations sustained domestic production capacity provides it with a vital advantage in safeguarding national food security during periods of global uncertainty.

The study also highlighted a stark contrast in global food resilience. Out of the 186 analysed, 154 were found to be self-sufficient in only two to five food groups. Alarmingly, several nations were unable to domestically meet the demand for any of the categories. These included Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Macau (China), Qatar, and Yemen  countries where over 50 per cent of food supplies depend on imports.

Viet Nam ranks among the worlds top food exporters while maintaining a diverse and sustainable agricultural system to serve domestic needs. This dual strength enhances the countrys resilience to future disruptions in global food trade.  VNS
HA NOI  Artificial intelligence (AI) is projected to contribute between US$120 billion and $130 billion to Viet Nams economy by 2040, becoming a key driver of growth in the digital age.

This forecast was presented at the launch of the report Viet Nams AI Economy 2025, jointly organised by the National Innovation Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Finance, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) on June 12 in Ha Noi.

According to the report, this projected contribution will stem from two main sources: revenue from the consumption of AI-integrated products and services (estimated at $4555 billion) and cost savings through productivity improvements enabled by AI (estimated at $6070 billion).

Public administration, education and healthcare are identified as the top three sectors with high potential for AI breakthroughs. In particular, AI could help reduce medical disparities across regions, optimise educational data and enhance the efficiency of public sector management.

NIC Director Vu Quoc Huy said the report is the first comprehensive document analysing Viet Nams AI economy. It outlines the current landscape, development models, application areas and strategic roadmaps, structured around five key pillars: technology, start-up ecosystem, labour, resources and international collaboration.

A representative from BCG highlighted that Viet Nam is emerging as the fastest-growing digital economy in Southeast Asia, with an annual growth rate of over 20 per cent. A structured and robust AI ecosystem will help bolster national competitiveness and assert Viet Nams proactive role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

To realise this vision, the country is implementing major policy frameworks such as Resolution 57, Resolution 68 and the AI start-up acceleration programme. Over the next few years, NIC and JICA will continue to promote initiatives supporting AI start-ups, developing a specialised workforce and facilitating research partnerships with global tech corporations.

With a young, tech-savvy workforce and a strong drive for innovation, Viet Nam has every opportunity to become the regions AI hub, Huy said.  VNS
HA NOI  There is plenty of room for Viet Nam and Lithuania to foster bilateral cooperation in a wide range of sectors such as garment and textile, chemical, information and technology, renewable energy and engineering.

That was the message from Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda speaking at the Viet Nam-Lithuania Business Forum in Ha Noi on Thursday.

The Lithuanian president highly praised Viet Nams role in Southeast Asia, especially its advancements in regional integration and digital transformation.

He reaffirmed Lithuanias willingness to share knowledge in green economic development, high-tech applications, and smart logistics to support Viet Nams continued growth.

Chairman of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry Pham Tan Cong said Viet Nam is committed to deepening relations with Lithuania, describing the Baltic nation as a traditional partner in Central Eastern Europe. Lithuania, in return, recognises Viet Nam as its most important partner in Southeast Asia.

Cong emphasised that the strong political trust and diplomatic relations between the two countries will be key drivers for expanding trade and investment cooperation in the coming years.

Despite the signing of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in June 2019, two-way trade has yet to meet the expectations of both governments.

In 2024, bilateral trade turnover reached US$200 million, marking a modest 7.5 per cent increase compared to 2023. However, the first quarter of 2025 has shown significant growth, with trade turnover nearing $100 million, a 94.4 per cent rise over the same period last year.

Cong noted that businesses on both sides have yet to fully capitalise on the advantages offered by the EVFTA to expand trade ties. To boost economic, trade, and investment cooperation, the two countries should leverage their strategic positions as gateways to ASEAN and Central Eastern Europe, Cong suggested.

Further proposals include exploring the opening of embassies, establishing direct flights and cargo routes and promoting active business collaboration through forums and trade events, Cong said, urging Vietnamese and Lithuanian companies to proactively seek opportunities to export key products to each others markets.

Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong highlighted significant potential for deeper bilateral cooperation between Viet Nam and Lithuania, particularly given the complementary nature of their economies and a shared commitment to diversifying foreign relations for sustainable growth and stronger international integration.

"Economic and trade cooperation remains our top priority," Phuong said.

"Viet Nam is a dynamic economy with a population exceeding 100 million and an open market, while Lithuania excels in technology, logistics, food processing, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.

He emphasised that effectively leveraging the EVFTA would enable both countries to boost goods exchange, expand market access, and build regional supply chains connecting the EU and ASEAN. Viet Nam, in particular, stands out as an attractive investment destination for Lithuanian businesses.

As of March 31, 2025, Lithuania has registered three projects in Viet Nam with a total capital of $260,000. Lithuanian investments primarily target communications, science - technology and healthcare.

Deputy Minister Phuong also highlighted several promising sectors for bilateral investment cooperation, including renewable energy, digital transformation, startups, innovation centers, high-tech agriculture, education, high-quality human resource training, smart logistics and green seaports.

During the conference, the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists and the VCCI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on economic cooperation. The agreement aims to establish a regular cooperation mechanism to support businesses from both countries in investment promotion, trade exchange and technology transfer.

Under the MoU, both sides committed to regularly assisting each other in promoting bilateral investment and expanding business opportunities.

In a related development, Innovation Agency Lithuania and Viet Nams National Innovation Centre signed a MoU aimed at strengthening the innovation capacity and competitiveness of both countries.

The agreement will facilitate collaboration in developing and internationalising high-tech industries, encouraging innovation projects, connecting innovation ecosystems and sharing policy information, market trends, and funding mechanisms.

The final memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Port of Klaipeda in Lithuania and Hai Phong Port in Viet Nam. This agreement establishes direct cooperation between the two ports, with the goal of developing bilateral maritime trade and promoting sustainable growth.  VNS
Ba Den Mountain is known as the "Roof of Southern Vietnam.

BA DEN, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newsdwire - 10 February 2025 - Ba Den Mountain , located in the centre of Tay Ninh province in Vietnam, is the highest mountain in southern Vietnam, with an altitude of 986 metres. As a unique cultural heritage, Ba Den Mountain is not only a naturally scenic spot, but also a significant spiritual centre, visited by tourists with hopes of peace and good health for the year ahead.The Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival Held annually from the fourth day of the Lunar New Year to the 16th day of the first lunar month, is a unique cultural event and one of the largest festivals in Tay Ninh province.During this time, massive crowds resembling a "festival camping ground" often appear at the foot of the mountain.Many pilgrims choose not to stay in hotels or guesthouses but instead spread out mats and blankets to sleep within the Ba Den National Tourist Area, embracing the sacred energy of this revered land. This also allows them to ascend the mountain early the next morning to visit the Ba Pagoda at the summit. Over the years, spending the night at the foot of Ba Den Mountain during the Tet holiday has become a tradition, a spiritual journey, shaping an extraordinary New Year festival unlike any other.The first month of the lunar calendar, according to Vietnamese beliefs, marks the beginning of a New Year but also a new opportunity and is considered a time to open up the spiritual realm. People believe that offering incense at Ba Den Mountain during this time will bring blessings from Linh Son Thanh Mau (Linh Son Holy Mother) Bodhisattva, a revered deity in southern Vietnamese folklore, known for her miraculous manifestations and compassion, and that they will receive good luck and protection throughout the year. The combination of traditional and spiritual elements has created a huge attraction, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, including international tourists eager to explore Vietnam's unique cultural heritage.At Dien Ba and Ba Pagoda  centuries-old temples on the mountainside  thousands of devotees make their first offerings of the year, offering prayers and asking for blessings. At the summit, visitors eagerly pay homage to the towering Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue, the tallest of its kind in Asia, as well as one of the world's largest Maitreya Bodhisattva statues . Below the statues lies a vast exhibition space where visitors can immerse themselves in Buddhist culture and seek tranquility and joy in the early days of the New Year.Ba Den Mountain is now gaining international recognition. In 2024, photographer Tran Tuan Viet's work,, a sensational photograph featuring the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue amid clouds atop Ba Den Mountain, was selected from over 415,000 images, created by 74,000 photographers from 206 countries and territories worldwide, to represent Vietnam in the Sony World Photography Awards. The image captivated visitors when it went on show at an exhibition at the prestigious Somerset House, London, in April 2024.At that time, the breath-taking beauty of Ba Den Mountain caught the attention of international media, with leading global publications such as The Times of London, the Daily Record from Scotland and Euronews broadcasting from Lyon in France, along with many others, praising the image, ranking it number one in their lists of award-winning photographs.Ba Den Mountain's natural beauty is stunning. From its summit, travellers can take in sweeping views of the vast Tay Ninh plains, where lush green rice fields stretch endlessly out to the horizon, the immense Dau Tieng Lake shimmers and winding roads create picturesque landscapes.From now until the end of spring, Ba Den Mountain will remain a destination for pilgrims, with vibrant festivals. The Ba Mountain Spring Festival continues throughout the first lunar month, with events such as the joyful Maitreya Festival, the God of Wealth Festival and the Full Moon Festival.Then on May 9, Ba Den Mountain will serve as the main venue for the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration 2025, one of the largest Buddhist events globally. The grand festival will include numerous remarkable moments, with the highlight being an extensive lantern-offering ceremony, attended by revered monks, esteemed Buddhist leaders and delegates from 80 countries, alongside tens of thousands of Buddhist followers from Vietnam and abroad.Hashtag: #SunGroup

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The candlelight prayer ceremony for world peace will be held on May 8 at Ba Den Mountain. Photo courtesy of Sun World Ba Den Mountain.

The sacred relics of the Buddha will be reverently enshrined at Ba Den Mountain for Buddhist followers and visitors to pay homage during the Vesak Grand Celebration. Photo courtesy of Sun World Ba Den Mountain.

BA DEN MOUNTAIN, VIETNAM19 March 2025 -Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh, Vietnam will become the destination for thousands of delegates to light candles and pray for global peace as part of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025. Many meaningful activities will take place during this most significant Buddhist celebration worldwide.During the second meeting of the International Council for the Day of Vesak (ICDV) and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha on February 26, important preparations for Vesak 2025 were discussed. The meeting was chaired by Most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon - President of the VBS Executive Council, Head of the Organising Committee and Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit, President of ICDV.Delegates agreed on various aspects of the UN Vesak 2025 programme, scheduled to take place from May 6 to 8, along with side events featuring international delegates. According to the plan, the first day will welcome leaders of Buddhist sanghas from different countries. The second day will feature a series of group seminars on five key subtopics, engaging scholars, particularly young researchers. On the third day, the closing ceremony will be held in the morning. In the afternoon, delegates and venerable monks will travel to Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh At the summit of Ba Den Mountain , a solemn candlelight prayer ceremony for world peace will be held, with the participation of over 2,000 Vesak delegates from 80 countries and territories. This event is considered a profoundly meaningful activity aligned with the theme of Vesak 2025 'Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development.'Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit said that this year's programme encompasses various contents, with 'peace' being one of the most prominent. It can be understood as peace of mind, a fundamental foundation for social stability, global harmony and the finding of peace in nature and the environment."With Ba Den Mountain, I can feel the essence of 'peace' through the Buddhist spirit and the presence of the Maitreya Bodhisattva statue , a symbol of joy and serenity. This sacred mountain allows one to immerse in nature, share tranquillity with others and spread the spirit and message of world peace in practice," Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit shared.The President of ICDV also highlighted that this is not merely an abstract idea but a concrete example of how we can live in peace while developing the economy, without destroying the environment or causing harm to others. This is why a sacred spiritual destination filled with positive energy like Ba Den Mountain will serve as a place where individuals can seek healing and tranquillity.As part of the second discussion meeting on Vesak 2025, representatives from the Ba Den Mountain tourist area reported on preparations for the candlelight prayer ceremony for world peace."Hosting the Vesak 2025 delegation for the world peace candlelight prayer ceremony is a tremendous honour for the Ba Den Mountain tourist area. On May 8, we will also hold special ceremonies to welcome the delegation during this grand Buddhist event, including a bodhi tree planting ceremony and the enshrinement of Buddha relics for Buddhists and the public to pay homage," Nguyen Lam Nhi Thuy, Deputy General Director of Sun Group in the Southern region, said.Paying homage to the Buddha's relics during the Vesak festival is one of the most spiritually significant rituals, allowing Buddhist followers and the public to receive the Buddha's blessings. Ba Den Mountain is one of the few places in Vietnam that preserves the Buddha's relics, which were bestowed by the World Fellowship of Buddhists at Bodh Gaya, India, in 2014.As part of the Vesak 2025 celebrations, the Vietnamese government has also considered approving the VBS to organise a procession of the Buddha's relics from India and receive the heart relic of Bodhisattva Thich Quang Duc for enshrinement.Scheduled from May 6 to 8, the UN Day of Vesak 2025 is one of the most significant international cultural events, honouring humanistic values and global peace. Vietnam is expected to welcome about 2,000 delegates from 80 countries and territories, including UN officials, heads of state, supreme Buddhist leaders, presidents of Buddhist organisations and numerous scholars and intellectuals worldwide.Hashtag: #SunWorldBaDenMountain

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Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Peoples Republic of China, Wang Yi, speaks at the Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation and is the first to sign the Convention on behalf of China.

HKSARs Chief Executive John Lee speaks at the signing ceremony.

Representatives from over 30 countries, including China and countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, jointly signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong on May 30.

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 31 May 2025 - International mediation marked a significant milestone yesterday (May 30) with the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). The IOMed, with its headquarters in Hong Kong, is the world's first inter-governmental international legal organisation devoted to the use of mediation in resolving international disputes.More than 80 countries and about 20 international organisations, including the United Nations, sent senior representatives to Hong Kong to witness the Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation. Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Wang Yi, attended the Signing Ceremony and was the first to sign the Convention on behalf of China. Altogether, 33 countries signed the Convention on-site, making them the founding members of the IOMed.Addressing the ceremony, Mr Wang said that as an innovative step in international rule of law, the IOMed has great significance in the history of international relations. The IOMed will be headquartered in Hong Kong, whose handover is itself a success story of peaceful settlement of international disputes. He added that the success of the "one country, two systems" principle has created brighter prospects for prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee, thanked the Central Government for its staunch support of Hong Kong, and the international community for placing their trust and confidence in the city."The IOMed will provide a pathway for countries  regardless of culture, language and legal system  to resolve international disputes based on mutual respect and understanding," Mr Lee said. "This is increasingly important amid mounting geopolitical tensions."Mr Lee underscored that the IOMed reflected a shared confidence in mediation as a peaceful means to maintain international peace and security, as stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations.The Chief Executive also set out Hong Kong's advantages as an effective "super connector" and "super value-adder" and said the city would actively promote the IOMed's valuable work in settling international disputes through mediation."Despite geopolitical turbulence, Hong Kong builds bridges, not walls," Mr Lee said. "Under our unique "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong is the only world city that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage."We are the only common law jurisdiction in China, and the only jurisdiction in the world with a bilingual common law system in both Chinese and English. We have a long tradition of the rule of law, and our courts exercise their judicial power independently."With a robust, efficient and well-respected legal system as well as world-class legal and dispute resolution services professionals, Hong Kong is also the most preferred seat for arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region.The IOMed headquarters will be located at the site of the former Wan Chai Police Station, once renovation of the Grade 2 historic building is completed."I'm happy to say that it could open its doors as early as the end of this year," said Mr Lee."We look forward not only to welcoming its new occupants, but also to supporting them in building new bridges for a more connected, peaceful and prosperous future through mediation."In the afternoon, the Global Forum on International Mediation discussed topics such as mediation of disputes among countries and mediation of international investment and commercial disputes and the contributions that the IOMed can make.Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #mediation

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Over 3,000 Participating Primary and Secondary Students and Teachers Showcase 120 Shortlisted Outstanding Innovative Projects Utilising Technology with a Growing Trend Towards AI

Photo 1) The Fourth Hong Kong Science Fair will take place from 28 to 29 June at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Online registration is now open for free admission.

Photo 2) 120 shortlisted teams will showcase their innovative projects at the Hong Kong Science Fair.

Photo 3) The three winning teams from the previous Hong Kong Science Fair received one silver and two bronze awards at this years prestigious International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva.

Photo 4) The Hong Kong Science Fair features interactive zones that offer visitors an engaging edutainment experience.

The Fourth Hong Kong Science Fair and Award Presentation Ceremony Details

Date:

28-29 June 2025 (Saturday to Sunday)

Time:

10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Location:

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 3FG

Online Registration:

https://reghksciencefair.org.hk/public



Scan the QR code to make an online reservation.

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 5 June 2025 - The Fourth Hong Kong Science Fair ('Science Fair'), organised by the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation ('HKIF'), supported by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the HKSAR Government, and with Sino Group and the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification (HKCTC) as strategic partners, will take place from 28 to 29 June at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme 'Think Big Be Innovative', 120 shortlisted teams from primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong will present their innovative projects at the Science Fair. These projects have incorporated various technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), and will compete for a variety of awards. The Science Fair will also feature five interactive zones with exciting STEAM-related activities. Participants can turn corn pulp into refined snacks, operate remote-controlled cars made from upcycled household appliances, and build and race their own wooden mini cars  each activity is designed for parents and children to experience the fun of technology together! Online registration is now open for free admission, inviting the public to experience creativity in action as our younger generation presents their innovation and technology (I&T) vision for the future.HKIF is committed to fostering an innovative spirit from an early age. Since its launch in 2021, the annual Science Fair has garnered widespread support from the government, tertiary institutions, scientific research organisations, and partners across various sectors, providing a vital platform to inspire the creative potential of young people. To broaden their international perspective, gold award-winning teams from the Primary, Junior Secondary, and Senior Secondary Divisions will have the opportunity to participate in the prestigious International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva in Switzerland. This year, the Science Fair has seen record levels of participation, with about 600 entries submitted by 300 local and international schools, engaging over 3,000 teachers and students.This year's Science Fair is also supported by the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification (HKCTC) as a strategic partner. A brand-new 'Testing and Certification Special Award', sponsored by HKCTC, has been introduced to deepen students' understanding of the role and importance of testing and certification in the context of I&T. Professor Wong Wing-tak, Chairman of the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification, stated: 'By instilling the "precision and accuracy" values of testing and certification into their thinking from the start, these young scientists aren't just inventing but help elevate the standards of quality and safety. There is always a mind-boggling number of innovative ways we can make a difference. I will be excited to see the many good projects and this special award recognises our talents who are poised for the future.'Mr Daryl Ng, Chairman of the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation, said, 'We are grateful for the ongoing support of the HKSAR Government and our partners in nurturing innovative talent. I am delighted to see the enthusiastic response from schools to this year's Hong Kong Science Fair. With over 3,000 teachers and students participating, it underscores the aspirations of the next generation in innovation and technology. The quality of entries this year is outstanding, showcasing how AI and various technologies can be integrated to address everyday challenges, support the underprivileged, and promote sustainable development. Creativity in practice is a vital pathway for research development. I would like to express my gratitude to the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau for their commitment to cultivating the talent pool in this field, and to the Hong Kong Council for Testing and Certification for incorporating testing and certification into the Science Fair. This encourages students to blend creativity with theory and practice, establishing a solid foundation for their future endeavours in innovation and technology.'The Science Fair attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, providing an exciting glimpse into the vibrant landscape of I&T in Hong Kong through a variety of engaging games and workshops. This year, visitors can explore five captivating interactive zones. The 'Refined CORNsidue Workshop' invites children to discover the wonders of food science by transforming corn pulp into nutritious snacks. In 'Racing Homey Kart', vintage appliances are converted into remote-controlled cars, allowing participants to race them around a custom-built track in thrilling fashion. The 'Formula Derby Workshop' encourages participants to design, build and race their own wooden mini cars, tackling exciting track challenges. In 'Spin with Battery Hero', aspiring participants will construct mini electronic motors using batteries, magnets, and wires to embark on a spinning adventure, while the 'Starry Sky' zone showcases light refraction and weaving, creating a mesmerising experience that takes participants beyond the galaxy.This year's Science Fair offers an array of limited-edition items, including innovation-themed stationery, plush cushions featuring the Science Fair mascots, and trendy mobile phone accessories. Visitors can participate in an on-site stamp game, collecting all four designated stamps around the venue to earn a coupon for the 'HKSF Bazaar', adding an extra layer of engagement to their experience. HKIF will use all proceeds from the 'HKSF Bazaar', with no deductions, to support the Science Fair and local community technology initiatives, helping to nurture the next generation of innovators.Hashtag: #HongKongInnovationFoundation #HKIF #HongKongScienceFair

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About the Hong Kong Innovation Foundation

The Hong Kong Innovation Foundation (HKIF) is a non-profit organisation. It believes that innovation and technology will define our future. By nurturing young minds and accelerating innovative solutions to real-life challenges, the Foundation empowers today's innovators to transform Hong Kong into a global technology hub for tomorrow. HKIF supports innovation and technology through a holistic innovation ecosystem to build a smart and sustainable future together. We provide a variety of platforms to serve different sectors of the community and foster an innovation technology ambience in society to prepare for talent development in the technology field.

Website:

www.hkif.org.hk
STOCKHOLM  After wrapping up bilateral activities in France, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse, and the high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam landed at Stockholm Arlanda Airport on June 11 evening (local time), beginning an official visit to Sweden at the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

Those welcoming the Vietnamese leader and delegation at the airport included representatives of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sweden Tran Van Tuan, staff of the Vietnamese Embassy, and the Vietnamese community there.

This is the first visit to Sweden by a Vietnamese PM in six years, aiming to further intensify Viet Nams relations with Sweden, which holds an important role and stature in Europe.

During the trip from June 12 to 14, PM Chinh is scheduled to have talks and meetings with representatives of the Swedish Royal Family, the PM, and the Speaker of the Riksdag (Parliament) of the country. He is set to visit the close Swedish friends of Viet Nam, chair a bilateral economic forum, and meet with some large enterprises of Sweden. In addition, he will visit and deliver remarks at a leading university of the host country.

Sweden was the first Western country to recognise and establish diplomatic ties with Viet Nam when the latter was still fighting for national independence and reunification. It was also the Western country with the strongest and earliest movement in support of Viet Nams resistance war against the US.

During the period of VIet Nam's oi Moi (Renewal) and construction, Sweden has consistently provided Viet Nam with valuable material and spiritual support. Many important projects serving the people's lives built with Sweden's assistance have long been vivid symbols of the close friendship between the two countries.

However, bilateral cooperation in various fields remains modest, having yet to live up to the potential and wishes of both sides.

PM Chinhs visit is expected to create momentum for making breakthroughs, thus developing bilateral relations in a practical and effective manner, especially in the fields of politics, diplomacy, economy and, especially, science, technology, innovation, information technology, environment, climate change response, and energy  areas that match Swedens strengths and Viet Nams demand.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese President Luong Cuong on Thursday hosted an official welcome ceremony for Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and his spouse in Ha Noi, marking the beginning of a two-day official visit to Viet Nam from June 11 to 12.

This is the first high-level visit by a Lithuanian head of state to Viet Nam in many years and is seen as a significant diplomatic event.

The visit demonstrates the importance both countries place on their traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation, and is expected to open a new chapter in bilateral relations.

After the national anthems were played, the two leaders reviewed the Guard of Honour of the Viet Nam Peoples Army and introduced their respective high-level delegations.

Viet Nam and Lithuania established diplomatic relations on March 18, 1992. Over the past three decades, the two countries have strengthened their political trust and cooperative ties, supported by complementary economic strengths despite differences in scale and geography.

Viet Nam views Lithuania as a sincere partner in Central and Eastern Europe, while Lithuania acknowledges Viet Nams growing role in Southeast Asia and within ASEAN. The two countries share similar views on sustainable development, digital transformation, and addressing global challenges such as climate change and energy security.

They also cooperate closely at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, ASEM, and ASEANEU frameworks. Lithuania has been supportive of key agreements between Viet Nam and the EU, including the EUViet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EUVietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which it was among the first to ratify.

Bilateral trade reached US$192.7 million in 2023, rising to $206.97 million in 2024, and $94.7 million in the first quarter of 2025.

Officials noted Viet Nam's role as a fast-growing market of over 100 million people and gateway to ASEAN, while highlighting Lithuanias strengths in logistics, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and clean energy. Both sides are aiming to leverage existing trade agreements to improve market access and link EUASEAN supply chains.

Areas of potential cooperation include digital governance, education, science and technology, high-tech agriculture, healthcare, environmental protection, tourism, and skilled labour exchange. Lithuania is among Europes leaders in e-government and digital entrepreneurship, while Viet Nam is pursuing a national digital transformation strategy through 2030.

Following the welcome ceremony, the two presidents led their respective delegations in official talks to assess past cooperation and explore future directions. They are also scheduled to witness the signing of cooperation agreements between ministries and agencies of both countries.  VNS
Chinese company shares slow-release fertilizer technology at UN

People's Daily Online) 09:17, June 12, 2025

The 13th Plenary Assembly of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP), organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, was recently held at its headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Chinese enterprise Kingenta Group was invited to attend the event. Li Yuxiao, chairman of the company, shared Kingenta Group's experience in soil improvement and increasing crop yields, and announced a plan to make its bio-based coated slow-release fertilizer technology available worldwide.

The meeting focused on soil health and global food security. Li introduced Kingenta Group's breakthroughs in areas such as bio-based coated slow-release fertilizer technology, and systematic soil improvement.

The bio-based coated slow-release fertilizer, developed by Kingenta Group in partnership with Shandong Agricultural University and others, incorporates core research breakthroughs, has tackled several major technical challenges, and replaces traditional petrochemical coatings with environmentally friendly bio-based materials. The technology was honored with the Second Prize of the State Technological Invention Award in China.

Since launching its research and promotion efforts in slow-release fertilizers, Kingenta Group has received the national science and technology award three times and holds 158 patents in the field.

To support wider adoption, the company plans to share its slow-release fertilizer technology globally. According to Li, it will provide partners with comprehensive and customized services, including technological support, formula design, production process optimization, and application support.

Kingenta Group's initiative to share its technology attracted great interest from attendees. Experts from Germany and Egypt noted that the company's technological innovations have significantly lowered the production costs of slow-release fertilizers, making them practical for field crop cultivation. They emphasized that China's approach to promoting this technology offers a valuable model for the rest of the world.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Gerard Butler says the emotional heart of How to Train Your Dragon is linked to his rescue dog Shushka.

Gerard Butler says the emotional heart of How to Train Your Dragon is linked to his rescue dog Shushka

The 55-year-old actor, who plays the Viking warrior Stoick in the upcoming live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon, said he relates more to his characters son, Hiccup  portrayed in the new film by 16-year-old Mason Thames  than to the dragon-hunting chief he plays on screen.

Talking about making the film during an appearance on the Today show, during which he held up a picture of his rescue dog, the actor said: This is actually the day I met Shushka. We were in the middle of nowhere in Bulgaria and I found this stray dog who was pretty ill and just immediately fell in love with her.

How to Train Your Dragon, based on the DreamWorks animated franchise, follows Hiccup as he defies his communitys tradition of hunting dragons.

Instead, he befriends a wounded Night Fury, Toothless, helping the creature heal and eventually shifting the beliefs of his entire village.

Gerard went on about rescuing his new pet: It was an untrained dog, maybe from a pack of hunting dogs that got left out there.

So that story of Hiccup and Toothless feels very similar to me when we started bonding with this dog and learning a whole new language  hers, not mine  but a whole new language between us.

Gerard, who voiced Stoick in the original animated dragon trilogy, said: I think thats whats great about this movie  everybody feels a connection from many different angles.

Thats great when you tell a story like that thats affecting you in many ways and definitely reminds me of my relationship with my beloved Shushka.

In a 2019 interview with Cineplex, Butler recalled finding Shushka while filming on location.

He said: We were at the bottom of this mountain and we found this stray dog.

We were in the middle of nowhere and she was starving, just a beautiful dog. Just so present, right in your face, will just sit and look at you.

And I thought, What am I going to do, just leave her?

The dogs name also has cinematic roots.

Gerard said: There was an assistant director on the movie, going, Hey, Shuska, Shuska, and I thought, Thats a great name for a dog.

And she seems like a Shuska, but Ive since found out that Shuska actually means nothing. Its kind of like, Hey there, hey there. So my dog is called hey there.

In May, Butler posted a photograph with Shushka on Instagram, writing: Eight years ago in Bulgaria, I came home with more than just a movie  I got Shushka. Shes still the real star.
HCM CITY  Two TikTokers have been arrested in HCM City for allegedly spreading misleading claims about the recently retired police chief.

Tran Nhu Phuoc, 38, from Khanh Hoa Province, and Ngo Son Ha, 51, from Lam ong Province, were arrested by HCM City police on Wednesday for misusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of the state and its citizens, under Article 331 of the Penal Code.

Lieutenant General Le Hong Nam, who officially stepped down on June 1, is currently in the process of receiving his retirement benefits.

However, shortly after his retirement, these two TikTokers began posting videos that distorted facts and featured images of prominent leaders, using sensational titles to capture attention, according to police.

Their content included misleading information about personnel changes, restructuring within Government bodies, and even fabricated narratives about high-profile cases.

These videos quickly gained popularity, attracting thousands of views and interactions, causing public anxiety and damaging the reputation of both the former police chief and the police force as a whole.

In response, police launched an investigation and collaborated with provincial officials, resulting in the arrest of the two men who have admitted to their roles in spreading false information on social media.

The investigation is ongoing.

In a related issue, the owner of the YouTube channel Nguoi ua Tin" (translated as The Herald/Messenger), which has tw million followers, along with two associates, has recently been arrested for spreading misinformation about political leaders.

They are facing charges related to over 6,700 videos that misrepresented political actions, generating illicit earnings of over VN10 billion (US$385,000).

The police are urging citizens to follow the law, including online activities.

Online attacks, insults, or misinformation about individuals or organisations are illegal and will be prosecuted, said a police report.

Recent arrests have sparked concerns over freedom of expression and the responsibilities of content creators in representing public figures.

Despite improvements in freedom of speech, the country remains sensitive about political information.  VNS
HA NOI  State President Luong Cuong on Thursday held phone talks with President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae-myung, who officially took office on June 4.

On behalf of the State and people of Viet Nam, President Cuong congratulated Lee on his election as the 21st President of the RoK. He also conveyed congratulations from Party General Secretary To Lam and other Vietnamese leaders to the Korean President.

President Cuong appreciated the attention President Lee has paid to relations with the Asian region and emphasised that these early phone talks reflect the importance he attaches to relations with Viet Nam.

Viet Nam supports the RoKs development policies and believes that under President Lees leadership, the East Asian nation will continue to prosper, its people will enjoy greater happiness, and the countrys international role and position will be further enhanced, thereby contributing positively to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

The Vietnamese leader expressed his delight at the achievements in Viet NamRoK relations over more than 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, especially since the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He affirmed Viet Nams consistent position of valuing its relationship with the East Asian nation and expressed the desire to work closely with President Lee to promote a substantive, effective, comprehensive, and long-term development of the bilateral ties in the coming time.

For his part, President Lee expressed his sincere thanks to Party General Secretary To Lam and President Cuong for their congratulatory messages following the announcement of the presidential election results.

He affirmed that the Korean Government always regards Viet Nam as a key partner in the region and looks forward to working closely to further strengthen and deepen the bilateral relationship.

The Korean President praised Viet Nams recent socio-economic development achievements and expressed his hope to work together for the shared prosperity of both countries. He also proposed that Viet Nam continue to create favourable conditions for Korean businesses to invest and expand their operations in Viet Nam in the coming period.

The two leaders agreed on major directions to further deepen the Viet Nam-RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including continuing to maintain and promote the exchange of high-level and all-level delegations; expanding cooperation in defence, security, and the fight against transnational crime; and working closely to implement concrete actions in economic, trade, and investment cooperation to address current global challenges.

They also highlighted the importance of making science, technology, and innovation cooperation, particularly in high-tech industries, a key pillar for advancing the bilateral ties; strengthening coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums, including jointly ensuring the success of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2025 in the RoK and the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Viet Nam in 2027, as well as co-chairing the MekongRoK Cooperation mechanism.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam hosted a reception in Ha Noi on Thursday for Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda who is on a two-day official visit to Viet Nam.

Welcoming President Nauseda's historic visit, General Secretary Lam affirmed that this trip is an important milestone, contributing to promoting the Viet NamLithuania bilateral relationship more strongly, practically and effectively in the coming time.

Reviewing the positive development of the Viet NamLithuania relations over the past time, the Party leader thanked the Government and people of Lithuania for their valuable support and assistance to Viet Nam during the difficult years in the past. He affirmed that Viet Nam always attaches importance to and wants to develop relations with traditional friends, including Lithuania, an important partner of Viet Nam in the region.

He spoke highly and and congratulated Lithuania on its achievements in socio-economic development, especially its pioneering role in the fields of information technology, financial technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security, which are key areas in the current global digital transformation process, thereby increasingly enhancing Lithuania's prestige and position in the region.

For his part, President Nauseda said he is impressed by and congratulated Viet Nam on its great and historic achievements after nearly 40 years of implementing the oi moi (Renewal) process.

He emphasised that Viet Nam has now become a country with a dynamic economy, deep international integration, maintained political and social stability and constantly improving people's lives.

The President highly appreciated Viet Nam's strategic vision and development orientation on science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation; international integration in the new situation; and development of the private economic.

President Nauseda affirmed that Lithuania attaches great importance to Viet Nam's role and position in the region and the world, and wants to further promote relations with Viet Nam, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

The two leaders acknowledged the fruitful outcomes of the talks between the Lithuanian President and his Vietnamese counterpart Luong Cuong, particularly the signing of several important cooperation documents that open up practical prospects for partnership in areas where Lithuania holds strengths and Viet Nam has growing demand, like science-technology, energy, and high-tech agriculture.

The Party chief and his guest discussed key directions and measures aimed at fostering the two countries traditional friendship via increasing high-level and all-level delegation exchanges and contacts, and expanding cooperation across such sectors as trade-investment, defence-security, science-technology, innovation, energy, agriculture, and labour.

They also highlighted the significance of enhancing collaboration in education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, therefore tightening bilateral friendship for the benefit of both nations' people while boosting the role and position of each country in the region and the world, and helping them integrate deeper in supply chains and contribute to peace, cooperation and development.

General Secretary Lam expressed his appreciation and called on the Lithuanian Government to continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to live and work stably in the European country. He also suggested enhancing the training of Vietnamese students, particularly in Lithuanias areas of strength, to help develop high-quality human resources in service of both countries development goals. The Party chief also noted the importance of building a strong Vietnamese community in Lithuania, both in size and capacity, as a bridge for promoting the two sides traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation.

Sharing their views on international and regional issues of mutual concern, the two leaders agreed to strengthen coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and within the cooperation framework between the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Both sides affirmed their support for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea).  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam and Lithuania have agreed to expand cooperation mechanisms and accelerate the implementation of a double taxation avoidance agreement, aiming to remove trade barriers and boost bilateral market access, investment and economic ties.

The consensus was reached on Thursday during talks between State President Luong Cuong and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, following the official welcome ceremony for President Nauseda and his wife, who are on an official visit to Viet Nam.

President Cuong highlighted that this is the first State-level visit since Viet Nam and Lithuania established diplomatic ties in 1992, calling it a milestone that could pave the way for a deeper and more substantive partnership. He confirmed Viet Nams high regard for Lithuania as a traditional and important partner in Europe.

President Nauseda, in turn, expressed admiration for Viet Nams significant achievements during its oi moi (Renewal) process, and reaffirmed that Viet Nam is one of Lithuanias top partners in Southeast Asia. He expressed a strong desire to expand the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

During the talks, the leaders exchanged views on their respective national developments and discussed major directions and concrete measures to enhance bilateral ties across various sectors.

In terms of political and diplomatic cooperation, the two sides agreed to bolster political trust by enhancing high-level contacts and delegations across all channels, including party, government and people-to-people exchanges. This will serve to foster greater mutual understanding and confidence.

Both leaders have agreed to strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation as a key pillar of their bilateral relationship, emphasising the untapped potential for boosting two-way trade. They supported the creation of an inter-governmental committee on economic and scientific-technical cooperation, and pledged to effectively implement the EUViet Nam Free Trade Agreement to facilitate market access for each others goods, providing a gateway to both the EU and ASEAN markets.

They also committed to working closely through relevant ministries, sectors and localities to promote cooperation in specific areas.

Both sides highlighted the strong potential for complementary agricultural trade and collaboration in agricultural processing to enhance food security and sustainable development.

The two leaders also underscored the importance of cooperation in science and technology, particularly in high-tech sectors, digital transformation, information technology, financial technology, artificial intelligence, green transition and renewable energy. These areas were identified as critical to each countrys growth and ripe for bilateral collaboration.

The two sides agreed to step up cooperation in national defence and security, with a focus on combatting crime and ensuring information security. President Cuong invited President Nauseda to attend the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime, scheduled to take place in Ha Noi in October 2025.

Both leaders stressed the importance of strengthening cultural and people-to-people exchanges to foster deeper mutual understanding. They agreed to promote cooperation between localities, including through joint trade, investment and tourism promotion activities.

President Cuong acknowledged Lithuanias early ratification of the EUViet Nam Investment Protection Agreement, and urged Lithuania to advocate for the remaining EU members to ratify the pact.

He also called for Lithuanias support in encouraging the European Commission to lift the IUU 'yellow card' on Vietnamese seafood exports.

The leaders agreed to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations and ASEANEU cooperation frameworks. Viet Nam welcomed Lithuanias interest in joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and confirmed support for Lithuania in expanding cooperation with ASEAN. Lithuania, in turn, pledged to support Viet Nams deepening engagement with the EU.

President Cuong also called on Lithuanian authorities at all levels to continue supporting the Vietnamese community in Lithuania, facilitating their integration into local society.

Regarding regional and international issues of mutual concern, President Cuong asked Lithuania to continue backing ASEAN and Viet Nams positions on the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), including peaceful dispute resolution based on international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

At the end of the talks, President Nauseda extended a formal invitation for President Cuong to visit Lithuania at a mutually convenient time, which the Vietnamese leader accepted with pleasure.

The two leaders then witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements between the two countries in the fields of energy, science and technology, agriculture and finance.  VNS
KUALA LUMPUR  The senior officials meetings (SOM) within the frameworks of ASEAN, ASEAN Plus 3, the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) took place in Penang, Malaysia, on June 1011, drawing delegates from all the 10 ASEAN countries and 17 dialogue partners.

Ambassador Tran uc Binh, Director of the ASEAN Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the Vietnamese delegation to the events.

Participants congratulated Malaysia on the success and significant outcomes of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related summits in May and reaffirmed ASEANs central role in shaping regional cooperation. They welcomed the resilient, dynamic, innovative, and people-centred approach of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, calling it the guiding principle for collaboration both within ASEAN and between the bloc and parnters.

They also discussed preparations for Timor-Lestes admission as the 11th ASEAN member in October 2025. They worked to finalise procedures for the country's accession to the ASEAN Charter and build roadmaps for its engagement in other legal documents across the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars, helping Timor-Leste capitalise on benefits of the integration.

The ASEAN Secretariat reported continued progress across ASEAN-led mechanisms. Over 60 per cent of the action lines under the ASEAN Plus 3 Cooperation Work Plan (20232027) are underway, covering trade, investment, SMEs, tourism, and supply chain connectivity.

The EAS Plan of Action (20242028) has yielded positive initial results in such fields as climate, environment, energy, health, maritime, and connectivity cooperation. Meanwhile, the ARF-related mechanisms have also advanced in accordance with the outlined work plan, with many practical activities recorded in areas such as maritime security, disaster management and mitigation, transnational crime response, and counter-terrorism, the Secretariat noted.

Countries particularly stressed the importance of maintaining constructive dialogue, bridge differences, boost common points, and promote strategic trust. In turbulent global and regional landscapes, they underscored the role of multilateral cooperation based on mutual trust and respect, pledged support for ASEAN's centrality, and vowed to implement concrete and substantive cooperation programmes to contribute to peace, stability, and sustainable development.

The theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability" of ASEAN Year 2025 should continue to be consistently reflected in and guide regional cooperation processes, they said.

The meetings straightforwardly exchanged views on many international and regional issues, including those related to the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), Myanmar, the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East, and Ukraine. Delegates emphasised the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They also voiced support for ASEANs principled stance on the East Sea issue, along with the role and efforts of ASEAN, the ASEAN Chair, and the Special Envoy in implementing the Five-Point Consensus in the Myanmar issue.

They also emphasised the importance of promoting cooperation in responding to non-traditional challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, population aging, and transnational crimes, and in capitalising on emerging fields like digital economy, green transition, clean energy, food security, and artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Countries agreed to step up cooperation frameworks such as the Digital Economy Framework Agreement, the ASEAN Power Grid, the ASEAN - China Free Trade Area 3.0 upgrade, the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve, the e-vehicle ecosystem, and the cross-border payment connectivity.

At the meetings, Ambassador Binh highlighted the resilience of the ASEAN Plus 3, EAS, and ARF frameworks through crises, including the 1997 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amid growing geopolitical and geo-economic challenges, he urged focusing on new growth drivers such as digital transformation, innovation, smart agriculture, renewable energy, harmonising cross-border data regulations, increasing support for SMEs, and boosting investment in infrastructure connectivity and sustainable finance.

The Vietnamese diplomat also reiterated ASEANs principle stance and highlighted the role of international law and the 1982 UNCLOS. He affirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, stressing the principle of exercising self-restraint and not taking any action that may complicate the situation. He called for stronger efforts to soon finalise an efficient and substantive code of conduct (COC) in the East Sea that is in line with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS, and to push ahead with the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the East Sea, thereby helping secure a conducive environment for COC negotiations.

Binh also affirmed support for efforts to assist Myanmar to find a feasible and sustainable solution matching the Five-Point Consensus. He proposed the parties concerned to expand and extend the ceasefire nationwide to facilitate humanitarian aid.

On the sidelines, the ambassador met with heads of several delegations to discuss issues of mutual interest.  VNS
STOCKHOLM  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has told top business leaders in Sweden that Viet Nam is rolling out comprehensive reforms to eliminate key obstacles in the decision-making process for foreign investment projects.

Speaking on Thursday (local time) at a business breakfast in Stockholm with executives from Swedens leading economic groups, PM Chinh said Viet Nam aims to cut at least 30 per cent of business investment conditions, reduce administrative processing time by 30 per cent, and lower compliance costs by the same margin.

The meeting was part of his official visit to the Kingdom of Sweden at the invitation of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

In attendance were Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) and Chair of Wallenberg Investments AB, along with executives from group-affiliated companies such as AstraZeneca and Ericsson. Discussions centred on exploring investment opportunities in Viet Nam across energy, finance, science, technology and telecommunications.

Addressing the choice of digital infrastructure partners amid growing concerns over national cybersecurity, PM Chinh emphasised that Viet Nam prioritises high-tech, trustworthy and long-standing partners. He highlighted Swedens Ericsson as a preferred collaborator.

He encouraged Ericsson and other Swedish enterprises to expand their investments in Viet Nams information technology infrastructure, particularly in remote and underserved regions.

Addressing concerns from Swedish businesses about procedural and regulatory hurdles in Viet Nams investment landscape, PM Chinh emphasised that the country is undergoing a revolution in administrative reform to better serve both citizens and enterprises.

PM Chinh said Viet Nam is restructuring its State apparatus and implementing a two-tier government model aimed at greater efficiency and responsiveness. He underscored efforts to streamline or eliminate burdensome administrative procedures and noted the launch of the National Investment Portal and National Legal Portal  digital platforms designed to cut time, costs and red tape for investors and the public alike.

PM Chinh expressed confidence that Swedish businesses concerns will soon be resolved through these ongoing reforms.

On the question of opportunities in clean energy and grid development, the Prime Minister highlighted Viet Nams recently approved Power Development Plan 8, along with relevant legislation such as the Electricity Law and private sector development resolutions. These policies aim to attract private investment into energy production and transmission.

Viet Nam has already joined the ASEAN power grid network and is preparing to export clean energy to countries like Malaysia and Singapore. This will create significant investment opportunities for Swedish firms in this field, he added.

Responding to inquiries about opportunities in robotics and semiconductor R&D and production, PM Chinh confirmed Viet Nams strategic focus on these industries. He called on Swedish companies to invest capital, transfer technology, share management expertise and help train Viet Nams high-tech workforce.

He also stressed that Viet Nam has adopted breakthrough policies to promote science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, offering clear direction and transparent, open mechanisms. The country ensures the lawful rights and interests of investors, protects property rights and economic freedoms, and resolves disputes through civil and economic means.

Looking ahead, PM Chinh pledged that businesses will experience a new way of doing things and a 'new spirit' in Viet Nam, which is marked by policies designed to create win-win outcomes for investors.

He said that Viet Nam always listens, supports and creates the most favourable conditions possible for all businesses, especially foreign investors, including those from Sweden, to succeed in long-term, sustainable partnerships.  VNS
HA NOI  UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix has appreciated Viet Nams sustained support for UN peacekeeping operations and its commitment to strengthening the role of women, particularly female police officers, in such missions.

Addressing a workshop in Ha Noi on Thursday on enhancing the participation of female police officers in UN peacekeeping operations, Lacroix expressed a hope for continued partnership with Viet Nam in this field.

He pointed out several ways to enhance womens participation in peacekeeping, such as expanding training opportunities, increasing nominations of female candidates, including for leadership roles, and fostering a more inclusive working environment.

The event, held by the Ministry of Public Security in collaboration with UN Women, affirmed the ministrys strong commitment to promoting gender equality and elevating the role of female officers from the Peoples Public Security force in global peacekeeping efforts.

Sen. Lieu. Gen. Le Quoc Hung, Deputy Minister of Public Security, said the workshop is a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to share their vision and affirm their commitment to increasing the participation of Vietnamese female police officers in UN peacekeeping operations. He described the topic as not only deeply humanitarian but also strategically important in advancing international cooperation on peace and security.

Hung said that the Government and Ministry of Public Security have made significant commitments to UN peacekeeping efforts. Notably, the ministrys current female participation rate in peacekeeping missions stands at 33.3 per cent, exceeding the UN target of 20 per cent.

Angela Pratt, Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, stressed that boosting womens representation in peacekeeping is not only a matter of gender equity but also critical to improving operational effectiveness.

Viet Nam is currently exceeding the global benchmark for the participation of female police officers in peacekeeping missions, she said, urging the country to maintain this momentum, especially by promoting women to leadership and other key positions within missions.

Discussions at the workshop focused on the current situation and challenges facing female officers in peacekeeping roles, the UNs policies and gender equality requirements, and international best practices in deploying female police personnel to peacekeeping operations.

Participants also mentioned existing policy gaps and proposed concrete measures to enhance the role, representation, and quality of female officers, including those from Viet Nams Peoples Public Security force, in UN peacekeeping missions.

Representatives from UN Women and the UN in Viet Nam reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the countrys peacekeeping journey through technical assistance, capacity-building, and facilitating access to financial resources such as the Elsie Initiative Fund.

The event further highlighted Viet Nams commitment to implementing its first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (20242030) and to contributing significantly to the global agenda under the UN's Pact for the Future.

The workshop concluded with a strong collective call to promote gender-sensitive leadership and harmonised policy frameworks to advance gender equality in peace and security.  VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man hosted a reception for Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda in Ha Noi on Thursday as the latter is paying an official visit to Viet Nam.

NA Chairman Man said that Viet Nam always remembers Lithuanias past support to Viet Nam, particularly in training skilled engineers and workers, and in sending experts, equipment, and materials to aid the countrys reconstruction.

He reaffirmed Viet Nams commitment to strengthening ties with the European Union (EU), including traditional partners such as Lithuania. On this occasion, the Viet Namese NA Chairman asked President Nauseda to convey his greetings and invitation to the Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas (Parliament) to pay an official visit to Viet Nam.

Highlighting the encouraging growth in bilateral trade, Man noted that two-way trade exceeded US$200 million in 2024 and reached $94.7 million in the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 94.4 per cent year-on-year. However, he noted that these figures still fell short of the two countries full potential and encouraged businesses to leverage the EUViet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to boost investment and trade.

The NA Chairman emphasised the role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and trust, particularly by overseeing the implementation of agreements and improving the legal framework to facilitate economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

He proposed stepping up high-level delegation exchanges and close coordination at multilateral parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP), and noted that bilateral friendship parliamentarians groups serve as an essential bridge in strengthening legislative ties and broader cooperation.

For his part, President Nauseda congratulated Viet Nam on its significant achievements in recent years. Describing Viet Nam as one of Lithuanias leading partners in Southeast Asia, the Lithuanian President showed his delight at the positive momentum in bilateral ties and agreed that both sides should continue to enhance political trust and connectivity through various engagement channels.

The Lithuanian leader voiced support for stronger cooperation in economy, trade, and investment, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, education and training, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. He affirmed Lithuanias willingness to share expertise and collaborate with Viet Nam in areas where it holds advantages, including fintech, cybersecurity, and renewable energy.

NA Chairman Man praised the Lithuanian Parliament for its early ratification of the EUViet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and called on Lithuania to help expedite the ratification process in other EU member states.

He also asked for Lithuanias backing in urging the European Commission to lift the IUU yellow card on Viet Nams seafood exports. In return, he affirmed Viet Nams support for Lithuanias accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

President Nauseda confirmed Lithuanias readiness to work closely with Viet Nam in international organisations and multilateral forums, especially the United Nations. He stressed the importance of settling disputes through peaceful measures based on international law, particularly the UN Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), contributing to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world at large.  VNS
STOCKHOLM  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday affirmed that Viet Nam will remain a loyal friend of Sweden and expressed his confidence that the two nations will continue moving forward together.

During a policy address at the Stockholm School of Economics as part of his ongoing visit to Sweden, PM Chinh said Viet Nam and Sweden now have a historic opportunity to rise and assert themselves as leading regional economies.

The leader called for both nations to elevate their long-standing friendship and sustainable cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit, contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in Southeast Asia and Northern Europe, and more broadly, in the Asia-Pacific and Europe.

PM Chinh expressed his deep appreciation for Swedens enduring solidarity with Viet Nam. He recalled the gift of the documentary Victory Viet Nam, which includes footage of Swedish citizens taking to the streets to celebrate Viet Nams April 30 victory as their own.

The PM underlined that his visit coincides with several historic milestones for Viet Nam: the 80th anniversary of the countrys founding, the 50th anniversary of national reunification, and the 35th anniversary of Viet NamEU diplomatic relations.

Throughout that arduous yet resilient journey, he affirmed, the Government and people of Sweden have remained faithful and heartfelt companions of Viet Nam.

He described Sweden as a vivid symbol of compassion and sincere friendship in the memories of many Vietnamese people. Major development projects such as the Viet Nam National Children's Hospital (Viet Nam-Sweden Children's Hospital), the Viet NamSweden Hospital and the Bai Bang Paper Mill have become enduring icons of this relationship.

Looking ahead, PM Chinh emphasised that in the era of connectivity and deep global integration, shaped by digitalisation, smart technologies, and innovation, the future is being profoundly influenced by the explosive growth of science and technology, especially digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI); the intensifying impact of both traditional and non-traditional security challenges; and a growing trend of fragmentation and polarisation due to global geopolitical and geo-economic competition.

He stressed that at the same time, the world is also being led by pioneering transformations in the digital economy, green economy and circular economy; the Fourth Industrial Revolution, innovation and start-ups; and the cultivation of high-quality human resources and AI.

He argued that these global challenges and opportunities require approaches that are inclusive, people-centred, and comprehensive. As such, countries must adopt holistic and globally coordinated solutions, while striving to enhance self-reliance, resilience, and resource sharing to respond flexibly and effectively to emerging global issues.

The PM called for breakthrough cooperation between Viet Nam and Sweden, stressing the importance of advancing political and diplomatic relations and promoting shared values, political trust, and close friendship. He suggested that both sides should work to define major orientations that will create new momentum for their bilateral relationship, particularly in science, technology, innovation, and sustainable development.

In a world that is increasingly volatile and uncertain, he said, Viet Nam and Sweden must continue to uphold multilateralism, respect for the United Nations Charter and international law, and actively promote dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful solutions to disputes.

Viet Nam stands ready to work with Sweden in promoting peace, cooperation, and development across Southeast Asia and Northern Europe, thereby contributing to a more substantive and effective ASEANEU Strategic Partnership, he noted.

PM Chinh also stressed the need for a breakthrough in economic, trade, investment, and development cooperation to reflect the scale and potential of both economies. He reaffirmed Viet Nams commitment to effectively implementing the EUViet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and called for the early entry into force of the EUViet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). The two countries, he said, should also develop signature projects and scale up successful models of Swedish businesses operating in Viet Nam.

The PM also noted his hope for stronger ties in science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and green transition, viewing these as key drivers of bilateral cooperation. He called for the prompt implementation of the Strategic Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation, which will be formally established during this visit.

He highlighted the importance of promoting people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in culture, arts, tourism, and local partnerships. Both sides should work to create favourable conditions for citizens to live, work, and study in each others countries, including through the introduction of special visa policies for priority groups and high-skilled professionals.

PM Chinh thanked the Government and people of Sweden for supporting the 22,000-strong Vietnamese community in the country, helping them integrate and contribute positively to their host society.

Dr. Sophie Roy, Senior Executive Vice President of the Stockholm School of Economics, reaffirmed the long-standing and positive ties between Sweden and Viet Nam. She emphasised the central role of education and research in fostering sustainable development, innovation, and mutual understanding. Dr. Roy shared that the school currently hosts several Vietnamese students and expressed her hope that the number will continue to grow as academic cooperation deepens in the future.  VNS
HA NOI  The 11th edition of the National External Information Service Awards was officially launched on Thursday by the Steering Committee for External Relations Information, the Party Central Committees Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation, and the Vietnam Television.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Pham Tat Thang, deputy head of the Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation, affirmed that over the past ten editions, the award has established itself as a prestigious and distinctive platform that celebrates creativity and innovation without limits.

The judging council welcomes submissions from all corners of Viet Nam and from abroad, in various forms and languages, united by a shared affection for Viet Nam and its people.

The past decade of the award coincides with a period of dynamic change and development in Viet Nam. The country has increasingly attracted international attention and has frequently featured in major global media outlets and on digital platforms, especially in recent years, Thang noted.

The award council hopes that the 11th edition will serve as a vital channel for conveying Viet Nam's development message to the international community, and represent a milestone in the implementation of the Politburos Conclusion No.57 on continuing to improve the quality and efficiency of external information service in the new situation, he said.

The council also aim to broaden the awards appeal both domestically and internationally, especially encouraging greater participation from young people and influential public figures (Key Opinion Leaders-KOLs).

o uc Hoang, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Television, stated that immediately following the launch, the broadcaster will direct its units to produce promotional trailers guiding public participation. These will be broadcast frequently across TV channels and digital platforms to expand the awards outreach and reinforce the importance of external relations information in the current context.

The 11th National External Information Service Awards will honour works in eight categories: print newspapers/magazines in Vietnamese language; print newspapers/magazines in foreign languages; radio broadcasts; television broadcasts; books; photographs; digital-multimedia products; and initiatives and products with external relations information value.

Submissions must be published, released, or announced through mass media, or activities and events organised domestically or internationally, during the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. For works/products released before or after this period, two-thirds of their content must be published during the stipulated period to be qualified.

Entries can be uploaded via the official website: https://giaithuong.ttdn.vn, under the Gui bai du thi (Submit Entry) section.

The deadline for entries is August 5, 2025.  VNA/VNS
Harris Yulin has died at the age of 87.

Harris Yulin has died at the age of 87

The actor was best known for his roles in Scarface, Ghostbusters II, and had a career that spanned more than 60 years, but he passed away on Tuesday (10.06.25) after suffering a cardiac arrest, his manager Sue Leibman has revealed to Deadline.

The Hollywood star is survived by his wife Kristen Lowman but his daughter Claire Lucido - whom he had with first wife Gwen Welles - passed away herself in 2021 following a long illness.

Born in Los Angeles, Harris made his stage debut in a production of James Saunders Next Time Ill Sing to You but did not make it to Broadway until 1980, when he was cast in Watch on the Rhine.

He was a regular face on screen throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and became known for his role as corrupt cop Mel Bernstein in the film Scarface but also appeared in hit movies like Candy Mountain, Fatal Beauty and Another Woman.

In the decades that followed, he appeared opposite Harrison Ford in Clear and Present Danger and in Al Pacino's Looking for Richard.

Harris also had a lenghty career on television, having held regular roles in How the West Was Won, the US soap opera As The World Turns, and 24 but also made guest appearances on shows such as Frasier, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

In the final years of his career, he starred in episodes of the Showtime series Billions, Ozark and FBI: Most Wanted but his last on-screen appearance came in the form of the 2024 film Omni Loop.

But the Broadway star had been gearing up to film a MGM+ series American Classic in the days before his death, and director Michael Hoffman led the tributes.

In a statement, he said: "Harris Yulin was very simply one of the greatest artists I have ever encountered.

"His marriage of immense technique with an always fresh sense of discovery, gave his work an immediacy and vitality and purity I've experienced nowhere else. And what he was as an actor, he was as a man, the grace, the humility, the generosity. All of us at American Classic have been blessed by our experience with him. He will always remain the beating heart of our show."
NINH THUAN  Authorities in the southern province of Ninh Thuan have asked the Government to advance VN3.2 trillion (US$123 million) to accelerate land clearance and resettlement for two planned nuclear power plants.

In a report submitted to the Prime Minister, the provincial Peoples Committee said it had reviewed land use and begun relocation efforts for the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2.

The authorities requested that the Ministry of Finance allocate VN3.2 trillion to support these activities. Additional funds may be requested later, depending on project scope, boundaries and urgency.

They also requested the Prime Minister to separate compensation, resettlement, and land clearance into an independent sub-project. This would allow the authorities to proceed without waiting for investment adjustment approvals.

They also called for a clear directive on the boundary for land clearance. Currently, clearance is being carried out within 500m of the project fence, following guidelines from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and a prime ministerial decision.

However, a document issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology in April stated that residential areas must be located at least 1km from the plants peeimeter.

The Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project consists of two plants with a combined capacity of about 4,600MW - 2,400 MW for Ninh Thuan 1 and 2,200 MW for Ninh Thuan 2.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnamese authorities have initiated a criminal investigation against Nguyen Ba Hoan, former Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (now Ministry of Home Affairs), along with three other officials, over allegations of bribery.

Preliminary findings suggest that Hoan allegedly directed the Department of Overseas Labour Management to impose licensing requirements that were not legally mandated for companies involved in labour export contracts.

These additional conditions reportedly created obstacles for businesses, effectively compelling them to offer bribes to ministry and department officials to secure approval for their operations.

Investigators revealed that companies concealed these illicit payments by inflating service fees charged to workers, often exceeding legal limits, thereby misappropriating funds from them.

On June 3 and June 10, authorities issued supplementary decisions to prosecute the case, along with arrest warrants, search orders, and preventive measures.

The three other officials from the Department of Overseas Labour Management now facing prosecution are Director Tong Hai Nam, former Deputy Director Nguyen Gia Liem, and Deputy Director Pham Viet Huong.

The authorities have called on businesses and individuals involved to come forward to be considered for leniency under the law.  VNS
ENABLE is a platform dedicated to accelerating battery storage deployment across the Asia-Pacific region by pooling and concentrating human and financial resources to fast-track BESS projects, together with other similar-minded development partners. The grant, to be administered by the ADB, consists of $500,000 in financing from the Smart Energy Innovation Fund under the Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility and $250,000 from GEAPP.

ENABLE addresses key barriers by providing technical expertise, project development support, and innovative financing solutions that will help countries integrate more renewable energy into their grids, said Cindy Cisneros-Tiangco, ADB's director of Emerging Areas, Energy Sector Office. "With energy demand growing rapidly across the region, battery storage represents a critical technology for ensuring stable, reliable, and clean power systems.

The need is urgent in Asia-Pacific, where renewable energy is expanding rapidly. The renewables capacity in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow by nearly 430GW from 2023 to 2028. Solar installations will account for two-thirds of the growth, the majority of which will be from utility-scale deployments. With this significant expansion of renewable energy, BESS solutions are essential for grid stability and renewable energy optimisation.

The countrys latest power development plan, approved in May 2023, aims to more than double the maximum power generated to 150GW by 2030, up from 69GW in 2020. The plan pivots away from coal and expects to achieve nearly half of total generating capacity from renewable sources. Vietnam is already a regional leader in this, with an installed capacity of 21GW of renewable energy, but faces power shortages due to a lack of transmission infrastructure and renewable energy integration.

By 2030, Vietnam is aiming for 49 per cent of its energy capacity to be from solar and wind power. But to get there, well need battery energy storage systems. GEAPP has had our backs these past two years, supporting crucial studies on frequency control, replacing coal-fired power plants with renewables and BESS in North Vietnam, and provide blueprints for how BESS and solar power can strengthen our energy system. And now, with the newly launched ENABLE platform, were pushing even further to close the policy gap and bring BESS into Vietnams electricity market, Nguyen Manh Cuong, a representative from the Institute of Energy, said.

"The rapid growth of renewables in the region represents both an achievement and a challenge," said Kitty Bu, vice president of Southeast Asia at GEAPP. "Through ENABLE, GEAPP is helping address the critical battery storage gap that could constrain the region's clean energy potential. Our approach is distinctive, we use philanthropic capital to reduce risk and mobilise greater investment from the private sector. Our collaboration with the ADB enables us to address market barriers systematically and create conditions where BESS becomes an attractive, mainstream investment opportunity throughout the region."

The ENABLE platform will focus on accelerating BESS deployment through a comprehensive approach that includes technical assistance, pilot project preparation, and capacity-building initiatives for key stakeholders across the energy sector.

It will help address key barriers to BESS adoption, including lack of technical understanding, high costs, concerns about cost impacts on consumers, and limited access to concessional financing, all critical for the region to achieve its green transition goals.

Over an initial three-year period, ENABLE will prioritise Vietnam, Mongolia, and Cambodia, with a customised approach based on each countrys stage of BESS development. With plans to scale up, the platform aims to expand its reach to additional countries in the region. Initial focus areas include private-led grid-scale BESS integration studies, policy frameworks, procurement guidelines, technical standards, application of digital tools like AI, and innovative business models for storage deployment. Countries will receive targeted support for integrating BESS with their growing renewable capacity.

By creating fast-track bankable projects and enabling conditions for private investment, this landmark partnership between the ADB and GEAPP aims to make BESS a cornerstone of the regions sustainable energy future. ENABLE brings together diverse stakeholders, including other development partners, and innovative financing approaches to establish a replicable project development model that will support the region's long-term clean energy transition while creating economic benefits across Asia-Pacific.

BESS Task Force to accelerate Vietnams clean energy transition The Electricity Authority of Vietnam, in collaboration with the Vietnam Energy Partnership Group (VEPG) and supported by the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), officially launched the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Task Force on April 9 in Hanoi.

ADB works with MoF to mobilise more loans for sustainable development Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang received Scott Morris, vice president for East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), on April 15 to discuss how to improve the efficiency of loan use.
This venture marks a significant step towards fostering international cooperation in the international hydrogen space. The MoU defines various areas for collaboration. This partnership will foster a mutually beneficial environment for knowledge exchange and capacity building.

This partnership will support the sharing of industry reports, educational materials, and best practices, while facilitating the exchange of information on government policies, regulatory frameworks, and incentives relevant to the hydrogen sector. It will also include the co-organisation of seminars, webinars, and networking events in both Vietnam and Canada, creating opportunities to connect government, industry, and research communities focused on the development of hydrogen.

Both organisations recognise the important role that hydrogen can play in a low carbon future and will endeavour to work together to pursue the possibility of clean hydrogen procurement and the potential for hydrogen-based energy use.

We look forward to partnering with our colleagues at VAHC to advance the hydrogen economies in our respective countries, said Nicolas Hilario, interim president and CEO of the CHA. This is an immense opportunity to increase trade within ASEAN as we share many similarities in our energy and transportation sectors, and the sharing of best practices will be to our mutual interest.

The CHA is the first hydrogen association that we have formed a partnership with on the American continent, says Le Ngoc Anh Minh, chairman of the VAHC. We will enhance collaboration with the CHA to promote hydrogen technologies, project development, and joint seminars to build strong hydrogen communities in Vietnam, ASEAN, and Canada on our Asia-Pacific net-zero journey.

Potential is there for hydrogen alternative Although Vietnams green hydrogen market remains at its early stages, there have been some developments to unlock it. Markus Bissel, project director of the International Hydrogen Ramp-up Programme from GIZ Vietnam, spoke with VIRs Thanh Van with an overview of Vietnams green hydrogen market.

Green hydrogen: a strategic leap towards sustainability Green hydrogen has the potential to transform Vietnams energy landscape and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. RMIT senior lecturer of Logistics and Supply Chain Management Dr. Majo George explained to Minh Ngoc why it is high time Vietnam invested in green hydrogen technology.
Hanoi-based Citi volunteers planted trees at Hung Cuong Primary and Secondary School in Hung Yen province. Ho Chi Minh City-based Citi staff helped build a new playground for Gia Huynh Primary School in Binh Thuan province.

Every year since 2006, Citi employees globally have joined Community Day events in June. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Global Community Day (GCD).

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of GCD this year, Id like to take a moment to recognise the Citi volunteers across Vietnam who have dedicated their time, talent, and efforts to give back. Our tree planting campaigns have brought Citi volunteers and communities together to form a social movement for environmental protection, supporting the governments 1-billion-tree initiative, said Pham Huu Hai, Citi Hanoi branch director, at the event in Hung Yen province.

Since Citis first GCD, the bank has completed over 1.2 million volunteer engagements across more than 80 countries and territories. Thats resulted in millions of meals provided to families in need, and thousands of trees planted. These are only a few examples of the impact Citi has made across the globe.

A beautiful playground allows the children to have space for sharing moments together. Our volunteerism not only helps the environment, it shows our commitment to empowering future generations, said Lai Minh Thuy, Citi Ho Chi Minh City branch director, at the event in Binh Thuan province.

Citi will continue the community activities in June with two blood donation campaigns in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on June 20. The programmes aim to create wider awareness of the vital role of blood transfusion in saving lives and assisting the recovery of patients.

Citi celebrates 30 years of excellence in Vietnam Amol Gupte, Citi Asia South head, and Ramachandran A.S., Citi Vietnams country officer and banking head, have jointly hosted landmark anniversary celebrations with stakeholders.

Citi Vietnam named best commercial bank The Asset Triple A Sustainable Finance Awards 2025 honoured Citi Vietnam in the category of local Best Commercial Bank.
Eligible banks and enterprises will soon be permitted to import raw gold and produce bullion. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  Vietnams gold market is poised for significant reform as eligible banks and enterprises will soon be permitted to import raw gold and produce bullion  a move expected to invigorate the sector with increased competition and more brands.

Dao Xuan Tuan, Director of the Foreign Exchange Management Department at the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), told the Lao dong (Labour) daily that the SBV is in the process of finalising a draft Government decree that amends Decree 24/2012/ND-CP, aimed at gradually liberalising the gold bullion market while ensuring stringent regulatory oversight.

A key proposal in the draft is to allow eligible banks and enterprises to import raw gold and produce bullion  a function that, until now, has been exclusively assigned to a single entity.

The SBV will issue licences to the credit institutions and enterprises meeting requirements to import raw gold to produce bullion, or use the imported material to produce jewellery, Tuan was quoted by the newspaper.

Material import quotas will be granted basing on macroeconomic conditions, the monetary policy, and market fluctuations. This new approach is intended to dismantle the existing monopoly while maintaining the States regulatory and supervisory role.

Under the proposed regulations, licensed bullion producers must publicly declare quality standards, maintain detailed transaction records, and integrate their data systems with those of regulatory authorities.

Tuan emphasised that enterprises will be held accountable if product quality does not match the declared standards, adding that data about bullion transactions must be transparent as they are subject to audit at any time.

The permission of multiple bullion brands is hoped to create a more competitive marketplace, narrow price differentials between brands, and ultimately benefit consumers.

To further enhance market transparency and oversight, all payments for bullion transactions will be required to be made via bank accounts and accompanied by electronic invoices  a measure aimed at improving financial tracking and control.

Regarding the jewellery gold sector, Tuan noted that while over 6,000 enterprises are currently active in the production and trading of jewellery gold, most are small-scaled businesses lacking the financial capacity to obtain import licences.

To address this, the draft decree stipulates that only credit institutions and bullion producers eligible to produce gold bullion are licensed to import raw gold. These entities may then supply raw materials to domestic jewellery manufacturers.

This regulation will both increase the supply of raw gold and ensure that import activities remain under control, he noted.

Licensed importers will also be required to establish transparent internal processes, keep full transaction records, and connect their information systems with the relevant authorities to support inspection and monitoring.

The revised decree is expected to represent a turning point for Vietnams gold market, laying a stepping stone for a more competitive and transparent market operating in line with market changes and the law.

Policy overhaul aims to modernise gold market framework Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered the revision of Decree No.24/2012/ND-CP on gold trading to be completed by the end of June, a move that may allow businesses to resume gold imports.
The milestone affirms the restaurants premium culinary quality and outstanding service, the result of continuous innovation, creativity, and the preservation of Hemispheres' unique identity over more than 20 years of operation.

In 2024, the restaurant underwent a complete renovation with a more modern and youthful design, and introduced a refreshed menu that strongly embraces the spirit of global culinary exploration  harmonising Western techniques with local Vietnamese ingredients. The Michelin Selected 2025 honour, therefore, becomes even more meaningful as it recognises the restaurant team's year-long transformation.

"Being honoured by the Michelin Guide for three consecutive years is an incredibly proud milestone for the entire Hemispheres team. We see this as motivation to continue elevating the dining experience and affirming Vietnam's culinary identity on the global map," Nguyen Cong Chung, director of culinary and executive chef, Sheraton Hanoi Hotel.

Hemispheres is one of the few fine-dining restaurants in Hanoi that follows a culinary philosophy inspired by the concept of the 'hemispheres'  representing global exploration and human connection through cuisine. Under the leadership of Nguyen Cong Chung  named Asias Best Chef 2017  and current chef Nam Nguyen, the menu showcases the perfect blend of refined European techniques and exceptional local ingredients such as Quang An kumquat, Ly Son garlic, Phu Quoc pink pepper, and Nha Trang lobster.

Since first being selected by the Michelin Guide in 2023, Hemispheres has seen a strong increase in both domestic and international diners, especially among international guests staying in Hanoi. Continued recognition through Michelin Selected has solidified the restaurants leading position in Vietnams fine-dining scene, setting new standards for quality, consistency, and guest experience.

"We are proud to see Hemispheres not only as a culinary icon of Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, but also as a destination recognised on the international stage. This Michelin award is a testament to the passion, dedication, and talent of our culinary and service teams," Tiffany Hwang, general manager, Sheraton Hanoi Hotel.

Hemispheres consecutive selection by the Michelin Guide over three years is clear proof of the teams tireless efforts  and a stepping stone to even greater international recognition. The 2025 Michelin Selected distinction confirms that Hemispheres meets global culinary standards and proudly represents Vietnamese identity through taste and storytelling.

Hemispheres Steak And Seafood Grill nominated for prestigious award Hemispheres Steak and Seafood Grill, the renowned fine-dining restaurant at Sheraton Hanoi Hotel, has been nominated for the 2025 World Culinary Awards in the category of 'Vietnams Best Hotel Restaurant'.

MB recognised as Best FX Bank in Vietnam for second consecutive year Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB) has once again been honoured by The Asian Banker as the Best FX Bank in Vietnam at the Transaction Banking Awards 2025, held in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 22.
In its 18th edition, Kid Witness News has continued to attract children and teenagers aged from 10 to 18. The initiative received 200 scripts from 400 students nationwide. This year's works demonstrate the multidimensional, fresh thinking, and independent perspectives of the younger generation.

The course will run in June and July, and students can experience the entire filmmaking process, from scriptwriting to directing, acting, filming, and post-production. In addition, extracurricular activities will help develop students soft skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking, planning, and social awareness.

Oka Hiroyuki, director of Panasonic Vietnam

Oka Hiroyuki, director of Panasonic Vietnam, shared, For nearly two decades, Kid Witness News has been a creative and inspiring playground for Vietnamese children, the future generation of the country. I believe that Vietnamese children love this initiative. Kid Witness News is not simply a summer camp, it is a journey of growing up. I have been happy to receive positive feedback from parents and students in previous seasons.

Themed Discovering Vietnamese culture through the lens of children, this years event features familiar topics such as the environment, sports, and communication, while creating opportunities for children to express their viewpoints and connect more deeply with their homelands heritage.

In addition to filmmaking training with professional equipment, children can also experience culture through activities with the Hanoi Museum. This will be a rich source of material for them to create authentic and emotional stories.

"We appreciate and pay attention to cultural projects like Kid Witness News 2025. Panasonic has brought the opportunity to learn and get familiar with national culture for the future owners of the country. We hope that through this programme, children will learn more about national pride, respect, and gratitude for their traditional cultural values, contributing to shaping Vietnamese people, Nguyen Tien Da, director of the Hanoi Museum, said.

This year, Panasonic is collaborating with the TPD Centre for Film Talent Development and the Hanoi Museum to offer a series of practical and engaging experiences. One initiative is becoming a child reporter to make a short report at the Panasonic factory. Children can also exchange and learn from famous directors and actors who will directly accompany, guide, and inspire them on their filmmaking journey. They can visit traditional cultural and artistic spaces to find ideas and creative materials for their works.

Another initiative is learning acting at the Youth Theatre, a national cultural exchange space that combines a long tradition with youthfulness, dynamism, and modernity. For the first time, filmmaking groups are being handed the latest generation of Panasonic Lumix filming equipment with outstanding image quality thanks to the Micro Four Thirds sensor. Children can easily edit cinematic movies with 4K recording mode, even when they are new to filming. With a compact design, it will be convenient and easy for young camera operators to record every moment.

Panasonic launches HARMONY+ Edition refrigerator Panasonic Vietnam on December 9 officially launched its latest refrigerator  the Panasonic HARMONY+ Edition, possessing a unique Slot-in wall design that brings seamlessness and delicate touches.

Panasonic plants mangrove forest in Thai Binh province On March 8, Panasonic took a further step to contributing to create a green Vietnam by organising the tree planting programme to plant and donate 10,000 trees for the Thai Thuy Wetland Nature Reserve (Thai Binh) with the active participation of 120 employees.
According to data from the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, Vietnams steel export value dropped by 15 per cent on-year in May, bringing in just over $600 million.

In the first five months of 2025, total steel exports amounted to $3.09 billion, down 23.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

The United States, a major export destination, has seen the sharpest decline.

Vietnams steel exports to the US fell to $308.4 million in the first five months of the year, a staggering 49 per cent decrease on-year.

Concurrently, the average steel price dropped 27 per cent, falling from $34.15 per tonne to $24.92 per tonne.

Steel prices came under renewed pressure after the US raised import tariffs on steel and aluminium from 25 per cent to 50 per cent on June 4, a move aimed at protecting domestic manufacturers.

In addition to the universal 25 per cent import duty, Vietnamese steel producers are also facing potential anti-dumping tariffs on galvanised steel products.

In early April, the US Department of Commerce announced preliminary findings from an anti-dumping investigation into galvanised steel imports, launched last September.

The preliminary duties are substantial, with major steelmakers bearing the brunt, such as Hoa Sen Group facing a 59 per cent tariff; Hoa Phat Group and Nam Kim Steel subject to 49.42 per cent, Ton Dong A 39.84 per cent; and other firms 88.12 per cent.

These rates are not final, with the US Department of Commerce expected to issue a final ruling on August 18, with a conclusive decision due in October.

Assessing the impact of external developments on the domestic steel industry, Tran Hoang Son, chief market strategist at VPBankS, noted that if President Trump's threat to impose 50 per cent tariffs had emerged two or three months earlier, it would have posed significant disruption to Vietnamese steel and galvanised steel exporters. Imports of Vietnamese steel into the US have already declined markedly since tariffs were enforced in April.

Despite the tough tariff environment, the VPBankS analyst believes that the worst may be behind for the rest of the year, arguing that the current impact will be limited, even under heavy-handed US trade policies.

Moreover, opportunities have emerged from this crisis.

For example, Hoa Phat has managed to continue exporting steel tubes to the US without incurring anti-dumping duties, by certifying that their products originate from Vietnamese-produced hot-rolled coil (HRC).

According to Nguyen Thi Thu Hang, an analyst at Vietcombank Securities (VCBS), this not only allows Hoa Phat to boost steel tube exports but also opens up new sales opportunities for domestic galvanised steel producers that meet origin requirements and qualify for tariff exemptions.

Additionally, preliminary results from Europes anti-dumping probe into HRC imports have shown that the company is likely to face a zero per cent tariff, providing a potential competitive edge in the EU market.

While exports are shrinking, the domestic market is expected to help mitigate the impact.

In the first quarter (Q1) of this year, Hoa Phat reported a 21.9 per cent on-year increase in revenue and a 16.5 per cent rise in post-tax profit. Much of this growth came from higher domestic sales of construction steel and HRC.

Shinhan Securities forecast that Hoa Phat could achieve over 20 per cent growth in steel consumption volume this year, supported by the commercial operation of its Dung Quat 2 plant and improving macroeconomic conditions.

Hoa Phat is not alone. Hoa Sen Group saw domestic sales of galvanised steel surge 41 per cent in Q1, partially offsetting a 38 per cent decline in exports. As a result, the companys Q1 revenue fell just 9 per cent on-year.

In contrast, Nam Kim has struggled to make up for declining exports. Domestic sales remain sluggish, leading to a 23 per cent drop in Q1 net revenue and a more than 50 per cent fall in profits compared to the same period last year.

Looking ahead, BIDV Securities Company (BSC) noted in its Q2 outlook that domestic steel consumption is rebounding, with a 53 per cent increase in Q1 over the same period in 2024, largely thanks to a recovering real estate market.

With the governments recent imposition of temporary anti-dumping duties on Chinese HRC and galvanised steel, BSC expects this positive trend to continue and strengthen in the forthcoming quarters.

Exporters attempt to make most of US tariff impasse Exporters are racing to finalise shipments before elevated tariffs imposed by the United States snap back into effect, triggering a flurry of short term logistical manoeuvres and long-term strategic shifts.

Stable tariff policies support renewed rise in production Greater stability around tariff policies has helped support the renewed rise in production output and improved business confidence.
This landmark partnership will support key strategic projects, enhance Vietnam Airlines' competitiveness, and accelerate the expansion of its international flight network.

The event took place in the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the Vietnam-France Business Forum in Paris.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (middle) witnessed the MoU signing between Vietnam Airlines and ING. Photo: Vietnam Airlines

Through this MoU, ING reaffirms its strong interest to arrange financing for major initiatives that will boost Vietnam Airlines operational capacity and global reach. ING is also offering advisory support, capital arrangement services, and long-term collaboration on future strategic developments.

Le Duc Canh, executive vice president of Vietnam Airlines, shared, We are delighted to partner with ING, a leading European financial institution with a global network and extensive experience in aviation financing, as well as strong collaboration with reputable export credit agencies around the world. This is a large-scale financing package that holds special significance as Vietnam Airlines continues its recovery journey following a challenging period.

Having a financial partner like ING by our side not only reflects confidence in our management capabilities, financial transparency, and long-term strategic vision, but also opens up access to sustainable and strategic funding sources. Through this collaboration, Vietnam Airlines will be better positioned to advance its plan to expand its global flight network, reinforcing our position on the international stage and reaffirming our role as Vietnams national flag carrier, he added.

Jason Ong, country head for Vietnam and Indonesia at ING, commented, Vietnam Airlines is a vital enabler of international connectivity and a growth engine across Asia. We are proud to deepen our relationship with Vietnam Airlines as a strategic partner and trusted advisor. This MoU reflects our shared ambition to expand global reach, and our commitment to responsible financing that supports long-term, sustainable progress in the aviation sector.

This agreement marks a significant milestone in a longstanding partnership. In 2015, ING arranged a $570 million loan to finance four wide-body aircraft for Vietnam Airlines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ING also supported the airline by restructuring loans worth approximately $80 million, helping to alleviate cash flow pressures and ensure operational continuity through unprecedented challenges.

Also at the Vietnam-France Business Forum, Vietnam Airlines and Safran Electronics & Defense under Safran Group announced an MoU for the deployment of the Cassiopee Alpha solution, dedicated to the decoding and analysis of flight data. This solution will enable Vietnam Airlines to comply with flight safety regulations.

The MoU signing between Vietnam Airlines and Safran Electronics & Defense. Photo: Vietnam Airlines

The flight data analysis system allows the detection of situations that pose a safety risk, non-compliance with aircraft limits, and standard operating procedures. Additionally, the system helps monitor and continuously measure to identify trends in flight operations, support incident investigations, and maintain aircraft reliability. The implementation of this solution contributes to improving flight safety, supporting preventive maintenance, thereby improving the efficiency of Vietnam Airlines' operations.

Based on the current cooperation, both parties will sign an official contract for the Cassiopee Alpha solution, replacing the Cassiopee AGS software that Vietnam Airlines previously used.

The cooperation agreements signed this time mark an important step in the journey of digital transformation and sustainable development of the airline. This is not only an internal effort to improve competitiveness, but also clearly demonstrates Vietnam Airlines' pioneering role in strengthening Vietnam's global connectivity. Simultaneously, these agreements also contribute to strongly promoting the international integration process of the national aviation industry, helping Vietnam Airlines become a leading carrier in Asia.

ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering banking services through its operating company ING Bank. ING Banks more than 60,000 employees offer retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 100 countries.

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aeronautics (propulsion, equipment, and interiors), space, and defence. With a presence on every continent, the group employs 100,000 people.

Vietnam Airlines must follow modern, sustainable development path: PM National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines must follow a path of modern, green, sustainable and safe development and build a distinctive cultural identity rooted in the core cultural values of the Vietnamese nation.

Vietnam Airlines opens direct Ho Chi Minh City-Bali flight Vietnam Airlines opened direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Denpasar, Bali on June 1, making it the airlines' second route to Indonesia.

Vietnam Airlines marks 30-year milestone National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines marked a major milestone on June 1 as it celebrated its 30th anniversary in Hanoi, setting new targets for the future.

Vietnam Airlines opens direct flights between Nha Trang and Busan National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines opened direct flights between Nha Trang and Busan on June 1 as part of its international network expansion.
John Mulaney says his family have received threats over Olivia Munn's comments about Ms. Rachel.

John Mulaney has defended his wife Olivia Munn from threats

The Everybody's Live host has hit out at people who have targeted his wife and their young kids Malcolm, three, and Mei, eight months, after Olivia admitted the YouTuber isn't a regular presence in their household.

On Wednesday (11.06.25), John wrote on his Instagram Story: "An innocent comment my wife Olivia Munn made about what children's programs we like has somehow - unbelievably - been conflated with not caring about the deaths of children in Gaza.

"Because of this, my wife and my two kids are now receiving violent and threatening comments and messages in her DMs.

"This is absolutely insane and needs to stop. The people doing this are so wildly out of line and so unhelpful to any conversation.

"You took a nothing comment to a dark and dangerous place. This kind of behavior isn't activism."

Over the weekend, the Your Friends and Neighbors actress insisted she wasn't a fan of her kids watching cartoons, or the YouTube star.

She told PEOPLE magazine: "I know kids love [Ms. Rachel], but the thing is, if I can't watch it, I'm not going to spend the rest of my life going crazy. These kid shows drive me crazy.

"Malcolm asked for Blue's Clues [recently], and I don't know who showed him Blue's Clues, but they are on my s*** list now.

"I said, 'Hell no. Not in my house.' John got him into the Spider-Man cartoons, which is not interesting to me."

The publication has since removed the interview for unknown reasons.

Ms. Rachel - who has made calls for humanitarian aid to be sent to help children in Gaza - responded to headlines focused on Olivia's comment.

She commented on Instagram: I'd rather you cover my advocacy for kids in Gaza.

The social media star clarified that she wasn't addressing Olivia, adding that she doesn't "care that she doesn't want to watch the show", and sent "all my love to her and her family".

Olivia later admitted she "never anticipated" the direction her comments took.

She wrote on her own Instagram Story: "My comments were never meant to diminish the joy, comfort and impact she brings to so many families.

I don't want something taken out of context to be a moment that steals even a minute of joy for anyone.
According to Beijing-based media group Caixin, Vietnams economic ties with the United States are deep. In 2024, exports to America totalled $136.6 billion, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of the countrys GDP.

While the imposition of tariffs dealt a blow to Vietnams manufacturing sector, the manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index recovered slightly in May to 49.8 after falling to 45.6 in April, signalling early signs of stabilisation.

According to figures by the Ministry of Finance, two sectors, manufacturing and real estate, are leading Vietnams foreign investment surge.

As of April, newly approved foreign investment exceeded $13.8 billion, up almost 40 per cent on-year. Of that, $8.9 billion flowed into manufacturing, and $2.83 billion into real estate, which jumped close to 62 per cent.

Industrial and construction-related sectors grew 7.4 per cent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, contributing more than 40 per cent to GDP.

Speaking at the Vietnam Industrial Parks Development Forum on May 29, Nguyen Thi Dung, vice chair of Vietnam Industrial Real Estate Association,noted that infrastructure investment in industrial parks has become an urgent priority.

"As prime land in central areas dwindles, demand is shifting to second-tier provinces. But challenges remain, including complicated approval procedures, lack of a unified infrastructure plan, land acquisition issues and poor inter-regional connectivity," said Dung.

In a recent interview with Caixin, Lance Li, CEO of BW Industrial, a major Vietnamese industrial real estate firm, said Vietnams land supply system differs significantly from Chinas.

"In China, land is allocated by the government, enabling fast supply at low cost, meanwhile in Vietnam, land is sold by first-tier developers, with higher prices and longer acquisition timelines," said Li, "Most land in Vietnam is freehold, adding further delays to new supply. The land acquisition process is complex and time-consuming, making it difficult to swiftly increase supply."

"Available land is in short supply in southern development centres such as Binh Duong and Dong Nai. Industrial land prices in Vietnam are now often higher than on the Chinese mainland, with rents rising about 6 per cent a year," he added.

Vietnam has 416 industrial parks (IPs) covering nearly 1.29 million hectares. To accommodate the accelerating shift of global manufacturing, the government plans to add 221 new parks, expand 76, and reconfigure 22 by 2030.

BW Vinh Loc 2 Industrial Hub

BW Industrial, founded in 2018 by Warburg Pincus and Becamex IDC, now operates more than 50 projects across 12 key provinces, managing 10 million square metres of land and $3 billion in assets. Li, who joined in 2021 from ESR China, oversees nearly 4.4 million sq.m of developed or under-construction properties.

According to Li, China-based firms moving overseas are not doing so uniformly. Each companys decision depends on internal dynamics. He warned that companies should not assume Vietnam is automatically cheaper. Many firms face high hardware costs, lower labour productivity and infrastructure constraints.

"From the first Trump era to the pandemic, and now to Trump 2.0, market dynamics have changed significantly, and the types and pace of corporate relocation have also evolved," Li said.

Lance Li, CEO, BW Industrial

On labour, Li noted that after three months of training, Vietnamese workers could reach 80 per cent or more of the efficiency of Chinese workers, while earning less than 80 per cent of Chinese wages, still an advantage. But only a few firms achieve parity, often relying on automation and advanced management.

The pandemic was a turning point. Initially, only final product manufacturers moved out of China. But COVID-19 paralysed logistics worldwide, sparking widespread supply chain concerns. The industry shifted from 'just in time' to 'just in case', forcing suppliers to localise.

Stricter rules of origin also play a role. Many countries now demand higher local content in exported goods. "To qualify for certificates of origin, the entire supply chain has to move," said Li.

After China lifted COVID-19 restrictions in late 2022, another wave of companies went abroad, not due to sudden shifts, but as long-delayed decisions were finally executed.

Since 2023, Chinese firms continue to expand overseas, each driven by different factors, be it rising orders, cost-cutting, or domestic policy shifts, with Li saying, "Vietnam still holds a manufacturing edge in Southeast Asia. Confucian values instil discipline, with competitive labour costs compared to regional peers. Government efficiency, political stability, and a pragmatic, open stance add to Vietnams appeal. The country has signed 17 free trade agreements and maintained low average tariffs, even before the Trump-era trade tensions."

However, uncertainties persist. Li noted that clients are increasingly seeking guidance amid new tariff threats. The US's trade stance remains unpredictable, making some investors wary while others push forward.

He expects the US tariffs on China to remain high, while those on other countries may be negotiated down. The strategy, he said, is classic 'raise high, retreat slowly' diplomacy.

Looking ahead, Li believes Chinas outbound manufacturing push will intensify over the next three years. As long as US-China tensions persist, the shift is inevitable. Even Chinas cost advantages cant offset steep tariffs.

"As lead manufacturers relocate, tier-one and tier-two suppliers are following suit, forming entire supply chains abroad. The speed of this evolution depends on how quickly capacity is built up overseas," said Li.

Still, Vietnam needs to manage rising land and labour costs. Wages rise 6 per cent to 7 per cent each year, and in advanced areas, salaries now rival Chinas central and western regions. Labour-intensive businesses may also face potential labour disputes, Li warned

Stable tariff policies support renewed rise in production Greater stability around tariff policies has helped support the renewed rise in production output and improved business confidence.

Tariff risks continue to weigh on economic outlook United Overseas Bank (UOB) has maintained its forecast for Vietnam's economic growth in 2025 at 6 per cent, and believes that the State Bank of Vietnam will hold rates steady due to tariff risks from the United States.
NEW YORK  U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. named eight new vaccine policy advisers Wednesday to replace the panel that he abruptly dismissed this week.

They include a scientist who researched mRNA vaccine technology and became a conservative darling for his criticisms of COVID-19 vaccines, a leading critic of pandemic-era lockdowns, and a professor of operations management.

Kennedy's decision to retire the previous 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices was widely decried by doctors' groups and public health organizations, who feared the advisers would be replaced by a group aligned with Kennedy's desire to reassess  and possibly end  longstanding vaccination recommendations.

On Tuesday, before he announced his picks, Kennedy said: Were going to bring great people onto the ACIP panel  not anti-vaxxers  bringing people on who are credentialed scientists.

The new appointees include Vicky Pebsworth, a regional director for the National Association of Catholic Nurses, who has been listed as a board member and volunteer director for the National Vaccine Information Center, a group that is widely considered to be a leading source of vaccine misinformation.

Another is Dr. Robert Malone, the former mRNA researcher who emerged as a close adviser to Kennedy during the measles outbreak.

Malone, who runs a wellness institute and a popular blog, rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as he relayed conspiracy theories about the outbreak and the vaccines that followed. He appeared on podcasts and other conservative news outlets where hes promoted unproven and alternative treatments for measles and COVID-19.

He claimed that millions of Americans were hypnotized into taking the COVID-19 shots and suggested those vaccines cause a form of AIDS. He downplayed deaths related to one of the largest measles outbreaks in the U.S. in years.

Other appointees include Dr. Martin Kulldorff, a biostatistician and epidemiologist who was a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, an October 2020 letter maintaining that pandemic shutdowns were causing irreparable harm.

Dr. Cody Meissner, a former ACIP member, also was named.

Abram Wagner of the University of Michigans school of public health, who investigates vaccination programs, said hes not satisfied with the composition of the committee.

The previous ACIP was made up of technical experts who have spent their lives studying vaccines, he said. Most people on the current list dont have the technical capacity that we would expect out of people who would have to make really complicated decisions involving interpreting complicated scientific data.

He said having Pebsworth on the board is incredibly problematic since she is involved in an organization that distributes a lot of misinformation.

Kennedy made the announcement in a social media post Wednesday.

The committee, created in 1964, makes recommendations to the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CDC directors almost always approve those recommendations on how vaccines approved by the Food and Drug Administration should be used. The CDCs final recommendations are widely heeded by doctors and guide vaccination programs.

The other appointees are:

Dr. James Hibbeln, who formerly headed a National Institutes of Health group focused on nutritional neurosciences and who studies how nutrition affects the brain, including the potential benefits of seafood consumption during pregnancy.

Retsef Levi, a professor of operations management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who studies business issues related to supply chain, logistics, pricing optimization and health and health care management. In a 2023 video pinned to an X profile under his name, Levi called for the end of the COVID-19 vaccination program, claiming the vaccines were ineffective and dangerous despite evidence they saved millions of lives.

Dr. James Pagano, an emergency medicine physician from Los Angeles.

Dr. Michael Ross, a Virginia-based obstetrician and gynecologist.

Of the eight named by Kennedy, perhaps the most experienced in vaccine policy is Meissner, an expert in pediatric infectious diseases at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, who previously served as a member of both ACIP and the Food and Drug Administrations vaccine advisory panel.

During his five-year term as an FDA adviser, the committee was repeatedly asked to review and vote on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines that were rapidly developed to fight the pandemic. In September 2021, he joined the majority of panelists who voted against a plan from the Biden administration to offer an extra vaccine dose to all American adults. The panel instead recommended that the extra shot should be limited to seniors and those at higher risk of the disease.

Ultimately, the FDA disregarded the panels recommendation and approved an extra vaccine dose for all adults.

In addition to serving on government panels, Meissner helped author policy statements and vaccination schedules for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

ACIP members typically serve in staggered four-year terms, though several appointments were delayed during the Biden administration before positions were filled last year. The voting members all have scientific or clinical expertise in immunization, except for one consumer representative who can bring perspective on community and social facets of vaccine programs.

Kennedy, a leading voice in the anti-vaccine movement before becoming the U.S. governments top health official, accused the previous committee of being too closely aligned with vaccine manufacturers and of rubber-stamping vaccines.

ACIP policies require members to state past collaborations with vaccine companies and to recuse themselves from votes in which they had a conflict of interest, but Kennedy dismissed those safeguards as weak.

Most of the people who best understand vaccines are those who researched them, which usually requires some degree of collaboration with the companies that develop and sell them, said Jason Schwartz, a Yale University health policy researcher.

If you are to exclude any reputable, respected vaccine expert who has ever engaged even in a limited way with the vaccine industry, youre likely to have a very small pool of folks to draw from, Schwartz said.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Kennedy in February after he promised he would not change the vaccination schedule. Less than a week later, he vowed to investigate childhood vaccines that prevent measles, polio and other dangerous diseases.

Kennedy ignored some of the recommendations ACIP voted for in April, including the endorsement of a new combination shot that protects against five strains of meningococcal bacteria and the expansion of vaccinations against RSV.

In late May, Kennedy disregarded the committee and announced the government would change the recommendation for children and pregnant women to get COVID-19 shots.

On Monday, Kennedy ousted all 17 members of the ACIP, saying he would appoint a new group before the next scheduled meeting in late June. The agenda for that meeting has not yet been posted, but a recent federal notice said votes are expected on vaccinations against flu, COVID-19, HPV, RSV and meningococcal bacteria.

A HHS spokesman did not respond to a question about whether there would be only eight ACIP members, or whether more will be named later.

___

Associated Press reporters Matthew Perrone, Amanda Seitz, Devi Shastri and Laura Ungar contributed to this report.
WAHOO- The goal at Wahoo Creek Dental is to serve every patient with attentive care and impeccable dental work. This year, Dr. Cory Foland and his team had the chance to take the high-quality dental care he brings to residents of Saunders County to the people of Las Terrenas in the Dominican Republic on a mission trip from May 1-3.

It was an eye-opening experience, and it was a way for us to utilize our talent and skills in an area of need and not for profit, Foland said. It was great to bring the high-quality dental work to an area that doesnt normally get it. I hope this experience rejuvenated us to bring the same level of high-quality care to our locals here in Wahoo.

Wahoo Creek Dental went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic with several other dental offices in the area through Bright Island Outreach. The goal of BIO is to provide free dental care to underprivileged communities.

Joining Dr. Foland in the Dominican Republic from Wahoo Creek Dental were Dental Assistant Aspen Eckley and Office Manager Dianne Maly.

While there, the dental professionals in the group administered care to 228 patients. This included 117 cleanings, 186 extractions of teeth, and 198 fillings over a two-day period.

This outreach clinic in Las Terrenas was set up in an outside gymnasium. Foland said though it was warm, it was great to be able to take care of the dental needs of both patients young and old.

Another great part of the dental mission, according to Foland who is a 2021 UNMC graduate, was being able to work alongside other dentist with lots of experience. It was a chance for him to pick their brains on how they do things, while also being able to impart some knowledge to dental students who were there helping as well.

Every night youre back at the house, and it was a cool experience to be able to talk to some older more experienced dentists and learn from them, Foland said. There were also some Dominican dental students there as well and they were asking a lot of questions and learning from us. We not only got to give back to the patients but to other up-and-coming dental students and professionals.

On the final day in the Dominican Republic, the group from Nebraska had a chance to explore the area a little bit. This included a hike to El Limon Waterfall, taking in local cuisine, and more exploration of the island.

What made the trip unique was the group was not in a touristy part of the country. They got to immerse themselves in the Dominican culture and see how the locals live their everyday.

It was not a very touristy town with a lot of resorts and hotels, Foland said. You really got to immerse yourself in the culture. We got to learn a lot of Spanish down there because that was the only way to communicate with anybody. The locals were very happy to have us there and teach us about their culture.

It was a great experience, Foland said, adding, he hopes to make it either an annual or biannual experience for his office to be able to give back.

Wahoo Creek Dental is located at 427 North Broadway St. They are open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
R Kelly is seeking clemency from U.S. President Donald Trump as he fears for his life in federal prison.

R Kelly is seeking clemency from U.S. President Donald Trump as he fears for his life in federal prison

The shamed rapper  real name Robert Kelly, 57  is currently serving a 30-year sentence after being convicted on multiple federal charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking.

He has now filed an emergency motion alleging three officials from the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) plotted to murder him while incarcerated.

His attorney Beau B Brindley told People as Kelly pursues a transfer from prison to home confinement: We believe that President Trump is the only person with the courage to help us.

Kellys legal team hopes a pardon or commutation might be granted by Trump, 78.

Mr Brindley added: Immediately after our motion became public, Robert was thrown into solitary confinement.

He cannot make phone calls to his family. He has no access to commissary. He has spiders crawling over him while he tries to sleep.

Kelly is reportedly afraid to eat prison food over fears it might be poisoned, according to his lawyer.

The fallen performer, who was a longtime resident of Trump Tower in Chicago, does not have a personal relationship with the president but his legal team says discussions have intensified with people close to Trump since the motion was filed.

The emergency motion includes a declaration from inmate Mikeal Glenn Stine, who alleges he was asked to kill Kelly by three high-ranking BOP officials.

Stine, who claims membership in the Aryan Brotherhood and says he was once a commissioner with the group, states prison officials arranged his transfer to the Federal Correctional Institution Butner in North Carolina  where Kelly is also held  and placed him in Kellys unit.

In return for carrying out or arranging the murder, Stine alleges he was promised an escape from custody and the chance to live as a free man.

Stine also claims he has terminal cancer and later told Kelly about the plot, saying he no longer intended to go through with it.

Last month, Trump said he would consider pardoning Sean Diddy Combs, who faces similar federal charges.

Trump said: If I think someone was mistreated it wouldnt matter whether they like me or dont.

Mr Brindley added to People about Kellys situation: He is not safe in federal custody. And to keep him in prison while he is under threat like this is cruel and unusual punishment.
RIDGEWAY  The logs, beams and boards had been piled under a tarp, absorbing moisture in the weeds for more than a decade on a wind-blown hillside.

The stack of white oak and pine could have simply become part of a large bon fire. But before Terri Van Orman put a match to the pile in 2014, the then-newly hired executive director of Folklore Village called in Nels Diller, an expert woodworker who was looking for something to do in retirement.

Eleven years later, Diller is no longer in need of a retirement mission, Van Orman never did get to strike a match, and this Iowa County sanctuary for folk art and history has another stunning addition.

The remarkable rebuild  primarily through the use of hand tools  of a two-story house built by a Norwegian immigrant in the middle 1800s in western Dane County but taken apart in 2003, is nearing completion. It marks the end of a 22-year journey for the more than 170-year-old structure that includes hand-hewn beams, some up to 18 feet long, from at least a few trees that likely sprouted in the early 1700s.

And now, the handmade doors are about to open for visitors who will be able to climb the wooden steps held together not with nails, glue or pegs, but by sliding, tapered dovetail joints. They can peer through windows of wavy glass recycled from historic buildings in Chicago and see how recently harvested oak from nearby farms by chain saw was married into the wood felled by hand and axe the same year Wisconsin became a state.

An 11-year effort by volunteers

The Aslak Olsen Lie house is once again whole thanks to the efforts of a team of skilled volunteers, interns and apprentices who have steadily worked on the project over the last 11 years. Under Dillers direction theyve learned how make and install cedar shake shingles, sharpen saws and how to create a flat edge using a hand planer and a skottbenk, a long Norwegian vice Diller made using tools borrowed years ago from the late Ted Sawle at Hydes Mill & Dam, about five miles to the north on Mill Creek.

Hes formed a community that is not only dedicated to seeing this house built, but are enthusiastic learners, Van Orman said of Diller, as she stood on a trail lined with raspberry bushes near the Lie house. And in the process theyve actually learned to be fine craftsmen themselves.

The work, which is approaching 10,000 hours, will be celebrated on June 21, when Van Orman and Diller both make presentations in Farwell Hall at 3:30 p.m. about the project before cutting the ribbon at 5 p.m. and having a potluck dinner followed by a barn dance.

Diller hasnt taken a dime for his time and efforts and neither have the volunteers. The interns and apprentices were paid, but, all told, more than 10,000 hours of time have been put into the homes reconstruction. Had Folklore Village simply put the project up for bid, it likely would have finished sooner, but at a cost that likely would have required a massive capital campaign requiring scores of donations.

Diller, a longtime carpenter in Madison, had known about the pile of logs from the old house so when he was asked by Van Orman to take it on, he jumped at the chance.

I was willing to stick my neck out and start on it ... and so far its worked out, said Diller, 75, who wore a pair of suspenders as he stood on the homes second floor. Its about problem solving. Youre always encountering new situations that challenge your ability to solve. But its a community effort.

Folklore Village

Folklore Village is like a miniature version of Old World Wisconsin but one focused more on the arts. Jane Farwell, who was born on the property in 1916, is credited as one of the founders of the modern folk dance movement and, after living in Germany, traveling the world and creating folk dance camps in five U.S. states, she moved back to her grandfathers farm near Ridgeway in 1966, where she created and directed Folklore Village.

Now, 25 years after her death, the village continues to draw visitors from around the country who take part in dance programs, concerts, weddings, prairie walks and classes in a wide range of topics including music, blacksmithing and quilting.

The property also includes not only the home in which she was born, but also a former Methodist chapel built in 1882 that was relocated to the property during the reconstruction of Highway 18-151; a schoolhouse that served this rural area from 1893 to 1965; a hall for dances and weddings constructed on the property in 1988, and now, on a ridge with sweeping southwestern views, the original home of Lie.

This is where Diller and his crews were able to immerse themselves in old world technology and get a rare glimpse as to what it took to build a cabin when there were no Menards or Ace Hardware stores, sawmills were few and far between, and Kwik Trips were nowhere to be found to grab a cool drink on a hot summer day.

Jane would approve

When we arrived Wednesday morning at the work site along Highway BB just south of Highway 18-151, the house was surrounded not by horses and wagons but Toyotas, a Mazda, a Honda and a lime green Dodge Ram pickup truck driven there from Monticello by 87-year-old Jim McNeill. He grew up near Hollandale and when he was 10 years old was taught by Farwell how to dance a schottische, a slower dance than a polka that likely originated in Bohemia.

I came home and told my mother I could dance, McNeill said during a break from working on a first floor window frame. I think Jane would very much approve of this project. She loved preserving ancient customs and lore.

Along with wife Marit Knutsdotter, their six children, a brother and his wife and a few other Norwegian neighbors, Lie sailed in 1848 on the Augusta, an immigrant ship, to New York before heading to Milwaukee through the Great Lakes. Much of the group stayed in a settlement east of Edgerton on Lake Koshkonong, but Aslak and his brother Ole continued west and scouted for land. Thats where they dug a basement in Klevenville and lived for the winter while felling timbers to build the cabin.

The Lies, who had a farm and cabinet-making and carpentry business, added a second floor to the house in 1854, but in 1878 Aslak and his wife moved to their sons farm in rural Buffalo County. Knutsdotter died in 1881, and Lie in 1886. The Klevenville cabin was passed down to family over the years but ultimately fell into disrepair and was nearly lost to decay.

One of those who has been helping out on the project over the past year is Jerry Landmark of New Glarus, a great-great-great-grandson of Lie and the father of Paoli cheesemaker Anna Landmark.

Its just been a real honor, said Jerry Landmark, who on Wednesday was on scaffolding helping to install wood siding on the second floors exterior. Its cool to think he was doing chinking and daubing and thats what Im doing, too. Its really neat to follow some of his footsteps.

The home includes an original door and the hand-forged hardware made by Lie, while many of his hand-hewed beams, logs for the walls and some of the pine boards for the floor have also been used.

But while about 35% of the house is original, the remainder has been rebuilt using locally sourced materials. They include white oak from nearby farms, cedar shake shingles from northern Wisconsin and limestone footings quarried from Darlington.

Diller likely would have fit in well with Lie back in the day but since hes living in the 21st century, Van Orman is hoping his work can be recognized on a national level. She plans to nominate him for a National Endowment for the Arts award that honors the very best of American crafts, art, music and dance traditions.

Ive been trying to think, How can I reward this guy for 11 years of devotion to this project and training so many young people, training his neighbors and the volunteers, said Van Orman, who is retiring at he end of the year. He doesnt want money, but he understands that recognition on that kind of level would mean something. So the least I can do is at least try this.
Call put out for local arts, cultural or community organisations to deliver test events as part of City of Culture

Are you a local arts, cultural or community organisation in Wrexham County? Do you have a bold idea for a playful cultural event or activity that could help Wrexham shine on a national stage? If so, Wrexhams City of Culture team want to hear from you.

As reported recently a range of grants have been made locally via the latest 7m UK Shared Prosperity Fund and This Is Wrexham was the first to step forward and explain what they will be doing with the cash, with North Wales Science also detailing the spend.

The City of Culture Trust was awarded 175,000 , and have now opened a revenue grant opportunity as part of that project.

They say, We are inviting proposals for grants of up to 10,000 to deliver test events as part of a new Cultural Commissions Programme, supporting Wrexhams journey towards becoming UK City of Culture 2029.



Following on from a successful grant application to the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), we are inviting proposals for revenue grants from 5,000 up to 10,000 for your organisation to undertake a cultural / artistic project that could help Wrexham shine on the National stage.

This grant can be used to fund resources, venue hire, staff or freelance staff time.

Due to the nature of SPF funding all events must be completed by 31st January 2026.

Be quick though, as the closing date of this fund is midday 1st July 2025.

The team add, We recognise that this project is about more than one event, and WCCT want to support a range of cultural and artistic projects and groups that demonstrate the following: We are looking at funding test events. By this, we mean small scale events or activities which pilot a new concept or idea, and which have the potential to be developed into large-scale and significant projects by 2029.

This programme, led by WCCT, is a strategic investment in Wrexhams cultural economy  designed to increase resilience, drive innovation, and showcase the countys capacity to deliver ambitious, inclusive and diverse cultural events.

They say successful applicants will:

Propose to deliver events or activities which are innovative, new and novel  Things which have not been done in Wrexham before or put a new spin on an existing concept.

Demonstrate how their events or activities will be playful  playfulness will be the central theme of Wrexhams City of Culture 2029 bid. Being playful can mean lots of different things  were not prescriptive  we want to know what it means to you.

Demonstrate the potential to engage new audiences with cultural experiences  reaching people who you may not have previously reached before.

Propose an idea with local relevance and national significance  In 2029 we hope to welcome people from across the globe to Wrexham. Your event or activity should be as appealing to someone from Wrexham, as it is to someone visiting us from anywhere in the UK (or the world).

Demonstrate how the proposed event aligns and contributes towards the Future Generations Seven Wellbeing Goals

You can expect to hear the week commencing 14th July 2025 on who was successful, and what events and activities are planned as a result.
North Wales health chiefs defend progress amid patient waiting time concerns

NHS chiefs were asked how Ysbyty Glan Clwyds emergency department could be de-escalated when patients in Conwy are still reportedly waiting up to 48 hours in hospital corridors.

The issue was raised at a social care and health scrutiny committee at Coed Pella, where councillors grilled Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board chiefs on the state of the NHS in North Wales.

Attending the meeting were Dyfed Edwards, chair of the health board; Gareth Evans, integrated health community director; and Alison Cowell, assistant area director for child and adolescent health.

Mr Edwards began by acknowledging the challenges the board has faced since being placed in special measures two years ago.

He told councillors there had been challenges in every area but claimed the situation had since stabilised. He also pointed to significant reductions in patient backlogs.

He said there had been a 43% reduction in the number of patients waiting two years or more for treatment.

Health chiefs added that a number of areas had improved, citing the example of Ysbyty Glan Clwyds emergency department, which in 2022 been designated as a Service Requiring Significant Improvement (SRSI) due to concerns raised by the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales.

It was de-escalated following an unannounced follow-up inspection of the Emergency Department in 2024.

But the claims were met with opposition from councillors, including Cllr Cheryl Carlisle, who questioned how the department could have been de-escalated while patient experiences remained worse than ever.

She said: You say that Ysbyty Glan Clwyd (YGC), the emergency department (E.D) there, has been de-escalated by the Health Inspectorate for Wales, but the patient experience for those of us in Conwy is worse than ever.

There are waits of 48 hours. I regularly witness my residents for 48 hours in chairs in corridors, and Im not quite sure how de-escalation has come around, when things are patently so bad in this central area.

Responding, Gareth Evans defended the boards progress, insisting some performance measures had improved, although he acknowledged major pressures remained.

He said: I dont think waits have got worse. I think, in some areas, performance data is telling us things have got a bit better.

So things like how long people are waiting in ambulances before they are offloaded has actually got better; however, there are still some areas which probably havent improved and probably are pretty much the same.

So, we still have far too many people that wait more than 12 hours for admission once they need to be admitted. That is a key performance indicator that we are not getting worse on, but we are struggling to make the improvements that we would like to.

And that is because that particular key performance measure is highly dependent on things that go on outside the emergency department  how long people are delayed getting home from hospital, and indeed, how many people are coming to the front door in the first place.

So, I wouldnt want to play down the experience of people who use our services and our E.D. at YGC (who say it) still isnt good enough. It isnt. But the concerns that the Healthcare Inspectorate Wales identified when they placed us into special measures have been addressed.

He added: But it doesnt mean its perfect by any means. The problems we have at YGC E.D. are probably no different than the ones we have at E.D. departments anywhere in the UK, I would suggest.

So there is lots, lots more improvement work going on, and we will need to go on so that hopefully, one day, youll sit here and say things have got better.

By Richard Evans  Local Democracy Reporter
Police appeal for information on theft of Wrexham Council signage

Have you seen some Wrexham Council stickers appearing somewhere they dont belong?

Police have launched an appeal after the bizarre theft of eight magnetic Wrexham Council signs.

The graphics were taken from vans parked at Rhos Library, on Prices Road.

It is believed the magnetic signs were taken some time between 5:30pm on May 23 and 7:30am on May 27.

Police say that CCTV enquiries have so far proved negative.

If you have any information or CCTV please contact enya.bellis-jones@northwales.police.uk quoting the reference C076635.
Mark Wright has apologised for a social media post about planes that sparked outrage on the same day as a deadly Air India crash killed at least 260 people.

Mark Wright has apologised for a social media post about planes that sparked outrage on the same day as a deadly Air India crash killed at least 260 people

The crash involved a Gatwick-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers, including 53 British nationals, which came down moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat, India. Former TOWIE regular and TV and radio presenter Marks controversial post featured a photo of himself, his wife Michelle Keegan and their baby daughter Palma in front of a private jet, with a caption complaining about the lack of legroom on standard planes. He said in a statement posted on Instagram after major backlash to his upload erupting on social media: I apologise for a post I just put up on my page after todays heartbreaking events.

Mark deleted the post at the centre of the row shortly afterwards and said in his apology statement the message had been scheduled before the tragedy occurred.

He said: I have posts from a holiday that are on the scheduled setting, which go out on future days I have set them for which was done last week.

Its a horrendous coincidence that todays post was on such a devastating day. Once I logged in to my Instagram and realised the post had gone out, I immediately deleted.

My heart goes out to everyone who has been affected from today. Im sorry for this mistake and any offence caused.

Several followers criticised the post, with one commenting: Prob not the best day to post this when so many people lost their lives on a plane, and another adding: Not really appropriate to put this up after todays plane crash.

The crash occurred at around 1.40pm local time, when the Dreamliner lost control shortly after takeoff and crashed in the Meghani area of Ahmedabad, a densely populated part of the city.

CCTV footage showed the plane descending rapidly with its landing gear deployed before it hit the ground and exploded in a large fireball.

Among the victims were 159 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese and one Canadian. The passengers included 11 children, two of whom were newborns.

Some locals were also killed as the aircraft struck offices and accommodation near a hospital.

The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British citizen seated in 11A, told the Hindustan Times he had lived in London for 20 years.

The regional police chief confirmed that locals had died in the crash due to the plane hitting buildings.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the crash as absolutely devastating and said the investigation would take some time.

Aviation experts speculated that the Dreamliner might have lost power during the critical phase of takeoff, possibly due to rapid wind changes or a bird strike causing a double engine stall.
The City of Reno will host its Regional Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mira Loma Park, located at 3000 S. McCarran Boulevard.

The free event is open to the public and includes family-focused activities aimed at educating attendees about local parks, nature, and conservation.

"Were excited to team up with our local ranger programs for an action-packed day of adventure and discovery at Mira Loma Park, said Ward 3 Councilmember Miguel Martinez. This is a great opportunity for families to get outside, discover the beauty of our local parks, and dive into some outdoor fun.

Activities scheduled throughout the day include hourly interpretive education sessions and a bike rodeo led by Kiwanis International.

The Nevada Air National Guard will present the colors and perform the national anthem.

A Black Hawk helicopter, provided by the Nevada Army National Guard, is also scheduled to land on the parks lawn.

The event is hosted in partnership with multiple organizations, including Nevada State Parks, Washoe County Park Rangers, Carson City Park Rangers, City of Reno Rangers, Nevada Army National Guard, Nevada Air National Guard, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Kiwanis International, and Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful.

The City of Reno Parks and Recreation Team is also continuing its Junior Ranger Program, which runs through December and features monthly activities at six Reno parks.

Participants can pick up a free Junior Ranger Guide at any City of Reno recreation facility or access it online.

After completing six activities and collecting six stickers, participants will be invited to a swearing-in ceremony in January where they will receive an official Junior Ranger Badge.

For more information and a schedule of activities, visit the City of Renos Junior Ranger page.
A man faces a first-degree arson charge after deputies say he intentionally set a Sun Valley home on fire with a child inside, last year.

Deputies arrested Phillip Headley on June 6th following an investigation that started on November 21st when Washoe County Sheriff's Office detectives responded to a report of suspicious circumstances at the West 2nd Street home.

Deputies say the homeowner told officers that someone tried to set the home on fire and that a child was inside when the fire started. Fortunately, the child wasn't hurt and the house sustained some damage.

Deputies say evidence collected on scene show that the fire was intentionally started with suspected flammable liquids.

The Nevada State Fire Marshals Office was requested and responded to conduct a specialized fire investigation.

Headley was already in custody at the Washoe County Detention Facility on unrelated charges - and has since been charged with first-degree arson.

This investigation remains ongoing.

If you have any information that can help authorities, you can contact the Washoe County Sheriffs Office Detective Division at (775) 328-3320.
Northern Nevada Public Health will host a Special Processes Fair workshop to help restaurant operators better understand regulations and procedures for performing specialized food handling practices.

The workshop will take place on Monday, June 23, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Washoe County Administrative Complex, located ast 1001 E Ninth Street in Reno, Building B, Conference Rooms A and B.

The event will provide guidance on the requirements for conducting various special food processes and how to get them approved.

Topics of the workshop will include outdoor barbecuing, accommodating dogs and their owners on patios, and extending shelf life using reduced oxygen packaging or fermentation.

At the Special Processes Fair, NNPH will review the key components necessary for each type of special process.

According to NNPH, The event will cover all the basics and give a roadmap to getting your special process approved.

Additional materials are available on the NNPH website, including application packets and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans for acidification, canning, cook-chill, dehydration, fermentation, freeze-drying, packaging juices, reduced oxygen packaging, smoking or curing, sprouting, and acidifying sushi rice.

Operational plans are also available for processes such as dogs on patios, barbecues, catering, non-continuous cooking, pool decks, and outdoor food establishments.

For more information, visit www.nnph.org.
A Reno man could serve up to 25 years in prison after being convicted of having more than eight pounds of fentanyl during a police investigation.

The Washoe County District Attorney's Office says Emanuel Palomares threw a backpack over a fence on Berrum Lane when police were called to a fight between neighbors. During a subsequent investigation, the DA's office says police discovered that the backpack contained fentanyl packaged in multiple large baggies, equivalent to more than one million individual doses.

Palomares was convicted after a four-day jury trial and will be eligible for parole after serving 10 years in prison.

APRIL 24, 2025:

A Reno man has been convicted of drug trafficking following the discovery of over eight pounds of fentanyl during a police investigation.

According to the Washoe County District Attorney's office, in December 2023, Reno Police responded to an apartment complex on Berrum Lane due to a reported fight between neighbors.

Upon arrival, officers observed 30-year-old Emanuel Palomares attempting to discard a backpack by throwing it over a fence.

Police recovered the backpack and, in searching it, discovered it contained over 8 pounds of fentanyl packaged in multiple large baggies.

Following a four-day jury trial, Palomares was convicted of drug trafficking.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Aziz Merchant, who highlighted the public safety threat posed by the volume of fentanyl seized, being equivalent to more than one million individual doses, noting it was considered one of the largest fentanyl seizures in Northern Nevada.

My office, in partnership with law enforcement, remains firmly committed to combating the fentanyl epidemic, said DA Chris Hicks. Protecting our community by targeting those who distribute this deadly drugand prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the lawwill continue to be one of our highest priorities. I commend the jury for their time and guilty verdict on this serious case.

Palomares' sentencing is scheduled for June 12 before Judge David Hardy, and he faces a potential maximum sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday temporarily blocked a federal judges order that directed President Donald Trump to return control of National Guard troops to California after he deployed them there following protests in Los Angeles over immigration raids.

The court said it would hold a hearing on the matter on Tuesday. The ruling came only hours after a federal judges order was to take effect at noon Friday.

Earlier Thursday, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled the Guard deployment was illegal and both violated the Tenth Amendment, which defines power between federal and state governments, and exceeded Trumps statutory authority. The order applied only to the National Guard troops and not Marines who were also deployed to the LA protests. The judge said he would not rule on the Marines because they were not out on the streets yet.

A group of 200 Marines will begin protecting federal property and personnel in downtown Los Angeles at noon Friday, said Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, commander of Task Force 51 who is overseeing the 4,700 troops deployed in Los Angeles.

The Marines will join some 2,000 National Guard troops that have been on the streets of the city since last week when immigration raids set off protests.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who had asked the judge for an emergency stop to troops helping carry out immigration raids, had praised the earlier ruling.

Today was really about a test of democracy, and today we passed the test, Newsom said in a news conference before the appeals court decision.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump thanked the appeals court Friday morning.

If I didnt send the Military into Los Angeles, that city would be burning to the ground right now, he said.

The White House had called Breyer's order unprecedented and said it puts our brave federal officials in danger.

The district court has no authority to usurp the Presidents authority as Commander in Chief, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. The President exercised his lawful authority to mobilize the National Guard to protect federal buildings and personnel in Gavin Newsoms lawless Los Angeles. The Trump Administration will immediately appeal this abuse of power and looks forward to ultimate victory on the issue.

Marines in civil disturbance training at nearby base

About 700 Marines have been undergoing civil disturbance training at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach in Orange County, California.

Typically the authority to call up the National Guard lies with governors, but there are limited circumstances under which the president can deploy those troops. Trump federalized members of the California National Guard under an authority known as Title 10.

Title 10 allows the president to call the National Guard into federal service when the country is invaded, when there is a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government, or when the president is unable to execute the laws of the United States.

Breyer, who was appointed by former President Bill Clinton, said in his ruling that what is happening in Los Angeles does not meet the definition of a rebellion.

The protests in Los Angeles fall far short of rebellion, he wrote. Individuals right to protest the government is one of the fundamental rights protected by the First Amendment, and just because some stray bad actors go too far does not wipe out that right for everyone.

California sued the federal government

Newsom sued to block the Guards deployment against his wishes. California later filed an emergency motion asking the judge to block the Guard from assisting with immigration raids.

The governor argued that the troops were originally deployed to protect federal buildings and wanted the court to block the troops from helping protect immigration agents during the raids, saying that involving the Guard would escalate tensions and promote civil unrest.

Sherman said that as of Wednesday about 500 of the Guard troops had been trained to accompany agents on immigration operations. Photos of Guard soldiers providing security for the agents have already been circulated by immigration officials.

None of the Marines have been trained to go on immigration raids, and it is not yet clear if they eventually will, Sherman said.

Trump improperly called up the Guard, judge says

In his broad ruling, the judge determined Trump had not properly called the Guard up in the first place.

The lawsuit argued that Title 10 also requires that the president go through governors when issuing orders to the National Guard, which the Trump administration didn't do.

Brett Shumate, an attorney for the federal government, said Trump complied with the statute by informing the general in charge of the troops of his decision and has the authority to call in the Guard even if he had not. Furthermore, the president's decisions are not subject to judicial review, Shumate argued.

Our position is this is not subject to judicial review, Shumate told the judge.

Breyer, who at one point waved a copy of the Constitution, said he disagreed.

Were talking about the president exercising his authority, and the president is, of course, limited in that authority. Thats the difference between a constitutional government and King George, he said.

Protests intensified

The protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles intensified after Trump called up the Guard and have since spread to other cities, including Boston, Chicago and Seattle.

Trump has described Los Angeles in dire terms that Mayor Karen Bass and Newsom say are nowhere close to the truth.

Most of the sprawling city has been spared as protests continue downtown, near City Hall and a federal detention center where some immigrants are being held.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Russian forces launched a new drone assault across Ukraine overnight on Wednesday, killing three people and wounding 64 others, Ukrainian officials said.

One of the hardest-hit areas was the city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine, where 17 attack drones struck two residential districts, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said. Emergency crews, municipal workers and volunteers worked through the night to extinguish fires, rescue residents from burning homes, and restore gas, electricity and water services.

Those are ordinary sites of peaceful life  those that should never be targeted, Terekhov wrote on Telegram.

Three people were confirmed killed, according to Kharkiv regional head Oleh Syniehubov. In a statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that 64 people had been wounded and reiterated his calls for greater international pressure on Moscow.

"Every new day now brings new vile Russian attacks, and almost every strike is telling," he said. We must not be afraid or postpone new decisions that could make things more difficult for Russia. Without this, they will not engage in genuine diplomacy. And this depends primarily on the United States and other world leaders. Everyone who has called for an end to the killings and for diplomacy must act.

Moscow's forces have launched waves of drones and missiles in recent days, with a record bombardment of almost 500 drones on Monday and a wave of 315 drones and seven missiles overnight on Tuesday.

The attacks come despite discussions of a potential ceasefire in the war. The two sides traded memorandums at direct peace talks in Istanbul on June 2 that set out conditions. However, the inclusion of clauses that both sides see as nonstarters make any quick deal unlikely.

Zelenskyy urges more sanctions

Speaking at a meeting of leaders of countries of southeast Europe in Odesa, Zelenskyy urged the European Union to toughen its latest package of sanctions now being prepared.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Tuesday that the bloc is proposing to lower a cap on the price of Russian oil from $60 to $45, which is lower than the market price, to deprive the Kremlin of extra profits to fund its war in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy prodded the EU to lower the cap further, arguing that real peace comes with a $30 cap - thats the level that will truly change thinking in Moscow.

You can all see - Putin does not want to end this war, he told his audience. He believes that as long as he can fight and dominate his neighbors, he stays politically alive.

But no matter what he believes, our job is to force Russia into a position where they must seek peace and political survival by non-military means. This is absolutely possible.

Widespread destruction

Kharkiv has been frequently targeted in recent months as Russia launched repeated large-scale drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure.

Wednesday's strikes also caused widespread destruction in Kharkiv's Slobidskyi and Osnovianskyi districts, hitting apartment buildings, private homes, playgrounds, industrial sites and public transportation. Images from the scene published by Ukraines Emergency Service on Telegram showed burning apartments, shattered windows and firefighters battling the blaze.

We stand strong. We help one another. And we will endure, Terekhov said. Kharkiv is Ukraine. And it cannot be broken.

Ukraine's air force said that 85 attack and decoy drones were fired over the country overnight. Air defense systems intercepted 40 of the drones, while nine more failed to reach their targets without causing damage.

'Repatriation of the deceased'

In other developments, Russia has returned 1,212 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers in line with an agreement reached during the talks in Istanbul between Russian and Ukrainian delegations.

Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for Treatment of Prisoners of War said that the bodies came from Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, as well as Russia's Kursk region where Ukrainian forces waged an incursion. It said that authorities would work to determine their identities as quickly as possible.

Russia has received the bodies of 27 fallen soldiers as part of an exchange with Ukraine, said Vladimir Medinsky, who led Russia's delegation at the Istanbul talks.

International Committee of the Red Cross spokesperson Pat Griffiths said the ICRC was involved in the repatriation of remains as neutral observers, providing technical advice and monitoring the process.

The repatriation of the deceased is an important step that can be taken by authorities to maintaining the dignity of the dead," Griffiths said. "It can provide answers to their families and give closure to people who have lived with endless uncertainty as they waited for news of their loved ones.

Samya Kullab in Kyiv contributed to this report.

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
The Los Angeles Police Department has made nearly 400 arrests and detentions since Saturday in connection to immigration protests.

The vast majority arrests have been for failing to leave the area in defiance of requests from law enforcement, according to police. There have been a handful of more serious charges including for assault against police officers and for possession of a Molotov cocktail and a gun.

Here's the latest:

LA appears relatively calm

Roughly 45 minutes after the curfew took effect, downtown LA appears fairly quiet, a departure from the last few evenings.

There are no signs of Marines or National Guard members.

Demonstrators march in Seattle

In Seattle, hundreds of protesters gathered at a rally in a park in the citys Capitol Hill neighborhood before starting to march toward downtown as dusk approached.

No police were visible at the rally, which got underway peacefully.

LA curfew kicks in

The curfew will end at 6 a.m. PDT. Police downtown began making arrests before the curfew officially took effect.

Some protesters plan to disregard curfew

As with last night, some protesters say they dont plan to leave the downtown area when the 8 p.m. curfew arrives.

For now, police appear to have successfully segmented the crowd into smaller groups.

On one corner, protesters were dancing to La Chona, a popular Mexican song, while waving flags of Honduras and El Salvador. A few steps away, a line of police stood with their hands on their guns and batons. One officer cracked a slight smile, prompting cheers from the group.

LA police respond more aggressively than Tuesday night

Officers are chasing groups of protestors through the streets, seemingly trying to push them further from the federal buildings in the area.

The downtown curfew is set to begin at 8 p.m. PDT.

Tensions flare at LA protest

A demonstration in Los Angeles' civic center suddenly turned chaotic, as police in riot gear  many on horseback  charged at a group, striking them with wooden rods and pushing them out of a park in front of City Hall. Officers also fired crowd control projectiles, striking at least one young woman, who writhed in pain on the ground as she bled from her hip.

It wasnt clear what initiated the confrontation. But minutes earlier, some protesters had lit fireworks as they approached the federal building, the site of numerous showdowns in recent nights.

Simultaneously, a larger portion of the protest had been in the midst of a dance party.

It was chill the whole time, it was cool vibes, peaceful protesting, said Raymond Martinez, a 23-year-old from Hemet, California. Once we got by the federal building, the horses started coming. They started shooting in the air and pushing up, and that woman got shot. Its crazy.

Hundreds march through downtown LA demanding ICE, the National Guard and Marines leave the city

The mood was exuberant and festive, with demonstrators pausing in front of City Hall for a Mexican line dance, backed by trumpet players, drummers and loud truck speakers.

This is not a war zone, said Yaneth Bonilla, a 50-year-old lifelong resident of Los Angeles, whose parents immigrated from Mexico. Members of her family were afraid to leave the house, she said, fearful they would be picked by ICE.

We have to realize Trump is going after innocent, hardworking people, she added. Thats why were here.

The curfew for a section of downtown Los Angeles will begin for a second night at 8 p.m. PDT.

Hundreds of protesters converge outside San Antonio City Hall

More than 400 people were at the anti-ICE demonstration Wednesday evening, according to local authorities.

The protest was largely peaceful, with many blasting music and some handing out water. Nearby streets were closed off as law enforcement watched from hundreds of feet away.

Dozens of the demonstrators had walked to City Hall from the Alamo after police there closed off the area where a protest was scheduled to take place.

Trump administration calls Newsoms lawsuit a crass political stunt

California Gov. Gavin Newsoms sued the Trump administration in an effort to stop the military helping immigration agents in Los Angeles.

The administrations official response on Wednesday says that President Donald Trump is exercising his lawful statutory and constitutional power to ensure that federal personnel and facilities are protected.

Trump has activated more than 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to quell protests over immigration enforcement.

The lawsuit argues that the deployment of troops trampled on the states sovereignty and pushes for a restraining order.

In the Trump administrations response, it called this unprecedented, saying: It would be constitutionally anathema. And it would be dangerous.

A judge has set a hearing for Thursday.

Demonstrators return to lower Manhattan

Demonstrators critical of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency returned to lower Manhattan on Wednesday evening, a day after dozens of protesters were detained.

Groups of people chanting and holding anti-ICE signs once again gathered around the area of Foley Square. New York City police did not immediately have information about possible arrests.

Police detained more than 80 people during protests Tuesday evening into early Wednesday.

Protesters gather in San Antonio

More than two dozen officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety told a small group of protestors that the Alamo in San Antonio, where a demonstration was planned to take place, was closed.

Dozens of people gathered hundreds of feet outside of the Alamo holding signs in support of immigrants and in opposition to President Trump.

I think the National Guard made a lot of people afraid, Pinky Ochoa, 21, said at City Hall, where another protest was scheduled to take place.

I think a lot of people fear whats going to happen, Pedro Ruiz, 53, said about the mostly quiet downtown.

Officers with the Public Safety Department said the Texas National Guard was present at a protest in downtown San Antonio. Members were not seen standing with law enforcement in front of a small crowd of demonstrators.

LA top prosecutor expects to file dozens of criminal cases against peaceful protest disruptors

District Attorney Nathan Hochman highlighted five cases brought in recent days, with charges including assault, grand theft and felony vandalism.

In one case, suspects allegedly shot fireworks at police officers. Two other defendants are accused of driving their motorcycles into a line of officers.

Hochman said investigators were reviewing video from demonstrations that turned violent over the weekend and more charges are pending.

He said people are encouraged to engage in peaceful demonstration, but the moment they engage in illegal acts, they are no longer legitimate First Amendment protestors. They are criminals.

Most LA arrests have been for failing to leave the area

The Los Angeles Police Department has made nearly 400 arrests and detentions since Saturday in connection to immigration protests.

The vast majority of which have been for failing to leave the area in defiance of requests from law enforcement, according to police. There have been a handful of more serious charges including for assault against police officers and for possession of a Molotov cocktail and a gun.

Nine police officers have been wounded, most were minor injuries and some were transported to a hospital and released.

About 500 National Guard troops in LA are trained to accompany agents on immigration raids

The commander in charge said while some troops have already gone on such missions, he said its too early to say if that will continue even after the protests die down.

Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, speaking in an interview with The Associated Press and ABC, also warned that he expects the protest situation will escalate, noting that protests across the nation are being planned and discussed now.

Im focused right here in LA, whats going on right here," Sherman said. "But you know, I think were, were very concerned.

Sherman, commander of Task Force 51 that is overseeing the Guard troops and Marines deployed to LA, initially said that National Guard troops had already temporarily detained some civilians. He later said he was incorrect, and that he had based his comments on photos and footage he had seen that turned out to not be a representation of Guard members in Los Angeles.

This item has been corrected. The commander of the troops deployed to Los Angeles initially told the AP that National Guard members had already detained some civilians. He later said his information was incorrect and Guard members have not detained civilians.

17 people were arrested in Chicago protests

Some of those arrested in connection with downtown protests during rush hour Tuesday were charged for vandalism, police say. Four people face felony charges, including for aggravated battery against an officer of the peace.

Thousands of people demonstrated in a downtown plaza to call out the Trump administrations immigration operations and his move to dispatch dispatching the military to California.

Chicago leaders say the majority of protesters were peaceful and exercising their First Amendment rights.

Texas governor refuses to disclose details of his National Guard mobilization plan

Speaking at a bill-signing news conference Wednesday, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott would not say how many guard members will be used or how. He added only that they will be in strategic locations where they can provide the most robust response if needed.

There are others outside of this room who would like to know that. And Im not going to tell them, Abbott said.

Protests are planned in San Antonio on Wednesday night and in other cities around the state this weekend. San Antonio officials have said they didnt ask for the Guard to be sent.

We want to make sure that what has happened in California does not happen in Texas, Abbott said.

LA could lift its curfew if arrests drop

The mayor said an overnight curfew for downtown neighborhoods will remain in effect indefinitely.

Bass said officials will consider lifting it if there are fewer arrests Wednesday night.

What Im hoping is that Angelenos got the message last night, she said.

How long it will remain in place also depends on the response by the federal government, Bass said.

If there are raids that continue, if there are soldiers marching up and down our streets, I would imagine that the curfew will continue, she said.

City leaders say ICE raids have been happening outside Home Depots and churches

Maybe we are part of a national experiment about how far to determine the federal government can go in reaching in and taking over power from a governor, power from a local jurisdiction, Mayor Karen Bass said.

Mayors who joined her said immigrants are vital for the economy, including harvesting food for the country.

We are not criminals. We are hard working people. We came to the United States to work, to better our families, said South Gate Mayor Maria Davila.

Many of the city leaders said raids have been happening outside Home Depots, churches and other businesses. A woman who was nine months pregnant and a man dropping off his granddaughter were among those detained, they said.

LA police say they detained over 200 people and two officers were injured

The vast majority of people -- 203 -- were detained for failing to disperse Tuesday, and 17 others for violating the curfew that set in at 8 p.m. over part of Los Angeles, police said in a statement Wednesday.

Police arrested several more people for possessing a firearm, assaulting a police officer and shining a laser at a police airship.

Police said they used numerous less lethal munitions to control the crowd. Two officers were injured Tuesday, bringing the total number injured over the past several days of protests to nine.

Houston is ready for any protests, mayor says

At Wednesdays Houston City Council meeting, Mayor John Whitmire did not specifically mention the possibility of Texas National Guard troops being sent to the nations fourth-largest city ahead of any protests.

City leaders expressed their confidence in the Houston Police Department being able to monitor any protests.

Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts office says National Guard troops are on standby in Texas in areas where demonstrations are planned.

Were so prepared, Whitmire said. We have such a great police department, a diverse police department that has so much experience. We have a history of peaceful demonstrations brought about by the faith community, our civic leaders, our political figures. And were going to continue down that path.

Protests in Chicago have been mostly peaceful, mayor says

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says the citys police have responded appropriately in managing crowds at immigration protests in recent days.

The demonstrations have been in response to aggressive immigration arrests in the city and in solidarity with Los Angeles. The largest Chicago gathering was downtown Wednesday when thousands gathered in a downtown plaza and onto surrounding streets during the evening rush hour.

There were some incidents of vandalism, and one 66-year-old woman was injured when she was hit by a car.

The vast majority of protesters remain peaceful and organized, Johnson said.

2 people charged for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails toward police during LA protests

No officers were hit.

Both people are charged with possession of an unregistered destructive device, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said at a press conference Wednesday.

You can make a statement, but you cant throw bombs or Molotov cocktails, Essayli said.

Investigators are combing through FBI videos, body camera footage from law enforcement and other evidence on social media, said Essayli.

Authorities expect to charge more people in the coming days and weeks.

Department of Homeland Security says 9 people arrested in LA had criminal convictions

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security revealed names of nine people arrested by immigration authorities in Los Angeles on Monday and Tuesday with criminal convictions, including one for homicide and burglary and others for drug trafficking and child endangerment.

It used those cases to portray violent criminals as its primary targets and accuse political opponents of coddling them.

How much longer will Governor (Gavin) Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass continue to prioritize these criminal illegal aliens over their own citizens? said Tricia McLaughlin, a department spokesperson. Secretary (Kristi) Noem has a message to the LA rioters: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE will continue to enforce the law and arrest criminal illegal aliens.

Woman injured in Chicago after car strikes protesters

Chicago police say a 66-year-old woman was injured when she was struck by a car during downtown protests Tuesday evening.

Crowds of demonstrators rallying in solidarity with activists in Los Angeles took over a plaza and some surrounding streets amid rush hour traffic. Video footage shows a car speeding through a roadway where people were standing and were protesting.

Police said Wednesday that the injured woman fractured her left arm and was treated at a local hospital.

No other injuries were reported.

Chicago police say detectives are investigating. No charges have been filed.

Jeffries and Schumer defend Newsom

The defense of Newsom came as House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer were asked how Newsom should be dealing with Trump.

Jeffries said Newsom has been doing a tremendous job on behalf of the people of California. He then used the question to state Democrats believe along with Newsom that anybody who commits violence or destroys property should be held accountable to the full extent of that law. At the same time, people have a right to peacefully protest and petition their government.

Schumer said that Trump has been trying to intimidate Newsom.

He has shown hes not going to be intimidated, and were all for that, Schumer said of Newsom. All for him and proud that he is refusing to be intimidated by Donald Trump.

NYPD detains more than 80 people during Tuesday nights protests in Lower Manhattan

The protests took place around Foley Square Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning.

Many in the large crowds, which police estimated at around 2,500 people, shouted out against federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement and waved signs that included ICE out of NYC as they rallied near an ICE facility and federal courthouses.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the vast majority of demonstrators were peaceful. She blamed smaller groups for causing the disorder that required police intervention.

Police said they took 86 people into custody, including 52 who were released with criminal court summonses for minor crimes and 34 who were charged with assault, resisting arrest and other crimes.

Some protesters clashed with police when they jumped over metal barricades and were wrestled to the ground by officers. Video also showed demonstrators throwing items at law enforcement vehicles.

Marines will not be deployed Wednesday in Los Angeles

About 700 Marines are still undergoing civil disturbance training at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach in Orange County, California, said Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, head of the task force thats overseeing the deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles.

Sherman wouldnt speculate about when the Marines might join the 2,000 or so Guard troops that have been deployed in downtown areas to protect federal buildings during sometimes violent demonstrations against President Trumps immigration crackdown.

Another 2,000 Guard troops were expected to mobilize on Thursday, he said during a news conference.

Downtown LA bustling after curfew lifted

The streets of downtown Los Angeles began bustling with residents walking dogs and commuters clutching coffee cups after the overnight curfew was lifted at 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Officials said at least two dozen people were arrested for violating the curfew, but overall they were fewer clashes between police and demonstrators than on previous nights.

There were no signs of Marines that were expected to be deployed in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, joining the National Guard troops that are protecting federal buildings and ICE agents making arrests.

Attorneys General coalition condemns the unlawful deployment of National Guard

A coalition of 18 Democratic attorneys general on Wednesday condemned the Trump administration for what they called the unlawful deployment of the California National Guard amid the protests in Los Angeles.

The presidents decision to federalize and deploy Californias National Guard without the consent of California state leaders is unlawful, unconstitutional, and undemocratic, the attorneys general said in a statement released by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. They said the Trump administration should be working with local leaders to keep everyone safe, not mobilizing the military against the American people.

In their capacity as the chief legal officers of the 18 states, they also expressed support for California Attorney General Rob Bontas court challenge to Trumps order.

We oppose any action from this administration that will sow chaos, inflame tensions, and put peoples lives at risk  including those of our law-enforcement officers, they wrote.

The statement was joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Vermont.

Denver police arrested 17 people during protest against immigration raids

The hundreds who marched Tuesday evening down thoroughfares in the city, blocking traffic and chanting, were eventually told to disperse by police.

Officers used smoke and pepper balls -- similar to paintballs but filled with a substance akin to pepper spray -- to control the crowd, the Denver Police Department said in a statement Wednesday.

Three people were arrested on assault charges, according to Denver police. Other charges included graffiti, unlawfully throwing projectiles and failing to following the polices orders.

Mexican president to discuss Kristi Noems comments accusing her of inciting violence

Claudia Sheinbaum said she would discuss the U.S. Homeland Security Secretarys accusation with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on Wednesday as he visits Mexico.

She rejected Noems comments as completely false the day before, publishing a video of her in her morning press briefing calling for Mexicans to act in peace in the Los Angeles protests.

Sheinbaum added more details Wednesday  claiming her opponents had completely taken out of context her previous comments suggesting that Mexicans could protest a tax on remittances proposed by Trump.

We have never called for a violent demonstration, she said. We are against all violent acts. Weve always supported peaceful protests.

San Antonio Mayor says city officials did not ask for the Texas National Guard to be deployed

Mayor Ron Nirenberg said city officials did not ask for the Texas National Guard to be deployed to the city ahead of planned protests Wednesday night and Saturday.

Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts office said Tuesday night that National Guard troops were on standby in areas where demonstrations are planned. That came after police in Austin used chemical irritants to disperse several hundred demonstrators Monday near the state Capitol.

Wednesday nights protest in San Antonio are scheduled to be near the Alamo, in the heart of the citys downtown.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said he has not been told by either the governors office or the guard how many troops would be in the city, where they would be positioned or what they will be doing. The governors office has not publicly released those details.

McManus said the city police are ready to handle any security issues with the demonstration.

We are prepared for a peaceful demonstration, but we are also prepared if something goes south and it turns violent, McManus said.

Immigrant communities are rattled

Immigration raids across Southern California are rattling the areas immigrant communities, even among those in the country legally. More than 100 people have been detained since Friday.

In Orange County, a day laborer said he started carrying his green card everywhere. And during a news conference Monday, the family members of detained workers in Los Angeles urged officials to uphold the city and the state of California as places of sanctuary for immigrants.

Read more about how the raids are affecting immigrant families

Protests over immigration raids pop up across the US with more planned

Protests that started in Los Angeles have begun to spread across the country, with more planned into the weekend.

California National Guard are positioned at the Federal Building on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in downtown Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

From Seattle and Austin to Chicago and Washington, D.C., marchers have chanted slogans, carried signs against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and snarled traffic through downtown avenues and outside federal offices. While many have been peaceful, some have resulted in clashes with law enforcement as officers made arrests and used chemical irritants to disperse crowds

Activists are planning more and even larger demonstrations in the coming days, with No Kings events across the country on Saturday to coincide with Trumps planned military parade through Washington.

The Trump administration said it would continue its program of raids and deportations despite the protests.

ICE will continue to enforce the law, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted Tuesday on social media.

 Read more about some of the other protests across the country

Trump says hes open to using Insurrection Act

Trump left open the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, which authorizes the president to deploy military forces inside the U.S. to suppress rebellion or domestic violence or to enforce the law in certain situations. Its one of the most extreme emergency powers available to a U.S. president.

If theres an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it. Well see, he said from the Oval Office.

Later the president called protesters animals and a foreign enemy in a speech at Fort Bragg ostensibly to recognize the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

Trump has described Los Angeles in dire terms that Bass and Newsom say are nowhere close to the truth.

In a public address Tuesday evening, Newsom called Trumps actions the start of an assault on democracy.

Newsom warned people against inciting violence, but urged them to stand up to the presidents actions.

LA police swiftly enforce downtown curfew as protests against Trumps immigration crackdown continue

Los Angeles police swiftly enforced a downtown curfew, making arrests moments after it took effect, while deploying officers on horseback and using crowd control projectiles to break up a group of hundreds of demonstrators.

Members of the National Guard stood watch behind plastic shields, but did not appear to participate in the arrests Tuesday night.

Hours later, many of the protesters had dispersed, although sporadic confrontations continued that were much smaller than in previous nights.

The demonstrations have been mostly concentrated downtown and the curfew covers a 1-square-mile (2.5-square-kilometer) section that includes an area where protests have occurred since Friday in the sprawling city of 4 million.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom asked a court to put an emergency stop to the military helping federal immigration agents, with some guardsmen now standing in protection around agents as they carried out arrests. He said it would only heighten tensions and promote civil unrest. The judge set a hearing for Thursday, giving the administration several days to continue those activities.

 Read more about Tuesday nights protests

This story has been corrected. The commander of the troops deployed to Los Angeles initially told the AP that National Guard members had already detained some civilians. He later said his information was incorrect and Guard members have not detained civilians.
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A lawsuit disputing the results of the 2024 election has moved forward after it was revealed that former Vice President Kamala Harris received no votes a New York state district.

A seminal case calling the results of the presidential race as well as state senate races into question has advanced. The case refers to the results of the election in Rockland County, New York, with Judge Rachel Tanguay of the New York Supreme Court ruling that a full hand recount must occur following the discovery.

The case's lead plaintiff is SMART Legislation, the action arm of SMART Elections, a non-partisan group that advocates for voting security and voter rights.

"There is clear evidence that the senate results are incorrect, and there are statistical indications that the presidential results are highly unlikely," Lulu Friesdat, founder and executive director of SMART Legislation, said in a statement.

"If the results are incorrect, it is a violation of the constitutional rights of each person who voted in the 2024 Rockland County general election. The best way to determine if the results are correct is to examine the paper ballots in a full public, transparent hand recount of all presidential and senate ballots in Rockland County. We believe it's vitally important, especially in the current environment, to be absolutely confident about the results of the election."

The complaint outlined how a number of voters relayed under sworn testimony that they voted for independent U.S. Senate candidate Diane Sare, yet the Rockland County Board of Elections recorded fewer votes for Sare than should have been reported.

In addition to this, 331 voters in Rockland County NY district 35 reportedly chose Democratic State Senate candidate Kirsten Gillibrand during the 2024 elections, but allegedly none of them continued to vote for Harris in the presidential election.

Do you think it's realistic that 331 voters voted for Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and zero voters chose to vote for Kamala Harris in Rockland County NY district 35? But that's what the election results say. This information was researched by @electiontruth.bsky.social  SMART Elections (@smartelections.bsky.social) 2025-01-31T02:36:22.078Z

A similar incident occurred in Rockland County NY district 55, where 909 voters opted for Gillibrand but only two cast their votes for Harris.

Do you think it's realistic that 909 voters voted for Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and two voters chose to vote for Kamala Harris in Rockland County NY district 55? But that's what the election results say. This information was researched by @electiontruth.bsky.social  SMART Elections (@smartelections.bsky.social) 2025-01-31T02:36:22.079Z

Comparing the results of the 2024 election to the results collected in 2020, a statistician stated that the alleged results of the election in four out of the five towns making up Rockland County are "highly unlikely".

"These data would require extreme sociological or political causes for their explanation, and would benefit from further assurances as to their fidelity," said Max Bonamente, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Originally published on Latin Times
The 2025 Underpensioned Report, published by now:pensions in partnership with the Pensions Policy Institute (PPI) highlights that carers remain among the most financially disadvantaged groups in the UK when it comes to retirement savings.



The 2025 Underpensioned Report reveals the average pension income for a carer has fallen to 49% of the national average. This is down from 55% in 2020 highlighting a widening savings gap. Carers are retiring with 80% of the UK average private pension income (6,750 vs 8,500), placing them among the most underpensioned groups in the UK.



Carers are also less likely to be in paid work, with an employment rate of 61% compared to 76% of the general population. They are also more likely to work part-time  particularly female carers, 38% of whom are in part-time roles, compared to just 29% of working women overall.



A call for fairer pensions for carers

To help close the pension savings gap, now:pensions is proposing key policy reforms. These include:

 Introducing a family carers top-up, which would ensure pension contributions continue during periods of unpaid care.

 Removing the 10,000 auto enrolment earnings trigger to ensure more carers in part-time work are included in auto enrolment.

 Scrap the lower earnings limit on pension contributions to make every pound earned count towards pension savings. On average, carers earn 35,248 annually, below the population average of 38,740, but earnings differ significantly by gender. Male carers earn 46,681 on average, while female carers earn 28,176.



While 10.8% of employees across the workforce are ineligible for automatic enrolment (they dont meet the 10,000 earning trigger), that figure rises to 13% among carers  and 14.6% for women carers. These figures highlight how unpaid caring responsibilities can have a lasting impact on future financial security and as a result, many miss out entirely on saving into a pension through their job.



The problem is even more striking for those in receipt of Carers Allowance. According to Labour Force Survey data, just a quarter of carers receiving Carers Allowance are eligible for auto-enrolment, with a staggering 75% missing out.



Samantha Gould, Head of PR and Campaigns at now:pensions and author of the report, commented: Carers provide essential support that many depend on every day, yet they remain systemically disadvantaged in their ability to save for later life. We urgently need pension reform that acknowledges and supports the vital unpaid work that carers do to help provide greater financial security in retirement.



Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: "It's really worrying to see the employment rate of unpaid carers dropping. We know from our work with unpaid carers that they work below their potential, taking less senior roles or lower paid jobs. Working part-time or falling out of work completely can be catastrophic for unpaid carers' finances in the short term and can leave a lasting negative imprint on their pensions in the future. Having a carer friendly employer can make the difference between carers staying in and leaving work. Carers Week is a great time to show employees who are unpaid carers that they matter; share supportive policies, consider moving towards paid Carer's Leave and other measures to help unpaid carers in the workplace. With longer working lives and an ageing population, supporting unpaid carers in the workplace is becoming ever more important and we hope that people will join us in celebrating the theme of Carers Week this year, Caring about Equality."



The most recent Census in 2021 found that there are 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK and 1.7 million people in the UK are providing 50 or more hours of care per week. The report reveals that although some progress has been made in employment rates among carers since 2022, they still fall behind the general population when it comes to private pension savings


The latest findings illustrate the scale of the problem in the UK a decade on from the introduction of Pension Freedoms in 2015  with many disengaged from their workplace pension and feeling unequipped to manage their retirement savings in general.



The research shows:

 Whilst 43% do not know how much they are contributing to their workplace pension, an even higher number (54%) dont know how much their employer contributes.

 More than a third of workers (36%) admit they dont feel confident in their ability to manage their retirement savings.



Concerningly, despite these findings, formal financial advice remains an under-utilised tool. Just one in five workers have (20%) sought help from a financial adviser for guidance on managing their finances, and fewer than one in ten (8%) have approached their employer for support.



The research echoes the latest findings from the Pensions Policy Institute, which revealed that 70% of defined contribution savers fully withdraw their savings without any sort of financial advice.



Pete Glancy, Head of Pensions Policy at Scottish Widows commented: With so many workers in the dark on their workplace pensions, its little surprise that confidence is low. There is a clear need for better support for workers, from the start of their savings journey, engagement during their working career right through to the point at which they access their retirement pot.



Since the introduction of Pension Freedoms in 2015, more people have taken advantage of the option to withdraw their pension as cash. Whilst this flexibility can be beneficial, rushing into withdrawals risks depleting retirement savings too soon, if not done cautiously.



For those who have the means, seeking financial advice is invaluable  offering structure, reassurance, and a plan tailored to peoples needs. At the same time, the onus is also squarely with providers who must do more to engage savers early, and make pension information more accessible, ensuring future generations are better equipped to make informed decisions. Scottish Widows Retirement Report


Shiva Temple Vandalism Sparks Clash in Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari Alleges Jihadi Attack, Slams TMC Over Extremism 2

Tensions flared in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, after a violent clash broke out between police and unidentified miscreants following the alleged vandalism of a Shiva temple in Ward No. 7 of Maheshtala under the Metiabruz Assembly constituency. Security was significantly ramped up in the Rabindra Nagar area on Thursday amid growing political heat.

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP leaders claimed that Hindu families and shopkeepers were attacked in a targeted act of communal violence. In a strongly worded post on X, Adhikari said he had approached the Superintendent of Police of Diamond Harbour Police District and the Director General of West Bengal Police, seeking permission to visit Maheshtala and meet the affected Hindu victims.

This visit is a step towards understanding their grievances and ensuring their voices are heard. I hope the administration does not obstruct my visit, Adhikari wrote. He further alleged that the attack was carried out by Jihadis and accused the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) of shielding extremists.

The BJP leaders reaction comes on the heels of previous communal unrest in the state, including protests linked to the Waqf Board Amendment Act. Adhikari also took a swipe at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her reported remarks on the Pulwama attack, accusing her party of backing terrorism. TMC extends full support to terrorists and is turning Bengal into a valley of extremists, he said.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal Assembly recently passed a resolution praising the Indian Armed Forces for their strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and condemning the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

As the situation in Maheshtala remains tense, political rhetoric is intensifying, pushing the communal and law-and-order narrative into sharper national focus.
US Pulls Out Diplomats, Military Families From West Asia Over Escalating Iran Tensions 2

The US State and Defence Departments have begun moving non-essential personnel out of several locations across West Asia amid growing regional tensions, CNN reported citing US officials and sources familiar with the matter.

While the exact cause of the shift in posture remains unclear, a defence official told CNN that US Central Command (CENTCOM) is monitoring developing tension in the Middle East. President Donald Trump, commenting on the situation, said, They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place weve given notice to move out, and well see what happens CNN reported that the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the region has been authorized by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The safety and security of our service members and their families remains our highest priority, an official said.

CENTCOM Commander Postpones His Scheduled Testimony Before A Senate Committee

CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael Kurilla postponed his scheduled testimony before a Senate committee due to the evolving situation, according to a defence official.

The State Department, in coordination with the Pentagon, is also preparing to order the departure of non-essential personnel from US embassies in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait, as well as the consulate in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, CNN reported.

A local Iraqi official, however, stated that the movements were not connected to the security environment in Iraq.

A State Department spokesperson said, President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq. The department also updated its travel advisory, citing heightened regional tensions as the reason for the ordered departure.

CNN further reported that President Trump expressed waning confidence in reaching a new nuclear agreement with Iran, telling a New York Post podcast that Tehran may be delaying the deal. Im getting more and more less confident about it Something happened to them, Trump said, adding that his instincts suggest the deal is increasingly unlikely.

In a related development, CNN cited sources saying Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call on Monday to stop discussing a potential attack on Iran. The call, according to Trump, went very well, very smooth. Last month, CNN reported the US had obtained intelligence suggesting that Israel was preparing for a potential strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.

US officials noted signs of Israeli military posturing, including the movement of air munitions and completion of an air exercise, though a final decision by Israeli leadership had not been confirmed.

Amid these developments, Irans Defence Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh issued a stern warning.

As per Irans state-run IRNA news agency, he said if nuclear talks fail and conflict erupts, the US would be forced to leave the region, asserting that all US bases are within the reach of Iranian forces. The adversary will certainly suffer heavier casualties, he added, though he did not clarify whether he was referring to the US, Israel, or both.
Michael Stephen Esposito, of Athens, was denied bond in Limestone County district court Wednesday as he awaits trial for allegedly shooting and killing his stepson.

Around 7 p.m. on June 6, 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.

Esposito, 63, was present at the scene.

Although Jennett was in his fifties, Esposito told authorities that he was mentally limited to the mind of a 15-year-old, according to court records.

Deputies secured the area and began investigating the scene.

Preliminary findings suggested that Jennett and Esposito were involved in a verbal altercation that turned violent, according to the release.

After being mirandized, the defendant (Esposito) gave a statement to investigators and informed them of the argument and how he felt threatened by the victim, court documents say.

However, the defendant was clear (and the investigation ultimately determined) that the victim was not armed with a deadly weapon of any kind.

Esposito pulled out a firearm and shot Jennett multiple times, the sheriffs department said previously.

An autopsy was conducted on the victim, and it was found that at least three of the gunshots entered the victims body from the back, court documents say.

On a recording investigators later found on Jennetts phone, Esposito is heard berating and belittling the victim during their verbal altercation and just prior to the shooting, [Esposito] is heard stating its time to die.

Based on the audio recording, the Defendant did not appear to be in danger of imminent death or serious physical injury and sounded as if he was in complete control of the situation, court documents read.

District Judge R. Gray West wrote in the courts decision that Esposito was denied bond because the extent of his charges and the evidence against him makes him a likely flight risk.

Statements made by the Defendant about not going to jail give the court concern that he may be a flight risk or a danger to himself, West added.

Espositos case has been sent to a grand jury, according to court records.

He is currently being held in Limestone County Jail on a murder charge.
TiMira Pullom was shot to death in Birmingham in September 2023. Arkeem Marshall was charged with capital murder because prosecutors said the shooting happened in front of their toddler son. (Contributed)

A Jefferson County jury deliberated for 15 minutes before convicting a 33-year-old man of capital murder in the 2023 shooting death of the mother of his toddler son.

That same jury just hours later recommended Arkeem Marshall serve life without parole for the killing of 28-year-old TiMira Pullom.

What the jury did not know when they handed down the sentence is that Marshall wanted to be executed.

The judge set a July 28 sentencing hearing but under state law cannot override the jurys recommendation.

Marshall said he wanted the death sentence and would not allow his public defender attorneys  Paul McDaniel and Deidra Mayes  to put on any witnesses or experts to testify why his life should be spared.

McDaniel, visibly emotional and in tears during parts of Thursday afternoons court proceedings, said what his client was doing was tantamount to suicide and asked that an evaluation be done to ensure he was mentally competent to make that decision.

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Shanta Owens denied that request, noting that Marshall has passed all previous competency tests.

Arkeem Marshall is on trial for the 2023 shooting death of his toddler son's mother at her Birmingham home. (Carol Robinson)

The judge allowed Marshall to speak with his brother, best friend and cousin before giving his final decision on the matter.

When deciding how to move forward in the case, Owens asked Marshalls attorneys if they would be presenting closing arguments.

McDaniel said he could not.

Mr. Marshall wants the death penalty, McDaniel said, and Im not going to stand up there and say he wants the death penalty.

Marshall was charged and subsequently convicted of capital murder because the deadly shooting happened in the presence of the couples 17-month-old son, Trent.

Pulloms mother, Valerie Pullom, was the only witness during the sentencing phase of the trial.

She laughed and cried as told jurors about her daughter and the joy she brought to others throughout her life.

There hasnt been a day that has gone by that I havent cried, Valerie Pullom said. The elder Pullom is now raising Trent.

My goal is to be there for Trent, she said, to help him learn peace and love and show him Gods love.

Some of the jurors cried during Valeria Pulloms victims impact statement. Marshall also cried at his seat at the defense table.

McDaniel, outside of the presence of the jury, said he asked Marshall why he was crying and if he wanted to apologize to the family.

Marshall said he did want to apologize but did not want to do so in front of the jury.

Marshall from the witness stand, but without jurors present, told the family he was sorry.

I took her daughter from her, he said of Valerie Pullom, and I took my sons mama from him.

I want to say Im sorry. She did not deserve it, Marshall said. She deserved to be here with her child. She deserved to spend her life with her son.

He deserved a life with his mom, he said. Thats something I shouldnt have took from him.

I really am sorry to you Mrs. Pullon, Marshall said.

TiMira Marchell Pullom, 28, was fatally shot on Sept. 17, 2023. Pictured is TiMira Pullom with her son, Trenton. Her son's father, Arkeem Tiyon Marshall, has been charged with capital murder in the shooting. (Photo courtesy of Valerie Pullom)

Prosecutors throughout this weeks trial said that what Marshall did to Pullom was senseless, unnecessary and cruel.

TiMira Pullom had never been anything but kind to the defendant. She had never done anything but try to help the defendant, said Jefferson County Chief Deputy District Attorney Joe Roberts, who prosecuted the case with Deputy District Attorney Julie McMakin.

And how did this defendant repay her? By putting four bullets into her body, killing her while their 17-month-old son, Trent, was nearby.

Following Thursdays verdict, Roberts said prosecutors are thankful for the verdict, and thanked the Birmingham Police Department for its work on the case.

TiMiras family has suffered great loss and nothing will heal that loss, but they are satisfied that justice was done, Roberts said. Timira was such a kind woman who did not deserve what happened to her. Her friends and family will keep her memory alive.

Though Marshall confessed to Pulloms murder, his attorneys with the Jefferson County Public Defenders Office  Paul McDaniel and Dedra Mayes - said he shouldnt have been charged with a capital crime because the child was on the other side of the home and asleep when his mother was killed.

Testimony showed the house was only about 900 to 1,000 square feet and prosecutors said the child likely heard six bullets fired from a .45-caliber pistol in a home that size.

Birmingham police West Precinct officers were dispatched at 12:45 a.m. that Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, to a report of a person shot at a residence in the 3700 block of Pine Avenue S.W.

Police entered the home and found Pullom unresponsive inside.

The Jefferson County Coroners office said the shooting happened at 11:24 p.m. that Saturday. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced her dead on the scene at 1:10 a.m. Sunday.

Marshall has remained held without bond since his 2023 arrest.

Previous testimony showed the couple met while both worked at Amazon and she would give him rides to work. Their friendship ultimately led to romance and the birth of their son, Trent, who is now 3 years old and being raised by his grandmother.

By 2023, the romantic relationship was over but the two still lived together.

Pullom, however, was ready for Marshall to move out. She had told him, testimony showed, that she wanted him to grow and learn how to not be dependant on anyone else.

On Saturday, Sept. 16, 2025, Marshall had packed his belongings but did not have a ride to leave Pulloms house. Several people he called told him to wait, and they would get him later.

In his interview with detectives, Marshall said he and Pullom had gotten into an argument earlier that day because she claimed that him having to get his children every weekend was the cause of her car trouble.

While he waited, he said he put his daughter to bed in one room, and Trent was in bed in another room.

She kept on yelling at me, Marshall said. I just snapped. I pulled the gun and shot her.

He said he did not remember how many times he fired, but prosecutors previously said six shots were fired and Pullom was struck four times.

Testimony showed that after the shooting, Marshall took his 2-year-old daughter, who has a different mother, from the home and left on foot to return her home.

He later called a police officer that he knew and told her what happened.

He also sent a message to his family in their group text.

I told them I (expletive) up, he told police in the videoed interview. I told them I loved them, and they told me they loved me back.

He said he talked to his brother on the phone. I told him I shot her, Marshall said.

He then texted his daughters mother. I told her to kiss my kids for me, he said.
A Birmingham mother who fatally ran over her boyfriend at a family celebration for Easter and their daughters birthday did not mean to kill him, according to her attorney.

Shatice Renae Jackson, 30, is charged with capital murder in the April 20 death of 27-year-old Mickese Bostic, an officer at Jefferson County Family Court.

The charge is capital because Bostic was killed in front of his children, including a 9-year-old son who was standing on the front porch where Jacksons SUV came to a rest with Bostic trapped underneath.

Jacksons attorney, Leroy Maxwell, said Jackson had no intent to kill Bostic, but did so in the heat of passion after she was attacked by him and his family members.

Based on the one-sided nature of the evidence presented in court Wednesday, Maxwell said, at worst Jackson should be charged with manslaughter and at best self-defense.

This is overcharged, Maxwell said.

Prosecutors, however, said it was clear by Jacksons actions that she intended for Bostic to die.

She was in a car. She tried to him, not once but twice, said Jefferson County Deputy District Attorney Aaron Brown.

She didnt try to drive away. She turned the wheel, by her own admission, hopped a curb and hit the victim.

Jackson went before Jefferson County District Judge William Bell for a preliminary hearing where Birmingham homicide Det. John Finke testified for more than hour.

Based on the testimony that Ive heard today, its clear this is a capital murder charge, said Jefferson County District Judge William Bell.

You are the person most probable to have committed this charge and that the children of Mr. Bostick were present at the time of this murder.

Bell forwarded the case to a grand jury for indictment consideration.

The ordeal began just before 10 p.m. Easter Sunday at Bostics home in the 700 block of Lisa Lane in the Roebuck Springs area.

East Precinct officers were initially dispatched on a report of shots fired at the home.

The call was updated to say that the woman  later identified as Jackson  was trying to run over the victim.

When officers arrived, they learned that Jackson did hit Bostic with a vehicle, and that he was trapped between the vehicle and a house.

A 27-year-old man was killed during a domestic dispute at his Birmingham home on Lisa Lane April 20, 2025. (Carol Robinson)

Though family tried to help him  his sister was holding his hand as he died  he was pronounced dead on the scene at 10:21 p.m.

Finke said when police arrived, Bostics family members had Jackson pinned on the ground and were yelling she had run over the victim.

At some point that night, someone had pulled out a chunk of Jacksons hair -- she told police it was Bostic.

Family members who witnessed Bostics death previously told AL.com it was traumatic to watch.

Finke testified that the party had been going on all day.

Birmingham police were first called to the house at 7:32 p.m. on a report of a domestic disturbance.

That began when one of Jacksons friends accidentally struck someones vehicle as he was leaving the party, which made Bostics family upset.

An argument erupted between Jackson and Bostics family members and food was thrown.

Bostic, testimony showed, held down Jackson to try to calm her down.

Police responded and determined that no crime had been committed, so no arrests were made. Bostic told Jackson to leave, which she did, taking the children with her.

Jackson has five children, including three with Bostic.

Jackson returned to the house  where she lived with Bostic and the children  at 9:47 p.m.

According to testimony, Jackson returned with her brother and a gun, saying she was getting some of her things.

Again, Finke said, an argument broke out.

As Jackson left the home, she told police, Bostics family members followed her, so she fired a shot into the air.

Jackson got into her SUV with four children inside  two of them shared between Bostic and Jackson.

The other two were Jacksons children from a different relationship. Another of Bostics children was standing on the porch.

Bostic, Finke said, had taken Jacksons gun from her.

Shatice Jackson is charged with capital murder in the April 20, 2025, death of boyfriend Mickese Bostic who was run over by a vehicle. (Carol Robinson)

Jackson, according to testimony, tried to hit Bostic with her vehicle but missed.

She then hopped the curb and hit him, dragging him until the car stopped against the house.

The street was about 15 yards from the house, Finke said.

I didnt see any evidence of the brakes being applied in the grass, the detective said.

Under cross examination from Maxwell, Finke said Jackson told him she was being attacked and that Bostic had ripped out her hair.

Is it your understanding she was trying to get away from the victim? Maxwell asked. Finke said that was accurate.

Would it be fair to say she was outnumbered? Maxwell asked, and again Finke answered yes.

Finke said he interviewed Bostics mother and sister, who witnessed the incident.

There was no video of the deadly assault and the gun Jackson brought to the house has never been recovered.

With any cases like this, you obviously have a he said, she said, situation but at some point, there has to be evidence to support it, Maxwell said in his closing statements.

The detective here stated there were no neutral interviews done in this particular case.

For this particular crime of capital murder, and murder itself, there has to be deliberate and specific intent, the defense attorney said.

Prosecutor Brown disagreed.

This is not a self-defense case, at all, Brown said. This isnt just he said, she said. Theres physical evidence because he was under the car that was in the front yard.

Intent can be formed in an instant, he said. She had the intent when she hit the gas to hit him. She had the intent when she realized she didnt, she turned the wheel and hit him when he was in the yard running away.

Theres only one intent here, Brown said, and that was intent to kill.

Jackson remains held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail. Maxwell said he will request a hearing be scheduled requesting bond.
Arkeem Marshall is on trial for the 2023 shooting death of his toddler son's mother at her Birmingham home. (Carol Robinson)

Jefferson County jurors on Wednesday watched the taped confession of 33-year-old man charged with capital murder in the shooting death of the mother of his toddler son.

Arkeem Marshall, charged in the 2023 killing of 28-year-old TiMira Pullom, sat across from Birmingham homicide detectives Ronald Davenport and Jonathan Ross in the video that was recorded that Sunday, Sept. 17, at 4:20 a.m.

Is she dead? Marshall asked the investigators.

Davenport replied, She is.

Marshall began to cry.

The video was show during the second and final day of testimony in Marshalls trial before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Shanta Owens. Marshall did not take the stand in his own defense.

Prosecutors say Marshall deliberately shot and killed Pullom during an argument over her putting him out of her house.

Their 17-month-old son was in the house at the time which constitutes capital murder. They are seeking the death penalty.

Marshalls defense attorneys dont dispute Marshall shot and killed Pullom.

However, they believe he should be charged with a lesser crime.

They contend the toddler  Trenton Marshall  was asleep on the other side of the home when the deadly shooting happened and possibly had not idea what was happening.

TiMira Pullom was shot to death in Birmingham in September 2023. Arkeem Marshall is charged with capital murder in her slaying, which prosecutors say happened in front of their toddler son. (Contributed)

Birmingham police West Precinct officers were dispatched at 12:45 a.m. that Sunday to a report of a person shot at Pulloms home in the 3700 block of Pine Avenue S.W.

Police entered the home and found Pullom unresponsive inside. Trenton was found uninjured in bed.

The Jefferson County Coroners office said the shooting happened at 11:24 p.m. that Saturday. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced her dead on the scene at 1:10 a.m. Sunday.

Previous testimony showed Pullom called her mother after the shooting and said, Arkeem shot me.

Marshall has remained held without bond since his 2023 arrest.

Testimony showed that after the shooting, Marshall took his 2-year-old daughter, who has a different mother, from the home and left on foot to return her home.

He later called a police officer that he knew and told her what happened.

He also sent a message to his family in their group text.

I told them I (expletive) up, he told police in the videoed interview. I told them I loved them, and they told me they loved me back.

He said he talked to his brother on the phone. I told him I shot her, Marshall said.

He then texted his daughters mother. I told her to kiss my kids for me, he said.

In his interview with detectives, Marshall said he and Pullom had gotten into an argument earlier that day because she claimed that him having to get his children every weekend was the cause of her car trouble.

She had already asked him to move out, which she had been planning to do.

He called several friends to come get him and his daughter, but they said they would be there later.

He said he put his daughter to bed in one room, and Trenton was in bed in another room.

She kept on yelling at me, Marshall said. I just snapped. I pulled the gun and shot her.

He said he did not remember how many times he fired, but prosecutors previously said six shots were fired and Pullom was struck four times.

The defense did not call any witnesses.

Lawyers on both sides are expected to give closing arguments Thursday morning and jurors to then begin their deliberations.
A Birmingham woman is under arrest after Birmingham police say she assaulted an officer and pulled her hair during a June 8, 2025, incident at Tom Brown Village. (Facebook)

A 21-year-old woman is under arrest for the reported assault of a Birmingham police officer during an altercation in Avondale.

Video posted to social media and obtained by police showed the woman resisting police and pulling a female officers hair.

She struggled with officers for more than a minute, even after they took her to the ground.

Tamia Denise Arnold is charged with felony second-degree assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

On Sunday, officers from the Birmingham Police Departments Special Operations Bureau - Community Safety Partnership Unit saw a physical altercation involving multiple people in the 4100 Block of 5th Court North, located in the Tom Brown Village Housing Community.

Officers approached the scene of the incident and attempted to de-escalate the situation by engaging with an individual who appeared irate and visibly upset, said Sgt. LaQuitta Wade.

As officers worked to calm the scene, Arnold became increasingly disorderly, using profane language and refusing to comply with the officers commands.

When an officer attempted to take her into custody, she assaulted the officer and resisted arrest, Wade said.

Officers were able to gain control of the situation and arrested Arnold.

The woman was held in the Birmingham City Jail until warrants were obtained Tuesday.

Wade said video recorded by a community member helped felony assault detectives obtain the warrants.

Arnold was booked into the Jefferson County jail Tuesday and released early Wednesday after posting bonds totaling $14,000.

The Birmingham Police Department remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the safety of all community members and our officers, a press release stated.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said that National Guard troops deployed to the city are not there to quash the protests that have been taking place since Friday, but rather to help federal forces conduct immigration enforcement operations.

Speaking to CBS Mornings, McDonnell said the LAPD is capable of dealing with the protests. "We don't need the National Guard, and they are not here to help us right now," he added, claiming that "they are here to facilitate what the federal agencies are doing on the immigration front."

The officer went on to express concern about the military members engaging with protesters, especially considering the Trump administration is also deploying some 700 Marines to the area: "Anytime anybody comes into the city and we are not clear on what rules and responsibilities are, there's a concern." "I worry for our own people," he said.

California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed the deployment of troops against his wishes in a statewide address on Tuesday, saying it was done "illegally and for no reason." "This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president enflamed a combustible situation, putting our people, our officers and even our National Guard at risk," Newsom added.

Elsewhere, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, also a Democrat, implemented a curfew in downtown Los Angeles after five nights of protests in the city center, resulting in dozens of arrests.

Protests against the administration's policies have spread to other cities across the country, and are expected to continue during the next days. On Saturday, coalitions of pro-democracy, labor and liberal activists are arranging a full day of protests against the military parade that will take place on that day in Washington D.C.

Concretely, organizations will seek to make the case that Trump is hijacking the army celebration to venerate himself, NBC News reports.

"The goal is to deprive Trump of what he wants in this moment, which is a story about him being the all-powerful political figure of our time, and instead create a contrast with normal, everyday people demonstrating that power in this country still resides with the people," said Exra Levin, a co-founder of the progressive group Indivisible, who is helping organize what participants have dubbed a nationwide "No Kings" demonstration.

But regardless of the thousands of protests expected across the country, the president himself says he is unfazed, saying he has not heard about the scheduled demonstrations, while warning reporters that protesters this weekend will face a "very big force."

"And I haven't even heard about a protest," Trump added, "but you know, this is people that hate our country. But they will be met with very heavy force." Likewise, at a news briefing this week, a Secret Service official said thousands of agents and officers will be on hand to provide security.

Originally published on Latin Times
Promotional banners on the campus of UAB in Birmingham, Ala., Wednesday, May 8, 2025. (Will McLelland | WMcLelland@al.com) Will McLelland

Alabamas international student population contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the state, money that could be at risk due to federal policy changes.

Alabama gained $348.6 million from international students and created 2,373 jobs in the 2023-24 school year, according to a report by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, which advocates for international students.

Some of those students come from countries now targeted by President Donald Trumps travel ban, may be at risk of immigration enforcement and attend universities navigating cuts to research. Advocates warn that changes to federal policy may hurt university research and the state economy.

If you cut off that international pipeline, you cut off a good chunk of economic flow that comes and supports that college town, said to Rachel Banks, senior director for Public Policy and Legislative Strategy at NAFSA.

Nationwide, international students brought in $43.8 billion and supported 378,175 jobs to the U.S. economy during the 2023-2024 academic year, according to the report. Banks said this revenue includes not just tuition but also living expenses.

There are about 10,000 international students in Alabama, according to the report, citing the Institute of International Education. AL.com compiled data from schools enrollment reports and found the majority, about 8,400, are in one of Alabamas public colleges and universities.

AL.com created a table of international students and their economic impact at public, four-year universities at the end of the story. Cant see the table? Check out the data here.

The top five Alabama schools with the largest financial impact have seen international student enrollment increase by up to 200% since 2019.

Meanwhile, Trump announced a restriction or partial restriction of foreign nationals from 19 countries. The executive order will allow federal law enforcement agencies to assess the risks they pose to the United States.

In the fall of 2024, 95 University of Alabama students hail from countries now under Trumps travel ban. Auburn had 105 students enrolled from these countries. Most of these students are from Iran. Banks said Iran typically exports many students to universities across the country.

An Iranian student caught up in Trumps ICE ramp up spent 68 days in federal prison before electing to self-deport.

Auburn University at Montgomery has the highest percentage of international students among four-year public colleges with around 23.4%, or 1,222, of total enrollment. Theyve more than doubled their international student enrollment since 2019.

Rounding out the top five with the largest percentages of international students are the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Auburn University, University of North Alabama and Troy University.

Its unclear if current or returning international students in Alabama have difficulty obtaining student visas with this executive order, along with previous orders curtailing immigration.

The fallout for higher education institutions could be massive, according to Banks. Cuts on federal grant funding to NIH and NSF, plus a decreased interest from international students to come to the U.S. since the pandemic equals more trouble for American colleges.

Representatives from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of North Alabama, Troy University and Auburn University at Montgomery responded to AL.coms request for comment with similar responses but no specific details on the status of international students. Each university said they value their international students and are monitoring and complying with federal policies.

AL.com has reached out to the University of Alabama and Auburn University for comment.

To see how many international students attend Alabama schools and how much financial and economic benefits they bring, go to the NAFSA website.
Conecuh Sausage owner John Crum Sessions at the gift shop in Evergreen, Ala. (Photo by Stew Milne) Stew Milne

John Crum Sessions was just a teenager when his father, Henry Sessions, put him to work  doing everything from sweeping floors to stuffing sausage -- at the familys Conecuh Quick Freeze sausage-processing plant in Evergreen, the seat of Alabamas Conecuh County.

I rode my bicycle down there to work, Sessions recalls. So, I was about 15, 14.

A decade later, though, Sessions had to step up and take charge of the family business when, in 1978, his father died of a heart attack, leaving it up to Sessions and his mother, Sue Sessions, to keep it going.

I didnt have much choice, Sessions says. And my mother, she helped a lot.

She was real dedicated to the plant, he adds. She was 65 years old when my father died, and she hadnt ever worked. But she went to work after that. She was here every day.

Then, another eight years later, Sessions rebranded the company from Conecuh Quick Freeze  the name his father had given the business when he was renting lockers for families to freeze and store their meats and vegetables, before he branched out into making sausage  to what everybody now knows as Conecuh Sausage, the iconic Alabama brand with a loyal, nationwide fan base.

It had been named Conecuh Quick Freeze for so long, and we were making sausage, we werent freezing anything, Sessions says. So, we decided to change it to Conecuh Sausage.

Now, as the companys CEO and president, Sessions is overseeing another major milestone in Conecuh Sausages 78-year history.

Gov. Kay Ivey was on hand for the groundbreaking for Conecuh Sausage's new Andalusia facility in early 2024. (Courtesy of Conecuh Sausage)

In September, the company will move all its sausage-making operations from Evergreen -- where the Sessions family has made their hickory-smoked sausage using the same recipe since 1947 -- to Andalusia in neighboring Covington County.

Andalusia is just 26 miles away, Sessions likes to remind people.

Sessions adds that just about all the current Evergreen employees plan to work at the Andalusia plant.

We will have 100 from here going over there, he says. Well probably be hiring about 30 to 40 (more) over there.

The new, $58-million, 107,000-square-foot processing plant will allow Conecuh Sausage to double its production and expand its distribution footprint, Sessions says. Currently, Conecuh Sausage is available in stores in 26 states and online nationwide.

The move to Andalusia became necessary, he adds, because updated USDA regulations would have required upgrades at the Evergreen plant that proved to be too costly for the company.

We decided that itd be too much cost to do that, Sessions says. So we decided to go to Andalusia.

RELATED: Andalusia roaster launches Conecuh Sausage coffee

The City of Andalusia was awarded a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of a broader initiative to bring new manufacturing to the city, and the city, in turn, provided infrastructure improvements such as water and sewage for the new Conecuh Sausage facility.

Other states in the Midwest courted Conecuh Sausage to move its operations there, Sessions adds, but remaining in Alabama and staying close to home was a priority.

It was very important to stay in Alabama, with Andalusia offering the space and the opportunity for our expansion, he says.

We looked at some other places, too, but Andalusia offers more than anybody. . . .

Andalusia is very excited about us coming, Sessions adds. The mayor and the council and the commissioners -- they think its one of the greatest things thats happened to Andalusia.

Sessions, who still calls Evergreen home, is asked how the folks in his hometown feel about the move.

They say that were talking about us changing our name to Covington Sausage, he says. But I told them, I said, Well, we got the Conecuh River over there (in Covington County). We got the Conecuh National Forest over there. And now were gonna have Conecuh Sausage.

RELATED: 5 Conecuh Sausage dishes to put on your Alabama bucket list

While the sausage-making operations may be moving, the popular Conecuh Sausage gift shop -- which the Sessions family opened nearly four years ago off I-65 at Exit 96 in Evergreen -- isnt going anywhere.

Its gonna stay here, Sessions says. We always (want to be) a part of the city of Evergreen.

The Conecuh Sausage gift shop is off I-65 at 200 Industrial Park in Evergreen, Ala. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)

The one-stop shop for all things Conecuh Sausage  from sausage and bacon to T-shirts and trucker hats  has proven to be a huge hit with travelers, who pull over the interstate to grab a sausage dog, take a bathroom break, get a photo with the grillin and grinnin Conecuh Sausage cartoon pig and load up their coolers with more sausage for their ride home.

About 350 people a day go in that store on average, Sessions says. And during Christmas and Thanksgiving, itll be from 800 to 1,200 people. We didnt build the parking lot big enough.

As it has been since Henry Sessions started the business, Conecuh Sausage remains a family-owned company.

John Henry Sessions, John Crum and Sheilah Sessions son, is the companys vice president, and his wife, Jamie Sessions, runs the gift shop with their daughter, Kristan.

Kristan, who is majoring in finance and accounting at the University of Alabama, and her brother, John Travis Sessions, who is entering UA this fall, both plan to come back to help their family run the company after college.

Keeping the business all in the family, Sessions says, has worked out good for us.

Conecuh Sausage Coffee is available in a medium roast and a dark roast at the Conecuh Sausage gift shop in Evergreen, Ala. (Bob Carlton/bcarlton@al.com)

Two years ago, Conecuh Sausage partnered with another Alabama brand, Millie Rays, on a Conecuh Sausage yeast roll, and last year, the company teamed with Andalusias Bluebird Coffee Company on a Conecuh Sausage medium-roast coffee.

The company is selective about what products it lends the Conecuh Sausage brand to, Sessions says.

We just look for high quality and a good product that we sample and see that is up to our standards, he says.

The Sessions family also owns a 250-acre farm in southern Illinois where they hunt deer and grow corn and soybeans.

Whenever theyre up there on a visit, Sessions often wears a shirt or cap emblazoned with the Conecuh Sausage logo.

Its always good for a conversation.

When you walk in, youd think youre a celebrity in some places with your cap on and your shirt, he says. They just go wild.

They just want to know all about Conecuh and where they can get it, Sessions says. And we give them where they can order it online.

And most of the time, they even pronounce it right.

Some of em have a little problem with it, he says. Some of em call it Con-e-KEW or Cah-neck-EE, but most of em call it Cuh-NECK-uh.
Creativity has its place -- but not everywhere. Dont burn your brilliance solving already-solved problems. Whatever youre trying to do -- build a habit, launch a project, handle a relationship -- someone else has done it. Chaotic lunar antics (including squares, a trine and an opposition) call for a strategy of efficiency. Use the roadmap. Plug into what works.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). For some, every inconvenience hits as an existential crisis. For others, even major setbacks are approached with stoicism or dark humor. Youll use your excellent sense about people to give proper credence to their statements.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your heightened perception emerges under pressure. When youre focused or stressed, your senses sharpen and you tune in like an animal sensing danger -- or opportunity. For a task that demands finesse and emotional intelligence, this is a superpower.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Ever the self-starter, you build skills without waiting for a reason, for payment or for permission. Keep going. This interest youre nurturing will improve your life -- not just internally, but externally, too. Passion will fuel your success.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Sure, you want the trophy. But once you get it, youll have one more thing to dust. And so what if the chase is more exciting than the prize? Thats still excitement to be had! Excitement you deserve! So go for it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Steer clear of friction and harshness. You need nurturing right now. To seek tenderness isnt weak; its wise. Healing and strength both begin in soft places. Let gentleness be your foundation for power.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your people have your back, but todays job is yours to handle. Youll rise to it, not because you have to but because you can. And when its over, the story you tell will be all yours -- earned, colorful and a little legendary.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). True understanding shows in how simply youre able to explain a thing. Youll distill complexity into something direct and clear. Its not easy; it only sounds easy because youve done the work. Your clarity is a gift to others and to the subject matter.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You might be the only one around who lights up at a particular hobby, taste, moment or mood -- and thats OK. Choose your own delight without waiting for validation or company. Own your joy, even when its not shared.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Compassion and restraint are the orders of the day. You know that just because you can challenge someones view doesnt mean you should. You respect different realities and live in the grace of letting some things be.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Worry is your brains way of testing possibilities. It tries to game out every angle so youll feel prepared. Most of those scenarios never play out, but running through them makes you feel a bit more in control and more appreciative of the happy outcomes.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). To experience the power of honest feedback is a rare gift, though it hardly ever feels like it in the moment. Being seen is awkward, but youll take the awkwardness because its a shortcut to what youre after -- growth.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). A gentle reminder about your nature: Youre generous, attuned and maybe a bit too forgiving. That can be beautiful -- and also something to watch, so you dont burn out or go unappreciated.

TODAYS BIRTHDAY (June 12). Youre not chasing the spotlight, but you keep landing in it this year with a powerful resolve and an undeniable influence. Youll somehow show others the way without ever telling them what to do. Highlights: a role thats perfect for you, a shift in family dynamics that makes your daily life peaceful, and a dozen specific personal triumphs more golden and significant than lifes big events. Pisces and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 11, 29, 6, 12 and 20.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: Last year, the United Nations held a special ceremony near the Anne Frank Tree to honor Anne Franks heavenly 95th birthday. A few months later, acclaimed author Alice Hoffman released When We Flew Away: A Novel of Anne Frank Before the Diary, a book of historical fiction developed in collaboration with the Anne Frank House. The legacy continues to burn bright for the Gemini teen of great courage and hope in the face of unfathomable evil. The sun, Mercury and Jupiter were all in brilliant Gemini at the time of her birth.

Holiday Mathis debut novel, How To Fail Epically in Hollywood, is out now! This fast-paced romp about achieving Hollywood stardom is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit creatorspublishing.com for more information. Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.
A "No Kings!" protest takes place in downtown Mobile on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The event was hosted by the Mobile chapter of Indivisible, and was part of a nationwide day of protesting against the Trump administration and current events taking place in Washington, D.C. The protests also recognized the 250th anniversaries of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which kicked off the American Revolutionary War. John Sharp

Thirteen communities throughout the state of Alabama are joining a nationwide protest effort on June 14 in response to President Donald Trumps $45 million dollar parade scheduled for the same day.

The event has been dubbed No Kings: Nationwide Day of Defiance and is part of the larger Indivisible movement.

On June 14Flag DayPresident Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday," reads the No Kings website.

A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isnt staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else.

1,700 communities across the U.S. have organized protests for Saturday, and the movement has also garnered the attention of several celebrities.

So far, the cities of Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Scottsboro, Fort Payne, Guntersville, Jacksonville, Auburn, Dadeville, Selma, and Dothan have scheduled June 14 protests in Alabama.

The Armys birthday isnt about venerating the President on the taxpayers dime - it is about celebrating our strength as a nation for the people and by the people, reads a press release from the Montgomery chapter of the 50501 Movement.

We are also protesting any president staying beyond his/her welcome. Our forebears included term limits in our Constitution to prevent abuses of power like what were experiencing now.

In an interview with NBC News earlier this year, Trump said he was exploring ways to run for a third term, which would violate The 22nd Amendment.

Groups joining the No Kings Day say they are also protesting Trumps immigration crackdown, which has led to the deportation of over 100,000 individuals.

While immigrant families are torn apartsome U.S. citizens erroneously jailed or detained by masked ICE officialswhile voting rights are stripped, a record-breaking federal deficit mounts, healthcare remains out of reach, and the cost of medicine climbs beyond affordability for hardworking people, President Trump chooses to celebrate with a lavish, unnecessary military parade," reads a release from Birminghams Indivisible chapter.

Alabama 50501 and Birmingham Indivisible say a resounding NOon behalf of everyday Americans who are suffering, struggling, and often silenced."

Birminghams protest will also be taking place on the same day as the annual Central Alabama Pride celebration.

Our events also strongly support Central Alabama Pride, aligning with their mission to celebrate and protect LGBTQ+ rights, BHM Indivisibles release reads.

Together, we are uniting in resistancestanding up for democracy, equality, and inclusion."

Those interested in RSVPing for a No Kings protest near them have been encouraged to visit the sites map to sign up.

Pushback

Despite organizers assurance that No Kings will be a peaceful protest, one city leader has recently threatened action from law enforcement.

Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said in an interview Tuesday with Midday Mobile show on FM Talk 106.5 that nothing will happen to you if you hit protesters blocking the interstate.

He also said that if his officers are faced with firebombs, like those thrown during the ongoing Anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, they will respond.

Thats deadly force, Burch said.

Our policy is you meet deadly force with deadly force. Ill leave it at that.

After facing backlash online for his comments, Burch appeared to walk them back in a conversation with AL.com the next day.

I didnt, by any means, insinuate plowing through a crowd at 55 mph, Burch said.

But when you start blocking highways and roadways, its no longer a protest, its rioting behavior.

...If someone is too stupid to move out of the way, thats on them, he added.

Imagine trying to be with your family and youre surrounded, and they are banging on the car, you have to have a route (through the scene). But by no means was I insinuating driving through a crowd at a high rate of speed.

Maura Mandyck, an organizer with Indivisible Mobile, said they are appreciative of Burchs remarks recognizing the groups constitutional right to peacefully assemble and protest.

But she said concerns still exist over the comments he made referencing the possibility for rioting.

When a member of law enforcement starts to talk about what he would do to rioters, listeners might very well think there will be rioters, Mandyck said.

And when people are told to prepare to defend themselves against these hypothetical rioters, they are going to gear up to do that."

Mandyck said there have been six protests in Mobile in 2025, and that all have been absolutely peaceful.

We dont even leave any trash behind, she said.
A California-based aviation startup chose a city in central North Carolina over Huntsville for a mammoth $4.7 billion aircraft assembly plant.

JetZero has picked Greensboro as the site for its first commercial airplane manufacturing facility at the Piedmont Triad International Airport off Interstate 74.

The project is expected to create more than 14,560 jobs by 2063. The jobs will have an average wage of $89,340, according to the company.

It is the largest economic development project in North Carolina history, based on job commitment, state officials said.

Executives with the company said it considered 17 states before picking North Carolina. Huntsville was reportedly one of the finalists for the project, according to Business North Carolina.

JetZero is seeking $1.157 billion in state incentives tied to meeting its job and investment targets, along with $784.7 million in local incentives.

At full capacity, the JetZero factory plans to produce about 20 airplanes a month.

The plane features an all-wing design and will carry about 250 passengers, with a range of 5,000 nautical miles.
Pepsi is recalling 19,000 cases of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar due to incorrect information on the label.

The beverage brand is recalling the cases after the sodas were found to contain full-sugar soda, according to an announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The voluntary recall issued on May 23 affects the 12-ounce aluminum cans found in both 12-packs and 24-pack cases of Dr Pepper Zero Sugar.

The recalled cans have the product code XXXXRS05165 with a best by date of February 16, 2026. The cases were shipped to Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Food and Wine reports that consumers who have already bought the cases of recalled soda can return them to the point of purchase for a refund.

The recall is rated a Class II. The FDA considers a Class II recall on where use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

Other soda recalls

Earlier this month, Coca-Cola recalled a popular sparkling mineral water sold at some stores due to potential bacterial contamination.

The beverage company has issued a voluntary recall on Topo Chico Mineral Waters sold in 18-packs of 16.9-ounce glass bottles in select Costco stores in Texas and Louisiana.

The packs of water were sold from May 20 to May 29, 2025, according to a notice from Costco.

The water was recalled due to the potential contamination with Pseudomonas, a group of bacteria commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil and water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The most common type of this infection among humans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can cause infections in the blood, lungs, urinary track or other parts of the body.
The exterior of the Saenger Theatre in downtown Mobile, Ala., as pictured on Wednesday, June 3, 2025. John Sharp

After the clock struck midnight on New Years Eve in 2022, gunfire rang out on Mobiles Dauphin Street resulting in nine injuries and one death.

It was the first call Keith Blackwood, newly elected as Mobile County District Attorney, received from law enforcement. Since then, Blackwood has dealt with the fallout of multiple shootings in public spaces, the most recent being a June 1 fatal shooting inside the Saenger Theatre in Mobile during a childs dance recital.

Statistically, violent crime is down in Mobile but it doesnt feel that way because weve had these public shootings, Blackwood said Thursday during a news conference introducing legislation that adds to the states definition of capital murder that officials hope will have an impact in deterring future shootings during public events.

For the hundreds to thousands of people who live in fear because of these public shootings, this will give us a tool to stop it, Blackwood said.

The tool is in the form of HB20, introduced by state Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne. The legislation adds to the list of capital offenses under Alabama law to include a murder of someone when the defendant knowingly creates a great risk of death to multiple people.

Capital murder in Alabama is the most serious crime committed in the state that leads to life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.

Alabama is one of 21 states that has the death penalty.

This is another tool in the toolbox for prosecutors and law enforcement to use to get dangerous people off the streets, Simpson said.

Response to violence

Carl Williams III and his two daughters -- left, Brooklyn, 6; and right, Cherish, 5. Photo courtesy of Andre Epps

The legislation comes in response to a flurry of shootings during gatherings in places like public parks, on city streets during New Years Eve, and following the dance recital shooting inside the historic downtown Mobile theater.

The Saenger Theatre shooting left one person dead, and another injured and created panic inside a theater with about 1,000 patrons attending the recital.

The gunman, 27-year-old Marcus Sanders of Mobile, was charged with capital murder because it either occurred in the presence of the victims child, or Sanders had knowledge that the child was present at the time of the shooting.

The victim, 27-year-old Carl Williams III, was attending his young daughters recital.

Alabama has 21 aggravating or mitigating factors that constitute capital murder. Simpsons legislation would add a 22nd factor.

Other factors include murders committed during a kidnapping, robbery, or sexual assault. A capital murder also applies if the murder is committed on people due to their roles as a law enforcement officer, first responder, or a public official.

Other murders eligible for capital punishment include those committed for financial gain or those committed while attempting to hijack an airplane.

Closing loopholes

State Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, introduces legislation that adds an additional capital murder offense whenever a murder occurs that could also cause the risk of death to multiple people. Simpson introduced the legislation, HB20, during a news conference on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Baldwin County Satellite office in Fairhope, Ala. John Sharp

Simpson said that HB20, as proposed, would cover instances that are not otherwise addressed by Alabamas capital murder law. For example, he said a gunman in a hypothetical theater shooting or even a school shooting, would not be eligible for capital murder if only one person dies.

Simpson said a draft version of HB20 included the phrase public places in it. But he said that was removed to avoid confusion over what is considered public or private. In the Saenger Theatre shooting, for instance, the incident occurred during a private event hosted by a local dance company.

This isnt something where we (consider applying a capital murder offense) where there are three people at a house and one is shot, Simpson said. It has to be a grave risk (to multiple people).

The legislation is the first to be introduced in the aftermath of the Saenger Theatre shooting.

Some Democratic lawmakers, within the past week, called for gun reform legislation that included reconsideration of Alabamas permitless carry law that was adopted in 2022.

Democratic state Rep. Barbara Drummond  a candidate for Mobile mayor  vowed to lead an effort among the states cities to demand the Alabama Legislature repeal the law that allows gun owners to not have to apply for a state permit to carry their firearm.

Mobile City Council President C.J. Small then blamed state lawmakers for creating a gun-related problem in the city through the permitless carry law.

There are a lot of people trying to find the right answers and, unfortunately, the City Council is blaming the Legislature on the pistol permit bill, Simpson said, adding that HB20 is what legislators can do.

We are not punishing people for having guns, Simpson said. We are punishing people for using guns. I am of the belief that it is the fault of the shooter, and this bill allows us to hold the shooter accountable.

The Alabama Legislature is a supermajority Republican, and its unlikely there would be enough votes to overturn permitless carry next spring. Simpsons bill, HB20, will be considered when lawmakers return for the 2026 spring session.

Back the Blue

Huey "Hoss" Mack, the executive director of the Alabama Sheriffs Association, speaks out in support of newly-introduced HB20 during a news conference on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Baldwin County Satellite Courthouse in Fairhope, Ala. The legislation, introduced by State Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, adds to the definition of capital murder whenever a murder occurs that could also cause the risk of death to multiple people. John Sharp

The legislation could get incorporated with other public safety-related bills as part of a Back the Blue, Part 2 package. Portions of the original package, backed by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, were approved during this past springs legislative session.

The highlight of that package included a bill, uniformly opposed by Democratic lawmakers, which expanded Alabamas law on legal immunity for police officers. It was approved during the waning hours of the legislative session last month.

Other portions of the package that were not considered before the end of the session are certain to re-emerge next spring. That includes a less controversial bill to create a scholarship program to help law enforcement families.

Huey Hoss Mack, executive director with the Alabama Sheriffs Association, said his agency is examining possible legislation that could be included in next years package.

We are examining those, and this bill (HB20) would be one of the bills wed ask to be included, Mack said.

Simpson said he hopes the legislation is received well by his colleagues in hopes of sending a message to criminals whose gun use threatens a mass of people.

There is a belief right now, with prison overcrowding, that people get out, Simpson said. Someone gets sentenced to life in prison for murder, but unfortunately that is not the case. They are out in 11 to 15 years.

He added, We want to send a message that you are not getting out. Sometimes, you are not leaving alive.
Patients with UnitedHealthcare insurance may soon lose coverage at one of the largest health systems in Alabama due to a contract dispute.

If the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health system doesnt reach a contract agreement with UnitedHealth by July 31, those patients may be personally responsible for costs beginning Aug. 1.

We are deeply disappointed that UnitedHealthcare has created this uncertainty for our patients, said Dawn Bulgarella, CEO of UAB Health System, in a news release.

The change will apply at all UAB clinics, including the St. Vincents facilities and services provided by UAB-employed physicians at Childrens of Alabama hospital. And it includes patients with both commercial and Medicare Advantage plans from United.

Our goal is to remain a participating provider and continue delivering the highest-quality care to the people of Alabama, Bulgarella said. We encourage patients and employers to contact United and express the importance of keeping UAB Health System entities in-network.

In a statement to AL.com, United said they are actively negotiating with UAB, but that the health systems demands would significantly increase premiums and out-of-pocket costs for consumers.

UAB is already one of the most expensive academic health systems in the Southeast. Despite this, UAB is demanding a double-digit price hike for our commercial plans in one year as well as increases for our Medicare Advantage plans that would make it among the highest-cost providers in our Medicare Advantage network nationally. Our goal is to reach an agreement that is affordable for consumers and employers. However, we need UAB to approach the negotiating table with a realistic proposal consumers and employers can afford.

UAB has the largest health system in Alabama, serving 1.4 million patients. Thats more than a quarter of the states population.

According to UAB and other hospitals around the country that have had contract disputes with the health insurance provider, their concerns with United include below-market reimbursement rates, excessive claim denials and delayed payments.

Bulgarella, UAB Health Systems CEO, said UAB is committed to high-quality care and cannot accept terms from United that would compromise our ability to serve the patients and communities who depend on us.

Uniteds approach to contract negotiations has already led to breakdowns with numerous providers  and more may follow, Bulgarella said. Their demands often ignore the economic pressures facing health care systems, while their public statements frequently paint an incomplete or misleading picture.

Baptist Health Montgomery, which says it serves 57,000 patients from 17 counties in its ER, is also in contract disputes with the insurance provider.

Huntsville Hospital Health System sent a notice of termination to United in October, but eventually reached an agreement to keep the hospital in-network.

During the contract dispute, Huntsville hospital echoed many of UABs concerns.

UnitedHealthcare, also known as UnitedHealthGroup, is the largest health insurance company in the world. The Minnesota-based insurance conglomerate most recently had annual earnings of $32.4 billion, the Huntsville hospital system said in a statement at the time.

And while reporting those billions of dollars in earnings, UnitedHealthcare hasnt even paid our health system the amount contractually owed from the current agreement. In fact, their denial rate on patient claims is 75 percent higher than other like insurers.

UAB also pointed out Uniteds profits, saying in their press release that the insurance giant reported $14.4 billion in earnings in 2024 and continues to lead the industry by a significant margin as the single most profitable health insurer.

UAB said patients with questions about access to their health system can call the number on the back of their insurance card for information about physicians and hospitals that accept United insurance.

Other in-network insurance providers accepted at UAB include:

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and Blue Advantage

Cigna Healthcare  Commercial plans

Health Care Service Corporation (Formerly Cigna HealthSpring) Medicare Advantage Plans (excludes Baptist Health which is not participating)

Humana Medicare Advantage Plans

Viva Health Commercial and Medicare Advantage plans

Aetna  Commercial Plans

Aetna  Medicare Advantage Plans (Callahan Eye Hospital, UAB Medical West, UAB St. Vincents Birmingham, UAB St. Vincents East, UAB St. Vincents Blount, UAB St. Vincents Chilton, and UAB St. Vincents St. Clair only)

Ambetter  Individual and Family Plans

This story was updated at 5:01 p.m. to include United HealthCares statement. It was also updated to reflect that Huntsville Hospital renewed its contract with the insurance provider.
Myrlie Louise Evers, widow of civil rights activist Medgar Evers, leans down to kiss her late husband's forehead before the casket was opened for public viewing at a funeral home in Jackson, Ms. on June 13, 1963. Medgar Evers, who was the first Mississippi field director of NAACP, 1954-1963, was shot in front of his home early Wednesday. Funeral services will be held on Saturday. With Mrs. Evers is Charles Evers, her brother-in-law. (AP Photo) AP

This is an opinion column.

If you havent yet discerned it, Im a history nerd. Especially now.

Especially amid efforts to obfuscate the realities of our nations complex history that make some folks feel bad. For whatever reason.

Thats the Black parts, usually.

Our history is our history and I firmly believe we should all know it all. No matter how it makes us feel.

Hell, some of it makes me feel bad, too.

I dont usually highlight relatively well-known historical figures, and Medgar Evers is certainly a familiar name.

A Mississippian born in the belly of Jim Crow, Evers was not atypical among young Blacks of that era (Negroes back then). He was a World War II Army vet frustrated by the legal segregation that awaited him at home. His application to the University of Mississippi Law School, for instance, was denied because he was Negro.

With Myrlie, his new wife, and three children, Evers moved to Mound Bayou. Founded in Mississippi in 1887, just after the Civil War, its hailed as the oldest Black city in the nation.

Heroism takes many forms and can emerge from the humblest of spaces. After the war, Evers and older brother Charles, just wanted to make a way. Like many Blacks in that do-for-ourselves era, they did so by taking jobs and creating businesses that served the Black community.

Medgar sold insurance for the Magnolia Mutual Life Insurance Company, owned by Theodore Roosevelt Mason Howard, a Renaissance man who, after graduating from all-Black Oakwood College in Huntsville, became a surgeon, entrepreneur (he also owned a hospital, construction firm and a cattle farm) and mentor to many emerging activists. Think of him as Mississippis version of Birminghams A.G. Gaston.

Charles owned a restaurant, gas station and other businesses.

Evers tip-toed into civil rights after being rejected by Ole Miss and rode the winds of change as they blew stronger throughout the South. He sought to choke segregation by organizing boycotts, voter registration drives and the like  actions not uncommon in the South in the 1950s and 1960s.

In 1954, he became the first field secretary of the Mississippi chapter of the still-young National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and moved with his family to Jackson.

On their own, Evers civil rights efforts may not appear to merit a forever space in history  except that they cost him life.

On this date  June 12, 1963  the husband and father of three was murdered. Shot in the back outside his home by rifle-wielding white supremacist Byron De La Beckwith, who sought out Evers address and waited across the street for the father of three to come home.

Thats why Evers is in many history books. Deservedly so.

He did not especially stand out amid the tide of rising civil rights leaders nationally. Nor did he make any fiery, memorable speeches. But his work was vital.

He was a foot soldier of another kind, critical to the battle. Another model for youth today who may be inspired to seek a better tomorrow.

On May 20, 1963, Evers spoke for 17 minutes on WLBT-TV. Dressed nattily in a suit and tie, he tried to counter the voice of white supremacy that dominated radio and TV airwaves in the city by thoughtfully and eloquently sharing his own journey before articulating the demands of Blacks in Jackson:

What then does the Negro want?

He wants to get rid of racial segregation in Mississippi life . . . The Negro citizen wants to register and vote without special handicaps imposed on him alone . . . The Negro Mississippian wants more jobs above the menial level in stores where he spends his money.

He believes that new industries that have come to Mississippi should employ him above the laboring category. He wants the public schools and colleges desegregated so that his children can receive the best education that Mississippi has to offer.

The Negro has been here in America since 1619, a total of 344 years. He is not going anywhere else; this country is his home. . . Let me appeal to the consciences of many silent, responsible citizens of the white community who know that a victory for democracy in Jackson will be a victory for democracy everywhere.

Less than a month later, Beckwith made Evers a national martyr, stoking passions that would inspire protests throughout the South. (See: 1963 in Birmingham)

Evers died within an hour of the bullet piercing his back. Yet it took three trials and 30 years for De La Beckwith to be brought to justice.

The assassin was arrested within days of the murder but survived two joke trials before all-white juries before finally being found guilty of Evers murder in 1994 when witnesses were more emboldened to testify against him. (One remembered him boasting of killing Evers.) He was convicted by a jury that included eight blacks and sentenced to life in prison.

De La Beckwith died in 2001; he was 80 years old.

Medgar Evers was only 37.

If you didnt know, now you know.

Lets be better tomorrow than we are today. My column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register. Tell me what you think at rjohnson@al.com, and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, Instagram @roysj and BlueSky.
Wednesday marks the end of an era as Birminghams blue and white Master Craft boat has been towed. Jennifer Hanson Wheeler

Wednesday marked what one Facebook poster called the end of an era as a blue and white Master Craft boat was towed away from the side of U.S. 280 where it had been sitting for days.

Over the last two weeks, the quirky landmark has greeted passersby as they drove off the Red Mountain Expressway onto 280 near Mountain Brook. Maybe you saw the boat that was crashed into a tree. Maybe you never got to see it, but heard your neighbors giggle about the boating blunder.

The fate of the boat became the subject of much conversation on Mountain Book-oriented Facebook pages.

This boat has been here for a while now on Highway 280 in Mountain Brook. Has anyone checked UAB for Mrs. Puff, Jason Simpson said in a Facebook post on May 28, referring to a boating enthusiast from the Spongebob universe.

It is unknown who crashed and left the boat, but over time, it gained graffiti, two American flags and notoriety on social media.

Where is the boat being taken to? Were all grieving now over removal of a wrecked abandoned MB yacht. Life at spot will never be the same. Should we put a memorial display at that site in memory of? So many plans were being made concerning the MB yacht, now dashed! What are we to do, Suzanne Ayres wrote in a Facebook post.

Though the boat is gone, its memory lives on in the form of t-shirts, hoodies, hats, stickers, phone cases, mugs and even shower curtains.

And believe it or not, the list of merch goes on with more than 80 products being advertised that depict the boat and the tree where it sat.

Michael Garber, the merch seller, said in a Facebook post that someone has already bought boat-themed leggings and an apron.

Though some may have seen the battered boat as an eyesore, many community members said they are sad to see it go.

Awwwwww we could have staged many more photo shoots, Paula Sevier said in a Facebook post.

Aw man, I hoped theyd leave it a landmark. Never got to see it, Eric McGinty wrote.

That was a landmark. Put it back. Just like the City, they are always removing what the people want. How about you fix the roads first. Then you can remove the boat, Eric Willis wrote.

There should be a Birmingham Oddities museum where things like this can be memorialized. This boat; the urn that guy got stuck in; the Tesla that went through the house in Mountain Brook; the goat that was loose in Mountain Brook; Birmingham Batmans car (iykyk); etc. etc.... Andrew Salser wrote.

Some community members may also be disappointed to learn that the famous boat landmark was not actually located within Mountain Brooks jurisdiction.

I dont have much information. Where the boat was, there is such a mash up of jurisdictions. It could either be Mountain Brook, Homewood, Jefferson County or Birmingham, but it is, in fact, not our jurisdiction, right there. So we have absolutely nothing to do with the boat, Megan Thomas, Mountain Brook Police Departments community relations officer said.

AL.com reached out to Jefferson Countys spokesperson, but was met with the same response: they knew nothing about the boat.

AL.com also reached out to the city of Homewood and Weil Wrecker, the company that towed the boat, but was unable to get in contact with a spokesperson prior to publishing.

According to the Birmingham Police Departments Communications Division, the owner of the boat had it towed. The police department was not involved, Marie Sutton, spokesperson for the city of Birmingham, told AL.com
A Seoul court has approved a provisional seizure of two luxury apartments owned by Kim Se Eui, head of the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, amid an 12 billion ($8.8 million) defamation lawsuit filed by actor Kim Soo Hyun.

According to a June 11 report by Money Today, the Seoul Central District Court granted the seizure request on June 9.

The order covers a 120.27 unit in Seocho-gu and a 208.65 unit in Apgujeong, Gangnam-gu.

Kim co-owns the Apgujeong property with his sister, and the seizure targets his 50 percent share.

The total claimed value is estimated at approximately 4 billion.

Kim Soo Hyun's agency, Gold Medalist, filed the suit following accusations from Kim Se Eui and the family of the late actress Kim Sae Ron, who alleged that Kim had an inappropriate relationship with her in 2015, when she was still a minor.

Kim Soo Hyun has strongly denied the claim, stating that their relationship began in 2019, after she became an adult.

In a statement, a legal expert familiar with the case, attorney Roh Jong Eon, told Money Today, "This means the court found the lawsuit submitted by Kim Soo Hyun's side sufficiently compelling. They substantiated who was responsible for the defamatory actions and detailed the estimated damage to the agency."

Roh added that the court's decision was based on written documents and issued without a hearing from Kim Se-eui or Kim Sae-ron's family. "The final damage amount may still change during the main trial," he said.

Gold Medalist reportedly submitted evidence refuting any relationship prior to 2019 and argued that a press conference held by Kim Se-eui in May, during which he played an alleged audio file of Kim Sae-ron confirming the relationship, caused reputational and financial harm.

That file was later identified as an AI-generated deepfake.

Despite the seizure, legal experts caution that full recovery of the damages is uncertain.

"Both apartments are reportedly collateral for existing loans," the report noted, meaning asset liquidation may not cover the full 12 billion being sought.

Kim Soo Hyun, one of Korea's highest-paid actors, has remained publicly silent beyond initial legal statements.

His agency had previously stated that it would take "all possible legal measures" to protect the actor's reputation.

Kim Se Eui has not publicly commented on the court's decision.

The defamation case has drawn widespread attention, coming amid growing scrutiny over the use of AI-generated media and escalating tensions between public figures and independent online broadcasters.
Work is beginning on a $32.7 million maintenance hangar at Pryor Regional Airport, which will create 50 aviation related jobs in three years. Pryor Field Regional Airport

Aleut Real Estate broke ground earlier this month on a $32.7 million hanger facility at Pryor Field Regional Airport in Tanner.

It is the first Alabama-based development for the company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Aleut Corporation.

The hangar will be jointly developed with Strata-G Solutionsan Aleut-owned, Huntsville-based defense engineering and manufacturing firmwhich will play a leading role in shaping the facility to meet critical mission requirements.

This groundbreaking reflects Aleuts focus on intentional growth built on strong partnerships, said Skoey Vergen, president & CEO of Aleut. As demand for aviation and defense infrastructure grows across Alabama, Aleut Real Estate and Strata-G Solutions are delivering capabilities that support regional economic progress and national defense readiness. This project is made possible through close collaboration with Limestone County and the State of Alabama.

The development will create 50 aviation-related positions within the next three years.

The hangar will function as a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility for commercial and military aircraft as large as a Lockheed C-130. It will support aircraft` with wingspans exceeding 130 feet, accommodating up to four full CH-47 Chinooks with blades or future long-range assault aircraft.

It will have approximately 346,000 square feet of exterior aircraft parking.

The facility will serve Department of Defense programs and commercial aviation clients, expanding regional capacity for mission-critical aircraft maintenance. It also supports the Pryor Field Airport Authoritys southwest expansion plan and benefits from regional economic incentives.

Present at the groundbreaking for the hangar at Pryor Field were (from left) Ed Castile, Alabama Department of Commerce deputy secretary; State Senator Arthur Orr; Michael Jenks, Aleut Real Estate general manager; Skoey Vergen, Aleut president & CEO; John Vannoy, Strata-G Solutions president; Adam Fox, Pryor Field Regional Airport director; Faith Hooper, Pryor Field Regional Airport board chair; Bethany Shockney, Limestone County Economic Development Association president & CEO and Collin Daly, Limestone County Commission chair. Amy Kelley/Fly Leaf Photography

This investment reflects continued confidence in Limestone Countys ability to attract and support world-class industrial operations, said Collin Daly, chairman of the Limestone County Commission. Were excited to partner with Strata-G Solutions and Aleut Real Estate as they grow their footprint here and create new, high-quality jobs for our residents.

Tax incentives approved by Limestone County include over $1.04 million in abatements to assist with startup costs over the next 10 years. At the same time, the project is expected to contribute more than $1.1 million to local schools during that period.

This project highlights exactly the kind of forward-looking, high-impact development we work to attract to Alabama, said Ellen McNair, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. Aleut Real Estate and Strata-G Solutions are delivering a facility that will enhance our aviation infrastructure, support defense priorities and create meaningful opportunities for our skilled workforce. Were proud to support this investment and the strong partnerships that made it possible.

This project is a win on every level, said Bethany Shockney, president & CEO of the Limestone County Economic Development Association. Strata-G Solutions and Aleut Real Estate bring tremendous value to our local economy and workforce. Their investment underscores Limestone Countys continued emergence as a hub for high tech and advanced manufacturing operations. We look forward to supporting their success in the years ahead.

With sitework beginning immediately, the next 18 months will see major construction milestones. As part of regional infrastructure improvements, a new roadway and upgrades to Airport Road are being supported through $776,400 in state funding.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said the groundbreaking was another sign that Alabama is charting a strong course in aviation and defense.

Aleut Real Estates investment at Pryor Field not only brings high-quality jobs to Limestone County, but it also strengthens our states role in national security and aircraft readiness, she said. We are proud to welcome Aleut as partners in Alabamas continued growth and leadership in these critical sectors.

Pryor Field Regional Airport Director Adam Fox also noted the impact on the regions aerospace footprint: Pryor Field is proud to support investments like this that align with the airports mission to grow aviation-related industry and create opportunity throughout our region.
North Alabama leaders said Huntsville is ready to welcome one of the FBIs signature training programs, should the bureau decide to relocate it from the capital region.

Citing anonymous sources, the Washington Post reported Wednesday that FBI leadership is pushing to move its National Academy from Quantico, Va., to Huntsville.

The National Academy is a 10-week training academy for local and international law enforcement officials and federal law enforcement agents who do not work for the FBI. According to the Post report, the move would not affect the bureaus larger training operations for new hires or its laboratory division.

In a statement to AL.com, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said the city looks forward to any plans the bureau has to grow its footprint in the Rocket City.

Expanding law enforcement training capabilities at Redstone Arsenal has long been a part of the FBIs master plan, Battle said. We look forward to welcoming more trainees to Huntsville.

In a post on X, Sen. Tommy Tuberville called the report, great news for both the FBI and for Alabama.

I hosted @FBIDirectorKash at the FBI-Redstone campus a couple of weeks ago to tour their cutting-edge facilities, and it is the perfect home for the National Academy, the states senior senator wrote.

Sen. Katie Britt posted on X that FBI Redstone is already a national crown jewel of training and technology and called the possibility of moving some training operations, fantastic, commonsense leadership by FBI Director Kash Patel.

Moving the National Academy to Huntsville would advance the FBIs core mission and has my full support, she wrote.

Rep. Dale Strong, whose district includes Redstone Arsenal, applauded the prospect in a post Wednesday on X.

We must continue to get our dedicated FBI agents into the field and out of the beltway, he wrote. North Alabama has the expertise and plenty of room to host the FBIs national training headquarters.

While supporting an increased presence for the FBI at Redstone  in line with the bureaus long-announced plans  Strong recently said at a phone town hall that a complete relocation to Huntsville is, not a good move for us nor for the government.

According to the Post report, people familiar with the discussions said critics of the plan think the FBIs Huntsville facilities would require significant new funding to match those at the existing training site in Quantico.

The FBI has been ramping up its presence at Redstone Arsenal since 2018. Arsenal officials said at a December presentation in Huntsville that the bureau is likely to have the largest footprint of the bases 65 tenant organizations by 2030.

The bureaus $1.3 billion expansion at Redstone is part of a larger effort to consolidate operations across its more than 400 field and satellite offices. Work is underway on an Innovation Center, which will house training facilities, cyber threat intelligence operations and digital forensics, along with 450,000 new square feet in six buildings at the FBIs south campus on Redstone. That is expected to come online in 2030.
President Donald Trump gestures after speaking at Fort Bragg, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Fort Bragg, N.C. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

The troops in the audience for Donald Trumps speech at Fort Bragg were carefully curated to weed out fat soldiers and those who disagree with the presidents politics, according to a report.

Internal military documents showed a tightly orchestrated effort to curate the optics for Trumps visit Tuesday, where Fort Bragg soldiers cheered as the president dissed California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, former President Joe Biden and the media, according to Military.com.

One unit-level message bluntly said no fat soldiers, the outlet reported.

Another note stated that soldiers with political views opposite to the president need to speak with their leadership and get swapped out, Military.com reported.

The naked partisanship of the event, where Trump celebrated the Armys 250th anniversary, rankled unnamed military officials who spoke to the website.

This has been a bad week for the Army for anyone who cares about us being a neutral institution, a Fort Bragg commander who feared retaliation for speaking out told Military.com.

This was shameful. I dont expect anything to come out of it, but I hope maybe we can learn from it long term.

During his speech, Trump vowed to liberate Los Angeles amid protests against ICE operations targeting migrants.

He called the protesters animals and a foreign enemy.

We will not allow an American city to be invaded and conquered by a foreign enemy. Thats what they are, Trump said.

Protesters blocked a major freeway and set cars on fire over the weekend in Los Angeles, but the demonstrations in the city of 4 million people have largely been centered in several blocks of downtown.

The president, who authorized 4,000 National Guardsmen in response to the protests against Newsoms wishes, called Los Angeles a trash heap.

We will liberate Los Angeles and make it free, clean and safe again, he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.










English News China leads the way in shield tunneling machine development

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 9 Juin 2025



Equipped with a cutting-edge geological forecasting system, "Linghang" can accurately detect geological conditions 10 to 40 meters in front of the cutterhead. Its intelligent sensing system continuously analyzes real-time conditions, enhancing both safety and accuracy. The TBM's AI-driven control system enables it to make autonomous decisions with millimeter-level precision.

By Li Xinping, People's Daily In Zhengzhou, central China's Henan province, a shield tunneling machine with a diameter of 15.7 meters rolled off the production line, bound for export to Australia. This milestone marks the largest-diameter shield tunneling machine China has ever exported, underscoring the country's growing strength in the field of tunnel boring technology.



Meanwhile, in Shanghai's Chongming district, a Chinese domestically developed "Linghang" shield tunneling machine burrowed its way underground and reached the middle of the Yangtze River, remotely controlled by engineers.

Shield tunneling machines, formally known as tunnel boring machines (TBMs), are hailed as the "king of construction machinery" due to their immense scale and complexity. Once limited to horizontal excavation, today's Chinese-developed TBMs can operate in multiple orientations - including vertical, inclined, and curved trajectories - earning the nickname "transformers" for their adaptability and precision.



In September last year, a TBM named "Yongning" became the world's first large-diameter machine capable of climbing steep gradients. It successfully excavated an inclined shaft at the Luoning Pumped Storage Power Station in Henan province. The shaft, nearly 873 meters long with a slope of 38.742 degrees, had posed a significant technical challenge. "Yongning" conquered the slope with ease, marking a major leap in tunneling capabilities and improving overall construction efficiency.



The "Yongning" TBM was developed by China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Co., Ltd. (CREG), which has established multiple R&D teams to support application-specific innovation. The teams have enhanced TBMs to dig in various cross-sectional shapes - including circular, square, horseshoe, and elliptical - allowing for broader use across sectors such as water conservancy, hydropower, mining, urban infrastructure, and underground parking structures.

In October 2024, China unveiled the "Jianghai" TBM with a record-breaking diameter exceeding 16.6 meters, the largest ever developed domestically.



What drives the trend toward increasingly larger TBMs?



According to Chen Jian, a TBM expert at China Railway 14th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., the answer lies in greater cost-efficiency. Ultra-large TBMs enable the construction of single super-sized tunnels that can replace two traditional parallel tunnels, conserving underground space. Moreover, tunnels over 15 meters in diameter can also accommodate multi-layered infrastructure, such as roadways, rail transit, and utility corridors, within a single excavation.

However, with greater size comes increased technical complexity.



"Once the diameter exceeds 15 meters, the risks associated with unstable geological conditions increase exponentially, demanding higher levels of structural integrity, precision control, and material fatigue resistance," said He Fei, deputy head of the CREG technology center.



Back in October 2017, China's first domestically developed 15-meter-class slurry balance TBM, "China Railway 306," successfully rolled off the line, breaking the longstanding foreign monopoly in this field.



Since then, China has successively rolled out the 15.8-meter "Chunfeng," the 16.07-meter "Jinghua," and now the 16.6-meter-plus "Jianghai," surpassing its own benchmarks and establishing a fully integrated domestic industrial chain for ultra-large TBM production.



Today, Chinese-manufactured TBMs account for nearly 70 percent of the global market. As innovation continues, Chinese engineers are striving to make them both smarter and more environmentally sustainable.



Inside the cabin of the "Linghang" TBM, a dashboard displays real-time data on the machine's operating status. Human intervention is minimal, as the machine runs autonomously, guided by an advanced visual recognition and intelligent control system.



"In the past, TBM excavation was akin to working blind - geological uncertainties posed serious safety risks," said Liao Zhaojin, chief designer of the "Linghang" TBM.



Equipped with a cutting-edge geological forecasting system, "Linghang" can accurately detect geological conditions 10 to 40 meters in front of the cutterhead. Its intelligent sensing system continuously analyzes real-time conditions, enhancing both safety and accuracy. The TBM's AI-driven control system enables it to make autonomous decisions with millimeter-level precision.



Environmental sustainability is also a major priority. On July 23, 2024, "the China Railway 1237," the world's first green TBM, was successfully launched.



"What defines a green TBM is its ability to optimize energy use," explained Cao Shulei, chief designer of the machine. "We've equipped the machine with an intelligent system that automatically manages the various subsystems during tunneling to optimize both efficiency and energy consumption, achieving energy savings and reduced emissions."



The machine has since been exported to Italy, where it is being used for high-speed rail tunnel construction in Sicily - a sign of international recognition for China's green TBM technology.



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)
Courts have enjoined Donald Trumps use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Tren de Aragua bad guys. Venezuela opened its prisons and let those really awful excuses for humans out to wreak havoc in the United States. Trump identified a predatory incursion that one judge was sufficiently sapient to see. But the others are oh so offended that these American fathers are being sent back to their home countries. Kilmar Abrego Garcia is afraid that a rival gang might kill him since he killed one of their family members. That must be a reasonable fear that permits an asylum claim. But is he really looking to go to an insane asylum? Those are safe places with strong security Just asking

As the camera turns back to the streets of Los Angeles, we see

X screen video screengrab.

Large crowds of violent people, dressed in face masks, shirts with anti-American slogans, multiple Mexican flags waving, screaming, and throwing missiles at law enforcement. This sounds very much like the Japanese army charges on Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Okinawa, and more. The uniforms are different, but theyre still uniforms. The flags are different, but still national flags. Screaming is screaming. Rocks arent bullets, but they are still deadly.

So, whats different?

Those other military actions were in distant places. These are at home. The people involved in the insurrection in Los Angeles dont want to become Americans. They want California to be reintegrated into Mexico, reversing the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo that ended the Mexican-American War in 1848. It does not matter what the weapons are. This is Mexican-American War II, and its not limited to California. Multiple cities are involved, and so far, the Battle of Los Angeles is being lost by our side. That doesnt mean it cant be won. Its still a fluid situation.

Governor Hair Gel declared in his instantaneous lawsuit to stop Trump from using the National Guard that the protests were peaceful. But live video proves that Sir Gavins protestations are of the same quality as Pinocchios. Mexican nationals can be seen throwing pre-positioned bricks through the windshield of a police car. LAPD officers huddled under an overpass so that they wouldnt be hit by flying objects. Stores are being wantonly looted, and dozens of cars are being torched.

Governor Newscum claims in his suit that Trump cannot assert that California is being invaded or is in danger of invasion by a foreign power. It appears that he is almost as smart as Governor Walz of Minnesota, who celebrated the destruction of his states largest city in the George Floyd riots. Making claims does not make a statement true. Space does not allow a full litany of the legal misrepresentations in the lawsuit, but its highly likely that a Left Coast judge will grant some sort of order. That will force Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act, and now all the lawfare and violence against ICE will be met with overwhelming force.

This has been building. ICE has been rounding up large numbers of violent felons. Certain left-wing organizations have been organizing violent protests against those raids. These are a Fifth Column. There can be no equivocation. When violence is used en masse against legal authority, it is war. It does not need to be accompanied by tanks and planes. It does not need guns. Bricks and fireworks hurled from the high ground work, and guns will be supplied by backers when those persons think its a good idea. Meanwhile, the entire Democrat party (minus Senator Fetterman) is totally in favor of overthrowing the duly elected government in D.C.

Article 3, Section 3 of the Constitution defines treason as levying war against [the United States], or adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort. It is very clear that George Soros has funded large parts of the riots, as has billionaire Neville Roy Singham. Since these two are both US citizens, funding the attempt to overthrow the authority of the government is treason. This should be prosecuted. In the meantime, many lower-level useful idiots are involved, and their coordinated insurrection should also be punished.

Donald Trump has been slowly moving up the food chain in his prosecution of illegal aliens. He started with miscreants who already had removal orders. Courts got in his way, so lots is bogged down in appeals. But ICE has been sent to remove as many bad guys as possible. Even if their transfer to CECOT is delayed, they can be housed in all manner of temporary housing away from their erstwhile victims. Ultimately, they will be fully removed.

Along the way, the left has stirred up opposition that is now a full-on war. Calling it protests wont wash. And tolerating the Democrat lawmakers who promote this evil will only make it worse. Trump sat back during the George Floyd Summer of Love, and multiple cities burned. He has learned his lesson and is now slowly ratcheting up the pressure. The National Guard is being used to protect Federal property and officers. These troops are not being used for law enforcement. But with the governor and mayor in cahoots with the insurrection, Trumps hand is being forced. And they wont like the outcome.

Ted Noel is a retired physician who posts on social media as Doctor Ted. His occasional Doctor Teds Prescription podcast is available on multiple podcast channels.
Russian victimization of Ukrainians was a news issue well over nine decades ago. Sadly, back then (19311933), Ukrainians were dying at the hands of Russians of the Soviet variety. Subjected to the brutal rule of dictator Joseph Stalin, millions succumbed to a terror-famine.

But, if one were a reader of the New York Times (NYT) then, one would never have known this. The NYTs best known journalist of the day, Walter Duranty, perpetrated falsehoods by simply accepting the Soviet party line.

The famine, self-inflicted by Soviet collectivism (the consolidation of individual land and labor into collective farms supposedly to increase agricultural production), killed an estimated four million Ukrainians. Irrationally, if not intentionally, the worst Duranty reported was, Conditions are bad, but there is no famine.

The NYT ultimately earned a Pulitzer Prize for 13 stories Duranty wrote, later acknowledging their inaccuracy and thus denying that generation of U.S. readers the truth.

Fast-forwarding to events in Los Angeles, rioters have taken to the streets, violently protesting ICE actions to catch and deport illegal aliens. Again we see truth denied. One such reporter shows us video violence, apparently believing viewers will be ignorant enough to accept the totally contrary story he tells.

Duranty died in 1957, but ABC7 Los Angeles lead Anchor Marc Brown appears to be Duranty reincarnated. While the NYT reporter had no access to factually verify what he put out, Brown did. In fact, he had video of what was occurring in LA as he spoke about it. Duranty may have been irresponsible or intentional by his false reporting, but Brown is both.

As viewers watched burning cars, Brown stated those involved were not a large group of people. Then, as if forewarning police not to start trouble, he said, It could turn very volatile if you move law enforcement in there the wrong way, turning what is just a bunch of people having fun watching cars burn into a massive confrontation and altercation.

Such reporting is incredulous. Firstly, this was not a small bunch of people and secondly, it is never appropriate to dismiss the actions of those turning to violence by burning cars as simply having fun. Thirdly, how does one move law enforcement in the wrong way as police have a responsibility to quickly prevent further violence?

Brown foolishly makes it sound like police need to forewarn rioters they are on their way. He absurdly dismisses the violence as if it is a neighborhood bonfire being watched. And, he was not alone in attempting to Stalinize what was happening.

The legacy media chose not to use words more accurately describing what was actually happening in LAwords such as riot or rioters, despite ongoing attacks against police, masked activists smashing windows, and rioters even attempting to burn police horses.

Just like Democrat party leaders fed the riots that erupted after the 2020 death of criminal George Floyd during his arrest by police, they are not letting the LA riots slip by without spurring protesters on. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), while dismissing the riots as pretty small (apparently believing riots mandate a magical number of participants), he then incites the public into turning this pretty small disturbance into a national uprising stating:

Obviously, this is a moment where we have to be on the streets all over the country to protest whats happening to our immigrant community, but more broadly to protest whats happening to our democracy.

Murphys rationale is that President Donald Trump is deliberately provoking confrontation for political gain by activating the National Guard and deploying 700 Marines. He gives no logic to the fact that rioters and the illegal immigrants they are supporting have been violating U.S. law.

Encouraging national protests only becomes a springboard for more violence. Murphys hypocrisy is flagrant in accusing Trump of taking a protest that is relatively isolated and turning it into something that involves an even bigger confrontation as that is exactly what the senator is doing.

Not to miss out on playing politics, California Governor Gavin Newsom, like the Roman Emperor Nero, fiddles while his city burns, choosing to file a losing lawsuit against Trump for doing something to stop the rioting. His suit alleges Trump illegally federalized the Guard, attempting to manufacture chaos and violence.

The Guard serves both state and federal interests and typically is activated through the governors office. Federal interests include protecting its agents. Trump resorted to Guard activation based on a rarely-used law authorizing the same in the face of rebellion against the U.S. government.

While many leftists critics complain Trump cannot deploy the Guard without a governors permission, a president of the Democrat partyLyndon Johnsonset the precedent for doing so in 1965 to quell riots in Alabama. It is unsurprising, therefore, that all Democrat governors naively support Newsom, accusing Trump of abuse of power. They underscore the message that politics outweighs public interest. Both Democrats and the mainstream media thus seek to portray the riots as peaceful protests.

Adding her voice to the call for protesters to ratchet things up was LA City Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandeza self-proclaimed community organizer and the ungrateful daughter of Mexican immigrantswho delivered an incendiary speech as riots were occurring.

Any red-blooded American should be concerned when a foreign leader promotes unrest in the U.S. Sadly, many rioters heeded Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum when she urged illegal immigrants to increase the protests. This has undoubtedly contributed to the Mexican flag becoming a defining symbol of the riots.

Meanwhile, confronting Newsoms non-existent chaos, violence, and riots with an under-budgeted and under-manned LAPD is Police Chief Jim McDonnell. He reports there are escalating attacks on officers, accusing some rioters of shooting potentially deadly commercial-grade fireworks at them.

The rioting has been incited by various groups known for their socialist leanings. And, interestingly, the chaos spreads under the watchful eye of LA Mayor Karen Basslong known for her support of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro and her numerous trips to that country dating back to 1973. She encourages rioters, announcing, We stand with all Angelenos no matter where you were born.

To protect their identity, many rioters hide their faces behind masksa practice Trump has now banned.

Among those arrested, yet about whom we hear nothing, was a notorious gang-affiliated murderer of two teenagers at a graduation party.

In a way reminiscent of that used in Nathaniel Hawthornes 1850 novel Scarlet Letter to permanently mark a sinner, conservative political commentator Wayne Root has recommended a way of temporarily marking riotersat least long enough for them to be arrested. He suggested filling water cannonsto be used when crowds get out of handwith a foul-smelling blue dye that would mark participants for days afterward, creating an easy-to-find Blue Man Group of criminals. (In 2019, Hong Kong police used blue dye in this manner.)

We cannot forget that an obvious trigger for the LA anti-ICE riots was the example set by some New Jersey politicians in trespassing on an ICE facility with one congresswoman outrageously assaulting an agent there on camera. Whether a politician or not, we need to start strictly observing the policy that liberals have repeatedly promoted that no one is above the law.

Image from X.
In reaction of President Donald Trumps use of the National Guard to quell riots in Los Angeles, California Governor Gavin Newsom claimed "He's not for peacemaking, he's here for civil war on the streets," The use of the term civil war is exactly the kind of extreme rhetoric that can only serve to enflame a tense situation. It is not quite the Orwellian language that has been used by other left-wingers who have claimed across the country that the law enforcement at all levels provoke crime and violence, thus casting gangsters and rioters as the victims of a police state or even the fallacious charge of fascism that appears on the placards of protesters. Melissa Gira Grant, a staff writer for The New Republic, even claimed that the rioters were only trying to defend themselves and one another from violent raids by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents rounding up illegal aliens accused of a variety of crimes including sexual assault, drug pushing, and murder. So where did the violence start?

And where do civil wars start? Los Angeles is a self-proclaimed sanctuary city for illegal immigrants in defiance of Federal law. This is reminiscent of the Nullification controversy, which was a major step towards the American Civil War. The Nullification Crisis of 1832-1833 began with the passage of the Tariff of 1828. With a tariff rate of 49%, this was a protective tariff meant to support the growth of American manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports which put the national economy at risk from foreign agents and governments. This had been a core objective of nationalists from gaining independence to writing the Constitution granting Congress the power to regulate Commerce with foreign nations. Even before he became President Washingtons Treasury Secretary, Alexander Hamilton wrote his seminal Report on Manufacturing in 1791, Hamilton had championed protective tariffs. Writing as The Continentalist in 1782, Hamilton argued that the notion that international trade had no need of a common directing power was one of those wild speculative paradoxes, which have grown to credit among us, contrary to the uniform practice and sense of the most enlightened nations. Today, President Trump is trying to untangle the dangerous dependencies and vulnerabilities that were allowed to form when Hamiltons wisdom was forgotten.

Fifty years after Hamiltons column appeared, South Carolina declared that it would nullify the tariff within its State borders. This drew on the work of John C. Calhoun, who had been Vice President when the tariff was enacted. Calhoun believed in State sovereignty overruling Federal laws that were not in its interests. The slave-dominated southern economies were locked into agriculture and had no interest in industrialization. They preferred to deal with Europe to prevent dependence within the Union, where they feared pressure to reform. Hamilton had argued that the North and South were natural economic partners, but the plantation elite recognized no partners and rejected nationalism. Calhouns thesis was in line with the Articles of Confederation, the form of government whose failure led to the adoption of the Constitution for a more perfect Union. And the Constitutions Supremacy Clause in Article VI states: This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in pursuance thereof... shall be the Supreme Law of the Land.

Hamilton was the main author of the Federalist Papers, which remain the best source for what the Framers were thinking when they wrote the Constitution. These paper should be referenced more often as too many people in todays debates treat the Constitution like the Bible -- and read into it whatever they want. In Federalist 16, Hamilton continues the critique of the Confederations weakness and the need for a single, central Federal government with the powers and resources needed to carry out its assigned functions. But he notes the dangerous ability of States NOT TO ACT or TO ACT EVASIVELY, and the measure is defeated. This neglect of duty may be disguised under affected but unsubstantial provisions, so as not to appear, and of course not to excite any alarm in the people for the safety of the constitution. This is what California, and other sanctuary areas are doing (or not doing). But they go even further and interfere with the duties of the national authorities (which they are in effect doing when allowing, even encouraging. mob actions). Hamilton thought of this as well: As to those partial commotions and insurrections which sometimes disquiet society, from the intrigues of an inconsiderable faction, or from sudden or occasional ill humours that do not infect the great body of the community, the general government could command more extensive resources for the suppression of disturbances of that kind than could any State. Thus, the use of national troops.

President Andrew Jackson responded accordingly to the South Carolina insurrection which not only rejected Federal law, but also any ruling by the Supreme Court, while threatening secession. He pushed Congress to pass the Force Bill authorizing the use of Federal troops to enforce the tariff, along with a Compromise Tariff bill that would reduce tariffs to 20% in a decade. South Carolina backed down, but the issues would fester until 1860. With the election of Abraham Lincoln, the plantation owners feared the political scales had swung to the Republican Party, so they pulled out of the Union in a fatal attempt to save themselves. Many in todays Blue States (which we should start calling Confederate Gray) fear the scales have again swung against the Democrats and they have embraced States Rights in the Calhoun tradition to defy reform.

These are not and cannot be peaceful protests. The duties of national law enforcement are being met with force. Burning cars, attacking Federal buildings, throwing rocks at officers (akin to attempted murder), and blockading transport routes are not exercises of free speech. They are not meant to persuade, but to intimidate and coerce (because they know they have lost the debate). Even looting, which most people see as criminal, is defended among those who openly embrace insurrection as the start of a revolutionary civil war. Consider the book In Defense of Looting by Vicky Osterweil, which was given sympathetic coverage on NPR. She proclaims, Looting is a method of direct redistribution of wealth, from the store owners and capitalists to the poor and that looting is usually followed up by burning down the store. The desired result is the collapse of the system. The fact that many of the stores being destroyed by the current riots in LA are owned by Hispanics, immigrants and their children who are productive members of society and not criminals, is revealing of the true agenda of the Left. The defense of outlaws who cannot be assimilated into a peaceful, decent, and prosperous society but can be used as rebels.

The current case is even worse than normal as rioters not only burn the American flag, but dance around the flames waving the flags of Mexico, El Salvador, and others showing where their loyalty lies -- and it is not with us. I remember seeing many such demonstrations in Washington where foreign flags dominated. There was a backlash against this, so the organizers started handing out small U.S. flags. But this was a sham exercise as shown by the young man I saw outside my office one day. He had been given a U.S. flag, but he had dressed himself in a Che Guevara t-shirt.

In Federalist 16, Hamilton hoped he could trust the American people. He wrote, If the people were not tainted with the spirit of their State representatives, they, as the natural guardians of the constitution, would throw their weight into the national scale, and give it a decided preponderancy in the contest. The next few days will tell if Hamiltons faith is still realistic.

William R. Hawkins is a former economics professor who has worked for conservative think tanks and on the Republican staff of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee. He has written widely on international economics and national security issues for both professional and popular publications including for the Army War College, the U.S. Naval Institute, and the National Defense University, among others.

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Welcome to Los Angeles, where all manner of laws are optional, the slogans are preposterous, and the politicians behave like extras in their own Netflix docudrama.

This weeks moral hallucination? No ones illegal on stolen land.

Yes, thats now a standard feature of the protest scene in the City of Angelswhere civic disorder is a form of self-expression, and slogans are a substitute for intelligent discourse.

A powerful statementif youre high on hashtags and low on history. Or just plain high.

Which, judging by the last few decades of California ballot returns, seems to be both a pastime and a prerequisite for public office.

The flashpoint came after ICE agentscast by the left as medieval villains in a morality play no one asked forexecuted a series of lawful immigration enforcement actions, and in response, activists, anarchists, and Antifa cosplayers erupted in protestchanting absurd incantations to the protest demigods, and offering the usual tribute to that most sacred of rituals: political violence.

By sundown, downtown L.A. looked like a sequel to Escape fromwellL.A., with better lighting and a worse casting director.

Looters liberated iPhones and vape pens from bourgeois retailers. Protesters blocked highways and set dumpsters ablazehopefully with no homeless injured in this particular civil disobedience exercise.

The city burned, the slogans echoed, and once again, the Democrat establishment found itself struggling to tell the difference between civil disobedience and felony arson.

President Trump, unimpressed with Californias usual cocktail of shilly-shallying and moral preening, invoked Title 10 and deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles.

In any event, the federal government acted while Californias leadership issued statements telling America to ignore its lying eyes.

No Los Angeles riot scene is complete without a cameo from Congresswoman Maxine Waters, the perennial flame-thrower who long ago confused volume with virtue.

Waters first denied that there was any violence. No one was shot. No one was killed, she declared, as flaming barricades lit up the skyline and journalists staggered away from tear gas with bleeding faceslive on cable news.

Then again, Maxine Waters has been in politics so long that she may no longer recognize a riotespecially when it fits the narrative. When youve cheered enough mayhem, it stops looking like mayhem. It just looks like Tuesday.

Not satisfied with gaslighting the country, she then attempted to storm a federal detention facilityat least as much as her 86-year-old legs would allowunauthorizedand reportedly taunted National Guard members stationed outside. You better shoot straight, she told them.

Let that sink in. An elected member of Congress, standing in front of uniformed soldiers, demanding they shoot straight.

Never one to shoot straight herself, todays Maxine sounds less like a hero and more like Private Slovikoblivious, derelict, and unfit for duty.

The Department of Homeland Security promptly condemned her behavior, calling it dangerous and the congresswoman was spewing lies about the violence.

But not, somehow, surprising.

Now, back to this bit about No ones illegal on stolen land.

I learned a long time ago theres little to gain from interpretingwith reasonthe mind-droppings of the irrational.

But do these mental giants realize that, at some point in time, every piece of land on earth was taken from someone, somewhere, somehow?

Ill start taking this argument seriously the day every Ben & Jerrys location shuts down and gifts deeds to the nearest government-recognized tribe. Until then, its just bumper-sticker theology for the mass-transit wing of the progressive movementmeaning, they dont even own a bumper to slap the sticker on.

This might explain why theyre so quick to burn cars during peaceful protests.

The irony of torching Teslas in the name of environmental justice and this weeks cause du jour is lost on themalong with the carbon plume from flaming lithium batteries and polymer interiors.

Native Americans have suffered enough at the hands of sanctimonious white people through the yearsreservation agents, bootleggers, land speculators, and social reformers alike. Theyve been displaced, patronized, and exploited for generations.

So the idea that they must now suffer the additional indignity of having their historic trauma appropriated for the sloganeering of progressive rabblemost of whom wouldnt last five minutes on a reservation without Wi-Fi or a can of Olipopis beyond tone-deaf.

Its insulting. And it reveals what much of this movement is: not solidarity, but self-indulgence dressed in someone elses suffering.

Something tells me that, given the context, at least some of the rabble believe the land was stolen from Mexicoas if Alta California were some utopian patchwork of ranchos and pueblos before the Mexican-American War.

Conveniently forgotten, of course, are the Chumash, Tongva, and other indigenous tribes whose land was seized by the Centralist Mexican Republicnee First Mexican Republic, nee Mexican Provisional Government, nee First Mexican Empire, nee Spanish Empirelong before the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ever made it to print.

And lest we forget, the Russian Empire had outposts in California too. One wonders if Adam Schiff knows about Fort Rossthough since its not mentioned in the Steele Dossier, he probably assumes its Kamalas favorite vineyard in Sonoma.

But that only proves the point: this isnt about justiceits about narrative control. History is selectively edited to fit a chant, a hashtag, or a Soros-funded placard that arrived fresher than the protesters did.

Colonialism is condemnedbut only the correct kind, which more often than not isnt colonialism at all. If it doesnt serve the message, it didnt happen.

Also worth noting: theres a reason so many of these migrants crossed the border into the United Statesmany illegallyand want to stay.

And its not because Tijuana is the Second Romeor even a Second Trebizond.

They came because the American systemfor all its imperfectionsoffers opportunity, safety, and structure: things in short supply in the very countries these activists now romanticize.

And, lamentably, in short supply in Los Angeles these days.

Now, if an illegal alien is waving a Mexican flag over a smoldering American street, it looks and smells(looking at you, Gwen Walz)like an invasion.

And how does one defeat an invasion?

Ill leave that for your consideration.

The lefts narrative, predictably, is that this entire episode is Trumps faultbecause how dare the president enforce the law.

But lets pause for a moment and remember first principles. Enforcement of our nation's laws is a constitutional duty of the presidency.

Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution mandates that the president shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.

It is not contingent on whether state officials approve. It is not contingent on how much those violating the law throw rocks or torch motor vehicles. It is an affirmative obligationembedded at the core of presidential responsibility.

Sadly, the last administration lacked the wherewithal to have President Autopen take care to execute much of anything. And its hard to penoops, pinthe blame when no one can say for sure who was in charge while Joe Biden sat in the corner thinking he was a bird about to fly to Baskin-Robbins.

What the Democrats still cant seem to grasp is that Trump has a gift for putting them on the wrong side of what you might call the 8020 issuesthe fights where four out of five Americans land squarely against them.

This is one of those fights.

As Brit Hume recently put it, the Democrats positioning here is beyond politically unsustainableits political insanity. Truth.

Americans overwhelmingly support law and order. They dont want to see their cities in flames, their police officers under siege, or their neighborhoods turned into staging grounds for riot-themed performance art.

And they certainly dont appreciate being told its all mostly peaceful while a flaming hellscape flickers in the background.

Ultimately, if there is a unifying leitmotif in modern American progressivismbeyond its Pavlovian opposition to Trumpit is the embrace of a narcissistic nihilism: a worldview that destroys institutions it cannot control, deconstructs history it cannot comprehend, and desecrates values it never believed in to begin withall with a messianic zeal bordering on mania.

If the Democrat party does not cast off the yoke of madness and bind itself once more to law and order, then it shall reap the whirlwind.

For those who sup with anarchy do not inherit a nationthey inherit the void. And the void, as always, smells of sulfur, melted asphalt, broken glassand broken dreams.

Charlton Allen is an attorney and former chief executive officer and chief judicial officer of the North Carolina Industrial Commission. He is founder of the Madison Center for Law & Liberty, Inc., editor of The American Salient, and host of the Modern Federalist podcast. X: @CharltonAllenNC

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We all knew that this was coming. When voters came out in force last November to make sure that President Trumps margin of victory exceeded Democrats systemic fraud, it was obvious what would happen next. Democrats would do what Marxist globalists and Western Intelligence agencies have been doing across the world for many years: instigate riots, mayhem, sabotage, and general rebellion.

As any thinking person now understands, whenever the powers that be dont get the election results they want, they just foment revolution and work to overturn the will of the people (see Victoria Nuland and the U.S. State Departments Ukrainian coup detat circa 2014). Britains Establishment has undermined the Brexit vote, imported new Islamic voters, and locked up any native citizens who express outrage online. France and Romania prosecuted their countries leading opposition candidates and banned them from holding office. The Dutch Establishment blocked Geert Wilders from becoming prime minister and installed an Intelligence Community technocrat in his stead. Germany is close to designating the most popular opposition political party a domestic terror organization.

In the United States, Democrats and their Intelligence Community co-conspirators orchestrated the Russia collusion hoax against President Trump, sabotaged his administration, subverted his lawful orders, attempted to remove him from office, used COVID to nullify election security laws, incited the 2020 summer riots, installed Dementia Joe Biden in a fraud-filled 2020 mail-in ballot dump that ludicrously rendered the Delaware Dummy the most popular candidate of all time, and spent years trying to imprison Trump for the rest of his life.

Across the West, the Establishment wages war against national populations that reject the politicians and bureaucratic tyrants running their countries into the ground. Western elites undermine democracy in the name of democracy and throw anybody who objects into jail. Its insanely totalitarian...and entirely predictable.

For months, every American with two brain cells and a pulse has understood that Democrats were preparing for a 2020 summer of love reunion tour now that President Trump is back in the White House. Just as they took advantage of fentanyl fanatic George Floyds death by railroading four Minneapolis police officers and kicking off a months-long rampage of arson, looting, and murder in Democrat-run cities across the U.S. five years ago, violent Democrats have been salivating at the chance to turn the summer of 2025 into a bloody, fiery nightmare for law-abiding Americans. Its what Democrats do.

This seasons production of the NGO-financed, Intelligence Communitychoreographed, Chinese Communist Partysupported, and Democrat partyorganized color revolution has a new theme. Instead of bringing back Black Lives Matter for an encore performance of its widely acclaimed 2020 race riots (despite five-star reviews from the Establishment, that fiery but mostly peaceful theatrical production turned off much of the public), 2025s murder spree will celebrate criminal illegal aliens war against Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

Forty million foreign nationals will prove why they should be allowed to break Americas immigration laws and bilk Americas taxpayers by burning down American cities, attacking Americas law enforcement officers, and endangering American lives. California governor Gruesome Newsom sure is excited. The same tyrant who sent armed enforcers after Christians who refused to mask toddlers over two years into the COVID pandemic (another Democrat-sponsored theatrical production that the press and politicians adored but the public despised) is doing everything he can to help illegal aliens set his state on fire.

Opening night for downtowns across the country is still a few weeks away, but the preview show in Los Angeles is already getting stellar reviews from all the very best people. Celebrities say the Democrat party has really outdone itself. Journalists argue that this is one sequel you wont want to miss. Anonymous sources from the CIA and FBI are ecstatic about this summers coming carnage and are already telling critics who have not yet seen the show, We absolutely love it when armies of foreigners wage war on Americans. We all get raises, additional surveillance powers, and brand-new office space.

Democrat politicians can hardly contain their glee. Whenever they show up on CNN and MSNBC, they cheer for rioters. If democracy means throwing bricks and Molotov cocktails at police officers, robbing civilians, and burning down small businesses, then it makes perfect sense why the party of slavery and Jim Crow has never changed its name.

Nothing says, I like to terrorize and intimidate Americans into submission like a crazy-eyed leftist holding a gas can in one hand and a match in the other, while wearing a t-shirt that says, Hate has no home here. The Democrat party doesnt need to rebrand. It has proudly set churches, homes, and shops on fire for most of its existence. Arson, theft, and murder are in its political DNA. When Democrats preach tolerance, what they really mean is, Do what we say, and well tolerate you for the time being.

Even though we knew that these live performances of Democrat violence and mayhem were coming, this whole astroturfed exercise in stompy-foot outrage is still a bit surreal. For decades, the American Establishment has lied to Americans by claiming that the forty million or more illegal aliens living inside our country (a nation growing inside a nation) are just like us  better, in fact, because they do jobs that Americans wont do! (Weve got to have those domestic slaves, right, Democrats?)

Yet now that the foreign nationals have been activated to burn down America, it is easy to see that they are not like us at all. Americans dont wave Mexican flags while setting vehicles on fire. Americans dont praise Hamas while threatening Jews. Americans dont smuggle biological weapons from China in hopes of destroying Americas food supply. Americans dont export guns and military equipment to the nations geopolitical enemies. Americans dont get shout-outs from Islamic terrorists encouraging Muslims inside the U.S. to assassinate President Trump, his Cabinet, and their families. Thats what foreign infiltrators, terrorists, and enemy combatants do.

When I turn on the news and see foreign nationals destroying cities and hurting Americans, I dont feel sympathy. I feel anger. I am acutely aware that an army of military-aged males operates inside our borders. The members of that army demonstrate allegiance to foreign powers and outright hostility toward citizens of the United States.

Even worse, Democrats, Establishment Republicans, and bureaucrats within local, state, and federal agencies have undermined existing immigration law and encouraged this decades-long foreign invasion. While local communities and an unknown number of victims (in the Democrat partys so-called sanctuary cities, crimes committed by illegal aliens are intentionally hidden) have suffered from this forced clash of civilizations, Americans who have spoken out against this government-sanctioned lawlessness have been called bigots, racists, heartless, selfish, and evil.

First, powerful government officials conspire to aid and abet a foreign invasion. Then those government officials cover up the dangers and injuries to American citizens. Finally, the same government officials whose actions have caused real harm to Americans denounce Americans as immoral for daring to oppose the governments malicious, criminal, and damaging conduct.

Its as if the people who have been running this country for decades hate the people whose families have long lived here and love the foreigners who just sneaked in. Perhaps we Americans are a nation living inside a nation being constructed around us! That would certainly explain why the Constitution (and particularly the Bill of Rights) seemed to stop operating sometime over the last century.

But we know why this is happening. Too many Americans have rejected the Marxist globalists and their borderless New World Order. So we must be made to pay.

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Calls for California to secede from the United States, so-called, CalExit, are again being heard from the Left now that the Trump Administrations ongoing effort to employ widescale ICE raids to round up illegal immigrants has arrived in Los Angeles. The City of Angels has responded with less than angelic violent and destructive riots and rhetoric. But what would California secession mean for the U.S., for the Democrats, and for Republicans, if it actually happened?

The political, economic, cultural, and national security implications of a California secession are too vast to cover here. However, some of the likely immediate political outcomes in terms of how the national political landscape would change can be easily and hypothetically predicted using widely available and largely uncontested voting data from the 2024 national presidential election. And the data suggests the GOP would be the big winner.

Under current conditions, if California were to secede from the United States of America:

It would mean two less California Democrat (CA-DEM) controlled U.S. Senate seats.

It would also mean forty-three fewer CA-DEM controlled U.S. House seats.

Nine California Republican (GOP) U.S. House seats would also be lost.

In addition, based on 2024 Presidential Election results, there would be roughly 9,276,179 fewer CA-DEM votes for the Democrat Presidential Candidate in National Elections. This represents approx. 59% of all California 2024 presidential votes cast, approx. 6% of the total number of votes for president in the national election, and approx. 12% of the total Democrat votes for the Democrat presidential candidate in the 2024 National Election.

Lastly, it would also mean fifty-four fewer CA-DEM controlled Electoral College (EC) votes, or approx. 10% of the total number of EC votes, and approx. 24% of the EC votes won by Harris/Walz.

Based on these rough numbers, were California to actually make good on its perennial threat to secede from the United States, the GOP would benefit greatly, at least on the national level.

There have been several efforts to split California into multiple states, the most recent in 2018, seeking to create six new states. However, at least one of these new states would necessarily encompass the major cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco, where Democrats own an overwhelming voting bloc. This would continue to give Democrats a lopsided national influence. And, not to mention, it would likely give the DNC control of additional U.S. Senate seats, and control of a comparable number of Electoral College votes as they currently enjoy.

A more targeted and partial California secession would benefit the GOP to an even greater extent. However, it is uncertain whether this would be legally possible without constitutional amendment. Therefore, the full secession of California remains the best option for GOP political interests.

This alone is insurance enough that the Democratic Party will never consent to California secession, and any such threat may be considered empty, and should not be taken seriously.

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Canadian prime minister Mark Carney recently declared at a celebration of Eid al-Adha  the Islamic holiday known as the Festival of Sacrifice  that all Canadians must come together around the values of Eid, stating, These are Muslim values. These are Canadian values.

Carney is now the figurehead tasked with reshaping Canadas identity  and hes doing it by redefining Canadian values through an Islamic lens.

What Carney failed to mention in his address is that Eid al-Adha is a celebration of total submission to Allah. And whereas Judaism moved away from animal sacrifice, Islam to this day marks Eid al-Adha with mass ritual slaughter.

The four-day killing spree marking this years Eid al-Adha has just come to an end. Like every year, the slaughters that define this ritual are carried out by individuals with no training, no oversight, and no regard for suffering. The brutality is cheered on with selfies, laughter, and children watching in delight.

This barbarism isnt limited to Islamic countries, where the slaughter often takes place in crowded city streets. Its spreading quietly across Europe and North America  in homes, driveways, backyards, parking lots, and public parks.

These practices do not reflect Canadian values. Nor do honor killings; child marriage; female genital mutilation; forced veiling; polygamy; wife-beating; or the persecution of apostates, Christians, Hindus, Jews, and gay people  all practices prescribed in Islamic texts and upheld by Islamic doctrine. These arent fringe practices. Theyre embedded in Islamic law and enforced in many Muslim-majority countries worldwide. Today, such practices are increasingly tolerated in the West  justified under the guise of religious freedom.

But they are fundamentally incompatible with the principles of human rights, dignity, and equality that Canada once stood for  principles enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and echoed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These principles didnt arise in a vacuum. They come from Jewish and Christian values  the foundation of Canadas legal and moral tradition.

Yet never once has Carney stood up to affirm that.

Equally troubling, such practices come hand in hand with sharia courts, blasphemy laws, and dhimmitude  a system that treats non-Muslims as second-class citizens. In many Islamic societies, speaking the truth, leaving the faith, or simply refusing to submit can cost you your freedom  or your life.

These are not Canadian values. They never have been.

When leaders like Carney reshape our national identity around Islamic values and practices 

like those celebrated during Eid al-Adha  its not inclusion. Its surrender. It marks the slow dismantling of Western civilization: its principles, its institutions, and its moral foundation.

And if equating Muslim values with Canadian ones werent offensive enough, Carney delivered his Eid address at the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) in Ottawa  an organization with deep, well documented ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, a global jihadist movement committed to reviving the Islamic caliphate and uniting the Muslim world under Islamic rule. The Muslim Brotherhoods strategy combines the slow infiltration of Western institutions with the promotion of violent jihad  seeking to replace secular democracy with Islamic theocracy and sharia law, systems its followers believe are superior to all Western models of law, governance, and morality. The Muslim Brotherhood has inspired offshoots worldwide, including Hamas, and has been a driving force behind both violent resistance to Israel and the global surge in antisemitism.

Yet Carney had no issue delivering his message through MAC, one of the Muslim Brotherhoods most openly aligned affiliates in Canada  unbothered that the Muslim Brotherhood itself is a designated terrorist organization in multiple Arab countries. He seemed equally unfazed by the ongoing audit into MACs charitable status for allegedly funneling funds and coordinating activities aligned with Muslim Brotherhood objectives.

And this is the man now declaring that Muslim values are Canadian values. If this is what now passes for Canadian values, then maybe its time to fight for the ones weve lost  before theres nothing left to defend. Because Canada is no longer the country it used to be.

Image via Pixabay.
Mark Carney, the newly installed Prime Minister of Canada, recently gave a speech at an Eid al-Adha celebration in Ottawa.

The event was hosted by the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC).

In his speech, Carney told his fellow Canadians that all of us must come together  around the values of Eid.

He added, The values of community, of generosity, and yes, of sacrifice. These are Muslim values, these are Canadian values.

Oddly enough, Carney neglected to mention other Muslim values, such as those of converting, enslaving, or smiting infidels.

Coincidentally, at around the same time Carney was delivering these remarks, many of the same Jihadist thugs who have assaulted Jewish students and community members on and around the UCLA campus pivoted to attack ICE on the streets of L.A.

Though some of these protesters were waving Mexican flags, others were clad in Hamas and People for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) gear.

The proliferation of graffiti surrounding the riots included attacks on ICE and Zionists.

As the writer Daniel Greenfield noted: The issue is never the issue, the issue is the revolution. (Emphasis mine.)

The real issue is hatred for the United States, capitalismand, of course, Trump and his supporters. In a bizarre  and necessarily temporary  marriage of convenience, the hyper-secular have joined with radical Islamists to have a go at taking down the United States.

Remarkably, and also at about the same time, Saad bin Atef al-Awlaki, the freshly anointed leader of Al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), released a 34-minute video that was filled with explicit threats -- and calls for bloodshed -- inside the United States, according to the New York Post.

According to Atef al-Awlaki:

There are 4.5 million Muslims in America alone. I am saying to all of them: Revenge! Revenge! Do not consult anyone about killing infidel Americans. You should have a lot of determination, and the list of your targets should be effective. Go after the scum of the Earth and its greatest criminals. This is Trump and his VP. This is Elon Musk and his advisors, or any supporter in terms of finance, administration, and technology. These include his Secretary of State and his Secretary of Defense. Go after their families and all those who have any ties to, or are close to, the politicians of the White House.

Assaulting Jews, killing infidel Americans, and assassinating members of the Trump administration.

One assumes Carney didnt mean to celebrate those Muslim values. Although, based on whats happening in cities like Toronto, maybe he isnt terribly opposed to assaulting and harassing Jews.

Come to think of it, based on some of his -- and other Canadian politicians -- remarks regarding Trump and those who support him, maybe he isnt that concerned about the latter two issues, either.

Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License
I have a Notepad file containing a list of major lies promulgated by the media. It presently contains 124 untruths stretching back to Clintons I did not have sex with that woman up through The Benghazi attack was caused by a YouTube video to Trump is a Russian asset to Biden is sharp as a tack. That last one takes pride of place alongside the Autopen affair, which quite possibly represents the Biggest Political Scandal in American History.

Now Ive added The L.A. riots are mostly peaceful. That ones part of a set, which also contains references to the George Floyd riots and the Hands Up, Dont Shoot performances.

Climate alarmists have been predicting imminent global catastrophes for the last 50 years, and were still here. None of their predictions has come to pass, yet the warnings continue. Other outrageous lies have been presented to us in all seriousness, and again, they invariably turn out to be false. How many times can a person believe these reports from the legacy news media before he wakes up and realizes that almost nothing theyre saying is true?

I heard it again last night. Someone at another table said, By the time Trump is through, millions of people will have lost their health care benefits. Yes  millions of illegal aliens will hopefully be losing their health care benefits. But this person actually believed that American citizens are being targeted.

All of these stories were reported as gospel by the legacy media, and when the truth finally came out, journalists rarely if ever apologized. If they did correct the story, it was briefly mentioned, usually at the end of a news program. Quite often, what they do is act like defiant children caught in the act: They point their fingers at someone else. Were seeing it now with Jake Tappers book on Joe Biden. Despite the fact that the entire world watched Biden slowly disintegrate for four years, Tapper claims to have been misled.

Democrats dismissed concerns about Bidens mental fitness as partisan attacks up until his debate with Donald Trump, when it became too obvious to ignore. Concerns about Bidens mental fitness were suppressed or misrepresented. That alienated voters who value transparency about leadership capacity, particularly during times of crisis. This obfuscation likely diminished voters ability to make informed decisions, which could then fuel arguments that the Democrat party prioritized power over transparency.

Robert Hur, the special counsel who interviewed Biden, described him as a well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory, sparking significant debate about his fitness. Subsequent media reluctance to pursue this story aggressively may have delayed public awareness. Republicans used the Hur report to argue that Biden benefited from a double-standard compared to Trumps classified documents case, amplifying accusations of a weaponized Justice Department.

This long history of lies and misrepresentations is having significant social and political ramifications.

Public skepticism toward the media, government, and our institutions is deepening. There is increasing distrust in news reporting and official statements, and this is especially potent when visual evidence, like videos of riots or a diminished president being unable to speak coherently, contradicts narratives. Citizens may question whether officials are addressing public safety adequately or are instead protecting a political image.

The narrative defending President Bidens diminishment goes hand in hand with that surrounding the Los Angeles riots. They both require suspension of disbelief that crosses into Orwellian territory.

So-called journalists refer to the riots as mostly peaceful while cars burn in the background. Such mischaracterization can alienate communities affected by violence and risks normalizing unrest. Residents affected by these riots may feel marginalized if the unrest is minimized by politicians and the media. Downplaying riots could alienate moderate Democrats who prioritize law and order, creating tensions between progressive and centrist factions.

It may also encourage future unrest, as some may believe that violent actions will be excused, especially if they align with certain socio-political causes.

Within the Democrat party, these issues have caused internal strife.

Finally, these controversies distract from substantive policy debates. Framing riots as mostly peaceful diverts attention from addressing root causes like border security or immigration reform. This paralysis hinders effective governance, leaving complex issues unresolved.

The lies and misrepresentations about issues such as Bidens mental fitness and the L.A. riots erode trust, deepen polarization, and destabilize political processes. Socially, they risk alienating communities and normalizing unrest, while politically, they fuel opportunism, weaken party unity, and distract from governance.

Mitigating these issues will require transparent communication, rigorous journalism, and accountability for violence. However, the polarized climate and media bias make this difficult, suggesting that these issues will continue shaping public discourse and political outcomes.

Image via Pixnio.
Up until a few years ago, Id spent most of my life in California. I miss fog and good Chinese food but, otherwise, Im grateful not to be there anymore. Still, California lives in my memory, which is why Ive had a strong deja vu all over again feeling listening to Nancy Pelosi speak and watching Gavin Newsom work his career. Democrats arent breaking new ground here; its the same old, same old.

First, Nancy Pelosi joined the choir of Democrats downplaying the violence in Los Angeles. As far as she was concerned, there was nothing sinister about mobs of people attacking ICE agents and police in the performance of their duties. Instead, she said, it is just a bunch of wholesome people responding to the exuberance of the moment.

PELOSI: Be careful when you see a burned car or a broken window, it may be the exuberance of the moment!pic.twitter.com/zXqeRtVI2q  Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 10, 2025

Wow! Instant flashback to 1992, the last time mobs went on a major rampage in Los Angeles. During that riot, Reginald Denny, a construction worker, while delivering a load of sand, innocently made what proved to be a disastrous decision.

He got off the rush-hour-choked freeway and went onto a city road. A rampaging mob forced him to stop, dragged him out of his car, and four members of the mob proceeded to beat the living daylights out of him, leaving him with serious and permanent injuries. The entire thing was caught on camera by a local news helicopter circling overhead.

The four men caught on camera were identified as Damian Williams, Henry Watson, Antoine Miller, and Gary Williams, suspected gang members. The charges against Miller and Gary Williams were swiftly handled, resulting in fairly minimal prison sentences.

Meanwhile, Damian Williams and Henry Watson had a full, well-publicized trial. Watson was convicted of a single misdemeanor assault, while Williams was convicted of four misdemeanors and simple mayhem. However, because Denny wasnt the only person Damian Williams assaulted, he was sentenced to ten years in prison. He got out just five years later, ending up in prison for life when he was convicted of murdering a drug dealer.

The general tenor of the defense is that Williams really could not be held responsible for what he was doing, a notion Williams himself summed up in an interview quoted in a 1993 New York Times article:

In an interview with the Wave Newspaper Group, a newspaper chain that mainly serves a black readership, Mr. Williams said of the riots, People were just out of control like a pack of rats running after cheese. He added, I was just caught up in the rapture.

Rapture. Exuberance. You say to-may-to and I say to-mah-to. At least Williams, unlike Pelosi, went on to add, What I did was wrong... It was unjustified... Pelosi doesnt seem to see things that way.

Meanwhile, Gavin Newsom is also taking a page out of an old playbook to elevate his political profile. This time around, hes obviously positioning himself to be the Democrats chosen candidate in 2028. Last time, when he was the lowly mayor of San Francisco, he had his sights on the governors mansion.

In 2004, he used the same technique hes using now: Flouting the law to set himself up as a hero of the leftist resistance. Then, the resistance was framed as gay marriage, not fighting for illegal immigration. So it was that Newsom directed the clerk for the City and County of San Francisco to issue marriage licenses for same-sex couples.

That was Gavins moment. As Wikipedia says, although the Supreme Court swiftly nullified all those licenses, Newsom's unexpected move brought national attention to the issue of same-sex marriage, solidifying political support for him in San Francisco and in the LGBTQ+ community. Seven years later, Newsom was Californias lieutenant governor, and in 2019, he was governor of the most populous state in America. His plan worked, and hes working the plan again.

The Bible tells us that there is nothing new under the sun, and popular wisdom often reminds us that there is no need to reinvent the wheel. No wonder, then, that Democrats are turning to tried and true tropes and tactics. Its to be hoped, though, that this time around, the facts on the ground and the president in the White House are sufficiently different that these tropes and tactics yield (for Democrats) unpleasant outcomes.

Image created using ChatGPT.
There is clearly nothing wrong with having foreign students attend U.S. colleges, but when Harvard has around 30% foreign students, the numbers appear to be out of whack. That is especially true when Harvard rejects so many well qualified U.S. students.

Simple research yielded the following information:

In the 20232024 academic year, the United States hosted a record number of international students, exceeding 1.1 million. This figure represents 5.9% of the total U.S. student population. India and China are the two largest sources of international students, making up over half of the total. Specifically, India had 331,602 students, while China had 277,398.

In the 20222023 academic year, 1,355 U.S. students studied in India. So there were 245 Indian students studying in America for every American student studying in India.

The number of Americans studying in China is currently around 800. So, there are around 350 Chinese students studying in America for every American student studying in China. Is that a good idea since we know China has a history of stealing American intellectual property and since they clearly were the origin of COVID and there have been recent arrests of Chinese operatives seeking to infect U.S. crops?

We read that the reason Harvard and other universities accept so many foreign students is because they pay the full cost and subsidize the cost of American students. Where do those students get the money since the median family income in China is estimated to be around $5,500 per household? And the average salary in India is around $5,000 per year, so a family probably makes less than $10,000 per year.

So, do Harvard and other colleges only accept rich students, or does someone else pay the bill? Does Harvard reject qualified poor and middle-class students in America in favor of foreign students?

While Biden opened the borders to flood the U.S. with millions of illegals competing against Americans for jobs, he greatly increased work visas for foreignerswhich also reduced opportunities for Americans. Why would we do that when so many qualified Americans are looking for jobs? Why do they cater so much to big corporations? From a Breitbart article:

The 400,000 work permits issued to foreign college-migrants in 2024 likely have a huge career impact on the roughly 800,000 Americans who graduate with technology-intensive, four-year degrees in business, science, computer, math, architecture, and healthcare. Census data from 2021 showed that many Americans are pushed out of the technology careers and salaries they studied to achieve.

Shouldnt we stop pretending that Democrats are the party for working Americans? They support flooding America with foreign students, illegals, and work visas while opposing Trumps policies to bring back manufacturing and energy jobs to the U.S. They also oppose requiring physically and mentally capable people to be job-hunting while on government benefits. It certainly appears that they would rather have Americans permanently dependent on the government instead of giving them more opportunities to move up the economic ladder.

Image generated by AI.
With hours left until the state legislature goes home, Louisiana Republicans are trying to shoot themselves in the foot  and cost their constituents a lot of money  by banning Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies in the state.

Like a lot of political moves, it sounds good on the surface. The company the bill will most impact is CVS, a corporation. PBMs, which are middlemen in the drug industry, arent very transparent with their prices. And lawmakers get to say they protected constituents from high drug prices.

Theres only one problem: PBM politics are very good. But PBM economics are not.

First up: jobs. CVS is putting out the word that the ban will force the company to close over 100 stores, costing about 2,700 people their jobs. These arent low-paying jobs, either; CVS raised its minimum wage to $15 per hour in 2021, but many employees are store managers and pharmacists  and the latter make over three times that hourly income. Plus the benefits, which are about what youd expect for a national healthcare company.

Second: access. In the Virginia suburbs where I live, there are almost as many pharmacies as Starbucks locations. Im sure thats true in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge metro areas  but what about in rural towns? In many regions, there are only one or two pharmacies that can navigate the complex drug system to find low-cost drugs  often a CVS location. Driving further to other pharmacies would create logistical and financial difficulties for many rural residents, especially those who are already cash-strapped or limited by physical disability.

Third: PBMs actually do lower prices. Yes, theyre opaque. No, theyre not perfect. But as one of CVSs competitors noted in a response to the Federal Trade Commissions lawsuit against PBMs, it is not the middleman who sets a drugs price  its the manufacturer. Its a PBMs job to get that price as low as possible, something the industry credibly says it does.

Republicans, especially in conservative states like Louisiana, often tout their support for the free market. They should know that the government, not PBMs, is the problem here. Specifically, government interference in the market  like, say, the Affordable Care Acts insurance profit limits that encouraged companies to vertically integrate. If Louisiana follows Arkansass path in making PBMs the enemy, you can almost guarantee that a) choice will go down, b) prices will go up, and c) politicians of both parties will find new enemies to blame.

Perhaps thats why lawmakers introduced, and voted on, the bill a day before the end of the session. They know theyre creating a boogeyman  and they want to gavel out and go home before people know whats happening.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
With mandate from the American people to destroy the Deep State once and for all, clean out the pedophiles, child traffickers, traitors, and other criminals in Washington (and across all levels of government), Pam Bondi has more important things to do, like making sure the basement dwelling losers who fancy themselves revolutionaires a la Che Guevara dont (allegedly) refuse service to Jewish patrons.

No Epstein files.

No deep state arrests.

Violent riots on the streets, no major arrests of funders or organizers.

Letitia James still free.

Pam Bondi is focused on *checks notes* antisemitic coffee?

Got it.pic.twitter.com/4GOHah7iX4  Owen Shroyer (@OwenShroyer1776) June 11, 2025

Are these people vile? Absolutely. If they refused service to certain patrons based on religious or political affiliations did they break the law? Of course. Is glamorizing the acts of October 7 one of the most morally repugnant positions to take? Undoubtedly. But this is supposed to be America with radical freedom, as long as youre not infringing on the inalienable rights of others, and anti-discrimination laws imposed upon the private sector are unconstitutional. Since when are God-given rights being denied because some loser refuses to serve someone a coffee? I am not in any way excusing the behavior of these receding-hairline Hamas lovers, but I am saying the government shouldnt be able to dictate how they run their private business. If a coffee shop wants to glamorize rapists and murderers, I will not be spending my money there, and neither should anyone else. Thats the answer to a bad business model (hateful discrimination), not government intervention.

And, if I were a Jewish person, theres no way in the world I would trust a coffee made by these people, even if the government forced them to serve me. Sure its wildly unfair, but this is just the reality of the situation.

Anyway, I struggle to understand how this coffee shop discrimination issue is taking such high priority? As you heard in the video, Bondi and the full force of the DOJ is coming after you if youre going to pull this little stunt anywhere else in the country. It sounds like a losing case toothe Colorado baker didnt have to make the cake for the gays, so the precedent has been set.

Bondi wants to morally grandstand about the world were living in, where Jews would be denied service at some pathetic local coffee shop. Despicable yes, but these are leftists about whom were talkingisnt despicable just part of their character?

Were also living in a world of unbelievable levels of child sex abusewhat about the millions of children being sexually abused and exploited for child pornography? The U.S. is both the number one consumer and creator of child sex abuse material. The DOJ has roughly 116,000 employees, and it seems like this issue deserves every single dollar and bit of manpower should be diverted to this mission.

What about an investigation into the Fedsurrection of J6? The fact that our own government used our money to implant its agents to orchestrate a psyop? How about an investigation into the crooked and illegal actions taken by members of the J6 committee? Sitting members of Congress destroying evidence that was used as justification to jail American citizens without due process? What about tracking the Ukraine money, and all the shady NGO dollars? If we have lawmakers owned by foreign influence, it seems like its extremely important to get to the bottom of it.

The five dead babies whose bodies were saved from the medical waste truck in D.C.?

The truth behind the assassination attempts against Trumps life?

Fauci??

We have zero arrests of consequenceWHERE ARE THE ARRESTS?

I could go on, and on, and on.

How about simply fulfilling the promise to release the Epstein files? I have no doubt that anything incriminating the powers that be has been destroyed, but Bondi said, there were thousands of videos of Epstein with children. Who are the buyers?

But hey, after she makes sure all the Hamas-obsessed coffee shops have completed their court-ordered anti-discrimination diversion programs, shell be back on Fox to tell us how she and the DOJ will be coming after the potheads, or maybe the neighborhood gangbanger carrying an unregistered firearm, next.

This woman has got to go.

Image: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr, unaltered.
The deal-cutting, principle-abandoning, America-last delirium that defined the Biden administration has somehow survived Trumps 2024 victory. Donald Trump, the man sent to torch the swamp, may unravel the Reaganite clarity of his first term by substituting the doctrine of peace through strength with the Trojan horse of transactional politics.

Start with Iran, the starkest proof of transactional failure. Tehrans mullahs are a heartbeat from a nuclear bomb. Yet, instead of a Reagan-style ultimatum, backed by an encroaching aircraft carrier and a stoic glare, were mired in the Obama/Biden methodology: the tired game of endless diplomatic Takiyya.

Irans remaining proxies, Hamas and the Houthis, do jihads bloody business across the Middle East, while we seemingly turn a blind eye. This isnt strength; its voluntary capitulation. Trumps base, the heart of America, sees through it. A recent Rasmussen poll shows 84% of the electorate sides with Trump on stopping Irans nuclear program. So why are we still negotiating with a regime that screams Death to America between threats of a bigger, badder, more efficient Jewish genocide than Hitlers?

Then theres the bizarre, reality-defying moral equivalency between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin. Zelensky, for all his obvious faults, is a man standing for his nations existence against a Russian onslaught. Valodya hasnt gone crazy. Valodya is as he has always been, a deliberate butcher, his hands stained with the blood of Ukraine and Russias fallen men, women, and children.

The clearest case of transactional politicking is Americas ongoing revival of Hamas through its Faustian bargain with the duplicitous Qatar. This is the kind of 4D-chess drivel Trump was elected to obliterate. Since October 7, 2023, the U.S. has wavered between supporting Israels right to survive and pushing Qatari-brokered ceasefires that let Hamas rearm. Qatar is the grinning, sycophantic, public-facing front of the Muslim Brotherhood. Qatar funds Hamas, spews anti-American indoctrination through Al Jazeera, and has spent decades bankrolling radical Marxist and jihadi ideologies in our universities. Efforts to combat antisemitism at the university level will remain hollow unless we sever ties with Qatar.

Tucker Carlson may be preening in Doha like a useful idiotjust as he did in Moscowbut he and the loud, Israel-blaming minority on the right do not speak for him the vast majority of Trump voters. Americans didnt send Trump to Washington to play diplomat with tyrants. They sent him to name evil and break itto be Reagans heir, not Bidens shadow.

An encouraging sign that there may still be a flicker of Reaganite fire smoldering in Trumps gut is that Ukraines recent drone strike, which lit up Russias aircraft fleet, likely took place with Washingtons prior knowledge, or, at the very least, has received no condemnation. Trump must continue acting to ensure the line between heroes and monsters remains clear.

With the clarity and courage of Liberation Day, Trump must sever all family entanglements with Qatar, no matter how financially disadvantageous. Qatar should be sanctioned and isolated. Without access to the global financial system, theyre neutered. And finally, the president must take steps to move the U.S. military base from Qatar to Bahrain. This would be a clear rebuke to Qatars insidious double-dealing. It would signal that Americas principles arent for sale.

The world is watching. History is unforgiving. President Donald Trump must reclaim the vision of peace through strength, or risk becoming another name etched on the Wests gravestone.

Image generated by AI.
Of course, you know this means war. Thats a line that both Groucho Marx and Bugs Bunny uttered, cementing it into the American consciousness. When they said those words, it was funny. When you watch America withdraw all non-essential people from the Middle East, Israel warn Hezbollah hands off or we wipe out Lebanon, and pizza sales spike in D.C., its not funny at all.

Instead, its a reminder that the West is at a now-or-never moment in dealing with Irans nuclear ambitions. My current sense is that Israel cannot wait any longer to destroy Irans nuclear facilities (given that Iran has been unambiguous that it intends to use a nuclear arsenal to erase Israel from the map), and that the United States is just getting out of the way.

Image created using AI.

Since taking office, Trump has told Israel not to act against Iran. He did so because he was confident that he could force Iran into a nuclear deal. Doing so would remove the risk of having the apocalyptic mullahs suddenly armed with a nuclear weapon that would allow them to trigger the End of Days they believe are a necessary predicate to the coming of the Mahdi. (Christians who believe in a coming apocalypse try to prepare themselves practically and spiritually. The mullahs belong to an extremist sect that believes it is their obligation to trigger the apocalypse.)

However, the deadline Trump set for negotiations is over, and reports are that the mullahs are days from going nuclear. Meanwhile, Israel has a diminishing window of time within which to benefit from their having destroyed Irans air defenses (assuming that the window hasnt already closed). Given that Iran has been explicit about its desire to destroy Israel, Israel has no option but to strike against Irans nuclear capabilities. (And as a reminder, Iran has been explicit that, once it destroys Israel, America is next.)

All of which gets us to reports over the last 24 hours that the United States is removing all non-essential personnel in areas of the Middle East that could make them vulnerable to an attack:

Heres what just went down  and its very interesting:



1. UK Maritime Trade issued a rare warning about rising tensions in the Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman, citing potential military escalation that could directly affect shipping.



2. The US Embassy in Iraq is  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) June 11, 2025 BREAKING The United States is preparing to evacuate its embassy in Iraq due to a growing security risk in the Middle East. A similar directive was issued earlier for American vessels in the Gulf.  Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) June 11, 2025 Israel is also on high alert. One of the things it did was to warn off Hezbollah, something that strongly implies that there is an unfolding situation: Update: "Israel sent a message to the Lebanese state through diplomatic channels that any military action by Hezbollah in response to possible attacks against Iran will be met with the destruction of the party and all of Lebanon", - Israeli media.  EndGameWW3  (@EndGameWW3) June 11, 2025 Israel sent a message to the Lebanese state through diplomatic channels that any military action by Hezbollah in response to potential strikes on Iran would be met with the destruction of the party and Lebanon...  Ph.Gritti (@Philipp27960841) June 11, 2025 Meanwhile, in D.C., the surprisingly reliable pizza index has been activated: Ever heard of the Pizza Index?



When shits about to hit the fan, and a long night is in storethey order a boat load of pizza.



Heres a live look at the pizza places around the Pentagonthat red bar is right nowthe blue is normal busyness.



Israel + Iran =  pic.twitter.com/DCmwjx2caV  Jordan Crowder (@digijordan) June 11, 2025

Despite all this, war is not certain. Back channels are saying that Israel has given Iran a Sunday deadline to reach a deal...or else. BREAKING: The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC), a multinational maritime security organization coordinating between commercial shipping and naval forces, has issued an urgent advisory warning of "escalating regional tensions" with elevated threat levels for vessels  Bernie News Network (@BNews_Network) June 12, 2025 Israel is also on high alert. One of the things it did was to warn off Hezbollah, something that strongly implies that there is an unfolding situation:Meanwhile, in D.C., the surprisingly reliable pizza index has been activated:Despite all this, war is not certain. Back channels are saying that Israel has given Iran a Sunday deadline to reach a deal...or else.

The or else presumably means a massive Israeli strike against Irans nuclear facilities, military bases (including wiping out IRGC personnel), Kharg Island (which processes almost all of Irans petroleum exports, which means erasing their economy), and, possibly, against the mullahs themselves. Israel understands that, unless it strikes Iran with devastating force in the first instant, wiping out Irans military and economic capabilities, Iran will counter, not by wiping out Israels military capabilities, but by wiping out Israel itself.

Naturally, Europe will side with Iran, which shows just how stupid Europe has become. If Iran goes nuclear, Europe will be within range of its missiles. That means that Iran will be Europes de facto ruler. Europes only hope for maintaining some modicum of independence (before the Muslims within Europe take over anyway) is to support Israel. But again, Europe has become stupid.

Meanwhile, I do not believe that Trump, who truly hates war, intends to get involved in this fight. He will support Israel without embroiling American troops. That is, he will do so unless Iran makes the mistake that Germany and Japan made in 1941, which is to attack America (as Japan did) or declare war upon it (as Germany did). After that, well, all bets are off, and Armageddon, here we come!

Ill leave you with a parting thought from Robert Gates during his tenure as secretary of defense:
In an age where artificial intelligence promises instant information, Googles AI Overviews aim to provide quick, concise answers directly within search results. This convenience might feel like a beneficial, free service to users. However, a significant and alarming accusation has emerged from the independent publishing community. They feel that Google is allegedly using its AI advancements to systematically diminish independent websites, effectively raising the question: is Google AI censoring websites? What could be the long-term cost to the internet?

This serious concern comes from Nate Hake, the founder and CEO of Travel Lemming, an independent travel publishing platform. In a detailed report, Hake presents a stark picture, suggesting that Googles pursuit of an AI-first search future might be inadvertently, or even deliberately, controlling the flow of information and jeopardizing the online content.

Is Google AI Censoring Websites?

Hakes core allegation is that Google strategically implemented a series of impactful algorithm updates between 2023 and 2024. He argues these changes werent just about improving general search quality. These were allegedly designed to prepare the ground for Googles AI-first search paradigm. The proposed shift is profound: instead of directing users to third-party websites for detailed answers, Google intends to provide those answers directly within its own search interface through AI Overviews. This shift, according to Hake, has reportedly had a catastrophic effect on countless independent publishers. They allegedly have witnessed a dramatic drop in search traffic, often exceeding 95%. This reduction in visibility is why many are starting to ask if Google AI censors websites.

Imagine years spent building a valuable online resource, crafting unique and insightful content, only to see your primary source of visitorsorganic search trafficvanish almost overnight due to opaque algorithmic adjustments. Hake asserts this has been the grim reality for thousands of smaller content creators. The timeline he outlines is particularly unsettling: after initially promoting content by people, for people, Google subtly removed the written by people guideline in September 2023. Immediately following this, the algorithms began rolling out changes that, in Hakes view, effectively decimated independent site traffic. Then, in 2024, once this alleged demolition phase was complete, Google swiftly launched its AI Overviews. This feature summarizes third-party content directly in search results, inevitably reducing the incentive for users to click through to the original sources.

A Double Standard and the Reddit Connection: Further Questions of AI Censorship

Hakes report further deepens the concern about whether Google AI censors websites by highlighting what he describes as a disturbing double standard. Smaller, independent sites could be facing silent shadowbans with no clear appeal process. Meanwhile, larger media organizations reportedly received different treatment. These special treatments could include manual penalties that allowed for structured appeals and opportunities for recovery. Compounding this, Hake points out that Google reportedly gave advance notice to some large sites about impending spam policy violations while simultaneously impacting compliant independent publishers. This disparity raises questions about fairness and transparency in Googles algorithmic enforcement.

A particularly eye-opening detail involves Reddit. At the very moment independent sites were experiencing a sharp decline in visibility, Reddits search traffic reportedly soared. This happened just before Google announced a $60 million AI licensing deal with the platform. Hake suggests this isnt merely coincidental. It could have derived from a calculated move to secure content from large entities for Googles AI models, potentially at the expense of smaller, uncompensated creators, further fueling the Google AI censors websites narrative.

In a remarkable admission in October 2024, Google reportedly invited Hake and other affected publishers to its headquarters. There, they got an apology, with Google acknowledging that the traffic declines werent the publishers fault. However, this acknowledgment came with a sobering reality: Google reportedly stated that traffic might never fully recover. Why? Because search had permanently changed with AI. This statement solidifies the concern: if content creators are told their efforts will no longer generate the traffic vital for their survival, what incentive remains to produce that content? This permanent change driven by AI could be seen as a form of systemic Google AI censorship.

The Unsustainable Economics: When the Source Material Dries Up

This brings us to a fundamental concern about the future of online information. What happens if the independent content creators are no longer able to sustain themselves? We are talking about the very lifeblood of the open web and the source material for these AI models. If the economic incentives evaporate because traffic and compensation dwindle, the well of original content will inevitably begin to dry up.

Hake argues that Googles overarching strategy points to a future where:

AI Overviews are the primary source of answers, negating the need for users to visit external websites.

Google directly monetizes both questions and answers through features like Ads that Answer.

Only a select few large media partners remain, tasked with feeding Googles insatiable AI models.

Independent voices, crucial for a rich and varied information landscape, are systematically marginalized or eliminated. This scenario directly relates to the fear that Google AI censors websites through algorithmic means.

The implications extend far beyond business models. As Hake rightly emphasizes, millions of individuals rely on Google daily for answers to crucial questions. They ask about careers, health, faith, and voting. If Google gains unprecedented control over the answers to these questions by controlling the source materialpotentially by allowing Google AI to censor websites from visibilityit effectively wields immense influence over public discourse and individual choices. This isnt just an economic shift; it poses a significant threat to information diversity, critical thinking, and the very spirit of the open web.

The convenience of free AI answers is undeniably appealing in the short term. However, its crucial for consumers and regulators alike to consider the long-term consequences. Are we, as a digital society, prepared to accept a future where the internets independent voices might be reduced to a curated pond, controlled by a single entity, all in the name of instant gratification? The hidden cost of this convenience might prove to be a price too high to pay for the future of information if Google AI censors websites that are vital to its foundation.
At the tail end of last month, Google sent out emails to a select group of Pixel Superfans that hinted at the prospect of getting an early preview of the upcoming Pixel 10 series. However, it seems that the event is no longer happening. Google has been sending out emails to those same Superfans informing them that it can no longer extend an invite to the Pixel Penthouse. The Pixel Penthouse was the name given to the event, which would have taken place in London on June 27.

According to Google, unforeseen circumstances have arisen that have caused the need for a pullback on the event. Google doesnt dive into the details, so its unclear what these circumstances are. That being said, Pixel Superfans apparently wont be getting an early preview of the upcoming devices. But its not all bad news for those who would have been invited.

Pixel Superfans may get to see the Pixel 10 at a different event further down the line

As part of the emails Google sent out today, Google is handing out what is essentially a consolation prize: an invite to the next event. The company is going to be sending out invites to what would have come after the Pixel Penthouse. Google is calling this the Pixel Superfans Insider Event.

This new event will be taking place on September 4. Interestingly, Google mentions nothing about what this alternative event will involve. With the previous event, Google was very specific in mentioning that attendees would get an early preview of upcoming Pixel devices. It didnt mention the Pixel 10 by name, but it seemed like a pretty obvious hint. Considering that the Pixel 10 series should be Googles next lineup of hardware devices, this is highly likely what the previews would have been for.

Rumors suggest that the Google Pixel 10 release date will be in August. As of right now, its still entirely possible that Google will be keeping to this schedule. If that is the case, then it begs the question of what Google plans to show off to Pixel Superfans at the event in September. Perhaps it will still be some hands-on time with the Pixel 10 series. Given the rumored timeline of the Pixel 10 announcement, this would make sense. As there would only be a couple of weeks in between the announcement and this new event. That being said, it would, of course, no longer be an early preview.

Although nothing official about the Pixel 10 has been revealed yet, there have been plenty of leaks. Earlier today, it was reported that Google will release its own line of Qi2 Pixel 10 accessories. Another leak revealed that there will be an exclusive Pixel 10 AI feature called Magic Cue.
When you think of wearables, which brand comes to mind? If you said Apple, we dont blame you. The Apple Watch is everywhere. However, it turns out that, in terms of global market share, Apple ranks third. So, who comes in first? Fitbit? Google? Garmin? It turns out that the leader of the global wearable market share is none other than Huawei.

Huawei leads the global wearable market

According to the latest figures from IDC China, Huawei is killing it in the global wearable market. The company took the lead for the first quarter of 2025 with a total of 10 million units shipped. This also represents a respectable 42.4% growth compared to the same quarter a year ago.

With this latest shipment, Huaweis wearables now account for 21.9% of the global market, up from 17% the same period last year. So, if Huawei is first, does that mean Apple is second? Once again, that isnt the case. In fact, Xiaomi comes in second place with 8.7 million units shipped and takes home 19% of the pie. This is up from last year, where Xiaomi accounted for 14.7% of the market.

Apple actually came in third place, with 7 million units shipped in Q1 2025. It now holds 15.5% of the market, an increase from 12.5% last year. Samsung and Garmin are in fourth and fifth place, with 7.5% and 4.7% of the market, respectively.

Huawei and Xiaomis dominance

The Apple Watch is one of the most mainstream wearables in on the market today. However, just because its everywhere doesnt mean its the most popular. For starters, it has limited appeal because you need an iPhone for it to work correctly. This alienates a massive chunk of the worlds population.

Secondly, despite the release of the more affordable Apple Watch SE, the smartwatch is still considered a premium wearable. This is versus Chinese companies like Huawei and Xiaomi, both of whom have a bunch of different wearables that appeal to shoppers on a budget. For example, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is priced at a mere 39.99. It comes with a display and all the health and fitness tracking you need.

Lets not forget the Huawei Band series which is priced at around $50, making it a steal for users who dont own an iPhone and dont need anything too fancy.
Kim Leadbeater after parliament voted in support of assisted dying in November 2024. She said she was still meeting and hearing from MPs about ways the bill could be improved. Photograph: Carl Court/Getty

Adverts promoting assisted dying services will be banned if the procedure is made law under a new amendment, the MP sponsoring the bill has said.

Labours Kim Leadbeater said adverts promoting assisted death as an option for terminally ill people would not be allowed.

She will table an amendment prohibiting such advertising when the bill  which relates to England and Wales only  returns to the Commons on Friday, as well as an amendment that would require the Department of Health and Social Care to undertake an assessment of the state of palliative care.

In a letter to MPs, Leadbeater said there was a wide consensus that advertising the procedure should not be permitted. Adverts in other countries including Belgium and the Netherlands have received widespread backlashes for appearing to promote assisted dying as a preferable option.

I have worked with colleagues on both sides of the debate and I believe there is wide consensus that if assisted dying does become legal, we wouldnt want to see it promoted through advertising, Leadbeater said in her letter.

Related: Two more Labour MPs suggest they could vote against assisted dying bill

There is also widespread consensus and support for improvements in palliative care. It is not a choice between assisted dying or palliative care  I firmly believe we should take a holistic approach to choice and care for terminally ill people.

Critics of the bill say the prohibition of advertising is not strong enough because of a loophole that would allow any future health secretary to determine exceptions to the ban. The Labour MP Paul Waugh, who opposes the bill, has tabled additional protections that would allow communications only between health professionals and those who had already requested to find out more about an assisted death.

Leadbeater said she was still meeting and hearing from MPs about ways the bill could be improved. One area where supporters and opponents, both in parliament and in the country, agree is that if we are to pass this legislation it should be the best and safest bill possible. Im confident it can and will be, she wrote.

She said the bill would have received up to 200 hours of consideration if it passes the House of Lords, placing it among the most heavily scrutinised bills in recent times.

Other amendments tabled by Leadbeater include a clause on the regulation of substances used to hasten the death of patients who choose an assisted death.

The bill would allow those in England and Wales with less than six months to live, who are terminally ill and of sound mind, to have an assisted death. There is relatively little detail on what that would mean in terms of the procedure contained in the bill.

There would also be extra duties on the health secretary to consult people with learning disabilities, providers of health and care services including palliative and end-of-life care, and people with protected characteristics  such as race, religion and belief.

Leadbeater said she would back an amendment from the Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson  an opponent of the bill  for the government to undertake a detailed assessment of the state of palliative and end-of-life care.

I fully support it. It is not a choice between assisted dying or palliative care  I firmly believe we should take a holistic approach to choice and care for terminally ill people, Leadbeater said. This amendment also has the backing of Marie Curie and others in the charitable and end-of-life sector.

MPs will have their final vote on the bill next Friday with more than a dozen believed to have switched sides to oppose the bill, though at least three have moved to support it.

On Wednesday the Labour party chair, Ellie Reeves, who abstained at the last vote, confirmed she would vote for the bill. But two others, including the former health minister Andrew Gwynne and the Labour MP Paul Foster, suggested they would now oppose the legislation.

 This article was amended on 12 June 2025 to clarify that the assisted dying bill tabled by Kim Leadbeater covers England and Wales only, not the whole of the UK.
Feature: Ugandan engineer and Chinese mentor build roads and bonds

Xinhua) 09:38, June 12, 2025

CHANGSHA/KAMPALA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Every morning since last October, Ugandan engineer David Ochwo arrives promptly at the new municipal road project site in the capital city of Kampala. Helmet on and blueprints in hand, he meticulously inspects progress and coordinates work.

Whenever technical challenges arise, he turns to his "Chinese master," project production manager Li Li.

"My first encounter with the construction techniques and management style of a Chinese company was truly eye-opening," remarked the 42-year-old David.

Joining China Construction Fifth Engineering Bureau, headquartered in central China's Hunan Province, in 2019 for Kampala projects, he started from the ground up. Gradually, he mastered core skills from site handover and material planning to trench excavation and pipeline surveying.

By December 2022, when the new Kampala project was launched, David had advanced to become a localized engineer capable of independently managing road construction.

"This was my first job with a Chinese company. Initially, I wasn't familiar with the construction concepts, management standards, processes, or technical details," David said, recalling that he often felt lost with complex blueprints and plans.

David credits his growth to Li's patient guidance. Li taught him step by step, starting with basics such as reading drawings and measuring, and then progressively imparting theoretical concepts and practical skills.

Since 2019, Li has focused on cultivating local talent overseas. His phone holds contacts for over 20 "foreign apprentices."

"David is an outgoing young man with strong communication skills and a serious, responsible work ethic," said Li. He noted David persistently seeks advice and shares knowledge with other local staff, boosting team efficiency.

This mentor-apprentice pair, learning from each other, forged not only efficient collaboration but also a deep cross-border friendship. Their complementary styles and outstanding results earned them the company-wide "star sino-foreign mentor-apprentice" award in 2024.

Their strengths merged perfectly during Uganda's rainy season. Persistent flooding on Kigala Road caused traffic jams, troubling residents. After Li designed a drainage solution, David, leveraging his local knowledge and communication skills, explained the benefits of drainage wells to the community.

Together, they proposed the solution to the supervisor. Following implementation, drainage improved significantly, easing travel and earning widespread local acclaim.

"My colleagues have always looked out for me," David said. "Here, I've not only enhanced my professional skills and gained management experience, but my income has also tripled. This company changed my life trajectory. I hope to continue working hard alongside them to contribute to Uganda's development."

The Kampala new municipal road project, scheduled for completion in August, involves constructing 14.9 kilometers of roads and two intersections, along with drainage, earthworks, paving, landscaping, traffic signals, and lighting. Kampala City Council expects it to significantly boost traffic efficiency, improve road conditions, and drive the capital's economic growth.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A protester stands in front of a police line during a Sydney march demanding action on Yuendumu deaths in police custody. Photograph: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

The president of the Australian Human Rights Commission has urged police to stop investigating the deaths of people who have died in police custody after the death of an Aboriginal man who was restrained by police in an Alice Springs supermarket, saying the practice breeds mistrust and a lack of accountability.

It comes as the Northern Territory coroner, Judge Elisabeth Armitage, released a statement affirming that the mandatory inquest into Kumanjayi Whites death would be independent, fair and rigorous.

White, a 24-year-old man with several disabilities, died on 27 May after being restrained by two off-duty, plainclothes police officers following an alleged scuffle at a Coles supermarket in the central Australian town.

The AHRC president, Hugh de Kretser, joined calls from the Warlpiri mans family, advocates and federal senators who say the investigation into his death should be independent from the NT police force.

The family have repeatedly demanded an independent investigation, the release of CCTV footage and for the officers involved to be stood down while the investigation is ongoing. On Wednesday they held a vigil outside the Alice Springs courthouse, their third since Whites death.

De Kretser used his June message to urge an independent investigation. Community trust is critical for effective policing, he wrote.

Communities experiencing disadvantage need the best of policing and yet often receive the worst. Its why the response to these, and other deaths in custody, is critical.

When police investigate themselves, it breeds mistrust and increases the risks of poor investigations and a lack of accountability.

He said while coronial inquests bring a measure of independence, they still relied on evidence gathered by police.

Related: A scuffle in the lolly aisle. The sickening death toll climbs. Another family face gut-wrenching grief | Lorena Allam

Victorias Yoorook Justice Commission recommended the establishment of an independent police oversight authority to investigate and report on all deaths after contact with police, similar to the police ombudsman in Northern Ireland.

De Kretser said all Australian jurisdictions should establish such a body. Until they do, the mistrust and injustice that flows from police investigating themselves will continue, he said.

Yoorook made the recommendation in its 2023 criminal justice report, in which the former chief commissioner of Victoria police, Shane Patton, agreed that the police oversight system would be strengthened if there was independent investigation of police complaints, De Kretser wrote.

White was from Yuendumu, a community rocked by the fatal 2019 shooting of Kumanjayi Walker by an NT police officer, Zachary Rolfe. Rolfe was charged with murder but acquitted of all charges in a supreme court trial.

The inquest into Walkers death, which heard shocking stories of racism in NT police, was due to hand down its findings this week but the date was pushed back to next month due to concerns about community tension after Whites death.

On Thursday the NT coroner announced the appointment of Dr Peggy Dwyer SC and Maria Walz as senior counsel and instructor assisting for the inquest into Whites death.

The Counsel Assisting team are highly experienced in the conduct of complex inquests, in NT Police practice and in knowledge of, and engagement with, Alice Springs and Yuendumu-based agencies and broader community, Armitage said.

Appointment of an experienced team at this early stage will help to ensure that the inquest is comprehensive and that it is completed in an independent and timely manner.

De Kretsers comments follow national rallies in solidarity with the Warlpiri community and in response to the death last week of another Aboriginal man in custody in Darwin.

The 68-year-old from the remote community of Wadeye died in intensive care at Darwin hospital about a week after Australian federal police arrested him in response to reports he was intoxicated and unable to board a flight out of Darwin. NT police said the cause of death was undetermined, pending a postmortem examination.

He was a respected and senior elder who lobbied for bilingual schooling and better education funding for his community.

The NT police and government have repeatedly ruled out another jurisdiction taking over the Alice Springs investigation. NT police have been contacted for further comment.
Businesses need to get on the pitch to speak up against policies they think are damaging their prospects, Kemi Badenoch has said.

The Conservative leader also appealed to business leaders to support her party, suggesting there was no credible alternative which would represent their interests.

Speaking at the FTSE 250+ conference in central London, Mrs Badenoch said: My message to business is: Im on your side, but I need you to be on mine too.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch speaking during the Peel Hunt FTSE 250+ conference at the Montcalm Royal London House Hotel in London (Yui Mok/PA)

The Tory leaders appearance at the gathering came as the latest gross domestic product (GDP) figures showed the UK economy shrank more than expected, the day after the Government unveiled spending plans prioritising health and defence over the next few years.

Speaking to an audience of business and investment chiefs, Mrs Badenoch hit out at Labours tax rises, including the inheritance tax on family farms and national insurance employer contributions.

She added: You need to support policies that back enterprise, and you need to challenge those who want more state control.

Dont just wait for other politicians to do it.

You need to get on the pitch too.

Kemi Badenoch said only the Conservative Party is making the argument for business (Yui Mok/PA)

The Tory leader claimed the UK has forgot that business is a good in and of itself, and it pays for everything. It is the source of our prosperity.

Mrs Badenoch added: The challenge all of us in this room have now is that many people dont believe this anymore.

People instead believe business hoards wealth and is greedy and needs to be taxed more, she said.

Mrs Badenoch continued: This is a crisis.

And the question before us is simple: Who has credible solutions?

And I know many of you will be asking, Why should we trust the Conservative Party?

And I say because no-one is making the argument for business  except me and my party.

At PMQs I talked about Labour creating an economic spiral. A reminder we have 4 more years of this pic.twitter.com/epCeUsau2N  Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) June 12, 2025

Mrs Badenochs rallying call to businesses comes after the most recent political donations data showed a boost to the Tory war chest.

The Conservatives raised nearly 3.4 million in the first quarter of 2025, the Electoral Commission revealed this week, outstripping Labours 2.4 million and Reform UKs 1.5 million.

Labour offers only managed decline, Mrs Badenoch also told business chiefs, before taking aim at Nigel Farages Reform UK party.

Mrs Badenoch appealed to the audience, signalling voters cannot allow Farage, with no experience of legislating  hes never in Parliament, let alone government  to just come in.

She added: Can you imagine 360 random people suddenly taking over government saying they are going to fix everything?

We were there for 14 years, sweating and labouring, it was unbelievably difficult.

How many of you would allow your businesses to be run by people who have never been in that business and say Come on in, Im sure you can fix it?

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Reform UK and Nigel Farage (Yui Mok/PA)

Thats what hes offering, its not real.

It is a scam, and its my job to expose that scam.

A Reform UK spokesman said: Kemi admits they had 14 years and yet all they achieved was sky high taxes, low growth and open borders.

The only scam is her telling the British public that the Tories have changed.

Its the same people and the same old failed ideas.

Quite simply, the Tory party is irrelevant.
Kemi Badenoch rejected calls for an outright burka ban, but said: I dont think women should be forced to wear things that their husbands or their communities want - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph

Kemi Badenoch has said the Conservatives would not ban the burka under her leadership.

Last weekend, the Tory leader said bosses should have the right to ban staff from wearing burkas and other face coverings in the workplace.

But she rejected demands for an outright ban on Thursday, arguing it could not be enforced during a prison capacity crisis that has led to the early release of thousands of offenders.

It comes after Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, called the Islamic full-face veil anti-British and said there should be a national debate.

In an interview with BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Mrs Badenoch said she would not allow people who wore face veils into her constituency surgeries.

Asked how many times she had been in that situation, she replied: Not frequently, but I have made it very clear. But this is not about whether I like the burka or not.

This is about what we need to do to make sure that we are a properly integrated society. I dont think women should be forced to wear things that their husbands or their communities want. If you have segregated societies, those things happen.

She added: But what Im not doing is announcing that Im going to ban the burka, like Reform is doing. Are we going to send police officers into peoples homes to check if theyre wearing the burka at a time when we cant even keep prisoners in prison, were releasing them?

Do we have space in prison to put people wearing the burka in there? This is what I mean by people just saying things, announcing policies without plans.

France became the first European country to ban the burka in public in 2011. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg and Switzerland all followed suit.

Mrs Badenoch went on to say that she did not like face coverings in general, adding: Its balaclavas, its burkas. We dont need to make it necessarily about religion. But integration is absolutely important, its something that the Conservative Party knows a lot about, and we know how to deliver that.

Zia Yusuf, the former chairman of Reform, unexpectedly resigned last week after Sarah Pochin, the partys newest MP, asked Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Ministers Questions whether he supported a ban on the burka.

Sir Keir refused to be drawn on the issue but suggested he would oppose a ban, saying: Im not going to follow her down that line.

Mr Yusuf has since returned to Reform in a new role, overseeing its Doge efficiency drive at councils it controls, and has insisted he would also support a ban.

Asked about comments by David Bull, the new Reform chairman, that the burka was anti-British, Mr Farage replied that he was probably right.

It probably is anti-British in the sense that [...] I dont know if theyre being forced to cover up, he said. That is not a good and positive thing, but is it absolutely front and centre of what were going to campaign for? Not given the other major crises we face.

Mr Farage said there should be a much bigger, broader debate about face coverings, including balaclavas worn by hard-Left activists who have targeted him in the past.

It came as Rupert Lowe, a former Reform MP who now sits as an independent, launched an early day motion in Parliament calling for the burka and niqab to be banned.

Mr Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth, said both garments were oppressive, dangerous, and un-British.

He added: All MPs have been invited to support  lets see who has the courage to sign.
Boris Johnson has remained close with President Zelensky since leaving the government - Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/AFP via Getty Images

Boris Johnson has said Labours feeble spending on defence leaves Britain at the mercy of Russia.

The former prime minister told The Telegraph that Rachel Reevess spending review had left him very puzzled and that her reluctance to pump more money into the Armed Forces suggested she did not view them as a priority.

In her review on Wednesday, the Chancellor announced that the defence budget would rise to 2.6 per cent by April 2027 but did not confirm whether it would climb higher, as demanded by Nato.

This is feeble, Mr Johnson said. They [Labour] have wasted a big opportunity.

My view is that this Government is completely failing to show the leadership that is needed to defend Britain and defend Europe.

Labour are congenitally hostile to defence spending. Their grass-roots are still basically Corbynistas who think Russia is a great thing. Those views are still highly influential in Labour.

At the start of this year, Sir Keir Starmer pledged to send British troops into Ukraine if a ceasefire between the two warring nations was negotiated by Donald Trump.

A coalition of the willing was also established between European nations, with the UK said to be leading the group that would establish a road to peace in Ukraine. However, talk on both of these subjects appears to have gone quiet.

Mr Johnson, who was prime minister when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and has remained close with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, since leaving government, said: Whats happened to the boots on the ground initiative?

As with Ukraine, the way to peace is through strength. If you talk to people in Ukraine or the US, they will say leadership on protecting Ukraine is now being offered by Germany and France.

Mr Johnson also said the Chancellors increase in the welfare budget was out of control and that such sums should be invested in defence instead.

At a summit in the Hague later this month, which Mr Trump will attend, all Nato members will be expected to agree to commit to 5 per cent of GDP on defence.

Mark Rutte, the Nato secretary-general, has called for all alliance members to get to 3.5 per cent by 2032 and 5 per cent by an unspecified date.

Earlier this week, Mr Rutte told The Telegraph that if Nato nations failed to achieve this percentage, then they needed to start learning to speak Russian.

Ms Reeves told the Commons: A new era in the threats we face demands a new era for defence and security. Thats why we took the decision to prioritise our defence spending by reducing overseas development aid so that defence spending will now rise to 2.6 per cent of GDP by April 2027, including the contribution of our intelligence agencies.

That uplift provides funding for the Defence Secretary, with a 11 billion increase in defence spending and a 600 million uplift for our security and intelligence agencies.

However, Tory sources claimed that by including the single intelligence agencies budget in the defence budget, it was eating into what money was left for the Armed Forces and did not account for 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence.

Labour have taken money from a different department and pretended it was going to the Armed Forces, one said.

However, a Labour source accused the Tories of getting their numbers wrong and insisted Wednesdays announcement was not a cut to defence based on the Nato qualifying spend.
Britain is turning into a National Health State, a think tank has said after the Chancellor gave the NHS a major funding boost in her spending review.

The health service was the big winner of Wednesdays spending review, receiving an extra 29 billion per year for day-to-day spending and more cash for capital investment.

Overnight, the Resolution Foundation said Rachel Reevess announcements had followed a recent trend that saw increases for the NHS come at the expense of other public services.

Ruth Curtice, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, said: Health accounted for 90% of the extra public service spending, continuing a trend that is seeing the British state morph into a National Health State, with half of public service spending set to be on health by the end of the decade.

Defence was another of Wednesdays winners, Ms Curtice said, receiving a significant increase in capital spending while other departments saw an overall 3.6 billion real-terms cut in investment.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) made similar arguments about substantial investment in the NHS and defence coming at the expense of other departments, although the think tanks director Paul Johnson warned the money may not be enough.

He said: Aiming to get back to meeting the NHS 18-week target for hospital waiting times within this Parliament is enormously ambitious  an NHS funding settlement below the long-run average might not measure up.

And on defence, its entirely possible that an increase in the Nato spending target will mean that maintaining defence spending at 2.6% of GDP no longer cuts the mustard.

Ms Curtice added that low and middle-income families had also done well out of the spending review after two rounds of painful tax rises and welfare cuts, with the poorest fifth of families benefiting from an average of 1,700 in extra spending on schools, hospitals and the police.

(PA Graphics)

She warned that, without economic growth, another round of tax rises was likely to come in the autumn as the Chancellor seeks to balance the books.

She said: The extra money in this spending review has already been accounted for in the last forecast.

But a weaker economic outlook and the unfunded changes to winter fuel payments mean the Chancellor will likely need to look again at tax rises in the autumn.

Speaking after delivering her spending review, Ms Reeves insisted she would not have to raise taxes to cover her spending review.

She told GB News: Every penny of this is funded through the tax increases and the changes to the fiscal rules that we set out last autumn.
People flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish - Carlos Gil/Getty

Spanish border guards will be able to stop Britons entering Gibraltar because of the new Brexit deal for the Rock, the Government has admitted.

Fabian Picardo, Gibraltars chief minister, denied surrendering any sovereignty to Spain or the EU after The Telegraph reported details of the deal on Wednesday.

But David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, was forced to concede in the House of Commons on Thursday that Spanish guards working for the European Union would have control over who entered Gibraltar.

Under questioning, Mr Lammy told MPs that a British person stopped by Spanish guards at Gibraltar airport would have a choice: they could either voluntarily go over to Spain for questioning, or be returned to the Gibraltarian authorities and return to the UK.

It is clear from the Foreign Secretarys answer that Spanish border officials can prevent a UK citizen from entering one part of the UK from another part of the UK, Richard Tice, the Reform UK deputy leader, said.

This appears to be a significant sovereignty compromise, he told The Telegraph.

The deal ensures Gibraltars border with Spain remains open after Brexit, and means the 15,000 people who cross it every day will not have to have their passports stamped.

Border checks will be moved to Gibraltars nearby airport after the Rock effectively becomes part of the EUs Schengen zone of passport-free movement.

People flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU.

David Lammy and Fabian Picardo in front of the Rock after the deal was struck on Wednesday - FCDO

Mr Lammy said: For those arriving by air into Gibraltars airport, there will be a dual border control check, in a model similar to French police operating in London St Pancras station.

Dame Harriett Baldwin, a former Conservative minister, asked: Can a British citizen flying from the UK to Gibraltar now be stopped by a Spanish official as they land?

Mr Lammy replied: There will be a second line queue, as there is in St Pancras, and there will be Spanish border guards and police situated in that second line.

And of course, if there was an alert, then at that point, not on their own, but at that point, there would be a hand-back facility with the Gibraltar police, so they are working alongside that Spanish team.

And if there was an alert, then the individual would have a right to legal advice. They would either be able to return to their country of origin, lets say the UK, or they would be able to voluntarily go over to Spain to face the questions they are facing.

Mr Tice asked whether Spanish border officials have an effective veto on the entry of a British citizen from the United Kingdom landing on British sovereign territory in Gibraltar.

Mr Lammy said if Mr Tice flew to Gibraltar and there was an alert in the Schengen system, he would be handed back to the Gibraltarians, where he might feel more comfortable before returning to the UK.

No doubt the Spanish would seek to extradite him, and many in this House would be rather pleased, he added.

Mr Lammy said he had insisted on a sovereignty clause in the treaty and added that immigration, policing and justice remained the responsibilities of Gibraltars authorities.
Writer and barrister Cherie Blair has described Barbara Taylor Bradford as an inspiration to me, and to millions at a memorial service for the author.

The 70-year-old told the PA news agency she clicked with the A Woman Of Substance writer when they first met in the early 2000s in New York.

She paid tribute before the service at St Brides Church in Fleet Street, London, on Thursday, which was attended by about 100 people, dressed in an array of colours, including actors, authors and fans of the novelist.

Author Barbara Taylor Bradford poses for pictures after she received her honour from Queen Elizabeth II (Steve Parsons/PA)

Taylor Bradford died at the age of 91 on November 24 last year following a short illness, and was surrounded by loved ones to the very end, a spokeswoman said at the time.

Mrs Blair, who is married to former British prime minister Tony Blair, said of the author: Were two northern girls of similar backgrounds, and we were friends ever since.

Barbara was the woman of substance, she was elegant, she was warm, she was intelligent, she was feisty, she was an amazing person and a really good friend.

Every time she wrote a new book, she would send one to me, but she also sent one to my mum too.

She was a great novelist because she absorbed knowledge from all around her, she gave back so much, she never forgot her northern roots.

Jenny Seagrove (left) and Cherie Blair attended a memorial service for Barbara Taylor Bradford (Jeff Moore/PA)

She was my friend, and shes an inspiration to me, and to millions.

The ceremony began with the theme to the TV adaption of A Woman Of Substance, before a choir sang In Paradisum from Gabriel Faures Requiem.

The choirs performance was followed by a welcome and opening prayer from reverend canon Dr Alison Joyce, who spoke about Taylor Bradfords roots as a journalist at the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Actor Liam Neeson, 73, who starred in the Channel 4 adaption of Taylor Bradfords book, also paid tribute to the novelist during the service, in a message read out by actress Jenny Seagrove.

Neeson said in his message: In 1984, I had the great honour of playing Blackie ONeill in the television adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradfords A Woman Of Substance, and again in its sequel, Hold The Dream.

It was a landmark moment  the first television drama series to reach more than 13.8 million viewers on Britains Channel 4  and something we were all incredibly proud of.

But more than the numbers, it was Barbaras vision, her storytelling, and her fierce dedication to her characters that made the work so special.

She was a force  elegant, brilliant and unstoppable  and I feel deeply privileged to have been part of bringing her words to life.

Liam Neeson starred in an adaptation of A Woman With Substance (Ian West/PA)

Seagrove, 67, who played Emma Harte in the adaption, told PA: Barbara championed women before a lot of other people. Its now fashionable to give women a voice, but Barbara fought for strong women.

She wrote strong women. She was a strong woman.

The actress continued: Barbara was a force of nature, she didnt suffer fools, she had great attention to detail, she always had a chuckle, and always saw the funny side of things.

She was deeply, deeply in love and loved by her husband, it was one of the most extraordinary relationships.

She loved her dogs, I used to ring up because I love dogs, and we talked about whatever Bichon Frise shed got at the time.

She used to say, I put my makeup on as a mask, and then I go to battle, she went out there and took on the world, and boy, did she succeed.

She was a friend, she meant a lot to me, her work changed my life. But more than anything, Im here because I loved her, and I think probably everybody here was here because they loved her, because she was a remarkably loyal woman.

If she loved you, she stood by you. That was it.

Also in attendance was TV presenter Fern Britton, 67, who told PA the moving, yet rich and warm ceremony had brought her to tears.

She said: The books will obviously stand as her legacy.

But for me, it is seeing her walk into a room with a beautiful suit on, carrying an Hermes bag with an Hermes scarf tied around it and fabulous jewellery and her big smile  that for me, is her legacy.

Eve Pollard attending a memorial service for Barbara Taylor Bradford (Jeff Moore/PA)

Taylor Bradfords best known book A Woman Of Substance is a rags-to-riches tale set in the 1900s that follows the life of Yorkshire servant Emma who later heads up a business empire.

Other TV adaptations of her books included ITVs Act Of Will starring Elizabeth Hurley and Victoria Tennant, and To Be The Best, a sequel to A Woman Of Substance with Lindsay Wagner and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

The former US editor in chief of Elle magazine, Eve Pollard, who is the mother of Claudia Winkleman, told PA she felt her long-time friend had been in the church with her.

The 81-year-old said: I found the service very moving and very Barbara, that was what was wonderful.

I think Jenny Seagrove said shes in the room and you more or less felt she was and I said to somebody, cant we all go to our memorial services and then die quietly later? because it was perfect.

It had everything, it had New York in it and the Yorkshire side of it.

The author was often labelled the grand dame of blockbusters, with her books selling more than 91 million copies and having been published in more than 40 languages and in 90 countries.

In April it was announced that Vera actress Brenda Blethyn will lead a new Channel 4 adaptation of A Woman Of Substance, playing protagonist Emma.
The Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, said he had always believed in working for clean politics. Photograph: Juan Carlos Hidalgo/EPA

Spains prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, has apologised to voters but ruled out a snap election after a senior member of his Spanish Socialist Workers party (PSOE) resigned hours after a supreme court judge found firm evidence of his possible involvement in taking kickbacks on public construction contracts.

Sanchez, who became prime minister in 2018 after using a motion of no confidence to turf the corruption-mired conservative Peoples party (PP) out of government, is already contending with a series of graft investigations relating to his wife, his brother, his former transport minister, and one of that ministers aides. All deny any wrongdoing. A former PSOE member was recently implicated in an alleged smear campaign against the Guardia Civil police unit investigating the corruption allegations.

The pressure on his administration increased further on Thursday when the judge announced he had firm evidence that suggested Santos Cerdan, the PSOEs organisational secretary, had discussed taking kickbacks on public contracts with the former transport minister, Jose Luis Abalos, and one of the ministers aides, Koldo Garcia. Cerdan stepped down from his party role and resigned his parliamentary seat shortly after the news broke.

Speaking at a hastily convened press conference at his partys headquarters, Sanchez asked for the forgiveness of Spanish citizens and of PSOE voters but said he had known absolutely nothing about the allegations concerning Cerdan until details of the Guardia Civil investigation appeared in the media.

Until this very morning, I was convinced of Santos Cerdans integrity, he said. This morning we learned the full extent of the evidence and the evidence is very serious. Very serious. Thats why, as well as asking for Santos Cerdans resignation as organisational secretary of the party this afternoon  I will set up an external audit of the socialist partys accounts.

The prime minister added: Like any other person, I have my virtues and I have many shortcomings. Many shortcomings. But I have always believed in working for clean politics and fair play in politics.

However, Sanchez said there would be no snap general election despite the PPs repeated calls for a fresh poll in response to the corruption allegations.

There will be no election until [the scheduled one] in 2027, he said. Because this isnt about me or the socialist party or PSOE MPs; its about a political project thats doing good things for the country.

In a statement announcing his resignation, Cerdan insisted he was innocent and said he was standing down in order to focus exclusively on defending myself and on providing relevant explanations that will show  that I have never committed an illegal act nor been complicit in one. He said he would voluntarily testify before the supreme court, as requested, on 25 June.

Abalos was sacked from Sanchezs cabinet in 2021 and suspended by the PSOE in February last year after refusing to resign when his assistant, Garcia, was accused of taking bribes to facilitate mask contracts during the Covid pandemic. Both are the subjects of ongoing corruption investigations and both have denied any wrongdoing.

The PP, which organised a large demonstration in Madrid on Sunday to protest against the Sanchez government and to call for an early general election, said the case against the prime minister and his circle was utterly damning. The partys leader, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, described Sanchezs response as insufficient and disappointing and called again for a return to the polls.

If anyone was in any doubt as to why we felt there was a mafia-style plot among the party and the government, we imagine that doubt has been dispelled, he told MPs earlier on Thursday.

Sanchezs partners in the socialist-led minority government have also called for urgent action and answers.

Yolanda Diaz, the labour minister and one of the countrys three deputy prime ministers, said the Cerdan allegations were a very serious matter that needs to be clarified and fully explained as soon as possible.
John Swinney has weathered feverish speculation about plots among senior party figures to oust him. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian

SNP activists and senior figures have vented their frustrations at their leader, John Swinney, after a disastrous byelection campaign that saw the party lose a pivotal Holyrood seat to Scottish Labour.

The party was also accused of running a panicked campaign that some believe pushed more voters towards Reform in last Thursdays Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse byelection.

SNP members are voicing criticisms of the result at branch meetings, with Swinney expected to face robust questioning at the SNPs national executive committee meeting on Sunday.

Related: Hamilton byelection win is vindication of Scottish Labours doorstep strategy

Central to members concerns was the key campaign message that the byelection was a two-horse race between the SNP and Reform UK, which has been gaining ground in Scotland since last years general election. That was coupled with the partys failure to promote independence as an alternative to the rightwing populist partys divisive rhetoric.

In the event, Scottish Labours popular local candidate, Davy Russell, pulled off an unexpected victory, beating the Nationalists Katy Loudon by 600 votes, with Reform UKs Ross Lambie 800 votes behind her.

Since last Thursdays result, Swinney has faced calls to resign from veteran SNP critics as well as feverish speculation about plots among senior party figures to oust him.

The former SNP MP Tommy Sheppard, writing in the National earlier this week, branded the strategy a disaster.

The message to anyone flirting with Reform UK is that they are a serious contender, best placed to upset the SNP. We make their argument for them.

One experienced campaigner said: People think the party got it wrong this time. They argued, however, that members remained willing to give Swinney initial time to reflect, before adding if he digs his heels in around strategy and doesnt listen, it will be a very different mood.

Others pointed out that, compared with the off-the-scale internal divisions experienced by the party towards the end of Nicola Sturgeons leadership and under her successor, Humza Yousaf, current discontent is relatively minimal.

In a modest reshuffle on Wednesday morning, Swinney created an elevated role as cabinet secretary for housing for the rising star Mairi McAllan as she returned from maternity leave, signalling a renewed focus on voter priorities ahead of next Mays Holyrood elections.

The Guardian understands that Swinney faced criticism of the Hamilton strategy at a fractious MSP group meeting on Tuesday. There he repeated his insistence that the Reform-focused strategy was led by what canvassers were hearing on the doorstep.

But one senior backbencher suggested that Swinney had panicked at the growing support for Reform  who secured 26% of the vote last week  especially after their strong showing in the English council elections, which took place just as the Hamilton campaign was gaining momentum.

He talked about Reform too much and not enough about Katy. We didnt give people a reason to vote for us.

At this Sundays meeting of senior party officials, insiders expect a demand for a clearer vision, focused on independence.

Stewart McDonald, the influential former SNP MP, praised Swinneys leadership as having broought calm after an incredibly turbulent few years, but said he urgently needed to give party and government a renewed sense of purpose.

The partys campaign infrastructure is dated, tired, analogue and it needs to be modernised. Labour outgunned us on the ground in Hamilton and we cannot let that happen in 2026. For the government, people need to start seeing tangible improvements in their living standards and in public services. He has started that process but now needs to put it on steroids. This is the most effective way to ensure we win next year and answer many of the grievances that are driving so many people to Reform: a laserlike focus on making Scotland better.

Another former MP said Swinney had to pivot fast: Its either that or lose the next election. The party failed to act after Rutherglen [another bellweather byelection defeat, in 2023] and the MPs lost. We cant afford to lose the Scottish government so this is the last-chance saloon.
The Scottish Government will do everything we can to support jobs at bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis, the First Minister has said.

The company announced on Wednesday it is proposing to consolidate its UK operations at a single site in Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

The decision puts 400 jobs at risk at its facility in Falkirk in another blow to the Forth Valley, which has already seen more than 400 jobs go at the Grangemouth refinery this year.

Speaking at First Ministers Questions on Thursday, John Swinney said he is deeply concerned.

John Swinney said the Scottish Government will support jobs at Alexander Dennis (Andrew Milligan/PA)

He told the chamber: This issue has been occupying a great deal of the focus and the attention of the Deputy First Minister and I and the UK Government ministers since we became aware of the situation over the last few weeks, and then ultimately to the decision that was announced yesterday.

He said his Government has supported the manufacturer.

But Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar accused Holyrood ministers of overlooking Scottish industry in favour of ordering buses from China, while pointing to the order from Alexander Dennis of around 160 vehicles by the publicly-owned network in Greater Manchester.

In Scotland, public service buses are procured by private operators, who then run them on routes across the country.

Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the Government has not supported Scottish industry (PA)

Mr Swinney said state aid regulations  in the form of the UK-wide Subsidy Control Act  prevent the Government from directly procuring from a single supplier like Alexander Dennis.

He quoted a joint letter from the UK and Scottish governments, which pledged to work closely with Alexander Dennis at this challenging time.

He added: Thats us indicating that were keen to do everything we can to find a way through the Subsidy Control Act provisions, so the Government can continue to operate within the law, which we must do, but also, we can support manufacturing in Scotland, which is my priority.

Speaking to journalists after First Ministers Questions, Mr Swinney said the possibility of a furlough scheme for staff impacted by the announcement  as suggested by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray on Wednesday  is on the table.

In the chamber, Mr Sarwar said: If John Swinney cant figure out a way to order buses in Scotland, I suggest he picks up the phone to (Greater Manchester Mayor) Andy Burnham and see how he managed to do it.

Greater Manchesters Bee Network buses were made at Alexander Dennis (PA)

Almost five times as many bus orders from Manchester.

Mr Sarwars claim stems from the second phase of the Scottish Governments green bus initiative ScotZEB, which ordered 44 buses from Alexander Dennis.

However, according to a press release from the time, 137 buses were ordered from the firm in the first phase, amounting to a total of 181.

In a statement, Mr Burnham  who has visited the Falkirk site  said: Our iconic Bee Network buses are a bit of Scotland right here in Greater Manchester.

We have over 160 Alexander Dennis buses criss-crossing our city-region every day  connecting our communities to opportunity.

If Greater Manchester can invest in world-class Scottish bus manufacturing, then why cant the SNP Scottish Government?
Brittany Higgins signed a deed of settlement with the commonwealth when Labors Mark Dreyfus was the attorney general. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

The federal anti-corruption watchdog has found there was no corruption issue regarding the $2.4m settlement paid to Brittany Higgins after her alleged rape within Parliament House.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission released the findings of its preliminary investigation into the matter on Thursday, concluding there was no inappropriate intervention by the Labor government.

In December 2022, Higgins signed a deed of settlement with the commonwealth when Labors Mark Dreyfus was the attorney general. The outgoing Liberal senator Linda Reynolds later accused Dreyfus of seeking to silence her for not allowing her to defend herself against Higgins claims.

The Nacc found there was no material difference in legal advice received by the former Coalition government before the May 2022 election and advice subsequently received by the newly elected Albanese government.

The Nacc concluded: There was no inappropriate intervention in the process by or on behalf of any minister. The then attorney general approved the settlement in accordance with the departmental advice.

There is no evidence that the settlement process, including the legal advice provided, who was present at the mediation, or the amount, was subject to any improper influence by any Commonwealth public official.

To the contrary, the evidence obtained reflected a process that was based on independent external legal advice, without any inappropriate intervention by any minister of either government. There is therefore no corruption issue.

In a statement on Thursday, Reynolds said she was bitterly disappointed by the decision, questioning how the settlement could possibly settle unsubstantiated and statute-barred claims made against me without taking a single statement from me or speaking to me at all.

Dreyfus responded that he regretted the baseless allegation of corruption has been so widely publicised ahead of this finding and hope future matters can be resolved in a more timely manner.

Guardian Australia reported in September 2024 that Reynolds had referred the matter to the Nacc in October 2023 and was provided commonwealth assistance to fund the referral.

The deed, released during Bruce Lehrmanns failed defamation case in December 2023, compensated Higgins for her loss of earning capacity, legal costs, medical expenses, domestic assistance and $400,000 for hurt, distress and humiliation.

As part of Higgins claim, she alleged the commonwealth had breached its duty of care because Reynolds and her staff mishandled the matter and did not adequately support her.

The Naccs finding comes as the Western Australian supreme court prepares its judgment on Reynolds defamation case against Higgins over a series of social media posts, published in July 2023, which the former minister claims damaged her reputation.

In court in August 2024, Reynolds accused Dreyfus of seeking to silence her.

She said the claims that she had not given Higgins adequate support after her alleged rape in March 2019 were utterly defendable.

Related: Brittany Higgins received $2.4m in compensation. Why are some now saying she should pay it back?

My defence was to be no defence  I was outraged.

Reynolds is separately suing the commonwealth over Higgins settlement for taking over her defence in the mediation, which she publicly claimed amounted to egregious conduct.

Higgins alleged that she was raped by Bruce Lehrmann in the ministerial suite of the then defence minister, Reynolds, in 2019. The accusation spawned more than a dozen legal cases.

In a criminal trial in 2022, Lehrmann pleaded not guilty to one charge of sexual intercourse without consent, denying that any sexual activity occurred. The trial was aborted after a juror obtained information outside the evidence presented in court and, in December of that year, prosecutors dropped charges against him for the alleged rape of Higgins, saying a retrial would pose an unacceptable risk to her health.

A federal court judge overseeing a defamation case launched by Lehrmann against Network Ten found in 2024 that Higgins was, on the balance of probabilities, raped by Lehrmann in the office. Lehrmann is appealing against that verdict.
The FTSE 100 has hit a new closing record after investors fished for opportunities outside the US, despite the UK economy shrinking by more than expected in April.

The index of the UKs leading shares rose 0.23% to close at 8,884 on Thursday, topping a previous high of 8,871.31 on March 3.

Shares have rallied in recent days and that continued on Thursday despite Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledging clearly disappointing new gross domestic product (GDP) figures.

The Office for National Statistics said GDP fell by 0.3% in April, marking the biggest contraction since October 2023 and worse than the 0.1% decline expected by most economists.

But the FTSE 100s global footprint, with constituents including mining and energy giants, helped lift it to new heights.

The London index has staged a significant recovery since suffering sharp drops in the days after Donald Trumps tariff announcements on April 2. It had its worst day of trading since the start of the Covid pandemic, while European, US and Asian indexes also took a battering.

However, most indexes, including the FTSE and the USs S&P 500, have since recovered their losses as the US has struck new trade deals with countries including the UK and China.

Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, said: The UK stock market has been a star performer this year, delivering more than three times the return as the S&P 500 in the US.

Its been ages since the UK trumped the US on the stock market, and 2025 has been the breakthrough year.

Driving the FTSE 100 this year have been precious metal miners including Fresnillo, defence stocks Babcock, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, and financials such as Lloyds and Prudential.

Its been an eventful first half of the year, with many investors turning their backs on the US amid concerns about Donald Trumps trade policies and how they might hurt the economy.

Theyve fished for opportunities across the pond, with Europe being a magnet thanks to its cheaper markets relative to the US.

The UK market has done well, but Germany has done even better thanks to the governments plans to splash the cash on defence and infrastructure.
Croydon is Londons largest borough, with nearly 400,000 residents. Photograph: Steve Teare/Alamy

Government commissioners look set to be sent in to run Croydon council after a report found its finances were deteriorating rapidly and it was heading for effective bankruptcy for the fourth time in recent years.

Jim McMahon, the minister for local government, said he was proposing sending commissioners to run the council until July 2027, describing the local authority as one of the most financially distressed councils in the country.

The scale of the financial difficulties facing Croydon, the failure of the council to adequately respond to these difficulties, and the assurance required moving forward means that a short and sharp reset, with fast action, is required to shift the dial on the councils recovery, he said in a ministerial statement on Thursday.

He added he was going to consider all representations before deciding how to proceed.

The councils executive mayor, Jason Perry, said the government and the external panel that has been monitoring the council since 2020 had not previously told him the council should be taking more action.

Surely that means we are doing everything possible, and they agree with our actions? he said. We have already made very difficult decisions and in my view the residents of Croydon have felt enough pain.

Despite all the improvements that have been delivered by the council and its staff, it appears the government wants to centralise control into the hands of commissioners.

McMahon said the latest report by the panel on the state of the council had found that its deteriorating financial position, which is not being gripped and tackled adequately by the council, is reaching a financial crisis.

The council was increasingly relying on government support to balance its budget, its operating costs continued to be unreasonably high, and its debts were expected to rise to more than 1.9bn by 2029, McMahon said.

The councils debts sit at 1.4bn, and it has received about 553m in exceptional financial support from the government since 2021.

Perry said the council had saved 167m over the past four years, and had sold off 130m worth of assets, with plans to sell a further 68m this year.

Croydon council has declared effective bankruptcy three times since 2020, most recently in 2022 when the situation was blamed on unprecedented financial mismanagement, toxic bad debt and a lack of governance and transparency. It raised council tax by 15% shortly afterwards.

Londons largest borough, with nearly 400,000 residents, was second only to Birmingham in the amount of exceptional financial support it got this year  136m for 2025-26, up from 50m granted to the council in 2024-25.

The latest announcement suggests Croydon could follow Birmingham with a series of brutal budget cuts and council tax hikes. Perry said he would not support cuts that would decimate local services or any further council tax increases above the cap of 5% a year.

Council leaders have criticised the government for failing to use Wednesdays spending review to address the hole in local authority finances.

Tim Oliver, the chair of the County Councils Network, said the sums announced fall well short of filling the projected 2.2bn funding gap faced by county and unitary councils next year, and consequently further service cuts will be hard to avoid.

Louise Gittins, the chair of the Local Government Association, said many authorities would have to increase council tax to try to protect services, but would still need to make further cuts.

 The headline and text of this article were amended on 13 June 2025 to make clear that the plan to send in government commissioners is not yet finalised, but rather is still being consulted on.
A medic observes tributes outside the school in Graz. First details of some of the victims began emerging on Wednesday evening. Photograph: Erwin Scheriau/APA/AFP/Getty

A gunman who killed 10 people at his former school in the Austrian city of Graz was an obsessive online first-person shooter, according to police, who gave detailed information for the first time about how he had planned the attack.

The 21-year-old Austrian, who shot dead 10 people and then himself on Tuesday morning after going on a rampage at the school close to the city centre, had spent much of his free time playing what were described by police as ego shooting online video games, in which participants typically use virtual firearms to kill enemies.

Police said they believed the online community of players had formed his main social contacts and that he had otherwise been a loner who kept to himself.

It emerged that among the people killed by the man, identified by the Austrian and German media as Arthur A, was one of his former teachers. Police said it was unknown if he had deliberately targeted her.

The 59-year-old teacher was killed along with nine pupils  six female and three male  aged between 14 and 17. Nine people are still being treated in hospital for their injuries, including a male teacher, but all were stable and the last two in intensive care were to be moved out during the course of the day, health officials said.

It also emerged on Thursday in a report by the state broadcaster ORF, which was confirmed by a spokesperson for Austrias military, that the killer had recently failed a psychological test to enter the armed forces.

However, he had even more recently passed the psychological checks required to be in possession of the weapons he used to carry out the killings, which he carried legally, police said.

The man, who had attended the school and dropped out three years ago, was an apprentice at an industrial school. He lived alone with his mother and was not previously known to police.

The shooting rampage, the worst in Austrias history, has sparked an emotional debate over the state of the countrys gun laws, which critics have said are too lax.

During a visit to Graz on Wednesday evening, Austrias president, Alexander Van der Bellen, said it was necessary for politicians to review the laws and to look into how it is possible for a 21-year-old to own handguns and long weapons and have the opportunity to purchase the appropriate ammunition for them and to cause this mayhem.

Austrias national security council, set up in light of the 9/11 attacks in the US, was due to address the issue when it met on Thursday afternoon. Discussions have also begun about tightening security in schools, with some calling for the installation of metal detectors at school gates.

Michael Lohnegger, the head of the Styrian state criminal police office, said the man planned the attack in minute detail. He described how the man entered the main entrance of the BORG Dreierschutzengasse school at 9.43am on Tuesday carrying a backpack containing his weapons and ammunition. Between 350 and 400 pupils were present on site at the time.

He went into a toilet on the third floor and took various objects out of his rucksack. He put on a weapons belt with a hunting knife, a pair of shooting glasses and a headset, took out a Glock 19 pistol, a sawn-off Mercury shotgun and loaded the weapons.

At 9.47 he proceeded to carry out a seven-minute rampage through the school, going from the third to the second floor, and opened fire randomly on people in the school, who were from the 5th class.

He finally went to the third floor where pupils of the 7th class were  fired at the closed doors of the classrooms until he was able to open them and then randomly shot at the people he found there.

He finally returned to the toilet cubicle on the third floor where he subsequently shot himself in the head at 10.07am, Lohnegger said.

Owing to the fact that the first team of armed police entered the school building at 10.06am and heard no shots, investigators are working on the assumption that Arthur A might well have planned to carry out more killings, as he had plenty more ammunition on his person, but his knowledge that police were in the building may have prompted him to stop.

There was no evidence that the killer knew the pupils he shot, Lohnegger added, but it had been established he had been taught by the teacher who was killed. There was no evidence that this was a motive behind the killing, he said.

Lohnegger said Arthur A had worked out a very detailed plan of action. He had informed himself extremely precisely and given a lot of thought as to when he would approach each floor. There was no information as to when he abandoned plans to deploy a homemade pipe bomb, found at his home, after it proved to be dysfunctional, although Lohnegger said it in theory contained all the components necessary to work.

Arthur A bought the shotgun in mid-April and the handgun several weeks later. He had been attending shooting practice at a range in Graz since March, Lohnegger said.

He said people at the school had reacted very well to the incident, after recent training in what to do in case of a shooting, by shutting doors and barricading themselves into classrooms.

Police said they had yet to rule out that the killer may have had an accomplice who helped him in his planning or in his execution of the attack.

Lohnegger described Arthur A as someone who lived a very reserved life and was not very willing to participate in real life.

Related: Austrian school shooter planned to detonate pipe bomb, say police

A search of the flat where he lived with his mother in a suburb south of Graz had uncovered a suicide note directed as an apology towards his family.

The first details of some of the victims began emerging on Wednesday evening. A 15-year-old Bosnian-Austrian girl called Hana was one of the first to be killed, her family said. She had been preparing to give a lecture to her class.

Speaking on behalf of her Bosnian Muslim family, Sabahudin Hasic, a local imam, said they were utterly destroyed, as is our whole community. This deed is completely unimaginable. Hana had wanted to study medicine, he said, describing her as a sunshine.

In a post on social media, her father wrote: My little mouse, may God give you paradise.

Standing next to her in class had been Lea B, who was also killed. The 15-year-olds family had come to Austria from Kosovo, and she was born in Austria. Sokol Haliti, the mayor of Viti, the familys home town in Kosovo, told Austrian media that the community where her father was born and where her grandparents still live was in mourning.

It is a terrible tragedy. Not only for Austria. Lea was also one of us, he said.
The honourable course for the government is to act on these informed concerns [of Foreign Office staff]. Photograph: Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images

Three hundred Foreign Office staff with consciences, and concerns about UK policy on Gaza that they raised in a letter to the foreign secretary, should not be told by their Whitehall superiors that an honourable course is to resign from the civil service (Report, 10 June). No. The honourable course for the government is to act on these informed concerns and on our complicity, so far, in Israeli war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Laura Conyngham

Crediton, Devon

 While I bemoan the fall in the number of childrens books featuring ethnic-minority main characters (Letters, 10 June), books featuring children of east Asian origin have been lacking for years, and still are. My 11-year-old granddaughter has mixed British/east Asian heritage, and I dont think weve ever found books with children who look like her. The same applies to childrens birthday cards. A gap in the market that needs to be rectified, perhaps?

Barbara Thompson

Aston, South Yorkshire

 Thanks to Dr Amy Fulton for using the wonderful word persnicketiness (Letters, 9 June). Ive only ever seen it in the lining of my Tilley hat (other hats are available). The legend reads: USA-treated cotton duck, solid British brass hardware, sewn with Canadian persnicketiness. What a wonderful language we all share.

Angus MacIntosh

Burley in Wharfedale, West Yorkshire

 The English language is indeed evolving. Sadly, this appears to have led to the extinction of some present participles. Standing or sitting, for instance. Its common to hear I was stood . Ive even heard a teacher praising children with: Well done, class 5. Youre sat beautifully. Time for a reintroduction?

Celia Rose

Abbotskerswell, Devon

 Jonathan Liews piece on the French Open finalists was pure poetry (Sinners mechanical excellence malfunctions against human ingenuity of relentless rival, 8 June). Congratulations.

Ann Kenton-Barker

(Still playing at 89), London

 I suppose its appropriate that a house in Fire Island, notorious for carnal pleasure, would have a shag carpet (Made for sex: the hedonistic party palaces of New Yorks Fire Island  and the blond bombshell who made them, 11 June).

Sharman Finlay

Portrush, County Antrim

 Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Palestinians mourn those killed in the Israeli attack near Netzarim on 11 June, 2025. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

Israeli forces killed at least 60 Palestinians in Gaza on Wednesday, most of them as they were seeking food from a US-Israeli distribution scheme, according to local health authorities.

Medical officials said at least 25 people were killed and dozens wounded as they approached a food distribution centre run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), near Netzarim in central Gaza.

Later in the day, at least 14 people were killed by Israeli gunfire as they were moving towards another GHF distribution site, in Rafah, at Gazas southern border. On Tuesday Israeli troops killed 17 Palestinians around GHF sites.

The bodies of two Israeli hostages were recovered from Gaza by the army and the internal security service, Shin Bet. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, issued a statement naming one of the dead hostages as Yair Yaakov, a 59-year-old father of three who was abducted and killed by Hamas in its 7 October 2023 attack in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and triggered the conflict. Netanyahu said the second hostage whose remains were recovered, could not yet be named.

There are thought to be 53 Israelis hostages still in Gaza, but most are believed to be dead.

The Gaza health authorities said on Wednesday the Palestinian death toll over the 20 months of conflict had passed 55,000. The health ministry was part of the Hamas government but is staffed by medical professionals and its statistics are regarded as reliable by the UN and other global organisations.

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

In recent days, more and more of the fatalities have been associated with GHF food distribution. On Wednesday, a New York-based law group, the Center for Constitutional Rights, warned the GHF of its potential legal liability for complicity in Israels war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide against Palestinians.

As Palestinians now face mass starvation, Israel has teamed up with GHF to make accessing food not only dangerous and potentially deadly but also a tool of forced displacement, its senior staff attorney, Katherine Gallagher, said. If GHF continues its militarised aid operations, it must be prepared to face the legal consequences, whether in the United States or beyond.

The Israeli government and armed forces are now under scrutiny by the international court of justice on allegations of genocide, in part because of the alleged use of food as a weapon against the occupied territorys 2.2 million people.

Humanitarian experts had previously warned that the GHF scheme of distributing food from a restricted number of heavily militarised sites would be highly dangerous for people seeking food, forcing them to cross combat zones.

The organisations first executive director, Jake Wood, resigned last month, saying its plan ran counter to humanitarian principles.

Last week, a US consulting firm, Boston Consulting Group which had helped set up the GHF, severed ties with the organisation. Johnnie Moore, an evangelical leader and religious adviser to Donald Trump, with a record of outspoken support for Israel and minimal experience of humanitarian work, was appointed the new chair of the GHF.

The Israel Defense Forces said troops had fired warning shots overnight towards a group it said posed a threat to them. This is despite warnings that the area is an active combat zone. The IDF is aware of reports regarding individuals injured; the details are under review, it said.

The GHF told the Reuters news agency it was unaware of Wednesdays incidents but added that it was working closely with Israeli authorities to ensure safe passage routes are maintained, and that it was essential for Palestinians to closely follow instructions.

Ultimately, the solution is more aid, which will create more certainty and less urgency among the population, it said.

There is not yet enough food to feed everyone in need in Gaza. Our current focus is to feed as many people as is safely possible within the constraints of a highly volatile environment.

In a social media post, Moore said he had visited a GHF packing and distribution centre in Israel and claimed the organisation provided 2.5 million meals on Wednesday. That would bring the total to 16 million meals distributed in Gaza since it started operations on 27 May.

The GHF late on Wednesday accused Hamas of killing at least five people in an attack on a bus carrying two dozen Palestinians working with the aid organization to one of its distribution sites.

We will continue our mission to provide critical aid to the people of Gaza, it said in a statement.

Related: We did nothing wrong: Greta Thunberg accuses Israel of kidnapping yacht crew

Also on Wednesday, an Israeli civil rights group, Adalah, said that one of an international group of activists detained by Israel on a ship in the eastern Mediterranean, was being held in solitary confinement.

In a statement it said that a Brazilian protester, Tiago Avila, was being held in isolation in Ayalon prison due to his ongoing hunger and thirst strike, which he began two days ago.

Another activist detained on the Madleen protest ship, a French-Palestinian member of the European parliament, Rima Hassan, was temporarily held in solitary confinement, in Neve Tirza prison after writing Free Palestine on a cell wall.

She was moved to a small, windowless cell with extremely poor hygienic conditions and has been denied access to the prison yard, Adalah said. It added that Hassan had been moved out of isolation on Wednesday. There was no immediate response from the Israeli foreign ministry to the reports of solitary confinement.
A demonstrator and members of the California national guard on Thursday in Los Angeles. Photograph: Wally Skalij/AP

A federal appeals court on Thursday night temporarily returned control of Californias national guard to Donald Trump hours after a judge ruled the presidents use of the guard to suppress protests in Los Angeles was illegal.

The decision by the US court of appeals for the ninth circuit paused a temporary restraining order against Trump issued by US district judge Charles Breyer until at least an emergency hearing scheduled for 17 June.

Breyer ruled that Trumps move to federalize the California national guard was illegal and ordered the guard to be returned to Californias governor, Gavin Newsom, paving the way for a legal battle destined to reach the US supreme court.

The stay meant Trump earned a reprieve on a testing day that also saw a sitting US senator, Alex Padilla, manhandled to the ground by federal agents after interrupting a news conference held by the homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem.

In issuing a temporary restraining order against Trump, Breyer found the president had failed to show there was a rebellion in Los Angeles that required him to federalize the guard and failed to comply with the procedural steps to notify the governor.

His actions were illegal  both exceeding the scope of his statutory authority and violating the Tenth Amendment to the United States constitution. He must therefore return control of the California National Guard to the Governor, Breyer wrote.

Related: Hundreds of US Marines arrive in LA as large protests are planned in California and across US

The request for the injunction is part of a lawsuit filed by the state of California challenging Trumps move to call up more than 4,000 national guard troops and about 700 active-duty marines based in Twentynine Palms, California, over Newsoms objections.

Breyers decision came after a hearing in federal district court in San Francisco where the justice department argued Trump had the sole and unreviewable power to decide whether there was a rebellion that needed federal intervention.

Breyer rejected both arguments in his sweeping 36-page opinion, in effect rebuking the justice department for trying to suggest the conditions to take control of the guard had been met as long as Trump had decided himself that was the case.

The presidents discretion in what to do next does not mean that the president can unilaterally and without judicial review declare that a vacancy exists in order to fill it. That is classic ipse dixit, Breyer wrote, adding that the definition of rebellion had clearly not been met.

Breyer was also skeptical of the justice departments contention that Trump had followed the procedural step of ordering the guard through the governor by only directly notifying the adjutant general of the California national guard, to whom Newsom had delegated authority.

Regardless of whether Defendants gave Governor Newsom an opportunity to consult with them or consent to the federalization of Californias National Guard, they did not issue their orders through him, Breyer wrote.

The temporary restraining order did not touch on Trump and his defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, moving to deploy the marines, in large part because the justice department told the judge they were only being used to protect federal buildings and personnel.

Using the military for protective purposes, Breyer suggested at the hearing, would not be a violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, a 19th-century law prohibiting the use of troops to engage in law enforcement activities on domestic soil.

Trump has been suggesting the idea of deploying troops against Americans since his first term, when some Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020 turned violent. He opted against doing so at the time, but has since expressed regret to advisers that he did not punish them more aggressively.

Notably, during a campaign rally in 2023, Trump vowed to respond more forcefully if elected to a second term. Youre supposed to not be involved in that, you just have to be asked by the governor or the mayor to come in, he said of the presidents usual role in deciding whether to send in the military. The next time, Im not waiting.
Laurence Fox could face trial in 2027 over allegations he shared a compromising photo of TV star Narinder Kaur on social media.

The actor-turned-activist is alleged to have shared a compromising image in a tweet posted in April 2024 of Kaur, 52, who appears regularly on Good Morning Britain and has previously appeared on GB News.

Ms Kaur, who has waived her right to anonymity, sat in the public gallery at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday as Fox, of Peldon in Essex, appeared charged with two counts under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Narinder Kaur sat in the public gallery at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday (Lucy North/PA)

The 47-year-old defendant is accused of sharing a photograph of a persons genitals intending that the person or another person would see the genitals, and for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, and being reckless as to whether that person would be caused alarm, distress or humiliation in the first count.

The second count alleges he shared a photograph which showed, or appeared to show, another person in an intimate state, with the intention of causing that person alarm, distress or humiliation.

The court hearing on Thursday was listed for plea and trial preparation but Fox, who was wearing a white shirt and grey blazer with jeans, was not asked to enter any pleas.

A provisional trial with a time estimate of four days was set for December 6 2027 at the same court, with Fox granted bail to appear for a further case management hearing on November 14 this year.

Sarah Forshaw KC, defending, asked the court if it would be possible to look at whether other venues may be able to accommodate an earlier trial as December 2027 is a long way ahead.

The police previously said Fox had been charged with an offence contrary to section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 which relates to an image that was posted on a social media platform in April 2024.

Fox is an actor-turned-activist (David Parry/PA)

Section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act relates to cyber flashing.

The charge, introduced in 2023, makes it an offence to intentionally share a sexual image of someone without consent, with the aim of causing alarm, distress, humiliation or for sexual gratification.

Upskirting, taking pictures of people under their clothes without their permission, became a specific criminal offence in 2019.

Offenders can face up to two years in jail and be placed on the sex offenders register.

Fox was fired from GB News in October 2023 after an on-air rant about journalist Ava Evans.

He previously starred as James Hathaway in ITVs drama series Lewis.
Reform UKs new chairman, David Bull, caused controversy with his remark that immigration is the lifeblood of this country - Carl Court/Getty Images

Within hours of stepping up as Reform chairman on Tuesday, David Bull triggered his first media controversy by remarking that immigration is the lifeblood of this country  it always has been.

As popular as this sentiment is with Britains politicians, it isnt true today and it certainly wasnt in the past. From 1066 through to the end of the Second World War, the population of Britain has been marked by relative stability. As a crude illustration, as late as 1951 the total non-White population of Great Britain was estimated at about 30,000 people, or about 0.07pc of the population.

Today its roughly 20pc, and on course to pass 50pc by the end of the century. In other words, the population changes induced by migration over the past seven decades are essentially without parallel in 1,000 years of British history.

Even within this modern period, however, its not quite right to say that migration has been Britains lifeblood. It would be more accurate to say its been the default policy of a state that keeps repeating its mistakes.

A brief summary of the last 70 years might fairly cast British migration policy as a mixture of blunders, unintended consequences, and myopic pursuit of short-term objectives, right from the arrival of the Empire Windrush in 1948.

As other writers have pointed out, while the narrative promoted today is you called and we came, internal government communications show that efforts were made to dissuade Caribbean migration in ways that wouldnt imperil the precarious bonds with Britains colonies.

Shortly after the ships arrival, Britain adopted a sweeping nationality act that permitted anyone with a passport issued by the British government to enter the country. This act, while never intended to sanction a mass migration, combined with policies aimed at attracting workers in specific fields to create a mass inflow.

Now, where have we heard that before?

Then, as now, policy revolved around the needs of the NHS  newly established in 1948  which had outstripped training capacity and needed workers.

Then, as now, the role of migration in propping up a state approach to healthcare which would otherwise have failed was indispensable. But while important to the health service, the proportion of total migration accounted for by this demand was relatively small.

By 1958, 210,000 non-white Commonwealth migrants were living in the UK. In the same year, of 8,272 junior doctors in Great Britain 3,408 had been born elsewhere. Other figures, frustratingly only for 1965, suggest that there were about 5,000 Jamaican nurses and other workers staffing hospitals.

Combine these figures, and you get an estimate of about 4pc of the new population working in the NHS. Allow for dependents and missing data, and you might hit 10pc. Either way, to claim that the entirety of mass migration was justified by the NHS was well short of the mark.

Similarly, a narrative of labour shortages was constructed that took as granted a nationalised, unionised economy with rife overmanning, built to obtain full employment. Comparisons of vacancy lists to unemployment naturally resulted in the conclusion that labour was needed; the unwillingness of the Government to relax its grip on the economy or exchange rates meant that other routes to adjustment were difficult to follow.

In other words, migration in the post-war period was in part essential to the states ability to carry out its plans, and in other part an unintended consequence of those efforts. By 1962, the Government was taking steps to restrain the inflow, wary of the scale of the political backlash it had triggered.

Usually, history doesnt repeat itself. Westminster, however, is gifted with a wonderful form of amnesia, and has managed to do so not once but twice.

First we had the New Labour loosening of migration policy in pursuit of ill-defined fiscal goals, alongside an unwillingness to restrict movement for newly joined EU member states. Predictions that 13,000 workers a year would arrive from Eastern Europe turned out to be off by a few thousand percentage points, and eventually popular unrest again led to legal changes, this time in the form of Brexit.

Yet almost the moment Boris Johnson took office he set about repeating the mistakes of his predecessors, implementing the greatest liberalisation of Britains borders in decades.

The reasoning is almost painful to read: worries over shortages of workers even as the ranks of the economically inactive swelled, issues with pay in care homes downstream of government cuts to local authority budgets, the need to prop up a university sector which had seen tuition fees frozen, the NHS trotted out as the symbolic argument for migration when just 3pc of the 1.2m inflow in 2022 consisted of doctors and nurses.

And again, following vehement expressions of popular dissatisfaction, we find ourselves with a government promising long overdue action, and an opposition seeking to capitalise on this sentiment.

There is a limit to how many times a country can repeat a mistake without doing lasting damage.

Research from the Office for Budget Responsibility has made perfectly clear that staying on our current course is unaffordable.

Without reforms to Indefinite Leave to Remain, the care worker element of migration from 2021 to 2024 could cost the exchequer a lifetime sum of 61bn to 84bn on its own. The sheer size of the failure means that it must be at least partly undone, and Labour has made some noises about doing so.

But it would be a mistake to assume that everything before 2020 was good. Previous waves of migration have amply demonstrated how selecting the wrong migrants can lead to costs that linger for generations.

Despite large flows of recent migration  which tends to be fiscally positive in the years before workers age  it is still the case that black and Asian households in Britain receive more in state benefits than they pay in taxes, suggesting that previous migrants and their descendants may not have had the economic success we might have hoped for. Similarly, certain groups remain highly dependent on social housing.

The grand experiment of the post-war era is over. The results are in. Immigration might be the lifeblood of the British state, but it is hard to argue that its been an unequivocal success for the British people.

The efforts to make it central to our shared understanding of history are less about genuine interest in our island story than they are justifying the mistakes of generations of politicians, the forging of a US-style narrative of a nation of immigrants for a very different country.

This isnt a game Reform needs to play.
Trump with American and Iran flag

US president Donald Trump faces a make or break moment in his long-running confrontation with Iran. The UNs nuclear watchdog has just reached the damning conclusion that Iran is in breach of its non-proliferation agreement for the first time in 20 years.

Trump has been personally responsible, in recent years, for the significant rise in tensions in Washingtons decades-old feud with the ayatollahs. Having taken the decision in 2018 to end American participation in the Iranian nuclear deal, negotiated by former president Barack Obama, Trump has invested a great deal of political capital in his second term in an effort to resolve the issue once and for all.

Trumps offer to reopen talks with Tehran, made in a personal letter sent to Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei shortly after the president returned to the White House this year, held out the prospect of lifting the punitive sanctions imposed against Tehran during his first term in office. This would be in return for Iran curbing her nuclear ambitions.

There were even suggestions that Trump, following several rounds of talks between American and Iranian officials in the Gulf state of Oman (another session is due to take place in Muscat on Sunday), might be prepared to agree a soft deal with Tehran.

This would allow Iran to continue work on its nuclear programme on condition that tight safeguards were in place to prevent the production of nuclear warheads. Such an outcome would bear little difference to the deal Obama negotiated in 2015, and would be sure to cause outrage in Israel, where prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that only the complete dismantling of Irans nuclear programme would be acceptable.

Trumps hopes of achieving a breakthrough, though, now appear to have been torpedoed by the alarming evidence produced by the latest report published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN body responsible for monitoring Irans nuclear activities.

Apart from confirming the existence of three previously undisclosed nuclear sites in Iran, it says that unexplained traces of nuclear material have been found at these and another site. This suggests Tehrans nuclear activities are far from peaceful.

The report has prompted the IAEAs 35-member Board of Governors (which includes the UK) meeting in Vienna this week that Iran has broken its non-proliferation agreement for the first time in 20 years, and to demand that Iran provide answers without delay in the IAEAs long-running investigation into uranium traces found at several locations that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites.

In response to the ruling, the Islamic Republic said it had no choice but to respond by establishing a new enrichment facility in a secure location.

Suddenly, Trumps hopes of achieving a peaceful resolution of the Iran issue lie in tatters, with fears that the IAEAs uncompromising condemnation of Tehrans conduct could ultimately provoke a regional war.

Western security officials have expressed concern that Israel is preparing to launch unilateral military action to nullify Irans nuclear facilities, while Washington has responded to the deepening crisis by ordering the removal of non-essential staff from the US Embassy in Baghdad. Other diplomatic and military missions in the region have been ordered to undertake urgent risk assessments of the vulnerability to possible Iranian attacks.

The latest Iran crisis certainly means the US leader, whose natural instinct is to avoid military action, is in a difficult dilemma. Having made clear that he is totally opposed to the ayatollahs developing nuclear weapons, Trump cannot ignore the clear-cut evidence that Iran is in breach of its nuclear obligations.

Indeed, there were already indications that Trump was losing patience with Tehran prior to the IAEAs demarche. The president told a US podcast on Wednesday he was less confident about the prospects of a deal, and accused Tehran of adopting a hardline position during the recent negotiations in Oman.

By the same token, Trump has little appetite for engaging in military action unless there is absolutely no alternative, an attitude that the Iranians have no doubt taken on board in their approach to the latest round of nuclear talks.

Even if Trump is unwilling to hold Tehran to account for its constant defiance of the IAEA, there are others, especially the Israelis, who are. So the American president could soon find himself involved in a direct confrontation with Iran, whether he likes it or not.
Displaced Palestinians gather to receive hot meals distributed by a charity organisation in Gaza City. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

The bloody chaos that has overtaken food distribution in Gaza has worsened with more mass casualties among Palestinians trying to reach humanitarian assistance, while the US-Israeli organisation tasked with aid deliveries claimed that five of its local workers had been killed by Hamas.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) claimed on Thursday that a bus full of its Palestinian staff was attacked by Hamas at 10pm local time on Wednesday, with at least five deaths and other workers taken hostage.

It was not immediately clear why the organisation was attempting a night-time delivery. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have warned Palestinians not to approach food distribution points before 6am. The GHF reportedly claimed on its Arabic Facebook page that it had carried out a 3am food distribution.

The GHF did not respond to inquiries about the night distribution but its newly appointed chair, the evangelical preacher and Trump adviser Johnnie Moore, said on social media: These dear people were murdered by Hamas because they just wanted to feed their people. They were not militants. They were humanitarians, many of them young people.

The principle of impartiality does not mean neutrality. There is good and evil in this world. What we are doing is good and what Hamas did to these Gazans is absolute evil.

Hamas has not commented on the GHF claims, but said it had killed 12 members of the Israeli-backed Abu Shabab group after detaining them overnight. There have been increasingly bloody clashes in recent days between Hamas and the militia led by an Israeli-backed local warlord, Yasser abu Shabab. Reports from Khan Younis in southern Gaza said Abu Shabab members were publicly executed overnight in the city.

Israeli forces killed at least 60 Palestinians in Gaza on Wednesday, nearly two-thirds of them as they were seeking food from GHF food points, according to local health authorities.

There were more mass casualties reported on Thursday morning. The Palestinian civil defence agency told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that Israeli forces had killed 22 people across Gaza, of whom 16 had been waiting to collect food.

The distribution of food and basic supplies in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip has become increasingly fraught and perilous, exacerbating the territorys deep hunger crisis.

A civil defence official, Mohammed al-Mughayyir, told AFP that al-Awda hospital received 10 dead and about 200 wounded, including women and children, after Israeli drones dropped multiple bombs on gatherings of civilians near an aid distribution point around the Netzarim checkpoint in central Gaza.

In parallel with the GHF effort, Israel has begun allowing limited UN food aid to enter Gaza for the first time in three months after the mass casualties since the attempt to set up the militarised US-Israeli alternative.

The IDF said on Thursday morning that 56 humanitarian aid trucks from the UNs World Food Programme (WFP) had crossed into Gaza the previous day through the Zikim crossing at the northern end of the occupied territory. The food was allowed in with the approval of the political echelon and on the recommendation of the security authorities, an IDF statement said.

The WFP confirmed it had been able to get some food into Gaza over the past few days but not to distribute it in any organised way. After several incidents of looting, the aid agency has been driving trucks into populated areas and allowing local people to unload the food themselves.

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

Since the limited resumption of humanitarian assistance into Gaza on 19 May, WFP has been able to bring only small amounts of food into Gaza. This is largely due to delays or denials of permission for humanitarian movements due to expanded military operations, the WFP said in a statement.

It said fewer than 7,000 metric tonnes of aid had entered Gaza by 11 June. Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza on 9 March, partly lifting it in May for the WFP and GHF supplies, but it will not allow the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, to carry out distribution.

Unrwa has by far the biggest aid distribution network in Gaza but it has been banned by Israel on the grounds of allegations of complicity with Hamas. After an internal investigation, Unrwa fired nine of its 13,000 employees in Gaza in August 2024 on suspicion of involvement in the Hamas attack the previous October, but found no evidence to substantiate Israels broader claims. Israel cut all ties with Unrwa in January, with backing from the Trump administration.

Related: Israeli forces kill at least 60 Palestinians seeking food in Gaza, health officials say

The GHF is intended to be a substitute for Unrwa but its method of delivering food to a limited number of sites in heavily militarised areas has led to more than 160 deaths since it began operations two weeks ago as Israeli forces have opened fire on desperate Palestinians trying to reach the food distribution points.

The GHFs plan to set up a militarised food delivery system was criticised by humanitarian experts and its first director resigned because he said the scheme ran counter to humanitarian principles.

The so-called new way of handling assistance in Gaza is most degrading, humiliating and puts lives in danger, Philippe Lazzarini, the head of Unrwa, said on social media. This model will not address the deepening hunger. The dystopian Hunger Games cannot become the new reality. The UN including Unrwa have the knowledge, expertise & community trust to provide dignified and safe assistance. Just let the humanitarians do their jobs.

The UN said on Thursday that there was a full internet blackout in the Gaza Strip, which was likely to have been caused by military activity damaging the last cable into the territory, which has paralysed aid operations.

Lifelines to emergency services, humanitarian coordination and critical information for civilians have all been cut. There is a full internet blackout, and mobile networks are barely functioning, the deputy UN spokesperson, Farhan Haq, told reporters.

In a context already limited by physical access restrictions and widespread damage, emergency services are cut off, and civilians cannot access life-saving support.

Reuters contributed to this report
Sheikh Hasina, the former autocratic leader of Bangladesh who was ousted in last years student-led revolution. Photograph: Monirul Alam/EPA

Britains serious crime agency has frozen UK property worth 170m belonging to the former land minister of Bangladesh amid a crackdown on former allies of Sheikh Hasina, the autocratic leader deposed in last years student-led revolution.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed it had frozen assets belonging to Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, who is among allies of Hasina whose sizeable UK real estate portfolios have come under scrutiny by authorities in Dhaka investigating alleged corruption.

Analysis of Land Registry documents indicates that all of Chowdhurys more than 300 properties are subject to asset freezing orders, preventing them from being sold or transferred.

These include a luxury home in St Johns Wood, London, bought for 11m in 2022, and an apartment block in Fitzrovia, bought for 12.65m a year earlier, part of a portfolio bought for an estimated 170m.

Chowdhury is the third member of Bangladeshs former elite to be targeted by the NCA with asset freezes after 90m of property belonging to two members of the Rahman business dynasty were frozen last month.

The action follows requests by the interim regime in Dhaka, whose leader, Muhammad Yunus, has been in London this week for Britains help in tracing allegedly stolen assets.

Related: People see government as the enemy: Bangladeshs interim leader on the legacy of a toxic system

An NCA spokesperson said: We can confirm that the NCA has secured freezing orders against a number of properties as part of an ongoing civil investigation.

One of the homes affected by the freeze was the scene of footage secretly filmed by Al Jazeera as part of an investigation into wealth that Chowdhury had accumulated while he was a government minister.

During the meeting, Chowdhury talked about his global property portfolio, his taste for expensive suits and designer baby croc leather shoes and his closeness to Hasina, saying he was like her son.

Hasina is the aunt of the UKs former Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq, who resigned from the post in January after accepting the government was being harmed by the furore over her ties to her aunt.

Siddiq has since requested a meeting with Yunus to discuss allegations made in Bangladesh, which she denies, that she benefited from corruption.

Ben Cowdock, the investigations lead at Transparency International, said: These freezing orders present a major step forward, however there still remains millions of pounds worth of UK property  bought by individuals close to Sheikh Hasina  that is at risk of being sold, moved offshore and placed beyond the reach of investigators.

It is now vital that UK law enforcement intensify efforts to investigate and freeze these remaining assets. Where corruption is found, funds should be returned to Bangladesh and support the interim governments efforts to seek accountability.

The Guardian approached Chowdhury for comment. He has previously said that his UK assets were acquired with the proceeds of legitimate business and that he is the subject of a politically motivated witch-hunt.
Michelle ONeill said Gordon Lyons had failed to show correct leadership - PA

A Stormont minister is facing calls to resign as a blame game breaks out over the Northern Ireland riots.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons is accused of making Larne Leisure Centre a target for anti-migrant rioters with a social media post sent hours before it was set on fire.

Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill has now told him to consider his position, claiming he had failed to show correct leadership.

Mr Lyons, of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), said he would strongly hit back at any notion that he had publicly revealed the facility was being used to house immigrant families who had been affected by violence in nearby Ballymena.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said ethnic minorities have been targeted in the violence, which they have described as racist thuggery.

Masked youths attacked the leisure centre on Wednesday night and set it on fire.

Before the blaze, Mr Lyons posted on social media that the building had been used to temporarily accommodate several people following riotous behaviour in Ballymena, which is 30 minutes away.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said his post was intended to stop rumours - PA

His post said: As a local MLA for the area, neither I nor my DUP council colleagues were made aware or consulted on this decision until late this afternoon.

He added: It has now been confirmed to us by the PSNI and council that all these individuals are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.

Protesting is, of course, a legitimate right, but violence is not and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful.

Ms ONeill said Mr Lyons had failed to show correct leadership and I think that his commentary falls very short and very much strays into the territory of inflaming the situation, so I think that he should consider his position.

Stop the rumours

Asked by the BBC Good Morning Ulster programme if he should still be in his job, Mr Lyons replied: Absolutely.

He added: My message was posted because rumours had been circulating that the leisure centre was to be turned into a permanent centre.

A protest had already been planned at 7pm last evening.

The PSNI was then in contact with one of our local councillors and they were keen that we highlight the fact that the leisure centre was no longer being used for this purpose, they wanted to stop the rumours that people were being permanently housed there and all of that was the catalyst for the protest.

As a result of that, I posted a clarification that the centre had been used but that was temporary and was no longer being used for that purpose.

Larne Leisure Centre was damaged during a third night of violence - Reuters

Mr Lyons said he believed it was right that public representatives should be consulted when emergency protocols are put in place.

He said: I believe that information is key here so that rumours dont circulate around.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said: If people have been forced out of their homes, they need to be taken to a place of safety and they need to be looked after because they will be traumatised and they will be frightened.

I dont think it helps matters at all to publicise where they have been taken.

Reckless

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who is a DUP party colleague of Mr Lyons, said: I think that what the people of Northern Ireland need and want right now is to see that the Executive is united, and united on a very clear message.

That is incredibly important, we have just seen three nights of violent disorder.

Matthew OToole, leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, said he had referred Mr Lyons social media post to the Assembly standards commissioner.

Alliance Party MLA Danny Donnelly said: If I was the minister I would be considering my position.

Highlighting the location of where immigrant families who had been burnt out were taken to a place of safety on social media was reckless and dangerous, and it certainly was a factor in that protest.

Third night of disorder

Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew described Mr Lyons post as reckless and inflammatory, adding: Leadership should show responsibility - not feed into the fear of the vulnerable.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said the leisure centre had been designated as an emergency rest centre for those in urgent need following the disturbances in Ballymena, but the families had been safely relocated elsewhere.

The fire in Larne coincided with a third night of public disorder in Ballymena.

The violence began around Clonavon Terrace on Monday night following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area.

Two teenage boys, who spoke to a court through a Romanian interpreter, have been charged.
Sir Tony said he had visited China to discuss a range of security issues - Anupam Nath/The Associated Press.

The head of the Armed Forces praised China in a secret speech in Beijing, it has emerged.

Adml Sir Tony Radakin hailed the Communist state as a responsible nuclear power in an unpublished address in April.

The Chief of the Defence Staff was in China on a visit that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) planned not to disclose to the public.

In the speech, which was only released after a Freedom of Information request, Sir Tony said Britain respects China.

The Armed Forces chief also told the audience of trainee Chinese military officers that Britain desired a constructive relationship, and an open dialogue between us, The Times reported.

Adml Sir Tony Radakin speaks to Defence Secretary John Healey at the London defence conference on May 8 - WPA Pool

The more we talk, the more we will find our common interests and approaches to transnational challenges, he said.

The MoD and Chinas embassy in London declined to release the speech publicly.

Sir Tony accused Russia of irresponsible nuclear rhetoric in the speech, which he said should be of concern to both Britain and China.

This [Ukraine war] is more than struggle over borders on a map. It is a challenge to global order. The chaos and instability unleashed by Russia is being felt by countries near and far, he told the Peoples Liberation Army National Defence University in Beijing.

The Armed Forces chief was criticised for the visit to China.

Act of appeasement

It marked the first time in 10 years that a UK official of his rank had travelled to Beijing for talks.

Sir Tony and members of Chinas central military commission discussed issues of common concern during the visit on Wednesday, according to the countrys defence ministry.

However, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the former Tory leader, described the Chief of the Defence Staffs trip as terrible, and an act of appeasement.

Sir Tony said he had visited China to discuss a range of security issues.

We agreed that, in an unstable world, we must play our part as responsible nations with global interests, and we reflected on the importance of military-to-military communications, he said.

The MoD did not appear to publicise the visit.

Sir Keir Starmer during a bilateral meeting with president Xi Jinping of China in 2024 - Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool

The last time a chief of the defence staff visited China was in 2015, when Gen Sir Nicholas Houghton travelled to the country during a period of good relations.

Gen Liu Zhenli, a member of Chinas central military commission, was among those who held talks with Sir Tony during his visit.

His trip followed a similar visit by David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, to the country at the end of last year.

Sir Keir Starmer has yet to visit Beijing as Prime Minister, although it is understood a trip is being planned.

The MoD was approached for comment.
Fiongal (left) and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek were on board the Air India flight bound for London that crashed shortly after take-off

A British couple who were aboard the crashed Air India flight posted about their magical experience in the country hours before take-off.

Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, who run a spiritual wellness centre and yoga studio, talked about their mind-blowing experiences and how excited they were to share tales from their trip.

Just after leaving the airport the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was engulfed in a huge fireball after plummeting into a building in the suburb of Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat state.

The flight, with 242 people onboard including 53 British nationals, was en route to Gatwick airport. One man from Leicester is believed to be the sole survivor.

Others feared dead include a family from Wembley, including two toddlers, who had been visiting a sick grandmother, and a young father travelling back from a holiday to his home in east London.

The Greenlaw-Meeks, who had been on a two-week long holiday, posted to their social media accounts the night before the flight from their boutique hotel in the city.

Credit: jamiermeek / Instagram

Fiongal, who described himself as a fashion designer-turned-spiritual adviser said: So its our last night in India and we have had a magical experience really, there has been some quite mind blowing things have happened.

His husband Jamie, a yoga teacher and former dancer, added: We really have been on quite a journey and then just spending the last night here in this amazing hotel and we have just had the most delicious Tali food. It was a perfect way to round up the trip. Excited to share it all with you.

The couple also shared a video of them at the airport just as people were boarding the plane and another in which Fiongal said that they were feeling very, very, very happy.

Credit: @wellnessfoundry / Instagram

The couple ran The Wellness Foundry in south London and Ramsgate, Kent, which offers psychic readings, tarot, Reiki and yoga.

It has collaborated with brands including Dior, Google, and Netflix, according to its website, and was due to offer readings at Ramsgates Pride march on Saturday.

In January, Fiongal appeared on ITVs This Morning to talk about peoples auras and what they mean.

The couples Wellness Foundry described it on Instagram as their biggest gig so far, adding that it was very nerve-wracking but that Fiongal was honoured to chat about one of his favourite topics to such a big audience.

Fiongal with This Morning presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley in January

The couple documented their professional and personal lives on social media, advertising psychic development and spiritual retreats in the UK and Spain. They have been together since 2019.

Jamie posted a series of pictures of their wedding day at Mill Farm in Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire, on Facebook, adding that they had made so many wonderful memories and fun to last a lifetime.

He added: Thank you to my wonderful husband for keeping me calm in times of stress (sunshine after the rain)... My heart is so full of love and gratitude

Jamie has previously spoken about how he developed a passion for wellness and health when his late father was diagnosed with cancer.

Khouloud Atigue, a certified breathwork teacher and Reiki healer who worked with the couple at the Wellness Foundry, was among those to pay tribute.

She said: I am still in shock and not sure what to experience emotionally right now.

The world had lost two amazing souls for sure, that brought so much magic and wisdom to the world.

She added that the couple were authentic spiritual teachers who were such an inspiration and completed each other in a rare way.

Family of four visiting sick relatives

Others feared dead include a family of four from Wembley who had been to visit a relative in the village of Diu.

Hemaxi Shantilal had been to visit her sick mother with her husband, Girish Lalgi, their three-year-old son Adair and one-year-old daughter Takshril.

Ms Shantilal spoke to a friend from the village just as she was boarding the plane.

Photographs posted on social media show the couple marrying in a lavish Indian ceremony four years ago.

Young father returning from holiday

Another passenger has been identified as Adnan Master, 30 from Forest Hill, east London, who had been visiting relatives in India with his wife and child. It is understood he was travelling back to London alone.

Mr Master was described by friends as cheerful, funny, intelligent and hard-working.

Adnan Master, from east London, was in India visiting relatives

One friend, who declined to be named, said he was probably one of the nicest guys youd ever meet and worked two jobs  one at a DIY store in east London and another as a delivery driver.

The friend added: He was just one of the hardest-working people youd ever meet. He just didnt stop, and everything he did was for his family. Everything he spoke about was for his family, I want to make my child have a good life.

Four-year-old with her parents

Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee and their four-year-old daughter Sara were among the Britons listed as onboard the crashed plane.

It is understood that Mr Nanabawa, who grew up in Newport, was returning to his home in Gloucestershire with the family.

A community leader supporting the family said: During this moment of overwhelming sorrow, our hearts go out to all those left behind.

No words can truly ease the pain of such a profound loss, but we pray that the family may find solace in the tremendous outpouring of compassion and solidarity from communities across the world.

May their cherished memories provide comfort, and may they rest in eternal peace.

The couple, in their 30s, were believed to have been returning from a five-day family celebration during which they spent time with Mr Nanabawas father.

They have run a global recruitment agency, with offices in Ahmedabad as well as Gloucester, for many years. Their business partner, Shoyeb Khan Nagori said he had dinner with them the night before the flight.

He told MailOnline: They were a lovely family and Akeel and his wife were extremely successful people.

They were here to celebrate a family festival and to spend time with Akeels father.

He added: Akeel was a really good man, Im in shock. We were all having dinner together the night before.

Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee and their four-year-old daughter were among those listed as being onboard

Family of four returning home

A British family of four  Javed Ali Syed, his wife Mariam, and their young children, Zayn and Amani  were aboard the Air India flight.

Mrs Syed, 35, has worked for nearly a decade as a brand ambassador at Harrods, while Mr Syed worked as a hotel manager at the Best Western Kensington Olympia Hotel. The family were reportedly returning home from a holiday in India.

The father-of-two previously received a Team Member of the Year award in 2017, while working for the Comfort Inn London in Westminster.

Recently widowed victim

Another passenger onboard the Air India flight was Raxa Modha, who was recently widowed.

The 55-year-old had flown to India with her daughter-in-law, Yasha Kamdar, and her two-year-old grandson to fulfil her late husband Kishors wish to live out his last days on his homeland.

The mother-of-three, who was returning to her home in Northamptonshire, had been in India for an extended period of time to support her husband while he battled an illness. Their son, Kishan Modha, was due to return to the UK on a later flight.

A family friend told MailOnline: Its incredibly sad, the whole family is already grieving Kishors death.

Kishan fortunately was getting on another flight, but we dont know what has happened to the others.

She was described by neighbours on Thursday as a lovely lady.
The Air India flight carrying more than 200 people crashed in Ahmedabad shortly after take-off

The Air India disaster in which a plane crashed moments after take-off in Ahmedabad is the first time that a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has been involved in a fatal accident.

However, the aircraft has been beset by problems since entering service in 2011.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has investigated a number of concerns over the past decade, including faulty batteries and a flight that experienced a sudden drop in altitude.

Heres everything we know about the aircraft, with a close look at its safety record over the years.

How many Dreamliners have crashed?

The Air India incident on June 12 2025  involving an 11-year-old aircraft  is the first time the 787 Dreamliner has crashed.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plummeted into a building in the suburb of Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat state

When did it first come into service?

On October 26 2011, the Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) was the first to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on a commercial service. This was four years after Boeings original planned launch date, coming in millions of dollars over budget.

Since that first flight, the Dreamliner fleet has carried more than one billion passengers across almost 5 million flights.

What have been the Dreamliners most serious incidents?

In the early years after entering commercial service, the 787 faced a series of technical problems, including concerns around the safety of lithium-ion batteries.

In early 2013, carriers including Japan Airlines and United Airlines reported issues with the wiring near the main batteries in some of their Dreamliners. That summer, a fire broke out on an empty Ethiopian Airlines plane at Heathrow due to crossed wires located under a battery.

Norwegian Air also suffered a serious fuel leak due to a faulty valve on a 787, one of a number of problems experienced on the fleet. The airlines vice president later said: Were not satisfied with where the airplane is today, flying at a fleet average of 98 percent... The 777 today flies at 99.4 percent [...] and thats the benchmark that the 787 needs to attain.

There have also been concerns around the 787 Dreamliners performance in certain weather conditions.

In November 2013, Boeing issued an advisory for airlines flying the Dreamliner with a General Electric GEnx engine to avoid flying near thunderstorms because there was an increased risk of ice crystals building up on the engines.

In March 2024, a LATAM Airlines flight experienced a sudden drop of 300ft of altitude within a few seconds. The plane landed at Auckland as planned, where 50 passengers were treated for injuries and twelve were taken to hospital. A preliminary report suggested the drop was due to the captains seat involuntarily moving forward, rather than being caused by turbulence or poor weather conditions.

Is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner safe?

Until Thursdays Air India accident, the Dreamliner had an exemplary safety record.



Now, there will be an investigation into what caused the crash in Ahmedabad. Indias Ministry of Civil Aviation is considering grounding all Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners as a precautionary measure while the review takes place.



It is unknown what caused the disaster, and it may be months until we have answers. From issues with the wing flaps, a bird strike or pilot error  the possible causes of the crash are numerous and complex.





No airline has taken the Dreamliner out of service. Airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Tui continue to fly the 787 Dreamliner.



Kelly Ortberg, CEO at Boeing, said: A Boeing team stands ready to support the investigation led by Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

Which airlines operate the 787?

There are more than 1,100 Dreamliners in service worldwide. More than 50 airlines fly the Boeing 787. This includes many flag carriers such as British Airways, Air France, Emirates and American Airlines.

British Airways flies all three variants of the Dreamliner (the 787-8, 787-9 and 787-10). It first added the Dreamliner to its fleet in 2013.

How is the 787 Dreamliner different from other aircraft?

British Airways describes it as one of the most technologically advanced aircraft in its fleet. It has the largest windows of any commercial airliner. Instead of blinds, windows have dimmer switches. Within the cabin, a mood-lighting system creates the impression of daylight and nighttime to help passengers adjust to different time zones.

The 787 is said to be one of the more environmentally efficient planes. It can fly for 10,000 miles without needing to refuel, and uses 20 per cent less fuel than similarly sized aircraft. Due to its fuel efficiency, the Dreamliner is favoured for long-haul flights.

What other issues has Boeing faced?

In 2018 and 2019, there were two major crashes involving the Boeing 737 Max in which 346 people died. The accidents, involving a Lion Air Flight in Indonesia and an Ethiopian Airlines flight, were linked to problems with the automatic stabilisation system, which the crew were unable to successfully override.

There have been other issues with the 737 Max in recent years. In January 2024, a door plug ejected from an Alaska Airlines flight, causing decompression in the cabin. The subsequent FAA investigation found instances of manufacturing lapses.

Boeing is also suffering lengthy delivery delays, in part due to more rigorous regulatory scrutiny after the cabin panel blowout, as well as supply chain disruptions.

Is Air India safe?

Air India has had a number of fatal accidents over the years. In August 2020, a Boeing 737-800 flying from Dubai to Calicut overshot the runway, killing 18 passengers. In May 2010, a 737-800 from Dubai to Mangalore overshot the runway, killing 158 passengers on board.

Back in June 1982, an Air India plane crashed in Mumbai due to poor weather conditions, killing two crew members and 15 passengers. The year before, an Air India Flight from Zimbabwe to Mumbai was hijacked at Mahe Airport in the Seychelles. All 78 passengers were released.

The first Air India incident was in 1978, when a plane crashed off the coast of Mumbai after the captain became disorientated. All 213 on board died.
Laurence Fox wore a cap showing the slogan two tier as he attended court over a sexual offence - Lucy North/PA

Laurence Fox wore a two tier cap as he arrived at court over a sexual offence.

The former actor, 47, is accused of sharing a compromising photo on social media of TV presenter Narinder Kaur, who regularly appears on Good Morning Britain.

The cap was Foxs second apparent reference during his trial to two-tier justice  the claim that the criminal justice system treats different groups of people differently. He had arrived at court in April with a cap that read two-tier Britain.

He appeared at Woolwich Crown Court charged with two counts under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, while Ms Kaur, who has waived her right to anonymity, sat in the public gallery.

The former actor is accused of sharing a photograph of a persons genitals intending that the person or another person would see the genitals, and for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, and being reckless as to whether that person would be caused alarm, distress or humiliation in the first count.

The second count alleges he shared a photograph which showed, or appeared to show, another person in an intimate state, with the intention of causing that person alarm, distress or humiliation.

Laurence Fox arrived at Woolwich Crown Court with Elizabeth Barker, his partner - Lucy North/PA

Fox not asked to enter any pleas

The court hearing on Thursday was listed for plea and trial preparation. However, Fox, wearing a white shirt and grey blazer with jeans, was not asked to enter any pleas.

A provisional trial, estimated to last four days, was set for Dec 6 2027 at the same court, with Fox granted bail to appear for a further case management hearing on Nov 14 this year.

Sarah Forshaw KC, defending, asked the court if it would be possible to look at whether other venues may be able to accommodate an earlier trial because December 2027 is a long way ahead.

The police previously said Fox had been charged with an offence contrary to section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 which relates to an image that was posted on a social media platform in April 2024.

Section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act relates to cyber flashing. The charge, introduced in 2023, makes it a criminal offence to intentionally share a sexual image of someone without consent, with the aim of causing alarm, distress, humiliation or for sexual gratification.

Upskirting, which involves taking pictures of people under their clothes without their permission, became a specific criminal offence in 2019. Offenders can face up to two years in jail and be placed on the sex offenders register.

Fox was fired from GB News in October 2023 after an on-air rant about Ava Evans, the political editor of the JOE news platform.
The Mudi is considered a highly intelligent and agile herding dog - CHP

It has ancient origins and a rich history that dates back several centuries.

But now the Hungarian Mudi has been handed an official seal of approval in the UK after The Kennel Club announced plans to recognise the breed.

From next month the Mudi will become the 225th pedigree to be recognised in Britain, following the Icelandic Sheepdog which was added to the list in April.

Known traditionally as a herding dog, the breed is noted for its curly coat, erect ears and exceptional intelligence.

Its loyal and affectionate nature also makes it a great companion for owners.

The breed will join The Kennel Clubs register on July 1 before eventually moving onto the main breed register - paving the way for it to compete for the best in show title at the world-renowned dog show Crufts.

Charlotte McNamara, spokeswoman for The Kennel Club, said: Were pleased to officially recognise this versatile Hungarian herding dog as a pedigree breed in the UK.

Becoming a recognised pedigree breed with The Kennel Club takes time and several generations of dogs, but once a breed is officially recognised, it means we can be confident in its lineage and that it offers predictable traits - like temperament, health, exercise and grooming needs - which helps match dogs with the right home and owner.

The Mudis origins can be traced back to ancient times - though it was not formally identified until 1936. It tends to be medium in size and has a similar stature to the Border Collie.

They usually have a wavy coat that is medium in length and ranges from black and white to merle patterns.

It is also not unusual for Mudi puppies to be born without a tail as the length for the breed varies, leaving some with bobtails whilst others have full length ones.

Still primitive

Dorit Powell, from the Hungarian Mudi Club in the UK, said: The Mudi is razor-sharp, thinks independently, and is an affectionate, fiercely loyal family member.

They are suitable for most types of living, as long as they are provided with a job or similar mental and physical stimulation, and their human companions can accept their breed-characteristic vocal and herding behaviour.

Prospective and new owners should be aware that this mid-size breed is still primitive.

Mudis love to please and work best with variation, patience, positive reinforcement and a strong bond with their handler. They should research not only the breed but also existing lines and consult with breeders to ensure they obtain a dog suitable for their lifestyle and intentions.

DNA tests

The breed is the fifth to be recognised in the UK in the last five years.

It follows the Icelandic Sheepdog in April, the Polish Hunting Dog in 2024, the Pyrenean Sheepdog in 2021 and the Barbet in 2020.

The term pedigree dog is used to refer to a dog within a breed that is recognised by The Kennel Club, the oldest recognised canine club in the world, and that has traceable ancestry going back several generations on both sides.

Pedigree dogs are predictable in terms of their temperament and physical appearance and their exercise, grooming and general care needs.

Because their ancestry is known, it is also possible to predict any health problems that might arise and to develop DNA tests for those conditions, which breeders can use before selecting their breeding dogs.
Grazing Exmoor ponies was found to be effective in keeping an invasive grass under control in East Sussex, according to a reader. Photograph: Nature Picture Library/Alamy

Regarding George Monbiots article (Theres an invader turning huge swathes of Britain into deserts  and these dead zones are spreading, 9 June), yes, molinia (purple moor-grass) is a serious scourge of many of the UKs acidic upland landscapes. In 1999, while still residing in my home county of East Sussex, I began a conservation grazing initiative using Exmoor ponies to combat the growing threat to the South Downs chalk grasslands from a very similar grass, Brachypodium (tor grass), which back then I estimated was affecting well in excess of 200 hectares. This grass is of little use to farmers and also seriously depletes biodiversity.

In 2004, we began to get increasingly involved with the extensive acid grasslands in the high, acid heath and grasslands of the Ashdown Forest area, involving four different landowners  Sussex Wildlife Trust, Sussex Police Authority, the Ministry of Defence and the Conservators of Ashdown. Here, pony grazing was mainly to combat the rampant spread of molinia. The most spectacular result was on the MoDs 200-hectare training area, which had not been grazed within living memory. This was transformed from mainly thick molinia to open swards within several years of grazing 32 Exmoors year-round. It also minimised the previous extensive fires caused by army pyrotechnics.

I too consider the rampant spread of these two grass species as being due to nitrogen pollution, aided to a lesser extent by less grazing. I retired in 2017, then running 85 ponies. Today in East Sussex, there are in the region of 150 Exmoors carrying on what I initiated a quarter of a century ago.

Monty Larkin

St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire

 Having been an upland farmer for half a century, I share George Monbiots concerns about the growing domination of molinia in some regions. However, a century ago, Robert Wallace, professor of agriculture and rural economy at Edinburgh University, explained in his book, Heather and Moor Burning for Grouse and Sheep, that control of this plant can be ensured through the time-honoured combination of rotational winter-burning and active shepherding.

These ancient skills ensured that the growth of molinia was checked by managing the flock to graze off its early-spring shoots. After the animals had been moved to their in-bye lambing fields, the moors later-emerging, more fragile plants were able to thrive. To prevent neglected moors from turning into lifeless deserts of overgrown molinia and tick-infested bracken, perhaps we should be paying more attention to the wisdom of our forebears.

Aidan Harrison

Snitter, Northumberland

 Far from crowding out other plants and wildlife, purple moor-grass is in fact a key indicator of an increasingly rare habitat  known in Devon as culm grassland and in Wales as rhos pasture  that is home to rare plants like devils-bit scabious and butterflies such as the marsh fritillary, which depends on it for food and reproduction. On our former farm in north-west Devon, we now manage the land precisely to protect this highly threatened ecosystem.

George Monbiot is right to point out that walking over such land is far from easy, owing to the plants tussocky nature, but I suggest he takes a leaf out of Devon Wildlife Trusts excellent short film about the culm, Never Mind the Tussocks (Heres the Wildlife). He might learn something useful.

Adam Newey

Pancrasweek, Devon

 Re molinia grass sucking the life out of biodiversity, the solution is hiding in plain sight: Englands last semi-wild pony population  the iconic Dartmoor hill ponies. Studies, tests and surveys published in prestigious scientific journals confirm that Dartmoor semi-wild ponies not only eat molinia, but are also perfectly adapted over millennia of roaming Dartmoor to thrive in the highest and harshest parts where that job is needed most.

George Monbiot and the campaigner Tony Whitehead should not despair for Dartmoor biodiversity. Instead, they should focus their efforts on asking Defra to ensure its policies nurture and sustain the number of Dartmoor hill ponies, and biodiversity will be burgeoning here once more.

Charlotte Faulkner

Dartmoor Hill Pony Association
John Swinney arrives for First Ministers Questions, where he warns ousting him would not be a good idea - Jane Barlow/PA Wire

The SNP leader has pleaded with party rebels not to press ahead with a threatened leadership challenge after a shock by-election defeat.

John Swinney, the First Minister, warned it would not be a good idea for disaffected Nationalists to try and oust him at the SNP conference in October.

Mr Swinney said he had helped the SNP recover from a very, very difficult situation following the troubled final months of Nicola Sturgeons premiership and Humza Yousafs chaotic tenure.

His plea came the day after it was reported that 25 senior SNP figures met on Monday evening to discuss removing Mr Swinney, barely a year after he succeeded Mr Yousaf.

They warned that he risked facing a leadership challenge at the SNP conference in Aberdeen unless he comes up with a new strategy to achieve Scottish independence.

Anas Sarwar joins Davy Russell being sworn in as an MSP after his surprise by-election victory - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Discontent with his leadership has surfaced after Labour pulled off a surprise victory in last weeks Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, which the SNP had been hot favourites to win.

The defeat followed Labours rout of the SNP in last years general election, also under Mr Swinneys leadership.

Alex Neil, a former Cabinet minister in Alex Salmonds and Ms Sturgeons governments, said that Mr Swinney should be replaced.

Mr Swinney is expected to face robust questions at a meeting of the partys ruling national executive committee on Sunday about his by-election campaign strategy, which focused on the claim that it was a straight fight between the SNP and Reform UK.

The Guardian reported that he faced criticism about the strategy at a fractious MSP group meeting on Tuesday, with one backbencher claiming he had panicked at the rise of Reform, which finished a close third in the contest.

Scottish by-election results

Insiders also expect him to face pressure to come up with a much clearer strategy for achieving independence, after he warned that support for separation would have to rise to more than 60 per cent to get another referendum.

Under SNP rules, any member who can secure 100 nominations from 20 different branches ahead of a party conference can trigger a leadership vote.

Mr Swinney admitted that he had absolutely no idea about whether he would face a challenge but said: I dont think that would be a good idea.

Speaking after First Ministers Questions at Holyrood, he said: I came into office to help the SNP recover from a very, very difficult situation in the spring of 2024, and Im very focused on making sure that we make that recovery to be ready for the 2026 elections, and thats whats the focus of my thinking and my planning.

Ive obviously taken forward a number of steps over the course of the last 12 months to get the SNP into a better position.

He insisted that the SNP would not have even been in contention in the by-election before he took over, despite the party winning the seat in the 2021 Holyrood contest by 4,582 votes.

Labour won the contest last week by 602 votes, after the SNP vote in the seat dropped by 17 points compared to 2021.

Not in the slightest worried

However, Mr Swinney said he was not in the slightest worried about the internal briefing against him, and rejected criticism that he was not moving fast enough on independence.

He said he had spent the first year of his leadership addressing the issues that people are immediately preoccupied by, such as the cost of living crisis.

Mr Swinney said this was necessary to ensure we could get a hearing from the public, but his phase two plan was to open up a conversation about independence ahead of next years election.

But Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, said: Even John Swinneys MSPs are now openly rebelling against him with senior figures saying he has two weeks to come up with a new idea to save his job. John Swinney and the SNP are out of ideas, out of steam and out of time.

He told First Ministers Questions: One SNP MSP said about John Swinney, there is no energy, no fire, no boldness, no long-term vision  they are right.

It is not thought that an MP or MSP will directly challenge Mr Swinney for the leadership ahead of the May 2026 election, but the rebels said a rank-and-file activist could come forward as a stalking horse.

They warned that any contest would be hugely damning and damaging, and make the party look utterly ridiculous.
Credit: X/ShivAroor

It could take weeks, if not months, for the exact cause of the plane crash to become clear.

But the pilots mayday call of no thrust and a lack of power indicates a mechanical, electrical, or external issue likely plagued the General Electric engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on take-off.

A lack of thrust, perhaps worsened by other factors, could have brought about the aircrafts demise.

Experts have already outlined a number of possible reasons why flight AI171 crashed in a ball of fire after less than a minute in the air.

Prof John McDermid, Lloyds Register chair of safety at the University of York, said: Take-off and landing are the most dangerous phases of flight  accidents from cruise are very unusual.

However, that said, its surprising that the accident occurred before the aircraft had even got to an 200 metres altitude.

Pilots can abort take-off until quite late in the take-off roll, so it seems like the problem occurred very suddenly in the final part of the take-off roll, or shortly after take-off, and was sufficiently serious to be unmanageable.

Given the levels of redundancy in systems, the fact that aircraft are designed to climb out on only one engine, etc on initial sight this seems a very surprising accident.

BS Siwach, the former director general of Aviation Safety India, said: The pilots were highly qualified and accomplished professionals. The unfortunate thing which happened is that at about 400-odd feet, the aircraft suffered loss of power.

Technical error or engine failure

A significant loss of thrust, as appears to be indicated in the stricken planes Mayday call, could have resulted from a number of causes.

A wholesale engine failure  especially of the uncontained variety, where a turbine disintegrates due to failed bearings or blades  can be catastrophic, flinging out debris that shatters the engine casing and penetrates the fuselage.

However, evidence of such an event should have been visible in the video footage, which showed no obvious signs of engine problems other than the planes struggle to gain altitude.

Engine failure could also have resulted from a less dramatic issue, such as a fuel-related problem.

Given that the plane had been prepared for a long haul flight  and the size of the fireball when it came down  it could hardly have been out of kerosene. But fuel contamination or mis-fuelling of some kind could have led the turbines to underperform.

Technical or engineering issues  such a fuel pump failure or malfunction of engine controls  could also have conceivably led to the disaster.

While there has never been a major incident with the 787, which represented a step change in design and build quality when it was introduced, such a level of complexity and automation can bring its own problems.

It also means that the exact fault behind the loss of power, if that proves to have been the reason for the crash, may be difficult to ascertain, although readings from the planes black box flight data recorder, once recovered, should provide vital information.

If the crashed plane is found to have been brought down by a fundamental flaw, then the entire fleet could face grounding, though with the model in service for so long without incident a maintenance-related glitch may be more likely than a manufacturing or design error.

Dr Jason Knight, a senior lecturer in fluid mechanics at the University of Portsmouth, reviewed the CCTV footage of the planes ill-fated journey and told The Telegraph: It appears from the video, there is a cloud of dust just after take off [when the aircraft goes behind the building].

The aircraft then seems to lose power and the pilot appears to increase its angle of attack to try and stay airborne for longer.

The aircraft could fly perfectly well on one engine. But without any power, the pilot has no choice but to do an emergency landing.

Im not sure, but it appears as though the cloud of dust could be from the engines as they both fail.

Bird strikes

A bird strike which took out both the General Electric engines is another possibility behind the crash.

In January 2021, a 787-8 Dreamliner had to abort a take-off in Mexico after birds flew into one of its engines as it readied to leave the tarmac.

And in March 2024 a Saudi Airlines flight on a similar plane model flying from Jeddah to Heathrow suffered significant damage to its left wing from a bird strike.

Ahmedabad airport, the main city in Gujarat, is also notorious for having an issue with bird strikes due to being near an urban area.

A study in 2018 found the airport has a high potential of bird-aircraft collision hazards. Official data shows that in 2023 it had the second most bird strikes in India with its 81 reported instances behind only the 169 of Delhi. This is despite operating only a quarter the number of flights.

Salil Colge, a lecturer in aviation management at University College Birmingham who was born in Mumbai, told The Telegraph: Historically there have been reports of several bird strikes in this area in the past and that could be one of the possibilities.

The airport had managed to control this significantly with a decrease in bird strike incidences in 2024. Did the aircraft have multiple bird strikes after take-off causing the engines to lose power?

Dr Knight added that in his opinion the most likely cause of the engine failure is a bird strike affecting both engines.

He said that the 787-8 was designed and certified to be able to fly and climb with just one engine to allow the plane to land safely, and that only simultaneous double failure could be to blame.

He added: This could be for a number of reasons, but in my opinion, the most likely is a bird strike in both engines. The black box will have all the flight data to confirm what happened.

Flap issues

Experts have suggested that video footage of the flights final seconds showed that its wing flaps were incorrectly set for a standard take-off climb.

Flaps affect an aircrafts aerodynamics by changing the shape of the wing and play a crucial role in getting it airborne. Yet based on some interpretations of the video evidence they were fully retracted, a position in which they would provide minimal lift.

The aircrafts landing gear also remained deployed throughout the short flight, when on a 787 the wheels are normally withdrawn as soon as they leave the runway.

Credit: X

One possibility is that the landing gear became stuck and that the pilots responded by partially retracting the flaps to reduce drag and maintain the climb. If the adjustment was overdone the plane would lose lift and begin to descend.

At some point the 787s wing would have stalled  the term for when the airflow is separated from the wings surface  through the combination of insufficient lift and excessive drag.

A more straightforward explanation may be that the flaps themselves malfunctioned, failing to respond to inputs from the cockpit.

The Boeing 787 has experienced flap issues in the past, with an American Airlines plane forced to return to Amsterdam in January after a problem was detected shortly after take-off for Philadelphia.

The aircraft dumped fuel over the North Sea before landing at Schiphol airport at a higher than normal speed attributed to the flaps problem.

That flight was rescheduled to depart the following day but the flight was cancelled after the crew discovered a hydraulics issue.

In the following three weeks, the same plane was forced to abort flights to Philadelphia from Dublin, Barcelona and Zurich, with the diversions punctuated by cancellations and at other times by successful flights.

The aircraft concerned was almost eight years old and had completed more than 4,000 flights.

Pilot error

The 787-8 is a modern, highly sophisticated plane which one expert described as a powerplant on wheels. Much of the processes are highly automated, with human pilots making only key decisions.

However, at this stage human error cannot be ruled out. It is believed the co-pilot, Clive Kundar, had more than 1,000 hours of flying experience and made a mayday call shortly after take-off. He was flying with a trained instructor with more than 8,000 hours experience, the captain Sumeet Sabharwal.

Radar tracking of the plane suggests the pilots did not use the full length of the runway when taking off, instead joining at an intersection around half way.

Estimates suggest the amount of runway utilised by the pilots was slightly less than 2,000 metres.

Experts told The Telegraph that on a hot day, loaded almost to full capacity and with enough fuel on board for a nine-hour flight, the amount of recommended runway would likely be around 2,500 metres as a minimum.

Some individuals on Pprune, a pilots forum, suggested the shortened runway was on the lower threshold of what may have been advisable.

This practice of not using the full runway is often used by pilots to avoid traffic jams and air-traffic control delays, and is permitted if deemed safe.

Planes get less lift on a hot day due to lower air density, and therefore they need to go faster to get as much lift as on a cooler day.

Flight AI171 took off in 40C heat in the early afternoon sunshine of Gujarat.

A plane struggling with insufficient speed or lift could hit a low obstacle or fail to overcome its inertia if lifting off early.

Overloading

It is possible the cause of the crash was that it was too heavy to take-off.

The weather, again, is a factor in this as that dictates how much ground velocity a plane needs to generate enough lift to get airborne.

However, this is checked by the airline ahead of take-off and experts say unless there was egregious oversight or error on this then it is improbable as a root cause.

It is very unlikely the plane was overweight or carrying too much fuel  there are careful checks on this, said Prof McDermid.
Keir Starmer hailed the trade deal reached with Donald Trump as historic - Getty Images

Donald Trump is set to cut tariffs on British cars within days, the Business Secretary has suggested.

Jonathan Reynolds said he is very hopeful that the carve out agreed as part of the UKs new trade deal with the US will be implemented by the end of the week. He said an update was expected very soon.

As part of the trade deal announced last month, the UK secured cuts to US tariffs on British cars from 25pc to 10pc for an agreed quota of 100,000 vehicles.

Mr Reynolds also said Britain is ready to go on its side of the bargain, which will involve slashing tariffs on US beef and ethanol imports which are used to make biofuels.

While he has agreed a carve out for the UK, Mr Trump said on Thursday that he might increase tariffs on car imports more generally in the not too distant future.

The UK has secured cuts to US tariffs on British cars from 25pc to 10pc - F Stop Press

US auto shares slumped shortly after his remarks, with shares in Ford down 1.6pc and those for General Motors sliding 1.5pc.

The UK will be spared completely from levies on steel and aluminium, which rose to 25pc after Mr Trump kicked off his trade war in February.

At the time, Sir Keir Starmer hailed the historic deal, claiming it would protect thousands of British jobs in key sectors including car manufacturing and steel.

But it has still not been implemented more than a month later, with both Washington and London yet to take the necessary steps to put the plans into action.

Speaking at a lunch for Westminster journalists on Thursday, Mr Reynolds said he was hopeful that the first changes would be in place by the end of the week.

It comes after the Business Secretary pushed for progress on the deal in talks with his US counterpart, Howard Lutnick, in Downing Street on Tuesday.

Jonathan Reynolds said the UK is ready to go on its side of the trade deal with the US - Wiktor Szymanowicz

Asked when British carmakers could expect tariffs to be cut, Mr Reynolds said: Very soon.

He added: Secretary Lutnik and I, with the Prime Minister, talked specifically about the institution of the automotive tariff reduction for the quota, which is part of our deal. And I am hoping to be able to update you all on that very soon.

Pressed on whether the changes could be in place by the end of the week, and if Sir Keir would raise the issue with Mr Trump at the upcoming G7 summit in Canada, he said: Im very hopeful. It was a specific area of conversation on Tuesday in that bilateral meeting.

We are ready to go on our side. In terms of the steps I need to take, I will inform the House with a written ministerial statement and lay the statutory instruments for the reciprocal part of that deal, which is obviously about beef and ethanol for us on this side.

So were ready to go, and as soon as the president and the White House on their side are able to, we will implement that part of the deal.

Mr Reynolds also defended the UKs nuclear submarine deal with the US and Australia after the Pentagon launched a review of the pact.

It emerged on Wednesday that the US was considering ending the Aukus agreement, signed to great fanfare in 2021, in a potential blow to a security alliance between the three countries.

Asked if he had concerns about the future of the deal, Mr Reynolds said: I would have a lot of confidence in anyone looking at the merits of that agreement and saying that is an incredibly strong and important agreement for the future.

So if US colleagues want to look at it, ok, thats their right to do so. I think it is an incredibly compelling and strong agreement.

Meanwhile, Mr Reynolds revealed that he had been cleared by the solicitors regulator over claims he lied about his legal career.

The watchdog, which protects the public from bogus lawyers, launched an investigation into the Business Secretary earlier this year after it emerged he repeatedly described himself as a solicitor despite never qualifying.

Asked for an update on the probe, Mr Reynolds said: They came back shortly after that media period to say look, always be careful to be accurate, but theres no misleading here, and theres nothing else to look into.
Questions have been raised about whether wing flaps on the Air India jet malfunctioned before the fatal crash

A Boeing 787 jet identical to the one that crashed in India made four emergency landings in less than a month earlier this year.

Some of the incidents involving the American Airlines plane were linked to issues with its wing flaps  vital control surfaces now under scrutiny following the Indian crash, after phone footage appeared to show they were not properly deployed.

Boeing shares were priced 8 per cent lower before the opening bell in New York and were later down 5 per cent as news of the tragedy, which killed 241 people on board the plane leaving a sole survivor, revived safety concerns about a company only just emerging from a crisis surrounding the 737 Max jet.

The wreckage of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner embedded in a building at the crash site in Ahmedabad

The American Airlines plane was initially forced to return to Amsterdam after a problem with its flaps was detected shortly after take-off for Philadelphia on Jan 7.

The aircraft dumped fuel over the North Sea before landing at Schiphol airport at a higher than normal speed, attributed to the flaps problem.

The flight was rescheduled, only to be cancelled after its crew discovered a hydraulics issue.

In the following weeks, the plane  which was eight years old and had completed more than 4,000 flights  was forced to abort flights to Philadelphia from Dublin, Barcelona and Zurich.

Flaps affect an aircrafts aerodynamics by changing the shape of the wing and play a crucial role in getting it airborne.

Yet based on some interpretations of footage of the Air India plane, they were fully retracted, a position in which they would have provided only minimal lift  raising questions around whether they had malfunctioned and were no longer responding to inputs from the cockpit.

The aircrafts landing gear also remained deployed throughout the short flight, when on a 787 the wheels are normally withdrawn as soon as they leave the runway.

One possibility is that the landing gear became stuck and that the pilots responded by partially retracting the flaps to reduce drag and maintain the climb. If the adjustment was overdone, the plane would lose lift and begin to descend.

Questions had previously been raised about possible flaws in the construction of the 787.

Faulty engineering

Sam Salehpour, a Boeing engineer, came forward in 2021 with claims that the firm had cut corners on the Dreamliner, allowing faulty engineering and faulty evaluation of the data which meant that defective parts had potentially been installed in some planes.

Mr Salehpour claimed to have noticed issues with the filling in of gaps between fuselage segments, known as shimming, which he said could cause fatigue cracks over repeated flights.

John Barnett, another whistleblower, alleged that Boeing repeatedly falsified or ignored vital quality checks at a plant in North Carolina where some of its 787s are assembled.

Mr Barnett  a quality inspector who was later found dead aged 62  also warned of problems with emergency oxygen systems and his discovery of metal shavings that he said posed a risk of shorting to electrical systems.

John Barnett, who was found dead in March aged 62, alleged that Boeing falsified paperwork at a plant where some 787s are assembled - Television Downfall: The Case Against Boeing

However, the plane involved in Thursdays crash was built in Seattle and dated to 2013, predating any of the claims regarding lax production methods.

No 787s have previously been involved in a fatal accident before, though the model suffered a spate of fires involving its lithium-ion batteries in its first few years of production.

Thursdays crash in Ahmedabad comes six years after the loss of two smaller 737 Max planes claimed 346 lives and plunged Boeing into a near-existential crisis.

The Max, Boeings top seller, was grounded around the world for more than 18 months after investigators found that the crashes in 2018 and 2019 had been caused by software meant to improve the aircrafts handling.

Instead, the system effectively wrestled control from the planes pilots, who were unaware of how it worked and how it might be overridden.

The Air India tragedy also came days before the start of the Paris Air Show, at which Boeing executives had been expected to declare that the firm was ready to bounce back from a more recent crisis involving the 737.

That meltdown saw a panel blow out from an Alaska Airlines plane as it climbed to 16,000 feet. Subsequent investigations linked the incident to a litany of production glitches and quality control issues at Boeing and supplier Spirit Aerosystems.

The Max was once again grounded and, though it was allowed to return to service, a cap was imposed on build rates, reducing deliveries to airlines around the world to a trickle.
Gavin Newsom speaks in Sacramento last month. Photograph: Rich Pedroncelli/AP

Gavin Newsom, Californias governor, has called Donald Trump a stone cold liar, condemned the federal deployment of troops in Los Angeles as theater and madness and even questioned the presidents mental fitness, as protests over immigration raids in the city continue.

Trump federalized 2,000 of Californias national guard on Saturday, with a US president acting over the objections of a state governor in this way for the first time in more than half a century. It followed the outbreak of protests over a series of sweeping immigration raids in the LA area, with Newsom criticizing Trumps actions as illegal overreach, unconstitutional and provocation.

Now US marines are being added to this force to back up arrests by the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) agency, in tactics Newsom said have been used to disappear people unlawfully in these raids rather than confront the protesters who have destroyed property around an Ice facility in downtown Los Angeles.

Related: Judge to consider Californias request for restraining order against Trump over use of troops in LA

Newsom, a Democrat, said that Trump never raised with him the federalizing of the national guard before it occurred, when the two spoke by phone last Friday, despite the presidents claims to the contrary. He lied, stone cold liar, the governor told the New York Times podcast the Daily on Thursday morning in an interview.

Of the subsequent rare commanding of the national guard troops by the president, rather than the governor, Newsom told the Daily: It came completely out of left field.

The federalized national guard have been taken from their duties on the border and working in Californias forests to clear undergrowth to prevent wildfires and have had to be protected by police as protesters were specifically angry at them being deployed by the president, Newsom said.

That is how ridiculous this whole thing is, he said. This is theater, its madness, its unconstitutional, its immoral. It puts peoples lives at risk, these people are being used as pawns.

Newsom said that looting is unacceptable but that more than 1,600 police were dealing with the situation and his greater concern was the thuggish behavior of the Trump administration in ordering the military on to the streets of a US city. Several members of the federalized national guard have told friends and family they are deeply unhappy about the deployment.

This sends fear and chills up the spines of law-abiding citizens, said Newsom, who has warned that other states and US democracy itself is under threat from the presidential overreach. That is a red line crossed, it is a serious and profound moment in American history.

Newsom told local media that Trumps age seemed to be affecting him.

He claimed to the Times that the president cant recall the phone conversation they had on Friday and that hes not all there, echoing comments first made by the governor on Monday that Trump, who turns 79 on Saturday, is incapable of even a train of thought and that he has lost it.

Trump has said that he wants to liberate Los Angeles from protesters and has escalated a feud with Newsom, a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028, by even suggesting the governor himself could be arrested. Los Angeles was calmer on Wednesday evening than at the weekend and the citys mayor, Karen Bass, has emphasized in local appearances how small an area has been affected by any trouble, with a limited area under curfew and no looting experienced there overnight into Thursday.

However, as protests continue, several hundred further arrests were made late on Wednesday.

Newsom also said in the interview broadcast, published on Thursday, that his 15-year-old daughter came home from school crying at the prospect of him being arrested. I said that doesnt matter, what matters is the military on the streets, he said. I will handle that, I will be fine. I am worried about you, Im worried about this country, Im worried about everything weve taken for granted and fought so hard for disappearing overnight.

At a press conference on Thursday, Kristi Noem, the Department of Homeland Security secretary, suggested without evidence that the protesters could be funded by NGOs out there, unions, other individuals and said Newsom had not returned her calls. Security guards forcibly removed Alex Padilla, a California senator, from the press conference as he attempted to ask Noem a question.

In a statement after his removal, Padillas office said he was in Los Angeles exercising his duty to perform congressional oversight of the federal governments operations.

He tried to ask the Secretary a question, and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed. He is not currently detained, and we are working to get additional information, the statement said.

The protests have spread to other cities including New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Seattle and Spokane in Washington state, Austin and San Antonio in Texas. Meanwhile immigration enforcement activity has extended to Californias agricultural heartland, where many farm workers are undocumented people.

Los Angeles area mayors on Wednesday called on the Trump administration with withdraw troops and stop the raids that have caused widespread fear in immigrant communities.

Im asking you, please listen to me, stop terrorizing our residents, said Jessica Ancona, the mayor of El Monte, who said she was struck by rubber bullets during a recent raid in the city.

On Wednesday, Trump was both booed and cheered while attending a performance of Les Miserables in Washington at the Kennedy Center in the capital, which he took over after returning to the White House. Trump said that the actions in Los Angeles were necessary. If I didnt act quickly on that, Los Angeles would be burning to the ground right now, Trump said.
Staff and customers, including children learning to swim, were at the leisure centre in Larne at the time of Wednesdays attack. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

Northern Irelands first minister has accused a DUP politician of inflaming tensions after a leisure centre in Larne was set on fire.

Gordon Lyons, the communities minister, should consider his position, Michelle ONeill said. Hours before the centre was set on fire by a mob of masked youths on Wednesday, Lyons had posted on social media that the building was being used to accommodate several people who had fled from Ballymena, about 20 miles (32km) away.

Staff and customers, including children learning to swim, were in the leisure centre at the time of Wednesdays attack, which coincided with violence in Ballymena amid tensions over immigration.

Hours before the attack, Lyons posted on social media that a number of individuals were temporarily moved to Larne leisure centre in the early hours of the morning after the disturbances in Ballymena.

As a local MLA [member of the legislative assembly] for the area, neither I nor my DUP colleagues were made aware or consulted on this decision until late this afternoon, he added. Protesting is of course a legitimate right but I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, ONeill, of Sinn Fein, said Lyons had failed to show the correct leadership. I think that his commentary falls very short and very much strays into the territory of inflaming the situation, she said. So, I think he should consider his position.

The Sinn Fein finance minister, John ODowd, also called on Lyons to resign, while Matthew OToole, the SDLP and opposition leader, said he would refer Lyons to the standards commission. The actions of the communities minister cannot be ignored, he said. He is the minister responsible for the housing executive and lives are at stake.

Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland secretary, also called on Lyons to reflect on his comments.

Lyons is defying the calls, saying that under Stormonts system of government no other party can force him to quit: That is not in their gift.

Lyons told the BBC his message was posted because rumours had been circulating that the leisure centre was being turned into a permanent centre and that was no longer the case. He said he was trying to defuse the situation.

The chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Jon Boutcher, said the recent disorder in Northern Ireland was absolutely race-motivated.

Speaking at a news conference he said 41 police officers had been injured and 14 arrests had been made so far. Addressing targeted communities, Boutcher said: We stand shoulder to shoulder with you. These bigots and racists will not win the day.

ONeill and the deputy first minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, appeared together on Wednesday to condemn the violence.

Echoing comments from the police, the first minister said: Its pure racism, theres no other way to dress it up. Little-Pengelly described the scenes in Ballymena as utter thuggery.

Police came under attack for a fourth consecutive night on Thursday as unrest spread to multiple towns across the region.

In Portadown, missiles were thrown at officers during a protest, continuing a pattern of disorder that began earlier in the week in Ballymena. While tensions remained high, Thursdays incidents appeared to be of lower intensity compared with previous flare-ups.

Police said a separate protest in east Belfast concluded early in the evening without major incident.

The latest disturbances follow strong words from Northern Irelands police chief, who said bigots and racists were behind the violence.

There were calls for urgent action after the names of streets and addresses in Ballymena were posted on a Facebook page with some designated local, the apparent suggestion being that they should not be targeted.

The local Sinn Fein MLA, Philip McGuigan, has called on the police and Meta to take action. This is a very dangerous situation in Ballymena, and what is happening is absolutely disgusting and disgraceful, he said.
Supply creates demand, and in turn, misery, Unions NSW secretary Mark Morey said of the states almost 90,000 poker machines, in response to a report from the auditor general. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

The union movement in New South Wales has launched a blistering attack on the state Labor government, arguing it has showed a fundamental lack of ambition in ending the misery caused by almost 90,000 poker machines.

Mark Morey, the secretary of Unions NSW, accused the Minns government of congratulating itself on what he said were superficial changes to an industry extracting $8.6bn from the states residents each year, with the majority of losses in low socioeconomic areas.

Moreys criticism came hours after the states auditor general found the government had not set targets to reduce the harm caused by poker machines and could not confidently state if it was protecting people.

The auditor general also said the NSW government was doing relatively little to assess whether pubs and clubs are identifying and preventing gambling harm at their venues.

Related: NSW gamblers losing $24m to poker machines every day, analysis shows

Supply creates demand, and in turn, misery, Morey said in response to the auditor generals report.

While the government congratulates itself on administrative changes, families in Fairfield are losing $3,225 per adult annually to poker machines.

Unions NSW described state government efforts to reduce poker machine numbers as woefully inadequate.

The report assessed government conduct from 2019 to mid-2024 across both Labor and Coalition governments, but is likely to add to political pressure on the Minns government. Last week, a leading charity accused it of not doing enough to prevent serious harm caused by pokies.

The Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports strategy for regulating gaming machines is not based on a clear understanding of current levels of gambling harm and it does not set any targets for reducing harm associated with gaming machines, the audit report said.

The department does not have benchmarks, targets or other performance measures in place to assess outcomes against key measures of harm minimisation.

There have been no evaluations of its compliance programs to measure their impact on harm minimisation outcomes. As a result, the department does not know whether its regulatory strategy is effective in minimising gambling harm.

The audit report said gambling harm appears to have increased despite the governments efforts.

Calls to the GambleAware helpline increased by 8.5% in 202324 and gaming machine losses have increased in each of the last three years, the report said. The results of the 2024 NSW Gambling Survey did not indicate a reduction in the level of gambling harm in NSW.

The report confirmed revenue from gambling taxes would increase from $2.47bn this financial year to $2.91bn in 2027-28.

The forecast increase in gaming machine profits is due to expected increases in the use of gaming machines, the report said.

The chair of the states independent liquor and gaming authority, Caroline Lamb, supported all recommendations from the audit.

We propose to take a more structured approach to stakeholder engagement and acknowledge our responsibility, in conjunction with hospitality and racing, to ensure licensees meet their statutory obligations, Lamb said.

The states gaming minister, David Harris, said the government takes harm minimisation seriously and has implemented a number of initiatives.

Related: NSW government drops plan to remove 9,500 poker machines, saying it would make no difference

These initiatives include reducing the cash limit on new machines from $5,000 to $500, banning external signage at venues, putting more responsible gaming officers in venues and investing $100m in a gambling harm minimisation fund.

But Wesley Missions chief executive, Stu Cameron, believes these limited reforms are clearly not having an impact.

While we didnt need an audit to know the system is broken, as frontline services have been saying this for years, now it is in black and white: the NSW government has done next to nothing to reduce gambling harm while clubs and hotels pocket billions.

In November last year, an independent panel advising the government on gambling reform wrote a roadmap for overhauling the states regulation of poker machines and limiting harm. The Minns government is yet to formally respond to the reports recommendations, which were contested by some panel members.

Labor had pledged to conduct a trial of cashless gaming during the election campaign, but a pilot of a gaming scheme attracted only 32 participants.

The project was subsequently criticised by the Australian Hotels Association  whose members operate poker machines  which questioned the evidence base for further action. Clubs NSW made similar criticisms.

The shadow minister for gaming, Kevin Anderson, said gambling losses continue to skyrocket in NSW while the independent panels report gathers dust on the desks of the premier and minister.

The Minns government must urgently respond to the recommendations in that report to give the community and the industry certainty of the path forward.

 In Australia, Gambling Help online is available on 1800 858 858. The National Debt helpline is at 1800 007 007.
JD Vance, the US vice-president, visited Greenland in March - JIM WATSON/AFP

Pete Hegseth revealed the Pentagon has drafted plans to take Greenland and Panama by force if necessary.

The defence secretary let slip the existence of the contingency plans during a heated exchange with Democrat Representative Adam Smith.

During a congressional hearing on Thursday, Mr Smith asked Mr Hegseth if it is the policy of the department of defence that we need to be prepared to take Greenland and Panama by force if necessary.

I dont think the American people voted for President Trump because they were hoping we would invade Greenland, the Democrat added.

In response Mr Hegseth said: Our job at the defence department is to have plans for any particular contingency.

Any contingency, weve got. Weve got a building full of planners, and were prepared to give recommendations whenever needed.

Protests were held in Greenland against Donald Trumps proposals to acquire the territory - 2025 Anadolu

Representative Mike Turner, an Ohio Republican, then pressed Mr Hegseth to make it clear if he was confirming the existence of plans to invade Greenland telling him that he was a lawyer and I just want to help you out because people try to twist your words.

You are not confirming in your testimony today that at the Pentagon, there are plans for invading or taking by force Greenland, correct? That is not your testimony today? Mr Turner asked.

The defence secretary did not clarify his statement further, responding: All my testimony is is that the Pentagon has plans for any number of contingencies.

He also said that he looks forward to helping protect Greenland from potential threats.

Drawing up contingency plans for potential conflicts is not unusual at the Pentagon, although the revelation comes after repeated assertions by Donald Trump that he would like to make Greenland part of US territory, and has not ruled out using military force to make that happen.

In fact, Mr Trump tried to bounce Denmark into selling Greenland, which is geographically in North America, during his first presidency  but was rebuffed.

Mr Trumps son, Donald Trump Jr visited the territory earlier this year, and was pictured with Maga hat-wearing locals.

Donald Trump Jr with Greenlanders in March - X

At the time, the US president posted to Truth Social: I am hearing that the people of Greenland are MAGA.

Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our nation. We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside world. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!

When JD Vance, the vice-president, visited in March he told US soldiers at Pituffik Space Base: [America] can make [Greenland] much more secure. We can do a lot more protection, and I think theyll fare a lot better economically as well.

This has to happen, and the reason it has to happen, I hate to say it, is because our friends in Denmark have not done their job in keeping this area safe.

Speaking to Thursdays exchange with Mr Hegseth, Jacob Isbosethsen, Greenlands representative to the US said: Greenland is not for sale.
Rachel Reeves

Companies were hammered by a steep rise in employment taxes. Business rates went up sharply as reliefs were wound down. The living wage was pushed up, and stamp duty breaks were slashed.

Against that dismal backdrop, it is probably a miracle that the GDP figures for April published today recorded only a 0.3 per cent month-on-month decline in output.

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves will shamelessly try to blame that on the tariff war started by president Trump. But the blunt truth is this. The unfolding recession was entirely predictable  and she has only herself to blame.

April was always going to be a tough month for anyone struggling to run a business in the UK. Employer National Insurance went up, and we saw the initial impact of that in the annual loss of 274,000 jobs in the employment data reported earlier this week.

Likewise, one of the biggest rises in the living wage was imposed, and we saw the effect of that in declining hours worked in sectors such as shops and restaurants, which need lots of modestly paid staff. Business rates went up sharply, as reliefs were wound down, with many pubs facing an extra 12,000 or more in the amount that they have to pay to the local council, and closures are now running at 100 a month. Stamp duty went up as reliefs were phased out, and we have already seen the consequences of that in the 0.4 per cent decline in home prices reported by Halifax last week.

In the background, industrial electricity prices have remained by far the highest in the world, forcing factories to close their doors. One by one Reeves has taken the major sectors of the British economy  property, hospitality, retailing and manufacturing  and whacked them with huge extra charges.

Sure, it didnt help that the US imposed tariffs on the UK along with its other major trading partners. And yet, in reality, the sharp fall in output witnessed in April was entirely self-imposed.

It took an extraordinary level of incompetence, and a breath-taking level of arrogance, to sequence such a punishing round of tax increases so that they all kicked in at the same time. It is not as if Reeves was not warned of the devastating impact of her tax rises on businesses. The M&S boss Stuart Machin called for the NI rise to be phased in back in February but was ignored. The British Beer and Pub Association called for help with business rates, but no one at the Treasury paid any attention. Rightmove called for stamp duty relief to be extended, and so did many other estate agents, but the Government didnt listen. The list goes on and on.

Time and time again, businesses have told the Chancellor that her policies are killing their trade, only to be ignored. As it has turned out, however, they were completely right, and todays GDP figures have proved that.

It is going to get much worse over the next few months. We have only seen the start of the fall in employment after the NI rise. After all, if your wage bill is out of control, it takes time to slim staff numbers. There are procedures to follow before you dismiss someone, and most small companies will rely on natural wastage, and simply not replace people, instead of risking the cost of an employment tribunal.

Stamp duty has only just gone up, and it will take buyers a while to figure out they can no longer afford to move. Meanwhile, retail sales are falling again, and the inevitability of more tax rises on business in the autumn is deterring investment.

Reeves chose to ignore the warnings that her tax raids would crash the economy. She will now have to reap the consequences of those decisions  and unfortunately so will the rest of us.
Sir Sadiq Khan has warned that Rachel Reeves spending review could result in insufficient funding for the Metropolitan Police - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Rachel Reeves has rejected claims by Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, that her spending review will result in the number of police officers being cut.

On Wednesday, the Chancellor announced a 2.3 per cent real-terms increase in police spending power.

But the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) said the funding settlement falls far short of what is required to fund the Governments ambitions and maintain our existing workforce.

Sir Sadiq said he was concerned the spending review could result in insufficient funding for the [Metropolitan Police] and fewer police officers.

Asked whether he was wrong, Ms Reeves told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I really dont accept that there needs to be cuts when we are actually increasing the money that the police force gets.

Told about the NPCCs warning, she said: The police have been allocated a budget which has a real-terms increase of 2.3 per cent a year, and they now need to live within those budgets.

Ms Reeves told BBC Breakfast: That [2.3 per cent] is a substantial increase and that is for every year of this spending review period, so for the next three years.

So there is no reason for those numbers to decline. The spending power of police is going up substantially and the spending that we set out yesterday was an average across all parts of government of 2.3 per cent a year, and so policing are in line with that average across other government departments.

But look, I wasnt able to say yes to everything that people asked for in the spending review. People always are going to want more, whether it is in health, education, defence or indeed for policing.

But my job as Chancellor is to make sure that the sums add up and we cant spend more than we have coming in.

Senior officers have warned that a lack of funds will put at risk Labours promises to deploy an extra 13,000 neighbourhood police officers, as well as their pledge to halve violence against women and girls and reduce knife crime.

The extra funding for the police is expected to amount to just 200 million in real-terms by the end of the decade.

There are also question marks over the Governments 2.3 per cent figure. Police chiefs noted that the figure included a past boost to cover the National Insurance increase, so the policing budget will actually rise by 1.7 per cent a year.

Documents released alongside the spending review suggested that higher council tax police precepts would form part of additional income used to increase police budgets, alongside funds from central government.
Disruptive Ryanair passengers removed from planes will be fined 500, the airline has announced.

The carrier said this will be the minimum punishment, and it will continue to pursue passengers for civil damages.

Ryanair expressed hope the new policy will act as a deterrent to eliminate this unacceptable behaviour.

A spokesperson for the airline said: It is unacceptable that passengers are made to suffer unnecessary disruption because of one unruly passengers behaviour.

To help ensure that our passengers and crew travel in a comfortable and stress-free environment, without unnecessary disruption caused by a tiny number of unruly passengers, we have introduced a 500 fine, which will be issued to any passengers offloaded from aircraft as a result of their misconduct.

While these are isolated events which happen across all airlines, disruptive behaviour in such a confined shared space is unacceptable.

Ryanair has repeatedly called for a limit of two alcoholic drinks per passenger to be introduced at airport bars in response to an increase in disorder on flights.

It claims this would result in a safer travel experience for passengers and crews.

Passengers causing disruption during flights can cause aircraft to be diverted, which often costs the airline thousands of pounds.

Ryanair announced in January it had started taking legal action to recover losses from disruptive passengers, as part of what it described as a major misconduct clampdown.

It said it filed civil legal proceedings against a passenger in Ireland to seek 15,000 euros (12,600) in damages related to a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote which diverted to Porto in April last year.

Ryanair contends the passengers behaviour caused the diversion.

It said the 15,000 euros consists of costs such as overnight accommodation for the more than 160 passengers and six crew members (7,000 euros or 5,900), Porto airport landing and handling fees (2,500 euros or 2,100) and Portuguese legal fees (2,500 euros or 2,100).
Johannesburg, South Africa (PANA) - Survivors of a people-smuggling operation in the Red Sea have recounted how they were forced off their boat far from the coast of Djibouti and left to swim for their lives
Tesco has revealed stronger sales over the latest quarter despite an intensely competitive UK grocery market.

The UKs largest supermarket chain said it has increased its market share further after investing more in pricing to bring in more customers.

The company said group sales grew by 4.6%, on a like-for-like basis, to 16.4 billion for the 13 weeks to May 24.

This was buoyed by growing demand for own-brand and premium products, with sales of its Finest range up 18% year-on-year.

Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy (Ben Stevens/Parsons Media/PA)

This was supported by the launch of 350 new own-brand products during the quarter, as shoppers continue to turn more frequently to supermarket own-brands over branded rivals.

As a whole, the business saw food sales grow by 5.9%, while non-food sales, excluding toys, rose by 6.2% amid a boost from new ranges and warmer weather.

Tesco stressed that growth has come as it maintained its strong price positioning relative to its rivals, continuing to invest in its Aldi Price Match scheme and around 9,000 Clubcard price deals each week on its loyalty scheme.

It comes amid continued pressure on pricing from rival supermarkets, with Asda slashing prices this year in a bid to help turn around its fortunes.

In April, Tesco said it expects to make as much as 400 million less in profit this financial year due to heightened competition.

Ken Murphy, chief executive of Tesco, said: We are pleased with our performance across the first quarter.

Our continued commitment to delivering great value, quality and service for our customers has contributed to like-for-like sales growth across all parts of the group.

The market remains intensely competitive, and we are committed to ensuring customers get the best value in the market by shopping at Tesco.
David Byrne has announced ticket details for his 2026 UK tour. (Getty Images) (Al Pereira via Getty Images)

David Byrne has announced a huge world solo tour, with UK stops scheduled for March 2026 and European dates in February.

The Talking Heads star is bringing a live show for his new album Who Is the Sky? to his fans across the globe, and there are plenty of UK dates to look out for.

Here's how to get your tickets to David Byrne's tour and where he will be visiting.

How to get tickets to see David Byrne

The Talking Heads star is set to release his first album since 2018. (Invision/AP) (Owen Sweeney, Associated Press)

Buy David Byrne tickets

Tickets for Byrne's tour are on general sale now via Ticketmaster, with prices starting at 42.25. You can also pre-order the new album Who Is the Sky? here for its release in September.

David Byrne's Who Is the Sky? tour details

The musician will perform four dates in London. (WireImage) (Michael Loccisano via Getty Images)

Byrne is set to release his first new album since 2018 in September, Who Is the Sky?, and he's taking a tour of the same name across the world to introduce his fans to the new songs.

Produced by the Grammy-winning Kid Harpoon and arranged by New York-based chamber ensemble Ghost Train Orchestra, it debuts 12 new songs - but fans can expect to hear some old favourites on the tour, too.

Byrne said: "At my age, at least for me, there's a 'don't give a s*** about what people think' attitude that kicks in. I can step outside my comfort zone with the knowledge that I kind of know who I am by now and sort of know what I'm doing.

"That said, every new set of songs, every song even, is a new adventure. There's always a bit of, how do I work this? I've found that not every collaboration works, but often when they do, it's because I'm able to clearly impart what it is I'm trying to do. They hopefully get that, and as a result, we're now joined together heading to the same unknown place."

The tour will begin in North America in September 2025, head to Australia and New Zealand in January 2026, Europe in February, and will reach the UK in March.

Here's where you can see Byrne in the UK and Ireland in 2026:

2 March - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena

3 March - London, UK - Eventim Apollo

4 March - London, UK - Eventim Apollo

6 March - Glasgow, UK - SEC Armadillo

7 March - Glasgow, UK - SEC Armadillo

9 March - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo

10 March - Manchester, UK - O2 Apollo

13 March - Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena

15 March - London, UK - Eventim Apollo

16 March - London, UK - Eventim Apollo

He will perform the following dates in mainland Europe:
Credit: X/ccadelago

A California senator was dragged out of a Los Angeles press conference hosted by Kristi Noem after he tried to question the US homeland security chief about the controversial ICE raids targeting immigrants.

Im Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary, he declared while Ms Noem was speaking, prompting a number of security guards to grab him and shove him out of the room.

Ms Noem was addressing a string of recent immigration raids conducted by ICE agents at Home Depot car parks and workplaces that have sparked protests in California which have spread across the country.

Footage of the incident showed FBI agents forcing the senator to the floor and handcuffing him. The senator was briefly detained.

Senator Alex Padilla is removed from the venue by security officers - Aude Guerrucci/REUTERS

He is then forced to the floor and handcuffed

Mr Padilla, one of two Democratic senators representing California in the upper chamber of Congress, can be heard trying to ask Ms Noem about the targeting of immigrants.

Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, told Politico in a statement: Padilla stormed a press conference, without wearing his Senate pin or previously identifying himself to security, yelled, and lunged toward Secretary Noem.

Padilla didnt want answers; he wanted attention. Padilla embarrassed himself and his constituents with this immature, theatre-kid stunt  but its telling that Democrats are more riled up about Padilla than they are about the violent riots and assaults on law enforcement in LA.

It comes as tensions have continued to flare in Los Angeles after Donald Trump defied California governor Gavin Newsom and deployed thousands of National Guard troops and 700 Marines to help quell the protests.

Gavin Newsom, who has publicly sparred with Mr Trump in the week since the protests erupted, described Mr Padilla as one of the most decent people I know.

This is outrageous, dictatorial and shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now, he wrote on social media.

Mr Padilla speaks to reporter following the incident - PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP

Mr Padilla said that he was demanding answers about the increasingly extreme immigration enforcement actions and only wanted to ask Ms Noem a question. He said he was handcuffed but not arrested.

If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question, I can only imagine what they are doing to farm workers, to cooks, to day labourers throughout the Los Angeles community, he said.

Ms Noem told Fox LA afterward that she had a great conversation with Mr Padilla after the scuffle, but called his approach something that I dont think was appropriate at all.

It wasnt becoming of a US senator or a public official, and perhaps he wanted the scene, she added.

She said that politicians should get over themselves.

Credit: X/@matt____rice

Democrat politicians described the incident as disturbing and disgraceful, with a number marching from the House floor into the Senate majority leaders office in protest, according to the New York Times.

Kamala Harris, the former presidential candidate, said the move was a shameful and stunning abuse of power. United States Senator Alex Padilla was representing the millions of Californians who are demanding answers to this administrations actions in Southern California. This is a shameful and stunning abuse of power, she wrote on X.

Its very disturbing, we need answers, Senator Raphael Warnock told Politico.

Massachusetts Senator Elisabeth Warren told the website: As this event with Senator Padilla shows, the Republicans evidently embrace using fists.

Violence is never the answer.  Its looking more and more like a fascist state out there every day.

Pete Aguilar, a high-ranking Democrat in the House said: Forcibly removing a United States Senator from a press conference is disgraceful.

This administrations chaos and corruption is out of control.

Adriano Espaillat, the Hispanic Caucus chairman, called for the officers involved in the incident to be arrested.

Karen Bass, the Los Angeles mayor, called the episode absolutely abhorrent and outrageous.

He is a sitting United States Senator. This administrations violent attacks on our city must end.

Sickened to my stomach

Speaking on the Senate floor, Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, said: I just saw something that sickened my stomach. The manhandling of a United States Senator, we need immediate answers to what the hell went on.

Mr Padillas office told NBC News the politician had tried to ask the Secretary a question, and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed. He is not currently detained.

Some Republicans expressed misgivings over the incident. House speaker Mike Johnson said that at a minimum, it rises to the level of a censure adding: I think there needs to be a message sent by the body as a whole that that is not what were going to do.

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Johnson had described Mr Padillas actions as wildly inappropriate.

Republican Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski said what had happened to Mr Padilla was horrible and not the America I know.

The Los Angeles protests, while largely peaceful, have at times descended into violence with protesters torching and throwing rocks at police.

Officers have fired rubber bullets, flash bangs and tear gas at crowds and have been accused of targeting more than two dozen journalists.

The White House has sent 4,700 troops to the city, despite objections from local officials and the police, who said they had the manpower and ability to handle the demonstrations.
Harvey Weinsteins sex assault retrial came to a disjointed end on Thursday as the jury foreperson declined to deliberate and the judge declared a mistrial on a remaining rape charge, a day after a split verdict on the other charges in a case that has been seen as a bellwether of the #MeToo era.

The outcome positions the former studio boss for a third New York trial  prosecutors said theyre ready to retry the rape count  even as he faces a new sentencing on his sexual assault conviction.

The jury foreperson said he would not continue deliberating after claiming he was bullied by another juror (Elizabeth Williams via AP)

Weinstein, 73, denies all the charges and had complained to the judge before Wednesdays partial verdict that it was unfair to continue amid jury tensions.

He had a blank, drained expression as court officers escorted him out on Thursday in the wheelchair he uses due to various health problems.

He has been behind bars since his initial conviction in 2020 and he was later sentenced to prison in a separate California case, which hes appealing.

Hes due back in court on July 2 for discussion of retrial and sentencing dates.

His first-degree criminal sex act conviction carries the potential for up to 25 years in prison, while the unresolved third-degree rape charge is punishable by up to four years  less than he already has served.

In Wednesdays partial verdict, Weinstein was convicted of one charge but acquitted of another. Both of those charges concerned accusations of forcing oral sex on women in 2006. Those verdicts still stand.

In an unusual exchange with the judge, Harvey Weinstein told him the judge was endangering him, saying I cant be judged by a situation thats going on like this (Elizabeth Williams via AP)

While the jury of seven women and five men was unanimous on those decisions, it got stuck on the rape charge involving another woman, Jessica Mann, who also said she had a consensual sexual relationship with Weinstein.

Jury-room strains started leaking into public view on Friday, when a juror asked to be excused because he felt another was being treated unfairly.

Then on Monday, the foreperson complained that other jurors were pushing people to change their minds and talking about information beyond the charges.

The man raised concerns again on Wednesday, telling the judge he felt afraid in the jury room because another juror was yelling at him for sticking to his opinion and at one point suggested the foreperson would see me outside.

When Judge Curtis Farber asked the foreperson whether he was willing to return to deliberations, the man said no. And with that, Mr Farber declared a mistrial on the rape count.

Mr Farber said he later spoke to the other 11 jurors, and they were extremely disappointed by the outcome.

They all thought they were involved in a normal discourse, and they dont understand why the foreperson bowed out, Mr Farber told Weinstein and the lawyers in court.

Harvey Weinstein was convicted of one charge, was acquitted of another and a mistrial ruled on the third (Jefferson Siegel /The New York Times via AP, Pool)

Ms Mann, a hairstylist and actor, gave evidence for days  as she did in 2020  about the rape she said she endured in a Manhattan hotel room and about why she continued to see and have consensual encounters with Weinstein afterward.

She is ready to return to the witness stand a third time, prosecutor Nicole Blumberg said.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ms Mann said that coming forward cost me everything, including privacy.

Still, I stood up and told the truth. Again and again, she said.

Weinsteins initial conviction five years ago seemed to cement the downfall of one of Hollywoods most powerful men in a pivotal moment for the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct.

Jessica Mann has said she is ready to give evidence in a third trial (Pamela Smith/AP)

But that conviction was overturned last year, and the case was sent back for retrial in the same Manhattan courthouse.

Weinsteins accusers said he exploited his Tinseltown influence to dangle career help, get them alone and then trap and force them into sexual encounters.

His defence portrayed his accusers as Hollywood wannabes and hangers-on who willingly hooked up with him to court opportunity, then later said they were victimised to collect settlement funds and #MeToo approbation.

Miriam Haley, the producer and production assistant whom Weinstein was convicted  twice, now  of sexually assaulting, said outside court on Wednesday that the new verdict gives me hope.

Accuser Kaja Sokola also called it a big win for everyone, even though Weinstein was acquitted of forcibly performing oral sex on her when she was a 19-year-old fashion model.

Her allegation was added to the case after the retrial was ordered.

The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they have been sexually assaulted, unless they agree to be identified. Ms Haley, Ms Mann and Ms Sokola did so.
Patrick Wattigny at a virtual parole hearing on Thursday. Photograph: YouTube screenshot of Louisiana parole board hearing

A Roman Catholic priest who admitted to child molestation has publicly recounted for the first time how New Orleans archbishop tried to give him a chance to continue his career even after catching the cleric sending inappropriate texts to a minor.

Patrick Wattigny, 57, made the revelation while appearing before Louisianas parole board on Thursday, unsuccessfully requesting an early release from prison.

Wattigny said his downfall began when the mother of a student at a high school where he worked found unsettling texts between the priest and her son. The woman reported Wattigny  then the chaplain of the Pope John Paul II high school in Slidell, Louisiana  to New Orleans archbishop, Gregory Aymond, who summoned him to a meeting in February 2020. Wattigny said that Aymond asked him at that meeting: Do you give me your word you will not do it again?

Related: Louisiana passes anti-grooming law championed by clergy abuse survivor

Wattigny said he gave Aymond his word and temporarily stuck to it, buying him another eight months or so in ministry. But, during questioning from parole officials, Wattigny acknowledged having a strong sexual attraction to the teenager he was texting. He said he gave in  and I texted this person again amid the stress of the ensuing Covid-19 pandemic.

Wattigny said Aymond then sent him to a 30-day retreat in June 2020, which involved psychological testing. He then went to a behavioral health clinic in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the following September for a psychological evaluation which required him to take a lie detector test. At that point, Wattigny confessed to having an inappropriate relationship and touching one of my students at that time.

The polygraph was something I knew I  couldnt outrun, and so I decided it was better for me to come clean and tell what I had done, Wattigny said. I knew I would probably lose my career, my family, my friends, my reputation, everything  but I felt like it was better for me to come clean with what I had done.

His admissions came at a time when New Orleans archdiocese believed none of its clerics had been credibly found to have committed abuse in recent years. Wattigny was reported to authorities, and the archdiocese announced his removal from ministry on 1 October 2020.

Criminal prosecutors eventually charged Wattigny with molesting two children. But they did not charge him in connection with the texts that resulted in his being caught because  though inappropriate  they had not yet led to physical harm.

Wattigny pleaded guilty in July 2023 to one count of molestation of a juvenile under his supervision in a case dating back to 2013. On the other charge, Wattigny entered an Alford plea, in which he denied wrongdoing yet acknowledged that overwhelming evidence against him would probably get him convicted at trial.

Judge John Keller then sentenced Wattigny to five years in prison, sex offender registration and time on probation after his release. Louisiana allows most people serving time in prison the chance to shorten their actual periods of incarceration  sometimes significantly  by demonstrating what officials deem as good conduct, setting the stage for Wattignys parole hearing on Thursday.

Wearing a white and orange prisoners jumpsuit, Wattigny told parole officials over a video call that he deserved to be released after 23 months in prison because he completed a sex offender treatment program at the Bayou Dorecheat correctional center in Minden, Louisiana.

He said that he tutored other program participants, taught social studies at the prison and wanted to go home to care for his parents, including his 82-year-old mother, who had suffered two strokes and is no longer capable of independent living. He also offered apologies to his victims.

Two people identifying themselves as friends of Wattigny verbally endorsed his early release bid during Thursdays hearing, including one who called him a model prisoner. But officials administering the hearing rejected Wattignys request, citing numerous letters opposing his early release, including from authorities who prosecuted him as well as the public.

The abuse survivor at the center of the Alford plea, Tim Gioe, also spoke on Thursday in opposition to Wattignys being granted parole.

Gioe, 38, who came forward and relayed that he had been in grade school, back in the 1990s, when Wattigny befriended him first and then molested him, said his abuse was something he struggles with daily  interfering with his marriage to his wife as well as his parenting their children.

It affects how safe I feel in the world, Gioe said. Letting Patrick Wattigny out early would send a message that the pain he caused can be minimized  that accountability for child abuse has an expiration date.

Gioe recently championed an effort for Louisiana to outlaw grooming, which is defined as behavior attempting to gain childrens trust with the intent to sexually abuse them. Gioes push received support from his wife, Sarah, whose father is Louisiana state senator Pat Connick.

Connick subsequently presented a bill criminalizing grooming to Louisianas legislature, which passed the proposal without opposition in early June. Louisianas governor, Jeff Landry, then signed Connicks bill into law on Tuesday.

An archdiocesan statement on Thursday said Aymonds response to Patrick Wattignys actions prompted Wattignys admission of abuse, leading to his immediate removal from ministry, a law enforcement report and his subsequent conviction for abusing a minor.

Wattigny is among at least three clergymen within the archdiocese of New Orleans to plead guilty to sexually abusive crimes since the organization filed for federal bankruptcy protection in 2020. The other two have died; the bankruptcy remained pending as of Thursday.

 In the US, call or text the Childhelp abuse hotline on 800-422-4453 or visit their website for more resources and to report child abuse or DM for help. For adult survivors of child abuse, help is available at ascasupport.org. In the UK, the NSPCC offers support to children on 0800 1111, and adults concerned about a child on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331. In Australia, children, young adults, parents and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, and adult survivors can contact Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380. Other sources of help can be found at Child Helplines International
Food & Wine / Jesper Haynes / Lucky Chow / Getty Images

Asian cuisine is deeply connected to and has profoundly shaped American food culture. This is the thesis that producer, creator, and host Danielle Chang establishes at the beginning of her show, Lucky Chow.

From exploring the Koreatowns of New York City and Los Angeles in season one to highlighting how Vietnamese and Cajun flavors merge in Houston in season six, Chang analyzes American food through the lens of Asian cuisines one episode, and dish, at a time. But in the latest season of Lucky Chow, which premiered in May, Chang takes viewers overseas for each episode as she delves into the food culture of her birthplace, Taiwan.

Although the television host and producer often eats food prepared by someone else while on camera, shes also an avid home cook. Were always on the lookout for actionable tips from food experts. So, when Chang told us shes a fan of Costco, we jumped at the chance to find out what she likes to buy in bulk from this affordable warehouse retailer.

After a season of exploring food history, flavorful ingredients, and culinary traditions from around the globe, heres what Chang will be stocking up on to cook at home.

Fruit

Costco is frequently praised for its rotisserie chickens, affordable pizza slices, and products from its private-label brand, Kirkland. However, theres one area of this major retailer that you might be underestimating: the fruit selection.

I love their fresh fruit aisles. I use a lot of their products. I eat a lot of fruit, and I like to buy it in bulk. And for dessert, I usually just serve a big platter of cut fruit, Chang tells Food & Wine. Costco has amazing variety and good value, and they have Korean pears, often they have pomelos They always have mandarin oranges, and I mean, I've seen a lot of Asian tropical fruits actually at Costco, so I think it's a good source for fruit.

Related: If You Havent Tried This Golden Fruit From Costco, Head to the Grocery Store ASAP

If you have children who go through fruit on a daily basis, then the wide selection of quality fruits at Costco may make your grocery shopping easier and more affordable. But as Chang points out, an array of tropical fruit is also a great way to end a dinner party  thats exactly why youll always find a fruit platter on the dessert menu at chef Calvin Engs (who happens to be in Lucky Chow season 5) Brooklyn restaurant, Bonnies.

Meat

Proteins are often the most expensive part of any grocery bill, especially if youre buying meat. However, purchasing bulk amounts of meat is one way to achieve lower prices per pound  and at Costco, you can even buy whole roasts for additional discounts, which you can then slice into individual steaks. In addition to affordability, the host of Lucky Chow also appreciates the quality and variety of meat cuts youll find at this superstore.

For cooking Taiwanese dishes at home, Chang notes that she often turns to Costco for proteins, explaining that I do love their meat section. I love their oxtail, and I often make an oxtail stew or oxtail beef noodle type of stew. And they also have beef shank, which is very cartilaginous, and it has a lot of that joint meat in there. The texture is really good for long stewing and braising, which is essential for beef noodle soup.

Meat is also a great ingredient to freeze and use later, so you dont need to worry about buying a large amount. Besides, having the ingredients on hand to make beef noodle soup whenever you want sounds like an excellent idea.

Rice

One of the best ways to leverage Costcos bulk format is to purchase large quantities of shelf-stable ingredients. Youll enjoy a lower price per unit, make fewer trips to the grocery store for pantry essentials, and these items dont need to be used quickly.

Related: These Are the Special Costco Locations That Chefs Shop at  and You Should Too

I definitely buy my rice in bulk. I like short-grained Japanese style rice But I buy my rice by the 32-pound bag size. Well, no, it's a 20-pound bag, but yeah, Chang says.

Even if short-grained rice isnt your favorite, any type of raw rice (except for brown rice) will last for years as long as its stored in an airtight container in a cool place. So feel free to roam the aisles of rice at Costco and grab whatever your heart desires  this staple ingredient will definitely come in handy.



Read the original article on Food & Wine
StockPlanets - Getty Images

If youre looking for a baby name that feels timeless, meaningful, and just a little bit magical, mythology is a treasure trove of inspiration. Across cultures and centuries, mythological names have carried stories of courage, wisdom, beauty, and strength  qualities any parent might hope to pass along. From ancient Greek goddesses to fierce Norse warriors, and from mystical Egyptian figures to legendary Celtic icons, these names are rooted in rich stories that have stood the test of time.

Maybe you love the soft glow of Luna or the bold strength of Thor  but every one of these mythological baby names carries its own unforgettable charm. Bonus: Many of them are totally adaptable in modern life, bridging together ancient lore with contemporary relevance. Read on for 30 mythological baby names and the legendary meanings behind them.







Eros

Eros is the Greek god of love and attraction, often portrayed as the original Cupid. Romantic and edgy, Eros has a distinctive sound and ancient charm.

Catherine Delahaye - Getty Images





Brigid

Brigid is a Celtic goddess known for poetry, healing, and fertility. This name connotes warmth and creativity, perfect for a child with artistic promise.

RELATED: Vintage Baby Names That Are Coming Back in a Huge Way

LaylaBird - Getty Images





Atlas

Atlas is a Greek titan condemned to hold up the sky for eternity. This bold name suggests the timeless traits of endurance and worldliness.

O2O CREATIVE - Getty Images





Athena

Athena is the Greek goddess known for her intelligence, bravery, and skill in guiding battles with strategy and insight. Its a strong, intelligent-sounding name perfect for a bold and curious little girl.

Rebecca Nelson - Getty Images





Loki

Loki is the Norse trickster god famous for shapeshifting and mischief. Fun, quirky, and full of personality, Loki fits a spirited and clever child.

Catherine Delahaye - Getty Images





Apollo

Apollo is the Greek god of music, healing, prophecy, and the sun. Its a name loaded with star power and cultural edge (not to mention it shares a name with the famous Harlem theater, just right for musically inclined families).

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Freya

Freya is the Norse goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. With its soft, lyrical sound, Freya feels both romantic and powerful.

ozgurcankaya - Getty Images





Taranis

Taranis is a Celtic god of thunder and the sky. This standout name has a strong, stormy rhythm that feels fierce.

Plume Creative - Getty Images





Circe

Circe is a legendary sorceress from Greek mythology known for her magical powers. With mystical flair, Circe is ideal for a girl destined to stand out.

RELATED: Unique Nature Baby Names Inspired by the World Around Us

kool99 - Getty Images





Luna

Luna is the Roman goddess of the moon. Its a dreamy, celestial name that has soared in popularity in recent years.

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Zeus

Zeus is the king of the Greek gods and the ruler of Mount Olympus. Its a powerful name with mythic presence and undeniable charisma, sure to stand out from all the other kids in class.

Tatyana Tomsickova Photography - Getty Images





Persephone

Persephone is the Greek goddess of spring and the queen of the underworld. This unique name offers a balance of mystery and grace with a nature-inspired twist.

katrinaelena - Getty Images





Horus

Horus is the Egyptian falcon-headed god of kingship and protection. With its regal roots and strong visual symbolism, Horus makes a bold, distinctive choice.

Amana Images Inc - Getty Images





Artemis

Artemis is the Greek goddess of the hunt and the protector of young women. Its a bold, independent choice for a future adventurer or free spirit.

Alexandr Kolesnikov - Getty Images





Pan

Pan is the Greek god of forests, fields, and the music of the countryside. Simple and earthy  and ideal for nature lovers  Pan is a sweet yet spirited name with artistic flair.

hobo_018 - Getty Images





Isis

Isis is a powerful Egyptian goddess associated with healing and motherhood. With its elegance and rich symbolism, it honors strength and nurturing.

RELATED: Gender-Neutral Baby Names for Modern Parents

LindaYolanda - Getty Images





Odin

Odin is the father figure and ruler of the Norse gods, associated with wisdom, war, and magic. Mysterious and wise, Odin is a commanding name with a Viking coolness.

tatyana tomsickova - Getty Images





Calliope

In Greek mythology, Calliope is the muse of epic poetry. It has a musical rhythm and stands out for its melody and uniqueness.

ozgurcankaya - Getty Images





Thor

Thor is the powerful Norse god who rules over thunder, lightning and brute strength. This mighty name is simple yet commanding and ideal for a strong future leader.

eclipse_images - Getty Images





Selene

Selene is the ancient Greek personification of the moon. This luminous name has a serene otherworldly feel thats perfect for a calm soul.

vitapix - Getty Images





Dionysis

Dionysus is the Greek god of wine, merrymaking, celebration and theater. Its a bold, dramatic name for a kid destined to live life to the fullest.

travelism - Getty Images





Theia

Theia is a Greek Titaness and the mother of the sun, moon and dawn. The name is short, striking and easy to say.

Olesya Pogosskaya - Getty Images





Orion

Orion is a mighty hunter in Greek mythology who was turned into a constellation. It conjures celestial vibes and adventurous spirit.

Tatyana Tomsickova Photography - Getty Images





Gaia

Gaia is the Greek personification of Earth and the mother of all life. Its a grounded nature-inspired name that evokes strength and harmony.

Alena Frolova - Getty Images





Daphne

Daphne is a Greek nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape Apollo. Classic yet uncommon Daphne has a gentle nature feel with vintage charm.

Cecile Lavabre - Getty Images





Hera

Hera is the queen of the Greek gods and the divine protector of marriage and family. The name associates with royalty  and feels downright powerful.

Yagi Studio - Getty Images





Ares

Ares is the Greek god of war and the embodiment of battle. Sleek and intense, Ares is a bold choice with warrior energy.

Rayes - Getty Images





Anubis

Anubis is the Egyptian god of mummification and guardian of the afterlife. Uncommon and intriguing, Anubis is a great pick for a mysterious and unique name.

RELATED: Retro Baby Names from the 1960s That Are Coming Back in a Big Way

Cecile Lavabre - Getty Images





Hermes

Hermes is the Greek messenger god known for his speed, wit, and cunning. (Yes, it also shares a name with a famous French luxury fashion house for the sartorially inclined.)

Catherine Ledner - Getty Images





Nyx

Nyx is the primordial Greek goddess of the night. Short, sleek and mysterious Nyx is a daring and modern choice.

ozgurdonmaz - Getty Images

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Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered an address Tuesday night decrying the ICE raids and military presence in California ordered by President Trump. (California governor's office via Associated Press)

Frame it as a call to action or a presidential campaign announcement, Gov. Gavin Newsom's address to America on Tuesday has tapped into our zeitgeist (German words feel oddly appropriate at the moment) in a way few others have.

Democracy is under assault right before our eyes, Newsom said during a live broadcast with a California flag and the U.S. flag in the background. The moment weve feared has arrived.

What moment exactly is he referring to?

President Trump has put Marines and National Guardsmen on the streets of Los Angeles, and granted himself the power to put them anywhere. Wednesday, a top military leader said those forces could "detain" protesters, but not outright arrest them, though  despite what you see on right-wing media  most protesters have been peaceful.

But every would-be authoritarian ultimately faces a decisive moment, when the fear they have generated must be enforced with action to solidify power.

The danger of that moment for the would-be king is that it is also the time when rebellion is most likely, and most likely to be effective. People wake up. In using force against his own citizens, the leader risks alienating supporters and activating resistance.

Read more:Mayor Karen Bass decries continuing raids, wonders if L.A. is a national experiment

What happens next in Los Angeles between the military and protesters  which group is perceived as the aggressors  may likely determine what happens next in our democracy. If the military is the aggressor and protesters remain largely peaceful, Trump risks losing support.

If the protesters are violent, public perception could further empower Trump.

The presidents immigration advisor Tom Homan said on CNN that what happens next, It all depends on the activities of these protesters  I mean, they make the decisions.

Welcome to that fraught moment, America.

Who would have thought Newsom would lead on it so effectively?

"Everybody who's not a Trumpist in this society has been taken by surprise, and is still groggy from the authoritarian offensive of the last five months," said Steven Levitsky, a professor of government at the embattled Harvard University, and author of "How Democracies Die."

Levitsky told me that it helps shake off that shock to have national leaders, people who others can look to and rally behind. Especially as fear nudges some into silence.

"You never know who that leader sometimes is going to be, and it may be Newsom," Levitsky said. "Maybe his political ambitions end up converging with the small d, democratic opposition."

Maybe. Since his address, and a coinciding and A-game funny online offensive, Newsom's reach has skyrocketed. Millions of people watched his address, and hundreds of thousands have followed him on TikTok and other social media platforms. Searches about him on Google were up 9,700%, according to CNN. Love his message or find it laughable, it had reach  partly because it was unapologetically clear and also unexpected.

"Trump and his loyalists thrive on division because it allows them to take more power and exert even more control," Newsom said.

I was on the ground with the protesters this week, and I can say from firsthand experience that there are a small number of agitators and a large number of peaceful protesters. But Trump has done an excellent job of creating crisis and fear by portraying events as out of the control of local and state authorities, and therefore in need of his intervention.

Republicans "need that violence to corroborate their talking points," Mia Bloom told me. She's an expert on extremism and a professor at Georgia State University.

Violence "like in the aftermath of George Floyd, when there was the rioting, that actually was helpful for Republicans," she said.

Read more:After images of unrest comes the political spin, distorting the reality on the ground in L.A.

Levitsky said authoritarians look for crises.

"You need an emergency, both rhetorically and legally, to engage in authoritarian behavior," he said.

So Trump has laid a trap with his immigration sweeps in a city of immigrants to create opportunity, and Newsom has called it out.

And calling it out  pointing out the danger of protesters turning violent and yet still calling for peaceful protest  Newsom has put Trump in a precarious position that the president may not have been expecting.

"Repressing protest is a very risky venture," Levitsky said. "It often, not always, but often, does trigger pushback."

Levitsky points out that already, there is some evidence that Trump may have overreached, and is losing support.

A new poll by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 76% of Americans oppose the military birthday parade Trump plans on throwing for himself in Washington, D.C., this weekend. That includes disapproval from more than half of Trump supporters.

A separate poll by Quinnipiac University found that 54% of those polled disapprove of how he's handling immigration issues, and 56% disapprove of his deportations.

Bloom warns that there's a danger in raising too many alarms about authoritarianism right now, because we still have some functioning guardrails. She said that stoking too much fear could backfire, for Newsom and for democracy.

"We're at a moment in which the country is very polarized and ... these things are being told through two very different types of narratives, and the moment we give the other side, which was a very apocalyptic, nihilistic narrative, we give them fodder, we justify the worst policies," she said.

She pointed to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, when some protesters placed flowers in the barrels of soldiers' guns, an act of peaceful protest she said changed public perception. That, she said, is what's needed now.

Newsom was clear in his call for peaceful protest. But also clear that it was a call to action at a historic inflection point. We can't know in the moment who or what history will remember, Levitsky said.

"It's really important that the most privileged among us stand up and fight," he said. "If they don't, citizens are going to look around and say, 'Well, why should I?'"

Having leaders willing to be the target, when so many feel the danger of speaking out, has value, he said.

Because fear may spread like a virus, but courage is contagious, too.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Getty Money in a pizza box







NEED TO KNOW

McKinley Nelson, 72, and his wife won $1 million from a lottery ticket purchased while getting change to tip for a pizza

The couple purchased the tickets in order to break a $100 bill

They plan to use the winnings to pay off their home, buy a camper van, and travel to visit family across the country







A pizza craving left a California couple with a lot more dough than they anticipated.

72-year-old McKinley Nelson and his wife took home a lot of cheese (other than their pizza) when a pie purchase turned into a $1 million lottery win.

According to a press release from California Lottery shared on Tuesday, June 10, the California residents ordered a pizza and popped into a nearby liquor store to break a large bill to leave a tip.

I had a $100 bill. So, I got two tickets. I think it was $20, and I went to the truck and started scratching, recalled Nelson, who remembered telling his wife, I think this ones a million, but Im not sure.

Nelson, who has been playing the lottery for 40 years, checked his California Lottery App and confirmed that the card was a winner. So, my wife almost had a heart attack and then we had to go in and buy the pizza, he said, crediting his wife with the cash prize. It was all because of her, shes the one that likes the pizza.

The couple plans to use the money to pay off their home, buy a camper van and drive out to visit their family in the South and other parts of the country.

California Lottery did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request to comment on the win.

A North Carolina teacher benefited from a run-of-the-mill errand, too.

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On April 24, Victoria Washington stopped at a gas station in Charlotte to buy a lottery ticket, a press release from the North Carolina Education Lottery read. She opted for a $1 Cash 5 game and, with the odds of winning the Cash 5 game at 1 to 962,598, Washington tried her luck and won the $172,302 jackpot.

Read the original article on People
Getty Stock image of a person holding their sore throat.







NEED TO KNOW

A new variant of the virus that causes Covid-19 is circulating, and is believed to be more contagious than previous mutations

The variant, NB.1.8.1, has been informally dubbed "Nimbus," and causes a severe sore throat that's been likened to "razor blades"

This latest mutation has been called a "strong candidate for the summer surge" of Covid cases







A new variant of the virus that causes Covid-19 has already caused a surge in cases in Asia  and its signature symptom is a severe sore throat that feels like razor blades.

Covid variant NB.1.8.1  which has informally been dubbed Nimbus  is being monitored by the World Health Organization as this latest mutation of the wildly contagious virus already makes up more than 10% of cases in Asia, Salon reports, adding that its now been detected in the United States, Europe, and Canada.

Getty Stock image of a woman getting a vaccine.

The variant has a high immune evasion, supporting its potential for future dominance, according to a pre-print study that has not yet been peer-reviewed.

This strain, Salon reports, causes razor blade throat, or a severe sore throat; Other symptoms include traditional flu-like symptoms like congestion, fatigue, a mild cough, fever, and muscle aches, and more infrequently diarrhea and nausea, The Independent reports.

Per that outlet, WHO says global risk is currently low, and existing Covid-19 vaccines are considered effective in preventing severe disease. But as Dr. Rajendram Rajnarayanan, of the New York Institute of Technology, told Salon, NB.1.8.1 is a strong candidate for the summer surge.

I know that everybody wants to forget about this disease, but its not going to allow us to, Dr. Janko Nikolich, Professor and Chair of the Department of Immunobiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine said, according to ABC Action News.

Getty Stock image of people wearing face masks.

The news comes amid the Trump administration, under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., rolling back Covid vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women.

Newborn babies are better protected against the virus if their mother receives the vaccine, Dr. Steven J. Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said in a statement, per NPR.

"The science has not changed," he said. "It is very clear that COVID infection during pregnancy can be catastrophic and lead to major disability."

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
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan government appointed by Parliament in the east of the country has denied any involvement in the ongoing conflict between Sudanese Army Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
The cause of Thursday's devastating crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner is not yet known, but it could complicate the jet maker's path forward as it tries to finalize an agreement with the US government over two other crashes that happened in the past decade.

The aircraft operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in an accident within minutes after takeoff. The number of injured or deceased passengers is unknown. The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, according to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson.

"Investigations will take time," Wilson said.

Boeing said Thursday that it is prepared to support Air India. The company's stock dropped 5%.

"We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected," a spokesperson for Boeing told Yahoo Finance.

In international aircraft incidents involving a US-manufactured aircraft, the government of the country where the incident took place leads the investigation.

In the event the Indian government requests assistance from US authorities, the US National Transportation Safety Bureau acts as the official US representative, and the US Federal Aviation Administration provides technical support.

"We stand ready to launch a team immediately in coordination with the NTSB," an FAA spokesperson told Yahoo Finance, confirming that the FAA is in contact with the NTSB regarding Air India flight AI171. The NTSB posted on X saying it was leading a team of US investigators traveling to India to assist.

The rear of an Air India plane after it crashed in Ahmedabad, India, on June 12. (Central Industrial Security Force via X/Handout via Reuters) (Reuters / Reuters)

The crash is a major setback for the aerospace giant amid a massive turnaround effort under new CEO Kelly Ortberg following a brutal 2024 sparked by a "door plug" incident on an Alaska Airlines (ALK) flight.

A key element of that turnaround is a non-prosecution pact it struck with President Trump's Justice Department last month that would let Boeing out of a criminal trial and guilty plea surrounding two fatal 737 Max 8 crashes that happened in 2018 and 2019.

That pact is still not quite complete because a federal judge has yet to sign off  a requirement for the parties to move forward.

Reed O'Connor, the federal judge presiding over the agreement and the DOJ's criminal charges against Boeing, is waiting for the families of Max crash victims to file objections to the agreement due June 18.

He declined to approve a prior settlement agreement proposed by Boeing and the DOJ.

The Boeing logo at the company's factory in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

The settlement with Trump's DOJ, which includes $1.1 billion in compensation for victims and fines, was a result that some family members of the crash victims didn't want.

Erin Applebaum, one of the attorneys for families of victims who died in the crash of Ethiopian Airlines' 737 Max, said it's too soon to know how Thursday's Dreamliner tragedy may impact the Max US litigation.

"Until more is known about the cause of the Air India crash, we will refrain from speculating on how it may affect the case against Boeing," Applebaum said.

"For now, our hearts are with everyone who lost loved ones today. The MAX families know all too well the pain of sudden, senseless loss, and we extend our deepest condolences to those now facing that same unimaginable grief."

Emergency personnel and other people gather near damaged property at the site where an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India. (Central Industrial Security Force via X/Handout via Reuters) (via REUTERS / Reuters)

The government said in a court filing that family members of more than 110 crash victims from the fatal 737 Max 8 accidents advised the government that they either support the non-prosecution agreement specifically or support the department's efforts to resolve the case without a trial.

Some family members of the crash victims said before the deal was announced that they were not in favor of it and viewed it as a sweetheart deal for the aviation giant at the expense of justice and safety.

"The message that is sent to corporate America is: Don't worry about killing your customers. Just treat it as a cost of doing business," said Dr. Javier de Luis, a retired aerospace engineer and MIT lecturer whose sister, Graziella de Luis y Ponce, an interpreter, died in one of the crashes.

The latest agreement between Boeing and the DOJ takes into account another 737 Max accident that occurred in January 2024 when a door plug blew off a Boeing-made 737 Max 9 flown by Alaska Airlines.

The DOJ notified Boeing that the facts involved in the January accident showed Boeing had breached a deferred prosecution agreement that it reached with the DOJ in January 2021.

Last year in July, Boeing reached a plea agreement with the Biden administration that admitted its workers conspired to defraud aviation regulators before the fatal 737 Max 8 crashes killed 346 people.

Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow Alexis on X @alexiskweed.

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Anthropic and Amazon have also warned job-seekers about using AI tools, even disqualifying applicants if theyre caught. (SrdjanPavGetty Images)

Goldman Sachs is cautioning its young job-seekers against using AI during the interview process. Instead, the $176 billion bank is encouraging applicants to study up on the firm in preparation. Other businesses like Anthropic and Amazon have also warned candidates against deploying AIand if theyre caught, they could be disqualified.

While many companies are boasting about all the efficiencies that will come with AI, some are dissuading potential hires from using it to get a leg up in interviews with recruiters and hiring managers.

Goldman Sachs campus recruitment team for the banks private investing academy in EMEA recently sent out an email to students reminding them of its expectations for interviews, as reported by eFinancialCareers. Goldman uses video interviewing platform HireVue to pre-assess candidates and maintains a set of best practices for job-seekers. Based on the best practices guidelines, the young applicants are encouraged to prepare for interviews by studying the $176 billion firms financial results, business principles, and core values. But they cant bank on AI to help them out.

As a reminder, Goldman Sachs prohibits the use of any external sources, including ChatGPT or Google search engine, during the interview process, the email noted, according to someone who saw the message.

HireVue is an AI-powered talent evaluation platform, known for asking behavioral questions that reveal applicants skills. Gen Z job-seekers might be tempted to use ChatGPT or other chatbots to game the recruitment processbut its discouraged, and isnt the most viable option.

The typical Goldman Sachs virtual interview allows for 30 seconds of prep after the question, followed by a two-minute response time, according to research from eFinancialCareers. That makes it hard for job-seekers to quickly type a prompt into the chatbot, churn out an answer, and decide what the line of attack is. Plus, the responses arent tailored and unique to the individual, potentially hurting the interviewee more than helping.

Goldmans job-seeker AI policy could seem ironic, as half of the firms 46,000 employees have access to the technology. But other companies are navigating that same paradox as they try to fully flesh out their AI strategies in an ever-changing technological environment. The banks spokesperson, Jennifer Zuccarelli, confirmed with Fortune that the same AI policy applies to all campus recruits.

This language is consistent with what we send to any of our campus applicants across all positions, Zuccarelli said in a statement to Fortune. We want to hear from our applicants in their own voice.

Other companies dissuade applicants from using AI

Goldman Sachs isnt the only major company warning its applicants not to use AI during recruitment. The $61.5 billion AI giant Anthropic went on a hiring spree last month, but told job-seekers that they cant use the advanced technology to fill out their applications. The company argued that it wants to test the communication skills of potential hires, and AI use clouds that assessment.

Please do not use AI assistants during the application process, Anthropic wrote in the description for its hundreds of job postings. We want to understand your personal interest in Anthropic without mediation through an AI system, and we also want to evaluate your non-AI-assisted communication skills.

Retail giant Amazon also doesnt like it when potential talent uses AI tools during the recruitment process. Earlier this year, the $2 trillion behemoth shared guidelines with internal recruiters, stressing that candidates who are caught using AI during job interviews should be disqualified. According to Amazon, the tools give an unfair advantage that masks analysis of someones authentic capabilities.

To ensure a fair and transparent recruitment process, please do not use gen Al tools during your interview unless explicitly permitted, the guidelines, as reported by Business Insider, noted. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in disqualification from the recruitment process.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Harvard University researcher Kseniia Petrova, 30, smiles after being released on bail from federal custody at the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham)

BOSTON (AP)  A Russian-born scientist and Harvard University researcher charged with smuggling frog embryos in the U.S. shared hugs and laughs with supporters after a judge released her from federal custody on Thursday.

I just want to thank everybody, Kseniia Petrova said outside the federal building in Boston shortly after her release.

She wore a T-shirt that said, Hakuna Matata, a popular phrase from The Lion King that means no worries.

A lot of people started contacting me and sending me letters, and it was a huge support without which I wont be able to survive, she said.

I never really felt alone any minute when I was in custody, and its really helped me very much, Petrova added.

Petrova, 30, who was brought into court wearing an orange jumpsuit, had been in federal custody since February.

Lawyers on both sides came to an agreement on conditions for Petrova's release, which included limiting her travel. Authorities are still holding onto her passport. Petrova must return to court next week for a probable cause hearing on the smuggling charge.

I hear its sunny. Goodbye, Magistrate Judge Judith Dein said after approving the agreement.

Greg Romanovsky, Petrova's attorney, said his client hasn't decided whether she wants to stay in the United States yet.

She has offers from different countries around the world, countries that are eager to support the important research that shes doing. Shes weighing her options at the moment, and shes very grateful to be out, he said.

Petrova was returning from a vacation earlier this year in France, where she had stopped at a lab specializing in splicing superfine sections of frog embryos and obtained a package of samples for research. She was questioned about the samples while passing through a U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoint at Boston Logan International Airport.

After an interrogation, Petrova was told her visa was being canceled.

Petrova was briefly detained by immigration officials in Vermont, where she filed a petition seeking her release. She was later sent to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Louisiana.

The Department of Homeland Security had said in a statement on the social media platform X that Petrova was detained after lying to federal officers about carrying substances into the country. They allege that messages on her phone revealed she planned to smuggle the materials through customs without declaring them.

She told The Associated Press in an interview in April that she did not realize the items needed to be declared and was not trying to sneak anything into the country.

In May, Petrova was charged with smuggling in Massachusetts as a federal judge in Vermont set the hearing date on her petition. That judge later ruled that the immigration officers actions were unlawful, that Petrova didnt present a danger, and that the embryos were nonliving, nonhazardous and posed a threat to no one.

The judge released Petrova from ICE custody, but she remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on the smuggling charge before her release Thursday.

Colleagues and academics have testified on Petrovas behalf, saying she is doing valuable research to advance cures for cancer.

___

McCormack reported from Concord, New Hampshire.
President Donald Trump's rescissions package is part of the Department of Government Efficiency's effort to cut government spending. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images)

The Republican-led House voted 214-212 on Thursday to pass a proposal from President Donald Trump to cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved federal funding.

The rescissions package would claw back $8.3 billion for foreign aid and $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides funding to NPR and PBS. It is part of an effort by the White House to codify cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency, which was helmed by tech billionaire Elon Musk.

Four House Republicans  Mark Amodei of Nevada, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Nicole Malliotakis of New York and Mike Turner of Ohio  voted with 208 Democrats to reject the measure. Some GOP members flipped their votes from no to yes toward the end after realizing it wouldnt pass otherwise.

Four Democrats and two Republicans missed the vote. Three Democratic-held seats are vacant because of lawmaker deaths.

Trump pushed Republicans to back the bill just ahead of the House vote, posting on social media, The Rescissions Bill is a NO BRAINER, and every single Republican in Congress should vote, YES. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

After the vote, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., called the package a start to restoring fiscal discipline in Washington.

Todays passage of this initial rescissions package marks a critical step towards a more responsible and transparent government, that puts the interests of the American taxpayers first, Johnson told reporters. Its just one of the ways that Republicans are codifying DOGE findings and putting taxpayer dollars to better use.

There will be more of this in the days to come, he added.

The package now heads to the Senate, where it isnt subject to the 60-vote threshold, meaning Republicans can pass it along party lines.

Some Republicans, like Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, have voiced concerns about cuts to PEPFAR  the Bush-era program to combat HIV/AIDS that has been credited with saving millions of lives in Africa. And Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has said she opposes cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, noting that parts of her state rely on it to meet important needs.

Not only would a large portion of Alaska communities lose their local programming, but warning systems for natural disasters, power outages, boil water advisories, and other alerts would be severely hampered, Murkowski said. What may seem like a frivolous expense to some has proven to be an invaluable resource that saves lives in Alaska.

Overall, the $9.4 billion in savings is a drop in the bucket compared to the $2.4 trillion in new deficits that Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act would create, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Republicans are pushing to pass the larger bill through the Senate by July 4.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., slammed the rescission package as reckless and said it would undermine Americas national security, hurt our ability to protect the American people.

Republicans want to rip billions of dollars away from Americas efforts to keep her people safe and secure to satisfy some extreme ideological crusade related to a deeply unpopular effort formerly led by Elon Musk to devastate the American way of life, Jeffries said before the vote.
Immigrant rights groups are asking a federal judge in Washington, D.C., to provide "emergency relief" and bar the Trump administration from continuing to ramp up its use of expedited removal.

The motion, filed on Tuesday, is part of an ongoing lawsuit that is challenging the administration's expansion of the process which allows the government to quickly expel migrants sometimes without going before a judge.

The filing has taken a renewed sense of urgency for the groups. In recent weeks, there's been a dramatic spike of arrests in courthouses after DHS moves to dismiss cases against migrants in removal proceedings.

"With no advance notice to the noncitizens, Defendants are moving for [immigration judges] to dismiss people's removal proceedings; arresting and detaining people who have appeared for their court hearings as directed; and placing them in expedited removal proceedings, thereby denying them any meaningful opportunity to be heard before quickly removing them," the groups wrote in the filing.

The filing added, "This aggressive new implementation of the Rule and Guidance has sown fear in immigrant communities, as noncitizens who have been complying with their legal obligations now face the risk of arrest and summary deportation at their next court dates."

MORE: 'Have mercy': Families plead as migrants arrested at routine DHS check-ins

The groups accuse ICE officers of coordinating with Department of Homeland Security attorneys and "stationing themselves in immigration courts" to "ambush noncitizens" after their cases are dismissed.

PHOTO: A Dominican man, left, and an activist, right, are detained by plain clothes officers with ICE agents after an immigration hearing at the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building in New York, June 6, 2025. (Yuki Iwamura/AP)

Even those who have pending asylum applications and other petitions for relief are being targeted for expedited removal, the groups say.

They claim that those who have been detained include "man whose partner was 8 months pregnant and who had applied for asylum, gay couple who feared persecution, asylum seeker married to a U.S. citizen, and 19-year-old who appears eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status."

The groups are asking the judge to halt expedited removals while the court battle continues.

A senior DHS spokesperson previously defended the courthouse arrests in a statement to ABC News, saying: "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."

The statement added on the migrants, "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."

Immigrant rights groups say ICE officers 'ambush noncitizens' in courthouse arrests, ask judge to intervene originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
JetZero is welcomed to Greensboro by city, county and North Carolina leaders on Thursday, June 12, 2025. City of Greensboro | Facebook

(The Center Square)  Backed by incentives of more than $1.5 billion from North Carolina's government, a California startup airplane manufacturer and designer plans to build its first factory in a $4.7 billion investment.

The jobs created is to exceed 14,000, said JetZero of Long Beach, Calif. In the Triad that is home to Greensboro, Tarheel State leaders said that many jobs is the largest for a single investment in the state's 235-year history.

The state says jobs will average $89,340 in annual pay, compared to the current average salary in Guilford County of $60,195. The payroll at the JetZero plant will have a $1.3 billion impact, according to the state.

Economists question the effectiveness of financial incentives to private businesses to expand or come to a new state. The use of wage scales as an indicator is questioned because salaries of a few corporate leaders can skew the average higher while it would not have the same impact on the median wage.

North Carolina offers the ideal combination of talent, infrastructure, and forward-thinking leadership to support our mission to reshape aviation, the founder and CEO, Tom OLeary, said in a statement.

No doubt, Thursday was a long way from Dec. 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk when brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright were first to power a plane into flight.

The North Carolina Economic Investment Committee on Thursday approved $1.57 billion in incentives, including a potential Job Development Investment Grant of as much as $1.02 billion over 37 years. Guilford County commissioners kicked in another $76 million of incentives.

The grant payments wont begin until the company first creates and maintains 10,000 jobs in the first eight years of operation, the state said. Meeting that goal would then trigger further grants over the next 29 years up pending meeting performance targets.

Like all grants from the JDIG program, any state payments only occur following performance verification each year by the departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets, the state said in a release.

The company will manufacture its Z4 commercial airplane at the Greensboro factory. It will be fuel efficient, with cutting-edge engineering and an elevated passenger and flight crew experience, the company said. The planes could reduce fuel consumption by as much as 50% compared to similar-sized airplanes, according to JetZero.

United Airlines has invested in the company and could order up to 200 planes, JetZero said.

The U.S. Air Force awarded the company a $235 million contract to develop the plane, JetZero said.

The first commercial demonstration flight is expected in 2027, according to the California-based company, founded in 2020.
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that "of course" Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was invited to an annual White House picnic, one day after the senator said he had been barred from the event.

"Of course Senator Rand Paul and his beautiful wife and family are invited to the BIG White House Party tonight," Trump said on Truth Social Thursday morning.

Paul said on Wednesday that he was "uninvited" to an annual White House picnic typically attended by members of Congress and their families, framing the move to reporters Wednesday as retribution for his opposition to key components of President Donald Trump's agenda.

Theyre afraid of what Im saying, so they think theyre going to punish me, I cant go to the picnic, as if somehow thats going to make me more conciliatory, Paul said on Wednesday. So its silly, in a way, but its also just really sad that this is what its come to. But petty vindictiveness like this, it makes you  it makes you wonder about the quality of people youre dealing with.

Trump said in Thursday's post that Paul's attendance would give "me more time to get his Vote on the Great, Big, Beautiful Bill, one of the greatest and most important pieces of legislation ever put before our Senators & Congressmen/women." Paul has been a leading critic of the Trump-backed bill because of its projected to increase the national deficit.

NBC News has reached out to Paul's office for comment on whether he has received an invitation. After Trump's comments, Paul posted a picture to X of him and his grandson, who was wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat.

"Turns out my grandson is actually invited to the Congressional Picnic!" Paul said in the post. "He is ready!"

Paul, who said he attended picnics hosted by Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, told reporters on Wednesday that he called the White House to secure tickets to the annual picnic but was told he was not invited. He said he had family members flying to Washington to attend the event, including his son, daughter-in-law and 6-month-old grandson, who he noted owns a "Make America Great Again" hat.

I just find this incredibly petty, Paul told reporters. "I have been, I think, nothing but polite to the president. I have been an intellectual opponent, a public policy opponent, and hes chosen now to uninvite me from the picnic and to say my grandson cant come to the picnic."

The White House did not immediately respond to a series of questions, including whether Paul was ever invited to the event and whether Trump was directly involved in the decision to "uninvite" him.

As Trump pushes Republicans to pass a package of measures to fund much of his domestic agenda by Independence Day, Paul is among the Senate Republicans poised to make that milestone unreachable, joining fiscal hawks in the party to balk at legislation the Congressional Budget Office estimates said would add $2.4 trillion to the national deficit.

In addition to his belief that the funding package would "explode the debt," Paul has criticized spending cuts in the bill as "wimpy and anemic," called planned Medicaid changes in the legislation "bad strategy" and proposed cutting billions of dollars for Trump's border wall from the bill.

In private, theres quite a few people in there who actually do think we could save some money and are open-minded to it and believe the administration should justify the numbers, Paul told reporters after a two-hour meeting on the bill Wednesday. Even if youre supportive, and I am supportive of border security, but Im just not supportive of a blank check.

Paul said this week he plans to vote no on the legislation and speculated Wednesday that that might be among the reasons the invitation was rescinded.

Im arguing from a true belief and worry that our country is mired in debt and getting worse, and they choose to react by uninviting my grandson to the picnic, Paul said. I dont know, I just think it really makes me lose a lot of respect I once had for Donald Trump.

Trump has frequently lashed out at Paul in response to the sustained opposition, deriding him on Truth Social for his criticisms.

"Rand Paul has very little understanding of the BBB, especially the tremendous GROWTH that is coming. He loves voting 'NO' on everything, he thinks its good politics, but its not," Trump wrote last week.

Paul has emerged as a chief critic of Trumps fiscal policy, and he has intensely criticized his decision to impose tariffs on major U.S. trading partners, arguing they will push the country into a recession.

Paul, a libertarian conservative, was one of four Republican senators to back a Democratic resolution to block the implementation of Trump's Canadian tariffs, predicting at the time that the import penalties would "threaten us with a recession" and calling Trump's decision to impose tariffs on major U.S. trading partners "a terrible, terrible idea." The effort has so far stalled in the House.

Paul also joined Democrats in introducing a bipartisan resolution to undo the reciprocal tariffs Trump imposed on dozens of countries, this time by terminating the national emergency he declared to implement the global penalties, arguing that Trump had exceeded his presidential authority.

Tariffs are taxes, and the power to tax belongs to Congressnot the president. Our Founders were clear: tax policy should never rest in the hands of one person, Paul said in a statement about the bipartisan effort. Abusing emergency powers to impose blanket tariffs not only drives up costs for American families but also tramples on the Constitution. Its time Congress reasserts its authority and restores the balance of power.

That effort failed to pass the Senate.

Paul's differences with Trump even extend to the military parade taking place Saturday, which he likened to parades in countries led by dictators.

"I wouldn't have done it," Paul said Tuesday. "The images you saw in the Soviet Union and North Korea, we were proud not to be that."

But still, in the face of his criticisms of Trump, Paul appeared to view the rescinded invitation as a shock, noting that even Democratic lawmakers remain invited to the White House picnic.

"I think Im the first senator in the history of United States to be uninvited to the White House picnic, Rand told reporters. "Literally, every Democrat is invited, every Republican is invited, and to say that my family is no longer welcome, kind of sad, actually.
Israel is considering taking military action against Iran  most likely without U.S. support  in the coming days, even as President Donald Trump is in advanced discussions with Tehran about a diplomatic deal to curtail its nuclear program, according to five people with knowledge of the situation.

Israel has become more serious about a unilateral strike on Iran as the negotiations between the United States and Iran appear closer to a preliminary or framework agreement that includes provisions about uranium enrichment that Israel views as unacceptable.

Details about the Israeli discussions emerged before the International Atomic Energy Agency's board of governors formally found that Iran isnt complying with its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 years.

In the draft resolution the board, which represents member nations including the U.S., renews a call on Iran to provide answers without delay in a long-running investigation into uranium traces found at several locations that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites.

Were Israel to launch a unilateral strike against Iran, it would be a dramatic break with the Trump administration, which has argued against such a step. The Trump administration is awaiting a response from Iran about a proposed framework of a nuclear deal, and Trump has publicly said Tehran has become more hardline in its negotiations.

If Israel does conduct any operations against Iran, they would be conducted without any U.S. military assistance, according to a source familiar with the matter. But the individual did not rule out American intelligence support being provided to Israel.

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in February. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP - Getty Images)

The notion of a new front in a simmering conflict has prompted the Trump administration to order all embassies within striking distance of Iranian missiles, aircraft and other assets (including missions in the Middle East, Northern Africa and Eastern Europe) to send cables with assessments about danger and about measures to mitigate risks to Americans and U.S. infrastructure, according to two sources familiar.

U.S. and other officials are on alert awaiting the possibility of Israels striking Iran, the officials said.

The White House has not briefed senior lawmakers on the issue, according to that aide and a U.S. official.

One major concern is Irans retaliating against U.S. personnel or assets in the region for any action.

Israel, which relies on intelligence or other direct and logistical assistance from the United States, may be in a position to take unilateral action against Tehran, the source familiar said. The sources familiar and officials were not aware of any planned U.S. involvement in the possible action. The United States could support with aerial refueling or intelligence sharing rather than kinetic support, but the sources and officials were not aware of plans for that, either, at this point.

Armed Israeli Air Force planes depart from an unknown location to attack Iran in October 2024. (Israeli Army / via AP file)

U.S. officials have announced that the voluntary departure of nonessential employees from the region. And the Defense Department announced the voluntary departure of military families from locations all across the U.S. Central Command area of operations.

The CENTCOM commander, Gen. Erik Kurilla, was due to testify on Capitol Hill on Thursday, but the hearing was postponed late Wednesday without explanation. A source familiar said Kurilla had to focus on this unfolding situation.

Another possible factor: Iran is rebuilding its strategic air defenses, and manned strikes will soon be exponentially more dangerous for Israeli pilots. In October, Israel damaged nearly every one of Irans strategic air defense systems (mainly S-300s), but much of the damage was to the radars or other parts that can be rebuilt. Its possible Israels window for manned strikes, without being threatened by Irans coordinated strategic air defenses, is closing.

While Israel would most likely prefer U.S. military and intelligence support for strikes  especially against Iranian nuclear facilities  it showed in October that it can do a lot alone.

Michael Knights of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy said the evacuation of nonessential staff members at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq will send a message to Tehran that Trump will not necessarily hold Israel back from launching a threatened attack on Iran.

Iranians in downtown Tehran in February. (Morteza Nikoubazl / NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Its about trying to get Iran to respect the presidents wishes, Knights said.

Iran has failed to meet a two-month deadline Trump set to reach an agreement on the countrys nuclear activities, and he is frustrated, he said.

Both Knights and a source with knowledge of the matter said it was unclear whether Israel would undertake a limited military strike now or wait until nuclear negotiations played out further.

Trump has expressed growing frustration over Irans stance at recent indirect talks, portraying Tehran as inflexible and slow-moving.

Theyre just asking for things that you cant do. They dont want to give up what they have to give up, Trump told reporters Monday. They seek enrichment. We cant have enrichment.
It's been nearly two weeks since Travis Decker picked up his three young daughters for a custodial visit and they disappeared into the night.

In a mountainous area in the central part of Washington, some of the ground still peppered with snow, the manhunt continued for Decker, a 32-year-old U.S. Army veteran wanted in connection to the brutal slayings of the sisters found dead after vanishing on May 30.

Snohomish County Sheriff's Office SWAT members hunt for Travis Decker in a mountainous region of Washington state in June 2025. Decker is wanted on three counts of murder, suspected in the killings of his three school age daughters.

"We're going to keep the pressure on," Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told USA TODAY the afternoon of June 12 as he prepared to board a helicopter to help in the search.

The children's mother, Whitney Decker, reported the girls missing on May 30 after the siblings left their central Washington home for a planned visit for their father, the Wenatchee Police Department reported. Wenatchee is in Chelan County, about 148 miles east of Seattle.

The Decker sisters from left, Evelyn, 8; Olivia, 5; and Paityn, 9. They were found dead near Rock Island Campground in Washington state on June 2, 2025, three days after they were reported missing by their mother after failing to return from a planned visitation with their father, Travis Decker. Authorities found their bodies near their father's unoccupied vehicle near the campground. Local, state and federal officials continue to search for their father, who is wanted on charges of kidnapping, first-degree murder and custodial interference.

Officials found the bodies of Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8 and Olivia Decker, 5, on June 2, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, the lead agency on the triple murder case, reported. Court papers show a deputy found the sisters with plastic bags over their heads and evidence that their hands had been zip-tied.

Travis Decker, of Washington state, is wanted on charges of kidnapping, first-degree murder and custodial interference after authorities found the bodies of his three daughters on June 2, 2025, near his unoccupied vehicle by the Rock Island Campground.

A medical examiner, officials reported on June 9, ruled all three deaths a homicide.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison searches a cabin in a set of Central Washington woods during law enforcement's hunt for Travis Decker on June 12, 2025.

Their father was homeless and living out of a white 2017 GMC Sierra pickup at the time they vanished, according to police. Police said he is a former military member with extensive training who "may pose a significant risk, if approached."

Court filings obtained by USA TODAY show Travis Decker reportedly exhibited mental health issues prior to the girls' deaths.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison looks out of a helicopter during law enforcement's hunt for Travis Decker on June 12, 2025.

Latest on Travis Decker manhunt

On Tuesday, June 10, the sheriff's office announced the hunt for Decker had narrowed after officials received a tip about a lone hiker near Colchuck Lake in the Enchantments.

The hiker appeared to be unprepared to be on the trail and seemed to avoid others. Upon responding to the tip, trackers spotted a lone hiker off trail who ran out of sight as soon as a helicopter passed, the agency said.Officials deployed police dogs to the area and said they tracked the man to the area of the Ingalls Creek Trailhead on U.S. Route 97.

Chelan County Sheriff's Office SWAT members hunt for Travis Decker in a mountainous region of Washington state in June 2025. Decker is wanted on three counts of murder, suspected in the killings of his three school age daughters.

As of Thursday, June 12, the sheriff confirmed, he remains on the run.

The rugged, mountainous area is roughly 15 miles southwest of the city of Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style village popular among tourists and hikers. It's also about the same distance on foot from Rock Island Campground, where the bodies of Decker's daughters were found.

Officials have released additional photos and new video capturing the Washington state father wanted in connection to the horrific slayings of his three school-age daughters, found dead June 2.

Last week in Idaho, the McCall Police Department reported it received reports about a possible sighting of Decker in the western part of the Gem State. The small resort town of McCall is about 450 miles southeast of where the search for Decker is currently focused.

Morrison told USA TODAY his office and law enforcement in Idaho had deemed the reports to not be credible.

Decker update: Search for Travis Decker narrows near Washington mountains

What does Travis Decker look like?

Police described Travis Decker as a white man with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5'8'' and weighing 190 pounds.

He was last seen wearing a light-colored shirt and dark shorts.

Travis Decker

Police could not say whether he was armed while on the run.

Anyone who sees the suspect or with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911. Tipsters can also call the CCSO tip line at 509-667-6845 or submit their information online at https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/sheriff/forms/submit-a-tip.

Law enforcement searches for Travis Decker on June 12, 2025 Central Washington woods in the Enchantments and Ingalls Creek area in Central Washington woods.

Contributing: Anthony Robledo

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Travis Decker manhunt continues in Washington
Plaintiffs in the lawsuit accused Trinity Teen Solutions of forcing them to perform manual labor, including laying irrigation pipes. (Courtesy Maggie Higgins)

A federal judge last week approved a $2.3 million settlement in a class action lawsuit against a small program for troubled teens in Wyoming, ending four years of litigation over allegations of forced labor.

Trinity Teen Solutions promised to help girls with mental health and behavioral problems, but a group of women whod been placed there as teens by their parents accused the now-defunct ranch of forcing them to perform manual labor. Tasks included repairing barbed wire fences, castrating animals and laying irrigation pipes, the suit alleges. Injuries were disregarded, it states, and the girls were subjected to humiliating punishments if they did not do the work as ordered.

Attorneys for Trinity Teen Solutions declined to comment. The settlement stipulates that Trinity Teen Solutions and its owners are not admitting wrongdoing. In previous court filings, the ranch said it did not violate the law and that chores and physical exercise were part of its program.

An NBC News investigation in 2022 revealed that the former clients had tried to report their concerns about Trinity Teen Solutions to state officials and law enforcement, and described them on social media and business review websites like Yelp. State officials allowed Trinity Teen Solutions to keep its license, and its owners were never charged with a crime. A Wyoming Department of Family Services senior administrator told NBC News at the time that the state was hesitant to shut down youth facilities unless children were in danger.

Participants lift lumber at Trinity Teen Solutions in 2011. (Courtesy Kelsie VanMeveren)

Trinity Teen Solutions also sued three women whod criticized the ranch online in 2016 for defamation, in a case that settled without details being made public.

The new settlement, which was submitted in court last month, will be open to anyone whod been placed at the ranch from November 2010 until it closed in 2022, and performed agricultural labor  more than 250 people in all. Each persons cut of the settlement will be based on how long they were at the ranch, which was typically one or two years.

Those who join the class and receive a settlement check will have to adhere to a nondisparagement agreement, meaning they cannot bash Trinity Teen Solutions or its owners online, but the court filings state they are not prevented from making true statements about their experiences.

Amanda Nash, one of the lead plaintiffs, who was sent to Trinity Teen Solutions 10 years ago, said she felt relieved by the settlement. I was just very happy to be able to give the 15-year-old me a voice, and be able to try my best and represent dozens of other girls  whether they wanted to be involved or not  to try and speak up for them as well, she said.

But Anna Gozun, who was sent to the ranch in 2012, said she wont take part in the settlement because of the nondisparagement agreement and the fact that Trinity Teen Solutions owners didnt have to admit wrongdoing. The settlement does not reflect true accountability or justice, she said.

Its disheartening beyond words, Gozun continued. Many of us came forward at great personal cost, reliving trauma in hopes of stopping a cycle of abuse. This settlement feels more like a forced ending than a fair resolution.

Anna Gozun, who was sent to the ranch in 2012, called the settlement "disheartening beyond words," in part because Trinity Teen Solutions did not admit wrongdoing. (Will Crooks for NBC News)

Following the 2022 NBC News investigation into Trinity Teen Solutions and a nearby ranch for boys run by the same family, Wyomings child welfare officials announced they would proactively post evaluation records online. Trinity Teen Solutions closed with its license still intact the following month. A separate lawsuit against the boys ranch settled out of court last year on undisclosed terms.

The litigation against Trinity Teen Solutions played out at a time when the troubled teen industry  a constellation of boarding schools, ranches, treatment centers and boot camps that parents send children to help improve their behavior  faced increased scrutiny from youth rights advocates and lawmakers.

Former attendees of these programs on social media and in news accounts have described abusive treatment they said they faced at the facilities, which are privately run and are not federally regulated unless they take money from the U.S. government. Last year, after a high-profile lobbying effort by celebrity entrepreneur Paris Hilton, Congress passed a bipartisan measure requiring a multiagency study of the troubled teen industry.
Gaza City, Gaza (PANA) - People in the Gaza Strip are getting hungrier because of the very limited volume of food being allowed in, UN aid agencies reiterated on Wednesday
Why This Country Is Named The Top Destination for Retirees originally appeared on Parade.

If you're dreaming of a sunny retirement with a low cost of living, there's a place you may want to consider  Malaysia.

With an annual average temperature of 77.7F and 2,222 hours of sunshine each year, Malaysia offers an enviable climate for those looking to spend their golden years in paradise. According to a late 2024 report from We Buy Any Home, Malaysia is one of the top destinations for retirees, ranking second overall globally and first in Asia, thanks to its affordable living costs.

In Malaysia, your dollar can stretch significantly further than in the U.S.  with the cost of living about 54 percent lower than back home, according to SmartAsset. Rental prices are remarkably low, too, with one-bedroom apartments in Kuala Lumpur's city center averaging just $373 per month. Even in smaller cities like Ipoh, prices are just as budget-friendly, with rentals going for as little as $206 outside the city center, SmartAsset notes.

 SIGN UP for Parades Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 

For retirees seeking a tropical mix of culture, city life, and stunning beaches, Penang Island stands out as a top choice. Here, the outlet notes you can live comfortably for around $2,500 a month, including rent for a three-bedroom condo with a beautiful ocean view.

As for residency, Malaysia offers a relatively straightforward visa process for retirees. Applicants need to meet certain financial requirements, such as proof of liquid assets or income, depending on their age. Once approved, retirees can bask in the countrys warm temperatures and scenic views  all while living affordably.

With its combination of city life, beautiful beaches, and unbeatable climate, maybe its time to add Malaysia to your list of retirement options?

Why This Country Is Named The Top Destination for Retirees first appeared on Parade on Jun 11, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
justice.gov William McKelvy







NEED TO KNOW

A jury in Texas convicted William R. McKelvy, 65, of abusive sexual contact after he allegedly groped a woman on a flight from Tulsa to Dallas in 2023

McKelvy touched the victim four times on her breast and thighs, even after she made it clear the attention was unwelcome, she testified in court

He later described the incident to police by saying he "flirted with this chick," and is now facing up to three years in prison







A Texas man is facing up to three years in federal prison for repeatedly groping a woman on a plane.

William R. McKelvy, 65, was traveling on a Southwest flight from Tulsa to Dallas on April 25, 2023 when he started to molest the woman next to him.

This included touching her breast and inner thigh on four occasions despite being told to stop by the victim, according to a copy of the complaint filed in the Northern District of Texas and obtained by PEOPLE.

The victim testified about her ordeal at the trial, according to a news release from the Department of Justice, telling prosecutors that she initially thought that the man had inadvertently touched her and his actions were accidental.

Just a few minutes later, the victim made her feelings clear by forcefully pushing McKelvy away and telling him to keep his hands to himself, she testified.

On the third instances she described feeling trapped as McKelvy again started to touch her, she said in court.

When he went in for the fourth time the victim got loud, screaming: "Get your ******* hand off me, or I will break your ******* hand!

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Prosecutors said that her response gained the attention of fellow passengers, who notified flight attendants of the situation. The flight attendants then moved McKelvy to the back of the plane and called ahead to have police meet the plane when it arrived at Love Field.

Upon meeting the police, McKelvy said that he had been vaping on the plane, according to prosecutors, and when speaking about his actions with the female passenger, contended he had "flirted with this chick."

During the trial, McKelvy claimed to have no recollection of the incident because he consumed alcohol and marijuana gummies prior to boarding the plane.

Sexual assault aboard an aircraft is a federal crime investigated by the FBI," said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. "It is because of fellow passengers and the flight crew that the defendant was detained and charged for assaulting the victim multiple times."

The jury deliberated for 30 minutes before returning with a verdict.

McKelvy will be sentenced on Sept. 8.

Read the original article on People
Ultima_Gaina/Getty Images The Cleveland, Ohio skyline at sunset.







Key Takeaway

GOBankingRates looked at how much you need to earn to living in the 50 largest cities in the U.S. The most affordable is an Ohio city with a high livability score. Keep reading to learn more about the expensive and the cheap.







If everything feels more expensive to you now, know that you're not alone and you're not imagining things. Everyday items really are way pricier than they used to be, and wages just don't feel like they're keeping up. However, there are a few places around the nation that still offer a financially accessible way of life, and GOBankingRates has identified the most affordable one of all.

On Wednesday, GOBankingRates revealed how much money people need to earn to live comfortably in America's 50 largest cities.

To figure this out, the team first identified the 100 largest U.S. cities, ranking them by their total population, along with the household median income for each city, and parsed out the top 50. It then calculated those cities' average mortgage using the average single-family home value, along with the average rental cost, and the average expenditure cost. "Using the 50/30/20 finance rule, the total cost of living was doubled to determine the income needed to live comfortably for a homeowner and renter," it added.

Now, we won't lie to you: some information in the report is pretty bleak.

"Homeowners in 10 of the nation's largest cities need to earn at least $191,000 annually to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle," the website explained in the findings. "While nine of these cities are based on the West Coast and the Hawaiian Islandsnot unusual, given each region's high cost of livingAmericans might not be able to guess which East Coast city requires an income of more than $217,000 to live comfortably."

Irvine, California, ranked first as the spot where you need the highest income to live comfortably. For homeowners, GOBankingRates says you need $326,645 annually, and for renters, it's $130,943 a year. And right now, it added, the Southern California city's median household income is only $129,647, meaning you need more than double the median income to live comfortably as a homeowner.

In fact, the findings stated that California swept the top 50 spots, with 15 cities where homeowners and renters need to earn six figures for a comfortable lifestyle, including Fremont at No. 2, San Jose at No. 3, San Francisco at No. 4, San Diego at No. 6, and Los Angeles at No. 8.

The findings added that "none of the top 50 cities had a median household income higher than the comfortable income needed for homeowners."

Still, there were some outliers that offer a much more comfortable lifestyle, including spots like Cleveland, Ohio, which ranked as the most affordable on the list. Here, you need just $60,000 a year in income to live comfortably as a homeowner. It's also a spot that ranks rather highly on AreaVibes, nabbing an impressive 72 Livability Score, getting high marks for its amenities, housing, commute, and health care access.



Neighboring Toledo, Ohio ranked as the second-most affordable, where you need just a $62,141 annual income to live comfortably as a homeowner. As of 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that the real median household income in the United States is $80,610. Just 14 cities on GOBankingRates' list made that cutoff for living comfortably as a homeowner.

See the full report, and if your city made the cut at gobankingrates.com.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
BERLIN (Reuters) -A Group of Seven (G7) meeting in Canada will be about the extent to which the European Union and U.S. could align on sanctions against Russia, a German government official said on Thursday.

The EU this week proposed an 18th package of sanctions against Russia for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, targeting Moscow's energy revenues, its banks and military industry.

The U.S. is also discussing a sanctions package, the German official said. "So in Canada, it will be a matter of seeing how far it is possible to achieve parallel movement."

It is unlikely that the U.S. Congress will pass its sanctions bill before the summit begins next week, he added.

While the G7 summit is a milestone as far as Ukraine is concerned, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attending, no breakthrough in support for Kyiv against Moscow is likely to come from it, according to the German official.

The summit will be attended by U.S. President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose White House meeting with Trump earlier this month was widely seen as a success.

Keeping the United States engaged in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is key, said the official, as well as moving the sanctions debate "a little bit further" in the right direction.

On continued military and financial support for Ukraine, the German official said realism was needed.

"If we maintain the status quo, that the Americans continue to provide certain very important services to Ukraine, then we are doing well," added the official.

(Reporting by Andreas Rinke; writing by Miranda Murray; editing by Madeline Chambers and Mark Heinrich)
Harvard researcher Kseniia Petrova, 30, leaves federal court in Boston on Thursday after being released on bail. (Leah Willingham / AP)

Kseniia Petrova, a Harvard scientist who was arrested last month on a federal smuggling charge, was released Wednesday from federal custody following a detention hearing in Boston.

Petrova, a Russian citizen, was taken into custody in May after prosecutors in Massachusetts accused her of smuggling frog embryos into the United States without properly declaring them.

She was released Thursday on conditions agreed to by both sides. A probable cause hearing on the smuggling charge is tentatively set for June 18.

Petrova had been in custody since February, when her visa was revoked at Boston Logan International Airport.

I just want to thank everybody, Petrova said outside the federal courthouse in Boston after her release. She said letters and messages from supporters helped her feel less alone while in custody. It was a huge support without which I wont be able to survive, she said.

Initially held in a Vermont facility, she was transferred to a Louisiana immigration detention center, where she filed a petition arguing that her detention was unlawful and that she feared persecution if returned to Russia because she had participated in protests against the war in Ukraine. She was moved to federal criminal custody in May after being charged with smuggling.

At the time of her arrest, Petrova was working at a Harvard lab, where she had developed computer scripts to analyze images from a microscope that scientists say could transform cancer detection. Her colleagues told NBC News that she was the only person on the team with the rare combination of skills needed to interpret the data. That was only her. It was only her, Leon Peshkin, her mentor and a principal research scientist at Harvard, previously said.

Petrova described being confused and isolated after her arrest, saying she was held in a cell without contact with her lawyer or colleagues. Nobody knew what was happening to me, she said. I didnt have any contact, not to my lawyer, not to Leon, not to anybody.

In late May, a federal judge in Vermont ordered her release from immigration custody citing concerns about the legal basis for her visa revocation and extended detention. She faces another immigration court hearing in July.
By Ahmed Rasheed, Timour Azhari and Michael Georgy

DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Middle East leaders and their Western allies have been warning that Islamic State could exploit the fall of the Assad regime to stage a comeback in Syria and neighbouring Iraq, where the extremist group once imposed a reign of terror over millions.

Islamic State (IS) has been attempting just that, according to more than 20 sources, including security and political officials from Syria, Iraq, the U.S. and Europe, as well as diplomats in the region. The group has started reactivating fighters in both countries, identifying targets, distributing weapons and stepping up recruitment and propaganda efforts, the sources said.

So far, the results of these efforts appear limited. Security operatives in Syria and Iraq, who have been monitoring IS for years, told Reuters they foiled at least a dozen major plots this year.

A case in point came in December, the month Syrias Bashar Assad was toppled.

As rebels were advancing on Damascus, IS commanders holed up near Raqqa, former capital of their self-declared caliphate, dispatched two envoys to Iraq, five Iraqi counter-terrorism officials told Reuters. The envoys carried verbal instructions to the groups followers to launch attacks. But they were captured at a checkpoint while travelling in northern Iraq on December 2, the officials said.

Eleven days later, Iraqi security forces, acting on information from the envoys, tracked a suspected IS suicide bomber to a crowded restaurant in the northern town of Daquq using his cell phone, they said. The forces shot the man dead before he could detonate an explosives belt, they said.

The foiled attack confirmed Iraqs suspicions about the group, said Colonel Abdul Ameer al-Bayati, of the Iraqi Armys 8th Division, which is deployed in the area. Islamic State elements have begun to reactivate after years of lying low, emboldened by the chaos in Syria, he said.

Still, the number of attacks claimed by IS has dropped since Assad's fall.

IS claimed responsibility for 38 attacks in Syria in the first five months of 2025, putting it on track for a little over 90 claims this year, according to data from SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors militants' activities online. That would be around a third of last year's claims, the data shows.

In Iraq, where IS originated, the group claimed four attacks in the first five months of 2025, versus 61 total last year.

Syria's government, led by the countrys new Islamist leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, did not answer questions about IS activities. Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra told Reuters in January the country was developing its intelligence-gathering efforts, and its security services would address any threat.

A U.S. defence official and a spokesperson for Iraq's prime minister said IS remnants in Syria and Iraq have been dramatically weakened, unable to control territory since a U.S.-led coalition and its local partners drove them from their last stronghold in 2019.

The Iraqi spokesperson, Sabah al-Numan, credited pre-emptive operations for keeping the group in check.

The coalition and partners hammered militant hideouts with airstrikes and raids after Assads fall. Such operations captured or killed terrorist elements, while preventing them from regrouping and carrying out operations, Numan said.

Iraqs intelligence operations have also become more precise, through drones and other technology, he added.

At its peak between 2014 and 2017, IS held sway over roughly a third of Syria and Iraq, where it imposed its extreme interpretation of Islamic sharia law, gaining a reputation for shocking brutality.

None of the officials who spoke with Reuters saw a danger of that happening again. But they cautioned against counting the group out, saying it has proven a resilient foe, adept at exploiting a vacuum.

Some local and European officials are concerned that foreign fighters might be travelling to Syria to join jihadi groups. For the first time in years, intelligence agencies tracked a small number of suspected foreign fighters coming from Europe to Syria in recent months, two European officials told Reuters, though they could not say whether IS or another group recruited them.

EXPLOITING DIVISIONS

The IS push comes at a delicate time for Sharaa, as he attempts to unite a diverse country and bring former rebel groups under government control after 13 years of civil war.

U.S. President Donald Trumps surprise decision last month to lift sanctions on Syria was widely seen as a win for the Syrian leader, who once led a branch of al Qaeda that battled IS for years. But some Islamist hardliners criticised Sharaas efforts to woo Western governments, expressing concern he might acquiesce to U.S. demands to expel foreign fighters and normalise relations with Israel.

Seizing on such divides, IS condemned the meeting with Trump in a recent issue of its online news publication, al-Naba, and called on foreign fighters in Syria to join its ranks.

At a May 14 meeting in Saudi Arabia, Trump asked Sharaa to help prevent an IS resurgence as the U.S. begins a troop consolidation in Syria it says could cut its roughly 2,000-strong military presence by half this year.

The U.S. drawdown has heightened concern among allies that IS might find a way to free some 9,000 fighters and their family members, including foreign nationals, held at prisons and camps guarded by the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). There have been at least two attempted jailbreaks since Assad's fall, the SDF has said.

Trump and President Tayyip Erdogan of neighbouring Turkey want Sharaas government to assume responsibility for these facilities. Erdogan views the main Kurdish factions as a threat to his country. But some regional analysts question whether Damascus has the manpower needed.

Syrian authorities have also been grappling with attacks by suspected Assad loyalists, outbreaks of deadly sectarian violence, Israeli airstrikes and clashes between Turkish-backed groups and the SDF, which controls about a quarter of the country.

The interim government is stretched thin from a security perspective. They just do not have the manpower to consolidate control in the entire country, said Charles Lister, who heads the Syria program at the Middle East Institute, a U.S. think tank.

Responding to a request for comment, a State Department spokesperson said it is critical for countries to repatriate detained nationals from Syria and shoulder a greater share of the burden for the camps' security and running costs.

The U.S. defence official said Washington remains committed to preventing an IS resurgence, and its vetted Syrian partners remain in the field. The U.S. will vigilantly monitor Sharaas government, which has been saying and doing the right things so far, the official added.

Three days after Trump's meeting with Sharaa, Syria announced it had raided IS hideouts in the countrys second city, Aleppo, killing three militants, detaining four and seizing weapons and uniforms.

The U.S. has exchanged intelligence with Damascus in limited cases, another U.S. defence official and two Syrian officials told Reuters. The news agency could not determine whether it did so in the Aleppo raids.

The coalition is expected to wrap up operations in Iraq by September. But the second U.S. official said Baghdad privately expressed interest in slowing down the withdrawal of some 2,500 American troops from Iraq when it became apparent that Assad would fall. A source familiar with the matter confirmed the request.

The White House, Baghdad and Damascus did not respond to questions about Trumps plans for U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria.

REACTIVATING SLEEPER CELLS

The United Nations estimates IS, also known as ISIS or Daesh, has 1,500 to 3,000 fighters in the two countries. But its most active branches are in Africa, the SITE data shows.

The U.S. military believes the groups secretive leader is Abdulqadir Mumin, who heads the Somalia branch, a senior defence official told reporters in April.

Still, SITEs director, Rita Katz, cautioned against seeing the drop in IS attacks in Syria as a sign of weakness. Far more likely that it has entered a restrategising phase, she said.

Since Assads fall, IS has been activating sleeper cells, surveilling potential targets and distributing guns, silencers and explosives, three security sources and three Syrian political officials told Reuters.

It has also moved fighters from the Syrian desert, a focus of coalition airstrikes, to cities including Aleppo, Homs and Damascus, according to the security sources.

"Of the challenges we face, Daesh is at the top of the list," Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab told state-owned Ekhbariya TV last week.

In Iraq, aerial surveillance and intelligence sources on the ground have picked up increased IS activity in the northern Hamrin Mountains, a longtime refuge, and along key roads, Ali al-Saidi, an advisor to Iraqi security forces, told Reuters.

Iraqi officials believe IS seized large stockpiles of weapons left behind by Assads forces and worry some could be smuggled into Iraq.

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Baghdad was in contact with Damascus about IS, which he told Reuters in January was growing and spreading into more areas.

"We hope that Syria, in the first place, will be stable, and Syria will not be a place for terrorists," he said, especially ISIS terrorists."

(Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad, Timour Azhari in Damascus and Michael Georgy in Dubai; Additional reporting by Maya Gebeily in Damascus, Suleiman Al-Khalidi in Amman, John Irish in Paris, Lili Bayer in Brussels, Idrees Ali, Phillip Stewart and Jonathan Landay in Washington, Jonathan Saul in London and Alexander Cornwell in Dubai; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Alexandra Zavis)
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo Provided by Gov. Joe Lombardo's office

(The Center Square) - Amidst widespread speculation and local pushback, northern Nevada has taken another step toward realizing its lithium potential with an estimated $87 billion Elko County mine.

Nevada has the largest lithium deposits and mines in the United States. As the rare earth mineral swells in demand for its use in batteries, mines like Surge Battery Metals recently announced $87 billion could come to dominate the Silver State.

The Nevada North Lithium Project is poised to play a significant role in securing Americas supply of critical minerals, particularly lithium, which is essential for the burgeoning electric vehicle and battery energy storage industry, said Surge Battery Metals President and CEO Greg Reimer in a March press release about the site.

Nevada lithium deposits currently account for eight of the 10 biggest in the U.S., with considerable exploration left to do for the booming resource.

The largest known lithium reserve in the world, McDermitt Caldera rests between Nevada and Oregon with an early estimate of $1.5 trillion for the white gold sitting mostly on the Nevada side of the border.

Surge Battery Metals Nevada North Lithium Project in Elko County has not yet given a start date for the proposed 42 year project. But it has detailed an anticipated $1 billion yearly cash flow after taxes. At that rate, the Vancouver, Canada-based company would be paid back for its investments in under five years.

Yet questions remain around how much money will find its way into the pockets of Elko Countys roughly 50,000 residents. Spread across the population, the mine profits would come out to around $20,000 per resident annually.

With over 8% of residents employed in some form of mining work, it is not unlikely that some money will come back to the community.

Developing this vital resource will not only complement existing energy sources but also play a key role in advancing our shared goal of achieving U.S. energy independence, said Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo in an April press release asking President Donald Trump to end tariffs on lithium. Nevada has already become a hub for energy technology and remains committed to attracting and driving continued growth in this space.

The mining company has not detailed how many jobs would come from local residents, beyond an estimated thousands of high paying jobs, and did not respond to an immediate request for comment from The Center Square. The Governors Office of Economic Development also did not respond to a request for comment.

People concerned about efforts to expand mining in northern Nevada have expressed environmental concerns. But Surge Battery Metals NNLP preliminary economic assessment made it clear there would be no toxic ponds left behind in the area to hold the mines waste material, called a tailings pond.

Even using best in class environmental practices, NNLP could potentially be a major low-cost producer of battery-grade lithium carbonate for the United States battery industry, and we have taken a major step in achieving that with todays results, said Reimer in the economic assessment.

In 2020, Nevada ranked top nationally for the EPAs Toxic Release Inventory by area, largely due to a handful of gold mines. The 2023 bill AB 313, which sought to require mining companies to backfill pits, received a no vote from Elko County Assemblymember Bert Gurr. The bill was never signed into law.

Mining has been a staple of the Silver State since the mid-1800s.
By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) - Tennessee's Republican attorney general and the group behind the U.S. Supreme Court's decision barring race-conscious college admissions filed a lawsuit on Wednesday challenging a U.S. Department of Education program that awards grants to universities if Hispanics comprise 25% or more of their student bodies.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Students for Fair Admissions, a group founded by affirmative action opponent Edward Blum, argued in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Knoxville that Congress unconstitutionally exceeded its authority by creating a program that discriminates on the basis of race.

"A federal grant system that openly discriminates against students based on ethnicity isnt just wrong and un-Americanits unconstitutional, Skrmetti said in a statement.

The Education Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The group's arguments would appear to align with the efforts by Republican President Donald Trump's administration to eliminate programs it views as furthering the objectives of diversity, equity and inclusion, which the White House calls discriminatory.

The lawsuit takes aim at the Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program, which Congress created as part of Titles III and V of the Higher Education Act with the goal of supporting colleges and universities that serve a significant percentage of Hispanic students.

In the 2024 fiscal year, Congress appropriated at least $228.9 million for one sub-program, the Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program, the complaint noted.

The lawsuit said colleges awarded grants can use the millions of dollars they receive to fund new lab equipment and STEM tutoring for low-income students, among other purposes.

But the lawsuit said that while the state of Tennessee operates many colleges and universities that serve Hispanic students, its schools are ineligible for funding "because they don't have the right mix of ethnicities on campus."

The lawsuit argues that the program as currently constituted was not a valid exercise of Congress' spending power and that its discriminatory criteria runs afoul of the equal-protection principle included in the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The lawsuit cites the 6-3 conservative majority U.S. Supreme Court's landmark 2023 decision rejecting race-conscious policies long used by American colleges and universities to increase the number of Black, Hispanic and other minority students on American campuses in cases involving Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.

Those cases were filed by Students for Fair Admissions, a non-profit founded by Blum, who has pursued a series of cases since then challenging programs designed to bolster racial diversity in government and Corporate America.

The case is State of Tennessee v. U.S. Department of Education, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, No. 3:25-cv-270.

For the plaintiffs: Thomas McCarthy and Cameron Norris of Consovoy McCarthy; Adam Mortara of Lawfair; and Aaron Bernard of the Tennessee Office of the Attorney General

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston)
Illustration: Eddie Marshall | Renee C. Byer | TNS | CNP | AdMedia | SIPA | Newscom

President Donald Trump has unilaterally summoned thousands of members of the California National Guard into federal service in response to the protests and riots that have broken out in Los Angeles over his immigration crackdowns. But the federal law that Trump has cited in support of that National Guard deployment would seem to forbid the very thing that Trump is now doing.

According to Title 10, Section 12406 of the U.S. Code, the president may call the National Guard into federal service under certain limited circumstances, such as when the United States "is invaded" or when "there is a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government." The law further states that the president may federalize National Guard members "of any State in such numbers as he considers necessary to repel the invasion, suppress the rebellion, or execute" the laws of the United States. However, the law adds: "Orders for these purposes shall be issued through the governors of the States."

Notice the unambiguous statutory command: "shall be issued through the governors of the States." If a governor has not issued the orderperhaps because the governor disagreed with the president's position and declined to support itthen the terms of the law have not been met.

Which brings us to the case of Newsom v. Trump.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) has not only refused to issue such an order, but Newsom, acting in his official capacity as governor, has also now filed suit against Trump, charging that the president's unilateral actions are illegal under federal law.

Newsom's statutory argument seems correct to me. As the complaint in Newsom v. Trump notes, "President Trump's Memo purporting to call into federal service members of the California National Guard under 10 U.S.C.  12406 without issuing this order through Governor Newsom is contrary to law and outside of the authority granted to the President under that statute."

To my surprise, however, Newsom's complaint failed to cite Printz v. United States (1997), the Supreme Court precedent which says that the federal government may not commandeer state officials into enforcing federal law.

Printz centered on the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, which required state and local police to help enforce federal gun control laws. The Supreme Court ruled that requirement unconstitutional. "The Federal Government may neither issue directives requiring the States to address particular problems," the late Justice Antonin Scalia wrote for the majority, "nor command the States' officers, or those of their political subdivisions, to administer or enforce a federal regulatory program."

So, not only does 10 U.S.C.  12406 say that the California National Guard cannot be federalized unless the order "shall be issued" by California's governor, but Printz further says that California's governor cannot be directed "to administer or enforce a federal regulatory program." Under Printz, in other words, Newsom cannot be compelled to issue the order that Trump needs Newsom to issue in order for the California National Guard to be lawfully federalized. Printz seems like the sort of precedent that Newsom ought to be citing.

To be sure, there are other potential scenarios under which Trump may lawfully deploy National Guard forces to L.A. without first obtaining Newsom's support. For example, if Trump asked the governor of a "red" state to issue such an order, and if that Republican governor complied, then Trump could conceivably deploy the National Guard forces from that red state to Los Angeles. (Note: This scenario does not address the separate legal question about whether an "invasion" or "rebellion" is actually occurring in L.A.)

There is also the specter of the Insurrection Act lurking in the background. If properly invoked by the president, that sweeping law would permit Trump to federalize National Guard forces without the consent of any governor. There are reports that Trump may be contemplating this drastic step.

The case of Newsom v. Trump has landed on the docket of a federal district court judge named Charles Breyer. If that name sounds familiar, it might be because you've heard of his brother, retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.

Breyer has scheduled the first hearing in Newsom v. Trump for later today. We'll see what happens next.

Odds & Ends: When Stalin Meets Star Wars

If you watched the first season of the brilliant Star Wars spinoff show Andor, you no doubt remember the three-episode arc set on the planet Aldhani, in which a small band of scruffy-looking rebels pulled off a daring robbery at an imperial military base. According to Andor creator Tony Gilroy, that fictional heist was partially inspired by historian Simon Sebag Montefiore's tremendous book Young Stalin, which detailed how the future tyrant got his revolutionary start by carrying out "bank robberies, protection-rackets, extortion, arson, piracy, murder." It was this "political gangsterism," Montefiore explained, "that impressed [Vladimir] Lenin and trained [Joseph] Stalin in the very skills that would prove invaluable in the political jungle of the Soviet Union."

Partially inspired by Andor, I recently started rereading Young Stalin for the first time in over a decade, and the book is even better than I remembered. If you're in the market for a gripping and illuminating work of history, I highly recommend it.

The post Trump's L.A. National Guard Deployment Stands on Shaky Legal Ground appeared first on Reason.com.
Donald Trump said he was withdrawing some of the American personnel deployed in the Middle East because it could be a dangerous place amid rising tensions.

The State Department said it had ordered the departure of all non-essential personnel and their dependents from its embassy in Baghdad.

Simultaneously, a US official said, defence secretary Pete Hegseth had authorised the voluntary departure of military dependents from countries across the region, including Bahrain and Kuwait. American soldiers in the region were not affected by this order, however.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions as Mr Trumps push to reach a deal with Iran to halt its nuclear programme is deadlocked and intelligence suggests Israel is making preparations for a strike against Tehrans nuclear facilities.

They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and well see what happens, Mr Trump told reporters on Wednesday. Weve given notice to move out.

Asked if anything could be done to de-escalate tensions in the region, particularly with Iran, the president said: They cant have a nuclear weapon. Very simple  they cant have a nuclear weapon.

News of the Baghdad evacuation drove oil prices up by more than 4 per cent. Oil futures climbed $3, with Brent crude futures at $69.18 a barrel.

The US maintains a military presence across the oil-rich region, with bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE.

Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive for opening night of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday (AP)

A US official told Reuters that the State Department was set to have an ordered departure for the embassy in Baghdad.

The intent is to do it through commercial means, but the US military is standing by if help is requested, the officials said.

Iraq's state news agency reported, citing a government official, that Baghdad hadnt recorded any security indication warranting an evacuation. Sources in Iraqi and US governments did not explain what security risks had prompted the decision, although heightened tensions with Iran were widely speculated to be a reason.

The sixth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US is scheduled to happen over the weekend in Oman, with Tehran expected to hand over a counterproposal after rejecting an offer by Washington.

Iran says it does not plan to build a nuclear weapon and is only interested in peaceful use of its nuclear programme. The US, though, wants Tehran to stop uranium enrichment entirely.

Speaking on the Pod Force One podcast on Monday, Mr Trump said he was growing less confident about getting a deal with Iran. It wasnt clear, he said, that Tehran would accept the key US demand to stop enriching uranium. I dont know. I did think so, and Im getting more and more  less confident about it, the president said.

Iranian defence minister Amir Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that the situation may escalate into conflict if negotiations with the US failed.

If a conflict is imposed on us, he warned on Wednesday, all US bases are within our reach, and we will boldly target them in host countries.

Tensions in the Middle East are also rising due to Israels war on Gaza. Israel and Iran exchanged fire twice last year  the first direct attacks between the region's most entrenched enemies  with missiles and war drones hurtling across Iraqi airspace.

Strategic experts and former officials said Israel could consider taking matters into its own hands if nuclear talks with the US didnt yield a favourable outcome.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that a flawed agreement would be more dangerous than no deal at all.

Mr Trump recently revealed he had cautioned Mr Netanyahu against taking unilateral action, such as a military strike, which could jeopardise the ongoing negotiations with Tehran.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - On Wednesday, the Libyan capital played host to the Al Soumoud (Resistance in Arabic) caravan, which has left Tunis by land for Gaza to put an end to the blockade imposed by Israel and bring humanitarian aid to the Palestinians who have been facing genocide by the Israeli army since October 2023
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump would welcome communications with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after having had friendly relations with Kim during his first term, the White House said on Wednesday.

"The president remains receptive to correspondence with Kim Jong Un," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

Trump and Kim held three summits during Trump's 2017-2021 first term and exchanged a number of what Trump called "beautiful" letters. In June 2019, Trump briefly stepped into North Korea from the demilitarized zone with South Korea.

Little progress was made, however, at reining in North Korea's nuclear program, and Trump acknowledged in March that Pyongyang is a "nuclear power."

The attempts at rapprochement come after the election in South Korea of a new president, Lee Jae-myung, who has pledged to reopen dialogue with North Korea.

Analysts say, however, that engaging North Korea will likely be more difficult for both Lee and Trump than it was in the U.S. president's first term.

Since then North Korea has significantly expanded its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and developed close ties with Russia through direct support for Moscow's war in Ukraine, to which Pyongyang has provided both troops and weaponry.

Since Trump's first-term summitry with Kim Jong Un ended, North Korea has shown no interest in returning to talks.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose, Steve Holland and David Brunnstrom; Editing by Franklin Paul and Sandra Maler)
KINSHASA (Reuters) -The United States is pressing for swift progress in peace negotiations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with a senior U.S. diplomat underscoring an extremely aggressive timeline for a potential agreement as early as June or July.

Troy Fitrell, U.S. Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa, said during an online conference this week that technical teams are working to move the process forward.

This coming week, we do have technical teams here to try to get to the next stage, Fitrell said. Weve done these principles. Now we have been arguing about putting these principles into action. We are still shooting for a June or July peace agreement.

There is no sense fooling around on this. If we are going to do it, we do it now, he added, emphasizing Washingtons push to accelerate negotiations.

A planned meeting in May between the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the DRC did not take place, highlighting ongoing tensions and the fragility of the peace process.

In a separate but parallel mediation effort in Doha, delegations from the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group have been recalled for further talks following consultations this week, sources from both sides told Reuters.

The Qatar-led process is seen as a complementary track aimed at addressing the armed conflict in eastern Congo, where M23 rebels have seized territory in recent months.

Despite regional and international efforts, mistrust remains deep between Kinshasa and Kigali. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, a charge Rwanda denies.

The U.S. has played a growing role in trying to bridge differences, but diplomats caution that achieving a durable settlement will require political will on all sides.

(Reporting by Sonia Rolley; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
(Fixes typographical error in headline)

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Federal Aviation Administration plans to suspend flights at Reagan Washington National Airport from 6 p.m. ET to 9:30 p.m. during U.S. President Donald Trump's Army anniversary parade on Saturday, the agency said Wednesday.

The FAA is expanding the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area and from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. will stop all arrivals and departures at the airport just outside Washington.

Major airlines are offering flexibility to travelers. United Airlines said it is offering a travel waiver for Reagan National, as well as adding two additional departures from and two additional arrivals at nearby Washington Dulles International Airport on Saturday.

American Airlines said it has "adjusted our schedule during this timeframe, temporarily added larger aircraft at DCA to accommodate more customers at alternative times and issued a travel alert that includes flexibility to travel on a different day or through Washington Dulles and Baltimore Washington at no extra cost."

The long-planned celebration for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary will coincide with the president's 79th birthday. The airport is located less than two miles from the National Mall.

The U.S. Army is bringing 6,500 troops into Washington, along with 150 vehicles and 50 aircraft for the celebration. The flyover will include Apache and Black Hawk helicopters along with Chinooks. Older aircraft like the World War Two-era B-25 bomber and P-51 Mustang will also take part.

The Washington area is the most heavily restricted airspace in the United States. No drones are permitted in Washington without special FAA approval.

The FAA has barred routine Army training and transport helicopter flights around the Pentagon after a May 1 close call and the Jan. 29 collision of an American regional jet and Army helicopter that killed 67.

(Reporting by David Shepardson, Editing by Franklin Paul)
California Gov. Gavin Newsom won praise on Wednesday for his speech Tuesday night seen by a national audience, something many Democrats saw as a shot across the bow to President Donald Trump that they can fight Trump -- and one that sparked new talk of Newsom as the party's standard-bearer in 2028.

"The rule of law has increasingly given way to the rule of Don," he said, blasting Trump for sending the military to quell protests in Los Angeles. "The founding fathers did not live and die to see this moment. It's time for all of us to stand up," Newsom said in his eight-minute highly produced remarks, flanked by the California and U.S. flags.

Newsom's message to Californians -- and Americans listening -- was politically sobering, arguing that "Democracy is under assault before our eyes. The moment we've feared has arrived."

"What Donald Trump wants most is your fealty. Your silence. To be complicit in this moment. Do not give in to him," he urged what might have been millions of viewers watching on cable news channels.

PHOTO: Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during an address, June 10, 2025. (Office of California Governor via AP)

MORE: Protests live updates: At least 5 criminal cases related to LA protests, DA says

His rhetoric directly calling out Trump comes as Democrats are hungry for a leader to unite them as they try to rebuild from 2024 and other party losses.

"We want somebody to fight, and so he's been fighting, and it's been glorious to watch," RL Miller, an environmental activist and Democratic National Committee superdelegate, told ABC News.

Miller thinks Democrats have spent too much time "navel-gazing" since the November election, wasting time and resources rather than looking forward.

"Newsom is going to be vaulting back into that top tier of presidential candidates with this," she said.

His speech was just the latest in Newsom's verbal combat with the Trump administration. Earlier in the week, he challenged Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, after he suggested that anyone who blocked the administration's immigration crackdown should be apprehended, even Newsom, a comment he later walked back but Trump endorsed.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, June 10, 2025. (Ken Cedeno/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

"Come after me, arrest me. Let's just get this over with, tough guy," Newsom told NBC News.

"That's the energy we need in this moment," Democratic National Committee spokesperson Hannah Muldavian said of Newsom during the party's new daily YouTube show.

Other national Democrats echoed that praise.

In a joint news conference Wednesday morning, top party brass, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer threw their support behind Newsom's new war with Trump.

"All I add is President Trump is trying to intimidate Gavin Newsom," Schumer, D-N.Y., said. "He has shown he's not going to be intimidated, and we're all for that, all for him and proud that he is refusing to be intimidated by Donald Trump."

Newsom's PAC, Campaign for Democracy, sent out fundraising texts asking supporters to donate to help Newsom "continue to fight back against the attacks and threats from the Trump administration."

Rob Stutzman, a Republican strategist who worked with former California GOP Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, said Newsom was asserting authentic leadership for Democrats who have been "leaderless all year" and likely quite eager to see such a high-profile official "fighting back" to Trump.

"There's resistance that often seems contrived, but these circumstances have given him an essential, authentic resistance footing," said Stutzman.

PHOTO: Members of the California National Guard stand guard in front of the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles, June 9, 2025. (Daniel Cole/Reuters)

Still, it remains unclear if Newsom can win on immigration, one of Trump's central campaign issues and a top concern of many Americans. As a whole, Democrats have struggled to offer a singular message and response to Trump's actions.

And the White House is continuously highlighting the unrest in California as a prime example of what is says is Newsom's poor record. Trump blasted the governor on his social media platform Monday, and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have "failed their citizens." She said Newsom "owns" the images of violent protests.

Newsom, who is term-limited and has not ruled out a 2028 presidential bid, isn't the only Democratic governor pitching themselves as tough on Trump. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz recently traveled to South Carolina to recap their record to voters, though both are adamant they are not running for the White House this time around.

Even still, Newsom seems to rise above the pack. In fact, some operatives in Trump's orbit see Newsom transforming into the Democratic Party's long-sought leader.

Former Trump political adviser Bannon told the New York Times that Newsom's address was "a kickoff to his 2028 campaign."

Newsom speech taking on Trump encourages Democrats looking for a leader originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

AHMEDABAD, India (AP)  An Air India plane bound for London crashed in a residential area of Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff Thursday, killing 241 people on board, the airline said. One passenger who was thrown from the plane survived.

At least five medical students in a college hostel were killed when the plane hit the building and burst into flames, according to a medical association officer.

Most of the bodies have been charred beyond recognition, said Vidhi Chaudhary, a top state police officer in the city in northwestern India.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that he met the sole survivor at the hospital. A doctor said he had examined the survivor, whom he identified as Vishwashkumar Ramesh.

He was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body, Dr. Dhaval Gameti told The Associated Press. But he seems to be out of danger.

Another medic said Ramesh told him that immediately after the plane took off, it began descending and suddenly split in two, throwing him out before a loud explosion.

Black smoke billowed from the site where the plane crashed near the airport in Ahmedabad, a city of more than 5 million and the capital of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state.

Firefighters doused the smoking wreckage of the plane, which would have been fully loaded with fuel shortly after takeoff, and adjacent multistory buildings with water. Charred bodies lay on the ground and parts of the fuselage were scattered around the site. Indian army teams were assisting civil authorities to clear debris and help treat the injured.

A video on social media showed the jet slowly descending as if it were landing. As soon as it disappeared from view behind rows of houses, a giant fireball filled the sky. The AP was able to verify the video by matching up the flight path of the plane from the runway with the crash site and the nearby residential area.

At the crash site, the tail cone of the aircraft with damaged stabilizer fins still attached was lodged near the top of one of the buildings.

Others may be buried in debris

In a social media post, Modi called the crash heartbreaking beyond words" and said my thoughts are with everyone affected.

Sambit Patra, a lawmaker from Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, said Gujarats former chief minister, Vijay Rupani, was among the dead.

Divyansh Singh, vice president of the Federation of All India Medical Association, said at least five students from the medical college were killed on the ground and 50 others were injured. Singh said some of them were in critical condition and many people are feared buried in the debris.

Air India confirmed in a statement posted on X that 229 passengers and 12 crew members were killed in the crash. The only survivor was a British national of Indian origin. The flight bound for London Gatwick Airport had 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian passenger aboard.

Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones, the airline said.

The first crash of a Boeing 787

This is the first crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, according to the Aviation Safety Network database. Boeing said it was working to gather more information.

Indias aviation regulatory body said the aircraft gave a mayday call, signaling an emergency, but then did not respond to the calls made by the airport traffic control.

Aviation consultant John M. Cox, the CEO of Safety Operating Systems, told the AP from Los Angeles that while the first images of the crash were poor, it appeared the aircraft had its nose up and was not climbing, which is one of the things that investigators would look at.

The 787 has very extensive flight data monitoring  the parameters on the flight data recorder are in the thousands  so once we get that recorder, theyll be able to know pretty quickly what happened, he said.

The wide-body, twin-engine aircraft was introduced in 2009, and more than 1,000 have been delivered to dozens of airlines, according to the flightradar24 website.

UK promises support

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government was in constant contact with Indian authorities and encouraged loved ones of passengers on the Air India flight to contact the foreign office.

Our hearts and our thoughts are absolutely with the friends and families of all those affected who are going to be absolutely devastated by this awful news, Starmer said.

British Cabinet minister Lucy Powell said the government will provide all the support that it can to those affected by the crash.

Britain has very close ties with India. There were nearly 1.9 million people in the country of Indian descent, according to the 2021 U.K. census.

Condolences also poured in from King Charles III, who said he and his wife, Queen Camilla, were desperately shocked by the crash.

Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, he said in a statement.

Previous air disasters in India

The last major passenger plane crash in India was in 2020, when an Air India Express Boeing-737 skidded off a hilltop runway in southern India, killing 21 people.

The worst air disaster in India was on Nov. 12, 1996, when a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight collided midair with a Kazakhstan Airlines Flight near Charki Dadri in Haryana state, killing all 349 on board the two planes.

Boeing has been in recovery mode for more than six years after Lion Air Flight 610, a Boeing 737 Max 8, plunged into the Java Sea off the coast of Indonesia minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. Five months later, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a Boeing 737 Max 8, crashed after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, killing 157 passengers and crew members.

Shares of Boeing Co. tumbled nearly 9% before trading opened in the U.S.

___

Roy reported from New Delhi. Associated Press writers Aijaz Hussain and Sheikh Saaliq in Srinagar, India; Pan Pylas, Kelvin Chan and Brian Melley in London; and Annika Wolters, David Rising, Adam Schreck and Lorian Belanger in Bangkok contributed to this report.






NEED TO KNOW

Four siblings, nicknamed the "Quads of Aubs," broke the Guinness World Record to become the most premature quadruplets ever after they arrived 115 days before their due date

Lainey, Kali, Lennon and Koen Bryant, of Alabama, were born to Becca and Lavareis Bryant on May 31, 2024; they were all released from the hospital by December

The previous record holders were the Tepper family in Australia, who had held the title since 1997 after they were born 104 days early







Four babies, nicknamed the "Quads of Aubs," have made history by becoming the most premature quadruplets ever.

On Wednesday, June 11, Guinness World Records announced that the Bryant siblings of Auburn, Ala., broke the record by arriving 115 days earlier than their Sept. 23, 2024, due date.

Provided by Bryant Family

The siblings, named Lainey, Kali, Lennon, and Koen, were born to parents Becca and Lavareis Bryant on May 31, 2024, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's hospital.

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University of Alabama at Birmingham Becca Bryant (standing) with her children Kali, Lainey, Lennon and Koen

The Bryant family in Alabama hosted a very special first birthday party this 31 May, to celebrate their four children who just made history as the most premature quadruplets, the record-tracking organization shared in a news release.

The record was previously held by the Tepper family in Australia. They broke it in 1997 after their quadruplets were born 104 days early.



Hearing our babies were the most premature quads put into perspective how lucky we were that all of them made it, Becca told Fox affiliate WBRC.

When Lainey, Kali, Lennon and Koen were born, they were 115 days premature, she added. Now, a year later, we were surrounded by family and friends to celebrate their first birthday.

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Provided by Bryant Family One of the Bryant siblings in the days after their premature birth

On that fateful day in May 2024, 30 maternal-fetal and neonatology experts were present to carry out the quadruplets emergency cesarean delivery.

Dr. Colm Travers told Guinness World Records that each baby had a "separate team" present in the delivery room to give them the best chance of surviving.

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Provided by Bryant Family The 'Quads of Aubs' celebrating their first birthday

The highest risk of complications and mortality for extremely preterm babies occurs during their first week of life, Travers told WBRC.

To help them, the newborns received specialized care focused "on minimizing complications ... through that first critical week because it typically means a greater chance of survival and going home, the doctor said.



Becca, who shares three older children with her husband, went into early labor after her cervix shortened.

She had a trichorionic quadra-amniotic pregnancy, which meant that there were only three placentas instead of four.

Provided by Bryant Family An ultrasound of the Bryant quads, who shared three placentas

Her water proceeded to break and she was developing an infection, according to Guinness.



I started getting pretty sick, pretty fast, Becca recalled, speaking to Today. And then it felt like just few minutes later, I was on the operating table. It was pretty emergent.

The babies, who were conceived naturally, spent around six months in the neonatal intensive care unit. They were all sent home within days of each other in December 2024.

While quadruplets, especially when they are conceived naturally, are incredibly rare, Guinness noted that Lavareis is a twin.

Multiples in his family are relatively common: His sister is also a mom to twins.

University of Alabama at Birmingham From left: Lavareis and Becca Bryant holding their quadruplets

The quadruplets, while they still suffer complications, have improved by leaps and bounds.

People tell us, If anyone was supposed to have quads, it was y'all, Becca, who is a cardiac intensive care unit nurse, told Today.

Were both very laid-back and chill, we just handle what needs to be handled," she said. "In my job and my husbands job [as a police officer], you dont have time to panic. You have to react quickly and keep moving.



Read the original article on People
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sent shockwaves through the scientific community when he fired all 17 members of the federal governments key vaccine advisory board, raising concerns that he might try to replace them with immunization skeptics.

Those fears were confirmed for many on Wednesday when Kennedy unveiled eight new members who included some of the most prominent critics of the COVID-19 vaccines.

The swap could have wide-reaching public health consequences. But one of the most straightforward impacts may be on consumers wallets.

Thats because recommendations by the board  known as the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, or ACIP  determine which vaccines most insurance plans are required to cover at zero cost, such as inoculation against measles or your annual flu shot. If the new members decide to reverse the panels old guidance, patients could find themselves paying out of pocket for vaccines that were once available for free.

For the average person who has never heard of ACIP before, this could affect their access to vaccines, said Jennifer Kates, a senior vice president at the healthcare think tank KFF.

Created in 1964, ACIP is the official outside panel of medical experts responsible for advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on what to include on its lists of routine shots for both children and adults. While its recommendations arent binding, federal officials have typically adopted them.

As a result, the boards decisions carry enormous weight, affecting patients and parents, as well as the vaccines schools require for students. Over the years, the panel has played a growing role in determining insurance coverage as well.

By law, shots recommended by ACIP must be covered by the free Vaccines for Children program, the Childrens Health Insurance Program, Medicaid, and Medicare Part D. The Affordable Care Act also requires private insurers to pay for vaccines with no cost sharing if they have the panels seal of approval. (Past administrations have said the rule only applies if the CDC also adopts the boards recommendation.)

The cure for conflicts? Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Washington D.C. on July 10. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) (Andrew Harnik via Getty Images)

In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Kennedy said his decision to replace the board was meant to fight a crisis of public trust in vaccines by ridding the committee of what he described as persistent conflicts of interest. (Kennedy's critics have argued that his allegations against ACIP's former members are unfounded.)

His new picks for the panel include several figures who rose to national fame by casting doubt on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Among them is Dr. Robert Malone, an accomplished scientist who did pioneering work on mRNA technology but later attacked its use in shots during the pandemic and who was at one point banned from Twitter for spreading COVID misinformation.

Hell be joined by Retsef Levi, an MIT business school professor who gained attention in 2023 for claiming there was indisputable evidence that MRNA vaccines cause serious harm including death, and Dr. Martin Kulldorff, who advocated letting COVID spread among younger Americans to achieve herd immunity and was later let go from Harvard Medical after refusing to be vaccinated.

In his announcement, Kennedy said that each new member of ACIP was committed to demanding definitive safety and efficacy data before making any new vaccine recommendations  suggesting theyll be less likely to add new shots to the governments immunization schedules.

But he added that the board will also review safety and efficacy data for the current schedule as well, raising the possibility that it will scrap some of its old recommendations.

Even before the latest shake-up, the government had already begun changing its recommendations on COVID shots. In May, the CDC dropped its recommendation that healthy pregnant women receive the vaccine and revised its guidance for young children, saying they should only receive it after consultation with a doctor.

Private insurers could still choose to cover vaccines even if the federal government stops recommending them. Whether they will is less certain. Thats territory we havent really had to traverse before, said KFFs Kates.

The new kid in vaccine-town: Dr. Robert Malone (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Sarah Moselle, a vaccine market expert at the health industry consulting firm Avalere, said there may be some fragmentation in how carriers approach the issue. Some may drop coverage entirely or begin requiring co-pays. But many do anticipate that they would continue to cover some vaccines, even if they arent required to, since it would add value for their customers, she said.

In theory, insurers could also have an incentive to maintain vaccine coverage since it could keep their patients healthier and reduce the costs of their care, though its unclear exactly how those savings would stack up against the added expense of paying for shots.

For many vaccines, the out-of-pocket cost might be relatively cheap for patients. But others could turn out to be steep.

Take Gardasil, the HPV vaccine that has been the focus of growing safety concerns among patients despite studies suggesting theyre unfounded. Some experts told Yahoo Finance they thought the shot could be a target for more scrutiny under Kennedys new ACIP. Currently, the shot is covered by insurance because its recommended for pre-teens through young adults. The CDC lists its full price at over $300 a dose.

Even modest costs can dissuade patients from getting vaccinated, according to Loren Adler, associate director at the Brookings Institution's Center on Health Policy. We know that folks having to pay $10 for a vaccine limits the uptake somewhat, he said. As a result, just a small increase in what patients have to pay out of pocket could have ripple effects on public health.

One issue to keep an eye on, according to Moselle, is whether state governments step in to require more extensive insurance coverage of vaccines if the federal government walks back some of its recommendations. If they do, vaccine access could start to vary more by where patients happen to live.

Jordan Weissmann is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance.

Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest health industry news and events impacting stock prices
Miriam Haley has testified against Weinstein in two New York sex crime trials [Getty Images]

On Wednesday, 12 New York jurors found disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein guilty of sexually assaulting Miriam Haley in 2006, after his previous sex crimes conviction in the state was overturned last year.

When Miriam Haley heard the news last year that a New York court had thrown out a rape conviction against Harvey Weinstein, the man she helped put behind bars four years before, she was shocked.

In 2020, Ms Haley told a Manhattan courtroom every detail of the time Weinstein sexually assaulted her in his New York apartment in 2006.

This time, she was planning to turn down prosecutors, not wanting to put herself through it all again. But just weeks before the retrial, she saw a link to a new podcast series aimed at "exonerating" Weinstein.

"I just thought, I have to stand up for myself. I have to stand up for the truth," Ms Haley told the BBC.

She was one of three women to testify against Weinstein during his six-week retrial, accusing him of using his power as a Miramax Hollywood tycoon to sexually abuse young women.

Ultimately, the jury found Weinstein guilty of sexually assaulting only Ms Haley. They acquitted him of sexually assaulting another woman, and a mistrial was declared on a third rape count.

The verdict "gives me hope - hope that there is new awareness around sexual violence and that the myth of the perfect victim is fading", Ms Haley said outside the Manhattan courthouse on Wednesday.

A court of appeals overturned Weinstein's previous conviction for sex crimes in New York last April. The judges found Weinstein's original trial was not fair because it included testimony from women who made allegations beyond the official charges against him.

In September, the 73-year-old was indicted on sexual assault charges for a new trial.

He pleaded not guilty and again vehemently denied the allegations. His lawyers argued at the retrial that his accusers were "friends with benefits" who had consensual sex with him in exchange for work opportunities.

Those portrayals were insulting, said Ms Haley, adding that Weinstein's continued denial of the allegations pushed her to "keep showing up" in court.

Facing Weinstein again

Warning: This article contains distressing content

For this trial, Ms Haley spent four days on the stand - three more than she did the first time.

This trial, she could look straight at her assailant, who sat in a wheelchair next to the defence table, unlike during the first trial, when he was blocked by the judge's booth.

Going in, she worried, as she had in the previous trial, about how she would feel.

"Would I feel intimidated? Would I maybe even feel sorry for him?" she said. "And then when I did see him, it was just like nothing."

With Weinstein watching, Ms Haley told the court about their first meeting in France in 2006. She said she went to his hotel thinking they would discuss work opportunities, but Weinstein asked her to give him a massage. She declined and left in tears.

They remained in contact, and Weinstein later helped Ms Haley find work as a production assistant for the television show Project Runway.

Then, one night she accepted an invitation to his New York apartment, she said, because he had just asked her to attend a movie premiere in Los Angeles.

On that evening of 10 July 2006, the film mogul "lunged" at her from across a couch and kissed her. He pushed her into a bedroom, where he forcibly performed oral sex on her, Ms Haley testified.

"I couldn't get away from his grip," she told the court. "I realised, I'm getting raped, this is what this is."

Recounting those intimate details to a room full of strangers for the second time was "exhausting", Ms Haley later told the BBC.

"It's just so invasive," she said.

An 'offensive' cross-examination

After direct questioning, Ms Haley faced cross-examination from Weinstein attorney Jennifer Bonjean, who is known for her combative style and has defended other major Hollywood figures accused of sexual assault, including Bill Cosby and R Kelly.

When Ms Bonjean grilled her about who removed her clothing on that July evening, Ms Haley answered through tears.

"He took my clothes offI didn't take my clothes off," she said. "He was the one who raped me, not the other way around."

"That is for the jury to decide," Ms Bonjean replied.

The comment was disrespectful, said Ms Haley, who added that she could "feel my eyes balling up, and everything, just because it was just so deeply offensive in that moment".

"Regardless of the verdict, it still happened, from my perspective," she said. "I'm still the one who has to live with it."

Ms Haley was followed on the stand by actress Jessica Mann, who was involved in Weinstein's first New York trial, and former model Kaja Sokola, who testified for the first time, accusing Weinstein of sexually assaulting her when she was 19.

The jury found Weinstein not guilty of assaulting Ms Sokola, and a mistrial was declared on the rape count brought by Ms Mann, after one juror refused to continue deliberations.

Weinstein still must serve a separate 16-year sentence for sex crimes in California, meaning he was already expected to spend the rest of his life in prison regardless of the retrial's outcome.

In total, he has been accused of sexual misconduct, assault and rape by more than 100 women.

Weinsteins trials have forced Ms Haley to process Weinsteins abuse, she says [Miriam Haley]

A 'small victory' in showing up to court

Like many victims of sexual assault, Ms Haley did not come forward publicly about the abuse for years.

She said she adopted a strategy from her difficult childhood - one that included abuse - where she suppressed the traumatic memories and went on with life as usual.

Nonetheless, the assault had emotional consequences.

"I lost confidence in a lot of things," Ms Haley said. "All I could see on the surface was all these people fawning over him. It was extremely humiliating and embarrassing."

Ms Haley eventually decided to come forward after other women accused Weinstein of assault, helping to galvanise the #MeToo movement.

She was sent death threats - but also dozens of messages from women who said she had motivated them to speak out about their own abuse.

"It does have this ripple effect," she said.

Ultimately, the verdict was evidence of the "lasting and real change" around sexual assault awareness, Ms Haley said, calling the conviction a "release".

Now a freelance producer who spends time in Mexico, Ms Haley believes the end of the retrial will close a painful chapter, one she thought was already sealed with Weinstein's first conviction.

"Even me showing up this time feels like a small victory," she said. "I definitely wasn't really doing it for myself. I was doing it for the sake of truth, and for other women."
How stress shapes cancer's course

About two millennia ago, the Greek physicians Hippocrates and Galen suggested that melancholiadepression brought on by an excess of "black bile" in the bodycontributed to cancer. Since then, scores of researchers have investigated the association between cancer and the mind, with some going as far as to suggest that some people have a cancer-prone or "Type C" personality.

Most researchers now reject the idea of a cancer-prone personality. But they still haven't settled what influence stress and other psychological factors can have on the onset and progression of cancer, Knowable Magazine notes. More than a hundred epidemiological studiessome involving tens of thousands of peoplehave linked depression, low socioeconomic status and other sources of psychological stress to an increase in cancer risk, and to a worse prognosis for people who already have the disease. However, this literature is full of contradictions, especially in the first case.

In recent decades, scientists have approached the problem from another angle: experiments in cells and animals. These have revealed important mechanisms by which stress can alter tumors, says Julienne Bower, a health psychologist at UCLA who coauthored a 2023 article on the connection between the brain and the immune system in diseases, including cancer, in the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology. Such studies are showing that "psychological factors can influence aspects of actual tumor biology," she says. On the flip side, studies in people and animals suggest that blocking the chemical signals of stress may improve cancer outcomes.

Today, a growing number of researchers think that psychological factors can influence cancer's progression once someone has the disease. "I don't think anyone appreciated the magnitude by which even mild stress, if it's chronic, can have such a negative influence on cancer growth," says Elizabeth Repasky, a cancer immunologist at the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York.

A viral beginning

New interest in the relationship between stress and cancer growth emerged in part from research into how stress affects the body's response to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In the 1990s and early 2000s, genomics researcher Steve Cole and his team at UCLA investigated why people infected with HIV who were under high stress tended to have worse outcomes, including larger viral loads and poorer responses to antiretroviral drugs.

Cole's team discovered several routes through which stress could worsen HIV infections. In monkeys, they found, the lymph nodes of stressed animals had many more connections to sympathetic nerve cell fiberswhich execute the body's fight-or-flight responsethan the nodes of unstressed monkeys. Lymph nodes contain immune cells, and the nerve fibers reduced the antiviral function of these cells, which, in turn, led to an increase in the replication of a version of HIV that infects monkeys and apes.

Lymph nodes, in addition to housing immune cells, also act as the body's drainage system, flushing away toxins through a network of tissues, organs and nodes called the lymphatic system. Importantly, cancer cells can hijack this system, using it to travel through the body. Erica Sloan, a postdoctoral trainee of Cole who was involved in the HIV work, wondered whether stress, via the sympathetic nervous system, might also affect lymph nodes in those with cancer.

Sloan, now a cancer researcher at Monash University in Australia, went on to discover in mice that chronic stress increases the number of connections between the lymphatic system and breast tumors, making the cancer cells more likely to spread. Strikingly, treatment with a druga beta blocker that blunts the activity of key molecules of the sympathetic nervous system such as norepinephrineprevented these effects.

Research by other groups has shown that stress can lead to molecular changes, particularly within the immune system, that influence how cancer progresses. Some of this work suggests that, when stress leads to inflammationa broad immune reaction typically brought on by injuries and infectionsit can boost the growth of tumors.

Stress can also impair the activity of immune cells that play an active role in fighting cancer. In the early 2000s, research by University of Iowa behavioral scientist Susan Lutgendorf and her colleagues found that in patients with ovarian cancer, depression and anxiety were associated with impaired tumor-fighting immune cells. In another study of people with ovarian cancer, the researchers found that poor social support was linked to higher levels of a growth factor that stimulates blood vessel growth around tumors. This growth, called angiogenesis, enables new blood vessels to supply nutrients to tumors andlike the lymphatic systemprovide pathways through which cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body.

Lutgendorf and her colleagues have since found that stressful situations have a similar effect on mice with ovarian cancer, enhancing tumor angiogenesis and cancer spread. Equally important, they've found that these effects can be reversed with beta blockers. Other groups have found similar effects of blocking stress signals on other types of cancer in rodents, including blood and prostate cancer. In addition, researchers have found that increasing levels of stress hormones such as norepinephrine and cortisol in mice can make previously dormant cancer cells more likely to divide and form new tumors.

Studies like these are revealing that stress can trigger a cascade of biochemical changes and alter a cancer cell's environment in a way that may promote its spread. "Stress signaling and stress biology really have an impact on mostif not allof these processes," says Jennifer Knight, a cancer psychiatrist at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Blocking stress signals

If stress can make cancer worse, how can the process be stopped? Little by little, new treatments are emerging.

For about half a century, clinicians have used beta blockers to treat hypertension. By scouring data from patient registries, researchers found that people with cancer who already had been taking certain kinds of beta blockers at the time of diagnosis often had better outcomes, including longer survival times, than those who were not on the medicines.

Over the past few years, several clinical trialsmost of which are small and early-stagehave directly tested whether beta blockers could benefit people with cancer. In one pair of studies, a research team led by neuroscientist Shamgar Ben-Eliyahu at Tel Aviv University, administered the beta blocker propranolol along with an anti-inflammatory drug to people with colorectal or breast cancer five days before surgery. The team chose this timing because earlier research had shown that while surgery is an opportunity to remove the tumor, it can also paradoxically provide the chance for the cancer to spread. So blocking any potential effects of stress on cancer spread, they reasoned, could be crucial to a patient's long-term prognosis.

These trials, which involved dozens of patients, revealed that the tumor cells of those who received the drugs showed fewer molecular signs of being able to spreada process known as metastasisless inflammation, and an increase in some tumor-fighting immune cells. For colorectal cancer patients, there were also hints that the intervention could reduce cancer recurrence: Three years after the procedure, cancer returned in two of the 16 patients who received the drugs, compared to six of 18 patients who didn't receive those meds.

Other studies have assessed the effect of using beta blockers alone, without anti-inflammatory drugs. In 2020, Sloan and her colleagues published a study including 60 breast cancer patients, half of whom were randomly assigned to receive propranolol a week before surgery, while the other half received a placebo. They, too, found that tumor cells from patients who received beta blockers had fewer biomarkers of metastasis.

Stress-reducing beta blockers may also benefit other cancer treatments. In a 2020 study, Knight and her team looked at the effect of beta blockers in 25 patients with multiple myeloma who were receiving blood stem cell transplants. Patients who took beta blockers had fewer infections and faster blood cell recoveryalthough the study was too small to properly evaluate clinical outcomes. And in a small study of nine people with metastatic skin cancer, Repasky and her colleagues found hints that beta blockers might boost the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy treatments.

While studies on beta blockers are promising, it's not clear that these drugs will improve outcomes in all kinds of cancers, such as lung cancer and certain subtypes of breast cancer. Some patients can react badly to taking the medicationsparticularly those with asthma or heart conditions such as bradycardia, in which the heart beats unusually slowly.

And, crucially, the drugs only block the endpoint of stress, not its cause, Repasky says. They will therefore likely need to be combined with mindfulness, counseling and other stress-reducing strategies that get closer to the root of the problem.

Such interventions are also in the works. Bower and her team have conducted clinical trials of mind-body interventions such as yoga and mindfulness meditation with breast cancer survivors, to improve health and promote lasting remission. They've found that these therapies can decrease inflammatory activity in circulating immune cells, and they speculate that this may help to reduce tumor recurrence.

Breaking barriers

Ultimately, bigger clinical trials are needed to firmly establish the benefits of beta blockers and other stress-reducing interventions on cancer survival outcomesand determine how long such effects might last. The timing of treatment and the type of cancer being treated may play a role in how well such therapies work, researchers say. But lack of funding has been a barrier to conducting the larger follow-up studies needed to answer such questions. The work isn't yet backed by pharmaceutical companies or other organizations that support large studies in oncology, Knight says.

And for now, whether stress can increase a person's risk of developing cancer in the first place, as the ancient Greeks once postulated, remains a mystery. Population studies linking stress to cancer risk are often complicated by other factors, such as smoking, poor nutrition and limited access to health care.

"We have no definitive way of saying, 'If you're stressed out, you're going to develop cancer,'" says Patricia Moreno, a clinical psychologist at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and coauthor of an article in the 2023 Annual Review of Psychology about stress management interventions in cancer.

But for people who already have a cancer diagnosis, many researchers argue that the evidence is strong enough to include stress management in clinical practice. On average, cancer patients do not receive psychological therapies that can reduce stress at the level for which they are needed, says Barbara Andersen, a clinical psychologist at Ohio State University. Although they won't be necessary for every patient, many can benefit from mind-body interventions, she says. "I'm not saying they should be a first priority, but they shouldn't be the last."

This story was produced by Knowable Magazine and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
Curtis Means/Pool via REUTERS;Jefferson Siegel/Pool via REUTERS John Woeltz; William Duplessie







NEED TO KNOW

John Woeltz, 37, and William Duplessie, 32, are accused of holding the 28-year-old Italian man captive for two weeks while torturing him to get him to give up the password to his Bitcoin account

They are charged with first-degree kidnapping, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and assault

They have pleaded not guilty







Two cryptocurrency investors, who are charged in connection with the alleged weeks-long torture of an Italian tourist in an upscale Manhattan townhouse, allegedly held two other victims against their will, prosecutors said.

At an arraignment in Manhattan Supreme Court for John Woeltz, 37, and William Duplessie, 32, on Wednesday, June 11, Assistant D.A. Sarah Khan told a judge that prosecutors spoke to other law enforcement about previous occurrences of torture, per ABC6.

Woeltz and Duplessie are accused of holding the 28-year-old Italian man captive in the townhouse for two weeks while torturing him to get him to give up the password to his Bitcoin account.

Curtis Means/Pool via REUTERS John Woeltz

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 two men allegedly tortured their victim in several ways, including bounding him by the wrists, shocking him with electrical wires and pistol-whipping him, according to the Associated Press and NBC 4.

He eventually escaped and contacted police.

Both men have pleaded not guilty to first-degree kidnapping, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and assault.

Jefferson Siegel/Pool via REUTERS William Duplessie

At the hearing, Kahn also alleged that the two men poured tequila on the victim, tried to light him on fire, and urinated on him, according to ABC6. He was also allegedly cut with a small chainsaw and was not allowed to leave the home without being guarded.

Prosecutors said that the two suspects photographed the victim in various poses to make it look like he wasnt being held against his will.

However, Duplessies lawyer Sam Talkin argued that the victims alleged narrative was entirely false and that video showed him laughing and smiling the whole time he was allegedly kidnapped, per the Associated Press.

The story that he is selling doesnt make sense, Talkin said, according to the AP.

Victims of abuse are not always going to act the way that we expect them to, Khan said, per the AP.

Prosecutors said the victim was known to the two men, as they were all investing and developing crypto-related businesses.

Read the original article on People
Mass shooting at Austria high school leaves at least 10 people dead, marking the country's deadliest incident outside of wars in recent history.

The fatalities in the nation's second most populous city of Graz include the shooter. Officials reported that the incident took place in the morning at the BORG Dreierschutzengasse secondary school.

Austria High School Shooting

Police were called to the school at around 10:00 a.m. after some people in the area heard gunshots. The city of Graz is found southwest of Vienna and features historic landmarks, such as the Uhrturm, also known as Clock Tower. It has a population of 300,000, and it has the largest number of people after Vienna.

Graz is known for its universities and colleges and is a demographically diverse city. Foreign nationals make up about a quarter of the region's population and the four largest groups are Bosnians, Croatians, Germans, and Romanians, according to Aljazeera.

When reporting the news about the incident, officials said that the people who were killed included at least seven students and two adults. On the other hand, police noted that there were at least 30 other people who were injured.

The suspect was later identified as a 21-year-old former student who is believed to have been a victim of bullying in the past. The suspect was seen carrying a pistol and a shotgun before opening fire at students in two classrooms, one of which had been his old classroom.

After the shooting, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker cleared his schedule to travel to Graz and declared three days to be set aside for national mourning. In a social media post, he described the incident as a national tragedy that shook the entire country, the New York Times reported.

A National Tragedy

On the other hand, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen said the young people who were killed in the shooting had their whole lives ahead of them. He added that there was nothing that could ease the pain felt by their families and loved ones at this moment.

When police responded to the scene of the shooting, they found the alleged shooter inside a school restroom dead from a self-inflicted gun wound. They believe that the suspect acted alone when he conducted the mass shooting.

The only information that officials released about the suspect was his age and the fact that he possessed a license for the guns he used in the incident. The situation comes as Austria has one of the most heavily armed civilian populations in Europe, with an estimated 30 firearms for every 100 people, as per NPR.
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If theres anyone whos proven that you can age naturally and still turn heads, its Judi Dench. The celebrated British actress, best known for her performances as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love and as the sharp and commanding M in several James Bond films, has long been admired for her talent, wit, and timeless beauty. She celebrated her 90th birthday back in December, yet she continues to radiate charm and elegance both on and off the screen, inspiring fans with her graceful approach to aging.

In particular, Denchs skin has remained remarkably luminous over the course of her decades-long career. Whether shes gracing a red carpet, starring in a photo shoot, or simply enjoying a makeup-free moment, her complexion is dewy and radiant  so much so that we went on a mission to hunt down her skin care routine. And lucky for you, we found it.

So whats behind her radiant glow? As it turns out, Judis approach to skin care is refreshingly simple and unexpectedly accessible. We uncovered a key product in her prep routine for big photoshoots: a budget-friendly hyaluronic acid serum from LOreal Paris. Heres how Judi incorporates this plumping product into her regimen and how you can give it a try yourself.

What is the L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum?

The LOreal Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum is a hydrating facial serum that contains 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid. A popular ingredient in anti-aging skin care products, hyaluronic acid helps deliver intense moisture to your face, neck, and hands, instantly offering a dewy glow. With extended use, the serum can also help to plump up the skin, leaving it feeling firmer and more elastic. This can also make fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable  all that from a $20 product!

Why Judi Dench loves it

Despite the serums budget-friendly price point, celebrity makeup artists say its an amazing product for plumping and smoothing the skin  and just as effective as hyaluronic acid serums that cost twice as much. In fact, Judi Dench even used the LOreal serum to prep for her British Vogue cover shoot!

I started by giving Judi a face massage, then used a jade roller to wake up her skin, makeup artist Val Garland explained to British Vogue . I really wanted to make it feel very dewy and fresh, so I followed by massaging the LOreal Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum , which is a skin plumper, into her skin. Massage is a great way of waking up your face and bringing blood to the surface.

This combination of gentle massage and hyaluronic acid can also help reduce puffiness and smooth out your complexion.

Why reviewers love it, too

The LOreal Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum gets the seal of approval from makeup artists, and it also receives rave reviews from shoppers, many of whom are over 50. The serum has more than 48,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Here are some of the most common comments from buyers.

 It visibly minimizes wrinkles

Judi isnt the only one who swears by this serums plumping power  thousands of reviewers say the product has helped to smooth their skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

I have to say, by far, this is the single most impressive beauty product I have encountered! says a 52-year-old Amazon buyer . The serum works gradually over time (start seeing results immediately, but noticeable after two weeks), but the results are amazing. My wrinkles are smoothed out, which is the number one reason why I love it. My overall complexion is smoother and has a glow to it.

 You can see a difference right away

Many skin care products have to be used for several weeks before you see any results, but users say theyve noticed a difference in their skin after just a few days with this serum.

This serum has been an absolute skin-saver. It's like a refreshing drink for my parched skin, quenching its thirst and leaving it feeling soft, supple, and seriously rejuvenated, raves one impressed shopper . I've been using it for a week now, and the difference is remarkable. My skin looks smoother, plumper, and more radiant than it has in ages.

 Its gentle on sensitive skin

Worried about how your sensitive skin will react to this serum? Many reviewers say it's gentle enough to use on delicate skin: I have extremely sensitive skin. This has no scent, and I've had zero reaction, reports another user , who applies it to her hands. It gets an A+ from me.

Other Amazon shoppers echo this sentiment: The serum is so gentle, and the formula is amazing for sensitive skin. It is so moisturizing and makes your skin supple and smooth afterwards.

 It can interfere with makeup application

If you wear foundation daily, you may want to avoid putting on this serum in the morning, as some users say it interferes with their makeup: Unfortunately, its not a good idea to put it in the morning because when I do my makeup, it doesnt blend well, says an Amazon shopper who rates it three stars.

Other reviewers report having similar issues: I applied my foundation after the serum and moisturizer dried, and I had a lot of caking on my skin. It was so bad, I had to remove everything on my skin and start over.

Should you buy it?

If youre looking for a product that will hydrate and smooth your skin  without causing irritation  this celeb-approved serum is definitely worth a try. It costs around $20 per bottle, and its hyaluronic acid will help to plump your skin in just one week, minimizing fine lines and leaving you with a glowing, youthful complexion.

Don't forget your applicator

If you don't have one already, this jade roller is a popular pick on Amazon and will help you massage the serum into your skin.

BAIMEI BAIMEI IcyMe Gua Sha & Jade Roller These face massagers are on sale for just $10 right now, and they're great for applying skin care products, encouraging drainage, or just giving yourself a relaxing massage at the end of the day. The two-piece set has more than 40,000 reviews, and users say the tools are "great for circulation" and feel especially soothing if you pop them in the fridge or freezer before use. $10 at Amazon

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President Donald Trump's long-touted "gold card," which offers foreigners a path to U.S. citizenship after paying $5 million to the government, is open for business.

But even if you have the money, there's a waitlist at trumpcard.gov. And read the fine print carefully: Your $5 million doesn't buy you immediate citizenship.

Trump has said that he is not seeking approval from Congress as he is not providing gold card buyers with citizenship - only a path to citizenship. The path to citizenship requirements for card buyers are unclear and White House officials have said more details will be provided soon.

The most common path to U.S. citizenship through naturalization is being a lawful permanent resident for at least five years. It requires the applicant to be least 18 years old when they apply, be able to read, write, and speak basic English (depending on age) and be of "good moral character."

Trump has described the card, which he has also dubbed the Trump card, as somewhat like a green card, but at a higher level of sophistication.

FOR FIVE MILLION $DOLLARS, THE TRUMP CARD IS COMING!, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on June 11. Thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up to ride a beautiful road in gaining access to the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World.

The website shows an image of the gold-colored card, emblazoned with a likeness of Trumps face, and asks a few questions including name, region, email address and if an applicant is applying for themselves or as a business.

The new website asks interested people to fill out a form that specifies eight regions: Europe, Asia (including Middle East), North America, Oceania, Central America, South America, Caribbean and Africa.

Other countries also offer immigration programs that offers permanent residency or citizenship to foreign investors in exchange for investment. Portugal, for example, offers residency and a path to EU citizenship after five years.

When he first floated the idea in February, Trump said the card would replace the "EB-5" immigrant investor green card visa program,

President Donald Trump and Chinese officials agree on framework for a trade deal to include tariffs and eased rare earth restrictions.

The EB-5 visa allows immigrant investors the option to invest between $800,000 and $1.05 million to obtain a green card. The investment money is used to help create or preserve U.S. jobs.

Wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card, Trump said in February. They'll be wealthy, and they'll be successful, and they'll be spending a lot of money, and paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people.

It's a road to citizenship for people and essentially people of wealth or people of great talent where people of wealth pay for those people of talent to get in, he said.

Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump 'gold card' is open for business. Waitlist is open
By Francois Murphy and Parisa Hafezi

VIENNA/DUBAI (Reuters) -The U.N. nuclear watchdog's board of governors declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations on Thursday and Tehran announced counter-measures, as an Iranian official said a "friendly country" had warned it of a potential Israeli attack.

U.S. and Iranian officials will hold a sixth round of talks on Tehran's accelerating uranium enrichment programme in Oman on Sunday, the Omani foreign minister said on Thursday.

But security fears have risen since U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday American personnel were being moved out of the region because "it could be a dangerous place" and that Tehran would not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

Security in the Middle East has already been destabilised by spillover effects of the Gaza war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Trump has threatened to bomb Iran if the nuclear talks do not progress, and has said he has become less confident that Tehran will agree to stop enriching uranium. The Islamic Republic wants a lifting of U.S. sanctions imposed on it since 2018.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that even if the country's nuclear facilities were destroyed by bombs they would be rebuilt, state media reported.

The International Atomic Energy Agency's policy-making Board of Governors declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in almost 20 years, raising the prospect of reporting it to the U.N. Security Council.

The step is the culmination of stand-offs between the IAEA and Iran since Trump pulled the U.S. out of a nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers in 2018 during his first term, after which that accord unravelled.

An IAEA official said Iran had responded by informing the U.N. watchdog that it plans to open a third uranium enrichment plant.

After the IAEA decision, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said Tehran's actions undermined the global Non-Proliferation Treaty and posed an imminent threat to regional and international security and stability.

Iran is a signatory to the NPT. Israel is not and is believed to have the Middle East's sole nuclear arsenal.

Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Mossad head David Barnea will go to Oman to meet U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff before the U.S.-Iran talks in another attempt to clarify Israel's position, Israeli media reported.

Speaking after meeting European foreign ministers in Rome, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the EU's concerns with Iran go beyond the nuclear issue, and include its support for Russia and the detention of EU citizens in Iran.

MARKET REACTION

Oil prices initially rose after Trump's announcement but later eased. Shares in European airlines, travel companies and hotel chains were among the biggest fallers in morning trade as investors worried the tensions would knock demand.

"Clearly it is Iran that is at the centre of this and the possibility that you see a strike from the U.S. or Israel," said Paul McNamara, a director of emerging market debt for investment firm GAM. "There is a lot of scope for things to get a whole lot worse if we do see a military strike and a sustained attack."

Foreign energy companies were continuing operations as usual, a senior Iraqi official overseeing operations in southern oilfields told Reuters.

The Dubai-based Emirates airline said it had made no changes to operations, but was monitoring the situation.

Iran's response to the IAEA resolution was among several countermeasures being taken, Iranian state TV said.

The IAEA official said Tehran had given no further details on the planned new enrichment site, such as its location to enable monitoring by U.N. nuclear inspectors.

Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for Iran's atomic energy organisation, told state TV that Tehran had informed the IAEA of two countermeasures including "the upgrading of centrifuges in Fordow (enrichment plant) from first to sixth generation, which will significantly boost the production of enriched uranium".

Enrichment can be used to produce uranium for reactor fuel or, at higher levels of refinement, for atomic bombs. Iran says its nuclear energy programme is only for peaceful purposes.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that rising Middle East tensions served to "influence Tehran to change its position about its nuclear rights".

'POTENTIAL ISRAELI STRIKE'

The Iranian official said a "friendly" country had alerted Tehran to a potential strike on its nuclear sites by Israel.

Iranian state media reported that Iran's military had begun drills earlier than planned to focus on "enemy movements".

Iranian retaliation for any Israeli attack will be "more forceful and destructive" than in the past, Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami told state media.

Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel last year after Israeli forces bombed Tehran's consulate in Damascus. Israel replied with missile strikes in Iran and Syria - the first such direct attacks between the region's most entrenched enemies.

(Additional reporting by Yousef Saba and Dubai newsroom, Marc Jones in London and GV De Clercq in Rome; writing by Timothy Heritage and Michael Georgy; editing by Mark Heinrich)
WASHINGTON  Three Democratic governors are expected to tell Congress in a June 12 hearing that they coordinate with federal immigration authorities to deport convicted criminals but cant afford to shoulder the burden of tracking down and detaining undocumented immigrants.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in testimony prepared for the House Oversight and Accountability Committee the state transferred more than 1,300 convicts to Immigration and Customs Enforcement since she took office in August 2021.

But we have to draw a line somewhere, Hochul said. New York cannot deputize our state officers to enforce civil immigration violations, such as overstaying a visa.

Trump, GOP accuse 'sanctuary' jurisdictions of obstruction

The hearing focuses on so-called "sanctuary" jurisdictions where state and local officials restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to list the jurisdictions and potentially cut off federal funding to them.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, one of the witnesses, said his state hasn't approved sanctuary legislation but that it respects cities and counties that have.

The hearing comes at a flashpoint in Los Angeles over federal immigration enforcement. Protesters against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids burned cars, threw rocks and shot fireworks at authorities. But Trump contends he has an electoral mandate for strong border security and mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom have exchanged barbs about the protests and the presidents deployment of the National Guard to protect federal buildings and agents. Trump called Newsom grossly incompetent. Newsom, a Democrat, called the deployment the acts of a dictator.

The committee chairman, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., scheduled the hearing to highlight reckless governors opposing Trumps tougher enforcement.

The Trump Administration is taking decisive action to deport criminal illegal aliens from our nation but reckless sanctuary states like Illinois, Minnesota, and New York are actively seeking to obstruct federal immigration enforcement, Comer said in a statement. The governors of these states must explain why they are prioritizing the protection of criminal illegal aliens over the safety of U.S. citizens, and they must be held accountable.

People line Church Street as they join the City Hall Rally to Fight for our Sanctuary City event in downtown Rochester, New York, on April 29, 2025.

New York immigration arrests 'a living hell': Hochul

The three governors said Congress needs to approve a comprehensive immigration overhaul to avoid tearing apart families of immigrants in search of a better life.

Hochul, whose grandparents fled to the U.S. to avoid starvation in Ireland, said most immigrants want to work. Since spring 2022, more than 220,000 immigrants have arrived in New York City, often fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries, she said.

But Hochul cited a March 27 case when ICE agents stormed a home in Sackets Harbor, in upstate New York, and arrested a mother and three children while the father was working at a dairy farm.

They were so-called collateral arrests, suddenly and unjustly cast into a living hell, Hochul said, before the family was returned after nearly two weeks. This is not the America we want to be. We can maintain public safety without tearing children away from their parents.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at the New Hampshire Democratic Party McIntyre-Shaheen Dinner in Manchester, New Hampshire, on April 27, 2025.

Immigrants used as 'pawns' for political gains: Pritzker

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said governors along the southern border have sent more than 50,000 immigrants since August 2022 to be used as pawns in a dehumanizing attempt to leverage the crisis for political gain.

Chicago, Cook County and other jurisdictions organized housing through 25 immigrant-focused shelters and helped immigrants find jobs under federal work-authorization programs, Pritzker said.

At a time when other politicians attempted to distort the truth and disrupt our state, we stayed true to the virtues of the Land of Lincoln, Pritzker said.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during an interview with the Des Moines Register before a town hall at Roosevelt High School on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Trump immigration policies 'cruel and misguided': Walz

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said his state helps ICE with criminal cases but that some cities and counties choose not to dedicate time, resources or personnel to coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security.

Walz, who was the Democratic nominee for vice president in 2024, blasted the Trump administrations cruel and misguided immigration policies. Minnesotans are angry that the federal government has been snatching people up and detaining them without a shred of due process, he added.

Many of the immigrants who have been detained are law-abiding Americans who have or were promised legal status, Walz said.

It is ridiculous to suggest that Minnesota  a state that is over 1,500 miles away from the southern border and, and 1,000 miles from lawmakers in Washington, D.C. who decide and implement border policy  is somehow responsible for a failure of immigration enforcement, Walz said. Enforcing federal immigration law is not the role of state or local law enforcement.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Democratic governors spar with House GOP over immigration enforcement
From gas stations in Phoenix to construction sites in Tallahassee, workplace raids crisscrossing the nation have alarmed businesses that suddenly find themselves in the crosshairs of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown.

Farmworkers hid in fields from federal immigration agents in California. Dozens of people were hauled off in buses when Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided a meat-processing plant in Omaha. In Los Angeles, sudden sweeps of day laborers in Home Depot parking lots and workers at car washes and in the garment industry ignited protests that have spread to cities across the country.

The administrations push to detain record numbers of undocumented immigrants has set off a whole new wave of panic, said Chris Thomas, a partner at the Holland & Hart law firm who represents employers in immigration cases.

The sharp uptick in immigration enforcement activities is a departure for federal authorities who usually avoid going after businesses.

Now, employers are worried that the escalating enforcement campaign will not only cripple their businesses but could lead to civil and criminal exposure, even when they have rigorous hiring processes, Thomas said.

A woman is detained during a raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a Glenn Valley Foods meat production plant in Omaha, Nebraska

Tensions are running high, particularly in the construction, hospitality and food processing, but he expects the immigration crackdown will soon rattle businesses in other industries.

Already, major public companies have warned investors the immigration crackdown could affect their businesses that rely on a migrant workforce.

Meatpacker Smithfield warned in a securities filing in March: Increased enforcement efforts with respect to existing immigration laws by governmental authorities may disrupt a portion of our workforce or our operations. There can be no assurance that these activities or consequences will not adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations in the future.

California democrat ejected: Sen. Alex Padilla handcuffed and forcibly removed from Noem press conference

We have never seen anything like this, Thomas said. They have just gotten started and there is so much more to come. Thus far we have seen raids on a smaller scale. But they are moving into the next stage now where they will have larger-scale worksite enforcement operations at bigger companies.

President Donald Trump swept into office on a pledge to crack down on illegal immigration. It is estimated that there are more than 8 million undocumented immigrants working in the United States.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller told Fox News Sean Hannity in May that the goal for ICE was a minimum of 3,000 arrests a day. And President Trump is going to keep pushing to get that number up higher each and every single day," Miller said.

White House border czar Tom Homan warned this week that worksite enforcement operations are going to massively expand.

In a Truth Social post Thursday, Trump acknowledged that the crackdown was hurting American employers. Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace, Trump wrote.

At the White House, he told reporters he would issue an order to help address worker shortages brought on by raids of farm and hotel workers.

Protesters against immigration raids hold signs at a community demonstration in downtown Corpus Christi, Texas on June 10, 2025.

The presidents words have not reassured employers, said Shanon Stevenson, a partner who co-chairs the national immigration practice at the Fisher & Phillips law firm.

Calls from worried clients have increased 75% since last week.

Employers have to respond to the reality they are seeing. This is a massive increase in worksite enforcement, Stevenson said. Hearing comments that specific industries wont be targeted when the employers in these industries are facing raids, and did yesterday, its a little bit hard to swallow.

Businesses are collateral damage as the explosion of immigration enforcement worsens staffing issues for businesses already facing worker shortages, according to Amy Peck, a partner with the Jackson Lewis law firm who represents employers in immigration matters.

We have employers who are not able to open their businesses because workers arent showing up. Restaurants with multiple locations are having to consolidate or not open certain locations because of a lack of workers or they close early or close the lunch shift because there arent enough workers, Peck said. I have manufacturers who are going down from three shifts to two because of the lack of workers. Its really putting a squeeze on employers.

Trump immigration gold card: Trump said 15,000 foreigners signed up to pay $5 million for US residency

In Idaho, businesses that were already shortstaffed have lost even more employees who are afraid to show up for work, said Alycia Moss, who chairs the immigration practice group at the Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley law firm. Hispanic and Latino businesses have been particularly hard hit, Moss said.

Most of the businesses I assist and speak with could not find enough workers before this increase and now some have told me they may have to scale back or close. I have one client who had to close his business, she said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Wave of panic': Trump immigration raids rattle businesses
Harvey Weinstein appears in state court in Manhattan as jurors return to deliberations on a remaining charge in his retrial on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in New York. (Christian Monterrosa/Pool Photo via AP)

NEW YORK (AP)  Harvey Weinstein s sex crimes retrial came to a disjointed end Thursday as the jury foreperson declined to deliberate and the judge declared a mistrial on a remaining rape charge, a day after a split verdict on other charges in the landmark #MeToo-era case.

The outcome positions the ex-studio boss for a third New York trial  prosecutors said they're ready to retry the rape count  even as he faces a new sentencing on his sexual assault conviction.

Weinstein, 73, denies all the charges. The Oscar-winning movie producer had a blank, drained expression as court officers escorted him out Thursday in his wheelchair.

His lawyer said he plans to appeal.

What happened in that jury room was absolutely improper, attorney Arthur Aidala said outside court.

Weinstein is due back in court July 2 for discussion of retrial and sentencing dates. His first-degree criminal sex act conviction carries the potential for up to 25 years in prison, while the unresolved third-degree rape charge is punishable by up to four years  less than he already has served.

He's been behind bars since his initial conviction in 2020, and he later also was sentenced to prison in a separate California case, which hes appealing.

In Wednesday's partial verdict, Weinstein was convicted of one criminal sex act charge but acquitted of another. Both concerned accusations of forcing oral sex on women in 2006. Those verdicts still stand.

While the jury of seven women and five men was unanimous on those decisions, it got stuck on the rape charge involving another woman, Jessica Mann. The hairstylist and actor testified at length  as she did in 2020  that Weinstein raped her amid a years-long consensual relationship.

I will never give up on myself and making sure my voice  and the truth  is heard," Mann said in a statement Thursday, confirming she's ready to testify yet again.

Jury-room strains started leaking into public view Friday, when a juror asked to be excused because he felt another was being treated unfairly. Then Monday, the foreperson complained that other jurors were pushing people to change their minds and talking about information beyond the charges.

The man raised concerns again Wednesday, telling the judge he felt afraid in the jury room because another juror was yelling at him for sticking to his opinion and suggested the foreperson would see me outside.

When Judge Curtis Farber asked the foreperson Thursday whether he was willing to return to deliberations, the man said said no. And with that, Farber declared a mistrial on the rape count.

Two jurors disputed the foreperson's account as they left court. One, Chantan Holmes, said that no one mistreated the man and that she believed he was just tired of deliberating.

We all felt bad. Because we really wanted to do this. We put our hearts and souls in here, she said.

Another jury member, who identified himself only by his juror number, said the deliberations were contentious, but respectful.

Weinsteins 2020 conviction seemed to cement the downfall of one of Hollywoods most powerful men in a pivotal moment for the # MeToo movement. The anti-sexual-misconduct campaign was fueled by allegations against him.

But that conviction was overturned last year, and the case was sent back for retrial in the same Manhattan courthouse.

Weinsteins accusers said he exploited his Tinseltown influence to dangle career help, get them alone and then trap and force them into sexual encounters.

These hopeful young women were trying to follow their dreams in a world that he controlled, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, said at a news conference Thursday.

Weinstein's defense portrayed his accusers as Hollywood wannabes and hangers-on who willingly hooked up with him to court opportunity, then later said they were victimized to collect settlement funds and #MeToo approbation.

Miriam Haley, the producer and production assistant whom Weinstein was convicted  twice, now  of sexually assaulting, said outside court Wednesday that the new verdict gives me hope.

Accuser Kaja Sokola also called it a big win for everyone, even though Weinstein was acquitted of forcibly performing oral sex on her when she was a 19-year-old fashion model. Her allegation was added to the case after the retrial was ordered.

Holmes, the juror who spoke outside court, said the panel all felt Sokola "wasnt credible.

The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they have been sexually assaulted, unless they agree to be identified. Haley, Mann and Sokola did so.

___

Associated Press journalists Joseph B. Frederick and Ted Shaffrey contributed.
Whole Foods and other U.S. grocers are only being partially stocked as a major food distributor continues to grapple with a recent cyber attack, a recent earnings call revealed.

North American wholesale distributor United Natural Foods confirmed this week that it was forced to take some of its systems offline after noticing unauthorized activity. At a financial quarter meeting Tuesday, June 10, CEO Sandy Douglas said the wholesale distributor is only supplying customers on a "limited basis" amid the crisis.

"We are partnering with customers across the country and across our formats in various short term mode to serve their needs as best as we possibly can," Douglas told investors. "Any way that we can help them meet their needs, we're doing."

The company is working with the FBI and other authorities to determine how to resume services and why the technology defenses failed, according to Douglas.

A Whole Foods Market at the Paradise Valley Mall in Phoenix, Arizona on Dec. 11, 2024.

"We just got penetrated, so we will be continuing to look at every aspect of our defense, every aspect of how our tools are working, and what may be necessary to bolster it going forward, because its clearly an area that requires a tremendous amount of focus from companies today," he said.

Users on social media have reported shelves being empty at some Whole Foods locations with signs apologizing for the inconvenience and promising to resupply soon.

A Whole Foods spokesperson told USA TODAY on Monday, June 9 that the supermarket chain is working to restock its shelves as fast as possible and said it apologizes for any inconveniences.

CEO says it informed investors as soon as it could

When asked why the company hesitated to inform investors about the cyberattack and system shutdown, Douglas denied there being a delay.

Douglas clarified company officials noticed unauthorized activity in its systems on June 5 and investigated whether it was isolated. By the afternoon of June 6, the company made the decision to lock its systems down. On June 9, it filed a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to inform shareholders before the market opened.

"So there is no way that we could have communicated any faster, and there was no trading," Douglas added.

He also he was unable to confirm whether the shutdown has required customers to break contracts, adding "I wouldn't be able to factually answer that question, even if I was inclined to disclose it."

"The focus is making sure we serve the customers and have them be able to do whatever they need to do the best they can in this environment," he said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Whole Foods' distributor is supplying on a 'limited basis'
A Detroit high school student was arrested during a traffic stop and is facing potential deportation, sparking widespread calls for the teenager's release.

The individual was identified as an 18-year-old Colombian immigrant who was on his way to a high school field trip before being stopped by police for a traffic violation. An attorney representing the teenager said it highlights the rising number of local police quickly calling Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials for assistance.

Detroit High School Student Faces Deportation

Additionally, the case highlights how the federal agency is conducting more detention of immigrations and holding them for longer periods before handing them over to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The teenager, identified as Maykol Bogoya Duarte, is a student at Detroit's International Western High. He was previously denied asylum last year and was in the process of getting a passport so he could go back to Columbia, according to The Detroit News.

Attorney Ruby Robinson, with the non-profit Michigan Immigrant Rights Center, said that the 18-year-old has been in the United States since 2022. Duarte was driving a private vehicle on May 20, to attend a school field trip when a Rockwood police officer stopped him for tailgating.

The officer was driving an unmarked patrol car during the incident, which revealed that the teenager did not have a driver's license. The officer quickly called CBP because of a "language barrier" with the 18-year-old.

After his arrest, Duarte has been kept in an Upper Peninsula immigration detention facility and is facing imminent deportation to Columbia. Robinson said they are asking that the teenager be allowed to finish his studies before being kicked out of the country, MLive reported.

Applying for Asylum

The teenager is believed to have moved to the country after he and his mother applied for asylum, which was denied by a judge. Federal officials released a statement about the incident, noting the 18-year-old was in the country illegally, ignored a judge's removal order, and lost his appeal.

Duarte's school is the largest high school in Southwest Detroit and has a newcomer program. It provides academic and social support to families who have recently arrived in the United States, with more than half of students being English language learners.

The arrest of the teenager somehow shows the limits of what school districts are able to do to protect their students from immigration enforcement. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said that the Detroit Public Schools Community District did not notify students or families of the teen's arrest, as per Chalkbeat.
by Nirmala Carvalho

Tragedy in Gujarat: an Air India flight crashed in a residential area. Among the victims are several doctors from a hostel involved in the explosion of the aircraft. In addition to many Indians, there were also British, Portuguese and Canadian passengers on board. Archbishop Macwan tells AsiaNews: We are in shock at the news. We pray for the families of the victims and for the injured.

Ahmedabad (AsiaNews) - India is in shock after a serious air tragedy near Ahmedabad airport in the state of Gujarat.

An Air India flight carrying about 242 passengers bound for London crashed shortly after take-off. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, fully fuelled, crashed into a residential area, right on top of a hospital complex.

Weather conditions and visibility were good in the area of the disaster. Residents of the Meghaninagar area, which was affected by the tragedy, reported hearing a loud noise before seeing a thick column of smoke in the sky.

There were 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board the plane. Among the passengers were British and Portuguese citizens and one Canadian, as well as numerous Indians, including the former chief minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani, a member of the BJP who had led the local government from 2016 to 2021. There are also at least 12 victims in a hostel for doctors that was hit by the crash.

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Gujarat, Monsignor Thomas Ignatius Macwan, Archbishop of Gandhinagar, told AsiaNews: "We are extremely shocked and saddened by the news of the Air India Boeing crash, which departed from Ahmedabad and was bound for London. We pray to God to protect all the passengers on the crashed flight. May the injured recover soon. Our deepest condolences go to the families of the victims of the accident."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is originally from Gujarat, has also expressed his grief in a post on social media: The tragedy in Ahmedabad has shocked and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. At this sad time, my thoughts are with all those affected. I am in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to help those involved.
The Catholic charity is the fourth recipient of the Human Dignity Award by Nanzan University, a Catholic institution. Caritas President Card Kikuchi, archbishop of Tokyo and a former student, collected the prize. In his address, the prelate mentioned Caritass missionary origins, and its transformation into a confederation of 162 national chapters, involved in ongoing emergencies, like Gaza, Ukraine and Myanmar. He noted that the organisation does not act for the poor  we act with them". It is never a "stranger", but always "part of the community".

Tokyo (AsiaNews)  Caritas Internationalis received the Human Dignity Award, now at its fourth edition, from the Nanzan University, a Catholic higher education institution in Nagoya, in a ceremony held on 7 June.

In a world where religion can often be used as a political tool, the work of Caritas demonstrates that religion can still play a significant role in protecting human dignity across borders through earnest efforts in specific areas of difficulty, reads the motivation

Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, Archbishop of Tokyo and president of Caritas Internationalis, accepted the award at the establishment where he once studied.

Hominis Dignitati (For Human Dignity) has been the motto of Nanzan School Cooperation and as an alumni of the Nanzan, starting from Junior High to Graduate School of Theology, this motto has been deep inscribed into my heart, said the 66-year-old cardinal.

Kikuchi, a Verbite former missionary in the rural villages of Ghana, was appointed president of Caritas Internationalis in 2023. In May of this year, he participated in the Conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV; he was elevated to the rank of cardinal in Pope Franciss last consistory.

The archbishop began working with Caritas in 1995, as a volunteer in a refugee camp in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Subsequently, he arrived at Caritas Japan, becoming its executive director and president, and eventually Caritas Asia.

Founded by the Verbite missionary congregation, Nanzan University established the award in 2021 as it prepared to celebrate the 75th anniversary of its foundation. Its purpose is to honour individuals or organisations that work to protect human dignity, as highlighted in the motto, reflecting a commitment to personal integrity and mutual respect.

Kikuchi said he accepted the award on behalf of everyone involved in the work of Caritas all over the world. He also explained that this years Human Dignity Award is not dedicated to a single institution.

With a mandate that has spanned over seven decades, reached across every continent and touched the lives of millions, it is a service before being a job, and first and foremost a mission rooted in the conviction that every person  no matter where they come from, no matter their circumstance  is imbued with sacred, inviolable dignity, the archbishop said.

The awarding of the prestigious prize was an opportunity to look back at the work of Caritas Internationalis, which was officially founded in 1951 in a post-war world hungry for healing.

Caritas began as a gesture of mercy, but quickly evolved into a global movement of love and justice, the cardinal explained, becoming a global community of 162 national Caritas over the decades. It has grown not merely in size but in spiritual and moral responsibility, the prelate added.

We have walked with people through famines in Africa, civil war in Lebanon, tsunamis in Asia, pandemics, natural disasters, and complex humanitarian crises. In such places Caritas has never been a stranger, but part of the community.

We do not act for the poor - we act with them. We listen before we respond. We learn before we lead. Because human dignity requires more than food or shelter. It requires presence, participation, and partnership, Kikuchi said.

The prelate also mentioned the objectives to be achieved by 2030, laid out in the 22nd assembly, noting that Caritas is more than an NGO. It is the caress of the Church to her people, as Pope Francis put it.

In short, Caritas Internationalis is clearly not an accessory, but the heart of the mission of the Church. It works in a synodal way with bishops, lay people and men and women religious.

It responds to humanitarian crises with rapid and dignified interventions, promotes inclusive economies, invests in the leadership of women and young people, and gives voice to the communities most affected by war, inequality and climate change.

Kikuchi also mentioned some of the emergencies that Caritas has faced around the world in recent years. Haiti, Gaza, Ukraine, Turkey, Syria, Ethiopia, and others are not just names on a list; they are communities where our teams walk with people through their most vulnerable moments, he explained.

Eight new emergency interventions are planned for this year in Myanmar, South Sudan, the Holy Land, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, Bangladesh and Yemen, "totalling over 29 million euros (US$ 33 million) in needed support, said the Caritas president.

Last December, Caritas Internationalis launched the campaign "Turn Debt into Hope, which seeks to reframe the narrative around debt in the worlds most indebted countries," the archbishop explained.

This is another effort towards the commitment that Nanzan University recognised. This award may bear our name, but it honours the dignity of countless others, Kikuchi added.

(Nirmala Carvalho contributed to this article)
Today's news: Vietnam approves further administrative reform; The United Kingdom freezes the assets of a minister from former Prime Minister Hasina's government; In Syria, authorities force women to wear burkinis on public beaches.

KOREAN PENINSULA

After South Korea turned off its loudspeakers at the border that were broadcasting South Korean music at full volume, North Korea also suspended its propaganda broadcasts. They stopped late on Wednesday evening and clearly did not occur in the early hours of the morning or early morning, Colonel Lee Sung-jun, spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at a press conference. In addition to efforts to ease tensions between the two countries, Lee Jae-myung's presidential office also stressed the need to alleviate the suffering of residents in the border area.

JAPAN  CHINA

After a Chinese military aircraft and a Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force patrol aircraft narrowly avoided collision in international waters in the Pacific, Tokyo this morning told Beijing to prevent a similar incident from happening again. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Japan had expressed its serious concern to China.

VIETNAM

Vietnam's National Assembly has approved a plan to unify the provinces, which will reduce the number of local administrations from 63 to 34 and cut around 80,000 government jobs. The decision comes after the number of ministries was reduced from 30 to 22 in February, resulting in the loss of 23,000 jobs. Again, this is part of a series of reforms sought by the head of government, To Lam, for rapid, stable and sustainable development.

UK  BANGLADESH

The UK's National Crime Agency has frozen the assets of Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, former Bangladesh land minister and ally of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled last year following anti-government protests. The decision follows legal requests from the Bangladeshi authorities to take action against Chowdhury's assets, who is under investigation for money laundering.

SYRIA

The Syrian government has ruled that women should wear burkinis or other full-body swimsuits on public beaches. This is the first time the Syrian authorities have issued guidelines on what women can wear since Bashar al-Assad's regime was overthrown in December. The decision will not apply to four-star hotels or higher and private beaches, tourism officials said.
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Connectivity initiative shows strength of Singapore-China ties, says Singaporean official

Xinhua) 09:46, June 12, 2025

SINGAPORE, June 11 (Xinhua) -- The China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity (CCI), launched in 2015, exemplifies the strength of the Singapore-China partnership and their shared commitment to regional integration and innovation, Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How said Wednesday.

Tan made the remarks at the CCI-New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor Trade and Financial Conference, one of a series of events commemorating the 10th anniversary of the CCI. The conference brought together government officials, industry leaders, and experts from Singapore, China, and other Southeast Asian countries.

Tan said trade between ASEAN and China is expected to continue expanding, offering growing opportunities for trade and cross-border financing along the corridor.

Vice Mayor of Chongqing Xu Jian said that over the past decade, the corridor has become a crucial link connecting western China with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and beyond.

As the global economic landscape undergoes profound transformation, regional cooperation is gaining fresh momentum, Xu said, noting that the corridor is poised to play an increasingly important role in advancing regional economic integration, facilitating trade, and enhancing financial cooperation.

Leong Sing Chiong, deputy managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, said trade volumes in both directions have seen sustained growth since the launch of the CCI, with finance playing a key enabling role.

"As CCI enters the next decade, we look to how western China and ASEAN can deepen cooperation, harness key structural trends, and identify new opportunities in future-oriented areas such as green finance and digital connections," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
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12 June 2025 14:18 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

A significant court proceeding is currently underway in Azerbaijan involving individuals of Armenian origin accused of grave violations of international and domestic law during the occupation of Azerbaijani territories, Azernews reports.

The hearing is taking place at the Baku Court Complex under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev of the Baku Military Court. The trial centres on 15 individuals charged with a wide range of war crimes and crimes against humanity, allegedly committed during the decades-long occupation of Garabagh and surrounding regions by Armenian forces and their illegal armed groups.

Victims of the crimes provided testimony at a previous hearing, detailing atrocities that include genocide, torture, forced displacement, persecution, and military robbery. The accused are believed to have held leadership or operational roles within the so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic", a structure created by Armenia in the previously occupied territories.

The list of defendants includes high-ranking figures such as:

Arayik Harutyunyan

Arkadi Ghukasyan

Bako Sahakyan

Davit Ishkhanyan

David Babayan

Vasili Beglaryan

among others.

They are being tried under numerous articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including but not limited to:

Article 100  Waging an aggressive war

Article 103  Genocide

Article 105  Destruction of the population

Article 107  Forced displacement

Article 113  Torture

Article 214  Terrorism

Article 218  Creation of a criminal organisation

Article 279  Creation of illegal armed groups

The Azerbaijani side has framed the trial as part of its commitment to justice and accountability for crimes committed during the occupation. The court proceedings are expected to continue over the coming months, with extensive evidence and witness testimonies being presented.
12 June 2025 16:08 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

At the June 12 session of the ongoing high-profile trial in the Baku Military Court, Levon Mnatsakanyan, former so-called Minister of Defense of the illegal separatist regime in Garabagh, was questioned by the prosecution regarding his role during the April 2016 clashes, also known as the Four-Day War, Azernews reports.

Mnatsakanyan, who then held the rank of lieutenant-general, admitted that Armenian forces lost control of 18 combat positions during the fighting. The admission came during questioning by Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for State Prosecution Protection at the Prosecutor Generals Office.

The court also examined archival footage of Mnatsakanyans past media statements, in which he had tried to portray the situation as stable:

The overall situation is stable; the combat readiness of the troops is at an appropriate level; our borders are securely protected and are in safe hands.

When asked by prosecutors whether the opposing side was defending as well, Mnatsakanyan replied simply, Yes. However, he failed to clearly identify whom Armenian forces were fighting against and what justified the confrontation, revealing contradictions in his earlier narrative and highlighting the lack of legal legitimacy for their military presence in occupied Azerbaijani territories.

The ongoing trial targets 15 Armenian individuals accused of war crimes, genocide, torture, terrorism, and the violent seizure of power, committed during the occupation of Azerbaijani territories. Among them are former leaders and high-ranking officials of the illegal separatist regime supported by Armenia. The case is being seen as a landmark trial in Azerbaijans efforts to bring justice for atrocities committed during the decades-long conflict.
12 June 2025 16:55 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan is rapidly emerging as a key player in the European tourism landscape, following a year of exceptional growth and increasing international recognition. The country recorded a 25.9% rise in inbound tourism in 2024more than double the global averagereflecting its rising appeal as a destination that blends Eastern traditions with European connectivity.

These developments were at the heart of the 71st meeting of the UNWTO European Regional Commission, held in Baku from 4 to 6 June 2025. The event brought together senior tourism policymakers and international stakeholders, marking a major diplomatic and sectoral milestone for Azerbaijan. During the session, the State Tourism Agency officially presented Azerbaijans candidacy for the Executive Council of the Commission for the 20252029 term, reaffirming its commitment to shaping the regional tourism agenda.

Fuad Nagiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, noted that Azerbaijan has served on the Executive Council three times previously, including as chair in 2017. This year, we are putting forward our candidacy again, and we look forward to continued cooperation and fruitful joint efforts in the years ahead, he stated. Azerbaijan, a member of the Commission since 2001, is now among nine countries vying for five open seats on the Executive Council, alongside Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Greece, and others.

The Baku meeting followed a series of strategic engagements with the UNWTO, including consultations held during FITUR 2025 in Madrid and follow-up discussions at the UNWTO headquarters. The final decision to convene the 71st session in Azerbaijan was made in April during the Commissions 70th meeting in Tirana, Albania.

Tourism as a national priority has gained new momentum in Azerbaijan, driven by a combination of infrastructure upgrades, international partnerships, and post-pandemic recovery strategies. According to the State Tourism Agency, the sector contributed 4.5% to national GDP in 2024, and a steady upward trend is expected to continue into 2025.

One of the most notable achievements is the countrys reintegration of newly liberated territories into its tourism classification systemopening up new potential for cultural, ecological, and historical tourism development. In Shusha, cultural heritage restoration is being paired with the creation of new hospitality infrastructure, while Lachin and Kalbajar are being positioned for eco-tourism and adventure travel. Local governments, in cooperation with the State Tourism Agency, are also working on trail networks, guesthouse certification programs, and regional festivals to promote these areas. The government has emphasized the importance of ensuring that tourism development in these territories is sustainable, inclusive, and respectful of the regions natural and historical character.

Azerbaijan has also expanded direct air routes, simplified e-visa procedures, and enhanced its marketing campaigns, particularly targeting the European market. These efforts are complemented by growing cooperation with EU institutions and member states. In recent years, Azerbaijan has signed or renewed tourism cooperation agreements with countries such as Hungary, Bulgaria, and Italy, focusing on mutual promotion, rural tourism, and joint cultural itineraries. Participation in EU-supported programs such as Eastern Partnership Tourism has further aligned Azerbaijans policies with European standards, particularly in sustainable tourism and digitalization.

The private sector has played a pivotal role in this resurgence. International hotel brandsincluding Marriott, IHG, and Accorhave announced plans to open new properties in Baku and regional hubs. Meanwhile, domestic tourism startups and tour operators have begun offering innovative experiences such as wine trails, culinary tours, and digital nomad packages. The government has supported this growth through public-private partnership initiatives, including incentive schemes for SMEs and investment in tourism zones like Shahdag and Tufandag.

Recognizing the importance of human capital, Azerbaijan has also stepped up efforts in tourism education and workforce development. Baku has become a center for hospitality training, with institutions such as the Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University (ATMU) partnering with international programs backed by UNWTO. Plans are in motion to create regional training centers in liberated territories to build local capacity, especially in hospitality, tour guiding, and environmental management. The launch of new certification programs and internships aims to create a new generation of tourism professionals aligned with global standards.

In 2024, the number of tourists from EU countries reached 112,300an increase of nearly 35% compared to the previous year. This rebound reflects Azerbaijans long-term strategic engagement with European audiences, which saw a previous high point in 2019 with 3.2 million total arrivals and 224,000 from Europe alone.

The COVID-19 pandemic and regional instability had significantly slowed tourism flows in subsequent years, but Azerbaijan has since recovered more than 80% of pre-crisis levels. In total, 2.627 million foreign nationals and stateless persons from 196 countries visited Azerbaijan last year, spending over $5.1 billion in the country.

Recent figures from the first five months of 2025 further support the countrys upward trajectory. Acting Head of the State Tourism Agencys Office, Kanan Guluzade, reported that 979,963 foreign tourists visited Azerbaijan between January and May. The overall growth rate for this period was 1.5%, rising to 2% in Mayan early sign of a strong upcoming summer season.

Azerbaijans tourism diplomacy has also embraced global sustainability efforts. During COP29, hosted in Baku, the country played a pioneering role in bringing tourism onto the climate agenda. The COP29 Declaration on Strengthening Climate Action in Tourism, supported by over 70 countries, underscored Azerbaijans leadership in aligning tourism growth with the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action.

UNWTO Executive Director Natalia Bayona, speaking in Baku, praised Azerbaijan for its balanced approach to tradition, innovation, and global cooperation. Azerbaijan has shown itself to be a reliable and effective partner, proudly preserving its heritage while leading on major UN initiatives, she said.

Looking ahead, Azerbaijan plans to deepen cooperation with UNWTO, expand tourism education programs, and submit a formal application under the Best Tourism Village initiative. As a strategic bridge between Europe and the broader region, Azerbaijan appears well-positioned to influence regional tourism policy while maintaining its unique cultural identity.
12 June 2025 20:12 (UTC+04:00)

By Farman Aydin | AzerNEWS

There is a saying that denying the obvious is worse than committing the original wrong. In the realm of international relations, this becomes especially dangerous when mixed with arrogance, duplicity, and political showmanship. Unfortunately, this is precisely what we are witnessing in Frances handling of its South Caucasus diplomacy.

Once again, France stands at the centre of a growing diplomatic spectacle  this time, not because of high-level negotiations or peace proposals, but due to its troubling alignment with Armenian lobbying circles and an internal scandal turned outward.

Rather than strengthening bilateral ties with Baku or fostering constructive dialogue, the French ambassador to Azerbaijan, Anne Boillon, has chosen to amplify a theatrical grievance aired by her colleague in Yerevan, Ambassador Olivier Decottignies. In a strikingly dramatic post on social media, Mr. Decottignies decried a defamatory campaign supposedly launched against him by Azerbaijani media  a campaign he claims includes accusations of corruption, visa trafficking, and even pedophilia.

Ambassador Boillon, without offering evidence or balance, rushed to signal her solidarity by reposting Decottignies lament to her Azerbaijani audience. What followed was a moment of stark clarity: rather than representing the French Republic, Frances embassy in Baku appeared to be echoing the talking points of lobby organisations operating far from any diplomatic neutrality.

This episode raises an uncomfortable but necessary question: Is this confusion, or is it deliberate complicity?

To set the record straight, the initial reports about Ambassador Decottignies alleged misconduct, including compromising photographs, did not originate in Azerbaijani media. Rather, they appeared first on the social media accounts of Leo Nicolian, a journalist of Armenian origin. The ambassadors personal controversy quickly spiralled, as public figures scandals often do in the digital age. And yet, instead of addressing the situation transparently or privately, French officials opted to point fingers abroad, with Azerbaijan as the chosen scapegoat.

The logic behind such accusations is difficult to grasp. If, as is suggested, the French ambassador to Armenia stepped on the toes of a particular journalist, and that journalist retaliated, how does Azerbaijan enter into this picture?

One cannot help but feel that Frances diplomats have lost sight of their duties. In targeting Azerbaijani media, which is neither a mouthpiece for any pro-government nor anti-Armenian propaganda, French officials risk undermining what remains of Pariss credibility in the region.

Historically, France has been an open and enthusiastic supporter of Armenia, culturally, politically, and strategically. That is their prerogative. But when support turns into bias, and bias morphs into scapegoating, the consequences can be diplomatic isolation and loss of trust. If the claims being made now had any historical grounding, surely Azerbaijan would have mounted similar smear campaigns in decades past. Yet no such pattern exists.

Indeed, this kind of political melodrama, accusing others to deflect from domestic embarrassment, is not part of Azerbaijans diplomatic toolkit. If anything, it is a tactic too often used against Baku rather than by it.

France would do well to reconsider its tone and its tactics. Rather than clouding interstate relations with petty provocations and conspiracy-laced claims, Paris should focus on preserving its international image and restoring constructive engagement in the region.

Petty grievances, when elevated to national policy, rarely end well. And in this case, they risk leaving France not as a peace-broker or a regional partner  but as a cautionary tale in how not to conduct diplomacy.
12 June 2025 13:57 (UTC+04:00)

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The sanctions package also targets Russian oil products, tanker operations, and the banking sector. The EU plans to blacklist 77 tankers from Russias so-called shadow fleet and impose a full ban on SWIFT-related transactions with an additional 22 Russian banks. Von der Leyen emphasized that financial operators in third countries who help Moscow evade sanctions would also be targeted.

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12 June 2025 12:59 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

As a Caspian coastal state, Azerbaijan is taking significant steps to protect marine ecosystems, including the establishment of the first Marine Protected Area and Hope Spot in the Caspian Sea, a 10-year ban on sturgeon fishing, and the release of millions of juvenile fish into the wild.

According to Azernews, these efforts were highlighted by Azerbaijans Ambassador to France, Leyla Abdullayeva, during her speech on June 11 at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice. The event focused on advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal 14  conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Ambassador Abdullayeva emphasised Azerbaijans commitment to marine protection in the Caspian Sea and called for unified global action in addressing shared environmental challenges. She drew attention to the upcoming COP29 summit in Baku, underscoring the importance of international collaboration.

Last year, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan hosted COP29 in Baku. This event proved that despite global divisions, strong political will and cooperation can deliver meaningful outcomes, she said. We adopted the Baku Financial Goal for climate funding, initiated the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and established the Loss and Damage Fund.

Abdullayeva urged the global community to bring the same spirit to the current conference in Nice: Oceans are the blue lungs of our planet. Protecting them is not only an ecological imperative but also an economic and humanitarian one.

She concluded by reaffirming Azerbaijans commitment to ocean conservation: We believe that through joint efforts, we can protect at least 30% of the worlds oceans by 2030. This is a shared responsibility we all must uphold.
12 June 2025 16:17 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Azerbaijan and Tajikistan have exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in land management, cadastre, and related fields, Azernews reports, citing the State Service on Property Issues under the Ministry of Economy.

The head of the Azerbaijani agency, Matin Eynullayev, met with a delegation led by Orif Khojazoda, Chairman of Tajikistans State Committee on Land Management and Geodesy.

During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration. They shared experiences on topics including state supervision over land use and protection, real estate registration, cadastre, and geodesy.

The discussions also covered efficient use of registry and cadastre data, development of national spatial data infrastructure, and other potential areas for cooperation.
12 June 2025 15:42 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

With the support of the Togrul Narimanbayov Association, an exhibition of Azerbaijani and French artists has taken place at the Fransiz Barlier Gallery in Paris, Azernews reports.

A special highlight of the exhibition was the participation of the talented Baku-based artist Bahar Guliyeva.

She presented two vivid decorative works, which immediately drew attention for their rich palette and subtle color balance.

Visitors were not only interested in observing but also in asking questions to the artist, lively discussions arose about the role of color, form, and inspiration.

Asmar Narimanbayova's small works were dedicated to fairy-tale images of Azerbaijan; they seemed to invite viewers into the magical world of our traditions and myths.

She also added that the French artists showcased works in various techniques and styles as well, including photography and animalism in painting.

The atmosphere was warm, with compliments exchanged, and, what was especially gratifying, there was a genuine and great interest in Azerbaijan and its culture.

Asmar Narimanbayova was born in a family of eminent artists. Her father, Togrul Narimanbayov, was a world-famous Azerbaijani artist, while her mother, Elmira Huseynova, was a sculptor.

Asmar grew up in an atmosphere of love for art, music and literature. She is an artist full of light, a wide and enthusiastic soul.

While creating works in different styles, starting from fauvism to impressionism, then from post impressionism to cubism and expressionism, the artist has found her individual creative manner of the letter, the original color sensation acting as a composition dominant. She has been characterized for her bold and engaging style.

Colors in her artworks fill the form with dynamics and saturate her canvas with strong energy.

Narimanbayova's works are displayed in exhibitions, international festivals and symposiums all over the world.

Her art works have been successfully demonstrated in many prestigious galleries and museums across Azerbaijan, the USA, France, Germany, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Finland, and China.

Founded by Asmar Narimanbayova, the Togrul Narimanbayov Association aims to strengthen cultural ties between Azerbaijan and France.

Togrul Narimanbayov's Association is actively involved in the promotion of young talents from around the world.

The association successfully cooperates with leading world organisations.

Bahar Guliyeva, an independent artist from Azerbaijan, employs diverse mediums to express themes of grief and personal growth.

Her artistic style has evolved from spontaneous, fluid techniques to a more deliberate approach, utilizing palette knives to create rich textures and intricate patterns. Drawing inspiration from Kandinsky and Pollock, she explores the interplay of color and form to evoke deep emotional responses.

Bahar Guliyeva's artwork serves as a tribute to resilience and collective humanity, conveying powerful feelings of love, loss, and hope.
12 June 2025 10:21 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Baku hosted a bilateral meeting between representatives of the medical services of the Azerbaijani and Georgian Ministries of Defense, focusing on cooperation in the field of military medicine, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry.

The Georgian delegation received a briefing on the organization of medical services within the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and the system of military medical supply.

During the meeting, both delegations held extensive discussions on enhancing cooperation in military medicine and exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest.

As part of the visit, the Georgian delegation toured the Main Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Defense, the Central Military and Dental Polyclinics, the Military Medical Faculty, the Forensic Medical Examination and Pathological Anatomy Center, and a recreational facility.
12 June 2025 12:37 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The return to Azerbaijans liberated territories following the Patriotic War has created a valuable opportunity for revitalizing the institution of the family, according to Bahar Muradova, Chairwoman of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children's Issues, Azernews reports.

Muradova made the remarks at the 2nd meeting of the Ministers and Heads of Institutions Responsible for Family Issues and Social Policy of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

She highlighted that 2,615 familiesamounting to 10,233 citizenshave already been resettled to the liberated territories. It is planned to resettle 34,500 families and 140,000 citizens by the end of 2026, Muradova stated.

Underscoring the deep-rooted values of the family across the Turkic world, she noted, Family is a symbol of loyalty, sacrifice, and honor in Turkish geography.

As the families gathered at today's forum and the young people united by the same values think about our common future, our future will be shaped on a solid foundation, she added. This forum is a unique platform for young families to have a dialogue on shared values. We have strengthened our mechanisms regarding early marriages, divorces and other issues to reinforce the foundations of the family. We must prevent the integration of issues that are alien to our values into our society.
12 June 2025 11:12 (UTC+04:00)

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of Russia's national holiday - Russia Day, Azernews reports.

The letter reads:

"Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the national holiday  Russia Day.

The peoples of Azerbaijan and Russia have traditionally been bound by close relations of friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual support. Today, these strong traditions serve as a solid foundation for the comprehensive development of our interstate relations and the deepening of cooperation across a broad range of areas.

I am confident that, in the interests of our friendly peoples and countries, we will continue to make every effort to strengthen Azerbaijani-Russian relations and to expand our multifaceted interaction in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance.

On this remarkable day, I wish you, dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, good health and every success, and to all the citizens of Russia  well-being and prosperity."

Sincerely,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
12 June 2025 14:06 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated in the opening ceremony of a snack production plant operated by Nobel Food Industry LLC in Baku, Azernews reports.

Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Azersun Holding Ahmad Gozel briefed the head of state on the facilitys operations.

The plant, established through a partnership between Azersun Holdings Gafgaz Canning Factory and Shervan LLC, will produce a variety of snacks, including popcorn, nuts, and dried fruits. These products will cater to domestic consumers while also being exported to various countries. With an annual production capacity of 9,600 tons, the facility is equipped with modern machinery from leading global manufacturers. Raw materials such as sunflower seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts will be sourced locally. Spanning over 7 hectares, the plant will provide permanent employment for 210 people. The total investment in the facility amounts to 38 million manats, with 5 million manats provided as a concessional loan by the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund.
12 June 2025 16:19 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

On June 11, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, took part via video link in the opening meeting and the first hybrid hearing of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, Azernews reports.

During her speech, Leyla Aliyeva shared information about the steps Azerbaijan, as the host of COP29, has taken in this field, the experience gained, and the initiatives implemented. She noted that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a serious global challenge for public health. She spoke about projects carried out in Azerbaijan related to water resource management, environmental protection, and climate resilience.

Leyla Aliyeva also emphasized the importance of increasing youth engagement on climate and health issues through various initiatives proposed by the IDEA Public Union and called on international organizations for broad cooperation in this direction.

Subsequently, Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, who also spoke at the event, highly appreciated Azerbaijan's leadership and initiative within the framework of COP29. He emphasized that Azerbaijan actively takes a position in combating climate change not only regionally but also internationally and demonstrates exemplary approaches. Hans Kluge also expressed his gratitude to Leyla Aliyeva for her contributions to projects implemented in the fields of climate change and public health.

It should be noted that the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, established by WHOs Regional Office for Europe, aims to bring attention to the impacts of climate change on human health, strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation, and develop concrete action mechanisms in this area. The official opening meeting held in Reykjavik marked the formal launch of the Commissions activities.
12 June 2025 16:44 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijans Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan, addressed the TURKPAs 14th Plenary Session under the theme TURKTIME: the Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy held in Astana, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Azernews reports.

In her remarks, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova emphasized that the Turkic peoples have made a valuable contribution to the development of humanity. The Speaker noted that, despite their vast geographical spread, the Turkic peoples have followed similar paths of development and have never lost their ties with one another. The numerous powerful states that rose thanks to the creative energy and intellect of our fraternal peoples have left a profound mark on world history and played a significant role over time in shaping the geopolitical and cultural landscape of Eurasia. In the modern era, the activities of our states, politically independent and economically resilient, have created opportunities for the convergence, collective development and interaction of the Turkic peoples, Gafarova noted.

We are currently witnessing the revival of Turkic unity under new historical circumstances  a unity that is based on mutual respect, strategic partnership and shared responsibility for the future of our peoples. This unity of Turkic states in language, thought and action is becoming a vital prerequisite for the stability and prosperity of the Turkic world. The deepening of political ties between our states, the successful implementation of bilateral and multilateral economic projects in the regions where our countries are located, mutual investments and other initiatives have shaped a new architecture for our cooperation, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova underlined.

The Speaker of the Milli Majlis stated that geopolitical processes are becoming increasingly complex, adding that global challenges necessitate collective responses and sustainable development hinges not only on resources but also on unity, solidarity and a capacity for strategic thinking in the contemporary era of rapidly changing global dynamics. The Turkic World possesses a unique potential in this context, for it is not merely an alliance of states but, rather, a civilizational community bound together by a shared language, history and national spiritual values, the Speaker emphasized.

Speaker Sahiba Gafarova pointed out that the people of Azerbaijan had restored their territorial integrity and sovereignty under the leadership of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev following the Second Garabagh War and the anti-terrorist operation, describing it as a historic achievement for the whole Turkic world. Those resounding victories not only put an end to occupation of Azerbaijani lands but also formed new geopolitical realities in our region and gave rise to new prospects for the closer unity of the Turkic world, Gafarova underscored.

Highlighting the successful activities of TURKPA for over 15 years, Sahiba Gafarova said that the collaboration within the Assembly paves the way to harnessing the rich potential of parliamentary diplomacy to advance political, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian ties amongst the member countries.

The Speaker also emphasized that parliamentarians must strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation and coordination amongst the legislative assemblies, also facilitating the implementation of decisions adopted at the level of Heads of State.

The 21th century is an era of new opportunities for the Turkic peoples. As President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan stated, The 21st century must be a century of progress of the Turkic world. The path to a new goal for the Turkic peoples lies through their unity and solidarity. The Parliament of Azerbaijan will continue to attach paramount importance to cooperation within the framework of TURKPA, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova concluded.
12 June 2025 17:35 (UTC+04:00)

The Azerbaijani government is gearing up to roll out an action plan after Shusha has been crowned the tourism capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) for 2026, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed a decree in this regard.

The decision was made during the 5th meeting of tourism ministers from ECO member states, held in Ardabil, Iran, on October 5, 2023, where Shushaa city known for its rich cultural and historical significancewas recognized for its potential to enhance regional tourism collaboration.

This decision reflects a special recognition of Shusha as a key hub of Azerbaijans historical, cultural, and socio-political life and is expected to significantly boost tourism cooperation among member states.

The decree tasks Azerbaijans Cabinet of Ministers with preparing and implementing a comprehensive plan to support Shushas role as the Economic Cooperation Organizations (ECO) Tourism Capital for 2026, while also addressing all related matters stemming from the decree.

The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), of which Azerbaijan has been a member since 1992, is an Eurasian political and economic intergovernmental entity established in 1985 in Tehran by the leaders of Iran, Pakistan, and Turkiye. It offers a forum to explore methods for enhancing growth and fostering trade and investment prospects.
12 June 2025 18:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Google announced the release of Android 16 for Pixel smartphones immediately following Apples presentation at WWDC. The new OS version includes important security updates, advanced AI features, and enhanced personalization options, particularly in messaging, audio, and notifications, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Android 16 introduces live notifications on the lock screen, Bluetooth LE support for improved sound quality, and updated fraud protection measures. Special attention has been given to accessibility improvements, including an enhanced protection mode for public figures and updates to the Magnifier app.

Google Photos users will soon have access to powerful AI-driven tools that enable them to erase, move, and reformat parts of images seamlessly. The update also brings adaptive refresh rate support, notification grouping, and HDR screenshots for a smoother and richer user experience.

Pixel Drop updates add the Pixel VIPs widget, more detailed captions, and the ability to create stickers directly via Gboard. AI-powered summaries in French and German have been integrated into Google Recorder, and Australian users will benefit from a new satellite Emergency SOS feature. Additionally, the Pixel 8a now includes an improved battery indicator.

For enterprise users, Android 16 expands Google Wallets functionality to store employee badges and introduces integration of the Gemini chatbot into Google Docs. PDF handling in Chrome has also been enhanced, allowing for better viewing of related files, making the platform more efficient for business environments.

Earlier, Google held its annual I/O 2025 developer conference in Mountain View, California, unveiling a wide range of updates  particularly in artificial intelligence. Among the headline innovations is Google Beam, a next-generation video communication platform that uses AI and six cameras to create a realistic 3D presence effect, aiming to revolutionize remote collaboration and virtual meetings.

Android 16s launch marks a significant leap toward AI-driven personalization and productivity on mobile devices. With AI tools increasingly integrated into everyday apps like Photos and Recorder, Google is pushing the boundaries of what smartphones can do autonomously, minimizing manual edits and boosting accessibility. The enterprise features also signal Googles commitment to making Android a serious contender in the business sector, challenging competitors by blending consumer-friendly design with powerful professional tools.
Poland's Constitutional Court has struck a blow against climate alarmism and for national sovereignty. It ruled that the European Union's climate laws and particularly its "Green Deal" violated Poland's Constitution and its national sovereignty and are void in Poland. It noted that in the treaties creating the European Union, climate and national energy policy were not among those areas assigned to the EU.

Poland's conservative President-Elect Karol Nawrocki welcomed the court's landmark ruling, saying it would cut electric rates in Poland by 33%. Nawrocki had already called for holding a national referendum on withdrawing from the EU Green Deal, and voiced support for more use of coal, of which Poland has large reserves. Poland's farmers have also been chaffing under EU climate policies which they refer to as "climate communism".

Poland's globalist pro-EU Prime Minister Donald Tusk is expected to try to get around this court ruling. His government has been noted for openly defying court rulings they don't like. If he does, however, it may cause his shaky coalition to unravel, because he depends on the votes in Parliament from the rural conservatives of the Polish Peoples Party and the strident populist nationalist Confederation Liberty and Independence which is very eurosceptic. For many reasons, those two parties are a better fit with Poland's largest party, the populist nationalist anti-immigration Law and Justice Party, and the three together would have a majority in Parliament.

Law and Justice member of parliament Sebastian Kaleta took to social media to praise the ruling for "hundreds of billions in savings for the Polish economy."

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/poland-says-no-to-green-deal-and-eu-overreach/
With many of the Los Angeles insurrectionists waving Mexican flags, it was always obvious that this is primarily an insurrection by illegal aliens, Now arrest figures are bearing that out, with 330 illegal aliens arrested for crimes committed in the insurrection, 113 of them having prior criminal convictions in the United States. While there are some far left American radicals taking part, this is primarily an orgy of violence and destruction by illegal aliens.

DEPORT, DEPORT, DEPORT.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/06/its-foreign-invasion-karoline-leavitt-announces-330-illegals/

Meanwhile the lying liberal MSM media are back in their dishonest "mostly peaceful" propaganda campaign, deliberately misrepresenting what is happening on the ground. What fools. When viewers can see the arson and looting and assaults on law officers, who is going to believe the MSM's false commentary?

https://redstate.com/katie-jerkovich/2025/06/11/greg-gutfeld-owns-legacy-media-after-noticing-disturbing-trend-in-their-la-riots-coverage-n2190370

Prominent attorney http://supp.cus.ac.in/ Larry Klayman is warning that what is going on in Los Angeles is more than an insurrection, that it is a full blown Bolshevik style revolution funded by foreign money.

https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/la-more-insurrection-its-bolshevik-style-revolution-driven-foreign-money

The FBI and DOJ are going after those who funded and organized the insurrection. A man seen handing out bionic face shields to insurrectionists has been identified, for example, and arrested for Conspiracy to Commit Civil Disorders.

https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/06/12/busted-man-wanted-for-handing-out-masks-to-rioters-arrested-by-fbi-n2190384
Chancellor Rachel Reeves committed 50m to the redevelopment of Casement Park in as part of her Spending Review

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivers her Governments spending review to MPs (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA)

The Government has promised a 50m contribution to the Casement Park rebuild , as part of a 1.2bn increase in funding for Northern Ireland.

Announcing the outcome of Labours spending review, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves declared: The devolved administrations will receive their largest real terms settlements since devolution began in 1998.

Budgets across Westminster departments will grow by 2.3% per year in real terms until 2028-29.

Northern Ireland will see an increase in the amount of money it receives through the Barnett formula, the mechanism the Treasury uses to calculate how much money it gives to Stormont.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves committed 50m to the redevelopment of Casement Park in as part of her Spending Review

Speaking about the average increase of 1.2bn, the Treasury said: The Northern Ireland Executive will receive an average extra 1.2 billion through the Barnett formula, 24% more to spend per person than the comparable UK Government spending in the rest of the UK, reflecting Northern Irelands unique circumstances."

Westminster has committed to maintaining some already-announced spending over the course of the review, for example allocating: 137 million over three years in continued support for tackling paramilitarism and organised crime, and the Police Service of Northern Irelands Additional Security Fund."

Some of the Chancellors headline nation-wide policies will have a direct impact on Northern Ireland, including changes to asylum policy.

The government intends to end the use of hotels to provide accommodation to asylum seekers within the life of the current parliament.

The Home Office currently contracts private firm Mears Group to source accommodation  including in hotels  for people seeking asylum in GB and NI.

As of last September, there were over 300 such people in Northern Ireland living in hotels, in conditions which have been criticised by refugee rights groups.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivers her Governments spending review to MPs (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA)

News Catch Up - Thursday 12th June

The Chancellor said she will speed up the asylum process and cut the backlog in the system which is costing the government billions of pounds.

Other parts of wider UK policies will impact Northern Ireland, including the governments plans to increase defence spending annually by between 3.6-3.8%.

The precise location of defence spending increases will be announced later in the year in the defence investment plan, but it will include Northern Ireland, where the government spent 240m in 2023-24 on an industry that employs 600 people.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said that both new and existing defence facilities here would receive investment because there is just so much extra money going into defence spending.

Mr Jones added that Northern Ireland would also see investment in the advanced manufacturing sector, including aerospace businesses.

Northern Ireland will also have access to an additional 350m from the British Business Bank, the governmental body that offers financing and investment to private firms across the UK.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones (Aaron Chown/PA)

It was through the bank that the Covid-relief loans were provided to companies.

It has supported 6,000 businesses in NI since 2014 and its NI investments include Reform RX, a Pilates reformer company which was recently sold on to a major US firm.

Northern Ireland will also be part of other pieces of investment, including the governments plan to aggressively grow AI capabilities in NI.

Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly speak to media at the Ulster Hall in Belfast on Wednesday (David Young/PA)

An AI unit will be set up within the Executive, part of what Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly called a huge agenda.

We are determined to try and ensure Northern Ireland can do transformation in efficiency and productivity improvements through all of the tools that are there. That includes the advances in AI, she said.

This has been underway for a number of months, as referenced in our programme for government. We believe that digitisation and AI agenda can really improve public services and the way that we deliver those public services.

Andrew Webb, Grant Thornton NI chief economist

Responding to the spending review, Andrew Webb, the chief economist of Grant Thornton NI, said reform was necessary to ensure increased public spending was effective.

Our public services face accumulated pressure - financial, structural, and societal.

The Spending Review acknowledges this by calling for reform, but when we look around and see infrastructure deficits in areas such as waste water that are in the billions of pounds, we know we have a massive task on our hands.

Our challenges arent just money-related. New money helps, but money alone wont fix planning bottlenecks, staff shortages, or fragmented governance.

"Northern Ireland needs a structured, long-range recovery plan with investment in the right places, powers aligned with purpose, and a relentless focus on outcomes.

Otherwise, we risk repeating the cycle of pouring more money in and improving little.

Finance Minister John ODowd welcomed the extra funding (PA)

Meanwhile, Stormont Finance Minister John ODowd said that agreements secured with the Treasury by his department will deliver an additional 600m of funding provided for vital public services here.

Mr ODowd was referring to the Treasurys willingness to exclude over 300m of agriculture funding from funding calculations, saving the Executive 600m over the period of the spending review.

An independent review of Northern Irelands Level of Need by Professor Gerald Holtham was also published yesterday, recommending an increase in the Barnett adjustment factor.
Northern Irish presenter Eamonn Holmes has spoken out about the horrible former co-stars he has worked with on TV on the latest episode of his podcast, branding some of them false, false, false.

The Belfast man was speaking on his Things We Like podcast he hosts alongside Paul Coyte, as Thursdays episode featured The Departed actor Ray Winstone and the trio got onto the subject around the world of showbiz.
Sir Ian Rankin said his new book will be set in London (Danny Lawson/PA)

Crime writer Sir Ian Rankin has said he hopes his famous detective John Rebus will return in the future, though he will not be in his next book.
Kids need to understand how hard it is to earn: Experts on how much pocket money we should give to children
A Co Antrim primary school studying ancient Egyptian history brought the topic to life after performing an Egyptian-themed flash mob in Belfast.

Pupils from two P5 classes at St Josephs Primary School in Lisburn took to Botanic Park in Belfast to showcase their dance moves for their parents and also stopped some members of the public in their tracks.

Around 58 pupils performed 1986 Bangles pop hit Walk Like an Egyptian on Thursday at the parks bandstand, coming as part of the schools effort to promote musical and performance arts.

The kids also partook in ancient Egypt themed games such as mummy graves and relay races to consolidate their learning for the year.

One of the classes teachers, Anne Hanna, said they wanted to give their students the chance to express themselves.

Children from St Josephs Primary School in Lisburn performing their Walk Like an Egyptian flash mob in Belfast on Thursday Photo: St Josephs Primary School in Lisburn

Ms Hanna said: "Weve been studying ancient Egyptians for the last few weeks. We're very much into promoting the arts in school particularly music, drama and dance.

So we're trying to at the minute really sort of give the children as much opportunity to sort of creatively express themselves through this kind of means and especially if it's linked to our topics that we're learning about  it's really just brought the topic to life.

News Catch Up - Thursday 12th June

Ms Hanna explained how her pupils practiced with a choreographer to sharpen their moves and put on a show for passers-by.

We have a choreographer that works with our school  Caitlin, Ms Hanna continued.

She has been rehearsing this flash mob. She does flash mob dances  the last one she did was in Grand Central Station in Belfast, so she put together a little choreographed routine for us to do.

Children from St Josephs Primary School in Lisburn performing their Walk Like an Egyptian flash mob in Belfast on Thursday Photo: St Josephs Primary School in Lisburn

While the potential for heavy rain was forecast for the day, the dull and cloudy conditions didnt stop the children bringing a bit of colour and spectacle to the park.

"Obviously the weather today wasn't great so we've sort of like did it near where there was a bit of cover, Anne added.

So we done it by the bandstand and it is so lovely because some of the general public were just walking around and going about their business. People on their lunch break and parents came down to support us and watch us as well.
A third night of protests take place in Ballymena on June 11th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

A third night of protests take place in Ballymena on June 11th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Fire fighters at the scene where a fire has broken out at Larne Leisure Centre following vandalism at the facility. It comes after two nights of violence and public disorder in the town of Ballymena, 30 minutes away from Larne. Multiple cars and properties were set on fire in Ballymena while rioters hurled petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry at police officers. Picture date: Wednesday June 11, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

The facility had temporarily been used as emergency shelter for those in urgent need following disturbances in Ballymena earlier in the week

A third night of protests took place in Ballymena last night (Photo by Kevin Scott)

A third night of protests take place in Ballymena on June 11th 2025 (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Police are present in Portadown in Co Armagh, following three nights of disorder in Ballymena, Co Antrim. [PA]

Police have come under attack for a fourth consecutive night in Northern Ireland as disorder spread through multiple towns.

Missiles were thrown at officers after a protest in Portadown on Thursday, continuing a trend that was sparked earlier in the week in Ballymena.

It came after Arbour Housing in the town had sent a letter to its residents saying that a demonstration was "directed towards migrants, foreign nationals, and what (is) perceived as deviant behaviour".

Masked individuals hurled masonry, fireworks and other objects at riot police late into the night.

Officers moved to extinguish fires set on roads while residents worked to clear debris left over from clashes in the area around Jervis Street.

Police units, supported by the presence of a water cannon, dispersed those gathered into other areas of the town towards midnight.

However, the unrest in Northern Ireland appeared of a lower intensity than scenes earlier in the week.

Some gatherings planned in other towns proceeded largely without any major disturbance by 9pm on Thursday.

A significant police presence had been deployed to Ballymena but there was no initial repeat of the violence of previous nights.

Police said a separate protest in east Belfast also ended early in the evening.

Meanwhile, Northern Irelands police chief warned bigots and racists behind earlier nights of unrest in the region that his officers will be coming after them.

Jon Boutcher said a young girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in Ballymena at the weekend, an incident that triggered protests that descended into violence in the Co Antrim town, had been further traumatised by the rioting since Monday.

Forty-one officers have been injured in the unrest, which had resulted in 15 arrests by Thursday evening.

Mr Boutcher, who met the girls family earlier that day, spoke to the media in Belfast after a meeting with his oversight body, the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

Stop this violence, he said. We will come after you. We will arrest you. We will prosecute you successfully. It is not in any way a way for a civilised society to behave and it must stop now.

He said the family was mortified by the disorder.

PSNI officers form a barricade with riot shields in Ballymena on Thursday (Liam McBurney/PA)

This girls family and this girl want it to end. Our communities want it to end. We need it to end. So please dont come out on the streets tonight. If you do, we will police you and we will deal with you through the criminal justice system.

A resident clearing debris Portadown. Credit: Brian Lawless/PA wire

PSNI chief warns rioters we will arrest you

The riotous behaviour earlier in the week saw vandalism, vehicles burned and arson attacks on a number of properties across several towns.

Petrol bombs, fireworks, masonry and a hatchet were among items thrown at officers.

Police responded with water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds in an attempt to disperse crowds during riots in Ballymena.

Mr Boutcher said: I want to specifically mention the 41 police officers whove been injured. Each of those officers have put themselves in harms way to protect our communities.

And I want to send a very clear message to all our diverse communities: we stand absolutely shoulder to shoulder with you. We are here to protect you.

We are your police service, and these bigots and racists will not win the day. This will be policed properly. We will deal with this, and we all know that in this room, but lets call an end to it now.

The PSNI chief said the initial lawful and legitimate process before unrest broke out was done in a way that was responsible and empathetic to the victim.

However, he said the protest was subsequently hijacked and turned into wanton, disgraceful criminal behaviour that is absolutely race motivated.

The chief said the service was under-resourced and needed to be funded properly rather than disgracefully.

Leisure centre attacked and PSNI threatened with hatchet as NI race riots continue

However, he said his officers would still bring people to justice: Weve put our public order inquiry team together, well be releasing images of those responsible. We will be going after them.

Mr Boutcher said 80 public-order officers from Scotland came to the region on Thursday to support policing efforts.

He described how PSNI members helped evacuate foreign national families who were hiding in attics and wardrobes in their homes in Ballymena as rioters went on the rampage on Monday.

He said the families targeted had done nothing wrong.

They are not criminals. They contribute positively to society here and are well integrated, he said.

Fire Service colleagues described how they went to the scenes to stop arson attacks at those addresses, and how they, in all their years in the Fire Service, have not seen levels of violence to that level, and told me specifically and directly of the bravery, the courage of a very thin green line of police officers that without doubt, in my view, saved lives that night.

Earlier, a judge said the courts would deal robustly with those involved in the violence in Ballymena.

District Judge Nigel Broderick said that young people who got involved were risking a significant custodial sentence, as three teenagers faced rioting charges at the towns magistrates court on Thursday.

Michael Elliot, 18, of Lanntara, Ballymena, and two youths, were the first defendants to appear in court since the sustained violence erupted on Monday.

Meanwhile, two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries.

Secretary of State Hilary Benn described the scenes as mindless racist thuggery while Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long said it has been a three-day festival of hate and destruction which needs to stop before someone loses their life.

There was an arson attack on a leisure centre in Larne, thirty minutes from Ballymena, after it was temporarily used as an emergency shelter for those in urgent need after disturbances in the town earlier in the week.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who highlighted the use of the building in a social media post, said all those who had been staying at the leisure centre are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.

Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill said Mr Lyons should resign over the post, and the leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, SDLP MLA Matthew OToole, said he would refer the Communities Minister to the standards commission.

Mr Benn also asked the minister to reflect upon his words and not upon his position.

Mr Lyons has resisted calls for his resignation and said he would strongly hit back at any notion that he had publicly revealed the facility was being used to house immigrant families who had been affected by violence in Ballymena.
Jailed UVF boss Winston Winkie Irvine wanted release from prison after just 14 days

According to sources, Irvine also planned to attend a gathering of UVF volunteers who met in secret at a Shankill Road social club to discuss his future.

Winston 'Winkie' Irvine outside court during his trial

Hugh Jordan Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 14:00

Jailed UVF boss Winston Winkie Irvine spent just 14 days behind bars before asking to get back out again.
The Communities Minister is to be referred to the standards commissioner following vandalism and a fire at Larne Leisure Centre.

Prior to the fire, Gordon Lyons posted on social media that the leisure centre had been used to accommodate several people following riotous behaviour in the town of Ballymena, which is 30 minutes away.

Matthew OToole, the leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, said he would refer the minister to the commissioner.

Mr Lyons said on Wednesday: As a local MLA for the area, neither I nor my DUP Council colleagues were made aware or consulted on this decision until late this afternoon.

He added: It has now been confirmed to us by the PSNI and Council that all these individuals are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.

Protesting is of course a legitimate right but violence is not and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons (Liam McBurney/PA)

A fire later broke out at the centre following vandalism at the facility on the third night of disorder in Northern Ireland.

Masked individuals smashed windows at the leisure centre in Co Antrim on Wednesday and set fires outside which spread inside.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said the facility had been designated as an emergency rest centre for those in urgent need following disturbances in nearby Ballymena but the families had been safely relocated elsewhere.

Police and firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control on Wednesday night.

Mr Lyons condemned the damage inflicted on Larne Leisure Centre and said it only serves to hurt residents of the town.

Emergency services at the scene (Liam McBurney/PA)

He said: The violence and disorder witnessed on our streets over recent nights serves no purpose. Wanton destruction such as the attack on Larne Leisure Centre is an attack on all residents who use the facility.

There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned.

Mr OToole, an SDLP MLA, said: The actions of the Communities Minister cannot be ignored.

He is the minister response for the Housing Executive and lives are at stake.

He said the opposition will refer Mr Lyons to the standards commissioner on Thursday and explore all other options for accountability.

Leader of the Opposition Matthew OToole (Liam McBurney/PA)

The fire coincided with a third night of public disorder in Ballymena.

The violence began around Clonavon Terrace on Monday night following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area.

Two teenage boys, who spoke to a court through a Romanian interpreter, have been charged.

The DUP has been contacted for comment.
Larne Leisure Centre on fire on third day of disorderWater cannon used to disperse crowds in BallymenaProtests across NI - some turn violent

Police deal with a third night of violence in Ballymena

A number of projectiles have been launched at police in Ballymena, including petrol bombs and fireworks in another night of violence in the town.

A water cannon was also used in an effort to disperse the crowds that gathered close to Clonavon Terrace.

Meanwhile, in Larne, masked youths attacked Larne Leisure Centre by smashing windows and setting fires on the third day of disorder.

Social media posts had suggested that those moved out of Ballymena homes were being housed there earlier today. It is understood that there was no one inside the Leisure Centre during the attack.

A NIFRS (Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service) spokesman said the blaze was under control.

Vandals smashed windows and started a fire outside the leisure centre.

It comes as protestors gathered in towns across Northern Ireland with some being peaceful, while others turned violent.

The initial rioting ignited in Ballymena with the PSNI saying it is not clear if paramilitaries are coordinating violence in the Co Antrim town.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson, speaking during a press conference today, said: "At this point it's not clear to us or through intelligence or what we're hearing if there's paramilitary coordination to it."

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn is planning to visit Ballymena, it has been announced.

Lady Anderson, speaking in the House of Lords today, said the Cabinet minister was having "active conversations" with both the Stormont administration and the PSNI.

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also condemned mindless attacks during the outbreak of violence in Ballymena and other parts of Northern Ireland.

Seven people have been arrested and 33 PSNI officers were injured over two nights of what the PSNI Chief Constable has described as mindless violence.

Follow our live blog for the latest updates:
The movement of trade was one of the main discussions at the meeting of the East-West Council (Rebecca Black/PA)

UK Government ministers have expressed confidence that post-Brexit trade friction between Northern Ireland and Great Britain will be eased by a deal with the EU.

The movement of trade was one of the main discussions at the first meeting of the East-West Council to take place in Northern Ireland on Thursday, which was also attended by members of Intertrade UK.

Earlier this month the UK Government said border checks on fruit and vegetables imported from the EU will be scrapped, to ease trade, ahead of its new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal with the EU.

Secretary of State Hilary Benn, Northern Ireland Office minister Fleur Anderson and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden held discussions with First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at the Custom House in Belfast on Thursday.

Fleur Anderson, Michelle ONeill, Pat McFadden, Hilary Benn and Emma Little-Pengelly (PA)

Speaking after the meeting, Mr McFadden said the main topics were ensuring smooth trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the new Connect Fund to support community groups.

He said he believed the recent agreement between the UK and EU will go a long way to reducing friction and restoring the free flow of trade.

Mr Benn also expressed confidence the flow of trade will be smoothed.

It comes after a very busy period with the negotiation of the new relationship with the European Union, and one of the issues we discussed was the beneficial impact an SPS deal will have on the flow of the agrifood and plant products from GB to Northern Ireland, he said.

He added: The new Government was elected in July, we came in and said we want to build a closer, better relationship with the EU and you saw the result of that in the agreement that was reached at the summit a few weeks ago.

And for Northern Ireland the single most important part of that agreement was to work together to get an SPS agreement in place because that would deal with a lot of the things that people are having to cope with at the moment in respect of agri food products and plants moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

I hope that will give businesses real hope for the future, and we want to get on and put that new SPS scheme in place as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile Ms Anderson announced the Connect Fund, which will provide awards from a funding pot of up to 1 million to support groups working in sectors which directly affect Northern Ireland communities.

It will be open to groups seeking to strengthening east-west connections, with bids are invited for between 300 and 50,000.

Ms Anderson said it will support better connections between community groups and individuals of all ages between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.I ran a community centre before I was an MP and so I know the value that this funding will bring, she said.

I urge local community and voluntary groups in Northern Ireland to apply to take part in this great opportunity, and look forward to the positive changes which this fund will bring to communities in the coming years.
LATEST | Michelle ONeill is playing silly games: DUP leader says Gordon Lyons wont resign over Larne social post

Communities Minister said his post was intended to defuse tensions

Gordon Lyons is facing a backlash over comments made on social media hours before the building was set alight

Amy Cochrane Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 16:50







Communities Minister Gordon Lyons will not be resigning, his party leader has said, as he accused rivals of political point-scoring.
Irish premier Micheal Martin will meet business leaders from across the island of Ireland at a conference taking place against the backdrop of economic uncertainty driven by US trade and tariff policies.

Mr Martin will address the Joint Business Council All-island Business Conference in Dundalk on Thursday.

The conference is centred around protecting all-island business in a new global environment, with heightened geopolitical disruption.

The event will bring together more than 150 business leaders, stakeholders and public policymakers to focus on the interconnected and cost-effective ways that businesses operate on an all-island basis.

The conference is jointly held by businesses representative groups the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (Ibec).

They said businesses across the island are eager to see aligned policy support from both the UK and Irish governments that unlocks economic opportunities and broadens the benefits of cross-border cooperation.

According to Ibec and the CBI, more must be done to strengthen and future-proof the all-island economy by enhancing collaboration around trade, infrastructure, sustainability, workforce integration, private investment and long-term resilience.

Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec, said: The restoration of the North-South Ministerial Council has cleared the way for improved cooperation across the island.

However, the rise in global uncertainty stemming from US trade and tariff policies and growing geopolitical disruption means the all-island economy must focus on building resilience and deepening collaboration.

Rain Newton-Smith, chief executive of the CBI, said the conference comes at a critical time for businesses across Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the EU.

She added: The disruptive impact of tariffs, tax retaliation, and a changing global order has only reinforced the urgent need to strengthen cross-border economic ties on the island of Ireland.

In the current climate, policy stability and certainty are not optional but are prerequisites for investment in sectors that matter most to both of our economies, from manufacturing and agri-food to life sciences.
British man who survived Air India plane crash has no idea how he escaped aircraftWarning: Distressing video below

People watch smoke rising after an airplane crashed in Ahmedabad. Mohan Nakum via AP

People stand around debris at the site of an airplane that crashed. AP Photo/Ajit Solanki

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in Ahmedabad. AP Photo/Ajit Solanki

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's north-western city of Ahmedabad. AP Photo/Ajit Solanki

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in Ahmedabad. AP Photo/Ajit Solanki

People stand around the debris of an airplane after it crashed in Ahmedabad in Gujarat state. AP Photo/Ajit Solanki

First Minister Michelle ONeill has expressed her profound shock following a London-bound plane crashing into flames.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was carrying more than 240 people from the city of Ahmedabad to Gatwick Airport, including 53 British nationals, when it collided with a medical college shortly after take-off on Thursday, sparking a huge fireball.

Ms ONeill offered her condolences to those family and friends of the injured and deceased.

I wish to express my profound shock and sorrow upon hearing of the tragic crash of the Air India flight en route to London, the Sinn Fein MLA said.

I extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives or were injured.

Our thoughts are with them during this time of deep grief.

Officials said the flight was departing from Ahmedabad Airport with 242 people on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Air India said on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals.

The plane came down in a residential area, striking a doctors hostel close to Ahmedabad airport in India, officials said.

Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, said it would provide 10 million rupees (around 86,000) to the families of those who were killed in the crash.

A British man who survived the Air India plane crash has no idea how he escaped the aircraft, his relatives have said.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, is believed to be the only survivor of the crash.

Speaking outside the family home in Leicester, his brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, 27, said: We were just shocked as soon as we heard it.

I last spoke to him yesterday morning. Were devastated, just devastated.

He said I have no idea how I exited the plane.

Three Britons who died in the crash were named by the Gloucester Muslim Community on Facebook as Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa and their four-year-old daughter Sara.

Condolences also came from Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who said: It is horrific and very, very sad what has happened in India, the plane (crash) just shortly after departure, I believe less than a minute.

He added: Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families of those bereaved, crew members bereaved, and with the people of India, Britain and Canada. The world is a much closer place, we all travel.

It is extremely sad and shocking that an accident of this scale has occurred with the loss of so much life.

He noted that it took place close to the 40th anniversary of the Air India flight 182 disaster, in which the plane crashed off the coast of Ireland on June 23 1985 as a result of a terrorist attack.

All of us who experienced that had a sense of trauma that people go through when crashes of this kind happen, he said.

More than 200 bodies have been recovered after the Gatwick-bound plane crashed to the ground shortly after take-off.

The police chief in Ahmedabad told the BBC that 204 bodies have been recovered from the crash site. It is not known if all 204 were on the plane, or if some were on the ground when the plane crashed.

Separately, India's federal health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said that "many people" were killed.

Indias Federation of All India Medical Association said 50 to 60 students studying medicine were taken to hospital after the flight crashed into the doctors' hostel.

The association says five students are missing, and at least two are in the intensive care unit.

According to reports, the plane gave a mayday call to air traffic control after taking off, but then gave no response.

Videos circulating online show the plane exploding as it hit the ground, sending a ball of flames above rooftops.

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, chief of India's directorate of civil aviation, said the plane crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar.

There were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals on board.

The King said he was "desperately shocked" by the incident and Buckingham Palace said he was being kept updated on the developing situation.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.

"I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time."

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In a statement on X, India premier Narendra Modi said: "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.

"In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."

Flight tracking website Flightradar24 posted on social media platform X: "We are following reports of a crash of Air India flight #AI171 from Ahmedabad to London.

"We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC (shortly before 9.09am BST), just seconds after take off.

"The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB."

It added that the signal from the aircraft was lost "less than a minute after take-off".

India's Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu says he is "shocked and devastated" at the crash.

"We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.

"Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."

People stand around the debris of an airplane after it crashed in Ahmedabad in Gujarat state. AP Photo/Ajit Solanki

News Catch Up - Thursday 12th June

Air India's chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, says "with profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today".

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," he says.

"At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

"We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.

"Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information."

Gatwick Airport confirmed the plane was due to land in London at 6.25pm UK time.

In a statement on X, the airport said: "We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25."

Air India was acquired by Tata Group from the Indian government in January 2022 after racking up billions of pounds of losses.

The airline's UK operations are at Birmingham, Gatwick and Heathrow, with routes to a number of Indian cities such as Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
By Lolita C Baldor and Tara Copp, Associated Press

By Lolita C Baldor and Tara Copp, Associated Press

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to acknowledge that the Pentagon has developed plans to take over Greenland and Panama by force if necessary, but refused to answer repeated questions on his use of Signal chats to discuss military operations during a hotly combative congressional hearing on Thursday.

Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee repeatedly got into heated exchanges with Mr Hegseth, with some of the toughest lines of questioning coming from military veterans as many demanded yes or no answers and he tried to avoid direct responses about his actions as Pentagon chief.

Pete Hegseth fields questions from the House Armed Services Committee (J Scott Applewhite/AP)

In one back-and-forth, Mr Hegseth did provide an eyebrow-raising answer when Representative Adam Smith asked whether the Pentagon has plans to take Greenland or Panama by force if necessary.

Our job at the Defence Department is to have plans for any contingency, Mr Hegseth said several times.

It is not unusual for the Pentagon to draw up contingency plans for conflicts that have not arisen, but his handling of the questions prompted a Republican lawmaker to step in a few minutes later.

Representative Mike Turner asked: It is not your testimony today that there are plans at the Pentagon for taking by force or invading Greenland, correct?

As Mr Hegseth started to repeat his answer about contingency plans, Mr Turner added emphatically, I sure as hell hope that is not your testimony.

We look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is secured from any potential threats, Mr Hegseth responded.

Time and again, officials pressed Mr Hegseth to answer questions he has avoided for months, including during the two previous days of hearings on Capitol Hill. And frustration boiled over.

Youre an embarrassment to this country. Youre unfit to lead, Salud Carbajal snapped, the California Democrats voice rising. You should just get the hell out.

President Donald Trump has said multiple times that he wants to take control of the strategic, mineral-rich island nation of Greenland, long a US ally.

Those remarks have been met with flat rejections from Greenlands leaders.

Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants to take control of the strategic, mineral-rich island nation of Greenland (Alex Brandon/AP)

Greenland is not for sale, Jacob Isbosethsen, Greenlands representative to the US, said on Thursday at a forum in Washington sponsored by the Arctic Institute.

In an effort not to show the Pentagons hand on its routine effort to have plans for everything, Mr Hegseth danced around the direct question from Mr Smith, leading to the confusion.

Speaking on behalf of the American people, I dont think the American people voted for President Trump because they were hoping we would invade Greenland, Mr Smith said.

Mr Hegseths use of two Signal chats to discuss plans for US strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen with other US leaders as well as members of his family prompted dizzying exchanges with representatives.

He was pressed multiple times over whether or not he shared classified information and if he should face accountability if he did.

Mr Hegseth argued that the classification markings of any information about those military operations could not be discussed.

That became a quick trap, as Mr Hegseth has asserted that nothing he posted  on strike times and munitions dropped in March  was classified. His questioner, Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat and Marine veteran, jumped on the disparity.

You can very well disclose whether or not it was classified, Mr Moulton said.

Whats not classified is that it was an incredible, successful mission, Mr Hegseth responded.

A Pentagon watchdog report on his Signal use is expected soon.

Mr Moulton then asked Mr Hegseth whether he would hold himself accountable if the inspector general finds that he placed classified information on Signal, a commercially available app.

Mr Hegseth would not directly say, only noting that he serves at the pleasure of the president.
A rescue worker puts out a fire of a car near a building which was damaged by a Russian strike in Kharkiv (Ukrainian Emergency Services of Ukraine via AP/PA)

The number of Russian troops killed or wounded in Ukraine has topped one million, military officials in Kyiv said on Thursday, describing the huge price that Moscow has paid for its three-year-old invasion.

The claim by the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces is in line with Western intelligence estimates.

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The UK Ministry of Defence also said in a statement posted Thursday on X that Russia has suffered more than one million casualties, including roughly 250,000 killed since it launched the full-scale invasion on February 24 2022.

On June 3, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington said Russia would likely hit the mark of one million casualties this summer in what it called a stunning and grisly milestone.

Russia last reported its military casualties early in the war when it acknowledged that about 6,000 soldiers had been killed. Earlier this year, the General Staff of the Russian armed forces claimed that Ukrainian military losses had topped one million.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last spoke of Ukrainian military losses in February, when he said in an interview that 45,100 troops had been killed and about 390,000 injured.

The mutual claims of the other sides losses could not be independently verified.

A rescue worker evacuates a woman from a building which was damaged by a Russian strike in Kharkiv (Ukrainian emergency services via AP/PA)

The casualty estimates came as Russian forces pummelled Ukraine with drones and other weapons, killing three people and injuring scores of others despite international pressure to accept a ceasefire.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched 63 drones and decoys at Ukraine overnight. It said that air defences destroyed 28 drones while another 21 were jammed.

Ukrainian police said two people were killed and six were injured in the past 24 hours in the eastern Donetsk region, the focus of the Russian offensive. One person was killed and 14 others were also injured in the southern Kherson region, which is partly occupied by Russian forces, police said.

The authorities in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, said 18 people, including four children, were injured by Russian drone attacks overnight.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said Russian drones targeted residential districts, educational facilities, nurseries and other civilian infrastructure.

Kharkiv is holding on. People are alive. And that is the most important thing, Mr Terekhov said.

Rescue workers put out a fire of a building which was damaged by a Russian strike in Kharkiv (Ukrainian emergency services via AP/PA)

Russia has launched waves of drones and missiles in recent days, with a record bombardment of almost 500 drones on Monday and a wave of 315 drones and seven missiles overnight on Tuesday.

Ukraine responded to the Russian attacks with drone raids.

Russias Defence Ministry said that air defences downed 52 Ukrainian drones early on Thursday, including 41 over the Belgorod region that borders Ukraine.

Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said three people were injured by Ukrainian attacks.

The recent escalation in aerial attacks has come alongside a renewed Russian battlefield push along eastern and northeastern parts of the more than 1,000-kilometre (over 600-mile) front line.

While Russian missile and drone barrage have struck regions all across Ukraine, regions along the front line have faced daily Russian attacks with short-range exploding drones and glide bombs.

A building is seen on fire after a Russian strike in Odesa, Ukraine. (Ukrainian Emergency Services via AP)

On Thursday, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed its troops captured two more villages in the Donetsk region, Oleksiivka and Petrivske. The Ukrainian military had no immediate comment on the Russian claim.

The attacks have continued despite discussions of a potential ceasefire in the war.

During their June 2 talks in Istanbul, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators traded memorandums containing sharply divergent conditions that both sides see as nonstarters, making a quick deal unlikely.

In Rome, Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte commended US President Donald Trump for his crucial move to start direct peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At the same time, Mr Rutte criticised Mr Putin for appointing his aide Vladimir Medinsky as the top negotiator for the talks in Istanbul.

Mr Medinsky ascended through the Kremlin ranks after writing a series of books exposing purported Western plots against Russia and denigrating Ukraine.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte commended US President Donald Trump for his move to start peace talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

I think that the Russians sending this historian now twice to these talks in Istanbul, trying to start with the history of 1,000 years ago and then explaining more or less that Ukraine is at fault here, I think thats not helpful, Mr Rutte said.

But at least step by step, we try to make progress.

Also on Thursday, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit, noting the stepped-up Russian attacks send a message from Moscow that it has no interest in a peaceful solution at present, according to German news agency dpa.

Mr Pistorius said his visit underlines that the new German government continues to stand by Ukraine.

Of course this will also be about how the support of Germany and other Europeans will look in future  what we can do, for example, in the area of industrial co-operation, but also other support, he said.
Pub review: Belfast bar a mecca for those who love live music and comedy

The Empire has plenty of events to keep you occupied,

The Empire

Edwin McFee Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 14:00

One of Northern Irelands most popular pubs, the world-famous, all-conquering Belfast Empire has always seemed to thrive regardless of trends or troubled times.
Bennington, VT (05201)

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 near 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 40%.
CHESHIRE  After years of silence and mounting infrastructure failures, residents of Berkshire Village finally got a face-to-face  albeit virtual  meeting with the owners of their manufactured home park.

The men addressing the residents across miles and time zones via Zoom were Heath Biddlecome and Justin DaMore, managing partner and consulting engineer for Crown Communities, respectively.

Getting those faces on a screen has taken years, said residents of Berkshire Village, a manufactured home park in Cheshire. The last time residents were able to discuss issues in the park directly with Crown was back in 2021, when the company purchased the park.

In the ensuing years, the park  which was neglected by previous owners  has continued to deteriorate. Residents said essential maintenance to the roads, sewer and electrical system went undone, forcing some residents to pay for repairs themselves. As issues piled up, residents said they had trouble reaching Crowns management companies, who are the go-between for the residents and owners.

We have someone who doesnt answer the phone and then we have someone who hangs up the phone, said one resident. We have two non-communicators who are going to try and take care of an emergency. Thats a big problem.

Residents are warily hopeful that the meeting on May 20 was a first step toward creating an open line of communication between themselves and Crown Communities. Getting here has taken the formation of a tenants association and involvement from the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Crown Communities is an investment firm that owns 17 manufactured home parks mostly located in the Midwest. Two years before purchasing Berkshire Village, the company attempted to expand its footprint by purchasing Pocasset Park on Cape Cod. Residents organized and obtained the financing to purchase the park, but Crown Communities took them to court, alleging the residents didnt meet the requirements to buy it under the law that gives them right of first refusal. The lawsuit is ongoing.

Now Crown Communities is attempting to make further inroads into the Northeast. It has submitted an $87.5 million offer for eight manufactured home parks currently owned by MH Communities  one of which is just 20 minutes down the road from Berkshire Village in Pittsfield. Residents there, at Lake Onota Village, are currently in the process of purchasing the park under their right of first refusal.

A DRAWN-OUT TIMELINE

Crown Communities bought Berkshire Village in 2021 for $900,000, after residents declined to exercise their right of first refusal to buy the park.

At the time, the park was already suffering from years of neglect. The roads were riddled with potholes and little things didnt get done in a timely manner, said resident William Moreau.

Things were bad. Theres no ifs, ands or buts about it, Moreau said. However, things werent quite as bad as Crown would try and make it out to be.

The parks septic system posed the biggest concern, Moreau said. The previous owner had not upgraded the failing system for years, prompting an investigation from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

In 2006, after identifying several issues with the site, the department issued an order requiring the owners to begin repairs to the parks septic system, Lauren Moreschi, director of communications for the department, said in an email.

The owners began to repair and upgrade the facilities, but new violations caused the department to issue further enforcement.

When Crown bought the property in 2021, MassDEP issued the company a notice of noncompliance regarding the parks septic system, Moreschi said.

Moreau, who serves as the secretary for the recently formed Berkshire Village Tenants Association, said Crown began work on the septic system in spring of 2022  picking up where the previous owners had left off  before seeming to stall on the project that fall.

According to Moreau, there are 24 failed septic systems currently in use, which are affecting 38 homes. He said the system drains very slowly, tanks require repeated pumping, and raw sewage leaked onto the ground.

One resident went three days with raw sewage in her toilet and bathtub because she couldnt get it to drain, and ended up paying $760 for a plumber to fix the system when Crowns management company did not respond, Moreau said. When the plumber scoped it, he found that the pipe had collapsed.

At the May 20 meeting, Biddlecome said Crown has struggled to find and retain contractors throughout the repair process, a challenge his co-managing partner Alex Cabot also outlined in a letter to Town Administrator Jennifer Morse.

The overall pace of progress was hugely slowed by general difficulties that most of our industry was experiencing in the immediate aftermath of the COVID pandemic, including shortage of labor, supply chain disruptions for parts and equipment and unavailability of sub-contractors, the letter said in part.

Biddlecome said the septic system model has also dragged out the timeline and added expense. Normally, Crown would have used a sand mound septic system  above-ground sand mounds that break down wastewater pollutants.

But that system requires more space and sand than other options. To use that model, Crown would have had to raze between 10 and 15 homes, Biddlecome said.

A lot of thought was put into how to do this and we probably spent double the amount just to make sure that we didnt have to tear down homes, displace people and have giant 8-foot mounds [of sand], Biddlecome said.

Instead, Crown is using a peat moss system, which filters wastewater through several feet of peat rather than sand. In his letter to the town, Cabot said Crown has spent nearly $2 million on the project.

Moreschi said MassDEP is currently working closely with Crown to ensure continued progress toward compliance, and conducts monthly meetings with Crown, the Cheshire Board of Health and park residents.

AGS OFFICE GETS INVOLVED

As issues within the park continued to mount, residents repeatedly tried to contact Crowns changing management companies. Moreau said many of those calls were never answered and if they were, residents were often told it was their issue to fix.

With no direct line to share their concerns with Crown, the residents turned to other parties  the town of Cheshire, MassDEP and the Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office.

Moreau said he and other residents originally reached out to the Attorney Generals Office in January with complaints about Crown requiring that they pay rent through an online portal.

According to the states Manufactured Housing Community Law, a park owner can permit electronic rent payments, but it is unfair for them to require residents to pay rent using any kind of digital, online, internet or wire system.

People were getting behind because they couldnt get into the tenant portal to [pay rent], Moreau said. The management wasn't around at reasonable times to accept checks, and up until this new manager recently they wouldn't even take checks.

In April, tenants reached out to the Attorney Generals Office again, after Crowns management company shared a note threatening to post a "delinquency summary with residents' names and the amounts they owed on a public kiosk in the park.

The management company later posted a note apologizing.

In an email, a spokesperson from the Attorney Generals office said they have received multiple complaints and reports from residents of Berkshire Village relating to road maintenance, septic, water, electrical systems and debt collection issues.

The office is closely reviewing the reports and has been engaging with Crown Communities and its current property company, M. Shapiro Real Estate, on an ongoing basis to resolve the issues, the spokesperson said.

WHERE THINGS STAND

In the May 20 meeting, the lead engineer for the project, Justin DaMore, said the septic system project is 80 percent complete. If the weather held, he said it could be completed within a month.

Once work on the septic system is complete, road repairs will begin and the park should have new roads hopefully by the end of this year, DaMore said.

When all of that work is complete, Cabot said he plans to approach the Cheshire Rent Control Board with a request for an increase in the residents lot rent.

We will be exercising our rights to appeal to your office for a measured increase in site rent in order to allow us to re-capture the expense of the costs that have been incurred to date, as well as to provide the necessary funds to invest in additional capital projects as they become necessary, Cabot said.
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.
BOSTON  Massachusetts is one of just nine states without a "press shield law" that a media advocacy coalition says would protect journalists from being required to disclose their confidential sources and other sensitive information in court.

Coalition members including the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association, Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association and Boston Globe Media say they're making a stronger push this session for a bill (S.1253, H.1738) that would provide "clear safeguards" for confidential sources and sensitive material so that journalists can fulfill their "constitutionally protected watchdog role."

"It is absolutely obvious that we are in a time where we need to pay attention to the shortfall and failure, to date, of Massachusetts to actually pass a press shield law that we so desperately need, given what is happening in the national sphere," longtime bill sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch said on Wednesday.

Springfield diocese settles with man raped in 1960s by late Bishop Weldon The resolution follows two years of contentious litigation with the man, identified only as John Doe in public court filings.

No version of the bill has ever cleared the Judiciary Committee. Organizers said the bill has been proposed for around 15 years, but that they tracked the concept back to the 1970s.

The bill is modeled after the federal Press Act, which the U.S. House passed unanimously in 2024. According to Bob Ambrogi, executive director of the Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association, one of the reasons the coalition chose the federal bill as its model was because it had been "vetted by pretty much every major news organization in the country" and leading media lawyers.

If passed, journalists would not have to name sources or disclose confidential newsgathering information unless the disclosure is necessary to prevent "an act of terrorism" or "a threat of imminent violence, bodily harm, or death." Unless a court finds similar threats, state officials would not be able to force third-party email or phone providers to disclose sensitive records, and journalists and news organizations would be notified before their records are sought by state officials.

Organizers referenced Massachusetts cases in which journalists were challenged when protecting their anonymous sources, namely a 2022 case between The Berkshire Eagle and the Springfield Diocese and another case involving the Boston Globe, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and a physician at the hospital.

Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of Boston Globe Media Dan Krockmalnic said the Globe has filed more than a dozen motions in the last few years to fight subpoenas for information about reporters and sources.

The financial burden and time-consuming nature of those kinds of cases, House bill sponsor Rep. Rich Haggerty said, puts local news specifically at a disadvantage.

"Every single time we see a local news organization challenged, spending resources and money on protecting what should be a First Amendment right already protected  and this law would help that  we know they're not spending those resources on informing our communities," Haggerty said.

Past opposition includes law enforcement, which media lawyer Jon Albano said was concerned that its ability to investigate a crime that has been in the news could be stymied if they aren't able to subpoena a reporter to find out who they've spoken with.

"In general, there's probably some other way they can figure out how to get to that source or get to that information, but it's kind of a shortcut to subpoena the reporter and say, 'Where did you get this information?'" Albano said.

While concerns have existed in the past about shield laws potentially unduly protecting sources in criminal investigations, 41 states and Washington, D.C., have a press shield law, Krockmalnic said.

"The sky has not fallen anywhere there. It will not fall here. And we know that authorities in those jurisdictions regularly and successfully prosecute crimes that are reported on by the press despite the existence of a robust shield law," Krockmalnic said. "But here in Massachusetts, sources provide their information at their own peril. They know that their names and information that they provide can be demanded by the government or by private litigants and must rely on the press's ability and funds to fight on their behalf to try to convince the court that we deserve protection."

The Eagle fights Springfield diocese's request for reporters notes on clergy rape in effort to protect confidential sources The diocese says the reporter's notes are crucial for its case. But producing them could reveal the identity of a confidential source who was promised anonymity. The court is poised to decide.

The bill defines a covered journalist as "a person who regularly and credibly gathers, prepares, collects, photographs, records, writes, edits, reports, investigates, or publishes news or information in a professional manner that concerns local, national, or international events or other matters of public interest for dissemination to the public."

"It is our intention to not overly constrain how a journalist or journalism or the act of newsgathering is defined in legislation," Krockmalnic said. "If you are plausibly engaged in the act of newsgathering, then the law should apply to you."
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ICICI Bank commits over Rs 550 Cr to Tata Memorial Centre to expand cancer care in Visakhapatnam

June 12, 2025 | Thursday | News

ICICI Bank and Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) lay foundation stone for advanced cancer care block

image credit- shutterstock

ICICI Bank, in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), has announced commencement of the construction of a new building at the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

With a commitment of over Rs 550 crore, the Bank is funding the construction of a state-of-the-art facility spanning nearly 3.9 lakh square feet, equipped with cutting-edge medical technology.

Once operational, the eight-storied new building, ICICI Foundation Block for Child and Blood Cancer, will serve 3,000 patients annually. Currently, HBCHRC, Visakhapatnam has a capacity of handling 6,200 patients annually.

Designed as one of the largest specialised cancer facilities in Eastern India, the new building will house over 215 beds. It is expected to be completed by 2027, subject to necessary approvals. ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth, the CSR arm of ICICI Bank, will oversee its implementation.

Dr Girish Chinnaswamy, Professor & Head, Paediatric Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai said, Paediatric & Hematolymphoid Cancers require specialised care in terms of diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, support services including blood centre, nutrition, rehabilitation etc. and expertise. At HBCHRC Visakhapatnam currently, we have been registering approximately 200 new paediatric cancer and 350-400 hematolymphoid cancer patients every year in the past 3 years. With the new block added we will be able to augment the existing services substantially including expansion of bone marrow transplant programme and also initiate immunotherapy. This will also provide ample opportunities to undertake research related to patients in this region.
SBB is sidelining Coca-Cola: in future, Vivi Kola will be served in SBB train restaurants. (theme picture) Picture: Keystone/Georgios Kefalas

SBB is saying goodbye to Coca-Cola and is switching to the Swiss drink Vivi Kola in its train restaurants. This decision is part of a larger initiative to promote regional products.

No time? blue News summarizes for you SBB is removing Coca-Cola from its train restaurants and offering the Swiss drink Vivi Kola instead.

According to a media report, this measure is part of a strategy aimed at promoting Swissness and regional products.

The decision affects 120 trains throughout Switzerland.

It is said to have nothing to do with the trade war sparked by US President Donald Trump. Show more

SBB has decided to remove Coca-Cola from its train restaurants and offer the Swiss drink Vivi Kola instead. According to Blick, this measure is part of a strategy aimed at promoting Swissness and regional products. The decision affects 120 trains throughout Switzerland and is said to have nothing to do with the trade war sparked by US President Donald Trump.

This change to the product range in SBB train restaurants comes shortly after it was announced that Migros and its subsidiary Denner have also taken measures against the US beverage manufacturer and its purchase prices.

While these measures are likely to be temporary until the Swiss Coca-Cola bottler withdraws announced price increases, SBB's decision is permanent. SBB spokeswoman Carmen Hefti told the newspaper that "we have made a conscious decision to set an example for Swissness". The railroad is convinced of the quality of Vivi Kola. The price of a bottle remains unchanged at CHF 5.40.

Super T and Fizzy also on the train

Vivi Kola was originally launched in 1938 by Mineralquelle Eglisau and revived in 2010 by Vicollective AG from Zurich. Elvetino, the rail subsidiary of SBB, serves around 14,000 guests a day with Swiss products, which should have a positive impact on Vivi Kola's growth.

In addition to Vivi Kola and Vivi Kola Zero, the new SBB summer menu also offers apple spritzer and Super T from Ramseier as well as Fizzy from Ticino. According to Blick, the menu is updated four times a year to include seasonal and regional products.

According to Hefti, prices are regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure high quality and Swissness. Some products, such as Ovomaltine and Chocolat Cailler, have risen slightly in price, while others have been reduced.

This article was created with the help of AI.

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Ryanair chief executive, Michael OLeary, this year received a pay-package of 3.83 million that included bonus payments of 600,000.

That is according to the 2025 annual report by Ryanair, which shows that Mr OLeary received the maximum bonus possible of 600,000, or 50 per cent of basic pay under his contract, as Ryanair recorded pre-tax profits of 1.78 billion on the back of revenues climbing to 13.94 billion.

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The airline achieved the revenues as passenger numbers increased by nine per cent to a record 200 million for the first time.

Mr OLearys pay package was made up of basic pay of 1.2 million, a bonus payment of 600,000 and share options of 2.03 million.

A note attached to the accounts states that the 2.03 million component is through the company recording a technical non-cash accounting charge in relation to share options granted to Mr OLeary.

The note states that no such payment was made to Mr OLeary and the share options remain unvested.

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At the end of May, Mr OLeary qualified for share options worth more than 100 million and the 64 year old will have to stay at Ryanair until the end of July 2028 to collect the share options.

The annual report shows that Ryanairs Irish based revenues last year totalled 757.5 million which were down four per cent on the Irish revenues of 791 million.

The airlines Irish business accounted for 5.4 per cent of overall revenues as Italy was the airlines most lucrative market at 2.96 billion, followed by Spain at 2.47 billion and UK revenues of 2.04 billion.

In his message to shareholders, Mr OLeary said that our home market in Dublin is also being hampered by failed regulation and political inaction.

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He said that at Dublin airport over 320 million has been invested in a new 2nd runway, which doubles the capacity of Irelands main airport from 32 million to over 60 million passengers per annum.

He said that "Dublins airlines are prevented from using this growth capacity, because an 18-year-old planning restriction artificially caps Dublin Airport traffic at 32 million p.a, over fears (in 2007), that road access around Dublin Airport would be overwhelmed at this volume of passengers".

He said that Irelands newly elected Government committed to removing this outdated traffic cap, yet three months later no action has been taken.

He said: Only in Ireland would we allow this vital access infrastructure to be built, but then refuse our airlines and citizens the ability to use it, due to bureaucratic failure to abolish an absurd and outdated planning restriction. This is a clear example of the sort of regulatory failure, which the Draghi Report has encouraged Europe to reform and remove.

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The annual report also makes reference to the Data Protection Commission (DPC) here launching an inquiry into Ryanairs booking verification process last October.

The report states that Ryanair has engaged with the DPC "explaining that its verification requirement is designed to ensure compliance with safety and security protocols, and that the process of verification fully complies with the requirements of the GDPR".

The report states that the inquiry is expected to take at least one year "and while Ryanair is confident in its position, the DPC may ultimately find that the verification process has not fully complied with the GDPR, which could lead to the imposition of a substantial fine".

In his message to shareholders, Mr OLeary says that the biggest medium term challenge we face, remains the risk to Boeing deliveries.

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He said: While the final units of our 210 Boeing 737-8200 order were contracted to deliver in December 2024, at our March 2025 year end Boeing left us short 34 of these deliveries.

He said: We got five more in April but the remaining 29 are not expected to deliver until the second half of FY26, hopefully in time for summer 2026.

Ireland Martin says defamation reforms will happen quickl... Read More

"The quality and timeliness of Boeing deliveries has recently improved under their new management, but this needs to be reflected in rising monthly production if Boeing is to erase its current delivery backlog.

Mr OLeary states that over the next decade Ryanair hope to buy 300 more Boeing MAX-10 aircraft, to grow to 300m guests per annum and to create approximately 10,000 new jobs.

The aggregate amount of compensation paid by Ryanair to its key management personnel was 14.7 million including a 4.2 million non-cash technical accounting charge in relation to unvested share options.

In the 12 months to the end of March, the airline employed an average of 27,076 as staff costs totalled 1.75 billion.
Three teenagers have been charged following disorder in Ballymena.

The three males, aged 15, 17 and 18 years, have been charged with riot, while the 15-year-old has also been charged with criminal damage following scenes in the Co Antrim town on Tuesday night.

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They are to appear before Ballymena Magistrates Court later.

Meanwhile, two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries.

A PSNI vehicle near to debris on fire during a third night of disorder in Ballymena, Co Antrim (Liam McBurney/PA)

Police in Northern Ireland condemned a third consecutive night of completely unacceptable disorder on Thursday morning.

They said on Wednesday night in Ballymena, their officers came under sustained attack with multiple petrol bombs, a hatchet, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown at them.

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Officers responded with water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds in an attempt to disperse crowds in the town.

Nine officers were injured, while two men, aged in their 20s, and one in their 30s, along with two teenagers, were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences in connection with the disorder on Wednesday.

Police said officers discharged a number of Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and the water cannon was deployed once again in an attempt to disperse and calm crowds.

Meanwhile, police said they responded to an attack on the local leisure centre in Larne.

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Masked protesters blocked local roads in the Marine Highway area of Carrickfergus, a teenager was arrested in Newtownabbey following disorder in the Station Road area and in Coleraine, a bus was attacked, bins were set alight on the train tracks, and petrol bombs were thrown at police.

They added that associated protests passed without incident in the Antrim and Lisburn areas, and there were mainly peaceful protests in Belfast.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson speaks during a press conference at PSNI headquarters in east Belfast on Wednesday (Rebecca Black/PA)

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said there was a significant policing operation on Wednesday night.

What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services, he said.

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Police officers came under attack from petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry.

A hatchet was also thrown at police lines during this disorder in a clear attempt to seriously injure our officers, and I thank them once again for their continued efforts putting themselves on the line keeping our streets safe.

We made six arrests last night during this disorder, and more will follow. We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder, and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law.

Firefighters outside Larne Leisure Centre following a fire and vandalism at the facility (Liam McBurney/PA)

We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterdays disorder, and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.

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I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterdays rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and its impact. I would also appeal for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions.

Earlier, Secretary of State Hilary Benn described scenes as shocking, adding there is absolutely no justification for civil disorder.

He told the BBCs Good Morning Ulster programme: This is not what Northern Ireland is about, this is not what we want the rest of the world to see.

We all, as elected representatives, have a responsibility to seek to calm things down, to support those in the community trying to keep people safe, principally the PSNI, to work with community leaders to lower tensions.

Whatever views people hold, there is no justification for trying to burn people out of their homes, that is what is going on, and that is what needs to stop because it is shocking and damaging, and it reflects very badly of the image of Northern Ireland that we all want to send to the rest of the world.

Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long said it has been a three-day festival of hate and destruction which needs to stop before someone loses their life.

She said she will be seeking additional funding for the PSNI in the June Monitoring Round.

She also commended the PSNI for seeking support through a mutual aid request for additional officers from Great Britain.

This is not just a few days of violence, this has been wanton destruction on a huge scale, and any police service in these islands who are dealing with this kind of pressure, dealing with the number of officers, now close to 50, who have been injured in the last few days, would clearly be feeling the challenge and the strain, she told the BBC.

Wednesday marked the third night of violence in Ballymena (Jonathan McCambridge/PA)

The leisure centre had temporarily been used as an emergency shelter for those in urgent need following disturbances in Ballymena earlier in the week.

Northern Ireland's Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who highlighted the use of the building in a social media post, said all those who had been staying at the leisure centre are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.

SDLP MLA Matthew OToole, the leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, said he would refer Mr Lyons to the standards commission following the fire.

In the town on Wednesday, the PSNI deployed riot police for a third night in a row as hundreds gathered around the Clonavon Terrace area.

At least one protester was struck by plastic baton rounds fired by police, while officers also used a water cannon on the crowd.

Officers used dog units and drones in their response to the gathering.

Riot police with shields advanced on the crowd to disperse them down Bridge Street onto other roads.

PSNI vehicles formed a barricade outside The Braid, Ballymena Town Hall Museum and Arts Centre (Liam McBurney/PA)

They came under sustained attack as those participating in the disorder hurled petrol bombs, masonry and fireworks at police vehicles and officers standing nearby.

Rioters smashed the windows of a house on North Street and set multiple fires on streets in the surrounding area.

The disorder and stand-off with police continued past midnight.

The PSNI have also noted scenes of disorder in Belfast, Lisburn, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey earlier in the week, as businesses, homes and cars were attacked and damaged.

By Wednesday, six individuals had been arrested for public order offences, and one was charged.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he utterly condemns violence which left 32 police officers injured after the second night of disturbances.

Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, right, met residents in Clonavon Terrace on Tuesday (Niall Carson/PA)

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned the rioting risks undermining the criminal justice process into an allegation of a sex attack on a teenage girl in Ballymena at the weekend.

Stormont ministers have also made an urgent appeal for calm and said the justice process had to be allowed to take its course.

Northern Ireland's First Minister, Michelle ONeill, and Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, appeared together on Wednesday to voice their condemnation.

Sinn Fein vice-president Ms ONeill told reporters in Belfast: Its pure racism, there is no other way to dress it up.

Ms Little-Pengelly described the scenes in Ballymena as unacceptable thuggery.

Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly speak to media at the Ulster Hall in Belfast on Wednesday (David Young/PA)

With the protests focused in predominantly loyalist areas in Ballymena, Ms ONeill said she did not believe it would be helpful for her to visit in the current context. DUP MLA Ms Little-Pengelly met residents in the town on Wednesday and said the local community are in fear and wanted the violence to stop.

The key message here today is around that violence, and that the violence needs to stop, thats what the community wants to put across, and thats why Im here to send that very clear and united message from right throughout the community and local residents for that to stop, she said.

The violence began around Clonavon Terrace on Monday night following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area.

Two teenage boys, who spoke to a court through a Romanian interpreter, have been charged.
A variety of stories feature on Irish front pages on Thursday morning.

The Irish Times lead with Beaumont hospital's waiting list funding being suspended, an autistic man's mother claiming he has been kept in a psychiatric unit for five years because the HSE has been unable to source an appropriate care facility for him, and Department of Transport officials having warned Minister of State Sean Canney not to attend a Tesla event earlier this year.

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The Irish Examiner lead with a publican speaking out after his staff were threatened online after a far-right politician claimed rally attendees were asked to leave his bar, schools being able to purchase their own phone pouches, Cork needing two new fire stations, and anxiety among undocumented Irish in the US, despite the Trump administration denying plans to send illegal immigrants to Guantanamo Bay.

The Echo lead with a report saying that at least two new fire stations are needed in Cork city by 2035, and a public consultation opening for the Mary Street, Douglas Street, and White Street public realm enhancement scheme.

The Belfast Telegraph lead with migrant families in Ballymena planning to leave Northern Ireland after their homes were attacked during riots.

The Irish Daily Mail and the Irish Independent both lead with the Government fast-tracking legislation to expand Rent Pressure Zones nationwide to save renters from rent hikes.

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The Irish Daily Mirror lead with the undocumented Irish in the US fearing potential deportation to Guantanamo Bay as Donald Trump ramps up his war on immigration.

The Irish Daily Star and The Herald both lead with the widow of murder victim Jason Hennessy Snr being ordered by a judge to pay more than 11,000 for the care of her four XL bully dogs, which were seized after one escaped and terrorised gardai.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to acknowledge that the Pentagon has developed plans to take over Greenland and Panama by force if necessary, but refused to answer repeated questions on his use of Signal chats to discuss military operations during a hotly combative congressional hearing on Thursday.

Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee repeatedly got into heated exchanges with Mr Hegseth, with some of the toughest lines of questioning coming from military veterans as many demanded yes or no answers and he tried to avoid direct responses about his actions as Pentagon chief.

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Pete Hegseth fields questions from the House Armed Services Committee (J Scott Applewhite/AP)

In one back-and-forth, Mr Hegseth did provide an eyebrow-raising answer when Representative Adam Smith asked whether the Pentagon has plans to take Greenland or Panama by force if necessary.

Our job at the Defence Department is to have plans for any contingency, Mr Hegseth said several times.

It is not unusual for the Pentagon to draw up contingency plans for conflicts that have not arisen, but his handling of the questions prompted a Republican lawmaker to step in a few minutes later.

Representative Mike Turner asked: It is not your testimony today that there are plans at the Pentagon for taking by force or invading Greenland, correct?

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As Mr Hegseth started to repeat his answer about contingency plans, Mr Turner added emphatically, I sure as hell hope that is not your testimony.





We look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is secured from any potential threats, Mr Hegseth responded.

Time and again, officials pressed Mr Hegseth to answer questions he has avoided for months, including during the two previous days of hearings on Capitol Hill. And frustration boiled over.

Youre an embarrassment to this country. Youre unfit to lead, Salud Carbajal snapped, the California Democrats voice rising. You should just get the hell out.

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President Donald Trump has said multiple times that he wants to take control of the strategic, mineral-rich island nation of Greenland, long a US ally.

Those remarks have been met with flat rejections from Greenlands leaders.



Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants to take control of the strategic, mineral-rich island nation of Greenland (Alex Brandon/AP)

Greenland is not for sale, Jacob Isbosethsen, Greenlands representative to the US, said on Thursday at a forum in Washington sponsored by the Arctic Institute.

In an effort not to show the Pentagons hand on its routine effort to have plans for everything, Mr Hegseth danced around the direct question from Mr Smith, leading to the confusion.

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Speaking on behalf of the American people, I dont think the American people voted for President Trump because they were hoping we would invade Greenland, Mr Smith said.

Mr Hegseths use of two Signal chats to discuss plans for US strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen with other US leaders as well as members of his family prompted dizzying exchanges with representatives.

He was pressed multiple times over whether or not he shared classified information and if he should face accountability if he did.





Mr Hegseth argued that the classification markings of any information about those military operations could not be discussed.

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That became a quick trap, as Mr Hegseth has asserted that nothing he posted  on strike times and munitions dropped in March  was classified. His questioner, Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat and Marine veteran, jumped on the disparity.

You can very well disclose whether or not it was classified, Mr Moulton said.

Whats not classified is that it was an incredible, successful mission, Mr Hegseth responded.

A Pentagon watchdog report on his Signal use is expected soon.

Mr Moulton then asked Mr Hegseth whether he would hold himself accountable if the inspector general finds that he placed classified information on Signal, a commercially available app.

Mr Hegseth would not directly say, only noting that he serves at the pleasure of the president.
More than 240 people were killed when an Air India plane bound for London crashed moments after taking off from the city of Ahmedabad on Thursday, authorities said, in the world's worst aviation disaster in a decade.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, with 242 people on board, which was headed for Gatwick Airport had only one survivor after it crashed onto a medical college hostel during lunch hour.

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The sole survivor is a British national of Indian origin and is being treated in a hospital, the airline confirmed. The man told Indian media how he had heard a loud noise shortly after Flight AI171 took off.

"We are still verifying the number of dead, including those killed in the building where the plane crashed," Vidhi Chaudhary, a top state police officer, told Reuters.

She said the death toll was more than 240, revising down a previous toll of 294 as it included body parts that had been double counted. It was not immediately clear how many of the dead had been on the aircraft or on the ground.

The only known surviving passenger was in seat 11A, next to an emergency exit, Chaudhary said, adding that there could be more survivors in hospital.

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"Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed," 40-year-old Ramesh Viswashkumar told the Hindustan Times, which showed a boarding pass for seat 11A in that name online.

"It all happened so quickly," he told the paper from his hospital bed.

"When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me," he said. "Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital."

He said that his brother, Ajay, was seated in a different row on the plane. "He was travelling with me and I can't find him anymore. Please help me find him," he said.

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Rescue officials work at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12th, 2025.(Photo by Sam Panthaky / AFP)

The aircraft came down in a residential area, crashing onto a medical college hostel outside the airport during lunch hour, in the world's worst aviation disaster in a decade. More than 290 people were killed in the crash. The dead included some on the ground.

Media briefing

The plane bound for Gatwick airport in London crashed shortly after takeoff from India's western city of Ahmedabad shortly after 9am IST.

A spokesperson for Indias external affairs ministry said, we have lost a lot of people.

Randhir Jaiswal told a media briefing: What has happened in Ahmedabad is a very tragic accident. We have lost a lot of people.

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We extend our deepest condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones.

There are, I understand, several foreigners also.

The airlines chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, described the incident as a tragic accident and a devastating event and said emergency response teams were at the site.

"The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel... we have cleared almost 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the area and will clear the rest soon," a senior police officer told reporters.

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India's CNN News-18 TV channels said the plane crashed on top of the dining area of state-run B.J. Medical College hostel, killing many medical students as well. It showed a visual of a portion of the aircraft perched atop the building.

Rescue workers said earlier that at least 30 to 35 bodies had been recovered from the site and that more people were trapped.

More people were trapped inside, the rescue workers said.

Air India said the flight was departing from Ahmedabad airport with 242 people onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The airline said 169 passengers are Indian nationals, 53 are British, one is Canadian, and seven are Portuguese.

The Reuters news agency reported that 217 adults and 11 children were on board the flight.

In a statement, Mr Chandrasekaran said: With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event.

At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.

He added: An emergency centre has been activated and a support team have been set up for families seeking information.

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, director general of Indias directorate of civil aviation, told the Associated Press the crash happened in the Meghani Nagar area at 1.38pm local time (9.08am BST).

Mr Kidwai said there were 232 passengers and 12 crew members onboard.

It is the first crash involving a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.

Firefighters work at the site of the airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state. Photo: AP

Crashed 'seconds after take off'

Flight tracking website Flightradar24 posted on social media platform X: We are following reports of a crash of Air India flight #AI171 from Ahmedabad to London.

We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC (shortly before 9.09am BST), just seconds after take off.

The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB.

It added that the signal from the aircraft was lost less than a minute after take off.

According to air traffic control at Ahmedabad Airport, the aircraft departed at 1.39 p.m. (0809 GMT) from runway 23. It gave a "Mayday" call, signalling an emergency, but thereafter there was no response from the aircraft.

One television channel showed the plane taking off over a residential area and then disappearing from the screen before a huge jet of fire can be seen rising into the sky from beyond the houses.

Visuals also showed debris on fire, with thick black smoke rising up into the sky near the airport.

They also showed people being moved in stretchers and being taken away in ambulances.

"My sister-in-law was going to London. Within an hour, I got news that the plane had crashed," Poonam Patel, a relative of one of the passengers, told news agency ANI at the government hospital in Ahmedabad.

Ramila, the mother of a student at the medical college, told ANI her son had gone to the hostel for his lunch break when the plane crashed. "My son is safe, and I have spoken to him. He jumped from the second floor, so he suffered some injuries," she said.

A man has described many bodies lying on the ground after a Gatwick-bound plane crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad Airport.

He wore a surgical mask during the translated interview that aired on BBC News.

Smoke appeared to billow behind him and people in military uniform and masks could be seen walking around.

The man, who was not named, told the reporter: I was sitting at home, there was a loud noise, it felt like an earthquake.

I came out and saw smoke, I didnt realise it was a plane crash, then I came here and I found out and I saw the crashed plane  there were many bodies lying on the ground.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the crash involving an Air India plane bound for Gatwick was heartbreaking beyond words.

British Minister Keir Starmer said, The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating, adding he was being kept updated as the situation develops.

Air India was acquired by the Tata Group from the Indian government in January 2022 after racking up billions of pounds of losses.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner

The first flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft involved in the crash was in December 2013.

The plane was delivered to Air India during the following month.

No Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft had crashed until the Ahmedabad incident.

The aircraft type, which entered service in 2011, is described by the US manufacturer as the bestselling passenger widebody of all time with more than 2,000 orders from 89 customers.

The planes have carried more than one billion passengers on nearly five million flights.

Air India has 34 of the aircraft in its fleet, according to aviation analysts Cirium.

The jet is flown by a number of other airlines, such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Tui Airways.

It increases fuel efficiency by up to 25 per cent compared with the planes it replaces, largely because of modern engines, using lightweight materials and improved aerodynamics.

Recent concerns over the safety of Boeing aircraft have generally related to its 737 Max aircraft.

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by Ethiopian Airlines caught fire while parked at Heathrow airport with no passengers onboard in 2013.

An investigation found the fire was probably caused by a short circuit.

Additional reporting by Reuters
The number of Russian troops killed or wounded in Ukraine has topped one million, military officials in Kyiv said on Thursday, describing the huge price that Moscow has paid for its three-year-old invasion.

The claim by the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces is in line with Western intelligence estimates.

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The UK Ministry of Defence also said in a statement posted Thursday on X that Russia has suffered more than one million casualties, including roughly 250,000 killed since it launched the full-scale invasion on February 24 2022.

On June 3, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington said Russia would likely hit the mark of one million casualties this summer in what it called a stunning and grisly milestone.

Russia last reported its military casualties early in the war when it acknowledged that about 6,000 soldiers had been killed. Earlier this year, the General Staff of the Russian armed forces claimed that Ukrainian military losses had topped one million.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last spoke of Ukrainian military losses in February, when he said in an interview that 45,100 troops had been killed and about 390,000 injured.

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The mutual claims of the other sides losses could not be independently verified.



A rescue worker evacuates a woman from a building which was damaged by a Russian strike in Kharkiv (Ukrainian emergency services via AP/PA)

The casualty estimates came as Russian forces pummelled Ukraine with drones and other weapons, killing three people and injuring scores of others despite international pressure to accept a ceasefire.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched 63 drones and decoys at Ukraine overnight. It said that air defences destroyed 28 drones while another 21 were jammed.

Ukrainian police said two people were killed and six were injured in the past 24 hours in the eastern Donetsk region, the focus of the Russian offensive. One person was killed and 14 others were also injured in the southern Kherson region, which is partly occupied by Russian forces, police said.

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The authorities in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, said 18 people, including four children, were injured by Russian drone attacks overnight.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said Russian drones targeted residential districts, educational facilities, nurseries and other civilian infrastructure.

Kharkiv is holding on. People are alive. And that is the most important thing, Mr Terekhov said.



Rescue workers put out a fire of a building which was damaged by a Russian strike in Kharkiv (Ukrainian emergency services via AP/PA)

Russia has launched waves of drones and missiles in recent days, with a record bombardment of almost 500 drones on Monday and a wave of 315 drones and seven missiles overnight on Tuesday.

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Ukraine responded to the Russian attacks with drone raids.

Russias Defence Ministry said that air defences downed 52 Ukrainian drones early on Thursday, including 41 over the Belgorod region that borders Ukraine.

Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said three people were injured by Ukrainian attacks.

The recent escalation in aerial attacks has come alongside a renewed Russian battlefield push along eastern and northeastern parts of the more than 1,000-kilometre (over 600-mile) front line.

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While Russian missile and drone barrage have struck regions all across Ukraine, regions along the front line have faced daily Russian attacks with short-range exploding drones and glide bombs.



A building is seen on fire after a Russian strike in Odesa, Ukraine. (Ukrainian Emergency Services via AP)

On Thursday, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed its troops captured two more villages in the Donetsk region, Oleksiivka and Petrivske. The Ukrainian military had no immediate comment on the Russian claim.

The attacks have continued despite discussions of a potential ceasefire in the war.

During their June 2 talks in Istanbul, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators traded memorandums containing sharply divergent conditions that both sides see as nonstarters, making a quick deal unlikely.

In Rome, Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte commended US President Donald Trump for his crucial move to start direct peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At the same time, Mr Rutte criticised Mr Putin for appointing his aide Vladimir Medinsky as the top negotiator for the talks in Istanbul.

Mr Medinsky ascended through the Kremlin ranks after writing a series of books exposing purported Western plots against Russia and denigrating Ukraine.



Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte commended US President Donald Trump for his move to start peace talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

I think that the Russians sending this historian now twice to these talks in Istanbul, trying to start with the history of 1,000 years ago and then explaining more or less that Ukraine is at fault here, I think thats not helpful, Mr Rutte said.

But at least step by step, we try to make progress.

Also on Thursday, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit, noting the stepped-up Russian attacks send a message from Moscow that it has no interest in a peaceful solution at present, according to German news agency dpa.

Mr Pistorius said his visit underlines that the new German government continues to stand by Ukraine.

Of course this will also be about how the support of Germany and other Europeans will look in future  what we can do, for example, in the area of industrial co-operation, but also other support, he said.
Russian forces pummelled Ukraine with drones and other weapons on Thursday, killing three people and injuring scores of others despite international pressure to accept a ceasefire, officials said.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched a barrage of 63 drones and decoys at Ukraine overnight. It said that air defences destroyed 28 drones while another 21 were jammed.

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Ukraines police said two people were killed and six were injured over the past 24 hours in the eastern Donetsk region, the focus of the Russian offensive.

One person was killed and 14 others were also injured in the southern Kherson region, which is partly occupied by Russian forces, police said.



A rescue worker evacuates a woman from a building which was damaged by a Russian strike in Kharkiv (Ukrainian emergency services via AP/PA)

The head of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, said 15 people, including four children, were injured by Russian drone attacks overnight.

Kharkiv city mayor Ihor Terekhov said Russian drones targeted residential districts, educational facilities, nurseries and other civilian infrastructure.

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Kharkiv is holding on. People are alive. And that is the most important thing, Mr Terekhov said.

The Russian military has launched waves of drones and missiles in recent days, with a record bombardment of almost 500 drones on Monday and a wave of 315 drones and seven missiles overnight on Tuesday.

The recent escalation in aerial attacks has come alongside a renewed Russian battlefield push along eastern and north-eastern parts of the 600-mile front line.

While Russian missile and drone barrage have struck regions all across Ukraine, regions along the front line have faced daily Russian attacks with short-range exploding drones and glide bombs.

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Ukraine hit back with drone raids, with Russias defence ministry saying air defences downed 52 Ukrainian drones early on Thursday, including 41 over the Belgorod region that borders Ukraine.



Rescue workers put out a fire of a building which was damaged by a Russian strike in Kharkiv (Ukrainian emergency services via AP/PA)

Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said three people were injured by Ukrainian attacks.

The attacks have continued despite discussions of a potential ceasefire in the war.

During their June 2 talks in Istanbul, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators traded memorandums containing sharply divergent conditions that both sides see as non-starters, making any quick deal unlikely.

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Speaking at a meeting of leaders of south-east European countries in Odesa, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Union to toughen its latest package of sanctions against Russia.

He argued that lowering the cap on the price of Russian oil from 60 US dollars (44) to 45 dollars (33) as the bloc has proposed is not enough.

German defence minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on Thursday on an unannounced visit, noting that the stepped-up Russian attacks on Ukraine send a message from Moscow that it has no interest in a peaceful solution at present, according to German news agency dpa.

Pistorius said his visit underlines that the new German government continues to stand by Ukraine.

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Of course this will also be about how the support of Germany and other Europeans will look in future  what we can do, for example, in the area of industrial co-operation, but also other support, he said.
Got cold feet in this bone-chilling winter weather? The answer is something many of us have snubbed our noses at for decades: ugg boots.

I spent the last European winter swanning about Copenhagen streets in my Australian sheep-skin boots, and it was like wearing a hug on each foot. It made me feel joyous and invincible in the Arctic wind and darkness. Durable and water-resistant with non-slip plastic soles, they were perfect in the snow, rain and sleet.

Ugg boots, perfect for every occasion. Credit: iStock

Danes didnt bat an eyelid  whether youre talking about the trademarked UGGS or other sheep-skin shoes, they fit perfectly into their concept of hygge (cosiness). They have a saying: There is no such thing as bad weather, just poor clothing choices.

And according to British Vogue, my choice of winter footwear was very on trend. There are frequent ugg sightings in the fashion bibles London HQ because every staffer following a strict Prada diet ... has wavered when faced with the plush inner of an ugg. The style boffins even elevated the surfer girl go-to shoe to formal-wear, with the headline: Ugg boots are the ultimate alternative party shoe.
They were charged with conspiring to shoot at a dwelling intending to cause grievous bodily harm, shooting at a dwelling as part of organised criminal activity, damage property of more than $15,000 by fire and participating in a criminal group. Abdulrahim was also charged with acquiring a pistol in contravention of a firearms prohibition order. All three were refused police bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Friday. Around the same time in Greystanes, two 17-year-old boys were apprehended in a citizens arrest after members of the public allegedly saw a Ford Territory driving erratically before crashing on Prospect Road. Police are investigating if the crash is linked to the shooting at Elmoubayeds home. During a search of the car, police allegedly found and seized jerry cans containing fuel, bleach, balaclavas and a knife. The boys, one of whom was wanted over his alleged involvement in a home invasion in February, were charged with a number of offences, including participating in a criminal group. Both were refused bail to face a childrens court on Friday. At Parramatta, Elmoubayed, a former bodyguard to Rafat Alameddine, was unaware of the shooting until he and his lawyer, Jaad Krayem, were stopped by a highway patrol car while crossing the street after the trio was arrested.

Alameddine, the alleged kingpin of the crime family, has been living in Lebanon as a free man since fleeing Australia in November 2022. Since then, Elmoubayed has allegedly risen to the top of the networks local operation. Police allege Alameddine and John Bayssari were part of the criminal conspiracy to murder their gangland enemy Ibrahem Hamze in August 2021. Elmoubayed, who was accompanied at court by an associate, declined to comment on the shooting when approached by the Herald. Several other associates arrived and flanked Elmoubayed soon after he was informed of the shooting. In April, Elmoubayed was granted strict bail in the NSW Supreme Court on dozens of charges, including supplying a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug, dealing with the proceeds of crime, kidnapping, and knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group.

On Thursday afternoon, Magistrate Cate Follent granted Elmoubayeds application to move to high-rise apartment building in Sydney, despite prosecutors arguing police intelligence suggested a number of high-ranking organised crime members lived in the same building and in the area. Elmoubayeds Merrylands home was targeted in a drive-by shooting. Credit: Janie Barrett There is intelligence of other criminally concerned persons there, prosecutor Anneka Narayan told the court. Narayan told the court Elmoubayed would be able to mix with other organised crime figures within the building without being monitored in the way he could at his current address. But Elmoubayeds barrister, Peter Kondich, told the court that the extra security features of the building would offer greater protection to Elmoubayed, his pregnant wife and three young children who had been living at the Merrylands home.

Its for those safety reasons that hes seeking refuge in such a building in such a location, Kondich said. One of the three men arrested following the shooting in Merrylands. Credit: NSW Police Those security features can only be the benefit of Mr Elmoubayed and his family members. Kondich said there had been a number of threats on the applicants life, including this morning. Sadly those exact threats have materialised into very, very serious events which have transpired, Kondich said.

The attack on Elmoubayeds home is the latest gangland shooting under the microscope of Taskforce Falcon. It was established last month after several underworld-linked murders, including the killing of Alameddine associate Dawood Zakaria, 32, during the attempted assassination of Samimjan Azari in Granville on May 25. Police allege Azari, 26, is one of the criminal networks most senior members not serving a lengthy prison term or to have fled overseas. Taskforce commander Jason Box said police were concerned by ongoing internal divisions among organised crime networks as shootings continued, but insisted the violence linked to the conflicts hadnt escalated. It is concerning that its happening in the public domain, he said.

Theres been person shot in public streets, theres incidents such as this, and thats why Taskforce Falcon has been established  to suppress this and hopefully arrest all those persons involved. Its something that we will not tolerate. The recent spate of shootings has sparked fears of further attacks in the underworld. Elmoubayed is one of several figures taking measures to make themselves less predictable after the attempted assassination of Azari, who police believe was followed after reporting to a police station minutes earlier. Ali Younes, known as rapper Ay Huncho, varied his bail conditions, which now allow him to report to police via telephone rather than in person. Alameddine associate Ali Younes, widely known as the rapper Ay Huncho, last week varied his bail conditions, which now allow him to report to police via telephone rather than in person. Earlier on Thursday afternoon, Elmoubayed watched on as Emad Sleiman, who the court heard was one of his and Azaris associates at the top of the food chain, was granted bail. The decision came despite prosecutors warning he was at significant risk of fleeing the country.

Sleiman was one of several alleged Alameddine members and associates charged in March under Strike Force Sheringham, an operation investigating the crime clans alleged involvement in the illicit tobacco trade. Loading Sleiman was charged with knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group, taking or detaining a person, and aggravated break and enter for his alleged role in the attempted robbery of tens of thousands of dollars worth of illicit tobacco from a Condell Park storage unit. Police allege during the attempted robbery, three men were held hostage, and had their arms and legs bound. One of the mens toes was partially severed. Police prosecutor Brian Lowe told the court Sleiman was at risk of fleeing the country, as other Alameddine members had done.

This is an organised crime network  where people have fled the shores of Australia, the court heard. We say that with the recent events of this OCN (organised crime network)  he would seek to flee. Sleimans lawyer, Philip Strickland, SC, said police and prosecutors had not provided any evidence of his clients alleged links to the Alameddine crime clan, adding that Sleiman would continue to defend the charges. Elmoubayed smiled and hugged associates in the courtroom when Magistrate Michael Blair granted Sleiman bail. Blair acknowledged there were risks in relation to flight, but said he had considered Sleimans ties to his wife and children, who the court heard required regular medical attention.
Plans to upgrade South Bank have won the endorsement of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, winning three 2025 AILA Queensland Awards.

The masterplan, which is the South Bank Corporations flexible long-term blueprint to guide the evolution of South Bank, includes removing the Piazza, creating more seamless northern and southern arrival experiences, and extending green areas.

AILA Queensland Jury chair David Hatherly said the plan would finally connect South Bank visitors to the Brisbane River.

At the moment, theres only a couple of points that you actually can get close to the river, so I think the new masterplan does that really well, he said.
Accused triple murderer Erin Patterson turned to thank the judge as she left the witness box for the final time after eight days of grilling.

Crown prosecutor Nanette Rogers, SC, had finished with three questions that got to the heart of the case after 31 days in courtroom four of the Supreme Court sitting at Morwell.

Nanette Rogers, SC, has concluded her cross-examination of Erin Patterson. Credit: Marija Ercegovac

Sighs could be heard from the packed public court, and from some of the 14 jurors. Relief in the form of tears also spread across Pattersons face as she sat, dressed in a navy and white spotted top, with tissues in her right hand.

Youll be relieved to know Ive only got three final questions, Rogers announced at 11.35am.

I suggest that you deliberately sourced death cap mushrooms in 2023. I suggest you deliberately included them in the beef Wellington you served to [your four guests]. You did so intending to kill them.

Disagree, Patterson replied three times, after each accusation.

Patterson is accused of murdering her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gails sister, Heather Wilkinson, by serving them death cap mushrooms in a beef Wellington meal at her Leongatha home on July 29, 2023.

Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson died in the days after the lunch from the effects of mushroom poisoning. Heathers husband, Ian, also ate the lunch, but survived after weeks in hospital.

Patterson has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one of attempted murder in the Supreme Court at Morwell, claiming it was all a terrible accident.

Read Erin Pearsons wrap of the last day of Erin Pattersons cross-examination here.
Monash IVFs embattled chief executive resigned following a string of scandals, including two embryo mix-ups revealed in recent months. The company confirmed on Thursday morning that Knaap had stepped down and that its board had accepted the decision. In a statement released to the Australian Securities Exchange, Monash IVF said Knaap had also resigned as a director of the company. Malik Jainudeen is acting chief executive officer. Monash IVF chief financial officer Malik Jainudeen has been appointed acting chief executive. Knapps resignation comes three days after Monash IVF admitted a woman had been implanted with the wrong embryo during a procedure at its Clayton clinic on June 5.

The Clayton embryo mix-up follows revelations in April that an embryo transfer error at its Brisbane facility had resulted in a Queensland woman giving birth to a strangers baby. The incidents come after a bungled genetic testing program, which last year led to Monash IVF paying $56 million in compensation to settle a class action involving 700 families. Loading The bungled genetic test was introduced in 2019  the same year Knaap was appointed to head Monash IVF  but had to be suspended in 2020 when it was discovered that faulty results may have led to needless discarding of healthy embryos. Australian Fertility Treatment Families founder Michelle Galea said it was disappointing that financial pressures had prompted action, rather than regulators or concern for the welfare of people relying on fertility treatments.

This is not enough. Governments need to be stepping in and re-addressing the whole industry and reviewing the regulations Australia-wide, she said. We need a national regulator. I have been supporting many families across Australia in this space and unfortunately, its not just Monash IVF, there are other clinics. Were talking about trying to have a child here and, when youre trying to have a child, some people are doing this for 10 years. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui In a statement to the ASX, the Monash IVF Group board said it acknowledges and respects Knaaps decision.

Since his appointment in 2019, Michael has led the organisation through a period of significant growth and transformation, and we thank him for his years of dedicated service, the board said. A major investor, who asked not to be identified due to investor sensitivities, said it was monitoring developments but would not comment further about whether it believed further resignations were required. Loading Helen Bird, a Swinburne University senior lecturer in corporate law, said it was no surprise that a plummeting share price and investor disquiet had forced change at Monash IVF, even if it was concerning that financial factors appeared to have a greater impact than health or regulatory concerns. The nature of the corporation thats listed is that its driven by shareholders whose interest primarily is financial returns  and this demonstrates the weakness of focusing entirely on profit at the expense of the longer-term sustainability of the business, she said.

The sustainability in this case is also driven by its reputation, because the very nature of the health service they provide requires trust, and its in a very fragile and stressful circumstance, which is infertility. Its pressure poured upon the company by a range of issues, but theyre all market-directed. The price of the stock dropping is a huge influence, as is major investors contacting the company and expressing concern, as well as general media attention. It all works together and creates a roiling or a boiling cauldron, and the CEO is the obvious person to walk the plank in those circumstances. Despite Knaaps departure, Bird said Monash IVFs board would still face pressure over risk-management decisions it may have made, and whether it knew of any systemic or reporting issues connected to the errors.

We havent really got into the weeds of what exactly was going on at the board level about these issues, and I think that has yet to come to us, Bird said. Obviously, they had procedures in place to manage it, but they hadnt, perhaps, completely framed or guard-railed against various things happening. Loading The Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand acknowledged Knaaps resignation, with a spokesperson saying there were complexities in the events that led to his decision. The recent incidents at Monash IVF highlight the complexity and sensitivity of assisted reproductive technology (ART), a spokesperson said.
The Trump administrations decision to review the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal should not be a cause for panic within the Albanese government.

At least, not yet.

A recently completed defence review in the UK saw that government commit to building up to 12 SSN-AUKUS class submarines to replace its current fleet of seven nuclear-powered, conventionally armed Astute class submarines.

Anthony Albanese must make the AUKUS defence pact irresistible to Donald Trump. Credit: Stephen Kiprillis

The announcement overnight on Wednesday has prompted the usual suspects in Australia  supporters, opponents and doomsayers  to rush out with predictable critiques, warnings and prognostications.
Flightradar24 listed the crashed plane as having completed a return flight from Delhi to Melbourne on Sunday. Modi briefly visited the crash site on Friday morning, where efforts will now turn to the search for material evidence, a senior official from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India told Bloomberg. Indias NDTV reported that New Delhi was considering grounding Air Indias Dreamliner fleet for safety checks. Vidhi Chaudhary, a top state police officer in Ahmedabad, said medical students who were in the hostel when the plane hit the building were among the dead. Most of the bodies have been charred beyond recognition, she said. Rescue personnel at the crash site, as well as doctors and security officials, said that as many as three dozen people caught in the path of the crashing plane might have been killed, The New York Times reported.

The 787 Dreamliner appeared not to achieve sufficient thrust as it lumbered down nearly the full length of a 3.3-kilometre runway, a distance that should have been more than enough for it to take off, aviation consultant Bob Mann told Bloomberg. That could stem from a misconfiguration of the plane before take-off, or erroneous weight data entered into the planes computer system that determines how much power is needed to get off the ground, he said. Mann cautioned that his views were unofficial and not corroborated by data. Investigators are also focused on potential mechanical failure, with aviation lawyer Robert A. Clifford suggesting early evidence pointed to a possible loss of power or flight control. Officials initially believed there were no survivors from the plane, but Indian authorities later confirmed that Ramesh seated in 11A  survived the crash and was being treated in hospital.

The British national from London, who had been visiting family in India, told reporters from his hospital bed: Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly. Viswash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the plane crash, in his hospital bed. He later told the Hindustan Times: When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Footage filmed shortly after the crash showed the bloodied man limping down the street towards an ambulance. Indian outlets also shared an image of his boarding pass, confirming his seat and identity. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that a single passenger survived the crash and that he had met him at the hospital. A doctor said he had examined the survivor.

He was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body, Dr Dhaval Gameti told The Associated Press. But he seems to be out of danger. Speaking from Leicester, Rameshs brother Nayan revealed harrowing details of a phone call made just moments before the plane crashed. But he said another brother remained unaccounted for. He told Sky News that their father had been speaking to Ramesh while the plane was still on the runway. My dad called him, Nayan said. And Viswash told him, Oh, were going to take off soon. Just two minutes later, their fathers phone rang again  this time a video call from Ramesh.

He video-called my dad as he crashed and said, Oh the planes crashed. I dont know where my brother is. I dont see any other passengers. I dont know how Im alive, how I exited the plane, Nayan said. Inside a canteen building where the tail of the plane got stuck. Credit: AP Photo No Australian citizens or residents were believed to have been on board. The aircraft wreckage remains embedded in the medical college in Meghani Nagar, a densely populated area of Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat. As investigators combed through the wreckage and hospital staff worked to identify victims, authorities warned that details remained unclear, and that it might take days to confirm the identities of all those on board.

One of the planes two black boxes was found on Friday, two police sources told Reuters. They did not say whether it was the flight data recorder or the cockpit voice recorder. Loading Outside the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, grief-stricken relatives gathered in desperation, searching for any word about missing loved ones. One man, clutching a copy of the flight manifest, broke down at the gates: My sister and brother-in-law were on the flight. Their seats 110 and 111 were confirmed. Weve lost our family. The flight took off at 1.39pm local time (6.09 pm Thursday AEST) from runway 23 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. According to air traffic control, the pilots issued a mayday moments into the flight, but contact was lost shortly thereafter. The aircraft reached an altitude of just 400 feet before it crashed. Mobile phone footage showed the jet flying unusually low before it slammed into the medical college and burst into flames. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with black smoke billowing across the city.

Resident Raju Prajapati told Londons Telegraph: We heard a huge explosion and rushed out of our homes. There were thick plumes of black smoke rising into the sky. People were shouting and running in all directions. The cause of the crash was unclear; Boeing has been involved in a series of incidents in recent years, including fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, but the Dreamliner has never crashed in 14 years of service. The aircrafts pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, was said to be highly experienced, having flown more than 8200 flight hours. In response to the tragedy, the British Foreign Office announced that a team of civil servants would be dispatched to Ahmedabad to assist with the recovery and support the families of victims. A reception centre has also been established at London Gatwick, where the plane was due to land at 6.25pm BST. Indias worst air disaster was in November 1996, when a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight collided midair with a Kazakhstan Airlines flight near Charkhi Dadri in Haryana state, killing all 349 on board the two planes.

Fifty-four British citizens died when Pan Am flight 103 was blown up over Lockerbie en route to the US in 1988. Ten Britons were killed in the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, when a Russian-supplied missile, fired by rebels, struck the aircraft over eastern Ukraine. Modi, himself a former chief minister of Gujarat, said the crash had stunned and saddened the country. It is heartbreaking beyond words, he wrote on X. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the crash as devastating.

I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time, he said. Loading With agencies Read more on the Air India tragedy The miracle of seat 11A: This 40-year-old British national is the only known survivor

It will likely take months to work out the cause of the crash. But here are some lines of inquiry


by Kyle Munkittrick

Nearly every argument against longevity is a version of, But death is good sometimes. Death creates finitude, thereby creating meaning and forcing change. Take Frances Fukuyamas recent piece Against Life Extension in Persuasion. Fukuyama argues slower generational turnover delays social and political dynamism. He does this at 72, recapitulating an argument from over 20 years ago, without a hint of irony. What is odd is that Fukuyama, like others who oppose life extension because it robs us of finitude, doesnt explore any other source of finitude beyond one: death.

Here is Fukuyamas claim:

The slowing of generational turnover is thus very likely to slow the rate of social evolution and adaptation, in line with the old joke that the field of economics advances one funeral at a time. [] You will have an overlapping of generations and increasing social conflict as younger people begin to think differently and demand change, while older ones resist. The problem will not be conflict per se, but a gradual slowing of the rate of social change.

Fukuyama opens by pointing out out that life expectancy has gotten longer and thats good. His first implicit claim, that as people live longer society itself gets older, is, I suspect, so self-evident in government and in our movies, that he doesnt feel the need to note it. But by not pointing out that our society is already older, he doesnt have to address the fact that its not entirely obvious our society is also already less dynamic. It is almost a truism that we live in a world of accelerating change, not just in tech, but politics and social movements. If we accept the claim that were already older, our society should already be getting slower, right?

We Hope We Die Before We Get Old

I dont want a gerontocracy either, so Im inclined to just accept Fukuyamas claim that more generational turnover is better for society. We would be even more dynamic than we are now if everyone was, on average, younger. Which means we should encourage more generational turnover to get more dynamism, right? If social change is so important as to defend death then it is probably worth exploring some additional ways to achieve it!

Curiously, opponents of longevity never seem to get around to these proposals. Allow me to help! Here are a few: No one over 65 can be elected to any government role, act as CEO of a public company, or have academic tenure; At 75, you lose the right to vote, marginal tax rates go up by an additional chunk every year, and youre auto opted-in to a DNR.

If Fukuyama believes his own premise, these shouldnt feel like radical ideas. Prominent ethicists have made similar arguments. We have plenty of elected officials to point to in the last decade as cautionary tales on both sides of the aisle. So why arent Fukuyama and others making arguments like these? I dont know! Age limits are uncomfortable, sure, but they are less uncomfortable, I think, than being Team Grim Reaper!?

Im teasing Frank a bit here because its fun and Im a bit disappointed that hes just rehashing bits from Our Posthuman Future. I read it (and enjoyed it!) two decades ago (even as I scrawled counter arguments furiously in the margin)OK fine I admit it, I see some evidence for a lack of cultural dynamism as our society ages.

Though I am pro-longevity, I am also sympathetic to the idea that finitude has value. As much as Id love to believe the case of Hob Gadling or that our own lives are already so long that we can live multiple lifetimes within them, lets assume Fukuyama and friends are right: finitude is necessary for meaning. How do we square that with living forever?

The answer is to separate finitude from death.

Instead of Death, Rebirth

Age limits for voting or authority show how finitude can be encouraged at the social level, but what about the individual level? How do we create meaning without death? And, as the tech gets more sci-fi, how will age limits work when being forever young is nearly real?

We need to invent new forms of finitude. Death does something of value, so for longevity to work, we have to replace it.

Lets do a thought experiment:

Assume longevity is now possible. Human life can be extended in two ways. First, healthspan has been extended such that living to 85 while still healthy, vigorous, and lucid is all but guaranteed. People age, albeit slower and with fewer side effects. But no one would mistake an 80 year old for a 20 year old. Second, aging can be reversed. The reversal process, however, is dramatic, expensive, and time-consuming. It requires a year in a specially designed tank in a medically induced comaa Reverse Womb.

The Reverse Womb, by virtue of the sheer scope of biotech required, can also change almost anything about a persons biological make up. That is, in addition to age, the Reverse Womb can change your sex, physical appearance, and more.

Recognizing the need for finitude, in the world of the Reverse Womb death has been replaced with Rebirth. Rebirth is not just the use of the Reverse Womb, but a universal legal, economic, and social event. To be Reborn, you must give up everything. Legally, it is the same as dying. You lose all wealth, possessions, and privileges, save universal human rights. It is required that your sex and ethnicity change. Youll be placed under guardianship of people youve never met, in a country youve likely never been. In short, you are reborn into the body of a ~18 year-old stranger entirely unlike who you were.

If you dont agree to these terms, you dont get to be Reborn. This is the cost of not dying. Rebirth is the replacement for death as a source of finitude.

Live, Die, Repeat

I recognize this thought experiment is a bit sci-fi. If Derek Parfit can do brain transplants I can invent the Reverse Womb. In fact, Parfit, your hero and mine, is relevant here because this becomes another one of his non-identity problems. I feel pretty confident that almost no version of Finitude is good, so death is good argument survives the Rebirth strategy (admittedly Im leaning hard on Hinduism pressure testing meaning for a millennia or so), but now we have a different problem: is the same person still alive? Who, exactly, is getting reborn?

Lets assume the Rebirth process takes about a year. You would wake up post-Rebirth fully conscious, like waking from sleep, but also be completely disoriented about who you are, like waking up in a Severance office. You would know how to dress yourself and how to do things you learned in your prior life (code in python, nurse a baby, breakdance, etc), but also have no idea where you were, the language, or cultural norms. The world will have moved on. You will feel different. Your embodied existence would be almost inexpressibly different. The dislocation would be bodily, social, geographic, cultural, economic, religious, familial, political, and chronological. Though entirely competent you would also be helpless and alone. The sense of loss would be enormous.

But you would be alive, with a whole new life in front of you. A different you. Parfit might argue theres no meaningful difference between this radical discontinuity and deaththat personal identity doesnt survive such dramatic change. But thats precisely why Rebirth works as engineered finitude. You get the identity-ending aspects of death (the social turnover, the redistribution, the fresh perspectives) while preserving something death destroys: accumulated knowledge and skills. A master surgeon who undergoes Rebirth might wake up as a young man in Bangladesh, but he still has her decades of experience operating. He still has memories of her family and friends. Her life is, in him, preserved.

The intent of the sex, ethnicity, and cultural swaps in addition to the age reversal is two fold. First, it causes maximum dislocation from prior identity. Nearly every circumstance will be different from not just your most recent point of life, but any prior point in your life. This is necessary for true finitude. Second, it forces a real version of the Veil of Ignorance. If you want to live another life, you must genuinely consider what it will be like for you in your next life, where you will, in effect, be the opposite of who you are today.

The practical objectionswho would choose this, who manages it, what prevents cheatingmatter less than the philosophical point. Even if Rebirth remains a thought experiment, it proves that deaths benefits are separable from death itself. We can engineer finitude. Once we accept that principle, we can debate the mechanics.

I am not arguing Rebirth is the solution to longevitys challenges. That would be silly, as the former is even more technologically difficult and distant than the latter. I am, however, demonstrating that if finitude is what makes life meaningful, we can have finitude without death. The burden now shifts to longevitys opponents: if we can preserve everything you claim to value about death while eliminating the dying, whats your real objection?

Those who oppose longevity on grounds of finitude creating meaning and value must deal with the implications of their claims. If progress is so valuable that death is worth defending, then you should probably be more vocal proponents of things like age limits! If youre not, its hard to take your arguments seriously, or you need to re-evaluate what it is, precisely, about longevity youre upset about.

For those of us who are pro-longevity, fears about cultural rupture and stagnation are real and deserve to be taken seriously. You cannot just break traditions, rituals, and norms that have existed for all of human history and pre-history for free. We can either pay in advance with planning or afterwards with backlash and strife. Weve seen over and over that technologies and social changes have costs and political consequences. To simply pretend that well figure it out as we go, or to dismiss the deep deep psychological bindings of our species to finitude, is folly.

Technologists, particularly those who see human biology as the next frontier, cannot pretend that eliminating death will not cause titanic shifts in, well, almost every aspect of life. Those who are proponents of longevity should be just as interested in helping the culture adjust, adapt, and retain meaning and value as those who oppose it. I want to live more than one lifetime, and I want to do it in a world where everyone gets to do that and were all better for it.

***

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Los Angeles: Police acted more aggressively to disperse protesters after the sixth day of demonstrations in Los Angeles, while rallies over immigration raids continued to spread across the United States and the Trump administration warned it could send troops to other American cities.

In LA, which has been the focus of unrest, vandalism and looting since Fridays raids, protesters again gathered outside federal government buildings in the city centre, but they were fewer in number and had mostly left the city ahead of the second night of an 8pm curfew.

A deputy sheriff takes aim at a photographer as others wrestle protesters to the ground in Los Angeles. Credit: Getty Images

At 6.30pm, crowds outside City Hall were ordered to disperse, and police began firing rubber bullets and making arrests about 7pm. The few remaining were corralled into a city intersection, arrested and loaded onto a police bus, and by 9pm the streets of central Los Angeles were eerily quiet.

Protests popped up in other parts of Los Angeles such as Inglewood, and police were preparing to move to full mobilisation on Saturday ahead of what are expected to be resurgent demonstrations across the United States as President Donald Trump holds a major military parade in Washington.
Remembering that we are all people, with different challenges going on in the background, I can tell when one of my brokers needs an ear and I will be there in those times. Again, it comes back to being personable. This goes a long way. Remember that saying, that you catch more bees with honey, it is so true. Respect, loyalty and trust are three traits that are so undervalued and something I try to always be mindful of.
The celebration comes as mortgage brokers continue to gain ground nationally, with the MFAA reporting brokers settled a record 76.8% of all new residential loans in the March 2025 quarter, up from 76% the previous quarter  a reflection of Australians growing trust in broker expertise.
Social work PhD candidate earns prestigious CSWE policy fellowship

My personal experiences ignited my passion for policy and advocacy. With this opportunity, Ill learn how to translate my research into policy and actionable steps. 

As a PhD candidate in the School of Social Work, Ogechi Kalu is studying how intimate partner violence affects children in her native Nigeria, with the goal of developing effective interventions and policy solutions.

Kalus work received a major boost this spring, as the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) awarded her a 2025-26 CSWE Doctoral Student Policy Fellowship. CSWE is the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States.

The competitive fellowship aims to develop a cohort of doctoral-level social workers who influence social policy in the federal legislative process. Through policy placement experiences and webinars on such topics as leadership and policy analysis, fellows will learn from experts and one another, developing policy briefs based on their research.

Fellows receive a stipend and travel support to CSWEs annual conference and a forum for fellows in Washington, D.C.

My personal experiences ignited my passion for policy and advocacy, says Kalu. With this opportunity, Ill learn how to translate my research into policy and actionable steps. For me, this also reflects my desire not to gatekeep academic research but to ensure that my research is transformed into something that is impactful in the community.

Kalu began her career as a radio journalist and created a nongovernmental organization, (NGO) Teens Think Africa Initiative, in 2017 to support and empower women and girls in Nigeria. When girls began coming to Kalu for trauma counseling, she decided to pursue clinical social work, earning her MSW from CMR University in Bangalore, India, in 2020.

Afterward, Kalu returned to Nigeria to run her NGO and a psychotherapy practice before enrolling in the UB School of Social Works PhD in Social Welfare program in 2022.

The [Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care] originally drew me to UB  but I ultimately accepted the program because of my adviser, Dr. Mickey Sperlich, Kalu says. She is not just doing the research but making it practical by creating interventions and testing them to prove their efficacy. I saw her work and how it aligned with my future goals, and thats why I chose UB.

At the School of Social Work, Kalu serves as project coordinator on a National Institutes of Health-supported study that Sperlich is leading to advance the Survivor Moms Companion, an evidence-informed intervention that Sperlich co-created for new and pregnant mothers with a history of trauma, sexual abuse or violence.

In addition, Kalu recently came on board as a project coordinator on another study  led by Patricia Logan-Greene, associate professor and associate dean for academic affairs  which aims to help social workers recognize and respond to the risk of firearm violence with their clients.

The Survivor Moms Companion has been an enriching experience to see how a project develops over time and how a researcher can partner with grassroots organizations, Kalu says. Its helped a lot in my research because I took cues from some things that Dr. Mickey did to secure a partnership with a federal agency in Nigeria for data recruitment for my dissertation.

On top of the CSWE policy fellowship, Kalu earned two additional awards this spring: a Margaret McNamara Education Grant and the Cenie Jomo Williams Tuition Scholarship from the National Association of Black Social Workers. Kalu also is co-founder of BBRIDGE, a platform creating awareness about intimate partner violence that aims to bridge the gap between research, practice and the community.

For her dissertation, Kalu is investigating how children in Nigeria process and cope with intimate partner violence  which, she notes, may be different than how kids in other countries deal with similar situations, limiting the effectiveness of existing interventions.

Children are deeply affected by these experiences academically, psychologically, socially and long term by becoming involved in crime later in life or even becoming a perpetrator themselves, Kalu notes. This study hasnt been done in Nigeria. We need to understand that unique context to help inform interventions and policies, and how nonprofits and social services interact with children in those systems.
China activates emergency response to flooding as this year's first typhoon approaches

Xinhua) 09:49, June 12, 2025

BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Water Resources on Wednesday issued a Level-IV emergency response to flooding in southern and southeastern regions, following a tropical depression over the South China Sea that had grown into this year's first typhoon in the morning.

The center of Typhoon Wutip (Butterfly) was located near Yongxing Dao in the city of Sansha in China's southernmost island province of Hainan, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the ministry.

Strong rain caused by the approaching Typhoon Wutip will hit China's regions including Hainan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Fujian from Thursday to Sunday, and the water levels of some medium and minor rivers in the regions are projected to exceed warning thresholds, the ministry said.

The ministry emphasized the importance of preventing floods in small and medium-sized rivers, as well as mountain torrents in the affected areas, to ensure the safety of people's lives and property.

The ministry has dispatched two teams to Hainan and Guangdong to aid flood prevention work.

China's national observatory on Wednesday evening also issued a yellow alert for Typhoon Wutip.

Typhoon Wutip was located over the South China Sea, approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Sanya, Hainan Province, at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the National Meteorological Center (NMC). It is forecast to move rapidly northwest at speeds of about 10 kilometers per hour, with its intensity gradually increasing.

The typhoon is expected to make landfall along the coast from Lingshui to Ledong in Hainan on Friday, followed by a second landfall along the coast from Guangdong to Guangxi on Saturday, the NMC said.

Guangdong, Hainan Island and the Xisha Islands will experience heavy rains from 8 p.m. Wednesday to 8 p.m. Thursday, with some areas of Hainan Island expecting extremely severe rainstorms, according to the NMC.

China has a four-tier emergency response system, with Level I being the most severe response. It also has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
La ville de l'Est paralysee par des manifestations contre l'exploitation aurifere attribuee a Bonaventure Mvondo Assam. Les populations exigent la reouverture du site de Kambele, ferme depuis 9 mois, a appris cameroun24.

La tension ne retombe pas a Batouri. Depuis mercredi matin, cette localite de la region de l'Est est le theatre d'une violente contestation populaire contre ce que les habitants qualifient de "pillage organise" de leurs ressources minieres. Au cur de la colere : un projet aurifere attribue a Bonaventure Mvondo Assam, neveu du president de la Republique et depute du parti au pouvoir.

Une ville paralysee, une colere qui monte

Les manifestants ont bloque tous les acces a la ville, exigeant la reouverture immediate du site de Kambele, ferme depuis neuf mois. Ce site, vital pour pres de 4 000 familles, aurait ete discretement rachete par Mvondo Assam, deja proprietaire de plusieurs licences minieres a travers le pays.



"Non a l'installation de BONIVAN dans la Kadey", pouvait-on lire sur les pancartes brandies par une foule en colere, utilisant le surnom du depute pour denoncer ce qu'ils considerent comme une spoliation de leurs terres.

Un climat tendu, des revendications claires

La situation est extremement tendue sur place. Les protestataires refusent tout dialogue sans la reprise des activites minieres et exigent la presence du gouverneur de la region pour une reponse concrete.



"On ne veut plus de ces magouilles. Le site de Kambele nous fait vivre depuis des annees. Pourquoi le fermer pour le donner a quelqu'un d'autre ?", s'indigne un leader communautaire joint par telephone.

L'ombre du nepotisme et des interets caches

Cette manifestation met en lumiere les tensions recurrentes autour de l'exploitation miniere au Cameroun, ou l'opacite des attributions de permis et les conflits d'interets font regulierement polemique.



La presence de Bonaventure Mvondo Assam dans ce dossier ajoute une dimension politique explosive. Deja accuse par le passe de monopoliser les ressources minieres, le depute est une nouvelle fois pointe du doigt pour des pratiques jugees anticonstitutionnelles.

Quelles suites ?

Alors que la colere gronde, les autorites locales tentent de calmer le jeu, mais les manifestants refusent tout compromis. La balle est desormais dans le camp du gouvernement, qui devra trancher entre apaisement social et protection des interets economiques en jeu.



Une affaire a suivre de pres, alors que le secteur minier camerounais est plus que jamais sous tension.

Manifestation Batouri 2025 Conflit minier Kambele Bonaventure Mvondo Assam Exploitation aurifere Est-Cameroun Nepotisme secteur minier Fermeture site Kambele Protestations mines Cameroun



Batouri Erupts: Popular Anger Against "Opaque" Mining Project Linked to President's Nephew

Eastern Cameroon town paralyzed by protests against gold mining operation attributed to Bonaventure Mvondo Assam. Locals demand reopening of Kambele site closed for 9 months.



Tension remains high in Batouri. Since Wednesday morning, this town in Cameroon's East region has been rocked by violent protests against what residents call the "organized looting" of their mineral resources. At the heart of the anger: a gold mining project attributed to Bonaventure Mvondo Assam, nephew of President Paul Biya and ruling party MP.

A City Paralyzed, Rising Anger

Protesters have blocked all access to the town, demanding the immediate reopening of the Kambele site, closed for nine months. This site, crucial for nearly 4,000 families, is alleged to have been quietly acquired by Mvondo Assam, who already owns multiple mining licenses across the country.



"No to BONIVAN in Kadey," read signs held by angry crowds, using the MP's nickname to denounce what they see as land grabbing.

Tense Climate, Clear Demands

The situation remains highly volatile. Protesters refuse any dialogue without mining operations resuming and are demanding the regional governor's presence for concrete answers.



"We're tired of these shady deals. The Kambele site has fed us for years. Why close it to hand it to someone else?" fumes a community leader reached by phone.

Nepotism and Hidden Interests

The protests highlight recurring tensions around mining in Cameroon, where opaque license awards and conflicts of interest regularly spark outcry.



Bonaventure Mvondo Assam's involvement adds a politically explosive dimension. Long accused of monopolizing mineral resources, the MP faces fresh allegations of unconstitutional practices.

What Next?

With anger boiling over, local authorities are trying to mediate, but protesters reject any compromise. The ball is now in the government's court to choose between social peace and protecting economic interests.



A developing story, as Cameroon's mining sector faces unprecedented tensions.



Batouri protests 2025 Kambele mining conflict Bonaventure Mvondo Assam Gold mining East Cameroon Nepotism in mining sector Kambele site closure Cameroon mining protests

Moussa Nassourou
Un projet de decision du ministere des Finances revele une repartition inedite des recettes non fiscales du secteur minier. Le Tresor public rafle 90 % des taxes, tandis que les communes se partagent les miettes, a appris cameroun24.

Le ministere des Finances (Minfi) vient de devoiler les grandes lignes de sa nouvelle politique de collecte des recettes non fiscales dans le secteur minier et industriel. Un document interne, consulte par Cameroun24, detaille une repartition qui avantage largement le Tresor public, au detriment des autres acteurs, notamment les communes.

Le Minfi en position de force

Selon le projet de decision transmis au ministere des Mines (Minmidt), huit types de recettes non fiscales sont concernes. Le Tresor public sarroge une part majoritaire, parfois ecrasante :



90 % des frais detudes pour les permis de recherche,

90 % des frais dagrement des services geologiques,

90 % des taxes sur les transferts non securises de minerais.



Seule exception : les frais dautorisation des carrieres artisanales, integralement reverses aux communes concernees. Une maigre consolation pour les collectivites locales, alors que lEtat central capte lessentiel des revenus.

Une manuvre budgetaire en attendant la loi ?

Le texte precise que cette repartition sapplique pour lexercice budgetaire en cours, en labsence de decrets dapplication du Code minier de decembre 2023. Une facon pour le Minfi de verrouiller ses rentrees dargent avant que le nouveau cadre legislatif ne soit pleinement operationnel.



Reste une question : cette mesure ne risque-t-elle pas dasphyxier les communes minieres, deja en quete de moyens pour gerer limpact environnemental et social des exploitations ?

Qui perd, qui gagne ?

Gagnant : Le Tresor public, qui renforce ses recettes dans un secteur strategique.



Perdants :

Le Minmidt, qui ne recupere que 10 % sur certaines taxes.

Les communes, cantonnees aux revenus des carrieres artisanales.

Les operateurs miniers, qui pourraient voir leurs couts administratifs augmenter.



Une decision qui confirme la centralisation accrue des ressources minieres au risque de mecontenter les territoires.

Recettes minieres Cameroun Repartition taxes mines Minfi Tresor public Code minier 2023 application Communes et mines Cameroun Fiscalite miniere Minmidt recettes non fiscales

Cameroon: Finance Ministry Tightens Grip on Mining Revenues, Leaves Scraps for Councils

A draft decision reveals an uneven distribution of non-tax mining revenues, with the Treasury claiming 90% in most caseswhile local councils get minimal shares.



Cameroons Ministry of Finance (Minfi) has outlined a new policy for collecting non-tax revenues from the mining and industrial sectors. An internal document, reviewed by Cameroun24, shows a lopsided distribution favoring the Treasury, leaving local councils with minimal benefits.

Minfis Cash Grab

The draft decision, shared with the Ministry of Mines (Minmidt), targets eight revenue streams. The Treasury takes the lions share:



90% of permit application fees,

90% of geological service accreditation fees,

90% of penalties for unsecured mineral transfers.



The only exception: artisanal quarrying permits, whose fees go entirely to local councilsa small win in an otherwise centralized system.

A Budgetary Stopgap Before Mining Code Implementation?

The measure applies to the current fiscal year, filling a void left by the unimplemented 2023 Mining Code. Critics argue its a cash-flow tactic by the Treasury before new laws take effect.



But at what cost? Mining communities, already struggling with environmental and social challenges, may see their local funding shrink further.

Winners & Losers

Winner: The Treasury, securing a revenue boost.



Losers:

The Ministry of Mines, relegated to minor shares.

Local councils, left with artisanal mining scraps.

Mining firms, likely facing higher administrative costs.



A move that reinforces Yaoundes fiscal controlbut risks alienating resource-rich regions.



Cameroon mining revenues Mining tax distribution Minfi Treasury Cameroon 2023 Mining Code implementation Local councils mining funds Mining sector taxation Non-tax mining revenues

Didier Cebas K.
This is it. The excise tax exemption on pickup trucks is now gone thanks to the effectivity of the Capital Market Efficiency Promotions Act ...
VISIONGREEN Consultancy from Rathvilly has been crowned winner of the Green Business category at the 25th annual National Enterprise Awards, held at Dublins Mansion House.

The sustainability consultancy, founded in 2019 by Ronan Murphy and John Pakenham, was recognised for its outstanding contribution to environmental innovation and helping businesses transition to greener operations. VisionGreen specialises in delivering sustainability strategies that help companies reduce their environmental impact while boosting profitability. The firm has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to align their operations with sustainable values.

This award is a testament to the dedication, innovation and excellence that Ronan Murphy and the VisionGreen team bring to their work, said Kieran Comerford, head of economic development and enterprise at Carlow County Councils Local Enterprise Office, which supports the company.

Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council cllr Fergal Browne praised the achievement as a proud moment for Carlow that showcases the strength of local enterprises and highlights the support available through the Local Enterprise Office.

The overall winner at this years National Enterprise Awards was SPRYT, a virtual assistant that manages patient appointments via SMS to reduce no-shows and eliminate wastage in medical consultations.

Other category winners announced at the ceremony included MoneySherpa (Innovation Award), Seabound Engineering from Donegal (Best Export Award), HappyPath Labs from Cork (Best Start-Up Award) and TAPiTAG from Westmeath (Digital Award).

The winners share a 50,000 investment fund, with nine regional winners also recognised.

Minister Dillon, announcing the awards, said the winners represent the very best of what Irish enterprise has to offer and praised the innovation and resilience of Irelands business community.

The National Enterprise Awards, now in their 25th year, are run by the Local Enterprise Offices to foster entrepreneurship across Ireland. Previous winners include notable Irish companies such as Digiweb, Pestle & Mortar, and last years winner, DreamDev Technologies.
CLLR Daniel Pender has made history by becoming one of Irelands youngest municipal district chairs after being elected cathaoirleach of Muinebheag Municipal District at just 25 years of age.

The Ballinabranna native, who was elected to the council in 2024 as a first-time candidate, is currently the only Fianna Fail representative in the Muinebheag MD. His election took place at last weeks municipal district meeting, where he outlined his vision for the year ahead.

It is a huge honour and privilege to receive the chain of office at such a young age, said cllr Pender. Over the next year, I'll focus on securing more housing and pushing for better mental health supports in our communities. I'm committed to representing everyone across the district. Speaking at yesterdays meeting, the new cathaoirleach thanked his fellow councillors for putting their trust in me and acknowledged the guidance he has received since taking office last year.

I have big shoes to fill following on from cllr Tommy Kinsella; hes been nothing but a gentleman over the past year in showing me how things work in the council. Alongside my colleague Michael Doran, he's been a great help, cllr Pender told the meeting.

He also praised councillors Willie Quinn and Andy Gladney, describing them as fantastic to work with and noting their wealth of experience, while expressing his intention to bring fresh ideas to the role.

The Trinity College Dublin business and economics graduate began his career training with one of the Big Four accounting firms and previously served as an assistant to minister Jennifer Murnane OConnor.

In an emotional moment during his speech, cllr Pender paid tribute to his family, describing them as his guiding light and remembered his late father, saying he was here today in the spirit.

I intend on focusing on ensuring that the decisions we take here represent the entirety of the district, be they young or old, urban or rural. We will do our best to ensure that their opinions are heard here and factored into decisions, said the new cathaoirleach.

Cllr Michael Doran was elected as leas-cathaoirleach (vice-chair), with cllr Pender noting that cllr Doran had worked for the people of this area for a large number of years and will bring a wealth of experience to the role.

Cllr Pender expressed gratitude to those who supported his political journey, particularly as an outsider candidate. I want to sincerely thank my family for their constant support and my supporters, who backed me as an outsider candidate. Without their belief and encouragement, none of this would have been possible. The young councillor described his election as a huge personal honour and an exciting moment for Carlow as he prepares to lead the municipal district through the coming year.
A 27-YEAR-OLD man with 19 previous convictions has been sentenced to three months in prison for theft and fined 550 for road traffic offences at the local district court. Rahards Vitols, 1 Riverview Court, Carlow had entered a guilty plea to the charges a week earlier, the court heard.

Evidence was given that during routine roadside checks on 19 April 2021, Garda Murphy stopped a vehicle driven by Mr Vitols. The defendant was found to be in possession of two driving licences  one Irish and one Italian. Both licences were seized, with the Italian document forwarded to Italian authorities, who examined it and deemed it to be false.

The court heard that on 4 January 2022, Garda OSullivan responded to the alleged theft of a mobile phone at an off-licence. The victim, an employee of the premises, had put her phone down while carrying out stock checks. When she returned a few minutes later, the phone was missing. Only one person  Mr Vitols  had entered the off-licence during this period. He was later arrested and subsequently charged.

The court heard that Garda Hennessy arrested Mr Vitols on 3 March 2024 on a number of matters. Gardai had stopped a vehicle at an address in Kildare, where Mr Vitols, the driver, produced a Finnish driving licence. He was arrested after his alcohol level was found to be above the legal limit. Gardai then established that Mr Vitols was not the Finnish person whose name he had originally given and that he had not produced a valid driving licence.

Evidence was given of failure to appear at court, as well as Mr Vitols most recent conviction on 14 March 2025, for which he was sent to Cloverhill Prison.

The court was told that Mr Vitols had 19 previous convictions, including entering a building with intent to commit an offence and being intoxicated in public.

His solicitor said Mr Vitols apologised to the court and explained that his behaviour was due to alcohol abuse. The solicitor stated that due to his clients alcohol problems, he had no memory of the theft before the court.

By way of mitigation, the solicitor said his client had experienced a lot of alcohol in his background and had moved around frequently as a child. Mr Vitols came to Ireland at the age of nine from Latvia, after which his parents separated. He had recently been in steady employment, working at a car-washing business in Naas for several years.

The court heard that Mr Vitols is currently in custody for matters of criminal damage and has already served two months on these matters. He has been in custody since April and is currently serving a nine-month sentence with a release date of 13 December.

Judge Patricia Cronin said that taking into account all the facts, including the guilty pleas, she was convicting Mr Vitols under section 4 theft of the mobile phone and imposing a three-month prison sentence dating from the court date. The judge said she was giving credit for his time already served in custody, but noted that he was also in custody on another matter.

In relation to the road-traffic matters, Mr Vitols was fined 550 in total and disqualified from driving for two years.
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has found that the collection of facial (biometric) data for the Public Services Card (PSC) is unlawful.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) said it partially welcomes the findings, but said the decision is "more than a decade late and inadequate".

The Government had previously claimed that the facial records were not biometric data. On Thursday, the DPC found that the Department of Social Protection (DSP) unlawfully collected facial records (biometric data) from 70 per cent of the population of Ireland over 15 years.

In addition, the ICCL said the department failed to tell people why it was collecting their facial records and whether it was legal.

In light of the infringements discovered by the DPC, it reprimanded the Department of Social Protection by issuing administrative fines totalling 550,000.

It also issued an order to the department requiring it to cease processing of biometric data in connection with SAFE 2 registration within nine months of this decision if the department cannot identify a valid lawful basis.

Deputy commissioner, Graham Doyle, said: It is important to note that none of the findings of infringement identified, nor the corrective powers exercised by the DPC, pertain to the rollout of SAFE 2 registration by the DSP as a matter of principle.

"The DPC did not find any evidence of inadequate technical and organisational security measures deployed by the DSP in connection with SAFE 2 registration in the context of this inquiry.

"This inquiry was concerned with assessing whether the legislative framework presently in place for SAFE 2 registration complies with the requirements of data protection law and whether the DSP operates SAFE 2 registration in a data protection-compliant manner, and the findings announced today identify a number of deficiencies in this regard.

'Illegal facial database'

The ICCL said the Data Protection Commission failed to take decisive action on Thursday and said that, after 15 years, its actions are not enough.

The ICCL is insisting on the immediate deletion of the illegal facial data database.

It has also called for the department and the DPC to explain to the Oireachtas and the public how this system was permitted to operate unlawfully for so long.

Executive Director of ICCL, Joe OBrien, said: For many years, ICCL and our colleagues at Digital Rights Ireland, have argued that the PSCs mandatory use of facial recognition technology is unlawful.

This is a partial win for the privacy and data protection rights of people living in Ireland. It confirms what we have advocated for, for many years - that the Public Services Card, which was estimated to have cost the State 100 million, trespassed upon human rights and infringed EU and Irish law.

The DPC decision is over a decade late and does not go far enough. The Department effectively created a de facto national biometric ID system by stealth over 15-plus years without a proper legal foundation. This illegal database of millions of Irish peoples biometric data must be deleted.
By Jonathan McCambridge, Cillian Sherlock and Rebecca Black, PA

Three teenagers have been charged following disorder in Ballymena.

The three males, aged 15, 17 and 18 years, have been charged with riot, while the 15-year-old has also been charged with criminal damage following scenes in the Co Antrim town on Tuesday night.

They are to appear before Ballymena Magistrates Court later.

Meanwhile, two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries.

A PSNI vehicle near to debris on fire during a third night of disorder in Ballymena, Co Antrim (Liam McBurney/PA)

Police in Northern Ireland condemned a third consecutive night of completely unacceptable disorder on Thursday morning.

They said on Wednesday night in Ballymena, their officers came under sustained attack with multiple petrol bombs, a hatchet, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown at them.

Officers responded with water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds in an attempt to disperse crowds in the town.

Nine officers were injured, while two men, aged in their 20s, and one in their 30s, along with two teenagers, were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences in connection with the disorder on Wednesday.

Police said officers discharged a number of Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and the water cannon was deployed once again in an attempt to disperse and calm crowds.

Meanwhile, police said they responded to an attack on the local leisure centre in Larne.

Masked protesters blocked local roads in the Marine Highway area of Carrickfergus, a teenager was arrested in Newtownabbey following disorder in the Station Road area and in Coleraine, a bus was attacked, bins were set alight on the train tracks, and petrol bombs were thrown at police.

They added that associated protests passed without incident in the Antrim and Lisburn areas, and there were mainly peaceful protests in Belfast.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson speaks during a press conference at PSNI headquarters in east Belfast on Wednesday (Rebecca Black/PA)

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said there was a significant policing operation on Wednesday night.

What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services, he said.

Police officers came under attack from petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry.

A hatchet was also thrown at police lines during this disorder in a clear attempt to seriously injure our officers, and I thank them once again for their continued efforts putting themselves on the line keeping our streets safe.

We made six arrests last night during this disorder, and more will follow. We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder, and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law.

Firefighters outside Larne Leisure Centre following a fire and vandalism at the facility (Liam McBurney/PA)

We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterdays disorder, and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.

I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterdays rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and its impact. I would also appeal for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions.

Earlier, Secretary of State Hilary Benn described scenes as shocking, adding there is absolutely no justification for civil disorder.

He told the BBCs Good Morning Ulster programme: This is not what Northern Ireland is about, this is not what we want the rest of the world to see.

We all, as elected representatives, have a responsibility to seek to calm things down, to support those in the community trying to keep people safe, principally the PSNI, to work with community leaders to lower tensions.

Whatever views people hold, there is no justification for trying to burn people out of their homes, that is what is going on, and that is what needs to stop because it is shocking and damaging, and it reflects very badly of the image of Northern Ireland that we all want to send to the rest of the world.

Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long said it has been a three-day festival of hate and destruction which needs to stop before someone loses their life.

She said she will be seeking additional funding for the PSNI in the June Monitoring Round.

She also commended the PSNI for seeking support through a mutual aid request for additional officers from Great Britain.

This is not just a few days of violence, this has been wanton destruction on a huge scale, and any police service in these islands who are dealing with this kind of pressure, dealing with the number of officers, now close to 50, who have been injured in the last few days, would clearly be feeling the challenge and the strain, she told the BBC.

Wednesday marked the third night of violence in Ballymena (Jonathan McCambridge/PA)

The leisure centre had temporarily been used as an emergency shelter for those in urgent need following disturbances in Ballymena earlier in the week.

Northern Ireland's Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who highlighted the use of the building in a social media post, said all those who had been staying at the leisure centre are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.

SDLP MLA Matthew OToole, the leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, said he would refer Mr Lyons to the standards commission following the fire.

In the town on Wednesday, the PSNI deployed riot police for a third night in a row as hundreds gathered around the Clonavon Terrace area.

At least one protester was struck by plastic baton rounds fired by police, while officers also used a water cannon on the crowd.

Officers used dog units and drones in their response to the gathering.

Riot police with shields advanced on the crowd to disperse them down Bridge Street onto other roads.

PSNI vehicles formed a barricade outside The Braid, Ballymena Town Hall Museum and Arts Centre (Liam McBurney/PA)

They came under sustained attack as those participating in the disorder hurled petrol bombs, masonry and fireworks at police vehicles and officers standing nearby.

Rioters smashed the windows of a house on North Street and set multiple fires on streets in the surrounding area.

The disorder and stand-off with police continued past midnight.

The PSNI have also noted scenes of disorder in Belfast, Lisburn, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey earlier in the week, as businesses, homes and cars were attacked and damaged.

By Wednesday, six individuals had been arrested for public order offences, and one was charged.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he utterly condemns violence which left 32 police officers injured after the second night of disturbances.

Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, right, met residents in Clonavon Terrace on Tuesday (Niall Carson/PA)

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned the rioting risks undermining the criminal justice process into an allegation of a sex attack on a teenage girl in Ballymena at the weekend.

Stormont ministers have also made an urgent appeal for calm and said the justice process had to be allowed to take its course.

Northern Ireland's First Minister, Michelle ONeill, and Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly, appeared together on Wednesday to voice their condemnation.

Sinn Fein vice-president Ms ONeill told reporters in Belfast: Its pure racism, there is no other way to dress it up.

Ms Little-Pengelly described the scenes in Ballymena as unacceptable thuggery.

Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly speak to media at the Ulster Hall in Belfast on Wednesday (David Young/PA)

With the protests focused in predominantly loyalist areas in Ballymena, Ms ONeill said she did not believe it would be helpful for her to visit in the current context. DUP MLA Ms Little-Pengelly met residents in the town on Wednesday and said the local community are in fear and wanted the violence to stop.

The key message here today is around that violence, and that the violence needs to stop, thats what the community wants to put across, and thats why Im here to send that very clear and united message from right throughout the community and local residents for that to stop, she said.

The violence began around Clonavon Terrace on Monday night following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area.

Two teenage boys, who spoke to a court through a Romanian interpreter, have been charged.
In the fourth volume of Love, Death & Robots, Tim Millers Netflix adult animation anthology, Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning director, animator, and illustrator Robert Valley returns to direct his third installment for the show, 400 Boys.

The piece is based on Marc Laidlaws 1983 post-apocalyptic short story of the same name which was adapted by Miller for the anthology. Valley said Miller selected the story for him, and he was immediately intrigued and challenged by the surreal battle between telekinetically-empowered humans and the giant baby monsters that come to wipe them out.

Valley said it was a creative puzzle to find a way to interpret the story in a manner that would satisfy both Netflix [and] Tim, so he wont lament his decision that he gave you this story that he loves so much, and how Im bringing something to the table by providing my little angle on the creative part of it.

As a 20-year veteran animator and director for Passion Pictures, Valley said projects like Love, Death & Robots, in which he has to serve multiple clients needs, make him rise to the creative occasion. Theres no such thing as limitless freedom in these jobs, he told Cartoon Brew. If you want to do that, you need to work on your own project. So, you have to thread the needle in a way, and to be honest, I actually really enjoy that.

Cartoon Brew dug into the inspirations and new territory that 400 Boys inspired in Valley, as he walked us through the progress for some key scenes featuring the Brothers gang discovery of rival gang leader Hilo who is mourning the loss of his crew at the hands of the 400 Boys.

Cartoon Brew: To establish your take on this singular future in 400 Boys, did you start with character design or the landscapes?

Robert Valley: There was a holistic approach to the artwork in the very first stages. Right from the beginning, there were a couple of particular sequences that really stuck out in my imagination. One of them was that bridge getting ripped up and thrown at the moon. I remember reading that thinking, Wow, that evokes really interesting imagery  and weird imagery, as well. Theres maybe two or three sequences in there that had that evocative, weird, surrealistic thing, so that was a really good place to start building those first few concept images. This was very much a film where the characters are making their way through an environment, and theyre interacting with the environment.

Miller said he envisioned a The Warriors film-like vibe for the gangs. Were there other references you sought out?

The Warriors was the first thing that came to mind when I read the script and I was happy [supervising director] Jen Yuh Nelson told me that Tim was a big The Warriors fan, so we were both thinking the same thing on that one. I felt like I was pretty safe in mining that little bit of reference. I sent some other reference material, and a lot of it had to do with this Brazilian film called City of God. I was trying to do the animated equivalent, in a way, with the characters. One thing about that movie is each character is a main character. Theres no main character with a bunch of sidekicks. Each one is elevated with a level of importance in the story. I wanted to use some of those filmmaking techniques in 400 Boys, because this was very much a short that featured a lot of different characters. Obviously, you have your leader Slash, and Hilo is another main character. But I didnt want all the other characters to come across like a bunch of sidekicks.

With Hilos introduction sequence, hes an exposition character providing the Brothers and the audience some context for what hes experienced that we have no frame of reference for yet. The sequence, from how you block it to the reflection in his glasses, theres such specificity to it that makes it memorable. Whats your process for boarding?

As we started to get into the story and figuring out the characters, Hilo was shaping up to be the most dynamic character. Slash is the main character, but he remains Slash throughout. I was looking at this Hilo part, thinking, Man, hes a little bit like Robert Shaw in Jaws, because theres the scene where theyre in the boat and he launches into the story where he was on the U.S.S. Indianapolis battleship. He witnessed all this carnage and you could tell from his performance that he was a disturbed individual and that he also had a death wish as a result. Hes going to take it right to the end and thats what makes that character so cool. So, thats how I wanted to play Hilo in this. When I mentioned that to Jen, shes like, Yeah, but its more like Tom Hanks playing Sully because the carnage that he witnessed wasnt 40 years ago. It was that afternoon and we want this character to be right in the immediate aftermath of this traumatic event. This is how we asked Ed Skrein to play this role. I said, I want Hilo to be a little crazy. Can you give us crazy and triggered? He gave it to us! We leaned into that as a result, so everything started to go off in that kind of direction.

Theres a really subtle but effective integration of 2d and 3d animation throughout the short. As this is a technique youve used going back to the Gorillaz music videos, how intuitive is that process now?

Passion [Pictures] perfected that technique. Even from a script stage, we look at it. Our technical directors name is Christian Mills and hell look at the script, and hell identify all the scenes which are earmarked for 3d. But theres a trick to that. We work with a guy called Martial Coulon, a French fellow, and he uses After Effects, a 2d software program, to achieve this 3d look. He has all these tricks but the end result is that we get a 3d effect that integrates perfectly with the 2d. What we dont want is to have a 2d film with a scene thats sort of easily recognizable as a 3d element so it feels like its not part of the world.

In that Hilo sequence against the 400 Boys, was there anything you wanted to achieve that was out of the ordinary and that you were particularly pleased with in the end?

Well, this is Hilo at his craziest. He gets on that car and he starts to holler. He starts to rant and rave like a mad man would, which is real fun performance stuff. Then theres a lull for a moment as its building, the tension before the reveal of the 400 Boys. We had created this moment early on in the storyboards that really was quite a pregnant pause before all the chaos starts to ensue. We couldnt make that long enough. We just like that space where theres nothing, and theres always this tendency to try to fill empty spaces. Its just a natural tendency, right across the board with animation, effects, music, sound effects compositing. So, it was an exercise in restraint to try to maintain that. Then things start to erupt, and lead to that first reveal shot and and then youre off and running from there. Its a story about two films: the preamble where youre establishing the characters and then they make their way to the battlefront, and the confrontation happens, and then it breaks into a different kind of film.

Was it difficult to settle on your presentation of the 400 Boys?

All of that was dictated by the short story. When Marc Laidlaw was writing, youre led along to believe that things are going to be a certain way. Its presenting itself as a typical kind of a monster movie. And then when it reveals itself, youre like, What! Its a little bit like throwing the bridge at the moon; I wanted to maintain that level of riding that line of just being really cool and a little bit absurd. And so that was very much part of the performance. We were trying to find the right reference for the 400 Boys to make them come across a certain way.

Visually Ice and 400 Boys couldnt be more different in terms of their color palettes and the look of their landscapes.

This story was a hot planet, a lot different from Ice. The colors in Ice were very particular. It was challenging to make that look rich and cold at the same time. I had ventured into greens on Ice, which I rarely ever do. Green is a color that I havent really introduced into my palette yet. On this one, we ventured into some other colors that Ive never really used before comfortably. All that comes from Patricio Betteo, whos the art director. Hes a little bit more courageous when it comes to colors. Hell give me these documents and Ill look at them and go, Really? I gotta get my head around it. But once I start to play with it and use his color settings  because hes got a very particular way of achieving these looks with a lot of subtlety in there  its just fun to play with it. I didnt really want to introduce a lot of color into this particular one. It was very much about restraint.


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It took longer than many expected, but the inevitable has finally happened. The Walt Disney Company and NBCUniversal sued AI image generator Midjourney today, alleging that the company has trained its large language model (LLM) on unauthorized copyrighted works owned by the two companies. It is Hollywoods first major copyright infringement-related legal action against a generative AI company.

It is notable that Disney and Universal, which are traditional competitors, have teamed up to pursue this legal action. In the complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, the companies claim that Midjourney sells an image-generating service that functions as a virtual vending machine, generating endless unauthorized copies of Disneys and Universals copyrighted works.

Disney and NBCUni call Midjourneys infringement systematic, ongoing, and willful, and say that the company has not implemented any measures to stop users from recreating its copyrighted assets.

Midjourney founder David Holz has previously admitted in interviews that he wasnt selective about the materials he used to train his model. Its just a big scrape of the internet, he told Forbes in 2022. We werent picky.

Holz further said that he stole artwork from millions of artists without permission: There isnt really a way to get a hundred million images and know where theyre coming from.

The companies describe Midjourney as the quintessential copyright free-rider and a bottomless pit of plagiarism. Animation plays a huge role in this lawsuit, and Disney and Universal cite many examples of their animation IP that has been reproduced by Midjourney including Disney and Pixar animated features, Shrek, Despicable Me, Minions, Kung Fu Panda, and The Simpsons.

The 110-page lawsuit (download the PDF HERE) is packed with dozens of visual exhibits that show the similarities between images produced by Midjourey and copyrighted characters owned by Disney and Universal.

A few of the examples provided by the studios can be seen below:

Horacio Gutierrez, senior executive vice president and chief legal and compliance officer for Disney, said in a statement:

Our world-class IP is built on decades of financial investment, creativity and innovationinvestments only made possible by the incentives embodied in copyright law that give creators the exclusive right to profit from their works. We are bullish on the promise of AI technology and optimistic about how it can be used responsibly as a tool to further human creativity. But piracy is piracy, and the fact that its done by an AI company does not make it any less infringing.

Kim Harris, executive vice president and general counsel of NBCU, added:

Creativity is the cornerstone of our business. We are bringing this action today to protect the hard work of all the artists whose work entertains and inspires us and the significant investment we make in our content. Theft is theft regardless of the technology used, and this action involves blatant infringement of our copyrights.

Disney and Universals suit demands Midjourney pay for damages, but a figure is not provided in this initial filing. The companies are also aiming to prevent Midjourney from releasing its upcoming video generator without appropriate copyright protection measures to prevent such infringement.

Midjourney has not responded to the media about the lawsuit.
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As part of Netflixs animation slate presentation at the Annecy Festival on Wednesday, the streamer debuted the first footage from the Duffer Brothers animated series spin-off, Stranger Things: Tales of 85.

First announced in 2023, the sizzle reel presentation featured the Duffers on-camera introducing the inspiration for the series which goes back to their childhood love of genre Saturday morning cartoons like the Tim Burton-developed Beetlejuice that ran from 1989 to 1991 and The Real Ghostbusters which ran from 1986 to 1991.

However, unlike those namechecked 2d animated shows, Stranger Things: Tales of 85 is very much a cg animated series, akin to the look of high end cutscenes in a video game, with 2d painterly stylization to give it a similar look to Netflixs animated series Arcane.

The animated series, said to be canon and taking place between season two and season three of Netflixs live-action Stranger Things series, features new adventures involving Will, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Max, Eleven and the new character Nikki Baxter who is described as a tinker who helps the gang as they battle a new breed of vine monster summoned from the Upside Down.

The sizzle reel featured a montage of scenes featuring various groupings of the main gang, a first-look at newbie Nikki, a quick scene with a very agitated Chief Jim Hopper, and an exterior look at the notorious Hawkins Laboratory which was a major setting for season two of the live-action series. The voice cast is unconfirmed but the voices sounded like a mix of original cast and new voice actors filling in for other characters like Hopper.

Lots of images are already popping up online, but it should be noted that none of those are official as Netflix has not released any artwork from the show outside of the sneak peek at Annecy. No release date has been given either, though Netflix said in todays presentation that the series will premiere in 2026.

Stranger Things: Tales of 85 is executive produced by Eric Robles (Fanboy & Chum Chum), the Duffer Brothers on behalf of Upside Down Pictures, and Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen at 21 Laps. The animation provider is Flying Bark Productions, which is also working on Paramount Animations upcoming feature The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender.
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CEMBUREAU and the European Federation of Building and Woodworkers (EFBWW) have joined forces to develop essential policy recommendations that will accelerate the cement industry's transition to carbon neutrality. This strategic collaboration was carried out under the EU co-funded project Cement Skills 2030 which focussed on mapping the future skills needs of the cement sector for 2030-50.

The recommendations include:

 stronger collaboration among stakeholdersincluding social partners, policymakers, industry trade unions and employers leaders, training providers, and educational institutions

 investment in re-skilling and upskilling to prepare workers for emerging technologies, products, and green and digital processes

 a human-centred approach to industry transformation, ensuring involvement of workers to participate in shaping future skills, training and learning opportunities

 the integration of occupational health & safety measures into all training curricula to respond to emerging risks and continuous prevention

 the utility of EU and national funds to support workforce development and industry adaptation for a fair transition.



At the Final conference held on 27 May 2025 in Brussels, an in-depth study was presented, conducted across six key countries  Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Poland, and Spain  alongside insights from other EU member states. A high-level roundtable discussion explored strategies for ensuring a fair and social transition, supporting sector attractiveness, addressing labour shortages and occupational safety and health (OSH) factors, and securing funding for workers development, upskilling and reskilling.

A keynote speech from Commission Cabinet provided the relevant aspects of the union of skills for the cement sector and initiatives such as the European Alliance for Apprenticeships and EU Skills Academies.



With the project now completed, EFBWW and Cembureau will explore deepening their cooperation which may include working towards an industry-wide roadmap on skills intelligence. A dedicated platform for exchange among stakeholders will be established to drive continued progress in workforce development. Additionally, joint efforts will focus on enhancing industry attractiveness and ensuring a socially inclusive transformation.



Koen Coppenholle, CEO of CEMBUREAU, said: " As the cement industry moves towards carbon neutrality, equipping our workforce with the right skills will be key to driving innovation and securing a competitive, sustainable industry for generations to come. A strong collaboration is essential and will deliver a transformation that is both fair and sustainable for everyone involved."


Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Jeff Holmes as interim commissioner for the Tennessee Department of General Services (DGS), effective June 12. He will succeed Matt Van Epps, who stepped down on June 10 to pursue a new venture after serving in multiple roles in the Lee administration.

Matt has faithfully served Tennesseans through his experience in the Tennessee Army National Guard and roles in my administration, said Governor Lee. I deeply appreciate his leadership at the Department of General Services, and Maria and I wish Matt continued success and pray Gods blessings over him in the days ahead.

Mr. Van Epps was appointed Commissioner of DGS in September 2024, and made notable strides in managing DGS services efficiently during his tenure, including being awarded a Top Workplaces honor. He previously held multiple roles within the Lee Administration, including deputy chief operating officer in the Governors Office, assistant director of procurement and contracts with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), and assistant commissioner with the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services. He is a West Point graduate, veteran of the U.S. Army, and continues to serve his state and country in the Tennessee Army National Guard. Van Epps lives in Nashville with his wife and daughter.

Jeff Holmes has a significant track record of serving Tennesseans for more than forty years in the Tennessee National Guard, and in my administration as Adjutant General, said Governor Lee. Im proud to welcome him back to serve as a member of my cabinet and appreciate his willingness to lead the Department of General Services.

Mr. Holmes is currently the Director of Planning and Programming at Tennessee Board of Regents, and previously served as Tennessees 76th Adjutant General, supervising Tennessees Military Department which includes the Army National Guard, Air National Guard, and Tennessee State Guard.

Mr. Holmes has nearly 44 years of military service, beginning his career as a tank crewman at Fort Knox, Kentucky in 1979. He served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a squadron commander for the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment in 2004 and again as the regimental commander in 2010. Prior to serving as Adjutant General, He was the Deputy Commanding General for First Army.
Margaret W. Cate, 93, of Cleveland, passed away on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

She was a graduate of Girls Preparatory School and Mount Vernon College, Washington, D.C. Margaret was a longtime member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, where she served as the president of the Women of the Church and was the first woman to be elected to the Vestry. She served on the board of the Cleveland Symphony Guild and was the Cleveland Chairman of the Tennessee Arts Commission. She also worked with many organizations in Chattanooga and served on the boards of the Girl's Club, Big Sisters and Girls Preparatory School. At GPS, she was president of the Alumnae Council, chairman of the board of trustees and the 1993 winner of the Distinguished Alumnae Award.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, George E. Wheland and Martha West Wheland, and by her husband, Jim Cate. She is survived by a daughter, Margaret.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 18, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Cleveland from 11 am to 1 pm. There will be a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Girls Preparatory School (205 Island Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37405) or to St. Luke's Episcopal Church (P.O. Box 5, Cleveland, TN 37364-0005)
Normally, individual atoms move on surfaces rather randomly - influenced primarily by the symmetry of the surface. This process, known as "diffusion", plays a central role in the production of semiconductors, in catalysts or in the construction of nanostructures. Researchers have long suspected that magnetism could also influence the movement of individual atoms. Scientists at Kiel University (CAU) and the University of Hamburg have now been able to demonstrate this experimentally for the first time: On a magnetic surface, atoms can be steered along a specific direction. The results were published in "Nature Communications".

Targeted movement instead of chance The team was able to prove this using a scanning tunneling microscope. At temperatures close to absolute zero (four Kelvin), they placed individual atoms such as cobalt, rhodium and iridium on a manganese layer that is exactly one atomic layer thick and was previously vapor-deposited onto a rhenium surface. This structure creates a particularly well-defined, magnetically ordered surface in which the magnetic properties of the individual rows of atoms are precisely known.

It turned out that although this layer has a symmetrical, hexagonal structure, the atoms on it did not move randomly in one of the six possible directions after a short current pulse, but always along magnetic rows - even if the atoms themselves are not magnetic, as in the case of rhodium or iridium.

Quantum mechanics provides the explanation "Such movements were previously predicted theoretically, but never proven experimentally," says Professor Stefan Heinze from the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics at Kiel University. Together with his colleague Dr. Soumyajyoti Haldar, he carried out quantum mechanical calculations on the supercomputers of the National Supercomputing Alliance (NHR) in Berlin to explain the phenomenon.

Their simulations show: It is energetically easier for the atoms to move along the magnetic rows than across them. The reason for this lies in a magnetic interaction between the atom and the atoms on the surface: both can be imagined as tiny bar magnets. In the case of atoms of magnetic elements such as cobalt, this interaction is caused by their own magnetic moment. In the case of atoms of non-magnetic elements such as rhodium or iridium, a small magnetic moment is only caused by the interaction with the surface and influences the direction of movement. The atoms therefore prefer to move along the magnetic rows of the surface. Until now, researchers have assumed that magnetism plays no role in the movement of individual atoms - this assumption has now been refuted by the new results.
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. signs the Workforce Development Program, a new employee incentive policy, on June 5. Seated with Hoskin, from left, are Chief of Staff Dr. Corey Bunch, Deputy Chief Bryan Warner and Samantha Hendricks, executive director of human resources.
Southern Baptist Convention President Clint Pressley | Screenshot: YouTube/ NBC News

Clint Pressley has been reappointed as President of the Southern Baptist Convention for a second term.

At the SBC Annual Meeting held in Dallas, Texas, Pressley secured his victory on the first ballot with 5,567 votes, amounting to 92.64% of the votes cast. Protestia publisher David Morrill received 408 votes, accounting for 6.79% of the vote.

Pressley, the senior pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, was initially elected at last year's SBC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, following a second runoff vote.

This year's nomination came from Michael Criner, senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Rockwall, Texas, who praised Pressley's leadership, stating that he "has earned our trust for another year as our president.

This past year, Clint Pressley has represented Southern Baptists so well. His greatest contribution has been the stability he has brought our Convention by championing what makes us great, and not seeking to be the center of attention, Criner noted.

Criner highlighted various successes under Pressley's leadership, including increased average worship and Sunday School attendance, an uptick in baptisms, and the establishment of 767 new church plants. He also mentioned a third consecutive year of record giving through the Lottie Moon offering and achieving a 20-year milestone with a growing missionary pipeline.

Pastor Chris Cunningham of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Big Spring, Texas, nominated Morrill, citing his reputation as someone who has been known for their dedication to the truth.

Cunningham said, He is not only a soldier in his professional life, but he is also a soldier for the truth. He has stood up for the truth.

It is through him that I have learned the proliferation of all these doctrinal downgrades, whether it being partnering with 'He Gets Us' or it be egalitarian in the pastorate. He has exposed these things and much else.

After being nominated, Morrill expressed his appreciation on his X account, tweeting, I'm truly humbled to represent the pews in some small way.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/ Joel Muniz

Iowa's Republican Governor Kim Reynolds signed House File 870 into law on Friday, allowing parents to send their children to a course in private religious instruction that is provided by a private organization during the school day.

Reynolds' approval of the legislation follows its passage in a nearly unanimous vote of 96-2 in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and a 47-0 vote in the Senate. Additional provisions of the law require the religious organization offering such courses to maintain attendance records and assume liability for any incidents involving the children during classes.

The measure stipulates that parents must notify the school that their children are attending and that the course does not require the child to be absent from school for more than five hours per week.

The law clarifies that parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from the religious instruction courses. It also prohibits the use of public funds by school districts for sending children to these courses and forbids the use of public school facilities for religious instruction.

Moreover, it grants parents a right of action against any school district that does not permit their children to attend religious instruction during school hours and updates the definition of chronically absent to exclude absences for participation in religious instruction.

Parents have the right and responsibility to guide the upbringing and education of their children. The government should not stop families from raising their children in their familys faith, said Greg Chafuen, senior counsel at the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal nonprofit organization.

Chafuen noted that the law aligns with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the 1952 case Zorach v. Clauson, which described religious released time as being in line with the best of our traditions and confirmed that such programs do not violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. States like Ohio and Oklahoma have similar laws permitting religious released time.

Ohio's law has come under scrutiny from the separation of church and state advocacy group Freedom From Religion Foundation. In a statement following the passage of Ohios law in 2023, FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor said, If parents want their children to learn about the Bible, there are so many ways to do it without cutting into valuable school hours.

She added that FFRF received several complaints from families in different school districts alleging that non-attending students were given busy work, or no work at all, as a consequence of staying behind during released time classes.
Home News 'Distraught': Christian leaders offer condolences as Air India crash kills over 200

Christian leaders have offered condolences and are vowing to help the families of victims impacted by the Air India crash that has left more than 200 people dead.

Air India announced in a statement on X published early Thursday morning Eastern Time that Flight AI171, which was transporting 242 passengers and crew members from Ahmedabad to Londons Gatwick Airport on a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, was involved in an accident today after take-off.

Air India CEO Dr. Campbell Wilson provided additional details about the passengers in a video message, noting that 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British nationals, seven were Portuguese nationals and one was a Canadian national.

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The injured passengers have been taken by local authorities to the nearest hospital, he stated. A special team of caregivers from Air India is on their way to Ahmedabad to provide additional support.

Ramesh Viswashkumar, the sole survivor of the Air India crash, escaped by jumping from the plane, India Today reports. He was in seat 11A.

According to Flightradar24, the signal from the aircraft was lost at 1:38 p.m. local time, less than a minute after takeoff. Images from the crash shared by Indias Central Industrial Security Force show the plane lodged into the side of a building as well as burnt debris left behind.

A social media post from Dr. Akshay Dongardive said building that the plane crashed into as the BJMC undergraduate hostel mess, referring to BJ Medical College.

Dongardive, who serves as the head of the FAIMA Doctors Association that characterizes itself as the largest organization for young doctors in India, reported that the plane crash led to multiple injuries among students.

As per initial updates received from the Resident Doctors Association (RDA) leader at BJMC Ahmedabad, approximately 32 to 40 undergraduate students have sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Civil Hospital Ahmedabad, Dongardive stated. At this moment, there is no official confirmation regarding fatalities or the exact number of missing students. The situation remains highly sensitive, and we urge everyone to refrain from spreading unverified information.

In addition to offering thoughts and prayers to the students impacted by the crash, Dongrdive shared images of the heavily damaged hostel mess.

In a statement shared with The Christian Post, the President of the All India Christian Council, Archbishop Joseph DSouza of the Good Shepherd Church, offered his condolences to the victims.

The Indian nation is distraught at the news of the Air India plane crash this morning in Ahmedabad. With more than 200 believed to be dead, likely including medical students in a building at the crash site and others throughout the neighborhood, I am heartbroken at this sudden and tragic loss of life, he said.

I cannot imagine the confusion and grief that the family and friends of those involved are enduring right now, he added. But I am grieving with them, and I am praying that God will comfort them and bring them peace, in Jesus name.

In addition to highlighting his intention to keep praying for those who knew and loved all of those killed and injured, DSouza vowed that his church "will do whatever we can to help in the midst of this crisis.

In a statement posted to X on Thursday, Pastor Greg Laurie of the multicampus Harvest Christian Fellowship in California described the plane crash as a heartbreaking tragedy."

So many lives have been lost, and countless families are grieving," Laurie said, urging Christians to come together in prayer for those affected  asking for comfort, healing, and hope in the midst of deep sorrow.
Home News New Hampshire passes universal school choice, parental bill of rights

New Hampshire has passed a universal school choice bill and a parental bill of rights allowing parents to opt their children out of sex education lessons.

New Hampshire's Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed two measures into law Tuesday. House Bill 10 establishes a parental bill of rights, while Senate Bill 295 increases the eligibility for education freedom accounts that enable parents to cover costs associated with sending their children to non-public schools.

House Bill 10 declares, "No school may infringe on the fundamental rights of a parent to direct the upbringing, education, health care, and mental health of his or her minor child without demonstrating that such action is necessary to achieve a compelling state interest, that such action is narrowly tailored, and that such interest is not otherwise served by less restrictive means."

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The list of parental rights now protected under state law includes the right "to opt out of health or sex education and any other objectionable material."

In addition to containing an extensive list of rights for parents, the legislation directs school districts in the state to develop "procedures for a parent to object to instructional materials and other materials used in the classroom" and "procedures for a parent to withdraw his or her child from any portion of the school district's health education program that relates to sex education or instruction in acquired immune deficiency syndrome education or any instruction regarding sexuality if the parent provides a written objection to his or her minor child's participation."

School districts are also directed to publish the parental bill of rights on their school website or in their school handbook. The measure includes a right of action for any parent who feels their rights have been violated by a school district to seek judicial relief.

One of the rights granted by the parental bill of rights is the right to "choose to enroll the minor child in an assigned resident public school, a public charter school, a non-public school, including a religious school, a home education program, or any other state-based education program, as authorized by law, as an alternative to public education."

Senate Bill 295 attempts to make it easier for parents to choose alternative education options for their children. The measure removes restrictions limiting education freedom accounts to students who live in households where the income is less than or equal to 350% of the federal poverty line, meaning that all students are eligible. It also caps total enrollment in the education freedom accounts at 10,000 per fiscal year.

Education freedom accounts enable parents to apply to scholarship organizations to establish saving accounts, enabling them to pay for tuition and fees at private schools or non-public online learning programs, tutoring services, and other expenses associated with education, like textbooks, school uniforms and tuition.

In a statement issued following her approval of House Bill 295, Ayotte said allowing "parents the freedom to choose the education setting that best fits their child's needs will help every student in our state reach their full potential."

"I'm proud to sign this into law today along with the Parental Bill of Rights, which ensures parents are the central voice in their children's education," the governor said.

While conservatives have championed school choice, such programs have been criticized by Democrats, who argue it will take resources away from struggling public schools.

Democratic Rep. David Meuse is among those who opposed HB 295, who contends that it will "increase the state's obligation to pony up your tax dollars for the GOP school voucher scam by tens of millions of dollars over the next biennium while many state services will be cut due to declining state revenues."

"Get out your wallets folks," Meuse said, according to Seacostonline. "Wealthy people want subsidies from taxpayers like you to send their kids to private schools."

Ayotte's approval of the parental bill of rights comes at a time when school districts across the U.S. have faced lawsuits for withholding information about their trans-identified children's wish to identify as a member of a different sex or use of a name that does not align with their biological sex. School districts across the U.S. have also faced lawsuits and criticism for including sexually explicit material and/or LGBT ideology in the curriculum.

New Hampshire follows in the footsteps of other states that have passed school choice expansions in recent years.

In May, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a historic school choice bill into law, which he claimed would make the "largest day-one" school choice program launch in the country.

Idaho passed a $50M school choice program in March to allow private schoolers and home-schoolers to claim a refundable tax credit worth $5,000.

Just weeks after taking office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies to look for ways to expand school choice options for families.
Home News English village church bell silenced after 177 years over noise complaints

A historic Anglican church in a small English town has silenced its bells after 177 years following noise complaints, prompting outrage from local villagers who claim the move has upended a long tradition.

St. Michael's Church in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, was told by the borough council in April to stop its bells from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. because of complaints from three local villagers, according to the Daily Express.

The bells of the historic 19th-century church had marked every quarter-hour since 1848.

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A device costing thousands of pounds is required to regulate the hours when the bells are silent, for which reason the church has stopped ringing the bell altogether for now. The move has reportedly upset many in the small hamlet of approximately 4,000 people about 25 miles west of Leeds.

One villager named "EJ" explained the gravity of the situation in an online petition, which has garnered more than 1,500 signatures as of Friday.

"Growing up in the heart of Mytholmroyd, the sound of St. Michael's church bells ringing through the village has been a cherished part of my life," the petition reads in part.

"These bells have chimed since 1848, long before any of us were here  a symbol of continuity and community for over a century. My family's roots run deep in this village, and for us, as for numerous other residents, the chimes are more than bells; they are the soundtrack of our community's daily life."

The petition states that the local government's abatement order "does not reflect the desires of most Mytholmroyd residents, who love and appreciate the historic sound that these bells provide."

Some commenters on the petition dismissed the order as "ridiculous." One commenter advised the three annoyed villagers to buy earplugs if they can't withstand the noise.

"Three objectors should not be allowed to influence whether the bells ring or not. 177 years is an amazing length of time for them to have been rung. It's part of our history. Find somewhere else to live or buy earplugs!"

Roy Wrathall, who has served as the church warden at St. Michael's for years, acknowledged the complexity of the bell debate, according to The Telegraph.

"There's very much two sides to it. There's 'I'm awake in the night, there goes the clock that reassures me' and 'I can't get to sleep because I keep hearing that clock every 15 minutes'. It's not an easy one to resolve," he said.

Other churches in the British Commonwealth have lately made headlines for complaints over bell-related issues.

Last month, St. Augustine's Church in Sydney, Australia, prompted a flurry of complaints for requesting to increase the number of its bells, according to The Daily Mail. The 119-year-old Roman Catholic church expressed hope that the bells would offer a sense of community in "an era of increasing digitalization and detachment."

Parish priest Father Peter Smith remained skeptical of local concerns about the bells being too loud, noting how the church is next to a pub that remains noisy into the early morning hours.

The bell of Beith Parish Church in Ayrshire, Scotland, had rung every hour for 200 years until the Church of Scotland decided in 2023 to keep it quiet between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. after a single resident claimed to local environmental authorities that it was disturbing their sleep. The church's action drew local backlash and a petition.
Baptist Convention Decisions, Huckabee On Israel-Palestine Relations, Montana On Abortion Restrictions

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:25 07:25

Top headlines for Thursday, June 12, 2025

In this episode, we explore the recent decision by the Southern Baptist Convention to retain the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission despite proposals to abolish it. We also discuss U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee's recent comments on the current U.S. stance regarding a Palestinian state, providing insight into the complexities of Middle Eastern diplomacy. Plus, we delve into a fascinating research analysis that highlights a trend in church growth dynamics: large congregations continuing to expand while smaller churches struggle to keep up.

00:11 SBC votes against Willy Rice's motion to abolish the ERLC

01:09 Roseanne Barr blames God for tweet about Valerie Jarrett

02:00 Montana Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions

02:59 Huckabee says no room to recognize Palestinian state

03:49 Kevin Hart makes Kirk Franklins twerking butt of joke

04:40 Most pastors lead small churches but more attend big churches

05:29 SBC calls for bans on gay marriage, porn, abortion pills
Home Opinion What North Korean Christians can teach us about faith

For most of the last 30 years, North Korea has topped Open Doors annual World Watch List  the ranking of the 50 most dangerous countries for Christians. In this totalitarian regime, following Jesus is not just countercultural; its criminal.



Every act of Christian worship  owning a Bible, praying, sharing the Gospel  is considered a threat to the regime. Believers are labeled a hostile class and subjected to torture, imprisonment or execution. And yet, despite it all, they persist.

Why? And what does their courage say to us?

In a society where ones identity is supposed to revolve entirely around the Kim dynasty, Christianity poses a dangerous subversion. The North Korean regime has enshrined allegiance to its leader above all else. To worship another is, in the eyes of the government, an act of treason. The 2020 Reactionary Ideology and Culture Rejection Act makes it clear: any foreign ideology  especially Christianity  is to be eradicated. Article 29 explicitly criminalizes religious material, mischaracterizing it as superstition.

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Believers caught with a Bible, a worship song or even a whispered prayer can face decades in labor camps. Entire families are punished. Children are indoctrinated through the Youth Education Guarantee Act, which equates religious belief with murder and drug use. Surveillance is everywhere. The Ministry of State Security leads widespread crackdowns, aided by neighbors incentivized to inform. In this oppressive nightmare, the penalty for faith is often death. And yet, there is an active and growing Church.

The Gospel behind closed doors

In the midst of such darkness, stories like that of Joo Min shine with extraordinary courage and hope. Born and raised under North Koreas oppressive regime, she initially crossed into China simply to find food. Instead, she found something far more powerful: the love of Christ. In a safe house run by believers, she read the Bible for the first time, despite having been taught about Christians being wolves pretending to be sheep.

After accepting Jesus and being baptized, Joo Min could have stayed in safety. But she sensed a different calling. I felt like God was telling me: Go back to North Korea, she said. And she did. Today, she leads a secret house church in one of the most hostile environments on earth. If I am caught, I could end up in a labor camp, paying a heavy price for being a Christian, she said. But she presses on. Her story is not just one of survival  its one of surrender, boldness and relentless hope.

In the West, where religious liberty is protected by law, we struggle to comprehend the kind of faith that flourishes under fire. We find it difficult to pray in public, to share our faith at work or to set aside time for worship amid the distractions of our daily lives. While we fear criticism, North Korean believers fear execution. Still, they worship.

I thank God, one underground Christian shared. He continuously shows us His love and grace  We are proud to be part of Gods Kingdom and are motivated to live for Christ alone.

Their words echo those of the early church in Acts, who rejoiced in suffering for the name of Jesus. Their faith isnt theoretical  its all or nothing. In the face of unthinkable oppression, they cling to Christ, not because its easy, but because He is worth everything.

What does that mean for us?

It means that comfortable, lukewarm Christianity isnt enough. Our brothers and sisters in North Korea are not merely surviving; they are living out the Gospel in one of the harshest environments imaginable. Their example confronts our complacency. It challenges our priorities. It reminds us that freedom is not something to be taken for granted, but rather, stewarded.

Their persecution should awaken our prayers. But more than that, it should stir our resolve. We live in a culture increasingly hostile to faith, though were far from facing the extremes of North Korea. Still, the temptation to remain silent, to blend in or to water down the gospel is real. The courage of North Korean believers should move us, not only to support them, but to imitate them.

Their story is not just one of suffering, but of perseverance. Despite surveillance, indoctrination and propaganda, theyre growing in faith. Though the government tightly controls information and cracks down on any foreign influence, including Christian materials, reports indicate that spiritual curiosity is rising. People are turning to fortune-telling and other banned practices out of desperation, revealing a deep hunger for hope. But in hidden corners and quiet whispers, some are turning to Christ.

We are committed to lay down our lives for the Gospel, said another North Korean believer. We will fulfill the commission and we will never forsake the truth.

These arent just powerful words  theyre a call to action. For those of us in America, where we are free to worship, gather and share our faith, the bravery of persecuted Christians is a rebuke to fear and a reminder of what really matters.

When was the last time we thanked God for our freedom, and used it for His glory?

When was the last time we prayed for our brothers and sisters suffering under regimes like North Koreas?

When was the last time we considered the cost of discipleship, and said yes anyway?

Lets not waste the freedom we have while others risk their lives for just one page of Scripture. Let us remember those in chains as if we ourselves were suffering (Hebrews 13:3). And let us be inspired by the church in North Korea  not just to advocate and pray, but to live boldly for Christ.
Home News Arkansas Ten Commandments law faces legal challenge from progressive groups

A group of progressive organizations has filed a lawsuit against a recently passed law in Arkansas that requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a complaint on Wednesday on behalf of a religiously diverse group of parents.

At issue is Act 573, a measure signed into law by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in April and is scheduled to take effect in August. The lawsuit argues that "Act 573 is not neutral with respect to religion."

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"By design, it expressly requires the display of religious scripture  the Ten Commandments  in every public-school classroom and library," stated the complaint, in part.

"It also requires a specific, state-approved, Protestant version of that scripture to be posted, taking sides on theological questions regarding the correct content and meaning of the Ten Commandments and enshrining in state law an official denominational preference."

The lawsuit also claimed that children from non-Christian homes "will be forcibly subjected to the state's official version of the Ten Commandments for nearly every hour that they are in school."

"As a result of the displays mandated by Act 573, students who do not subscribe to the state's official version of the Ten Commandments  including the minor-child Plaintiffs  will be pressured into religious observance, veneration, and adoption of this religious scripture," continued the suit.

"As a result of the displays mandated by Act 573, students who do not subscribe to the state's official version of the Ten Commandments  including the minor-child Plaintiffs  also will feel pressure to suppress expression or practice of their own faiths and religious beliefs or nonreligious beliefs in view of their peers, teachers, and other school staff."

Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United, said in a statement released Wednesday that the "Constitution's guarantee of church-state separation means that families  not politicians  get to decide if, when and how public-school children engage with religion."

"This law is part of the nationwide Christian Nationalist scheme to win favor for one set of religious views over all others and nonreligion  in a country that promises religious freedom," said Laser.

Originally known as Senate Bill 433, Act 573 requires all classrooms and libraries in all public schools, as well as buildings maintained by taxpayer funds, to display a poster or framed copy of the U.S. national motto "In God We Trust" and also a poster or framed copy of The Ten Commandments.

The legislation passed the Republican-controlled Arkansas Senate in a 27-4 vote and the Republican-controlled Arkansas House of Representatives in a 71-20 vote.

Republican State Sen. Jim Dotson, one of the bill's primary sponsors, argued in March that the proposal that the Decalogue displays were not unconstitutional.

"From the state to the federal level all throughout our history, it is a historical reference point or historical document that has basic things like you shall not kill, steal, commit adultery, those basic foundations of life that is good for everybody to keep front of mind so that we are hopefully living good lives," he stated, as quoted by KATV.

"The U.S. Supreme court has held repeatedly throughout history that not everything is an establishment of religion. Going back to a more strict scrutiny standard of the interpretation of the constitution with our current supreme court so I don't think this is a violation."

In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5-4 per curiam opinion in the Stone v. Graham ruling that Kentucky cannot force public schools to display the Ten Commandments because it violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Last year, Louisiana passed a similar Ten Commandments law, which faces a legal challenge from Americans United, FFRF and the ACLU.
Home News Asian Evangelical leadership forum opens in Seoul with renewed call for discipleship

With a clear and urgent call to renew commitment to discipleship amid a rapidly changing global landscape, the Asia Evangelical Leadership Forum (AELF) officially opened Wednesday in Seoul, South Korea.

Organized by the Asia Evangelical Alliance (AEA), the three-day gathering brought together approximately 100 Evangelical leaders from over 20 countries across Asia for prayer, strategy, and collaboration under the theme: Disciple or Die 2.0.

Hosted at the Antioch Center, the June 1113 event is a sequel to previous AEA gatherings and represents a continuation of what organizers describe as a discipleship journey initiated in 2019.

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AEA General Secretary Dr. Bambang Budijanto delivered the opening address, tracing the theological, spiritual and strategic trajectory that has shaped the alliances vision for evangelism and mission over the past six years.

This is not just a listening conference  it is a working gathering, Budijanto told delegates in his opening remarks. God has brought each of you here for a reason. You are not just observers. You are participants in shaping whats next.

The forum aims to produce actionable strategies to accelerate the fulfillment of the Great Commission across Asia, particularly by deepening commitment to discipleship. From the outset, the event was framed not as a routine conference but as a moment of spiritual recalibration and collaborative discernment.

We begin tonight by praying: Show me Your glory, Budijanto said, referencing Exodus 33:18. Its a call for renewed longing  not just ministry business, but hearts that yearn again to see Gods glory manifest in our lives and our churches.

Budijanto outlined the development of AEAs emphasis on discipleship, which began in earnest during preparations for the 2019 World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) General Assembly. At that time, Asian leaders were asked to shape the agenda and sought Gods direction through prayer.

What emerged, said Budijanto, was the conviction that the Holy Spirit was calling us back to the final words of Jesus: Make disciples of all nations. That moment launched a commitment we called the Decade of Discipleship, beginning in 2020.

In 2020, the AEA held its first online General Assembly during the pandemic, where the theme focused on Church in the New Landscape. Leaders acknowledged that COVID-19 had accelerated an already-emerging shift in how churches and missions operated.

Quoting Isaiah 43:19  See, I am doing a new thing  Budijanto emphasized that leaders at the time recognized the need for new models and mindsets to match new realities.

The way we did church and missions last century cannot carry us into this century, he said.

This reflection led to the establishment of seven task forces in the lead-up to AEAs 40th anniversary in 2023, each tasked with discerning what God is doing in Asia today. At that anniversary gathering, leaders focused on the idea that this new landscape is one we have never been to before, echoing Joshua 3:4.

In 2024, the AEA General Assembly convened in Mongolia, where the number of strategic task forces was narrowed from seven to four. Budijanto said the meeting yielded a renewed sense of urgency.

We committed to explore everything that can help us accelerate the Great Commission  not just modest growth, but significant breakthrough," he said.

That trajectory continues in Seoul this week, with leaders revisiting those four strategic thrusts and seeking alignment around them through prayer and dialogue.

Budijanto acknowledged that Christian mission movements, like the modern era inaugurated by William Carey, may have reached a turning point. Every season God creates new movements, he said. But we cant see whats ahead if we keep looking behind. The challenge is to stop feeding the old model and begin discerning what God is birthing now.

The forum is structured around three key prayers, each guiding a day of the gathering.

The first day centers on the prayer, Show me Your glory (Exodus 33:18), calling participants to personal and corporate spiritual renewal and a renewed longing for Gods presence. This sets a reflective and worshipful tone for the days ahead.

On the second day, the focus turns to strategy with the prayer, Show us Your way (Exodus 33:13), as leaders seek direction for navigating the unfamiliar mission landscape of Asia. Sessions throughout the day address innovation, collaboration, and the development of new models of discipleship relevant to todays challenges.

The third day is anchored in the prayer, Show us Your hand (Exodus 33:16), as participants reflect on Gods activity across various national contexts.

Testimonies of growth, transformation and effective discipleship movements will be shared, highlighting where God is already at work. The forum concludes with a commitment to ongoing collaboration, uniting leaders around a shared vision for advancing discipleship across Asia over the next decade.

This isnt just a plan for AEA  its a journey we must walk together, said Budijanto. The task ahead is too great to go alone.

The ultimate goal of AELF 2025 is to align leaders around a 10-year vision for catalyzing discipleship movements across the region. Over the next two days, participants will engage in strategy sessions to identify actionable steps and share insights from their respective contexts.

Budijanto ended his speech with an appeal for unity and expectation: Let us approach this not as a routine event but as a sacred moment. God wants to do more than we can imagine  but we must come with open hands, open hearts, and the willingness to walk together.

The Asia Evangelical Leadership Forum will conclude on Friday evening, June 13, with a commitment ceremony and final prayer session titled Show us Your life, symbolizing the launch of a new season of collaborative mission across Asia.

This article was originally published by Christian Daily International.
Home News Christian share of global population shrinks despite remaining largest religious group: study Muslims are the fastest-growing religious group

A new Pew Research Center report shows that although Christianity continues to be the worlds largest religious group, its share of the rising global population has fallen over the last decade, mainly due to people walking away from the faith.

The report, based on an analysis of 2,700 censuses and surveys, shows that the global population of Christians grew by 121.6 million people from 2010 to 2020, reaching some 2.3 billion people. As a share of the global population, estimated to be about 7.8 billion in 2020, Christians fell by 1.8 percentage points to 28.8%.

The global population of Muslims, on the other hand, reached 2 billion, registering an increase of 347 million. Their share of the global population increased by 1.8 percentage points to 25.6%. The study also recognized Muslims as the worlds fastest-growing religious group.

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The biggest driver of the decline in the share of Christians in the global population was religious disaffiliation, researchers noted. They found that even though more people grew up with a religious affiliation than those who didnt when it comes to Christianity, more people who grew up with the faith have begun identifying as religiously unaffiliated than unaffiliated people who now identify with the religion.

The religiously unaffiliated, according to Pew Research, are people who identify as atheist, agnostic or nothing in particular.

Religious disaffiliation is the main driver of the decline in the Christian share of the global population. Religious disaffiliation  primarily of people leaving Christianity  also is the main driver of the growth of religiously unaffiliated populations, the researchers noted.

Individuals around the world identifying as religiously unaffiliated grew by 270.1 million between 2010 and 2020 to reach a total of 1.9 billion. They represent nearly a quarter of the worlds population or 24.2%

To better understand the issue of religious disaffiliation and religious switching, the researchers examined surveys from 117 countries.

To capture switching that has occurred in more recent years, we use data from adults ages 18 to 54. Religious switching is more common earlier in life, though it can happen at any age, they noted.

We found that for every adult in that age group who says they joined a religion after having been raised without a religion, 3.2 moved in the other direction  they left religion altogether after having been raised in one, they explained. As a result, based on this set of measures, the religiously unaffiliated category has had the largest net gain due to switching.

And the inverse was true for Christianity.

Christians have experienced the biggest net losses from switching (3.1 have left for every 1.0 who has joined). Most former Christians no longer identify with any religion, but some now identify with a different religion, researchers noted.

As of 2020, China led the world with the most religiously unaffiliated people. Some 90% of that countrys population, or 1.3 billion people, identified as religiously unaffiliated.

America followed in second place with approximately 101 million people identifying as religiously unaffiliated in 2020, reflecting a 97% increase from a decade earlier.

It was also noted that sub-Saharan Africa is now home to the largest number of Christians, surpassing Europe. In 2020, 30.7% of the worlds Christians lived in sub-Saharan Africa, while only 22.3% lived in Europe.

While most countries, some 120, still remained Christian-majority countries, the study showed that religious disaffiliation has been slowly changing the religious landscape.

The Christian population dropped below 50% in the United Kingdom (49%), Australia (47%), France (46%) and Uruguay (44%), the report noted.

In each of these places, religiously unaffiliated people now account for 40% or more of the population, and smaller religious groups such as Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews or adherents of other religions (combined) account for 11% or less, researchers said.

Over the period of the analysis, religiously unaffiliated people became a majority in the Netherlands (54%), Uruguay (52%) and New Zealand (51%.) They joined China, North Korea, the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Macao and Japan, which had religiously unaffiliated majorities in 2010, the report said.

In 2022, a Pew study found that barring any limiting event such as war or economic depression, if the pace at which Christians abandon their faith before the age of 30 were to accelerate beyond its current pace, America could no longer be a majority Christian nation by as early as 2045.

Of course, it is possible that events outside the studys model  such as war, economic depression, climate crisis, changing immigration patterns or religious innovations  could reverse current religious switching trends, leading to a revival of Christianity in the United States, the researchers noted. But there are no current switching patterns in the U.S. that can be factored into the mathematical models to project such a result.
Home News SBC motion to ban female pastors fails with over 60% support

The Southern Baptist Convention failed to pass a motion to prohibit member churches from employing women in any pastor role, a similar measure to the Law Amendment that was narrowly defeated last year.

At the SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas, the messengers voted on Wednesday afternoon on a motion proposed by Juan Sanchez of High Pointe Baptist Church in Austin, Texas.

The proposed motion sought to amend the SBC Constitution's Article 3, Paragraph 1 to include a sixth item requiring churches to have "only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture."

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Although the SBC Baptist Faith and Message 2000 dictates that only men should serve in the office of pastor, the proposed measure clarifies to the SBC Credentials Committee how this standard should be implemented.

The motion failed to receive the necessary two-thirds majority to pass, receiving 3,421 votes in favor, constituting 60.74% of the ballots cast, while also having 2,191 votes against, comprising 38.9% of the ballots cast.

In remarks made before the vote, Sanchez told those gathered that "the aim of this motion is simply to provide help by clarifying what the Baptist Faith and Message already says regarding the office of pastor."

"We simply hope to provide guidance, further guidance to the Credentials Committee," he continued. "This is the time for us to clarify what we believe."

Sanchez rejected the claim that the amendment was going after women in any and all church leadership roles, noting that his church has both male and female deacons.

"The aim of complementarianism is not to limit what women can do in the church, but to actually free them to minister in the church in appropriate roles alongside men," he added.

Pastor James Goforth of First Baptist Church of Ferguson, Missouri, spoke against the motion, noting that Southern Baptists "believe in the autonomy of local churches," which results in "allowing us to have some differences of practice while still cooperating together for the Great Commission."

While opposed to the idea of female senior pastors, Goforth believed that the motion would force the convention "to headhunt a bridge too far" and distract from fighting "the real enemy."

Instead, Goforth said, SBC churches should "seek to redeem the lost, set prisoners free, declare the year of the Lord's favor."

Travis Cardwell, lead pastor of University Park Baptist Church of Houston, Texas, spoke in favor of the motion, believing that the SBC Credentials Committee needed clarity on the issue.

"I, for one, do not wish to come to the convention every year to debate female pastors," said Cardwell. "If we don't give them that clarity, then we're going to have to come back here year after year and debate this indefinitely."

The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 defines "pastor" as a person "who fulfills the pastoral office and carries out the pastor's functions," with Article VI explaining that "the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture."

Named after Pastor Mike Law of Arlington Baptist Church in Virginia, the Law Amendment would have amended the SBC Constitution to clarify that no member church could have a woman serving as an elder or pastor.

While the SBC has disfellowshipped churches for having female lead or teaching pastors, Law had previously estimated that around 1,800 SBC member congregations had women serving as pastors.

At last year's Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, 61% of messengers voted in favor of the Law Amendment, but it fell short of the two-thirds vote needed to be ratified after it was advanced during the 2023 Annual Meeting with about 80% of the vote from over 12,000 messengers in New Orleans.

Denny Burk, an associate professor of biblical studies at Boyce College, the undergraduate arm of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, noted on social media that it's "clear that majorities of messengers at the last three conventions want this amendment."

"But it is very difficult to get a supermajority to pass a measure when the platform opposes it. The platform mounted strong opposition the last two years," Burk wrote, objecting to an argument that passing the amendment could lead to lawsuits.

"I thought the amendment had a good chance of reaching a supermajority until the platform warned messengers during the debate that the amendment would put the SBC in legal jeopardy. At that point, it seemed clear to me that we would likely get a majority again but that enough messengers would be scared away to keep the effort from a supermajority. I was right."

Former SBC President J.D. Greear opposed the Law Amendment, calling the proposal "unwise" and "unnecessary" and warning that it could lead to an exodus of minority churches.

"I remain convictionally opposed to this amendment, not because of its content but because of its attempt to undermine our historic principles of cooperation," Greear wrote on his website before last year's vote.

The Texas-based Baptist Women in Ministry, which has members belonging to numerous Baptist denominations, released a statement last year celebrating the failure of the amendment.

"We are grateful to churches and messengers represented at the SBC who came to send the message that women have equal value to God. We know that others voted against the amendment for other reasons, but we hope the message of your support for female pastors will be amplified," they stated.
Home News Memphis Theological Seminary establishes scholarship in name of murdered pastor

Memphis Theological Seminary in Tennessee has launched a scholarship in the name of slain United Methodist Church Pastor Rev. Autura Eason-Williams to support Methodist students committed to justice and the love of Christ.

The seminary, where the murdered pastor received theological training, is hoping to raise $50,000 by July 31, according to an announcement. If they meet that fundraising goal, they can make their first scholarship award in the fall of 2025.

Beloved MTS alum, Dr. Autura Eason-Williams, was a prophetic leader and tireless advocate for justice. Rev. Dr. Eason-Williams served faithfully as a pastor, District Superintendent in the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, and a guiding light within both the United Methodist Church and the greater Memphis community, MTS President Jody Hill wrote in the announcement.

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We are honored to announce the Rev. Dr. Autura Eason-Williams Scholarship for Methodist Students at MTS. Auturas wisdom, compassion, and bold witness left an enduring legacy in our city and far beyond. In tribute to her life and ministry, this scholarship will support and empower future Methodist faith leaders who embody her deep commitment to justice and the love of Christ.

The Rev. Eason-Williams, who led Capleville United Methodist Church in Tennessee, was fatally shot in the driveway of her home in Whitehaven during a carjacking just after 4 p.m. on July 18, 2022. She was 52.

Friends say she was on her mobile phone with a colleague when the attack occurred.

Two teenagers were charged along with 22-year-old Eduard Rodriguez-Tabora for her death. One teen waived his right to a hearing in 2023 and pleaded guilty for his role. He will remain in the care of the Department of Children Services until the age of 19. The second teenager, 16-year-old Miguel Andrade, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 28 years in prison in early 2024.

Andrade was originally facing a first-degree murder charge for killing the pastor, along with carjacking, aggravated robbery and possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony, WREG reported. Those charges carried possible maximum penalties of life in prison or the death penalty. Rodriguez-Tabora pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was slapped with a 20-year prison sentence last October.

The pastors widower, Darrell Eason-Williams, cursed Rodriguez-Tabora to a life without peace at his sentencing.

I hate you to my [expletive] gut, he told Andrade during his victim impact statement, according to Action News 5. I have no remorse for you. I wish the worst for you while youre locked up for 28 years.

Rev. Mark Matheny told WREG that the seminary hopes to use the scholarship to attract candidates invested in carrying on the late pastors work.

We envision future authors coming from this seminary and carrying on her work, especially overcoming racism and nonviolence and many other areas in a well-rounded ministry where she was also a tremendous preacher and pastor, he said, noting how she founded Signposts, an intensive anti-racism course that laity and clergy can take together. She also founded and co-authored the Soul Force Initiative, an anti-gun violence effort.

She gave sacrificial love and modeled ministry, Matheny said. And so our job is to literally be the resurrection through these future students.
If you are a CIO, we know it will come as no surprise to find that youre under more pressure this year than ever before. And we fully understand how daunting that pressure of expectation can be.

You will be expected to go beyond delivering technology solutions. To drive business value and innovation and demonstrate measurable outcomes from investments in emerging technologies. At the same time, youll need to champion agility while also ensuring cybersecurity, compliance, and cost efficiency.

If you are based in Australia or New Zealand, your success will hinge on how effectively you align IT with business strategy, realise value from AI, optimise your digital investments, and foster a culture of integration and architectural awareness. And when alls considered, thats no small (or easy) ask.

At Fusion5, we understand these challenges. Thats why we partner with CIOs to help them surpass expectations  whether from the board, the executive team, or the wider organisation.

Heres how we do it.

Fostering stronger business-IT alignment

For years, IT has been viewed as a back-office function  a necessary cost centre rather than a driver of strategic growth. But in 2025, that narrative has shifted.

Going forward, the most successful CIOs will be those who break down the siloes between IT and business teams. By fostering strong cross-functional collaboration, technology can become what it was always intended to be; a true enabler of innovation rather than a stack of applications protectively ringfenced by the IT team.

As a result of disbanding these siloes, technology investment becomes more purposeful and impactful, empowering your business teams instead of constraining them. And your new-look CIO role will be epitomised as one of transformation rather than technology management.

Fusion5 can help you improve alignment between business and IT teams by:

Facilitating communication: Providing tools and platforms that enhance communication between your IT and business teams, promoting knowledge sharing, collaboration, and understanding.

Providing tools and platforms that enhance communication between your IT and business teams, promoting knowledge sharing, collaboration, and understanding. Aligning your technology strategy with business objectives: Delivering independent workshops, strategy sessions, and stakeholder-level guidance to help develop a shared strategic vision and roadmap.

Delivering independent workshops, strategy sessions, and stakeholder-level guidance to help develop a shared strategic vision and roadmap. Training and development: Offering training programs that focus on understanding both IT and business perspectives to bridge knowledge gaps, including workshops on business processes for IT staff and technical training for business teams.

Offering training programs that focus on understanding both IT and business perspectives to bridge knowledge gaps, including workshops on business processes for IT staff and technical training for business teams. Data integration and accessibility: Implementing integrated systems that allow both IT and business teams to access and share (the same) data easily  reducing misunderstandings and enhancing collaboration and informed decision-making.

By helping you to create a more integrated and collaborative environment between IT and business teams, we can help deliver more successful outcomes. Our approach ensures IT isnt just keeping the lights on but working with you in the business to drive home a competitive advantage.

Realise value from AI

While AI may be a hot topic in your business, and you are doubtless equally excited about its potential impact for good, it comes with sky-high expectations of fast and demonstratable value. However, for many CIOs, the ROI of investing in AI is hard (if not impossible) to showcase.

To forge new pathways to AI success, youll be required to manage often volatile and unpredictable expenses and executive and board expectations of a quick win  and maybe even invest in a new tech stack.

Fusion5 can help turn AI into an investment ROI by:

Providing industry-leading AI leadership: From needs assessments to fail-fast prototypes, leverage an innovative best-practice approach to ensure business impact and value.

From needs assessments to fail-fast prototypes, leverage an innovative best-practice approach to ensure business impact and value. Helping you build viable use cases: Conducting feasibility studies to evaluate the technical and economic viability of the proposed AI use case, including assessing the potential return on investment and the resources required.

Conducting feasibility studies to evaluate the technical and economic viability of the proposed AI use case, including assessing the potential return on investment and the resources required. Optimising your data: Improving ROI and outcomes by ensuring the accuracy and relevance of your data for better model training and more robust AI models that enhance performance and productivity while complying with your governance policy.

Justifying your investment in AI and managing stakeholder expectations (whether realistic or not) means that AI potentially poses as many risks as it does benefits. Fusion5 can help you minimise the challenges and deliver on the promises of a transformative technology.

Optimising digital investment decisions

Your technology investments need to do more than tick the boxes. They should be catalysts for measurable business improvements  otherwise, why bother?

The right digital strategy enhances your customer experience, ensures compliance, and streamlines internal operations. However, we know that it can be a struggle to deliver on the promise of your strategy when you have inherited fragmented legacy digital investments that fail to deliver long-term value.

Fusion5 can help you to make smarter digital investment decisions (and drive the success of your strategy) by focusing on:

Ease of use and adoption: With dedicated change and project management offices, we can ensure you maximise the value of your technology investment through high rates of user acceptance and adoption.

With dedicated change and project management offices, we can ensure you maximise the value of your technology investment through high rates of user acceptance and adoption. The lowest possible Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Minimising hidden costs and ensuring sustainability beyond the initial purchase, as well as constantly reassessing and measuring value.

Minimising hidden costs and ensuring sustainability beyond the initial purchase, as well as constantly reassessing and measuring value. Robust product roadmaps. Helping you choose and build a business case for investing in platforms with long-term viability, not short-lived trends.

With our deep expertise in digital transformation, we guide CIOs in prioritising technology investments that align with business goals while maximising return on investment.

Delivering digital solutions with built-in safety and compliance

As a CIO, you walk a fine line. On the one hand, you need to deliver innovative digital solutions your business units can readily adopt, and on the other, you must ensure security, compliance, and architectural integrity.

Fusion5 can support you in achieving that perfect balance of innovation with security by:

Providing platforms that protect your future: Safeguarding your users, customers, and business with built-in security and compliance frameworks that ensure governance is a priority.

Safeguarding your users, customers, and business with built-in security and compliance frameworks that ensure governance is a priority. Prioritising data, integration, and development roadmaps: Ensuring your solutions fit seamlessly into the organisations broader technology ecosystem.

By embedding these principles into our solutions, we help you move from reactive problem-solving to proactive business enablement.

Instilling enterprise-wide architectural awareness

Enterprise architecture is no longer just an IT concern  its a business-wide imperative.

CIOs who champion architectural awareness ensure their organisations operate with agility, security, and cost efficiency at scale. However, without a structured framework, your architectural awareness can remain siloed within IT.

Fusion5 provides you with the tools and services needed to:

Ensure everyone works towards the same goal: Manage vendors effectively to ensure that technology partnerships align with strategic objectives.

Manage vendors effectively to ensure that technology partnerships align with strategic objectives. Optimise Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Prevent unnecessary spending and inefficiencies.

Prevent unnecessary spending and inefficiencies. Strengthen cybersecurity awareness: Enhance your cybersecurity posture through training, engagement, and adherence to best-practice frameworks.

By embedding architectural awareness across the organisation, we help you drive long-term sustainability in your technology investments.

Empowering teams with training and skill development

Technology adoption isnt just about the software  its about the people using it. Even the most powerful platforms will fail if your employees lack the skills and confidence to use them effectively. Thats why Fusion5 doesnt just implement technology; we ensure your business extracts maximum value from it.

We provide training and skill development programs tailored to:

Realise more value from your investment: Accelerating adoption and increase speed to ROI.

Accelerating adoption and increase speed to ROI. Empower your employees: Equipping your people with the knowledge to fully leverage the value of technology investments.

Equipping your people with the knowledge to fully leverage the value of technology investments. Future-proof the businesses: Ensuring your teams have the skills needed to evolve alongside technology.

By investing in education alongside implementation, we help you drive a program of sustainable digital transformation.

Conclusion: Enabling CIOs to Go Beyond

This year, CIOs must go beyond simply keeping up. You need to lead the change.

Youll need to go beyond whats expected of you to ensure IT is deeply embedded in your business strategy, optimise digital investments, delivers solutions and new technologies that balance innovation with compliance, and foster a culture of integration and learning. We understand that can be a big ask, and the hurdles to success can look insurmountable. But youre not alone.

At Fusion5, we dont just implement technology. Were here to help you Go Beyondbeyond short-term fixes, beyond traditional IT constraints, and beyond expectations.
CIO ASEAN is pleased to launch the CIO100 ASEAN Awards 2025, recognizing the top 100 senior technology leaders and teams across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong The pace of digital innovation across ASEAN is accelerating, and with it comes the need to recognize the technology leaders and teams who are setting new benchmarks for excellence.

The CIO100 ASEAN Awards 2025 provides a unique platform for organizations to showcase their most impactful achievements, gain both regional and global visibility, and join a distinguished community of innovators who are redefining the role of technology in business.

Earning a spot among the CIO100 is more than a badge of honour  it is a testament to you and your teams ability to turn vision into value. The awards are globally respected, celebrating not just individual leaders but the collective efforts of teams that drive transformation, operational efficiency, and sustained growth.
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PLA garrison in Hong Kong organizes joint patrol

Xinhua) 09:59, June 12, 2025

HONG KONG, June 11 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Wednesday mobilized some of its army, naval and air forces to conduct a joint patrol, focusing on training the troops' combat capability of emergency response, joint operations, and special situation handling.

The joint patrol involved high-mobility infantry, ships, helicopters and other units of the armed forces, which was carried out under real combat conditions. It emphasized rapid deployment and command planning, naval and air patrols, inspections and captures, joint maritime zone control, as well as emergency rescue and repair operations.

This high-intensity confrontation drill has strengthened and enhanced the troop's ability to respond to emergencies and execute diverse military tasks.

During the joint patrol, the participating troops strictly complied with the laws and regulations of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and notified in advance the relevant departments of the HKSAR government.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Jonathan Stutz / Adobe

London-based workers employed by Solace Womens Aid are being balloted for a second time this year on whether to take industrial action.

In February, employees at the charitys Tower Hamlets branch called off indefinite strike action that had been planned in response to proposed staff cuts.

However, the workers in the east London borough are now being balloted again after the charity decided not to voluntarily recognise their trade union, United Voices of the World (UVW).

UVW has announced that Solace Womens Aid staff in Barnet are also being balloted on potential strike action in response to unmanageable workloads and chronic understaffing.

The charity has said in response that its services adhere to safe caseload levels and that it decided against voluntary union recognition because it would not be in the best interests of staff.

Unrealistic standards

UVW balloted 11 employees in Tower Hamlets earlier this year, all of whom voted for strike action but called it off after the charity agreed to pause redundancy plans.

The charity then announced in March that the redundancy process had been withdrawn after it received increased funding.

In its announcement this week, UVW quoted an anonymous charity employee in Tower Hamlets, who said: Our dispute earlier this year helped save both jobs and a vital service in Tower Hamlets.

It took the threat of indefinite strike action for Solace to step up  securing the funding and agreeing to recognise our union, UVW.

Now theyve gone back on that, and it feels like a complete betrayal. Every day, we advocate for the voices of women and survivors of domestic abuse  yet were being told we dont deserve a voice at work ourselves.

Were gutted to be forced into another dispute, but if Solace wont honour agreements, what choice do we have as workers other than to strike?

Meanwhile, there are six members of staff in Barnet Solace Advocacy and Support Service (SASS), plus a service manager.

UVW published a statement from Barnet-based employees at the charity, which said: Many of us are expected to meet unrealistic service standards and work under intense pressure, which is taking a toll on our wellbeing.

Staff often feel unsupported, and there are serious concerns about the lack of a psychologically informed management approach.

In our view, management has not adequately addressed these issues or acknowledged the time-consuming nature of our additional duties.

We are calling for a healthier work environment  for ourselves and for the survivors we support and a real say at work through our union, UVW.

CEO: Talks will create the best resolution

Nahar Choudhury, chief executive of Solace, said: Ensuring that survivors receive the highest quality of support and protecting staff wellbeing is our top priority. Solace and the local authorities that fund our services adhere to safe caseload levels, in line with national standards set by SafeLives.

We recognise that supporting survivors is demanding work and therefore provide a comprehensive wellbeing offer to support colleagues, alongside a regular review of caseloads for each staff member and service.

We continue to reach out to Barnet SASS team members, both individually and as a team, to better understand the issues raised on the ballot and remain open to discussions. We believe getting around the table will create the best resolution for staff and survivors.

Regarding the recognition agreement, we made no promises nor guarantees: earlier in the year Solace said we were open to exploring a voluntary recognition agreement with UVW but, after careful consideration, weve concluded that entering into an agreement would not be in the best interests of Solace colleagues at this time.

Nationally, Solace Womens Aid employs around 266 people, according to its most recently filed accounts for the year to March 2024.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
The Treasurys spending review falls short for charities, sector bodies have said in response to its publication yesterday.

Some sector bodies praised the long-term thinking on display in the review  notably in relation to the planned investment in housing, health and youth services  but many criticised a the lack of support for charities rising costs.

The reviews official document , which is over 100 pages long, only explicitly mentions the sector in relation to the government working in partnership with charities and voluntary organisations in order to support communities in need.

However, the review delivered yesterday in parliament by chancellor Rachel Reeves did offer an increase to the Charity Commissions budget by over a quarter for next year.

No support for rising costs for the sector

The Civil Society Group  a group of almost 60 voluntary, charity and faith infrastructure bodies  had previously called on the government to prioritise long-term financial support for charities and their local commissioners as part of the spending review.

Reacting to the spending review, Civil Society Group member NCVOs executive director, Saskia Konynenburg, said: The spending review offers some welcome signs of long-term thinking but falls short of delivering the stability charities need to support communities through tough times.

While investment in housing, health, and youth services is needed, there is no support for rising costs  particularly where charities delivering public services are not being reimbursed for increased employer national insurance contributions.

Without fairer funding, many voluntary organisations will remain under unsustainable pressure. The government must work in genuine partnership with civil society to ensure charities can keep delivering vital services and help build a stronger, fairer society.

Fellow Civil Society Group member CFGs head of policy, Richard Sagar, described the spending review as a real mixed bag for the sector.

While the chancellors announcement will not be cause for celebration, the targeted increases for the NHS, local government and housing will provide vital support for charities operating across these sectors, he said.

However, these modest funding boosts fall short of placing local government on the sustainable financial footing that remains urgently needed. The sector continues to face structural challenges that require more comprehensive long-term investment.

Focus on peoples everyday lives is the right one

Think tank NPCs head of policy James Somerville was more cautiously optimistic, saying: The chancellors focus on peoples everyday lives is the right one.

On housing, policies to encourage the crowding-in of private investment are welcome.

When doing this, the government should think about the potential of all forms of impact capital  the impact sector can and already does make a real contribution to housing in the UK.

Its vital that the government works with the impact sector across all of its missions  its positive to see the impact economy highlighted in the spending review document. We look forward to hearing further details on the Social Impact Investment Vehicle soon.

The changes to the Treasury Green Book to allow more place-based funding are also welcome. We know that investment in communities as a whole, working with the impact sector, can transform local areas.

Review lays bare impact of aid cuts

The government was previously criticised by international development charities for its cuts to foreign aid announced in February.

Responding to the spending review, Gideon Rabinowitz, director of policy and advocacy at NGO umbrella body Bond, said: The spending review lays bare the true impact of the UK aid cuts.

While it is welcome that the chancellor has committed to ending the use of hotels for asylum accommodation by the end of this parliament, planning very slow reductions and diverting 5.76bn of UK aid over the next three years to cover these costs is a political choice that comes at the direct expense of the worlds most marginalised people.

This is not just poor value for money but shows there is a lack of urgency within government to reduce these costs, further undermining the UKs credibility as a global development partner.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
Some Florida policyholders and their attorneys have long complained about real or perceived delays in the claims-handling process after a loss. A Florida appeals court ruled last week that telling a jury about those delays may be prejudicial and out of bounds in a claims dispute lawsuit.

The essential question was whether the insured complied with the required document production. Yet throughout trial, the insureds counsel suggested the insurer was slow or incompetent in processing the claim, Floridas 4th District Court of Appeals wrote in the June 4 opinion in Universal Property & Casualty Insurance vs. West Naze.

The decision overturned a Broward County Circuit Court judgment and remanded the case for a new trial.

A Broward County jury in 2023 awarded $47,000 to Naze, the homeowner, finding that his side had shown that the property suffered a loss from a water leak. Universal appealed, arguing that the plaintiffs attorney had skewed the jurys opinion by repeatedly bringing up allegations that Universal had not assigned an adjuster to the case, had asked for the same documentation more than once, and had dragged its feet throughout, all of which implied bad faith by the insurer.

A bad faith claim was not part of the complaint and would not have been allowed under Florida law until after the claims dispute was resolved.

The Naze lawyers argued that the claims handling response by Universal was essentially inseparable from its breach-of-contract actions.

You [the jury] get to determine believability, the Naze attorney, Maria Corvaia ODonell said at the trial. Now, we learned, during this case, that they (Universal) didnt even have an adjuster assigned at the time they were making these document requests. They didnt assign an adjuster until April. So who was it that was looking at these documents and making a determination? When we begged for a determination in April, correspondence with them, did they say, No problem, well get you a determination, were missing these documents? No, they said nothing.

The appeals court judges relied heavily on the 4th District Courts 2018 opinion in Citizens Property Insurance vs. Mendoza. In that case, like the Naze dispute, one of the main questions was whether insurance coverage was barred by a policy exclusion. Naze had not provided receipts or invoices from a plumber or documentation on whether the dishwasher had been replaced, Universal argued.

Instead of providing us the checks, the documentation before filing a lawsuit, he (the insured) stayed quiet. He filed a lawsuit, and instead, that resulted in prejudice to [the insurer], the Universal attorney said at the trial.

The appeals court agreed with Universals lawyers.

As we stated in Mendoza, the jury could have decided the insured prevailed solely because the [insurer] did not do a good job regardless of whether the incident fell within the policy exclusion, 4th DCA Judge Melanie May wrote. The court also declined to award attorney fees for the policyholder.

The outcome could be seen as a victory for Florida insurance carriers, on top of legal-system reforms in recent years. The Florida Legislature in 2022 raised the bar on filing bad-faith claims, requiring a court ruling that the insurer had breached the insurance contract by failing to pay a claim  before a bad-faith claim can be pursued. Still, some plaintiffs have apparently continued to suggest foot-dragging by insurers as an improper way to subdue claims.

The Broward County Circuit judge in the Naze case, Martin Bidwell, stressed that he did not suggest to the jurors that they consider bad faith.

The distinction Im drawing in this particular case is the difference between bad faith on the one hand and, on the other hand, omission and negligence, okay? Judge Bidwell noted in response to Universals request for a new trial. I didnt give a bad faith instruction on this particular case.

The appellate judges disagreed, noting that Bidwells jury instructions and the plaintiff attorneys arguments wrongly stressed the insurers duty to adjust. The verdict form asked the jury if Universal properly excluded the claim from coverage.

The insured did not include any allegations of poor claims handling in his complaint, the 4th DCA wrote. The pretrial stipulations did not include allegations of poor claims handling. In short, the admitted evidence was irrelevant to the issues pled. By admitting this irrelevant evidence, the insured was able to paint the insurer in a bad light and suggest its bad faith in handling the claim.

In a dissent, appeals court Judge Ed Artau said the Mendoza case was significantly different and did not apply here.

Because the evidence presented here was relevant to counter the insurers second affirmative defense, which was that the insured failed to provide the insurer with all of the required documents, it was not unreasonable for the trial court to conclude that the evidences probative value was not substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, Artau wrote.

A Universal attorney could not be reached for comment this week.
Marelli Holdings Co., the long struggling auto-parts supplier for Nissan Motor Co., Stellantis NV and other carmakers, filed bankruptcy in the U.S., saying its latest debt-cutting effort was prompted by tariffs.

The insolvency case is backed by senior lenders, who have signed a deal designed to slash Marellis debt burden and restructure under new ownership.

The auto-parts supplier has been caught up in industry upheaval as electrification and automation force global carmakers to shift their strategy to cope with declining sales in key markets. The company also blamed lingering supply-chain problems that began during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to court papers.

Marelli was severely affected by tariffs due to its import/export-focused business and the imposition of tariffs specifically against automotive manufacturers and suppliers, company CEO David Slump said in a court filing.

Marelli has received a commitment for $1.1 billion in debtor-in-possession financing from its lenders. Upon Court approval, this amount, coupled with cash generated from the companys ongoing operations, is expected to provide sufficient liquidity to support the company through the Chapter 11 process, Marelli said.

About 80% of the companys lenders have signed an agreement to support the restructuring, which will deleverage Marellis balance sheet and strengthen its liquidity position, Marelli said in a statement. It added it does not expect the process to have any operational impact on its business.

One person familiar with the matter said earlier this week that global investment firm Strategic Value Partners LLC, led by Victor Khosla, will effectively become the new owner of Marelli. KKR & Co., the US-based private equity group that created Marelli in 2019 by merging its Calsonic Kansei and Magneti Marelli units, will transfer its shares to the consortium of lenders as part of the proposed deal, the person said.

Representatives for KKR declined to comment. Strategic Value Partners didnt respond to an email seeking comment.

Marelli, which employs more than 50,000 people, had sought unsuccessfully to restructure over the past few years as orders from customers fell. The manufacturer based in Saitama, Japan, operates around 170 facilities globally that supply lighting systems, air conditioning, electric motors, suspensions and other components to carmakers.

Apart from SVP, Marellis creditors include Deutsche Bank AG, Mizuho Financial Group Inc. and other lenders. The consortium also includes Seoul-based MBK Partners Ltd. and New Yorks Fortress Investment Group LLC, the person said.

Marelli filed for court-led rehabilitation in 2022 and at that time, its total debt was around 1.1 trillion ($7.6 billion), the most ever for a Japanese manufacturer. That was since reduced to around 650 billion.

After careful review of the companys strategic alternatives, we have determined that entering the Chapter 11 process is the best path to strengthen Marellis balance sheet by converting debt to equity, Slump said in the statement. Taking this action now provides access to new liquidity to fund our long-term growth and innovation pipeline.

Top photo: The Marelli headquarters in Saitama, Japan.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
The worlds largest aircraft lessor AerCap can recover over $1 billion in relation to jets stuck in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, Londons High Court ruled on Wednesday, though that is less than the roughly $2 billion it sought.

The court ruled broadly in favor of leasing companies in a multi-billion-dollar legal dispute with insurers, following a mammoth trial of one of the biggest insurance disputes ever heard in London which concluded in February.

The lawsuit had focused on almost 150 jets and some engines, previously with a total value of up to $4.7 billion, though settlements  including on the first day of the trial in October  have whittled the numbers down.

Judge Christopher Butcher said in a summary of his ruling that the aircraft were lost and that loss occurred on 10 March 2022, when a piece of Russian legislation banned the export of aircraft and aircraft equipment from Russia.

That meant the lessors could recover from their war risks insurers, rather than under a broader all risks clause, as the cause of the loss was an act or order of the Russian government, Butcher said.

The judge also ruled that insurers were not prevented by E.U. or U.S. sanctions from indemnifying the claimants for the loss of aircraft which had been leased to Russian airlines.

AerCaps law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer said the judgment secured $1.035 billion for AerCap, in addition to substantial recoveries achieved in prior settlements.

The $1.035 billion sum is, however, less than AerCaps claimed losses of over $2 billion had it been able to recover under its all risks policy.

Butcher said in his ruling that AerCap had received just over $1.3 billion from six settlements between August and December 2023 with lessees and a Russian insurance company.

AerCap, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), Merx Aviation, KDAC Aviation Finance, Falcon and Genesis had led the claims against a string of insurers, including AIG, Lloyds, Chubb and Swiss Re.

KDAC settled all its claims during the trial, Butcher said in his ruling, while AerCap, DAE and other lessors have periodically disclosed partial settlements.

(Reporting by Tobin; Editing by Sachin Ravikumar and Ed Osmond)
Orange resident Jim Boyle expresses his concerns to Village Council Wednesday (June 11) regarding the villages lack of action to notify residents after the Ohio Supreme Court ruled last November that mail and email distribution lists for municipalities in the state are public records. (Ed Wittenberg, special to cleveland.com)

ORANGE, Ohio -- Resident Jim Boyle has commented further on his rationale for filing a public records request with the village, in which he asked for both the mail and email distribution lists for the dissemination of the villages E-News, an electronic newsletter.

On Wednesday (June 11), Boyle told Village Council that it was an absolute failure on the part of village Law Director Stephen Byron that he did not take any action to notify residents after the Ohio Supreme Court ruled last November that mail and email distribution lists for municipalities in the state are public records.

I sense complacency; I sense a lethargic attitude here, and I cannot tell you enough that people are not satisfied with things, Boyle said.

Boyle, a lawyer who serves as chief assistant law director for the City of Parma, said he joined the villages email distribution list Nov. 26 after he became aware of the Supreme Court decision.

I was waiting for some guidance (from the village) to say, Hey, look, this is something we need to be aware of, he said.

But nothing happened in November (or in any other month afterward), until on May 19, I said, Evidently theyre not going to do anything, and the door is open.

So Boyle then filed his public records request with the village in the form of an email to Anna Girardi, executive assistant to Mayor Judson Kline. He copied Byron on it.

He asked for street addresses, email addresses and names of everyone on the villages mail and email distribution lists.

Our job as public servants is to be proactive in what were doing, from a law perspective, to bring matters to the attention of those who are potentially impacted by this, Boyle said.

Im concerned that six months went by with this information out there and nobody said anything.

Im just some knucklehead with a law degree, he continued. I shouldnt be the one bringing pertinent legal matters to your attention.

Representation in leadership is not a passive sport. You have to be active in what youre doing.

So I bring these matters to your attention just for illumination.

Kline notified residents of the public records request -- and that the village had complied with it per the courts order -- via the E-News released June 3.

He also told council about the request June 4, noting that residents should understand that a solicitation to you via email from someone who has obtained your email from us is not endorsed by the village.

Kline did not identify Boyle as the person who had made the public records request.

Kline also told council, Be aware that the village is very concerned about this, and were taking every measure and step that we can legally in order to protect our community from unnecessary correspondence via email.

Said Boyle: I bring this to your attention not because Im happy that this is the status of the law. But rather, when I heard the mayors comments that he was very concerned about it, I share that concern.

Boyle said residents can rest assured that he has not opened the attachment with the email distribution list that he requested.

I have no interest in opening that, he said.

But you should be thankful that it was me that requested it -- not the Nigerian prince, not the North Korean government, not somebody trying to sell you a muffler repair or whatever other stuff that theyre constantly trying to sell you.

Law director responds

In an interview Thursday (June 12), Byron said he doesnt blame Boyle for making the public records request and he doesnt think hes done anything bad.

He said he has known Boyle since the late 1980s, when both men attended Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland, and he knows hes a nice guy.

I also am seeing in other communities I represent (including Pepper Pike) that people with political ambitions are requesting email lists from their municipalities, he said.

If he were truly concerned about the issue, he has my phone number and he has the mayors phone number, and several council members have told me that they were upset that he didnt contact them if he were truly interested in protecting the village and its residents.

Byron added that the village never heard about Boyles interest in protecting the village until after he got pushback from seeking the email lists.

So he has a credibility problem, Byron said.

On the flip side of that, its weird to infantilize the people on the email list as though they were unable to delete unwanted emails or notify senders of unwanted emails that they didnt wish to receive further e-mails from that sender.

When asked if he believes Boyle intends to seek public office, Byron said he had no comment.

But he added, If I were running for public office, I would absolutely get the email lists.

When asked last week if he was considering running for public office, Boyle said he would prefer not to comment.

Similar request in Pepper Pike

The City of Pepper Pike recently received a similar public records request from a resident.

Boyle said Wednesday that concerned him also, based on the reaction of Pepper Pike Mayor Richard Bain, who emailed a letter to residents notifying them of the request and that the city had to comply with it.

It doesnt look like the mayor in Pepper Pike knew, either (about the court ruling), and that, quite frankly, is a failure, Boyle said.

In response to a public records request from cleveland.com to Pepper Pike, Bain said it was city resident Manny Naft who made the request for that citys email distribution list.

Last November, in a case titled Hicks vs. Union Township, the Ohio Supreme Court found that Union Township -- in Clermont County, in the Cincinnati area -- was required to turn over the distribution lists for the township newsletter, rejecting the townships argument that the lists were exempt from the Ohio Public Records Act.

The records were requested in 2022 by Christopher Hicks.

Kline told council June 4 that it has been decided to upload the E-News to the village website, orangevillage.com, for all to review.

Update on tax-exempt status

Also on Wednesday, Boyle provided an update on the complaint he filed last July with the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office to have the tax-exempt status of the New Song Church Assembly of God property removed.

Although the church building, at 4799 Lander Road, has been vacant for at least five years, New Song Church continues to own the property.

In his complaint, Boyle claimed that the church should not be given tax-exempt status while not using the property, noting that it has not been used for religious purposes in years.

One of the parcels is back on the tax rolls, Boyle said.

I take full credit. It doesnt sound like anyone here wanted to deal with that.

As a result, there is now a $14,000 taxable aspect on one of the three parcels on the property, Boyle said.

So that means whoever buys that parcel, if it ever goes up for sale, is going to have to pay those taxes, he said.

The matter with the other two parcels is still pending with the state, and Im cautiously optimistic that we will hear from them soon.

The tax-exempt status of the property became an issue last year when the Orange-based KJI Group was seeking to have the property rezoned to permit up to 16 lots for single-family homes to be constructed there.

But Issue 32, the zoning amendment on the November ballot, failed by almost a 2-1 margin.

Boyle spoke to council multiple times in opposition to the issue.

Another resident apologizes

In addition, resident John Loftus said he wanted to apologize for a piece of inaccurate information he provided when he spoke to council June 4.

When my wife and I moved into the village (in 2006), there werent 2,500 people in the village, he said. It was 3,300 people.

So I wanted to make sure I wasnt misleading anybody.

Loftus had noted June 4 that according to the most recent estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau, Orange had 3,544 residents as of last July.

He told council that with the housing development that is under way in the village, he believes the village will have 4,000 residents in the very near future.

The primary message from last week still holds, he said Wednesday.

You never know whats going to happen going forward, so think about the repercussions of what you do today, because you may not be able to anticipate whats going to happen tomorrow.

Read more from the Chagrin Solon Sun.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - What makes a deli great? Is it corned beef stacked a mile high on the best rye bread you can find? The tang of a house-made pickle? Delicious sides, sauces and desserts?

Or is it that feeling of comfort, community and craftsmanship that hits you the moment you walk in the door  where generations of family and friends are cooking for and serving generations of family friends?

We think its all those things and more... and so do you.

Cleveland.coms Best of Cleveland team asked readers where to find the best deli in Northeast Ohio.

Your concierge duo of Yadi Rodriguez and Peter Chakerian gathered these nominations, built a readers poll and watched the votes fly in like a band of regulars flocking to their favorite spot during a lunchtime rush.

Readers narrowed it down to three unique favorites where tradition meets taste; where recipes and stories are handed down across generations; where Old World charm meets the symphony of clanking, clattering plates.

In third place, Gust Gallucci Co. in Cleveland delivered on history, Old World charm and Italian, Sicilian and Calabrian deliciousness. READ MORE

In second place, Joes Deli in Rocky River offered a smorgasbord of deli classics and Lebanese delights, with a family restaurant feel. READ MORE

And your winner, Davis Bakery & Deli with locations in Woodmere and Warrensville Heights took the crown with generational gastronomic joy. READ MORE

Whether its warmth of a Jewish deli, the spicy zing of an Italian sub or that good ol Midwestern meat-and-potatoes warmth, a great deli feeds mind, body and soul. Its that experience that brings you back for more.

Your Best of Cleveland team walked in as visitors and walked out feeling like winners, if not part of the family.

Thank you again to all of our readers for your nominations and votes for your favorite delis.

Next time you are feeling hangry for a great deli sandwich, why not check out one of these nominees?

Here are the top 15 delis in alphabetical order:

Dannys Deli 1658 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland

Davis Bakery & Deli 28700 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere

Diamond Deli 378 S. Main St., Akron

Express Deli 5185 Smith Road, Brook Park

Farmer In the Deli  12613 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland

Gabors Deli  5700 Dunham Road, Maple Heights

Gust Gallucci Company, Inc. (Galluccis Deli) 6610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

Jacks Deli and Restaurant 14490 Cedar Road, University Heights

Joes Deli & Restaurant - 19215 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River

Larder Delicatessen and Bakery  1455 West 29th St., Cleveland

Lehmans Deli & Bakery 24961 Detroit Road, Westlake

Mister Brisket - 2156 South Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights

Slymans Restaurant  3106 Saint Clair Ave., NE, Cleveland

Superior Restaurant Deli 3000 Superior Ave. E., Cleveland

T.J.s Butcher Block & Deli  14415 Detroit Ave., Lakewood
Americans are strongly discouraged from entering Iraq for any reason as embassy's ability to provide assistance becomes severely limited. A travel advisory to the country has been raised to Level 4: Do Not Travel. Murtadha AL-Sudani/Anadol/Getty Images

The U.S. State Department has ordered the immediate departure of non-emergency American government personnel from Iraq, escalating its travel advisory to Level 4: Do Not Travel amid intensifying violence, terrorist threats and civil unrest throughout the country, a travel advisory says.

The move, announced Wednesday evening, comes in response to what officials describe as heightened regional tensions and a deteriorating security environment that now leaves U.S. citizens in Iraq with few options and no guarantees of assistance in an emergency, the advisory says.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is already operating using limited staffing, and the order will not affect a large number of personnel.

Nevertheless, the do not travel advisory comes as Iraq is experiencing widespread threats from terrorist and insurgent groups that frequently target Iraqi security forces, civilians and Western interests. U.S. citizens in the country face the constant risk of kidnapping, rocket attacks, drone strikes and improvised explosive devices, many of which have happened in or near major cities, including Baghdad, the advisory says.

U.S. government personnel in Baghdad are now prohibited from using the citys international airport, a measure rarely taken except under extreme conditions, according to the advisory. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation warning of significant risks to civil aircraft operating in or near Iraqi airspace due to the threat of aerial bombardment and ground-based attacks, the advisory says.

The U.S. State Department expressed growing alarm over the threat posed by anti-U.S. militias operating in the region. Intelligence suggests these groups are actively targeting American citizens and international companies, the advisory says. The U.S. Embassys capacity to aid Americans in distress is limited, particularly in areas where these groups hold influence, it further states.

U.S. citizens are strongly discouraged from entering Iraq for any reason  especially those considering traveling through the country to join armed conflicts in neighboring Syria, the advisory says.
U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson react during an Invest America Roundtable in the State Dining room, at the White House, in Washington, U.S., June 9, 2025.

The House on Wednesday moved a step closer to approving President Donald Trump's $9.4 billion spending cut package, which would codify some cuts originally proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency.

The package would grant permission to the White House not to spend billions of dollars that had already been approved by Congress. The money would be clawed back from specific agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which distributes federally appropriated grants to National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

Although the Wednesday procedural vote passed largely along party lines, a final vote expected Thursday could see some resistance from House Republicans who are uneasy about the popular programs that are being targeted, like PBS and National Public Radio.

Given House Speaker Mike Johnson's narrow Republican majority, he can only afford to lose a handful of votes and still push the package over the finish line on a party-line vote.
Stocks @ Night is a daily newsletter delivered after hours, giving you a first look at tomorrow and last look at today. Sign up for free to receive it directly in your inbox. Here's what CNBC TV's producers were watching on Wednesday and what's on the radar for Thursday's session. Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su will be live with CNBC's Jon Fortt in the 4 p.m. ET hour on Thursday. The stock is 35% from its July 2024 high. In the last year, AMD shares are down almost 24%. Nvidia is up more than 18% in that time frame. IBM IBM stock is up nine straight days and shares hit a new high on Wednesday. It is up 8.7% in June so far. In 2025, IBM is up almost 30%. Cisco Another old time tech stock is also near a high: Cisco is 3.5% away. It is up more than 8% since the start of the year. Johnson Controls This member of the S & P Industrials is up 35% in three months and hit a new high Wednesday. Oklo This nuclear power company that designs and installs compact reactors hit a new high Wednesday. Oklo shares have more than tripled so far in 2025. In the last year, it is up more than 600%. A big call on restaurant stocks TD Cowen put Dutch Bros on its conviction list, making it the firm's top pick in the sector. Thanks to CNBC's Kate Rogers for following this story. Dutch Bros is up 13% in a month and 36% year to date.
In this article BA Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT

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At least 241 people were killed when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a residential area moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad in western India, the carrier said. There was a sole survivor from the plane who was taken to a local hospital, the airline said on X. The plane was bound for London Gatwick Airport. Video posted on social media appeared to show the jetliner descending followed by a fireball and a dark plume of smoke. It marks the first fatal crash of Boeing's 787 Dreamliner plane. There were 242 people on board the more than 11-year-old aircraft: 230 passengers and 12 crew members, Air India said.

A view shows the rear of an Air India plane following its crash, in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. Central Industrial Security Forc | Via Reuters

Others on the ground were also killed, local officials told some media outlets. "Approximately 294 have died. This includes some students as the plane crashed on the building where they were staying," Vidhi Chaudhary, a top state police officer, told Reuters. The signal from Air India Flight 171 was lost at 1:38 p.m. local time, less than a minute after takeoff, flight tracking site FlightRadar24 said. "This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones," the carrier's CEO, Campbell Wilson, said in a video message posted on social media. He added that those with injuries were taken to a nearby hospital. Those on board included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian, Wilson said. The survivor is a British national originally from India, the carrier said.

Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. Amit Dave | Reuters

Initial flight-path data "shows that the aircraft reached a maximum barometric altitude of 625 feet (airport altitude is about 200 feet) and then it started to descend with an vertical speed of -475 feet per minute," Flightradar said on X. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is a top-selling wide-body aircraft used on longer routes. The aircraft was delivered to Air India in 2014, according Flightradar24. The cause of the crash and why the plane lost altitude so quickly weren't immediately known and could take months to determine. Under international protocols during crashes, the country where the incident took place will lead the investigation, along with officials, the maker of the aircraft and its engines, and others. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said it will send a team of investigators to India. "We understand people are eager for information, and please know that we will continue to share accurate and timely information as soon as we can," CEO Wilson said. The more than 11-year-old plane had 41,000 hours of flight time, nearly 8,000 takeoffs, average for that aircraft and the year it was built, according to aviation-data firm Cirium.

A view shows the wreckage of an Air India aircraft, bound for London's Gatwick Airport, which crashed during take-off from an airport in Ahmedabad, India June 12, 2025. Adnan Abidi | Reuters

"Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad," Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said in a statement. Ortberg said he spoke with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran "to offer our full support, and a Boeing team stands ready to support the investigation led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau." Ortberg in a note to employees Thursday evening said that he and Stephanie Pope, chief executive of Boeing's commercial aircraft unit, were canceling their plans to attend the Paris Air Show next week "so we can be with our team, and focus on our customer and the investigation." He said he spoke with NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy and "committed to her our full support to the investigative process."



"It is important that we do not speculate about the accident and let the investigators do their work. We will follow all Annex 13 protocols to protect the integrity of the process and ensure a thorough and fact-based investigation," Ortberg said. The plane was powered by two GE Aerospace engines. "We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those impacted," a GE spokesperson said. "We have activated our emergency response team, and we are prepared to support our customer and the investigation." GE is postponing its investor day that was scheduled for next week. Flights at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, where the flight took off from, were temporarily suspended in the wake of the crash and resumed a few hours later, according to India's government press bureau. "A thorough investigation will be conducted. No stone will be left unturned in uncovering the cause and ensuring accountability," said Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, India's aviation minister, in a post on X.

A police officer stands in front of debris at the crash site after an Air India aircraft, bound for London's Gatwick Airport, crashed during take-off from an airport in Ahmedabad, India June 12, 2025. Adnan Abidi | Reuters
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Lisa Su, CEO of Advanced Micro Devices, testifies during the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing titled "Winning the AI Race: Strengthening U.S. Capabilities in Computing and Innovation," in Hart building on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Tom Williams | CQ-Roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images

Advanced Micro Devices on Thursday unveiled new details about its next-generation AI chips, the Instinct MI400 series, that will ship next year. The MI400 chips will be able to be assembled into a full server rack called Helios, AMD said, which will enable thousands of the chips to be tied together in a way that they can be used as one "rack-scale" system. "For the first time, we architected every part of the rack as a unified system," AMD CEO Lisa Su said at a launch event in San Jose, California, on Thursday. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman appeared on stage on with Su and said his company would use the AMD chips. "When you first started telling me about the specs, I was like, there's no way, that just sounds totally crazy," Altman said. "It's gonna be an amazing thing." AMD's rack-scale setup will make the chips look to a user like one system, which is important for most artificial intelligence customers like cloud providers and companies that develop large language models. Those customers want "hyperscale" clusters of AI computers that can span entire data centers and use massive amounts of power. "Think of Helios as really a rack that functions like a single, massive compute engine," said Su, comparing it against Nvidia's Vera Rubin racks, which are expected to be released next year.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman poses during the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit, at the Grand Palais, in Paris, on February 11, 2025. Joel Saget | Afp | Getty Images

AMD's rack-scale technology also enables its latest chips to compete with Nvidia's Blackwell chips, which already come in configurations with 72 graphics-processing units stitched together. Nvidia is AMD's primary and only rival in big data center GPUs for developing and deploying AI applications. OpenAI  a notable Nvidia customer  has been giving AMD feedback on its MI400 roadmap, the chip company said. With the MI400 chips and this year's MI355X chips, AMD is planning to compete against rival Nvidia on price, with a company executive telling reporters on Wednesday that the chips will cost less to operate thanks to lower power consumption, and that AMD is undercutting Nvidia with "aggressive" prices. So far, Nvidia has dominated the market for data center GPUs, partially because it was the first company to develop the kind of software needed for AI developers to take advantage of chips originally designed to display graphics for 3D games. Over the past decade, before the AI boom, AMD focused on competing against Intel in server CPUs. Su said that AMD's MI355X can outperform Nvidia's Blackwell chips, despite Nvidia using its "proprietary" CUDA software. "It says that we have really strong hardware, which we always knew, but it also shows that the open software frameworks have made tremendous progress," Su said. AMD shares are flat so far in 2025, signaling that Wall Street doesn't yet see it as a major threat to Nvidia's dominance.

AMD Courtesy: AMD

Andrew Dieckmann, AMD's general manger for data center GPUs, said Wednesday that AMD's AI chips would cost less to operate and less to acquire. "Across the board, there is a meaningful cost of acquisition delta that we then layer on our performance competitive advantage on top of, so significant double-digit percentage savings," Dieckmann said. Over the next few years, big cloud companies and countries alike are poised to spend hundreds of billions of dollars to build new data center clusters around GPUs in order to accelerate the development of cutting-edge AI models. That includes $300 billion this year alone in planned capital expenditures from megacap technology companies. AMD is expecting the total market for AI chips to exceed $500 billion by 2028, although it hasn't said how much of that market it can claim  Nvidia has over 90% of the market currently, according to analyst estimates. Both companies have committed to releasing new AI chips on an annual basis, as opposed to a biannual basis, emphasizing how fierce competition has become and how important bleeding-edge AI chip technology is for companies like Microsoft , Oracle and Amazon . AMD has bought or invested in 25 AI companies in the past year, Su said, including the purchase of ZT Systems earlier this year, a server maker that developed the technology AMD needed to build its rack-sized systems. "These AI systems are getting super complicated, and full-stack solutions are really critical," Su said.

What AMD is selling now

Currently, the most advanced AMD AI chip being installed from cloud providers is its Instinct MI355X, which the company said started shipping in production last month. AMD said that it would be available for rent from cloud providers starting in the third quarter. Companies building large data center clusters for AI want alternatives to Nvidia, not only to keep costs down and provide flexibility, but also to fill a growing need for "inference," or the computing power needed for actually deploying a chatbot or generative AI application, which can use much more processing power than traditional server applications. "What has really changed is the demand for inference has grown significantly," Su said. AMD officials said Thursday that they believe their new chips are superior for inference to Nvidia's. That's because AMD's chips are equipped with more high-speed memory, which allows bigger AI models to run on a single GPU. The MI355X has seven times the amount of computing power as its predecessor, AMD said. Those chips will be able to compete with Nvidia's B100 and B200 chips, which have been shipping since late last year. AMD said that its Instinct chips have been adopted by seven of the 10 largest AI customers, including OpenAI, Tesla , xAI, and Cohere. Oracle plans to offer clusters with over 131,000 MI355X chips to its customers, AMD said. Officials from Meta said Thursday that they were using clusters of AMD's CPUs and GPUs to run inference for its Llama model, and that it plans to buy AMD's next-generation servers. A Microsoft representative said that it uses AMD chips to serve its Copilot AI features.

Competing on price

AMD declined to say how much its chips cost  it doesn't sell chips by themselves, and end-users usually buy them through a hardware company like Dell or Super Micro Computer  but the company is planning for the MI400 chips to compete on price. The Santa Clara company is pairing its GPUs alongside its CPUs and networking chips from its 2022 acquisition of Pensando to build its Helios racks. That means greater adoption of its AI chips should also benefit the rest of AMD's business. It's also using an open-source networking technology to closely integrate its rack systems, called UALink, versus Nvidia's proprietary NVLink. AMD claims its MI355X can deliver 40% more tokens  a measure of AI output  per dollar than Nvidia's chips because its chips use less power than its rival's. Data center GPUs can cost tens of thousands of dollars per chip, and cloud companies usually buy them in large quantities. AMD's AI chip business is still much smaller than Nvidia's. It said it had $5 billion in AI sales in its fiscal 2024, but JP Morgan analysts are expecting 60% growth in the category this year. WATCH: AMD CEO Lisa Su: Chip export controls are a headwind but we still see growth opportunity
There are 973 U.S. firms with operations in Ireland, according to the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland. Members of President Donald Trump's administration have signaled that some of that activity should return to the states.

"They have all the IP for all our great tech companies and pharma companies," Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in an appearance on the All-In podcast in March. "Those things got to end."

Companies such as Apple, Microsoft and Pfizer appear to have taken steps to stow intellectual property in Ireland, reducing their effective corporate income tax rates. For example, the European Commission found that in 2014, Apple's effective corporate income tax rate was below 1% in Europe.

Apple and Pfizer did not respond to CNBC's request for comment for this story. Microsoft declined to comment.

"If you are Apple and you are raking in the profits from your iPhone sales, you can make a lot of those profits just disappear from your taxable income," said Alexander Arnon, a senior policy analyst at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School budget model team.

The Irish government opened the country's doors to multinational corporations following an economic crisis that unfurled through the 1980s. Unemployment in the country spiked and a wave of migration followed.

"That was clearly a driver of the tax strategy to make it even more attractive in the '90s. It helped that Ireland became part of the EU," said Kevin Kent, transatlantic practice chair at law firm Clark Hill.

Many multinationals took to strategies such as the "double Irish." The strategy relied on the transfer of intellectual property between subsidiaries based in different countries with relatively low taxes.

"It was a sort of an escape valve from high-tax countries," said Adam Michel, director of tax policy at the Cato Institute. "We were actually pushing companies outside of the United States, both their headquarters and their investment."

The efforts paid off in Ireland. Growth in gross domestic product per capita surpassed rates observed across the developed world.
Every weekday, the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer releases the Homestretch  an actionable afternoon update, just in time for the last hour of trading on Wall Street. Market update: Wall Street overcame a weaker open to trade higher by Thursday afternoon. The S & P 500 is looking to get back to its winning ways after a three-session winning streak was snapped a day earlier. New data helped by showing the economy is holding up well. Wholesale prices for May rose less than expected, while jobless claims for the week ended June 7 were unchanged. However, a lack of news on President Donald Trump's tariff policies, especially an update on its deal with China, seem to be keeping a lid on stocks. AI trade: Most of our stocks linked to the AI infrastructure trade are higher Thursday, and Oracle  and its strong quarterly results fueled by its cloud-computing segment  is likely to thank for that. Broadcom and Nvidia , which design the data center chips that fuel AI applications, are up roughly 0.8% and 1.1%, respectively. Eaton , which makes electrical equipment and power systems that help run data centers, is up about 1.5%. GE Vernova , whose gas and wind turbines help generate the electricity that feeds data centers, was up fractionally. But keep in mind that GE Vernova, in particular, has been red hot lately, so it's not surprising to see a more modest move there. Blackrock updates: BlackRock hosted its 2025 investor day on Thursday. The focus of the day was on 2030 financial targets, including a reiteration of its 5% or greater organic base fee growth, and an adjusted operating margin goal of 45% or higher. The muted reaction in the stock may speak to investors hoping for more than a simple reiteration of the 5% or greater fee growth target. And while management did seem to emphasize the "or greater" part of the target, some on Wall Street were already expecting that emphasis, at a minimum. BlackRock is also looking to grow revenue at a 10% annual rate, achieve sales of more than $35 billion by 2030 (up from $20 billion in 2024), resulting in adjusted operating income of $15 billion (up from $8 billion in 2024). Of course, a major driver of this growth will be private markets and technology segment growth, which the firm is looking to more than double to 30% of revenue by 2030 from 15% in 2024. Driving the private markets growth is a goal of raising $400 billion in gross assets by 2030. The Club's Morgan Chittum this week wrote about BlackRock's strategic move into private markets, and how its smallest deal of 2024 may end up being its most consequential. Up next: Software giant Adobe and RH , the luxury home furnishings seller, are set to report after the bell Thursday. Another thing on our radar after the close is an interview on CNBC with Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su. Fresh off the chipmaker's "Advancing AI" event, we look forward to her thoughts on demand for AI processors generally and insights into the company's strategy for competing against Nvidia and Broadcom. The calendar is pretty light Friday on economic data, though we'll get the University of Michigan's latest consumer sentiment survey at 10 a.m. ET. (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
California Governor Gavin Newsom gestures while speaking, as he announces the Golden State Literacy Plan and deployment of literacy coaches statewide, at the Clinton Elementary School in Compton, California, U.S. June 5, 2025.

A group of 11 states led by California on Thursday filed suit challenging a repeal by Congress of the state's 2035 electric vehicle rules and heavy duty truck requirements.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed three resolutions approved by lawmakers barring California's electric vehicle sales mandates and diesel engine rules, including its landmark plan to end the sale of gasoline-only vehicles by 2035.

"We officially rescue the U.S. auto industry from destruction by terminating the California electric vehicle mandate once and for all," Trump said on Thursday.

"Trump's all-out assault on California continues," California Governor Gavin Newsom responded. "And this time he's destroying our clean air and America's global competitiveness in the process."

The states asked a judge to declare that Trump's repeal of waivers issued by the Environmental Protection Agency under President Joe Biden have no effect on state emissions rules.

"The Federal Government carried out an illegal playbook designed to evade lawful procedures that might prevent the 'take down' of disfavored California laws," said the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in northern California.

The plaintiffs include New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Massachusetts and Washington state. The defendants are Trump, the EPA and its Administrator Lee Zeldin.
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Chip engineer handling a wafer. Sinology | Moment | Getty Images

With the U.S. restricting China from buying advanced semiconductors used in artificial intelligence development, Beijing is placing hopes on domestic alternatives such as Huawei. The task has been made more challenging by the fact that U.S. curbs not only inhibit China's access to the world's most advanced chips, but also restrict availing technology vital for creating an AI chip ecosystem. Those constraints span the entire semiconductor value chain, ranging from design and manufacturing equipment used to produce AI chips to supporting elements such as memory chips. Beijing has mobilized tens of billions of dollars to try to fill those gaps, but while it has been able to "brute force" its way into some breakthroughs, it still has a long way to go, according to experts. "U.S. export controls on advanced Nvidia AI chips have incentivized China's industry to develop alternatives, while also making it more difficult for domestic firms to do so," said Paul Triolo, partner and senior vice president for China at advisory firm DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group. Here's how China stacks up against the rest of the world in four key segments needed to build AI chips.

AI chip design

Nvidia is regarded as the world's leading AI chip company, but it's important to understand that it doesn't actually manufacture the physical chips that are used for AI training and computing. Rather, the company designs AI chips, or more precisely, graphics processing units. Orders of the company's patented GPU designs are then sent to chip foundries  manufacturers that specialize in the mass production of other companies' semiconductor products. While American competitors such as AMD and Broadcom offer varying alternatives, GPU designs from Nvidia are widely recognized as the industry standard. The demand for Nvidia chips is so strong that Chinese customers have continued to buy any of the company's chips they can get their hands on. But Nvidia is grappling with Washington's tightening restrictions. The company revealed in April that additional curbs had prevented it from selling its H20 processor to Chinese clients. Nvidia's H20 was a less sophisticated version of its H100 processor, designed specifically to skirt previous export controls. Nevertheless, experts say, it was still more advanced than anything available domestically. But China hopes to change that. In response to restrictions, more Chinese semiconductor players have been entering the AI processor arena. They've included a wide array of upstarts, such as Enflame Technology and Biren Technology, seeking to soak up billions of dollars in GPU demand left by Nvidia. But no Chinese firm appears closer to providing a true alternative to Nvidia than Huawei's chip design arm, HiSilicon. Huawei's most advanced GPU in mass production is its Ascend 910B. The next-generation Ascend 910C was reportedly expected to begin mass shipments as early as May, though no updates have emerged. Dylan Patel, founder, CEO and chief analyst at SemiAnalysis, told CNBC that while the Ascend chips remain behind Nvidia, they show that Huawei has been making significant progress. "Compared to Nvidia's export-restricted chips, the performance gap between Huawei and the H20 is less than a full generation. Huawei is not far behind the products Nvidia is permitted to sell into China," Patel said. He added that the 910B was two years behind Nvidia as of last year, while the Ascend 910C is only a year behind. But while that suggests China's GPU design capabilities have made great strides, design is just one aspect that stands in the way of creating a competitive AI chip ecosystem.

AI chip fabrication

To manufacture its GPUs, Nvidia relies on TSMC, the world's largest contract chip foundry, which produces most of the world's advanced chips. TSMC complies with U.S. chip controls and is also barred from taking any chip orders from companies on the U.S. trade blacklist. Huawei was placed on the list in 2019. That has led to Chinese chip designers like Huawei to enlist local chip foundries, the largest of which is SMIC. SMIC is far behind TSMC  it's officially known to be able to produce 7-nanometer chips, requiring less advance tech than TSMC's 3-nanometer production. Smaller nanometer sizes lead to greater chip processing power and efficiency. There are signs that SMIC has made progress. The company is suspected to have been behind a 5-nanometer 5G chip for Huawei's Mate 60 Pro, which had rocked confidence in U.S. chip controls in 2023. The company, however, has a long way to go before it can mass-produce advanced GPUs in a cost-efficient manner. According to independent chip and technology analyst Ray Wang, SMIC's known operation capacity is dwarfed by TSMC's. "Huawei is a very good chip design company, but they are still without good domestic chipmakers," Wang said, noting that Huawei is reportedly working on its own fabrication capabilities. But the lack of key manufacturing equipment stands in the way of both companies.

Advanced Chip equipment

SMIC's ability to fulfill Huawei's GPU requirements is limited by the familiar problem of export controls, but in this case, from the Netherlands. While Netherlands may not have any prominent semiconductor designers or manufacturers, it's home to ASML , the world's leading supplier of advanced chipmaking equipment  machines that use light or electron beams to transfer complex patterns onto silicon wafers, forming the basis of microchips. In accordance with U.S. export controls, the country has agreed to block the sale of ASML's most advanced ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines. The tools are critical to making advanced GPUs at scale and cost-effectively. EUV is the most significant barrier for Chinese advanced chip production, according to Jeff Koch, an analyst at SemiAnalysis. "They have most of the other tooling available, but lithography is limiting their ability to scale towards 3nm and below process nodes," he told CNBC. SMIC has found methods to work around lithography restrictions using ASML's less advanced deep ultraviolet lithography systems, which have seen comparatively fewer restrictions. Through this "brute forcing," producing chips at 7 nm is doable, but the yields are not good, and the strategy is likely reaching its limit, Koch said, adding that "at current yields it appears SMIC cannot produce enough domestic accelerators to meet demand." SiCarrier Technologies, a Chinese company working on lithography technology, has reportedly been linked to Huawei. But imitating existing lithography tools could take years, if not decades, to achieve, Koch said. Instead, China is likely to pursue other technologies and different lithography techniques to push innovation rather than imitation, he added.

AI memory components

While GPUs are often identified as the most critical components in AI computing, they're far from the only ones. In order to operate AI training and computing, GPUs must work alongside memory chips, which are able to store data within a broader "chipset." In AI applications, a specific type of memory known as HBM has become the industry standard. South Korea's SK Hynix has taken the industry lead in HBM. Other companies in the field include Samsung and U.S.-based Micron . "High bandwidth memory at this stage of AI progression has become essential for training and running AI models," said analyst Wang. As with the Netherlands, South Korea is cooperating with U.S.-led chip restrictions and began complying with fresh curbs on the sale of certain HBM memory chips to China in December. In response, Chinese memory chip maker ChangXin Memory Technologies, or CXMT, in partnership with chip-packaging and testing company Tongfu Microelectronics, is in the early stages of producing HBM, according to a report by Reuters.

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Jensen Huang, co-founder and chief executive officer of Nvidia Corp., left, and Emmanuel Macron, France's president at the 2025 VivaTech conference in Paris, France, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday made a pitch for his country to manufacture the most advanced chips in the world, in a bid to position itself as a critical tech hub in Europe.

The comments come as European tech companies and countries are reassessing their reliance on foreign technology firms for critical technology and infrastructure.

Chipmaking in particular arose as a topic after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who was doing a panel talk alongside Macron and Mistral AI CEO Arthur Mensch, said on Wednesday that the company's first graphics processing unit (GPU) was manufactured in France by SGS Thomson Microelectronics, now known as STMicroelectronics.

Yet STMicroelectronics is currently not at the leading edge of semiconductor manufacturing. Most of the chips it makes are for industries like the automotive one, which don't required the most cutting-edge semiconductors.

Macron nevertheless laid his ambition out for France to be able to manufacture semiconductors in the range of 2 nanometers to 10 nanometers.

"If we want to consolidate our industry, we have now to get more and more of the chips at the right scale," Macron said on Wednesday.

The smaller the nanometer number, the more transistors that can be fit into a chip, leading to a more powerful semiconductor. Apple's latest iPhone chips, for instance, are based on 3 nanometer technology.

Very few companies are able to manufacture chips at this level and on a large scale, with Samsung and Nvidia provider Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) leading the pack.

If France wants to produce these cutting-edge chips, it will likely need TSMC or Samsung to build a factory locally  something that has been happening in the U.S. TSMC has now committed billions of dollars to build more factories Stateside.

Macron touted a deal between Thales, Radiall and Taiwan's Foxconn, which are exploring setting up a semiconductor assembly and test facility in France.

"I want to convince them to make the manufacturing in France," Macron said during VivaTech  one of France's biggest tech events  on the same day Nvidia's Huang announced a slew of deals to build more artificial intelligence infrastructure in Europe.

One key partnership announced by Huang is between Nvidia and French AI model firm Mistral to build a so-called "AI cloud."

France has looked to build out its AI infrastructure and Macron in February said that the country's AI sector would receive 109 billion euros ($125.6 billion) in private investments in the coming years. Macron touted the Nvidia and Mistral deal as an extension of France's AI buildout.

"We are deepening them [investments] and we are accelerating. And what Mistral AI and Nvidia announced this morning is a game-changer as well," Macron told CNBC on Wednesday.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, arrives to greet Federal President Steinmeier before a meeting at the Prime Minister's official residence in Jerusalem, Israel on May 13, 2025.

Israel is considering taking military action against Iran  most likely without U.S. support  in the coming days, even as President Donald Trump is in advanced discussions with Tehran about a diplomatic deal to curtail its nuclear program, according to five people with knowledge of the situation.

Israel has become more serious about a unilateral strike on Iran as the negotiations between the United States and Iran appear closer to a preliminary or framework agreement that includes provisions about uranium enrichment that Israel views as unacceptable.

Details about the Israeli discussions emerged before the International Atomic Energy Agency's board of governors formally found that Iran isn't complying with its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 years.

In the draft resolution the board, which represents member nations including the U.S., renews a call on Iran to provide answers "without delay" in a long-running investigation into uranium traces found at several locations that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites.

Were Israel to launch a unilateral strike against Iran, it would be a dramatic break with the Trump administration, which has argued against such a step.

The Trump administration is awaiting a response from Iran about a proposed framework of a nuclear deal, and Trump has publicly said Tehran has become more hardline in its negotiations.

The notion of a new front in a simmering conflict has prompted the Trump administration to order all embassies within striking distance of Iranian missiles, aircraft and other assets (including missions in the Middle East, Northern Africa and Eastern Europe) to send cables with assessments about danger and about measures to mitigate risks to Americans and U.S. infrastructure, according to two sources familiar.

U.S. and other officials are on alert awaiting the possibility of Israel's striking Iran, the officials said.

The White House has not briefed senior lawmakers on the issue, according to that aide and a U.S. official.

One major concern is Iran's retaliating against U.S. personnel or assets in the region for any action.

Israel, which relies on intelligence or other direct and logistical assistance from the United States, may be in a position to take unilateral action against Tehran, the source familiar said. The sources familiar and officials were not aware of any planned U.S. involvement in the possible action. The United States could support with aerial refueling or intelligence sharing rather than kinetic support, but the sources and officials were not aware of plans for that, either, at this point.

U.S. officials have announced that the voluntary departure of nonessential employees from the region. And the Defense Department announced the voluntary departure of military families from locations all across the U.S. Central Command area of operations.

The CENTCOM commander, Gen. Erik Kurilla, was due to testify on Capitol Hill on Thursday, but the hearing was postponed late Wednesday without explanation. A source familiar said Kurilla had to focus on this unfolding situation.

Another possible factor: Iran is rebuilding its strategic air defenses, and manned strikes will soon be exponentially more dangerous for Israeli pilots. In October, Israel damaged nearly every one of Iran's strategic air defense systems (mainly S-300s), but much of the damage was to the radars or other parts that can be rebuilt. It's possible Israel's window for manned strikes, without being threatened by Iran's coordinated strategic air defenses, is closing.

While Israel would most likely prefer U.S. military and intelligence support for strikes  especially against Iranian nuclear facilities  it showed in October that it can do a lot alone.

Michael Knights of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy said the evacuation of nonessential staff members at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq will send a message to Tehran that Trump will not necessarily hold Israel back from launching a threatened attack on Iran.

"It's about trying to get Iran to respect the president's wishes," Knights said.

Iran has failed to meet a two-month deadline Trump set to reach an agreement on the country's nuclear activities, and he is frustrated, he said.

Both Knights and a source with knowledge of the matter said it was unclear whether Israel would undertake a limited military strike now or wait until nuclear negotiations played out further.

Trump has expressed growing frustration over Iran's stance at recent indirect talks, portraying Tehran as inflexible and slow-moving.

"They're just asking for things that you can't do. They don't want to give up what they have to give up," Trump told reporters Monday. "They seek enrichment. We can't have enrichment."
In this article NVDA Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang gives a keynote address at CES 2025, an annual consumer electronics trade show, in Las Vegas on Jan. 6, 2025. Steve Marcus | Reuters

A version of this article first appeared in CNBC's Inside Wealth newsletter with Robert Frank, a weekly guide to the high-net-worth investor and consumer. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox. Nvidia's soaring stock price has supercharged CEO Jensen Huang's fortunes  as well as his charitable giving. Over the past five years, the charitable foundation launched by Huang and his wife, Lori, has grown from $828 million in assets to more than $9.1 billion, according to data firm FoundationMark, which tracks the investment performance of private foundations. At its current levels, the Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang Foundation is now one of the 15 largest private foundations in the U.S., rivaling well established philanthropies like the Rockefeller Foundation and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, according to FoundationMark. "It's interesting to see the sort of changing of the guard," said John Seitz, CEO of FoundationMark. "Big philanthropy now is tech-driven, like many other things, far more than it used to be." The growth is all due to Nvidia shares that Huang donated to the foundation. The Huangs started the foundation in 2007 with 370,000 Nvidia shares worth $12.6 million at the time. Those shares have surged by more than 16,800% and are now worth $2.2 billion, adjusted for stock splits and receiving dividends, according to CNBC calculations. At the end of 2023, the foundation reported owning 68.5 million shares of Nvidia.

The growth in assets will also mean a growth in giving. Private foundations are legally required to distribute at least 5% of their assets per year, using the average monthly value from the year prior. FoundationMark estimates the Huangs' foundation had to distribute $123 million in 2024 and will have to give $369 million this year. While its assets and giving have made it a major player in philanthropy, the foundation's infrastructure is still in its infancy. As of 2023, the foundation had no paid staff. A chief operating officer was mentioned in a February press release for the Huangs' $22.5 million donation to California College of the Arts. CNBC could not confirm his identity or relationship to the foundation. Little is known about the foundation's operations, and it doesn't have a website. An Nvidia spokesperson declined to comment. The foundation, through the Nvidia spokesperson, did not respond to questions from CNBC. While the Huangs have made some public gifts, such as a $50 million grant to their alma mater, Oregon State University, in 2022, the majority of the foundation's disbursements go to donor-advised funds or DAFs. According to the 2023 filing, the Huangs gave $46 million to a Schwab DAF, making up 77% of the foundation's disbursements that year. DAFs have become highly popular with wealthy donors who can make a donation and get the immediate tax deduction, while waiting to decide how the actual donation will be used. They're especially popular among younger tech entrepreneurs, who want to start their charitable giving but don't have time to make grant decisions. Unlike foundations, DAFs are not required to distribute funds in a set time period or disclose the recipients.

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FILE PHOTO: An oil tanker is being loaded at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery and oil terminal in Saudi Arabia May 21, 2018. Picture taken May 21, 2018.

Crude oil futures fell slightly on Thursday, after spiking sharply in the previous session on fears that Israel and Iran are on the brink of war.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell 11 cents, or 0.16%, to close at $68.04 a barrel. Global benchmark Brent lost 41 cents, or 0.59%, to settle at $69.36 per barrel.



Oil prices jumped more than 4% on Wednesday as fears of a conflict that would disrupt crude supplies suddenly swept the market.

Israel is considering taking military action against Iran without U.S. support in the coming days, five people with knowledge of the situation told NBC News. President Donald Trump told reporters Thursday that an attack could happen, though he would not call it imminent.

"I don't want to say it's imminent but it looks like something that could very well happen," Trump said during an event at the White House. "Look, it's very simple, not complicated. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon."

The U.S. State Department, meanwhile, has ordered the departure of nonessential personnel from Iraq. The Pentagon authorized the voluntary departure of military members' families from the Middle East.

The departures come after Iran's defense minister warned that the Islamic Republic would strike U.S. bases across the region if a conflict breaks out.

Oil prices could spike to $120 per barrel or more if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz in response to an Israeli strike, said Natasha Kaneva, head of global commodities research at JPMorgan.

Some 30% of the world's seaborne oil trade moves through the strait, according to JPMorgan. But the risk of an Iranian blockade is low, Kaneva told clients in a Thursday note.

"Crucially, for all of recorded history, despite many threats, the Strait of Hormuz has never been closed off. Crude oil continued to flow," she said.
U.S. President Donald Trump walks with North American Flat-Rolled Segment Senior Vice President and Chief Manufacturing Officer Scott Buckiso, Plant manager of Irvin and Fairless Plant Donald German and Mon Valley Works United Steel Corporation Vice President Kurt Barshick, as he visits U.S. Steel CorporationIrvin Works in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, U.S., May 30, 2025.

"It's a national security agreement that will be signed with the U.S. government," McCormick told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on May 27.

Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick told CNBC last month that the U.S. will have a golden share that allows it to control a number of U.S. Steel board seats to ensure production levels aren't cut.

Trump said Americans would have 51% ownership of U.S. Steel without providing details on how the deal is structured.

"We have a golden stock. We have a golden share, which I control, or the president controls," Trump told reporters in the East Room of the White House. "That gives you total control."

President Donald Trump said Thursday that the U.S. will have a "golden share" in U.S. Steel after its deal with Japan's Nippon Steel closes.

But the White House, U.S. Steel and Nippon have left investors and union members in the dark for weeks now on what shape the deal will take and when it will be finalized.

Trump announced what he called a "planned partnership" between the two companies on May 23. The president's statement created confusion because U.S. Steel has said since December 2023 that it will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon North America.

Trump had ordered a new review of the deal in April after President Joe Biden blocked the transaction in January. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States submitted a recommendation to Trump on May 21.

The president had 15-days to make a decision on the committee's recommendation under the normal rules governing the process. But the White House, U.S. Steel and Nippon have not provided details on the status of the deal since the 15-day period ended last week.

The United Steelworkers union sent a letter to U.S. Steel last Friday demanding details about the deal.

"We have seen nothing credible regarding the nature of this so-called partnership, including whether it meaningfully differs from Nippon's initial proposal to acquire U.S Steel and make it a wholly owned subsidiary," the union said in a statement Friday addressed to its members.



Trump said U.S. Steel will be "controlled by the USA" during a rally at one of the company's plants in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania on May 30. Shortly after the rally, however, the president said the deal had not been finalized yet.

"I have to approve the final deal with Nippon, and we haven't seen that final deal yet," Trump said.
A container truck and shipping containers are shown at the Port of Los Angeles, in San Pedro California, U.S., May 13, 2025.

For example, 53% of retail executives expect tariffs on goods imported from Vietnam to stay at 10% after the delay ends, instead of the feared 46% "reciprocal" levy that could batter companies like Nike that import a major share of goods from the country.

Imports from those areas and dozens of other countries are facing a 10% duty as the Trump administration tries to hammer out trade deals with individual nations. Most survey respondents expect those 10% tariffs to remain in effect  rather than the far higher rates originally imposed on April 2  after those negotiations are complete.

The survey, which polled executives from brands, retailers and other consumer companies on June 1, found most respondents expect the president will walk back those steep duties on the European Union, Vietnam, India and Mexico after a 90-day pause lapses in July. Mexico wasn't part of Trump's reciprocal tariffs but has faced new levies from the administration, which respondents also expect will stay the same.

Following weeks of shifting trade policy , early deals and winding court challenges , some retail executives are starting to feel more optimistic about President Donald Trump 's so-called reciprocal tariffs, a new survey from consulting firm AlixPartners shows.

For many retailers, Vietnam has become the next manufacturing frontier outside of China. Negotiations between the southeast Asian country and Washington D.C. have been closely watched, and the subject of many executives' consternation in recent months.

In the weeks after Trump announced then reduced the steep "reciprocal" tariffs, many executives feared they would end up being higher than 10%, said Sonia Lapinsky, a partner and managing director at AlixPartners, citing conversations the firm has had with retail leaders.

But as June approached, the vibe started to shift, the survey results show.

For one, the U.S. and China finally came to the negotiating table. Days before the survey was conducted, the U.S. Court of International Trade also ruled that Trump didn't have the authority to impose the April 2 tariffs. While that ruling is on hold pending appeal from the Trump administration, the developments signaled to retailers that the tariffs could be scrapped altogether, the survey results show.

"[Trump] is showing that he wants to make a deal, and that took a lot of effort for him to go and get that done at that stage. If we remember, even trying to get a meeting was very difficult for both sides to get done and yet they got progress made," said Lapinsky. "I think the fact that there was some pushback that has since been retracted on allowing the tariffs to go through, I think could make some people feel more confident that potentially that could happen again."

In the days after the survey was conducted, Trump made a preliminary deal with China to maintain a new 30% tariff on imports, after he reduced a previous 145% duty.

It's another sign to retail executives that tariffs on the rest of the world could remain at 10%, and shows their views may align with the so-called TACO trade  a critique coined by a Financial Times columnist that stands for "Trump Always Chickens Out."

The term describes a past pattern where Trump announces high tariffs and then later pauses or lightens them after markets react negatively.

When asked about the term last month, Trump said it's not about chickening out.

"It's called negotiation," he said.

Still, Lapinsky cautioned that the optimism among retailers could be premature.

"We can see that China could be at status quo, because there's been such discussion about the deal making back and forth and the priorities of both countries to get something to work eventually, but these other countries don't have the leverage that China has," said Lapinsky.

"Whether they're going to be able to negotiate keeping down a similar deal or not to me remains very unknown," she continued. "I wouldn't have expected that many retailers to say they thought it was going to stay status quo."

While more respondents expect the 10% tariff to remain in place in most regions outside of China, the responsible companies are planning for both, said Lapinsky.

For example, 46% of respondents expect tariffs on imports from India to stay at 10%, instead of the proposed 26% levy. But 29% of respondents are also planning for both scenarios, where duties either stay the same or end up higher.
The IRGC Navy Martyr Hassan Bagheri warship and an IRGC speed boat are sailing along the Persian Gulf during the IRGC marine parade, which is commemorating the Persian Gulf National Day, near the Bushehr nuclear power plant in the seaport city of Bushehr, Bushehr province, in the south of Iran, on April 29, 2024. Morteza Nikoubazl | Nurphoto | Getty Images

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Oil prices spiked overnight on geopolitical concerns, as U.S. President Donald Trump struck a sharply more negative tone over the progress of nuclear talks with Iran and announced the withdrawal of some American personnel from the Middle East. The developments mark a stark shift after several rounds of mostly indirect U.S.-Iran talks that were previously described as "positive" and "respectful." Both the Trump administration and Iran have expressed their desire to strike a deal. For Trump, it would deliver a political and diplomatic win that the previous Biden administration failed to achieve. For Iran, it would mean desperately needed relief from sanctions that have crippled its economy. It now looks increasingly unlikely. "They [U.S. military personnel] are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place and we will see what happens. ... We have given notice to move out," Trump told reporters on Wednesday. The Pentagon ordered the withdrawal of troops and nonessential staff from embassies in Baghdad, Kuwait and Bahrain. Speaking on a podcast with the New York Post, Trump on Wednesday accused Tehran of "delaying," saying "I'm less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago." Tehran, meanwhile, has accused Washington of not being serious in its engagement and not respecting Iran's right to enrich uranium for what it insists are peaceful purposes.

Risk of conflict

Trump has previously warned that the U.S. or Israel could carry out airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities if negotiations failed. In response, Iran's defense minister expressed hope for the talks, but also warned of military retaliation if things were to go south. "In that case, America will have to leave the region, because all of its bases are within our reach. We have access to them, and without hesitation, we will target all of them in the host countries," the minister told Iranian press.

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On Thursday, meanwhile, the IAEA Board of Governors  the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog  passed a resolution declaring Iran in noncompliance with its nuclear safeguards obligations for the first time in nearly 20 years. As it stands, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman on Sunday for further discussions. Despite the ongoing talks, Israel is considering military action against Iran in the coming days, according to sources cited by NBC News. The potential impact of a military conflict between Israel and Iran  a country of 93 million people that is nearly four times the size of Iraq  cannot be understated, both for the nations involved, and for global markets, political analysts and economists say. However, multiple analysts speaking to CNBC say a military confrontation is still likely to be averted  for now. Some suggested that the recent partial evacuation orders are part of the choreography of pressure ahead of the upcoming U.S.-Iran nuclear talks.

The No. 1 roadblock

The No. 1 holdup to a deal? Domestic uranium enrichment in Iran, which can be used to generate nuclear energy for peaceful purposes  or build a bomb. After initially showing flexibility on Iran being able to enrich uranium at lower levels for nuclear power generation, Trump has changed his tune, saying anything beyond zero enrichment in the country is unacceptable. That's a hard deal-breaker for Tehran, which demands its right to a civilian nuclear energy program. Iran maintains that right under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, or NPT, which it joined in 1970, and which allows nonnuclear weapon states to build peaceful nuclear energy programs.

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But concerns abound over Iran's actual intentions. Under the 2015 Obama-era Iranian nuclear deal, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, Iran committed to capping levels of 3.67% enriched uranium at 300 kilograms  enough to sustain a civilian nuclear power program. But Iran's uranium enrichment has reached 60% purity, according to the IAEA  a dramatically higher level that is a short technical step from the weapons-grade purity level of 90%. "A country enriching at 60% is a very serious thing. Only countries making bombs are reaching this level," IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said in 2021.

Potential for compromise?

Despite Trump publicly saying any Iranian domestic enrichment at all represents a red line, a number of options have been floated that would provide a sort of "compromise" for Tehran. Those include the U.S. proposal that Iran join a regional nuclear consortium that would allow it to continue enriching uranium at low levels while committing to zero enrichment at some point in the future, and that would see it mothball  but not dismantle  its nuclear facilities. But the U.S. proposal "is more a series of ideas than a concrete plan, and for the moment looks unworkable," Gregory Brew, senior Iran and energy analyst at Eurasia Group, wrote in a note this week. "Even if Iran is allowed to enrich on an interim basis, it will not accept an arrangement that does not safeguard this right in perpetuity."

A picture taken on November 10, 2019, shows an Iranian flag in Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant, during an official ceremony to kick-start works on a second reactor at the facility. ATTA KENARE | AFP via Getty Images

In addition, the Iranians "are also quite irritated that the U.S. has not engaged substantively with the issue of sanctions relief," Brew said. "They are asking for clarification on that issue; the Iranians of course are chiefly interested in a deal that brings sanctions relief for their economy." The fact that Iran has openly threatened to directly strike U.S. assets in the region if attacked is tremendously significant, according to Trita Parsi, executive vice president at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff plans to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman on Sunday and discuss Iran's response to a recent American proposal for a nuclear deal, a U.S. official said late on Wednesday.

Iran said on Monday it will soon hand a counter-proposal for a nuclear deal to the United States in response to a U.S. offer that Tehran deems "unacceptable," while U.S. President Donald Trump said talks would continue.

Trump told a podcast on Monday he was less confident that Iran will agree to stop uranium enrichment in a nuclear deal with Washington.

Trump has been seeking a new nuclear deal to place limits on Iran's disputed uranium enrichment activities and has threatened the Islamic Republic with bombing if no agreement is reached.

Iran has long said it has no plans to develop nuclear weapons and is only interested in atomic power generation and other peaceful projects.

During his first White House term, Trump withdrew the U.S. from a 2015 deal between Iran and world powers that placed limits on Tehran's uranium enrichment drive in exchange for relief from international sanctions.

Uneasy relations between Iran and the U.S. go back decades. Tehran says Washington has interfered in its affairs, citing events ranging from a 1953 coup against a prime minister to the 2020 killing of its military commander in a U.S. drone strike.

Washington cites Iran's backing of militant groups in the Middle East including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen to say that Iran poses a threat to U.S. ally Israel and Washington's interests in the region.

The militant groups describe themselves as the "Axis of Resistance" to Israeli and U.S. influence in the Middle East.

Trump said on Wednesday U.S. personnel were being moved out of the Middle East because "it could be a dangerous place."

The decision by the U.S. to evacuate some personnel comes at a volatile moment in the region. Trump's efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appear to be deadlocked and U.S. intelligence indicates that Israel has been making preparations for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities.
Europe's top bosses are urging the continent to capitalize on recent volatility amid hopes U.S. exceptionalism is waning  and Europe can cash in. From Unicredit to Goldman Sachs, top European leaders told CNBC in exclusive interviews that Europe has a huge opportunity ahead. The numbers tell part of the story, with Europe's Stoxx 600 up over 8% compared to a 5% jump for the S&P 500 since Nov. 1, 2024, just days ahead of the U.S. election. Bank of America said in a report dated June 5 that U.S. equities had seen outflows of $7.5 billion over the previous three weeks, while European stocks benefited from inflows of $2.6 billion over the same period. Earlier this year, meanwhile, data from Morningstar showed that investors withdrew 2.8 billion euros ($3.2 billion) from U.S. equity ETFs in the month to the middle of March, while shifting 14.6 billion euros into European ETFs. Goldman Sachs International Co-CEO Anthony Gutman told CNBC that the convergence in U.S. and European growth rates came about quickly this year and was a big factor prompting investors to shift money toward Europe.

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"In January, sentiment felt very strong in the U.S., it felt somewhat more muted in Europe. You roll the clock forward and now the picture has changed fairly dramatically, that's to the benefit of Europe in many cases. Europe is getting more capital inflows and there is more optimism in Europe," Gutman told CNBC's Annette Weisbach Wednesday on the sidelines of the Goldman Sachs European Financials Conference in Berlin. Meanwhile, in private markets, talk of the breakdown of U.S. exceptionalism dominated the Super Return forum in Berlin last week. Carlyle Group's Managing Director Mark Jenkins told CNBC that, "in Europe, we've seen a lot of great opportunity and think we can pick up greater returns here relative to the risk you're taking in the U.S."

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This sentiment was echoed by private equity giant Permira, which holds private equity funds and credit vehicles representing 80 billion euros worth of capital under management. "If you look at Europe at the moment, firstly, capital is cheaper, if you look at the trend of where euro rates are going versus dollar rates are going, you can fund and finance things cheaper here. Secondly, valuations are cheaper, you can buy great companies for less," Permira Executive Chairman Kurt Bjorklund told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Tuesday. "Thirdly the innovation cycle is growing exponentially in Europe  there is an enormous number of highly innovative companies that are growing in a disruptive and global way," he added.

Trade tensions weigh

All eyes are now on the potential for an EU-U.S. trade deal  which is proving trickier to pin down than with some other countries, including the U.K. Referencing the complexity of the behemoth that is the European Union, Siemens Energy Chairman Joe Kaeser told CNBC that the EU is "politically not ready to strike these types of deals." The White House hinted on Wednesday that a July 9 deadline for a deal may be movable, however, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent saying: "It is highly likely that for those countries that are negotiating  or trading blocs, in the case of the EU  who are negotiating in good faith, we will roll the date forward to continue the good faith negotiation." French President Emmanuel Macron also struck an optimistic tone, telling CNBC's Karen Tso on Wednesday: "I'm sure that we will find, at the end of the day, a good solution." Unicredit CEO Andrea Orcel stressed that the opportunity for Europe's continued revival lies in its own hands, however.

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From about the 1960s to the mid-1980s, the United States was a leader in uranium mining. But domestic production of the mineral, which is primarily used as fuel for nuclear reactors, has since fallen off a cliff.

"A lot of this was because it was a government priority. And we strategically used government funding and subsidies to support it. However, what kind of started happening during the 90s is we saw a de-prioritization away from uranium," said Gracelin Baskaran, director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Several high-profile nuclear accidents, including the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan, also negatively affected public perception of nuclear energy and tanked uranium prices, leading many domestic uranium producers to shutter their mines.

The U.S. is the world's largest producer of nuclear power, but the latest available data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that the U.S. imports over 95% of the uranium feedstock needed to power its 94 nuclear reactors.

"The difficulty is we've prioritized nuclear, but deprioritized uranium, which we need to fuel our nuclear power and is creating an incongruence in our policy," Baskaran said.

That's changing as electricity demand skyrockets thanks to power-hungry AI models being developed by tech giants including Microsoft , Google , Meta and Amazon , as well as a global push for cleaner energy.

This emphasis on nuclear power is also driving demand for uranium.

A recently released report by the Nuclear Energy Agency and the International Atomic Energy Agency estimates that if demand for nuclear energy continues to grow, known uranium deposits will run out by 2080.

"Right now the uranium miners globally are not keeping up with demand," said John Cash, president and CEO of uranium mining company Ur-Energy. "It takes years from discovery to the time you produce. So it's going to take years for that gap to be closed between those two, and all the while, we see tremendous growing demand for nuclear power."

The domestic uranium industry has received bipartisan support from the U.S. government.

In 2024, the Biden administration banned the import of Russian uranium and unlocked $2.7 billion in federal funding to expand domestic uranium enrichment and conversion capacity. In May, President Trump signed four executive orders aimed at speeding up the deployment of nuclear reactors to quadruple the nation's nuclear energy capacity from 100 GW in 2024 to 400 GW by 2050.

But even with all this support, experts say, the U.S. will continue to depend on other countries for uranium.

"Even if all the uranium projects in the United States that are currently permitted and operable, we could not satisfy the demand of the United States of America," said Mark Chalmers, president and CEO of uranium mining company Energy Fuels .

"The U.S. has a lot of room to increase its uranium production, but the difficulty is we have less than 1% of the world's reserves. So in the long term, we're really going to need uranium from other countries," Baskaran said.

CNBC spoke to two uranium miners, Ur-Energy and Energy Fuels, about how they are working to restart and ramp up domestic production of uranium and the challenges they face in doing so. Watch the video to find out more.
Beset by near-universal bearish outlooks just a month ago, oil prices could spike to more than $100 a barrel in the event of an Israeli attack on Iran, some analysts are warning. Crude prices spiked as much as 5% overnight  before paring gains  on fears of military escalation between Iran and Israel as President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of some U.S. personnel from embassies and bases across the Middle East. The front-month August contract for global benchmark Brent crude was trading at $69 per barrel at 3:20 p.m. ET on Thursday, while the front-month July U.S. WTI contract was at $67.7 per barrel. "They [U.S. military personnel] are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place and we will see what happens... We have given notice to move out," Trump told reporters on Wednesday. The Pentagon has ordered the withdrawal of troops and non-essential staff from embassies in Baghdad, Kuwait and Bahrain. The jury is still out as to whether the moves are a pressure play ahead of upcoming U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, or whether the U.S., Israel and Iran are truly on the verge of conflict. The geopolitical risk premium is "already at least partially reflected in current oil prices," according to J.P. Morgan's global commodities research team, citing Brent crude trading at just under $70 a barrel, already above its model-derived fair value figure of $66 for June. "This suggests an elevated 7% probability of a worst-case scenario, where the price reaction is exponential rather than linear, with the impact on supply potentially extending beyond a 2.1 mbd (million barrels per day) reduction in Iranian oil exports," the bank's research team wrote in a note published Thursday. Iran is OPEC's third-largest crude producer. Israel appears ready to attack Iran, according to reports citing U.S. and European officials, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pressing Trump to allow strikes. But the American president said in late May that he had warned Netanyahu against attacking Iran while negotiations with Washington were under way. U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is currently set to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman on Sunday for a sixth round of negotiations. Strait of Hormuz in focus Oil traders are focusing on the potential of a wider conflict shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which 20% of the volume of the world's total oil consumption passes daily. The British Navy on Wednesday issued a rare warning to ships in the region, saying it had "been made aware of increased tensions within the region which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners." It urged caution for vessels transiting "the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz." Beyond that, J.P. Morgan warned, "a more general Middle East conflagration could ignite retaliatory responses from major oil producing countries in the region responsible for a third of global oil output." "Under this severe outcome," the bank's analysts wrote, "we estimate oil prices could surge to the $120-130/bbl range." Even before the latest uptick in tensions, some oil industry watchers were already making bullish calls despite a flood of announced OPEC+ supply coming onto the market, and lower global growth and demand forecasts due to trade and tariff tensions. Josh Young, founder and chief investment officer at Houston-based Bison Interests, told CNBC in late May that physical markets are more tightly supplied than previously thought, and with several oil rigs in the U.S. shale patch coming offline just as the U.S. summer driving season begins, markets should be preparing for Brent crude at $85 a barrel. "The pure inventory versus consumption would indicate $85 [per barrel], which is way higher than where we are right now. It's almost uncomfortable to say that, but that's the current price implied by inventories," Young told CNBC's Access Middle East. He cited his forecast figure as "fair value," arguing that "typically, you go from too cheap to too expensive. So I don't think we should be ruling out $100 oil this year. And I think if there is a geopolitical risk, it could get even higher." Without the geopolitical risk premium  namely, a conflict with Iran  Young still sees crude coming up to the $80 to $85 per barrel range, particularly in the event of trade deals being reached and Trump's tariffs being lowered. The outlook is boosted by this month's forecast from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which sees a decline in U.S. oil production for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic due to slower drilling activity and a declining rig count. Such bullish forecasts are certainly not the norm, however. Without a military attack on Iran, J.P. Morgan's base case for oil "remains in the low-to-mid $60s oil for the remainder of 2025, and $60 in 2026." Goldman Sachs also maintains an oil price forecast in the $50 to $60 per barrel range for this and next year, despite noting an improving demand picture, downside risks to U.S. supply and geopolitical tensions. The recent rise in inventories due to OPEC+ output increases, "supports our cautious oil price forecast, with Brent expected to average $60 for the rest of 2025 and $56 in 2026," the bank's commodities team wrote. "However, small misses in OPEC+ supply suggest that lower-than-anticipated spare capacity represents an upside risk to our price forecast."
Manufacturers of two and three-wheeler, and off-highway tyres, TVS Srichakra Ltd, on Thursday (June 12) said its global two-wheeler tyre brand, Eurogrip, has partnered with Honda Taiwan Co Ltd  marking a strategic expansion in the Asian mobility market.

The company announced that Eurogrip has been officially integrated into Honda Taiwans after-sales service network.

As part of this partnership, Eurogrips premium motorcycle tyres, Protorq Extreme and Roadhound, will now be available at all authorised Honda Motorcycle service centres across Taiwan.

Also Read: TVS Srichakra launches Eurogrip tyres for superbikes, adventure touring

The move is aimed at offering Honda riders access to high-performance tyres developed through Eurogrips global R&D efforts and proven on international test tracks.

TK Ravi, Chief Operating Officer, TVS Srichakra Ltd, said, This partnership with Honda Taiwan is a proud milestone for us, as we expand our footprint across key Asian markets. It reflects the growing trust in the Eurogrip brand and our commitment to delivering world-class products and service support."

Also Read: TVS tyres business re-brands to 'TVS Eurogrip', to focus on exports and after-sales

The Tamil Nadu-headquartered company has manufacturing facilities in Madurai and Rudrapur (Uttarakhand) with a production capacity of over three million tyres a month. The products are available in over 85 countries globally.

Shares of TVS Srichakra Ltd ended at 2,883.60, down by 81.75, or 2.76%, on the BSE.
For decades now, Pakistan is known to have provided safe havens, training grounds, and ideological support to some of the worlds most dangerous terror groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.This time, Pakistan has broken its own record for the highest number of bombing incidents globally in 2024, cementing its position as the topmost nation in IED (improvised explosive device) and explosive ordnance attacks.Pakistan has extracted a fair amount of money from America by claiming it a victim of terrorism. Now these terror groups have become an industry. Because once this terror industry takes off, then the terrorists, they need money. They are targeting Pakistan to generate Money for that they are now biting Pakistan with connivance of Army and government. But the fact is that Once you grow terrorism, then the same terrorists will bite you as well. If you feed milk to a snake, it will still bite you," said Major General SB Asthana (Retd).According to data collected by the NSG, Pakistan reported 291 bombing attacks, which surpassed its record of 160 incidents in 2023. The figures provided in Bombshell annual report, accessed by News18, includes 187 incidents of IED attacks and 104 explosive ordnance attacks  both record highs in the last five years.In Pakistan, terror groups are known to operate openly, recruit freely, and enjoy tacit support from elements of the military and intelligence establishment. While it cries foul on global platforms, it continues to nurture cross-border terrorism, especially when it comes to India and Afghanistan.Even the worlds most wanted terrorist, Osama bin Laden  who planned and executed the 9/11 terror attack  was located in Pakistan and eliminated in a US operation in Abbottabad.The zero error force of the NSGs National Bomb Data Centre works on explosive violence. It compiles all information on such incidents taking place globally.The report states that from 2020 to 2024, Pakistan reported 69 bombing incidents in 2020, 87 in 2021, 68 in 2022, 160 in 2023, and 291 in 2024. This brings the five-year total to 675 incidents, including 486 IEDs and 189 explosive ordnance cases.The steep rise is an indication of a sharp decline in Pakistans internal security. Total bombing incidents have risen by 328 per cent in two years alone, from 68 in 2022 to 291 in 2024. No other nation comes close to that, with the next closest nation, Syria, reporting 32 IED attacks followed by 26 in Afghanistan 26 and 21 in Iraq.The NSG data showed that in 2024, Pakistan had 187 IED attacks  a steep 41 per cent increase as compared to the previous years 133 incidents.It is the most number of IED incidents reported by any nation in the last five years. The application of IEDs now represents nearly two-thirds of total bomb activity across the country.This drastic increase in IED use indicates the changing strategies of insurgent and militant forces active across different provinces, particularly Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Syria, second on the list, had only 32 incidents. The disparity highlights how Pakistans security crisis has become a breeding ground for terror.As IEDs headline the news, it must also be noted that ordnance attacks increased. Pakistan saw 104 such reports in 2024, a three-fold increase from only 27 in 2023. This aspect contributes to more than one-third of the nations overall bombing statistics for the year.The ordnance consists of grenades, rockets, and mortar rounds and is usually employed in ambushes, attacks against security facilities, and public targets.This dramatic increase implies not just growth in the availability and flow of military-grade explosives, but also a larger pool of actors who are able to use them. In contrast to other nations, no country reported anywhere near half this quantity in 2024.
Nvidia and AI search firm Perplexity said they are joining hands with model builders and cloud providers across Europe and the Middle East to refine sovereign large-language models (LLMs) and accelerate enterprise AI uptake in local industries.

Under the deal, model builders and AI consortia from the region will fine-tune their language models with Nvidias Nemotron techniques, a move the company says will slash costs and boost accuracy for enterprise tasks, including emerging agentic AI.

[ Related: More Nvidia news and insights ]

Some of the model builders and AI consortia that Nvidia and Perplexity will be working with include Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Bielik.AI, Dicta, H Company, Domyn, LightOn, the National Academic Infrastructure for Supercomputing in Sweden (NAISS) together with KBLab at the National Library of Sweden, the Slovak Republic, the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the University College of London, the University of Ljubljana and UTTER.



The models will be trained and run on servers within Europe supplied by Nvidia Cloud Partners through the DGX Cloud Lepton marketplace, Nvidia said in a statement.
 Major Expansion: Walmart is launching drone delivery service in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa through a partnership with Wing, bringing the service to 100 stores across these metropolitan areas.

 Proven Track Record: Since launching in 2021, Walmart has completed over 150,000 drone deliveries in Northwest Arkansas and Dallas-Fort Worth, promising delivery times of 30 minutes or less for groceries and household goods.

 Growing Market Demand: Consumer interest is driving expansion, with surveys showing 43% of shoppers cite last-minute grocery needs as their most common reason for unplanned store trips, while 74% want fast delivery options to replace time-consuming shopping trips.

Walmart has announced it is significantly expanding its drone delivery service to five major U.S. cities, marking the retailer's largest roll-out of the technology since launching the program three years ago.

The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retail giant will begin offering drone delivery in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando, and Tampa through its partnership with Wing, a drone delivery provider that operates under Federal Aviation Administration guidelines. The service will be available from 100 Walmart stores across these metropolitan areas.

Wing's drones can fly beyond visual line of sight with an operational range of up to six miles from each participating store, allowing the company to serve customers across broad geographic areas in each city.

Since first launching drone delivery in 2021 in Northwest Arkansas and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Walmart has completed more than 150,000 deliveries using the technology. The company said it has maintained its promise of delivering orders within 30 minutes or less, covering groceries and other household essentials. Walmart is also piloting prescription medication deliveries through the drone program.

The expansion comes as Walmart continues to diversify its drone delivery partnerships. Earlier this year, the company launched its first drone delivery site using Zipline's P2 system at stores in Mesquite and Waxahachie, Texas. Zipline's technology is expected to eventually serve more than 30 million people across 10 U.S. states.

Consumer demand for drone delivery continues to accelerate. Wing CFO Shannon Nash cited survey data in a recent interview with Supermarket News showing that 43% of consumers identified last-minute grocery needs as the primary driver of unplanned store visits. Additionally, 74% of respondents expressed interest in using fast delivery options to replace time-consuming shopping trips.

Walmart vs. Amazon

The drone delivery market is becoming increasingly competitive, with Walmart's primary rival Amazon also investing heavily in the technology.

Amazon operates its Prime Air service in the West Valley area of metro Phoenix, using MK30 drones capable of delivering items weighing five pounds or less within an hour.

As both retailers race to capture market share in the emerging drone delivery sector, the technology represents a significant shift in how consumers may receive their everyday purchases, potentially reducing traffic to physical stores while improving convenience for shoppers seeking immediate fulfillment of their orders.
A week after King of the Hill star Jonathan Joss was shot and killed in what his husband Tristan Kern de Gonzales says was a homophobic attack, fans paid their respects to the late John Redcorn actor.

Roughly 100 mourners gathered at Crockett Park in Joss hometown of San Antonio on Sunday, leaving flowers, lighting candles and sharing their memories of the actor at a vigil hosted by Pride Center San Antonio.

He was just a long-time friend of ours, and weve always been fans of King of the Hill, Brittany Melgar, who attended the vigil with her boyfriend, told local news outlet KSAT, noting that Joss had agreed to officiate their wedding shortly before his death.

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For others, including Jennifer Rios, the memorial was about more than just a remembrance of Joss life, but rather an opportunity to show Kern de Gonzales their support as officials investigate the shooting as a potential hate crime. I want Tristan, the widower, to know that community is here, and we do care, they explained, promising to follow the story. Were gonna make sure that we get justice for Jonathan.

With the backing of his community, Kern de Gonzales also offered a few words about his late spouse. I learned a lot from Jonathan, and Im still learning a lot, he told the crowd of his husband, who was killed outside of their former home on June 1st.

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In a later social media post, Kern de Gonzales explained that this memorial was just the first of several events aimed at honoring Joss legacy.

There will not be just one official funeral or celebration of life for my husband, Jonathan Joss, he wrote in a message shared to his husbands Facebook page early Wednesday morning. Jonathans life deserves more than silence. It deserves to be sung, shouted and lifted up by every voice that loved him. And I know thats exactly what he would have wanted.
It was meant as a burn, but two-hour meat parade is the best Oscars marketing weve ever heard

Marlon Brandos heart was in the right place, but yikes.

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14 Paul Newman Hed been nominated six times for Oscars before he finally won in 1987 for The Color of Money. He didnt bother showing up to accept it, oddly comparing it to hooking up with a (presumably) 100-year-old: Its like chasing a beautiful woman for 80 years. Finally, she relents, and you say, Im terribly sorry. Im tired. Advertisement

13 Alice Brady Brady won Best Supporting Actress for her work in 1937s In Old Chicago, but a broken ankle prevented her from attending the ceremony. Some freaking dude accepted the award in her stead, and then disappeared off the face of the Earth. His identity is still unknown to this day, and her plaque has never been recovered.

12 George C. Scott Scott became the first person to turn down the Academy in 1971, when he was nominated (and won) for his role in Patton. He called the Oscars a two-hour meat parade, a public display with contrived suspense for economic reasons, and said he disagreed, on principle, with a competition that pitted actors against each other.

11 Nick Cave The Australian musician said the competitive nature of the MTV Music Awards might destroy the very foundations of his creative spirit. He rejected his Best Male Artist nomination in 1996, saying that he wasnt comfortable with the competitive nature of these awards ceremonies. My muse is not a horse, and I am in no horse race, and if indeed she was, still, I would not harness her to this tumbrel. Advertisement Advertisement

10 Will and Jada Pinkett Smith The Smiths boycotted the 2016 Oscars because every single acting nominee was white. Six years before drawing his open palm to Chris Rocks temple, Will wanted to draw attention to so many different people from so many different places adding their ideas to this beautiful American gumbo.

9 Spike Lee Lee boycotted the same year, and put it a bit more eloquently: How is it possible for the second consecutive year all 20 contenders under the actor category are white? Forty white actors in two years and no flava at all. Advertisement

8 Dolly Parton Parton tried to turn down her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nomination in 2022, believing she was too country and not quite rock and roll enough. Shes also twice rejected a Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump. Take a hint, big dawg. Advertisement

7 Katharine Hepburn She won four Oscars, but never accepted one at the ceremony, explaining that My prize is my work. The first time she attended, she was there to present an award. Advertisement

6 David Bowie Bowie told the Queen to shove it  twice. In 2000, she wanted to name him Member of the Order of the British Empire, and in 2003, she sweetened the deal with a knighthood. He explained, I would never have any intention of accepting anything like that. I seriously dont know what its for. Its not what I spent my life working for.

5 John Lennon Lennon accepted his Member of the Order of the British Empire medal, but later returned it due to imperialism (and also disrespect to a song he wrote with Yoko Ono). He wrote a letter to the Queen in protest against Britains involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam, and against Cold Turkey slipping down the charts. Advertisement

4 Richard Burton Burton was feeling particularly pouty on his fifth Oscar nomination and, predicting he would lose once again, booked a vacation to Paris. He was right about losing, but his darling wife, Elizabeth Taylor, skipped the show in solidarity, missing her own Best Actress win. Advertisement

3 Terrence Malick When the producers of The Thin Red Line broke their NDAs to describe what a nightmare he was to work with, Malick decided to boycott the 1999 Oscars so he wouldnt have to see them. He kept up his streak, even skipping the 2012 ceremony where The Tree of Life was up for an award. Advertisement

2 Bruce Davis Davis was the Academys Executive Director in 2011, when Banksys Exit Through the Gift Shop was nominated. He described the inherent issue with nominating an international man of mystery: The fun but disquieting scenario is that if the film wins and five guys in monkey masks come to the stage all saying, Im Banksy, who the hell do we give it to?
China's Gaokao examinees with disabilities pursue college dreams with improved assistance

Xinhua) 10:17, June 12, 2025

BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Among the 13-plus million candidates who signed up for this year's college entrance examination nationwide, over 14,000 examinees with disabilities were provided with necessary assistance that ensured them a fair shot to pursue their college dreams.

Also known as gaokao in Chinese, the national examination was held from June 7 to 10.

This year, a total of 16 blind examinees in 12 provinces used customized test papers in Braille, with special test rooms and additional time arranged for their exams. All visually-impaired candidates were allowed to carry Braille pens, writing tablets, drawing tools as well as other assistance devices.

For hearing-impaired examinees, they were exempted from the listening questions in foreign language tests and were allowed to carry hearing aids, cochlear implants and other hearing assistance devices.

Candidates with physical disabilities were guaranteed access to wheelchairs and mobility aids in test rooms. For candidates facing writing challenges due to malfunction or loss of upper limbs, an extra 30 percent of test time was ensured for them compared to ordinary examinees.

According to official statistics, the number of disabled gaokao examinees benefiting from favorable assistance measures in 2025 was 140 times that in 2012, and this practice has become more regular and institutionalized over the years.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
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We are becoming a Peoples Republic by stealth. The warnings are increasingly urgent, but is anyone listening?

Last weekend The Mail on Sunday reported a deeply disturbing fact. An NHS bureaucrat had refused therapy to a young boy, saying, We are unable to see this child as we do not provide a service to school-age children who attend an independent school. We are only commissioned to provide a service to the mainstream schools.

The refusal came after the eight-year-olds mother was asked to fill in a form which inquired innocently: Where does your child go to school? She was in little doubt she had come up against hard dogma, remarking, It feels like an ideological battle is going on.

This is not a unique case. The mother of an autistic girl in Somerset recently complained that her daughter had been denied access to NHS mental health services, and was told, icily, If you can afford the school fees, you should pay privately. If you had kept your child at the local authority primary school, she would have been supported.

Last month it emerged that young cancer patients from private schools had to pay 115 an hour for tutoring at an Edinburgh hospital, while it is provided free to state school pupils by the Labour-run city council.

Private school parents were once again sniffily told they had effectively opted out of state funded education and supports.

Note that wriggly little word effectively. It actually means they did not opt out. If you choose independent schooling for your child, nobody makes you sign a form saying youve opted out of anything. If they did, people might respond by asking for a large tax cut.

Parents who pay school fees are often very far from rich. They give up a lot to afford those fees. In fact, they have to pay twice for their childrens education  once through taxes for places they do not take up at state schools, and once through fees.

A mother had been told: If you can afford the school fees, you should pay privately. If you had kept your child at the local authority primary school, she would have been supported,' writes Peter Hitchens

This is surely discrimination against such parents and  even more clearly  against their children. And isnt discrimination a thing we are constantly told we must not do? Er, not quite.

Look at the NHS Constitution for England, a grand document which thunders, You have the right not to be unlawfully discriminated against in the provision of NHS services including on grounds of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity or marital or civil partnership status.

But it seems there is no protection for those who use private schools. In fact, it looks as if they can be discriminated against.

The constitution states explicitly that the NHS has a wider social duty to promote equality through the services it provides. And it is that wording, I bet, which is being used by public sector commissars to turn a cold, rejecting eye on children who have opted out of state schools.

The equality they believe in is equality of outcome  which can actually deter the more civilised policy of equality of opportunity.

All of this is rooted in Labours vast Equality Act of 2010, which the Tories barely fought and did nothing, in their years in office, to dismantle. It undermined all previous conservative and Christian ideas about how a society should be run. Since 2010, for example, Christianity in this country has been just another religion, equal to all the others, hence those nurses getting in trouble for wearing crosses.

This is surely discrimination against parents and  even more clearly  against their children, Peter Hitchens says

The courts, full of Starmer-type radicals, had already stripped most of the key Christian features out of the criminal and civil law.

Marriage is weaker than ever, and confers fewer and fewer privileges. Parents, especially fathers, are increasingly powerless. The idea that adults are responsible for their own actions and can be punished for crimes has been drowned in a swamp of rehabilitation and excuse-making sociology.

Every nostrum of ultra-feminism and sexual revolution has escaped from the campuses where we once laughed at it and has become both law and BBC policy. Those Transgender flags you see flying everywhere this month are a symbol of its triumph.

Everybody in politics and the public sector knows it is suicidal folly to speak openly against any of these things. The new totalitarianism  so far  imposes itself by threatening to make dissenters unemployed, not throwing them in prison. But dont rely on that for long, as we shall see.

Education has always been the key to this silent, deadly class war. Labour longed for years to destroy the private schools. This was not, as claimed, a war on privilege. Many of those schools, especially the best day schools, opened their gates to thousands of bright, working-class children on merit alone, after the Second World War. But Labour slammed those gates, abolishing  in 1976  the direct grant system which had given so many poor children tremendous chances in life.

Alas Vine & Hitchens: What's the big idea? Get the Mail's new politics podcast, hosted by columnists Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens - wherever you listen to podcasts now.

It had already  between 1965 and 1970  smashed up most of the state grammar schools, about a thousand of them in England and Wales and hundreds more of their equivalents in Scotland, bulldozed. They did this because they offered old-fashioned authority, rigour and tradition to the brightest from every class.

Their comprehensive replacements were not set up to provide better education. They never have. They were built to make society more equal, and to teach a less formal, less Christian, more anti-marriage and less patriotic view of the world. That is what they do. The anti-private school commissars of the NHS loathe any challenge to the comprehensive monopoly.

Now, after decades of seething at this survival of the private schools  a non-egalitarian force in our midst  Labour is on the march with bayonets fixed.

It cannot actually ban independent schools as long as this country remains more or less free. But it can close them to all but the super-rich.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has opened a War of Spite on private schools, most especially on those parents who struggle to pay for them.

The imposition of VAT on such schools will probably cost the Treasury more than it raises, by driving private pupils into comprehensives and increasing the costs of state schools. Whos next after private education? Probably what remains of the conservative media and even some politicians.

Another nasty straw in the wind suggests that the state is growing ever-closer to policing conservative thought as if it was a threat.

It emerged last week that an online training course for the Prevent de-radicalisation scheme now lists cultural nationalism as a belief that could lead to an individual being referred.

Officials are told that cultural nationalism is a conviction that Western culture is under threat from mass migration and a lack of integration by certain ethnic and cultural groups.

So be careful what you say about that on social media. The Thought Police are still growing in power and numbers, and their strength increases day by day.

Did you think such changes would come only after the Red Militias had stormed the barricades and occupied The Ritz?

That is all old hat since the days of Blair. In these times, the revolutions are led by lawyers and enforced by blank-eyed bureaucrats.

But the end is the same  a society so transformed that your children and grandchildren will have no idea what you are talking about when you reminisce about how this was once a free country.

Just hope they dont denounce you to the Secret Police.

Search for Alas Vine & Hitchens on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts now. New episode released every Wednesday.
Trigger warning, if youre of a Guardianista/Remoaner persuasion which youre not. BBC director-general Tim Davie and his senior managers, alive to constant and entirely accurate allegations of Left-wing bias at the Corporation, are drawing up plans to win over Reform UK voters.

News and drama output is to be overhauled to appeal to supporters of Nigel Farages party, which is currently leading in the opinion polls. So what will the BBC schedules look like in future? A draft has been leaked to this column . . .

6am Breakfast: Presented by Nigel Farage and Richard Tice live from the Ritz Hotel in Londons West End. The hosts breakfast on roast grouse they have shot themselves, grilled kidneys kippers and kedgeree, washed down by two excellent bottles of Rathfinny sparkling wine from Sussex.

9.30 Morning Livener: Outside broadcast from The Bishops Finger in Smithfield market, showcasing the best of British beef, lamb and pork. Nigel and Richard sample Cumberland sausage sandwiches and bacon banjoes made with Gloucester Old Spot. Bloody Marys all round, followed by foaming pints of Spitfire Amber Ale, supplied by the Shepherd Neame brewery in Nigels native Kent.

11.15 Homes Under The Hammer: Special edition live from Savills property auction as thousands of high-net-worth individuals and non-doms pack their bags and sell up before leaving Britain in droves to escape Labours tax grab.

12.30 The Week In Westminster: Nigel Farage holds court at the bar of another Shepherd Neame pub, the Westminster Arms opposite the Houses of Parliament, while enjoying haddock caught in UK waters and cooked in Whitstable Bay batter. Served with chips and mushy peas, while fish stocks last. Which after Starmers sell-out to the French fishermen may not be much longer. Part two follows the lunchtime news, by which time Nigel will have moved on to the Two Chairmen round the corner.

2.45 Escape To The Country: Nigel Farage and Lee Anderson head for the Red Wall, where they go hare coursing with a group of unemployed former miners and steelworkers thrown out of work because of Labours mad Net Zero policies.

3.30 The Hotel Inspector: Nigel Farage travels the country checking out the facilities at hotels currently housing tens of thousands of asylum seekers at a cost of 5.5 million a day to the British taxpayer. In this episode he visits the Manor Hotel in Datchet, near Windsor Castle, which has been closed to locals in order to accommodate recent arrivals from Pakistan and Afghanistan.

4.30 Great British Railway Journeys: Guest presenter Nigel Farage pulls on Michael Portillos comedy trousers and takes the train from Charing Cross via London Bridge, New Cross and Hither Green. Apart from himself and the annoying announcements on the Tannoy every two minutes, nobody else speaks English.

5.15 Pointless: Celebrity edition featuring Rachel Reeves, Ginge Rayner, David Lammy and Surkeir Starmer. Of the 100 people questioned, 52 per cent voted Leave but concluded it was completely pointless since Labour won the last election and are hellbent on dragging Britain back into the EU.

6.00 The BBC News at Six: Read by Nigel Farage, featuring an investigation into illegal immigration by that woman who won the Runcorn by-election for Reform and wants to ban the burka.

6.30 Holiday: Nigel Farage and Judith Chalmers jet off to the Chagos Islands before they are handed over to Mauritius, and arrive in time to welcome the first Chinese nuclear bomber to land there.

At 7pm it's a remake of 1970s drama When The Boat Comes In (above), starring Michael Gove as a North Sea fisherman forced out of business because of Surkeirs surrender to the French

7.00 When The Boat Comes In: Remake of popular 1970s drama, starring Michael Gove as a North Sea fisherman forced out of business because of Surkeirs surrender to the French. You cant have a fishy on a little dishy, cos the boats been burned.

8.00 Villages by the Sea: Documentary series about how coastal Britain has been sold down the river by successive Conservative and Labour governments. The advertised edition featuring former Reform MP Rupert Lowes focus on Great Yarmouth has been cancelled and replaced by Nigel Farage live from Skegness.

9.00 The Gold: A brand new drama/documentary, written by Nigel Farage, based on New Labours decision in 1997 to sell-off Britains gold reserves at knock-down prices in order to buy euros - a far more heinous crime than the notorious Brinks Mat robbery. Stars Rachel From Complaints as Gordon Brown.

10.00 Late Night Film: Dads Army 2025: Starring Nigel Farage as Captain Mainwaring and Richard Tice as Sergeant Wilson. The Walmington-on-Sea platoon man the beaches but are unable to repel the flotilla of small boats full of illegals arriving every five minutes. Dont panic!

11.30 Newsnight: Farage and Tice repair to the Ritz for a nightcap of Glennhoddle single malt and to prepare for government in four years time. Trebles all round!

Sad week. Brian Wilson, Sly Stone and Frederick Forsyth, RIP.

One reinvented pop/rock, another (re) invented funk/rock/pop and Freddie invented the modern thriller.

Never met Wilson, obviously, though I did see whats left of The Beach Boys fairly recently and his magic endures, kept alive by lead singer Mike Love and a new generation of gifted young musicians.

Never met Sly Stone, either, but I saw his band at the Isle of Wight in 1970 (our Woodstock) and did a couple of shows in the dim and distant with the great Bobby Womack, who played with the Family Stone. And so on, and so on and scooby, dooby dooby . . . I was privileged to know Freddie, though. As our mutual friend Simon Heffer, formerly of this parish, observed: Freddie was the most patriotic man he knew. Like Simon, I have memories of epic lunches with the Great Man. Dont worry, this isnt going to be one of those The Freddie Forsyth who knew me pieces. Just a personal appreciation. His greatest disappointment was being bounced as a fighter pilot.

After one of our lunches, and a few bottles of his favourite Rully red wine, he donned his leather flying helmet and ran round his garden arms akimbo, dodging goats and geese, shooting down imaginary Messerschmitts like a schoolboy in the playground.

The RAFs loss was our gain. The Day Of The Jackal rewrote the rules and after a brilliant literary career, Freddie returned to journalism with distinction.

There was no side to him. He even gave me an over-generous and undeserved endorsement of my first (and only) novel. When I told him it wasnt warranted, he replied: Were all hacks, old boy, we must stick together.

Rest in peace, Freddie.

Fishing, Chagos, Gibraltar. What is Surkeir going to give away next  the Isle of Man? The Isle of Dogs? The Isle of Sheppey? Only surprise is that he hasnt bunged Spain enough dosh to pay off their national debt and cancel income tax for four-fifths of Spaniards into the bargain like the Mauritians. Such is the cut of his Gib.
All plane crashes horrify us at a visceral level  but yesterdays Air India disaster is in a league of its own. Flying is meant to be the safest form of travel, so when a near-total calamity such as this takes place, it speaks to our darkest fears.

These days, of course, videos filmed on mobile phones often compound the terror  and the fate of Flight 171 has been revealed on brief, grainy footage, shared across social media, showing the planes slow descent into a gigantic fireball.

So what really happened? Can any lessons be learned  and not just by the airline industry, but by passengers such as you and me?

Julian Bray is an aviation-security expert who has advised on some of the deadliest air disasters of the past 40 years. He is a former consultant to British Airways and Alitalia (he also revised several editions of the Italian carriers official safety manual).

He says: The Boeing Dreamliner is automated to the nth degree. It is a highly advanced aircraft, with multiple back-up systems, which is why I would look beyond mechanical failure.

Bray has analysed a number of competing theories...

Did the pilots make a terrible error?

On take-off, a pilot will typically lower the planes flaps to generate more lift. But footage of yesterdays crash appears to show that the Air India flights flaps are still level with its wings. Without the flaps deployed, the plane could not have climbed fast enough, and some have suggested that the pilots might have forgotten to deploy them, leading to disaster.

The Gatwick-bound Air India passenger jet, apparently without its flaps deployed, moments before its devastating crash

Rescuers carry a body away from the crash site in Ahmedabad

It is weird that the flaps seem stuck, says Bray. They would have been tested on the runway as part of the pilots pre-flight inspection. Not only do pilots walk around the plane to physically inspect its hatches are secure, but inside the cockpit they undergo a raft of procedures carefully designed to check everything.

So could the pilots have forgotten to deploy the flaps? No, insists Bray. Each stage of take-off is part of a meticulous procedure monitored by the captain and first officer.

Some have argued that the website FlightRadar24 appears to show the plane starting its run too far down the runway, where it would have had only 1,900 metres to take off instead of the required 2,800 metres  raising the possibility that the pilots started the take-off run too late.

Again, Bray is not convinced. The pilot had 8,000 hours of experience and the co-pilot 1,000 hours. Air India has a pretty good safety record. Pilots get licensed to fly for only six months  after that they get put on a flight simulator and have to be recertified all over again.

That the aircraft still had its wheels down when it crashed is also unimportant, Bray believes. These are not usually raised until an airliner reaches 1,000 ft. The Air India plane never made it more than 400ft above the ground  625ft above sea level.

Could it have been mechanical failure?

If something on the aircraft is not working, the captain can order the flight to be grounded.

The fact that Flight 171 took off suggests to Bray that something sudden and unexpected must have happened immediately after take-off. The pilots distress call of Mayday... no thrust, losing power, unable to lift, confirms a catastrophic failure, says Bray.

You wouldnt lose power, or thrust or the ability to change direction without a major problem further back in the aircraft, he explains.

Could the plane have hit a flock of birds?

Bird strikes remain a serious risk for airliners. Last December, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 suffered a bird strike while coming in to land at Muan International Airport in South Korea.

After the pilots aborted the landing and attempted a second one, the planes landing gear failed to deploy, causing the aircraft to overshoot the runway and collide with a concrete structure that housed landing lights. Of the 181 people on board, 179 were killed.

Bird strike was also the cause of the forced landing of a jet in New York in 2009, the so-called Miracle on the Hudson, when pilot Chesley Sullenberger  later played by Tom Hanks in a film about the incident  earned praise for his cool handling of the situation.

But, Bray points out, neither engine of the Air India flight appears to be smoking as the plane went down  if they had been, it would point to a bird strike. He adds that Ahmedabad airport has bird-scarer technology, which detects birds resting on the airport site and emits distress calls from loud speakers mounted on vehicles to scare them away, as well as using hawks to keep bird numbers down.

So could a hawk have been sucked into the engine? Unlikely, says Bray: a bird strike affecting one engine wouldnt have been sufficient to cause this crash. The plane could have taken off with one engine, he says. It would have been a bit bumpy, but the pilots should have been able to perform a go-around and fly back to the airport.

Could it have been pilot suicide?

This risk was brought home in March 2015 when a Germanwings Airbus A320 slammed into a hillside in the Alps, killing all 150 people on board.

The co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz, was later revealed to have suffered suicidal tendencies, while a heart-rending cockpit recording revealed the pilot hammering on the door and begging the co-pilot to open up.

The plane explodes in a fireball on impact. It never made it more than 400ft above the ground

Suicide has also been suggested as an explanation for the mystery of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, where an airliner bound from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in 2014 disappeared from radar screens and, it is believed, turned around and crashed in the southern Indian Ocean. However, yesterdays disaster, notes Bray, occurred at a stage of the flight when both pilots would have been at the controls and it would have been hard for one to crash the plane without a struggle.

Could it have been a bomb?

In June 1985, one of Air Indias Boeing 747s en route from Montreal to Heathrow went down in the Atlantic, blown apart by a bomb planted by Sikh extremists and killing all 329 on board.

While Flight 171 clearly didnt explode mid-air, Bray is concerned by a puff of smoke that appears to come from the plane as it was taking off. One possibility he raises for further investigation is that a device might theoretically have been planted in a highly sensitive location, which did not destroy the fuselage yet succeeded in severing the wires and systems that allow pilots to control the wing flaps and rudder.

A plane like the Dreamliner has multiple emergency systems, says Bray, but a bomb planted in the right place could cause the pilots total loss of control.

However, it must be stressed that there has been no suggestion of terrorism from officials either in India or the international investigators, including from Britain, who have rushed to the scene.

Alternatively  and more innocently  he says, a consignment of batteries on board might have spontaneously caught fire  the dangers of so-called thermal runaway in lithium batteries are well-known.

Is it still safe to fly?

This is a question that many will be asking as we approach the summer holidays. And, certainly, readers could be forgiven for wondering whether flying has recently become more dangerous.

Already, 2025 has seen several deadly crashes in developed countries, including a commercial disaster in Washington DC that killed 67 people after an American Airlines flight collided with a military helicopter.

Meanwhile, Boeing has suffered a raft of serious accidents recently, including a terrifying gaping hole emerging in the side of the fuselage of a flight from Oregon to California in January 2024, with passengers using the on-board wifi to say goodbye to their loved ones.

In 2018 and 2019, two Boeing 737 Max jets crashed in Indonesia and Ethiopia, killing a total of 346 passengers and crew.

But despite these disasters, statistics show that flying is the safest it has ever been.

Since 1970, the global fatality rate for air travel has fallen from 4.77 per million passenger journeys to just 0.05.

When you take to the air, you now run just one hundredth of the risk of being killed as you did half a century ago. According to the International Civil Aviation Organisation, accidents on commercial flights  which can be as small as an aircraft being damaged and needing repairs  have fallen from 4.8 per million departures as recently as 2008 to just 1.9 per million in 2023.

Statistics from the US National Transportation Safety Board show that between 2007 and 2023, flying was, mile for mile, by far the safest form of transport. Little comfort, of course, to the devastated families of the victims of Air India Flight 171.
A couple have revealed the one major difference between Chinese takeaways in the UK and the US.

Brits James and Siana are currently embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, exploring the United States in a van.

Riding in an RV called Cruise America, the pair have shared glimpses of their travels on social media, filming multiple videos in which they draw comparisons between the nations.

The duo, who have sampled a range of cuisines during their road trip, recently shared a clip of themselves munching on Chinese takeaway - and shared how it contrasts with the offering back home in a TikTok video.

Peeling open the lid of the first container, Sianna revealed the contents of their first dish, a broccoli beef main - with her initial impression being that it looked 'stunning'.

Both catching a whiff of the dish, the pair agreed that it smelt 'really good' before eying up the next item on their order.

A portion of orange chicken was next, Sianna telling viewers she'd heard it was a 'big thing' across the pond, despite never having heard of it at home.

'We had to order it,' James remarked, tearing off the lid to show the camera a generous portion of bright orange meat pieces, which they conceded smelt 'amazing'.

James and Siana, originally from the UK, are currently embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, exploring both major cities and some of the more remote corners of the US in a live-in van (pictured)

Siana enthusiastically added: 'Ooh yum, that smells like sweet and sour chicken.'

Third on their order was a portion of chicken fried rice.

For appetisers, the couple had also picked up a box of 'egg rolls', believing them to be the US equivalent of spring rolls.

Spying the similar looking fried rolls, James asked, 'Is that just the same thing with a different name?'

Though several of the items of the menu seemed similar to those available at British takeaway shops, James and Sianna were disappointed by the absence of one tasty side dish - prawn crackers.

'The one thing that we're missing is prawn crackers,' Sianna complained, with James offering his theory for the absence.

'They usually just put them in for free but it seems like they've just added some white rice for free,' he suggested. 'Maybe that's something they do here instead.'

After introducing the contents of their order, the couple they proceeded to sink their teeth in, starting off strong with the egg - or spring - rolls.

A British couple have revealed the one major difference between Chinese takeaways in the UK and the US

Commenters from both sides of the pond were quick to share their thoughts on the video, many pointing out that restaurant quality varies across the States, urging them to sample other dishes

Taking a bit, Sianna's first reaction was that the roll was similar to spring rolls available in takeaway shops back home, but that the pastry casing was 'thicker'.

Next, they moved onto trying the main dishes, each spearing a piece of orange chicken.

Impressed by the food, Sianna said it was reminiscent of a classic British-Chinese meal.

'That's really good but it tastes like sweet and sour chicken, right?', she said, with James agreeing that it didn't taste 'orangey'.

Neither were impressed with the broccoli dish, which they called 'average' and 'overpowering'.

The fried rice won them over again, as Sianna let out a series of contented 'mm's to show her approval.

Describing it, she said it was 'just your typical fried rice' and 'very similar to the UK'.

Overall, both were pleased with their meal, ranking it highly among those in the UK.

'It's good, it's like your typical Chinese takeaway,' said James, to which Sianna said it was 'very similar'.

Commenters from both sides of the pond were quick to share their thoughts on the video, many pointing out that restaurant quality varies across the States, urging them to sample other dishes.

One viewer wrote: 'Not all Chinese restaurants in the US are equal. Some are poor, some in the middle and some are fantastic. And sometimes it isn't their entire menu but just the dish. They may have great fried rice but average chicken and broccoli. So try multiple places.'

Viewers also explained the difference between egg and spring rolls, confirming that that the former typically contains meat or fish in addition to the vegetables inside.

'Spring rolls are just vegetable rolls with a smooth wrapper whereas egg rolls have pork and shrimp and veggies and a bumpy wrapper,' one explained.

'No curry sauce,' one horrified Brit wrote, adding that it 'the norm in UK' to enjoy alongside a Chinese takeaway.

Another confirmed what the TikTokers had thought, that US-based Chinese takeaway shops don't typically sell prawn crackers.

'No prawn chips in the US unfortunately,' they remarked.

'I have to admit, I am not a fan of British Chinese. It surprised me how different it was from American,' another chimed.
An American woman living in the countryside in Wales has lifted a lid on the shocking realities of residing in the UK... warning others it's not as dreamy as you'd think.

Jessica Hanson, 42, originally from Miami, Florida, was living every American girl's dream when she met and fell in love with a 'dashingly good looking British' guy.

The two wed in 2023, and purchased a house in a small village in Wales called Conwy.

Hanson was excited to move to the quaint town, but soon after settling in, she quickly realized that life there was very different from life in America.

From sky-high prices and terrible weather to unfriendly neighbors and strict rules, Hanson admitted to the Daily Mail there were a lot of downsides to residing in the UK that took her by surprise.

Living in such a small village also meant there weren't a lot of food options, stores and restaurants closed super early, and things like Uber and DoorDash were non-existent there.

It was a shocking adjustment for the Florida-native, who admitted it feels a little too 'dystopian' for her liking.

'Regarding ease of life, I expected it to be the same. But it just isn't,' she explained during an exclusive chat with the Daily Mail.

An American woman living in the countryside in Wales has lifted a lid on the shocking realities of residing in the UK... warning others it's not as dreamy as you'd think

Jessica Hanson, 42, from Miami, Florida, was living every American girl's dream when she met and fell in love with a 'dashingly good looking British' guy

The two wed in 2023, and purchased a house in a small village in Wales called Conwy (seen), and she quickly realized that life there was very different from life in America

'Admittedly, that is because I'm not in central London, but rather in a small town in Wales. But the lack of conveniences is what I have the hardest time with.

'At time of day or night [in the US], I can have anything I want delivered. Groceries are brought to your doorstep in half an hour.

'Hot food from every type of cuisine you could think of is available. Everything is just so easy there.'

And that's not all. Hanson also explained that setting up the WiFi in their new home was a nightmare.

'Setting up my utilities for the UK house was wild to me. In the US, everything is click the package you want and put in your credit card, and you're set up,' she continued.

'Getting WiFi for the house was a nightmare that included me having to talk to an actual person for nearly half an hour, and then I had to set up a UK bank account because the only way to pay was by connecting an account that had a sort code (ours don't).'

She also slammed the immensely high cost of energy and gas - as well as the constant bleak weather.

'Holy hell,' she exclaimed. 'Where I lived [in the US] gas was $2.36 a gallon. In the UK it's something like $10 for the same measurement.

It was a shocking adjustment for the Florida-native, who admitted it feels a little too 'dystopian' for her liking. She's seen left in Florida and right in the UK

She said it's cold and windy for 'two thirds of the year' and practically 'gray all the time,' adding, 'It gets to me, mentally. I get lethargic and sad'

'And the cost of heating? I don't know how people afford it there, since it's generally always freezing (to me anyways).'

She added that it's cold and windy for 'two thirds of the year' and practically 'gray all the time.'

She added that there's a slew of bizarre 'rules' and 'expectations' in place that are hard for her to adjust to, including 20 mph speed limits in her town

'Where I live, specifically, there seems to be a 75 percent chance on any given day that it's going to be cold and misty,' she shared.

'It gets to me, mentally. I get lethargic and sad when I'm over there because I don't want to go outside.

'I miss just being able to go outside in a T-shirt and shorts and walk around comfortably.'

Hanson also claimed that the people are not nearly as outgoing in the UK as they are in the US.

She explained that people in the community in Florida where she lived were 'super friendly,' and recalled getting 'waves and hellos from so many strangers.'

But in her new neighborhood, it's the total opposite.

'In the US, people talk to you wherever you go. They check in. The ask about what you do, where you're from,' she said.

'Children run in and out of houses on neighborhood streets, to the point where sometimes I laugh when I'm in a house and ask a friend or family member, 'Whose kid is that?' And they just shrug.

'That's not been my experience in the UK. Of course, this could be because of the weather.

'Not many people are out running around streets to begin with, I guess, since it's so cold and windy for two thirds of the year.'

She added that there's a slew of bizarre 'rules' and 'expectations' in place that are hard for her to adjust to.

She said: 'In general, British freedom feels, to me, like a polite prison where there are rules for everything, forms for every exception, and you're expected to say thank you for the privilege'

In the end, she said she's 'trying to find the positives and focus on those.' She's seen with her step-children

'The nanny state mentality creeps me out. They lowered the speeding limit in my entire county to 20 mph recently. That is bananas to me,' Hanson revealed.

'It feels a little dystopian. CCTV and speed cameras are omnipresent. 50 mph [speed limit] on the freeway. Why?

'In general, British freedom feels, to me, like a polite prison where there are rules for everything, forms for every exception, and you're expected to say thank you for the privilege.'

When asked if there were any upsides to living in the UK, Hanson said the groceries are slightly cheaper and the views when you drive through the countryside and 'gorgeous.'

'Oh, and the dairy. All dairy is fantastic,' she added. 'Once I was introduced to British cheese, I simply couldn't eat the American nonsense we pass off as 'cheese' anymore.'

Hanson recently posted a video to TikTok in which she shared her opinion on living in the UK and naturally, it did not sit well with Brits.

It went viral, but resulted in her facing immense backlash.

In response to the hate, she told the Daily Mail, 'I have a very thick skin and I don't mind being made fun of by all of the British people who poke at me in the TikTok videos. In fact, I get quite a chuckle out of how outraged people get.'

'In the end, I'd say, "Life is what you make it." You can choose to see the best things about a place or dwell on the negatives,' she concluded.

'I've been trying lately, super hard, to find the positives and focus on those, like when there's a warm day and the sun is shining on the rolling hills and doesn't set until 9pm and you can sit outside without a sweater on.

'I try and cement those days in my head. Or when I get to hear my amazing step-children talk in their posh little British accents to my nieces and nephews and hear them all giggle.

'Maybe the Daily Mail's readers can give me some tips on what to look for so I can keep looking for the best parts of Great Britain in my newest journey of this crazy life. I think that would be helpful indeed.'
A shocking new A&E documentary exposes what it claims is the seedy underbelly of legal brothel the Moonlite BunnyRanch under its late owner Dennis Hof, who is accused of raping his employees, creating a fictionalized TV series to lure them in, and trapping them in the brothel with debt.

Opening its doors in 1955, the brothel in Nevada came to national attention under Hof, who served as its owner it from 1992 until his death in 2018.

During his ownership, he worked with HBO to create the reality series, Cathouse, which set out to shine a light on the inner workings of the business.

Airing between 2005 and 2014, the series fast became the most watched documentaries in the history of the network.

However, there are allegations that all was not what it seemed under Hof's management, and now the six-part A&E documentary series, Secrets of the BunnyRanch, is exposing the dark inner workings of the brothel.

Here, Daily Mail delves into the shocking first two episodes of the docuseries - including the abuse sex workers suffered at the hands of Hof, how they would become indebted to him and his business, and how the HBO show he created was not reality.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1946, Hof was a businessman and politician who owned many legal brothels in his lifetime, but Moonlite BunnyRanch was the most notorious.

Although it could be illegal to advertise brothels in the state of Nevada, Hof kept up a high profile in the media and regularly made appearances promoting the business on huge shows, including Oprah Winfrey, The Today Show and The View.

A shocking new A&E documentary exposes what it claims is the seedy underbelly of legal brothel the Moonlite BunnyRanch under its late owner Dennis Hof (pictured)

Hof served as the owner of Moonlite BunnyRanch from 1992 until his death in 2018

And in 2002, Hof would further promote Moonlite BunnyRanch in the HBO series Cathouse, which ran for 12 years.

Hof was an alleged predator

Hof's creepy behavior is laid bare in Secrets of the BunnyRanch by his former employees, who described him as a 'predator' and someone who groomed, controlled, and manipulated them.

Former BunnyRanch worker and Cathouse star Shelly Dushell recalled how Hof propositioned her for sex on her first day at work and she was afraid to turn him down. She also claimed that he didn't wear a condom.

Recounting how she ended up at the ranch, she said: 'I had no idea that prostitution was legal anywhere in the United States, so I sent a picture of myself to the Moonlight BunnyRanch and Dennis Hof himself called me back in two hours and said I want you out here.'

After flying out to Nevada, Shelly said she was picked up at the airport by Hof, who told her he wanted her to star in the HBO show, Cathouse.

'He walked me in and there were cameramen there filming for the HBO show,' she continued.

'Dennis took me out to the bungalow behind the building and wanted sex. And I had just met this man.

'I had flown there to work. He was the boss. He was the owner, and he wanted to have sex the very first day I got there - and he didn't want to wear a condom. So, I was absolutely horrified.

Former BunnyRanch worker and Cathouse star Shelly Dushell recalled how Hof propositioned her for sex on her first day at work

Shelly claimed that Hof was 'all about being violent'

'That was my first day at the ranch. I was afraid to tell Dennis no. I had no idea what I was getting into.

'Nobody seems to care if a prostitute gets raped. I saw the ugly side of Dennis, but the world on Cathouse only saw the fun side of him because they didn't know the real Dennis. Dennis was all about being violent.'

There were rules that the women had to follow at BunnyRanch, but these were often flouted by Hof.

Whenever a new group arrived at the ranch they were introduced to the Bunny Bible, which outlined that no client touching was allowed in the parlor, clients had to wear condoms, and that the women would have the final say on who they have sex with.

The rules didn't apply to Hof, Shelly claimed.

'Dennis preyed on the women who were the most easily victimized,' Shelly said. 'I was afraid to not go along with what he wanted. I learned a long time ago to not fight back.'

According to Shelly, Hof 'preyed on the women who were the most easily victimized'

Trapped at the BunnyRanch

Besides living in fear of Hof's alleged abuse, the women also revealed how one could easily become trapped at his brothels because of his ludicrously high fees.

Women said they would constantly be trying to pay off their tab, which was known as debt bondage, and couldn't get away until they had paid off what they owed to the house.

The brothel had a 50/50 split, meaning the house would get 50 percent and the women would get 50 percent of their fee. However, the women would also have to pay for their supplies  so their earnings were even lower.

Dolly Hart, who worked at the Kit Kat ranch, revealed that Hof would even take half of their tips and gifts.

Deanne Holliday, who worked as Hof's publicist and personal assistant, explained how little money the girls were left with at the end of the day.

'They're given a card, showing all the money that was deducted,' she said, explaining that it cost the women $45 a day to stay at the ranch.

'You have to pay if you want to do your laundry,' she continued. 'You need to tip the housekeeper, you need to tip the staff, the cashier expects a tip.

'Everybody has got their hands on that money, and that was the norm.'

Deanne added that she would repeatedly hear women ask the cashier 'is that all I've got?' after their debts were deducted.

Bekah Charleston, who worked at the BunnyRanch, added: 'They don't explain that your room and board is coming out of your 50 percent of the money, so is all your supplies.

Bekah Charleston claimed that it is not explained that room and board comes out of the 50 percent split (pictured)

According to former workers, many women would fall into debt at the brothel which is situated in Carson City, Nevada

'They take as much money as possible. Your little 50 percent basically dwindles down.'

'There are many girls there who are falling into debt and that's a position you don't ever want to be in at the brothel,' she continued.

'That means that when a customer finally does pick them, they have to do whatever he wants no matter if they want to or not.'

Shedding light on the additional products that they had to pay for, Shelly added: 'We had to buy our clothing, we had to buy our condoms, we had to buy the lube, we had to buy the sex toys.'

'If you do owe money to the brothel, you cant just walk away,' Bekah added. 'You can't just say, you know what I'm going to call a cab and leave. That's not possible.

'People tried to say it was a regular job, who doesn't leave their job?'

'You're literally there 24/7, that's not normal,' she continued. 'It's like they're being kept in captivity.'

Cathouse did not expose the dark side of the brothel

During the rise of the Moonlite BunnyRanch, Hof helped orchestrate the HBO reality television series, Cathouse.

Directed and executive produced by Patti Kaplan, the 11 episodes of the first season were originally broadcast in 2005.

While the show had initially set out to show how the women would negotiate with their clients, it took an increasingly sinister turn  and on one occasion the crew found themselves filming a bunny having sex.

Many of the former sex workers have claimed that the popular HBO series Cathouse was a complete fabrication and that Hof took control of the narrative to paint the brothel in a fun light.

They claimed the reality at the brothel was much worse - that they were subjected to rape, coercion, overdoses, abuse, and control.

Tom Hurwitz, a cinematographer on Cathouse, said that the series 'never really wanted to dip further than just below this first public relations level.'

'Dennis groping people, that was a daily occurrence, and they were supposed to like it, and they pretended to like it,' he continued.

'Nobody asked, "Do you not want Dennis to touch you when he's touching people?" That was not part of the remit of Cathouse.'

Several former Cathouse stars claimed that HBO's Cathouse was not a documentary as they were told by Hof what to do

Tom Hurwitz, a cinematographer on Cathouse, said that the series 'never really wanted to dip below further than just below this first public relations level'

Shelly explained that making a series that truly explored what the brothel was like was not in Hof's interest  and Hof himself didn't shy away from the notion that he was 'projecting an image' with Cathouse.

He wanted to keep his business as attractive as possible.

'They wanted to sell a show, they wanted to make money off of that show and they wanted to make money off the girls having a great time,' Shelly said. 'They just didn't want to show the ugly side of it.'

Shelly recalled how she was once expected to sleep with a clown. 'They thought that would be interesting for the show,' she said.

Several of the women attest that Cathouse was not a documentary as they were told what to do.

Shelly said she was humiliated by her job on Cathouse and that she was 'victimized' by Hof.

'The fact I was a softcore porn actress was humiliating, but Dennis told me that I was going to be a star, that I needed to be on the show, that I'd make tonnes of money, I would be famous, it would make everyone rich,' she said.

'It didn't make me rich. I was victimized. And Dennis Hof was the main victimizer.'

Shelly alleged that she was not properly compensated for her time on Cathouse and only got paid when she slept with a customer.

'I was recognized everywhere I went after the show came out,' she said. 'It would have been nice to have a little bit of money to show for it.

'I was actually losing money when I was on HBO because I wasn't working when I was doing the filming for the show.'

Hof and his Bunnies at The BunnyRanch Brothel in 2008

It wasn't just the sex workers who were uncomfortable with the Cathouse project.

Robin Lance, a sound recordist on the series, recalled how she was in a room when one of the women started having sex with her client.

'At one point, we were in the room when Isabella Soprano was having sex with the client,' she said.

'This should have been the point where we scooted out of that room. I was like I didn't sign up for this. I'm not here to shoot porn, I'm here to shoot a documentary.

'This is not what I would normally be doing at work. I was expecting softcore photo stuff, not full-on pornography.'

According to Shelly, Hof took charge of the direction of Cathouse and would instruct the women to touch each other and make out with each other in the parlor.

'Dennis wanted to make it so it looked like we were always waiting for sex and we were nymphos, so Dennis somewhat became the director because he was coordinating what he wanted to see in the scenes - and I didn't always see Patti Kaplan around,' she said.

'It's kind of hard to say it's a documentary when you have a pimp directing scenes in his own brothel.

'Watching the show, HBO definitely wanted it to look like the fun place to be and so I can see how it would be tempting for a young girl to watch the Cathouse show and think it would be something fun, [but] they don't understand the reality of it.

'They aren't seeing what it's really like behind closed doors.'

Dolly Hart started working at the Kit Kat ranch after having watched Cathouse. Speaking in episode two, she said she was attracted to the job on false pretenses after having seen the HBO series.

'I would definitely tell little me that not everything you see on TV is a reality,' she said.

Dennis kept the place on a cheerful, glitzy so the darker side was kept very private and very much away from the cameras the women said.

'The girls looked like they were having fun.'

The Moonlite BunnyRanch told Daily Mail in a statement: 'We note that allegations against Mr. Hof are not new.

'During his lifetime, Mr. Hof publicly addressed and denied similar accusations through official statements and media responses, including detailed rebuttals available on his website.

'We find it particularly concerning that these matters are being revisited now, when Mr. Hof is no longer alive to personally respond to or defend himself against any claims.

'The timing raises serious questions about fairness, as the accused party cannot provide their perspective or defense.'

They added: 'The Moonlite BunnyRanch has always operated in compliance with Nevada state regulations governing legal brothels, and we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of operation and worker safety.'

Daily Mail contacted HBO for comment and has not yet had a response.

This isn't the first time that former employees have spoken out about Hof. Following his death, former sex worker Theresa Lowe claimed she was raped by him  and he didn't wear a condom.

In an interview with DailyMail.com in June 2018, she claimed that Hof attacked her within days of her arrival at the Love Ranch North but says she felt unable to go to the police for fear of not being believed.

'I had just flown in [to Carson City], I was going to see the doctor the next day,' she said. 'You get your results 24 hours later then you see the Sheriff and get your card.'

A car took Theresa through the mountains to the ranch, where she met Hof.

'I walked in the house. He said let's go upstairs. And he raped me,' Lowe claimed. 'It was violent, choking me, grabbing me by the hair. Suck my d*** you b***h. We had sex, no condom.'

According to Theresa, Hof went on to attack her on 10 further occasions and says she finally walked out after an incident in which he allegedly choked her in the kitchen of Love Ranch North.

Theresa, who worked for Hof between 2006 and 2012, said: 'I remember we were in the kitchen and he grabbed me by the throat, and said, "Where the f*** have you been?" I'd had enough.

'I'd had enough of girls crying, coming into my room and saying this isn't fair. I believe he rapes and intimidates and tells the new girls, welcome to my ranch but this is how it's going to be.

'This is what you will do. You will service my customers, and you will service me as well. For free. With no condom.'

Secrets of the Bunny Ranch premieres with back-to-back episodes Thursday, June 12 at 9pm ET/PT on A&E.
'Cleanfluencers' are sharing their most unusual tips and tricks

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

No matter how hard you scrub the floors, a house doesn't feel clean until it smells good.

This was the idea that FMCG giant Procter & Gamble used to turn its air freshener Febreze from a 'flop' into a billion-dollar brand in the late Noughties - after it initially struggled to find buyers.

By scenting the originally odour-less spray - that was designed to eliminate bad smells - the firm saw a massive uptick in sales of Febreze as people incorporated it into their daily lives as the final step of their cleaning rituals.

The pleasant scent felt like a reward for their effort - an aspect of human psychology that has fuelled the sales of air fresheners, disinfectants, candles, and diffusers alike while also leading many to come up with their own, free hacks to make homes smell amazing.

For instance, UK-based cleaning influencer Carly Wood - who has over 50,000 followers - recently revealed her top secrets for a divine-smelling house in a clip as she confessed 'it's the biggest compliment for me'.

And it all starts with the basics, with Carly advising homeowners to deal with their bins as promptly as possible because they 'stink very quickly'.

Her next 'old-school' trick is to add a few drops of essential oil to the inside of your toilet tube rolls. This will release the scent every time the roll spins, and you can do this every three-four days to keep your loo smelling delightfully fresh.

Finally, Carly advised pouring your best-smelling disinfectant in the sink, followed by some boiling water, as the scent diffuses through your home.

No matter how hard you scrub the floors, a house doesn't feel clean until it smells good. Stock photo

Cleanfluencers have shared their best tips and tricks to keep your home smelling divine

Elsewhere, popular 'cleanfluencer' Georgia - who co-hosts The Homebirds podcast - shared her most effective hacks to 'make your home smell BEAUTIFUL' on TikTok last week.

Her first trick is to stick felt pads in your drawers and spritz your favourite perfume on it.

Spraying crease releaser on your bedsheets and duvet covers will keep your bedroom smelling lovely for hours, she added, and popping a dryer sheet into your pillowcases before washing them is also incredibly effective.

'The next time you find yourself mopping your bathroom, don't just stop at mopping the floor,' she continued.

Georgia advised using a floor cleaner with a strong scent, like Astonish's Peony Bloom variant, to swab her bathrooms walls and ceiling as well.

'I kid you not, the smell lasts for days.'

Meanwhile, one of Australia's best-known home influencers, Chantel Mia, surprised her 1.6 million TikTok followers when she revealed she mopped the tiles in her bathroom using shaving cream to 'neutralise odours'.

In a separate video, she tested different hacks that make her house always smell good and shared the best budget-friendly tricks - including popping two tablespoons of vanilla extract in a baking dish and put it in the oven to 'bake' for a few minutes.

'Your home will smell like cookies,' she revealed.

The Melbourne-based mum also swears by dunking cotton balls in essential oils and placing them strategically around the house including under bin liners.

For the tenth tip, it's worth looking into high quality room sprays to upgrade your cleaning routine with minimal effort.

Co-founder of cleaning brand Preston Lane Preston Konrad states 'scent is half the battle.

'You know the feeling when you walk into a hotel and everything just smells clean? Thats not bleach - its intentional fragrance. I believe scent is one of the most powerful tools in your cleaning routine. Products that smell amazing instantly make your space feel fresher, even if its not perfectly spotless.'

Preston Lane has rolled out its range of innovative water-based room sprays made without no nasties imbued with scents that will transport you to a sun-soaked European holiday destination.

Otherwise, Neom are known for their luxury home fragrances.

If you'd like to whip up a DIY scent for your house, Chantel recommended boiling one sliced lemon, four sprigs of fresh rosemary, and one tablespoon of vanilla extract to create a refreshing scene.

'Allow to simmer to fill your home with fragrance,' Chantel wrote and carefully carried the pot of scented water around her home.

'Remember to keep topping up with water throughout the day.'

TikTok users were thrilled with the insight, and one woman questioned how the leftovers should be used.

'Distilled water is a great room spray, or with 50/50 white vinegar and water you can make a multipurpose cleaner,' Chantel said.

She also said the homemade scent last up to three full days, while a homemade spray would last a few months.

'Going to do that today, hopefully get rid of the foggy smell - all natural as well!' another person wrote in the comments of the video.

'I did this last night and it smelt like Williams Sonoma!' another said.
Former subpostmistress Pamela Church revealed she suffered panic attacks and felt as though she'd 'let everyone down' after going bankrupt due to the Horizon IT scandal on a new Mail podcast.

On the latest episode of 'The Apple & The Tree', Pamela, 47 told daughter Rebekah Foot, 28, of her experience losing everything after becoming embroiled in what is seen as the largest miscarriage of justice in British history.

The podcast, hosted by the Reverend Richard Coles, brings together parents and their adult children to answer questions about their shared family history.

The Horizon IT scandal was a faulty Post Office computer system that falsely showed financial shortfalls at branches across the country.

The fault led to over 700 subpostmasters being wrongfully prosecuted and convicted for theft and fraud between 1999 and 2015.

Pamela Church: 'They said they'd take my business away from me. I couldn't breathe. I felt like I was going to die.' Listen here

The full episode of the Apple & The Tree featuring Pamela Church and her daughter Rebekah Foot is available now. Listen here

'I remember being seen as a pillar of the community', Pamela said.

'But once all that happened, everyone thought we were dodgy. We were shut down in 2015.

'It bankrupted me. I tried to keep as much of it away from my children as possible, but I started suffering really bad panic attacks.'

The mother-of-three recounted collapsing in the toilet in front of her young daughter due to the stress of being pursued for tens of thousands of pounds.

The technical fault potentially affected as many as 25,000 postmasters, yet fewer than 2,500 have been compensated.

She told the podcast: 'It got to a really bad point where I could not carry on. I felt like I was a massive letdown.

'I'd had this massive panic attack  I was in the bathroom. My young daughter saw me on the floor and then took herself to school.

'My daughter told the school's receptionist: 'Mummy's poorly, she's not well and I can't live without her.

'After that, I went to the doctors, and they proscribed me fluoxetine. It stopped the panic attacks, and I started seeing a future again.

Pamela, 47 told daughter Rebekah Foot (pictured), 28, of her experience losing everything after becoming embroiled in the Horizon IT scandal

Pamela Church: 'I was bankrupt, I had no money, no business  at least I still had my children and my partner. They set me up to go forward.' Listen here

'But everything had been taken away: I was bankrupt, I had no money, no business  at least I still had my children and my partner. They set me up to go forward.'

Pamela remembered noticing something was wrong when she ran both the old and new bookkeeping systems at her north Wales Post Office and discrepancies of thousands of pounds appeared.

Despite her protests, the Post Office threatened to seize her business unless she made up the shortfall.

'My first panic attack, 10,000 had gone missing out of the Post Office and they phoned me up and told me I had to pay it.

'They said if I didn't, they'd take my business away from me. I couldn't breathe. I felt like I was going to die.

'I collapsed with my daughter Evie in my arms. When I woke up, I saw my daughter playing in a pool of my blood.'

The truth about the scandal emerged through persistent legal action by subpostmasters who took the first High Court case against the Post Office in 2019, securing a 43 million settlement.

It gained widespread public attention in January 2024 after the ITV drama 'Mr Bates vs The Post Office' brought the issue to millions of viewers.

Pamela said she hasn't yet completed all the paperwork for her compensation as she 'doesn't want to bring back' memories of the scandal.

'I am in an alright sort of place at the moment', she said.

'I don't want to bring it back. But I know that if I want my claim to go forward, I have to finish all this paperwork. I will do it, just in my own time.'

To listen to the full episode, where Pamela remembers her Post Office being robbed at gunpoint when she was five months pregnant, search for 'The Apple & The Tree' now, wherever you get your podcasts.
When your dad is literally the Terminator, the bar for 'making a name for yourself' is set extremely high.

But Joseph Baena - Arnold Schwarzenegger's 26-year-old son - is doing exactly that, carving out his own path that's equal parts dumbbell curls, cooking videos and - surprisingly - closing real estate deals.

Joseph is the son of Arnold and Mildred Baena, who was the Schwarzenegger family's former housekeeper.

His existence famously came to light in 2011 when it was revealed that Arnold had fathered a child outside his marriage to Maria Shriver.

At the time, Joseph was just 13.

The news rocked Hollywood, but Joseph's response over the years involves him becoming as much of a self-made man as possible.

Though he didn't grow up in the glitzy Schwarzenegger household, Joseph seems to have inherited his father's discipline - and his biceps.

He shares a close relationship with Arnold today, and their bond often shows up on Instagram in the form of gym selfies, birthday tributes, and pictures of the two riding bikes together.

Joseph Baena is the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mildred Baena, who was Arnold's former housekeeper

While Joseph doesn't have much of a relationship with his half-siblings, he is often seen hanging out with his father

Joseph and Arnold share a love of fitness and health, as Joseph even works out at the gym his father used to

But Joseph's relationship with his half-siblings (Arnold's kids with Maria) remains murky.

He has noticeably been absent from major family milestones including Katherine Schwarzenegger's wedding to Chris Pratt - although he did leave a congratulatory comment on her wedding post.

Fans have pointed out that although Joseph follows Katherine and Patrick Schwarzenegger on Instagram, neither of them follow him back.

In fact, on a post celebrating National Siblings Day in 2019, Katherine posted all of her siblings except for Joseph, causing backlash from fans.

Though it appears as though Patrick may have been working on a relationship with Joseph in 2021, as the two were spotted working out together, there has been no updates on their relationship since.

But it's clear that there is a stern divide between Joseph and Arnold's children with Maria.

On Wednesday, at a Netflix premiere for the second season Arnold's action comedy Fubar, the star took a picture with all of his children together on the red carpet - but Joseph was nowhere to be seen until he took a separate picture with his father later.

But despite Joseph's apparent exclusion from the famous family, if he looks familiar, it might be because he's graced the cover of Men's Health magazine, shirtless - something his father has done multiple times.

The children Arnold had with ex-wife Maria Shriver seem to exclude Joseph when it comes to family events and appearances

Joseph is dedicated to bodybuilding and fitness, and has even been on the cover of Men's Health magazine - similar to his father

He's been in a relationship with model Mel Randel for more than two years

While he dabbled in cinema, he landed on becoming a luxury real estate agent, selling million-dollar homes in Los Angeles

Like his dad, he's deeply into bodybuilding and shares his progress online, often training at Gold's Gym in Venice Beach - the same gym where Arnold trained back in the day.

Joseph has also dabbled in acting, taking on roles in indie action films, and he competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2022.

In an unexpected twist, Joseph also has a soft side - specifically, for food.

He regularly shares TikTok videos and Instagram reels where he cooks with friends, often whipping up high-protein meals that benefit those who want to make health and fitness their priority.

Perhaps the most unexpected plot twist in is that instead of focusing on acting like this father, Joseph decided to become a licensed real estate agent.

In between filming workouts and cooking content, Joseph regularly shows and sells million-dollar homes in Los Angeles.

He works with Aria Properties and regularly posts about open houses and closings on his business Instagram account.

He also often shows off his girlfriend, model Mel Randel, who he's been dating for over two years.

They've been spotted at award shows, enjoying romantic vacations, and also spending time with Arnold.

It's clear that Joseph is not trying to ride his dad's coattails.

In fact, he doesn't use the Schwarzenegger name professionally at all.

And though he's come from Hollywood royalty and dealt with public scandal, he remains positive and determined, and - like Arnold - very buff.
Prince Andrew looked to be in high spirits as he joined his late mother's long-standing stud groom Terry Pendry for a horse ride around Windsor today.

The King's younger brother, 65, beamed in excitement as he sported riding gear, including a helmet and gloves, along with a khaki jacket this afternoon.

Alongside him was Mr Pendry, who rode with Queen Elizabeth for 28 years and was one of her most loved and trusted servants.

On July 18, 2022, less than eight weeks before her death, she came down to the stables as usual to see her beloved horse Emma, bringing the steed a bag of carrots.

There was, Mr Pendry has said, a quiet sense of finality to the 96-year-old's purpose, although nothing was said.

The servant, who at one time looked after around 100 of the Royal Family's horses and ponies, said: 'The very last time with her wasn't a ride, I walked. She was quite frail.

'She actually ended up being smaller than Queen Elizabeth [her mother], her last four years when she was quite poorly.'

This afternoon, Mr Pendry sported a button-up shirt and tie along with a beige riding helmet as he joined Prince Andrew for the day out.

Prince Andrew looked to be in high spirits as he joined his late mother's long-standing stud groom Terry Pendry for a horse ride around Windsor today

Elsewhere, snaps from the day showed the royal at the wheel of a car, sporting a burgundy top.

It comes amid a tumultuous time for Charles's brother, after Virginia Giuffre's lawyer demanded an apology from Andrew in the wake of her death - after her family revealed she was prevented from seeing her children for months before she died.

Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored in April, David Boies said the Prince had to take responsibility and even went on to request King Charles to intervene.

'I'd like to have him say, "I'm sorry", he sort of said that, but I'd like him to be more direct about that,' the acclaimed American attorney said defiantly on the talk show.

'I'd like him to say, even if he doesn't remember what happened, I think he needs to recognise that he had, he clearly had sex with young girls, with Jeffrey Epstein.

'I mean, he may not remember that it was Virginia, but he can't forget the event. And he needs to just come clean.'

Virginia claimed Jeffrey Epstein and former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell kept her as a sex slave, flying her around the world for sex with powerful associates.

She later accused the Duke of York of sexually assaulting her when she was 17 after she was trafficked to London. It led to him 'stepping back' from public life in 2019. He has always vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

The King's younger brother, 65, beamed in excitement as he sported riding gear, including a helmet and gloves, along with a khaki jacket this afternoon

She then launched a civil lawsuit, alleging she was coerced into having sex with him.

In 2022 the Duke agreed an out-of-court settlement  thought to be between 3 million and 12 million  despite denying he sexually abused her.

The mother-of-three was found dead at her farm near Perth, Australia, on April 25, in what was believed to have been a suicide.

Following her sudden death at the age of 41, Boies said: 'It's just a question of taking responsibility, accepting responsibility for what happened. Maybe he has a version of what happened, but he can't deny that he was with her.

'I mean, you've got the photograph, you've got the testimony from other people. Continuing to deny he didn't know her, he never met her, he had nothing to do with her. That's not productive. It's also not right.

'I think that he needs to take responsibility for what he did. Virginia was always more interested in fighting the sin than attacking the sinner, and I think that she would have accepted Prince Andrew taking responsibility, and would have recognised that.

'And I think that it's not too late. It's never too late If he wants redemption, if he wants forgiveness, he's got to take responsibility for what happened.

'He came pretty close in that statement. It was a step in the right direction. And I think I hoped, and I think Virginia hoped, that he would take the next step as well.

Prince Andrew was seen on horseback this afternoon - as he joined Terry Pendry for a ride around Windsor

Elsewhere, snaps from the day showed the royal at the wheel of a car, sporting a burgundy shirt

Andrew was pictured behind the wheel of a car from photos taken this afternoon, when he enjoyed a horse ride

'Unfortunately, for whatever reason, maybe his advisors, he didn't. But I think, as I say, it's not too late for him or for anyone'.

MailOnline approached Prince Andrew's representatives for comment at the time.

Karrie Louden, Giuffre's lawyer, told The Sun that the mother had showed 'no signs' of wanting to end her life.

'We've got big question marks over it. There's suicide, then there's misadventure', she said.

Louden added that Virginia was planning the future, and looking forward to it just this time last week, and that 'things were positive'.

'The police were just very, very vague. I know that she's gone but I don't know. I'm not sure we'll ever know'.

The Perth coroner confirmed their own investigation, but the report could take two years.

Before she died, family members had expressed fears over her mental state. Her father Sky Roberts said his daughter was 'very depressed' and 'in really bad shape'.

Speaking to People, Roberts explained his daughter had been grappling with the complexities of a restraining order her husband had taken out against her in February that prevented her from seeing her children aged 19, 16, and 15, until June.

He claimed she had violated the order, which she denied.

'It's the worst pain in the world to not have access to your children,' Roberts said.

'Can you imagine the pain? I will tell you, all the physical (pain) will never amount to the pain of being separated from your children in that way.'

Before she died, Virginia had been allegedly physically abused by her husband of 22 years, Robert Giuffre, the father of her three children, from whom she separated in 2023, Sky and sister-in-law Amanda said. Her husband has not responded to the allegations.

Friends of the 41-year-old also said Giuffre was 'deeply upset' about being mocked over a picture she posted of herself in a hospital bed last month.

She claimed she had been involved in a car crash that left her with only four days to live  but the accident was nothing more than a minor bump.

A spokesman for Virginia said she had 'made a mistake' and had not intended to make the post public. But it led to claims that the episode had destroyed her credibility, with some of Andrew's supporters calling her a 'fantasist'.

Emergency services received a report about a woman found unresponsive at a home in Neergabby, 12 miles north of Perth, at about 9.50pm local time on Friday. She was declared dead at the scene.

'She lost her life to suicide, after being a lifelong victim of sexual abuse and sex trafficking,' said her family's statement.

Two weeks earlier, Virginia posted several photographs of her three 'beautiful babies', writing: 'I miss them so very much. I have been through hell and back in my 41 years but this is incredibly hurting me worse than anything else. Hurt me, abuse me but don't take my babies. My heart is shattered and every day that passes my sadness only deepens.'

Following her death, Boies told Piers Morgan: 'She was an extraordinarily strong woman, ultimately brought down by years of abuse at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein and then later years of verbal abuse and attacks by [his] collaborators, but she accomplished a great deal without her courage and without her coming forward, Jeffrey Epstein would probably still be abusing young girls'.

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
A Chemist Warehouse employee has discovered what she believes is a $29.99 'dupe' of a popular $445 luxury item.

Jess, a retail manager from Melbourne, has claimed the Made in Lab No. 115 Eau de Parfum (100mL) 'smells identical' to the Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540, which retails for an eye-popping $445 for 70mL or $881 for 200mL.

'We've got a new Baccarat Rouge dupe for you,' the worker claimed in her video.

'And it's up there with one of the best. Why? It's $30, it lasts so long on the skin and it just smells identical.'

The employee was amazed that the two fragrances, despite their vastly different price points, contained nearly the same scent elements.

'The Made in Lab No. 115 has almost the exact same notes (as Baccarat Rouge) except it's missing the ambroxan and oak moss notes,' Jess pointed out.

'But I still think it smells exactly the same and it has great longevity... it's not as overpowering like some of the other dupes out there, but the longevity is still insane.

'It smells so good.'

Chemist Warehouse manager Jess has claimed the $29.99 Made in Lab No. 115 Eau de Parfum is a 'dupe' of a popular $445 luxury perfume

The retail manager claimed the Made in Lab No. 115 Eau de Parfum 'smells identical' to the Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 (right), which retails for an eye-popping $445 for 70mL or $881 for 200mL

She added: 'Highly recommend giving this one a go if you love Baccarat Rouge. You know the saying... Run.'

Many were excited to hear about the new 'dupe', with one saying: 'OMG I need it.'

'Sooo good,' another shared.

What shoppers love most about the formula is that it's designed to be unisex so anyone can use the scent.

The manager's recommendation comes just weeks after she claimed the Made In Lab. 18 Eau de Parfum was almost identical to Giorgio Armani's Si fragrance.

'I just found the closest dupe to Giorgio Armani Si I have ever smelt,' she said.

'Like when I mean 'the closest', I mean Giorgio Armani has six notes... Made In Lab has six notes.

'To say I was shocked at how good this fragrance smelt is an understatement.'

Chemist Warehouse manager Jess previously claimed the new Made In Lab. 18 Eau de Parfum smells almost identical to Giorgio Armani's Si fragrance

The employee was amazed that the two fragrances, despite their vastly different price points, contained the same scent elements (left: Made in lab $30 scent; right: Giorgio Armani's $299 Si fragrance)

Jess said both fragrances have 'exactly the same notes'.

'This fragrance (Giorgio Armani Si) is one of the top sellers, and for a reason. It's a beautiful, vanilla, woody scent,' she explained.

'Made In Lab 18 is a brand new scent to - only available at Chemist Warehouse might I add... If you're not already convinced, it's only $30.

'Now I know what you're saying... a $30 fragrance? I bet it doesn't last. Well, let me tell you... The longevity is so good. It lasted on my skin for hours.'

The store manager predicted the new fragrance is set to sell out.

'Run to Chemist Warehouse We all know these will fly off the shelf,' she said.
From the young woman campaigning against domestic violence to the mother whose humanitarian work saving war-torn children spans more than 30 years, meet our Inspirational Women of the Year.

Three months ago, we asked you to nominate the incredible women you know who go the extra mile for other people. And last Thursday our five winners were unveiled at the Inspirational Women Awards gala evening, in association with M&S, at London's Royal Lancaster Hotel.

Here are their inspiring stories...

MAISHA SUMAH

Bruised, beaten and in fear for her life, Maisha couldn't imagine she would ever be brave enough to leave her abusive boyfriend  let alone lead a nationwide campaign to eradicate violence against women. Through her platform, She Walks In Value, this remarkable young woman is a passionate advocate against domestic violence.

'If I can inspire just one other woman, through this award, to walk away from an abusive relationship, I will be so happy,' says Maisha, 26.

Born in war-torn Sierra Leone, Maisha spent her childhood in a refugee camp in Holland with her parents and three siblings. When she was five, a family friend started sexually abusing her. 'I felt completely worthless,' she said. 'I thought no one valued me for anything but my body.'

The abuse continued until Maisha moved to a different area in Holland before arriving in Britain when she was ten, where she once again found herself prey to bullies. Suffering low self-esteem, Maisha was flattered when a local boy started paying her attention. They were both 16.

Last Thursday our five winners were unveiled at the Inspirational Women Awards gala evening, in association with M&S, at London 's Royal Lancaster Hotel. Pictured from top to bottom: Gulnaz Brennan, Jo Cruse, Maisha Sumah, Sally Becker and Roxy Longworth

'We talked for hours on the phone, pouring our hearts out,' she says. 'I thought I had found someone who really loved me.'

They had been dating six months when her boyfriend pressured her for sex. Finally when Maisha refused, he raped her.

'I should have ended it,' she says, 'but by then I was under his control.'

The violence rapidly escalated. As well as controlling her every move, ringing her more than 100 times a day and loitering outside her school gates, her boyfriend repeatedly beat her up.

'Once he punched me so hard in the chest, I bled,' says Maisha. 'We were on an escalator in a shopping centre, surrounded by people. No one did anything.'

Maisha finally found the courage to end things when her boyfriend stripped her naked and attacked her so badly she thought she was going to die. The commotion alerted neighbours who called the police. But when he threatened to kill himself, Maisha declined to press charges.

'I desperately regret being manipulated,' she says.

However, it was the catalyst she needed. Then 18 and finally free of him, she became determined to turn her life around.

Maisha Sumah was pressured by her boyfriend for sex six months into dating and when she said no, he raped her

She finally opened up to her mother who has proved immensely supportive. Fired up, Maisha  who draws upon a strong Christian faith  began campaigning. 'I started by talking to other girls in the school playground, explaining what I'd been through. They felt they could talk too. We'd lived in shame for too long.

'There was so much interest, I hired an events hall and  in 2017  told my story to more 100 people who'd all paid to come and listen.'

Two years later, in 2019, between studying for a degree and working for a domestic abuse charity, Maisha launched her online platform.

She Walks In Value hosts events, seminars, conferences and workshops designed to empower women who survive domestic abuse.

Using her roles as chair of the Violence Against Women and Girls Forum in two London boroughs and as the former youngest mental health expert representative for Black and Minority Ethnic communities within the NHS, Maisha advocates tirelessly for change. She has addressed MPs and spoken to the Queen.

'I want She Walks In Value to be a powerful global movement,' she says, 'transforming pain into purpose, silence into strength and trauma into triumph.'

If you need to speak to someone, contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818 or visit their website

GULNAZ BRENNAN

It was the realisation that many of her friends let their partners control their finances that lit the feminist fire in Gulnaz Brennan, a 54-year-old former teacher from Bolton.

'One couldn't afford to do the supermarket shop because her ex had run up debts on her credit card,' recalls Gulnaz.

'Another discovered after her relationship broke down that her ex had taken a loan out in her name. Saddled with his debt, she faced losing her home. It was heartbreaking.'

That's when it hit Gulnaz: the key to female empowerment is financial independence.

Gulnaz Brennan set up her campaign, Let's Talk Money, after an ex took a loan out in her name

'Too many women are ignorant about finances and uncomfortable talking about money. But it's vital to stay in charge of our finances and not let anyone  even a partner  take over.'

Gulnaz started her campaign, Let's Talk Money, and now runs monthly seminars, podcasts, webinars and networking events, helping thousands of women.

Last year, she launched a programme to set up financial workshops helping girls from nursery school upwards understand how to manage money.

'We need to target children as young as possible and ensure they grow up with a healthy attitude to money,' she says. 'A world where girls are financially empowered is a world where they have control over their futures.

'Being recognised with this award is a wonderful feeling. It's a pat on the back  and a real motivator to do even more.'

JO CRUSE

Giving birth for the first time left Jo Cruse deeply traumatised. During a 36-hour labour in which she wasn't listened to by midwives and denied pain relief, she sustained injuries that left her with bladder issues to this day, three years on.

'I was made to feel completely expendable,' she says. 'No one listened to me or seemed to care about the risk of injury or mental trauma.'

Struggling with flashbacks some 18 months later when she was diagnosed with suspected PTSD, Jo felt deeply alone until she uncovered a truth which shocked her to the core.

Reading a report into maternity care in the UK, she discovered that the single biggest killer of mothers between six weeks and 12 months post-partum is suicide.

'I could have been one of those women,' says Jo, 39, who lives in Winchester, Hampshire, and works in leadership development. 'At the most vulnerable moment of our lives, women were being failed in the most profound way. And it felt like no one was doing anything about it.'

In May 2024, Jo launched Delivering Better, a campaign group calling for greater continuity of care throughout pregnancy and after birth. Jo  whose marriage sadly ended in the wake of her birth experience  now devotes herself to the campaign group along with being a full-time working mum.

Jo Cruse was diagnosed with suspected PTSD after giving birth for the first time and spending 36 hours in labour - and was denied pain relief by midwives

In December, the group  which works alongside Five X More, our 2024 winners who campaign for better care for black mothers  published a survey revealing that one in four mothers had a negative birthing experience.

Overall, 54 per cent reported physical health problems while 44 per cent had mental health issues.

'Thousands of mothers broken by births are suffering in silence,' says Jo, who is closely involved with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for maternity services.

'If you think about one in four women having a negative birth experience and 600,000 in England and Wales giving birth every year, that's 150,000 women. It's a major public health issue.'

She wants change to start with women being able to see the same midwife throughout pregnancy and birth  and for GPs to check in with new mums at three and six months post-partum.

'It's heartbreaking this is still a fight that has to be fought,' she says. 'I'm thrilled to have won because it sends a message of hope to women. You are not alone.'

ROXY LONGWORTH

Roxy was 13 when a 17-year-old boy in her school pressured her into sending him a nude photo. It was the start of a nightmare which left Roxy hospitalised and on suicide watch; a truly horrifying experience that led her to create the platform Behind Our Screens to help protect other children from harm online.

'I fancied him and he was saying that everyone was doing it so I pressed 'Send',' she recalls. 'Then he wanted more and more explicit images. From that moment, he controlled me. I couldn't tell my parents because I felt so ashamed and stupid.

'He shared the photos with a friend of his, who threatened to spread them around unless I sent more. I was terrified.'

When Roxy blocked him, he sent the photos of her around the entire school. Shockingly, the school blamed her. The first her parents knew was when they were called in to be told Roxy was being punished for breaking school rules.

Roxy Longworth was 13 when a 17-year-old boy in her school pressured her into sending him a nude photo and the ordeal left her hospitalised and on suicide watch

Consumed with shame, Roxy  a straight-A student  started self-harming and, despite her parents' loving support, went into a mental health spiral. It culminated in a psychotic breakdown where she started hearing voices.

'I thought it was all my fault and I deserved to be punished,' says Roxy, 22, from London. 'I missed an entire year of school because I was either in hospital or at home on suicide watch. I survived but lost the rest of my adolescence feeling ashamed, alone and disgusted with myself.

'It was only when I started talking about what had happened that I realised I was far from alone.'

As they emerged from the nightmare, Roxy and her 55-year-old mum Gay, a novelist, decided to write a book from both their perspectives. When You Lose It was published in 2022.

'I was inundated by messages of other people's experiences online,' says Roxy, who is about to start work as a strategy consultant after completing a degree in Maths and Statistics with Neuroscience at University College London.

'It saddened but emboldened me to speak out. I started campaigning for a safer online world and became an ambassador for the NSPCC, also working with the other survivors in the Brave Movement to end sexual violence against children.

'Going into schools, it quickly became apparent that no one was asking young people what it's actually like growing up online. More upsetting, things are getting worse.'

So in April, Roxy launched Behind Our Screens, a platform to encourage young people to share their experiences. The reaction has been extraordinary.

'We need to bridge the gap between our generation and adults,' says Roxy. 'Winning this award is amazing for the campaign. It's proof that if something terrible happens, it doesn't have to ruin your life for ever.'

For help or support, visit samaritans.org or call Samaritans for free on 116 123

SALLY BECKER

Sally first started volunteering as an aid worker in war-torn Bosnia in 1993. Her exceptional bravery saw her save the lives of hundreds of children, winning her the affectionate name the Angel of Mostar.

So, 30 years later, one might expect Sally, 63, to be quietly retired from war zones. Far from it. This extraordinary single mother is still battling to help children caught in the crossfire.

'These children are victims of a conflict not of their making and beyond their understanding. We have to do everything we can to help them,' she explains.

When war erupted in Ukraine, Sally, who lives in Brighton and is mum to journalist Billie, 25, made a series of dangerous treks into the country to help evacuate 240 women and orphaned children. And during the last year she has helped to organise the evacuation of 40 sick and wounded children from Gaza.

Sally Becker first started volunteering as an aid worker in war-torn Bosnia in 1993 and her exceptional bravery saw her save the lives of hundreds of children

Back in 1993, Sally, then an artist, was in her early 30s when she felt compelled to volunteer in Bosnia. Intended only to be for a few weeks, that first mission changed the course of her life.

Often coming under sniper fire, she returned repeatedly to Mostar, the heart of the conflict where as many as 60,000 people were trapped. She evacuated hundreds of injured children and their mothers as well as bringing a convoy of 57 ambulances and trucks from Brighton, packed with 1 million worth of medical aid. Her work is fraught with danger  she was shot in the leg during one evacuation from Kosovo  but she's adamant she won't stop.

'I can't turn my back on the children who need me,' explains Sally. 'Every time I cross a front line, I'm terrified. But, having done it before, it's hard to say no.'

In 2021, Sally launched the groundbreaking Save A Child app, allowing her small team to connect medics treating children in remote or war-torn areas with more than 300 paediatric specialists across the globe.

'It means medics can get expert advice through the app within an hour or two, which can often make a difference between life and death,' says Sally, whose next mission is to set up a paediatric tele-health unit in Syria to enable more doctors to upload cases.

Last month alone, Sally's neonatal specialists were able to help more than 1,000 Afghani children  including 200 newborns whose problems included everything from cancer to sepsis.

'I am truly grateful for this award which will help highlight our work,' says Sally.

'Even more specialists will hear about Save A Child and enable us to save more lives.'
Furious mothers have hit out at fashion designer Karen Millen after she said it was 'selfish' to breastfeed a child after they reach six months old.

Millen, who is in her sixties, was forced to apologise after causing a storm with her comments on the Vanessa Feltz show on Channel 5 on Wednesday - in which she claimed children are developing 'attachment' issues from excessive breastfeeding.

Taking to her Instagram account, she clarified her comments were 'not on the subject of breastfeeding' in general; but rather about children being nursed when they reach the age of three and older.

Nonetheless parents who choose to breastfeed have been left insulted by the fashion designer's comments - insisting their children have benefited from being nursed past six months and taking aim at Millen for her 'unhelpful' comments.

Georgia, a 30-year-old mother who lives in south east London with her partner Chris and two sons, has branded Millen's comments 'crazy' over a suggestion that breastfeeding mothers are 'selfish'.

During an appearance on Vanessa Feltz on 5, Millen, who sold the fashion brand bearing her name in 2004, said: 'There's no benefit, is there, for a child to breastfed past six months?'

NHS guidance recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby's life. After that, breastfeeding should continue alongside solid foods for up to two years, as long as mother and baby are both happy.

Millen added: 'I think it's quite a selfish thing, on the mother's part... I just think, that's not good, emotionally, for that child. I mean, what does that child do later in life? The attachment, like you say, it becomes an addiction and an addiction for that child too because they only know the boob. It's just not normal, is it?'

Georgia, 30, from south east London, has hit back at fashion designer Karen Millen over comments she made about breastfeeding children past six months (Georgia pictured nursing her son Teddy)

Rosey Davidson, a mother-of-three, has also hit out at Millen's comments and called for a conversation around breastfeeding

Millen appeated on Vanessa Feltz on 5 on Wednesday and suggested there was little benefit to breastfeeding a child beyond six months

Mother-of-two Georgia breastfed her eldest son, Teddy, two-and-a-half, until he was nine months old, while her youngest son Otis has just stopped nursing at seven months.

Speaking to MailOnline, Georgia, who posts about motherhood on her TikTok account Getting Ready with Teddy, said: 'When I found out I was pregnant, I said I'd try breastfeeding for six weeks and see how I get on. They say the first six weeks is best because that's when you produce 'liquid gold'.'

The term 'liquid gold' is used to refer to the first milk produced by a mother during pregnancy and just after giving birth. It tends to resemble a gold or yellow colour and is high in nutrients for the infant.

Georgia continued: 'I really fell in love with [breastfeeding]. Not only was it so easy and convenient but it was also such a lovely bond to have.'

After seeing Millen's comments about how nursing can affect the development of 'attachment' of children, Georgia posted a clip on TikTok showing Teddy running around with a carefree and independent attitude.

She said: 'Kids are naturally drawn to their mothers, whether you're breastfeeding or bottle feeding because that's your mum.

'There have been times in Teddy's life where he's been a little bit clingy but there are no attachment issues. He's a happy and healthy boy.'

After the first six weeks of breastfeeding Teddy had gone well, Georgia decided to try and continue nursing until he was a year old - but at around nine months her milk dried up.

'It was just a complete natural stop. I'd seen things about kids not wanting to wean off the boob so I was a bit worried about how he'd be with it.

Georgia and her partner Chris have two sons, Teddy, who is two and a half, and Otis, who is seven months old

Georgia said the idea breastfeeding mothers are 'selfish', as suggested by Millen, is 'crazy' considering the sacrifice women make with their bodies

Georgia (pictured with Chris while breastfeeding Teddy) says she planned to nurse her eldest son for a year but stopped naturally at around nine months when her milk dried up

'But we went cold turkey and he could not care less,' she said, joking: 'I thought, 'this boob has fed you for nine months'!'

By the time Georgia's milk had dried up, Teddy was eating three to four meals a day, to the point where he 'didn't need' to be nursed so much anymore. Now, she says Teddy is an 'amazing eater' with a healthy appetite.

Speaking about Millen's comments, Georgia said: 'I think the word 'selfish' was one of the craziest things I've ever heard.

'It's one of the least selfish acts you can do. It takes a toll on your body, you go through cracked nipples, leaking.'

She added that breastfeeding mothers have the added responsibility of getting up for night feeds.

'I think going on national TV and saying that will have an impact on new mums who might be impressionable,' Georgia argued.

Referring to the debate around breastfeeding versus bottle feeding, she said it's up to the mother, but that 'perceptions are changing' as the conversation is put into the spotlight - and comments like Millen's are not helpful.

Rosey Davidson, a UK-based mother-of-three and paediatric sleep consultant, breastfed all three of her children, now aged 12, eight and three.

Speaking to MailOnline, she described her complicated relationship with breastfeeding.

'I loved it and hated it in equal measure,' she said. 'It was deeply personal, physically demanding, sometimes joyful, sometimes frustrating  which I think is the case for many women.'

She added: Ive always tried to be realistic and non-judgmental in how I talk about it.'

Addressing Millen's comments, Rosey said: 'Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and to share their personal experiences of infant feeding.'

She suggested Millen's verdict 'doesn't reflect the science' around breastfeeding, which 'promotes bonding and attachment through the release of oxytocin  the hormone that supports emotional connection and trust'.

Rosey stressed there should not be a 'breast versus formula debate'; however she argued people 'stay quiet about breastfeeding out of fear of upsetting others'.

'The answer isnt to stop talking about breastfeeding. The answer is to offer better support, better education, and more honest conversations,' she said.

'But when youre given a public platform  especially on national television  theres a responsibility to ensure what you say is informed, respectful, and accurate.

'Misinformed opinions shouldnt be broadcast in a way that adds controversy to an already emotionally loaded topic. Its personal, yes  but we cant argue with science.

Elsewhere on social media, mothers have defended their 'selfless' decision to continue breastfeeding their babies beyond six months.

Kayleigh, a mother from the UK, posted a clip on TikTok in which she was breastfeeding her baby and wrote: The RAGE I felt when I saw this interview.' She branded Karens message extremely uneducated and selfish.

Responding to Kayleighs clip, one mother shared: Breastfed my second for 3.5 years! It wasnt selfish, it was the most selfless thing Ive ever done.

Another mother, Jasmine Stevens, also posted a reaction clip aimed at normalising extended breastfeeding in light of Karens controversial interview.

She explained: Breast milk adapts to your childs needs - even after infancy. It still provides nutrients and immune protection, adjusting when your toddler is sick. Thats why the WHO recommends breastfeeding up to the age of two and beyond.

A third woman, Abbie, also hit out at Karen - who has since apologised for her comments - and said shes so sick of hearing people bashing breastfeeding in the caption of her TikTok.

Alongside a video of her breastfeeding her baby, set to the audio of Karens interview, she wrote: Mums, if youre expecting or have just started your breastfeeding journey, PLEASE do not give people like this even a second to sit in your minds.

After the interview was broadcast on Wednesday, TikTok was flooded with videos addressed to Karen that showed women happily breastfeeding their babies past the six-month mark.

Over on Reddit, users declared nothing is selfish about this act of pure love while reiterating the need to dispel the societal stigma around extended breastfeeding.

I didnt tell anyone and continued nursing mine until 27 months. If someone found out inadvertently their jaw usually dropped, further proving my point of keeping quiet, one mother confessed.

While another noted the word selfish was the aggravating factor, a third said: Its okay to be selfish about wanting to experience this with your child.

Were allowed to enjoy motherhood.

One person declared a mothers decision to breastfeed is entirely her choice and should not be up for comment or criticism.

When I see mother-shaming of any kind, I think, who cares?

If that baby is happy, healthy, and loved, youre doing fine.

Mumsnet users also expressed that Karens comments were icky and in poor taste, with one person suggesting her apology also missed the mark.

In a statement posted on her social media, Karen defended her comments by saying they were aimed at a three-year-old being breastfed and claimed I do respect your choices while addressing her critics.

However, one Mumsnet user felt Karen simply reiterated her stance rather than using her platform to emphasise the guidance, the benefits around breastfeeding.

Some questioned why Karen was asked to weigh in on the debate in the first place, considering she is not a parenting expert.

If people are going to spout stuff like this it should always be balanced with researched facts, because this could be damaging to young women still making up their minds about whether to breastfeed or not, one comment read.
Chef Nobuyuki 'Nobu' Matsuhisa spoke to Daily Mail at the premiere for Nobu

World renowned chef Nobuyuki 'Nobu' Matsuhisa played coy when asked whether President Donald Trump is allowed to dine at his restaurants.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail on the red carpet at the premiere for Nobu at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City on Wednesday night, the acclaimed restaurateur let out a laugh when questioned.

Chef Nobu then added: 'I don't want to talk about the politics!'

His comments come seven years after Nobu co-founder Robert De Niro said that he would 'walk out' if Trump, 78, entered a restaurant he was dining in.

'I don't care what he likes,' the Casino actor, 81, told Daily Mail at the time. 'If he walked into a restaurant I was in, I'd walk out.'

Chef Nobu, 76, added: 'It's my dream for Trump to sit next to Bob. To make them sushi!'

A representative for De Niro also said at the time that the actor has 'not banned anyone from dining at Nobu.'

At the time of writing, there are over 55 Nobu restaurants globally, spanning five continents.

World renowned chef Nobuyuki 'Nobu' Matsuhisa played coy when asked whether president Donald Trump is allowed to dine at his restaurants

His comments come seven years after Nobu co-founder Robert De Niro said that he would 'walk out' if Trump entered a restaurant he was dining in

The Nobu brand also boasts of 38 Nobu Hotels and 12 residence projects.

The upcoming Nobu documentary, directed and produced by Matt Tyrnauer, delves deep into the celebrity chef's trials and tribulations that would shape his path.

The film features appearances from his founding partner De Niro, supermodel Cindy Crawford and celebrated chefs Wolfgang Puck and Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

'I think it was a great story that hadn't been told on film,' Tyrnauer told Daily Mail on the red carpet.

'He's an innovator, he's a household name, but I don't think people knew the story behind him, so for me, it was a great opportunity to tell the story you don't really know.'

Part of the documentary sees Chef Nobu open up about the death of his late best friend Sakai, who died by suicide in 2017. The scenes are raw and emotional, with the chef breaking down in front of the camera.

'He broke down on camera very early in the interview process talking about his best friend,' Tyrnauer said.

'Nobu admits that he's harbored a great deal of guilt about this, and it wasn't easy for him to talk about, clearly. That was a very emotional moment on camera.

The upcoming Nobu documentary, directed and produced by Matt Tyrnauer, delves deep into the celebrity chef's trials and tribulations that would shape his path

'We then went to the cemetery together to see the grave of his best friend. He hadn't been before and he again broke down, understandably so. These were very raw moments.'

'I've interviewed a lot of people and I've never seen anyone so upset as they recollected something,' Tyrnauer added.

Despite the emotion, the filming process was a cathartic experience for Chef Nobu.

'He thanked me, although he didn't need to, for as he put it "helping him heal,"' Tyrnauer said.

'I think the role of a filmmaker sometimes can be a bit of a psychiatrist, unlicensed. It's not something that I seek to take on but sometimes it happens accidentally and I think that the process seemed to work for him in a way that he felt better after.'

Nobu will open in New York at the Angelika Film Center on June 27, followed by a national rollout beginning July 4.
King Charles has extended his 'deepest possibly sympathy' to the grieving families of the victims of this morning's 'appallingly tragic' Air India crash that claimed the lives of 242 passengers, including 53 Britons.

In a joint statement posted on the Royal Family's social media accounts, King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were 'desperately shocked' by news of the crash while paying tribute to the rescue teams in the capital city of Gujarat.

'My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning,' the statement read.

'Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones.

'I would like to pay a particular tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time.'

The Gatwick-bound flight, from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff around 1.40pm local time (08.10 GMT).

Horrifying videos showed Air India's Flight 171 - a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner - rapidly losing altitude - with its nose up - before it hit a medical college building and exploded into flames.

King Charles has extended his 'deepest possibly sympathy' to the grieving families of the victims of this morning's 'appallingly tragic' Air India crash that claimed the lives of 242 passengers

The Gatwick-bound flight, from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff around 1.40pm local time (08.10 GMT)

The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and a Canadian. Eleven of those on board were children, including two newborns.

Two pilots and 10 cabin crew were also aboard.

Police earlier this morning confirmed 'there are no survivors' as rescue teams on ground continued their desperate search for victims.

Regional police chief G.S. Malik noting 'some locals would also have died' after the ill-fated aircraft crashed into the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital.

The number of fatalities is not yet known but rescuers said at least 30 bodies have so far been recovered from a building.

Describing horrific scenes on the ground, one resident said: 'We saw people from the building jumping from the second and third floor to save themselves. The plane was in flames.

'We helped people get out of the building and sent the injured to the hospital.'

Aviation experts say that the plane may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

A message from King Charles in the wake of the tragic AIr India crash that claimed the lives of at least 242 passengers, as rescue teams on-ground continue desperate search for victims after the plane hit a medical college building

The possible causes are believed to include a rapid change in wind, bird strike or weather, with an investigation yet to uncover what caused Flight 171 to crash shortly after departing Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat this morning.

Lt. Col. John R. Davidson (Ret.), former U.S. Air Force pilot and editor of Felons Assistance and commercial aviation safety consultant, said that, based on preliminary flight tracking data, the plane appeared to have reached takeoff speed but not altitude, suggesting 'either a very late rotation or a stall shortly after takeoff'.

'There are a number of possible scenarios: thrust or engine performance issues, excessive aircraft weight, poor trim or flap configuration, or a more critical failure that affected the aircraft's ability to climb,' he said.

'Weather, windshear or even bird strike can't be ruled out either at this early stage.'

Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, told local outlet NDTV that circulating footage showing the plane's terrifying descent 'looked like a case of multiple bird hits wherein both the engines have lost power'.

'The takeoff was perfect,' he said. 'And just, I believe, short of taking the gear up, the aircraft started descending, which can happen only in case the engine loses power or the aircraft stops developing lift.'

Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar noted that the Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was only 11 years old, so was unlikely to have underlying technical issues. The plane was under the command of captain Summeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of experience.

The plane momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon in this horrifying clip

A video posted to social media appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed

The tail of the jet is seen protruding from a building in the Meghani area of the city

Rescue team members work as smoke rises at the site in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

A bird strike 'would explain why the aircraft did not have the power to lift,' he said. 'If there were multiple bird hits on take-off, it probably could not have gone beyond the 6-7 minute threshold and started falling.'

In pilots' forums, aviation experts said that it sounded like the plane's Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency wind turbine, had been deployed shortly before the crash.

Authorities are expected to begin recovery and investigation procedures, and an official cause of the crash is yet to be confirmed. Preliminary flight tracking data from flightradar24 reveals the plane reached an altitude of just 625ft after takeoff - a height far below standard for a commercial aircraft several minutes into departure.

Air India flight 171 careened back to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway around 1pm local time.

Shocking images shared to social media showed chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail protruding from a demolished building.

Parts of the jet smashed into accommodation for doctors practising at the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital.

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside.

'The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel... we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon,' a senior police officer told reporters at the scene.

Parts of the jet appeared to have smashed into the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside

People look at the debris of an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state

Debris is seen at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025

Firefighters doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed a huge plume of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site.

'Our office is near the building where the plane crashed. We saw people from the building jumping from the second and third floor to save themselves. The plane was in flames,' said one resident, who declined to be named.

The cause of the tragedy is not yet known, but footage appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

It momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon. The jet was fuelled for a long-haul flight direct to Gatwick, intensifying the blast.

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside.

'The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel... we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon,' a senior police officer told reporters at the scene.
Celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson has bizarrely compared herself to acclaimed painter Leonardo da Vinci, claiming they both used 'scientific knowledge' to 'enhance their art.'

Tracy, 50, has spent more than 20 years fostering her reputation as the go-to fitness guru amongst the Hollywood elite, with Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, and Madonna previously praising her famed Tracy Anderson Method.

But the exercise buff has now revealed that she believes her method - which involves danced-based workouts in a room heated to 95 degrees with 75 percent humidity - is much more than a workout routine.

During a recent interview with The Atlantic, Tracy insisted that her method is 'an art and a science,' before she compared herself to 16th century Italian artist Leonardo, who famously created the Mona Lisa.

The publication wrote: 'Anderson's goal is to transform how people think about the mind and the body, and to prove that her workout is her own intellectual property, both an art and a science.

'She's created "thousands" of moves, she told [us], and "done actual studies." She compared herself to Leonardo da Vinci, who, just like her, "used his scientific knowledge to enhance his art."'

Tracy told the publication: 'To create my life's work has taken so much research, so much focus, so many people believing in me financially,' adding that she has 'tested, experimented, and created' the process.

In 2023, Tracy's workout empire and gleaming reputation were tainted after a slew of her ex-employees spoke to Business Insider about what it was like to work for the trainer, telling a bombshell tale of legal threats, paranoia, and grueling long hours.

Celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson has bizarrely compared herself to acclaimed painter Leonardo da Vinci, claiming they both used 'scientific knowledge' to 'enhance their art'

Tracy, 50, has spent more than 20 years fostering her reputation as the go-to fitness guru amongst the Hollywood elite. She's seen with Gwyneth Paltrow

But the exercise buff has now revealed that she believes her method - which involves danced-based workouts in a room heated to 95 degrees - is much more than a workout routine

Plus, in February, one of the workout company's former longtime staffers opened up about her experience exclusively to the Daily Mail, and she branded Tracy as 'toxic, narcissistic, and psychotic' person.

She also claimed Tracy made fun of clients' bodies and 'bullied' staffers.

During a recent interview with The Atlantic , Tracy insisted that her method is 'an art and a science,' before she compared herself to 16th century Italian artist Leonardo, who famously created the Mona Lisa

Even so, Tracy seemed unbothered by the swirling accusations, proudly telling The Atlantic that her dedicated clients come to her because they 'know their body's going to look the best that it can look.'

'And they're not going to go anywhere else, because they know how smart I am,' she added.

Tracy owns eight studios across the globe in locations like London, Madrid, New York City, Los Angeles, and Palm Beach.

Elsewhere in the interview, the fitness guru expressed her desires to make her workouts more accessible to 'people that are making a differences' like 'teachers and nurses.' Memberships currently cost upwards of $10,000 a year.

'People who are underpaid and making a different, they need it,' Tracy said.

The outlet noted, however, that she didn't offer any specifics on how she might accomplish that.

The publication wrote: 'She compared herself to Leonardo da Vinci, who, just like her, 'used his scientific knowledge to enhance his art.'' She's seen with Madonna

Tracy told the publication: 'To create my life's work has taken so much research, so much focus, so many people believing in me financially'

In February, a former trainer, 34, who asked to keep her identity private, explained to the Daily Mail that she started working with Tracy in 2015, and was a dedicated employee for almost a decade.

But she said she spent years enduring 'bullying' and 'emotional distress' while employed for Tracy.

She claimed that when she first got the job, Tracy made a slew of 'false promises' and enticed her by talking about 'a ton of growth opportunities.'

She also recalled being dazzled by the glamorous perks that came with the job, like getting to travel the globe and training a slew of stars.

But looking back now, the ex-employee said she feels like she was 'brainwashed' and 'manipulated' by the mogul.

And over the years, she said she began to see a side of Tracy that was completely different from the person that her 1.1 million followers and celebrity clientele saw.

'Tracy made comments about my body that were unprofessional and very triggering for me as someone who has body image issues,' the woman alleged.

'I feel like the toxic work culture started from the top. She's just a toxic, narcissistic, psychotic person.

In February, one of the workout company's former longtime staffers opened up about her experience exclusively to the Daily Mail. Tracy is seen in 2019

She branded Tracy as 'toxic, narcissistic, and psychotic' person and claimed Tracy made fun of clients' bodies and 'bullied' staffers. Tracy is seen in 2016

'When she's teaching a class she acts like she's a star. She barks at people to do this, do that. It's very diva.'

The trainer alleged that there was one time that Tracy told her she 'looked pregnant' in an Instagram video.

'One time, we filmed a few clips for social media and the social media woman posted it but then they took it off a few minutes after posting it,' she shared.

'Tracy told me the next day, she was like, "Oh my God I had to have them take that video down of you because you looked pregnant."

'She'll say things like that. She treats people like they're scum and like they owe her everything.'

She also claimed that Tracy would also 'talk crap about' other trainers to her, and comment on her clients' bodies behind their backs.

'She would talk crap about the New York trainers in front of us. And most of us were so incredibly uncomfortable,' she claimed.

'I felt like I was in a movie, the way she was acting was so inappropriate and childish.

'I've been around her while she was talking smack about her own clients, talking about their bodies. It was just awful.'

The Daily Mail reached out to Tracy at the time, who declined to comment.
King Charles chatted animatedly about ladies high heels as he hosted a reception for British industry success stories at Windsor Castle tonight.

Royal favourite Lisa Kay saw her Sole Bliss brand go stratospheric after Queen Camilla began ordering her stylish but secretly comfortable shoes.

They are now regularly worn on the red carpet by Hollywood stars including Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep and Dame Helen Mirren.

And to cap it all, she has been given a King's Award for Enterprise.

Lisa, 61, from Watford, Herts, set up her own business in 2017, following a 30 year career designing shoes, to cater for women with bunions, wide feet or other podiatry issues who still want to wear fashionable footwear, including heels.

She is one of 197 winners this year of the Kings Award for Enterprise, the highest accolade for British businesses.

Introducing herself to the king as someone who makes ladies shoes, she added: Her Majesty buys them.

The King brightened immediately and said knowledgeably: She likes a heel that is not too narrow.

Lisa Kay pictured during a reception for recipients of The King's Award for Enterprise, at Windsor Castle

Yes a block heel, said Ms Kay.

Yes, yes a block heel, Charles smiled.

He added: It gets a bit harder to walk in heels as you get older.

Afterwards Ms Kay said: It was such an honour to meet the King and to receive this award in his name. He seemed surprisingly knowledgeable, but shoes are important especially for someone like Her Majesty who is on her feet all day and needs to look smart but comfortable.

Starting with just four lines, the firm has now taken off globally: boasting 300 designs and shipping worldwide, the business is now worth an estimated 10 million.

Encouragingly, most sales come via word of mouth from satisfied customers - and have even benefited from little royal endorsement.

Queen Camilla was first spotted in a pair of Lisa's heels in 2018 - much to the designer's shock - and now owns at least 11 pairs, having been photographed in them on more than 80 occasions.

Her first - and favourite - are the 169 nude leather Ingrid heels she wore to the Royal Cornwall Show, with her entire collection now said to be worth more than 2,000.

Lisa, 61, from Watford, Herts, set up her own business in 2017, following a 30 year career designing shoes, to cater for women with bunions, wide feet or other podiatry issues who still want to wear fashionable footwear, including heels

Camilla was one of Lisa Kay's first customers. Pictured: Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall, wearing the shoes at Sandringham Flower Show in 2018

Despite her success, Lisa says she was 'shocked and thrilled' to be awarded one of just 197 King's Awards for Enterprise in 2025 - and be invited to meet the King and other senior royals at Windsor Castle tonight

King Charles pictured speaking to guests during a reception for award recipients at Windsor Castle this evening

'It was a complete surprise to me. An order came in from Clarence House which needed clearance. It was a hugely exciting moment and I felt very proud,' Lisa said.

'The Queen likes to look smart but feel comfortable. It's the ultimate seal of approval.'

Her designs have now been adopted by stars including Hollywood legends Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep, as well as fellow actresses Dame Helen Mirren, Viola Davis, Rebel Wilson, Olivia Colman, Twiggy and Jane Seymour.

Explaining her inspiration, Lisa said: 'I started growing a little bunion on my left foot and realised that shoes cut in a certain way were more popular with women who had similar issues. It's something that affects more women than you might think.

'We have developed a special tech inside the shoes to comfort and contour your feet in flats or heels, without losing style.

'We work with a podiatry professor whose attitude is that people will wear what they want to wear, regardless of whether they are good for them or not. So she is happy to recommend us because of our special design.

'Once people are happy with our shoes they generally become ambassadors for us and tell their friends. We benefit from word of mouth and have a lot of happy customers. Even royalty now.'

Despite her success, Lisa says she was 'shocked and thrilled' to be awarded one of just 197 King's Awards for Enterprise in 2025 - and be invited to meet the King and other senior royals at Windsor Castle tonight.

Charles pictured speaking to guests during the reception for recipients of The King's Award for Enterprise

The King looked to be in high spirits as he chatted with attendees at the event this evening, on Thursday

Also in attendance was Princess Anne, sporting a navy blue ensemble accentuated with white detailing

The Princess Royal styled her tresses in a classic up-do and sported deep red lipstick this evening

Charles was dapper in a pin-strip suit as he jovially spoke with guests at the reception this evening

The monarch shook hands with people who were being honoured at the King's Award for Enterprise reception

The Duchess of Edinburgh made an appearance at the event, sporting a black and pastel pink dress

Sophie beamed as she chatted with those in attendance this evening, opting to wear her blonde locks down

The mother-of-two smiled as she enjoyed conversations with guests, choosing to go for a laid back dewy make-up look

Sophie appeared to be deep in conversation as she chatted with guests at the reception for the King's Award for Enterprise at Windsor Castle

Opting for a summery dress ensemble, the Duchess was the image of elegance for tonight's reception

The Duke of Edinburgh joined his wife and other family members for the event at Windsor Castle

Prince Edward beamed as he chatted with guests, sporting a colourful lime green tie for the occasion

Beaming Edward looked to be in high spirits during a reception for recipients of The King's Award for Enterprise

The Duke of Gloucester sported a patterned navy tie for the reception at Windsor Castle this evening

Richard sported a grey suit for the evening, and was seen chatting with attendees at the reception

The award, first instituted by royal warrant by Queen Elizabeth in 1965, is for outstanding achievement in business and is considered the most prestigious honour of its kind in the UK.

'To receive this recognition from the very institution whose members have been wearing our shoes feels like the perfect validation.' Lisa says.

'We've proven that British innovation and craftsmanship can solve real problems while competing with luxury brands worldwide.'

And yes, she naturally wore a pair of her own designs - the Ruby - to meet the King.

'They are one of our highest designs, but so comfortable,' she smiles proudly.

Other recipients this year include soft toy firm Jellycat and Deluxe Art and Theme Ltd, a fit-out contractor producing story led interiors which has completed work on Jurassic park, Disneyland Paris, and Universal Orlando's new Harry Potter theme park.

Another British success story present was soft toy sensation Jellycat, which was formed in 1999 and in 2023 enjoyed a revenue of 200 million.

Director Jack Gatacre described meeting the King as brilliant and said it was wonderful and humbling that the public enjoyed their toys so much. Even the Kings grandchildren Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are known to be fans.

Beaming Charles looked to entertain crowds of guests as he chatted with people at the reception

The King pictured speaking to chairs of the judging panel during tonight's reception at Windsor Castle

It was a cheerful evening at Windsor Castle as Charles enjoyed conversing with reception attendees

The King was animated as he enjoyed conversations with several guests at Windsor Castle tonight

Tonight has been such a delight and its a wonderful honour, Mr Gatacre said.

Instituted by Queen Elizabeth in 1965, the awards as the most prestigious business awards in the UK.

At the hour-long reception - which ran over by another half an hour - the King met winners from across the country who are leading their fields in innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

It is the 59th year of the awards and winners can use its emblem for five years on their products and it promote their services.

His Majesty was told that it provided a massive boost for businesses, particularly in markets like the United States. One guest told him: It was a shot in the arm.

Also in attendance for tonight's festivities was Princess Anne, who looked sophisticated as ever in a navy dress adorned with white detailing - which she teamed a black leather bag and matching heels.

The Princess Royal, 74, opted for her trademark hairstyle which was in an up-do for the evening, as she was seen chatting with guests.

Elsewhere at the reception were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who were all smiles as they too enjoyed conversations with attendees.

Sophie, 60, showed off her faultless summer style in a pink and black dress decorated with floral print, keeping her blonde tresses down.

And her husband Edward, 61, added a pop of colour with a lime green tie as he donned a dapper deep blue suit.
A mother-of-two has urged people to learn the warning signs of sepsis after losing four of her limbs following a common infection.

Kim Smith, 63, from Milton Keynes, was left with blackened legs, feet and hands that needed to be amputated after a life-threatening ordeal left her in a coma for months.

In 2018, Mrs Smith was on holiday in Alicante, Spain with her husband Steve when she developed a urinary tract infection (UTI).

A UTI is a common infection where bacteria infiltrates parts of the body like the bladder, kidneys and urethra, causing a burning sensation when urinating.

Familiar with the common symptoms of a UTIincluding needing to urinate more often and lower abdominal painMrs Smith went to the doctors who prescribed her antibiotics.

But the pharmacist did not have her prescription available for collection that day, so the couple returned to their hotel, where Mrs Smith's condition quickly deteriorated.

'I woke up at 4am and I thought I was going to die,' she said in a TikTok video that has so far garnered over 793,000 views.

'I had severe breathlessness, slurred speech and confusion. I was really really cold. I had a fever and I was shivering like mad,' she added.

Kim's symptoms included confusion, fever and chills, and pain and she was induced in a coma after being diagnosed with sepsis

Her husband rushed her to the hospital where she was diagnosed with severe sepsis and put into a medically induced coma on November 29th.

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection, which occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to an infectionlike a UTIand attacks its own tissue and organs.

By the next day, her hands had already turned purple.

'Spain had told my daughters that I had black digits, that's fingers and toes', Mrs Smith recalled.

'My arms were black up to [my elbows]'.

Eventually, after six weeks on life support, Mrs Smith was flown back to the UK, to Milton Keynes University Hospital, via air ambulance.

There, after three weeks back in the UK, Mrs Smith was gradually brought out from her coma.

'When I woke up, I could actually see that my hands and legs were black, so I knew that they would have to be amputated', she remembers.

Sepsis symptoms can closely resemble the flu, so look out for a very high or low temperature, sweating, extreme pain, clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, high heart rate, slurred speech, and confusion

In hospital in Bedford, Kim underwent a quadruple amputation. She said she wasn't surprised when she woke up and saw her limbs had turned black

Mrs Smith then underwent life-changing surgery to amputate her hands and legs above the knee.

Once she recovered from the quadruple amputation, the grandmother spent 12 weeks in physical rehabilitation, where she regained her strength and learnt to live without her limbs.

Now, Mrs Smith wants to raise awareness for the little-known risk associated with common UTIs.

'I want to tell you, if you need to go pee, go pee. Don't hold itthat could cause you to get an infection and that could develop into sepsis,' she said.

'The symptoms are severe breathlessness, slurred speech and confusion-I had that-I didn't pass much urine that day and I had a fever but I was really cold.'

'If you get anything like that, if you feel unusually unwell and you know something is not right, please please please advocate for yourself,' Mrs Smith urged her followers.

'Tell [doctors] something is not right and ask them to test you for sepsis.

'Ask for a second opinion if you have to. Do not leave if you feel something is wrong.'

She was taken out of her coma after a few weeks but was told she would have to have all her limbs amputated

UTIs affect the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, the urethra and the kidneys.

According to the NHS, common symptoms include pain or a burning sensation when peeing, needing to pass urine more often than usual, and cloudy looking urinewhich can also be a sign of dehydration.

Some people may also experience lower abdominal or back pain, as well as a high temperature, chills or and a really low temperature below 36C.

These more severe symptoms could indicate a kidney infection, which can be serious if left untreated, developing into life-threatening sepsis.

Up to 1.7million people in the UK suffer from recurrent UTIsclassed as three or more infections a year.

Around half of all women will experience a UTI in their life time.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), sepsis kills 11 million people globally each year, while in the UK the infection claims around 48,000 lives.

People who suffer septic shock can develop small blood clots, which cut-off life-giving oxygen flow to the extremities.

The tissue then begins to die, and the skin turns black. However, if there is still enough healthy tissue, doctors may try to first remove the dead tissueknown as debriding.

If this treatment doesn't work, amputation is the next step.

UTIs are one of the most common causes of sepsis, dubbed the 'silent killer' because its symptoms can overlap with other conditions like the flu.

However, as Mrs Smith warns, knowing the symptoms of sepsis could save your life.

Tell-tale signs of sepsis in adults include appearing confused, slurred speech or not making sense, blue, grey or blotchy skin and difficulty breathing.

According to the NHS, a rash that doesn't fade when your roll a glass over it could be a tell-tale sign of the condition, as well as having a pale and blotchy appearance that is cold and clammy to the touch.

Sepsis affected skin may also develop pinprick bruises or large purple areas that can also turn blue, a sign the body is not getting enough oxygen.

Producing less urine than usual, for example not urinating for an entire day, is another potential sign of serious sepsis.

This is in part because a decrease in blood pressure caused by sepsis, as well as an increased risk of blood clots, can reduce blood supply to organs like the kidneys, which produce urine, impacting their function.

As the kidneys can be some of the first organs to start showing signs of reduced function due to sepsis, reduced urine production is considered a potential sign of the condition.

The NHS advises anyone who experiences these symptoms to call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
America's top doctor claims US government scientists don't know what causes autism because they are afraid of being branded antivaxxers.

Dr Jay Bhattacharya, head of the National Institutes of Health, is leading research to pinpoint the cause of autism spectrum disorder, which is soaring in the US.

Autism rates have increased from one in 150 to one per 31 in the past two decades, according to the CDC, but there is some debate as to why.

The consensus is it's because of improved screening tools and doctor awareness, but Dr Bhattacharya told podcaster Dr Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist, what is really needed to find answers is an 'open-minded deep investigation.'

However, he said there aren't many scientists in his department willing to probe the cause of autism.

Dr Bhattacharya said: 'I think the reason we have not had the kind of open-minded deep investigation by science, the scientific community at large, on the etiology [of autism] that the parents deserve, the kids deserve, is because it's dangerous to ask that question.

'If you're a scientist, all of a sudden you're going to be accused, often incorrectly, of being an antivaxxer, and that's the end of your scientific career. That kind of suppression of scientific curiosity means that we don't have an answer to this question [of what causes autism].'

Dr Bhattacharya said vaccines are unlikely to be the cause of autism, and he will investigate 'many other potential hypotheses for the rise,' including changes to the gut's collection of beneficial bacteria.

Dr Jay Bhattacharya, head of the National Institutes of Health told podcaster Andrew Huberman that autism research has been held back because scientists fear being wrongly labeled anti-vaccine, risking their careers, which has stalled answers on autism's causes

The graph above from a Rutgers University study displays autism prevalence per 1,000 eight-year-old children in New Jersey, separated by intellectual ability. It shows that the rate of autism diagnoses without intellectual disabilities (blue line) has increased more sharply over time compared to those with intellectual disabilities (green line)

Dr Bhattacharya said: 'I think that if you have an honest evaluation, you're not going to find that the vaccines are the primary cause of the rise in autism.

'It's going to be something much more fundamental and complicated.'

But now, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr, who has pushed the debunked link, has tasked the NIH leader to recruit the nation's best scientists to research potential environmental causes, including pollution and environmental toxins.

Kennedy's Make America Healthy Again Initiative aims to tackle what he calls an 'epidemic' of autism, a developmental condition resulting in anything from mild social challenges to severe cases involving nonverbal individuals and significant impairments.

Dr Bhattacharya noted that, historically, questioning any potential link between vaccines and autism has been a death sentence for a person's scientific career.

Autism and vaccines were first linked in a 1998 study by Dr Andrew Wakefield. In the study, Dr Wakefield concluded a causal link between the measles vaccine (MMR) and autism.

After it was revealed that Wakefield fabricated data to support his claim, performed unnecessary invasive procedures, and had previously filed a patent for a rival measles vaccine from which he gained to profit, his study was retracted and his medical license was revoked.

Last year, scientists uncovered 26 types of gut bacteria linked to autism by comparing children with ASD to their siblings.

Levels of a probiotic called bifidobacterium, which has been linked to severity of autism symptoms, were lower in children with ASD.

ther types, including clostridia and sarcina were higher in those with ASD, which have previously been associated with brain inflammation and behavioral symptoms.

The researchers' findings suggest that the gut microbiome could play a crucial role in autism and potentially shape its severity.

RFK Jr has also stated environmental 'toxins' could be fueling a rise in autism, including exposure to mold, pesticides, food chemicals, and ultrasound scans, though several studies have found no link between exposure to ultrasound waves in the womb and autism.

Recent research has suggested a potential link between environmental pesticides and an increased risk of ASD, particularly in utero and during childhood.

And while the exact link between ASD and food additives and dyes is not completely understood, researchers at the University of Central Florida found that when pregnant women eat a lot of processed foods, levels of a naturally occurring enzyme in the digestive tract spike.

Dr Bhattacharya said vaccines are unlikely to be the cause of autism, and he will investigate ' many other potential hypotheses for the rise,' including changes to the gut's collection of beneficial bacteria.

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Those elevated levels can impact fetal brain development and brain cells' ability to communicate with other parts of the body.

RFK Jr said in April: 'This is a preventable disease. We know it's an environmental exposure. It has to be. Genes do not cause epidemics. They can provide a vulnerability, but you need an environmental toxin.'

Dr Bhattacharya has made it clear that, as NIH director, he will not influence the conclusions researchers reach in this initiative.

'I don't want the results to be disbelieved because I put my thumb on the scale,' he said. 'I eagerly await the results of the unbiased studies.'

He said that by September, the NIH will begin dispersing funding to answer questions about autism's origins.

Dr Bhattacharya added: 'You can't rush science, but I'm hoping within a relatively short period of time, who knows how long exactly, depends on how science works, we'll have a much better understanding of the [cause] of autism than we had at this current moment.'
Ketamine's rising popularity was laid bare in a shocking report that revealed how recreational use of the potentially deadly drug has surged among young people.

It follows the heartbreaking death of drag star The Vivienne who died of a cardiac arrest linked to addiction to the party drug in January this year.

Ketamine use among 16 to 24-year-olds hit a record high in 2023, with almost 1 in 25 young people admitting to using the drug in the UK, according to the latest figures.

Now doctors are concerned this epidemic is only getting worse, with more individuals seeking treatment for addiction than ever before.

A new report published in the British Medical Journal revealed that between 2023 and 2024, 3,609 people started treatment for ketamine addiction in England, a figure eight times higher than the 426 reported just a decade before.

Use of the drug among 16 to 24-year-olds more than doubled from 1.7 per cent to an alarming 3.8 per cent between 2010 and 2023.

Commonly dubbed 'K' or 'Ket', the drug acts as an anaesthetic, producing feelings of detached euphoria when taken in high doses.

Taking ketamine can be fatal, especially if it's mixed with other drugs. Ketamine can increase a user's heart rate and blood pressure, putting them at risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

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The substance  now used in private clinics for its alleged anti-depressant effect  can wreak havoc on the body, causing bladder issues and kidney failure with routine use

Special K, Ket, or Kit Kat (pictured), as it is also known, was popular as a party drug in the late 1990s, when it was commonly taken at all-night raves. But numbers are on the rise in young people in particular, with more people seeking treatment

Concerned medics from King's College London said that the surge is being driven by ketamine's affordability, as well as a lack of understanding of the damaging side-effects, which include organ damage.

Teachers have also expressed concern that the drug is being taken by children in school hours, as it has been dubbed a 'rite of passage' by Mark O'Hagan, headteacher at Sacred Heart Catholic Academy, Liverpool.

Dr Irene Guerrini, an addiction psychiatrist from King's College London, said in the new report: 'Long term use can seriously harm both physical and mental health, diminishing quality of life, affecting personal relationships and impairing academic or professional performance.'

Despite its classification as a class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act, for which the maximum penalty for possession is up to five years imprisonment and an unlimited fine, it is estimated to be available illicitly for as little as 20 a gram.

Ketamine is used clinically as a general anaesthetic, with even lower doses prescribed for chronic pain, treatment resistant depression and suicidal thoughts.

There is also some evidence that it can be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder and alcohol addiction.

However, Dr Guerrini warned that the drug is increasingly being used at doses of 250mg or more recreationally, which can rapidly diminish sensations and even inhibit memory.

Tolerance to the drugwhich is usually sold in powder form that users snortis known to build quickly.

Speaking now in a bid to raise awareness of the dangers of ketamine, The Vivienne's family said James kept his initial addiction and relapse secret from them. The Vivienne pictured here with their sister Chanel and comedian Omid Djalili

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This leads to users needing more and more of the substance to feel the same high, which increases the risk of overdosing, or experiencing serious adverse side-effects, such as bladder problems.

'Ketamine induced uropathy and thickening of the bladder is a common and serious complication,' Dr Guerrini warned.

This condition involves a blockage in the urinary tract that can cause urine to back up and damage the kidneys.

More than a quarter of regular ketamine users in the UK report at least one bladder-related problem, including a painful burning sensation when passing urine, needing to urinate more often and incontinence.

Higher doses can also lead to a phenomenon known as the 'k-hole', an intense feeling of dissociation and being unable to connect to reality.

According to Dr Guerrini, the only way to treat these serious problems is abstinencewhere an individual actively chooses to stop taking the drug.

If a user fails to stop taking the drug whilst experiencing these problems, 'irreversible bladder and kidney damage' can occur, Dr Guerrini warned.

This can result in users needing a bladder transplant, or regular bladder instillation treatmentswhere drugs are used to try and stretch the bladder back to its normal size.

The Vivienne was catapulted to international fame after winning the first series of RuPaul 's Drag Race UK in 2019 (pictured) But amid their rise to fame, they also battled with a ketamine addiction which saw them have the drug for 'breakfast, lunch and dinner'

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Concerningly, Dr Guerrini added: 'Patients attending the emergency department report that healthcare professionals do not seem aware that ketamine can cause addiction.'

The authors of the report are now campaigning for all young people presenting with urinary or abdominal symptoms to be routinely asked about ketamine use.

They say that the current treatment options for the drug are ineffective, and that developing a widely recognised better screening tools could help support earlier rehabilitation.

Dr Guerrini said: 'Balancing ketamine's medical value with rising non-prescribed use is a complex challenge.

'The growth of private clinics offering ketamine to treat depression and other psychiatric conditions, alongside upbeat media coverage, risks normalising unsupervised or self-directed use,' he added.

This comes as the family of The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, have revealed that the late drag star kept their ketamine addiction a secret for years.

In a 2019 episode of RuPaul's Drag Race, Williams revealed to viewers they had been addicted to the party drug for years.

The Vivienne also previously described ketamine as their 'breakfast, lunch and dinner' at the height of addiction and at one time their drug use led them to be hospitalised three times in a single month.

Williams, just 32, was found dead in their bathroom after suffering a cardiac arrest related to substance abuse and ketamine side effects.

Their family are now campaigning to tackle the stigma around addiction and calling on the government to reclassify ketamine as a Class A drug.

This would put ketamine on the same level as cocaine and heroin and carry the highest penalties for possession, supply or production.

The Home Office is now considering reclassifying the drug, but opinions remain divided, with Dr Guerrini warning that classification is not the only issue.

He said: 'A proportionate response should go beyond legislation to include clear governance of therapeutic use, investment in treatment and prevention, and balanced public messaging'.
What do banana skin, nail varnish and garlic have in common? They are said to help clear warts  and whats more, there is some evidence that they might actually work.

Around 10 per cent of the population (30 per cent among children and young adults) are living with a wart.

Essentially bumpy skin growths, warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which leads to abnormal cell growth and, in some cases, encourages a hard protein called keratin to form in the top layer of the skin.

There are over 100 types of warts affecting different areas of the body, says Dr Adil Sheraz, a dermatologist at the Royal Free NHS Trust in London.

As well as the hands, they may appear on the legs and face, as well as the feet (when they are referred to as verrucas).

Often dome-shaped or flat, the black dots visible within some warts and verrucas arent the roots but minute blood vessels that have been damaged by the growing wart.

Warts are easily spread through skin-to-skin contact or indirect contact  for example, via an infected towel or a contaminated surface around swimming pools, making them a problem at this time of year.

Although generally harmless, the unsightly nature of warts and the degree of social stigma associated with having them (not helped by their contagious nature) can lead to embarrassment and a lack of self-esteem, says Dr Sheraz, who is also spokesman for the British Association of Dermatologists.

Dr Adil Sheraz, is a dermatologist at the Royal Free NHS Trust in London and spokesman for the British Association of Dermatologists

Yet because they are benign growths, the NHS usually declines to treat them, says Dr Sheraz  unless theyre on the feet and are making it difficult to walk, for instance.

Over-the-counter remedies  such as plasters and gels  often contain salicylic acid, which helps by destroying the top layer of thickened skin tissue.

Treatment is generally all about destroying the warty tissue, either by triggering an immune response to the virus to get rid of the wart  or by using drugs that inhibit cell growth, thereby destroying the tissue, he adds.

Some GPs will perform cryotherapy, using liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart in the hope of killing it. If successful, the wart will fall off within two to four weeks.

But not all GPs offer it and having it done privately can cost hundreds of pounds or more and theres no guarantee it will work, explains Dr Sheraz.

Warts can be very tricky to treat  even the well-known treatments used by dermatologists such as immunotherapy, where a chemical is painted [on to] or injected into the wart to stimulate the bodys own immune response to destroy the virus, can fail, he says.

This is partly why there are so many old wives tales for remedies, many of which people swear by.

Because these patches are benign and dont become cancerous, removal is usually considered cosmetic and not funded by the NHS

Around 10 per cent of the population (30 per cent among children and young adults) are living with a wart

Although typically the wart will clear in time, persistent warts that dont budge even with treatment should be checked by a GP, as it may suggest an underlying immune deficiency condition.

A fast-growing wart should also be checked as warts can resemble skin cancers or actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous growths).

But if you have a slow-growing wart that you are keen to get of and nothing else has worked, then there are a few home remedies that might be worth a try, says Dr Sheraz. You certainly have nothing to lose.

So which home cures are worth a go? Dr Sheraz talks us through the options.

DUCT TAPE

This waterproof adhesive tape is actually recommended for use on warts by the NHS.

The theory is that covering the wart with tape creates a warm, moist environment, which leads to the skin beneath the tape breaking down, stimulating an immune response.

A 2002 study concluded that covering a wart with duct tape was more effective than cryotherapy

One study back in 2002, published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, concluded that covering the wart with duct tape was more effective than cryotherapy; 85 per cent of warts treated with duct tape cleared as opposed to 60 per cent with cryotherapy.

However, Dr Sheraz points out that more recent research has found the evidence to be quite mixed.

If youre going to give it a go, cut a piece of the tape the same size of the wart and stick it on top.

Leave it for six days, then remove it, soak the area in warm water and rub off any dead white skin with a nail file. Leave it for one night then repeat the process until the wart goes away.

TEA TREE OIL

Used by some to help with acne and athletes foot, tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties  meaning it kills microorganisms including bacteria and viruses, says Dr Sheraz.

A case report in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice in 2008 found that dabbing a wart with tea tree oil once daily for 12 days got rid of the wart for good.

However, Dr Sheraz warns that tea tree oil can be an irritant for the skin, so advises trying it on a test patch of skin first.

CLEAR NAIL POLISH

Painting a wart with nail varnish may help prevent the wart from spreading, as it prevents you from touching the infected area and passing the virus to other parts of your body or on to others, says Dr Sheraz.

Some argue that it can also help eliminate the wart by somehow cutting off the oxygen supply.

Unfortunately, I cannot see how this could work, says Dr Sheraz.

The wart derives its oxygen from the blood supply around it, so oxygen from the air is not required.

Painting a wart with nail varnish may help prevent the wart from spreading, as it prevents you from touching the infected area and passing the virus to other parts of your body or on to others, says Dr Sheraz

GARLIC

Not the most fragrant of treatments but one 2014 study showed garlic extract to get rid of warts in 96 per cent of patients  and they didnt come back, reported the journal Dermatologic Therapy.

The results were possibly down to the compound allium sativum in garlic, which has antiviral properties.

It sounds impressive, says Dr Sheraz, however this trial only had a few patients in it.

To give it a go, simply crush one garlic clove and place it on the wart  then cover with a plaster. Repeat daily and file down any dead skin in between applications.

However, garlic can be irritating  causing allergic skin reactions or blistering in some  so test it on a patch of skin before giving this remedy a go.

CRUSHED UP ASPIRIN

Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid, which is produced from salicyclic acid  the same acid recommended to treat warts, says Dr Sheraz.

A 2012 Cochrane review of topical treatments for non-genital skin warts concluded that salicylic acid was more effective than a placebo.

However, the home remedy version will contain considerably less in aspirin than there is in specific wart remedies.

One 2014 study showed garlic extract to get rid of warts in 96 per cent of patients  and they didnt come back

If you want to try it, crush and mix the aspirin with a bit of water to make a paste. This can then be applied directly to the wart and kept in place with a bandage or plaster, then left overnight, says Dr Sheraz. Repeat and file down as you would with standard treatments.

SANDPAPER

This, along with a pumice stone or nail file, can be used to sand down the wart, removing any thickened or dead skin.

Doing this helps to expose the underlying tissue which can make the application of any topical treatment more effective. Sandpaper is often used in conjunction with duct tape.

One benefit of sandpaper over nail files is that you can throw away the bit youve used, stopping the wart-causing virus from being spread, adds Dr Sheraz.

BANANA PEEL

This is one of the better-known wart remedies. The idea is you tape the inner side of a piece of banana peel over your wart, then leave it overnight, file down any dead skin and repeat for as long as it takes.

A 2016 study in Australia, published in The Journal of Health Design, tested how effective it was versus cryotherapy.

After one year neither treatment was more successful than the other. The only real difference was that cryotherapy was significantly more painful  and expensive. Exactly how banana peel works isnt known, although it does contain some salicylic acid.

Using banana peel is one of the better known wart remedies  you tape the inner side of a piece of banana peel over your wart, then leave it overnight and file down any dead skin

FASTING SALIVA

One of the more unsavoury remedies, this involves applying the saliva in your mouth when you wake up, before brushing your teeth or eating, directly onto the wart  which is said anecdotally to cure warts within days.

Morning saliva contains raised digestive enzymes and theres a theory that these could, somehow, eat away at the wart due to their mildly acidic content, says Dr Sheraz. Although I still find this extremely implausible.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

While the studies to back the use for this to remove warts is lacking, it is acidic and therefore may work in similar way to the conventional treatment of salicylic acid to get rid of warts, says Dr Sheraz.

Salicylic acid destroys the warty tissue layer by layer and irritates the skin, encouraging the bodys immune system to respond.

Be aware, however, that whilst apple cider vinegar is one of the milder vinegars, containing between 4 to 8 per cent acetic acid, it can still irritate the skin and even cause chemical burns, adds Dr Sheraz.

Should you wish to try it, mix two parts vinegar with one part water. Soak a piece of cotton wool in the mixture and place it on the wart; cover with a bandage. Leave on for a few hours and repeat as necessary.
Shoppers keen to get their hands on Dubai's viral chocolate may be at risk of suffering a deadly reaction, officials warned today.

The delectable treat, which found fame on social media late last year, contains a mix of pistachio and crispy pastry known as 'angel hair'.

Also known as 'Can't Get Knafeh Of It', it was created by Sarah Hamouda, a British-Egyptian Dubai-based chocolatier, as a way to satiate her pregnancy cravings.

Like Willy Wonka's golden ticket, chocolate fans around the world have clamoured for a taste of the confection.

But certain manufacturers are producing cheap and dangerous knock-offs laced with harmful ingredients, the UK's food safety watchdog said.

According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which published the alert, some Dubai chocolate bars imported to the UK are filled with nasty additives and contaminants.

These include illegal food dyes, toxins produced by moulds and even chemical compounds thought to be carcinogenic.

Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Advisor to the FSA said: 'The vast majority of food in the UK is safe, but some imported Dubai-style chocolate products don't meet our standards and could be a food safety risk, especially for consumers with allergies.

The delectable treat, which found fame on social media last year, contains a mix of pistachio and crispy kataifi pastry known as 'angel hair'

The bar went viral after Maria Vehera (pictured) shared a video of herself sinking her teeth into the sweet treat, oozing with gooey green filling made from sweet filo and pistachio

Like Willy Wonka's golden ticket, chocolate fans around the world have clamoured for a taste of the confection, which is in desperately short supply. Pictured, customers lining up before the sale of 100 Dubai chocolate bars at a Lindt store in Stuttgart, Germany

'If you are looking to buy Dubai-style chocolate, we advise sticking with trusted retailers, like the ones you'd use for your weekly shop, as products are more likely to be made for UK consumers and so are safe to eat.

'As its difficult for consumers to tell the difference between products made for the UK and those that arent, if you have a food allergy or intolerance, we advise that you do not buy the product unless youre certain its intended for sale here.

'If you have concerns about chocolate that you see on sale, dont buy it and instead report it to your local authority.

'We are working closely with local authorities to make sure that any unsafe products are removed from sale as swiftly as possible.'

The FSA is continuing to survey and sample the products to decipher the scale of this issue, it also said.

There are things people can look out for to check whether a product is intended for sale here.

By law, products made to UK standards should have labels in English containing the information including the name of the foodfor example, milk chocolate with pistachio paste fillinga list of ingredients, with allergens emphasised and the weight of the food in grams.

It must also have a best before or use by date and the name and address of the UK or EU business responsible for the product information.

The FSA is continuing to survey and sample the products to decipher the scale of this issue, it said. Pictured, a pistachio tree

If the food is not from the UK or EU, the name and address of the importer must be included.

Experts estimate that 10 Brits die from an allergic reaction to food each year, with 5,000 people hospitalised for severe reactions.

Allergies can provoke a variety of symptoms but the most serious is a dangerous inflammation of the airways called anaphylaxis.

This can make it hard and even impossible to breath and can cause the body to go into a cardiac emergency like a cardiac arrest due to a lack of oxygen.

Children with allergies are considered to be especially at risk from severe reactions as, due to their smaller body size, small amounts of allergens provoke bigger reactions.

Allergies are also often discovered in childhood meaning parents may not have an emergency injection to hand if an allergic reaction occurs.
Father-of-two Luke Pickering thought little of it when he woke up with pins and needles in his hands one morning. Yet within 24 hours, the sensation had spread to his toes - and there was far worse to come.

Within days Luke, 31, a mechanic from Nottingham, would find himself almost fully paralysed, unable even to move his eyes enough to close them for sleep.

The fact that he is now - 18 months on - able to tell his story, is in part thanks to the actions of his partner Alix.

The 31-year-old teaching assistant insisted he go to hospital when, within hours, not only did the pins and needles in his feet make him feel like I was walking on a bed of nails, but he started to feel so unsteady that he feared he might collapse while carrying his son Lucas, three, down the stairs.

By the time he arrived at A&E at Kings Mill Hospital in Nottingham, Luke was already losing sensation elsewhere around his body.

Within days he was unable to walk and even lost the ability to swallow.

I was completely paralysed, he says  it happened too fast for me to process.

Unable to move from his intensive care bed, Luke was ready to say my goodbyes - it was a tough time.

While he felt no pain, the psychological trauma was the most difficult part to deal with, he says. The hardest bit was worrying about my family and not being able to provide for them.

Within days Luke, 31, a mechanic from Nottingham, would find himself almost fully paralysed, unable even to move his eyes enough to close them for sleep

He was lucky in that doctors swiftly recognised the problem - Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a condition where the immune system turns on the body and attacks the nerves, in particular the peripheral nerves that control the extremities such as the fingers and toes (which is why pins and needles in the feet and hands are typically the first symptoms).

This immune system attack can block the signals travelling down the nerves, leading to tingling, muscular weakness and co-ordination problems, which can then progress.

GBS can result in paralysis of the arms, legs and up to the face, explains Dr Javvad Haider, rehabilitation medicine lead at the National Rehabilitation Centre near Loughborough, part of Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

In some cases, the symptoms worsen over the first two to four weeks - to include numbness that affects other parts of the body.

In time, it can also affect the bowels and bladder, by impacting the nervous system which serves these organs, adds Dr Haider.

GBS is usually triggered by a viral infection, such as Campylobacter (a stomach bug), Covid-19 and flu. The symptoms of GBS start within a few weeks of the infection. In some people it can occur following surgery.

Its an immune reaction, explains Dr Haider, adding however that in some cases GBS develops out of the blue and we still dont understand why.

The condition is rare, affecting around 1,500 patients each year in the UK, according to the charity GAIN, a GBS support group.

This means diagnosis can be complicated as there are some doctors who might go their whole career without seeing a case of GBS, says Dr Haider.

Yet spotting it early is vital to ensure the correct treatment, which usually starts with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), a dose of donated antibodies that counter the misfiring antibody cells released by the immune system.

If given early enough - i.e. within days of symptoms first appearing - IVIG treatment can slow the progression of the condition and prevent some of the more unpleasant symptoms, such as breathing problems or muscle damage. Some patients may need multiple rounds of IVIG.

If IVIG isnt effective, then plasma exchange may be considered - this is where donated plasma (the liquid part of the blood thats had the blood cells removed) is given to a patient via a machine, similar to kidney dialysis.

Plasma exchange washes the antibodies [that cause GBS] out; it washes the blood, explains Dr Haider.

Most patients who experience paralysis with GBS will be able to walk within six months - and will recover within a year, he adds.

Some, however, continue to have longer-term problems such as tingling in the hands and feet, nerve pain, exhaustion, muscle pain and weakness, and being unable to walk without help. Anxiety and depression are also common.

Lukes GBS was a severe case, as he was paralysed all the way to his face, says Dr Haider. Usually in this scenario we are expecting a recovery time of up to a year.

Luke was given two rounds of IVIG, but these didnt work - and within days his tingling and numbness worsened to paralysis. He was transferred to intensive care, where he remained almost completely paralysed for three weeks.

Fortunately, Luke responded to a third round of IVIG and plasma exchange - I slowly started to get the feeling back in my body, he recalls.

By the end of 2023, five weeks after being admitted to hospital, Luke was transferred to Linden Lodge, a specialist neurological rehabilitation unit and part of the National Rehabilitation Centre.

He was in a wheelchair as he was unable to walk - and his face was paralysed, which was also affecting his speech.

Staff initially kept their cards close to their chests, because they didnt want to give me false hope, says Luke.

Luke with his partner Alix and children Lucas and Ivy. Fifteen months on, he says he is back at work fixing cars and tractors

Dr Haider stresses that the after-effects of GBS are extremely unpredictable.

With other neurological conditions, such as stroke and spinal cord injury, we quite often know very early on what level of disability a patient will be facing, he says.

But with GBS, people go on such long journeys to recovery that we can be three months from the onset of GBS and still not know the final prognosis.

Luke spent eight weeks in the neurological rehabilitation unit, working with physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and psychologists  among others.

GBS can result in paralysis of the arms, legs and up to the face, says Dr Javvad Haider of the National Rehabilitation Centre

I went from a wheelchair to crutches, and then to one crutch and then none, he recalls.

We said it was going to be a race between me and my baby daughter [Ivy, now almost two] as to who would walk first.

He was discharged in February last year and is back at work and feeling almost normal.

Its a very difficult thing to go through  losing your independence, says Dr Haider.

Your life isnt going to be the same any more and its easy to let everything overwhelm you. But Luke was one of the most determined individuals I have met.

Fifteen months on, Luke says he is back at work fixing cars and tractors and trying to live life to the full.

He is aware of the impact that his illness, subsequent paralysis and long stay in hospital had on partner Alix, who went into autopilot while I was in the hospital.

She stayed strong because weve got two children - but when I got home from hospital, it took its toll on her emotionally, says Luke.

Luke has now become a spokesman for the National Rehabilitation Centre. His role includes talking to people whove been through what Ive been through to let them know there is light at the end of the tunnel, he explains.

GBS has left him with some lingering health problems.

My feet arent fully there yet in that I still get tingling sensations, but its nothing I cant deal with, he says.

It doesnt stop me from doing anything. Whatever I could do before, I can do now - I just appreciate it more.
Experts are warning of a dangerous new Covid variant spreading in over a dozen states.

NB.1.8.1, nicknamed 'Nimbus,' first originated from China, where it has been linked to a rise in cases and ER visits.

It was first detected in the US in late March and data suggests it now makes up over one in three Covid cases in the US, making it the second-most common variant.

Early studies indicate it can attach to human cells more efficiently than its predecessors, making it the most infectious strain yet.

Recently, many people infected with Covid have been reporting a symptom dubbed razor blade throat  sharp pain that feels more severe than with previous strains.

The CDC has not yet published official tracking data on the new variant.

However, officials at the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) reported as of June 11, Nimbus has been found in 13 states, including California, New York, New Jersey, and Hawaii.

The Covid-19 virus mutates constantly, and lab tests have shown new changes to the Nimbus strains spike protein, which may make it more infectious than currently circulating strains and potentially cause more severe illness.

World Health Organization data also suggests it makes up more than half the variants currently circulating worldwide.

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The name Nimbus was coined by Canadian evolutionary biologist T Ryan Gregory, the mind behind many popular variant names.

Researchers have found that the latest Omicron offshoot strain showed the strongest ability to attach to the receptor that acts as a doorway for the virus to enter human cells in lab tests, suggesting it may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains, according to Dr Lara Herrero, a virologist at Griffith University in Australia.

A preprint study on the strain also showed that antibodies from vaccines and past infection were about half as effective at blocking it as the LP.8.1.1 strain which is currently dominant in the US.

Covid patients have shared online that the severe sore throat has kept them from sleeping for several consecutive nights, had them whimpering and clawing at their throats, left them unable to swallow without excruciating pain, and unable to speak for about a week.

Nimbus has been significant in parts of Asia for weeks, causing over 1,000 infections in India and about 14,000 in Hong Kong and Singapore.

It has since been labeled as a variant under monitoring by the World Health Organization.

Despite its spread across 22 countries so far, the WHO maintains it poses a relatively global public health threat thanks to wide vaccine coverage and population immunity.

The global agency said: Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease.

Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalizations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation.

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Covid patients have shared online that the severe sore throat has kept them from sleeping for several consecutive nights, had them whimpering and clawing at their throats

Experts expect an uptick in cases this summer, noting there has been one every summer since 2020. By mid- to late-summer, immunity has waned from the previous falls booster or from a previous infection.

People also spend more time in indoor air-conditioned spaces, where most viral transmission occurs. And the summer months have typically always seen a rise in more transmissible variants.

Dr Albert Ko, an epidemiologist at Yale School of Public Health, told Today: We may see an upswing (this) summer as in previous years, and this is expected to be smaller compared to what we experience in the winter.

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Vaccine companies are in the midst of updating their shots to fit the Nimbus strain. Moderna said late last month that its updated mNEXSPIKE shot will be available by the fall.

A lower dose than the typical Covid vaccines is specially formulated for adults 65 and older, as well as people 12 to 64 with at least one or more underlying risk factor for severe Covid, such as cancer, diabetes, HIV, being overweight, or pregnant.

The FDA recently limited the availability of Covid vaccines to those populations.
A doctor who has appeared on the Joe Rogan podcast has been appointed to America's top vaccine panel despite his controversial views.

Dr Robert Malone, a former University of Maryland physician who has promoted the conspiracy theory that Covid vaccines have killed millions of people, has been appointed to the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Malone, who appeared on Rogan's podcast back in 2021, is among eight physicians and individuals appointed to ACIP, whose job will be to make recommendations on vaccination schedules.

Malone has also likened Covid vaccine mandates to Nazi Germany and claimed that at least half-a-million lives could have been saved if people had used the widely debunked ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine treatments.

Robert F Kennedy Junior has filled the vaccine panel with people he claimed were 'highly credentialed scientists' and 'leading public health experts'. The appointment came days after RFK Jr fired the group's 17 established members.

But at least four of the new appointees have links to anti-vaccine groups or have previously made comments disparaging Covid vaccine mandates or the vaccines.

Also among them is Retsef Levi, an MIT operations manager with no medical degree, who has called for the mRNA Covid shots to be pulled from the market over the side effect myocarditis, or heart inflammation, saying they are causing serious harm and deaths in young people.

Vicky Pebsworth, a board member of the oldest anti-vaccine group in the US the National Vaccine Information Center, has also been added to the panel.

Robert Malone is pictured above on the Joe Rogan podcast in December 2021, where he likened Covid vaccine uptake to Nazi Germany

Experts have slammed the appointments, raising concerns over their links to vaccine skepticism and saying the Trump administration has lost the trust of the medical community.

Dr Noel Brewer, one of the scientists fired from the former ACIP committee, told NBC News: 'The new panel is missing all of the expertise that has come before them.

'They dont know how to go about looking at the evidence, how to think about the volumes of data that will be coming their way.'

Among the most controversial new appointees is Malone, who - while on the Joe Rogan podcast - declared that vaccine uptake required the same kind of mass obedience as Nazi Germany, calling it 'mass formation psychosis'.

Malone has also previously expressed doubt about measles vaccination, claiming two girls who died from measles in Texas died due to medical error rather than their infection.

Malone is a major player in the anti-vaccine movement, and claims that his research was used to help create the mRNA vaccines.

He did carry out studies in 1989 demonstrating how mRNA could be delivered into cells using lipids, or microscopic bubbles of fats, but experts say his involvement in pioneering the tech has been greatly exaggerated.

Another controversial pick is Levi, who said in January 2023 in comments pinned to his X profile: 'I think there is no other ethical or scientific choice but to pull out of the market these medical products and stop all mRNA vaccination programs.

Pictured above are the eight individuals that have been appointed to the new ACIP committee. From top left to bottom right: Robert Malone, Dr Martin Kulldorf, Dr Joseph Hibbeln, Retsef Levi, Dr Cody Meissner, Vicky Pebsworth

'This [mRNA Covid vaccine] is clearly the most failing medical product in the history of medical products. In terms of efficacy and safety.'

Myocarditis is a rare complication of the Covid vaccine, but is more common among young men  affecting about one in 15,000. The condition is mild, and normally goes away on its own without any medical intervention.

Concerns have been raised over Pebsworth, although she did previously advise the FDA's vaccines advisory committee as a consumer advocate.

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She is the only woman appointed to the committee, and the mother of a child who suffered serious long-term health problems after receiving seven vaccines in one doctor's visit at the age of 15 months.

Praising his picks, RFK Junior said on X: 'All of these individuals are committed to evidence-based medicine, gold-standard science, and common sense.

'They have each committed to demanding definitive safety and efficacy data before making any new vaccine recommendations.'

The ACIP was set up to analyze the latest data on the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and to make recommendations on who should receive which vaccines and when they should be inoculated. It also meant to review the schedule for childhood immunizations.

The CDC, which is currently without a director, is not required to follow the advice of the committee, but often does.

Trump and RFK Jr have both promised to overhaul America's health agencies and address the 'overmedicalization' of children, including addressing vaccine schedules

Also among the scientists picked to serve on the committee is Dr Martin Kulldorff, a Swedish biostatistician who was the lead author of the Great Barrington Declaration  which called for lockdowns to end for everyone except the vulnerable and elderly.

He has been generally supportive of vaccines, including the measles vaccine  writing on X in 2022 that it is 'very effective' and 'does not cause autism'.

But he railed against much of the Covid-era policy during the pandemic, including Covid tests for children  saying there was little point in swapping young children, who were generally at very low risk from the virus.

Among other picks was Joseph Hibbeln, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist who previously held positions at the NIH. His research focuses on omega-3 fatty acids and the neurocognitive development of children whose mothers consumed seafood during pregnancy.

Also on the committee is Dr Cody Meissner, a pediatrics expert at Geisel School of Medicine in Dartmouth, Dr Michael Ross, an obstetrician and gynecologist in Virginia, and Dr James Pagano, an emergency medicine physician.

The eight members appointed are the minimum number needed for the committee to meet as planned on June 25 to 27.

At this meeting, they will vote on the recommendations for vaccines against coronavirus, influenza, meningococcal, HPV and RSV for adults, pregnant women and infants.
Experts are sounding the alarm over the spread of a rare deadly virus after two Americans tested positive this week.

Hantavirus, the disease that killed Gene's Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa, is a rare but severe respiratory illness spread through exposure, typically inhalation, to rodent droppings.

The hantavirus, which kills 30 to 50 percent of people infected, was first identified in South Korea in 1978 when researchers isolated the virus from a field mouse. It is rare in the US, with fewer than 50 cases reported yearly.

But now two cases have been confirmed in Nevada - bringing the US' total count to 864 cases since 1993.

Health experts are warning the public to be extra vigilant as warmer weather arrives, especially around areas such as sheds, barns, trailers, garages, and cabins where deer mice may have nested in the cold weather and left droppings.

Early symptoms of hantavirus include fever, fatigue and muscle aches, and may later progress to headaches, chills, and nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Hantavirus can also cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), with patients often experiencing a tightness in the chest, as the lungs fill with fluid.

HPS can be deadly and 38 percent of people who develop respiratory symptoms die from the disease.

Experts are sounding the alarm over the spread of a virus seldom seen in the US that comes from mice - the same virus that killed actor Gene Hackman 's wife - after two more cases have come to light

Betsy Arakawa was found dead in the Santa Fe home she shared with her husband, Gene Hackman, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding their passing gripped the nation's attention for weeks

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Melissa Bullock, Nevada State Medical Epidemiologist, told local 2 News Nevada: 'We urge people to be aware of any signs of rodent activity and to take precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to hantavirus.

'Anyone who has been in contact with rodents, nests or droppings and subsequently develops symptoms consistent with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome should see a health care provider immediately.'

No details are known about the two people who have tested positive.

To reduce risk of exposure, state health officials recommend airing out spaces where mice droppings could be, avoid sweeping droppings, use disinfectant and wipe up debris, and wear gloves and a mask.

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses found worldwide that are spread to people when they inhale aerosolized fecal matter, urine, or saliva from infected rodents.

The rarity of hantavirus in the US is partly because the country has fewer rodent species that the illness can circulate amongst, compared to Asia and Europe, where multiple rodent species act as hosts.

However, Virginia Tech researchers found that while deer mice are still the primary reservoir for hantaviruses in North America, the virus is now circulating more widely than previously thought, with antibodies detected in six additional rodent species where they had not been documented before.

The Virginia Tech team analyzed data from the National Science Foundation's National Ecological Observatory Network to better understand how hantavirus spreads in the wild.

Between 2014 and 2019, the program gathered and tested 14,004 blood samples from 49 different mouse species at 45 locations across the US to test for levels of hantavirus antibodies.

Seventy-nine percent of positive blood samples came from deer mice species, which cause around 90 percent of all hantavirus cases in the US.

Debbie Zipperian, from Montana, survived Hantavirus after being diagnosed with the disease at 46. The former cowgirl told the Daily Mail how it upended her life

The above shows hantavirus cases recorded in the US

But, researchers found that other rodent species had a higher percentage of hantavirus infections than deer mice  between 4.3 and five percent.

The vast majority of human cases are traced back to two or three key deer mouse species, but the study's findings reveal that the virus is more flexible than scientists once thought, broadening what they know about its basic biology.

Virginia had the highest infection rate among rodents, with nearly eight percent of samples testing positive for hantavirus  four times the national average of around two percent.

Colorado had the second-highest infection rate, followed by Texas, both known risk regions for the virus, with average positive blood samples more than twice as high as the national average.

The team's findings could influence how public health officials monitor and evaluate hantavirus risk and help clarify human cases in areas where the usual rodent host is uncommon or missing.

Mr Paansri said: 'This new information is expected to help us understand where and when hantavirus is most likely to occur, which is crucial for predicting outbreaks and informing public health officials.

'We believe that many lessons learned from this study can be generalized to other wildlife diseases, considering that their distribution is global.'
Terry Moran has revealed he is launching a Substack channel just days after he was axed from his anchor job at ABC over anti-Trump social media comments.

The 28-year ABC veteran, who was pictured barefoot, pacing and biting his nails outside his home earlier today, took to X - the same platform which ultimately became his downfall - to unveil the new career move.

'For almost 28 years I was a reporter and anchor for ABC News. As you may have heard, I'm not there anymore,' he said, referencing the high-profile axing.

Moran was let go following a 'clear violation' of the network's social media and impartiality policy.

Days prior, he shared a controversial post on X describing Trump as a 'world class hater' and top White House staffer Stephen Miller as the 'bile' behind the Trumpist movement.

'Miller is a man who is richly endowed with the capacity for hatred. He's a world class hater,' Moran wrote just after midnight on Sunday.

'You can see this just by looking at him because you can see that his hatreds are his spiritual nourishment. He eats his hate. Trump is a world-class hater. But his hatred only a means to an end, and that end his own glorification.'

Those comments, though swiftly deleted, ultimately went viral and ABC executives felt they had no choice but to act quickly and respond harshly. If they didn't, the network's impartiality would have come into question, particularly given Trump's outspoken criticism of media bias.

The 28-year ABC veteran, who was pictured barefoot, pacing and biting his nails outside his home today, took to X - the same platform which ultimately became his downfall - to unveil the new career move

'For almost 28 years I was a reporter and anchor for ABC News. As you may have heard, I'm not there anymore,' he said in a video shared to X, referencing the high-profile axing

Now, Moran is forging a new path away from traditional media. 'I'm here, with you, on Substack, this amazing space and I can't wait to get at it,' he said.

'To get at the important work we all have to do in this time of such trouble for our country.

'I'm going to be reporting and interviewing and just sharing with you and hoping to hear from you as well.'

Moran said it will take 'a few days, maybe longer' to get his profile up and running.

'I've got to get some stuff sorted out, but I can't wait to see you,' he said.

Moran's decision to join Substack comes months after former CNN anchor Jim Acosta forged the same path after leaving his position.

Acosta, who had long been an adversary of Trump, is reportedly on track to earn even more money than he was at CNN through Substack subscriptions - and is now free to share his true thoughts on the administration without fear of reprisal from his bosses.

Just two days ago, he published an article weighing in on Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard to the Los Angeles pro-immigration riots.

He wrote 'Trump has a long and disgraceful history of exacerbating and even fomenting political unrest in America.

Moran described President Trump (pictured with Melania) as a 'world class hater' on X

Moran was barefoot as he stepped out of his home on Wednesday. Hours later, he revealed he is forging a new path away from traditional media. 'I'm here, with you, on Substack, this amazing space and I can't wait to get at it'

Life went on as usual for Moran and his wife Johanna, who was pictured walking their dog on Wednesday

'In California, Trump appears to be chomping at the bit for yet another violent clash with protesters.

'Whether his aim is to clear the way for a stronger authoritarian grip on America or to simply distract the public from his recent catfight with Elon Musk, Trump seems ready to rumble.'

Among the top comments were praise that he was now able to speak his mind.

'Arent you glad you are now on independent media so you can speak freely? Maybe Terry Moran will be joining you,' one person wrote. More than 200 others 'liked' the comment, while several agreed that they'd had a similar thought.

Moran's fall from ABC's good graces came just months after he landed a coveted interview with the president.

Trump said he had handpicked Moran for his interview because he had 'never heard of' him, despite his years of experience.

In the interview, the duo clashed over Trump's immigration policies.

Trump said: 'They're giving you the big break of a lifetime. I picked you because, frankly, I never heard of you. I picked you, Terry. But you're not being very nice.'

ABC News fired Moran days after he penned a negative social media post about Donald Trump and his homeland security advisor Stephen Miller

One ABC insider said Moran's ousting had impacted his colleagues, but executives had no choice once his deleted post (pictured) gained momentum on MAGA social media channels

One ABC insider said Moran's ousting had impacted his colleagues, but executives had no choice once his deleted video gained momentum on MAGA social media channels.

'It's just sad honestly. It's sad for him, a long-time colleague, friend, a good person, family man. It's just unfortunate, but there was no alternative, especially in these times,' the insider said.

'I can get maybe what he was trying to say, but like, dude, put the phone down and go to bed.'

Before becoming a senior national correspondent in 2018, he served as ABC's Chief Foreign Correspondent.

He also co-anchored the network's news show Nightline for eight years and was ABC News' Chief White Correspondent from 1999 to 2005, having originally joined the network in 1997.
Anderson Cooper collects $18 million-a-year from CNN, according to a new report.

The longtime anchor's salary is roughly five times that of Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins, sources told Puck.

Jake Tapper, 56, remains locked in a 'low-eight-figure multiyear deal', the report revealed. He is set to stay on the air as a result, Puck reported without offering a timeline.

CNN's parent, Warner Bros Discovery, announced plans to split into two separate companies this week, leaving the network to lead a new debt-ridden firm centered around linear TV.

The cable channel's seven and eight-figure signings are therefore set to be a thing of a past, said Puck's Dylan Byers, who previously worked at CNN.

'[Tapper] is surely the last CNN talent who will ever come close to netting that kind of income,' the former NBC News media reporter added.

Cooper, 58, is a mainstay, but his salary seems hard to justify, Byers reported, at a time where CNN's ratings are at an all-time low. That holds especially true when comparing it with Collin's.

Sure to catch on to this is Gunnar Wiedenfels, the former WBD CFO and the new boss of the CNN-led company, whom Byers insisted will see CNN as an opportunity to 'maintain relatively similar profits at a mere fraction of the cost.'

Anderson Cooper, 58, collects $18 million-a-year from CNN, according to a new report from Puck's Dylan Byers published Wednesday

The longtime anchor's salary is roughly five times that of 33-year-old Chief White House Correspondent Kaitlan Collins, sources said

'This is the beginning of the end,' Byers wrote of the network.

'With the industry in inexorable decline, ratings at a nadir, and younger audiences turning to YouTube and TikTok, [Wiedenfels] will inevitably look at CNN.'

After Monday's WBD announcement frantic employees at CNN reached out to Byers to wonder about their fate.

'What does this mean for us?' asked one.

'Thoughts?!' a 'high-ranking' CNN insider asked in regard to CEO David Zaslav's plans to divide up the conglomerate.

The decision came weeks after CNBC reported that WBD was mulling a separation of its linear networks from its studio and streaming assets, much like Comcast has done with MSNBC and CNBC.

The move appeared to double-down on the company's recently re-rebranded HBO Max streaming service, while leaving CNN in the lurch.

Joining it in its new digs are declining channels like TBS, Food Network, HGTV, and a now NBA-less TNT.

Jake Tapper, meanwhile, remains locked in a 'low-eight-figure multiyear deal', the report revealed, adding that the anchor ,seen here sporting a copy of his new book, is set to stay on-air for the foreseeable future as a result

Gunnar Wiedenfels, the new boss of the CNN-led company, will soon see CNN as an opportunity to 'maintain relatively similar profits at a mere fraction of the cost', Puck reported

The salary revelations come as CEO David Zaslav has aired plans to divvy up the conglomerate, leaving CNN to lead a company comprised of declining cable channels

However, the asset that has seemingly suffered the most during Zaslav's three-year-stint at the top is none other than CNN, which has beet hit with several rounds of layoffs within that span.

He and Wiedenfels have managed to reduce Warner Bros Discovery's $55billion debt by some $21 billion in that same timeframe.

For his efforts, Zaslav took home around $52 million last year, compensation shareholders last week symbolically voted to pull back in a clear show of frustration.

Zaslav and Wiedenfels' cost-cutting campaign has done little to help the conglomerate's share price, which is down 7 percent year to date.

Zaslav's pay package, meanwhile, was roughly 400 times the median pay of Warner Bros Discovery staffer which stands at $130,316.

Less than five months ago, CNN laid off 200 workers from its struggling TV division that an insider told Daily Mail has become 'bloated' following Warner Bros' merger with Discovery in 2021.

Four years later, the same firm is set to split, showing the challenges media conglomerates are facing as they look to adjust costly legacy assets to fit in an evolving media landscape.

CNN CEO Mark Thompson's long-in-the works restructuring plan for the WBD asset sets to address this by putting emphasis on CNN's digital future rather than the cable news channel.

Cable top dog Fox runs on a relatively inexpensive model compared to CNN - fueled by studio programs. CNN has several foreign bureaus and spends large amounts on newsgathering

This vision, for now, remains unrealized, and in a statement issued in January after administering the network's most recent round of layoffs, Thompson warned that future was unclear.

'This is a moment where the digital story feels like an existential question,' he said, emphasizing that that CNN is set to soon roll out a streaming service - one he said will feature its most well-known stars.

'If we do not follow the audiences to the new platforms with real conviction and scale, our future prospects will not be good,' he urged.

Under his two-year tenure, CNN's ratings have dropped more than 20 percent - now behind even MSNBC.

The network, for years, was the top dog in terms of cable news. That distinction is now held by Fox.

Byers noted that in contrast to CNN, Fox runs on a relatively inexpensive model fueled by studio programs.

CNN, which has several foreign bureaus and employs costly correspondents spends large amounts on newsgathering alone.

Daily Mail has reached out to CNN for comment. WBD's split is set to occur by mid-2026, the company said in a statement.
The New Yorker has apologized after posting a cartoon poking fun at the pains of air travel hours after a fatal plane crash in India.

The legendary magazine posted the sketch on Thursday, less than eight hours after the Air India crash that killed more than 200 in Gujarat.

The crash occurred just after 4am ET, and the post was deleted after around two hours.

In a statement, a representative for the publication explained how the post had been published.

'The Instagram post was pre-scheduled before today's tragic news out of India,' a New Yorker spokesperson said in a statement. 'We have since deleted the post and regret the inadvertent poor timing.'

The statement was sent just before 3pm after dozens had already aired their outrage.

The sketch from longtime editorial cartoonist Joe Dato showed a prospective air traveler who had just missed a plane. An unsympathetic airport worker is seen telling him: 'You did say you wanted an earlier flight.'

The punchline, unsurprisingly, was not received well.

The New Yorker's Instagram page was met with outrage posted a cartoon poking fun at the pains of air travel hours after a fatal plane crash in India

The post, published around noon ET, was deleted after two hours. By that point dozens of comments pointing to the Air India crash that killed more than 200

'This is very poor. Please erase it ASAP,' one social media user sniped, as dozens went on to beg the same.

'Omg read the room!' raged someone else. 'How can y'all post this the day of one of the world's deadliest aviation crashes??'

'Please delete,' a third said.

'No guys, no,' added a fourth, also demanding the cartoon be taken down.

The 100-year-old publication ultimately obliged, before addressing the oversight in a statement to Daily Mail just before 3pm.

Users had speculated about the slip-up, with one correctly calling out the cause.

'The dangers of scheduled posts,' the user wrote, as another commenter asked other to 'allow more time' before rushing to bash the paper.

The post came down quickly thereafter. The cartoon was first published in 2015.

The publication has since apologized and claimed that the post was pre-scheduled

Emergency services are still working to locate survivors of for the still-unexplained crash of Air India flight 171

As for the still-unexplained crash of Air India flight 171, emergency services are still working to locate survivors.

So far, officials have said at least one person on-board the plane survived.

It was the first fatal crash and the first hull loss involving a Boeing 787 since the plane's introduction in 2011.

In January 2024 a former Boeing employee who worked on the 787, John Barnett, appeared on TMZ to warn about under-pressure workers were deliberately fitting 'sub-standard' parts to such planes.

His warning would prove prophetic, with a 787 experiencing a midair 'technical event' that injured 50 passengers that March.

Barnett was found dead from a self-inflicted gun shot wound in South Carolina days before.

Boeing has been deemed responsible for three high-profile accidents involving the separate 737 MAX aircraft in recent years, including two fatal ones that killed a total of 346 people, and left all Max jets grounded worldwide for nearly two years.

The Air India plane that crashed in the city of Ahmedabad was more than a decade old. It first flew in late 2013 and was delivered to Air India in January 2014

In the years since it had amassed more than 41,000 flight hours, before its ill-fated flight intended to land in London Thursday

The crash, still unexplained, remains under investigation. The explosion caused by the crash is seen here

'Due to the crash, there could be enhanced scrutiny on manufacturing and quality procedures. However, at this time, we do not feel there will be a long-term impact to production,' said Edward Jones analyst Jeff Windau said at the time.

The company also faced federal investigations and a storm of civil claims from victims' families.

Earlier this month, Boeing agreed to a deal with the US Department of Justice that will see it pay a $1.1billion settlement to avoid prosecution over the two crashes, which includes 444.5m to the victims' families. The crashes occurred in 2018 and 2019.

The Air India plane that crashed in the city of Ahmedabad, meanwhile, was more than a decade old. It first flew in late 2013 and was delivered to Air India in January 2014. In the years since it had amassed more than 41,000 flight hours.

The crash remains under investigation.
Almost 70 billion vehicle miles of traffic are carried on motorways in Britain annually.

And yet 'M' road closures have risen 18 per cent in a year, causing delays, headaches and utter chaos for thousands of motorists every day, new research from Co-op Insurance reveals.

Data from National Highways - the Government-owned company responsible for England's motorway network - obtained using a Freedom of Information request highlighted that the number of closures increased to more than 6,870 last year.

Incidents where there was a total closure of both carriageways, grinding the entire stretch of trunk road to a halt, rose by 14 per cent with just over 280 shutdowns recorded.

The worst affected roads have also been named and shamed, with drivers using parts of the A1M and M6 facing the most disruption.

It comes after This is Money reported at the end of May that another 'major concern' has been raised about British motorways, after smart motorway breakdowns were revealed to be nearly three times higher than conventional motorways.

Motorway closures have risen 18 per cent in a year causing a headache for thousands of motorists every day, new research from Co-op Insurance reveals

MOST CLOSED MOTORWAY JUNCTIONS IN 2024 Rank Junction Location Direction Total number of road closures Region 1 A1M J63 Northbound 127 North East 2 M53 J8 Northbound 99 North West 3 M6 J21/J21a Northbound 72 North West 4 M621 J7 Southbound 56 Yorkshire and Humber 5 M621 M1/J7 Eastbound 55 Yorkshire and Humber 6 M62 J37/38 Eastbound 52 Yorkshire and Humber 7 M621 J27/1 Eastbound 52 Yorkshire and Humber 8 M25 J28/27 Anti-clockwise 50 South East 9 M53 J12/11 Northbound 47 North West 10 M3 J5/4A Eastbound 46 South East Source - Co-op Insurance FOI request to National Highways

The FOI by Co-op Insurance found that it was bad news for frequent commuters through County Durham last year, as the A1M at junction 63 northbound at Chester-le-Street was closed for most of the 12 months, making it the stretch of M-road that was off limits most in 2024.

Drivers were rerouted a shocking 127 times  at least once every three days.

The other roads with the poorest closure records were the M53 at Junction 8 northbound in Ellesmere Port and the M6 between Junction 21 and 21a in Warrington.

Notably, four out of the top 10 junction locations with the highest number of road closures last year were in Yorkshire, with three on the M621 in Leeds.

Elsewhere, three of the top 10 were in Cheshire, with two on the M53.

This year, the M6 between Junction 6 and Junction 7 near Birmingham is the stretch of road to avoid like the plague as it has seen the most motorway road closures.

The number of motorway road closures recorded increased to more than 6,870 last year

Smart motorways have a vehicle breakdown rate nearly three times higher than conventional motorways, a new AA investigation has found

Last month a another FOI submitted to National Highway by the AA found 56 per cent of breakdowns logged on England's motorways last year happened on smart sections.

This is despite the fact that these roads only making up a fifth of the nation's total motorway network and there haven't been any new installations in the last two years after the Government cancelled construction of new stretches on safety fears.

Thirteen per cent of the nation's 1,900 miles of motorway network 'smart' stretches without a hard shoulder at any time, motorists risk being stranded without a safe place to pull off the road if their car suffers a mechanical issue.

MOST CLOSED MOTORWAY JUNCTIONS IN 2025 (1 JANUARY - 30 APRIL) Rank Junction Location Direction Total number of road closures Region 1 M6 J6/7 Northbound 29 West Midlands 2 A1M J37/38 Northbound 24 Yorkshire and Humber 3 M1 J24/23a Southbound 22 East Midlands 4 M5 J25/26 Southbound 20 South West 5 M180 J4/5 Eastbound 20 Yorkshire and Humber 6 M69 J2/1 Westbound 19 East/West Midlands 7 M180 J5/4 Westbound 19 Yorkshire and Humber 8 M5 AFTER J1 Southbound 18 West Midlands 9 M62 J36/37 Eastbound 18 Yorkshire and Humber 10 M25 J24/25 Clockwise 18 South East Source - Co-op Insurance FOI request to National Highways

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Cost of car repairs are rising due to potholes

Its not just closures and congestion thats grinding Britain to a halt though: the state of the roads is so bad that repairs costs have gone through the roof, leaving owners with huge bills.

On Tuesday we reported how the average repair bill associated with pothole damage to vehicles is 320, according to calculations by road safety organisation IAM RoadSmart.

However, if that sounds expensive, other drivers were forced to stump up more than three times that amount to repair or replaced damaged tyres, suspension components and steering parts.

Some five per cent say they paid more than 1,000 getting their motors fixed after driving through a pothole during the 12-month period.

The poll of almost 2,000 motorists found that a fifth had been left no option but to pay for pothole repairs in 2024.
The Chancellors spending review is being billed by Labour as a signal moment for a government that is haunted by banana skins of its own making.

It paints events as a moment for national renewal after 14 years of Tory chaos. It is nothing of the kind.

An analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies shows, despite the hype and hand-outs for favoured constituencies, Rachel Reeves barely moved the dial on capital investment spending.

All she did was maintain capital budgets, such as those for science and tech, at the same high level of national income as Jeremy Hunt, the most recent Conservative Chancellor. IFSs director Paul Johnson doesnt pull his punches.

He says if anyone was baffled by the Chancellors speech so were we. He goes on to suggest that it wasnt a serious effort to provide useful information to anybody.

It also exposed Reevess ineptitude in framing arguments. There was no attempt to elevate and explain the spend, with focus on the white heat of technology, in terms of the nuclear, digital, and biotech revolution which will change Britain forever.

Pride before the fall: The Chancellor believes her fiscal rules, which require current spending to be matched by taxation, but allow borrowing for investment, have secured the UK's budget

Instead, there was revived talk of securonomics (buried since Labour has been in office) and misleading crowing about the state of the economy.

The boast that the UK was the fastest-growing economy in the G7 in the first quarter of the year was accurate. But as Reuters reported yesterday it was a case of pride comes before a fall.

Reeves and her team must have had early sight of the April growth data which showed output shrank by 0.3 per cent. A big factor was Trumps tariff war, which caused car, steel and other exports to stumble.

One might have thought someone at the Treasury, or a special adviser, might gently have suggested the G7 comparison was a rhetorical trap which might have been avoided. The April data may be rogue because of Trump tariff uncertainty.

The Government hopes the trumpeted trade accord with the US will soon come to fruition and the UKs upmarket car makers  Jaguar Land Rover, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce and the more eclectic Mini  will soon be back to normal business.

However, it will take time for the logistics and supply chain to be revised. The downturn also was partly the result of policy.

The end to concessions on stamp duty predictably produced a lull in home sales, despite the good househunting weather and the easing of the bank rate.

Tax does make a difference. It is not wise for a government making a big bet on the housing market to bypass it as a recovery tool by punishing homebuyers, especially younger people seeking the first rung on the ladder.

There is one G7 table which Rachel Reeves didnt mention.

The Chancellor believes her fiscal rules, which require current spending to be matched by taxation but allow borrowing for investment, have secured the UKs budget after the Liz Truss disorder.

Markets dont believe it. The yield on Britains ten-year bond  or gilt  at 4.5 per cent in latest trading is the highest among the rich Western democracies.

Reeves makes the reasonable case that UK yields move in lockstep with those in New York.

There is, however, a serious flaw in the thinking. The Chancellor appears to believe that if the current budget is in balance, it is fine to borrow to invest.

That may be the case in Japan and Germany, where bond rates are 1.46 per cent and 2.53 per cent respectively, because their governments overall interest bill is, by UK standards, under control.

In Britains case, every pound that is borrowed for a new roundabout or bypass behind the Red Wall comes with interest at high rates.

So the extra borrowing for Labours 2 trillion or so of capital spend inflates the current budget via borrowing charges. In the autumn, the Treasury estimated the interest bill for 2025-26 at 126billion.

If gilts had a similar yield to the German bund there would be an extra 60billion or so for education, health or even an end to the freeze on income tax thresholds which punish hard work and enterprise.

Britains national accounts do not provide a free pass for capital projects.
It's another day and that means yet another Chinese car brand arriving in Britain that you've never heard of before.

Roll up the budget-friendly Firefly EV - the new compact supermini from Chinese giant Nio that is looking to put its stamp on the UK market this year.

The Firefly  confusingly the name of Nios sub-brand and its first model - will go up against the new Renault 5 EV and forthcoming Volkswagen ID.2, Renault Twingo and BYD Dolphin Surf city EVs.

Confirmed for the European market this year, Nio is accelerating its rollout of the popular Firefly globally and it could arrive here as soon as October - making it the latest cheap Chinese EV to take to British roads.

Launched in April in China, the small EV costs the equivalent of 12,500 - though that's not inclusive of import taxes and some favourable domestic subsidies. When it comes to the UK, it's expected to enter the increasingly populated sub-25k affordable EV category.

Said to be inspired by some European cult models, like the Fiat 500, the design is aimed at attracting lifestyle-based buyers who want a memorable electric car, Nio says.

Its range is around 260 miles (albeit based on China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle which is about 15 per cent more forgiving than the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure), putting it about equal to the Renault 5 (250-mile range) and considerably ahead of the 15,000 Dacia Spring (140-mile range).

Nio's Firefly - a sub-brand of Nio and also the name of its first EV model - is a small electric city car that costs just 12,500 in China. It will come to the UK as early as October where it should cost less than 25,000

At 4,003mm long, 1,781mm wide and 1,557mm tall, it is larger than the Renault 5 across all five dimensions.

Via the Firefly brand, Nio's set its sights on building new, small electric vehicles, a car for everyone, Vice President of Nio design told journalists at the Shanghai Auto Show.

The brief was really to create the next mini or Fiat 500; something iconic, something memorable, [and] to take advantage of electrification.

'We were to build a different, new design identity, something that was going to be more lifestyle-based than our premium brands, [Nio and Onvo], he added.

The Firefly is slightly bigger than the Renault 5: It's 4,003mm long, 1,781mm wide and 1,557mm tall compared to the R5 which is 3,992mm long, 1,774 wide and 1,498 tall

Its range is around 260 miles (albeit based on China Light Duty Vehicle Test Cycle which is about 15% more forgiving than the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure)

In May, its first full month of deliveries, Firefly sold 3,680 vehicles according to Nio data, playing a key role in boosting the brand's overall sales for the month by 13.1 % y-o-y

Vice President of Nio design told journalists at the Shanghai Auto Show: 'We were to build a different, new design identity, something that was going to be more lifestyle-based than our premium brands, [Nio and Onvo]'

The Firefly is nothing like what we've seen from Nio previously.

The compact model contrasts the Chinese giant's typical big, luxury saloons and SUVs, instead offering buyers a fun, small, sporty and endearing little zero emissions urban runaround.

The tagline is 'small, electric, buzzing with energy', the blurb says.

With seating for five, it's surprising practical with a 404-litre boot (larger than most compact cars including the R5s 326 litres) and a massive 92-litre additional froot (front boot).

In terms of cabin tech, it boasts a Chat GPT-operated voice command system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and benefits from two digital screens.

And it will be one of the plushest and most luxurious small cars on the market, offering heated and ventilated front seats that even have massaging functionality like a high-end Mercedes limo.

The rear-wheel drive car can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 8.1 seconds and has a limited top speed of 93mph. The 42kW battery has a max charging speed of 100kW and can fast charge 10 to 80 per cent in 29 minutes.

Handily for town, it has a turning radius of just 4.7metres, so weaving between width restrictions shouldn't be a drama.

As well as two touch screens the cheap Firefly has Chat GPT, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as heated, ventilated and massaging front seats

With seating for five, it's surprising practical with a 404-litre boot (larger than most compact cars including the R5s 326 litres) and a massive 92-litre additional froot (front boot) (pictured)

Will the Firefly create a buzz in Europe?

Firefly - initially announced as a new brand alongside Onvo but the two were repositioned as sub-brands by Nio shortly afterwards - is important for the Chinese battery swapping leader, with the Shanghai-based car maker not yet nearing profitability despite its sales growing.

In May, its first full month of deliveries, Firefly sold 3,680 vehicles according to Nio data. And so, the model has played a key role in boosting the brand's overall sales for the month by 13.1 per cent year on year.

Nio is currently in the midst of a huge European expansion, committing to entering 16 new global markets this year alone. Seven of those have already been confirmed in Europe: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Poland and Romania.

And the Firefly has been specifically designed for the European market: it was supposed to launch in Europe first but due to tariffs and geopolitical tensions, as well as Nio's shaky sales, it arrived in China first.

The UK is a big market for small EVs at the moment, with the Hyundai Inster, the Renault 5 and the Kia EV3 just a few of the latest entrants.
Two more firms look set to leave the London stock market after takeover bids by foreign predators.

GP surgery owner Assura has accepted a 1.7billion offer from US private equity giant KKR after a bidding war.

And environmental consultancy Ricardo has been snapped up by rival WSP owned by Canadas Genivar  in a 281million deal. WSP was previously listed in London before Genivar bought it in 2012.

The latest deals come amid a mounting crisis for London amid a takeover frenzy.

This week US chip giant Qualcomm bought Alphawave for 1.8billion while private equity group Advent is near a 3.7billion deal for scientific instrument maker Spectris.

Meanwhile, US payments firm Corpay is circling UK fintech Alpha Group and Northern Ireland software company FD Technologies has accepted a 570million bid from private equity giant TA Associates.

City exodus: GP surgery owner Assura has accepted a 1.7bn offer from KKR while environmental consultancy Ricardo has been snapped up by rival WSP

London has also been hit by defections as companies move listings to the US in search of higher valuations.

And a lack of fresh listings means those companies are not being replaced. Accountant MHA is the only company worth more than 100million to have gone public on the London market so far in 2025.

Assura, which owns doctors surgeries, hospitals and hospices in the UK, recommended a 52.1p a share offer from KKR and Stonepeak to investors.

KKR is one of the biggest private equity outfits in the US and Stonepeak is a New York investment firm. The decision knocks NHS landlord Primary Health Properties (PHP), which had briefly derailed KKRs takeover attempt, out of the running.

PHP offered 1.68billion to buy Assura, while KKRs previous bid was 1.61billion  and its deal means Assura will leave Londons stock market.

In a merger with PHP, the FTSE 250 business would have become part of a publicly traded company, creating the eighth-largest UK-listed REIT.

Assura chairman Ed Smith said: KKR and Stonepeak are highly experienced investors and I am confident that with their support, and the additional capital they will provide, Assura will continue to deliver high-quality healthcare infrastructure our communities need.

Assura had previously turned down bids of 46.2p and 43p per share from PHP, and a 48p proposal from KKR.

UK tech starlets fend off private equity suitors

The proposed takeovers of Assura and Ricardo came as two British tech starlets fended off private equity suitors.

US buyout giant Bain Capital abandoned plans to acquire Craneware after the Edinburgh software firm rejected a 940million bid.

And British private equity group ICG ditched its pursuit of data analytics firm GlobalData.

It means the two tech companies will remain listed on the stock market in London  though other suitors may emerge.

Shares in Craneware, which specialises in healthcare financial software for the US market, fell 0.8 per cent, or 15p, to 1990p while GlobalData dipped 10.1p per cent, or 17.5p, to 155p.

Anxiety over Britains status as a tech hub rose this week after US microchip giant Qualcomm swooped on London-listed Alphawave and fintech champion Wise announced plans to shift its main share listing to New York.
Ministers were last night urged to deliver a genuine industrial strategy to reboot the British economy after Rachel Reeves backed research and development, AI and the British Business Bank.

Experts demanded a funded and joined-up long-term vision. Reeves backed an extra 2.2billion for R&D, a 2billion AI action plan and 1.2billion a year for training and apprenticeships.

And she pledged to boost the financial capacity of the British Business Bank, which helps UK firms to access finance, to 25.6billion  a two-thirds increase.

Labour promises a full industrial strategy this summer.

Stephen Phipson, of manufacturers trade association Make UK, said: Industry needs a funded and joined-up long-term vision as a matter of urgency.

'This must include bold measures to address the UKs eye-watering industrial energy costs and skills crisis.

Funding: Chancellor Rachel Reeves has allocated an extra 2.2bn for R&D, 2bn for an AI action plan and 1.2bn a year for training and apprenticeships

Jennifer Townsend, at property firm Knight Frank, said Reeves had shown science, technology and innovation are central to growth ambitions.

Jess Ralston, at the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit, said: Will the Government act to reduce the impact of high gas prices, which UK steel has said is the main driver of disparities with industries in Europe?
Business has been left fearing another tax raid after the Chancellors spending review failed to shrink the bloated state.

Bosses demanded that Rachel Reeves show leadership by tackling public sector waste  as the private sector is having to cut its cloth as Government-imposed costs surge.

Reeves told MPs she would be relentless in driving out efficiencies, claiming billions would be saved through greater productivity and more use of artificial intelligence (AI).

But her announcement did nothing to change the size of the spending envelope set out at the time of her Spring Statement, leaving many fearing the worst in this autumns Budget.

Analysis of official forecasts cited by former Bank of England rate-setter Andrew Sentance shows spending as a proportion of GDP will average 44.6 per cent during Labours parliamentary term.

However Rachel Reeves spins her spending review, this Government is planning the biggest spending review since World War Two, outdoing even Denis Healey [in the 1970s] in spending as a share of GDP, Sentance said.

Tax fears: Bosses demanded Rachel Reeves show leadership by tackling public sector waste - as government-imposed costs on the private sector surge

That profligacy has come at a cost: higher taxes.

Businesses have so far borne the brunt, as the Chancellors 25billion raid on employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) in last autumns Budget left them scrambling to find savings  and, in many cases, cut jobs  as they also grappled with a sharp rise in the minimum wage.

The spending review will not improve that situation. In fact, it has only heightened fears that Reeves will put taxes up again.

That is because a worsening economic picture  partly thanks to Donald Trumps trade war  could take its toll on growth and, therefore, reduce the tax take.

Higher borrowing costs are also making it harder for the Chancellors sums to add up. Reeves insisted that the fiscal rules obliging her to balance the books are non-negotiable  meaning something will have to give.

The Institute of Directors (IoD) voiced hopes that some of the Chancellors efficiency measures could be used to help business.

Anna Leach, chief economist at the IoD, said: We would expect over time for savings to be used to bring down the tax burden from its post-war record.

But the Chancellor made clear that she had no intention of doing so. Instead, she boasted that every single penny [will be] reinvested back in our public services  raising eyebrows in the City given the state of the public finances and long-term projections that they will get even worse over coming decades.

Makes sense when your debt is on a sustainable path, less so when debt [as a proportion of GDP] is heading to 270 per cent and interest costs 105billion/year, said Simon French, chief economist at broker Panmure Liberum. It all added up, experts said, to an inevitable tax raid this autumn.

The frustration for bosses is that while the Chancellor recycles cash around the public sector  part of her plan includes hiring thousands more staff to collect tax  they are having to make tough choices after being battered by her tax raids.

Steve Hare, chief executive of UK software firm Sage, noted in an interview with the BBC that while his clients  small and medium businesses  were trying to drive their own productivity and efficiency, the size of the Civil Service workforce had swollen to more than half a million.

For some firms, efficiencies may not be enough. Michael Turner, chairman of pubs group Fullers, warned: The changes to NICs took everyone by surprise and I fear it could be terminal for a number of smaller operators in our market.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Britains main business lobby group, has warned that the prospect of further tax increases risked further damaging sentiment.

Businesses are labouring under the cumulative burden of rises in NICs and minimum wages, said CBI chief executive Rain Newton-Smith.

She added: With the Autumn Budget now coming sharply into focus, the Chancellor should prioritise squashing tax rumours and speculation that risks stymying confidence and subduing investment decisions.

But others were broadly resigned that more punishment is on the horizon.

Tax rises are now all but inevitable... no matter what measures are taken between now and the Budget, said Alison Ring, the director at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

She added: The Governments sticking plaster strategy remains an obstacle to addressing the deep-set challenges facing the country.
Shares in Britains developers soared after Rachel Reeves put a 39billion affordable housing plan at the heart of her spending review.

The Chancellor said it was the biggest cash injection in affordable and social housing in 50 years but figures showed Labour is on track to miss its target of 1.5m homes by the next election.

Just 39,170 homes won permission in England in the first three months of 2025, the lowest quarterly figure since records began, the Home Builders Federation said. Shares in Bovis owner Vistry, which specialises in affordable housing, rose 6 per cent.

Crest Nicholson and Bellway gained 4.5 per cent and 2.6 per cent respectively. Persimmon was up 1.1 per cent, while Barratt Redrow, Taylor Wimpey and Berkeley Group rose 0.7 per cent.

Alex Slater, at Rightmove, said the cash is a really positive boost. But Emma Humphreys, at law firm Charles Russell Speechlys, said: Given the recent dip, there are serious concerns about an even tighter housing supply.

'Serious change is needed but it is unclear whether the spending will achieve that.
Anthony Albanese is expected to meet US President Donald Trump during the G7 Leaders Summit in Canada, starting in three days time. And boy are there some big issues likely to be on the agenda, starting with the AUKUS agreement.

Australias ambitious plan to enhance its naval capabilities through the AUKUS partnership faces renewed uncertainty as the United States launches a comprehensive review of the agreement.

Assuming their meeting still happens it will be the first face-to-face encounter between the PM and Trump since the US President was elected.

Its only been a matter of months since Trump has been back in charge, and hes already seeking to reassert a combative vision of American power globally. How Albo reacts to Trump when they meet will test the PMs ability to defend national interests without undermining the alliance.

Under the AUKUS pact, Australia is set to acquire between three and five Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the US.

However, questions have arisen about the US industrial bases capacity to produce the subs without compromising its own needs.

The review is being led by Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, a known skeptic of the pact. Its terms of reference include assessing whether the AUKUS agreement aligns with President Trumps America First policy.

Colby has previously questioned the wisdom of transferring critical assets like the Virginia-class submarines to US allies, suggesting it could weaken Americas naval strength.

Donald Trump shocked the Australian defence establishment with his administration announcing a review into the AUKUS submarines project

Anthony Albanese has nothing short of the future of the defence of Australia on his plate when he meets Trump in person - in a meeting expected this weekend

Deputy PM and Defence Minister Richard Marles has attempted to downplay the significance of the review, describing it as a natural step to ensure alignment with US defence priorities.

But it will certainly be on the top of the agenda when Albo and Trump meet. The PM will want to be able to say that he has received assurances that the agreement is iron clad.

The question of defence spending also isn't clear cut. Trumps supporters in the US have floated a 3.5 per cent of GDP benchmark they want Australias defence spending to rise to.

Given that its currently only at 2.4 per cent (including across forward estimates stretching all the way out to 2034), to lift our defence spending in line with US expectations would be fiscally reckless without cuts being made elsewhere.

The Australian budget is already forecast to be in deficit for the coming decade, with gross national debt at the trillion dollar mark.

While some domestic foreign policy hawks are independently pushing for higher defence spending, the figure team Trump wants us to meet is unrealistic for a country that faces no direct military threat and is unlikely to anytime soon.

Equally, social spending pressures are mounting. The recent election campaign included a raft of new spending promises, with recurrent spending on policies such as the NDIS already a strain on the budget. To increase defence spending in that climate is unlikely to be popular.

Besides, Australias commitment to spend $368 billion on the AUKUS submarine program should be more than enough to signal that we take our defence and alliance duties seriously.

Australia has committed to spend $368 billion on the submarine program. You would think that would be enough to signal the country is taking its defence obligations seriously

Another volatile topic expected to come up at Albos meeting with Trump is trade. The US Presidents across-the-board 10 per cent tariff on imports is economic vandalism dressed up as nationalism, and Australia currently isnt exempt. Its a regressive policy that punishes allies and undermines the very order the US once built.

Albanese has been unusually forthright on this issue, condemning the move and seeking exemptions. Whether he can actually secure them is another matter, and depends less on the logic of his arguments than it does on Trumps whims.

If the meeting achieves anything it will be to gauge whether the President is open to pragmatism rather than simply doubling down on his new found protectionism.

Finally, the beef issue is deceptively niche but symbolically important for Australia. For decades, we have maintained biosecurity restrictions on US beef imports, particularly those involving supply chains running through countries with a history of mad cow disease.

Washington wants access to the Australian market but the government is firm in saying no way. Albanese has so far been unequivocal that protecting Australias disease-free status is non-negotiable.

The blunt rejection of US demands for access is all about Australia retaining its access to high-value export markets like Japan and Korea, which is dependent on our gold-standard reputation for safe meat.

In all of these areas of discussion the real test for Albanese when he meets Trump Mark II for the very first time is to show resolve in the face of Trump's tendency to dominate and distract.

Voters wont necessarily remember every talking point, or the finer details of what gets discussed. But they will notice if their Prime Minister looks like he blinked and Trump got the better of him.
A British traveller has shared one of the biggest struggles she's been faced with since moving to Australia that 'no one talks about'.

Alice Carter moved Down Under four months ago, swapping London for Sydney, but has been left fearing she'll be forced to return to the UK after struggling to find a job.

Despite plenty of experience, the former social editor has been unable to land a role in her chosen field due to the restrictions on her Working Holiday Visa.

'It's been such a struggle and no one talks about it,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

UK passport holders between the ages of 18 and 35 qualify for Working Holiday Visas, which allow Brits to live and work Down Under for up to three years.

As of July 2024, Brits no longer have to complete three months of farm work to apply for a second or third visa - but they cannot work for the same employer for more than six months.

Ms Carter said she believed her most recent role as social editor at UK publication The Independent made her an ideal candidate for social marketing and strategy roles in Australia.

But she has found herself in the same position time and time again where prospective employers have 'really liked her', but can't offer her a job because the visa limitations mean they will have to fill the position again in just a few months.

Alice Carter (pictured) moved from London to Sydney four months ago but has struggled to find work due to visa restrictions

Australia's working holiday visa costs a significant $650 and, if travellers apply for a second or third year visa, they are charged $650 on each occasion

While the rule is explained to applicants in the fine print, what isn't explained, according to Ms Carter, is how reluctant companies are towards hiring anyone on a Working Holiday Visa.

Ms Carter said employer after employer has been wary of hiring her as she is unable to commit to a contract of longer than six months.

'I've just got off another interview and she said she really loves me and then she finds out I have my working holiday visa and then she tells me no,' she recalled in a video shared to TikTok.

'That's probably the 12th time that's happened where I've gone through a whole interview or started an interview and they've really liked me and I've really liked them.

'Then they say they can't offer the job due to my visa.'

Ms Carter said she always makes it clear on any job application that she is a Working Holiday applicant

The former social editor, who has worked with brands including Marie Claire UK, Depop and clothing brand TM Lewin, admitted she is considering returning home because she can't find work.

Ms Carter's video was flooded with comments from other Brits who had found themselves in the same situation.

Ms Carter (pictured) has been called into interview for several roles but prospective employers are no longer interested when they realise she is a Working Holiday visa holder

One viewer said the same thing 'is constantly happening to me... starting to think Aus is no longer the dream'.

Ms Carter replied: 'Sorry to hear! I've been here four months and I can't even get hospitality, thinking to have to go home too.'

Another commented: 'Who the hell came up with the name of it like why's it called WORKING holiday if none of us can get any damn work, like???'

'It's a nightmare, I've managed 12 months at a place through a recruitment company and then working for the company itself but I'm now in the job hunting part again, job ends in two weeks and I'm dreading it,' another wrote.

'Just keep applying stay persistent I was the same you'll eventually get one that one employer who will give you a chance,' a third said.

According the the Department of Home Affairs, the rule is intended to 'provide a temporary opportunity to work while exploring and enjoying the country'.

It argues that 'tourism and travel should remain the primary focus of the visa holder's stay' and that work should only be for a 'temporary and secondary income source during a holiday'.

However, as many visitors like Ms Carter are finding out, rather than limiting work to six months, the rule is preventing any work at all, at least in their qualified field.

Ms Carter's (pictured) most recent role was social editor for UK publication The Independent

Brits on Working Holiday visas are not subject to the six month work limitation if they work in plant and animal cultivation, natural disaster recovery, and critical sectors, including agriculture, food processing, health, aged and disability care and childcare, tourism and hospitality, anywhere in Australia.

Certain industries in Northern Australia, including fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, construction and mining, are also exempt.

In certain situations Working Holiday visa holders can ask the government for permission to extend the limitation.

You do not need to ask permission to work with the same employer for more than six months if you work in different locations, including working from home, but work in any one location must not exceed six months.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of Home Affairs for comment.
The sleek interiors of Sydney's new 24-hour international airport have been revealed ahead of the terminal's grand opening next year.

Western Sydney International Airport (WSIA) has been unveiled for the first time following an eight-year building project which included a 3.7km runway.

WSIA will operate on a 24-hour schedule, unlike Kingsford Smith - the city's current airport in Mascot - which closes at 11pm and opens at 6am each day due to noise restrictions.

Planners will now focus on fitting out the shops and airline lounges in the terminal, where international and domestic gates will be under one roof.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese applauded the completion of the terminal's major construction as he fronted reporters on Wednesday.

'When we talk about Building Australia's Future, I think about Western Sydney International Airport,' he said.

'I think about the vision, persistence and cooperation that has led us here to this milestone. I think about the jobs and opportunity that this project has delivered and will deliver for Sydney and for Australia.

'This airport will drive economic growth and turbocharge productivity.'

Major construction on Western Sydney International Airport has been completed

International and domestic gates will be under one roof to streamline travel

Planners will now focus on fitting out the terminal's retail precinct and airline lounges

Sandstone used in the terminal was sourced from a quarry on the Central Coast

The roof of the new terminal is lined with more than 6,000 solar panels to reduce the airport's carbon dioxide footprint.

It also features a rainfall collection system with the collected water to be used in bathrooms, irrigation and cooling towers.

More than 2,000 workers spent nine million man hours building the terminal.

'Since the first sod was turned, nearly half our workforce has hailed from Western Sydney,' WSI CEO Simon Hickey said.

'With around a third learning on the job, the region should be immensely proud of this new terminal as so many workers, businesses, manufacturers and suppliers have literally helped bring it to life. This is their legacy.'

The terminal's ceiling reflects the silhouette of the Blue Mountains

The roof of the new terminal is lined with more than 6,000 solar panels

Mr Hickey said the terminal's design was inspired by the natural beauty.

'People will love spending time in this terminal,' he said.

'They can enjoy the iconic vistas of the surrounding Blue Mountains that are reflected in our stunning feature ceiling and take in the thoughtful design and materials like the extensive use of beautiful sandstone sourced from a quarry on the Central Coast.'

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said it was 'on time and on budget and gearing up to open in 2026'.
Environment activist Greta Thunberg is projecting 'power and authority' by taking control of the narrative when she speaks, a body language expert said today.

Judi James told MailOnline that the campaigner projects the 'image of a heroine' and her confidence on the global stage 'would match or even exceed seasoned leaders'.

The activist was deported by Israel yesterday, a day after the Gaza-bound ship she was on was seized by the Israeli military. She has now returned to Sweden.

Of the 12 activists on board the Madleen, which was carrying food and supplies for Gaza, four including 22-year-old Ms Thunberg agreed to be deported immediately.

Ms Thunberg has now called for the release of the other activists who were detained aboard the Madleen, and described a 'quite chaotic and uncertain' situation.

She also claimed Israel had 'kidnapped' the group in international waters and 'taken them against their will', adding that it was another intentional violation of rights.

Analysing her body language yesterday, Ms James said Ms Thunberg has 'several verbal and visual skills that could make her the poster girl for rebellious teenagers'.

She claimed the activist still looks like a teenager despite her age, and her 'youthful appearance tends to add to the image of a heroine as she appears as a loner'.

Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg talks to journalists as she arrives in Stockholm last night

Ms Thunberg at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport surrounded by journalists and police yesterday

Greta Thunberg talks to journalists upon her arrival in Paris yesterday after she left Israel

Ms James described Ms Thunberg as 'the isolated youth standing against the world of old male leaders and their nations', adding that her delivery is 'primarily political'.

She continued: 'When she speaks she utilises many of the communication devices world leaders use to project power and authority.

Body language expert Judi James said Greta Thunberg is projecting 'power and authority' by taking control of the narrative

'Her confidence levels on the global stage would match or even exceed seasoned leaders like Starmer as she looks firmly welded to her own message and view of what is right.

'Her body language suggests a sense of powerful self-affirmation for her messages. Her conviction looks unassailable. She seems to offer facts not opinions and there is her wry smile that seems to mock anyone who disagrees with her.'

Ms James also noted a 'contrast of superiority and authority coming from the one who looks like the youngest in any room', saying that this created a 'counter-intuitive response in older heads while younger fans will see a path to power and the ability to change the world'.

She continued: 'Her wry smile as she begins to talk gives that impression of superiority, as though she is silently mocking her critics.

'Like any good politician she uses pause and enunciation to pick out certain words she wants to be memorable and have emphasis.

Those on the Madleen put their hands up as they are intercepted by Israeli boats on Monday

'Her brows raise in an expression of authority and when she says more than once 'That is an illegal act' her staccato nod and her small shoulder shrugs help give the impression that she thinks she is on top of all the laws in this critical situation.'

Ms James added that Ms Thunberg 'knows how to take control of the narrative' like most politicians, and she now appears calmer than in previous years when she had become known for 'dramatic emotional displays'.

Her comment that 'That is not the real story' displayed skill in 'redirecting and taking control' during an interview, according to Ms James.

The expert concluded: 'This version of Thunberg could project a contagious type of rebellion via the way her body bristles with defiance.

'Walking along alone in another clip though her body language tended to be more about teenage style stubbornness. Her arms were firmly folded, her lips clamped, and her chin lifted to suggest a refusal to back down or buckle under pressure.'

Speaking upon arrival in Paris en route to her home country of Sweden yesterday, Ms Thunberg called for the release of the other activists who were detained aboard the Madleen.

The conditions they faced during the detention 'are absolutely nothing compared to what people are going through in Palestine and especially Gaza right now,' she said.

Greta Thunberg on the Madleen after the Gaza-bound ship was seized by the Israeli military

The trip was meant to protest against Israeli restrictions on aid to Gaza's population of over two million people after 20 months of war, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the group behind the journey.

'We were well aware of the risks of this mission,' Ms Thunberg said. 'The aim was to get to Gaza and to be able to distribute the aid.' She said the activists would continue trying to get aid to Gaza.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump called Ms Thunberg 'a young angry person' and recommended she take anger management classes.

'I think the world need a lot more young angry women,' Ms Thunberg said yesterday in response.
Next to the Reinland Mennonite Church on the outskirts of Seminole in Texas is a plain grass field surrounded by a chain- link fence that serves as the devout congregations graveyard.

Absolutely no decorations of any kind, reads a notice fixed to the fence, written in English and German.

The Mennonites are, like the Amish, a radical Anabaptist Protestant sect that traces its origins to 17th-century northern Europe. They believe in simplicity and modesty, not to mention a hands-off approach to some of the trappings of the modern world. Including medicine.

This cemetery is certainly modest. There are no flowers, written messages or teddy bears, just plain headstones on a pair of freshly dug graves, even though they belong to two little girls who died in the most tragic circumstances. The fate of these children, aged six and eight, has sent shockwaves across the US because they died of measles, a disease that the authorities announced it had eliminated in 2000.

One of the worlds most contagious viruses, measles is back with a vengeance and now spreading across the US. So far this year there have been 1,168 cases across the country  with more than 740 of those in Texas. In the past month, cases have also soared in the neighbouring state New Mexico as well as Kansas, Virginia and Michigan. Perhaps more seriously, the crisis is spreading beyond the US. Mexico and Canada (which both officially eliminated the disease many years ago) are battling outbreaks that started in their own Mennonite communities.

In the UK, doctors have also expressed growing concern at low child vaccination rates (falling to just 73 per cent in London)  with measles a particular anxiety. Some 109 cases were confirmed in April and 86 in May  most of them in unvaccinated children aged ten years and under.

The deadly measles eruption comes at a terrifying moment for the US as its health is now in the hands of a notorious opponent of vaccines and advocate of quack medicine.

Eight-year-old Daisy Hildebrand, from Seminole in Texas, is the second child in a decade in the US to die from measles - she had not been vaccinated

Robert F Kennedy Jr (better known as RFK Jr) has pledged to Make America Healthy Again by promoting a slew of dubious measures such as drinking raw, unpasteurised milk and has previously promoted wild conspiracy theories about vaccines  including blaming them for autism.

Even as US health secretary, the medically unqualified Kennedy has refused to encourage parents to have their children vaccinated or emphasise that vaccines are safe and effective.

This week, he decided to retire all 17 members of a crucial committee that advises the government on vaccination.

In Texas alone, the majority of measles cases have been unvaccinated children, say officials. The epicentre of the epidemic has been the rural town of Seminole, a 7,000-strong community in Gaines County which is home to thousands of vaccine-sceptic Mennonites.

Kayley Fehr, six, who died in February, became the first person in the US to succumb to measles in a decade. Two months later, Daisy Hildebrand, another Seminole schoolgirl, died aged eight.

Aside from these deaths, there have been more than 90 local hospitalisations with measles.

The US has had occasional outbreaks over the years but they have quickly died out for the simple reason that nearly everyone had been vaccinated. Kayley and Daisy had not, however. Members of their parents Mennonite sect believe that holistic medicine and natural remedies  in the case of measles, cod liver oil and other sources of vitamin A  provide better protection than anything modern science can offer.

And unluckily for the Mennonites  along with millions of other Americans who have rejected vaccines  their sincerely-held but simple-minded beliefs make them fertile ground for anti-vaccine conspiracists.

US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr with Daisy's parents, Peter and Eva Hildebrand, and two of their other children - whom Peter insists will still not be given the measles jab

The latter, as I discovered in Seminole, have been successful in getting their hooks into this isolated community  feeding their suspicion and ignorance, replacing science with pseudo-science.

Measles is a respiratory illness, which spreads by airborne particles that can persist for hours after an infected person has left the room. The virus, whose most obvious manifestation is a livid rash that can spread the length of the body, has a 90 per cent infection rate among unvaccinated people.

While most recover, it can lead to pneumonia and even  thanks to a swelling of the brain  to permanent deafness and mental impairment. There were reports of parents throwing measles parties in Gaines County in January in the belief that, by catching the virus, their children would develop antibodies to pass to their own offspring. But doctors say mass vaccination  which is 97 per cent effective against measles after two doses  made such risky behaviour unnecessary. Herd immunity can be achieved only if 95 per cent of the population is vaccinated, experts warn. Yet in the area around Seminole, the vaccination rate among young children is just 82 per cent.

Even that low figure might be an overestimate as so many Mennonite children dont appear in government data because they are either home-taught or go to unaccredited private church schools.

In Texas, some 118,000 kindergarten children have been granted vaccine exemptions by the state for religious or personal reasons. In Gaines County, an astonishing 18 per cent of children have been exempted, while in one school almost half of kindergarten children arent vaccinated for MMR.

Experts have no doubt more children will die. So why have so many wanted to avoid inoculation for their children?

Vaccine scepticism has been spreading since the 1998 publication in The Lancet of claims by British doctor Andrew Wakefield linking the commonly-used measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine with child autism.

That research was later exposed as erroneous and Wakefield as a fraudster  he was struck off the medical register in 2010  but he spawned a worldwide movement that has proved resilient in conspiracy theory-prone America. The pandemic and all the controversy over Covid-19 vaccines bolstered the ranks of sceptics.

Visiting Seminole in April to comfort parents, RFK Jr said vaccines were the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles, but then said the decision to vaccinate is a personal one. He also claimed that natural remedies such as cod liver oil and other sources of vitamin A were working in treating measles.

Despite ads like these, Seminole has become the epicentre of the US epidemic, as thousands of Mennonite locals believe natural remedies provide better protection

Defiant Seminole resident Aaron Friessen was one of many Mennonites who told Tom Leonard that people should be able to do their own thing when it comes to vaccination

Doctors insist theres no evidence to support this, while a hospital in Lubbock, 81 miles from Seminole, says it is now treating children who have measles and a form of vitamin A toxicity  because theyve been given harmfully large amounts of it.

Although Texas is particularly prone to measles outbreaks because it is one of the 13 states to grant vaccine exemptions experts say measles is spreading further because the US has for years endured low and stagnant funding of public health.

Now stringent cuts to federal spending by the Trump administration have taken billions of dollars away from immunisation programmes for various diseases The serious situation in Seminole is a microcosm of the country-wide battle between medical experts  who insist that vaccination is a crucial tool in protecting public health  and anti-vaxxers, who argue that the jabs are more harmful than the diseases theyre supposed to prevent.

Texan doctors have said that, just like the parents of the two dead girls, vaccine sceptics are waiting until their children are severely ill with measles before taking them to hospital.

The medics who treated Daisy say she had no underlying health conditions but had died of measles pulmonary failure, meaning her lungs were shutting down.

In a rare interview, however, Peter Hildebrand, a 29-year-old lorry driver and Daisys father, disputed this. He told me he was convinced that his daughter did not in fact die from measles and that, even now, he would never have his remaining two children vaccinated. They never tested her for the right stuff, he said of Daisy. When they finally did test her, the results came in the day she died and it was too late.

He wouldnt elaborate on what he meant by the right stuff although he has previously said she should have been treated with budesonide, a steroid prescribed for asthma (vaccine sceptics promote it for treating measles but experts say it doesnt work).

Hildebrand claimed his brothers children fell ill when they got their jabs. He also said that, when his sister allowed her son to be vaccinated, the boys hormones got completely out of whack.

Polly Tommey, a British mother of an autistic child, has been one of disgraced Andrew Wakefields most loyal supporters

He told me that Daisy had contracted measles a week and a half before she died but that the infection had already cleared up. Health officials dispute all aspects of his account but say patient confidentiality rules bar them from saying more.

As for vaccines, Hildebrand said: Theres too much crap  people get sick from them. Measles, he said, dont kill people, these foolish doctors kill people. They were the reason why Daisy had to go to heaven so early.

Hildebrand and the parents of the other dead girl, Peter and Eva Fehr  who also blame medical incompetence and insist their daughter didnt die of measles  agreed to speak at length to a controversial anti-vaccine organisation called Childrens Health Defense (CHD), which was set up by RFK Jr in 2018. According to CHD, Kayley Fehr died because doctors didnt give the correct antibiotic for pneumonia, although health officials deny this.

The parents were interviewed by the head of CHDs programme-making arm Polly Tommey, a British mother of an autistic child who has been one of the disgraced Wakefields most loyal supporters. When I interviewed her in 2019, Tommey assured me that Wakefield, who moved to the US in 2001, was no longer regarded as the spiritual leader of the anti- vaxxers but had been replaced by RFK Jr.

Yet Wakefield has been back in the spotlight. In April, he appeared on the podcast of Texan doctor and fellow vaccine critic Ben Edwards, who has described mass infection as Gods version of measles immunisation.

A Christian physician who gave medical advice to the parents of the dead Seminole children before they went to hospital, Edwards has been accused of fuelling the new measles crisis by handing out free supplies of cod liver oil and other remedies for measles at a clinic he set up in the town.

Edwards, who described medicine as educated guessing, told Wakefield he was so honoured to have him on his show.

Wakefield  whose bizarre second act in the US has included a romantic relationship with Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson  claimed that more than half of the worlds adult population dont believe vaccines are safe and that people no longer trust public health... they want something different and fortunately in the form of Bobby Kennedy theyve now got something different.

He told Edwards to keep up the good work youre doing in west Texas. According to Edwards: These Mennonite parents are highly educated. They went and did their research... theyre not dumb, theyre not backward.

A one year-old gets his MMR vaccine at a clinic in Lubbock, Texas - a state where 118,000 kindergarten children have been granted vaccine exemptions on religious or personal grounds

As well as being potentially fatal, measles, which commonly results in an all-over rash (pictured), can cause permanent deafness and mental impairment

Doctors now suspect that Seminoles measles outbreak began after local Mennonites returned from an international church gathering in the Canadian province of New Brunswick last year.

Church leaders, meanwhile, complain that, just like their ancestors who fled religious persecution in Europe centuries ago, they are now being scapegoated.

Mennonites around Seminole  who retain their ancestors Germanic accents despite having never lived in Europe  were at best lukewarm about vaccines and at worst openly hostile.

Aaron Friessen was one of many Mennonites who told me people should be able to do their own thing when it came to vaccination, oblivious to the consequences for them and others.

Pausing from repairing an old tractor behind the church where the two girls funerals were held, the 48-year-old mechanic said: A lot of us didnt want to get vaccinated for Covid  the officials kept on pushing it so hard.

He and other church members made it clear Mennonites dont like being told what to do by the authorities. They were, he admitted, sceptical about modern medicine although when the scary part comes, theyll still go to hospital.

Nancy Ginter, the Mennonite owner of a health food store that has done a roaring trade in cod liver oil, has ten children. She only had the first six vaccinated because, later, I did my own research and I found out what they were made of. She didnt exactly say what she believed went into vaccines but another Mennonite mother, who only gave her name as Anna, provided an answer: Aborted foetal cells.

Even after the deaths of two local children, its clear the message about vaccines isnt getting through in Seminole, where a billboard hangs over the main street advertising free vaccinations six days a week. Emergency clinics established here and in Lubbock report theyre hardly being used.

Perhaps the greatest tragedy about this new measles epidemic is that it was entirely preventable, say health experts.

Its an assertion that seems lost on bereaved father Peter Hildebrand, who continues to flail around in his anguish, looking for someone else to blame for his daughters death.
There aren't many places where you can live steps away from the beach, while staying moments from the hustle and bustle of city life.

But, a beach-front property in Maine gives buyers the best of both worlds.

The compound, which was listed on June 2, sits on half an acre of land just off of Willard Beach in South Portland. It consists of two homes; a main five-bedroom estate and a three-bedroom guest house, with five bathrooms across the entire property.

The price tag for the over 4,300 square feet comes in at just under $5 million.

Most beachfront properties of this size, especially in Maine, would be isolated on an island or secluded in a coastal town. Instead, new homeowners could enjoy nature trails, beaches, marina and local shopping, dining and nightlife right outside of their front door.

Listing agent Anne Ross-Murray called it a 'one-of-a-kind opportunity on the Maine coast.'

According to the listing on Ross-Murray's website, the main home was newly remodeled in 2022 and offers views of the beach and nearby Casco Bay.

It was 'designed to capture the beauty of the ocean from nearly every angle.'

Amenities include a heated two-car garage, expansive yard, wrap-around deck and patio, and whole-house generator.

The compound, which listed on June 2, sits on half an acre of land just off of Willard Beach in South Portland

Most beachfront properties of this size, especially in Maine, would be isolated on an island or secluded in a coastal town

It consists of two homes; a main five-bedroom estate and a three-bedroom guest house (pictured)

It was 'designed to capture the beauty of the ocean from nearly every angle'

The hybrid location is perfect for anyone 'seeking a peaceful seaside residence or a property with exceptional potential,' wrote Ross-Murray.

Former Southern Maine Community College President Wayne Ross, Ross-Murray's father, lived in the house for over 20 years. He bought the guest house in 2000 and retired from his position in 2002. Ross died in 2016.

His daughter lived on the property following her father's death. But now she's chosen to sell it and downsize.

She told Bangor Daily News: 'He loved the property.

'He'd sit out front, and when people walked by hed ask them to come in. It was his pride and joy.'

She said he also enjoyed being close to the four-acre, city-owned Willard Beach and threw the annual beach party for many years.

The hybrid location is perfect for anyone 'seeking a peaceful seaside residence or a property with exceptional potential'

Former Southern Maine Community College President Wayne Ross (pictured) lived in the house for over 20 years

Amenities include a heated two-car garage, expansive yard, wrap-around deck and patio, and whole-house generator

While the price tag is a hefty one, especially for the area, Ross-Murray was confident it reflected the rare location. She told local outlets that when searching for a comparable property, she and her associates came back empty-handed.

According to Redfin, the median price of a home in South Portland is $637,500. Though it's the highest it's been in the last five years, a $5 million listing is still an anomaly.

The next closest listing is a 2,060 square foot home that's asking for half the price.

But to Ross-Murray no other South Portland can compare to the location, amenities, and legacy of her family compound.
Double murderer Alex Murdaugh's only surviving son is bitter and struggling to escape the stain of his killer father's legacy, the Daily Mail can reveal.

Four years after his mother Maggie, 52, and brother Paul, 22, were shot and killed by the disgraced legal scion, the 32-year-old still hasn't adapted to his bleak new reality.

Buster Murdaugh grew up as a member of one of South Carolina's most distinguished families but the gruesome slayings carried out by his father and the publicity of the trial that followed have left him without many career opportunities.

A source close to him has told the Daily Mail that, though he believes his father to be innocent of the murders, Buster is 'really angry' at the sweeping financial crimes that Murdaugh was subsequently convicted of.

'He's living his life but he doesn't really have too much going on,' a member of his inner circle said.

'He's pretty directionless, but he's figuring it out.'

Buster and his family found themselves in the middle of a media firestorm in June 2021 when the elder Murdaugh, a high-profile attorney in South Carolina's Low Country, called 911 to report that he had found the bodies of his wife and son on their sprawling Moselle estate in rural Colleton County.

Alex Murdaugh's (far right) only surviving son, Buster, has settled down with his wife Brooklynn and their dogs, an hour away from the South Carolina estate where his mother and brother were gunned down

Alex Murdaugh's (far right) is behind bars for murdering wife Maggie and son Paul (together middle)

Police arrived to find Maggie and Paul shot dead. Investigators determined that two firearms had been used. Although Murdaugh initially denied involvement, officers soon began to unravel a web of financial mismanagement, embezzlement, fraud and drug abuse.

Three months later, Murdaugh - while under suspension for the alleged murders - was shot in the head as he changed a tire on his black Mercedes-Benz SUV.

Authorities soon alleged that he had arranged the shooting himself by hiring distant relative Curtis Edward Smith in a failed suicide-for-hire plot so that Buster could receive a $10 million life insurance payout.

'That was a really stressful time for Buster,' the source said. 'He felt like things went from s*** to s***tier. And they keep getting worse.'

The ensuing scandal ended one of South Carolina's most dominant family dynasties. A member of the Murdaugh family had served as solicitor of the 14th Judicial Circuit for 86 years, and most family members were prominent attorneys and judges.

Murdaugh was ultimately charged with more than 90 financial crimes, ranging from embezzlement to money laundering - and two counts of murder.

In March 2023, he was convicted after a highly publicized trial to two consecutive life terms without possibility of parole for killing his wife and son by the dog kennels of the family's hunting lodge in Islandton.

He was also sentenced in federal court in April 2024 to 40 years for financial crimes involving millions stolen from clients and colleagues - a sentence that was to run concurrently with his state prison terms.

He is being held in protective custody at McCormick Correctional Institution, a maximum security prison where it's likely that he will die. He continues to deny responsibility for the murders.

Buster Murdaugh and Brooklynn White arriving at Colleton County Court in South Carolina for Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial in February 2023. The couple are now married

Buster is 'really angry' at the sweeping financial crimes that his father Alex was subsequently convicted of

The deaths have spawned multiple documentaries and a motion picture film is in production, with actor Jason Clarke playing Murdaugh.

Buster has been trying to get back on his feet with his former long-term girlfriend and now new wife Brooklynn White, an attorney, after he dropped out of law school. The couple moved into a modest three-bedroom home in Bluffton, an hour away from the South Carolina low country estate where Buster was raised.

The fallout in the two years since what local media called the 'trial of the century' has taken its toll on Buster, who is frequently confronted by angry members of the public whenever he goes near his hometown.

'You don't run into any of these people in public,' Buster once told his father on a jailhouse phone call.

'But I get stopped and yelled at all the time. I got cussed at in the gas station the other day.'

Still, Buster stands by his father, insisting that he would never have murdered his wife and son.

In March 2023, Murdaugh was convicted after a highly publicized trial to two consecutive life terms without possibility of parole for killing his wife and son by the dog kennels of the family's hunting lodge in Islandton

Buster Murdaugh sat through the entire trial and did not react when his father was found guilty in 2023. He rarely speaks to his father. When they do, the calls are always short and initiated by the elder Murdaugh, now 57, from behind bars

In his first and only interview since the murder trial, Buster told the Fox Nation documentary The Fall of the House of Murdaugh: 'I do not think that he could be affiliated with endangering my mother and brother.

'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.'

Despite this, the two rarely speak. When they do, the calls are always short and initiated by the elder Murdaugh, now 57, from behind bars.

'I don't think he's got a lot to say to his dad at the moment,' the source added. 'I mean, what's there to talk about'.
A Polish nursery worker who allegedly abused 24 toddlers claims she was sleep deprived from smoking cannabis and staying up late with her boyfriend and would get 'moody' and 'fed up' if she couldn't vape at work, a court heard.

Roksana Lecka is accused of 'badly harming' 23 of the infants, all aged 18 months to two years, at a 1,900-a-month Montessori nursery in Twickenham, south-west London.

The 22-year-old denies 16 counts of child cruelty, but has admitted seven similar offences, while working at the Riverside Nursery between January 31 and June 28 last year.

She is charged with a 24th count of child cruelty in October 2023, at the Little Munchkins Montessori Nursery in Hounslow, west London, which she also denies.

Lecka, who is from Poland but moved to the UK with her parents when she was younger, is accused of leaving 'bruises' on the children by using 'significant force' when pinching, slapping and grabbing them.

Among the children she has pleaded guilty to abusing is a young boy who she repeatedly pinched before kicking in the face and another girl who she punched in the side, causing her to jolt.

Detectives have trawled through approximately 400 hours of CCTV since launching an investigation on June 28 last year after concerned colleagues witnessed Lecka's alleged cruelty and sounded the alarm.

The prosecution has shown the jury CCTV of the children 'writhing' around in pain after the alleged abuse, leaving family members gasping in shock from the public gallery during the trial.

Roksana Lecka is accused of 'badly harming' 23 of the infants, all aged 18 months to two years, at a 1,900-a-month Montessori nursery in Twickenham, south-west London

Lecka, who is from Poland but moved to the UK with her parents when she was younger, admitted she was hooked on vapes and would get 'fed up' and 'agitated' at work. Lecka is pictured with a disposable vape

Lecka, wearing a black jacket over a black t-shirt with dark pin-stripe trousers, appeared in the dock at Kingston Crown Court on Wednesday, supported by her mother in court as the trial draws to a close.

The jury was reminded of the evidence she and her defence have given, including that she was 'worn out', had 'bad period pains' and was not her 'normal bubbly self' in the week leading up to June 28.

Lecka has admitted she was hooked on cannabis and vapes and was staying up until 3am with her boyfriend.

'I was addicted to smoking weed and I was addicted to him,' she told jurors.

Ms Lecka said when she got the job at Riverside in January 2024 she would 'smoke cannabis quite regularly with my boyfriend'.

She added: 'At that time I was really addicted to vapes, I would smoke two little crystal disposables a day. I was vaping in nursery. Because if I did not smoke I would get agitated and fed up. I couldn't keep asking to go to the toilet. Any opportunity I would take. I would be really moody and fed up.

'It would be a couple of puffs and then I'd put it away I would put it in my bra.'

In one alleged incident, Lecka is accused of leaving a baby in tears after 'smacking' her in the face twice while vaping.

But she claimed: 'I had two to three tokes, that would be my normal amount. I did not smack her. I put my arm around her really quickly. I do not accept smacking her in the face. I think she's distressed and tearful because she's just woken up from a nap.'

The 22-year-old denies 16 counts of child cruelty, but has admitted seven similar offences, while working at the Riverside Nursery (pictured) between January 31 and June 28 last year

She is charged with a 24th count of child cruelty in October 2023, at the Little Munchkins Montessori Nursery in Hounslow, west London (pictured) which she also denies

In her closing speech, prosecutor Tracy Ayling KC told jurors 'taking cannabis and not being able to vape making her grumpy' were 'excuses' made by Lecka.

'If she was tired, grumpy and feeling put upon by others, is what we see her taking it out on children by hurting them?'

The prosecutor said Lecka was in 'complete denial' and questioned the defence's arguments of her working long hours, often each worker looking after multiple children each.

'Because it was busy doesn't give you carte blanche to assault or ill-treat anyone,' Ms Ayling said.

Lecka has also claimed, when cross-examined, that she does not have memory of many of the incidents, which she partially puts down to her cannabis consumption.

Ms Ayling told jurors: 'We submit that it's not about memory, it's not about what Ms Lecka does or does not remember.

'What it is about is what you can see on CCTV and - on count 24 - what the document and evidence shows you.

'Using that CCTV and evidence, it's about what you can infer the defendants' intentions were. If you do that, say the prosecution, you can be sure from those counts outstanding in the indictment that she is guilty as charged.'

Among the children she has pleaded guilty to abusing is a young boy who she repeatedly pinched before kicking in the face and another girl who she punched in the side, causing her to jolt

Speaking about the weeks leading up to June 28, Lecka said: 'I remember being so tired because I wasn't getting sleep. I was addicted to him [my boyfriend], I was over prioritising him.'

She also admitted by this point, she had long acrylic nails that were really 'outgrown', which the defence admitted is not something a nursery worker would want around 'multiple children in a frantic environment'.

Lecka initially pleaded guilty to two charges of child cruelty, but later admitted to harming five other children.

The Crown's case centres around whether Lecka 'wilfully assaulted and or ill-treated the children in a manner likely to cause the child unnecessary suffering or injury to health'.

The jury must deliver verdicts on 17 counts, including children she allegedly left red marks and bruises on by pinching them.

Lecka is accused of the 'rough treatment' of children, including 'pinching', 'slapping' and 'hair pulling' which left the infants 'writhing' around in pain and crying.

Her defence claim the prosecution are trying to paint the picture of a defendant who is 'rotten to the core'.

Speaking about her 'teenage love affair' with her boyfriend, defence lawyer Ms Arlette Piercy said: 'There were times when she could simply not cope - she had not slept enough, she had been burning the candle at both ends, she was under too much pressure and she cracked.

'That you may think is the picture here, rather than the prosecution seeks to make of a young woman in a sense rotten to the core, who set out on a sad sustained campaign of abuse.

Detectives have trawled through approximately 400 hours of CCTV since launching an investigation on June 28 last year, when concerned colleagues witnessed Lecka's alleged cruelty and sounded the alarm

'The defence assertion is one of overreach. Where she crossed the line she has pleaded guilty and has shown genuine remorse, she is not trying to walk around her position at all.

'It was also said the explanation of her lifestyle was some sort of excuse. It is not - we do not suggest it.

'It goes some way to explaining it, we say. Even those in the nursery could see that she was not herself in the week leading to June 28. She was worn out, had bad period pains, was short of energy, she was not her normally bubbly self.

'This is not an exercise in setting up excuses, it is explanations why she accepted on some occasions she crossed the line.'

When giving evidence, Lecka repeatedly insisted that it was not her 'intention to cause or inflict pain' and that she did not accept 'inappropriate behaviour or rough handling'.

But Ms Ayling, for the prosecution, said: 'It is clear her actions are deliberate or at the very last careless, but on most occasions we say deliberate.

'There are, of course, some clips where Ms Lecka - as we put it - keeps going back for more.'

Ms Ayling told jurors it was down to them to decide if the alleged assaults are 'pinches' - or 'innocuous or innocent squeezes' which the defendant claims.

The trial has heard that Lecka was working as an agency worker at Little Munchkins on October 19 2023 when the first incident of alleged child cruelty took place.

The prosecution has shown the jury CCTV of the children 'writhing' around in pain after the alleged abuse, leaving family members gasping in shock from the public gallery during the trial

At around 3.45pm, a baby room leader went to change a child's nappies and claims she heard Lecka tell another infant: 'You are so annoying.'

The colleague claims she then heard the baby 'screaming' and 'crying' but Lecka claimed she didn't know what had happened when she was confronted.

While consoling the child, the staff member claims Lecka picked the baby up and started 'feeling her thigh with her thumb'. When the staff member checked the baby, they found a 'big red lumpy patch on her upper thigh' and described it as a 'pinch mark'.

The staff member then alerted her boss to the incident and asked for him to check the CCTV.

Describing Lecka's behaviour, she said: 'She was sweating and drinking lots of water. I said "Don't worry we can check the camera". She was walking around the room, fanning herself and drinking water.'

The court was told the CCTV wasn't working that day and when she saw it a week later, the view of Lecka and the child was blocked by a bookcase.

The staff member told the court: 'The managers told me they told the local authority but I don't know if they did. I don't think the nursery took action.

'After a week, Roksana was back at the nursery. They were not happy with me using the word pinching,' she said. 'They said I used the wrong word, pinching. I felt they did not deal with the situation right.'

The staff member reported Lecka to the police when she found about the other allegations she was facing at her new job at Riverside Nursery, which she joined in January 2024.

Summing up on Wednesday, the judge reminded jurors of the alleged child cruelty against the 17 children Lecka has denied wilfully harming.

Jurors heard from former colleagues of Lecka as well as from Dr Stephen Rose, a consultant paediatrician whom was the crown's expert witness.

He had studied the CCTV clips and photographs taken by parents on both days where there is footage and days where there is not.

When asked for his expert opinion on a child who Lecka allegedly pulled out a crib and pinched and grabbed him, Dr Rose said the 'purple discolouration would be consistent with a pinch mark.'

He said: 'It would be difficult to think of a different mechanism. In order to cause bruising there must be damage, rupture to the capillaries, there must be force, the force would be provided by fingers in a pinch.

Dr Rose said it was a 'non accidental injury' and that a bruise caused by pinching a toddler would be 'painful because significant force is required to rupture capillaries.'

Ms Ayling said: 'We suggest on any occasion you find there is bruising that evidence applies. Significant force is required to rupture capillaries and it is that rupture that caused the bruise.

She added: 'Given the fact the defendant had to be using significant force to cause bruising where she did, that she would have seen the children's obvious distress when she assaulted them or ill treated them, yet carried on, it would be obvious that unnecessary suffering was likely to result each and every time she acted in same way.

'Or she may not have cared either way whether it resulted in suffering.'

The defence said there were no safeguarding concerns about Ms Lecka before June 28.

The head teacher at Riverside told the court how she brought Lecka pink roses to say how well she was doing in late May or early June.

But the prosecution say the 'punching' incident on June 28, plus the 'bad treatment' of other children that day, 'gave staff grave cause for concern'.

The head teacher reported the matter to the local authority, and the police attended on July 3 and began trawling through the CCTV.

In closing arguments, Ms Piercy said there were 400 hours of CCTV which a 'small army of officers painstakingly reviewed from every angle.'

'Every step she took, every child she picked up, every nappy she changed', she added.

Ms Piercy added: 'In our society, there is particular venom reserved to those who anyway mistreat the youngest and most vulnerable of our community.'

'Roksana has pleaded guilty to a number of offences which fall into that', she said, adding jurors 'will not like what she admitted to doing' and that it will have 'discoloured' her character.

'You are not here to like Roksana Lecka, you are here to judge her fairly on the evidence and in accordance with your oaths,' she said.

Jurors were told most of the alleged incidents took place in the 'baby room' at Riverside Nursery, while some occurred in the 'baby sleep room' where infants lie in cots.

The nursery follows the Montessori method of teaching, involving children's 'natural interests' instead of formal practices.

The trial continues.
He's in the fight of his life in a Manhattan courtroom - and Sean Diddy Combs is pulling out all the stops to win back his freedom.

The music mogul, on trial for racketeering and sexual trafficking, remains hopeful he will be acquitted at the end of the long drawn out criminal blockbuster.

His defense strategy has impressed legal analysts - his lawyers have argued that while he may be a monster, sex addict and drug addled fiend, he's not guilty of the crimes the jury has been asked to consider.

But their arguments aren't the only way Diddy is subtly trying to curry favor.

From his wardrobe to his courtroom props and even interactions with witnesses and jurors, the 55-year-old is leaving nothing off the table when it comes to fighting for his freedom.

As the trial's fifth, long week draws to a close, here's a look at how he's tried to sway the case so far.

Diddy, 55, has gone through a make-over after his arrest. He is no longer sporting his preferred designer suits and his hair has gone mostly white. He is seen at the Grammy's in 2020

The 'Nerd Defense'

The 'nerd defense' is based on the idea that dressing defendants in glasses has a subliminal effect on the jury, because they see them as being less likely to engage in criminal activity.

Reading glasses in particular are associated with intelligence and a lack of physical strength.

The term was actually coined by Harvey Slovis, who represented Diddy during his 1999 trial for gun possession.

Diddy's hair and famous goatee are now nearly all white and he has been sporting neutral toned sweaters during his trial

The 'nerd defense' is based on the idea that dressing defendants in glasses (pictured)

It appears it's a strategy they've adopted again.

Meanwhile, Diddy is reportedly reading about self-help as he awaits his fate in a Manhattan federal courthouse

Indeed, the rapper has shown up to court in shirts and sweaters - a preppy alternative to his hip hop days, when he was known to wear elaborate suits with capes.

Diddy's hair and famous goatee are also now nearly all white, as the mogul no longer has access to the Just For Men hair dye that was found in his Miami mansion when it was raided last year.

Self-Help Props

In addition to his wardrobe, the mogul's been seen with a handful of courtroom props.

He brought a bible into the courtroom early in the trial, and has since been spotted carrying a copy of 'The Magic of Believing'

He was toting the 1948 book by Claude M. Bristol on Tuesday.

The book was created to help soldiers returning from the Second World War process their trauma and describes itself as an exploration of 'the secrets behind harnessing the unlimited energies of the subconscious.'

Diddy brought a bible into the courtroom early in the trial

Family Matters

Diddy has long built a public image as a family man who deeply cares for his six children.

And the trial has been no different. His oldest children were all present for opening statements, despite the gory and grim nature of what was described.

His 85-year-old mother Janice has also been a constant presence, posing for court sketch artists and sporting loud outfits as she makes her way into court every day.

The rapper's mother, Janice Combs, 85, has been present at the trial every day

Diddy's daughters Jessie, Chance and, D'Lila Star Combs, were also present at the start of the trial

Flirting with the jury

Rather than shy away from the jury or public gallery, Diddy has been quite the showman.

He's been seen hugging his lawyers routinely and, at times, turning around to ask spectators how they're doing as they take in the day's events.

But his cavalier attitude has backfired at times.

Judge Arun Subramanian has ordered him to stop making eye-contact with the jury after a series of says in which he nodded 'vigorously' in their direction while a witness testified.

He also grinned during the testimony of a former girlfriend turned accuser, Jane, as she spoke of their good times and intimacy.

He's been seen hugging his lawyers routinely and, at times, turning around to ask spectators how they're doing as they take in the day's events

The grand finale... taking the stand?

Diddy's lawyers haven't yet confirmed whether he will take the stand.

Legal experts and celebrity pundits differ in their views of whether it will make or break his case.

The rapper has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could put him in prison for life.

For all the latest on the case everyone is talking about - search for The Trial of Diddy, available wherever you get your podcasts now.
A former teacher notorious for raping her 13 year-old student behind bars has landed a new education job behind bars... as an aerobics teacher.

Brittany Zamora, 33, who taught sixth-grade at Las Brisas Academy in Arizona, was arrested in March 2018 after her pupil's parents discovered the torrid affair.

She was sentenced to two decades behind bars in 2019 after admitting to have sex with her 13-year-old student on multiple occasions.

Zamora, now nearly six years into her sentence, is instructing others once again, but this time as a prison aerobics instructor, inmate records reveal.

She was placed in the work assignment in April, just months after she completed prison courses on self control, social values and family ties.

The lockup where she is being held is for adults only, so there is no chance of Zamora coming into contact with children.

Zamora told police when at the time of her arrested that she was nervous she would not survive behind bars because she was 'little'.

But the convicted pervert appears to be doing just fine at the Perryville prison and was pictured smiling widely in her most recent mugshot.

Her trademark blonde locks have long since grown out and been replaced by Zamora's natural brown hair color.

She was initially supported by her husband Daniel, but filed for divorce in 2020 - nearly one year after she pled guilty and was sentenced - stating their marriage was 'irretrievably broken'.

Brittany Zamora, 33, now nearly six years into her 20-year prison sentence, is instructing others once again, but this time as a prison aerobics instructor, inmate records reveal

Zamora was initially supported by her husband Daniel, but filed for divorce in 2020 - nearly one year after she pled guilty and was sentenced - stating their marriage was 'irretrievably broken'

Zamora, who taught sixth-grade at Las Brisas Academy, was arrested in March 2018.

She was accused of having sex with her student multiple times in a classroom and, on one occasion, in front of another student while he served as a lookout.

The affair unraveled after the victim's parents, noticing his strange behaviors, installed an app on his phone called Sentry Parental Control, which monitors messaging apps for 'suspicious content or behavior'.

The Sentry app sends parents alerts when it detects suspicious images and messages on a child's device.

It also detects whether or not a child is exposed to inappropriate online content through its web monitoring feature.

When the teen's parents started getting the alerts about inappropriate text messages, they confronted him and he admitted to having sex with his teacher.

The affair began after Zamora invited her students to contact her on an app called Class Craft while she was out of school.

Her messages with the victim quickly turned romantic and the pair started having sex, prosecutors said.

District attorneys said the pair once even touched each other sexually while other students in the class watched a video.

Zamora told police when at the time of her arrested that she was nervous she would not survive behind bars because she was 'little'. But the convicted pervert appears to be doing just fine at the Perryville prison and even displayed a dramatic new look in her latest mugshot

Brittany Zamora wipes away a tear as her attorney, Belen Olmedo Guerra, pats her shoulder during her sentencing on July 12, 2019

The pair exchanged inappropriate messaged and explicit photographs including images of Zamora naked in lingerie.

The boy also gave her love notes on brightly colored post-its which contained messages including 'you are sexy', according to police.

On two occasions, she drove to his grandparents' home to have sex with him in her car while her husband was fishing.

She and the boy performed oral sex on each other before her husband phoned to tell her he would be home soon, according to the records.

For many of their illicit interactions, an 11-year-old friend of the victim would act as a 'look out' to make sure nobody spotted the former teacher and student together.

The child told authorities that Zamora even threatened him and the victim that if they ever told anyone what was happening, they would get 'in deep trouble.

It was previously reported that three students at the school also complained to administrators about Zamora favoring the 13-year-old.

Some of the students went so far as to say that she was 'dating' or 'in a relationship' with the teen.

At the time, the school district interim superintendent, Richard Rundhaug, said that they investigated the allegations, but found no evidence of a romantic relationship.

The victim gave Zamora love notes (pictured) on brightly colored post-its which contained messages including 'you are sexy', according to police

Pictured above are some of the text messages exchanged between the teenage boy and Zamora

This is the Las Brisas Academy Elementary classroom where teacher Brittany Zamora is accused of engaging in sexual misconduct with a 13-year-old student

Zamora told police when she was arrested that she was nervous she would not survive behind bars.

'I'm little. They're gonna tear me apart,' she said, while asking for an attorney.

She ultimately pleaded guilty and was sentenced for sexual conduct with a minor, public sexual indecency and molestation of a child.

At her sentencing, Zamora insisted she had simply made a mistake and is a good person at heart.

But her plea fell on deaf ears, with Zamora sentenced to 20 years behind bars, meaning she'll likely have lost her good looks by the time she is freed.
President Donald Trump entered the Kennedy Center Wednesday night with first lady Melania Trump at his side and struck a defiant tone when asked about cast members from Les Miserables boycotting his appearance.

'I couldn't care less. Honestly, I couldn't,' said Trump. 'All I do is run the country well.'

There were reports ahead of Wednesday night's opener that the Trumps, along with Vice President J.D. Vance and wife Usha, would see the storied musical performed by some understudies.

A source close to interim Kennedy Center executive director Richard Grenell pushed back on that reporting to the Daily Mail: 'It was a fake news from CNN from the beginning - all anonymous sources.'

There had also been threats that drag queens could interrupt and heckle the president during the performance. Several drag queens were gathered a block away from the Kennedy Center as the presidential motorcade drove by.

When the Trumps did enter the theater, there were cheers and applause and a USA chant - and also some boos.

The president took over the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in February in an unprecedented way.

Just 19 days into his second term, Trump announced that he would be firing the board of the Kennedy Center - named for the late Democratic president - and naming himself chairman.

President Donald Trump (left) walking the red carpet with first lady Melania Trump (right) at the Kennedy Center Wednesday night. He struck a defiant tone when asked about some of Les Miserables' cast member boycotting his appearance

President Donald Trump (left) walking the red carpet with first lady Melania Trump (right) at the Kennedy Center Wednesday night for the opening night performance of Les Miserables

Trump ally, GOP Rep. Jim Jordan (center right) and his wife Polly (right) walk past drag queens (from left) Tara Hoot, Ricky Rosa, Vagenesis and Maria Con Carne who were gathered outside the Kennedy Center as President Donald Trump's motorcade rolled by

Since then, he's made Richard Grenell, who served as the acting Director of National Intelligence during Trump's first term, interim Kennedy Center executive director. Grenell also serves as a envoy for special missions.

Trump applauded Grenell's tenure thus far - with the 20252026 season heavily featuring musicals including Les Miserables, Chicago, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Mrs. Doubtfire, Monty Python's Spamalot and Back to the Future: The Musical.

A number of artists and celebrities who had been associated with the Kennedy Center cut ties, including singer and piano player Ben Folds, Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes and Insecure star Issa Rae.

A number of LGBTQ programs were moved away from the Kennedy Center, including events associated with this month's WorldPride.

Additionally a performance by the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington D.C. for Pride Month was cancelled by the Kennedy Center.

The children's musical Finn, which deals with LGBTQ themes, was also nixed.

Those changes prompted a handful of drag queens to protest Wednesday night - earning applause as they settled into their seats inside the theater.

Drag queen Tara Hoot posted a picture from within the Kennedy Center auditorium, noting that she and other drag artists had received applause when they entered

Melania Trump (right) poses alongside her husband President Donald Trump (left) on the red carpet. The president said the first theater production he want to see was 'Cats' while the first lady said hers was 'Phantom of the Opera'

First lady Melania Trump wore a pair of shoes featuring mixed metallics along with a black gown to the opening night of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Second lady Usha Vance (left) and her husband, Vice President J.D. Vance (right) arrive at the Kennedy Center Wednesday night for the opener of Les Miserables

Actress Cheryl Hines (left) and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (right) walk the red carpet at the opening night of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center

'The new era here is going to be something,' Trump said on the red carpet, as Grenell stood at the top. 'The bones of this facility are really incredible, we're going to make it really great.'

During a dinner last month with the new Kennedy Center board members - which now include Attorney General Pam Bondi, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and singer Lee Greenwood - Trump went off about the look of the Kennedy Center's modern addition.

'It's the last time I'll take a job without looking at it,' the president cracked.

While walking on the red carpet, Trump - a native New Yorker - was asked what play he first saw in a theater.

'Well a long time ago, I would say maybe it was Cats,' the president answered.

Melania Trump answered that her first show was, 'Phantom of the Opera.'

Mrs. Trump told the Daily Mail she was a Les Mis fan.

President Donald Trump (left) holds onto first lady Melania Trump's (right) hand as they exit the White House and travel to the Kennedy Center Wednesday night

President Donald Trump (left) escorting first lady Melania Trump (right) outside of the White House as they set out for the Kennedy Center

Drag queens Tara Hoot, Maria Con Carne, Ricky Rose and Vagenesis walk to the Kennedy Center ahead of Wednesday night's programming attended by President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance

Tara Hoot, Maria Con Carne, Ricky Rose and Vagenesis walk the steps of the Kennedy Center as they protested President Donald Trump's appearance at the performing arts venue on Wednesday, the opening night of Les Miserables

'I am, thank you.'

The president also said he's seen the French Revolution-era musical on multiple occasions.

'I've seen it, we've seen it, a number of times, it's fantastic. It was just about our first choice. That's what we got and we've got other ones coming, other great ones coming,' Trump said.

But when a reporter asked the president whether he felt more in line with Inspector Javert or the former convict Jean Valjean, he seemed miffed.

'Oh that's a tough one, the last part of that question, that's tough I think,' Trump said laughing. 'You better answer that one honey, I don't know.'

Melania Trump didn't say.
A pair of robbers who broke into the home of a vulnerable war veteran and threatened him with a knife before stealing his medals have been jailed.

Peter Ratcliffe, 48, and Ann Marie Simpson, 38, broke into the pensioner's accommodation in South Shields in July 2023.

They pushed the elderly man to the floor and threatened him with a knife before stealing his prized possessions including his bank cards, his passport and his wedding ring. The robbers also made off with the veteran's war medals.

The victim was not left with any serious injuries but was extremely shaken and traumatised from the robbery, a court heard.

Ratcliffe and Simpson were identified by CCTV and were arrested just hours later.

Officers found clothing which matched the outfits being warn by the robbers on the CCTV footage, Chronicle Live reported.

They were both charged with robbery and remanded into custody the following day.

Earlier this year, both pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court.

Peter Ratcliffe, 48, pleaded guilty to robbery and was jailed for seven years and four months

Ann Marie Simpson, 38, was sentenced to five years and four months imprisonment after pleading guilty to robbery and witness intimidation

Simpson also admitted one count of witness intimidation after she sent a letter to the victim telling him to drop the charges against them.

On Friday, both were both jailed at a sentencing hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.

Ratcliffe, of Trinity Walk, South Shields, was sentenced to seven years and four months behind bars.

Simpson, of Johnson Street, also South Shields, was sentenced to five years and four months imprisonment.

Both were given a ten-year restraining order, preventing them from contacting the victim.

Sergeant Kimberley Ball, of Northumbria Police said: 'This was a cruel and targeted attack on an elderly man in his own home  because of his vulnerabilities.

'I want to thank the victim for his patience and courage throughout this entire process, which I know has been extremely difficult.

'I have no doubt the streets of South Tyneside are safer now these two criminals are behind bars where they belong.'
A US regional airline announced Wednesday that it was shutting down all operations, issuing an ominous warning to ticketholders to not to come to the airport.

Silver Airways, which had a hub in Fort Lauderdale, flew routes in Florida, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and to various airports in the Caribbean.

Within Florida, Silver flew to Tampa, Tallahassee, Key West and Pensacola. In the Bahamas, customers could go to Bimini, Nassau and Freeport.

The struggling flight carrier recently announced it had declared bankruptcy.

'In an attempt to restructure in bankruptcy, Silver entered into a transaction to sell its assets to another airline holding company, who unfortunately has determined to not continue Silvers flight operations,' the company said.

The airline urged passengers with tickets or booked flights not to go to the airport.

Instead, it advised customers to get their credit card purchases refunded through the credit card company or their travel agency.

Silver filed for bankruptcy in December, which began a slow wind down of its business.

In March, it suspended all its flights from Orlando International Airport. And in early June, the airline held a bankruptcy auction that attracted no bidders.

Silver Airways had its main hub at the Fort Lauderdale Airport (pictured) before closing down

One of its coveted destinations was Key West, Florida (pictured)

Silver Airways also flew to multiple destinations in the Bahamas, including Nassau (Pictured: An aerial view of Paradise Island, which is near Nassau)

On Wednesday, private equity firm Wexford Capital bought the airline, which marked its official end.

'It is with a heavy heart that I share the difficult news that, after months navigating through Chapter 11 bankruptcy, our journey at Silver Airways is coming to an end for most of us,' CEO Steven Rossum wrote to the company's 350 remaining employees in a letter obtained by the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

'Wexford Capital  our [debtor-in-possession] lender  has informed us they will no longer support operations or, except for a few, retain our employees,' he continued.

Wexford had provided $5.5 million in financing in April to keep Silver aloft, the Miami Herald reported.

'A small group will be asked to stay on temporarily to assist with asset management and records. Those individuals will be contacted directly. Seaborne will continue to operate as scheduled,' he concluded.

Pictured: One of Silver's 34-seat propeller planes it acquired in 2011 after buying bankrupt Gulfstream International Airways

Seaborne is a small airline that has been a subsidiary of Silver since 2018.

Silver is a relatively young airline, being founded in late 2011 off the back of bankrupt Gulfstream International Airways. It upgraded at the time by purchasing six Saab 340Bplus turboprop planes. The planes had 34 seats and the exteriors were painted bright pink.

Silvers original CEO Dave Pflieger frequently called back to the nostalgic early days of air travel, when people dressed up to go on airlines like Pan Am and TWA.

'Its almost sort of nostalgic-days-of-old flying, the Elizabeth Taylor era of walking on the tarmac, getting on the airplane, looking at the window and seeing the propellers,' he told the Herald in 2012. 'Our flying hearkens back to the age-old flying.'

Silver used to fly passengers to nine Cuban cities outside Havana on 34-seat planes but ceased service to the island in 2017 because of weak demand.
A trailblazing television meteorologist who was once hailed as 'the weather God of Oklahoma City' has died at the age of 85.

Gary England was the resident chief meteorologist at local CBS affiliate, KWTV, where he kept Oklahomans informed on the weather for 41 years before he retired in 2013.

England's family confirmed he died on June 10 to his former home station, and the news was announced on air by KWTV co-anchor Amanda Taylor.

His colleagues and longtime viewers have already begun paying tribute to the famous weatherman.

KWTV Washington Bureau Chief Alex Cameron remembered England during Wednesday's telecast, telling viewers that his peer was a 'legend' in Oklahoma City.

'I really realized that hes a very down-to-earth guy. He likes to have fun. He likes to kid. But as anyone who watched him also knew, he was extremely serious when it came to severe weather. I mean, deadly serious,' Cameron said of his friend.

Cameron praised England for his coverage of a tornado in May 1999 in Oklahoma that devastated the state.

'I will never forget his words. I think this is a direct quote, but he said several times that day, "If you dont get underground, youre going to die,'" Cameron said.

Gary England, a longtime weatherman in Oklahoma, died at the age of 85 on June 10

England served as the chief meteorologist on the CBS affiliated station, KWTV in Oklahoma, for 41 years

England was a hometown hero and was beloved by many in the state. He pioneered Doppler weather radar in 1981

'After seeing that, I realized that what Gary had said was not hyperbolic at all. It was spot on. And theres no doubt in my mind, he saved a lot of lives that day,' he continued.

Fellow meteorologist Shelby Hays shared photos with England on her Facebook account and wrote, 'Gary England wasnt just a legend in meteorology; he was my dear friend & mentor.

'He was the voice I grew up hearing through stormy Oklahoma nights, and the reason I chased a career in weather.'

Aaron Brackett, another meteorologist in Oklahoma, shared screenshots of encouraging messages from England on social media, and remembered his friend, 'I know the impact he had on Oklahoma.

'Early in my time with KFOR I was storm chasing in Seiling, his hometown, and noticed a road was named in his honor, and it really struck me.'

Current KMTV meteorologist David Payne also paid tribute, writing on Facebook, 'There will only ever be one Gary England - an Oklahoman through and through.

'He was one of a kind and the impact he had on our state, meteorology and severe weather prediction and tracking will be felt for years and years to come.'

Others who grew up watching England on television paid tribute on X, with one tweet reading, 'The greatest meteorologist of our generation. RIP Gary England!'

England was praised by numerous colleagues in the newsroom after his death. Darren Brown (pictured, right) paid tribute to England on Facebook and recalled his 'commitment to KWTV's viewers'

'Gary England should go on the Mt. Rushmore of Oklahomans. There's a reason so many of us know about the weather and aren't afraid of it, and it's because most of us grew up with him on our TV's,' another wrote.

England was a household name in Oklahoma, growing up in Seiling, a small town about two hours north of Oklahoma City.

He joined the Navy after high school and met his wife, Mary Carlisle, in college after his service.

England joined an Oklahoma radio station in 1971 before becoming KWTV's chief meteorologist in 1972.

He became the first person in history to use the Doppler weather radar in 1981, which is now a widely used technology by meteorologists.

England even made a cameo in the hit 1996 film, Twister, and wrote several books, including his autobiography, Weathering the Storm.

England grew up in Seiling, Oklahoma, and joined the Navy before pursuing his career in weather

The beloved weatherman is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter Molly, and granddaughters, Cassidy and Chloe

His family said in a statement to KWTV, 'We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved Gary England passed this evening.

'Gary passed peacefully on the evening of June 10th, surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife of 63 years, Mary, and his loving daughter, Molly.

'Gary was proud to have protected Oklahoma from its deadliest storms. He will be deeply and forever missed.'

England is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter Molly, and granddaughters, Cassidy and Chloe.
An acclaimed chef at a Michelin-star restaurant beat a woman so badly she needed emergency surgery to treat a brain bleed - then called the same woman from jail begging her to bail him out.

Jacob Bickelhaupt, 41, was hit with new charges of witness tampering less than a week after he was arrested on charges of aggravated battery for assaulting the victim for two hours inside her home.

The Michelin-star chef and owner of West Palm Beach restaurant Konro allegedly left the woman with a 'smashed up face' and horrifying injuries which required lifesaving surgery.

The woman had escaped to the airport when she suffered a seizure trying to buy a plane ticket. She was rushed to hospital, where she told medics she had been involved in a car accident.

Nurses called police because her injuries were not consistent with a car accident.

'I have nowhere to stay, nowhere to sleep... I need your help,' Bickelhaupt said in a voicemail left to the woman's phone.

Using an unauthorized device, Bickelhaupt called a number for his business which diverted to the woman's personal cell, along with his own and a business partner's.

It is understood the business partner alerted authorities to the voicemail, CBS 12 reported.

An acclaimed chef at a Michelin-star restaurant beat a woman so badly she needed emergency surgery to treat a brain bleed, and then called the same woman begging her to bail him out of jail

Jacob Bickelhaupt, 41, was hit with new charges of witness tampering less than a week after he was initially arrested and accused of aggravated battery

'Here is the deal, I know there is a lot going on, and you're in really bad shape. I'm going to be here for a very long time if you so choose, maybe a year,' he said in the desperate call.

'I'm not trying to sound inconsiderate right now, I really don't have a lot of time. I love you, please call that number,' he said in a second call just 20 minutes after the first went to voicemail.

Bickelhaupt asked the woman to phone the bondsman and pay $1,500 upfront, agreeing to cover the remainder of the $9,000 bail amount via a payment plan.

His total bond was initially listed for $90,000 with a 10 percent payment required upfront to walk free.

'I get out I have house arrest with ankle bracelet and no order to contact. So I need to find somewhere else to sleep, and I cant do the restaurant,' he said.

'I dont have any money, they took all my IDs and I dont have any shoes, its in evidence.

'Zelle and cash app 1,500 and the bail bondsmen will pay the 9K and well clear out the rest.'

After authorities learned of the two calls, Bickelhaupt was hit with three fresh charges - two counts of witness tampering and one contempt charge.

The Michelin-star chef and owner of West Palm Beach restaurant Konro was arrested on June 2 accused of beating the victim for two hours inside her home, leaving her with a 'smashed up face' and horrifying injuries which required lifesaving surgery

Bickelhaupt is the chef behind Michelin-star restaurant Konro

Each new charge carried a $3,000 bond, taking his total bond amount to $99,000.

Bickelhaupt will return to court to face both sets of charges.

The initial complaint related to a June 2 assault on a woman who required emergency surgery to stem a brain bleed caused by her injuries.

She also had two black eyes, facial swelling and bruising from her shoulders down to wrists.

Police allege she was the victim of a sustained two-hour assault. At her home, police found blood splatter on the bedding, walls, and furniture.

Newly released bodycam footage of Bickelhaupt's arrest shows the chef sitting on his front porch as officers approach.

'I'm assuming she wasn't in a car accident because there was no damage to her car,' the officer told Bickelhaupt in the clip as he's discussing the woman's injuries.

'She had to go through surgery to save her life. Her face is all smashed up.

Newly released bodycam footage of Bickelhaupt's arrest shows the chef sitting on his front porch as officers approach.

'I'm assuming she wasn't in a car accident because there was no damage to her car,' the officer told Bickelhaupt in the clip as he's discussing the woman's injuries

Bickelhaupt's last restaurant, the famed Chicago-based 42 Grams, was awarded two Michelin stars before it was suddenly closed under a cloud of controversy in 2018, after Bickelhaupt had been accused of seperate and unrelated domestic violence offences

'One of two things is happening. Either she's covering for the person who beat her, or the brain bleed is affecting her thought process.'

Bickelhaupt simply said: 'I don't know.'

The officer asked to see Bickelhaupt's fists and the top of his hands before later informing him that he was the prime suspect and placing him in handcuffs.

Bickelhaupt's last restaurant, the famed Chicago-based 42 Grams, was awarded two Michelin stars before it was suddenly closed under a cloud of controversy in 2018, after Bickelhaupt had been accused of seperate and unrelated domestic violence offences.
The Department of Homeland Security joined the growing number of voices hitting out at Kim Kardashian for her criticism of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Los Angeles.

The 44-year-old reality television star took to Instagram on Tuesday night to advocate for the immigrants being torn apart from their families in President Donald Trump's ongoing crackdown on those in the country illegally.

'When we're told that ICE exists to keep our country safe and remove violent criminals - great,' the mother-of-four wrote as riots in the city continued.

'But when we witness innocent, hardworking people being ripped from their families in inhumane ways, we have to speak up. We have to do what's right.'

Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin slammed the reality star for her comment as she doubled down on the Trump administration's assertions that the ICE operations in Los Angeles are targeting convicted criminals.

'@KimKardashian, which one of these convicted child molesters, murderers, drug traffickers and rapists would you like to stay in the country,' McLaughlin posted on X, sharing photos of four individuals she said ICE arrested in recent days from the City of Angels.

'These are just a few of the convicted illegal criminals who have been picked up in the last 72 hours.'

Others accused the billionaire - who is good friends with Ivanka Trump - of virtue signaling.

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin hit out at Kim Kardashian for her criticism of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Los Angeles took to Instagram on Tuesday night to advocate for the immigrants being torn apart from their families

The 44-year-old reality star

She claimed ICE was implementing 'inhumane' tactics as she implored her fanbase to 'speak up' over the 'fear and injustice'

'Eh not buying it,' one Reddit user said.

'She needs to call out her friend Trump by name directly if she wants people think she's being genuine.

'These deportations have been going on for years since the first Trump admin and she only decides to speak up when it's convenient, when people will question her silence if she doesn't.'

'Why doesn't she just call up her bestie Ivanka?!' another asked. 'C'mon Kim - get your a** up and WORK.'

A third blasted: 'This is for public perception only. She has a direct line to the Trump/Kushner clan. Wtf is she telling us for? Call up your bestie, Kimberly.'

'She's got Ivanka on speed dial,' a fourth agreed. 'She could easily go that route, if need be.'

'Every time I see Kim K virtue signal I die a little inside,' added another.

'You say "damned if you do" as if she's "doing" anything,' said a sixth. 'She has a direct line to the Trumps and could call that f**ker out by name if she really cared. But she doesn't. Her words are meaningless.'

A seventh pointed out: 'She has actual ability to do a whole lot more.'

McLaughlin doubled down on the Trump administration's assertions that the ICE operations in Los Angeles are targeting convicted criminals.

Others accused Kardashian - who is good friends with Ivanka Trump - of virtue signaling

Kim has never spoken publicly about who she endorsed in the 2024 Presidential election, in which Donald Trump triumphed over Democrat candidate Kamala Harris.

However, she has a close friendship with Trump's daughter Ivanka.

Kim and Ivanka's friendship traces back several years, and it only strengthened after the pair began working on prison reforms together.

The duo first crossed paths in 2014 at the Met Gala, where it was said that they bonded over motherhood.

A source told Us Weekly in 2023, 'Kim and Ivanka have been friends for years and have hung out on a number of occasions.

'They initially bonded nearly a decade ago at the Met Gala over motherhood and being new moms. But they continued to connect numerous times over the years.'

Since their initial meeting a decade ago, the women have been spotted together on numerous occasions.

The White House has said its deportation efforts in Los Angeles are continuing - despite Kardashian's comments and photos and videos showing protesters wearing face masks confronting police in riot gear

In 2018, the pair was seen posing side by side at the White House, where Kim was petitioning Ivanka's father, then-President Trump, to commute the life sentence of drug offender Alice Marie Johnson.

The duo worked closely together to reduce and clear prison sentences - with Kim often confiding in Ivanka while attending dinner parties at her house.

And by 2020, the reality star was gushing about Ivanka's dad online.

'President Trump commuted the sentences of three really deserving women. I didn't hear much about it in the news, so I wanted to share with you their stories,' she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

'I have the pleasure of spending the day with these women today along with Alice Marie Johnson, who helped to pick these women.'

Meanwhile, the White House has said its deportation efforts in Los Angeles are continuing - despite Kardashian's comments and photos and videos showing protesters wearing face masks confronting police in riot gear.

'The Trump Administration will fulfill the Presidents promise to deport illegal aliens and no one  not even violent left-wing rioters  will get in the way of our mission,' White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the Daily Mail on Wednesday.

'ICE is arresting illegal aliens and will continue to do so all around the country no matter what radical liberals do, the safety of the American people depends on it,' she said in a statement.

'Radical liberal rioters, enabled by weak politicians like Gavin Newsom, are using violence to try and stop the American peoples agenda from being implemented. It wont work,' Jackson told the Daily Mail.

'In November, the American people gave President Trump a mandate: deportations.'

And according to migrant arrest data exclusively provided to the Daily Mail, ICE's Los Angeles team is continuing to act on the president's orders.
A woman has asked Australians to share what they like about their country during a fiery rant about how much life has changed for the worse Down Under.

Sandra Abu Rabei, who has moved back to Australia after living in Turkey, Malaysia, Indonesia and Qatar said the country was going backwards.

'Once you move back it's not that same as what you see from overseas or how other people explain the way that they live here,' she said in a TikTok.

'A lot of people come and say "no it's great, the lifestyle's great". But it's honestly cooked. We are slaves to the system.

'We go to work, we go home and then what's next?

'We pay so much tax, we pay so much for groceries, everyone's so exhausted that all they do is go home and sit on the sofa.

'I just find there's no real community feel here, but that's not my biggest issue. It's just the fact that we are slaves to the system.'

Ms Abu Rabei asked those wearing 'rose-coloured glasses' to share why they thought Australia was still the lucky country.

Sandra Abu Rabei (pictured) has asked Australians to share what they like about their country during a fiery rant about how much life has changed Down Under

'That's long gone,' she continued.

'It's just not an affordable place anymore. It's not a fun place. We are living in an actual s*** hole and there are so many better places than here.'

Ms Abu Rabei, who has three children, told Daily Mail Australia that any of the previous countries she had lived in would be 'great options' to raise her kids.

'I believe raising children in a country that has a better work/life balance with less tax to help them succeed in the future,' the small business owner said.

'People aren't seeing the benefits of where their tax money goes. Speak to any Boomer and they will tell you how bad it is now compared to before.

'Malaysia has a great lifestyle and Jordan has a great sense of community.'

Ms Abu Rabei said she would 'most likely' return to living overseas in the future.

Many who viewed her video agreed that life in Australia was not as good as it used to be.

She said places like Malaysia and Jordan were better places to live than Sydney (pictured)

'I grew up in Australia for 38 years and I left for another life abroad for 23 years. I have just returned and I feel the same as you. Australia has become very sad case,' one man commented.

'We are total slaves to the system, so blinded. It's incredibly expensive with high taxes on everything,' another said.

'The element of fun is minimal and (there's) a rule for everything.'

'I'm from London and lived in Australia for eight years. I want to leave because it doesn't offer my kids the best opportunities anymore now so I feel they'd be better off growing up in the UK and having closer access to Europe and other countries which are thriving,' a third person agreed.

But many disagreed, with some arguing it could be a lot worse.

'Spend some time overseas in a third world country and you'd be grateful for everything that we take for granted in Australia,' one person wrote.

'Give me Australia any day where all I see is people whining about literally anything and everything which in reality is so small in the big scheme of life.'
'Items of interest' that could belong to a wanted killer dad have been found as a manhunt continues, Washington State cops said today.

Decker has been on the lam for 12 days and is charged with three counts of aggravated murder after the bodies of his three daughters Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia, five, were found at a woodland campsite on June 2.

Despite raising hopes of a swift end to the search last night, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said a during the press conference Wednesday the search will continue with the help of Border Patrol, as cops vow they will not give up on the search for Decker.

He did, however, say 'tactics would change' and warned that all it would take would be one mistake for him to be caught.

Morrison said they had found items of interest in the Blewitt Pass area that could belong to Decker and believes cops are still closing in on the killer dad, despite the change of tactics.

He added that the cops still have K-9 and ground search units in the area.

Sheriff Morrison said Decker is effectively surrounded thanks to additional police units from neighboring counties but warned he is still considered armed and dangerous.

He said he still has hope Decker will turn himself in but said that when he is caught, he will be treated with the same respect as any other suspect.

Travis Decker, 32, is accused of killing his daughters, Paityn, nine, Evelyn, eight, and Olivia Decker, five, after he failed to return them back to their mother following a scheduled three-hour visit in Washington on Friday

Sheriff's deputies found the Decker's daughter's bodies about 75 to 100 yards from their dad's truck at a campsite. Police believe the girls died from asphyxiation and reported that their wrists were zip-tied, court documents said

Ingalls Creek trailhead area in the rugged wilderness areas within Chelan County, where Travis Decker was last seen

Former soldier Decker has spent the past two weeks hiding out in the Wenatchee Mountains  a rugged stretch of peaks that stretch for 50 miles across central Washington State.

Exclusive Daily Mail photos show exactly how challenging the search has been, with thick forest and soaring peaks of up to 9,500ft dominating the area.

Complicating the search is the fact that Decker, a former soldier, knows the area intimately and has ample experience of living rough  once spending two months living off grid in the backwoods.

Photos released by the Chelan County Sheriffs Office show searchers battling through the mountainous terrain  with cops pictured searching the snowy flanks of Mount Stuart and being choppered to mountain meadows hundreds of feet above the valley floor.

Until Monday, Decker had not been seen since vanishing with the three children following a scheduled custody visit on May 30.

Their mother Whitney, 35, called the cops after he failed to return with the girls and could not be reached by phone.

Three days later, the children were found suffocated at the remote Rock Island Campground near Leavenworth, with plastic bags over their heads and bound with zip ties.

Police said Deckers 2017 GMC truck was also found at the scene and had two bloody handprints on the back gate.

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison vowed that teams will not give up on the search for Decker during a press conference on Wednesday

The vast land within Chelan County has been deemed an area of interest to authorities

Chelan County Sheriff's Office is helping orchestrate the search for Decker

Sheriff Morrison said Decker is surrounded thanks to additional police units from neighboring counties but warned he is still considered armed and dangerous

Shortly after, a no-bail arrest warrant was issued for Decker, charging him with three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of kidnapping.

On Monday, cops revealed they were finally closing in on the alleged killer, saying in a statement that a tip from a hiker had led to a breakthrough.

'Our office recently received a tip from a hiking party who stated they spotted a lone hiker in the Enchantments area who appeared to be ill-prepared for trail and weather conditions and appeared to be avoiding others, the statement said.

'Tracking teams immediately acted upon the information and spotted a lone, off-trail hiker from a helicopter near Colchuck Lake who ran from sight as the helicopter passed.'

An alert was later issued to residents in the Ingalls Creek and the Valley High communities  warning them to lock up their homes and vehicles and be on the lookout for Decker.

'Residents and visitors are urged to secure homes and vehicles, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activity to 911,' an alert said.

'A heightened law enforcement presence will persist as a precautionary measure.'

Snohomish County Sheriff's Special Operations, in coordination with the Snohomish County Region 1 SWAT team and Air Support Unit, came together in a unified effort to support the Chelan County Sheriff's Office

The vast land surrounding Colchuck Lake is now an area of interest to authorities

The search for 32-year-old Decker intensified this week, as more than 100 Chelan County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) officers scoured hundreds of square miles of the Rock Island Campground in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the Cascade Mountains

That alert was lifted Wednesday morning at 11.30am, while the police presence in the area was noticeably diminished when the Daily Mail visited the same day.

A plane that cops had been using to scour the area had also departed  traveling to an airport in state capital Olympia, a three-hour flight away.

The bearded dad-of-three is a former soldier who joined the Army 2013. He served in Afghanistan before transferring to the Washington National Guard in 2021.

He was a full-time member of the Guard until 2023 or 2024, when he switched to part-time.

Decker stopped attending mandatory monthly drills a little over a year ago, and the Guard was in the process of a disciplinary discharge.

According to ex-wife Whitney, he has been suffering from mental health issues in recent years and was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.

When Decker failed to return with the girls that night, Whitney reported them missing

Still, Whitney told police she didnt believe Decker 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.

Whitney added that when Decker went to pick up the girls for the visit on Friday, he was 'quieter than usual' which was 'out of character' for him.

He had also allegedly been talking about getting rid of his dog due to housing and financial struggles.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail in an interview published earlier today, Deckers older brother Thomas said the alleged killer is not the man he knew  and saw just a week before the murders.

'The guy on the wanted poster for murdering my three nieces is not the brother I know,' said Thomas. 'I can't even comprehend what is going on.

'I am in complete shock that he would do something like this. He loves his daughters  at least I thought he did. And Whitney is devastated beyond belief.'

This is a breaking news story. More to come.
The parents of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley were denied new trials after their lawyers argued prosecutors withheld evidence vital to their defense.

Last year, Jennifer and James Crumbley were convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years in prison based on evidence they allowed their son undue access to the firearm he used to kill four students at his high school in 2021.

Setting aside those convictions and restarting the trial process would be too drastic, according to Oakland County Judge Cheryl Matthews.

'The court would effectively be ignoring the impact of dozens of hours of testimony, postulating a basis for the jury verdict, dismissing a plethora of other evidence suggesting guilt, and impermissibly speculating about what "might have happened,"' Matthews said in remarks reported by The Associated Press.

Prosecutors never argued the Crumbleys were aware Ethan planned to commit a mass shooting at Oxford High School but did say they failed to lock a gun up at home.

They were also accused of buying the gun Ethan used and ignoring their son's worsening mental condition.

This was exemplified when they didn't take him home the day of the shooting when school officials called them into a meeting to show them his disturbing drawings of guns, bullets and a person with bullet holes in their body.

James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of the Michigan school shooter, were denied their appeals for a new trial. They alleged that prosecutors withheld vital evidence to their defense against involuntary manslaughter charges for which they were convicted last year

Ethan Crumbley (pictured in during his sentencing hearing on December 8, 2023) killed four students in his eventual rampage at his high school

Thirteen people total were hit with gunfire from Crumbley at Oxford High School on November 30, 2021

School administrator Nick Ejak and counselor Shawn Hopkins testified about that meeting, claiming that James and Jennifer were 'too busy' to take him home and went back to work. Less than two hours later, Ethan opened fire.

Lawyers for the Crumbleys pointed out that Ejak and Hopkins gave earlier interviews to investigators, who promised they'd see no criminal charges related to the shooting. Neither man was ever charged.

These agreements were not known to jurors and defense lawyers, who argued that prosecutors should have produced them.

The defense team said if they had known, they would have more extensively cross-examined Ejak and Hopkins at trial.

Prosecutor Karen McDonalds team said the deals weren't immunity agreements and didn't need to be shared.

Jennifer's appellate lawyer said the fight will continue in higher courts. The parents were tried separately.

'So the prosecution intentionally cheated and violated the court rules, but they didnt cheat hard enough for the court to do anything about it,' Michael Dezsi said.

Since December 2023, Ethan Crumbley has been serving a life sentence without parole for the shooting he committed on November 30, 2021.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald holds up the gun used by Ethan Crumbley during his mother's trial on January 25, 2024

Pictured: Jennifer Crumbley is seen showing her son how to use the gun he would soon use to kill and maim his fellow classmates

On the morning of the school shooting, teachers became concerned after finding alarming drawings and writings on his homework, including drawings of shooting victims around 'the thoughts won't stop... Help me'

Students Madisyn Baldwin, top right, Hana St. Juliana, bottom left, Tate Myre, top left, and Justin Shilling, bottom right, were killed in the rampage

That day, Ethan went to school with a semi-automatic handgun that had been purchased for him by his parents as an early Christmas present.

Images of Jennifer teaching her son how to use the weapon were shown in court.

While in class, he doodled terrifying images on a math worksheet that concerned his teachers. They included a bloody body and a gun pointing at the words, 'The thoughts won't stop. Help me.'

Also written on the paper were the phrases 'My life is useless,' 'The world is dead,' and 'Blood everywhere.'

School officials said Crumbley talked his way out of trouble by claiming the drawings were part of plans to create a video game.

After his parents were called in and declined to take him home, Crumbley stayed in school and his backpack was not checked for weapons.

He later emerged from a bathroom with a pistol and began firing on fellow students. Thirteen people in total were hit.

Police say Crumbley's first victim was freshman Phoebe Arthur, who was shot in the face but miraculously survived.

Students Madisyn Baldwin, 17, Hana St. Juliana, 14, Tate Myre, 16, and Justin Shilling, 17, were killed in the rampage. Six students and a teacher were also wounded.
A driver has faced court for allegedly ramming shopfronts and causing $100,000 worth of damage during a meth-fuelled rampage that ended in a police pursuit.

Daniel Young, a 47-year-old from Rosemeadow, fronted Downing Local Court on Wednesday following the alleged pursuit from Campbelltown, southwest Sydney, to Sydney International Airport in the city's inner-south.

NSW Police allege Young mounted the footpath on Queen Street, Campbelltown, in a Ford ute at about 1.50am on Wednesday, and allegedly smashed his ute into the front of about 20 stores.

Officers saw the ute enter the carpark of Campbelltown Police Station a short time later, but the driver took off.

Police attempted to stop the ute when it returned to Queen Street and a pursuit was initiated when it failed to pull over.

Young allegedly sped down the Hume Highway and M5 Motorway for 50km until he reached the airport in Mascot.

'The vehicle has then allegedly entered a restricted Sydney International Airport area controlled by a boom gate before the driver allegedly rammed the gate - causing significant damage,' NSW Police said in a statement.

'The vehicle stopped and the driver was arrested by officers attached to Highway Patrol - assisted by the dog squad.

Daniel Young, 47, is accused of causing $100,000 worth of damage in Campbelltown

Young allegedly drove a Ford ute (pictured) into several businesses before leading a police pursuit to the airport

Hannah Moy (pictured), owner of the newly-opened Enchanted Trove said she was 'pretty gutted' to find her shop damaged

'He was subject to a roadside drug test, allegedly returning a positive detection to methamphetamine.'

Methamphetamine was also allegedly found inside Young's phone.

Young was taken to Mascot Police Station and underwent a secondary oral fluid test, which has been sent for further testing.

He fronted court later on Wednesday where he was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive dangerously, enter/remain on major facility cause damage to facility, exceed speed greater than 45 km/h, destroy or damage property greater than $15000, possess prohibited drug, and breach of bail.

The damage done to about 20 shopfronts in Campbelltown was estimated to be $100,000.

Hannah Moy, owner of the newly-opened Enchanted Trove, shared photos of her damaged store and asked customers to be patient as online orders may be delayed.

'I will handle this with humour, but please send love because we are pretty gutted,' she wrote.

Eat Shop Love also sustained massive damage to its storefront after its owners had recently repaired its glass doors following a robbery last week.

Young was arrested (pictured) by officers attached to Highway Patrol after allegedly driving through a boom gate at Sydney Airport

The cost of repairing damages to the stores was estimated to be $100,000 (pictured, a store damaged on Queen Street)

Young was denied bail on Wednesday after the court heard he was on bail at the time of the alleged ram raid (pictured)

Young's lawyer, Tia Marlo, sought bail for her client.

She argued he had a limited criminal history and needed rehabilitation for an alleged drug addiction.

The application was denied, with the magistrate noting Young was already on bail at the time of the alleged offence and allegedly came close to driving on airport grounds.

Young is expected to return to court on June 17.
The White House has criticised Britains decision to sanction two Israeli ministers over egregious abuses of human rights in Gaza.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio said the travel ban and asset freeze imposed on Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich should be reversed.

He urged the UK not to forget who the real enemy is and said the sanctions hindered the USs ceasefire efforts.

In a major break with the US, the UK this week joined Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway in imposing sanctions on the two Israeli ministers.

Mr Smotrich, the finance minister, and Mr Ben-Gvir, the security minister, both belong to Right-wing parties that help to prop up Benjamin Netanyahus coalition government.

They have both been criticised for their hardline stance. Mr Smotrich has campaigned against allowing aid into Gaza, and supported the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law.

Meanwhile, Mr Ben-Gvir has called for Gazas people to be resettled out of the territory.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the ministers had been inciting violence against Palestinian people for months and months and months, they have been encouraging egregious abuses of human rights.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the ministers had been inciting violence against Palestinian people for months

Itamar Ben-Gvir, left, and Bezalel Smotrich Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich at a political rally

US secretary of state Marco Rubio called for the travel ban to be reversed

But Mr Rubio tweeted: These sanctions do not advance US-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home and end the war.

We reject any notion of equivalence  Hamas is a terrorist organisation that committed unspeakable atrocities, continues to hold innocent civilians hostage, and prevents the people of Gaza from living in peace. We remind our partners not to forget who the real enemy is.

Mr Ben-Gvir thanked Mr Rubio for his comments, writing: The American administration is a moral compass in the face of the confusion of some Western countries that choose to appease terrorist organizations like Hamas.

History will judge the Chamberlains of our time.

Yesterday, Sir Keir Starmer said: Acting alongside our allies, we have sanctioned individuals responsible for inciting appalling settler violence and expansion. Weve done that to uphold human rights and defend the prospect of a two-state solution.

Downing Street said the two men had been sanctioned in their personal capacities.
Royal Navy chiefs voiced concerns last night after Donald Trump ordered a review of the nuclear submarine pact between the UK, the US and Australia.

Aukus, as the joint project is known, is intended to secure the Pacific against Chinese aggression and involves multi-billion-pound commitments to build new nuclear-powered submarines.

The Ministry of Defence announced its intention to build up to 12 submarines for Aukus and other operations as part of last week's Strategic Defence Review. But these plans have been thrown into doubt after the US defence department announced a review to ensure Aukus meets the President's 'America First' agenda.

Relations between the US and Australia have soured over tariffs. America has also demanded Australia increase defence spending and wants to sell older submarines to Australia on favourable terms. Another cause for concern is the review is being led by Aukus sceptic Elbridge Colby, who is close to President Trump.

Donald Trump ordered a review of the nuclear submarine pact between the UK, the US and Australia last night

Relations between the US and Australia have soured over tariffs (pictured: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese)

The Ministry of Defence announced its intention to build up to 12 submarines as part of last week's Strategic Defence Review

Last night former head of the Royal Navy, Admiral Lord West said: 'Aukus is extremely important for the strategic situation in the Pacific and very important for Britain as a way of us moving into our next generation of submarines.

'The US had had concerns about selling its submarines to Australia, so it is not entirely unexpected that President Trump would want to look at this. Hopefully this can be resolved and we all move on together as part of the alliance.'

The deal is regarded as a pillar of security co-operation. But concerns have been raised in the US over the rate of submarine production and Australia's reluctance to commit to a 'no holds barred' response to a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

The US is committed to selling up to five boats to Australia, vessels which many in the US believe should be retained by the US Navy.

Helen Maguire, the Liberal Democrat defence spokeswoman, said: 'Trump's decision to review the AUKUS submarine pact has thrown another grenade into our security partnership.

'Even in the face of an imperial Putin and the rising threat posed by China, this White House simply can't be relied upon to support our collective defence.

'Our national security demands that we ramp up talks with our Commonwealth friends and work to plug the gap that the US is threatening to leave in European and global security.

'Starmer must meet urgently with Prime Minister Albanese to develop contingency plans for AUKUS if Trump withdraws from the treaty.'
Russia has hidden two of its most valuable warplanes in a remote airbase just days after a stunning Ukrainian drone strike wreaked havoc on its elite bomber fleet.

Satellite images have revealed that the pair of supersonic Tu-160 strategic bombers - each carrying a $500million price tag - have been relocated more than 4,000 miles from the warfront to Anadyr, an isolated Cold War-era airfield nestled on the desolate Chukotka Peninsula.

The dramatic retreat comes after Ukraine's spy agency, the SBU, pulled off what has been dubbed Operation Spider's Web on June 1.

It was a meticulously choreographed drone blitz that reportedly damaged several of Moscows rare strategic bombers - aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons and critical to Russias long-range strike capability.

In a slickly produced video released by the SBU, the daring mission was laid bare.

Cheap drones were smuggled into Russia in modified wooden cabins strapped to the backs of lorries, driven by unsuspecting civilians.

The drones were reportedly piloted by Ukrainian operatives housed in a building close to an office of Russia's FSB security service and successfully evaded detection in a scathing indictment of Russia's intelligence apparatus.

The drones were released near their targets and struck military airfields in a synchronised assault across three time zones, involving a staggering 117 drones.

Russia has scattered its most valuable warplanes to a remote airbase in the far east of the country, after a surprise Ukrainian drone attack devastated its strategic bomber fleet on June 1

Pictured: Russian Tu-160 strategic bomber takes off for patrol flight over the Arctic Sea at unidentified location in an image taken from video released January 17, 2023

Analysts have said the relocation of the Tu-160s is a clear sign that Moscow fears further precision strikes

The plan, which had been 18 months in the making and overseen by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, targeted five airfields, but only four were hit.

One drone convoy reportedly suffered a premature explosion en route to a site in Russia's Far East.

Despite Kremlin denials, military experts believe the damage is severe.

Sources inside Ukraine's SBU security service claimed the operation crippled 34 per cent of Russia's long-range strategic bombers, including the nuclear-capable Tu-95s and Tu-22M3s, often used to launch cruise missiles into Ukraine.

These planes, however, are no longer manufactured, and so cannot be replaced.

Footage showed decimated enemy planes in flames on the runway and Ukrainian security sources claimed to have taken out 41 aircraft worth some 1.5billion.

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.

The first-person view (FPV) Ukrainian attack drones were smuggled into Russia in wooden containers disguised as modular homes

The vehicle had reportedly been driving along the Chita-Khabarovsk highway and caught fire while moving

Analysts have said the relocation of the Tu-160s is a clear sign that Moscow fears further precision strikes.

Professor Justin Bronk, a senior research fellow for air power at the Royal United Services Institute, told the i newspaper that imagery from the Anadyr base could suggest Moscow was trying to reduce the risk of more drone attacks.

But while the American B-52 Stratofortress costs around $94million, the Russian Tu-160 dwarfs that figure at over five times the price.

Only 16 Tu-160s are believed to be operational, and the Kremlin has managed to assemble just two new ones since 2022, despite promises of more.

Western officials were quick to praise Ukraine's bold strike on June 1. Admiral Pierre Vandier, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, compared the raid to a 'reinvention of the Trojan Horse', with new 'technical and industrial creativity'.

Still, Russia is trying to project calm. Deputy Foreign Miister Sergei Ryabkov insisted on Wednesday that the country's nuclear deterrence remains intact and that all damaged bombers 'can and will be restored'.

Experts, however, say repairs could take years - if not longer - raising serious questions about Russia's ability to project air power in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials claim that Moscow's decision to launch a recent cruise missile attack using a Tu-160, which are normally reserved for only the most strategic missions, signals a potential shortfall in available Tu-95s and Tu-22s.

Operation Spiderweb was 18 months in the making and under the control of Vasyl Malyuk, the head of the Ukrainian security service, the SBU.

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

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

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.

'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'.
'Anti-immigration' riots reached crisis point last night after a leisure centre offering urgent shelter to Romanian immigrants and other families was attacked and torched by masked yobs in Northern Ireland.

Around a dozen hooded thugs incinerated Larne Leisure Centre in County Antrim, which is believed to have taken in people to shield them from this week's 'racist thuggery'.

Larne is around 20 miles east of Ballymena, where there was more disorder last night after two Romanian-speaking teenagers were charged with the attempted rape of a local schoolgirl.

Police used water cannon and one protester was filmed being shot in the groin with a rubber bullet after attacking a line of police cars blocking the road.

DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has been accused of inflaming tensions after it emerged he gave away the location of the shelter on social media, prior to the fire at Larne Leisure Centre. He has been referred to the Standards Commissioner for the Northern Ireland Assembly.

But is understood the people who had been seeking shelter there had already been moved to another emergency accommodation before the blaze broke out.

It comes as hate appears to be being stirred online, with 'protestors' on social media pages seemingly encouraging thugs to hunt down Romanian immigrants.

This has seen scores of those who call County Antrim home face days of fear - with some families and businesses feeling they have to put notes on their doors to declare their nationality.

Signs read 'Filipino lives here' and some residents even added a union jack in an attempt to protect themselves from the horrors unfolding on the streets, which devastatingly continued on Wednesday night.

Chaos kicked off at the leisure centre when a crowd of about 50 people watched on as a group smashed windows, lit bins on fire and threw them inside the building's entrance.

A dramatic blaze then erupted from the glass room, which had already been heavily shattered with bricks and other blunt force weapons.

The vandalism reportedly disrupted a yoga class which was happening inside the building, before a brick came crashing through the window, terrifying staff and visitors.

Distressing footage taken outside Larne Leisure Centre on Wednesday night shows a group of hooded thugs torching the building, which is understood to have held Romanian immigrants

An Emergency Rest Centre was opened at the leisure centre on Tuesday evening by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, in response to the riots

Fire fighters at the scene where the blaze broke out at Larne Leisure Centre following vandalism at the facility

A police officer at the scene where the fire broke out at Larne Leisure Centre on Wednesday

It came after people felt forced to put signs on their doors to protect themselves from rioters in Ballymena

Local Alliance Party MLA Danny Donnelly, who was at the centre, told the BBC that 'staff had to barricade themselves and run out the back door'.

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said they rushed to the scene at 20.54pm to put out the blaze.

Two pumping appliances as well as a flexi officer attended, with 16 personnel in total.

Before their arrival, there had been desperate pleas for peaceful protests from people who watched the chaos in horror.

An Emergency Rest Centre (ERC) was opened at the leisure facility on Tuesday evening by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, following the riots in Ballymena which left a number of families in urgent need of temporary shelter.

The riots have taken place after two 14-year-old boys - who both required a Romanian interpreter in court - were charged with the attempted oral rape of a teenage girl last weekend.

A third person, aged 28, was arrested in connection to the investigation on Monday night.

A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: 'In line with normal protocols and in collaboration with local agencies, Council received a request to open an Emergency Rest Centre at Larne Leisure Centre last night, to provide emergency shelter for families in urgent need following disturbances in Ballymena.

'The families have all been safely relocated and are no longer availing of the facility.'

PSNI officers also returned to the streets of Ballymena for the third night in a row as up to 400 thugs gathered to hurl fireworks, petrol bombs and missiles at police vehicles - two days after a peaceful vigil of 2,500 people descended into mayhem.

Several fires erupted in the town last night and were lit dangerously close to residential homes, spreading from wheelie bins and piles of rubbish.

Around 400 people gathered together to face a barrier of armoured police cars lined up to stop the group accessing residential houses.

Fire burns near a demonstrator as riots continue in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on Wednesday night

A person throws harmful objects at riot police vehicles in Ballymena last night

PSNI riot squad officers form a blockade on Harryville bridge in Ballymena to stop potential rioters from accessing the Clonavon terrace area

Fireworks thrown at riot police illluminate the road during a third night of demonstrations in Ballymena

Fireworks and flares were aimed at officers, while glass bottles and rocks were lobbed at PSNI lines by male and female rioters who cheered as they hit police vehicles.

Petrol bombs were also hurled at armoured Land Rovers, igniting a sudden fire and shouts of encouragement from the crowd.

A water cannon was on site in response to last night's fires while police set off one AEP baton round.

Five people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour on Wednesday, while a male was also arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct in Newtownabbey.

A horrifying TikTok video showed the moment rioters livestreamed themselves burning down a house in Ballymena.

Footage shared on social media showed thugs giggling as they torched a residential home after smashing the windows and breaking in.

The person behind the camera told viewers to 'rack them gifts up, boys, rack them up' as he begged for likes and follows in front of the burning building.

At one point, as flames licked the front window of the family home, he gloated 'I've got 2.6k views lad', The Telegraph first reported.

Tuesday night saw the worst scenes of mass wanton destruction yet that left more police officers injured, with cars set alight and properties smashed up.

One of his Senior Team, Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson, said earlier that the PSNI have redirected a significant number of extra officers into areas affected by two days of violent disorder, the worst of which took place in Ballymena.

ACC Henderson labelled the violence over the first two nights as 'racist thuggery targeted at ethnic minorities and police officers'. He added that all footage of incidents was being reviewed and prosecutions would come.

A man looks towards members of the PSNI riot squad stood next to their vehicles

Police aim a water cannon at demonstrators as riots continue in Ballymena

Police clash with residents during a third evening of unrest in Ballymena, Northern Ireland

A masked protestor throws an item at Riot Police during a third night of demonstrations in Northern Ireland

A young female youth throws item at police vehicles on the third day of unrest in Ballymena

A view of the damage after protesters threw petrol bombs, bricks and fireworks at police during another night of disorder in Ballymena

Police are calling the riots 'racist thuggery' as riot officers clash with protesters

A demonstrator sits down opposite a row of riot police vehicles in Ballymena

A member of the crowd gestures towards the PSNI riot squad officers in Ballymena

A view of the damage after protesters threw petrol bombs, bricks and fireworks at police during another night of disorder in Ballymena

A man sits with a drink opposite riot police vehicles on the third night of unrest in Ballymena

Protesters try to throw items at the police who use water canons to clear them in Ballymena

Meanwhile, Police Scotland has agreed to a request to send officers, after police in Northern Ireland requested extra support under mutual aid arrangements.

The deployment will involve an undisclosed number of public order officers trained to police civil unrest. The PSNI said they have requested 80 officers from other forces in mainland UK.

ACC Henderson revealed: 'We're taking steps to increase available resources and are surging a significant number of extra officers, vehicles and equipment to those areas where the rioting is taking place.

'This will have an impact on our communities. This will take away vital resources needed to police other areas. It will have an impact on our ability to serve communities.

'It's hugely important that people realise there are consequences for this.'

ACC Henderson said many people woke up this morning 'feeling genuine fear for their lives and their livelihoods'.

He added: 'This violence only serves to undermine the criminal investigation and cause further distress and turmoil to a young victim and her family.

'This violence threatens to derail the very pursuit of justice it claims to challenge.'

Police said there have also been sporadic incidents of disorder in Carrickfergus, north Belfast and Newtownabbey, where one man was arrested.

More demonstrations have been organised across Northern Ireland last night with fears they will bring with it the potential for more trouble breaking out.

One man, 29, has been charged with riotous behaviour, disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and resisting police after Monday's violence.

The worst of the trouble has been taking place in Ballymena, mainly in the Clonavon Terrace area but also in nearby thoroughfares Larne Street and Queen Stree. Police officers came under sustained attack over a number of hours with multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bottles and fireworks lobbed in their direction.

A member of the crowd gestures towards the PSNI riot squad officers

A member of the crowd throws an object towards the PSNI riot squad officers

Violence broke out in Ballymena on Monday following a peaceful protest by the local community against an alleged sex attack

Residents look on as PSNI riot squad officers form a blockade on Harryville bridge to stop potential rioters from accessing the Clonavon terrace area

A masked protestor falls after being hit by the Police water cannon, used in an attempt to disperse protestors

Coloured smoke billows as demonstrators gather in front of riot police vehicles in Ballymena

Riot police block a road in Ballymena during a third night of violence in the area

A resident walks past PSNI riot squad officers and a dog handler as police form a blockade in Ballymena

PSNI riot squad officers form a blockade on Harryville bridge in Ballymena last night to stop potential rioters from accessing the Clonavon terrace area

Protesters try to throw items at the police who use water canons to clear them in Ballymena

A member of the crowd runs away while being sprayed with water from a cannon by the PSNI riot squad

Crowds gathered in Ballymena again last night, with as many as 400 people standing together

ACC Henderson said: 'There were people who were intent on violence right from the off, so that says to me that there was pre-planning involved from those who wanted to attack us.

'A number of other protests, attacks on homes and disorder took place in Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey.'

Authorised officers discharged a number of Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) - a police source told MailOnline it was at least 20 - and two water cannons were also deployed in an attempt to disperse the crowds.

Some homes in the trouble-torn epicentre of the Harryville estate have begun displaying stickers outlining the residents' nationalities such as 'Filipino lives here' alongside Union Jack stickers and flags.

Businesses and houses were attacked and damaged and a number of vehicles were also set on fire in the area. Even some homes with Union Jack flags on display fell victim to broken windows leaving local residents caught in the crossfire as a baying mob targeted properties were they believed non-nationals and migrants were living.

At a press conference earlier, police said it was 'not clear' if paramilitaries are coordinating rioting in Ballymena. The Harryville estate would be considered a loyalist area.

ACC Henderson added: 'At this point it's not clear to us or through intelligence or what we're hearing if there's paramilitary coordination to it.'

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn is planning to visit Ballymena, it has been announced.

Lady Anderson, speaking in the House of Lords yesterday, said the Cabinet minister was having 'active conversations' with both the Stormont administration and the PSNI.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he 'utterly condemns' the violence and called them 'mindless attacks'.

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill said what was happening in Ballymena was 'pure racism, there's no other way to dress it up', while the Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the violence was 'serving no purpose whatsoever' and was only damaging communities.
Cultural exchange camp held in Rizhao, China's Shandong

Xinhua) 10:24, June 12, 2025

Students from Leeds Beckett University try their hands with tie-dyeing at a training base in Wulian County, Rizhao City, east China's Shandong Province, June 10, 2025. Faculties and students from the Leeds Beckett University of the UK and the Rizhao Polytechnic in Shandong held an exchange camp in Rizhao, where the attendees shot video clips and experienced traditional Chinese culture such as martial arts and tie-dyeing. The two institutions are now jointly hosting a professional training program on digital media art designing. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

Students from Leeds Beckett University show their works of tie-dyeing in Wulian County, Rizhao City, east China's Shandong Province, June 10, 2025. Faculties and students from the Leeds Beckett University of the UK and the Rizhao Polytechnic in Shandong held an exchange camp in Rizhao, where the attendees shot video clips and experienced traditional Chinese culture such as martial arts and tie-dyeing. The two institutions are now jointly hosting a professional training program on digital media art designing. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

Students from Leeds Beckett University learn martial arts from a Chinese teacher at a training base in Wulian County, Rizhao City, east China's Shandong Province, June 10, 2025. Faculties and students from the Leeds Beckett University of the UK and the Rizhao Polytechnic in Shandong held an exchange camp in Rizhao, where the attendees shot video clips and experienced traditional Chinese culture such as martial arts and tie-dyeing. The two institutions are now jointly hosting a professional training program on digital media art designing. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

Students from Leeds Beckett University try their hands with tie-dyeing at a training base in Wulian County, Rizhao City, east China's Shandong Province, June 10, 2025. Faculties and students from the Leeds Beckett University of the UK and the Rizhao Polytechnic in Shandong held an exchange camp in Rizhao, where the attendees shot video clips and experienced traditional Chinese culture such as martial arts and tie-dyeing. The two institutions are now jointly hosting a professional training program on digital media art designing. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

Students from Leeds Beckett University learn video editing skills at Rizhao Polytechnic in Rizhao City, east China's Shandong Province, June 11, 2025. Faculties and students from the Leeds Beckett University of the UK and the Rizhao Polytechnic in Shandong held an exchange camp in Rizhao, where the attendees shot video clips and experienced traditional Chinese culture such as martial arts and tie-dyeing. The two institutions are now jointly hosting a professional training program on digital media art designing. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

Students from Leeds Beckett University learn martial arts at a training base in Wulian County, Rizhao City, east China's Shandong Province, June 10, 2025. Faculties and students from the Leeds Beckett University of the UK and the Rizhao Polytechnic in Shandong held an exchange camp in Rizhao, where the attendees shot video clips and experienced traditional Chinese culture such as martial arts and tie-dyeing. The two institutions are now jointly hosting a professional training program on digital media art designing. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

A student from Leeds Beckett University learns video editing skills at Rizhao Polytechnic in Rizhao City, east China's Shandong Province, June 11, 2025. Faculties and students from the Leeds Beckett University of the UK and the Rizhao Polytechnic in Shandong held an exchange camp in Rizhao, where the attendees shot video clips and experienced traditional Chinese culture such as martial arts and tie-dyeing. The two institutions are now jointly hosting a professional training program on digital media art designing. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Tent cities could pop up across the UK as rough sleeping is decriminalised, critics of the policy say.

Ministers have announced plans to repeal the Vagrancy Act by next spring, meaning it will no longer be an offence to sleep on pavements.

But there are fears scrapping the 200-year-old law despite rising numbers of the homeless will mean more people camping on the streets.

Announcing the changes, Angela Rayner said she was drawing a line under nearly two centuries of injustice towards some of the most vulnerable in society.

The Housing Secretary pledged to increase funding for homelessness services with an extra 233million this financial year to provide alternatives to rough sleeping. She said: No one should ever be criminalised simply for sleeping rough and by scrapping this cruel and outdated law, we are making sure that can never happen again.

Introduced in 1824 to tackle a homelessness crisis after the Industrial Revolution, the law was designed to punish idle and disorderly persons, and rogues and vagabonds.

Most parts of the act have been repealed but some remain in force in England and Wales to enable police to move on rough sleepers rather than prosecute them.

Homeless charities called the move a landmark moment they had long called for. However, there were concerns that the move could lead to more people sleeping on streets and the creation of tent cities.

The charity Shelter estimates there are 326,000 people, including 161,500 children, in England who are homeless, a 14 per cent increase on the previous year.

Ministers have announced plans to repeal the Vagrancy Act by next spring

The law was introduced in 1824 to tackle a homelessness crisis after the Industrial Revolution

Angela Rayner said she was drawing a line under nearly two centuries of injustice'

This has caused camps to pop up in several cities, including on Park Lane in central London.

Figures published in April showed the total number sleeping rough in the capital  those who spend at least one night on the streets  was 4,427 for the three months to March 2025, which was a near 8 per cent increase from 4,118 for the same quarter last year. The numbers classed as living on the streets had risen by 38 per cent year-on-year to 706 from 511.

The Government said targeted measures will ensure police have the powers they need to keep communities safe  filling the gap left over by removing previous powers. These will be new offences of facilitating begging for gain and trespassing with the intention of committing a crime and will be brought in through amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill.

Ministers said this will ensure organised begging  often by criminal gangs  remains an offence, meaning it is unlawful for anyone to organise others to beg.

Ms Rayners department said spending on homeless services would hit nearly 1billion this financial year.

Kevin Hollinrake, Tory communities spokesman, said: Labours approach will result in a pavement free-for-all in our towns and cities. They just dont understand or care how this affects law-abiding local residents and the impact it has on their pride of place.

Chris Philp, the Tory home affairs spokesman, told the Telegraph: This move risks turning British cities into a version of San Francisco, which has become overrun by encampments of homeless people.

We need to ensure support but there need to be strong enforcement powers as well.
President Donald Trump delivered an ominous warning on Wednesday as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized a major military move in the Middle East amid rising tensions in the area.

The Defense Department announced it has authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from bases in the Middle East ahead of continued negotiations with Iranian officials over its rapidly advancing nuclear program

It affects bases in Iraq, Syria, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates - but primarily affects military spouses and their children in Bahrain near the US Navy base, according to Fox News.

When asked why family members are being evacuated, Trump simply said: 'You'll have to see.'

He then headed off to the Kennedy Center to watch Les Miserables.

Trump later explained the dependents 'are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place.'

He again warned, 'We'll see what happens.'

When Trump was then asked what would diffuse tensions in the region, Trump said Iran 'can't have a nuclear weapon, very simply, they can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that.'

In the meantime, the State Department has said it has ordered the departure of all nonessential personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad as part of its commitment 'to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad.'

President Donald Trump delivered an ominous warning on Wednesday about the situation in the Middle East

His comments came after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced he authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from bases in the area

'President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies,' a State Department official told The Hill.

'Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq.'

The embassy has been on limited staffing for years in part due to security concerns, as the surrounding area has previously been targeted by rockets and mortar during previous confrontations between Washington DC and Tehran, the Wall Street Journal reports.

But the State Department took its efforts a step further on Wednesday, as it also authorized the departure of nonessential personnel and family members from Bahrain and Kuwait - giving them the option of leaving those countries at the government's expense and with government assistance.

The Defense Department also added that 'the safety and security of our service members and their families remains our highest priority and US Central Command is monitoring the developing tension in the Middle East.'

No US uniformed service members will be evacuating, however, two unidentified defense officials told Fox.

The moves to reduce military personnel in the Middle East comes as talks between the US and Iran seeking to limit its nuclear program in exchange for the US lifting some of its sanctions have hit an impasse.

Tehran and Washington have held five rounds of talks since April to thrash out a new nuclear accord to replace the deal that US Trump overturned during his first term in 2018.

Iranian Defense Minister Amir Aziz Nasirzadeh told journalists that Tehran is ready to respond if the negotiations fail

The country has claimed that its nuclear program is peaceful

Iranian officials are now set to present a counterproposal on a nuclear deal with the United States at a scheduled meeting over the weekend, after previously describing Washington's offer as containing 'ambiguities'.

Iran's parliament speaker has also claimed that the US proposal failed to include the lifting of sanctions - a key demand for Tehran, which has been reeling under their weight for years.

Now, Trump says he is 'less confident' of reaching a deal to shut down the nuclear program.

'They seem to be delaying, and I think thats a shame,' the president told the New York Post's Pod Force One podcast in an interview Monday.

'Im less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago. Something happened to them,' he claimed in the interview, which was released Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Iranian Defense Minister Amir Aziz Nasirzadeh told journalists that Tehran is ready to respond if the negotiations fail.

'If conflict is imposed on us, the opponents casualties will certainly be more than ours, and in that case, America must leave the region, because all its bases are within our reach,' he said.

'We have access to them, and we will target all of them in the host countries without hesitation.'

The Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency is considering censuring the country

The country has repeatedly insisted that its nuclear program is peaceful.

'Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and U.S. militarism only fuels instability,' the Iranian mission to the United Nations reiterated on social media.

'CENTCOM's legacy of fueling regional instability, through arming aggressors and enabling Israeli crimes, strips it of any credibility to speak on peace or nonproliferation.

'Diplomacy - not militarism - is the only path forward,' it argued.

Yet the United States is not the only one cracking down on Iran's nuclear program, as the Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency is considering censuring the country.

Rafael Grossi, the director-general of the IAEA, warned on Tuesday that Iran's growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium and unresolved questions about its program are serious issues.

'Unless and until Iran assists the agency in resolving the outstanding safeguards issues, the Agency will not be in a position to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear program is exclusively peaceful,' he said.

At the end of May, the IAEA published a damning report that claimed Iran had carried out secret nuclear activities with material not declared to the U.N. nuclear watchdog at three locations long under investigation.

A censure by the international agency could now mean the United Nations reimposes its sanctions on Iran via a measure in Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers that remains active until October.

Trump withdrew from that agreement in his first term.
A firm linked to Michelle Mone must repay 122million for allegedly breaching a Covid PPE contract, a court heard yesterday.

The bra tycoon had recommended PPE Medpro, which went on to provide 25 million faulty surgical gowns.

The consortium, led by the Tory peers husband Doug Barrowman, was awarded contracts by the former Conservative administration during the pandemic.

PPE Medpro is now being sued by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), with Government lawyers claiming the gowns couldnt be used because they were not sterile. Baroness Mone and the firm both deny any wrongdoing.

The Government is seeking to recover the costs of the contract, plus an additional 8,648,691 for transporting and storing the items.

PPE Medpro said it categorically denies breaching the contract, with its lawyers claiming the company has been singled out for unfair treatment.

Opening the trial, Paul Stanley KC, for the DHSC, said: This case is simply about whether 25 million surgical gowns provided by PPE Medpro were faulty.

A firm linked to Michelle Mone (pictured) must repay 122million for allegedly breaching a Covid PPE contract, a court heard yesterday

The consortium, led by the Tory peers husband Doug Barrowman (pictured), was awarded contracts by the former Conservative administration during the pandemic

It is, in short, a technical case about detailed legal and industry standards that apply to sterile gowns.

Mr Stanley said in written submissions the initial contact with Medpro came through Baroness Mone, with contract discussions then going through one of the firms directors, Anthony Page.

Baroness Mone remained active throughout negotiations, he said, with the peer stating Mr Barrowman had years of experience in manufacturing, procurement and management of supply chains.

But he said Baroness Mones communications were not part of this case, which was simply about compliance. He added: The department does not allege anything improper happened, and we are not concerned with any profits made by anybody.

In court documents from May this year, the DHSC said the gowns were delivered to the UK in 72 lots between August and October 2020, with almost 122million paid to PPE Medpro between July and August that year.

The department rejected the gowns in December 2020 and told the firm it would have to repay the money, but this has not happened and the gowns remain in storage.

Mr Stanley said 99.9999 per cent of the gowns should have been sterile under the terms of the contract.

Neither Baroness Mone nor Mr Barrowman is due to give evidence during the five-week trial

The DHSC claims the deal also specified PPE Medpro had to sterilise them using a validated process, attested by CE marking, which indicates a product has met certain medical standards.

He said none of those things happened, and that of 140 gowns tested for sterility, 103 failed. He added that the DHSC was entitled to reject the gowns, or is entitled to damages, which amount to the full price and storage costs.

Charles Samek KC, for PPE Medpro, said the only plausible reason for the gowns becoming contaminated was due to the transport and storage conditions or events to which the gowns were subject after delivery.

He said testing was done several months after the gowns were rejected, and that the samples were not representative of the whole population. Mr Samek described the DHSCs claim as contrived and opportunistic, with PPE Medpro made the fall guy for a catalogue of failures... and uncontrolled buying spree with taxpayers money.

Neither Baroness Mone nor Mr Barrowman is due to give evidence during the five-week trial.

A PPE Medpro spokesman said it categorically denies breaching its obligations and will robustly defend the claim.
The CEO of embattled Monash IVF has resigned after the fertility company admitted to its second embryo bungle in as many months.

Monash IVF Group chief executive Michael Knaap stood down on Thursday from the role he had held since 2019.

Chief financial officer Malik Jainudeen was appointed as acting CEO.

'His deep understanding of the organisation's operations positions him as a steady and capable leader during this transitional period,' Monash IVF said in a statement.

Monash IVF said Knaap had 'led the organisation through a period of significant growth and transformation, and we thank him for his years of dedicated service'.

His resignation comes after Monash shares slumped 20 per cent on Tuesday after a statement was shared with the ASX about the clinic's second bungle.

Monash said a patient at its Clayton clinic in eastern Melbourne was supposed to receive an embryo from her partner, but instead had her own embryo transferred to her on June 5.

It has launched an investigation and apologised to the couple involved.

The CEO of embattled Monash IVF has resigned after the fertility giant admitted to its second embryo bungle in as many months (Monash IVF in Clayton, Melbourne, is pictured)

Monash IVF Group chief executive Michael Knaap (pictured) resigned on Thursday. He had been chief executive of the fertility giant since 2019

'Commencing immediately, Monash IVF will implement interim additional verification processes and patient confirmation safeguards over and above normal practice,' the statement said.

'Monash IVF has extended its sincere apologies to the affected couple, and we continue to support them.'

Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the mix up was 'completely unacceptable'.

'It's very clear to me that the board of Monash IVF need to have a very good look at what's going on,' Ms Thomas said.

'Clearly their clinical governance standards are not what they should be. This will be quite devastating for the couple at the heart of this.'

It follows Monash IVF's admission in April that an error at a Brisbane clinic led to a Queensland mother unknowingly delivering another couple's baby.

The clinic had mistakenly implanted her with another couple's embryo.

The two families impacted by the bungle are reportedly heartbroken and considering legal action against the fertility giant.
Federal agents in unmarked vehicles were seen ramming a suspect's car as they narrowed in on a 'violent rioter' wanted for punching a border agent.

In dramatic footage shared online, the suspect is seen turning onto the road in the 3700 block of Whittier Boulevard.

In just seconds, an unmarked light blue van car maneuvers in front while another boxes the vehicle in from behind.

Federal agents then exited the vehicle with guns drawn and appeared to release tear gas as they attempted to make an arrest.

The video appeared to depict the suspect putting his hands in the air and behind his head. Witness accounts appear to contradict the footage, however, with claims the driver was dragged out of his car.

The shocking event comes as Los Angeles has been embroiled in days-long protests against ICE raids in the city.

As the video circulated on social media with varying theories, the Department of Homeland Security made a statement explaining the operation was a 'targeted arrest' of a man described as a 'violent rioter who punched a CBP officer'.

'This was no hit and run. This was a targeted arrest of a violent rioter who PUNCHED a CBP officer,' DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin wrote in a statement on X.

Shocking video footage revealed the moment two unmarked vehicles trapped a white sedan on the streets of Los Angeles

Witnesses gathered around the scene and told local news that federal agents released a chemical smoke after cornering the vehicle

'When Homeland Security Investigations tried to arrest Christian Damian Cerno-Camacho for the assault, he attempted to flee. He was ultimately arrested and taken into custody.'

Christian Damian Cerno-Camacho was in the vehicle with a woman passenger, a toddler, and a baby in the backseat when the two cars pinned the vehicle, the Los Angeles Police Department told local ABC affiliate, KABC.

The woman was identified as his wife and was seen in other videos in a heated confrontation with officers as protesters gathered at the scene.

The LAPD added that the incident was being investigated as a possible assault with a deadly weapon involving federal agents.

DailyMail.com reached out to the LAPD for additional details, but didn't immediately hear back.

'Our officers are facing a 413% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest murders, rapists, and gang members,' DHS said in a statement.

'Secretary Noems message to the LA rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law.'

'And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.'

DHS released a statement confirming that a man named Christian Damian Cerno-Camacho was arrested for assault and denied that the collision was a 'hit and run'

The man who was arrested was driving a white sedan with a female passenger and two children when the unmarked vehicle rammed into the rear of their car

Witnesses told the Los Angeles Times that a smoke device was dispersed during the altercation.

An employee at a nearby grocery store told the publication that after the man was arrested, the woman and children in the car went to the business for almost three hours before family picked them up.

Jesus Trujillo, told KABC, that he was a friend of the family and said Cerno-Camacho is an American citizen.

DailyMail.com reached out to DHS for confirmation on Cerno-Camacho's immigration status, but didn't immediately hear back.

Community activist Verita Topete echoed a similar claim, questioning why DHS arrested the man.

Topete said that agents were pointing guns at the family's car.

'We saw her [the female passenger] with one of her hands up and her toddler child in the other hand.'

Witnesses said that the man's family went to a nearby grocery store and waited for hours to be picked up by family members

A family friend, Jesus Trujillo, told KABC that Cerno-Camacho was an American citizen and slammed the federal agents for arresting him in front of the family

'He was crying and the mother was in a lot of distress. She was frantic, she was in distress.'

Another witness, John Lopez, told the LA Times that he speculated the agents were with ICE, but was confused as to why they pinned the suspect's car.

DHS said Cerno-Camacho was arrested and taken into custody, but it's unclear where he's being held and how long he was detained.

DailyMail.com reached out to ICE, DHS, and the LAPD for additional information on the incident but didn't immediately hear back.
An Australian man who allegedly abandoned his wife and baby in Pakistan after convincing them to go on a holiday has been charged with human trafficking.

The 45-year-old became the focus of a federal investigation in February after his wife filed a report alleging she had been left overseas without any documentation.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) will allege the man convinced his wife to travel with their one-year-old child to Pakistan in August last year.

When they arrived, he allegedly unlawfully took the child's passport, cancelled his wife's Australian visa, and abandoned the pair at the airport before returning to Australia on his own.

When his wife arrived back in Australia in February, she contacted the AFP, who, along with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, flew the child home.

The man was arrested at a home in Austral, in Sydney's southwest, on Wednesday and charged with human trafficking offences.

He's facing charges of trafficking a person from Australia by using deception, which carries a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison.

The man fronted Liverpool Local Court on Thursday.

Australian Federal Police officers arrested the 45-year-old man in Sydney on Wednesday

The man is led away by detectives after being charged with human trafficking

In September, another man was hit with similar charges.

He was accused of convincing his wife and children to fly to Pakistan with him after being told they would be visiting family members.

He too left them and returned to Australia with their passports and visas.
A disability and aged care service provider has announced it will closed after more than 70 years, leaving thousands of customers scrambling to find a new provider.

Annecto Incorporated, based in Melbourne's Footscray, will cease support for those with high-care needs in Victoria, Queensland, the ACT and NSW from July 1.

The not-for-profit on Wednesday announced it will close due to 'financial challenges facing the organisation into the future'.

'We deeply appreciate the support of our community over all these years and the dedication of our staff and partner to high quality of support standards,' Annecto chair Colleen Furnaletto OAM said.

The closure will affect some 3,000 customers and 1,000 employees.

Some Annecto clients only learned of the closure after seeing a media release shared on NDIS-related social media groups.

'As an Annecto client, I am disappointed finding this out as a media release rather than contacting clients to let us know that they are closing,' one wrote.

'To be honest this is absolutely devastating,' another said.

Annecto Incorporated will cease operations from July 1

Annecto provides services for those with high-care needs and has some 3,000 customers

'Have known people supported by Annecto over the years and absolutely feel for them!

'Hope they and all the clients can find other support companies as this is a massive blow.'

Annecto received funding from the Australian, Victorian and NSW governments, the Daily Telegraph reported.

Data from the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission showed 75 per cent of its $41million annual profit came from government sources.

The last time it lodged details was at the end of the 2019 financial year.

Annecto said it remained committed to 'ensuring our transition process aligns with customer, employee and regulatory expectations and prioritises customer welfare, particularly those with high support needs'.

'We are working closely with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the National Disability Insurance Agency, the Department of Veterans' Affairs and other key stakeholders to ensure the seamless transition of our customers and staff to trusted and quality accredited providers,' it said.

'Annecto remains committed to our customers and staff during this time.'

Annecto said it was working to 'ensure the seamless transition of our customers and staff to trusted and quality accredited providers'

Annecto had locations in Canberra, Sydney, Dubbo, Kempsey and on the Sunshine Coast.

The bulk of its offices were in Victorial with 14 throughout Melbourne and regional areas.

Ms Furnaletto acknowledged the 'trust placed in Annecto over seven decades'.

'From our founding families to our broader community, your support has shaped an organisation built on inclusion and advocacy,' she said.

'As we approach this next chapter, we do so with the same spirit that inspired Annecto's beginnings - ensuring that every person has access to the support they need, delivered with dignity and respect.'
Millions of Australians shivered through freezing temperatures overnight with some parts of the country recording their coldest night in decades.

Mt Isa, in north-west Queensland, recorded its coldest June night in 44 years after temperatures plunged to -0.7C.

Further east, in Richmond, a minimum temperature of -0.1C was the first sub-zero night in 13 years. Oakey on the Darling Downs reached a low of -4.2C.

'What we're seeing is a very stubborn high pressure system sitting over the east coast,' the Bureau of Meteorology's Jonathon How told Daily Mail Australia.

'It's made up of light wind, clear skies and cool air; the clear sky does mean that temperature can drop overnight.

'We are expecting another frosty night across Queensland tonight.'

In NSW, the cold snap blanketed the Central Tablelands in snow and temperatures sank below freezing.

A low pressure system in the Tasman Sea and a high over the Great Australian Bight combined to push the south-westerly air over Queensland and New South Wales.

Australians along the east coast have shivered through bitingly cold mornings in the second week of June (above, joggers in Sydney on June 2)

Snow blanketed some areas of the NSW Central Tablelands west of Sydney (pictured)

Sydneysiders have been warned to expect scattered showers and tops of 16C.

A southerly airstream has continued dragging cold air up the east coast, likely to bring wetter weather into the weekend.

Showers are expected to develop from Thursday night along the exposed eastern NSW as a trough sits offshore.

'Showers along the coastal fringe, couple thunderstorms though most of it is sort of offshore,' he said.

The eastern suburbs could see possible showers today, before light showers become more widespread on Friday.

Melbourne will remain drier heading into the end of the week after multiple rounds of showers fell across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

Many of the areas to receive the dampening had endured a record dry start to the year, with farmers saying more rain was needed to break the drought.

Some towns in central north Queensland shivered through a sub-zero morning on Thursday (above, Thursday morning's temperatures in Queensland)

'Southern and south-eastern Australia will need to see more healthy rain-bearing systems this winter to further reduce or wipe out the longer-term rainfall deficiencies,' Weatherzone wrote at the time.

Gusty showers and potential storms developing across southern Western Australia on Friday as a cold front clips the bottom of the state.

The front is tipped to reach Adelaide on Saturday, bringing showers to some of the driest regions of the state.

The Mid North of the state looks likely to miss out on the much-needed rain, but the upper Eyre Peninsula which has seen the least rainfall all year should receive some of the showers.

'That cold front will track across South Australia and reach Adelaide on Saturday, in terms of rainfall, any is welcome,' Mr How said.

The bureau is expecting about 10mm of rain in the SA capital on Saturday before the system moves over Victoria and weakens on Sunday.

'There is another coming on Monday from the same direction,' Mr How said.

Melburnians will face minimum temperatures of 3C going into the weekend (above, a woman crosses the Yarra River in Melbourne)

Sydney

Friday: Shower or two. Min 10C. Max 16C.

Saturday: Shower or two. Min 11C. Max 17C.

Sunday: Partly cloudy. Min 9C. Max 18C.

Perth

Friday: Showers. Min 11C. Max 21C

Saturday: Partly cloudy. Min 6C. Max 20C

Sunday: Shower or two. Min 10C. Max 20C

Adelaide

Friday: Mostly sunny. Min 7C. Max 18C.

Saturday: Showers. Min 8C. Max 16C.

Sunday: Shower or two. Min 8C. Max 16C.

Perth will see light showers as a cold front washes over the state (above, Leighton Beach, Perth)

Melbourne

Friday: Mostly sunny. Min 3C. Max 14C.

Saturday: Partly cloudy. Min 3C. Max 13C.

Sunday: Possible shower. Min 7C. Max 15C.

Hobart

Friday: Mostly sunny. Min 3C. Max 14C.

Saturday: Mostly sunny. Min 4C. Max 15C.

Sunday: Partly cloudy. Min 4C. Max 15C.

Canberra

Friday: Morning frost. Partly cloudy. Min -1C. Max 13C.

Saturday: Morning frost. Partly cloudy. Min -1C. Max 14C.

Sunday: Morning frost. Partly cloudy. Min 1C. Max 13C.

Brisbane

Friday: Sunny. Min 8C. Max 19C.

Saturday: Sunny. Min 8C. Max 21C.

Sunday: Sunny. Min 10C. Max 23C.

Darwin

Friday: Sunny. Min 19C. Max 30C.

Saturday: Sunny. Min 19C. Max 30C.

Sunday: Sunny. Min 18C. Max 30C.
There was 'no corruption issue' with the $2.4m taxpayer-funded compensation payout handed to Brittany Higgins after just one day of deliberation, the corruption watchdog has found.

The former Liberal staffer made a compensation claim for damages in March 2022 after alleging she was raped in parliament by her former colleague, Bruce Lehrmann.

Following just one day of mediation talks, she was handed a $2.4m settlement in December 2022.

Former Liberal Minister Linda Reynolds lodged a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in October 2023 over then-Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus's handling of the settlement.

On Thursday morning, the NACC took the extraordinary step of revealing its preliminary findings to 'clear the air' around the 'scrutiny and speculation' surrounding the payout, stating it found 'no corruption issue' involving any public officials.

It stated that the resolution of mediation after just a day of mediation was 'unexceptional' and revealed that Miss Higgins actually received less than the maximum amount recommended by external legal advice.

'There is no evidence that the settlement process, including the legal advice provided, who was present at the mediation, or the amount, was subject to any improper influence by any Commonwealth public official,' the NACC statement said.

'To the contrary, the evidence obtained reflected a process that was based on independent external legal advice, without any inappropriate intervention by any minister of either government.

On Thursday morning, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) took the extraordinary step of addressing the 'scrutiny and speculation' surrounding Brittany Higgins' $2.4m compensation payout. It found that there was 'no corruption issue', stating that the day of mediation was 'unexceptional' and revealing that Miss Higgins actually received less than the maximum amount recommended by external legal advice

Ms Higgins announced last week that she had started a new role as director of public affairs at the public relations agency, Third Hemisphere (pictured: with her husband David Sharaz, who also works at the firm)

'There is therefore no corruption issue.'

However, doubts remain over whether Ms Higgins lied during the pay-off talks,with the NACC making no call on that, saying it was beyond the scope of their investigation.

In his judgment in the Bruce Lehrmann defamation case last year, Federal Court judge Michael Lee found that Ms Higgins made at least nine untrue representations when negotiating her settlement with the commission.

'Whether Ms Higgins made misrepresentations during the negotiations is not within the scope of the Commissions jurisdiction, as at the relevant time she was not a Commonwealth public official,' the NACC statement added.

'That question therefore was not and could not be covered by this preliminary investigation.'

The NACC said it had requested and analysed 'thousands of documents' and found that the Commonwealth had received and acted upon independent legal advice.

'There was no inappropriate intervention in the process by or on behalf of any minister,' the statement added.

The NACC said the fact that the mediation was concluded within a day was 'unexceptional'.

Bruce Lehrmann (pictured) has always denied the allegations but was found to have raped Ms Higgins on the balance of probabilities by Justice Michael Lee in April last year - a decision he is currently appealing.

'It was the culmination of a process which took approximately 12 months. None of this is unusual for a non-litigated personal injury claim,' the statement added.

'A critical consideration during the settlement process was avoiding ongoing trauma to Ms Higgins.'

It added: 'Witnesses are not called at mediations and there is nothing remarkable about the fact that the mediation did not hear evidence from anyone.'

The NACC said there was 'no basis for further action' following its findings.

Lehrmann has always denied the rape allegations but in a civil case ruling in April last year, Justice Lee found on the balance of probabilities it was likely he had sexually assaulted Ms Higgins.

That does not equate to a ruling in a criminal trial, and Mr Lehrmann has never been convicted.

In Ms Higgins' draft statement of claim, first reported by The Australian newspaper, she had been 'diagnosed as medically unfit for any form of employment, and has been given a very poor prognosis for future employment'.

The claim suggested she was therefore due over $2.5 million in economic loss for 40 years' of missed earnings.

However, Ms Higgins announced last week that she had a new job, as director of public affairs at the public relations agency, Third Hemisphere.

Senator Reynolds said she was 'bitterly disappointed' with the NAACC's findings.

'My primary concern has always been how the Commonwealth could possibly settle unsubstantiated and statute barred claims made against me, alleging egregious conduct on my part without taking a single statement from me or speaking to me at all,' she said.

Senator Reynolds said she had expressed a desire to attend the mediation talks and, went that was denied, she was offered 'no opportunity to defend the serious an baseless allegations against' her.

'I fail to understand how the Commonwealth and its lawyers could not appreciate the serious and probable consequences of settling such serious allegations on my behalf, which included claims for gender-based discrimination, disability discrimination and victimisation and the message that it would send to the public about the truth of those matters,' Senator Reynolds added.

Senator Reynolds launched legal action against the Commonwealth over the compensation payment, alleging that government lawyers were 'hopelessly conflicted'.

Ms Reynolds, the former Defence Minister, is also awaiting the outcome of a blockbuster defamation claim she brought against Ms Higgins and her husband David Sharaz over social media posts the pair made about her.

A judgement is expected to be handed down in the Supreme Court of Western Australia later this month.
One of Barron Trump's supposed best friends has claimed he's responsible for getting the world's biggest TikTok star deported out of the United States.

Bo Loudon, a Gen Z MAGA influencer who's previously been pictured with Barron and Donald Trump, said he reported Khaby Lame to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Loudon's first post on X came June 6 when he wrote that Lame is an 'illegal alien' in all caps before proclaiming that he has 'been working with the patriots at President Trump's DHS' to deport the Senegal-born influencer.

ICE already confirmed Lame was detained at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on June 6, the same day Loudon made his supposed involvement public.

Lame, who has over 162 million TikTok followers, overstayed his visa after entering the country on April 30, according to an ICE spokesperson. He was granted 'voluntary departure', a bureaucratic euphemism for being kicked out.

'Serigne Khabane Lame, 25, a citizen of Italy, was detained for immigration violations,' the spokesperson confirmed in a statement. 'Lame was granted voluntary departure and has since departed the US.'

Loudon, 18, claimed that Lame was detained at Henderson Detention Center, southeast of Las Vegas proper, though its unclear how long he may have been in custody before leaving.

Bo Loudon (pictured right alongside Barron and Donald Trump) has claimed he's responsible for reporting TikTok star Khaby Lame to ICE

Lame, who has more than 162 million followers on TikTok, was detained at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas on June 6 before being allowed to voluntarily depart the United States

ICE has not confirmed whether Loudon was involved in reporting Lame to authorities. DailyMail.com has approached immigration officials for comment but did not immediately respond.

Loudon has continued to celebrate his alleged role in the TikToker's removal.

He made a post Wednesday afternoon denouncing various media outlets' coverage of this incident, who reportedly called him a 'rat' and a 'rat extraordinaire'.

'Why? Because I helped President Trumps DHS deport TikToks biggest star, Khaby Lame, for being in the U.S. illegally,' he added.

'I wish Khaby well and hope he returns as a LAW-ABIDING citizen.'

Loudon also did an interview with Dylan Page, another popular TikToker who has been the 'News Daddy.'

In that sit-down, Loudon said he became aware of Lame's immigration status because 'he had worked with a few of my friends and business partners' who said his visa expired years ago.

'I called some people in the administration and they said "were gonna get on this right quick,"' Loudon said.

Loudon admitted that he doesn't watch much of Lame's content but said Lame has posted videos expressing a 'hatred' for Trump

As recently as May 5, Lame attended the Met Gala in New York City, where he wore a three piece suit with well over a dozen timepieces attached to his vest

Lame is best known known for his dead-pan skits reacting to other content on the social media site.

Loudon admitted that he doesn't watch much of Lame's content but said Lame has posted videos expressing a 'hatred' for Trump.

'Im sure he hates him much more now, which is why I posted "far-left" TikToker,' he said.

Lame has not commented on his detainment or his removal from the US and has continued to post videos as if nothing happened.

As recently as May 5, Lame attended the Met Gala in New York City, where he wore a three piece suit with well over a dozen timepieces attached to his vest.

Loudon, from Palm Beach, Florida, is the son of Dr. Gina Loudon, a conservative pundit and former co-chair of Women for Trump in 2020.

His father, John Loudon, was a Republican Missouri state senator until 2008.

Loudon and Barron Trump were instrumental convincing Donald Trump that it was a strategic advantage to appear on various podcasts popular with young me, including Adin Ross' show.
Dramatic footage has captured the moment an accused paedophile wearing The Muppets-themed pyjamas is busted by detectives in his home.

Two men, aged 49 and 58, were arrested on the Sunshine Coast by detectives targeting online child exploitation and abuse on Monday.

In footage of the arrests, detectives are seen speaking with the pyjama-clad 58-year-old as he sat on a couch barefoot.

In another clip, officers are seen inspecting a laptop and desktop computer and searching a room filled to the brim with books.

Army medals are also visible on a shelf.

The second man, wearing a black sweatshirt and black shorts, is seen speaking with officers while holding work boots in one hand.

The 49-year-old man was charged with one count each of using a carriage service to access child abuse material and possessing child exploitation material.

Police allege the man accessed child abuse content online, with multiple electronic devices seized from his home for forensic examination.

The 58-year-old man was arrested wearing The Muppets-themed pyjamas on Monday

Both alleged paedophiles will face court for their charges later next month

In footage of the raids, a room is seen stacked to the brim with books and other items

The Nambour man was released on strict bail conditions and is scheduled to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on July 7.

The 58-year-old man was arrested following a search of a Sunshine Coast home.

He was charged with one count of using the internet to procure a child under the age of 16 and later released on strict bail conditions.

He is set to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on July 14.

Detective Acting Inspector Cameron Burke of Task Force Argos emphasised the serious risk online predators pose to children.

'Predators are constantly adapting to new platforms and technologies, which is why a whole-of-community response is crucial,' he said.

'Every app, game, or messaging service a child uses can be a potential contact point for harm if not supervised.'

He urged parents and caregivers to be involved in their children's online activities.

'Parents and caregivers don't need to be tech experts, but they do need to be engaged,' he continued.

'Understanding the apps children use, the settings, supervising, and keeping the lines of communication open are the key to prevention.'
A United States territory MAGA once derided as a 'floating island of garbage' is considering ceding from America and rejoining Spain.

Puerto Rico has put forward several proposals over the years to cut ties with the United States and realign with its mother country.

But now a movement to reintegrate with Spain is gaining steam on the island of 3.2 million people, according to The Mirror.

The Adelante Reunificacionistas movement, founded in 2017, has even presented its proposal to the United Nations Decolonization Committee, 20 Minutos reports.

It claims that Puerto Rico is different from other former Spanish territories, as it never actually ceded from the European country - and was just handed over to the United States following the Spanish-American War in 1898.

'Puerto Rico never wanted to separate from Spain,' said the organization's president Jose Lara.

In fact, in the more than 100 years since, Spanish has remained the primary language of the island - spoken by more than 95 percent of inhabitants who use it in education and businesses.

Now, the Adelante Reunificacionistas movement claims approximately 13 percent of its residents support the idea of rejoining Spain, which they see as a pathway to prosperity.

Puerto Rico is reportedly considering ceding from America and rejoining Spain

The Adelante Reunificacionistas movement is trying to persuade locals to support its efforts to leave the United States and rejoin its mother country

Lara has argued that since becoming a US territory, Puerto Rico has experienced over a century 'of subjugation' and stagnation under American governance that has not granted Puerto Ricans full citizenship rights.

Its residents cannot vote in presidential elections, for example, and they lack voting representation in Congress.

Puerto Rico has also been ridiculed by Americans, with comedian Tony Hinchcliffe infamously joking about the territory at a rally for then-Republican nominee Donald Trump in October.

'I don't know if you know this but there's literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it's called Puerto Rico,' he said at a rally for Trump in New York City - which has the largest number of Puerto Ricans outside of the US territory.

The Trump campaign was then forced to walk back the comments, with Danielle Alvarez - a senior adviser to the campaign - saying the 'joke does not reflect the vies of President Trump or the campaign.'

Senator Rick Scott of Florida also disavowed the joke, saying it 'bombed for a reason.

'It's not funny and it's not true,' the Republican lawmaker wrote on X. 'Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans!'

Puerto Rico was previously ridiculed by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a rally for then-Republican nominee Donald Trump in October

But Hinchcliffe argued he was just making a joke.

'I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone  watch the whole set. I'm a comedian,' he wrote on X.

Now, Lara says emphasizing Spanish as the primary language and preserving Hispanic cultural traditions are key to persuading locals about the benefits of rejoining Spain.

He has also shared merchandise online reading 'Make Puerto Rico Spain Again,' an apparent jab at Trump's 'Make America Great Again.'

'We want a future of progress and we believe that future lies in Spain,' Lara explained.
Trump's Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent faced an unusual line of questioning on Wednesday when he testified on Capitol Hill.

During a hearing on his department's budget before the Ways and Means Committee, Bessent was grilled about whether he really tackled Elon Musk in the White House last month.

'Mr. Secretary, how are you doing?' Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) said innocuously.

'So far, so good,' Bessent quipped back.

'Okay. I was just curious because I know Elon Musk body checked you at the White House. No animosity to Elon Musk, right?' Gomez continued.

'You know that?' Bessent asked about the sparring event.

'That's what I heard,' Gomez responded.

Bessent had been partaking in three days of trade negotiations in London and had not yet been questioned about the story.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testifies before the House Ways and Means Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

'So you believe, you believe what you read on Breitbart is what you are telling us, Congressman,' Bessent pressed.

'I didn't know ... If it's too sensitive for you I won't ask that question, but let me move' Gomez flubbed.

'I will take South Carolina over South Africa any day', Bessent replied, referring to his home state versus Musk's nation of birth.

Musk was spotted with a black eye as he delivered a sort of farewell address in the Oval Office upon departing from his role as a 'special government employee' heading up Trump's Department of Government Efficiency DOGE).

At the time, Musk claimed that the black eye was the result of roughhousing with his young son, X A A-12, who is more commonly know as X.

But speculation grew as more was revealed about his tense standoff with Bessent.

Elon Musk is seen with a bruised eye that Musk claimed he received at the hands of his son, X A A-12, as he attends a press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 30, 2025

Elon Musk attends news conference with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Washington

Former Chief Strategist Steve Bannon told DailyMail.com in May that Musk's turbulent time in the White House was marred when he was confronted over wild promises to save the administration 'a trillion dollars'.

That's when an irate Musk physically 'shoved' 62-year-old Bessent.

'Scott Bessent called him out and said, "You promised us a trillion dollars (in cuts), and now you're at like $100 billion, and nobody can find anything, what are you doing?"' Bannon revealed.

And that's when Elon got physical. It's a sore subject with him.

'It wasn't an argument, it was a physical confrontation. Elon basically shoved him.'

Bannon said the physical altercation came as the two billionaires moved from the Oval Office to outside Chief of Staff Susie Wiles' office, and then outside the office of the then National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz.
A senior San Diego city attorney who was paid a $300,000 taxpayer-funded salary while working remotely on a luxury cruise liner for over three months boasted to colleagues that she was having an amazing time, according to emails obtained exclusively by Daily Mail.

Jean Jordan, Executive Assistant City Attorney for the fiercely Democratic Southern California city, spent 117 days traveling the oceans while exploring stunning destinations.

She visited multiple exotic locales, including Africa, and spent three weeks in Europe, including Gibraltar - a British territory connected to Spain - and Italy, all while she was working; and reportedly accruing benefits and vacation time.

The 65-year-old left on January 20 and was thousands of miles away on the other side of the globe from her office before returning on May 16, according to emails obtained through by Daily Mail through a public records request.

After her controversial trip hit the headlines, internal emails from the City Attorney's office reveal Jordan messaged a city official on April 16: It is baffling to me that given all the things happening in the world-that this is front page news. Sigh!

And she gushed: On another note, trip has been amazing! We are having a grand time.'

Jean Jordan, Executive Assistant City Attorney for San Diego, spent 117 days traveling the oceans while exploring stunning destinations

Jordan visited Africa and Europe, where she spent three weeks, with breaks in Gibraltar (pictured) and Italy as part of her exotic round-the-world adventure - all while she was working; reportedly being paid her salary and accrued full benefits, including vacation time

She wrote to Stephen Cushman, a board member with the San Diego Housing Commission, after he had called critics questioning the integrity and optics of Jordans trip a bunch of jealous yahoos.

Her boss, City Attorney Heather Ferbert, had previously insisted she was in constant communication with Jordan despite her being on the high seas.

But the internal communications reveal the remote work set-up was far from ideal, despite claims to the contrary.

In fact, Jordan suffered multiple technology-related glitches and potential work-flow hurdles.

She also admitted to being hobbled by the extreme difference in time zones making effective communication with co-workers difficult, including having to reschedule online conference meetings.

She complained to several coworkers via emails, which sometimes included typos.

The time difference is challenging, Jordan griped to an assistant back in San Diego on March 6. Now that I am in this new time zone I am 13 hours apart.

So in other words If it is 8:00 am you time it is -it is 9:00 p.m. my time. So for now the earlier in heathers the better for me. The meeting we have now for Friday is midnight my time.

And on March 13, she wrote to colleague Leslie FitzGerald: Miss talking with you. The time difference makes it hard. I will text you later and see if we can make a time work.

Jordan exchanged multiple emails with office Information Systems specialist Kevin Westover over tech difficulties and connectivity issues, described as a problem.

They appeared desperate to fix on-going issues with using her Hewlett Packard laptop and various systems error messages.

In one email, including typos, Westover asked: Hello Jean, your (sic) are still in Gibraltar? Is that considered Europe? Just trying to make sure that exception is on the list. Also, what type of error are you getting from the laptop while attempting to access SAP?

Jordan wrote: 'Hi Kevin, I cannot access again. I am in Gibraltar. I will be in Europe for the next three weeks.'

In one email, a colleague asked Jordan: Hello Jean, your are still in Gibraltar? Is that considered Europe?'

A cruise ship shown docked in Gibraltar, a British territory connected to Spain

She emailed him on March 26: I was in Gibraltar yesterday. We are on the way to Italy now and will remain in Europe for about 3 weeks. When I try to get into SAP it says This site cant be reached sharepoint may be down or it may have moved to a new web address.

Also, Cant seem to figure out how to get into success factors.

On the same day she wrote: I turned off Global Protect. It is working better now-but I cannot access SAP.

I have turned off the computer several times. I turned off airplane mode and I tried to get into SAP and it says this site cant be reached.

With apparent mutual frustration, Westover responded, have you restarted the computer?

An email reply to Daily Mail from Jean Jordan said she is working from her 'office.' Shown is a cruise ship stateroom

He also wrote: Can you verify you are connected to Global Protect and screenshot me the settings page from Global Protect.

Jordan explained: I was in Gibraltar yesterday. We are on the way to Italy now and will remain in Europe for about 3 weeks. When I try to get into SAP it says This site cant be reached sharepoint may be down or it may have moved to a new web address.

On the same day, March 26, Westover queried: Hmmmmm okay, do you even have access to internet.

Marlea DellAnno, a former lawyer for the city of San Diego, previously told Daily Mail: I can't tell you how many people have called me or emailed me about this. People are outraged!

Jordan wrote: I have rebooted computer several times. I looked up what that triangle means and it says it is a connectivity issue-something about authentication. Not sure what else to try.

She also sent him photo images of her laptop screen to help to try to resolve the issue. shots of her computer

In a message to another colleague, with the subject BLocked, Jordan announced: I cannot access again.

On March 18, she emailed yet another colleague I am unable to access SAP, followed by a emoji frown face.

The same day she had an email from the IT department telling her to reach out if she continued to have issues.

Remarkably, a clearly agitated Jordan found time to accuse a Daily Mail reporter of lying in a curt April 17 email to Paola Avila, Chief of Staff to Mayor Todd Gloria, when contacted about her floating workspace.

It followed a request for comment sent to Jordan on March 14 which prompted the following auto-reply: Thank you for your email. I am out of the office today April 14, 2025. I will not have access to email or voicemail. I will return April 15, 2025. lf you have an urgent matter please contact Leslie FitzGerald.

In an email to staff on April 15, Ferbert wrote of the 'benefits to the Office and the City when an employee is willing and able to complete their work remotely but has circumstances that may take them away from the physical office space for a limited amount of time.'

Jordan was on her cruise away from the office for three and a half months.

In the email, Ferbert glowingly described Jordan an 'experienced, well-respected professional who has served the City of San Diego in the City Attorneys Office for the past four years.

She noted that Jordan had planned to retire toward the end of 2024 and had pre-arranged her cruise but stayed on following Ferberts appointment to the top post in November.

Ferbert, a Democrat, had every confidence that Jordan was completing her work well above the expectations set for all the attorneys.

Jordan is currently paid $282,651 per year and she was paid $239,000 a year prior to her recent promotion in, per the outlet. She was paid $155,000 in her previous job as attorney for Sutter County, north of Sacramento.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Jordan is a Level 1 CrossFit trainer and has a real estate license.

Marlea DellAnno, a former lawyer for the city, previously told Daily Mail: I can't tell you how many people have called me or emailed me about this. People are outraged!

'I don't understand how as a leader you could ever think that's a good idea.

How is the work getting done? You're talking about an executive and a taxpayer funded position.

There's an expectation of being physically present to lead your team.

Remote work has its place - but there's a significant difference between working from home and working from a global cruise.

This stretches the definition of telework beyond what is reasonable.

Daily Mail has contacted Jordan for comment.
Ivanka Trump is facing sharp criticism for posting surfing snaps on Instagram while Los Angeles was being torn apart by rioting over her father's immigration policies.

The First Daughter has been thrust into an awkward position as she juggles loyalty to family and a blossoming alliance with A-list influencers who have slammed her father's efforts to hunt down and deport illegal immigrants.

Trump's provocative decision to deploy Marines to help wrangle protesters rioting against his immigration policies in LA prompted a wave of celebrity condemnation, led by Ivanka's close friend Kim Kardashian.

The decade-long friendship is well documented and Ivanka is largely credited with helping Kim lobby her father during his first presidency.

But Kim's decision to speak out against Trump's immigration policies has left Ivanka in a tough spot and opened her up to vile criticism for failing to address the saga.

Her latest two Instagram posts have been inundated with cruel comments condemning her silence.

'Ivanka Antoinette. While America burns, she surfs,' one said on a picture of Ivanka holding a surfboard at the beach.

'How ''let them eat cake'' is this post?,' another said.

Ivanka Trump is facing sharp criticism for staying silent and sharing happy snaps of herself surfing at the beach as Los Angeles is torn apart by rioting over her father's immigration policies

Trump's provocative decision to send military reinforcements into LA to wrangle protesters who are rioting in the streets against his immigration policies prompted a wave of celebrity condemnation, led by Ivanka's close friend Kim Kardashian

'Ivanka should be mortified, humiliated and embarrassed by her father's heartless actions,' a third wrote, while countless others urged her to 'get her dad under control.'

Back in 2018, a year into her father's first term and when she was a crucial player in the administration, Ivanka addressed Trump's tough-on-borders approach.

'That was a low point for me,' she admitted.

'I felt very strongly about that and I am very vehemently against family separation and the separation of parents and children.'

But Ivanka was quick to point out that immigration matters were out of her remit.

Now that she's got no formal involvement in her father's administration, she appears even less inclined to wade into discussions on the controversial topic.

But Kim K's decision to slam the tactics is likely to put Ivanka in an awkward spot.

'When we witness innocent, hardworking people being ripped from their families in inhumane ways, we have to speak up. We have to do what's right,' Kim wrote.

Raids across the nation have sparked furious backlash, most apparent in LA where rioters have spent six days tearing the city apart in protest against the policies

The decade-long friendship is well documented and Ivanka is largely credited with helping connect the A-lister with her father during his first presidency

'Growing up in LA, I've seen how deeply immigrants are woven into the fabric of this city. They are our neighbors, friends, classmates, coworkers, and family.

'No matter where you fall politically, it's clear that our communities thrive because of the contributions of immigrants. We can't turn a blind eye when fear and injustice keep people from living their lives freely and safely.'

The Department of Homeland Security hit back hours later, with a post on X which read: '@KimKardashian, which one of these convicted child molesters, murderers, drug traffickers and rapists would you like to stay in the country.'

The post was accompanied by photos of four individuals ICE arrested in recent days from the City of Angels.

Kim is one of many celebrities using their platforms to condemn what they consider the heavy-handed approach to tightening border restrictions.

Trump gave the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents instructions to ramp up detention activities across the nation as part of his mass deportation agenda.

But raids across the nation have sparked furious backlash, most apparent in LA where rioters have spent six days tearing the city apart in protest against the policies.

Trump responded by authorizing the deployment of 4,100 National Guard troops and 700 Marines.

Ivanka's latest two Instagram posts have been inundated with cruel comments condemning her silence

Ivanka's A-list friendships have blossomed since she stepped back from politics and her father's administration

Trump responded to riots by authorizing the deployment of 4,100 National Guard troops and 700 Marines

But Kim appears to be the first celebrity from Ivanka's inner circle to publicly comment on the controversy.

Since stepping back from politics, Ivanka has been embraced by Miami socialites and A-listers, seen mingling with the likes of Camila Coelho, Isabela Grutman and Jeff Bezos' fiance Lauren Sanchez.

Ivanka has also developed close friendships with her sister-in-law Karlie Kloss and supermodel Gisele Bundchen, both of whom have been vocal in the past about their political affiliations and support of immigrants.

In 2020, Kloss told Bravo host Andy Cohen, 'I voted as a Democrat in 2016 and I plan to do the same in 2020', meanwhile Bundchen once replied to a fan's comment on Instagram asking if she was supporting Trump in 2016 with a simple but firm 'NO!'

In 2017, shortly after Trump's first foray into nationality-based immigration bans, Bundchen penned an Instagram post celebrating the diversity of immigrants, tagged: 'weareallimmigrants.'

And Kloss, who is married to Ivanka's husband Jared's billionaire brother, Joshua Kushner, criticized Trump's immigration policies in 2018, urging her fans to call their local congress member to voice their concerns.

'It's not the time to say 'there are no words', there are many. Politicizing the lives of these defenseless children and ripping them from their parents is heartless,' she wrote.

'We have to be the voices for these kids, and I support anyone standing up to do right by them. No matter what side of the aisle you are on - speak up.'

Sisters-in-law Karlie Kloss (right) and Ivanka (left) has a reportedly frosty relationship over the years, but that has since thawed and they're now close friends after Ivanka stepped back from her foray into politics

The relationship between the sisters-in-law was initially rumored to be frosty, sources told DailyMail.com back in April that relations had thawed since Ivanka took a step back from politics.

'Ivanka's views have changed and after she revealed she hates politics. Since then, her and Karlie have gotten very close and Karlie and Gisele have been close for over a decade,' a source close to Ivanka said.

'They formed a trio and love spending time with each other. Both Karlie and Gisele - who have been friends for years - have revealed that they are not Trump supporters.'

'Karlie has been very vocal about her political beliefs. Gisele revealed to her fans on social media that she does not support Trump.'

She famously said in January that she 'hated politics', telling The Skinny Confidential podcast: 'I hate politics. It's very dark, negative. And some people love like the gladiator aspect of it: the fight. That was never me.'

From 2016 to 2020 Ivanka was a senior advisor during her father's first term, giving up her life as a socialite and fashion designer and moving her young family from New York City to Washington DC.

But when Trump announced he was running again in 2022, Ivanka took a step back.

'I love my father very much,' she said in a statement at the time, 'I am choosing to prioritize my children and the private life we are creating as a family. I do not plan to be involved in politics.'
A cafe worker is accused of attempting to import more than $600,000 worth of ketamine by allegedly having it mailed to his old workplace.

A manager at Al Dente in Martin Place in Sydney's CBD opened a parcel that had been delivered to the business on Tuesday.

The packages allegedly contained 4kg of ketamine concealed in four resealable bags inside card game boxes.

Following inquiries as to who the package was mailed to, police moved in on a Bondi address and arrested 34-year-old Italian national Giacomo Granzotto.

The chef was due to fly out of the country on June 23.

Granzotto was taken to Day Street Police Station where he was charged with possessing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug.

He was denied bail to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday.

Granzotto had worked at Al Dente from December last year until March this year.

Following inquiries, police moved in on a Bondi address and arrested 34-year-old, Italian national Giacomo Granzotto (pictured)

Police alleged a package containing kilograms of ketamine were delivered to an inner-city cafe (above)

The Martin Place pasta bar is a favourite for workers in the nearby banks and state parliament.

None of the business' employees were charged, and Daily Mail Australia is not suggesting the cafe manager or any other work was involved in the incident.

The cafe is in the same building as premier Chris Minns' office.
A haunting detail that emerged during the investigation into the alleged murder of Queensland teenager Pheobe Bishop was the discovery of dead dogs at the home of Tanika Bromley and James Wood where she was living.

Pheobe, 17, went missing near Queensland's Bundaberg Airport about 8.30am on May 15 after booking a trip to WA to visit her boyfriend.

Last Friday, officers discovered what were believed to be the teenager's remains near Goodnight Scrub National Park.

The teen's housemates, James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, were charged with her murder, three weeks after she missed her flight and vanished.

Police say they moved her body more than once.

In the early days of the investigation, a stomach-churning stench came from the ramshackle Gin Gin house where Pheobe lived with Wood and Bromley, with neighbours saying as many as 11 of the animals had been discovered in the home.

One local told Daily Mail Australia that they had been forced to close their windows and doors to block the smell of the rotting dogs as temperatures soared past 28C.

Another neighbour said living next to Wood had become 'horrible' because the property became cluttered with rubbish and there had been noise from parties and a howling dog.

James Wood (pictured), 34, has been charged with the murder of his housemate, teenager Pheobe Bishop

Wood's dog (pictured) was picked up from Bundaberg police station by Wood's parents after his arrest on Wednesday June 4

Rumours of the dead animals quickly spread around the town and had an unsettling effect on locals.

When Daily Mail Australia found James Wood living out of his car before he and his partner Bromley were charged with Pheobe's murder, an irate local even accused him of having a dead dog in the vehicle with him.

'There's a dead dog in the car,' the woman said.

The dog in the car was alive, however, and was picked up from Bundaberg police station by Wood's parents after his arrest on Wednesday June 4.

Wood had apparently made reference to the pup only days after Pheobe went missing, when he shared a Facebook post which mentioned 'One very lost sad little chonker puppa at home missing [Pheobe] like crazy'.

But what was the explanation for the several dead dogs police found in the Gin Gin house?

Last week, the truth behind the animals' deaths came to light when Wood admitted to a friend that the dogs were actually puppies that died of natural causes.

In a text leaked to Daily Mail Australia, Wood was asked about it by a friend.

'There's a dead dog in the car,' the woman (pictured) said

Pheobe Bishop (pictured), 17, went missing near Queensland's Bundaberg Airport about 8.30am on May 15 after booking a trip to WA to visit her boyfriend

Wood responded: 'They didn't get killed. There was 5 puppies out of a litter of 13 that contracted hookworm and passed before the treatment could work.'

Puppies are particularly susceptible to hookworm, a intestinal parasite that affects dogs as well as humans. It's commonly inked to warmer climates and poor sanitation.

Neither Wood nor Bromley appeared when the case of Pheobe's alleged murder was mentioned in Bundaberg Magistrates Court last Friday.

They have not entered pleas and have been sent to jail on remand - Wood to Brisbane Correctional Centre, and Bromley to Brisbane Womens Correctional Centre.

Dr Vincent Hurley, a criminologist at Macquarie University who was a NSW police officer and negotiator for 30 years, told Daily Mail Australia the pair would have to be housed in protective custody in order to prevent acts of 'convict justice' being carried out on them.

'In jail, those accused of murdering a child are held in even lower esteem than a police informant,' Dr Hurley said.

'Under the social norms of jails, they will have a target on their backs and hardened criminals will try to flog them within an inch of their life.'

Dr Hurley also predicted that Bromley would have a more difficult time in a women's prison than her partner, Wood, in a men's facility.

'She'll be treated far worse than he will be,' he said.

'Some of the inmates will be mothers with children of similar ages to Pheobe.'
The Italian man allegedly kidnapped by two crypto investors was moving about Manhattan freely during the days he claimed he was tortured in captivity, lawyers for the suspects said in court Wednesday.

Lawyers representing William Duplessie, 32, and John Woeltz, 37, both claimed that their alleged victim Michael Valentino Teofrasto Carturan, 28, was seen in photos and videos 'laughing and smiling' on the days he was supposedly being violently extorted for the password to unlock the bitcoin in his crypto wallet worth millions of dollars.

Prosecutors instead argued that Carturan was clearly in distress, as surveillance video showed him running barefoot out of the SoHo apartment he was allegedly locked away in for 17 days.

Sam Talkin, Duplessie's lawyer, said photos and videos showed Carturan participating in group sex and smoking crack cocaine while 'laughing and smiling the whole time,' the Associated Press reported.

'The story that he is selling doesnt make sense,' Talkin said in Manhattan Supreme Court as the defendants were formally arraigned. Both men were ordered to be held behind bars until their next court date on July 15.

Woeltzs lawyer, Wayne Gosnell, said that witnesses told him Carturan came and went as he pleased from the upscale town house where he says he was held - going to church, clubs and dinners.

Duplessie and Woeltz both pleaded not guilty to first-degree kidnapping, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and assault.

Assistant District Attorney Sarah Khan attempted to explain away the photographic and video evidence presented by the defense by saying someone who supports the defendants has been selectively leaking the content to mislead.

John Woeltz, 37, appeared in Manhattan Supreme Court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to first-degree kidnapping, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and assault

William Duplessie, 32, appeared Wednesday as well and pleaded not guilty to the same charges, which are related to him and Woeltz allegedly kidnapping and torturing an Italian man so he'd give up the password to his bitcoin account

Khan maintained that Carturan was constantly being watched, was not permitted to leave the house without being guarded and was subjected to violence.

This allegedly included pistol whipping him, attempting to light him on fire and urinating on him, according to ABC6.

The alleged kidnappers even had a chainsaw and threatened to cut the his legs off if he didn't reveal his passwords to his crypto accounts.

When he emerged from the apartment barefoot and bloody, Carturan told police he had been severely beaten, drugged, shocked with electrical wires and threatened with death.

Duplessie and Woeltz, who were arrested in May after Carturan got loose, also took photos of him in various poses and acts to create the impression that he was not being held against his will, Khan said.

Khan also dropped the bombshell that discussions her office has had with other unnamed law enforcement agencies has indicated to her that Woeltz and Duplessie have tortured people before. She did not elaborate any further than that.

Prosecutors say that on May 6, the two men lured Carturo to their townhouse in the posh neighborhood of SoHo by threatening to kill his family.

This had been the third time Carturo met with Duplessie and Woeltz, according to prosecutors.

The alleged torture occurred in a massive luxury townhouse in SoHo, a posh New York City neighborhood

Duplessie (left) and Woeltz (right) were known for their partying lifestyle and were regulars at New York City's exclusive night club The Box, reportedly spending over $100,000 in single nights there

Duplessie (pictured) and Woeltz would reportedly host extravagant parties at the residence, offering guests drugs, alcohol and food from NYC hotspots including Blue Ribbon Sushi, Nobu, and Cipriani's

After being tormented with electrical wires, being forced to smoke from a crack pipe and being dangled from a staircase five stories high, prosecutors say, that's when Carturo handed over his password.

While the alleged kidnappers went to go retrieve his device, that's when Carturo said he was able to escape and call police.

Khan said he hasn't received his money or electronic devices back.

Woeltz started renting the multimillion-dollar townhouse on March 17, less than two months before the alleged crime. He pays his landlord between $75,000 and $95,000 per month to reside there, insiders told TMZ.

He and Duplessie, 32, intent on climbing the elite Manhattan social ladder, would reportedly host extravagant parties at the residence, offering guests drugs, alcohol and food from NYC hotspots including Blue Ribbon Sushi, Nobu, and Cipriani's.

Photographs captured from inside the stunning six-story home show how the pair littered the kitchen with cocaine, empty top shelf liquor bottles, including Don Julio and Greygoose, mixers, disposable vapes, and empty take-out containers.

The pair also regularly frequented The Box, an exclusive erotic nightclub in Nolita, with insiders alleging they would spend upwards of $100,000 during a night out and often brought women back to the townhouse to continue partying.

Police have locked down the property while they carry out their investigation. Officials will not release the home back to its owner until the probe is complete.
Massive anti-ICE riots have spread from coast to coast as Los Angeles tries to crack down on 'bad actors' at fiery protests that continued for a sixth consecutive day on Wednesday.

The City of Angels has been reeling since Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents first conducted raids in the city on Friday, sparking viral clashes between officers in riot gear and protesters who set vehicles on fire.

Some have even taken advantage of the chaos as they looted more than 20 stores.

But in cities across the nation, residents are rallying to show their support for the people of Los Angeles as they hold their own anti-ICE demonstrations - prompting Republicans to investigate who may be behind the uprising.

Protests have popped up in cities like New York City and Chicago, and in Spokane, Washington, Mayor Lisa Brown was forced to impose a curfew after large groups of protesters took to the streets and blocked off roads.

Officers who responded to the scene were then seen donning gas masks and deploying a device that released smoke into the crowd, causing them to disperse and begin shouting at police, CNN reports.

A total of 30 people have since been arrested in the Washington city.

It comes just one day after Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued her own lockdown from 8pm to 6am, saying she was trying to 'stop bad actors who are taking advantage of the Presidents chaotic escalation' after President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard and Marines to the city.

Massive anti-ICE riots continued in Los Angeles for a sixth consecutive day on Wednesday

The City of Angels has been reeling since Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents first conducted raids in the city on Friday, sparking viral clashes between officers in riot gear and protesters who set vehicles on fire

Officers were seen on horseback charging into a crowd at City Hall, causing several demonstrators to fall to the ground on Wednesday

But protesters have remained on the scene, with 17 people arrested on Tuesday for violating the curfew, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Even more arrests were made Wednesday, as curfew went into effect for a second consecutive and police quickly drove rioters out.

Officers were seen on horseback charging into a crowd at City Hall, causing several demonstrators to fall to the ground.

Cops then pushed hundreds of protesters into Gloria Molina Grand Park, where they gathered and began chanting 'Shame.'

Yet they seemed to be aware of their situation, as they wrote the number for bail support on their arms.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced criminal charges against eight people who allegedly attacked police, vandalized building and looted stores since the unrest began.

'If people want to hurl insults, we will protect that,' he said at a news conference Wednesday. 'If people want to engage in crimes, we will prosecute that.'

His office said three people were charged with using fireworks and motorcycles to hurt officers, after two were caught on camera slamming their bikes into a police skirmish line.

In Spokane, officers were seen deploying a smoke device to get a crowd to disperse

A total of 30 people have been arrested in the Washington city as its mayor issued a curfew

Hochman also announced charges against two people who allegedly joined a break in at a downtown Los Angeles Nike store and felony vandalism charges against people accused of tagging the downtown Hall of Justice - which houses the headquarters for the District Attorney's Office and the Sheriff's Department.

More unruly rioters may also find themselves criminally charged in the coming days, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

He explained that officers are continuing to review footage from the riots.

'If you didn't get caught in the last couple of nights, there's a lot of evidence,' Luna said. 'You're probably going to have a detective knocking at your door.'

Yet detectives are also trying to figure out how to work with members of the National Guard and the Marines, who arrived in the city on Wednesday.

'The role is still not clear, to us, the Marines or the National Guard, other than they're a support entity to protect federal employees and facilities,' Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell told CNN's Kaitlan Collins.

'This is unprecedented,' he continued.

'As far as the scope of their responsibilities or their abilities relative to arrest or dealing in a municipal environment, that's not something that they do certainly.

'What their training is, we're not sure of that - either on the Army or the Marines as it relates to crowd management, crowd control in an urban environment.'

Police in Los Angeles worked quickly to dispel the protesters outside City Hall

Cops pushed hundreds of protesters into Gloria Molina Grand Park, where they gathered and began chanting 'Shame'

Attorneys representing President Donald Trump, though, argued in court documents on Wednesday that the military forces in Los Angles were not engaging directly in policing as they hit out at California Gov. Gavin Newsom's lawsuit.

The governor and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a suit over the president's deployment of the National Guard and the Marines earlier this week, arguing it was unconstitutional because it violates state sovereignty and federal laws that limit the use of military forces for policing.

In a desperate attempt to get the forces out of Los Angeles, Newsom also asked a judge on Tuesday for a temporary restraining order on Trump's deployment - which the judge denied.

Lawyers for the Trump administration have since filed a response calling California's request for the restraining order a 'crass political stunt endangering American lives.'

If it were to be granted, they said, it would prevent the president 'from exercising his lawful statutory and constitutional power' to ensure federal facilities and personnel are protected and that the nation's immigration laws are adequately enforced.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced a curfew in her city on Tuesday

The curfew in LA came after protesters looted more than 20 stores

A hearing on the matter is now scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

In the meantime, local and federal officials have vowed to investigate who may be funding the massive cross country riots.

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna on Wednesday said he found 'evidence' outside agitators or an organized group is behind the riots in the city, and said authorities were 'looking to see if there is a conspiracy of some kind or organization,' Newsweek reports.

At the federal level, FBI Director Kash Patel also said the bureau 'is investigating any and all monetary connections responsible for these riots' as reports emerged that Chinese influence could be behind the chaos, according to The Signal.

The US-based Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) organized some of last week's protests in response to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that snowballed into violence over the weekend.

The Marxist revolutionaries also played a role in last year's anti-Israel protests that roiled Columbia University. PLS has ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) through Neville Roy Singham, a Connecticut-born tech entrepreneur who operates from Shanghai.

Singham, together with his wife, Jodie Evans, the founder of antiwar group Code Pink, have been investigated by House Republicans for promoting protests, dissent and unrest in the US for their bosses in Beijing.

Yet even though there may be financial links between Singham, PSL and the peaceful demonstrations against Trump's immigration crackdown, there is nothing to suggest that those protestors are involved in any of the violence or looting in LA.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau 'is investigating any and all monetary connections responsible for these riots' as reports emerged that Chinese influence could be behind the chaos

Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Josh Hawley has turned the blame on a Los Angeles immigration organization, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, which he said is 'bankrolling' the unrest.

In a letter to Angelica Salas, the head of the organization, Hawley wrote that it should 'cease and desist any further involvement in the organization, funding or promotion of these unlawful activities.'

'Credible reporting now suggests that your organization has provided logistical support and financial resources to individuals engaged in these disruptive actions,' wrote Hawley, who chairs the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism.

'Let me be clear: bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct.'

Salas, though, has denied the accusations.

'This is trying to take away the spotlight from the pain and suffering that this administration is causing,' she told the LA Times.

'I refuse to make it about anybody else but them.'
A voice recording of a missing man's mother begging him to come home was amplified from a drone during a search which sadly ended with the discovery of his body.

Finn Coyle, 21, was last seen at his family's home on Tanner Road in Carmel, in the hills east of Perth, about 2.30pm on Friday.

On Thursday, Queensland Police said officers had located a deceased male on a property in Carmel about 8.30am.

'Whilst formal identification is yet to take place, police believe the male to be missing 21-year-old man Finn Coyle. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for the coroner,' the statement read.

It comes just hours after Finn's mother sent a pre-recorded message to her son using a drone above the search area on Wednesday.

'It's mum here. The police and volunteers are looking for you,' she said.

'You're not in any trouble. If you hear or see the drone, please walk towards it.'

'Hopefully (his mum's) voice of comfort will draw him out from the bush,' Forrestfield police officer-in-charge Brad Robinson said.

Finn Coyle, 21, was last seen at his family's home on Tanner Road in Carmel, in the hills east of Perth , about 2.30pm on Friday (he is pictured)

His older brother Conor (pictured) earlier this week said while Finn was suffering mental health problems, it was 'completely out of character' for him to disappear

The search for the missing 21-year-old entered its seventh day on Thursday (pictured)

His older brother Conor said while Finn was suffering mental health problems, it was 'completely out of character' for him to disappear.

'Finn's been missing since Friday... we're all very worried for his wellbeing and his welfare, he's known to spend a lot of time in the local bush, in the hill's area,' he said during a press conference on Tuesday.

'He's very resourceful and he's a great young man, but he's suffering a lot of mental health (problems).'

More than 50 people joined the search for Mr Coyle with locals on rural properties have been asked to check their sheds, outhouses and the surrounding bushland.

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The mother of Pheobe Bishop has revealed her daughter lived with a disability, and slammed local rumours she will shut down her NDIS-registered business.

Pheobe, 17, went missing near Queensland's Bundaberg Airport about 8.30am on May 15 after booking a trip to WA to visit her boyfriend. Last Friday, officers discovered the teenager's remains near Goodnight Scrub National Park.

The teen's housemates, James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, have been charged with her murder, three weeks after she missed her flight and vanished. Police allege they moved her body more than once.

Daily Mail Australia earlier revealed that Bromley was employed by Pheobe's mum as a support worker, until she was made redundant from her role last year.

This week rumours have circulated in the Gin Gin community that Pheobe was an NDIS recipient through her mother's company.

Claims also emerged that Smiley's Support Services, the business run by Pheobe's mum Kylie Johnson, was 'unregistered' with NDIS.

However, NDIS records show that Smiley's has approved registration status and is in force until it's up for renewal in February 2026.

Ms Johnson took to social media on Thursday to hit back at the allegations.

Tanika Bromley (pictured left with Kylie Johnson) was employed at Smiley's Support Services before she was made redundant from her role last year

Pheobe's mum Kylie Johnson (pictured) took to social media on Thursday to hit back at the cruel allegations

'We've heard a few rumours about ourselves lately, however, we'd like to assure you all that Smiley's has NO intention of closing,' she wrote, adding that the business was 'continuing as usual'.

Ms Johnson implied the rumours had come from other NDIS providers in the area.

'Imagine people from your own industry using this tragedy to benefit themselves?' she wrote.

'After 23 years of working between the disability and aged care sector Im actually pretty disappointed.

'My journey started as a carer, cleaner and worked in dementia specific units and aged care homes. Ive worked and studied for the last 23 years to be professionally where I am today.

'My company was established at the same time our NDIS registration was applied for. We were approved for all levels of support that we provide.'

Ms Johnson mentioned that 'our last audit in June 2024 was completed as per the NDIS Guidelines'.

'This means we had meet the significant NDIS industry standards which we did with beautiful feedback,' she added.

'This has given my staff a high level of confidence and transparency in their service delivery.

'Team Smileys wont let the bullies and trolls WIN and even though Im not there at the moment, this company has an amazing team that continues to go above and beyond for everyone.

Pheobe Bishop (pictured), 17, went missing near Queensland's Bundaberg Airport about 8.30am on May 15

'Your disability only defines you if you allow it to and Phee never let hers define her.'

Ms Johnson did not specify what Pheobe's disability was. However, before she disappeared, the teen had shared a post to TikTok about borderline personality disorder.

'Having a partner with bpd (borderline personality disorder) means... getting blocked or left over small incidents... they will say very harsh things they don't mean when having an episode,' the post said, apparently in an attempt to explain her sometimes unpredictable behaviour.

Ms Johnson previously said Pheobe 'didn't fit the mainstream school model' and struggled with her education until she was enrolled at the alternative Y School in Bundaberg.

Pheobe's final posts to social media suggested the troubled teen had fallen out with her mother and would not return home. She also claimed in text messages to her aunt, Caz Johnson, that her mum had told her to 'get out'.

The rubbish-strewn flat where she lived with Wood and Bromley was just down the road from her mother's business.

Prior to registering Smiley's Support Services in 2021, Ms Johnson ran another Queensland business called Butterfly Spiritual Healing and Massage from 2015 to 2017, ABN records show.

The business offered services such as reiki healing and aura cleansing.

James Wood (pictured) has been charged with Pheobe's alleged murder

NDIS declined to comment when asked if Pheobe was a care recipient, citing privacy reasons.

Support workers are potentially subject to a range of requirements prior to employment, such as working with children checks and police checks.

Pheobe's cousin Whitney Woodfield replied to Ms Johnson's post, adding: 'These rumours are utterly ridiculous.

'The things this company has done for the community is incredible

'Phee would never've been okay if they were taken down over this. Proud of you for standing your ground.'

Neither Wood nor Bromley appeared in court when Pheobe's alleged murder was mentioned in Bundaberg Magistrates Court last Friday.

They have not entered pleas and have now been sent to jail on remand -after previously being being in police custody for several days after they were charged.

Wood is now being held at Brisbane Correctional Centre, and with Bromley in Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre.
A parliamentary researcher who allegedly suffered a similar rape and bullying ordeal to Brittany Higgins says the government treated her completely differently.

Anna Hough, 46, alleges she was raped as a young woman in politics and then bullied and discriminated against by her bosses after she raised it with them.

Ms Hough claims she was sexually abused and raped by a political staffer while volunteering for the Australian Democrats between 2000 and 2001.

When Ms Higgins went public in 2021 to famously disclose her alleged rape by Bruce Lehrmann, Ms Hough said it triggered her trauma from her own experience years earlier which led her to finally tell her bosses.

But Ms Hough alleges that instead of being offered support by the Department of Parliamentary Services, she was sidelined and bullied by her managers.

The mother-of-three from Canberra lodged a legal claim against the Federal Government in September 2023 covering both the alleged historic assaults and alleged bullying.

But while Ms Higgins was given a $2.4million settlement after one day of mediation, Ms Hough claims she was instead treated like a 'second-class victim'.

She told Daily Mail Australia she has been twice asked to sign non-disclosure agreements by the Labor Government and was given low-ball cash offers to settle.

Anna Hough, 46, alleges she was raped and sexually abused by a political staffer between 2000 and 2001 while volunteering for the Australian Democrats. But she claims she was bullied by her managers after revealing her alleged assaults - before being treated like a 'second-class victim'

The National Anti-Corruption Commission found on Thursday there was 'no corruption issue' with Brittany Higgins' $2.4m settlement. The corruption watchdog said a 'critical consideration during the settlement process was avoiding ongoing trauma to Ms Higgins' - a consideration Ms Hough said she had not been afforded

Now, after the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) found on Thursday there was 'no corruption issue' with Ms Higgins' huge settlement - which was signed after a day partly to avoid 'ongoing trauma' - Ms Hough has spoken out.

'I was a victim of alleged parliamentary workplace rape, sexual assault, bullying and discrimination but the Commonwealth has shown no concern about ongoing trauma to me,' Ms Hough told Daily Mail Australia.

'Instead, I have been offered a tiny fraction of the compensation, told repeatedly by lawyers and journalists that "no one cares what happened to you because you are not Brittany Higgins", and pressured to sign NDAs.'

Ms Hough said some of the reasons she had been given by lawyers for the dramatic difference in settlement figures included that, 'you weren't a Liberal staffer', and 'that was a political decision'.

'(But) we are supposed to have equality before the law in Australia,' she said.

'That should mean that if the Prime Minister, say, gets a speeding ticket he has to pay it the same way you or I do.

'And that if I am mistreated in the workplace, I get the same compensation as someone else who is similarly mistreated, whether they are the CEO or the cleaner.'

Ms Hough stressed that her issue was with the government's handling of her own case, not how Ms Higgins' was treated.

'To be clear, I am not attacking Brittany Higgins, I am attacking the government and its inconsistency,' she said.

Ms Hough (left) stressed that her issue was with the government's handling of her own case, not how Ms Higgins' was treated

The NACC said on Thursday that 'a critical consideration during the settlement process was avoiding ongoing trauma to Ms Higgins'.

The former Liberal Party staffer's claim for alleged bullying and victimisation - not the rape itself - took about 11 months before it was resolved after a single day of mediation.

'But mine has now taken 20 months and counting,' Ms Hough said.

'The Commonwealth took four months just to respond to our first settlement offer.

'No one has shown any interest in avoiding ongoing trauma to me.'

On Thursday morning, the NACC took the extraordinary step of revealing its preliminary findings into Ms Higgins' case to 'clear the air' around the 'scrutiny and speculation' surrounding the payout.

It found that there was 'no corruption issue' involving any public officials.

It also stated that the resolution of mediation after just a day was 'unexceptional' and revealed that Ms Higgins actually received less than the maximum amount recommended by external legal advice.

Ms Higgins' former boss Senator Linda Reynolds, who lodged the original complaint, said she was 'bitterly disappointed' by the findings.

'My primary concern has always been how the Commonwealth could possibly settle unsubstantiated and statute barred claims made against me, alleging egregious conduct on my part without taking a single statement from me or speaking to me at all,' she said.

'To be clear, I am not attacking Brittany Higgins, I am attacking the government and its inconsistency,' she told Daily Mail Australia

Senator Reynolds has also launched legal action against the Commonwealth over the compensation payment, alleging that government lawyers were 'hopelessly conflicted'.

The NACC said the question of whether Ms Higgins told mistruths during the pay-off talks was outside of their remit.

'Whether Ms Higgins made misrepresentations during the negotiations is not within the scope of the Commissions jurisdiction, as at the relevant time she was not a Commonwealth public official,' the NACC statement said.

In his judgment in the Bruce Lehrmann defamation case last year, Federal Court Judge Michael Lee found that Ms Higgins made at least nine untrue representations when negotiating her settlement with the commission.

Senator Reynolds noted that 'the NACC highlighted that whether or not a corruption issue exists is a different issue from whether there has been any breach of duty, misfeasance or negligence by the Commonwealth or its lawyers in relation to the settlement'.

'This distinction further reinforces the importance of my decision to pursue these issues in the Federal Court,' she added.

Ms Reynolds is also awaiting the outcome of a blockbuster defamation claim she brought against Ms Higgins and her husband David Sharaz over social media posts the pair made about her.

A judgement is expected to be handed down in the Supreme Court of Western Australia later this month.

Ms Higgins' former boss Senator Linda Reynolds, who lodged the original complaint with the NACC, said she was 'bitterly disappointed' by the findings

Ms Hough first went public with her allegations in an interview with Sky News in April.

Ms Hough said her motivation was the 'principle that all survivors deserve justice - regardless of their profile, role, or the media attention their case attracts'.

'Ive been silenced for too long,' she added.

'Given the ALPs response to an alleged Parliament House rape cover up last election, the hypocrisy on display in their treatment of me, particularly in trying to silence me, is quite something.'

Ms Hough has not had an affiliation with a political party since 2012 and has never been a member of the Liberal Party.

She was a 21-year-old university student working as a volunteer for the Australian Democrats when she alleges she was raped and sexually assaulted by a political staffer between April 2000 and May 2001.

'The power imbalance, combined with a total lack of reporting mechanisms and a culture of silence, made it impossible for me to speak up,' she told Sky News.

'When I sought help outside the party after the first assault, I was made to feel that it was my fault. No one suggested I report the assault, seek counselling, or speak to the police.'

Ms Hough (pictured) said her motivation was the 'principle that all survivors deserve justice - regardless of their profile, role, or the media attention their case attracts'

It was later, during the MeToo era, when Ms. Higgins came forward with her own trauma, that Ms. Hough started suffering PTSD symptoms.

At that stage, she had been working in the Department of Parliamentary Services since 2016.

She disclosed her trauma to her bosses who allegedly failed to offer support.

'Instead of being supported, I was pressured to step down from a more senior acting role, denied a promotion, and treated as a burden,' she added.

'The bullying and discrimination I faced at DPS were re-traumatising.'

She quit her role in April 2023 and filed her legal claim against the Commonwealth five months later.

Ms Hough claims she was twice asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement during settlement negotiations.

But a spokesperson for the Attorney-General's Department has previously denied that they would ask any victims to stay silent with the use of non-disclosure agreements.

Daily Mail Australia approached the Attorney-General's department for further comment.

During her time working in parliament, Ms Hough contributed to the Set the Standard report, which examined workplace behaviour and culture in the corridors of power.

She has also continued to call for the establishment of a redress scheme for survivors of abuse in Commonwealth parliamentary workplaces.
Business groups and unions are on a collision course over priorities for a planned productivity summit despite the prime minister's optimism they can find common ground.

Anthony Albanese has dismissed suggestions the roundtable, which will take place in August and is aimed at finding ways to lift the nation's economic output, would amount to little more than a Canberra talkfest.

'It is not unreasonable to bring people together ... business and unions have common interests, we have a national interest in boosting productivity,' he told ABC Radio on Wednesday.

But Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox said it was disappointing the union movement had taken the view that 'there's nothing to see here and that is all about cutting jobs and cutting wages and it demonstrably isn't'.

'One of the frustrating conversations to have with unions is to hear them say: 'Yes, of course there'll be AI but everyone's job will stay the same,' he told Sky News.

'Unfortunately it won't but we have to prepare people for that - and that will be a massive exercise in reskilling and retraining ... that's where this productivity summit is going to be so important.'

Experts are concerned about Australia's lagging growth in productivity - a key economic measure of efficiency and long-term driver of improved living standards.

Working Australians must be at the centre of the summit, ACTU secretary Sally McManus said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) is optimistic about his looming roundtable with union bosses

'We need to leave behind the idea that productivity is equated with cutting pay and making people work harder for less,' she said.

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar said he was realistic about the potential for tangible outcomes at the roundtable.

'If it was easy, it would have been done already,' he told AAP.

The scope of the Fair Work Act had grown significantly in recent years, which had a 'significant impact' on small businesses trying to hire staff, Mr McKellar said.

Planned payday superannuation reforms also needed to be implemented in a way that didn't 'create a significant additional burden for small business', he added.

'We don't expect (the government) to revisit all of the industrial relations changes, but ... let's make some practical changes that make it easier for small business to create jobs and employ more people to promote productivity,' Mr McKellar said.

Tax changes, cutting the regulatory burden and encouraging the uptake of digital technology would all be priorities for the business lobby, which singled out AI as a field that could make a big difference to productivity.

Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood said it was important to be clear the target was 'not about working longer hours'.

ACTU secretary Sally McManus (pictured centre) says working Australians should be at the centre of the summit

'When we're talking about labour productivity, all it means is producing more for each hour worked,' she told ABC TV.

'This is about making sure Australians have the skills, that they have access to the technology, that we have great business processes that allow all of us to get more out of each hour that we put in.'

Higher productivity was ultimately what drove improvements in incomes and living standards, and technological change was the most important driver of growth, Ms Wood said.

'Australia is lagging in the adoption of AI ... so that's certainly one of the areas of opportunity that we will be looking to,' she said.

The commission's most recent report showed labour productivity fell 0.1 per cent in the December quarter and dropped 1.2 per cent in the past year.

Shadow treasurer Ted O'Brien said the opposition gave the government some credit for calling the summit.

'A round table. Yay!' Mr O'Brien joked during an interview on Nine's Today program.

'But look ... to be fair, at least they're recognising the problem ... so let's take that as a partial tick.'
The United States has told embassy staff in Iraq to evacuate amid fears Israel could be poised to strike Iran within days, regardless of American support.

Non-essential US embassy staff in Baghdad are set to leave due to heightened security risks, US government sources have warned without elaborating.

President Donald Trump told media on Wednesday that 'they are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place and we'll see what happens'.

Asked why family members of military personnel were allowed to voluntarily leave the region, he ominously replied: 'You'll have to see.'

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said that the decision was taken 'as a result of a recent review' by the State Department, without mentioning a possible attack.

But fears of an Israeli attack on Iran have escalated dramatically in recent days, with delicate nuclear talks between Iran and the United States appearing to stall.

Multiple sources told CBS that US officials have been warned that Israel is fully ready to launch an operation into Iran, having long opposed any deal.

Trump acknowledged the perceived threat in comments on Wednesday, saying 'we are not going to allow' Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

Iranian defence minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned, meanwhile, that if talks do fail and 'a conflict is imposed on us', Iran 'will target all US bases in the host countries'.

Armored vehicles belonging to Iraqi security forces are stationed outside the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone, Iraq, June 12, 2025

An Israeli fighter jet flies over southern Israel, Monday, May 5, 2025

Donald Trump spoke about the Iranian nuclear talks at the Kennedy Center yesterday

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A strike on Iran would disrupt the ongoing talks with the United States, now approaching their sixth round. Oman confirmed this morning that it would host the expected US-Iran talks in Muscat on Sunday.

Israel is said to have become more serious about a strike on Iran as the talks approach a preliminary or framework agreement that includes provisions about uranium enrichment that Israel views as unacceptable, NBC reports, citing five people with knowledge of the situation.

A lingering concern is that Iran could retaliate against US personnel or assets in the region for any action by Israel, the report notes.

Sources told the outlet that they were not aware of any planned US involvement in the possible action.

The US could - in theory - support Israel with aerial refuelling or intelligence sharing, rather than direct action against Iran, but the sources were not aware of plans for that, either.

Israel has long been wary of any nuclear deal with Iran, and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office says that Israel has conducted multiple operations to restrain Iran's nuclear programme.

Israel is believed to have nuclear weapons already.

Trump, who has already told Israel it would be 'inappropriate' to strike Iran as 'we're very close to a solution', is now waiting on Iran's response to its latest proposals.

An F-15 jet releases a flare as it flies over Gaza, as seen from Israel, June 2, 2025

Israel conducted strikes against Iran in April last year following an Iranian drone and missile attack

Israel intercepts Iranian projectiles above Jerusalem on October 1, 2024

FILE PHOTO: An Iran-made Kheibarshekan missile is exhibited during a rally that marks the 46th anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran, on February 10, 2025

Tehran said on Monday it would present a counter-proposal on a nuclear deal, suggesting Washington's offer still contained 'ambiguities'. It is also seeking relief from sanctions.

Iran and the US have been locked in a diplomatic standoff over Iran's uranium enrichment, with Tehran defending it as a 'non-negotiable' right and Washington describing it as a 'red line'.

Iran assures that its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful. But the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, has not been able to verify this and in May published a damning report that claimed Iran had carried out secret nuclear activities with undeclared material.

Today, the IAEA found that Iran has failed to meet its nuclear non-proliferation obligations for the first time in 20 years, likely to set back any talks.

U.S defence secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday that there were 'plenty of indications' that Iran is moving towards developing a nuclear weapon, and political opponents of the regime claimed this week to have uncovered evidence that Tehran was intensifying efforts to acquire long-distance nuclear weapons.

'There are plenty of indications that they have been moving their way towards something that would look a lot like a nuclear weapon,' Hegseth said at a hearing on Wednesday.

A US defence official said Hegseth authorised the voluntary departure of military dependants from locations across the Middle East.

Non-essential personnel and their family members have been allowed to leave in Iraq, Bahrain and Kuwait - all sitting between Israel and Iran.

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The NCRI claimed to have identified a number of military sites in Semnan Province. Number 3 on the map is allegedly 'used for the development of nuclear warheads intended for installation on the liquid-fuel Simorgh missile'. Number 4 is said to show the Imam Reza Training Centre, 'where the development of nuclear warheads for the Ghaem-100 missile is being pursued'.

In Israel, Netanyahu's hard-right government survived an opposition bid to dissolve parliament on Thursday, as lawmakers rejected a bill that could have paved the way for snap elections.

Out of the Knesset's 120 members, 61 voted against the proposal, with 53 in favour.

The opposition had introduced the bill hoping to force elections with the help of ultra-Orthodox parties in the governing coalition angry at Netanyahu over the contentious issue of exemptions from military service for their community.

While the opposition is composed mainly of centrist and leftist groups, ultra-Orthodox parties that are propping up Netanyahu's government had earlier threatened to back the motion.

The results of the vote Thursday morning, however, showed that most ultra-Orthodox lawmakers ultimately did not back the opposition bill, with just a small number voting in favour.

The opposition will now have to wait six months before it can try again.

Netanyahu faces criticism at home over Israel's conduct in the war in Gaza, conscription fears and the failure to return hostages taken into Gaza by Hamas after 21 months of war.
A grandmother who allegedly stabbed her son's partner and a 10-year-old boy in a roadside rampage shared a home with the woman she is accused of attacking.

Julie Ann Williams, 59, lived with her builder son Andrew Williams and his 27-year-old girlfriend Kellie Parkes in a house south of Sydney at Horsley, near Wollongong.

On Wednesday evening, Williams allegedly stopped Ms Parkes on West Dapto Rd in Wongawilli, before she got out of her own car and approached her vehicle, which sparked a heated confrontation.

The older woman then allegedly pulled out a knife, leaned through the front passenger window of Ms Parkes's car and stabbed a 10-year-old boy in the neck.

When Ms Parkes got out of her vehicle, Williams allegedly stabbed her in the abdomen.

Ms Parkes and the boy suffered serious stab wounds and were treated at the scene by paramedics about 6pm.

The boy was airlifted to Sydney and Ms Parkes was taken to Wollongong Hospital.

A three-year-old boy who was also in Ms Parkes's car escaped the incident unharmed and was in the care of a family member.

A grandmother who allegedly stabbed her son's partner, Kellie Parkes, and a 10-year-old boy in a roadside rampage shared a home with the woman she is accused of attacking. Ms Parkes is pictured

Julie Ann Williams lived with her builder son Andrew Williams (above) and his 27-year-old girlfriend Kellie Parkes in a house south of Sydney at Horsley, near Wollongong

The alleged attack took place just a three-minute drive from where Williams, her son and Ms Parkes lived together.

Police arrested Williams at the Horsley house about 6.30pm on Wednesday and seized her car from the premises later that night.

Wiliiams appeared in Wollongong Local Court on Thursday afternoon charged with two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

She watched the brief proceedings via audio-visual link from Wollongong police station and did not apply for bail.

Williams leant forward to listen and when the matter was adjourned told magistrate David Williams, 'Thank you, Your Honour.'

She is the subject of an interim apprehended violence order protecting Ms Parkes with conditions which include not going within 500m of the family home.

When asked if she comprehended the restriction, Williams said: 'Yes, I understand.'

Neighbours said Williams lived in a flat behind the Horsley house, while her son lived in the front and Ms Parkes spent most of her nights there.

The alleged attack took place just a three-minute drive from where Williams, her son and Ms Parkes lived together at his house in Horsley

Neighbours said Williams lived in a flat (above) behind the Horsley house, while her son lived in the front and Ms Parkes spent most of her nights there

'She (Ms Parkes) is pretty much here all the time,' one neighbour told Daily Mail Australia.

'I always hear the son and his mum arguing a lot. Not really the girlfriend and the mum.'

Another neighbour said of Ms Parkes: 'She pretty much lives here.'

Of Williams, that neighbour said, 'I didn't have much to do with her. You wouldn't pick it.'

Detective Chief Inspector Brad Ainsworth said the three-year-old boy was 'not injured, not touched and not approached'.

The 10-year-old boy and Ms Parkes's condition had improved and they were 'in no danger and are progressing well', he said.

Detective Chief Inspector Ainsworth thanked members of the public who had rushed to help Ms Parkes and the boy and said it was not clear what sparked the alleged attack.

'Really, are there any words to describe what [Williams] is alleged to have done - it's just, it's crazy,' he said.

Williams will return to court on August 6 when she will be represented by Legal Aid.

Police have urged anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage in relation to the alleged stabbing to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A Nigerian-Australian woman allegedly trafficked students from Papua New Guinea to work on Queensland farms by luring them with fake scholarships.

Australian Federal Police on Wednesday arrested the dual-citizen, 56-year-old Binta Abubakar, after she landed at Brisbane Airport from PNG, where she was primarily based.

AFP began investigating the woman in July 2022 after its Northern Command Human Trafficking Team received a tip from Queensland Police.

In a statement, AFP said it was told 'a group of PNG nationals who had moved to Australia to study were instead allegedly forced to work against their will on farms'.

Abubakar allegedly tricked 15 students to come to Australia by promising them full educational scholarships though her company, BIN Educational Services and Consulting, between March 2021 and July 2023.

Her website promised customers a 'holistic and modern approach to education, training and employment'.

However, shortly after they arrived in Australia, the PNG nationals - aged between 19 and 35 - were allegedly forced to sign a series of legal documents.

Police allege those included an agreement to repay 'unmentioned costs associated with tuition, airfares, visa applications, insurance and legal fees'.

Binta Abubakar (pictured) is accused of trafficking 15 students from Papua New Guinea to work on Australian farms

AFP officers arrested Abubakar (left) on Wednesday and she was released on conditional bail

'These unexpected costs placed the PNG nationals in excessive debt,' AFP allege.

In order to pay off their loan, the PNG nationals were allegedly forced to work on farms across Queensland, at times against the rules of their visa.

It's understood those properties included fruit farms in the Lockyer Valley and Stanthorpe where they worked 10 hours a day, seven days a week.

The farmers did not know of Abubakar's alleged scheme.

If they refused to comply, Abubakar allegedly threatened to have the students deported or intimidated their family in PNG.

Abubakar would allegedly receive the wages on the workers' behalf and withhold them to pay off their remaining 'debt'.

She was charged with 31 offences and was granted conditional bail to reappear before the same court on September 19.

Those offences included four counts of trafficking in persons, 14 counts of deceptive recruiting for labour or services, and 13 counts of engaging in conduct that caused a person to enter into debt bondage.

Police alleged Abubakar (pictured with officers at Brisbane Airport) trapped the students in debt bondage and forced them to repay her by working 10-hour days on fruit farms

AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer said the AFP is committed to protecting vulnerable foreign workers who are 'targeted by those driven by greed and profits'.

'Victims of debt bondage and other human trafficking offences can be lured to Australia with a promise of a dream career or free education, things they may not have access to in their country of origin,' he said.

'If the conditions of that promise change, it can leave victims in an extremely vulnerable situation in a foreign country, where they are likely to have little financial or emotional support, and face issues with language barriers.

'The AFP can help people who are exploited and is focused on ensuring the welfare of victims.'

Police urged anyone aware of foreign workers being exploited in Australia to contact authorities.
A home has been raided by police as they continue to hunt for the killers of an innocent dancer who fell victim to a bungled underworld house fire.

Katie Tangey, 27, died while she was house-sitting at her brother's Dover Street home, in the western Melbourne suburb of Truganina, on January 16 when two people set the townhouse alight.

Ms Tangey, who performed burlesque under the stage name Vivien May-Royale, was tragically left trapped inside to die while the arsonists, believed to be aged between 25 and 30, fled the scene.

Police have now released footage of Arson and Explosives Squad detectives raiding a home in Dandenong on Thursday morning in a huge breakthrough.

Several mobile phones were seized, which will now be forensically analysed in an effort to identity the killers.

The raid followed a public appeal for information held at a police information caravan on the same street the fire took place in Truganina in April.

Back in February, Victoria Police revealed it's believed the fire was likely linked to Victoria's ongoing tobacco wars, with the arson attack a targeted one but at the wrong address.

Ms Tangey, who has been remembered by loved ones as a 'beautiful soul' was completely innocent and had no links with the illicit tobacco trade.

Katie Tangey (pictured) was tragically killed in an arson attack while house-sitting her brother's Melbourne home in January

Two arsonists set the townhouse alight (pictured) before fleeing the scene, leaving Ms Tangey trapped inside to die

Victoria Police have confirmed a huge breakthrough in the hunt to catch the killers, with detectives raiding a Dandenong home on Thursday morning (pictured)

CCTV of the fire showed on January 16 shortly after 2am, two people got out of a dark coloured vehicle, similar to a BMW X3 or X5, parked outside the Dover Street home.

An explosion was heard and the pair fled the scene in the same vehicle.

Emergency services responded to reports of the fire made by Ms Tangey as she was inside the house about 2.30am.

The 27-year-old dancer and her brother's golden retriever, Sunny, died at the scene and the three-storey townhouse was completely destroyed.

Her brother Ethan Tangey and his wife Brooke were just days into their honeymoon when the fire took place.

CCTV captured the vehicle the killers fled the scene in travelling north on Forsyth Road in Truganina at approximately 2.12am.

Detectives have confirmed they are 'absolutely determined' to provide Ms Tangey's family with 'closure and justice'.

Arson and Explosives Squad's Detective Inspector Chris Murray said: 'I know Katie's family would want nothing more than to see her live out the whole life she had ahead of her, but the least we can do is make sure those responsible for this tragedy are held accountable for their actions.

Ms Tangey performed burlesque under the stage name Vivien May-Royale and has been remembered by her loved ones as a 'beautiful soul'

Ms Tangey's brother Ethan and his wife Brooke were days into their honeymoon when the blaze, which also killed their dog Sunny, took place (pictured, Ethan, Brooke and Sunny)

'I would like to thank those who have already provided information to us via Crime Stoppers, but please, we need you to come forward with additional information.

'We know this is solvable, and we know we are getting closer. If you know absolutely anything, I cannot implore you enough to find it in yourself to do the right thing and come forward.'

Ms Tangey's mother, Tracey, previously said she was 'broken' following the death of her daughter.

'It is with a heavy heart (that) I let you all know my beautiful baby girl passed away in a targeted house fire yesterday morning at 2am,' she said.

'I am completely broken and don't know how we are going to heal from this devastating news. If you could all remember our beautiful soul in your own way.

'Rest my baby bub, mum loves you more than you will ever know, you are and always will be my best friend and the love of my life. My heart will be forever broken.'
High Street discount chain Poundland has been sold for a 'nominal' sum of just 1 following warnings of growing financial difficulties, as workers brace for job losses amid reports up to 200 stores could be at risk of closing.

Previous owners Pepco sold the brand to investment firm Gordon Brothers, the retail group has announced, in a deal which will see Poundland receive 80 million to turn itself around.

Poundland currently employs some 16,000 people across 800 shops in the UK and Ireland. It is thought that as part of the takeover deal, up to 200 stores are at risk of closure.

Gordon Brothers is the former owner of Laura Ashley and has seen off steep competition from rival firm Hilco Capital in recent days.

Chief executive Barry Williams is to remain at the helm after returning to the business earlier this year.

In March, Poundland's owners Pepco put the discount chain up for sale after its financial fortunes declined. It also unveiled a plan to buy back 168m of its own stock.

Pepco previously slashed Poundland's value by nearly 650m as it blamed spiralling costs and 'more difficult' trading conditions.

Prospective backers have estimated that around 100 million is needed to stabilise the discount chain, which is one of the staples of the UK high street.

High Street discount chain Poundland has been sold for a 'nominal' sum following a wave of store closures amid financial difficulties

Pictured: Pepco chief executive Stephan Borchert, who has overseen today's deal

Under the deal, the business will continue to operate under the Poundland brand in the United Kingdom and under the Dealz brand in the Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland.

Pepco Group is also expected to maintain a minority investment in the brand.

The brand has suffered in recent years due to a spiraling shoplifting epidemic which Poundland said last year meant 40 million of stock had been swiped from its shelves.

The brand has reportedly been sold for just 1 - eight years after it dropped its own guarantee that all items at the store would cost just 1 in 2017.

Items have since been priced between 50p and 5.

As part of today's deal, Poundland is set to undergo a restructuring plan. Poundland said the details will be communicated 'in due course'.

Last month, Poundland reported that revenues dropped by 6.5 percent to 985 million euros (830 million) for the six months to March, compared with a year earlier.

The brand suffered 'challenges across all categories' and had 18 net store closures over the period.

Pepco said the deal will help it shift away from food and drinks, improve its revenue growth and boost its profitability.

Poundland chief executive Mr Williams told City AM: 'Poundland is a UK and Ireland retailer of real significance, serving 20m customers each year with a much-loved brand.

'Although recent trading has been challenging, we have built a turnaround plan with a simplified and more focused Poundland at its heart, as we aim to deliver the amazing value our customers expect.

Prospective backers have estimated that around 100million is needed to stabilise the discount chain

'In due course we'll share more details of the proposed restructure and turnaround plan. I'd like to thank Pepco for its stewardship of the business.

'We welcome Gordon Brothers and look forward to working with them as we implement our turnaround plan.'

Stephan Borchert, Pepco Group CEO, said: 'The agreed sale of Poundland marks an important milestone in our strategic plan to move away from FMCG and focus predominantly on Pepco, our higher margin clothing and general merchandise business.

'As set out during our capital markets day in March 2025, this transaction will strongly support our accelerated value creation programme by simplifying the group and focusing on our successful Pepco business.

'I am confident that Pepco has the right foundations to be one of Europe's most successful discount retailers, delivering customer satisfaction, profitable growth and shareholder value.

'Poundland remains a key player in UK discount retail, with millions of customers annually and a well-loved brand and proposition.

'We want to sincerely thank all the Poundland team for their ongoing commitment and contribution to the group and wish Barry Williams and his team all the best for the future.'
Israel and Hamas have accused each other of killing Palestinians at aid distribution centres in Gaza.

Israel this morning declared that Hamas was 'weaponising suffering' in the embattled Strip after the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US and Israeli-backed aid organisation, claimed the group attacked a bus transporting Palestinian aid workers.

At least five Palestinians working with GHF were killed in the ambush on the bus headed to an aid facility in southern Gaza, the group said.

A statement read: 'At the time of the attack, our team was en route to one of our distribution centres in the area west of Khan Younis.

'We are still gathering facts, but what we know is devastating: there are at least five fatalities, multiple injuries, and fear that some of our team members may have been taken hostage.'

The attack came days after the GHF warned Hamas had threatened members of the organisation as well as Palestinians who risked the journey to the distribution points for sorely needed aid.

Meanwhile, Gaza hospitals retorted that at least 39 Palestinians were killed yesterday at two separate GHF aid distribution points, claiming that Israeli soldiers opened fire on the crowds.

Some 25 starving Palestinians were reportedly killed close to a GHF facility in the Netzarim Corridor, an Israeli military zone.

Another 14 Gazans are said to have died near a GHF site close to the city of Rafah.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry claims that more than 220 people have now been killed while attending GHF aid distribution sites in the past two weeks, primarily as a result of Israeli soldiers and security guards opening fire.

There have also been reports of armed Palestinians gunning down countrymen at the aid checkpoints after Israel admitted it was working with the Popular Forces, a Gazan militia led by Hamas opponent Yasser Abu Shabab, and other local groups to counter Hamas' influence.

Palestinians wait for food at a distribution point in Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip, on June 11, 2025

People carry relief supplies from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private US-backed aid group that has bypassed the longstanding UN-led system in the territory

Palestinians carry bags containing food and humanitarian aid packages delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed organization, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Palestinians carry the body of a person who died last night while trying to get access to humanitarian aid, near the al-Shifa Hospital, in Gaza City, Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Bodies of Palestinians, those who were killed, are brought to al-Shifa Hospital after Israeli airstrike to Netzarim Corridor in Gaza Strip on June 11, 2025

The Israeli military, which guards GHF sites from a distance, has refuted claims it shot starving Gazans, admitting only that its soldiers fired only warning shots at individuals they believed were acting suspiciously.

Israel's Foreign Ministry seized the opportunity to criticise Hamas in the wake of the reported attack on the GHF bus, writing on X: 'After threats, lies and disruption, they turned to cold-blooded murder.

'Hamas is weaponising suffering in Gaza - denying food, targeting lifesavers and forsaking its own people.'

An officially private effort with opaque funding, the GHF began operating on May 26 after Israel initiated a blockade that totally cut off supplies into Gaza for more than two months, sparking international condemnation and warnings of imminent famine.

During its first week of operations, the GHF said it distributed more than seven million meals' worth of food, but its operations were widely criticised even before the deadly shootings near its sites.

The United Nations and major aid groups have refused to work with the GHF.

UN officials say the GHF system is unable to meet mounting needs, and that it allows Israel to use aid as a weapon by controlling who has access to it and by essentially forcing people to relocate to the aid sites if they hope to get enough to eat.

Most of the sites are spread around the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis in what is now a mostly uninhabited military zone.

Some fear this could be part of an Israeli plan to coerce Palestinians into leaving Gaza.

Hamas has also rejected the new system and threatened to kill any Palestinians who cooperate with the Israeli military.

But Israel and the United States say the new system is needed to prevent Hamas from siphoning off aid from the long-standing UN-run system, which is capable of delivering food, fuel and other humanitarian aid to all parts of Gaza.

UN officials deny there has been any systematic diversion of aid by Hamas, but say they have struggled to deliver it because of Israeli restrictions and the breakdown of law and order in Gaza.

People carry relief supplies from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private US-backed aid group that has bypassed the longstanding UN-led system

A Palestinian youth, who was injured last night while trying to get access to humanitarian aid, is treated at the al-Shifa Hospital, in Gaza City, Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Bodies of Palestinians, those who were killed, are brought to al-Shifa Hospital after Israeli airstrike to Netzarim Corridor in Gaza Strip on June 11, 2025

A Palestinian woman carries a bag containing food and humanitarian aid delivered by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed organization, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Wednesday, June 11, 2025

A Palestinian man, who was injured Tuesday night while trying to get access to humanitarian aid, waits to be treated at the al-Shifa Hospital, in Gaza City, Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Gaza medics have said hospitals are being inundated with people wounded while trying to obtain food from GHF checkpoints.

Because the aid distribution centres are located in Israeli military zones, starving Palestinians must brave heavily armed checkpoints and fenced-off enclosures if they hope to get their hands on any aid.

This system has led to crushes as hungry Gazans are forced into cordoned off areas.

Gunshots trigger stampedes that have seen hundreds injured and killed.

At Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital, the emergency department recently said it had received dozens of people who had been killed or wounded while waiting for aid, including 200 in a single day.

'Many Gazans went to the Nabulsi and Netzarim areas to receive aid and were shot at and shelled with tanks,' said Mutaz Harara, head of Al-Shifa's emergency department.

But with few medical supplies and no operating theatres, 'many patients died while waiting for their turn', he said.

There is also speculation over the extent to which Israel's military is delegating the task of securing the GHF to Palestinian militias, including Abu Shabab's Popular Forces.

Abu Shabab's militia says it is has been guarding several of the food distribution points set up by the GHF in southern Gaza.

But the aid organisation has denied any links to the Popular Forces.




Rachel Reeves played down the prospects of ramping up defence spending today despite mounting pressure from Donald Trump.

The Chancellor stressed that Labour had only committed to hitting 2.5 per cent of GDP in the current Parliament.

And she suggested the 'ambition' after 2029 remains to reach a level of 3 per cent - even though Nato states are being asked to agree a target of 3.5 per cent at a summit later this month.

The blueprint being pushed by Mr Trump and the military alliance's secretary general Mark Rutte would see countries pledge to hit the higher spending by the early 2030s.

A further 1.5 per cent of GDP would be required for 'defence-related expenditure'. A timetable could be set for gradually increasing their allocations.

However, there are questions about how the UK would fund such an huge increase - roughly equivalent to an extra 30billion annually.

Britain allocated 2.33 per cent of GDP to defence last year, and is set to reach 2.5 per cent by April 2027.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves stressed that Labour had only committed to hit 2.5 per cent of GDP in the current Parliament

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The Labour Government has an 'ambition' of increasing that to 3 per cent in the next parliament - likely to run to 2034.

In a round of broadcast interviews this morning, Ms Reeves said the Spending Review she laid out yesterday included the 'biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War'.

'The commitment on defence in our manifesto was 2.5 per cent we've said 3 per cent in the next Parliament,' she told Sky News.

The Chancellor said the spending plans only covered this 'this Parliament'.

She said: 'We will set out costed and funded plans in due course, but in this Parliament the commitment was to get to 2.5 per cent.. '

The generous fiscal envelope set by the Chancellor last Autumn has been put under massive pressure by the economy slowing down and Mr Trump's trade war.

That has led analysts and political rivals to argue that more tax increases are 'inevitable' - although the funding gap will not crystalise until the next fiscal package.

The US itself missed the proposed Nato target by spending 3.38 per cent of GDP on defence last year - although the sheer size of its economy meant that dwarfed contributions from the rest of the alliance.

The blueprint being pushed by Donald Trump (pictured) and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte would see countries pledge to hit the higher spending by the early 2030s

Countries such as Germany face finding upwards of $60billion a year more for the military.

The increase in Italy would be equivalent to around $46billion, Canada $45billion, France 44billion and the UK roughly $40billion.

Spain - which has not invested heavily in defence up to now - could need to allocate an additional $36billion despite its economy being much smaller.

The UK's Strategic Defence Review, published last week, recommended sweeping changes, including a greater focus on new technology, including drones and artificial intelligence based on rising budgets.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government has been slammed by radio host Ben Fordham over Australia's worsening housing crisis.

It follows the release of a report from the Government's National Housing Supply and Affordability Council (NHSAC), showing Australia will miss its own housing targets.

According to the report, housing construction is at its lowest point in a decade, with just 177,000 new dwellings completed in 2024, well short of the government's 233,000 target.

The Council warned that housing is not being built quickly enough to meet growing demand and relieve affordability pressures.

'The Council's analysis shows that expected new housing supply will be insufficient to meaningfully improve housing affordability for all households,' the report stated.

It forecasts that only 938,000 new dwellings will be completed across Australia over the five-year Housing Accord period ending 30 June 2029, far below the 1.2 million target.

No state or territory is expected to meet its allocated share.

Ben Fordham (pictured) slammed the Albanese for his failure to meet his own housing target

Housing Minister Clare O'Neil (right) blamed red tape for exacerbating the housing crisis

On Thursday, Fordham lashed out at the government, blaming slow building rates and rising immigration for exacerbating the crisis.

'The Albanese government promised to build more houses, today they're building less. They promised to lower immigration, today, they're bringing in more,' he said.

'The PM will tell us he's bringing down the migration numbers... and building as many homes as he can, but we're not seeing it.'

'We simply can't build the houses fast enough. What we need is a sharp focus on skilled migration and coordination of housing supply policy with immigration numbers.'

The NHSAC report also pointed to persistent challenges such as labour shortages, low productivity, and rising material costs as major factors dragging down new supply.

Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Senator Andrew Bragg, has slammed at Labor's performance, saying the government had failed to support the very people responsible for delivering new housing.

Australia has overseen record migration levels since the Albanese Government was elected

'Labor has failed to get the houses built because they have done nothing to help the people who build houses: builders, tradespeople and developers,' Bragg said.

He further highlighted that the government's flagship $10billion Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) failed to deliver a single new home during the previous term.

'Instead, it was acquiring existing housing, thereby making the supply problem worse... Labor's Housing Infrastructure Fund also failed to build any homes with $1.5 billion,' he added.

Housing Minister Clare O'Neil last week pointed to bureaucracy as a major barrier to construction.

'It's just too hard to build a house in this country,' O'Neil told the ABC.

'And it's become uneconomic to build the kind of housing that our country needs most: affordable housing, especially for first home buyers.'

One person arrives to Australia to live every 44 seconds according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Under the Albanese government, overseas migration reached record highs.

Andrew Bragg (pictured) said Labor's housing fund did not build a single home last term

In 202223, net overseas migration hit 536,000, the highest in Australias history.

While in 202324, it dropped to 446,000, and is expected to fall to 340,000 in 202425.

As of March 2025, the national median dwelling price surpassed $1million for the first time, reaching $1,002,500, following a 0.7 per cent quarterly increase.

The annual growth rate slowed to 5.9 per cent in March 2025, down from 9.5% the previous year

New data about Australia's migration will be released on Friday.

Clare O'Neil and Andrew Bragg were approached by Daily Mail Australia for comment.
This is the horrifying moment anti-immigrant rioters in Ballymena filmed themselves setting fire to a house yelling: 'F*** off foreigners'.

At least two masked men filmed themselves trying to burn down a terraced property amid unrest in Northern Ireland after two Romanian-speaking teenagers were charged with the attempted rape of a local schoolgirl.

One arsonist can repeatedly heard screaming 'f*** off foreigners' as the kitchen's smoke alarm blares out because of several small fires in the room.

The firestarters yelled 'yes' as they ran out of the door having bizarrely also stolen the kettle.

They were then cheered by a mob waiting outside, also in masks and hoods.

The video emerged after a similar incident where rioters livestreamed themselves burning down a house on TikTok.

Last night 'anti-immigration' riots reached crisis point last night after a leisure centre offering urgent shelter to Romanian immigrants and other families was attacked and torched.

Around a dozen hooded thugs incinerated Larne Leisure Centre in County Antrim, which is believed to have taken in people to shield them from this week's 'racist thuggery'.

The moment a yob screamed 'f*** off foreigners' as a house was set alight in Ballymena

One of the masked men ran out with the kettle and was cheered by crowds outside

Distressing footage taken outside Larne Leisure Centre on Wednesday night shows a group of hooded thugs torching the building, which is understood to have held Romanian immigrants

It came after people felt forced to put signs on their doors explaining where they are from to protect themselves from rioters in Ballymena

Larne is around 20 miles east of Ballymena, where there was more disorder last night.

Police used water cannon and one protester was filmed being shot in the groin with a rubber bullet after attacking a line of police cars blocking the road.

DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has been accused of inflaming tensions after it emerged he gave away the location of the shelter on social media, prior to the fire at Larne Leisure Centre. He has been referred to the Standards Commissioner for the Northern Ireland Assembly.

But is understood the people who had been seeking shelter there had already been moved to another emergency accommodation before the blaze broke out.

It comes as hate appears to be being stirred online, with 'protestors' on social media pages seemingly encouraging thugs to hunt down Romanian immigrants.

This has seen scores of those who call County Antrim home face days of fear - with some families and businesses feeling they have to put notes on their doors to declare their nationality.

Signs read 'Filipino lives here' and some residents even added a union jack in an attempt to protect themselves from the horrors unfolding on the streets, which devastatingly continued on Wednesday night.

Chaos kicked off at the leisure centre when a crowd of about 50 people watched on as a group smashed windows, lit bins on fire and threw them inside the building's entrance.

A dramatic blaze then erupted from the glass room, which had already been heavily shattered with bricks and other blunt force weapons.

The vandalism reportedly disrupted a yoga class which was happening inside the building, before a brick came crashing through the window, terrifying staff and visitors.

An Emergency Rest Centre was opened at the leisure centre on Tuesday evening by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, in response to the riots

Fire fighters at the scene where the blaze broke out at Larne Leisure Centre following vandalism at the facility

A police officer at the scene where the fire broke out at Larne Leisure Centre on Wednesday

Local Alliance Party MLA Danny Donnelly, who was at the centre, told the BBC that 'staff had to barricade themselves and run out the back door'.

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said they rushed to the scene at 20.54pm to put out the blaze.

Two pumping appliances as well as a flexi officer attended, with 16 personnel in total.

Before their arrival, there had been desperate pleas for peaceful protests from people who watched the chaos in horror.

An Emergency Rest Centre (ERC) was opened at the leisure facility on Tuesday evening by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, following the riots in Ballymena which left a number of families in urgent need of temporary shelter.

The riots have taken place after two 14-year-old boys - who both required a Romanian interpreter in court - were charged with the attempted oral rape of a teenage girl last weekend.

A third person, aged 28, was arrested in connection to the investigation on Monday night.

A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: 'In line with normal protocols and in collaboration with local agencies, Council received a request to open an Emergency Rest Centre at Larne Leisure Centre last night, to provide emergency shelter for families in urgent need following disturbances in Ballymena.

'The families have all been safely relocated and are no longer availing of the facility.'

PSNI officers also returned to the streets of Ballymena for the third night in a row as up to 400 thugs gathered to hurl fireworks, petrol bombs and missiles at police vehicles - two days after a peaceful vigil of 2,500 people descended into mayhem.

Several fires erupted in the town last night and were lit dangerously close to residential homes, spreading from wheelie bins and piles of rubbish.

Around 400 people gathered together to face a barrier of armoured police cars lined up to stop the group accessing residential houses.

Footage shared on social media shows thugs giggling as they torch a residential home after smashing the windows and breaking in. It was being livestreamed on TikTok

Fire burns near a demonstrator as riots continue in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on Wednesday night

A person throws harmful objects at riot police vehicles in Ballymena last night

PSNI riot squad officers form a blockade on Harryville bridge in Ballymena to stop potential rioters from accessing the Clonavon terrace area

Fireworks thrown at riot police illluminate the road during a third night of demonstrations in Ballymena

Fireworks and flares were aimed at officers, while glass bottles and rocks were lobbed at PSNI lines by male and female rioters who cheered as they hit police vehicles.

Petrol bombs were also hurled at armoured Land Rovers, igniting a sudden fire and shouts of encouragement from the crowd.

A water cannon was on site in response to last night's fires while police set off one AEP baton round.

Five people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour on Wednesday, while a male was also arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct in Newtownabbey.

A horrifying TikTok video showed the moment rioters livestreamed themselves burning down a house in Ballymena.

Footage shared on social media showed thugs giggling as they torched a residential home after smashing the windows and breaking in.

The person behind the camera told viewers to 'rack them gifts up, boys, rack them up' as he begged for likes and follows in front of the burning building.

At one point, as flames licked the front window of the family home, he gloated 'I've got 2.6k views lad', The Telegraph first reported.

Tuesday night saw the worst scenes of mass wanton destruction yet that left more police officers injured, with cars set alight and properties smashed up.

One of his Senior Team, Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson, said earlier that the PSNI have redirected a significant number of extra officers into areas affected by two days of violent disorder, the worst of which took place in Ballymena.

ACC Henderson labelled the violence over the first two nights as 'racist thuggery targeted at ethnic minorities and police officers'. He added that all footage of incidents was being reviewed and prosecutions would come.

A man looks towards members of the PSNI riot squad stood next to their vehicles

Police aim a water cannon at demonstrators as riots continue in Ballymena

Police clash with residents during a third evening of unrest in Ballymena, Northern Ireland

A masked protestor throws an item at Riot Police during a third night of demonstrations in Northern Ireland

A young female youth throws item at police vehicles on the third day of unrest in Ballymena

A view of the damage after protesters threw petrol bombs, bricks and fireworks at police during another night of disorder in Ballymena

Police are calling the riots 'racist thuggery' as riot officers clash with protesters

A demonstrator sits down opposite a row of riot police vehicles in Ballymena

A member of the crowd gestures towards the PSNI riot squad officers in Ballymena

A view of the damage after protesters threw petrol bombs, bricks and fireworks at police during another night of disorder in Ballymena

A man sits with a drink opposite riot police vehicles on the third night of unrest in Ballymena

Protesters try to throw items at the police who use water canons to clear them in Ballymena

Meanwhile, Police Scotland has agreed to a request to send officers, after police in Northern Ireland requested extra support under mutual aid arrangements.

The deployment will involve an undisclosed number of public order officers trained to police civil unrest. The PSNI said they have requested 80 officers from other forces in mainland UK.

ACC Henderson revealed: 'We're taking steps to increase available resources and are surging a significant number of extra officers, vehicles and equipment to those areas where the rioting is taking place.

'This will have an impact on our communities. This will take away vital resources needed to police other areas. It will have an impact on our ability to serve communities.

'It's hugely important that people realise there are consequences for this.'

ACC Henderson said many people woke up this morning 'feeling genuine fear for their lives and their livelihoods'.

He added: 'This violence only serves to undermine the criminal investigation and cause further distress and turmoil to a young victim and her family.

'This violence threatens to derail the very pursuit of justice it claims to challenge.'

Police said there have also been sporadic incidents of disorder in Carrickfergus, north Belfast and Newtownabbey, where one man was arrested.

More demonstrations have been organised across Northern Ireland last night with fears they will bring with it the potential for more trouble breaking out.

One man, 29, has been charged with riotous behaviour, disorderly behaviour, attempted criminal damage and resisting police after Monday's violence.

The worst of the trouble has been taking place in Ballymena, mainly in the Clonavon Terrace area but also in nearby thoroughfares Larne Street and Queen Stree. Police officers came under sustained attack over a number of hours with multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bottles and fireworks lobbed in their direction.

A member of the crowd gestures towards the PSNI riot squad officers

A member of the crowd throws an object towards the PSNI riot squad officers

Violence broke out in Ballymena on Monday following a peaceful protest by the local community against an alleged sex attack

Residents look on as PSNI riot squad officers form a blockade on Harryville bridge to stop potential rioters from accessing the Clonavon terrace area

A masked protestor falls after being hit by the Police water cannon, used in an attempt to disperse protestors

Coloured smoke billows as demonstrators gather in front of riot police vehicles in Ballymena

Riot police block a road in Ballymena during a third night of violence in the area

A resident walks past PSNI riot squad officers and a dog handler as police form a blockade in Ballymena

PSNI riot squad officers form a blockade on Harryville bridge in Ballymena last night to stop potential rioters from accessing the Clonavon terrace area

Protesters try to throw items at the police who use water canons to clear them in Ballymena

A member of the crowd runs away while being sprayed with water from a cannon by the PSNI riot squad

Crowds gathered in Ballymena again last night, with as many as 400 people standing together

ACC Henderson said: 'There were people who were intent on violence right from the off, so that says to me that there was pre-planning involved from those who wanted to attack us.

'A number of other protests, attacks on homes and disorder took place in Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey.'

Authorised officers discharged a number of Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) - a police source told MailOnline it was at least 20 - and two water cannons were also deployed in an attempt to disperse the crowds.

Some homes in the trouble-torn epicentre of the Harryville estate have begun displaying stickers outlining the residents' nationalities such as 'Filipino lives here' alongside Union Jack stickers and flags.

Businesses and houses were attacked and damaged and a number of vehicles were also set on fire in the area. Even some homes with Union Jack flags on display fell victim to broken windows leaving local residents caught in the crossfire as a baying mob targeted properties were they believed non-nationals and migrants were living.

At a press conference earlier, police said it was 'not clear' if paramilitaries are coordinating rioting in Ballymena. The Harryville estate would be considered a loyalist area.

ACC Henderson added: 'At this point it's not clear to us or through intelligence or what we're hearing if there's paramilitary coordination to it.'

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn is planning to visit Ballymena, it has been announced.

Lady Anderson, speaking in the House of Lords yesterday, said the Cabinet minister was having 'active conversations' with both the Stormont administration and the PSNI.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he 'utterly condemns' the violence and called them 'mindless attacks'.

Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill said what was happening in Ballymena was 'pure racism, there's no other way to dress it up', while the Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the violence was 'serving no purpose whatsoever' and was only damaging communities.
A mum-of-three has avoided a conviction after pleading guilty to performing a grossly indecent act inside a Hungry Jack's restaurant.

Kayla Parry was charged after CCTV captured her performing oral sex on her then-partner in a booth at the Seaford outlet near the kid's playground in Adelaide.

The footage, reviewed by police, showed the man was 'exposed' and Parry's head was seen 'moving up and down,' according to prosecutors.

Parry's co-offender, who is currently in prison on unrelated charges, introduced her to methamphetamine during their relationship, the court heard.

She pleaded guilty to the offence, and was described by her lawyer as having gone through a temporary lapse in judgment, reported the Adelaide Advertiser.

'It was very much out of character and fuelled by the circumstances at the time,' he told the court, calling the incident a 'brief lifestyle aberration.'

He argued that a conviction would have significant repercussions for Parry and her children, aged 5, 8 and 12, from different relationships.

The court heard that Parry has taken steps toward rebuilding her life and that there were no children in the restaurant or playground at the time.

Parry was charged over a grossly indecent act inside a Hungry Jacks at Seaford in Adelaide

Her lawyer said she remained drug-free since February, relocated to Port Augusta, around 310 kilometres from Adelaide, and joined a local netball team.

'She has been a premier league netballer, a very highly ranked netballer,' he said.

She is also seeking employment and pursuing a Certificate IV in Mental Health Counselling.

Magistrate Kylie Schulz acknowledged the severity of the offence.

She noted it carries a maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment or a $2,500 fine.

'There were people present at the Hungry Jack's. If there were not children, there was clearly the potential for there to be children.

'It's sometimes referred to as a family restaurant,' she said.

However, Schulz decided not to record a conviction, placing Parry on a two-year good behaviour bond instead.

The court head that Parry has rebuilt her life, including her playing netball in Port Augusta

Parry pleaded guilty to the offence and was granted a 2-year good behaviour bond

'On balance, I consider it would be disproportionate to record a conviction for this offence, given you have no prior offending and in the circumstances of an anti-social relationship,' she said.

The magistrate also commended Parry's efforts to get on the right track.

He said her plans for further education and her involvement in a healthcare plan presented 'good prospects of rehabilitation.'
Jay Slater armed himself with two knives before fleeing an AirBnB after stealing a bag of ketamine and fearing repercussions, according to extraordinary new accounts of the night he disappeared.

The claims - including the first full witness statement from the last person to see the 19 year old alive  were uncovered in a painstaking investigation over many months by celebrity detective Mark Williams-Thomas.

Jay sparked a global media storm when he vanished in Tenerife last June only to be found dead a month later with severe head injuries at the bottom of a remote ravine on the Spanish party island.

Investigator Williams-Thomas reveals his fresh findings in a two-part podcast on the case which is set to be released later this week - and reported for the first time here.

He found that those who were around him that night spoke of Slater having taken a cocktail of drugs that left him 'on a mission' which saw him first steal drugs and then arm himself.

Extraordinarily the TV investigator has managed to track down two key witnesses in the case - just a month after the coroner officially appointed to investigate Jay's death expressed exasperation that the police had been unable to find the same pair.

Those witnesses include Ayub Qassim - the man who the apprentice bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire accompanied back to an AirBnB after staying up all night on drugs following a music festival.

Apprentice bricklayer Jay Slater, 19, pictured with his mother Debbie Duncan (file picture)

Jay Slater called his friend Lucy Law (pictured together) in June last year saying he was lost

The Airbnb house in Masca, Tenerife, where Jay Slater was staying before his disappearance

Convicted drug dealer Qassim, 31, is understood to be was the last person to see the apprentice bricklayer before he vanished in mountains high above the village of Masca and had been due to give evidence at his inquest last month but the coroner said he could not be traced.

In the two part podcast called Jay Slater The Investigation, Williams-Thomas underlines how Qassim served a nine-year jail term after being convicted in 2015, following the smashing of a plot to flood the streets of Cardiff with Class A drugs.

Speaking to Williams-Thomas, Qassim describes how he had picked up Lucy Law and two friends Bradley Hargreaves and Brandon Hodgson, and they went to look for Jay after she had contacted him on social media.

In the podcast, Williams Thomas says: 'What Qassim said next was really significant and I believe provides real context to a very number of important aspects of this case.'

Qassim tells him: 'They were just doing my head in, one said. 'That's the two bottles of Henny [Hennessy cognac], they were just doing my head in.

'In the end I just turned to Brandon and said:' Look Brandon, one of your mates, yesterday walked way because he's f**** off with the ket [ketamine] and he want missing. Tell this f****** idiot to get back in the car.'

Williams-Thomas says: 'So, let's just re hear that again,' before playing the clip once more, and then adding:' I believe this is really significant new information.

Mr Slater went to an AirBnB cottage with drug dealer Ayub Qassim (pictured) and another man

Jay Slater pictured with friend Brad Hargreaves (left), with whom he was on holiday in Tenerife

Members of Jay Slater's family including his mother Debbie Duncan (front right) arrive at Preston Coroner's Court in Lancashire for the inquest

Mr Williams-Thomas previously revealed the alleged difficulties he faced when dealing with the police in Tenerife

'When Qassim said ket, he was referring to ketamine and my information is that this drug was readily available and that Jay had definitely been using it.

'I have further information about the supply of ketamine into the country, in the UK ketamine is a class B drug carrying a maximum of five years sentence for possession and 14 years for supply.'

Williams-Thomas adds: 'So, Qassim says in the recording that Jay left the rental on the morning and took with him Qassim's ketamine.

'If you wonder why we've not heard this before, his police statement of course made no mention of this.

'My intelligence, however, is that the rental location was specifically chosen so as not to being attention to nay illegal activity.'

Also speaking for the first time since last July is a woman Jay had been holidaying with, that friend Lucy Law who also didn't attend last month's inquest - only for her parents to later tell MailOnline the first they knew of a requirement to attend was when police had arrived at their house asking for her on the day on the inquest.

She describes how Jay told her he was 'on a mission', couldn't 'go back to the rental [where she and he were staying]' and he had 'taken two kitchen knives down his pants in case anything kicks off.'

Williams-Thomas goes on to say he has shared the information with Jay's mother Debbie, who he describes is 'heartbroken' and adds: 'It is always so hard for a parent to hear things that are uncomfortable and perhaps show a loved one in a bad light.'

Search and rescue teams hunt for missing Jay Slater last summer

Jay Slater's mother Debbie Duncan arrives at Preston Coroner's Court in Lancashire

Last month at Preston Coroner's Court, an inquest was opened into Jay's death, but it was halted after key witnesses including Lucy Law and Qassim were not present and it has now been adjourned to a later date.

In his podcast Williams- Thomas adds: 'Debbie has not wanted me to release the information from Qassim that says Jay took his ketamine when he left the rental because she says it will bring further shame on the family.

'I don't believe this is the case, I believe as an investigator it is vital that all credible information should be considered and investigated, and I have shared this information with the Spanish police, I know it doesn't form part of the inquest, and I believe it should.

'Hence why I have taken the decision to release it ahead of the inquest so it can be properly investigated.

'So, if Jay did take Qassim's ketamine this would explain why he put two knives in his waist band for his own protection and why very significantly he said to Lucy he couldn't go back there.

'This evidence gives rise to a reasonable belief that Jay was scared or worried and that's why he had the knives in his waistband and also if he left with Qassim's ketamine why he left suddenly and couldn't go back.'

Jay, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was on Tenerife for the NRG music festival on June 17 and his disappearance sparked a huge month-long manhunt, one of the biggest ever on the island and his body was eventually found at the foot of an isolated gorge.

Qassim and his friend Steven Roccas, who was also staying at the AirBnB, did not attend the inquest but Qassim since said on social media he would turn up for the next hearing.

Lucy Law (above) is among those who could not be traced to give evidence, a coroner revealed

Jay is thought to have died after deciding to walk home and then got disoriented as he tried to take a short court from Masca back to his hotel at Playa de las Americas through a treacherous gorge.

Williams-Thomas concluded the podcast by saying: 'Jay was heavily under the influence of drink and drugs, and in his own words 'on a mission' met up with a convicted drugs dealer who from the evidence I have seen remains heavily involved in the supply scene.

'Having done a thorough investigation and spoken to witnesses the conclusion is that Jay's death is a tragic accident with no third party involvement.'

Qassim was not immediately available for comment but on his social media he appeared to have a dig at Williams-Thomas.

Posting a picture of himself he wrote:' All I see and hear for the last nine months, all woof woof.

'It's getting more than silly now me personally not bothered...however there's a family involved here profiting from their grief and 90% of you doing it are adults. Embarrassing. Lol.

'The people that watch and give it anytime you're just as xxxxxxxx bad. Lol.'

He signed off by saying: 'Don't forget to subscribe to MWT patreon,' adding a cash and laughing emoji, patreon is a money-making platform for digital content creators where people can subscribe.

Jay Slater attended the NRG music festival with two friends before his disappearance

The coffin of Jay Slater ahead of his funeral in Accrington, Lancashire, on August 10, 2024, where mourners wore the colour blue in his memory

He and his pal Roccas appeared to be on holiday in Ibiza as an image on the latter's social media showed a beach and pool captioned 'Ibiza' and there was also a video of Qassim dancing in a restaurant.

Jay's inquest heard how traces of cocaine, ecstasy, and ketamine had been found in his body during a postmortem, and he had been 'off his head on drugs'.

He was apparently trying to walk back from Masca to Playa de las Americas when he died - a journey that would have taken 10 hours under a hot sun and with no water.

Before he left the AirBnB he sent a picture of himself via Snapchat to Lucy which showed him on the doorstep holding a cigarette and he tagged the location.

He then made two final phone calls - one to Lucy where he said he was lost and his phone was running out of charge and one to Bradley, describing how he was walking cross rough stony ground.

The inquest also heard from another friend called Joshua Forshaw who said he had met Jay while flying to Tenerife and that he had received a message from him the morning he disappeared, saying he has stolen a watch and was trying to sell it for 10,000.

The text read: 'Yes cuz ended up getting thrown out of there me with 2 Mali kids just took an AP off some xxxx on way to sell it for 10 quid.'

Jay's disappearance sparked a storm of attention on social media with TikTok sharing dozens of outlandish and distressing theories which were slammed by his mother.

The inquest is due to resume at a later date.
Greta Thunberg appeared to cover her head with her coat as she was flown out of Israel after she and other activists attempted to reach Gaza on a 'freedom flotilla' aid ship.

Passengers filmed and took pictures of Thunberg as she was being deported by Israeli authorities on Tuesday, a day after Israeli forces detained her and a crew of 11 others in international waters.

The 22-year-old looked disheveled and tired as she sat at the back of the El Al jet from Ben Gurion to Paris, with a picture showing her putting her blue waterproof jacket on her head.

A video clip circulating online appears to show her with the coat pulled all the way down over her face at another point in the journey.

In a separate clip shared on social media, apparently from the same flight, a member of airline staff can be heard praising the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).

'We want to thank our security forces and the IDF for protecting our homeland and wish for the swift return of all hostages,' the voice, said to belong to the pilot, is heard saying. The announcement was met with cheers from passengers.

The footage of Thunberg covering her face emerged after a campaigner who was detained alongside the prominent activist claimed that Israeli officials had deprived her of sleep during her time in detention.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) said in response to the footage that Thunberg was 'exhausted' during the flight and was trying to rest when the video was taken.

Thunberg and 11 other activists on the Madleen ship, who had planned to sail to Gaza to deliver aid, were intercepted by Israeli Navy boats in international waters in the early hours of Monday.

Video appeared to show Greta Thunberg with her coat pulled over her face during the flight

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg talks to journalists as she arrives at Stockholm Airport following her deportation from Israel

The group was taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod, where four, including Thunberg, agreed to be deported immediately.

'I did not recognize I entered Israel illegally,' Thunberg told reporters when she landed in Paris on Tuesday. 'We were kidnapped in international waters... this is a violation of international rights.'

All of the activists have been banned from Israel for 100 years, the rights group that represents them said in a statement.

The eight who were not deported were taken into custody after they refused to leave Israel voluntarily, rights group Adalah added.

A spokesman for the FFC today commented on the footage of Thunberg on the plane: 'Greta was exhausted by the arrest and detention and wanted to rest peacefully, even though she had an uncomfortable seat.

'During the detention she could hardly sleep, the Israelis woke her up every time she fell asleep,' they added. 'The clip is vague and apart from the focus on her head, it shows nothing.'

Thunberg, who arrived in France on the deportation flight before travelling home to Sweden, told reporters yesterday that 'people were not being treated well' during her detention.

'I was not able to to say goodbye to people and I don't know what's happening. And there were many, many issues,' she said.

Pressed for details on her treatment, she described the experience as 'very dehumanising.

'But of course, I have to stress nothing compared to what Palestinians are going through. I would prefer not to go into detail,' she insisted.

An Israeli solider passes a bun to Greta Thunberg on board the Gaza-bound British-flagged yacht Madleen after Israeli forces boarded the vessel as it attempted to reach the Gaza Strip

Crew members on board the Madleen hold up their hands during the Israeli interception

She went on: 'I do know that there were major issues with people actually getting to talk to lawyers.

'When you look at the state of the world, everything feels meaningless. But unless you try to do everything you can, we lose our hope.'

Asked by reporters about a viral picture of her smiling as an Israeli soldier offered her a sandwich when the boat was intercepted, Thunberg branded the gesture a PR stunt.

Israel had shared pictures of the crew receiving sandwiches and water from soldiers, and said the crew were 'safe and unharmed'.

Fellow activist Baptiste Andre, who also returned on the deportation flight on Tuesday, told French media that 'there were acts of mistreatment' when Israeli authorities brought the group to the port of Ashdod.

Baptiste Andre told French media that 'there were acts of mistreatment' when Israeli authorities brought the group to the port of Ashdod to be processed

The French doctor said that there had been 'no acts of physical violence' against his team, but claimed that members of the group, 'especially Greta', were put through 'sleep deprivation' and experienced 'mockery' from officials.

'As soon as [Thunberg] fell asleep, the immigration services came to wake her up,' he said.

He added that music was also 'turned up loud' and that members of the immigration services 'danced in front of us'.

Andre also alleged that the group had 'difficulties in accessing water and food' during their more than 24 hours in detention.

'It took three hours to get a piece of bread,' he said, adding that the detainees had difficulty accessing food, water and toilets.

The Madleen, which sailed towards Gaza to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in the territory

Images showed the deck splattered with an unidentified white liquid

Andre has since returned to France after being deported from Israel by plane on Tuesday.

Israel is expected to expel four of the eight activists still in the country to France by the end of the week, the French foreign minister said Wednesday.

An Israeli NGO earlier said that one of the French campaigners, along with a Brazilian activist, was briefly put in solitary confinement during their detention.

Rima Hassan, a member of European Parliament from the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party who is of Palestinian descent, was placed in solitary confinement, as was Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, with Hassan later removed, Israeli human rights group Adalah said.

'Israeli authorities transferred two of the volunteers, the Brazilian volunteer Thiago Avila and the French-Palestinian European Parliament member Rima Hassan  to separate prison facilities, away from the others, and placed them in solitary confinement,' Adalah said in a statement.

The NGO later said that Hassan had been moved back to Givon prison in Ramla, near Tel Aviv, while Avila remained in isolation.
Laurence Fox has arrived at court with his conspiracy theorist podcaster fiancee to face a sexual offences charge for allegedly sharing an upskirting photo of TV star Narinder Kaur.

The actor-turned-political activist, 46, was dressed in a jacket and jeans and wearing a cap emblazoned with the words 'Two-Tier'.

He was supported by his long-term partner Elizabeth Barker, who held his hand as they walked into Woolwich Crown Court.

Fox, of Peldon in Essex, is accused of sharing a sexually intrusive image of Kaur - a regular on Good Morning Britain and GB News - amid an online row over politics.

The photo, which was reportedly taken without her knowledge as she exited a taxi in 2009, was allegedly posted without her consent.

He is facing two counts: the first alleging he shared a 'photograph or film of a person in an intimate state intending to cause alarm, distress or humiliation,' and a second count accusing him of sending a 'photograph or film of genitals to cause alarm, distress or humiliation.'

Laurence Fox was supported by his long-term partner Elizabeth Barker, who held his hand as they walked into the court house

Laurence Fox and Elizabeth Barker arrive at Woolwich Crown Court in London

He was supported by his long-term partner Elizabeth Barker, who held his hand as they walked into the court house

The 46-year-old actor-turned-political activist, dressed in a jacket and jeans and wearing a cap emblazoned with the words 'Two-Tier'

Narinder Kaur arrives at Woolwich Crown Court in London this morning

Kaur, who waived her legal right to anonymity, said she was 'determined to stand up' against what she called a violation of her dignity and privacy

Fox accused of sharing a sexually intrusive image of Narinder Kaur (pictured) who is a regular broadcaster on Good Morning Britain and GB News

The charges fall under Section 66A of the Sexual Offences Act, introduced in 2023, which criminalises the intentional sharing of sexual images without consent, with the purpose of causing harm or for sexual gratification.

If convicted, Fox could face up to two years in prison and be placed on the Sex Offenders egister.

The case stems from a month-long investigation by the Metropolitan Police, who confirmed that the original photographer has not been identified.

Kaur, who waived her legal right to anonymity, said she was 'determined to stand up' against what she called a violation of her dignity and privacy.

Upskirting - taking pictures underneath someone's clothes without their consent - became a specific criminal offence in 2019.

Fox, who first rose to fame for his role in ITV drama Lewis, has since rebranded himself as a right-wing commentator and founder of the Reclaim Party.

He has stood in three failed election campaigns and was barred from running in the most recent London mayoral election after submitting incomplete nomination papers.

Fox was previously married to actress Billie Piper with whom he has two children.
The gun retrieved from a well drained by firefighters last week during fresh Madeleine McCann searches on the Algarve has not been ruled out as a game changer by investigators.

Further details emerged hours after German prosecutors described the co-operation with Portuguese police as 'excellent and very constructive' as authorities in both countries continue to try to build up a case against suspect Christian Brueckner ahead of his scheduled release from prison in September.

The type of gun discovered during the three-day search operation last week near Brueckner's former ramshackle cottage home close to the Algarve resort where Madeleine vanished on May 3 2007, has not yet been revealed, but well-placed sources said today it was a 6.35 calibre.

Typically these types of guns are small, pocket-sized, semi-automatic pistols used for self-defence or target shooting, but can be airguns.

Portuguese daily Correio da Manha reported yesterday it was unlikely to be a 'lethal weapon' although tests are understood to be ongoing.

It has not yet been ruled out as a potential game-changer in the 'race against time' to charge Brueckner over Madeleine's disappearance before he finishes the seven-year prison sentence he is currently serving for the 2005 rape of an American woman.

Another gun said to have been found during last week's searches has been ruled out.

It is believed to be more than 50 years old and has been described by Portuguese sources as a 'rusting relic.'

The gun retrieved from a well drained by firefighters last week during fresh Madeleine McCann searches on the Algarve has not been ruled out as a game changer by investigators

Police prepare to search for evidence into the disappearance of British girl Maddie McCann

German investigators are trying to build up a case against suspect Christian Brueckner ahead of his scheduled release from prison in September

The same well-placed sources confirmed yesterday forensic analysis of fragments of bones and adult clothing also unearthed last week would take place at a specialist police lab in Lisbon and not in Germany as initially reported.

No samples of any kind have been sent back to Germany despite reports to the contrary, the insiders said.

German forensic officers have been offered the opportunity of being present at the tests, although it was unclear today if they had accepted the invite.

They were shown some of the bones that were unearthed, thought to be animal bones, in a video-conferencing session but were 'unable to come to any real conclusions about exactly what they were'.

German prosecutors said yesterday in their only official statement so far since wells, ruins and water tanks across a 120-acre area in Atalaia between the Algarve towns of Praia and Luz and Lagos were inspected: 'The search operation conducted in Portugal last week has been completed as planned.

'No information can be provided at this time regarding the results of the investigation.

'Our sincere thanks go to all police officers involved in the search.

'The co-operation between the Portuguese police and the Federal Criminal Police Office was excellent and very constructive.

Police investigators search an area during an operation in the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine (or Maddie) McCann at Atalaia, Lagos in Algarve on June 5

Investigators spent three days last week scouring areas near the southern beach resort where Madeleine disappeared during a family holiday

'We don't want to say anymore at the moment.'

Luis Neves, the National Director of the Policia Judiciaria police force which in Portugal has been the lead police force in the hunt for Madeleine and whose officers worked along German counterparts at last week's search, insisted last Friday it had 'not been in vain' despite the apparent lack of results.

He said: 'Nothing is in vain, not least because doors are being closed'.

At the last Madeleine McCann search in Portugal just over two years ago, when the Arade Dam a 40-minute drive from Praia da Luz was combed, German police who requested the operation did take back home with them samples believed to be mainly soil samples.

The remote dam was described at the time as Brueckner's 'little paradise.'

The May 2023 dam searches were the first major searches in Portugal for Madeleine McCann in nine years following an earlier June 2014 operation when British police were given permission to do digs in Praia da Luz that involved sniffer dogs trained in detecting bodies and ground-penetrating radar.

Those Scotland Yard digs were linked to the leading UK police theory at the time Madeleine died during a break-in while her parents were eating tapas nearby with friends, and burglars dumped her body.

They also failed to produce any evidence pointing to the missing youngster's whereabouts.

Gerry and Kate McCann, the parents of the missing three-year-old girl Madeleine McCann, read a statement to the press outside their resort apartment, on May 11, 2007, in Praia da Luz,

In a smaller operation in July 2020 Portuguese police and firefighters searched three wells for Madeleine's body but failed to find any trace of her.

Last Friday Correio da Manha claimed German prosecutors had refused to probe a couple suspected of running over Madeleine McCann in a drink-drive accident.

Portuguese authorities demanded an investigation into a British man and his German wife after his UK-based sister tipped off cops in 2018 she thought he could be covering up a dark secret about Maddie's disappearance, the newspaper reported.

But it said German authorities rejected a Portuguese request to use an undercover police officer with a fake identity to try to befriend the female suspect and firm up their suspicions she was driving a car that hit Madeleine while under the influence of alcohol.

There has so far been no official response from German, Portuguese or UK police to the claims.

Convicted 48-year-old paedophile Brueckner denies any involvement in Madeleine's disappearance.

His earliest possible prison release date is September 17 - though his lawyer said he would have to pay 1,300 in outstanding fines from a series of motor offences to leave then.
An Air India flight bound for London Gatwick carrying 242 passengers and crew including 53 Britons suffered a fiery crash shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport in the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat.

Air India flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, careened back to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway around 1:38pm local time (09:08 BST).

Emergency services are working fervently to locate survivors, but the scale of the damage displayed in early images suggests there are significant casualties.

Dark images showed the charred remains of bodies littering the site, while other pictures shared to social media revealed chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail protruding from a demolished building.

Several people, including medical students, were killed when parts of the jet smashed into accommodation for doctors practising at the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital.

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside.

'The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel... we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon,' a senior police officer told reporters at the scene.

India's Health Ministry confirmed that 'many were killed', but did not provide further details. As of 11:30am UK time, at least 30 bodies have been recovered from buildings damaged in the crash, rescue personnel said.

Firefighters doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed plumes of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site.

The cause of the tragedy is not yet known, but footage appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

It momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon. The jet was fuelled for a long-haul flight direct to Gatwick, intensifying the blast.

The flight reportedly reached an altitude of just 625 feet before it began to descend, according to flight tracking service Flightradar 24, which declared the plane's transponder signal dropped just seconds after it left the runway.

'We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after take off,' it said.

The plane momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon in this horrifying clip

A video posted to social media appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed

Parts of the jet appeared to have smashed into the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside

People carry the body of a victim from the crash site after an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Civilians surround parts of the jet that seemingly smashed into a medical college canteen

The Air India flight crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad airport

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

Chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail were seen protruding from a demolished building

The tail of the jet is seen protruding from a building in the Meghani area of the city

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Air India's flight manifest said there were 169 Indians, 53 Britons, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals on board the stricken jet.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the plane sent a mayday call moments before the crash.

It added the pilots were highly experienced - captain Sumeet Sabharwal boasted some 8,200 hours of flight time, according to the directorate, while first officer Clive Kundar had 1,100 hours of experience under his belt.

Lt. Col. John R. Davidson, a former US Air Force pilot and commercial aviation safety consultant, said the stricken jet's flight data was highly irregular.

'From the data available, AIC171 appears to have reached takeoff speed - but not altitude. To be at 625 feet at over 170 knots more than four minutes after rolling out is highly irregular. This suggests either a very late rotation or a stall shortly after takeoff.

'There are a number of possible scenarios: thrust or engine performance issues, excessive aircraft weight, poor trim or flap configuration, or a more critical failure that affected the aircraft's ability to climb.

'Weather, windshear or even bird strike can't be ruled out either at this early stage.'

Former senior airline pilot, Saurabh Bhatnagar, told India's NDTV that a bird strike was a likely cause of the crash.

'It looks, prima facie, like a case of multiple bird hits wherein both the engines have lost power.

'The take-off was perfect and just, I believe, short of taking the gear up, the aircraft started descending, which can happen only in case the engine loses power or the aircraft stops developing lift.

'From the footage, it seems that the take-off was uneventful. The aircraft came down in a controlled fashion.'

British Foreign Minister David Lammy said he was 'deeply saddened' by news of the crash, adding that Britain was now working with Indian authorities to establish exactly what led to the incident.

'My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support,' his statement read.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called images of the crash 'devastating' and said 'my thoughts are with the passengers and their families'.

The Indian aviation minister's office said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said the crash was 'heartbreaking beyond words', had directed it to ensure all support was extended to the rescue efforts immediately.

Modi said the tragedy 'has stunned and saddened us... In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.'

All relevant agencies were on high alert and coordinated efforts were underway, the aviation minister's office added.

Air India's Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran shared a heartfelt statement that read: 'With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.

'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

'We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.'

Debris at the site of a plane crash near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, western India, 12 June 2025

Firefighters work at the site of a plane crash near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, western India, 12 June 2025

This handout taken and posted on the X (formerly Twitter) account of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) On June 12, 2025 shows the back of an Air India plane after it crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad

Rescue team members work as smoke rises at the site where an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

People gather near a damaged building and trees as firefighters work at the site where an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Emergency personnel work at the crash site of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

The cause of the crash is not yet known. Emergency services are en route to the scene

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 202

Weather conditions were calm at the time of the accident with clear skies and a windspeed of just seven knots, or eight miles per hour.

Peter Neenan, an aviation lawyer and Partner at UK law firm Stewarts, told MailOnline: 'In due course, the Indian Directorate of General Civil Aviation will begin their investigation. The US National Transportation Safety Board will assist in that investigation and given the number of deaths of British nationals, we would expect the UK Air Accident Investigation Branch to also assist.

'Those investigations routinely take two or more years to complete. The investigation will look at technical factors concerning the Boeing aircraft as well as operational and weather-related issues. At this time, based on the video, anything is possible.

'Families will have rights in England and/or India against Air India and may have rights against Boeing in the US depending on what the investigation reveals.'

India's aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said in a statement: 'Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert.

'I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.

'Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.'

The Director General of India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is en route to the site of the incident with a team of investigators, according to the Times of India.

Air India shared a brief statement in the wake of the disaster, writing on X: 'Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025.

'At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.'

Ahmedabad is the main city in Prime Minister Modi's home state of Gujarat.

Ahmedabad airport said it had suspended all flight operations with immediate effect following the incident this morning.

The plane is seen descending rapidly with landing gear deployed seconds before erupting in a fireball

Citizens descended on the wreckage in the hope of finding survivors

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

The flight reportedly reached an altitude of just 625 feet before it began to descend, according to flight tracking service Flightradar 24, which declared the plane's transponder signal dropped just seconds after it left the runway

Firefighters at the scene doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed a huge plume of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site

Shocked residents are seen standing close to the scene as firefighters work to extinguish flames

Shocking images shared to social media showed a huge trail of smoke emanating from the crash site near the international airport this morning

Thick plumes of black smoke are seen rising from the site of the crash

Smoke trails at the scene of the crash

The 787 Dreamliner involved in today's crash is a widebody, twin-engine plane. It is believed to be the first ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.

The aircraft was introduced in 2009 and more than 1,000 have been delivered to dozens of airlines.

Aviation expert Julian Bray told MailOnline that passengers should have been able to evacuate the aircraft in 90 seconds if the cabin had been left largely intact.

'It's a Boeing Dreamliner that has gone down... if they can deploy the chutes out then they should be able to get people off in 90 seconds.

'It is very disappointing that it is a Dreamliner as it is a state-of-the-art Boeing. We cannot rule out security issues. But this is all speculation on my part.'

The last fatal plane crash in India was in 2020 and involved Air India Express, the airline's low-cost arm.

The airline's Boeing-737 overshot a 'table-top' runway at Kozhikode International Airport in southern India. The plane skidded off the runway, plunging into a valley and crashing nose-first into the ground.

Twenty-one people were killed in that crash.

The formerly state-owned Air India was taken over by Indian conglomerate Tata Group in 2022, and merged with Vistara - a joint venture between the group and Singapore Airlines  in 2024.

Tata said an emergency centre had been activated and a support team set up for families seeking information.

Today's tragedy is the latest in a string of disasters involving Boeing jets and comes just six months after a 737 crashed in South Korea, killing 179.

In October 2018, Boeing's Lion Air flight 610 plunged into the Java Sea shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, in Indonesia killing all 189 people on board.

Then, in March 2019, Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 crashed minutes after departing Addis Ababa, resulting in the deaths of 157 passengers and crew.

Shares of planemaker Boeing fell 8% in premarket US trading following today's incident.

Boeing said in a statement it was aware of initial reports and was working to gather more information.

The crash comes days before the opening of the Paris Air Show, a major aviation expo where Boeing and European rival Airbus will showcase their aircraft and battle for jet orders from airline customers.


Air India plane crash investigators are focusing on three key pieces of equipment as it emerges one of the aircraft's black boxes has been recovered.

Authorities probing one of India's worst aviation disasters are said to be examining the engine, flaps and landing gear after flight 171 plummeted to the ground moments after taking off from Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the crash scene in Ahmedabad and then a hospital to meet with families of the victims and the sole British survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh.

Mr Ramesh miraculously managed to survive the crash after he escaped through an emergency exit.

Our live updates have now ended but for a full recap see below
The Ahmedabad air disaster is yet another tragedy involving Boeing - but the first fatal crash involving the 'star' of its fleet the 787 Dreamliner.

The Air India jet, due to land at London Gatwick at 6pm today, came down on top of homes in the Meghani area of the largest city in the state of Gujarat less than a minute after taking off.

The airline, the flag carrier of India, has said it is investigating the cause of crash on a plane feared to be carrying 242 passengers and crew to the UK from India.

There were 169 Indian nationals on board along with 53 Britons, one Canadian and seven Portuguese people. Police have said there are no survivors as aviation experts claimed the 787-8 Dreamliner may have suddenly lost power.

Other possible causes are believed to include a rapid change in wind or a bird strike with the investigation into the first fatal air accident involving the state-of-the-art Dreamliner jet already underway.

Aviation expert Julian Bray said: 'This is a state of the art airliner, the Dreamliner, Boeing's star product. They sort of fly themselves so there shouldn't have been a problem'.

The Ahmedabad air disaster is the latest in a tragic spate of incidents involving crisis-hit Boeing and its planes.

Just six days ago the plane maker reached a $1.1billion (812million) deal with the US Department of Justice to avoid prosecution over crashes involving a 737 Max plane that killed 346 people in Ethiopia and Indonesia in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Both disasters were later traced to faulty flight control systems, leading to the worldwide grounding of the 737 Max fleet for nearly two years.

Last December a Boeing jet skidded off a runway in South Korea, crashing into a concrete wall, causing the plane to burst into flames.

All but two of the 181 people aboard the Boeing 737-800 were killed - the youngest victim being a three-year-old boy.

December 2024: A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft after the plane crashed and burst into flames. The plane carrying 181 people from Bangkok to South Korea crashed on arrival and 179 died

May 2024: A Boeing 737-38J carrying 78 passengers caught on fire and suffered serious damage when a failed takeoff attempt sent it skidding off the runway in Senegal

January 2024: Boeing was pushed into crisis mode after a door-plug panel blew off a 737 Max jetliners during an Alaska Airlines flight

March 11, 2019: Wreckage of the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737-MAX plane. The plane crashed six minutes after takeoff, killing all 157 passengers on board

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In the November a Boeing 737 cargo plane lost control on approach to Lithuania and crashed into a house, killing one and injuring three.

And weeks earlier a Boeing 737 carrying 78 passengers caught fire and suffered serious damage when a failed takeoff attempt sent it skidding off the runway and into the bush at an airport in Senegal.

In May 2024 America's Federal Aviation Administration announced a new safety investigation into beleaguered jet maker Boeing.

The Wall Street Journal reported the target of the investigation is whether Boeing fulfilled safety inspection requirements on all of its troublesome 787 jets.

Regulators claimed that Boeing disclosed to them that their employees may have skipped some inspections on 787 Dreamliner planes.

December 2024: In Norway, a Boeing 737-800 jet just avoided disaster as it skid off the runway following a suspected hydraulics failure

November 11 2024: A Boeing 737-400F was destroyed after it caught fire mid-flight and landed at Sao Paulo, Brazil

November 2024: A DHL cargo flight lost control as it approached Vilnius Airport in Lithuania and crashed into a house, killing one person aboard and injuring three others

May 9 2024: a Boeing passenger plane came off the runway during takeoff from Dakar international airport, injuring 11 people and shutting the hub for hours

May 8 2024: A FedEx Airlines Boeing 767 cargo plane landed at Istanbul Airport without the front landing gear deployed

March 6 2024: A Boeing 737's engine caught fire in mid-air above Texas, causing an emergency landing minutes into its journey to Fort Myers, Florida

The FAA added that it was investigating 'whether Boeing completed the inspections and whether company employees may have falsified aircraft records.'

Three months the FAA issued a mandatory inspection order for Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

And in March 2024 a LATAM Airlines Boeing 787 suffered a horror flight incident that left more than 50 people injured, one seriously, when the plane nosedived.

The airline and passengers aboard the Sydney-Auckland flight said the plane with 263 passengers and nine crew members on board dropped abruptly mid-air.

On January 5 last year, a doorplug blew out midair on an Alaska Airlines flight. The Alaska Airlines plane that had its door blow out mid-flight at 16,000ft was a 737 Max 9.

Last year a Boeing whistleblower called for a criminal investigation to be opened into the beleaguered company because their 'planes are not safe'.

Former senior manager at Boeing Ed Pierson said there have been too many faults with the planes.

The executive director of the Foundation of Aviation Safety has called for authorities to open up a criminal investigation as he fired a disturbing warning: 'These airplanes are not safe. They are still not safe.'

Former senior manager at Boeing Ed Pierson (pictured) has called for a criminal investigation to be opened into the beleaguered company because their 'planes are not safe'

Dozens of grounded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are seen parked in an aerial photo at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington, U.S. July 1, 2019

Nobody was hurt during the midair incident. Accident investigators determined that bolts that helped secure the panel to the frame of the Boeing 737 Max 9 were missing before the piece blew off.

The mishap has further battered Boeing's reputation and led to multiple civil and criminal investigations.

Now, Mr Pierson has suggested Boeing may have failed to meet the FAA's deadline and requested an extension after it was told to produce a turnaround plan following the blowout.

Mr Peirson told BBC Radio 4 this morning there needs to be action rather than words.

He said: 'What really needs to happen, as we have said before, is there needs to be a full criminal investigation because these airplanes are not safe. They are still not safe.'

Last week Boeing reached a deal with the US Department of Justice to avoid prosecution over crashes involving a 737 Max plane that killed 346 people.

The agreement, outlined in a court filing this week, will see the aerospace giant pay $1.1billion (812million), including a $487.2million criminal penalty, half of which was already paid in a previous settlement.

The deal would also see $444.5million (328million) in compensation to families of the crash victims.

But the move has been blasted by the victims' families' lawyer, Sanjiv Singh, who told the BBC the deal was a 'morally repugnant' escape which allowed the firm to 'sidestep true criminal accountability'.

If approved by a federal judge, the deal would protect the firm from a criminal fraud trial.

The two Boeing 737 Max crashes, which happened less than five months apart, claimed 346 lives and sparked global outrage.

In October 2018, Lion Air flight 610 plunged into the Java Sea shortly after takeoff from the Indonesian capital Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board.

Then, in March 2019, Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 crashed minutes after departing Addis Ababa, resulting in the deaths of 157 passengers and crew.
Kemi Badenoch hit out at Reform MPs for backing a burka ban today, saying policing what people wear would be a waste of officers' time.

The Opposition leader said that she was against women being forced to wear clothing against their wishes.

But she suggested that Reform's support for a ban on the Islamic outfit - which covers the whole body, apart from a gauze veil over the eyes - was 'a policy without a plan'.

At the weekend Ms Badenoch backed giving employers the right to insist staff wore clothing that showed their face at work.

But speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme this morning, she appeared to rule out going any further.

She said that women should not 'be forced to wear things that their husbands and their community want', but added: 'Are we going to send police officers into people's homes to check if they are wearing the burka at a time when we cannot even keep prisoners in prison, (when) we are releasing them?

'Do we have space in prison to put people wearing the burka in?

'This is what I mean by people just saying things, announcing policies without plans.'

The Opposition leader said that she was against women being forced to wear clothing against their wishes.

But she suggested that Reform's support for a ban on the Islamic outfit - which covers the whole body, apart from a gauze veil over the eyes - was 'a policy without a plan'.

The last week has seen Nigel Farage's party riven by a row over the idea of a burka ban.

The last week has seen Nigel Farage's party riven by a row over the idea of a burka ban.

Chairman Zia Yusuf briefly quit after MP Sarah Pochin asked about it at Prime Minister's Questions last week.

But other Reform MPs including Lee Anderson and Richard Tice have also backed a law telling women what they can and cannot wear.

Ms Badenoch revealed at the weekend that she will not see anyone at surgeries in her North East Essex constituency if they have a face covering.

And this morning she told Today that she had done so.

British employers are able to set their own workplace dress codes, but could face legal challenges under equality law if they tell staff to remove religious clothing without demonstrating it is 'proportionate' and for a 'legitimate' aim, such as health and safety.
This is the crash that finally got a 'feral' teenager jailed after he led police on a high speed chase - after a previous pursuit in which his goading of an award-winning officer led to him quitting the force.

Mason McGarry, 19, has been locked up in a young offenders' institution for 12 months after he hit a lorry and caused 1,200 worth of damage.

The shocking dashcam footage showed the teen dangerously driving his pal's Vauxhall Insignia with his sister on board, and squeezing out of a T junction in front of other law-abiding motorists in Chichester, West Sussex.

He then mounts a pavement and drives along the grass verge to undertake a lorry as a police patrol car with flashing blue lights follows in pursuit.

The five-minute chase saw McGarry speed at 60mph in a 40mph zone.

It came a month after he had appeared in a court case where PC Tim Bradshaw of Sussex police was acquitted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving when the officer knocked McGarry off an e-bike.

PC Bradshaw had in 2022 been pursuing McGarry and friend Dominic Mizzi during an incident in Bognor Regis, West Sussex.

McGarry and Mizzi, 22, who was riding pillion on the bike, had made offensive gestures towards the officer before speeding off, Portsmouth Crown Court heard.

This is the crash that finally got 'feral' teenager Mason McGarry jailed after he led police on a high speed chase in Chichester, West Sussex

The shocking dashcam footage showed the teen dangerously driving his pal's Vauxhall Insignia

Mason McGarry outside Portsmouth Crown Court in February this year after PC Tim Bradshaw was acquitted of dangerous driving

Mizzi also had numerous convictions, including for assaulting emergency workers.

McGarry has 42 previous convictions for robbery, theft, burglary, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and assault of an emergency worker, a criminal record a judge described as 'unenviable'.

The lorry's dashcam footage - played in court - shows the moment McGarry crashes into the vehicle and drives along the pavement in his attempt to evade the police car following him.

The judge at his sentencing said it was 'very lucky' no one was walking on the pavement at the time.

Prosecutor Gary Venturi told Portsmouth Crown Court that the crime took place on March 28 this year when McGarry borrowed a Vauxhall Insignia from a friend, who then called the police after he didn't return it by the time he promised to do so.

The teenager was in the car with his sister and two other people as passengers.

The prosecutor said he was pursued by police in Chichester, West Sussex, and at one point he drove 'as high as 60 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour limit' before mounting a pavement and hitting a lorry.

On what the footage shows, Mr Venturi said: 'He emerges from a T junction and tries to squeeze in by the lorry, mounting the pavement, striking the lorry causing 1,200 of damage.'

The pursuit lasted around five minutes, ending when McGarry arrived at his home nearby.

The prosecutor said that McGarry's list of previous convictions was 'unenviable - I hope I'm not stretching in saying that'.

A jury previously heard the officer and his colleague in a patrol car had been subjected to 'unpleasant hand gestures' by McGarry (pictured) and his passenger in the build-up to the incident

This is the moment McGarry and his friend were knocked off their e bike during a chase

PC Timothy Bradshaw outside Portsmouth Crown Court, Hampshire, in February this year. The officer now works as a bus driver

He said these included drug possession and trafficking, assault, and two dangerous driving convictions between 2021 and 2023.

For the defence, Paul Walker said that McGarry has ADHD and a learning disability, describing him as having 'low emotional awareness'.

Mr Walker admitted that it would have been a 'gamble' to release him into the community rather than give him a custodial sentence.

McGarry pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, driving whilst disqualified, failing to stop and driving without insurance.

Seeing the lorry's footage, Judge Jodie Mittell said 'frankly it was very lucky that there was nobody walking along the pavement'.

Referencing his previous convictions relating to dangerous driving, Judge Mittell said: 'The concern I obviously have is that the fifth time he will kill someone.

'That could be his sister.'

Sentencing McGarry, the judge said: 'You were at times travelling at 60 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour limit.

'This is not the worst example of dangerous driving I have seen in this court, but obviously, in particular it's very fortunate there was nobody on the pavement.

'There's a risk not only to you, that you would get injured, but that people you care about, who were in the car, might also be injured.'

PC Tim Bradshaw of Sussex police was acquitted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after pursuing McGarry and friend Dominic Mizzi (pictured) during an incident in Bognor Regis, West Sussex

Tim Bradshaw is seen with his commendation at Arundel Castle in 2014. The former police constable was acquitted after being charged with causing injury by dangerous driving

After reading McGarry his sentence, Mittell added: 'The last thing any of us want to see is you being back here, having killed somebody.'

At PC Bradshaw's trial in February, the same court heard that in November 2022, McGarry was caught riding an e-bike along a pavement with passenger Dominic Mizzi, 22, before he made offensive hand gestures towards PC Bradshaw.

The court at PC Bradshaw's trial heard that e-bikes were a nuisance for the force in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, at the time and had been used as getaway vehicles and for criminal activity such as bag snatching.

PC Bradshaw said there were around 22 individuals associated with using the e-bikes, which had been modified to operate at a higher speed, and McGarry's name was top of that list.

McGarry disappeared down a route inaccessible by car after putting his middle finger up towards the police, then 15 minutes later reappeared and PC Bradshaw made the decision to make tactical contact with the rear of the bike.

The teenager suffered a fractured leg in the incident.

A jury took just over an hour to reach their verdict, finding PC Bradshaw not guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

PC Bradshaw was also cleared of a charge of causing serious injury by driving without due care and attention.

His relatives in the public gallery wept as the verdict was read out.

During an interview with police, PC Bradshaw said Mr McGarry was a 'feral' teenager and is one of those 'characters' who 'just doesn't get it, just doesn't stop'.
The Air India tragedy that saw a Boeing 787 Dreamliner plummet into a residential neighborhood on Thursday has prompted a flurry of speculation as to its cause.

Carrying 242 passengers including 53 Brits, the jet crashed shortly after take off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat state. There are thought to be few survivors.

The plane had been en route to London Gatwick, having taken off shortly after 1pm local time, in fair flying conditions.

It reached no more than 625 feet in the air - just over 425 above the ground the airport stood on - according to tracking data, before its transponder signal was lost seconds later.

As it came down, the plane struck a medical college, its landing gear embedded in the building as staff ate lunch - before the fuselage came apart in a furious fireball.

Amid intense speculation as to the cause, experts have unpacked the leading theories as to what brought the plane down. Records suggest the jet had been in service for 11 years.

Among the key suggestions are pilot error - whether in the configuration of the plane's wings, or the amount of runway used - or a mechanical failure, possibly caused by a bird strike.

Searches continue for the black boxes pivotal to the investigation.

Seconds before the Air India plane came down in Ahmedabad, Gujarat state - no-one is thought to have survived

Chunks of the Air India fuselage and tail were seen protruding from a demolished building

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Was there a pilot error - before or after takeoff?

The plane was under the command of captain Summeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of experience.

Bernard Lavelle, principal aviation consultant at BL Aviation Consulting, told MailOnline that early indications suggested a pilot fault was unlikely to be to blame.

While most planes 'pretty much fly themselves' in the air, he said, pilots are still wholly responsible for take-off and landing.

'The two most dangerous, relatively speaking, phases of any flight are take off and landing,' he said.

'There are generally few issues when the aircraft is in the air - but take-off and landing are when something could go wrong and the only time the pilot is (fully in control of) the aircraft.'

He added: 'The two most common reasons for plane crashes are pilot errors or a mechanical fault.

'The fact there was an SOS message probably doesn't indicate pilot error.'

However, Marco Chan, a former pilot turned senior lecturer in aviation at Buckinghamshire New University, says there may be another element of pilot error to consider - whether the runway was long enough.

Records suggest the Boeing Dreamliner needs 2820m (1.75miles) of runway to make a proper takeoff.

But unverified Flightradar24 data suggests the plane taxied onto the runway and took off from the intersection with the taxiway with only 1900 metres (1.18miles) of tarmac to use for takeoff.

Mr Chan said: '1900 metres would be inadequate for a 787, which could be an issue(to investigate).

'The onboard computer would know there is not enough runway and not give you full power.' However, Mr Chan added that the computer can be overridden.

Shocking images shared to social media showed a huge trail of smoke emanating from the crash site near the international airport this morning

Did the engines or other systems fail?

A leading theory among experts is that the Dreamliner experienced mechanical failure shortly after take-off.

A 'mayday' call was sent to the air traffic controllers from the cockpit shortly after takeoff, suggesting the pilots knew something was wrong.

Mr Lavelle said the indications pointed to engine failure - though the black box recordings would reveal all.

He said: 'Something has gone wrong in the cockpit. The aircraft is at maximum thrust at this point. If they weren't able to reach altitude, it might indicate an issue with the engine. They weren't getting the thrust they thought they should be.'

Former pilot Saurabh Bhatnagar told NDTV the plane appeared to make a 'controlled' descent as it came to crash-land.

'Immediately after takeoff the landing gear was still (out) - so that means thereafter the aircraft coming down in a sort of controlled fashion. It was a distress situation,' he said.

Records suggests a Boeing 787 Dreamliner takes off at around 165 knots (190mph) before rapidly accelerating to 190 knots (218mph) as it climbs into the sky.

Flightradar data suggests the plane was only at 174 knots as it reached 625ft after takeoff - before descending into the Meghaninagar residential area.

On pilots' forums, aviation experts said that they could hear a sound suggesting the plane's Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency wind turbine, had been deployed shortly before the crash.

This spins up to generate electricity in the event of full electrical or hydraulic failure and can power critical systems like flight controls and instrumentation.

Marcus Chan of BNU said there was a small possibility of engines failing due to computer management software issues, or fuel pump issues. However, he added that it was too early to say whether either were a cause.

Part of the Air India jet's tail sits among smouldering wreckage in Ahmedabad after the catastrophic crash

The Jeju Air crash in December was likely caused by a bird strike - evidenced by the flame-out of an engine as seen here

All but two people died as the plane came down in Muan, South Korea in December last year

Did a bird strike bring down the plane?

Ex-pilot Captain Bhatnagar said the engines may have failed after a bird strike.

This would be similar to the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport near Muan South Korea, last December.

That incident saw a bird strike the plane as it approached the runway to land.

The landing gear failed to deploy - possibly as a result of the bird strike - and the plane belly flopped onto the runway and crashed into a concrete wall, killing everyone on board save for two crew.

'From the footage I have seen, it looks like prima facie the case of multiple bird hits, wherein both engines have lost power,' Cpn Bhatnagar said.

'The takeoff was perfect and just I believe short of taking the gear up the aircraft started descending, which only happens if the engine loses power or the aircraft stops delivering the lift.'

Lt Col John R Davidson, a former US Air Force Pilot and commercial aviation safety consultant, said: 'There are a number of possible scenarios: thrust or engine performance issues, excessive aircraft weight, poor trim or flap configuration, or a more critical failure that affected the aircraft's ability to climb.

'Weather, windshear or even bird strike can't be ruled out either at this early stage.'

BNU's Marco Chan says the theory of a bird streak was not one he was convinced by - as footage was missing the telltale smoke from the engine that might suggest a foreign object.

'Comparing the footage available, there doesn't appear to be a puff of smoke from the engine - I would say the bird strike theory could be ruled out,' he said.

Firefighters working at the scene of the Boeing air crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat state, India

People work to move wreckage from the crash as they search for any survivors - the likelihood of which has dimmed by the hour

What about the flaps and landing gear?

Speculation is rife that the plane was not correctly set up for takeoff - having not deployed its 'flaps', segments of the wing that are used to assist with lift.

Marco Chan, of Buckinghamshire New University, said the setting of the flaps was completely down to the pilot - with more flap increasing the surface area of the wing and helping with lift at lower speeds.

But if the plane is not travelling quickly enough, the wrong flap setting could actually work in reverse - and stall the plane. Footage appears to show the jet descending with its nose in the air, as if still trying to climb.

'Looking at the footage there are several experts suggesting the flaps aren't configured properly - it is hard to tell, but it could be a possibility,' he said.

'Every take-off is slightly different and you may have a different flap setting. It may not have been set properly. If that is the case, that is definitely human error. But we do have other procedures to ensure that doesn't happen.'

Alastair Rosenschen, a former British Airways pilot and aviation analyst, told Sky News that flaps give jets as much lift as possible while they are still speeding up.

Mr Rosenschen said: 'That's what you need for take-off. As the aircraft accelerates, you can then start to retract the flaps.'

He also suggested that the landing gear, which appeared to be deployed as the jet came down, would have been retracted as soon as the jet has a 'positive rate of climb' - i.e. is ascending rapidly.

US regulator the FAA appears to suggest in a document that this is normally around 500 feet in the air. The Air India jet was last 'pinged' at 625 feet before it crashed.

'The gear should not be down and effective as soon as you have got a positive rate of climb, after take-off,' Mr Rosenschen added.

'If the gear was still down, then that would suggest that something is untoward.'

Bernard Lavelle noted that, if there was a critical issue in the cockpit, the landing gear would 'probably not be something they even thought about' in the seconds before the plane came crashing down.

The tail of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner is seen embedded in a building after the tragedy on Thursday

Firefighters tackle a fire caused by the Air India crash. The hunt for the black boxes remains underway

Did something else fail?

Bernard Lavelle notes that Boeing 787 Dreamliners have been in use for at least 12 years, with no 'hull losses' - the complete write-off of an airplane - until today.

Early Dreamliners had issues with lithium-ion batteries, fuel leaks and fires, while one suffered a collapse in its front landing gear at Heathrow in June 2021.

However, he maintains that the plane had a 'pretty good safety record'.

'It's used all around the world. I've been in them myself

Could there have been a security failure?

The security situation between India and Pakistan has been escalating in recent months over their contested ownership of the Kashmir region, which joined India over Pakistan in the 1947 partition.

Both now control areas of the contested region, but each maintain their claim to it in its entirety.

Tensions have been brewing India and Pakistan in recent months over the issue after militants killed 26 people in an attack near Pahalgam, in the Indian-administered region of Kashmir.

India has responded with missle strikes on targets in Pakistan and its region of Kashmir.

Aviation security consultation Julian Bray said: 'We cannot rule out security issues. But this is all speculation on my part.'

He added: 'What I am worried about is if an incident has happened while it was taking off we have to look at the security side of things and work out where there was some evil intent behind this.

'Basically, the aircraft these days sort of fly themselves so there shouldn't have been a problem in taking off, especially with a Dreamliner. It has a good track record. We really need more detail.'

Mr Lavelle said security issues could 'not be ruled out' due to the 'political situation between Pakistan and India' - but added that this was far down his list of reasons for the plane coming down.

What next?

Investigators are hurriedly searching the wreckage for survivors, as well as for the black boxes - the key data loggers recording everything on the plane.

'Getting the black box records - one has the audio and the other the telemetry, how the plane was performing - is the key thing now,' Mr Lavelle said.
Princess Anne shares the same disdain for birthdays as her late father. Just another day is their shared motto. So its no surprise that when she gathered her charities together at Buck House last week, she told them she wanted no fuss as her 75th birthday approaches in August. While she may avoid a glittering birthday ball at the palace, she wont get her way completely. A source reports that son-in-law Mike Tindall has plans for a grand bash in the luxurious party barn he and Zara designed on the Gatcombe Park estate. The Tindalls live in the grounds of teetotal Annes countryside retreat, so at least she can slip away before Mikes infamous party games begin.

The Kings absence from the Derby  he has now missed three during his reign  is being blamed for the record low attendance of 22,312. A Jockey Club mole whispers that a formal dress code, including morning dress and top hats, adds to the occasion, but only if there are royals present to give the event kudos. With the King having struck the Derby from his social calendar, it has lost a lot of its lustre as a place to be seen. By contrast, at Royal Ascot next week there will be upwards of 300,000 attending over five days, with the King, Queen and other royals present throughout.

Comedian Jack Dee, dogsitting his daughter Phoebes hound Nelly, says: Shell start barking at anything on the telly. Shes got a celebrity crush, Nelly has. Shes rather fallen for Kirstie Allsopp. When Kirstie came on shes absolutely transfixed. If Kirstie, 53, pictured, finds shes barking up the wrong tree selling houses on the TV, might she make a career of dog-whispering?

Was BBC World Affairs Editor John Simpson ever on Freddie Forsyths Christmas card list? Hardly, as he reveals that in 1967 he was the junior BBC sub-editor who spotted how foreign correspondent Freddie was introducing Biafran propaganda into his dispatches from the Nigerian civil war. I told my boss, tweets apple-polisher Simpson, 80. Forsyth was sacked  and went on to write one of the best thrillers ever.

Trainer Peter Easterby, who has died at 95, had the saddest day of his career when his 1979 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Alverton was killed in the Grand National two weeks later. He recalled: For the next four or five years, when I got to Aintree there was a telegram waiting for me in the weighing room placing a curse on me for having run him.

New Reform chairman Dr David Bull, formerly of Most Haunted Live!, tells ITVs Good Morning Britain of his encounter with a medium, who warned: You didnt come here alone. Your grandmother is with you. Adds Bull, 56: He changed facially and started to channel her... then he jumped on me and tried to strangle me! Fingers crossed therell be no throttling when he falls out with Nigel.

Email: john.mcentee@dailymail.co.uk
Photos of a father and his young son fishing on the bank of a crocodile infested lake have sparked outrage on social media.

The pair were pictured fishing at Cahills Crossing in Kakadu, in the Northern Territory, this week.

Karen Beckham photographed them casually standing within inches of the water and close to signs warning tourists of the danger they were in.

Ms Beckham shared the photos on Facebook to caution others not to do the same.

'And the parent the year award goes to? This dude,' she wrote.

'Poor child would have no idea about crocodile danger.'

The post sparked debate in the comment section about how much danger the two were really in.

Crocodile experts have also taken note of the photos and urged people to be more careful in the area.

A father and son were seen fishing on the bank of Cahills Crossing in Kakadu, in the Northern Territory, this week

The area is known for having Australia's most concentrated population of saltwater crocodiles

Matt Cornish, co-founder of Community Representation of Crocodiles, said complacency can be a killer around dangerous predators.

'Cahills Crossing is considered to be a high-risk crocodile location where people need to be extremely vigilant,' he told Yahoo News.

'We have had crocodile fatalities there over the last couple of decades.'

The stretch of the river where the photo was taken is a popular fishing area despite the risk and the warning signs.

'Do not risk your life,' one sign reads.

'A fatal crocodile attack occurred here.'

Even with signs like these people are still seen fishing on the bank quite frequently.

Several signs in the area warn tourists to practice extreme caution but many people choose to ignore them

A typical sight at Cahill's crossing - a tourist favourite for spotting crocs

Some commenters defended the father's actions, others condemned him.

'Looks to be a reasonable distance off the water from the photo,' one person wrote.

'Doesn't look that bad. They'll be right,' another said.

'Disaster just waiting to happen parents should have informed them crocks are about and no swimming parent's failed,' a third added.

'Cahills Crossing, more Crocs there than the rest of Australia,' a fourth wrote.

Anyone who visits the area has been advised to be up to date with the latest Croc Wise advise.

It says fish and other food should be kept away from the water's edge, and anyone going near the water must remain alert at all times.

Crocodiles can move so quickly that even those keeping a lookout will not have time to react to the reptile's sudden presence and be able to escape an attack.
Residents in a quiet city suburb have been left baffled after a series of large green spots appeared on their road overnight.

Multiple colourful dots appeared on Greville Road in the Southville area of Bristol overnight, with no explanation or reason as to their purpose.

Even the local council have no idea who is responsible for the circles or why they have appeared, appearing to confirm it was not carried out by their staff.

Three clusters of the markings appeared in the middle and at each end of the road.

Residents have suggested the markings, which range in size from around 30cm to 1.2m wide, could be a form of street art or an effort to make drivers slow down.

No-one has come forward to claim responsibility for the markings.

One local woman said: 'No one knows why they are here. They have come out of no where - it is safe to say everyone is pretty confused!

'It looks like the road has got a form of measles.'

Multiple colourful dots appeared on Greville Road in the Southville area of Bristol overnight, with no explanation or reason as to their purpose

Three clusters of the markings appeared in the middle and at each end of the road

Residents have been left speculating as to their purpose, with no-one claiming responsibility for the markings

Some locals seem to think the mysterious dots could be part of an art exhibition due to an increase in street art around the area.

Local resident Brook Morris, told the BBC: 'We think they're part of an art installation because we've had a lot of street art down here.

'They seem quite cool, anything that's colourful is nice.'

And resident Caitlyn Budd, said: 'I think they're pretty, I like them.

'They appeared last week, probably at night, I didn't see anyone. Maybe they're trying to make the area more green. They're nice.'

Another woman said: 'They are colourful and pretty - even though they are out of the blue, I like them.

'It is definitely the kind of thing to happen in Bristol of all places.'

One said she thought it was a bid to slow drivers down to 20mph.

But a local man seemed to disagree, arguing the dots 'serve no purpose and are extremely unnecessary.'

A spokesman for Bristol City Council, said: 'We have confirmed that we are investigating where these road markings have come from.

'We'll keep looking into this in the meantime.'
Indian conspiracy theorists are today making baseless claims that Pakistan is to blame for the Air India tragedy.

The Gatwick-bound 787 Dreamliner jet was engulfed in a ball of flames in the Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway.

There were 242 passengers on board the plane. Air India said there were 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian.

Eleven of those on board were children, including two newborns. Two pilots and 10 cabin crew were also aboard.

A British father sitting in seat 11A miraculously survived the fireball crash. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, spoke from the safety of a hospital bed after escaping from the fallen Flight 171 this morning.

The passenger, who was in seat 11A when the plane came down in a residential area, recalled: 'Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.'

The cause of the crash is not yet known, but that hasn't stopped conspiracists making baseless claims on social media, with sabotage among the hypotheses being thrown about on X.

Pakistani Foreign Minister and deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said today he was 'saddened' by the deadly plane crash, writing on X: 'Condolences over the loss of precious lives in this tragic incident. Our sympathies are with the families of the victims in this hour of grief.'

So far, rescue teams supported by the military have recovered 204 bodies, with casualties from the plane and the area surrounding the crash.

Conspiracy theorists are already flooding the internet after the Air India flight to Gatwick crashed minutes after take off. But some have been quick to knock them down

Air India's Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat at around 1.40pm local time, officials said.

Tata Sons, which owns Air India, will offer around 86,000 to the families of each person who died in the Ahmedabad plane crash, the company said.

Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar noted that the Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was only 11 years old, so was unlikely to have underlying technical issues. The plane was under the command of captain Summeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of experience.

It is the latest in a tragic spate of incidents involving crisis-hit Boeing and its planes.

Just six days ago the plane maker reached a deal with the US Department of Justice to avoid prosecution over crashes involving a 737 Max plane that killed 346 people in Ethiopia and Indonesia in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Last December a Boeing jet skidded off a runway in South Korea, crashing into a concrete wall and causing the plane to burst into flames.

All but two of the 181 people aboard the Boeing 737-800 were killed - the youngest victim being a three-year-old boy.

Today's Air India flight reportedly reached an altitude of just 625 feet before it began to descend, according to flight tracking service Flightradar 24, which declared the plane's transponder signal dropped just seconds after it left the runway.

'We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after take off,' it said.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the plane sent a mayday call moments before the crash.

Air India's Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran shared a heartfelt statement that read: 'With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.

Your browser does not support iframes.

The plane momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon in this horrifying clip

A video posted to social media appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed

Parts of the jet appeared to have smashed into the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside

Civilians surround parts of the jet that seemingly smashed into a medical college canteen

The Air India flight crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad airport

Chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail were seen protruding from a demolished building

'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

'We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.'

Gatwick Airport subsequently confirmed the flight that was due to land at 6.25pm had crashed on departure.

According to data logs recorded at 30-second intervals showed the plane remained on the ground or was taxiing slowly for over four minutes after it first registered on public trackers.

The plane took off and reached 625ft, but no further gains in altitude were recorded before the crash.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the plane sent a mayday call moments before the tragedy unfolded.

Experts say the plane appeared to be exhibiting signs of engine failure - with a former pilot suggesting that it may have suffered multiple bird strikes as it took off.

Former pilot Saurabh Bhatnagar told NDTV: 'From the footage I have seen, it looks like prima facie the case of multiple bird hits, wherein both engines have lost power.

'The takeoff was perfect and just I believe short of taking the gear up the aircraft started descending, which only happens if the engine loses power or the aircraft stops delivering the lift.'

'These are unconfirmed reports coming from the pilot fraternity,' he added. Mr Bhatnagar also observed that the jet appeared to come down in a 'controlled' fashion.

'Immediately after takeoff the landing gear was still up - so that means thereafter the aircraft coming down in a sort of controlled fashion. It was a distress situation.'

Aviation security expert Julian Bray told MailOnline that he was concerned as the Dreamliner was, in his view, 'state-of-the-art'.

He said: 'It's a Boeing Dreamliner that has gone down - not certain whether they've managed to get anybody off the plane.

'If it has indeed crash-landed and they can deploy the chutes out then they should be able to get people off in 90 seconds.

Firefighters working at the scene of the Boeing air crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat state, India

Rescue team members work as smoke rises at the site where the Air India plane crashed

Rescue teams spray water over charred buildings as smoke rises at the Air India crash site

A general view of part of the departure hall that is used by Air India at Gatwick Airport -- June 12, 2025

'I am aware there are fire appliances in attendance - this is a major incident.

'It is very disappointing that it is a Dreamliner as it is a state-of-the-art Boeing.

'We cannot rule out security issues. But this is all speculation on my part.'

He added to Sky News: 'This is very, very worrying as it happened on departure. We don't know what's happened so if it happened on departure... obviously a major incident plan has been put in place.

'The Dreamliner is Boeing's 'star product', you might say, and it does have several backup systems and safety systems. We have to look at security issues and decide whether that is a factor here.

'We can only hope the passengers and crew on-board are safe.

'What I am worried about is if an incident has happened while it was taking off we have to look at the security side of things and work out where there was some evil intent behind this.

'Basically, the aircraft these days sort of fly themselves so there shouldn't have been a problem in taking off, especially with a Dreamliner. It has a good track record. We really need more detail.

'What I would to say to people gathering at Gatwick... you will find that on the operator's website there will be instructions, there will be an emergency number and they will confirm if the passenger is on board if you are a family member and they will take you through it and process it that way.

'We don't know whether anybody has managed to get away from this. I really hope so.'
Narinder Kaur came face-to-face with Laurence Fox at Woolwich Crown Court today as the actor-turned-activist prepares to stand trial over claims he shared an explicit image of the former Big Brother star online.

Fox, 46, is accused of reposting the photograph on his X account in April 2024. The image, allegedly depicting Kaur in an intimate state, was reported to police by the married mother-of-two, who said she felt 'violated, humiliated and degraded.'

He is facing two charges: one for allegedly sharing a photograph or film of a person in an intimate state with the intention of causing alarm, distress or humiliation; the other for allegedly sending a photograph or film of genitals to cause similar harm.

The first charge alleges on April 30 last year, in the Borough of Lewisham, he 'intentionally shared a photograph which showed, or appeared to show, another person, namely Narinder Kaur, in an intimate state, with the intention of causing that person alarm, distress or humiliation'.

The second charge alleges Fox 'intentionally sent a photograph of a person's genitals, namely that of Narinder Kaur, intending that the person or another person would see the genitals, and for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, and being reckless as to whether that person would be caused alarm, distress or humiliation.'

If convicted, he faces up to two years in prison and could be placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

Laurence Fox and Elizabeth Barker depart Woolwich Crown Court in London

Narinder Kaur is seen leaving Woolwich Crown Court in London

Former GB News presenter Laurence Fox and his partner Elizabeth Barker at Woolwich Crown Court in London

He had indicated pleas of not guilty to the charges at Westminster Magistrates Court on 25 April.

Wearing jeans and a grey suit jacket over a white shirt, Fox was allowed to sit outside the dock during his plea and trial preparation hearing at Woolwich Crown court.

Ms Kaur, who has waived her right to anonymity, sat in the public gallery for the hearing accompanied by a friend.

Prosecutor Rupert Kent asked that Fox not be arraigned and Judge Philip Shorrock set his provisional trial date for 6 December 2027 at the same court.

Fox is expected to enter pleas to the charges on 14 November.

The trial is scheduled to last four days.

The judge added: 'The defendant may continue on bail subject to the one condition that he doesn't actually seek or actually make contact with the complainant in this case.'

Laurence Fox was supported by his long-term partner Elizabeth Barker, who held his hand as they walked into the court house

Narinder Kaur arrives at Woolwich Crown Court in London this morning

Laurence Fox and Elizabeth Barker arrive at Woolwich Crown Court in London

Fox was a successful actor, appearing in long-running TV series Lewis and award-winning film Gosford Park.

However, he has since rebranded himself as a right-wing commentator and founder of the Reclaim Party.

Fox has stood in three failed election campaigns and was barred from running in the most recent London mayoral election after submitting incomplete nomination papers.

He was previously married to actress Billie Piper and has two children.
Aviation experts say that the Gatwick-bound Boeing that crashed in India, reportedly with no survivors, may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers including 53 Britons, crashed shortly after departing Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat this morning.

Video showed the plane rapidly descending into a residential area with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed before it exploded in a huge fireball upon impact.

Authorities confirmed that no one is believed to have survived the crash, while rescuers told reporters at the scene that they had recovered dozens of bodies of people inside buildings that the plane smashed into as it came down.

The possible causes of the tragedy could include a rapid change in wind causing an engine stall, or a bird strike on both engines.

Officials from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are now at the scene to carry out an analysis of the wreckage and retrieve the stricken jet's black box.

Lt. Col. John R. Davidson, a former US Air Force pilot and commercial aviation safety consultant, said the plane appeared to have reached takeoff speed but not altitude, according to flight data, suggesting 'either a very late rotation or a stall shortly after takeoff'.

'There are a number of possible scenarios: thrust or engine performance issues, excessive aircraft weight, poor trim or flap configuration, or a more critical failure that affected the aircraft's ability to climb,' he said.

'Weather, windshear or even bird strike can't be ruled out either at this early stage.'

Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, told NDTV that circulating footage showing the plane's terrifying descent 'looked like a case of multiple bird hits wherein both the engines have lost power'.

'The takeoff was perfect,' he said. 'And just, I believe, short of taking the gear up, the aircraft started descending, which can happen only in case the engine loses power or the aircraft stops developing lift.'

This wide angle shot shows the entire scene of the plane crash. The tail and parts of the fuselage are seen on the building to the right, with the bulk of the jet having smashed into the buildings further on

The plane momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon in this horrifying clip

A video posted to social media appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed

Parts of the jet appeared to have smashed into the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen

People look at the debris of an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025

Search and rescue teams respond to the scene of a plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday, June 12, 2025

Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar noted that the Dreamliner was only 11 years old, so was unlikely to have underlying technical issues. The plane was under the command of Captain Summeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of experience.

A bird strike 'would explain why the aircraft did not have the power to lift,' he said. 'If there were multiple bird hits on take-off, it probably could not have gone beyond the 6-7 minute threshold and started falling.'

Davidson explained that the low altitude and high speed reading at the final moment might indicate a 'steep nose-down trajectory or a stall event' just after takeoff.

'This is consistent with accidents like Spanair Flight 5022 and Flydubai Flight 981, where mechanical or environmental factors combined with compromised lift performance led to loss of control during or just after liftoff,' he said.

The former pilot noted: 'Flight data alone isn't enough to determine fault  but it tells us this aircraft never truly made it airborne in a meaningful way.

'Whatever happened, it happened fast, and right at the most critical phase of flight.'

In pilots' forums, aviation experts said that it sounded like the plane's Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency wind turbine, had been deployed shortly before the crash.

According to data logs recorded at 30-second intervals showed the plane remained on the ground or was taxiing slowly for over four minutes after it first registered on public trackers.

Preliminary flight tracking data from flightradar24 reveals the plane reached an altitude of just 625ft after takeoff  a height far below standard for a commercial aircraft several minutes into departure.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the plane sent a mayday call moments before the tragedy unfolded.

Prof Paul Williams, Professor of Atmospheric Science, University of Reading, observed: 'At the time of the departure, the weather conditions at the airport appear to have been very good.

'It was a dry and sunny day in Ahmedabad, with temperatures near 40C.

'There was good visibility and light winds from the west. There was no bad weather in the vicinity.

'There is no indication at this stage that turbulence or other weather conditions were a factor in the crash.'

Prof John McDermid, Lloyd's Register Chair of Safety, University of York, noted: 'It's surprising that the accident occurred before the aircraft had even got to 200metres altitude.

'Pilots can abort take-off until quite late in the take-off roll, so it seems like the problem occurred very suddenly in the final part of the take-off roll, or shortly after take-off, and was sufficiently serious to be unmanageable.

'Given the levels of redundancy in systems, the fact that aircraft are designed to climb out on only one engine, etc. on initial sight this seems a very surprising accident.'

Peter Neenan, aviation lawyer and Partner at UK law firm Stewarts, explained that there would likely be a joint investigation to uncover the cause of the tragedy.

'In due course, the Indian Directorate of General Civil Aviation will begin their investigation,' he said.

'The US National Transportation Safety Board will assist in that investigation and given the number of deaths of British nationals, we would expect the UK Air Accident Investigation Branch to also assist.'

He noted that such investigations 'routinely take two or more years to complete'.

Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site, showing part of its registration VT-ANB, where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Search and rescue teams respond to the scene of a plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday, June 12, 2025

A view of the site where a plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in India's western state of Gujarat on June 12, 2025

Civilians surround parts of the jet that seemingly smashed into a medical college canteen

The Air India flight to London with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in Gujarat

Debris is seen at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025

The Air India flight crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad airport

Air India Flight 171 careened back to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway around 1pm local time.

Shocking images shared to social media showed chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail protruding from a demolished building.

Parts of the jet smashed into accommodation for doctors practising at the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital.

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside.

'The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel... we have cleared almost 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the area and will clear the rest soon,' a senior police officer told reporters at the scene.

Firefighters doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed a huge plume of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site.

'Our office is near the building where the plane crashed. We saw people from the building jumping from the second and third floor to save themselves. The plane was in flames,' said one resident, who declined to be named.

The cause of the tragedy is not yet known, but footage appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

It momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon. The jet was fuelled for a long-haul flight direct to Gatwick, intensifying the blast.

The flight reportedly reached an altitude of just 625ft before it began to descend, according to flight tracking service Flightradar24, which declared the plane's transponder signal dropped just seconds after it left the runway.

'We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after take off,' it said.

Chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail were seen protruding from a demolished building

The tail of the jet is seen protruding from a building in the Meghani area of the city

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Emergency personnel work at the crash site of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025

It added the pilots were highly experienced  captain Sumeet Sabharwal boasted some 8,200 hours of flight time, according to the directorate, while first officer Clive Kundar had 1,100 hours of experience under his belt.

British Foreign Minister David Lammy said he was 'deeply saddened' by news of the crash, adding that Britain was now working with Indian authorities to establish exactly what led to the incident.

'My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support,' his statement read.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called images of the crash 'devastating' and said 'my thoughts are with the passengers and their families'.

The Indian aviation minister's office said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directed it to ensure all support was extended to the rescue efforts immediately.

Mr Modi said the crash was 'heartbreaking beyond words'.

All relevant agencies were on high alert and coordinated efforts were underway, the aviation minister's office added.

Air India's chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran shared a heartfelt statement that read: 'With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.

'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

'We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.'

Gatwick Airport subsequently confirmed the flight that was due to land at 18:25 today had crashed on departure.

Aviation expert Julian Bray told MailOnline: 'It's a Boeing Dreamliner that has gone down  not certain whether they've managed to get anybody off the plane.

'If it has indeed crash-landed and they can deploy the chutes out then they should be able to get people off in 90 seconds. I am aware there are fire appliances in attendance  this is a major incident.

'It is very disappointing that it is a Dreamliner as it is a state-of-the-art Boeing. We cannot rule out security issues. But this is all speculation on my part.'

The cause of the crash is not yet known. Emergency services are en route to the scene

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025

Weather conditions were calm at the time of the accident with clear skies and a windspeed of just seven knots, or eight miles per hour.

Indian news agency ANI reported police sources had confirmed 242 people were on board the flight.

India's aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said in a statement: 'Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert.

'I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.

'Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.'

The Director General of India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is en route to the site of the incident with a team of investigators, according to the Times of India.

Air India shared a brief statement in the wake of the disaster, writing on X: 'Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025.

'At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.'

Ahmedabad is the main city in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat.

Ahmedabad airport said it had suspended all flight operations with immediate effect following the incident this morning.

The plane is seen descending rapidly with landing gear deployed seconds before erupting in a fireball

Citizens descended on the wreckage in the hope of finding survivors

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025

The flight reportedly reached an altitude of just 625 feet before it began to descend, according to flight tracking service Flightradar 24, which declared the plane's transponder signal dropped just seconds after it left the runway

Firefighters at the scene doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed a huge plume of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site

Shocked residents are seen standing close to the scene as firefighters work to extinguish flames

Shocking images shared to social media showed a huge trail of smoke emanating from the crash site near the international airport this morning

Thick plumes of black smoke are seen rising from the site of the crash

Smoke trails at the scene of the crash

The 787 Dreamliner involved in today's crash is a widebody, twin-engine plane. It is believed to be the first ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.

The last fatal plane crash in India was in 2020 and involved Air India Express, the airline's low-cost arm.

The airline's Boeing 737 overshot a 'table-top' runway at Kozhikode International Airport in southern India. The plane skidded off the runway, plunging into a valley and crashing nose-first into the ground.

Twenty-one people were killed in that crash.

The formerly state-owned Air India was taken over by Indian conglomerate Tata Group in 2022, and merged with Vistara  a joint venture between the group and Singapore Airlines  in 2024.

Tata said an emergency centre had been activated and a support team set up for families seeking information.

Today's tragedy is the latest in a string of disasters involving Boeing jets and comes just six months after a 737 crashed in South Korea, killing 179.

In October 2018, Boeing's Lion Air Flight 610 plunged into the Java Sea shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, in Indonesia killing all 189 people on board.

Then, in March 2019, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed minutes after departing Addis Ababa, resulting in the deaths of 157 passengers and crew.

Shares of planemaker Boeing fell 8 per cent in premarket US trading following today's incident.

Boeing said in a statement it was aware of initial reports and was working to gather more information.
A beloved TV icon who found fame in the 1960s sitcom The Munsters has stunned fans by coming out as a MAGA supporter.

Butch Patrick, who played Eddie Munster, shared a smiling photo of himself and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders to his Instagram overnight after the pair were introduced at a party.

The actor, whose real name is Patrick Alan Lilley, says Trump's former White House Press Secretary was 'nice' and 'surprisingly she said I looked familiar'.

'I think Ill send her a Munster goodie,' he added, before revealing: 'I like living in Arkansas. Friendly folks.'

But woke keyboard critics did not take well to the photograph and quickly launched their attacks on the 71-year-old star, who also follows Trump accounts on Instagram.

'Yuck,' one fan simply wrote, as another baselessly blasted: 'Eeeewwwww you brush elbows with Nazis? That's gross Butch.'

Some of Patrick's fans, however, said it was a 'great picture' and applauded him for the 'super cool' opportunity to meet his state's Republican leader.

Patrick, who is rarely seen in public, is heading out on a summer tour that will see him make live appearances at drive-ins as they screen his film Munster, Go Home!.

Butch Patrick (left) shared a smiling photo of himself and Arkansas Gov. Sarah Sanders (right) to his Instagram overnight after the pair were introduced at a party. He says Trump's former White House Press Secretary was 'nice' and 'surprisingly she said I looked familiar'

But woke keyboard critics did not take well to the photograph and quickly attacked the 71-year-old star for being a MAGA supporter (Pictured: Donald Trump, 78, on Monday)

Patrick began his acting career in 1962 in the TV sitcom the McCoys before he was cast in The Munsters in 1964.

Patrick was 11 years old when he began playing Eddie Munster, a young werewolf who was the son of Frankenstein monster Herman, played by Fred Gwynne, and his vampire wife, Lily, portrayed by Yvonne De Carlo.

The show ran for 70 episodes from 1964 to 1966 and sent up the picture-perfect all-American family by replacing them with good-natured monsters.

Eddie's pet was no family dog, he was a fire-breathing dragon.

The beloved comedy fantasy show was cancelled after its second season's ratings plummeted, although it later became a cult hit and remains embedded in the public consciousness thanks to frequent re-runs.

But Patrick told Fox News in a 2019 interview that the reason the show's popularity dropped was due to its rival Batman.

'I think Batman was to blame,' Patrick said. 'Batman just came along and took our ratings away.'

His next hit would be the ABC children's show Lidsville which ran from 1971 to 1973.

Patrick starred alongside veteran actors Billie Hayes and Charles Nelson Reilly as Mark - a boy lost in a strange land where humanoid hats walked, talked and sang.

Butch Patrick (front) found fame in the 1960s sitcom The Munsters, which also starred Pat Priest, (left) Al Lewis, (2nd left) Fred Gwynne, (2nd right) and Yvonne Decarlo (right) as a family of Monsters living in suburban America

Patrick (right, in 1965) is one of the few surviving cast members of The Munsters, along with Pat Priest, (left) who played his onscreen sister Marilyn and who is now retired from acting

Patrick reprised the role of Eddie - who is a werewolf child - in the 1966 film Munster, Go Home and again in a 1999 episode of The Simpsons.

He also appeared in a string of other shows throughout the 1960s including My Favorite Martian, I Dream Of Jeannie, My Three Sons and The Monkees.

As an adult however his career was less successful, and he struggled with alcohol and drug problems before entering rehab in late 2010.

In 2021, the actor testified in court in Wisconsin after a woman charged with murdering her husband claimed five other people  including Patrick  were actually behind the shooting death.

The case took 15 years to come to court and Patrick maintained his innocence saying he had met the couple at the Monster Hall Raceway in 2006 but didn't know he had been accused of murder until six years after the incident.

'I was in the process of booking an event when someone says, "Have you seen the National Enquirer today?" I said, "No," and when I looked it up I noticed I was on the cover with the headline that says "Munster Murder Bombshell at Monster Hall" and that's how I found out about my... supposedly my involvement in it,' Patrick said during his testimony.

Crime lab witnesses did not find any evidence of Patrick or the four other suspects inside the couples' home, nor any DNA evidence linking him to the crime.

Eventually the wife, Cindy Schulz-Juedes was found guilty. She was in the process of appealing the verdict when she was killed by her cellmate in Taycheedah Correctional Institution in July 2023.

Patrick was 11 years old when he began playing Eddie Munster, (pictured) a young werewolf who was the son of Frankenstein monster Herman and his vampire wife Lily

Butch Patrick poses with the Munster Mobile at the Hollywood Collectors and Celebrity Show held at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn, January 2001 in North Hollywood, California

Prior to this bombshell case, Patrick revealed in 2011 that he had been battling prostate cancer. This was only a year after he entered a rehab to combat his years of drug and alcohol abuse that plagued him throughout his adult years.

Fortunately, his disease was caught early by a doctor in the facility he stayed in and he was able to remove the small mass shortly after. The star attributed his push to get sober as the reason he's still alive today.

Patrick is one of the few surviving cast members of The Munsters, along with Pat Priest, who played his onscreen sister Marilyn and who is now retired from acting.

Gwynne, who played his screen father Herman, died in 1993, while Al Lewis passed away in 2006 and Yvonne de Carlo in 2007.
A fascinating letter showing Winston Churchill's good nature towards the man who his 'first great love' chose to marry instead of him has emerged 124 years later.

The future British wartime prime minister would have been within his rights to feel aggrieved at Victor Bulwer-Lytton who had won the affection of Pamela Plowden.

But he instead showed admirable strength of character by going out of his way to give Lytton a helping hand in entering politics.

In the 1901 letter, he tells 'My dear Lytton' that he would use his connections to give him an opening and invited him to the House of Commons to further discuss his aspirations.

Lytton, who later served as Under-Secretary of India, Governor of Bengal and Acting Viceroy of India, married Plowden in April 1902, two years after she turned down Churchill's marriage proposal.

The letter begins by Churchill, who had been elected Conservative MP for Oldham in the October 1900 General Election, informing Lytton of a soon to be vacant municipal chairman role 'closely connected with local and national politics'.

He then discloses that 'my friend Goulding, to whom I introduced you the other day in the Lobby... would be a most powerful, if not an all powerful ally in the matter'.

He ends the letter by stating: 'I was speaking to G. Wyndham the other day of you and your wish to enter politics.

A fascinating letter showing Winston Churchill's good nature towards the man who his 'first great love' chose to marry instead of him has emerged 124 years later. Above: Pamela Bulwer-Lytton, who Churchill proposed to

Winston Churchill was elected as the MP for Oldham in 1900

'He tells me your father showed him great kindness when he was quite a young man. I think you may count on him as a friend.'

It appears that Lytton took Churchill up on the offer as he took his seat in the House of Lords as a Conservative six months later, in January 1902.

The handwritten letter, marked 'Private', has emerged for sale for 4,200 (5,000 euros) at International Autograph Auctions Europe, of Malaga, Spain.

Auction specialist Richard Davie said: 'Lytton married Pamela Plowden in April 1902.

'Pamela had been an early flame of Churchill, but that relationship was amicably broken off when she decided to marry Lytton instead.

'The letter demonstrates how Churchill was able to set aside any differences or hard feelings he may have had about Lytton marrying Pamela Chichele-Plowden, although the marriage didnt take place until nearly a year after Churchill wrote the letter, so I am not sure what the state of the personal relationships were at the time.

'The letter is also a wonderful example of Churchill as a skilled political manipulator, attempting to pave a way into politics for Lytton.

'It is a good and early example of the political manoeuvring that Churchill would become so adept at later in his career.'

In the 1901 letter to Victor Bulwer-Lytton, he tells 'My dear Lytton' that he would use his connections to give him an opening and invited him to the House of Commons to further discuss his aspirations

He discloses that 'my friend Goulding, to whom I introduced you the other day in the Lobby... would be a most powerful, if not an all powerful ally in the matter'

The third page of the letter Churchill sent to Victor Bulwer-Lyttton

He ends the letter by stating: 'I was speaking to G. Wyndham the other day of you and your wish to enter politics

Churchill was a 22-year-old subaltern in India when he met Plowden, the daughter of the Resident at Hyderabad, in November 1896.

Churchill was instantly besotted with her, telling his mother in a letter: 'I was introduced yesterday to Miss Pamela Plowden-who lives here. I must say that she is the most beautiful girl that I have ever seen.'

But she rejected his marriage proposal after he returned from the Boer War in 1900, and in April 1902 married the Earl of Lytton, with whom she had four children.

Two years later Churchill first met his future wife Clementine at a society ball.

Although nothing happened on that occasion they were reacquainted in 1908 when they were seated together at a dinner party.

They became an item and Churchill proposed to Clementine at a house party at Blenheim Palace in August 1908 and they married a month later.

Despite his earlier heartbreak, Churchill and Plowden remained lifelong friends while he went on to marry Clementine Hozier in 1908.

In a letter to Pamela revealing the news, he wrote: 'I am to marry Clementine & I say to you as you said to me when you married Victor - you must always be our best friend.'

Lytton, who later served as Under-Secretary of India, Governor of Bengal and Acting Viceroy of India, married Plowden in April 1902.

They exchanged sweet letters on the 50th anniversary of Churchill's failed marriage proposal, and continued to meet until his death in 1965.

Plowden died in 1971.

The letter being sold, dated July 17, 1901, reads: 'I have heard of something which may or may not be of use to you.

'Lord George Hamilton has vacated the Chairmanship of the London Municipal Society, and supposing you were inclined to undertake the various duties in connexion with this office, it might be possible to obtain it for you.

'It is, so I understand, a position closely connected with local & national politics in London and which would fit in with county council work excellently.

'If you think it worth while to hear more about it, I suggest your coming to the House of Commons on Friday afternoon and asking for me.

'The present idea is that Lord Shaftesbury should be put forward.

'I was speaking to G. Wyndham the other day of you and your wish to enter politics.

'He tells me your father showed him great kindness when he was quite a young man.

'I think you may count on him as a friend.'

In a postscript, signed with his initials 'W.S.C.', he writes: 'Please let me have an answer at your convenience.'

The sale takes place on June 17.
A Spanish teacher has defended himself after being fired after reading a passage from To Kill A Mockingbird to his class that included the n-word.

Matthew Mastronardi, who worked at West Valley High School in Spokane, Washington, had overheard students discussing the classic Harper Lee novel in his classroom when he was asked to read a passage aloud, which included the n-word.

His students, according to Mastronardi, said they skipped over the controversial slur within the text as per another teacher's instructions.

'I was astonished and expressed disagreement, saying, "That's silly; it undermines the book's historical context and disrespects the author's intent to use accurate language,"' the teacher wrote on X.

To Kill A Mockingbird tells the story of a white lawyer defending a black man accused of raping a white woman in 1930s Alabama and deals heavily with racist abuse suffered by blacks in the south.

After Mastronardi slated the students for censoring themselves, one spoke up to ask the teacher he would read every word, including the n-word. Mastronardi said he would.

'A male student immediately handed me the book and said, "Okay do it,"' he continued. 'I knew the situation was serious with 30 students watching...I saw it as a teachable moment about context and literary honesty in reading.'

Mastronardi read the book out loud to his class, specifically a passage that included the n-word, but he had 'no idea' that he was being recorded by a student.

While it remains unclear if the recording was reported to school officials or if it received any complaints, Mastronardi was pulled in to discuss the matter with Principal Ryan Mulvey.

'Beloved' West Valley High School Spanish teacher, Matthew Mastronardi, is fighting for his job after he read literary classic To Kill A Mockingbird and said the n-word to his students

Following a verbal warning, Mastronardi was told he could voluntarily resign or be served a non-renewal notice on his employment due to the incident

Mastronardi, a husband and father of 'three beautiful children,' is set to plead his case at a board meeting on June 25

The Spanish teacher said in the meeting that he 'acted in good faith with the desire to serve students.'

'Furthermore, I believe what I read was not to stir trouble but to deliver value. My conscience is clean and as stated in policy, this is a free exchange of ideas, which is what I was trying to perpetuate,' Mastronardi said.

'Teaching kids they can interact with a text honestly and intimidation should not be used to prevent that. I was asked to read it and so I did.'

Then, on April 28, he was given a letter with a verbal warning.

Mulvey wrote that Mastronardi had engaged in 'unprofessional communication' with his students.

He determined that Mastronardi had 'failed to communicate in a civil manner, failed to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning by consistently maintaining professional boundaries, and did not maintain the highest professional standards.'

The verbal warning declared that the teacher had violated the Districts Civility and Professional Staff Student Boundaries policy and ordered him to refrain from using the language again.

On May 6, Mastronardi was called for a meeting with the Human Resources Director Sabre Dahl and Principal Mulvey during which he was informed he could 'either voluntarily resign or face the non-renewal' of his contract.

Mastronardi read the book out loud to his class, specifically a passage that included the n-word, which the school determined to be 'unprofessional communication' with his students

Mastronardi had 'no idea' he was being recorded by a student while he read the passage, including the racial slur, to his class from the book

Mastronardi, however, argued his case and wrote to rebuke the warning.

'This rebuttal is necessary because the actions taken against me are wholly unjustified... It is not uncivil, nor unprofessional to read a passage from a school approved novel,' he wrote.

'Words should not be skipped over simply because they make us uncomfortable, especially when the usage is essential to describe and understand the historical context.'

Then, come May 8, Mastronardi was served with a non-renewal notice by Superintendent Kyle Rydell which claimed the teacher exercised 'poor judgement' and that the school had concerns for his 'ability to serve as a positive role model.'

Mastronardi wrote on X that he requested evidence for the claims listed, 'but none was provided.'

As the battle for his job continued, the Spanish teacher met with the superintendent to 'urge reconsideration.'

'During the meeting, they repeatedly stated the decision wasn't solely due to the TKAM incident,' he wrote. 'When I asked, "What other reasons contributed to my termination?" they provided no specifics.'

Mastronardi further claimed there had been 'no parent complaints, no documented disciplinary actions, and I've passed every teaching evaluation.'

To Kill A Mockingbird tells the story of a white lawyer defending a black man accused of raping a white woman in 1930s Alabama and deals heavily with racist abuse suffered by blacks in the south. Pictured: Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch holding a shotgun (1963.)

Mastronardi was served with a non-renewal notice by Superintendent Kyle Rydell which claimed the teacher exercised 'poor judgement' and that the school had concerns for his 'ability to serve as a positive role model'

The petition, created by freshman Payton Johnson, calls for the school to reinstate Mastronardi and said the 'beloved educator' is 'unjustly facing termination over a misunderstanding'

'The superintendent admitted relying on "hearsay" for part of his decision. Two union representatives, taking notes, attested to this.'

Yet, it was still recommended his contract not be renewed.

'My students are very upset,' Mastronardi wrote.

One freshman student even took it upon himself to create a Change.org petition in support of the teacher.

'He's a really good teacher,' the student, Payton Johnson, told Frontlines. 'He was just reading out of the book. He wasn't saying it to anyone or, like, in a rude manner.'

The petition calls for the school to reinstate Mastronardi and said the 'beloved educator' is 'unjustly facing termination over a misunderstanding.'

'This decision strikes at the heart of educational integrity and the role educators play in exposing students to important historical contexts that foster critical thinking,' the petition said.

'We urge the administrative body of West Valley High School and the wider Spokane education authorities to reconsider this course of action.

The petition urges the administration to reconsider their decision to fire Mastronardi and has, as of Thursday morning, garnered over 650 signatures

'Not only is this decision detrimental to a well-regarded teacher's career, but it also diminishes the richness of the educational experience provided to students by limiting exposure to important, albeit challenging, literature.'

The petition garnered a total of 654 signatures come Thursday morning.

A GiveSendGo was created by the Spanish teacher to help his family through the transition period, with a large portion intended to be donated to support educational efforts toward free speech.

Mastronardi, a husband and father of 'three beautiful children,' is set to plead his case at a board meeting on June 25.

'This is my final appeal to save my job,' he wrote.
A 12-year-old North Carolina boy died after being hit by a truck while illegally riding a dirt bike to the gas station.

Mikey Malanda was riding to refuel just minutes from his Charlotte home around 1pm on Sunday when he was struck by a red truck at the intersection of Oakdale and Auten Roads, police said.

Mikey was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family said the young boy road his dirt bike to the gas station every Sunday before he would peruse the city of 911,000 with his friends.

'He just went out to get a little bit of gas so he could be able to go do something that he loved,' his aunt, Laure Makiona, told The Charlotte Observer.

'Never did we think we wouldnt get to see him anymore.'

It is unclear what caused the fatal collision and no charges have been pressed against the unidentified truck driver as of Thursday morning.

Dirt bikes are not street legal in North Carolina, as the vehicles don't have headlights, turn signals, mirrors, and more.

Mikey Malanda was riding to refuel just minutes from his Charlotte home around 1pm on Sunday when he was struck by a red truck at the intersection of Oakdale and Auten Roads

The crash is still under investigation and it is unclear if anyone will face criminal charges.

The Malanda family has let the Lake Norman Charter School student ride his dirt bike to the gas station weekly and had always advised him to be careful near the Oakdale and Auten Roads intersection.

Mikey had been headed to the gas station his father had taken him to before he even knew how to ride, the Mike Malanda told the outlet.

His father said his son 'dreamed of a motorcycle' since he was just a toddler and 'loved riding his bicycle and doing tricks.'

The preteen was also active in the local biking community and often participated in group rides.

Richard Flood, who organizes The Last Sunday monthly ride, often recalled Mikey showing up with his big smile and laughter.

'No matter how hard it may seem or how hard he was struggling, Mikey always kept pushing,' Flood told The Observer. 'Mikey was a very strong soul.'

The preteen often made sure those in the back didn't get left behind and took care of the people around him, he told the outlet.

It is unclear what caused the fatal collision and no charges have been pressed against the unidentified truck driver as of Thursday morning. Dirt bikes are not street legal in North Carolina

His family and friends remember the 12-year-old as a loving and caring person.

'Mikey always made everybody laugh,' his aunt, Lucie Bunsana, told The Observer.

Neighborhood kids also called him Mikey the Motivational Speaker as he was known for giving good advice.

He even recently asked his mother to let him mentor younger kids in a church program.

'I did not know how many peoples lives he touched until this day,' she told the outlet. 'I can say that I am a proud mother.'

His kindergarten teacher, Emily Kessler, told The Observer she doesn't have a single picture of the boy where he isn't hugging someone.

His fourth grade teacher, Carly Pasell, told the outlet: 'He could draw you out and hold a deep conversation with you even at nine years old.'

His classmates called him Big Mike affectionately and the young student often took home the class hamster Tater Tot on holidays and weekends.

'He just went out to get a little bit of gas so he could be able to go do something that he loved,' his aunt, Laure Makiona, said. 'Never did we think we wouldnt get to see him anymore'

Principal Nick Carlascio told the outlet that the young scholar often went out of his way to help other students and look out for them.

His school paid tribute to him, writing on Facebook: 'Affectionately known as "Big Mike" he will be remembered by his classmates, friends and teachers for his larger than life personality, playful nature and kind soul.

'The LNC community joins Mike's family in grieving this profound loss.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to the family for comment.
An Idaho dad is self-deporting to Mexico with his American wife and four U.S.-born kids, fearing Trump's immigration crackdown will rip their family apart.

Cenobio Feliciano-Galeana crossed the border illegally when he was 18 years old.

Since then, he's built a life in America: he married a U.S. citizen, Ashlee, and together they've raised four children - all born in the United States.

But Cenobio, who was not able to obtain a green card or citizenship, has now made the painful decision to self-deport.

Ashlee, Cenobio's wife, says she and the family are coming with him.

At the end of the year, she plans to move with her four children to a country they have never known, just to keep the family together.

Since they began their relationship, Ashlee says she and her family have been trying to get Cenobio through the process to gain legal status in the U.S., with no luck.

Several lawyers and thousands of dollars later, she says not even being married to a U.S. citizen helps Cenobio's cause.

Cenobio Feliciano-Galeana, who entered the U.S. illegally nearly two decades ago is choosing to self-deport - bringing his American wife and four U.S.-born children with him

Despite years of trying to legalize his status, Cenobio Feliciano-Galeana has been told he has no path to citizenship, even through marriage

'If I had a penny for every time somebody has said that, I'd have the money to pay for those lawyers,' she said.

She says the lawyers initially told them they had a fifty-fifty chance of getting Cenobio

After the Trump administration was sworn in, she says she was told they had no chance.

Their options were to stay and risk itor have Cenobio self-deport and try again in 10 years.

'We have a six-year-old down to a nine-month-old baby. Ten years without a father? That is huge,' Ashlee said.

For her, moving with him is the only option. Staying behind in the U.S. was out of the question.

'Wait for one day them to come into my home and take my husband away like a criminal and have my kids have to see that. And I decided that was not a choice I was willing to live with,' she said.

Ashlee says Cenobio never committed a crime. His name doesn't bring anything up in the Utah court system. His only offense was being caught at the border twice and crossing illegally.

His wife, Ashlee, says staying behind and risking ICE tearing their family apart isnt an option

Their story comes as Trumps ICE steps up arrests across the country, with Los Angeles erupting into chaos amid mass protests, National Guard deployment, and hundreds of illegal immigrants detained

That itself is a crimeone that Ashlee acknowledges but doesn't believe should be a life sentence.

'He was born on the wrong side of a line. He came here because he was starving. You know, what would you do if he truly went days without eating, starving? Where would your desperation lead you?' she said.

Their decision comes amid a dramatic escalation in immigration enforcement under President Trump, whose return to the national stage has reignited fear in mixed-status households across the U.S.

President Trumps ICE is ramping up arrests of criminal illegal aliens, even as protests and riots rock Los Angeles in response to the sweeping crackdown.

More than 160 anti-ICE protesters have been arrested in LA since Friday, according to local authoritiesmany for failure to disperse, and at least one, a Mexican national in the country illegally, for attempted murder after allegedly hurling a Molotov cocktail at law enforcement.

Trump has also federalized the National Guard and deployed Marines to Los Angeles to restore order amid growing unrest surrounding ICE operations.

But the sudden presence of armed forces has done little to ease tensionscities from LA to New York have erupted in protests, with local leaders and immigrant advocates slamming the crackdown as authoritarian and lacking due process.

A source familiar with ICE operations told DailyMail.com that hundreds of illegal aliens have been arrested in LA since protests broke out on June 6.

President Donald Trump and his administration are celebrating the containing ICE operations in LA that are rounding up illegal migrants despite violent protests and riots

Anti-ICE protesters clash with police near the Federal Building and detention center in Los Angeles, California on June 9, 2025 amid protests over immigration raids

Skirmishes between masked demonstrators and riot police have gone viral online, alongside footage of looting, burned-out vehicles, and chaotic street clashes.

One video shows agitators pelting police and ICE vehicles with rockssome smashing windshields, others striking agents in the head.

Trump has repeatedly weighed in on the violence, blasting California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass for, in his words, "losing control" of their cities.
There are no survivors on the Gatwick-bound flight that crashed in India this morning carrying 242 passengers, including 53 Britons, according to local authorities.

'It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash,' regional police chief G.S. Malik told reporters as rescue teams carried out desperate efforts to locate victims.

He added that 'some locals would have also died', given that the plane smashed into offices and accommodation for doctors close to a hospital as it came down.

Aviation experts say that Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

The possible causes are believed to include a rapid change in wind or a bird strike leading to a double engine stall.

Officials from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are now at the scene to carry out an analysis of the wreckage and retrieve the stricken jet's black box.

Videos shared on social media showed the aircraft rapidly losing altitude - with its nose up - before it hit a building and erupted in a violent explosion.

The number of fatalities is not yet known but rescuers said at least 30 bodies have so far been recovered from buildings damaged by the jet.

'Our office is near the building where the plane crashed. We saw people from the building jumping from the second and third floor to save themselves. The plane was in flames,' said one resident, who declined to be named.

The passengers included 159 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and a Canadian. Eleven of those on board were children, including two newborns.

This wide angle shot shows the entire scene of the plane crash. The tail and parts of the fuselage are seen on the building to the right, with the bulk of the jet having smashed into the buildings further on

Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site, showing part of its registration "VT-ANB", where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

People look at the debris of an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state

The plane momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon in this horrifying clip

A video posted to social media appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed

A family member cries upon hearing the news of her brother who died when the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Rescue team members work as smoke rises at the site in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

The number of fatalities is not yet known but rescuers said at least 30 bodies have so far been recovered from a building

Firefighters work at the site of the crash near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

The Boeing jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat at around 1:40pm (0810 GMT), officials said.

Ahmedabad, the main city of India's Gujarat state, is home to around eight million people, and the busy airport is surrounded by densely packed residential areas.

'When we reached the spot there were several bodies lying around and firefighters were dousing the flames,' resident Poonam Patni told AFP.

'Many of the bodies were burned,' she added.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scenes from the crash were 'devastating', in a statement addressing passengers and their families 'at this deeply distressing time.'

Boeing said it was 'working to gather more information' on the incident which a source close to the case said was the first crash for a 787 Dreamliner.

Lt. Col. John R. Davidson, a former US Air Force pilot and commercial aviation safety consultant, said the plane appeared to have reached takeoff speed but not altitude, according to flight data, suggesting 'either a very late rotation or a stall shortly after takeoff'.

'There are a number of possible scenarios: thrust or engine performance issues, excessive aircraft weight, poor trim or flap configuration, or a more critical failure that affected the aircraft's ability to climb,' he said.

'Weather, windshear or even bird strike can't be ruled out either at this early stage.'

Preliminary flight tracking data from flightradar24 reveals the plane reached an altitude of just 625ft after takeoff - a height far below standard for a commercial aircraft several minutes into departure.

Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, told NDTV that circulating footage showing the plane's terrifying descent 'looked like a case of multiple bird hits wherein both the engines have lost power'.

'The takeoff was perfect,' he said. 'And just, I believe, short of taking the gear up, the aircraft started descending, which can happen only in case the engine loses power or the aircraft stops developing lift.'

Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar noted that the Dreamliner was only 11 years old, so was unlikely to have underlying technical issues. The plane was under the command of Captain Summeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of experience.

A bird strike 'would explain why the aircraft did not have the power to lift,' he said. 'If there were multiple bird hits on take-off, it probably could not have gone beyond the 6-7 minute threshold and started falling.'

In pilots' forums, aviation experts said that it sounded like the plane's Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency wind turbine, had been deployed shortly before the crash.

A view of the site where a plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in India's western state of Gujarat on June 12, 2025

Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

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Parts of the jet appeared to have smashed into the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside

The tail of the Dreamliner plane that crashed, hitting buildings in a residential area

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

Davidson explained that the low altitude and high speed reading at the final moment might indicate a 'steep nose-down trajectory or a stall event' just after takeoff.

'This is consistent with accidents like Spanair Flight 5022 and Flydubai Flight 981, where mechanical or environmental factors combined with compromised lift performance led to loss of control during or just after liftoff,' he said.

The former pilot noted: 'Flight data alone isn't enough to determine fault  but it tells us this aircraft never truly made it airborne in a meaningful way.

'Whatever happened, it happened fast, and right at the most critical phase of flight.'

According to data logs recorded at 30-second intervals showed the plane remained on the ground or was taxiing slowly for over four minutes after it first registered on public trackers.

The plane took off and reached 625ft, but no further gains in altitude were recorded before the crash.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the plane sent a mayday call moments before the tragedy unfolded.

Prof Paul Williams, Professor of Atmospheric Science, University of Reading, observed: 'At the time of the departure, the weather conditions at the airport appear to have been very good.

'It was a dry and sunny day in Ahmedabad, with temperatures near 40C.

'There was good visibility and light winds from the west. There was no bad weather in the vicinity.

'There is no indication at this stage that turbulence or other weather conditions were a factor in the crash.'

Prof John McDermid, Lloyd's Register Chair of Safety, University of York, noted: 'It's surprising that the accident occurred before the aircraft had even got to 200metres altitude.

'Pilots can abort take-off until quite late in the take-off roll, so it seems like the problem occurred very suddenly in the final part of the take-off roll, or shortly after take-off, and was sufficiently serious to be unmanageable.

'Given the levels of redundancy in systems, the fact that aircraft are designed to climb out on only one engine, etc. on initial sight this seems a very surprising accident.'

Peter Neenan, aviation lawyer and Partner at UK law firm Stewarts, explained that there would likely be a joint investigation to uncover the cause of the tragedy.

'In due course, the Indian Directorate of General Civil Aviation will begin their investigation,' he said.

'The US National Transportation Safety Board will assist in that investigation and given the number of deaths of British nationals, we would expect the UK Air Accident Investigation Branch to also assist.'

He noted that such investigations 'routinely take two or more years to complete'.

Civilians surround parts of the jet that seemingly smashed into a medical college canteen

The Air India flight to London with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in Gujarat

Debris is seen at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025

The Air India flight crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad airport

The jet careened back to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city.

Dark images showed the charred remains of bodies littering the site, while other pictures shared to social media revealed chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail protruding from a demolished building.

Parts of the jet smashed into accommodation for doctors practising at the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital.

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside.

'The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel... we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon,' a senior police officer told reporters at the scene.

Firefighters doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed a huge plume of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site.

'Our office is near the building where the plane crashed. We saw people from the building jumping from the second and third floor to save themselves. The plane was in flames,' said one resident, who declined to be named.

Footage of the final moments before the crash appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

It momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon. The jet was fuelled for a long-haul flight direct to Gatwick, intensifying the blast.

Chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail were seen protruding from a demolished building

The tail of the jet is seen protruding from a building in the Meghani area of the city

Emergency personnel work at the crash site of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

British Foreign Minister David Lammy said he was 'deeply saddened' by news of the crash, adding that Britain was now working with Indian authorities to establish exactly what led to the incident.

'My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support,' his statement read.

The Indian aviation minister's office said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described the crash as 'heartbreaking beyond words', had directed it to ensure all support was extended to the rescue efforts immediately.

All relevant agencies were on high alert and coordinated efforts were underway, the aviation minister's office added.

Air India's Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran shared a heartfelt statement that read: 'With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.

'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

'We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.'

Gatwick Airport subsequently confirmed the flight that was due to land at 18:25 today had crashed on departure.

Aviation expert Julian Bray told MailOnline: 'It's a Boeing Dreamliner that has gone down - not certain whether they've managed to get anybody off the plane.

'If it has indeed crash-landed and they can deploy the chutes out then they should be able to get people off in 90 seconds. I am aware there are fire appliances in attendance - this is a major incident.

'It is very disappointing that it is a Dreamliner as it is a state-of-the-art Boeing. We cannot rule out security issues. But this is all speculation on my part.'

The cause of the crash is not yet known. Emergency services are en route to the scene

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 202

Weather conditions were calm at the time of the accident with clear skies and a windspeed of just seven knots, or eight miles per hour.

Indian news agency ANI reported police sources had confirmed 242 people were on board the flight.

India's aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said in a statement: 'Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert.

'I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.

'Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.'

The Director General of India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is en route to the site of the incident with a team of investigators, according to the Times of India.

Air India shared a brief statement in the wake of the disaster, writing on X: 'Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025.

'At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.'

Ahmedabad is the main city in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat.

Ahmedabad airport said it had suspended all flight operations with immediate effect following the incident this morning.

The plane is seen descending rapidly with landing gear deployed seconds before erupting in a fireball

Citizens descended on the wreckage in the hope of finding survivors

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

The flight reportedly reached an altitude of just 625 feet before it began to descend, according to flight tracking service Flightradar 24, which declared the plane's transponder signal dropped just seconds after it left the runway

Firefighters at the scene doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed a huge plume of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site

Shocked residents are seen standing close to the scene as firefighters work to extinguish flames

Shocking images shared to social media showed a huge trail of smoke emanating from the crash site near the international airport this morning

Thick plumes of black smoke are seen rising from the site of the crash

Smoke trails at the scene of the crash

The 787 Dreamliner involved in today's crash is a widebody, twin-engine plane. It is believed to be the first ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.

The last fatal plane crash in India was in 2020 and involved Air India Express, the airline's low-cost arm.

The airline's Boeing-737 overshot a 'table-top' runway at Kozhikode International Airport in southern India. The plane skidded off the runway, plunging into a valley and crashing nose-first into the ground.

Twenty-one people were killed in that crash.

The formerly state-owned Air India was taken over by Indian conglomerate Tata Group in 2022, and merged with Vistara - a joint venture between the group and Singapore Airlines  in 2024.

Tata said an emergency centre had been activated and a support team set up for families seeking information.

Today's tragedy is the latest in a string of disasters involving Boeing jets and comes just six months after a 737 crashed in South Korea, killing 179.

In October 2018, Boeing's Lion Air flight 610 plunged into the Java Sea shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, in Indonesia killing all 189 people on board.

Then, in March 2019, Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 crashed minutes after departing Addis Ababa, resulting in the deaths of 157 passengers and crew.

Shares of planemaker Boeing fell 8% in premarket US trading following today's incident.

Boeing said in a statement it was aware of initial reports and was working to gather more information.
An iconic coffee chain founded in Oregon has officially decided to move its headquarters from the woke state to Arizona.

Dutch Bros Coffee confirmed this week that it will shift operations from its original base in Grants Pass to a growing office near Phoenix - another blow to the liberal state.

The $11.8billion drive-thru business, which is Oregon's second most valuable company after the activewear brand Nike, announced it will relocate its corporate headquarters in the near future.

The major move represent yet another high-profile business fleeing the area, where sky-high taxes, crime and regulations have driven companies to seek refuge in Republican states.

The move comes just 18 months after the coffee giant tapped Arizona native Christine Barone as CEO as it revealed plans to use millions to relocate much of its workforce to Phoenix.

OregonLive said Dutch Bros executives living near the current HQ in Grants Pass had struggled to find adequate childcare in the small city.

But Republicans say the Democrats including Governor Tina Kotek should have fought far harder to keep the chain in the Beaver State, as its revenue continues to rocket.

Some also suggested liberal policies passed in state capital Salem were anti-business and helped drive Dutch Bros to the Republican stronghold of Arizona

'Dutch Bros has been more than just a coffee company; it's been a valued employer, a community partner, and a symbol of local innovation and grit,' said Rep. Dwayne Yunker, R-Josephine County, in a written statement, as reported by Oregon Live.

Coffee giant Dutch Bros Coffee confirmed this week that it will shift operations from its original base in Grants Pass to a growing office near Phoenix - another blow to the liberal state

The $11.8b drive-thru business, which is Oregon's second most valuable company after the activewear store Nike, announced it will relocate its corporate headquarters in the near future (An employee is pictured at the drive-through window of a Dutch Bros in Beaverton, Oregon)

'Their departure should alarm every policymaker in Salem,' Yunker said.

Dailymail.com has reached out to Kotek for comment but has not yet received a response.

The coffee company claims the move is aimed to help 'bring more people together' in order to 'better serve customers' across the country.

'Over the past several months, we have seen the functional and cultural advantages of having more of our field support roles working together in one place,' the company wrote in a statement.

'To support the next phase of Dutch Bros' growth, we're relocating additional roles to our new Phoenix office and making strategic changes to the structure of several teams.'

'Bringing more people together will allow us to better serve our customers and crews across the country,' the company said. 'With these changes, the Phoenix office will become our official HQ.'

Despite the move, Dutch Bros said it would maintain a presence in Southern Oregon and continue investing in the region through its charitable foundation.

'Additionally, through the Dutch Bros Foundation, we'll continue our long-standing commitment to uplifting and supporting the Southern Oregon community,' the company said.

The coffee chain started as a humble cart in tiny Grants Pass back in 1992.

Brothers Travis and late Dane Boersma built their operation into a nationwide company with over 1,000 locations.

Annual sales have exploded from just $240million five years ago to a staggering $1.3billion last year, with predictions of another whopping 22 percent surge in 2025.

The decision comes amid an ongoing trend of major companies leaving West Coast states, due to various factors such as crime, policies and taxes.

Last month, a long-standing outdoor store decided to close all of its Oregon locations, marking another business casualty in Portland as crime remains at 'historic heights'.

Republican lawmakers were quick to slam Democrat Governor Tina Kotek's administration for creating a business environment that drove away the hometown success story. She is pictured speaking with members of the media before casting her ballot on November 2, 2022

Next Adventure, a beloved outdoor gear store founded by childhood friends Deek Heykamp and Bryan Knudsen in 1997, grew into a 'beloved Portland institution' throughout its three decades in operation, making nearly $24 million in annual sales at its peak, Portland Business Journal reported.

The business eventually expanded to four locations across Oregon - its flagship store in Portland's Central Eastside, another in Sandy, and two paddle centers in Portland and Columbia County.

However, all four locations are set to close later this year, the owners announced.

'We're entering a very uncertain time, there are challenges and we're in our 60s,' Heykamp said at the time.

'So when you're in uncertain times, and you make decisions as a leader, it's my and Bryan's responsibility to look at our business and make good decisions on how we can build stability and build the best possible outcome for everybody,' he added.

'And after a lot of work, we came up that this is the right direction to go.'

Portland and Oregon became symbolic of the decline of Democrat-run progressive cities in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

The once stunning city on the Willamette River became a byword for homelessness, open-air drug use, far-left wing riots and lawmakers happy to turn a blind eye to urban decay.

Businesses fled downtown Portland in droves amid plummeting quality of life, with the city enduring record murder rates in 2022.

The city finally appears to have been shamed into taking action in recent months, with voters dumping progressive prosecutor Mike Schmidt and clearing homeless encampments from its downtown.
Ananda Lewis, who died this week following a seven year battle with cancer, spoke of her past regrets as she warned fans to focus on their health in one of her final Instagram posts.

The former MTV VJ passed away on Wednesday, June 11, with the death announced by her sister Lakshmi Emory via a Facebook post.

She shared a black and white portrait of Ananda with the caption: 'She's free, and in His heavenly arms. Lord, rest her soul.'

In a post to her Instagram page in February Lewis told her followers that she had some regrets about her diagnosis and that she wished she had done things differently. Lewis had previously said she had refused a double mastectomy.

She said: 'Is that body you're in right now healthy. I mean like relatively, no big diseases. If so, consider it like a winning lotto ticket.

'I know I don't talk a lot about what I go through on a day-to-day basis wrestling the big C monster.

'Part of it is because I refuse to give it anymore energy than it's already taking from my life.

'It doesn't matter how bad things are in my body right now. What does matter is keep you out of this club.

'There are things I wish I did differently like 10 years ago to prevent cancer and I am talking about them.'

In a post to her Instagram page in February Lewis told her followers that she had some regrets about her diagnosis and she wished she had things done differently

As a fixture on MTV in the late 1990s, Ananda hosted hit shows like Total Request Live, Hot Zone and Spring Break

She then mentioned a story she did with Essence magazine in which she further delved into her cancer battle.

Lewis added: 'You can avoid this, only five to ten percent of cancers have anything to do with genetics.

'That leaves 90 percent that are environmentally or lifestyle influences, and some of those are things you can control.

'Prevention is the cure, because preserving your health is way easier than fighting to get it back.'

As a fixture on MTV in the late 1990s, Ananda hosted hit shows like Total Request Live, Hot Zone and Spring Break.

Lewis nabbed her very own daytime TV talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show, in 2001, which ran for one season.

She earned two NAACP Image Awards during her career and was once deemed the 'the hip-hop generation's reigning It Girl' by The New York Times.

Lakshmi told TMZ that her sister died at her home in Los Angeles at 11:35am on Wednesday, June 11. She was in hospice care at the time of her death.

Lewis nabbed her very own daytime TV talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show, in 2001, which ran for one season. She is pictured with Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick and JC Chasez of NSYNC in 2000

Lakshmi said that a memorial would be held 'in a few weeks' and that celebrities who Ananda previously interviewed have already expressed interest in paying tribute to her at the upcoming service.

In October 2020 Ananda shocked fans when she announced on social media that she'd been privately battling stage III breast cancer.

'I have been fighting to get cancer out of my body for almost two years,' she shared in the six-minute video posted to Instagram.

She also admitted that she'd avoided getting regular mammograms due to fear of radiation exposure.

'I have refused mammograms... that was a mistake. I watched my mom get mammogrammed for 30 years almost and at the end of that she had breast cancer,' she explained.

Four years after her announcement, Ananda confirmed that her breast cancer had metastasized and advanced to stage IV.

She spoke about deciding not to undergo a double mastectomy in an October 2024 interview with CNN.

Lewis explained that she had originally planned to 'keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way.'

Lewis' death was confirmed by her sister Lakshmi Emory in a Facebook post

She spoke about deciding not to undergo a double mastectomy in an October 2024 interview with CNN. She is seen here in 2007

But when her tumor eventually metastasized, Ananda realized that she probably 'should have' gone through with the life-saving surgery.

Days after her CNN interview, Lewis clarified her comments about refusing a double mastectomy.

She said: 'My quality of life was very important to me, like there's a certain things I know I'm not gonna be okay with and I know myself. I want to want to be here, so I had to do it a certain way, for me.'

Lewis's last Instagram post was made on March 7 as she paid tribute to the legendary R&B hitmaker Roberta Flack, who died on February 24 of Roberta Flack at age 88.

She wrote: 'Rest in Power [heart emoji] Thank you for shining your light so bright as Roberta Flack and leaving a musical legacy that will bless us forever'

Lewis was born in Los Angeles in March 21, 1973 but her parents' divorce when she was just two-years-old led to her being raised by her mother and grandmother in San Diego, California along with her sister Lakshmi.

She attended an arts high school before studying at historic Howard University in Washington, DC. She graduated from in 1995.

Lewis first garnered TV fame as a host of BET's youth talk-show Teen Summit in Washington D.C., where she famously interviewed then-First Lady Hillary Clinton.

Ananda quickly became a fan-favorite fixture on MTV and interviewed many of the major stars of the late 90s and early 2000s, including Britney Spears and Beyonce.

In 2001, the star took a major career leap as she left MTV to become the host of her very own daytime talk show.

The Ananda Lewis Show premiered in 2001 but was short-lived as it went off the air after one season.

She served as a correspondent for The Insider from 2004 to 2005. Lewis then became a carpenter and hosted the 2019 revival of While You Were Out on TLC.
Social media influencers have been roasted for their eerily similar responses to the LA riots and immigration raids.

Anti-ICE protests have swept the nation since agents first conducted raids in Los Angeles on Friday, sparking viral clashes between officers in riot gear and protesters who set vehicles on fire.

Critics blasted the dozens of young Americans who posted messages shamming those who have not spoken out against the issue and called others who support Donald Trump or ICE 'bad people.'

'If you're white and see an ICE raid happening and you don't get involved, I think you're a p***y, and I don't respect you at all,' one influencer said.

'If you support ICE, if you support this current administration, if you think anything that's going on in the U.S. is good for the country, I don't think you're very pretty, and I don't think you're very smart,' said Miami influencer Sydney Michelle.

One woman even said she was ashamed to have purchased a shirt with an American flag on it.

'I accidentally bought an American flag shirt today, and I'm gonna go return it because I wasn't even thinking,' she said.

'With what's going on in our country right now... trash... I'm not wearing that. People are literally getting seized and deported without the freaking due process.'

Miami influencer Sydney Michelle (pictured) said people who support the Trump Administration are 'not very pretty and not very smart'

Mommy influencer Allison Kuch (pictured) compared being an illegal immigrant to committing a traffic violation

Anti-ICE protests have swept the nation since agents first conducted raids in Los Angeles on Friday, sparking viral clashes between officers in riot gear and protesters

Others have compared being an illegal immigrant in the United States to a minor traffic offense.

'Being undocumented is not a criminal offense; it's a civil one, and if you've ever jaywalked, congratulations, you've also committed a civil offense,' mommy influencer Allison Kuch said.

Another influencer almost parroted that message, saying, 'Being in a country that you're in illegally is a civil offense, not a criminal one. You know what else is a civil offense, jaywalking.'

Critics were quick to blast the influencers for posting their dramatic takes and pointed out their messages are all suspiciously similar.

'Morons on TikTok,' one person said. 'They're organic....just like all manure,' said another.

'I miss the days when not everyone had an internet connection,' a third person said. 'I always love their false equivalencies,' said a fourth.

'Thank you for repeating the same falsehood-laden NGO statements we've seen from dozens and dozens of other social media accounts. Yawn,' a fifth person said.

'The best immigration policy is articulated from the front seat of your car into your camera phone for online attention,' a sixth person said.

'Struggle session. It reminds me of the "Imagine" celebrities during COVID,' said another.

'This is when you think you're a trailblazer and on the cutting edge when you're really just another follower,' a seventh person said.

While physical presence in the United States without proper authorization is a civil violation, entering the country illegally is a federal criminal offense, according to the American Immigration Council.

Illegal entry includes crossing the border at a time or place not designated by immigration officers, eluding inspection by officers, or entering with false information such as fake documents.

Title 8 of the U.S. Code states that the first offense of illegally entering the country is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison.

Illegally re-entering the country after previously being deported is a felony with a maximum sentence of up to two years.
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman was spotted out to dinner with a MAGA icon at a conservative hotspot in Washington - apparently on his wedding anniversary.

The senator who has made a name for himself for bucking his party was spotted dining with a Breitbart reporter on Monday, June, Politico reported. But that's not what caused the online stir.

What left onlookers gobsmacked about the weeknight dinner was a brief visit from former Trump advisor and MAGA strategist Steve Bannon, the conservative fireband and liberal bogeyman who anchors his own influential 'War Room' podcast.

More stunningly, that dinner at Butterworth's - a buzzy Capitol Hill bistro known to attract MAGA socialites and GOP Hill staffers - apparently happened on Fetterman's 17th anniversary.

However, the senator's wife, Gisele, was not mentioned in the dispatch about the surprising dinner party.

'John Fetterman, the not-uncontroversial Democratic senator for Pennsylvania, dining in D.C.'s top MAGA hangout Butterworth's ... Fetterman was joined by Breitbart's Matt Boyle, plus  for a good 20 minutes or so  Steve Bannon,' the outlet wrote.

Fetterman's office did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Mail.

The potential dinner snub comes after Senate staffers told the Daily Mail in May that Gisele has been absent from Washington this year.

A New York Magazine report around that time also documented how Gisele has been concerned with her husband's behavior, including his support for Israel.

Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman was spotted out to dinner Monday night with a Breitbart reporter when former Trump advisor Steve Bannon stopped by

Bannon, who was imprisoned for four months after being found in contempt of Congress for his refusal to testify before January 6 investigators, reportedly chatted with Fetterman for 20 minutes

Fetterman's dinner with the MAGA architect came on the same night as his 17th wedding anniversary to his wife Gisele

Fetterman, 55, once believed to be the pro-union, socialist assumed heir to Bernie Sanders' far-left platform, has since the October 7 attack been leaning more rightward, fervently supporting Israel and denoucning the 'progressive' moniker.

He has met personally with President Donald Trump and broken ranks with Democrats with his support for strict border and immigration restrictions as well as fracking, the controversial method to extract oil and gas from the ground.

As Fetterman has slid from pseudo-progressive to Democratic populist his staffers have expressed concern over the senator's health.

The 55-year-old suffered a stroke during his 2022 campaign and soon after joining Congress checked himself into the hospital as he battled clinical depression.

The bombshell New York Mag piece on the senator lifted the veil on many personal details regarding the Democrat's health struggles, including sections about Gisele complaining to her husband's staff and doctors locking him out of his social media as he underwent treatment.

The Democrat and many senators slammed the article at the time. Fetterman told the Daily Mail the report was a 'hit piece.'

In the days after the piece was published, multiple staffers told the Daily Mail that Gisele had not been spotted around her husband's Senate office recently.

But when Gisele was spotted not wearing her wedding ring in early May, she told the Daily Mail that she was not wearing it because she is a firefighter.

Fetterman and Bannon were spotted at Butterworth's, a D.C. hotspot for Republicans that is just down the street from the U.S. Capitol. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other top Trump officials have been spotted there

Gisele Barreto Fetterman told the Daily Mail she wasn't wearing her ring because it could pose a danger to her if she, as a part time firefighter, has to respond to an emergency

Gisele and John Fetterman have been married since 2008

'I'm a firefighter, did you know that? If I wore my wedding ring to fight fires, that would be dangerous,' she said. 'That's why it's not here.'

Shortly after the news broke that Fetterman and Bannon dined together briefly on June 9th, X users pieced together that dinner occurred on what Fetterman has said is his anniversary with Gisele.

Fetterman posted on June 10, 2024 that he and Gisele had gotten in a car accident 'yesterday,' noting it was a bad way to spend their 'anniversary.'

So his sit-down at a MAGA hub with Bannon a year later on his anniversary has raised questions and criticism online.

'OH MY GODDDDD,' one X user reacted to the senator's anniversary plans.

Gisele spoke to the Daily Mail in May and was pleasant and cheery during the talk

You might have heard G and I were in a car accident yesterday. Thank you all for the well wishes.



Not the best way to spend our 16th wedding anniversary but were doing well and happy to be back home in Braddock with the family. pic.twitter.com/OKFmbUXtNF  U.S. Senator John Fetterman (@SenFettermanPA) June 10, 2024

'On his 17th wedding anniversary, John Fetterman was seen dining at D.C.'s top MAGA hangout,' Howie Klein, a progressive blogger, wrote on X.

'At the rate he's going, he'll be eligible for Gavin Newsom's podcast soon!' he said of the California governor's show that frequently features Republican guests.
A Boeing whistleblower found dead last year had raised safety concerns about the US factory that makes the Dreamliner plane that went down in the Ahmedabad air disaster.

John Barnett alleged that second-rate parts were removed from bins before being fitted to planes that were being built in order to prevent delays.

The engineer claimed there was a risk the decision could cause an explosion that would 'bring the whole plane down'.

He also alleged that Boeing had tried to 'eliminate' quality checks at the factory where he worked in North Carolina, which builds the 787 Dreamliner.

Mr Barnett accused the company of 'countless' violations of US law including use of sub-standard parts to prevent production line delays. He also alleged paperwork was knowingly falsified.

He died in March 2024 at the age of 62. He was found dead in his truck in a hotel parking lot in South Carolina - seven years after he retired following a 32-year career with Boeing.

The Charleston County coroner said he was shot and had died from a 'self-inflicted' wound.

But a close friend had claimed that before he died Barnett had warned her that he would be killed and said: 'If anything happens to me, it's not suicide.'

Barnett, who was found dead last year, had alleged that second-rate parts were literally removed from scrap bins, before being fitted to planes that were being built to prevent delays

Boeing's assembly plant in North Charleston - where the deceased worked for decades - is seen here. It is where the 787 Dreamliner is built

The Air India flight bound for London Gatwick carrying 244 passengers and crew including 53 Britons crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport today

His former employer responded to the former worker's death last year, saying it was 'saddened by Mr. Barnett's passing.'

But Boeing also insisted but said that the issues that he raised had been addressed.

'Engineering analysis determined the issues he raised did not affect aeroplane safety', the company said in a statement.

Barnett's job for 32 years was overseeing production standards for the firm's planes - standards he said were not met during his four years at the then-new plant in Charleston from 2010 to 2014.

The 62-year-old was found in his truck in a hotel parking lot in South Carolina, - seven years after he retired following a 32-year career with Boeing

'The new leadership didn't understand processes,' Barnett told Corporate Crime Reporter in an interview in 2019 of how brass allegedly cut corners to get their then state-of-the-art 7878s out on time.

'They brought them in from other areas of the company,' he continued, two years after retiring in 20017.

'The new leadership team  from my director down  they all came from St. Louis, Missouri. They said they were all buddies there.'

'That entire team came down,' he went on. 'They were from the military side. My impression was their mindset was - we are going to do it the way we want to do it. Their motto at the time was - we are in Charleston and we can do anything we want.

'They started pressuring us to not document defects, to work outside the procedures, to allow defective material to be installed without being corrected.

'They started bypassing procedures and not maintaining configurement control of airplanes, not maintaining control of non conforming parts  they just wanted to get the planes pushed out the door and make the cash register ring'.

He claimed that tests on emergency oxygen systems due to be fitted to the 787 had a one in four chance of failure in an emergency.

Barnett claimed he alerted superiors at the plant about his misgivings, but no action was ever taken. Boeing denied this, as well as his claims.

A 2017 review by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) went on to stand up some of Barnett's qualms, including finding that at least 53 'non-conforming' parts - as they put it - were misplaced, and considered lost.

The Air India flight bound for London Gatwick carrying 244 passengers and crew including 53 Britons crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport today in the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat.

The plane, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, careened back to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway around 1pm local time.

Shocking images shared to social media showed chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail protruding from a demolished building.

Parts of the jet smashed into accommodation for doctors practising at the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital.

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside.

'The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel... we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon,' a senior police officer told reporters at the scene.

Firefighters doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed plumes of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site.

Emergency services are working fervently to locate survivors, but the scale of the damage displayed in early images suggests there are likely significant casualties.

A video posted to social media appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed

Parts of the jet appeared to have smashed into the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside

The plane careened back to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway around 1pm local time

hFirefighters work at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025

India's Health Ministry confirmed that 'many were killed', but did not provide further details.

As of 11:30am UK time, at least 30 bodies have been recovered from buildings damaged in the crash, rescue personnel at the site said.

The cause of the tragedy is not yet known, but footage appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

It momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon. The jet was fuelled for a long-haul flight direct to Gatwick, intensifying the blast.

The flight reportedly reached an altitude of just 625 feet before it began to descend, according to flight tracking service Flightradar 24, which declared the plane's transponder signal dropped just seconds after it left the runway.

'We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after take off,' it said.

Air India's flight manifest said there were 169 Indians, 53 Britons, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals on board the stricken jet.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the plane sent a mayday call moments before the crash.
Britain is bracing for a weather double-whammy as the Met Office issues six separate warnings for thunderstorms, torrential rain, hail, and flash floods.

While in contrast other parts of the UK are simultaneously plunged into official drought after the driest spring in over a century.

Forecasters say the next three days will bring wild swings between tropical heat and violent downpours, with temperatures soaring to 30C on Friday, potentially making it the hottest day of 2025 so far, hotter than Ibiza, Mykonos, and even sunny Los Angeles.

The Met Office warned that some areas could be hit by up to two inches of rain in just a few hours, with gusty winds reaching up to 50mph, lightning strikes, hail, and the risk of flooding and travel chaos.

In a further blow, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued its first yellow heat-health alert of the year, running from 9pm Thursday to 8am Sunday.

It covers London, the East Midlands, the South East and East of England where vulnerable people face health risks and hospitals could come under strain.

'It's all because we've got air moving in from the south, so the air is originating across Spain and Portugal and has been moving its way northwards,' said Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge.

Residents struggle to stop flooding in their homes and business on Alexandra Road, Plymouth

Residents struggle to stop flooding in their homes and businesses in Devon

Met Office yellow weather warnings for Thursday and Friday

'We're going to see increasingly humid conditions with very warm days and some quite muggy nights as well and the general gist is that western parts of the UK are likely to see the majority of the rain and the thundery showers.

'But, as we go into Friday, we could see some of that also moving across the east and south east as well for some thunder there for a time.'

Thursday sees the first round of storms hitting Northern Ireland, South West England and Wales, with the Met Office predicting flash floods, power cuts and major travel disruption.

Another round rolls in Friday evening, slamming south-east England and London with up to 50mm of rain in a matter of hours.

The violent storms could unleash hail, lightning, and gusty winds, while heavy cloud cover and high humidity will keep things sweltering and uncomfortable overnight.

Despite the washouts, Friday could still hit a scorching 30C, depending on how much sunshine breaks through the haze.

The Met Office has six weather warnings currently in place:

 South West England and Wales: 00:0019:00 Thursday

 Northern Ireland: 06:0021:00 Thursday (rain)

 South West England and Wales again: 18:0023:59 Friday

 South East England: 15:00 Friday  06:00 Saturday

 Western England, Wales and Southern Scotland: 00:0018:00 Saturday

Rainfall could top 1020mm in just one hour, raising fears of flash flooding, especially in urban areas already parched from an unusually dry spring.

Weather warnings remain in place across large parts of the UK for saturday

Thursday sees the first round of storms hitting Northern Ireland, South West England and Wales, with the Met Office predicting flash floods, power cuts and major travel disruption. Pictured: A car struggling in Devon

Amid all the chaos, the Environment Agency has officially declared a drought in Yorkshire, where some areas have seen less than 50 percent of average rainfall this spring and just three-quarters of the May average.

It follows a similar move in north-west England last month, and a developing drought zone in parts of the Welsh Water network.

The agency warned that the prolonged dry period has drastically reduced water supplies and could pose a serious risk to wildlife, agriculture, and public health. Hosepipe bans and water restrictions may be introduced if the situation worsens.

A spokesperson said: 'A drought is a prolonged dry period that reduces available water supplies and can negatively impact the environment, people and wildlife.'

Friday's storms are expected to form into long bands, bringing torrential rain, strong winds, hail and lightning especially across eastern and south-eastern England.

Simon Partridge added: 'We've got a very warm, humid, spell of wet weather to come.'

Under the UKHSA's alert system, the yellow alert signals a likely increase in healthcare demand, particularly from over-65s and people with heart or lung conditions.
This is the shocking moment three teenage girls beat a 75-year-old man to death in a vicious street attack that was filmed on a mobile phone.

Never seen before CCTV footage shows the youths, aged 15, 16, and 17, pushing, shoving, and kicking Fredi Rivero by a bus stop in Islington, north London.

The oldest girl was also seen to punch the victim in the head causing him to fall backwards onto the pavement.

Mr Rivero, who had just got off a bus, suffered a severe head injury and went into cardiac arrest during the unprovoked attack on February 27 this year.

The Bolivian national was taken to the Royal London Hospital where he died in the early hours of February 28.

The three girls, who were seen staggering around with a vodka bottle, were arrested shortly after the attack.

Police later discovered that one of them had filmed the horrific assault on her mobile phone.

In the footage the 17-year-old can be heard shouting: 'I don't care' and 'why are you chatting to little girls bruv'. She then said: 'Hit me I f***** dare you.'

Bystanders said the girls began telling them Mr Rivero had been harassing them but he did not appear to have done anything.

Never seen before CCTV footage shows the youths, aged 15, 16, and 17, pushing, shoving, and kicking Fredi Rivero by a bus stop in Islington, north London

Mr Rivero (above) was near a bus stop in Islington, north London, on February 27, when the teenagers got off a bus and surrounded him

The oldest girl was also seen to punch the victim in the head causing him to fall backwards onto the pavement

On Thursday, the teens, who cannot be identified because of their ages, appeared at the Old Bailey before Judge Judy Khan KC.

The girls, who attended via video link, pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Judge Khan ordered reports and remanded the defendants into custody to be sentenced on September 5.

Previously, police have said Mr Rivero was a 'much-loved father' whose family were 'devastated by his death'.

Mr Rivero's daughter, ex-wife and cousins attended court for the hearing on Thursday.

Detective Inspector Devan Taylor, Specialist Crime said:'Mr Rivero was a much-loved family man who died in a truly tragic incident.

'I know how much his death has impacted those close to him and the wider community.

'I would like to offer my heart-felt sympathy to Mr Rivero's family for their loss and express my admiration for the dignity they have shown throughout the investigation.

CCTV pictures show pensioner Fredi Rivero before he was fatally attacked in the Islington area of north London at around 11.35pm on February 27

Mr Rivero was attacked in the Islington area of north London (pictured) at around 11.35pm on February 27

'I also wish to thank the members of public who went to Mr Rivero's aid as he lay injured.

'The young defendants have now accepted they were responsible for the killing of Mr Rivero, in what was a senseless and completely out of the blue attack on a lone elderly man.

'The age of the defendants adds to the devastating nature of this incident and they will now have to deal with the enormity of their actions.'
An Australian involved in a brawl in Bali that went viral on social media has been released from prison after four-months.

Mohamed Rifai, 27, was released from Denpasar Police Detention Center early Thursday morning, following the brawl at the popular Finns Beach Club in February.

Rifai, from south-west Sydney, and eight security guards were placed in custody over the brawl which involved up to 15 security staff and four other Australian tourists.

The release came just days after Rifai appeared in Denpasar District Court where he addressed the courtroom with an impassioned plea for leniency on June 3.

Prosecutors had originally recommended a five month sentence.

'I am very, very sorry for my actions that night,' Rifai had told the court.

'I am not a rough person. I have a family that I should protect in Australia.

'I beg you to give me the lightest possible sentence.'

Mohamed Rifai was released from custody in Bali on Thursday

The 27-year-old from south-west Sydney was involved in a brawl with security guards outside Finns Beach Club in February

The 27-year-old was released by a prosecutor and picked up by his father at the detention centre he was being held at.

'Mohamed Rifai walked free from detention today in the morning,' a spokesperson for Bali Prosecutor, Putu Eka Sabana told Daily Mail Australia.

Rifai was not taken to the immigration office for deportation and instead was allowed to remain in the country, unlike most other tourists who break the country's law.

'Prosecutors have no obligation to coordinate with immigration regarding his release,' Putu Eka Sabana said.

'Therefore, Rifai was released without being taken to the immigration office.'

It is understood that Rifai was never detained at the notorious Kerobokan prison due to overcapacity issues.

Instead he was held at Denpasar Police Detention while prosecutors worked his case, Putu Eka Sabana said.

Public prosecutor Lovi Pusnawan initially wanted Rifai to be found guilty of assault in violation of article 351, subsection 1, of the Indonesian Criminal Code.

The prosecutor had argued for a five-month prison sentence which Rifai was able to avoid

Rifai was allowed to remain in the country unlike most other tourists who break the country's law and face deportation

Twelve security guards from Finns Beach Club (pictured) were also involved in the brawl

The maximum penalty for assault occasioning serious injury is five years' prison in Indonesia.

Rifai claimed he acted in self defence while he was allegedly attacked by the security guards after they escorted his friend from the club.

During his victim testimony, Rifai recalled how the brawl was sparked by an eviction from the club and the prosecutor considered the injuries caused in the beach club brawl as an aggravating factor.

He also considered several mitigating factors, including Rifai's polite nature during the trial, admission of guilt, displays of remorse, and the 'peace agreement' between himself and security guards involved in the brawl.

Rifai's lawyer Sabam Antonius had told the court this his client was committed to 'self-improvement' and would strive to live a better life upon his release.

He didn't have a criminal record prior to the melee.
A death row inmate executed for the 1994 rape and murder of a young mother declined his final meal before being put to death by lethal injection, his spiritual adviser tells the Daily Mail.

Anthony Wainwright, 54, had been so terrified of dying in the days leading up to his execution that Reverend Jeff Hood flew from Arkansas to Florida to be by his side in his final hours.

It was during those hours that Wainwright found perfect peace with his impending fate, no longer seeing his death as a definitive end but rather as a new beginning.

He was ready to get out of prison, Hood told DailyMail.com. I kept on telling him that this was his release date.

After finding his inner peace, Wainwright decided to forgo the long-standing ritual of a last meal.

In Florida, death row inmates are permitted a final feast worth up to $40, but the food must be prepared in the prison kitchen. Takeout, alcohol, and cigarettes are all forbidden.

He just wanted to focus on pushing through and how he was feeling, explained Hood. He was very much concentrating on staying in a place of peace, and he felt like anything like that would distract him; distract him from his family and the people he loved.

It was quite beautiful that he wanted to go out that way.

Death row inmate Anthony Wainwright, 54, declined a final meal after coming to peace with his unavoidable fate (his wife, Samantha, is pictured with him)

Wainwright did not apologize to the family of Carmen Gayheart (pictured), the 23-year-old mother-of-two he and an accomplice raped and killed in 1994

Wainwright was executed at Florida State Prison in Raiford on Tuesday evening, becoming the sixth inmate to be put to death by lethal injection in the state this year.

He - along with his accomplice Richard Hamilton - was convicted in 1995 of raping and murdering Carmen Gayheart, a 23-year-old nursing student and mom-of-two, after abducting her from a Winn-Dixie parking lot in April 1994.

The two men committed the horrific crime days after escaping from prison in Newport, North Carolina, where Wainwright was serving 10 years for breaking and entering, and Hamilton 25 years for armed robbery.

They spotted Gayheart alone as she was loading groceries in the back of her blue Ford Bronco, snuck up on her, and forced her into her own vehicle at gunpoint, before driving away.

Gayheart was driven to a secluded area in Hamilton County, where she was raped by the two men, strangled, and then executed with two rifle shots to the back of her head.

Wainwright and Hamilton were caught the following day, 500 miles away in Mississippi, following a shootout with police.

They led investigators to Gayhearts body and were each later convicted of murder, kidnapping, robbery and rape - with the jury unanimously recommending they be sentenced to death by the electric chair.

Hamilton died in prison from natural causes in 2023. But Wainwright lived long enough to be executed Tuesday just after 6pm via lethal injection.

In addition to Hood, Wainwright was visited by his wife, Samantha Hill, in the hours before his death.

Wainwright made a final statement, but it was inaudible from a viewing room where 27 witnesses, including members of Gayhearts family, were watching on.

Hood shared Wainwrights parting remarks with DailyMail.com.

Wainwright and Richard Hamilton (pictured right) were convicted of murder, kidnapping, robbery and rape, with the jury unanimously recommending they be sentenced to death by the electric chair

Wainwright was executed at Florida State Prison in Raiford on Tuesday evening, becoming the sixth inmate to be put to death by lethal injection in the state this year

Wainwright spoke directly to his wife and thanked her for her loyalty and support through all of his legal appeals.

'My beautiful wife Samantha, you are the love of my life. Im so blessed we found each other. The years we have spent together have been beyond wonderful,' Wainwright said.

'Theyve been downright magical. Love is stronger than death, and I know our love will last for eternity.

'I wanted to thank everyone who has supported my wife, Samantha, and I. It has truly been overwhelming. It has meant so much to us both,' he added.

He concluded with a quote from The Princess Bride, specifically a statement uttered by the character Westley, played by Cary Elwes, to his romantic interest Buttercup, played by Robin Wright.

'Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while,' the convicted murderer and rapist told his wife.

Wainwright stopped short of apologizing to Gayheart's family, but said he hopes 'my death brings you peace and healing.'

He also railed against what he deemed a broken court system.

'The court system is broken, especially in Florida. Please continue the fight. Because I can promise you they are not going to let up. They will continue to murder if we continue to let it happen,' Wainwright said.

He thenn criticized his attorney, Baya Harrison, who has represented other death row inmates in Florida.

'I hope that nobody forgets how terrible of an attorney Baya Harrison has been to all of us guys on the row and how terrible he represented me for so many years. He might be Floridas worst attorney,' he said.

Carmen Gayheart is pictured on her wedding day with her sister Maria David (left). David watched her sister's killer take his final breaths from the front-row of the execution chamber

None of Wainwrights friends or family were present for his death, Hood said.

The execution began at 6:10pm, and witnesses noted Wainwrights shoulders visibly shuddering after the injection was administered.

Hood said that 'this was not as clean of a lethal injection as the others that I've seen,' but 'it was not bad enough to say that it was botched.'

Wainwright blinked and took several deep breaths before going completely still at 6:14pm. He was officially pronounced dead eight minutes later at 6:22pm.

Gayhearts older sister, Maria David, sat front and center when Wainwright took his last breaths on Tuesday.

Ahead of the execution, she told DailyMail.com she hoped Wainwright was gripped by the same fear and terror he subjected her younger sibling to in her last moments of life.

Carmen was so scared for her life in her final moments, thinking, This is it. Im gonna die. And I can only hope that fear is something hes feeling now, too, David said,

She died in a horrific way it kills me what they did to my baby sister. So Im glad this is the last time Ill ever see him, and the last time Ill ever have to think about Anthony Wainwright.

Hood said that Wainwrights execution was incredibly emotional, likening witnessing his death to being kicked in the nuts.

'This is the tenth execution Ive been to. Its really like being kicked in the nuts,' he said.

'Ive been close with Anthony for four years now. Hes not somebody I just met. He mattered a great deal to me and then to have to watch them be murdered right in front of you... It's horrifying and it's enraging.'

Gayheart was about to set off to collect her five-year-old daughter and three-year-old son from daycare when she was ambushed and abducted by Wainwright and his accomplice, Richard Hamilton

A last-minute request for a stay in Wainwrights execution was denied by the Supreme Court.

Over the years, his lawyers have filed multiple unsuccessful appeals based on what they said were problems with his trial and evidence that he suffered from brain damage and intellectual disability.

Since his execution was scheduled last month, his lawyers have argued in state and federal court filings that his death should be put on hold to allow time for courts to hear additional legal arguments in his case.

In a filing with the Supreme Court, his lawyers argued that his case has been 'marred by critical, systemic failures at virtually every stage and through the signing of his death warrant.'

Those failures include flawed DNA evidence that wasnt disclosed to the defense until after opening statements, erroneous jury instructions, inflammatory and inaccurate closing arguments, and missteps by court-appointed lawyers, the filing says.

David called Wainwrights attempts to revise the past shameful.

If anything, David said the killer should be grateful that he was being given the lethal injection, rather than the electric chair as originally prescribed.

'Hes getting off easy, David said. I'm sad it's not the electric chair.'

Hes going to get an injection that puts him off to sleep like youd do for your familys sick dog, the dog you loved with all your heart.

Carmen suffered but hes taking the easy way out. Hes had 31 years breathing, phone calls, letters, all of that - everything he robbed Carmen of.
The gallantry medal awarded to a hero dog who thwarted a terrorist attack on British officers and saved her brother's life has sold for 22,000.

Judy, a Boxer Bitch, and her brother Punch sprang into action after detecting intruders at an army compound in Palestine in the aftermath of Second World War.

They barked furiously to alert their masters then charged towards the assailants.

The canines were met by a burst of sub-machine fire from the terrorists but did not take a backwards step.

The two officers inside the compound heard the commotion and ran outside.

They saw a pool of blood which led them to Punch who was seriously wounded with Judy draped over him.

She had attempted to shield her brother from further bullets after he was shot in the throat, skull and groin.

She somehow emerged unscathed from the firing frenzy other than a bullet graze to her back.

The gallantry medal awarded to a hero dog who thwarted a terrorist attack on British officers and saved her brother's life has sold for 22,000. Judy, a Boxer Bitch, and her brother Punch sprung into action after detecting intruders at an army compound in Palestine in the aftermath of Second World War

The Dickin Medal awarded to Judy for thwarting the attack on a British Army base in Palestine in 1946

Punch, miraculously, also survived, despite losing three quarters of a pint of blood.

The terrorists would have been able to sneak in undetected to the house and murder the officers in cold blood without their dogs' intervention.

Judy's devotion to her sibling and willingness to risk her life saved his.

Both dogs were awarded the Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent to the Victoria Cross, for their fearless actions protecting their masters on the night of August 5, 1946.

Judy's medal was sold by a private collector who has owned it for 14 years.

It went under the hammer at auctioneers Noonans, of Mayfair, London, where it outperformed the pre-sale estimate of 14,000 to 18,000.

The dogs were the pets of Lieutenant Colonel Campbell, who was Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Jerusalem Military Court, and the Adjutant General Lt Col Niven.

The officers shared a house in the Jerusalem suburb and, seemingly oblivous to the danger posed to them, had left the front door open.

Judy was awarded for her heroics in Palestine. So far 38 dogs have been awarded the Dickin Medal

Judy's Dickin Medal citation reads: 'For beating off a terrorist attack on British Officers at risk of her own life while serving with Army H.Q. Palestine, on August 5th 1946.'

Returning to the UK and after undergoing quarantine, both dogs were presented with their Dickin Medals during the Royal Tournamentcat Olympia on June 14, 1947.

The Dickin Medal was created in 1943 by Maria Dickin, the founder of British veterinary charity the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, to honour animal gallantry during the war.

To date, 75 have been awarded by the PDSA, with 38 going to dogs, 32 to pigeons, four to horses and one to a cat.

A Noonans spokesperson said: 'This Dickin Medal for gallantry was awarded to Judy, a boxer bitch, for thwarting a night-time terrorist attack on British officers in Palestine.

'Suddenly the dogs became aware of intruders within the compound.

'Racing into the darkness and barking furiously, they were met with a burst of sub-machine gun fire from one or possibly two terrorists within the barbed-wire protected perimeter.

'Apparently the intruders were stealthily creeping towards the house with the intent to kill the officers.

The certificate accompanying the Dickin Medal that was awarded to Judy the Boxer

'The barking and gunfire alerted the officers, thwarted the attack and thus saved their lives.

'Judy protected and undoubtedly saved the life of her severely wounded brother Punch, at risk to her own life.'

Christopher Mellor-Hill, head of client liaison at Noonans, added: 'The sale of a Dickin Medal is always hugely emotive and this story is no different reflecting bravery and courage as well as emphasising the great British tradition of the almost human-like relationship that dogs have for us and others.'

In December 2024, the Dickin Medal awarded to Antis the dog who flew in over 30 wartime combat missions was reunited with his master's family after a 60,000 sale.

Antis the Alsatian loyally sat next to his owner Czech airman Robert Bozdech in the turret of a Wellington bomber for operations over Nazi-occupied Europe.

He was twice wounded in action; once by shrapnel over Kiel and then when a shell exploded under his aircraft during a raid on Hannover.

Antis was the only dog who flew in World War Two operations and his medal had left the Bozdech family when a private collector bought it in 1994.

In October 2022, the Dickin Medal for an SAS dog who did over 20 parachute jumps behind enemy lines in World War Two sold for a record 140,000 at Noonans.

Rob, a black and white collie-retriever from a Shropshire farm, was involved in the North African campaign and sabotage missions in Italy.
An Indian astrologer warned of a devastating plane crash just one week before the Air India tragedy that saw a Boeing 787 Dreamliner plummet just minutes after take off.

The astrologer, who goes by the name Astro Sharmistha on social media, had tweeted last year that in 2025 'plane crash headlines may give us shock.'

But last week, she reiterated her prediction, warning on social platform X: 'I am still holding high the prediction of [a] plane crash and destruction in aviation in 2025.'

The tweet, which she posted on June 5, has gone viral following Thursday's plane crash in the Indian city of Ahmedabad, leaving hundreds of social media users stunned.

'[You] have yet again proved your accuracy...I'm just left speechless by [your] prediction for a plane crash...', one X account wrote.

Another commented: 'How can your prediction be so accurate always?'.

Her shocking prediction began trending on social media just hours after the Air India flight bound for London Gatwick crashed and exploded into a fireball.

Local authorities have said that there were no survivors on the flight carrying 242 passengers, including 53 Britons.

An Indian astrologer warned of a devastating plane crash just one week before the Air India tragedy

Local authorities have said that there were no survivors on the Gatwick-bound flight carrying 242 passengers, including 53 Britons

Aviation experts say that Air India Flight 171 may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff

Speaking to reporters, regional police chief G.S. Malik added that 'some locals would have also died', given the plane smashed into offices and accommodation for doctors close to a hospital as it came down.

Aviation experts say that Air India Flight 171 may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

The possible causes are believed to include a rapid change in wind or a bird strike leading to a double engine stall.

Officials from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are now at the scene to carry out an analysis of the wreckage and retrieve the stricken jet's black box.

Videos shared on social media showed the aircraft rapidly losing altitude - with its nose up - before it hit a building and erupted in a violent explosion.

The number of fatalities is not yet known but rescuers said at least 30 bodies have so far been recovered from buildings damaged by the jet.

'Our office is near the building where the plane crashed. We saw people from the building jumping from the second and third floor to save themselves. The plane was in flames,' said one resident, who declined to be named.

The passengers included 159 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and a Canadian. Eleven of those on board were children, including two newborns.

The astrologer's shocking prediction began trending on social media just hours after the Air India flight bound for London Gatwick crashed and exploded into a fireball

Chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail were seen protruding from a demolished building

The tail of the jet is seen protruding from a building in the Meghani area of the city

The cause of the crash is not yet known. Emergency services are en route to the scene

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

The Boeing jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat at around 1:40pm (0810 GMT), officials said.

Ahmedabad, the main city of India's Gujarat state, is home to around eight million people, and the busy airport is surrounded by densely packed residential areas.

'When we reached the spot there were several bodies lying around and firefighters were dousing the flames,' resident Poonam Patni told AFP.

'Many of the bodies were burned,' she added.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scenes from the crash were 'devastating', in a statement addressing passengers and their families 'at this deeply distressing time.'

Boeing said it was 'working to gather more information' on the incident which a source close to the case said was the first crash for a 787 Dreamliner.

Lt. Col. John R. Davidson, a former US Air Force pilot and commercial aviation safety consultant, said the plane appeared to have reached takeoff speed but not altitude, according to flight data, suggesting 'either a very late rotation or a stall shortly after takeoff'.

'There are a number of possible scenarios: thrust or engine performance issues, excessive aircraft weight, poor trim or flap configuration, or a more critical failure that affected the aircraft's ability to climb,' he said.

The plane is seen descending rapidly with landing gear deployed seconds before erupting in a fireball

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

Smoke trails at the scene of the crash

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state

People gather near the wreckage where an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed

'Weather, windshear or even bird strike can't be ruled out either at this early stage.'

Preliminary flight tracking data from flightradar24 reveals the plane reached an altitude of just 625ft after takeoff - a height far below standard for a commercial aircraft several minutes into departure.

Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, told NDTV that circulating footage showing the plane's terrifying descent 'looked like a case of multiple bird hits wherein both the engines have lost power'.

'The takeoff was perfect,' he said. 'And just, I believe, short of taking the gear up, the aircraft started descending, which can happen only in case the engine loses power or the aircraft stops developing lift.'

Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar noted that the Dreamliner was only 11 years old, so was unlikely to have underlying technical issues. The plane was under the command of Captain Summeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of experience.

A bird strike 'would explain why the aircraft did not have the power to lift,' he said. 'If there were multiple bird hits on take-off, it probably could not have gone beyond the 6-7 minute threshold and started falling.'

In pilots' forums, aviation experts said that it sounded like the plane's Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency wind turbine, had been deployed shortly before the crash.
California Governor Gavin Newsom continued his all out-messaging war against Donald Trump after he decided to send federal troops to California to help quell the riots in Los Angeles.

Newsom painted himself and his family as a victim of Trump's aggressive posture toward California, revealing that the president made his teenage daughter cry.

'I have a 15-year-old who quite literally came home from school crying because she was told on her last day of school  God as my witness  because she was told her daddy was getting arrested,' Newsom revealed on The Daily podcast hosted by the New York Times.

Newsom grew emotional as he spoke about the incident, his already hoarse voice cracking.

He was referring to a comment that Trump made to reporters after he was asked if the governor should be arrested by his immigration czar Tom Homan.

'I would do it if I were Tom. I think it's great. Gavin likes the publicity but I think it would be a great thing,' Trump said, when he returned to the White House from Camp David on Monday.

Newsom followed up by defying the president, daring him to follow through on his promise.

'I told the president, get it over with. Arrest me,' he said in an interview.

Governor of California Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference

U.S. President Donald Trump takes the stage during a rally with U.S. Army troops

Newsom also questioned Trump's mental state in a recent interview after speaking with him on the phone.

'He's lost it. He's lost a step. I saw him trip on the steps today. He is not the same person that I dealt with just four years ago, and he's incapable of even a train of thought,' Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential contender, told FOXLA in an interview.

The White House mocked Newsom's newfound concern about the president's health.

'[R]ich, coming from Gavin Newsom, who in this past election tried to gaslight and lied to the American public about Joe Biden's decline,' White House communications director Steven Cheung told Axios on Thursday.

The California governor also lamented that the president started calling him by the nickname 'Newscum.'

'Yeah, it's the president of United States calling someone scum, Newscum, which is, for what it's worth, what I think a seventh grader used to call me on Baltimore Street in Corte Madera, California,' he said.

Newsom blamed the president for the violent riots in Los Angeles as protestors burned cars and waved Mexican flags.

Demonstrators smash the windshield of a vehicle next to a burning Waymo vehicle as protesters clash with law enforcement in Los Angeles

The LA protests descended into chaos as people continued to fight against ICE in California.

'These are images that Donald Trump created  he wants to divide us, he wants to attack the rule of law, he wants to attack democracy,' Newsom said to FOXLA.

The California governor, a possible 2028 presidential contender, continues to position himself politically against the president, insisting Trump went too far by calling the National Guard and federal troops to help quell the riots.

'He's not for peacemaking, he's here for war, he wants a civil war on the streets of America,' Newsom said.

He also mocked Trump's military parade scheduled on Saturday to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US Army.

'He's going to be out there in his little birthday suit on Saturday, and he's going to do his dictator Kim Jong Un parade and try to one-up Putin so Putin feels threatened,' Newsom said. 'Weakness, that's all that is, masquerading as strength. And I get that. I'm not naive about that, but I'm not backing down.'
President Donald Trump's cheeky bite back to a Senate Republican at odds with his 'big, beautiful bill 'made waves across social media platforms Thursday morning.

Kentucky Republican Rand Paul had previously told reporters Wednesday that the White House had disinvited him from the annual Congressional Picnic, set to take place there later Thursday evening.

But Trump contradicted his own White House on Thursday, indicating that 'of course' Paul and his family could attend.

'He's the toughest vote in the history of the U.S. Senate, but why wouldn't he be? Besides, it gives me more time to get his Vote on the Great, Big, Beautiful Bill,' Trump wrote in a post on his social media site Truth Social on Thursday morning.

'It will help to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! I look forward to seeing Rand. The Party will be Great!' Trump concluded.

Speaking to reporters out side of the Capitol Wednesday, Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) shared that his invitation to the President's Congressional picnic had been cancelled.

'I've just been told that I've been uninvited from the [White House] picnic...every Democrat will be invited, every Republican invited, but I will be the only one disallowed. I just find this incredibly petty', Paul said.

The Daily Mail is reaching out to Paul's office to see if the senator is choosing to take up the president's new invitation.

Trump wrote in a post on his social media site Truth Social on Thursday morning that 'of course' Senator Rand Paul and his family could attend the White House Congressional picnic

U.S. President Donald Trump, right, acknowledges US Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), left, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on February 16, 2017 in Washington, DC

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (3rd L) (R-KY) attends the Congressional Picnic on the South Lawn of the White House on July 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. The annual picnic welcomes all members of Congress and their families to the White House to greet the President and spend time on the White House grounds enjoying food, music and games

President Trump has had Paul in his crosshairs over the past few weeks, as the Senator has been opposing the president's 'big,beautiful' budget bill.

Paul's primary opposition to the legislation has been over the projected new additions to the national debt.

While he wants to see the President's 2017 tax cuts extended, Paul has portrayed the current $5 trillion in new debt as 'Biden spending levels.'

'This will be the largest increase in the debt ceiling ever in our history. We've never raised the debt ceiling without meeting the target,' Paul told Fox News earlier this month. 'I think it is a terrible idea to do this' Paul told Fox News earlier in June.'

During another recent appearance on CBS' Face the Nation, Paul told host Margaret Brennan that the math in Trump's 'big beautiful bill' 'doesn't really add up.'

'One of the things this big and beautiful bill is, is it's a vehicle for increasing spending for the military and for the border. It's about $320 billion in new spending,' Paul said at the time.

Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, walks through the Senate subway at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021

Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, right, speaks during a rally with U.S. President Trump in Lexington, Kentucky, U.S., on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019

Trump has been attacking Paul on social media for weeks just as Senate Republicans have been grappling with the massive spending legislation.

'Rand Paul has very little understanding of the BBB, especially the tremendous GROWTH that is coming. He loves voting 'NO' on everything, he thinks it's good politics, but it's not. The BBB is a big WINNER!!!' Trump wrote on Truth Social.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has also piled on.

'Well, anyone who votes against the one big, beautiful bill including Senator Rand Paul, will be voting for a tax hike of more than $4 trillion on the American people and their voters will know about it,' Leavitt warned earlier this month.

Paul was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010, long before Trump's foray into politics, and was easily reelected to a third term in 2022 during Joe Biden's presidency. Paul is not up for election again until 2028.

Kentucky's other Senate seat is up as an open seat in the 2026 midterms election.

The commonwealth's senior senator and former Senate leader Mitch McConnell - another running Trump nemesis -- is not running for another term.
A British father miraculously walked away from the Air India plane disaster which is believed to have claimed the lives of hundreds of people.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, spoke from the safety of a hospital bed hours after making an incredible escape from the doomed Gatwick-bound Flight 171 earlier today.

Astonishing footage showed the passenger with visible injuries hobbling away from the scene of the crash. He reportedly sustained injuries to his chest, eyes and feet.

Police found the passenger, who had been in seat 11A when the jet came down, in a residential area in Gujarat, and transferred him to a nearby hospital for treatment.

This afternoon his family confirmed that Mr Ramesh was on board - but that they had not heard from another relative who they believed was also on the flight.

Speaking to local media from his hospital bed, Mr Ramesh said that his brother had been sitting on another row adding 'I can't find him anymore'.

'Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,' he added.

'When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran.

'There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.'

Mr Ramesh, who lives in London with his wife and child, was travelling home from seeing family in India when the plane crashed, hitting buildings housing doctors in the city of Ahmedabad.

On the ground, police said they had found another survivor in the hospital struck by the plane. The confirmed death toll has climbed to at least 240 people, according to police.

Before the discovery of the British survivor, authorities said that they believed no one had escaped the flight alive. The plane had been carrying 244 passengers, according to police.

There were 53 British nationals on board as well as 159 Indian nationals, seven Portuguese citizens and a Canadian. Eleven of those on board were children, including two newborns.

British passengers Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee and their daughter, who lived in Gloucester, were on board the flight, the BBC reported this evening.

Rescue teams supported by the military have recovered 204 bodies from the scene so far, with casualties from the plane and the area surrounding the crash.

Aviation experts say that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

Astonishing footage showed the man walking away from the scene with some visible injuries to his face

Authorities had said earlier they believed there were no survivors on the Gatwick-bound flight that crashed in Gujarat carrying 242 passengers, including 53 Britons

The plane momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon in this horrifying clip

A video posted to social media appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed

Police said they had found a lone survivor who had been sitting in seat 11A when Flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff in India this morning

A family member cries upon hearing the news of her brother who died when the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Rescue team members work as smoke rises at the site in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

People look at the debris of an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state

The number of fatalities is not yet known but rescuers said at least 30 bodies have so far been recovered from a building

Firefighters work at the site of the crash near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

The possible causes are believed to include a rapid change in wind or a bird strike leading to a double engine stall.

Officials from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are now at the scene to carry out an analysis of the wreckage and retrieve the stricken jet's black box.

Videos shared on social media showed the aircraft rapidly losing altitude - with its nose up - before it hit a building and erupted in a violent explosion.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed that one passenger had somehow survived the crash.

'The police found one survivor in seat 11A. He has been taken to the hospital and is currently receiving treatment,' he told news agency ANI.

'As for the number of casualties, it's too early to confirm. The crash occurred in a residential area, so the death toll may rise.'

The Boeing jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat at around 1:40pm (0810 GMT), officials said.

Ahmedabad, the main city of India's Gujarat state, is home to around eight million people, and the busy airport is surrounded by densely packed residential areas.

'When we reached the spot there were several bodies lying around and firefighters were dousing the flames,' resident Poonam Patni told AFP.

'Many of the bodies were burned,' she added.

'Our office is near the building where the plane crashed. We saw people from the building jumping from the second and third floor to save themselves. The plane was in flames,' said one resident, who declined to be named.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scenes from the crash were 'devastating', in a statement addressing passengers and their families 'at this deeply distressing time.'

The UK government said Thursday it was sending a team to support the investigation.

Boeing said it was 'working to gather more information' on the incident which a source close to the case said was the first crash for a 787 Dreamliner.

Lt. Col. John R. Davidson, a former US Air Force pilot and commercial aviation safety consultant, said the plane appeared to have reached takeoff speed but not altitude, according to flight data, suggesting 'either a very late rotation or a stall shortly after takeoff'.

'There are a number of possible scenarios: thrust or engine performance issues, excessive aircraft weight, poor trim or flap configuration, or a more critical failure that affected the aircraft's ability to climb,' he said.

'Weather, windshear or even bird strike can't be ruled out either at this early stage.'

Preliminary flight tracking data from flightradar24 reveals the plane reached an altitude of just 625ft after takeoff - a height far below standard for a commercial aircraft several minutes into departure.

Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, told NDTV that circulating footage showing the plane's terrifying descent 'looked like a case of multiple bird hits wherein both the engines have lost power'.

'The takeoff was perfect,' he said. 'And just, I believe, short of taking the gear up, the aircraft started descending, which can happen only in case the engine loses power or the aircraft stops developing lift.'

Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar noted that the Dreamliner was only 11 years old, so was unlikely to have underlying technical issues. The plane was under the command of Captain Summeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of experience.

A bird strike 'would explain why the aircraft did not have the power to lift,' he said. 'If there were multiple bird hits on take-off, it probably could not have gone beyond the 6-7 minute threshold and started falling.'

In pilots' forums, aviation experts said that it sounded like the plane's Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency wind turbine, had been deployed shortly before the crash.

A view of the site where a plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in India's western state of Gujarat on June 12, 2025

Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

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Parts of the jet appeared to have smashed into the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside

The tail of the Dreamliner plane that crashed, hitting buildings in a residential area

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

Davidson explained that the low altitude and high speed reading at the final moment might indicate a 'steep nose-down trajectory or a stall event' just after takeoff.

'This is consistent with accidents like Spanair Flight 5022 and Flydubai Flight 981, where mechanical or environmental factors combined with compromised lift performance led to loss of control during or just after liftoff,' he said.

The former pilot noted: 'Flight data alone isn't enough to determine fault  but it tells us this aircraft never truly made it airborne in a meaningful way.

'Whatever happened, it happened fast, and right at the most critical phase of flight.'

According to data logs recorded at 30-second intervals showed the plane remained on the ground or was taxiing slowly for over four minutes after it first registered on public trackers.

The plane took off and reached 625ft, but no further gains in altitude were recorded before the crash.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the plane sent a mayday call moments before the tragedy unfolded.

Prof Paul Williams, Professor of Atmospheric Science, University of Reading, observed: 'At the time of the departure, the weather conditions at the airport appear to have been very good.

'It was a dry and sunny day in Ahmedabad, with temperatures near 40C.

'There was good visibility and light winds from the west. There was no bad weather in the vicinity.

'There is no indication at this stage that turbulence or other weather conditions were a factor in the crash.'

Prof John McDermid, Lloyd's Register Chair of Safety, University of York, noted: 'It's surprising that the accident occurred before the aircraft had even got to 200metres altitude.

'Pilots can abort take-off until quite late in the take-off roll, so it seems like the problem occurred very suddenly in the final part of the take-off roll, or shortly after take-off, and was sufficiently serious to be unmanageable.

'Given the levels of redundancy in systems, the fact that aircraft are designed to climb out on only one engine, etc. on initial sight this seems a very surprising accident.'

Peter Neenan, aviation lawyer and Partner at UK law firm Stewarts, explained that there would likely be a joint investigation to uncover the cause of the tragedy.

'In due course, the Indian Directorate of General Civil Aviation will begin their investigation,' he said.

'The US National Transportation Safety Board will assist in that investigation and given the number of deaths of British nationals, we would expect the UK Air Accident Investigation Branch to also assist.'

He noted that such investigations 'routinely take two or more years to complete'.

Civilians surround parts of the jet that seemingly smashed into a medical college canteen

The Air India flight to London with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in Gujarat

Debris is seen at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025

The Air India flight crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad airport

The jet careened back to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city.

Dark images showed the charred remains of bodies littering the site, while other pictures shared to social media revealed chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail protruding from a demolished building.

Parts of the jet smashed into accommodation for doctors practising at the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital.

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside.

'The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel... we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon,' a senior police officer told reporters at the scene.

Firefighters doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed a huge plume of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site.

'Our office is near the building where the plane crashed. We saw people from the building jumping from the second and third floor to save themselves. The plane was in flames,' said one resident, who declined to be named.

Footage of the final moments before the crash appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

It momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon. The jet was fuelled for a long-haul flight direct to Gatwick, intensifying the blast.

Chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail were seen protruding from a demolished building

The tail of the jet is seen protruding from a building in the Meghani area of the city

Emergency personnel work at the crash site of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

British Foreign Minister David Lammy said he was 'deeply saddened' by news of the crash, adding that Britain was now working with Indian authorities to establish exactly what led to the incident.

'My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support,' his statement read.

The Indian aviation minister's office said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who described the crash as 'heartbreaking beyond words', had directed it to ensure all support was extended to the rescue efforts immediately.

All relevant agencies were on high alert and coordinated efforts were underway, the aviation minister's office added.

Air India's Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran shared a heartfelt statement that read: 'With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.

'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

'We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.'

Gatwick Airport subsequently confirmed the flight that was due to land at 18:25 today had crashed on departure.

Aviation expert Julian Bray told MailOnline: 'It's a Boeing Dreamliner that has gone down - not certain whether they've managed to get anybody off the plane.

'If it has indeed crash-landed and they can deploy the chutes out then they should be able to get people off in 90 seconds. I am aware there are fire appliances in attendance - this is a major incident.

'It is very disappointing that it is a Dreamliner as it is a state-of-the-art Boeing. We cannot rule out security issues. But this is all speculation on my part.'

The cause of the crash is not yet known. Emergency services are en route to the scene

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 202

Weather conditions were calm at the time of the accident with clear skies and a windspeed of just seven knots, or eight miles per hour.

Indian news agency ANI reported police sources had confirmed 242 people were on board the flight.

India's aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said in a statement: 'Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert.

'I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.

'Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.'

The Director General of India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is en route to the site of the incident with a team of investigators, according to the Times of India.

Air India shared a brief statement in the wake of the disaster, writing on X: 'Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025.

'At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.'

Ahmedabad is the main city in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat.

Ahmedabad airport said it had suspended all flight operations with immediate effect following the incident this morning.

The plane is seen descending rapidly with landing gear deployed seconds before erupting in a fireball

Citizens descended on the wreckage in the hope of finding survivors

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

The flight reportedly reached an altitude of just 625 feet before it began to descend, according to flight tracking service Flightradar 24, which declared the plane's transponder signal dropped just seconds after it left the runway

Firefighters at the scene doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed a huge plume of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site

Shocked residents are seen standing close to the scene as firefighters work to extinguish flames

Shocking images shared to social media showed a huge trail of smoke emanating from the crash site near the international airport this morning

Thick plumes of black smoke are seen rising from the site of the crash

Smoke trails at the scene of the crash

The 787 Dreamliner involved in today's crash is a widebody, twin-engine plane. It is believed to be the first ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.

The last fatal plane crash in India was in 2020 and involved Air India Express, the airline's low-cost arm.

The airline's Boeing-737 overshot a 'table-top' runway at Kozhikode International Airport in southern India. The plane skidded off the runway, plunging into a valley and crashing nose-first into the ground.

Twenty-one people were killed in that crash.

The formerly state-owned Air India was taken over by Indian conglomerate Tata Group in 2022, and merged with Vistara - a joint venture between the group and Singapore Airlines  in 2024.

Tata said an emergency centre had been activated and a support team set up for families seeking information.

Today's tragedy is the latest in a string of disasters involving Boeing jets and comes just six months after a 737 crashed in South Korea, killing 179.

In October 2018, Boeing's Lion Air flight 610 plunged into the Java Sea shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, in Indonesia killing all 189 people on board.

Then, in March 2019, Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 crashed minutes after departing Addis Ababa, resulting in the deaths of 157 passengers and crew.

Shares of planemaker Boeing fell 8% in premarket US trading following today's incident.

Boeing said in a statement it was aware of initial reports and was working to gather more information.
A summer vacation took a turn for the worse when a mommy influencer's young daughter was attacked by a shark in Florida - leaving her without her right hand.

Leah Lendel, nine, was snorkeling off the shore of Boca Grande with her mother Nadia and her siblings around noon on June 11, when she was bitten by the shark.

Bystanders said an eight-foot bull shark managed to bite off the girl's right hand and part of her wrist. She emerged from the water on her own, completely covered in blood.

With the help of nearby construction workers, the family called 911 and created a tourniquet out of a beach towel to stop the bleeding.

Lendel, with her father, was airlifted to Tampa, 100 miles away and admitted for emergency surgery in hopes of reattaching the hand.

One of the construction workers, Alfonso Tello, told local outlets: 'When we see that little girl come out from the water with no hand, it was like something out  it gets me. Everybody was in shock.'

Tello and his coworkers were on lunch break when he heard the girl's scream. The men rushed to the water to help, unaware they had just witnessed a shark attack.

Leah Lendel, nine, was snorkeling off the shore of Boca Grande with her mother Nadia and her siblings around noon on June 11, when she was bitten by the shark

Lendel was snorkeling off the shore of Boca Grande with her mother and siblings around noon on Wednesday

Tello's coworker Raynel Lugo told WINK, 'The hand, it was just hanging by this piece

'The whole thing was completely hanging out.'

'You can see bones all completely red.'

Her mother, Nadia Lendel, an Instagram blogger with almost 100,000 followers, posted an update to her supporters just after the attack.

'Please keep our family in your prayers. Leah got bit by a shark today while snorkeling.

'She has to get airlifted to the hospital and is undergoing surgery.'

In her update to a CBS affiliate, Nadia said: 'They had to get arteries from her leg to the hand.

'Got the blood flow back to her hand. Install pins in bones. Still has open tissues.

'They will be monitoring her here for a week. But thank God she can move her fingers.'

With the help of nearby construction workers, the family (with Leah Lendel pictured top row left) called 911 and created a tourniquet out of a beach towel to stop the bleeding

A summer vacation took a turn for the worse when Leah Lendel (pictured) was attacked by a shark

Her mother, Nadia Lendel, an Instagram blogger with just under 100 thousand followers, posted an update to her supporters just after the attack

Alfonso Tello, told local outlets, 'When we see that little girl come out from the water with no hand, it was like something out  it gets me. Everybody was in shock'

She emerged from the water, on her own, completely covered in blood. Pictured: The family's beach inflatable

Leah Lendel's uncle Max Derinsky also offered NBC News further details on the girl's condition: 'The doctors were able to do some miracles and put her hand back together.

'She will be in the hospital for a while and then a lot of physical therapy to hopefully get her hand functioning again.'

In Boca Grande, May through July is known as tarpon season, when the large fish are most populous around the island. Their most active period also coincides with shark mating season.

The Boca Grande Fire Department Chief CW Blosser told local news outlets that in his time as chief, he'd only seen two shark attacks. Both of them were during tarpon season.

According to data half of United States shark attacks in 2024 took place in Florida. Although that number was still relatively low, with 14 cases reported in Florida, according to the University of Florida.

Daily Mail reached out to Nadia Lendel for comment.
The owners of Air India have revealed how much they will pay the families for each person who died in the Ahmedabad plane crash tragedy.

Tata Sons, which owns Air India, will offer around 86,000 - or 10 million rupees - to the families of those who were killed after the Boeing 787 plane destined for London Gatwick crashed just minutes after take off.

Authorities previously said they feared all of the 242 people onboard, made up of passengers and crew, had died after the plane crash-landed and burst into flames after smashing into offices and a doctors' hostel.

But miraculous footage has since emerged of one survivor, believed to be British, named as 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, walking away from the wreckage.

So far, rescue teams supported by the military have recovered 290 bodies, with casualties from the plane and the area surrounding the crash.

The passengers included 159 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and a Canadian. Eleven of those on board were children, including two newborns. In total there were 130 passengers, two pilots and ten crew members on the plane.

Aviation experts say that Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

The possible causes are believed to include a rapid change in wind or a bird strike leading to a double engine stall.

A video posted to social media appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed

The cause of the crash is not yet known. Emergency services rushed to the scene to try and rescue any survivors

Chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail were seen protruding from a demolished building

Some six hours after the crash Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, said it would also cover the medical costs of those injured and provide support in the 'building up' of the medical college the plane crashed into.

In a statement a spokesperson said: 'We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171.

'No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured.

'Tata Group will provide 1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support.

'Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical's hostel. We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time.'

Air India has also announced it is organising two relief flights to Ahmedabad for families of the passengers involved in the plane crash and airline staff.

The airline is sending return flights from Delhi and Mumbai that will arrive at 11pm local time and depart shortly after 1am on Friday.

The airline said: 'Next of kin of passengers and staff in Delhi and Mumbai wanting to travel on these flights can call our hotline on 1800 5691 444.

Debris is seen at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025

Emergency personnel work at the crash site of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

Civilians surround parts of the jet that seemingly smashed into a medical college canteen

Debris at the site of a plane crash near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, western India

The plane momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon in this horrifying clip

The number of fatalities is not yet known but rescuers said at least 30 bodies have so far been recovered from a building

People look at the debris of an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state

Rescue team members work as smoke rises at the site in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

A family member cries upon hearing the news of her brother who died when the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

'Additionally, those coming in from international destinations and wanting to travel can call our hotline on +91 8062779200.'

A video of the incident circulating online shows the Air India aircraft flying over a residential area before crashing, creating what appears to be a huge fireball followed by large plumes of black smoke.

The nose of the plane was up as it descended rapidly, and its landing gear appeared to be deployed.

Images of the aftermath of the crash showed parts of the plane embedded into a residential building as firefighters continued to tackle the smoke.

Pieces of the aircraft's landing gear, fuselage and tail could all be seen protruding from the building.

Officials now face the challenging task of recovering the aircraft's black box and piecing together what happened in the moments before the crash.

The King said he was 'desperately shocked' by the incident and Buckingham Palace said he was being kept updated on the developing situation.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the crash was 'devastating', while his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi said it was 'heartbreaking beyond words'.

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside

Parts of the jet appeared to have smashed into the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025

Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran described the incident as a 'tragic accident' and a 'devastating event', and said emergency response teams are at the site.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has stood up a crisis team in India and the UK, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said.

The Reuters news agency reported 217 adults and 11 children were on board the flight.

So far only one survivor has been identified, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh who was seated in seat 11A.

The passenger, who was in his seat when the plane came down in a residential area, recalled: 'Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.'

'When I got up, there were bodies all around me,' he told local media. 'I was scared. I stood up and ran.

'There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.'

Mr Ramesh, who has lived in London for 20 years, said his brother was seated in a different aisle on the same flight.

Astonishing footage showed the passenger walking away from the scene with some visible injuries to his face.

Astonishing footage showed the man walking away from the scene with some visible injuries to his face

Authorities had said earlier they believed there were no survivors on the Gatwick-bound flight that crashed in Gujarat carrying 242 passengers, including 53 Britons

Police said they had found a lone survivor who had been sitting in seat 11A when Flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff in India this morning

Gatwick said a reception centre was being set up for relatives of passengers on board the Air India flight.

The Boeing jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat at around 1:40pm (0810 GMT), officials said.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the plane sent a mayday call moments before the tragedy unfolded.

Ahmedabad, the main city of India's Gujarat state, is home to around eight million people, and the busy airport is surrounded by densely packed residential areas.

'When we reached the spot there were several bodies lying around and firefighters were dousing the flames,' resident Poonam Patni said.

'Many of the bodies were burned,' she added.

'Our office is near the building where the plane crashed. We saw people from the building jumping from the second and third floor to save themselves. The plane was in flames,' said one resident, who declined to be named.

It is the first crash involving a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.

Flightradar24 said flight tracking data shows after taking off, the plane reached a maximum altitude of 625ft, which is about 425ft above the airport.

It then started to descend at a rate of 475 feet per minute.

Air India was acquired by Tata Group from the Indian government in January 2022 after racking up billions of pounds of losses.

The airline's UK operations are at Birmingham, Gatwick and Heathrow, with routes to a number of Indian cities such as Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

It started operating flights to Gatwick in March 2023, with 12 weekly departures and five weekly departures to Ahmedabad.

Gatwick said there was no impact on wider flight operations at the airport, but a Thursday evening flight to Goa had been cancelled.

Recent analysis by the PA news agency found it was the worst airline for delays to flights from UK airports last year, with planes taking off by an average of more than 45 minutes later than scheduled.

The airline has gained a poor reputation for delays and cancellations in recent years, partly caused by a lack of funds to purchase spare aircraft parts, which led to some of its fleet being grounded.

The first flight of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft involved in the crash was in December 2013.

The plane was delivered to Air India during the following month.

The FCDO said any British nationals requiring consular assistance, or who have concerns about family or friends, should call 020 7008 5000.
Donald Trump has been accused of 'throwing a hand grenade' into the transatlantic security alliance by ordering a review of a major nuclear submarine pact between the UK, the US and Australia.

The president has ordered officials to look into Aukus, which was signed by his predecessor Joe Biden and is intended to secure the Pacific against Chinese aggression.

It involves multi-billion-pound commitments to build new nuclear-powered submarines, with the Ministry of Defence already announcing its intention to build up to 12 submarines in last week's Strategic Defence Review.

But these plans have been thrown into doubt after the US defence department announced a probe to ensure Aukus meets the President's 'America First' agenda.

The review is being led by Elbridge Colby, who is close to President Trump and is a long-term sceptic of the agreement.

A UK Government spokesman sought to play down the prospect of an American withdrawal from the deal today, saying Aukus was 'one of the most strategically important partnerships in decades'.

They added: 'It is understandable that a new administration would want to review its approach to such a major partnership, just as the UK did last year.'

But Helen Maguire, the Liberal Democrat defence spokeswoman, said: 'Trump's decision to review the AUKUS submarine pact has thrown another grenade into our security partnership.

Donald Trump ordered a review of the nuclear submarine pact between the UK, the US and Australia last night

Relations between the US and Australia have soured over tariffs (pictured: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese)

The Ministry of Defence announced its intention to build up to 12 submarines as part of last week's Strategic Defence Review

'Even in the face of an imperial Putin and the rising threat posed by China, this White House simply can't be relied upon to support our collective defence.

'Our national security demands that we ramp up talks with our Commonwealth friends and work to plug the gap that the US is threatening to leave in European and global security.

'Starmer must meet urgently with Prime Minister Albanese to develop contingency plans for AUKUS if Trump withdraws from the treaty.'

Announced in 2021, Aukus involves the three nations building a new generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines and cooperating in other areas of advanced defence technology.

The deal will also see Australia buy three Virginia-class submarines from the US ahead of the new vessels being built.

That provision has led some in Washington, including Mr Colby, to question the deal on the grounds that the US may need those submarines if it finds itself in a war with China over Taiwan.

But last month, the new US ambassador to London used his first major speech in the job to back Aukus.

Warren Stephens told an audience in Parliament, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, that the US was 'proud to stand alongside Britain and Australia, two of our closest allies, as we deepen our collaboration to respond to a changing world'.

Helen Maguire, the Liberal Democrat defence spokeswoman, said: 'Trump's decision to review the AUKUS submarine pact has thrown another grenade into our security partnership.'

Relations between the US and Australia have soured over tariffs. America has also demanded Australia increase defence spending and wants to sell older submarines to Australia on favourable terms.

Last night former head of the Royal Navy, Admiral Lord West said: 'Aukus is extremely important for the strategic situation in the Pacific and very important for Britain as a way of us moving into our next generation of submarines.

'The US had had concerns about selling its submarines to Australia, so it is not entirely unexpected that President Trump would want to look at this. Hopefully this can be resolved and we all move on together as part of the alliance.'

The deal is regarded as a pillar of security co-operation. But concerns have been raised in the US over the rate of submarine production and Australia's reluctance to commit to a 'no holds barred' response to a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

The US is committed to selling up to five boats to Australia, vessels which many in the US believe should be retained by the US Navy.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds played down fears about the future of the AUKUS deal as he noted the US is 'reviewing a lot of its international relationships' under Donald Trump.

'AUKUS is, on both a defence and industrial level, a genuinely first class agreement,' he told reporters at a Westminster lunch event.

Mr Reynolds said he had 'a lot of confidence' that anyone looking at the deal would find it to be 'an incredibly and strong and important agreement for the future'.

'US colleagues will look at it, ok that is their right to do so,' he added. 'I think it's an incredibly compelling and strong agreement.'
A 29-year-old skier died on America's highest mountain after triggering an avalanche while trying to descend its treacherous peak.

Nicholas Vizzini, from Washington state, was with an unnamed climbing partner on Tuesday when they accidentally caused the crisis on Mount McKinley at over 16,000 feet, officials said.

The Alaskan mountain, previously known as Denali before it was renamed earlier this year by President Trump, was the subject of an intensive search after the two became trapped under heavy snow.

According to officials from the Denali National Park and Preserve rangers responded to the mountain within minutes after Vizzini's partner was spotted in debris from the avalanche.

Rangers were then able to detect a beacon signal to find Vizzini, who was found buried under the debris.

Despite lifesaving efforts from first responders, he was pronounced dead on Tuesday evening and his body was transferred to the state medical examiner's office.

His partner sustained only minor injuries.

Nicholas Vizzini, a 29-year-old skier from Washington state, died on Mount McKinley (pictured), America's highest mountain, after triggering an avalanche while trying to descend its treacherous peak

The skiers death is the second recorded on Mount McKinley this year, after Alex Chiu, 33, also lost his life on the mountain earlier this month.

Chiu, originally from Seattle, reportedly died after falling over 3,000 feet on the mountain's steep West Buttress climbing route, the same route where Vizzini died on Tuesday.

The avalanche that killed Vizzini is known as a 'soft slab' avalanche, where soft, powdery debris typically from recent storms is sent down the mountain face.

Officials said the avalanche released at over 16,000 feet and released for over 1,000 feet down the slope.

Rangers were able to find Vizzini so quickly because two were already on the mountain face for an altitude acclimatization climb.

When the rangers found him, they reportedly continued lifesaving measures for forty minutes before he was pronounced dead.

The park service said they were discontinued 'due to traumatic injuries and no pulse.'

Vizzini's death is the second recorded on Mount McKinley this year, after Alex Chiu, 33, (pictured) also lost his life on the mountain earlier this month on June 2

The deaths of Vizzini and Chui mark a dark start to Mount McKinley's climbing season, which typically begins in May and ends in early July.

'There have been approximately 13 avalanche-related deaths and more than 130 total deaths on the mountain recorded in the history of the park,' the park service said in a statement after Vizzini's death.

On the West Buttress route where the two men died this month, a total of 15 climbers have died since 1980, National Park Service spokesperson Amber Smigiel told USA TODAY.

The park added that the mountain remains open, and there are currently an estimated 500 people on Mount McKinley.
Terrifying new CCTV footage shows the doomed Air India plane taking off and then plunging into the ground and exploding into a deadly fireball.

In the newly surfaced clip, the Gatwick-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner is seen accelerating down the runway before pitching upwards and taking flight.

But just moments later, the plane appears to lose control and is shown rapidly descending with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

The aircraft then explodes in a huge fireball upon impact, as a massive plume of black smoke is seen billowing out from the site of the crash.

Aviation experts say that the aircraft, which was carrying 242 passengers, including 53 Britons, may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

Air India Flight 171 crashed shortly after departing Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat this morning.

A British father miraculously survived the plane disaster believed to have claimed the lives of hundreds of people in India.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, spoke from the safety of a hospital bed after escaping from the fallen Gatwick-bound Flight 171 this morning.

Terrifying new CCTV footage shows the doomed Air India plane taking off and then plunging into the ground and exploding into a deadly fireball

In the newly surfaced clip, the Gatwick-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner is seen accelerating down the runway before pitching upwards and taking flight

But just moments later, the plane appears to lose control and is shown rapidly descending with a high nose angle and landing gear deploy

The passenger, who was in seat 11A when the plane came down in a residential area of Gujarat, recalled: 'Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.'

'When I got up, there were bodies all around me,' he told local media. 'I was scared. I stood up and ran.

'There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.'

Astonishing footage showed the passenger walking away from the scene with some visible injuries.

Authorities had said earlier they believed there were no survivors on the flight, while rescuers told reporters at the scene that they had recovered dozens of bodies of people inside buildings that the plane smashed into as it came down.

The possible causes of the tragedy could include a rapid change in wind causing an engine stall, or a bird strike on both engines.

Officials from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are now at the scene to carry out an analysis of the wreckage and retrieve the stricken jet's black box.

Lt. Col. John R. Davidson, a former US Air Force pilot and commercial aviation safety consultant, said the plane appeared to have reached takeoff speed but not altitude, according to flight data, suggesting 'either a very late rotation or a stall shortly after takeoff'.

Aviation experts say that the aircraft may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff

The aircraft then explodes in a huge fireball upon impact, as a massive plume of black smoke is seen billowing out from the site of the crash

'There are a number of possible scenarios: thrust or engine performance issues, excessive aircraft weight, poor trim or flap configuration, or a more critical failure that affected the aircraft's ability to climb,' he said.

'Weather, windshear or even bird strike can't be ruled out either at this early stage.'

Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, told NDTV that circulating footage showing the plane's terrifying descent 'looked like a case of multiple bird hits wherein both the engines have lost power'.

'The takeoff was perfect,' he said. 'And just, I believe, short of taking the gear up, the aircraft started descending, which can happen only in case the engine loses power or the aircraft stops developing lift.'

Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar noted that the Dreamliner was only 11 years old, so was unlikely to have underlying technical issues. The plane was under the command of Captain Summeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of experience.

A bird strike 'would explain why the aircraft did not have the power to lift,' he said. 'If there were multiple bird hits on take-off, it probably could not have gone beyond the 6-7 minute threshold and started falling.'

Davidson explained that the low altitude and high speed reading at the final moment might indicate a 'steep nose-down trajectory or a stall event' just after takeoff.

This wide angle shot shows the entire scene of the plane crash. The tail and parts of the fuselage are seen on the building to the right, with the bulk of the jet having smashed into the buildings further on

The plane momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon in this horrifying clip

A video posted to social media appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed

Parts of the jet appeared to have smashed into the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside

People look at the debris of an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

Search and rescue teams respond to the scene of a plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday, June 12, 2025

'This is consistent with accidents like Spanair Flight 5022 and Flydubai Flight 981, where mechanical or environmental factors combined with compromised lift performance led to loss of control during or just after liftoff,' he said.

The former pilot noted: 'Flight data alone isn't enough to determine fault  but it tells us this aircraft never truly made it airborne in a meaningful way.

'Whatever happened, it happened fast, and right at the most critical phase of flight.'

In pilots' forums, aviation experts said that it sounded like the plane's Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency wind turbine, had been deployed shortly before the crash.

According to data logs recorded at 30-second intervals showed the plane remained on the ground or was taxiing slowly for over four minutes after it first registered on public trackers.

Preliminary flight tracking data from flightradar24 reveals the plane reached an altitude of just 625ft after takeoff - a height far below standard for a commercial aircraft several minutes into departure.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the plane sent a mayday call moments before the tragedy unfolded.

Prof Paul Williams, Professor of Atmospheric Science, University of Reading, observed: 'At the time of the departure, the weather conditions at the airport appear to have been very good.

'It was a dry and sunny day in Ahmedabad, with temperatures near 40C.

'There was good visibility and light winds from the west. There was no bad weather in the vicinity.

'There is no indication at this stage that turbulence or other weather conditions were a factor in the crash.'

Prof John McDermid, Lloyd's Register Chair of Safety, University of York, noted: 'It's surprising that the accident occurred before the aircraft had even got to 200metres altitude.

'Pilots can abort take-off until quite late in the take-off roll, so it seems like the problem occurred very suddenly in the final part of the take-off roll, or shortly after take-off, and was sufficiently serious to be unmanageable.

'Given the levels of redundancy in systems, the fact that aircraft are designed to climb out on only one engine, etc. on initial sight this seems a very surprising accident.'

Peter Neenan, aviation lawyer and Partner at UK law firm Stewarts, explained that there would likely be a joint investigation to uncover the cause of the tragedy.

'In due course, the Indian Directorate of General Civil Aviation will begin their investigation,' he said.

'The US National Transportation Safety Board will assist in that investigation and given the number of deaths of British nationals, we would expect the UK Air Accident Investigation Branch to also assist.'

He noted that such investigations 'routinely take two or more years to complete'.

Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site, showing part of its registration "VT-ANB", where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Search and rescue teams respond to the scene of a plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday, June 12, 2025

A view of the site where a plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in India's western state of Gujarat on June 12, 2025

Civilians surround parts of the jet that seemingly smashed into a medical college canteen

The Air India flight to London with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in Gujarat

Debris is seen at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025

The Air India flight crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad airport

Air India flight 171 careened back to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway around 1pm local time.

Shocking images shared to social media showed chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail protruding from a demolished building.

Parts of the jet smashed into accommodation for doctors practising at the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital.

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside.

'The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel... we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon,' a senior police officer told reporters at the scene.

Firefighters doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed a huge plume of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site.

'Our office is near the building where the plane crashed. We saw people from the building jumping from the second and third floor to save themselves. The plane was in flames,' said one resident, who declined to be named.

The cause of the tragedy is not yet known, but footage appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

It momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon. The jet was fuelled for a long-haul flight direct to Gatwick, intensifying the blast.

The flight reportedly reached an altitude of just 625 feet before it began to descend, according to flight tracking service Flightradar 24, which declared the plane's transponder signal dropped just seconds after it left the runway.

'We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after take off,' it said.

Chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail were seen protruding from a demolished building

The tail of the jet is seen protruding from a building in the Meghani area of the city

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Emergency personnel work at the crash site of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

It added the pilots were highly experienced - captain Sumeet Sabharwal boasted some 8,200 hours of flight time, according to the directorate, while first officer Clive Kundar had 1,100 hours of experience under his belt.

British Foreign Minister David Lammy said he was 'deeply saddened' by news of the crash, adding that Britain was now working with Indian authorities to establish exactly what led to the incident.

'My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support,' his statement read.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called images of the crash 'devastating' and said 'my thoughts are with the passengers and their families'.

The Indian aviation minister's office said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said the crash was 'heartbreaking beyond words', had directed it to ensure all support was extended to the rescue efforts immediately.

All relevant agencies were on high alert and coordinated efforts were underway, the aviation minister's office added.

Air India's Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran shared a heartfelt statement that read: 'With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.

'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

'We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.'

Gatwick Airport subsequently confirmed the flight that was due to land at 18:25 today had crashed on departure.

Aviation expert Julian Bray told MailOnline: 'It's a Boeing Dreamliner that has gone down - not certain whether they've managed to get anybody off the plane.

'If it has indeed crash-landed and they can deploy the chutes out then they should be able to get people off in 90 seconds. I am aware there are fire appliances in attendance - this is a major incident.

'It is very disappointing that it is a Dreamliner as it is a state-of-the-art Boeing. We cannot rule out security issues. But this is all speculation on my part.'

The cause of the crash is not yet known. Emergency services are en route to the scene

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 202

Weather conditions were calm at the time of the accident with clear skies and a windspeed of just seven knots, or eight miles per hour.

Indian news agency ANI reported police sources had confirmed 242 people were on board the flight.

India's aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said in a statement: 'Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert.

'I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.

'Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.'

The Director General of India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is en route to the site of the incident with a team of investigators, according to the Times of India.

Air India shared a brief statement in the wake of the disaster, writing on X: 'Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025.

'At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest.'

Ahmedabad is the main city in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat.

Ahmedabad airport said it had suspended all flight operations with immediate effect following the incident this morning.

The plane is seen descending rapidly with landing gear deployed seconds before erupting in a fireball

Citizens descended on the wreckage in the hope of finding survivors

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

The flight reportedly reached an altitude of just 625 feet before it began to descend, according to flight tracking service Flightradar 24, which declared the plane's transponder signal dropped just seconds after it left the runway

Firefighters at the scene doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed a huge plume of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site

Shocked residents are seen standing close to the scene as firefighters work to extinguish flames

Shocking images shared to social media showed a huge trail of smoke emanating from the crash site near the international airport this morning

Thick plumes of black smoke are seen rising from the site of the crash

Smoke trails at the scene of the crash

The 787 Dreamliner involved in today's crash is a widebody, twin-engine plane. It is believed to be the first ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.

The last fatal plane crash in India was in 2020 and involved Air India Express, the airline's low-cost arm.

The airline's Boeing-737 overshot a 'table-top' runway at Kozhikode International Airport in southern India. The plane skidded off the runway, plunging into a valley and crashing nose-first into the ground.

Twenty-one people were killed in that crash.

The formerly state-owned Air India was taken over by Indian conglomerate Tata Group in 2022, and merged with Vistara - a joint venture between the group and Singapore Airlines  in 2024.

Tata said an emergency centre had been activated and a support team set up for families seeking information.

Today's tragedy is the latest in a string of disasters involving Boeing jets and comes just six months after a 737 crashed in South Korea, killing 179.

In October 2018, Boeing's Lion Air flight 610 plunged into the Java Sea shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, in Indonesia killing all 189 people on board.

Then, in March 2019, Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 crashed minutes after departing Addis Ababa, resulting in the deaths of 157 passengers and crew.

Shares of planemaker Boeing fell 8% in premarket US trading following today's incident.

Boeing said in a statement it was aware of initial reports and was working to gather more information.
A new legal filing in an alleged assault case goes after the former fiance of Rep. Nancy Mace  as well as a top political consultant who accused her of using explosive photos for 'blackmail.'

The filing by the alleged assault victim describes a 2018 incident where they claim a witness saw video footage of her being assaulted and filmed without her consent.

She was allegedly passed out on the couch at a Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, home at the time.

The alleged assault featured in Mace's stunning House floor speech from March after she threatened to go 'scorched earth' against people she called predators. It has since kicked off a series of legal action.

Mace in a statement called herself a 'key witness for victims,' alleges she faces a 'smear campaign,' and accuses a former advisor of 'flagrant dishonesty.' She calls herself a 'key cooperating witness.'

She said Wednesday her ex-fiance filed a 'fictitious lawsuit to target, defame and intimidate her as a key witness in a sexual assault investigation.'

The amended complaint hits back with new allegations against longtime South Carolina consultant Wesley Donehue, whose newly revealed deposition appeared to undermine some of Mace's claims about the case.

Donehue says he 'fired' Mace as a client because she was becoming 'erratic and unstable.'

After a former consultant who 'fired' Nancy Mace as a client gave a deposition that accused her of 'blackmail,' a new legal filing hit back at Mace's ex fiance as well as the man who accused her of trying to use photos for financial leverage

His allegations came under oath in a deposition that DailyMail revealed in May.

In his sworn deposition, the consultant accused Mace of engaging in blackmail when she asked him to contact her former fiance, Patrick Bryant, to tell him she had obtained video evidence from his phone and use it as 'leverage' to gain ownership of two homes they were squabbling over in DC and Isle of Palms, South Carolina.

The homes have a combined value of $5 million. A source familiar with the matter denied the blackmail charge.

The 'Jane Doe' suit alleges that Mace's ex-fiance gave Mace access to his phone after a pastor told the then-couple Bryant needed to 'build trust' and she subsequently viewed his phone while he was sleeping. Mace then found photos and images of the alleged sexual assault, the complaint alleges.

It says Mace was 'haunted' by the images, finally establishing contact with the alleged victim in 2024, about a year before her stunning House floor speech where she referenced the alleged assault and identified four men as alleged sexual 'predators.'

According to the amended complaint, it is Donehue who engaged in 'blackmail.'

It says the longtime consultant who dumped Mace as a client made 'false and defamatory statements about Mace' that also 'prejudiced Plaintiff.'

The filing says Mace had reported pictures and images she found on Bryant's phone to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in December 2023  'well before she talked to Donehue.'

'Therefore, she could not have asked Donehue to blackmail Bryant, because Bryant was already under investigation at the time,' the filing says.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Donehue for comment.

The complaint also took on Donehue's dramatic public firing of Mace. He had posted:

'I fired Nancy Mace as client a few months back because I'm a political consultant and not a babysitter, a sex therapist or a doctor who can prescribe fixes for chemical imbalances.

'I don't have time for her constant egotistical bulls*** and drama in my life.'

The suit said Mace and Bryant had settled their property dispute by May of 2024, before Donehue fired Mace, 'so she would not have asked Donehue to blackmail Bryant.'

The developments in court follow Mace's explosive House floor speech

Mace and Bryant had joint ownership of properties in South Carolina and D.C. that proved contentious after they split

Mace accused her ex-fiance Patrick Bryant (right) and two of his associates, including John Osborne (left) of planning and filming the assault

Businessman Eric Bowman, 45, left, and software entrepreneur Brian Musgrave, 51, right, were two of four men Mace accused in her floor speech of being involved in the alleged sexual assault of an intoxicated woman at Bowman's home in 2018. All four men have categorically denied the claims

Trump loyalist Nancy Mace has set up a sexual assault hotline and is considered a potential candidate for governor in her state

'Moreover, emails reveal the real reason that Donehue fired Mace as a client is that she wanted access to her Google Analytics, and Donehue didn't want to give her access to her own data,' the lawsuit says. It provides no further details on the the cause of the break.

'Donehue, not Mace, is the one engaged in blackmail,' the filing alleges. 'In December of 2024, Donehue sent Mace hostile and threatening text messages when she had a public dispute with Trey Gowdy, one of Donahue's [sic]. Donehue texted Mace "And let me be very clear with you. You do not want to pick a fight with me ...'

And in yet another sweeping allegation, the lawsuit accuses Mace's ex-fiance Bryant of establishing an LLC for the 'improper' purpose of conducting depositions to 'disseminate false information and discredit the Plaintiff's witensses, thereby interfering with her right to have a fair and impartial jury in future criminal and civil proceedings.'

Mace has filed a motion to intervene in the case against a Bryant shell company.

The lawsuit names three men as defendants: Bryant, John Osborne, and Eric Bowman, as well as two companies as well as three LLCs. State police opened an investigation into her bombshell claims in February.

Bryant told Daily Mail in a statement, 'I'm doing everything I can to clear my name. I've answered every allegation in court, secured key witness testimony, and I remain committed to making sure the whole truth, not rumor, comes to light about me and my businesses.'

Bowman has previously said he has spoken to SLED and denies wrongdoing. SLED has confirmed it opened an investigation into Bryant. Bryant issued a statement immediately after Mace's February 10 speech - which aired live to the nation on CSPAN - saying: 'I categorically deny these allegations.'

And Osborne previously told The Post & Courier: 'The claims are categorically untrue and it is completely unfair to be looped into such accusations.' None of the people Mace identified have been charged with a crime.

The legal filing says Bowman and Bryant 'defamed' the plaintiff online and accuses them of 'humiliating' her on social media.

Bowman, the first of the four branded as predators on the House floor by Mace, previously told the Daily Mail that the accuser fell into his pool while drunk and passed out on his couch.

'She walked inside by herself and went to dry off in the bathroom and put herself on the couch. She was fully coherent until she put herself to sleep,' he said.

'At some point her boyfriend comes and picks her up. That's it,' he said.
A family-of-three, a wellness influencer couple, and an award-winning hotel manager travelling with his wife and two children are among the Brits who were on board the doomed Air India plane.

The Gatwick-bound plane carrying 242 passengers, including 53 British nationals, crashed just moments after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport in the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner careened back down to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway around 1.40pm local time (8.10am BST).

Terrifying CCTV footage shows the plane appear to lose control before it starts rapidly descending with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

It plunges into the ground and explodes in a huge fireball, as a massive plume of black smoke is seen billowing out from crash site.

Aviation experts say that the aircraft may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

All but one person aboard Air India Flight 171 are feared to have died in the tragedy.

MailOnline can reveal that among them were Akeel Nanawaba, Hannaa Vorajee and their daughter Sarah, 4, Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, Javed Ali Syed, his wife and two children, Raxa Modha, her grandson Rudra and her daughter-in-law Yasha Kamdar, and Ajaykumar Ramesh, the brother of the tragedy's only survivor.

This morning, a Gatwick-bound plane carrying 242 passengers, including 53 British nationals, crashed just moments after take-off in from Ahmedabad Airport in the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat. Raxa Modha (L) is believed to have died in the tragedy yesterday

Akeel Nanawaba (left), 36, his wife Hannaa (right), 30, and their four-year-old daughter Sarah were flying home from a five-day family celebration when the Air India Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off. They are also feared to have died in the crash

Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, 45, (right) and husband Fiongal, 39, live in London, run a wellness and healthy lifestyle company called the Wellness Foundry, and had been in India on holiday. They are also believed to have been on the ill-fated flight

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner careened back down to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway around 1.40pm local time (8.10am BST)

The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh (pictured), who was seated in 11A, is British and told the Hindustan Times he had lived in London for 20 years

Pictured: Vishwash's brother Ajaykumar who accompanied him on the flight and was sat on the other side of the aisle in seat 11J, but sadly perished in the fireball explosion

The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was seated in 11A, is also British and told the Hindustan Times he had lived in London for 20 years.

Vishwash's brother Ajaykumar accompanied him on the flight and was sat on the other side of the aisle in seat 11J, but he sadly perished in the fireball explosion.

Akeel Nanawaba, 36, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, 30, and their daughter Sarah, four, were flying home from a five-day family celebration when the Dreamliner crashed.

The successful young couple ran a global recruitment agency with offices in Ahmedabad and Gloucester.

Their shocked business partner Shoyeb Khan Nagori told MailOnline: 'I had dinner with them last night. They were a lovely family and Akeel and his wife were extremely successful people.'

Mr Nagori said he was too upset to find the words to describe their daughter Sarah who had spent time with her grandfather during the brief visit.

He said: 'They were here to celebrate a family festival and to spend some time with Akeel's father.

'Akeel was a really good man, I'm in shock, we were all having dinner together the night before.'

Mr Nagori was with hundreds of other relatives of crash victims waiting for updates at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.

He founded recruitment company Iceberg Outsourcing Services with Mr Nanbawa, who was the managing director.

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Pictured: Hannaa Vorajee, Akeel Nanawaba's wife. The successful couple ran a global recruitment agency with offices in Ahmedabad and Gloucester

Their shocked business partner Shoyeb Khan Nagori told MailOnline: 'I had dinner with them last night. They were a lovely family and Akeel and his wife were extremely successful people' (Pictured: Akeel Nanawaba)

Javed Ali Syed, a hotel manager at the Best Western Kensington Olympia Hotel and his wife Mariam were passengers on the fallen Air India Flight 171 this morning

A video posted to social media appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed

The plane momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon in this horrifying clip

Hannaa, a trained midwife, was head of finance with a sister company called Rec2go Ltd, also based in Gloucester.

The second family feared to have been killed included an award-winning hotel manager, his wife and their two children.

Javed Ali Syed, a hotel manager at the Best Western Kensington Olympia Hotel and his wife Mariam were passengers on the fallen Air India Flight 171 this morning.

Their two young children, Amani, four, and Zayn, were also on board the flight.

Mr Syed was an award winning hotelier having previously received a Team Member of the Year award, while working for the Comfort Inn London in Westminster in 2017.

Recently widowed Raxa Modha, 55, her grandson two-year-old Rudra, and her daughter-in-law Yasha Kamdar are all believed to have been onboard the ill-fated airliner.

Mrs Modha had been in India for some time fulfilling the dying wish of her ill husband Kishor who had wanted to live out his last days in his homeland.

Following his recent passing, the mother-of-three was returning with her family to their home in Northamptonshire when disaster struck this morning.

In a twist of fate, Kishan Modha  the toddler's father and Raxa's son  had also been in India but was not on the flight as he was due to catch another tomorrow.

Speaking to MailOnline, a family friend said: 'It's incredibly sad, the whole family is already grieving Kishor's death.

Pictures have been published on local media of crew members who were on board the Air India flight

Air hostess Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam was named by local media as being on board the ill-fated Flight 171

This is the first picture of First Officer Clive Kunder, from Mumbai, he was on the doomed Air India that crashed moments after take-off

'Kishan fortunately was getting on another flight, but we don't know what has happened to the others.'

Neighbours at the family's detached home in Wellingborough said Mrs Modha is a 'lovely lady'.

They said she had been in India for an extended period to support her husband who was battling an illness.

The respected businessman, who launched a successful catering business after settling in the UK in 1989, died on April 26. The family were due to hold a service in his memory later this month.

In a memorial for him, the family said he was a 'cherished husband' to Raxa and 'proud grandfather to Rudra, who brought him immense joy'.

The mayor for Wellingborough, Raj Mishra offered his condolences to the family on a post on Facebook adding it was devastating for the local community.

'I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends, and all those affected by this heartbreaking event,' he added.

Police said they had found a lone survivor who had been sitting in seat 11A when Flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff in India this morning

British celebrity wellness guru Jamie Meek and his husband are also believed to have perished after they posted a haunting video of themselves at the airport waiting to board the Air India flight.

Mr Meek, 45, and husband Fiongal Greenlaw, 39, who live in London, run a wellness and healthy lifestyle company called the Wellness Foundry, and had been in India on holiday.

In a chilling final social media video posted from Ahmedabad airport as they waited to board their doomed flight the couple were dressed in flowery shirts looking happy at the end of their break.

In the clip, Fiongal says: 'We are at the airport just boarding. Goodbye India. Ten-hour flight back to England. What was your biggest takeaway Jamie?

Jamie replies: 'I don't know,' with his partner laughing and responding: 'Thanks for your contribution.'

Fiongal than jokes that his biggest takeaway was 'don't lose your patience with your partner' to which Jamie responds with a smile: 'You snapped at me at the airport for having chai.'

As other passengers mill in the background, Fiongal laughs at the camera and reveals that he is going back to Britain 'happily, happily calm.'

Mr Meek's brother, Nick Meek, told MailOnline: 'We were expecting him home tonight. He should have landed at 6.30pm and then driven up for about 11pm to get his dog who is staying with our Mum.

'She is not in a good way. It is all very raw for her at the moment. It's a lot to take in and we only heard this news a couple of hours ago.

'Jamie and his husband Fin had been out there for 10 days as a couple to do a wellness retreat.

'They both worked in holistics and had their own business.'

The caretaker from Birmingham said it was not the first time his brother had been to India but it was the first time they had gone as a couple.

He said that his brother and Fin had married in 2022 and lived in Ramsgate, Kent.

In other videos posted by the couple, they showed the stunning hotel they were staying in while in Ahmedabad having completed a seven-hour car journey.

Fiongal lies on a large bed as he speaks to the camera, showing off a giant swing in their room and describes the hotel as 'beautiful.

The back of Air India flight 171 is pictured at the site after it crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad

A family member cries upon hearing the news of her brother who died when the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

He beams: 'Feeling very, very happy.'

The couple captured the happy time they had in India in a series of social media posts.

This included getting henna tattoos, shopping for fine fabrics and other gifts and driving through chaotic traffic in a tuk-tuk.

They arrived in Ahmedabad just a day before flying back with Fiongal posting in a video: 'So, it's our last night in India and we've had a magical experience. Some mind-blowing things have happened.

'We are going to put all this together and create a vlog. It's my first ever vlog about the whole trip and we want to share it.'

Jamie revealed what a memorable trip they had both had: 'We have been on quite a journey and then spending our last night here in this beautiful hotel, it's really been great way to round off the trip.'

According to its website, The Wellness Foundry was founded by Fiongal in 2018 after he had a 'spiritual awakening' following a mysterious illness.

The website adds: 'Seeking healing beyond conventional methods, Fiongal delved into alternative practices that resonated deeply within his soul.'

Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India

Family members of one of the crew members of Air India flight 171 mourn at their residence in Thoubal Mayai Leikai near Imphal - June 12, 2025

The company specialises in tarot and psychic readings, reiki and other alternative spiritual therapies.

British father Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, was filmed walking out from the rubble after some how miraculously surviving the catastrophic crash.

Speaking to local media from the safety of a hospital bed, the passenger who was in seat 11A said: 'Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.'

'When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran.

'There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.'

Astonishing footage showed the passenger walking away from the scene with some visible injuries.

Vishwash, who was returning home to London after visiting family, sustained injuries to his chest, eyes and feet, he told the Hindustan Times.

The regional police chief said 'some locals would have also died', given that the plane smashed down into offices and accommodation for doctors close to a hospital.

So far, rescue teams supported by the military have recovered 204 bodies, with casualties from the plane and the area surrounding the crash.

The passengers included 159 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and a Canadian. Eleven of those on board were children, including two newborns.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the crash was 'absolutely devastating' and that the investigation will 'take some time'.

Aviation experts say that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

The possible causes are believed to include a rapid change in wind or a bird strike leading to a double engine stall.

Officials from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are now at the scene to carry out an analysis of the wreckage and retrieve the stricken jet's black box.

Videos shows the aircraft rapidly losing altitude - with its nose up - before it hit a building and erupted in a violent explosion.

At first, the plane appears to be descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

It then briefly disappears from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball suddenly erupts on the horizon.

A huge trail of smoke can subsequently be seen billowing from the crash site.

Other video clips show a huge cloud of black smoke filling the sky as distressed onlookers gather in the streets of the Indian city as chaos unfolds.

Footage taken from inside a hospital circulating on X shows medical staff rushing up and down corridors with stretchers as they prepare to treat passengers.

Shocking images also showed chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail protruding from a demolished building.

Firefighters at the scene doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed a huge plume of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site.

The flight reportedly reached an altitude of just 625 feet before it began to descend, according to flight tracking service Flightradar 24, which declared the plane's transponder signal dropped just seconds after it left the runway.

'We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after take off,' it said.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the plane sent a mayday call moments before the crash.

Air India's Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran shared a heartfelt statement that read: 'With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident yesterday.

'It is very disappointing that it is a Dreamliner as it is a state-of-the-art Boeing. We cannot rule out security issues. But this is all speculation on my part.'

'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

'We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.'

Gatwick Airport subsequently confirmed the flight that was due to land at 18:25 yesterday had crashed on departure.
These are the first pictures and names of the pilots and cabin crew of the ill-fated Air India plane that crashed just moments after take-off.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of experience, was today named as the pilot of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

First Officer Clive Kunder, from Mumbai, was co-piloting. He had logged 1,100 of flying hours and completed his training at the Florida-based Paris Air Flight School, according to local media.

Cabin crew members Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam and Lamnunthem Singson were also revealed to have been onboard.

Senior members Shradha Dhavan and Aparna Mahadik, along with Saineeta Chakravarti, Deepak Pathak, Maithili Patil, Irfan Shaikh, Roshni Songhare Rajendra, and Manisha Thapa were also named among the crew.

Today, Kongbrailatpam's family members broke down in tears as they flipped through an album to find pictures of her.

Indian news company NDTV reported one grief-stricken female relative as saying in video footage: 'My child, my child, I raised with these hands, where have you gone? I want to see you. Where are you?'

British father Vishwash Kumar Ramesh is thought to be the lone survivor of the plane disaster, which is believed to have claimed the lives of hundreds of people in India.

The 40-year-old spoke from the safety of a hospital bed after escaping from the fallen Flight 171 this morning.

This is the first picture of First Officer Clive Kunder, from Mumbai, he was on the doomed Air India that crashed moments after take-off

Air hostess Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam was named by local media as being on board the ill-fated Flight 171

Family members of one of the crew members of Air India flight 171 mourn at their residence in Thoubal Mayai Leikai near Imphal -- June 12, 2025

The passenger, who was in seat 11A when the plane came down in a residential area, recalled: 'Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.'

'When I got up, there were bodies all around me,' he told local media. 'I was scared. I stood up and ran.

'There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.'

Astonishing footage showed the passenger walking away from the scene with some visible injuries to his face.

'Yes, one survivor is confirmed,' said Dhananjay Dwivedi, principal secretary of Gujarat state's health department.

Authorities had said earlier they believed there were no survivors on the Gatwick-bound flight that crashed in Gujarat carrying 242 passengers, including 53 Britons.

The regional police chief said 'some locals would have also died', given that the plane smashed down into offices and accommodation for doctors close to a hospital.

So far, rescue teams supported by the military have recovered 204 bodies, with casualties from the plane and the area surrounding the crash.

Today, Kongbrailatpam's (pictured) family members broke down in tears as they flipped through an album to find pictures of her

Pictures have been published on local media of crew members who were on board the Air India flight

A family member cries upon hearing the news of her brother who died when the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India

The back of Air India flight 171 is pictured at the site after it crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad

British father Vishwash Kumar Ramesh (right) is thought to be the lone survivor of the plane disaster, which is believed to have claimed the lives of hundreds of people in India

Mr Ramesh, 40, (pictured) spoke from the safety of a hospital bed after escaping from the fallen Flight 171 this morning

Police said they had found a lone survivor who had been sitting in seat 11A when Flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff in India this morning

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The passengers included 159 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and a Canadian. Eleven of those on board were children, including two newborns.

Aviation experts say that Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

The possible causes are believed to include a rapid change in wind or a bird strike leading to a double engine stall.

Officials from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are now at the scene to carry out an analysis of the wreckage and retrieve the stricken jet's black box.

Videos shared on social media showed the aircraft rapidly losing altitude - with its nose up - before it hit a building and erupted in a violent explosion.

The Boeing jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat at around 1:40pm (0810 GMT), officials said.

Ahmedabad, the main city of India's Gujarat state, is home to around eight million people, and the busy airport is surrounded by densely packed residential areas.

'When we reached the spot there were several bodies lying around and firefighters were dousing the flames,' resident Poonam Patni told AFP.

The plane momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon in this horrifying clip

A video posted to social media appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed

Rescue team members work as smoke rises at the site in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

People look at the debris of an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state

The number of fatalities is not yet known but rescuers said at least 30 bodies have so far been recovered from a building

Firefighters work at the site of the crash near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

A view of the site where a plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in India's western state of Gujarat on June 12, 2025

'Our office is near the building where the plane crashed. We saw people from the building jumping from the second and third floor to save themselves. The plane was in flames,' said one resident, who declined to be named.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scenes from the crash were 'devastating', in a statement addressing passengers and their families 'at this deeply distressing time.'

Boeing said it was 'working to gather more information' on the incident which a source close to the case said was the first crash for a 787 Dreamliner.
The mystery donor who distributed war time masks to protesters during the Los Angeles riots has been arrested.

Alejandro Theodoro Orellana faces a charge of conspiracy to commit civil disorders after he allegedly distributed tactical gear to suspected rioters on Tuesday.

He was taken into custody by FBI agents Thursday morning, US Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed.

Shocking video recorded during a local Fox broadcast Tuesday showed dozens of demonstrators rushing towards a Ford F-150 as a woman in the truck bed passed out gas masks and riot shields.

Orellana is suspected to have been driving the truck at that time.

Law enforcement are 'moving quickly' to identify and arrest all individuals involved in 'organizing or supporting civil disorder in Los Angeles', Essayli said.

The chaos in Los Angeles began last Friday when anti-ICE protesters seized on a handful of police raids across the city.

Peaceful demonstrations quickly turned into riots that saw downtown businesses looted, a major freeway blocked and vehicles set ablaze.

Alejandro Theodoro Orellana was taken into custody Thursday morning on alleged Conspiracy to Commit Civil Disorders

Orellana is believed to have been driving the Ford F-150 that dispersed tactical gear to rioters

Orellana and an unidentified woman were caught on camera Tuesday dispersing tactical gear to a large crowd of rioters near the federal buildings in downtown.

The woman passed out 'bionic shield' branded gas masks and riot shields from the truck as the National Guard was stationed nearby.

Orellana and the woman appeared to be travelling in a group of masked individuals.

It is unclear if the group was affiliated with any particular organization.

Los Angeles police have made nearly 400 arrests and detentions since Saturday, the vast majority of which were for failing to leave the area at the request of law enforcement, according to the police department.

There have been a handful of more serious charges, including for assault against police officers and for possession of a Molotov cocktail and a gun.

Nine police officers have been hurt, mostly with minor injures. Some were transported to a hospital and released.

The LA protests have prompted demonstrators across the country to take to the streets, with anti-ICE protests popping up in more than a dozen major cities.

Orellana and the woman appeared to be travelling in a group of masked individuals. It is unclear if the group was affiliated with any particular organization

The group passed out 'bionic shield' branded masks to a large crowd of demonstrators near the federal buildings in downtown LA on Tuesday

The Trump administration has rapidly expanded military to deployments to Los Angeles over the past week and has said it is willing to send troops to other cities to assist with immigration enforcement and controlling disturbances.

Some 2,000 National Guard soldiers are in LA and are soon to be joined by 2,000 more, along with about 700 Marines, said Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, who's in charge of the operation.

About 500 of the Guard troops deployed to the LA protests have been trained to accompany agents on immigration operations, the commander said Wednesday.

The Guard has the authority to temporarily detain people who attack officers, but any arrests must be made by law enforcement.

A federal court hearing is scheduled for Thursday challenging President Donald Trump's use of the National Guard and Marines to support immigration raids in Los Angeles.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom warns that the military intervention is the onset of a much broader effort by Trump to overturn norms at the heart of the nation's democracy.

He also said that sending National Guard troops on the raids has further inflamed tensions in Los Angeles, where large and sometimes volatile protests have broken out since the crackdown began nearly a week ago.

The Trump administration has called the state's lawsuit a 'crass political stunt endangering American lives'.

Protesters march through downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday as demonstrations continue after a series of immigration raids began last Friday

Sheriffs are seen as more than a thousand of anti-ICE protesters gathered at Pershing Square on Wednesday and marched to City Hall as they were confronted by huge number of police including mounted police in Los Angeles

Protesters light a fire outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle on Wednesday during a demonstration to denounce the Trump administration's ICE raids

Dozens of mayors from across the LA region banded together Wednesday to demand that the Trump administration end the stepped-up immigration raids and stop using military troops alongside agents.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the raids spread fear at the behest of the White House and that the city's nightly curfew would remain in effect as long as necessary. It covers a section of downtown where the protests have been concentrated in the sprawling city.

'If there are raids that continue, if there are soldiers marching up and down our streets, I would imagine that the curfew will continue,' Bass said.

Those who have been caught up in the nationwide raids include asylum seekers, people who overstayed their visas and migrants awaiting their day in immigration court.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
Britain's deal with America to reduce tariffs on UK car exports could finally be implemented within days, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds signalled today.

More than a month ago, on 8 May, PM Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump struck an agreement in the wake of the US President imposing sweeping trade tariffs across the world.

The two leaders struck a 'cars for agriculture' deal that would see tariffs on British automotive and steel exports to the US slashed.

This was in exchange for greater access to UK markets for American goods such as beef and ethanol.

But the agreement is still yet to be implemented amid claims the two sides are still negotiating over the section of the deal affecting British steel exports.

Mr Reynolds this afternoon insisted Britain was 'ready to go' as soon as the US President gives the green light on the deal.

He told reporters at a Westminster lunch event: 'We are ready to go on our side.

'In terms of the steps I need to take, I will inform the House [of Commons] with a written ministerial statement and lay the statutory instruments for the reciprocal part of that deal, which is obviously about beef and ethanol for us on this side.

'So we're ready to go, and as soon as the President and the White House on their side are able to, we will implement that part of the deal.'

Britain's deal with America to reduce tariffs on UK car exports could finally be implemented within days, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds signalled today

PM Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, pictured together in February, struck an agreement in the wake of the US President imposing sweeping trade tariffs across the world

The Business Secretary added he was 'very hopeful' the agreement could be implemented by the end of this week.

Sir Keir is soon due to meet with Mr Trump at the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, which begins on Sunday.

Earlier this week, Mr Reynolds met with US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick in London, with the PM also dropping in on the meeting.

He said: 'We have had - again - a very significant week. We have not only had interactions this week... between ourselves and the US, and ourselves and China, we have been hosting talks between the US and China.'

Mr Reynolds added: 'Secretary Lutnick and I and the PM talked specifically about the execution of the automotive tariff reduction, the quota, which is part of our deal.'

Along with 10 per cent tariffs on all British goods, Mr Trump earlier this year imposed 25 per cent levies on cars and steel.

He later increased the tariff on steel to 50 per cent, but gave the UK a reprieve, keeping Britains rate at 25 per cent until at least July 9.

Under the broad terms of last months UK-US agreement, the US will implement quotas that will effectively eliminate the tariff on British steel and reduce the tariff on UK vehicles to 10 per cent.

Following Tuesday's meeting with Mr Reynolds and the PM, Mr Lutnick posted on X/Twitter: 'It was a pleasure to meet our great ally, the Prime Minister of the UK, at Downing Street.

'We agreed to implement our historic trade deal as soon as possible, starting with the agreed quotas for UK autos, and US beef and ethanol, becoming simultaneously active in the coming days.'
On the latest episode of the Daily Mails Pipeline podcast, reporter Isabelle Stanley examines the chilling theories as to why Paria blocked efforts to rescue four men trapped in an underwater oil pipe.

From compensation plots to international conspiracy, Stanley interviews legal experts and journalists to test the credibility of theories that emerged in the wake of the Caribbean Diving Disaster.

In February 2022, five divers were sucked hundreds of feet into a 30-inch pipe they were repairing off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago.

Despite one of the divers, Christopher Boodram, escaping after an unimaginable three-hour ordeal, rescue attempts for the remaining four were repeatedly blocked, leaving them to die slowly in what became a national scandal.

The pipe was managed by Paria, one arm of Trinidad's state-owned oil company.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Trinidad's then-Energy Minister Stuart Young launched an official enquiry, led by one of the UK's top international criminal barristers, Jerome Lynch KC.

Lynch concluded that the four divers werent rescued because of a series of mistakes, incompetence and inaction by Paria.

In February 2022, five divers were sucked hundreds of feet into a 30-inch pipe they were repairing off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago

The pipe was managed by Paria, one arm of Trinidad's state-owned oil company

Despite his recommendation that the oil company be charged with corporate manslaughter, police have issued only vague statements that an investigation remains ongoing

Despite his recommendation that the oil company be charged with corporate manslaughter, police have issued only vague statements that an investigation remains ongoing.

This stalemate and lack of closure has created an information vacuum - which residents of Trinidad have filled with hundreds of theories, trying to work out why Paria abandoned the rescue effort.

Rightly or wrongly, the victims families wonder if there is something more another reason to explain why their loved ones were left to die - something other than pure negligence or incompetence.

Prakash Ramadhar, a lawyer representing two of the victims' families, told the podcast that he believes the oil giant may have thwarted a rescue to avoid the costs associated with caring for the injured divers if they had been pulled out alive.

He claims any survivors may have suffered life-changing injuries, creating lifelong financial liability for the company.

Mr Ramadhar said: I believe that Parias initial belief was that they all had perished and if they had not perished, they would soon perish.

As crass as it may sound, there is a belief in the legal fraternity that it may have been cheaper to allow the men to die than it was to rescue them, broken and maimed.

Ensuring their medical wellbeing and upkeep for their rest of their lives is far more expensive than allowing them to die.

To hear Stanley interrogate this theory and many others that emerged in the wake of the Caribbean Diving Disaster, search for Pipeline now, wherever you get your podcasts.
A shocking video shows moms with toddlers recklessly approaching a 1,000-pound bison in Yellowstone, ignoring multiple warning signs.

One mother is seen holding her toddler's hand as she casually strolls past a large 'Road Closed' sign and makes a beeline for the bison, apparently trying to give her child a closer look at the hulking beast.

She's flanked by two other women, also with small children in towwho hover dangerously close to the unpredictable animal.

The alarming scene was filmed by Jennifer Gunderson, a photographer visiting the park with her husband Rob to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary.

'Rob and I pulled into Pebble Creek picnic areawhich was formerly a campground closed due to severe flooding in 2022. We were about to have our lunch when we heard shouting,' she told DailyMail.com.

'We looked over to the gate and saw a few parents with small children making their way towards a bison. We also shouted with the others, but none of these families responded and kept getting closer.'

'The people next to me were on the phone with park services, so I decided to start recording in case of an incident and evidence was needed.'

Jennifer, who has been a professional photographer for over 40 years, said her background in nature and wildlife made the incident all the more jarring.

A shocking video shows moms with toddlers recklessly approaching a 1,000-pound bison in Yellowstone, ignoring multiple warning signs

One mother is seen holding her toddler's hand as she casually strolls past a large 'Road Closed' sign and makes a beeline for the bison, apparently trying to give her child a closer look at the hulking beast

'To be honest, I was shocked that people would get that close to a wild animallet alone bring small children with them,' she said.

'Since we started planning this trip three years ago, we researched safe distances from large wildlife.

'We've followed the 'Tourons of Yellowstone' Instagram account and shook our heads at some of the things posted.

'Never in our wildest dreams did we think we'd witness it in person.'

Jennifer said she and Rob have always loved landscape and wildlife photography.

'We planned this trip as our anniversary celebration for Grand Tetons and Yellowstone,' she explained. 'Last time I was in Yellowstone was 1976.'

Though no one was injured in the bison encounter, it could have ended very differently.

A shocking video shows multiple mothers at Yellowstone National Park bringing their young children dangerously close to a 1,000-pound bison, blatantly ignoring warning signs and park safety rules

Pictured: A tourist hops out of her vehicle to take a picture of Bison as they cross the road during the rut in Yellowstone National Park, which lasts from mid July till early September, the female bison go into heat and are receptive to breeding on August 9, 2024

The footage has sparked fresh calls for better education - and harsher penalties - for tourists who put their children, and Yellowstone's animals, at risk.

This comes just after a New Jersey man was gored by a Yellowstone bisonthe second person this year to feel the wrath of the massive beasts after getting too close.

The 30-year-old, from Randolph, was attacked just before 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Upper Geyser Basin, not far from Old Faithful, after he and a group of tourists approached the animal. It charged and struck him, leaving him with minor injuries.

He was transported by emergency personnel for treatment, and the incident remains under investigation.

It marked the second goring of 2025. On May 4, a 47-year-old Florida man was also gored after approaching a bison.

In 2024, two more people were injured by bison, including an 83-year-old South Carolina woman who was tossed into the air after getting caught in a bison's horns.

There was one goring in 2023, and two in 2022each a stark warning that Yellowstone's wildlife is anything but tame.
House Republicans have passed a DOGE-inspired measure to cut billions in spending, including taxpayer cash for public broadcasters NPR and PBS.

A $9.4 billion package, suggested by the White House to Congress, passed through the House Thursday on a razor thin 214 - 212 vote. It will soon head to the GOP-controlled Senate.

The bill formally withdraws funding previously approved by Congress for foreign aid, public broadcasters and more.

It is the first of what GOP leaders expect to be many so-called 'rescission' packages where the White House asks lawmakers to rethink their approval of certain programs.

The bill specifically contains 21 budget rescissions, many identified by DOGE.

If Congress does not vote on DOGE's findings, the money won't stop flowing to the myriad programs flagged for fraud, waste and abuse by the group formerly led by Elon Musk.

Over $8 billion in USAID funding for social foreign aid programs abroad, like operas for transgender people and pro-LGBT groups throughout the world, is also on the chopping block.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., called the cuts to 'George W. Bush-era' global AIDS prevention programs 'reckless' during a briefing on Thursday.

But Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has said 'there is no reason for any media organization to be singled out to receive federal funds.'

The bill is a major Trump priority.

The House passed a measure Thursday that will claw back funding appropriated for public broadcasters like NPR

President Trump has long feuded with NPR for refusing to report on the Hunter Biden laptop story and other perceived journalistic failures. He claims the outlet is not 'fair, accurate or unbiased'

PBS, which received over $300 million in funding from CPB this year, will also be impacted by the cuts

'Republicans must defund and totally disassociate themselves from NPR & PBS, the radical left 'monsters' that so badly hurt our country!' Trump posted on social media last month.

Within days he signed an executive order to cease funding the 'radical, woke propaganda disguised as news,' and the rescission bill is the first step in that process.

The bill passed by the House Thursday includes $1.1 billion in cuts for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a nonprofit created by Congress to oversee the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR) - outlets Trump and Republicans see as left-leaning and hostile.

The package rescinds $535 million from the CPB that was allocated in FY2024 and meant to be spent next year FY2026, which begins on October 1, 2025.

It also rescinds another $535 million in CPB funds meant to be spent in FY2027.

Just before the vote the president urged GOP lawmakers to back the DOGE bill.

'For decades, Republicans have promised to cut NPR, but have never done it, until now. NPR and PBS are a radical left disaster, and 1000 percent against the Republican Party!'

'The Rescissions Bill is a no brainer, and every single Republican in Congress should vote, 'yes,'' he wrote on Truth Social.

Speaker Mike Johnson celebrated the bill's passage on Thursday

A demonstrator displays a sign that reads 'Stop Cuts Save PBS & NPR,' while taking part in a 'No Kings on D-Day,' rally on the Boston Common, in remembrance of past and present members of the military, in Boston, Massachusetts, last week

Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., speaks in front of poster with Elmo and Musk during a hearing the the heads of NPR and PBS in March

PBS, for example, received $325 million in CPB funding this year.

'NPR typically receives about 1 percent of its funding directly from the federal government, and a slightly greater amount indirectly; its 246 member institutions, operating more than 1,000 stations, receive on average 8 percent to 10 percent of their funds from CPB,' NPR said.

The White House order claims 'neither entity presents a fair, accurate or unbiased portrayal of current events to tax-paying citizens.'

Speaker Johnson affirmed Trump's effort telling reporters there's no reason any media organization should be 'singled out to receive federal funds.'

Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought said in a letter to the president the rescissions would cut Green New Deal-type programs as well as equity programs and World Health Organization (WHO) funding.

House Republicans celebrated the Trump-backed bill's passage.

'Under President Trump's leadership, your taxpayer dollars are no longer being wasted. Instead, they are being directed toward priorities that truly benefit the American people,' Johnson released in a statement.

'Today's House passage of this initial rescissions package marks a critical step toward a more responsible and transparent government that puts the interests of the American taxpayers first.

Though before the vote the speaker did note there was some questions still swirling in his caucus.

'There was some concern but I think we've addressed everybody's concerns,' Johnson said confidently Thursday morning.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters this week that the upper chamber will take up the DOGE-inspired measure some time after passing Trump's Big Beautiful Bill Act, which the president wants done before Independence Day.
A JetBlue plane missed the runway at Boston Airport this morning just hours after an Air India jet crashed, killing 244 people on board.

JetBlue flight 312 rolled into the grass area off runway 33-L upon landing at Boston Logan International Airport, Massachusetts Port Authority told Daily Mail.

Photographs shared online show the plane lying in the grass near the tarmac.

Emergency personnel are on scene and the runway is closed as officials asses the aircraft. A ground stop is also in place at the airport until at least 1pm.

No injuries were reported and passengers are being bussed to the terminal.

A JetBlue plane missed the runway at Boston Logan International Airport this morning

Emergency personnel are on scene and the runway is closed as officials asses the aircraft

JetBlue flight 312 rolled into the grass area off runway 33-L upon landing at Boston Logan International Airport

JetBlue Airways Flight 312 departed Chicago O'Hare International Thursday at 8:41am local time.

The Boston-bound Airbus A220 was in the process of landing at Logan Airport at 11:49am EST when it skidded off the runway.

'Customers safely deplaned and were bussed to the terminal,' a JetBlue spokesperson told Daily Mail. 'Safety is JetBlues top priority.

'We will conduct a full investigation of the incident and will work closely with the relevant authorities to understand the cause.'

Officials have not provided any explanation for the mishap at this time.

Daily Mail has also approached the FAA and NTSB for further information.

The incident in Boston comes just hours after a London Gatwick-bound Air India Boeing 787 crashed in India this morning.

At least 244 people were killed in the crash, an official said, noting that 'most of the bodies have been charred beyond recognition'.

Photographs shared online show the plane lying in the grass near the tarmac

A ground stop is in place at Boston Logan International Airport until at least 1pm (file photo)

Aviation experts say that Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

The possible causes are believed to include a rapid change in wind or a bird strike leading to a double engine stall.

Officials from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are now at the scene to carry out an analysis of the wreckage and retrieve the stricken jet's black box.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
Over the past several days, all manner of allegations have been made about legal and targeted federal immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles  and my apparent involvement in them.

So many of these claims are untrue, provoking unnecessary distractions and more of the destructive rage that already pervades too much of our political dialogue.

So allow me to set the record straight.

Despite the so-called 'reporting,' I was not actually 'embedded' with Immigration and Customs enforcement officers making arrests during the raids in LA on Friday, June 6.

I was privy to the parameters of the operation and conducted an on-camera interview with Border Czar Tom Homan the evening before the Friday operation and on the Saturday morning afterward for broadcast on MeritTV.

I was also present for a multi-agency briefing early Friday morning at ICE's LA headquarters involving the FBI, ATF, US Marshal Service and the IRS. I garnered additional insights from Mr. Homan as we drove through the area Friday.

And contrary to what's been reported  or more accurately, not reported  in the mainstream media, federal activities on June 6 did not conduct a random round-up of illegal immigrants in Los Angeles.

Rather, their coordinated multi-agency operations were conducted pursuant to a duly authorized federal search warrant  not a rumor nor hunch.

Over the past several days, all manner of allegations have been made about targeted federal immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles  and my apparent involvement in them. (Pictured: Author, Dr Phil McGraw).

Contrary to what's been reported - or more accurately, not reported - in the mainstream media, federal activities on June 6 were not some random round-up of illegal immigrants in Los Angeles. (Pictured: Rioters in Los Angeles).

To obtain a search warrant, the government is required to present evidence to a federal judge who will evaluate if there is probable cause to issue such a warrant and that was done regarding a particular company in LA.

The primary business targeted in Friday's operations was Ambiance Apparel, which, I'm told, is suspected of involvement in criminal activity.

And this is not the first time that this company has been in hot water. In 2020, the business and its owner, Sang Bum 'Ed' Noh were accused by federal prosecutors of undervaluing imports and skirting millions of dollars in tariffs. Ambiance Apparel pleaded guilty to eight offenses, such as conspiracy and money laundering, and Noh was sentenced to a year in prison.

Now, according to the White House border czar Tom Homan, the troubled manufacturer is being investigated again for alleged money laundering, tax evasion and customs fraud.

After federal officers raided that company facility, they audited the workforce and reportedly encountered some 40 individuals believed to be in the US illegally. Following US law, they took those individuals into custody.

I was at ICE's LA headquarters when these individuals were brought in, and I can report that these people were treated with dignity and respect, offered food and water and then interviewed.

In short, Friday operations were a strategic enforcement of the law  deliberate and legally sanctioned. But the response of some so-called activists, on the other hand, have been dangerous, destructive and utterly lawless.

Rioters attacked law enforcement officers throwing chunks of broken concrete and other projectiles at moving vehicles. Others blocked agents from doing their jobs. Still more rampaged through the city looting, destroying public property and even torching cars in the streets.

For what?

I've spoken extensively to Border czar Homan and President Donald Trump about their immigration enforcement goals, which are to close the southern border with Mexico, prioritize the deportations of the most dangerous illegal immigrants in the country, finally, to find an estimated 300,000 undocumented children who have gone missing over the last several years.

Some of these children have very likely found their way to families, but an untold number of these vulnerable minors have been pushed into prostitution and forced labor, and they need to be rescued.

Additionally, after these children are located, they'll require medical, psychological and sociological services to help them recover from the inevitable trauma that they've suffered.

Who among us would object to these priorities? Yet, Los Angeles erupted into chaos.

Where were these protesters when President Barack Obama was deporting 2.8 million illegal immigrants during his administration? Perhaps, today's 'activists' are motivated more by politics than principle.

The truth, though it may be hard to hear, can't be avoided: laws are not suggestions. They aren't 'optional,' and being a good person or worker does not grant immunity from them.

If these impassioned protesters really want change, they should show up in Washington, DC, to protest Congress or write to their representatives to demand legislative reform.

While the right to peaceful protest is the cornerstone of our democracy, the ICE agents who risked their safety to perform their jobs are neither politicians nor lawmakers. They did not put pen to paper to propose these policies  they are merely operating under a sworn duty to enforce the law, not rewrite it.

Border czar Tom Homan (L) and President Donald Trump aim to close the southern border with Mexico, prioritize the deportations of the most dangerous illegal immigrants in the country and to find an estimated 300,000 undocumented children who have gone missing.

Rioters attacked law enforcement officers throwing chunks of broken concrete and other projectiles at moving vehicles. Others blocked agents from doing their jobs. Still more rampaged through the city looting, destroying property and even torching cars in the streets.

But throwing rocks at law enforcement officers? Blocking vehicles? That's not speech, it is criminal conduct, plain and simple  and it certainly should not deter ICE operations.

Make no mistake the violence perpetrated against ICE and other law enforcement officers is not a negotiation for justice. It is a demand for surrender. But that cannot happen.

If you want to change immigration policy  fine. Let's have that debate. Let's talk reform.

We need more truth, not more rage. And we need a media willing to inform, not inflame.
A couple who said they were travelling to Manchester for their 'honeymoon' have ended up in jail after their suitcases were found stuffed full of cannabis.

Jeng Chow, 30, and Ley Wat, 25, were travelling from their native Malaysia with 28 vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana and had even made a stop over in Qatar.

But the couple, understood to be engaged, were arrested in Terminal 2 of Manchester Airport in April.

The Class B drugs were worth 99,000 at wholesale prices but the street value would have been 'much higher', Minshull Street Crown Court heard.

Wat, who was said to be in debt, was in contact with smugglers and promised cash following a successful handover.

They couple sat in the dock, side by side, as they were sentenced - at one point, they shared a hug and a kiss.

They were jailed and will be deported back to Malaysia once their sentences have been completed.

Prosecuting, Isobel Thomas earlier told the court Chow and Wat were taken to Pendleton police station and interviewed after being stopped by Border Force officers.

Jeng Chow, 30 (pictured), and Ley Wat, 25, were travelling from their native Malaysia to Manchester for their 'honeymoon' with 28 vacuum-sealed packages of marijuana

Wat (pictured), who was said to be in debt, was in contact with smugglers and promised cash following a successful handover

The couple were arrested in Terminal 2 of Manchester Airport in April despite having a stop over in Qatar

Chow said he and Wat were married and had travelled to the UK for their honeymoon but answered 'no comment' to further questions while Wat told officers she thought her suitcase contained alcohol.

Wat has since said she and Chow were in contact with a third party and that someone was going to pick up the drugs at the airport in exchange for money.

Neither Chow or Wat have previous criminal convictions.

Defending Chow, Mark Shanks said he was in legitimate employment back at home, but that he became a drug mule through Wat.

Mr Shanks said the couple were due to be paid 800 each.

He said Chow has a supportive family back home and that he wants to return to as soon as possible.

Richard Vardon, defending Wat, said she agreed to become involved after getting into debt.

'She has paid a high price for that,' he added.

Prison has been a 'big shock to her system', Mr Vardon said, adding that she desperately wants to return home to her family.

Chow and Wat both pleaded guilty to one count of being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of a Class B drug.

They were both sentenced to a year and three months by judge Recorder Sarah Holt.
An alleged LA rioter with cowered with fear as he was arrested by federal agents in a dramatic stand-off.

Christian Cerna-Camacho was apprehended Wednesday morning by federal agents who rammed their vehicles into his car.

Newly released video of his arrest shows how he exited the vehicle with his hands up, visibly shaking as ICE agents pointed their weapons at his car.

Cerna-Camacho, who revealed he had 'two kids in my car' at the time of the collision, slowly walked towards police with his hands behind his head.

He was placed in handcuffs and searched as he, in a soft spoken tone, seemingly tried to plead with the agents and claimed he was not a criminal.

But one agent hit back and asked, 'you remember Saturday?', referring to the day Cerna-Camacho allegedly assaulted an officer during a riot.

He admitted he remembered the incident, before saying how he was the victim of officers who 'put their hands on me'.

'Yes, I remember you when you pushed on me. You pushed me,' Cerna-Camacho said. 'Yes, I remember what happened. I know you guys put your hands on me first.'

Christian Cerna-Camacho, who is accused of punching a border agent during the Los Angeles riots last weekend, was apprehended Wednesday morning by ICE agents who rammed their vehicles into his car

Newly released video of his arrest shows how he exited the vehicle with his hands up, visibly shaking as ICE agents pointed their weapons at his car

ICE agents rammed into his car and pinned it between two unmarked vehicles on Wednesday in the 3700 block of Whittier Boulevard in LA's Boyle Heights neighborhood

The officer, however, did not show any sympathy for Cerna-Camacho and instead reminded him how he has video of the incident.

But the suspect, who also claimed to video, continued to plea: 'I was on a public road, man. I was on a public road. I was on a public road.

'I was on public property. I was in the middle of the street and you pushed me. You put your hands on me.'

The ICE officer remained unphazed by Cerna-Camacho's claims, reiterating once again how the alleged assault was caught on camera.

As he was dragged away from the scene, Cerna-Camacho commented on the damage to his vehicle: 'You guys are going to pay for that s***.'

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the new footage of Cerna-Camacho's arrest hours after video of agents ramming into his car and pinned it between two unmarked cars went viral on social media.

In dramatic clip, the suspect is seen turning onto the road in the 3700 block of Whittier Boulevard in LA's Boyle Heights neighborhood.

In just seconds, an unmarked light blue van car maneuvers in front while another boxes the vehicle in from behind.

Cerna-Camacho was placed in handcuffs and searched as he, in a soft spoken tone, seemingly tried to plea with the agents and claimed he was not a criminal

DHS released a statement explaining the operation was a 'targeted arrest' of a man described as a 'violent rioter who punched a CBP officer'

Pictured is Cerna-Camacho's damaged vehicle

Federal agents then exited the vehicle with guns drawn and appeared to release tear gas as they attempted to make an arrest.

As the video circulated online, social media users unleashed a wave of unsubstantiated theories including that ICE agents were involved in a hit-and-run.

DHS released a statement explaining the operation was a 'targeted arrest' of a man described as a 'violent rioter who punched a CBP officer'.

'This was no hit and run. This was a targeted arrest of a violent rioter who PUNCHED a CBP officer,' DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin wrote in a statement on X.

'When Homeland Security Investigations tried to arrest Christian Damian Cerno-Camacho for the assault, he attempted to flee. He was ultimately arrested and taken into custody.'

Cerna-Camacho was in the vehicle with a woman passenger, a toddler, and a baby in the backseat when the two cars pinned the vehicle, the Los Angeles Police Department told local ABC affiliate, KABC.

The woman was identified as his wife and was seen in other videos in a heated confrontation with officers as protesters gathered at the scene.

Cerna-Camacho's wife, holding her infant daughter, speaks to a police officer inside a shop where she is and her family took shelter after the incident in Boyle Heights on Wednesday

Cerna-Camacho was in the vehicle with a woman passenger, a toddler, and a baby in the backseat when the two cars pinned the vehicle. His wife is pictured leaving the shop with their toddler aged son after the incident

The LAPD added the incident was being investigated as a possible assault with a deadly weapon involving federal agents.

'Our officers are facing a 413 percent increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest murders, rapists, and gang members,' DHS said in a statement.

'Secretary Noem's message to the LA rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law.'

'And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.'

Witnesses told that a smoke device was dispersed during the altercation.

An employee at a nearby grocery store told the Los Angeles Times after Cerna-Camacho's arrest, his wife and children went to the business for almost three hours before family picked them up.

Jesus Trujillo, told KABC, that he was a friend of the family and said Cerno-Camacho is an American citizen. DHS also confirmed his citizenship.

Witnesses gathered around the scene and told local news that federal agents released a chemical smoke after cornering the vehicle

Community activist Verita Topete echoed a similar claim, questioning why DHS agents arrested the man.

'We saw her with one of her hands up and her toddler child in the other hand,' Topete said of his wife.

She added: 'He was crying and the mother was in a lot of distress. She was frantic, she was in distress.'

DHS said Cerno-Camacho was arrested and taken into custody, but it's unclear where he's being held and how long he was detained.
A teenage armed robber was shot dead when he tried to mug a man minutes after stealing a car at gunpoint and two women's purses.

Daone Feazell, 18, was gunned down in Humboldt Park, on Chicago's West Side, at 10.48pm on Tuesday, ending a brief but violent crime spree.

He was shot after approaching a man unloading his car on the 1400 block of North Artesian Avenue, brandishing a gun and demanding his property.

The 36-year-old would-be victim quickly pulled out his own gun and shot Feazell several times in the chest and head, Chicago Police said.

Feazell, who goes by 'DaOne Noremorse' online but is not gang-affiliated, was rushed to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The man who shot him used his legally registered firearm and also held a concealed carry permit, police said. He was not injured.

Daone Feazell, 18, (pictured) was gunned down in Humboldt Park, on Chicago 's West Side, at 10.48pm on Tuesday, ending a brief but violent crime spree

Feazell's crime spree began just 18 minutes earlier when he robbed a man on the corner of Fulton and Kilpatrick in Austin and stole his grey 2025 Toyota Corolla.

Then at 10.43pm he pulled up alongside two women, both 27, walking on the 2500 block of West Haddon in Humboldt Park.

He jumped out of the stolen car and robbed them at gunpoint of their purses, phones, and wallets, before fleeing in the Corolla.

But his third time was not a charm and within five minutes he was lying on the ground in a pool of blood.

Police found the women's stolen property inside the Corolla, which was confirmed to be the same one he carjacked earlier, they wrote in the report.

Feazell's grandmother Vanessa Horton said she last saw him on Monday, the day before his death, at her granddaughter's graduation.

'When we got home he walked me upstairs and that was the last time I saw him,' she told the Daily Mail.

Feazell participating in a viral Instagram trend of being photographed looking at the ground at gas stations

'He was a good kid - as far as I knew him. All he did was play videos games, he wasn't into gangs or nothing.

'I don't know what happened.'

A local alleged gang leader claimed Feazell was not in a gang, 'just a little boy that grew up in the hood'.

He claimed the teen had no serious criminal history and 'just happen to fall off in some bad habits'.

Feazell's family and friends reacted with shock and dismay to the news of his death,

'Wtf, you was just at the graduation cuz,' one wrote.
The Prime Minister has been accused of misleading the public over his tax raid on private schools after suggesting it will be used to fund homes, not teachers.

Sir Keir Starmer provoked outrage after suggesting his housing pledge this week was made possible because of VAT on school fees.

This would be deeply controversial as Labour have always maintained the tax would pay for state school improvements such as 6,500 new teachers.

It comes as families await a High Court judgement tomorrow over whether the tax is legal.

During a judicial review hearing earlier this year, Government lawyers said a central objective of the policy was to invest in public services, including the state education system.

However, in an X post after Wednesdays Spending Review, Sir Keir appeared to suggest housing will now be the beneficiary.

He wrote: In the budget last year, my government made the tough but fair decision to apply VAT to private schools.

The Tories opposed it. Reform opposed it.

Today, because of that choice, we have announced the largest investment in affordable housing in a generation.

Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) has been accused of misleading the public over his tax raid on private schools after suggesting it will be used to fund homes, not teachers.

The Prime Minister (pictured with Chancellor Rachel Reeves) provoked outrage after suggesting his housing pledge this week was made possible 'because' of VAT on school fees

Such a move would be deeply controversial as Labour have always maintained the tax would pay for state school improvements such as 6,500 new teachers (pictured: Sir Keir's post on X)

Replying, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: Yes we opposed it. Its a terrible policy.

It has forced schools to shut, sending 1000s of pupils into state schools that are now struggling for space, teachers and money you didnt account for.

And you said every penny would go into state schools... but now its housing?

Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott added: Labour needs to come clean with the public.

They are taxing British childrens education to build homes that will be given away to illegal migrants.

Broadcaster and Daily Mail columnist Andrew Neil said: I thought the VAT from school fees was to go on state schools? Not housing.

You cant even get your lies straight.

The Government has previously predicted the tax will raise an extra 1.7 billion a year by 2029-30 for the Treasury.

Ministers have a long record of claiming that money raised from VAT on fees would be given to state schools (pictured: Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson)

Pictured: Bridget Phillipson's post on X in October, where she said: 'Our state schools need teachers more than private schools need embossed stationary'

Ministers have a long record of claiming that money would be given to state schools.

In December last year, the chancellor Rachel Reeves said: Every single penny of that money will go into our state schools to ensure every child gets the best start in life, and that is so often through being able to recruit and retain the best teachers.

In October, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said of the tax: Our state schools need teachers more than private schools need embossed stationery.

In the Spending Review, Labour said it would spend 4 billion by 2029-30 on affordable homes and social housing.

It also vowed to stop housing asylum seekers in hotels by 2029, raising suggestions these people would instead be moved into social housing.

Mrs Reeves said she was providing a cash uplift of more than 4.5 billion for schools by 2029.

However, experts say much of this will be used up by the decision to extend free school meals to everyone on universal credit.

In addition, Labours manifesto pledge of 6,500 new teachers was called into question last week after it was revealed this no longer applies to primary schools, which have seen numbers fall.

It comes as families await a High Court judgement tomorrow over whether the tax is legal (pictured: children protesting against the policy in April)

During a judicial review hearing earlier this year, Government lawyers said a central objective of the policy was to invest in public services, including the state education system (pictured: pupils protesting against the VAT in April)

Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council, said: Throughout the debate on VAT, schools were promised that the money raised  if any  would go to state education.

Now the revelation that it will now pay for housing.

We are in the worst-case scenario, one that we have warned about since the introduction of this policy: real damage has been done to independent education without any benefit to state schools, who are also facing further cuts. It is children who will lose out as a result.

A spokesman for parent group Education Not Taxation said: Labour's plan to fund housing with school fee VAT shows that this was never about improving education in state schools, but about punishing families who dared to send their child to an independent school.

Everyone will lose out.

A Labour source said: 'Ending private schools tax breaks allowed this Labour government to restore stability to our public finances, drive investment in our state schools and build the platform needed to invest in the British peoples priorities - including affordable housing.

'Reform and the Tories would hand back those tax breaks to private schools.

'Parents should be clear what that means for their children: it means Reform and the Conservatives taking away free breakfast clubs, nursery places and cancelling the rebuilding of crumbling school buildings.'

Asked about Sir Keir's X post, a Downing Street spokesman said: We have always been clear that ending tax breaks for private schools will raise 1.8 billion a year by 2029/30 to help fund public services, including supporting the 94 per cent of children in state schools to help ensure excellence everywhere for every child.

'As the Chancellor set out yesterday the spending review delivers that investment for the renewal of Britain.

'The spending plans are only possible because of the decisions the government took to stabilise the public finances, including the decision to end tax breaks for private schools.
Arizona residents have been terrorized by a sketchy new text message scam that uses a fake government agency to convince people into handing over their personal information.

Spooked residents across Arizona and several other states have been hit with alarming texts this week claiming to be from the non-existent 'Arizona Ministry of Communications.'

The chilling messages warn recipients they have outstanding traffic tickets and threaten to suspend their vehicle registration.

The scam has become so widespread that even Good Morning Arizona anchors Scott Pasmore and Tess Rafols both received the identical threatening messages at exactly the same time on Wednesday, they shared on AZ Family.

'We got hit with the SAME SCAM at the same time this morning!!! Don't fall for it!' Rafols warned her Instagram followers alongside a photo of the sketchy text.

'Scott and I literally got this text around 9am saying we had an outstanding traffic ticket and to pay up or else.' she continued in the Instagram post.

Hundreds of users commented on the warning admitting they had also received the same text that week.

Scammers behind the fake texts are attempting to trick Americans into clicking dangerous links and sharing sensitive personal information.

The scam has become so widespread that even Good Morning Arizona anchors Scott Pasmore and Tess Rafols both received the identical threatening messages at exactly the same time on Wednesday, they shared on AZ Family

Spooked residents across Arizona and several other states have been hit with an alarming text (pictured) this week claiming to be from the non-existent 'Arizona Ministry of Communications'

The chilling messages warn recipients they have outstanding traffic tickets and threaten to suspend their vehicle registration

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has confirmed that the messages are an elaborate scam designed to steal personal data and potentially drain bank accounts.

Mayes issued an urgent warning to residents: 'If you get a text from the 'Arizona Ministry of Communications' ignore and delete it.'

'And you can always report text scams to my office or to the FTC,' Mayes warned.

In March, the FBI warned that a texting scam targeting Americans for months is now spreading to even more states.

The ongoing scheme has been trying to trick people into thinking they have unpaid road tolls and that they have to pay them off immediately to avoid expensive late fees.

Federal officials said smartphone users need to delete these messages immediately and alert the actual toll service the scammers are claiming to represent.

According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), they've already received over 2,000 complaints about this smishing scam.

'Smishing' is an attack by cybercriminals using fake text messages to get people to share private information, send money, or download malware onto their smartphone.

Anchor Tess Rafols (pictured) is one of the hundreds of people who say they received the same sketchy text this week

In spring 2024, IC3 warned that the scam was targeting smartphone users in at least three states.

A year later, the criminals appear to be targeting most of the US, from New York to Washington state.

And in March, FBI agents in Seattle said locals need to be on the lookout for more fake messages about unpaid tolls, mounting debt by drivers, and threats of stiff fines.
President Donald Trump was asked Thursday to react to the series of 'No Kings' protests planned for Saturday - as detractors take to the streets to push back against what they say are tyrannical actions.

'I don't feel like a king,' Trump mused during an East Wing event that turned into an impromptu press conference. 'I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.'

The president was signing a resolution to roll back California's electric vehicle mandate, a first-of-its-kind initiative that would have stopped the sale of gas-powered vehicles in the state by 2035.

'A king would have never had the California mandate ... he wouldn't have to call up Mike Johnson and Thune and say "fellas you've gotta pull this off" and after years get it done,' Trump continued, name-checking House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune.

Trump then added, 'We're not a king, we're not a king at all, thank you very much,' before moving onto the next question.

The comments come as 'No Kings' protests are set to take place all across the country on Saturday, to coincide with the military parade marking the Army's 250th anniversary - also happening on Trump's 79th birthday.

'No Kings' organizers have told potential demonstrators to actually stay away from Washington, D.C., which already has a heavy security presence thanks to the parade.

Fencing was erected around the White House, the Capitol Building and parts of the National Mall ahead of Saturday's event.

President Donald Trump was asked Thursday to react to the series of 'No Kings' protests planned for Saturday - as detractors take to the streets to push back against what they say are tyrannical actions

Instead a major 'No Kings' demonstration is set to take place in Philadelphia - and D.C. locals are being steered to suburban Virginia and Maryland.

The 'No Kings' protests come on the heels of anti-ICE demonstrations taking place all over the country pushing back on the president's 'mass deportation' plans.

The epicenter of the demonstrations was in Los Angeles this week - setting up a major confrontation between Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat.

Trump federalized California National Guard members against Newsom's wishes and deployed active duty Marines to the LA area.

In the U.S., it's generally a no-no to have active duty troops patrolling civilian areas.

Military parades have also historically been avoided, as they give off an authoritarian air akin to places like Russia and North Korea.

But after seeing a Bastille Day - and World War I commemoration parade - in Paris in July of 2017, the president became fixated on having his own in the United States.

Plans got nixed during his first term due to cost concerns - as the massive tanks were expected to damage Washington, D.C.'s roads.

While Trump distanced himself from being called a 'king' on Thursday, he's used royal imagery to troll critics in the recent past

Saturday's parade for the Army kicks off more than a year's worth of celebrations marking the country's semicentennial - as July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

For years, Trump has talked about what all he would do to mark the occasion.

While Trump distanced himself from being called a 'king' on Thursday, he's used royal imagery to troll critics in the recent past.

In February, he posted an AI image of himself dressed as a monarch after officials from his administration moved to halt New York City's traffic congestion pricing system.

'Congestion pricing is dead. Manhattan, and all of New York, is saved. Long Live The King!' the post said.

An official White House social media account also posted a fake Time magazine cover that replaced 'Time' for 'Trump' and showed the president grinning and wearing a crown.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's LA riots press conference descended into chaos on Thursday when a screaming Democrat Senator interrupted the event.

California Senator Alex Padilla began shouting over Noem before he was forcibly removed from the room by multiple guards and placed in handcuffs.

Noem was speaking and the Q&A portion of the meeting had not started when Padilla started heckling and interrupting, saying: 'I'm Senator Alex Padilla, and I have questions for the secretary...'

As he was escorted out of the room during the tense interaction, he said: 'The fact of the matter is half a dozen violent criminals that you're rotating on your. hands off!'

Startling footage shared by Padilla's team showed that he was forced to his knees, then onto the ground, outside of the room - and was put in handcuffs by the FBI.

Padilla, who is the son of Mexican immigrants, slammed the Trump administration and their treatment of migrants after the ordeal at his own blistering press conference.

'If this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question, you can only imagine what they're doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community,' he said in the impassioned statement.

Trump's immigration chief Noem was in Los Angeles to discuss the Trump Administration's response to the anti-ICE protests and immigration raids in the area.

California Senator Alex Padilla interrupted the DHS press conference on Thursday

Footage shared by Padilla's team showed that he was forced to the ground and handcuffed by the FBI

Noem said she spoke with the senator afterwards and she believes he disrupted the event because he wanted to cause a scene

'We are not going away. We are staying here to liberate this city from the socialist and the burdensome leadership that this governor and mayor have placed on this country and what theyve tried to insert in this city,' she said as Padilla interrupted.

Noem condemned the senator for the disruption and noted that he had not even asked for a meeting with her.

'I think everybody in America would agree that that was inappropriate,' she said.

Sen. Padilla's team released a statement shortly after insisting he was at the press conference to perform his congressional duties.

'Senator Padilla is currently in Los Angeles exercising his duty to perform Congressional oversight of the federal government's operations in Los Angeles and across California,' the statement said.

'He was in the federal building to receive a briefing with General Guillot and was listening to Secretary Noem's press conference.

'He tried to ask the Secretary a question, and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed. He is not currently detained, and we are working to get additional information.'

After the press conference, Noem addressed the incident while standing outside the federal building.

'If he would have reached out and identified himself and let us know who he was and wanted to talk. His approach was something I don't think was appropriate at all. But the conversation was great and we are going to communicate,' she said.

'We exchanged phone numbers and we are going to continue to talk. People need to identify themselves before lunging during press conferences.'

Padilla is seen struggling as he's placed on the ground by three agents

DHS said on X that Secret Service agents believed Padilla was an attacker

Padilla began shouting over Noem before he was removed from the room

Noem was in Los Angeles to discuss the Trump Administration's response to the anti-ICE protests and immigration raids

DHS said on X that Secret Service agents believed Padilla was an attacker and they acted accordingly.

'Senator Padilla chose disrespectful political theatre and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin on as he lunged toward Secretary Noem,' the agency said.

'Mr. Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers repeated commands. @SecretService thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately.

'Secretary Noem met with Senator Padilla after and held a 15 minute meeting.'

Noem called Padilla's statement about the incident 'ridiculous' and told Fox News she believed he wanted to cause a scene.

'The way that he acted was completely inappropriate. It wasn't becoming of a U.S. Senator or official and perhaps he wanted the scene,' she said.

'This man burst into a room and started advancing towards the podium, interrupting an opening statement and, elevating his voice and shouting questions.

'People tried to stop him from interrupting the press conference, but he refused and continued to lunge towards the podium.'

Noem called Padilla's statement about the incident 'ridiculous' and told Fox News she believed he wanted to cause a scene

After the event, Padilla gave a press conference where he said if this is how DHS treats a senator, imagine how they treat immigrants

The DHS secretary told the outlet she met with the senator for about 10 to 15 minutes afterwards and the two even exchanged phone numbers.

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned Padilla's detention on social media.

'Sen. Alex Padilla is one of the most decent people I know. This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now,' he said.

'If they can handcuff a U.S. Senator for asking a question, imagine what they will do to you.'

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who Padilla replaced in the senate when she was elected VP, said, 'United States Senator Alex Padilla was representing the millions of Californians who are demanding answers to this Administration's actions in Southern California. This is a shameful and stunning abuse of power.'

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski told reporters, 'It's horrible. It is shocking at every level. It's not the America I know.'
Two doctors and their children snapped a heartbreaking final selfie onboard the doomed Air India plane just moments before disaster struck.

The picture was taken to celebrate 'new beginnings' as Komi Vyas, a doctor who worked in Udaipur, had quit her job and was moving to join her husband, Dr Prateek Joshi, in London, with their three children.

But, tragically, the family are among 241 passengers who died on the Gatwick-bound aircraft after it crashed moments after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport in the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat yesterday.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner careened back down to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway around 1.40pm local time (8.10am BST).

The plane carried 242 passengers but at least 260 people, including victims on the ground, are thought to have died.

The selfie, taken by Dr Joshi, shows him and his wife seated on one side, smiling, and their young twin boys and elder daughter sitting across the aisle, also with huge grins on their faces.

The couple's twin boys - Nakul and Pradyut - were five years old and their daughter, Miraya, was eight.

Dr Joshi's cousin, Nayan said: 'They left for Ahmedabad yesterday to take the flight to London. Prateek had come here just two days ago to take his wife and children with him.

Two doctors and their three children snapped a heartbreaking final selfie onboard the doomed Air India plane just moments before disaster struck. The picture was taken to celebrate 'new beginnings' as Komi Vyas, a doctor who worked in Udaipur, had quit her job and was moving to join her husband, Dr Prateek Joshi, in London with their three children

But, tragically, the family are among the 260 who are feared to have died after the Gatwick-bound aircraft crashed just moments after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport in the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat yesterday

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway around 1.40pm local time (8.10am BST). Pictured: Rescue team members work as smoke rises at the site where an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad

Terrifying CCTV footage shows the doomed Air India plane taking off and then plunging into the ground and exploding into a deadly fireball

In the newly surfaced clip, the Gatwick-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner is seen accelerating down the runway before pitching upwards and taking flight. But just moments later, the plane appears to lose control and is shown rapidly descending with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed

Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India

'Several other members of both families went to see them off.'

Dr Komi Vyas' brother, Prabuddha, said she had married Dr Prateek Joshi ten years ago.

Terrifying CCTV footage shows the doomed Air India plane taking off and then plunging into the ground and exploding into a deadly fireball.

In the newly surfaced clip, the Gatwick-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner is seen accelerating down the runway before pitching upwards and taking flight.

But just moments later, the plane appears to lose control and is shown rapidly descending with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

The aircraft then explodes in a huge fireball upon impact, as a massive plume of black smoke is seen billowing out from the site of the crash.

Aviation experts say that the aircraft, which was carrying 242 passengers, including 53 Britons, may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

Air India Flight 171 crashed shortly after departing Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat this morning.

A British father miraculously survived the plane disaster.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, spoke from the safety of a hospital bed after escaping from the fallen Gatwick-bound Flight 171 this morning.

Police said they had found a lone survivor who had been sitting in seat 11A when Flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff in India this morning

The passenger, who was in seat 11A when the plane came down in a residential area of Gujarat, recalled: 'Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.'

'When I got up, there were bodies all around me,' he told local media. 'I was scared. I stood up and ran.

'There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.'

Astonishing footage showed the passenger walking away from the scene with some visible injuries.

Authorities had said earlier they believed there were no survivors on the flight, while rescuers told reporters at the scene that they had recovered dozens of bodies of people inside buildings that the plane smashed into as it came down.

The possible causes of the tragedy could include a rapid change in wind causing an engine stall, or a bird strike on both engines.

Officials from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are now at the scene to carry out an analysis of the wreckage and retrieve the stricken jet's black box.

The back of Air India flight 171 is pictured at the site after it crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad

A family member cries upon hearing the news of her brother who died when the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Family members of one of the crew members of Air India flight 171 mourn at their residence in Thoubal Mayai Leikai near Imphal -- June 12, 2025

Lt. Col. John R. Davidson, a former US Air Force pilot and commercial aviation safety consultant, said the plane appeared to have reached takeoff speed but not altitude, according to flight data, suggesting 'either a very late rotation or a stall shortly after takeoff'.

There are a number of possible scenarios: thrust or engine performance issues, excessive aircraft weight, poor trim or flap configuration, or a more critical failure that affected the aircraft's ability to climb,' he said.

'Weather, windshear or even bird strike can't be ruled out either at this early stage.'

Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, told NDTV that circulating footage showing the plane's terrifying descent 'looked like a case of multiple bird hits wherein both the engines have lost power'.

'The takeoff was perfect,' he said. 'And just, I believe, short of taking the gear up, the aircraft started descending, which can happen only in case the engine loses power or the aircraft stops developing lift.'

Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar noted that the Dreamliner was only 11 years old, so was unlikely to have underlying technical issues. The plane was under the command of Captain Summeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of experience.

A bird strike 'would explain why the aircraft did not have the power to lift,' he said. 'If there were multiple bird hits on take-off, it probably could not have gone beyond the 6-7 minute threshold and started falling.'

Davidson explained that the low altitude and high speed reading at the final moment might indicate a 'steep nose-down trajectory or a stall event' just after takeoff.

'This is consistent with accidents like Spanair Flight 5022 and Flydubai Flight 981, where mechanical or environmental factors combined with compromised lift performance led to loss of control during or just after liftoff,' he said.

Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025

Search and rescue teams respond to the scene of a plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday, June 12, 2025

The former pilot noted: 'Flight data alone isn't enough to determine fault  but it tells us this aircraft never truly made it airborne in a meaningful way.

'Whatever happened, it happened fast, and right at the most critical phase of flight.'

In pilots' forums, aviation experts said that it sounded like the plane's Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency wind turbine, had been deployed shortly before the crash.

According to data logs recorded at 30-second intervals showed the plane remained on the ground or was taxiing slowly for over four minutes after it first registered on public trackers.

Preliminary flight tracking data from flightradar24 reveals the plane reached an altitude of just 625ft after takeoff - a height far below standard for a commercial aircraft several minutes into departure.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the plane sent a mayday call moments before the tragedy unfolded.

Prof Paul Williams, Professor of Atmospheric Science, University of Reading, observed: 'At the time of the departure, the weather conditions at the airport appear to have been very good.

'It was a dry and sunny day in Ahmedabad, with temperatures near 40C.

'There was good visibility and light winds from the west. There was no bad weather in the vicinity.

'There is no indication at this stage that turbulence or other weather conditions were a factor in the crash.'
Brazilian social media star Gordinho Manicoba has died at the age of 27.

The news was confirmed by the comedian's sister, Joelma Vatapa, on his Instagram story on Wednesday.

'I wanted to give you a lot of information, but unfortunately the news is not good,' a visibly shaken Vatapa said in a video.

'Our icon, the idol of many people and who brought joy to everyone ... Unfortunately, he passed away this morning.'

Vatapa did not reveal Gordinho Manicoba's cause of death.

'The one who made us laugh so much ... today brings tears of longing,' she wrote in a separate post.

'But in our hearts, he will always live on, in the memories, in the gestures, in the stories that will never be erased.'

Fellow internet humorist Bob Fllay revealed in a social media post that Gordinho Manicoba was found dead by his mother.

Brazilian comedian Gordinho Manicoba has died at the age of 27, his sister revealed Wednesday

Brazilian Instagram star and comedia Gordinho Manicoba with his fiance, Isa Gomes

'I recently received the news that Gordinho Manicoba had passed away,' Fllay wrote. 'His mother went to wake him up to give him medicine and he was already dead.'

Gordinho Manicoba, whose real name was Felipe Dezincourt, won the hearts of more than 253,000 on his Instagram account with funny videos that detailed his life in Belem, a port city in north Brazil that is a gateway to the Amazon River.

His last post on Instagram was Saturday when he broke the news that he had reached 30,000 followers on Facebook.

'We're growing there slowly without going over anyone,' he wrote. 'Gratitude and let's go up.'

Although he had been relegated to a wheelchair since his childhood, he used his fame to raise awareness for people with disabilities.

Gordinho Manicoba sought public office in 2022 when he ran for representative of Para under the Brazilian Democratic Movement, but was not elected.

On May 31, he celebrated his one-year engagement with his fiance, Isa Gomez.

'You will always be in my heart,' she wrote in a heartbreaking Instagram post that featured a reel of pictures.

'Your departure has left a void that will never be filled, but your memory and love will stay with me forever. Thank you for being my companion, my friend and my love. You will be deeply remembered and loved.'

Gordinho Manicoba won the hearts of more than 253,000 on his Instagram account with funny videos that detailed his life in Belem, a port city in north Brazil that is a gateway to the Amazon River

The popular comedian's passing stunned his close friends and legion of fans.

'Sadness doesn't suit someone who spread so much joy wherever he went, but today it's impossible not to feel it,' read the caption of Helder Barbalho, a local youth group leader.

'The departure of @gordinhomanicoba leaves a huge void, of a person who always spread smiles, both on and off social media. His energy was unique, and now he leaves behind the legacy of someone who lived in the world. All my solidarity to his family, friends and admirers.'

Brazilian TikToker Rosivaldo Tavares, who was featured on a skit that drew more than 160,000 likes on Gordinho Manicoba's Instagram in March, described the special bond they.

'Life is not the same without you, my brother. I miss you constantly, but the memory of the moments together warms my heart,' Tavares' caption read on an Instagram Story post that showed them as they were about to shake hands.

'Despite the pain, I remember the happy times we spent together. You will always be remembered fondly. The love that united us is eternal, and even though you are no longer here, it remains strong in my heart.'
OceanGate founder Stockton Rush can be heard in new audio clip firing his company's operations director after raising safety concerns over the doomed Titan sub.

In a recording obtained by Netflix and used in their documentary 'Titan: The OceanGate Disaster', Stockton, 61, can be heard terminating the employment of David Lochridge.

Lochridge had branded the Titan submersible, which imploded in June of 2023 while on an expedition to the Titanic, as 'unsafe' prior to his firing.

Rush can be heard telling him: 'I don't want anybody in this company who is uncomfortable with what we are doing.

'We're doing weird s*** here. I'm definitely out of the mold, I am doing things that are completely non-standard.

'I'm sure the industry thinks I'm a f****** idiot. That's fine, they've been doing that for years. I'm going to continue on the way I am doing.'

An unidentified woman can be heard telling him: 'We need David on this crew, in my opinion we need him here.'

Lochridge can be heard saying that Rush's comments left him 'gutted' and 'a tad let down'.

Stockton Rush, seen here, died aboard the submersible after extreme water pressure crushed the hull of the vessel

Lochridge, seen here, had branded the Titan submersible, which imploded in June of 2023 while on an expedition to the Titanic, as being 'unsafe' prior to his firing

Footage from a remotely operated vehicle shows what the Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation says is the debris of the Titan

He adds: 'This is the first time on paper I've ever put any health and safety concerns. You know every expedition we have had, we've had issues.'

Rush concedes that to be true, as Lochridge asks him point blank: 'Do you now want to let me go?', to which the CEO responded: 'I don't see we have a choice.'

Lochridge told filmmakers: 'To me it was just sheer arrogance. I didn't know what to say, but I was blown away that at this point they were willing to play Russian roulette.'

Rush died aboard the submersible alongside Hamish Harding, 58, father and son Shahzada, 48, and Suleman Dawood, 19, and Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77.

The accident, caused by extreme water pressure crushing the hull of the submersible, set off a debate about the future of private undersea exploration.

The firing of Lochridge occurred in 2018, after he had spent three years with the firm, during which he critiqued the construction of the submersible.

In one email to project associate Rob McCallum, who also left OceanGate over safety concerns, Lochridge said he was worried Rush would end up dead.

He said: 'I don't want to be seen as a tattle tale but I'm so worried he kills himself and others in the quest to boost his ego.'

OceanGate's Titan submersible imploded in the Atlantic Ocean in June 2023

The firing of Lochridge, seen here, occurred in 2018, after having spent three years with the firm during which he critiqued the construction of the submersible

The engineer continued: 'I would consider myself pretty ballsy when it comes to doing things that are dangerous, but that sub is an accident waiting to happen.'

After being let go, Lochridge informed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) about the Titan's safety problems.

Lochridge said that after raising his concerns with OSHA, him and his wife were served a settlement and release agreement from OceanGate's lawyers.

Prior to that he had also filed a lawsuit against OceanGate in which he said that glue was coming away at the seams of the vessel's ballast bags.

The since settled suit also said that Lochridge found improperly placed mounting bolts that threatened to cause a rupture.

Speaking at a hearing with Coast Guard officials last year Lochridge testified that Rush 'liked to do everything on the cheap'.

The hearing was shown images of a crudely made oxygen scrubber unit, an integral part of the sub in maintaining atmospheric pressure.

Debris from the Titan submersible, recovered from the ocean floor near the wreck of the Titanic, is unloaded from the ship Horizon Arctic on June 28, 2023

It is believed the vessel imploded around 90 minutes into its descent with its wreckage later found 330 yards away from the bow of the ship

He said: '[Stockton] decided not to use a known manufacturer. It's a plastic box and a computer fan. He wanted to do a test on it, I humored him and it didn't work.'

The Coast Guard last month released a two-and-a-half minute video showing Rush's wife Wendy Rush and an OceanGate employee monitoring the final descent.

Rush, who was monitoring progress from a support ship, can be seen reacting to a noise that sounded like a 'door slamming'.

She turns to employee Gary Foss , asking him: 'What was that bang?'. The Coast Guard believes that was the sound of the Titan's implosion reaching the surface.

The passengers had paid to see the wreck of the Titanic, which lies some 3,700 meters below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean.

It is believed the vessel imploded around 90 minutes into its descent with its wreckage later found 330 yards away from the bow of the ship.


An 'increasingly desperate John Swinney has tried to head off an SNP leadership challenge by warning rebels: I dont think that would be a good idea.

The First Minister also sought to calm angry activists by vowing to ramp up a push for independence at next years Holyrood election.

He said he always planned to make breaking up the UK phase two of his leadership, after moving on from the turmoil of the Humza Yousaf and Nicola Sturgeon era.

Scottish Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: John Swinney is looking increasingly desperate as he strives to stave off growing frustrations within the SNP ranks.

It is typical that to try and appease die-hard nationalists he has made it clear that his obsession with independence will once again be at the heart of an SNP election campaign.

He is only interested in protecting his partys interests, rather than focusing on the issues that are really impacting the lives of Scots.

Mr Swinney, who was ousted as SNP leader in 2004 after a string of election losses, is facing calls to quit after defeat in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse byelection.

First Minister John Swinney is trying hard to stave off unrest within the SNP ranks

He insisted it was a two-horse race between his party and Reform - only for Labour to gain the once-safe SNP seat by 602 votes.

The Herald reported a plot to topple him at the party conference in Aberdeen in October.

Under SNP rules, any member can trigger a leadership vote at conference with the backing of 2.5 per cent of the party, meaning around 1500 signatures.

On BBC Radio Scotland yesterday morning, Finance Secretary Shona Robison, dismissed the idea of a challenge, saying Mr Swinneys position was absolutely safe.

But at Holyrood later, Mr Swinney said he had absolutely no idea if he would face a challenger.

I dont think that would be a good idea, he stressed.

I came into office to help the SNP to recover from a very, very difficult situation in the spring of 2024 and Im very focused on making sure we make that recovery, to be ready for the 2026 elections.

We got ourselves into contention in [Hamilton], whereas a year ago, I dont think the SNP would have been anywhere near to contention in that byelection.

He said he was not worried in the slightest about the briefing against him, and tried to reassure party members unhappy about stalled progress on independence.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, left, said Mr Swinney has 'no energy, no fire, no boldness'

The SNP was not getting a hearing from the public in Scotland.

I had to make sure we could get a hearing [by] addressing the issues that people are immediately preoccupied by - the cost of living and the performance of public services.

The second part of what I was going to do was to open up a conversation about independence. Im now confident we can get a hearing because of what Ive done in the last 12 months.

We just need to take forward phase two of the preparations for 2026.

The Guardian reported that after a fractious meeting of his MSPs on Tuesday, Mr Swinney faces a grilling from the SNPs ruling body on Sunday.

Anas Sarwar taunted Mr Swinney over the infighting at First Ministers Questions.

The Scottish Labour leader said: Even his own MSPs are now openly rebelling against him. One SNP MSP said about John Swinney There is no energy, no fire, no boldness, no long-term vision. Theyre right, arent they?

An angry Mr Swinney said: Listen, Mr Sarwar can conjure up a the stuff he wants. While Mr Sarwar postures, Im going to deliver for the workers of Scotland.

Activist Graeme McCormick threatened to stand against Mr Swinney for the SNP leadership a year ago, to avoid a coronation, but backed down under intense pressure.
Heres a brainteaser for you. What do you have to add to 1.7 billion to get 600 million?

The answer is the SNP. According to independent analysis from the Scottish Fiscal Commission, Scotlands higher income tax rates ought to pull in an extra 1.7 billion a year in revenue.

Unfortunately, Holyroods coffers are only bringing in around one third of that, in a phenomenon the commission calls economic performance gap and I call Shona Robison.

Russell Findlay was very exercised about the matter at First Ministers Questions. John Swinney, on the other hand, was less worked up.

The important point to consider, the FM said, was that higher taxes meant more money to spend on public services.

There is no tell like: The important point to consider It invariably means: This subject is politically awkward for me, and itd be jolly good of you to move on. Lets talk about all the dosh raised rather than the dubious efficacy with which its spent.

Swinney preferred to think of it as differences in policy outcomes as a result of people on higher incomes paying slightly more in taxation.

The outcomes are different, all right.

John Swinney struggled to explain why Scotland's higher tax rates are yielding only a fraction of the revenues they should be

Findlay brushed this aside as more smoke and mirrors and noted that economic performance gap had cost Scotland 5.4 billion over the last decade.

Thank goodness this isnt a government that constantly complains about a lack of funding, otherwise this would be embarrassing.

Swinney boasted that we take a number of steps to invest in the economy, which would be fair enough if they didnt keep taking the same steps over and over.

The Ferguson Marine yard can attest to ministers flushness with the cash, the islanders not so much.

The FM boasted that his was a business-friendly SNP government. With business friends like this, who needs liquidators?

Findlay couldnt stifle a titter, and who could blame him with material like this?

I will try to stop laughing for a minute, he chuckled, before accusing the Nationalists of throwing all the money away.

Miffed that Findlay had alluded to the cost of welfare spending, Swinney growled: What benefits would he cut? For good measure, he charged Findlay with wanting to consign more children to poverty.

I knew it was a bad idea for Findlay to unveil his Reopening the Workhouses (Scotland) Bill before thinking it through properly.

The Tory leader remarked that he wanted people out of poverty, which is why he didnt want them dependent on benefits. Swinney replied: This government will do what it always does. Blame it all on Westminster?

Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay accused John Swinney's government of financial incompetence

Anas Sarwar, his new Hamilton MSP Davy Russell perched proudly behind him, raised the plight of workers at Alexander Dennis, the Scottish bus manufacturer which is relocating south of the border, with job losses on the cards.

Sarwar snarled: The Scottish Government is procuring more buses from China than it is from Scotland. The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has bought almost four times as many buses from Alexander Dennis.

Things have come to a pretty pass when Labour is doing business with capitalists and the SNP is taking its custom to the Chinese Communist Party. No wonder capitalism remains stubbornly un-overthrown.

The award for the most heroic attempt to crowbar independence into an entirely unrelated question must go to Lorna Slater.

She got to her feet to press the FM to roll out free school meals across more local authorities but, some-where along the way, she segued into a spot of separatist sabre-rattling.

Now is the time to demand that Keir Starmer set out exactly what conditions he believes need to be met to trigger an independence referendum for Scot-land, so that we can get out of this unequal union, she demanded.

The Prime Minister should have some fun with these conditions. Brechin City beats Celtic on penalties to win the treble.

A leap-year blood moon when Mars is in retrograde and the Wurzels are back in the charts. The Scottish Greens take a collective vow of silence and move to Micronesia.
A woman who was meant to board the doomed Air India plane that crash landed has spoken of her luck after she narrowly avoided the tragedy when she missed her flight by 10 minutes.

Bhoomi Chauhan was on her way to Sardar Vallabhbhai Airport, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to catch the Air India flight AI-171 to London on Thursday morning.

But due to being stuck in heavy traffic, she reached the airport 10 minutes later and ultimately ended up missing her flight.

Chauhan, a resident of Ahmedabad, told local media that upon receiving information of the devastating crash just moments after she was turned away from the boarding gates, she 'shivered badly and her legs started shaking'.

The Gatwick-bound plane carrying 242 passengers, including 53 British nationals, crashed just moments after take-off.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner careened back down to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway around 1.40pm local time (8.10am BST).

Terrifying CCTV footage shows the plane appear to lose control before it starts rapidly descending with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

Chauhan said her 'mind went numb' after she learned of the incident before she returned home. She had been visiting India for a holiday while her husband remained home in London.

Bhoomi Chauhan was on her way to Sardar Vallabhbhai Airport, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to catch the Air India flight AI-171 to London on Thursday morning

A video posted to social media appeared to show the plane descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed

The plane momentarily disappeared from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball erupted on the horizon in this horrifying clip

It comes after a family-of-three, a wellness influencer couple, and an award-winning hotel manager travelling with his wife and two children were reported as among the Brits who were on board the doomed Air India plane.

Aviation experts say that the aircraft may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

All but one person aboard Air India Flight 171 are feared to have died in the tragedy.

MailOnline can reveal that among them were Akeel Nanawaba, Hannaa Vorajee and their four-year-old daughter Sarah, Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, Javed Ali Syed, his wife and two children and Raxa Modha, her grandson Rudra and her daughter-in-law Yasha Kamdar.

The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was seated in 11A, is also British and told the Hindustan Times he had lived in London for 20 years.

Akeel Nanawaba, 36, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, 30, and their daughter Sarah, four, were flying home from a five-day family celebration when the Dreamliner crashed.

The successful young couple ran a global recruitment agency with offices in Ahmedabad and Gloucester.

Their shocked business partner Shoyeb Khan Nagori told MailOnline: 'I had dinner with them last night. They were a lovely family and Akeel and his wife were extremely successful people.'

Air India has confirmed that 229 passengers and 12 crew died, adding that the sole survivor is being treated in hospital.

The passengers included 159 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and a Canadian. Eleven of those on board were children, including two newborns.

This morning, a Gatwick-bound plane carrying 242 passengers, including 53 British nationals, crashed just moments after take-off in from Ahmedabad Airport in the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat. Raxa Modha (L) is believed to have died in the tragedy today

Akeel Nanawaba (right), 36, his wife Hannaa Vorajee (left), 30, and their four-year-old daughter Sarah were flying home from a five-day family celebration when the Air India Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off. They are also feared to have died in the crash

Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, 45, (right) and husband Fiongal, 39, live in London, run a wellness and healthy lifestyle company called the Wellness Foundry, and had been in India on holiday. They are also believed to have been on the ill-fated flight

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner careened back down to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway around 1.40pm local time (8.10am BST)

The back of Air India flight 171 is pictured at the site after it crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the crash was 'absolutely devastating' and that the investigation will 'take some time'.

Aviation experts say that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

The possible causes are believed to include a rapid change in wind or a bird strike leading to a double engine stall.

Officials from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are now at the scene to carry out an analysis of the wreckage and retrieve the stricken jet's black box.

Videos shows the aircraft rapidly losing altitude - with its nose up - before it hit a building and erupted in a violent explosion.

At first, the plane appears to be descending in a controlled manner with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

It then briefly disappears from view behind trees and buildings before a massive fireball suddenly erupts on the horizon.

A huge trail of smoke can subsequently be seen billowing from the crash site.

Other video clips show a huge cloud of black smoke filling the sky as distressed onlookers gather in the streets of the Indian city as chaos unfolds.

Footage taken from inside a hospital circulating on X shows medical staff rushing up and down corridors with stretchers as they prepare to treat passengers.

Shocking images also showed chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail protruding from a demolished building.

Firefighters at the scene doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed a huge plume of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site.

Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India

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The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh (pictured), who was seated in 11A, is British and told the Hindustan Times he had lived in London for 20 years

The flight reportedly reached an altitude of just 625 feet before it began to descend, according to flight tracking service Flightradar 24, which declared the plane's transponder signal dropped just seconds after it left the runway.

'We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after take off,' it said.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the plane sent a mayday call moments before the crash.

Air India's Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran shared a heartfelt statement that read: 'With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.

'It is very disappointing that it is a Dreamliner as it is a state-of-the-art Boeing. We cannot rule out security issues. But this is all speculation on my part.'

'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

'We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.'

Gatwick Airport subsequently confirmed the flight that was due to land at 18:25 on Thursday had crashed on departure.
This is the heartbreaking final photo of an Indian bride who was flying to Britain to meet her husband for the first time since their wedding before disaster struck.

Khushboo Rajpurohit, 21, was on board Air India flight 171 when it crashed moments after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport yesterday morning.

Terrifying CCTV footage shows the plane taking off before plunging to the ground and exploding into a deadly fireball just moments later.

All but one of the 242 passengers on board the London-bound flight died when it crashed into a residential area shortly after take-off, with an unconfirmed number also killed on the ground.

Among them was Ms Rajpurohit, who was on her way to meet her husband, student Vipul Singh Rajpurohit, in the capital before the tragedy.

She had not seen him since their wedding in January, and appeared to be in good spirits ahead of the reunion as she smiled with her father in a picture taken outside the terminal.

Videos show the Boeing 787 Dreamliner accelerating down the runway before pitching upwards and taking flight.

But just moments later, the plane appears to lose control and is shown rapidly descending with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

Khushboo Rajpurohit (R) was onboard a London Gatwick-bound aircraft when it crashed moments after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport in the northwestern Indian city of Gujarat. She had been on the way to see her husband. Here she is pictured with her father outside the airport before the flight

The aircraft carried 242 passengers but at least 260 people, including some victims on the ground, are thought to have died

Terrifying CCTV footage shows the doomed plane taking off and then plunging into the ground and exploding into a deadly fireball

Search and rescue teams respond to the scene of a plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday, June 12, 2025

The aircraft then explodes in a huge fireball upon impact, as a massive plume of black smoke is seen billowing out from the site of the crash.

It reached no more than 625 feet in the air - just over 425 above the ground the airport stood on - according to tracking data, before its transponder signal was lost seconds later.

As it came down, the plane struck the populated Meghani area of the city and smashed into accommodation for doctors practising at the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital.

Chilling images shared to social media revealed chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail protruding from the demolished building.

Remnants of the fuselage and the landing gear were seen dangling through a gaping hole in the side of what appeared to be a canteen, with half-finished plates of food clearly visible on benches inside.

The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel... we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon,' a senior police officer told reporters at the scene.

Aviation experts say that the aircraft, which was carrying 242 passengers, including 53 Britons, may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

Parts of the jet appeared to have smashed into the BJ Medical College and Civil Hospital

This wide angle shot shows the entire scene of the plane crash. The tail and parts of the fuselage are seen on the building to the right, with the bulk of the jet having smashed into the buildings further on

Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India

Although initially officials expected no one to survive the disaster, a British father miraculously managed to walk away.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, spoke from the safety of a hospital bed after escaping from the fallen flight this morning.

The passenger, who was in seat 11A when the plane came down in a residential area of Gujarat, recalled: 'Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.'

'When I got up, there were bodies all around me,' he told local media. 'I was scared. I stood up and ran.

'There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.'

Astonishing footage showed the passenger walking away from the scene with some visible injuries.

Authorities had said earlier they believed there were no survivors on the flight, while rescuers told reporters at the scene that they had recovered dozens of bodies of people inside buildings that the plane smashed into as it came down.

Police said they had found a lone survivor who had been sitting in seat 11A when Flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff in India this morning

The possible causes of the tragedy could include a rapid change in wind causing an engine stall, or a bird strike on both engines.

Officials from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are now at the scene to carry out an analysis of the wreckage and retrieve the stricken jet's black box.

Lt. Col. John R. Davidson, a former US Air Force pilot and commercial aviation safety consultant, said the plane appeared to have reached takeoff speed but not altitude, according to flight data, suggesting 'either a very late rotation or a stall shortly after takeoff'.

'There are a number of possible scenarios: thrust or engine performance issues, excessive aircraft weight, poor trim or flap configuration, or a more critical failure that affected the aircraft's ability to climb,' he said.

'Weather, windshear or even bird strike can't be ruled out either at this early stage.'

Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, told NDTV that circulating footage showing the plane's terrifying descent 'looked like a case of multiple bird hits wherein both the engines have lost power'.

'The takeoff was perfect,' he said. 'And just, I believe, short of taking the gear up, the aircraft started descending, which can happen only in case the engine loses power or the aircraft stops developing lift.'

A family member cries upon hearing the news of her brother who died when the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025

Family members of one of the crew members of Air India flight 171 mourn at their residence in Thoubal Mayai Leikai near Imphal June 12, 2025

Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar noted that the Dreamliner was only 11 years old, so was unlikely to have underlying technical issues. The plane was under the command of Captain Summeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of experience.

A bird strike 'would explain why the aircraft did not have the power to lift,' he said. 'If there were multiple bird hits on take-off, it probably could not have gone beyond the 6-7 minute threshold and started falling.'

Davidson explained that the low altitude and high speed reading at the final moment might indicate a 'steep nose-down trajectory or a stall event' just after takeoff.

'This is consistent with accidents like Spanair Flight 5022 and Flydubai Flight 981, where mechanical or environmental factors combined with compromised lift performance led to loss of control during or just after liftoff,' he said.

The former pilot noted: 'Flight data alone isn't enough to determine fault  but it tells us this aircraft never truly made it airborne in a meaningful way.

'Whatever happened, it happened fast, and right at the most critical phase of flight.'
An ex-girlfriend of Sean 'Diddy' Combs has come out as one of the plaintiffs who filed a lawsuit against him alleging sexual assault, as his trial continues in court.

Chelsea Lovelace filed her suit against Combs, 55, on September 27, 2024, just over a week after he was charged with sex trafficking and a racketeering conspiracy.

Re-filing her lawsuit using her real name, Lovelace said that Combs pushed her to take part in 'freak-offs' before he allegedly drugged her at his Miami mansion in July.

Lovelace added that the rapper often gave her alcohol and drugs, including Ecstasy, until she passed out to 'compel her into engaging in sex acts without her consent'.

She recalled one instance where she allegedly woke up covered in bruises, and even bite marks on her feet, with no memory of how she got the injuries.

The plaintiff met Combs in 2020 and dated him until last September. She initially filed the lawsuit anonymously, but revealed her identity on Thursday.

Lovelace told Daily Mail: 'I loved him and truly believed we had a meaningful bond.

'Coming forward wasnt easy, but silence was costing me too much.'

An ex-girlfriend of Sean 'Diddy' Combs has come out as one of the plaintiffs who filed a lawsuit against him alleging sexual assault, as his trial continues in court

'This isnt about revenge  its about reclaiming my voice, my dignity and finally choosing myself.

'I trust that God is guiding me through this, and I believe healing begins with truth.'

Lovelace said that she met Combs in Turks and Caicos the fall of 2020 and they quickly started dating.

They saw each other around once a month, with the music mogul organizing her travel to join him around the US, including in Miami, New York and Los Angeles.

Lovelace said Combs would ask her to 'perform a show' for him each time she visited, which involved covering herself in warmed baby oil and engaging in sexual activity with him which went on for hours.

She said that the rapper was controlling, and used to try to discourage her from working.

Chelsea Lovelace filed her suit against Combs on September 27, 2024, just over a week after he was charged with sex trafficking and a racketeering conspiracy

The plaintiff claims Diddy ordered his staff to incessantly try to contact her when he couldn't get through.

Lovelace said the rapper was so possessive she grew concerned that he was monitoring her communications.

She said she last visited Combs in July 2024, and he begged her to bring a man to their bedroom one night.

'I was in and out [of consciousness] that night,' Lovelace told Rolling Stone.

'But I do remember I was just like, 'I'm just gonna say yes so he leaves me alone, and I'm never coming back. I am never coming back after this.'

Her lawsuit said that when she woke the next morning, she felt 'ill and confused and could not remember what happened the night before and the bedroom was in a disarray.'

For all the latest on the case everyone is talking about - follow free Daily Mail podcast, The Trial of Diddy. Listen here.

Lovelaces attorney, Joseph Ciaccio, said that his firm, Napoli Shkolnik, 'stands by our clients brave decision to publicly identify herself in the civil case against Sean Combs'.

'Her choice to step forward speaks volumes about her strength and resolve,' he told Rolling Stone.

'From the outset, our firm has maintained that no one is above the law, especially those in positions of power, and that principle remains steadfast. We are committed to pursuing justice on her behalf.'

Lovelace has requested compensatory damages of an amount to be decided in court, along with attorney fees.

In his current trial, Combs is charged with racketeering conspiracy, two charges of sex trafficking and two charges of transportation to engage in prostitution.

Prosecutors claim Diddy coerced victims into drug-fueled sex parties using sex and violence. The rapper has denied all accusations, saying all sex acts were consensual.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles could become the destroyer of nations without even leaving her desk, President Donald Trump told a crowd of supporters Thursday.

Trump, who regularly talks up the smarts and influence of his to aide, lauded her with a new twist at the White House while signing resolutions to end California's mandate to phase out gasoline-powered cars and trucks.

'And Susie Wiles is here today  stand up Susie,' Trump said in the East Room, where Wiles was seated in the front row.

'The most incredible woman. Most powerful woman in the world, they say,' Trump gushed.

'Shes the most  she was rated the most powerful woman in the world. Susie Wiles. One phone call and a nation is destroyed. She destroys, she could destroy five nations with five calls,' Trump quipped, earning laughs from the crowd.

'And shes doing a great job, more importantly, right? Doing a great job. Nobody like her,' Trump said.

Wiles, a Florida political operative who likes to keep a low public profile, stood up and placed her hands together when Trump first praised her.

Trump didn't provide any more specifics on destroying nations. But his remarks come days after he met with 'generals and admirals' at Camp David, and has spoken openly about how Iran could face a military response from Israel if it refuses to end its nuclear program.

President Donald Trump once again spoke to the power of White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. 'One phone call and a nation is destroyed,' he said

'It looks like it's something that could very well happen,' Trump said. He ordered a bombing campaign against the Houthis in Yemen but them declared it over in May.

Wiles took on another knotty conflict when she reportedly urged Elon Musk to phone Trump, helping to settle the astonishing feud between the president and the world's richest man.

The president appears to have concluded he has in interest in talking up Wiles' wrath. Days ago he also applied his 'ice maiden' nickname for her her, as he did on Thursday.

He also said at the time she had 'big shots' running 'scared.

'She could destroy five nations with five calls,' Trump said of Wiles. Here An explosion rocks the Syrian city of Kobani during an airstrike by the US-led coalition during fighting between Syrian Kurds and the militants of Islamic State group in 2015

His comments about destruction came in a week when Trump and Wiles visited troops at Fort Bragg and watched a military demonstration of HIMARS rockets

Wiles helped stem the infighting that has plagued Trump campaigns

U.S. President Donald Trump reacts as he leaves after signing a resolution approved by Congress to rescind the EPA's 2023 approval of California's plans to require a rising number of zero-emission heavy-duty trucks, and another resolution on California's low-NOx, or low-nitrogen oxide, regulation for heavy-duty highway and off-road vehicles and engines

Wiles earned Trump's respect in part by imposing discipline during his 2024 election campaign, helping put a lid on some of the infighting that characterized his previous efforts.

Trump ended up winning all seven battleground states even while facing four criminal indictments.

It is Trump, not Wiles, 68, who can order up missile strikes under the chain of command  during a week when Trump saw a military demonstration at the renamed Fort Bragg, dispatched Marines and Guard troops to LA, and planned a massive military parade in DC.

But she does have wide influence in Washington. A May report by Public Citizen found that several of Wiles' former lobbying clients met with White House staff at the start of the administration.
Decks cleared for AG600 mass production, delivery

10:54, June 12, 2025 By Zhao Lei ( China Daily

The AG600, China's domestically developed seaplane, is on display at the AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, on Wednesday. The AG600,which is the world's largest and heaviest amphibious aircraft, received its production certificate on Wednesday from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, clearing the way for its mass production and foray into the market. (Deng Hua/Xinhua)

China's domestically developed AG600 seaplane received its production certificate on Wednesday from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, paving the way for its delivery.

At an issuance ceremony in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, Li Shuangchen, head of the CAAC Central and Southern Regional Administration, presented the certificate to representatives of the AG600 project team, according to a news release from Aviation Industry Corp of China, the aircraft's developer and the country's leading aircraft manufacturer.

The certificate clears the AG600  the world's largest and heaviest amphibious aircraft  for mass production and entry into the market.

Following the issuance, China Aviation Industry General Aircraft, an AVIC subsidiary in charge of the AG600 project, signed cooperation agreements with several entities, including the Jilin provincial department of emergency management, the Jinhua city government in Zhejiang province, and the Macau General Aviation and Flying Association. The agreements aim to provide the AG600's services to these organizations.

Wang Huafeng, an official with the Jilin provincial department of emergency management in charge of fire services, said after the ceremony that an AG600 prototype had been tested for aerial fire suppression over Changbai Mountain in the province.

"The trial run has shown us that the seaplane is good at emergency-response tasks," he said. "Its service is a big help to us in terms of grassland and forest fire control."

Ye Junwei, director of the Zhejiang emergency management air rescue center, said the AG600 is expected to greatly improve the responsiveness and efficiency of forest fire rescue efforts.

The AG600 is China's second amphibious aircraft model after the SH-5, which was developed in the 1970s for military purposes and has since been retired.

It is also the final member of the three large-sized aircraft models that China has striven to design and build domestically. The other two  the Y-20 military transport plane and the C919 narrow-body jetliner  have been in active service for years.

The central government approved the AG600 program in June 2009 and its development began in September the same year. Tens of thousands of researchers and engineers from 312 domestic institutes, enterprises and universities participated in the program.

Construction of the first prototype began in March 2014 and was completed in July 2016. The AG600 made its debut flight in December 2017 in Zhuhai, taking off from and landing at an airport. Ten months later, it carried out its first water-based takeoff and landing at Zhanghe Reservoir in Jingmen, Hubei province. In July 2020, the aircraft completed its first sea-based test flight over the Yellow Sea.

In recent years, four prototypes have undergone extensive testing across the country to verify the aircraft's capabilities and compliance with airworthiness standards.

Measuring 38.9 meters long with a wingspan of 38.8 meters, the AG600 is roughly the size of a Boeing 737 passenger aircraft and is the world's biggest operational amphibious aircraft.

It has a maximum takeoff weight of 60 metric tons, a maximum altitude of 7.6 kilometers and a maximum operational range of 4,500 kilometers.

The aircraft is designed for both ground and water-based takeoffs and landings. It can rescue 50 people during a maritime search and rescue mission, and in a typical firefighting operation, it can collect 12 tons of water from a lake or sea in 20 seconds to douse fires over an area of about 4,000 square meters, designers said.

AVIC has so far received orders for six AG600s from two buyers, with deliveries expected to begin in August, project leaders said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
A Canadian man has revealed that his dentist wife was one of the victims of the Air India crash on Thursday.

A London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner plunged into a busy suburb just seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport, claiming the lives of all but one passenger.

Doctor Nirali Patel was identified as the lone Canadian national on board the flight, reported CTV News.

Her husband told The Canadian Press that he was in the process of booking a flight for himself and their one-year-old child to India.

'That was my wife,' he said while declining to provide his full name. 'I am not in a state to speak right now.'

Patel, who lived in Etobicoke, worked at the Heritage Dental Care clinic in Mississauga.

She got her dental degree in India in 2016 and received her license in Canada in 2019, according to the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.

Her dental practice website said she chose to work in the field because, 'The feeling that my work has made a difference in someones life brightens my day!'

Nirali Patel (pictured) was identified as the lone Canadian national on board the London-bound flight

The London-bound plane carrying 242 passengers crashed just moments after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport in the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat

She moved to Canada after graduating from Government Dental College and Hospital in India.

Her work biography also states, 'Once per year, Dr. Patel offers free treatments to her patients and often volunteers at a free dental camp.'

Family friend and community leader Don Patel told the Canadian news outlet she was visiting India for four or five days.

'Its absolutely shocking. Theres no words in this grievance. She was coming back. And we heard this tragic thing happened as soon as we wake up,' he said.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney posted about the crash, sending his condolences to families of those on board.

'Devastated to learn of the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers  including one Canadian,' he said.

'My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board. Canadas transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds.'

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also confirmed the lone Canadian victim was from his province.

Her husband told The Canadian Press that he was in the process of booking a flight for himself and their one-year-old child to India

'Im saddened to learn that a Canadian from Mississauga, Ontario was among those lost in the tragic Air India crash near Ahmedabad,' he said on X.

'On behalf of the people of Ontario, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of every victim. We are keeping you in our thoughts during this difficult time.

The Gatwick-bound plane carrying 242 passengers, including 53 British nationals, crashed just moments after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport in the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner careened back down to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway.

Terrifying CCTV footage shows the plane appear to lose control before it starts rapidly descending with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

Air India confirmed that 241 of the 242 people aboard flight AI171 died in the crash.

British man Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, is believed to be the sole survivor of the crash after making an incredible escape.

Astonishing footage showed the passenger with visible injuries hobbling away from the scene of the crash. He reportedly sustained injuries to his chest, eyes and feet.

Patel, who lived in Etobicoke, worked at a dental clinic in Mississauga. She got her dental degree in India in 2016 and received her license in Canada in 2019

The passenger, who was in seat 11A when the plane came down in a residential area of Gujarat, recalled: 'Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.'

'When I got up, there were bodies all around me,' he told local media. 'I was scared. I stood up and ran.

'There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.'

The pilot of the Air India flight frantically warned the plane was 'losing power' just moments before it crashed into a building.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of flying experience, desperately cried 'Maydayno thrust, losing power, unable to lift' before the aircraft went down and hit a residential property.
A mystery rapper dominated the 22nd day of Diddy's trial, even though he was never identified in court.

The jury was told about the ultra-famous hip hop artist and his wife watching a male escort have sex in front of their friends and Diddy's ex-girlfriend, referred to only as 'Jane'.

The rapper, described in court as an 'icon' of the music industry, flirted with Jane while watching the sexual performance at a hotel in Las Vegas in January 2024.

The unnamed individual said he was part of 'the lifestyle' meaning that he liked having more than one sexual partner - and even asked for a recommendation of a porn star for future shows.

Speculation about the rapper's identity overshadowed the cross examination of Jane, who claims she was forced to take part in Freak Offs - where she had sex with male escorts for Diddy's pleasure - during their three-year relationship, which ended with his arrest in September in 2024.

Diddy, 55, whose real name is Sean Combs, denies sex trafficking, racketeering and other charges.

Jane has previously testified to taking a trip to Las Vegas in January 2024 while on a break from Diddy.

She said she flew on the mystery rapper's private plane with several others and went to a play, dinner and then a strip club.

A mystery rapper dominated Diddy's trial today as his ex-girlfriend going by the pseudonym 'Jane' testified that this rapper and his wife watched a 'Freak Off' with a male escort at a hotel in Las Vegas in January 2024

Jane described the rapper as an 'icon' in the music industry and recounted one time where he allegedly said was a part of 'the lifestyle' meaning that he liked having more than one sexual partner - and even asked for a recommendation of a porn star for future shows

The trip was to celebrate the rapper's wife's birthday, the court has heard.

Among the group out for the night was a porn star called Anton who had previously been hired by Diddy to have sex with Jane for Freak Offs.

Later that night, Jane went to a hotel room with the rapper and his wife and saw Anton having sex with another woman while they all watched.

In court on Thursday, Diddy's lawyer Teny Geragos asked Jane if the rapper in question is 'very close to Mr. Combs'.

Jane said: 'Yes.'

After showing Jane a picture of the rapper  it was not shown to the public gallery  Geragos asked: 'Is it fair to say Mr. Combs and this individual were really close to one another?'

Jane replied: 'Yes.'

Jane confirmed that Diddy and the rapper had recorded music together and had what Geragos called an 'ongoing professional and personal relationship?

Diddy, 55, (right) whose real name is Sean Combs, denies sex trafficking, racketeering and other charges

His son Christian 'King' Combs (pictured walking into the court room on June 6) broke the court rules today by wearing a mesh shirt that barely disguised the words 'Free Combs'

Asked if the rapper was an 'icon in the music industry', Jane said yes.

Jane admitted that she knew Anton had a relationship with the rapper and that he would travel with him and his wife.

Turning to the hotel room, Jane said: 'Anton was having sex with a woman and everyone was watching.'

Jane said that Anton and the woman were on the bed and there were seven or eight people watching.

While Jane admitted to 'flirting' with the rapper, she said nothing else happened. She confirmed that she flashed her breasts as she felt like doing it 'in the moment'.

Jane said: 'He (the rapper) said he thought I was beautiful, and he always wanted to blank me', meaning have sex.

Geragos asked: 'The rapper told you he'd always had a crush on you?'

Jane said: 'Yes.'

A male escort named Anton was named by Jane as the participant in the Freak Off while the mystery rapper was watching. She also said that Diddy became enraged when she told him five months later that the mystery rapper admitted he had a crush on her

Jane said the mystery rapper and his wife picked up on the fact that she participated in Freak Offs and asked her for a recommendation, which incensed the rapper that she was 'disrespecting me with my friends'

The jury heard that the subject of Kabrale came up, referring to another porn star that Jane and Diddy used for Freak Offs.

Jane said: 'They were asking me if I knew anybody else in the lifestyle and they were looking for someone, this is why I (texted) Kabrale. If I was to recommend somebody, I would recommend somebody I knew for a while.'

According to Jane, the rapper and his wife had 'picked up the energy from me' that she had sex with other men.

'Or they assumed they'd got an inclination that me and Sean had been doing similar things,' Jane said.

Five months later, Jane finally told Diddy about the episode, and he was furious.

In texts Diddy complained about Jane 'disrespecting me with my friends'.

Jane said she was in Las Vegas 'with (the rapper), not for a Freak Off, I was with my friend'.

Geragos asked Jane if Diddy told her during a violent argument: 'How could you go to another man's Freak Off?'

Dozens of bottles of Astroglide were found when Diddy's Miami home was raided

She also disclosed that Diddy held jealousy towards the male escort Anton and that he accused her of cheating on him, calling her a 'whore' and a 'cheater'

Jane said yes.

Jane confirmed that Diddy felt that Anton had 'something over him'.

Earlier in her testimony, Jane recounted Diddy's reaction in more detail.

She told the court that Diddy said: 'I can't believe you cheated on me. I can't believe you went outside of us.'

Jane said: 'I understood that he was trying to reference that we were part of some sort of lifestyle and that I betrayed him by being a part of someone else's lifestyle moment, this porn type of thing.'

Diddy went on for around two hours about his sense of betrayal and that Jane was a 'whore' and a 'cheater'.

Jane said: 'He just kept saying all those same things over and over and over again, just kept saying that I was just, like, terrible.'

In court Diddy's lawyer Marc Agnifilo tried to persuade the judge to amend his order granting Jane anonymity so that the names of other people on the Las Vegas trip could be read out in court.

Doing so would allow members of the public to 'come forward' if they had information that might help the case, Agnifilo said, adding that using the names was 'important'.

Prosecutor Maurene Comey said that making the names public would be a 'pretext to harass and intimidate this witness' and that enough had been revealed already so that anyone who had information about that event could come forward.

District Judge Arun Subramanian agreed and said he wouldn't modify the order to allow the names from this episode to be used.

The episode in Las Vegas was a 'collateral issue' and not related to the sex trafficking charges, the judge said.

For all the latest on the case everyone is talking about - search for The Trial of Diddy, available wherever you get your podcasts now.
An Arizona father is facing charges after his young daughter was shot dead by her brother who found their dad's assault rifle in his bedroom.

Layla Ramos, five, was shot in the torso inside her South Phoenix, Arizona home on June 3, and was rushed to a nearby psychiatric hospital, where her family hoped she would receive emergency medical treatment, according to AZFamily.

She was then transported to a trauma center, where she was pronounced dead.

But when the girl's father, Irvin Ramos-Jimenez, 33, called police to the scene he claimed that his daughter was stabbed.

When officers then arrived on the scene, they learned that Ramos-Jimenez had driven off while rushing his daughter to the psychiatric center.

He had apparently fled after seeing an ambulance arrive at the psychiatric center, and returned home because he realized he left other children alone in the house with his illegally-owned AR-style rifle, 12 News reports.

When officers finally caught up with him, the father allegedly told police that he was outside the family's home when he heard a loud bang.

He then ran into his nine-year-old son's room, where he said he found Layla had been shot, Arizona Republic reports.

Layla Ramos, five, was shot in the torso inside her South Phoenix, Arizona home on June 3

Her father, Irvin Ramos-Jimenez, 33, is now facing charges of possession of a weapon by a prohibited person

At that point, court documents say he admitted to police that he stored the rifle on the top shelf of his son's room and said the boy 'must have grabbed the gun.'

Neighbors also noted that after the shooting, the unidentified brother ran out of the house, frantic and screaming.

Two 14 year olds were also in the boy's room at the time, the court filing states.

Ramos-Jimenez even allegedly admitted he knew he was not legally allowed to own a firearm due to a 2021 felony drug conviction, but obtained the AR-style weapon through a 'private sale' for 'personal protection.'

The father was then taken into custody on suspicion of possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, but was released on his own recognizance the following day - despite prosecutors' objections.

They had asked a Maricopa County judge to hold Ramos-Jimenez on a $250,000 secure bond.

'He brought a gun into a home with kids - and not just any gun, it was an assault rifle,' prosecutors argued in court last week, according to ABC 15.

'He stored it in his nine-year-olds bedroom and if this gun had not been in the house, we wouldnt have had the outcome we did.'

The Maricopa County judge, though, ultimately denied the state's request and let Ramos-Jimenez walk free.

Family members described the young girl as a 'little princess who got her wings way too soon'

He is now not allowed to have contact with any of the victims or witnesses to the shooting.

In the meantime, the family is hoping to lay Layla to rest at a burial site for babies and children, her uncle wrote in an online fundraiser.

It described the young girl as the family's 'little princess who got her wings way too soon.

'She was so loving, smart and a truly beautiful soul,' Layla's uncle, Jose Ramos, writes in the fundraiser - which has already raised over $10,000 for her funeral expenses.

The young girl's mother, Dolores Ramirez, also released a statement saying: 'My sweet daughter Layla was only five years old, but she filled our world with a love and light far beyond her years. She had the gentlest soul - kind, soft-hearted and always so loving.

'Layla was the kind of child who made everyone feel special with just a smile or a quiet hug.

'She was so excited for school to start soon; she would talk about it with such love and anticipation,' Ramirez added.

'She loved deeply and purely, and that love will stay with us forever.

'Though her time with us was far too short, Layla's beautiful spirit will always live on in our hearts,' she concluded.
A no-nonsense Florida sheriff has issued an extraordinary warning by telling protesters that authorities will shoot them dead without hesitation if they commit violence.

Violent protests have erupted around the nation inspired by rioters in Los Angeles taking a stand against President Donald Trump and his Immigration Enforcement agents.

But in Florida, Sheriff Wayne Ivey laid down the law with a chilling warning that his officers 'are not gonna play' ahead of a scheduled demonstration this weekend.

'If you throw a brick, a firebomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains at. Because we will kill you, graveyard dead,' he said.

Ivey went on to explain in great detail what he meant by 'turn violent', breaking down what punishment each individual offense could carry.

'If you resist lawful orders, you're going to jail,' he said. 'If you block an intersection or a roadway, you're going to jail.

'If you flee arrest, you're going to go to jail tired, because we are going to run you down and put you to jail.

'If you try to mob roll a car... gathering around and refusing to let the driver leave, in our county you're most likely going to get run over and dragged across the street.

Violent protests have erupted around the nation inspired by the rioters in Los Angeles (pictured) taking a stand against President Donald Trump and his Immigration Enforcement agents

Protests spread to San Antonio, Texas on Wednesday as Americans rally against Trump's policies

'If you spit on us, you're going to the hospital, and then jail. If you hit one of us, you're going to the hospital, and then jail, and most likely bitten by one of our big, beautiful dogs here.'

Ivey's comments attracted praise from MAGA loyalists who celebrated his commitment to 'upholding the law.'

'Thats it.. Im moving to Florida,' one supporter said. 'This man is the GOAT [greatest of all time].'

'This is how you keep order,' another said, in an apparent reference to Trump's repeated criticism of California's Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom.

Newsom has been locked in a war of words with Trump over his handling of riots in LA, insisting that Trump's decision to deploy 700 Marines and 4,100 National Guard troops had made the violence worse.

Trump hit back and insisted: 'We will not allow an American city to be invaded and conquered by a foreign enemy.'

The riots in LA started last Friday on the back of ICE raids across the city.

In the days since, new protests have flared across the country. Volatile protests prompted city officials to enforce curfews in Los Angeles and Spokane.

And Republican governors in Texas and Missouri mobilized National Guard troops to be ready to help law enforcement manages demonstrations in those states.

Police fought off protesters in New York this week amid nationwide riots

In Seattle, a protester watched as a dumpster was set alight in a protest

Activists are planning 'No Kings' events across the country on Saturday to coincide with Trump's planned military parade in Washington, DC. Pictured: A protest in San Antonio

Activists are planning 'No Kings' events across the country on Saturday to coincide with Trump's planned military parade in Washington, DC.

The Trump administration said immigration raids and deportations will continue regardless.

In Las Vegas 94 people were arrested on 'various criminal and traffic' charges, and four officers were injured in a Wednesday night protest. Some in the estimated crowd of about 800 threw bottles and rocks at law enforcement, police said.

Meanwhile hundreds of protesters marched through downtown Seattle Wednesday evening to a federal building where immigration cases are heard.

Some of them dragged a dumpster nearby and set it on fire. The building was covered in graffiti, with Abolish ICE Now written in large letters across its front window. They moved electric bikes and cones to block its entrance.

Tuscon, Arizona and San Antonio, Texas have also been hotbeds of protest this week.

But authorities across the nation have now set their sights on the No Kings protests scheduled for 2,000 locations across the country this weekend.

Cars were set alight in Downtown Los Angeles as rioting turned violent

The riots in LA started last Friday on the back of ICE raids across the city

The Trump administration said immigration raids and deportations will continue regardless of the carnage in the streets

Trump's critics are rallying against a military parade in Washington to mark the Armys 250th anniversary, which coincides with Trumps 79th birthday.

The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said.

Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states.
Israel is preparing to attack Irans nuclear sites within days after a UN watchdog said Tehran has breached its non-proliferation obligations, it has been claimed.

Strikes could take place without US support amid fears Washington could agree to a deal with Iran that falls short of ending all nuclear enrichment, with a fresh round of talks expected on Sunday.

Sources in the US revealed the possibility of an imminent attack, which a senior source in the Israeli prime ministers office would not confirm or deny.

But they did tell the Mail: President Trump said it best, Iran has to get rid of the concept of a nuclear weapon... We agree. This is a global threat.

The US has announced it will evacuate personnel from the region amid concerns they could be targeted by Iran in reprisals.

The New York Times reported an Iranian source saying Tehran has an immediate counter-attack plan in place if Israel strikes.

The response would reportedly be of a similar scope to the attack it launched in October last year, when Iran fired more than 200 drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles at Israel to overload air-defence systems, sending the entire population into bomb shelters.

Most missiles were shot down or intercepted, causing limited damage.

In this photo released by the Iranian Presidency Office, President Masoud Pezeshkian (second right) listens to Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami as he visits an exhibition of Iran's nuclear achievements in Tehran this April

The International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran had breached its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in almost 20 years (pictured IAEA Director General Rafael Grossion Monday)

This satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC shows the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran this May

Iran were able to explain how uranium was detected at undeclared sites, despite the agency having investigated the matter for years

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) yesterday declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in almost 20 years.

Iran failed to provide the watchdog with credible explanations as to how uranium was detected at undeclared sites, despite the agency having investigated the matter for years.

Nineteen of the 35 countries on the board of the IAEA voted for the motion to declare the breach.

The motion was submitted by the Quad of nations  the US, UK, France and Germany  who said states will be held to account if they do not live up to their obligations

Iran says the decision was political and said they would respond by setting up a new uranium enrichment facility.

It follows a report from the IAEA last week which criticised Irans general lack of co-operation and said it had enough enriched uranium to potentially make ten nuclear bombs.

US and Iranian officials will hold a sixth round of talks on Tehrans accelerating uranium enrichment programme in Oman on Sunday.

But Benjamin Netanyahus office said yesterdays resolution proves that Israel was right all along.

Armored vehicles belonging to Iraqi security forces are stationed outside the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone as the US announces it will evacuate personnel from the region amid concerns they could be targeted by Iran in reprisals

Israel conducted strikes against Iran in April last year following an Iranian drone and missile attack

Israel intercepts Iranian projectiles above Jerusalem on October 1, 2024

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On Wednesday, Donald Trump said he feared Tehran would not agree to stop enriching uranium, a key American demand.

They seem to be delaying. Im less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago. Something happened to them, he said.

Mr Netanyahu has long been a strident critic of Iran and has accused Tehran of secretly attempting to acquire nuclear weapons, something they deny.

One way or the other, Iran will not have nuclear weapons, he said in April.

Former prime minister Ehud Barak and former chief of the Mossad national intelligence agency Tamir Pardo claimed Mr Netanyahu sought to bomb Iran in 2010 and 2011, but he was opposed by senior Israeli officials.
Kings and princes have had their mistresses since the dawn of time  women deemed desirable enough to share a royal pillow, but not posh enough to become a wife. Some, like King Charles II's bedfellow Nell Gwyn, ended up as duchesses, while others like William IV's Mrs Jordan ended their lives penniless and destitute.

By its very nature being a royal squeeze is only a temporary assignment, not a job for life. And by the 20th century the British royal family reckoned it had devised a foolproof plan to get rid of their discarded lovelies.

Put simply, it was to pay them to shut up and go away.

Depending on the woman, this strategy was the gateway to fame and fortune  or the road to perdition.

Take Beryl Markham, for instance, the flexible mistress who took two royal brothers  King Edward VIII and Harry, Duke of Gloucester  to bed. The tall, angular daughter of a horse-breeder, she was part of Kenya's Happy Valley set, and landed her royal double when the brothers came to Africa on tour in the 1920s.

In one glorious season she alternated between both men before settling on the dimwitted, gullible Harry Gloucester who, back in England, set her up in a hotel outside the back gate of Buckingham Palace.

Soon she was telling Harry that he was to be the father of her child, and the royal machine was set in motion  Harry, desperately in love, was separated from her and packed off on a tour of Japan. Beryl gave birth to a son, and Harry's mother Queen Mary arranged for Beryl to be summarily paid off and sent away.

Harsh treatment? Not necessarily.

King Charles II's bedfellow Nell Gwyn, who ended up as a duchess

King Charles II was called The Merry Monarch and came to the throne in 1649 after his father Charles I had been executed following the English Civil War

Nell Gwyn selling ballards to Charles II and the Dukes of Buckingham and Rochester

Beryl not only secured a lifetime's pay-check from the Palace for her entanglement with Harry, she had the last laugh too. The child wasn't Harry's at all, and if he'd bothered to count the months from one to nine, he would have realised it couldn't be.

But off the back of these strenouous bedtime activities, Beryl became rich and  later as a pioneer aviatrix  famous.

Decidedly less fortunate was Kiki Preston, glamorous scion of the super-rich Vanderbilt family who lived in Paris and snared the oversexed George, Duke of Kent on his first visit to the city of love.

Kiki was mad, bad and dangerous to know, introducing the Duke not only to her bed but to addictive substances such as cocaine and morphine. George became addicted to both the woman and her drugs.

When he returned to London Kiki followed, but emissaries of the duke's father King George V knocked on her door and told her to go away.

She did.

Legend has it that Kiki took away not only royal money but the prince's child. For years it was whispered that 'Kiki had borne George a son', and then given the child away. But for once the rumour mill was wrong  a royal bastard was indeed born in 1926, but he wasn't George's child  or Kiki's.

Prince Harry, Duke of Gloucester standing behind his mother, Queen Mary and Prince Edward, Prince of Wales

Beryl Markham, with adhesive tape covering the slight cut she received in setting her plane down in Nova Scotia Bog, speaking to the press on her arrival at Floyd Bennett Field in New York City

Kiki Preston, glamorous scion of the super-rich Vanderbilt family who lived in Paris and snared the oversexed George, Duke of Kent

Kiki introduced George not only to her bed but to addictive substances such as cocaine and morphine

Get your weekly dose of Royal scandals and palace intrigue on this Mail podcast

New episodes every Thursday Hosted by Royal Historians Robert Hardman and Professor Kate Williams, Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things looks at the Royal Family - the secrets, the palace intrigues, and the Crown's bloodiest moments. Listen wherever you get your podcasts now. Advertisement

The father was, once again, the dimwit Harry, Duke of Gloucester and the mother Violet Evans, daughter of a Canadian coal magnate who came to London and, with her money and good looks, had been swept into the royal circle.

In this case, responsibility for the child was shuffled off onto a fellow cavalry officer, Ian Karslake, who married Violet and took her to Switzerland where the baby was born before being given away to an adoption agency.

The Karslake marriage soon foundered and, overcome with remorse at the loss of her only child, Violet committed suicide in 1951, gassing herself in her bedroom. By an eery and tragic coincidence, Kiki Preston had led the way by throwing herself off a New York hotel balcony five years earlier.

But by far the most bizarre royal mistress tale comes from Marjory Haddon, an electrifying brunette who bedded a prince - then got paid just 5 to go away.

Marjory was the wife of an Indian Army officer who was part of the royal entourage accompanying the future king Prince Albert Victor, known as Eddy, as he made a three-month tour of the Indian sub-continent in 1890.

That the sex-mad prince had an affair with Marjory is beyond question  lawyers for the royal family later bought back the steamy love letters he'd sent her in a desperate attempt to damp down publicity over the affair.

But for Marjory, that wasn't enough. She came to London  abandoning her husband and three other children  claiming that her newborn son Clarence was Prince Eddy's.

He wasn't. But what followed was a mad, confused and dizzying tale worthy of a Hollywood movie.

Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale, eldest child of the Prince of Wales later King Edward VII

Marjory met Prince Albert Victor, known as Eddy, as he made a three-month tour of the Indian subcontinent in 1890

King George V received letters demanding money with menaces, as Clarence Guy Gordon Haddon said he wouldn't settle for less than the equivalent of 3,000 a year as the price of his silence

Haddon with a friend at court. His mother Margery claimed he was the son of Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale. He was bound over on charges of demanding money from the King by menaces

Marjory ended up in a Paddington guest house with the probable father of her child, an officer in the Kings Own Scottish Borderers, before locking horns with royal officials and demanding money and recognition.

But her royal lover Prince Eddy was already dead, whisked away at the age of 28 by influenza. Having negotiated the return of his letters, courtiers felt confident enough to order Marjory out of the country  buying her a one-way ticket back to India with just 5 spending money.

It set the beautiful temptress off on a spiral path, changing her name from Marjory to Mary to Maria - and her husbands just as often. Her husband ended the marriage, whereupon she became entangled with a local doctor which ended up with a notorious divorce case back in 1898.

Her slide down the social ladder had begun. She married another soldier  this time a non-commissioned officer in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment - and when that failed, a man called Gorbold who'd worked in the boot trade who took her to Australia. To ensnare him she'd chopped ten years off her age and lied about her parentage.

But soon Gorbold died and she returned to London, where in 1912  now an alcoholic and beset by mental problems  she was arrested outside Buckingham Palace with two loaded pistols in her possession.

She said she wanted the royal family to buy two properties she owned. The one-time love of a future king had clearly lost all reason and was bundled away, never to be seen again.

That wasn't the end of it. Marjory had convinced her son that he was a royal love-child. Born Gordon Guy Haddon, she'd added Clarence as a first name  Prince Eddy's title was Duke of Clarence and Avondale  and as Clarence Haddon he was to cause the royal family more woe when he published a book titled 'King George, My Uncle', laying claim to his royal bloodline.

The madness which had infected his mother had passed to him, and after sending King George V letters demanding money with menaces, Haddon said he wouldn't settle for less than the equivalent of 3,000 a year as the price of his silence.

'Clarence' threatened to walk the streets of London wearing billboards naming the King as his uncle, and was followed by Special Branch police and finally arrested. Let off with a warning, he repeated the allegations and was jailed.

He died, still believing the lies his mother had told him  that he was a royal love child  at the age of 52 in 1943.

It was time for the royal family to come up with a new strategy for dealing with abandoned mistresses.
Much of what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have said and done since quitting Britain five years ago has astonished members of the Royal Household.

These include their accusations of racism against unnamed members of the family in their Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021 and Meghans recent posting of a video that showed her twerking in the maternity ward before the birth of their second child, Lilibet.

Now, however, the couple have managed to spring a fresh surprise on their royal relations who are long accustomed to bombshells from Montecito.

The Guardian newspaper, a favourite of Left-wing republicans, was the unusual recipient of a briefing from sources close to the Sussexes last week.

These apparently well-informed insiders were keen to share private details with the newspaper about the passports of the couples children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four.

The Guardian reported that passport applications for both children included the titles HRH (His /Her Royal Highness) as well as the surname Sussex, which  as viewers of the duchesss latest Netflix show With Love, Meghan will be well aware  is the one she now insists on being used.

Buried in this strange report in a newspaper not usually interested in royal gossip was a revelation which, I am told, left Palace insiders utterly bewildered.

Passport applications for both Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, reportedly included the titles HRH as well as the surname Sussex

Could the Sussexes, who chose to give up boring old public duties to seek their fortune in the US, stage a return to the royal fold via their children, writes Richard Eden

It read: The Guardian understands that Prince Harry wants to keep the HRH titles for his children so that when they grow older they can decide for themselves whether they want to become working royals, or stay out of public life.

It begs the question: Could the Sussexes, who chose to give up boring old public duties to seek their fortune in the US, stage a return to the royal fold via their children?

I find this very hard to understand, one royal source told me this week. Harry and Meghan apparently found official duties and life within the Royal Family unbearable, yet they want this for their children. It doesnt make sense.

Its true that the Sussexes have devoted much time and energy to publicising their unhappiness with royal life.

Its hard to forget Harrys grin on a video recording as he described their freedom flight to Los Angeles when they began their American adventure in 2020.

And the title of their sycophantic biography by journalists Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand that year was, of course, Finding Freedom.

During their interview with Oprah, Meghan said the pressure of being a working royal was so intolerable that it drove her to thoughts of suicide. She said she had been the victim of character assassination and that the pressure led her to the point of self-harm.

Its hard to forget Harrys grin on a video recording as he described their freedom flight to Los Angeles when they began their American adventure in 2020, says Richard Eden

I was really ashamed to say it at the time, and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry especially because I know how much loss he has suffered, but I knew that if I didnt say it, then I would do it, an emotional Meghan said. I just didnt want to be alive any more.

So why would she and Harry want their children to return to the goldfish bowl of royal life?

My suspicion is that this is less about the future roles of their children and more about maintaining Harry and Meghans royal links now.

Meghan, in particular, seems well aware of the value of the HRH titles, which they reportedly insisted were printed on their childrens passports.

Just last week, the duchess spoke about possibly running a company with her daughter, Princess Lilibet, in the future.

I wonder if one day Ill be in business with Lili and well be building something, Meghan told Tina Knowles, mother of pop superstar Beyonce, on her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder.

I wonder, would it perhaps be better for business if Lili were an American princess in line for a dramatic return to the Royal Family?
A mysterious geological formation perched high in the mountains of Turkey could be the site where Noah's Ark landed around 4,300 years ago.

That is the view of researchers who uncovered what they believe are man-made structures beneath the Durupinar Formation near Mount Ararat, a dormant volcano in eastern Turkey.

Andrew Jones, an independent researcher, and his team used ground-penetrating radar to see more than 20 feet below the surface, finding unnatural angular structures and voids hidden beneath layers of dirt.

'[We found] a tunnel that is not filled in and it leads to a big central void, a room that goes much further down, which is square shaped,' he told the Daily Mail.

'Some people have theorized that Noah's Ark had a multi-level big atrium to let the light and air circulate between the three decks.'

Jones noted that a key development in the investigation was the discovery of different soil inside the mysterious formation.

Inside, the soil is less alkaline, has more organic matter and contains more potassium, which is what would be expected from decaying wood, like an ancient wooden boat, which lowers pH and adds carbon and potassium, said Jones

'Tests show these soil differences (pH, organic matter and potassium) are real, with less than a 5% chance they're random, giving 95% confidence that something like a decayed wooden ship is causing them,' he added.

A mysterious geological formation perched high in the mountains of Turkey could be the site where Noah's Ark landed around 4,300 years ago

Using ground-penetrating radar, the team uncovered what looks like long hallways traveling through the middle and either side of what they say could be a massive boat

Just 18 miles south of Mount Ararat, Turkey's tallest peak, the Durupnar Formation emerged less than a century ago.

Local accounts described heavy rains and earthquakes in May 1948 eroding surrounding mud, unveiling the mysterious structure that was first identified by a Kurdish shepherd.

The Bible recounts Noah's Ark resting on the 'mountains of Ararat' after a 150-day flood submerged the Earth, sparing only those aboard the wooden vessel.

Biblical measurements describe the ark as 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide and 30 cubits high - that's approximately 515 feet long, 86 feet wide and 52 feet tall.

The measurements of the formation in Turkey appear to match those given in the Bible.

The notion that the ark landed on Mount Ararat remains contentious. While many scientists view the formation as a natural geological feature, others see evidence of something extraordinary. The team at Noah's Ark Scans is firmly in the latter camp.

'Naturally, an object would not form this way with the pointed end up hill,' said Jones.

'Per fluid dynamics, if this was an obstruction naturally forming around a rock in the earth or mud flow, then the pointed end would be downhill and the rounded end would be uphill.'

Independent researcher Andrew Jones (pictured) and his Noah's Ark Scans team have been studying the Durupinar Formation near Mount Ararat since 2019

Just 18 miles south of Mount Ararat, Turkey's tallest peak, the Durupnar Formation emerged less than a century ago

He and his team at Noah's Ark Scans have been exploring the mysterious mound since 2019, using modern technology to peer deep below the surface.

The void first appears about 14 feet below the surface and stretches more than 39 feet, according to the scans.

Jones explained that the space extends from the center of the boat-like structure toward its tip, ending where a large boulder was detected.

'The tunnel then drops another 26 feet, connecting to a massive central room that we're seeing in the radar scans,' he said.

'Our assumption is that this could be part of Noah's Ark, possibly the central hall and some of the decks. There's definitely something preserved underground.'

The radar captured 'a series of right angles' about 20 feet down, which researchers believe could be the rooms that held animals on the ark

Biblical measurements describe the ark as 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide and 30 cubits high, approximately 515 feet long, 86 feet wide and 52 feet tall. The measurements of the formation in Turkey appear to match those given in the Bible

Jones suggested the tunnel may have served as a main hallway, providing access to rooms meant for the animals brought aboard the vessel.

He said the scans revealed 'a series of right angles' about 20 feet down, which he believes could be those very chambers.

Dr. Daniel Bigman, an expert in high-resolution sensing technology, assisted the team in identifying what appear to be the 'rooms.'

'Dr. Bigman... said that in nature, you typically don't find a series of right angles like that,' Jones explained.

He added that the rooms appeared to be around 13 feet long on one side.

'But again, you don't know for sure until you ground-truth it,' Jones said. 'Either you have to excavate all the way down, or you core drill and get a sample of the material.'

The researchers aren't yet declaring the formation to be Noah's Ark, but Jones said, 'This is the best candidate.'

The Bible recounts Noah's Ark resting on the 'mountains of Ararat' after a 150-day flood submerged the Earth, sparing only those aboard the wooden vessel

'In the Biblical account, it doesn't say Noah's Ark landed on Mount Ararat, it says the mountains, plural, of Ararat,' Jones explained.

'Back in those days, Ararat was an ancient kingdom. So it would be like saying today that Noah's Ark landed in the mountains of Colorado. It's referring to a region of mountains, not one specific peak, and our site fits within that location.'

The other leading possible spot is on top of Mount Ararat, though there hasn't been any evidence found.

From as early as the 4th century, Christian tradition began identifying Mount Ararat in modern-day Turkey as the arks resting place.

Josephus, a 1st century Jewish historian, also wrote that remains of the ark were still visible in the mountains of Armenia, further solidifying the association with Mount Ararat.
Joe Rogan was visibly shaken after a controversial doctor claimed that healthcare workers were secretly euthanizing critically ill patients during the COVID pandemic.

Dr Mary Talley Bowden alleged on the June 10 episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast that hospital staff throughout the US gave COVID-19 patients morphine and insulin in order to end their lives quickly.

According to Dr Bowden, a board-certified ear, nose, and throat doctor in Houston, Texas, said this was a 'common' practice and was done to clear bed space in hospitals for other patients with a better chance of surviving COVID.

Dr Bowden has drawn widespread criticism for her previous claims about vaccines causing health problems and unproven COVID treatments, but her new allegations focused on an actual wrongful death case in Wisconsin that has just gone to trial.

The family of Grace Schara, 19, is claiming that their daughter, who also had Down Syndrome, died of a fatal morphine injection on October 13, 2021 after being taken to St Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton with COVID-19.

Moreover, the family claims that hospital staff placed a 'Do Not Resuscitate' order (DNR) on Grace's medical chart without their consent before giving her a lethal dose of morphine.

'Wait, wait, wait. So they were in the hospital with COVID and they gave them something to kill them?' a shocked Rogan asked.

'Yeah. That happened often. I'm sorry, but I mean, that happened... They basically euthanized her,' Dr Bowden replied.

Joe Rogan was visibly shaken by Dr Mary Talley Bowden's claims that COVID-19 patients were 'often' euthanized during the pandemic by medical staff who thought 'they're going to die anyway'

Grace Schara died at the age of 19 after contracting COVID-19 in 2021. Her family is suing for battery after hospital staff in Wisconsin allegedly filed a Do Not Resuscitate order without their consent and gave the teen a fatal injection of morphine

The doctor in charge of Grace's care has denied in court that he ever placed a DNR on the teen's medical chart without consent.

Dr Bowden said she studied several medical charts like Schara's during the pandemic, and cited another severe COVID case involving a man who was struggling to breathe but had no symptoms of physical pain.

On a scale of zero to 10 in terms of his pain, the man replied zero, but was allegedly given morphine anyway by a doctor.

Dr Bowden then told Rogan the patient was given a dose of insulin despite having normal blood sugar readings.

Insulin is a hormone used to lower blood sugar (glucose), which the brain and body rely on to function.

It can be deadly if given in excessive amounts, especially to someone with normal or low blood sugar because it causes severe hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). Dr Bowden note that three minutes later, the man was dead.

The podcast guest claimed she found evidence of improper treatment and reported the responsible doctor to that state's medical board.

'They didn't do anything. But yeah, it definitely went on during COVID,' the doctor revealed.

'That is such a terrifying thought that someone would just decide so many people are dying. This guy's definitely going to die,' a stunned Rogan replied.

Dr Mary Talley Bowden alleged on the June 10 episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast that hospital staff throughout the US would give COVID-19 patients morphine and insulin in order to end their lives quickly

Dr Bowden did not provide any details regarding where this incident took place or who allegedly administered the fatal injections.

The otolaryngologist has repeatedly questioned the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, particularly mRNA vaccines, and has claimed that the shots actually led to more injuries and illnesses among vaccinated individuals.

She also has promoted controversial COVID treatments like ivermectin, which Rogan admitted that he took during the pandemic.

The Texas Medical Board filed a complaint against Dr Bowden in June 2023 for standard of care violations, unprofessional conduct, and promoting disproven treatments.

Her claims that euthanasia was a common occurrence in hospitals overwhelmed by COVID patients were boosted when the Schara family's case went before a judge this month.

Grace's family is suing Ascension Health, one of the largest non-profit healthcare systems in the US, for medical battery and negligence.

St Elizabeth Hospital, five doctors, four unnamed medical providers, two registered nurses, and the Wisconsin Injured Patients and Families Compensation Fund have also been named in the lawsuit by the Schara family.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the Schara family and Ascension Health for comment.

Grace's father, Scott Schara, and the family's attorney, Warner Mendenhall, told the Daily Mail they're barred from commenting on the case until a verdict is reached.

In his opening statement, Mendenhall said: 'Grace Schara was killed by a deadly injection while dozens of clinical personnel stood aside and did nothing.'

Testimony given by the family's medical expert argued that Grace failed to be correctly diagnosed and died from a morphine overdose as a result of the unauthorized DNR order, not COVID-related pneumonia.

The doctor and registered nurse in charge of Grace's care were among the first witnesses to testify in the wrongful death trial last week.

Dr Gavin Shokar and Hollee McInnis testified that they were in regular contact with the Schara family, with Dr Shokar adding that he 'never unilaterally placed a DNR order on a patient's chart.' The case is expected to continue into late June.

Dr Bowden added that the Schara family's lawsuit is a rare case that may be capable of defeating the PREP Act, a law created in 2005 that protects doctors and hospitals from wrongdoing.

During the COVID pandemic, the law was used to protect healthcare workers and companies making vaccines or treatments from lawsuits over side-effects or mistakes, as long as they followed emergency guidelines.
In the classic films and comics, kryptonite is Superman's ultimate weakness, robbing him of his powers.

Originating from Superman's home world of Krypton, the green alien material emits a unique, poisonous radiation that can weaken and even kill him.

Of course, kryptonite is entirely fictional, consigned to the realms of sci-fi.

But scientists at the Natural History Museum in London believe a real-life version could have surprising benefits on Earth.

Unlike the fictional kryptonite, jadarite is white and powdery, emits no radiation, and comes from Serbia rather than outer space.

The rare but promising lithium-bearing mineral, first found more than 20 years ago, is formed like 'cake ingredients combined in precise order', the scientists reveal.

And it could soon power Europe's transition to a global electric car revolution as internal combustion engines are replaced by batteries.

'If mined, jadarite can offer huge potential,' said Dr Robin Armstrong, geologist at the Natural History Museum.

Unlike fictional kryptonite, jadarite at London's Natural History Museum (pictured) is white and powdery, emits no radiation, and comes from Serbia rather than outer space

In the classic films and comics, kryptonite is Superman's ultimate weakness, robbing him of his powers. While fictional, the alien material does have a real-life equivalent

Jadarite was discovered in Serbia in 2004 by mining corporation Rio Tinto, but even geologists initially were not sure what it was.

Three years later it was officially described by a team including Natural History Museum scientists Chris Stanley and Mike Rumsey.

At the time, the scientists' comparison with a database of all existing known minerals proved jadarite was totally unique.

Experts were amazed that its chemical formula was similar (but not identical) to the formula invented for kryptonite in the 2006 film 'Superman Returns'.

In the film, the fictional formula  'sodium lithium boron silicate hydroxide with fluorine'  is written on a case of kryptonite stolen by Superman's arch enemy Lex Luthor.

This coincidence attracted mass-media attention in 2007, but nearly two decades on the potential of jadarite is still yet to be realised.

Curiously, jadarite has so far only been been found in one place on Earth  Serbia's Jadar Basin, from which the mineral takes its name.

But its been found there in a quantity so large that, if mined, it could power a green revolution.

Pictured, the kryptonite crystal prop used for from the film 'Superman III' (1983). The green resin 'crystal' formation represented the fictional mineral that was Superman's only weakness

Jadarite has so far only been been found in one place on Earth - Serbia's Jadar Basin. Pictured, shale containing white nodular jadarite interbedded with laminated dolomite (a carbonate rock)

What is jadarite? Jadarite, which Rio named after the Jadar valley in western Serbia, is a unique high-grade mineral compound. It has been compared with kryptonite, because its chemical formula is similar to the formula invented for kryptonite in the 2006 film 'Superman Returns'. The lithium-bearing mineral has the 'potential to facilitate the green energy transition', scientists say. Advertisement

Jadarite contains high amounts of boron and lithium, which are both relatively rare and 'industrially important' elements.

Boron is used in fertilisers and heat resistant glass for smartphones, as well as materials for wind farms and solar panels.

Lithium, meanwhile, is a key component in lithium-ion electric car batteries.

If the jadarite at Jadar Basin is mined, it could produce lithium to power up to 90 per cent of Europes quota of electric vehicles, the scientists reveal.

To form, jadarite must follow a rare set of geological steps in specific conditions, involving alkaline-rich lakes, lithium-rich volcanic glass and the transformation of clay minerals into crystalline structures.

'Similar to baking a cake, everything needs to be measured and exact for this rare mineral to form,' said Natural History Museum mineralogist Francesco Putzolu.

'For instance, if the mineral ingredients are not just right, if the conditions are too acidic or too cold, jadarite will not form.

'The criteria seem to be so precise that we've not yet seen it replicated anywhere else on Earth.'

Jadarite on display at the Natural History Center of Serbia in Svilajnac, Serbia. Jadarite was discovered in Serbia in 2004 by mining corporation Rio Tinto, but even geologists initially were not sure what it was

Jadarite has only been found in one location on Earth. But its been found in a quantity so large that, if mined, it could produce lithium to power up to 90 per cent of Europes quota of electric vehicles

Dr Putzolu and two other colleagues at Natural History Museum have shared their findings in a new paper, 'Jadarites unique recipe', published in the journal Nature Geoscience.

Since its discovery and despite the global rush to find new lithium resources, no further occurrences of jadarite have been found.

So the next challenge is finding new locations around the world where conditions are also just right for jadarite to form.

'Perhaps the coincidence of geological conditions at Jadar is a recipe requiring such precision in its execution that it is more often over- or under-cooked or not with the correct proportion of ingredients to be successful,' the team say.

'The challenge for geoscientists is to find where on Earth nature may have used another similar recipe.'
With Father's Day approaching, some Brits may be planning on rustling up a nice dinner to treat their Dad.

Now, scientists have revealed the formula for cooking the perfect steak  and it's all down to how heat moves through meat.

The equation, inspired by Albert Einstein, features one very important factor  the thickness of the meat.

And since the total cooking time can vary from three to 14 minutes, it's one equation that could turn out very useful in the kitchen.

It has been devised by Professor Rob Appleby, a physicist from the University of Manchester and a trained chef.

He has utilised a formula first worked out by Einstein - L = 4Dt - originally used to describe the motion of particles.

In the formula L represents the thickness of the steak, T is the time for the steak to cook and D is the diffusion coefficient, which is the speed at which heat moves through the fillet.

Professor Appleby has used the equation to create a simplified timing chart to help home chefs master steak  so, will you put it to the test?

This scientific equation, originally used to describe the motion of particles, has been reimagined to predict how long it takes for heat to penetrate and perfectly cook a steak

The formula can help home cooks achieve the perfect steak with a medium-rare centre, Professor Appleby said

'Steak science is surprisingly precise,' Professor Appleby said.

'It's not the weight of the steak that matters, but its thickness.

'Heat takes longer to travel through thicker meat, and Einstein's formula helps us understand exactly how long it takes.'

He explained that the time it takes to cook a steak increases with the square of its thickness.

That means doubling the thickness of a steak doesn't just double the cooking time - it can quadruple it.

This insight busts one of the biggest BBQ myths  that a steak twice as big takes twice as long to cook.

By using the formula and a simple temperature probe, home cooks can avoid overcooking, undercooking or the dreaded burst-outside, raw-inside steak disasters.

'A 2cm-thick steak might take just four minutes in total, while a 4cm steak could take over 12 minutes,' Professor Appleby said.

COOKING TIME CHART (FOR MEDIUM-RARE AT CORE) Steak thickness Estimated time per side (mins) Total cooking time (mins) 1.5cm 1.5-2 3-4 2 2-2.5 4-5 2.5 3-4 6-8 3 4-5 8-10 4 6-7 12-14 Add 1-2 minutes per side for medium/medium-well

The timing is perfect for Father's Day weekend, when some people might be firing up their BBQs.

'People are always nervous about steak, especially on a BBQ, but this takes the guesswork out,' Josh Novell, from Polhill BBQs, said.

'You don't need to be a physicist; just have the right tools and the right method.

'When you're cooking over flames or coals, heat zones vary and it's easy to burn the outside before the centre's ready.

'But by understanding how heat travels through the steak, you avoid solely relying on instinct.'
A US Army official may have accidentally dropped what some are calling the 'greatest Freudian slip ever.'

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was enthusiastically promoting the Army's upcoming 250th anniversary parade, set to take place in Washington DC this Saturday, when he said America has a soldier stationed on the moon.

Driscoll highlighted the Army's wide range of missions, from responding to natural disasters to what the internet is calling a 'the start of lunar militarization.'

'The country gets to see all of the amazing things that the Army has done,' he said, 'whether it's helping with floods in North Carolina, or wildfires in California, or we talked to an astronaut yesterday who's on the moon, who's a soldier.'

Driscoll's comment appears to have confused the moon with NASA's International Space Station (ISS) as he spoke to Army Colonel Anne McClain, a NASA astronaut currently stationed aboard the ISS this week.

However, the remark made during a live FOX News interview was brief, with no follow-up details, but it did not take long for social media to ignite with speculation.

'Did he just slip up? Is it more Pentagon disinformation? That is quite the statement to make,' one user wrote on X.

Others speculated whether the US military is quietly expanding its presence in space amid growing competition with Russia and China for supremacy.

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was enthusiastically promoting the Army's upcoming 250th anniversary parade, set to take place in Washington DC this Saturday, when he said America has a soldier stationed on the moon

While the Army official has not commented on his statement, neither NASA or the military have released information stating there is a human on the moon.

Driscoll is the 26th Secretary of the Army, sworn in on February 25th, following his nomination by President Donald Trump and confirmation by the Senate.

His role is to oversee operations, modernization and resource allocation for nearly one million Active, Guard and Reserve Soldiers and more than 265,000 Army Civilians.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Driscoll for comment.

A video of Driscoll has gone viral on X after he casually claimed the Army recently spoke to a 'soldier on the moon.'

'Greatest Freudian slip ever? 'Soldier on the moon,' one user posted.

Another added: 'What the h*** did I just hear?'

Some recalled that the US once proposed building a military lunar base during the Cold War.

'The country gets to see all of the amazing things that the Army has done,' he said, 'whether it's helping with floods in North Carolina , or wildfires in California , or we talked to an astronaut yesterday who's on the moon, who's a soldier'

Driscoll's comment appears to have confused the moon with NASA's International Space Station (ISS) as he spoke to Army Colonel Anne McClain, a NASA astronaut currently stationed aboard the ISS this week

Following the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, American military leaders, particularly in the Air Force, explored the idea of lunar landings and even permanent outposts on the moon.

But Driscoll's comments were likely reccounting the discussion with McClain on Monday, which she shared her life aboard the orbiting lab and her pride in serving both NASA and the Army.

Driscoll, clearly impressed, told her: 'Colonel, when I took this job, one of the things everybody told me was, 'You will not believe the number of things that the US Army and its soldiers do.'

The anniversary parade, which coincides with Trump's birthday, is set to feature a dramatic display of military might in the nation's capital

'And nearly every day, I've been surprised by something new. But you have absolutely taken the cake for having the coolest and most unique job of any soldier I've talked to so far.'

McClain also acknowledged the Army's upcoming 250th anniversary celebration, expressing her pride in being part of the milestone.

The anniversary parade, which coincides with Trump's birthday, is set to feature a dramatic display of military might in the nation's capital.

Tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Strykers and other armored units will roll through the capital, while Army aircraft are expected to soar overhead.

'It's going to be a parade, the likes of which, I don't know if we've ever had a parade like that. It's going to be incredible,' Trump said this week.

'We have air, even though it's the Army, we have a lot of those Army airplanes flying over the top, and we have tanks all over the place, and we have thousands and thousands of soldiers going to bravely march down the streets. It's going to be a beautiful day, I think.'
Australian furniture and homewares brand has just launched their mid-year sale

Former The Block contestants sourced furniture from

Rachel and Ryan's Holiday Home Makeover follows the couple renovation project

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more

If you've been glued to Rachel and Ryan's Holiday Home Makeover series, wishing you could recreate their beautiful interiors style in your own house, now you can and save money too.

The much-loved former contestants on The Block have been back on screen with their new renovation show, which follows their efforts to transform a tired property on the NSW South Coast into a luxurious Italian-inspired escape.

Fans of Rachel and Ryans taste can now bring the couples signature style into their own homes as the exact pieces they used to fit out the home are available now, and even better: on sale with up to 50 per cent off.

The couple turned to Australian designer furniture and homewares retailer James Lane when furnishing the spacious, light-filled space, focusing on warm textures, natural stone, and luxe touches throughout.

Many of the key pieces, from their cosy bed in the stunning master suite, to the sleek, contemporary dining table, and the comfy and contemporary modular couch, are featured in James Lane's mega mid-year sale.

In episode one, viewers saw Rachel and Ryan complete the gorgeous master bedroom and ensuite.

Former The Block stars Rachel and Ryan are starring in their new renovation series, Rachel & Ryan's Holiday Home Makeover and you can snap up their style in the James Lane sale

The couple sourced many of the luxurious home's key pieces from Australian furniture and homewares brand James Lane, which is currently holding their mega mid-year sale

The centrepiece of the bedroom is undoubtedly the James Lane Riley Bed in a soft and cosy ivory boucle fabric.

The grand proportions of the bed make it the ultimate retreat you won't want to leave. Usually $1,499, the queen size bed is currently on sale for $974, while a king size is $1,039.

The warm, neutral space is finished with a pop of colour with the eye catching James Lane Mars Violetta side tables.

The Riley Boucle Ivory Bed is currently 35 per cent off, down to $974 for the queen size

The Mars Violetta Side Table, $384 and Zira Rug, $454.30 are also featured in the home's master bedroom

The marble-look statement pieces are $384 for a limited time in the mid-year sale, down from $549.

The Zira Rug is also featured, in classic ivory. Handwoven in India in natural wool, the rug is available in two sizes, from $454.30 on sale.

Episode three saw Rachel and Ryan transform the guest bedrooms, and selected the Maeve Boucle Bed in pumice from James Lane for their future guests.

The centrepiece of the dining room is the sleek, contemporary Balmain Dining Table

Before: The dining room has undergone a complete transformation

The bed frame, featuring a soft padded headboard, currently has 30 per cent off, on sale for $909 for a queen size.

The dining room and kitchen underwent a complete transformation in episode four, with show stopping marble, coastal light hardwood flooring offset by dark cabinetry.

'This week we brought heart, soul, and a little Italian magic to the kitchen, dining, laundry and hallway,' the couple said on their Instagram page.

The guest bedroom features the Maeve Boucle Bed Frame Pumice, which has 30 per cent off in the James Lane mid-year sale

Before: The light, stylish guest bedrooms are almost unrecognisable from the tired decor pre-renovation

The previously tired home is now contemporary and luxurious, with a focus on warm textures, natural stone, and luxe touches throughout

'The kitchen? Its all about family designed to gather around, cook slow meals, and make memories that linger long after dessert.'

They complemented the fit out with the Balmain Dining Table from James Lane to gather for family meals and entertaining.

The rectangular mountain ash wood table, stained black for a sleek, contemporary look is available in a range of sizes to suit every room size, starting from $839 in the mid-year sale.

The living room's centrepiece is the Riley Modular Sofa in Muse Flax fabric, which currently has 35 per cent off

Before: The formerly cramped living room has been transformed into a spacious, open-plan design

The breakfast nook features the Soho Dining Table in Black American Ash, $699, down from $1,599.

The circular table is surrounded by Azul Dining Chairs in black and rattan, $249 each down from $359.

The living room is one of the final rooms to undergo renovation, and the heart of the home's centrepiece is the Riley Modular Sofa in Muse Flax fabric.

Combining comfort with style, the design is completely adaptable for different room layout, size and preferred seating arrangement.

Rachel and Ryan managed to complete the holiday home project in 14 weeks

Featuring low arms and back and feather-filled seat and back cushions, the Riley Modular chaise is casual and cosy yet beautiful to look at.

And with removable covers for cleaning, it is family friendly too. Now is the perfect time to purchase, with 35 per cent off.

The three-seater design is currently $3,667, down from $5,649.

'While the rest of the house leans into luxury, these spaces lean into comfort with a little polish, of course,' Rachel and Ryan wrote on their Instagram page.

'Think layered textures, warm lighting, and a custom stone wall that adds just the right amount of drama.

'Its where you kick off your shoes, curl up with a glass of wine, and realise that you never want this time to end.'

The parents of three managed to turn the project around within a tight 14-week deadline.

Since Rachel and Ryan's stint on 2022 season of The Block, they have started their own design company, The R&R Design Co.

The couple were fan favourites on the reality series, particularly after their dramatic entrance, memorably replacing Elle Ferguson and Joel Patful after they quit the contest on day two.
A gorgeous destination in Turkey has been described as an affordable swap for a holiday in Dubai.

According to new research which looked at prices in several top destinations, a five-day trip to Antalya in Turkey will cost Brits around 640.

Meanwhile the same trip in Dubai could cost tourists a whopping 896, more than 250 extra.

Antalya is a Turkish resort city located on the country's beautiful and sunny Turquoise Coast.

Lonely Planet reveals: 'The largest city on Turkey's western Mediterranean coastline is both classically beautiful and stylishly modern.

'The old city wraps around a splendid Roman-era harbour with clifftop views of hazy-blue mountain silhouettes that are worth raising a toast to.'

Antalya's best-rated attraction on Tripadvisor is Kaleci, its seafront historic district that dates back to the Roman era.

Within its winding streets tourists will find Hadrian's Gate, the city's clock tower and the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Cami, an Ottoman-era mosque.

Antalya is a Turkish resort city located on the country's beautiful and sunny Turquoise Coast

Within the old town's winding streets tourists will find Hadrian's Gate (pictured above)

At Antalya museum, visitors will find collections spanning from the Paleolithic Age to the Ottoman era.

But of course many of the millions of tourists who visit Antalya every year are travelling for the Turquoise Coast's spectacular beaches.

Konyaalti Beach is the region's best-rated on Tripadvisor. Sunbathers can enjoy crystal-clear water and gorgeous views of the mountains.

Another top spot on the Turquoise Coast, Lara Beach is known for its golden sand and stretches for 8km.

Jet2, British Airways, easyJet, Pegasus and TUI all offer direct flights from the UK to Antalya. The flight takes around four and a half hours.

Total Travel Protection, which commissioned the research, also recommends going to Prague instead of London and Marrakech instead of Bali.

But if you've got your heart set on a break in Dubai or Bali, one of the team's travel experts has shared their top tips to save on a luxury holiday.

Sarah Findlay, travel expert at Total Travel Protection, explains: 'Don't overlook five-star hostels. You can get rooftop pools, designer decor and private suites for a fraction of what you'd pay at a luxury hotel.

Konyaalti Beach is the region's best-rated on Tripadvisor. Sunbathers can enjoy crystal-clear water and gorgeous views of the mountains

Antalya's best-rated attraction on Tripadvisor is Kaleci, its seafront historic district that dates back to the Roman era

'When it comes to dining, lunch is the ultimate luxury hack. Many Michelin-starred or fine dining restaurants offer lunchtime tasting menus at a fraction of the evening price, with the same quality and service.

'It's an easy way to elevate your experience without blowing through your budget.'

And if you're looking for a bargain city break, new research has revealed the cheapest destination for a holiday that won't break the bank.

According to the research, Linz in Austria is one of this year's cheapest destinations to fly to with one-way trips available for under 17.
The sunrise rush for a lounger can make or break a cruise holiday day...those who get unlucky risk perching in an uncomfortable spot or getting a bed with a dismal view.

One serial cruise fan has shared their top tips for winning the sun lounger wars on P&O's Arvia on TikTok - including a controversial hack for guaranteeing your place in the sun.

@solotravel1974 posted a clip of five ways to 'beat the crowds and actually enjoy your sea day' on the popular holiday liner.

The ship launched in 2022 and is described as ideal for 'families, couples and newcomers'; it boasts swim-up bars, infinity pools and the retractable SkyDome - but it can be elbows at dawn when it comes to getting a prime spot.

The footage shared by @solotravel1974 showed just how busy the ship can get at peak times, with dozens of people sharing a deck space filled cheek-by-jowl with loungers.

The first piece of advice, particularly applicable to 'sea days and school holidays' is to turn on your heel and avoid the most popular areas, including the pools, Deck 16 and the SkyDome area, which 'get packed by 9am'.

The avid cruise holiday fan said many people still used the tried-and-tested sun lounger method of leaving their towels and then disappearing 'for hours' before arriving back in the afternoon to enjoy the best time of the day.

Plenty, they added, simply ignore signs onboard that say items will be removed if no-one returns to the lounger within 30 minutes to free them up for someone else.

Get in early! TikToker @solotravel1974 shared clips from life on board P&O Arvia including scenes showing decks packed with sun loungers

However, the one piece of advice that might put you on a one-way path to some holiday friction is: 'Don't be afraid to move towels' or ask staff members to do it for you.

They captioned the video: 'If it's clearly been hours and no-one's returned...you can speak to a crew member. Sun bed hogging is against the rules - even if no-one enforces it.'

Seeking out the ship's lesser known spots, including smaller sun lounger areas on Deck 8, are also suggested as a wise idea for those seeking a little peace and quiet, and likewise with Deck 19, which is often overlooked, the video reports.

Other tips included booking The Retreat, an adult-only area of the ship that has fancier loungers in a shaded spot - but warned that bookings can happen up to a year in advance, so tourists need to plan well to secure a bed.

And, if you really can't beat 'em, then the advice is to 'Join the early risers club. Some cruisers are up at 6am with towels in hand.'

The video's crowded scenes evoked a strong response from those who watched it, with one person saying: 'My idea of hell, trapped at sea with others in close proximity.'

Another recounted their own experiences on the ship, saying: 'We were on Arvia at Christmas in the Caribbean; people were up at 5am bagging sunbeds - arguments everywhere - never ever again!'

Others said they hadn't seen the sun bed rush described in the clip, with a cruise tourist saying: 'We were on Arvia at Christmas in the Caribbean people were up at 5am bagging sunbeds - arguments everywhere - never ever again!'

Can't beat 'em? Then joining the dawn sun bed hoggers brigade at 9am is still an option, says @solotravel1974

Earlier this week, Carnival Cruise Line issued a warning to passengers taking part in an unsafe balcony trend on its cruise ships.

An image of a couple relaxing on a mattress on their cruise ship balcony recently went viral. The pair appeared to have dragged their bedding out on to the balcony so they could read their books outside.

In another incident, Sarah Goodwin filmed herself dragging her mattress out to the balcony and told other cruisers they would 'not regret it'.

But other passengers were less than impressed by Goodwin's behaviour with one person saying in a cruise group: 'That is a big no no. I find it incredibly disrespectful.'

Another person added: 'You will [regret it] when your mattress is covered in salt and moist from the humid air and I bet the cruise company don't like that much either for those reasons.'

And now Carnival Cruise Line's ambassador John Heald has explained what the brand really thinks of mattress balconies.

In a social media post the ambassador warned: 'That is not allowed for safety reasons, cleanliness reasons, for all sorts of reasons.

'You cannot take your mattress and put it on your balcony. Don't do it. Just don't.'

The P&O Arvia launched in 2022 and is a popular liner with first-time cruisers, families and couples

Carnival Cruise Line has issued a warning to passengers taking part in an unsafe balcony trend on its cruise ships

John Heald said that passengers are not allowed to take their mattress out on to their cabin balcony

John also addressed a few other passenger queries about cruise ship balconies. The ambassador said that some guests had written to him to complain about other passengers sleeping with their balcony door open.

The complaining guests had argued that it was 'selfish' as it stopped the air conditioning running in other cabins.

But John said that's simply a rumour and sleeping with an open balcony door won't affect the air conditioning.

'Some people have said that passengers who leave the balcony door of their cabin open that it is selfish because it turns the air conditioning off for other cabins in that area,' said John.

'That is not true. Regardless of those who say it is, I have confirmed with the highest level, the chief engineers on the ships, and they confirm it only turns off the air conditioning in your cabin and does not affect those around you.'.
New research has revealed the world's most dangerous countries to travel to and Britons might be surprised by the results.

The researchers looked at 35 criteria to determine the most dangerous and safest countries to visit.

The rate of natural disasters, violence in society, involvement in armed conflicts and health infrastructure were all covered to determine the safest destinations to travel to.

So, where are the world's most dangerous countries to travel to?

The Philippines ranks as the world's most unsafe holiday destination according to the research.

Despite its position at the bottom of the safety ranking, the country remains a popular tourist hotspot.

More than 5.4 million international holidaymakers travelled to the Philippines in 2024 with many heading to popular beach spots such as Boracay and Palawan.

Next on the list in the danger rankings is Colombia. The South American country has a high rate of violence within society which earned it second place.

The Philippines ranks as the world's most unsafe holiday destination according to the research

Next on the list in the danger rankings is Colombia. The South American country has a high rate of violence within society which earned it second place

According to the research, Mexico is the third most dangerous tourist destination in the world

It's also a popular tourist destination and welcomed 6.2 million international tourists in 2024, nearly a 30 per cent increase on visitors numbers in 2022.

But the third most dangerous country on the ranking is one of the world's leading tourist destinations.

According to the research, Mexico is the third most dangerous tourist destination in the world.

Much like Colombia, the country earned its place on the ranking due to high levels of violence within society.

In 2024, around 45 million international tourists travelled to Mexico. The country's leading holiday destinations include Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

India also ranks among the most dangerous holiday destinations for international tourists.

Russia, Yemen, Somalia, Iran and Syria all feature in the most dangerous top 10 destinations. Each of the five countries are on the UK Government's Do not Travel list.

At the other end of the scale, Iceland ranks as the world's safest country to travel to for a holiday. Singapore ranks second on the list.

India also ranks among the most dangerous holiday destinations for international tourists

Iceland ranks as the world's safest country to travel to for a holiday, according to the research

HelloSafe, which commissioned the research, says: 'A country's safety and the feeling of security are often essential criteria for international travellers. The results sometimes contradict preconceived ideas.'

Denmark is listed as the third safest country in the world while Austria and Switzerland also rank among the top five.

The Czech Republic, Slovenia, Finland, Ireland and Hungary also make the top 10 safest countries in the world.

In Europe, Greece and France both rank as two of the continent's least safe countries to visit, with only Russia and Ukraine listed as more dangerous.

The UK also ranks among Europe's 10 most dangerous countries while the USA is listed as the 14th most dangerous in the world.
Passengers who disrupt Ryanair flights could now face a hefty fine after the airline announced plans for a 'major clampdown' on 'unruly behaviour'.

Tourists who have to be taken off planes - delaying the journeys of their fellow flyers - will face a 500 fine, the airline has announced.

Europes largest carrier, which takes thousands of revellers to resorts and cities across Europe and beyond every year, said it would now come down on hard on those who stop other passengers enjoying a stress-free flight.

A statement released by Michael O'Leary's airline said: 'Passengers expect to travel in a comfortable and stress-free environment with an on-time arrival, free from unnecessary disruption caused by a tiny number of unruly passengers.'

A spokesperson for Ryanair added: 'It is unacceptable that passengers are made to suffer unnecessary disruption because of one unruly passengers behaviour'.

Travellers who become aggressive towards staff or display drunken behaviour that compromises the safety of others will be offloaded and then sent a bill.

The carrier said: 'Ryanair is committed to tackling unruly passenger behaviour for the benefit of its passengers and crew, and will continue to pursue disruptive passengers for civil damages, but at a minimum, they will now be issued with a 500 fine.'

Last month, a British woman was filmed being dragged off a Ryanair flight and thrown to the floor by security staff after she allegedly assaulted passengers and forced the plane to divert to Portugal.

Last month, video footage shared to TikTok showed a woman being led off a grounded Ryanair plane after she allegedly assaulted passengers and forced the plane to divert to Portugal - new fines introduced ahead of the summer season will see disruptive passengers pay a 500 fine

Footage showed a woman being led off the grounded plane by several members of staff, after the flight from Tenerife to Glasgow Prestwick was diverted on May 18th.

A second video showed the woman being led outside the plane on the tarmac of the Portuguese airport.

Blair Morgan, a passenger on the plane, told MailOnline that passengers were left terrified after the 'angry, hostile passenger was being aggressive towards staff and other passengers.'

'The passenger made a [false] bomb threat towards everyone on the plane, along with saying she would "bottle" people with a glass wine bottle.

Blair said: 'A lot of passengers didn't know what to do. Everyone was distressed and scared. It was really scary - it's not something you really expect.'

The airline said it hoped that taking a new 'proactive approach' on such incidents in future that 'will act as a deterrent to eliminate this unacceptable behaviour onboard our aircraft.'

And in April, a Ryanair flight descended into chaos when staff were forced to strap an 'unruly' passenger to his seat using spare belts after he refused to sit down during landing.

The passenger onboard the flight from Manchester to Rhodes, Greece, on April 3 was shouting at cabin crew who onlookers said had confiscated two bottles of booze from him and refused to serve him alcohol .

And in April, a Ryanair flight from Manchester to Rhodes was forced to return to the air after attempting to land after a passenger refused to sit down

He failed to follow orders to sit down during landing, forcing the pilot to abort the descent, circle round, and land again.

Video shows staff and other passengers huddled around the man and a member of staff shouting: 'Sit down, now.'

A separate clip shows police officers appearing to escort the man down the aisle upon landing.

Passenger Emily, 26, who filmed the incident, said: 'The flight was going completely fine until the cabin crew came up to me and my partner at the front of the plane and asked us if we were travelling together and if we could be separated because a little girl needed to come down to the front of plane with her dad because a man was being disruptive.

'We were together so they asked someone else instead who moved and that's when I got made aware of this guy being really disruptive at the back of the plane.'

Emily explained how cabin crew had to get two spare seatbelts and tried pinning the man down on his seat.

Another Ryanair fee was the focus of charges last month when the airline was told to refund a passenger 124 over hand luggage charges could see budget airlines charge a pricier 'all inclusive' fare, an aviation legal expert warned today.

A landmark court ruling in Salamanca, Spain, decided that hand luggage is an essential part of air travel and should not be subject to extra fees.

Another Ryanair fee was recently in the spotlight after the airline was told to refund a passenger 124 over hand luggage charges after a court ruled it was an essential part of air travel and should not be subject to extra fees

The passenger involved in the case will be reimbursed 124 (147) for hand luggage costs charged on five flights between 2019 and 2024 following the judgment.

Kevin Bodley, a consultant at Steele Raymond LLP Solicitors, which specialises in aviation law, said the decision has 'potentially significant implications' for English law and air travel policy.

He added that the ruling raises the likelihood that airlines in Spain will be forced to change policies to allow all standard sized cabin bags within a standard fare.

This could also lead to challenges on the legality of similar fees levied by other airlines, some of whom allow a free small personal bag but charge for larger bags.

The Spanish judgment was based on a decision by the European Court of Justice in 2014 in which it was said hand luggage is 'an indispensable element of passenger transport and that its carriage cannot, therefore, be subject to a price supplement'.

The passenger's claim was backed by Spanish consumer rights organisation Facua, in the latest case during a long-running battle against budget airlines.

The group has now won five rulings in recent months relating to hand luggage, against Ryanair and Vueling.

Facua has relied on article 97 of Spain's Air Navigation law which states that airlines are 'obliged to transport not only the passenger, but also, and without charging anything for it, the objects and hand luggage that they carry' with them.
A student was left stunned after purchasing a mystery holiday on Wowcher in the hopes of exploring an unknown destination - only to wind up back at the city she lives in.

Cara Piper, from Derry, Northern Ireland, recently splashed out 129 on the popular voucher, which offers holidaymakers the chance to win a holiday to far-flung destinations such as Florida, Dubai and the Maldives.

The 23-year-old undergrad, who has been studying education at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, said she 'impulsively' bought the voucher for a cheap trip abroad - adding she would have been happy with 'anywhere but the UK.'

In a viral video uploaded to her TikTok page, @carapyper_, Cara captured the very moment she redeemed the Wowcher, before revealing the destination to viewers.

She initially explained to her followers that she and fellow jetsetter, Ethan, had decided book the mystery holiday on a whim, adding that they paid 129 to select a peak summer date.

Cara continued: 'The only problem is, we have to travel from Belfast. We're limited on where we can go.

'We don't think it's going to be New York or anything like that. We're happy with anywhere. We're redeeming it right now... I'm nervous.'

However, Cara's excitement quickly turned to disappointment as she discovered she had paid for a trip to Edinburgh - the city she's studied in for four years.

Cara Piper, from Derry, Northern Ireland, was left stunned after purchasing a mystery holiday on Wowcher in the hopes of exploring an unknown destination - only to wind up back at the city she lives in

Holding her phone to her ear as she announced the destination a friend on speaker, she exclaimed: 'No, no, no, no. We got Edinburgh. I'm in Edinburgh right now. We did not just pay 130 each to go where I go to uni for the past four years.

'For f**** sake. I actually can't believe that. I was saying if we got somewhere in the UK I'd be fuming. I'm going to see if I can change it.'

Cara's video has since amassed more than 200,000 views, with dozens of viewers left 'devastated' for the student in the comments.

One person wrote: 'I'm not joking, as soon as you said Wowcher I was like theyre either getting Belfast or Edinburgh'

Another added, 'I honestly would have ended it right at that minute. Devastated for you,' while a third commented, 'This is heartbreaking.'

Another viewer said: 'No, literally, out of everything I would be fuming. Bless you,' while a second added: 'Im dying. What are the chances.'

Meanwhile, a private jet company is selling luxury flights from just 420pp - with just one small catch.

Global aircraft charter specialists Chapman Freeman is offering mere mortals the chance to globetrot like an A-lister, as long as they don't mind not knowing where they're heading.

Cara's excitement quickly turned to disappointment as she discovered she had paid for a trip to Edinburgh - the city she's studied in for four years

Cara's video has since amassed more than 200,000 views, with dozens of viewers left 'devastated' for the student in the comments

The company's just-launched 'blind booking' service promises a luxury flight to and from a European destination for between four and six passengers on one of the airline's swanky fleet.

Passengers pay from 3,000 euros, around 2,500, for a one-way journey on the plane, which works out at around 840 per person for a return journey, based on the full capacity of six people flying.

While you can't dictate where your pilot flies you to, there are options to influence the trip, with passengers able to pick from themes including 'romance', 'outdoor action', 'city break', 'Germany exclusive' and 'sun and beach'.

After filling out an online form, the company says its flight broker team will then check in with travellers on the same day with details of where's available for the bougie mile-high adventure.
Tourists and locals in a popular Spanish holiday hotspot have been issued a warning about a parking scam.

Alicante's council has warned that the new scam has been catching out locals around the city.

The crafty scammers have been leaving fake parking fines on people's windscreens in Alicante, reports Euro Weekly News.

The fake fines have a QR code printed on them which the drivers are expected to scan.

Once they do so, the QR code will take people to the scammers' website which asks them to enter their personal and banking details.

The scammers may then be able to take large amounts of money from their victims using the fake website.

The council explains that a real parking fine won't come with a QR code. An official fine will also have 'Boletin de denuncia' at the top.

It will also have the Ayuntamiento (council) logo at the top and drivers will be asked to use a barcode, not a QR code, to register their fine.

Tourists and locals in a popular Spanish holiday hotspot have been issued a warning about a parking scam

The crafty scammers have been leaving fake parking fines on people's windscreens in Alicante (stock photo)

If drivers find a ticket with a QR code on their car, they should take a photo of it and let the local police know.

While the scam has been reported in Avenida Benito Perez Galdos, officials suspect that the conmen are also targeting other neighbourhoods in Alicante.

Officials recommend that tourists check any suspicious-looking tickets with the council or police.

Most importantly, tourists should never scan a QR code if they find one on a fine attached to their car.
Tourists heading on an adventure across the Pond this summer are being warned over a hidden flight tax that can leave those travelling solo out of pocket.

Research by Thrifty Traveler Premium's flight deal analysts found that at least three major US airlines - American, Delta and United - were found to charge more for single flights than they did for two or more seats.

The website claims that, on certain one-way US domestic flights, tourists will face higher premiums if they are buying one ticket as opposed to two or more.

Thrifty Traveler Premium also found that single travellers were not always shown the lowest price brackets, with 'basic economy' - usually travelling with just one handbag or rucksack - only appearing if two or more flight tickets were being booked.

The small print beneath flights being sold will often specify that different fares depend on how many tickets are being booked per reservation.

The website found, for example, one person flying from Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) to the nearby US airport of Peoria (PIA) in June costs $269 (198) for a one-way ticket.

However, if you're flying in a pair or more, then the price is much more competitive, down to $181 (133) per person - a saving of 65.

Travel expert Sanjib Adhikari, Executive Director of the Everest trekking company Heaven Himalaya, told MailOnline that he has seen this firsthand in his clients' bookings.

Single tax? Research by Thrifty Traveler Premium's flight deal analysts found that three major US airlines - including Delta (pictured) - added additional fees to single one-way flights, with the best prices going to two or more travellers

Those flying solo across the US weren't always offered the cheapest fares, the research found

'Our clients have increasingly been seeing an increase in airline fares on the American domestic legs of their flights and didn't even know until comparing notes with other people on our treks who had also traveled there solo,' he said.

So what's happening exactly? According to Adhikari, it's all about market segmentation.

'The airlines are trying to segment out business travelers, who often fly alone and aren't cost-sensitive, versus vacationers, who are more cost-sensitive and are likelier to fly in groups or pairs,' he explained.

In other words, airlines are betting that solo travelers - especially those using a corporate card - aren't as worried about price, so they can charge more.

And it's not just limited to airlines.

'Unfortunately, the singles tax isn't unique to airlines, as solo travelers frequently pay more for cruises, accommodations, and holiday packages,' Adhikari adds.

It seems that this 'singles tax' spills into every area of your life, especially if you live alone.

Think about all of the money you pay when grocery shopping (rather than buying food in bulk) and especially for housing.

One passenger flying United from its Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) airport to Peoria (PIA) in June results in a $269 (198) one-way fare

Increasing to two or more passengers slashes the price by one-third - down to $181 (133)

And while a lot of this is systemic, there are some things you can do to avoid this singles tax, at least while flying.

If you're a solo traveler who's over paying more just because you didn't come with a plus-one, Adhikari has a tip.

'I recommend solo travelers start doing price searches for group bookings to see if they can reduce their price.

'It's also a good idea to read the fare rules.

'It's a lot of fine print, but you can use an AI to summarize it for you so you at least have an idea of whether the fare has a singles tax or not.'
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BBC Breakfast viewers fumed where did they learn to interview?! as they sunk their claws into useless time-wasters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt.

Thursday's instalment of the programme saw the pair return to our screens to discuss the latest headlines.

The hosts highlighted to fans that the chancellor announced an extra 29billion a year with additional funding for events and housing, while some departments have had their budgets cut.

Naga, 50, spoke to deputy Liberal Democrats leader Daisy Cooper to find out about her 'overall impression' of the plan.

But those watching at home weren't very impressed with the interview.

One wrote on X: 'Just awful interviewing by Naga Munchetty. Daisy Cooper doing quite a good job and being interrupted and asked stupid questions. Where did she learn to interview? Kindergarten level.'

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BBC Breakfast viewers fume where did they learn to interview?! as they sink claws into useless time-wasters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt

The hosts highlighted to fans that the chancellor announced an extra 29billion a year with additional funding for events and housing, while some departments have had their budgets cut

Naga, 50, spoke to deputy Liberal Democrats leader Daisy Cooper (both pictured) to find out about her 'overall impression' of the plan

'#bbcbreakfast Naga sounding like a deranged parrot... How are you going to pay for it? How are you going to pay for it? How are you going to pay for it?'

And later on in the episode another took to the social media site to write: 'Does Naga have a hearing limitation? The Trading Standards man clearly stated that if disposable vapes were returned to supplier within the given timeframe shops would be refunded! However, Naga went on & on "perhaps I'm not being clear" would they get their money.'

Later on in the episode Charlie, 62, spoke to Chancellor Rachel Reeves from a hospital in Derby.

And viewers rushed to the platform to say the same thing about their chat.

One brutally tweeted: 'CHARLIE!.. YOU'RE USELESS ! YOU LET HER RABBIT ON WITHOUT ANSWERING A QUESTION! YOU NEED TO RESIGN!'

'That was a waste of time charlie is f**king usless.'

'WHY IS CHARLIE LETTING RACHEL FROM COMPLAINTS RABBIT ON WITHOUT ANSWERING A QUESTION?'

Charlie and Naga present the programme every Thursday to Saturday.

Later on in the episode Charlie, 62, spoke to chancellor Rachel Reeves from a hospital in Derby (pictured)

Meanwhile Jon Kay, 55, and Sally Nugent, 53, host BBC Breakfast every Monday to Wednesday.

The show is then presented by stand-in hosts every Sunday.

It comes after Naga didn't hold back as she took a brutal swipe at her co-star Charlie last month.

Naga explained that there is an auction running to sell items that belong to late director David Lynch, who died on January 16, 2025.

She said there will be coffee machines, a log lady ceramic mug, walkie talkies, a pair of stuffed dear heads, a red curtain and patterned rug, as well as ash trays and lighters available to buy.

Naga said: 'I think there will be a lot interest in his weird effects at auction.'

Charlie added: 'As soon as you say Twin Peaks...'

The TV star then tried to sing the theme tune to the horror drama, which was on screens between 1990 and 1991.

Charlie continued: 'No, give it time. You've got to Give it time! I think I did it about right, I'll try it again if you like...'

However, a very unimpressed Naga made a brutal dig at her co-star as she said: 'No don't.'

She then quipped: 'Says a lot about what is in your head, really.'

Laughing at her comment, Charlie said back: 'Absolutely Twin Peaks, but anyway.'

Breakfast airs from 6am and BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.
An Antiques Roadshow guest was left wide-eyed as an expert gasped 'I need time to come down from this' in response to the 'trickiest item she's ever had to value'.

A repeat episode of the BBC show, which sees specialist appraisers value heirlooms and heritage items, went to Belton House near the town of Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Expert Hilary Kay met with a woman who had brought in a very unique item - the funeral standard of 17th-century English statesman Oliver Cromwell.

He led parliamentary forces in the English Civil Wars in the mid-1600s against King Charles I, helping to overthrow him before his execution in 1649.

The soldier and politician then led the Commonwealth of England that was quickly established, serving as Lord Protector from 1653 until his death in 1658.

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An Antiques Roadshow guest was left wide-eyed (pictured) as the expert gasped 'I need time to come down from this', floored by the 'trickiest item she's ever had to value'

Expert Hilary Kay (pictured) met with a woman who had brought in a very unique item - the funeral standard of 17th-century English statesman Oliver Cromwell

Hilary began the segment: 'Sheltering from a passing shower and sheltering with an object which is, I feel, almost radioactive with power'

Hilary began the segment: 'Sheltering from a passing shower and sheltering with an object which is, I feel, almost radioactive with power.

'It's a very interesting phenomenon to be this close to something that is really quite important.

'I'm recognising, immediately, the personal standard of Oliver Cromwell.

'It's a name we all know but let's just put him into his place in history.

'He was one of the signatories to the death warrant for instance to Charles I.

'Very much involved with the regicide, killing of the King, and then he became in 1653 what was known as the Lord Protector of England.

'It was after the Civil War and he ran the country essentially from 1653 to 1658 and that is his importance in English history and why this object has such resonance.'

The woman explained how such an incredible object came into her possession: 'It was in a collection about seven years ago. My father actually bought the collection of militaria.

She continued: 'I'm recognising, immediately, the personal standard of Oliver Cromwell'

The woman explained how such an incredible object came into her possession: 'It was in a collection about seven years ago. My father actually bought the collection of militaria'

'We now own it as a family. It's actually kept in one of our spare rooms and as you say, it's one of those objects that make you tingle.'

The antiques expert agreed: 'It does make you tingle because this is the standard that was part of the funeral procession of Cromwells on November 23, 1658, and this was extraordinary.'

Pointing to all the regal imagery on the object, she continued: 'Here was the non-King being revered really as a King with a royal crown.

'It is an extraordinary image that we have here which was totally against everything that he stood for.'

The pair discussed how the standard had been stolen by a young boy in the crowd during the funeral procession, with Hilary saying: 'It's just brilliant.'

The guest added: 'My whole familys been into history for generations and my maternal grandparents are actually founding members of The Sealed Knot, the re-enactment society for the Civil War.'

Hilary was delighted to hear this further detail: 'Which is amazing, what a coincidence! It was meant to end up with you.'

In a heart-warming, sincere moment, the woman replied: 'Absolutely, I believe so.

The antiques expert said: 'It does make you tingle because this is the standard that was part of the funeral procession of Cromwells on November 23, 1658, and this was extraordinary'

The pair discussed how the standard had been stolen by a young boy in the crowd during the funeral procession, with Hilary saying: 'It's just brilliant'

'Because were the kind of people who really want to look after it and preserve it and make sure its seen by everyone it should be seen by for generations, I guess.

'It's a real treasure, it's a pleasure to own.'

Incredibly complimentary about the historic item, Hilary said it had been 'beautifully restored' - and will continue to need good looking after.

She added: 'However great your spare room is - and Im sure it has almost museum-like qualities - I do think, even if it went on loan somewhere, I think it deserves to be looked after.'

With all this anticipation built up, about an item with such historical value, the valuation could not come sooner - and it did not disappoint.

Hilary said: 'This is about the trickiest thing I've ever had to value.

'It is certain to fetch 25,000 but how much more would it go for?'

The wide-eyed guest was rendered absolutely speechless, with Hilary saying: 'It's going to take me a little while to come down from this.

It comes after another repeat episode (pictured) saw a guest gasp 'I can't believe that!' as he learned the staggering value of a watch bought for 300 - while the crowd erupted into applause

The instalment of the BBC show (pictured), which sees specialist appraisers value heirlooms and heritage items, went to Brodie Castle in the Moray area of Scotland

'It'll take a couple of bars of chocolate and a cup of tea but this has been a really special moment with a really extraordinary object, don't you agree?'

It comes after another repeat episode saw a guest gasp 'I can't believe that!' as he learned the staggering value of a watch bought for 300 - while the crowd erupted into applause.

The instalment of the BBC show, which sees specialist appraisers value heirlooms and heritage items, went to Brodie Castle in the Moray area of Scotland.

In the episode that reran on Sunday, expert Richard Price was asked to assess a 1960s Rolex GMT-Master watch.

The guest said he had owned the timepiece for 32 years, having inherited it from his uncle, who he thought most likely received it as a gift in the sixties.

Inspecting it further, Richard was delighted to find it unaltered - a rare outcome, as watches are often modified when their owners take them in for servicing.

The appraiser told the guest how watch repairs normally go: 'They would've changed the bezel and they would've changed the dial with an upgrade.

'You would've had it back thinking, "Oh, it looks new." Collectors hate that.'

In the episode that reran on Sunday, expert Richard Price was asked to assess a 1960s Rolex GMT-Master watch (pictured)

As to this particular timepiece, by contrast, Richard noted: 'It's absolutely original - spot on.'

The expert estimated the watch would have cost around 300 to 350 when the guest's uncle bought it back in the sixties.

The guest simply replied: 'Wish [my uncle] bought more.'

But even the single watch proved a good investment - as Richard valued it as now being worth 12,000 to 15,000.

The owner was left in utter shock, as the crowd broke into applause.

He exclaimed: 'I can't believe that, can't believe that.'

Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC One and to stream on BBC iPlayer.
The man set to replace Laura Tingle on ABC's current affairs program 7.30 has been officially announced.

ABC political correspondent Jacob Greber will step into the coveted role of political correspondent, after rumours swirled for weeks that the journalist was the surprise pick for the gig.

The announcement was made by 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson during Thursday night's show.

'I'd like to introduce my next guest, who is not really a guest at all. With an almost 30-year career in journalism covering politics, economics, and world affairs  all the things that we want,' Ferguson said.

'He's been a foreign correspondent as well and got a start working as a copy boy in the Canberra Press Gallery. You can't beat that.'

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The man set to replace Laura Tingle (pictured) on ABC's current affairs program 7.30 has been officially announced

ABC political correspondent Jacob Greber (pictured) will step into the coveted role of political correspondent, after rumours swirled for weeks that the journalist was the pick for the gig

Greber, who joined the ABC less than a year ago amid a lauded career in journalism, will step into the role from July 7.

'It's an incredible time to join 7.30 with Sarah Ferguson and the team. Our audience rightly demands clarity and insight about the people who govern us and the challenges we face as a nation,' Greber said.

'I also salute Laura Tingle  an absolute class act and fearless force of nature. I'm humbled and thrilled to pick up where she's left off.'

Greber will fill the gap left when Tingle announced earlier this month she would replace John Lyons as the broadcaster's outgoing global affairs editor.

Earlier rumblings suggested the role might have gone to any number of Canberra bureau insiders including chief David Lipson, national affairs editor Melissa Clark and Insiders host David Speers.

Q+A host Patricia Karvelas and ABC Radio Melbourne host Raf Epstein ruled themselves out of the running when contacted by the Herald.

Tingle, a double Walkley-Award-winning political journalist, will start new position mid-year while Lyons packs up to become the ABC's Americas editor.

Among the nation's best respected political journalists with more than 40 years experience including six years in her latest post, Tingle leaves big shoes to fill.

The announcement was made by 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson (left) during Thursday night's show

'The job was advertised, and I applied for it,' Tingle told The Australian last week.

'It's the best job in journalism, I reckon, other than the one I have already got.'

A fellow Financial Review alum, Tingle will spend the next two years travelling the world reporting on events 'that also shape our nation'.

Despite publicly advertising its shift away from television towards digital, the flagship promise of former managing director David Anderson's five-year-plan, 7.30 remains the jewel in the broadcaster's crown.

Presented by former Four Corners host Sarah Ferguson, the program boasted an average nightly viewership of 756,000 in the 2023-24 financial year according to ABC's annual reporting.

A dip from Covid-era highs of the three previous fiscal years, the program nonetheless retained its popularity, despite fears of a fallout following the 2022 departure of the inaugural presenter Leigh Sales.

Despite being lesser known than Karvelas or Speers, Greber would bring decades of broadcast and print experience and some cachet as a reliable face on News Breakfast, Insiders, Afternoon Briefing, Weekend Breakfast and, of course, 7.30.

The more front-facing role brings with it a greater possibility for controversy of the brand Tingle has found herself mired in in recent years.

'I'd like to introduce my next guest, who is not really a guest at all. With an almost 30-year career in journalism covering politics, economics, and world affairs  all the things that we want,' Ferguson said

Last year, she was accused of dropping the veil of journalistic impartiality when she accused then Opposition Leader Peter Dutton of stoking racism by raising immigration caps as a possible salve for the housing crisis.

She said Mr Dutton's rhetoric had sent a 'terrible chill running through me' before, at the same Sydney Writers Festival event, describing Australia as 'a racist country'.

ABC news director Justin Stevens later said Tingle's comments, albeit not made in a work capacity, had prompted the broadcaster to remind her of the 'application' of her 'conversational' rhetoric to 'external events'.

Before Tingle's six-year stint on 7.30, the coveted role was something of a hot potato having passed through the hands of four presenters in the six years between 2012 and 2018.

She replaced Andrew Probyn who was more recently made redundant as the broadcaster's political editor in 2023.

Internal ABC documents reportedly said the move was part of a calculated efforts to reform the Canberra bureau's 'outdated, top-heavy structure still largely focused on linear television broadcast'.

Greber's appointment to the newly-minted role of chief digital political correspondent was widely considered a de facto planting of the flag in the broadcaster's 'digital-first' strategy.
A Doctor Who spin-off series is in the works and is set to launch on children's channel Cbeebies - targeting a whole new audience.

The pre-school animation series will bring the iconic Doctor to screens for a younger viewers.

It comes as Doctor Who was hit with changes in recent times after Ncuti sensationally left the show after just two series playing the iconic science fiction character.

TV producer Russell T Davies was the chief writer and executive producer of Doctor Who from 2005 to 2010 and returned in 2023.

The latest series was produced by Bad Wolf, who have also produced the likes of Dope Girls, Industry, I Hate Suzie and A Discovery Of Witches.

However, the BBC are advertising for a new company to create the series.

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Doctor Who boss Russell T Davies (pictured) ran the latest Ncuti Gatwa series

A spin-off series of the popular BBC show is in the works and is set to launch on children's channel Cbeebies. Pictured: Ncuti Gatwa

It comes as Doctor Who was hit with changes in recent times after Ncuti sensationally left the show after just two series playing the iconic science fiction character

'The BBC is set to expand the Whoniverse as it launches plans for a brand new pre-school animation series which will see the Doctor's adventures come to CBeebies for the first time ever,' the announcement reads.

'The BBC is looking for a passionate production company to create and produce the series, which will run independently from the main show, that will see the Doctor travelling through time and space for the pre-school audience, solving mysteries and problems alongside their companions and other friends.

'And, of course, they may come up against one or two challenges on their way'

BBC boss Patricia Hidalgo described it as an 'exciting opportunity.

She said: 'Everyone is welcome at CBeebies, including the Doctor!

'This much-loved franchise entertains millions around the world, so it is only right that our younger audience get to experience the wonder and the magic of the Doctor in a brand new format.

'This is an extremely exciting opportunity, and we are looking forward to welcoming companies to pitch for this new project, as we continue our commitment and investment in the UK's animation industry.'

It remains to be seen if Russell T Davies will have any involvement in the upcoming series

The show will target a much younger audience than the mainline series

As a matter of policy, the BBC invites production companies to pitch for new series when they are announced.

Their official guidance explains: 'Since 2016 the BBC has been putting all new business out to competition, and tendering a number of returning network television series made by BBC Studios as part of its commitments in the BBC Charter, which sets out that 100% of relevant television content should be open to competition by the end of 2027.

'These opportunities will be open to any independent production company who meet the eligibility criteria, along with BBC Studios. The criteria will vary by programme, depending on the requirements of the show.'

It comes after Ncuti's time on Doctor Who came to an end last month when the curtains were drawn on the most recent season.

In a statement released by the BBC Ncuti, said: 'This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever.

'There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe.'

'I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor,' he added.

The announcement put an end to speculation that Ncuti would not return as the Doctor.
Tom Selleck may have lost his job but it looks like he's intent on keeping the gray out of his hair.

When 80-year-old Tom showed up at his local McDonald's in LA's San Fernando Valley for his regular combo of burger and soda his DIY dye job was all too evident  not just in his locks but on his ear too!

The same dark coloring appeared as a black mark on his cartilage, while his beard was more salt than pepper.

Selleck is proving that he will not go quietly into the night following CBS's decision to pull the plug on Blue Bloods after a remarkable 14-year run.

Selleck was so shaken by the network's decision to axe the show he starred on for more than a decade that one insider told DailyMail.com that the decision brought him to tears and left him weighing legal action.

Since then, he has retreated to his 63-acre idyllic Thousand Oaks compound, nestled near the western border of Los Angeles County.

A downcast Tom Selleck was spotted at his local McDonalds drive-through after months of speaking out against CBS's decision to axe his magnum opus, Blue Bloods

Tom showed up at his local McDonald's in LA's San Fernando Valley for his regular combo of burger and soda

Selleck appears to have dyed his hair recently with the dark stains on his ear's cartilage

Now, post-retirement, he's often spotted on the drive-through line of the McDonald's in San Fernando Valley, where he was pictured by Daily Mail.

Seated behind the wheel of his white Ram 1500, Selleck looked noticeably weary  his cheeks and nose flushed, his expression solemn and downcast.

His appearance has changed dramatically since he played esteemed police commissioner Frank Reagan on Blue Bloods.

Instead of his trademark mustache he has a mostly white shaggy beard and his hair curling at the ends with the unmistakable signs of a fresh dye job.

The black mark on his ears was a sign he hadn't wiped the dye off quickly enough.

His rep did not return a request for comment.

Selleck's appearance has shifted dramatically from the confident persona he embodied as the esteemed police commissioner on Blue Bloods

On the solo run to McDonald's, which he's often seen frequenting, he drove his white Ram 1500

After the fast food run, Selleck headed to an office building before retreating to the the estate he purchased for $5million from crooner Dean Martin in 1988.

The property has a reported 1,500 trees and an array of other greenery, much of which Selleck planted himself during his 37 years on the property

That same year he purchased his beloved home, his iconic eight-year role in Magnum, P.I. came to an end and he welcomed daughter Hannah, now 36, with new wife Jillie Mack, who he had married 12 months prior.

The couple have stayed together and are also parents to Kevin, 59, Selleck's son with his ex-wife, former actress and model Jacqueline Ray.

A particular favorite of Selleck's are wildflowers, which he has seeded throughout the sprawling, wooded oasis. He often checks on the most recent blooms by riding through on his ATV.

'When it's coldest, one of them blooms and another one comes in,' he said. 'I know it sounds stupid, but I just watch them grow.'

The actor previously revealed he handles much of the upkeep on the property himself.

'My relationships and my ranch keep me sane,' he told People in 2020.

Before Selleck turned his estate into a wildflower oasis, it was an avocado farm until drought killed most of the 100-year-old trees as well as several giant oaks.

At the drive-through, he got his usual comfort food: A burger and large soda. Since his retirement, the 80-year-old actor has retreated to his 63-acre idyllic Ventura County compound

That same year he purchased his home, his iconic eight-year role in Magnum, P.I. came to an end and he welcomed daughter Hannah (left), now 36, with new wife Jillie Mack (right), who he married 12 months prior

But even the estate may not be able to mask the heartbreak of losing his run on Blue Bloods, which followed 14 seasons of the tight-knit Reagan family, many of whom worked for the NYPD under the leadership of his character.

Six months after the finale in December, Selleck is still so 'livid' about the show's cancellation that insiders say he is weighing taking legal action against CBS for ageism, after the network approved plans for a spin-off entitled Boston Blue that stars Donnie Wahlberg, 55, whose character  Frank Reagan's son Danny  takes a job in the Boston Police Department.

'Tom is considering suing CBS for ageism over canceling Blue Bloods and spinning it off,' our insider said.

'He is absolutely livid about it, especially as ratings were strong when it was canceled.'

Selleck's sentiment is shared by loyal fans who went as far as launching a petition drive last year calling on CBS to reverse its decision to axe the show, but the network wouldn't budge.

Members of Facebook groups dedicated to the show are now urging Selleck to join the Boston Blue spin-off, due to premiere in the fall.

Insiders told DailyMail.com that Selleck was absolutely 'livid' about Blue Bloods cancellation and even more incensed that the network approved plans for a spin-off starring co-star Donnie Wahlberg (right)

The spinoff, insiders say, is also what prompted Selleck to allegedly consider legal action against CBS for 'ageism'

But the actor is said to still feel bitter at being 'screwed over' by the broadcasting network.

'Donnie would like to get everyone back to make cameos, including Tom  but he is still angry that Blue Bloods was canceled,' a second insider told the DailyMail.com.

'If Tom was asked to play his character again, he would probably say no because he is so mad with CBS. He wouldn't want CBS to benefit, since he feels they screwed him over.'

Wahlberg's decision to front the spin-off  which he will also executive produce  was no surprise after he previously claimed he wanted Blue Bloods to emulate the success of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

Despite Selleck's alleged claims of ageism, the actor has noticeably slowed down due to his weight gain and reports of a persisting limp.

The rumors surrounding Selleck needing a knee replacement erupted in July of last year when he was spotted having 'trouble walking' back to his car, in footage obtained by the now-defunct In Touch Weekly.

With age, Selleck has noticeably slowed down due to his weight gain and reports of a persisting limp. In July 2024, rumors swirled when he was spotted with what appeared to be surgery scars on his knees

But in the Summer of 2023, his representative denied claims that he was suffering from 'a secret medical crisis that has forced him to use a stunt double while filming Blue Bloods' or that he was battling 'crippling arthritis'.

Despite the swirling health concerns, with his consistent check from Blue Bloods being slashed, the actor has voiced his fear of losing his beloved ranch.

'Tom still has to work to maintain his lifestyle,' the insider added earlier this month.

'He would have preferred to do that with Blue Bloods but since that's no longer an option, he's trying to figure out the best way to move forward because the cancellation was a death to him.'

'To have that upheaval at 80 years old was a major slap in the face.'
Joshua Jackson and Jodie Turner-Smith's split has gone from amicable to increasingly tense, especially as the former couple navigates custody arrangements for their three-year-old daughter, Juno Rose Diana Jackson.

While the Dawson's Creek alum has largely stayed quiet in the public eye, a source told the Daily Mail that behind the scenes, things have become 'messy' - and it's not just about lawyers and paperwork.

'The problem with Joshua and Jodie's relationship is that it started fast and fun and they fell in love very fast,' the source said.

'They were great, but then the COVID-19 shutdown happened, and they had a child during that time.

'That's where things started to change.'

According to the insider, the lockdown forced the couple to spend significantly more time together, which ultimately revealed cracks in their foundation.

'They had to hang out with each other more than they usually would and they ended up getting sick of each other,' the source dished.

'They didn't work on their relationship and just became parents...'

A source close to Joshua Jackson said that his custody battle with Jodie Turner-Smith has become 'messy'

In fact, Jackson filed a motion and request for an emergency custody order modification after claiming his ex changed their daughter's (pictured) school location without his permission

The shift in dynamics reportedly created distance - not just emotional, but functional.

'They were doing their own thing, and then eventually over time, when Joshua had more time to get back to work, they grew apart,' the source continued.

'And everything got bitter between both of them.'

That bitterness has carried over into their post-divorce reality, particularly when it comes to co-parenting.

'Now that they still share a daughter, it is the one tie that keeps them together, and since they can't stand each other, every time they have to deal with each other, it is just filled with frustration,' the source said.

'Fighting over custody, money and whatever else is such a stress for them both.'

Earlier this year, People confirmed that Turner-Smith filed for divorce after nearly four years of marriage, citing 'irreconcilable differences.'

At the time, insiders suggested the split was mutual and respectful.

The ex spouses are reported to not be on the same page about how they want to raise their daughter, Juno Rose Diana Jackson

However, the insider speaking to the Daily Mail painted a much bleaker picture. 'They can't seem to get on the same page for anything,' they said.

'It looks like they won't be on the same page for a long time, if at all.' One of the biggest points of contention seems to be where their child will attend school.

In fact, Jackson filed a motion and request for an emergency custody order modification after claiming his ex changed their daughter's school location without his permission.

In court documents obtained by the Daily Mail, Jackson included: 'Jodie asserts that it is no big deal to force Juno to start over with a new school for her mother's convenience.'

The custody battle has been ongoing despite the exes' divorce being settled earlier this year.

Jackson is set to pay $2,787 a month in child support, but will not be paying spousal support, according to the court documents.

But, according to the same documents, Turner-Smith asked for a lump sum for the mediator fees that she says were accrued in the legal battle over where their daughter will attend school.

According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Jackson is set to pay $2,787 a month in child support to Turner-Smith but will not be paying spousal support.

In lieu of that, the Court ordered Jackson to pay two equalization payments for a total of $266,666, according to the documents.

Despite the chaos, the actor is reportedly focused on one priority: his daughter.

'He is all about protecting his relationship with his daughter,' the source added.

'It takes a lot of work, and he can't seem to be able to deal with Jodie and vice versa. They are such different people from when they originally fell in love.'

To make matters more challenging, Jackson has reportedly been juggling multiple stressors at once - including the loss of personal property.

The source revealed that Jackson is still dealing with the aftermath of the California wildfires.

'Add that on top of the loss of his marriage and the custody battle he is now involved in - it's just as difficult and sad as one would expect.'

His professional life isn't exactly offering much solace either.

The future of his show Doctor Odyssey is still up in the air - which adds another layer of uncertainty.

While the show has not been canceled, Deadline reported that it also has not currently been renewed for a new season.

Despite the mounting pressure, Jackson remains hopeful that time will bring clarity - and ideally, compromise.

'Joshua would love to find a respectful compromise but that appears to be very challenging,' the source explained.

'Once they figure out how to like each other a little more that will pay off handsomely for their daughter.'

Meanwhile, another source told the Daily Mail that Turner-Smith has the same priority as her ex-husband, the couple's daughter.

'Jodie's priority is, and has always been, Juno's well-being - not conflict, not press, and certainly not performative parenting,' the insider said, adding that Turner-Smith finds the situation 'shocking and upsetting'.

For now, though, tensions remain high. 'The wounds of the breakup are still there,' the first source said.

'Some more time is needed to make sense of it all.' The Daily Mail has contacted reps for Turner-Smith and Jackson for comment.
When Blake Lively heard on Monday that a judge had dismissed Justin Baldoni's $400 million defamation lawsuit against her, she reportedly 'cried with relief.'

Well, Lively better keep those tissue boxes close, because well-connected Los Angeles lawyers who spoke exclusively to the Daily Mail say her legal drama may not end the way she envisions.

For six months, the 37-year-old actress had been in the eye of a storm  one sparked by her decision in December to sue her former co-star and director Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of their film It Ends With Us and of starting a smear campaign against her.

'I don't think this will be over any time soon,' said veteran trial attorney Omar Serrato. 'I think we have a long way to go.'

Back in January, Baldoni and his production company countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist Leslie Sloan and the New York Times - accusing them of defamation and extortion.

Then on Monday, Judge Lewis J Liman dismissed the defamation and extortion claims with prejudice, meaning they cannot be simply amended and refiled. Two additional counts - accusing Lively of 'tortious interference with contract and breach of implied covenant' - were also dismissed (though the judge will allow Baldoni to amend and refile those allegations).

When Blake Lively (pictured on June 9) heard that a judge had dismissed Justin Baldoni 's $400 million defamation lawsuit against her, she reportedly 'cried with relief.'

Lively sued her former co-star and director Justin Baldoni (pictured at the NYC 'It Ends With Us' premiere) in December, accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of their film 'It Ends With Us' and of starting a smear campaign against her.

It was Liman's judgement that Baldoni failed to adequately allege that Lively and Reynold knowingly made false statements to defame him, yet - Serrato believes - that plaintiffs typically aren't required to present such proof so early in the proceedings.

'I thought Judge Liman would reserve judgement until the conclusion of discovery,' said Serrato, referencing the process during where parties in a lawsuit exchange information and evidence in preparation for trial.

According to Serrato, Monday's decision provides Baldoni an opportunity to appeal the ruling: 'I was surprised. It certainly feels like it may be in danger of appellate review.'

Furthermore, Serrato believes that Lively's harassment case against Baldoni is weak, undermined by a torrent of text messages, emails, videos and conflicting statements made by others on set.

For instance, an May 2023 email that Lively sent Baldoni depicting a close relationship between the two has been revealed in court documents.

'I'm grateful for all we've built so far. Thank you for caring so much and for putting every bit of you into showing it,' Lively wrote.

About a week later, Baldoni messaged Lively to say: 'I'm not going to tell you that you were amazing because you tease me for being so sentimental  but you were amazing today.

'Thank you I do appreciate it,' Lively wrote back. 'I'm just a ball buster but it means a lot to me. I care a great deal. And always want to deliver You were terrific. I'm proud of everything we did today, but really every day.'

Indeed, Baldoni's team have scoffed at Lively's jubilation, with his lawyer Bryan Freedman calling Monday's decision a 'false' victory for Lively, adding that her allegations are 'no truer today than they were yesterday' and insisting his case is still alive.

Baldoni himself has reportedly been left disappointed, but a source close to the 41-year-old told the Daily Mail that he trusted his legal team and was 'looking to figure out how to move forward from this current setback.'

Top Los Angeles celebrity lawyer Christopher Melcher disagreed, however, arguing Baldoni's case is finished  but that doesn't mean Lively is riding high.

Melcher, a partner at Walzer Melcher and Yoda, said Liman's decision to throw out the substantive sections of Baldoni's case was predictable, explaining that litigants accusing someone of sexual harassment usually enjoy broad protections from defamation claims.

'There is strong first amendment and other legal protections for anyone making claims of abuse, particularly claims of sexual harassment in the workplace,' said Melcher.

'Those types of complaints need some protection around them, otherwise a very powerful person or corporation could just turn around and sue for defamation every time a complaint was made against them,' he added.

Back in January, Baldoni and his production company countersued Lively; her husband Ryan Reynolds ; their publicist Leslie Sloan; and the New York Times accusing them of defamation and extortion.

On Monday, Judge Lewis J Liman dismissed the defamation claims with prejudice, meaning they cannot be simply amended and refiled. Two additional counts accusing Lively of usurping his control of the film were upheld. (Pictured: Lively and Baldoni in 'It Ends With Us').

But Melcher believes Judge Liman's decision may  ironically  convince Lively to gracefully back out of her own lawsuit as well.

Last week, Lively officially withdrew two claims of emotional distress after Baldoni lawyers filing a motion to compel her to turn over her medical records.

A plaintiff claiming 'emotional distress' is often required to provide proof of their injuries, which may be verified through therapist notes.

Melcher said that was 'a fatal blow' to her case, cutting out the legs of her argument.

'Because of that decision, the judge said she cannot put on evidence of emotional distress, which is the main component of her claim,' he explained.

And as the result of this legal wrangling, Melcher believes, both Lively and Baldoni's cases are no longer viable.

'Both of them have just really destroyed each other in this court proceeding and have accomplished nothing, other than harming themselves,' he said.

Judge Liman has set a provisional March 2026 court date for the start of Lively's sexual harassment case, but Melcher expects things to wrap up before then.

'I see no realistic chance that this case will ever go to trial,' he said. 'Justin has very little claims left that are allowed based on this ruling and Blake can't seek emotional distress damages.'

That may provide Lively the fig leaf  that Melcher believes she's seeking  which will allow her to tactfully withdraw her own lawsuit and move on from this intensely bruising drama.

'I felt that Blake has been wanting an off-ramp for a very long time, because when she kicked this off, she put on the mantle of a victim very well, and there were a lot of people who rallied behind her in support,' he said.

'But when Justin fought back, it looked like Blake was really the aggressor, and she came out looking horrific, and now she has an opportunity to claim victory and get out of the case.'

Baldoni himself was reportedly disappointed by Judge Liman's decision, but a source close to the 41-year-old told the Daily Mail that he trusted his legal team and was 'looking to figure out how to move forward from this current setback.'

Finally, Melcher suspects that Lively will chose to move her fight to the court of public opinion.

'She can now try to build her own narrative [...] with publicists, rather than doing it in a courtroom where she's subject to scrutiny and depositions and other questions that are nagging against the truth,' he advised.

And Melcher felt that the judge, who has repeatedly raised his eyebrows about the messy spectacle they were subjecting themselves to, may be guiding both parties to this conclusion.

'They have inflicted damaging wounds against the other,' said Melcher. 'The only thing they have to show for it are big legal bills, and now they really need to find a way out, because going forward in court is not a viable pathway for either one of them based on the rulings that they have suffered in the last week.

'It's really now in their hands to settle, and that might be what the judge is hoping to do through these rulings.'
Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann have reportedly been forced to leave their home for good by law enforcement.

The divorcing couple's home was visited by United States Marshals in April to force the occupants to vacate the premises months after they sold the home, according to court documents obtained by Page Six.

The home's new owners reportedly initiated the process of having Zolciak, 47, and Biermann, 39, removed from the house back in December.

Representatives for Zolciak and Biermann haven't yet responded to DailyMail.com's request for comment.

The newest development comes just days after Kim's daughter Ariana accused her mother and stepfather of 'taking all her money' that she made from modeling and brand deals amid their financial woes.

The documents reportedly indicate that after buying the home from the estranged couple, the new owners had agreed to temporarily allow them to continue living their by renting it out.

Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann have reportedly been forced to leave their home for good after US Marshals 'ejected' someone from their home near Atlanta on April 8, according to Page Six; Zolciak is pictured on May 4 in Duluth, Georgia

The home's new owners reportedly initiated the process of having Zolciak, 47, and Biermann, 39, removed from the house back in December; Kroy is pictured during an earlier confrontation with police at the house

However, the owners accused the reality stars of continuing to live on 'the premises over and beyond the term for which they rented to them.'

The new owners also claimed that the exes had already been served papers ordering them to leave their former home.

However, Zolciak and Biermann reportedly didn't respond after multiple court filings by the new owners ordering them to leave, which led to US Marshals dropping by the mansion on April 8.

The newest filing reportedly indicates that multiple deputy marshals were at the home  which is located near Atlanta  from 3:30 to 6:45 p.m., and they indicated that they 'ejected' someone form the premises.

However, the document doesn't indicate who was forced to leave, and it's unclear who was in the house at the time

It was reported late last year that Zolciak had begun the process of moving out of the home ahead of a scheduled auction, suggesting Kroy may have still been in the house, but it's not clear if the Real Housewives Of Atlanta star has remained in a new home or moved back subsequently.

Page Six previously reported that Zolciak hadn't moved far after taking up residence in a nearby rental with the four younger children she shares with Biermann: Kroy 'KJ' JR, 14; Kash, 12; and fraternal twins Kaia and Kane, 11.

Zolciak also has two adult daughters from previous relationships who don't appear to have been living with their parents at the time: 28-year-old Brielle and 23-year-old Ariana, both of whom were adopted by Biermann.

The home's new owners reportedly allowed Kim and Kroy to continue renting the house temporarily, but they reportedly stayed past the end date

It's unclear who was still in the house, as Kim appeared to move out to a nearby rental property in November with her minor children, but court filings indicate the Marshals 'ejected' someone

Kroy filed to divorce Kim in October 2023. They managed to sell their house for $2.75 million in February to avoid an auction. That was after dropping the asking price by $3 million while it sat on the market for a year and a half

Kim's daughter Ariana (pictured on Bravo's Next Gen NYC) accused her mother and stepfather of spending all of the money she received as a teen for her work as an influencer. She also claimed Kim still asks her for money despite allegedly spending years of her earnings

Earlier in June, Ariana accused her parents of taking all the money she made from modeling work and brand deals she scored as an influencer beginning as early as when she was 14.

'I was doing like three posts a week and you get paid astronomical [sic] to do a story or to do an Instagram post, and I made quite a bit of money,' she claimed on her Bravo reality series Next Gen NYC, which follows the children of reality stars. 'But, unfortunately, my parents took my money.'

She said she discovered two years ago that the money was gone, though Ariana admitted that she didn't know how much she should have had, as her parents would have been responsible for taking care of financial matters when she was younger.

Even more shocking was Ariana's claim that her mother Kim still asks her for money despite allegedly having used up everything she earned in her teens and early 20s.

After months of bickering in court and repeatedly shaving down their asking price, the estranged couple finally managed to sell their mansion in February for $2.75 million.

Although that was a significant profit on the $900,000 they originally paid for the home, which boasts 15,000 square feet, it was also $3 million less than they originally listed it for a year and a half earlier.

In 2023, the home was reported to be in foreclosure, and Zolciak and Biermann were racing to sell the home before it went up for auction, which would likely have netted them far less money to pay off their reported debts.

The visit from US Marshals earlier this year was only the latest in multiple incidents in which law enforcement were called to the property to break up disputes between the warring exes.

Biermann filed to divorce the reality star in October 2023, and in subsequent months they two feuded over how to divide up the living areas as they continued to reside together in the home.

The former Atlanta Falcons player accused his estranged wife of selling off their possessions without his approval, and he also alleged that she was spending wildly despite their dire financial straits.

Among his complaints was that Zolciak allegedly blew an astonishing $1.5 million in gambling.
Anna Robards looked every inch the stylish fashionista on Wednesday when she hosted an event in Sydney.

The former Bachelor star turned heads in Bondi Junction when she stepped out in a double denim ensemble that consisted of an oversized navy shirt with gold button detailing paired with wide-legged jeans.

The 37-year-old opted to accessorise her look with a purple handbag and chic heels and added some sparkle with a gold necklace.

She wore her blonde locks in gentle beach waves, parted in the centre, at the Huggies pop-up.

Anna's outing comes after she exclusively revealed to Daily Mail Australia that she and husband Tim are leaving Sydney and moving their young family to the Gold Coast.

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Anna Robards looked every inch the stylish fashionista on Wednesday when she hosted an event in Sydney. Pictured

The former Bachelor star turned heads in Bondi Junction when she stepped out in a double denim ensemble that consisted of an oversized navy shirt with gold button detailing paired with wide-legged jeans

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.

'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.

'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 37-year-old opted to accessorise her look with a purple handbag and chic heels and added some sparkle with a gold necklace

Anna's outing comes after she exclusively revealed to Daily Mail Australia that she and her husband Tim are leaving Sydney and moving their young family to the Gold Coast

The happy family purchased a residence at lavish hotel Mondrian in Burleigh Heads

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

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.'
Teresa Palmer has reflected on the moment she nearly quit acting after she was 'pressured' to hook up with her male co-star.

The Aussie actress, 39, who made a name for herself in hit films such as The Choice and Hacksaw Ridge, revealed she was fired from a movie after experiencing her own MeToo moment.

Speaking to Daily Telegraph, Teresa shed light on the darker side of Hollywood that saw her meet some really 'nefarious' people in the industry, people that pushed her to 'hook up' with actors on film projects to better their on-screen 'chemistry'.

'I had my own MeToo experience. I was taken advantage of,' she told the publication.

The moment made her question her dream of being an actress and almost saw her turn her back on it for good.

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Teresa Palmer has reflected on the moment she nearly quit acting after she was 'pressured' to hook up with her male co-star

The Aussie actress, 39, who made a name for herself in hit films such as The Choice and Hacksaw Ridge, revealed she was fired from a movie after experiencing her own MeToo moment

'I was 20, and I had just been fired off this job because I had refused to participate in some really coercive control stuff that was happening, and so I got fired,' she revealed.

Soon after, Teresa returned to Adelaide, convincing herself that her dream was over and that it was time to settle into a job as a drama teacher.

However, her agent Ann Churchill-Brown - who also represents Hollywood heavyweight Nicole Kidman - wouldn't let her give up.

'She was like, "Look  that was an awful experience, but Im telling you, there are other experiences that youre gonna have thats just going to be the salve."'

Teresa went on to star in many career-defining film roles, proving her agent right.

Now, Teresa continues to make movies but gave up the hustle and bustle of the US for a happy, relaxed life in Byron Bay.

She shares four biological kids with her husband Mark Webber, as well as a stepchild, and is currently expecting her fifth.

Teresa recently showed off her baby bump at the premiere for her latest film project.

Teresa recently showed off her baby bump at the premiere for her latest film project. Pictured with husband Mark Webber

She was absolutely glowing on Wednesday night as she promoted her new movie, Mix Tape, at Oxford Art Factory in Sydney alongside her husband Mark.

The actress, who is 28 weeks pregnant, opted for a skin tight-dress in a black tone with glittering threading throughout.

The long sleeved number clung to her blossoming belly and she added some patent heels to the look.

Teresa chose a clean makeup look with a smoky eye and pink matte lipstick while wearing her blonde locks down in mermaid waves.

Mark meanwhile matched his wife in an all black ensemble as he shared her red carpet moment.
Molly-Mae Hague's sister Zoe gave her followers an update on her botched Botox in a new clip posted to her Story on Wednesday.

The fitness influencer, 28, was initially left with one eye partially closed from a severe reaction to Botox in February, telling her fans she 'could weep' at the state of her face.

But just a few months later she was back again to 'rock her forehead lines' despite vowing never to return - with Zoe suffering a botched Botox which she described as even 'worse than last time'.

The star has been left - once again - with one eye drooping below the other but on Wednesday reassured her followers it was getting better.

Showing off her healing eye area she penned: 'EYE UPDATE. Still not great but my GOD it's soooo much better!!!! 3 weeks post incident I'm actually quite happy!'

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Molly-Mae Hague's sister Zoe gave her followers an update on her botched Botox in a new clip posted to her Story on Wednesday

The star has been left - once again - with one eye drooping below the other but on Wednesday reassured her followers it was getting better

Zoe revealed she was brutally mocked for her latest botched Botox by a passenger on an airplane, resulting in an explosive row.

Zoe shared that during a recent trip to Portugal with a friend, she became embroiled in a dispute with one particularly rude passenger on their flight.

Rocking a pair of sunglasses on her YouTube channel to hide the botch-job, she said: 'I actually had a really really upsetting experience just as we landed in Portugal.

'We were in a queue and there was another one going past us and there was this one horrible lady, I don't know if she was drunk - she must've been.

'She was trying to get past me and she said, "why are you just stood there like a d*******" and I was like, "why did you just call me that?"

'And her husband was like, "what's going on here" and I said, "your wife just called me that for literally no reason" and there was a bit of back and forth before he said, "sort your daft eye out, you c***."'

'But I actually agreed, I thought fair enough. I do need to sort it out.'

Later in the video Zoe lifted up her sunglasses to reveal that one of her eyes is still well and truly drooping a couple of weeks after her latest procedure.

Showing off her healing eye area she penned: 'EYE UPDATE. Still not great but my GOD it's soooo much better!!!! 3 weeks post incident I'm actually quite happy!'

The fitness influencer, 28, was initially left with one eye partially closed after a trip to the clinic in February, telling her fans she 'could weep' at the state of her face

But just a few months later she was back again to 'rock her forehead lines' despite vowing never to return - with Zoe suffering a botched Botox which she described as even 'worse than last time'

She updated her fans

Zoe seen before the Botox

She is suffering with a little-known side effect called ptosis which occurs when Botox treatment spreads beyond the intended injection area

She is suffering with a little-known side effect called ptosis which occurs when Botox treatment spreads beyond the intended injection area and effects the muscles that lifts these areas, causing the eyelid or eyebrow to sag and droop.

Zoe told her followers in the latest video: 'I recently had botox, it went wrong and it's given me ptosis. This has happened to me before and it's now happened a second time.

'People are saying to me, "why would you go back to the same place?" - I did the same for my wedding, she's done me a lot of times and I trust her.

'She's fully qualified, do you think I'm going to someone on the corner of the street? Of course not.

'We don't know why it's happened again and that's that, we've just got to ride the wave.'

Zoe's decision to have Botox once again comes after her sister Molly, 26, recently reflected on days of facial fillers and Botox in her Amazon docuseries.

In one of the episodes Molly unearthed a viral image of her flaunting an enlarged pout and defined jawline sparked an influx of trolling including being compared to an XBOX controller.

At the time of her second botch-job, Zoe told her followers that it was 'worse than last time'

A passenger on a plane told Zoe to 'sort her daft eye out' after a disagreement when they landed in Portugal recently (seen with Molly-Mae)

From the age of 16, Molly used makeup and facial fillers to alter her appearance and now admits her obsession to 'look like everybody else' was 'unhealthy.'

Molly explained: 'You think that all the makeup and the filler make you look better but actually it makes you look ten times worse.

'I was about 16/17 when I started getting filler. It was a slippery slope. People say I looked like an XBOX controller or a Quagmire, but I don't know what that is.

'It definitely felt like something that I needed to do to look like everybody else that was on Instagram which was really unhealthy.

'I look at those pictures and I feel quite sorry for myself. It just spiralled really. I tried to think it looked good, but it really didn't and then luckily, it was reversible.'
Brooklyn Beckham has reportedly become embroiled in a trademark with Beck's beer after trying to expand his hot sauce business.

The son of Victoria and David Beckham, 26, announced the launch of his new hot sauce brand Cloud23, available exclusively at Whole Foods shops in the UK, back in October.

It was revealed in January that Brooklyn had planned to expand his hot sauce company and applied to trademark 'Becks Buns'.

However Brooklyn has been dealt a blow after The Sun reported that Beck's beer, owned by Brauerei Beck & Co, has challenged it.

A source told the publication that the parent firm of Beck's beer has opposed his Becks Buns trademark and has been granted a one-month extension to file documents relating to their challenge.

It comes as Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz, 30, have been engulfed in an escalating family rift, with parents David and Victoria believed to be concerned about the influence the billionaire heiress has over their eldest son.

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Brooklyn Beckham has reportedly become embroiled in a trademark with Beck's beer after trying to expand his hot sauce business (Seen in October)

The son of Victoria and David Beckham , 26, announced the launch of his new hot sauce brand Cloud23, available exclusively at Whole Foods shops in the UK, back in October

A source told The Sun: 'It's one thing after another for Brooklyn.

'First his row with his dad blows up  and now he's got another Beck's looking like it's going to become a bit of a headache.'

Cloud 23, named after the No.23 jersey his father wore at Real Madrid and LA Galaxy, comes in two variants  Sweet Jalapeno and Hot Habanero.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Brooklyn appeared to debut a new tattoo as he shared a shirtless snap - which also seemed to show him with cupping marks.

Cupping is loved by celebrities and is a therapeutic technique that uses a vacuum force applied onto the skin's surface. It is thought to stimulate healing as it encourages extra blood flow.

It comes after Cruz seemed to show he is open to reconciling with his brother Brooklyn amid their ongoing devastating family feud.

The youngest of the Beckham brothers, 20, took to Instagram on Wednesday as he shared a black and white photo of Victoria holding a baby Harper on the sofa as Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz all nestled in.

The musician left the adorable childhood snap uncaptioned, as he seemed to suggest he hasn't turned his back on his eldest brother.

It was revealed in January that Brooklyn had planned to expand his hot sauce company and applied to trademark 'Becks Buns'

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Brooklyn appeared to debut a new tattoo as he shared a shirtless snap - which also seemed to show him with cupping marks

However on Wednesday it was revealed that Brooklyn has reportedly 'told his famous family that he wants no contact' with them in the latest devastating turn of their ongoing feud.

While a source close to Brooklyn denied the claims, a source told Page Six: 'Brooklyn told his family he wants no contact and he's not responding to those that try to connect.'

According to the publication, the eldest Beckham boy has had no communication with his family following father David's knighthood being announced last week and only learned of the news in the media alongside the rest of the world.

Denying he'd asked for no contact, a source close to Brooklyn told the publication: 'Everyones focus should be David Beckhams great honour'.

Meanwhile a source close to Brooklyn also denied the claims as they told MailOnline, 'this seems to be another deliberate attempt to misrepresent the truth, and it only serves to distract from this honour being bestowed on Brooklyn's father.'

MailOnline contacted David's reps for comment at the time.

On Monday Cruz showed his support for his mum amid the bitter family feud as he debuted a dramatic makeover which channelled the designer's iconic 'Posh crop'.

Gone were the budding musician's longer messy locks, instead sporting a much shorter sleeker do, reminiscent of his mum's style way back in 2008.

The wannabe chef, 26, along with Nicola , 30, have been engulfed in the escalating rift, with parents David and Victoria believed to be concerned about the influence the billionaire heiress has over their eldest son

Brooklyn has reportedly 'told his famous family that he wants no contact' with them in the latest devastating turn of their ongoing feud (Seen with his parents in 2018)

Last month, MailOnline revealed that tensions in the family have grown so bitter that the musician was going out of his way to avoid his estranged brother.

He has taken to contacting the family's favourite hangouts ahead of any visits to confirm that he won't cross paths with his sibling.

Cruz is said to have sent messages to the owners of their haunts specifically asking questions such as, 'Is Brooklyn there?', to make sure the coast was clear.

And he even follows that up with a request to 'let him know' if his brother later turned up, sources say.
While opening up about their blended family, Brian Austin Green's fiancee Sharna Burgess revealed that they've met his ex-wife Megan Fox's newborn baby.

Fox, 39, welcomed a daughter with ex-boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly, 35, in March of this year.

The Transformers beauty also has three kids  Noah, 12, Bodhi, 11, and Journey, eight  with ex-husband Green, 51, who she split from in 2020 after 10 years of marriage.

Sharna, 39  who shares son Zane, three, with Brian  gushed to PEOPLE on Wednesday that Fox and MGK's baby girl is the 'absolute cutest thing.'

She also revealed that Zane has 'fallen in love' with his three-month-old baby sister.

'Of course he's met her  that's his baby sister,' Burgess told People. 'They're deeply in love. She is the absolute cutest thing, and it's really beautiful.'

Brian Austin Green's fiancee Sharna Burgess opened up about her blended family with the actor during a PEOPLE interview this week; the couple seen in 2024

During the interview, Sharna revealed that they've met Brian's ex-wife Megan Fox's newborn baby

'We have such a big family,' Burgess continued. 'When I was a kid, and even when I was manifesting my life, I wanted a big family.

'And then I got to a point where I thought, 'Maybe I'll only get to have one baby because of age, ovaries, you know, all the things.'

'But somehow the universe still provided this unbelievably big family and tribe with amazing kids in it.'

The former Dancing with the Stars pro gushed that her little one is growing up surrounded by love.

'He has such a big, beautiful tribe around him, and it's really cool,' the proud mom reflected.

She added, 'We're all so very lucky. The kids are amazing and they've become built-in babysitters. The age gap actually works really well. We're thrilled.'

Sharna also revealed that she and her husband-to-be are even considering expanding their brood with another child.

'We've talked about getting pregnant at some point next year,' she told the publication. 'I like the idea of an age gap of around four to five years between siblings, so hopefully we can make that happen.'

Fox, 39, gave birth to her daughter - whose name hasn't been publicly revealed - on March 27

Fox shares the newborn with her ex-boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly; the exes seen in 2021

Green previously had a vasectomy to relieve Burgess from the side effects of birth control.

'He was amazing,' she said. 'He knew that birth control made me feel crazy, so he said, "Let me handle it." He got a vasectomy, but we always knew we could do IVF or freeze sperm.

'It was never "no more babies." It was just about protecting my health. So yes, IVF is most likely the route we'll take.'

Weeks ago Megan shared a video from Instagram fan account @meganfox.candids, which showed her in a plaid mini skirt and cropped blue cardigan.

The snippets were from her guest role in the Prime TV series Overcompensating.

She spilled that she was pregnant in the scene, writing, '38 years old. six weeks pregnant (unplanned but a happy surprise).'

'Please stop listening to the patriarchy,' she urged her 21.5 million followers.

Sharna, 39  who shares son Zane, three, with Brian  gushed to PEOPLE on Wednesday that Fox and MGK's baby girl is the 'absolute cutest thing'; Sharna and Brian pictured with Zane

The Beverly Hills 90210 actor also shares Kassius, 23, with ex-fiancee Vanessa Marcil, 56, and Noah, 12, Bodhi, 11, and Journey, eight, with ex-wife Megan

'Women are eternal light beings. We do not have an expiration date. Don't let them rob you of your power.'

In addition to their newborn, MGK is also dad to 15-year-old daughter Casie.

The birth of Megan and the rapper's daughter came months after the exes split for a final time.

Their late 2024 breakup was reportedly due to Fox finding 'upsetting material' on the rock star's phone during a Colorado vacation.
Tammy Hembrow and her husband Matt Zukowski have been fuelling rumours that their marriage is on the rocks for weeks.

The fitness influencer even admitted she is going through some 'heavy stuff' in an emotional video on Tuesday.

Now Matt, 29, has shared a carousel of photos and videos from an emotionally charged outing at a smash room.

The Love Island alum admitted he 'probably needed a hug' in one video that showed him hurling a ceramic mug at a block of stone and smashing it into pieces.

Smash rooms, also known as rage rooms, offer a safe space for people to vent their frustrations and relieve stress by smashing breakable objects.

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Tammy Hembrow and her husband Matt Zukowski have been fuelling rumours that their marriage is on the rocks for weeks

Now Matt, 29, has shared a carousel of photos and videos from an emotionally charged outing at a smash room

The Love Island alum admitted he 'probably needed a hug' in one video that showed him hurling a ceramic mug at a block of stone and smashing it into pieces

Matt set the video to the dulcet tones of Adele's 'Hometown Glory'  a ballad about Adele's love and appreciation for her hometown of West Norwood in London and specifically how she wanted to stay there despite being pressured to leave for university.

The song captures the feeling of being rooted in a place and the longing to remain there, even amidst pressures to move on.

Sources close to the couple previously told Daily Mail Australia the pair are 'on a break', with Matt relocating back to his native Melbourne while Tammy remains in Queensland with her three children.

Matt also ramped up rumours that his whirlwind romance with Tammy may be over after posting footage of himself going to the movies solo.

He took to Instagram to share a video from inside the cinema, revealing he was watching Death of a Unicorn alone - a move which came after fans noticed he was absent from Tammy's 31st birthday celebrations.

On Wednesday, Matt attended back-to-back films in the cinema by himself and posted his reviews of 'good shark movie' Dangerous Animals and new horror flick The Ritual.

'I decided that I had a little bit of time so I decided to get a ticket to the new horror, The Ritual,' he said.

Matt appeared to be carrying a box of alcohol in one arm while he filmed himself walking home from the cinemas.

Matt and Tammy's posts seem to confirm that the couple are 'on a break' and Matt has returned to his hometown Melbourne

Tammy, 31, thanked her 'community' of 17.1million fans this week for sending her 'sweet messages' during this time when she needs 'a big hug'

Tammy told her fans she is 'not okay' and thanked her online community for their support and 'sweet messages', while sending 'the biggest hugs to anyone who needs it right now'

Meanwhile, his wife Tammy took her youngest child Posy to the park for a 'bestie date' and then went on a solo excursion to the beach with her three kids at sunset.

The mum-of-three sat on the sand and watched the 'strawberry moon' while her children played in the shallows.

Later, she thanked her fans for their support during this 'difficult' time.

'I am so grateful for all the sweet messages guys, I wish I could respond to every single one,' Tammy captioned an aesthetic snap of a leather-bound journal and a cup of hot tea on her bed.

'I genuinely wish you knew how much it actually means to me.

'Crazy feeling you have an online community of people you've never met but you just feel like they get you and are giving you a big hug.

'It's a hard thing to describe but you guys do that for me and I am so grateful for that.'

Tammy said she is sending the 'biggest hugs' to 'anyone who needs it right now'.

Tammy and Matt began dating in mid-2023, after he slid into her DMs and were engaged just three months later. They married in November 2024 in Byron Bay

The cryptic post comes after the fitness influencer, 31, struggled to keep her composure in an emotional video on Tuesday.

'I just want to say thank you to everyone, I have been dealing with some heavy stuff. I feel like people can tell... I definitely don't like to pretend I am okay when I am not,' she said as she tried not to break down in tears.

'I feel like I have been trying to do that for a little while because I have so much I have to focus on. I just feel like pretending is doing me more harm than good.'

Tammy added she would not go into detail about what she is going though, but asked her followers to be 'kind'.

In the video, she was not wearing her wedding and engagement rings.

Just hours earlier, Tammy shared a cryptic post saying 'when something feels off it is usually women's intuition'.

Tammy and Matt began dating in mid-2023, after he slid into her DMs and were engaged just three months later.

They tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at Chateau Du Soleil in Byron Bay in November.
Callum Hole has broken his silence on his shock breakup with influencer Sasha Morpeth - and revealed what really caused them to split.

The Love Island Australia star, 27, who went public with Sasha, 25, in December before the couple abruptly parted ways, opened up to his co-host Skye Wheatley on the first episode of their new Nova podcast Skye & Callum.

Callum took full responsibility and said his unwillingness to commit was to blame for their parting.

'I'm never 110% committed. We had a good time. We obviously spent a couple of months together, but then in the back of my head, I was like, I knew I had stuff coming up, so it was hard for me to fully commit,' Callum began.

'And then I started being less trustworthy, less loyal, and it was just kind of on a downward spiral. It ended up becoming so toxic. So we just kind of parted ways.'

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Callum Hole has broken his silence on his shock break-up with influencer Sasha Morpeth - and revealed what really caused them to split

Skye then asked if Sasha had any part in the break-up - and Callum admitted the blame lay solely with him.

'She was perfect in that sense, it was all on my end. I was traveling a lot for work, I was seeing my ex a couple of times she knew about it, it was just drama,' he said.

'When we broke up, I was like, "this is probably for the best." I was like, there was so many parts of the relationship that were missing that I didn't realise until I was actually out.

'So I guess I learned what I want in a partner and what I don't want, and how to move in future relationships.'

Callum and Sasha were first linked in November 2024 while attending a Schoolies Unleashed Grad Trip in Fiji, where he also filmed Love Island All Stars.

'This wasn't on my 2024 bingo card but couldn't be happier going into 2025 with you,' the duo captioned a series of loved-up snaps taken at the Beyond The Valley New Year's Eve music festival.

Sasha, who has over five million followers on TikTok and owns the clothing brand Sasha Therese, often posted videos of the couple on her page.

But all traces of the whirlwind relationship between the two social media stars simultaneously vanished from their accounts.

Your browser does not support iframes.

The reality star, who went public with Sasha in December before the couple abruptly parted ways, opened up to his co-host Skye Wheatley on the first episode of their new Nova podcast Skye & Callum

Callum took responsibility and said his unwillingness to commit was to blame for their parting

Both Callum and Sasha have deleted all of their couple videos and photos from their social media profiles.

Sasha later dropped multiple hints that the romance wasn't all smooth sailing.

'Jealousy hits different when you both aren't even in a relationship yet,' she captioned an outfit check posted to TikTok on December 27.

In a cheeky video Sasha posted just five days later, she indicated the love bubble had burst.

The petite blonde showed off her two-piece purple ensemble in her usual style of video, as she danced and strutted in front of her phone camera inside a messy hotel room.

Sitting on the left hand side of the hotel bed, with his back turned from Sasha, appeared to be Callum.

'Girl, if you can't change the person, change the person,' she wrote in text layered over the clip.

Callum appeared on Love Island All Stars alongside reality fan favourite Phoebe Spiller, after enjoying a short term fling with one of his Aussie Shore cast mates.

The Brisbane-based UK reality star brought his signature cheekiness to the Aussie Shore house in Cairns during episode eight of the controversial reality show.
Welcome to The Group Chat with Lucy Manly, where Australia's most-trusted society insider shares the hottest gossip BEFORE it makes the news.

Room with a view for Simone

As Merivale hospitality mogul Justin Hemmes prepares to welcome his first child with girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel, it appears his largesse knows no bounds.

While the 52-year-old pub baron shacks up with model Madeline, 27, at his $100million Vaucluse mansion, he has allowed her older sister Simone to live at one of his many Sydney homes.

Simone, a former star of Australia's Next Top Model, is now staying at his luxury Coogee apartment with beach views during her visits to the Harbour City.

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Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes is expecting a child with his model girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel

Hemmes' largesse extends to Madeline's older sister Simone, a single mother of one, who is using his $2.1million Coogee apartment as her base of operations while in Sydney

He bought the three-bedroom unit back in 2014 for a cool $2.1million - but it's probably worth at least double that now.

The apartment was previously occupied by Madeline when she and Justin first started dating back in 2020. He would later move her into his Vaucluse compound when their relationship became serious.

This week, Simone shared a photo to Instagram of her feet resting on a balcony balustrade as she took in the breathtaking views of Coogee Beach.

Several spies alerted me to the fact it was the same view and balcony that her sister used to enjoy while bunkering down during Covid.

A source at Merivale confirmed to us that Simone was indeed living at the address - but we were assured it was only a place to crash when she visits Sydney.

Last year, we reported Simone was back living with her family, including mother Margaret, in Wollongong after her relationship with celebrity trainer Jono Castano broke down just nine weeks after they welcomed their first child, daughter Gia.

Given the long commute from the 'Gong to Sydney, it makes sense for Simone and little Gia to have a nice beachside bolthole when she's in town visiting her sister.

It comes after I heard whispers Simone was romancing eastern suburbs man-about-town Max Shepherd, the ex-partner of 'nude artist' Dina Broadhurst.

This week, Simone shared a photo to Instagram of her feet resting on a balcony balustrade as she took in the breathtaking views of Coogee Beach

Several spies alerted me to the fact it was the same view and balcony that her sister used to enjoy while bunkering down during Covid (real estate photo seen here)

The twosome were seen cosying up at Hemmes' recent Silver Party charity gala.

Meanwhile, Jono, who runs the swanky Acero gym in Kensington with his ex-wife Amy Castano, has since moved on with Love Triangle star Emily Ryder.

Inside the Gold Dinner

First comes the Silver Party, then comes the Gold Dinner - the jewel in the crown of Sydney's high society calendar.

A Who's Who of TV, finance and eastern suburbs elites were out in force on Wednesday night to raise funds for the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation.

Sunrise hosts Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington rubbed shoulders with former Wiggle Emma Watkins and society newlyweds Jordan Sukkar and Bernadette Fahey at the swanky soiree.

But there was a rather controversial guest in attendance who skipped the red carpet.

Yes, the Gold Dinner marked the first public appearance for South African charity maven Vanessa Fennell following a regrettable recent brush with the law.

The mother-of-two this week pleaded guilty to a string of charges after crashing her Range Rover into a parked Tesla in the ritzy suburb of Bellevue Hill on March 21.

A Who's Who of TV, finance and high society were out in force on Wednesday night to attend the Gold Dinner fundraiser, including Sunrise hosts Nat Barr and Matt Shirvington

The Gold Dinner marked the first public appearance for South African charity maven Vanessa Fennell (right, with a friend) following a regrettable recent brush with the law

The mother-of-two this week pleaded guilty to a string of charges after crashing her Range Rover into a parked Tesla in the ritzy suburb of Bellevue Hill on March 21. (Pictured left at court on April 1, and right being arrested)

Vanessa generously opened her purse for the silent auction portion of the evening, forking out a formidable $7,600 for a Sydney Harbour motor yacht experience for eight people

The 54-year-old socialite, who was once in the running to star on Real Housewives of Sydney, formally entered the pleas at Waverley Local Court late last month but is still seeking to have the matters dealt with under mental health provisions of the law.

She is due to appear in court on June 23 when she will apply to have the charges dealt with under Section 14.

Despite the embarrassing saga being the talk of the eastern suburbs, Vanessa showed no sign of strain as she was spied schmoozing with guests at the $3,500-per-head fundraiser.

In addition to dropping that eye-watering sum for entry, she generously opened her purse for the silent auction portion of the evening, forking out a formidable $7,600 for a Sydney Harbour motor yacht experience for eight people.

Vanessa's prize was one of a raft of high-end items that went under the hammer.

The big ticket item of the night was a 10 per cent deposit, valued at $440,000, for an off-market apartment at the One Circular Quay residential skyscraper, donated by Lendlease CEO Tony Lombardo, which went to an anonymous bidder.

Auction prizes at the Gold Dinner included an at-home dinner prepared personally by chef Neil Perry (left) and lunch with supermodel Miranda Kerr (right)

The big ticket item of the night was a 10 per cent deposit, valued at $440,000, for an off-market apartment at the One Circular Quay residential skyscraper (pictured)

Another hot item that raised more than a few paddles was a pineapple-shaped cocktail shaker, donated by ABC Bullion, worth $250k

Another hot item that raised more than a few paddles was a pineapple-shaped cocktail shaker, donated by ABC Bullion, worth $250,000

Named Prosperita Dorata, the luxury drinking accessory crafted by W.J. Sanders is embedded with pink and white diamonds.

The winning bidder also nabbed an exclusive cocktail party where a mixologist will serve gold-inspired cocktails using the quarter-of-a-million-dollar shaker.

One anonymous bidder dropped $22,000 for lunch with Miranda Kerr.

The price tag also netted the mystery bidder a Louis Vuitton bag from the supermodel's personal collection, a swag of KORA Organics products, and a diamond jewellery piece from Michael Hill valued at $21,000.

An at-home dinner prepared personally by chef Neil Perry also went under the hammer for $27,000, with property developer Patrick Elias offering the winning bid.

Over the top? Of course. But it's all for a good cause.

Last roll of the dice for dentist who died at casino

For weeks, I've been reporting on the tangled financial mess left behind by rogue Perth dentist Dr David Hurst who died suddenly at Crown casino late last year.

After a cat-and-mouse chase around Claremont and Cottesloe last Wednesday, I finally got a response from his widow, cosmetician Dr Clara Hurst, regarding what she planned to do about the 132 patients of her late husband who forked out tens of thousands of dollars from their super for dental work that was either botched, incomplete or didn't happen at all.

In the days since my investigation was published, I've been flooded with emails about the dodgy British dentist, including tawdry rumours about his personal life that I won't publish.

But one of the tip-offs does appear to stand up.

This Facebook photo was taken in September while the Hursts were staying at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives. They looked very much in love despite their previous romantic separation

This photo of the Hursts was taken at Derby Day at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne on November 2. Just over a month later, David would die suddenly at Crown Perth

Despite looking like the quintessential high-society power couple, the Hursts' marriage was rocky - and had been for a few years.

I'm told the couple, who share two children, split around 2020/21. During the period they were separated, their finances were legally separated too - which is important given the financial black hole her husband left behind.

But there's a twist... sometime in mid-2023, Clara and David patched things up.

We're told it was 'for the kids', but photos of the Hursts looking loved-up at the races, on holiday in the Maldives and at society parties strongly suggest they were genuinely giving things another go.

Then, on December 10, David died suddenly at Crown Perth while Clara and their children were in Bali. His death was not treated as suspicious.

So, were the Hursts broken up at the time? It's complicated.

One of the last photos Dr Clara Hurst posted on her public Facebook of her husband David was this one from November 12, 2024, showing the reconciled pair with another couple

A month earlier, they certainly looked like a married couple.

But we are assured Clara was financially separated from her husband when he died - something that is usually consistent with a marriage breakdown.

And here's the kicker: even if they had rekindled their romance in 2023, that would not automatically alter or disturb any court-ordered financial separation.

This is important because while Dr David Hurst's patients are pressuring Clara to 'make things right' as the wife of the man who swindled them out of thousands, if the Hursts' finances had been separate for several years, she may be off the hook.

One thing's for sure, this scandal isn't going away. We'll keep you up to date.

Additional reporting by Stephen Bisset and Jo Scrimshire
Poh Ling Yeow has addressed swirling rumours she's stepping away from MasterChef Australia.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal the 51-year-old has signed on to return for the 2026 season, putting an end to recent speculation she was preparing to bow out.

A spokesperson for the popular chef flatly denied the claims, revealing: 'There's no truth to the speculation. Poh is loving her time on MasterChef and feels like she's found her place.'

It follows a report by New Idea earlier this week suggesting Poh was considering leaving the series, prompting executives to quietly begin scouting a new judge to join Andy Allen, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli at the judging table.

Among the names floated as a potential replacement? None other than fan favourite Julie Goodwin - the very contestant who beat Poh to win the first season of MasterChef back in 2009.

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Poh Ling Yeow has addressed swirling rumours she's stepping away from MasterChef Australia

Poh Ling Yeow has addressed swirling rumours she's stepping away from MasterChef Australia. Pictured L to R: Jean-Christophe Novelli, Sofia Levin, Poh and Andy Allen

'Julie would be a fantastic judge. Fans love her,' a source told the magazine.

'While no one wants to see Poh leave, everyone would welcome Julie back with open arms.'

Julie, 54, made a triumphant return to the franchise in 2022 and delighted fans when she appeared as a guest judge last year.

Insiders told the magazine she 'absolutely loved' the experience and would be open to returning in a more permanent capacity if the opportunity arose.

Poh, meanwhile, joined the judging panel in 2022 following the shock death of Jock Zonfrillo and the departures of Melissa Leong and Andy Allen.

While she's embraced the role, the artist-turned-chef has admitted the transition hasn't always been seamless.

Speaking on the From The Newsroom podcast earlier this year, Poh revealed she often finds herself mentally back in the contestant's apron.

'I constantly run through the challenges that I have just delivered and think about what I would do in that situation,' she said.

A spokesperson for the popular chef flatly denied the claims, revealing: 'There's no truth to the speculation. Poh is loving her time on MasterChef and feels like she's found her place'

It was rumoured Julie Goodwin would be replacing Poh. Pictured: The pair on the first season of MasterChef in 2009

'That's how much I miss and love it.'

She has also taken on a new role outside the MasterChef kitchen and was announced as an ambassador for Tourism NT in January.

At the time, she said she wishes to inspire Australians to discover a holiday up north that is 'different in every sense'.

'As someone who adores travel, learning, and finding inspiration in new places, the NT is a dream destination,' Poh said.

'From the breathtaking Top End to the awe-inspiring Red Centre, I've fallen in love with it all - and I couldn't be prouder to showcase everything this extraordinary place has to offer!'

In her new role, Poh will spotlight the 'unparalleled beauty, rich cultures, vibrant food scene and artistic heritage' of the Northern Territory.

Poh stepped into the role after gracing the cover of The Australian Women's Weekly for the first ever Outback Christmas issue last year.

She has since been exploring the vast territory, famous for its red desert landscapes, and visiting some iconic destinations.

Travelling through Top End, the celebrity cook enjoyed stops at Litchfield National Park, Finniss River Lodge and the Territory's tropical capital, Darwin.

She then made her way down to the Red Centre where she visited Alice Springs (Mparntwe), Hermannsburg (Ntaria), Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole.

Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve and the majestic Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park were also on her list of travel destinations.
Dina Broadhurst is known to take a racy snap or two - but this one might just take the cake.

The nude artist, 48, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share an X-rated bathroom selfie that bared all.

In the picture, Dina went topless as she photographed herself in a low-positioned mirror.

The Sydney socialite left little to the imagination as she pulled down her white leotard top to reveal her breasts and chiselled stomach.

Her brown hair fell over her shoulder as she strategically posed for the iPhone-shot mirror selfie.

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Dina Broadhurst took to Instagram on Wednesday to share an X-rated bathroom selfie that bared all. Pictured

In the picture, Dina went topless as she photographed herself in a low-positioned mirror

'Wall Flower,' she captioned the post, alluding to the flowery wallpaper in the shot.

Her fans flooded the comments section with praise for the sexy snap, as well as an array of heart and fire emojis.

Dina recently made headlines after she dramatically slashed the listing price of her dazzling pad in Sydney's eastern suburbs by $3.1million.

The social media star had originally taken the sprawling Darling Point home to market for a whopping $11.5million.

And now, in a move that appears to be an attempt to lure buyers, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is going to auction next month with a price guide of $8.4million.

The brown-haired beauty, who owns the prized home with her former boyfriend Max Shepherd, pulled the listing in January.

The exes, who parted in 2023, sent tongues wagging when they reunited to sunbathe at Kutti Beach, where Dina went topless, while working together to find a buyer for the property.

Originally purchasing the home together in 2022 for $5.2million, Dina renovated the harbourside property into a luxury home studio.

Originally purchasing the home together in 2022 for $5.2million, Dina renovated the harbourside property into a luxury home studio

Dina told Daily Mail Australia exclusively in January that she made the move to yank the listing because she was not sure she wanted to part with it.

'The property has been pulled for a few months as I am considering retaining the property for myself,' she said.

'I'm doing a trial living here over the summer until I work out if I will keep it or buy overseas next year instead.'

'The property has had ample interest and a decision will be made shortly as to whether we proceed with the sale or not,' she added.

Dina pulled the newly-renovated pad from the market just two months after it was listed, and one month before it was set to go to auction.

At the time, insiders were predicting that the $11.5million price tag could fall.
Kai Schreiber spoke in-depth about her gender identity struggle - and a major role model in her life - in a new chat published Wednesday.

The 16-year-old model, who is the daughter of Hollywood stars Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, told Interview Magazine she has studied how people in the transgender community navigated stormy waters in the past.

Kai said she had struggled 'with gender identity from a young age' and 'always wanted to grow up and be a beautiful, glamorous, influential woman, like Marilyn' Monroe.

The daughter of the Ray Donovan star , 57, and two-time Oscar nominee, 56, named figures she found inspirational 'as a young trans girl' navigating life through turbulent times for the community.

'I'm always going to look up to the older generation of transgender people, especially in fashion,' Kai told the magazine.

'People like Alex Consani, Hunter Schafer, Hari Nef, Dara, Richie Shazam, Colin Jones, and so many more,' Kai said. 'It's so great that there's a strong community of us in the fashion world; it's really a doll takeover.'

Kai Schreiber, 16, spoke about her gender identity struggle - as well as what she expires to achieve in the modeling world - in a new chat published Wednesday. Pictured in NYC in March

Naomi Watts and her daughter Kai Schreiber hosted a glamorous fundraising event for the trans community in New York City

The second-generation star said that she had a breakthrough earlier this year when working for the fashion house Valentino.

'That job made me realize, 'OK, this is what I want to do,' Kai said. 'I want to be a supermodel. Period.'

Kai opened up to the publication about what shes been doing in terms of honing her craft as a regular presence on the catwalk.

'I've been practicing my walks in the kitchen for years; my mom can show you all the videos I forced her to film,' Kai said.

Kai also opened up about her fashion preferences in the wide-ranging chat with the publication - joking she's 'basic, but in a chic way.'

Kai said of her couture choices: 'I love my low-rise jeans and black cardigan. That's my go-to outfit. I love when people have their own personal style.

'If you're presenting yourself in a unique, cool way, people are immediately drawn in and want to know more. If every person was walking around in the same outfit, fashion wouldn't be a thing.'

Kai, seen during Paris Fashion Week in March, said that 'the world [is] more fun' with fashion

Kai said that 'the world [is] more fun' with fashion in the mix.

Kai took to Instagram to thank those involved with the feature story and adjacent photoset on Wednesday.

'I cant put into words how excited & grateful I am for this project,' she said. 'Thank you to the Interview team for the opportunity, and thank you Dara & everyone for making it such a fun and comfortable experience for me on set.'

Kai said she 'always wanted to grow up and be a beautiful, glamorous, influential woman, like' Marilyn Monroe, pictured in 1959's Some Like It Hot

The second-generation star, pictured in April, said that she had a breakthrough earlier this year when working for the fashion house Valentino in deciding she wanted to be a supermodel

Kai took to Instagram to thank those involved with the feature story and adjacent photoset on Wednesday

Watts said on her Instagram page Wednesday that Kai was 'continuing to kill it' and that she was 'proud' of her.

Kai has received public support from both of her famed folks, as Liev told Variety last month about what he felt was the most impactful moment as the parent of a trans child.

'Kai was always who Kai is,' The Manchurian Candidate actor said. 'But I suppose the most profound moment was her asking us to change her pronouns.

'To be honest with you, it didn't feel like that big of a deal to me only because Kai had been so feminine for so long.'

The Perfect Couple star continued: 'Kai is such a fighter. It's important that she goes, "Hey, I am trans," and, "Look at me."'
Justin Hemmes was spotted looking very happy on Thursday as he arrived home to his Vaucluse mansion, sparking rumours his partner Madeline Holtznagel may have welcomed their first child together.

The billionaire pub baron, 52, had a big grin plastered across his face as he touched down at his $100 million harbourside manor via sea plane.

His entourage were all also all smiles as they waited dutifully for the Merivale boss.

Justin cut as casual figure in a crisp white T-shirt and khaki slacks.

He was forced to pull his trouser legs up as he waded through the water to get to his lavish home.

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Justin Hemmes was spotted looking very happy on Thursday as he arrived home to his Vaucluse mansion, sparking rumours his partner Madeline Holtznagel may have welcomed their first child together

His entourage were all also all smiles as they waited for the billionaire Merivale boss

Madeline recently admitted to Stellar she is thrilled to welcome a son because she wanted a 'new journey' with Justin

With his reading glasses and Bluetooth headphones in, he slicked his tresses back into a bun as he carried a large black bag.

Madeline was last spotted in public in May, when she and Justin were seen returning to the mansion.

Not wanting his heavily pregnant girlfriend to endanger herself and her precious cargo, Justin affectionately piggybacked his ladylove off his sea plane.

The couple beamed broadly as Justin dutifully escorted her to the shore, with Madeline wrapping her arms tightly around her beau's shoulders.

Madeline recently admitted to Stellar she is thrilled to welcome a son because she wanted a 'new journey' with Justin, who already shares two daughters with ex-partner Kate Fowler.

'I always thought I was going to have a boy. I knew I was going to be a boy mum,' she said.

'Justin has two beautiful little girls, so having a boy, it's like a whole new journey together. [The baby] is going to be his little best mate.'

Justin cut as casual figure in a crisp white T-shirt and khaki slacks

He was forced to pull his trouser legs up as he waded through the water to get to his lavish home

She said she previously kept details of her pregnancy private, but was ready to share her journey.

'I keep a lot of my life private and I don't share a lot online anyway, so [being pregnant] wasn't really something that I was going to share online,' she said.

'I haven't posted about it and it's been nice to have some quiet time off Instagram.

'But obviously because I am in the public eye and we do get photographed quite a lot, I think now I'm at this point in my pregnancy where it's nice for me to be able to share some nice photos'.

Madeline also revealed she has sought advice from her older sisters Anna and fellow model Simone, who both have children.

In November, an insider confirmed the exciting news of Madeline's pregnancy to Daily Mail Australia and revealed a friend of Justin's recently moved out of his Vaucluse mansion to make room for their growing family.

Justin, who has a net worth of $1.39 billion, already has daughters Alexa and Saachi with his model ex-girlfriend Kate, from whom he separated in 2018.

The business mogul then began dating Madeline the following year, when the model was 22 and he was 47.
'Tradwife' Nara Smith has hit back at critics who have slammed the social media sensation for being pregnant with her fourth child at the age of 23.

The US-based influencer revealed this week she was expecting baby number four with her model husband Lucky Blue Smith.

The beauty also shares Rumble, four, Slim Easy, three, and Whimsy Lou, one, with Lucky, 27 - whom she tied the knot with in 2020.

Following their pregnancy announcement, she took to Instagram to answer fan questions about the impending arrival.

Nara wasted no time hitting back at her critics who slammed her for glamourising teen pregnancy and also claimed she was secretly a Mormon.

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'Tradwife' Nara Smith has hit back at critics who have slammed the social media sensation for being pregnant with her fourth child at the age of 23

She revealed in the clip she hid her pregnancy from social media for six months to avoid incessant internet chatter.

'I'm about six months now, which is crazy to say, and no I didn't pre-record any of my videos - it's just good angles, outfits and sucking in my stomach,' she said.

'I waited to share for as long as I felt like I could because I knew that people were going to have all kinds of opinions and I had to get used to the idea of having another kid, since I was mentally prepped to be done after Whimsy.'

While Lucky's family belong to the Church of Latter Day Saints, Nara added she did not subscribe to the Mormon religion.

'No, I'm not having this many kids because I'm Mormon - I'm not Mormon,' she admitted.

'I just wanted to be a young mum and do everything while I was really young and that's just a personal preference.'

It was a sentiment Nara shared in a previous TikTok where she also addressed the claims.

'I know that my religion is a very hot topic on the internet,' she said.

The US-based influencer revealed this week she was expecting baby number four with her model husband Lucky Blue Smith

Nara wasted no time hitting back at her critics who slammed her for glamourising teen pregnancy and also claimed she was secretly a Mormon

'I waited to share for as long as I feel like I could because I knew that people were going to have all kinds of opinions and I had to get used to the idea of having another kid since I'm mentally prepped to be done after Whimsy,' she said

'I dont know what Im doing, Im still learning and figuring out my own faith. Im not in any way a hardcore Mormon or anything like that. I dont wear garments. I didnt get married in the temple.'

Nara's post was met with a flurry of comments from fans and followers with some making light of Nara and Lucky's penchant for unique names.

'Can't wait to meet Maple Cinnamon Tootsie Roll Smith,' one quipped, which many agreed was a 'cute' moniker for baby number four.

Others were quick to praise the young mum with the likes of: 'God forbid someone wants to grow a family and just live their best life!!! You are amazing queen.'

Another offered a similar: 'She's leaving the Married by 25 have all kids by 30...The DREAM Literally.

Nara announce the news of baby number four in a sweet Instagram post earlier this week.

In the short reel, the couple could be seen standing outside as the warm sun shone down on them.

Nara wore an off-the-shoulder, cream blouse as well as a white maxi skirt as she strolled over to her husband.

While Lucky's family belong to the Church of Latter Day Saints, Nara added that she did not subscribe to the Mormon religion

She then showed off her growing baby bump by cradling her stomach as Lucky lovingly embraced her.

Nara and Lucky recently opened up about their family and said at the time they were done having children.

During an interview with GQ, Lucky told his wife amid the joint interview: 'Well, we have three. So, you're done.'

Nara then replied to her husband - who is also father to daughter Gravity with ex Stormi Bree - with: 'Yep, I'm done.'

However, Lucky also pointed out to the Nara: 'You did want six. When we first met, you wanted six.'

In regards to welcoming children at a young age, Nara - who was 19 when the couple welcomed their first child Rumble - said: 'And it worked out great. I love being a young mom.'

Nara is also known for her lifestyle and cooking content on social media - and boasts millions of followers.

On Instagram, she currently posts to 4.6 million followers while on TikTok she notably has 11.7 million followers.
Martha Kalifatidis sent fans into a frenzy on Wednesday after a confusing social media post had them questioning if she was expecting another baby.

The former Married At First Sight star, 37, gave her Instagram followers a sneak peek of a fashion event she attended last week.

The dinner, which was hosted by Aussie brand VRG GRL, welcomed the likes of celebrity hair guru Gabrielle Roccuzzo, stylist Jess Pecoraro and content creator Emily Yates.

Martha, who already shares son Lucius with fiance Michael Brunelli, stunned in a bright red button-up top, which she stylishly paired with baggy jeans, blue strappy heels and chunky Anna Rossi bangles on her arms.

In the photo dump, the reality star shared pictures of the dimly lit restaurant, bowls of ravioli pasta and her glamorous friends - as well as a photo of a pregnant belly dressed in the same red cardigan.

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Martha Kalifatidis sent fans into a frenzy on Wednesday after a confusing social media post had them questioning if she was expecting a baby

In the photo dump, the reality star shared pictures of the dimly lit restaurant, bowls of ravioli pasta and her glamorous friends - as well as a photo of a pregnant belly dressed in the same red cardigan

Fans of the MAFS star flooded the comments section to point out the picture, speculating whether the photo was of Martha and if she was in fact pregnant.

'Who else ran straight to the comments to see if they saw what they think they saw....' one person wrote of the suggestive snap.

'Congrats if you're preggas' one fan sweetly wrote, while another penned: 'The baby is coming.'

Another sent Martha well-wishes, writing: 'Queen you're so brave and wish you all the besssssst with this pregnancy.'

'Did I just see a 'bump',' another asked.

It didn't take long for one fan to figure out that the belly didn't belong to Martha, but rather her friend and influencer Oriwa LeFevre, who wore the same top on the night out.

'It's @oriwa everyone, you nearly got us Martha,' the fan wrote.

It didn't take long for one fan to figure out that the belly didn't belong to Martha, left, but rather her friend and influencer Oriwa LeFevre, right, who wore the same shirt on the night out

This isn't the first time pregnancy rumours have swirled around the social media personality.

In January, Martha addressed rumours she is expecting her second child in an Instagram post, giving her fans a glimpse at her idyllic vacation in Thailand with fiance Michael Brunelli and the couple's young son, Lucius.

In the caption, she told her fans she'd been offline as she was on holiday, after going two weeks without posting to Instagram.

'Hi everyone. I'm not pregnant (thanks for asking though),' she wrote in her caption alongside the series of images.

'I was just having some time off in Thailand. It was swell, missed you all,' she continued.

In the photos, Martha showed off her figure in a black swimsuit as she enjoyed a soak with her toddler.

She also kicked back on a boat, as well as working her angles in the shallows of the turquoise ocean.
Exes Tarek El Moussa and Christina Haack came together this week to celebrate their daughter Taylors middle school graduation.

The occasion marks the first time the 43-year-old father-of-three has emerged since his Las Vegas altercation one week ago.

El Moussa and Haack, 41, were joined by Tarek's current wife Heather Rae El Moussa, 37, as they united as a blended family unit.

The co-parents smiled while posing with the 14-year-old graduate and nine-year-old son Brayden in a joint Instagram post shared on Tuesday.

Christina, who recently finalized her third divorce, wrote in the caption: 'Taylor we are so proud of you and so excited for you to head into the next stage of your life. Our beautiful, smart, incredible, bright light we all love and adore you.'

Exes Tarek El Moussa and Christina Haack came together this week to celebrate their daughter Taylors middle school graduation

The occasion marks the first time the 43-year-old father-of-three has emerged since his Las Vegas altercation one week ago

And the proud mom, who also shares five-year-old son Hudson with ex-husband Ant Anstead, added lightheartedly, 'We hope all the mistakes youve watched us make throughout your life help to guide you to a brighter future.'

She added a trio of crying laughing emojis before finishing the sweet note, 'Love you, baby. High school here we come!!!'

Taking to Instagram Stories, Christina also shared a photo with just Tarek and Taylor, adding, 'We've been through a lot but one thing we've always been is great co-parents.'

Last week El Moussa was involved in a public scuffle in Nevada.

The HGTV personality was cited for the incident but was not arrested over it.

Sources told DailyMail.com that Tarek was defending his elderly father when the squabble occurred.

A spokesperson for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that the Flipping El Moussas star and the other male were at The Palazzo at the Venetian Resort when the confrontation took place.

Witnesses said that Tarek drove his knee into the man's head, knocking him out.

El Moussa and Haack, 41, were joined by Tarek's current wife Heather Rae El Moussa, 37, and extended loved ones as they united as a blended family unit

Last week El Moussa was involved in a public scuffle in Nevada; pictured in LA in June 2022

In addition to his two kids with ex-wife Christina, the real estate mogul shares two-year-old son Tristan with wife Heather

Tarek's wife and reality show co-star Heather was present at the time, but had no involvement in the physical violence.

Tarek, Heather, and Christina starred together in HGTV's The Flip Off earlier this year, putting their tumultuous past behind them.

The show is a spinoff of Flip or Flop, which Tarek and Christina made famous during their nine-year marriage.

Christina was married to Tarek from 2009 to 2018. She was married to Ant Anstead from 2018 to 2021.

In May she finalized her contentious divorce from ex-husband Josh Hall.

Following the legal resolution, she took to Instagram Stories to thank celebrity divorce lawyer Laura Wasser.

She wrote in capital white letters against a black background, 'Huge thank you to the disso queen @laurawasserofficial and team @ashleymoe22 & @existentialjuju you are all a true class act.

'I loved watching you in action and how you handle everything and everyone with class and grace... I appreciate you all beyond words.'

The impassioned note continued, 'I have learned so much under your guidance and I'm grateful to have this behind me. I can't wait to move on with my life and focus on what's ahead and all my blessings.'
Henry Cavill cut quite the dapper figure as he showed off his flowing locks while posing with fiancee Natalie Viscusso at the 71st Taormina Film Festival in Italy on Wednesday.

The Witcher star, 42, was suited and booted in a black tuxedo and bow tie on day two of the film event, with Henry's mane looking longer and curlier than in previous appearances.

The actor, who has been steadily growing his hair in the past few months, was in good spirits as he made a rare appearance with his glamorous wife-to-be, who turned heads in a draped peach satin gown.

Natalie boosted her height with strappy gold sandals and was sure to flash her dazzling engagement ring as she cosied up to her fiance.

During the event, Henry was seen on stage introducing producer Charles Roven, who was being honored on the night.

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Henry Cavill cut quite the dapper figure as he showed off his flowing locks while posing with fiancee Natalie Viscusso at the 71st Taormina Film Festival in Italy on Wednesday

The Witcher star, 42, was suited and booted in a black tuxedo and bow tie on day two of the film event, with Henry's mane looking longer and curlier than in previous appearances

The actor was in good spirits as he made a rare appearance with his glamorous wife-to-be, who turned heads in a draped peach satin gown

The Man Of Steel star also stopped to pose for a photo with a fan amid hiss appearance, with Henry having stepped somewhat away from the spotlight in the latter half of 2024 in the lead-up to the couple welcoming their first child.

They welcomed their first child earlier this year, after revealing they were expecting a baby together back in April 2024.

Henry and Natalie, who went public with their relationship in April 2021, keep their personal lives largely private.

News of the pair becoming engaged first broke in January when they arrived together in Australia.

They were spotted taking a stroll on the Gold Coast in Queensland as Natalie pushed along a baby pram and sported a huge diamond ring.

The couple are yet to confirm wedding plans, but speculation is rife that a big announcement could be on the horizon.

Henry had earlier asked fans for some parenting 'tips' in a sweet Father's Day post last year.

The Superman star took to Instagram at the time as he asked for some parenting 'tips' ahead of becoming a dad for the first time.

Natalie boosted her height with strappy gold sandals and was sure to flash her dazzling engagement ring as she cosied up to her fiance

During the event, Henry was seen on stage introducing producer Charles Roven, who was being honored on the night

The film star looked handsome as he read a speech before introducing the producer

Henry's longer, curlier locks were on full display at the event

The Man Of Steel star also stopped to pose for a photo with a fan amid hiss appearance, with Henry having stepped somewhat away from the spotlight in the latter half of 2024 in the lead-up to the couple welcoming their first child

The pair looked as loved-up as ever during the rare joint appearance

They welcomed their first child earlier this year , after revealing they were expecting a baby together back in April 2024

Henry and Natalie, who went public with their relationship in April 2021, keep their personal lives largely private

Henry lay beside a baby cot as he wrote: 'Oh yeah... and Happy Father's Day ye dads out there.

'Turns out I shall be joining your hallowed ranks soon! Any tips??

'And don't worry, pillows won't be in the crib when the wee one arrives, just glue and scalpels so he or she can build Warhammer miniatures.'

Back in April, Henry revealed that he was 'very excited' to be expecting his first child with Natalie, admitting that he can't wait to become a dad for the first time.

The Man Of Steel star shared the news at the premiere of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare in New York City.

Henry told Access Hollywood: 'I'm very excited about it. Natalie and I are both very excited about it. I'm sure you'll see much more of that.'
Blake Lively appeared to be taking inspiration from her Gossip Girl days as she stepped out in a rather eye catching co-ord in New York on Wednesday.

The actress, who starred as Serena Van Der Woodsen in the iconic series from 2007 until 2012, wowed in a stylish multi-coloured blazer jacket and mini skirt.

Putting on a very leggy display in the bright ensemble, she paired the look with blue heels and a bright blue handbag adorned with 3D strawberries.

The star, 37, couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she beamed following the latest development in her ongoing legal case with Justin Baldoni this week.

On Monday it was revealed that the director's $400million countersuit against Blake has been dismissed in a major setback for the actor's hopes for a blockbuster win over the millionaire actress.

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Blake Lively took inspiration from her Gossip Girl days in multi-coloured checked co-ord as she stepped out in New York on Wednesday after Baldoni's $400m countersuit against her was dropped

Putting on a very leggy display in the bright ensemble, she paired the look with blue heels and a bright blue handbag adorned with 3D strawberries

However despite Blake's relaxed demeanour, Justin's lawyer has blasted Blake's appearance at the 18th Annual Tribeca Artists Dinner on Monday night as a 'false victory tour'.

Bryan Freedman spoke with TMZ Live on Tuesday, and admitted that while he and the Baldoni camp 'weren't pleased that that the judge dismissed the defamation claim,' it wasn't 'what the case is about.'

The attorney then recapped the series of events that led to the massive litigation surrounding the surprise summer hit.

Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Blake for further comment on the story.

'We got started because Blake Lively filed a CRD complaint and then walked over and filed a lawsuit,' he said, 'which accused some very good people of a smear campaign and accused a terrific young man of sexual harassment - both of the which were completely untrue.'

'And that's where the case got started' and 'where the case stands today.'

'What we wanted our win is to show there was no smear campaign, and there's no sexual harassment,' Freedman explained. 'And she hasn't proved a thing - as a matter of fact, it's just the opposite.'

Freedman told TMZ Live that evidence presented in the early stages of litigation has been damning for Lively and Reynolds.

However despite Blake's relaxed demeanour, Justin's lawyer has blasted Blake's appearance at the 18th Annual Tribeca Artists Dinner on Monday night as a 'false victory tour'

The actress starred as Serena Van Der Woodsen in the iconic series from 2007 until 2012 alongside Leighton Meester

'Look at the facts, look at what's been shown, look at the receipts, look at the video,' said the lawyer.

Freedman told the outlet that proving the claims Lively made to be false has always been the chief focus for Baldoni's team, 'in addition to getting damages.'

He said he was hoping Lively didn't 'drop her lawsuit ... because she's on a false victory tour, and she's afraid of the truth.

'The truth is, you know, going to be shown through depositions, which is what's going to be next, I've noticed her deposition - it's set in June - we're going to see if she's going to appear at that deposition or not,' Freedman said. 'And we're gonna proceed forward with the case, and we're gonna show that there was no sexual harassment, and we're gonna show that there was no smear campaign.'

The actress on Monday released a powerful statement hours after the news broke as she took to Instagram.

She wrote: Last week, I stood proudly alongside 19 organizations united in defending womens rights to speak up for their safety.

'Like so many others, Ive felt the pain of a retaliatory lawsuit, including the manufactured shame that tries to break us.'

The Los Angeles-born star continued: 'While the suit against me was defeated, so many dont have the resources to fight back.'

Blake , who shares four children with husband Ryan Reynolds, vowed that she was 'more resolved than ever to continue to stand for every womans right to have a voice in protecting themselves, including their safety, their integrity, their dignity and their story.'

Jude Lewis J Liman dismissed Justin's suit alleging defamation and extortion on the basis that all Blake's allegations were made within privileged court papers

On Monday night Blake spoke out for the first time since the news as she released a powerful statement reflecting on the events

The Gossip Girl alum wrapped up in thanking those in the public who have supported her amid the turbulent past year.

'With love and gratitude for the many who stood by me, many of you I know,' Lively said. 'Many of you I dont. But I will never stop appreciating or advocating for you.'

The It Ends With Us actress, whose legal battle with Justin has had a significant impact on her friendship with Taylor Swift, added a list of groups that had publicly supported her amid the highly-publicized Tinseltown tussle.

Among them, in alphabetical order, were the California Employment Lawyers Association, California Womens Law Center, CHILD USA, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, Equal Rights Advocates, Esperanza United, Her Justice, and Herunivercity Inc.
Aimee Lou Wood was pictured leaving Jimmy Kimmel Live on Wednesday after revealing she had 'separation anxiety' from the White Lotus cast including Walter Goggins.

The actress, 31, had joined the American talk show host, 57, earlier in the day where she opened up about the intensity of filming with her co-stars for seven months in Thailand ahead of the third series of the HBO show.

Among Aimee's White Lotus co-stars that she missed was her onscreen love interest Walter, 53, with whom she recently addressed their feud rumours in a tell all interview.

Aimee - who plays Chelsea, the free-spirited young girlfriend of Rick (Walter) in the series - donned a blue hoodie over her chic black co-ord as she exited the Los Angeles studios after filming.

She flashed a glimpse of her toned midriff in a black waistcoat-style top with a white frilled trim, which she teamed with matching trousers and black boots.

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Aimee Lou Wood was pictured leaving Jimmy Kimmel Live on Wednesday after revealing she had 'separation anxiety' from the White Lotus cast including Walter Goggins

Among Aimee's White Lotus co-stars that she missed was her onscreen love interest Walter [pictured together], 53, with whom she recently addressed their feud rumours in a tell all interview

Earlier in the day, the British star was seen arriving for her interview, opting for a racy black leather jacket, which she teamed with a black midi skirt and knee-high black boots.

During her chat with Jimmy, Aimee spoke about how she felt about being apart from the White Lotus cast, with whom she spent several months filming with.

Filmed at the Four Seasons in Koh Samui, the cast stayed at the hotel for seven months, both living and filming in the accommodation while regular guests were evacuated.

As she initially spoke about co-star Patrick Schwarzenegger and the seven months they spent filming together, Jimmy said: 'That;'s a long time to be with somebody, to be with the whole cast, that is a long time.'

To which Aimee responded: 'Yeah, it was a very long time and I think that's why there's a real feeling of separation anxiety whenever we have to leave each other.'

As Jimmy quipped that it was 'like two summer camp in a row', Aimee continued: 'It is, it's intense and there's definitely a lot of co-dependents'.

The actress went on to admit that she couldn't go a day without speaking to co-star Leslie Bibb (Kate), noting that they 'constant voice note' each other.

Touching on her bond with all of her castmates, Aimee shared: 'It's amazing though because we've found family, it's just beautiful really.'

The actress, 31, had joined the American talk show host, 57, earlier in the day where she opened up about the intensity of filming with her co-stars for seven months in Thailand

Aimee - who plays Chelsea, the free-spirited young girlfriend of Rick (Walter) in the series - donned a blue hoodie over her chic black co-ord as she exited the Los Angeles studios after filming

Earlier in the day, the British star was seen arriving for her interview, opting for a racy black leather jacket

Aimee teamed her jacket with a black midi skirt and knee-high black boots

The beauty was all smiles as she happily waved to fans upon her arrival at Jimmy Kimmel Live

It comes as Aimee and Walton - who recently reunited at a FYC Event on Tuesday - finally spoke out about the speculation over their strained relationship earlier this month - insisting they were both on good terms.

Getting emotional in an interview for Variety Walton began: 'There is no feud. I adore, I love this woman madly, and she is so important to me.'

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.

Aimee proceeded to address the outrage over headlines that Walton unfollowed her on social media, which fans perceived as a sign they did not get along.

'I think its such a comment on where were at culturally,' she said over the online fury. 'Why is everyone obsessing over Instagram? That is irrelevant. We dont give a s**t about Instagram.'

During her chat with Jimmy, Aimee spoke about how she felt about being apart from the White Lotus cast, with whom she spent several months filming with

Aimee said: 'Yeah, it was a very long time and I think that's why there's a real feeling of separation anxiety whenever we have to leave each other' [pictured with onscreen love Walter]

It comes as Aimee and Walton finally spoke out about the speculation over their strained relationship earlier this month - insisting they were both on good terms [pictured on Tuesday]

Aimee explained she wished more people were having 'conversations about the story' of their White Lotus characters, Rick and Chelsea, and simply enjoying the show

Walton chimed in to say: 'If I may add, just to put this to bed? The following or unfollowing. Im a grown-a** man.'

Aimee explained she wished more people were having 'conversations about the story' of their White Lotus characters, Rick and Chelsea, and simply enjoying the show.

As rumours swirled about them, Aimee revealed she initially wanted to correct people, but feared her words would get twisted.

'Eventually I just started to sit back and watch these people making something out of absolutely nothing,' she said of why she stayed silent.

Walton chimed in to say: 'If I may add, just to put this to bed? The following or unfollowing. Im a grown-a** man.'
90s music icon Douglas McCarthy has passed away at the age of 58, his bandmates confirmed.

Born and raised in Essex, the musician co-founded electric body music band Nitzer Ebb, who thrived throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

The group announced his passing on their official social media channels on Thursday.

Their statement read: 'It is with a heavy heart that we regret to inform that Douglas McCarthy passed away this morning of June 11th, 2025.

'We ask everyone to please be respectful of Douglas, his wife, and family in this difficult time.

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90s music icon Douglas McCarthy has passed away at the age of 58, his bandmates confirmed, (pictured in 2011)

Born and raised in Essex, the musician (far right) co-founded electric body music band Nitzer Ebb, who thrived throughout the 1980s and early 1990s (Pictured L-R with David Gooday, Simon Granger, Bon Harris)

'We appreciate your understanding and will share more information soon.'

While Douglas's cause of death is yet to be confirmed, he was forced to pull out of a European tour with Nitzer Ebb in March 2024 due to liver cirrhosis.

Douglas said at the time that the disease had been caused by 'years of alcohol abuse... for over two years I have not been drinking, but recovery is a long process.'

Nitzer Ebb was formed by McCarthy and bandmates Bon Harris and David Gooday in Chelmsford, Essex, in 1982 before the band went onto pioneer the British industrial music scene.

With a stripped down and aggressive style, the group shot to stardom by combining combined synthesizers with incredibly raw vocals.

Front man Douglas was at the forefront of his band's success, leading Nitzer Ebb with a style he described as 'shouting and pointing'.

The band released their debut album That Total Age in 1987 before going onto release a string of projects the following decade including Showtime and Ebbhead.

They broke up in 1996 but got back together in 2006 and had been touring ever since. Later this year, McCarthy and his bandmates had been set to embark on a tour of North America.

Nitzer Ebb released their debut album That Total Age in 1987 before going onto release a string of projects the following decade including Showtime and Ebbhead (Douglas pictured on the right)

Frontman Douglas was at the forefront of his band's success, leading Nitzer Ebb with a style he described as 'shouting and pointing'

A host of supporters paid tribute to Douglas following his death this week, including co-founder Bon Harris.

The 59-year-old described his band mate as 'one of the most extraordinary people I have ever known', calling his passing a 'profound loss'.

Other tributes read: 'I hope he knew how much he was loved and appreciated by his fans',

'Just heartbreaking. Very underrated band and he was a very nice guy when I met him in 1990. RIP.',

'So sad to learn of his passing. Just saw NE (Nitzer Ebb) without him last month in Detroit and, of course, it wasn't the same without him. His voice and sound was so influential and it rocked my world in the 90s. Was lucky to get to see them perform 3 times. Was said to learn his liver was failing from alcohol abuse and he had to quit touring because of it. RIP Douglas McCarthy!',

'A true pioneer. Absolute energy and passion into every song. Really struggling to come to terms with this'.
She's the PR maven who is not shy about about flashing the cash via her platforms on line.

And on Thursday Roxy Jacenko was once more celebrating her ultra-privileged lifestyle on social media.

The 44-year-old took to her stories to share a photo of a rare Birkin leather hand bag - the Hermes HAC Birkin 50 'Endless Road' Limited Edition.

Captioning the picture 'one of my faves' Roxy showed off the rare item that according to one online trader is now worth a whopping $131,500.

First hitting the shelves in 2019, the delicately embroidered fashion accessory created in Togo and Swift leathers from Hermes features a landscape image and highway in blue colours.

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She's the PR maven who is not shy about about flashing the cash via her platforms on line. And on Thursday Roxy Jacenko (pictured) was once more celebrating her ultra-privileged lifestyle on social media

The 44-year-old took to her stories to share a photo of a rare Birkin leather hand bag - the Hermes HAC Birkin 50 'Endless Road' Limited Edition

Now sold out, the piece was marketed as the Hermes Endless Road HAC Birkin 50 Multicolor Togo and Swift Leather Palladium Hardware handbag.

Roxy has a staggering collection of the designer bags valued at $1 million.

She has previously shared a sneak peak at her extensive array of the high end purses in posts to social media.

One video panned past her treasured collection in a clip that showed her luxurious bag room.

Shelves upon shelves were stacked with the leather items, which can come in at tens of thousands of dollars or more.

Roxy had several different colours, including the classic tangerine as well as bright blue and black.

Different sizes of the iconic purses were lined up in front of one another so that the businesswoman has options for every occasion.

Fans of Roxy are no stranger to seeing her pricey Hermes purchases.

Captioning the picture 'one of my faves' Roxy showed off the rare item that according to one online trader is now worth a whopping $131,000

Roxy has a staggering collection of the designer bags valued at $1 million

She has previously shared a sneak peak at her extensive array of the high end purses in posts to social media

Back in 2020, the businesswoman shared a glimpse of her collection inside her Sydney mansion.

Roxy has at least three 35cm size Birkins - considered the most popular bag in the world among fashion collectors

The mother-of-two also showed off a 25cm Togo design in black, with a retail value of $24,000.

Two of the Mini Kelly in pink and black are located on the bottom shelves of her walk-in wardrobe.

The highly desirable bag has a price point of approximately $11,845.

Roxy's closet is also home to the ultra-rare crocodile skin Birkin.

It can retail at anywhere between $70,000 and $435,000.

In addition to Hermes, Roxy also boasts a range of designer bags.

Her shelves are heaving with pricey purses from likes of Chanel, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Dior and Fendi.
Photographer David Bailey's son Sascha has revealed he and girlfriend are expecting a baby boy.

The baby's gender reveal comes just three years after Sascha considered transitioning into a woman.

The former model, 30, who is the son of renowned photographer David Bailey and his model wife Catherine, was so depressed during his marriage that he believed he was suffering from gender dysphoria - and seriously considered starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to change gender.

Now, as he prepares to welcome his first child in August with Lucy Brown - a former assistant to political activist Tommy Robinson - Sascha said that he is finally out of the 'worst years of my life'.

He told MailOnline: Were having a boy. Were calling him Wolfgang Robert Bailey.

'Wolfgang was going to be my name, but my Dad vetoed it. I always wanted it, so now Im passing it on. And Robert is after Lucys uncle, who has passed away.

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Photographer David Bailey's son Sascha has revealed he and girlfriend are expecting a baby boy; pictured with girlfriend Lucy Brown

As the former model, 30, prepares to welcome his first child in August with Lucy Brown - a former assistant to political activist Tommy Robinson - Sascha is finally out of the 'worst years of my life'

The milestone is made even sweeter, he said, by the fact that his divorce from Japanese lawyer Mimi Nishikawa, 49, is now finally coming to an end after three tumultuous years.

It has been a nightmare but the divorce is in the final stage and is due to go through next month, he said. So this will be a whole new beginning. I've never felt happier.'

Sascha is currently staying with his parents in London but he and Lucy have found a new flat which they will move into in the next few weeks.

However, marriage isnt on the cards just yet. Im still traumatised from the last one, Sascha admitted. But with Lucy, I see it in our future. I want to do it properly this time.

Its a remarkable turnaround for the model turned art curator, who in 2021 spiralled into a mental health crisis so severe that he considered ending his life.

I felt totally lost. I didnt want to be alive, he told the Mail at the time. I convinced myself I must be transgender - that I was living the wrong life in the wrong body. It felt like the only way out.

Sascha began exploring gender transition online and quickly found an echo chamber in chatrooms and forums.

There was so much encouragement to just do it, he recalled. I saw a private doctor who spent ten minutes with me, said I was trans and gave me a prescription for female hormones. That was it.

He told MailOnline: Were having a boy. Were calling him Wolfgang Robert Bailey. Wolfgang was going to be my name, but my Dad vetoed it. I always wanted it, so now Im passing it on. And Robert is after Lucys uncle, who has passed away

The milestone is made even sweeter, he said, by the fact that his divorce from Japanese lawyer Mimi Nishikawa, 49, is now finally coming to an end after three tumultuous years; pictured in 2022

Sascha is currently staying with his parents in London but he and Lucy have found a new flat. However, marriage isnt on the cards just yet for the paid, he said: Im still traumatised from the last one

He said he was days away from starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to change gender when something shifted.

I just stopped and thought: hang on, this isnt right. This is trauma. I dont need a new body - I need to understand why Im in pain, he said.

He credits his famously brusque father - and Lucy, who he met shortly after leaving his marriage - with helping him find his way back to himself.

He said: Lucy saved my life. She helped me feel grounded again. Like I wasnt broken.

Now, as he prepares to become a father, Sascha is braced for his unborn child perhaps one day broaching the subject of gender dysphoria themselves.

'I'd be very against it, obviously,' Sascha mused. 'You can't get a tattoo. You can't change your gender. It's really as simple as that.

'If you give someone one little piece of control, one little thing they can do, they will gravitate towards that little bit of control.

'Kids have no control over their life. So we have to look after them, we make sure that they don't make bad decisions.

'If you allow them to have this one avenue, a lot of them will take it just because it's a bit of control.'

Now firmly on the other side of that dark chapter, Sascha has become a vocal critic of what he calls the rushed approach to gender treatment, especially for young people.

He revealed hes been contacted by dozens of detransitioners since sharing his experience publicly. So many of them regret it. But the system doesnt want to hear from them - theyre treated like theyre an inconvenience.

His memoir, Try to Hit the Pool - which will be released next month - dives deep into his mental health battle, marriage breakdown, aborted transition, and journey back to himself.

Sascha added: The book is a way for me to close that terrible saga of my life.'

Now, Sascha is focused on the arrival of baby Wolfgang - and on building a new life with Lucy, who has won the approval of hard-to-impress Bailey Snr.
Rolling stones star Ronnie Wood divorced his wife, Jo, back in 2009, but its proving hard to escape her.

Former Strictly contestant Jo, 70, had a shock during a recent holiday to the Bahamas when she ended up staying in the same hotel as the guitarist, 78.

She told the Daily Mail's Richard Eden: Id only been there a day and I walked into the hotel restaurant and there was Ronnie with his wife and kids.

You should have seen his face when he saw me.

Ronnie is now married to theatre producer Sally, 31 years his junior, with whom he has twin daughters. Jo added: Im no stalker.

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Rolling stones star Ronnie Wood divorced his wife, Jo, back in 2009, but its proving hard to escape her (Jo pictured in April)

Former Strictly contestant Jo, 70, had a shock during a recent holiday to the Bahamas when she ended up staying in the same hotel as the guitarist, 78 (pictured in 2000)

Jo was married to rocker Ronnie for 24 years between 1985-2011 and the two share children Leah, 46, and Tyrone, 41. She also became stepmother to Ronnies son Jesse, 48, from his first marriage.

She is also mum to another son, Jamie, 50, from her first marriage to clothing entrepreneur Peter Greene.

Jo recently revealed the hilarious nickname given to her by her grandchildren as she admitted they know all about her wild drug-taking rock and roll past.

The former wife of The Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood was known for embracing the party lifestyle in her younger days.

And the star admitted her grandchildren are now calling her 'Gangsta Granny' after she revealed some of her past antics to them.

Speaking on Good Housekeeping UK's podcast My Life in A Biscuit Tin, Jo said: 'I know I shouldn't say this, but I was in the car with them and they were giggling, two of them [grandchildren, Maggie and Kobe].

'They went, "Gran, have you done any drugs?" I said, "Of course I have, but I don't recommend it".

'I said, "Because it didn't get me anywhere except lots of sleepless nights".

She said: Id only been there a day and I walked into the hotel restaurant and there was Ronnie with his wife and kids' (Ronnie pictured with wife Sally last week)

Jo recently revealed the hilarious nickname given to her by her grandchildren as she admitted they know all about her wild drug-taking rock and roll past (pictured with Kate Moss in 1997)

Explaining how she believes it is important to be honest with your family she added: 'You can't be dishonest, because they'll find out' (pictured with Ronnie Wood in 1999)

Explaining how she believes it is important to be honest with your family she added: 'You can't be dishonest, because they'll find out.

'So, I tried to warn them it was a waste of time, but I was in a very special situation. So then they said, "We're going to call you Gangster Gran from now on."'

She has 10 grandchildren in total, four from Jamie, two from Leah and four from Jesse.

Last year Jo revealed she had left her wild nights of partying behind for an eco-friendly countryside cottage.

The TV personality moved to the old farmhouse in 2019 and has embraced 'off-grid' living, generating her own electricity and nurturing her own vegetable patch.

Aside from WiFi, she more or less lives self-sufficiently and has traded in her days of drinking and joints for homegrown veg and is even creating a capsule supplement called Longevity to boost her health.
Sir Bob Geldof has launched a blistering attack on Elon Musk labelling him a w***er and a 'ketamine-crazed fool'.

The Boomtown Rats frontman made the remarks at the opening night of Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical at the Shaftesbury theatre in Londons West End.

The 73-year-old rocker took particular exception to Elons cuts to the US aid budget during his time at the White House heading the Department of Government Efficiency.

He also criticised the Tesla boss for his recent remarks when Musk said: The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy, the empathy exploit.

Firing back Bob took aim at Elon, he said: A couple of weeks ago, that prime wanker Elon Musk said something seriously wrong. He said the great weakness of Western civilisation is empathy.

The great weakness? You ketamine-crazed fool! You sociopathic loser! Empathy is the glue of civilisation. Empathy is the glue of humanity.

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Sir Bob Geldof has launched a blistering attack on Elon Musk labelling him a w***er and a 'ketamine-crazed fool'

The Boomtown Rats frontman made the remarks at the opening night of Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical at the Shaftesbury theatre in Londons West End

The 73-year-old rocker took particular exception to Elons cuts to the US aid budget during his time at the White House heading the Department of Government Efficiency

Its how we do things together. Its how we sit here together and clap because we actually understand that this is the stuff that works.

The musical, which has finished a run in Toronto, Canada last year, gives 10 per cent of its ticket revenues to the Band Aid charity and has already raised almost 1 million.

Bob said: The money these people have raised has already - in the place that was the epicentre of the famine in 1984 - they've already built hospitals and schools and stuff like that with the money by doing their job tonight. Thats what theyve achieved.

The musician then turned his sights on President Trump for his decision to remove funding for USAid on February 1, and Prime Minister Starmer for cuts to overseas aid spending.

Bob said: On the February 1 this year, the strongest nation in the world, the most powerful man on Earth, and the richest person ever in the history of the planet decided to declare war on the poorest, the weakest, and the most vulnerable people on the planet. I despise them.

The net result of that is that Boston University, and reported in the New York Times, is that since February, because they cut out overnight when US Aid websites went dark and fired everyone.

Since that day a couple of months ago, 300,000 people have died because of Musk, because of Trump, because of Vance. and Marco Rubio is lying when they say people have not died.

When they say they are sending food to the starving children of Sudan, who are being held captive and starved to death.

That's a lie. They are not. So it's down to us to scrape together a million quid.

The Just For One Day musical relives the day when the likes of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, united on stage to raise funds and awareness for the Ethiopian famine

The musician then turned his sights on President Trump for his decision to remove funding for USAid on February 1

The Irishman said it was a great shame that Keir Starmer had cut aid budgets.

He added: It can't work like that. It doesn't have to work like that. And it began not working like that in 1985.

This is Great Britain. This country can do anything. It led the way for many years, and times are really tough. Believe me. Times are really hard, but we don't let ourselves go. And these people aren't, and you didn't tonight.

In the new musical Sir Bob is played by Craige Els, who the rock star described as amazing for the portrayal of him as a cartoon arsehole in double denim just saying f***, basically.

Live Aid, was originally held in Philadelphia as well as at Wembley Stadium on 13 July 1985, and has been turned into a stage musical.

Titled Just For One Day, the musical relives the day when the likes of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and more united on stage to raise funds and awareness for the Ethiopian famine crisis.

The plot of the production, which takes its name from a line in David Bowie's song Heroes, combines a behind-the-scenes look at how Band Aid and Live Aid came together with a love story inspired by real events.
There have been rumours for months but firm plans are finally advancing for a Devil Wears Prada 2 film.

Location scouts have been hired to pin down filming locations in New York and Paris and the plan is that the movie will go into production next month, with shooting from September.

Meryl Streep will reprise her role as Miranda Priestly and Anne Hathaway, currently filming in Italy as Penelope opposite Matt Damon in Christopher Nolans The Odyssey, will return as Andy Sachs.

Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci are also back for the movie, which will show the boss of Runway Miranda Priestly making her way through the hellscape of the modern magazine world  shrinking budgets, layoffs, disappearing print runs, influencers and all.

Blunt  who was Priestlys assistant in the 2006 film, will now be an executive at a luxury house, and Priestly will find she needs its advertising dollars.

The 2006 film was based on the hit 2003 novel by Lauren Weisberger, who had worked as a personal assistant to Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

There have been rumours for months but firm plans are finally advancing for a Devil Wears Prada 2 film (Pictured: Meryl Street and Anne Hathaway as their characters Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs)

Anne Hathaway, currently filming in Italy as Penelope opposite Matt Damon in Christopher Nolan s The Odyssey, will return as Andy Sachs

Meryl Streep will reprise her role as fierce Vogue editor Miranda Priestly - who is thought to be based on the iconic powerhouse Anna Wintour

It spent six months on the New York Times bestseller list.

The sequel will once again be written by Aline Brosh McKenna, who penned the original screenplay.

Director David Frankel is also expected to return, reuniting key creatives behind the first film.

Blunt, who played her Priestlys assistant Emily Charlton in the 2006 film, said this week that she hadnt read a script but was on board.

She mused: Why are Meryl and I so mean to each other in every movie we do?

'We always have beef with each other. I dont know what it is. Lets hope we remedy it. Im not sure.

She added: 20 years ago  in a blink, its gone by.
For almost 50 years she has brought joy to women by providing them with affordable and stylish clothing.

But Karen Millen enraged the mothering community on Wednesday when she claimed it was selfish to breastfeed after six months and was forced to issue an apology.

Appearing on the Vanessa Feltz show, the 64-year-old was asked what she thought about mothers still breastfeeding their three-year-old children.

The fashion designer said: Theres no benefit, is there? For a child to be breastfed beyond six months, really. I think its quite a selfish thing on the mothers part.

I just think, you know, thats not good emotionally for that child.

The mother-of-threes comments caused a stir among mothers on social media who called her comments rude, judgemental and factually inaccurate.

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Karen appeared on Vanessa Feltz's show on Wednesday and shared her views on mothers breastfeeding their three-year-old children explaining it was 'selfish'

Karen has three children Josh, 35, Jordan, 33, and Jake, 28, with Kevin Stanford, her ex-husband and former business partner

The fashion designer has been slammed for being 'rude', 'judgemental' and 'factually inaccurate' for her views against breastfeeding a three-year-old child

Karen was then forced to issue an apology and from her stylish cottage in Kent, she recorded a video message and said: I know I have upset a lot of people. I have three children and I breastfed all three of them up until six, or seven months.

Despite being incredibly painful I got mastitis each time and cracked and sore nipples.

But I did it because I knew it was the best thing for them for at least six months.

So, you know, I think my issue was more on the fact that, you know, as a baby breast milk is the best.

She added before signing off: Anyway, everyone has their own personal choice and decision in these things and I respect that.

The World Health Organisation recommends infants are breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their lives and then up to the age of two and beyond if that suits the family.

Ms Millen has three children Josh, 35, Jordan, 33, and Jake, 28, with Kevin Stanford, her ex-husband and former business partner, and is currently in a relationship with consultant psychiatrist, Ben Charnaud.

Karen has three children Josh, 35, Jordan, 33, and Jake, 28, with Kevin Stanford, her ex-husband and former business partner

The infamous UK fashion designer has been dressing women since she opened her label in 1981

Comedian Katherine Ryan hit out at Karen in the comment section for her 'controversial' views on breastfeeding

But her apology has not appeased many with the likes of comedian Katherine Ryan, who is pregnant with her fourth child, blasting Ms Millens reasoning.

The 41-year-old said: Everyone knows: an infant baby becomes a full calf at six months old and thats when milk from a natural source [cow] becomes more suitable than milk from its mother of the same birth species.

Meanwhile, the reality star, Ferne McCann, said: I really do understand that this topic stirs strong feelings on all sides.

But what is important and actually very positive is that breastfeeding is spoken about more.
Dua Lipa has finally confirmed she is engaged to Callum Turner, following months of speculation.

The hitmaker, who turns 30 in August, publicly shared her excitement for the first time since the actor, 35, got down on one knee.

'Yeah were engaged. Its very exciting', she told British Vogue.

'This decision to grow old together, to see a life and just, I dont know, be best friends forever  its a really special feeling.'

Late last year, news of their romantic proposal emerged and Dua has regularly been seen with a dazzling diamond ring on her finger.

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Dua Lipa, 29, has finally confirmed she is engaged to Callum Turner, 35, following months of speculation

The hitmaker, who turns 30 in August, publicly shared her excitement in an interview with British Vogue for the first time since the actor got down on one knee

Speaking of their wedding plans, Dua said she hopes to finish her tour and Callum to wrap up filming before they tie the knot.

While the wedding hasn't been at the forefront of her mind amid her busy schedule touring, she did admit she has started to think about her dress.

She said: 'I want to finish my tour, Callums shooting, so were just enjoying this period.

'Ive never been someone whos really thought about a wedding, or dreamt about what kind of bride I would be. All of a sudden, Im like: "Oh, what would I wear?"'

Dua said she's 'obsessed' with her engagement ring, before insisting 'Its nice to know the person that youre going to spend the rest of your life with knows you very well.'

Dua and Callum were first linked in January 2024 and reportedly got engaged over Christmas in 2024.

The Dance the Night Away hitmaker also shared that she is keen to have a family of her own but admitted she doesn't know when would be a 'good time' because of the demands of her pop career.

She said: 'Id love to have kids one day. But its like the constant question of when would there ever be a good time  how it would fit in with my job and how it would work if I went on tour, and how much time out Id have to take.

'Yeah were engaged. Its very exciting. This decision to grow old together, to see a life and just, I dont know, be best friends forever  its a really special feeling', she said

See the full feature in the July issue of British Vogue, available via digital download and on newsstands from June 17

Late last year, news of their romantic proposal emerged and Dua has regularly been seen with a dazzling diamond ring on her finger

Speaking of their wedding plans, Dua said she hopes to finish her tour and Callum to wrap up filming before they tie the knot

'I think its just one of those things thats going to happen when it happens. I love kids, but I think theres so much more to raising a child than just loving children.'

Dua and Callum had 'many Sliding Doors moments', where they were in the same place at the same time without realising, before being introduced to one another at the River Cafe in London.

A year later, she was having dinner in Los Angeles with her friend Mustafa the Poet when 'all of a sudden' Callum appeared.

She thought: 'Oh, its that really hot guy from The River Cafe.'

During their conversation, the pair realised they both 'just happened to be reading' Hernan Diaz's novel Trust.

Asked if she feels they were destined to be together, she replied: 'One thousand per cent.'

Dua and Callum first sparked romance rumours in January 2024 when they both attended a Masters Of The Air afterparty in London.

Prior to making her relationship public, the Dance the Night songstress revealed during promotion for her album Radical Optimism that she had to find her 'confidence' again after previous relationships had gone awry.

Dua said she's 'obsessed' with her engagement ring, before insisting 'Its nice to know the person that youre going to spend the rest of your life with knows you very well'

Dua and Callum were first linked in January 2024 and reportedly got engaged over Christmas in 2024

Speaking to Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, she revealed: 'In terms of relationships, I needed to get to this place in order to find what I really needed. You have to be in the act of forgiveness and growing and learning, and being okay with the past in order to move on with what's to come next.

'So it's, for me, Happy for You is a beautiful, happy song, because it's so reflective of my journey.

'I think with every relationship, with every experience you learn about yourself, you learn about things that are hurtful to you, what you expect, what you should be ready to give as well.

'I think, again, it goes back to that exchange of vulnerability.

'I think I've had relationships which have been really hurtful, especially earlier on, where I feel like I've been made to feel like not good enough or have made me lose my confidence and I've had to find that again.

'You learn about your own non-negotiables. I think that's an important thing. It's of course the right person, but it's really about the right relationship.

'You find that in friendships and in love relationships as well, of your non-negotiables.'

See the full feature in the July issue of British Vogue, available via digital download and on newsstands from June 17
Katherine Ryan poked fun at herself as she congratulated Sophie Habbo on her pregnancy with husband Jamie Laing.

The Canadian comedian, 41, took to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday with a hilarious expectations vs reality photo.

She shared a snap of Sophie, 30, looking glam at a wedding in a green dress that showed off her blossoming baby bump.

In complete contrast, Katherine shared a bare-faced snap of herself as she posed in her kitchen with her baby bump.

She penned on the post: '@Sophiehabboo congratulations on your impending arrival and I will cherish a summer of coveting your maternity style while I'm sweating under a hat wishing for ankles.'

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Katherine Ryan hilariously poked fun at herself as she congratulated Sophie Habbo on her pregnancy with husband Jamie Laing.

Pregnant Sophie debuted her baby bump last week (pictured with husband Jamie)

Sophie reposted the snap to her Instagram Stories, writing: 'Hahaahah!!!'

Just last week, Katherine revealed she's expecting her fourth baby.

The beauty is expecting with her husband Bobby Kootstra with whom she has been in a civil partnership with since 2019.

Katherine is already mum to Fred, three daughter Fenna, two, with Bobby, as well as 15-year-old Violet from a previous relationship.

She has been open about her fertility struggles in recent years, revealing in 2024 that she had had three miscarriages in five years.

Speaking in November, Katherine admitted she would love to have more kids  but was worried about her age. 'I'm old. I used to think I was going to be the babies' dad because I'm working but actually I'm like their grandmother,' she quipped at the time. 'My back hurts, sometimes I give them treats. I'm like a fun grandma.'

The comedian also revealed in March 2025 that she was battling melanoma for the second time.

She made the revelation in her podcast, Telling Everybody Everything, explaining she paid to have mole removed from her arm and learned it was cancerous. She added that she required more surgery to ensure the entire mass has been removed.

Just last week Katherine revealed she is pregnant with FOURTH child after discussing her fertility struggles - pictured on June 2

Katherine is already mum to Fred, three daughter Fenna, two, with Bobby, as well as 15-year-old Violet from a previous relationship

The star is gearing up for another busy period of work, embarking on her Battleaxe comedy tour this month.

She also hosts multiple podcasts, including her most recent What's My Age Again? - a 'refreshing and humorous take on ageing, wellness, and self-discovery.'

The TV star revealed in 2022 that she had kept her second pregnancy a secret, because she was scared it would lead to her losing work.

She was eight months pregnant when she presented ITV's Ready To Mingle, a fact that she hid from everyone.

Katherine and her husband Bobby have been together since 2018, but have known each other since they were children as they grew up together in Canada .

Childhood sweethearts, the two parted ways initially before rekindling their romance this side of the Atlantic.

The couple revealed in the latest series of the family's reality show that they 'wanted the option of having a fourth [child].'

The series saw the couple exploring their marriage through therapy before visiting a fertility clinic.

Katherine admitted in February that she knew conceiving a fourth child would be challenging thanks to both her and Bobby's age

Katherine admitted in the scenes which aired in February that she knew conceiving a fourth child would be challenging thanks to both her and Bobby's age.

'It's not that surprising that over-40 women have fewer follicles than we once did,' said Katherine. 'But we talk a lot about male fertility as well, which is on a steep decline. But I would still like a fourth baby.

We are so blessed to have the kids that we do have. Having children is not for everyone, but I personally really like making people. I think it's a superpower, if you can do it.'

She explained at the time how she and her husband had never previously struggled with getting pregnant but had suffered multiple losses.

'We've always gotten pregnant with the babies quite quickly. I've been pregnant five times in five years, but that also means I've had three miscarriages in five years and the likelihood of that increases as you get older,' she explained.

'You have to find a balance between what you can personally stand and risks you're willing to take. I'm working a lot and I don't know if I could have a medical emergency like that while I'm in Lisbon on Thursday.'
Wonder Woman star Lynda Carter laid into ICE and stood up for immigrants in a shock social media rant amid the explosive LA riots.

The iconic actress, 73, took to Blue Sky on Wednesday to reveal that her grandmother was an undocumented immigrant from Mexico and proclaim 'this madness must stop' as protests and riots continue to engulf the City of Angels.

ICE raided Los Angeles last week, pulling people from their jobs and detaining them for deportation - many of whom are American citizens.

'Reminder that I AM LATINA AND PROUD,' her post began.

'I am the product of immigration - my grandmother was undocumented and entered the country from Mexico as a baby.

'My mother was a fierce, gorgeous Latina woman of Mexican and Spanish descent.'

Lynda Carter is standing up for immigrants amid all of the protests happening in Los Angeles and across the country. Seen here on May 19, 2025

ICE raided Los Angeles last week, pulling people from their jobs to deport when many of those people were American citizens. Seen here in 1977

In another post she reiterated, 'Immigrants built this country. Apart from people indigenous to the US, we are ALL immigrants. This madness must stop.'

Her fans agreed with her, with one aptly summing it up: 'Wonder Woman has spoken. End of discussion.'

Many of the other commenters brought up the fact that her post didn't acknowledge the many people who came to the United States as slaves.

'Juneteenth right around the corner, you should delete this,' one person commented.

Another commenter expressed, 'Not descendants of slaves or transported criminals. Aside from those exceptions, unless I'm missing something, the rest of us are colonists reaping the rewards of violence done on our behalf.'

The chaos in Los Angeles began last Friday when anti-ICE protesters seized on a handful of police raids across the city.

Peaceful demonstrations quickly turned into riots that saw downtown businesses looted, a major freeway blocked and vehicles set ablaze.

Los Angeles police have made nearly 400 arrests and detentions since Saturday, the vast majority of which were for failing to leave the area at the request of law enforcement, according to the police department.

Anti-ICE protesters clash with police near the Federal Building and detention center in Los Angeles, California on June 9, 2025 amid protests over immigration raids

The Wonder Woman star took to Blue Sky to reveal that her grandmother was an undocumented immigrant from Mexico

Lynda also posted a second statement about immigrants building the United States

'Reminder that I AM LATINA AND PROUD,' her post began. 'I am the product of immigration - my grandmother was undocumented and entered the country from Mexico as a baby.' Seen here May 19, 2025

Her fans agreed with her, with one aptly summing it up: 'Wonder Woman has spoken. End of discussion'

There have been a handful of more serious charges, including for assault against police officers and for possession of a Molotov cocktail and a gun.

Nine police officers have been hurt, mostly with minor injures. Some were transported to a hospital and released.

The LA protests have prompted demonstrators across the country to take to the streets, with anti-ICE protests popping up in more than a dozen major cities.

Last month, Lynda was honored by The Paley Center for Media at the gala.

She is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Wonder Woman television series, which ran from 1975 to 1979.

She also returned to the franchise in 2020's Wonder Woman 1984 with Gal Gadot as Diana.

She first appeared on screens as Wonder Woman almost five decades ago.

Lynda was crowned Miss USA in 1972 but had just $25 in the bank when she landed the part of Wonder Woman in 1975. She continued in the TV role until 1979.
Jenelle Evans has sent her 'prayers and condolences' to David Eason's ex-girlfriend Olivia Leedham, whose seven-year-old daughter Lailah Price has tragically died.

In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Jenelle, who is in the midst of divorcing Eason, sent her heart out to Leedham as she broke her silence over the heartbreaking loss.

Price heartbreakingly died in the hospital after suffering a seizure the day earlier, a family friend revealed.

'I share all my condolences and my prayers out to David's ex because I can just not imagine how she feels right now,' the Teen Mom alum told DailyMail.com.

'My prayers and condolences go out to her and I just can't imagine how she feels right now,' Jenelle also said.

Leedham, who has 10-year-old son Kaden with Eason, lost her daughter on Saturday, June 7th. She confirmed the passing with People.

Jenelle Evans has sent her 'prayers and condolences' to Olivia Leedham, the ex-girlfriend of her estranged husband David Eason, after the devastating passing of her seven-year-old daughter

Her friend, Alice Guy, broke the news as she created a GoFundMe to assist Leedham during the devastating time.

Guy, who described Lailah as a 'bright life', said the child died in the hospital after suffering a seizure the day prior.

'She was in the emergency room several times without a diagnosis, and while in the hospital Friday night, she had a seizure and passed away early Saturday morning, June 7th. We have been friends with this family for many years. Olivia grew up in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, and attended Greencastle schools,' the GoFundMe stated.

'Olivia is a single mom to Kaden, age 10, and Lailah, age 7. Lailah was a bright light in their family and loved life and Jesus very much.

'Olivia takes pride in supporting her children and providing for them as a barber, but in light of this terrible tragedy, we are trying to raise money to help her over the next few months covering living expenses, etc. as she tries to heal after this tragic loss.'

The GoFundMe has now raised $15,787.

DailyMail.com has contacted Leedham but did not immediately hear back.

People reports that Leedham was granted sole custody of Kaden, the son she shares with Eason, after a legal battle in 2019.

In February 2024, Evans filed for separation from Eason, six years after tying the knot.

She said the separation was due to David's 'erratic behavior' as well as claiming that he was suffering from 'substance abuse.'

Olivia Leedham's daughter Lailah Price tragically died at age seven

Leedham lost her daughter on Saturday, June 7th; the pair pictured

In February 2024, Evans filed for separation from Eason, six years after tying the knot

Jenelle later took to her Instagram stories to confirm that she had separated from David.

Evans and Eason have eight-year-old daughter Ensley Jolie Eason together.

The MTV alum also shares son Jace Vaughn, 15, with ex Andrew Lewis, and 10-year-old son Kaiser Orion with ex Nathan Griffin.

In addition to Kaden and Ensley, Evans also has daughter Maryssa with his ex Whitney Rich.

MTV famously fired Eason in 2018 over homophobic and transphobic tweets, and the cable network fired the hot-tempered brunette in 2019 after nine seasons of Teen Mom 2 shortly after he shot and killed their French Bulldog, Nugget.

In February 2024, Evans filed for separation from Eason, six years after tying the knot

After Evans initially called the Columbus County Sheriffs Office to report that her husband had shot and killed their dog, she subsequently claimed that she had not seen the shooting or seen any evidence that the dog was actually dead.

That got police to end the investigation into the killing, only for Eason to admit months later that he had shot and killed the tiny dog, which he claimed had bitten their daughter Ensley Jolie, who was two at the time.

Audiences were first introduced to Evans back in 2010 when she appeared in the second season of MTV reality show, 16 and Pregnant.
Mark Wright has apologised after being slammed for 'poor taste' post about planes after at least 260 killed in horror Air India crash.

The Gatwick-bound plane carrying 242 passengers, including 53 British nationals, crashed just moments after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport in the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat.

On the same day, Mark, 38, posted a snap of himself, wife Michelle Keegan and their baby daughter Palma posing in front of a private jet, as he moaned about the leg room on standard planes.

Mark - who was returning from their first family holiday in Spain - wrote alongside the image: '1 day babe, for now we'll take row 26 with no extra leg room.'

Just moments later, he removed the post and shared a statement to his Instagram Stories, explaining that the post was scheduled.

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Mark Wright has apologised after being slammed for 'poor taste' post about planes as at least 260 killed in horror Air India crash

The Gatwick-bound plane carrying 242 passengers, including 53 British nationals, crashed just moments after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport in the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat

Just moments later he removed the post and shared a statement to his Instagram Stories, explaining that the post was scheduled

Mark, who is famed for appearing on TOWIE and presenting TV shows including the now-defunct Bachelor UK, said: 'I apologise for a post I just put up on my page after today's heartbreaking events.

'I have posts from a holiday that are on the scheduled setting, which go out on future days I have set them for which was done last week. It's a horrendous coincidence that today's post was on such a devastating day.

'Once I logged in to my Instagram and realised the post had gone out, I immediately deleted. My heart goes out to everyone who has been effected from today. I'm sorry for this mistake and any offence caused.'

Underneath the original post, one follower penned: 'Prob not the best day to post this when so many people lost their lives on a plane.'

Another added: 'Not really appropriate to put this up after today's plane crash.'

MailOnline has contacted Mark's representatives for comment.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner careened back down to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway around 1.40pm local time (8.10am BST).

Terrifying CCTV footage showed the plane appear to lose control before it started rapidly descending with a high nose angle and landing gear deployed.

On the same day, Mark, 38, posted a snap of himself, wife Michelle Keegan and their baby daughter Palma (pictured) posing in front of a private jet, as he moaned about the leg room on standard planes

Mark - who was returning from their first family holiday in Spain - wrote alongside the image: '1 day babe, for now we'll take row 26 with no extra leg room'

It plunged into the ground and exploded in a huge fireball, as a massive plume of black smoke billowed out from the crash site.

Aviation experts said the aircraft may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

All but one person aboard Air India Flight 171 are feared to have died in the tragedy.

MailOnline can reveal that among them were Akeel Nanawaba, Hannaa Vorajee and their four-year-old daughter Sarah, Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, Javed Ali Syed, his wife and two children and Raxa Modha, her grandson Rudra and her daughter-in-law Yasha Kamdar.

The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was seated in 11A, is also British and told the Hindustan Times he had lived in London for 20 years.

The regional police chief said 'some locals would have also died', given that the plane smashed down into offices and accommodation for doctors close to a hospital.

So far, rescue teams supported by the military have recovered 204 bodies, with casualties from the plane and the area surrounding the crash.

The passengers included 159 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and a Canadian. Eleven of those on board were children, including two newborns.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the crash was 'absolutely devastating' and that the investigation will 'take some time'.

Aviation experts say that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner may have suddenly lost power 'at the most critical phase of flight' after takeoff.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner careened back down to earth in the densely populated Meghani area of the city just minutes after leaving the runway around 1.40pm local time (8.10am BST)

The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh (pictured), who was seated in 11A, is British and told the Hindustan Times he had lived in London for 20 years

The possible causes are believed to include a rapid change in wind or a bird strike leading to a double engine stall.

Officials from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau are now at the scene to carry out an analysis of the wreckage and retrieve the stricken jet's black box.

Other video clips showed a huge cloud of black smoke filling the sky as distressed onlookers gather in the streets of the Indian city as chaos unfolds.

Footage taken from inside a hospital circulating on X shows medical staff rushing up and down corridors with stretchers as they prepare to treat passengers.

Shocking images also showed chunks of the plane's fuselage and tail protruding from a demolished building.

Firefighters at the scene doused the smouldering piles of debris with their hoses as photos and videos taken by horrified residents in Meghani showed a huge plume of thick black smoke emanating from the crash site.

The flight reportedly reached an altitude of just 625 feet before it began to descend, according to flight tracking service Flightradar 24, which declared the plane's transponder signal dropped just seconds after it left the runway.

'We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after take off,' it said.

India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation said the plane sent a mayday call moments before the crash.

Akeel Nanawaba (right), 36, his wife Hannaa Vorajee (left), 30, and their four-year-old daughter Sarah were flying home from a five-day family celebration when the Air India Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off. They are also feared to have died in the crash

Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, 45, (right) and husband Fiongal, 39, live in London, run a wellness and healthy lifestyle company called the Wellness Foundry, and had been in India on holiday. They are also believed to have been on the ill-fated flight

Air India's Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran shared a heartfelt statement that read: 'With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today.

'It is very disappointing that it is a Dreamliner as it is a state-of-the-art Boeing. We cannot rule out security issues. But this is all speculation on my part.'

'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

'We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.'

Gatwick Airport subsequently confirmed the flight that was due to land at 18:25 today had crashed on departure.
Rick Moranis is making a return to acting nearly 30 years after he quit Hollywood to look after his children following the death of his wife.

The 72-year-old will be reprising one of his biggest roles as he will once again star as Dark Helmet in the sequel to classic 1987 parody film Spaceballs it was announced by comedy legend Mel Brooks on Thursday.

DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for Moranis and have yet to hear back.

The talented actor made the decision to focus on being a single father after losing is wife, costume designer Ann Belsky, to breast cancer in February 1991. The couple had two children together: Rachel and Mitchell.

Joining Moranis is former costar Bill Pullman who starred as Lone Starr in the original flick and newcomer Keke Palmer according to a Thursday report from Deadline.

The film's original director Brooks will also be returning and will reprise his role as President Skroob. It is slated for release in theaters in 2027.

Rick Moranis (seen in 1994 film The Little Giants) is making a return to acting nearly 30 years after he quit Hollywood to look after his children following the death of his wife

The actor made the decision to focus on being a single father after losing is wife, costume designer Ann Belsky, to breast cancer in February 1991, as they are seen together at the 1990 Academy Awards

The original 1987 film lampooned the sci-fi genre as it poked fun at the Star Wars franchise, primarily, in addition to other classic films like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Planet Of The Apes, and Star Trek.

It was centered around the evil Dark Helmet (Moranis) and President Skroob (Brooks) as they attempt to steal the atmosphere of peaceful planet Druidia.

However, they are challenged by protagonist and hero Lone Starr (Pullman) and his sidekick Barf (the late John Candy), and the Druish princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga).

His last on-camera role before his decades-long hiatus came when he completed the Honey, I Shrunk The Kids trilogy with straight-to-video sequel Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves in 1997.

Despite taking a step back from the spotlight, he never retired from the industry as he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2015: 'I took a break, which turned into a longer break.

'But Im interested in anything that I would find interesting. I still get the occasional query about a film or television role and as soon as one comes along that piques my interest.'

He was offered a cameo in the 2016 female-driven Ghostbusters reboot alongside co-stars including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Sigourney Weaver but turned it down.

'I wish them well,' he told the publication. 'I hope its terrific. But it just makes no sense to me. Why would I do just one day of shooting on something I did 30 years ago?'

The 72-year-old will be reprising one of his biggest roles as he will once again star as Dark Helmet in he sequel to classic 1987 parody film Spaceballs (pictured)

The original 1987 film lampooned the sci-fi genre as it poked fun at the Star Wars franchise in addition to 2001: A Space Odyssey, Planet Of The Apes, and Star Trek; George Wyner (Colonel Sandurz), Moranis, and Mel Brooks (President Skroob) seen left to right

Other than the Spaceballs and Honey, I Shrunk The Kids franchises, Moranis had a very successful Hollywood career as he also famously starred in Ghostbusters (1984) and sequel Ghostbusters II (1989).

He also starred in Frank Oz directed sci-fi film LIttle Shop Of Horrors in 1986 in addition to 1989's Parenthood and 1983's Strange Brew.

Moranis also portrayed Barney Rubble in the live action The Flintstones movie in 1994 starring alongside John Goodman, Elizabeth Perkins, Rosie O'Donnell, Halle Berry, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Despite his break from acting onscreen, he has since done voicework for a few animated projects including 2003 film Brother Bear and TV series The Animated Adventures Of Bob & Doug McKenzie but not appeared on camera since the Disney franchise.

His last on-camera role before his decades-long hiatus came when he completed the Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (pictured 1989) trilogy with straight-to-video sequel Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves in 1997

Other than the Spaceballs and Honey, I Shrunk The Kids franchises, Moranis had a very successful Hollywood career as he also famously starred in Ghostbusters (1984) and sequel Ghostbusters II (1989; pictured)

Moranis also portrayed Barney Rubble in the live action The Flintstones movie in 1994 starring alongside John Goodman, Elizabeth Perkins, Rosie O'Donnell, Halle Berry, and Elizabeth Taylor

His original return to acting was supposed to come in the form of the aforementioned Honey, I Shrunk The Kids franchise.

It was announced that he would be returning as protagonist Wayne Szalinski for a fourth film - titled Shrunk - in February 2020.

Original director Joe Johnston is set to return to direct the new project as Frozen's Josh Gad is set to star as Moranis' son Nick.

However, the project was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Disney+ moving away from long-form streaming content.
Malcolm in the Middle actor Erik Per Sullivan is headed to Harvard University, according to his TV dad Bryan Cranston.

'He's actually going to Harvard,' Cranston, 69, said of Erik to the Fly on the Wall podcast regarding the revival of the Fox series on Disney+ for four episodes.

The actor, who played Hal Wilkerson on the series, told hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade that Erik, 33, was 'the only one who didn't come back to act in the show.

'I talked to Erik and I said, "Hey, we got the show! It's going to come back,'" said Cranston. 'He goes, "Oh, that's fantastic!"

He added: 'And I go, "Yeah, so we're looking forward to having you back." He goes, "Oh, no, no, I don't want to do it. But it's fantastic."'

Erik, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, played the role of Dewey Wilkerson on Malcolm in the Middle over 151 episodes from 20002006.

Malcolm in the Middle actor Erik Per Sullivan (now 33) is headed to Harvard University, according to his TV dad Bryan Cranston. The former child star pictured in 2006

Malcolm in the Middle aired for 151 episodes from 20002006 on Fox

Cranston said of Erik: 'He's really, really smart, and he's getting his master's at Harvard right now.

Cranston said Erik told him he'd been out of the Hollywood loop for decades.

He said, 'Oh God, no, I haven't acted since I was 9 or something. So I'm not into it.'

He previously attended the University of Southern California from 20092010.

Cranston said he was astounded digesting the passage of time in reuniting on the set of the series.

'It's amazing how these boys who were my boys on that show are now around the same age I was when we first started, and they've got children of their own,' said Cranston.

Other members of the cast of the Emmy-winning series slated to return for the revival include Frankie Muniz, Justin Berfield, Christopher Masterson and Jane Kaczmarek.

Actor Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, who has been seen on shows such as Wynonna Earp, The Expanse and Joe Pickett, will play the role of Dewey.

Bryan Cranston, who played Hal Wilkerson on the series, spoke to hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade about his one-time co-star. Pictured in NYC Tuesday

Erik told Cranston that he was focused on his education, and hadn't been in front of the cameras for decades

Erik pictured on the red carpet in Hollywood in October of 2006

Cranston went onto play the iconic role of Walter White on Breaking Bad in the years following his time on the family comedy.

Cranston said that he had been in talks with creator Linwood Boomer about rebooting the series for a decade based on feedback from passionate fans.

'It's something I was pushing for for the last 10 years,' he said, 'because I thought that the audience is there.'

Cranston told the podcast: 'I just started wearing [Boomer] down until he said, "I've got an idea." I said, "good."'

Last month, Cranston spoke with Indie Wire about how much he enjoyed reuniting with his castmates for the revival of the popular sitcom.

'Seeing the family was the best part,' Cranston said. 'It's been 20 years since we said goodbye, and now we're seeing the family again and each person.

'All the boys were around the same age, now, that I was when I started 25 years ago. They've got kids of their own. It's just great to see.'
America's best-selling carmaker is putting US factories back in the spotlight.

General Motors announced plans to invest $4 billion in American manufacturing capacity that will help shift vehicle production from Mexico to the United States.

The company said late Tuesday that the investment will be made over the next two years and is for its gas and electric vehicles.

CEO Mary Barra said in a statement on Tuesday that GM is committed to making two million vehicles annually in the US and supporting American jobs.

Last year, GM built 889,072 cars in Mexican factories, including the gas and electric Chevy Equinox and Blazer.

Soon, freshly-built gas-powered Chevrolet Blazer and Chevrolet Equinox models will roll out of American plants. Both are expected to come state-side starting in 2027.

The Blazer will be produced at GM's Spring Hill, Tennessee plant, while the Equinox will be made at its Kansas City, Kansas facility.

GM will also begin making gas-powered full-size SUVs and light duty pickup trucks at its Orion Township, Michigan plant.

GM's CEO, Mary Barra, pointed out the company already operates 50 US manufacturing plants

The move is a bit of an about-face: the company was exclusively producing high-rolling EVs from the plant, including the GMC Hummer, Cadillac Lyriq, and the Chevy Silverado EV.

It's the second recent rejigging for GM's EV plants in a month. The company recently announced plans to invest over $800 million to build new V-8 engines in a Buffalo, New York plant that was building batteries.

Electric vehicles will remain a major focus for GM, which just reported a record sales month for its Chevy EVs.

But GM's manufacturing shift is the automaker's latest move to navigate President Donald Trump's automotive tariffs.

In April, the President signed an exacutive order that partially relaxed his previously-set 25 percent import levies on all cars and their parts.

But, despite the relaxed rules, the tariffs loomed heavily over automakers that chose not to bring manufacturing back to the US.

Barra recently warned that the company expected a $4 to $5 billion line item to pay for the tariffs this year alone.

She didn't say if the automaker would pass those costs on to consumers.

GM said 1 million people in the US rely on the company's health, including employees at dealerships, manufacturing plants, and suppliers

The company is also ramping up production of its low-cost Bolt EV, which is set to release from US factories this year

However, independent analysts say the tariffs will raise prices, reduce sales and make US production less competitive worldwide.

Moving production back to the US still might not shield American consumers from higher prices, experts warned.

'The challenge for GM will be the higher labor costs,' David Whiston, an automotive analyst at Morningstar, told DailyMail.com. 'The higher costs might need to be passed down to dealers and consumers.'

Still Whiston said the company will likely remain profitable this year, despite the major investments and tariff costs.

The company agrees. But it recently slashed its earnings forecast because of President Trump's policies.

It could also force other major carmakers  namely Stellantis  to bring more manufacturing capacity back to the US.

The bigger intrigue, Whiston said, will be the impact on Korean and Japanese automakers like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, and Kia.

'If their governments can't get a carveout for autos, then they have to decide between two difficult options,' he said.

'Do they eat tariffs for a few years and hope they go away once Trump leaves office, or do they take the expensive and more permanent route of adding plants?'
Krispy Kreme has officially cut ties with Insomnia Cookies to help pay off its debt.

The donut empire announced the sale of its remaining stakes in the chain back to the company and other shareholders on Tuesday for $75 million.

The funds will be used to pay off Krispy Kreme's rising debt costs, which currently sit at around $1 billion.

'We continue to take swift, decisive action to de-leverage our balance sheet and drive sustainable, profitable growth,' said Krispy Kreme CEO, Josh Charlesworth.

Charlesworth confirmed the stake sale would also help Krispy Kreme focus on successful US expansion and international franchise growth.

Krispy Kreme has been experiencing financial difficulties and suffered a $33.4 million loss in net sales during the first quarter of this year.

However, over 14,000 locations are running worldwide, and the chain has not announced plans for closures.

Insomnia Cookies has been rapidly expanding since it was founded in a dorm room in 2003. Currently, it has over 300 stores, with the majority located in the US.

Krispy Kreme sold its remaining stake in Insomnia Cookies for $75 million

Krispy Kreme will use its sale earnings to help pay nearly $1 billion in debt

Krispy Kreme acquired a majority stake in Insomnia Cookies for $175 million back in 2018.

This deal helped Insomnia Cookies continue its global expansion while tripling its revenue.

Krispy Kreme went on to sell 66 percent of its stake in the brand to Verlinvest and Mistral Equity Partners for $350 million last year.

Charlesworth explained the deal was to help Krispy Kreme focus on strengthening its balance sheet while focusing on 'producing, selling, and distributing fresh donuts daily.'

The chain also previously entered a partnership with McDonald's, and planned to roll out donuts at all US locations by 2026.

More than 2,400 McDonald's restaurants were selling Krispy Kreme donuts before the businesses paused its collaboration last month.

It also discontinued its dividend paying to shareholders, which is expected to help the company save $6 million a year.

Despite its struggles, the chain has not announced plans to explore the idea of private ownership.

Krispy Kreme CEO Josh Charlesworth explained the chain is taking action to drive 'sustainable profit growth'

Insomnia Cookies has over 300 locations worldwide, and plans to keep expanding

Various chains have been searching for buyers over the last couple of years.

Roark Capital equity firm finalized a $1 billion acquisition deal with Dave's Hot Chicken earlier this month.

Jersey Mike's founder, Peter Cancro, became one of the world's richest people after Blackstone purchased the sandwich chain for $8 billion.

Restaurants are not the only businesses being sold off to other companies and shareholders.

Big Lots was saved in December by a last minute $495 million acquisition deal with Variety Wholesalers.

Reasons behind these acquisitions include aiding in global expansion and recovering from financial setbacks.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Insomnia Cookies for comment about Krispy Kreme's decision to sell.
UBS Group upgraded shares of Gerdau (NYSE:GGB  Free Report) from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note released on Monday morning, Marketbeat reports. They currently have $3.80 price target on the basic materials companys stock, up from their previous price target of $2.90.

Separately, Bank of America reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Gerdau in a research note on Monday, April 7th.

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Gerdau Price Performance

Gerdau Increases Dividend

NYSE GGB opened at $3.05 on Monday. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $2.66 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $2.89. Gerdau has a 52 week low of $2.27 and a 52 week high of $3.62. The stock has a market cap of $6.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.08 and a beta of 1.38. The company has a current ratio of 2.98, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21.

The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, May 27th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, May 13th were given a $0.0188 dividend. This is an increase from Gerdaus previous dividend of $0.00. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, May 12th. This represents a yield of 2.95%. Gerdaus dividend payout ratio is presently 24.14%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Gerdau

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of GGB. Inspire Investing LLC acquired a new stake in Gerdau during the first quarter valued at $46,000. Kawa Capital Management Inc acquired a new stake in shares of Gerdau in the first quarter worth $6,011,000. Strs Ohio bought a new stake in shares of Gerdau during the 1st quarter worth $737,000. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its holdings in Gerdau by 821.1% in the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 2,344,175 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $6,657,000 after acquiring an additional 2,089,675 shares during the period. Finally, Millennium Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Gerdau by 54.6% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 4,363,764 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $12,393,000 after purchasing an additional 1,541,311 shares during the period. 1.49% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Gerdau

(Get Free Report)

Gerdau SA, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a steel producer company. The company operates through Brazil Business, North America Business, South America Business, and Special Steel Business segments. It also provides semi-finished products, including billets, blooms, and slabs; common long rolled products, such as rebars, wire rods, merchant bars, light shapes, and profiles to the construction and manufacturing industries; drawn products comprising barbed and barbless fence wires, galvanized wires, fences, concrete reinforcing wire mesh, nails, and clamps for manufacturing, construction, and agricultural industries; and special steel products used in auto parts, light and heavy vehicles, and agricultural machinery, as well as in the oil and gas, wind energy, machinery and equipment, mining and rail, and other markets.

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Allen Mooney & Barnes Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Welltower Inc. (NYSE:WELL  Free Report) in the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm bought 1,323 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $203,000.

Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Roxbury Financial LLC purchased a new stake in Welltower during the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Sierra Ocean LLC purchased a new position in Welltower in the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Welltower during the 1st quarter worth approximately $28,000. Franchise Capital Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Welltower in the first quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Finally, Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC increased its holdings in shares of Welltower by 57.2% in the first quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 294 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 107 shares during the last quarter. 94.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Welltower Price Performance

Shares of WELL opened at $150.04 on Thursday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $148.09 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $142.09. The stock has a market cap of $98.12 billion, a PE ratio of 96.18, a P/E/G ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 0.94. Welltower Inc. has a 1-year low of $100.13 and a 1-year high of $158.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 4.22 and a quick ratio of 4.22.

Welltower Dividend Announcement

Welltower ( NYSE:WELL Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Monday, April 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.20 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.15 by $0.05. The firm had revenue of $2.42 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.40 billion. Welltower had a net margin of 11.91% and a return on equity of 3.15%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 30.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.01 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Welltower Inc. will post 4.88 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, May 22nd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, May 14th were paid a $0.67 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, May 14th. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.79%. Welltowers payout ratio is presently 154.02%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms have weighed in on WELL. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on Welltower from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 6th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Welltower from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, May 8th. Wedbush reaffirmed an underperform rating on shares of Welltower in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Mizuho boosted their target price on shares of Welltower from $141.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, March 18th. Finally, Evercore ISI raised their price target on shares of Welltower from $145.00 to $157.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Thursday, May 1st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $163.25.

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About Welltower

(Free Report)

Welltower Inc (NYSE:WELL), a real estate investment trust (REIT) and S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. Welltower invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve peoples wellness and overall health care experience.

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apricus wealth LLC increased its position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 22.6% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 110,791 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after purchasing an additional 20,406 shares during the quarter. Pfizer makes up approximately 1.7% of apricus wealth LLCs holdings, making the stock its 26th biggest holding. apricus wealth LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $2,807,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Mcdonald Partners LLC increased its position in Pfizer by 9.9% in the 4th quarter. Mcdonald Partners LLC now owns 110,296 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,926,000 after acquiring an additional 9,963 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust acquired a new stake in Pfizer in the 4th quarter valued at about $264,000. Harvey Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Pfizer in the 4th quarter valued at about $544,000. ING Groep NV grew its position in shares of Pfizer by 48.6% during the 4th quarter. ING Groep NV now owns 1,013,230 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $26,881,000 after buying an additional 331,403 shares during the period. Finally, Strategic Financial Concepts LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the 4th quarter worth approximately $2,281,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.36% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Thursday, March 27th. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Pfizer from $24.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating and set a $25.00 price target (down previously from $32.00) on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. Cantor Fitzgerald assumed coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They set a neutral rating and a $24.00 price target for the company. Finally, Hsbc Global Res upgraded shares of Pfizer to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, March 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and three have issued a strong 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 $29.17.

Pfizer Trading Up 0.6%

Shares of NYSE PFE opened at $24.46 on Thursday. The companys fifty day moving average is $22.96 and its 200-day moving average is $24.98. The stock has a market cap of $139.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.34, a P/E/G ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 0.57. Pfizer Inc. has a twelve month low of $20.92 and a twelve month high of $31.54. The company has a quick ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63.

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.92 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $0.25. The company had revenue of $13.72 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.43 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 12.62% and a return on equity of 19.47%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.82 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current year.

Pfizer Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 13th. Investors of record on Friday, May 9th will be given a $0.43 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 9th. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.03%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is currently 124.64%.

About Pfizer

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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apricus wealth LLC lifted its position in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 18.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,012 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after purchasing an additional 310 shares during the quarter. apricus wealth LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $258,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of EOG. Mainstream Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of EOG Resources during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Lee Danner & Bass Inc. bought a new position in shares of EOG Resources during the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. Heritage Wealth Advisors lifted 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 buying an additional 208 shares during the period. Sierra Ocean LLC bought a new position in shares of EOG Resources during the 4th quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of EOG Resources by 643.6% during the 4th quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 290 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 251 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.91% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently commented on EOG. Bank of America cut their target price on EOG Resources from $125.00 to $124.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, May 23rd. Mizuho cut their price objective on EOG Resources from $140.00 to $134.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, May 13th. Citigroup cut their price objective on EOG Resources from $134.00 to $125.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, March 17th. Scotiabank upgraded EOG Resources from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and cut their price objective for the company from $150.00 to $130.00 in a research report on Friday, April 11th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $135.00 price objective on EOG Resources and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, June 2nd. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, EOG Resources has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $139.58.

Insider Buying and Selling at EOG Resources

In other EOG Resources news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 4,037 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated 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 approximately $6,098,240.32. The trade was a 7.80% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

EOG Resources Stock Up 1.6%

Shares of EOG Resources stock opened at $119.80 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.07, a current ratio of 2.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 12 month low of $102.52 and a 12 month high of $138.18. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $111.34 and a 200 day simple moving average of $122.03. The stock has a market cap of $65.39 billion, a PE ratio of 9.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.58 and a beta of 0.74.

EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The energy exploration company reported $2.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.75 by $0.12. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 23.77% and a net margin of 29.18%. The firm had revenue of $5.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.92 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.82 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.47 EPS for the current year.

EOG Resources Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 17th will be paid a $1.02 dividend. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.41%. This is a boost from EOG Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 17th. EOG Resourcess payout ratio is presently 36.18%.

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.

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apricus wealth LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IJJ  Free Report) by 4.4% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 2,334 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 98 shares during the quarter. apricus wealth LLCs holdings in iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF were worth $279,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Orion Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. CX Institutional bought a new position in shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF during the 1st quarter worth $27,000. Palouse Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF during the 4th quarter worth $30,000. BankPlus Trust Department bought a new position in shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF during the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Finally, Golden State Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF during the 4th quarter worth $37,000.

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iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF Stock Performance

IJJ stock opened at $122.28 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $7.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.60 and a beta of 1.06. iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF has a fifty-two week low of $102.24 and a fifty-two week high of $136.42. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $116.27 and a 200-day moving average of $122.75.

About iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF

iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF, formerly iShares S&P MidCap 400 Value Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Value Index (the Index). The Value Index measures the performance of the mid-capitalization value sector of the United States equity market and consists of those stocks in the S&P MidCap 400 Index exhibiting the strongest value characteristics.

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Bellecapital International Ltd. trimmed its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 9.8% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 2,001 shares of the companys stock after selling 218 shares during the period. Bellecapital International Ltd.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $1,653,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of LLY. Mogy Joel R Investment Counsel Inc. boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 11.4% in the first quarter. Mogy Joel R Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 39,001 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,211,000 after acquiring an additional 3,993 shares during the period. Allen Mooney & Barnes Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.7% during the 1st quarter. Allen Mooney & Barnes Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,336 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,407,000 after purchasing an additional 88 shares during the last quarter. Sterling Financial Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 8.7% in the 1st quarter. Sterling Financial Group Inc. now owns 412 shares of the companys stock valued at $340,000 after purchasing an additional 33 shares during the period. Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Inc. now owns 21,098 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,425,000 after purchasing an additional 278 shares during the period. Finally, Defined Financial Planning LLC grew its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 6.6% in the 1st quarter. Defined Financial Planning LLC now owns 421 shares of the companys stock worth $339,000 after purchasing an additional 26 shares during the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance

NYSE:LLY opened at $807.97 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $765.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 69.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 0.41. 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 has a 1 year low of $677.09 and a 1 year high of $972.53. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $771.74 and a 200-day moving average of $800.91.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The company reported $3.34 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.64 by ($1.30). Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 85.24% and a net margin of 23.51%. The business had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.77 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.58 EPS. Eli Lilly and Companys revenue for the quarter was up 45.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 16th were given a dividend of $1.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 16th. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.74%. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is 48.82%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have recently commented on LLY. UBS Group cut their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,100.00 to $1,050.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, May 2nd. Erste Group Bank cut Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, June 5th. Guggenheim reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Friday, May 23rd. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, June 7th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald assumed coverage on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They issued an overweight rating and a $975.00 price target on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and eighteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,011.37.

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Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity.

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Lundin Gold Inc. (TSE:LUG  Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Hold from the thirteen brokerages that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eight have given a hold recommendation, three have given a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average twelve-month target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is C$48.98.

Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. CIBC lifted their price target on shares of Lundin Gold from C$44.00 to C$46.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Veritas lowered shares of Lundin Gold from a strong-buy rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Monday. Desjardins lifted their price objective on shares of Lundin Gold from C$38.00 to C$42.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 13th. National Bankshares boosted their target price on shares of Lundin Gold from C$66.50 to C$67.75 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on shares of Lundin Gold from C$36.00 to C$45.00 in a research report on Friday, April 4th.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on LUG

Insider Buying and Selling

Lundin Gold Price Performance

In related news, Director Pablo Mir sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, June 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$66.44, for a total transaction of C$996,550.50. Also, Senior Officer Terrence Smith sold 40,656 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$64.06, for a total transaction of C$2,604,423.36. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 63,656 shares of company stock valued at $4,060,974. Corporate insiders own 58.72% of the companys stock.

Shares of TSE LUG opened at C$68.59 on Friday. The company has a market cap of C$11.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.50 and a beta of 1.23. Lundin Gold has a 1 year low of C$18.48 and a 1 year high of C$74.91. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of C$58.67 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$44.36.

Lundin Gold Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, June 25th. Investors of record on Wednesday, June 25th will be issued a dividend of $0.2075 per share. This represents a $0.83 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.21%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, June 10th. Lundin Golds dividend payout ratio is currently 60.06%.

Lundin Gold Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Lundin Gold Inc is a Canada based company focused on its Fruta del Norte gold operation and developing its portfolio of mineral concessions in Ecuador. The Fruta del Norte deposit is located within a 150 km long copper-gold metallogenic sub-province located in the Cordillera del Condor region in southeastern Ecuador.

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OMRON (OTCMKTS:OMRNY  Get Free Report) and Covestro (OTC:COVTY  Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, institutional ownership, risk, analyst recommendations, profitability, valuation and dividends.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for OMRON and Covestro, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score OMRON 0 0 0 0 0.00 Covestro 0 2 0 0 2.00

Volatility & Risk

OMRON has a beta of 1.04, suggesting that its stock price is 4% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Covestro has a beta of 1.04, suggesting that its stock price is 4% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

Dividends

1.1% of OMRON shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

OMRON pays an annual dividend of $0.59 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.2%. Covestro pays an annual dividend of $1.31 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.8%. OMRON pays out 105.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Covestro pays out -119.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Covestro is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Profitability

This table compares OMRON and Covestros net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets OMRON 0.98% 0.81% 0.56% Covestro -1.84% -3.91% -1.89%

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares OMRON and Covestros top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio OMRON $5.67 billion 0.97 $55.92 million $0.56 47.63 Covestro $15.56 billion 0.84 -$214.29 million ($1.10) -31.38

OMRON has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Covestro. Covestro is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than OMRON, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

OMRON beats Covestro on 8 of the 12 factors compared between the two stocks.

About OMRON

(Get Free Report)

OMRON Corporation engages in industrial automation, device and module solutions, social systems, and healthcare businesses worldwide. The Industrial Automation Business offers sensors, switches, safety and control components, relays, motion and drives, robotics, energy conservation, power supplies, and automation system products. It also offers environmental mobility, digital devices, food and commodity, logistic and warehouse automation, medical, robotic, panel, vision, software, and traceability related solutions. The Social Systems, Solutions and Service Business provides energy, public transport, traffic safety, network protection, payment, infrastructure monitoring, management service, and DX solutions, as well as offers remote surveillance/monitoring, automation/robotics, software development, engineering/maintenance, and other services. The Healthcare Business provides cardiovascular, respiratory care, pain management, remote patient monitoring, and other solutions. The Device and Module Solutions Business offers relays, switches, connectors, and sensors. OMRON Corporation was founded in 1933 and is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan.

About Covestro

(Get Free Report)

Covestro AG supplies high-tech polymer materials and application solutions. It operates in two segments, Performance Materials, and Solutions & Specialties. The Performance Materials segment develops, produces, and supplies high-performance materials, such as polyurethanes and polycarbonates, and base chemicals, which include diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), toluylene diisocyanate, long-chain polyols, and polycarbonate resins for use in furniture and wood processing, construction, automotive, and transportation industries, as well as roof structures, insulation for buildings and refrigerators, mattresses, car seats, and other applications. The Solutions & Specialties segment comprises a range of polymer products, including polycarbonates, precursors for coatings and adhesives, MDI specialties and polyols, thermoplastic polyurethanes, specialty films, and elastomers that are used in automotive and transportation, electrical, electronics and household appliances, construction, and healthcare industries, as well as composite resins for solar panel frames, laptops, floodlights, and electric vehicle batteries. The company markets its products through trading houses and distributors. It operates in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, the United States, Canada, and the Peoples Republic of China. The company was founded in 1863 and is headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany.

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Exchange Bank lessened its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL  Free Report) by 4.3% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,231 shares of the companys stock after selling 101 shares during the quarter. Exchange Banks holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $381,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in QUAL. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2.1% during the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 29,141,751 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,189,563,000 after purchasing an additional 596,515 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 14.5% in the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 16,867,820 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,003,821,000 after acquiring an additional 2,141,996 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 1.8% in the 4th quarter. FMR LLC now owns 16,141,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,874,443,000 after acquiring an additional 292,539 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 1.5% in the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 7,721,037 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,374,962,000 after acquiring an additional 113,633 shares in the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 14.6% in the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 6,580,546 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,171,864,000 after acquiring an additional 837,887 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Stock Up 2.2%

iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF stock opened at $180.52 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $170.85 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $176.69. The stock has a market cap of $52.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.81 and a beta of 1.05. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 12 month low of $148.34 and a 12 month high of $187.26.

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.

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Compagnie Lombard Odier SCmA lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG  Free Report) by 2.5% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 43,600 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,050 shares during the quarter. Compagnie Lombard Odier SCmAs holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF were worth $4,313,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH raised its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 2.6% during the first quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH now owns 8,608 shares of the companys stock valued at $852,000 after purchasing an additional 219 shares during the period. McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 77.8% in the 1st quarter. McElhenny Sheffield Capital Management LLC now owns 9,395 shares of the companys stock worth $929,000 after buying an additional 4,111 shares in the last quarter. Greenwood Capital Associates LLC boosted its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. Greenwood Capital Associates LLC now owns 127,298 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,592,000 after buying an additional 2,544 shares during the last quarter. Erickson Financial Group LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 2.1% during the first quarter. Erickson Financial Group LLC now owns 68,532 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,779,000 after acquiring an additional 1,416 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC increased its position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 11.8% during the first quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 151,569 shares of the companys stock worth $14,993,000 after acquiring an additional 16,022 shares during the last quarter. 83.63% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Stock Performance

NYSEARCA:AGG opened at $97.95 on Thursday. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a one year low of $95.74 and a one year high of $102.04. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $97.75 and its 200 day simple moving average is $97.82. The stock has a market cap of $124.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 124.57 and a beta of 0.24.

About iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF

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.

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Mogy Joel R Investment Counsel Inc. grew its holdings in Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO  Free Report) by 131.2% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 44,591 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 25,306 shares during the period. Mogy Joel R Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in Brown & Brown were worth $5,547,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC boosted its holdings in Brown & Brown by 2.3% during the first quarter. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC now owns 4,312 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $536,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares during the last quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLC lifted its position in Brown & Brown by 3.4% during the 4th quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLC now owns 3,162 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $323,000 after buying an additional 103 shares in the last quarter. Lido Advisors LLC lifted its position in Brown & Brown by 2.6% during the 4th quarter. Lido Advisors LLC now owns 4,690 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $479,000 after buying an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund boosted its stake in shares of Brown & Brown by 0.6% during the 4th quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 20,379 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,079,000 after buying an additional 130 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Frank Rimerman Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Brown & Brown by 4.6% in the 4th quarter. Frank Rimerman Advisors LLC now owns 3,265 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $333,000 after acquiring an additional 143 shares in the last quarter. 71.01% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Brown & Brown Stock Down 1.0%

BRO opened at $104.39 on Thursday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $112.61 and its 200 day simple moving average is $111.16. Brown & Brown, Inc. has a 1-year low of $88.31 and a 1-year high of $125.68. The stock has a market cap of $29.92 billion, a PE ratio of 30.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.93 and a beta of 0.84. The company has a current ratio of 1.79, a quick ratio of 1.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56.

Brown & Brown Dividend Announcement

Brown & Brown ( NYSE:BRO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, April 28th. The financial services provider reported $1.29 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.30 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $1.40 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.41 billion. Brown & Brown had a net margin of 20.68% and a return on equity of 17.81%. Brown & Browns revenue for the quarter was up 11.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.14 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Brown & Brown, Inc. will post 4.18 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, May 21st. Investors of record on Monday, May 12th were paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, May 12th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.57%. Brown & Browns dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 16.71%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms recently issued reports on BRO. Morgan Stanley reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $128.00 target price on shares of Brown & Brown in a report on Tuesday, March 25th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Brown & Brown from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from $126.00 to $119.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 13th. Barclays increased their price objective on Brown & Brown from $119.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, April 11th. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Brown & Brown from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, April 9th. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their price target on shares of Brown & Brown from $138.00 to $130.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 30th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $118.25.

View Our Latest Analysis on Brown & Brown

About Brown & Brown

(Free Report)

Brown & Brown, Inc is an insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance program and service organization. It engages in the provision of insurance brokerage services and casualty insurance underwriting services. It operates through the following segments: Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage, and Services.

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Simon Quick Advisors LLC grew its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 22.4% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 3,222 shares of the investment management companys stock after purchasing an additional 589 shares during the period. Simon Quick Advisors LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $1,760,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Deutsche Bank AG increased its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 15.4% in the 4th quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 1,038,057 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $594,412,000 after acquiring an additional 138,198 shares during the last quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.5% in the 4th quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 224,148 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $129,144,000 after acquiring an additional 5,541 shares during the last quarter. Baxter Bros Inc. grew its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 1.0% during the 4th quarter. Baxter Bros Inc. now owns 15,506 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $8,879,000 after buying an additional 151 shares during the last quarter. Erste Asset Management GmbH grew its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 5.9% during the 4th quarter. Erste Asset Management GmbH now owns 5,743 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $3,309,000 after buying an additional 320 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Atlas Legacy Advisors LLC purchased a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 4th quarter worth approximately $356,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.21% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at The Goldman Sachs Group

In related news, Director John B. Hess purchased 3,904 shares of the businesss 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 $1,997,598.72. The trade was a  increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Evercore ISI dropped their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $660.00 to $594.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 1st. Oppenheimer downgraded The Goldman Sachs Group from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 19th. Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded The Goldman Sachs Group from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $560.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Friday, April 4th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $680.00 to $650.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. 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 note on Monday, April 7th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $593.40.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on GS

The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Up 1.6%

The Goldman Sachs Group stock opened at $624.49 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.32, a current ratio of 0.67 and a quick ratio of 0.67. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $437.37 and a 1-year high of $672.19. The company has a market cap of $191.62 billion, a PE ratio of 15.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 1.32. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $561.88 and its 200 day moving average price is $583.31.

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, April 14th. The investment management company reported $14.12 earnings per share 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 firm had revenue of $15.06 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.99 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $11.58 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts predict that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 27th. Investors of record on Friday, May 30th will be paid a $3.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, May 30th. This represents a $12.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.92%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 27.85%.

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.

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Simplicity Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP  Free Report) in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 10,168 shares of the energy producers stock, valued at approximately $1,068,000.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Signet Financial Management LLC raised its stake in ConocoPhillips by 4.0% during the first quarter. Signet Financial Management LLC now owns 26,253 shares of the energy producers stock worth $2,757,000 after acquiring an additional 1,004 shares in the last quarter. Cardinal Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 28.9% in the first quarter. Cardinal Capital Management Inc. now owns 127,718 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $13,413,000 after buying an additional 28,645 shares in the last quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 1,364.3% in the first quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 26,211 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $2,753,000 after buying an additional 24,421 shares in the last quarter. Regatta Capital Group LLC increased its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 14.3% in the first quarter. Regatta Capital Group LLC now owns 4,055 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $426,000 after buying an additional 508 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Pallas Capital Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 226.8% in the first quarter. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 31,493 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $3,307,000 after buying an additional 21,855 shares in the last quarter. 82.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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ConocoPhillips Price Performance

Shares of COP opened at $93.33 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. ConocoPhillips has a 1 year low of $79.88 and a 1 year high of $118.40. The stock has a market cap of $117.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 0.61. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $88.44 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $96.09.

ConocoPhillips Dividend Announcement

ConocoPhillips ( NYSE:COP Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, May 8th. The energy producer reported $2.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.05 by $0.04. ConocoPhillips had a return on equity of 17.26% and a net margin of 16.23%. The firm had revenue of $16.18 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.74 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.05 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 earnings per share for the current year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 19th were issued a dividend of $0.78 per share. This represents a $3.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.34%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, May 19th. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 39.64%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

COP has been the subject of a number of research reports. Mizuho lowered their target price on ConocoPhillips from $127.00 to $125.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, May 13th. Raymond James restated an outperform rating and issued a $109.00 target price (up from $103.00) on shares of ConocoPhillips in a research note on Tuesday, May 20th. Scotiabank lowered their target price on ConocoPhillips from $115.00 to $95.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, April 11th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on ConocoPhillips from $120.00 to $115.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 30th. Finally, Barclays lowered their target price on ConocoPhillips from $135.00 to $120.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 23rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $121.30.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ConocoPhillips

ConocoPhillips Profile

(Free Report)

ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and natural gas liquids in the United States, Canada, China, Libya, Malaysia, Norway, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company's portfolio includes unconventional plays in North America; conventional assets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia; global LNG developments; oil sands assets in Canada; and an inventory of global exploration prospects.

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Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA trimmed its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 5.0% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 250,622 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 13,289 shares during the quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SAs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $32,538,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Mogy Joel R Investment Counsel Inc. grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 0.6% in the first quarter. Mogy Joel R Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 51,241 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $6,797,000 after purchasing an additional 290 shares during the last quarter. Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 3.6% in the 1st quarter. Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Inc. now owns 236,650 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $31,392,000 after buying an additional 8,221 shares in the last quarter. Kelly Financial Services LLC bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the 1st quarter worth $216,000. apricus wealth LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 19.1% during the first quarter. apricus wealth LLC now owns 5,473 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $726,000 after buying an additional 879 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First United Bank & Trust grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 5.0% in the first quarter. First United Bank & Trust now owns 16,718 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,218,000 after acquiring an additional 789 shares in the last quarter. 75.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have issued reports on ABT shares. Citigroup boosted their price objective 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. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $145.00 price target (up from $133.00) on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Wall Street Zen lowered Abbott Laboratories from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 12th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Finally, Raymond James boosted their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $132.00 to $142.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, April 17th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fifteen have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $142.59.

Insider Activity at Abbott Laboratories

In other Abbott Laboratories news, Director Sally E. Blount sold 2,600 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, April 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.66, for a total value of $337,116.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly 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 document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.46% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Abbott Laboratories Trading Up 0.6%

Shares of ABT stock opened at $134.88 on Thursday. Abbott Laboratories has a 1-year low of $99.71 and a 1-year high of $141.23. The company has a current ratio of 1.60, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The stock has a market cap of $234.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.63, a PEG ratio of 2.52 and a beta of 0.73. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $131.03 and a 200-day moving average of $126.12.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.07 by $0.02. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 31.95% and a return on equity of 20.74%. The firm had revenue of $10.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.38 billion. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Profile

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA reduced its position in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 60.7% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 23,118 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 35,733 shares during the quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SAs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $12,000,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the business. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 63,864.7% during the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,976,684 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $2,172,423,000 after buying an additional 3,970,467 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 4th quarter worth about $1,603,315,000. Castlekeep Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $944,334,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 4th quarter valued at about $624,844,000. Finally, Proficio Capital Partners LLC increased its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 14,007.0% during the 4th quarter. Proficio Capital Partners LLC now owns 1,059,716 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $606,815,000 after purchasing an additional 1,052,204 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.21% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at The Goldman Sachs Group

In related 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 bought at an average cost of $511.68 per share, for a total transaction of $1,997,598.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 3,904 shares in the company, valued at $1,997,598.72. This trade represents a  increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock.

The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Up 1.6%

GS stock opened at $624.49 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $561.88 and a 200-day moving average of $583.31. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $437.37 and a fifty-two week high of $672.19. The company has a market capitalization of $191.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.40, a PEG ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 1.32. 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 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 net margin of 11.32% and a return on equity of 13.30%. The firm had revenue of $15.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.99 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $11.58 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 27th. Investors of record on Friday, May 30th will be paid a $3.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 30th. This represents a $12.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.92%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is 27.85%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Daiwa Capital Markets cut The Goldman Sachs Group from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $560.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Friday, April 4th. Barclays reduced their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $760.00 to $720.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target 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. Daiwa America cut shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, April 4th. Finally, Evercore ISI decreased their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $660.00 to $594.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, April 1st. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, The Goldman Sachs Group presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $593.40.

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About The Goldman Sachs Group

(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.

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Zhang Financial LLC increased its position in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 1.5% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 11,637 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 170 shares during the period. Zhang Financial LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $1,847,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in PM. NewSquare Capital LLC raised its stake in Philip Morris International by 53.7% during the 4th quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 206 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 72 shares during the last quarter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Pacifica Partners Inc. raised its stake in Philip Morris International by 115.0% during the 1st quarter. Pacifica Partners Inc. now owns 215 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 115 shares during the last quarter. Knuff & Co LLC purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Finally, Ball & Co Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $36,000. 78.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Philip Morris International Trading Up 2.4%

Shares of PM opened at $183.29 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $285.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.52. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $169.29 and its 200 day simple moving average is $148.50. Philip Morris International Inc. has a twelve month low of $98.93 and a twelve month high of $183.94.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The company reported $1.69 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.61 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $9.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.10 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 120.08% and a net margin of 7.89%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.50 EPS. Sell-side analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current year.

Several analysts have commented on PM shares. Barclays upped their price objective on Philip Morris International from $175.00 to $205.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, May 2nd. Needham & Company LLC assumed coverage on Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. They set a buy rating for the company. UBS Group raised Philip Morris International from a sell rating to a neutral rating and increased their target price for the stock from $130.00 to $170.00 in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Argus raised Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, March 14th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on Philip Morris International from $168.00 to $186.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 24th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $175.30.

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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.

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According to the World Economic Forums Global Gender Gap Report 2025, the global gender gap has narrowed to 68.8%, the fastest rate of progress recorded since the pandemic. However, despite this improvement, true gender parity remains a distant prospectan estimated 123 years away at the current pace of change.

While women now surpass men in higher education attainment, they continue to be significantly underrepresented in senior leadership, occupying just 28.8% of such positions globally. This represents a missed opportunity for economies striving for greater resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth in uncertain times.

Political representation has shown the greatest year-on-year improvement, but remains the most underdeveloped area. Only 22.9% of the global political empowerment gap has been closed, making it the most significant obstacle to achieving full parity worldwide.

The report, covering 148 economies, places Iceland at the top for the 16th consecutive year with 92.6% of its gender gap closed. It remains the only country to exceed the 90% threshold. Finland, Norway, the UK (with a score of 83.8%), and New Zealand round out the top five. All ten leading nations have closed over 80% of their gender gaps, with European countries occupying eight of those positions. Iceland, Finland, Norway, and Sweden have consistently been in the top 10 since 2006.

Encouragingly, the report indicates that both educational attainment and health outcomes are nearing parity, each exceeding 95%. Yet, despite women comprising over 41% of the global workforce, their underrepresentation in leadership roles remains stark and persistent.

Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum, noted that amid economic uncertainty, low growth, and technological upheaval, gender parity is not just a social goal but an economic necessity. Nations making meaningful progress in this area are better positioned for long-term prosperity.

Wealth and Parity  Not Always Linked

The index measures gender-based disparities in outcomes, not overall wealth or opportunity. While higher-income countries tend to show slightly narrower gender gapswith an average of 74.3% of the gap closedthis correlation is limited. Several lower-income nations outperform many wealthier counterparts, demonstrating that achieving gender parity is possible at all stages of development. The key lies not in GDP, but in actively embedding parity into national growth strategies.

Regional Highlights

North America leads globally with a score of 75.8%, thanks to strong economic participation (76.1%) and notable gains in political representation. Europe follows closely with a 75.1% score and the worlds highest level of political empowerment (35.4%). Since 2006, Europe has improved its gender parity by over six percentage points.

Latin America and the Caribbean are the fastest-improving regions, now at 74.5%an 8.6 percentage point increase since 2006. Central Asia comes next with a score of 69.8%, with Armenia and Georgia leading within the region.

East Asia and the Pacific follow with 69.4%. New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines top the regional rankings, with New Zealand the only one in the global top 10. Sub-Saharan Africa sits at 68.0%, with progress in political empowerment reflected by women holding over 40% of ministerial roles and nearly 38% of parliamentary seats.

South Asia ranks seventh with 64.6%; Bangladesh, at 77.5%, remains the regions highest performer and the only South Asian country in the global top 50. Finally, the Middle East and North Africa come in last with 61.7%, though the region has more than tripled its political empowerment score since 2006.

Progress Still Too Slow

Though the pace of improvement has quickened, projections remain sobering. Based on the 100 economies continuously tracked since 2006, global gender parity is still over a century away. Political parity is the slowest-moving area: despite a 9-point gain since 2006, it will take 162 years to close the gap at current rates. Economic parity, having improved by 5.6 points, remains 135 years away.

However, the success of nations like Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Ecuador, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia within their respective income groups shows that targeted interventions can deliver swift change when gender parity is treated as a strategic national goal.

Emerging Risks from Technological and Economic Shifts

As global trade patterns evolve and AI reshapes the workforce, there are growing concerns that womens economic gains could reverse. In lower- and middle-income countries, many women have moved into better-paid formal workparticularly in export-driven industrieswhich are now vulnerable to disruptions. As seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of trade shocks tends to last longer for women, exacerbating pre-existing inequalities in income and opportunity.

Therefore, its critical that policymakers factor in the gendered impact of trade fragmentation and technological disruption in future economic planning.

Wasted Potential in the Leadership Pipeline

Although more women than men are attaining higher education, this is not translating into leadership roles. Even among the most highly educated, women make up less than a third of senior executivesa systemic inefficiency with significant economic consequences.

Sue Duke of LinkedIn highlights the urgency: In an economy increasingly shaped by AI and innovation, the human skills and diverse insights women bring to leadership are being overlooked at precisely the moment theyre most needed.

Career paths are also changing. Leadership roles are increasingly filled by individuals with broad experience across different sectors or job functions, rather than following traditional vertical career ladders. This shift poses additional challenges for women, who are 55% more likely than men to take career breakstypically for caregiving responsibilitiesand who spend on average six months more out of the workforce.

This evolving reality calls for a more flexible approach to career development and re-entry, especially if economies are to tap into the full spectrum of available talent.

The Global Gender Gap Reportnow in its 19th yearis the most established measure of gender-based disparities across economic participation, education, health, and politics. This years edition analyses data from 148 economies, covering more than two-thirds of the worlds population. It draws from datasets compiled by global institutions including the ILO, UNESCO, UN Women, the World Bank, the WHO, and LinkedIns Economic Graph.

The report supports the Global Gender Parity Sprint to 2030, a World Economic Forum platform that mobilises a coalition of businesses, governments, and international organizations to accelerate progress on economic gender parity.
De Yun She's in Tanzania debut bridges cultures through comedy

Xinhua) 11:02, June 12, 2025

DAR ES SALAAM, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese crosstalk troupe De Yun She held a special performance in Tanzania's Dar es Salaam on Tuesday night, drawing a crowd of over 1,200 spectators.

"This is my first time in Africa, and the first time De Yun She has set foot on the continent," said Guo Degang, founder of the troupe and one of China's most well-known crosstalk performers.

De Yun She is credited with promoting the art of xiangsheng, or crosstalk comedy, a traditional Chinese comedic form that combines witty dialogue, wordplay, storytelling and satire. Typically performed by two people, xiangsheng relies heavily on linguistic nuance and cultural references, making overseas performances both challenging and meaningful.

"Crosstalk is deeply rooted in the Chinese language," Guo said. "But its charm and stage presence resonate globally. Art knows no borders. The joy of the Chinese people deserves to be seen and heard around the world."

Guo's long-time stage partner, Yu Qian, said the essence of crosstalk lies in both tradition and innovation. "We blend traditional techniques with contemporary content, delivering it to audiences across cultures. This performance in Africa is not just a cultural exchange, but an emotional connection."

The Dar es Salaam show was the second stop on the troupe's first-ever tour of Africa. According to Guo, De Yun She began its overseas tours in 2010 and has since performed in countries across Asia, North America and Europe. The African tour began in Johannesburg, South Africa, before arriving in Tanzania.

The performance in Dar es Salaam received an enthusiastic response. Lang Yifu, a young Chinese working in Tanzania, said the event was a cultural feast delivered to his doorstep.

"It is not just a show. It is a bridge of cultural connection, helping us feel the warmth of home even when we are far away," he added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Rhumbline Advisers decreased its position in Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR  Free Report) by 4.9% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 540,681 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 27,882 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers owned approximately 0.29% of Arbor Realty Trust worth $6,353,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. CIBC Asset Management Inc grew its position in Arbor Realty Trust by 4.3% in the 4th quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 18,676 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $259,000 after purchasing an additional 774 shares during the last quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC grew its position in Arbor Realty Trust by 5.0% in the 4th quarter. Natixis Advisors LLC now owns 16,728 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $232,000 after purchasing an additional 797 shares during the last quarter. Principal Securities Inc. grew its position in Arbor Realty Trust by 10.0% in the 4th quarter. Principal Securities Inc. now owns 9,062 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $126,000 after purchasing an additional 825 shares during the last quarter. Xponance Inc. grew its position in Arbor Realty Trust by 10.0% in the 4th quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 13,288 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $184,000 after purchasing an additional 1,209 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Summit Investment Advisors Inc. grew its position in Arbor Realty Trust by 6.8% in the 4th quarter. Summit Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 19,266 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $267,000 after purchasing an additional 1,223 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 57.25% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several research analysts have commented on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on shares of Arbor Realty Trust from $10.50 to $10.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, May 5th. Raymond James cut shares of Arbor Realty Trust from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Monday, February 24th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price objective on shares of Arbor Realty Trust from $11.75 to $11.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, May 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $13.20.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Arbor Realty Trust news, CEO Ivan Kaufman bought 10,000 shares of Arbor Realty Trust stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 20th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $9.98 per share, for a total transaction of $99,800.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 1,789,816 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,862,363.68. This represents a 0.56% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Over the last ninety days, insiders acquired 210,000 shares of company stock worth $1,942,000. Corporate insiders own 3.80% of the companys stock.

Arbor Realty Trust Trading Up 0.6%

Arbor Realty Trust stock opened at $10.51 on Thursday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $10.46 and a 200-day simple moving average of $12.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.41, a current ratio of 37.49 and a quick ratio of 35.68. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.02 billion, a PE ratio of 8.83 and a beta of 1.36. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. has a 12-month low of $8.43 and a 12-month high of $15.94.

Arbor Realty Trust Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 30th. Investors of record on Friday, May 16th were issued a dividend of $0.30 per share. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 11.42%. Arbor Realty Trusts payout ratio is 115.38%.

Arbor Realty Trust Company Profile

(Free Report)

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc invests in a diversified portfolio of structured finance assets in the multifamily, single-family rental, and commercial real estate markets in the United States. The company operates through Structured Business and Agency Business segments. It primarily invests in bridge and mezzanine loans, including junior participating interests in first mortgages, and preferred and direct equity, as well as real estate-related joint ventures, real estate-related notes, and various mortgage-related securities.

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Rhumbline Advisers lessened its holdings in Sylvamo Co. (NYSE:SLVM  Free Report) by 3.6% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 95,951 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,606 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers owned 0.24% of Sylvamo worth $6,435,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

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Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of SLVM. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Sylvamo by 182.4% in the 4th quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 624 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 403 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd lifted its stake in shares of Sylvamo by 464.5% in the 4th quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 779 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,000 after purchasing an additional 641 shares during the last quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC raised its holdings in Sylvamo by 12.2% in the 4th quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 2,010 shares of the companys stock worth $159,000 after acquiring an additional 218 shares during the period. DRW Securities LLC bought a new position in Sylvamo in the 4th quarter worth $225,000. Finally, Vestcor Inc bought a new position in Sylvamo in the 4th quarter worth $246,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.16% of the companys stock.

Insider Transactions at Sylvamo

In other news, CEO Jeanmichel Ribieras sold 21,250 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.14, for a total transaction of $1,384,225.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 131,894 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,591,575.16. The trade was a 13.88% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.74% of the companys stock.

Sylvamo Stock Performance

Shares of SLVM opened at $52.84 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $2.15 billion, a PE ratio of 7.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 1.07. Sylvamo Co. has a one year low of $51.55 and a one year high of $98.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 1.56 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The companys fifty day moving average price is $57.14 and its 200 day moving average price is $69.90.

Sylvamo (NYSE:SLVM  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, May 9th. The company reported $0.68 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.70 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $821.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $819.61 million. Sylvamo had a return on equity of 34.72% and a net margin of 7.96%. The businesss revenue was down 9.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.07 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Sylvamo Co. will post 7.45 earnings per share for the current year.

Sylvamo Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, July 29th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, July 8th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.41%. Sylvamos payout ratio is 26.32%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on shares of Sylvamo from $70.00 to $61.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, May 12th.

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About Sylvamo

(Free Report)

Sylvamo Corporation produces and markets uncoated freesheet for cutsize, offset paper, and pulp in Latin America, Europe, and North America. The company operates through Europe, Latin America, and North America segments. The Europe segment offers copy, tinted, and colored laser printing paper under REY Adagio and Pro-Design brands; and graphic and high-speed inkjet printing papers under the brand Jetstar; as well as produces uncoated freesheet papers.

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Train and bus services in Coleraine have been suspended this evening, Translink has confirmed.

Bins have been burnt along the tracks at Coleraine Station during a protest in the county Derry town.

Police are currently at the scene.

Tonight's scenes in Coleraine come on the third night of disorder across the North.

The violence began in Ballymena on Monday night following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area.

Two teenage boys, who spoke to a court through a Romanian interpreter, have been charged.

In a joint statement, ministers from across the Stormont power sharing Executive, which includes Sinn Fein, DUP, Alliance Party and UUP, said those involved in disorder have nothing to offer society but division and disorder.

Speaking during Prime Ministers Questions in the Commons, Sir Keir condemned the mindless attacks against police.

I utterly condemn the violence that we have seen overnight in Ballymena and in other parts of Northern Ireland, including against PSNI officers, Sir Keir told MPs.
A man has been jailed at Derry Magistrate's Court today for two breaches of a Restraining Order.

Neil Joseph McFeely (30) of Lawrence Hill in Derry admitted two breaches of the order that occurred on February 12 and February 15.

The court heard that the injured party contacted police to say that the defendant was banging on her door after being asked to leave the premises.

On February 15 police were contacted by a 999 call from the injured party.

Police attended and found McFeely along with the injured party and another male.

All were said to have been intoxicated and McFeely was said to have been verbally abusive.

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said that the order was designed for McFeely not to harass, pester or intimidate but did not preclude contact.

She said that there would have been difficulties with the prosecution except McFeely 'held his hands up' and admitted the offences.

The barrister said there was no suggestion of any violence or anything of that nature.

District Judge Conor Heaney said that court orders were designed to protect people and it was not up to McFeely 'to decide whether to comply or not'.

He sentenced McFeely to two months in custody.
The Bloody Sunday Trust has announce that Ms Zarah Sultana, the Independent MP for Coventry South, will deliver a lecture in Derry to mark the 15th anniversary of the publication of the report of the second Bloody Sunday Inquiry (the

Saville Report).

The lecture will take place in Culturlann Ui Chanain, Gt James St, on Sunday, June 15, at 7.00pm.

Ms Sultana was first elected as the Labour Member of Parliament for Coventry South in 2019.

Coventry South is a constituency that boasts a proud, vibrant, and historically significant Irish community and Ms Sultana is proud to represent them; having notably supported Margaret Keane's family in their high-profile legal battle to have the Irish language included on their mothers headstone.

The City of Coventry is internationally recognised as the 'City of Peace and Reconciliation', and accordingly Ms Sultana has regularly used her platform to champion the global anti-war movement and the promotion of peace and dialogue to resolve conflicts.

She has been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, both before and during her parliamentary career, which has given her the dubious honour of the British MP with the most death threats and online abuse.

She is a member of the Socialist Campaign Group and is widely regarded as one of the most left-wing MPs in the House of Commons. One of her earliest interventions in the Commons, much to the consternation of the Westminster establishment, was to publicly call on the British government to fulfill its commitment to hold a public inquiry into the murder of the Human Rights lawyer Patrick Finucane.

Zarah Sultana was suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party in 2024, after opposing the continuation of the two-child benefit cap; a policy originally introduced by the Conservatives in 2015 that has been identified as a major contributing factor to child poverty.

Speaking ahead of her visit, Ms Sultana said: It is a deep honour to be invited to deliver this lecture in Derry, marking 15 years since the publication of the Saville Report. The Bloody Sunday families' tireless pursuit of truth and justice in the face of state violence and denial is a testament to the power of dignity, courage and collective action.

As the Member of Parliament for Coventry South  a city shaped by its own legacy of war, peacebuilding and a proud Irish diaspora  I carry with me the memory of communities that know too well the price of injustice and the importance of never

forgetting.

From Derry to Coventry to Gaza, we must insist on truth, accountability and human rights. Peace cannot be built on silence or impunity, it must be rooted in justice.

Trust chairperson Tony Doherty stated: We look forward to welcoming Zarah Sultana to Derry on the 15th anniversary of the

publication of the Saville Report.

She is an example of something which is vanishingly rare in the British parliament, a principled politician who holds genuine socialist views and lives and acts by those beliefs.

Although still suspended from the Labour party, Zarah has continued to expose and challenge the British states complicity in the Gaza genocide which is actively enabled by Starmer who boasts that he supports Zionism without qualification.

As we mark the anniversary of our success, and as the genocide in Palestine continues, it is fitting that we have someone who shares our commitment to equality, human rights and international solidarity to deliver this lecture.

Admission to the lecture is free, but attendance must be booked through Eventbrite with (details to follow)
The Derry branch of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) has announced its weekly Bridgil will focus on the "illegal detention" of the volunteers onboard The Madleen.

The Bridgil, which will take place at Derry's Peace Bridge at 5.30pm, is also in support of a local women - an activist with Derry IPSC - who is taking part in the Global March to Gaza on June 15.

The sailing boat Madleen  operated by activist group Freedom Flotilla Coalition  departed from the Sicilian port of Catania in southern Italy, on June 1, 2025.

It's aim was to reach the shores of the Gaza Strip in an effort to bring in some aid and raise international awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the activists said at a press conference, ahead of their departure.

However, on June 9, 2025, Israeli forces seized the Madleen and detained Greta Thunberg and other activists who were on board, enforcing a longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory that has been tightened during the Israel-Hamas war.

Thiago Avila, one of the volunteers on The Madleen, is currently on hunger and water strike in an Israeli prison.

In their statements, The Madleen volunteers declared they had been "kidnapped and forcibly brought into Israel against their will". They stressed their sole mission was "to break the seige on Gaza and deliver aid".

When the court asked whether they were aware of the naval blockade, they "firmly responded that the blockade is illegal under international law".

Under the Entry into Israel Law, individuals who have been issued deportation orders are hels in detention for 72 hours before being forcibly removed, unless they agree to leave earlier. The human rights organisation, Adalah, is demanding their "immediate release" of The Madleen volunteers so they can return home.
A North West Regional College (NWRC) graduate who quit his job working in a Chinese takeaway serving chips is now working in a completely different career with microchips in a global tech company.

After completing a Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Software Development at NWRC, Jordan McElwee is now working as an Application Support Engineer at Fujitsu.

Jordan worked with Fujitsu as an apprentice during the three years of his course and is now continuing his employment with the digital services company.

Studying locally was a big plus for Jordan who says that Higher Education courses at Further Education colleges have huge benefits.

He added: The courses are highly practical and tailored to meet the demands of local industries, which make you job ready. The smaller class sizes I experienced meant you got more personalised support from lecturers, who have both academic and real-world experience.

The apprenticeship programme is a standout. It gives you the opportunity to earn while you learn, gain invaluable work experience, and build connections with local companies, which is exactly what helped me start my career at Fujitsu.

Jordan added that he chose to study Software Development because it perfectly aligns with his interests and strengths.

He said: Ive always enjoyed problem-solving, understanding how things work, and the creative side of building something from scratch. Software Development allowed me to combine all of that while learning skills that are in demand in the modern world.

The flexibility of the field also appealed to me, whether its creating applications, automating processes, or improving systems, theres always something new to learn and achieve.

In my current role, I provide technical support for critical national applications, work on automation projects, and collaborate with cross functional teams to improve processes. Its a role that challenges me every day and keeps me learning.

A former student of Limavady High School, Jordan says he tried a few different courses before landing on the HLA in Software Engineering.

He said: In hindsight, leaving my previous course was a bold decision, but I dont regret it. It gave me clarity about my goals, and ultimately, it worked out for the better.

For the future, Id like to keep growing in my career at Fujitsu, expanding my knowledge in cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and DevOps. Long-term, Im interested in mentoring others entering the tech field, as I know firsthand how valuable it is to have guidance early on. With the experience Ive gained, Im already helping the next batch of apprentices.

Id like to work on a large-scale project that has a meaningful impact, whether thats improving accessibility in technology or streamlining critical systems for businesses.

Orlaith McEleney, HLA Skills Development Officer at NWRC explained that the courses have huge benefits for students and employers.

She added: Higher Level Apprenticeships enable businesses to attract and retain employees with potential, expanding workplace diversity and benefiting the local community and wider economy. With Higher Level Apprentices learning at work, they can develop the knowledge and occupational competencies demanded by specific job roles and meet the unique needs of business.

The courses are all funded by the Department for the Economy so students never have to worry about tuition fees, in fact, the HLA is a unique work-based programme that enables participants to earn while they learn, while gaining a recognised Level 5 qualification.

For more information please contact orlaith.mceleney@nwrc.ac.uk or visit https://www.nwrc.ac.uk/study/apply/higher-level-apprenticeship
The seizure of the Madleen - an aid ship attempting to reach Gaza to deliver humanitarian supplies - by the Israeli forces has been condemned by the members of Derry City and Strabane District Councils Business and Culture committee.

The ship, which left the Sicilian port of Catania in southern Italy, on June 1, was carrying a group of international activists, including Swedens Greta Thunberg.

On June 9, Israeli forces seized the vessel and detained the activists, enforcing a longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory that has been tightened during the Israel-Hamas war.

The full text of the motion, proposed by Cllr Shaun Harkin (PBP) and seconded by Cllr Catherine McDaid (SDLP) read: Council condemns the capture of the Madleen Gaza Freedom Flotilla ship and arrest of the volunteers aboard seeking to break the siege and deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid.

Council will write to British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris requesting they demand the Israeli regime immediately release and ensure the safety of all the crew volunteers, return the Madleen and make immediate delivery of the humanitarian aid brought by the Freedom Flotilla.

Council will send its solidarity to the 'March to Gaza' leaving from Cairo on June 15, 2025, and going to the Rafah border with volunteers from Derry, Ireland and across the world. The March is supported by the Derry IPSC, organisations across Ireland and internationally to demand an end to genocide, an end to the humanitarian aid siege and the implementation of full sanctions against Israel."

Speaking to his motion, Cllr Harkin said the crew of the Madleen knew it was unlikely they would get in to Gaza to support people.

They also knew whatever danger they face is nothing compared to what people are living through inside Gaza, he added.

But, I think the way a lot of activists and the volunteers on the Madleen looked at it, they had to find ways, and we have to find ways of doing whatever we can. We have marched. We have petitioned. We have passed motions. Now people are going directly to Gaza to try and support them.

The Israeli navy captured the ship and arrested all the volunteers. Some of those volunteers have been deported but seven of them, including a member of the European Parliament are still being held in an Israeli jail.

People are very worried about what's going to happen to them so I think it is incumbent upon us to make sure that we are raising this issue and talking about it.

I think we want to call on the British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and the Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris to call upon the Israeli government to make sure that the safety of all the members of the crew is assured; to release all of the crew members immediately; and to allow the humanitarian aid that the ship was carrying into Gaza, said Cllr Harkin.

Cllr McDaid said the volunteers on the Madleen have put their words into action.

They are getting on a ship and taking their lives in their hands essentially and sailing there. It we have learned anything it is that the Israeli government and the IDF have absolutely not a humane bone in their body, she said.

They do not care that they are murdering and killing innocent people in Palestine every day. They are now taking people from ships who are just trying to go and help.

I know that Colum Eastwood as the MP for has already contacted the Foreign Secretary as well soI think we we all need to be pushing this out from every angle that we can.

Regarding the second part of the motion, I know some of the people who are going to Cairo this week and they are going to be marching to the Rafah border. I wish I could do more but I'm not brave enough to do it. These people are brave enough to do it. They are taking their lives in their hands by going there and by taking this risk to do everything they can to support the people, and bring aid to innocent civilians that are being murdered every day.
Representatives of the British and Irish Governments will meet in Co Down on Friday to discuss latest political developments across the islands.

The 43rd meeting of the British-Irish Council (BIC), which was established to promote mutually beneficial development following the Good Friday Agreement, will have a particular focus on artificial intelligence.

Irelands premier and deputy premier will be among attendees, along with representatives of the Northern Ireland Executive and the UK Government, as well as the Governments of the Scotland, Wales, Jersey and the Isle of Man.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said relations across the islands are in a good place.

He said I look forward to the BIC Summit when I will have the opportunity to discuss with our nearest neighbours our own shared, and international challenges.

Relations across these islands are in a good place and there is always more that can be done to deepen cooperation and unlock potential to the benefit of all.

Tanaiste Simon Harris added: I look forward to attending this BIC Summit, which is the first to take place in Northern Ireland since the restoration of the Executive and Assembly last year.

The British Irish Council provides a very useful forum to discuss issues of topical concern across these islands.

This is vitally important, particularly at a time when we are focused strongly on realising the potential of relationships across these islands.
A fire broke out at Larne Leisure Centre following vandalism at the facility on the third night of disorder in Northern Ireland.

Masked individuals smashed windows at the leisure centre in Co Antrim on Wednesday and set fires outside which spread inside.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said the facility had been designated as an emergency rest centre for those in urgent need following disturbances in nearby Ballymena but the families had been safely relocated elsewhere.

Police and firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control on Wednesday night.

Larne leisure centre has been attacked by masked thugs. Windows smashed and fires lit nearby. Larne does not need this. pic.twitter.com/F3mlQVwgFy  Danny Donnelly MLA (@DannyDonnelly1) June 11, 2025

The fire coincided with a third night of public disorder in Ballymena, 30 minutes away from Larne.

Dozens of police officers have been injured during the sustained unrest while multiple properties and vehicles have been set on fire.

The PSNI deployed riot police for a third night in Ballymena as a significant crowd gathered around the Clonavon Terrace area.

At least one protester was struck by a plastic baton round fired by police while officers also used a water cannon on the crowd.

Demonstrators who gathered on Bridge Street near the residential area were told to disperse shortly before 9pm after a firework was thrown at officers.

Officers, who warned they would fire the plastic baton rounds at violent individuals, also used dog units and drones in their response to the gathering.

Riot police with shields advanced on the crowd to disperse them down Bridge Street in the town.

They came under sustained attack as those participating in disorder hurled petrol bombs, masonry and fireworks at police vehicles and officers standing nearby.

Tense scenes as police hold the line close to Clonavon Terrace in Ballymena @PA pic.twitter.com/KY8JhzsUDR  Jonny McCambridge (@McCambridgeJ) June 11, 2025

Elsewhere, social media footage appeared to show an established fire on train tracks running through Coleraine.

Earlier, a senior officer said the PSNI had requested support from colleagues in the rest of the UK following further violence in Ballymena.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force would be bringing extra officers, vehicles and equipment to areas where unrest has flared.

He said there were disgraceful scenes in Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey on Tuesday, as businesses, homes and cars were attacked and damaged.

By Wednesday, six individuals had been arrested for public order offences, and one charged.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he utterly condemns violence which left 32 police officers injured after the second night of disturbances.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned that the rioting risks undermining the criminal justice process into an allegation of a sex attack on a teenage girl in Ballymena at the weekend.

Stormont ministers have also made an urgent appeal for calm and said the justice process had to be allowed to take its course.

Mr Henderson said the force had requested about 80 officers through mutual aid.

Speaking during Prime Ministers Questions in the Commons, Sir Keir condemned the mindless attacks against police.

In a joint statement, ministers from across the Stormont powersharing Executive, which includes Sinn Fein, DUP, Alliance Party and UUP, said those involved in disorder have nothing to offer society but division and disorder.

First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly later appeared together to voice their condemnation.

Sinn Fein vice-president Ms ONeill told reporters in Belfast: Its pure racism, there is no other way to dress it up.

Ms Little-Pengelly described the scenes in Ballymena as unacceptable thuggery.

With the protests focused in predominantly loyalist areas in Ballymena, Ms ONeill said she did not believe it would be helpful for her to visit in the current context.

DUP MLA Ms Little-Pengelly met residents in the town on Wednesday and said the local community are in fear and wanted the violence to stop.

The key message here today is around that violence, and that the violence needs to stop, thats what the community wants to put across, and thats why Im here to send that very clear and united message from right throughout the community and local residents for that to stop, she said.

The violence began around Clonavon Terrace on Monday night following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area.

Two teenage boys, who spoke to a court through a Romanian interpreter, have been charged.
The First Minister and Deputy First Minister will attend the East-West Council in Belfast on Thursday.

The East-West Council is a forum for key representatives from government, civil society and businesses from across the UK to advance shared opportunities and address shared challenges.

Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly will attend the meeting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive.

It is the first sitting of the council in Northern Ireland under the current UK Government.

It will be co-chaired by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn, and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden.

Mr Benn said: The first East-West Council to take place under this Government will strengthen East-West collaboration to benefit the community and voluntary sector and boost trade not only in Northern Ireland, but across the UK.

Northern Ireland Office Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Fleur Anderson will also announce the UK Governments new Connect Fund, which provides up to 1 million for the regions voluntary and community sector.

The East-West Council will also hear from Intertrade UK, another body formed through the Safeguarding the Union command paper, on their programme of work to facilitate and boost trade across the UK.
Petrol bombs, a hatchet and masonry were among items thrown at police during a third consecutive night of disorder in Ballymena.

Officers responded with water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds in an attempt to disperse crowds in the Co Antrim town.

Unrest spread to other towns on Wednesday, including Coleraine and Larne  where the leisure centre was set on fire by masked vandals who also smashed windows.

The facility had temporarily been used as emergency shelter for those in urgent need following disturbances in Ballymena earlier in the week.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who highlighted the use of the building in a social media post, said all those who had been staying at the leisure centre are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.

SLDP MLA Matthew OToole, the leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, said he would refer Mr Lyons to the standards commission following the fire.

Several arrests have been made and dozens of police officers have been injured during the sustained unrest in Ballymena, which also saw multiple properties and vehicles set on fire.

Tense scenes as police hold the line close to Clonavon Terrace in Ballymena @PA pic.twitter.com/KY8JhzsUDR  Jonny McCambridge (@McCambridgeJ) June 11, 2025

In the town on Wednesday, the PSNI deployed riot police for a third night in a row as hundreds gathered around the Clonavon Terrace area.

At least one protester was struck by plastic baton rounds fired by police while officers also used a water cannon on the crowd.

Officers also used dog units and drones in their response to the gathering.

Riot police with shields advanced on the crowd to disperse them down Bridge Street onto other roadways.

They came under sustained attack as those participating in disorder hurled petrol bombs, masonry and fireworks at police vehicles and officers standing nearby.

Rioters smashed the windows of a house on North Street and set multiple fires on streets in the surrounding area.

The disorder and stand-off with police continued past midnight.

The PSNI have also noted scenes of disorder in Belfast, Lisburn, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey earlier in the week, as businesses, homes and cars were attacked and damaged.

By Wednesday, six individuals had been arrested for public order offences, and one charged.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he utterly condemns violence which left 32 police officers injured after the second night of disturbances.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned the rioting risks undermining the criminal justice process into an allegation of a sex attack on a teenage girl in Ballymena at the weekend.

Stormont ministers have also made an urgent appeal for calm and said the justice process had to be allowed to take its course.

First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly appeared together on Wednesday to voice their condemnation.

Sinn Fein vice-president Ms ONeill told reporters in Belfast: Its pure racism, there is no other way to dress it up.

Ms Little-Pengelly described the scenes in Ballymena as unacceptable thuggery.

With the protests focused in predominantly loyalist areas in Ballymena, Ms ONeill said she did not believe it would be helpful for her to visit in the current context. DUP MLA Ms Little-Pengelly met residents in the town on Wednesday and said the local community are in fear and wanted the violence to stop.

The key message here today is around that violence, and that the violence needs to stop, thats what the community wants to put across, and thats why Im here to send that very clear and united message from right throughout the community and local residents for that to stop, she said.

The violence began around Clonavon Terrace on Monday night following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area.

Two teenage boys, who spoke to a court through a Romanian interpreter, have been charged.
A judge has said a strong message must be sent out that courts will deal robustly with those involved in violence in Ballymena.

District Judge Nigel Broderick warned that young people who got involved were risking a significant custodial sentence as three teenagers faced rioting charges at the towns magistrates court on Thursday.

Michael Elliot, 18, of Lanntara, Ballymena, and two youths are the first defendants to appear in court since the sustained violence erupted in the Co Antrim town on Monday.

Meanwhile, two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries.

Police in Northern Ireland condemned a third consecutive night of completely unacceptable disorder on Thursday morning.

They said on Wednesday night in Ballymena their officers came under sustained attack with multiple petrol bombs, a hatchet, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown at them.

Officers responded with water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds in an attempt to disperse crowds in the town.

Nine officers were injured while two men, aged in their 20s, and one in their 30s, along with two teenagers, were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and other offences in connection with the disorder on Wednesday.

Police said officers discharged a number of attenuating energy projectiles (AEPs) and the water cannon was deployed once again in an attempt to disperse and calm crowds.

Meanwhile, police said they responded to an attack on the local leisure centre in Larne.

Masked protesters blocked local roads in the Marine Highway area of Carrickfergus, a teenager was arrested in Newtownabbey following disorder in the Station Road area and in Coleraine a bus was attacked, bins were set alight on the train tracks and petrol bombs were thrown at police.

They added that associated protests passed without incident in the Antrim and Lisburn areas, and there were mainly peaceful protests in Belfast.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said there was a significant policing operation on Wednesday night.

What we witnessed last night has caused fear and huge disruption within our communities, including to our local transport network and community services, he said.

Police officers came under attack from petrol bombs, fireworks and heavy masonry.

A hatchet was also thrown at police lines during this disorder in a clear attempt to seriously injure our officers and I thank them once again for their continued efforts putting themselves on the line keeping our streets safe.

We made six arrests last night during this disorder and more will follow. We are working hard to identify all those responsible in this criminal disorder and those involved will be dealt with using the full force of the law.

We are now in the process of gathering evidence, CCTV and other footage of yesterdays disorder, and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.

I would strongly urge anyone who was involved in yesterdays rioting and disorder to think long and hard about their actions and its impact. I would also appeal for calm voices and cool heads to reduce tensions.

Earlier, Secretary of State Hilary Benn described the scenes as shocking, adding there is absolutely no justification for civil disorder.

He told the BBCs Good Morning Ulster programme: This is not what Northern Ireland is about, this is not what we want the rest of the world to see.

We all, as elected representatives, have a responsibility to seek to calm things down, to support those in the community trying to keep people safe, principally the PSNI, to work with community leaders to lower tensions.

Whatever views people hold, there is no justification for trying to burn people out of their homes, that is what is going on, and that is what needs to stop because it is shocking and damaging, and it reflects very badly of the image of Northern Ireland that we all want to send to the rest of the world.

Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long said it has been a three-day festival of hate and destruction which needs to stop before someone loses their life.

She said she will be seeking additional funding for the PSNI in the June monitoring round.

She also commended the PSNI for seeking support through a mutual aid request for additional officers from Great Britain.

This is not just a few days of violence, this has been wanton destruction on a huge scale, and any police service in these islands who are dealing with this kind of pressure, dealing with the number of officers, now close to 50, who have been injured in the last few days, would clearly be feeling the challenge and the strain, she told the BBC.

The leisure centre in Larne had temporarily been used as an emergency shelter for those in urgent need following disturbances in Ballymena earlier in the week.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who highlighted the use of the building in a social media post, said all those who had been staying at the leisure centre are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.

SDLP MLA Matthew OToole, the leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly, said he would refer Mr Lyons to the standards commission following the fire.

Tense scenes as police hold the line close to Clonavon Terrace in Ballymena @PA pic.twitter.com/KY8JhzsUDR  Jonny McCambridge (@McCambridgeJ) June 11, 2025

In the town on Wednesday, the PSNI deployed riot police for a third night in a row as hundreds gathered around the Clonavon Terrace area.

At least one protester was struck by plastic baton rounds fired by police while officers also used a water cannon on the crowd.

Officers used dog units and drones in their response to the gathering.

Riot police with shields advanced on the crowd to disperse them down Bridge Street on to other roads.

They came under sustained attack as those participating in disorder hurled petrol bombs, masonry and fireworks at police vehicles and officers standing nearby.

Rioters smashed the windows of a house on North Street and set multiple fires on streets in the surrounding area.

The disorder and stand-off with police continued past midnight.

The PSNI have also noted scenes of disorder in Belfast, Lisburn, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey earlier in the week, as businesses, homes and cars were attacked and damaged.

By Wednesday, six individuals had been arrested for public order offences, and one charged.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he utterly condemns violence which left 32 police officers injured after the second night of disturbances.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned the rioting risks undermining the criminal justice process into an allegation of a sex attack on a teenage girl in Ballymena at the weekend.

Stormont ministers have also made an urgent appeal for calm and said the justice process had to be allowed to take its course.

First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly appeared together on Wednesday to voice their condemnation.

Sinn Fein vice-president Ms ONeill told reporters in Belfast: Its pure racism, there is no other way to dress it up.

Ms Little-Pengelly described the scenes in Ballymena as unacceptable thuggery.

With the protests focused in predominantly loyalist areas in Ballymena, Ms ONeill said she did not believe it would be helpful for her to visit in the current context. DUP MLA Ms Little-Pengelly met residents in the town on Wednesday and said the local community are in fear and wanted the violence to stop.

The key message here today is around that violence, and that the violence needs to stop, thats what the community wants to put across, and thats why Im here to send that very clear and united message from right throughout the community and local residents for that to stop, she said.

The violence began around Clonavon Terrace on Monday night following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area.

Two teenage boys, who spoke to a court through a Romanian interpreter, have been charged.
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China's MLCC makers carve out 10% share  How does Semco adjust course?

Chinese multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) manufacturersincluding Guangdong Fenghua Advanced Technology, Chaozhou Three-Circle Group, and Eyang Technologyhave rapidly expanded their global market share, reaching an estimated 10% of total revenue in the second half of 2024. That reflects a four-percentage-point gain from 2019 and signals growing competitive pressure on incumbents such as Samsung Electro-Mechanics (Semco), according to Business Post and Futubull.

China traditionally relied on importing IT-grade MLCCs from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. But the post-COVID boom in remote work and digital learning triggered surging demand for computers and home appliances, accelerating the expansion of local MLCC production. According to the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), this trend has driven strategic investment in China's foundational components ecosystem.

A researcher at South Korea's iM Securities observed that as Chinese OEMs increase their influence in IT hardware, they are also strategically cultivating supply chains for essential component materials like MLCCs to support large-scale manufacturing.

Despite their growth, Chinese MLCC firms still lag in technical capabilities and hold a relatively small share compared to global leaders. In the first half of 2024, Samsung Electro-Mechanics captured 24% of the global market, ranking second to Japan's Murata Manufacturing. However, Chinese smartphone brands have reportedly started using domestic MLCC suppliers as leverage in pricing negotiations, further squeezing Samsung's margins.

Roughly 40% of Semco's MLCC revenue is derived from China, highlighting its vulnerability to rising local competition. In response, the company has ramped up efforts to diversify its portfolio, focusing on high-margin segments like automotive electronics and AI servers.

AI server and automotive MLCCs drive growth

Semco's pivot is already yielding results. In 2024, its automotive MLCC division saw double-digit revenue growth. The company also secured a major supply deal worth several hundred billion South Korean won with Chinese EV maker BYD, with shipments already underway. At the March 2025 shareholder meeting, CEO Chang Duckhyun said automotive MLCCs now account for 15% of total MLCC revenue and could surpass 25% by year-end 2025.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics CEO Chang Duckhyun. Credit: Semco

AI servers are also emerging as a key growth driver. These systems require far more MLCCs than traditional serversabout eight times more, according to SK Securities. Some estimates suggest up to 25,000 MLCCs per AI server versus 2,000 in conventional units. This demand is being fueled by AI accelerators, autonomous driving, and the rise of electric vehicles.

According to The Korea Economic Daily, Samsung now holds approximately 40% of the global MLCC market for AI servers, narrowing the gap with Murata's 45%. This near-equal footing contrasts sharply with the broader MLCC market, where Murata leads with over 40% and othersincluding Semco, TDK Corp., Yageo Group, and Taiyo Yudenhold between 10% and 20%.

Samsung began repositioning early. In 2022, under Chang Duckhyun, the company launched a new business task force focused on next-gen technologies like silicon capacitors, glass substrates, and solid-state micro batteries. Concurrently, it broadened MLCC supply targets from smartphones to servers, robotics, and automotive applications, anticipating a slowdown in mobile growth.

Beyond AI, Samsung sees robust growth potential in high-voltage automotive MLCCs. Mordor Intelligence projects the global high-voltage MLCC market to expand from US$4 billion in 2024 to US$11 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 22%.

At the March shareholder meeting, Chang projected 2024 revenue from AI servers and automotive products to reach KRW2 trillion (US$1.46 billion). Analysts forecast that these segments will grow from 26% of total sales in 2024 to 35% by 2025.

The shift appears to be paying off. While peers face headwinds from global economic pressures and US tariffs, Semco is regaining momentum. Its 2025 operating profit is projected to hit KRW870.3 billion, up 18% year-over-year. By 2026, the company is expected to return to the KRW1 trillion profit club for the first time since 2022.

Article edited by Jack Wu
A woman who was being questioned by gardai about a fatal hit-and-run in Dublin last Christmas has been charged and will appear in court next week.

The woman, aged in her 30s, was arrested on Wednesday by gardai investigating the fatal incident which happened in Blanchardstown on St Stephen's Day.

Georgina Hogg Moore, 39, and her 40-year-old husband, Anthony (Anto) Hogg, died from injuries they sustained after they were struck by a vehicle while crossing the road at around 5.45pm.

A man who was also arrested on Tuesday has been released without charge, gardai have confirmed.

"The man, aged 40 years who was arrested yesterday (Wednesday) morning in connection with this investigation was released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

"The woman, aged in her 30s, was charged and was released on bail and is due to appear before Blanchardstown District Court on June 17 2025 at 10.30am," read a brief statement, issued this Thursday morning.

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Gardai say investigations are ongoing.

Following last December's hit and run, Ms Hogg Moore was pronounced dead at the scene while her husband later died at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown.

The couple, who had two children, had been out shopping and were returning home when the collision occurred.
The treatment of residents at nursing homes featured in an RTE documentary should be investigated by gardai, Tanaiste Simon Harris has said.

He also said the state is too reliant on private nursing home care and far too many people in Ireland go into nursing homes far too early.

Labour TD Marie Sherlock said during Leaders Questions that there are huge questions for Government over how to care for older people in Ireland.

She said there are no minimum staffing levels for nursing homes, despite there being such standards in Northern Ireland and elsewhere.

Are you comfortable that the nursing home sector is becoming dominated by big business in Ireland? she asked.

Responding, Mr Harris said: The short answer is I believe the state is too reliant on the private market when it comes to nursing home provision.

Thats why we established a commission of care because I do think we need to look at the entire model of how we care for older people in this country.

He also told the Dail: Ive been reflecting on this, and I fully accept that people work in very demanding environments, I fully accept that as well.

But I do also believe what stems from what weve seen on our television screens in recent days are real questions of personal accountability.

There are laws in our land today. There are laws in relation to assault, there are laws in relation to how we conduct ourselves, and I would urge that a referral is made to An Garda Siochana in relation to the footage that we saw.

Because what I saw with my own two eyes, the haunting scenes of people being, in my view, physically assaulted in their home, is something that  the Government has responsibilities here to do things, absolutely, but so too do people who carry out those actions.

I do think theres a need for a Garda investigation into what we saw in relation to the individual actions of people in relation to that.

He also said Hiqa has questions to answer as there were serious shortcomings.

He added: There are many good private nursing homes, big and small, right across the country and I dont have an ideological view in relation that.

I just want older people to have choice in relation to their care. I want their families to be supported in making those decisions.

I want to know, whether its a public nursing home or a private nursing home, that everyone is safe, that everyone is being treated with dignity.

I do think we should also be more ambitious about care in the community. I do believe that. I believe far too many people in Ireland go into a nursing home far too early. I can think of good examples of where we have housing alternatives in place and home care opportunities, but theyre far too rare.

But I also think there are genuine, serious issues of personal accountability.

There is no law, there is no ideology, or there is no model of care that can excuse away  either in its existence or its absence  the conduct of people who decided to physically manhandle elderly people with dementia, and I want them held accountable and I want the gardai to look at the matter.

The Public Accounts Committee has unanimously decided to call senior representatives from Hiqa, the HSE and the Department of Health after the documentary.

PAC chairman John Brady said: The revelations uncovered in this investigative report have understandably caused widespread outrage and deep public concern. They raise fundamental and troubling questions about the oversight, governance and accountability mechanisms in place within the residential care sector.
Dundalk Chamber recently held its regular Cross Border Seminar on Taxation and Social Welfare in partnership with the Cross Border Partnership for Employment Services (CBPES). The initiative is a joint effort between the Department for Communities and the Department of Social Protection, aimed at encouraging and supporting cross-border employment

Joanne Lavelle, Vice President of Dundalk Chamber, opened the event by thanking CBPES for their ongoing support. She welcomed guest speakers Brendan Casey and Rose Tierney, both of whom are regular contributors to these seminars. Ms Lavelle also took the opportunity to inform members of upcoming events and invited feedback to help shape future sessions.

Brenda McGeeney, CBPES Advisor, reiterated the organisation's commitment to supporting cross-border workers and employers, highlighting the Chambers vital role in facilitating guidance and resources in this area.

Brendan Casey was the first speaker and addressed the complexities surrounding individuals who have contributed to multiple social insurance systemsnamely Irish PRSI, UK NIC, and other EU member state schemes. He outlined recent changes in the eligibility criteria for Irish pensions and pointed out key anomalies and risks faced by those living in one jurisdiction and working in another. Brendan emphasized that social welfare entitlements are governed by different rules than taxation codes, which can lead to confusion and potential pitfalls.

Next, Rose Tierney, a specialist in cross-border taxation, addressed the seminar. She focused on the tax deductibility of pension contributions and the residency rules that impact both employees and employers. Ms Tierney cautioned that companies may face dual tax exposure when senior employees live in one jurisdiction but occasionally work from home in another. She also clarified that Transborder Relief does not apply if the employee works from home even part-time; to qualify, the individual must physically travel across the border to their place of work.

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Paddy Malone, PRO of Dundalk Chamber and a practicing accountant, confirmed that these issues had been raised on behalf of the Chamber at the Dublin Belfast Economic Conference (DBEC) and with the relevant departments. He noted that these concerns have been included as standard in Dundalk Chambers and Chambers Irelands budget submissions in recent years.

The seminar concluded with a lively Q&A session, chaired by Paddy Malone, during which both speakers provided detailed and insightful responses to audience queries.
The Department of Justice has confirmed that the former St Joseph's Female Orphanage & Industrial School and St Malachy's Convent at Seatown Place in Dundalk will be used to accommodate people fleeing the war in Ukraine but there is no set date to move people to the north Louth location.

It was confirmed last year that the building was to be refurbished to accommodate refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Previous to this, planning permission had been granted to convert the buildings into an apartment complex.

Following the recent completion of the refurbishment works, the Dundalk Democrat contacted the Department of Justice last week for more information on its plans. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department said that:

"A contract is in place between the Department and St. Malachy's Convent, Seatown Place, Dundalk to accommodate people fleeing the war in Ukraine. The capacity of the accommodation is 250 residents.

"The room configurations at the property allow for a variety of groupings, including families with children. There is no set date to move people to St. Malachys Convent.

"Due to a reduction in the number of people arriving from Ukraine, it is likely that those who are accommodated at St Malachys Convent will be relocated from properties whose contracts are ending. Those requiring relocation will be accommodated in the same area if possible.

"Currently there are a number of contract terminations and relocations in process where people are moving from State contracted commercial accommodation. On completion of this current process, a detailed plan will be put in place regarding the use of St. Malachys Convent."

The site was the location last year for a number of protests against the decision to house Ukrainian refugees there by anti-immigration protesters, as well as counter-demonstrations by activists welcoming the refugees.
With traffic congestion around Bridge Street and Newry Bridge in recent weeks, Dundalk councillor Ciaran Fisher has renewed calls for better public transport. While welcoming recent road improvements, he warned that without new bus routes, particularly in the north and southwest of the town, car dependency will continue to rise. Speaking at a Municipal meeting, he urged Transport Ireland to prioritise long-promised bus expansions to ease pressure on local roads.

The recent traffic congestion on Bridge Street, Castletown Road and the Newry Bridge has once more drawn attention to the poor connectivity across the Castletown River.

While I welcome the improvements to Bridge Street and Linenhall Street, and I think they provide a much nicer approach to the town over the Newry bridge, Im wary that anti-car design may cause it to be a traffic hotspot.

Time will tell on that one, but one thing that is for sure, is that the lack of bus connectivity forces thousands of people every week to use their cars to get around.

The roadworks will only be finished at Bridge Street and well be looking at the Lisdoo junction and Armagh road improvements, so there is more congestion in the same area to come.

Councillor Fisher said that a recent survey of traffic said that on a typical workday, Newry bridge has 5000 plus cars on it. The Tain bridge has traffic of 16000+ cars on a similar given day. Approximately 4000 people a day leave the northern region of the Dundalk area to come south into its other parts.

He continued: If Transport Ireland wants to make an instant improvement in how people travel, and to reduce the traffic, a new bus route servicing the north of the town is needed.

I can see gaps in the bus services in the south of the town too, such as no stops on the Avenue Road or Tom Bellew Avenue, not to mention the sprawl of houses on the south west of the town  but Ath Lethan and the Lisdoo/Armagh Road are crying out for a bus service and have an enormous two way bus demand, in and out of the town.

This is why I have resurrected this with the Active Travel team and implored them to get behind these proposed routes. There was a proposal to do so in the Local Transport Plan and I think it should be not just looked at, but enacted.

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In Tuesdays Muincipal meeting, I asked about the prospect of this happening, and mentioned how this would take cars off the road and reduce traffic. The response given was that the Council have been recently in touch with Transport Ireland about making this a reality. The conversations have centred around routes and road ownership so far. And while there is a way to go yet, its a stepping stone in the right direction.

Meanwhile, the population on this side of the town is only going to grow. There is considerable strain on the water infrastructure on the south of town and planning has been granted for a sizable development out the Lisdoo Road in recent times, this only strengthens the case to get the transport infrastructure in place.

Im asking for a carrot before stick approach, make it easier for people to choose not to take the car and sit in traffic, before talking about reducing road space, reducing car parking spaces and making it constantly more expensive to run a car.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin is in Louth today, to join business leaders and stakeholders from across the island in Dundalk, for the annual Ibec and Confederation of British Industry (CBI) All-Island Economy Conference.

This years event, which is supported by strategic partner Belfast Harbour, takes place against the backdrop of new challenges for the all-island economy, including rising global uncertainty driven by US trade and tariff policies and heightened geopolitical disruption.

Businesses across the island are eager to see aligned policy support from both governments that unlocks economic opportunities and broadens the benefits of cross-border cooperation. According to Ibec and CBI, more must be done to strengthen and future-proof the all-island economy by enhancing collaboration around: trade, infrastructure, sustainability, workforce integration, private investment, and long-term resilience.

Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec, said: The restoration of the North-South Ministerial Council has cleared the way for improved cooperation across the island. However, the rise in global uncertainty stemming from US trade and tariff policies and growing geopolitical disruption means the all-island economy must focus on building resilience and deepening collaboration.

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The business community across the island is eager to see aligned policy support from both governments to enable economic growth and widen the benefits of cross-border cooperation. The ongoing UK reset of post-Brexit relationships with the EUand separately with Ireland as co-guarantors of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreementis an encouraging step. But further progress in both areas must also include tangible support for businesses operating across the island.

Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive, CBI, said: As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global trade, this years Ibec-CBI All-Island Annual Business Conference comes at a critical time for businesses across Northern Ireland, Great Britain, and the EU. The disruptive impact of tariffs, tax retaliation, and a changing global order has only reinforced the urgent need to strengthen cross-border economic ties on the island of Ireland.

In the current climate, policy stability and certainty are not optional but are prerequisites for investment in sectors that matter most to both of our economies, from manufacturing and agri-food to life sciences.

The recent EU-UK Common Understanding offers welcome progress, particularly through an improved Sanitary and Phytosanitary/Veterinary Agreement and linking our Emissions Trading Schemes. These are tangible steps towards rebuilding trust and unlocking long-term growth.

Firms on both sides of the border are clear: clarity, collaboration, and consistency are essential. Here in Dundalk, we have an opportunity to turn those principles into action, demonstrating how the all-island economy can be a blueprint for shared prosperity in uncertain times.

Ongoing engagement by CBI and Ibec with business across the island have identified the following key policy priorities for all-island firms:
A chance to get creative is in store this summer for anyone across Louth and further afield, at a number of fun and creative pottery workshops set to take place at Bo Studios in Dundalk, facilitated by ceramicist and founding member of Bo Studios, Etaoin O'Reilly.

The courses include a Two Day Pottery Wheel, Decorating and Handling Workshop on 5 and 6 July; a five week Pottery Wheel Throwing Workshop running from 23 June to 22 July; and two Saturday Taster Pottery Wheel Classes on 19 July and 16 August. Further details on each of the workshops are below.

Etaoin, who is facilitating the workshops, graduated from NCAD in 2014 with a First Class Honours in Craft Design, and has since completed residencies at NCAD, LSAD and An Tain Arts Centre. She completed training in glaze technology and production pottery on the Design and Crafts Councils of Irelands Ceramic Skills Course, in Thomastown, Kilkenny.

Her achievements include; winner of The Overall Future Makers Award for her NCAD degree show and acceptance on the Young Ambassadors Program. This program sent her to Venice where she worked for the Homer Faber Exhibition. She runs Etaoin OReilly Ceramics where she sells her own ceramic art work and functional range from Bo Studios.

She is also a founding member of Bo Studios at 6 Jocelyn St in Dundalk. The idea came about when she was completing the Emerging Artist Residency at An Tain Arts Centre in summer 2020 and was dismayed at the lack of suitable affordable artist studio space in the town. Joining forces with three other artists, David Callan, Blathnaid McClean and Olivia Hill, Bo Studios was established and now houses 10 professional visual artists.

Etaoin has shared some details of the upcoming workshops, all of which can be booked through her website here. The workshops are as follows:

Five Week Pottery Wheel Throwing Workshop - In this five week Pottery Workshop, you will get to learn the basics in wheel throwing, where we focus on the techniques of throwing to make you feel more confident using the pottery wheel. At the end of our workshop, you will get to keep three of your creations that Etaoin will glaze and fire in the kiln and you can collect at a later date.

Below: photo by Stephen Hurley





They take place on Monday nights from 23 June until 21 July, running from 6pm - 8pm; and on Tuesday nights from the 24 June until 22 of July running from 6pm - 8pm. Cost per person: 195

Two Day Pottery Wheel, Decorating and Handling Workshop - In this two day workshop, you will get to learn the basics in wheel throwing, where the focus is on the techniques of throwing, to make you feel more confident using the pottery wheel. The focus will be on quality and not quantity, using hands and various tools, all while having fun in a creative space.



On the second day, the pieces made will be decorated and handled. They will be decorated using paper resist which is a fun technique of decorating using the pottery wheel. This two day course will run the weekend of 5-6 of July from 11:00am - 3.30pm both days. Cost per person: 220.

Saturday Taster Pottery Wheel Classes - Wheel Classes! Spin away stress as you shape clay into something magical while making new friends. No experience needed! Just bring your imagination and Etaoin and her colleagues handle the messy bits. The perfect weekend treat for your creative soul. This taster class will take place on both 19 July, from 12-2:00 pm; and on 16 August, from 12-2:00 pm. Cost per person: 60.

Below: photo by Stephen Hurley

Five Week Pottery Wheel Throwing Workshop - Another Five Week Pottery Wheel Throwing Workshop has just been confirmed for September/ October. In this five week Pottery Workshop, learn the basics in wheel throwing, where the focus is on the techniques of throwing to make you feel more confident using the pottery wheel. At the end of the workshop, you will get to keep three of your creations that Etaoin will glaze and fire in the kiln and you can collect at a later date.

They take place on Monday nights from 8 September until 6 October, running from 7-9pm; and on Tuesday nights from 9 September until 7 October, running from 7-9pm. Cost per person: 195.

See https://ceramicsbyetaoinoreilly.com/ for more information.
This summer, visitors are invited to slow down, take the scenic route, and explore one of Irelands best-kept secrets: the Sea Louth Scenic Seafood Trail, a 70km coastal journey through County Louth, celebrating fresh local seafood, rich maritime heritage, and jaw-dropping views.

From the medieval charm of Carlingford to the working harbour at Clogherhead, Sea Louth weaves through some of the countrys most picturesque coastal villages and towns. Its a trail that feeds the soul, and the appetite.

How it Works

To begin your adventure, pick up a free Sea Louth passport from tourist offices in Carlingford, Dundalk or Drogheda.

Along the way, collect custom stamps at 14 scenic coastal viewpoints, from windswept beaches and heritage harbours to panoramic greenways and peaceful piers.

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Highlights include the Blue Flag beauty of Port Beach, the panoramic Carlingford Lough Greenway, the heritage harbour at Greenore, vibrant Dundalk Bay with its flourishing food and arts scene, the peaceful charm of Gyles Quay, and the bustling port town of Drogheda, where centuries of maritime history meet lively festivals and delicious local flavours.

Collect ten viewpoint stamps and two stamps from participating restaurants serving local seafood, and youll receive a unique Sea Louth keepsake.

This trail invites people to slow down, take the scenic route, and really savour whats special about our coastline, not just the views, but the stories, the people, and of course, the food, said Sabhbh Ni Mhaolagain, Tourism Officer with Louth County Council.

The People Behind the Flavour

Local producers are the heartbeat of Sea Louth. In Carlingford, the Carlingford Oyster Company, run by the Louet-Feisser family, has been farming oysters for nearly 50 years, their award-winning shellfish shaped by the mineral-rich waters of the Lough.

In Clogherhead, Fishermans Catch brings in ultra-fresh seafood just metres from the shore using sustainable, traditional methods.

And Gyles Quay Lobster & Crab, led by Ciaran Gallagher, continues a legacy of lobster and crab potting that dates back to the 1800s.

These are just a flavour of the many passionate producers, fishermen and families working along the County Louth coastline, each one playing a part in this authentic, sea-to-plate story.

Taste the Trail

Whether its oysters with a squeeze of fresh lemon in the sunshine or a show-stopping seafood platter, Sea Louths participating restaurants serve up the coast on a plate.

Think PJ OHares Oyster Bar and Ghan House in Carlingford, Square Restaurant n Dundalk, The Clermont in Blackrock, the award-winning Glyde Inn in Annagassan, and Scholars Townhouse Hotel in Drogheda.

Expect lobster, oysters, razor clams, prawns, crab and fresh fish  all served with a side of sea breeze and scenic views.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you dip in for a day or tackle the whole trail, Sea Louth invites you to experience the coastline like never before.

Pick up your passport and follow the flavour.

For full details and a list of participating producers, restaurants and viewpoints, visit: www.sealouth.ie
Local Enterprise Office (LEO) roadshows are to visit Co Cork towns this summer, with the Mayor of County Cork Joe Carroll encouraging entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium-sized businesses to attend.

The event series, called A Conversation with your LEO, will arrive in Kanturk, Macroom, Youghal, Carrigaline, Clonakilty, Midleton, Skibbereen, Millstreet, Mitchelstown, Mallow, and Bandon during the months of June and July.

The roadshows, organised by South Cork and Cork North and West LEOs, are an opportunity to connect with a support network which can help navigate the challenges of running a business. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with LEO representatives, who can answer specific questions, provide advice, and help to identify the support and grants that are available.

Mr Carroll said: The roadshow provides a valuable networking opportunity. Youll be able to connect with other business owners in your area, share experiences, and build relationships that can benefit your business in the long run.

Chief executive of Cork County Council Moira Murrell added: The LEO roadshows are designed to inform, connect, and empower businesses across Cork county.

It is an opportunity to discover the wealth of support and grants available to help your business grow and succeed.
Cork woman D Murphy, who was arrested in the West Bank last month, was set to return to her home in Swansea, in Wales, yesterday.

Ms Murphy, originally from Douglas, was arrested in the Masafer Yatta region on May 31 and was taken to an Israeli prison, where she fought for 10 days against deportation.

The Cork native, who is 70, was brought to a deportation hearing on June 1, alongside Swedish national Susanne Bjork, whereafter she decided to remain in prison.

According to the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) group, in which Ms Murphy is involved, she was then brought in front of a Detention Review Tribunal on June 4, without legal advice or representation, despite repeated requests for same.

The next hearing for her deportation case was scheduled for July, but Ms Murphy was set to return to the UK yesterday.

Ms Murphy and Ms Bjork were accused of being in a military area and were removed by Israeli forces. Israeli forces are in the village of Khalet Al-Dabaa, in the Masafer Yatta region, where communities are facing forcible displacement.

Ms Murphys son, Dale Ryan, said that although he is proud of his mother for shining a light on the conditions Palestinians are facing, he is relieved that she is on her way home.

The past 10 days have been intense, and we have had to trust that the Israeli authorities would treat my mother fairly, [ensuring] her basic needs were met, said Mr Ryan.

From their treatment of the Palestinians over the past several decades, this was not something we had the most confidence in. My mother did not want to be detained or deported, she wanted to be in Masafer Yatta with her friends, helping them in any way she could.

I know that she would have been pleased that her situation helped to draw some more eyes to the appalling treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank and the humanitarian crisis we are witnessing in Gaza

As a family, we are all very relieved to have my mother home.

I know after a days rest [she] will be back gathering support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and for the fair treatment of all Palestinians, after me and all her family give her a massive hug.

A spokesperson from the ISM said that decisive steps must be taken by Western governments to bring an end to the conflict in Palestine.

It comes as no surprise to see that Ms Murphys rights under Israeli custody were undermined, they said.

It is a harrowing development that as she is deported, the Israeli forces are [in] the village of Khalet Al-Dabaa, where she and [Ms] Bjork were arrested.

Murphys case has served to remind us that the international community not only has an obligation to stop trade and relationships with Israel, but also to take decisive steps to bring the occupation of Palestine to an end.

We are equally sorry to see a shy response from both the Irish and British governments.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said that he does not have the executive authority to interfere with the approval of a controversial commercial mussel farm at Kinsale Harbour.

His comments come in response to Independent Ireland Cork South-West TD Michael Collins, who raised the issue in the Dail on Tuesday.

Mr Collins said that the process in which the aquaculture licence was granted is flawed.

The new licence granted leaves many unanswered questions on the planning process for this specific licence, said Mr Collins.

He said these surround transparency with the licence award, a lack of public consultation, and lack of monitoring environmental impacts.

This planning application, which will destroy marine, leisure, and tourism activity in Kinsale, is simply flawed, he added.

Will you urgently look into this matter, with the department, to stop this damaging plan from going ahead in Kinsale until proper planning guidelines are adhered to?

In response, the Taoiseach said that he understands the licence was granted following the fullest consideration of both public interest and environmental impacts.

My understanding is that the minister for agriculture, food and marine has determined to grant an aquaculture licence to Woodstown Bay Shellfish Ltd, and that the licensing process involves consultation with a wide range of scientific and technical advisors, as well as various statutory consultees, said Mr Martin.

I am informed that the legislation also provides for a period of public consultation, which, for this application, was held in 2019, and re-run in 2021.

I am told that the decisions in respect of aquaculture licence applications are only taken following the fullest consideration of all consultations and public interest elements, including environmental considerations.

An appeal against an aquaculture licence decision may be made in writing within one month, he added.

So, there is a process here  I dont interfere in every single process. I dont have executive authority to do that.

Speaking to The Echo, Evelyn ORiordan, who is a member of the Friends of Kinsale Harbour group, said that she is disappointed with the Taoiseachs comments.

I think [the Taoiseach] should be calling for more investigation into the matter, and for proper release of the documents, said Ms ORiordan.

Its very hard to make an appeal when we have incomplete information.

I was disappointed with his [the Taoiseachs] comments, but I wasnt surprised  I didnt expect him to stand up for it.

A peaceful protest opposing the development will take place at Kinsale Harbour and the Dock Beach tomorrow from 6.30pm, with Ms ORiordan calling on everyone young and old to show their support.

I would hope that the protest will bring huge awareness to this issue, said Ms ORiordan.

We need everybody out to fill the beach, young and old, the more force we have [the better].
Independent councillor for the Cork city south-east ward, Kieran McCarthy, has said that his requests for improved safety measures in Blackrock village have led him to a dead end.

His comments follow a response from Cork City Council to a motion raised by Mr McCarthy requesting traffic-calming measures along the Blackrock Pier, and the implementation of a footpath outside the Maple Leaf Bar.

In respect of the traffic-calming measures, a spokesperson for the local authority said that the approach to Blackrock Pier has been added to the list of requests issued to the Roads Operations department.

Annually, Roads Operations bring forward to the members of the [Local] area committees all requests for traffic-calming [measures] and locations are selected by the members, subject to funds being available, the spokesperson said.

The quantum of traffic-calming infrastructure that is installed annually is directly proportional to the amount of funding provided to the operations directorate for such purposes.

As such, should members wish to increase the pace of delivery of traffic-calming infrastructure, then options to achieve same are a) increase the revenue budget allocation in 2026 or b) assign some of the 2025 local area committee budget towards such works, the spokesperson said.

Mr McCarthy said that while he notes this response, the road is currently very dangerous, due to drivers increasing speed upon entering the village.

It is clear that some car owners do speed up as they enter the environs of Blackrock village, said Mr McCarthy.

That is very dangerous, as there are blind spots arising from corners, parked cars, and growing pedestrian traffic coming from the village, the Marina, and crossing to St Michaels Church.

With respect to the provision of a footpath outside the Maple Leaf Bar, the spokesperson for Cork City Council said that the local authority has no plans to undertake such a project.

There is insufficient road width at the location to support two-way traffic, footpaths on both sides of the road, whilst also maintaining the existing parking provision, the spokesperson said.

To provide a footpath from the Maple Leaf to Ursuline Convent would require a road review/design and project budget, neither of which currently exist.

It may also require planning approval, they added.

It is very likely that such a design solution would require the removal of circa 15 parking spaces on the opposite side of the road, [and] based on the foregoing, there are currently no plans for the installation of a footpath at this location.

Mr McCarthy said that the public request for a footpath on the Maple Leaf side of Blackrock Road is a justifiable one.

My request to explore putting in a footpath has currently led to a dead end in terms of council support, said Mr McCarthy.

However, I will continue to raise the lack of footpaths and pedestrian safety elements within Blackrock village [with Cork City Council].

Blackrock Rowing Club placed fourth in regatta

The Blackrock Rowing Club placed fourth in the second regatta of this years Coastal Rowing Associations (CRA) season.

In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for the Blackrock rowing Club said that despite poor conditions, the team came back with hard earned recognition.

The gang over at Ballycotton did very well to organise this regatta at a brand new venue, the spokesperson said.

Cox Kevin with crew, Janet, Cait, Jan, and TJ, at the recent regatta at Blackrock Rowing Club.

For the time it was running it was running very well. Unfortunately due to poor conditions on the water, racing was called to a halt for the day, [but] this didnt deter the boat from Blackrock.

Well done to our senior mixed crew, consisting of our cox Kevin, [and crew] Janet, Cait, Jan, and TJ.

The conditions were tough and the craic was mighty  the lads came back with a hard earned fourth place finish under real coastal rowing circumstances.

This was a great result, especially given the crew had two first time regatta goers in the boat.

The next regatta will be held in Whitegate on June 22.

Host family wanted

A call has been made for a host family in Blackrock to take a German student who will be joining transition year (TY) at Ursuline Secondary School this coming September.

In a post shared on social media, Barbara Cid issued a plea for a caring family who could host a bright and friendly teen.

Shes a lovely, kind, and hardworking girl, and shes been offered a place in TY at Ursuline Secondary School  [which is] such a fantastic opportunity for her, said Ms Cid.

She already has friends who will also be studying in Cork, so settling in will be easy and fun.

Shes really excited about this adventure  [but] the only thing missing now is a host family who can welcome her and help make this experience possible.

She would be staying from September to the end of May, and travelling home for Christmas and Easter.

As always, the family receives a monthly tax-free payment, and Ill be here to support you with anything you need along the way.

Anyone interested in hosting is urged to contact Ms Cid on Facebook.

Evelyn Crowley and Aoife ONeill, from Blackrock, at the Stereophonics concert at Virgin Media Park on Saturday night. Picture: Larry Cummins

Coffee shop barista vacancy

A recently opened coffee shop in Blackrock is seeking to hire a new barista.

Coffee Line 1850, located on the Blackrock Road, opened its doors for the first time on Sunday.

In a post shared on social media, a representative of Coffee Line 1850 said the business is looking to hire a new staff member.

We are looking for a skilled barista to join our team, the representative said.

If you have experience and a passion for coffee, apply now by sending us a direct message or by calling in to Coffee Line 1850 with your CV.

Have Blackrock and Mahon news to share? Contact rachel.lysaght@theecho.ie
The behaviour of a man who shouted racial abuse at another man who was walking down the street was described as outrageous by a district court judge.

Sergeant Majella OSullivan told Youghal District Court that the incident occurred on the afternoon of September 2, 2024, at Main Street in Youghal. The victim reported that he had been approached by the accused, Eugene Quirke, 47 of South Main Street, Youghal who began to verbally abuse him.

The court heard that Mr Quirke asked the victim: What the fuck are you looking at? and called him a rat and a paki c**t. When the injured party told Mr Quirke not to threaten him, the accused came up behind him and said I will threaten you.

Defence solicitor James Moore said that his client had been drinking vodka before the incident and could not remember it. He said that Mr Quirke deeply regretted it and did not dispute what happened.

He said that his client would apologise to the injured party but was advised to have no contact with him.

He said that although Mr Quirke had 15 previous convictions, the most recent was 11 years ago.

Judge Brian OShea said: How can someone go from repairing the boardwalk to going out and insulting and abusing a man in a racist way?

"The excuse that he was drunk makes it even worse, that he got so drunk he went out and did this.

Judge OShea adjourned the matter to allow Mr Quirke to gather 400 in compensation for the injured party and to write a letter of apology.

He said that if this was done Mr Quirke would be convicted and fined 300. The judge said the alternative would be a three-month prison sentence.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
Two men who are allegedly members of a Lithuanian organised crime gang under investigation in Cork were yesterday remanded in custody for four weeks.

Neither man objected to the prosecution application for an adjournment for the longest remand in custody while DPP directions are sought.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded both of them in custody until July 9 at Cork District Court.

Sergeant John Dineen said:

The file has gone to the Detective Inspector, en route to the DPP. This is a substantial investigation. Nine people have been arrested. There were 95 garda witnesses and ten civilian witnesses.

Eddie Burke solicitor consented to the remand in custody application for a period of four weeks on behalf of both men.

Detective Garda Ruairi McGovern arrested 46-year-old Jonas Pavilionis of no fixed address and objected to bail in his case on March 25.

Mr Pavilionis was charged with having heroin and possessing it for sale or supply on the second floor of Douglas shopping centre car park on March 25, and having a machete on the same date.

The value of the alleged seizure was 3,920. He was charged that on Sunday March 23 at Audley Place, Patricks Hill, Cork, he had two bill-hooks. The allegation was that he was seen stashing them behind an electricity box.

The detective said Operation Fustian targeted a particular gang and he alleged that the accused was an integral part of it and only came to Cork eight weeks previously.

He was brought here purely for the purpose of protection, Det Garda McGovern said.

A Lithuanian interpreter was present in Cork District Court for both defendants.

Detective Garda Jeremy Murphy arrested and charged 33-year-old Karolis Guzauskas, with 12 counts of possession of diamorphine (heroin) and 12 counts of having heroin for sale or supply.

The detective said that on five dates, the defendant allegedly sold heroin to 12 undercover gardai in the Fitzgeralds Park and Mardyke area.

The detective agreed that the accused was in Ireland for five years and in a relationship with a woman from Cork, and that on March 19 he was the victim of a serious assault.

The detective objected to bail being granted in his case because of concerns for the safety of the community.
A Cork man who failed to complete a Community Service Order (CSO) as directed by the District Court has been sent to jail.

Court presenter Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told Clonakilty District Court that Stephen Tanner, aged 31, of Woodlands, Clonakilty, had not carried out a CSO as directed by the court.

Giving evidence, probation officer Deirdre Coakley told the court that Mr Tanner was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service but had only attended one induction meeting which had accounted for four hours of the order.

The court heard that Mr Tanner had not made any effort to contact the Probation Service since the induction meeting and still had 96 hours of the CSO outstanding.

Mr Tanner told the court that he had not been contacted and said that he had made an effort to attend the hearing in Clonakilty despite being unwell.

Judge Treasa Kelly told Mr Tanner that the 12-month period during which he could carry out the CSO had expired and she had little option but to impose a custodial sentence as a result.

Mr Tanner said that he was willing to carry out the order and stated that sending him to prison would be unjust.

Judge Kelly imposed a 30-day custodial sentence and said:

You went for the induction and then you didnt turn up.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
Cork citys Playful Culture Trail will return for its fifth year this summer, after it was launched on UNESCOs International Day of Play on Tuesday.

The 2025 edition of the trail puts a spotlight on discovery.

Guided by a child-friendly trail map, families can complete 20 interactive activities and collect stamps at each stop, from galleries and museums to historic landmarks and outdoor spots.

At the heart of the trail is Blaithin the Lizard, the trails mascot, who will be hidden in each attraction, helping participants to solve clues and unlock facts about Corks heritage and history.

Running from June through September, the trail features a mix of cultural and heritage sites, including: Blackrock Castle Observatory, The Butter Museum, Cork City Gaol, Elizabeth Fort, Nano Nagle Place, The Glucksman Gallery, St Fin Barres Cathedral, Shandon Bells and Tower, Old Cork Waterworks Experience, as well as parks and picnic points such as Fitzgerald Park, The Lough, and Marina Park.

Highlights of this years trail include finding the centre of the labyrinth at St Fin Barres Cathedral, learning the purpose of the Cork Horns at Cork Public Museum and borrowing a board game at Cork City Library.

Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor of Cork, Dan Boyle, praised the initiatives creativity and collaborative spirit, saying:

Im delighted to see the Playful Culture Trail return to Cork city for its fifth year.

Children have come to know and love Blaithin the Lizard. This years detective theme encourages exploration, learning, and genuine fun across the citys museums, galleries, and historic sites.

"My sincere thanks to everyone who has collaborated to bring this trail to life. The trail is coordinated by Lets Play Cork, and the organisations Martin ODonoghue said: This trail aligns with global efforts to promote play as essential for childrens development. Cork continues to lead the way nationally in reimagining our cultural spaces as places for play, learning, and joy. The Playful Culture Trail was first established in Cork in 2021 to make cultural and heritage spaces more accessible and fun for children.

Danielle ODonovan, director of the Cork Butter Museum, said the trail is about transforming how children experience culture: Children arent just welcometheyre our VIPs.

This citywide collaboration shows just how welcoming and playful Cork is. We cant wait to welcome this years little super sleuths! The Playful Culture Trail 2025 offers a unique and engaging way to experience the city this summer - opening times, access details, trail maps and further information can be found at: playfulculturetrail.com.
Artist Martha Cashman, a Youghal native, is exhibiting at the United Irish Cultural Centre (UICC) in Corks twin city of San Francisco from June 13- 16.

The ceramicist, who received a grant from Cork City Council to visit San Francisco and show off her wares in the Californian city, is taking part in Trad Fest West at the UICC where there will be music and dance, as well as art in the venues exhibition.

Martha, who is based in Cork city, from where she travels to residencies around the world, says she was fascinated to learn that a third of the population of San Francisco were Irish in the late 1800s.

This year, San Francisco is celebrating its 40th anniversary as Corks twin city.

The UICC is 50 years old this year and is a hub of activity, offering creative people in the city a space in which to work, perform and exhibit.

It celebrates, promotes and preserves the cultural heritage of Ireland. It fosters cultural awareness through education, the arts and social events, chronicling the valued historical contributions of the dedicated Irish in the San Francisco Bay area.

What is it like to be an artist in Donald Trumps America?

Rent is daily becoming an issue in San Francisco for many people, especially artists who are trying to stay true to their practice.

Martha adds that many people she has spoken to in San Francisco say there is little support for artists by way of grants. But this is a city of philanthropists and, with a lot of time and energy, you can find some support and scholarships.

Martha has been to the city of Petaluma, an hour north of the Bay area, for pit-firing her pottery. Pit firing was a popular activity on the beaches for many years, but it has been recently restricted due to fires in California. I am lucky to be driving here so I can get to many places I would never see without a car.

She went to Kickwheel Sonoma, which is dedicated to preserving and sharing ceramics education, teaching hundreds of students of all ages and skill levels in various studio settings.

The studio is the brainchild of Andrew Kontrabecki, an expert ceramicist who has a great vision for the space and offers alternative firings such as raku and obvara and has plans for wood firings.

Martha Cashman received a grant from Cork City Council to visit San Francisco and show off her wares in the Californian city

Martha has met a lot of American artists in her new temporary abode. She has American citizenship, having lived in New York and Boston for many years, where she set up a successful decorating business called Irish Ladies in Painting. She received citizenship in 2020. This allowed me to travel over and back regularly without any concerns.

This year, Martha says she has been fortunate to pick up some great decorating jobs in San Francisco.

The city, she observes, has much to offer on various fronts. I was blown away by the diverse selection of art offerings and could see great opportunities to showcase my work here again. Also, there are different nationalities that offer a great selection of food. And there is a wonderful, dry, sunny climate. Its a colourful city, full of attractive murals. There are wonderful street festivals here and night markets.

There are First Thursday events with open studios, free access to museums and music events. There are some beautiful theatres, the jazz centre and the San Francisco Ballet. I saw the Nutcracker earlier this year and it was amazing.

Would Martha like to live in San Francisco all the time?

For a while, for sure. It has a lot to offer. The landscape is so interesting. You have so many long beaches and incredible hiking on offer.

I lived in Mill Valley in the mountains. Its got incredible views of redwood forests, lakes and wetlands. There are great farmers markets with such a wide selection of food.

How does Cork compare to its larger twin city?

Its hard to say. Cork has so much to offer; its just on a smaller scale. But there is nowhere like Cork and I cant help telling anyone I meet all about it, encouraging them to visit, which isnt hard as everyone Ive met wants to see Ireland.

Martha will debut her Coastlines exhibition at the UICC, bringing together the two diverse regions of the coastlines of Cork and San Francisco.

In her artists statement, she says: I am interested in the ways we observe the passage of time in the world around us. I am constantly thinking about nature and how the work I create can somehow act as a link to connect us with plants, nature and sustenance. With this inspiration, I have focused on sculpture, working in small series to create works which express growth, change, and the accumulation and passage of time.

The finished works appear as relics or artefacts of a time lost in history. Mainly hand building with fine porcelain, I use driftwood, dried seaweed and steel wire in my sculptural pieces which give a weathered effect, and invite exploration and contemplation.

Having grown up on a farm, her work is influenced by local flora and fauna and the landscape around her.

My artist vocabulary is nourished by a diverse range of contemporary art and design and also old ceramic vessels and trinkets from my grandparents home, says Martha.

Her eco-awareness project is called More Clay, Less Plastic, reflecting her concern for and activism around the environment.
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.

Computer screens at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service forecast office in Albany, New York on Sept. 22, 2015. Lori Van Buren / Albany Times Union via Getty Images

In an apparent attempt to dismantle Climate.gov, a major United States government website that supports climate science education, the Trump administration has fired all of its content production staff.

The website is a gateway to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)s Climate Program Office.

The entire content production staff at climate.gov (including me) were let go from our government contract on 31 May, said a former contractor who asked to remain anonymous to avoid retaliation, as The Guardian reported. We were told that our positions within the contract were being eliminated.

The Trump Administration has launched a "very deliberate, targeted attack" on publicly-funded climate science. Effective this month, climate.gov will cease to produce new content. It is one of the most popular places on the internet for climate info. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025



[image or embed]  Eric Holthaus (@ericholthaus.com) June 11, 2025 at 2:16 PM

Former program manager of the site Rebecca Lindsey, whose job was terminated in February during the administrations purge of probationary government employees, described months of discussions between NOAA career staff and political appointees over the websites fate.

Lindsey called the move a very deliberate, targeted attack.

Lindsey said a staff of roughly 10 contract employees  who have all been dismissed  created the websites content and maintained it, with contributions from NOAA scientists. Lindsey said its editorial content was designed to be politically neutral and accurate in terms of science.

We operated exactly how you would want an independent, non-partisan communications group to operate, Lindsey said.

The website is visited hundreds of thousands of times each month, making it one of the internets most popular sources of climate science information.

NOAA Climate.gov provides timely and authoritative scientific data and information about climate science, adaptation, and mitigation, the website says in its mission statement. Our goals are to promote public understanding of climate science and climate-related events, to make NOAA data products and services easy to access and use, to provide climate-related support to the private sector and the Nations economy, and to serve people making climate-related decisions with tools and resources that help them answer specific questions. In short, NOAA Climate.govs mission is to provide science and information for a climate-smart nation.

The staff fired from Climate.gov feel the changes to the website were made by Trump political appointees with the purpose of restricting publicly accessible climate information, reported The Guardian.

Sigh. NOAAs climate.gov website is expected to stop adding new content after nearly the entire staff was fired at the end of May, wrote physicist Dr. Robert Rohde, chief scientist at Berkeley Earth, on social media. Whether the website will be archived, shut down entirely, or repurposed with Trump-aligned content is unclear.

Tom Di Liberto, a former spokesperson for NOAA who was fired earlier this year, said two web developers were spared their jobs, which he said was concerning.

Its targeted, I think its clear, Di Liberto said, as The Guardian reported. They only fired a handful of people, and it just so happened to be the entire content team for climate.gov. I mean, thats a clear signal.

The anonymous contractor said there were no plans for new content to be posted on Climate.gov, other than that which was pre-written and scheduled.

After that, we have no idea what will happen to the website, the contractor said.

I would hate to see it turn into a propaganda website for this administration, because thats not at all what it was.
(Photo: WCC)World Council of Churches Rev. Jerry Pillay addresses Pentecostal World Conference in Helsinki, Finland in June 2025.

Pentecostals and ecumenicals, often perceived as distant from each other, have met during the Pentecostal World Conference in Helsinki, Finland.

The Joint Consultative Group, comprising the World Council of Churches and the Pentecostal World Fellowship, held a meeting from June 4 to 7, coinciding with the Pentecostal World Conference in Helsinki, Finland.

The meeting was hosted at Siion Church.

The Joint Consultative Group engaged in Bible studies, shared ecclesial stories and personal faith journeys, reflected on Christian diversity, and reaffirmed standard methodologies for future work, the WCC reports.

Morning prayers organized by group members accompanied daily sessions.

In a message to the 27th Pentecostal World Conference, WCC general secretary Rev. Jerry Pillay, a Reformed minister, reflected on the theme of the conference, "Go &Make," describing it as both timely and deeply challenging.

"Diversity was recognized as a gift of the life-giving Spirit. It was acknowledged that recognizing diversity within one's own church helps cultivate appreciation for diversity in others who are part of the Body of Christ," said Pillay, a South African.

"The diversity present in the churches was seen as an invitation to value and learn from the different languages and vocabularies each uses to express faithful discipleship."

The Joint Consultative Group affirmed several key theological insights, including that diversity should reflect the communion of the triune God; and that there should be no division in the Body of Christ.

Theological reflections and storytelling will continue to guide the group's methodology, helping to reveal how God works through diversity to bring about unity.

Pillay said in his address, "Our world longs for spiritual and moral renewal.

"Your gatherings here in Helsinki  focusing on theological education, missions, and unity  testify to the Pentecostal movement's global vitality and commitment," he said.

"In particular, I celebrate the contributions of the Christian Unity Commission, through which Pentecostal churches are working collaboratively with other Christian traditions."

Pillay also mentioned the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea this year.

"This historic milestone offers a moment for all Christians to reflect on the foundational confessions of our faith and to renew our commitment to visible unity," he said.

"As you reflect, pray, and share during these days, may you feel the embrace of the global Christian community walking alongside you."

According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, the First Council of Nicaea, took place in ancient Nicaea, now Iznik in Turkey.

Roman emperor Constantine I, who was unbaptized, but in the process of converting to Christianity, called the council.

According to Wikiversity, the council brought together bishops from all over Christendom to resolve divisive issues and ensure the continued unity of the church.

Next year's focus will be on "Purpose." Grounded in love and strengthened by the Spirit, the Joint Consultative Group will seek to discern the collective purpose that binds Christians together, as reported by the WCC.

Key questions will include: What is the collective purpose that unites us? How can we work collaboratively in alignment with God's plan?
Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products .

Proton VPN stands out for two main reasons: it's one of the only virtual private networks (VPNs) to include a free plan with no data limits, and it's one of the few services majority-owned by a nonprofit. It's the best VPN in both of those categories, and it makes a strong case for being the best overall.

Even if you don't care about the work of the Proton Foundation, Proton VPN is a service worth using. It's easy to install and manage, runs like the wind and meets high standards for security and privacy. It has more IP locations in Africa than any of its competitors. It's even looking toward the future by working toward full IPv6 support.

In short, Proton VPN gets our enthusiastic recommendation, especially for torrenting (which it supports on almost every server). It's not perfect  the apps for Apple systems lag behind their Windows and Android counterparts, and the free servers can be noticeably sluggish  but the cons pale in comparison to the pros. We'll get into it all below.

Proton Best VPN for privacy Proton VPN Proton VPN is a superlative service that's proven itself willing to fight for your privacy  plus, it unblocks Netflix and keeps your internet fast. Pros Keeps internet speeds fast

Physically secured data centers

Free plan with unlimited data Cons High proportion of virtual server locations

Live chat support only for paid users $3 at Proton VPN

Table of contents

Findings at a glance

The table summarizes what we found while reviewing Proton VPN, both good and bad. Keep it open in a tab while you comparison shop for a VPN.

Category Notes Installation and UI Windows has the best interface, but all apps are smooth Android users get unique preset protocols Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox can be used for split tunneling on Mac and iOS Speed Retains 88 percent of download speeds and 98 percent of upload speeds Global latency average stays under 300 ms, with 52 ms on the fastest server Security No DNS leaks or WebRTC leaks on any servers Full IPv6 support is available on Android, Linux and browser extensions; Mac, Windows and iOS still block IPv6 to prevent leaks WireShark test showed active packet encryption Pricing Best plan costs $81.36 for two years ($3.39 per month) Free plan includes unlimited data and critical security features, but you can't choose your server Bundles Proton Unlimited saves money if you want two or more Proton products Privacy policy General Proton policy prevents collection of IP addresses unless a user has violated the terms of service (such as by using a Proton VPN server to abuse another site) No third parties are allowed to handle personally identifiable information Confirmed by Securitum audit in 2024 Virtual location change Unblocked Netflix repeatedly in all five testing locations, with new content proving a successful location change A free server in Romania got into Netflix but had trouble loading the library Server network 154 locations in 117 countries More servers in Africa than any other VPN, plus many others across the globe About two-thirds of server locations are virtual Features NetShield can block just malware, or all malware, ads and trackers Kill switch on all platformsSplit tunneling on Windows, Android and browser extensions only Secure Core servers route VPN through two locations, one of which is physically secured in Iceland, Sweden or Switzerland Almost all paid servers are P2P-enabled Tor over VPN servers in six countries let you access dark web sites from any browser Profiles saves time when you repeatedly need specific connection settings Customer support Most articles in the online help center, while well-written, are invisible unless you use the search function Live chat is only for paying customers, and is unavailable from midnight to 9 AM CET Background check Launched in 2017 by the same company that developed ProtonMail Majority owned by the Proton Foundation, whose board includes the company founders and can resist takeover attempts While ProtonMail has worked with Swiss authorities in the past, Proton VPN is not governed by the same laws that compelled this Claims of a vulnerability in WireGuard's memory don't hold water

Installing, configuring and using Proton VPN

This section explains how it feels to run Proton VPN on the various platforms it supports. As a rule, it's not difficult. Proton VPN has more features than ExpressVPN, and a couple of them might trip up new users, but you'd have to really scrounge to find an actual inconvenience to complain about.

Windows

Proton VPN installs easily on Windows  you'll need to grant it permission to make changes, but that's it. Once you've signed in on the app, you'll reach one of the best interfaces we've tried on a VPN. The server network is immediately visible as both a list and map, and the location search bar, connect button and major features are all laid out around the same window.

Proton VPN's app for Windows. (Sam Chapman for Engadget)

It's honestly amazing how much you can reach from the launch window without anything feeling cluttered. They even squeezed in keyboard shortcuts for the search field. We also love that settings open in the same window, since dealing with both the main VPN app and a separate preferences panel can get annoying. Our only real gripe is that there should be an easier way to adjust the size of the map.

Mac

The desktop app for Mac isn't quite as deftly laid out as the Windows app. You can reach most of the important features from the main window, including Profiles, NetShield, Secure Core servers and the kill switch. However, there's no longer a way to filter out a list of the P2P or Tor servers, except by digging through the Profile controls. On the plus side, you can adjust the size of the map, so it's now a viable alternative to the server list.

Proton VPN's dark mode interface on macOS. (Sam Chapman for Engadget)

The other preferences are hidden in the menu bar  go to Proton VPN > Settings to reach them. They're laid out in four tabs, and shouldn't take more than a minute to go through at setup.

Android

The Android app takes the same design cues as the Windows app, and works as well. Four tabs along the bottom switch between the home screen, the country list, Profiles and all other settings. You can search the list of countries by tapping the magnifying glass at the top-right. In another nice touch, tapping the dots by any virtual location will tell you where the server is physically located.

Proton VPN's Android client. (Sam Chapman for Engadget)

Android users get some nifty exclusive Profiles, including "anti-censorship," which automatically connects to the fastest country except for the one you're in. The Settings tab is a single menu with subheadings and no unnecessary complication.

iOS

Proton VPN for iPhone and iPad looks almost the same as it does on Windows and Android, but with some of the same drawbacks found on Mac. The server list is more cluttered, and once again there's no easy way to sift out the P2P and Tor locations.

Proton VPN's app for iPhone and iPad. (Sam Chapman for Engadget)

The Settings tab puts all the feature descriptions in the open, which makes it look denser than it is. But these are minor quibbles  this is still a VPN that's very easy to activate and forget about.

Browser extensions

Proton VPN has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These serve as de facto split tunneling, as connecting through the extension protects only browser traffic; everything else goes unprotected. You can split the tunnel further by setting the VPN to not work on certain URLs (unlike the other apps, you don't need to know the IPs of those sites).

Proton VPN speed test: Impacts of VPN Accelerator

We used Ookla's Speedtest app to determine how much Proton VPN drags on a user's latency, measured in milliseconds (ms), and download and upload speeds, measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Together, these three stats show whether a VPN will noticeably slow down your internet, especially during demanding tasks.

We had high hopes for Proton here because of its VPN Accelerator technology, which runs VPN communications across several parallel tracks to process everything faster. It didn't disappoint  for the most part. Although download speeds didn't reach the heights we saw from ExpressVPN, Proton VPN's browsing performance still looks excellent nearly across the board.

Proton VPN barely makes a dent in your download speeds. (Sam Chapman for Engadget)

To choose our locations for the test, we checked Proton VPN's list of smart routing servers, which use servers in one country to simulate IP addresses in another. Almost all the smart routing servers are based in five cities: Miami, London, Marseille, Bucharest and Singapore. We ran these tests on a Mac using the automatic protocol setting.

Server Location Latency (ms) Increase factor Download speed (Mbps) Percentage drop Upload speed (Mbps) Percentage drop Portland, OR, USA (unprotected) 16 -- 58.93 -- 5.82 -- San Jose, CA, USA (best server) 52 3.3x 55.82 5 5.58 4 Miami, FL, USA 160 10x 54.33 8 5.49 6 London, UK 332 20.8x 52.55 11 5.72 2 Marseille, France 309 19.3x 45.42 23 5.59 4 Bucharest, Romania 408 25.5x 52.51 11 5.57 4 Singapore, Singapore 394 24.6x 52.26 11 5.50 5 Average 276 17.3x 52.15 12 5.58 4

Proton VPN looks very good in that table. Its average download speed was 88 percent of our unprotected speeds. To put that in perspective, if you started with 30 Mbps down (about half what we get) and connected to any Proton VPN server, you'd almost certainly still have a fast enough connection to stream in 4K.

Note the "almost"  Proton VPN did drop noticeably on its French server in Marseille. It's not uncommon for one of a VPN's data centers to have trouble while the others work fine, and you can usually fix the problem by just disconnecting and reconnecting. Just note that while drops to about 75 percent of your download speed are rare, they're not inconceivable.

Proton VPN security test: Watertight protocols

When we talk about VPN security, we're really talking about reliability. Can this VPN establish an encrypted tunnel and transmit all your information through it, every time, without leaks or failures? With Proton VPN, we're happy to say the answer is yes; we probed its security and found no cracks to speak of. Read the section below for specifics.

Proton VPN protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 and Stealth

Proton VPN uses four VPN protocols to communicate between your devices, its servers and the internet. Three of them (WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2) are common choices with no serious flaws as long as they're implemented thoughtfully. The fourth, Stealth, is an obfuscation protocol you should only use if the other three are blocked.

The protocol selection screen on Proton VPN's Android app. (Sam Chapman for Engadget)

OpenVPN is the most secure option. Without getting too technical, OpenVPN encrypts its backend functions as well as the data itself, which leaves it with no obvious vulnerabilities. It can also communicate using the same ports as common HTTPS traffic, so it's hard to block.

WireGuard is more efficient than OpenVPN, both in its source code and the cryptography it uses. It normally requires an exchange of fixed IP addresses, but the Proton VPN implementation overwrites those IPs with randomized addresses, cutting the security risk.

IKEv2 is a safe choice that's occasionally faster than either OpenVPN or WireGuard. You probably won't use it unless it happens to come up while you've set the protocol to Smart. As such, it's on the way to being phased out of Proton VPN.

Stealth is unique to Proton VPN, though its function is not. It's got the same architecture as WireGuard, but adds another TLS tunnel to evade network blocks that catch VPN traffic. That extra encryption slows it down, so we don't recommend using it unless the other three protocols don't work.

The first option on the app, called "Smart," is not a protocol  it means your VPN client selects the protocol that will give you the best speeds on your current server. Since all four protocols are safe, there's no downside to using the Smart setting most of the time.

Leak test

We used AirVPN's IP leak tool to check all four of Proton VPN's protocols for DNS and WebRTC leaks. Proton VPN uses its own DNS servers to reduce the risk of sending unencrypted requests, but since leaks are still possible, we tested using a simple method: checking our visible IP address before and after connecting to the VPN.

Despite testing several locations over three days, we never saw our real IP address show up on the tool. This held true even outside the Secure Core server list, where data centers might have been managed by third parties. It's not perfect proof, but it's a very good sign that Proton VPN enforces a consistent security regime on all its servers.

Proton VPN successfully masked our real IP address, even on a virtual location in Angola. (Sam Chapman for Engadget)

We also used BrowserLeaks to check for WebRTC leaks. These are mainly an issue on the browser side, but a VPN is doubly important if your browser happens to be leaking. We enabled WebRTC on our browser and tested the same set of Proton VPN servers without springing any WebRTC leaks.

Proton VPN and IPv6

Proton is working on making its entire VPN compatible with IPv6 addresses. If a VPN that's only configured for IPv4 has to resolve an IPv6 address, it can cause a leak  that's why most VPNs, even the best ones, block IPv6 altogether. That said, the whole internet will run on IPv6 one day, so it's nice to see Proton VPN leading the pack.

So far, IPv6 is automatically enabled on Proton VPN's Linux apps and browser extensions, and can be optionally activated on its Android app. The Proton VPN apps for all other platforms still block IPv6 traffic, but this should hopefully change soon.

Encryption test

Even if a VPN's protocol choices are solid, it's possible for individual implementations of those protocols to fail. We used WireShark, a packet inspector app, to test whether Proton VPN's encryption worked no matter what settings were in place. We're happy to say we never saw plaintext once.

How much does Proton VPN cost?

To get full access to Proton VPN, you'll need a Plus subscription, which costs $9.99 per month. You can knock off half that price by subscribing for a full year and paying a lump sum of $59.88, working out to $4.99 per month. A Plus account with Proton VPN also gives you free access to every other Proton app.

You can also pay $107.76 in advance to subscribe for two years, an average of $4.49 per month  perhaps more convenient, but it doesn't save you much. The one-year plan is the best value, though it's also nice that you don't have to pay through the nose for only one month. There's a 30-day, money-back guarantee on all plans.

Proton VPN is currently offering Engadget readers an exclusive deal that offers a 12-month plan for $47.88 ($3.99 per month) and a 24-month plan for $81.36 ($3.39 per month). Learn more about it here. One final option is the Proton Unlimited subscription, discussed in the "side apps and bundles" section below."

The Proton VPN free plan

Proton VPN is one of the best free VPNs on the market right now. No other VPN backed by as much experience and good judgment has a free plan with no data limits. Instead of capping how much data you can use per month, Proton VPN restricts which servers free users can access, limiting them to five countries: the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland and Romania.

The frustrating part is that you can't choose which of these servers you use; Proton VPN just auto-connects to whichever one is the least burdened. A Proton representative told us that this change goes along with improvements to the selection algorithm, better load balancing and the addition of the Poland and Romania locations. It is also possible to try for a better connection by clicking "change server."

The fact remains, though, that a free Proton VPN plan is useless for unblocking content in specific locations  but this may be by design. The free plan seems more aimed toward privacy and anonymity than streaming, and the placement of the free locations near Russia and China reflects that. Free Proton VPN plans don't sacrifice any essential security features.

Proton VPN side apps and bundles

Proton VPN's main bundle is Proton Unlimited, which gets you all six Proton products in one package: VPN, Mail, Drive, Calendar, Wallet and Pass. This costs $12.99 for a month, $119.88 for a year ($9.99 per month) and $191.76 for two years ($7.99 per month). We won't be going in-depth on any of them in this review, but here's a quick rundown of each.

Proton Mail: An end-to-end encrypted email service. Proton can still see a Mail user's real IP address, but can't read any of their messages.

Proton Drive: Encrypted cloud storage. As with Mail, Proton can identify users, but can't read any of the content they store.

Proton Calendar: An encrypted scheduling app with events and reminders.

Proton Wallet: A self-custody wallet for storing Bitcoin unconnected to any exchange.

Proton Pass: A password manager that generates, stores and autofills passwords for online accounts.

Even if you only need two of the six, Proton Unlimited saves you money. Separate monthly subscriptions to Proton VPN and Proton Mail would cost a total of $14.98, so you've already knocked off $2 per month. That increases if you're able to commit to a year in advance.

Close-reading Proton VPN's privacy policy

Proton's privacy policy comes in two parts: the general Proton policy and the shorter policy specific to Proton VPN. We'll cover them in that order.

General Proton privacy policy

Proton tracks user activity on its product websites using its own marketing tools; the data set collected does not include IP addresses. It retains an email address connected to each user's account, but it's not allowed to connect IP addresses (and thus identities and locations) to those emails unless the user breaches the terms of service.

You may rightly ask how Proton would know a user is abusing one of their services if they don't keep activity logs. The answer is that logs aren't needed; most forms of abuse can be detected in other ways and observed in real time. For example, if someone used a Proton VPN server to launch a DDoS attack, the team could inspect that server and find the hacker while the attack was still ongoing.

The policy goes on to list the five third-party data processors Proton uses (Zendesk, PayPal, Chargebee, Atlassian and Stripe), none of whom are allowed to store customer activity data. Proton cautions that it will share what data it does have in response to unblockable requests from the Swiss government, but not "until all legal or other remedies have been exhausted." This is standard for a VPN that wants to remain in business, and the transparency report shows the company does indeed fight court orders when it can.

Proton VPN privacy policy

Proton's VPN-specific privacy policy is quite short. It states that Proton cannot log user activities or identifiable characteristics of devices connected to the VPN, cannot throttle internet connections and must extend full privacy and security to free users.

In one sense, a privacy policy requires you to take the VPN provider at their word, but it's dangerous for a company to make promises they don't intend to keep. The policy is legally binding, and breaking it is grounds for a lawsuit. Proton VPN's succinct no-logs policy is therefore a great sign. It's also been confirmed several times by a third-party audit, most recently in July 2024.

Can Proton VPN change your virtual location?

Testing a VPN's ability to mask a user's location isn't complex  all you need is a streaming subscription. We connected to five test locations and tried to unblock Netflix with each one. If we managed to access the site, and saw different shows than those on the American library, we concluded that the location had masked us successfully.

Server location Unblocked Netflix? Library changed? Canada Y Y Romania Y Y Ghana Y Y Japan Y Y New Zealand Y Y

Proton VPN passed the test every time in all five locations. The only hiccup came in Romania, which we chose because it's one of the free locations. The app connected us to a free server, which was too slow to load Netflix; when we chose a paid server, the problem disappeared.

Proton VPN changed our virtual location so we saw the Japanese Netflix library. (Sam Chapman for Engadget)

Investigating Proton VPN's server network

Proton VPN's free plan includes servers in five locations: the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, the United States and Japan. When you connect as a free user, you'll be automatically connected to whichever location is fastest.

A paid plan opens up the full network of 154 servers in 117 countries and territories. The menu includes a huge selection of African locations, more than any VPN we've tested in some time. The Middle East, along with central and southern Asia, are also well represented, and U.S. users will find 20 different locations to choose from.

Proton VPN lets you know which of its locations are virtual. (Sam Chapman for Engadget)

Keep in mind that about two-thirds of these server locations are virtual, meaning they're not physically located where they claim to be. This includes all the African servers except South Africa and Nigeria; all the South American servers except Brazil, Colombia and Argentina; and all the Middle Eastern servers except Turkey, Israel and the UAE. A majority of the locations in Asia are also virtual, including South Korea, India, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.

To be clear, virtual locations can hide your IP address just as well as physical ones. It's only a problem if you're expecting the kind of performance, particularly in terms of latency, that you get from a nearby server. Luckily, Proton VPN gives you fast enough download and upload speeds that distance shouldn't be a problem.

None

Countries Virtual Locations Cities North America 6 3 25 South America 7 4 7 Europe 42 6 51 Africa 25 23 26 Middle East 13 10 14 Asia 22 16 25 Oceania 2 0 6 TOTAL 117 62 154

Features of Proton VPN

Proton VPN has a number of extra features that go beyond standard VPN functionality. We've already mentioned the Stealth protocol and IPv6 support. In this section, we'll cover an additional five features that might be of interest.

NetShield ad blocker

Proton VPN's built-in ad blocker is known as NetShield. It's available on the main UI page, and has two settings: one that blocks only malware sites, and one that blocks sites connected with malware, ads and trackers. The stronger feature is on by default.

The Netshield page on Proton VPN's iOS app. (Sam Chapman for Engadget)

NetShield works by checking any DNS requests against a database of web servers known to host malware, inject ads or attach cross-site trackers to your browsing session. The DNS-blocking approach means it's not capable of blocking ads served from the same domain that hosts them  so no blocking YouTube video ads. On the positive side, it means NetShield works across your entire device, not just on your browser.

NetShield also displays a running total of how many of each form of interference it's blocked. It catches most banner ads, but since you can't customize the blocklist in any way, it's best when combined with another browser-level ad blocker.

Secure Core servers

Here's an interesting one. Secure Core is a form of a common feature known as double VPN or multi-hop VPN, in which a connection runs through two VPN servers before being decrypted. If one server fails or gets compromised, the other server keeps your connection private.

Secure Core servers add a second node to your VPN connection. (Sam Chapman for Engadget)

Proton VPN takes this a step further. When you activate Secure Core, your connection will still end at your chosen server location  but before that, it will travel through a designated server in Iceland, Sweden or Switzerland. A few touches make Secure Core servers more reliable than the average VPN node:

All three countries are safe jurisdictions, with consumer-friendly privacy laws and courts sympathetic to privacy claims.

Secure Core data centers are locked down physically; for example, the Iceland location is a refitted military base, and the Sweden location is literally underground.

Proton owns and operates all Secure Core locations itself, with no rentals or third-party managers.

Almost no other VPNs pay as much attention to physical security as Proton VPN does with this feature. The second hop makes Secure Core connections slower on average, but it's worth it if you have something especially sensitive to do online.

Kill switch

Proton VPN includes a kill switch, a standard feature. When active, a kill switch cuts off your internet whenever your connection to the VPN drops. This means you're never in danger of leaking your real identity or location, even for a second. It also protects you against the TunnelVision exploit, which requires the hacker to make a fake VPN server.

Split tunneling

Split tunneling is included on the Windows and Android apps, but users on other devices can access it through the browser extension. With split tunneling, some apps or websites get online through the VPN, while others stay unprotected.

Split tunneling with Proton VPN on Android. (Sam Chapman for Engadget)

Proton VPN allows split tunneling by both app and IP address. This grants you a precise level of control over your split, as long as you know the IP of each website you're placing on the list (you can find that out using DNS checker).

Torrenting servers and port forwarding

Proton VPN is one of the best VPNs for torrenting. It restricts torrenting to P2P servers, but nearly every server on the list is a P2P server  only Secure Core servers and some free servers don't permit torrenting. Combine that with the fact that it maintains 96 percent of your upload speeds on average, and you should have few problems using a torrenting client.

Proton VPN's list of P2P servers. (Sam Chapman for Engadget)

It also has some support for port forwarding, which can improve torrenting speed. Windows and Linux users can enable it with a simple toggle, which provides an active port number for configuring private servers. Mac users can set up port forwarding through manual OpenVPN or WireGuard configurations.

Tor over VPN

A handful of Proton VPN servers route you directly to the Tor network after encrypting your connection. While connected to one of these Tor over VPN servers, which are marked with TOR in their names and an onion symbol, you'll be able to open .onion links on a normal browser.

This is more than just convenient  Tor over VPN is the safest way to access the dark web. With the VPN as an intermediary, you're never connecting to Tor with your own IP address, so malicious node operators can't see your real identity. For maximum privacy, use Tor Browser to create your Proton VPN account, so you're never exposed at any point in the process.

Proton VPN has Tor servers in six countries (the U.S., France, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany and Hong Kong). Each just has one Tor server, except the United States, which gets two. Tor over VPN is supported on all platforms, but it won't work on Mac or iOS unless you have the kill switch enabled.

Profiles

A "profile" on Proton VPN is a group of pre-established settings you can use to quickly configure the VPN for a particular task. Two profiles are available from the start: Fastest, which connects to the fastest server, and Random, which always connects to a different server. You can create more profiles by toggling four settings:

Feature: The type of server used. Choose from Standard, Secure Core, P2P or Tor over VPN.

Country: The country to which the profile connects.

Server: A server within that country. You can also select "fastest" or "random."

Protocol: Which VPN protocol the profile will use. "Smart" can be selected.

As an example, say you want to watch a TV series that's only available on Netflix in Canada. You could create a profile called "Netflix Canada" that connects to the fastest Canadian server with just one click. We'd call profiles situationally useful, but they can save a lot of time if you regularly perform the same action on your VPN.

Proton VPN customer support options

We went to Proton VPN's FAQ pages with two questions that came up while researching other sections: which of Proton VPN's servers are managed by third parties, and why do certain server locations (like Marseilles) run slow despite the app showing a light load?

You can access the help center through any of Proton VPN's apps, or by going directly to the website. Articles appear to be organized into six categories. Oddly, clicking any category button only shows you a handful of the articles in that section  for example, the Troubleshooting category looks like it only has five articles. If you type "troubleshooting" into the search bar, though, you'll see dozens pop up. There are even some sections, like Billing, that don't appear on the main page at all.

It has the feel of a website update that wasn't adequately brought in line with the bulk of the support content. Until Proton fixes it, just use the search bar for everything. The articles themselves are well-written, give or take some stilted English.

Getting quick help

We couldn't find written answers to our questions about ownership and server load, so we turned to live chat. Free users should keep in mind that live chat support is only available on paid accounts, but there's a fairly active subreddit at r/protonvpn where Proton staff frequently post.

Live chat is not intuitively located on protonvpn.com. We finally found it by scrolling all the way to the bottom of the main page, only to be told nobody was online to help at the moment  live chat is only accessible from 9 AM to midnight Central European Time (CET). We submitted our question about the Marseille servers as an email ticket instead.

Sam Chapman for Engadget

This part was easy, at least, as the form helpfully populated our system information. We also got a prompt response within 24 hours. We ended the interaction there, as we weren't able to reproduce the sluggish behavior on the French server locations, but it's nice to know the team will answer quickly.

Proton VPN background check: The CERN origins of Proton AG

Proton VPN launched in 2017, but its team's experience goes back much farther. The founders of its parent company, Proton AG, met while working at CERN in Switzerland, and the company remains under Swiss jurisdiction.

Their first product, Proton Mail, went live in 2014 after a successful crowdfunding campaign, and claims to have 100 million users today. Proton VPN was Proton AG's second project. Like Proton Mail, it consists of a free plan supplemented by paid upgrades.

Since then, Proton has introduced several more products: Proton Calendar in 2020, Proton Drive cloud storage in 2022 and the Proton Pass password manager in 2023, each designed around using end-to-end encryption to make user data inaccessible.

The Proton Foundation

Proton announced in 2024 that the majority of its shares had been acquired by the Proton Foundation, a nonprofit whose only purpose is to control Proton stock. Among other benefits, this prevents it from being purchased by anyone who disagrees with its mission. To sell to an objectionable parent company, the entire board of trustees would have to agree, which feels unlikely based on Proton's track record.

Throughout Proton's history, we only found two incidents serious enough to comment on, and only one of them concerned Proton VPN. We'll cover them both below.

ProtonMail law enforcement collaboration allegations

On the page that hosts its annual transparency report, Proton states openly that it "may be legally compelled to disclose certain user information to Swiss authorities" (see the Privacy Policy section of this article for more on precisely what information that describes). In 2021, the company admitted it had given Swiss police (acting on a French warrant) a ProtonMail user's IP address and device logs. The police arrested the user, a French environmental activist.

While that's unnerving for privacy-minded users, there are some important contextual issues to consider. Most importantly, ProtonMail is not governed by the same policy as Proton VPN. At the time the case unfolded, Swiss law obliged all email companies to comply with court orders from Swiss authorities to hand over data. VPNs aren't subject to those retention requirements.

Today, Swiss email companies have been reclassified so they're also exempt from data retention requirements, thanks in part to a policy change Proton fought for. A representative from Proton confirmed that "under Swiss law, we are not obligated to save any user connection logs." It's also reassuring that, despite complying with the subpoena, Proton wasn't able to turn over the contents of any emails.

Alleged WireGuard memory vulnerability

In January 2025, researchers at Venak Security alleged that Proton VPN lacks memory protection for keys generated under the WireGuard protocol, which might let hackers scrape the keys and decrypt intercepted communications. Proton responded to Venak in a blog post, which a Proton representative confirmed remains their official response to the allegations.

In short: the Venak article only demonstrates that it's possible to view public keys, not private ones. This isn't much of a bombshell, given that "public" is right there in the name. But asymmetric encryption  the kind used by VPN protocols like WireGuard  requires both keys to decrypt any messages. Even if a hacker were able to get ahold of a private key, they likely wouldn't be able to use it for anything. WireGuard incorporates perfect forward secrecy by default, changing session keys often enough that any given key is obsolete by the time it's stolen.

Final verdict

In short, we're prepared to recommend Proton VPN to almost anybody. Whether you're mainly concerned with security, streaming or something else, chances are good that you'll be satisfied. The only serious downsides are that the long-term plans are overpriced and that it's hard to get live tech support if you live outside of Europe.

It's also our unqualified pick for the best free VPN, but with the caveat that it's a bad choice for anyone who needs to choose specific server locations. If all you care about is staying hidden from your ISP and advertisers, Proton should be your first choice.
The Nothing Phone 3 is getting an official release for US customers. The handset will be available to purchase from Amazon or directly from the company, according to a report by TechCrunch. Nothing CEO Carl Pei has been teasing this news since April, but now it's official.

Canadians will also be able to get in on the retail action, as Nothing has inked a deal with Best Buy to sell the new handset in the region. The phone goes on sale next month.

The company has produced eight handsets since forming back in 2020, but only the Phone 2 has made it to general sale in the US. For the other models, users would have to buy a unit via a beta program and there was no after-sale support. So this is good news for North Americans who are tired of Samsung and Apple.

Phone (3). It's a magic number.



Coming July 2025. pic.twitter.com/WEQ7Vcf72H  Nothing (@nothing) May 20, 2025

The smartphone market in the US is dominated by two players, but a lot of people are hungry for something different, Pei told TechCrunch. "This is the right product, and the right moment, to start scaling in North America."

The downside here? The phone will only be available from Amazon and Nothing, so there will be no option to purchase from a carrier for a discount. However, it'll support 4G and 5G with AT&T and T-Mobile. There's no explicit support for Verizon, but the Phone 2 worked well with its network and the same thing will likely be true here.

There's no official US price yet. Pei recently said that it would cost 800 in England at launch, which would translate to around $1,080 in US dollars. This is far and away the most expensive handset the company has ever released, as it has primarily been known for mid-tier offerings. Pei says the higher cost accounts for "premium materials, major performance upgrades and software that really levels things up."

We don't have actual specs yet, but a recent leak certainly points to the kind of leveled up experience Pei was talking about. A reliable leaker suggested that it'll include a "flagship Snapdragon chipset" from Qualcomm and a new camera system with a triple-lens module on the rear. The battery is also reportedly on the larger side, with indications it'll likely exceed the 5,000 mAh mark. The Nothing Phone 2 shipped with a 4,700 mAh battery.

That's not the only product the company is bringing stateside. It's making some over-ear headphones that will be available to purchase for US and Canadian residents.
Meta is finally cracking down on "nudify" apps that use AI to generate nonconsensual nude and explicit images of celebrities, influencers and others. The company is suing one app maker that's frequently advertised such apps on Facebook and Instagram, and taking new steps to prevent ads for similar services.

The crackdown comes months after several researchers and journalists have raised the alarm about such apps. A recent report from CBS News identified at least "hundreds" of ads on Meta's platform promoting apps that allow users to "remove clothing" from images of celebrities and others. One app in particular, called Crush AI, has apparently been a prolific advertiser on Facebook and Instagram. Researcher Alexios Mantzarlis, Director of Cornell Tech's Security, Trust and Safety Initiative, reported back in January that Crush AI had run more than 8,000 ads on Facebook and Instagram since last fall.

Now, Meta says it has filed a lawsuit against Joy Timeline HK Limited, the Hong Kong-based company behind Crush AI and other nudify apps. "This follows multiple attempts by Joy Timeline HK Limited to circumvent Metas ad review process and continue placing these ads, after they were repeatedly removed for breaking our rules," the company wrote in a blog post. Joy Timeline HK Limited didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Meta also says it's taking new steps to prevent apps like these from advertising on its platform. "Weve developed new technology specifically designed to identify these types of ads  even when the ads themselves dont include nudity  and use matching technology to help us find and remove copycat ads more quickly," Meta wrote. "Weve worked with external experts and our own specialist teams to expand the list of safety-related terms, phrases and emojis that our systems are trained to detect within these ads." The social network says it also plans to work with other tech platforms, including app store owners, to share relevant details about entities that abuse its platform.

Nudify apps aren't the only entities that have exploited Meta's advertising platform to run ads featuring celebrity deepfakes. Meta has also struggled to contain shady advertisers that use AI-manipulated video of public figures to promote scams. The company's independent Oversight Board, which weighs in on content moderation issues affecting Facebook and Instagram, recently criticized Meta for under-enforcing its rules prohibiting such ads.
Philippe Gruyters , Director General de EMD: Axfood es un miembro muy valorado de EMD. Con la incorporacion de Axfood a nuestro negocio internacional de vanguardia, podemos ampliar aun mas nuestra solida oferta en el dinamico mercado escandinavo - EMD
Like a lithium battery on fire, the ferocity of the anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles will inevitably come to your city with the same or even greater intensity. What we've witnessed earlier this week is merely a warm-up to a meltdown during a blistering summer.

The real target of the protestors' wrath is not ICE, rather Donald Trump, whose presidential victory last November and aggressive and sometimes unilateral (albeit legal) fulfilment of his campaign promises, has enraged the Democrats.

The Shadow Civil War

Trump, by federalizing the California National Guard, undertook the rare action when California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) refused to request their services despite growing violence and looting in the streets of downtown Los Angeles.

Supported by extensive video footage by citizen journalists, the National Guard's orders are to protect federal buildings, not crowd control in supplement local law enforcement. Soon after US Marines were sent to support the National Guard.

The presence of the National Guard and Marines unburdened the responsibility of local law enforcement so that they can apply all their human and equipment resources in containing the urban mayhem. Governor Newsom even attempted to halt the arrival of the military but backed down after a California Supreme Court judge rejected his request.

Although constitutionally this crisis appears to be an issue of federal vs state rights, the toxic political chasm between the Democrats and Republicans, pushes the stakes to another far more dangerous level.

With respect to economic heft, according to the IMF's 2024 World Economic Outlook, if California were a separate country, it would be the 4th highest nominal GDP in the world at $4.1 trillion behind the US, China and Germany, greater than Japan's $4.02 trillion.

Powder Keg Weekend: A Troika of Trouble

The website of a protest/defiance group called "No Kings", is organizing an anti ICE/anti-Trump protests nationwide called 50501 Movement (50 protests, 50 states, one movement) this Saturday, June 14 not coincidentally happens to be:

Flag Day The US military's 250th anniversary President Trump's 79th birthday

Their website includes dozens of cities, locales and hours they plan to organize these protests. The map below is an overview; all particulars can be found on the aforementioned website link.

How these protests play out is anyone's guess. It may be nothing more than a lot of noise or a series of full-blown riots. Either way, I'm sure that law enforcement and local businesses have dusted off the BLM playbook to contain and/or minimize damage to their establishments respectively.

Tempest Spinoffs

Often times the protestors are loud and contained by law enforcement with minimal issues. However, powerful storms, especially tornados, spawn an unpredictable number of smaller ones.

These smaller groups include the omnipresent paid and unpaid agitators and looters, none of whom care about the protesting issues. With law enforcement stretched to the max, sometimes smaller storms spawn during or shortly after the main protest making it a challenge to contain like a fiery device with lithium batteries.

Conclusion & Takeaways

These protests and their consequences in Los Angeles are merely the warm-up trailers to a possible sustained level of protests throughout the summer. The next big date is the Fourth of July, a potentially brutal weekend since the holiday falls on a Friday.

Worse yet, during the summer there's no shortage of potential young protestors from the universities, nomad workers, the unemployed and under-employed.

Economically, businesses that are devastated by violent protests are unlikely to return depriving the community of essential resources and workers of employment.

As major retailers pull out permanently, these areas will be fallow and potentially be classified as "eminent domain". Present-day or future going concerns will find doing business in these areas unaffordable with respect to insurance or even uninsurable. It's the creation of another urban desert, not caused by climate change.

 Copyright 2025 Cerulean Council LLC

The Cerulean Council is a NYC-based think-tank that provides prescient, beyond-the-horizon, contrarian perspectives and risk assessments on geopolitical dynamics and global urban security.
As the Trump administration faces substantial pushback in the courts, including an unprecedented wave of nationwide injunctions halting its policies, some are claiming that his opponents are tilting the scales of justice by selectively bringing their lawsuits before sympathetic courts in a practice called forum shopping. They note that three-quarters of the lower court justices who have blocked Trump policies were appointed by Democrats.

Gaming the federal justice system, however, is harder than it sounds because plaintiffs bring cases before courts rather than judges. Most federal courts have a mix of judges appointed by Democrats and Republicans. The plaintiffs goal in forum shopping is to launch their suit in a district where they are more likely to draw a sympathetic justice  ideally, this district would also include an appellate court stacked with like-minded judges.

To see whether Trumps adversaries are engaging in forum shopping, RealClearInvestigations analyzed 350 cases brought against the administration. We found that plaintiffs have brought 80% of those cases before just 11 of the nations 91 district courts. While Democrat presidents have appointed roughly 60% of all active district court judges, each of the 11 district courts where the anti-Trump challenges have been clustered boasts an even higher percentage of Democrat appointees. In several of these venues, the administrations challengers are almost guaranteed that a judge picked by Joe Biden, Barack Obama, or Bill Clinton will preside over their case.

The analysis of these 350 cases, which covers all those identified in popular litigation trackers and RCIs independent research as of this week, lends credence to claims that anti-Trump litigants may be strategically filing suit in courts where they are most likely to receive a favorable ruling  a practice that has been both pursued and decried by Democrats and Republicans.

RCI also analyzed three dozen cases in which judges imposed the most extreme restraint on the Trump administration by entering a nationwide or universal injunction  prohibiting the administration from enforcing its policy not only against the party bringing the case, but anyone, everywhere. The analysis shows that these injunctions have disproportionately emerged from Democrat-leaning courts where plaintiffs have brought the lions share of suits, and that Democrat-appointed judges are overwhelmingly responsible for ordering them.

This is consistent with other analyses indicating that Democrat-appointed judges have handed down the bulk of all adverse rulings against the Trump administration.

Trump critics note that Republican-appointed judges have also ruled against the administration. They contend that the courts have halted Trumps policies at an unprecedented scale because of his administrations unprecedented overreach.

Nevertheless, evidence shows that the anti-Trump cases used to stymie policies in areas ranging from immigration to DEI and the administrative state have overwhelmingly come before courts that, on their face, would appear unfriendly. Plaintiffs have brought roughly 60% of all cases against Trump in three district courts with a disproportionate number of active judges appointed by Democratic presidents: the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Maryland.

Plaintiffs filed 41% of all cases RCI identified  143 in all  in the D.C. District Court, where Democratic presidents appointed 73% of active judges.

Forum Shopping Analysis

Given that the federal government is located within its jurisdiction, it is not surprising that plaintiffs would disproportionately bring cases in the D.C. District. The court, however, is seen by some on the right as hostile to President Trump. It includes several prominent judges  including Chief Justice Jeb Boasberg, Tanya Chutkan, and Beryl Howell  who have a history of issuing adverse rulings against the president and some of his confidantes, including Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn, and Peter Navarro. The court also conducted the Jan. 6 trials.

After the D.C. District Court, plaintiffs have brought the most cases before the Districts of Massachusetts and Maryland, whose rosters of active judges are each 90% or more Democrat-appointed.

The clash between the courts and the president has only intensified as Trump and his allies have publicly panned certain rulings, with some in Congress calling to impeach the judges who issued them.

There are several nuances to RCIs analysis.

Though district courts generally assign cases randomly, each court has its own practice for divvying up cases.

Additionally, the pool of judges who may hear such cases extends beyond the nearly 680 active district court judges to include several hundred long-tenured judges, 65 years of age or older, who have taken senior status and work part-time. In 2024, such judges presided over 25% of all completed trials.

Some of the district courts in which plaintiffs have brought cases against Trump have a significant percentage of Republican-appointed judges on senior status. In the Western District of Washington, for example, where plaintiffs have filed 14 cases, Democratic presidents appointed all seven active judges. But 11 more judges in that district have taken senior status, eight of whom were appointed by either George W. Bush or Ronald Reagan.

Two such judges have entered universal injunctions in cases challenging President Trumps policies. In Shilling v. U.S., Senior U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle, a Bush appointee, ordered a preliminary injunction barring the administration from implementing its executive order Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness, which found gender dysphoria presumptively disqualifying for those in the armed services. And in Washington v. Trump, Reagan-appointed Senior District Judge John C. Coughenour issued a universal injunction in the form of a temporary restraining order barring the administration from implementing its executive order Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship, which would curtail the practice of birthright citizenship.

Nevertheless, as the table below indicates, in the nearly 40 cases RCI identified in which judges entered a universal injunction, Democratic presidents appointed more than four in five of those presiding:

Universal Injunctions Analysis

Democrat and Republican administrations alike have faced challenges from plaintiffs in courts perceived to be favorably inclined towards their challengers.

In 2022, plaintiffs sued the Biden Food and Drug Administration over its approval of the abortion drug mifepristone in federal court in Amarillo, Texas. The odds were overwhelmingly in their favor that the case would come before the single presiding judge there, based upon the way the District Court for the Northern District of Texas assigns cases. The judge, an opponent of abortion, entered a nationwide injunction halting the policy.

Texas courts, alongside some others, often assign cases to divisions  or subdistricts  which may leave a single judge handling more than 50% of cases. Judges in that state reportedly entered injunctions blocking immigration programs, transgender rights and labor policies from the Obama era, the New York Times reported last year, which Democrats see as evidence of forum shopping.

Lamenting Texas Northern District practice, in April 2023, then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) wrote to the districts chief judge that it should randomly assign cases.

Currently, a federal statute allows each district court to decide for itself how to assign cases. This gives courts the flexibility to address individual circumstances in their districts and among their judges. But if that flexibility continues to allow litigants to hand-pick their preferred judges and effectively guarantee their preferred outcomes, Congress will consider more prescriptive requirements, Sen. Schumer warned.

Last year, the Judicial Conference of the United States, the policy-making body for the federal judiciary, issued guidance encouraging the district-wide random assignment of cases. That that guidance is non-binding speaks to Sen. Schumers point  a point Republicans are now emphasizing  that Congress ultimately controls the Article III courts.

To that end, federal lawmakers, sometimes on a bipartisan basis, have introduced legislation to curtail forum shopping  to no avail.

District court judges increasing willingness to provide universal relief  starting during the first Trump administration  has only further incentivized the practice for those who want to hamstring a presidents agenda.

With the Supreme Court poised to rule within weeks on the legitimacy of universal injunctions, an opinion reining in that remedy could decrease the impact of forum shopping.
The number of people forcibly displaced from their homes worldwide has dropped slightly from a record peak but remains "untenably high", the United Nations said Thursday.

A record 123.2 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced from their homes at the end of 2024, said UNHCR, the UN refugee agency.

But that figure dropped to 122.1 million by the end of April this year, as Syrians began returning home after years of turmoil.

More than 1.5 million Syrians have been able to return home from abroad or from displacement within the war-ravaged country.

But the UNHCR warned that the course of major conflicts worldwide would determine whether the figure would rise again.

The agency said the number of people displaced by war, violence and persecution worldwide was "untenably high", particularly in a period when humanitarian funding is evaporating.

"We are living in a time of intense volatility in international relations, with modern warfare creating a fragile, harrowing landscape marked by acute human suffering," said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

"We must redouble our efforts to search for peace and find long-lasting solutions for refugees and others forced to flee their homes."

- Sudan overtakes Syria -

The main drivers of displacement remain sprawling conflicts like those in Sudan, Myanmar and Ukraine, UNHCR said in its flagship annual Global Trends Report.

Syria's brutal civil war erupted in 2011 but ruler Bashar al-Assad was finally overthrown in December 2024.

The report said rising numbers of Syrians have since been able to return to their homes.

As of mid-May, more than 500,000 Syrians are estimated to have crossed back into the country since the fall of Assad, while an estimated 1.2 million internally displaced people (IDPs) have returned to their areas of origin since the end of November.

UNHCR estimates that up to 1.5 million Syrians from abroad and two million IDPs may return by the end of 2025.

Sudan is now the world's largest forced displacement situation with 14.3 million refugees and IDPs, overtaking Syria (13.5 million), which is followed by Afghanistan (10.3 million) and Ukraine (8.8 million).

"During the remainder of 2025, much will depend on the dynamics in key situations," the annual report said, including whether peace or ceasefires can be reached in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and Ukraine.

It also depends on whether conditions for returns improve in Afghanistan and Syria.

Another factor was "how dire the impact of the current funding cuts will be".

The United States was by far UNHCR's biggest donor but has dramatically scaled back its overseas aid, while other countries are tightening their budgets.

"The failure to protect civilians is astounding," said Norwegian Refugee Council chief Jan Egeland.

"Despite the immense suffering of displaced people, we are now seeing many countries turn inwards, making drastic cuts to humanitarian funding."

- One in 67 -

The number of people forced to flee persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and events seriously disturbing public order has almost doubled in the last decade.

The figure of 123.2 million worldwide at the end of last year was up seven million compared to the end of 2023.

"One in 67 people globally were forcibly displaced at the end of 2024," UNHCR said.

In total, 9.8 million forcibly displaced people returned home in 2024, including 1.6 million refugees -- the most for more than two decades -- and 8.2 million IDPs -- the second highest ever.

"We have seen some rays of hope over the last six months," said Grandi.

But countries such as the DR Congo, Myanmar and South Sudan saw significant new forced displacements as well as returns.

Two-thirds of refugees stay in neighbouring countries.

Iran (3.5 million), Turkey (2.9 million), Colombia (2.8 million), Germany (2.7 million) and Uganda (1.8 million) host the largest refugee populations.

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President Donald Trump warned Thursday that Israel may soon strike Iran's nuclear sites, but urged the key US ally to hold off as he stressed his commitment to a diplomatic solution.

Tensions have soared in the region in the last two days with Trump warning of a "massive conflict" and drawing down US staff.

Tehran meanwhile defiantly vowed to increase its output of enriched uranium -- a key sticking point in talks with Washington -- after being censured by the UN's atomic watchdog.

"I don't want to say imminent, but it looks like it's something that could very well happen," Trump told reporters at the White House when asked if an Israeli attack loomed.

Trump said he believed a "pretty good" deal on Iran's nuclear program was "fairly close," but said that an Israeli attack on its arch-foe could wreck the chances of an agreement.

The US leader did not disclose the details of a conversation on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but said: "I don't want them going in, because I think it would blow it."

Trump quickly added: "Might help it actually, but it also could blow it."

News outlet Axios reported that Trump had said the United States would not participate in any strikes.

- US troops in crosshairs -

Trump later appeared to want tensions dialed down in a post on social media, while insisting that Iran must "give up hopes" of developing a nuclear weapon.

"We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue! My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran," Trump said on his Truth Social network.

Tensions have rapidly escalated in the past few days amid growing speculation that Israel could push ahead with air strikes on Iran.

Trump's Middle East pointman Steve Witkoff is set to hold a sixth round of talks with Iran on Sunday in Oman, which has mediated efforts towards a nuclear deal so far.

But Iran has also ramped up rhetorical pressure before the talks, including with a threat to strike American bases in the region if the negotiations break down and conflict erupts.

"If the talks fail, the risk of military escalation becomes much more immediate," said Hamidreza Azizi, a visiting fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.

The United States on Wednesday said it was reducing embassy staff in Iraq -- long a zone of proxy conflict with Iran.

Israel, which counts on US military and diplomatic support, sees the cleric-run state in Tehran as an existential threat and hit Iranian air defenses last year.

Netanyahu has vowed less restraint since the unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Tehran-backed Hamas, which triggered the massive Israeli offensive in Gaza.

- 'Non-compliance' -

The United States and other Western countries, along with Israel, have repeatedly accused Iran of seeking a nuclear weapon, which it has repeatedly denied.

Israel again called for global action after the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) accused Iran on Wednesday of non-compliance with its obligations.

The resolution could lay the groundwork for European countries to invoke a "snapback" mechanism, which expires in October, that would reinstate UN sanctions eased under a 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by then US president Barack Obama.

Trump pulled out of the deal in his first term and slapped Iran with sweeping sanctions.

Iran's nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, slammed the resolution as "extremist" and blamed Israeli influence.

In response to the resolution, Iran said it would launch a new enrichment center in a secure location.

Iran would also replace "all of these first-generation machines with sixth-generation advanced machines" at the Fordo uranium enrichment plant, said Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.

Iran currently enriches uranium to 60 percent, far above the 3.67-percent limit set in the 2015 deal and close, though still short, of the 90 percent needed for a nuclear warhead.

dk/jgc
(The Center Square)  A large number of protesters continued to march Wednesday evening on downtown Los Angeles streets, violating the second night of a 10-hour curfew.

The defiance came following a day of marches and hundreds of demonstrators gathering in Grand Park, the 12-acre open green space that has the 27-story-high Los Angeles City Hall as its dramatic backdrop. That's where Los Angeles Police Department officers, including many on horseback, charged into the crowd with rods late Wednesday afternoon and evening to clear the park, according to media reports. Before that happened, some protesters were seen with lit fireworks, which has been what demonstrators threw at police during the weekend's riots.

Police reportedly fired crowd control projectiles.

Earlier, the protests gained momentum with a march that reached the Spring Street side of Los Angeles City Hall around 6 p.m. local time, according to an LAPD post on X. Police also said around the same time that protesters had gathered at Pershing Square, a Los Angeles park, and on Alameda Street between Aliso and Temple streets.

Police later reported on X that the large gathering at Grand Park separated into various groups blocking downtown streets. Minutes after the curfew started at 8 p.m., protesters were seen on live TV newscasts. About 20 minutes later, a crowd on First and Hill streets were taken into custody, according to CBS News Los Angeles, whose helicopter was overhead.

The nightly curfew is for a one-square-mile downtown area that's between freeways. The city of Los Angeles consists of more than 500 square miles.

Wednesday's protests followed a day of news involving the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Homeland Security confirmed that its unmarked cars rammed into a moving white Mercedes sedan for an arrest on Whittier Boulevard in the L.A. neighborhood of Boyle Heights.

Agents drew their guns and used tear gas before the driver left the Mercedes, witnesses said, according to CBS News Los Angeles. One witness said the passenger in the Mercedes had two babies with her.

Homeland Security explained the arrest in a post on X.

This was no hit and run. This was a targeted arrest of a violent rioter who punched a CBP officer, Homeland Security said, referring to Customs and Border Protection. When Homeland Security Investigations tried to arrest Christian Damian Cerno-Camacho for the assault, he attempted to flee. He was ultimately arrested and taken into custody.

Homeland Security said its officers have faced a 433% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists and gang members.

And on Wednesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided businesses and churches in the nearby city of Downey, which resulted in several arrests and outrage expressed by local officials and pastors, according to media reports.
Zimbabwe pledges favorable environment to attract more Chinese investment

Xinhua) 11:17, June 12, 2025

HARARE, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the country's business environment to attract more Chinese investment.

A roundtable discussion on strengthening Zimbabwe-China business cooperation in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare gathered representatives from various government agencies, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Department of Immigration Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA).

Felisters Chikandiwa, chief facilitator at ZIDA, highlighted China's strategic importance to Zimbabwe's economy, noting that China has been one of Zimbabwe's leading investment source markets over the past few years.

"From our investment figures, we have seen that there has been quite a high level of investment activities from the Chinese business community in Zimbabwe. We value the investment that the Chinese community is bringing into Zimbabwe," Chikandiwa said.

She further pointed out that Chinese investors have shown a strong interest in Zimbabwe's mining, manufacturing, construction, energy, and transport sectors, among others.

Abigail Moyo, chief staff officer responsible for crime in the ZRP, said, "We value cooperation between the Zimbabwean police and Chinese investors. We encourage continued communication and cooperation to ensure the safety and security of Chinese investors and their assets."

Munetsi Madakufamba, executive director of the Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC), a think tank based in Harare and one of the event organizers, highlighted the need to strengthen partnerships and promote mutual understanding between Zimbabwean authorities and Chinese enterprises.

"We aim to create a conducive business environment that supports sustainable development and mutual benefit," he said, adding that Zimbabwe has immense potential for growth and development, and Chinese businesses can play a pivotal role in supporting Zimbabwe's growth.

Noting that Chinese investment in Zimbabwe has been impactful and transformative, Madakufamba said China has indeed become a major player in Zimbabwe's economic landscape.

"What sets Chinese investments apart, if compared with those from other source countries, is the speed of implementation, size, impact, and transformative nature," he noted.

According to Madakufamba, Zimbabwe and China should work together to create a more favorable investment climate that attracts more Chinese investment and promotes sustainable development in Zimbabwe.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Landowners in Montana are not paying their fair share of wildfire costs to the tune of at least $30 million, according to a new report from the Legislative Audit Division.

An audit of the states Wildfire Assessment Program found problems with the funding structure for fighting wildfires and made suggestions to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the Legislature to overhaul the system.

The Wildfire Assessment Program is overseen by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Fees are assessed to some property owners in high-risk fire areas, but the report noted the state gives an estimated annual subsidy of over $30 million to private landowners.

It said the payment split in Montana is more than six decades old, and not at all even, with landowners are paying just 10% of fire costs. Best practices, which the report based on extensive interviews and document review, would have them paying more than 90%. Montana spent more than a half billion dollars on fire suppression from 2002 to 2023.

Suppression is one of three wildfire activities in which the state partakes  mitigation and readiness are also places where it spends money on fires.

In 2023, for example, the state spent $41 million on fires  $4.5 million on attempts to mitigate risk and damage from fires, $13.5 million on capacity and ability to dispatch firefighters and then $23.1 million on actual suppression efforts. Landowners do not pay the state for suppression efforts.

The report suggested some fixes, including shifting the burden of wildland fire protection to those who live in the most dangerous areas.

Statewide, landowners paid just $4.3 million on wildfire protection fees in 2023. Their cost is also calculated out of the readiness portion of money spent on fires, not mitigation or suppression. This categorization leads to issues, the report noted.

Applying the proportions to the readiness budget instead of total wildfire protection decreases the amount landowners are responsible for paying and increases economic inefficiency, the report stated.

The DNRC said it has historically excluded response and suppression efforts from its definition of wildland fire protection, whereas the reports findings look to combine preventative measures with active firefighting where funding is concerned.

DNRC director Amanda Kaster said in a letter in response to the audit that it proposes a significant philosophical shift in the state fire programs funding structure. The report also suggested the agency isnt always following statute, while the DNRC said it interprets the laws differently.

The Montana Legislature and stakeholders have confirmed and reinforced this distinction since the creation of the fire suppression fund in 2007, which is designated primarily for wildland fire suppression activities, Kaster wrote in response to the audit. In contrast, the program base budget for wildland fire protection work has been widely understood to be intended for conducting work related to preparedness. The audit report fails to recognize this distinction and risks misrepresenting the DNRCs efforts to comply with statute.

This matters for landowners, because the report makes a case they should be paying for more than preemptive mitigation.

The report said best practice would be for private landowners to pay 92% of wildfire suppression, readiness and mitigation costs. That number is currently about 10% and does not include suppression. According to the report, applying state law as written would ask landowners to completely cover mitigation efforts, which would increase landowner contribution to 33% of wildfire cost.

Kaster asked for clarification from the legislature on several terms, including annual operation assessment plan, fire protection costs, and states portion of the cost.

She also said it was the Legislatures job to make decisions about what people are paying, not the DNRC.

The DNRC does not believe it is our responsibility, nor do we have the appropriate standing, to make recommendations on how or why the cost burden of the program is shared amongst Montanans, Kaster wrote. Ultimately, it is the legislature that chooses how to fund this work, and it is our obligation to respond to wildfires on behalf of the State of Montana.

Kaster also noted an upcoming wildland firefighting study, passed as House Bill 70 this session, will lead to further clarification and funding expectations.

Fees collected from property owners come mainly from fire protection districts, where residents who contribute get a more direct response. Some property owners within these districts are required to pay  according to the report, its a $50 per-owner, per-district charge, and then a $0.30 per-acre charge for each acre owned in a district more than 20 acres.

However, Gov. Greg Gianforte recently signed HB 421. That legislation increased fire protection fees for land classified as forest from $50 to $58.70 for each landowner; for those with more than 20 acres of land, theres an additional fee per acre that increased from $0.30 to $0.49.

The process for deciding who has to pay is complex and is maintained by one full-time staffer with assistance from two other DNRC employees and a seasonal intern, the audit report noted.

It went on to say the Fire Assessment Programs manual is also outdated, employees dont understand technical aspects of the fee program software code, and if the department lost employees who work in the program, they would be difficult to replace.

Department staff spend significant time manually reviewing and updating information as part of the fee assignment process, the audit noted. Department staff stated they cannot determine if a fee should be assigned to over 2,000 properties each year due to a lack of time to review the properties and a lack of updated property data.

The current split for fire protection costs is based on a 1958 national study by the Battelle Memorial Institute. Beyond being six decades old, it did not account for individual states, meaning what Montana is using to calculate the share isnt even based on data unique to the state.

Recommendations include recalculating the public and private funding share, clarifying statute, and establishing a fee structure informed by cost and wildfire risk data, and improving data practices to help determine efficient funding and areas of elevated wildfire response, the audit report stated.

According to an Oct. 2024 presentation from the Legislative Fiscal Division, about 63% of all homes in Montana are in the wildland urban interface, a term used to describe high fire danger areas where natural land and housing meet. About 1.5% of Montana falls within the area considered the wildland urban interface. The presentation noted this was not the best way to assess fire risk in Montana, but did not specify why.

The DNRC has the direct responsibility of protecting about 5 million acres of land in Montana. Additionally, the state also shares responsibility  primarily with local governments  for an additional 55 million acres, while the federal government is the primary responder for 33 million acres.

Montana is slightly more than 94 million acres in total.
Fairfield, MT (59436)

Today

Sunny. High around 85F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 53F. ENE winds shifting to W at 10 to 15 mph.
How the U.S. Can Defend Against Attacks Like Ukraine Just Pulled Off
COLUMBUS  David Thorbahns passion for dairy cattle began on his familys 600-acre registered Holstein dairy farm in north central Ohio.

I like the cows more than the cropping, and the registered part of the dairy farm was very, very intriguing and a lot of fun, he said.

Returning to the family farm wasnt an option for Thorbahn, so he found another way to stay involved in the dairy industry. Today, Thorbahn is the president and chief executive officer of Select Sires, Inc., based in Plain City, Ohio, the countrys largest cattle semen collection and distribution company.

He was selected as the National Dairy Shrines 2025 Guest of Honor, which recognizes an exemplary dairy leader for his or her accomplishments and contributions to the dairy industry.

I cannot think of a more qualified individual who has accomplished so much for the dairy and beef industries, said Randy Kortus, of the Select Sires Board of Directors, one of the people who nominated Thorbahn for the award.

Thorbahn will receive the Guest of Honor award at the National Dairy Shrine Awards Banquet on Sept. 29 in Madison, Wisconsin. His portrait will be displayed in the National Dairy Shrines Dairy Hall of Fame and Museum in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

Early career

After graduating from Ohio State University with a degree in dairy science, Thorbahn began his career with American Breeders Service. He spent 15 years with the artificial insemination and distribution company.

After a year in sales management, Thorbahn became a sire analyst and then manager of sire selection at ABS. While there, he earned his masters in business administration at the University of Wisconsin. After graduating from Wisconsin, ABS was being sold, and some friends and colleagues encouraged him to apply for the general manager position at Select Sires.

I interviewed and I didnt think I had much of a chance because the other three finalists were all Select Sires employees, Thorbahn said. But I was lucky enough to be selected in the summer of 1999 to come to Select Sires and be the general manager to replace Dick Chichester  and Ive been here the last 26 years.

Thorbahn refers to himself as a farm manager because Select Sires, in addition to being an AI company, farms about 1,500 acres and houses about 2,100 bulls that produce over 10 tons of semen annually.

I do get to enjoy the farming part of it, he said. Although I dont get to do much of the labor part.

AI Industry

The cattle semen industry remains highly competitive. During Thorbahns tenure as CEO, Select Sires increased sales from 6 million to 24.5 million units of semen. Thats why the company can thrive in an industry that has not seen a significant increase in the price of good genetics for decades.

Its very similar to how farmers have survived; they either get bigger or they find a niche, Thorbahn said.

Select Sires customer base remains incredibly diverse, for all its growth. It includes some of the worlds largest farms, with thousands of cows, as well as farms with as few as 40 cows.

I think that goes back to our co-op roots, Thorbahn said.

In 1965, four farmer-owned AI cooperatives formed Select Sires in Columbus, Ohio. The cooperatives goal was to gain access to more and better cow genetics while allowing members to operate independently.

Although the company has seen dramatic growth, currently serving over 10,000 cooperative members, it remains farmer-owned and controlled. Customer-owners are represented on the board of directors.

Providing service to such a diverse customer base while trying to grow a business is challenging.

You can differentiate genetics, you can differentiate service or you can differentiate your price, Thorbahn said. When you bundle the genetics and the service together, that makes a strong combination, allowing you to grow your business in this ever-changing economy.

Dairy accounts for slightly more than 70% of Select Sires semen sales. Artificial insemination is easier with dairy cattle, which are handled daily by farmers. Its also safer.

In the dairy sector today, there are not many herd bulls left, Thorbahn said. Fewer dairy producers are using bulls to clean up or using bulls on heifers because of the danger of them breaking stuff or being a threat to people.

Leadership

Thorbahn describes his leadership style as that of an enabler. This means he hires talented people and encourages them to set big goals. According to Thorbahn, this does two things. It shows that he believes in them, and it also makes them think a little differently.

It unshackles you from doing everything traditionally, and it forces you to say, OK, how can we get that done rather than, This is why it cant be done, he said.

Enabled leadership has been an evolutionary process for Thorbahn. His leadership style in the early days was about growing the business, but now he focuses more on how to grow their people.

I went from being an entrepreneurial manager where youre involved in everything in the business to being a professional business manager where you set the goals and you work with them to set the plans, Thorbahn said. Then you get out of their way and watch them grow, develop and improve.

Dairy Challenge

Thorbahns dedication to mentorship and youth development is well-known, particularly through his role as a founding member and first chairman of the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge.

I would say the thing I and Select Sires are most proud of is starting the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, Thorbahn said.

The concept came from his MBA program, and he adapted it to the dairy industry.

Its a live program where every two weeks you do a case study, then you come back and your team presents it to the class. Youre competing against other teams doing the same case study, Thorbahn said.

The Dairy Challenge, established in 2002, features three phases. Students tour a dairy operation and review production, herd management and financial records to assess what the dairy does well and where it could improve. They then develop recommendations for the farm to maximize herd profit through nutrition, production, milking procedures, animal health, facilities, cow comfort, farm strategy and more. Teams then present recommendations to a panel of judges, including dairy producers, veterinarians, nutritionists and financial consultants.

Since its inception, regional events have been added where students are placed on aggregate teams with students from other universities. Participants must be knowledgeable about many dairy farming practices to develop successful strategies.

These students do an amazing job, and it ups their ability, Thorbahn said.

Recognition

Thorbahn has served on numerous boards, including the National Association of Animal Breeders, the U.S. Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding and World Dairy Expo. He has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Ohio State University Distinguished Alumni Award and the 2024 Ohio State University Dairy Hall of Service.

I do this because I love the work, Thorbahn said. I love the people I serve, which are the dairymen and the beef producers, and I like the board that I work for and the people I work with, so that maintains my passion, but to get an award like this is just very humbling.
Cefetra Group is set to chart a new course as it parts ways with BayWa AG and joins Dutch logistics firm First Dutch in a move that promises independent growth.

The deal, which is subject to standard closing conditions, is expected to be finalised in the coming months.

After more than a decade under the ownership of BayWa AG, Cefetra Group will continue to operate as an independent entity, ensuring continuity in its commercial and operational partnerships.

The supplier of agricultural ingredients is a key global supplier to the animal nutrition, food ingredient, and energy sectors.

The acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies and will likely set the stage for Cefetra to pursue new growth opportunities.

Daan Vriens, CEO of Cefetra said: Our new shareholder brings a long-term perspective and values our independent position in the market, said

Their support allows us to stay focused on our purpose, while continuing our ways of working and partnerships.

Peter Goedvolk, chairman of First Dutch, welcomed Cefetra into the fold, noting the strategic and historic alignment between the two businesses.

We are a global player in the commodity supply chains with representations over 1,500 ports in the world, lead from the hometown of Cefetra for over hundred years and First Dutch: Rotterdam, the gateway to Europe.
Welsh farming must be at the top of the political agenda  thats the clear message as NFU Cymru launched its new election manifesto at the Senedd.

'Welsh Farming: Growing Forward' sets out the unions priorities and calls to action for all parties and candidates standing in next years Senedd election.

At the heart of the document is a strong emphasis on food security, with key proposals including the development of a comprehensive farm to fork food strategy.

It also calls for more support for food production in future agricultural policy, and a commitment to boosting the use of Welsh produce in public sector procurement.

The manifesto outlines NFU Cymrus positions on other critical issues, such as tackling bovine TB, improving water quality, and securing a ring-fenced, multi-annual budget for Welsh farming.

Addressing members of the Senedd, NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said: The launch of the manifesto puts the union on the front foot in promoting Welsh agricultures key priorities to candidates ahead of the next election.

"While there are 11 months before we head to the polls, this is a critical time for Welsh farming and from our perspective there is not a moment to waste."

He added: Decisions on agriculture during the next Senedd will shape the future of Welsh farming."

Mr Jones highlighted the far-reaching benefits of Welsh farming, noting its contributions to the environment, economy, and cultural heritage, as well as its role in the nations climate efforts.

He said: Welsh agriculture is an industry that delivers growth and benefits not only for those living rurally, but for the whole of Wales.

"The skills and knowledge forged over generations on our rural family farms deliver the sustainable raw ingredients that spearhead the success of the Welsh food and drink industry."

With the Senedd set to expand to 96 members in 2026 and a shift to proportional representation, NFU Cymru urged candidates across all constituencies to recognise the role of Welsh farmers, even in areas with few farms.

Every constituency will be home to many residents who work within Wales thriving food and farming supply chain," Mr Jones told the Senedd.

"What is beyond doubt is that the overwhelming majority of those constituents will be reliant on Welsh farmers for the food they eat."
The Scottish government has been slammed for unfairly targeting farmers in the race to net zero, as new data reveals agriculture has slashed its emissions by 13% over the past 20 years.

Tim Eagle MSP, who is also a farmer, said the government must stop vilifying farmers in its drive to reach net zero by 2045, as figures reveal a drop in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

Official statistics show that emissions from the Scottish farming sector fell to 7.5 MtCO2e in 2023  a slight decline on the previous year and marking a 13% reduction since 1990.

The data shows agriculture has consistently reduced its environmental footprint, even as other sectors continue to struggle.

The primary source of agricultural emissions remains enteric fermentation  the methane released by livestock  followed by emissions from soils and manure.

Despite these challenges, the sector has steadily improved its carbon efficiency, while other parts of the economy continue to increase emissions.

Transport remains Scotlands largest emitting sector, and emissions from international aviation rose by 19% last year.

The figures come on the heels of a report from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), which called for a 30% reduction in red meat consumption to help Scotland meet its 2045 climate targets. The report was met with concern by rural groups.

Mr Eagle, who is the Scottish Conservative shadow rural affairs secretary and a sheep farmer from Buckie, said the narrative must change.

For too long our farming sector has been on the receiving end of the Scottish governments blame game for greenhouse gas emissions when these figures show a drop in the sector over the last two decades, he said.

I know the industry is eager to do their bit to tackle climate change and reduce emissions. It is nonsense for the Climate Change Committee to urge people to drop their red meat consumption and for livestock to be reduced.

As this data highlights, it is wrong to vilify farmers, who are making great strides year-on-year to enhance their methods to reduce the industrys carbon footprint.

Mr Eagle also called on the government to ensure funding keeps pace with ambition.

There now needs to be a guarantee from government that it will increase its agricultural budget to ensure this rate of reduction progresses into the future.
A major new UK study warns that evolving swine flu viruses in Europe could pose a serious future pandemic threat if left unchecked.

The Royal Veterinary College's (RVC) study emphasises the urgent need for robust pandemic preparedness and vaccine effectiveness in both animals and humans.

Swine flu is widespread in pig farming, affecting an estimated 50% of UK production pigs, although human cases remain rare.

However, the 2009 pandemic demonstrated the devastating potential of swine-origin flu viruses crossing into human populations.

Moreover, flu viruses can also pass from humans to pigs, introducing new strains and complicating control efforts, making vigilance essential.

The RVC collaborative study is one of the most comprehensive antigenic analyses of European swine flu viruses to date.

It examined virus data collected between 2010 and 2020, alongside testing human immune responses to a variety of swine flu variants.

The RVC worked with partners across Europe, the US, Taiwan, The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to analyse the risks these viruses pose.

Researchers analysed genetic data from public repositories to assess the diversity of swine flu viruses circulating in pigs.

Select viruses were then tested against strains used in pig vaccines and candidate pandemic vaccine viruses to determine antigenic relationships.

Additionally, human serum samples from international cohorts were examined to evaluate how well existing population immunity recognises these swine flu variants, indicating the potential effectiveness of human immunity should these strains emerge in people.

Key findings revealed extensive variation in swine influenza viruses, with serious implications for updating vaccines in pigs and improving pandemic preparedness.

The study showed that evolving strains could reduce the efficacy of current vaccines, highlighting the necessity for continuous antigenic monitoring.

The research also identified varying levels of human immunity to different swine flu strains, suggesting some variants could pose significant pandemic threats if transmitted to humans.

Early identification of such variants would be crucial in facilitating rapid development of targeted vaccines.

The results underline the importance of regularly updating pig vaccines, enhancing pandemic preparedness plans, and fostering international collaboration to monitor and mitigate virus evolution and spread.

The study also reinforces the critical role of biosecurity and surveillance in managing disease risks.

Amelia Coggon, PhD Student at the RVC, said: Our study has high relevance to pandemic preparedness and swine flu vaccination.

"By better monitoring how these viruses evolve, we can ensure vaccines used in pigs remain effective, reducing production losses as well as reducing the risk of human infection.

It also highlights the critical role of international collaboration and ongoing surveillance for zoonotic diseases. Just because we stop looking, it doesnt mean these viruses disappear.

"Protecting human health begins with investing in animal health, and that means sustained, cross-sector funding - especially for diseases with pandemic potential.
The United States has reached a trade agreement with China that would ease curbs imposed by the latter on export of rare earth minerals and magnets to the former, President Donald Trump announced yesterday, saying total tariffs on imports from China now would be 55 per cent.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump held a phone call regarding their ongoing tariff dispute last week.

The US has reached a trade deal with China that would ease curbs by the latter on export of rare earth minerals and magnets, President Donald Trump said. Total tariffs on imports from China now would be 55 per cent. Our deal with China is done, subject to final approval with President Xi and me, he said on social media. Washington would make concessions on allowing Chinese students into the US.

Our deal with China is done, subject to final approval with President Xi and me, Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Full magnets, and any necessary rare earths, will be supplied, upfront, by China. Likewise, we will provide to China what was agreed to, including Chinese students using our colleges and universities (which has always been good with me!). We are getting a total of 55 per cent tariffs, China is getting 10 per cent, Trump added in his post.

US and Chinese officials agreed on a framework to get their trade truce back on track after two days of negotiations in London recently.

An earlier round of negotiations in Geneva had faltered over Chinas curbs on critical minerals exports, leading the US administration to respond with export controls preventing shipments of semiconductor design software, aircraft and other goods to China.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
LONDON, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- European bakery manufacturer Baker & Baker has partnered with NTT DATA Business Solutions to bring its business together on a single digital platform, consolidating multiple SAP ECC systems into a unified, cloud-based SAP S/4HANA environment. The transformation will be delivered through RISE with SAP and supported by the NTT DATA Business Solutions Zero Cost Move programme.

The primary goal of this transformation is to consolidate the company's systems into one harmonised instance of SAP S/4HANA, providing a single source of truth across the business and laying the foundation for future growth and agility. "This is a transformative step that brings our business together," said Paul Jones, Chief Financial Officer, Baker & Baker. "By moving to one global instance of SAP S/4HANA, we're creating a unified digital platform that enables better decision-making, improves collaboration across markets, and positions us for long-term growth. NTT DATA Business Solutions demonstrated a strong track record in S/4HANA migrations, deep SAP expertise, and a compelling Zero Cost Move offer that made them the ideal partner for our journey."

Baker & Baker's move to SAP S/4HANA will consolidate four separate SAP ECC systems into a single cloud environment, hosted on Microsoft Azure. This move will deliver real-time visibility, standardised processes, and an integrated operational model across the business. The new global system will be rolled out across 19 locations in 10 countries (UK, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark, Austria and the Netherlands).

Delivered through a RISE with SAP subscription, the new platform bundles software, infrastructure, and services into one simplified contract, supporting Baker & Baker's ambition to streamline its European manufacturing and distribution operations. Instead of allocating budget solely to technical migration, Baker & Baker is leveraging the Zero Cost Move offer to invest in high-value services. This includes using NTT DATA's Natuvion DCS platform for selective data transfers, automated testing with Tricentis through NTT DATA's Value Acceleration Team, and Baker & Baker will explore the potential of AI across the business to drive operational efficiency.

"Baker & Baker's consolidation strategy is bold, decisive, and aligned to real business outcomes," said Richard Stokes, Senior Account Manager, NTT DATA Business Solutions. "By consolidating onto a single S/4HANA instance, Baker & Baker gains the visibility and control needed to operate smarter, faster and more effectively as one business."

With a single SAP S/4HANA platform at its core, Baker & Baker is reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence, supply chain resilience and delivering a consistent, high-quality customer experience across Europe. The move marks a key milestone in the company's digital roadmap, aligning IT with business strategy and future-proofing operations for years to come.

About Baker & Baker

Baker & Baker is a leading bakery products manufacturer, serving more than 30 markets across Europe and further afield including the Middle East and North Africa. With 12 manufacturing sites across 6 European countries, employing more than 2,500 people and with an annual turnover in excess of 600m, Baker & Baker is a key player in the bakery convenience segment.

About NTT DATA Business Solutions

NTT DATA Business Solutions is a leading global IT service provider focused on SAP with a powerful ecosystem of partners. With more than 35 years of in-depth experience, we enable companies worldwide to become Intelligent Enterprises. We deliver end-to-end solutions that accelerate sustainable growth and success - from strategic consulting and implementation to managed services and beyond. As a global strategic SAP partner, we drive innovation and leverage the latest technologies to support our customers individually and across all industries. Our more than 16,000 dedicated employees in over 30 countries work passionately every day to make it happen.

NTT DATA Business Solutions is part of NTT DATA, a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services headquartered in Tokyo. As One NTT DATA we serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping customers innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 11, 2025) - Altura Energy Corp. (TSXV: ALTU) (FRA: Y020) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases dated April 15, 2025 and June 11, 2025, the Company has closed the previously announced settlement of outstanding indebtedness totaling C$526,683 owing to Nancy Burke (the "Debt Settlement"). Pursuant to the Debt Settlement, the Company issued 5,266,830 common shares of the Corporation (the "Common Shares") to Ms. Burke at a deemed price of $0.10 per Common Share. The Common Shares issued pursuant to the Debt Settlement have a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance, expiring on October 12, 2025, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

As a result of completion of the Debt Settlement, Ms. Burke of Vancouver, British Columbia acquired ownership and control and direction over 5,266,830 Common Shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.10 per Common Share. When combined with her existing securities of the Company consisting of 430,000 Common Shares and 200,000 Common Share purchase warrants, Ms. Burke now has control and direction over 5,696,830 Common Shares and 200,000 Common Share purchase warrants, representing 14.57% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, on an undiluted basis, following completion of the Debt Settlement. Assuming exercise of just the Common Share purchase warrants controlled by Ms. Burke, she would have control and direction over 5,896,830 Common Shares, representing 15.00% of the then issued and outstanding Common Shares, on a partially diluted basis.

Ms. Burke acquired the above-noted Common Shares as settlement for an unsecured loan, bearing interest at a rate of 8%, in the principal amount of C$475,000, advanced to the Company on December 5, 2023 to help satisfy the Company's then outstanding corporate payables. Prior to the entry into the Debt Settlement agreement with Ms. Burke, the loan amount totaled C$526,683, inclusive of accrued interest.

This disclosure is provided pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, which also requires a report to be filed with the applicable securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada, which report will contain additional information with respect to the Debt Settlement (the "Early Warning Report"). A copy of the Early Warning Report for Ms. Burke will be filed under the profile for the Company on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

To obtain a copy of the Early Warning Report, please contact Kia Russell, of Jasper Management & Advisory Corp. at Suite 3123, 595 Burrard Street, P.O. Box 49139, Three Bentall Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, V7X 1J1 or by telephone at 604-609-6130.

ABOUT ALTURA ENERGY CORP.

Altura Energy Corp. is an exploration and production company with interests in the Holbrook basin of Arizona. For more information, please visit SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the filing of the Early Warning Report, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255319

SOURCE: Altura Energy Corp.
San Francisco, California--(Newsfile Corp. - June 11, 2025) - The Swarm, a San Francisco-based company, announced today that it has raised funding to expand its relationship mapping technology. The latest round includes participation from HubSpot Ventures, Motivate Ventures, and TRAC VC, signaling growing demand for network mapping tech that enables connections and warm introductions.

The Swarm technology, developed over the last three years, can map a company's or individual's extended network, revealing hundreds of thousands of relationships in real time, ultimately surfacing the strongest intro paths.

"In the age of AI, the winning go-to-market motions will be built on authentic relationships. The Swarm lets companies and agents programmatically map, reveal, and act on those connections at scale, and we're proud to support them," said Adam Coccari, Managing Director at HubSpot Ventures.

Alongside this new funding, The Swarm has launched a native integration with Clay this year, the fast-growing go-to-market data platform that reached unicorn status this year. The integration allows users to enrich contact and account records with warm introduction paths, based on shared work history, college alumni, investors, LinkedIn connections, and email/calendar contacts.

"Relationships-not automation-are what really move deals forward," said David Connors, Co-Founder & CEO of The Swarm. "With this new investment and integration, we're turning relationship data into an actionable data layer teams can rely on and developers can build on."

Beyond its Clay integration, The Swarm offers a Data API that gives developers access to its proprietary data and relationship graph. The Swarm API includes access to:

Company-specific network mapping data to reveal warm intro paths to target accounts and people

580m+ complete people and 100m+ company profiles

Job and role change data tracked daily

Fundraising data for startups and investors

Network queries to programmatically answer, for example: "Who do we know at this company?" or "Who's worked with them before?"

The idea, Connors says, is to help teams unlock their extended networks by making the data accessible inside CRMs, outreach tools, and other products.

With this latest round, The Swarm plans to scale its developer platform, release a HubSpot and Salesforce app, deepen integrations with other GTM tools, and continue building a new kind of "relationship data layer."

For more information, visit theswarm.com and explore The Swarm API at theswarm.com/api.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253321

SOURCE: GetFeatured
Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - June 11, 2025) - Aspiring rock hounds and young explorers can now embark on a captivating journey of discovery with A Quest for Shiny Purple Crystals, an enchanting children's picture book by geologist-educator Monica Tsang Rakovan in partnership with The Arkenstone. The charming 32-page adventure blends educational insight with heartwarming storytelling, showcasing the thrill of mineral collecting through the eyes of two adventurous pals: Johnny and his furry sidekick, Max.





Released for Sale on Amazon



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Discover the Magic of Earth's Hidden Gems

In this delightfully illustrated book, Johnny and Max stumble upon a rare and gleaming amethyst while rock hunting, uncovering not just a gem but a spark of curiosity and wonder. Written and illustrated by Monica Tsang Rakovan, the narrative weaves geology lessons seamlessly into an engaging tale designed to inspire young readers to explore the natural world.

About the Author & Illustrator

Monica Tsang Rakovan brings her expertise as a professional geologist to the page, making complex mineralogy accessible and fun for children. Her self-illustrated drawings complement the story beautifully, creating a visually appealing and scientifically rich reading experience.

Perfect for Curious Minds & Classrooms Alike

Aimed at elementary-age readers and their families, this entertaining crossover serves both as a bedtime story and a hands-on introduction to geology. Educators have also praised its suitability as a classroom resource, ideal for sparking discussions about earth science and nature.

Available Now on Amazon

https://amzn.to/43HcVOB

Parents, teachers, and young explorers can purchase A Quest for Shiny Purple Crystals today to share in the joy of discovering hidden treasures beneath our feet.





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About The Arkenstone (Publisher):

The Arkenstone is a Dallas, Texas-based fine mineral dealer with a passion for educating all ages. They partnered with the author to produce and publish A Quest for Shiny Purple Crystals.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255265

SOURCE: The Arkenstone Ltd.
Rheinmetall, Renk und Hensoldt haben den Rustungsboom der letzten Jahre dominiert, doch inzwischen sind diese Titel fundamental heillos uberbewertet. KGVs jenseits der 60, KUVs uber 4, und das in einem politisch fragilen Umfeld mit wackelnder Haushaltsdisziplin. Fur spateinsteigende Anleger kann das teuer werden.



Doch es gibt Alternativen, die bislang unter dem Radar fliegen; solide bewertet, operativ stark und mit Nachholpotenzial.



In unserem kostenlosen Report zeigen wir dir, welche 3 Rustungsunternehmen noch Potenzial haben und wie du von der zweiten Welle der Zeitenwende profitieren kannst, ohne sich an uberhitzten Highflyer zu verbrennen.



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Charleston, South Carolina--(Newsfile Corp. - June 11, 2025) - The World of EUC (WEUC) has announced an unprecedented keynote panel for its second annual EUC World Amplify conference, scheduled for August 4-7, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

For the first time, top technical experts from end user computing (EUC) giants will take the stage together for an independent and unfiltered discussion of all things EUC.

Extraordinary Keynote in End User Computing

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Confirmed panelists include: Andrew Morgan from AWS, Shawn Bass from Citrix, Ryan Costello from Google Cloud, Joe Rizkallah from Nutanix, Lokesh Batra from NVIDIA, Christopher Reed from Omnissa, and Christian Aquilina from Parallels.

Titled "EUC Tomorrow, Today," the discussion will be moderated by WEUC Director Stephen Wagner. Registration is open at https://worldofeuc.org/EUCWorld2025.

"This will be a real discussion providing real insight with an engaged, in-person community," said Wagner. "These panelists and their companies will shape this industry for the next decade and beyond. This is a huge learning opportunity for every EUC professional out there."

The keynote is a live and in-person event. WEUC will not video record or share a transcript. Registration is open at https://worldofeuc.org/EUCWorld2025.

Janna White, WEUC Director, said "Our board has 100 plus years of experience in the industry and we've never seen a panel with so much influence across EUC technologies. We are incredibly proud and grateful to the participants."

"It is because of WEUC's independence and the participants' support for a strong EUC community that this is possible," said Jarian Gibson, WEUC Chairperson. "These panelists are smart. You can count on great insights. Let's Go!"

WEUC is a nonprofit founded in 2024 to cultivate a thriving community where EUC professionals share insights, foster collaboration, and build connections. WEUC is an independent, inclusive and vendor-agnostic platform. Learn more here: https://worldofeuc.org/. EUC World Amplify is WEUC's 2025 in-person event drawing EUC professionals, vendors and channel partners from around the world. Learn more here: https://worldofeuc.org/EUCWorld2025.

Video URL: https://youtube.com/shorts/rRWZu1xfAXE?feature=share

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255202

SOURCE: Plentisoft
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.



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Aventura, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - FIELDBOSS, the award-winning field service management software platform for HVAC and elevator contractors, is proud to announce it has been given the 2025 Business Impact of the Year Award from Resco.

The honour recognizes FIELDBOSS for delivering the most impactful vertical solution and generating the highest revenue using Resco technology at its core.

FIELDBOSS Wins the 2025 Business Impact of the Year Award from Resco for Excellence in Field Service Software

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Presented at Resco Next 2025 in Valencia, Spain, this marks the fourth Resco award for FIELDBOSS and underscores the company's commitment to building vertical-specific software that solves real field service problems.

"Our mobile app isn't just a feature - it's a mission-critical tool for contractors in the field," said Jonathan Taub, President of FIELDBOSS. "Winning Business Impact of the Year is especially meaningful because it acknowledges the tangible outcomes our customers experience every day-fewer truck rolls, faster inspections, better service. It's a reflection of the hard work, shared passion, and close collaboration between the FIELDBOSS and Resco teams."

The Resco mobile platform powers every FIELDBOSS implementation. With over 95% of HVAC and elevator customers relying on the mobile app daily, FIELDBOSS continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in mobile field service automation. In 2024 alone, FIELDBOSS customers completed over 3.5 million field reports through the Resco-powered app - an all-time high. Customer sentiment remains strong, with satisfaction scores for the FIELDBOSS mobile experience averaging 4.7 out of 5 across post-implementation surveys.

A key driver of this success has been the ongoing innovation behind the FIELDBOSS mobile app. In its latest Version 6 release, FIELDBOSS delivered major updates to inspection modules, data capture, and offline capabilities-empowering technicians to work more efficiently, even in remote or low-connectivity environments.

Corey Barss, Director of Consulting at FIELDBOSS, added:

"Our commitment to field teams goes beyond just building software - we're constantly asking how we can make work easier, faster, and more accessible, no matter where the job takes them. Version 6 was a leap forward in mobile functionality, and we're not slowing down. We stay tightly aligned with Microsoft's Dynamics 365 roadmap, including upcoming AI capabilities, to ensure that our customers always have the latest, smartest tools in their hands."

FIELDBOSS has long embraced the role of early adopter and trusted advisor within the Resco ecosystem. The product team regularly tests and implements the newest Resco features before public release, providing field-tested feedback that helps guide platform innovation. This collaborative spirit has made FIELDBOSS a model partner for Resco's vision of mobile-first field service.

"Receiving this award at Masia Aldamar, surrounded by craftsmanship and tradition, was especially moving," added Taub. "Winemakers pour their hearts into their work, and so do we. This is the result of many hands, much effort, and a relentless focus on quality."

This is FIELDBOSS' fourth Resco award, having previously earned Breakthrough Partner of the Year (2020), Business Impact of the Year (2021), and Partner of the Year (2023). The 2025 Business Impact win affirms the company's long-term growth, deep field service expertise, and sustained product excellence.

About FIELDBOSS

FIELDBOSS is purpose-built field service management software for HVAC and elevator contractors. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and leverages Resco mobile technology to help field teams operate more efficiently, reduce operational risk, and better serve customers. With decades of industry expertise and a relentless focus on field operations, FIELDBOSS empowers contractors to run smarter, more profitable businesses.

About Resco

Resco is a global leader in cross-platform enterprise mobility solutions. Founded in 1999, Resco serves over 800 enterprise customers and more than 160,000 licensed users worldwide. Its mobile platform enables field teams to collect data, streamline workflows, and digitize business operations-anytime, anywhere.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255334

SOURCE: Plentisoft
12 June 2025

DIRECTORATE CHANGE

SEGRO APPOINTS SUSANNE SCHROETER-CROSSAN

AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

SEGRO plc ("SEGRO") today announces that it has appointed Susanne Schroeter-Crossan as its new Chief Financial Officer. She will join the Board as an executive director on 1 December 2025, succeeding Soumen Das who will step down at the end of the year, allowing for an orderly handover of responsibilities.

Ms Schroeter-Crossan is currently the Chief Financial Officer of sennder Technologies GmbH, a leading digital road freight & logistics business serving over 20 European markets. She is also a non-executive, supervisory board member of Zalando SE and held the same position at HelloFresh SE until stepping down at its AGM in June 2025. Prior to her role at sennder, she was the Chief Financial Officer of the German-listed residential real estate company LEG Immobilien from 2020 to 2023 and she has held a number of senior capital markets roles with global investment banks Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley and Standard Chartered in the UK, Germany and Hong Kong.

David Sleath, Chief Executive, said:

"I am delighted that Susanne will be joining SEGRO at such an exciting time as we are set to build on our market-leading positions in the industrial, logistics and data centre sectors. The combination of Susanne's financial, banking and capital markets expertise, her knowledge of the real estate, logistics and online retailing and fulfillment sectors, as well as her international experience, made her the standout candidate for the role. She will be a great addition to our management team as we pursue the exceptional growth opportunities ahead of us."

Susanne Schroeter-Crossan , said :

"I am excited to be joining the management team of such a high-quality, market-leading business as SEGRO, with its prime portfolio, exceptional landbank, strong balance sheet and excellent track-record. I look forward to supporting its planned future growth by leveraging my extensive financial experience and the insights I have gained from working with data-driven companies across sectors that benefit from the same long-term structural trends as SEGRO."

There are no further matters in connection with this appointment to be disclosed under section 6.4.8R of the UK Listing Rules.

CONTACT DETAILS FOR INVESTOR / ANALYST AND MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

SEGRO Claire Mogford (Head of Investor Relations) Tel: +44 (0) 20 7451 9048 FTI Consulting Richard Sunderland / Ellie Sweeney/ Eve Kirmatzis Tel: +44 (0) 20 3727 1000

About SEGRO

SEGRO is a UK Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), listed on the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Paris, and is a leading owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses and industrial property. It owns or manages 10.3 million square metres of space (111 million square feet) valued at 20.3 billion as of 31 December 2024, serving customers from a wide range of industry sectors. Its properties are located in and around major cities and at key transportation hubs in the UK and in seven other European countries.

For over 100 years SEGRO has been creating the space that enables extraordinary things to happen. From modern big box warehouses, used primarily for regional, national and international distribution hubs, to urban warehousing located close to major population centres and business districts, it provides high-quality assets that allow its customers to thrive.

A commitment to be a force for societal and environmental good is integral to SEGRO's purpose and strategy. Its Responsible SEGRO framework focuses on three long-term priorities where the company believes it can make the greatest impact: Championing low-carbon growth, Investing in local communities and environments and Nurturing talent.

See www.SEGRO.com for further information.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

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PRESS RELEASE

Paris, June 12th 2025

Emeria appoints Bruno Vaquette as Chief Executive Officer

Bruno Vaquette has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Emeria, the leading European provider of services and technology in the real estate sector, effective August 18, 2025.

"The Board of Directors is pleased to appoint Bruno Vaquette as Chief Executive Officer of the Emeria group. Bruno Vaquette's appointment marks a decisive milestone for our Group. His 24 years of experience at Sodexo in executive and strategic roles, as well as his deep operational expertise, will be valuable assets in pursuing the company's transformation journey as we continue to reinforce our client relationships ," stated Baudouin Prot, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Emeria.

"I am delighted to join Emeria, a key player in real estate services and technologies, at such a pivotal time in its development. In a constantly evolving environment - shaped by shifting client expectations, growing demands for energy transition, and ongoing technological advancements - our ability to anticipate change is essential. I firmly believe that, thanks to the commitment of its teams, the strength of its business model, its technological differentiation, and its strong local presence and innovation at the core of its mission, we have all the assets needed to accelerate the Group's growth. I am fully committed to achieving this ambition", commented Bruno Vaquette, Chief Executive Officer of Emeria.

About Bruno Vaquette

After graduating from SKEMA Business School and INSEAD, Bruno Vaquette joined the Sodexo Group in 2001. In 2012, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer for Sodexo Corporate Services in France. He then served as President of Sodexo China from 2014 to 2018, before becoming Global CEO of the Seniors segment until December 2020, based in the United States. In January 2021, Bruno was appointed CEO of the Health/Seniors and Education segments for Continental Europe, and in November 2022, he became CEO of Sodexo France.

For Bruno Vaquette's official portrait or any other request, please contact the press office.

**

About Emeria

Emeria is the leading European provider of real estate services and technologies, providing services to both individuals and businesses. We assist our residential and commercial customers at every stage of their property journey with competitive and comprehensive service offerings: acquisition, lease and renting, block management and sales. The Group generates more than 1.5bn euro of revenues and operates mainly in Europe where it has a multi-branding strategy. Our residential real estate services business is the leader in France, operating under the Foncia brand through a unique network of over 500 branches. We are also a leader in the UK, a market we have successfully entered in 2022. In addition, we also hold leading positions in Germany, Belgium and have a strong presence in Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands where we operate under various brands through a network of over 200 branches.

More info: Emeria.eu

Press contact :

Havas Paris: emeria@havas.com /+33 1 57 77 74 72

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Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-92180-pr-emeria-appointment-bruno-vaquette.pdf
Liplyn Information Group (Liplyn IG) is launching an international data and news platform focused on the SaaS, tech, finance, consulting, government, and SME sectors.

AMSTERDAM, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dutch tech entrepreneur Luke Liplijn, known as the founder and former CEO of Matrixian, is taking a new step after twenty years in the data industry. He is launching Liplyn IG, an international company focusing on business information, business news, and artificial intelligence (AI). Liplijn gained recognition through groundbreaking initiatives such as a national housing fraud registry (sold to Experian), helping postal company Sandd (now PostNL) adopt data-driven operations, and founding the successful real-estate data firm Matrixian. With Liplyn IG, Liplijn shifts his focus to a broader professional audience, with high-quality business information and advanced AI solutions at its core. Liplyn IG is the company behind well-known Dutch news platform Drimble.nl and several niche job board websites, and its network of sites attracts over three million monthly visitors. The new venture will cater to businesses across industries including SaaS, technology, finance, consulting, government, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Liplyn IG offers a range of products and services for its clients, including:

Data APIs: Real-time business data and news delivered via easy-to-use API feeds.





Real-time business data and news delivered via easy-to-use API feeds. News & Data Platform: A platform providing up-to-the-minute business news and company information in real time.





A platform providing up-to-the-minute business news and company information in real time. Integration Connector: Connectivity with over 6,000 different software applications for seamless integration of data and tools into existing workflows.

Drawing on his experience as an entrepreneur and leader of innovative data-driven projects, Liplijn looks to the future with confidence. "Everyone will have access to the same (free) AI tools, which ultimately provides no competitive advantage. The real winners master their own unique business data to feed into AI. Rubbish in, rubbish out - diamonds in, diamonds out," he emphasizes. "In the past twenty years I have seen how valuable reliable information can be for growth and innovation," says Liplijn. "With Liplyn IG, we combine our expertise in business information and news with powerful AI technologies. We offer companies unique insights that allow them to make better strategic decisions."

Liplyn IG is headquartered in the Netherlands (Hilversum) with offices in Portugal and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting its international scope. Liplijn acknowledges the support of his former colleagues, partners, and clients over the years, and invites them to be part of this promising new venture.

Contact Information:

Luke Liplijn - Founder & CEO, Liplyn IG

Email: pressrelease@liplynig.com | Phone: +31 20 308 6934

Website: www.liplynig.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2708716/Luke_Founder_LiplynIG.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/liplyn-ig-launches-new-international-platform-for-business-information-and-news-302479307.html
KBRA releases a Day 2 recap of the 29th annual Global ABS conference.

Day 2 of the Global ABS 2025 conference featured a full agenda, covering a broad spectrum of topics-from the savings and investment union regulations to the tokenisation of cash flows-in addition to the typical securitisation sector panels. Business meetings, along with insightful conference panels and presentations, typically contribute to a busy second day of the conference. The day began with several networking breakfast meetings, followed by a series of panels focused on regulations and the direction of the industry. It concluded with a range of sessions, including the researchers' roundtable. The wide variety of panel discussions involved subjects such as collateralised loan obligations (CLO), private credit, residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS), and more.

Click here to view a recap of some of the day's panel discussions.

Click here to view the report.

Recent Publications

Global ABS 2024: Day 1 Recap

UK Mortgage and Housing Trends: June 2025 Update

Data Centers: A Comparison of ABS and CMBS Structures

European Auto ABS Indices: April 2025

European Auto ABS: Tariff Spillovers May Weigh on Used Vehicle Values

Tariff Uncertainty Amplifies Pressure on Diamond ABS Sector

European CLO Manager Style Comparisons: March 2025 Update

European Securitisation: Shifting Funding Strategies

2025 European Structured Finance Sector Outlook: Keep Calm and Carry On

About KBRA

KBRA, one of the major credit rating agencies, is registered in the U.S., EU, and the UK. KBRA is recognized as a Qualified Rating Agency in Taiwan, and is also a Designated Rating Organization for structured finance ratings in Canada. As a full-service credit rating agency, investors can use KBRA ratings for regulatory capital purposes in multiple jurisdictions.

Doc ID: 1009818

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250612124348/en/

Contacts:

Gordon Kerr, European Macro Strategist

+44 20 8148 1020

gordon.kerr@kbra.com

Rahat Virji Allana, Associate Director

+44 20 8148 1028

rahat.allana@kbra.com

Irfan Surti, Associate Director

+44 20 8148 1079

irfan.surti@kbra.com

John Hogan, Co-Head of Europe, Ratings General

+353 1 588 1191

john.hogan@kbra.com

Media Contact

Adam Tempkin, Director of Communications

+1 646-731-1347

adam.tempkin@kbra.com

Business Development Contacts

Mauricio Noe, Co-Head of Europe

+44 20 8148 1010

mauricio.noe@kbra.com

Miten Amin, Managing Director

+44 20 8148 1002

miten.amin@kbra.com
BANGALORE, India, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Second Opinion Market is Segmented by Type (Hospitals, Medical Second Opinion Providing Companies, Health Insurance Companies), by Application (Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiac Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Ocular Disorders).

The Global Medical Second Opinion Market revenue was USD 4714 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 19030 Million by 2029 with a CAGR of 21.8% during the review period (2023-2029).

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Major Factors Driving the Growth of Medical Second Opinion Market:

The Medical Second Opinion Market is gaining substantial momentum as patients increasingly prioritize diagnostic certainty and value-based healthcare decisions. The market encompasses hospitals, digital health platforms, and dedicated second opinion service providers that facilitate expert evaluations for complex medical cases.

Factors such as rising healthcare costs, chronic disease burden, personalized medicine, and growing awareness are accelerating demand. With increased telemedicine access, institutional support, and insurance coverage, second opinion services are becoming mainstream. The market is poised for continued growth, driven by global adoption trends and the rising emphasis on informed patient participation in healthcare pathways.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE MEDICAL SECOND OPINION MARKET:

Medical second opinion companies are playing a pivotal role in expanding the global market by offering specialized platforms that facilitate expert consultations across borders. These companies provide access to top-tier specialists for critical and complex medical conditions, bridging the gap between patients and accurate diagnoses. They offer structured review processes, advanced documentation handling, and virtual consultations, which eliminate geographical and logistical limitations. Furthermore, the growing awareness and online presence of such companies make it easier for patients to compare treatment plans and confirm diagnoses. This contributes significantly to consumer trust and decision-making confidence, especially in life-altering conditions. The increasing partnerships between healthcare providers and these second opinion companies also fuel the market's institutional adoption, reinforcing long-term growth potential.

Hospitals are increasingly integrating second opinion services into their care pathways, propelling market growth through institutional endorsement. Many multi-specialty hospitals have begun offering in-house second opinion consultations, especially in departments dealing with high-risk or chronic conditions. This approach strengthens patient retention while providing reassurance and clarity in complex medical scenarios. Hospitals also use second opinions to enhance diagnostic accuracy, reduce liability risks, and uphold ethical standards of care. With the rise of telemedicine infrastructure within hospital systems, remote second opinion consultations have become more seamless and cost-effective. Additionally, international hospitals attract patients seeking trusted second opinions for treatments not available in their home country, thereby contributing to medical tourism and the overall expansion of the market.

Cancer is one of the most prominent drivers of demand for medical second opinions due to the complexity, high stakes, and diversity of treatment options involved. Patients diagnosed with cancer often seek confirmation of diagnosis, clarity on staging, and comparison of treatment plans-especially when facing invasive procedures like chemotherapy or surgery. Oncological second opinions help detect misdiagnoses or propose less aggressive alternatives, which directly impact patient outcomes and quality of life. Given the emotionally charged nature of cancer diagnoses, a second opinion offers psychological reassurance and improves decision-making. Institutions often recommend or mandate second opinions for cancer cases, increasing the market's service penetration. This trend is further reinforced by cancer advocacy groups and digital health platforms prioritizing informed care decisions.

The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological disorders necessitates long-term, precise medical management. Patients with chronic illnesses frequently seek second opinions for diagnosis confirmation, risk assessment, and customized care strategies. The complexity of chronic disease care makes accuracy critical, and second opinions play a vital role in avoiding over-treatment or mismanagement. As more patients become proactive in healthcare decisions, the demand for reassessment of ongoing treatment plans grows. This shift toward patient empowerment supports the consistent growth of the second opinion market, particularly among aging populations and in urban areas with access to multi-specialty services.

Medical errors and malpractice claims are prompting patients and families to seek a second layer of validation before proceeding with treatment. In highly litigious environments, medical institutions also encourage second opinions to mitigate risk and comply with ethical obligations. Legal frameworks in some regions now support the patient's right to a second opinion before high-risk procedures, thereby institutionalizing the practice. Moreover, insurers and government bodies are promoting second opinion policies as a cost-control measure to avoid unnecessary surgeries or prescriptions. This systemic integration of second opinions as a safeguard mechanism significantly expands their adoption across multiple healthcare systems.

Many patients seek a second opinion to explore less invasive or more cost-effective treatment alternatives. In cases involving surgery or long-term medication, a second opinion can either validate the necessity or offer a less aggressive path, helping patients make financially sound decisions. With rising healthcare costs worldwide, both patients and insurers are becoming more selective about treatment approaches. Insurance companies in several regions now support or require second opinions for high-cost procedures. This financial scrutiny and cost-conscious behavior significantly propel demand for validated treatment plans, contributing to market expansion.

The increasing influence of patient advocacy groups, online forums, and educational campaigns is raising awareness about the benefits of second opinions. Platforms dedicated to patient rights encourage individuals to seek additional input before agreeing to treatments. Testimonials, case studies, and endorsements from medical professionals help normalize the practice. Awareness initiatives also target underserved or skeptical demographics, making second opinions a more accepted component of the healthcare journey. This cultural shift toward patient empowerment and information-seeking behavior directly supports sustained market growth.

Patients from developing nations often travel to countries with advanced healthcare infrastructure to seek second opinions. This form of medical travel is driven by the need for accurate diagnosis and assurance before undergoing complex or high-risk procedures. Second opinion services are now a standard part of international patient packages offered by hospitals in countries like India, Germany, and the U.S. These offerings include remote consultations before travel, making the process efficient and appealing. The rise of global medical travel for second opinions is transforming the market into an international service model, adding to its overall expansion.

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MEDICAL SECOND OPINION MARKET SHARE:

The major players in global Medical Second Opinion market include HCA Hospitals, AXA PPP Healthcare, Royal London Group, etc. The top 3 players occupy about 20% shares of the global market.

North America and Europe are main markets, they occupy about 60% of the global market. The Medical Second Opinion Market shows dynamic growth across regions, with North America leading due to advanced healthcare systems, high consumer awareness, and insurance policies that support second opinion services. Europe follows closely, especially in countries like Germany and the U.K., where structured healthcare policies promote diagnosis validation.

Hospitals are the main type, with a share of about 45%.

Cancer is the main application, which holds a share of about 25%.

Key Companies:

HCA Hospitals

AXA PPP Healthcare

Royal London Group

Helsana Group

Cleveland Clinic

Amradnet

Best Doctors Inc

Inova Care

Toranomon Hospital

Keio University Hospital

Johns Hopkins Medicine

Penn Medicine

Oncology International Pvt. Ltd.

GrandOpinion

London Pain Clinic

Mondial Assistance

Medisense

Medo Asia Sdn. Bhd.

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DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS!

- The global Medical Second Opinion Services market is projected to grow from USD 4862 Million in 2024 to USD 5976.6 Million by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.5% during the forecast period.

- Patient Care Monitoring Systems Market

- Virtual Second Opinion Service Market

- The global Wireless Electronic Health Records market size is expected to reach USD 83000 Million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 15.8% from 2023 to 2029.

- Telehealth and Patient Monitoring Market

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- Virtual Healthcare Market

- Medical Diagnostic Displays Market

- AI-based Medical Diagnostic Tools Market

- Medical Diagnostic Imaging Equipment Market

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Sotrad Water Srl from Belgium has been named the second runner-up in the Innovative Projects Award (Large Projects category) during the fourth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award for its Pump&Drink Hydro1000 initiative, a solar-powered water treatment and distribution solution designed to serve rural communities in Africa and beyond.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250612956518/en/

Belgium's Sotrad Water honoured with global award in Dubai for solar-powered drinking water innovation (Photo: AETOSWire)

Held under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia UAE), the award celebrates innovative technologies that address global water scarcity using renewable energy. It offers a total prize pool of USD 1 million and supports scalable, sustainable impact.

Sotrad Water's Pump&Drink system is a self-contained, solar-powered solution that pumps, treats, stores and distributes water from boreholes. The system is already operational in 22 countries, with over 500 units installed, including 150 in the Ivory Coast during a successful pilot phase in 2020. A full-scale rollout is now under way through 2025.

Each station includes a submersible pump powered by a solar array of eight modules, as well as advanced filtration (50-130 microns) and proportional chlorination for disinfection. Treated water is stored in elevated 8,000-litre tanks, then distributed via gravity-fed taps to serve surrounding communities. The systems do not require a full-time technician and feature remote monitoring capabilities using SMS-based data transmission for real-time performance tracking.

The technology has earned the "Efficient Solution" label from the Solar Impulse Foundation for its sustainable impact. Each station can produce between 10 and 30 cubic metres of clean water per day, depending on local water quality and needs. The EUR 49 million rollout includes 1,150 stations and is supported by regional water committees to ensure ongoing maintenance and local community engagement.

"Solving the global water crisis requires collaboration. We cannot work in solitude or design solutions limited to one location. We must address all water uses, including agriculture, drinking water, wastewater and even cooling in data centres, together. This award acknowledges 15 years of hard work and supports our vision to expand technology transfer. It brings global innovations under one roof, which is a true reflection of Dubai's spirit. It inspires hope for a future free from water scarcity," said Raoul Antoine, General Manager of Sotrad Water

Source: AETOSWire

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250612956518/en/

Contacts:

Seen Media

Mariam Mikhail

+971 50 949 6795

info@seenmedia.ae


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The commodity currencies such as Australia, the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars weakened against other major currencies in the Asian session on Thursday, as rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East weighed on market sentiment.



The United States said on Wednesday that it will partially evacuate its Iraqi embassy and enable military dependents to leave several locations in the Middle East, citing regional security concerns.



Furthermore, White House envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat on Sunday to discuss the Iranian response to the current U.S. proposal, according to Axios.



Iran's defense minister has threatened that Tehran would target U.S. bases regionally if attacked.



Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said he and Chinese President Xi Jinping 'are going to work closely together to open up China to American Trade.'



Trump said a trade framework with China has been completed, with Beijing supplying full magnets and 'any necessary rare earths' up front and the U.S. allowing Chinese students into its colleges and universities while keeping tariffs unchanged.



U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that both sides agreed to lift export controls on key goods and technologies.



In the Asian trading today, the Australian dollar fell to nearly a 1-1/2-month low of 1.7766 against the euro and an 8-day low of 0.8863 against the Canadian dollar, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.7684 and 0.8894, respectively. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.80 against the euro and 0.86 against the loonie.



Against the U.S. dollar and the yen, the aussie slid to 6-day lows of 0.6485 and 93.31 from Wednesday's closing quotes of 0.6509 and 93.85, respectively. The aussie may test support around 0.63 against the greenback and 91.00 against the yen.



The aussie edged down to 1.0764 against the NZ dollar, from yesterday's closing value of 1.0784. On the upside, 1.05 is seen as the next support level for the aussie.



The NZ dollar fell to nearly a 3-week low of 1.9148 against the euro, from yesterday's closing value of 1.9070. The next possible downside target for the kiwi is seen around the 1.92 region.



Against the U.S. dollar and the yen, the kiwi slid to a 3-day low of 0.6016 and a 5-day low of 86.57 from Wednesday's closing quotes of 0.6036 and 87.03, respectively. If the kiwi extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 0.59 against the greenback and 85.00 against the yen.



The Canadian dollar fell to more than a 3-week low of 1.5750 against the euro and a 6-day low of 105.21 against the yen, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.5728 and 105.52, respectively. If the loonie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.58 against the euro and 103.00 against the yen.



Against the U.S. dollar, the loonie edged down to 1.3674 from Wednesday's closing value of 1.3666. On the downside, 1.39 is seen as the next support level for the loonie.



Meanwhile, the safe-haven yen strengthened against its major rivals in the Asian trading today amid signs of growing geopolitical uncertainties.



In economic news, data from the Ministry of Finance showed that sentiment among Japanese large companies declined sharply in the second quarter. The business survey index for all industries slid to -1.9 from +2.0 in the first quarter.



The BSI for large manufacturers deteriorated to -4.8 in the second quarter from -2.4 in the preceding quarter. At the same time, the indicator for large non-manufacturers registered -0.5, down from 4.1 in the prior period.



The yen rose to a 6-day high of 143.64 against the U.S. dollar, from yesterday's closing value of 144.18. The next possible upside target for the yen is seen around the 142.00 region.



Against the pound and the Swiss franc, the yen advanced to 2-day highs of 194.81 and 176.16 from Wednesday's closing quotes of 195.62 and 176.16, respectively. If the yen extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 192.00 against the pound and 174.00 against the franc.



The yen edged up to 165.52 against the euro, from Wednesday's closing value of 165.96. On the upside, 163.00 is seen as the next resistance level for the yen.



Looking ahead, U.K. NIESR Monthly GDP tracker data for May is slated for release at 7:00 am ET.



In the New York session, U.S. PPI for May, U.S. weekly jobless claims data and U.S. WASDE report are set to be published.



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Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

 2025 AFX News
Total sales up 39% to 695 million

Net revenue up 32% to 73.6 million

EBITDA doubling to 8.1 million and net profit reaching 7.5 million

Secured 45 million acquisition financing facility from ABN AMRO

Entered 2025 with the acquisition of Giftcloud, expanding into B2B.

AMSTERDAM and LONDON, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recharge , the European leader in digital prepaid payment product distribution, today announced its strongest year to date, with record financial results and major strategic milestones achieved.

Recharge delivered 73.6 million net revenue for 2024 - a 32% year-on-year increase - while doubling EBITDA to 8.1 million. These results reflect the scalability of Recharge's platform and its disciplined approach to profitable growth while continuing to invest in technology, operational capabilities, and product innovation.

A key milestone was the launch of Recharge's next-generation platform, designed to scale with future market needs. The new architecture enables faster partner onboarding, deeper product personalisation, and will support the business to unlock future capabilities such as embedded finance and white-label offerings.

Recharge also progressed its application for a Payment Institution licence in the Netherlands, a move that will expand the businesses product offering with financial services to consumers across Europe.

Gunther Vogelpoel, CEO of Recharge, said: "2024 was a defining year for Recharge. We reinforced our market leadership, launched foundational infrastructure for future growth, and delivered strong performance across the board. Online demand for prepaid payment solutions is accelerating as we connect top tier brands with more and more consumers - Recharge is uniquely positioned to lead this shift. With scale, profitability, and a strong pipeline of innovation, we're ready for the next phase."

Recharge entered 2025 with strong momentum, having secured a 45 million M&A facility from ABN AMRO to accelerate its inorganic growth strategy. The facility strengthens the company's ability to pursue acquisitions that expand its reach and capabilities across both B2C and B2B. It was quickly put to use with the acquisition of Giftcloud - a UK-based platform supporting businesses to grow through digital rewards. This marks Recharge's official entry into the B2B space, opening new opportunities to serve brands and businesses with digital-first solutions for customer acquisition, engagement, and rewards.

Freddy Dijkman, CFO of Recharge added: "We've achieved a step change in profitability while continuing to invest in long-term capabilities. Our financial fundamentals are strong, and the ABN AMRO facility gives us the flexibility to accelerate our M&A agenda. Expanding into B2B and regulated financial services will make our business more resilient and diversified - and we're just getting started."

Recharge now connects wellknown brands with consumers across more than 180 countries through its scalable global infrastructure. With over 16,000 digital prepaid payment products and a unified platform spanning Europe and beyond, the company continues to build the backbone for digital value distribution - supporting partners across both B2C and B2B segments with instant, secure, and compliant access to prepaid.

Press Contacts

Georgia Hanias Ecology Media +44 (0) 7812 211 403 georgiahanias@ecologymedia.co.uk Ross Cumming Recharge Group Director Corporate Affairs press@recharge.com

Images

Available Here

About Recharge

Recharge is a global prepaid payments platform that connects brands with consumers through a unified digital infrastructure. Operating across both B2C and B2B, the Group makes branded prepaid products accessible anytime, anywhere via its multi-country storefronts, including Recharge.com and Startselect.com. Following the acquisition of Giftcloud, Recharge also enables digital rewards and incentives for businesses looking to acquire, engage, and retain customers. Active in over 180 markets, Recharge is powering the global digital distribution of prepaid payments products through a single, scalable platform. For more information visit company.recharge.com .

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Global mining leader deploys iManage to enhance governance, knowledge management, and user experience

CHICAGO, June 12, 2025, the company dedicated to Making Knowledge Work, today announced that global mining company Rio Tinto has deployed iManage as part of a broader strategy to modernize and streamline its legal operations. More than 200 users across Australia, Singapore, the UK, and North America are now benefiting from the platform.

Seeking to improve searchability, performance, and usability, Rio Tinto replaced its legacy SharePoint-based system with iManage Work 10, Threat Manager, and Share. The implementation has delivered significant gains in user adoption and operational efficiency, while enabling the company to better govern legal knowledge and control its data environment. The move supports Rio Tinto's focus on a connected digital ecosystem, in which integrated systems and automation simplify processes and unlock new value. This includes seamless API integration between iManage and Rio Tinto's in-house digital legal hub, with iManage serving as the core content layer.

"With iManage, we've gone from frustrated users to enthusiastic adopters," said Christopher de Waas, Digital Transformation Lead at Rio Tinto. "People are finally able to search, file, and manage their documents without friction, and that shift has opened the door to real transformation. We're no longer just solving problems, we're building momentum."

Rio Tinto migrated over 4.5 million documents to iManage and achieved 80% user engagement within the first four months of go-live, with half of the department classified as active users. By enabling users to manage content efficiently, including while offline, iManage has helped reduce rework, increase compliance, and preserve institutional legal knowledge across the organization.

"We're proud to support Rio Tinto as they modernize how their legal team works," said Suzanne Walmsley, Senior Director of European Sales at iManage. "Their focus on usability, governance, and transformation aligns perfectly with our mission. It's rewarding to see how quickly iManage has driven engagement and unlocked new possibilities across their team."

Looking ahead, Rio Tinto is exploring the use of iManage's AI capabilities, particularly Ask iManage, to unlock the full potential of its legal knowledge base. With a mature, well-governed system in place and strong user participation, the team sees AI as the next step in surfacing insights, accelerating workflows, and driving smarter decision-making across legal and beyond.

About iManage

iManage is dedicated to Making Knowledge Work. Our cloud-native platform is at the center of the knowledge economy, enabling every organization to work more productively, collaboratively, and securely. Built on more than 20 years of industry experience, iManage helps leading organizations manage documents and emails more efficiently, protect vital information assets, and leverage knowledge to drive better business outcomes. As your strategic business partner, we employ our award-winning AI-enabled technology, an extensive partner ecosystem, and a customer-centric approach to provide support and guidance you can trust to make knowledge work for you. iManage is relied on by more than one million professionals at 4,000 organizations around the world. Visit www.imanage.comto learn more.

Follow iManage via:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imanage

X: https://x.com/imanageinc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iManage

Press contact:

Alicia Saragosa, iManage

press@imanage.com
NICE, France, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the UN Ocean Conference, the governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu announced their intention to create the Melanesian Ocean Reserve to safeguard the ancestral waters, homelands, and peoples of the southwestern Pacific. The area is one of the world's most biodiverse marine regions. Protecting it will secure the economic and cultural vitality of hundreds of distinct Indigenous Peoples while furthering global climate, biodiversity, and ocean goals.

The Melanesian Ocean Reserve will be the first Indigenous-led multi-national ocean reserve on Earth. When complete, it will span at least 6 million square kilometres of ocean and islands-an area as vast as the Amazon rainforest. It will encompass the combined national waters of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea, and connect with the protected waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone of New Caledonia.

"For millennia, the Indigenous Peoples of Melanesia have been the wisest and most effective stewards of these sacred waters. That is why the governments of Melanesia are joining forces to create an unprecedented ocean reserve that honours our identities, livelihoods, and spiritual connections," said Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

"It is an objective of our National Ocean Policy to establish this transboundary corridor of traditionally managed ocean space between our countries, and we are delighted that this is now happening," said Vanuatu's Minister for Environment Ralph Regenvanu. "The Melanesian Ocean Reserve will give the governments and peoples of Melanesia the ability to do much more to protect our ancestral waters from those who extract and exploit without concern for our planet and its living beings. We hope our Indigenous stewardship of this vast reserve will create momentum for similar initiatives all over the world."

Although today's formal announcement is made by the governments of Vanuatu and the Solomons, the governments of Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia anticipate joining the Melanesian Ocean Reserve.

Today, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are showing their willingness to commit to contribute all their archipelagic waters and areas beyond to the Melanesian Ocean Reserve. As a result, they will permit only sustainable economic activities consistent with Indigenous values in these waters.

The Melanesian Ocean Reserve is the brainchild of two highly respected Indigenous leaders who met for the first time and began sketching out the blueprint at the Convention on Biological Diversity meeting in Cali, Colombia last year:

The Honourable Trevor Mahaga, the Solomon Islands' Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology

The Honourable Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu's Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, and Disaster Management

Ministers Mahaga and Regenvanu fleshed out the Melanesian Ocean Reserve concept with the Honourable Jelta Wong, Papua New Guinea's Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, with the support of the nonprofits Nia Tero and Islands Knowledge Institute (IKI).

Nia Tero, led by an Indigenous CEO and a majority-Indigenous board, is a global facilitator of direct funding to Indigenous Peoples. "What these Melanesian leaders are doing is giving voice to the hope of all Oceanic Peoples-to be able to fully bring forward the dream and knowledge of our ancestors in the modern day and to care for the ocean and our planet in the way they deserve," said Nia Tero CEO 'Aulani Wilhelm.

The Islands Knowledge Institute, led by the Solomons-based Indigenous ecologist Dr. Edgar Pollard, has been the primary incubator of the Melanesian Ocean Reserve initiative, supporting deep conversations amongst country leaders and fostering a sense of motivating progress. "The Melanesian Ocean Reserve has progressed from an idea to a powerful platform amongst Melanesian leaders because it connects to an unmistakable truth in their lives: that treating the ocean as our home, in the deepest sense of the word, is the best protection," said Dr. Pollard. "The excitement and inspiration driving the Melanesian Ocean Reserve stems from the chance at making this relationship real in the context of our countries at every level, from the tribe to the village to the state."

Learn more: www.MelanesianOcean.org

Press Inquiries: Press@MelanesianOcean.org

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PORT VILA, Vanuatu, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Markets is proud to announce its participation as a major exhibitor at the upcoming Money Expo Colombia 2025, one of Latin America's most anticipated financial events. Now in its second edition, the event is expected to draw between 5,000 and 7,000 attendees across two days from 25-26 June, taking place at the Centro de Convenciones Agora Bogota.

As part of its continued commitment to innovation, Vantage will host the largest booth at the event, having combined Booths 11 and 18 to create an immersive and interactive space. The expanded presence reflects Vantage's ongoing mission to provide attendees with the most engaging and informative expo experience possible.

Attendees can look forward to thought leadership sessions from three of Vantage's experts. On the main stage, Alejandro Zelniker, Affiliate and Partner Specialist, will deliver a timely presentation titled: "When Do You Earn More? Investing During Market Chaos or Calm?". His session will explore trading psychology, market cycles, and common approaches to managing portfolios during periods of volatility.

On the panel stage, Rodrigo Martinez, Team Lead of Business Development, will contribute to the discussion: "Inside the Broker's Toolbox: What Every Trader and Investor Should Know.". Rodrigo will offer expert insights into the evolving toolkit that brokers offer to traders, from technology infrastructure to analytics and customer service innovations. Lastly, Julio Vasquez, Business Development Manager will participate in a panel discussion on "Mastering Risk: Strategies for Resilience in Unpredictable Markets". With volatility as the new normal, Julio will share his perspective on how he identifies, quantifies and manage risk across asset classes.

Marc Despallieres, CEO of Vantage Markets, shared his thoughts ahead of the event:

"LATAM is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing regions for financial innovation, and Money Expo Colombia offers a valuable platform to engage with industry participants across the region. Vantage is proud to have a significant presence at the expo- reflecting our ongoing commitment to supporting the broader financial community within the industry."

With the event positioned as the second largest in the Money Expo LATAM series, following Money Expo Mexico, Vantage's expanded booth and expert-led sessions are set to be notable features of the summit.

Visit Vantage Markets, for more information about Vantage Markets and our initiatives.

About Vantage

Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a reliable trading platform, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that provide clients access to trading opportunities.

trade smarter @vantage

RISK WARNING: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you understand the risks before trading.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or solicitation of any financial products or services. The content is not intended for residents of any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. Readers are advised to seek independent professional advice before making any investment or financial decisions. Any reliance you place on the information presented is strictly at your own risk.

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NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- London Business School (LBS) - routinely ranked among the top business schools in the world - has officially become the first customer in the UK to deploy nebulaONE, a secure Generative AI Gateway by Cloudforce, built on Microsoft Azure. The platform enables the institution to scale responsible AI access across its entire campus community by providing a single dedicated environment for AI models and agents, aligned with academic and operational goals.

From Pilot to Platform in Two Weeks

LBS' Chief Digital and Information Officer, Danny Attias, first engaged with Cloudforce in December 2024 after an introduction from UCLA's Anderson School of Management, which had recently launched the platform on its own campus. Danny's forward-thinking ideas on AI led quickly to an in-person meeting and demo at their London campus, which sparked immediate excitement from the broader LBS team.

At the time, LBS was actively exploring a range of Generative AI solutions, including a pilot of ChatGPT EDU licenses through OpenAI EDU. As part of this broader strategy, internal stakeholders also expressed interest in accessing a wider variety of models, greater flexibility, and institution-level control. Cloudforce's nebulaONE platform complemented these goals, offering a secure, cost-effective solution capable of scaling to the entire campus community. Within just two weeks, LBS moved from pilot to full deployment, launching "LBS AI," its custom-branded GenAI platform hosted in the School's own Microsoft Azure cloud - ensuring privacy, security, and ownership of its AI environment.

Nicos Savva, Professor of Management Science and Operations at LBS, agreed that?"Cloudforce showed agility and a willingness to collaborate. They worked closely with us to shape a platform that supports how LBS learns, teaches and innovates."

LBS AI now provides every student, faculty and staff member with secure access to various Large Language Models (LLMs) including OpenAI's GPT models, Claude and DeepSeek. Additional models and capabilities like Mistral and Llama are available and new features including Google Gemini, research data integration and agentic automation, are already in motion.

Equitable AI Access, Right From the Start

From the outset, the focus was on ease of access to ensure the entire campus could get started from day one. Students, faculty and staff gained access immediately, with no complex onboarding or training required. The platform also supports simple creation of personal AI agents, for use cases ranging from teaching and learning to research, to internal operations.

Danny Attias, LBS' Chief Digital and Information Officer, said "Security and privacy were non-negotiables for us. The fact that everything operates within Microsoft's secure cloud ecosystem gave us the confidence to move quickly and responsibly.

"Unlike public tools such as ChatGPT or Claude, nebulaONE gives universities a value-based pricing model and deep customisation options. It allows us to meet students where they are with tools designed for how they learn and work."

In April, Cloudforce's Husein Sharaf and Joey Poole delivered an in-person Promptathon at LBS, equipping staff with hands-on experience in prompt engineering and building AI agents tailored to real institutional needs. The first session, which was oversubscribed, helped jumpstart early experimentation and build internal excitement across departments.

Building on that momentum, LBS entered into a Development Partnership with Cloudforce, giving the institution a seat at the table to help shape the nebulaONE platform's roadmap and upcoming features.

A Growing Global Community of Responsible AI Leaders

The announcement marks another milestone in Cloudforce's growing collaboration with leading institutions advancing responsible, equitable AI in education.

This work was recently highlighted in a co-authored AI Innovation Guide by Microsoft and Cloudforce, featuring the London Business School, UCLA Anderson, and several other institutions at the forefront of AI adoption in higher education.

Many more UK universities are now turning to Microsoft, Cloudforce, and the nebulaONE platform to deliver secure, flexible, institution-ready AI capabilities tailored to modern learning environments. LBS AI was implemented with robust support from the UK-based Microsoft Education team, including ongoing training and adoption resources aimed at supporting users of all skill levels.

For more information, visit nebulaone.ai or follow London Business School and Cloudforce on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Arija Rahman

202-803-6500

marketing@gocloudforce.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/london-business-school-becomes-first-uk-business-school-to-provide-ai-for-all-302480090.html
BENGALURU, India, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sasken Technologies Ltd. (BSE: 532663) (NSE: SASKEN), a global leader in product engineering and digital transformation, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Microsoft through the Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform (MDEP). This collaboration, enhanced by Sasken's recent acquisition of Borqs Technologies' Connected Devices business, positions Sasken at the forefront of intelligent device innovation. By combining Sasken's expanded capabilities with Microsoft's foundational platform, this alliance will empower OEMs and ODMs to fast-track creation and the launch of cutting-edge, next-generation smart devices.

The Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform (MDEP) is designed to accelerate the development and deployment of intelligent & secure collaboration devices by bringing together hardware partners, solution providers, and system integrators. By collaborating with MDEP, Sasken will bring enhanced product engineering expertise, strengthened by Borqs' connected device portfolio and chipset partnerships, combined with its strengths in embedded systems, IoT, and lifecycle services, enabling faster innovation, reduced complexity, and superior user experiences.

"We are excited to collaborate with Microsoft and become a part of the Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform," said Hareesh Ramanna, Chief Experience Officer & President Borqs Technologies (a Sasken Group company). "This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to enable our customers to build differentiated products and accelerate their time-to-market. The integration of Borqs' connected device engineering talent and chipset expertise into Sasken has significantly augmented our capabilities. Now, by combining this enhanced prowess with the power and scale of MDEP, we are well positioned to deliver unparalleled value to Enterprise OEMs looking to build cutting-edge & secure Collaboration, IoT, and Special Purpose devices that meet the demands of a connected future."

Through this partnership, Sasken will provide end-to-end product development & product engineering services, including Hardware design, platform porting, application development, system integration, testing, and lifecycle support on MDEP. Sasken will also work closely with Microsoft to support MDEP's strategic focus areas including security, manageability, and modernization.

"Microsoft is committed to empowering device partners with the tools and platforms they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving market," said Juha Kuosmanen, Head of MDEP. "We are excited to welcome Sasken to the Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform. Sasken's deep engineering heritage will be a significant asset to our ecosystem. This will help OEMs bring innovative devices to market more efficiently and tap into a broader range of device opportunities."

This partnership highlights Sasken's vision to be a trusted technology partner for global enterprises looking to build the next generation of connected, intelligent products.

To learn more about Sasken, visit www.sasken.com.

To learn more about Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform, visit MDEP Overview .

Media Contact:

Rekha Sahay Ghosh

Head of Marketing & Communications

E: pr@sasken.com

T: +91 080 6694 3009

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sasken-partners-with-microsoft-to-accelerate-smart-device-innovation-via-microsoft-devices-ecosystem-platform-mdep-302480024.html


Press Release

Eviden launches its XMC Ethernet switch card, a cybersecure and sovereign solution for critical environments

Paris, France - June 12, 2025 - Eviden, the Atos Groupproduct brand leading in advanced computing, cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems and vision AI today announces the availability of a cybersecure and sovereign Ethernet switching solution, the XMC1 Ethernet switch card, specifically designed for mission-critical environments. This innovative solution uses a protocol break of communications to achieve the security and independence of critical communication systems.

Designed and manufactured in France, this XMC-format Ethernet switch card is a sovereign alternative to market offerings. It is produced at Eviden's Aix-en-Provence site in France by teams with expertise in mission-critical systems. It complements Eviden's range of MLS Gatewaysolutions, which are multi-level security gateways designed for two-way communications between networks of different classifications.

Eviden's new XMC Ethernet switch card is designed to protect data effectively. It incorporates powerful protection mechanisms that filter information, detect issues, and report anomalies to ensure secure and reliable transmission.

Coupled with the CPU card2 of a critical system, Eviden's XMC Ethernet switch card is configurable, allowing systems to evolve. It offers the ability to partition data between open and secure environments that require a break in protocol for security and confidentiality reasons.

The card can be integrated on the mezzanine level with third-party embedded computers (air-land, naval or land-based) as well as with Eviden's multi-level gateway solutions (MLS Gateway).

Designed for the highest levels of criticality, Eviden's XMC Ethernet switch card supports multiple protocols3 and is compatible with the AFDX standard4, enabling seamless integration into existing avionics systems. It is also DO-254 DAL A certifiable5 and developed in accordance with standards that support certification to the CC EAL 4+ level6. It incorporates technology from Cetrac.io, a specialist in hardware switching technologies and a partner of Eviden.

Bernard Payer, Head of Mission-Critical Systems at Eviden, Atos Group, said: "Eviden's XMC Ethernet switch card is a fusion of technologies designed to guarantee the security and compartmentalization of critical information flows without reliance on foreign technologies or operators. Our next-generation Ethernet switching solution provides operators in mission-critical environments with a sovereign solution in their hands, reflecting the know-how of our teams. I am particularly proud to announce the availability of this solution."

Eviden's XMC Ethernet switch card will be presented at SIAE, June 16-22, booth Avantix S3, GIFAS pavilion, hall 2B C140.

***

About Eviden

Evidenis the Atos Group brand for hardware and software products with c.  1 billion in revenue, operating in 36 countries and comprising four business units: advanced computing, cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems and vision AI. As a next-generation technology leader, Eviden offers a unique combination of hardware and software technologies for businesses, public sector and defense organizations and research institutions, helping them to create value out of their data. Bringing together 4,200 world-class talents and holding more than 2,100 patents, Eviden provides a strong portfolio of innovative and eco-efficient solutions in AI, computing, security, data and applications.

About Atos Group

Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c.  10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands - Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

The purpose of Atosis to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

Press contact

Isabelle Grange | isabelle.grange@atos.net| +33 (0) 6 64 56 74 88

1 XMC: Mezzanine Card switch. A mezzanine board is a secondary electronic board (or daughter board) that, when connected to a main board (or motherboard), allows the addition of specific features to a computer or embedded system, without changing the basic architecture.

2 CPU: Central Processing Unit

3 UDP, TCP, ICMP, ARP, IP

4 AFDX: Avionics Full Duplex switched Ethernet

5 DO 254 DAL A: the highest criticality level according to the DAL (Design Assurance Level) which categorizes software according to the potential impact of its failures on the safety of aeronautical systems.

6 CC EAL 4+: Common Criteria Level 4 evaluation system "methodically designed, tested and verified."

Attachment
Highlights:

Portal construction commenced with initial blast completed

Underground operations expected to contribute to production in June and ramp up during Q3 2025

Open pit exploration drill campaign commenced

TORONTO, ONTARIO / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Cerrado Gold Inc. [TSX.V:CERT][OTCQX:CRDOF][FRA:BAI0] ("Cerrado" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the development of the Company's inaugural underground operation commencing underneath the high-grade Paloma pit at its Minera Don Nicolas Mine in Argentina ("MDN").

Earlier this week, the Company completed the initial blast to begin construction of the underground portal and progress the development of the underground mine over the coming months. The initial decline will be driven through the ore body and will provide nominal feed to the carbon in leach ("CIL") plant. Production from the underground is expected to ramp-up to reach steady state production by October this year.

Additionally, the Company has now mobilized the initial drill rig to commence the previously announced 20,000 metre exploration drill program at MDN. The primary focus will be near surface, high-grade deposits that can provide feed to the CIL plant as well as expanding potential resources in and around the Las Calandrias heap leach project to add both high grade and heap leachable material. Underground drilling at Paloma will commence once the underground exploration platforms have been established.

Mark Brennan, Executive Chairman, commented: "The start of the underground operation is a key milestone for Cerrado's Argentinian operations; we now have the ability to produce from open pit, heap leach and underground operations. Not only will the underground operations contribute to production immediately, but it will also provide a platform for underground exploration, which remains completely open and largely unexplored at MDN."

Review of Technical Information

The scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Croal, P.Eng., Chief Technical Officer for Cerrado Gold, who is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

About Cerrado

Cerrado Gold is a Toronto-based gold production, development, and exploration company. The Company is the 100% owner of the producing Minera Don Nicolas and Las Calandrias mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. In Portugal, the Company holds an 80% interest in the highly prospective Lagoa Salgada VMS project through its position in Redcorp - Empreendimentos Mineiros, Lda. In Canada, Cerrado Gold is developing its 100% owned Mont Sorcier Iron project located outside of Chibougamou, Quebec.

In Argentina, Cerrado is maximizing asset value at its Minera Don Nicolas ("MDN") operation through continued operational optimization and is growing production through its operations at the Las Calandrias heap leach project. An extensive campaign of exploration is ongoing to further unlock potential resources in our highly prospective land package in the heart of the Deseado Masiff.

In Portugal, Cerrado is focused on the development and exploration of the highly prospective Lagoa Salgada VMS project located on the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal. The Lagoa Salgada project is a high-grade polymetallic project, demonstrating a typical mineralization endowment of zinc, copper, lead, tin, silver, and gold. Extensive exploration upside potential lies both near deposit and at prospective step-out targets across the large 7,209-hectare property concession. Located just 80km from Lisbon and surrounded by exceptional infrastructure, Lagoa Salgada offers a low-cost entry to a significant development and exploration opportunity, already showing its mineable scale and cashflow generation potential.

In Canada, Cerrado holds a 100% interest in the Mont Sorcier high purity high grade DRI Iron Ore project, which has the potential to produce a premium iron ore concentrate over a long mine life at low operating costs and low capital intensity. Furthermore, its high grade and high purity product facilitates the migration of steel producers from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces, contributing to the decarbonization of the industry and the achievement of sustainable development goals.

For more information about Cerrado please visit our website at: www.cerradogold.com.

Mark Brennan

CEO and Chairman

Mike McAllister

Vice President, Investor Relations

Tel: +1-647-805-5662

mmcallister@cerradogold.com

Disclaimer

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the business and operations of Cerrado, the Company's 2025 guidance including expected gold production, future growth, the goals of our planned underground exploration program, the expected timing of the strengthening of the 2025 production, the primary sources of the 2025 production, expectations regarding production at the underground operation. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information.

In making the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Cerrado has made certain assumptions. Although Cerrado believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Cerrado disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

SOURCE: Cerrado Gold Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/cerrado-gold-begins-underground-operations-at-its-minera-don-nicolas-mine-1038471
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Kewpie Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. ("Kewpie Malaysia"), a household name synonymous with premium mayonnaise and dressings, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Kewpie Mayonnaise, marking a century of flavour innovation, culinary inspiration, and trusted quality. The celebration marks a century of innovation and flavour from the Japanese-born brand, and signals its commitment to nurturing local talent and culinary creativity in Malaysia. To commemorate this historic milestone, Kewpie is launching a wide-reaching celebration that blends global festivities, local partnerships, and a golden opportunity for Malaysians to win a dream holiday to Japan.

(L-R), from Kewpie Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Shimpei Okada, Deputy Managing Director, Atsushi Miyata, Managing Director, and Soon Soo Choong, Sales Director

First introduced in Japan in 1925 by founder Toichiro Nakashima, Kewpie Mayonnaise was born with a mission to improve nutrition and promote healthier eating. Its rich, creamy texture and distinct umami flavour quickly captured the hearts of families, chefs, and food lovers alike. The 100th anniversary of Kewpie Mayonnaise celebrates the brand's enduring quality, health-conscious origins, and distinct umami flavour that has captivated generations of consumers across Asia and beyond. Having been in Malaysia since 2009, Kewpie continues to build on its legacy with a strong local presence and commitment to the halal-certified market.

This 100th year milestone is a reaffirmation of Kewpie's promise for the future. Across the globe, the centennial is marked under the theme "KEWPIE 100th Years Mayonnaise Anniversary," a reflection of the brand's continuous pursuit of innovation, quality, and meaningful connections. From a humble vision to improve nutrition in Japan, to becoming a globally recognised brand trusted in homes and restaurants alike, Kewpie's journey is one of enduring relevance and purposeful evolution.

To honour its centennial, Kewpie Malaysia has launched the "Kewpie 100th Years Mayonnaise Contest", inviting Malaysians to get creative in the kitchen using Kewpie Mayonnaise Japanese Style. Participants simply need to create a unique dish using the product, snap a photo and record a short video (30-45 seconds), and post it on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok with the hashtag KewpieIt100 and tag @KewpieMalaysia. Submissions must also be shared via Direct Messages ("DM") for verification.

The contest runs from 31 May to 24 August 2025, and the ultimate prize is an unforgettable trip to Japan, where Kewpie was born, along with exclusive gifts and bragging rights as one of Kewpie's most creative fans. This consumer contest aligns with Kewpie's global centennial campaign that includes a food truck tour across Japan, special edition merchandise, and immersive experiences at the brand's "Mayo Terrace" museum in Tokyo.

In Malaysia, the celebration continues with a unique culinary collaboration with Fei Fei Crab Restaurant ("Fei Fei Crab"), a beloved seafood restaurant in the Malaysian food scene. Attendees will get to experience exclusive mayonnaise-infused creations that blend Kewpie's Japanese roots with local Malaysian flavours, offering a delicious testament to Kewpie's role in inspiring fusion cuisine and contemporary dining experiences.

"We are honoured to celebrate 100 years of Kewpie Mayonnaise together with our partners in education and the local culinary scene," said Mr. Shimpei Okada, Deputy Managing Director of Kewpie Malaysia. "At Kewpie, we believe in the power of food to connect people and cultures. This event is a reflection of our past and signifies a step forward in inspiring the next generation of chefs, innovators, and food lovers in Malaysia. Having established our operations here in 2009, our collaboration with SEGi University and Fei Fei Crab reflects our ongoing commitment to creativity, community, and quality in the Malaysian market."

Kewpie also works closely with SEGi University to provide students hands-on exposure to the food industry through real-world projects and creative applications of Kewpie products. This collaboration highlights Kewpie Malaysia's commitment to education, talent development, and long-term community engagement. By supporting the next generation of food innovators, Kewpie ensures that its century-long legacy continues to evolve with fresh perspectives and youthful creativity.

As Kewpie Malaysia celebrates this 100th year milestone, the brand reaffirms its promise to remain innovative, inclusive, and deeply connected to the lives of its consumers. Whether through a bold new dish, a student-led campaign, or a chance to explore Japan, Kewpie continues to inspire with every drop of its unmistakable mayonnaise.

Find out more about Kewpie at www.kewpie.com.my and through their social media on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok.

###

For media information, kindly contact:

Triven Marketing Group, for Kewpie Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Jazzmin Wan

Email: j.wan@swanconsultancy.biz

ABOUT KEWPIE MALAYSIA SDN. BHD.

Kewpie Malaysia, established in 2009 with its halal-certified factory in Melaka, has steadily grown to become a staple in Malaysian households and the foodservice sector. The collaboration with SEGi University and FeiFei Crab underscores Kewpie's vision to not only celebrate its past, but to invest in the future of food, through education, innovation, and community. As the global Kewpie brand launches commemorative events and limited-edition merchandise around the world, today's celebration reaffirms Kewpie Malaysia's local commitment: to enrich the culinary landscape, nurture young talent, and bring joy through every bottle of its iconic mayonnaise.

SOURCE: Kewpie Malaysia Sdn Bhd

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/food-and-beverage-products/kewpie-malaysia-celebrates-100-years-of-japanese-mayonnaise-with-educati-1038717
(All amounts expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated)

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Torex Gold Resources Inc. (the "Company" or "Torex") (TSX: TXG) today released its 2024 Responsible Gold Mining Report (the "Report") titled Building from Strength, the Company's tenth annual disclosure of its safety, environmental, social and governance performance. The Report can be found on the Company's website at www.torexgold.com.

Jody Kuzenko, President & CEO of Torex, stated:

"The theme of this year's report, Building from Strength, reinforces that responsible mining is one of the key elements that makes us strong as a Company - it is at the core of who we are and will continue to define us as we build the future of our operations in Mexico and beyond. As the largest gold producer in Mexico, we have a heightened sense of responsibility to demonstrate what good looks like when it comes to mining responsibly and showcasing the lasting and positive impact mining can have on people and the planet."

"Amid the many positive and inspiring stories contained in the Report, 2024 was marked with profound tragedy with the loss of two employees and two contractor employees in two separate workplace incidents. As we look toward the future, we are more resolved than ever to reset the bar on safety leadership and reestablish our reputation as one of the safest operators in the industry."

2024 RESPONSIBLE GOLD MINING REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

Achieved full conformance with the World Gold Council Responsible Gold Mining Principles ("RGMPs") and the International Cyanide Management Code ("ICMC");

Zero reportable environmental incidents or spills;

99% employees from Mexico with 67% from Guerrero State and 41% from local communities;

Continued implementation of our Community Development Agreements ("CODECOPs") in partnership with 11 host communities, with $3.5 million directly invested in community development and infrastructure projects;

92% of procurement expenditures of $929 million spent in Mexico;

58% water usage recycled;

60% non-mineral waste recycled;

Company featured in pilot episode of World Gold Council documentary GOLD: The Journey Continues, with approximately 6 million views to date;

Continued improvement in scoring from key ESG ratings agencies.

The Company's 2024 Responsible Gold Mining Report was prepared with reference to the Global Reporting Initiative ("GRI") Standards and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board ("SASB") Metals and Mining Sustainability Accounting Standard. It also includes energy and climate-related data aligned with the Phase 1 recommendations of the Task Force of Climate-Related Financial Disclosure ("TCFD"), and water-related data that conforms with the Water Stewardship Framework established by the International Council on Mining and Metals ("ICMM").

ABOUT TOREX GOLD RESOURCES INC.

Torex Gold Resources Inc. is an intermediate gold producer based in Canada, engaged in the exploration, development, and operation of its 100% owned Morelos Property, an area of 29,000 hectares in the highly prospective Guerrero Gold Belt located 180 kilometres southwest of Mexico City.

The Company's principal asset is the Morelos Complex, which includes the producing Media Luna Underground, ELG Underground, and ELG Open Pit mines, the development stage EPO Underground Project, a processing plant, and related infrastructure. Commercial production from the Morelos Complex commenced on April 1, 2016 and an updated Technical Report for the Morelos Complex was released in March 2022.

Torex's key strategic objectives are: deliver Media Luna to full production and build EPO; optimize Morelos production and costs; grow reserves and resources; disciplined growth and capital allocation; retain and attract best industry talent; and industry leader in responsible mining. In addition to realizing the full potential of the Morelos Property, the Company is seeking opportunities to acquire assets that enable diversification and deliver value to shareholders.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information also includes, but is not limited to, statements about: being more resolved than ever to reset the bar on safety leadership and reestablish our reputation as one of the safest operators in the industry; and the Company's key strategic objectives: deliver Media Luna to full production and build EPO; optimize Morelos production and costs; grow reserves and resources; disciplined growth and capital allocation; retain and attract best industry talent; and industry leader in responsible mining. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "objective", "target", "continue", "potential", "focus", "demonstrate", "belief" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will", "would", "could" or "is expected to" occur. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with: the ability to upgrade mineral resources categories of mineral resources with greater confidence levels or to mineral reserves; risks associated with mineral reserve and mineral resource estimation; and those risk factors identified in the Company's current technical report and the Company's annual information form and management's discussion and analysis or other unknown but potentially significant impacts. Forward-looking information is based on the assumptions discussed in the technical report and such other reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. The Technical Report, AIF and MD&A are filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and the Company's website at www.torexgold.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255060

SOURCE: Torex Gold Resources Inc.
Analysis by the Coordenadas Institute of Governance and Applied Economics on the Role of European Companies in the Global Energy Transition

In a sector dominated by large utilities, medium-sized companies are emerging as a new generation of independent players that, with different models, are consolidating themselves as relevant players in the energy transformation based on specialisation, flexibility and innovation.

An analysis carried out by experts from the Coordenadas Institute of Governance and Applied Economics (ICGEA) explores a new type of energy player, capable of accelerating the implementation of renewables at lower cost, acting with greater agility in a changing regulatory environment, and also betting on emerging technologies beyond traditional photovoltaic or wind power, to contribute to the European objectives of climate neutrality and energy security.

While the large traditional utilities are adapting their portfolios to renewables, a new generation of 100% green companies is steadily advancing in the energy transition. Among them, ICGEA highlights Encavis AG (Germany), RIC Energy (Spain) and Voltalia (France), for their distinctive models and global reach.

"These companies, within the middle-size segment, represent three different ways of understanding the clean energy business, but they share the same commitment: to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels with sustainable, innovative and global solutions. Their catalogues include technologies such as solar photovoltaic, wind, biomass and even, in the case of the Spanish company RIC Energy, battery storage (BESS), biogas, and green hydrogen and derivatives. Without fossil legacies, their focus is clear and their message strong: there is another way to generate energy," says Jesus Sanchez Lambas, executive vice-president of the Coordenadas Institute.

Despite their European origin, these companies operate on a global scale. Their internationalisation allows them to diversify risks, take advantage of regulatory and technological opportunities and contribute to the energy transition in regions with high energy demand and low levels of renewable electrification.

The energy transition requires scale and speed, for which the average size of these players gives them a competitive advantage over traditional energy majors.

Three models, one ambition

Encavis AG, long-term management of wind and photovoltaic farms in 12 European countries

Encavis AG is one of Europe's leading independent renewable energy producers, based in Hamburg. The company specialises in the acquisition, management and long-term operation of onshore wind and solar farms, offering a value proposition focused on long-term stability, profitability and sustainability.

Encavis currently operates a diversified portfolio of more than 300 farms in 12 European countries, including Germany, Spain, Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands, with an installed capacity of more than 3.8 GW. Its business model is based on acquiring assets in operation or in advanced stages of development, which can generate stable revenues under PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) or feed-in tariffs.

Since 2024, Encavis has been backed by the global investment fund KKR, which has strengthened its capacity to continue expanding its presence on the European continent and consolidate its position as a key player in the supply of clean energy, especially in markets with stable regulatory frameworks and climate ambition.

In addition, Encavis is boosting its role as a solutions provider for corporate customers, including on-demand energy services and long-term supply agreements, in line with the new decarbonisation needs of large European companies.

RIC Energy, the Spanish multi-technology company with a leading presence in 4 continents

Of Spanish origin, RIC Energy has established itself as one of the most unique and dynamic players in the independent renewable energy segment. Its model is based on technological innovation, geographic diversification and a multi-technology approach that includes solar PV, battery storage (BESS), biogas, wind and sustainable aviation fuel eSAF.

With a presence in four continents - Europe, America, Africa and Asia the company has a strong presence in key markets such as Europe and the United States, enabling it to compete head-to-head with the major international utilities. In Europe, it is developing projects in Spain, Italy and Poland, while in the US it operates in strategic states such as Texas, California and New Mexico, where it has positioned itself as a highly competitive developer.

RIC Energy is currently executing an ambitious transformation strategy to consolidate its position as a selective IPP (Independent Power Producer), focusing on mature and technologically advanced markets. Its global development and construction portfolio exceeds 15 GW, which places it among the most relevant developers in its segment, thanks to its operational agility, its ability to adapt to changing regulatory environments and its commitment to a sustainable, diversified and global energy transition.

Voltalia, the French developer combining own generation and services to lead the green transition

Based in France, Voltalia is one of the most internationally renowned mid-sized renewable companies, with a unique model that spans the entire renewable energy value chain: from development, financing and construction, to asset operation and energy sales, both for its own customers and for third parties, as well as offering comprehensive services to third parties.

Present in more than 20 countries in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia, Voltalia operates with a multi-technology approach that includes solar PV, wind, biomass, hydro and storage. This diversification allows it to adapt to the specificities of each market and ensure solid and resilient growth.

In terms of capacity, the group has more than 3.3 GW in operation and under construction, and a pipeline of projects in development exceeding 17 GW. In Europe, it has a strong presence in countries such as France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom, while in the United States and Brazil it has consolidated its role as a producer of green power for large industrial and corporate customers.

In the race for decarbonisation, names such as Encavis, RIC Energy or Voltalia, still sound less familiar than the big energy giants. But their role in Europe's and the planet's energy future can be as decisive as it is silent. Voltalia, Encavis AG and RIC Energy symbolise a more decentralised, specialised and technologically advanced energy transition. Their relevance in the European market lies not in their sheer size, but in their innovative capacity, sustainable approach and operational agility. They are, in essence, key players for a climate-neutral, diversified and resilient Europe

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250612232194/en/

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TORONTO and TAIPEI, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MolecuLight Inc., a global pioneer in point-of-care fluorescence imaging for wound care, and its Taiwanese distributor, Healtdeva Company Ltd., congratulate researchers at Shuang-Ho Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan on their publication of groundbreaking findings using MolecuLight. The clinical study demonstrates the transformative impact of MolecuLight's i:X device on the management of deep sternal wound infections (DSWI), showcasing significantly improved patient outcomes alongside cost savings and reduced burden on the healthcare system.

The pivotal study, titled "Effects of adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen therapy and real-time fluorescent imaging on deep sternal wound infection: a retrospective study," published in the Journal of Wound Care (2025), revealed that incorporating MolecuLight's real-time fluorescence imaging into the treatment protocol for DSWI led to faster infection resolution, a dramatic reduction in antibiotic use and associated costs, shorter and less intensive hospital stays, and significantly lower rates of dangerous complications like reinfection and osteomyelitis compared to the standard of care with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Key findings that underscore the power of MolecuLight imaging:

Significantly Improved Infection Control: MolecuLight-guided treatment increased the likelihood of white blood cell counts returning to normal within 7 days by 26-fold (72.7% vs. 9.1%) and C-reactive protein levels normalizing within 14 days by 7-fold (78.8% vs. 31.8%) compared to HBOT.

MolecuLight-guided treatment increased the likelihood of white blood cell counts returning to normal within 7 days by 26-fold (72.7% vs. 9.1%) and C-reactive protein levels normalizing within 14 days by 7-fold (78.8% vs. 31.8%) compared to HBOT. Reduced Antibiotic Use and Costs: The MolecuLight group required antibiotics for a significantly shorter duration (22 days vs. 29.5 days), leading to nearly two-thirds lower antibiotic costs ($573.57 USD vs. $1643.78 USD).

The MolecuLight group required antibiotics for a significantly shorter duration (22 days vs. 29.5 days), leading to nearly two-thirds lower antibiotic costs ($573.57 USD vs. $1643.78 USD). Faster Healing and Reduced Burden on Healthcare Systems: Patients treated with MolecuLight experienced ICU stays that were 70% shorter (3 days vs. 10 days) and achieved complete wound healing 20% faster (40 days vs. 50 days).

Patients treated with MolecuLight experienced ICU stays that were 70% shorter (3 days vs. 10 days) and achieved complete wound healing 20% faster (40 days vs. 50 days). Significantly Lower Risk of Complications: The use of MolecuLight imaging was associated with an 82% lower likelihood of in-hospital wound reinfection and an 86% lower risk of recurrent osteomyelitis, critical factors in long-term patient well-being and reduced healthcare expenditure.

The use of MolecuLight imaging was associated with an 82% lower likelihood of in-hospital wound reinfection and an 86% lower risk of recurrent osteomyelitis, critical factors in long-term patient well-being and reduced healthcare expenditure. Enhanced Debridement Efficacy: The study highlights MolecuLight's ability to guide more precise and effective debridement, a cornerstone of successful wound management and infection control.

"This study demonstrates that MolecuLight delivers tangible benefits in clinical wound management and also serves as a valuable teaching tool in our daily practice. The ability to visualize bacterial presence in real time allows us to more effectively guide younger physicians in understanding critical principles of infection control and intraoperative wound assessment. Moving forward, we intend to continue using this technology to enhance clinical decision-making and overall patient care," said study author Dr. Shun-Cheng Chang, from Shuang-Ho Hospital.

"We are honored to introduce MolecuLight's advanced real-time fluorescence imaging technology to Taiwan," remarked Wei-Pin Hsieh, CEO of Healtdeva Company Ltd. "This innovation provides clinicians with a more efficient and accurate tool for assessing infections, opening new diagnostic perspectives in the management of complex wounds and post-operative care. We firmly believe that this technology will have a profound impact on improving patient outcomes and reducing overall healthcare costs."

This study underscores the growing recognition of MolecuLight's significant utility beyond chronic wound care and its increasing adoption in critical surgical applications. The company's advanced imaging system, with its unique ability to visualize bacterial presence in real-time and guide targeted interventions, is gaining traction among surgeons looking to optimize outcomes and better manage post-operative complications in various surgical procedures, including the management of deep sternal wound infections (DSWI).

"We wish to commend the researchers for their excellent work on this study," said Anil Amlani, CEO of MolecuLight. "These compelling results further validate the significant clinical and economic value of MolecuLight's technology, not only in chronic wound care but also in critical surgical applications. This study, along with our growing adoption in surgical settings, reflects the increasing recognition of our ability to provide critical, real-time information that empowers clinicians to make better decisions at the point of care, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of post-operative complications. We are proud to partner with Healtdeva Company to bring these benefits to patients in Taiwan."

About MolecuLight Inc.

MolecuLight Inc. is a privately owned medical imaging company with a global presence that manufactures and commercializes the MolecuLight i:X and DX wound imaging devices. These are the only class II FDA-cleared point-of-care imaging devices for the real-time detection of elevated bacterial burden in wounds. They also provide accurate digital wound measurement for comprehensive wound management, supported by strong clinical evidence including over 100 peer-reviewed publications.

About Healtdeva Company Ltd.

Healtdeva Company Ltd. was established in 1992 and is based in Taipei, Taiwan. Healtdeva Company Ltd. is a trusted distributor of medical technologies and healthcare solutions, with a well-established network across hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmaceuticals, advanced wound care, infection control, and preventive health. Healtdeva Company partners with global innovators to bring cutting-edge medical solutions to the Taiwanese market, driving clinical adoption and commercial success through localized expertise and strategic channel integration.

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LEIDEN, Netherlands, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- During NVIDIA's respected GTC conference in Paris, CEO Jensen Huang made a notable reference to the Dutch company Nebul as an innovative force in the rise of European AI cloud providers. This marks high-level recognition for Nebul as a serious alternative to U.S. hyperscalers and a major enabler of AI. From its base in Leiden, the company is building a European NeoCloud - by Europe, for Europe.

Sovereign Cloud and AI Infrastructure, Built in the Netherlands

At a time when digital and data sovereignty are becoming central themes, Nebul is making significant strides as a concrete alternative for companies and governments that no longer want (or are allowed) to depend on American or Asian cloud providers. Nebul is not an American company but a European player with its own European infrastructure, clear governance, and full control over data and AI processes.

CEO Arnold Juffer:

"European organizations want to know where their data is stored, who has access to it, and under which laws it is processed. Nebul provides that certainty and the latest AI infrastructure, developed in partnership with companies like NVIDIA. We're not just building a cloud alternative - we're enabling Europe to develop, host, and use AI independently, on its own soil."

Backed by NVIDIA - Access to the Largest AI SuperCluster in the Benelux

As an Elite partner of NVIDIA, Nebul offers access to the largest NVIDIA SuperCluster in the Benelux, with hundreds to thousands of GPUs. This powerful infrastructure enables AI developers, software companies, and integrators to quickly and securely run private AI models - fully compliant with European regulations such as the AI Act and NIS2.

To give organizations in Europe the ability to start working today with a full-fledged and sovereign AI alternative, Nebul is introducing a series of its own Private AI solutions. The Leiden-based company is launching a Private Inference APIas a direct European alternative to the OpenAI API, enabling secure development with large language models (LLMs). Nebul also offers a private, European version of generative AI services like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, under the name Private GPT - fully isolated, transparent, and compliant with European laws and regulations.

Nebul is also building a network of managed service providers (MSPs) across Europe and supporting software companies and AI integrators in hosting, deploying, and scaling private AI models on European infrastructure.

From AI Enablement to Sovereign Growth - Europe as the Guiding Principle

Nebul is emerging not just as a NeoCloud provider, but as an AI enabler for Europe's future. Interest from both public and private sector organizations highlights the growing demand for control, transparency, and technological autonomy.

"Our mission is clear: a European NeoCloud and AI platform that is sovereign, accelerates innovation, and meets the highest standards. We're proud to be mentioned by NVIDIA - but this is just the beginning. The foundations are being laid, and Europe is ready to take a leading role in the next generation of cloud and AI innovation," Juffer concluded.

We are available to provide supplementary information, facilitate interview arrangements, and distribute high-resolution photographic and visual materials pertaining to this announcement. Source link: Nebul at the NVIDIA GTC 2025

Inquiries are welcome from members of the press, prospective collaborators, and any interested parties. Contact details: hello@nebul.com, +31 (0)88 2040 300

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Industrial Rubber Marketby Application (Automotive, Building & Construction, Industrial Manufacturing, Polymer Modification, Wire & Cable, Electrical & Electronics), Type, Product, End-use Product Processing, and Region - Global Forecast to 2030", global industrial rubber market is projected to grow from USD 11.48 billion in 2025 to USD 14.90 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Industrial Rubber Market"

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Industrial rubber encompasses a vast array of highly versatile elastic materials essential for demanding applications across numerous sectors. Broadly categorized into natural rubber, derived from the latex of rubber trees and prized for its high elasticity and tensile strength, and synthetic rubber, engineered from petroleum-based compounds like Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), and Silicone, each offering tailored properties such as resistance to heat, chemicals, abrasion, or weathering. The market for these essential materials is primarily driven by the rising demand from the automotive industry, where rubber is crucial for manufacturing tires, seals, hoses, belts, and vibration-dampening components. This demand is directly linked to increased vehicle production. In addition, strong growth in construction and infrastructure development is boosting the need for rubber in expansion joints, seals, roofing, and various components used in roads, bridges, and utility systems.

The automotive segment is expected to account for the largest share of the industrial rubber market, in terms of volume, during the forecast period

The automotive segment is expected to hold the largest share of the industrial rubber market during the forecast period due to the extensive and diverse use of rubber components in vehicle manufacturing. Industrial rubber is critical in producing tires, seals, gaskets, hoses, belts, vibration-dampening components, and various under-the-hood applications that demand high performance, flexibility, and durability. As vehicle production continues to grow, especially in emerging economies with rising middle-class populations and improving road infrastructure, the demand for industrial rubber products increases proportionally. Additionally, the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) is driving the need for advanced rubber materials that offer noise reduction, thermal insulation, and compatibility with new drivetrain technologies. The automotive industry's emphasis on safety, efficiency, and durability ensures that high-performance rubber solutions remain indispensable, solidifying this segment's dominant position in the industrial rubber market during the forecast period.

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By product, the mechanical rubber goods segment is expected to account for the largest market share in terms of volume during the forecast period

Based on product, the mechanical rubber goods segment is estimated to account for the largest share of the market during the forecast period. The mechanical rubber goods segment is projected to hold the largest share of the industrial rubber market due to its broad range of applications across multiple industries, including automotive, building & construction, industrial manufacturing, electrical & electronics, and medical & healthcare. Products such as seals, gaskets, bushings, and vibration dampers are vital for ensuring performance, safety, and longevity in these sectors. In the automotive and construction industries, mechanical rubber components are critical for noise reduction, insulation, and load-bearing functions. In manufacturing and electrical applications, they offer reliable resistance to heat, wear, and chemical exposure. Additionally, their role in emerging sectors like medical and polymer modification further boosts their demand. The durability, versatility, and functional significance of mechanical rubber goods across such diverse industries are key factors driving their dominance within the product segmentation of the industrial rubber market, ahead of other segments such as rubber hoses, belts, and roofing.

Asia Pacific is projected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period

Asia Pacific is estimated to lead the market during the forecast period. Asia Pacific is anticipated to dominate the industrial rubber market during the forecast period due to strong economic growth, rapid industrialization, and expanding infrastructure development across the region. Key countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are driving demand, given their robust manufacturing bases and growing investments in automotive, building & construction, and industrial manufacturing sectors. The automotive industry is a significant contributor, with rising vehicle production and increasing use of rubber in components like tires, hoses, belts, and seals. In addition, the construction boom and urban expansion in developing economies are creating a strong demand for rubber-based products used in roofing, sealants, and insulation. The region also supports growing demand for applications like polymer modification, wire & cable, and electrical & electronics, where industrial rubber is essential for insulation, durability, and flexibility. Furthermore, cost-effective labor, a supportive regulatory environment, and an increasing shift of global manufacturing operations to the Asia Pacific region are attracting major rubber producers to expand their footprint. These factors collectively make the Asia Pacific a key growth engine for the industrial rubber market over the coming years.

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Some of the leading players in this market include Exxon Mobil Corporation (US), Dynasol Group (Spain), Synthos (Poland), ARLANXEO (Netherlands), and SIBUR International GmbH (Russia).

Get access to the latest updates on Industrial Rubber Companies and Industrial Rubber Market Size

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Related Reports:

EPDM Market - Global Forecast to 2028

Synthetic Rubber Market - Global Forecast to 2027

Advanced Ceramics Market - Global Forecast to 2029

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - GT Resources Inc. (TSXV: GT) (OTCQB: CGTRF) (FSE: 7N1) (the "Company" or "GT") is pleased to provide an update with regard to plans for the North Rock Project (Canada) and The Lantinen Koillismaa ("LK") Project (Finland) both Copper-Palladium-Platinum projects.

Highlights

North Rock Copper - Palladium - Platinum ("PGE") Project, Ontario, Canada

The 2024 exploration program identified off hole geophysical conductors adjacent to historic high-grade footwall vein intercepts which returned up to 14.6 g/t Palladium, 0.5 g/t Platinum, 0.3 g/t Gold and 2.3% Copper, and 0.6% Nickel over 0.6 meters in NR07-062 (see January 27, 2025 news release)

Upcoming exploration programs include additional Bore Hole Electro Magnetic ("BHEM") surveys of more historic holes, followed by detailed drill plans to target high-grade massive sulphide footwall style copper-palladium rich veins.

LK PGE - Copper - Nickel Project, Finland

LK is the Company's most advanced project with a substantial Palladium-Platinum-Copper rich open pit resource (see April 25, 2022 news release)

Indicated Resources: 1.1 Million ounces Total Precious Metals (Palladium + Platinum + Gold) ("TMP") (0.89 g/t), 111 Million pounds of Copper (0.13%) , 92 Million pounds of Nickel (0.11%), and contained in 38.2 million tonnes.

Inferred Resources: 1.1 Million ounces TMP (0.68 g/t), 173 Million Pounds Copper (0.16%), 152 Million Pounds Nickel (0.14%), and contained in 49.7 million tonnes.

LK project remains wide open for expansion, notably along the 17 km long Haukiaho Trend (see July 20, 2022 news release)

Neil Pettigrew, Vice President Exploration, commented "With a significant mineral endowment, LK is the Company's most advanced project and is well position as a source of critical minerals for the European Union.

At North Rock high-grade copper-palladium-rich footwall style veins were not targeted by prior operators who focused on broader zones of disseminated copper-rich gabbro hosted mineralization. We believe there is substantial potential for high-grade footwall style mineralization, and this will be a core focus of future exploration programs."

North Rock Copper - Palladium - Platinum ("PGE") Project, Ontario Canada

The North Rock project is located in Northwest Ontario, boasts excellent infrastructure (bisected by a paved provincial highway and a railroad) and is crossed by power lines. The mineralization consists of copper-rich magmatic sulphide, along a 13-kilometer basal contact of mafic and ultramafic volcanic rocks (Figure 1). The mineralization occurs in two main styles; a more copper-rich "gabbro hosted" disseminated to locally net-textured sulphide within the basal heterolithic, varitextured gabbro, and as massive copper-palladium-rich sulphide "footwall vein" style within the footwall volcanic rocks.

Two very shallow zones have been discovered to date, the most significant of which is the Beaver Pond Zone (Figure 1), which hosts a Historic Resource Estimate1 of 1 million tons grading 1.2% Copper. The Beaver Pond Zone was discovered by Noranda in 1958 and subsequently explored from underground via a 90-meter deep shaft and one drift on the 70m level.

The Company undertook a BHEM survey in Q4 2024 on select historic holes located within the Beaver Pond zone. This was the first BHEM survey conducted on the property and was a "test case" to see if the North Rock mineralization was amenable to BHEM techniques. A prime focus of the survey was hole NR07-062, which at 780 meters is by far the deepest hole drilled on the project. This hole returned several conductors which have been modelled as Maxwell EM plates (Figure 2) with some plates corresponding to known footwall style copper-palladium-rich mineralization. The survey identified both "in hole" and "off hole" conductors potentially representing untested footwall style mineralization.

Future exploration plans include opening up historic drill trails to provide better access historic holes for more extensive BHEM surveys, including the East Zone (Figure 1) where abundant footwall vein style mineralization has been intersected. This initial phase would be followed by diamond drilling.





Figure 1. Historic zones of copper-platinum-palladium-rich mineralization along the favorable basal contact of the Grassy Portage Gabbroic complex.

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Figure 2. Cross section, looking northeast through the Beaver Pond Zone showing historic drilling and newly modelled Maxwell EM plates, note hole NR07-062, the deepest hole on the property that hit footwall style Cu-PGE mineralization, but missed the gabbro hosted mineralization.

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LK PGE - Copper - Nickel Project, Finland

The LK Project, located in central Finland represents the Company's most advanced project with a significant NI 43-101 compliant open pit resource (Table 1a & 1b) and is well position to supply the European Union with critical minerals, notably copper, palladium and platinum, of which Europe is heavy dependant on imports with only one producing mine (Boliden's Kevitsa mine in Finland). Boliden also operates both copper and nickel smelters in Finland, thereby providing LK a potential competitive advantage.

The 17-kilometer long Haukiaho trend represents the nearest term expansion potential (Figure 3). The Haukiaho Deposit currently occupies only 2 kilometers of this trend. Historic drilling along this trend, primarily by Outokumpu in the 1960's was only sampled for copper and nickel, partial resampling of historic drill core by the Company in 2022 (see July 20, 2022 news release) returned significant platinum and palladium grades.





Figure 3. Location Map of the LK Project, NI 43-101 Mineral Resources, and near-term expansion potential

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Mineral Resource Estimate:

Table 1a. 2022 LK MRE

MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE - April 2022 Tonnes & Grade

Strip Ratio Tonnes (Mt) Pd Pt Au TPM Cu Ni Co (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) (g/t) Indicated

















Kaukua Area 1.50 38.2 0.61 0.22 0.07 0.89 0.13 0.11 64.56 Inferred

















Kaukua Area +Murtolampi 1.45 30.8 0.52 0.20 0.08 0.80 0.14 0.14 86.07 Haukiaho 0.58 18.9 0.27 0.11 0.10 0.48 0.18 0.14 54.30 Total Inf. 1.26 49.7 0.43 0.17 0.09 0.68 0.16 0.14 73.98

Table 1b: 2022 LK MRE In-situ contained metal

MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE - April 2022 Contained Metal

Strip Pd Pt Au TPM Cu Ni Co Ratio (M oz) (M oz) (M oz) (M oz) (M lbs) (M lbs) (M lbs) Indicated

Kaukua Area 1.50 0.74 0.26 0.08 1.09 110.7 91.6 5.4 Inferred

Kaukua Area +Murtolampi 1.45 0.52 0.20 0.07 0.79 96.5 93.9 5.8 Haukiaho 0.58 0.16 0.07 0.06 0.29 76.4 57.5 2.3 Total Inf. 1.26 0.68 0.26 0.14 1.08 172.9 151.5 8.1 Notes: CIM (2014) definitions were followed for Mineral Resources. The Mineral Resources have been reported above a preliminary open pit constraining surface using a Net Smelter Return (NSR) pit discard cut-off of US$12.5/t (which for comparison purposes equates to an approximately 0.65 g/t Palladium Equivalent in-situ cut-off, based on metal prices only). The NSR used for reporting is based on the following: Long term metal prices of US$ 1,700/oz Pd, US$ 1,100/oz Pt, US$ 1,800/oz Au, US$ 4.25/lb Cu, US$ 8.50/lb Ni and US$ 25/lb Co. Variable metallurgical recoveries for each metal were used at Kaukua and Murtolampi and fixed recoveries of 79.8% Pd, 80.1% Pt, 65% Au, 89% Cu, 64% Ni and 0% Co at Haukiaho. Commercial terms for a Cu and Ni concentrate based on indicative quotations from smelters. Total Precious Metals (TPM) equals palladium plus platinum plus gold Bulk densities range between 1.8 and 3.23 t/m3. Numbers may not add up due to rounding. Mineral Resources, which are not Mineral Reserves, do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. The quantity and grade of reported inferred resources in this estimation are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these inferred resources as an indicated or measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an indicated or measured mineral resource category.

The Mineral Resource Estimate was prepared by the Company under the supervision of Mr. Sean Horan, P.Geo., Technical Manager of Geology at SLR Consulting Ltd., based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Mr. Horan is an Independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. The Mineral Resource Estimate in the April 25, 2022 news release has been classified in accordance with CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 14, 2014).

1 - Disclaimer - Historical Resource Estimate - North Rock

Readers are cautioned that the Company has not attempted to verify historic mineral resource estimates and therefore readers should not place any reliance on any historical estimate. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify a historical estimate as a current mineral resource, additionally, a qualified person has not yet determined what work needs to be done to upgrade or verify a historical estimate as a current mineral resources or mineral reserves.

The Company is not treating any historical estimates as current mineral resources.

A Historical Resource Estimate on the Beaver Pond Zone of the North Rock project is quoted at 1 million tons grading 1.2% copper by Bergman (1973) (Ontario Mineral Deposit Inventory record MDI52C11NE00029). The parameters, methodology and categorise used are not known, and thus the reliability of the estimate cannot be determined, however, it is still considered relevant as underground development and diamond drilling in the 1960 & 1970s supported the estimate and provides a guide for future exploration.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this release has been reviewed and verified by Neil Pettigrew, M.Sc., P. Geo., Vice President of Exploration and a director of the Company and the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About GT Resources

GT Resources Inc. (TSXV: GT) is a mineral exploration company with a strategy to develop copper, nickel, platinum and palladium mining projects in Europe and North America. Our projects are located in Finland and Canada and are comprised of district scale opportunities that have attracted strategic investment from a major mining company.

Follow GT Resources on LinkedIn, Twitter, and at https://gtresourcesinc.com/.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Derrick Weyrauch"

President & CEO, Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release is not an offer or a solicitation of an offer of securities for sale in the United States of America. The common shares of GT Resources Inc. have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration.

Information set forth in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address a company's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks associated with project development; the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in mineral and commodity prices; title matters; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the absence of dividends; competition; dilution; the volatility of our common share price and volume; and the impact of governmental entities. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255294

SOURCE: GT Resources Inc.
2025 Program includes a temporary exploration airstrip, expansion of exploration camp facilities and site access road improvements.

Patterson Corridor East ("PCE") discovery is expanding rapidly and the 2025 Program will optimize this growth.

Incorporating NexGen's longstanding approach, the 2025 Program will prioritize and maximize local business opportunities.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - NexGen Energy Ltd. (TSX: NXE) (NYSE: NXE) (ASX: NXG) ("NexGen" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment has granted approval for NexGen's 2025 Site Program (the "Program") at its 100%-owned Rook I Property in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. The Program includes the establishment of a temporary exploration airstrip, expansion of the exploration accommodation camp facilities by 373 beds and site access road improvements.

The Program will commence in the coming weeks and conclude with camp commissioning in Q1 2026. This program builds on NexGen's disciplined, strategic approach to implementing infrastructure enhancements required to support the Company's exploration programs at PCE and that forecast across NexGen's dominant land package in northwestern Saskatchewan into the future.

The drill results of high-grade basement hosted mineralization discovered at PCE 3.5km east from the Arrow deposit indicate another significant scale zone "Arrow style" of mineralization is materializing and warrant these infrastructure enhancements incorporating best practice safety and environmental principles.

Incorporating NexGen's longstanding approach to economic capacity building, the Program will prioritize Local Priority Area participation, generating new employment and contracting opportunities for Indigenous and community members, reflecting NexGen's industry leading and genuine approach to local communities.

Leigh Curyer, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "The 2025 Site Program marks an exciting strategic milestone for our current and future activities, with key infrastructure improvements that will optimize safety, environmental protection, and efficiency for our people and our programs. These infrastructure enhancements create the conditions for a high-performing operational platform capable of fully evaluating the significant resource potential across our Rook I Property. This Program is a direct reflection of NexGen's proactive approach to responsible resource development, elite planning and demonstrates our continued commitment to building lasting value while creating meaningful opportunities for local Indigenous and community members."

The Honourable Premier of Saskatchewan Scott Moe, commented: "I congratulate and thank NexGen for their major investment in Saskatchewan to date. The Rook I Project is one of the most significant projects across the country and we are keen to see it prioritized by the Government of Canada accordingly. Our government is proud to approve these infrastructure activities which are well within our jurisdiction and that are scheduled to commence imminently. NexGen is an example of strategically delivering a generational opportunity for Saskatchewan to become the world's leader in the mining of uranium, and I look forward to working with newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney to expedite the final Federal approval of this generational opportunity for Saskatchewan and Canada."

2025 Site Program Overview

Temporary Exploration Airstrip

Establishment of a gravel exploration airstrip (<1,000m) on the Rook I Property to enhance health and safety of workers and accommodate an increase in the regional exploration program, augmenting emergency response capabilities and human and environmental protection through the reduction of vehicular transportation of personnel to site.

Expansion of Temporary Exploration Camp Facilities

Engineering, procurement, and installation of hard-walled modular facilities to accommodate 373 additional beds, ensuring the site can house and service the expanded technical teams and specialized personnel as exploration activities intensify.

Site Access Improvements

Improvements to the 13 km Rook I access road to enhance overall worker and equipment safety, including widening the road surface to allow for safe, two-way traffic flow.

Enhanced road base construction to support increased frequency of supply deliveries and specialized exploration equipment.

NexGen has the most significant land position in Saskatchewan's southwest Athabasca Basin, where it holds over 190,000 hectares. From an exploration perspective, the Company is currently focused on the continued material growth of mineralization at PCE - located just 3.5 km east of the world-class Arrow Deposit. Planning is already underway for potential future programs at PCE as the balance of the 2025 drilling program is preparing to recommence in June.

About NexGen

NexGen Energy is a Canadian company focused on delivering clean energy fuel for the future. The Company's flagship Rook I Project is being optimally developed into the largest low cost producing uranium mine globally, incorporating the most elite standards in environmental and social governance. The Rook I Project is supported by a NI 43-101 compliant Feasibility Study which outlines the elite environmental performance and industry leading economics. NexGen is led by a team of experienced uranium and mining industry professionals with expertise across the entire mining life cycle, including exploration, financing, project engineering and construction, operations and closure. NexGen is leveraging its proven experience to deliver a Project that leads the entire mining industry socially, technically and environmentally. The Project and prospective portfolio in northern Saskatchewan will provide generational long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits for Saskatchewan, Canada, and the world.

NexGen is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "NXE" and on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker symbol "NXG" providing access to global investors to participate in NexGen's mission of solving three major global challenges in decarbonization, energy security and access to power. The Company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with its primary operations office in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Forward-Looking Information

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable United States securities laws and regulations and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, the 2021 Arrow Deposit, Rook I Project and estimates of uranium production, grade and long-term average uranium prices, anticipated effects of completed drill results on the Rook I Project, planned work programs, completion of further site investigations and engineering work to support basic engineering of the project and expected outcomes. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Statements relating to "mineral resources" are deemed to be forward-looking information, as they involve the implied assessment that, based on certain estimates and assumptions, the mineral resources described can be profitably produced in the future.

Forward-looking information and statements are based on the then current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about NexGen's business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Forward-looking information and statements are made based upon numerous assumptions, including among others, that the mineral reserve and resources estimates and the key assumptions and parameters on which such estimates are based are as set out in this news release and the technical report for the property , the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the price and market supply of uranium, the cost of planned exploration activities, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment, supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct NexGen's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner and that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward looking information or making forward looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate in the future.

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 NexGen to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of NexGen expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others, the existence of negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of the availability of additional financing, the risk that pending assay results will not confirm previously announced preliminary results, conclusions of economic valuations, the risk that actual results of exploration activities will be different than anticipated, the cost of labour, equipment or materials will increase more than expected, that the future price of uranium will decline or otherwise not rise to an economic level, the appeal of alternate sources of energy to uranium-produced energy, that the Canadian dollar will strengthen against the U.S. dollar, that mineral resources and reserves are not as estimated, that actual costs or actual results of reclamation activities are greater than expected, that changes in project parameters and plans continue to be refined and may result in increased costs, of unexpected variations in mineral resources and reserves, grade or recovery rates or other risks generally associated with mining, unanticipated delays in obtaining governmental, regulatory or First Nations approvals, risks related to First Nations title and consultation, reliance upon key management and other personnel, deficiencies in the Company's title to its properties, uninsurable risks, failure to manage conflicts of interest, failure to obtain or maintain required permits and licences, risks related to changes in laws, regulations, policy and public perception, as well as those factors or other risks as more fully described in NexGen's Annual Information Form dated March 6, 2024 filed with the securities commissions of all of the provinces of Canada except Quebec and in NexGen's 40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and Edgar at www.sec.gov .

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or statements or implied by forward-looking information or statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255339

SOURCE: Nexgen Energy Ltd.
LONDON UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Empire Metals Limited ("Empire" or "the Company") (LON:EEE)(OTCQB:EPMLF), the AIM-quoted resource exploration and development company, announces that it has received notification from SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP, Nominated Adviser and Broker to the Company, of the exercise of a warrant over 70,000 new ordinary shares of no par value in the share capital of the Company (the 'New Ordinary Shares') at a price of 0.06 per share. Accordingly, the Company has today issued the New Ordinary Shares to the warrant holder for an aggregate cash value of 4,200. The Company has also received notification from Shard Capital Stockbrokers, Broker to the Company, of the exercise of a warrant over 689,988 new ordinary shares of no-par value in the share capital of the Company (the 'New Ordinary Shares') at a price of 0.105 per share. Accordingly, the Company has today issued the New Ordinary Shares to the warrant holder for an aggregate cash value of 72,448.74.

Application for Admission

Application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for the new shares to be admitted to trading on AIM ('Admission'). It is expected that Admission will become effective on or around 18 June 2025.

Following Admission of the new shares as described above, the issued share capital of the Company will consist of 690,393,221 ordinary shares of no-par value. 690,393,221 represents the total number of voting rights in the Company and may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they can determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in the Company under the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules.

**ENDS**

For further information please visit www.empiremetals.co.uk or contact:

Empire Metals Ltd Shaun Bunn / Greg Kuenzel / Arabella Burwell Tel: 020 4583 1440 S. P. Angel Corporate Finance LLP (Nomad & Broker) Ewan Leggat / Adam Cowl Tel: 020 3470 0470 Shard Capital Partners LLP (Joint Broker) Damon Heath Tel: 020 7186 9950 St Brides Partners Ltd (Financial PR) Susie Geliher / Charlotte Page Tel: 020 7236 1177

About Empire Metals Limited

Empire Metals is an AIM-listed exploration and resource development company (LON: EEE) with a primary focus on developing Pitfield, an emerging giant titanium project in Western Australia.

The high-grade titanium discovery at Pitfield is of unprecedented scale, with airborne surveys identifying a massive, coincident gravity and magnetics anomaly extending over 40km by 8km by 5km deep. Drill results have indicated excellent continuity in grades and consistency of the mineralised beds and confirm that the sandstone beds hold the higher-grade titanium dioxide (TiO2) values within the interbedded succession of sandstones, siltstones and conglomerates. The Company is focused on two key prospects (Cosgrove and Thomas), which have been identified as having thick, high-grade, near-surface, bedded TiO2 mineralisation, each being over 7km in strike length.

An Exploration Target* for Pitfield was declared in 2024, covering the Thomas and Cosgrove mineral prospects, and was estimated to contain between 26.4 to 32.2 billion tonnes with a grade range of 4.5 to 5.5% TiO2. Included within the total Exploration Target* is a subset that covers the weathered sandstone zone, which extends from surface to an average vertical depth of 30m to 40m and is estimated to contain between 4.0 to 4.9 billion tonnes with a grade range of 4.8 to 5.9% TiO2.

The Exploration Target* covers an area less than 20% of the overall mineral system at Pitfield which demonstrates the potential for significant further upside.

Empire is now accelerating the economic development of Pitfield, with a vision to produce a high-value titanium metal or pigment quality product at Pitfield, to realise the full value potential of this exceptional deposit.

The Company also has two further exploration projects in Australia; the Eclipse Project and the Walton Project in Western Australia, in addition to three precious metals projects located in a historically high-grade gold producing region of Austria.

*The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Empire Metals Limited

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/empire-metals-limited-announces-warrant-exercise-1038732
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Condor Resources Inc. ("Condor" or the "Company") (TSXV:CN) is pleased to announce that the Declaracion de Impacto Ambiental ("DIA") for its Cobreorco project has been approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines ("MEM").

The DIA approval marks a key milestone in advancing the Cobreorco project, which is currently being progressed through the permitting process by a subsidiary of Teck Resources Limited ("Teck"). Condor stands to benefit meaningfully from any exploration success at Cobreorco, which targets gold-copper skarn and porphyry-style mineralization.

In December 2023, Condor entered into an option and joint venture agreement with Teck, on the Cobreorco copper-gold project. Under the agreement, Teck has the option to earn a 55% interest in Cobreorco over three years from the Permit Date by incurring US$4 million in exploration expenditures and making US$500,000 in cash payments. Upon exercising this first option, a dedicated holding company will be formed, after which Teck may further increase its stake to 75% by spending an additional US$6 million in exploration and making further cash payments of US$600,000.

Chris Buncic, President and CEO of Condor, commented, "We are very pleased to have reached this important milestone with Teck. Cobreorco has the potential to deliver substantial value to our shareholders. Projects of this scale and quality are exceedingly rare, and we are only at the beginning of what we believe will be an exciting journey with our partner."

About Condor Resources Inc.

Condor Resources is a precious and base metals exploration company focused on its portfolio of projects in Peru. The Company's flagship project, Pucamayo, is an 85 km2 property containing a high sulfidation epithermal system with disseminated precious metals mineralization with a large lithocap alteration visible at surface. The Huinac Punta project, a 7,200 Ha property in Huanuco, Peru, has the potential to host a large carbonate replacement style (CRD) silver-dominant polymetallic mineralized body with the potential for discovery of a bulk tonnage silver and base metals deposit. The Company has optioned several large projects to partners who continue to advance these projects. The Company's award-winning exploration team in Peru has a long history of success in discovering and advancing high quality exploration projects and managing the social aspects of its exploration activities.

For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.condorresources.com.

Follow Condor Resources (@CondorResources) on X and (@condor-resources) on LinkedIn.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Chris Buncic

President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information please contact the Company at 1-866-642-5707, or by email at info@condorresources.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the Company's expectations with respect to the use of proceeds raised under the Offering.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in applicable forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the business of mineral exploration and development; continued availability of capital and financing; general political and economic conditions, fluctuations in metal prices and other market-related risks, including any volatility in the Company's share price, that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in such statements. Therefore, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Condor does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

SOURCE: Condor Resources Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/condor-resources-announces-approval-of-dia-for-cobreorco-project-in-peru-1038502
TILBURG, NL / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Chromalloy, a global leader in aftermarket engineering and manufacturing solutions for the aviation, defense, and energy sectors, is proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Chromalloy Holland facility located in Tilburg, The Netherlands.

Chromalloy Holland (Tilburg, Netherlands)

Photo of Chromalloy Holland, located in Tilburg, Netherlands

Founded in 1975 under the name Turbine Support Europe (TSE), the facility embraced a new identity as part of Chromalloy in 1982. Located in Tilburg, The Netherlands, Chromalloy Holland has established itself as a center of excellence for Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) High-Pressure Turbine (HPT) shrouds. The business has also developed advanced repairs for turbine frames and cases, and inspection of engine rotating group Life Limited Parts (LLP). Chromalloy Holland has both Designated Engineering Representative (DER) advanced component repair and full Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) licensed repair capabilities. A decade ago, Chromalloy Holland merged with Jamo Precision Components to support OEM new part manufacturing by expanding capabilities for complex machining.

Today, Chromalloy Holland employs approximately 200 dedicated employees who are committed to exceeding customer expectations, having a continuous improvement mentality and a focus on innovation. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in Chromalloy Holland's success and growth over the last 50 years. Chromalloy Holland serves customers all around the globe, with strong relationships with the operators and owners of Aerospace and Industrial gas turbine assets. This facility's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has earned it a reputation as a trusted partner throughout the industry.

"Chromalloy Holland exemplifies the spirit of innovation and operational excellence that defines our global network," said Chris Celtruda, Chief Executive Officer. "This milestone is a testament to the team's enduring commitment to quality, customer service, and continuous improvement."

"We are incredibly proud of our 50-year legacy here in Tilburg," added John Voncken, Regional General Manager Europe. "Our people, our partnerships, and our passion for progress have made Chromalloy Holland a cornerstone of our European operations."

Chromalloy Holland celebrates this milestone with appreciation of the contributions of our many employees and looks forward to continuing our legacy of innovation and excellence in the years to come.

About Chromalloy

Chromalloy is a leading provider of engineering, manufacturing, and service for the aerospace, military, aero-derivative, and energy/industrial gas turbine aftermarket. For over 70 years, Chromalloy has been a trusted partner of airlines, aero-engine asset owners, and engine repair facilities. Chromalloy is a leader in FAA-certified, third-party PMA and DER solutions to enable customer value during engine restoration and maintenance. The combination of alternative PMA new parts, DER part repairs, and inventory of used serviceable material (USM) enables each engine overhaul to achieve expected performance and achieve best value. Operating from over 20 locations worldwide, Chromalloy remains committed to having the right global team, available inventory, and a bias for addressing service needs for legacy and midlife engines. Our investments in design engineering, testing, and component manufacturing ensure that all regulatory and performance criteria are met or exceeded.

As of May 2025, Chromalloy has developed and received FAA approval on over 50 gas path PMA parts, which have safely flown in excess of 6 BILLION flight hours with ZERO airworthiness directives. Chromalloy's PMA parts are certified by the FAA to be equivalent to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part and meet all requirements.

For additional information, please visit www.chromalloy.com

SOURCE: Chromalloy

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/aerospace-and-defense/chromalloy-holland-celebrates-50-years-of-excellence-1038726
Results Highlights

Macro-economic externalities and elevated gold prices weighed on the consumer sentiment in FY2025. The Group's revenue decreased by 17.5% year-on-year to HK$89,656 million. Nonetheless, operating profit remained resilient, with a year-on-year growth of 9.8%, reaching HK$14,746 million. Operating profit margin expanded by 400 basis points to 16.4%, attributable to an improved product mix comprising higher margin products, the higher gold prices and the Group's disciplined cost and capital management.

The Group delivered notable progress on brand transformation in FY2025, unveiling five new image stores in Mainland China (the "Mainland") and Hong Kong. This premium store format elevated the Group's brand desirability, improved product mix and achieved higher store productivity than the average store during the initial months post opening.

Fixed-price gold products continued to gain traction with their iconic design and exquisite craftsmanship. Its revenue surged by 105.5% year-on-year and its retail sales value ("RSV") mix within the Mainland gold jewellery and product category expanded significantly to 19.2% from 7.1% a year ago.

The CTF Rouge Collection and Chow Tai Fook Palace Museum Collection, have sustained strong momentum since launch and each achieved sales of approximately HK$4 billion in this financial year, exceeding the annual targets.

HONG KONG, HK / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited ("Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group", the "Group" or the "Company" SEHK stock code:1929), today announces its annual results for the year ended 31 March 2025 ("FY2025").

Financial Summary

For the year ended 31 March 2025

HK$ million 2024

HK$ million YoY Change Revenue 89,656 108,713 -17.5 % Gross profit(1) 26,455 26,042 +1.6 % Gross profit margin 29.5 % 24.0 % Operating profit(2) 14,746 13,432 +9.8 % Operating profit margin 16.4 % 12.4 % Profit attributable to shareholders of the Company(3) 5,916 6,499 -9.0 % Earnings per share (HK$) 0.59 0.65 -8.9 % Full year dividend per share(4) (HK$) 0.52 0.55 N/A

(1) Gold loan impact was reclassified from cost of goods sold ("COGS") to "other gains and losses" for FY2024 and before (2) Aggregate of gross profit and other income, less selling and distribution costs and general and administrative expenses (3) The decreased was mainly due to the loss arising from the revaluation of gold loan contracts amid considerable volatility in international gold prices during the financial year (4) The payout ratio for FY2025 approximated 87.8%



Strong Operating Profit and Margin Expansion Underscores Financial Resilience

The Group demonstrated financial resilience and strategically navigated the evolving market landscape by embarking on its brand transformation in FY2025. While macro-economic externalities and elevated gold prices weighed on the consumer sentiment and consequently jewellery spending during the financial year and led to a 17.5% decline in the Group's revenue, it was able to chart steady progress towards enhancing brand desirability and earnings quality.

The Group's gross profit margin expanded by 550 basis points to 29.5%, mainly attributable to the improved like-for-like margin at retail level resulting from the gold price surge, as well as an improvement in the product mix particularly with the higher contribution of our fixed-price gold products. The operating profit margin also expanded by 400 basis points to 16.4%, while operating profit delivered a year-on-year growth of 9.8%, reaching HK$14,746 million.

Profit attributable to shareholders decreased 9.0% in FY2025 to HK$5,916 million, as the increase in operating profit was offset by the loss arising from the revaluation of gold loan contracts amid volatility in gold prices during the financial year. Earnings per share was HK$0.59. The Board has proposed a final dividend of HK$0.32 per share, bringing the dividend per share for the year to HK$0.52. The full year payout ratio in FY2025 was approximately 87.8%.

Dr. Henry Cheng, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Chairman, said, "At Chow Tai Fook Jewellery, we are making great strides in our brand transformation journey. We remain determined to satisfy evolving customer demand while seizing the emerging opportunities across China and other markets. As the leading Chinese jeweller, we maintain our strong commitment to carrying forth our legacy of bold innovation, masterful craftsmanship, and proud cultural heritage."

New Image Stores Enhances Brand Desirability and Store Productivity

As an integral part of its brand transformation, the Group is reshaping the jewellery shopping experience with the launch of five new image stores in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Wuhan and Xi'an. The new premium store format elevated Chow Tai Fook Jewellery's brand desirability and provided an improved product mix, resulting in higher store productivity compared to the average store in the first few months since opening.

As we continue to progress our five strategic priorities and take a proactive approach to evolving market trends, same store performance in Mainland China improved quarter by quarter in FY2025, while Hong Kong and Macau saw a stabilisation in performance towards the end of the financial year.

SSS in the Mainland declined by 19.4% in FY2025. Separately, sales of franchised POS calculated on a same-store basis dropped 13.9% during the financial year, signifying a stronger performance than self-operated stores due to a higher proportion of newer stores. In Hong Kong and Macau, SSS was down by 26.1% in the financial year. SSS in Hong Kong dropped 23.1% while in Macau it fell 35.3%, as Macau's business had higher reliance on the spending of Mainland tourists.

Product Optimisation to Resonate with Target Customers

The Group continued its product optimisation efforts and offered products with different value propositions to meet customer preferences and create emotional resonance. Notably, revenue from fixed-price gold products surged by 105.5% year-on-year and itsRSV mix within the Mainland gold jewellery and product category expanded significantly to 19.2% from 7.1% the same period last year.

The Group's new iconic fixed price collections, CTF Rouge Collection and Chow Tai Fook Palace Museum Collection, have sustained strong momentum since launch and each achieved sales of approximately HK$4 billion in this financial year, exceeding the annual targets.

During the financial year, the Group further tapped into the "Intellectual Properties ('IPs') Derivative Economy", driven by Gen Z consumers, by strengthening its portfolio of high-profile collaborations with brands such as Black Myth: Wukong and Chiikawa, in response to the younger generation's pursuit of emotional value.

Demonstrating its commitment to diversification and capturing emerging consumer trends, the Group also unveiled the exclusive CTF Pet Jewellery in March 2025, the first of its kind from a Chinese jeweller. The meaningful and innovative products tap into the booming pet economy, which has experienced significant growth in recent years.

Leveraging Online Channels to Deepen Customer Engagement

During the financial year, the Group significantly enhanced customer engagement and achieved fruitful results in e-commerce development in both Mainland China and Hong Kong.

In the Mainland, by leveraging the resources of its newly established in-house livestreaming studio and Key Opinion Sales ("KOS"), the Group expanded its reach and created viral bestsellers across multiple social media platforms, further amplifying brand visibility and consumer connection online. E-commerce contributed 5.8% in RSV and 13.8% in volume to its Mainland performance during FY2025. Furthermore, during Double 11 in 2024, the Group secured the No.1 position in livestreaming jewellery sales on the Tmall platform, helping to amplify the Group's reach, particularly to young customers.

In Hong Kong and Macau, the e-commerce channel complemented and further enhanced the omni-channel shopping experience. E-commerce sales grew by approximately 91% in this market segment in FY2025, driven by the customers' positive reception to the revamped brand website and successful launch of key IP collections.

Optimising Point of Sales ("POS") Network to Maximise Store Productivity

POS optimisation is crucial to the Group's strategy for sustaining market leadership, while enhancing the overall financial health and resilience of its retail network by maximising store productivity. In FY2025, the Group's POS optimisation strategy proved effective, resulting in improved store productivity.

In Mainland China, the Group remained agile and strategic in optimising its retail network by adopting a highly selective approach to opening stores in prime locations. The new stores opened during the year delivered more than double the average productivity of those closed. In addition, the progressive and healthy ramp-up of newer stores during the financial year strengthened the resilience and stability of the Group's store network. As of 31 March 2025, the Group maintained its leading position with a network of 6,274 CHOW TAI FOOK JEWELLERY POS in Mainland China, .

The retail network in Hong Kong and Macau was maintained at 87 CHOW TAI FOOK JEWELLERY POS, positioning the Group favourably to drive quality earnings growth. In other markets, we optimised the store locations during the year. We opened a net of 3 CHOW TAI FOOK JEWELLERY POS (excluding China duty free) in Thailand, Malaysia and Japan.

Business Outlook

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group is encouraged by the continued progress in its brand transformation strategy and the positive impact on the Group's financial and operational performance in FY2025 and in FY2026 to date. Building on this momentum, the Group's strategic initiatives, together with the relatively lower comparables, shall further support its business fundamentals and recovery trajectory, making FY2026 a year set for quality growth

Amidst the external volatility and uncertainty, the Group is closely examining government policies and initiatives to boost consumption, tracking gold price movements and assessing the operating landscape in countries earmarked for international expansion to inform its business decisions.

Looking ahead, the Group will continue to rigorously uphold its financial discipline in cost and capital management to achieve high earnings quality. The Group's unwavering commitment to brand transformation will sharpen its competitiveness, bolster long-term growth prospects, and increase total shareholder returns sustainably.

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group announces FY2025 annual results

###

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (the "Group" SEHK stock code:1929) was listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in December 2011. The Group firmly upholds the vision: "To be the leading global jewellery brand that is a trusted lifetime partner for every generation", drawing on nearly a century of legacy and success.

Founded in 1929, the Group's iconic brand "CHOW TAI FOOK" has become an emblem of tradition, celebrated for its bold designs and an unwavering attention to detail. Building upon a rich heritage and a foundation of trust, the Group is not only widely recognised for honouring traditions but also for fostering deep, meaningful connections with a diverse customer base through its exquisite jewellery. The Group's long-standing commitment to innovation and craftsmanship has been integral to its success over time and has become synonymous with excellence, value and authenticity.

As a leading Chinese jeweller, the Group believes in blending contemporary cutting-edge designs with traditional techniques to create jewellery that can be passed down from generation to generation. Every collection is thoughtfully conceived and crafted to reflect the stories of our customers, celebrating the special moments in their lives. Committed to growing alongside our customers, the Group embraces a spirit that aspires to inspire and captivate generations to come, weaving the story of CHOW TAI FOOK into the fabric of their lives.

Offering a wide variety of products, services and channels, the Group's brand portfolio comprises the CHOW TAI FOOK flagship brand with curated retail experiences, and other individual brands including HEARTS ON FIRE, ENZO and MONOLOGUE.

The Group is committed to delivering sustainable long-term value creation for its stakeholders by enhancing the quality of earnings and driving higher value growth. We operate an extensive omni-channel retail ecosystem, with a retail network across China and multiple locations globally, complemented by a growing e-commerce business that further enhances our competitive edge.

Media Enquiries:

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited

Haide Ng

Associate Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

Tel: (852) 3115 4402

Email: haideng@chowtaifook.com

Acky Chan

Senior Manager, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

Tel: (852) 3115 4403

Email: ackychan@chowtaifook.com

12/06/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Media archive at www.todayir.com

SOURCE: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/chow-tai-fook-jewellery-posts-strong-margin-expansion-and-operating-profit-for-fy-1038729
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API) (OTCQB: APAAF) (FSE: A0I0) (MUN: A0I0) (BER: A0I0) (the "Company" or "Appia") is pleased to announce their plans to resume exploration activities at its rare earth elements (REE) Alces Lake project in northern Saskatchewan this summer. This follows the 2024 exploration program, which focused on camp maintenance and detailed land surveying of drill targets in preparation for a full-scale exploration campaign in 2025.

The upcoming exploration program will build on targets identified through Appia's high-resolution AGG survey, which underwent advanced 3D processing in late 2024 to refine key geophysical anomalies. Scheduled for summer 2025, this next phase will begin with targeted Mobile Metal Ion (MMI) soil sampling and ground gravity surveys to test potential REE-bearing zones from surface to depths of 500 meters. The new results will directly guide a full-scale diamond drilling program for targeting and discovering additional mineralized zones at depth, that are comparable to REE mineralization already identified at surface across the property (Figure 1).

"Our focus for this exploration season is clear: to pinpoint and prioritize the most compelling drill targets that could lead us to the larger source(s) of Alces Lake's REE mineralization. By combining our recently processed AGG geophysical data with new targeted MMI soil sampling and ground gravity surveys, our summer program will result in a strategically focused drill campaign aimed at unlocking the deeper level potential of this exceptional property," stated Tom Drivas, CEO and Director of Appia.

The goal of this next phase is to identify geochemical anomalies that correlate positively with surface to depth gravity-magnetic-radiometric-defined anomalies (i.e. high-density, magnetic low, and equivalent Th radiometric high), which are key indicators of monazite-hosted REE mineralization. Appia's known showings, such as the WRCB and Magnet Ridge Zones, provide a reliable model to calibrate and guide these multi-source exploration tools.

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Irvine Annesley, P.Geo., Senior Exploration Consultant and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Figure 1 - Proposed Exploration Targets (white circles) for the 2025 Alces Lake Program. These targets were identified through advanced 3D processing of the 2024 Airborne Gravity Gradiometer Survey and have been prioritized for upcoming Mobile Metal Ion (MMI) soil sampling and ground-based gravity surveys. All zones have been classified based on the highest wt.% TREO grade discovered in drill core within its zone.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5416/255328_978cce70547e3818_001full.jpg

About Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp.

Appia is a publicly traded Canadian company in the rare earth element and uranium sectors. The Company holds the right to acquire up to a 70% interest in the PCH Ionic Adsorption Clay Project (See June 9th, 2023 Press Release - Click HERE) which is 42,932.24 ha. in size and located within the Goias State of Brazil. (See January 11th, 2024 Press Release - Click HERE) The Company is also focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements and gallium on the Alces Lake property, and exploring for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Otherside, Loranger, North Wollaston, and Eastside properties. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 94,982.39 hectares (234,706.59 acres) in Saskatchewan. The Company also has a 100% interest in 13,008 hectares (32,143 acres), with rare earth elements and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario.

Appia has 153 million common shares outstanding, 177 million shares fully diluted.

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information, visit www.appiareu.com.

As part of our ongoing effort to keep investors, interested parties and stakeholders updated, we have several communication portals. If you have any questions online (X, Facebook, LinkedIn) please feel free to send direct messages.

To book a one-on-one 30-minute Zoom video call, please click here.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255328

SOURCE: Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp.
Co-Founder and industry veteran step into new roles leading the team providing innovative demand generation services to B2B Technology organizations.

RENO, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / BlueWhale Research, Inc., a trusted provider of specialized and innovative demand generation services to leading B2B Technology organizations, today announced the strategic appointments of Chris Isham to Chief Growth Officer and Julie Fulkerson to Chief Revenue Officer.

As a Co-Founder of the Company and having most recently served as Chief Revenue Officer, Chris is especially qualified to lead BlueWhale's efforts to expand its innovative offerings to new markets. Having been with BlueWhale since its founding, Chris has developed strategic partnerships and built revenue streams that have propelled the Company to its current distinguished position. In his new role as Chief Growth Officer, Chris will lead the effort to broaden the Company's reach into new areas and will serve a vital role in strategic business development.

Chris shared his vision for the Company, "We've built a strong foundation by providing marketing services within the B2B technology space, and through that success, we've uncovered new and innovative ways to bring BlueWhale's products to a broader range of industries ready to elevate their go-to-market strategies. I look forward to continuing to drive this initiative at scale."

Julie is stepping into the Chief Revenue Officer role, bringing extensive knowledge and expertise to BlueWhale. With decades of experience in managing sophisticated revenue departments in B2B media and marketing services, Julie is especially equipped to lead the Company's proficient revenue team.

Julie expressed her enthusiasm about joining BlueWhale, "I'm excited to be part of a team that is focused on not only providing innovative products to help revenue teams thrive, but is committed to doing so with integrity. BlueWhale stands apart in this industry in its ability to collaborate with and deliver positive outcomes for revenue teams. I'm really looking forward to bringing these outcomes to our existing and future customers."

James Oberhausen, Chief Executive Officer at BlueWhale Research, also shared his excitement, "We are thrilled to have Chris Isham in this new role and to welcome Julie Fulkerson to the Company. This is a significant step in our continued progress in growing an organization that is committed to excellence for our clients. We are very excited to launch BlueWhale into this new stage of growth with this expansion of our exceptional executive team."

About BlueWhale Research, Inc.:

BlueWhale Research delivers insights and engagement for successful B2B companies to attract and connect with their most ideal customers. With leading sources of predictive intent and business intelligence, we discover and engage focused markets from a complex global ecosystem for companies to be seen and understood. Our evolving platform provides effective data harmonization, verification, and delivery, all insulated by rigorous data protection and compliance. Backed by our commitment to integrity, collaboration, and positive outcomes for B2B revenue teams, BlueWhale has been at the forefront of full-funnel demand generation since 2013.

Contact Information

Susanna Blauch

Director of Marketing

susanna_blauch@bluewhaleresearch.com

7036183129





SOURCE: BlueWhale Research

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/signaling-continued-success-bluewhale-research-announces-new-chi-1037811
Heading to Cannes, Advertible celebrates its anniversary with innovative, scalable native solutions gaining strategic industry attention.

Advertible, a pioneer in intelligent rendering technology, is celebrating a year of rapid growth, industry recognition, and product innovation. As the company marks its one-year anniversary, the team is heading to Cannes, France to unveil its latest advancements and deepen relationships with global partners. At the heart of Advertible's mission is a commitment to elevating native rendering and delivering on the promise of true customization at scale while improving the digital experience for end users. Cannes provides the perfect stage to showcase that vision: making advertising more seamless, efficient, and deeply integrated across today's most dynamic media environments.

Advertible's platform helps supply-side platforms (SSPs) and publishers improve how native ads integrate with content, helping brands deliver more consistent, high-quality ad experiences. By matching each publisher's unique look and feel, ads appear more native and less disruptive leading to stronger engagement and better outcomes for advertisers.

Advertible's core technology includes proprietary adaptive layouts, a truly "sizeless" solution that automatically fits any ad perfectly within publisher content. Combined with real-time preview capabilities for pre-launch accuracy and advanced render capture for live verification, this intelligent rendering stack eliminates production bottlenecks, simplifies campaign setup, and consistently delivers high-quality ad experiences with minimal effort.

This technology has already powered billions of ad experiences across mobile and desktop, in-app and web environments, earning Advertible an honorable mention at the 2024 AdExchanger Awards for Best Industry Startup.

"Advertible is built to make native advertising easier, faster, and more effective," said Advertible CEO, Priti Ohri, recently honored as one of the Top Women in Media Ad Tech by AdMonsters AdExchanger. "We focus on the details that matter better creative fit, less production friction, and full transparency. It's all about helping our clients deliver high-quality ad experiences without the usual tradeoffs. The momentum we've built in year one with our partners is incredibly exciting and affirms the industry's desire for genuine, innovative solutions. We're looking forward to what's ahead."

"At Digital Turbine, we prioritize partnerships that enhance value across the ecosystem from publishers to end users," Said Linda Ouyang, SVP GM of Global Supply Exchange at Digital Turbine, an Advertible partner. "Working with Advertible has enabled us to deliver a more seamless, tailored ad experience across our developers' apps enhancing the user journey and driving stronger results. The Advertible team is collaborative, forward-thinking, and committed to keeping pace with our ambition and the market's evolution."

The company is preparing to announce new partnerships and further platform upgrades, aimed at empowering clients with enhanced performance capabilities, driving scalability, and further transforming the landscape of native advertising.

About Advertible

Advertible is the leading rendering technology provider helping SSPs clearly visualize and optimize their ads across native, commerce, and social formats. Our platform gives SSPs unprecedented visibility and control, ensuring ads render flawlessly, driving greater revenue and advertiser confidence. Experience what it means to have Rendering Reimagined. Discover how Advertible can help your platform stand out and unlock new revenue opportunities by visiting Advertibleinc.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250612605285/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Ellyn Kirtley

ellyn@kirtleycomms.com
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced that they will introduce their latest Hybrid Multisampler and highlight the new LC Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometers at the upcoming HPLC 2025 conference in Bruges, Belgium. These new additions are designed to boost laboratory efficiency and deliver superior results. Exhibition attendees will be able to see how these products can streamline operations and enhance analytical outcomes.

The Agilent InfinityLab Pro iQ Series, launched at ASMS 2025, represents the next generation of LC-mass detection. With innovative hardware advancements, the series delivers enhanced sensitivity and analytical performance for oligonucleotides, therapeutic peptides, and proteins-ideal for laboratories working with precious samples or low-concentration compounds. Intelligent features on the Pro iQ Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometers provide real-time status feedback, enabling streamlined tuning and timely maintenance to reduce downtime. The system also supports advanced mass-based fraction collection, expanding its utility in compound purification workflows. Designed with sustainability in mind, it incorporates a low-maintenance, oil-free pump and has earned the new MyGreenLab ACT EcoLabel 2.0 certification.

The 1290 Infinity III Hybrid Multisampler is equipped with both traditional flow-through injection and Agilent's Feed Injection Mode effectively mediating sample-solvent interactions. This mode reduces the need for extensive sample preparation, saving time and ensuring superior peak shapes. Perfectly compatible with the 1300 bar Infinity III LC system, it is capable of running methods with sub-2 m columns. Furthermore, its biocompatibility maintains the integrity of biomolecules and minimizes unwanted surface interactions, crucial for laboratories handling sensitive biological samples.

Additional innovations:

Preview of fluorescence detector that requires minimal sample preparation with best-in-class sensitivity and suitable for the most challenging UHPLC applications including released glycans and aflatoxins in food. Available later this year.

Introduction of enhanced serviceable flow cells, InfinityLab Assist updates, expanded Bio Core offerings.

Early adopters of the new Infinity III systems have already reported significant improvements in their workflows. Naresh Babu, associate vice president of Quality Assurance and Control at Novopor Advanced Science shared, "It has truly enhanced the quality and efficiency of our analysis." He added, "The instrument is incredibly robust, with excellent reproducibility and sensitivity."

Babu also praised the intuitive design: "The user-friendly software and intuitive InfinityLab Assist interface make the work seamless." He further highlighted the operational benefits: "We particularly appreciate the automation options available and the system's reliability, which has significantly improved our productivity."

"We are excited to introduce our latest Infinity III LC Series innovations at the HPLC 2025 conference," said Iris Mangelschots, vice president and general manager, Liquid Phase Division at Agilent. "The introduction of the new Hybrid Multisampler and LC Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometers illustrates our ongoing dedication to delivering innovative solutions that enhance operational workflows, improve data quality, and promote operational efficiency and sustainability in laboratories within the biopharma, industrial, and academic sectors."

Agilent's technological advances showcased at HPLC 2025 highlight their ongoing commitment to innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability in laboratory settings. Attendees can visit Agilent at Booth #21 to learn more about these new products and innovations from Agilent experts.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent's full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.51 billion in fiscal year 2024 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn and Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250612180020/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Catherine Kaye

Agilent Technologies

+44 (0)7775 410632

catherine.kaye@agilent.com
Expands Allegion's global electronics portfolio in high-growth, attractive end markets

330 million purchase price on a cash-free, debt-free basis; Implies 2026E adjusted EBITDA multiple of approximately 18x

Allegion plc (NYSE: ALLE), a leading global security products and solutions provider, through one of its subsidiaries, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire ELATEC, including Elatec GmbH and other group entities, ("ELATEC") from Summit Partners for 330 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis. Allegion expects to fund the acquisition through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under its existing revolving credit facility.

ELATEC is a leading manufacturer of security and access technology, specializing in RFID credentials and readers solutions designed in Germany and sold globally. ELATEC's extensive portfolio of readers leverages their internally developed software stack and ensures compatibility with nearly 100 credential types, making the company a leader in interoperability, which aligns well with Allegion's partner of choice strategy.

ELATEC's global diversified customer base spans non-residential markets, ranging from education, healthcare and hospitality to enterprise and industrial. The company expects ELATEC to generate approximately 60-65 million in net sales in 2026 and be accretive to 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS).

As a result of this acquisition, Allegion will expand its global electronics portfolio in attractive end markets while also increasing strategic relationships with channel partners. ELATEC will leverage Allegion's strong demand creation engine and global network.

"Adding ELATEC to the Allegion portfolio is a unique opportunity to scale our electronics business in attractive non-residential markets with technology that's core to who we are as a pureplay security and access solutions provider," Allegion President and CEO John H. Stone said. "ELATEC is a leader in their field and a natural extension of our own reader and credential product lines with high-single digit to low-double digit growth consistent with Allegion's financial profile in electronics. This strategic acquisition builds on our legacy of innovation, market leadership and superior customer experiences and will result in added value for our shareholders."

ELATEC will report into the Allegion International segment, led by Allegion Senior Vice President Tim Eckersley. Gerhard Burits, CEO of ELATEC, will join Allegion with the ELATEC business to support a smooth transition and accelerate growth.

"This will be a powerful combination of expertise, with ELATEC's leadership in line-powered readers complementing Allegion's proficiency in battery-operated solutions. Together, we will offer a comprehensive range of products that provide meaningful market differentiation and solidify our joint position as a partner of choice," said Burits.

This acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions.

About Allegion

At Allegion (NYSE: ALLE), we design and manufacture innovative security and access solutions that help keep people safe where they live, learn, work and connect. We're pioneering safety with our strong legacy of leading brands like CISA, Interflex, LCN, Schlage, SimonsVoss and Von Duprin. Our comprehensive portfolio of hardware, software and electronic solutions is sold around the world and spans residential and commercial locks, door closer and exit devices, steel doors and frames, access control and workforce productivity systems. Allegion had $3.8 billion in revenue in 2024. For more, visit www.allegion.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, but not limited to, the company's ability to successfully integrate the acquisition, achieve anticipated strategic and financial benefits from the acquisition, and statements regarding the company's 2024 and future financial performance, the company's business plans and strategy, the company's growth strategy, the company's capital allocation strategy, and the performance of the markets in which the company operates. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "aim," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "outlook," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result" or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar expressions generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may relate to such matters as projections of revenue, margins, expenses, tax rate and provisions, earnings, cash flows, benefit obligations, dividends, share purchases or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, including those relating to any statements concerning expected development, performance or market share relating to our products and services; any statements regarding future economic conditions or our performance; any statements regarding pending investigations, claims or disputes; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements, as these statements are based on the company's currently available information and our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. They are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties many of which are beyond the company's control as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Important factors and other risks that may affect the company's business or that could cause actual results to differ materially are included in filings the company makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in its other SEC filings. All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements and by reference to the underlying assumptions. The company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250612782792/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Whitney Moorman Director, Global Communications

317-810-3241

Whitney.Moorman@allegion.com

Analyst Contact:

Jobi Coyle Director, Investor Relations

317-810-3107

Jobi.Coyle@allegion.com

Josh Pokrzywinski Vice President, Investor Relations

463-210-8595

Joshua.Pokrzywinski@allegion.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Trans Canada Gold Corp. (TSX-V:TTG)(OTCQB:TTGXF) ("Trans Canada" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that the Company has now completed another month of steady oil production for the month of May 2025, with trucking and oil sales to Altex. The Lloydminster multilateral well shipped 2,886 barrels (bbl) for the month of May and produced at an average daily rate of 96 bbl/d gross (20 bbl/d net) to the Company since being placed on production, representing its 18.75% working interest ownership in the well. Daily production and shipping sales were slightly impaired due to nine lost shipping days due to a routine pump change and routine equipment maintenance. Production shipping and sales commenced on the first newly drilled Multilateral well, a year ago on October 6th, 2023. Croverro Energy Ltd. is the Operator.

The company is announcing the resignation of Christian Timmins as a member of the Board of Director's, with his decision pursue and focus on Pegasus Resources due to time commitment obligations. The Board wishes to thank Mr. Timmins for his contributions to the Company.

DRILL PERMIT AND WELL LICENSE APPROVED

The Company has now received formal approval for its new Lloyd 5-23-49-1W4 Well with the issuance of its well license and drill permit for the new 7 leg-multilateral well and drill program situated near Lloydminster, Alberta.

The Company has agreed to participate to drill a 7 leg Sparky multi-lateral well with Croverro as operator for the Joint Venture. The newly proposed 5-23 multilateral well will be situated adjacent to the Company's successful 12-14 Multilateral Well, near Lloydminster, Alberta. Trans Canada has a 18.75% interest in the new well. This third multi-lateral horizontal well is expected to be similar to the company's successful 7HZ LLOYD 12-14-49-01W4 well, that was drilled in 2023 and encountered 2486 metres of oil pay in the Sparky Oil Formation. The 12-14 Sparky multilateral well has now produced over 100,000 barrels of oil and continues to produce consistently month over month. The newly permitted 5-23 multilateral well when drilled, is planned to open an estimated 3000 m of Sparky formation. The well is scheduled to be drilled later this summer subject to rig availability.

Drilling, completion and equipping costs are expected to be $1.9 million ($350,000 net to Trans Canada). The well costs are fully funded out of production cash flow thereby preventing any share dilution.

Commented Tim Coupland, "We continue to focus on continued multilateral drilling success in the Sparky Zone, while navigating increased market volatility and lower energy prices in the oil sector. The company remains mindful of the current uncertainty within energy sector including tariff pressures and energy policy direction. We are expecting increased oil production for 2025 with our upcoming drill programs, and we are exploring additional exploration drilling and acquisition opportunities in both central Canada and the United States. The Company will continue with its newly adopted multilateral well drilling strategy for 2025-2026", using new state of the art multilateral well drilling techniques in Alberta and Saskatchewan, to create growth".

ABOUT TRANS CANADA GOLD CORP. - OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION/REVENUE PRODUCING WELLS

The Company is a discovery focused Oil & Gas Resource Development and Mineral Exploration Company that is currently focused on developing and drilling its' production of conventional heavy oil exploration properties, increasing production capabilities, and increasing future oil production revenues through responsible exploration. The Company identifies, acquires and finances with its working interest partners, the ongoing development of oil and gas assets primarily situated in Alberta Canada. The Company has qualified Senior exploration management and Geological teams of professionals, seasoned in exploration production, field exploration and drilling. The Company currently works with Croverro Energy Ltd., who has demonstrated proficiency, expected of an experienced oil and gas technical team that has proven oil production, and revenue success with large multi-lateral wells currently under their supervision. The Company has the necessary manpower in place to develop its natural resource properties and manage its production properties. The Company is committed to minimizing risk through selective property acquisitions, and responsible exploration drilling, and maximizing long term petroleum and natural gas resource assets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Tim Coupland, President and CEO

Trans Canada Gold Corp.

Tel: (604) 681-3131

astar@telus.com

www.transcanadagold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider, (as the term is defined in the Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Trans Canada Gold Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/trans-canada-gold-corp.-ships-2-886-barrels-for-the-month-of-may-from-its-lloydmi-1038470
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Tony G Co-Investment Holdings Ltd. (CSE: TONY) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed the purchase of an aggregate of 10,387.685 HyperLiquid's HYPE token (the "Tokens"), the native asset of the HyperLiquid ecosystem, as part of its long-term digital asset strategy, at an average purchase price of US$42.24 per Token (total purchase price of US$438,828.46).

The acquisition marks a significant milestone for the Company, representing its first direct exposure to the HyperLiquid ecosystem and expanding its footprint in the growing decentralized finance (DeFi) space. The Company acquired the Tokens via WonderFi Technologies Inc., a leading Canadian digital asset platform and regulated cryptocurrency marketplace operator. HyperLiquid is a blockchain specifically designed to enhance the efficiency and performance of DeFi applications.

"This acquisition reflects our strategic commitment to supporting digital infrastructure that is driving the next wave of innovation," said Matt Zahab, Chief Executive Officer of Tony G Co-Investment Holdings. "HyperLiquid represents one of the most exciting developments in decentralized trading infrastructure, and we are proud to be one of the first public companies to invest in the HyperLiquid ecosystem."

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255352

SOURCE: Tony G Co-Investment Holdings Ltd.
Multi-year deal to advance data and AI innovation on Azure Databricks

SAN FRANCISCO, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Data + AI Summit -- Databricks , the Data and AI company, and Microsoft today announced a multi-year early extension of their strategic partnership, underscoring a shared commitment to helping organizations harness the power of data and AI. Azure Databricks , a Microsoft first-party service since 2018, is a trusted platform that provides thousands of joint customers with cutting-edge data and AI capabilities on a secure and trusted platform.

This announcement builds upon recent product innovations, including new native integrations between Azure Databricks, Azure AI Foundry and Microsoft Power Platform as well as the upcoming release of SAP Databricks on Azure . Together, Databricks and Microsoft will continue to help organizations unlock the full potential of their data and accelerate innovation in the age of AI.

"We are entering a new era where every application will be intelligent, and every business will be data-driven," said Ali Ghodsi, Co-founder and CEO of Databricks. "This extended partnership with Microsoft shows our long-term joint commitment to helping organizations innovate faster with a unified, open, and governed platform for data and AI on Azure Databricks. Together, we're laying the foundation for the next generation of AI-powered enterprises."

"Democratizing data and AI is a critical component for any organization seeking to drive pragmatic innovation and unlock greater business opportunity," said Judson Althoff, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Microsoft. "By deepening our long-standing partnership with Databricks and enhancing interoperability, we are delivering significant value to enterprise and IT developers by enabling tighter integration across the Azure ecosystem-from Azure AI Foundry and Power Platform to SAP. Together, we are empowering our customers with Azure Databricks to help them harness the full potential of their data, build the next generation of autonomous systems and accelerate AI Transformation."

Through this extended partnership, customers can expect continuous advancements in Azure Databricks to meet the evolving demands of AI, driving greater innovation, efficiency and trust. Additionally, Databricks and Microsoft will continue to deliver deep integrations between Azure Databricks and the broader Microsoft ecosystem, enabling a unified and streamlined experience.

From centralized governance and open data formats to built-in warehousing and native AI tools, Azure Databricks is a proven platform at scale trusted by thousands of customers. Azure Databricks is powered by the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform , which democratizes access to data and AI, making it easier for organizations to harness the power of their data for analytics, machine learning, and AI applications. The platform is built on a foundation of unified data and governance that helps customers more easily develop agents with domain knowledge drawn from the entirety of their enterprise.

About Databricks

Databricks is the Data and AI company. More than 15,000 organizations worldwide and over 60% of the Fortune 500 rely on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to take control of their data and put it to work with AI. Databricks is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices around the globe and was founded by the original creators of Lakehouse, Apache Spark, Delta Lake, MLflow, and Unity Catalog. To learn more, follow Databricks on o learn more, follow Databricks on X , LinkedIn and Facebook .

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/databricks-and-microsoft-extend-strategic-partnership-for-azure-databricks-302479937.html
SAN FRANCISCO, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Databricks , the Data and AI company, today announced a new strategic product partnership with Google Cloud to make the latest Gemini models available as native products within the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform . This partnership empowers organizations to build, deploy and scale AI agents using Google Gemini's advanced capabilities directly on their enterprise data - securely and with unified governance - within their Databricks environment.

As businesses seek to unlock value from their proprietary data with AI, they need solutions that deliver accuracy, security and compliance without operational complexity. Many current AI deployments force organizations to move data between systems or manage fragmented controls. Databricks and Google Cloud have partnered since 2021 to deliver data at scale on Google Cloud. The expanded partnership addresses these challenges by combining Databricks' unified data and AI platform with Gemini's leading models. This offers a seamless, secure way to build and manage AI solutions at scale on Databricks.

Google Gemini 2.5 represents a new milestone in AI reasoning and performance, excelling at complex, multi-step decision making and natural language understanding. The latest Gemini models, including Gemini 2.5 Pro and Gemini 2.5 Flash, now achieve leading performance on key industry benchmarks. Databricks customers will also get access to the recently introduced "Deep Think" mode for advanced reasoning and robust security safeguards. As native products in Databricks, Gemini models will be accessible to customers directly through SQL queries and model endpoints, eliminating the need for data duplication or integrations, creating a seamless experience. Customers can pay for Gemini usage through their Databricks contract.

"By using Google's Gemini models directly on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform, organizations can build and scale AI agents tailored to their specific domains and data," said Ali Ghodsi, Co-founder and CEO of Databricks. "Gemini is advancing at an impressive rate, and it's no surprise that enterprises everywhere are seeing value from these models."

"Our partnership with Databricks is another critical step in helping every enterprise transform their businesses with generative AI," said Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud. "By providing Databricks customers with direct access to Gemini's advanced capabilities, customers can more easily build and deploy sophisticated AI agents, automate complex data workflows, and uncover more predictive insights from their own data, accelerating innovation at scale."

Partnership Highlights:

Native Databricks integrations : Gemini models will be made available and billed as native products within the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform, enabling secure, direct use of enterprise data without replication.

: Gemini models will be made available and billed as native products within the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform, enabling secure, direct use of enterprise data without replication. Domain-specific AI agents : Organizations can now use Gemini models to develop AI agents capable of handling complex datasets and workflows, with support for advanced reasoning and large context windows.

: Organizations can now use Gemini models to develop AI agents capable of handling complex datasets and workflows, with support for advanced reasoning and large context windows. Unified governance : Databricks Unity Catalog ensures end-to-end governance and responsible AI use, supporting compliance efforts with security, access and ethical standards.

: Databricks Unity Catalog ensures end-to-end governance and responsible AI use, supporting compliance efforts with security, access and ethical standards. Enhanced productivity: AI agents can use Gemini to automate business processes, generate insights from live data and support decision making with current, context-rich answers.

With this partnership, Databricks and Google Cloud are making it easier than ever for organizations to unlock the full potential of their data using advanced, secure, and scalable AI solutions on Databricks.

About Databricks

Databricks is the Data and AI company. More than 15,000 organizations worldwide and over 60% of the Fortune 500 rely on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to take control of their data and put it to work with AI. Databricks is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices around the globe and was founded by the original creators of Lakehouse, Apache Spark, Delta Lake, MLflow, and Unity Catalog. To learn more, follow Databricks on X , LinkedIn and Facebook .

Contact: Press@databricks.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/databricks-announces-strategic-ai-partnership-with-google-cloud-to-bring-gemini-models-natively-to-the-data-intelligence-platform-302479871.html
DUBLIN, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BrowserStack , the world's leading software testing platform, today announced support for Playwright tests on real iOS devices with Safari-becoming the first platform to close one of the most persistent gaps in browser test automation.

Playwright has become one of the most popular test automation frameworks globally. However, until now, developers and QA engineers couldn't use it to test websites on real iOS devices with Safari. They had to rely on Playwright's desktop browser emulation, which often misses real iOS device-specific issues and edge cases-resulting in false positives and incomplete test coverage.

"With iOS driving 28% of global web traffic, testing Safari on real iOS devices was the biggest missing piece in Playwright," said Nakul Aggarwal, CTO and Co-founder of BrowserStack. "Now, teams can confidently run Playwright tests on real iOS devices, ensuring consistent, reliable results across different browsers and devices."

BrowserStack Automate now supports Playwright tests on real iPhones and iPads using Safari, enabling teams to:

Run parallel tests across 1000+ real iOS and Android device-browser combinations

Get accurate, reliable results with real-device testing

Capture network, video, and text logs in one place for faster debugging

Simulate real-world conditions-such as location, network speed, timezone, and orientation

"With BrowserStack, we have saved up to 80% of our quality automation costs. We can test on two times more devices and browsers and up to three times more website sampling from releases," said Darius Dumitrescu, Global Technical Delivery Manager at L'Oreal.

Playwright testing on real iOS devices with Safari is now available on BrowserStack Automate. Try now for free .

About BrowserStack

BrowserStack is the world's leading software testing platform powering over two million tests every day across 19 global data centers. BrowserStack helps Amazon, NVIDIA, MongoDB, Microsoft, X, and over 50,000 customers deliver quality software at speed by moving testing to their Cloud. BrowserStack's platform provides instant access to 20,000+ real mobile devices on a highly reliable cloud infrastructure that effortlessly scales as testing needs grow. With BrowserStack, Dev and QA teams can move fast while delivering an amazing experience for every customer.



Founded in 2011, BrowserStack is a privately held company backed by Accel, Bond, and Insight Partners. For more information, visit https://www.browserstack.com.

Media Contact

Press Relations Team

press@browserstack.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/browserstack-becomes-the-first-platform-to-enable-playwright-testing-on-real-ios-devices-with-safari-302480159.html
Object First, the creator of Ootbi (Out-of-the-Box-Immutability), the ransomware-proof backup storage appliance purpose-built for Veeam, was recognized for its innovation and industry leadership with two major honors at the 22nd annual Storage Awards in London on June 5, 2025: Immutable Storage Company of the Year and Editor's Choice Company.

This is the second consecutive year Object First has been named the Immutable Storage Company of the Year, a category determined entirely by public vote-demonstrating continued trust and validation from the IT and cybersecurity community. Recent research with Enterprise Strategy Group shows that 81% of IT professionals agree that immutable storage built on Zero Trust is an organization's best defense against ransomware. The Editor's Choice Company award recognizes Object First's growing impact in the backup storage market and its commitment to the channel.

"To be recognized by the public and the editorial community is an incredible honor and speaks to the strength of our product and our growing partner ecosystem," said Daniel Fried, Senior Vice President of Sales, EMEA, Object First. "As more organizations prioritize data security, customers and partners turn to immutable backup storage built on Zero Trust principles as the best defense against ransomware. We're committed to delivering the only secure, simple, and powerful backup storage solution purpose-built for the world's leading data resilience platform-Veeam."

Object First's Ootbi appliance makes immutable storage easy to deploy, scale, and manage, with no security expertise required. It is consistently tested for the highest levels of security by third-party organizations like NCC Group, built to follow CISA's Secure by Design principles, and ensures compliance readiness for directives like NIS2.

The Storage Awards recognition adds to a year of notable accolades for Object First, including:

CRN Channel Chiefs: Harry Kurland (U.S.)

CRN Channel Chiefs: Pete Hannah (EMEA)

CRN Partner Program Guide 2025

CRN Storage 100

CRN Women of the Channel: Meredith Frick, Kelly Wells, and Kasey King

About Object First

Ransomware-proof and immutable out-of-the-box, Ootbi by Object First delivers secure, simple, and powerful backup storage for Veeam customers. The appliance can be racked, stacked, and powered in 15 minutes. Ootbi is built on immutable object storage technology designed and optimized for unbeatable backup and recovery performance. Eliminate the need to sacrifice performance and simplicity to meet budget constraints with Ootbi by Object First. To learn more, visit www.objectfirst.com and follow Object First on its blog, LinkedIn, and X. Subscribe to its Zero Gravity podcast here.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250611917417/en/

Contacts:

Press Contact

Gabrielle Redwine

PAN for Object First

objectfirst@pancomm.com
HONG KONG, June 12, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - KEY HIGHLIGHTS- Revenue up by 20.7% to HK$782.3 million- Gross profit increased by 22.4% to HK$413.7 million- Consolidated profit attributable to equity shareholders grew by 51.2% to HK$197.3 million- The Board recommends a final dividend of HK11.5 cents per share- Flagship proprietary brands Ho Chai Kung, Po Chai Pills, and Flying Eagle Woodlok Oil delivered robust growth through effective brand management campaigns- Concentrated Chinese medicine granules ('CCMG') remained resilient, providing a steady contribution to overall business performanceJBM (Healthcare) Limited ("JBM Healthcare" or the "Company" Stock Code: 2161, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group"), a leading branded healthcare products marketer and distributor in Hong Kong, today announced the annual results of the Group for the year ended 31 March 2025 ("FY2025" or the "Reporting Period").Despite a lackluster retail environment in Hong Kong, JBM Healthcare delivered a robust financial and operational performance in FY2025. Revenue from the branded healthcare business rose by 20.7% year-on-year to HK$782.3 million. Gross profit grew by 22.4% to HK$413.7 million, while consolidated profit attributable to equity shareholders surged 51.2% to HK$197.3 million.This significant increase in consolidated profit attributable to equity shareholders was driven by robust sales of flagship brands - including Ho Chai Kung, Po Chai pills, and Flying Eagle Woodlok Oil, complemented by the resilient performance of its CCMG business. These strong results underscore the effective execution of the Group's integrated sales and marketing strategies, and its strategic foresight in capturing growth opportunities in the branded consumer healthcare market across Hong Kong, Macau, and major cities in the Greater Bay Area.The Board recommends a final dividend of HK11.5 cents per share. Including the interim dividend of HK5.5 cents per share already paid, the total dividend for FY2025 will be HK17.0 cents per share.Solid Performance Across Core SegmentsIn the branded medicines business, sales revenue recorded strong growth of 43.2%, propelled by Ho Chai Kung's sustained market momentum. Ho Chai Kung successfully expanded its market penetration through precisely targeted marketing initiatives that broadened its consumer base while simultaneously reinforcing brand recognition.Sales in the proprietary Chinese medicines segment grew by 5.0% against the backdrop of softened local retail sentiment of Chinese medicines and herbs, driven by the momentum of flagship brands Po Chai Pills and Flying Eagle Woodlok Oil, alongside the resilient performance of the CCMG business. Po Chai Pills enhanced brand visibility through sustained TVC placements and title sponsorship of popular television programs. Meanwhile, Flying Eagle Woodlok Oil reinforced its market position with an integrated campaign themed 'Flying Eagle - The Real Master's Choice', highlighted by a viral -Flying Eagle Bro' billboard at Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier, which tripled brand awareness.In the health and wellness products segment, revenue increased by 44.9%, driven by the steady growth of Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score Test ('Oncotype DX'), along with the expansion of our product portfolio and enhanced marketing efforts to meet consumer healthcare demands of the mass market. Oncotype DX has gained increasing recognition among healthcare professionals in Hong Kong and Macau.Capturing the Growth Potential of Cross-Border E-Commerce and TCM SectorThe Group has made steady progress in expanding its online presence on cross-border e-commerce platforms as well as strategically positioned to capitalise on the growing traditional Chinese medicine ('TCM') sector in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The Group's flagship stores on Tmall Global and JD.com have performed strongly, with Ho Chai Kung ranking among the top 10 overseas medicines during the 2024 Double 11 sales event. To drive sustainable growth, the Group is also diversifying into new categories while enhancing both its B2B and B2C sales networks.Strategic Acquisition of Tin Hee TongIn April 2025, the Group completed the acquisition of a 90% stake in Tin Hee Tong Medicine Factory, Limited, whose flagship product, Tin Hee Tong Tin Hee Pills, is a well-recognised brand in Hong Kong and mainland China, particularly among female consumers for its efficacy in regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting reproductive health. The acquisition expands the Group's proprietary Chinese medicine portfolio and creates synergies by integrating Tin Hee Tong's brand with the Group's manufacturing and marketing strengths. Leveraging its expertise in brand management, the Group will launch a comprehensive marketing campaign to boost awareness, enhance engagement, and broaden distribution.Mr. Patrick Wong, Chief Executive Officer of JBM Healthcare, commented, 'Amid the challenging retail environment, we delivered strong financial and operational performance, driven by our robust portfolio, the enduring appeal of our flagship brands, and our unwavering focus on operational excellence.''Looking ahead, we remain committed to disciplined growth and operational excellence. With rising health awareness, increasingly sedentary lifestyles, and an ageing population continuing to fuel demand, we are well-positioned to capitalise on growth opportunities in the consumer healthcare sector. We will continue to sharpen our brand management capabilities, strengthen our core brand equity, expand our product offerings, and extend our market reach.'About JBM (Healthcare) Limited (Stock Code: 2161)JBM Healthcare is a Hong Kong-based company that markets and distributes branded healthcare products across Greater China, Southeast Asia, and other select countries. The Group is a distinctive player in the sector with marketing expertise and heritage in pharmaceuticals that prioritises product efficacy and quality to meet consumers' healthcare needs. As a renowned healthcare brand operator in Hong Kong, the Group carries a wide-ranging portfolio of branded healthcare products comprising branded medicines, proprietary Chinese medicines, and health and wellness products, which include well-recognised household brands such as Po Chai Pills, Ho Chai Kung Tji Thung San, Tin Hee Tong Tin Hee Pills, Flying Eagle Woodlok Oil), Tong Tai Chung Woodlok Oil, Shiling Oil and Konsodona Medicated Oil. JBM Healthcare has been a constituent stock of the MSCI Hong Kong Micro Cap Index since 27 May 2021. For more details about JBM Healthcare, please visit: www.jbmhealthcare.com.hkSource: JBM (Healthcare) LimitedCopyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
OAK BROOK, IL / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Affluence Corporation, (OTC PINK:AFFU), a global technology holding company specializing in smart infrastructure and edge computing solutions, announced today the appointment of Oscar Brito as President of the Company with immediate effect. His appointment is a crucial step in the planned acquisition strategy to scale and profitably grow the group in the Smart City and Connected Industries IoT space. Mr Brito will report to the Board and be responsible for identifying, obtaining financing, and managing acquisitions within the United States.

Mr Brito brings a wealth of experience in private equity, capital formation, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate development across the United States, Europe and Latin America. He has played a key role in raising over $600 million in funding for projects and companies across real estate, telecommunications, and information technology sectors. As a principal and co-investor, he has additionally raised approximately $400 million in capital across a variety of industries, including value-added telecom and telecom infrastructure investments. His expertise lies in identifying high-growth, opportunistic investments and structuring complex financial transactions to support their execution and growth.

Most recently, Mr Brito was the co-founder, Member of the Board and an active investor in iQSTEL Inc, a publicly traded, US based telecommunications company generating over $300 million in annual revenue. iQSTEL has become a recognized player in the international telecom market, with a focus on next-generation services and infrastructure.

"Oscar's experience in identifying high-growth acquisition opportunities and raising capital will help us in accelerating the growth of the group" said William Gonyer, CFO of Affluence Corporation.

"I am excited to be joining Affluence. The Smart City and Connected Industries IoT market is a fast-growing sector. I look forward to identifying synergistic targets to drive forward innovation and profitable growth so that Affluence is part of this market evolution. I am certain that we can create significant value in the near future," said Oscar Brito.

# # #

About Affluence Corporation

Affluence Corporation (AFFU.PK) is a diversified technology company focused on smart city and industry software and innovative solutions that capitalize on IoT, AI, 5G and edge technologies. We are investing in mid-market businesses to create a cohesive unit which brings together technology for the next generation of internet. For more information go to https://affucorp.com.

# # #

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words "anticipate," "expect," "suggests," "plan," "believe," "intend," "estimates," "targets," "projects," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will," "forecast" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including: general economic business conditions, competitive and technological factors, markets, services, products and prices" the failure to retain management and/or key employees of the target company, availability and the cost of capital, success of growth initiatives, limited operating history and other risks discussed in our filings with the OTCMarkets; and the Securities and Exchange Commissions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Affluence Corporation assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Media and investor contact - press@affucorp.com

SOURCE: Affluence Corp

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/affluence-corporation-appoints-oscar-brito-as-president-1038563
TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Spetz Inc. (dba SonicStrategy) (CSE:SPTZ)(OTC:DBKSF) is pleased to report continued progress in its digital asset accumulation and infrastructure rollout strategy.

During the past week, the Company acquired an additional ~2.0 million S tokens (the native token of the Sonic ecosystem), bringing its total Sonic holdings to just over 6 million tokens. These tokens were purchased on the open market, reinforcing the Company's strong conviction in Sonic as one of the most compelling Layer 1 ecosystems in blockchain today. In parallel, the Company has also purchased 3.7 BTC to be held as part of the long term corporate treasury strategy. The approximate total cost of these acquisitions was $1.5 million CAD.

"We continue to see compelling long-term value in Sonic and are building a strategic position to match that conviction," said Mitchell Demeter, CEO and Director of Spetz. "Accumulating over 6 million tokens at this early stage gives us a powerful foundation as the network scales. We are fully focused on building SonicStrategy into a leading institutional platform for validator operations, token accumulation, and DeFi participation."

SonicStrategy is also pleased to announce the official launch of its first institutional-grade validator on the Sonic blockchain. The validator is now publicly listed as Validator #45 - "SonicStrategy | CSE: SPTZ | OTC: DBKSF" and can be viewed here. Validators are essential infrastructure on proof-of-stake blockchains like Sonic. They help process transactions, secure the network, and maintain consensus by verifying new blocks of data. In return, validators earn yield (rewards), making them a foundational piece of blockchain scalability and integrity.

"Launching our validator infrastructure is a significant milestone," added Demeter. "Not only does it generate stable yield on our own assets, but it also opens the door to scalable recurring revenue as we onboard other Sonic token holders to our validator."

The Company has staked a portion of its own tokens to the validator and is currently earning a 4.62% yield on this staked capital. In addition, SonicStrategy will be collaborating with other large ecosystem partners to grow the total delegation base to its validator, where the Company will earn 15% of the yield generated by third-party delegations. The Company also plans to begin deploying capital into DeFi strategies within the Sonic ecosystem in the coming days, which is expected to increase the blended yield across its digital asset portfolio to approximately 20%.

The Company is working toward closing the second tranche of its $10 million financing, targeting a close date of June 18, 2025. The round is being conducted at a price of $0.50 per unit, with each unit consisting of one common share and one-half of a common share purchase warrant exercisable at $0.75.

About Spetz Inc. (dba SonicStrategy)

Spetz Inc. (dba SonicStrategy) (CSE:SPTZ)(OTC PINK:DBKSF) is the parent company of SonicStrategy Inc., a public-market gateway to the Sonic blockchain ecosystem. Spetz provides investors with compliant exposure to staking infrastructure and DeFi strategies across the Sonic network.

Company Contacts:

Investor Relations

Email: Investors@sonicstrategy.io

Mitchell Demeter

Email: mitchell@sonicstrategy.io

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE, NOR THEIR REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

Certain information herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities laws, reflecting management's expectations regarding objectives, plans, strategies, future growth, results of operations, and business prospects of the Company. Words such as "may", "plans," "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which are qualified by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are subject to business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected outcomes. Factors influencing these outcomes include economic conditions, regulatory developments, competition, capital availability, and business execution risks. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur.

The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents Spetz's expectations as of the date of this release and is subject to change. Spetz does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state, province, territory or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state, province, territory or jurisdiction. None of the securities issued in the Private Placement will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and none of them may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act.

We seek Safe Harbor.

SOURCE: Spetz Inc

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/sonicstrategy-expands-sonic-holdings-to-6m-tokens-and-launches-insti-1038801
Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - StudyPro, an innovative AI academic platform for end-to-end writing help, is launching its complimentary beta to students and educators on June 12, 2025. Designed to meet the growing demand for trustworthy and effective all-in-one AI-enhanced academic writing assistants, StudyPro is making its platform available for web and mobile users worldwide.





StudyPro

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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As a comprehensive academic AI software solution, StudyPro offers more than AI content generation features to students, educators, journalists, and content writers. StudyPro's full range of features aims to enhance the writing process from start to finish, with the goal of helping users speed up writing while potentially improving its quality at the same time.

The complimentary beta provides access to all StudyPro's features, including:

AI Writer . StudyPro's AI writing assistance is powered by an AI model trained exclusively on high-quality academic papers.

. StudyPro's AI writing assistance is powered by an AI model trained exclusively on high-quality academic papers. AI Detector . To ensure academic integrity, StudyPro's student study assistant offers a built-in AI detector, available in a single click within its advanced text editor.

. To ensure academic integrity, StudyPro's student study assistant offers a built-in AI detector, available in a single click within its advanced text editor. Plagiarism Checker . In addition to the AI checker, StudyPro enables users to check personal writing for originality without leaving the editor.

. In addition to the AI checker, StudyPro enables users to check personal writing for originality without leaving the editor. Paraphraser. StudyPro's AI-enhanced paraphrasing feature helps users refine writing to aim to improve writing for clarity, conciseness, and smooth flow of information. The feature relies on the AI Writer model and, therefore, generates output tailored to academic writing needs.

"We are thrilled to finally make StudyPro available to early users who are looking for a single platform to aim to help them write better papers and do so faster," said Dmytro Dziubka, CMO of StudyPro. "Thanks to its comprehensive feature range, StudyPro is a true one-stop shop for any student looking to take their writing to a new level. Furthermore, our AI model is trained on academic datasets consisting only of quality papers and assignments."

StudyPro is a platform conceived for students without having to use multiple tools to complete assignments. Its generative AI model, trained exclusively on academic sources, also responds to the call for AI writing tools adapted to student needs. With StudyPro, users no longer have to verify and edit the AI-generated output as it matches the expected structure and academic standards by default.

About StudyPro

The AI tool StudyPro is an all-in-one AI writing assistant designed to streamline the whole academic writing process, from outlining and writing to editing and proofreading. Trained on real-world assignments and academic sources, StudyPro's AI model generates accurate output tailored to academic needs and the user's prompt.

StudyPro combines an AI writer, an AI and plagiarism detector, and an AI paraphraser with a professional cloud-based text editor to become a one-stop shop for students' writing needs. Visit studypro.com to learn more about the platform's capabilities and features.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/254714

SOURCE: PRNews OU
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - In honour of Indigenous Peoples Month, Wella Professionals is proud to announce a meaningful collaboration with Alanah Jewell, an Indigenous artist from the Oneida Nation of the Thames, based in Kitchener, Ontario. Known for her work under the name MorningStar Designs, Alanah brings bold visual storytelling rooted in heritage and harmony to Wella Professionals' most beloved product lines.

"Partnering with Alanah Jewell has been an incredibly meaningful journey for us at Wella Professionals," says Deborah Trepy, Brand Manager, Wella Professionals. "At Wella Professionals, we believe beauty is a powerful form of self-expression, and that includes honouring the cultures and communities that inspire us. Collaborating with Alanah Jewell has allowed us to bring her powerful vision and cultural storytelling to life through our most iconic product lines. These limited-edition designs reflect our ongoing commitment to creativity, inclusion, and supporting underrepresented voices in the beauty industry."

This collaboration between Wella and Alanah Jewell is a celebration of Indigenous artistry, identity, and resilience. Over the past year, Wella Professionals has worked closely with Alanah to create five limited-edition collection sets (Invigo Colour Brilliance, Invigo Nutri-Enrich, Fusion, Oil Reflections, and Ultimate Repair), each thoughtfully designed to reflect her cultural teachings and connection to the natural world. Each of the five limited-edition boxes tells a unique story through visual symbolism and traditional design motifs, inviting customers to experience haircare as a ritual of respect and self-connection.

"As an Indigenous person, I believe everything we create should be in alignment with Creation," says Alanah. "These designs represent balance, gentleness, protection, and interconnectedness. Our hair is sacred, and this partnership honours that."

This collaboration with Alanah Jewell reflects Wella Professionals' ongoing mission to champion creativity, inclusivity, and innovation in beauty. With over 140 years of heritage, Wella Professionals remains a trusted leader in professional haircare, dedicated to empowering individuals and artists alike to express their identity with confidence.

The Wella Professionals x MorningStar Designs Collection

Invigo Colour Brilliance Collection & Invigo Nutri Enrich Collection: The Invigo Color Brilliance Collection enhances and protects vibrant hair colour, while the Invigo Nutri-Enrich Collection provides deep nourishment and hydration to dry, stressed hair restoring softness, smoothness, and vitality. Jewell's artwork reflects natural balance and duality: birds soaring with the sun symbolize lightness and freedom, while floral patterns are inspired by traditional beadwork, honouring cultural craftsmanship. Hair is viewed as sacred; a reflection of our wisdom, experiences, and connection to identity-deserving care and respect.

Fusion Collection & Oil Reflections Collection: The Fusion Collection strengthens and repairs damaged hair with silk-inspired resilience, while the Oil Reflections Collection boosts shine and smoothness for luminous, lightweight results. Jewell's artwork is inspired by the harmony of land, water, and sky; symbolizing the deep interconnectedness of nature. Birds feed from plants to help them grow, while plants draw from water to maintain balance. This fusion reflects our shared responsibility to care for the earth, and ourselves, as part of one living system.

Ultimate Repair Collection: The Ultimate Repair Collection offers intensive repair and strength with a skincare-inspired formula. Infused with AHA to rebuild internal structure and Omega-9 to restore the outer layer, it revives damaged hair boosting softness, shine, and resilience. The artwork reflects harmony and transformation in nature. Cedar, a sacred medicine, symbolizes protection and cleansing; floral motifs nod to traditional beadwork and natural abundance; butterflies represent resilience and change. Together, they remind us to nurture both the delicate parts of Creation and ourselves.





Special Edition Wella Professionals Boxes Designed by Alanah Jewell (Morningstar Designs)



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Special Edition Wella Professionals Boxes Designed by Alanah Jewell (Morningstar Designs)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Special Edition Wella Professionals Boxes Designed by Alanah Jewell (Morningstar Designs)



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Special Edition Wella Professionals Boxes Designed by Alanah Jewell (Morningstar Designs)



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Special Edition Wella Professionals Boxes Designed by Alanah Jewell (Morningstar Designs)



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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These stunning boxes serve as everyday reminders of the beauty and power of Indigenous knowledge systems.

See the Art, Hear the Stories

High-resolution images of the special edition boxes: HERE

HERE Artist statement videos & creative process footage: HERE

HERE Available for purchase exclusively at Mat & Max: HERE

Alanah Jewell is available for interviews upon request to speak about her designs, creative journey, and collaboration with Wella Professionals.

About the Wella Company

The Wella Company* is one of the world's leading beauty companies, comprised of a family of icons such as Wella Professionals, Clairol, OPI, Nioxin and ghd. With 6,000 employees globally, presence in over 100 countries, the Wella Company and its brands are on a mission to enable consumers to look and feel their true self through the power of positive change. The Wella Company is co-created and designed for the beauty junkies of today and tomorrow and remains committed to diversity & inclusion, sustainability, and a range of social causes. Further information about the Wella Company can be found here: www.wellacompany.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255086

SOURCE: Wella Company
David's Seamless, All-In-One Registry Platform Powered by MyRegistry.com Helps Customers Sync Existing Registries, Add From Any Store, Register for Cash Gifts & More - Celebrate YOUR Way

KING OF PRUSSIA, PENNSYLVANIA / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / David's Bridal, Inc. ("David's"), the nation's leading bridal and special occasion authority, announces its new partnership with MyRegistry.com, the premier universal gift registry platform trusted by millions of users, to create a seamless registry experience that fits each couples' wedding gifting needs and desires. With this, MyRegistry.com is becoming the exclusive universal registry provider for David's and Pearl Planner, giving brides, grooms, and gift-givers access to a best-in-class, all-in-one registry solution - fully integrated into the David's digital experience starting June 24.

David's customers can create one simple, seamless registry that consolidates all their favorite gifts, no matter where they're sold or the category they're in. Shoppers can sync existing store registries, add products from any website or retailer, and even create cash funds for honeymoons, new homes or shared goals, all while receiving expert concierge support every step of the way. According to Pew Research Center, 80% of couples now live together before getting married, increasing the demand for non-traditional registry items. In recent years, couples have started to prioritize other expenses, like homeownership, when it comes to wedding gifting - for instance, a recent survey found that 85% of respondents would prefer to receive money toward a down payment on a home. With household formation peaking during this stage of life, modern couples have never desired a flexible, comprehensive registry more.

The David's and MyRegistry.com partnership offers a full suite of features designed to simplify the registry experience, empower gift-givers, and ensure couples get exactly what they want, no matter where they shop or how they celebrate. The partnership allows couples to sync their existing store registries with over 25 major retailers such as Amazon , Bed Bath & Beyond , Williams Sonoma , Bloomingdale's , Macy's , and Target .

Other key features of David's integration with MyRegistry.com include:

All Stores, One Registry : Add items from any retailer - local or global - and manage it all in one place

Sync Existing Registries : Consolidate gift lists from major retailers with just a few clicks and take advantage of completion discounts and other perks offered by these retailers

Cash Gift & Honeymoon Funds : Accept contributions via PayPal or credit card for experiences, goals or group gifts

Customizable Registry Pages : Personalize the look and feel to match your wedding style

Mobile App Access : Edit, manage, and share your registry on the go

Expert Concierge Support: Get tailored assistance to build the perfect registry for every stage of life

"We're beyond excited to deliver the next evolution of wedding registry experiences to our customers," said Elina Vilk, President and Chief Business Officer of David's Bridal. "This isn't just about gifts or picking out a toaster - it's about helping couples prepare for all of life's unforgettable moments, starting with their engagement and well beyond their wedding day as they build their lives together."

This new registry experience is seamlessly connected to David's Diamond Loyalty Program, which offers members exclusive rewards for registering, including points that can be used toward a free honeymoon or celebratory getaway.

"We are thrilled to power the next generation of registry experiences for David's customers," said Nancy Lee, President of MyRegistry . com . "Together with David's, we're streamlining the process and making it easier than ever for couples to register for exactly what they want - from any store in the world. We're now delivering the most flexible, powerful, and personalized registry experience in the industry."

David's universal registry isn't just for weddings. Through the Pearl by David's planning platform, users can build curated registries for every chapter, whether they're celebrating a new baby, buying a home or marking another milestone. From "I do" to the nursery and beyond, David's and MyRegistry make every wishlist possible.

To learn more about David's Bridal and MyRegistry.com, visit www.DavidsBridal.com and https://myregistry.com , and @davidsbridal and @myregistry on TikTok and Instagram.

For additional assets, please see media kit here .

About David's Bridal

With over 70 years of experience, David's Bridal is the ultimate destination for life's most meaningful moments - from weddings and Quinceaneras to proms and graduations. Built on the ethos of making dreams happen, David's Bridal blends innovation with tradition to serve today's special occasion consumer and the industry at large.

David's Bridal is home to the Diamond Loyalty Program - the industry's only loyalty program - with nearly three million members enjoying exclusive perks, partner deals, and even the chance to win a free honeymoon. The brand's digital offering Pearl by David's provides tools like wedding websites, a universal registry, planning checklists , and a vendor marketplace that connects couples with top professionals.

Through the Pearl Media Network, brands can access David's Bridal's unmatched reach across social, digital, in-store, streaming, and podcast platforms. At its core is Love Stories by David's, the top digital-first wedding media brand, reaching over 20 million viewers monthly with inspiring content and a rich library of 30,000+ real wedding videos backed by vendor data - powering a network of over 60,000 wedding pros.

With 190+ locations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, David's Bridal offers one-stop shopping for every magical event. Learn more at www.DavidsBridal.com, download the Planning App , and follow @DavidsBridal on Instagram , TikTok , YouTube , Facebook , Pinterest , LinkedIn , and X .

About MyRegistry.com:

As the leading technology innovator in the $400 billion gifting industry, MyRegistry.com redefines the art of giving. The platform's unparalleled flexibility and innovation enable users to effortlessly combine items from any store worldwide into one comprehensive registry. MyRegistry.com's advanced sync capability, which allows seamless integration of existing store registries, keeps gifts organized while preserving the benefits and perks of retailer-specific registries. MyRegistry.com streamlines the gifting process and transforms it into an expression of personal style and convenience. Whether for weddings, baby showers or any special occasion, MyRegistry.com makes gift-giving simple and personal, ensuring each moment is cherished.

Related Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHDvIsTbiH0

SOURCE: DAVID'S BRIDAL CORPORATE

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/consumer-and-retail-products/davids-bridal-introduces-the-ultimate-universal-wedding-registry-exper-1038673
Advanced edge gateway solution transforms the way data is processed, enabling time and cost savings

MILWAUKEE, Wis., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced the global launch of OptixEdge, an innovative edge gateway solution that revolutionizes data processing for industrial customers.

Today's smart machines are generating more data than ever, but according to Rockwell's latest State of Smart Manufacturing Report, only 44% of data is being used effectively. Many companies face challenges that prevent them from utilizing a vast amount of their data, such as network limitations, security concerns, or storage costs. Traditionally, data is sent to distant cloud servers to be processed, but this can be expensive and inefficient.

OptixEdge can directly address these issues by processing information where it's created - at the machine, in real time. It connects to the user's control system through Rockwell's FactoryTalk Optix software to collect, analyze, and send data to the cloud, enabling users to monitor and analyze machine or system data from multiple locations. This means faster insights, lower costs, and smarter decision-making.

"OptixEdge empowers customers to take control of their data like never before, providing powerful edge computing capabilities with flexibility, security, and ease of use," said Jessica Morell, software product manager at Rockwell Automation. "By processing data at its source, OptixEdge enables customers to unlock valuable insights, improve efficiency, and drive innovation across their operations."

Key capabilities of OptixEdge include:

Built-in Wizard App : A pre-installed FactoryTalk Optix application simplifies the data collection process and allows for easy configuration using only a web browser, cutting down on engineering time. It also offers the ability for users to build and deploy custom applications, if preferred.

: A pre-installed FactoryTalk Optix application simplifies the data collection process and allows for easy configuration using only a web browser, cutting down on engineering time. It also offers the ability for users to build and deploy custom applications, if preferred. Designed for efficiency: Allows lightweight applications to run in tandem with included software.

Allows lightweight applications to run in tandem with included software. Secure remote access and troubleshooting: Remote assistance is available through FactoryTalk Remote Access, allowing remote engineers and maintenance teams to program, configure and troubleshoot systems over a secure VPN connection.

Remote assistance is available through FactoryTalk Remote Access, allowing remote engineers and maintenance teams to program, configure and troubleshoot systems over a secure VPN connection. Open and flexible: OptixEdge can be utilized in conjunction with a plant or machine's existing Rockwell hardware or third-party graphic terminals and controllers.

OptixEdge can be utilized in conjunction with a plant or machine's existing Rockwell hardware or third-party graphic terminals and controllers. Cost savings and network performance improvement: OptixEdge offers users the ability to send less data to the cloud, which can help save money on storage and improve network performance.

Learn more about Rockwell's innovative OptixEdge solution on Rockwell's website.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK) is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 27,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2024. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rockwell-automation-helps-customers-unlock-the-potential-of-their-data-with-the-launch-of-optixedge-302479260.html


LONDON (dpa-AFX) - A London-bound Air India plane with 242 people on board crashed shortly after take-off from the western Indian city of Ahmedabad Thursday.



There are possibly no survivors of the accident, the worst air crash in India in recent years, news agencies reported quoting the city police chief.



Ahmedabad's city police commissioner G.S. Malik told media that the victims also included some residents of the area around the crash site.



The Flight AI 171, bound for London's Gatwick, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at 1:38 PM local time, or 4:08 AM ET.



The plane crashed into a residential area just outside the airport within seconds of take-off. It was engulfed in flames after slamming into a building.



The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, gave a mayday call to air traffic control after taking off, but then gave no response, according to India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation.



The last signal was received when the plane reached a height of 625 feet, according to Flight Radar.



The ill-fated plane was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew.



Of the passengers, there were 169 Indians, 53 Britons, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese.



Vijay Rupani, who was the Chief Minister of the western Indian state of Gujarat, was among the passengers.



According to India's Federation of All India Medical Association, most of the passengers were brought to the hospital dead.



The victims include medical students who were staying in a hostel that was damaged in the plane crash.



Boeing said in a statement, 'We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected.'



The plane's manufacturer said it was working to gather more information.



'The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words,' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement posted on X.



'In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,' he added.



British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed his anguish following the plane crash involving 53 British nationals.



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 2025 AFX News
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites and digital marketing campaigns, has launched a dedicated offering of scalable website development solutions for New York B2B enterprises. This move aims to support growing business-to-business organizations in New York with websites designed to adapt alongside business expansion and evolving customer needs.

Scalable website development solutions for New York B2B enterprises

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As B2B digital engagement continues to grow in the U.S., scalable infrastructure is becoming increasingly important for companies looking to improve their online presence. Digital Silk's new service line is designed to support these needs with flexible, performance-driven platforms built for long-term use.

Website Development That Grows With Your Business

Digital Silk's website development approach for B2B companies focuses on:

Modular, scalable architecture for growth-ready sites

Enhanced UX/UI to support lead generation

Custom CMS solutions with backend integrations

Secure, enterprise-level hosting environments

B2B features such as gated content, CRM sync and industry-specific user flows

"We build websites that are designed to grow with our clients, not limit them," said Gabriel Shaoolian, CEO of Digital Silk. "This offering is specifically engineered for New York's B2B landscape - with solutions tailored to the complexity and scale these enterprises often require."

Supporting New York's Competitive B2B Market

New York remains a critical business hub in the U.S., with thousands of B2B companies operating across finance, real estate, logistics, healthcare and manufacturing. These organizations require robust digital tools to remain competitive in both national and global markets. Digital Silk's services aim to help bridge this gap through forward-thinking development strategies and user-focused experiences.

Core Features Tailored for B2B Growth

Custom-coded functionality that fits the B2B sales cycle

Future-ready backend frameworks and integrations

Optimized site structure for search visibility

Built-in security and compliance support

About Digital Silk

Digital Silk is an award-winning New York Website Development Agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, Digital Silk delivers industry-leading digital experiences through strategic branding and cutting-edge web design to support user engagement and help improve visibility.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255362

SOURCE: Digital Silk
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) -Digital Silk, an award-winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites and digital marketing campaigns, has announced the successful launch of a custom website for Ziptie, a new platform dedicated to providing creators with intuitive tools to build online brands.





Ziptie's Clean Website Interface Designed by Digital Silk Showcases Creator Tools with Simplicity and Flexibility



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Ziptie approached Digital Silk to establish a user-friendly, scalable and design-forward website to support their mission of giving creators an all-in-one destination for customisable landing pages, engagement tools and eCommerce functionality. As part of its custom website development services, Digital Silk delivered a clean, mobile-first interface and CMS-powered structure, helping Ziptie introduce its core features with clarity and flexibility.

Ziptie's new site was built to help the startup scale, with a CMS-powered structure and clean UX that supports onboarding and internal content updates. In the first 90 days post-launch, the site supported key operational goals: 80 new landing pages were added, and more than 40 product updates were implemented internally, without any additional developer involvement. This flexibility allowed the Ziptie team to keep up with their platform's rapid evolution and improve time-to-market.

"Our goal was to help Ziptie clearly communicate its value to creators while giving the internal team the tools they need to easily update, scale and maintain the site post-launch," said Gabriela Mihaela, Project Manager at Digital Silk. "We created a future-ready digital foundation that may help Ziptie support its growing user base and make onboarding seamless."

Highlights From the Ziptie Website Development Project

The 90-day timeline from discovery to launch prioritised design clarity, user experience and performance:

Custom CMS Architecture : Enabled fast editing, flexibility and scalable page creation

: Enabled fast editing, flexibility and scalable page creation Mobile-First Design : Optimised for creators managing their brand from any device

: Optimised for creators managing their brand from any device Streamlined Navigation : Focused on clearly guiding users through product features and sign-up

: Focused on clearly guiding users through product features and sign-up Conversion-Centered UX: Integrated visuals and messaging aimed at sign-up growth

Ziptie's new site positions the brand to meet increasing interest from creators seeking monetisation tools beyond traditional social platforms.

The Rise of Digital Tools for Creators

From newsletter platforms to eCommerce integrations, creators are demanding solutions that simplify branding and revenue generation. Ziptie's launch comes at a pivotal time as more independent creators seek direct engagement models and customised brand identities online.

By partnering with a New York website development agency, Ziptie was able to transform its concept into a scalable digital experience that aligns with broader trends in creator tech.

About Digital Silk

Digital Silk is an award-winning New York website design agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, Digital Silk delivers industry-leading digital experiences through strategic branding and cutting-edge web design to support engagement and help improve visibility through digital marketing services.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255360

SOURCE: Digital Silk
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites and digital marketing campaigns, has launched a new purpose-led digital platform for Project Fire Buddies. This non-profit organization partners with fire departments across the U.S. to bring joy to children battling critical illnesses. The website revamp is part of Digital Silk's mission to support cause-based organizations through strategic web design that fosters engagement and community involvement.





Bringing Joy Online: Project Fire Buddies' Mission Comes to Life Through Engaging New Website

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From February 6 to May 6, 2025, the new website achieved impactful early results:

+16.2% increase in average engagement time per user, showing visitors are connecting more deeply with the content

increase in average engagement time per user, showing visitors are connecting more deeply with the content +37.4% rise in engagement events such as clicks and scrolls across pages

rise in engagement events such as clicks and scrolls across pages +3.8% increase in organic and direct traffic, despite a decline in total users

increase in organic and direct traffic, despite a decline in total users Over 13.3K pageviews driven by the homepage and the "Chapters" section, indicating interest in the organization's reach and mission

The redesign aimed to tell the Project Fire Buddies story through an intuitive, emotionally resonant interface with clear calls to action for support and participation.

The full case study is available at: https://www.digitalsilk.com/case-studies/project-fire-buddies/.

Human-Centered Website Development Enhancing Visibility and Support

Digital Silk built the platform with accessibility, ease of navigation and emotional storytelling at its core. The homepage, mission and chapter pages now deliver a more immersive journey, helping to inform, inspire and mobilize visitors.

"Project Fire Buddies is more than a website - it's a movement," said Gabriella Garcia, Senior Project Manager at Digital Silk. "Our team worked closely with their leadership to create a site experience that would amplify their impact and encourage more people to get involved."

Key Results from the Digital Transformation

The platform's performance metrics over its first 90 days show promising signs of long-term success and support for the non-profit's mission:

Average session duration rose, indicating content relevance and design effectiveness

Users interacted more with key calls to action, increasing potential for donations and volunteer involvement

Direct and organic traffic grew, a strong indicator of improved visibility and search presence

About Project Fire Buddies

Project Fire Buddies was created by local firefighters to build relationships and boost the morale of critically ill children. By expanding across multiple fire departments, Project Fire Buddies developed a national presence - now supported by a centralized and engaging online platform built by Digital Silk.

About Digital Silk

Digital Silk is an award-winning Miami web design agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, Digital Silk delivers industry-leading digital experiences through strategic branding and cutting-edge web design to support engagement and visibility through custom marketing strategies.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255369

SOURCE: Digital Silk
For the second year in a row, Staffing Industry Analysts listed Travel Nurses, Inc. on their annual list of Diversity-Owned Staffing Firms

GERMANTOWN, TN / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Travel Nurses, Inc., a leading healthcare staffing agency, has been named to Staffing Industry Analysts' (SIA) 2025 list of Diversity-Owned Staffing Firms for the United States and Canada. The annual list honors staffing agencies that are certified by third-party organizations as diversity-owned and making meaningful contributions to the staffing industry. This year's list includes 177 firms, including 79 that are women-owned.

Travel Nurses, Inc. Logo

brand logo

Travel Nurses, Inc. stands out not only as a certified women-owned business but also for its deep roots in healthcare. Founded by nurses nearly 37 years ago, the company has grown into a national leader in staffing nurses and allied health professionals across the country. Today, 91% of the company's corporate workforce is made up of women.

"As a women-owned business, we're honored to be included on this year's SIA Diversity-Owned Staffing Firms list," said Denise Burnett-Stewart, founder of Travel Nurses, Inc. "I am so proud of how far this agency has come. This recognition reflects our commitment to our mission of fostering a culture of trust, respect and continuous growth for the healthcare professionals we serve."

As a recognized leader in healthcare staffing, Travel Nurses, Inc. is proud to receive this acknowledgment from SIA. Being named to the 2025 Diversity-Owned Staffing Firms list underscores the company's long-standing reputation for excellence, trust and dedication in serving healthcare professionals and facilities nationwide.

The full list of 2025 Diversity-Owned Staffing Firms is available on the SIA website.

SOURCE: Travel Nurses Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/travel-nurses-inc.-recognized-by-sia-as-a-leading-diversity-owned-sta-1031399
MEMPHIS, TN / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / International Paper (NYSE:IP)(LSE:IPC), a global leader in sustainable packaging, today announced the strategic exploration of a new sustainable packaging facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. The exploration of a prospective new facility is part of International Paper's strategic growth plans to expand manufacturing capabilities in the United States. The company is eyeing Utah to increase its footprint in the region and better serve customers by meeting the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable packaging.

This announcement comes shortly after the company celebrated the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art sustainable packaging facility in Waterloo, Iowa.

"This exploration is part of Packaging Solutions North America's strategic growth initiative to enhance our regional manufacturing footprint in the U.S. Salt Lake City would be a new market for IP and an opportunity to better serve existing customers in the region and grow strategically with new customers," said John Berry, Group Vice President and General Manager, Packaging Group West.

If pursued, this proposed new facility will feature cutting-edge technology and equipment to help enable International Paper's ability to deliver innovative and sustainable packaging solutions to a growing customer base in the western U.S.

Specific information, including capital investment, facility footprint and potential employment opportunities will be shared at the appropriate time as part of the ongoing evaluation process.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tenn., USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views regarding the potential development of a new packaging facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the timing of events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risks that we will be unable to pursue or realize any anticipated benefits associated with the potential development of a new packaging facility in Salt Lake City, Utah as part of our strategic growth initiatives. These forward-looking statements are also subject to the risks and uncertainties contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 21, 2025, and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. In addition, other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that we currently believe to be immaterial could affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or changes in expectations.

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/international-paper-to-explore-building-a-new-state-of-the-art-sustainable-packaging-facility-in-salt-lake-city-utah-302471370.html

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International Paper on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: International Paper

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/international-paper-company

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: International Paper

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/international-paper-to-explore-building-a-new-state-of-the-art-sustain-1038821
Changchun, Jilin Province--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - From June 12 to 15, FAW HONGQI unveiled its luxury vehicle lineup at the 2025 International Automotive and Supply Chain Expo(Hong Kong), showcasing its unique "Oriental Luxury" concept to the world. During the expo, HONGQI held the "Glory in Hong Kong, Shaping the Future Together" Golden Sunflower Exclusive Appreciation Event, which forged profound connections between HONGQI and local customers. With its outstanding products and rich brand heritage, HONGQI continues to expand the global influence of Chinese luxury brands.







Qiu Xiandong, Chairman of China FAW Group Co., Ltd. attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 International Automotive and Supply Chain Expo(Hong Kong) and the launch ceremony of the China Automotive and Supply Chain Enterprises Overseas Alliance, and delivered a speech. He stated that FAW Group is actively integrating into Hong Kong, serving Hong Kong, and making contributions in Hong Kong aiming to achieve a win - win result through deep cooperation. FAW Group aims to strengthen cooperation in industry, ecology, finance, and technological innovation, and is willing to partner with Hong Kong in creating a new legend.







The HONGQI Golden Sunflower series vehicles, representing the pinnacle of Chinese automotive craftsmanship-GUOYAO, GUOLI, GUOYA, and GUOYUE-profoundly demonstrate HONGQI's mastery of design aesthetics, safety standards, and manufacturing quality. These vehicles became the center of attention at the event. The entire Golden Sunflower series of models demonstrates remarkable market appeal and injects strong momentum into HONGQI's successful entry into Hong Kong.







During the Golden Sunflower Exclusive Appreciation Event, Liu Changqing, Assistant President of China FAW Group Co., Ltd. and Vice President of HONGQI Brand Operation Committee presented a customized commemorative gift to Wong Yan Kwong, the Chairman of KONSTAR Group and Hong Kong HONGQI Enthusiasts Association. Qiu Xiandong, Chairman of China FAW Group Co., Ltd. , presented a top-tier luxury sedan-GUOLI, to Lo Man Tuen, the Chairman of the Wing Li Group (International) Limited.







At the 2025 International Automotive and Supply Chain Expo(Hong Kong), HONGQI unveiled a range of classic and modern models. The unveiling of precious models such as the HONGQI CA770, the right-hand-drive version of the CA770, and the CA72 carried the deep affection and cherished memories of several generations for China's high-end automotive industry. The three models -H9, HQ9, and E-HS9-showcased HONGQI's dedication to product excellence and technology development. Additionally, the HONGQI "TianNian NO.1" flying car became a major highlight of the auto show with its forward-looking technological concepts and innovative design.







HONGQI will always pursue its vision of evolving from Oriental Luxury to the World's New Luxury and continuously increase investment in R&D, accelerate core breakthroughs, and expedite its global expansion. HONGQI aims to share the new story of Oriental luxury automotive brands with global users and share the new travel experiences of China's high-end intelligent manufacturing.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255368

SOURCE: 41Caijing
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Agrinam Acquisition Corporation (TSX: AGRI.U) (the "Corporation") announced today that the ordinary resolution put to the holders (the "Class A Restricted Voting Shareholders") of the Corporation's Class A Restricted Voting shares at the special meeting of the Class A Restricted Voting Shareholders and the holders (the "Class B Shareholders") of Class B Shares of the Corporation held on June 10, 2025 (the "Meeting") to extend the date by which the Corporation has to consummate a qualifying acquisition from June 15, 2025 to September 15, 2025 (the "Extension") and a special resolution to approve an amendment (the "Amendment") to the amended and restated articles of the Corporation (the "Articles") were approved.

The Amendment provides for an amendment to the definition of "Extension" and "Permitted Timeline" contained in section 28.2 of the Articles in order to permit the Corporation to extend the permitted timeline within which it must consummate its qualifying acquisition from up to 36-months to 39-months, thus allowing for the Extension.

100 % of the votes cast at the Meeting by Class A Restricted Voting Shareholders present or represented by proxy were cast in favour of the Amendment and 100 % were in favour of the Extension. Additionally, 100 % of the votes cast at the Meeting by Class A Restricted Voting Shareholders and by Class B Shareholders, voting as a single class, were cast in favour of the Amendment. The Amendment was to be passed by: (a) at least two-thirds of the votes cast at the Meeting by Class A Restricted Voting Shareholders present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting; and (b) at least two-thirds of the votes cast at the Meeting by Class A Restricted Voting Shareholders and by Class B Shareholders, voting as a single class present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Meeting. Details of the voting results will be filed under the Corporation's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The Extension and the Amendment are conditional upon and remain subject to the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

About Agrinam Acquisition Corporation

Agrinam Acquisition Corporation is a special purpose acquisition corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of British Columbia for the purpose of effecting, directly or indirectly, an acquisition of one or more businesses or assets, by way of a merger, amalgamation, arrangement, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or any other similar business combination within a specified period of time.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Corporation's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Corporation's control that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk that a qualifying acquisition may not be completed within the Corporation's permitted timeline or the potential failure to obtain an extension of the qualifying acquisition deadline if sought by the Corporation, the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of any proposed qualifying acquisition, and the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Corporation's preliminary long-form prospectus dated May 15, 2025. The Corporation does not undertake any obligation to update such forward looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255371

SOURCE: Agrinam Acquisition Corporation
NEW YORK, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new comprehensive report from The Insight Partners, the global fiber optic sensor market is observing significant growth owing to demand for structural health monitoring (SHM) and surging applications in oil and gas sector.

The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. In general, the fiber optic sensor are applicable in a vast array of applications that are expected to register strength during the coming years.

To explore the valuable insights in the Fiber Optic Sensor Market report, you can easily download a sample PDF of the report -https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000943

Overview of Report Findings

1. Market Growth: The Fiber Optic Sensor market is expected to reach US$ 6.76 Billion by 2031 from US$ 3.61 Billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 9.7% during the forecast period. The fiber optic sensor market is gaining significant traction due to its wide-ranging capabilities in monitoring and measurement across various environmental and industrial conditions. Fiber optic sensing technology is used to detect and quantify physical and chemical changes-including strain, temperature, pressure, electric and magnetic fields, displacement, rotation, radiation, liquid levels, flow, vibrations, and light intensity.

2. Demand for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM): The increasing demand for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a major driver of the fiber optic sensor market, as industries and governments prioritize the safety, longevity, and performance of critical infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, dams, and pipelines. Fiber optic sensor offer real-time, highly accurate data on structural strain, stress, and displacement, making them ideal for continuous monitoring without the need for electrical power at the sensing point. Their ability to function in harsh environments and support long-range, distributed sensing makes them a cost-effective and reliable solution for large-scale infrastructure projects. As urbanization and infrastructure investments grow globally, especially in emerging economies, the adoption of fiber optic sensing technologies in SHM systems is accelerating significantly.

3. Increased Security and Military Applications: Increased security and military applications are creating significant opportunities in the fiber optic sensor market due to the technology's ability to provide precise, real-time monitoring in high-risk and sensitive environments. Fiber optic sensor are immune to electromagnetic interference and cannot be easily jammed or intercepted, making them ideal for defense uses such as perimeter intrusion detection, submarine tracking, battlefield surveillance, and secure communication systems. Their durability, stealth, and ability to operate in harsh or remote locations further enhance their appeal for military infrastructure and security systems. As global defense budgets rise and the need for advanced surveillance and threat detection systems grows, demand for fiber optic sensing technologies in this sector is expected to expand rapidly.

4. Geographical Insights: In 2024, North America led the market with a substantial revenue share, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

For Detailed Fiber Optic Sensor Market Insights, Visit:https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/fiber-optic-sensor-market

Market Segmentation

 Based on sensing type, the fiber optic sensor market is segmented into temperature sensing, pressure sensing, acoustic sensing, strain sensing, and others The Temperature Sensing segment held the largest share in the Fiber Optic Sensor Market in 2024.

 Based on end user, the fiber optic sensor market is segmented into oil and gas, manufacturing, infrastructure, aerospace and defense, power and utilities, and others. The Oil and Gas segment held the largest share in the Fiber Optic Sensor Market in 2024.

 Based on application, the fiber optic sensor market is segmented into high-voltage or high-power cable monitoring, pipeline monitoring, upstream application, fire detection in critical assets, CCS/CCUS application, and others. The Others segment held the largest share in the Fiber Optic Sensor Market in 2024.

 The Fiber Optic Sensor market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America.

Stay Updated on The Latest Fiber Optic Sensor Market Trends: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPTE100000943

Competitive Strategy and Development

 Key Players: A few major companies operating in the Fiber Optic Sensor market include Baumer Holding AG, Pepperl+Fuchs SE, Wenglor Sensoric GmbH, NEC Corp, Proximion AB, OMRON Corp, Sick AG, Omnisens SA, FISO Technologies, Luna Innovations, Honeywell International Inc, Halliburton, Schlumberger NV, Yokogawa Electric Corp, Keyence Corporation

 Trending Topics: Quantum Fiber Optics, Anti-Jamming Cables, Photonic Crystal Fibers (PCF), Smart City Infrastructure, among others.

Global Headlines on Fiber Optic Sensor

 " Wenglor introduced the P1XD Fiber-Optic Amplifier, designed specifically for compact space applications "

 " Pepperl+Fuchs forms strategic partnership with Witt Sensoric during BAU 2023."

 " NTT Corporation and NEC Corporation have jointly devised a connection configuration to add optical fiber sensing functions to the IOWN All-Photonics Network (APN)1"

Purchase Premium Copy of Global Fiber Optic Sensor Market Size and Growth Report (2021-2031) at: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPTE100000943/

Conclusion

A key strength of fiber optic sensor lies in their ability to support multiple sensing points along a single fiber, making them a cost-effective and scalable solution for long-range monitoring. They are highly durable and can perform reliably in extreme environmental conditions, including high temperatures and electrically noisy or hazardous environments. This makes them especially suitable for use in critical industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, civil engineering, construction, and healthcare.

The report from The Insight Partners, therefore, provides several stakeholders-including component providers, system technology integrators, system manufacturers and others-with valuable insights into how to successfully navigate this evolving market landscape and unlock new opportunities.

Trending Related Reports:

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https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/fiber-optics-testing-market

https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/fiber-optic-preform-market

About Us:

The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials.

Contact Us:

If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please contact us:

Contact Person: Ankit Mathur

E-mail:ankit.mathur@theinsightpartners.com

Phone: +1-646-491-9876

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2520492/The_Insight_Partners_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fiber-optic-sensor-market-size-reach-us-6-76-billion-by-2031--experiences-growth-owing-to-rising-demand-for-structural-health-monitoring---the-insight-partners-302480357.html
Independent Survey Highlights Leading Vendors Driving Innovation in Managed Care IT Ahead of the AHIP 2025 Conference in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / As the managed care landscape faces a convergence of regulatory disruption, rising costs, and consumer expectations for digitally enhanced experiences, payer organizations are accelerating the adoption of technology platforms that deliver measurable performance gains. In this environment of transformation, Black Book Research today released its list of forty top-rated payer technology vendors, all scheduled exhibitors at the upcoming AHIP 2025 Conference, June 16-18 at the Wynn Las Vegas.

These vendors were identified through Black Book's rigorous satisfaction and outcomes polling conducted from Q4 2024 through Q2 2025. The evaluations reflect responses from 9,106 health plan and managed care leaders, offering a statistically sound, vendor-agnostic snapshot of the solutions generating the highest satisfaction scores across dozens of payer IT categories. Black Book's Payer IT Solutions Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) uniquely capture the true user experience by prioritizing qualitative metrics such as trust, accountability, reliability, and customer responsiveness drawn directly from frontline health plan users, enabling a comprehensive, unbiased assessment of vendor performance that goes far beyond traditional functionality, NPS, or market share rankings.

The survey findings underscore a major shift in technology priorities among health insurers and third-party administrators," said Doug Brown, MHA, President of Black Book. "Health plans are rapidly aligning with vendors that offer next-generation solutions in core functional areas including value-based care optimization, prior authorization automation, chronic disease and population health management, real-time interoperability, and cloud-based administrative systems. Our polling clearly illustrates that payers are increasingly selective, prioritizing vendors that directly address the sector's most complex and immediate challenges. These top user-rated vendors have distinguished themselves through superior client satisfaction, innovative technology solutions, and measurable impacts on operational and financial outcomes. AHIP attendees will find these vendors essential partners in their strategic planning and technology roadmaps."

Key Payer Technology Trends Identified in 2025 Black Book Survey Data:

Value-Based Reimbursement Optimization: 96% of respondents ranked this category as critical to succeeding under CMS payment reform models. Health plans using top-rated platforms reported up to an 81% improvement in cost savings and outcome-based performance. Exhibiting vendors recognized for excellence in this area include FinThrive, FTI Consulting, Gradiant AI, HCL America, HealthEdge, Inovalon, IQVIA, Milliman, Optum, Oracle, Persivia, and Premier Inc.

Utilization Management and Prior Authorization Reform: 89% of health plans cited the need for automation in this area to alleviate administrative burdens and improve member experience. Nearly 70% of those already deploying modern solutions reported significant gains in efficiency and throughput. Leading vendors supporting automation and modernization in this space are Agadia Systems, Anterior, Cohere, and MCG.

Digital Chronic Care and Population Health Tools: 91% of respondents emphasized the importance of scalable tools for managing high-risk populations. On average, plans saw a 32% increase in patient adherence and substantial declines in avoidable ED visits when using leading platforms. High-performing vendors in this category include Amwell, Arcadia, Best Buy Health, CCS Medical, Helix, Innovaccer, Lightbeam Health Solutions, Omada Health, Oshi Health, Ovia Health, PointClickCare, Teladoc Health, and WellSky.

Interoperability and Data Integration: With 97% of executives naming this a top priority, robust data-sharing solutions are vital for compliance, analytics, and care coordination. 88% of health plans using advanced interoperability tools reported improved data accuracy and smoother cross-system connectivity. AHIP exhibitors demonstrating leadership in this category are Citius Tech, Innovaccer, Inovalon, MRO, Optum, and Surescripts.

These trends not only reflect industry-wide priorities but also validate the strategic investments being made by vendors exhibiting at AHIP 2025. Black Book encourages attending health plan stakeholders to use this independently curated shortlist to prioritize engagements and maximize ROI from their time at the conference.

Each vendor listed below was ranked #1 in its respective category for satisfaction, client experience, and performance impact. Full comparative category reports are available for licensing by contacting research@blackbookmarketresearch.com.

Agadia Systems (Booth 1336)

Top Payer IT Category: Utilization Management & PBM

Amwell (Booth 1239)

Top Payer IT Category: Telehealth & Digital Care Platforms

Anterior (Booth 1001)

Top Payer IT Category: AI-Driven Prior Authorization & Automation

Arcadia (Booth 1620)

Top Payer IT Category: Population Health Analytics

Availity (Booth 1301)

Top Payer IT Category: Clearinghouse Alternative Solutions

Best Buy Health (Booth 1032)

Top Payer IT Category: Remote Patient Monitoring

CCS Medical (Booth 1108)

Top Payer IT Category: Chronic Care Management Solutions

Citius Tech (Booth 1501)

Top Payer IT Category: Data Integration

Cohere (Booth 1419)

Top Payer IT Category: AI-Enhanced Prior Authorization & Clinical Decision Support

FinThrive (Booth 1234)

Top Payer IT Category: Health Plan Revenue Cycle Optimization & Payment Integrity

FTI Consulting (Booth 1408)

Top Payer IT Category: Managed Care IT & Systems Transformation Consulting

Gradiant AI (Booth 1334)

Top Payer IT Category: AI-Powered Risk Adjustment

H1 (Booth 1932)

Top Payer IT Category: Provider Network & Credentialing Analytics

HCL America (Booth 1401)

Top Payer IT Category: Digital Transformation & Payer Systems Modernization

HealthEdge (Booth 1000)

Top Payer IT Category: Core Administrative Processing Systems

Helix (Booth 1928)

Top Payer IT Category: Genomics-Driven Population Health Management

Innovaccer (Booth 1701)

Top Payer IT Category: Unified Data Platforms & Population Health

Inovalon (Booth 1207)

Top Payer IT Category: Cloud-Based SaaS & Analytics

IQVIA (Booth 1015)

Top Payer IT Category: Real-World Evidence & Advanced Analytics

Lightbeam Health Solutions (Booth 1313)

Top Payer IT Category: Population Health Management & Care Coordination

MCG (Booth 1519)

Top Payer IT Category: Evidence-Based Clinical Decision Support

MedImpact (Booth 1028)

Top Payer IT Category: Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) Solutions

Milliman (Booth 1627)

Top Payer IT Category: Actuarial Services & Risk Analytics

MRO (Booth 1636)

Top Payer IT Category: Clinical Data Exchange & Interoperability

Omada Health (Booth 1220)

Top Payer IT Category: Digital Chronic Condition Management

Optum (Booth 1427)

Top Payer IT Category: Claims Outsourcing, Data, Analytics

Oracle (Booth 1119)

Top Payer IT Category: Cloud-Based Health Plan Administration

Oshi Health (Booth 1226)

Top Payer IT Category: Digital Care Solutions

Ovia Health (Booth 1113)

Top Payer IT Category: Digital Women's Health & Family Benefits

Persivia (Booth 1609)

Top Payer IT Category: Risk Adjustment & Quality Analytics

PointClickCare (Booth 1213)

Top Payer IT Category: Post-Acute Care Coordination & Management

Premier Inc (Booth 2020)

Top Payer IT Category: Value-Based Care Management & Advisory

Sagility (Booth 1019)

Top Payer IT Category: BPO Claims Processing, Provider Network Operations

Salesforce (Booth 1934)

Top Payer IT Category: Member Engagement & CRM Platforms

Sutherland Global (Booth 1500)

Top Payer IT Category: Health IT Infrastructure

Surescripts (Booth 1006)

Top Payer IT Category: e-Prescribing, Interoperability

Teladoc Health (Booth 1201)

Top Payer IT Category: Virtual Care & Telehealth

WellSky (Booth 1331)

Top Payer IT Category: Home Health & Community Care Coordination

Wolters Kluwer (Booth 1721)

Top Payer IT Category: Regulatory Compliance & Clinical Content Management

Workday (Booth 1011)

Top Payer IT Category: HR & Financial Management Solutions

A numeric order of the Booths and respective vendors is provided below and the entire Exhibitor Hall map can be downloaded from https://www.ahip.org/conferences/ahip-2025/sponsors-and-exhibitorscontent

1001 - Anterior

1006 - Surescripts

1011 - Workday

1015 - IQVIA

1019 - Sagility

1028 - MedImpact

1032 - Best Buy Health

1108 - CCS Medical

1113 - Ovia Health

1119 - Oracle

1201 - Teladoc Health

1213 - PointClickCare

1220 - Omada Health

1226 - Oshi Health

1234 - FinThrive

1239 - Amwell

1301 - Availity

1313 - Lightbeam Health Solutions

1331 - WellSky

1334 - Gradiant AI

1336 - Agadia Systems

1401 - HCL America

1408 - FTI Consulting

1419 - Cohere

1500 - Sutherland Global

1501 - Citius Tech

1519 - MCG

1620 - Arcadia

1627 - Milliman

1636 - MRO

1609 - Persivia

1701 - Innovaccer

1721 - Wolters Kluwer

1928 - Helix

1932 - H1

1934 - Salesforce

2020 - Premier Inc

About Black Book

Black Book Research is recognized internationally for accurate, impartial customer satisfaction surveys in the healthcare IT, software, and outsourcing sectors. Since 2004, Black Book has polled healthcare executives, frontline users, clinicians, and payers to identify high-performing vendors based on validated client experience and loyalty metrics. With over 3 million collected viewpoints, Black Book provides insight-driven analytics for buyers and decision-makers through ongoing crowdsource surveying. All surveys are conducted without vendor sponsorship, influence, or involvement. For more information, view free industry reports, or license a competitive intelligence summary, visit www.blackbookmarketresearch.com or contact research@blackbookmarketresearch.com.

SOURCE: Black Book Research

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/40-top-rated-payer-technology-vendors-exhibiting-at-ahip-2025-black-b-1038200
WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) welcomes renowned Baloch writer, scholar, and political scientist Mir Yar Baloch as special advisor to MEMRI's Balochistan Studies Project. Mir Yar Baloch is a Baloch nationalist leader and a member of the secular Free Balochistan Movement, led by renowned Baloch leader Hyrbyair Marri. Baloch's Twitter account, @miryar_baloch, which has been defined as one of the most influential in the Subcontinent, is feared by Pakistan.

Mir Yar Baloch supports the independence of Balochistan from Iran and Pakistan. He promotes a free and democratic Balochistan in which men and women are treated equally and are entitled to all rights, protections, and freedoms in all spheres of society. He has stated that both Pakistan and Iran are pursuing a slow-motion genocide against the Baloch people.

A Coalition Of Non-Persian Ethnic Groups Against The Islamic Republic Of Iran

Mir Yar Baloch stresses that the international community must realize that the fall of the Islamic Republic of Iran can only come through the creation of a coalition of non-Persian ethnic groups in Iran, which include the Balochs. These ethnic groups are ready to coordinate and fight together to end the Islamist regime. They do not need the U.S. military on the ground; they want to and can wage their own independent fight for liberation. Within six months, they can establish an army hundreds of thousands strong. According to an estimate there are about 50,000 Baloch secular armed fighters. Like the Kurds, the Baloch are also trained fighters and can be a gamechanger.

Balochistan's Independence From Pakistan

The same goes for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which is one of the leading sponsors of terror in the world. Several pro-military politicians in Pakistan have now openly admitted that Pakistan's grip on Balochistan has weakened, and that the Baloch people are actively supporting the independence movement and Baloch fighters. Pakistani Member of Parliament Zarfullah Zehri, speaking on the parliament floor of the house, stated: "Baloch women are selling their jewelry to support Balochistan's independence."

Speaking at a recent session of the Pakistani National Assembly, Pakistan MP Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman admitted that Pakistan has lost control in Balochistan, stating that a moment like that of 1971, when East and West Pakistan fought in the Bangladesh Liberation War, which led to the creation of Bangladesh on December 16, 1971, has arrived again.

Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman said: "I swear by my heart that, at this moment there are five to seven groups in Baluchistan who, if they retaliate, will be granted independence and the country will break once again."

Fazl-ur-Rehman has always supported the Pakistan army against the Baloch freedom movement. In his speech, Fazl-ur-Rehman informed the establishment of Pakistan that the Baloch people are becoming independent and that this development, in his view, is not good for Pakistan's future. "If districts in Balochistan announce liberation, the UN will accept their independence and Pakistan will fall," he said. All the above has dented the image of the Pakistani army.

Commenting on Pakistan's grip on Balochistan, Mir Yar Baloch stated: "Balochistan declared its independence on August 11, 1947 and we consider ourselves a free and sovereign nation. However, to this day, the Pakistani army is stationed in Balochistan against the will of Baloch people. Our aim is to force Pakistani forces to withdraw from our land. We have asked them to vacate Balochistan in a peaceful manner, but it seems that the Pakistani army will have to be pushed forcibly from Baloch soil. We reiterate the fact that Balochistan must be supported by all means because Pakistan's presence in Balochistan is causing trouble and bloodshed. The Pakistani military day in and day out conducts military offensives against the civilians of Balochistan. Our women are being abducted and put behind bars. A Baloch university student, Mah Jabeen, was abducted by the Pakistani military intelligence agencies from Quetta sometime back and there are dozens of Baloch prisoners who have been killed after being abducted by their rogue army and ISI. A genocide is taking place under the nose of international community in Balochistan."

China Is A Foe Of The Baloch People

China is a foe of the Baloch people that fears the Baloch nationalist movement. China's global strategy, fueled by its economic might, is to impose its hegemony on the free world. One of its most significant tools in this endeavor is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a project aimed at creating military bases in the name of trade routes and infrastructure that benefit China's long-term strategic interests. In Balochistan, this plan is implemented through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Mir Yar Baloch stated: "China is providing lethal weapons to Pakistan and assisting its army, air force, and navy in executing an ethnic cleansing of the Baloch people in order to continue the loot and plunder of Balochistan's rare earth metals. We have repeatedly urged China to refrain from supporting Pakistan in its loot and plunder of Balochistan's strategic military assets."

ABOUT MEMRI

Exploring the Middle East and South Asia through their media, MEMRI bridges the language gap between the West and the Middle East and South Asia, providing timely translations of Arabic, Farsi, Urdu-Pashtu, Dari, Turkish, Russian, and Chinese media, as well as original analysis of political, ideological, intellectual, social, cultural, and religious trends.

Founded in February 1998 to inform the debate over U.S. policy in the Middle East, MEMRI is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. MEMRI's main office is in Washington, DC, with branch offices in various world capitals. MEMRI research is translated into English, French, Polish, Japanese, Spanish, and Hebrew.

MEMRI - Middle East Media Research Institute: www.memri.org

MEMRI TV - www.memri.org/tv

Jihad & Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) - www.memri.org/jttm

Cyber & Jihad Lab (CJL) - www.memri.org/cjlab

MEMRI Twitter: https://twitter.com/memrireports/

MEMRI YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59Cpk70K2TwdmApJOTuW9g/videos

MEMRI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memrireports/

Contact Information:

MEMRI

media@memri.org

202-955-9070

www.memri.org

SOURCE: Middle East Media Research Institute

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/memri-welcomes-mir-yar-baloch-as-special-advisor-to-balochistan-studies-projec-1038899
PRESS RELEASE Paris, June 12, 2025 5:45 PM

YOUR LEASING SOLUTION FOR SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

TOUAX SCA's Combined General Meeting of Shareholders approves the proposed transfer of listing from Euronext Paris to Euronext Growth Paris

TOUAX SCA announces that the Combined General Meeting of shareholders, held on 12 June 2025 at 3pm, approved, in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 421-14 of the French Monetary and Financial Code, the proposed transfer of the listing of its shares from the regulated market Euronext Paris, compartment C, to the market Euronext Growth Paris, and granted full powers to the Managing Partners to implement this transfer of listing, as set out in the 16th resolution.

Reasons for the transfer project

This transfer would enable TOUAX SCA to be listed on a market more appropriate to its size and activity, and to simplify its operations by reducing the regulatory constraints and costs associated with listing on a regulated market, while continuing to benefit from the advantages of the financial markets.

Subject to the agreement of Euronext Paris, this direct listing on Euronext Growth Paris will be carried out via an accelerated admission to trading for the company's existing shares, without the issue of new shares.

The company currently meets the conditions required by the rules of the Euronext Growth market to qualify for this transfer, i.e. a market capitalization of less than one billion euros and a free float of at least 2.5 million euros.

Euronext Growth is not a regulated market, but an organized multilateral trading facility whose rules are approved by the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF).

Periodic information

The company will continue to publish, within four months of the end of the financial year, an annual report including its annual (and consolidated) financial statements, a management report and the Auditors' reports. The disclosure requirements for the management report and the corporate governance report will be simplified.

A half-yearly report including the half-yearly consolidated financial statements and an activity report relating to these financial statements will continue to be published within four months of the half-yearly closing. The three-month publication deadline on the Euronext market has been extended by one month on the Euronext Growth market. The half-yearly financial statements are exempt from a limited review by the Statutory Auditors on the Euronext Growth market, but will continue to be audited for contractual reasons. On the other hand, the company will not continue to publish its quarterly financial information, limited to revenues, which are no longer mandatory on the Euronext Growth market, and which provide little added value as they are not very representative of the company's performance over the short term.

The choice of accounting standards (French or IFRS) for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements is unrestricted on the Euronext Growth market. In the interests of transparency for investors and shareholders, the company has chosen to continue to apply IFRS.

Ongoing information

The company will continue to disclose to the public any information likely to have a significant impact on its share price (insider information). As Euronext Growth is a multilateral trading facility, the company will continue to be subject to the provisions applicable to ongoing market disclosure, and more specifically to the provisions of the Market Abuse Regulation ("MAR").

In addition, senior executives and managers will continue to be subject to the obligation to declare transactions involving the company's shares.

Annual General Meetings

The press release specifying how documents submitted to the Annual General Meeting are to be made available will no longer be required.

Preparatory documents for the Annual General Meeting and other documents (including the total number of voting rights and shares in existence on the date of publication of the advance notice) will no longer be posted online twenty-one days before the date of the Annual General Meeting, but on the date of the notice of meeting, with reduced content.

It will no longer be compulsory to post voting results and minutes on the company's website.

The company will no longer be subject to the "say on pay" system, but transparency and good governance will continue to apply, as the remuneration of Touax SCA's Managing Partners is set out in the Articles of Association, and any changes are subject to a vote at an Extraordinary General Meeting.

The procedures for convening meetings and the conditions for admission to the general meeting will remain unchanged; the company will no longer be obliged to provide live broadcasts of its meetings, or to post recordings of them on its website.

Disclosure thresholds - Public offering

For a period of three years from the date of listing of the company's shares on Euronext Growth Paris, shareholders of companies listed on Euronext (regulated market) will continue to be required to declare their intention to acquire the company's shares. The takeover bid provisions applicable to companies listed on Euronext will also remain applicable for a period of three years from the date of admission to Euronext Growth.

At the end of this three-year period, from the date of listing on Euronext Growth, shareholders will be required to report to the AMF and the company only if they exceed or fall below the 50% and 90% thresholds for the company's capital or voting rights, in accordance with Article 223-15-1 of the AMF General Regulations, subject to, where applicable, statutory thresholds that must be reported to the company. Within four trading days of becoming aware of the crossing of the 50% and 90% shareholding or voting rights thresholds, the company must make these public. The company will then be subject to the regulations applicable to companies listed on Euronext Growth. Accordingly, the filing of a mandatory tender offer will only be required in the event of a direct or indirect, single or joint, upward crossing of the 50% threshold in terms of capital or voting rights.

Impact on share liquidity

It is specified that the liquidity contract entered into by the company will be maintained after the market transfer.

Indicative timetable for the operation

Subject to the agreement of Euronext, the shares will be listed on Euronext Growth Paris at least two months after the AGM.

June 13, 2025: Submission of transfer request file to Euronext.

D-5 before transfer: Euronext Admissions Committee decision.

D-2 before the transfer: Publication of notices of delisting from the regulated market and admission to the unregulated market.

August 13, 2025 at the earliest: Delisting of shares from Euronext and admission to Euronext Growth.

Gilbert Dupont will act as Listing Sponsor for the company's transfer to Euronext Growth Paris.

Shareholders will be kept informed of the progress of this market transfer project by means of press releases available on the company's website and distributed via its news feed.

*******

The TOUAX Group leases tangible assets (freight wagons, river barges and containers) every day throughout the world, both for its own account and on behalf of investors. With nearly 1.3 billion euros under management, TOUAX is one of Europe's leading leasing companies for this type of equipment.

TOUAX SCA is listed in Paris on EURONEXT - Euronext Paris Compartment C (ISIN code FR0000033003) and is included in the CAC Small, CAC Mid & Small and EnterNextPEA-PME 150 indices.

For further information: www.touax.com

TOUAXSEITOSEI - ACTIFIN

Fabrice & Raphael WALEWSKI Ghislaine Gasparetto

Managers

touax@touax.com ghislaine.gasparetto@seitosei-actifin.com

www.touax.com Tel: +33 1 56 88 11 11

Tel: +33 1 46 96 18 00
Munich, Germany--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - At the prestigious transport logistic 2025 exhibition, Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd. (PACTL) unveiled strategic initiatives that reinforce its ambition in global air cargo logistics. These include signing two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and enhancing operational infrastructure, marking key steps during the event. Additionally, PACTL is committed to aligning with international standards by joining Cargo iQ, further advancing its broader strategic vision.

Global Partnerships for Enhanced Connectivity

PACTL signed two MOUs during the event to strengthen international air cargo networks. Partnering with Lufthansa Cargo Servicios Logisticos De Mexico (LCSLM), the two companies will work together to optimize freighter operations and trade flows along the China-Mexico corridor. Meanwhile, its agreement with Ethiopian Airlines Group sets the stage for more efficient logistics and stronger air cargo connectivity between China and Africa.





Executives from PACTL and Ethiopian Airlines celebrate their strategic partnership to boost China-Africa air cargo at transport logistic 2025 exhibition in Munich.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Executives from PACTL and LCSLM celebrate their strategic partnership to strengthen China-Mexico air cargo trade at the transport logistic 2025 exhibition in Munich.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Carsten Hernig, Deputy General Manager VP Sales & Marketing and Production at PACTL, said, "These partnerships expand our global reach, delivering faster and more reliable cargo channels to meet trade demands."

Future-Ready Operations with PACTL West Upgrade

PACTL West, one of PACTL's key cargo terminals, continues to drive efficiency with a 2024 cargo volume of approximately 1 million tons. The ongoing facility upgrades incorporate AI-driven technologies and advanced automation to enhance overall cargo operations.

In addition to the improvements that streamline cargo handling, boost processing capacity, and support the growing demands of global trade, PACTL is also committed to sustainable development by introducing energy-saving system, optimizing resource usage, and supporting greener logistics in this upgrade.

Commitment to Global Standards with Cargo iQ

PACTL's membership in Cargo iQ reflects its commitment to operational excellence and global collaboration. As an IATA-supported initiative, Cargo iQ establishes end-to-end air cargo standards to promote data-driven processes for enhanced transparency and reliability.

"Joining Cargo iQ reflects our commitment to building a more intelligent and transparent cargo ecosystem," added Carsten Hernig. "It's a step that brings lasting value to our partners and customers."

Strengthening Global Readiness: Connecting, Evolving, Innovating

These initiatives showcase PACTL's dedication to innovation, reliability, and connectivity in air cargo logistics. By expanding international partnerships, upgrading facility, and aligning with Cargo iQ standards, PACTL is well-positioned to meet the demands of global trade in sectors like e-commerce and green energy.





Lufthansa Cargo aircraft at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, reflecting PACTL's role in global air cargo logistics.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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About PACTL

Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd. (PACTL) is a German-Chinese joint venture founded in 1999, specializing in air cargo handling at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. With shareholders including SAA Logistics Development Co., Ltd. (51%), Lufthansa Cargo AG (29%), and JHJ Logistics Management Co., Ltd. (20%), PACTL operates four terminals across two Shanghai airports, offering more than 210,000 square meters of storage and a truck service network spanning mainland China.

Equipped with advanced facilities and comprehensive certifications, PACTL ensures seamless and reliable handling of diverse cargo types. Currently, PACTL serves more than 70 airline companies and over 300 forwarders, with a global network spanning five continents. PACTL's long-term trusting customer relationships and its service excellence make it one of the world's leading air cargo terminals.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255284

SOURCE: The Alchemists Group
On June 3rd, three startups took center stage at the French Consulate in New York during the 16th edition of the French-American Entrepreneurship Award (FAEA). The evening celebrated bold French founders using AI to shape the future of Connected TV, Construction, and Insurance-and scale their solutions in the US.

1st Prize Olyzon: Reinventing Connected TV advertising with an AI-native platform that brings scale, transparency, and performance to media buying. "The US is the most dynamic market for Connected TV. Our platform offers advertisers the transparency and scale they need to drive meaningful impact-and the FAEA gives us a great springboard," said Jules Minvielle, Co-Founder CEO.

2nd Prize Enlaye: Empowering the construction and infrastructure sectors to manage risk proactively using AI-powered document intelligence and knowledge graphs. "We seek to bring clarity and foresight to an industry that often operates in the dark. The US is the natural place to grow, and the FAEA gives us the visibility and network to do that," said Philippe Rival, Co-Founder CEO.

3rd Prize Optimalex: Streamlining insurance claims through AI-assisted analytics and workflow. "We believe AI can be a force for good-supporting insurance processes and decisions that are not only more efficient, but more consistent and fair. This recognition by the FAEA is a meaningful boost as we grow our US business," said Frank Giaoui, Founder CEO.

Organized by the Club 600, the FAEA has supported dozens of promising startups since 2008 by providing prizes, visibility, and connections across the French-American ecosystem in the US. The 2025 ceremony brought together investors, corporate leaders, jury members, and founders committed to transatlantic entrepreneurship.

The FAEA is made possible thanks to the support of the most influential French organizations in the US: Business France, the Consulate General of France in New York, the French American Chamber of Commerce New York, Bpifrance, FrenchFounders, French Morning, La French Tech New York, L'Alliance New York, the CCE Northeast USA committee, the Lycee Francais de New York, and She for SHE.

The 2025 edition also benefited from the support of dedicated sponsors:

Gold: Corporate Suites, FrenchFounders, Pramex

Silver: Air France, Ernst Linder, Jade Fiducial, Pressario

Bronze: Agora Expat, Angelina Paris USA, Comexposium, Dolce Brooklyn, Extend, Kids Empire, LoopSeven, LR Paris, Noovo, Pitco Foods, Roche Bobois, Saint James, Walter

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250612628950/en/

Contacts:

contact@faea-us.com

917-533-2716
KLEA HOLDING (FR0013481835 - ALKLH), a group focused on the acquisition, development and digitalization of companies across multiple sectors, announces the successful holding of its Annual General Meeting[1] on 10 June 2025, at the end of which the change in governance announced on last 30 April[2] was approved.

As announced, Raphael Smila, Director[3] and the largest shareholder controlling more than 20% of the Company's capital[4] was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Tarik El Aoufi, Mehdi El Jazouli and Romain Wastiaux, all three shareholders, were also appointed as independent directors. In total, the corporate officers control almost 30% of the capital, ensuring a perfect alignment of interests with all the shareholders.

Guillaume Bremond (former Chairman), Clement Pacaud (former Chief Executive Officer), Anne Gaignard and Axel Richebraque left the Board of Directors as planned after ensuring a smooth transition period. The Board thanks them for their commitment to the Company.

On taking up his new position, Raphael Smila said:

"Since taking up my position as Chief Operating Officer, I have been committed to significantly reducing KLEA HOLDING's costs, in line with the nature of its business as a holding company. As the new Chairman and CEO, I will continue to focus on optimising the costs of KLEA HOLDING and its subsidiaries in order to improve profitability and generate more free cash flow. The cash flow thus freed up will be used primarily to reduce the Group's debt in order to reduce our financial expenses as quickly as possible.

In addition, our efforts will focus on strengthening the performance and development of our activities in Dubai, as well as advancing our strategic project in Saudi Arabia. In this regard, I would like to commend the operational teams at Smart Salem for their remarkable results and exceptional level of profitability.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the shareholders who attended the General Meeting and with whom I had the opportunity to exchange views. My appointment as CEO, together with the establishment of a Board of Directors composed of committed shareholders, will ensure that the interests of all shareholders are safeguarded. In concrete terms, no dilutive transactions are planned and the cash flow released should also enable us to relaunch a share buyback programme, hopefully before the end of the year."

Drastic cost reductions at Klea Holding and its subsidiaries

Since taking up his position as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Raphael Smila has initiated a programme to optimise the cost structure of KLEA HOLDING. This has led to the departure of the company's last two employees, the termination of the office lease and associated services, the cancellation of certain service contracts and a significant reduction in legal fees. At the same time, at Smart Salem, highly costly non-operational functions were eliminated. While these restructuring measures resulted in significant one-off costs in the first half of 2025, they have enabled the Group to sustainably improve its cost base.

EBITDA 2025 expected to improve significantly

The drastic reduction in costs will lead to a significant and lasting improvement in the Group's results: despite the one-off costs in the1st half of the year, annual EBITDA[5] 2025 of the Smart Salem operating subsidiary is now projected at between 8m and 9m[6] (compared with 6.5m in 2024) and KLEA HOLDING is expected to generate consolidated EBITDA in 2025 well above the 3.3m achieved in 2024.

Continued and accelerated deleveraging of the Group

The financing options currently available to KLEA HOLDING are particularly costly. In this context, KLEA HOLDING intends to continue repaying the Equisafe debt according to the agreed schedule. Depending on the cash flow generated by Smart Salem, early repayment may also be considered, with the aim of reducing the Group's financial burden.

As for Smart Salem's debt, it should be repaid in full next August. The bank loans granted for the construction of the three centres will therefore have been repaid in full and ahead of schedule. However, we need to ensure that Smart Salem has sufficient cash to continue its development. This right balance is essential if we are to continue to create value for shareholders in the short and medium term.

Update on ongoing projects

KLEA HOLDING is making progress on various ongoing projects and can now report on:

Development of Smart Salem (Dubai) : The 3 centres are working very well, as demonstrated by the new record level of activity recorded last April[7]. The teams on the ground are still very involved in the development of the business, and are working on a project to open a new centre, in agreement with the local authorities, in order to complete the coverage of the country.

: The 3 centres are working very well, as demonstrated by the new record level of activity recorded last April[7]. The teams on the ground are still very involved in the development of the business, and are working on a project to open a new centre, in agreement with the local authorities, in order to complete the coverage of the country. Status of Smart Healh (Saudi Arabia) : As announced on last 31 March[8], the regulatory process linked to the shareholder transition has been initiated and is proceeding at the pace of the local administration. This legal step is a prerequisite for the resumption of construction work on the future KAFD medical centre in Riyadh, now expected by the end of the year for a projected opening in 2026.

: As announced on last 31 March[8], the regulatory process linked to the shareholder transition has been initiated and is proceeding at the pace of the local administration. This legal step is a prerequisite for the resumption of construction work on the future KAFD medical centre in Riyadh, now expected by the end of the year for a projected opening in 2026. Compensation for operating losses in 2024: To date, the Loss Adjuster, an expert appointed by the insurance company, has estimated an operating loss of 7.5 MAED (1.8m), of which the company will only cover 63%. The Company is analysing this proposal in detail and will take care to protect its interests and those of its shareholders.

An update on these various issues will be provided as they progress, and at the latest when the half-yearly results are published.

About Klea Holding

Klea Holding is a group focused on acquiring, developing and digitizing companies in various sectors to maximize their growth and value. Through its "scaling industries of the future" identity, Klea Holding draws on its successful experience in developing Smart Salem, the first network of digitalized medical analysis centers accredited by the Dubai Ministry of Health (DHA) in the United Arab Emirates, and its Smart Health joint venture developed in Saudi Arabia, to extend this entrepreneurial approach to the four corners of the globe.

Klea Holding is headquartered in Paris and listed on Euronext Growth (ALKLH). For further information, please visit http://www.kleaholding.com.

Investor Relation: Jerome FABREGUETTES LEIB // +33 1 53 67 36 78 // kleaholding@actus.fr

Press Relation: Fatou-Kine N'DIAYE // +33 1 53 67 36 34 // fndiaye@actus.fr

[1] All the resolutions approved by the Board of Directors were adopted.

[2] Klea Holding summons its Annual General Meeting and announces governance changes

[3] Klea Holding strengthens its governance

[4] Cf. annual financial report 2024

[5] Operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and provisions

[6] Based on current exchange rates, i.e. EUR/AED = 4.23

[7] Klea Holding mark strong start to Q2 2025 with new monthly record in April for its subsidiary Smart Salem

[8] A new shareholder joins Smart Health to unlock its potential in Saudi Arabia

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CHONGQING, China, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From June 10 to 12, AITO - a luxury brand in the world of high-end intelligent vehicles, successfully hosted its inaugural Cyber Media Tour in Chongqing, China. International media representatives experienced first-hand how the AITO is redefining luxury through intelligent innovation and unforgettable luxury experiences. The event showcased the acclaimed AITO 5, AITO 7, AITO 8 and AITO 9, included a tour of the state-of-the-art SERES Super Factory, and a visit to the flagship Chongqing AITO User Center.

"AITO embodies 'Intelligence Redefining Luxury'," said Mr. Jack Chen, Rotating President of SERES Overseas. "By merging traditional luxury with cutting-edge technologies, we're establishing new standards. In the domestic market, the AITO brand has over 600,000 users. As of May 2025, the AITO 9 has secured the title of monthly sales champion in China's luxury car segment priced above 500,000 RMB for 15 consecutive months. Building on this, we're expanding globally with plans to bring AITO vehicles to overseas consumers."

AITO: Intelligence Redefining Luxury

AITO stands for "Adding Intelligence to Auto", a brand committed to redefining luxury with intelligence by combining exceptional safety and comfort, with advanced technology, including driver assistance features, smart cabin, and innovative digital services.

At the pinnacle of New Luxury, the AITO 9 stands out as the all-scenario intelligent flagship SUV. The AITO 8 is positioned as a family intelligent flagship SUV, which is a versatile "mobile living space" that excels in display, comfort, and utility. The intelligent large-size comfort SUV AITO 7 combines uncompromising safety and cutting-edge intelligence. As a smart-tech mid-size sport SUV, the AITO 5 is a perfect match for young professionals.

First-Hand Cyber Tour Experience of AITO Vehicles in Chongqing

During the tour, participants evaluated the vehicles in three scenarios: Chongqing's complex urban experience, Mingyue Lake product experience and professional track experiences.

In Chongqing, The vehicle's multiple perception sensors maintained flawless situational awareness. The traffic light recognition of NCA ensured seamless intersection navigation through the complex road conditions, while adaptive speed control and intelligent lane-changing assist handled elevation changes and merges with confidence. The Advanced Valet Parking (AVP) system impressed the media by automatically navigating to previously used parking spots.

On the professional track, the media witnessed the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in action, which operates from 4 to 150 km/h, and experienced how the AEB assisted the driver with an emergency brake before a potential collision at 120 km/h. Additionally, an acceleration and S-curve test showcased the 0-100 km/h acceleration of AITO 9 in 4.9 seconds, and the intelligent chassis leveraging LiDAR and multi-camera sensors delivered instantaneous response handling through S-curves.

SERES Super Factory: Industry-Leading Technologies and Standards

The tour included a behind-the-scenes look at the SERES Super Factory with 3,000 collaborative robots (the highest in the industry). AITO's standout proprietary 9,800T integrated die-casting technology ensures high integration and reliability, while the 100% automation in critical production demonstrates manufacturing excellence. AI Intelligent Inspection enables immediate quality review, and advanced robotics deliver millimeter-level assembly precision.

Chongqing AITO User Center: High-Quality Full-Lifecycle Services

Journalists also visited Chongqing AITO User Center, the flagship customer experience hub of SERES Group. The facility combines traditional automotive care with rich service offerings, providing comprehensive full-lifecycle services.

The Cyber Tour with AITO offered participants an immersive experience of intelligent luxury mobility. As the automotive industry ushers in a new era characterized by intelligence, innovation, AITO is poised to deliver an unparalleled product experience to global consumers-tailored to local market demands and regulatory requirements.

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Atlanta, Georgia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - The National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA) is proud to announce the launch of the Ko Family Scholarship and NACA Leadership Scholarship, two prestigious merit-based scholarships initiative dedicated to nurturing and empowering the next generation of Chinese American leaders.

The Ko Family Scholarship, through a generous donation by the Ko Family Foundation, and NACA Leadership Scholarship initiated by NACA, honors academic excellence, leadership and community service. These merit-based programs aim to recognize four exceptional Chinese American high school and college students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate a strong commitment to uplifting Chinese American communities and preserving cultural heritage.

"We are honored to partner with the Ko Family Foundation to offer these transformative scholarships," said Lani Wong, Chair of the Board of NACA. "It aims to not only ease the financial burden for students but more importantly, to inspire and cultivate leaders who will shape the future of Chinese American communities across the country."

The Ko Family Scholarship will reward $10,000 each to two finalists, while NACA Leadership Scholarship will reward $2,000 each to two additional recipients. Both scholarships are open to High School Seniors and College Freshmen/Sophomores.

Eligibility Requirements

For 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be a high school senior who plans to enroll or is a college freshman or sophomore currently enrolled in a full-time in an accredited U.S. college or university Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with Chinese American heritage (having at least one parent of Chinese descent) Currently or past resident of Georgia or Florida Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. For high school seniors, also have a minimum SAT score of 1400 (out of 1600) or ACT score of 30 (out of 36) Demonstrate leadership qualities, such as serving in student government, leading school organizations, or initiating community projects Be actively involved in Chinese American community service or advocacy (e.g., cultural organizations, mentorship programs, activism, volunteering for Chinese American causes)

How to Apply

Applications and full details can be found on NACA's website https://www.naca-atlanta.org/. Submissions for both categories are due on September 30, 2025.

About NACA:

The National Association of Chinese Americans (NACA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being of Chinese Americans through community service, advocacy, and cultural enrichment.

About Ko Family Foundation:

The Ko Family Foundation is a private charitable foundation found by Patrick J. Ko, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FirsTrust Group, Inc. and FT Global Capital, Inc. Mr. Ko, a NACA member since 1993, served as past president and board member of NACA.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255263

SOURCE: National Association of Chinese Americans
43% of voters say Trump should put more pressure on Russia to end the War in Ukraine; 7% say he should pressure Ukraine instead

WASHINGTON, June 12, 2025announces the following polling results on American opinions regarding the War in Ukraine:

Findings:

74% say the war in Ukraine should be a U.S. priority

say the war in Ukraine should be a U.S. priority Only 29% think President Trump should pressure Ukraine to give up land

think President Trump should pressure Ukraine to give up land 82% believe allowing countries take land by force sets a dangerous precedent

believe allowing countries take land by force sets a dangerous precedent Just 24% support letting Russia keep Crimea; 65% oppose it

support letting Russia keep Crimea; oppose it 84% back a bill to sanction Russia's natural resource sales

back a bill to sanction Russia's natural resource sales 76% feel U.S. military aid to Ukraine is justified

feel U.S. military aid to Ukraine is justified 58% say Trump should boost military aid to levels to stop Russia; 25% disagree



"This poll shows Americans overwhelmingly believe that a win in Ukraine is a win for President Trump and a win for America," said Bill Cole, Founder of the Peace Through Strength Institute. "It puts Russia on defense, advances our drone dominance , and strengthens U.S. leadership without sending American troops."

"This isn't foreign aid," Cole stated. "It's a strategic investment."

"Voters understand we either stop Putin now-or face a far more dangerous and expensive war later," Cole added.

Polling was conducted in late May of likely American voters by David Wolfson, Republican Pollster, and Faculty Lecturer at Columbia University's Political Analytics Graduate Program.

The polling results can be viewed hereand detailed polling analysis here

The survey polling methodology was via SMS/MMS Text to Web with a 95% Confidence Level, 3% standard margin of error, and n=1000 completed responses.

The Peace Through Strength Institute (PTSI) is a U.S.-based policy think-tank committed to aligning America's global engagement with its national interests. Military aid and foreign policy must deliver tangible results for the American people-strengthening allies, degrading threats through decisive action in an age of rising global instability.
Paris, June 12, 2025 - HDF Energy (Hydrogene de France), global leading developer of green hydrogen infrastructure and high-power fuel cells, announces its collaboration with Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC), a prominent state-owned enterprise in maritime transport, port operations, and logistics.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking the cooperation between HDF Energy and VIMC was formalized on June 11 during a high-level ceremony in Paris, held on the occasion of the official state visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to France, in the context of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference. This strategic partnership aims to advance the deployment of locally produced green hydrogen and HDF's fuel cell technologies across VIMC's operations, supporting the decarbonization of Vietnam's maritime sector.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Nguyen Canh Tinh, CEO of VIMC, and Mr. Damien Havard, CEO of HDF Energy (Hydrogene de France), in the presence of: Mr. Ho Sy Hung, Vietnamese Vice Minister of Finance, Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung, Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam, Mr. Francois Corbin, Vice-President Medef International, Mr. Tran Khanh Viet Dung, Business Development Manager at HDF Energy Vietnam, and Mr. Benoit Clocheret, CEO of Artelia.

Vietnam's extensive coastline and rapidly expanding port infrastructure make maritime transport a critical component of its economy. However, the sector is also a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions due to its dependence on fossil fuels. As part of its commitment under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) and in line with the International Maritime Organization's goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, Vietnam is seeking innovative pathways to reduce its maritime carbon footprint. The collaboration between HDF Energy and VIMC is a timely response to these global and national sustainability objectives.

This MoU establishes a strategic framework to deploy HDF's hydrogen fuel cell technologies-designed and manufactured at its factory in France-across Vietnam's maritime sector.

Joint initiatives will include feasibility studies, technical assessments, and pilot projects to validate and deploy hydrogen-powered ship operations in real-world conditions. The fuel cells could be powered by competitive green hydrogen locally produced by HDF Energy's Renewstable hydrogen power plants currently under development in Vietnam. These plants are expected to generate surplus green hydrogen at a low marginal cost, enabling an integrated and scalable solution for maritime decarbonization.

Beyond technical collaboration, HDF Energy will support VIMC in securing international funding to accelerate the rollout of hydrogen-powered solutions. Together, they intend to position hydrogen as a cornerstone of Vietnam's clean maritime strategy and contribute to the country's net-zero targets by 2050.

This agreement is part of HDF Energy's drive to pursue its international expansion and work towards decarbonizing heavy maritime mobility using its high-power fuel cell technology.

Mr. Nguyen Canh Tinh, CEO of VIMC, commented: "VIMC is proactively restructuring its fleet by investing in new generation ships and applying advanced technologies that help save fuel and reduce CO - emissions. At the same time, our strategy is to implement shore power systems for ships at ports, allowing them to switch off diesel generators while docking for cargo operations. VIMC is also focusing on developing deep-water ports following the 'green port - smart port' model, investing in electrified cargo handling equipment, and managing operations through digitalization to optimize efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Our partnership with HDF Energy, a pioneer in hydrogen fuel, aligns perfectly with our green transformation strategy. We believe that this project will accelerate VIMC's emission reduction roadmap, realize the Net Zero 2050 goal, and reaffirm VIMC's pioneering role in developing a zero-emission maritime model in Vietnam."

Mr. Damien Havard, CEO of HDF Energy, stated: "Vietnam's maritime sector presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate how hydrogen can decarbonize heavy mobility at scale. Partnering with VIMC allows us to bring our concrete, technically mature fuel cell solutions to the forefront of maritime innovation. By combining our hydrogen power expertise with VIMC's operational leadership, we aim to build a replicable model for zero-emission maritime transport-not only for Vietnam, but for the entire region.

We were also honoured to welcome Mr Nguyen Canh Tinh, CEO of VIMC, to our industrial site in Blanquefort (France), where he was able to see first-hand the achievements of our experts."

ABOUT HYDROGENE DE FRANCE (HDF Energy)

HDF Energy is a leading global player in the hydrogen industry, dedicated to developing large-scale hydrogen infrastructure and advanced multi-megawatt fuel cell technology.

These fuel cells generate electricity from hydrogen, driving the decarbonization efforts across the power generation, heavy maritime and rail mobility sectors. Set to commence mass production in 2025 at HDF Energy's facility near Bordeaux, these fuel cells serve as the cornerstone of the power plants and heavy mobility solutions developed by HDF Energy.

HDF Energy's Renewstable power plants deliver non-intermittent renewable, stable and baseload power by seamlessly integrating intermittent renewable energy sources with substantial on-site energy storage in the form of green hydrogen. HDF Energy is also developing extensive infrastructure for the mass production of carbon-free hydrogen.

Backed by a team of over 150 hydrogen experts boasting more than a decade of operational experience across the value chain, HDF Energy is currently developing a portfolio of advanced projects valued at over 3 billion.

Headquartered in France, HDF Energy has regional offices in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region with 35+ nationalities among its staff. Since 2021, the Group has been listed on the Euronext Paris stock market.

More information, visit: www.hdf-energy.com

Contact

Investor relations Media relations Helene de WATTEVILLE

+ 33 (0)1 53 67 36 33

hdf-energy@actus.fr Serena BONI

+33 (0)4 72 18 04 92

sboni@actus.fr

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Agreement to consider opening the French Early Access Program expeditiously after approval of a dose-ranging study

Design for dose-ranging study submitted, with clinical trial application targeted for Q3 2025

Opening of AAC targeted for Q4 2025 at the latest

Multiple near-term value catalysts expected over next 12 months

Regulatory News:

GenSight Biologics ("GenSight Biologics" or the "Company") (Euronext: SIGHT, ISIN: FR0013183985, PEA-PME eligible), a biopharma company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders, today announced that it has reached agreement with the French medicines safety agency ANSM to consider expeditiously opening the French named early access program (AAC) for LUMEVOQ upon approval of a dose-ranging clinical study.

Clear Path Forward for LUMEVOQ AAC Program in France

Following extensive discussions, GenSight reached alignment with ANSM on a plan to open the LUMEVOQ AAC program. The agency has agreed that the authorization of a focused dose-ranging study could enable the opening of the early access program. The Company has submitted a preliminary design of the study to the agency and aims to finalize the protocol of a dose-ranging study in Q3 2025.

In parallel, the Company will work with the agency to find a solution for patients who may not be included in the study but who may benefit from the AAC program. The AAC program is targeted to open in Q4 2025 at the latest.

"In the interest of clearing the way for patients to be treated with LUMEVOQ, we are pleased to have achieved this important agreement with ANSM on a clear path forward for opening patient access to LUMEVOQ in France" said Laurence Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer of GenSight Biologics. "We are thankful for the ANSM's ongoing engagement and openness to discussion, as we work towards the shared goal of providing access to LHON patients who urgently need a safe and effective treatment."

Financing Strategy to Support Regulatory Milestones

GenSight is implementing a financing strategy to bridge operations through the opening of the AAC program and prepare for the new global Phase III clinical trial. The Company is actively pursuing various funding initiatives to support these critical regulatory milestones.

We are working on our financing strategy to manage the bridge between now and the opening of the AAC program and the initiation of the Phase III study," commented Jan Eryk Umiastowski, CFO of GenSight Biologics. "Our focus remains on securing the resources needed to execute our regulatory strategy while exploring additional funding opportunities.

Advancing Core Marketing Authorization Strategy

In parallel with the French AAC program developments, GenSight will continue to advance its global marketing authorization strategy:

Preparation for regulatory consultations in the US and EU

Planning for the global Phase III trial scheduled to begin in 2026, designed to meet FDA and EMA requirements

Completing the transition to a new manufacturing partner to secure reliable clinical and commercial supply

Advancing preparations for MHRA submission in the United Kingdom

During this period, the Company will actively pursue additional non-dilutive funding opportunities, including licensing arrangements outside North America and Europe and potential M&A activities.

Multiple Value Catalysts

GenSight anticipates a number of significant value-creating events in 2025-2026:

Q3 2025: Clinical trial application for focused dose-ranging study

Clinical trial application for focused dose-ranging study Q4 2025: Completion of manufacturing tech transfer

Completion of manufacturing tech transfer Q4 2025: Opening of the AAC program

Opening of the AAC program Q2 2026: Completion of Phase III trial preparations

Completion of Phase III trial preparations Early H2 2026: Initiation of global Phase III clinical trial

Initiation of global Phase III clinical trial Early H2 2026: pre-submission meeting with MHRA

Financial Position

The Company received 0.7 million of its Research Tax Credit (CIR) end of May, with the remaining 0.4 million to be paid in July 2025. Based on current operations and projections, GenSight's cash will support operations until mid-July 2025.

The Company acknowledges that current funds are insufficient to cover operational requirements for the next 12 months. The planned financing initiatives are designed to extend the cash runway and enable the initiation of the Phase III clinical trial and UK MHRA marketing application for LUMEVOQ

As of June 12, 2025, the number of outstanding GenSight Biologics shares was 131,466,495 ordinary shares.

Risk factors

Detailed information regarding the Company, including its business, financial information, results, perspectives and related risk factors are contained (i) in the Company's 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on April 8, 2025 under number D.25-0234. This document, as well as other regulated information and all of the Company's press releases, can be accessed on the Company's website (www.gensight-biologics.com) and/or AMF (www.amf-france.org). The reader's attention is drawn to the risk factors related to the Company and its activities presented in chapter 3 of its 2024 URD in particular the liquidity risk presented in the chapter 3.1.1.

About GenSight Biologics

GenSight Biologics S.A. is a clinical-stage biopharma company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders. GenSight Biologics' pipeline leverages two core technology platforms, the Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence (MTS) and optogenetics, to help preserve or restore vision in patients suffering from blinding retinal diseases. GenSight Biologics' lead product candidate, GS010 (lenadogene nolparvovec) is in Phase III in Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare mitochondrial disease that leads to irreversible blindness in teens and young adults. Using its gene therapy-based approach, GenSight Biologics' product candidates are designed to be administered in a single treatment to each eye by intravitreal injection to offer patients a sustainable functional visual recovery.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding product development prospects and financial projections. These statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. While the Company is actively pursuing financing solutions, regulatory requirements necessitate disclosure that material uncertainty exists regarding the Company's ability to continue as a going concern if sufficient funding cannot be secured. A further list and description of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements in this press release can be found in GenSight Biologics' regulatory filings with the French Autorite des Marches Financiers. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and estimates, which speak only as of the date hereof. Other than as required by applicable law, GenSight Biologics undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250612867666/en/

Contacts:

GenSight Biologics

Chief Financial Officer

Jan Eryk Umiastowski

jeumiastowski@gensight-biologics.com
CALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Jade Leader Corp. (TSX.V:JADE) ("Jade Leader", or "the Company") is pleased to report that at its Annual & Special Meeting, held on June 12, 2025, Jean-Pierre Jutras, Dr. Shane Ebert, Cornell McDowell and Dr. Peter Megaw were re-elected to the Board of Directors. Shareholders also approved fixing the number of directors at four and the appointment of BDO Canada LLP as Auditors, and ratified the Corporation's stock option plan

About Jade and Jade Leader Corp.

Recent trade articles and mainstream publications suggest that the international Jade market is now larger than the better-known worldwide market for rough diamonds, without any participation in the space by publicly listed Companies prior to the formation of Jade Leader Corp. Jade Leader, with a Board of Directors having over 130 years of combined experience as mineral exploration geologists with proven track records of discoveries, is led by JP. Jutras, B.Sc Hons geology, P.Geol., who is also an internationally recognized Jade carver with over 35 years of experience.

Jade Leader is leveraging this unique combination of mineral exploration expertise and Jade carving knowledge to advance a portfolio of 6 Jade exploration properties, all carrying nephrite Jade with various characteristics, in stable, mining-friendly jurisdictions in the USA.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Jean-Pierre Jutras"

Jean-Pierre Jutras, President/Director

For Further Information Contact: Jean Pierre Jutras at 1.403.233.0464

The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release.

Except for the historical and present factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release, including words such as "expects", "projects", "plans", "anticipates" and similar expressions, are forward-looking information that represents management of Jade Leader's internal projections, expectations or beliefs concerning, among other things, future operating results and various components thereof or the economic performance of Jade Leader. The projections, estimates and beliefs contained in such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Jade Leader's actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, those described in Jade Leader's filings with the Canadian securities authorities. Accordingly, holders of Jade Leader shares and potential investors are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause results to differ materially from those predicted. Jade Leader disclaims any responsibility to update these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: Jade Leader Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/jade-leader-announces-results-of-annual-and-special-meeting-1038979
Senior Chinese diplomat elaborates on East Asia regional cooperation

Xinhua) 13:10, June 12, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong led a delegation to Penang, Malaysia, to attend senior officials' meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-China, Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK), as well as the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Sun told the media after the meetings that this year's East Asia cooperation centered around the theme of "inclusivity and sustainability," reflecting the shared aspiration of regional countries to unite in cooperation, uphold openness and inclusiveness, jointly address challenges, and pursue common development. Participants exchanged views on international and regional issues as well as cooperation in emerging fields.

The Chinese side elaborated on its principled position on relevant issues, sternly refuted and firmly countered the U.S. attacks, smears and unwarranted accusations against China, Sun said.

Sun stated that the series of East Asia senior officials' meetings held in this round featured in-depth exchanges on deepening practical cooperation across various fields, advancing regional economic integration, and promoting the development of East Asia cooperation mechanisms.

He went on to say that at the meetings, China emphasized that all parties should pursue openness rather than isolation, cooperation rather than confrontation, fairness rather than hegemony, and win-win outcomes rather than zero-sum games. This is the shared choice of regional countries, Sun said.

China is willing to work with all parties to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, safeguard the fundamental norms of international relations and international fairness and justice, adhere to genuine multilateralism and open regionalism, uphold the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and support the ASEAN-centered regional cooperation architecture. China advocates the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness, and calls on all parties to unite in facing challenges and jointly build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, and amicable home, the Chinese diplomat said.

He emphasized that the Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests. There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This is a widely recognized consensus within the international community. The historical trend toward China's complete reunification is unstoppable and inevitable, Sun noted.

On the South China Sea issue, Sun said that China and ASEAN countries remain committed to properly handling and resolving maritime disputes through dialogue and consultation among directly concerned parties, and jointly safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea. China and ASEAN countries have completed the third reading of the draft text of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) and are working toward concluding the COC at an early date. This fully demonstrates that China and ASEAN countries have the wisdom and capability to properly manage the South China Sea issue.

Sun said that certain extraterritorial countries, driven by unilateral hegemony and self-interest, have been stoking and intensifying maritime disputes, provoking bloc confrontations in the region, forming exclusive "small cliques," and continuously increasing military deployments. These actions are the biggest sources of disruption to regional peace and stability. China firmly opposes the introduction of Cold War mentality, geopolitical conflicts, and bloc confrontations into the region.

China emphasized the need for all parties to return to the original intention of constructive dialogue and cooperation, uphold the Asian security approach of shared security, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and resolving issues through dialogue and consultation. This will help advance East Asia cooperation in a deeper and more substantive manner, injecting greater stability, certainty, and positive energy into the world, he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Convertible bond issuance, subscribed and denominated in BTC, through its wholly-owned Luxembourg subsidiary "The Blockchain Group Luxembourg SA", into shares of The Blockchain Group, at ~6.24 per share, subscribed by TOBAM for an amount of ~6M

Convertible bond issuance, subscribed and denominated in BTC, through its wholly-owned Luxembourg subsidiary "The Blockchain Group Luxembourg SA", into shares of The Blockchain Group, at ~0.7072 per share, resulting from the subscription to the OCA Tranche 2 by Ludovic Chechin-Laurans for an amount of ~2.4M

Final completion of the conversion of all OCA Tranche 1 held by investor Adam Back into 14,885,957 ordinary shares of the Company, and subscription to 2,126,565 additional shares at ~0.544 per share, for a total amount of ~1.16 million, under the legal adjustment measures for OCA Tranche 1 holders

Conversion of all OCA Tranche 1 held by investor TOBAM into 1,838,235 ordinary shares of the Company, and subscription to 262,605 additional shares at ~0.544 per share, for a total amount of ~0.14 million, under the legal adjustment measures for OCA Tranche 1 holders

These operations could allow for the potential acquisition of ~80 BTC, bringing the Company's total potential holdings to ~1,611 BTC, including the proceeds from the potential completion of remaining operations announced in the press release of May 26, 2025

Puteaux, June 12, 2025: The Blockchain Group (ISIN code: FR0011053636, ticker: ALTBG) (the  Company ), listed on Euronext Growth Paris, Europe's first Bitcoin Treasury Company, holding subsidiaries specialized in Data Intelligence, AI, and decentralized technology consulting and development, announces the realization, through its wholly-owned Luxembourg subsidiary "The Blockchain Group Luxembourg SA", of a reserved convertible bond issuance, without preferential subscription rights, into shares of The Blockchain Group at 6.24 per share, representing a premium of 30% over the closing price on June 9, 2025, for a total amount of 6M, subscribed by TOBAM. The company also announces the realization of a reserved convertible bond issuance, without preferential subscription rights, into shares of The Blockchain Group at ~0.7072 per share for a total amount of ~2.4M, resulting from the exercise of the subscription right for all Convertible Bonds B-02 ("OCA Tranche 2") reserved for Ludovic Chechin-Laurans as stated in the press release dated March 6, 2025, with a conversion premium of ~30% over the conversion price of Convertible Bonds B-01 ("OCA Tranche 1"). The Company also announces the final conversion of all OCA Tranche 1 held by investor Adam Back, corresponding to the conversion of 8,097,961 OCA Tranche 1, resulting in the issuance of 14,885,957 ordinary shares, and the conversion of all OCA Tranche 1 held by investor TOBAM, corresponding to the conversion of 1,000,000 OCA Tranche 1, resulting in the issuance of 1,838,235 ordinary shares, at a subscription price of 0.544 per share as indicated in the press release dated March 6, 2025. Finally, the Company announces the subscription of 2,126,565 additional shares by Adam Back, for a total amount of ~1.16 million, the subscription of 262,605 additional shares by TOBAM, for a total amount of ~0.14 million, at ~0.544 per share under the legal adjustment measures for OCA Tranche 1 holders.

Convertible Bonds A-03 issuance subscribed by TOBAM for ~6M

Following the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting of June 10, 2025, the Company's Board of Directors decided, on June 10, 2025, to make use of the delegation of authority granted to it under the 12th resolution for the purpose of deciding the issuance of ordinary shares or securities giving access to the Company's share capital, with shareholders' preferential subscription rights waived in favor of categories of beneficiaries, and decided to:

i) Based on Article L. 228-93 of the French Commercial Code, authorize The Blockchain Group Luxembourg SA to issue a convertible bond into the Company's shares, with an initial nominal amount of 6,000,000, represented by 6,000,000 convertible bonds with a nominal value of one euro (1) each (the "Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1") entitling their holders, upon conversion, and under the conditions stipulated in the OCA OCA A-03 Issuance Agreements, these bonds entitle their holders to subscribe to a maximum amount of 961,538 new ordinary shares of the Company at a subscription price of 6.24 per share, representing a 30% premium over the closing price of June 9, 2025;

ii) Based on Article L. 228-93 of the French Commercial Code, authorize The Blockchain Group Luxembourg SA, within three months following the issuance of the Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1, to issue a convertible bond into the Company's shares, for an initial nominal amount of 9,000,000, represented by 9,000,000 convertible bonds, each with a nominal value of one euro (1) each (the "Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 2", together with the Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1, the "OCA"), allowing their holder, in the event of conversion and under the conditions set forth in the OCA Subscription Agreements, to subscribe for a maximum number of 1,109,467 new ordinary shares of the Company at a rounded subscription price of 8.112, representing a 30% premium over the conversion price of Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1.

The capital increase will be carried out by the Company in the event of the exercise of the conversion rights attached to the OCAs. It will be effected in cash and paid up by way of set-off against receivables, in accordance with the provisions of the aforementioned twelfth resolution.

The OCAs will be convertible into new ordinary shares of the Company at any time during the conversion period, provided that the volume-weighted average price of the Company's shares over 20 consecutive trading days reaches at least 130% of their conversion price.

The Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1 were fully subscribed in cash ().

The transaction does not require the preparation of a prospectus subject to approval by the AMF.

The Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1 thus issued were fully subscribed by vehicles managed by TOBAM in the following proportions:

TOBAM Bitcoin CO2 Offset (LEI 549300M99M6XED6DS321) for an amount of 5,000,000, representing 5,000,000 Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1;

TOBAM Bitcoin Treasury Opportunities Fund (LEI 636700ZOQCJQWD3VOZ29) for an amount of 1,000,000, representing 1,000,000 Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1.

Main characteristics of the issuance of Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1

Issuer The Blockchain Group Luxembourg SA, a wholly owned Luxembourg subsidiary of The Blockchain Group. Issuance

Issuance of convertible bonds reserved for a specific category of persons, pursuant to the delegation granted by the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting held on June 10, 2025 (Resolution No. 12). Amount 6,000,000, subscribed exclusively in euros. Nominal value 1.00 Subscription price Nominal value. Coupon 0% Maturity 5 years from the subscription date. Conversion price 6.24 per share. Use of funds 95% of the proceeds from the issuance are used to acquire and hold Bitcoin. The remaining 5% will be used by The Blockchain Group Luxembourg to cover its operational expenses and to pay management fees to The Blockchain Group SA for services provided. Conversion By the bondholder, at any time before June 10, 2028, provided that the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's shares over 20 consecutive trading days during the conversion period reaches at least 130% of the conversion price, i.e. 8.112.

By either the bondholder or the issuer, at any time between June 10, 2028 and June 8, 2030, provided that the VWAP of the Company's shares over 20 consecutive trading days during the conversion period reaches at least 130% of the conversion price, i.e. 8.112. Redemption If not converted beforehand, redemption at maturity in BTC or in EUR at the sale price of the BTC, or conversion into shares, at the bond-holder's option. In the absence of any choice by the bondholder, the issuer will determine the redemption terms. Transfer The OCAs are freely transferable. New Shares The Company's shares issued upon conversion of the OCAs will bear current dividends from their issue date. They will carry the same rights as existing ordinary shares and will be admitted to trading on the Euronext Growth Paris market. Security The redemption of the OCAs is not secured by any collateral.

Key Features of the Issuance of Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 2

The Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 2 will have the same terms as the Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1, except for the following:

Issuance Option for the holder of Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1 to subscribe, in one or several tranches, within three months of the issue date of Tranche 1, to Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 2 in an aggregate amount equal to 1.5  the nominal amount of Tranche 1. Amount 9,000,000, subscribed in EUR only. Maturity 5 years from their subscription date. Conversion Price 8,112  per share. Conversion By the holder of the Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 2, at any time before the third anniversary of their issue date, provided that the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's shares over 20 consecutive trading days during the conversion period is at least 130 % of the conversion price of the Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 2, i.e. 10.5456.

By either the holder of the Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 2 or the issuer, at any time between the third and fifth anniversaries of their issue date, provided that the VWAP of the Company's shares over 20 consecutive trading days during the conversion period is at least 130 % of the conversion price of the Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 2, i.e. 10.5456.

Impact of the operation on the Company's share capital and on the position of the shareholder that does not subscribe

By way of illustration, the impact of the issuance of Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1 on equity per share has been calculated on the basis of (i) the Company's equity as of December 31, 2024, to which have been added the proceeds of the capital increases approved on May 7, 2025 and May 19, 2025, and (ii) the number of shares composing the Company's share capital as of June 12, 2025. The results are as follows:

Equity Total Number of Shares Equity per Share Equity per Share ( undiluted basis) (fully

Diluted

basis)(*) Before the issuance and conversion of the Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1  23,523,262.17 108,862,920  0.22  0.52 After the issuance and conversion of the Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1  29,523,262.17 109,824,458  0.27  0.53

(*) For the purpose of calculating equity per share on a fully diluted basis, the calculation is performed on the basis of:

Equity as of December 31, 2024, to which have been added the proceeds of (i) the capital increases approved on May 7, 2025 and May 19, 2025, (ii) the conversion of all convertible bonds issued on March 4, 2025 (OCA Tranche 1) or to be issued (OCA B-02 and B-03), (iii) the exercise in full of the BSA 2025-01 warrants granted free of charge to all shareholders on April 11, 2025, as well as the legal adjustment measures following the issuance of BSA-2025-01 for the benefit of OCA Tranche 1 holders, and (iv) the issuance of Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1;

the number of shares issued as of December 31, 2024, as well as the shares issued or to be issued under (i) the capital increases approved on May 7, 2025 and May 19, 2025, (ii) the issuance of free shares whose allocation has been decided, (iii) the conversion of all OCAs issued on March 4, 2025 (OCA Tranche 1) or to be issued (OCA B-02 and B-03), (iv) the exercise in full of the BSA 2025-01 warrants granted free of charge to all shareholders on April 11, 2025 and the legal adjustment measures following the issuance of BSA-2025-01 for the benefit of OCA Tranche 1 holders, and (v) the conversion of all Convertible Bonds A-03 Tranche 1.

Issuance of OCA B-02 for the benefit of Ludovic Chechin - Laurans for ~2.4 million

Ludovic Chechin?Laurans has notified The Blockchain Group of his intention to subscribe to the OCAs Tranche 2 (known as "OCA B-02"), in accordance with the terms of the OCA Issuance Agreement dated March 4, 2025, details of which were disclosed in the March 6, 2025 press release.

In this context, the Board of Directors, acting under Article L. 228-93 of the French Commercial Code, authorized The Blockchain Group Luxembourg SA to issue a convertible bond reserved for Ludovic Chechin?Laurans in the form of Convertible Bonds B-02 representing a total nominal amount of 2,420,431 (one euro each), fully subscribed in BTC.

The OCA B-02 thus subscribed will entitle, upon conversion and under the conditions set out in the OCA Issuance Agreement, Ludovic Chechin?Laurans to subscribe for up to 3,422,555 new ordinary shares of the Company at a subscription price of ~0.7072 per share (representing a 30% premium over the OCA Tranche 1 conversion price).

The OCA B-02 will be convertible into new ordinary shares of the Company at any time during the conversion period, provided that the VWAP of the Company's shares over 20 consecutive trading days reaches at least 130% of the conversion price.

The capital increase that would be implemented by the Company upon exercise of the conversion rights attached to the OCA B-02 will be effected by debt set?off, in accordance with the fifth resolution adopted by the Extraordinary General Meeting on February 21, 2025.

This transaction does not give rise to the preparation of a prospectus requiring AMF approval.

Key features of the issuance of OCA B-02

The OCA B-02 will have the same terms as the Tranche 1 OCAs subscribed on March 4, 2025 by Ludovic Chechin?Laurans, except for to the following:

Issuance Option for the holder of OCA Tranche 1 to subscribe, in one or more tranches, within three months of the Tranche 1 issuance date, to OCA B-02 in an amount equal to 1.5  the nominal amount of OCAs Tranche 1.

Subscribed Amount 2,420,431 by Ludovic Chechin-Laurans, fully subscribed in BTC.

Maturity 5 years from their subscription date.

Conversion Price Approximately 0.7072 per share.

Conversion

- By the holder of the OCA B-02, at any time before the third anniversary of their issue date, provided that the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's shares over 20 consecutive trading days during the conversion period reaches at least 130 % of the conversion price of the OCA B-02, i.e. ~0.919.

- By either the holder of the OCA B-02 or the issuer, at any time between the third anniversary and the fifth anniversary of their issue date, provided that the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's shares over 20 consecutive trading days during the conversion period reaches at least 130 % of the conversion price of the OCA B-02, i.e. ~0.919.

Given the high volatility observed since the OCA Issuance Agreement, the fixed conversion price of ~0.7072 represents a discount of 86.37% compared to the closing price on June 12, 2025.

Conversion of OCA Tranche 1 by Adam Back and subscription of new shares as part of the legal adjustment measures for OCA Tranche 1 holders

The Company recalls that Adam Back notified The Blockchain Group of his intention to convert all OCA Tranche 1 he holds, in accordance with the terms of the OCA Issuance Agreement entered into on March 4, 2025, the details of which were disclosed in a press release dated March 6, 2025, and which the Company now confirms has been definitively completed.

The conversion of all 8,097,961 OCA Tranche 1 by Adam Back results in the issuance of 14,885,957 new ordinary shares of the Company, at a subscription price of 0.544 per share. This conversion price was set by the Board of Directors by applying a 30% premium over the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's shares over the twenty trading days preceding the Board meeting of March 4, 2025, related to the issuance of the OCA Tranche 1.

The Company also announces the subscription by Adam Back of 2,126,155 new ordinary shares, at a subscription price of 0.544 per share, for a total amount of 1,156,851.36, as part of the legal adjustment measures for OCA Tranche 1 holders, as decided under the terms and conditions of the BSA 2025-01 and disclosed in the press release dated April 7, 2025.

Given the recent high volatility in the Company's share price observed since the signing of the OCA Issuance Agreement, the conversion price of 0.544 reflects a discount of 89.52% compared to the closing price on June 12, 2025.

Conversion of OCA Tranche 1 by TOBAM and subscription of new shares as part of the legal adjustment measures for OCA Tranche 1 holders

TOBAM notified The Blockchain Group of its intention to convert all OCA Tranche 1 it holds, in accordance with the terms of the OCA Issuance Agreement entered into on March 4, 2025, the details of which were disclosed in a press release dated March 6, 2025.

The conversion of all 1,000,000 OCA Tranche 1 by TOBAM would result in the issuance of 1,838,235 new ordinary shares of the Company, at a subscription price of 0.544 per share. This conversion price was set by the Board of Directors by applying a 30% premium over the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Company's shares over the twenty trading days preceding the Board meeting of March 4, 2025, related to the issuance of the OCA Tranche 1.

The issuance of the 1,838,235 new ordinary shares of the Company resulting from the conversion by TOBAM of 1,000,000 OCA Tranche 1 will be fully paid up through debt set off. In accordance with Article R. 225-134 of the French Commercial Code, the payment of the 1,838,235 new ordinary shares by way of debt set off against the Company will be recorded in an account statement drawn up by the Board of Directors and certified as accurate by the legal auditor.

The Company also announces the subscription by TOBAM of 262,605 new ordinary shares, at a subscription price of 0.544 per share, for a total amount of 142,857.12, as part of the legal adjustment measures for OCA Tranche 1 holders, as decided under the terms and conditions of the BSA 2025-01 and disclosed in the press release dated April 7, 2025.

Given the recent high volatility in the Company's share price observed since the signing of the OCA Issuance Agreement, the conversion price of 0.544 reflects a discount of 89.52% compared to the closing price on June 12, 2025.

These operations could allow for the potential acquisition of ~80 BTC, bringing the Company's total potential holdings to ~1,611 BTC, including the proceeds from the potential completion of remaining operations announced in the press release dated May 26, 2025.

The indicated amounts have been calculated based on a theoretical approximate BTC value set at 100,000, as well as an allocation of 95% of the funds to strengthen its Bitcoin Treasury Company strategy, rounded conservatively down to the nearest ten.

The final amounts of subscriptions as well as the definitive amounts of capital increases resulting from the conversion will be set by the Board of Directors, based on the BTC value at the date of their reception in The Blockchain Group Luxembourg SA's wallet opened at Swissquote.

Impact of the announced operations on the Company's shareholding structure and equity

The impact of the announced transactions on the share capital distribution would be as follows:

Situation as of June 12, 2025 Fully diluted basis (*) Shareholders Number of shares % capital Number of shares % capital Executives 11,899,918 9.62% 18,288,686 5.87% Fulgur Ventures - 0.00% 145,911,009 46.81% Adam Back 14,885,957 12.03% 34,188,628 10.97% TOBAM 3,710,207 3.00% 8,893,626 2.85% UTXO Management - 0.00% 7,999,210 2.57% Free Shares** - 0.00% 1,880,000 0.60% Public & Institutional 93,252,795 75.36% 94,565,475 30.34% TOTAL 123,748,877 100% 311,726,634 100%

(*) Calculations were made based on the number of shares comprising the Company's share capital as of June 12, 2025, adding the number of shares resulting from (i) the conversion of all issued OCA B-01, OCA B-02 and OCA B-03 issued or announced (ii) the shares issued under the legal adjustment measures for OCA Tranche 1 holders issued or announced to date, and (iii) the free shares whose allocation has been decided. The Company reminds that neither the existing capital nor the fully diluted basis include, as of today, the potential addition of shares resulting from (i) the conversion of the BSA 2025-01 issued as announced on April 7, 2025, nor (ii) the legal adjustment measures for OCA Tranche 1 holders not exercised to date. The Company further reminds that the fully diluted basis does not include the shares that may correspond to the 300 million of capital increases authorized for the benefit of TOBAM.

(**) Free shares, the allocation of which has been decided but not yet effectively issued as of today, included in the situation as of June 12, 2025, in the fully diluted basis.

The Company also recalls the potential addition of shares to its share capital resulting (i) from the conversion of the BSA 2025-01 issued as announced on April 7, 2025, and (ii) from the legal adjustment measures for OCA Tranche 1 holders.

The allocation of these shares, adjusted for the legal adjustment measures exercised or announced, is as follows:

Shareholders Shares that may be issued upon exercise of the BSA 2025-01 Shares that may be issued under the legal adjustment measures for OCA holders not yet exercised or announced to date Total Executives 1,699,988 423,744 2,123,732 Fulgur Ventures 0 9,677,771 9,677,771 Adam Back 523,809 0 523,809 TOBAM 3,571 0 3,571 UTXO Management 0 530,559 530,559 Public & Institutional 11,113,266 0 11,113,266 TOTAL 13,340,634 10,632,074 23,972,708

Risk factors

The Company reminds that the risk factors related to the Company and to its business are detailed in its 2024 annual financial report, available for free on the Company's website (www.theblockchain-group.com/investor/news-financial-information/). The realization of all or part of these risks could negatively impact the Company's operations, financial position, results, development, or outlook.

* * *

About The Blockchain Group (ALTBG)

The Blockchain Group is a Bitcoin Treasury Company listed

on Euronext Growth Paris, specialized in Data Intelligence,

AI, and Decentralized Tech consulting and development. EURONEXT Growth Paris

Ticker: ALTBG

ISIN: FR0011053636

Reuters: ALTBG.PA

Bloomberg: ALTBG.FP



Contact:

communication@theblockchain-group.com

Contacts - Actus Finance & Communication Investors

Mathieu Calleux

tbg@actus.fr Media

Anne-Charlotte Dudicourt

acdudicourt@actus.fr - +33 6 24 03 26 52

Celine Bruggeman

cbruggeman@actus.fr - +33 6 87 52 71 99 The Blockchain Group press releases are available on:

Financial information - The Blockchain Group

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Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-92239-20250612-tbg-cp-12-juin-2025-en-final.pdf
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - American Pacific Mining Corp. (CSE: USGD) (OTCQX: USGDF) (FSE: 1QC1) ("American Pacific" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that drilling has concluded at its 100%-owned Madison Copper-Gold Project ("Madison" or the "Project") located in Silver Star, Montana. The first phase of 2025 drilling included a total of eight (8) reverse circulation ("RC") drill holes for 1,795 metres testing four priority target areas identified through extensive data integration and analysis. Assay results from the program are expected to be released in July 2025.

Phase I 2025 drilling focused on porphyry and skarn targets located laterally and down plunge of known mineralization in addition to targets adjacent to the Broadway mine area. A larger second phase of core drilling is planned to test additional porphyry, skarn and regional discovery target areas that were part of a second permit. Successes from the first phase of drilling will also be followed up on as part of H2 2025 drilling.

"Our 2025 drilling has strategically focused on high-impact targets that we believe can deliver substantial value to our shareholders by revealing the true scale of the system beyond previously mined areas," said CEO Warwick Smith. "We look forward to assay results from the RC program and preparing for an exciting follow up campaign that will include further step-out and deeper drilling later this year."

Madison Project Sampling and Analysis Quality Assurance and Quality Control Statement

American Pacific is committed to maintaining high standards of accuracy and reliability in sampling and analysis procedures. The following Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) measures are employed in the sampling and analysis processes.

Analytical Methods for the project include:

Paragon Labs

50AR-MS : Multi-element analysis (50 elements) using Aqua Regia digestion with ICP-MS for trace elements.

AuAg-GR30 : Gold and silver analysis via 30g fire assay with gravimetric finish for high-precision results.

Au-FA30 : Gold determination using fire assay with Aqua Regia digestion and spectroscopy for detailed concentration measurement.

OLAR-ASS: Over-limit Aqua Regia digestion ensures accurate results for high-concentration samples.

About the Madison Copper-Gold Project

The Madison Project was host to small-scale production that concluded in 2012, with 2.7 million pounds of copper produced at grades ranging from 20-35% copper. Subsequent drilling at Madison in 2017 included 30.18 metres of 24.50 g/t gold and 0.39% copper and 10.97 metres of 41.65 g/t gold and 0.38% copper (UG17-05 and UG17-06, respectively). Full disclosure can be found in the Company's NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Madison Project (americanpacificmining.com).

Qualified Person Statement

Technical aspects of this press release have been reviewed and approved by the designated Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, Eric Saderholm, P.Geo., Managing Director of Exploration for the Company.

About American Pacific Mining Corp.

American Pacific Mining Corp. is a precious and base metals explorer and developer focused on opportunities in the Western United States. The Company has two flagship assets: 100%-owned Palmer Project, a Volcanic Massive Sulphide-Sulphate (VMS) project in Alaska, and the 100%-owned Madison Project, a past-producing copper-gold project in Montana. For the Madison transaction, American Pacific was selected as a finalist in both 2021 and 2022 for 'Deal of the Year' at the S&P Global Platts Metals Awards, an annual program that recognizes exemplary accomplishments in 16 performance categories. Also, in American Pacific's asset portfolio are three high-grade, precious metals projects located in key mining districts of Nevada, USA: the Ziggurat Gold project, the Gooseberry Silver-Gold project; and the Tuscarora Gold-Silver project. The Company's mission is to grow by the drill bit and by acquisition.

Full disclosure can be found in our NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Madison Project at www.americanpacificmining.com.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255388

SOURCE: American Pacific Mining Corp.
Besra Gold Inc. issues the following statement:

Quantum has demonstrated a pattern of flagrant disregard of corporate and securities laws

Quantum and its nominees have not articulated any plan for advancing Besra's

objectives or furthering shareholder interests

Quantum's attempts to remove independent directors risk irrevocable destruction of

shareholder value

Besra's independent directors are evaluating all legal avenues to address Quantum's

misrepresentations and misconduct

Melbourne, Victoria--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Besra Gold Inc. (ASX: BEZ) ("Besra" or the "Company") is compelled to respond to a news release issued on 6 June 2025 by Quantum Metal Recovery Inc ("Quantum"), a company founded and controlled by Dato' Lim Khong Soon ("Mr Lim"), one of Besra's current directors.

The other directors of Besra (the "Independent Directors") are concerned that Quantum has made material misrepresentations in its press release and elsewhere and therefore wish to set the record straight to ensure that the market is not misled by Quantum and shareholders have all relevant facts ahead of the special meeting of shareholders scheduled for 24 June 2025 (corresponding to 23 June 2025 in Canada) (the "Meeting").

Quantum's Personal Grievance

On 15 May 2025, Quantum commenced legal proceedings alleging, among other things, that Besra's board of directors (the "Board") (other than Mr Lim) conducted the affairs of the Company in a manner that was oppressive of Quantum's interests. At the heart of Quantum's grievances are its unfounded allegations that Besra has not met its obligations under the May 8, 2023, gold purchase agreement (the "GPA") between Quantum and Besra because the Bau Gold Project is not yet a producing mine.

Quantum's lawsuit against the Company alleges that that Mr Lim repeatedly raised concerns that the Bau Gold Project was not progressing as expected "because the Board lacked the necessary experience in the mining industry and the specialised skills to direct an endeavour on that scale." The lawsuit glosses over that within days of the GPA becoming effective, Mr Lim was appointed as Executive Chair of Besra and another nominee of Quantum, Mr Chang Loong Lee ("Mr Lee"), was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of Besra. From that time until Mr Lee's recent resignation on 20 May 2025, Quantum's nominees have represented at least 50% of the Board (at times as much as two-thirds of the Board). Mr Lim was additionally Chair of the Board until he resigned on 14 February 2025. At the time Quantum filed its lawsuit against the Company, Mr Lim and Mr Lee continued to represent 50% of Quantum's Board.

While the GPA doesn't specify a timeline for the development of the Bau Gold Project, the causes of the delay are no secret and include the following issues that have been previously announced:

Quantum failed to continue remitting funds under the GPA: Besra received its last payment from Quantum under the GPA in November of 2023. A further payment of US$9,827,855 due and payable by Quantum in December of 2023 was never received. As a result, Besra became subject to a lawsuit by other shareholders alleging, among other things, that the Board failed to assert its rights in connection with Quantum's failure to remit the committed funds as "any assertion of Besra's rights would be against [the interests of Mr Lim, Mr Lee and Quantum, and] Mr Lim and Mr Lee prefer their (and [Quantum's]) interest above Besra's." The shareholders who commenced this action are advised that the Independent Directors are actively considering litigation options to cause Quantum to comply with its funding obligations under the GPA and are concerned that Quantum's director nominees (the "Quantum Nominees"), if elected, may be able to take steps to prevent Besra from requiring Quantum to comply with its obligations under the GPA.

Besra's mining tenements have not been renewed: Besra's mining tenements over the Bau Gold Project came due for renewal in 2024 and early-2025. Whilst renewal of the mining licences occurred in May and June of 2024, in advance of their expiry, the renewals have yet to be approved. Besra (on behalf of the licencees) continues to engage with the Sarawak Government regarding the tenements, but until such time as the tenements are renewed, Besra is unable to progress with the development of the Bau Gold Project.

Through its appointed nominees on Besra's Board, Quantum oversaw the delays of which it now complains. Quantum now proposes the removal of the Independent Directors so that it can regain control of the Company.

Quantum's lawsuit was initiated nearly a month ago, but as of the date hereof, Quantum has not delivered any supporting evidence as required by the applicable rules of civil procedure, and as a result Besra has not yet been able to respond. Quantum's notice of application also includes several other inexplicable claims, including that Besra's Board has oppressed Quantum by, among other things, "failing to take necessary steps to restore the Company's trading status on the TSX" (Besra was delisted from the TSX more than ten years ago and has no present intention of relisting) and declining to call a separate shareholder meeting for the purpose of considering the business proposed by Quantum (all of which is tabled for consideration at the Meeting).

Quantum's Repeated Material Misrepresentations

At all relevant times, Quantum was fully aware of the delays at the Bau Gold Project. However, even as Quantum's Board nominees continued to oversee such delays, Quantum repeatedly made material misrepresentations and exaggerations regarding the status of Besra's operations. Most recently (and just one week before Quantum filed its lawsuit), an affiliate of Quantum published a video (the "Unauthorised Video") that:

incorrectly identified Mr Lim as the Executive Chairman of Besra;

repeatedly misrepresents Besra as a "mining company";

promoted a "QMR Gold Contract Note USB Device with DGM Software" launched by Quantum, which purportedly offers purchasers the opportunity to buy gold "at a more favourable price";

stated that Besra gives Quantum "a significant edge - [Quantum's] gold supply is more secure and reliable than many others in the market";

stated that Quantum entered into the GPA with Besra, "using the physical gold as backing to develop a market segment focused on gold digitalisation";

stated that "Quantum Metal's gold ecosystem forms a complete and integrated value chain; this not only ensures a stable and secure gold supply but, most importantly, it allows [Quantum] to deliver the full value of gold directly to consumers. . . Every part of [Quantum's] ecosystem is real, operational and already active; this is not a blueprint - it's a fully implemented, functioning system";

materially overstated the gold reserves at the Bau Gold Project and stated that it is being mined by Besra;

showed images of Besra's equipment at the Bau Gold Project and an unauthorised photograph of the head of the Company's development team, who is erroneously stated to have "personally confirmed" all of the information provided in the video; and

offered "1,000 units of bonus shares from [an unnamed] ASX-listed gold mining company" with each purchase of a QMR Gold Contract Note USB Device with DGM Software.

The Unauthorised Video was not authorised by or produced with the permission or involvement of Besra. The Unauthorised Video's portrayal of Besra and its operations stands in stark contrast to Quantum's characterisation of Besra in the ongoing lawsuit, which was filed just a week after the publication of the Unauthorized Video.

While it is unclear to the Independent Directors precisely what Quantum is selling, it is inaccurate to suggest that whatever interests are being sold are backed by physical gold mined by Besra. The Unauthorised Video does not acknowledge the reality that Besra does not have any active mining operations and that there is no guarantee that its mining tenements will be renewed or that Besra will ever obtain physical gold from the Bau Gold Project. As the Unauthorised Video misrepresents Besra as having a "secure and reliable" gold supply that forms part of Quantum's "fully implemented, functioning system", Besra was compelled to publicly correct those misrepresentations.

The Independent Directors also have significant concerns as to whether the "1,000 units of bonus shares from a ASX-listed gold mining company" promised by Quantum are in fact Besra securities that are (or were) owned by Quantum. Quantum's website indicates that the identity of the issuer of the "bonus shares" will be "revealed within 365 days". Other than unsubstantiated assertions, Quantum has refused to provide any confirmation that the "bonus shares" are not securities issued by Besra. If the "bonus shares" are securities issued by Besra, as suspected by the Independent Directors, then Quantum is effectively selling its interest in the Company without disclosure to the market and with the intention of nonetheless voting those securities at the Meeting.

Quantum's Repeated Failures Complying with Legal Requirements and Processes

Quantum has demonstrated a clear pattern of flagrant disregard of corporate and securities laws and other legal requirements:

Though claiming to beneficially own approximately 29.88% of Besra's voting securities, Quantum continues to contravene insider reporting obligations under applicable Canadian securities laws despite Besra's repeated demands for Quantum to bring itself into compliance. Besra is aware that Quantum transferred 40,000,000 CDIs in early February 2025, and the Independent Directors are additionally concerned that Quantum may have disposed of beneficial ownership of other CDIs in connection with Quantum's free "bonus share" offer. However, as Quantum will not comply with its insider reporting obligations, the market has no way of knowing the extent of Quantum's current interest in Besra.

On 24 March 2024, the Securities Commission of Malaysia (the " SCM ") directed Mr Lim and Quantum Metal Exchange Inc (" QMEI "), the parent company of Quantum, to immediately cease and desist the offering of securities of QMEI to the Malaysian public, following the determination by the SCM that QMEI was offering its securities to the public in contravention of Malaysian securities laws. QMEI was consequently placed on the SCM's Investor Alert List. Mr Lim is the founder and Chairman of QMEI.

Besra's legal counsel was required to engage extensively with Quantum's counsel in order to obtain information required in respect of the Quantum Nominees under the Company's advance notice by-law. The advance notice by-law is similar to by-laws adopted by many other Canadian public companies and is intended to ensure that shareholders have relevant information about persons proposed for election as directors of Besra. The Company has been advised that more than one thousand other Canadian issuers have adopted advance notice requirements as a good governance practice. However, rather than simply following this standard process and making its nominations in accordance with the by-law, Quantum has alleged that the by-law is oppressive and improper.

Besra is aware that Quantum has illegally solicited proxies in connection with the Meeting despite repeated cautions from the Company that any solicitation of proxies by Quantum must be conducted in accordance with applicable laws. The Company's investigation regarding Quantum's illegal solicitation of proxies is ongoing.

As an inducement to purchase its products, Quantum is offering free "bonus shares" of an unidentified ASX-listed gold mining Company. Given the secretive nature of the offer and Quantum's refusal to provide further information, Besra has been unable to confirm with certainty whether the offer has been or will be conducted in accordance with applicable law; however, the offer serves as a public example of Quantum's apparent unwillingness to act with transparency and follow the usual processes applicable to public companies and their securities.

Besra's counsel has put Quantum on notice that if Quantum does not comply with its insider reporting obligations and disclose the extent of its interest in Besra in accordance with applicable law, objections may be raised to the extent it is unclear how many votes Quantum is entitled to cast at the Meeting. Objections may also be raised in connection with Quantum's illegal solicitation of proxies.

Quantum's Nominees

Quantum and the Quantum Nominees have not articulated any plans for achieving Besra's objectives or advancing the interests of the Company's shareholders. As Quantum has disclosed only limited information regarding the Quantum Nominees, the Board considers it necessary to disclose the following information:

William John Blake: Based on information provided by Quantum, Mr Blake has been retired since 30 March 2017, when the shareholders of Rapier Gold Inc (" Rapier ") (then listed on the TSX Venture Exchange) voted not to re-elect him to Rapier's board of directors. He served on Rapier's board for less than one year. Prior to Rapier, Mr Blake's most recent role was serving as President and CEO of Luna Gold, before retiring on 20 March 2014. Neither Quantum nor Mr Blake have given any indication as to why Mr Blake is seeking a director role more than ten years after retiring from the mining industry (excluding his brief tenure on Rapier's board more than eight years ago).

Matthew Greentree: Quantum has disclosed that Mr Greentree has been self-employed since 2024. On 11 November 2024, Ausgold Limited (ASX: AUC) (" Ausgold ") announced that Mr Greentree resigned from his position as Managing Director and CEO of Ausgold "to pursue other opportunities". Quantum has refused to provide any further information regarding in what capacity Mr Greentree has been self-employed since his resignation from Ausgold. Prior to Quantum nominating Mr Greentree under Besra's advance notice by-law, Mr Lim introduced Mr Greentree to the Board, and after meeting with Mr Greentree and consulting with industry sources, the Board determined that, although Mr Greentree is a qualified geologist, his qualifications and experience are not aligned with Besra's project development objectives.

David Izzard: Mr Izzard is an accountant. Quantum has disclosed that Mr Izzard has held three non-executive board positions with ASX-listed mining and exploration companies, all of which he resigned from between November 2024 and February 2025. In addition to the appointments disclosed by Quantum, Mr Izzard was appointed as a non-executive director of Paterson Resources Ltd (ASX: PSL) in 2019, a position he held for 5 months before resigning. Based on the information provided by Quantum, Mr Izzard does not currently hold any position in the mining sector but is presently serving as a non-executive director of a health technology company, Ticking Heart, and as chair of an ESG and sustainability consulting company, Parvate ESG.

Shareholders are reminded that the only way to stop Quantum from replacing the Independent Directors with Quantum's hand-selected director nominees is through strong shareholder turnout and resolve at the Meeting.

Vote to Protect Your Investment in Besra

On 20 May 2025, Mr Lee, Quantum's previously appointed Board nominee, resigned from the Board following Quantum seeking to have him removed as a director of the Company. Accordingly, once Mr Lim is removed from the Board, Quantum's influence on the governance and direction of Besra will cease. The Independent Directors have articulated and are poised to execute their plan for creating shareholder value.

Your vote is important regardless of the number of securities you own. The Independent Directors urge you to submit your proxy form or CDI voting instruction form today and vote as recommended by the Board:

vote FOR removing Dato' Lim Khong Soon as a director of the Company;

vote FOR fixing the number of directors of the Company at three;

vote AGAINST removing David Potter, Jon Morda and Sean Williamson from the Board;

vote AGAINST electing the Quantum Nominees as directors of the Company; and

vote FOR confirming and ratifying the Company's advance notice by-law.

Completed CDI voting instruction forms must be returned no later than 11:30 a.m. (Sydney, Australia time) on 18 June 2025.

The Meeting of Besra's shareholders will be held at the offices of Hall Chadwick located at Level 40, 2 Park Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 2000 on Tuesday, 24 June 2025 at 11:30 a.m. (Sydney, Australia time) (corresponding to Monday, 23 June 2025 at 9:30 p.m. (Toronto, Canada time)).

For more information, shareholders are encouraged to access the Company's management information circular, which is available on Besra's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

This announcement was authorised for release by Mr David Potter - Non-Executive Chair

Michael Higginson,

Chief Corporate Officer and Company Secretary michael.higginson@besra.com

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release contains "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). In some cases, forward-looking statements are identifiable by the terminology used, such as "may," "expect," "believe," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "estimate," "continue," or similar expressions or the negative of such expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterisations of future events or circumstances are considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among other things, references, expressed or implied, to the date of the Meeting, the matters to be considered by shareholders at the Meeting, the renewal of Besra's mining tenements, and objections that may be raised in connection with illegal proxy solicitations and voting of securities at the Meeting.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the control of Besra, which could cause actual events, results, expectations, achievements or performance to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the Meeting will be postponed or adjourned and other risks and uncertainties. The foregoing list of risks and uncertainties is not exhaustive.

Although we have attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors not presently known to us or that we presently believe are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future results. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent the Company's expectations as of the date of this news release (or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made) and are subject to change after such date. However, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable laws. All of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255426

SOURCE: Besra Gold Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - KO Gold Inc. (CSE: KOG) ("KO Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of up to 10,000,000 units ("Units"), as originally announced on March 27, 2025.

The Units will be issued at a price of C$0.20 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$2,000,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share (a "Share") and one transferable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional Share at a price of C$0.25 for a period of two (2) years from the date of issuance.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Private Placement for general working capital purposes and to fund ongoing exploration and drilling programs in the Otago Gold District, New Zealand. The Company may close the Private Placement in traches and anticipates closing the first tranche on or about June 30, 2025.

Finder's fees in the form of cash and/or Warrants, on the same terms as those issued in the Private Placement, may be paid to qualified parties in connection with the offering. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance.

About KO Gold Inc.

KO Gold is a Canadian junior exploration company listed on the CSE under "KOG". The Company's strategy is to acquire and explore highly prospective gold properties within the Otago Gold District in New Zealand. KO Gold has eight 100%-owned prospecting and exploration permits within the Otago Gold District for a combined land package of 740 km2. The Company's Smylers and Glenpark EPs are located adjacent to OceanaGold's Macraes Gold Mine and the Carrick EP hosts the historic Carrick Goldfield which holds promise as a significant gold deposit near Santana Minerals' Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project. KO Gold has spent over C$3M in exploration and drilling on its permits in the Otago Gold District over the past five years including RC and diamond drilling on its Smylers EP.

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "may," "will," "would," "potential," "proposed" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the completion of the proposed Private Placement, the intended use of proceeds, and the possible payment of finder's fees. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to complete the Private Placement on the terms announced (or at all), the receipt of all necessary approvals, market conditions, and the ability to use the proceeds as intended. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255433

SOURCE: KO Gold Inc.
Not for Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for Dissemination in the United States

MIRAMICHI, NB / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / SLAM Exploration Ltd. (TSXV:SXL) ("SLAM" or the "Company") announces closing of its non-brokered flow-through private placement announced May 21, 2025 and May 26, 2025. In connection with the private placement, the Company has issued 10,000,000 Flow Through Units ("FT Units") at a price of $0.035 per FT Unit for gross proceeds of $350,000 (the "Offering"). Each FT Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company issued on a "flow-through" basis (the "FT Shares") and one-half common share purchase warrant (with two such half common share purchase warrants being each a "Warrant") issued on a "non-flow-through" basis. Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one non-flow-through common share at a price of $0.05 for a period of 24 months from the date of closing.

The FT Units are subject to a four-month and one day hold period that expires on October 13, 2025.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for the exploration and advancement of the Company's projects in New Brunswick. The gross proceeds of the FT Shares sold under the Offering will be used for Canadian Exploration Expenses (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) which qualify as a "flow-through mining expenditure" for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) related to the exploration program of the Company to be conducted on the Company's properties located in the Province of New Brunswick.

Insider Participation: Four Company insiders participated in the Private Placement and subscribed for a total of 3,792,858 FT Units. The participation by such insiders is a "related-party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of related party participation in the placement as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involved the related parties, exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Director's Resignation for Johannes van der Linde and Appointment of Jacques Turcotte as a Director

On June 12, 2025, the Company announced that Mr. Johannes van der Linde has resigned from its Board of Directors (the "Board"), effective immediately. Concurrently, the Company has appointed Mr. Jacques Turcotte to the Board.

On June 12, 2025, the board of directors of the Company (the "Board") has appointed Mr. Jacques Turcotte as a director of the Company to replace Mr. Johannes van der Linde.

Mr. Jacques Turcotte is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background. He studied civil engineering at the University of Sherbrooke, IT management at UQAM, and financial planning at UQTR.

Over his 35-year career, Mr. Turcotte has gained extensive experience in business and real estate management, construction (residential, commercial, and multi-unit), and housing project development. His work has contributed to several major projects in Mauricie.

In addition to his real estate expertise, Mr. Turcotte has over 15 years of experience as an investor and business development advisor for Canadian mining exploration companies. Despite being offered various opportunities to join boards of directors, Mr. Turcotte has joined the board of SLAM Exploration Ltd., marking his first involvement with a publicly traded company. He expressed great enthusiasm for the Company, citing its promising projects as a key reason for his significant investment in SLAM Exploration.

Appointment of Jimmy Gravel as Vice-President of the Company

On June 12, 2025, Mr. Jimmy Gravel, a director of the Company, has agreed to act as Vice-President where he will also serve as Chair of the Audit Committee.

Slam President Mike Taylor commented: "I am thrilled to welcome Jacques Turcotte as a director and very pleased to announce the appointment of Jimmy Gravel as Vice President. These additions to the Slam team put us in position to maximize the value of our outstanding projects and advance to the next level. Welcome aboard Jacques and Jimmy! I would also like to thank Johannes van der Linde for his service as a director of Slam these past several years".

About SLAM Exploration Ltd: SLAM Exploration Ltd. is a public resource company with a 40,000-hectare portfolio of mineral claim holdings in the mineral-rich province of New Brunswick. The 2025 exploration campaign is in progress on Slam's contiguous Jake Lee, Roger Lake and Love Lake projects. As reported May 20, 2025, the Company has made a new gold discovery with grab samples grading 18.50 to 75.90 g/t gold.

Slam drilled 2 holes and cut multiple gold-bearing veins were on its wholly owned Menneval gold project in 2024. The Company previously reported gold bearing core intervals including 162.5 g/t gold over 0.2 m and 56.90 g/t gold over 0.5 m in news releases on December 13, 2021 and November 22, 2022.

The Company reported significant copper, nickel and cobalt intercepts from 15 diamond drill holes in 2024 on the Goodwin copper nickel cobalt project in the Bathurst Mining Camp ("BMC") of New Brunswick. These include a 64.90 meter core interval grading 2.19% copper equivalent including 3.84% copper equivalent on a 31.2 meter core interval, only 24 meter from surface, reported in a news release August 7, 2024. The Company expects to resume exploration activities at Goodwin in the near future.

The Company is a project generator and expects to receive significant cash and share payments in 2025. Slam received $9,000 cash and 1,200,000 shares from Nine Mile Metals Inc. (NINE) on February 28th, 2025 pursuant to the Wedge project agreement. On March 29, 2025, the Company received a cash payment of $60,000 as well as 171,429 shares of a private company pursuant to the Ramsay gold agreement. The Company holds NSR royalties and expects additional cash and share payments on the Wedge copper zinc project and on the Ramsay gold project.

To view SLAM's corporate presentation, click SXL-Presentation. Additional information is available on SLAM's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Follow us on X @SLAMGold.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Mike Taylor, President & CEO

Contact: 506-623-8960 mike@slamexploration.com

Eugene Beukman, CFO

Contact: 604-687-2038 ebeukman@pendergroup.ca

SEDAR+: 00012459

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the expectations of management regarding the proposed Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering, closing conditions for the Offering, the tax treatment of the FT Units and the timing to renounce all Canadian Exploration Expenses and TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the Offering. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include: the Company not being able to complete the Offering on terms favourable to the Company or at all; that the TSX Venture Exchange may not accept the Offering; that the proceeds of the Offering may not be used as stated in this news release; the availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks ,regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required approvals, and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described in the Company's most recently filed Management's Discussion and Analysis.

Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the management of the Company on the date the statements are made. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

SOURCE: SLAM Exploration Ltd.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/slam-raises-350-000-in-flow-through-private-placement-resignation-of-a-director-a-1039134
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Cypher Metaverse Inc. (CSE:CODE) ("Cypher" or the "Company") provides its fourth bi-weekly Default Status Report under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"), pursuant to which Cypher issued its original default announcement indicating that the filing of its annual audited financial statements, annual management's discussion and analysis, and related certifications for the year ended December 31, 2024 (the "Required Filings"), would be delayed beyond the filing deadline of April 30, 2025. Cypher reports that since its news releases dated May 1, 2025, May 15, 2025 and May 29, 2025, there have been no material changes to the information contained therein that have not been disclosed, nor any failure by Cypher to fulfill its intentions as stated therein, other than as set forth below.

As a result of circumstances reasonably linked to the Company's delay in filing the Required Filings, in addition to the default to which this Default Status Report relates, the Company did not meet the deadline for filing its interim unaudited financial statements, interim management's discussion and analysis, and related certifications for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025 (collectively, the "Interim Filings"). As a result of the Company's delay in preparing the Required Filings, the Interim Filings could not be properly completed in accordance with Canadian securities law and regulation. Under the securities laws of the provinces in which Cypher is a reporting issuer, the Interim Filings were to be filed by May 30, 2025.

The Company's Board of Directors and management confirm that the audit is ongoing and that they are working expeditiously with the new auditor to meet the Company's obligations related to the filing of the Required Filings and the Interim Filings. The Company will file the Interim Filings within five business days of filing of the Required Filings.

Until the Required Filings and the Interim Filings have been filed, the Company intends to continue to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines specified in NP 12-203 by issuing bi-weekly Default Status Reports in the form of further press releases for so long as the Company remains in default of the financial statement filing requirement. In the event that the Company does not file the Required Filings and the Interim Filings in a timely manner, the Canadian Securities Regulatory Authorities may impose an issuer cease trade order on the outstanding securities of the Company.

About Cypher Metaverse Inc.

Cypher focuses on identifying and investing in early-stage opportunities across the digital landscape, participating in blockchain projects, including proof of work mining, proof of stake cryptocurrencies, and decentralized finance. The Company engages in digital experiences, collectively referred to as "the Metaverse" which include non-fungible token-based gaming experiences.

The Company leverages its strategic relationships to drive innovation and growth, creating new possibilities and opportunities. Further information about Cypher can be found on the Company's website at www.cypher-meta.com, along with its SEDAR+ profile accessible at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Such forward-looking information is provided to inform the Company's shareholders and potential investors about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "anticipate", "proposed", "estimates", "would", "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "will", and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking information contain these identifying words.

More particularly and without limitation, the forward-looking information in this news release includes (i) expectations regarding the Company's business plans and operations; (ii) expectations concerning the MCTO; and (iii) expectations regarding the timing of filing the Required Filings and the Interim Filings. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions that have been used to develop such information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the Company's current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs based on information currently available to the Company.

Whether actual results, performance, or achievements will conform to Cypher's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from Cypher's expectations. Such material risks and uncertainties include: (i) risks and uncertainties associated with the digital currency industry and decentralized finance; (ii) political, economic, regulatory and other uncertainties in respect of digital currencies; and (iii) consumer sentiment towards blockchain technology generally, decrease in the price of other cryptocurrencies.

Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact:

George Tsafalas | President & CEO 1 (778) 373-8578 info@cypher-meta.com www.cypher-meta.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release.

SOURCE: Cypher Metaverse Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/cypher-provides-fourth-default-status-update-1038762
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Sranan Gold Corp. (CSE: SRAN) (FSE: P84) (Tradegate: P84) ("Sranan" or the "Company") announces that it has closed its non-brokered private placement financing previously announced on May 30, 2025, and updated on June 4, 2025. The Company issued 21,242,500 common shares for total gross proceeds of C$8,497,000.

Oscar Louzada, CEO of Sranan Gold, commented: "We are pleased to close our oversubscribed private placement which was upsized from C$3 million to C$8 million. We thank our investors for their continued support and confidence in the district-scale potential of the Tapanahony Gold Project in Suriname, and look forward to providing an update soon on the prospective drill targets identified for upcoming exploration."

In connection with the sale of the Shares, the Company paid a total of C$174,790 in cash, and issued 442,600 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants"), to eligible finders for certain of the Shares sold. Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of C$0.40 per common share for a period of 2 years from the date of issuance.

All securities issued are subject to a hold period until October 13, 2025, in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). The net proceeds will be utilized for general working capital and the Company's expanded drilling program of up to 10,000 meters at the Tapanahony Project.

The Offering remains subject to no objections from the CSE. Please refer to the Company's news releases dated May 30, 2025 and June 4, 2025, for additional information on the Offering.

About Sranan Gold

Sranan Gold Corp. is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in Suriname. The highly prospective Tapanahony Project is located in the heart of Suriname's modern-day gold rush. Tapanahony covers 29,000 hectares in one of the oldest and largest small-scale mining areas in Suriname. There is significant production from saprolite by local miners along a 4.5-kilometre trend, where several areas of mining have been opened.

Sranan Gold is also exploring its Aida Property consisting of five mineral claims covering an area of 2,335.42 hectares on the Shuswap Highland within the Kamloops Mining Division.

For more information, visit sranangold.com.

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENT OF THIS PRESS RELEASE.

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws including, without limitation, the timing, nature, scope and details regarding the Company's exploration plans and results. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release.

Forward-looking statements in this release but are not limited to, statements with respect to the expectations of management regarding the Offering, the expectations of management regarding the use of proceeds of the Offering, closing conditions for the Offering, and no objection from the CSE in respect of the Offering. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these statements from coming to fruition include the CSE objecting to the Offering; the proceeds of the Offering may not be used as stated in this release; Sranan may be unable to satisfy all of the conditions to the closing required by the CSE. Sranan does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information except as may be required by applicable securities laws.





Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255421

SOURCE: Sranan Gold Corp.
Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Radisson Mining Resources Inc. (TSXV: RDS) (OTCQB: RMRDF) ("Radisson" or the "Company) is pleased to announce the results of its Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders ("AGM") held on June 12, 2025. Shareholders voted in favour of all items of business, including the election of each director nominee, the appointment of auditors, and the adoption of a new Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. A total of 156,469,851 votes were represented in the meeting amounting to 45.22% of the Company's class A shares issued as of the record date. Directors re-elected to the board were Pierre Beaudoin, Lise Chenard, Michael Gentile, Peter MacPhail, Matt Manson, Jeff Swinoga and Cindy Valence. Subsequent to the AGM, Pierre Beaudoin was re-appointed as Chairperson of the Board of Directors.

New Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan

The new Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the "Omnibus Plan") replaces the Company's previous stock option plan and introduces a best-practice framework to attract and retain personnel through a broader range of equity-based awards.

Under the Omnibus Plan, a rolling 10% share reserve will apply to all awards, including stock-options ("Options"), restricted share units ("RSUs"), performance share units ("PSUs"), and deferred share units ("DSUs"). The total number of common shares reserved for issuance under the Omnibus Plan, at any time, will not exceed 10% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares. All outstanding stock-options granted under the previous plan will continue under the Omnibus Plan, unless the new plan materially impairs the rights of existing holders, in which case the terms of the original plan will remain in effect.

A full copy and summary of the Omnibus Plan is available in the Company's management information circular dated May 7, 2025, which can be accessed under Radisson's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.radissonmining.com.

Grant of Equity Incentives

Subsequent to the AGM, the Board of Directors authorized the grant of an aggregate of 2,739,014 stock-options, to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company. The Options have an exercise price of $0.425 per share, are exercisable for a period of five-years from the date of grant and will vest as follows: one-third on the date of grant, one-third on the first anniversary of the date of grant and one-third on the second anniversary.

In addition, the Board of Directors authorized the grant of an aggregate 966,416 RSUs to officers of the Company and 541,176 DSUs to independent directors of the Company. A total of 262,004 RSUs vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant. The balance of the RSUs vest as follows: one-third on the first anniversary of the date of grant, one-third on the second anniversary and one-third on the third anniversary. The Options, RSUs and DSUs were granted in accordance with the Omnibus Plan.

Radisson Mining Resources Inc.

Radisson is a gold exploration company focused on its 100% owned O'Brien Gold Project, located in the Bousquet-Cadillac mining camp along the world-renowned Larder-Lake-Cadillac Break in Abitibi, Quebec. The Bousquet-Cadillac mining camp has produced over 25 million ounces of gold over the last 100 years. The Project hosts the former O'Brien Mine, considered to have been Quebec's highest-grade gold producer during its production. Indicated Mineral Resources are estimated at 0.50 million ounces (1.52 million tonnes at 10.26 g/t Au), with additional Inferred Mineral Resources estimated at 0.45 million ounces (1.60 million tonnes at 8.66 g/t Au). Please see the NI 43-101 "Technical Report on the O'Brien Project, Northwestern Quebec, Canada" effective March 2, 2023 and other filings made with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at www.sedar.com for further details and assumptions relating to the O'Brien Gold Project.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements including, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the closing of the Offering, the planned and ongoing drilling, the significance of drill results, the ability to continue drilling, the impact of drilling on the definition of any resource, the ability to incorporate new drilling in an updated technical report and resource modelling, the Company's ability to grow the O'Brien project and the ability to convert inferred mineral resources to indicated mineral resources. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", "management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements Forward-looking information is based on estimates of management of the Company, at the time it was made, involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the companies to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the drill results at O'Brien; the significance of drill results; the ability of drill results to accurately predict mineralization; the ability of any material to be mined in a matter that is economic. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the parties cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. The Company believes that this forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon. The Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255438

SOURCE: Radisson Mining Resources
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTC PINK:BNXTF)(FSE:4XT), announces that, further to its news release dated May 1, 2025 (the "Default Announcement"), the Company's principal regulator, the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") granted a management cease trade order (the "MCTO") on May 1, 2025, under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203").

Pursuant to the MCTO, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer may not trade in securities of the Company until such time as the Company files its annual audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, including the related management's discussion and analysis, and CEO and CFO certifications on or before June 30, 2025 (collectively the "Required Documents") and the Executive Director of the BCSC revokes the MCTO. The MCTO does not affect the ability of shareholders to trade their securities.

The Company's staff are working diligently with its auditors and the Company anticipates that it will be in a position to file the Required Documents by June 30, 2025. All previously outstanding audit materials related to the Company's German subsidiaries are now in-hand and the consolidations model is complete. Draft financials have been prepared and provided to the Company's audit firm.

The Company's Board of Directors and management confirm that they are working expeditiously to file the Required Documents and confirm that since the Company's Default Announcement:

There have been no material changes to the information contained in the Default Announcement that would reasonably be expected to be material to an investor;

There have been no failures by the Company to fulfill its stated intentions with respect to satisfying the provisions of the alternative information reporting guidelines under NP 12-203;

There has not been, nor is there anticipated to be, any specified default subsequent to the default which is the subject of the Default Announcement; and

There have been no material changes in respect of the Company's affairs that have not been generally disclosed.

Until the Required Documents have been filed, the Company intends to continue to satisfy the provisions of the Alternative Information Guidelines specified in NP 12-203 by issuing these bi-weekly default status reports in the form of further press releases for so long as the Company remains in default of the Required Documents filing requirement.

About BioNxt Solutions Inc.

BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience innovator focused on next-generation drug delivery technologies, diagnostic screening systems, and active pharmaceutical ingredient development. The Company's proprietary platforms-Sublingual (Thin-Film), Transdermal (Skin Patch), and Oral (Enteric-Coated Tablets)-target key therapeutic areas, including autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and longevity.

With research and development operations in North America and Europe, BioNxt is advancing regulatory approvals and commercialization efforts, primarily focused on European markets. BioNxt is committed to improving healthcare by delivering precise, patient-centric solutions that enhance treatment outcomes worldwide.

BioNxt is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange: BNXT, OTC Markets: BNXTF and trades in Germany under WKN: A3D1K3. To learn more about BioNxt, please visit www.bionxt.com.

Investor Relations & Media Contact

Hugh Rogers, Co-Founder, CEO and Director

Email: investor.relations@bionxt.com

Phone: +1 778.598.2698

Web: www.bionxt.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bionxt-solutions

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionxt

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "may," "could," "will," "plans," and similar expressions. These statements relate to future events or future performance, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the anticipated timing for filing the Required Documents, the Company's ability to remedy its filing default, the expected revocation of the MCTO, and the Company's continued compliance with National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"). Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations, beliefs, and assumptions, including assumptions regarding the timely completion of the audit process, the ability of the Company and its auditors to meet required filing deadlines, the accuracy of management's estimates and expectations, regulatory approvals, and market conditions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: delays in the audit process; the Company's inability to file the Required Documents within the anticipated timeframe; regulatory or compliance issues; changes in financial reporting or disclosure standards; unanticipated requests for additional information from auditors or regulators; and other unforeseen financial, operational, or regulatory developments. Additional risk factors are outlined in the Company's public filings available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as actual results may differ materially from expectations.

SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/bionxt-solutions-provides-bi-weekly-mcto-status-report-1039101
BROOKLYN, NY / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / IEH Corporation (OTC PINK:IEHC) today filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025.

Highlights include:

34% Increase in Revenue over Fiscal Year 2024

$4.34M Improvement in Operating Income

72% increase in cash on hand, compared to prior year

For the Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2025, IEH had revenues of $28,783,861 as compared to $21,524,544 for the Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2024 reflecting a 33.7% increase; operating income of $574,862 for Fiscal Year 2025 as compared to an operating loss of $3,760,887 for Fiscal Year 2024 reflecting a $4,335,749 improvement; net income of $999,038 for Fiscal Year 2025 as compared to a net loss of $2,916,902 for Fiscal Year 2024 reflecting a $3,915,940 improvement; and a basic earnings per share of $.42 as compared to a basic loss per share of $1.23 for Fiscal Year 2024.

Dave Offerman, President and CEO of IEH Corporation commented, "By almost any discernible metric, IEH's financial health has improved considerably this past year. Our revenue was 3rd-highest in our history, our cash position has improved dramatically since this time last year, inventory relative to revenue is down, and we were profitable in both operating and net income. Our margins continue to be lower than desired due to the rise in our material costs, but price adjustments implemented over the last several months will bolster our gross margins going forward and be reflected in future financial statements. After declining for several months, our backlog has stabilized, and our sales pipeline remains strong. Changes in the competitive landscape offer opportunities to win market share, and we continue to intensify our marketing efforts to target new industries for our signature Hyperboloid products.

As previously noted, growth and improvements may still be uneven from one quarter to the next while the commercial aircraft industry continues to produce below their target levels, but our long-term forecasts for that sector, along with strong growth projections in our defense-related business and commercial space launch bode well for IEH in the years ahead.

So while it's possible that revenue in Fiscal Year 2026 will be slightly lower than 2025, the overall strength of our sales pipeline, along with efforts underway to improve our product mix and diversify our markets served, should lead to considerable long-term growth.

On behalf of the management team and staff of IEH, we again wish to express our sincere gratitude for the support of our valued shareholders. We look forward to sharing more positive news in the coming months and quarters."

About IEH Corporation

For over 80 years and 4 generations of family-run management, IEH Corporation has designed, developed, and manufactured printed circuit board (PCB) connectors, custom interconnects and contacts for high performance applications. With its signature Hyperboloid technology, IEH supplies the most durable, reliable connectors for the most demanding environments. The Company markets primarily to companies in defense, aerospace, medical, space and industrial applications, in the United States, Canada, Europe, Southeast and Central Asia and the Mideast. The Company was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Certain statements contained in this press release, and in related comments by the Company's management, include "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including, without limitation, statements or expectations regarding our financial condition, statements or expectations regarding our revenues, cash and backlog, expectations regarding future cash requirements, revenue and revenue recovery, including for fiscal year 2026 and beyond, projected timelines for making our SEC filings or successfully preventing our registration from suspension or revocation and expectations regarding our efforts and ability to resolve our inventory accounting issues are forward-looking statements. These statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "will," "may," "would," "should," "could," or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made on its current expectations and projections about future events. The Company believes these judgments are reasonable, but you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company's actual performance or results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, both positive and negative, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors beyond our control. Among other items, such factors could include: any claims, investigations or proceedings arising as a result of our past due periodic reports, including changes in the proceedings related to the SEC's Order Instituting Administrative Proceedings and Notice of Hearing pursuant to Section 12(j) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; our ability to remediate our inventory accounting issue; our ability to reduce costs or increase revenue; changes in the macroeconomic environment or in the finances of our customers; changes in accounting principles, or their application or interpretation, and our ability to make accurate estimates and the assumptions underlying the estimates; our ability to attract and retain key employees and key resources; and other risk factors discussed from time to time in our filings with the SEC, including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on June 12, 2025, and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in our filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. Except as may be required by applicable law, we do not undertake or intend to update or revise our forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments. Thus, you should not assume that our silence over time means that actual events are bearing out as expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures we make in our filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect our business.

Contact:

Dave Offerman

IEH Corporation

dave@iehcorp.com

718-492-4448

SOURCE: IEH Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/aerospace-and-defense/ieh-corporation-files-form-10-k-for-fiscal-year-ended-march-31-2025-1039118
Highlights:

Three drillholes along conductive trend HL-04 have returned nickel-bearing sulphide mineralization with grades up to 0.8% Ni over 0.7 m.

Nickel mineralization is intersected within massive sulphides indicating the system is capable of concentrating nickel in massive sulphide lenses.

Ultramafic-hosted nickel-bearing sulphide mineralization up to 0.65% Ni over 1.1 m indicates a fertile nickel source along conductive trend HL-04.

Core Nickel has completed a detailed data validation and 3D geological model of the Mel deposit and received recommendations from Understood Mineral Resources Ltd. to support a modern NI 43-101 resource estimate, including twinning, resampling historical core, and collecting density measurements.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Core Nickel Corp. (TSXV: CNCO) ("Core Nickel" or the "Company") is pleased to report nickel-bearing massive sulphide lenses and ultramafic source rocks along conductive trend HL-04 from its winter 2025 Drill Program (the "Program") at the 100%-owned Halfway Lake Project (the "Project"), located in the Thompson Nickel Belt, Manitoba. The Program comprised a total of 3,585.5 metres ("m") in 12 diamond drillholes as outlined in Table 1 and illustrated in Figure 1 as previously announced on April 28, 2025. The Project is strategically located within kilometres of advanced infrastructure such as the Bucko Mill, heavy rail and highways, and access to high-capacity, nearly 100% clean, hydro-electric power.

Misty Urbatsch, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director of Core Nickel, commented, "Intersecting anomalous nickel mineralization in all three drillholes along the HL-04 trend is an exciting step forward for Core Nickel. The presence of nickel-bearing massive sulphides confirms the system's ability to concentrate nickel, while ultramafic-hosted sulphide mineralization highlights the fertility of this emerging system. At the same time, we're making real strides toward bringing the Mel deposit into a modern resource by systematically resampling historical drill core, digitizing and verifying historical data, and building a modern 3D geological model of the deposit. The next step is getting on the ground and executing the program recommended by Understood Mineral Resources Ltd. to deliver a NI 43-101 compliant resource for Mel."

Figure 1. Halfway Lake Winter 2025 Drillhole and Conductive Trend Location Map

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Table 1. Winter 2025 Diamond Drillhole Parameters

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Conductive Trend HL-04

Recent drilling along conductive trend HL-04 (Figure 2) has confirmed nickel-bearing massive sulphide mineralization hosted within granitic pegmatite and nickel-bearing ultramafic source rocks as outlined in Table 2.

Drillhole HFW-25-007 targeted a strong electromagnetic (EM) response along the HL-04 conductive trend, located on the edge of a magnetic anomaly. A massive sulphide breccia at 44.3 m returned 0.17% Ni over 30 cm indicating anomalous nickel enrichment. Massive sulphides from 72.8 to 73.5 m returned 0.80% Ni over 70 cm confirming nickel mineralization within the massive sulphide lens (Figure 3).

Drillhole HFW-25-010 targeted ~35 m in front of HFW-25-007 and is interpreted to have intersected the lower portion of the pyrrhotite-rich sulphide zone encountered in HFW-25-007. Drillhole HFW-25-010 intersected 0.17% Ni over 1.0 m in semi-massive sulphides at 39.2 m indicating anomalous nickel enrichment.

Drillhole HFW-25-015, located 50 m along strike to the southwest of HFW-25-007, intersected 0.26% Ni over 7.7 m, including 0.65% Ni over 1.1 m within sulphide-bearing ultramafic rocks from the base of the overburden at 37.4 m to 45.1 m. This confirms the presence of nickel-enriched ultramafic source rocks along conductive trend HL-04. Semi-massive and massive sulphides hosted within granitic pegmatite from 72.2 to 84.1 m returned 0.12% Ni over 11.9 m, including 0.48% Ni over 0.5 m at 75.3 m, and 0.45% Ni over 1.0 m at 77.9 m confirming nickel mineralization with the sulphide lenses.

Collectively, these holes demonstrate an enriched nickel-sulphide system that is capable of concentrating nickel in massive sulphide lenses.

Table 2. Drillhole Assay Summary

Hole ID Lithology From

(m) To

(m) Interval (m)* Ni % Cu % Co % HFW-24-007

Massive Sulphides 44.3 44.6 0.3 0.17 0.05 0.01

Massive Sulphides with Pegmatite 72.8 82.6 9.8 0.15 0.03 0.0 Includes Massive Sulphides 72.8 73.5 0.7 0.80 0.15 0.02 Includes Massive Sulphides 76.1 76.4 0.4 0.47 0.06 0.01 HFW-25-010

Semi-massive Sulphides 39.2 40.2 1.0 0.17 0.07 0.01 HFW-25-015

Ultramafic with Pegmatite 37.4 45.1 7.7 0.26 0.01 0.01 Includes Ultramafic 43.0 44.1 1.1 0.65 0.06 0.02

Sulphidic Metasediment 53.5 54.6 1.1 0.12 0.03 0.01

Massive Sulphide with Pegmatite 72.2 84.1 11.9 0.12 0.03 0.0 Includes Massive Sulphide with Pegmatite 75.3 75.8 0.5 0.48 0.08 0.01 Includes Massive Sulphide with Pegmatite 77.9 78.9 1 0.45 0.10 0.01



* Interval is not true thickness. Insufficient data currently to determine true thickness.

Assay results have only been reported for nickel values >0.1% Ni in metasedimentary rocks and >0.3% Ni in ultramafic rocks.

Figure 2. Halfway Lake - Conductive Trend HL-04 Drillhole Location Map



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Figure 3. Top: Massive sulphides in HFW-25-007 returned 0.80% Ni over 70 cm from 72.8 to 73.5 m

Bottom: Close-up of massive sulphides at 73.3 m in HFW-25-007.

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Geochemical Sampling Procedures

All drill core samples were shipped to Saskatchewan Research Council Geoanalytical Laboratories (SRC) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in secure containment for preparation, processing, and ICP-OES analysis for major and minor elements and ICP-MS analysis for trace elements using total 4-acid digestion (HF:HNO3:HCl:HClO4). Any samples returning greater than 5,000 ppm Ni, Cu, or Co were then analyzed using a base metal assay (ICP3 Assay) for Ni, Cu, and Co, where an aliquot of sample pulp is digested in HCl:HNO3 and the digested volume is then made up with deionized water for analysis by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The detection limit for Ni, Cu, and Co using this method is 0.001 wt%. Assay samples comprise 0.1 - 4.4 metre, generally 1.0 metre, continuous  NQ core samples or  NQ core for duplicates over the sulfide mineralized intervals. The SRC is an ISO/IEC 17025/2005 and Standards Council of Canada certified analytical laboratory. Blanks, standard reference materials, and duplicates are inserted into the sample stream at regular intervals by Core Nickel and the SRC in accordance with Core Nickel's quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures. Geochemical assay data are subject to verification procedures by qualified persons employed by Core Nickel prior to disclosure.

All reported depths and intervals are drillhole depths and intervals, unless otherwise noted, and do not represent true thicknesses, which have yet to be determined.

Mel Deposit Update

To support the development of a modern NI 43-101 compliant mineral resource estimate for the Mel deposit, Understood Mineral Resources Ltd. has recommended that Core Nickel twin five spatially representative historical drill holes, resample five to ten holes from different historical programs-where core is accessible-that span a range of nickel grades and are spatially distributed across the deposit, and collect representative density measurements. Core Nickel has been diligently working to compile, verify, and clean up the historical dataset to support construction of a modern 3D geological model. These efforts aim to validate and strengthen the existing data and underpin the development of a robust and modern geological interpretation for the project.

About Core Nickel

Core Nickel Corp. is a junior nickel exploration company that controls 100% of five projects in the Thompson Nickel Belt (TNB), a prolific nickel district located in Northern Manitoba, Canada (Figure 7). The five projects consist of approximately 27,000 hectares of land that is proximal to existing infrastructure, including highways, railways, major hydroelectric transmission lines, and operating mills.

Core Nickel has a large contiguous land package in the northern part of the TNB, situated approximately 15-20 km from the City of Thompson. Core Nickel's northern TNB land package consists of three projects: Mel, Hunter, and Odei River. The Mel project encompasses the Mel deposit, which is characterized by a historical mineral resource consisting of an indicated resource of 4,279,000 tons grading 0.875% Ni, plus an inferred resource of 1,010,000 tons grading 0.839% Ni, at a cut-off of 0.5% Ni1. The target stratigraphy (Pipe Formation) that hosts the Mel deposit, and other deposits in the Thompson Nickel Belt, extend onto the Hunter and Odei River projects and drillhole intersections into the target stratigraphy on the Hunter project have successfully intersected anomalous nickel.

The Company also holds two projects in the central TNB near the community of Wabowden: Halfway Lake and Resting Lake. Both projects host the target Pipe Formation associated with known elevated nickel mineralization and are proximal to existing nickel deposits, mills, and other infrastructure.

Figure 4. Core Nickel Project Location Map

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The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is Caitlin Glew, P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration for Core Nickel Corp., who has reviewed and approved its contents.

References

1 "Technical Report on the Mel Deposit, Northern Manitoba" prepared for Victory Nickel Inc, Shane Naccashian (P. Geo.) of Wardrop Engineering Inc., March 9, 2007

Mel Historical Mineral Resource

Core Nickel Corporation is treating the 2007 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) prepared for Victory Nickel Inc. by Shane Naccashian (P. Geo.) of Wardrop Engineering Inc. as a "historical mineral resource" under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and the reader is cautioned not to treat it, or any part of it, as a current mineral resource. Core Nickel has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

The historical MRE summarized above has been included simply to demonstrate the mineral potential of the Mel deposit and the Mel project. Core Nickel considers the 2007 MRE to be relevant to the further development of the project; however, is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. The historical MRE was calculated in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM standards at the time of publication and predates the current CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May, 2014) and CIM Estimation of Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves Best Practices Guidelines (November, 2019).

To upgrade or verify the 2007 historical estimate as current, Core Nickel will need to complete a thorough review of all the 2007 historical MRE information and drill data, along with the incorporation of subsequent exploration work and results, which includes some drilling around the edges of the historical MRE subsequent to the publication of the resource. Additionally, a full review of the economic parameters utilized to determine current Reasonable Prospectus for Eventual Economic Extraction (RPEEE) would be required in order to produce a current MRE for the Property. Any future mineral resource will need to evaluate the open pit and/or underground potential taking into consideration the current cost and pricing conditions or constraints, along with continuity of the resource blocks.

Technical Disclosure

The historical results contained within this news release have been captured from Manitoba Integrated Mining and Quarrying System ("iMaQs") as available and may be incomplete or subject to minor location inaccuracies. Management cautions that historical results were collected and reported by past operators and have not been verified nor confirmed by a Qualified Person but form a basis for ongoing work on the subject projects.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Misty Urbatsch"

Misty Urbatsch

CEO, President and Director

Core Nickel Corp.

Contacts:

Also find us online:

www.corenickel.com

https://x.com/CoreNickel

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking information

All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255441

SOURCE: Core Nickel Corp.
Despite following the route of John Wick, Ballerina stands apart as a spin-off with its ever-expansion of a thrilling world read more

Cast: Ana de Armas, Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, Anjelica Huston, Lance Reddick (in his final screen appearance), Ian McShane, and Keanu Reeves

Director: Len Wiseman

A sidequel to Keanu Reeves John Wick: Chapter 3  Parabellum, Ana de Armas starrer From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is set before the events of John Wick: Chapter 4.

Fight like a girl, says Eve Macarros (Ana de Armas) trainer Nogi (Sharon Duncan-Brewster) to her. This iconic advice turns out to be one of the highlights, as she suggests that Eve might not necessarily match the physical strength of men, so she should adapt her combat style while retaining her feminine essence.

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Ballerina begins with the young Eve (played by Victoria Comte) watching her father getting killed by Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne), the leader of the dark warrior cult and his fighters. Winston Scott (Ian McShane), who makes a comeback as John Wicks mentor, turns saviour for Eve and gives her responsibility to the Director (Anjelica Huston), the mastermind behind Ruska Roma with an iron hand, which stages fight training like ballet.

While Ruska Roma and the Chancellors cult have been following a centuries-long pact to steer clear of each other, Eve upsets the apple cart of that accord as she now decides to take revenge for her fathers murder after she kills a henchman with a tell-tale X branded into his wrist.

While the wafer-thin plot looks nothing new, rather reminds you of a typical Bollywood movie, once again it is the action aspect, which sets Ballerina apart from others.

Len Wiseman takes you on an action-packed ride where Ana fires pistols and machine guns, breaks limbs, gouges eyeballs, smashes throats and slashes her enemies with a samurai sword. During her stint in No Time to Die, we saw her finesse in doing action sequences but in Ballerina, the actress goes all out. The scenes where she uses ice skates and nunchucks to fight along with killing people by detonating multiple grenades are beautifully choreographed with her duel flame-throwers battle sequence turning out to be one of the highlights.

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Talking about the performance, Ana de Armas has carried the project on her abled shoulders like a boss. Right from performing high-octane stunts and action pieces to portraying emotional pain through her eyes and expressions, the actress has delivered a superb act. It was a treat to watch our very own John Wick aka Keanu Reeves who is enjoying performing some of his trademark action sequences and making fans cheer with his onscreen charisma.

Despite following the route of John Wick, Ballerina stands apart as a spin-off with its ever-expansion of a thrilling world.

Rating: 3.5 (out of 5 stars)

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is playing in cinemas
The actress told Firstpost, My preparation started when Sriram Raghavan told me about the story during the narration because I had first read the book and had fallen in love with that story. read more

One of the most prestigious showcases for independent cinema globally, the Indie Film Festival in New York is known for spotlighting powerful, artistic, and culturally rooted storytelling. This year, Indian cinema dominated the global stage, with multiple awardees across major categories, led by standout wins for Chandu Champion, Binny and Family, filmmaker Siddharth Anand, Kartik Aaryan, and Katrina Kaif.

Kartik Aaryan won Best Actor for his transformative role in Chandu Champion, which also bagged the coveted Best Film award. Katrina Kaif took home Best Actress for her performance in Merry Christmas. Joining the victory lap was Mahaveer Jain Films Binny and Family, a moving family drama that earned the Best Family Film award, while Anjini Dhawan was named Best Debutante Female for her performance as Binny. Filmmaker Siddharth Anand was honored with Best Director for his Fighter.

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Katrina Kaif on her prep for Merry Christmas

The actress told Firstpost, My preparation started when Sriram Raghavan told me about the story during the narration because I had first read the book and had fallen in love with that story. Sriram also felt this could be the perfect collaboration we could do together. When he narrated the whole story, the first thing I did was that I went home and wrote a whole backstory.

Who was Maria? What drove her to take this decision? What has happened to her inner self and why does she fall for this guy? Why is her relationship with her husband like this? The best thing about Sriram is that he challenges you to keep thinking. I dont think he even realizes how much he challenges you. He forces you to find honesty and connection to your character, added Kaif.
Detective Sherdill promises a fresh, entertaining blend of suspense, mystery, sharp wit, and humor, following a singular detective on an extraordinary case, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Budapest read more

Starring one of the biggest global icons Diljit Dosanjh, ZEE5 is set to host one of its most anticipated film releases, Detective Sherdill, produced by Ali Abbas Zafar and Himanshu Mehra, and directed by debutant Ravi Chhabriya. This grand arrival, following ZEE5s recent rebranding, is a game-changer for the platform. The film, also featuring veteran actor Boman Irani, along with Diana Penty, Banita Sandhu, and Chunky Pandey, is set to have its grand premiere on June 20, 2025.

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In an industry currently navigating a period of crisis, the backing of debutant director Ravi Chabbriya by producers Himanshu Mehra and Ali Abbas Zafar highlights a commendable commitment to fresh talent. Chabbriya, who honed his skills assisting Ali Abbas Zafar on major projects like Sultan, Bharat, and Tiger Zinda Hai, promises a unique cinematic experience premiering on ZEE5 June 20, 2025.

Adding to this bold approach is the introduction of Arjun Tanwar, who marks his acting debut with Detective Sherdill. Arjun carries a notable lineage as the son of Rajesh Tanwar, affectionately known as Babloo, a respected Indian actor who has also made significant contributions as a cameraman.

Detective Sherdill promises a fresh, entertaining blend of suspense, mystery, sharp wit, and humor, following a singular detective on an extraordinary case, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Budapest. Its grand arrival on ZEE5 significantly expands the platforms content library, solidifying its position as a leading destination for premium content. Producers Ali Abbas Zafar and Himanshu Mehra, celebrated for their successful ventures, bring their compelling storytelling vision to ZEE5.

The trailer for Detective Sherdill created an immediate stir upon its digital launch, garnering around 44 million + views in just 24 hours across all platforms and garnering a massive thumbs up from both the audience and prominent figures within the film fraternity.

Users flooded social media with positive reactions, with one commenting, Detective Sherdill is going to be a super hit, the trailer and storyline is so epic. Another remarked, After hard hitting films like Jogi, Ali Abbas Zafar and Diljit come together for a comedy mystery film this time with a superlative cast. Cant wait to binge this on 20th June, ZEE5 par. Yet another exclaimed, Wow wow! The trailer is so impactful! After watching so many almost identical Bollywood movie trailers, this one is finally something different. Not predictable at all. Im definitely going to watch it.

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Prominent figures like, Vicky Kaushal were quick to share the trailer on his Instagram, enthusiastically commenting, Maazedaar Trailer and best wishes to the team. while Katrina Kaif echoed similar sentiments on her Instagram, exclaiming, Looks so much fun superb team. Wishes also poured in from Aditi Rao Hydari, who said, Big luck to Detective Sherdill team. Meanwhile, Tiger Shroff posted a congratulatory story, adding, Congrats Ali sir, Diljit Paaji and Himanshu sir. Arjun Kapoor also shared to his instagram story, The trailer packs a punch wishing the entire team all the very best for a thrilling ride ahead.

Detective Sherdill, produced by Himanshu Mehra, Ali Abbas Zafar, Rohini Singh and Manmeet Singh, premiering on ZEE5, starring Diljit Dosanjh, Diana Penty and Boman Irani, releasing on June 20, 2025.
The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI171, crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, with 242 passengers on board. While the aircraft model has had a solid reputation until now, it has been under scrutiny for repeated technical issues in recent years read more

Air India plane crash: Last year, a Boeing engineer and whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, who has been with the company for over a decade, raised alarm bells, alleging that the company took shortcuts when manufacturing 787 and 777 Dreamliner models. It led to a FAA investigation. Image for Representation. Reuters

A major aviation tragedy unfolded in Ahmedabad on Thursday after an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as flight AI171 to Londons Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after takeoff near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

In a statement, Air India confirmed that the flight had taken off from Ahmedabad at 1338 and was carrying 242 people on board, including passengers and crew. Among them were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese nationals.

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According to reports, all 242 people are reported to have been killed in the tragic incident so far.

Dramatic footage from the scene captured the burning wreckage near the runway, with flames and thick plumes of black smoke rising into the air as emergency crews raced to carry out rescue efforts.

More from Explainers 'Stand ready to support': Boeing reacts to Air India flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad

The incident comes as the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, the aircraft involved in the crash, was in Ahmedabad for the last 2 days, due to a technical snag, government sources told News18. The aircraft has, in recent years, faced repeated scrutiny for technical issues.

Heres what we know about it

All about Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

First introduced in 2011, the 787-8 was the debut model in Boeings Dreamliner series.

Over the years, it gained popularity for its fuel efficiency, innovative design, and enhanced passenger comfort. The aircraft is widely used for long-haul routes, with Air India adding it to its fleet in December 2012.

This marked a significant fleet modernisation step for Air India, as the Dreamliners, along with Boeing 777s, began to replace the older Boeing 747s on international routes.

The aircraft is widely used for long-haul routes, with Air India adding it to its fleet in December 2012. Image for Representation. Reuters

Some of the worlds major airlines operate the 787-8, including American Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, United Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines.

According to Boeings official site, the Dreamliner fleet has transported over a billion passengers in under 14 years.

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The 787-8 typically seats between 242 and 290 passengers, depending on the airlines layout. It can fly up to 13,530 kilometres non-stop, connecting far-flung cities without layovers.

The aircraft is built using composite materials, which make up around 50 per cent of its primary structure, helping reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.

Its also packed with advanced techincluding fly-by-wire controls, state-of-the-art avionics, and a Synthetic Vision System (SVS) that gives pilots a 3D view of terrain and obstacles, especially useful in poor visibility.

Passengers often praise the 787-8 for its comfort. Features like a lower cabin altitude (equivalent to 6,000 feet), higher humidity, and improved air filtration make long flights less tiring.

Large windows with electronic dimming are another passenger favourite, offering better views and reducing glare.

While the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is known for its reliability and passenger comfort, it has faced a series of technical issues in recent years, affecting its track record.

History of technical snags in Boeing 787-8

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has previously come under technical scrutiny for a range of issues.

Earlier this year, The Economic Times reported multiple diversions of a Dreamliner with registration code N819AN due to hydraulic leaks and flap malfunctions, resulting in several flight cancellations within just 25 days.

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Concerns around the aircrafts manufacturing have also made headlines.

Last year, a Boeing engineer and whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, who has been with the company for over a decade, raised alarm bells in The New York Times and CNN reports, alleging that the company took shortcuts when manufacturing 787 and 777 Dreamliner models.

Last year, a Boeing engineer and whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, who has been with the company for over a decade, raised alarm bells, alleging that the company took shortcuts when manufacturing 787 and 777 Dreamliner models. File image/ Reuters

According to Salehpour, parts of the 787s fuselage are improperly fastened and could potentially break apart mid-air after thousands of flights.

Talking about his claims, he told CNN, I am doing this not because I want Boeing to fail, but because I want it to succeed and prevent crashes from happening. The truth is, Boeing cant keep going the way it is. It needs to do a little bit better, I think.

While Boeing had denied the allegations, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had launched an investigation into the claims.

The issue even reached Capitol Hill, where Senator Richard Blumenthal, chair of the Senate subcommittee on investigations, said in a statement to The New York Times, Repeated, shocking allegations about Boeings manufacturing failings point to an appalling absence of safety culture and practices  where profit is prioritised over everything else.

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Following the Thursday crash in Ahmedabad, Boeings stock price dipped 7.5 per cent in pre-market trading.

What we know about rescue operations

The crash took place shortly after takeoff. Investigations are underway by Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to determine the exact cause.

In a statement, DGCA said the flight was operated by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an LTC with 8,200 flying hours, and a co-pilot with 1,100 hours of experience.

As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 13:39 IST from runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given to subsequent calls. The aircraft, shortly after takeoff, fell outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen rising from the accident site, the DGCA said.

Rescue efforts were launched swiftly. The central government has assured full support, and emergency teams were deployed immediately.

Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams with 90 personnel have already been moved from Gandhinagar to the crash site. Three more teams are being mobilised from Vadodara, according to the NDRF.

President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her grief, describing the crash as a heart-rending disaster.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and is closely monitoring the situation.

With input from agencies
An Air India Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 people on board. The flight issued a MAYDAY call  the aviation worlds most urgent distress signal  before losing contact with ATC. What does such a call mean, and how do Air Traffic Controllers respond in such life-or-death situations? read more

An Air India Dreamliner, operating as flight AI-171 bound from Ahmedabad to Londons Gatwick Airport, plummeted to the ground shortly after takeoff, killing 241 on board with one individual having miraculously survived.

The aircraft, identified by registration number VT-ANB, was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The and has since triggered a national-level emergency response and put the spotlight how emergency communication and air traffic control mechanisms operate during aviation crises.

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Indias civil aviation regulatory authority, confirmed the crash in an official statement, saying: Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from (Ahmedabad to Gatwick) has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar.

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY"

According to official ATC records, flight AI-171 commenced its departure from Runway 23 at 1:39 pm IST (0809 UTC).

Almost immediately after liftoff, the cockpit crew issued an internationally recognised emergency declaration. MAYDAY, MAYDAY echoed across the radio waves  the final transmission received from the aircraft.

Despite multiple subsequent attempts by Air Traffic Control to reestablish contact, there was no reply from the cockpit.

The commander of the flight, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, was an experienced line training captain with 8,200 flying hours logged, and the co-pilot, First Officer Clive Kundar, had 1,100 hours of flight time.

The sudden loss of communication following the MAYDAY signal indicates that the crew encountered a situation so critical that no further instructions or requests could be conveyed to ground control.

Moments later, the aircraft came down just beyond the airports outer perimeter, with thick plumes of smoke rising from the wreckage. The crash site was located near Dharpur, close to the Meghaninagar area of Ahmedabad.

Emergency responders, including firefighters and medical units, reached the location quickly.

Initial reports indicate the flight carried 232 passengers and 10 crew members. Among the passengers were 169 citizens of India, 53 from the United Kingdom, seven from Portugal, and one Canadian national.

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Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among those on board and has been confirmed dead.

What does a MAYDAY call signify?

The final message from the AI-171 crew  a repeated MAYDAY transmission  is not just an alarming utterance. In aviation terminology, a MAYDAY call is the most serious distress communication possible, signalling that the flight is facing an immediate threat to safety and requires urgent assistance.

The DGCA has stated: The Air India B787 Aircraft gave a MAYDAY call to the Air Traffic Control (ATC) immediately after take-off. It, however, did not respond after that to calls made by the ATC to the aircraft.

The concept of a MAYDAY call has its roots in the early 20th century. It was coined by Frederick Stanley Mockford, a radio officer at Croydon Airport, London, who was tasked with devising a word that could universally indicate distress and be easily understood across linguistic barriers.

Drawing inspiration from the French phrase maider, meaning help me, Mockford proposed Mayday  a term that has remained central to aviation and maritime emergency communication since 1923.

The formal adoption of MAYDAY occurred in 1927, when the International Radiotelegraph Convention designated it as the standard voice distress call, complementing the earlier Morse code SOS system.

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Emergency frequencies such as 121.5 MHz (civilian) and 243 MHz (military) are permanently monitored by air traffic controllers and aircraft for any such calls.

MAYDAY calls are typically repeated three times to distinguish them from similar-sounding words. Once declared, all other radio communications are deprioritised, and the aircraft in distress becomes the primary focus of ATC and nearby pilots.

What happens after a MAYDAY? Understanding ATCs emergency role

Air Traffic Control personnel are rigorously trained to respond to emergency declarations with immediate and decisive action. Their role expands rapidly from communication facilitators to crisis coordinators.

Here are the standard procedures initiated when a MAYDAY is declared:

Immediate prioritisation : The aircraft issuing the MAYDAY is given the highest priority. Controllers may instruct nearby flights to change course or hold positions to free up airspace.

Vector guidance : Controllers provide directional inputs to guide the distressed aircraft toward the nearest viable runway or alternative safe landing location, depending on flight altitude, weather and runway suitability.

Emergency coordination : Ground emergency services  fire units, medical responders, airport securityare informed and dispatched to strategic positions, often along expected landing routes or impact zones.

Information relay : ATC relays critical information to the cockpit, such as weather updates, potential obstructions, or changes to landing configuration.

Monitoring and support: ATC continues attempting to maintain or restore communication and monitors the aircrafts altitude, speed, and trajectory on radar. If communication is lost  as it was with AI-171  controllers act on the last known data and initiate full-scale emergency procedures.

In specific scenarios, ATC may also serve as an intermediary between pilots and technical advisors, including airline operations centres or medical personnel if the emergency is health-related.

The broader role of MAYDAY

Globally, the use of MAYDAY has expanded beyond just aviation and maritime distress. In some jurisdictions, fire departments, police services, and emergency medical services also employ the term in life-threatening situations, though it remains most associated with aircraft and vessels.

If a plane cannot transmit a MAYDAY itself  due to radio malfunction or incapacitated crew  other aircraft or ATC may initiate a MAYDAY relay on its behalf.

Additionally, misuse of the MAYDAY protocol is considered a criminal offense in many countries, with penalties including fines, imprisonment and restitution costs.

While lesser emergencies may be signalled using the term Pan-Pan (from the French word panne, meaning breakdown), only a MAYDAY signifies a grave and imminent threat.

In earlier decades, Pan-Pan Medico was used to specify medical emergencies, though that suffix has now been retired in official usage.

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What next for the Air India Boeing Flight AI-171 crash

As soon as news of the crash broke, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed and immediately reached out to key members of the Union Cabinet.

According to reports, Modi held discussions with Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, asking both ministers to proceed to Ahmedabad without delay to directly monitor the ongoing response efforts and extend government support to affected families.

The PM asked the two ministers to go to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected, according to officials aware of the developments.

Shah, earlier in the day, also contacted Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to discuss local-level support and the scale of the tragedy.

The government has since mobilised federal, state, and airport-level response teams, and recovery operations are underway near the crash site.

Investigators are expected to retrieve the aircrafts black boxes  the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR)  which will be crucial in determining what happened in those last few moments after takeoff.

The swift MAYDAY declaration shows that the pilots followed procedure under immense stress, but the lack of follow-up suggests a critical emergency that unfolded too fast to contain.

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With inputs from agencies
On Wednesday, the European Space Agency (ESA) released images captured by three instruments on board the Solar Orbiter. Taken from a distance of around 40 million miles (roughly 65 million kilometres), the photos reveal a detailed view of the Suns south pole. Notably, Solar Orbiter is a joint mission between ESA and Nasa. According to Prof Carole Mundell, ESAs Director of Science, these are the closest and most detailed images of the Sun ever recorded. Scientists hope the visuals will deepen our understanding of how the Sun works read more

These latest pictures could help experts understand how the Sun shifts between calm phases and violent solar storms. Image: ESA

For the first time ever, scientists have managed to capture clear images of the Suns north and south poles.

On Wednesday, the European Space Agency (ESA) shared photos taken in March by three instruments aboard the Solar Orbiter. These images show the Suns south pole from a distance of about 40 million miles (around 65 million kilometres).

Notably, Solar Orbiter was launched in 2020 from Florida. It is a joint mission between ESA and the American space agency, Nasa.

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ALSO READ | 2 delays in 2 days: Whats happening with Shubhanshu Shuklas Axiom-4 mission?

These latest pictures could help experts understand how the Sun shifts between calm phases and violent solar storms.

But why does this matter? What do the images actually reveal? And how will they support future research?

We will answer these questions in the explainer.

First-ever images of Suns poles revealed

Until now, all views of the Sun have come from a single angle, looking straight at its equator from the same plane where Earth and most other planets orbit, known as the ecliptic plane.

But in February, Solar Orbiter performed a slingshot manoeuvre around Venus, helping it move out of that plane and view the Sun from around 17 degrees below the solar equator. More such flybys are planned in future, which could allow views from more than 30 degrees.

On Wednesday, the European Space Agency released images taken in March using three instruments onboard the Solar Orbiter.

These images show the Suns south pole from a distance of around 40 million miles (65 million kilometres), captured during a period of peak solar activity. Images of the north pole are still being sent back by the spacecraft.

Prof Carole Mundell, Director of Science at ESA, said, Today we reveal humankinds first-ever views of the Suns pole.

The Sun is our nearest star, giver of life and potential disruptor of modern space and ground power systems, so it is imperative that we understand how it works and learn to predict its behaviour. These new unique views from our Solar Orbiter mission are the beginning of a new era of solar science.

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According to Prof. Mundell, these are the closest and most detailed images ever taken of the Sun, and they will help researchers better understand how our star functions.

Eight views of the suns south pole released by the Solar Orbiter spacecraft. Image: ESA

ALSO READ | Soviet-era spacecraft likely to crash back to Earth this week: Should you be worried?

Explained: Why these images matter

The Sun is huge, about 865,000 miles (1.4 million kilometres) across, making it over 100 times wider than Earth.

Hamish Reid, a solar physicist at University College Londons Mullard Space Science Laboratory and UK co-lead for the Solar Orbiters Extreme Ultraviolet Imager, told Reuters that while Earth has clear north and south poles, the Solar Orbiter has detected both polarities of magnetic fields currently present at the Suns south pole.

The data that Solar Orbiter obtains during the coming years will help modellers in predicting the solar cycle. This is important for us on Earth because the suns activity causes solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can result in radio communication blackouts, destabilise our power grids, but also drive the sensational auroras, he said.

Lucie Green from University College London, who was involved in developing the Solar Orbiter, told New Scientist that studying magnetic fields at the Suns south pole could improve our understanding of the solar cycle. This cycle tends to rise and fall in intensity roughly every 11 years.

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 See the Sun from a whole new angle.



For the first time, our Solar Orbiter mission has captured close-up images of the Suns mysterious poles, regions long hidden from our view.



In 2025, Solar Orbiter gave us a first-ever look at the Suns south pole.



Remarkably, it pic.twitter.com/EhyYxtDyaR  European Space Agency (@esa) June 11, 2025

Notably, scientists already know that the Sun enters a calm phase when its magnetic fields are well organised, with set north and south poles.

During this time, the Sun is less likely to erupt violently. But as the poles switch places every 11 years, the magnetic fields become more tangled and unstable.

This turbulent phase causes the Sun to try and settle the disorder, leading to solar storms, with fragments of the Sun being flung towards Earth. These storms can interfere with satellites and electricity grids, though they also trigger stunning auroras in the sky.

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The Solar Orbiter has also captured some images of the Suns north pole, but ESA is still waiting for the data to be sent back to Earth.
On June 12, 1987, US President Ronald Reagan, standing before the Berlin Wall, famously challenged Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev: Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! Encapsulating Cold War tensions and the desire for liberation, the speech became a symbolic catalyst that foreshadowed the Walls fall and reshaped the future of Europe read more

US President Ronald Reagan speaks to the crowd gathered at the Brandenburg Gate after his arrival in West Berlin to help celebrate the city's 750th anniversary, June 12, 1987. File Image/Reuters

On this day in history  June 12  United States President Reagan delivered his iconic Tear down this wall! speech in Berlin, Anne Frank received the diary that would become her legacy, and the first ride of a two-wheeled vehicle was recorded.

As part of its History Today series, Firstpost revisits these pivotal moments.

Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!

Standing before the solemn grandeur of the Brandenburg Gate on June 12, 1987, US President Ronald Reagan delivered one of the most iconic speeches of the Cold War era.

With tens of thousands watching on both sides of the Iron Curtain, Reagan boldly addressed Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev: Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!

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This symbolic plea reverberated across the world and later became a defining moment in the collapse of Soviet-dominated Eastern Europe

Following World War II, the Allied powers divided Germany into zones, eventually crystallising into West Germany (Allied-administered) and East Germany (Soviet-controlled).

In August 1961, East Germany fortified its border, encasing West Berlin with walls, barbed wire, and guard towers to stem the mass exodus of citizens fleeing to the West  2.5 million had left before the barricade went up.

By 1987, Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev had initiated glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), but East German leaders resisted these reforms.

Reagans visit to Berlin during the citys 750th anniversary  and shortly after attending the Venice G7 summit  culminated at the Berlin Wall, where he seized an opportunity to send a dramatic message to the Soviet leadership .

Reagan began by acknowledging the fear and division permeating Europe, pledging support for freedom while affirming Western resolve.

He acknowledged Soviet gestures toward reform but cautioned they might be mere token measures  Are these the beginnings of profound changes or token gestures?

At the heart of the address, standing before the wall with the Brandenburg Gate behind him, Reagan made his historic demand: General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!

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He stated that the wall represented not just a German division, but a scar on humanity and a challenge to freedom worldwide.

Immediate reactions were mixed. Western media found the speech bold yet impractical; the Soviet news agency TASS branded it provocative and bellicose.

Gorbachev privately noted the rhetoric but described Reagan later as cooperative and courageous.

Former US President Ronald Reagan looks susprised when is was handed a hammer and chisel to work on one of the last remnants of the Berlin Wall, September 12, 1990. File Image/Reuters

American officials, including those at the State Department and National Security Council, had initially cautioned Reagan against making such a direct demand, worried it could undermine ongoing detente.

Reagans speech proved more transformative in hindsight. It resonated deeply with Berliners and freedom advocates worldwide, embedding itself in popular culture and political discourse.

Less than three years later, on November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell  opening a path to German reunification and the eventual end of the Cold War .

Reagans words came to symbolise a shift in global geopolitics  affirming that powerful rhetoric, backed by political will, can challenge authoritarian barriers and inspire change.

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Today, the speech is remembered as a powerful challenge to tyranny and a testament to the persuasive power of words. Reagans demand remains inscribed on the Brandenburger Tor memorial, a permanent reminder of a pivotal moment that changed the course of history.

Anne Frank receives a diary

On June 12, 1942, Anne Frank turned thirteen and received a red-and-white checkered diary  her beloved Kitty  as a birthday gift from her parents in Amsterdam.

Anne began writing that day, documenting everyday thoughts, challenges and aspirations. Within weeks, she and her family went into hiding in a secret annex to escape Nazi persecution.

Her diary became a poignant chronicle of life under threat, reflecting both fear and enduring hope.

Posthumously published as The Diary of a Young Girl in 1947, Annes words now echo worldwide as a powerful testament to resilience amid atrocity.

First ride of a two-wheeler

On June 12, 1817, German inventor Karl Friedrich Christian Ludwig Freiherr von Drais von Sauerbronn embarked on a groundbreaking journey in Mannheim, riding his Laufmaschine  or running machine  for approximately seven kilometres to the Schwetzinger Relaishaus and back.

This pedal-less, steerable two-wheeler, propelled by foot, is widely regarded as the precursor to the modern bicycle.

The entire round trip took him just over an hour  half the time required on foot  ushering in a new era in personal transport.

Despite early bans on pavements and road use, the Laufmaschine marked a monumental leap in mobility and engineering ingenuity, eventually evolving into todays bicycles.

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With inputs from agencies
After Indias Operation Sindoor exposed Pakistans air defence gaps and Chinese weapons failed to deliver, Islamabad is now eyeing Germanys IRIS-T missile system to counter Indias BrahMos. Despite economic distress, the country is prioritising defence upgrades. Why does Germanys system appeal to Pakistan? read more

People walk past a cut-out of BrahMos missile as they arrive to attend the roadshow of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad, India, May 26, 2025. File Image/Reuters

In the aftermath of Indias assertive military response, Pakistan is reassessing its air defence capabilities.

Operation Sindoor, conducted from 7 to 10 May 2025, demonstrated the effectiveness of the Indo-Russian BrahMos cruise missile in penetrating and crippling existing Pakistani air defence infrastructure.

With Indias supersonic precision-strike capabilities now proven in operational settings, Pakistan has turned its attention to advanced Western systems  particularly Germanys IRIS-T SLM  hoping to neutralise future threats from weapons like the BrahMos.

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The BrahMos not only exposed the vulnerabilities in Pakistans Comprehensive Layered Integrated Air Defence (CLIAD), but also left 11 out of 13 of Pakistans Air Force bases compromised.

The missile, with speeds reaching up to Mach 3 and a range between 450 to 800 km, overwhelmed Pakistans Chinese-supplied HQ-9B and HQ-16 missile defence systems. The accuracy and velocity of BrahMos, combined with its stealth and low radar cross-section, made it a particularly difficult target.

In this context, Islamabad is now reportedly evaluating two advanced air defence options  the German-developed IRIS-T and the Italian CAMM-ER.

However, Pakistan is showing a clear tilt towards the IRIS-T system, manufactured by Diehl Defence, which has seen operational success in Ukraine against Russian cruise missiles.

Why does Pakistan want Germanys IRIS-T?

The IRIS-T (InfraRed Imaging System  Tail/Thrust Vector Controlled), particularly its surface-launched medium-range version IRIS-T SLM, has garnered attention for its ability to tackle fast-moving cruise missiles and drones.

The SLM variant offers a maximum engagement range of 40 km and can target threats up to 20 km in altitude.

Reports from the Ukrainian frontlines suggest that the system successfully intercepted over 60 aerial targets  including missiles similar to Indias BrahMos  since its deployment began in October 2022.

Originally designed for Egypt, the IRIS-T SLM batteries were partly redirected to Ukraine during the ongoing conflict, where they have been used to counter Russian P-800 Oniks missiles  an earlier technological sibling of the BrahMos.

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Ukrainian officials revealed that in one engagement, the IRIS-T system intercepted eight Russian cruise missiles in just 30 seconds, safeguarding critical infrastructure from damage.

According to the Indian Defence Research Wing, the Oniks, like the BrahMos, flies at low altitudes at high speeds, making it a difficult target. Though the interception rate of the Oniks remains in single digits, the IRIS-Ts relative success has reportedly impressed Pakistani military planners.

Each IRIS-T SLM unit comprises a radar, command and control centre, and a set of launchers, all mounted on compact frames for swift deployment. The entire system is modular and transportable, enhancing battlefield flexibility.

At an estimated cost of 178200 million per battery, the system is expensive, but its proven performance and adaptability make it appealing to Islamabad, which is racing to upgrade its defences despite significant economic pressures.

Can Pakistan afford German defence?

Despite being in the midst of a fiscal crisis, Pakistan has sharply raised its defence expenditure. This year, the defence budget was increased by almost 20 per cent, even as development projects worth 1,000 billion Pakistani rupees were shelved.

In the same time frame, Islamabad secured nearly $1.8 billion in financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank.

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Criticism has followed. New Delhi raised objections to Islamabads rising military spending while continuing to receive international loans, pointing out that the loan amount would be used for terror financing rather than their intended use for development.

One complicating factor is Diehl Defences existing collaboration with India. The company, along with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, is involved in supplying the Interactive Defence and Attack System (IDAS) for Indias Rs 70,000 crore Project 75I submarine initiative.

If Germany chooses to proceed with arms sales to Pakistan, it could trigger diplomatic friction with New Delhi, which may view it as undermining Indias strategic edge.

Nevertheless, Germany and Pakistan have a history of defence and economic cooperation. The 2011 Pak-Germany Strategic Dialogue and a bilateral trade volume of 3.3 billion in 2023 form the backdrop for discreet German outreach to Islamabad through the European Security and Stability Initiative (ESSI).

Why is Islamabad leaning towards Germany?

While Italys CAMM-ER system, developed by MBDA, is also under consideration by Pakistan, it appears to fall short in key operational parameters when compared to the IRIS-T.

The CAMM-ER has a maximum range of 45 km and is designed to engage aircraft and cruise missiles at altitudes up to 20 km.

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It uses a fire-and-forget guidance system with a two-way datalink for mid-course correction, making it robust against electronic jamming. According to Resonant News, Its vertical launch capability reduces thermal signatures, offering a level of survivability.

However, the CAMM-ERs interception capabilities may be insufficient against the BrahMoss supersonic speed and sea-skimming trajectory.

While more affordable and compatible with Nato-standard systems, the Italian system has not undergone the same level of combat testing as the IRIS-T, particularly against missiles sharing the BrahMos performance envelope.

Moreover, geopolitical alignment plays a role. Italys close ties with Nato and a stronger relationship with India could complicate any direct sale of CAMM-ER systems to Pakistan.

In contrast, Germanys strategic balancing and economic focus are seen as more conducive to defence dealings with Islamabad. There are also reports that Pakistan might explore options to locally produce or assemble the IRIS-T system, which could alleviate stockpile concerns and potentially lower long-term costs.

Why does Pakistan think it is a necessary move?

For Pakistan, acquiring a robust, modular, and combat-proven system like the IRIS-T is not just about replacing obsolete defences  its about restoring deterrence in the face of Indias growing missile capabilities.

Indias deployment of the BrahMos Extended-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (BrahMos-ER LACM) has significantly altered the regional power dynamic. With a range now extended to 450 km and beyond, and with pinpoint accuracy of under one metre, the BrahMos has emerged as a cornerstone of Indias offensive capability.

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Indian Armys Brahmos missile system showcased at New Delhi, India. File Image/AFP

Pakistans military establishment sees the IRIS-T SLM as one of the few systems capable of responding to this threat. Its infrared seeker and thrust-vector control allow for agile interceptions of fast, evasive threats.

Its multi-layered variants (SLS, SLM, SLX) offer integration options with Pakistans Chinese and Western air defence components, giving Islamabad the flexibility it seeks.

However, acquisition comes with both strategic and financial risks. Each system would only cover a limited area, necessitating multiple deployments to safeguard key military and civilian infrastructure.

Even if deployed, the IRIS-Ts 40 km range would still require supplementary systems  such as the longer-range HQ-9B  to offer a more comprehensive shield.

And yet, in the current post-Sindoor landscape, it appears that Pakistan is prioritising its defence over its growing economic crisis.

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With inputs from agencies
Police probing the honeymoon murder in Meghalaya started suspecting Sonams role in her husband Raja Raghuvanshis murder after finding her mangalsutra and ring in their room at a homestay. The ornaments became the first major clue and eventually led police to what they believe was a contract killing, allegedly planned by Sonam and her suspected boyfriend, Raj Kushwaha read more

Raja Raghuvanshi (29) and Sonam were married on May 11 in Indore. PTI

Investigators looking into the honeymoon murder case in Meghalaya found a mangalsutra in a suitcase, and that discovery helped them begin to piece the case together.

But how did it end up there? And why did Sonam leave it behind?

The jewellery turned out to be the first big clue . It eventually led police to uncover what they believe was a contract killing, allegedly planned by Sonam and her suspected boyfriend.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, a court in Shillong remanded Sonam , Raj Kushwaha, and three others to eight days of police custody.

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In this explainer, we look at how the mangalsutra helped solve the case and where the investigation stands now

Lets take a look:

How mangalsutra helped police to crack the case

During a search of the couples room at a homestay, police found a mangalsutra and a ring belonging to Sonam.

This didnt mean much until we found (Rajas) body. All evidence at the time hinted that Sonam is alive, an officer told ThePrint.

As per a police officer quoted by PTI, Sonam and Raja had reached a homestay in Sohra on May 22 without a prior booking.

A court in Shillong remanded Sonam, Raj Kushwaha, and three others to eight days of police custody. Image: News18

Since no rooms were available, they left their suitcase there, as carrying it on a trek of over 3,000 steps to Nongriat village would have been difficult. They were heading to see the double-decker root bridge.

We recovered Sonams mangalsutra and a ring from the suitcase the couple abandoned at a homestay in Sohra, DGP Nongrang told the news agency.

He added, A married woman leaving behind the ornaments gave us a clue to pursue her as a suspect in the case.

Meanwhile, police began reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to people, including staff at homestays and hotels the couple had visited.

They also started checking call data records from both Sonams and Rajas phones. These records helped investigators begin identifying possible suspects.

While the suitcase remained at the Sohra homestay, the couple stayed the night at a homestay in Nongriat and checked out early on May 23.

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After trekking back to Sohra, they picked up their scooter and went to Weisawdong Falls. It was there, the officer said, that Raja was allegedly killed by three contract killers in front of his wife.

Did Sonam admit to involvement in Raja Raghuvanshis murder?

Sources told CNN-News18 that Sonam confessed to her role in the killing of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, on Wednesday.

The confession reportedly came during questioning by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). She is also said to have admitted to planning the murder with help from Raj Kushwaha, who had confessed a day earlier.

A court in Shillong has sent Sonam, Raj Kushwaha, and three others to police custody for eight days, until June 19.

Missing to murder: All about the Sonam-Raja Raghuvanshi case

Raja Raghuvanshi (29) and Sonam were married on May 11 in Indore. They were reported missing during their honeymoon in Meghalaya on May 23.

On June 2, Rajas body was found in a deep gorge near a waterfall in Sohra (Cherrapunji) in the East Khasi Hills district.

Initially reported missing, Sonam resurfaced in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday night. She surrendered to the police there, while three of the attackers were caught in late-night raids on Monday.

Sonam has now been taken into custody. Image: News18

The accomplices include Akash Rajput (19), Vishal Singh Chauhan (22), and Anand Kurmi. Raj Singh Kushwaha (21), accused of being the mastermind, was arrested later.

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Meghalaya Police brought all the accused to Shillong, where they were presented before a local court.

Police officials said Raj Kushwaha and the three men accused of carrying out the murder have known each other for a long time.

Indore Police revealed that Kushwaha stayed back during the couples Meghalaya trip to avoid drawing attention and continued with his regular activities.

Though he studied only up to Class 12, Kushwaha worked as an accountant at a furniture sheet business owned by Sonams family in Indores Govind Nagar Kharcha area. Sonam was also involved in managing the family business.

With inputs from agencies
US President Trump has ordered limited troop and staff withdrawals from parts of West Asia amid rising tensions with Iran and fears of regional escalation. As nuclear talks stall and US assets come under threat, this move has put into the spotlight the scale of Americas military presence across the region read more

Armoured vehicles belonging to Iraqi security forces are stationed outside the US Embassy in Baghdads Green Zone, Iraq, June 12, 2025. File Image/Reuters

United States President Donald Trump has ordered a repositioning of American personnel stationed across West Asia, citing emerging dangers and growing risks of escalation.

This development comes amid deadlocked nuclear negotiations with Iran and the spectre of military confrontation.

On June 11, Trump confirmed that some personnel were being relocated from the region. They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and well see what happens, he said.

He also issued a pointed reminder about Irans nuclear ambitions: They cant have a nuclear weapon. Very simple, they cant have a nuclear weapon.

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According to US and Iraqi sources, the US State Department authorised voluntary departures of government employees and their dependents from Bahrain and Kuwait, while preparations were also underway for a partial evacuation of the US embassy in Baghdad.

Though officials have not detailed the precise threats prompting this move, the decision has sent shockwaves through oil markets and defence circles.

What is behind the move?

On Wednesday, the US State Department updated its global travel advisory, noting that on June 11, the US Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency US government personnel due to heightened regional tensions.

The decision also comes at a time of growing concern within American intelligence circles that Israel is making contingency plans for a possible strike on Irans nuclear infrastructure.

While the US is making precautionary moves, regional governments are also watching developments closely. Iraqs state news agency reported that Baghdad had not recorded any security indicator warranting evacuation.

Nonetheless, the US military was reportedly on standby should commercial evacuation efforts require logistical support.

Irans Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned of a strong retaliation if the Islamic Republic were attacked, asserting that Iranian forces would respond by striking US bases in the region.

Meanwhile, Irans UN mission issued a strongly worded statement on social media: Threats of overwhelming force wont change facts: Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon and US militarism only fuels instability.

General Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), had recently provided Trump with a wide range of options to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Kurilla later postponed a scheduled testimony before US lawmakers due to the escalating situation.

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Even as evacuations are being carried out in some areas, operations continue elsewhere. The US embassy in Kuwait stated that it had not changed its staffing posture and remains fully operational, and officials confirmed that there were no changes at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar  the largest US base in the region.

Where in West Asia does the US have military presence?

The United States maintains a widespread military infrastructure throughout West Asia, with troops and assets stationed across at least nineteen sites.

These include facilities in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The Pentagon has designated eight of these bases as effectively permanent, and several of them are vital to ongoing operations.

Image Courtesy: Council on Foreign Relations (March, 2025)

Qatar hosts the forward headquarters of CENTCOM, while Bahrain serves as home to the US Navys Fifth Fleet. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, built in 1996, is considered the most significant US base in the region in terms of personnel and capability.

US troop levels in the region fluctuate depending on strategic needs. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, as of late 2024, approximately 40,000 American military personnel were present in the region, including many stationed on ships in regional waters.

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This is a sharp contrast to earlier deployments in the 2000s, when more than 160,000 troops were in Iraq (2007) and over 100,000 in Afghanistan (2011). Today, there are roughly 2,500 troops in Iraq and around 2,000 in Syria, primarily concentrated in the northeast.

In addition to their counter-terrorism role, American forces in Jordan conduct regular joint exercises and provide training to Jordanian counterparts.

Across countries like the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, US forces assist with regional military coordination, security assurance and strategic preparedness. These installations are typically well-protected with advanced air defence systems to deter drone and missile threats.

Why are US troops stationed in West Asia?

The broader regional security environment has deteriorated since October 2023, when war broke out between Hamas and Israel.

Following that, Iran-backed groups across the region increased attacks on US positions, particularly in Iraq and Syria. Although these attacks have subsided since late 2024, the underlying threats remain.

In March 2025, US forces aboard warships in the Red Sea conducted airstrikes against Houthi-controlled territories in Yemen in response to repeated drone and missile attacks.

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These operations are part of an ongoing campaign to protect international shipping lanes, especially in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Houthi movement has claimed over 100 attacks on vessels near Yemen, citing solidarity with Palestinians in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In April 2024, the situation escalated further when Iran launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel in a direct attack, prompting the US to intercept several projectiles using its aircraft and naval forces.

Later that year, another round of missile strikes by Iran coincided with Israels operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

In both instances, the US responded with reinforcements, including four squadrons of additional aircraft and an extended deployment of B-2 stealth bombers, relocated from their base in Missouri to Diego Garcia  a joint US-UK installation located strategically within range of Iran and Yemen.

These deployments followed months of skirmishes in Iraq and Syria, where Iran-aligned militias have used drones and rockets to target US positions. In return, American forces have conducted targeted airstrikes against these groups and their infrastructure.

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How has the US Navy bolstered its status in the region?

Since the start of Trumps second term, some US Navy warships were temporarily redirected to support domestic security missions. However, as of March 2025, two carrier strike groups are expected to operate simultaneously within CENTCOMs jurisdiction.

The USS Harry S Trumans deployment has been extended, while the USS Carl Vinson also arrived later.

These carrier deployments are viewed as a signal of strength and deterrence, particularly as shipping lanes near Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Red Sea remain under threat from non-state actors.

Britains maritime agency issued a warning this week, alerting vessels transiting through the Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz to exercise extreme caution due to the potential for military escalation.

The UK Foreign Office is also monitoring the situation and is reassessing embassy operations in Iraq based on developments.

Trump has made it clear that diplomatic options are dwindling and that Tehrans continued uranium enrichment is a growing concern.

Upcoming nuclear talks between Iran and the US are expected to resume soon. Tehran is anticipated to submit a counter-proposal after rejecting a US offer.

However, a senior Iranian official stated that military pressure has always been a core element of US negotiation tactics  a stance that continues to inflame the already volatile relationship between the two nations.

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With inputs from agencies
Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani was killed in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad today (June 12). He was on his way to London to meet his family. The 68-year-old BJP leader was known for his soft-spoken, calm and steady political style read more

Vijay Rupani was the former chief minister of Gujarat.

Former Gujarat chief Minister Vijay Rupani was killed on the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad today (June 12).

The London-bound plane crashed just minutes after taking off.

Union Minister CR Patil on Thursday confirmed that Rupani was board.

Our leader, former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, was on that flight. He, too, has fallen victim to this tragic accident. May God grant peace to his soul.

While all 242 passengers and crew were feared dead, there are reports of a single survivor.

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Rupani, who was in seat 2D of the Boeing Dreamliner, was headed to London to meet his family.

He was seated in business class.

Rupani is survived by his wife Anjali and their two children.

But who was the 68-year-old Rupani? What do we know about him?

Lets take a closer look

Who was he?

Rupani, 68, was a low-profile BJP leader and an RSS man through and through.

Rupani was born in Myanmars Rangoon on August 2, 1956  the youngest of seven children.

Rupani and his family moved to Gujarat due to political instability in Myanmar.

Read Ahmedabad Plane Crash LIVE updates

Rupani, who is from the Jain Bania community, joined an RSS shakha while he was still in school.

He later joined the RSS student wing  the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

He graduated from Saurashtra University with a law degree.

In 1971, Rupani was associated with the Jan Sangh.

He cut his political teeth in the Gujarat Navnirman agitation in 1974.

Rupani was jailed for a year during the during the Emergency in the Bhuj and Bhavnagar jails.

He later joined the RSS where he served as a pracharak from 1978 to 1981.

VIjay Rupani, 68, was born in Myanmars Rangoon on August 2, 1956

Rupani has been associated with the BJP from the partys formation.

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He initially worked in the BJPs organisational wing, before being elected a municipal councilor in Rajkot in 1987.

He also served as mayor of Gujarat from 1996 to 1997.

It was here that he first gained popularity for his focus on infrastructure.

In 1998, Rupani was elected the BJPs general secretary in Gujarat.

It was a position he would serve in on four occasions.

He also served as the partys state spokesperson.

Rupani was also appointed the chairman of Gujarat tourism in 2006.

The board at this time roped in Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan to promote Gujarat as a tourism destination.

He was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2006 to 2012.

Rupani fought his first Assembly election in 2014  in which he prevailed from Rajkot West.

Rupani was inducted into the Gujarat Cabinet of Anandiben Patel and given the portfolio of transport, water supply, labour and employment.

He also briefly served as BJP president of Gujarat  from February to August 2016.

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Rupani as Gujarat Chief Minister

Rupani first became a candidate for Chief Minister of Gujarat after Anandiben  the first and only woman to hold the highest post in Gujarat  quit in 2016.

Rupani was in a toss-up with Nitin Patel  until Amit Shah reportedly weighed in and convinced Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Rupani was the man for the job.

Rupani and Shah were said to be extremely close.

A senior Gujarat BJP leader told Firstpost at the time, Amit Shah had the last laugh.

Amit Shah and VIjay Rupani in 2016.

Rupani became Chief Minister of Gujarat on February 19, 2016.

Rupani returned to the chief ministers chair in 2017  defeating anti-incumbency and a violent stir by the Patidars.

His political style was often described as soft-spoken, calm and steady.

Rupani would remain in the chief ministers chair till September 2021  when he resigned from the post.

I am ready to serve in whichever the role the party assigns to me," Rupani said at the time.

I want to thank BJP for giving me this opportunity to serve as Gujarats CM. During my tenure, I got the opportunity to add to the development of the state under PM Modis leadership.

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Rupani in 2022 announced he would not contest Assembly polls.

However, he was the BJP in charge for the Punjab polls.

Incidentally, this is the second time a former Gujarat Chief Minister has died in a plane accident.

Congress leader Balwantrai Mehta, the second Chief Minister of Gujarat, died in a plane crash in September 1965.

Mehtas plane was downed by a Pakistan Air Force pilot.

Mehta, his wife, three of his staff, two crew and a journalist were also on board.

With inputs from agencies
Last week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk claimed that Donald Trump, whom he endorsed for president and gave hundreds of millions of dollars in campaign contributions, was part of the files linked to Jeffrey Epstein. This week, Musk has backed down, saying his posts against Trump went too far. Post the apology, Tesla shares rose, and Musks net worth increased by $191 million read more

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has backtracked this week, apologising and saying his posts against Donald Trump went too far. AP

Last week, Elon Musk made a serious allegation against US President Donald Trump.

The Tesla CEO and richest man in the world claimed that Trump, who he endorsed for president and to whom he gave hundreds of millions of dollars in campaign contributions, was part of the files linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender, killed himself in prison in 2019.

https://youtu.be/napcup3hVbE

However, Musk quickly backtracked this week, apologising and saying his posts against went too far.

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Musks apology also came ahead of a major product launch for Tesla next week.

But how did the feud escalate? And how has his apology has been good for business?

Lets take a closer look

How the feud escalated

It began with Trump and Musk having a fallout over the Republican presidents big, beautiful bill.

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, Musk wrote on X on June 3.

Trump, two days later, during a meeting in the Oval Office with Germanys new leader, said he was very disappointed with Musks comments.

Elon knew the inner workings of this bill better than almost anybody sitting here, Trump said. Elon and I had a great relationship. I dont know if we will anymore.

He hasnt said bad about me personally, but Im sure that will be next, Trump said. But Im very disappointed in Elon. Ive helped Elon a lot.

False, Musk hit back immediately on X even as Trump continued to speak. This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!

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When Trump further said he would have won Pennsylvania easily without Musks help, The Tesla CEO responded immediately.

Musk, remember, spend hundreds of millions of dollars to elect Trump including a $1 million a day giveaway in Pennsylvania.

Musk responded that Trump would have lost the election without him and that the Democrats would control both the House and the Senate.

Donald Trump said he was very disappointed with Elon Musk. Reuters

The Big Ugly Bill will INCREASE the deficit to $2.5 trillion! Musk added.

Musk then put up a poll asking his followers if it was time to create a new political party  one that represented the 80 per cent of Americans in the middle.

Musk then pointed out that he would be around for a lot longer than Trump.

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

Trump then launched an all-out assault on Musk.

I asked him to leave, I took away his EV Mandate that forced everyone to buy Electric Cars that nobody else wanted (that he knew for months I was going to do!), and he just went CRAZY! Trump wrote on social media.

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Trump also threatened Musks government subsidies and contracts.

He wrote, The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didnt do it!

Such an obvious lie. So sad, Musk responded.

Then came the big bombshell accusation.

Musk claimed Trump appeared in the Jeffrey Epstein files .

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, Musk wrote.

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.

Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out, Musk added.

On June 6, the White House claimed that the two men were said to have a phone call to clear the air.

However, Trump, in his usual fashion put paid to that telling ABC he was not particularly interested in speaking to Musk.

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Im not even thinking about Elon. Hes got a problem. The poor guys got a problem, Trump said.

Musk backs down

Trumps threats against Musks subsidies and government contracts seemed to have worked.

Musk on Wednesday back down from his claims.

I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far, Musk wrote on X early Wednesday morning.

This came after Musk made a private phone call to Trump.

The development came after Musk and Trump allies including Vice President J Dance and White House Chief Suzie Wiles privately met to discuss a truce.

SpaceX headquarters is shown in Hawthorne, California. The company receives billions of dollars in revenue every year in government contracts. Reuters

Trump, for his part, appeared pacified by the apology.

I thought it was very nice that he did that, Trump told the New York Post. Look, I have no hard feelings, Trump said. I was really surprised that that happened. He went after a bill thats phenomenal. He just  I think he feels very badly that he said that, actually.

The President acknowledged the statement that Elon put out this morning and he is appreciative of it and we are continuing to focus on the business of the American people, the White House said in a statement.

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How has Musks apology been good for business?

According to Forbes, Musks net worth rose to $411.4 billion after the apology  an increase of $191 million.

This came as, Teslas shares, which had tanked 14 per cent in the middle of the feud, gained around 1 per cent on Wednesday.

The spat between the two men had caused Musk around $34 billion of his net worth  which makes given that SpaceX and Tesla, which form a huge chunk of his net worth, are hugely dependent on government contracts and subsidies.

Investors in Musks companies would now be heaving a sigh of relief after his apology to Trump.

Now, with both men seemingly on a path to reconciliation, Musk can keep financing Trump and the Republicans political ambitions and the government money can keep flowing for both SpaceX and Tesla.

With inputs from agencies
As the lines between airports and urban neighbourhoods blur, the challenge of maintaining safety grows more urgent read more

People near the debris of the Air India plane that crashed moments after taking off from the airport, in Ahmedabad, Thursday, June 12, 2025. The London-bound plane was carrying 242 passengers. PTI

The of Air India Flight AI 171 a Boeing 787 Dreamliner shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has cast a long shadow over civil aviation sector and urban safety planning.

With over 240 people on board, the aircraft was bound for London when it plunged into Meghaninagar, a densely populated neighbourhood located just a few kilometres from the airport. Within minutes of takeoff, the jetliners descent sparked an enormous blaze, consuming residential structures and leaving scores of residents injured.

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This harrowing event has reignited a complex, often overlooked issue: the proximity of high-density residential areas to major international airports. While aviation safety has seen substantial advancements over the decades, the tragedy in Ahmedabad underlines how urban planning lapses and insufficient zoning regulations can render those advances impotent in moments of crisis.

Vulnerability at low altitudes

Air travel is statistically among the safest modes of transportation, but certain phases of flight are more vulnerable than others. Takeoff and landingwhen aircraft are at low altitudes and manoeuvering at relatively slow speedspose significant risks. During these phases, pilots have limited time and restricted spatial margins to respond to mechanical failures, bird strikes or other emergencies.

In the case of Flight AI 171, it appears the aircraft had barely cleared the airport perimeter before encountering trouble. With insufficient altitude to manoeuver or regain control, the aircraft descended rapidly into Meghaninagar, giving the crew no feasible options to divert away from the populated area. The tragic consequences reflect the intrinsic hazards posed when residential zones are permitted to develop within close range of an airports flight corridor.

Urban encroachment into flight paths

The Meghaninagar incident illustrates a growing global issue: the expansion of urban settlements into flight paths and airport buffer zones. Ahmedabads situation is far from unique.

As urban populations swell and cities sprawl outward, land use planning often fails to keep pace. Zoning enforcement around airportstypically intended to preserve safe airspacecan lapse under different form of pressures, giving way to haphazard construction.

The consequence is predictable and perilous. With structures directly underneath flight paths, any in-flight emergency transforms into a multi-layered disaster affecting both those on board and those on the ground.

The firestorm factor

The extent of destruction caused by todays crash was exacerbated by the aircrafts heavy fuel load. As a long-haul international flight bound for London, the Boeing 787 would have carried tens of thousands of litres of aviation fuel at the time of departure. This immense fuel volume significantly increased the severity of the post-crash fire.

In urban aviation incidents, fuel acts not only as a fire accelerant but also broadens the radius of destruction. Flammable materials in nearby buildings, narrow roads restricting emergency access and densely packed structures all compound the difficulty for first responders.

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In Meghaninagar, the fire spread quickly through adjoining homes, making the response even more challenging for firefighting and medical teams.

Historical echoes

Tragic as it is, the crash of Flight AI 171 joins a troubling list of similar incidents from across the world. The aviation community has witnessed numerous such events where aircraft crashes have been amplified by the presence of nearby residential or commercial zones.

In May 2025, a Cessna Citation II aircraft crashed into San Diegos Murphy Canyon neighbourhood during final approach, igniting fires and causing extensive property damage. In 1992, El Al Flight 1862a cargo aircraftcrashed into a residential apartment block in Amsterdams Bijlmermeer district after losing two engines shortly after takeoff, killing 43 individuals. A decade later, a small aircraft crashed into Milans Pirelli Tower, sparking intense public debate about the role of inner-city airports.

Each of these tragedies shares a common denominator: inadequate spatial buffers between airports and urban populations. Despite their devastating outcomes and the investigations that followed, similar risks persist in cities around the world, including in Indias rapidly urbanising metros.

The case of the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport

While tragedy unfolded in Ahmedabad, developments in Indias airport infrastructure spotlight both promise and delay. The Navi Mumbai International Airport, which was initially expected to commence operations by mid-May 2025, remains under construction. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) recently issued a Notam (Notice to Airmen) declaring the aerodrome unavailable until August 6, indicating continued delays in its commissioning.

The Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) issued earlier this year had omitted key navigational details, such as departure and arrival routes, though it included vital information on airport infrastructure, firefighting readiness, obstacle listings and fuel capacities. The AIPs listing of 225 surrounding obstaclesincluding 86 residential buildings and cell mastsraises early warnings about the encroachment risks that Navi Mumbai could soon face if zoning enforcement is not proactive.

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Meanwhile, the Noida International Airport, another ambitious project, is progressing toward operational readiness. Notably enough, this satellite city of Delhi is immersed in high rises as well. Like Navi Mumbai, this airport must remain vigilant about buffer zones and urban development. With an anticipated capacity of 12 million passengers in its initial phaseand 70 million annually upon full expansionthe surrounding ecosystem must be managed to avoid replicating risks evident in older urban-airport environments.

Governance and community safety

The crash in Ahmedabad is not merely an aviation incident. It is a wake-up call for stricter enforcement of zoning laws, compulsory resettlement of high-risk residential pockets and the creation of adequate green buffer zones should be prioritised. Advanced warning systems, better community education about aviation risks and strategic emergency planning can also mitigate potential damage in case of future incidents.

Learning from tragedy, planning for safety

The Air India crash in Ahmedabad is a stark and painful reminder of the real-world consequences of ignoring urban planning in the context of aviation safety. It highlights the complex interplay between infrastructure, regulatory foresight and the lived realities of citizens residing under flight paths.

The lessons from Meghaninagar must not be shelved as another tragic chapter in aviation history. They must catalyse reform, enforce accountability and drive a systemic rethinking of how airports and cities coexist.
Ahmedabad plane crash: Here we look at 10 worst air accidents in Indian aviation history. read more

Locals and police crowd at the crash site of Mangaluru Air India Express on May 22, 2010. File image/PTI

An Air India passenger plane crashed in Gujarats Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon with more than 200 people onboard.

The Air India AI171 flight was going from Ahmedabad to London. It crashed in Ahmedabads Shahibaug area shortly after takeoff.

This is at least the second major aviation accident in Ahmedabad. Earlier in 1988, an Indian Airlines flight crashed in the city and 133 people were killed in the incident.

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The 1988 air crash was the worst in India until the Charkhi Dadri crash of 1996 in which at least 349 people were killed.

Here are the 10 worst aviation disaster in Indian history.

1. Charkhi Dadri crash, 1996

A Saudi plane and a Kazakhstani plan collided in the sky over Haryanas Charkhi Dadri district on November 12, 1996, killing at least 349 people.

The accident is the worst mid-air collision till date in history. Investigators found pilot error to be the cause of the accident.

Investigators found that the Kazakhstani pilot could not understand repeated instruction of the air traffic controller because of their poor understanding of English language, according to Rediff News.

While the Kazakhstani plane was commanded to fly at 15,000 feet, the plane made an unauthorised descent to 14,000 feet that led to the collision with the Saudi plane that was approaching Delhi.

2. Arabian Sea crash, 1978

Air India flight 855, named Emperor Ashoka, crashed into the Arabian Sea on January 1, 1978. All 213 people on board were killed.

The Mumbai-Dubai flight crashed two miles from shore and within just four minutes of the take-off.

The accident is believed to be a result of a combination of pilot error and equipment malfunction.

The qualifications of the pilots were also put into question. The pilot had been grounded in 1975 for uncontrolled diabetes and excessive use of alcohol and consumption of alcohol the night before the flight made him more susceptible to disorientation, according to a US court, as per a UPI report from 1985.

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3. Mangalore crash, 2010

An Air India Express flight overshot the runway at Karnatakas Mangalore airport on May 22, 2010, and fell into a gorge, killing 158 lives.

An investigation blamed the accident on the captains failure to discontinue the unstabilised approach and his persistence in continuing with the landing approach despite multiple calls from his first officer to turn around and many warnings from Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System.

The Mangalore airports tabletop runway is particularly dangerous. A tabletop runway is one thats built like a raised plateau where it is higher than the surrounding terrain, turning the surroundings into a gorge.

4. Ahmedabad crash, 1988

Indian Airlines flight IC113 crashed in Ahmedabad on October 19, 1988, killing 133 people on board.

Investigators blamed the accident on errors of the pilot-in-command and co-pilot, which were aggravated by bad weather.

Investigators said that the non-adherence of procedures under poor visibility conditions and the failure to follow approved procedures and directives caused the accident.

5. Air India crash in Mont Blanc, Europe

Air India flight 101 crashed near the summit of Mont Blanc in Europes Alps on January 24, 1966, killing all 117 people on board.

Among the passengers of the Bombay-New York flight was scientist Homi Jehangir Bhabha, the father of the Indian nuclear programme.

The disaster is notable for the interest it has generated over the years. Even though pilot error has been blamed for the disaster, no decisive conclusion has been reached, and many theories over the years have developed around the accident.

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6. Patna crash, 2000

An Alliance Air plane crashed in Patna on July 17, 2000, killing a total of 60 people.

While 55 people in the plane were killed, five people on the ground were also killed. The flight was going from Kolkata to Delhi via Patna and Lucknow.

7. Kozhikode 2020 crash

At least 20 people, including a pilot, were killed in 2020 when the Air India Express Dubai-Kozhikode Vande Bharat flight crashed at Kozhikode, Kerala.

Investigators blamed pilot error for the accident that was worsened by the tabletop runway that led to the plane falling 110 feet after overshooting the runway.

8. Aurangabad crash, 1993

Indian Airlines flight IC491 crashed in Maharashtras Aurangabad on April 26, 1993, killing 55 people.

The plane lifted at the fag-end of the runway and collided into a truck 410 feet from the runway. The plane that hit high-tension electric wires around 3 kilometres off the runway and hit the ground. Pilot error as well as the failure of officials to regulate mobile traffic were held responsible for the disaster.

9. Bombay crash, 1976

Indian Airlines flight 171 crashed at Bombay (now Mumbai) October 12, 1976, killing all 95 onboard.

10. Bangalore crash, 1990

Indian Airlines flight IC 605 crashed in Karnatakas Bengaluru (then Bangalore) on February 14, 1990, killing 92 people.

Pilot error and possible technical confusion were blamed for the accident.
While the families of the Ahmedabad plane crash victims are already finding it tough to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones, what is adding to their woes is the long wait they have to endure to get their mortal remains.

More than 30 hours have passed since the horrific crash of Air Indias London-bound flight in Meghaninagar area of Ahmedabad shortly after its take-off from the city airport snuffed out the lives of 265 people, including 241 passengers and 12 crew members.

So far, the bodies of only six victims were handed over to their families after identification.

As soon as the news of the plane crash was flashed, the distressed family members of those on board frantically tried to contact them and later rushed to the Gujarat city clinging on to hope. Some flew all the way from abroad, some within the country.

Most of the kin gave their blood samples so that their DNA could be matched with the deceased.

A doctor at the venue where samples are taken said DNA sampling is the only option to verify the bodies of the deceased.

We are just collecting the samples. The sampling is being done by three forensic labs (two in Gandhinagar and one in Ahmedabad), he said.

A statement by the Gujarat health department said it would take 72 hours or more for matching the DNA samples of victims with their relatives.

Till then, the victims family members will have to endure the painful wait.
One survivor has been found among the passengers of the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad, according to police commissioner GS Malik read more

People near the debris of the Air India plane that crashed moments after taking off from the airport, in Ahmedabad, Thursday, June 12, 2025. The London-bound plane was carrying 242 passengers. PTI

The rescuers have found one survivor among the passengers of the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad, according to the police.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik said, The police found one survivor in seat number 11A.

The survivor has been identified as Vishwas Kumar Ramesh.

Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was loud noisethere were pieces of plane all around meSomeone grabbed me and put me in an ambulance, Ramesh was quoted as saying.

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Malik told AFP that 204 bodies had been recovered from the site of the crash and 41 persons were undergoing treatment. The bodies included people from both from the flight and the building it struck.

The Air India flight AI171 had 242 passengers and 12 crew members. Air India flight AI171 on Thursday crashed minutes after takeoff at around 2 pm in Ahmedabads Meghaninagar area. The plane crashed into doctors residential quarters at the BJ Medical College.
Air India confirmed that the ill-fated plane was carrying passengers of four nationalities. Of the 242 passengers, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British, 1 Canadian and 7 Portuguese read more

An Air India passenger plane bound for London with 244 people onboard Thursday (June 12) in Ahmedabad, the airline and local authorities confirmed.

The Indian carrier, in a statement, said that the plane was carrying people of four nationalities.

The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals, it said.

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The airline said it was cooperating with the authorities for the investigation into the accident.

The UK high commission also issued a statement, saying it was in touch with local authorities to establish facts.

More from India Ahmedabad plane crash: 40 feared dead as Air India plane crashes 5 minutes after take-off

We are aware that a flight from Ahmedabad to London has crashed near Ahmedabad airport. We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected

We are aware that a flight from Ahmedabad to London has crashed near Ahmedabad airport.



We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected.https://t.co/F4EhI9H9Qx  UK in India (@UKinIndia) June 12, 2025

The plane crashed soon after taking off from Ahmedabad International Airport around 2 pm, police said.

We are acquiring details about the casualties, said Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kanan Desai.

Fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the blaze, said fire officer Jayesh Khadia.

Several injured persons were taken to city civil hospital, an official said.

A large plume of black smoke was seen rising from the locality soon after the crash. Emergency responders reached the site promptly and have launched intensive rescue, evacuation, and firefighting operations.

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Reactions are now pouring in from around the world following the deadly plane crash in India. Air India said the flight AI171 was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft read more

Emergency personnel work at the crash site of an Air India plane in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025, in this still image taken from video. Source: ANI

Air India on Thursday (June 12) confirmed that flight AI171 bound to Gatwick in London, was involved in an accident after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident, the Airline said

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The aircraft fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter immediately after departure from Runway 23. Thick plumes of smoke could be seen at the accident spot as emergency crews reached the spot.

Meanwhile, reactions are now pouring in from around the world following the deadly plane crash in India.

France

Ambassador of France to India, Thierry Mathou, issued a statement, saying France was saddened by the reports of plane crash.

France is deeply saddened by reports of a plane crash in #Ahmedabad. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. We express our full solidarity at this difficult time."

France is deeply saddened by reports of a plane crash in #Ahmedabad.

Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones.

We express our full solidarity at this difficult time.  Thierry Mathou (@thierry_mathou) June 12, 2025

UK

UK PM Keir Starmer called the incident devastating.

The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.

The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.



I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 12, 2025

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UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a statement.

Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support, he wrote on X.

Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India.



My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support.  David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 12, 2025

The UK high commission also issued a statement, saying it was in touch with local authorities to establish facts.

We are aware that a flight from Ahmedabad to London has crashed near Ahmedabad airport. We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected

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We are aware that a flight from Ahmedabad to London has crashed near Ahmedabad airport.



We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected.https://t.co/F4EhI9H9Qx  UK in India (@UKinIndia) June 12, 2025

British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron said in a post on X Im deeply saddened by the news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad today. My thoughts are with the people and families of everyone affected.

Were working with local authorities and the airline to seek further information. We stand ready to support British nationals who require consular assistance - you can call the FCDO on +44 20 7008 5000 or Air India on 1800 5691 444.

US

The US consulate in Mumbai issued an advisory for its citizens in the area.

We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad today, June 12, 2025. We urge U.S. citizens in the affected areas who are safe to contact their loved ones directly and/or update their status on social media. If you are in the affected area and need immediate emergency services, please contact local authorities, it said in a statement.

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Russia

Putin offers condolences to India over Ahmedabad plane crash

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the tragic passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

In an official message addressed to both Indian leaders, President Putin expressed sorrow over the incident. Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad, Putin said.

The Russian President also offered words of comfort to those affected, saying, Kindly convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and near ones of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe.

Iran

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of #Iran in New Delhi expresses its deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences over the tragic crash of a passenger aircraft in #Ahmedabad. We extend our sympathies to the Government and people of India, especially to the bereaved families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. We also wish a swift and full recovery to all those who have been injured in this heartbreaking incident. We stand with the people of India in this moment of sorrow, posts Iran in India

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of #Iran in New Delhi expresses its deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences over the tragic crash of a passenger aircraft in #Ahmedabad.

We extend our sympathies to the Government and people of #India, especially to the bereaved families of  Iran in India (@Iran_in_India) June 12, 2025

Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: To my friend @PMOIndia @narendramodi and the people of India, I was saddened to learn of the tragic Air India crash that has taken the lives of 242 men, women and children. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:



To my friend @PMOIndia @narendramodi and the people of India,

I was saddened to learn of the tragic Air India crash that has taken the lives of 242 men, women and children.



My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen.  Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) June 12, 2025

Foemer UK PM Rishi Sinal said in a post on X Akshata and I are deeply shocked and distressed by the news of the Air India tragedy.

There is a unique bond between our two nations and our thoughts and prayers go out to the British and Indian families who have lost loved ones today.

Akshata and I are deeply shocked and distressed by the news of the Air India tragedy.



There is a unique bond between our two nations and our thoughts and prayers go out to the British and Indian families who have lost loved ones today.  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 12, 2025

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Pakistan

Foriegn Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar said in a post on X Saddened at the crash of Air India flight in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Condolences over the loss of precious lives in this tragic incident. Our sympathies are with the families of the victims in this hour of grief.

Afghanistan

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Abdul Qahar Balkhi said in a post on X, IEA-MoFA is deeply saddened by crash of an Indian commercial aircraft, and expresses its sympathies and condolences to the families of the victims and government of India.
Air India flight AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad raises fresh concerns over Boeing 787 safety, months after engineers chilling warning about structural flaws and rushed production, according to a report read more

A view shows the rear of an Air India plane following its crash in Ahmedabad. Reuters

Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad on Thursday, .

The aircraft, en route to London Gatwick, went down near a residential neighborhood, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air. Emergency crews responded swiftly, transporting injured passengers to local hospitals as rescue efforts got underway immediately.

According to a MoneyControl report, the incident marks the first-ever total loss of a Boeing 787 since its commercial debut in 2011.

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Once celebrated as a flagship of next-generation aviation, the Dreamliner has since faced persistent issues, including technical malfunctions, production delays, and ongoing safety concerns.

What is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner?

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a long-haul, wide-body, twin-engine jet developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. First entering service in 2011, it was engineered to deliver improved fuel efficiency, enhanced passenger comfort, and better operating economics compared to previous models.

More from India Helpline numbers launched after Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad

Composite material: More than half of the Dreamliners airframe (by weight) is made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer, significantly reducing the aircrafts weight and improving fuel efficiency.

Efficient engines: Equipped with either Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 or GE GEnx engines, the 787 offers approximately 20% better fuel efficiency than the Boeing 767, the aircraft it was designed to replace.

Long range: The 787-8 variant can fly up to 13,530 kilometers, allowing airlines to operate direct international routes that bypass traditional hub airports.

Air Indias history with the Dreamliner

In October 2012, Air India became the first airline to receive a Boeing 787 Dreamliner assembled at Boeings South Carolina facility, marking a departure from the companys primary production site in Everett, Washington.

This aircraft was the third Dreamliner delivered to the Indian national carrier, with the first two originating from Everett.

Today, Air India operates a fleet of 787-8 Dreamliners, primarily serving long-haul international destinations including the UK, North America, and the Middle East. The aircraft forms a key part of the airlines global operations.

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A troubled aircraft from the start

The Dreamliners development has been marred by setbacks since its inception:

Battery fires: In 2013, the FAA grounded the entire global 787 fleet after lithium-ion battery fires were reported in multiple jets.

Production flaws: From 2019 onward, the 787 program faced serious quality control issues including gaps in fuselage joins, improper shimming, and foreign object debris left inside aircraft.

Delivery halt: Between January 2021 and August 2022, Boeing paused nearly all Dreamliner deliveries amid FAA oversight and internal audits.

Operational issues with Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Jan 8, 2013: JAL 787 suffers fuel leak in Boston; flight cancelled.

Jan 9, 2013: United Airlines finds wiring issue near main battery; US NTSB opens probe.

Jan 11 & 13, 2013: Same JAL aircraft leaks fuel again at Tokyo Narita. Japans transport ministry investigates.

Jan 11, 2013: FAA begins comprehensive review of 787 systems.

Jul 12, 2013: Ethiopian Airlines 787 catches fire at London Heathrow; extensive heat damage. Caused by lithium battery in emergency locator transmitter.

Jul 26, 2013: ANA finds wiring damage in 2 aircraft; United reports pinched wire in one.

Aug 14, 2013: Fire extinguisher defect in 3 ANA jets, discharges into wrong engine due to assembly error.

Nov 22, 2013: Boeing warns airlines using GE engines to avoid high-altitude storms due to icing risks.

Jan 21, 2014: Norwegian Air Shuttle 787 suffers fuel leak mid-flight; delay of 19 hours. Issue found after passengers noticed leak. Faulty valve to blame.

Mar 2016: FAA warns of unrealistic low airspeed displays, risk of structural failure from abrupt pilot input.

Apr 22, 2016: FAA issues directive after GEnx engine suffers non-restartable failure due to fan ice imbalance.

Jun 18, 2021: British Airways 787-8 nose gear collapses while parked at Heathrow; caused by improperly inserted pin during maintenance.

Mar 11, 2024: LATAM Flight 800 drops suddenly mid-air; 50 injured, 12 hospitalized. Investigation ongoing.

Jun 12, 2025: Air India Flight AI-171 crashes after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London.

Whistleblower raised alarm over Boeing safety practices

In early 2024, Boeing engineer and whistleblower Sam Salehpour issued a stark warning about potential safety risks in the companys production of both the 777 and 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

In interviews with The New York Times and CNN, and in a formal complaint filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Salehpour alleged that Boeing had taken dangerous shortcuts in the manufacturing processpractices he claimed could have serious long-term consequences as the aircraft age.

According to Salehpour, Boeing engaged in rushed assembly and improper manufacturing techniques, including faulty drilling on the 787 and the use of misaligned body parts on the 777. He also claimed that engineers were pressured to approve work that had not been properly inspected. His concerns, he says, were met with internal retaliation after he raised them.

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One of his most serious allegations involved tiny gaps between fuselage sections on the Dreamliner, which he said were filled improperly. Over time, he warned, these could lead to fatigue cracks, posing a catastrophic risk. Salehpour estimated that more than 400 Boeing 777s and over 1,000 Dreamliners could be affected. These planes are being flown with a ticking time bomb, he said.

With inputs from agencies
The lone survivor, identified as 40-year-old Ramesh Viswashkumar, was found alive in seat 11A despite being listed as seated in 11J on the flight manifest, sparking speculation that a last-minute seat change may have played a role in his survival, according to a report read more

In the deadly Air India Flight AI171 crash that claimed nearly everyone on board, one man has emerged as the sole known survivor.

According to a News 18 report, citing initial police reports, the lone survivor, identified as 40-year-old Ramesh Viswashkumar, was found alive in seat 11A despite being listed as seated in 11J on the flight manifest, sparking speculation that a last-minute seat change may have played a role in his survival.

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The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, plunging near the residential quarters of a medical college.

Investigations are underway into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash of the flight and the extraordinary survival of Viswashkumar. Recovery and identification efforts are ongoing at the crash site, where nearly all 242 passengers and crew perished.

Viswashkumar was among the only individuals showing signs of life when emergency teams reached the wreckage, reported News 18.

Currently receiving treatment at Civil Hospital in Asarwa, Ahmedabad, Viswashkumar has sustained injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet.

He had been visiting family in India and was returning to the UK with his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, whose fate remains uncertain.

His survival, against overwhelming odds, is being seen as a near-miraculous exception in a crash that devastated not just those onboard, but also residents on the ground.

The aircraft came down in a densely populated area, reportedly damaging parts of a medical college hostel and resulting in additional civilian casualties.

The crash marks the first-ever total hull loss of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

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Indian authorities have launched a full investigation, supported by international aviation agencies, to determine what caused the aircraft to go down so suddenly after takeoff.

With inputs from agencies
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit highlighted the growing importance of space-based assets and advanced technologies in strengthening Indias surveillance capabilities read more

Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Wednesday (June 11) stressed that no Pakistani military jet was allowed to breach Indian airspace during Operation Sindoor . The two nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours were caught in a brief military standoff last month when India launched air strikes into Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting nine terror sites.

The result was clearnot a single Pakistani aircraft breached our airspace, while our precision strikes successfully degraded their AD capabilities and aerial infrastructure. This success was not accidental but the result of years of indigenous development, rigorous testing and continuous refinement and demonstrated the importance of self-reliance in national security, said Air Marshal Dixit while speaking at a seminar on surveillance and electro-optics, jointly organised by the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS) and Indian Military Review (IMR) in New Delhi.

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Achievements of Operation Sindoor

Reflecting on the key achievements of Operation Sindoor, Dixit noted that the integration of the Air Command and Control System (IACCS) had worked wonders for the Indian Air Force.

In modern warfare, information without the ability to act upon it rapidly is of limited value. IACCS compressed our sensor-to-shooter timelines dramatically, enabling responses that outpaced adversary decision cycles, said the Air Marshal.

Operation Sindoor demonstrated how modern warfare has fundamentally altered the relationship between distance and vulnerability. Precision-guided munitions like SCALP, BrahMos etc., as well as beyond visual range air-to-air and supersonic ground-attack missiles, have rendered geographical barriers nearly meaningless, he added.

He said, When hypersonic missiles travel hundreds of kilometres in minutes, and drone swarms reach targets before decisions can be made, real-time or near-real-time surveillance becomes not just helpful, but critical for survival.

Growing importance of space-based assets

Air Marshal Dixit emphasised that superior situational awareness, as demonstrated in recent conflicts, provides a decisive battlefield advantage.

He highlighted the growing importance of space-based assets and advanced technologies in strengthening Indias surveillance capabilities.

Additionally, he commended the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) for their forward-thinking approach in fostering private sector involvement, particularly through the transfer of Optical Imaging System technology.

This has already resulted in compact, long-range surveillance platforms that increase operational flexibility. I urge companies to see themselves not just as vendors, but as partners in national security, he said.
De-legitimising the Pakistani model of exclusivity would not be humiliating a neighbour, but would be about defending the universal standard that religion cannot be the standard of legitimacy for the state read more

(File) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir (C) prays after laying wreath on the martyrs' monument during a guard of honor ceremony at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on May 21, 2025. Photo by Handout/ Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). AFP

Ever since it emerged in 1947, Pakistan has been an ideological outlier in the international systemcreated not on the basis of language, ethnicity, or culture shared between the people, but on the exclusivist premise of religion as the sole basis for the nation. Pakistans then Chief of Army Asim Munir, and now Field Marshal, made this clear in his now viral Address to Pakistans diaspora on April 15 this year, though not the first by any leader of consequence since its birth.

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The ostensibly Two-Nation Theory, which is the notion that Muslims and Hindus form two distinct peoples who cannot live together within one state, is the Pakistani states myth of origin. This vision of exclusivity, problematic in the context of South Asia, has since 9/11 turned into a more immediate global danger, one that erodes the principles of pluralism, resists the values of liberal democracy, and sustains transnational Islamist radicalism and terrorism.

India and the Western liberal democracies of the day, particularly the United States and Europe, have to acknowledge this ideological project as a long-term threat to global order today. Delegitimising the Two-Nation Theory is not merely a regional imperative for India anymore but is now a global imperative for upholding the values of peaceful coexistence, religious diversity, and democratic secularism.

The very rationale of Pakistans existencea state for Muslims onlyset the precedent for the acceptance of rejecting multi-ethnic, multi-religious coexistence. In contrast with India, which had adopted the notion of secular, pluralist democracy in spite of the multicultural diversity of its society, Pakistan canonised the perception that identity and statehood are determined along strict religious lines. This over time took the form of an apparatus of exclusion not only of religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians, and Ahmadis but of dissident ethnic groups such as the Baloch and Sindhis as well. Even within Muslims, only a narrow, Punjabi-centric, Sunni vision was hallowed.

The turning moment for the global community, however, arrived after 9/11. The Taliban government of Afghanistan, supported by Pakistans military-intelligence establishment, gave refuge to Al-Qaeda & Osama bin Laden, the perpetrators of the most horrific terrorist strike on American terrain. In spite of official partnerships with the US-led War on Terror, Pakistan went on providing strategic depth and logistical support for jihadist organisations. Pakistans shenanigans stood fully exposed with the US killing of Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011, in his hideout in Abbottabad, very close to Pakistans elite military academy.

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The ideological origins of this duplicity reside in the same exclusivist worldview that delegitimises pluralism and espouses Islamic terrorism as an instrument of strategic depth and religious obligation rather than as a threat. Ever since, Pakistans soil has spawned several internationally recognised terrorist groups- lending support includes Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and the Haqqani Network-whose attacks against Western interests and citizens add to their role in destabilising India and Afghanistan. The connection is no longer local: Pakistans state ideology has global implications.

For decades, the West has been equivocal in dealing with Pakistan- straddling strategic imperatives in Afghanistan, nuclear containment fears, and economic pressure, while willfully turning a blind eye to Pakistans ideological roots that sow radicalism. This policy of ticklish engagement has proven counterproductive.

Pakistan today is more than a willing host of extremism; it is an active ideological sponsor. Its military and clergy maintain an environment in which terror surrogates can operate, in which minorities are silenced through the force of their blasphemy laws, and where schools indoctrinate anti-Western, anti-India views. It is no coincidence that Europe has experienced an influx of radicalised youth, who drew their ideological roots from the Islamist networks of the Indian sub-continent. The West needs to realize that by legitimizing Pakistans strategic value while turning a blind eye towards its ideological path, they empower the actor who undermines the liberal international order from its core. The time has arrived for a recalibration  an arrangement with India for calling out, challenging, and diplomatically isolating the main ideology that keeps Pakistans perilous course intact.

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India, being the main victim of Pakistani ideological enmity, has most stakes. Indias response, however, is not only required to be reactive or securitised but has to be ideational and normative and initiate an international discourse bringing into the open the vitriocity of the Two-Nation Theory based on its actual impact: terrorism, sectarianism, and civilisational backwardness. There are several tangible diplomatic initiatives that India can take along with Western democracies:

First, India needs to embark on focused public diplomacy targeted against Pakistans ideology, portraying it as against the norms of the international community. Just as apartheid was diplomatically and morally besieged during the 1980s, so should Pakistans founding exclusivity be challenged in international forums. Second, India needs to further bond with pluralism-oriented countries such as the US, France, Germany, and Australia based on common civilisational values instead of security interests only. Interfaith discussions, diaspora partnerships, and parliamentary friendship groups should be utilised for forging across-nation narratives against religion-based exclusivist nationalism.

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Third, India and like-minded countries need to bring the question of ideological statehood and its linkage with terrorism on the agenda of organizations like the UN Human Rights Council, FATF, and the G20. Karachis ideology export needs to be connected with international volatility from European radicalisation to Afghan Taliban resurgence. Fourthly, India needs to spend on international research institutes that study the threat of religious exclusivisms, bring out comparative studies of pluralistic and ideological states, and construct cultural centres overseas celebrating Indias inclusive civilisational tradition vis-a-vis the sectarian intolerance of Pakistan.

Fourth, diplomatic and economic pressure should be directed strategically against Pakistans military and clergy elites who have emerged as chief custodians of the ideological state. Asset freezes, visa sanctions, and travel bans against key figures who assist with terrorism or for blasphemy-related persecution should be included in Western policy.

The Pakistani states ideological project is no longer peculiar to South Asia, it is now an international outlier. The Two-Nation Theory in its current sophisticated incarnation presents a danger directly threatening the moral and political structure of the international system. India and the West should now share a shared civilisational project: defending pluralism, safeguarding minorities, and reviving faith in the possibility of variegated societies coexisting harmoniously together.

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De-legitimising the Pakistani model of exclusivity would not be humiliating a neighbour, but would be about defending the universal standard that religion cannot be the standard of legitimacy for the state.

Manish Dabhade is an Associate Professor of Diplomacy in the School of International Studies, JNU & Founder of The Indian Futures, an independent think tank based in New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Mark Carney replaced Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister in March 2025 in what is hoped could be a turning point in Canadas relations with India read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit Canada for the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, from June 15 to 17, 2025. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was recently asked by the media why he had invited Indias Prime Minister for the G7 Summit, given the strained relationship between the two countries.

In a brief reply, Carney said: There are certain countries that should be at the table for those discussions in my capacity as G7 chair consultation. He added, 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 theres been some progress. I extended the invitation to Prime Minister Modi in that context and he has accepted.

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India-Canada relations had sunk to the rock bottom because Justin Trudeau had allowed a wide range of anti-India activities to be carried out by extremist Sikhs who constituted his vote bank. It was clear that as long as Justin Trudeau remained in power, there would be no hope for the improvement of India-Canada relations. It was felt that if was ousted from the prime ministership, Indo-Canadian relations stood some chance of improving.

Mark Carney replaced Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister in March 2025 in what is hoped could be a turning point in Canadas relations with India. He assumed office at a time Canada was in the midst of an escalating trade war with the US and existential threats from President Donald Trump.

During a media interaction in Calgary a few days before being sworn in as Prime Minister, Carney had said: What Canada will be looking to do is to diversify our trade relationship with like-minded countries. And there are opportunities to rebuild the relationship with India. There needs to be a shared sense of values around that commercial relationship. If Im Prime Minister, I look forward to the opportunity to build that.

Striking a conciliatory tone, India also said that it hopes to rebuild ties with Canada based on mutual trust and sensitivity and blamed the downturn in bilateral relations to the licence that was given to extremist and secessionist elements in Canada.

In a notable step toward repairing the bilateral relationship, Indias External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently held a phone conversation with Canadas new Foreign Minister Anita Anand on May 26, 2025. They focused on deepening the bilateral economic ties and advancing shared priorities. Their dialogue, the first of its kind following the recent shift in Canadas political leadership, is a promising sign of renewed engagement between two countries that have long shared educational, economic, and cultural bonds. Anand said that the discussion was productive, adding that she looked forward to continuing our work together.

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The Jaishankar-Anand conversation is more than a political formalityits a strong signal to students, families, universities, and businesses that India and Canada are ready to turn the page under Mark Carneys leadership. Ottawa and New Delhi can gain significantly by working together to address shared challenges in todays shifting global order. For this, both countries need to work closely in order to move past the diplomatic turbulence of recent years. The invitation extended by Carney to Prime Minister Modi is a further signal by Canada of its willingness to work in that direction.

It is hoped that this fresh engagement under Canadas new Prime Minister signals a strong intention to stabilise ties, restart cooperation, and rebuild trust between the two nations. India and Canada are both influential members of the Commonwealth, G20, and active voices in international affairs. Restoring strong bilateral ties can have a ripple effect over several areas such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), collaboration on clean energy, climate finance, and technology startups, education and stronger people-to-people ties.

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There have been suggestions by political analysts in Canada for quite some time that it must end tensions and instead find constructive ways to strengthen the partnership and diversify trade with India, which is a rising power and is set to play an increasingly influential role in the evolving geopolitical and global economic landscape.

However, this is easier said than done because there is a long-standing and deep-seated mistrust between India and Canada, fuelled by a number of factors, including the 1985 Air India bombing tragedy in which 329 people were killed, mostly Canadians of Indian origin. Indias view is that Canada failed to prevent the attack, mishandled the investigation, and responded with insufficient empathy and accountability. Disagreements over the Sikh separatist Khalistan movement have also contributed to the tensions, particularly with Prime Minister Trudeaus perceived support for the movement.

The relationship deteriorated sharply in September 2023 when Justin Trudeau said in a speech before the House of Commons that Canadian security agencies have been actively pursuing credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India and the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau also said :Any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of our sovereignty. It is contrary to the fundamental rules by which free, open and democratic societies conduct themselves.

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Some Canadian politicians, including Justin Trudeau have been criticized for appearing at Sikh diaspora events where those who advocate violence are celebrated. This has further fuelled a deep-seated skepticism among Indian policymakers about Canadas commitment to combating violent extremism. The allegations by Canada that the Indian government was involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani leader, have further escalated the diplomatic row. This distrust extends to both sides, with India accusing Canada of sheltering and supporting anti-India terrorists, while Canada accuses India of interfering in Canadian affairs.

The downturn in bilateral relations was swift. Both countries expelled members of each others diplomatic staff and advised their citizens against traveling to the other. In the midst of escalating tensions, Canada closed three consulates in India. The crisis further deepened a year later when Ottawa accused Indian diplomats of being complicit in criminal activities, including intimidation, extortion, and murder. New Delhi rejected these claims, labelling Canada a safe haven for extremism and anti-India activities. India withdrew its High Commissioner from Canada and some other diplomats, saying We have no faith in the current Canadian Governments commitment to ensure their security. Therefore, the Government of India has decided to withdraw the High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats and officials. India also expelled six Canadian diplomats.

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From Indias point of view, the most significant challenge in Canada-India relations stems from what it perceives as one of its gravest national security threats: Khalistani extremism on Canadian soil, a movement that advocates for an independent Sikh state, Khalistan, to be carved out of the Indian state of Punjab. Canada must engage in a serious discussions and address Indias concerns. The participation of the Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) at the recent conclave of intelligence chiefs from around the world, held on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue on 17-19 2025 March, 2025 in New Delhi was a welcome development. If the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism meets regularly, this could serve as an effective platform for collaboration in this important security-related area.

Addressing security-related concerns is very important for unlocking the economic potential of the relationship. Canada and Indias bilateral trade relationship has seen fluctuating growth. In FY 2022-23, the bilateral trade was around US$ 8.27billion, while in FY 2023-24 it grew marginally to US$ 8.37, largely because of increased imports by India from Canada. While theres a significant potential for growth, ongoing political tensions have impacted the strengthening of economic ties.

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Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) began in 2010 but have been stalled since 2021. In 2022, the focus shifted to a more limited Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA), but these talks were paused in September 2023, shortly before Prime Minister Trudeaus statement on the Nijjar killing. It is necessary to resume these talks to take the bilateral economic relationship forward. An EPTA can serve as an interim framework for enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and serve as a precursor to the more comprehensive CEPA.

Another important area where cooperation is important is education. Education has historically been a cornerstone of India-Canada relations, with India being a significant source of international students for Canadian Universities. Canadian institutions, particularly those in Toronto, British Columbia, and Montreal, are popular choices for Indian students. A Memorandum of Understanding on Higher Education between Canada and India, renewed in 2018, provides a framework for collaboration.

However, recent changes in Canadian immigration policies under Justin Trudeau, including visa reductions, and diplomatic tensions, have negatively impacted the flow of Indian students. The downturn in bilateral relations also created anxiety about post-study work opportunities and future immigration prospects.

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The India-Canada diplomatic row during Trudeaus term led to serious repercussions for Indian students. According to official Canadian data, over 319,000 Indian students were enrolled in Canada as of 2023. However, due to political tensions and subsequent visa tightening, this number witnessed a dramatic 31% drop in study permits issued in early 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. Indian students reported delays in visa processing times, added scrutiny, and increased financial documentation requirements. Therefore, the thawing of the diplomatic relationship would lead to the easing of the pressure which has gradually been mounting on the Indian students. Visa timelines could normalise and post-graduation work permit eligibility criteria will become more stable.

What does the future roadmap look like? The India-Canada relationship is currently in a state of flux, marked by both potential for growth and ongoing challenges. While there are significant opportunities for bilateral cooperation, recent diplomatic tensions have created a need for renewed trust-building and institutionalized engagement.

The two countries have a strong foundation for economic ties, with potential for increased trade and investment, especially in areas like renewable energy, clean technology, and infrastructure. Negotiations can be speeded up for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) to streamline trade and investment flows. Collaboration in sectors like agriculture, chemicals, automobiles, and IT can further strengthen commercial ties. Canadas expertise in clean technology and infrastructure can be valuable to Indias development goals, while Indias growing economy presents opportunities for Canadian investment.

However, it is important to first address the challenges. Recent diplomatic tensions require a renewed focus on rebuilding trust and addressing concerns related to security and intelligence. From Indias point of view, addressing the security concerns related to Sikh separatism is of vital importance and has to be the starting point. In this context, increased collaboration between law enforcement agencies is essential. Canada has acknowledged Indias concerns and expressed a willingness to engage further. Theres a general understanding that a more constructive relationship is beneficial for both nations, and this could augur well for the future.

The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Rafale fuselage will be produced in India for both domestic and global markets. This marks the first time in history that Rafale fuselages will be manufactured outside France read more

In a big boost to Make-in-India, Dassault Aviation of France and Indias Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will partner for Rafale aircraft fuselage manufacturing at a dedicated facility in Hyderabad. The key structural sections of the aircraft, to be manufactured in India include the central fuselage, rear section, lateral rear shells, and the front section. The first fuselage sections are expected to roll out by FY2028, with a production capacity of up to two complete fuselages per month.

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Rafale fuselage will be produced in India for both domestic and global markets. This marks the first time in history that Rafale fuselages will be manufactured outside France. Four Production Transfer Agreements (PTA) have been signed between the companies. Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, emphasised that this partnership is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India, noting that it aligns with the companys long-term strategy to collaborate with Indian aerospace firms like TASL.

Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD of TASL, described the partnership as a milestone in Indias aerospace journey, demonstrating both Indias manufacturing prowess and the trust international aerospace leaders place in Indian partners. The production of the complete Rafale fuselage in India underscores the deepening trust in Tata Advanced Systems capabilities and the strength of our collaboration with Dassault Aviation. It also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms, Singh said.

This facility will represent a significant investment in Indias aerospace infrastructure and will serve as a critical hub for high-precision manufacturing.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already acquired 36 Rafale and they have demonstrated their combat skills in the recent Operation Sindoor. The Indian Navy is procuring 26 maritime variants of Rafale-M. The IAFs case for 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) procurement is in an advanced stage. Rafale is one of the contenders. Will these two developments tilt the case in favour of Rafale?

IAF transition from Mirage 2000 to Rafale was like from one dream machine to another. In the initial training for test pilots, one is taught to assess an aircrafts characteristics by just looking at it. One look at the wing-body blending, the shape of the intakes, the twist in the wing, the incline of fuselage, the size of the vertical stabilizer, the base of the wheels, all indicate great design features. France has made some great aircraft.

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Initial Aviations French Connect

After WW-II, aviation designer Marcel Dassault re-established the aviation industry. The M.D.450 (Marcel Dassault) Ouragan was the first French-designed jet fighter-bomber to enter production. The Ouragan was later operated by France, Israel, India and El Salvador. In June 1953, India ordered 71 Ouragans (Toofani). Finally 104 were bought, and were operated by IAF till 1965. The IAF started to replace the Ouragan gradually by the Dassault Mystere IVA in 1957. India procured 104 supersonic-in-a-dive Mystere. The aircraft were used extensively in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. On 7 September 1965 an Indian Mystere, piloted by Squadron Leader Devayya shot down a Pakistani Lockheed F-104 Starfighter in a raid over Sargoda. Mystere IVs were also very successful in surface strikes. The aircraft were phased out by 1973.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), licence-built versions of French Aerospatiale SA 315B Lama (designated Cheetah) and Aerospatiale Alouette III (designated Chetak) in the mid-1960s. Indian Navy procured 14 French Breguet Br.1050 Alize in 1960 for carrier operations. French Turbomeca TM 333 2B2 engine powered initial HAL Dhruv, later replaced by the Shakti engine, which was jointly developed by HAL and Turbomeca. TM 333 2M2 powers HAL Cheetal and Chetan, upgraded versions of the Cheetah and Chetak, respectively.

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India bought the Anglo-French SEPECAT Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft (DPSA) in late 1970s, but the contract was serviced by the British. IAF built and upgraded many Jaguars and continues to fly significant numbers even today.

Finally, IAF bought the Mirage 2000 that was inducted in 1984. It was the first relaxed stability fly-by-wire aircraft with active controls technology to induct in IAF. It also brought a modern Air Interception (AI) radar with look-down/shoot-down capabilities, and the first BVR missile, the Super R530, Later the all-aspect Magic 2 missile changed the dynamics of close combat.

IAF also got the first comprehensive EW suite on any aircraft with a self-protection jammer, RWR, chaff and flare dispenser, an escort jammer and an Elint Pod. The aircraft was later upgraded to the Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 standards, and extended its useful life for another 2025 years. The upgrade included a new mission computer with higher memory, new radar, advanced navigation and electronic warfare systems, advanced communication and identification systems. It also has a new glass cockpit, and helmet-mounted displays.

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Re-designated Mirage 2000I, aircraft also got the MICA air-to-air missiles. It can also carry the Israeli Spice-2000 glide bomb and the indigenous Astra AAM. Mirage 2000 performed exceedingly well in the 1999 Kargil conflict, which took place over some of the highest terrain in the world. Easy maintenance and a very high sortie rate made the Mirage 2000 one of the most efficient fighters of the IAF. Later Mirage was the chosen platform for the Balakot Strike, and took active part in Operation Sindoor.

Rafale, the Winner of MMRCA Competition

IAF needed additional medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA). The aircraft in the fray for this Indian tender were Lockheed Martin F-16C/D, Mikoyan MiG-35, Saab JAS 39 Gripen, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

The 126 aircraft were to fill the gap between the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and the in-service Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter. On 27 April 2011, after an intensive and detailed technical evaluation by the IAF, two fighters, the Typhoon and Rafale, cleared technical evaluation. On 31 January 2012 it was announced that Rafale won the competition due to its lower life-cycle cost.

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The Rafale Aircraft

The French twin-engine delta-wing fighter aircraft is an omni-role fighter with frontal-stealth capabilities. It can simultaneously undertake air supremacy, interdiction, reconnaissance, and the airborne nuclear deterrent missions. Rafale was inducted in the French Air Force and for carrier-based operations in the French Navy in 2000. Rafale has been used in combat over Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq, Syria, and in Operation Sindoor.

The aircraft uses digital fly-by-wire controls and has a very high level of agility. The aircrafts canards improve aerodynamic performance. The Rafales glass cockpit was designed around the principle of data fusion that prioritises information display to pilots. The primary flight controls are arranged in a hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS)-compatible configuration.

The Rafale also features an advanced avionics suite. The passive front-sector electro-optical system can operate both in the visible and infrared wavelengths. The total value of the radar, electronic communications and self-protection equipment is about 30 percent of the cost of the entire aircraft. The Rafale features an integrated electronic survival system named SPECTRA, which protects the aircraft against airborne and ground threats.

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The system incorporates radar warning receiver, laser-warning, Missile Approach Warning (MAW) for threat detection plus a phased array radar jammer and a decoy dispenser for threat countering. Areos all-weather, night-and-day-capable reconnaissance system used on the Rafale has the ability to transmit information such as images in real-time to ground stations. The RBE2 AA active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar has a range of 200 km.

The 36 aircraft, 7.87 billion (Rs 58,891 crore), Government-to-Government (G2G), Rafale deal included 28 single-seat, and eight twin-seat aircraft. The deal included tailor-made IAF specific enhancements including the integration of an Israeli helmet-mounted display (HMD), radar warning receivers and low-band jammers. It included a weapons package and a performance-based logistics agreement.

The aircrafts 14 hard-points can carry 9,500 kg external load. The air-to-air missiles include Matra Magic II, MBDA MICA IR or EM, and MBDA Meteor. Meteor is an active radar guided BVRAAM that offers multi-shot capability against long range manoeuvring jets, UAVs and cruise missiles in a heavy electronic countermeasures (ECM) environment with range of around 180 kilometres. The no-escape zone of over 60 km is the largest among air-to-air missiles according to the manufacturer.

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India also procured SCALP air-to-ground cruise missiles. Subsequently, the HAMMER (highly agile modular munition extended range) glide bomb was bought. The Indian Rafale is a modified version of the F3R standard. The two squadrons are located at two different air bases. Both these airbases have infrastructure and capacity for an additional squadron each.

French has already tested the F4 variant with upgraded radar, improved HMDS, OSF (long-range optoelectronics system) will add IRST for detecting and identifying airborne stealth targets at long range. It will be more effective in network-centric warfare, with more data exchange and satellite communication capacity.

Make-in-India Rafale Win-Win for India, France

Indian Navy has just ordered 26 Rafale-M, French Air and Space Force and Navy have combined orders for 286. Other operators with confirmed orders are IAF (36) Croatia (12), Egypt (54), Qatar (36), UAE (50), Indonesia (42), and Serbia (12). More orders are on the way. The current production rate is 25 aircraft a year. It will take nearly 10 years to meet existing orders. France desperately needs another production line.Production in India will be for all global customers. Indias capability to make global class aero-structures has been proven with cabins of Apache AH-64, Sikorsky S-92 helicopter and Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. India also makes Lockheed Martin F-16 wings. India makes the entire indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). Making the Rafale fuselage in India will work out much cheaper for France.

Induct 114 Rafale: Best Way Ahead

Traditionally India and France have been enjoying an exceptionally warm relationship, which is the fruit of deep affinities and the unwavering trust between the two countries since Indias independence. France is considered as the most reliable Western friend. France has never imposed any sanctions or tried to arm-twist India. IAF regularly carries out Garuda series of air exercises with the French Air Force since 2003. The latest Garuda VII was held at Jodhpur in November 2022. French air and Space Force (FASF) also participated in IAF multilateral exercise Tarang Shakti in August-September 24.

IAF is already down to 30 fighter squadrons vis-a-vis the authorised 42. India has a two-front war threat. IAF urgently needs more fighter squadrons. The Request for Proposal (RfP) for 114 new Make-in-India is still to be sent out. A full-fledged selection process could take 6-8 years. Rafale is a tried and tested aircraft. India has already paid for one time India specific enhancements. We have spare capacity at existing IAF Rafale bases to take more squadrons. There is 95 per cent commonality between the IAF and Navy Rafale.

Most recent aircraft deals have all been G2G. Rafale has already been a winner of a contest in which similar competing aircraft were involved. India already has a large variety of fighter fleets. Multiple fleets are a logistical nightmare. To save time, it would be prudent to acquire 114 Rafale 4.5 generation aircraft. Initially, India would mostly make the fuselage airframe. As we go along, more sub-parts and components will be manufactured. If India chooses to make 114 Rafale for IAF, the order numbers along with the Navy would go up to 140. India could thus insist on making the entire aircraft in India. India could also tie-up with Frances Safran for Indias fighter aero-engine development. It will make better economic sense for IAF also to choose Rafale and acquire the latest variant F4 in a G2G deal and make it in India in larger numbers to amortise costs.

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.
The group said in a statement that around 10 pm local time a bus carrying more than two dozen members of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation team were brutally attacked by Hamas. read more

A woman crouches next to boxes of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, as Palestinians gather to collect what remains of relief supplies, in Rafah. Reuters

The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the controversial aid group that has been at the forefront of distributing food in the region, has accused Hamas of attacking one of its buses carrying staffers to a distribution centre. The group has said that at least five of its members were killed and several others were injured in the assault.

The group said in a statement that around 10 pm local time a bus carrying more than two dozen members of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation team were brutally attacked by Hamas.

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We are still gathering facts, but what we know is devastating: there are at least five fatalities, multiple injuries, and fear that some of our team members may have been taken hostage, the statement read.

The group told AFP that all the passengers in the bus were Palestinians and were en route to GHFs distribution centre in the area west of Khan Younis. The aid group has been making headlines for quite some time as Gazans keep coming under attack by gunmen at aid distribution centres run by GHF.

We condemn this heinous and deliberate attack in the strongest possible terms, the group said in its statement. These were aid workers. Humanitarians. Fathers, brothers, sons and friends, who were risking their lives every day to help others.

60 Palestinians die

Meanwhile, Israeli forces on Wednesday killed at least 60 Palestinians as they sought food at one of GHFs aid distribution centres.

A New York-based law firm has warned GHF of its potential legal liability for complicity in Israels war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide against Palestinians.

The Gaza Health Ministry said that the death toll among Gazans has passed 55,000 over 20 months of conflict.

Bodies of 2 hostages recovered

Israeli forces have retrieved the bodies of two hostages from the Gaza Strip, the military and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday.

A military statement said a joint operation by the army and the Shin Bet security agency recovered the bodies of Yair Yaakov and an additional hostage whose name has not yet been cleared for publication from the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza.

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Yaakov, a member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, was 59 when he was seized in the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack on Israel and killed the same day.

With inputs from agencies
China controls the worlds entire supply of samarium, a rare earth mineral used almost entirely by the military industry and required to make fighter planes, missiles, smart bombs, and other advanced platforms. With the halt in samarium exports, China is choking Western militaries. read more

An F-35 fighter jet on the deck of the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington. (Photo: AP)

Even as China controls most of the worlds rare earths, there is one mineral whose supply it controls completely.

The rare earth mineral, samarium, is used almost entirely by the military industry and is required to make fighter planes, missiles, smart bombs, and other advanced platforms. The centrality is such that planes like F-35 cannot be made without samarium magnets.

China banned the export of samarium and six other rare earths in April amid the ongoing trade war with the United States.

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Out of these seven rare earths, the demand of six dysprosium, gadolinium, lutetium, scandium, terbium, and yttrium is largely civilian, but samarium is used almost exclusively used for military purposes, Stanley Trout, a metallurgist at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, told The New York Times.

China can choke Western militaries with samarium supply ban

With a halt in the supply of samarium, China can essentially choke Western militaries by essentially blocking deliveries of new platforms and affecting the repair, maintenance, and upgradation of existing platforms. It appears that the plan is already in motion.

Even as China has started granting licences for some other rare earths, such as dysprosium and terbium, licences have not been granted for samarium, according to The Times.

ALSO READ: Halting rare earths exports to pausing Boeing imports: How China is hitting the US where it hurts most

William Bain, the head of trade policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, noted that the continued halt of samarium supplies would bring the production of planes like F-35 to a halt.

For context, F-35 needs up to 50 pounds of samarium magnets and its maker, Lockheed Martin, is the main customer of samarium in the United States.

Weve seen some relaxation over the weekend with licenses granted in sectors connected with robotics and electric vehicles, but if you take, for example, a critical mineral like samarium, within magnets, thats absolutely essential for F-35 fighter jet construction in the US. They cant make them without that. And not having access to that is severely affecting both US construction in that area, but also perhaps its national security if that remains in place, Bain told CNBC.

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Samarium chokehold gives China edge

There is evidence that samarium and other rare earths have given China edge in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States.

After focus of the talks shifted from tariffs to rare earths , China appears to have secured concessions from the United States regarding Chinese access to critical Western technologies in return of relaxation on Chinese supply of rare earths.

Western companies and the US Department of Defense keep samarium reserves that would only last for months. In the absence of new supplies, reserves are expected to get depleted soon. Such a disruption has come at a time when the United States and others in the West are replenishing their arsenals after stocks depletion because of supplies of Ukraine and Israel.
External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said Indias relationship with the United States is extremely important, and it is not just about President X when asked if New Delhi trusts Donald Trump read more

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said the relationship with the United States is extremely important to India, regardless of who is the president of the country. The remarks from the Indian diplomat came in an interview with European news outlet Euractiv when he was asked about whether India trusts US President Donald Trump.

I take the world as I find it. Our aim is to advance every relationship that serves our interests, and the US relationship is of immense importance to us. Its not about personality X or president Y, Jaishankar told the European news outlet.

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The conversation took place during Jaishankars visit to Belgiums capital, Brussels, where he held talks with the leaders of the European Union. On Tuesday, he met EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen and EU Foreign Policy Minister Kaja Kallas as India and the EU negotiated the highly anticipated Free Trade Agreement.

Where India stands in the geopolitical order

When asked where India sees itself in the geopolitical order, Jaishankar emphasised how the world is becoming more multipolar. Multipolarity is already here. Europe now faces the need to make more decisions in its own interest  using its own capabilities, and based on the relationships it fosters globally, the Indian external affairs minister told Euractiv.

I hear terms like strategic autonomy being used in Europe  these were once part of our vocabulary. The EU plays a major role in the global order and is increasingly an autonomous one. That is precisely why Im here: to deepen our relationship in this multipolar world," he added.

During the interview, Jaishankar admitted that Europe is becoming far more realistic lately. However, he maintained that India continues to have deep reservations about the EUs Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is the tax that the EU imposes on products from jurisdictions where climate policies are not robust.

The idea that one part of the world will set standards for everybody else is something which we are against. We have very deep reservations about CBAM, and weve been quite open about it," the EAM explained. Jaishankar went on to reiterate Prime Minister Narendra Modis promise of signing an India-EU FTA by the end of the year.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said the attack happened when the bus was carrying the staffers to one of its aid distribution sites near the southern Gaza Strips Khan Younis read more

Local Palestinian staffers of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in blue vests form a human chain to protect female aid recipients at one of GHF's distribution sites on June 9, 2025. (Source: GNF)

A Gaza aid group said in a statement on Wednesday (June 11) that Hamas operatives staged an attack on a bus carrying its Gazan staffers, killing some of them and potentially abducting others. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) said five of its members were killed in the attack.

The statement added that the attack happened when the bus was carrying the staffers to one of GHFs aid distribution sites near the southern Gaza Strips Khan Younis at around 10 pm local time. The group said it was still gathering information from ground zero.

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It also vowed not to stop future efforts to provide aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

This attack did not happen in a vacuum. For days, Hamas has openly threatened our team, our aid workers, and the civilians who receive aid from us. These threats were met with silence, the GHF statement read.

Tussle over Gaza aid channels

Hamas has advocated for resuming aid distribution via UN-supported channels, which Israel and the US claim enabled the group to siphon off significant portions of aid.

The UN has refuted these allegations, asserting that the GHF model jeopardises Palestinians by requiring them to travel long distances through IDF-controlled areas to collect food supplies.

Since the GHF began operations on May 26, 2025, the Red Cross and Hamas-affiliated health officials have reported frequent mass-casualty incidents involving Palestinians en route to aid distribution sites.

The IDF has admitted to firing warning shots on at least eight occasions, targeting individuals who deviated from designated routes, contributing to the casualties.

Meanwhile, the GHF reported on Wednesday that it has distributed approximately 271,200 boxes of aid, primarily containing dry food products requiring preparation elsewhere.

Since Israel partially lifted its blockade on May 19, 2025, an average of 65 aid trucks have entered Gaza daily.

However, the World Food Programme indicates that about 300 trucks per day are necessary to adequately meet the needs of Gazas population, which IDF officials admitted was nearing starvation before aid resumed following a 78-day blockade.

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The State Department has earlier ordered its non-emergency government officials to exit Iraq amid heightened regional tensions read more

President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrive for a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, in Washington. AP

Israel is said to have told the US that its fully ready to launch an operation into Iran, CBS News reported Thursday (June 12), citing several American officials.

The US, which expects Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes on several American sites in neighbouring Iraq, has already asked some of its personnel to move away from West Asia.

President Donald Trump himself acknowledged tensions with Iran while talking to reporters at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

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Well they are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, Trump said.

This comes after, on Wednesday, Iran threatened to strike US military bases in the region if a conflict breaks out.

Weve given notice to move out and well see what happens, Trump said.

The State Department has also ordered its non-emergency government officials to exit Iraq amid heightened regional tensions."

Both Iran and the US are poised to hold a sixth round of talks on the countrys nuclear programme in the coming days, the CBS report added.

The Trump administration is negotiating with Iran to curb its nuclear programme, as reports indicate Tehran continues to enrich uranium close to weapons-grade levels.

The discussions are sensitive, with uncertainty about reaching an agreement. Trump insists on zero uranium enrichment by Iran, but Iranian leaders have rejected these terms, according to the presidents recent statements.

On Wednesday, Trump acknowledged that he is now less confident than he was two months ago about reaching a nuclear deal with Iran.

I dont know. I did think so, and Im getting more and more  less confident about it. They seem to be delaying, and I think thats a shame, but Im less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago. Something happened to them, but I am much less confident of a deal being made, said Trump.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains highly distrustful of any Iran deal, given the longstanding hostility between the two nations since Irans 1979 revolution. Netanyahus office claims Israel has undertaken numerous operations, both overt and covert, to hinder Irans nuclear ambitions.
The US is on high alert amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, as Israel could launch a strike on Irans nuclear sites, with no clear breakthrough in talks between Washington and Tehran. read more

The United States is on high alert over concerns that Israel might launch a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, The Washington Post reported.

The Trump administration is concerned that Israel could target Irans nuclear sites without US approval if nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran break down.

Amid these fears, heightened tensions have emerged as hopes fade for President Trump to reach a deal with Tehran to limit Irans nuclear programme and prevent another major conflict in the Middle East following the Israel-Hamas war.

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Trump said on Wednesday that the United States would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.

They cant have a nuclear weapon. Very simple, they cant have a nuclear weapon, he said.

West Asia is a dangerous place: Trump

Speaking at the Kennedy Center in Washington on Wednesday evening, President Trump said: They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and well see what happens. Weve given notice to move out, and well see what happens.

US pulling non-essential personnels

According to reports, the US is also planning a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq and will allow families of military personnel to leave certain locations in the Middle East due to heightened security threats, Reuters reported, citing US and Iraqi sources.

The State Department said it had ordered the departure of all non-essential personnel from the US Embassy in Baghdad following its latest review and a commitment to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. The embassy was already operating with limited staff, so the order will not affect a large number of personnel.

Meanwhile, Israel has informed the US that it is fully prepared to launch a strike on Iran, CBS News reported, citing several American officials.

Irans warning

Iran has repeatedly warned that the United States, as Israels main military and political supporter, would face consequences if Israel attacks Iran.

On Wednesday, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said that if Iran is targeted, it will retaliate by striking US bases in the region.
Jaishankar said there was a parallel rise of the Indian and Chinese economies, but he acknowledged that China started reforms and modernisation much ahead of India read more

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said Wednesday (June 11) that India and China were two rising powers that helped create a new equilibrium between them and the world. He also accused previous governments of not doing what they should have done in terms of market modernisation.

 The Chinese began their modernisation earlier than us, largely because our governments at the time did not do what they should have done India and China are both rising powers that are creating a new equilibrium" Jaishankar said while speaking at the German Marshall Fund (GMF) Brussels Forum 2025.

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The foreign minister was asked how New Delhi sought to take advantage of Chinas economy while navigating tensions, and how Beijings actions affected policies in India.

Jaishankar in response said both India and China were civilisational states and dubbed bilateral ties as an incredibly complicated matrix".

China is an immediate neighbour. Its a neighbour with whom weve had unsettled boundaries. So thats a big factor in our relations. We have a situation where China and India stand out because theyre the only two countries with over a billion people but also because they are two civilisational states in a way," Jaishankar said.

Jaishankar said there was a parallel rise of the Indian and Chinese economies, but he acknowledged that China started reforms and modernisation much ahead of India.

You have the rise of China, you have the rise of India. Now, each one is creating a certain new equilibrium between them and the world. And then much more complex equilibrium between the two rising powers, who also happen to be neighbours that sometimes have common neighbours as well. So, it is an incredibly complicated matrix and there are different dimensions to it," he said. There is the boundary dimension to it, theres the balances if you would, there are economic issues, trade issues, there are concerns  we have different economic social values, political models."

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When asked about Europes perception towards China, Jaishankar said there has been an evolution and change in stance.

But I would also make the point that not all of Europe is obviously moving at the same speed and wavelength, so there are some who have different views, some who are more hard-headed. I would make that distinction vis-a-vis China," the top diplomat added.
In June 1950, two Air France Douglas DC-4 planes crashed just days apart on the same route near Bahrain, killing 86 people. The back-to-back disasters, eerily similar in location and circumstances, shocked the world and raised serious concerns about aviation safety and navigation protocols. read more

In a tragic and unprecedented sequence of events, two Air France Douglas DC-4 aircraft crashed just two days apart on June 12 and June 14, 1950 on the same route and in nearly the same location near Bahrain, claiming a total of 86 lives and leaving the global aviation community stunned.

The back-to-back accidents, both involving the same airline, same aircraft model, same flight path, and even the same stopover point, became one of the most haunting coincidences in civil aviation history.

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The first crash occurred on June 12, when Air France Flight L633, a Douglas DC-4 (registration F-BBDE), was en route from Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) to Paris via Karachi, Bahrain, and Beirut. The flight had completed a stop in Karachi and was on approach to Bahrain when it disappeared. It was later determined that the aircraft had crashed into the sea about 30 miles off Bahrain. All 46 people onboard, 40 passengers and 6 crew members, perished. The cause was never officially confirmed due to limited investigative tools at the time, but factors such as poor weather, navigation error, or technical malfunction were considered.

Tragically, just two days later, on June 14, another Air France Douglas DC-4  Flight L605 (registration F-BBDM) crashed under eerily similar circumstances. Also flying from Saigon to Paris with stopovers in Karachi, Bahrain, and Beirut, the aircraft was making its approach to Bahrain when it crashed 7 km west of the Bahrain airport, again near the sea. This time, 40 people, 33 passengers and 7 crew members were killed, with 8 survivors rescued from the wreckage. The plane struck a low hill and exploded, suggesting a navigational or altitude error during the night approach in difficult terrain.

While both crashes were individually catastrophic, it was the surreal similarity in timing, aircraft type, route, and crash zone that made headlines around the world. Investigations pointed toward possible navigational and pilot errors, especially considering the limited instrumentation and lack of advanced radar systems available in that era. However, the circumstances also sparked concern about the safety of long-haul multi-stop routes through the Middle East and the Gulf regions, where weather, visibility, and limited ground support posed persistent risks to aviators.

The 1950 Bahrain DC-4 crash marked a turning point in international aviation, prompting airlines and aviation authorities to intensify efforts around pilot training, navigational safety, and emergency response preparedness. Though separated by just 48 hours, the twin tragedies remain among the most chilling examples of coincidence and catastrophe in the annals of flight safety.

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Trump has deployed more troops to Los Angeles to control protests than the total number of American forces currently stationed in Iraq and Syria, as tensions with Iran continue to rise. read more

California National Guard troops stand guard as people attend a rally against federal immigration sweeps, in Los Angeles, California, US on June 9, 2025. Reuters

US President Donald Trump has sent more troops to Los Angeles to manage protests than the number of American forces in Iraq and Syria combined.

According to US Army Major General Scott Sherman, over 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines have been deployed in the city  a total of around 4,700 troops.

In contrast, the Pentagon says there are about 2,000 US troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq.

When asked if anything could ease tensions in the region, Trump said, They cant have a nuclear weapon. Very simple.

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He has often warned of striking Iran if talks over its nuclear programme fail. In an interview earlier on Wednesday, he said he was becoming less confident that Iran would agree to stop enriching uranium  a key US demand.

Meanwhile, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that if Iran is attacked, it will strike back at US bases in the region.

The US embassy in Kuwait, however, said in a statement that it has not changed its staffing and remains fully operational.
UK PM Keir Starmer has turned down a meeting request from Bangladeshs interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who is in London to seek support for recovering alleged stolen funds. read more

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declined a request to meet Bangladeshs interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who is currently visiting London , according to a report by the Financial Times.

Yunus is in the UK to garner support for recovering billions allegedly stolen by Sheikh Hasinas former government, according to his claims.

He told the Financial Times that the UK has a moral responsibility to assist the new Bangladeshi government in tracing funds believed to have been siphoned off and concealed, including in the UK.

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I havent spoken to him directly, Yunus said, but emphasised that he remained confident Starmer would support Bangladeshs recovery efforts.

According to the report, UK officials told the Financial Times that there are currently no plans for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to meet Bangladeshs interim leader Muhammad Yunus, and they declined to comment further.

Yunus said the UK was already helping to trace the missing funds but stressed it had a legal and moral duty to support Bangladesh in recovering the money. He added that the purpose of his visit was to gain stronger backing from the UK.

Yunus has been leading Bangladeshs interim government since Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a student-led protest in August last year. Hasina has since taken up residence in New Delhi.

In January, Tulip Siddiq  a close Starmer ally and then anti-corruption minister  resigned after facing corruption allegations linked to her connections with Awami League figures, including the receipt of property and other benefits. Notably, Siddiq is the niece of Sheikh Hasina.

PM Modi denies Yunus request to stop Hasinas addresses

Yunus said on Wednesday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ignored his request to stop former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from making political statements during her stay in India.

Speaking at Chatham House in London, Yunus said his government would continue its efforts to extradite Hasina from India so she can face charges in Bangladesh. The countrys International Crimes Tribunal recently indicted her for ordering a police crackdown on protesters last year.

Although Yunus formally holds the position of chief adviser to the interim government, he has been undertaking overseas visits and engaging in diplomatic activities.

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Met with protests upon arrival

Upon arriving in London, Yunus was met with protests outside his hotel on Tuesday morning.

Hundreds of British Bangladeshis, linked to the UK branch of the Awami League and its allied groups, gathered outside the Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair, chanting slogans and telling him to go back. They accused his government of human rights abuses, lynchings, killings, and a deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh.

Protesters held placards calling him the architect of mob rule and accused him of freeing extremists while jailing patriots. They also demanded his resignation.
US President Donald Trump said he does not rule out the possibility of reconciliation with Tesla CEO Elon Musk but insisted that he was a little disappointed by the billionaires outburst read more

US President Donald Trump said that he does not rule out a reconciliation with his former First Buddy, Elon Musk, after the two engaged in a dramatic public spat. While speaking on the debut episode of the New York Posts podcast Pod Force One, Trump said that he could patch things up with the Tesla CEO.

However, the president made it clear that reconciliation with Musk isnt currently his top priority. While speaking to the New York Post, Trump insisted that he does not blame Musk for the demise of their alliance, but insisted that he was a little disappointed  by the whole debacle. Look, I have no hard feelings, the 78-year-old president said in the interview.

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I was really surprised that that happened. He went after a phenomenal bill. He just  I think he feels very badly that he said that, actually." I was disappointed in him, but, you know, it is what it is, Trump admitted while reacting to the question of how Musk seemed to treat the president a bit like a father. That happens. Things like that happen. I dont blame him for anything. I was a little disappointed," he furthered.

Will Trump and Musk patch up?

The tussle between the firebrands started after Musk criticised Trumps  Big Beautiful Bill , which the Congressional Budget Office projects will add $3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. While sharing his criticisms, Musk also took personal jabs against Trump, claiming that the POTUS was on the Epstein Files and that Trump wouldnt have won the 2024 election without his support.

I guess I could, but we have to straighten out the country, the president replied when asked if he and Musk could ever get back on good terms. And my sole function now is getting this country back to a level higher than its ever been. And I think we can do that.

In response to Musks attacks, Trump told reporters that the billionaire had lost his mind and gone crazy. The poor guys got a problem, Trump told CNN of his onetime ally in a brief phone call Friday, without elaborating. When the New York Post asked Trump what problem Musk had, alluding to the Tesla CEO consuming drugs.

Trump said: I dont know what his problem is, really. I dont know." I havent thought too much about him in the last little while, but the bill is so good," he added. When asked about the fight between Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent , Trump rejected his former strategist Steve Bannons claim about physical altercations.

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Well, they had, not a fistfight, you know, but I guess they had a little bit of a shouting match, the president told the New York Post. Meanwhile, Musk has since made several public overtures towards Trump , responding with a heart emoji to a video clip of the president wishing him very well at a White House event Monday.
A US judge has blocked the Trump administration from detaining a former Columbia University student over his role in pro-Palestinian protests, calling it a violation of free speech rights. The decision deals a setback to efforts aimed at deporting foreign students involved in such demonstrations. read more

A federal judge on Wednesday ruled that the Trump administration cannot justify detaining Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and legal US resident, based on US foreign policy interests. The ruling is a major legal blow to the administrations attempt to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests on campuses.

US District Judge Michael Farbiarz said Khalils detention violated his First Amendment rights, causing irreparable harm by suppressing his freedom of speech and damaging his career and reputation.

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The Petitioners career and reputation are being damaged and his speech is being chilled, Farbiarz wrote in his decision. This adds up to irreparable harm.

US District Judge Farbiarz, who sits in Newark, New Jersey, said his ruling would take effect on Friday at 9:30 am EDT (1:30 pm GMT), giving the federal government time to file an appeal. This is to allow the respondents to seek appellate review should they wish to, he said.

In his decision, Judge Farbiarz said the Trump administration violated the free speech rights of student and activist Mahmoud Khalil by detaining him and trying to deport him under a rarely used immigration law. The law allows the US Secretary of State to order the deportation of any non-citizen deemed a threat to Americas foreign policy.
The US is moving some of its personnel out of the Middle East amid rising tensions and security concerns, with President Donald Trump warning the region could be dangerous and vowing to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. read more

US pulling personnel from Middle East as the region 'could be dangerous' amid tensions with Iran. Image: AFP

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said American personnel were being moved out of the Middle East as the region could be dangerous, amid rising tensions with Iran. He also vowed that the US would not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.

The State Department said it had ordered the departure of all non-essential personnel from the US Embassy in Baghdad following its latest review and a commitment to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. The embassy was already operating with limited staff, so the order will not affect a large number of personnel.

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However, the department is also authorising the departure of non-essential personnel and family members from Bahrain and Kuwait, allowing them the option to leave at government expense and with official assistance.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorised the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the region, US Central Command said in a statement. The command added that it is monitoring the developing tension in the Middle East.

It could be a dangerous place: Trump

Speaking at the Kennedy Center in Washington on Wednesday evening, President Trump said: They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place , and well see what happens. Weve given notice to move out, and well see what happens.

According to reports, the US is also planning a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq and will allow families of military personnel to leave certain locations in the Middle East due to heightened security threats, Reuters reported, citing US and Iraqi sources.

Rise in oil prices

The sources quoted by Reuters did not specify the nature of the security threats behind the evacuation decision. However, news of the possible evacuation caused oil prices to surge by over 4 per cent.

Voluntary departures from Bahrain, Kuwait.

A US official confirmed that the State Department has approved voluntary departures from Bahrain and Kuwait.

Mounting tensions in West Asia

The move comes at a tense moment in the region. Trumps efforts to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran have stalled, and US intelligence suggests that Israel may be preparing to attack Irans nuclear sites.

Theyre being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, Trump told reporters. Weve given notice to leave. Well see what happens.

Tensions have been rising in recent days as talks between the US and Iran over its rapidly advancing nuclear programme appear to have reached an impasse. The negotiations aim to limit Irans nuclear activity in return for easing some of the severe economic sanctions imposed by the US. Iran, however, maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
The US and China have reached a trade pact easing rare earth export curbs, but the deal gives China the power to tighten controls later, keeping future leverage in its hands. read more

US President Donald Trump meets with China's President Xi Jinping at the start of their bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. File Photo/Reuters

The United States and China have reached a trade agreement under which Beijing will ease restrictions on rare earth mineral exportscritical inputs for the automotive, semiconductor, and smartphone industriesproviding Washington with much-needed short-term supply relief. However, the deal includes provisions that allow China to tighten its grip again in the future.

US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the two countries had agreed to a truce following two days of negotiations in London. According to The Wall Street Journal, the agreement centres on the US gaining access to Chinas rare-earth magnetssmall but vital components used in electric vehicle motors, industrial robotics, and military equipment.

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Temporary relief, long-term uncertainty

While the deal is expected to resume the flow of rare earths to the US, it still gives China the power to reimpose restrictions. Export licences for US companies will be valid for only six months, enabling Beijing to cut supplies again if trade tensions flare, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Export curbs forced Washington back to the table

China imposed rare-earth export controls in April, shortly after the US slapped a 34% tariff on Chinese goods. The move sent shockwaves through global supply chains, prompting automakers, defence contractors, and electronics manufacturers to urgently seek alternatives. Chinas near-total dominance in producing the worlds most powerful magnetsaround 90%allowed it to use its position as leverage, pushing the US back to negotiations.

Conditional licence scheme raises concerns

Under the terms of the deal, China will issue export licences for six-month periods, maintaining the ability to reintroduce controls should tensions escalate. This conditional arrangement has raised concerns that Beijing could once again assert control over a critical supply chain during any future economic or diplomatic standoff.

Tariff reductions on both sides

As part of the agreement, the US will lower tariffs on Chinese goods from 145 per cent to 55 per cent. This revised rate includes a 10 per cent baseline tariffcurrently facing legal challenges25 per cent from the Trump administrations earlier trade measures, and 20 per cent linked to US concerns over fentanyl trafficking. In return, China will reduce its tariffs on American goods from 125 per cent to 10 per cent.

Businesses still under pressure

Although the deal signals a step towards de-escalation, American businesses warn that the trade environment remains strained. Retail giants such as Walmart have already indicated that price increases are likely, as tariffs continue to act as a hidden tax on US consumers. Small businesses have been especially vocal, describing the tariffs as a death sentence threatening their survival and growth.

A fragile truce with lingering risks

While the agreement provides temporary relief, it highlights the fragile nature of US-China trade relations. With China retaining strategic leverage in the rare earths sector, the long-term stability of the deal remains uncertain.
Emphasising the need for the world to come together and counter-terrorism, External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar asked why Al Qaeda terrorist Osama Bin Laden felt safe living in Pakistan for years. read more

Emphasising the need to counter terrorism, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar noted how Pakistan became a safe haven for globally recognised terrorist Osama Bin Laden following the devastating 9/11 attacks in the United States. The Indian diplomat made the remarks when asked about ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack .

Jaishankar dismantled the perception of the Western media in his interview with European news outlet Euractiv. The MEA noted that the ongoing tensions between the two nuclear-powered states are more than just a tussle between two nations. He warned that the persistence of terrorism would eventually come back to haunt the West as well.

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Let me remind you of something  there was a man named Osama bin Laden. Why did he, of all people, feel safe living for years in a Pakistani military town, right next to their equivalent of West Point? Jaishankar asked when questioned about why Indias messaging to the world after the Pahalgam terror attack is not cutting through.

I want the world to understand  this isnt merely an IndiaPakistan issue. Its about terrorism. And that very same terrorism will eventually come back to haunt you, he added.

The comments were made during Jaishankars visit to Belgiums capital, Brussels , where he held talks with the leaders of the European Union. On Tuesday, he met EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen and EU Foreign Policy Minister Kaja Kallas as India and the EU negotiated the highly anticipated Free Trade Agreement.

Jaishankar stands by the old friend while recalling the past

During the interview, the EAM was asked why India is not being judgmental enough in calling out Russia as the aggressor in the ongoing war in Ukraine. In response to this, Jaishankar recalled how the West did not support India during its time of crisis in the past.

We have a strong relationship with Ukraine as well  its not only about Russia. But every country, naturally, considers its own experience, history and interests, Jaishankar said.

India has the longest-standing grievance  our borders were violated just months after independence, when Pakistan sent in invaders to Kashmir. And the countries that were most supportive of that? Western countries.

If those same countries  who were evasive or reticent then  now say lets have a great conversation about international principles, I think Im justified in asking them to reflect on their past," he added. When pressed further, Jaishankar made it clear that India does not believe war can resolve differences.

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We dont believe that differences can be resolved through war  we dont believe a solution will come from the battlefield. Its not for us to prescribe what that solution should be. My point is, were not being prescriptive or judgemental  but we are also not uninvolved, he concluded.
CA Yunus has said PM Modi ignored his request to stop former PM Sheikh Hasina from making political statements while staying in India. Speaking in London, Yunus said his government will continue efforts to extradite Hasina. read more

Bangladeshs interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ignored his request to stop former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from making political statements while in India.

Speaking at Chatham House in London, Yunus emphasised that his government would continue its efforts to extradite Hasina from India so she can face charges in Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal, which recently indicted her for ordering a police crackdown on protestors last year.

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When I had a chance to speak with Prime Minister Modi, I simply said, You want to host her  I cannot force you to abandon that policy. But please help us ensure that she does not address the Bangladeshi people the way she currently is, Yunus said, while addressing the audience at the London-based think tank.

Yunus said he made this request to Modi during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok this April.

She announces that she will speak on a particular day and at a particular time, and the whole of Bangladesh becomes very angry, he added.

Modis answer  and I quote  was: It is social media; we cannot control it. What can you say? This is an explosive situation, and you cant simply walk away by saying its social media. Yet this continues, Yunus remarked.

Hasinas ouster after mass protests

Sheikh Hasina fled to India in August last year after being ousted following mass student protests. Since then, India has not responded to any of the extradition requests made by Dhaka since December, after the interim government took charge.

Yunus said his government would persist in seeking Hasinas extradition following her indictment by Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal.

The trial process has started. The tribunal has issued her notices for the crimes she has committed, and now she must respond, he said.

He also stated that they plan to involve Interpol and follow all proper legal procedures. We want the process to be legal and proper, he added.

Fake news in the Indian press: Yunus

Yunus further said that he wants strong ties with India but claimed that fake news in the Indian press is damaging those efforts.
Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina issued yet another provocative statment, accusing interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus of fooling the country with the promise of holding elections by 2026 read more

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina slammed the countrys interim Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, dismissing his pledge to hold elections by April 2026 . In her audio message to her supporters, Hasina reiterated that Yunus is selling the country and making money out of it.

Yunus took the task of rebuilding Bangladesh after a violent protest toppled the Sheikh Hasina government. However, several parties in Bangladesh have called out the Nobel laureate for not conducting the elections by 2025. While Yunus argued that he needs to usher in reforms before holding polls, his critics claim that he is trying to delay elections to stay in power.

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In her address to her party, Awami League, Hasina said that Yunus is plotting to fool the country on April Fools Day. The remarks from the former Bangladeshi premier came days after Yunus announced that he plans to hold elections by April 2026. I did not sell the country. Yunus is selling the country and making money. This government is backed by Jamaat [Jamaat-e-Islami]. They dont have the guts to fight me, Hasina said in her audio message, which was shared by her party, Awami League.

They have said the election will take place in April. This is nothing but the plot of making an April Fools joke, she explained. In her 1-hour-long audio message, Hasina frequently referred to Yunus as radical and extremists. She even slammed ex-PM Khaleda Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), accusing them of looting the country.

I will be back: Hasina

In her statement to her party and supporters, Hasina pointed out the atrocities committed against the people of Bangladesh under Yunuss regime. Yunus is committing murders and members of the Awami League are getting prosecuted, she exclaimed, commenting on how every member of her family is facing legal charges in the country.

BNP is busy looting the people and Jamaat is busy killing and getting its people inside the government, she remarked. In her message to the supporters, Hasina pledged to return to the country and shared her vision of a Smart Bangladesh by 2041. I will come back, the country will stand again, and we will free our nation from these radicals for the good of the people, she said.

Hasina slammed the Yunus government for banning her party Awami League , from contesting in the polls. She even gave an open challenge to the current regime to put the party on the ballot. If they want to hold polls, allow us to contest. Lets see who the people of Bangladesh want. But they wont do that because they dont have the guts to fight against us, she added.

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India dismisses Yunuss request to stop Hasina from making statements

Interestingly, Hasinas address to her supporters came shortly after Yunus claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ignored his request to stop the ex-Bangladeshi premier from making political statements while in India.

Yunus was sharing his takeaways from a meeting with PM Modi while speaking at the Chatham House in London. He pledged to continue with his efforts to extradite Hasina from India so that she can face looming charges against her in Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal, which recently indicted her for ordering a police crackdown on protestors last year.

When I had a chance to speak with Prime Minister Modi, I simply said, You want to host her  I cannot force you to abandon that policy. But please help us ensure that she does not address the Bangladeshi people the way she currently is, Yunus said while addressing the audience at the London-based think tank.

Yunus mentioned that he requested his meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok this April. She announces that she will speak on a particular day and at a particular time, and the whole of Bangladesh becomes very angry."

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Modis answer  and I quote  was: It is social media; we cannot control it. What can you say? This is an explosive situation, and you cant simply walk away by saying its social media. Yet this continues, Yunus furthered. India is yet to respond to Yunuss accusations.
Truecaller, the global platform known for caller ID and call blocking, has launched a new feature called Secure Calls as part of its Truecaller for Business service.

This feature advances beyond the existing Verified Business system by verifying the authenticity of every business call, addressing the growing issue of fraudulent call spoofing.

How Secure Calls Work

Secure Calls use a secure verification handshake between the business making the call and Truecallers system. This process confirms that the incoming call genuinely comes from the stated company, preventing impersonation by scammers. When a call passes this check, Truecaller displays a Secure Call label within the app, giving users clear confirmation of its authenticity.

Benefits of Secure Calls

Minimized Spoofing Risk: The secure signing process greatly reduces chances of fraudsters faking business calls.

Reliable Call Verification: All calls from verified businesses are authenticated to ensure legitimacy.

Stronger Customer Confidence: The Secure Call label gives users additional assurance when answering business calls.

Brand Safety: Companies can better protect their reputation by blocking unauthorized use of their identity.

Visible Confirmation: Call recipients see distinct indicators in Truecaller showing that the call is securely verified.

According to Truecallers announcement, Indias proptech leader NoBroker has already implemented Secure Calls to improve its protection against call fraud.

Availability

Starting today, Secure Calls is being rolled out globally and is available to all businesses subscribed to Truecaller for Business.

Speaking about the launch, Fredrik Kjell, Chief Operating Officer at Truecaller, said:
The director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife on Wednesday defended the agencys handling of a wolf pack in the Roaring Fork Valley after criticism was leveled by an agency commissioner who also is a rancher there.

The discussion occurred during the Parks and Wildlife Commissions meeting in Glenwood Springs after Parks and Wildlife recently killed a wolf from whats known as the Copper Creek pack. The agency had determined that local livestock producers had experienced chronic wolf-related depredation involving cattle.

The pack originally formed last year in Grand County when two wolves transplanted from Oregon reproduced. Parks and Wildlife removed the pack following attacks on livestock there, held the mother and four pups in a holding facility and later released them back into the wild.

Commissioner and Carbondale rancher Tai Jacober said Wednesday, I dont like to go back in history but it seems like we had a particular pack of wolves that was causing problems for a group of ranchers, and we went against our management plan, captured the wolves, went further against the management plan, re-released the wolves, and here we are today. And not only it is it a blunder on the agency, its a blunder on the wolves and its really difficult on the ranchers.

He said it seems like the agency removed one yearling wolf that had been kicked out of the pack and was trying to survive. He said that with a lot of wolves on Colorados landscape that arent causing problems, there needs to be a discussion by the agency about how to be accountable for mistakenly putting a chronically depredating pack back out on the landscape and how to deal with a bad pack of animals.

I think if we dont deal with a chronic depredating pack, its just going to continue to kind of rub on all of us and on the (wolf restoration) program and make it unsuccessful, Jacober said.

Agency Director Jeff Davis responded, I will say ... theres a lot of people that go to chronically depredating pack and that is not the case. Its purely not the case.

He said its not necessarily accurate to say all of the animals in the pack are chronic depredators. He also said that the animal that was removed was still part of the pack at the time.

Davis said it is a management strategy across the West to lethally remove wolves to alter the behavior of a pack. Parks and Wildlife is monitoring how the Copper Creek pack behaves following the removal, he said.

He said that the situation that arose last year with the pack was a complicated one. Davis said that the pups were very little when captured, and that he said previously that if the pack were to get back in trouble, Parks and Wildlife would follow its policy on chronically depredating wolves and get back on track with its wolf restoration plan. He said thats its intention.

We are monitoring that pack daily on their movement patterns and  continuing to work to make sure were responsive to the depredation calls that we get and the investigations that we do, Davis said.

Parks and Wildlife and ranchers in the area have been working to make use of nonlethal deterrents such as fladry fences and the use of range riders to try and keep wolves away from livestock. But Jacober said producers feel like they have been left in the dark in terms of the level of information they receive from the agency. Despite the wolves wearing GPS collars, he has been notified once about wolves being on his property, though the animals have gone through the property several times, he said.

He said theres a lot of frustration among ranchers when it comes to the wolf issue.

I understand how well the CPW does but the more Im watching it in my back yard, the more Im realizing that theres some truth to this and this frustration has some backbone, he said. And the sad part about it is its one group of animals that was removed causing a problem and put over here and causing the same problem. And why are we blundering an entire wolf program with one group of animals?

Davis said the agencys headquarters staff is in daily communication with its regional staff about whats going on involving the pack.

This is the most monitored group of animals that Ive ever seen and we will react promptly when we see of evidence of behaviors that are not going to be tolerated, he said.
Photo courtesy of Angela Christensen

Representatives of more than 40 Mesa County nonprofit organizations, all part of Grand Valley Gives, pose for a picture on the Mesa County Old Courthouse steps at 544 Rood Av. in this 2023 file photo to celebrate the start of early giving season for Colorado Gives Day. All the proceeds from Saturdays Backyard Brewfest at The Ale House, 2531 12th St., will go to Grand Valley Gives  a local organization that facilitates fundraisers and empowers small nonprofits to boost their visibility in the community.
Mon Monday

98 /67

Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 90s and lows in the upper 60s.
Former CIA Analyst Sentenced to Over Three Years in Prison for Unlawfully Transmitting Top Secret National Defense Information

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

A former CIA analyst was sentenced today to 37 months in prison for unlawfully retaining and transmitting Top Secret National Defense Information to people who were not entitled to receive it, information which was publicly posted on social media platforms in October 2024.

According to court documents, Asif William Rahman, 34, of Vienna, was an employee of the CIA since 2016 and had a Top Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) until his employment was terminated after his arrest.

"For months, this defendant betrayed the American people and the oaths he took upon entering his office by leaking some of our Nation's most closely held secrets," said John Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. "As this case demonstrates, the Department of Justice will continue to protect our nation by vigorously investigating and prosecuting leakers who compromise our nation's security."

"Asif Rahman violated his position of trust by illegally accessing, removing, and transmitting Top Secret documents vital to the national security of the United States and its allies," said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. "The urgency with which Mr. Rahman was identified, arrested, charged, and prosecuted is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of the investigators and prosecutors who brought him to justice. This case should serve as a stern warning to those who choose to place their own goals over their allegiance to our nation."

"By stealing and divulging classified information and then attempting to conceal his crimes, Asif Rahman not only violated the law; he also betrayed his oath as a government employee and his responsibility to the American people," said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division. "Now he will pay the price for putting American lives and U.S. national security at risk. Let this be a warning to all clearance holders: The FBI will exhaust all avenues to find and bring to justice anyone  no matter who they are  who endangers our nation by disclosing sensitive information without authorization."

On Oct. 17, 2024, Rahman accessed and printed two Top Secret documents containing National Defense Information regarding a U.S. foreign ally and its planned actions against a foreign adversary. Rahman removed the documents, photographed them, and transmitted them to individuals he knew were not entitled to receive them. By Oct. 18, 2024, the documents appeared publicly on multiple social media platforms, complete with the classification markings. After Oct. 17, 2024, Rahman engaged in a deletion campaign of work product on his Top Secret work station.

In 2024, continuing through November, Rahman repeatedly accessed and printed classified National Defense Information, including documents classified up to the Top Secret and further compartmented levels, that he learned in the course of his employment and transmitted to multiple individuals he knew were not entitled to receive it.

Rahman was indicted by a grand jury on Nov. 7, 2024, and was arrested by the FBI as he arrived to work on Nov. 12, 2024. On Jan. 17, Rahman pleaded guilty to two counts of willful retention and transmission of classified information related to the national defense. He has remained in custody since his arrest.

The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy A. Edwards Jr. for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Christopher Cook of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.



Topics: Counterintelligence

National Security

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Virginia, Eastern

Press Release Number: 25-608

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US Intelligence Chief Says World 'Closer Than Ever' to Nuclear Annihilation

Sputnik News

20250611

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard believes that the world is "closer than ever" to nuclear annihilation and has called on the nuclear powers to pursue the path of nuclear disarmament and avoid an escalation of tensions.

Gabbard posted a video on X where she talked about a recent visit to the Japanese city of Hiroshima, where the US dropped an atomic bomb in 1945. She acknowledged the consequences of the world's first atomic bombing.

"This is an experience that will stay with me forever... As we stay here today closer to the brink of nuclear annihilation closer than ever before, political elite and warmongers are carelessly fomenting fear and tensions between nuclear powers... So, it's up to us, the people, to speak up and demand an end to this madness. We must reject this path to nuclear war and work toward a world where no one has to live in fear of a nuclear holocaust," she said.

According to latest estimates by nuclear researchers, the total number of deployable nuclear warheads in the world has increased to 9,615 from 9,583 in 2024, while the total number of nuclear warheads has risen to 12,340. As of June 2025, nine countries  Russia, the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea  are known to be in possession of deployable nuclear warheads.

 Sputnik

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Cities across U.S. brace for more protests against ICE raids

13:16, June 12, 2025 By Xia Lin ( Xinhua

NEW YORK, June 11 (Xinhua) -- More protests against immigration enforcement raids are planned across the United States this week, after many of the kind have sprung up nationwide from Los Angeles to Seattle, Austin, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C., with some of them peaceful while others resulting in clashes with law enforcement.

Activists are planning more and even larger demonstrations in the coming days, with "No Kings" events across the country on Saturday to coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump's planned military parade through D.C., according to The Associated Press (AP). The Trump administration said it would continue its program of raids and deportations despite the protests.

"Cities across the United States were bracing for a new round of immigration protests on Wednesday after the Los Angeles mayor imposed an overnight curfew downtown and Governor Gavin Newsom of California blamed President Trump for unrest that began with deportation raids last week," reported The New York Times.

In San Antonio, protests against immigration raids are planned Wednesday night and on Saturday, but Mayor Ron Nirenberg said that city officials did not ask for the Texas National Guard to be deployed in advance. Governor Greg Abbott's office said that National Guard troops were "on standby" in areas where demonstrations are planned. That came after police in Austin used chemical irritants to disperse several hundred demonstrators on Monday near the state Capitol.

In Los Angeles, a sixth day of protests is planned downtown and near federal buildings. In Eugene, Oregon, several groups including the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which calls for the end of capitalism, said they planned to hold a solidarity protest in the city. In Mission Viejo, California, a protest is planned for Orange County, according to the local branch of the 50501 Movement, which was formed against the Trump administration's "anti-democratic" actions.

In Raleigh, North Carolina, hundreds of people are expected to gather in downtown Raleigh Wednesday evening, spurred in part by anger over a state immigration bill. In Seattle, the Party for Socialism and Liberation is among the groups behind a planned "ICE Out" protest in the city against ICE. In St. Louis, Missouri, a "NO ICE" protest is planned for this week, according to U.S. media reports.

Meanwhile, Trump left open the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, which authorizes the president to deploy military forces inside the United States to suppress rebellion or domestic violence or to enforce the law in certain situations. "It's one of the most extreme emergency powers available to a U.S. president," noted AP.

Tuesday night, Los Angeles police swiftly enforced a downtown curfew, making arrests moments after it took effect, while deploying officers on horseback and using crowd control projectiles to break up a group of hundreds of demonstrators. Immigration raids across Southern California are rattling the area's immigrant communities, even among those in the country legally. More than 100 people have been detained since Friday.

New York City police detained more than 80 people during protests around Lower Manhattan's Foley Square against federal immigration enforcement actions Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the vast majority of demonstrators were peaceful. She blamed smaller groups for causing disorder that required police intervention.

By Tuesday night, demonstrations against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown have intensified and spread far beyond Los Angeles, with thousands of people gathering in at least two dozen U.S. cities, holding banners and chanting slogans like "Stop the Deportation Now" and "Abolish ICE."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Contracts

Contracts For June 11, 2025

ARMY

GardaWorld Federal Services LLC, Arlington, Virginia (W519TC-25-F-0261); Triple Canopy Inc., Herndon, Virginia (W519TC25F0262); Allied Universal, Irvine, California (W519TC-25-F-0263); Acuity International LLC, Reston, Virginia (W519TC-25-F-0264); SOC LLC, Chantilly, Virginia (W519TC-25-F-0265); Patriot Group International Inc., Warrenton, Virginia (W519TC-25-F-0266); and Continuity Global Solutions LLC, Port Saint Joe, Florida (W519TC-25-F-0267), will compete for each order of the $10,336,446,197 firm-fixed-price contract for guard and protective security services. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 15, 2035. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity.

Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $792,371,847 modification (P00070) to contract W56HZV-18-D-0010 for a three-year extension to the family of Medium Tactical Vehicles A2 contract. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 4, 2029. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, St. Petersburg, Florida, was awarded a $706,475,429 firm-fixed-price contract for production and delivery of 120mm ammunition. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 12, 2029. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-25-D-0006).

Cooper Tacia General Contracting Co., Raleigh, North Carolina, awarded a $23,657,005 firm-fixed-price contract for child development center construction. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2028. Fiscal 2021 military construction, Army funds in the amount of $23,657,005 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Georgia, is the contracting activity (W912HN-25-C-4001).

Trend Construction Inc., Deland, Florida, was awarded a $19,596,566 firm-fixed-price contract to construct a standard design automated record fire plus range. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with an estimated completion date of June 15, 2027. Fiscal 2021 and 2024 military construction, Army funds in the amount of $19,596,566 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Georgia, is the contracting activity (W912HN-25-C-A001).



RESPEC Co. LLC, Rapid City, South Dakota, was awarded a $15,971,580 firm-fixed-price contract for design-bid-build construction of a geothermal generation slim well. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Cheyenne, Wyoming, with an estimated completion date of June 10, 2026. Fiscal 2023 military construction, defense-wide funds in the amount of $15,971,580 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Nebraska, is the contracting activity (W9128F-25-C-A020).

DEFENSE LOGISTCS AGENCY

US Foods Inc., doing business as US Foods - Los Angeles, La Mirada, California, has been awarded a maximum $187,824,608 firm-fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for full-line food and beverage items. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 3204 (a)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a 366-day bridge contract. The ordering period end date is June 13, 2026. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2026 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-25-D-3012).

S&K Electronics Inc.,** Ronan, Montana, has been awarded a maximum $10,000,000 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for electric air heaters. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a two-year base contract with three one-year option periods. The ordering period end date is June 10, 2030. Using military services are Army and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2025 through 2030 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE8E5-25-D-0005).

AIR FORCE

US&S-Pegasus JV LLC, Greenville, South Carolina was awarded a $46,815,308 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for base operations and support services. This contract provides for all personnel, supervision, equipment, tools, materials, supplies, test equipment, and other items and services necessary to accomplish materiel management, ground transportation and vehicle management, traffic management, real property maintenance, and fuels management. Work will be performed at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana, and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2030. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and nine offers were received. Fiscal year 2025 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $24,000 are being obligated at time of award. The 434th Air Refueling Wing, Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana, is the contracting activity (FA4654-25-D-0001).

CORRECTION: The contract announced on June 10, 2025, for Cubic Defense Acquisition, Inc., San Diego, California, $399,000,000 was announced with an incorrect award date. The correct award date is June 11, 2025.

NAVY

Epsilon C5I Inc.,* San Diego, California, is awarded an $11,959,351 cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N6893625F0340) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N6893621G0003). This order provides for the ongoing expansion, evolution, implementation, and to furnish VISION technology, a full motion video, multi-intelligence analysis capability that produces analytic capacity leveraging multi-source intelligence to accelerate the find, fix, track, target, engage, and assess process in support of Small Business Innovation Research Phase III topic N101-100 titled, "Multi-Source Imagery and Geopositional Exploitation (MSIGE)". Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed in June 2026. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Defense-wide) funds in the amount of $1,548,643 will be obligated at the time of award, $1,548,643 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, California, is the contracting activity.

*Small business

**Small business in historically underutilized business zones

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4214052/

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Lithuania and Japan launch a new phase of defence industry cooperation, says Vice Minister of National Defence L. Maskalioviene

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-06-10

International cooperation | Security and defense policy

Vice Minister of National Defence Loreta Maskalioviene conducted a formal visit to Japan on June 8-10 where she opened the Lithuania-Japan Business Forum. The event in Tokyo addressed the ecosystem of the Lithuanian defence industry and opportunities of cooperation. Approx. 20 Lithuanian and Japanese defence industry companies were represented at the event.

"Lithuania and Japan have been strengthening partnership on cyber defence and military exchange in the recent years. Today marks a yet one more stage of cooperation, in defence industry. Our objective is not only to share experience but also to generate mutual and long-term value. We can identify a vast potential in cooperation in the area of defence industry with Japan, especially in attracting its investment to Lithuania, " Vice Minister said.

The Lithuania delegation presented Lithuania's directions of development in defence industry which are centered around three key ones: ammunition and explosives, UAV and anti-drone systems, repair of heavy equipment and maritime defence capabilities. It was underlined that Lithuanian companies are developing hi-tech solutions which have been tested on the battlefield in Ukraine.

Another point of discussion was creation of a favorable environment for national and foreign investment in defence, the so-call "green corridor", cutting down regulatory barriers significantly and simplifying the procedures of use of land and constructions permissions for defence industry projects.

This forum is a practical step in the implementation of Lithuania's Strategy for Security and Defence Engagement in the Indo-Pacific Region which identifies Japan as the key partner in the region.

During the visit Vice Minister L. Maskalioviene also met with Senior Adviser to the Minister of Defence Kenji Wakamiya, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) Commissioner Takeshi Ishikawa and Chief Executive Director of the Japan Association of Defence Industries (JADI) Nobuaki Miyama. The meetings focussed on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the area of defence industry, addressed regional security and the war in Ukraine.

Vice Minister L. Maskalioviene's visit to Japan is part of the consistent regional policy carried out by the Ministry of National Defence. Last month the country was visited by Minister of National Defence Dovile Sakaliene in what was the first official visit of such level in ten years.

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June 11, 2025

By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News

Hegseth Says Shipbuilding, Golden Dome, Nuclear Deterrence Make Up DOD Budget Request for Billions in Funding

On Capitol Hill today, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accompanied by Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with lawmakers on the Senate Appropriations Committee to discuss key points for the Defense Department in the president's recommendations for discretionary funding levels for fiscal year 2026.

Earlier this month, the Office of Management and Budget released to Congress President Donald J. Trump's recommendations on FY26 discretionary funding levels.

While a full presidential budget recommendation has not yet been released, the proposal includes an increase in DOD's budget to approximately $961.6 billion, about $113.3 billion higher than the enacted budget for the department in FY25.

"The $961.6 billion budget request, which is over $1 trillion for national security total, will end four years of chronic underinvestment in our military," Hegseth said, adding that the department has been working since January to crystallize the president's agenda into a budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

"This budget provides a historic level of funding for military readiness  putting our warfighters and their needs first  and young Americans are responding and signing up in droves," Hegseth said. "We are rebuilding our military; 25 years ago, our military was unchallenged, yet we squandered that advantage as China carried out an unprecedented military buildup."

The secretary said the rebuilding plan involves reviving the defense industrial base, reforming DOD acquisition processes and rapidly fielding emerging technology and new weapons to warfighters.

"This budget invests $25 billion in Golden Dome for America, a down payment on President Trump's priority to defend our homeland," he said. "It also commits more than $62 billion in total to modernize and sustain our nuclear forces as we face rising nuclear dangers."

Hegseth told senators that the nuclear triad is the centerpiece of U.S. deterrence, and the recapitalization of it involves new submarines, such as the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, new intercontinental ballistic missiles as part of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program and bomber aircraft, such as the B-21 Raider.

"No doubt, our nuclear triad is the silent foundation of our entire deterrent effect, and that's why this budget fully funds all three legs of the triad and makes sure we're leaning forward and ensuring we have the most capable nuclear deterrent possible," he said.

The budget also provides $3.5 billion for the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance platform  the world's first crewed sixth-generation fighter aircraft  to help the department maintain air dominance. However, Hegseth noted that the department will also be investing significantly at sea, with a total of $47 billion for shipbuilding.

"When you look at the totality of the $961 billion, or $1 trillion total over national security, that's 19 new ships," he said. "It's a historic investment in shipbuilding. [And] it's over $6 billion [for investments] in the shipbuilding defense industrial base."

Lawmakers asked Hegseth about the National Defense Strategy, which he has stated is the single most important document to ensure the department operates in accordance with the president's and his own intent.

"It drives almost all of our decision-making, certainly on a topic related to budget," he said, adding that the administration prepared an interim National Defense Strategy almost immediately upon arriving in Washington.

The interim strategy, a classified document, was distributed in mid-March, and earlier this month, Hegseth directed the undersecretary of defense for policy to lead the development of a full NDS.

"That interim National Defense Strategy focused on defending the homeland, a recognition that that is important, our pacing threat in the Indo-Pacific [region], and then burden sharing for our allies and partners, making sure that they're stepping up so that we can focus where we need to," he said. "I would anticipate that our National Defense Strategy will include a lot of those ingredients, but more fully developed."

The secretary stated that he expected the full NDS to be released in late summer and added that the existing interim strategy had driven current department investments.

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Florida Fuel Supplier Charged in Multimillion-Dollar Scheme to Defraud U.S. Department of Defense, other Federal Agencies

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

A federal grand jury in Miami returned an indictment today charging a Florida business owner with multiple counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and forgery for orchestrating a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies by submitting altered and fake invoices to U.S. Navy ships and other vessels through the SEA Card Program, which allows U.S. vessels to purchase critical fuel from suppliers at ports around the world.

According to court documents filed in the Southern District of Florida, between August 2022 and January 2024, Jasen Butler, 37, of Jupiter, Florida, the owner of Independent Marine Oil Services LLC, submitted dozens of falsified documents to multiple U.S. warships  including the USS Patriot  demanding and receiving over $5 million dollars in payments for phony expenses that Butler had not incurred. These ships were attempting to purchase fuel in international ports such as Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Croatia, among others. Butler also concealed his identity from government officials by using a false name and feigning employment by a fictitious fuel division of a different company. As alleged in the indictment, Butler used the millions in fraud proceeds to personally enrich himself and purchase multiple properties, including in Florida and Colorado.

"This indictment sends a clear, public message: the Antitrust Division and its Procurement Collusion Strike Force under President Trump will not rest until all who defraud the brave men and women of the U.S. military and the American taxpayers receive swift justice," said Assistant Attorney General Abigail A. Slater of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division.

"Investigating complex fraud schemes which impact U.S. Coast Guard operations is a priority for CGIS," said Special Agent in Charge Josh Packer of the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) Southeast Field Office. "CGIS remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate any fraud which undermines the integrity of the Coast Guard's supply chain."

"Mr. Butler's alleged involvement in unlawfully submitting fraudulent invoices related to U.S. naval ships receiving fuel during port visits is an affront to the warfighter and taxpayer," said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office. "NCIS remains committed to thoroughly investigating those who commit fraud impacting the Department of Navy."

If convicted, Butler faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud, up to 10 years for each count of forgery, and up to 10 years for each count of money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Chief Sara Clingan and Trial Attorney Jonathan Pomeranz and of the Antitrust Division's Washington Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

The NCIS and CGIS are investigating the case.

Anyone with information about this investigation or other procurement fraud schemes should notify the PCSF at www.justice.gov/atr/webform/pcsf-citizen-complaint

. The Justice Department created the PCSF in November 2019. It is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government  federal, state and local. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Component: Antitrust Division

Press Release Number: 25-606

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Colombia: Joint Press Release on negotiations on a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement

European External Action Service (EEAS)

11.06.2025

EEAS Press Team

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, and Laura Sarabia, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, agreed today in Brussels to launch negotiations on a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, marking a new chapter in EU-Colombia relations.

The planned agreement will allow the two sides to further strengthen political ties and deepen cooperation on key areas of common interest, including climate and environment, the fight against drugs trafficking and organized crime, green energy, and security and defence.

The two leaders also discussed global challenges and bi-regional cooperation between the EU and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) ahead of the upcoming CELAC-EU Summit in Colombia on 9-10 November. The Summit will be a key moment to strengthen the EU-CELAC partnership and advance cooperation on global priorities, including multilateralism, security, climate, trade, digital and green transitions, and the fight against organized crime. In preparation, EU and CELAC Foreign Ministers will meet in New York during the UN General Assembly.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter and the rules-based multilateral order. The EU High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission reaffirmed her support to Colombia in defending democracy, institutional stability, and the pursuit of peace.

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Study by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency: Shift to European track gauge would improve military mobility

Finnish Government

Ministry of Transport and Communications

Publication date 11.6.2025 11.16

Type:Press release

At the seminar held on 11 June 2025, the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency presented the main results of a study on extending the standard track gauge commonly used in Europe to northern Finland. According to the study, extending the narrower track gauge to Finland will primarily benefit military mobility.

"In the beginning of this government term, major changes took place in Finland's transport policy. At that point, we moved the focus increasingly to projects that strengthen security, military mobility and security of supply and improve the condition of the road network. The increasingly tense geopolitical situation, Finland's position at NATO's front line and Russia's prolonged, brutal and illegal aggression require that Finland's infrastructure will persist and work well in emergency conditions as well. A key focus must be on northern Finland, where the most urgent is Rail Nordica, that is, the shift to the European track gauge. Decisions concerning the rest of Finland will be made in spring 2027 at the latest," says Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

The study of the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency explores the extension of the track gauge of 1,435 millimetres commonly used in Europe to Finland. The solution consists of a new track alongside the current track and, in some places, interlaced tracks.

Based on the study, in civilian transport the costs of the new track gauge would not be proportionate to the benefits to be gained from it. The benefits in terms of military mobility and security of supply cannot yet be estimated in quantitative terms. In further studies on the European track gauge it will be ensured that the needs of business and industry will also be taken into account, as far as possible.

The estimated costs of changing the track gauge of the entire area in northern Finland covered by the study, including the loading points and depots, are about EUR 3.2 billion. If the new Kolari-Svappavaara connection is added to the project, the price is estimated to be about EUR 4.8 billion. The cost estimate from the Swedish border to Oulu and Rovaniemi is about EUR 1.5 billion.

EU and NATO expect Finland to take action

Finland's track gauge is about 90 millimetres wider than elsewhere in Europe. The standard track gauge in Finland is 1,524 millimetres, while the track gauge commonly used in Europe is 1,435 millimetres.

The Trans-European Transport Network Regulation requires Member States to explore, plan and promote the shift to the standard track gauge commonly used in Europe. This concerns countries where the track gauge differs from the gauge of 1,435 mm. The TEN-T Regulation obliges to draw up a plan for a possible change of the track gauge to 1,435 millimetres by summer 2027.

The Commission stresses the importance of military mobility in its future funding periods. It is likely that Finland could receive EU funding for the shift to the track gauge commonly used in Europe. NATO also expects Finland to take action with respect to the track gauge.

The Finnish defence administration has identified inadequate railhead capacity as one of the main bottlenecks in terms of military mobility and considers the extension of the European track gauge to Finland as the most important measure to improve Finland's military mobility.

Funding for Rail Nordica project in mid-term policy review

In the mid-term policy review on 24 April 2025, the Government proposed EUR 20 million in funding for the Rail Nordica project concerning the planning of the extension of the track gauge commonly used in Europe to Finland. The first phase concerns planning a connection from the Haaparanta-Tornio border crossing point to Kemi. Extending the planning to Oulu and Rovaniemi has been suggested as well.

The aim of the Rail Nordica project is to promote military mobility and security of supply. The project also aims to improve the business environment in Finland and the other Nordic countries and respond to NATO's needs.

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Haiti Sees Record Displacement as 1.3 Million Flee Violence

International Organization for Migration

News - Global

11 June 2025

Geneva/Port-au-Prince, 11 June 2025 -- Nearly 1.3 million people are now internally displaced in Haiti, a 24 percent increase since December 2024, according to a recently published Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This surge represents the highest number of people displaced by violence ever recorded in the country.

"Behind these numbers are so many individual people whose suffering is immeasurable; children, mothers, the elderly, many of them forced to flee their homes multiple times, often with nothing, and now living in conditions that are neither safe nor sustainable," said Amy Pope, IOM Director General. "We need to act urgently. The strength of the Haitian people is humbling, but resilience cannot be their only refuge. This crisis cannot become the new normal."

While Port-au-Prince remains the epicentre of the crisis, gang violence is spreading beyond the capital. Recent attacks in the Centre and Artibonite departments have forced tens of thousands more residents to flee, many now living in precarious conditions and makeshift shelters. Although nearly a quarter of all internally displaced people are still living in the capital, increasing numbers of people are fleeing to other parts of the country in search of safety. In the North, the number of people forced from their homes has grown by nearly 80 per cent.

In the Artibonite department, violence in Petite Riviere alone has driven thousands more from their homes, bringing the total number of displaced people in the area to over 92,000. In the Centre department, the situation is even more alarming. Fighting in towns like Mirebalais and Saut-d'Eau has more than doubled the number of people on the move in just a few months, rising from around 68,000 to over 147,000. Many now face life without access to health care, schools, and clean water, leaving already vulnerable families struggling to survive.

As more people are forced to flee, the number of spontaneous displacement sites is also rising. Since December, these sites have jumped from 142 to 246. The sharpest increase is in areas that previously had none, like the Centre department, which now hosts 85 sites. Yet around 83 per cent are sheltering with host families, placing enormous strain on already overstretched households, especially in rural communities.

IOM continues to play a leading role in the humanitarian response. In the past month, the Organization assisted over 20,000 people with essential household items such as buckets and cooking utensils, distributed over 3 million litres of clean water, and provided basic health services to 6,000 people. Additionally, IOM has reinforced its mental health support, reaching over 8,500 displaced people. IOM teams are currently deployed in the Centre department to assess the multisectoral needs and prepare the response.

As needs grow, IOM reiterates its call to the international community to scale up support. Without immediate funding and access, millions remain at risk. Humanitarian assistance is essential, but alone it is not enough. Sustainable solutions must address the root causes of displacement, improve access to essential services, and create viable alternatives to gang violence for youth. These measures are critical to breaking the cycle of violence and restoring stability.

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Pezeshkian urges Islamic unity to support Palestinians and counter Israel

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 11, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for unity and coordination among Islamic nations in support of the Palestinian people.

"The full utilization of diplomatic and political capacities to immediately halt the Zionist regime's crimes in Gaza will continue," the president said during a meeting with Jamil Mezher, the deputy secretary general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, who is visiting Tehran at the head of a delegation.

Pezeshkian described supporting the oppressed around the world, especially the Palestinian people, as a "fundamental and unchangeable policy rooted in the authentic teachings of the Islamic Revolution."

Addressing the ongoing atrocities committed by the Israeli regime and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the president said, "The primary reason for the continuation of this oppression and brutality is the lack of unity, solidarity, and coordination among Islamic countries."

He added, "What we seek is to strengthen convergence, brotherhood, and good neighborliness in the Islamic world and to achieve a unified stance on regional and international issues, including the Palestinian cause."

Mezher, for his part, thanked the Islamic Republic's consistent and principled support for the Palestinian cause. "We sincerely appreciate President Pezeshkian's supportive, enlightening, and unifying positions in defense of the Palestinian issue," he said.

The Palestinian official also stressed the importance of unity among resistance groups in countering the Israeli regime, and called on the Islamic world to put an end to the massacre of the people of Gaza.

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Ansarullah: Yemen will expand scope of operations against Zionist regime

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 11, 2025

Hours after the Israeli regime attacked the port of Hodeidah in western Yemen, the Yemeni Ansarullah movement announced that it would expand the scope of its operations against the regime.

Nasreddin Amer, the deputy head of the Ansarullah Movement's Information Council, posted a message on the X social network (formerly Twitter) and wrote, "The Zionist regime's aggression on the port of Hodeidah has had no significant impact on the operation to support Gaza, nor has it affected the morale of our people, who support Gaza every week with millions of people on the streets."

Amer stressed that this attack did not hinder the preparations for intensifying and expanding operations deep inside the occupied territories.

"The naval blockade of the Zionist regime by Yemen, which has led to the complete closure of the port of Umm al-Rishrash (Eilat), will not be lifted, nor will the flight ban at Lod Airport (Ben Gurion), which has caused most of the world's airlines to stop their interaction with enemy airports, be lifted," he added.

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Latvia and Sweden sign Letter of Intent to Supply Archer 8x8 Artillery Systems to National Armed Forces

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Defence

06/11/2025 - 12:27

In Latvia

International cooperation

NATO

Information prepared by Media Relations Section

On Tuesday, June 10, the Ministry of Defence signed a letter of intent with Sweden on a mutual commitment to conclude an intergovernmental agreement in the future for the supply of 18 "Archer" 8x8 wheeled artillery systems to the National Armed Forces, potentially also promoting the participation of the local defence industry in the supply security chain.

"The agreement between Sweden and Latvia marks a significant step in closer defense cooperation between the two countries. The agreement provides a solid basis for joint military exercises, soldier training, and the presence of effective artillery systems starting in 2026. This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to strengthening regional security and deterrence, especially in these geopolitically challenging times," emphasises Minister of Defence Andris Spruds.

The letter of intent was signed by the Deputy State Secretary for Procurement of the Ministry of Defence, Major General Andis Dilans, and the Director of the Swedish National Armaments, Goran Martensson (Goran Martensson).

The letter of intent includes a commitment to move towards the creation of a joint "Archer" 6x6 wheeled artillery unit. The letter of intent also commits the parties to implement joint training of Latvian and Swedish personnel, which may be agreed upon later by the armed forces of both countries. In addition, in the signed document, the Swedish armed forces commit to provide leasing of the systems until the delivery of the new equipment.

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Strong Lineage 25: Multinational force integration progresses in Slovakia

NATO Allied Land Command

Jun 11 2025

The "Strong Lineage 25" military exercise, conducted in Slovakia and led by the Galicia VII Spanish Brigade, has reached a key milestone with the completion of the strategic projection phase for personnel and equipment.

June 11, 2025 - With the arrival of various contingents and tactical material at the Lest training area on 30 May, the operational rehearsal enters a new stage: the integration phase of all participating units. Spain, as the framework nation of the multinational brigade in Slovakia, coordinates the entire operation's planning; standardizes command and control procedures among all command posts; harmonizes tactics, techniques, and combat procedures under NATO standards; and ensures interoperability across all communications systems.

This integration phase concluded on 6 June, after which a three-day exercise was conducted based on a specifically designed tactical scenario. This involved all combat units, combat support units, and logistics/medical support units of the multinational brigade, with support from Spanish HA-28 Tiger, NH-90, and two HT-17 Chinook helicopters.

The multinational brigade is equipped with Leopard 2A6 tanks, BVP-1 and BVP-2 armored vehicles, Centauro combat vehicles, PANDUR II and Patria AMV armored vehicles, and VAMTAC ST5 vehicles with various weapons systems and missiles.

Combat support units include VERT and BPzV reconnaissance vehicles, VAMTAC engineer vehicles, Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams, fire support with 105mm Howitzer, electronic warfare and cyber defense equipment, anti-tank systems with Spike missiles, air defense systems with Mistral missiles, CERVUS anti-drone systems, and UAVs such as Orbiter and Raven.

From a medical standpoint, a reinforced ROLE1+ unit has been deployed with capabilities for primary care, specialized first aid, triage, resuscitation, stabilization, and casualty evacuation.

The execution of this tactical scenario allowed NATO's Land Command (LANDCOM) to verify the scaling-up process of the deployed unit in Slovakia to brigade level. This ensured that the increase in capabilities meets the Alliance's defined requirements. This operational rehearsal not only enhances military readiness but also demonstrates NATO's ability to deploy and coordinate forces swiftly, effectively, and reliably.

With interoperability as a central pillar, Strong Lineage 25 stands out as a key event in consolidating collective defense, ensuring that Allied forces are ready to respond rapidly and in a coordinated manner to any emerging threat.

The strategic projection process, known as RSOM (Reception, Staging, Onward Movement), has enabled the deployment of units from seven NATO countries, strengthening allied presence on Europe's eastern flank. This deployment by land, sea, and air across multiple European countries highlights the scale, complexity, and logistical effort involved, rigorously testing all cross-border coordination procedures among allied nations.

This joint logistical effort demonstrates the Spanish Army's ability to lead multinational operational structures and Spain's firm commitment to NATO's deterrence and defense posture. It enhances response capacity to potential regional threats, in close coordination with the host nation, Slovakia.

Key figures from the strategic projection of personnel and equipment from the seven participating countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal, Romania, Turkiye, and Spain) include: approximately 7,000 tons of equipment and material, 2,000 troops (including over 1,450 Spaniards), around 410 combat vehicles, and 5 Spanish helicopters operating from Malacky Air Base in Slovakia.

Story by Public Affairs Office at LANDCOM

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A look at the Defence news 2 - 8 June

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

News item | 11-06-2025 | 09:32

The future of European defence was on the agenda at the Clingendael symposium, held in the Nieuwspoort press centre in The Hague on 3 June. Representatives of European government organisations gathered there to discuss how Europe can take more responsibility for its own security.

Keynote speakers included Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space and former Prime Minister of Lithuania, as well as General Onno Eichelsheim, Netherlands Chief of Defence.

According to Eichelsheim, now is the time for Europe to stand strong. In his speech, he said that we must demonstrate that we are ready and willing to fight for freedom and peace.

Netherlands and Czech Republic strengthen cooperation in defence industry

"We must remain fully committed to strengthening our armed forces and defence industry," Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans said during his recent visit to the Czech Republic. He stressed that only then can we deter our enemies and continue to provide unwavering support to Ukraine. The minister's remarks came as he joined the Dutch state visit to the country, where he also witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the defence industries of the two nations.

Netherlands bolsters Ukrainian navy with vessels and drones

The Netherlands has announced a new maritime aid package for Ukraine with a total value of around 400 million Euros. It comprises over 100 fast patrol boats and military vessels for use in special operations. The package was announced by Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans at a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in Brussels.

NATO ministers discuss objectives ahead of summit in The Hague

Last week, NATO defence ministers discussed the Alliance's objectives and a potential new defence spending standard. In order to effectively defend the Alliance against rising threats and deter opponents, NATO member countries must boost their investment in military capabilities. This was a central theme during the meeting, held in Brussels on 5 June. The issue is also set to feature on the agenda of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague on 24 and 25 June.

Good start for HNLMS Friesland in the Caribbean

Patrol vessel HNLMS Friesland recently intercepted a smuggling vessel south of the ABC islands. The high-speed craft, known as a go-fast, was found to be carrying more than 3,000 kilos of drugs. Although the incident occurred on 29 May, news of the Dutch navy vessel's intervention was announced only last week. The contraband has been confiscated.

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Senate drops June 11 presentation of Articles of Impeachment

Philippine News Agency

By Wilnard Bacelonia

June 11, 2025, 12:21 pm

MANILA -- The Senate, acting as an impeachment court, has formally returned the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives, while also issuing a writ of summons for her to respond to serious allegations  effectively cancelling the scheduled presentation set for June 11.

Senate President and Presiding Officer Francis Escudero confirmed on Wednesday that the Senate has postponed further proceedings after the upper chamber convened as an impeachment court on June 10 and issued the necessary preliminary orders.

In a letter dated the same day and addressed to House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Escudero stated that the scheduled presentation had been rendered "moot" due to the initiation of formal court processes, including the referral of the complaint, issuance of summons, and the adoption of impeachment trial rules.

"Furthermore, at 9:39 p.m. of even date, the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, adjourned to a date and time to be set by the Presiding Officer," Escudero wrote.

Duterte was furnished a copy of the letter.

The Senate Impeachment Court also approved a motion filed by Senator-judge Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, as amended by Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano, directing the return of the Articles of Impeachment to the House "without dismissing or terminating the case."

The return was made contingent on two conditions: a certification from the House that the one-year bar rule under Article XI, Section 3(5) of the Constitution was not violated, and a declaration from the incoming 20th Congress expressing its readiness to pursue the case.

Escudero emphasized that this action was a procedural step and not a dismissal.

"Na-convene na ang court. Sa katunayan, nag-isyu na ng summons kay Vice President Sara Duterte ang impeachment court (The court has already been convened. In fact, the impeachment court has issued a summons to Vice President Sara Duterte)," he said in a press briefing.

Despite the return of the articles, the court moved ahead with issuing a formal writ of summons to the Vice President, ordering her to respond to the charges outlined in Article I of the complaint.

The summons, served by the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms and received by the Office of the Vice President on June 11, mandates Duterte to respond within three days of service.

The complaint accuses Duterte of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and committing high crimes  including allegedly contracting an assassin and plotting to kill the President, First Lady, and House Speaker, claims reportedly made by Duterte during a live broadcast.

Meanwhile, Escudero dismissed suggestions that the House could simply disregard the Senate's directive, reiterating that in impeachment proceedings, the Senate acts as the court and the House as the prosecutor  a dynamic distinct from co-equal legislative functions.

"This is not a bicameral conference where both sides need to agree. This is a court order directed at a party to the case. Wala sa lugar para sa akin ang Kamara na hindi sumunod sa ipinag-uutos ng impeachment court (For me, the House of Representatives is out of line for not complying with the order of the impeachment court)," he said.

Responding to criticism and questions over the legality and constitutionality of the court's actions, Escudero said only the Supreme Court has the authority to resolve such matters.

"Kasaysayan lamang, with the benefit of hindsight, ang pwedeng magsabi kung sino ang tama o mali (Only history, with the benefit of hindsight, can determine who was right or wrong)," he added. (PNA)

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ICC plenary rejects Duterte move to disqualify 2 judges

Philippine News Agency

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

June 11, 2025, 2:05 am

MANILA -- The International Criminal Court's (ICC) plenary of judges unanimously rejected the motion of former president Rodrigo R. Duterte to disqualify Judges Reine Adelaide Sophia Alapini-Gansou and Maria del Socorro Flores Liera from ruling on the challenge to the court's jurisdiction over his case.

ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane said the plenary of judges convened on June 9 to consider Duterte's request.

"The plenary of judges, acting unanimously, decided to reject the Application. A fully reasoned decision of the plenary will follow," he wrote.

Duterte's defense team requested the ICC to disqualify the judges from adjudicating on the issue of ICC jurisdiction, pointing out the two had "prior involvement in the most substantive legal question" in the case.

"The question of jurisdiction and the exercise thereof is a contentious -- if not the most contentious -- issue in the Case," Duterte's defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman wrote in May.

"Deciding this matter in favor of the Defense will have far-reaching consequences on the future of the Situation," he added.

Alapini-Gansou, Liera and presiding judge of the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I Iulia Antoanella Motoc signed the arrest warrant against Duterte.

The former chief executive, currently in custody of the ICC, is set to appear at the confirmation of charges hearing on Sept. 23. (PNA)

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Katz orders Israeli military to block Gaza-bound North African aid convoy

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 6:49 PM

Israel's minister for military affairs, Israel Katz, has ordered the army to prevent a North African aid convoy from entering the besieged Gaza Strip.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Katz's office instructed Israeli troops to block the entry of "protesters" from entering Gaza from Egypt.

"I expect the Egyptian authorities to prevent them from reaching the Egypt-Gaza border and not allow them to carry out provocations and try to enter Gaza," he added.

The convoy left the Tunisian capital in a 100-vehicle group earlier this week to raise international awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and deliver life-saving aid.

The land convoy, consisting of thousands of volunteers from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, departed on Monday towards Gaza to demand an end to Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, break the siege, and deliver humanitarian aid.

The convoy includes union and political figures, as well as human rights activists, athletes, lawyers, doctors, journalists, and members of youth organizations, among others.

The activists are expected to enter Egypt on Thursday before reaching the border city of Rafah in southern Gaza.

Earlier on Monday, Israeli forces seized control of a charity vessel aiming to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip and detained its crew of 12, including activist Greta Thunberg.

In recent years, several ships have attempted to break Israel's land, sea, and naval blockade on the Gaza Strip, but have repeatedly been pushed back by Israeli forces.

In 2010, the Mavi Marmara flotilla mission was attacked by Israeli forces who boarded the ship and killed ten activists.

In May, another vessel organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Conscience, failed to continue its journey to Gaza after being struck by two drones near Maltese waters.

The United Nations has described Gaza as the "hungriest place on Earth", with nearly half a million people in a catastrophic situation of hunger, acute malnutrition, starvation, illness, and death.

Since October 2023, over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, according to Palestinian health and government officials, including more than 28,000 women and girls.

Human rights groups have accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war against Palestinians.

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Pezeshkian vows to mobilize international support for Gaza

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 5:17 PM

President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran is determined to continue its intensified efforts to mobilize international support for Gaza.

"The utilization of all diplomatic and political capacities to immediately stop the Zionists' crimes in Gaza will continue," Pezeshkian said during a meeting with Deputy Secretary General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine Jamil Mezher and his accompanying delegation in Tehran on Wednesday.

"One of our fundamental priorities in [our] meetings with [other] countries' officials and [our] attendance at international forums is to defend the oppressed nation of Palestine," Pezeshkian added.

The Iranian president said supporting the oppressed people around the world, especially the Palestinian nation, is an "unchangeable" policy of the Islamic Republic.

"We will do everything in our power to support the oppressed Palestinian nation."

Pezeshkian also noted that the lack of a united Muslim stance against the Israeli crimes has emboldened the regime to continue its actions.

"What we seek is to strengthen convergence, brotherhood, and good neighborliness in the Islamic world, and to achieve a common perspective and stance regarding regional and international issues, including the Palestinian issue," he said.

Pezeshkian warned that the enemies of the Muslim Ummah are attempting to divide the Islamic world and create a rift between the Muslim countries to "plunder their resources" and sell them military equipment, while "providing a safe haven" for the Israeli regime to continue its crimes in Gaza, Lebanon and other Muslim countries.

For his part, Mezher appreciated Iran's support for the Palestinian cause.

"We sincerely appreciate your supportive, enlightening, and unifying stances in defending the Palestinian issue," he said.

Mezher put a premium on a unified Muslim approach and stance on the Palestinian issue, amid the current sensitive and complex situation, saying Iran has always played a "prominent and decisive" role in this regard.

Meanwhile, he praised the unity among resistance movements in thwarting the Zionist plots, calling for the utilization of all the capacities of the Islamic world at both regional and international levels to stop the massacres in Gaza.

Despite the immense scale of Israeli crimes, Mezher stated that "the Palestinian nation has stood firm and has not allowed their sinister plans, including the forced displacement of Gaza's residents, to be realized."

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Israel's Ben-Gvir inciting 'religious war' at al-Aqsa Mosque, Hamas warns

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 3:18 PM

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has decried the latest incursion into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Israel's far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, saying that it is aimed at inciting a "religious war" at the holy site.

"The intrusion of the extremist Itamar Ben-Gvir, the so-called National Security Minister, into the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and his conducting of a provocative tour in its compound ... represents a blatant challenge and disregard for the feelings of Muslims and for the sanctity and status of al-Aqsa in the Islamic world," Hamas said in a statement on Wednesday.

The movement stressed that the "repeated" violations confirm the arrogance of this extremist government and its insistence on fueling a religious war."

"We warn against the increasing incursions by settlers and their performance of Talmudic rituals within the al-Aqsa compound," the statement said.

Hamas vowed that the Palestinian people will continue to defend the al-Aqsa Mosque and confront the Israeli plots to judaize and divide al-Aqsa.

The group also urged the free people in the Muslim and Arab nations to stand in support of al-Aqsa, amid the escalating incursions.

Earlier in the day, Ben-Gvir and a group of Israeli settlers stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East al-Quds and performed religious rituals in the courtyard.

Ben-Gvir has repeatedly stormed the compound of the third-holiest site for Muslims since joining the Israeli cabinet in 2022.

Under an agreement signed between Israel and the Jordanian government in the wake of the regime's occupation of al-Quds in 1967, non-Muslim worship at the holy compound is prohibited. But the ban is a mere phrase, and, in action, circumstances have been against Muslims.

The latest provocative acts by Israel came as the regime continues its bloody war machine in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 55,000 Palestinians.

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US condemns sanctions by UK, allies against Israeli ministers

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 1:33 PM

The United States has hit out at Britain and other allies over sanctions they imposed on two Israeli ministers for repeatedly "inciting violence against Palestinians."

Under the sanctions imposed Tuesday by the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, New Zealand, and Australia, Israeli far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich will face a travel ban and asset freezes.

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the five countries said Ben Gvir and Smotrich "have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights."

"Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous," the statement said.

Smotrich and Ben Gvir both live in illegal settlements in the West Bank, which Palestinians and the vast majority of the international community hold as part of a future Palestinian state

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration condemned the sanctions and urged their reversal.

He wrote on X that the sanctions "do not advance US-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war."

Rubio said that the US rejected "any notion of equivalence" between the Israeli regime and Hamas, and "we remind our partners not to forget who the real enemy is."

"The United States urges the reversal of the sanctions and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel."

US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also condemned the sanctions, describing them as "an incredible overreach." He warned that Washington "would have responded appropriately."

Although the sanctions are in relation to the occupied West Bank, the joint statement by Western allies said that "of course this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza."

"We continue to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid," the statement added.

Israel has faced mounting pressure for obstructing the flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, despite growing warnings of famine and medical collapse.

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Israeli forces kill Islamic Jihad commander, abduct his body in West Bank

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 7:03 AM

Israeli special forces have shot dead a high-profile commander of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement during a raid on the West Bank, amid the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian media outlets reported that the Israeli forces stormed the town of Tammun late on Tuesday, on board a civilian vehicle with Palestinian license plates, and were escorted by military reinforcements.

They fatally shot the 47-year-old Raiq Abdul Rahman Sadiq Basharat.

Local sources said Israeli soldiers then broke into a number of local residents' homes and violently ransacked them, as a military helicopter and several reconnaissance drones flew overhead.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) said that Israeli forces prevented their ambulance crew members from approaching the injured man, and fired live rounds at them. A paramedic suffered gunshot injuries as a result.

Israeli special forces then took away the body of Basharat, a former prisoner, to an unknown location.

In a related development, two young Palestinian men were shot and killed, when Israeli occupation forces opened fire at local residents in Nablus.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health identified the victims as brothers Nidal and Khaled Mahdi Ahmed Amira, 40 and 35 respectively.

The official Palestinian WAFA news agency said Israeli occupation forces prevented ambulance crews from reaching them.

The Palestinian youths' bodies were later seized by Israeli forces.

Israel has ramped up its aggression against Palestinians across the West Bank since October 7, 2023, when it launched its atrocious military campaign against the Gaza Strip.

Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed and thousands of others injured by Israeli settlers or troops across the occupied territory since the onset of the war.

More than 700,000 Israelis live in over 230 settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds.

The international community views the settlements as illegal under international law and the Geneva Conventions due to their construction on the occupied territories.

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Yemeni forces strike Ben Gurion Airport in retaliation for Israel's genocidal war on Gaza

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 12:41 AM

The Yemeni Armed Forces have announced a targeted military operation against Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, in response to Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

According to a statement, the Tuesday operation involved two ballistic missiles: a hypersonic Palestine 2 missile and a Zulfiqar missile. One missile struck the airport directly, evading interception systems.

The attack disrupted air traffic, forced residents to seek shelter, and triggered air raid sirens across Greater Tel Aviv, occupied al-Quds, and West Bank settlements. The Yemeni Armed Forces vowed to continue operations until Israel halts its aggression in Gaza and lifts the siege.

The statement also reaffirmed a ban on air traffic to Ben Gurion Airport, urging airlines to suspend all flights immediately. In response to Israeli attacks on Hodeidah, the Yemeni forces warned companies against engaging with the port of Haifa, now a designated target.

The Yemeni Armed Forces declared their unwavering resolve. "Yemen, a nation steadfast in faith, stands unyielding. Loyal and resolute, it does not falter or betray. Bold and unretreating, it bows only to Allah, like its towering mountains, unshaken by bombers and unmoved by storms."

The forces pledged continued support for Gaza, emphasizing solidarity until the aggression ceases and the siege is lifted.

Statement from Yemeni President Mahdi Al-Mashat

"Our strikes against the Zionist enemy will be precise, effective, and strategic, ensuring our forces maintain dominance in the theater of confrontation," President Mahdi Al-Mashat said on Tuesday.

"For the safety of embassies near legitimate targets in occupied Jaffa, we urge their governments to relocate them to a secure distance. If the enemy government ignores these requests, we advise embassies to close and evacuate to avoid endangerment."

President Al-Mashat added that foreign ministries of countries with embassies in Israel may contact Yemen's foreign ministry in Sana'a for clarification on the safety of their locations. He noted that Yemen's advanced missile capabilities remain unused but could be deployed, underscoring the need for coordination.

The Yemeni Armed Forces reiterated their commitment to solidarity operations until Israel ends its ground and aerial offensives in Gaza.

The ongoing Israeli war has killed over 55,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, according to reports.

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Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

11 June 2025

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

** Briefing Note

Good afternoon, everyone.

First off, I want to let you know that today, at 12:45 p.m., in this room, there will be a hybrid press briefing by Bob Rae, the President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). He will be here, in person, to brief on the situation in Haiti and on the joint meeting of ECOSOC and the Peacebuilding Commission.

Maria Isabel Salvador, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Haiti and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti, and Thomas Peter Zahneisen, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations, will also participate in the press briefing  Ms. Salvador will connect virtually, and the Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany will be here in person.

** Secretary-General  Vatican

The Secretary-General met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City today. They discussed ongoing and future areas of collaboration between the Holy See and the United Nations in their joint efforts to build a peaceful, just and sustainable world.

His Holiness and the Secretary-General exchanged views on peace and security issues, as well as other global priorities, including sustainable development, climate action and artificial intelligence and ways to build on the long legacy of cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See.

The Secretary-General is on his way back to New York now.

** Occupied Palestinian Territory

Turning to the situation in the Gaza Strip, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) continues to receive reports of people being killed and injured while trying to access food. We reiterate in the strongest terms possible that no one should be forced to risk their lives to receive aid  as people across Gaza are at risk of famine.

Meanwhile, OCHA warns that the shortage of accessible fuel could force more health, water and sanitation facilities to shut down. This could affect the most basic of programmes. Vaccines, for one, require fuel for cold chain systems.

The collapse of telecommunications systems, internet connectivity and emergency communication systems is a real threat. This would cripple life-saving coordination and prevent affected communities from receiving critical information. Yet, our attempts to access available stocks of fuel in Rafah continue to be rejected. Between 13 April and this past Monday, 29 out of 35 attempts were denied by the Israeli authorities. This morning's mission was also denied.

Yesterday, at least 12 out of 24 attempts to coordinate humanitarian movements inside Gaza were denied by the Israeli authorities, including new attempts to truck potable water to vulnerable people who remain in northern Gaza, retrieve critical fuel and nutrition supplies from Rafah and repair vital roads in the south.

International humanitarian law is crystal clear: If the population is inadequately supplied with the essentials for their survival, Israel must agree to humanitarian relief and facilitate it by all the means at its disposal.

Since the limited resumption of humanitarian assistance into Gaza on 19 May, the World Food Programme (WFP) says that it has only been able to bring in small amounts of life-saving food and aid. This is largely due to delays or denials of permission for humanitarian movements due to expanded military operations.

As of 10 June, WFP has transported over 700 trucks of aid to the Kerem Shalom border crossing point. This compares to 600-700 trucks of aid transported per day during the ceasefire earlier this year. The trucks carried over 11,000 metric tons of food but only 6,000 metric tons have entered Gaza  enough to support fewer than 300,000 people for a month with minimal daily food requirements. This is a small fraction of what is needed for a population of 2.1 million people and far too slow to meet the overwhelming needs.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners working on healthcontinue to sound the alarm over shrinking access to the remaining healthcare facilities in Gaza, particularly Al Amal and Al Nasser hospitals in Khan Younis. Al Amal Hospital, while still partially functioning, is unable to accept new patients due to hostilities nearby and because of its location inside an area under displacement orders. WHO reiterates that healthcare facilities must never be militarized and must always be protected.

Yesterday, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim, Sigrid Kaag, together with the Deputy Special Coordinator and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sarah Poole, visited Gaza City, where they met with partners to discuss the challenges they're facing, as well as the UN's ongoing engagement at all levels to advocate for a meaningful scale-up of humanitarian support and access in Gaza.

** Lebanon

Our peacekeepers in southern Lebanon report that they were confronted by a group of individuals yesterday in civilian clothing in the vicinity of Hallusiyat al Tahta, while conducting a planned patrol coordinated with the Lebanese Armed Forces. The group attempted to obstruct the patrol using aggressive means, including throwing stones at the peacekeepers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

In response, UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) personnel employed non-lethal measures to ensure the safety of both the patrol members and those present. The Lebanese Armed Forces was promptly informed and arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. The situation was quickly brought under control, and the patrol was able to proceed. Freedom of movement is a core requirement for the implementation of UNIFIL's mandate. This includes the ability to operate independently and impartially, as outlined in Security Council resolution 1701.

Any restriction on this freedom, while conducting operational activities, with or without the Lebanese Armed Forces, constitutes a violation of that resolution. UNIFIL calls on the Lebanese authorities to ensure that its peacekeepers can carry out their mandated duties without obstruction or threat.

** Ukraine

Turning to Ukraine, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tells us that the city of Kharkiv came under attack overnight. This was the third time that Ukraine's second-largest city was attacked in just five days. According to the local authorities, the attack killed and injured civilians, including children. Our humanitarian partners on the ground report extensive damage. Dozens of residential buildings, a school, playgrounds and public and private transport have been damaged.

The Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, condemned the attack. He said that it was part of an alarming rise in the frequency of attacks impacting civilians and civilian infrastructure across the country. We, along with our partners, provided first aid, shelter materials and other essentials, as well as psychosocial support.

Amid intensifying hostilities, authorities have announced the mandatory evacuations of civilians, particularly families with children, from seven more villages in the Kharkiv region.

Humanitarians continue to support people fleeing the hostilities and other people in need in the region. Between January and April of this year, nearly 200 humanitarian organizations reached more than 530,000 people in the Kharkiv region with at least one type of humanitarian assistance. This includes aid for some 94,000 internally displaced people. Aid efforts have focused on restoring water and sanitation systems, distributing food and agricultural inputs, delivering essential medicines and healthcare, and providing psychological support, multipurpose cash assistance and other critical humanitarian aid.

** Haiti

Turning to Haiti, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs are concerned by the alarming rise in internal displacement in the country. The latest data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows that nearly 1.3 million people are now displaced across the country. This represents a 24 per cent increase since December 2024. It also marks the highest figure ever recorded due to violence in Haiti.

While Port-au-Prince remains the epicentre of violence among armed groups, the expansion of this into other regions  particularly in the Centre and Artibonite departments  has triggered large-scale displacement.

In the Centre department, the number of displaced people has more than doubled in a few months, more than doubling from 68,000 in December 2024 to over 145,000 in June this year. In Artibonite, more than 90,000 people have fled their homes since December, and the department of the North has seen an increase of nearly 80 per cent of people displaced. Displaced families are often forced to settle in informal sites or overcrowded host households with limited access to basic services.

Since December, the number of spontaneous displacement sites has risen sharply  from 142 to 246  with the most significant increase observed in the Centre department, which previously had none. Today, it hosts 85 active sites. Meanwhile, 83 per cent of displaced persons are hosted by families, creating additional pressure on already fragile rural communities.

IOM has scaled up its operations in the metropolitan zone of Port-au-Prince, reaching over 20,000 people with essential household items, delivering 3 million litres of clean water and providing basic healthcare to 6,000 people.

Mental health and psychosocial support have also been extended to more than 8,500 people.

OCHA says that this sharp deterioration in the displacement situation comes at a time when humanitarian access is increasingly restricted, and funding remains critically low. Without urgent support to meet growing needs and address the structural drivers of displacement, the crisis will deepen further, placing even more pressure on already overstretched systems and communities.

** Austria

We had been asked about the shooting in Austria, and I can tell you that the Secretary-General is deeply shocked and saddened by the school shooting that took place yesterday in Graz.

He strongly condemns this senseless act of violence and extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Graz, and the Government of Austria. He wishes a swift and full recovery to all those who were injured.

** Financing for Development

We just want to flag that tomorrow, 12 June, is the deadline to apply for media accreditation to cover the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development that will take place in Sevilla, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July.

Check the MALU (Media Accreditation and Liaison Unit) website for details and how to apply.

** Child Labour

A new report released today by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the UN Children's Fund shows that nearly 138 million children were engaged in child labour in 2024. This includes around 54 million in hazardous work likely to jeopardize their health, safety or development.

The latest data shows a total reduction of over 20 million children since 2020, reversing an alarming spike between 2016 and 2020. Despite this positive trend, UNICEF and ILO note that the world has missed its target of eliminating child labour by 2025.

The report underscores a stark reality that, while gains have been made, millions of children are still being denied their right to learn, play and simply be children. According to the data, agriculture remains the largest sector for child labour, accounting for 61 per cent of all cases, followed by services like domestic work and selling goods in markets, and industry, including mining and manufacturing.

The full report is available online.

** International Day of Play

And it's ironic that I was just talking about children's right to play, because today is the International Day of Play.

The theme for this year is "Choose Play  Every Day". It's a reminder for governments, businesses, schools and families to take decisions that embrace and prioritize play for children.

** Questions and Answers

Deputy Spokesman : That's it for me. Are there any questions? Yes, Amelie?

Question : Thanks, Farhan. Just a quick follow-up on the Gaza trucks. You said as of 10 June, 700 WFP trucks have gotten in. You meant since 19 May, when the border crossing was reopened? Yes?

Deputy Spokesman : Yes. Since the border crossings were reopened on 19 May, yes.

Question : And are there any other agencies getting trucks in, or is it only WFP? That means that is it only 700 since 19 May total UN? Or is there more?

Deputy Spokesman : No. There have been other trucks that include medical supplies from the World Health Organization; that include other child nutrition supplies that come via UNICEF; so, this is just the World Food Programme portion of that. However, that's a significant amount of goods, including basically a lot of flour that has been able to get in. Deshi and then Gabriel.

Question : Yeah. Same question here. Today, Reuters reported that US warns against attending UN conference on Israel-Palestinian two-State solution and said those Member States who participate could face "diplomatic consequences from the United States". What's the response from the UN on this decision from Trump Administration?

Deputy Spokesman : I believe that all the Member States of the system will make their own decisions, according to what their own interests are. But we expect that there will be widespread attendance at this meeting. And the Secretary-General in his stakeout appearance last week explained exactly the importance of keeping the two-State solution alive.

Question : With the lack of support from United States, how much of the possibility is still there for a two-State solution?

Deputy Spokesman : I think the Secretary-General has been very clear and very straightforward about what the challenges are that the two-State solution faces. And he's also been clear, as he told you last Friday, what are the alternatives to it? We need to have a solution where the people of Israel and the people of Palestine can live side by side in peace and security. This is the one solution that the international community has embraced and has been able to try to push forward over the years. Obviously, there are challenges facing it, and they're extremely clear at this moment. But this is the way forward that we have, and we have to embrace it.

Question : For the last question on this round, since you talk about that, I believe many of us have no doubt about two-State solution is the only solution. But has Secretary-General had any chance to talk to US Administration... to express this to the Administration there? Which means to tell us this thing, you know...

Deputy Spokesman : We've made our views clear to the US and our other interlocutors over the years, and we continue to do that. Gabriel, and then we'll go online.

Question : Thanks, Farhan. Following up on the trucks, the 700 number between 19 May and 10 June averages out to under 30 a day. Has there given any thought to the UN telling Israel: We will only participate in their using starvation as a weapon of war if they allow a certain number of trucks? So, you don't play into their, basically, they're allowing you guys to say, they're basically being able to say we're allowing trucks in, but it's so little. It's negligible.

Deputy Spokesman : We are not in a position where we have the opportunity to give starving people food to then say we're not going to do that unless our own demands are met. That's simply not something the United Nations does. If we have any opportunity to feed people who are in need, we will take that up. We have made clear the need for more crossing points to be open and for more aid to come in. You've heard me say this. Sigrid Kaag, as I just mentioned, has been trying to deal with the authorities on the ground to get more aid in, and we'll continue to work in good faith. And we want all of the people whom we are talking to also work in good faith on this.

Question : So, even if it's under 30 trucks a day, you will continue to agree to that because you guys feel there's no other option?

Deputy Spokesman : What would the alternative be?

Question : The alternative would be, tell Israel: We need a certain amount of trucks to get in if you want us to participate in your plan.

Deputy Spokesman : We will not keep food from people if we can get it to them. They need it to live, and denying food from people ensures the chance that many of them will die. So, that is not a gamble we are going to take. We'll go to Abdelhamid on the screen and then to you. Abdelhamid first.

Question : Thank you, Farhan. Today, 73 Palestinians were killed, including 44 near the food distribution centre. I haven't seen this number come in your briefing, so killing 73 is no news for the UN. Is that so?

Deputy Spokesman : If you were paying attention while I was reading, I talked about the reports of people being killed and injured while trying to access food. And I said once again that no one should be forced to risk their lives to receive aid. We've been giving numbers as we get them. And on days like today, we continue to deplore that people are forced to put their lives at risk simply to feed their families. Yes, please. Mr. Husseini?

Question : Thank you. As I hope you're aware, a group of veterans for peace and allies are fasting. They're holding a daily vigil in front of the US Mission to the UN just across the street from this Headquarters here. They're consuming only 250 calories a day  what people in Gaza on average are getting. And they're just halfway through their 40-day fast. They're sacrificing all they can to make people see what's happening. Will the Secretary-General meet with them?

Deputy Spokesman : The Secretary-General, as you know, has been travelling. We'll have to see what his schedule is like when he's here, but I will also have some further announcements of travel to make from him in the coming days.

Question : Where is he?

Deputy Spokesman : He's travelling this evening. We do expect him to be back in town tomorrow. Yes?

Question : Turning subjects: On the Oceans Conference in Nice, they're collecting ratifications on the High Seas Treaty, the BBNJ. Those have to be deposited here at Headquarters. Correct?

Deputy Spokesman : Yes. I believe the Secretary-General is the depository for those ratifications.

Question : Right. Okay. And will there be anything if they do get to 60, at which point the treaty goes into effect?

Deputy Spokesman : Certainly, we would announce once we have the necessary ratifications. As the Secretary-General pointed out earlier this week, we're getting very close, given surge in ratifications that happened on Monday.

Question : Great, and just a quick question on the SG. He will speak tomorrow afternoon at the Emergency Special Session?

Deputy Spokesman : I do not have his programme for tomorrow. At this stage, I'm not aware that he's going to speak. The President of the General Assembly is going to speak.

Question : Right. And then he speaks on the 18th, for the Tuesday?

Deputy Spokesman : Yes. The agenda for that meeting is still being developed. But yes, we expect that will happen.

Correspondent : Thank you.

Deputy Spokesman : Yes. Dezhi?

Question : Yes, Farhan. Go back to the GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Foundation) delivery operation. I mean, for the past two years, we saw very absurd scenes in Gaza. Last year, the floating dock, it cost money and time. And this time, the GHF fund operation, it cost lives. Do you think if the UN decided to participate in the Gaza Humanitarian Fund, it would make a difference than what we're seeing these days?

Deputy Spokesman : The reason we're not participating in this effort is because it does not meet the minimum standards that we hold for humanitarian aid delivery. If we cannot deliver aid under our standards for neutrality, for impartiality, for independence and for need-based aid, we will not be able to do this.

Question : Do you think this could be one of the reasons that there are so many incidents happened around that delivery points?

Deputy Spokesman : We have already warned, and we did this before this operation started, of the risks involved in having a small number of aid areas that would entail people going through conflict zones in order to get to aid. And you've seen what the results have been. Yes?

Question : Thank you. I mean, people have criticized the Secretary-General's office for not doing enough regarding Gaza. In the course of this news conference, I don't believe you said the word "condemn", even as you're talking about Gaza. When another reporter asked, you know, put a threshold, and you said we will not starve people. We will not hinder aid even if it's a very limited amount. But of course, it's Israel that that's starving people, but you're not condemning them.

Deputy Spokesman : We have made clear Israel's responsibilities, and we made clear that it is because of Israel's blocking of aid that we've not been able to feed people. Regarding the killings of civilians, we've repeatedly condemned this. If you see our briefings overall, I use the word condemn often enough that I worry that, in fact, it's probably being overused rather than underused. But the fact is we do condemn all killings of civilians, and we, again, are critical of all measures that are placing people at risk either of having to face tremendous risk to their lives to get aid or to do without and risk starving.

Correspondent : There's a systematic pattern with regards to what Israel is doing. It is moving people to the south, offering them aid there, shooting them with an eye towards apparently expulsion. You say what are the alternatives to a two-State solution? The alternatives are obvious on the Israeli side, expulsion of Palestinians or a democratic South Africa solution where you just have one person, one vote regardless of religion, and so on. So, there are alternatives, feasible, some horribly illegal and some arguably utopian, but still there.

Deputy Spokesman : We've made clear our opposition to any forcible transfer of the population of Gaza, and we've also made clear our concerns about any system that would enshrine unequal or discriminatory practices. So, there's no solution besides the two-State solution that would be able to guarantee the long-term rights of all the population, and that is the solution that we are pushing for even at this difficult moment.

Question : I don't believe the Secretary-General has used the word "genocide" with respect to Israel. Is that accurate?

Deputy Spokesman : I think, again, for the people who are veterans here, we've taken this up many times, but the question of genocide is one to be determined by international courts, and so we will leave that determination to international judicial bodies to make. Rather than focusing on the words being used, what we're describing is what is happening, and what is happening is very clearly and unambiguously wrong. Denial of food to 2 million people is wrong.

Question : The US is apparently targeting those judicial bodies. Is the UN taking measures to  in practical, strong terms  protect them from malicious influence?

Deputy Spokesman : Yeah. What I can tell you on that is that the Secretary-General expresses serious concern about the designation of four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to be sanctioned under the executive order by the United States. While the United Nations and the International Criminal Court are separate institutions with separate and distinct mandates, the United Nations considers the ICC a key pillar of international criminal justice, and the Secretary-General respects its work. And the Secretary-General also emphasizes the importance of the basic principle of judicial independence. All right. Have a good afternoon, everyone.

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Rising hunger in Gaza highlights urgent need for 'unfettered' aid supplies

11 June 2025 - People in the Gaza Strip are getting hungrier because of the "very limited" volume of food being allowed in, UN aid agencies reiterated on Wednesday.

Only around 6,000 tonnes of wheat flour have entered the war-torn enclave since Israel began to allow limited supplies back in last month.

However, 10,000 tonnes are urgently needed in the face of rising malnutrition, according to the UN aid coordination office OCHA.

"The only way to address the situation on the ground is by re-opening additional crossings," said OCHA's Olga Cherevko, speaking to UN News from Khan Younis.

Beyond food aid

She also stressed the need to allow "unlimited and unfettered supply of aid to enter," which includes items that go beyond food such as shelter materials, fuel, cooking gas, "and other necessary elements to sustain life in Gaza."

Ms. Cherevko urged the Israeli authorities to make the task of delivering aid easier by "providing a safe and enabling environment," reducing waiting times for humanitarian missions and ensuring access to people in need.

We reiterate in the strongest terms possible that no one should be forced to risk their lives to receive aid - as people across Gaza are at risk of famine

People in Gaza are suffering from harsh living conditions. Since March, Israeli restrictions on border crossings have tightened, making it even more difficult for Gaza's population - more than two million people - to access food.

Senior UN officials, including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Humanitarian Affairs chief Tom Fletcher, have described the aid that has entered as merely "a trickle" or a "a drop in the ocean".

Difficult decisions

Although markets are crowded with people, they lack two essential elements: liquidity and goods.

Most residents thus face three bitter choices: either seek food aid from the newly established US and Israel-backed distribution mechanism, which has already claimed dozens of lives in recent days; watch their children starve; or pay dearly for what's left of the goods and looted humanitarian aid in markets.

"Prices are unnatural, much higher than in Europe," civil servant Akram Yousef recently told our UN News correspondent in Gaza.

"The situation is very difficult, and we have been like this for two years. In addition to displacement, homelessness, bombing, destruction, and devastation, traders are raising prices, and citizens are unable to bear this burden. What can we do?"

More than 20 months of conflict have made living conditions in the Gaza Strip unbearable, and the cost of living is now among the highest in the world.

Ahmed Al-Bahri, who was displaced from Beit Lahia with his family, said a loaf of bread now sells for seven shekels, or roughly $2.

"There is no flour, no milk, no diapers for children, or anything to eat," he said. "We live in a state of constant hunger. Where can I get seven shekels to buy a loaf of bread for my child? What is this child's sin?"

Exorbitant fees

The cessation of Palestinian banks' operations since the start of the war in October 2023 has exacerbated the suffering.

People are forced to use phone apps to withdraw money from their bank accounts and to access their pensions through local merchants who charge exorbitant commissions.

Mr. Youssef, the civil servant, said the commission for withdrawing his salary was 20 per cent, but over time it has increased to nearly 50 per cent.

'We have become envious of the dead'

Several residents told UN News that the price of one kilogramme of flour is now 100 shekels, equivalent to roughly $29.

"If a salary is 2,000 shekels, it becomes 1,000 shekels after commission," another man, Ashraf Al-Deiri, explained.

"The daily expenses of an average or small family are no less than 500 shekels (roughly $143). So, we are experiencing great suffering and need someone to have mercy on us and stand by us."

A young man called Raed Tafesh expressed shock over the high prices, especially since most of his peers are unemployed and lack any source of income.

"We don't earn a single shekel. We are not employed, and we don't have jobs. We are dying slowly. We have become envious of the dead," he said.

The tragic conditions are reflected in the eyes of mothers and fathers who see their children starving, such as Nimir Ghazal. She said her salary is not even enough to buy fruits, vegetables or any healthy food for her children.

"Sometimes I cry when my hungry children ask for a piece of bread. A kilo of flour costs 100 shekels, and lentils cost 50. One kilo is not enough for my family, but I buy it and share it among them," she said.

UN efforts continue

On Monday, UN teams were able to collect some supplies, mainly flour, from the Kerem Shalom border crossing. The aid was bound for Gaza City when hungry and desperate people snatched it directly from the trucks.

There have also been previous instances of looting and attacks on truck drivers which the UN categorically rejects.

OCHA has emphasized that Israel, as the occupying power, bears responsibility for maintaining public order and safety in Gaza. This should include allowing more essential supplies to enter through multiple crossings and roads to meet humanitarian needs and help curb looting.

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Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine, Haiti

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Occupied Palestinian Territory

Desperation mounts amid critical shortages in Gaza

OCHA continues to receive reports from the Gaza Strip of people being killed and injured while trying to access food. OCHA reiterates in the strongest terms possible that no one should be forced to risk their lives to receive aid, as people across Gaza are at risk of famine.

Meanwhile, OCHA warns that the shortage of accessible fuel could force more health, water and sanitation facilities to shut down. This could affect the most basic of programmes. Vaccines, for one, require fuel for cold chain systems.

The collapse of telecommunications services, internet connectivity and emergency communication systems is again a real threat. This would cripple life-saving coordination and prevent affected communities from receiving critical information.

Yet humanitarians' attempts to access available stocks of fuel in Rafah continue to be rejected. Between 13 April and 9 June, 29 out of 35 attempts were denied by the Israeli authorities. This morning's mission was also denied.

Humanitarians also continue to face severe constraints on their ability to carry out other critical work - with mission denials and delays - as well as insecurity and other impediments - hampering their movements.

Yesterday, at least 12 out of 24 attempts to coordinate humanitarian movements inside Gaza were denied by the Israeli authorities, including new attempts to truck potable water to vulnerable people who remain in northern Gaza, retrieve critical fuel and nutrition supplies from Rafah, and repair vital roads in the south.

OCHA calls once again for an enabling environment for aid operations in Gaza, including safe, rapid and unfettered access, so that humanitarians can address the immense needs of more than 2 million people. International humanitarian law is crystal clear: If the population is inadequately supplied with the essentials for their survival, Israel must agree to humanitarian relief and facilitate it by all the means at its disposal.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners working on health continue to sound the alarm over shrinking access to the remaining healthcare facilities in Gaza, particularly Al Amal and Al Nasser hospitals in Khan Younis. Al Amal Hospital, while still partially functioning, is unable to accept new patients due to hostilities nearby and because of its location inside an area under displacement orders. WHO reiterates that healthcare facilities must never be militarized and must always be protected.

Yesterday, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim, Sigrid Kaag, together with the Deputy Special Coordinator and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sarah Poole, visited Gaza city, where they met with partners to discuss the challenges they are facing, as well as the UN's ongoing engagement at all levels to advocate for a meaningful scale-up of humanitarian support and access in Gaza.

Ukraine

Deadly attack hits Kharkiv

OCHA reports that the city of Kharkiv came under attack overnight, marking the third time that Ukraine's second-largest city was attacked in just five days.

Three civilians were killed and more than 60 were injured, including nine children, according to the local authorities.

Humanitarian partners on the ground report extensive damage. Dozens of residential buildings, a school, playgrounds, and public and private transport have been damaged.

The Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Mattias Schmale, condemned the attack, describing it as part of an alarming rise in the frequency of attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure across the country.

The UN and its partners provided first aid, shelter materials and other essentials, as well as psychosocial support.

Amid intensifying hostilities, authorities have announced the mandatory evacuations of civilians, particularly families with children, from seven more villages in the Kharkiv region.

Humanitarians continue to support people fleeing the hostilities and other people in need in the region. Between January and April of this year, nearly 200 humanitarian organizations reached over 530,000 people in the Kharkiv region with at least one type of humanitarian assistance. This includes aid for some 94,000 internally displaced people. Aid efforts have focused on restoring water and sanitation systems, distributing food and agricultural inputs, delivering essential medicines and healthcare, and providing psychological support, multipurpose cash assistance and other critical humanitarian aid.

Haiti

Violence drives surge in displacement

OCHA is concerned by the alarming rise in internal displacement in Haiti, with the latest data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) indicating that nearly 1.3 million people are now displaced across the country. This represents a 24 per cent increase since December 2024. It also marks the highest figure ever recorded due to violence in Haiti.

While Port-au-Prince remains the epicentre of violence among armed groups, its expansion into other regions - particularly the Centre and Artibonite departments - has triggered large-scale displacement.

In the Centre department, the number of displaced people has more than doubled in just months, increasing from 68,000 in December 2024 to over 145,000 in June this year. In Artibonite, more than 90,000 people have fled their homes since December, and the department of the North has seen an increase of nearly 80 per cent in people displaced. Displaced families are often forced to settle in informal sites or overcrowded host households with limited access to basic services.

Since December, the number of spontaneous displacement sites has risen sharply - from 142 to 246 - with the most significant increase observed in the Centre department, which previously had none. Today, it hosts 85 active sites. Meanwhile, 83 per cent of displaced people are hosted by families, creating additional pressure on already fragile rural communities.

IOM has scaled up its operations in the metropolitan zone of Port-au-Prince, reaching over 20,000 people with essential household items, delivering 3 million litres of clean water, and providing basic healthcare to 6,000 people. Mental health and psychosocial support have also been extended to more than 8,500 people.

OCHA notes that this sharp deterioration in the displacement situation comes at a time when humanitarian access is increasingly restricted, and funding remains critically low.* Without urgent support to meet growing needs and address the structural drivers of displacement, the crisis will deepen further, placing even more pressure on already overstretched systems and communities.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Haiti with urgent support.

Posted on 11 June 2025

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AFSOUTH launches AMISTAD 2025 across Latin America

Published June 11, 2025

By Andrea Jenkins

Air Forces Southern

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) -- U.S. Air Forces Southern (AFSOUTH) launched AMISTAD 2025 in Peru on June 2, marking the start of a global health engagement designed to strengthen partnerships and enhance deployment readiness across five Latin American nations.

For 10 weeks, teams of active-duty and reserve medical personnel will embed in hospitals and clinics across Peru, Suriname, Paraguay, El Salvador, and Panama - one country at a time. This operation aims to build interoperability with partner nations by alleviating pressure on their healthcare systems while providing U.S. Airmen with real-world opportunities to operate in resource-constrained environments, a crucial skill for deployment readiness.

"The Amistad mission is a tremendous opportunity for US military medics to engage in dense operationally relevant readiness activities while working shoulder to shoulder with our friends and partners," said Col. Brian Gavitt, AFSOUTH command surgeon. "In addition to patient care, our embedded medical teams engage in deliberate bidirectional knowledge exchanges so US medics can learn from our partners and vice versa. Amistad, similar to AFSOUTH's Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT) mission, is a critical opportunity to build readiness, relationships, and resilience within our hemisphere."

AMISTAD 2025 marks a significant expansion, welcoming U.S. Army medical personnel for the first time to work alongside their Air Force counterparts. Furthermore, medical teams from Canadian Armed Forces are participating in select locations, including Peru, El Salvador, and Suriname, making their initial contribution to the mission. This collaborative effort underscores a commitment to international cooperation and a unified approach to global health engagement.

"AMISTAD is a collaboration with each partner nation's Ministry of Health and the U.S. Embassy. Our teams provide care at facilities prioritized by the host nation," said Lt. Col. Aaron Goodrich, AFSOUTH deputy command surgeon. "Working side-by-side with our counterparts at these facilities facilitates partnership, knowledge exchange, and increases interoperability." He added that the two-week engagements consist of both clinical care and knowledge exchanges.

Each two-week engagement is coordinated through the host nation's Ministry of Health. Military medical teams provide direct patient care, conduct public health outreach, and facilitate clinical education and knowledge exchanges at medical facilities selected by the host nation.

"Physicians, nurses, and medical aides can learn new skills that allow them to treat cases they previously would have had to refer to other facilities," Goodrich said. "This side-by-side work helps improve capabilities within the host nation."

AMISTAD, which means friendship in Spanish, unites more than 240 U.S. medical professionals - including reservists and active-duty Airmen - specializing in dentistry, primary care, optometry, trauma care, emergency medicine, and other fields. According to AFSOUTH, a similar number of medical professionals are participating from the partner nations. By occurring within their deployment window, AMISTAD provides these medics with invaluable practical experience to hone their skills and enhance overall deployment readiness. Personnel selection is based on availability and the specific medical needs identified by each country.

"AMISTAD allows U.S. medics to work as a team in an unfamiliar and resource-limited environment, similar to a deployment," Goodrich said. "They accomplish critical pre-deployment skills, including diagnosing and treating conditions uncommon in the U.S. Many reserve personnel have civilian jobs outside the medical field, so these trips offer an opportunity to refresh their skills and prepare for contingency operations."

Each location offers a unique environment for U.S. medics to sharpen their skills and strengthen collaboration. By enabling total force medics to work in austere, real-world environments, AMISTAD not only boosts U.S. deployment readiness but also reinforces public health resilience in partner nations prone to natural disasters and public health crises.

"AMISTAD allows U.S. medics to work as a team in an unfamiliar and resource-limited environment similar to a deployment," Goodrich reiterated. "They're able to diagnose and treat conditions uncommon in the U.S. and refresh skills that are critical for contingency operations."

The Medical Capabilities Assessment and Readiness Tool (MCART), a digital app created by AFSOUTH to log medical procedures and readiness skills, returns for AMISTAD following its successful use during the LAMAT mission earlier this year. This iteration of MCART features a key enhancement: the ability to track U.S. Army readiness skills alongside those of the Air Force, reflecting a commitment to integrated readiness assessment. A new version of the MCART system will be piloted in Paraguay to expand its use for U.S. Army medical personnel.

"MCART allows our medical personnel to log the procedures they perform and the readiness skills they utilize during AMISTAD," Goodrich said. "This data is then fed to a dashboard, providing leadership with real-time insights into their team's accomplishments and readiness levels, ultimately ensuring that both Air Force and Army personnel are fully prepared for future operations."

This year, AMISTAD's success hinges on collaborative efforts that extend beyond traditional military support. In addition to the military expertise, the University of Miami is providing essential optometry services in Suriname and Paraguay, ensuring that residents have access to comprehensive eye care as part of the AMISTAD mission. This partnership exemplifies how AMISTAD is expanding its reach and offering a wider array of specialized medical services to partner nations.

"Ultimately, AMISTAD is about more than just collaboration; it's about forging lasting trust and strengthening relationships that will benefit the U.S. and our partner nations for years to come," Goodrich concluded.

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USNS Comfort Arrives in Grenada for Continuing Promise 2025

US Navy

11 June 2025

From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

The Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in St.George's, Grenada, to provide a variety of medical treatments to include: dental, family medicine, internal medicine, optometry, nursing, pharmacy, biomedical repair, lab, radiology, X-ray and veterinary medicine as a part of Continuing Promise 2025 (CP25), June 9.

"Our visit to Grenada reflects the enduring partnership between our nations and our shared commitment to health, security and stability in the region," said Capt. Ryan Kendall, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 40 and Continuing Promise 2025 mission commander. "We're excited to work alongside our partners in Grenada and provide high-quality care and support that reflects the strength of our collaboration."

CP25 marks the 16th mission to the region since 2007 and the eighth aboard Comfort. The mission will foster goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships with partner nations, and encourage the establishment of new partnerships among countries, non-federal entities, and international organizations.

"Collaborations such as these bolster our efforts, allowing us to expand access to specialized care, improve diagnostic capabilities, and provide services that may not always be readily available," said the Honorable Philip Telesford, Government of Grenada Minister for Health. "Through this mission, Grenadians will receive life-changing procedures in the areas of adult and pediatric surgery, ophthalmology, and plastic surgery."

In addition to medical care, Comfort service members will work with communities in Grenada to perform renovations in buildings such as schools and repair infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.

"I'm excited to go out and help the people of Grenada," said Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Oun, a Seabee assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 (NMCB-11). "We look forward to doing good work and strengthening our relationship with Grenada."

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 11 June 2025 - Day 1204

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 the Defense Forces are directing efforts to disrupt the execution of Russian invaders' offensive plans and exhaust their combat potential.

195 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of the day. The Russian enemy launched 1 rocket and 57 air strikes, used 2 rockets and dropped 80 CAB, carried out 1292 kamikaze drones strikes and 4671 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops.

In the Kharkiv direction, Ukrainian troops repelled the attack of the Russian enemy in the direction of ohrimivka.

The enemy carried out 11 attacks on Ukrainian fortifications in the Kupyans komu direction in the areas of the populated Stepova Novoselivka, Zagrizove and in the direction of Pi any. Three clashes are underway.

In the Lyman direction, Russian troops stormed 20 times the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of populated settlements Nadia, Karpivka, Ridkodub, Yampolivka, Bilogorivka and towards settlements Olgivka, Stepove, Grekivka, New Mir, Andriyivka, Green Valley, Torske. Currently, the fights are ongoing in five locations.

In the Sivers komu direction Ukrainian soldiers today made three attempts to attack Ukrainian positions. Units of the Russian occupiers tried to advance towards Grigorivka and Verkhnyokamiansky.

In the Kramatorsky direction, the Defense Forces stopped four Russian attacks. The Russian opponent was conducting offensive actions, trying to advance towards Stupochok and Bila Gora. So far, one confrontation remains incomplete.

In the Toretsky direction, Russian forces today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of the settlements of Diliyivka, Toretsk and Yablunivka 20 times. Defense forces contain the pressure of the opponent, having repelled 16 attacks, four clashes are still ongoing.

In the Pokrovsky direction, Russian forces made 58 assaults. The greatest activity is observed in the areas of the settlements Malinivka, Mirolubivka, Elizabeth, Lisivka, Novoukrainka, Zvirove, Kotline, Udaachne, Novosergiyivka, Gorikhove, Andriyivka and towards Poltavka, Oleksiyivka, Muravka. Three clashes are underway.

According to preliminary calculations, in this direction Ukrainian warriors killed 139 and wounded 135 Russian invaders, destroyed a tank, a battle armored vehicle, four vehicles, 21 motorcycles, 10 BPLAs, five trench REBs, a REB antenna, two communication antennas, a BPLA control antenna and a starlink; also damaged 11 motorcycles, four cannons and two invaders communication antennas.

In the Novopavlovsky direction, Russian forces tried to break through 31 times near the settlements of Konstantinopil, Bagatir, Odradne, Komar, Novosilka, Vilne Pole, Shevchenko and in the direction of Zaporizhia, Mirny, Zaporizhia . The fights continue in five locations.

In the Gulyaipils komu direction, in the area of Malinivka, Ukrainian defenders stopped three attacks of the Russian zagarbnikiv, another Russian attack is ongoing so far.

In the Orihivsky direction today, the Russian enemy was attacking in the direction of Pavlivka. Never been successful.

In the pridniprovs komu direction, Russian forces spent a useless attack on the position of Ukrainian defenders.

In the Kursk direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 21 Russian attacks, four more clashes are ongoing; Also the enemy launched 11 aviation strikes, dropping 22 KABs, carrying out 230 artillery shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, including six - from reactive systems of salvage fire

In other directions, significant changes in the environment have not been recorded.





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Russo-Ukraine War - 12 June 2025 - Day 1205

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that the Russian Armed Forces have likely sustained approximately 1,000,000 casualties (killed and wounded) since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Of these, it is likely around 250,000 Russian soldiers are killed or missing (presumed dead), Russia's largest losses in an active conflict since the Second World War.

Russia has likely sustained over 200,000 casualties in 2025 so far, with Ukrainian General Staff reporting a daily average of over 1,250 Russian casualties. Russia's permanent combat losses (killed, missing and irrevocably wounded) are likely currently between 400,000 and 500,000 personnel. Wounded soldiers, especially those who are irrevocably wounded, continue to strain the Russian Military Medical System at all levels of medical care, causing significant logistic problems and resulting in a shortage of military medical personnel.

Russian forces highly likely continue to attempt to stretch Ukrainian forces by utilising mass to overwhelm defensive positions and achieve tactical gains. Russia's senior leadership are almost certainly prepared to tolerate continuously high resultant casualty rates so long as this does not negatively affect public or elite support for the war, and those losses can be replaced.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 168 combat clashes. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression.

Russian zagarbniki made 62 air strikes, dropping 92 controlled air bombs. In addition, 863 kamikaze drones were recruited to impress and carried out 3,536 shells on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction from the beginning of the day the Russian enemy did not carry out offensive actions.

In the Kupyansky direction, Russian forces attacked in the directions of Pi any and Novoplatonivka - Ukrainian defenders stopped eight Russian attempts to advance, another confrontation is ongoing so far.

In the Lyman direction, Russian invaders 17 times attacked the positions of Defense Forces in the areas of the settlements of Nadia, New Mir, Yampolivka, Torske and in the direction of the settlement of Shandrigolove. The six clashes do not subside.

In the Sivers komu direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled three Russian assaults in the areas of Serebryanka and Verkhnyokamiansky.

In the Kramators .komu direction, Russian forces six times stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the direction of the White Mountain. Defense forces repelled five Russian attacks, one is ongoing so far.

Twenty times, Russians stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the Toretsky direction - near the settlements of Diliyivka, Toretsk, Cherbinivka, Romanivka and in the direction of the settlements of Rusin Yar, Oleksandro-Kalinove and Yablunivka. The three clashes are not over yet.

In the Pokrovsky direction from the beginning of this day, Russian forces attacked in the areas of settlements Mirolyubivka, Andriyivka, Lisivka, Malinivka, Mirne, Elizabethtivka, Ray, Udaachne, Novosergiyivka, Gorikhove and in the directions of Oleksiyivka, Poltavka and Muravka. Ukrainian defenders have stopped 38 assault actions of the enemy, six more fights continue. Airstrikes were hit by the settlement of Cossack.

Today, according to preliminary data, 169 occupants were defecated, of which 107 - irrevocably. Ukrainian soldiers destroyed one radio station, eight unmanned aircraft, five cars, four motorcycles, a satellite terminal, as well as three cannons and a Russian mortar.

Twenty-eight times Russian forces tried to break through the defense of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of the settlements Vesele, Bagatir, Skudne, Dniproenergia, Fedorivka, Novosilka, Vilne Pole, Noviy Komar, Shevchenko and towards the settlements of Mirne, Zaporizhia , Komar. There are currently seven fighting. Air strikes were suffered by Priyutne, Novopil and Olgivsk.

In the Gulyaipil direction, Russian forces carried out one offensive action near the settlement of Malinivka, in addition, launched aerial strikes in the areas of Novozlatopol, Gulyaipol, Primorsky, Bilogir and Chumakky.

In the orihivs komu direction, Russian forces carried out three offensive actions in the area of novoandriivka and towards pavlivka. Ukrainian units repelled all attacks. The enemy caused air strikes on the settlements of Verhnya Krynytsia and Kamianske.

In the pridniprovsk direction, Russian forces once attacked towards the positions of Ukrainian defenders, unsuccessful. At the same time, the Russian opponent caused an air strike on Lviv.

On the Kurs komu direction since the beginning of the day, there have been 22 Russian attacks, three of which continue until now. The Russian enemy also launched 16 air strikes, dropping 33 controlled aviation bombs, carried out 158 artillery shells, including three from jet systems of salvage fire.





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What military experts are saying: Veterans unite against militarization of California

California Governor - Gavin Newsom

Jun 11, 2025

Los Angeles, California -- As President Trump has now escalated tensions in Southern California by federalizing 4,000 National Guard soldiers and sending in 700 Marines, veterans are speaking out over the unnecessary and inflammatory actions.

Janessa Goldbeck, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Senior Advisor of VoteVets : "As a Marine Corps veteran, I know what it means to wear the uniform in service of the Constitutionnot the whims of a single man. The President's decision to deploy active-duty Marines to Los Angeles is not only inflammatory and escalatoryit is a deliberate attempt to recast the military as a domestic tool of political intimidation. This is not normal. It is not necessary. And it is not cheap. American taxpayers are now footing the bill for a militarized spectacle meant to send a message of dominance, not security. The danger is not confined to Los Angeles. This order could be used to justify troop deployments to any city in America. When a president uses the military to police his own people, we are no longer in the realm of democratic governancewe are witnessing the rehearsal of authoritarian rule."



: "As a Marine Corps veteran, I know what it means to wear the uniform in service of the Constitutionnot the whims of a single man. The President's decision to deploy active-duty Marines to Los Angeles is not only inflammatory and escalatoryit is a deliberate attempt to recast the military as a domestic tool of political intimidation. This is not normal. It is not necessary. And it is not cheap. American taxpayers are now footing the bill for a militarized spectacle meant to send a message of dominance, not security. The danger is not confined to Los Angeles. This order could be used to justify troop deployments to any city in America. When a president uses the military to police his own people, we are no longer in the realm of democratic governancewe are witnessing the rehearsal of authoritarian rule." Shawn VanDiver, U.S. Navy veteran, Founder of the San Diego Chapter of the Truman National Security Project : "Asking the U.S. military to take up arms against American citizens is a betrayal of everything we swore to defend. This isn't about public safetyit's about political control, and it puts our service members in an impossible position. Deploying the National Guard and Marines into our own communities corrodes morale, damages readiness, and risks turning the military into a tool of fear rather than a force for national defense. We train to protect the Constitution, not to be used as muscle against the people we serve."



: "Asking the U.S. military to take up arms against American citizens is a betrayal of everything we swore to defend. This isn't about public safetyit's about political control, and it puts our service members in an impossible position. Deploying the National Guard and Marines into our own communities corrodes morale, damages readiness, and risks turning the military into a tool of fear rather than a force for national defense. We train to protect the Constitution, not to be used as muscle against the people we serve." Naveed Shah, U.S. Army Veteran, Political Director of Common Defense : "The deployment of National Guard and active duty Marines on the streets of Los Angeles goes against everything America stands for. As a veteran, the military's role is to defend our nation, not police our streets. The president should stand down the troops and restore local control to civilian law enforcement."



: "The deployment of National Guard and active duty Marines on the streets of Los Angeles goes against everything America stands for. As a veteran, the military's role is to defend our nation, not police our streets. The president should stand down the troops and restore local control to civilian law enforcement." Chris Purdy, U.S. Army, Iraq War Veteran, CEO of The Chamberlain Network : "Deploying the National Guard and active-duty Marines into American communities is a dangerous and unnecessary escalation. These forces are trained for national defensenot for policing American neighborhoods. Bringing in the military increases tension, undermines local law enforcement, and puts both civilians and service members at risk. At a time when we need de-escalation and accountability, this approach sends the wrong message and does lasting damage to public trust."



: "Deploying the National Guard and active-duty Marines into American communities is a dangerous and unnecessary escalation. These forces are trained for national defensenot for policing American neighborhoods. Bringing in the military increases tension, undermines local law enforcement, and puts both civilians and service members at risk. At a time when we need de-escalation and accountability, this approach sends the wrong message and does lasting damage to public trust." Kyle Bibby, former U.S. Marine Infantry Captain, Co-CEO of Black Veterans Project : "When Americans join the military, we are united by a common goal to protect our communities from foreign threats  not turn our war fighting skills against our own community members. President Trump's deployment of the National Guard and Marine Corps infantry units on US soil is a dangerous power grab that will escalate the situation rather than help it. Any commander worth his rank knows to empower the leaders on the ground to accomplish their mission. This deployment against the wishes of the Governor and Mayor undermines the sacred oath veterans take to protect their community and will mostly complicate efforts already underway in Los Angeles. It's all around bad leadership."



: "When Americans join the military, we are united by a common goal to protect our communities from foreign threats  not turn our war fighting skills against our own community members. President Trump's deployment of the National Guard and Marine Corps infantry units on US soil is a dangerous power grab that will escalate the situation rather than help it. Any commander worth his rank knows to empower the leaders on the ground to accomplish their mission. This deployment against the wishes of the Governor and Mayor undermines the sacred oath veterans take to protect their community and will mostly complicate efforts already underway in Los Angeles. It's all around bad leadership." Andy Kopp, U.S. Navy Veteran, San Diego, CA : "President Trump has made a grave mistake in escalating his fight against the working class by ordering up National Guard soldiers and Marines to Los Angeles. It will only serve to galvanize the solidarity of Americans who wake up every morning to put in an honest day's work. As a Navy veteran, I know that these service members deployed to American streets, will hold steadfast to their core values and demonstrate the restraint our entire country needs, in order to move forward from the unbridled impulses of a president without conviction."



: "President Trump has made a grave mistake in escalating his fight against the working class by ordering up National Guard soldiers and Marines to Los Angeles. It will only serve to galvanize the solidarity of Americans who wake up every morning to put in an honest day's work. As a Navy veteran, I know that these service members deployed to American streets, will hold steadfast to their core values and demonstrate the restraint our entire country needs, in order to move forward from the unbridled impulses of a president without conviction." Akilah Templeton, President & CEO of Veterans Village of San Diego; Vice President of the California Association of Veteran Service Agencies, Native of Los Angeles : "The decision to deploy Marines to Los Angeles must be approached with the utmost care and gravity. Our service members take an oath to defend this nation, and their missions should reflect values that unite and strengthen us as Americans. Any action that places troops in domestic situations must be beyond reproach, necessary in the clearest sense, and reflective of our deepest democratic principles. There is no place for using military force against the very citizens they are sworn to protect. We must also trust in the ability of states and local leaders to enforce the law and maintain order. Service members carry not only the physical burden of their missions, but also the moral weight. We've seen from history, most notably Vietnam, how an entire generation can become wounded when a nation is divided. Above all, we owe it to our service members to ensure that their sacrifices are in service of missions they can stand behind with pride. These are our future veterans. Caring for them begins now."



: "The decision to deploy Marines to Los Angeles must be approached with the utmost care and gravity. Our service members take an oath to defend this nation, and their missions should reflect values that unite and strengthen us as Americans. Any action that places troops in domestic situations must be beyond reproach, necessary in the clearest sense, and reflective of our deepest democratic principles. There is no place for using military force against the very citizens they are sworn to protect. We must also trust in the ability of states and local leaders to enforce the law and maintain order. Service members carry not only the physical burden of their missions, but also the moral weight. We've seen from history, most notably Vietnam, how an entire generation can become wounded when a nation is divided. Above all, we owe it to our service members to ensure that their sacrifices are in service of missions they can stand behind with pride. These are our future veterans. Caring for them begins now." James Espinoza, US Army Veteran, retired first responder, Veteran Nonprofit President : "As an Army veteran and retired first responder my overarching concern is the safety of community members and the safety of all first responders. With thousands of National Guard troops already activated and awaiting assignment, now is the time to pause and carefully reassess any further deployment, especially of active-duty marines. Additional state and local law enforcement officers have also been deployed to assist in Los Angeles, and to date, local law enforcement agencies have not requested federal support. Our brave young men and women in the Marine Corps are best utilized protecting our nation as a whole. We do not need shock troops in our cities. We need peaceful collaboration between community members and protectors who are also our community members."



: "As an Army veteran and retired first responder my overarching concern is the safety of community members and the safety of all first responders. With thousands of National Guard troops already activated and awaiting assignment, now is the time to pause and carefully reassess any further deployment, especially of active-duty marines. Additional state and local law enforcement officers have also been deployed to assist in Los Angeles, and to date, local law enforcement agencies have not requested federal support. Our brave young men and women in the Marine Corps are best utilized protecting our nation as a whole. We do not need shock troops in our cities. We need peaceful collaboration between community members and protectors who are also our community members." Libby Jamison, U.S. Navy family member : "As a military family member who spent over a decade living and working around military bases in Southern California, I have serious concerns about deploying active duty troops on U.S. soil. This isn't what our loved ones in uniform signed up to do, and activating them against our fellow citizens breaks the trust with military families who sacrifice every day on behalf of our nation."



: "As a military family member who spent over a decade living and working around military bases in Southern California, I have serious concerns about deploying active duty troops on U.S. soil. This isn't what our loved ones in uniform signed up to do, and activating them against our fellow citizens breaks the trust with military families who sacrifice every day on behalf of our nation." Chef Basil Kimbrew, Chair of the CDP Veterans Caucus: "I am a 100% disabled veteran. I stand along with commanding 103,000 Veterans across America and appalled in regards to the deployed National Guard and Marines in our communities. Our active duty soldiers did not sign up to fight against our own communities. We signed a blank check to defend our country, not to hurt our own people. This is about attempting to control California. We, Californians, have a Commander, and that is Gov Newsom. We trust and will defend him. He is doing what is best to diffuse this chaos that was created by another person. Veterans and active duty soldiers do not take up fighting against our American people. We have a responsibility to defend against dictatorship, and that's what we are trained to do. I ask Veterans and Military Families to be aware of your surroundings, rally peacefully - do not give them the opportunity to arrest you! Hooah! Military Strong."

Hypocrisy is on full display

President Trump agrees he's breaking the law in California  here's the evidence.

In 2020, Trump said he wouldn't federalize National Guard members without the approval of the state's Governor first. His own Department of Homeland Security leader said just last year that federalizing the National Guard would be a direct attack on state rights. The federal administration is adding more National Guard soldiers and Marines to an already charged situation when they are unneeded. Read more about the lawsuit here.

Illegal militarization

On June 7, one day after the protests began, President Trump issued a memorandum purporting to authorize the DOD to call up 2,000 National Guard personnel into federal service for a period of 60 days, and declaring a "form of rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States" and directing the Secretary of Defense to coordinate with state governors and the National Guard to commandeer state militias.



The action puts state sovereignty in danger, as his order was not specific to California and suggests that the President could assume control of any state militia.



The U.S. Constitution and the Title 10 authority the President invoked in the memo require that the Governor consent to federalization of the National Guard, which Governor Newsom was not given the opportunity to do prior to their deployment and which he confirmed he had not given shortly after their deployment. The President's unlawful order infringes on Governor Newsom's role as Commander-in-Chief of the California National Guard and violates the state's sovereign right to control and have available its National Guard in the absence of a lawful invocation of federal power.



Additionally, DOD has expanded Cal Guard's duties, ordering them to assist ICE agents in civilian law enforcement activities  including arresting and detaining immigrants and others who may be suspected or accused of interfering with ICE  a direct violation of the U.S. Constitution and the rights of American citizens.

Cleaning up Trump's mess

On Saturday, there were 250+ protesters pre-National Guard deployment. On Sunday, the protesters grew to 3,000+ post-deployment of the National Guard by the federal government. Their presence is inviting and incentivizing demonstrations.



Since President Trump's impulsive memo and actions to send the military to the Los Angeles region, the state continued to work with local partners to surge additional state and local law enforcement officers into Los Angeles to clean up President Trump's mess. Local and state law enforcement has had to intervene to protect public safety. The National Guard is currently standing sentry outside federal buildings, with local and state law enforcement doing all of the work.



The President's actions have not only caused widespread panic and chaos, but have unnecessarily created an additional diversion of resources as the state tries to calm a community terrorized by this reckless federal action

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Trump says protesters during military parade to face "heavy force"

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 11:28, June 11, 2025

NEW YORK, June 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump warned protesters on Tuesday to stay away from the military parade he has planned for Saturday in Washington, D.C. to mark the Army's 250th birthday, asserting that any demonstrators who "hate our country" would be met with "very heavy force."

Trump made the remarks while visiting Fort Bragg in North Carolina and speaking at an event related to the celebration, which will culminate with the parade that coincides with his 79th birthday. He watched the U.S. Army demonstrate a missile strike, a helicopter assault and a building raid at Fort Bragg, which celebrated the 250th anniversary of that branch of the military.

Fort Bragg, which is located near Fayetteville, North Carolina, serves as the headquarters for U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Highly trained units like the Green Berets and the 82nd Airborne are based there, according to The Associated Press.

In remarks from the Oval Office before he left for North Carolina, Trump said that protesters who assembled during the military parade would be met with "very big force," a dark warning that made no distinction between peaceful demonstrations and violent confrontations, noted The New York Times about the development.

Trump boasted about the "amazing day" he planned before saying that any demonstrators would be dealt with harshly. "For those people that want to protest, they're going to be met with very big force. And I haven't even heard about a protest, but you know, this is people that hate our country, but they will be met with very heavy force."

"Trump's comments came after the president spent several minutes praising his administration's deployment of thousands of National Guard and Marines in response to protests that had broken out over the weekend in Los Angeles against sweeping federal immigration raids," said the report.

The episodes of unrest have included burned cars, concrete chunks hurled at officers and robberies at spots like an Apple Store, it added. Supporters of the California protests who oppose Trump's immigration crackdowns have said the protests were largely peaceful, and that the episodes of violence have been amplified by Trump's allies and administration.

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Curfew imposed in Los Angeles as protests spread to other US cities

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 7:01 AM

Los Angeles officials have imposed a curfew in the city's downtown area to quell protests caused by aggressive immigration raids, which are spreading to other cities.

The curfew on the fifth night of the unrest came as hundreds of US Marines arrived in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday under orders from President Donald Trump, ratcheting up tensions in America's second largest city.

With five minutes until the curfew took effect, hundreds of protesters faced police with their hands raised, chanting "peaceful protest."

Trump's extraordinary measures of sending National Guard and Marines to quell protests, which broke out in response to his immigration raids, fueled agitation in Los Angeles, and sparked protests in several other cities.

Despite opposition from local and state officials, Trump has deployed over 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles.

Police said multiple groups stayed on the streets despite the curfew and "mass arrests are being initiated". Police earlier said that 197 people had already been arrested on Tuesday - more than double the total number of arrests to date.

Political leaders have raised concerns over a national crisis in what has become the most intense flashpoint yet in the Trump administration's aggressive campaign to deport migrants, and then crack down on opponents who take to the streets in protest.

"This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president inflamed a combustible situation, putting our people, our officers and even our National Guard at risk. That's when the downward spiral began," California Governor Gavin Newsom said in an a video address.

"He again chose escalation. He chose more force. He chose theatrics over public safety. ... Democracy is under assault."

"California may be first, but it clearly will not end here. Other states are next," he added.

Demonstrations have spread to other cities nationwide, including Dallas and Austin, Texas, Chicago and New York, where a thousand people rallied and multiple arrests were made.

Trump hinted at potentially invoking the Insurrection Acta presidential power permitting domestic military deployment to quell civil unrest or enforce federal law. This rarely used authority represents one of the most drastic measures available to a US president during domestic crises.

"If there's an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it. We'll see," Trump said from the Oval Office.

Later, he called protesters "animals" and "a foreign enemy" in a speech at Fort Bragg.

Trump has described the unfolding chaos Los Angeles in dire terms that Newsom say are nowhere close to the truth.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump said Los Angeles would be "burning to the ground right now" if he had not deployed troops to the city.

Newsom, widely seen as preparing for a presidential run in 2028, and other state and local officials have called Trump's response an extreme over-reaction to mostly peaceful demonstrations.

Newsom accused Trump of sending troops to deliberately inflame the situation for political reasons and said the president's actions made it more difficult for local law enforcement to respond.

"They want protesters to react violently to distract from what is really happening, which is that families are being separated, our communities are being devastated, and the people of Los Angeles are standing up to say, 'We will not stand for this,'" said Jean Guerrero, New York Times contributing opinion writer.

The use of active military to respond to civil disturbances is extremely rare.

"This isn't about public safety," Newsom wrote on X. "It's about stroking a dangerous President's ego."

US Marines are trained for conflicts around the world - from West Asia to Africa - and are also used for rapid deployments in case of emergencies, such as threats to US embassies.

The top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Jack Reed, said he was "gravely troubled" by Trump's deployment of active-duty Marines.

"Since our nation's founding, the American people have been perfectly clear: we do not want the military conducting law enforcement on US soil," he said.

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Kosovo Approves Measure To 'Temporarily' Host Migrants Deported From The US

By RFE/RL's Kosovo Service June 11, 2025

Kosovo's acting government approved a measure to "temporarily" accept migrants deported from the United States as part of resettling them to a third country.

Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said after the government voted to accept the measure that the stay of up to 50 migrants -- who will return to their countries of origin -- will be managed and coordinated by the Minister of Internal Affairs.

"The Government of Kosovo will have the ability to select individuals from a proposed pool, provided they meet specific criteria related to the rule of law and public order," he said in a social media post.

Last week, the US government announced that countries in the Balkans have been included in contacts within a broader US strategy for the deportation of foreign nationals.

Bloomberg News reported on June 5 that the Trump administration was pressuring Serbia and other Balkan countries to accept migrants deported by the United States.

Last month, the US Supreme Court allowed the administration to revoke temporary legal status for hundreds of thousands of migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua living in the United States, strengthening the Republican president's efforts to increase deportations.

The housing of migrants has been a controversial topic in Kosovo -- one of Europe's poorest countries that hopes such plans will bring it income and recognition of its strengthening ties to the West -- and around the Balkans in recent months.

Kurti said on June 11 that Kosovo's adoption of the measure shows the "shared values and cooperation" it has with the United States.

"We deeply value their continued support, particularly as we advance toward integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions," he added.

Kosovo had already expressed its willingness to discuss with the United Kingdom a proposal to establish "return centers" in Kosovo for asylum seekers rejected by the British Isles.

The proposal to set up return centers is part of a wider UK strategy to address the growing number of migrants arriving in Britain through illegal routes.

However, Human Rights Watch has expressed concern that using Balkan countries as host countries for migrants could violate their rights and create new challenges for host countries.

In a similar agreement that also sparked criticism, Kosovo and Denmark agreed in 2022 to lease 300 prison cells at the Correctional Institution in Gjilan to house foreign prisoners who are expected to be deported from Denmark after completing their sentences.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovo-accept-third- country-migrants-us/33439944.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.

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Texas Head Announces National Guard Deployment in State to Maintain Order Amid Protests

Sputnik News

20250611

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the deployment of the local national guard across the state to maintain order amid ongoing protests.

"Texas National Guard will be deployed to locations across the state to ensure peace & order. Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest," Abbott wrote on X.

Earlier, Greg Abbott said that over a dozen protesters were arrested in Austin, Texas, amid the wave of riots.

A raid by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to identify illegal immigrants in downtown Los Angeles on June 7 escalated into clashes with protesters. That same day, California Governor Gavin Newsom threatened that the state could refuse to pay federal taxes in response to the Trump administration's possible large-scale cuts in federal funding. The next day, the White House announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guards to the city.

In response to the troop deployment, Newsom officially requested the reversal of the decision, accusing the White House of provoking the riots and asserting that state and city authorities did not have any problems until the president intervened.

 Sputnik

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Tigers defy the deluge in the Top End

By Captain Tadek Markowski

11 June 2025

With the rain hammering down, Corporal Tuilakepa 'Fiji' Fakraufon is responding to rapid-fire technical questions as part of a post-activity review.

Just minutes earlier, the forward arming and refuelling point (FARP) team leader had given the thumbs-up signal to the crew of an Army Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter.

It's a visual cue to the pilot that the FARP operators have finished their work and it's safe for the aircraft to depart the temporary landing pad in the Northern Territory bush.

The FARP serials were part of Exercise Griffin Walk, a 1st Aviation Regiment activity held at the Kangaroo Flats Training Area south of Darwin in April.

Like a Formula One pit crew, the FARP operators work quickly and efficiently to rearm the aircraft, refuel it and tackle any minor repairs, before sending it on its way.

Corporal Fakraufon is still learning the ropes on the Tiger, having joined the regiment just three months earlier in a transfer from the 5th Aviation Regiment.

Soon he and the other FARP operators will be applying the training and experience to the new AH-64E Apache.

During the next two years, the ADF's 22 European-built Tigers will be phased out to make way for the American-made Apache, with the first batch of 29 ordered expected to arrive later this year.

The switch to the Boeing attack helicopter is aimed at maximising interoperability between the ADF and US military.

For Army Aviation, it's the end of an era, something not lost on the men and women who fly the Tiger and its ground support personnel.

"It's a privilege to work on this aircraft before it gets retired," Corporal Fakraufon said.

FARP operator Trooper Madison Vaggelas, who got to train on the Apache during Talisman Sabre 2023, is keen to see it in the ADF's livery.

"I looked forward to coming and working on them [Tigers] before they leave and we get the Apache. They're really good," Trooper Vaggelas said.

A product of the Cold War, the Tiger was originally intended as a tank destroyer, but the design morphed into that of a multi-role attack helicopter.

Tiger pilot Captain Mario Wilsch is among those eager to get behind the controls of the new helicopter.

"It'll be phenomenal. I'll be here until the end of Tiger, so the next couple of years, but it'll be really interesting to go across to a different platform," Captain Wilsch said.

The transition, however, is not without a few complexities.

As part of the Apache acquisition program, the 1st Aviation Regiment will relocate from Darwin to Townsville. Its 161 Reconnaissance Squadron has already made the move to North Queensland.

162 Reconnaissance Squadron, which comprises pilots, ground crew and aviation operations support specialists, will continue to fly the Tigers from Robertson Barracks until it's retired.

Commanding Officer 1st Aviation Regiment Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Sherry said the unit faced some big changes, but exercises like Griffin Walk helped smooth the way.

"The proficiency built on Tiger doesn't disappear when we retire [it]," Lieutenant Colonel Sherry said.

"The skills that we are training and developing on Tiger are the same skills we're going to need to have on Apache."

A $700-million works program will support the introduction of the Apache and relocation of 1st Aviation Regiment.

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Belarus: The fifth meeting of the of the Consultative Group with democratic forces and civil society held in Brussels

European External Action Service (EEAS)

11.06.2025

EEAS Press Team

The 5th meeting of the Consultative Group between the European Union and Belarusian democratic forces and civil society organisations took place on 11 June, in Brussels. The EU reaffirmed its unwavering support for the people of Belarus and their legitimate democratic aspirations.

The Consultative Group addressed the human rights crisis in the country, highlighting the plight of nearly 1,200 political prisoners who must be immediately and unconditionally released, as well as accountability for those responsible for systemic repression.

Participants also addressed Belarus's increasing cooperation with and dependence on Russia, including the regime's role in supporting Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the continued instrumentalisation of migration at the EU borders.

The meeting took stock of concrete measures to foster democratic resilience, including enhanced support for civil society, Belarusian independent media, youth mobility and access to education in the EU. Participants also exchanged views on countering propaganda and reinforcing foundations for future democratic transition in the country.

The EU reiterated its dual track approach: maintaining pressure on the regime including through targeted restrictive measures while continuing to support the people of Belarus. It reaffirmed its readiness to activate the 3 billion comprehensive plan once Belarus embarks on a democratic path.

Since the 2020 fraudulent elections, the EU has mobilised nearly 170 million to support the Belarusian people's democratic aspirations. The EU remains resolute in supporting Belarusian independent media and civil society, and in pursuing justice for victims of oppression and accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations.

The meeting was co-chaired by EEAS Managing Director Michael Siebert and the leader of Belarus's democratic forces Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

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Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney

June 11, 2025

Ottawa, Ontario

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Prime Minister Carney and President Lula discussed opportunities to deepen trade between Canada and Brazil. The leaders agreed to accelerate co-operation on energy security and critical minerals, particularly as part of Canada's 2025 G7 Presidency and as Brazil hosts the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) later this year.

Prime Minister Carney and President Lula emphasized shared values between the two nations, including protecting the environment and building stronger economies in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.

Prime Minister Carney invited President Lula to Canada's 2025 G7 Leaders' Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, where the leaders look forward to meeting next week.

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Wang Yi Meets with Minister of External Relations of Angola Tete Antonio

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: June 10, 2025 23:45

On June 10, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Minister of External Relations of Angola Tete Antonio in Changsha.

Wang Yi said that last autumn, President Xi Jinping announced the ten partnership actions to support Africa's revitalization at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, this initiative has already yielded notable early results. At present, unilateralism and protectionism are making a comeback, free trade and international rules are suffering serious setbacks, and developing countries are facing severe challenges. China firmly stands with the Global South, especially African countries, to jointly uphold the multilateral trading system and safeguard international fairness and justice. China will continue to support Angola in fulfilling its responsibilities as the rotating chair of the African Union (AU).

Wang Yi said that China and Angola enjoy a time-honored friendship that is worthy to be cherished and upheld. China's policy toward Angola remains consistent and stable, and China's assistance to Angola comes with no political strings attached. Practice has proven and will continue to prove that China is a reliable and trustworthy friend and partner of Angola. China supports Angola's efforts to advance national development and is ready to share China's development opportunities with Angola, expand cooperation in various fields such as agricultural modernization, healthcare, and human resources training, and support Angola in accelerating its industrialization process. China encourages and supports more Chinese enterprises to increase investment in Angola and hopes that Angola will safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and personnel in the country.

Tete Antonio said that Hunan is the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People's Republic of China. Many African people came to learn about Hunan through him, which has facilitated mutually beneficial cooperation with Hunan. Angola and China share a profound traditional friendship and have close ties. Upholding a spirit of solidarity, both sides have made fruitful progress in bilateral relations, and friendship with China has become a consensus among all sectors in Angola. Angola firmly abides by the one-China principle and looks forward to strengthening exchanges at all levels with China and further deepening cooperation in various fields. He expressed gratitude to the hundreds of Chinese enterprises for their contributions to Angola's development and infrastructure construction, and welcomed more Chinese investment. The FOCAC mechanism is becoming increasingly mature, and Angola looks forward to working with China to implement the outcomes of the summit. Angola supports the series of important global initiatives proposed by China and is willing to enhance multilateral coordination with China, fulfill its responsibilities as the AU rotating chair, correct historical injustice, and uphold fairness and justice.

Following the meeting, the two sides issued a joint press communique.

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Wang Yi Meets with Minister of International Relations of Botswana Dr. Phenyo Butale

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: June 10, 2025 23:10

On June 10, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Minister of International Relations of Botswana Dr. Phenyo Butale in Changsha.

Wang Yi said that the friendship between China and Botswana has withstood the test of history. The two sides firmly supported each other during the years of anti-imperialism and anti-colonialism and now stand united in cooperation on the path toward modernization. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, carrying great significance in building on past achievements and opening up a new future. China values the mutual trust and friendship between the two countries and supports Botswana in exploring an independent and self-reliant development path. China is ready to work with Botswana to summarize experience, strengthen planning, promote mutually beneficial cooperation to yield more fruitful results, and open up a new bright prospect for bilateral relations, helping Botswana accelerate its development and rejuvenation. China is also willing to further expand market access for Botswana and explore cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, energy, manufacturing and processing, and health care.

Wang Yi stated that in the face of the current complex and turbulent international landscape, it is essential for China and Africa to strengthen solidarity, speak with one voice, and form a consistent stance to resist unilateralism and protectionism, and to prevent the world from returning to the law of the jungle. China is ready to work with Botswana and other African countries to successfully hold the upcoming Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators, deliver on the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and continue to make new progress in building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, so as to add new momentum to South-South cooperation and set a new benchmark.

Dr. Phenyo Butale said that China is an important strategic partner of Botswana, and the high-level cooperation between the two countries is of great significance. Botswana firmly adheres to the one-China principle and will take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to fully leverage the role of the China-Botswana Joint Economic and Trade Commission, deepen Belt and Road cooperation, implement the ten partnership actions, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and elevate Botswana-China relations to a new level. Fairness, justice, and multilateralism are especially important for small and medium-sized countries. Botswana and China share similar views on major international and regional issues. Botswana highly appreciates China's global contributions and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China, enhance Africa-China cooperation, and jointly respond to complex geopolitical challenges.

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Wang Yi Meets with Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musavyi

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: June 10, 2025 22:43

On June 10, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musavyi in Changsha.

Wang Yi said that at the beginning of this year, the Chinese foreign minister continued the friendly tradition of making Africa the destination of the first overseas visit in the new year, with Namibia as the first stop. This demonstrates China's high regard for China-Namibia relations and its sincere commitment to strengthening China-Africa solidarity and cooperation. China appreciates Namibia's firm adherence to the one-China principle and supports Namibia in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions. China is ready to work with Namibia to carry forward the fine tradition of mutual trust, mutual support, and sincerity, solidify the political foundation of bilateral relations and inject new vitality into China-Namibia friendship in the new era. The two sides should seek greater synergy of development strategies and upgrade mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as energy and mining, nuclear energy, smart cities, agricultural technology, and vocational education and training, to support Namibia in increasing industrial added value, accelerating industrialization, and delivering greater benefits to the Namibian people.

Wang Yi said that the 21st century is the century of joint development and revitalization for Asia and Africa. This Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators will demonstrate the strong resolve of China and Africa to advance their respective modernization, showcase the powerful strength of China-Africa solidarity, and send a strong message of the two sides' joint commitment to upholding international fairness and justice. As important members of the Global South, China and Namibia should enhance coordination, overcome external interference, and jointly resist unilateralism and protectionism in the face of an increasingly uncertain and unstable international landscape, so as to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South.

Selma Ashipala-Musavyi said that no matter in good times or in adversity, China has always stood firmly with Namibia, offering valuable support and assistance, which Namibia will always cherish. Namibia looks forward to deepening its historic friendship with China and achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has played an important role in enhancing mutual understanding and promoting practical cooperation between Africa and China. Namibia's development plans are highly aligned with the ten partnership actions and the Namibian side looks forward to strengthening synergy with China. She firmly believes that this Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators will yield fruitful outcomes. In the face of current geopolitical challenges, Namibia will enhance solidarity with China and other members of the Global South, uphold multilateralism and safeguard international rules and the free trade system.

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Wang Yi Meets with Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania Mahmoud Thabit Kombo

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: June 10, 2025 22:36

On June 10, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania Mahmoud Thabit Kombo in Changsha.

Wang Yi said that the traditional friendship between China and Tanzania was personally forged by the elder generation of leaders of both countries and has great historical significance. This friendship has continued to be enriched with the features of the new era. Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, China-Tanzania relations have maintained a high level of development, with Tanzania becoming one of the countries that have seen the most effective implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). China appreciates Tanzania's understanding and support for China's legitimate position on issues concerning its core interests. China, in turn, supports Tanzania in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and opposes external interference in Tanzania's internal affairs. Under the new circumstances, both sides should carry forward the tradition of China-Tanzania friendship, deliver on the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, promote high-quality and practical cooperation, and boost their respective modernization.

Wang Yi said that the Tanzania-Zambia Railway is a symbol of China-Africa brotherhood and mutual support. China is ready to work with both Tanzania and Zambia to revitalize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and make it a benchmark for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Africa. The two sides can also expand cooperation in agriculture and mineral resource development along the railway, and help Tanzania become a key land-sea transportation hub and a center of trade and logistics in East Africa, so as to enhance its capacity for independent development.

Mahmoud Thabit Kombo said that the friendship between Tanzania and China is strong and deep-rooted, and that the practical cooperation between the two countries serves as a model. He expressed appreciation for China's assistance in Tanzania's national development and for its provision of zero-tariff treatment to Tanzania. China has become one of Tanzania's most important economic and trade partners. He was glad to see the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway and the successful implementation of projects under the ten partnership actions in Tanzania. Tanzania firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is committed to the Tanzania-China friendship. He expressed hope to take the Africa-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges as an opportunity to deepen the friendship and cooperation between Tanzania and China in various fields.

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Wang Yi Meets with Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: June 10, 2025 22:28

On June 10, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi in Changsha.

Wang Yi said that not long ago, President William Ruto made a successful state visit to China. The two heads of state defined a new positioning for the China-Kenya community with a shared future for the new era and agreed to work together to build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future. China is ready to work with Kenya to deliver on the common understandings reached between the two heads of state, firmly support each other, enhance mutual trust, consolidate the political foundation of China-Kenya relations, continuously inject strong impetus into bilateral cooperation, and achieve more results in building the China-Kenya community with a shared future.

Wang Yi stated that the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to be held the next day is a gathering of China and 53 African countries, which will surely strengthen the solidarity of countries in the Global South. Wang Yi expressed the belief that Kenya will contribute to the success of the meeting. Kenya is an important country in Africa and one of the representatives of the Global South. China attaches great importance to Kenya's role and influence and is ready to enhance strategic communication and coordination to jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and the basic norms governing international relations. Wang Yi congratulated Kenya on becoming a founding member of the International Organization for Mediation, and expressed the readiness to work together to better help countries, especially small and medium-sized countries, to resolve differences in an amicable and proper manner.

Musalia Mudavadi expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping, and the Chinese government and people for their warm and friendly reception of President William Ruto, which contributes to the fruitful outcomes of the visit. The new positioning of Kenya-China relations fully demonstrates the high-level mutual trust between the two countries and the broad prospects for cooperation, setting a fine example for Africa-China relations. The commitment to the one-China principle serves as the cornerstone of Kenya's foreign policy and has received full support from the Parliament. Kenya will continue to stand firmly with China. Kenya looks forward to further deepening mutually beneficial cooperation with China, and to continuing to receive support from China in the process of achieving diversified development. Musalia Mudavadi expressed confidence that the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation will be a complete success.

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Chinese rare-earth firm obtains licenses for exports to US, other markets

Global Times

By Yin Yeping Published: Jun 11, 2025 09:25 PM

Chinese rare-earth conglomerate JL MAG Rare-Earth Co said on Wednesday that it had obtained export licenses issued by national authorities for exports to destinations including the US, Europe and Southeast Asia.

In response to investors' questions on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange Interactive Platform regarding the export licenses, JL MAG Rare-Earth Co said that after the introduction of export control measures on medium and heavy rare-earth-related items, the company has made export declarations in accordance with relevant national regulations and has obtained export licenses issued by the national authorities, Xinhua Finance reported on Wednesday.

The export destinations include the US, Europe and Southeast Asia, and the company exports magnetic materials, components, and motor rotors in compliance with laws and regulations, according to the report.

This came after the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Saturday that China has approved a certain number of export license applications for rare earth-related items, considering rising global demand for medium and heavy rare earth elements driven by industries such as robotics and new energy vehicles.

A MOFCOM spokesperson emphasized that China's relevant export controls, in line with international practice, aim to better safeguard national security and interests and fulfill international obligations of non-proliferation, which reflects China's commitment to world peace and regional stability.

The spokesperson further stated that as a responsible country, China fully considers the legitimate needs and concerns of other nations, and it reviews export license applications for rare earths and related items in line with laws and regulations, has approved a number of compliant applications, and will continue to strengthen the approval process for such applications.

China is the world's largest producer of rare earths, accounting for more than 80 percent of global annual output, according to Xinhua.

China's exports of rare earths reached 5,864.60 tons in May, up 23 percent from April, and total exports in the first five months grew by 2.3 percent year-on-year to 24,827 tons, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs on Monday.

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Commissioner's Office of Chinese Foreign Ministry urges US to stop support of anti-China separatist Joshua Wong

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jun 11, 2025 02:42 PM

In response to the US State Department spokesperson's blatant support for anti-China and Hong Kong-disrupting figure Joshua Wong, as well as the malicious smearing of the Hong Kong police's legitimate law enforcement actions and the open interference in affairs of Hong Kong and China's internal affairs, a spokesperson for the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition on Wednesday.

On June 6, the Hong Kong Police Force's national security department arrested a 28-year-old man in Stanley for suspected "conspiracy to collude with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security," according to an official statement on the HKSAR Government's website.

According to multiple Hong Kong media reports, the arrested man is Joshua Wong Chi-fung, an anti-China separatist who was taken into custody again while already serving a prison sentence.

The spokesperson noted that Hong Kong is a society governed by the rule of law where laws must be observed and lawbreakers held to account. The Hong Kong police handle cases involving destabilizing anti-China elements in Hong Kong in accordance with the law, and the judiciary delivers fair and impartial rulings.

The police's actions are both legitimate and lawful. The US has repeatedly used the pretexts of "human rights" and "freedom" to support its political pawns, clearly exposing its sinister intentions, the spokesperson added.

China once again warns the US side that external interference will in no way undermine the SAR government's firm determination to govern Hong Kong in accordance with the law and punish criminal acts. Nor will it weaken the central and SAR governments' strong will to safeguard national security or hinder the steady and long-term implementation of "one country, two systems."

"We urge the US to recognize the broader trend, change course and immediately stop its futile attempts to shield and whitewash lawbreakers. The US must cease its political manipulation of using Hong Kong to contain China," the spokesperson said.

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List of the Outcomes of the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: June 11, 2025 20:41

In September 2024, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was successfully held, opening a new chapter of China and Africa building an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era. President Xi Jinping and leaders from the African side jointly charted the future of China-Africa relations, and put forward a six-point proposition on China and Africa's joint pursuit of modernization and ten partnership actions China will take with Africa for modernization.

The world today is increasingly marked by changes and turbulence. The United States is abusing tariffs in the name of "reciprocity," putting its self-interest above the common good of the international community. What the U.S. has been doing severely infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, severely disrupts the global economic order, and causes tremendous difficulties to the economic and social development and improvement of people's livelihoods of African nations and other developing countries.

Faced with common challenges, China and Africa have enhanced solidarity and coordination and followed on the strategic common understandings between the leaders of both sides with firm actions to deepen political mutual trust. The two sides have maintained policy communication through high-level exchanges. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the 38th African Union Summit. Leaders of China have visited Africa for multiple times. For 35 years in a row, the Chinese foreign minister visited Africa on the first overseas trip at the start of a year. Delegations from Africa, including the one led by Kenyan President William Ruto, paid official visits to China. China and Africa have rendered each other stronger support in safeguarding the shared interests of the Global South and defending international fairness and justice, and been steadfast in backing each other's efforts to safeguard sovereignty, security, and development interests. China and Africa have been working together to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Both sides defend the U.N.-centered international system, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter. And both sides actively participate in and promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system. China supports South Africa in hosting the G20 Johannesburg Summit, supports the African Union in playing an important role in the G20, and supports Nigeria and Uganda in becoming BRICS partner countries.

China and Africa have stepped up coordination in turning the strategic common understandings between the leaders of both sides into strong momentum for China-Africa high-quality cooperation, providing solid and reliable support and drive for Africa's modernization. China had in-depth communication with the Republic of the Congo, the African co-chair of FOCAC, and extensive consultations with African countries, and jointly made a timetable and roadmap for the implementation of the follow-up actions after the Summit. Since the Summit, China has provided RMB130.32 billion yuan in financial support to the African side, and RMB139.95 billion yuan in insurance coverage for China-Africa cooperation. Early outcomes of the follow-up actions have been achieved.

From June 10 to 12, 2025, the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was held in Hunan. China and Africa have conducted overall review on the implementation of the follow-up actions since the Summit, and communication and consultation on future plans. To better present the key points and highlights of the implementation of Summit follow-up actions, the Chinese side summarized some of the highly representative outcomes in line with the ten partnership actions, and worked out this list of outcomes containing 35 items in 10 categories.

I.Mutual Learning Among Civilizations

1.Deepening governance experience sharing. Members of various political parties from multiple African countries visited China and had exchanges with the Chinese side. The Former Liberation Movements of Southern Africa Leading Cadres Workshop was successfully held.

2. Enhancing cooperation between think tanks. China has made continued efforts to advance the establishment of the China-Africa knowledge network for development and has held the symposium on the China-Africa knowledge network for development. China has also been working on establishing Chinese cultural centers in Mozambique and Kenya and the China-Africa research centers in Senegal and Morocco. Concerning parties are to establish a China-Africa publishing association by the end of this year in the principle of voluntary participation. The China-Africa-UNESCO dialogue on education and cultural heritage protection, the 14th Meeting of the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum, the Fourth Conference on Dialogue Between Chinese and African Civilization, and the China-Africa Consortium of Universities Exchange Mechanism Annual Conference were successfully held.

3. Continuously strengthening exchanges and cooperation on the rule of law. China has signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation with relevant African countries. The FOCAC Legal Forum (2025) and China-Africa Prosecutorial Cooperation Forum will be held in this July and October respectively. By the end of this year, the Chinese side will hold training courses of foreign assistance for legal and judicial professionals, and will invite judicial and administrative officials from relevant Africa countries to participate.

II.Trade Prosperity

4. China-Africa trade volume in 2024 reached US$295.6 billion, setting a new record high. The bilateral trade between January and March in 2025 registered US$72.6 billion, increasing by 2.7 percent year on year. The zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines given to all LDCs having diplomatic relations with China has come to effect since December 1, 2024, increasing export from relevant countries into China. China has signed a framework agreement on economic partnership for shared development with more than 20 African countries, and is actively promoting modular negotiation. This marks a distinct contrast with the U.S. action of imposing tariff wars on all African countries.

5. Promoting more export of quality African products into China. China has provided Africa with trade financing of around RMB17.12 billion yuan to support Africa's export. A special area for African products was set at the Seventh China International Import Expo.

6. Expanding access for African products to China. China has signed 22 Protocols on Agricultural Exports to China with 18 African nations, and more than 2,400 food enterprises from 53 African countries and regions have registered in China. China has signed the Memorandums of Understanding on Technical Cooperation of Animal and Plant Quarantine with Zimbabwe, the Republic of the Congo, and Sao Tome and Principe, and the Memorandum on Customs Cooperation with Namibia. The mutual recognition of "Authorized Economic Operators" between China and Burundi has come into effect.

7. Deepening cross-border e-commerce cooperation between China and Africa. A special session of online lectures on e-commerce for Africa was held, with 600 representatives from 10 African countries attending the event. The African Digital Trade Day was held during the 2024 Global Digital Trade Expo.

III.Industrial Chain Cooperation

8. Supporting the development of local value chains, manufacturing industry, and deep mineral processing in Africa. China has by far signed the Agreements on Avoidance of Double Taxation with 21 African nations. Active progress has been made in the negotiation between Chinese enterprises, the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority and the governments of Tanzania and Zambia on signing agreements to revitalize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway. From the Beijing Summit to the end of March 2025, new investment from Chinese enterprises to Africa reached RMB13.38 billion yuan.

9. Pushing forward the pilot zone for the in-depth China-Africa economic and trade cooperation and holding the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. The Chinese side has been advancing the establishment of the Fund for In-Depth China-Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation, and has set up the China-Africa Trial Center of China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission.

10. Supporting the development of African SMEs. The Chinese side has provided loans worth of RMB2.08 billion yuan to about 350 SMEs from 19 industries, creating around 4,500 jobs. Eighteen pairing events among SMEs and 26 training courses for industrial talents were held. The China-Africa Private Sector Cooperation Forum was held, during which the two sides reached agreements on 16 intentional programs for cooperation worth of RMB3.5 billion yuan in such key areas as manufacturing, energy, agriculture and logistics. The Symposium on High-Quality Development of China-Africa Investment Cooperation, the China-Africa Financial Cooperation Consortium meeting, and other events were also held.

IV.Connectivity

11. Signing Belt and Road cooperation plans with South Sudan, Equatorial Guinea and Kenya. China has provided or undertaken to provide Africa with RMB72.28 billion yuan of development financing special fund and support for infrastructure financing. From the Beijing Summit to the end of March 2025, the revenue of the infrastructure projects contracted by Chinese enterprises in Africa reached RMB134.464 billion yuan.

12. Actively advancing the logistics channels between the two sides. The Hunan-Guangdong-Africa sea-rail inter-modal train service has run 1,915 in total, with the annual number of trips exceeding 1,000 in 2024 for the first time. The scheduled all-cargo flight between Dar es Salaam and Guangzhou was officially launched, and the number of passenger flights between China and Africa has increased by 22 percent compared with pre-Summit level. The Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Liberia on Maritime Transport has come into effect.

13. Continuously developing platforms and channels for financial connectivity. The Chinese side has provided African financial institutions with credit support worth of RMB11.16 billion yuan, and the African Export-Import Bank has issued a Panda Bond of RMB2.2 billion yuan. The China-Africa Development Fund and the China-Africa Capacity Cooperation Fund have newly invested about RMB3.2 billion yuan and RMB2.9 billion yuan in Africa respectively.

V.Development Cooperation

14. Carrying out international development cooperation in various forms. China has continued to provide grant to the African side. China has been actively advancing nearly 600 "small and beautiful" projects, covering connectivity, poverty alleviation for the benefit of farmers, health, green development, digital economy, and people-to-people exchanges, benefiting almost all African nations. Positive progress has been made in multiple projects including the Stadium and Swimming Pool Project in the Comoros, the social housing project in Seychelles, the Improved Public Educational Service Facilities for Youth in Sierra Leone, the Youth Cultural Palace Project in Algeria, the Yaounde Conference Center Technical Cooperation Project in Cameroon, the Project for the reconstruction of the Olympic Stadium in Menzah, Tunisia, the Project of Technical Assistance of the Presidential Palace and the National Stadium in Cabo Verde, the project of 500 social housing units in Djibouti, and the Multipurpose Building Construction Project for Gabon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. China has provided urgent humanitarian aid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and Mozambique, and supported Senegal in hosting the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games through assistance in stadium technical maintenance, goods and materials, and technologies. China has also signed exchanges of notes on preparatory technical survey on poverty alleviation demonstration village projects with South Africa, and has carried out the project of African Mothers' New Farm.

15. The China-Africa-UNIDO Center of Excellence was set up and officially launched in Ethiopia. The regulation on the management and operation mechanism of the demonstration center was signed. And three projects for industrialization, agricultural modernization and talent cultivation have been implemented in Ethiopia.

16. China and Africa jointly issued the Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation under the Framework of the Global Development Initiative, and 30 African nations and the African Union have officially become members of the Global Development Promotion Center network. China has signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Implementing the Global Development Initiative with Botswana. The China-World Bank Group Partnership Facility was replenished by a signed agreement, and has delivered the first donation of US$20 million on that basis.

17. Enhancing international cooperation in capacity-building of Artificial Intelligence (AI). China has put forward the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All, and established with Zambia the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building and held group activities. China has hosted the Workshops on AI Capacity-Building, and supported Rwanda in hosting the Global AI Summit on Africa.

VI.Health

18. Implementing the medical and health programs. The project of the new Regional Hospital of Tadjourah in Djibouti completed construction and has been handed over, and the projects of the Bobo-Dioulasso Hospital in Burkina Faso and the El-Maarouf National Center Hospital in the Comoros will soon be completed and handed over. Positive progress has been made in various projects including the National Surgical Center in Mozambique, the Masaka Hospital renovation and expansion project in Rwanda, the renovation of the Friendship Hospital and the housing facilities of the Chinese medical teams in the Central African Republic, the upgrade and renovation of the China-Chad Friendship Hospital in Chad, the project of the cancer center of the University Hospital of Gabes of Tunisia, the upgrade and expansion of Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute in Tanzania, the construction of maternity and pediatric nursing building of the Hospital Baptista de Sousa in Cabo Verde, the project of the National Clinical Diagnostic and Treatment Laboratory in Liberia, the medical assistance to the China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Hospital, and the second phase of the expansion and modernization of the Juba Teaching Hospital in South Sudan. The Chinese side has also been advancing the building of Reproduction Health Center in Mali Hospital.

Progress was made on three anti-malarial demonstration programs including the anti-malarial technical aid to Sao Tome and Principe, the Anti-Malarial Drugs Emergent Supplying Program and the 2nd Session of the Anti-Malarial Technical Cooperation Project of the Comoros. Trilateral cooperation on accelerating the eradication of malaria through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund was carried out in Gambia. China has provided Mauritania with tents immersed in anti-malarial medicine, and implemented an urgent anti-malarial assistance project in Ethiopia. Cooperation on anti-malarial training and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment was carried out in the TCM centers of countries including Algeria, Tunisia, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Morocco, Zimbabwe and Mauritius. The China-Sierra Leone TCM Center was officially established, and the China-Morocco TCM Center will soon be opened. China provided cholera vaccines to countries including Zambia and anti-mpox material assistance to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

19. Strengthening sharing of clinical techniques. China implemented the Minimally Invasive Medicine Program, and shared techniques with Zimbabwe and Tanzania (Zanzibar), which helped open a new era of minimal invasion surgery in Africa. The 4th Sino-Africa Artemisinin Combination Therapy for Malaria Control Seminar was held. The China-Africa Technical Exchange Conference on Tropical Diseases Control and Prevention and the China-Africa Hospital Development Conference will be held respectively in June and August, 2025. Progress was made on establishing an alliance of Chinese and African hospitals, and one or two China-Africa Joint Medical Center(s) will be set up in December, 2025.

20. Supporting Africa's health industry. Since the Summit, China has sent a total of 508 medical aid personnel, providing treatment to 1.06 million local patients. The medical teams provided daily clinical service for local women and children, trained local medical and care personnel, and raised public awareness of health. China offered technical assistance to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by sending two professionals as technical consultants. Women and children health cooperation projects were conducted in Tanzania, Guinea Bissau, Burundi and Gambia. Multiple missions of the free medical services program of "100 Medical Teams in 1,000 Villages," including the Brightness Action and the China-Africa Heart-to-Heart Medical Mission, were implemented in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, Equatorial Guinea and other countries, benefiting around 400 thousand patients. Infection Prevention & Control Training Courses were held. Expert teams were sent to Burkina Faso to help train 30 local technical professionals, and memorandums of understanding on cooperation on public health, parasitic diseases control and prevention and other fields were signed. The hospital ship Peace Ark visited 12 African nations to provide medical services. The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC), working with its cooperation partners, has implemented in Africa a free lunch project that covers 35 schools, helping 8,297 children return to school. The China Foundation for Rural Development has conducted the project of food delivery for children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and built local kitchens benefiting 1,400 students. China cooperated with UNAIDS and other institutions to implement an HIV prevention and treatment campaign through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, and with UNICEF to carry out the project of early development service for children in Rwanda.

VII. Agriculture and Livelihoods

21. Strengthening mutual exchange and sharing of agricultural techniques. China sent more than 200 agricultural experts to countries including Madagascar, Eritrea and Burundi, and provided assistance of material and expertise to the agricultural technology centers in Equatorial Guinea and other countries. Technical demonstration of green and effective production and processing of cassava started in the Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana. Progress was made in the Juncao technological projects in Central Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Sudan and other countries, and in the Sustainable Rice and Millet Food Systems Transformation in Gambia. China carried out the Poverty Alleviation and Agriculture Assistance in Red Sea State, Sudan with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). China launched agricultural cooperation projects in Malawi and Namibia, and sent 16 agricultural experts to provide technical guidance. China worked with the FAO and the World Food Program (WFP) to carry out technical training on enhancing the value chain of cassava for African countries.

22. Implementing agricultural development cooperation projects. The China-aided Jamestown Fishing Port Complex in Ghana was completed. Progress was made in the China-aided Integrated Rice SAPZ Development Project in Sierra Leone, and a rural hydraulics project was launched in Togo. China supports Africa's agricultural mechanization and has provided Equatorial Guinea, Lesotho, Zambia and other countries with agricultural machines and tools. Emergency food aid of RMB210 million yuan was provided to nine African countries including Somalia. China cooperated with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on advancing agricultural development projects in Tanzania through the use of satellite digital technology.

23. Diversifying agricultural cooperation platforms. The meeting of the China-Sierra Leone Joint Committee on Fishery was held, and memorandums of understanding were signed on agricultural cooperation with Burundi and Cote d'Ivoire. The China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance was established, and at the round table of the alliance, the China-Nigeria Joint Laboratory for Soil and Water Conservation and Agricultural Sustainable Development, the China-Rwanda Joint Laboratory for Crop Pest Sustainable Management, and the China-Burundi Joint Laboratory for Arthropod-Transmitted Animal Disease Prevention and Control and One Health were established. The China-Africa Cooperation Center for Perennial Rice Technology was set up. China helped build the China-Africa Juncao Cooperation Center and the China-Africa Bamboo Center. The 2024 FOCAC Africa-China Poverty Reduction and Development Conference was held. China attended the 7th International Exhibition of Agriculture and Animal Resources in Cote d'Ivoire as the guest of honor and held the China Day event. China has worked actively with agricultural science and education institutions of African countries to jointly advance the construction of the China-Africa Center for Tropical Agricultural Science and Technology.

VIII. People-to-People Exchanges

24. China and Africa are preparing for a series of events of the Year of China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges and have issued the concept paper.

25. Advancing China-Africa cooperation on talent cultivation. China has helped train more than 10 thousand professionals of various areas for African nations, and plans to provide training programs for about 20 thousand people covering more than 100 professions in over 20 fields including connectivity, health, poverty alleviation for farmers, trade and investment, green development and digital economy in 2025.

26. Enhancing education cooperation. The "Future of Africa" China-Africa Vocational Education Cooperation Plan was implemented. 33 educational institutions from 13 African nations joined the China-Africa Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Cooperation Consortium. The first China-Africa Regional Development Center for "Chinese + TVET" was established, and the first China-Africa Regional Cooperation Center for Digital Education was set up. The Luban Workshops and schools were newly-built or upgraded in Benin and Rwanda, adding to a total of 17 Luban Workshops in 15 African nations. Under the China-Africa Universities 100 Cooperation Plan, 114 universities between the two sides have conducted exchanges and cooperation across various fields. Joint laboratories were launched between China and ten African countries including South Africa and Egypt. China has signed memorandums of understanding on educational cooperation with five African countries including Guinea-Bissau and Zimbabwe. The China-aided National Examinations and Competitions Center in the Republic of the Congo started construction.

27. Expanding people-to-people exchanges. Progress was made on 18 projects of people-to-people exchanges, including the Confucius Institute in the Republic of the Congo and the Culture Palace technical support project in Cote d'Ivoire. Training on culture and tourism was held, involving over 200 African professionals. China conducted a joint underwater archaeology project with South Africa. A total of 54 flagship events including "Happy Spring Festival" and China-Africa Cultural Focus were held in African nations. The 2024 China-Africa Cultural Silk Road Exchange Month, China-Africa Culture and Tourism Exchange Conference, and "Hello! China" tourism promotion were held. China hosted the third China-Africa Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, and will host the fifth China-Africa Future Leaders' Dialogue and China-Africa Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum in July 2025, and the ninth China-Africa Youth Festival in September 2025. China attended the 39th edition of Tunis International Book Fair as guest of honor.

28. Enriching cooperation on press and media. The China-Africa Press Center Program was implemented, inviting journalists from 49 African countries including Angola and Niger to China. Over 100 media personnel from 23 African countries including Kenya, South Africa, and Burundi came to China for visits or assisted training programs. The two sides have enhanced cooperation on television and film production. The "Reel Africa" film screening and salon event was held. China cooperated with Egypt, Ethiopia, the African Broadcasting Union as well as other countries and organizations on historical film restoration. China has handed over the Seychelles Broadcasting Center Project to the host country, and completed the maintenance of the Djoue Radio Station of the Republic of the Congo. The events of "Seeing China" were held in Egypt, Ethiopia, etc.

IX. Green Development

29. Enhancing practical cooperation on climate change, green development and in other key areas. From the Summit to the end of March 2025, the revenue of the contracted clean energy projects in Africa by Chinese enterprises reached RMB21.18 billion yuan. The Special Found for China-Africa Green Industrial Chain was founded, and seven projects with an investment of RMB6.2 billion yuan have been approved. Support was given to African nations with the implementation of the first batch of programs under the Kunming Biodiversity Fund. The China-Africa Green Envoys Program was implemented, uplifting the green skills and knowledge sharing of sustainable development of both sides. China has signed memorandums of understanding on green development with countries including Guinea-Bissau, Ethiopia and the Republic of the Congo, and implemented the Climate Information and Early Warning Systems (CIEWS) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Seychelles, Madagascar and other countries.

30. Strengthening cooperation on marine and geology and mineral resources sectors. China has signed cooperation agreements and provided material assistance to countries including Benin, Togo, and Ghana, supporting them in enhancing capabilities of marine observation and monitoring. Geology officials and experts were invited to China for exchange and visits, and a total of 13 geoscience training programs were held for African countries, training over 400 participants. China has signed cooperation documents in earth science with Zambia, South Africa, and other countries.

31. Strengthening scientific cooperation. China signed an intergovernmental agreement on science and technology cooperation with Kenya. China hosted the second China-Africa BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) Cooperation Forum, issued the Joint Statement of the Second China-Africa BDS Cooperation Forum, and signed BDS cooperation documents with African countries. Construction of the China-Africa Cooperation Center on Satellite Remote Sensing Application was making progress. China provided emergency satellite imaging services for natural disasters preparedness in Nigeria, Ethiopia and other countries, and delivered satellite remote sensing data processing software for Cameroon. The China-South Africa jointly-built remote sensing satellite ground station was put into operation, and real-time satellite-to-ground quantum communication and 10,000-kilometer quantum key distribution was utilized in bilateral cooperation for the first time. A major achievement of scientific research between China and Kenya Flora of Kenya (Vol. 4) Orchidaceae was released. Construction started on the China-Zimbabwe BRI joint laboratory of agro-ecological environment and cash corp research. Training courses on digital transformation were held for Libya. China also held the China-Africa Innovation Cooperation and Development Forum, and will hold the China-Africa Forum on Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology.

X. Common Security

32. Building the Global Security Initiative (GSI) demonstration zone. China has signed memorandums of understanding of the GSI and conducted practical cooperation in areas of traditional and non-traditional security under the framework of the GSI with multiple African countries. The two sides are working to further strengthen their partnership for implementing the GSI, promote the Partnership Action for Common Security, and jointly safeguard and promote regional and global peace and stability.

33. Enhancing cooperation on peace and security. With the joint efforts of China, African countries and other members of the developing world, the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted in December, 2024 with a vast majority the resolution on Promoting International Cooperation on Peaceful Uses in the Context of International Security. Safe City projects in countries including Djibouti and Guinea were implemented, and construction started on the smart customs project of Cote d'Ivoire.

34. Strengthening communication on security issues. The first Military Education Seminar of the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum, the fourth Thematic Conference on Military Medicine under the Framework of China-Africa Peace and Security Forum, and the third Counter Terrorism Consultation between Ministries of Foreign Affairs of China and Egypt were held. The delegation of African young and middle-aged military officers visited China.

35. Strengthening police and military cooperation. China has worked with Ethiopia, Somalia and the African Union to implement the second batch of projects under the framework of the initiative to help Africa in demining. The China-aided military housing infrastructure project at the Army Peace Operations Training School in Ghana was completed and handed over. Projects such as police equipment in Benin and fingerprint laboratory in Lesotho are making steady progress.

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China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: June 11, 2025 15:24

We, the representatives of the People's Republic of China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission, guided by the consensus reached by our leaders during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), gathered in Changsha to advance the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.

I. We agree that the rise and growth of the Global South represents the trend of the times and the future of development. China and Africa are both important members of and staunch forces in the Global South. We call on all countries, especially countries in the Global South, to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. We commend the initiative of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era for its positive significance in safeguarding solidarity and cooperation of the Global South and defending multilateralism.

II. We agree that the frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying has created severe difficulties for the economic and social development and the improvement of livelihood in African countries and other developing countries. This is a pressing challenge that members of the Global South including China and African countries must address.

III. Given that certain countries' attempt to disrupt the existing international economic and trade order by tariffs undermines the common good of the international community, we call on all countries, the United States in particular, to return to the right track of resolving trade disputes through consultation based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. The international community should give prioritized attention to the economic difficulties and development challenges faced by African countries. Development assistance to African countries should be effectively increased, not unilaterally slashed, to provide continued support to help African countries improve people's livelihood, reduce poverty and boost economic and social development.

IV. The African side commends China's courage and resolve to defend international equity and justice and safeguard international economic and trade order. China highly commends African countries' commitment to the basic principles of sovereignty, equality and justice and to upholding a common position in the face of external pressure. Unilateral concession cannot earn mutual respect. We resolutely oppose any party reaching a deal of compromise at the expense of the interests of other countries.

V. We call on the international community to uphold true multilateralism in accordance with the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, safeguard the U.N.-centered international system, defend the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, and make economic globalization more open, inclusive, mutually beneficial and balanced, so as to foster a better trade, investment and financing environment for the Global South.

VI. We will join hands in cementing the foundation of sovereign equality, maintaining that all countries, regardless of their size or strength, are equal members of the international community, and resolutely upholding international justice and order. We will continue to safeguard each other's legitimate rights and interests, stand side by side with mutual understanding and support amid chaos and changes, stabilize this uncertain world with the certainty of the China-Africa relationship, establish a benchmark for sincere friendship and equality in the Global South, and advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world.

VII. We will unite to support and put into practice the vision of openness, cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, stay committed to the six-point proposition on the joint endeavor to advance modernization, make solid progress in implementing the ten partnership actions for modernization, and support the implementation of the Second Ten Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 of the African Union. We will build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, set an example of solidarity, cooperation, independence and self-reliance of the Global South, and call for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

VIII. China is ready to, through negotiating and signing the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, expand the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China, or all African countries except Eswatini, to welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market. For the least developed countries in Africa, on top of the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC, China will roll out measures on market access, inspection and quarantine, and customs clearance to boost trade in goods, enhance skills and technical training, and expand the promotion of quality products.

IX. China is ready to work with Africa to deepen the implementation of the ten partnership actions for modernization, prioritize cooperation in such key areas as green industry, e-commerce and e-payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, and enhance cooperation in security, finance and the rule of law, so as to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.

X. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has become a fine example of solidarity and cooperation of the Global South. The List of the Outcomes of the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation provides a comprehensive, quantitative and tangible presentation of progress achieved. China and Africa will carry out the plans outlined in the Concept Paper of 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges to contribute to the solidarity of the Global South.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on June 11, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: June 11, 2025 18:28

CCTV: The Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation opened in Changsha, Hunan today. Can you share more details with us? What is the significance of this meeting for China-Africa cooperation?

Lin Jian: The Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was held in Changsha, Hunan today. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the meeting. He announced that China will implement the policy of granting 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, provide more facilitation to least developed countries in Africa for their export to China, and work with Africa to further implement the 10 partnership actions, providing important guidance for China and Africa jointly advancing modernization and building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the opening ceremony of the meeting and put forward five proposals on promoting high-quality China-Africa cooperation. He noted that China and Africa need to support each other and uphold the solidarity of the Global South; China and Africa need to open up to the world and champion international free trade; China and Africa need to pursue mutual benefit and engage in cooperation on global development; China and Africa need to uphold justice and defend an equitable international order; China and Africa need to carry out exchange and mutual learning and promote diversity of civilizations in the world. The two sides issued the China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South, the List of Outcomes of the Implementation of the Follow-up Action of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and the Concept Paper of 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, demonstrating the joint effort of China and Africa to implement the cooperation outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and providing new driving forces for deepening political mutual trust, advancing mutually beneficial cooperation and building closer bond between the people. Starting from tomorrow, the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo will also be held in Changsha.

Over recent years, spearheaded by FOCAC, China-Africa relations have achieved great leaps forward. China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China have established strategic partnerships, and China has been the largest trading partner for Africa for 16 years in a row. Since the FOCAC Beijing Summit last year, China has made an additional investment of over RMB 13.3 billion, and provided funding of over RMB 150 billion to Africa. In the first five months of this year, China's imports and exports with Africa reached RMB 963 billion, up by 12.4 percent year-on-year, hitting a record high for the same period of the year in history.

China always views enhancing solidarity and cooperation with African countries as an important cornerstone of our foreign policy. We stand ready to work with Africa to make solid progress in implementing the outcomes of FOCAC Beijing Summit, take effort to design the development of the forum in the future, use the "golden key" of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation to unlock the door to a future of common development, support Africa's development and revitalization through Chinese modernization, and make joint contribution to realizing the solidarity and strength of the Global South and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

The Associated Press: Global Rights Compliance, a group in Europe, released a report today on Xinjiang, saying that companies of critical minerals from Xinjiang risk buying products that have been produced with forced labor. Would you have any comment or response to that?

Lin Jian: No one has ever been forcibly transferred out of China's Xinjiang region under work programs. The so-called allegation of "forced labor" in China's Xinjiang region is nothing but a lie propagated by certain anti-China forces. We urge certain organization to stop interfering in China's internal affairs and undermining the stability and prosperity in China's Xinjiang region under the pretext of human rights.

NHK: From June 9 to 10, the Chinese and the U.S. delegations held the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism in London. Can you brief us on the details of what has been discussed and what has been achieved? Any specific arrangement for future consultations between China and the U.S.?

Lin Jian: I believe you also noted that the Chinese representative in London has made a response on the consultation. I have nothing more to share at the moment.

China Daily: It's reported that with regard to the purchase of CK Hutchison assets, the head of the Panama Canal Authority said on June 10 that "there is a potential risk of capacity concentration if the deal comes the way it is structured as we understand right now. It will be at the expense of Panama's competitiveness in the market and inconsistent with neutrality." He also said a U.S. request to allow its government ships to pass through the canal for free was not possible. What's China's comment?

Lin Jian: We noted relevant reports.

On CK Hutchison's sales of its assets overseas, the State Administration for Market Regulation and competent authorities made responses to that more than once, which you may refer to. Let me stress more broadly that China all along firmly opposes economic coercion and domineering and bullying practices.

On the navigation of relevant country's vessels, China will, as always, respect Panama's sovereignty over the Canal and recognize the Canal as a permanently neutral international waterway. We support Panama's effort to uphold independence and firmly defend its lawful rights and interests as an independent sovereign country.

AFP: Kazakhstan announced today that Chinese leader will visit the country next week for a summit alongside other regional partners. Can the Foreign Ministry provide more details about the trip, including what China aims to achieve at the summit?

Lin Jian: Regarding the specific visit you mentioned, we will release information in due course.

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Trump: China-US trade agreement 'done', subject to 'final approval'

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 5:57 PM

After two days of negotiations between the Chinese and US diplomats, US President Donald Trump says a trade agreement with China "is done, subject to final approval."

"Our deal with China is done, [and] subject to final approval with President Xi and me," Trump said on his Truth Social account on Wednesday. He added that the relationship between the world's two leading economic powers was "excellent."

Trump claimed that the US would impose tariffs on Chinese imports at "a total of 55%," while China would impose tariffs on US imports at 10%.

"Full magnets and any necessary rare earths will be supplied, up front, by China. Likewise, we will provide to China what was agreed to, including Chinese students using our colleges and universities," Trump added.

The Chinese state media reported on Wednesday that the countries had agreed to a trade "framework" during talks in London. However, there was no confirmation from China's government about any "framework" or whether President Xi Jinping intended to sign any trade agreement.

The 55% tariff on Chinese imports is significantly higher than the 30% rate the two countries agreed upon earlier last month.

However, a White House official explained that what Trump meant by "total" is the amalgamation of the worldwide 10% baseline "reciprocal" tariff on all imports, the 20% fentanyl trafficking tariff, and the 25% pre-existing tariff on Chinese imports.

China and the US agreed in Switzerland in May to put their unprecedented tariffs of more than 100% on each other's imports on hold for 90 days.

However, the tension between the two countries only increased with both sides accusing each other of breaking the preliminary trade agreement.

During this period, China cut its exports of critical rare earth elements to the US by half compared to the previous year, and the Trump administration said it would "aggressively revoke" the visas of Chinese students in the US. The US also restricted China's access to its goods, such as semiconductors and other related technologies linked to artificial intelligence (AI).

The majority of economic experts say that it has been Trump's back-and-forth trade policies that have deeply disturbed financial markets, pushed global supply chains to breaking point, sparked chaos in major ports, and significantly agitated the economic and political relationship between the US and other countries, especially China.

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HKSAR govt opposes slanders and smears by foreign countries, anti-China organizations and politicians on case of Joshua Wong

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jun 12, 2025 09:41 AM

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Wednesday strongly condemned and opposed some Western countries, anti-China organizations and anti-China politicians, for making erroneous slanders and smears on the case of Joshua Wong Chi-fung involving the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the HKSAR's work on safeguarding national security, totally disregarding the spirit of the rule of law.

On June 6, the Hong Kong Police Force's national security department arrested a 28-year-old man in Stanley for suspected "conspiracy to collude with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security," according to an official statement on the HKSAR Government's website.

According to multiple Hong Kong media reports, the arrested man is Joshua Wong Chi-fung, an anti-China separatist who was taken into custody again while already serving a prison sentence.

"As the legal proceedings of the case involving Joshua Wong Chi-fung are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case. The HKSAR Government strongly urges these Western countries, anti-China organizations and anti-China politicians to immediately stop interfering in the HKSAR's internal affairs and the independent exercise of judicial power by the courts of the HKSAR," a spokesman for the HKSAR Government said.

The Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offense will receive fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong (including the HKNSL) and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or backgrounds of the persons involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offense before a defendant may be convicted by the court, according to the government.

"We are appalled by irresponsible remarks of some countries, organizations or individuals that seemed to suggest that people with certain political beliefs should be immune to legal sanctions, or even call for release of suspects who have been arrested by the HKSAR law enforcement agencies in accordance with the law," the spokesperson said.

The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of "one country, two systems," the spokesperson noted.

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Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Sends Greetings to Russian President

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, June 12 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, sent a message of greeting to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation, on June 12.

The message said:

My dearest friend Comrade Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin,

On the occasion of the national day of the Russian Federation, I, on behalf of the government and people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and on my own, extend warm congratulations and comradely greetings to you and, through you, to the fraternal government and people of Russia.

The Day of Russia, which every Russian greets with boundless dignity and self-respect filled with a solemn feeling of patriotism, is a significant holiday with a really profound meaning in the whole historical course of the Russian state, whose values are justice, freedom, self-sustenance and unity.

Today Russia is shaping its future with confidence, overcoming all sorts of internal and external challenges and threats under your wise and seasoned leadership, and we feel really pleased with the successes achieved by the Russian Federation, our fraternal state.

I am fully convinced that the sacred cause of the government and people of your country to defend their national sovereignty, security interests and territorial integrity and build a powerful Russia will surely emerge victorious.

Esteemed Comrade Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin,

Today the traditional DPRK-Russia friendship has been further cemented thanks to the militant comradeship the service personnel of the two countries have forged at the cost of their blood in the just sacred war to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia; it has developed into an excellent model of indestructible, genuine relationship between comrades-in-arms and alliance.

It is an unshakable will of the government of the DPRK and of my own steadfastly to carry on the DPRK-Russia relations, which have been sealed and verified in the face of all sorts of trials and challenges of history, to a heyday of comprehensive prosperity.

I and the DPRK will always stand with you and the Russian Federation.

My dearest comrade,

I sincerely wish you good health, and the fraternal Russian people success, well-being and prosperity all the time.

I reaffirm my best wishes to you. -0-

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LIEUTENANT GENERAL BKGM LASANTHA RODRIGO, COMMANDER OF THE SRI LANKA ARMY ARRIVES ON A VISIT TO INDIA

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 11 JUN 2025 4:59PM by PIB Delhi

Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, has arrived on an official visit to India from 11th to 14th June 2025. This visit is set to enhance bilateral military cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the areas of training and capability enhancement. It underscores the continued efforts of both nations to further strengthen and deepen their longstanding defence partnership.

The first day of the visit began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo paid tribute to the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

Following the wreath-laying, Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo was given a formal Guard of Honour in the South Block Lawns. The ceremonial event, attended by senior officials of the Indian Army, marked a significant gesture of respect and a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

The Guard of Honour was followed with a series of high-level meetings beginning with an in-depth interaction with Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army. Both the military leaders discussed wide ranging issues including aspects of bilateral defence cooperation and regional security concerns. Later, Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo was briefed on Op Sindoor and India's security perspective. He was also briefed by other senior officers of the Indian Army on matters of mutual interest.

Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo thereafter met with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, Chief of Air Staff and Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary. These meetings provided an opportunity for the exchange of views on broader defence and security issues, focusing on matters of mutual interests.

Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo also planted a tree at the Manekshaw Centre, symbolising time-tested relation of Indian and Sri Lanka Army.

On 12th June 2025, Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo is scheduled to visit Jaipur and meet Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command.

The General Officer will grace the Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, as the Reviewing Officer on 14th June 2025. This visit will mark a poignant return to his alma mater, where he was commissioned in December 1990, with the 87th Course of the IMA-an experience that laid the foundation of his illustrious military career. His presence at the Academy will rekindle memories of his formative years, now brought full circle as he would review a new generation of officers. Adding a personal and emotional dimension to the ceremony, Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake of Sri Lanka Army, will also be in attendance to witness his son, Foreign Officer Cadet RMNL Rathnayake, being commissioned with the current course. This confluence of legacy and leadership underscores the enduring spirit of camaraderie and leadership connect between the two Armies.

Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo's visit to India is marked by a series of productive engagements, aimed at furthering the defence relationship between Sri Lanka and India. The visit not only highlights the commitment of both nations to strengthening their military ties but also underscores their shared focus on regional security and peace.

****

NA

(Release ID: 2135712)

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INDIAN ARMY CONTINGENT REACHES MONGOLIA FOR MULTINATIONAL MILITARY EXERCISE KHAAN QUEST

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 11 JUN 2025 12:30PM by PIB Delhi

The Indian Army contingent reached Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia today for the Multinational Military Exercise KHAAN QUEST, which is scheduled to be conducted from 14th to 28th June 2025. The exercise will bring together military forces from around the world to collaborate and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities. Last edition of Exercise KHAAN QUEST was conducted in Mongolia from 27th July to 9th August 2024.

The exercise first started as a bilateral event between USA and Mongolian Armed Forces in the year 2003. Subsequently, from the year 2006 onwards the exercise graduated to a Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise with current year being the 22nd iteration.

The Indian Army contingent comprising 40 personnel is being represented mainly by troops from a Battalion of the KUMAON REGIMENT along with personnel from other Arms and Services. One Woman Officer and two Women Soldiers will also form part of the contingent.

Aim of Exercise KHAAN QUEST is to prepare Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions while operating in a multinational environment, thereby increasing interoperability and military readiness in peace support operations under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. The exercise will focus on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills.

Tactical drills to be practiced during the exercise will include establishment of Static and Mobile Check Points, Cordon and Search Operations, Patrolling, Evacuation of Civilians from Hostile Area, Counter Improvised Explosive Device drills, Combat First Aid and Casualty Evacuation, among others.

Exercise KHAAN QUEST will enable the participating countries to share their best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for conduct of joint operations. The exercise will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of the participating countries.

__________________________

NA

(Release ID: 2135590)

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E3 lacks legal authority to activate 'snapback' of sanctions, Iran tells I.A.E.A. Board

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 11, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) says the three European signatories of the 2015 nuclear dealBritain, France, and Germany (E3)are in violation of the accord and therefore lack the legal authority to activate its "snapback mechanism" and reinstate international sanctions against Tehran.

Reza Najafi, who represents Iran at the United Nations office and other international organizations in Vienna, made the remarks on Wednesday at the ongoing quarterly meeting of the I.A.E.A. Board of Governors, which began in Vienna two days earlier.

Najafi's comments came in response to a report by I.A.E.A. Director General Rafael Grossi to the Board regarding the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Safeguards Agreement with Iran, as well as verification efforts in the Islamic Republic under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed the nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Grossi's report accused Iran of failing to cooperate with the agency concerning alleged "undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations." In response, the United States and the E3 drafted a resolution against Iran, alleging non-compliance. At the same time, the E3 has been considering activating the snapback mechanism, a provision in the JCPOA that allows for the automatic reinstatement of U.N. sanctions on Iran if it is found to be in significant non-compliance with the agreement.

Najafi dismissed Grossi's report, emphasizing that Iran's nuclear activitiesincluding uranium enrichment and stockpilingremain entirely peaceful, are subject to I.A.E.A. safeguards verifications, and are aligned with Iran's indisputable rights under the NPT.

Najafi reiterated that as a signatory to the NPT, Iran reserves the right to research, produce, and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, including uranium enrichment. Regardless of the scale of these activities, they cannot be deemed a serious concern, as all operations remain under the supervision of the I.A.E.A., he added.

Furthermore, the envoy stressed that Iran remains committed to the NPT and has no intention of acquiring nuclear weapons, citing strategic calculations and a religious decree by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution banning such weapons.

Najafi emphasized that Iran has fulfilled its nuclear obligations under the JCPOA and has even cooperated beyond the framework of the Safeguards Agreement and the Additional Protocol. He noted that Tehran's remedial measures under the JCPOA were taken only after the United States withdrew from the deal in 2018 and the E3 failed to honor their commitments under the JCPOA and Resolution 2231.

"Since the E3 has seriously violated Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA, they are neither in a moral nor legal position to activate the snapback mechanism," Najafi said, warning of serious consequences should the U.N. Security Council impose new sanctions.

"If such a scenario unfolds, Iran's options will be firm, and the United States and the E3 will bear full responsibility."

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E3 is 'playing with fire' by threatening Iran with 'snapback' of sanctions: Russia

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 11, 2025

Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna has warned that Britain, France, and Germanyknown as the E3are "playing with fire" by insisting on adopting a new resolution against Iran at the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) Board of Governors.

Addressing the quarterly meeting of the Board of Governors on Wednesday, Mikhail Ulyanov condemned the E3's threat to activate the "snapback" mechanism against Iran under a previous nuclear deal, which the United States ditched in 2018, saying it would be an "irresponsible and politically motivated act."

"This is simply playing with fire, the result of which is obvious: destabilizing the Middle East and undermining international peace and security," Ulyanov stated.

Emphasizing the need for diplomacy, the Russian diplomat asserted that the 2015 nuclear deal, officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), remains the only successful example of a political and long-term solution to Iran's nuclear issue.

He criticized the European signatories and the United States for deliberately disrupting the implementation of the JCPOA, ten years after the agreement was signed.

"France, Germany, Britain, and the U.S., instead of fulfilling their obligations and building trust, chose the fruitless path of the maximum pressure campaign," he said, adding that Iran fully complied with its obligations for over a yeareven after the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018.

The Russian representative warned that making accusations against Iran without acknowledging these facts amounts to "a deliberate distortion of the truth."

He pointed out that Iran only began rolling back its commitments under the JCPOA after the European signatories failed to take any steps to compensate Tehran for the losses caused by the U.S. withdrawal and were continuing to neglect their obligations.

Ulyanov criticized those who undermined the JCPOA, saying that they are now creating hype and calling for actions that amount to nothing but sanctions.

"If these countries were truly committed to the agreement, the JCPOA would have been fully implemented, and all uncertainties regarding Iran's nuclear program would be resolved," he added.

Ulyanov warned members of the Board of Governors against adopting a political resolution at the current meeting, calling it "a wrong and immature move that will further worsen the current state of affairs."

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Guardian Council approves strategic partnership treaty with Russia

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 11, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The Guardian Council has endorsed a bill approving the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed between Tehran and Moscow earlier this year.

In a post on his X account on Wednesday, Hadi Tahan Nazif, spokesperson for the Guardian Council, said the council had reviewed the draft of the long-term partnership treaty with the Russian Federation and confirmed its compliance with both Islamic principles and the Iranian Constitution.

During an open session on May 21, Parliament voted in favor of the bill outlining the treaty's provisions. Out of 211 members present, 192 voted in favor, 5 opposed, and 2 abstained.

The agreement was signed in mid-January during President Masoud Pezeshkian's visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin at the time called the pact a "breakthrough document," while the Iranian president said it would "open a new chapter in relations between Iran and Russia in all fields."

The agreement covers various areas of bilateral cooperation, including defense, energy, finance, transportation, industry, agriculture, tourism, culture, science, and technology.

Both houses of the Russian parliament have ratified the treaty, and President Putin signed it into law in April.

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I.A.E.A. allegations of Iran's non-compliance 'a big lie,' says nuclear chief

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 11, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (A.E.O.I.) has dismissed allegations that the Islamic Republic has violated its obligations under the Safeguards Agreement as "a big lie" that undermines the credibility of the U.N. nuclear watchdog.

Eslami made the remarks while speaking with reporters after a cabinet session on Wednesday, the third day of the quarterly meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) Board of Governors in Vienna.

Iran's nuclear program is a key agenda item at the meeting, as the United Statesalongside Britain, France, and Germany, collectively known as the E3pushes for a resolution against Tehran. The U.S. and the E3 drafted the resolution after a report by I.A.E.A. Director General Rafael Grossi, in late May, accused Iran of failing to cooperate with the agency on alleged "undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations."

The resolution finds Iran in non-compliance with its Safeguards obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Eslami rejected Grossi's report as biased and politically motivated.

"What matters and what should be expected is that the agency's reports remain professional, technical, and aligned with the regulations outlined in its articles of association. This latest report, unfortunately, is clearly biased and heavily politicized, and prepared under pressure," he said.

He also dismissed the resolution tabled by the U.S. and the E3, describing it as "irrational, non-technical, and lacking any lawful basis."

"The allegation that the Islamic Republic of Iran has failed to comply with the Safeguards Agreement is a big lie, and there is no evidence to support it. Not a single report from I.A.E.A. inspectors suggests that Iran has obstructed or opposed their work. Spreading false reports only damages the credibility of an international institution like the I.A.E.A.," Eslami added.

He urged the U.S. and the E3 to refrain from actions that could harm the agency's credibility, warning against any provocative measures by Western nations at the Board of Governors.

Eslami said that any Iranian response would be a strategic decision to be taken in due time.

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Agreement with U.S. 'within reach' if it ensures enrichment and lifts sanctions: Araqchi

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 11, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says an agreement with the United States is within reach if Iran's right to uranium enrichment is guaranteed and sanctions against Tehran are lifted.

Araghchi made the remarks in a post on his X account on Wednesday, ahead of the upcoming sixth round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington on Iran's nuclear program, scheduled for June 15 in Muscat, Oman.

The talks, mediated by Oman, have faced hurdles as the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing for a complete halt to Iran's uranium enrichmenta demand Tehran has firmly rejected.

Araghchi emphasized that Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, saying such a premise could form the basis of a new deal with the United States.

"President Trump entered office saying that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. That is actually in line with our own doctrine and could become the main foundation for a deal," he said.

"As we resume talks on Sunday, it is clear that an agreement that can ensure the continued peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program is within reach and could even be achieved quickly," the foreign minister added.

Araqchi made it clear that "a mutually beneficial outcome" in the negotiations would hinge on the recognition of Iran's right to enrichment, under the full supervision of the U.N. nuclear watchdog, as well as the effective termination of sanctions.

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Defense Minister warns: Any aggression will force U.S. withdrawal from the region

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 11, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh says if the nuclear negotiations fail and conflict is imposed, the adversary will certainly suffer heavier casualties and the U.S. will be forced to leave the region.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the cabinet session on Wednesday, Nasirzadeh referred to the ongoing indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S., noting that unfortunately, some officials from the opposing side have made threatening remarks, warning of potential conflict in case no agreement is reached.

In that case, the U.S. will have no choice but to leave the region, as all of its bases are within the reach of Iranian military and they will not hesitate to target all of them in their host countries, he noted.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Nasirzadeh hailed Iran's significant achievements in defense and highlighted that just last week, the country successfully tested a missile with a two-ton warhead.

Iran will never accept military limitations and negotiations on this subject are strictly prohibited, he stressed.

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U.S. has no right to dictate anything to Iran: Administration spokesperson

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jun 11, 2025

Iran's administration spokesperson says the United States has no right to dictate to Iran what it should possess; rather, it is the Iranians alone that have the right to decide what is necessary for their national interests.

Fatemeh Mohajerani made the remarks in an interview with Lebanon's Al Mayadeen TV network on Tuesday evening.

She said the Islamic Republic is keen to see that its indirect talks with the U.S. lead to the lifting of the anti-Iran sanctions and the admission that the Iranian nuclear program has a peaceful nature.

Mohajerani noted that the Islamic Republic takes steps based on its national interests and it has all options on the table, adding that Iran also hopes that European countries will take a rational stance and refrain from adopting a hostile position.

The Israeli regime will not spare any effort in getting in the way of the Omani-mediated talks between Iran and the U.S., Mohajerani said, adding that Tehran had informed Washington of the Israeli stance since the beginning of the talks.

She went on to say that the Israeli regime will be disgraced in the world due to its atrocities, and that Iran has obtained all military and nuclear secrets of this regime. The information Iran has obtained is very expanded, and the security authorities will publish them in due time, she added.

Further in her interview, the spokesperson said that Iran is ready for any result coming from the negotiations with the U.S.

"We are ready for an agreement and economic opening, and we also have plans if the negotiations fail and sanctions intensify," she said, adding that Iran welcomes investors as it possesses numerous opportunities for investment in various sectors, under special conditions and regulations.

Mohajerani said that Iran's main strategy is to pursue dialogue and cooperation with neighboring states, adding that the West Asia region has the required resources and infrastructure to turn into an international economic hub.

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Minister says US efforts to limit Iran's oil are futile

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 7:26 PM

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad says the country will continue to sell oil to its international customers despite US efforts to increase pressure on the country's energy sector.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Paknejad said that attempts by the current US administration to restrict Iran's oil exports are doomed to fail because Iran has always come up with a solution to get round foreign sanctions.

"These sanctions have failed to have a considerable impact on Iran's crude oil exports ... We believe firmly that we can overcome these restrictions," said Paknejad.

The minister also denied reports suggesting that the US has imposed sanctions on exports of methanol from Iran, which the country sees as a lifeline at a time when sanctions have limited its crude oil exports.

"I have received no news about the US imposing sanctions on the Iranian methanol," he said.

The US government has issued more than a dozen announcements outlining new sanctions against Iran since February 4, when US President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum ordering a campaign of maximum pressure on the country.

Iran has dismissed the significance of the sanctions, saying they are aimed at forcing the country into nuclear and military concessions.

Figures by the Iranian government and reports by international tanker tracking services have pointed to a steady increase in the Iranian oil exports in recent months, with estimates suggesting the country is currently exporting an average of 1.8 million barrels per day of oil, mostly to private refiners in China.

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Iran warns it will react 'strongly' to potential 'strategic mistake' by E3

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 6:12 PM

Iran's foreign minister has issued a stern warning to the three European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal, commonly known as the E3, accusing them of failure to fulfill their obligations and cautioning against further "strategic mistakes."

In an X statement, Abbas Araghchi criticized the E3's track record in implementing the 2015 nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"The E3 have had SEVEN YEARS to implement their JCPOA commitments. They have utterly failed, either by design or ineptitude."

The minister condemned recent moves by the European trio, namely Britain, France, and Germany, which he characterized as provocative and counterproductive to diplomacy.

"Instead of displaying remorse or a desire to facilitate diplomacy, the E3 is today promoting confrontation through the absurd demand that Iran must be punished for exercising its right under the JCPOA to respond to non-performance by counterparts," he said.

The minister was referring to an anti-Iran resolution tabled by the E3 and the US at the IAEA's Board of Governors this week, as well as their recent threat to invoke the JCPOA's dispute resolution mechanism that would lead to the reimposition of the UN sanctions suspended under the 2015 accord.

Tehran has long complained about European inaction and duplicity since the US unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018.

Araghchi, reiterating Tehran's long-standing position, warned that any new pressure or punitive measures from the European side would be met with a firm response.

"As I have warned, another major strategic mistake by the E3 will compel Iran to react STRONGLY. Blame will lie solely and FULLY with malign actors who shatter their own relevance," he wrote.

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E3 in 'no legal, moral position' to activate 'snapback' of sanctions: Iran

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 4:36 PM

The European parties to the JCPOA are in no legal or moral position to activate the 2015 nuclear deal's so-called snapback mechanism, considering their non-compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, according to the Iranian envoy to the IAEA.

Addressing the IAEA's Board of Governors meeting on Wednesday, Reza Najafi said Britain, Germany, and France (E3) have failed to abide by their JCPOA commitments to lift the anti-Iran sanctions and cannot invoke the deal's dispute resolution mechanism.

Najafi cited the E3's refusal to honor their obligation to remove sanctions that should've been removed on the JCPOA's Transition Day, which fell on October 18, 2023.

Moreover, the European parties have imposed even more restrictions on Iran in gross violation of the JCPOA and UNSC Resolution 2231, which supports the deal, Najafi said.

Under the dispute resolution mechanism, all the anti-Iran UN sanctions suspended under the accord will be restored if one of the five permanent members of the Security Council believes Tehran is violating the JCPOA.

The European parties to the deal have recently suggested they could activate the mechanism in response to what they call Iran's failure to abide by its JCPOA commitments.

The 2015 nuclear deal, which stipulated the suspension of anti-Iran sanctions in return for confidence-building restrictions on Tehran's nuclear work, was derailed by the unilateral US withdrawal in 2018.

Iran waited for over a year for the three European parties to the accord to make up for the US withdrawal, but to no avail.

The country later started walking back on some of its nuclear commitments as per the accord, which allows the two sides to reciprocate non-compliance.

Tehran says it has not violated the accord and that its reduced commitments are a legal response to the US withdrawal from the accord.

'Iran's response to be decisive'

The Iranian envoy warned that any measure by the E3 or the US against the UNSC Resolution 2231 or any fresh sanctions on Iran by the council will have serious consequences.

"Under such a scenario, Iran's options will be decisive, as previously told to other JCPOA parties, and the United States and the three European states will bear all the responsibility," he said.

Najafi also touched on Iran's indirect talks with the US on its nuclear program, saying the country has shown it is serious to reach a "fair, lasting and effective" accord.

"I want to emphasize that the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that if its inalienable rights, including domestic enrichment, are respected and recognized, a diplomatic solution will be within reach," he said.

Iran and the US are currently holding indirect talks on a replacement for the 2015 deal.

The sixth round of the negotiations will be held on Sunday.

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Iran FM: US deal 'within reach' if enrichment, sanctions removal ensured

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 11:34 AM

The Iranian foreign minister has underlined that an agreement with the United States is "within reach" once the Islamic Republic's right to uranium enrichment is ensured and anti-Tehran sanctions are terminated.

Abbas Araghchi made the statement in a post on his X account on Wednesday, as Iran and the United States are scheduled to hold the 6th round of their indirect talks on Tehran's peaceful nuclear program in the Omani capital of Muscat on June 15.

The negotiations have oftentimes gone through slings and arrows despite the two sides' expression of satisfaction with the process of the talks as the administration of US President Donald Trump has been throwing a spanner in the works via its excessive demands, including the reduction of Iran's uranium enrichment level to zero, and fueling baseless concerns over Iran pursuing a nuclear weapon.

"President Trump entered office saying that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. That is actually in line with our own doctrine and could become the main foundation for a deal," Araghchi said.

"As we resume talks on Sunday, it is clear that an agreement that can ensure the continued peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program is within reachand could be achieved rapidly."

The Iranian foreign minister, however, underlined, "That mutually beneficial outcome relies on the continuation of Iran's enrichment program, under the full supervision of the IAEA, and the effective termination of sanctions."

This also comes ahead of a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s Boards of Governors as the agency in its latest report claimed that Iran has sharply increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent, close to the roughly 90 percent level needed for atomic weapons.

The agency said that as of May 17, Iran possesses an estimated 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent, marking an increase of 133.8 kilograms since the previous report in February.

Iran has denounced as "political" and unbalanced the report by the United Nations nuclear agency, which it said has been drafted under European pressure.

Since April 12, Iran and the United States have held five rounds of indirect talks, mediated by Oman, on a replacement for the 2015 nuclear deal, which was derailed by the American withdrawal in 2018.

Over the past decade, Iran has on numerous occasions proved the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, as evidenced in more than a dozen reports by the IAEA.

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Defense minister: Iran tested ballistic missile with two-tonne warhead

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 10:52 AM

Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh says Iran successfully conducted a missile test last week, which featured a two-tonne warhead.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting in Tehran on Wednesday, the minister hailed the achievement as a major step forward in Iran's defense capabilities.

"We have made very good progress in defense affairs," Nasirzadeh said, stressing that Iran's armed forces are fully equipped and have the upper hand in any conflict.

He warned the US that any act of aggression against Tehran will result in heavy losses for American forces.

His warning came amid reports of gaps between Iran and the US to resolve disputes over Tehran's nuclear program and remove sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

Iran said on Monday it would soon hand a counterproposal for a nuclear deal to the United States in response to a US offer that Tehran deems unacceptable, while US President Donald Trump said talks would continue.

The top US general overseeing American forces in West Asia, however, said on Tuesday there were a range of options when asked if the military was prepared to respond with force if talks with Iran fail.

"I have provided the secretary of defense and the president with a wide range of options," US Army General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, the head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), told a congressional hearing.

"Every so often it is said that if negotiations fail, it will lead to a conflict. On behalf of the Iranian nation, I declare that in case a conflict is imposed upon us, we will strike our designated targets, the enemy will suffer heavy casualties, and America must leave the region," Nasirzadeh said.

He also stressed that Iran's defensive capabilities are non-negotiable.

Iran and the US have held five rounds of talks since April 12, mediated by Oman. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced on Monday that the next round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US will be held in Oman on June 15.

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Iran vows 'appropriate response' to 'destructive decision' by IAEA board

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 8:00 AM

The Iranian foreign minister has rebuked the US and European troika's provocative move to initiate an anti-Iran resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s Board of Governors, warning that any unwise decision by the 35-member panel will trigger Tehran's appropriate response.

Abbas Araghchi raised the alarm in a telephone conversation with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya on Tuesday as the two discussed a range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

Pointing to Iran's negotiations with the US on its nuclear program, the foreign minister underscored Tehran's determination to uphold the legitimate and inalienable rights of Iranian people to enjoy peaceful nuclear energy, including the right to enrichment.

Araghchi also censured the provocative and improper move by the US and the European countries of France, Germany and the UK to draft a resolution against Iran at the IAEA Board of Governors amid the indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington.

"Any ill-advised and destructive decision by the Board of Governors against Iran will be met with an appropriate response on the part of Iran, and the responsibility for its consequences lies with the parties that instrumentalize and politicize the agency," the Iranian foreign minister said.

Araghchi said the Islamic Republic pursues a principled stance, based on Islamic teachings, to never pursue nuclear weapons, adding, "However, we will not back down from the Iranian nation's right to peaceful use of nuclear energy."

Praising Japan's balanced stance in its foreign policies, Araghchi noted, "We hope to see an appropriate position and action from Japan and other member states of the Board of Governors towards strengthening the path of dialogue and interaction."

Iwaya, for his part, welcomed the continuation of negotiations between Iran and the US, stressing the Islamic Republic's legitimate right to enjoy nuclear energy for peaceful activities.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei also announced on Tuesday that Tehran had prepared a raft of proportionate measures to be taken if the IAEA adopts an anti-Iranian resolution.

In its latest report, the IAEA claimed that Iran has sharply increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent, close to the roughly 90 percent level needed for atomic weapons.

The agency said that as of May 17, Iran possesses an estimated 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent, marking an increase of 133.8 kilograms since the previous report in February.

Iran has denounced as "political" and unbalanced the report by the United Nations nuclear agency, which it said has been drafted under European pressure.

Since April 12, Iran and the United States have held five rounds of indirect talks, mediated by Oman, 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.

The next round of talks is planned to be held in Muscat on June 15.

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Foreign Ministry spokesman: Iran ready to respond to IAEA resolution

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 3:17 AM

Iran says it has prepared a raft of proportionate measures to be taken if the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopts an anti-Iranian resolution.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Tuesday that Tehran's options in response to such a resolution have been prepared in cooperation with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).

He criticized a recent report by the IAEA Director General on Iran's nuclear program, which claimed that Iran had failed to report its nuclear activities at three undeclared locations and raised concerns about the country's stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity.

Baghaei said Rafael Grossi's report is politically motivated to serve the agendas of the US and its European allies.

He said Grossi's remarks serve the political objectives of countries that are Iran's adversaries.

Baghaei emphasized that Iran expects the IAEA chief to condemn the repeated threats posed by the US and Israel, rather than attempting to justify them.

He reiterated that, according to IAEA's standards and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran's nuclear program has never deviated from its peaceful course.

Iranian officials have previously censured the confidential report by the IAEA, warning that any politically motivated move against the Islamic Republic could derail Tehran's cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.

The agency has, over the past years, levied multiple politically-tainted accusations against the Islamic Republic's nuclear file despite its own reports that have on numerous occasions attested to the peacefulness of Tehran's nuclear program.

Earlier on Tuesday, Iran's nuclear chief said the recent remarks by the head of the UN atomic agency about the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities are void of technical and legal validity, while also chiming in with Zionist psychological operations against Tehran.

Mohammad Eslami, head of the AEOI, made the remarks while addressing the statement made by Grossi.

"Mr. Grossi's remarks lack technical and legal aspects," the Iranian official said, describing the IAEA chief's discourse as totally being the product of "the psychological and political operations that the Zionist regime [of Israel] has been performing" against the Islamic Republic.

He said by passing the remarks, Grossi had clearly shown "his [true] character," and proven to be among those who have been waging psyops against Iran for a long.

The Islamic Republic, though, is the most-vetted member of the IAEA, with the agency having found no evidence in support of the alleged "diversion."

Tehran, itself, has also categorically ruled out the prospect of either pursuing, obtaining, or maintaining nuclear arms in line with moral and religious guidelines.

The campaign has, most recently, manifested itself in the form of European states reportedly planning to force the IAEA to adopt an anti-Iran resolution that could trigger "snapback" of the United Nations sanctions against the Islamic Republic. The agency's Board of Governors could issue a resolution against the country during its scheduled session on Monday under pressure.

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Trump 'Less Confident' About Nuclear Deal As Iran Warns Against War

By RFE/RL June 11, 2025

US President Donald Trump said his confidence in securing a nuclear deal with Iran has waned, but he vowed Tehran would never acquire nuclear weapons.

Tehran and Washington have held five rounds of talks since April to reach a deal on Iran's nuclear program, but uranium enrichment remains a major sticking point.

Trump has not ruled out military action against Iranian nuclear sites if diplomacy fails, and US intelligence suggests Israel has been preparing to strike Iran if negotiations collapse.

Speaking in a New York Post podcast released on June 11, Trump said he does "not know" whether he could get Tehran to cease its nuclear activities.

"I don't know. I did think so, and I'm getting more and more -- less confident about it," the US president said.

Trump added that the Iranians "seem to be delaying," which made him "less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago."

"Something happened to them. But I'm much less confident about a deal being made," he said.

In a post on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi acknowledged Trump's demand for no nuclear weapons.

"That is actually in line with our own doctrine and could become the main foundation for a deal," Araqchi said, but he reiterated a "mutually beneficial outcome" was dependent on "the continuation of Iran's enrichment program" under UN supervision and the "effective termination" of sanctions.

In comments on June 11, before Trump's interview was released, Iran's Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that military action against the Islamic republic would prompt a response that he vowed would "result in the Americans leaving the region."

Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting, Nasirzadeh said, "All of its bases are within our reach; we have access to them, and we will target all of them in the host countries with no hesitation."

Araqchi said the next round of talks with the United States will be held on June 15 in Oman, which has been mediating the talks for two months.

Iran has been working on a counteroffer after rejecting a US proposal for a deal that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described as "100 percent" against national interests.

Meanwhile, the US and its European partners -- Britain, France, and Germany - have tabled a resolution at the ongoing quarterly meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors which, if adopted, will find Iran in noncompliance with its safeguards obligations for the first time in 20 years.

The resolution would facilitate the referral of Iran's case to the UN security council and the return of sanctions that had been suspended as part of a 2015 nuclear agreement that Trump abrogated in his first in office.

Iran has warned of repercussion of the resolution is adopted, suggesting it will accelerate and expand its nuclear program. The IAEA meeting concludes on June 13.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-iran- nuclear-deal-iaea-meeting/33440146.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.

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Iran Successfully Tests Missile With 2-Tonne Warhead

Sputnik News

20250611

TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iran has successfully tested its first missile equipped with a two-tonne warhead, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said on Wednesday.

"We have achieved great success in the country's defense sector. Our latest success [in the defense field] came last week when we conducted a very successful test of a missile with a warhead weighing two tonnes," the minister was quoted by the SNN broadcaster as saying.

Nasirzadeh provided no further details about the test, but warned that Iran is prepared to strike all US military bases in the Middle East if "war is imposed" on the country.

The minister suggested a military confrontation between Iran and the US could arise if negotiations over Iran's nuclear program are suspended. In this case the US may begin military action against Iran, while all US bases in the Middle East will be within missile reach of Iran, he added.

Since April 12, Iran and the US have held five rounds of indirect talks mediated by Oman. The latest round took place on May 23. Following the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced mechanisms proposed by Oman that could help remove obstacles to achieving progress in the talks. Such progress, the Iranian minister said, is possible in one or two rounds.

Before the fifth round, the differences between the two sides escalated as Washington demanded to fully stop uranium enrichment in Iran, but Tehran rejected such demands and stressed that both states would not reach any agreements unless the US stops insisting on this condition. However, in late May, Araghchi said that Iran was ready to allow greater oversight of its nuclear activities to build trust and demonstrate transparency.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on Tuesday that the sixth round of the indirect talks between Iran and the US is planned to be held in the Omani capital of Muscat on June 15.

 Sputnik

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IAEA Board of Governors on the JCPoA, June 2025: E3 statement

France, Germany and the UK (E3) gave a joint statement to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on Iran's implementation of its nuclear commitments under the JCPoA

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Amb. Rudiger Bohn, German Permanent Representative to the IAEA

Published 11 June 2025

Location: Vienna

Delivered on: 11 June 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)



Chair,

On behalf of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, I thank Director General Grossi for his latest report on Iran's nuclear programme, which once again demonstrates the Agency's professional, independent and impartial work providing objective reporting on Iran's nuclear programme and its implementation of its nuclear-related commitments under UN Security Council resolution 2231.

The content of this latest report is far from positive. As we have heard many times before, it details more escalation in Iran's nuclear programme, moving Iran even further from its JCPoA commitments, while at the same time Iran fails to improve its cooperation with the IAEA, despite the Board's appeals. As the DG notes, Iran's enrichment to 60% is unprecedented for a state without nuclear weapons, and has no credible civilian justification. The IAEA is currently unable to verify that Iran's escalating nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. That must be a concern for us all.

Since the last report, Iran has continued expanding its enriched uranium stockpile, particularly its production of high enriched uranium, far exceeding its JCPoA commitments. Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 % has increased by roughly 50 % since the last Board and now is more than 400 kg. This is very concerning. Iran now has more than nine IAEA significant quantities of high enriched uranium and is producing just under one significant quantity of high enriched uranium per month. As a reminder, a significant quantity is the approximate amount required, as defined by the IAEA, of material from which the possibility of manufacturing a nuclear explosive device cannot be excluded. Iran's overall stockpile exceeds the limits laid out in the JCPoA by more than 40 times. We echo the DG's "serious concern" with this issue.

And Iran is not stopping there. In his latest report, the DG points out that Iran has continued to expand its enrichment infrastructure by installing and partly operating new advanced centrifuges. Iran's installed enrichment capacity is over ten times the limits Iran agreed in the JCPoA. Likewise, Iran's continued operation of the Fordow underground facility is another breach of Iran's JCPoA commitments and is alarming given Fordow's status as a former undeclared enrichment facility.

Meanwhile, Iran refuses to re-designate several experienced Agency inspectors. This is a politically motivated decision which seriously affects the IAEA's ability to conduct its verification in Iran, particularly at its enrichment facilities.

As a result of Iran's continued non-cooperation and lack of implementation of almost all transparency commitments made under the JCPoA, the DG's latest report restates that the Agency has permanently lost the continuity of knowledge on key parts of Iran's nuclear programme that relate to the production and inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water and uranium ore concentrate.

The DG also observes that it has been four years since Iran stopped provisionally applying its Additional Protocol, thus denying the Agency complementary access to any sites or other locations in Iran.

As a result of all these shortcomings, the Agency is yet again not able to ascertain whether Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. This fact, taken together with continued rhetoric from Iranian officials about Iran's capability to assemble a nuclear weapon and about the option to change Iran's so-called 'nuclear doctrine', as well as Iran's threats to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, pose a serious threat to international security, and the non-proliferation regime.

Chair,

The E3 have consistently worked towards a diplomatic solution to address Iran's nuclear programme and to remove all doubts about its exclusively peaceful nature. Yet, in 2022, Iran twice refused a viable deal that would have brought it back into compliance with the JCPoA, with a return to United States participation, and instead Iran chose to continue to expand its nuclear activities. And this year, while engaging in dialogue with the United States and the E3, Iran has continued its nuclear escalation unabatedly, even further beyond any credible civilian justification.

We therefore call again on Iran to urgently change course:

Iran must halt and reverse its nuclear escalation and refrain from making threats regarding a change of its nuclear doctrine, which are in themselves highly destabilising and not consistent with Iran's status as a state without nuclear weapons under the NPT;

Iran must return to compliance with its JCPoA commitments;

Iran must restore full transparency with its nuclear programme and implement the verification measures it committed to under the JCPoA and other transparency commitments, in particular its legal obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. It must also reverse its September 2023 decision to de-designate several experienced IAEA inspectors in order to allow the Agency to fully implement its mandate; and finally:

Iran must urgently re-implement and ratify the Additional Protocol.

Chair,

We, the IAEA, and many in this Board have repeated this message for years now - this matter is urgent, Iran must demonstrate its commitment to a diplomatic solution by taking concrete steps to address the international community's concerns. The E3 wants to see a diplomatic solution. We welcome the ongoing efforts to achieve this. Through our engagement there is a clear, common message: Iran cannot be allowed to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. The E3 will spare no efforts to work towards a diplomatic solution to achieve this goal. Absent a satisfying deal, the E3 will consider triggering the snapback mechanism to address threats to international peace and security arising from Iran's nuclear programme.

We ask the Director General to keep the Board informed on all relevant activities and developments relating to Iran's nuclear programme by regular and, if necessary, extraordinary reporting.

Finally, we ask for this report to be made public.

Thank you.



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Japan-France Consultation on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

Ministry of Foregn Affairs of Japan

June 11, 2025

On June 11, Japan-France Consultation on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation was held in Tokyo.

The Japanese side was represented by Dr. NAKAMURA Kimitake, Ambassador, Director-General of Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, while the French side was represented by Mr. Guillaume OLLAGNIER, Director for Strategic Affairs, Security, and Disarmament, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. At the consultation, the two sides exchanged views on a wide range of important current issues in the areas of disarmament and non-proliferation, such as nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation including maintaining and strengthening the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) regime, biological, chemical and conventional weapons as well as regional issues. Both sides concurred to continue to work together in these areas.

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South Korea shuts off loudspeaker broadcasts to North in bid to 'restore trust'

It's the first concrete step by the South's newly elected liberal president to ease tensions across the war-divided border.

By Mok Yong-jae for RFA Korean

2025.06.11

SEOUL -- South Korea's military on Wednesday stopped its loudspeaker broadcasts into North Korea that had blared K-pop and propaganda across the demilitarized zone for over a year.

The move fulfills a campaign promise of the new South Korean president who favors engagement with Pyongyang.

In his inaugural address last week, President Lee Jae-myung - who replaced ousted conservative predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol - promised to improve inter-Korean relations and restart dialogue with Pyongyang, in sharp contrast to Yoon who adopted a more confrontational stance toward the North.

Under Yoon, the South Korean military resumed its loudspeaker "Voice of Freedom" broadcasts to North Korea in June last year, ending a six-year hiatus, in retaliation for the North's campaign to send balloons laden with trash and human waste to the South.

Lee, meanwhile, had promised during his presidential campaign to stop these broadcasts to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

On Wednesday, South Korea's Defense Ministry said the suspension of the loudspeaker broadcasts into North Korea was part of efforts to "restore trust in inter-Korean relations and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula."

Earlier this week, South Korea's Unification Ministry also called on activists to stop sending propaganda leaflets into North Korea, saying these activities "could heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula and threaten the lives and safety of residents in border areas."

The broadcasts have a long history. South Korea began using loudspeakers to pump propaganda messages into North Korea in 1963, and the North set up its own loudspeakers shortly after, with both sides broadcasting their messages every day across the border until 2004, when they agreed to stop after negotiations.

But the South started them up again in 2015 after South Korean soldiers were injured by a North Korean landmine inside the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that separates the two Koreas.

In 2018, the two governments again agreed to halt the broadcasts after a rare summit between their leaders, until the South resumed them last June while the North blared ominous noises - howling wolves, clanging gongs and other irritating sounds - from speakers within their half of the DMZ.

In the past, North Korea's loudspeakers had broadcast propaganda, insulting the government in Seoul as a "puppet" of the United States or encouraging South Korean soldiers to defect to the "paradise" in the North.

In a press briefing on Monday, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said the decision to completely stop the broadcasts would hinge on North Korea's actions, and that a comprehensive review would be needed.

The military's decision to halt the broadcasts was also driven partly by the fact that North Korea had also stopped sending its trash-laden balloons across the border since late last year.

North Korea has yet to comment on the South's suspension of its loudspeaker broadcasts across the border. But regardless of the Lee government's softer approach, analysts expect North Korea to show continued hostility toward the South.

In particular, Pyongyang's move to eliminate 'puppet' - a derogatory term used in North Korean propaganda to describe South Korea - from its state publication Rodong Sinmun suggests a fundamental shift in its approach toward the South, say analysts.

"This can be interpreted as suggesting North Korea's abandonment of its will to unify the Korean Peninsula," Lim Su-jin, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Strategy, argues in a June 10 report.

In addition, North Korea's recent reports on South Korea are shifting from direct criticism to "strategic indifference," focused primarily on its relations with the United States, with the word 'America' showing the largest increase in all South Korea-related coverage by Rodong Sinmun from January to March, Lim said.

Translated and written by Tenzin Pema. 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.

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Meeting on discussing key parameters of draft State Armament Programme for 2027-2036

The President chaired a meeting in the Kremlin to discuss key parameters of the draft State Armament Programme for 2027-2036.

June 11, 2025

20:50

The Kremlin, Moscow

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues,

Today, we launch a series of special working meetings to analyse key parameters of the next state armament programme for the period from 2027 to 2036. Throughout that time, it will remain the key benchmark for the development of weapon systems for the entire military organisation of the country, that is, for the Armed Forces and other troops and military units in special services and agencies, and a major tool for shaping their new quality in the fourth decade of the 21st century.

Let me remind you that in April we discussed ways to increase the volume of deliveries and raise the efficiency of the weapons and equipment to serve the purposes of the special military operation. The measures laid out back then are being pursued, however, they are of an operative nature and are implemented to meet the current needs on short order, so to say, here and now, in real time.

Our today's objective is to work out a new long-tern programme encompassing the entire range of weapon systems and models, including, as a priority, advanced weapon systems. We should make the maximum use of the experience gained during the special military operation and in various regional conflicts. And of course, it is crucial to factor in global trends in military technologies, all the more so since the number of countries working in that direction is growing, which objectively reflects the processes of the emergence of new centres of technological, scientific and industrial progress in the multipolar world.

I would like to emphasise that the state programme should, without fail, include sufficient volumes and types of weaponry and equipment to meet our current needs and future requirements. To achieve this, it should be aligned in terms of timelines and measures with the programme for the development of Russia's defence industry. It is also evident that the focus of the new state programme should be on creating the most advanced weapon systems.

When I spoke about the development of the defence industry, I immediately recalled that, in due course, we took the necessary steps in a timely manner - precisely in a timely manner - to ensure that we are now at the level we are today. True, there are known issues and challenges, but we are nevertheless at this level. That is, we acted in a timely fashion... When was this, about ten years ago?

First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov: Since 2008.

Vladimir Putin: Yes, in 2008, 2009, and 2010 - decisions were made on the development of the defence industry, and funds were specifically allocated for these purposes, for the development of the defence industry, specifically by sector. This enables us today to produce the required volume of arms and equipment.

Undoubtedly, special attention must be paid to the nuclear triad, which has been and remains the guarantor of Russia's sovereignty, playing a key role in maintaining the global balance of power.

Currently, the share of modern weaponry and equipment in the strategic nuclear forces has already reached 95 percent. This is a good indicator; in fact, it is the highest indicator among all nuclear powers in the world.

Based on the experience of the special military operation, aviation of the Aerospace Forces makes a significant contribution to the destruction of enemy targets. Therefore, the state programme being developed must include a set of system-wide and consistent measures for the creation, procurement for the needs of the Russian Armed Forces, modernisation and repair of aircraft and aviation strike systems.

At the same time, the dominant force in modern military operations of any scale and intensity remains the Ground Forces. It is crucial to enhance their combat capabilities in the shortest possible time, establish a solid foundation for development, and ensure the design of advanced models and weapon systems with the highest tactical and technical characteristics and modernisation potential.

And, of course, the new state armaments programme must serve as an effective tool for implementing the recently approved Strategy for the Development of the Navy until 2050.

It is also necessary to increase the export potential of domestic arms and equipment, especially the models that have been tested not on testing grounds, but in real high-intensity combat operations and have proven their reliability and effectiveness. Moreover, what is important for buyers is that they are competitive in terms of price and maintenance cost. What remains is to ensure proper maintenance at reasonable prices. In general, this is functioning adequately, but when it comes to organising maintenance itself - spare parts and the like (Mr Manturov knows what I am talking about) - there is still work to be done.

Recently, on May 23, at a meeting of the Commission for Military Technical Cooperation, we thoroughly and substantively discussed these issues and decided to develop and launch a dedicated area within the defence industry development programme aimed at supporting the production of military products for export. This must definitely be reflected in the new state programme.

I will repeat once again: of course, the programme should serve as a guide for shaping long-term production plans for defence industry organisations. In recent years, with government support, defence enterprises have multiplied their output, and it is essential to use this potential wisely, to build a well-considered human resources policy, and for the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Defence Ministry to anticipate future developments and think about how, if necessary, to use the production capacity to manufacture civilian goods. We have been working on this for a long time, at least ten years already. Overall, the situation is within the necessary pre-defined parameters, but given the current needs of the Armed Forces, there is, of course, a certain shift. Nevertheless, it is essential not only to think about this, but to draft concrete plans. I am referring to specific plans for production diversification, which we have discussed many times. As I mentioned, we have sufficient experience in this field.

Of course, the activities outlined in the state programme must be clearly coordinated with defence planning and Armed Forces development strategies, with economic mobilisation plans, and other strategic planning documents.

Finally, the last point I would like to make is that it is important to calculate needs in advance and begin preparing infrastructure for deploying new weapons systems, including bases, arsenals, airfields, and so on. The financial resources required for the construction and modernisation of such facilities must be allocated as a separate item in the programme. I am well aware of that - I put my signature under these documents all the time - and the executives often ask me to reallocate these funds to other seemingly more important budget lines, not because they want to, for sure. But what does this lead to? It leads to new weapons systems being fielded which then require accelerated modernisation and additional related expenditures.

Let's get to work.

<...>

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Hundreds Of Russian Soldiers Treated In Belarusian Hospitals, Investigation Finds

By Mark Krutov and Sergei Dobrynin June 11, 2025

Hundreds of Russian soldiers wounded in the Ukraine war have been treated in Belarusian hospitals, including some from military units linked to alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

The revelations come from a new report by the Belarusian Investigative Center done in conjunction with RFE/RL's Russian Service and Schemes, the investigative unit of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service.

The disclosures are the latest stemming from a massive Russian Defense Ministry database of medical records that was leaked to RFE/RL earlier this year.

Those records include hundreds of thousands of military personnel - officers as well as rank-and-file soldiers - most of whom served in Ukraine. They provide an unprecedented window into the scope of Russia's casualties over the 40-plus months since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine -- the largest and bloodiest land war in Europe since World War II.

Belarus' military and security agencies have been closely integrated into Russia's security structures for years, a process that accelerated after the February 2022 invasion. Belarus' longtime leader, Alyaksandr Lukashenka, has resisted suggestions from the Kremlin to send its own armed forces into Ukraine, but he's allowed Russian forces to use some parts of Belarusian territory for operations.

Ekaterina Rashevskaya, a lawyer at Regional Centre for Human Rights, said treating Russian soldiers wounded in the Ukraine could be considered as direct support for the war, and therefore removing any Belarusian claim to neutrality in the conflict.

"The treatment of Russian military personnel should be qualified as part of the general support for the war and the loss of neutral status," she said in an interview with the Belarusian Investigative Center, a consortium of exiled Belarusian journalists.

According to the leaked database, which roughly covers the first 2  years of the war , at least 898 Russian soldiers passed through Belarus' medical facilities, a figure that includes regular armed forces as well as National Guardsmen.

More than half of the Russian troops who were treated in Belarusian facilities, according to the Defense Ministry database, are from the 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade from the Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk. The database records 482 personnel from the brigade, including 20 officers.

Along with another unit, the 76th Guards Airborne Assault Division, the 64th brigade occupied several regions north of Kyiv, including the town of Bucha, where hundreds of civilians were tortured or killed in early 2022, according to Ukrainian officials.



One of the soldiers from the 76th division who served in Bucha was Aleksandr Kvitko, who commanded the division's 6th company. According to Schemes, Kvitko spent time at a house at 144 Yablonskaya Street, in Bucha, a house where Ukrainian investigators say members of the local Ukrainian territorial defense were held and later executed.

His name also appeared in a letter that was addressed to him and left behind in a house in Bucha, according to a Reuters report.

According to the database, Kvitko was admitted to the Homel City Hospital on March 28, 2022, treated for shrapnel wounds to the neck, arm, and leg.

Ukrainian investigators alleged Kvitko may have been involved in the murder of an elderly woman.

Kvitko did not answer calls and messages from RFE/RL seeking comment.

Battle For Hostomel

Other soldiers who ended up in Belarusian facilities were from units including the 16th Brigade of Russia's military intelligence agency, known as the GRU, which was involved in seizing the territory of the Chernobyl nuclear plant, as well as Ukraine's Kubinka-2 special forces center, whose soldiers were involved in the seizure of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula in 2014.

One of the soldiers whose name appears in the Defense Ministry database is Roman Zyazin, a 21-year-old corporal from the 31st Separate Guards Airborne Assault Brigade, who was hospitalized in the Homel City Hospital on March 4, 2022, less than two weeks after the start of the invasion. Records indicate he was treated for an open fracture of his lower jaw.

Zyazin did not return to the war after being wounded, becoming a cadet at a military physical education institute.

In December 2024, he gave an interview to Zvezda, the official Defense Ministry TV channel where he mentioned the Russian airborne assault on the Hostomel air field, north of Kyiv.

That assault, which occurred in the initial hours of the invasion, was thwarted by Ukrainian forces. Experts said Russian troops might have succeeded in capturing Kyiv if the airfield had been captured.

"We moved directly to the suburbs and the city of Hostomel itself, where I was wounded. And was evacuated," Zyazin told Zvezda.

Russia forces who invaded Ukraine from the north in February 2022 also included non-military troops: riot police from the OMON service. At least 68 OMON officers were also wounded and sent to Belarusian medical facilities for treatment, according to the database.

One of those officers was Alexei Artamonov, who received three shrapnel wounds and a fracture and was taken to the hospital in Khoiniki. Ukrainian troops also discovered his Russian firearms permit and his driver's license, which were left behind after Russian troops withdrew.

Artamonov did not respond to messages form RFE/RL sent via social media

Another OMON officer who was treated in a Belarusian facility was Andrey Khitrov, whom Ukrainian researchers have implicated in the mistreatment of civilians during the brief time when Russian troops occupied part of Hostomel.

The Belarusian Investigative Center identified approximately 70 soldiers from the 5th Separate Guards Tank Brigade and 37th Motorized Rifle Brigade, who were also treated in Belarusian facilities.

One, Zorik Zygbin, a tank commander, was hospitalized in Homel City Hospital on March 9, 2022, with shrapnel wounds. Zygbin returned to the battlefield after being released, then had one of his legs amputated in February 2023.

He is now studying to be a primary school teacher in Buryatia, while also participating in arm wrestling competitions, something

RFE/RL Ukrainian Service reporters Dmytro Dzhulai and Maksym Savchuk contributed to this report.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/belarus-ukraine-war- russia-leaked-database-medical/33439980.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.

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More Alawites killed as Syria's civilian death toll under HTS nears 8,000

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 11:28 AM

Three Alawites have been killed in western Syria, a war monitor says, coming in the wake of another report that nearly 8,000 civilians have been killed under the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rule.

The Alawite population has suffered recurring assaults since the HTS overtook the country last December.

According to the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), local armed groups killed three civilians in Baruha village near the Lebanese border and torched shops and vehicles.

The deaths come hours after Syria's SANA news agency reported that a security officer had been killed in an attack in the Tal Kalakh area.

Over the last five days, at least 18 Alawites have been killed in a new wave of violence targeting the minority group.

The SOHR said Monday at least 7,670 people, mainly civilians, have been killed under the HTS rule in Syria since the fall of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad's government.

Noting that 75 percent of all the deaths are civilians, the report added that among those killed are 5,784 civilians, including 306 children and 422 women.

"This grim toll is a result of ongoing violence and violations by local and external parties, alongside widespread security chaos," which reflects "the fragility of the security situation and the increasing danger to the most vulnerable constituents of society", the SOHR said.

It also warned of a "pattern of organized violence" across the country.

The HTS, a former branch of al-Qaeda, along with other militants, seized control of Damascus on December 8, 2024, after Assad, a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause, left the country.

The HTS administration has since been accused of flagrant violations of human rights in Syria, particularly against minorities, namely Syria's Alawite minority, drawing widespread condemnations from the international community.

Since the collapse of Assad's government, Syria has also faced a widespread Israeli occupation and regular bombardment. The Israeli military has been launching airstrikes against military installations, facilities, and arsenals belonging to the country's now-defunct army.

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U.S. support more likely as Taiwan more willing, able to fight: Blair

ROC Central News Agency

06/11/2025 08:38 PM

Taipei, June 11 (CNA) The increase in both Taiwan's military capabilities and willingness to defend itself makes it "much more likely" the United States will come to its aid in the event of Chinese aggression, former head of the U.S. Pacific Command Dennis Blair said Wednesday.

Blair, who is in Taipei for a civilian-organized tabletop exercise in which he is a participant, was responding to a reporter asking team leaders of the exercise to gauge U.S. willingness to help defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion.

According to Blair, two factors will influence a U.S. president's decision on whether to help defend Taiwan against a Chinese military invasion: how the conflict starts and whether Taiwan has the ability and willingness to defend itself.

The second factor, in particular, would "have a great deal of effect" on whether the United States would become involved or not," Blair noted.

"I've been coming to Taiwan for the most recent 20 years, participating in Taiwanese exercises, observing Taiwan, and I certainly see that the ability of Taiwan to defend itself, to defend against Chinese aggression, the willingness to do so has been increasing.

And that would mean that the United States would be much more likely to come to the assistance of Taiwan under this matter of great concern," he said.

Blair referenced pledges by former U.S. President Joe Biden and a recent remark by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that the U.S. would resort to military force to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion as indications of the U.S.' commitment to Taiwan's defense.

The former U.S. national intelligence chief also referenced the Taiwan Relations Act, which, in addition to saying the U.S. will ensure Taiwan has sufficient defense capabilities, states that the U.S. considers any effort to determine the future of Taiwan by non-peaceful means a matter of "grave concern."

"This means it may involve military force," he said.

However, if the conflict was triggered by Taiwanese provocations, such as moves toward Taiwan independence, the U.S. would be less likely to become involved, he said.

For both the American and Taiwanese governments, the objective is to deter, prevent, and discourage any kind of Chinese aggression by having enough capability, and by making it clear that "we would fight if it comes to that," Blair concluded.

From 2003-2007, Blair participated in Taiwan's Han Kuang Military Exercises as a senior observer, during which he made invaluable suggestions to Taiwan that completed the infrastructure of the critical drills -- for example the adoption of the Joint Theater Level Simulation (JTLS) computerized wargaming system and the Joint Training System (JTS), according to Taiwan's former Chief of the General Staff Lee Hsi-min (), who heads the Taipei-based think tank Center for Peace and Security, one of the organizers of the wargames.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/AW

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Ex-U.S. Army secretary praises Taiwan's pledge to raise defense spending

ROC Central News Agency

06/11/2025 02:44 PM

Taipei, June 11 (CNA) Former U.S. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth on Wednesday praised the Taiwan government's pledge to increase defense spending to 3 percent of GDP, saying it demonstrates their seriousness about self-defense.

Wormuth, who served as secretary of the Army from 2021 to early 2025 under former President Joe Biden, made the comments at a Taiwan-U.S. defense industry forum in Taipei.

In her opening address at the forum, she praised the Taiwan government for its recent pledge to raise its defense budget to at least 3 percent of GDP and for adopting a whole-of-society approach to self-defense in recent years.

She said these decisions are "substantial and significant" and also send an important message to Washington about "the seriousness with which the government here takes its responsibility to do what needs to be done."

In 2025, Taiwan's Cabinet earmarked NT$647 billion (US$19.7 billion) for defense spending, amounting to 2.45 percent of GDP. However, part of the budget was later cut or frozen by the opposition-controlled Legislature.

President Lai Ching-te () later pledged to propose a special budget to raise defense spending to over 3 percent of GDP, though the plan would still require legislative approval.

Lai's pledge came against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump raising questions about his support for Taiwan, having said on the campaign trail that Taiwan "stole our chip business" and needed to "pay us for defense."

He has also suggested that Taiwan should pay the U.S. for protection and proposed that it increase its defense spending to 10 percent of GDP.

Before becoming the first female U.S. Secretary of the Army, Wormuth had decades of experience working in the U.S. Department of Defense.

In her Wednesday address, she said that after working in Washington for decades, she has witnessed firsthand the strong bipartisan consensus -- shared by both Democrats and Republicans -- on the challenges posed by China "not just for Taiwan, but for the entire Indo-Pacific region."

Over the past 20 years, however, the U.S. military was "extremely preoccupied" with the situation in the Middle East.

During that time, China was able to modernize its military and engage in coercive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region, including frequently sending warships and warplanes into Taiwan's air defense identification zone.

She said that, in her opinion, the most important task for Taipei and Washington now is to do everything possible to strengthen their deterrence posture "so that on any given day, President Xi and the Chinese leadership will wake up knowing today is not the day that we want to try to change the status quo."

She was speaking at the 2025 Taiwan-U.S. Defense Industry Forum, co-hosted by the US-Taiwan Business Council, a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to promote trade relations between the two countries, with a special focus on the defense sector.

Wednesday's speakers included Chris Decker, president of U.S.-based Planate Management Group, which has done extensive work for the Department of Defense; and Stayne Hoff, Asia-Pacific business development director at U.S. drone firm Red Cat Holdings.

The event was hosted by US-Taiwan Business Council President Rupert Hammond-Chambers.

According to the council, the event aimed to explore the potential for U.S.-Taiwan co-production and partnerships in drones and unmanned vehicles.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/kb

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China a 'pacing threat,' preparing for Taiwan invasion: U.S. official

ROC Central News Agency

06/11/2025 01:36 PM

Washington, June 10 (CNA) U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Tuesday that China poses an increasingly aggressive threat to the United States, saying deterring Beijing is the Pentagon's top regional priority amid its rapid military buildup and invasion drills near Taiwan.

"Our pacing threat is Communist China," Hegseth testified Tuesday before the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee during an oversight hearing with Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.

"Beijing is preparing for war in the Indo-Pacific as part of its broader strategy to dominate that region and then the world," Hegseth said, warning that if it succeeds, it could derail American reindustrialization and strangle the U.S. economy.

Hegseth also emphasized U.S. President Donald Trump's "peace through strength" strategy and called for revitalizing the stagnant U.S. defense industrial base.

"China is undertaking a historic military buildup and actively rehearsing for an invasion of Taiwan," he said, adding that only by having the world's most powerful and lethal military -- focused on protecting key U.S. interests -- can the U.S. effectively deter adversaries and win a potential conflict.

Meanwhile, Caine said China's People's Liberation Army is increasingly demonstrating its growing capabilities through military pressure, with operations targeting Taiwan becoming more frequent, complex and large in scale.

"These aggressive maneuvers are not routine exercises, they are rehearsals for a forced unification," he said.

Their comments aligned with recent warnings by U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo, who expressed concern at a forum last month over the rate at which China is diversifying its military exercises, according to a Financial Times report.

(By Elaine Hou and Lee Hsin-Yin)

Enditem/kb

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Former President Ma Ying-jeou to attend Straits Forum in China

ROC Central News Agency

06/11/2025 05:33 PM

Taipei, June 11 (CNA) Former President Ma Ying-jeou () will attend the Straits Forum in the Chinese city of Xiamen when he takes a group of students from Taiwan on a two-week trip to China on Saturday, an official from the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation said Wednesday.

Ma and a group of Taiwanese students will depart on Saturday and attend the 17th edition of the Straits Forum in Xiamen which starts on Sunday, before heading to Gansu province, northwestern China for cultural activities and to learn about the Silk Road, said foundation chief executive Hsiao Hsu-tsen () in a press statement.

In Gansu, Ma and the student group will attend on June 21 an annual ceremony commemorating emperor Fuxi (), who is credited with starting Chinese civilization, Hsiao said.

Dunhuang, a key hub on the Silk Road, is another stop in Gansu on the itinerary, as Ma and the students learn more about the historic trade route connecting Chinese civilization to the world, according to the statement.

The students are taking part in the foundation's Da Jeou Academy, for which Ma has personally undertaken three visits to China to promote exchanges between youth in Taiwan and China, Hsiao said.

According to the foundation's website, the academy was set up to encourage greater youth participation in public affairs in Taiwan, by organizing events, talks and visits for students in universities and graduate schools under the age of 30.

Hsiao visited Beijing with more than 30 students from Taiwan in February, while Ma has also taken students on trips to the United States, Singapore and the United Kingdom since 2023.

According to Hsiao, the visits, as well as trips organized for Chinese university students to Taiwan are aimed at reducing hostility across the Taiwan Strait by showing people on both sides the willingness of young people to engage and interact with each other.

Ma is devoted to promoting exchanges to pave the way for peace across the Taiwan Strait, since peace and stability between the two sides are ever more important in a world hit by the "reciprocal tariffs" announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, Hsiao said.

In Beijing, Zhu Fenglian (), a spokesperson of the Taiwan Affairs Office said China welcomes the visit by Ma and the group he will lead, during a briefing.

More than 7,000 delegates representing Taiwan's different political parties, business groups and industries are expected to attend the week-long "civilian and grassroots" event, Zhu said.

However, the Mainland Affairs Council in Taipei has labeled the Straits Forum a platform for China's "united front" efforts against Taiwan.

That position was first adopted by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party when it was in opposition and the first Straits Forum was held in 2009, Ma's second year in office.

In a statement Wednesday, the MAC, Taiwan's top agency in charge of cross-strait affairs, said Ma, as a former head of state, should be more sensitive to mainstream public opinion in Taiwan and make decisions that align with the country's overall interests.

If Ma decides to attend the forum, the MAC reminded the former president to abide by laws governing cross-strait affairs and not cooperate with the Chinese Communist Party by becoming part of its propaganda undermining Taiwan's sovereignty.

(By Liu Kuan-ting, Lu Chia-jung and Kay Liu)

Enditem/AW

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Ma Ying-jeou's upcoming visit to attend Straits Forum welcomed: Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Jun 11, 2025 11:20 AM

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, announced on Wednesday that former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang party Ma Ying-jeou will lead a group of young visitors from the island of Taiwan to Fujian and Gansu from June 14 to 27. They will attend the 17th Straits Forum and other cross-Straits cultural promotion activities and events.

We welcome Ma and his delegation and will make proper arrangements for the planned activities, said Zhu.

Zhu noted that the Straits Forum is a cross-Straits exchange event that is widely welcomed by people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. The 17th Straits Forum will be held on June 15 in Xiamen, Fujian Province. The main venue will be in Xiamen, with relevant activities to be held in cities of Fujian and the Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone.

More than 7,000 participants from Taiwan island  including representatives of political parties, trade unions, youth organizations, women's groups, grassroots religious and folk organizations, agriculture, fisheries, water resources, cultural tourism, healthcare, business, and finance sectors  are expected to be invited to attend, according to the spokesperson.

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Former KMT chairman Ma Ying-jeou to visit Chinese mainland: spokesperson

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 16:13, June 11, 2025

BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, will visit the Chinese mainland from June 14 to 27, a mainland spokesperson said Wednesday.

Ma will lead a delegation of Taiwan youth on a visit to the provinces of Fujian and Gansu, said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

The delegation will attend the 17th Straits Forum in Fujian. In Gansu, they will participate in a commemorative ceremony paying tribute to Fuxi -- a legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation, and attend activities for jointly promoting Chinese culture across the Taiwan Strait.

"We welcome the visit and will make proper arrangements and provide necessary convenience," said Zhu.

Zhu noted the importance of cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation amid the complex, grave situation in the Taiwan Strait. "As always, the mainland welcomes people of all walks of life and the vast number of compatriots in Taiwan to visit and conduct exchanges with the mainland, and join hands with the mainland to carry forward fine traditional Chinese culture and contribute to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/06/11

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1. Date:

6 a.m. Jun. 10 (Tue.) to 6 a.m. Jun. 11 (Wed.) (UTC+8)

2. PLA activities:

43 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 25 out of 43 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1140611_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window]

1140611_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window]

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Mainland slams DPP authorities for "selling out" Taiwan to seek "independence"

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:07, June 12, 2025

BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday condemned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, led by Lai Ching-te, for recklessly selling out and harming Taiwan's interests to seek "Taiwan independence" for their own political gain.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a press conference in response to media reports which said that the United States plans to sharply increase arms sales to Taiwan, and that Lai proposed that Taiwan's defense budget should reach at least three percent of its GDP.

Recent polls in Taiwan show that over 60 percent of respondents believe that the United States is seeking to increase military sales to Taiwan for financial gain, and that nearly 70 percent of respondents believe that the United States may double-cross Taiwan in favor of its own interests.

Zhu said the findings of these polls underscore a growing awareness among people in Taiwan of the United States' ulterior motives in treating the island as both an ATM and a powder keg, adding that the polls also reflect widespread skepticism among Taiwan compatriots regarding the United States playing the "Taiwan card" and their concerns about their own future and destiny.

"We firmly oppose U.S. arms sales to China's Taiwan region, and urged the United States to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques," Zhu said. She also urged the United States to handle Taiwan-related issues prudently, stop selling weapons to Taiwan and refrain from arming Taiwan.

She expressed the hope that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait will work together to promote the peaceful and integrated development of cross-Strait relations.

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UK-EU Agreement in Respect of Gibraltar: Joint statement

A joint statement from the UK, European Commission, Spain and Gibraltar following talks today (11 June) in Brussels.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP

Published 11 June 2025

European Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Albares and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, together with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo, met in Brussels on Wednesday 11 June.

Building on significant progress achieved in the previous political meetings in 2024 and on intensive work of the negotiating teams since then to solve outstanding issues, today's discussions resulted in a conclusive political agreement on the core aspects of the future Agreement between the EU and the UK in respect of Gibraltar. The future Agreement is without prejudice to the respective legal positions of Spain and the United Kingdom with regard to sovereignty and jurisdiction.

The main objective of the future Agreement is to secure the future prosperity of the whole region. This will be done by removing all physical barriers, checks and controls on persons and goods circulating between Spain and Gibraltar, while preserving the Schengen area, the EU Single Market and Customs Union. This will bring confidence and legal certainty to the lives and well-being of the people of the whole region by promoting shared prosperity and close and constructive relations between the Gibraltar and Spanish authorities.

In the area of persons, the Parties agreed to establish dual Gibraltar and Schengen border checks at Gibraltar port and airport - to be carried out in full cooperation between the EU and UK/Gibraltar authorities, removing all checks at the crossing point between Gibraltar and La Linea for the many thousands of people who travel across daily in both directions. For the EU, full Schengen checks will be carried out by Spain. For the UK, full Gibraltar checks will continue to be carried out as they are today. They also agreed arrangements for visas and permits and close cooperation between the police and law enforcement authorities.

In the area of goods, the Parties agreed on the principles underpinning the future customs union between the EU and Gibraltar, providing for strong cooperation between the respective customs authorities and removing checks on goods. There is also agreement on the principles of indirect taxation to be applied in Gibraltar, including on tobacco - that will avoid distortions and contribute to the prosperity of the whole region.

Other important areas of the future EU-UK Agreement include level playing field commitments on State aid, taxation, labour, environment, trade and sustainable development, anti-money laundering, and transport - including the airport; the rights of frontier workers and social security coordination. Specific cooperation will also be included in environmental matters. The creation of an appropriate financial mechanism to promote cohesion and support training and employment in the region has also been agreed.

Today's agreement has been reached in a shared commitment to European security.

The way is now clear for negotiating teams swiftly to finalise the full legal text and proceed with the respective internal procedures leading to the signature and ratification of the future Agreement.

The Parties are confident that this Agreement will support prosperity and bring confidence, legal certainty, and stability to the lives and well-being of the people of the whole region.

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Agreement protects sovereignty and economic security of Gibraltar

Political agreement reached that will protect British sovereignty, UK military autonomy and secure Gibraltar's economic future.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon David Lammy MP

Published 11 June 2025

UK, alongside the Government of Gibraltar, reaches a political agreement with the EU which will protect British sovereignty, UK military autonomy and secure Gibraltar's economic future.

Agreement resolves the last major unresolved issue from Brexit, avoiding the need for checks on people and goods crossing the Gibraltar-Spain border to support prosperity in the region.

Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, central to the agreement as Foreign Secretary visits Gibraltar this morning.

The UK Government has today [11 June] reached a political agreement with the EU which will secure Gibraltar's economy, provide certainty for people and businesses in Gibraltar and protect British sovereignty.

This government inherited a situation which left Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat. Gibraltar was not included in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement negotiated by the previous UK government following Brexit. Instead, the previous government began negotiations in 2021 to reach a deal which has remained unresolved until today.

Approximately 15,000 people - over half of Gibraltar's workforce - cross the land border between Spain and Gibraltar every day. Without a new agreement, the EU's incoming system of entry and exit controls would have introduced a 'hard border' under which every individual passport was checked.

Today's agreement provides a practical solution to avoid the need for onerous checks and long delays at the border which would have proved ruinous for Gibraltar's economy - costing hundreds of millions a year and placing pressure on the UK taxpayer for fiscal support, underlining the government's commitment to economic stability under the Plan for Change.

The Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, has been central to the negotiations from the start and today's agreement has his full backing.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

This government inherited a situation from the last government which put Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat. Today's breakthrough delivers a practical solution after years of uncertainty. Alongside the Government of Gibraltar, we have a reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. I thank the Chief Minister and his Government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as the Rock itself."

Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo said:

I'm delighted we have finalised a conclusive political agreement which will bring legal certainty to the people of Gibraltar, its businesses and to those across the region who rely on stability at the frontier. I have worked hand in glove with the UK government throughout this negotiation to deliver the deal Gibraltar wants and needs - one that will protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty. Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed cooperation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it's time to finalise the Treaty.

As the only UK overseas territory which shares a border with the EU, today's political agreement provides a practical solution for the unique situation faced by the people of Gibraltar whose livelihoods depend on a fluid border.

Under the agreement, there will be:

A clause agreed by all sides which makes explicitly clear that the final Treaty does not impact sovereignty.

A fluid border between Gibraltar and Spain, without checks on people crossing.

Dual border control checks for arrivals by air at Gibraltar airport, carried out by Gibraltar and Spanish officials. Immigration and law and order in Gibraltar will remain the exclusive responsibility of Gibraltar's authorities. Spanish officials will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of the Schengen Area, in a model similar to French police operating in London's St Pancras station.

A bespoke goods and customs model for products entering Gibraltar across its land border, avoiding the need for onerous checks.

Full operational autonomy of the UK's military facilities in Gibraltar, which play a vital role in protecting regional security and important trade routes.

The opportunity for flights to operate from Gibraltar airport to EU destinations, increasing Gibraltar's connectivity to the continent and improving its prosperity.

The agreement clears the way for finalisation of a UK-EU Treaty Text on Gibraltar, which all parties have committed to complete as quickly as possible.

Background

Gibraltar is a UK overseas territory located on the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula that was formally ceded to the United Kingdom from Spain in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht.

The people of Gibraltar expressed their overwhelming desire to remain British in referenda in 1967 (99%) and 2002 (98%).

Negotiations for a UK-EU Treaty on Gibraltar began in October 2021 under the previous UK government.

The final Treaty will be subject to ratification by the UK and Gibraltar parliaments.

The UK Strategic Defence Review set out the importance of maintaining the UK military presence in Gibraltar, including for maritime force protection operations, upholding the sovereignty of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, as well as providing a base at a strategic location at the western entrance to the Mediterranean to provide critical support to UKand allied military objectives.

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The UK will continue to play its part in cooperating with the Mechanism: UK Statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Legal Adviser Colin McIntyre at the UN Security Council meeting on the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Colin McIntyre, Legal Adviser

Published 11 June 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 11 June 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)



Madam President, I will make four points today.

First, as the president of the Mechanism rightly noted in her remarks today, the upcoming 30th anniversary of the genocide at Srebrenica reminds us of the significance of the work which the Mechanism has undertaken. And important work continues with the Mechanism continuing to perform important judicial, prosecutorial and operational functions as part of its ongoing work.

Second, State cooperation with the Mechanism remains essential, and we welcome the support that States continue to provide.

The UK will continue to play its part, including through the enforcement of a number of sentences of imprisonment of persons convicted by the Mechanism or its predecessor institutions.

We welcome the President's request for States to give serious consideration to enforcing the sentences of imprisonment of persons currently housed in the UN Detention Unit in The Hague.

And we call once again on Serbia to ensure the arrest and transfer of Petar Jojic and Vjerica Radeta to the Mechanism.

Third, the President made reference in her remarks today to a case in the UK relating to a judge from the Mechanism roster. The UK would like to thank the Secretary-General for the prompt action taken to waive immunity and for the close co-operation that UK and UN officials took to keep each other updated on the case.

Fourth and finally, as we look to the future, it is important to have regard to the broader context. This includes both the Mechanism's status as a residual institution and the financial challenges facing the United Nations more broadly.

There will therefore continue to be a need for rigorous budgeting and efficiency in all UN bodies, including at the Mechanism. In this context, we welcome the measures that the Mechanism has taken to maximise efficiency as outlined in the report.

We are also pleased to hear of the ongoing cross-organ consultation on options for the location of the archives and for the transfer of certain other functions.

We encourage the Mechanism to continue and to deepen such work over the period ahead.

We look forward to seeing more detailed proposals in the Secretary-General's reports later in the year.

This will be helpful as we work to deliver the vision of the Mechanism as a small, temporary and efficient institution.

Madam President, to conclude, the UK remains a steadfast supporter of the Mechanism's work and of its role in delivering justice.



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PM call with Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo: 11 June

The Prime Minister spoke to the Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo this evening, to congratulate him on today's historic agreement to secure the future of Gibraltar.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 11 June 2025



The Prime Minister spoke to the Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo this evening, to congratulate him on today's historic agreement to secure the future of Gibraltar.

He thanked him for his years of hard work, commitment, and leadership to reach an agreement - adding that it was fantastic to see that it had been profusely welcomed by all sides.

Both agreed that this would unlock a secure future for the people and businesses of Gibraltar, allowing them plan for the long-term while protecting British sovereignty.

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PM call with Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez this evening, following today's historic agreement to secure the future of Gibraltar.

From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP

Published 11 June 2025

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez this evening, following today's historic agreement to secure the future of Gibraltar.

Prime Minister Sanchez congratulated the Prime Minister on his leadership, adding that his government had succeeded where others had failed.

Both leaders also agreed that this development unlocks huge opportunity to advance the bilateral relationship between the UK and Spain, on behalf of the British and Spanish people.

They looked forward to meeting in person soon.

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SSU detains enemy agents who spied on Ukrainian combat aviation

Security Service of Ukraine

13:00, 9 June 2025

The SSU Military Counterintelligence has detained two russian agents who were providing data on the combat aircraft of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Kyiv and Mykolaiv regions to the enemy.

In Kyiv oblast, the Security Service apprehended an agent of russia's federal security service who recorded the time, directions and approximate number of flights of the Defense Forces aircraft.

According to the investigation, the perpetrator is a 34-year-old local unemployed woman who cooperated with the russian special service for the promise of money.

To fulfill the enemy orders, she set up an 'observation post' on the balcony of her apartment. There she recorded the schedule of takeoffs and landings of military aircraft.

During the documentation of her crimes, it was also established that the agent walked to the target areas and reported to the FSB on the consequences of enemy strikes.

In Mykolaiv region, a mobilized soldier from a local military unit has been detained. He was covertly filming combat sorties of the AFU aviation.

After filming, he leaked the video files to popular messenger app, where they could be found by russian special services.

During the searches, mobile phones with evidence of the crimes were seized from the suspects.

SSU investigators notified the detainees of suspicion under two Articles of the CCU:

111.2 (high treason, committed under martial law);

114-2.1 (unauthorized dissemination of information on the AFU, committed under martial law).

The suspects are in custody without bail and face from 5 years in prison to life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The operations were carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General's Office and Mykolaiv Specialized Defense Prosecutor's Office of the Southern Region.

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Government secures GBP 1.7 billion from the UK for additional weapons procurement: Denys Shmyhal

Ukraine Government

Communications Department of the Secretariat of the CMU, posted 11 June 2025 14:45

The Government has decided to secure nearly GBP 1.7 billion from the United Kingdom for the additional procurement of weapons. This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a Cabinet meeting on 11 June.

"With these funds, we plan to acquire Rapid Ranger air defence systems and Marlet lightweight multirole missiles. This will significantly strengthen our air defence and our ability to stop the enemy," he stated.

Denys Shmyhal also highlighted that this month, the United Kingdom announced a record-breaking aid package for drone supplies to Ukraine, amounting to GBP 350 million, which will enable the delivery of 100,000 drones this year.

"We are grateful to our British partners for this extraordinary support, which helps us move closer to a just peace," the Prime Minister stressed.

He also noted that in the first five months of this year, the Government allocated nearly 60% of the state budget to defence and security.

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Statement by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at Government session

Ukraine Government

Communications Department of the Secretariat of the CMU, posted 11 June 2025 14:27

Dear colleagues, fellow Ukrainians.

In the first five months of this year, the Government spent 60% of the state budget on the defence and security of our country.

Every hryvnia that taxpayers paid into the central budget was allocated to defence capabilities.

Today, we are making a decision to attract nearly GBP 1.7 billion from the United Kingdom for additional weapons purchases.

With these funds, we plan to acquire Rapid Ranger air defence systems and Marlet lightweight multirole missiles. This will significantly strengthen our air defence and our ability to stop the enemy.

This month, the United Kingdom also announced record assistance for the supply of drones. It is about GBP 350 million, which will allow 100,000 drones to be transferred to Ukraine this year.

We are grateful to our British partners for this extraordinary support, which helps us move closer to a just peace.

***

We are also grateful to all our allies who are helping us defend and rebuild our country.

Since the beginning of the year, Ukraine has attracted almost USD 18 billion in external financing.

With the support of our partners, we are continuing our rapid reconstruction programme. This means restoring the most important facilities for stability and development.

The two main priorities for recovery right now are energy and housing.

Thanks to the state programme eVidnovlennia, over 100,000 Ukrainian families have already received funds for repairs, reconstruction or new housing. In particular, 18,000 certificates have been issued for the purchase of new housing to replace destroyed homes.

Today, we are deciding to allocate another UAH 3.5 billion to the eVidnovlennia programme.

These funds will enable the issuance of over 2,000 housing certificates for purchasing new homes and will finance the reconstruction of houses on private land for hundreds of families.

***

The second priority for reconstruction, as we have already mentioned, is energy. We are building new generation capacity, strengthening the protection of energy facilities, and repairing everything that can be repaired.

Today, we are allocating UAH 1.1 billion to Mykolaiv region to ensure normal heat supply in the city of Mykolaiv during the next heating season.

The enemy constantly attacks Mykolaiv's combined heat and power plant, so the Government is allocating funds for the construction of distributed thermal generation.

This involves purchasing 18 modular boiler units with a total capacity of over 70 MW. This will ensure heating for homes in Mykolaiv.

***

Supporting frontline regions remains a priority for us.

We are constantly allocating additional resources to support these communities and our people who continue to live and work there.

Therefore, today we are also allocating almost UAH 600 million for the restoration of Kharkiv region.

Of this, UAH 241 million will be directed towards the repair of Kharkiv Regional Clinical Hospital. Another UAH 357 million will be allocated for emergency restoration work on six multi-apartment buildings in the city of Kharkiv.

In February this year, we allocated UAH 1 billion for relevant work in the housing and utilities sector in Kharkiv. We will continue this support in the future.

***

The restoration of Ukraine is based on the principle of "build back better", which also means applying the principles of inclusiveness and accessibility.

Therefore, today we are allocating an additional 1.1 billion hryvnias to the regions for the implementation of accessibility measures.

This involves current and capital repairs of infrastructure facilities, as well as residential and public buildings.

We are allocating these funds to ensure barrier-free access to such facilities for people with disabilities and other low-mobility groups.

***

We are also continuing to invest in improving the quality and safety of education.

This year, we will allocate over UAH 11 billion to equip shelters in schools. Another UAH 2 billion has been allocated for the purchase of school buses.

Today, we are allocating UAH 370 million to the regions to equip modern educational spaces and STEM laboratories.

This way, we are enabling our children to gain modern, in-demand knowledge in appropriate conditions.

***

Finally, another priority for recovery is supporting Ukrainian business.

Without a strong economy, there will be no funds to finance the army and ensure our country's resilience. That's why we are constantly working to improve the business climate.

The Made in Ukraine programme is working. We are opening new industrial parks. We are issuing preferential loans and non-repayable grants. We are carrying out large-scale deregulation and digitisation to reduce bureaucracy and simplify the conditions for doing business.

Today, we are making a decision to create an Online Entrepreneur's Office, which will operate on Diia.Business.

Small and medium-sized businesses will be able to access personalised support programmes, enabling them to expand their operations with state assistance.

***

Thank you to everyone who invests, creates jobs and works in Ukraine.

Thank you to our defenders, thanks to whom Ukraine lives.

Thank you for your attention.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Vice-Minister Grigaite-Daugirde: it is necessary to strengthen Europe's security and resilience and ensure full support for Ukraine

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2025-06-11

On 10 June, the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Gabija Grigaite-Daugirde, met with Sirpa Rautio, Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).

The meeting addressed topical issues in the field of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in preparation for Lithuania's Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Vice-Minister underlined that the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy and unified support for Ukraine were among the strategic priorities of Lithuania's Presidency, while human rights were a horizontal principle and should be integrated into all policy areas.

The priorities of FRA's activities and the agency's potential contribution to the EU agenda during the Presidency were also discussed. Both sides exchanged views on possible areas of cooperation to strengthen the EU's resilience based on respect for human rights.

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Budrys in Odesa: every euro spent in Ukraine - resistance to Russia's goals

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2025-06-11

On Tuesday, 10 June, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kestutis Budrys, visited Odesa along with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha.

In Odesa, the Ministers visited the maternity ward, which was struck in the overnight Russian attack, and a shelter serving as an underground school in Molodizhne, which was built under the programme funded by Lithuania, Ireland and the European Union.

"Every euro spent here makes a lot of sense because it allows people to continue to live here. Otherwise they would be forced to leave their cities, move elsewhere, and that is exactly what Russia's seeks - to push the people out," said the head of Lithuania's diplomacy.

Molodizhne Lyceum is one of the 6 facilities set up with the EU funds to provide safe education for Ukrainian children in high-risk areas. These objects are located in shelters safe from bombs and protected from radiation. Around 5,000 children attend these schools. Such centres are also established in the Chernihiv, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv and Mykolaiv Oblasts.

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Minister Budrys visited Kherson and Mykolaiv Oblasts

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

2025-06-11

On 10 June, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Kestutis Budrys, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, visited Kherson and Mykolaiv Oblasts, which have been severely affected by Russian aggression and are regularly attacked. Budrys is the first Foreign Minister to visit Kherson since February 2022.

Ministers met with the heads of the military administration in both Oblasts, inspected the damage caused by Russia, and inquired about the security situation, support needs, and possibilities for reconstruction of these regions. Lithuanian and Ukrainian Ministers visited a critical infrastructure facility in Kherson Oblast, a hospital and a school situated in an underground shelter. The heads of the military administration thanked Lithuania, which was one of the first countries to provide support with food products, generators, and other essential items for survival from the very first days of the aggression.

Kherson is located in southern Ukraine, on the right (north) bank of the Dnieper River, which has served as a topographical boundary separating the positions of Ukrainian and Russian forces. The city has been constantly targeted by Russian direct-fire attacks. The last such attack struck Kherson city center on 5 June.

"Russia's cruelty is beyond comprehension. All war crimes and crimes against humanity must be punished most severely. Impunity only encourages further killing. No mindless massacre of unarmed civilians should go unpunished," said Budrys.

According to Human Rights Watch, Russian forces used drones to attack civilians at least 45 times, which locals have dubbed "Human Safari". Videos of these and other attacks show that drone operators were well aware that they targeted civilians and demonstrated a coordinated intentional nature of such attacks.

From July 2024, Russian military drone pilots on the other side of the river systematically hunted civilians in various circumstances, as they stepped out to carry out their daily activities whether on foot or in any type of vehicle. Ambulances, which are protected under International Humanitarian Law, are also frequently subjected to attacks.

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has documented Russian armed forces' drone attacks against civilians in Kherson city and 16 localities in an area stretching over more than 100 kilometres along the right bank of the Dnipro River.

On 28 May this year, the UN Commission concluded that Russian armed forces' drone attacks against civilians in Kherson Province amounted to crimes against humanity of murder.

According to official sources, nearly 150 civilians have been killed and hundreds more injured as a result of the drone attacks. Russia captured the city of Kherson in March 2022 and kept it occupied until its liberation by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in November 2022.

Since their withdrawal, Russian forces have maintained their positions several kilometres south, on the left (south) bank of the Dnieper River, from where they recurrently carry out artillery attacks and airstrikes.

During the visit to Mykolaiv, Ministers honored the memory of the fallen defenders of Ukraine.

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Ukraine Says Bodies Of More Than 1,200 Killed In Russia War Repatriated

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service June 11, 2025

Ukraine said it has repatriated more than 1,200 bodies soldiers killed in the war sparked by Russia's full-scale invasion more than three years ago, the latest move in a series of prisoner exchanges negotiated between the two sides.

"As a result of the repatriation measures, the bodies of 1,212 fallen Defenders were returned to Ukraine," the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said in a statement on June 11.

The agency responsible for exchanging prisoners of war said the bodies were returned with the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

It gave no further detailson the exchange and said it is still establishing the identities of the deceased. The swap is part of an ongoing agreement with Russia that has seen busloads of POWs cross the border both ways.

Russia's lead negotiator in the June 2 Istanbul peace talks that sealed the exchange agreement said on June 11 that Russia had received 27 bodies from Ukraine.

The agreement seeks to repatriate the bodies of some 12,000 dead soldiers killed in the war. While the Istanbul talks reached a deal on exchanging prisoners, it failed to make any progress on ending Europe's longest and deadliest conflict since World War II.

Kyiv has expressed agreement with a US call for a 30-day cease-fire. Moscow has resisted and said certain conditions -- unacceptable to Ukraine -- must first be met.

Earlier this week the two sides swapped busloads of POWs under the age of 25, sparking emotional scenes in both countries.

Among those released, according to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, were members of the Navy, land forces, territorial defense forces, Air Force, Airborne Assault Forces, Border Guard Service, National Guard, and State Special Transport Service.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-bodies- killed-russia-war-repatriated/33440016.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.

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Peace in Ukraine Serves US National Interests - Pentagon Chief

Sputnik News

20250611

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Achieving peace in Ukraine would serve the national interests of the United States and both parties to the conflict, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday.

"We've said time and time again, this President [Donald Trump] is committed to peace in that conflict. Ultimately, peace serves our national interests, and we think the interest of both parties, even if that outcome will not be preferable to many in this room and many in our country," Hegseth said in a testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee.

Although the US "applauds" the efforts of the Ukrainians on the battlefield, it is important to stop the violence and the killings, which is possible through achieving a negotiated peace, the defense secretary added.

Hegseth said that the policy of the previous US administration has driven Russia and China closer together.

He also claimed that Beijing would "prefer a prolonged conflict" between Russia and Ukraine that would keep the US "tied down."

 Sputnik

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US Senator Says Concerned Over Elimination of Aid to Ukraine in Pentagon Budget Request

Sputnik News

20250611

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Sen. Chris Coons voiced his concerns on Wednesday regarding the complete removal of aid for Ukraine in the Pentagon's budget request for fiscal year 2026.

"It seems to me concerning that the 2026 [Pentagon budget] request eliminates aid to Ukraine entirely," Coons said during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth noted on Tuesday that the Trump administration is planning to reduce funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) in the fiscal year 2026 budget as it better serves US national interests amid competing issues around the globe. He added during a congressional testimony that a negotiated, peaceful settlement is in the best interest of both parties.

Since 2022, the US Congress has authorized more than $175 billion in aid packages for Ukraine, including nearly $70 billion in military assistance alone.

The Trump administration has not sought additional funding for Ukraine from Congress. However, it has not hindered the delivery of military equipment and munitions authorized by the Biden administration.

 Sputnik

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Russia-Ukraine Exchange of Fallen Soldiers' Bodies Begins Under Istanbul Deal

Sputnik News

20250611

The exchange of fallen soldiers' bodies has begun under the Istanbul Agreements, according to Vladimir Medinsky, the Russian presidential aide and head of the Russian delegation in negotiations.

"The transfer of fallen soldiers' bodies has begun in accordance with the Istanbul Agreements," Medinsky reported on his Telegram channel.

Russia has handed over 1,212 bodies of Ukrainian soldiers to Ukraine and received 27 fallen Russian soldiers.

"Now they can be laid to rest in a Christian manner. The work will continue throughout these days," he wrote.

On Thursday, Russia and Ukraine will begin urgent "sanitary exchanges" of heavily wounded prisoners from the front lines.

 Sputnik

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Holds a Trilateral Meeting with Presidents of Moldova and Romania

President of Ukraine

11 June 2025 - 22:03

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Moldova Maia Sandu and President of Romania Nicusor Dan. It was their first meeting in a trilateral format, which enables the countries to deepen security, energy and economic cooperation.

In particular, Ukraine proposed appointing coordinators at the level of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs to maintain ongoing contacts within this format.

The main topics of discussion included regional security, countering hybrid threats and cybersecurity, energy security, cross-border cooperation, logistical connectivity, military and technical cooperation, and European integration.

Special attention was given to supporting Moldova, as the country's security is crucial for the stability in the region.

They also discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia and joint actions intended to compel the aggressor state to accept a just peace.

The parties also addressed support for the shared European Union membership aspirations of Ukraine and Moldova. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine and Moldova are moving forward together on this path, and no one should be allowed to divide the countries in the negotiation process.

Another key focus was countering Russian hybrid threats and cyberattacks, which the Russian Federation has been particularly active in conducting in the Black Sea region.

Other important topics included infrastructure projects, specifically the construction of a highway connecting Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania, as well as the development of railway infrastructure.

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Bilateral Relations, Ukraine's European Integration, and Security of the Black Sea Region: The President Meets with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria

President of Ukraine

11 June 2025 - 20:47

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of Bulgaria Rossen Jeliazkov.

The Head of State thanked him for participating in the Ukraine - Southeast Europe Summit, which is aimed at strengthening resilience and security in the region and across all Europe.

"This is an important message of support and solidarity between our countries. We discussed key issues in our bilateral relations, Ukraine's European integration, and security in the Black Sea region," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

The President expressed gratitude for Bulgaria's support of Ukraine on its path to the EU. Our state values Bulgaria's voice in favor of the swift opening of the negotiating clusters. Volodymyr Zelenskyy added that Ukraine has fulfilled all the necessary conditions, including those related to national minorities.

The Head of State welcomed all decisions made by the Government of Bulgaria to continue its defense support for Ukraine, thanked them for the 11th assistance package, and informed the Prime Minister about Ukraine's current defense needs in the face of Russian aggression.

The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Bulgaria also discussed expanding bilateral cooperation and its priority areas. In particular, they addressed cooperation in the energy sector.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Rossen Jeliazkov agreed to stay in close contact.

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Our State Has Several Layers of Protection for Energy Facilities and Is Developing Weapons to Counter Drones - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

11 June 2025 - 20:30

Russia is increasing the number of drone and missile strikes on energy infrastructure, but Ukraine has several layers of defense in place and is developing weapons to counter drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during a joint press conference of the participants in the Ukraine - Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa.

"There are several levels of defense. Ukraine is protecting, building, and investing heavily in this. The main defense is air defense. As soon as the Russians realize where our air defense systems are located, they target them. That's why we constantly change the routes of our air defense systems - just as the Russians constantly change the routes and number of their attack drones," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

According to the President, Russia has increased the number of UAVs used in attacks on Ukraine to nearly 500 per 24 hours. Russian strikes on distribution substations, nuclear and thermal power generation, and gas infrastructure - including gas storage facilities - have intensified.

The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine is developing relevant weapons to counter drones, including various types of interceptor UAVs, and is seeking additional funding for their mass production. In addition, the Cabinet of Ministers is working on decentralizing the energy sector.

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President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Croatia Discuss Needs of Ukrainian Warriors and Development of Bilateral Cooperation

President of Ukraine

11 June 2025 - 20:23

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic to coordinate next steps and discuss priority issues of bilateral cooperation.

One of the key focuses of the meeting was the progress of the negotiation process on establishing a just and sustainable peace. The Head of State emphasized that ultimatum-style demands of the Russian side are unacceptable and added that, in response to such blatant efforts to prolong the war, the world must take effective steps to put pressure on Russia.

The leaders also discussed Ukraine's defense needs, primarily in artillery systems and ammunition. In total, Croatia has already delivered 13 packages of military aid to Ukrainian defenders.

The meeting also addressed other forms of support for Ukrainians. In particular, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Andrej Plenkovic discussed continued cooperation in the rehabilitation and medical treatment of Ukrainian warriors in Croatia, as well as wellness programs for children. This October, Croatia will host the first international conference on support for Ukrainian veterans.

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Defense Support and Ukraine's Reconstruction: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Meets with the Prime Minister of Greece

President of Ukraine

11 June 2025 - 20:03

In Odesa, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The Head of State thanked him for participating in the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit and for his consistent support for the Ukrainian people.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed the Prime Minister on the progress of the negotiation process aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace, and shared his perspective on what kind of pressure on Russia could force it to end the war.

In particular, during the meeting, detailed attention was paid to Ukraine's needs in protecting people from Russian shelling by strengthening its air defense capabilities.

The leaders also discussed Ukraine's reconstruction, including efforts in Odesa and the region. Ukraine and Greece are both interested in restoring and developing port infrastructure as well. According to the President, these issues will be included on the agenda of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, which will be held in Rome on July 10-11.

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1st meeting of China-U.S. economic, trade consultation mechanism opens in London

Ecns.cn) 13:24, June 12, 2025

Photo shows the Lancaster House in London, Britain. (China News Service/Ouyang Kaiyu)

The first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism opened in London on Monday, attracting global attention. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended the meeting with U.S. representatives.

Photo shows journalists waiting outside Lancaster House in London, Britain. (China News Service/Ouyang Kaiyu)

The first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism opened in London on Monday, attracting global attention. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended the meeting with U.S. representatives.

Photo shows the Lancaster House in London, Britain. (China News Service/Ouyang Kaiyu)

The first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism opened in London on Monday, attracting global attention. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended the meeting with U.S. representatives.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Declaration of the Fourth Ukraine - Southeast Europe Summit

President of Ukraine

11 June 2025 - 19:43

UKRAINE - SOUTHEAST EUROPE ODESA SUMMIT ODESA DECLARATION

We, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu, President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic, President of Romania Nicusor Dan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Rossen Jeliazkov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Albania Elisa Spiropali, First Deputy President of the Government and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning of the Republic of North Macedonia Izet Mexhiti, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Tanja Fajon, gathered on 11 June 2025 in Odesa, Ukraine, for the fourth time in the format of the Ukraine - Southeast Europe Summit.

Our work today builds on the deliberations and conclusions of the previous Ukraine - Southeast Europe Summits, held in Athens, Greece on 21 August 2023, Tirana, Albania on 28 February 2024 and Dubrovnik, Croatia on 9 October 2024, respectively.

In the course of the Summit, we addressed a broad agenda to enhance regional security, including but not limited to the Black Sea region, resilience, and cooperation. Priorities included security, hybrid threat prevention, trade, energy security, demining, Ukraine's recovery, humanitarian aid and rehabilitation  especially for Ukrainian veterans and children affected by Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

Today, as the participants of the Summit, we issue the following Declaration:

1,204 days have passed since Russia launched its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, continuing its armed aggression against Ukraine from 2014. We condemn Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. It constitutes a grave crime against the Ukrainian people, a blatant violation of international law  including the UN Charter  and a severe threat to peace, security, and stability across the wider European continent and globally. We acknowledge and support Ukraine's efforts to find a diplomatic path to restoring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. In this regard, we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, including territorial waters, and we reiterate our commitment to providing comprehensive and sustained support to Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary. We urge the international community to intensify its support for Ukraine in its struggle to defend its freedom, independence, and territorial integrity. At the same time, we call on all nations to refrain from offering any form of material or other assistance to Russia's war effort. We underscore the importance of alignment with the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy decisions and measures. Full withdrawal of Russian forces and equipment from the entire Ukrainian territory, an end to hostilities and the war as a whole, and the full restoration of Ukraine's internationally recognized borders are essential, non-negotiable conditions for a comprehensive, robust and durable peace. We emphasize the strategic importance of the Black Sea for European and global security, including food security, and commit to strengthening regional maritime cooperation, maritime security, connectivity, safety, freedom of navigation, and protection of critical infrastructure. The future membership of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and our Southeast European partners in the EU is vital for the long-term stability, security, and prosperity of the region and Europe as a whole. NATO membership remains the best cost-effective security option for Ukraine. We reaffirmed our support to the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of partners of the region. We support Ukraine on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership. The Open Door Policy, enshrined in Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty, is one of NATO's main strengths. Neither Russia nor any other state that is not a NATO member has the right to veto the Alliance's enlargement. In the same vein, we fully support Ukraine's right to choose its own security arrangements and decide its own future, free from outside interference. We condemn the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Russian armed forces and other military formations in and against Ukraine, including deliberate, disproportionate and indiscriminate armed attacks and drone and missile strikes against the civilian population and critical civilian infrastructure of Ukraine, as well as the forced deportation of thousands of Ukrainian civilians  including children  from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to the Russian Federation. We reaffirm the importance of effective and independent investigations of Russia's war crimes against Ukrainians and other crimes committed in or against Ukraine, and of subsequent bringing the perpetrators to justice. Furthermore, we support the international efforts to set up a special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine, committed by the Russian Federation. We underscore the importance of food security. Ukrainian agricultural products must be freely and safely delivered to global markets. To this end, safe, unimpeded commercial navigation and access to Ukraine's Black Sea and Azov Sea ports are essential. Food security must not be weaponized. We reiterate the significance of demining as the starting point for Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, and we welcome the efforts undertaken by coastal states in this respect. Attacks by Russia on merchant ships, civilian ports, and related infrastructure, as well as violations of other countries' sovereign territory, including airspace, are unacceptable. Ukraine's energy infrastructure continues to suffer from deliberate and systematic attacks by Russia. We discussed ways to scale up our support, including mobilizing the private sector to provide necessary equipment and financing. We also emphasized the importance of enhanced regional coordination and robust electricity interconnectors to mitigate the impact of these attacks and strengthen regional energy security. We encourage the international community to maintain and further strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation in the banking and energy sector, especially regarding the oil price caps and Russia's shadow fleet to deprive the aggressor of the resources needed to continue fuel its war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as take measures to prevent sanctions circumvention. Russia must be held accountable and pay full compensation for its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. The Russian assets in all possible forms play a constructive role in recovery of Ukraine according to the international law provisions. We confirm our intention to develop and strengthen friendly relations in the fields of economic cooperation and trade and to work towards further advancing trade and economic integration within the region and between the region and the EU, following effective incorporation of the EU acquis and free trade between non-EU members. We commit to contributing to Ukraine's ongoing and post-war recovery and reconstruction. This includes engaging all relevant stakeholders  international financial institutions, private companies, local communities, and other partners  to secure the investments, expertise, and financial support necessary to build a prosperous future for Ukraine. The countries in Southeast Europe should play a pivotal role in Ukraine's reconstruction process. We reaffirm our commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination in the humanitarian sector through the implementation of targeted initiatives, particularly in programs focused on health and rehabilitation of veterans and vulnerable groups affected by Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. In this context, the International conference on the rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans, to be held in Croatia in October 2025, will be of particular relevance. We emphasize the critical importance of cooperation in cyber security and in preventing illegal and hybrid interference in electoral processes of sovereign states, including through disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference. We underline the key role of the EU support aimed at strengthening the democratic processes and countering foreign interference, also in candidate countries. We warn that any interference  direct and indirect  in the constitutional or electoral processes of a sovereign state is inadmissible. Such actions constitute a grave violation of international law and pose a serious threat to democratic values, principles and processes across the region. The Parties affirm the importance of mutually facilitating information sharing and the exchange of experiences in countering cyber-attacks during hybrid warfare as well as recommendations on strengthening the protection of information and communication systems, considering their own experience in countering malicious cyber operations. In this regard, we agree to work jointly on the prevention of hybrid threats and to hold the next meeting in Odesa of the countries - parties to this Declaration at the level of relevant agencies. A free, peaceful, and prosperous Europe is impossible without a free, peaceful, and prosperous Ukraine. The participants of the Ukraine - Southeast Europe Odesa Summit remain resolutely committed to this vision.

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Speech by the President at the Ukraine - Southeast Europe Summit

President of Ukraine

11 June 2025 - 19:12

Welcome everybody!

So, dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, I sincerely thank each of you for being here today in Odesa. And thank you that we started your visit to our summit from a very heroic place where we can see our heroic people and our patriots from Odesa. Thank you very much for this moment.

Odesa is a very important city for all of us and not just a symbol of southern Ukraine; it's a crossroads between Northern and Southern Europe, between the Balkans and the Caucasus, and between European stability and the threats to undermine it. Odesa has always been a gateway and today stands as a gateway to our shared security.

The security of Southeastern Europe and the Black Sea is indivisible. And this has been obvious to Ukraine since 2014 and became clear to the entire continent in 2022. Yet, even today, we are compelled to fight not only for our country but to ensure this reality becomes the cornerstone of a new regional policy.

And I am pleased to welcome the following leaders here today in Odesa: Presidents of Moldova, Maia Sandu; Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic; Romania, Nicusor Dan; Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic; Prime Ministers of Bulgaria, Rossen Jeliazkov; Croatia, Andrej Plenkovic; and the Hellenic Republic, Kyriakos Mitsotakis; and the Speaker of the Parliament of Albania, Elisa Spiropali; and First Deputy President of the Government and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning of North Macedonia, Izet Mexhiti; and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon.

Our today's agenda will cover the following issues: regional security, resilience to hybrid threats, bolstering trade and transport networks, energy security, demining, post-war reconstruction, rehabilitation, health improvement, and support of military personnel, children and veterans.

Dear friends, dear leaders,

I'm glad to welcome you to our very beautiful city, to Odesa, again, and we continue our regular meetings with the countries of Southeastern Europe.

Sadly, our region is one of Russia's main targets - main targets for causing chaos. We've seen this before - across the Balkans, where Russia fueled ethnic tensions, sabotage, and even coup attempts. We've witnessed attempts to manipulate public opinion in Romania, with Moscow's involvement. And for three decades now, Russia has tried to keep Moldova in poverty and instability, to bring it fully under its control. If Europe loses in Moldova this year, it will embolden Russia to interfere even more in your countries - taking from you your resources, your sovereignty, even your history. That's why supporting a European Moldova - not pro-Russian or oligarchic forces - is a critical task for all of us. And the same goes for Ukraine. Moscow doesn't see Ukraine as a country, just as a pile of resources and a military staging ground for its next invasions. We all in the region are dealing with the same source of destruction.

Today, I suggest we focus - and especially I will focus - on three things: defense, unity, and real development.

You can all see - Putin does not want to end this war. He believes that as long as he can fight and dominate his neighbors, he stays politically alive. But no matter what he believes, our job is to force Russia into a position where they must seek peace and political survival by non-military means. This is absolutely possible.

Defense support for Ukraine. We need it to protect our cities and villages from Russian attacks, and to make Russia feel the real cost of war at home. Air defense systems and drones are crucial. Another key tool is, of course, sanctions. Your support for joint EU sanctions decisions is vital. The EU announced its 18th sanctions package. It can be stronger, especially in targeting Russian oil tankers and its financial sector. And on the oil price cap - a cap of $45 is better than $60. Anyway, it's understandable. It's true. But real peace comes with a $30 cap - that's the level that will truly change thinking in Moscow.

Next point.

We all share the same interest in EU enlargement and the strength of NATO. The EU gives Europe the power to compete globally. Without it, European nations could be overwhelmed by other big global players. That's why we must support each other - those of you moving toward the EU, and Ukraine in its membership talks. This year, Ukraine needs a clear decision on the negotiating clusters. We've met every condition. Blocking progress now only wastes time for all of Europe. All our nations count and deserve fair enlargement. The same applies to NATO. Yes, Europe has to do more for its own defense. But everyone in the United States should remember - twice before, destabilization in Europe dragged American soldiers into devastating wars. That's why it's so important for America to stay engaged in European security. NATO holds the security structure of Europe together. And every European country has the right to choose its own security path. The upcoming NATO Summit must confirm that.

Just as the EU and NATO are essential, so is our cooperation in infrastructure. Transport routes, energy, communications, digital systems - we need to show people clear annual progress in all these areas.

Russia's war and its blockade of Ukrainian ports showed us how vital alternative routes through neighboring countries are. We already have those alternatives thanks to you, of course, dear guests. And every country should have the same readiness for any crisis.

And finally, again, we're here in our beautiful city, in Odesa. This beautiful city is a target for Russia. It wants to destroy it like it did countless cities and villages in occupied territories. Russian war plans point to this region - Odesa, and then toward the borders with Moldova and Romania. Of course, we need protection now. But even more, we need long-term guarantees that this can never happen again. That's why I'm asking all of you to treat security guarantees after this war as a practical need. From air defense to cyber threats - we need real tools for deterrence and rapid response. Let's look at our agreements, armies, and infrastructure - and strengthen everything that keeps our nations safe.

Thank you again for coming. Thank you very much.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Ukraine: Ongoing Russian strikes continue alarming civilian casualty trend

11 June 2025 - Civilian deaths and injuries in the first five months of 2025 were nearly 50 per cent higher than the same period last year, UN rights experts tasked with monitoring abuses in war-torn Ukraine said on Wednesday in their latest report.

The toll includes 1,389 casualties in April (221 killed, 1,168 injured) - the highest monthly total so far this year - followed by 1,019 in May (183 killed, 836 injured).

Casualties were reported across 17 out of 24 regions and the city of Kyiv, including areas far from the frontline.

The vast majority of attacks (97 per cent) led to civilian casualties occurred in areas under Ukrainian Government control.

"This year has been devastating for civilians across Ukraine, with significantly more deaths and injuries than during the same period in 2024," said Danielle Bell, Head of the HRMMU - the monitoring mission set up by the UN rights office, OHCHR, at the invitation of the Ukrainian Government.

"The intensification of long-range attacks with missiles and loitering munitions and frequent attacks with short-range drones along the frontline are a deadly combination for civilians."

Weapons and impact

Long-range missile and drone attacks caused the largest proportion of civilian casualties - some 28 per cent of casualties during May.

On the other hand, short-range drones remained the leading cause in frontline areas.

Russian armed forces carried out at least five attacks on port infrastructure in the Odesa region on the Black Sea, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to facilities.

One such attack on 23 May killed three men and injured 12 more, including port workers, according to the report.

Continuing trends in June

The mission noted that long-range attacks have intensified this month. Since 6 June, Russian forces have launched over 1,500 long-range weapons, according to Ukrainian authorities.

The HRMMU is in the process of verifying reports that these attacks (or subsequent falling debris) have killed at least 19 civilians and injured 205 others nationwide in just a five-day span. If confirmed, June could match or surpass April and May in total casualties.

"At this pace and scale, further loss of civilian life is not just possible - it is inevitable," said Ms. Bell.

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Debating Security Council 2024 Report, General Assembly Highlights Overactive Use of Veto, Inappropriate Conflict Wording, Need for In-Depth Critical Analyses

Meetings Coverage

General Assembly/ Plenary

Seventy-ninth Session

77th Meeting (AM)

GA/12689

11 June 2025

The General Assembly today considered the annual report of the Security Council for the period covering 1 January to 31 December 2024, with delegates assessing its functionality and also highlighting various aspects of the organ's operations that require improvement, particularly those bordering on its primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security.

Presenting the report (document A/79/2), Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett (Guyana), Council President for June, said today's meeting highlights the significance of the relationship between the two main organs of the United Nations and gives Member States an opportunity to share their views on the report and Council's work.

During the reporting period, the Council held 305 formal meetings, comprising 285 public meetings and 20 private sessions. It also convened 124 closed consultations and 2 informal interactive dialogues. This was in addition to 77 unscheduled formal meetings and 53 unscheduled closed consultations, at the request of Member States, in response to developments on the ground. The Council considered 45 items throughout the year, of which 23 addressed country-specific or regional situations, while 22 focused on thematic and other issues. Thematic and cross-cutting issues that remained high on the Council's agenda included women, peace and security; protection of civilians in armed conflict; peacebuilding; general issues relating to sanctions; and children and armed conflict.

The Council also remained seized of the threat posed by terrorism and received briefings from the Chairs of the related 1267, 1373 and 1540 Committees. In terms of outcomes, she noted, 46 resolutions were adopted during the reporting period, along with 7 presidential statements and 43 press statements, a 27 per cent increase in press statements issued by the Council, compared to 2023. To foster dialogue and engagement in the Council's work, Council members conducted wrap-in and wrap-up sessions at the beginning and end of their presidencies and open briefings with the UN press corps and civil society organizations. The presidencies of the Council and Assembly also maintained monthly meetings as regular gatherings with troop-contributing countries were held. These initiatives, she said, helped increase transparency and accountability, as shown in the increase in public meetings held in 2024, compared to 2023.

Welcoming the "timely adoption" of the Council's annual report, Assembly President Philemon Yang (Cameroon) stated that the data it provides sheds light on when and how the 15-member organ can act and where it is unable to do so. Highlighting as positive the Council's unanimous mandates renewal this year of numerous peacekeeping operations and special political missions, he underscored the existence of other concerning developments, which include its 2024 vetoing of seven draft resolutions, an increase of two from the previous year. He expressed hope for a continuation of the "encouraging trend of enhanced cooperation and coordination between the General Assembly and the Security Council", as exemplified by the practice of convening an informal consultation early in the year.

Further, he detailed other cooperation frameworks between principal organs, including his monthly meetings with the incoming president of the Security Council; trilateral meetings among the Presidents of the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council to discuss matters of common concern; and an earlier joint informal interactive dialogue on the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review, which he convened. Adding that "one idea runs through all these efforts", he said "a simple truth that has been clear to me throughout my presidency: people living through conflict, poverty and crisis do not care about institutional divisions within the United Nations". Therefore, because these people expect all parts of the organization to work together and respond to their needs, the 193-member body "must act as one united organization" and "take real, meaningful steps that improve lives, together", he said.

When the floor opened for debate, some delegates expressed their overall thoughts on certain concerning aspects of the report, particularly on content and structure.

Morocco's delegate expressed her country's "firm rejection of the singling out of two parties on the paragraph of Moroccan Sahara". There should be no selective reading of events, she noted, as the paragraph uses biased language and does not reflect the collective position of the Security Council or a sincere effort to arrive at a mutually acceptable political resolution to the regional difference. Recalling that, since 2018, all Council resolutions mention the four parties to the political process  namely, Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and POLISARIO, she said none of those documents limit the framework to the two parties. This development undermines the credibility of the Council and raises the question of accuracy conveyed by the report.

Expressing his delegation's displeasure with the usage of "conflict in Ukraine" in the report, Ukraine's speaker urged for the use of accurate and appropriate terminology. Because Moscow has been recognized by General Assembly resolutions as an aggressor and instigator "we don't believe that concealing this fact by using" inaccurate terminology contributes to the credibility of the document, he said, encouraging Council members to explore new ways to improve their preparation of the annual report. Moreover, the sooner Russian Federation aggression and war crimes are ended, the sooner the Council can restore its effectiveness in fulfilling its primary responsibility, he said.

Cuba's representative agreed that the document maintains a descriptive character, limiting itself to listing meetings and resolutions without providing a critical analysis of the causes and implications of decisions taken by the Council. "It is inconceivable that, in the context of Israel's genocide against the Palestinian people", the report has again omitted an analysis of Israel's violations of Council resolutions, including resolution 2334 (2016) and others. As the UN's eightieth anniversary approaches, his delegation addresses the value of multilateralism in the face of continued violations of the UN Charter and international law; interference in the internal affairs of States; imposition of unilateral coercive measures for political purposes; and aggressive military doctrines of domination, expansionism and supremacism "which alarmingly undermine international peace and security", he added.

The representative of Ecuador, speaking on behalf of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency Group, said the report should discuss instances where the Council has been unable to act despite an obvious need and mandate to do so. It should also include statements of explanation by the permanent members who exercise the veto and statistics on the number of times the veto has been exercised in the past. It should also highlight information on the Council's closed consultations and discussions held under "any other business".

Mexico's delegate said the report must go beyond facts and figures and provide a substantive analysis of trends shaping the Council's dynamics. It must identify areas in which agreements were not reached and evaluate constraints that have impacted its performance in recent years, he said, adding that, during the consultation held in January, his delegation suggested including an analysis on sanctions regimes' effectiveness in supporting peace processes. He further noted that the peace and security architecture of the United Nations and the Council itself is passing through a critical stage, with growing politicization and geopolitical tensions preventing the Council from acting effectively in the face of pressing crises, such as those in Haiti, Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza.

Echoing this view, Thailand's representative said the Council's annual report should be more substantive in providing greater insight into its deliberations and decisions and also promoting transparency and accountability to the broader UN membership. Describing as concerning growing divisions within the Council, he noted that only 65 per cent of resolutions were adopted unanimously in 2024  a decline from 70 per cent in the previous year. He therefore urged the 15-nation body to uphold its unity and effectiveness, which are critical for fulfilling its primary mandate of maintaining international peace and security.

Addressing these concerns, the delegate of the Russian Federation said his delegation, which introduced the document this year, paid special attention to other members' opinions and is pleased that the introductory part of the report was concluded by early February  showing that the Council can "expeditiously and collectively resolve issues it has". However, he noted comments by some Members of the "un-consensus" wording in the report's introductory portion. The document is a "general product by the Council", he said, was prepared after several rounds of bilateral and multilateral consultations to achieve consensus, and considered all comments received, showing "maximum flexibility". Therefore, those with new considerations after 10 February should be more organized and not introduce confusion.

Other delegates voiced their positions on the actual activities of the Council with respect to its foundational role of safeguarding world peace and stability.

"The fundamental question before us is clear. What kind of Security Council do we need for the complex contemporary world we live in?", asked Mozambique's delegate, noting that the debate on the Council's report provides for an examination of what the Council did over the past year, how it conducted its deliberations and on whose behalf it acted. Agreeing with this assessment, Indonesia's speaker said: "The continued paralysis of the Council on grave situations is a fundamental cause for concern." The report must therefore identify and analyse challenges for the Council in reaching common grounds.

Concerned about the use of the veto, Portugal's speaker said its repeated engagement to block Council action in the face of massive human suffering "risks undermining not only the Council's legitimacy, but also the trust that Member States and global citizens place in the multilateral system." He called for increased accountability on veto use and wider adherence to the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency Group's code of conduct, as well as the French-Mexican initiative  both of which aim to ensure that the veto is not used in situations involving atrocity crimes.

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LAS VEGAS, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Planet 13 Holdings Inc. (CSE: PLTH) (OTCQX: PLNH) (Planet 13 or the Company), a leading vertically-integrated multi-state cannabis company, today announced the following results for each item of business considered at Planet 13s Annual General Meeting of Stockholders held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Election of Directors

The following table sets out the percentage of shares voted in respect of the election of directors:

Nominee % For % Withheld Robert Groesbeck 73.4% 26.6% Larry Scheffler 93.7% 6.3% Adrienne ONeal 94.1% 5.9% Kevin Martin 89.7% 10.3% David Loop 95.7% 4.3%

Amendment to Planet 13 Holdings Inc.s 2023 Equity Incentive Plan.

The following table sets out the percentage of shares of common stock voted in respect to the approval of the amendment to Planet 13 Holdings Inc.s 2023 Equity Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance thereunder from 22,000,000 to 32,000,000:

For Against Abstain 81.5% 18.3% 0.2%

Re-Appointment and Remuneration of Auditors

The following table sets out the percentage of shares of common stock voted in respect to the ratification of the appointment of Davidson & Company LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for the ensuing year or until their successors are appointed:

For Against Abstain 91.9% 7.9% 0.2%

About Planet 13

Planet 13 (https://planet13.com) is a vertically integrated cannabis company, with award-winning cultivation, production and dispensary operations across its locations in California, Nevada, Illinois, and Florida. Home to the nation's largest dispensary, located just off The Strip in Las Vegas, Planet 13 continues to expand its footprint with the recent debut of its first consumption lounge in Las Vegas, DAZED!, the opening of its first Illinois dispensary in Waukegan, bringing cannabis experiences to the Chicago metro area. Planet 13 operates dispensaries across Florida, a key market in its expansive footprint. Planet 13's mission is to build a recognizable global brand known for world-class dispensary operations and innovative cannabis products. Licensed cannabis activity is legal in the states Planet 13 operates in but remains illegal under U.S. federal law. Planet 13's shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) under the symbol PLTH and are quoted on the OTCQX under the symbol PLNH. To learn more, visit planet13.com.

For Further Inquiries, Please Contact:

LodeRock Advisors Inc., Planet 13 Investor Relations

mark.kuindersma@loderockadvisors.com

Robert Groesbeck or Larry Scheffler

Co-Chief Executive Officers

ir@planet13lasvegas.com
Victoria, Seychelles , June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global crypto-fintech platform EMCD is proud to launch Spotlight Grant, a new initiative aimed at accelerating high-potential Web3 projects. The grand prize includes a free EMCD listing and a $25,000 marketing package, while two runners-up will receive a 50% discount on the Spotlight program.





The program targets Web3 ventures with a live token, looking for possibilities of expansion. Eligible projects span DeFi, GameFi, Layer 2, and payment infrastructures, seeking growth across international markets.

We are building an ecosystem where projects dont just launch  they go global. Spotlight Grant isnt about one-off hype; its structured support: from listing to community engagement, says Michael Jerlis, CEO of EMCD. Were looking for long-term builders, not short-term buzz.

Participating teams will submit a simple online application, and post a tweet using the hashtag #EMCDSpotlightGrant.

All submissions will be reviewed, with ten shortlisted based on alignment with EMCDs infrastructure, community size, and market cap. The final winner will be selected by an EMCD committee. The winner and two finalists will be announced live during AMA, followed by coordinated announcements across all of EMCDs channels.

Spotlight Grant is part of EMCDs broader mission to build a developer- and founder-friendly ecosystem in Web3, where access to resources, infrastructure, and visibility is no longer limited to the top 1% of projects. The program reflects EMCDs belief that promising ideas deserve more than short-term hype  they need long-term partners, trusted platforms, and communities that are ready to grow with them.

About EMCD:

EMCD is a comprehensive crypto fintech ecosystem, combining top7 global mining pool status, P2P exchange, multi-currency wallet, and the Coinhold savings service with up to 14% annual yield In 2024, EMCD mined over 51,709 coins, onboarded 100,000+ new users across P2P and wallet services, and surpassed 300,000 active users globally.

EMCD  the platform where everything is easy, from mining to trading to scaling.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.




NEW YORK, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Organon & Co. (NYSE: OGN) between October 31, 2024 and April 30, 2025, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important July 22, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Organon securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Organon class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=39817 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 22, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Organons priorities, particularly, related to capital allocation through quarterly dividends. Notably, defendants concealed the high priority of Organons debt reduction strategy following Organons acquisition of Dermavant, resulting in a 70% decrease for the regular quarterly dividend. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Organon class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=39817 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

______________________



Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

case@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
Bethesda, MD, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Titan Capital Strategies, a boutique financial advisory firm founded by former Wall Street portfolio strategist Nareena Khan, officially announces its mission to bring elite financial planning tools to high-performing business owners.

After managing over $10 billion in institutional portfolios, Khan is shifting her focus to an under-served demographic: high-net-worth entrepreneurs scaling ambitious ventures in real estate, healthcare, and technology.





In an environment where traditional financial systems often overlook the complexity and pace of founder-led businesses, Titan Capital Strategies aims to fill the gap. The firm delivers customized strategic capital planning services with a clear goal: to help entrepreneurs protect, scale, and sustain the businesses theyve risked everything to build without compromising their personal financial safety.

Nareena positions herself as a strategic partner, not a product pusher, for founders building something bigger than themselves.

From Wall Street to Founder-Focused Solutions

Nareena Khans pivot to entrepreneurship was sparked by a powerful realization: the same tools she used to manage multi-billion-dollar portfolios on Wall Street couldand shouldbe accessible to the entrepreneurs driving the real economy from the ground up.

As a seasoned wealth strategist, Nareena brings an institutional-level lens to business owner financial planning, cutting through the noise to offer clarity in a landscape often clouded by complexity.

Too many founders operate without a true capital strategy, says Khan. Theyre navigating risk blindunder-leveraged, overexposed, and often unsupported. We help them design smarter financial structures that evolve with their business and protect what theyve built.

That mindset led Nareena to launch Titan Capital Strategies, a firm built not around institutions, but around individuals such as entrepreneurs, founders, and value creators. It was a bold step away from the high-stakes world of capital markets and elite portfoliosand into something far more personal.

I wanted more than spreadsheets and returns, she reflects. I wanted to know the people behind the numbersthe builders, the visionaries, the ones taking all the risk but getting none of the tailored support.

Then the pandemic hitand deepened her clarity.

Watching people say goodbye to loved ones over video, seeing lives cut short with no closure... it made me ask: What am I doing with my time? What legacy do I want to leave behind?

That moment redefined her pathnot away from finance, but toward a more human-centered approach. Today, Nareena helps business owners unlock liquidity, minimize tax drag, and preserve generational wealthusing elite strategies once reserved for institutions, now tailored for the founders shaping our future.

A Framework Built for Visionaries

Titan Capital Strategies applies a proprietary four-step model that guides founders from idea to execution. The process begins with clarifying the entrepreneurs long-term vision, then mapping out exposure and risk. From there, the firm crafts tailored financial and succession planning solutions, integrating efforts with clients existing legal, tax, and accounting teams.

Khans strategic plans often include alternative funding pathways such as premium financing, asset-backed lending, advanced insurance structures, and IUL for entrepreneurs. These strategies deliver tax-efficient growth while limiting reliance on personal guarantees or traditional loans.

Addressing a Market Gap

The need is urgent. According to PwC, 70% of business owners lack a formal risk mitigation or succession planning strategy. CNBC reports that over 60% of high-income entrepreneurs do not have access to advanced tax-free strategies. Titan Capital Strategies is responding with solutions that match the complexity of modern entrepreneurial ventures.

By focusing on execution, not product sales, Khan positions herself not as a financial salesperson but as a strategic partner aligned with her clients' broader ambitions.

Reaching Underserved Founders with Smarter Capital

Titan Capital Strategies serves founders who are rapidly scaling and need a capital strategy to match their momentum. Whether transitioning from seven to eight figures in revenue or preparing for an exit, clients work with Khan and her team to access capital in ways that preserve control and accelerate growth.

Nareenas experience managing institutional assets has uniquely prepared her to help clients unlock funding without exposing personal wealth. In recent cases, she has helped entrepreneurs restructure their financial positions to access multimillion-dollar capital while reducing tax liabilities and personal risk.

New Chapter, Same Strategic Excellence

The founding of Titan Capital Strategies marks a significant transition for Khan from portfolio manager to entrepreneurial ally. Its also a shift that signals an evolving financial services landscape, one that demands agility, innovation, and transparency. The firm's approach is especially timely in a post-2020 economy where founders are seeking financial strategies as dynamic as their ventures.

Titan Capital Strategies does not offer one-size-fits-all products. Instead, each engagement is rooted in deep collaboration and long-term alignment. This methodology has already attracted interest from growth-stage companies and seasoned entrepreneurs looking for a financial advisor who understands the urgency, complexity, and stakes of founder-led growth.

About Titan Capital Strategies

Titan Capital Strategies is a strategic financial advisory firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, serving high-net-worth entrepreneurs across the U.S. The firm specializes in strategic capital planning, premium financing, alternative funding, and risk mitigation for business owners in high-growth sectors. Founded by former Wall Street strategist Nareena Khan, Titan Capital Strategies is committed to helping visionary entrepreneurs achieve tax-efficient growth and long-term wealth protection through fully customized planning frameworks.

For more information or to explore a private strategy session, visit www.titancapitalstrategies.com.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mustang Energy Corp. (CSE: MEC, OTC:MECPF, FRA:92T) (the Company or Mustang) is pleased to announce that it has initiated an Aerial Electromagnetic Survey (Xcite TDEM) with Radiometrics over the Spur Project (the Project) located south of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. The Project is located in a favorable region prospective for uranium, rare earth elements (REEs), and base metal mineralization.

The Xcite TDEM survey with Radiometrics will be flown by Axiom Exploration Group. The airborne survey will encompass the portion of the claim package covering approximately 10,000 hectares which has not been covered by modern day electromagnetic (EM) survey techniques. The airborne survey aims to precisely locate EM and radiometric anomalies, and aid in geological interpretations on the property advancing exploration targeting.

About Xcite TDEM

Xcite is a new generation of helicopter-borne time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) systems developed by New Resolution Geophysics (NRG). Axiom is an exclusive provider of this service in North America. This state-of-the-art technology provides an efficient alternative to prior TDEM technologies for mineral exploration. The system utilizes a patented inflatable transmitter loop with a diameter of approximately 20 meters, suspended about 30 meters below the helicopter. The Xcite system offers improved signal clarity, enabling the detection of subtle subsurface features. It features a programmable waveform with a fast turn-off time, allowing for flexibility in data acquisition and improved resolution of both shallow and deep targets.





Figure 1: Mustang Energy Corp. Spur Project Location Map1

About the Spur Project

The Project comprises ten claims covering 23,680 hectares. It is located just south of the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan, a region globally renowned for its high-grade uranium deposits. The property is approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Camecos Key Lake Mill Operation and 20 kilometers southwest of Skyharbour Resources/Terra Clean Energys Fraser Lakes Zone B deposit (Figure 1). The Projects geological setting combines Proterozoic basement rocks of the Wollaston Group and uraniferous pegmatites1, presenting potential for uranium, thorium and rare earth element (REE) exploration. The Project offers lower cost exploration due to the absence of Athabasca Sandstone cover. Adjacent properties host high-grade surface grab samples including the Pipe Lake Showing with up to 8.0% UO (sample # R69-10)2 within a hornblende-rich pegmatite 2.5 km northeast of the Project boundary.2 The Red October Showing, east of the Project boundary, shows grab sample assays of up to 1.93% U (sample # JBELR063)3 within syenite, and an outcrop chip sample through semipelitic gneiss showing 1.34% U (sample # AGELR008)3 over 1 meter.

Adjacent Property Disclaimer:

This news release includes references with respect to uranium occurrences which are located near the Project, including the Pipe Lake Showing and Red October Showing. Mustang considers this information to be relevant to exploration; however, these results have not been physically verified by Mustangs Qualified Person. The Company advises that, notwithstanding their proximity of location, discoveries of minerals on nearby properties and any promising results thereof are not necessarily indicative of the mineralization of, or located on the Project, or the Companys ability to commercially exploit the Project, or to locate any commercially exploitable deposits therefrom. The Company cautions investors on relying on this information as the Company has not confirmed the accuracy or reliability of the information.

References:

Saskatchewan GeoAtlas,

https://gisappl.saskatchewan.ca/Html5Ext/index.html?viewer=GeoAtlas Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index. SMDI# 1005,

https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/1005 Saskatchewan Mineral Deposits Index. SMDI# 5219,

https://mineraldeposits.saskatchewan.ca/Home/Viewdetails/5219





Qualifying Statement

The scientific and technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Lynde Guillaume, P.Geo., Technical Advisor for Mustang, a registered member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. Ms. Guillaume is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Mustang Energy Corp.:

Mustang is a resource exploration company focused on acquiring and developing high-potential uranium and critical mineral assets. The Company is actively exploring its properties in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada and holds 92,211 hectares in around the Athabasca Basin. Mustangs Ford Lake project covers 7,743 hectares in the prolific eastern Athabasca Basin, while its Cigar Lake East and Roughrider South projects span 3,442 hectares, and the south-east region with the Spur Project (23,680 hectares). Mustang has also established a footprint in the Cluff Lake region of the Athabasca Basin with the Yellowstone Project (21,820 hectares) and further expanded its presence in the south-central region of the Athabasca Basin with the Dutton Project (7,633 hectares). For further information, please contact:

Mustang Energy Corp.

Attention: Nicholas Luksha, CEO and Director

Phone: (604) 838-0184

Forward-Looking Information

Neither the CSE nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as intends, believes or anticipates, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would or occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as forwardlooking statements, are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the future potential of the mineral claims held by the Company, including the Project; the timing for the commencement of the Xcite TDEM survey; and the potential capabilities of the Xcite TDEM survey. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation the assumption that the Company will be able to continue exploring its properties given various environmental and economic factors outside of its control and that the results of the Xcite TDEM survey will provide the anticipated insights. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

An infographic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/022426fb-5dae-4737-8866-33c9c343d97f
NEW ORLEANS, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until July 22, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Organon & Co. (NYSE: OGN), if they purchased the Companys securities between October 31, 2024 and April 30, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Get Help

Organon investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-ogn/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Organon and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On March 10, 2025, pre-market, the Company announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, disclosing, among other things, that management had reset the Companys dividend payout, from $0.28 to $0.02, contradicting its prior statements assuring investors that the regular quarterly dividend was a number one priority and that the Company was committed to its capital allocation strategy through the aforementioned dividend. On this news, the price of Organons shares fell more than 27%, from a closing market price of $12.93 per share on April 30, 2025, to $9.45 per share on May 1, 2025.

The case is Hauser V. Organon & Co., et al., No. 25-cv-05322.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
Reservations available now, commercial production deliveries begin Q1 2027

Proprietary process with reduced environmental impacts

Efficient domestic supply chain needed to support projected growth in energy demand from increased electrification and energy-intensive industries

Critical step toward energy independence being built in Utah



WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nusano, a physics company transforming radioisotope production and enabling next-generation energy solutions, announced today the launch of a High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) production program to support the need for new, sustainable energy solutions and small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) infrastructure in the United States.

Domestic HALEU production is essential to enabling sustainable energy solutions, said Chris Lowe, CEO of Nusano. Through our HALEU program, Nusano is working to stabilize supply chains, significantly drive down the cost of fuel, and enable the deployment of advanced nuclear energy on a scale needed to support advancements in AI, data centers, electrification, and modern logistics.

The Nusano HALEU program is a critical step toward establishing a 100% domestic fuel supply for next-generation energy solutions and firmly positions Utah to lead the nation in advanced fuel production.

The launch also aligns with Utah Governor Coxs broader Operation Gigawatt strategy for energy abundance founded in a secure, stable and independent energy ecosystem, as well as recent federal government directives to build a domestic uranium enrichment supply.

Utah has long played a role in the nations nuclear fuel supply chain, said Emy Lesofski, energy advisor to the governor and director of the Utah Office of Energy Development. As we explore how to meet the energy needs of the future, were focused on energy resources that are reliable and cleanmany of which need HALEU. The next generation of advanced nuclear technologies need fuel and companies like Nusano can fill that need safely and responsibly and we look forward to opportunities to partner with them at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab.

Proprietary System Enables Mass Production

Nusano brings new solutions to HALEU production, making it the first private company in the United States to offer a scalable, commercial solution for nuclear fuel with a focus on HALEU.

The Nusano HALEU program utilizes a proprietary process capable of quick, cost-effective production and scale up. Compared to modern centrifuge facilities, the Nusano solution is more energy efficient, easier to operate, and can produce on demandovercoming the most common issues associated with gas centrifuge machines. Additionally, Nusanos process eliminates the need for uranium hexafluoride, a bottleneck in current nuclear fuel cycles.

These capabilities position Nusano to play a critical role stabilizing the domestic HALEU supply chain while also reducing environmental impacts. A stable, domestic fuel supply will ultimately decrease U.S. dependence on foreign suppliers, increasing our national security and economic stability.

Nusano intends to produce initial commercial samples of HALEU by Q4 2026 and begin large scale production in Q1 2027. A single Nusano system will be capable of producing more than 50 metric tons of HALEU annually  with a small footprint, lower initial capital investment, and lower operating costs than other proposed solutions. Nusano plans to scale its production to approximately 350 metric tons annually by 2029.

Americas Unmet Energy Needs

The United States Department of Energy estimates that by 2035, the country will need 50 metric tons per year of HALEU to support its commercial nuclear power industry, escalating to 500 metric tons per year by 2050. Current solutions are capable of providing less than 1% of that supply, which makes this project essential if America is to regain its energy independence and stabilize its economies.

HALEU is a crucial fuel for small modular reactors (SMRs) and other advanced nuclear reactor designs. Unlike traditional reactors, which use uranium-235 (U-235) enriched to about 3-5%, HALEU is enriched to between 5-19.9% U-235, which allows for greater fuel efficiency, longer operational cycles, and more compact reactor designs. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) oversees the establishment of new uranium facilities and the uranium enrichment process. The U.S. has been safely enriching uranium for decades and this project will continue the countrys successful and responsible production of nuclear fuel.

About Nusano

Nusano is a privately held physics company committed to: bringing supply stability and innovation to the rapidly emerging and critically undersupplied medical radioisotopes market, serving industrial and commercial markets dependent on reliable access to high quality radioisotopes for their products and services, and enabling next-generation energy solutions. Nusanos breakthrough technologies are poised to help supply the fight against cancer and enable innovation across multiple industries. For more, please visit nusano.com.

Contacts:
Press release June 12th, 2025





Clariane completes its plan to strengthen its financial structure with the disposal of its Petits-fils home care services network





Paris, June 12th, 2025  Clariane (CLARI.PA  ISIN FR0010386334), announces today the signing of an agreement for the disposal of its Petits-fils network to Credit Agricole Sante & Territoires for a gross disposal value of 345 million. Subject to the fulfillment of customary conditions precedent, the closing of this transaction is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2025.

The disposal of the Petits-fils network, the terms of which were set following a competitive process, completes, six months ahead of schedule, the implementation of the plan announced by Clariane on 14 November 2023 to strengthen its financial structure. This plan included an asset disposal programme worth a gross amount of 1 billion.

The various operating assets sold under this programme were sold on good terms, with an average EBITDA multiple of c.14x, helping to strengthen the company's balance sheet.

Founded in 2007, Petits-fils is now recognized for the high-quality home services it provides to elderly people, offering independent living, meal assistance, home care, support, and administrative assistance. When it was acquired by Clariane in November 2018, Petits-fils operated a national franchise network of 58 branches. Six years later, in 2024, Petits-fils now has a network of 292 branches serving close to 39,000 people in France. These contributed 56 million to Clariane Group revenue in 2024.

Credit Agricole Sante & Territoires acquisition of Petits-fils will enable Petits-fils to continue its development path by benefiting from Credit Agricole Sante & Territoires strong local presence.

Clariane and Credit Agricole Sante & Territoires are also considering entering into a country-wide service partnership to enable patients and their carers to find the local care solutions best suited to their needs.

Sophie Boissard, Chief Executive Officer of the Clariane Group, said:





In November 2023, in a severely deteriorated financial environment for the sector, Clariane announced the implementation of an ambitious plan to strengthen its financial structure for a total of 1.5 billion. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of our teams and the full support of our shareholders, this plan has been successfully executed a year and a half later. This plan, along with the amendment and extension of our syndicated loan announced in February 2025, has significantly strengthened Clariane's financial position and restored a more normalized access to financing.

Building on these achievements and driven by the momentum of our "At Your Side" corporate project and the "Better Support" program, we approach the coming months with determination and confidence.





Disclaimer



This document contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those included or incorporated by reference, concerning the Groups future growth and profitability that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties relate to factors that the Company cannot control or estimate precisely, such as future market conditions. The forward-looking statements made in this document constitute expectations for the future and should be regarded as such. Actual events or results may differ from those described in this document due to a number of risks and uncertainties described in Chapter 2 of the 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on 1 April 2025 under registration number D.25-0209, available on the Companys website ( www.clariane.com ) and that of the AMF (www.amf-france.org). All forward-looking statements included in this document are valid only as of the date of this press release. Clariane S.E. undertakes no obligation and assumes no responsibility to update the information contained herein beyond the requirements of applicable regulations.











Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Neither Clariane nor any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or advisors accepts any responsibility for the reasonableness of any assumptions or opinions expressed or for the likelihood of any projections, prospects or performance being achieved. Any liability for such information is expressly excluded. Nothing in this document is, or should be construed as a promise or representation regarding the future. Furthermore, nothing contained in this document is intended to be or should be construed as a forecast of results. Clarianes past performance should not be taken as a guide to future performance.







The main Alternative Performance Indicators (APIs), such as EBITDA, EBIT, net debt and financial leverage, are defined in the Universal Registration Document available on the Companys website at www.clariane.com.



About Clariane



Clariane is the leading European community of care in times of vulnerability. It has operations in six countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain.

Relying on their diverse expertise, each year, the Groups 63,000 professionals provide services to nearly 900,000 patients and residents in three main areas of activity: care homes (Korian, Seniors Residencias, etc.), healthcare facilities and services (Inicea, Ita, Grupo 5, etc.), and alternative living solutions (Petits-fils, Ages & Vie, etc.).

In June 2023, Clariane became a purpose-driven company and added to its bylaws a new corporate purpose, common to all its activities: taking care of each persons humanity in times of vulnerability.



Clariane has been listed on Euronext Paris, Section B since November 2006. The Group joined the SBF 120 index and the CAC SBT 1.5 index on 23 September 2024.



Euronext ticker: CLARI.PA - ISIN: FR0010386334.























Stephane Bisseuil Benoit Lesieur



Head of Investor Relations Deputy Head of Investor Relations  ESG

+33 6 58 60 68 69 +33 6 64 80 15 90

stephane.bisseuil@clariane.com benoit.lesieur@clariane.com











Julie Mary Florian Bachelet



Press officer Press officer



+33 6 59 72 50 69 +33 6 79 86 78 23

julie.mary@clariane.com florian.bachelet@clariane.com





Attachment
Press release

Paris, 12 June 2025

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Orange intends to issue a new series of Euro-denominated hybrid notes and to launch a tender offer on some of its outstanding hybrid notes

Orange S.A. (the Company) is today announcing its intention to issue Euro denominated undated deeply subordinated fixed to reset rate notes with a first call date as of 24 June 2032 (the New Notes).

The pricing of the New Notes is expected to be announced later today. The New Notes are intended to be admitted to trading on Euronext Paris. It is also expected that the rating agencies will assign the New Notes a rating of BBB-/Baa3/BBB- (S&P / Moody's / Fitch) and an equity content of 50%.

The Company is also launching a tender offer (the Tender Offer) to repurchase:

its 1.25 billion Undated 12 Year Non-Call Deeply Subordinated Fixed to Reset Rate Notes with first reset date on 1 st October 2026 and admitted to trading on Euronext Paris (ISIN XS1115498260) (of which 1.1 billion is currently outstanding) (the NC 2026 Existing Notes ); and

October 2026 and admitted to trading on Euronext Paris (ISIN XS1115498260) (of which 1.1 billion is currently outstanding) (the ); and its 500 million Undated 7.5 Year Non-Call Deeply Subordinated Fixed to Reset Rate Notes with first reset date on 19th March 2027 and admitted to trading on Euronext Paris (ISIN FR0013447877) (of which 500 million is currently outstanding) (the NC 2027 Existing Notes and, together with the NC 2026 Existing Notes, the Existing Notes),

up to a maximum acceptance amount which is expected to be equal to the amount of the New Notes which will be announced by the Company following the pricing of the New Notes.

The purpose of the Tender Offer and the planned issuance of New Notes is, amongst other things, to proactively manage the Company's hybrid portfolio. The Tender Offer also provides qualifying holders with the opportunity to sell their Existing Notes ahead of their respective upcoming first reset date and to apply for priority in the allocation of the New Notes.

The Tender Offer will expire at 4:00 pm, Paris time, on 19 June 2025 and the results will be announced on 20 June 2025 (subject to change as a result of any extension, withdrawal, termination, re-opening or amendment of the Tender Offer).

Disclaimer

This announcement does not constitute an invitation to participate in the Tender Offer or the issuance of New Notes in or from any jurisdiction in or from which, or to or from any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such invitation under applicable securities laws. The distribution of this announcement in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes are required to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions.

Tenders of Notes for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will not be accepted from qualifying holders in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The Company does not make any recommendation as to whether or not qualifying holders should participate in the Tender Offer.

Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under, or an exemption from the registration requirements of, the Securities Act. The New Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, any U.S. Person.

United States

This Tender Offer is not being made and will not be made directly or indirectly in or into, or by use of the mails of, or by any means or instrumentality (including, without limitation, facsimile transmission, telex, telephone, email and other forms of electronic transmission) of interstate or foreign commerce of, or any facility of a national securities exchange of, the United States or to U.S. Persons as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act) (each a U.S. Person) and the Notes may not be tendered in the Tender Offer by any such use, means, instrumentality or facility from or within the United States, by persons located or resident in the United States of America (U.S. holders within the meaning of Rule 800(h) under the Securities Act). Accordingly, any documents or materials related to this Tender Offer are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly, mailed or otherwise transmitted, distributed or forwarded (including, without limitation, by custodians, nominees or trustees) in or into the United States or to any such person. Any purported tender instruction in response to this Tender Offer resulting directly or indirectly from a violation of these restrictions will be invalid, and tender instructions made by a person located or resident in the United States of America or any agent, fiduciary or other intermediary acting on a non-discretionary basis for a principal giving instructions from within the United States will not be accepted.

For the purposes of the above paragraphs, United States means the United States of America, its territories and possessions (including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana Islands), any state of the United States of America and the District of Columbia.

About Orange

Orange is one of the worlds leading telecommunications operators with revenues of 40.3 billion euros in 2024 and 125,800 employees worldwide at 31 March 2025, including 69,700 employees in France. The Group has a total customer base of

294 million customers worldwide at 31 March 2025, including 256 million mobile customers and 22 million fixed broadband customers. These figures account for the deconsolidation of certain activities in Spain following the creation of MASORANGE. The Group is present in 26 countries (including non-consolidated countries).

Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies under the brand Orange Business. In February 2023, the Group presented its strategic plan "Lead the Future", built on a new business model and guided by responsibility and efficiency. "Lead the Future" capitalizes on network excellence to reinforce Orange's leadership in service quality.

Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (symbol ORA).

For more information on the internet and on your mobile: www.orange.com, www.orange-business.com and the Orange News app or to follow us on X: @orangegrouppr.

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trademarks of Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.

Press Contacts:

Tom Wright: tom.wright@orange.com

WARNING: NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe, nor a solicitation of purchase or subscription orders for securities, particularly in the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, or the United Kingdom. The distribution of this document may also be subject to specific regulations in certain other countries. No offer to sell or solicitation of purchase or subscription of securities shall be made in any country or territory where such an offer or solicitation would be contrary to applicable regulations or prior to its registration or qualification under the securities laws of that country or territory. In particular, securities may not be offered or transferred in the United States without registration or an exemption from registration in accordance with the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (as amended).

Attachment




VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MEXC , a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has unveiled a groundbreaking $100 million Guardian Fund to enhance user safety and trust across its platform. This fund is designed to provide a strong safeguard for users facing severe security threats, such as large-scale exploits, targeted attacks, or unforeseen system vulnerabilities. In a move toward greater accountability, MEXC has made the fund fully transparent by disclosing wallet addresses publiclysetting a new industry standard for proactive risk management and user protection.

Complete Transparency And User Access

MEXC's $100 million Guardian Fund is built on a foundation of complete transparency. All fund wallet addresses (including holding USDT wallet address here), will be publicly displayed on MEXC's website, allowing anyone to verify balances and monitor transactions through the blockchain. Users can see exactly how much is available, review the full transaction history, and independently verify the fund's integrityensuring confidence through verifiable data.

MEXC will create a special webpage where users can view wallet addresses, check fund balances, understand coverage scenarios, and track active compensation cases. This central hub provides complete visibility into how the fund works and what's covered. By combining transparent fund management with a user-friendly interface, MEXC empowers its community with the tools and visibility needed to stay informed and protected.

What's Covered

The fund covers various security incident scenarios such as:

Platform Breaches: Compensation when MEXC's systems are compromised

Technical Problems: Protection from losses due to serious system vulnerabilities

Flexible and Responsive Protection

Unlike traditional third-party insurance, which often involves lengthy claims processes and delays, MEXCs $100 million Guardian Fund offers a more agile and transparent approach. The fund is readily available and can be deployed swiftly once a security incident is verifiedensuring users receive timely support without the red tape.

Security and User First

In light of recent high-profile hacks across the industry, the importance of security can't be overstated," said Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC. "At MEXC, we take security seriouslyand we take action. The $100 million Guardian Fund is our way of leading by example. Were not only strengthening our internal defenses, but also offering real, transparent protection for our users. This isn't just about promisesit's about accountability, and delivering visible safeguards when they matter most

The launch of the Guardian Fund underscores MEXC's ongoing commitment to providing industry-leading security alongside its services. In addition to this new fund, MEXC also maintains a Proof of Reserves mechanism and a dedicated Insurance Fund Account for futures trading. The Proof of Reserves ensures that all user assets are 100% backed, while the Insurance Fund Account is designed to cover any shortfalls when users losses during liquidation exceed their available margin. Together, these measures highlight MEXCs strong focus on asset security and risk mitigation. Combined with the $100 million Guardian Fund, MEXC offers traders comprehensive protection against extreme market volatility.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being "Your Easiest Way to Crypto." Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

MEXC Official Website  X  Telegram  How to Sign Up on MEXC

Source

Contact:

Lucia Hu

lucia.hu@mexc.com

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. GlobeNewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b377e778-4ea6-4774-870d-143a2af9c15a
Press Release

Nokia and Elisa modernize network for Advanced 5G era

Nokia to supply Advanced 5G (5.5G) ready solutions from its industry-leading AirScale portfolio supporting AI applications.

Continued partnership will see Elisa and Nokia deploy cloud-native Voice Core solution to drive deployment of new 5G Advanced services and improve operational efficiencies.

Elisa to deploy Nokia data center fabric network automation solution for faster time to market and better service availability.

12 June 2025

Espoo, Finland  Nokia today announced that it has been awarded a new four-year contract extension by its long-standing partner, Elisa to significantly enhance the capacity, coverage and speed of Elisas network. The comprehensive deal, which will cover both Estonia and Finland, will prepare Elisas network for the Advanced 5G era supporting ultra-fast speeds and low latency at near-instantaneous levels, crucial for applications such as AI, virtual reality, augmented reality, and industrial automation.

Nokias industry-leading, energy-efficient AirScale Radio Access Network (RAN) portfolio will support Elisas pioneering efforts to deliver premium 5G services to its customers. Nokia will supply its latest generation of Advanced 5G-ready Habrok 32 Massive MIMO radios and its Pandion portfolio of FDD multi-band remote radio heads for comprehensive coverage across multiple deployment scenarios. Nokia will also supply its high-capacity compact Tuuli 26e and ultra-performance Ponente, Lodos and Levante AirScale baseband solutions. Nokias portfolio is powered by its energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology for maximum performance, efficiency, and reliability. Elisa will also benefit from Nokias network management solution MantaRay NM. The deal also includes network optimization maintenance, and support services.

Nokia will also introduce its new AirScale Dual Boost base station technology designed to help CSPs maximise the potential of their base station assets. It utilizes Nokias advanced AirScale base station portfolio, baseband and radio hardware and software to enhance Nokias massive MIMO capabilities further by providing a significant leap in both uplink and downlink processing. This supports Elisas base station hardware and software assets more efficiently.

Nokias cloud-native Voice Core solution, Cloud Native Communication Suite (CNCS), will drive the deployment of new 5G services and improve operational efficiencies, including lower energy demand and hardware requirements.

CNCS streamlines network operations by bringing together multiple IMS voice 3GPP functionalities into a single cloud-native network function. CNCS generally improves energy efficiency by about 10 percent to 20 percent, relative to a standard IMS Voice Core, according to Nokia data.

Nokia will also provide Elisa with its modern, highly reliable data center fabric solution including SR Linux-based data center switches and the Nokia Event-Driven Automation (EDA) platform. Interconnection between telco cloud locations will be provided by Nokias 7750 Service Router-based data center gateways.

Other Nokia Core solutions Elisa will utilize include Subscriber Data Management, for centralizing user data into a single Unified Data Repository that hosts applications; Cloud Signaling Director, for ensuring security and confidentiality between networks including while roaming; and Nokia Cloud Platform, for streamlining network activities, enhancing automation, and minimizing manual intervention.

As a pioneer in 5G, we are investing in new 5.5G features that enhance AI usage in phones, computers, and businesses. The world's first customers are already using 5.5G in Elisas network, and together with Nokia, we are expanding access to this technology. We are developing our network to meet the changing customer needs and creating a strong foundation for new innovations," said Sami Komulainen, Chief Operating Officer, Elisa.

This important contract extension with our long-standing partner, Elisa will take their 5G network to the next level delivering ultra-fast speeds and low-latency with our latest Advanced 5G capable AirScale portfolio. Elisas pioneering efforts are a benchmark in the delivery of 5G services. The Advanced 5G era will drive innovation in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and energy, creating new jobs and economic opportunities," said Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks, Nokia.

Multimedia, technical information, and related news

Solutions Brief: Capture new opportunities with Advanced 5G

Product Page: AirScale Radio Access

Product Page: AirScale Massive MIMO radios

Product Page: Nokia AirScale Baseband

Product Page: MantaRay SON

Product Page: Nokia Event Driven Automation

Product Page: Nokia Data Center Fabric

Product Page: Cloud Native Communications Suite

Webpage: Advanced 5G

Webpage: Nokia Core Networks

Webpage: Nokia Data Center Networks

About Nokia

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today  and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

Media inquiries

Nokia Press Office

Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

Follow us on social media

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Dublin, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Single Cell Genomics Markets: Forecasts by Analyte, Product, Workflow, User, Application and Country with Executive and Consultant Guides" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The market for SCG is experiencing a notable surge as it opens new doors in understanding the genomics of individual cells. This leap forward in biotechnology not only inspires fresh discoveries but also enhances our approach to personalized medicine and precision healthcare. Key stakeholders in the healthcare and biotechnology industries should take note of the opportunities SCG presents, from improving patient outcomes to developing innovative therapeutic strategies.

This report is designed to equip management teams with insights into the pivotal developments in SCG, including technological advancements and the accompanying strategic opportunities. As the SCG technology outpaces current market expectations, it's crucial for business leaders to stay informed about the potential opportunities and pitfalls that accompany this rapid evolution. The report sheds light on growth expectations, possible market size, and the interplay between genomics, immunology, and SCG, aiding readers in making informed strategic decisions.

Single Cell Genomics (SCG) is revolutionizing the scientific research and development landscape, offering transformative insights across healthcare and biotechnology sectors. This digital press release outlines the findings of a comprehensive new report exploring whether SCG could potentially replace traditional genomics. The implications of SCG are vast, with applications extending from identifying novel life forms to uncovering new diseases and pioneering cures. As the technology continues to evolve, its footprint in clinical applications is expanding, driving substantial market growth.

As SCG continues to transition from laboratory research to practical clinical applications, understanding its potential impact on the market becomes increasingly important. This press release invites stakeholders to delve into the report for a thorough analysis of the technological trajectory, market dynamics, and future prospects of SCG. By doing so, they can harness the technology's potential, ensure competitive edge, and contribute to the broader goal of advancing human health.

Key Topics Covered:

1 Market Guides

1.1 Situation Analysis

1.2 Guide for Executives and Marketing Staff

1.3 Guide for Investment Analysts and Management Consultants

2 Introduction and Market Definition

2.1 What is Single Cell Genomics?

2.2 SCG - Still Early Days

2.3 Market Definition

2.4 Methodology

2.5 Sizing the Genome - Not What You Think

3 Single Cell Genomics - Guide to Technology

3.1 Isolating Single Cells

3.1.1 FACS

3.1.2 LCM

3.1.3 Micromanipulators

3.1.4 Microfluidics

3.2 Amplification

3.2.1 WTA - Whole Transcriptome Amplification

3.2.2 WGA - Whole Genome Amplification

3.3 PCR

3.4 NGS

3.5 Microarray

3.6 Digital Spatial Profiling (DSP) Technology

4 Industry Overview

4.1 Academic Research Lab

4.2 Diagnostic Test Developer

4.3 Instrumentation Supplier

4.4 Chemical/Reagent Supplier

4.5 Pathology Supplier

4.6 Independent Clinical Laboratory

4.7 Public National/regional Laboratory

4.8 Hospital Laboratory

4.9 Physicians Office Lab (POLS)

4.10 Audit Body

4.11 Certification Body

5 Market Trends

5.1 Factors Driving Growth

5.1.1 Immuno-oncology

5.1.2 Research Range

5.1.3 Technology Maturity & Convergence

5.1.4 Declining Costs

5.2 Factors Limiting Growth

5.2.1 Competition

5.2.2 Instrument Integration

5.2.3 Technology Shift

5.2.4 Technology Limitations

5.3 Technology Development

5.3.1 Spatial Profiling

5.3.2 Integration

5.3.3 Big Data

5.3.4 Kits and Commodities

5.4 Instrumentation, Automation and Diagnostic Trends

5.4.1 Traditional Automation and Centralization

5.4.2 The New Automation, Decentralization and Point Of Care

5.4.3 Instruments Key to Market Share

5.4.4 Bioinformatics Plays a Role

5.4.5 PCR Takes Command

5.4.6 Next Generation Sequencing Fuels a Revolution

5.4.7 NGS Impact on Pricing

5.4.8 Whole Genome Sequencing, A Brave New World

5.4.9 Companion Diagnostics Blurs Diagnosis and Treatment

5.4.10 Shifting Role of Diagnostics

6 Single Cell Genomics Recent Developments

6.1 Recent Developments - Importance and How to Use This Section

6.1.1 Importance of These Developments

6.1.2 How to Use This Section

6.2 Scale Biosciences announces ScalePlex to simplify single cell genomics

6.3 10x Genomics Launches 5,000-Plex Gene Panel for Xenium

6.4 NIH researchers develop AI drug matching tool

6.5 Curio Bioscience to Transform Single-Cell Sequencing Data into Spatial Context .. 153

6.6 Factorial Biotechnologies Unveils Mosaic

6.7 Deepcell and NVIDIA collaborate to advance AI in single cell research

6.8 OWKIN Integrates 10x Genomics Spatial Omics and Single-Cell Technologies

6.9 Beckman Coulter and 10x Genomics partner

6.10 MGI and Xpress Genomics to Advance Single-cell RNA-Sequencing

6.11 Single-Cell Sequencing Reveals Traits in Cereal Crops

6.12 Single-cell Genomics meets Human Genetics

6.13 Singular Genomics Launches Kits for Single Cell Sequencing

6.14 Scale Biosciences Introduces Disruptive Single-Cell Profiling Solutions

6.15 Singleron showcases latest single cell sequencing technology

6.16 Oxford Nanopore to Make Single-cell Sequencing Accessible to Any Laboratory . 168

6.17 Single-Cell RNA-seq Method Enables Profiling Live Cells

6.18 Novogene Launches New Single-Cell Lab

6.19 New DNA Atlas Provides Clues for Heart Disease Risk

6.20 BioSkryb Genomics Launches ResolveOME

6.21 Parse Biosciences Expands Single-Cell Product Line

6.22 Massively Multiplexed Single-Cell In Situ Spatial Genomics Now in U.S. Market

6.23 Pfizer Centralizes Single Cell Data on Seven Bridges System

6.24 Consortium to Standardize Single-Cell Sequencing

6.25 Scienion, Cellenion Enter Licensing Deal

6.26 Immunai Acquires Swiss Bioinformatics Firm Nebion

6.27 Startup MiCareo Targets Rare Cell Isolation Market

6.28 Parse Biosciences Lowers Cost Barriers to Single-Cell Transcriptomics

6.29 Deepcell Advancing Tech for Single-Cell Genomics

6.30 10x Genomics Outlines 2021 Growth Plans

6.31 Single-Cell Genomics Firm Analytical Biosciences Inks Deal with BioMap

6.32 IsoPlexis Features Cheaper, More Flexible Single-Cell Proteomic Systems

6.33 DNTR-Seq Combines WGS, Transcriptomics in Single Cells

6.34 BitBiome Builds Single-Cell Bacterial Sequencing Business

6.35 S2 Genomics Signs Distribution Agreements for Asia-Pacific

6.36 Single-Cell COVID-19 Study Investigates Immune Hyperactivation

6.37 Levitas Bio to Launch Magnetic Levitation Cell Separation Platform

6.38 Single-Cell and Spatial Genomics

6.39 Single-Cell Genomics

6.40 Namocell, Takara Bio, HepaTx Partner on Single-Cell Genomics

6.41 Vizgen Launches With $14M Series A Financing

6.42 SeqWell Raises $9M in Series B Round

7 Profiles of Key Single Cell Genomics Companies

7.1 10x Genomics, Inc.

7.2 Admera Health, LLC

7.3 Agilent

7.4 Beckman Coulter Diagnostics (Danaher)

7.5 Becton, Dickinson and Company

7.6 Berkley Lights

7.7 BGI Genomics Co. Ltd

7.8 BioGenex

7.9 Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc

7.10 BioSkryb Genomics

7.11 Bitbiome

7.12 Bruker

7.13 Cell Microsystems

7.14 Cellenion (BICO)

7.15 CellSorter

7.16 Cytek Biosciences

7.17 Cytena

7.18 Deepcell

7.19 Dolomite Bio (Unchained Labs)

7.20 Element Biosciences

7.21 Epic Sciences

7.22 Fluent Biosciences

7.23 Fluxion Biosciences (Cell Microsystems)

7.24 Honeycomb Biotechnologies

7.25 Illumina

7.26 Incell Dx

7.27 Leica Biosystems

7.28 Menarini Silicon Biosystems

7.29 MGI

7.30 Miltenyi Biotec

7.31 Mission Bio

7.32 Myllia Biotechnology

7.33 Namocell

7.34 NanoCellect Biotechnology

7.35 Nanostring

7.36 New England Biolabs, Inc.

7.37 Novogene

7.38 Oxford Nanopore Technologies

7.39 Pacific Biosciences

7.40 Parse Biosciences

7.41 Partek

7.42 Qiagen

7.43 Revvity

7.44 Roche Diagnostics

7.45 S2 Genomics

7.46 Scale Biosciences

7.47 Singleron Biotechnologies

7.48 Singular Genomics

7.49 Singulomics

7.50 Sony Biotechnology

7.51 Standard BioTools

7.52 Stemcell Technologies

7.53 Takara Bio

7.54 Thermo Fisher Scientific

7.55 Ultima Genomics

7.56 Vizgen

7.57 Watchmaker Genomics

8 Single Cell Genomics Global Market Size

8.1 Global Market Overview by Country

8.2 Global Market Size by Analyte - Overview

8.3 Global Market by Product - Overview

8.4 Global Market by Workflow - Overview

8.5 Global Market by End User - Overview

8.6 Global Market by Application - Overview

9 Global Market by Analyte

9.1 DNA Market

9.2 RNA Market

9.3 Epigenetic Market

9.4 Proteomic Market

9.5 Multiomics Market

10 Single Cell Genomics Market by Product

10.1 Instrument Market

10.2 Reagent Market

10.3 Software & Other Market

11 Single Cell Genomics Market by Workflow

11.1 Cell Isolation Market

11.2 Sample Preparation Market

11.3 Genomic Analysis Market

12 Single Cell Genomics Market by End User

12.1 Research Market

12.2 BioPharma Market

12.3 Clinical Market

13 Global Market by Application

13.1 Oncology Market

13.2 Immunology Market

13.3 Microbiology Market

13.4 Cell Market

13.5 Stem Cell Market

13.6 Neurology Market

14 Appendices

14.1 FDA Cancer Drug Approvals by Year

14.2 Clinical Trials Started Historical

14.3 Prevalence of Cancer Treatments

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tmwrds

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Dublin, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Industrial Robotics Market Industry Trends and Global Forecasts to 2035: Distribution by Type of Robot, Type of Traditional Industrial Robot, by Payload, by Mobility, by Application Area, by End-User, by Geography and Key Players" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global industrial robotics market size is estimated to grow from USD 17.6 billion in 2025, to USD 39 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 7.49% during the forecast period to 2035.

Industrial Robotics Market: Growth and Trends

The fourth industrial revolution is transforming manufacturing processes within various organizations by incorporating robotics and interconnected devices. Over the years, there has been a growing global need for consumer electronics and automobiles.

As a result, manufacturers are continuously employing industrial robots to automate several manufacturing processes that require consistent replicability. Industrial robots are robust machines specifically designed to expedite numerous manufacturing tasks through automation. These machines come with at least one robotic arm intended to carry out hazardous or repetitive duties in factories. Industrial robots offer the versatility to function under a wide range of challenging conditions, such as high-pressure vacuum environments and radiation zones, minimizing direct human involvement. Additionally, specialized grippers can be attached to the robotic arms, allowing them to manage delicate tasks and lift weights of several tons.

It is noteworthy that there are currently more than three million industrial robots in operation worldwide. These robots can achieve a higher efficiency rate than human workers. The International Trade Administration (ITA) reports that companies that use automated labor have seen productivity improvements exceeding five percent.

Consumers are showing a preference for more adaptable industrial robots capable of handling a diverse array of payloads. For example, KUKA industrial robots can lift weights up to 500 kilograms, with an arm extension exceeding 2,500 millimeters.

Industrial Robotics Market: Key Segments

Market Share by Type of Robot

Based on the type of robot, the global industrial robotics market is segmented into traditional industrial robots and collaborative robots. Currently, conventional industrial robots captures the majority share of the market. However, collaborative robots is anticipated to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period.

Market Share by Payload

Based on the payload, the industrial robotics market is segmented into low payloads (<20 Kgs), medium payloads (20 to 150 Kgs) and high payloads (>150 Kgs). Currently, industrial robots designed for low payloads (<20 Kgs) captures the majority share of the market. This is due to their widespread utilization in the packaging processes within the medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics sectors.

Market Share by Mobility

Based on the mobility, the industrial robotics market is segmented into stationary robots and mobile robots. Currently, mobile industrial robots segment captures the majority share of the market. This is largely due to their widespread application in autonomous operations across multiple sectors, particularly in manufacturing and logistics.

Market Share by Application Area

Based on application area, the industrial robotics market is segmented into handling, welding, assembling, cleanroom, dispensing, processing and other application areas. Currently, robots utilized for handling tasks, captures the majority share of the market. Notably, since 2019, the total number of industrial robots deployed globally for handling functions has increased at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14%.

Market Share by End-User

Based on end user, the industrial robotics market is segmented into electronics industry, automotive industry, metal and machinery industry, plastics industry, food and beverages industry and other industries. Currently, electronics industry captures the majority share of the market. However, automotive sector has experienced a rise in the number of robots installed globally since 2019, leading this segment to be expected to grow at a comparatively higher CAGR during the forecast period.

Market Share by Geography

Based on geography, the industrial robotics market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Middle East and North Africa, and Rest of the World. Currently, Asia-Pacific captures the majority share of the market. However, market in Middle East and Africa is anticipated to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period.

Key Players in the Industrial Robotics Market include:

ABB

Daihen

FANUC

Kawasaki Heavy Industries

KUKA

Mitsubishi Electric

Nachi-Fujikoshi

Yamaha Motor

Comau

Denso

Epson America

Omron

Siasun

Staubli

Yaskawa

Hirata

Nordson

Industrial Robotics Market: Research Coverage

The report on the industrial robotics market features insights on various sections, including:

Market Sizing and Opportunity Analysis: An in-depth analysis of the industrial robotics market, focusing on key market segments, including type of robot, type of traditional industrial robot, payload, mobility, application area, end-user, and geography.

An in-depth analysis of the industrial robotics market, focusing on key market segments, including type of robot, type of traditional industrial robot, payload, mobility, application area, end-user, and geography. Competitive Landscape: A comprehensive analysis of the companies engaged in the industrial robotics market, based on several relevant parameters, such as year of establishment, company size, location of headquarters, number of robots offered, type of robot, number of axes, arm outreach, protection class, application area and end-user.

A comprehensive analysis of the companies engaged in the industrial robotics market, based on several relevant parameters, such as year of establishment, company size, location of headquarters, number of robots offered, type of robot, number of axes, arm outreach, protection class, application area and end-user. Company Profiles: Elaborate profiles of prominent players engaged in the industrial robotics market, providing details on location of headquarters, company size, company mission, company footprint, management team, contact details, financial information, operating business segments, industrial robotics portfolio, moat analysis, recent developments, and an informed future outlook.

Elaborate profiles of prominent players engaged in the industrial robotics market, providing details on location of headquarters, company size, company mission, company footprint, management team, contact details, financial information, operating business segments, industrial robotics portfolio, moat analysis, recent developments, and an informed future outlook. Patent Analysis: An insightful analysis of patents filed / granted in the industrial robotics domain, based on relevant parameters, including type of patent, patent publication year, patent age and leading players.

An insightful analysis of patents filed / granted in the industrial robotics domain, based on relevant parameters, including type of patent, patent publication year, patent age and leading players. Porter's Five Forces Analysis: An analysis of five competitive forces prevailing in the industrial robotics market, including threats of new entrants, bargaining power of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threats of substitute products and rivalry among existing competitors.

Key Questions Answered in this Report

How many companies are currently engaged in industrial robotics market?

Which are the leading companies in this market?

What factors are likely to influence the evolution of this market?

What is the current and future market size?

What is the CAGR of this market?

How is the current and future market opportunity likely to be distributed across key market segments?

Reasons to Buy this Report

The report provides a comprehensive market analysis, offering detailed revenue projections of the overall market and its specific sub-segments. This information is valuable to both established market leaders and emerging entrants.

Stakeholders can leverage the report to gain a deeper understanding of the competitive dynamics within the market. By analyzing the competitive landscape, businesses can make informed decisions to optimize their market positioning and develop effective go-to-market strategies.

The report offers stakeholders a comprehensive overview of the market, including key drivers, barriers, opportunities, and challenges. This information empowers stakeholders to stay abreast of market trends and make data-driven decisions to capitalize on growth prospects.

Additional Benefits

Complimentary Excel Data Packs for all Analytical Modules in the Report

10% Free Content Customization

Detailed Report Walkthrough Session with Research Team

Market Segmentation:

Type of Robot

Traditional Industrial Robots

Collaborative Robots

Type of Traditional Industrial Robot

Articulated Robots

Cartesian Robots

SCARA Robots

Delta Robots

Other Robots

Payload

Low Payloads (<20 Kgs)

Medium Payloads (20 to 150 Kgs)

High Payloads (>150 Kgs)

Mobility

Stationary Robots

Mobile Robots

Application Area

Handling

Welding

Assembling

Cleanroom

Dispensing

Processing

Other Application Areas

End-User

Electronics Industry

Automotive Industry

Metal and Machinery Industry

Plastics Industry

Food and Beverages Industry

Other Industries

Geographical Regions

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa and Rest of the World

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/6v3tjt

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Architecture Market 2025-2035: Strategic Insights for OEMs, Tier-1s, and Tech Giants" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The SDV architecture market is expected to undergo significant consolidation over the next five years as standardization efforts mature. By 2028, analysts predict the emergence of 3-5 dominant software platforms, similar to the smartphone operating system market's evolution. Regional variations in adoption will persist, with premium segments reaching near-complete SDV penetration by 2027, while mass-market segments will follow 2-3 years later.

The automotive industry is experiencing a profound transformation as vehicles evolve from hardware-defined to software-defined systems. This paradigm shift is redefining vehicle architecture, development processes, and business models across the entire automotive value chain. Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) represent not merely an incremental evolution but a fundamental reimagining of what constitutes a vehicle in the 21st century. With software increasingly determining vehicle functionality, performance, and user experience, the traditional automotive value chain is being disrupted while opening new opportunities for innovation and value creation.

North America currently leads with approximately 34% market share, followed closely by Europe (31%) and Asia Pacific (29%), with the rest of the world accounting for the remaining 6%.

Key Architectural Trends Reshaping the Automotive Industry



From Distributed to Centralized Computing

Traditional vehicle electronic architecture featuring 80-100 distributed ECUs is rapidly giving way to centralized high-performance computing platforms. This consolidation is driving significant reductions in system complexity while enabling more sophisticated software capabilities. Volkswagen Group's CARIAD division exemplifies this trend with its investment of 5.6 billion in developing the E 2.0 architecture, which consolidates previously distributed functions into three high-performance computers.

Zone-Based Architecture Adoption

Zone controllers are emerging as the preferred architectural approach, replacing the older domain-controller model. This architecture organizes vehicle functions by physical zones rather than functional domains, significantly reducing wiring complexity and weight. Mercedes-Benz's MB.OS architecture, backed by a 1.3 billion investment announced in late 2023, has embraced this zone-based approach, reducing wiring harness complexity by an estimated 30% while improving update capability.

Service-Oriented Architecture Implementation

The automotive industry is increasingly adopting service-oriented architecture (SOA) principles, decoupling software services from hardware through standardized APIs. This approach enables greater flexibility and facilitates faster feature development and deployment. General Motors' Ultifi platform represents a major investment in this direction, with the company allocating approximately $2.3 billion specifically for software-defined architecture development in its 2023-2024 technology budget.

Standardization Efforts Gaining Momentum

Industry consortia are working toward standardization of key interfaces and protocols. AUTOSAR Adaptive platform adoption is accelerating, with membership growing 22% in the past year alone. Simultaneously, the Eclipse Software Defined Vehicle working group has attracted over 50 members, including major OEMs, suppliers, and technology companies working to establish open standards for SDV development.

Market Accelerators Driving Rapid Adoption

Consumer Demand for Software Experiences- Vehicle buyers increasingly prioritize software capabilities, connectivity, and updatability in purchasing decisions. This factor has increased 25% among consumers in last 3 years forcing traditional automakers to accelerate their software transformation efforts.

Electrification Synergies- The EV transition is catalyzing SDV adoption, with approximately 68% of new EV platforms featuring highly centralized computing architectures compared to just 29% of new ICE platforms.

Competitive Pressure from New Entrants- Tesla's ability to enhance vehicle capabilities through over-the-air updates has created consumer expectations that traditional OEMs must now meet. NIO's investment of over $900 million in its NT2.0 software-defined platform in 2023 demonstrates how aggressively these companies are pursuing software leadership

Revenue Diversification Opportunities-Industry forecasts suggest that software and services could contribute up to 27% of automotive industry profits by 2030, compared to less than 5% today. BMW's recent expansion of its feature-on-demand offerings across 7 major markets demonstrates growing momentum behind this business model transformation.

Competitive Landscape Analysis



Traditional OEMs: Transformation Leaders and Followers

Among traditional automakers, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen Group have established themselves as transformation leaders with their MB.OS and CARIAD initiatives respectively. Mercedes-Benz plans to have MB.OS in production vehicles by 2025, representing a total investment exceeding 2 billion. Meanwhile, other major OEMs like Toyota, General Motors, and Stellantis are accelerating their initiatives to avoid falling behind, with Stellantis recently announcing a 4.5 billion multi-year investment in its STLA Brain architecture.

Tech Giants Establishing Strong Positions

Technology companies have secured significant positions in the SDV ecosystem. Nvidia's DRIVE platform has become the computing foundation for numerous OEMs, with the company reporting automotive segment revenue growth of 78% in Q2 2024 compared to the prior year. Qualcomm's Digital Chassis platform has secured design wins with 20 major automakers, representing a potential $9 billion pipeline according to company reports. Google's Android Automotive OS has been adopted by 13 major automotive groups representing 20 brands as of mid-2024.

Tier-1 Suppliers Reinventing Themselves

Traditional automotive suppliers are rapidly transforming their businesses to remain relevant in the SDV era. Bosch has invested approximately 4 billion in software development capabilities, including the acquisition of Five AI and the expansion of its Cross-Domain Computing Solutions division to 18,000 employees. Continental has similarly invested 3.1 billion in its software capabilities, focusing on middleware and integration services between hardware and high-level applications.

Emerging Specialists Gaining Traction

Specialized SDV technology providers are securing important positions in the ecosystem. Companies like Apex.AI (which raised $75 million in Series B funding in late 2023), Sonatus (which secured $35 million in Series B funding), and Eatron Technologies are establishing niches in vehicle operating systems, vehicle data management, and battery management software respectively.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The software-defined vehicle architecture market represents both the greatest challenge and opportunity the automotive industry has faced in a century. Success requires not merely technological transformation but fundamental reimagining of product development processes, organizational structures, and business models. Those companies that can successfully navigate this transition will define the next era of mobility, while those that cannot risk obsolescence in an increasingly digital automotive landscape.

The coming 24-36 months will be particularly critical as architectural approaches mature and early market positions solidify. For industry stakeholders, the imperative is clear: aggressive investment in software capabilities, strategic partnerships to fill capability gaps, and organizational transformation to enable software-first development are no longer optional but essential for survival and success in the automotive industry's software-defined future.

Key Questions Answered

What SDV (Software-defined Vehicle) technology will disrupt the market by 2035, and how should companies prepare?

What strategies help Tier-1 suppliers compete with tech giants like NVIDIA and Qualcomm?

How can automakers monetize OTA updates without triggering subscription fatigue?

What are the most urgent cybersecurity risks in SDVs, and how to mitigate them?

Why do 34% of SDV projects face delays, and how to accelerate software development?

Which regions offer the highest ROI for SDV investments (China vs. EU vs. North America)

Which partnerships (OEM-Tier-1-Tech) deliver the fastest time-to-market for SDVs?

What pricing models work best for SDV software (subscription vs. one-time purchase)?

How will 6G and edge computing turn SDVs into ""data centers on wheels"" by 2030?

Why are robotaxi fleets (Waymo, Cruise) betting on SDVs to slash maintenance costs?

Key Topics Covered:

Executive Summary

Key findings and market highlights

Critical strategic recommendations for industry stakeholders

Introduction to Software Defined Vehicles

Core technological foundations and architecture

Value proposition and transformative potential

SDV Ecosystem and Value Chain Analysis

Key Players (OEMs, Suppliers, Tech Companies)

Interdependencies and Collaboration Models

Global SDV Market Overview

Market size estimation (2023-2024)

Market forecast (2025-2030)

CAGR projections and inflection points

Total addressable market analysis

Market Segmentation Analysis

By Technology Components

Centralized Computing Platforms

Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA)

Over-the-Air (OTA) Update Systems

Connectivity Solutions (5G/6G)

AI & Machine Learning Platforms

Vehicle Operating Systems

Edge Computing Infrastructure

Cybersecurity Solutions

Key Market Trends & Developments

Shift toward Vehicle-Centralized Zonal Architecture

Integration of AI/ML for personalized experiences

Subscription-based feature activation & monetization

Enhanced cybersecurity frameworks

Cross-industry convergence (tech, telecom, automotive)

Standardization efforts and emerging protocols

Edge-to-cloud computing balance

Regulatory landscape evolution

Market Accelerators

Consumer demand for connected experiences

Reducing hardware dependencies and costs

Extended vehicle lifecycles through software updates

Autonomous driving advancement requirements

Open-source development ecosystems

Market Challenges & Barriers

Cybersecurity vulnerabilities and threats

Supply chain disruptions for semiconductor components

Standardization and interoperability issues

High initial development and transition costs

Consumer privacy concerns

Competitive Landscape Assessment

Traditional OEMs Leading in SDV

Volkswagen Group (CARIAD)

Mercedes-Benz (MB.OS)

BMW

General Motors (Ultifi)

Toyota

Hyundai Motor Group

Tier-1 Suppliers Transforming for SDV

Bosch

Continental

ZF Friedrichshafen

Aptiv

Denso

Software and Tech Players

NVIDIA (DRIVE platform)

Qualcomm (Snapdragon Digital Chassis)

Google (Android Automotive OS)

Microsoft (Connected Vehicle Platform)

Amazon AWS (Connected Mobility)

Competitive benchmarking matrix

Strategic positioning analysis

Partnership ecosystem mapping

Future Outlook (2030 and Beyond)

Evolution toward software-first development models

Convergence with broader mobility ecosystem

Impact of emerging technologies (AI, 6G, quantum)

Sustainability implications

Potential industry restructuring scenarios

Strategic Recommendations

Investment prioritization framework

Partnership and acquisition strategies

Capability development roadmap

Risk mitigation approaches

Timeline for strategic pivots

Methodology and References

Research approach

Data sources

Expert interviews

Assumptions and limitations

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/8gg7g0

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
SAN FRANCISCO, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WareCRE , a first-of-its-kind online marketplace connecting small businesses with nearly 100 co-warehousing and small-bay industrial property listings across the United States and Canada. As demand for flexible and affordable warehouse space accelerates, WareCRE answers a critical need for businesses seeking fast, scalable solutions in a shifting economic landscape.

WareCRE brings together listings from leading co-warehousing brandsincluding ReadySpaces and other top operatorsmaking it easier than ever for entrepreneurs, e-commerce sellers, and growing companies to discover and compare flexible warehouse options in major markets and emerging hubs alike.





Why WareCRE?

Exclusive Inventory: Nearly 100 properties, with new listings added weekly, focused on small-bay and co-warehousing spaces optimized for business agility. Designed for Small Businesses: Focus on location, size, amenities, and lease flexibilitymaking it possible for businesses of any size to find space that fits their unique needs. Transparent, Side-by-Side Comparisons: WareCRE uniquely enables businesses to compare available spaces and operators, bringing much-needed transparency to the market. Backed by Market Trends: Small-bay industrial properties in the US now have a vacancy rate as low as 3.9%, with occupancy rates topping 96.6%reflecting a market where demand is far outpacing supply.

A Booming Market for Small-Bay Industrial and Co-Warehousing

In North America alone, the warehousing market reached a valuation of $335.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a 7.2% CAGR through 2030. However, less than 10% of new warehouse development is focused on spaces under 100,000 square feet, creating a scarcity of options for small businesses and fueling a co-warehousing boom. At the same time, minimum monthly spending requirements for warehousing continue to rise, prompting more companies to seek flexible and affordable alternatives.

"Traditional brokers and landlords have consistently overlooked small businesses looking for industrial space; we've built something to serve them specifically," said Nick Gardiner, partner at WareCRE. "With small-bay vacancy rates near historic lows and North American warehousing demand reaching new highs, we built WareCRE to give these businesses the same access and transparency that larger companies enjoyso they can find space, compare options, and get growing, all in one place."

WareCRE is now live and accepting property listings from operators, brokers, and owners nationwide.

About WareCRE

WareCRE is the first marketplace built exclusively for co-warehousing and small-bay industrial properties. It helps small businesses discover, compare, and secure flexible warehouse space across the US and Canada. Founded by a team of industry innovators with deep experience in the co-warehousing sector, WareCRE's mission is to make industrial real estate accessible, transparent, and simple for every business.

Media Contact:

Nick Gardiner

Partner, WareCRE

nick@warecre.com

warecre.com

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TALLINN, Estonia, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BTC-S sets sights on 2025 wealth creation with dual-consensus architecture, 100K+ TPS, and smart staking rewards With under eight weeks left before its public launch, Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) has crossed a major milestone in its presale: over $3.8 million raised and more than 11,000 early adopters onboarded. Priced at $7 in its current phase and scheduled to launch at $20, BTC-S is quickly positioning itself as one of the most anticipated blockchain projects of 2025.

More than just another token, Bitcoin Solaris introduces a next-generation blockchain infrastructure built to scale, incentivize participation, and power real utility. The network is designed around a hybrid consensus modelcombining SHA-256 Proof-of-Work (PoW) with Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS)to deliver both robust security and speed.

Were creating a high-throughput, inclusive ecosystem where users can earn rewards based on real contribution, not just capital." said a core developer from the Bitcoin Solaris team.





Key Features Now Live or In Development:

Block Times: 15 seconds for fast confirmations



15 seconds for fast confirmations Transactions Per Second: Capable of 100,000+



Capable of 100,000+ Validator Rotation: Every 24 hours to maximize decentralization



Every 24 hours to maximize decentralization Energy Use: 99.95% lower than traditional PoW networks



99.95% lower than traditional PoW networks Accessibility: Full support for web, desktop, and mobile wallets



Momentum Is BuildingAnd the Numbers Prove It

Bitcoin Solaris is now in Phase 7 of its presale , and the pace is accelerating:

Over $3.8 million raised



More than 11,000 users joined



Current price: $7, next phase: $8, launch: $20



Less than 8 weeks left until full allocation closes



Investors arent just responding to price actiontheyre reacting to the fundamentals. In a detailed breakdown, 2Bit Crypto highlighted the technical edge and performance roadmap thats turning heads across the space.

Early Bitcoin Changed LivesBTC-S Is the Second Chance

How Bitcoin Solaris Will Make People Rich





BTC-S isnt just for holdingits for building wealth through participation.

40% of rewards go to miners on the Base Layer



25% to validators on the Solaris Layer



20% to stakers



10% reserved for development



5% supports the community



Rewards scale with your contributionfactoring in time held, task complexity, and even device capability. The more value you provide, the more the network gives back. Its built to distributenot concentratewealth.

A Glimpse Into the Road Ahead

Bitcoin Solaris isnt just a planits executing on a timeline thats already underway.

After launching its token and whitepaper in Q2 2025, the project moved quickly into community building and core protocol development. By early 2026, the testnet will go live, validator tools will be deployed, and bridge integration with Solana will be finalized.

The full mainnet rollout is scheduled for Q3 2026, accompanied by exchange listings, governance tools, and major enterprise partnerships. Following that, DApp expansion, a decentralized exchange, and institutional adoption will take center stage heading into 2027 and beyond.

This roadmap isnt years awayits happening now.

Audited, Battle-Tested, and Ready for Growth

All BTC-S smart contracts have been fully audited and passed inspection. You can verify the full audit reports via Cyberscope and Freshcoins . Built in Rust and optimized for scale, these contracts support everything from DeFi and synthetic assets to NFTs, tokenized systems, and cross-chain functionality.





Community conversations are already heating up on Telegram and X , where early adopters are lining up for what could be the most significant wealth-building crypto in years.

The Window Is Narrow. The Potential Is Massive.

Bitcoins early millionaires were defined by timing. Now, Bitcoin Solaris offers a similar setuponly this time with faster tech, greater utility, and a presale window thats still open. If history really does rhyme, 2025 could be remembered as the year BTC-S redefined what it means to be early in crypto.

For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:

Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/

Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris

X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris



Media Contact

Xander Levine

press@bitcoinsolaris.com

Press Kit: Available upon request

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Bitcoin Solaris. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

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Mowi has today signed a EUR 2,600 million five-year sustainability-linked multicurrency revolving credit facility agreement with DNB, Nordea, Rabobank, ABN AMRO, Danske Bank, SEB and Credit Agricole. The facility will be used to refinance existing bank debt and for general corporate purposes.

The principal financial covenant of the facility is a minimum equity ratio of 35%, and the facility includes an accordion increase option which provides flexibility for the parties to agree to increase the size of the facility by an additional EUR 400 million during the term of the facility. The facility supports Mowis goal of 100% green or sustainable financing. Interest on the facility is linked to Mowis performance against sustainability KPIs which are consistent with Mowis overall ESG strategy.

The refinancing is subject to customary closing conditions.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.




CALGARY, Alberta, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX: CVE) (NYSE: CVE) has now safely ramped up production at its Christina Lake oil sands asset following wildfire activity in the area. Production operations restarted on June 3 and production was ramped up over the course of the week.

Site inspections confirmed there was no damage to Cenovus infrastructure. The company continues to closely monitor the overall wildfire situation in Alberta, with a focus on the safety of its people and assets. It appreciates the continued efforts of its teams who are working to keep the companys people and assets safe, and for the provincial emergency management teams and firefighters keeping communities safe.

Cenovus Energy Inc.

Cenovus Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. The company is committed to maximizing value by developing its assets in a safe, responsible and cost-efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the companys preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit cenovus.com .

Find Cenovus on Facebook , LinkedIn , YouTube and Instagram .

Cenovus contacts
KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MedRisk, a leading managed care organization focused on improving recovery and cost outcomes in casualty claims, announced today the appointment of Satish Narayanan as Chief Data Officer (CDO). In this newly established role, Narayanan will lead the companys enterprise data strategy, leveraging advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation to drive client value, improve patient outcomes, and enable smarter decision-making across the business.

Narayanan brings extensive experience leveraging data and technology to drive business growth from senior roles across the financial services industry. Most recently at TD Bank, Satish led the transformation of data and AI platforms, accelerating performance, enhancing customer experience, and strengthening regulatory reporting. His deep expertise in delivering business value, increasing operational efficiency, and prioritizing data privacy in highly regulated industries will be instrumental to advancing MedRisks strategic goals.

Satishs appointment marks an exciting milestone in our continued evolution as we work to enhance our use of data and AI, said Sri Sridharan, Chief Executive Officer of MedRisk. His leadership and expertise will help us expand our capabilities to create more intelligent, proactive, and efficient solutions for our clients and the patients they serve.

Im impressed by the progress MedRisk has already made in harnessing the value of data for its clients, said Satish Narayanan. Im excited to help unlock the full potential of data and AI to bring superior patient care, elevate end-user experience, and deliver best-in-class outcomes  all while continuing to build on MedRisks unique and powerful dataset.

Narayanans appointment supports MedRisks broader strategy to integrate data, technology, and clinical expertise to improve the claims experience for all stakeholders including payers, providers, and patients. His leadership will also help accelerate the companys investment in automation and decision intelligence to reduce friction and increase precision across the care and claims journey.

About MedRisk

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, MedRisk was established with a mission to revolutionize physical rehabilitation for workers compensation patients. Over the last 30 years, the company has evolved into the nations leading managed care organization dedicated to faster recovery, smarter spending, and seamless payments for the casualty claims industry. For more information, please visit www.medrisknet.com or call 800-225-9675.

A photo accompanying this release is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f52f3f5e-2de6-4bce-92b5-358f6ca0f95f
DENVER, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Recently, Zinemx Exchange has upgraded its platform security architecture, introducing a more rigorous multi-layer protection system to further enhance the security of assets and transactions. Multiple security measures, such as cold and hot wallet segregation and real-time security monitoring, ensure the platform is protected against hacker attacks and malicious operations. In the face of increasingly severe security challenges in the crypto market, Zinemx will continue to strengthen its technical defenses and compliance risk controls, providing investors with a safer and more stable trading environment.





This upgrade focuses on optimizing the cold and hot wallet segregation mechanism of Zinemx Exchange to ensure user assets receive the highest level of protection. The cold wallets employ multi-signature technology and are isolated from external networks, mitigating the risk of hacker attacks. Hot wallets implement strict fund management strategies, retaining only the necessary liquidity, and are combined with real-time fund monitoring and approval mechanisms to prevent unauthorized large fund transfers.

Zinemx Exchange adopts advanced Multi-Party Computation (MPC) technology to optimize private key storage solutions, further enhancing account security. The intelligent risk control system of the platform monitors trading activities around the clock. When abnormal trading behavior is detected, the system immediately issues an alert and takes necessary protective measures to maximize the security of user assets. The intelligent anti-scam system automatically scores user trading behavior, accurately identifying malicious attacks and preventing account theft.

To meet the diverse trading needs of investors, Zinemx Exchange offers a wide range of trading products, including spot, futures, and options. This upgrade also optimizes API interfaces, improving trading execution efficiency for institutional investors and enabling the efficient completion of large trades.

Looking ahead, Zinemx Exchange will continue to increase investment in security technology, further optimize its trading system, enhance anti-scam capabilities, and collaborate with leading international security institutions. The platform will strengthen multi-dimensional security measures, including data encryption, identity authentication, and market surveillance, to provide investors with a trustworthy crypto trading environment.

Media Contact: support@zinemx.org

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Zinemx Exchange. 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 trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector--including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining--complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

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Dublin, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Japan Baby Care Products Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Japan Baby Care Products Market was valued at USD 8.56 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 12.06 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 5.88%.

Despite a declining birth rate, the market continues to expand, driven by higher per-child spending and a shift toward sustainable and health-conscious baby products. Japanese consumers increasingly favor organic and natural items in segments such as lotions, shampoos, wipes, and diapers, reflecting heightened concerns around product safety and skin sensitivity.

The demand for high-quality, safe baby care items is further supported by the country's strong appreciation for artisanal and culturally inspired ingredients. Meanwhile, the rapid expansion of e-commerce and omnichannel retail is increasing accessibility to a wider variety of baby products.

In line with this, Japan's eCommerce sector is forecast to generate revenue of USD 190.53 billion by 2025. These trends underscore the market's resilience and evolving consumer preferences, shaping its trajectory through the next decade.

Key Market Drivers: Government Initiative & Policies Supporting the Food Sector

The Japanese government has rolled out strategic initiatives aimed at improving nutrition among families, particularly focusing on pregnant women and young children. A core part of this effort is the Measures for Achievement of Decarbonization and Resilience with Innovation (MeaDRI), targeting zero CO2 emissions in agriculture and food systems by 2050 through sustainable practices and waste reduction. These policies support healthier food systems and reinforce the broader baby care ecosystem.

The Tokyo Nutrition for Growth Summit 2021 Action Plan is another key initiative, emphasizing collaborative medical and governmental education campaigns to enhance maternal nutrition and reduce underweight pregnancies. These policies, combined with measures against childhood obesity and a stable regulatory environment, are strengthening the outlook for the baby food and baby care product markets.

Key Market Challenges: Declining Birth Rate

A significant obstacle for Japan's baby care products market is the continued drop in birth rates. As of 2024, Japan recorded approximately 720,000 births-the lowest since records began-reflecting a 5% decline from the previous year. This demographic shift is shrinking the consumer base for baby products, prompting major companies to reconsider domestic operations.

For example, Oji Holdings ceased domestic baby diaper production to pivot toward adult incontinence products, reflecting changing market priorities. Japan's aging population, with nearly 30% aged 65 or above, exacerbates the challenge by reducing the workforce and economic productivity. While government incentives for childbirth and childcare support exist, their impact has yet to reverse the downward trend, posing long-term implications for the baby care industry.

Key Market Trends: Cultural Preferences for Traditional Ingredients

Cultural affinity for traditional, natural ingredients strongly influences consumer preferences in Japan's baby care segment. Parents are increasingly drawn to products incorporating heritage-based, gentle ingredients such as rice bran oil for its moisturizing properties, green tea extract for its soothing benefits, and sakura (cherry blossom) extract for its symbolic and aesthetic appeal. These components not only meet the demand for skin-friendly and safe formulations but also reflect deep-rooted cultural values.

As such, manufacturers are embedding these traditional elements into baby care lines to resonate with consumers seeking authenticity and quality. This trend enhances product differentiation and reinforces local identity in a competitive and globalized market.

Key Market Players:

Oji Holdings Corporation

Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd

Meiji Holdings CO., Ltd

Asahi Group Foods, Ltd

Miki Shoko Co., Ltd

The Procter & Gamble Company

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Kenvue Brands

Unicharm Corporation

Himalaya Wellness Company

Report Scope:

In this report, the Japan Baby Care Products Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Japan Baby Care Products Market, By Product Type:

Skin Care

Toiletries

Hair Care

Food & Beverages

Others

Japan Baby Care Products Market, By Age Group:

0-12 Months

13-24 Months

24-48 Months

Japan Baby Care Products Market, By Sales Channel:

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

Specialty Stores

Pharmacies/Drug Stores

Online

Others

Japan Baby Care Products Market, By Region:

Hokkaido & Tohoku

Chubu

Chugoku

Kyushu

Rest of Japan





Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 82 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $8.56 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $12.06 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.8% Regions Covered Japan





For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wclzux

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Dublin, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Japan Household Appliance Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Japan's Household Appliance Market was valued at USD 26.53 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 31.45 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 2.88%.

Market growth is driven by several key factors, including the country's aging population, which is increasing demand for appliances designed with user-friendliness, health benefits, and safety in mind. Advancements in technology continue to enhance product offerings through the integration of smart home features, AI, and IoT, improving both energy efficiency and user experience.

Rising disposable incomes and lifestyle shifts are encouraging consumers to invest in modern, multifunctional appliances that streamline daily tasks. Environmental concerns are also influencing purchasing decisions, with a preference for energy-efficient and eco-conscious products gaining momentum.

Moreover, the trend toward urbanization and shrinking living spaces is spurring demand for compact, space-saving appliances tailored to the needs of Japanese households. These factors collectively support steady market expansion across residential and commercial segments.

Key Market Drivers: Rising Residential Construction Across the Region

Residential construction growth is significantly contributing to the expansion of Japan's household appliance market. In 2025, Japan saw a 39.1% year-over-year increase in housing construction, vastly exceeding expectations. This surge is driven by urbanization and population growth, resulting in increased demand for new apartments, homes, and mixed-use developments.

These trends are boosting the need for home essentials, including appliances, furniture, and home improvement products. Alongside economic development and job creation in associated sectors, new residential projects are incorporating modern design principles that emphasize smart and energy-efficient living. This is encouraging both developers and homeowners to invest in technologically advanced household appliances.

Furthermore, sustainable building practices and smart home technologies are becoming standard features in new construction, driving appliance innovation and consumer adoption.

Key Market Challenges: Intense Competition Among Players

The Japanese household appliance market faces intense competition due to the presence of numerous well-established domestic and global players. Brands such as Panasonic, Toshiba, and Hitachi compete with international names like Samsung and LG, creating a saturated landscape. This fierce competition necessitates constant innovation, compelling companies to invest in R&D to develop energy-efficient, smart, and feature-rich products.

Aggressive pricing and marketing strategies further tighten profit margins, particularly in an already mature market with limited expansion space. Consumer brand loyalty and high expectations add additional challenges for new or lesser-known brands attempting to gain market share.

The fast pace of technological change also requires companies to remain agile and adaptable. In this competitive environment, only firms with strong innovation, brand equity, and operational efficiency can maintain long-term growth and relevance.

Key Market Trends: Rising Demand for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Growing consumer awareness of environmental issues and government-led initiatives are fueling the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable household appliances in Japan. Programs like the Top Runner initiative set high standards for energy conservation, pushing manufacturers to develop appliances that meet stringent performance benchmarks.

Consumers are increasingly willing to invest in eco-friendly appliances, not only for environmental reasons but also to save on electricity costs over time. Products such as high-efficiency air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines are gaining popularity. Manufacturers are responding by incorporating recyclable materials and smart features that optimize energy consumption.

This trend aligns with global sustainability goals and enhances competitiveness, as brands vie to offer technologically advanced and environmentally responsible solutions to a growing base of eco-conscious consumers.

Key Market Players:

Aqua Co., Ltd

LG Electronics Japan Co., Ltd

Samsung Electronics Japan Co., Ltd

Whirlpool Corporation

Robert Bosch GmbH

Koninklijke Philips

Motorola Mobility

Midea Group

Dreame

Matic Robots Inc

Report Scope:

In this report, the Japan Household Appliance Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Japan Household Appliance Market, By Product Type:

Washing Machine

Refrigerators

Television

Air Conditioner

Vacuum Cleaners

Others

Japan Household Appliance Market, By Distribution Channel:

Online

Multi Branded Electronic Stores

Supermarket/Hypermarket

Others

Japan Household Appliance Market, By Region:

Hokkaido & Tohoku

Chubu

Chugoku

Kyushu

Rest of Japan

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 82 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $26.53 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $31.45 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 2.8% Regions Covered Japan



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ikoy3n

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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BEIJING, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The International Editors-in-Chief Roundtable, co-hosted by Global Times and Global Times Online (huanqiu.com), was recently held, bringing together editors-in-chief from China, Latin America, and around the world. Centered on the theme of "Harmony and Integration" Approach to ChinaLatin America Civilizational Exchange, the forum called for enhanced cross-cultural dialogue and practical cooperation to jointly build a more balanced and inclusive international media landscape.





Malik Sullemana, Senior journalist of the Ghanaian Times, emphasized the need for deepening economic and cultural exchanges between China and Latin America, envisioning a partnership rooted in shared destiny. Camila Escalante, Co-Founder of the Kawsachun News in Canada, stated that today's global media environment needs more cooperation based on mutual respect and trust, and highlighted ChinaLatin America collaboration as a constructive model.

Belal Deeb, Founder of (Taather) Podcast Platform from Syria, noted that civilizational exchanges between China and Latin America have driven progress in fields such as education and technology, offering valuable pathways for multicultural coexistence worldwide. Angelica Maria sanchez REYES, a journalist with Diario El Mundohn in Honduras, observed that civilizational dialogue and technological collaboration are generating impacts far beyond traditional trade models.

Chinese representatives also shared fruitful results from exchanges. Bai Long, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Global Times, introduced that China has established nearly 200 sister-city partnerships with 17 Latin American countries. Networks of Confucius Institutes and cultural centers have become important bridges for mutual understanding between peoples. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, key projects such as the Port of Chancay stand as symbols of deeper and high-quality cooperation.

Liu Zhen, Vice President of Kuaishou Technology, pointed out that short videos have become a new channel connecting different cultures, with authentic and diverse content sparking vibrant people-to-people exchanges.

Liu Hong, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of XinhuaNet, concluded by emphasizing that both China and Latin American countries have accumulated rich civilizational experiences throughout history and share similar modernization goals. He stressed the importance of upholding multilateralism, promoting mutual learning and shared development, and expanding the space for the Global South to express itself in the process of globalization.

Company: huanqiu.com

Contact Person: Yuan Chunxue

Email: yuanchunxue@huanqiu.com

Website: www.huanqiu.com

Telephone: 0086-010-65361101

City: Beijing, China

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b180f5f4-e621-41a7-9c9d-a44fc0c63404
NEW DELHI, India, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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:

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. 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. Beauty Vitamin Gummies: These gummies are formulated to support radiant skin, span nails, and healthy hair. Enriched with essential vitamins and antioxidants, they aim to enhance natural beauty from within. Dreamy Sleep Gummies: Addressing the prevalent issue of sleep disturbances, these gummies combine melatonin, L-tryptophan, chamomile, tagar, and brahmi. This blend isdesigned to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, offering a natural remedy for restful nights. 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], Indias 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 companys 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: L01122DL1984PLC018307

Registered 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 #2101, Singapore 179098

Website: https://pixelproduction.com/

Email: gopi@pixelprodction.com

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the Aayush Wellness Limited. 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 trading advice. Investing involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research 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 fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.
Burlingame, CA, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Retail E-Commerce Market is estimated to be valued at USD 7.29 trillion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 15.62 trillion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% from 2025 to 2032. According to a new report by Coherent Market Insights. The retail e-commerce market has experienced strong growth in recent years, driven by the global rise in internet and smartphone usage. Increasingly, consumers are opting for online shopping over traditional in-store experiences. This shift was further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as lockdowns and movement restrictions made online retail the preferred and often only option for many shoppers.

Request Sample Pages: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/7769

Global Retail E-Commerce Market Key Takeaways

According to Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the global retail e-commerce market size is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 11.5% during the forecast period, reaching USD 7.29 Tn in 2025 to USD 15.62 Tn by 2032.

Global demand for retail e-commerce is projected to increase at a strong pace throughout the assessment period as consumer convenience takes center stage.

Based on product category, fashion (apparel and accessories) segment is expected to account for nearly one-third of the global retail e-commerce market share in 2025.

By sales channel, online marketplaces segment is projected to hold a market share of over 3/5 in 2025.

As per Coherent Market Insights latest retail e-commerce market analysis, Asia Pacific is set to dominate the global industry, holding a market share of more than 2/5 in 2025.

The Middle East retail e-commerce market is expected to experience fastest growth during the projection period.

Rising Consumer Demand for Convenience Fueling Market Growth

Coherent Market Insights latest retail e-commerce market report highlights major factors spurring the industrys growth. One such prominent growth driver is the growing consumer preference for convenient shopping experiences.

Modern consumers often favor the ease of online shopping over visiting brick-and-mortar stores. This trend is expected to propel demand for retail e-commerce throughout the assessment period.

Convenience remains a top reason consumers choose online shopping instead of going to physical stores. E-commerce platforms offer unparalleled convenience to customers by allowing them to shop 24/7 from the comfort of their homes.

Growing popularity of this on-the-go-shopping culture is expected to play a key role in boosting the e-commerce market growth. Similarly, broad accessibility to a wide range of products through online shopping platforms further encourages the adoption of retail e-commerce.

Data Privacy Concerns and Logistics Challenges Limiting Growth

The prospective retail e-commerce market outlook looks optimistic. However, concerns around data security and logistics challenges are expected to somewhat hinder market growth to some extent during the assessment period.

Many consumers are reluctant to shop online due to fear of identity theft, fraud, and rising incidence of data breaches. These concerns may lead to a reduced retail e-commerce market demand in the coming years. Increasing shipping costs and frequent delivery delays are also negatively impacting the target industry.

Buy an Enterprise-User PDF of Retail E-Commerce Market Analysis & Outlook 2025-2032@ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/7769

Impact of AI on the Retail E-Commerce Market

Artificial intelligence (AI) has thrown a new life into the retail e-commerce industry by enabling smarter decision-making, boosting sales, and creating more seamless shopping experiences. It drives advancements in personalization, customer experience, and operational efficiency.

AI algorithms analyze huge consumer data to offer personalized product recommendations. They also optimize pricing as well as improve inventory management.

Chatbots and virtual assistants enhance customer support by providing instant responses. Meanwhile, AI-driven analytics help retailers to accurately predict trends and understand consumer behavior.

A notable recent example of AI transforming the retail e-commerce market is Amazon's integration of AI-driven robotics and automation across its fulfillment centers. Amazon has deployed over 750,000 to automate tasks like sorting, packing, and transporting goods.

The widespread adoption of robotics has significantly improved Amazons operational efficiency and customer experience. It has also contributed to an increase in the company's retail operating profit margin.

Increasing Penetration of Smartphones and Internet Creating Growth Opportunities

Global access to high-speed internet and smartphones has been rising significantly, creating growth opportunities for retail e-commerce platforms. More consumers are coming online, especially in emerging markets, which is expanding the potential customer base for digital commerce.

According to the GSM Association (GSMA), over half of the global population (4.3 billion people) owned a smartphone in 2023. This number is projected to increase further in the coming years, enabling e-commerce adoption and opening revenue-generation streams for retail e-commerce companies.

Emerging Retail E-Commerce Market Trends

Growing popularity of mobile commerce (m-commerce), driven by widespread adoption of mobile devices and internet connectivity, is a key growth-shaping trend. Consumers are increasingly opting for m-commerce due to its advantages, such as convenience, accessibility, and a variety of digital payment options.

The ongoing personalization trend is having a profound impact on the retail e-commerce market value. Retailers are constantly using customer data to provide tailored product recommendations, customized offers, and individualized shopping journeys across all touchpoints.

Technological integration is also supporting expansion of the retail e-commerce industry. Leading e-commerce retailers are incorporating advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to understand consumer behaviors as well as deliver personalized experiences. Usage of AI chatbots to enhance customer service is gaining traction.

The rise of generative AI in online shopping is leading to more conversational search tools and AI-powered shopping agents. This makes e-commerce more interactive and intuitive. Growing adoption of these advanced technologies is expected to foster market growth.

Sustainability is also making waves in the retail e-commerce industry. It is prompting companies to use eco-friendly packaging, implement sustainable shipping, and ensure ethical and transparent supply channels.

Rental and subscription-based models are gradually reshaping the retail e-commerce industry by driving consumer engagement, sustainability, and recurring revenue. Growing popularity of these models will likely boost overall retail e-commerce sales growth during the assessment period.

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Analysts View

The global retail e-commerce market is expected to experience tremendous growth, owing to rising smartphone and internet penetration, surging demand for convenient and personalized shopping experiences, and growing adoption of advanced technologies like AI, AR, and data analytics, said a senior analyst at CMI.

Current Events and Their Impact on the Retail E-Commerce Market

Event Description and Impact TikTok Shop Ban in the U.S. (2024) Description: In April 2024, U.S. lawmakers passed a bill that could ban TikTok nationwide if ByteDance doesnt divest, putting the popular TikTok Shop at risk. Impact: E-commerce businesses that rely on TikTok for DTC sales as well as influencer marketing are shifting focus to Instagram and YouTube Shopping. AI Integration in Product Discovery (20242025) Description: Top platforms like Amazon and Shopify have introduced AI-driven shopping assistants and search enhancements powered by large language models (LLMs). Impact: These innovations are reducing friction in the buyer journey, thereby boosting conversion rates. EUs Digital Markets Act (DMA) Enforcement (March 2024) Description: The EU began enforcing the DMA to increase data sharing and transparency among big tech gatekeepers like Amazon and Google. Impact: E-commerce sellers gain better customer data access and visibility, while stricter anti-competitive rules help smaller European brands.

Competitor Insights

Key companies listed in retail e-commerce market research report:

Alibaba Group Holding Limited

Amazon.com Inc.

eBay Inc.

Walmart Inc.

JD.com Inc.

Rakuten Group Inc.

Shopify Inc.

Zalando SE

Otto Group

Flipkart Pvt. Ltd.

ASOS plc

The Home Depot Inc.

MercadoLibre Inc.

Best Buy Co. Inc.

Target Corporation



Key Developments

In February 2025, Otto Group unveiled several new use cases for generative artificial intelligence (AI) in e-commerce. These initiatives aim to enhance customer experiences, streamline processes, and bolster long-term competitiveness across various Otto Group subsidiaries.

In February 2024, Seagate Technology plc launched a new E-commerce website in the United States. The new website is intended to provide consumers with a seamless and personalized shopping experience.

In November 2024, Amazon.com launched Amazon Haul, a new low-cost ecommerce service for some customers in the U.S. The new service will give customers a selection of products at US$ 20 or less.

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About Us:

Coherent Market Insights leads into data and analytics, audience measurement, consumer behaviors, and market trend analysis. From shorter dispatch to in-depth insights, CMI has exceled in offering research, analytics, and consumer-focused shifts for nearly a decade. With cutting-edge syndicated tools and custom-made research services, we empower businesses to move in the direction of growth. We are multifunctional in our work scope and have 450+ seasoned consultants, analysts, and researchers across 26+ industries spread out in 32+ countries.
BIRMINGHAM, AL, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In celebration of National Automotive Service Professionals Day, Fleetio, the leading fleet optimization platform, announced the recipients of its first Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Scholarship program. Technicians play an essential role in maintaining high standards for the service industry, ensuring the safety, reliability and performance of the vehicles millions of people rely on every day. These scholarships were created to empower deserving students and automotive technicians, validating their skills and expertise against industry-defined standards.

The fleet service industry is currently facing a 3040% annual turnover rate. This poses a significant challenge for retaining skilled technicians, largely attributed to insufficient onboarding processes and a lack of structured, ongoing mentorship. To help close the growing talent gap, the ASE Scholarship Program directly invests in technician development, equipping them with the tools, resources and support needed to overcome broader industry hurdles. By enhancing earning potential and creating clear pathways for growth, the program helps technicians build lasting, rewarding careers in the automotive field.

The ASE Scholarship grand prize winner will receive a $3,000 scholarship to cover the registration and testing fees for three ASE professional-level Certification tests, plus funds for tool upgrades or other essential supplies. This comprehensive support promotes continued professional growth, underscoring the vital role skilled technicians play in driving the success and sustainability of the automotive industry.

The 2025 Fleetio ASE Scholarship Grand Prize Winner is:

Michael Hairston, Life Ride

I am most honored to be a recipient of this scholarship and extend my sincere gratitude to Fleetio for their generous support of my continued education and professional development, said Michael Hairston at Life Ride. This financial assistance will be invaluable as I continue to advance my career as a maintenance technician at Life Ride.

The ASE Scholarship runner-up winners will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to cover the registration and testing fees for three ASE professional-level Certification tests, plus funds for tool upgrades or other essential supplies.

The 2025 Fleetio ASE Scholarship Runner-ups are:

Alex Palma, Quarry Management

Andrew Cureton, AAA Oregon/Idaho

Angel Gonzalez, General Pavement Management

Chase Statter, Student Nominee, redbox+ Dumpsters

Katherine Daniel, St. Johns County School District

"We are proud to partner with Fleetio to support deserving technicians in earning their industry credentials and building their expertise," said Dave Johnson, President/CEO at ASE. "Especially during a time where qualified technician shortages are impacting the fleet industry, we are grateful for Fleetio's dedication to investing in technician development."

For more details about the ASE scholarship, visit www.fleetio.com/lp/ase-scholarship

About Fleetio

Fleetio is the leading fleet optimization platform, helping fleets, repair shops and partners efficiently manage their assets by providing resources to gain control of daily operations while planning for the future. The company supports over 1 million vehicles on its platform, including more than 7,500 fleets across 100+ countries, and processes over 13 million repair orders through a network of 110,000 repair shops. Designed with data-driven recommendations and expert insights, Fleetio is setting the industry standard with its extensive fleet maintenance and management ecosystem. Fleetio equips fleet professionals with the tools they need to extend asset life, reduce downtime and confidently deliver results for their business. Learn more at www.fleetio.com.

About the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

Established in 1972 as a non-profit organization, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a driving force in the transportation industry. As an independent third party, ASE upholds and promotes high standards of service and repair through the assessment, certification and credentialing of current and future industry professionals, and the prestigious ASE Blue Seal logo identifies professionals who possess the essential knowledge and skills to perform with excellence. Today, there are approximately 220,000 ASE Certified professionals at work in dealerships, independent shops, collision repair shops, auto parts stores, fleets, schools and colleges throughout the country. For more information about ASE, visit www.ase.com.

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Rome, Italy, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Supranext, a next-generation hybrid financial operator, announces the launch of its three-tiered complementary currency system, comprising a crypto-based token, physical paper vouchers, and metallic coins. The system aims to function alongside national currencies, offering a new form of liquidity to underserved regions and businesses.

Supranext

Our goal is to infuse vitality into the parts of the US economy that have been left behind, says David Baccini, CEO of Supranext. Our complementary currencies exist to help revive what has stopped working. We want to empower businesses and communities with monetary mechanisms that reflect their real needs and not the constraints of global finance.

Supranexts complementary currencies are organized across three geographic layers: global, macro-zonal, and regional. These currencies, namely Supra, Solidus, and Denarius, respectively, are designed to function within predefined areas of economic activity.

The Supra represents the global tier and operates similarly to the theoretical bancor currency envisioned by economist John Maynard Keynes. Below it, the Solidus corresponds to macro zones, such as the US as a whole. Meanwhile, Denarius targets specific regions or states, like Texas or New York.

Each of these currencies exists in three forms: a digital token, paper vouchers, and metallic coins. Their issuance is uncapped in quantity but strictly regulated in value fluctuation, using what Supranexts Veronika Nova, a member on the board of directors, calls a Narrowed Band of Oscillation Tokens (N-BOOT). This ensures that Supranexts tokens would shift away from the volatile investment vehicles.

Theyre intended to circulate rapidly within local economies, with a projected velocity of five times that of traditional fiat currencies, Baccini explains. This controlled, high-velocity model is meant to stimulate real economic transactions rather than speculative hoarding.

To support liquidity and maintain value stability, Supranext introduces a novel mechanism it calls revolving doors. When users accept or use complementary currencies, they do so with the assurance that a portion of the systems global bond reserves will periodically be used to buy back tokens on Supranexts platform.

If the token value surges, additional currency is issued to prevent bubbles. On the other hand, if value declines, short-term notes denominated in reserve currencies will be issued to absorb the excess supply. This floor-and-ceiling system keeps the tokens within a tight value band. It allows users to treat them as stable, usable instruments of exchange.

On top of this, Supranext will be providing RePo through their complementary currencies, proving true liquidity for those who need it. Whether it be patents, works of art, life settlements, tax credits, quotas of invest funds, shares of non-public companies, and much more, people will now have more options at their disposal.

David Baccini

The launch of these complementary currencies serves as a response to visible fractures in global monetary systems. Over 60 percent of small US businesses reported difficulty accessing affordable credit. According to the US Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 44 percent of economic activity. Yet, their access to growth capital has declined steadily.

Supranext also addresses the issue regarding what economists refer to as the Cantillon Effect, where newly created money disproportionately benefits those closest to its source while bypassing the majority of businesses and households. This means that liquidity generated by central banks accumulates at the top. What happens then? Local economies are left dry, Baccini states. Our complementary currencies intend to inject liquidity precisely into the hands of small businesses and consumers, particularly in economically stagnant regions.

This is possible because Supranext is a product of over a decade of research and development. Supranext is known for its proprietary financial system built around an algorithm capable of issuing bonds with high resilience and low correlation to traditional markets. These bonds are designed to achieve investment-grade ratings while being directed toward high-risk or underserved sectors. This is how we offer capital to businesses that would otherwise be left out of the global financial ecosystem, Baccini states.

The complementary currencies are designed to function hand-in-hand with these bonds. For example, a small manufacturing firm in upstate New York may receive capital through Supranext bonds while also transacting daily using Denarius tokens. Should they wish to convert Denarius to dollars, Supranexts revolving mechanism and buyback protocols allow for an orderly return to fiat currency, bridging the alternative and traditional economies.

By combining alternative currency, bond-backed investment, and integrated economic networks, Supranext introduces a new kind of financial architecture. Its proud to share that its ambitions are global. With operations beginning in New York and an initial expansion in Italy, the company plans to scale across key economic zones worldwide.

There is no offer to sell, no solicitation of an offer to buy, and no recommendation of any security or any other product or service in this article. Moreover, nothing contained in this should be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any investment or security, or to engage in any investment strategy or transaction. It is your responsibility to determine whether any investment, investment strategy, security, or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your investment objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. Consult your business advisor, attorney, or tax advisor regarding your specific business, legal, or tax situation.



Media Contact

Name: Supranext Team

Email: info@supranext.com




DENVER, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mama Bird is hatching at Sprouts this season! Mama Bird , maker of brain-boosting vitamins for families, is excited to announce that four of its best-selling prenatal and kids vitamins are now available at Sprouts Farmers Market for a limited time in stores nationwide.





Created by neurologist Dr. Mika Gupta and inspired by her own parenting journey, Mama Bird is on a mission to support cognitive health from the very beginning  helping families feel confident theyre nourishing themselves and their children for a smarter start.

Our goal is to make it easy for families to turn everyday moments into opportunities for meaningful growth, said Dr. Gupta, founder of Mama Bird. Were proud to launch at Sprouts, a retailer that shares our values around wellness, transparency, and smarter nutrition.

The following four Mama Bird supplements are now available in all Sprouts stores:

Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+  A once-daily tablet with brain-focused, methylated nutrients to support fetal brain development and maternal wellness.

 A once-daily tablet with brain-focused, methylated nutrients to support fetal brain development and maternal wellness. Mama Bird Pre+Postnatal DHA  A mercury-free omega-3 supplement with DHA to support brain and eye development during pregnancy and postpartum.

 A mercury-free omega-3 supplement with DHA to support brain and eye development during pregnancy and postpartum. Mama Bird Kids Multi+ Liquid  A fast-absorbing, strawberry-flavored liquid multivitamin with methylated B vitamins to support cognitive development in growing kids.

 A fast-absorbing, strawberry-flavored liquid multivitamin with methylated B vitamins to support cognitive development in growing kids. Mama Bird Kids Multi+ Gummies  Sensory-friendly, raspberry-flavored gummies with essential brain-supportive nutrients and no artificial dyes or flavors.

Previously known as Best Nest Wellness since 2015, the company recently rebranded to Mama Bird to reflect its mission: supporting families through brain-first nutrition and the small moments that shape a childs future.

Mama Bird was created to make brain-first nutrition easy, accessible, and aligned with real life. Every product is formulated with bioavailable, brain-supportive nutrients  including methylated B vitamins  and delivered in clean, gentle formats designed for maximum absorption without the stress and overwhelm of traditional supplements.

Mama Bird products are now available at Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide as part of the Innovation Center  a 90-day program that spotlights emerging wellness brands in Sprouts dedicated New for You section.

Learn more at lovemamabird.com .

About Mama Bird

Mama Bird is the first supplement brand built around brain-first nutrition for pregnancy, postpartum, and childhood. With carefully selected, highly absorbable ingredients that support cognitive wellness, Mama Bird empowers families to nurture bright minds from the very beginning. Learn more at lovemamabird.com and follow on Instagram , Facebook , TikTok , and YouTube .

About Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.

True to its farm-stand heritage, Sprouts offers a unique grocery experience featuring an open layout with fresh produce at the heart of the store. Sprouts inspires wellness naturally with a carefully curated assortment of better-for-you products paired with purpose-driven people. The healthy grocer continues to bring the latest in wholesome, innovative products made with lifestyle-friendly ingredients such as organic, plant-based and gluten-free. Headquartered in Phoenix, and one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, Sprouts employs approximately 35,000 team members and operates more than 440 stores in 24 states nationwide. To learn more about Sprouts, and the good it brings communities, visit sprouts.com/about.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lisa Lazarczyk, LAZ PR

Tel: 617.838.7327 or lisa@lazpr.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7bb06cbd-3361-4ba9-8e2b-5c57a2f0bee7
PORTOLA VALLEY, Calif., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bay Area Lyme Foundation, a leading sponsor of Lyme disease research in the US, has given its 2025 Emerging Leader Award (ELA) to Chao Wang, PhD, associate professor in the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at Arizona State University, faculty with ASUs Biodesign Institute and an expert in nanotechnology and biosensors. Wang will receive $150,000 to support his work to develop a much-needed rapid, low-cost, easy-to-use test, called Nano2RED-LD, for Lyme disease. The test aims to deliver results in as few as 30 minutes when a patient who may have Lyme disease first sees a doctor.

There is an immense need for better Lyme disease tests. Todays standard-of-care tests miss too many cases at all stages of Lyme disease, including as many as 70% of early Lyme cases.

With Lyme disease cases rising steadily across the U.S., the need for accurate and timely diagnostic tools has never been greater, said Katariina Tuovinen, research grant director, Bay Area Lyme Foundation. Dr. Wangs pioneering work epitomizes the essence of this award as it applies innovation from other infectious diseases in an effort to enhance outcomes for patients affected by Lyme disease.

This unique diagnostic system uses gold nanoparticles along with an innovative electronically driven data readout system that has shown promise in detecting Ebola and COVID-19, as well as detecting a Lyme protein called OppA2. The platform offers a novel combination of direct and indirect detection for Lyme disease as it detects both antigens and antibodies, producing a clear signal, with the intent to enhance detection. To automatically transmit the data, it leverages a circuit-integrated electronic readout that digitizes the gold nanoparticle signals for accurate and easy data analysis, further simplifying the use of the diagnostic system.

Wangs ELA research project will use samples from Bay Area Lyme Foundations Lyme Disease Biobank to measure sensitivity and specificity with positive and negative controls.

Wang first used Nano2RED-LD to detect Ebola and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, showing it could be about 1,000 times more sensitive than the commonly used ELISA test. Over the past two years, his lab has also demonstrated that Nano2RED-LD can detect the protein OppA2, a lipoprotein and part of a family of proteins in Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. For this research with OppA2, Wang has worked closely with Bay Area Lyme Foundation scientific advisory board member, Monica Embers, PhD, associate professor in the Division of Immunology at Tulane National Primate Research Center, and 2021 ELA winner, Michael Rout, PhD, professor and head of Laboratory of Cellular and Structural Biology at Rockefeller University.

We believe collaboration between researchers is a key component driving innovative science and appreciate the support Dr. Wang is receiving from the community, said Linda Giampa, executive director of Bay Area Lyme Foundation. We are proud to see the extensive resources of our Lyme Disease Biobank being used for such important research, and we value the opportunity to support work that brings us closer to developing improved diagnostics for patients with Lyme disease.

Previous Emerging Leader Award recipients have come from institutions, including Brandeis University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Louisiana State University, North Carolina State University, Stanford University School of Medicine, Texas A&M, Tulane University, University of California San Francisco, Rockefeller University, Stanford University, Tufts University, and Northwestern University. Most of these projects were in the early stages of research, and the Emerging Leader Award enabled scientists to generate data required for ongoing support from Bay Area Lyme Foundation and/or government funding. Many findings have been accepted for presentation at well-respected scientific forums or are detailed in peer-reviewed papers.

Since its inception in 2014, the Emerging Leader Award has recognized scientists and researchers with innovative ideas to advance diagnostics or treatments for Lyme disease. Those interested in applying for the 2026 award or exploring additional funding opportunities offered by the Bay Area Lyme Foundation are encouraged to visit: https://www.bayarealyme.org/our-research/grant-process/ .

About Lyme Disease

The most common vector-borne infectious disease in the US, Lyme disease is a potentially disabling infection caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected tick to people and pets, and can be potentially passed from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby. If caught early, most cases of Lyme disease can be effectively treated, but it is commonly misdiagnosed due to lack of awareness and inaccurate diagnostic tests. Based on the trajectory of Lyme disease cases documented by CDC between 2010 and 2018, Bay Area Lyme estimates that there are now more than 620,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year, and, as a result of the difficulty in diagnosing and treating Lyme disease, up to two million Americans may be suffering from the impact of its debilitating long-term symptoms and complications..

About Bay Area Lyme Foundation

Bay Area Lyme Foundation , a national organization committed to making Lyme disease easy to diagnose and simple to cure, is the leading public charity sponsor of innovative Lyme disease research in the US. A 501c3 organization based in Silicon Valley, Bay Area Lyme Foundation collaborates with world-class scientists and institutions to accelerate medical breakthroughs for Lyme disease. It is also dedicated to providing reliable, fact-based information so that prevention and the importance of early treatment are common knowledge. Historically a pivotal donation from the LaureL STEM fund covered all overhead costs through 2024. In 2023 a Bay Area Lyme Endowment was formed which allows for 100% of all donor contributions to the Bay Area Lyme Foundation to go directly to research and prevention programs in perpetuity. For more information about Lyme disease or to get involved, visit www.bayarealyme.org or call us at 650-530-2439.

Media contact:

Tara DiMilia

Phone: 908-369-7168

Tara.DiMilia@tmstrat.com
Israels Ministry of Health (MoH) approval to add additional sites to APEX SUMMIT-90 160 patient phase 2b macrodose clinical trial:



Tel Aviv University (TAU)s Institute for Psychedelic Research located at the Sagol Brain Institute (SGI) in Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Be'er Yaakov Mental Hospital (Merhavim) Center for Psychedelic Studies.





For more information or to register visit clinicaltrials.gov (Canada) and mytrials.gov (Israel).



VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apex Labs Ltd. (APEX or the Company), a pharmaceutical company transforming the standard of mental health care with psilocybin is pleased to announce the approval by the Israeli MoH and IRBs to open two additional clinical trial sites for SUMMIT-90. The trial is a double-blind, placebo controlled phase 2b study evaluating multiple doses of APEX-90, a psilocybin macrodose utilizing APEXs US patent pending capsule. APEX-90 is administered in-clinic with study-assisted psychotherapy for severe depression within diagnosed PTSD. Israel is facing a severe mental health crisis: 44% of adults report depression and 42% PTSD, far above the 813% depression and 610% PTSD rates seen in the US and Canada.

This MoH approval leverages the expertise of TAUs renowned SGI and Merhavim Hospital, which both have a rich history of pioneering research in neurological sciences. Their cutting-edge facilities and teams profound understanding of PTSD dynamics are poised to add patient recruitment expertise.

I am honoured to have been able to facilitate this new partnership; another example of building important bridges between Canada and Israel in innovative clinical research, which will result in advancing patient access to emerging treatments, says Sharon J. Fraenkel, TAU Canadas CEO for Ottawa, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada, on behalf of the organization.

As someone deeply connected to Israel, witnessing the toll of PTSD among my loved ones, I'm driven to lead research that brings hope and healing, says Alysa Langburt, APEXs VP of Global Clinical Development. This marks more than a clinical milestone, it represents a fundamental step towards transforming the mental health landscape in Canada and Israel, where the need has never been greater. Through our incredible partnerships, we aim to catalyze a shift in access, care and outcomes for those suffering with PTSD.

"SUMMIT-90 offers a beacon of hope for the significant numbers suffering from PTSD in Canada and Israel, says Tyler Powell, co-Founder and CEO of APEX. It underscores our commitment to global mental health innovation and our belief in the opportunity for clinically proven psilocybin therapies to transform mental health care.

About Apex Labs Ltd.

APEX is a patient-driven pharmaceutical company focused on revolutionizing the standard of mental health care with psilocybin. APEX's strategy is two-pronged, clinical evaluation of drug assets alongside a robust Early Access Program. APEX recognizes and prioritizes Veterans as a patient base with the most severe unmet medical need.

Visit apexlabs.com for more information and follow APEX on LinkedIn , Twitter and Instagram .

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability to control or predict, that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out here in, including but not limited to: receiving authorization of Health Canada Dealers Licence; filing US provisional patent, the Company evaluating the safety and efficacy of APEX-52 (psilocybin) and APEX-90 (psilocybin) in treating depression in Veterans and patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; statements related to APEX-52 and APEX-90, including manufacturing, dosing, and trial details; statements made by the Company's executives with respect to Health Canada's Dealer's Licence and capsule patent filing; the Company's efforts around the Early Access Program; statements made relating to Canadian Veteran patients; approvals by the Israeli Ministry of Health and ethics; the inherent risks involved in the general securities markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents managements' best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

SOURCE Apex Labs Ltd.
Newark, N.J., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jordan Hu 89, CEO of RiskVal Financial Solutions, and a distinguished alumnus of New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), has been named the 2025 New Jersey winner of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. The honor celebrates entrepreneurs who are building and leading high-growth, innovative companies that are transforming industries and creating positive impact.

Founded in 2001, RiskVal is a global software-as-a-service provider specializing in pre-trade fixed income analytics and portfolio risk management. Its flagship solutions  RVFI and RVPortfolio  deliver real-time insights using decades of historical and market data and serve more than 1,000 portfolio managers across banks, asset managers and hedge funds.

Hu earned his M.S. in computer science from NJIT and has remained closely connected to the university, having served on NJITs Board of Trustees and championing initiatives that expand STEM opportunities for future generations.

Hu's journey embodies the American dream. From his initial move to the United States from Taiwan with limited resources, his dedication propelled him to launch RiskVal Financial Solutions, a multimillion-dollar global enterprise.

To receive this award is both humbling and energizing, said Jordan Hu. Its a recognition not just of RiskVals success, but of the journey behind it  from starting with little more than an idea to building a company that serves global financial institutions. Im proud to be part of a community that continues to fuel innovation.

In April, Hu was selected as one of 25 finalists in New Jersey, chosen for entrepreneurial leadership, sustained growth and significant community engagement. His selection as the New Jersey regional winner was announced in June and now advances to the national Entrepreneur of the Year competition, which culminates in November at the Strategic Growth Forum in Palm Springs, California. The Entrepreneur of the Year National overall award winner will then represent the U.S. as they compete for the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year award in June 2026.

Jordan Hu exemplifies the kind of visionary leadership NJIT is proud to cultivate, said NJIT President Teik C. Lim. He took a bold idea and built a company that has reshaped how financial markets approach risk and analytics. His entrepreneurial success, paired with his commitment to giving back, reflects the core values of NJIT and the transformative power of a STEM education.



Hus recognition is the latest milestone in a career defined by innovation and resilience. After emigrating from Taiwan, he founded RiskVal without outside funding and steadily grew it into a leading force in financial analytics. In 2024, NJIT renamed its College of Science and Liberal Arts in Hus honor to recognize his leadership and philanthropic support. Further insights into his journey and impact can be found in Making a Difference in Real Time.

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Davis, California, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --



Vanguard News Group





Vanguard News Group has officially launched its groundbreaking prison journalism initiative, Vanguard Incarcerated Press (VIP), a program built on education, justice, and the transformative power of storytelling from within the prison system.

The program was born from an unlikely and deeply moving source: a Nepali family advocating for a loved one who had been wrongly convicted and sentenced to over 300 years in prison. Vanguard News founder David Greenwald was introduced to other incarcerated individuals, motivating him to create a prison newspaper. The publication never fully came to fruition due to overly restrictive prison policies. But the idea planted a seed.

I visited him multiple times a year over seven or eight years, said Greenwald. He introduced me to folks who were trying to launch something powerful behind bars. Even though the prison itself was too conservative to allow that paper to thrive, it made me realize how badly this kind of platform was needed. Now, that dream has become a reality.

Vanguard Incarcerated Press is a print and digital journalism platform led by and for incarcerated individuals. The publication mails physical newspapers to its subscribers, including courts, institutions, and justice advocates, and features new articles regularly on its website. All stories are written, edited, and reviewed with the direct involvement of incarcerated people themselves.

Three incarcerated individuals currently serve on the editorial board, reviewing submissions, editing pieces, and approving content for publication. Others contribute as writers, and for many, it's the first time their voices have been heard outside prison walls.

Seeing your own byline in print when you're locked up; it means something, said Greenwald. It builds pride, purpose, and a sense that your story matters.

VIP mirrors the success of Vanguards Court Watch program, which trains college students in journalism and legal observation. But in this case, the participants are incarcerated people, many of whom never graduated high school. Through the program, they learn to write, report, edit, and build the kind of skills that reduce recidivism and increase their chances of parole.

One graduate of the early pilot effort, formerly incarcerated for nearly a decade, is now earning his bachelors degree and sits on Vanguards Board of Directors. His story, and many others, show whats possible when people are given a second chance and the right tools to succeed.

Vanguard News is now collaborating with a state university professor to formalize the program into a certified curriculum. The goal is to develop a journalism certificate (and potentially a degree track) that incarcerated students can complete from inside, gaining a recognized credential they can carry into life after prison. This is twofold, Greenwald explained. Were exposing injustice through our reporting, but were also giving people inside a real skillset, a path forward, and dignity.

Despite its promise, the program faces steep financial challenges. Vanguard News operates on the margins, relying on donations, small grants, and an increasing need for grassroots fundraising.

Greenwald, who now also serves as the programs primary fundraiser, says hes learned to be creative: We have donate buttons, we accept mail-in checks, and Ive even taken donations over Cash App. You have to meet people where they are.

Supporters can contribute directly via Vanguard News website or reach out to help fund specific program goals, including but not limited to: expanding editorial capacity to meet growing submissions, printing and mailing physical newspapers to more facilities, developing the accredited journalism certificate program, or providing tablets and tech access for easier communication between contributors and editors.

Vanguard Incarcerated Press is not just another publication. It is a lifeline; both an outlet for incarcerated individuals to tell their stories and a tool for social change. It reminds society that those behind bars still have a voice, and for many, that voice is the beginning of redemption.

Greenwald sums it up best: Were helping the public understand the system while aiding the people in the system to change their own lives. Thats the power of journalism.

Media Contact

Name: David Greenwald

Email: info@davisvanguard.orginfo@davisvanguard.org






SANDY, Utah, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mountain America Credit Union, in partnership with the Keys to Success program, awarded $2,000 scholarships to five high school students to support their educational aspirations. The scholarships, totaling $10,000, were presented to students who demonstrated college readiness by engaging in career exploration, applying for scholarships, and taking proactive steps toward higher educationcriteria established by Keys to Success.

This partnership with Keys to Success highlights Mountain Americas continued dedication to educational advancement and community enrichment, said Nathan Anderson, EVP and chief operating officer at Mountain America. By investing in students futures, were helping build stronger communities and opening doors to lifelong opportunity.

Keys to Success, a program of the Success in Education Foundation, serves students across Utahs middle schools, high schools, and higher education institutions. By promoting goal setting and celebrating individual achievements, the program fosters confidence and motivation in students preparing for their futures.

Education is the foundation for a brighter tomorrow, and through our Keys to Success program, we are proud to champion the next generation of leaders, said Hailey Mishler, senior program manager at the Success in Education Foundation. Our collaboration with Mountain America Credit Union reflects a shared mission to help students succeedboth academically and financially.

Rob Brough, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Mountain America, led the scholarship presentation alongside distinguished guests John Garff, CEO of Ken Garff Automotive Group, and Josh Fox, Vice President at Success in Education.

For more information on Keys to Success scholarships and how to apply, visit www.ktsutah.org.

To learn more about the Success in Education Foundation, visit www.sieutah.org.
Salt Lake City, Utah, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In recent days, WWE honored the Los Angeles Dream Center at their Money in the Bank pay-per-view event. The day prior, the L.A. Dream Center, in partnership with Parker Migliorini International (PMI Foods), co-hosted a cookout for the victims of the L.A. wildfires. The PMI sponsored event provided essential food, clothing, and supplies to help families continue their recovery process.

As a part of their on-going mission to combat global food insecurity, PMI Foods continues to donate and deliver large-scale protein to vulnerable communities. With corporate offices in 30 countries, PMI foods continue to be a global leader in sourcing and distributing high-quality foods to local communities.

Families at this cookout received:

Rump Steak and Baby Back Ribs that fed over 1,000 people, donated by PMI Foods, ensuring that families have access to high-quality proteins as they continue to deal with recovering from the devastating fires.

At PMI Foods we are actively trying to fight global food insecurity and feed the hungry, remarked Darin Parker, President of PMI Foods. Mr. Parker continued we are proud to partner with the Los Angeles Dream Center and WWE to help thousands of families impacted by the LA wildfires. PMI Foods is working every day to provide millions of people with nutritious foods such as grass-fed pasture-raised beef, free-range chicken, as well as many other healthy options.

Through the efforts of WWE, Dream Center, and PMI Foods, thousands of victims are continuing to receive the help they need to recover from losing their homes.

We are incredibly grateful to PMI Foods for their generous donations as well as their continued support in aiding the victims of the disastrous LA wildfires, remarked Donny Irmen, Director at the Los Angeles Dream Center. On behalf of the LA Dream Center, thank you PMI Foods for always giving a helping hand to those in need.

About Parker Migliorini International

PMI Foods is a global enterprise that supplies an extensive range of products to all major international markets with corporate offices strategically located in the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania. PMI Foods operates on several platforms representing two brands: PMI Global Solutions; managing product procurement, sales, and logistics, and PMI Distribution; supplying the needs of local wholesale markets, and PMI Food Service, which provides a constant supply source while focusing on personalized services and customer-specific adaptation of products and packaging. More information about PMI Foods is available at: www.pmifoods.com

About Dream Center

The Dream Center is a dedicated resource hub committed to supporting individuals impacted by homelessness, hunger, and lack of education. Through a combination of residential services and community outreach programs, it offers vital assistance to those in need. With over 84 Dream Centers across the globeincluding locations in 29 U.S. states and 8 countrieseach center shares a unified mission: to transform lives and uplift communities by providing the essential help, hope, and resources people need to thrive. Learn more about Dream Center and the work they do at: www.dreamcenter.org

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2025 MREL REQUIREMENTS NOTIFICATION

PRESS RELEASE

Paris, 12 June 2025

The BNP Paribas Group has received the notification by the Autorite de Controle Prudentiel et de Resolution (ACPR), implementing the decision of the Single Resolution Board, of the updated Minimum Requirement for Own Funds and Eligible Liabilities (MREL) requirements applicable from this date.

The total MREL requirement applicable now amounts to 22.19% to which the CBR1 must be added, of the Groups RWA and 5.91% of the Groups leverage exposures.

As regards the subordination constraint, the requirement applicable for the BNP Paribas Group is respectively 14.78% to which the CBR1 must be added, of Groups RWA and 5.75% of the Groups leverage exposures.

As at 31 March 2025, the BNP Paribas Group is well above the updated MREL requirements with a total MREL ratio of 29.8% based on Groups RWA and a Group subordinated MREL ratio of 27.1% on the same basis. These ratios were respectively 9.0% and 8.2% of Groups leverage exposures as at 31 March 2025.

About BNP Paribas

Leader in banking and financial services in Europe, BNP Paribas operates in 64 countries and has nearly 178,000 employees, including more than 144,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Groups commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Turkiye, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group's performance and stability.

Press contact

Sandrine Romano  sandrine.romano@bnpparibas.com  +33 6 71 18 23 05

Hacina Habchi  hacina.habchi@bnpparibas.com - +33 7 61 97 65 20

1 Combined Buffer Requirement of 4.78% as at 31 March 2025

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GAZTRANSPORT ET TECHNIGAZ

Societe anonyme with a share capital of 371,177.72

Registered office: 1 route de Versailles  78470 Saint-Remy-les-Chevreuse, France

662 001 403 R.C.S. Versailles

Main terms and conditions of the share buy-back programme in accordance with the conditions and obligations set by Articles 241-1 and seq. of the General Regulations of the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF)

Implementation of the share buy-back programme authorised by the Combined Shareholders meeting on June 11, 2025

Issuer: GTT / ISIN code: FR 0011726835 (compartment A)

Stock concerned : Ordinary shares

Implementation authorized by: Combined Shareholders meeting on June 11, 2025

Implementation decision date: June 11, 2025

Maximum proportion of the share capital that may be acquired pursuant to the Shareholders authorization: 10% of the number of ordinary shares composing GTTs share capital, or, for indicative purposes 3,711,777 shares on the basis of the capital as at December 31, 2024.

It is specified that:

(i) the number of shares acquired for retention and their subsequent presentation in a merger, split or contribution transaction cannot exceed 5% of its share capital;

(ii) when the shares are bought back to improve liquidity under the conditions defined by the general regulations of the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), the number of shares used for calculating the above-specified 10% limit corresponds to the number of shares bought, less the number of shares sold, during the period of the authorisation;

(iii) the Company may not directly or indirectly own more than 10% of its capital.

Maximum purchase price: 190 per share (fees not included).

Maximum amount of purchases authorized by the programme: 705,237,630.

Objectives of the programme:

the implementation of (i) share purchase option plans or (ii) free share award plans, or (iii) the allocation or sale of shares to employees or corporate officers of the Company or of Group companies under the conditions and in accordance with the procedures allowed by law, notably with respect to Company profit-sharing; or the implementation of any employee savings scheme under the conditions provided for by law, specifically Articles L. 3332-1 et seq. of the French Labour Code, the sale of shares previously acquired by the Company pursuant to this resolution or providing for the free allocation of these shares in the form of a top-up of Company securities and/or to replace the discount, or (iv) any other form of award, allocation or transfer to employees and/or corporate officers of the Company or affiliated companies;

the delivery of shares upon the exercise of rights attached to securities giving right to repayment, conversion, exchange, presentation of a warrant, or any other means of allocating shares of the Company;

the retaining and later delivery of shares (in exchange, payment or other) as part of an acquisition transaction, limited to 5% of the number of shares comprising the share capital;

the cancellation of all or part of the shares bought back under a resolution of a Shareholders Meeting in force; and

the stimulation of the secondary market or the liquidity of the shares by an investment services provider acting under a liquidity contract in compliance with the market practice recognised by the Autorite des Marches Financiers.

This share buyback program would also be intended to allow the Company to operate for any other permitted purpose or which would become permitted by any applicable laws or regulations in force and to implement any practice that would be allowed by the Autorite des Marches Financiers. In such event, the Company would inform its shareholders through a press release.

The acquisition, sale or transfer of shares may be carried out, on one or more occasions, by any means authorised by the legal and regulatory provisions in force, on regulated markets, multilateral trading facilities, systematic internalisers or over-the-counter, including by acquisition or sale of blocks of shares (without limiting the portion of the buyback program that may be carried out by this means), by tender offer or exchange offer, or by use of options or other forward financial instruments or by delivery of shares following the issue of securities giving access to the Companys capital by conversion, exchange, redemption, exercise of a warrant or in any other manner, either directly or indirectly through an investment services provider.

The Board of Directors may use this authorisation at any time, within the limits authorised by legal and regulatory provisions and those provided for in the 16th resolution of the Annual General Meeting held on June 11, 2025 (except during a period of tender offer filed by a third party for the Companys shares).

Programme duration: from the release of this description of the programme and until December 10, 2026, i.e. a period of 18 months as from the date of the Combined Shareholders meeting dated June 11, 2025.

Breakdown of the treasury shares held: As at June 11, 2025, the Company holds 2,250 shares as part of its liquidity agreement signed with Rothschild Martin Maurel for the purpose of stimulating the market in GTT shares, and compliant with the ethical charter recognised by the AMF, and holds 50,285 shares outside the liquidity, representing a total of 0.14 % of the share capital .

This document is published on June 12, 2025, in accordance with the AMF General Regulations, prior to the implementation of the programme.

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IRVINE, Calif., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MVE + Partners, a leading architecture, design and planning firm, swept their categories last night in Anaheim, Calif. at the sold-out Pacific Coast Builders Conference (PCBC) Gold Nugget Awards, the nations oldest design award for innovative architecture, planning and construction, for two distinctive projects.

MVE + Partners Post District Residences was selected for a Grand Award, the highest honor at the Gold Nuggets, which was chosen by a panel of top industry experts who reviewed 675 entries. Additionally, the firm received three Awards of Merit  one for The Post District Residences and two for Rafferty, a luxury apartment complex in Southern California. The nominated projects showcase exciting trends in design, planning and building across over 60 categories, including multifamily, affordable, mixed-use, and recreational facilities.

Post District Residences in Salt Lake City, Utah

Designed by MVE + Partners for developers Lowe Property Group, Blaser Ventures, and Bridge Investment Group, with general contracting by Big D Construction, Post District Residences was named the Grand Award winner for the Mixed-Use Community of the Year and received an Award of Merit for the Best Mixed-Use Community.

Located in Salt Lake Citys downtown, the Post District is a vibrant pedestrian-friendly community comprised of five buildings, a blend of adaptive reuse with new construction - spanning 580 residential units, 22,405 square feet of retail and 86,000 square feet of private and public outdoor space. The project is a distinct social hub for residents with a plethora of restaurants, cafes, shops, open green space and plazas within walking distance.

Rafferty luxury apartments in Santa Ana, California

Designed by MVE + Partners for developers Toll Brothers Apartment Living, Rafferty received merit awards in the categories of Multi-family Community of the Year and Best Multi-family Community - 60 to 100 dwelling units/acre.

Rafferty is an eight-story luxury mixed-use apartment community that honors the historic architecture of Santa Ana, while embracing the dynamic energy of the Calle Cuatro corridor - an area renowned for its public art and cultural institutions. The property boasts 218 apartments designed with high-end finishes and modern features. Rafferty also has a variety of amenities for all residents to enjoy, including an expansive pool deck, a dynamic indoor/outdoor fitness center, a jam room with speaker system, and a coworking studio. Communal spaces also provide ample opportunities for unwinding with sophisticated gathering spaces and social hubs, a sky lounge, and a rooftop deck. Additionally, the project has 12,565 square feet of street-level retail and extensive sidewalk dining areas to provide an enhanced pedestrian experience.

It is such a privilege to have the Gold Nugget Awards acknowledge The Post District Residences and Rafferty for their architectural excellence and innovative design, said Matthew McLarand, president and director of design, MVE + Partners. We share these awards with our partners Lowe Property Group, Blaser Ventures, Bridge Investment Group, and Toll Brothers Apartment Living, and thank them for trusting us to bring their visions to life.

This years Gold Nugget Awards mark MVE + Partners 87th Grand Award over the past 51 years.

About MVE + Partners

Celebrating over 50 years in the industry, MVE + Partners provides architecture, planning, and interiors from its multiple studios across the United States and Mexico to its clients across the globe. MVE + Partners mission is to design with passion, collaborate successfully, and sustainably enrich the communities it influences to continually deliver buildings that are exceptional by design. For more information, please visit their website.

MEDIA CONTACT

IDEA HALL

Holly Jenvey

Holly@ideahall.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/046f2d8d-7c0c-4420-8354-23be8aa8954e

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1357cad6-68f7-4429-b081-065f9712a6a6
Washington, DC, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas has enjoined a Kansas state law authorizing intrusive warrantless searches of dog training and handling businesses. Following arguments made by the New Civil Liberties Alliance in a prior amicus curiae brief at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, the district court ruled in Johnson v. Smith that the statute infringes Kansas dog trainers Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. The district court reached this conclusion in part by recognizing that dog trainers are not closely regulated businesses, to which Fourth Amendment warrant protections would not apply. NCLA heartily congratulates Sam MacRoberts and the Kansas Justice Institute, who represented the Plaintiffs successfully in this case.

Married couple Scott Johnson and Harlene Hoyt, of Winfield, KS, own and operate their licensed Brittany Spaniel training and handling business Covey Find Kennel, out of a facility next to their home. To maintain the license, the Kansas Pet Animal Act required one of them to be present at the property for an unannounced physical search on 30 minutes notice from an inspector. It permitted the Kansas Department of Agriculture to trespass on their property and invade their privacy without first showing probable cause to a judge. The Kansas Justice Institute and NCLA pointed out that this licensing and warrantless search regime violates the Fourth Amendment.

The district court at first dismissed Johnsons lawsuit in 2023, incorrectly ruling that precedent excepting closely regulated businesses from Fourth Amendment protection against warrantless, privacy-invading searches applied to their dog training and handling business. Such a broad application of that narrow exception could have allowed intrusions to become commonplace across a wide range of Kansas industries. NCLA filed a brief to argue, consistent with our Fifth Circuit victory for charter boat captains in Mexican Gulf Fishing, that dog training is not closely regulated. In June 2024, the Tenth Circuit concluded that it lacked sufficient information to decide whether businesses like Covey Find Kennel were closely regulated and thus not protected by the search warrant requirement, remanding this issue to the district court for reconsideration. NCLA appreciates the district courts belated holding that the narrow closely regulated business exception does not apply to training and handling dogs.

NCLA released the following statements:

We owned a terrific Brittany Spaniel when I was growing up in Kansas, so I have long taken a special interest in KJIs case. NCLA is pleased for the owners of Covey Find Kennel, but we are even more pleased to see the pernicious doctrine denying search warrant protections to closely regulated industries further contained.

 Mark Chenoweth, President, NCLA

By faithfully applying Supreme Court precedents, the district courts decision prevents the Kansas legislature from using licensing requirements to override important constitutional protections.

 Andrew Morris, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA

For more information visit the amicus page here.

ABOUT NCLA

NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights.

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MINNEAPOLIS, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Restaurant Technologies has been named a Best Place to Work by the Minneapolis St-Paul Business Journal for the fourth time and its first time receiving the award in consecutive years highlighting the collaborative, driven, and connected culture that has been built by the leading commercial kitchen automation company.

The national leader in commercial kitchen automation received an impressive overall engagement score of 88.46 out of 100 in an independent third-party survey of its workforce. Nearly 80% of employees were categorized as highly engaged, with another 18% considered moderately engaged. Only three employees were considered disengaged.

Our winning culture is a reflection of our 5Cs values that we all bring to life together: customer, character, commitment, courage, and community are not just words on paper for us, said Jeff Kiesel, President and CEO of Restaurant Technologies. We are driven by our commitment to each other, our customers, and the positive impact of the work on the world around us.

According to the survey, 88% of employees agreed that they will be recognized for contributing to their companys success. For the second year in a row, employees noted that the best word that describes Restaurant Technologies was collaborative. The anonymous responses spoke to a culture that embraces an entrepreneurial approach and promotes teamwork and mutual support among colleagues.

Throughout my 15+ year professional career I have changed employers over 6 times. I have worked at large public companies and small boutique companies. Never have I been as happy as I am at Restaurant Technologies. At RT everyone has the ability to make changes that directly impact the growth and success of our company, and everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. RT is the most incredible company I have had the privilege to be a part of.

The organization provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development, including training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement paths, shared one employee in the anonymous survey. The company values work-life balance, offering flexible schedules and supportive policies that prioritize employee well-being.

In addition to its recognition from the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, Restaurant Technologies has earned numerous accolades for its workplace culture. In 2024, the company received national recognition from Newsweek in three categories: Americas Greatest Workplaces, Americas Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, and Americas Greatest Workplaces for Mental Wellbeing, with the company doubling up on the last award in 2025. The company has also been named a Top 150 Workplace by the Star Tribune in the past.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Mendota Heights, Minn., Restaurant Technologies has grown to over 1,400 employees that service over 45,000 customers at 41 depots across the country. It boasts a diverse customer base in restaurants, hotels/resorts, grocery stores, convenience stores, casinos, hospitals, and universities, among other industries.

To learn more about Restaurant Technologies or search for career opportunities, visit the careers page at rti-inc.com.

About Restaurant Technologies

Restaurant Technologies is the leading provider of commercial kitchen solutions for nearly 45,000 customers nationwide. Since 1999, its Total Oil Management solution helps Control the Kitchen Chaos for quick-service and full-service restaurant chains, independent restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, resorts, casinos, hospitals, and more. By automating the hardest tasks in the kitchen, Restaurant Technologies improves food quality, safety, and efficiency for its customers.

Total Oil Management eliminates the manual handling of cooking oil through an automated solution that delivers, stores, filters, monitors, and removes oil. Restaurant Technologies also works with renewable energy partners to recycle used cooking oil into renewable fuels for a more sustainable business.

Headquartered in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, Restaurant Technologies is privately held and operates 41 depots nationwide with more than 1,500 employees. For more information, visit www.rti-inc.com, or follow on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or X @RTIoil.

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PHOENIX, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marjorie Bessel, MD, chief clinical officer at Banner Health, has been recognized as one of Modern Healthcares 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2025. It is the third time in five years she has won this prestigious industry honor for her efforts leading Banners clinical initiatives.

Dr. Bessel brought together a diverse team to improve quality and access for patients who rely on the nonprofit health system across six western states. With daily teamwork, smart data, and strong collaboration across specialties, patients moved through the hospital and transitioned smoothly to the next step in their carewhether thats rehabilitation, home, or another facility. Its part of an organizational-wide effort to improve care agility and focus on interdisciplinary learning. This approach freed up space equal to 100 new beds, allowing Banner to care for nearly 10,000 more patients in 2024.

Banner Health is a name synonymous with quality, and thats due in large part to the work of Dr. Bessel, whose 20-year career has been driven by a commitment to getting people home to their families safely and staying well in our communities, said Banner Health President and CEO Amy Perry. We are not surprised by this recognition given our amazing team and attention to detail that Dr. Bessel brings to work every day.

Under her leadership, Banner Health achieved its lowest-ever clinician burnout rates in 2024, and the best in the nation according to the Maslach Burnout Inventory tool. Dr. Bessel brought joy back to medicine through stronger support and celebration of clinical staff, helping them feel valued and energized so they can provide better care for their patients. One of Banners most trusted leaders has become a go-to voice for health care experts statewide and nationally. By organizing important conversations about Arizonas public health challenges, she has driven positive change for patients and communities well beyond Banners hospital walls.

Becoming a clinician doesnt automatically prepare one for a leadership role, helping to guide an organization or an industry. The 50 clinicians chosen this year as the most influential, some newcomers and some we have recognized previously, are having an oversized impact, said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor-in-chief of Modern Healthcare. Their work is benefiting their own teams in terms of clinical advancements and financial results and is leading to better patient outcomes.

The annual list narrows in on the most influential professionals from among the health care industry ranks. Each has a unique story of innovation, leadership, advocacy, or clinical excellence to share. This years 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives are profiled in the June issue of Modern Healthcare and online at ModernHealthcare.com/50Most.

About Banner Health

Banner Health is one of the largest, secular nonprofit health care systems in the country with 33 hospitals and a premier academic delivery destination for patient care, research and teaching, Banner  University Medicine. Banner Health has a partnership with one of the worlds leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center, creating Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. Banners array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division and a nursing registry. To make health care easier, 100% of Banner-employed doctors are available for virtual visits and patients may also reserve spots at Banner Urgent Care locations and can book appointments online with many Banner-employed doctors. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.

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London, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pixalate , the leading global platform for ad fraud protection, privacy, and compliance analytics, today released the Global Top 25 CTV Fast Apps Reports for Q1 2025. Pixalate published Roku , Apple TV , Amazon Fire TV , and Samsung Smart TV versions of the report.





The reports rank the top 25 most popular Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST) apps by device type based on global open programmatic advertising volume, as measured by Pixalate. The apps are ranked after removing invalid traffic (IVT), as measured by Pixalate.





To compile this report, Pixalates data science team analyzed over 5 billion open programmatic ad transactions across over six thousand unique Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung Smart TV CTV apps across Q1 2025.





Most Popular Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) CTV Apps





Roku

















See the full list of the top 25 most popular FAST apps on Roku here.





Amazon Fire TV





















See the full list of the top 25 most popular FAST apps on Amazon Fire TV here.





Apple TV























See the full list of the top 25 most popular FAST apps on Apple TV here.





Samsung TV





















See the full list of the top 25 most popular FAST apps on Samsung Smart TV here.





What are FAST Apps?





Free Ad-Supported TV (FAST) apps enable viewers to access linear video content in a channel-based format without subscription fees, compared to streaming platforms that depend on viewer subscriptions.

In the context of this report, "linear" signifies content presented in channel-based format, with the same programming simultaneously streamed to all viewers tuned into a specific channel.



Pixalate classifies any app meeting the above FAST criteria as a FAST app, even if the app provides video-on-demand services or offers paid subscription tiers in addition to the free, linear content.





Download all of Pixalates Q1 2025 Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) Apps Reports









About Pixalate

Pixalate is a global platform specializing in privacy compliance, ad fraud prevention, and digital ad supply chain data intelligence. Founded in 2012, Pixalate is trusted by regulators, data researchers, advertisers, publishers, ad tech platforms, and financial analysts across the Connected TV (CTV), mobile app, and website ecosystems. Pixalate is accredited by the MRC for the detection and filtration of Sophisticated Invalid Traffic (SIVT). pixalate.com





Disclaimer

The content of this press release, and the Q1 2025 FAST Apps Rankings Reports (the reports), reflect Pixalate's opinions with respect to factors that Pixalate believes may be useful to the digital media industry. Any data shared is grounded in Pixalates proprietary technology and analytics, which Pixalate is continuously evaluating and updating. Any references to outside sources should not be construed as endorsements. Pixalate's opinions are just that, opinions, which means that they are neither facts nor guarantees. Pixalate is sharing this data not to impugn the standing or reputation of any entity, person or app, but, instead, to report findings and trends pertaining to programmatic advertising activity across in the time period studied.




Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered In Organon To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired securities in Organon between October 31, 2024 and April 30, 2025 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

[You may also click here for additional information]





NEW YORK, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Organon & Co. (Organon or the Company) (NYSE: OGN) and reminds investors of the July 22, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

Defendants provided investors with material information concerning Organons prioritization of its capital allocation strategy through regular, quarterly dividends. Defendants statements included, among other things, reassurance that capital allocation through the aforementioned dividends was a #1 capital allocation priority and that Organon was committed to consistent deployment of capital. Defendants provided these overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of the Companys priorities, particularly, related to capital allocation through quarterly dividends. Notably, Defendants concealed the high priority of Organons debt reduction strategy following the Companys acquisition of Dermavant, resulting in a 70% decrease for the regular quarterly dividend. Such statements absent these material facts caused Plaintiff and other shareholders to purchase Organons securities at artificially inflated prices.

Investors and analysts again reacted promptly to Organons revelations. The price of Organons common stock declined dramatically. From a closing market price of $12.93 per share on April 30, 2025, Organons stock price fell to $9.45 per share on May 1, 2025, a decline of more than 27% in the span of just a single day.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Organons conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Organon & Co. class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/OGN or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4c96193e-9e8a-4e5d-878a-3e41b441e24a
 From Peyote conservation to Religious Freedom, the Plant Medicine Track honors ancestral traditions, uplifts Indigenous leadership, and promotes ethical and reciprocal relationships with the stewards of these sacred medicines.

 Featuring voices from the Amazon, Wirikuta, Sierra Mazateca (Oaxaca), and tribal nations within the United States, speakers include Sandor Iron Rope, Osiris Garcia Cerqueda, Daiara Tukano, Christine McCleave, Chief Nixiwaka Yawanawa, and Raine Piyako.

 Sessions explore ancestral healing practices, biocultural conservation, Indigenous sovereignty, sacred plant protection, and the ethics of Psychedelic Science and policy reform.



DENVER, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With growing recognition of psychedelics and plant medicines in therapeutic and scientific settings, it is a critical time to uplift and acknowledge the Indigenous wisdom and practices that preceded and guide todays progress. Psychedelic Science 2025 (PS2025) honors these roots with a dedicated Plant Medicine Track that highlights spiritual, cultural, and ecological dimensions of Indigenous practices with sacred plants.

Hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), PS2025 takes place June 1620 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. With more than 500 speakers across five days, the gathering convenes a global community of scientists, healers, advocates, leaders, and Indigenous knowledge-keepers. Among its many offerings, the Plant Medicine Track stands out as an immersive and robust forum covering ancestral traditions, religious freedom, Indigenous sovereignty, and biocultural healing practices, and their intersection with the psychedelic movement.

The Plant Medicine Track weaves together a rich spectrum of themes, from preserving endangered sacred plants and habitats, to whether we can responsibly integrate Indigenous knowledge in contemporary therapy and science, to utilizing modern psychedelic therapy practices to support the healing of tribal, Native, and other Indigenous communities across the world. Key focus areas include:

Biocultural Protection  Safeguarding sacred plants and their ecosystems (for example, the peyote cactus in Wirikuta and South Texas (the Chihuahuan Desert) alongside the cultures that revere them, blending conservation with cultural rights.

 Safeguarding sacred plants and their ecosystems (for example, the peyote cactus in Wirikuta and South Texas (the Chihuahuan Desert) alongside the cultures that revere them, blending conservation with cultural rights. Indigenous Leadership  Highlighting Indigenous voices and sovereignty in the psychedelic ecosystem, including thoughtful perspectives from elders and youth alike on how to respect, share, and regulate plant medicines in todays globalized world.

 Highlighting Indigenous voices and sovereignty in the psychedelic ecosystem, including thoughtful perspectives from elders and youth alike on how to respect, share, and regulate plant medicines in todays globalized world. Grassroots Healing  Spotlighting community-driven healing initiatives that merge ancestral practices with modern approaches to address challenges like addiction, trauma, and social inequality.

 Spotlighting community-driven healing initiatives that merge ancestral practices with modern approaches to address challenges like addiction, trauma, and social inequality. Legal & Ethical Frameworks  Exploring the evolving legal landscape and ethical guidelines for sacred medicine use  from religious freedom and policy reform to protocols for respectful engagement and benefit-sharing with Indigenous communities.



One of the most important themes of Psychedelic Science 2025 is the relationship between the psychedelic movement and the many Indigenous communities that preceded it, participate in it, and are impacted by it. MAPS is proud to work alongside, learn from, and be in relationship with tribal, Native American/Alaska Native, and Indigenous people from across the country and the world. We honor the spectrum of identity represented by land-based practices, celebrate efforts to reclaim or reconnect to them, and acknowledge the complexity that comes alongside navigating indigeneity and territoriality in a globalized world. The Plant Medicine Track is one way we highlight these topics and ensure that the contemporary psychedelic movement remains grounded in respect, reciprocity, and reverence for its roots.

 Ismali Lourido Ali, J.D., Interim Co-Executive Director, MAPS

From legacy Indigenous healers and dedicated conservationists to activists and cutting-edge scientists, PS2025s Plant Medicine Track focuses on the deep connections between culture, ecology, and healing that drive the psychedelic field  and the responsibility we all have to our larger community. Thanks to US-based nonprofit organizations, including the Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund (IMC Fund), which works to directly lift up voices from Indigenous communities around the world, and the Chacruna Institute , which maintains an incredible commitment to including Indigenous voices in the psychedelic ecosystem. It behooves all of us to educate ourselves on these delicate subjects, and MAPS is proud to be highlighting the vision and the possibility that this psychedelic effort can continue without doing harm.

Indigenous-Led Sessions  Talks and panels on multiple stages that are guided by Indigenous elders and knowledge-keepers from across the Americas, Africa, and beyond, sharing perspectives rarely heard outside their communities.



 Talks and panels on multiple stages that are guided by Indigenous elders and knowledge-keepers from across the Americas, Africa, and beyond, sharing perspectives rarely heard outside their communities. Cross-Cultural Exchange  Dialogues bridging traditional wisdom with modern science, and connecting different generations and cultures to foster mutual learning about healing, conservation, and community well-being.



 Dialogues bridging traditional wisdom with modern science, and connecting different generations and cultures to foster mutual learning about healing, conservation, and community well-being. Ethical & Sustainable Practices  Forward-looking discussions on tensions that come with integrating psychedelics into society, including the establishment of entheogenic churches, international policy on Indigenous rights, and best practices for reciprocity, sustainability, and ecological responsibility.



 Forward-looking discussions on tensions that come with integrating psychedelics into society, including the establishment of entheogenic churches, international policy on Indigenous rights, and best practices for reciprocity, sustainability, and ecological responsibility. Alliance-Building  Networking opportunities to connect with Indigenous leaders, researchers, and fellow advocates, and opportunities to forge partnerships and alliances to support biocultural conservation and cross-cultural initiatives around the world.

Featured Sessions

Setting the Principles for Cultural Appreciation and Respectful Relationship

To kick off the Plant Medicine Track, this panel features an international delegation of Indigenous medicine practitioners, Raine Piyako (Vice President, Yorenka Tasorentsi Institute), Steven Benally (Founding Board Member, Indigenous Peyote Conservation Initiative), Georges Gassita (Secretary General of the Board of Directors, Blessings of the Forest Gabon), and Madsa Juarez (as moderator; Co-Executive Director, Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund) will explore respectful interaction with medicines and the people that steward them, opening the track for the possibility of Cultural Appreciation and proper knowledge sharing.

Sacred or Stolen? The Fine Line Between Cultural Appreciation and Appropriation in Psychedelic Healing

As plant medicine gains mainstream attention, theres growing concern over who controls the narrative and who benefits. Are Western psychedelic practitioners honoring Indigenous traditions or erasing them? This conversation with Ligia Duque Platero, Ph.D. (Education Program Associate, Chacruna Institute), Osiris Garcia Cerqueda, Ph.D. (Indigenous Mazatec historian and sociologist), and Nico Gusac (as moderator) explores cultural appropriation, reciprocity, and ethical ways to engage with plant medicine traditions without perpetuating harm.

Declaration from the Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund to Psychedelic Science

On the Keynote stage, Christine McCleave (CEO, National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition) and Daiara Tukano, MA (Indigenous Rights Activist, Brazil) will read the Declaration from the IMC Fund Indigenous Delegation to PS2023 which was published after the previous conference, with new additions based on two days of discussion in the plant medicine track at PS2025.

Peyote: History, Biocultural Considerations and Indigenous Perspectives

It was only as recently as 1994 that the right of Native American Church members to practice with their sacred Peyote medicine was guaranteed by the Native American Freedom of Religion Act. Today, wild Peyote cactus populations are extremely at risk. This panel brings together Sandor Iron Rope (Board Member, Indigenous Peyote Conservation Initiative) and Lucy Benally (Board Member, Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund), members of the Native American Church, to discuss advances and possibilities for the future of the Peyote cactus and the people who utilize it as their way of life. Moderated by Miriam Volat, MA (Co-Director, Riverstyx Foundation).

Ayahuasca: Biocultural Overview and Indigenous Considerations

The globalization of ayahuasca over the past several decades has had multifaceted impacts on Indigenous communities across the Amazon basin. This panel brings together Indigenous leaders from Peru, Colombia, and Brazil who are actively working for the conservation of their cultural heritages and toward the proper use of ayahuasca as a medicine. Miguel Evanjuanoy Chindoy (Co-Director, Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund), Chief Nixiwaka Biraci Yawanawa (Spiritual and political leader, Yawanawa people, Brazilian Amazon), Chief Yama Nomanawa (Leader, Noke Koi villages, Brazil), and Daiara Tukano, MA (as moderator) will discuss pertinent themes from on-the-ground experiences at the intersection of preserved traditional practices and the Western market, including collective efforts like forming an ancestral doctors union, leveraging Western interest in ayahuasca to benefit Indigenous communities, and advancing territorial rights in the face of foreign industrial interests.

Churches and the New Psychedelic Emergence: Ancestral Medicines and the Growing Movement

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act provides a legal mechanism for church groups in the United States to use otherwise-scheduled medicines and substances as part of their so-called religious practices. But what are Indigenous perspectives on this movement? Walter Lopez (President, ASOMASHK), Sandor Iron Rope (Board Member, Indigenous Peyote Conservation Initiative), Sean McAlliser (Attorney), and Miriam Volat, MA (as moderator) will describe the international frameworks that exist for the protection of Indigenous knowledge and resources, examine concerns around the legalization of psychedelic churches from the viewpoint of Indigenous leaders, and offer considerations for the way forward.

Romantic Delusions: What Were Not Talking About in Plant Medicine Circles?

Cassandra Muileboom will moderate a discussion between Bia Labate, Ph.D. and Nico Gusac of the Chacruna Institute that confronts the seductive narratives surrounding plant medicinesthe romanticism, mystification, and spiritual consumerism that often obscure uncomfortable truths. It critically examines how plant medicine culture frequently glosses over issues of risk, trauma, mental health crises, and abuse. The conversation also explores how the idolization of healers, particularly within Indigenous and neo-shamanic contexts, fosters environments ripe for power abuse and spiritual bypassing. It further tackles the problematic idealization of Indigenous peoples as pure, enlightened stewards of the Earthan image that erases complexity, material struggle, and political demands.

International Legal Frameworks, Indigenous Medicine, and the Psychedelic Movement

Daiara Tukano, MA, Patricia Tobon Yagari (Indigenous lawyer, Colombia), Christine McCleave and Madsa Juarez (as moderator) map out the landscape of global policies that intersect with Indigenous medicine traditions. From United Nations agreements on biodiversity and traditional knowledge to evolving drug laws in countries like the United States, Mexico, and Gabon, this session highlights how well (or poorly) current frameworks safeguard Indigenous communities and their sacred plants. It also challenges psychedelic advocates to go beyond legal minimums by adopting higher standards of respect, benefit-sharing, and ecological responsibility, sharing real examples of both progress and ongoing challenges at this critical intersection.

Indigenous-Led Biocultural Conservation Success Stories with Ayahuasca, Iboga, and Peyote

Activism for policy change can be a hugely unifying force. MAPS Interim Co-Executive Director Ismail Lourido Ali will moderate a Keynote stage panel of high-profile lawyers, Patricia Tobon, Georges Gassita, and James Botsford, all of who have worked in Indigenous movements for decades, to discuss how protections for Indigenous rights  specifically related to Indigenous sacred medicine use  directly benefits communities and conservation efforts on the ground.

Chacruna Sidebar Conversations: Sacred Plants, Decolonial Dialogues

The Chacruna Institute is offering dedicated conversations within the hallway of the convention center, with the intention to foster deep connection, collective wisdom, and community empowerment within the psychedelic field. These gatherings will include conversations such as From Reciprocity to Sovereignty: Sacred Plants Conservation and Community, with Osiris Garcia Cerqueda, Ph.D., Ligia Duque Platero, Ph.D., Karina Alvarez, and Marta Camagna; Healing with Plants: An Intimate Conversation with Maestro Jose Lopez and Anne-Laure Vincke; and more.

Other featured voices in the Plant Medicine Track include Stanley Krippner, Ph.D. (pioneering psychologist and shamanism researcher), David Bronner (Cosmic Engagement Officer, Dr. Bronners), and many more  each adding a unique perspective from traditional knowledge to modern science. Together, these speakers embody the inclusive spirit of Psychedelic Science 2025, where ancient wisdom and contemporary research unite to shape the future of healing.

Visit PsychedelicScience.org to view the full schedule, register for workshops, and explore hotel and travel options. Workshop spaces are limited and available on a first-come basis.

About Psychedelic Science

Psychedelic Science 2025 (PS2025), hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), is the worlds leading psychedelic conference. Returning to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver from June 16-20, 2025, this five-day event brings together a global community of scientists, therapists, policymakers, cultural leaders, and advocates to explore the forefront of psychedelic research, therapy, and culture. Facilitated by Superfly , known for producing iconic events such as Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, PS2025 will feature expert speakers; hands-on workshops; community events with art, music, and mindfulness activities; and scholarship opportunities to support broad participation.

Since its inception in 2010, the Psychedelic Science conference series has fostered knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and community-building within the psychedelic ecosystem. Join thousands of attendees as we explore the transformative potential of psychedelics and shape the future of mental health, policy, and cultural understanding. For more information and registration details, visit psychedelicscience.org , and follow us on X , Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook .

ABOUT MAPS

Founded in 1986, MAPS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS' conference flagship, Psychedelic Science , has been the leading convening of the psychedelic community since 2010. MAPS incubated Lykos Therapeutics, a drug-development public benefit company, and the Zendo Project , a leader in psychedelic harm reduction. Since MAPS was founded, philanthropic donors and grantors have given more than $150 million to advance research , change drug policy , and evolve education in the field of psychedelics.
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VAL-DOR, Quebec, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bonterra Resources Inc. (TSX-V: BTR, OTCQX: BONXF, FSE: 9BR2) (Bonterra or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Canaccord Genuity Corp. to act as lead agent and sole-bookrunner (Canaccord Genuity) on behalf of a syndicate of agents (the Agents), in connection with a brokered best efforts private placement of (i) up to 20,454,545 hard-dollar units of the Company (HD Units) at a price of $0.22 per HD Unit (the HD Issue Price); (ii) up to 2,083,333 flow-through units of the Company (FT Units) at a price of C$0.24 per FT Unit; and (iii) up to 6,557,377 flow-through units of the Company (Premium FT Units and, together with the HD Units and the FT Units, the Offered Securities) at a price of C$0.305 per Premium FT Unit, for aggregate for gross proceeds of up to approximately $7,000,000 pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption available under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106  Prospectus Exemptions (NI 45-106) as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935, in each of the Provinces of Canada (the Offering). The Offered Securities issued to Canadian resident subscribers will not be subject to a hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.

The Company has granted the Agents an option (the Agents Option) to sell additional Offered Securities for up to 15% of the number of securities sold in connection with the Offering. The Agents Option is exercisable in whole or in part at any time, up to the Closing Date (as defined below) and can be exercised for HD Units, FT Units or Premium FT Units or any combination thereof.

Each HD Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (a Share) and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Share at an exercise price of $0.30 for a period of three years from the date of issuance. Each FT Unit and Premium FT Unit will consist of one Share and one half Warrant, each of which will qualify as a flow-through share (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada)). For certainty, the proceeds from the exercise of the Warrants will not be flow-through eligible. There is an offering document relating to the Offering (the Offering Document) that can be accessed under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Companys website at www.btrgold.com. Prospective investors in the Offering should read the Offering Document before making an investment decision.

Completion of this Offering will occur June 30, 2025 or on such date as may be agreed upon by the Company and Canaccord Genuity (the Closing Date). Closing of the Offering is subject to certain customary conditions including receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Offered Securities issued pursuant to the Offering will not be subject to any hold periods pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to fund ongoing operations for the next twelve (12) months, all as further detailed in the Offering Document.

The net proceeds from the sale of the HD Units will be used for general corporate and administrative matters. The gross proceeds from the sale of FT Units and Premium FT Units will be used by the Company pursuant to the provisions in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the Tax Act), to incur eligible Canadian exploration expenses as defined in s. 66.1(6) of the Tax Act that qualify as flow-through mining expenditures as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Tax Act (or would so qualify if the references to before 2026 in paragraph (a) of the definition of flow-through mining expenditure in subsection 127(9) of the Tax Act were read as before 2027 and the references in paragraphs (c) and (d) of that definition to before April 2025 were read as before April 2026) (the Qualifying Expenditures) related to the Companys projects, on or before December 31, 2026 (or such other period as may be permissible under applicable tax legislation), and to renounce all the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the FT Units and Premium FT Units effective December 31, 2025.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities to be sold in the Offering have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. persons unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. United States and U.S. person have the meaning ascribed to them in Regulation S under the 1933 Act.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Marc-Andre Pelletier, President & CEO

ir@btrgold.com

2872 Sullivan Road, Suite 2, Val dOr, Quebec J9P 0B9

819-825-8678 | Website: www.btrgold.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forwardlooking statements or information. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as may, will, plan, expect, anticipate, estimate, intend and similar words referring to future events and results. The forwardlooking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. Forward-looking statements made in this news release include statements regarding tax treatment of the securities, regulatory approval, anticipated completion of the Offering, and the proposed use of proceeds of the Offering. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forwardlooking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including, with respect to the Offering, the conditions of the financial markets, availability of financing, timeliness of completion of the Offering, and the timing of TSX Venture Exchange approval; and with respect to the use of proceeds, the sufficiency of the proceeds, the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, and competitive, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available at www.sedarplus.ca, including the Offering Document. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forwardlooking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forwardlooking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forwardlooking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Lafayette, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lafayette, Colorado -

Encore Data Products is set to showcase its latest educational technology at the ISTE 2025 conference, happening from June 29 to July 2 in San Antonio. This event is a chance for Encore Data Products to connect with educators and industry experts, showing their dedication to improving learning experiences through cutting-edge tech solutions.

One of the most exciting announcements this year is Encore Data Products' expansion into the Translation and Interpretation category with the introduction of IRIS Pen scanners, a powerful tool that helps break language barriers in the classroom and supports diverse learning needs. These smart pens instantly scan and translate printed text into multiple languages, making them ideal for multilingual students, ESL learners, and educators alike.

The company is well-known for its wide range of products that serve schools, libraries, and businesses. They offer high-quality headphones, AV technology, and clean & healthy supplies, emphasizing their mission to provide dependable and innovative educational tools. At the conference, visitors will be able to check out their interactive learning tools, such as headphones with microphones and document cameras. They will also introduce some new portable and protective gear.

A representative from Encore Data Products, shared her excitement by saying, "The ISTE conference is a fantastic platform for us to connect with educators and tech enthusiasts, demonstrating how our solutions can transform learning environments." She expressed their eagerness to interact with educators from all over and show how their customizable solutions can help make education more interactive and inclusive.

The ISTE 2025 conference will feature many exhibitors, and Encore Data Products plans to use this opportunity to highlight their advanced AV technology. They will showcase products like charge & sync solutions and touch-enabled displays, focusing on how versatile and durable their technology is for classrooms. This is part of their strategy to smoothly incorporate digital tools into educational programs, offering practical and efficient resources to teachers and students.

To explore the complete range of AV technology offered by Encore Data Products, including charge & sync solutions, visit the AV technology section on their website.

A key aspect of Encore Data Products' display will be their emphasis on clean and healthy supplies. Recognizing the importance of hygiene, especially after global health challenges, the company offers solutions like electronic sanitizers and disposable headphone covers for safe shared spaces. These offerings are a response to modern educational needs, ensuring technology doesn't compromise the health of students and staff.

Moreover, Encore Data Products will present their STEAM and STEM products, which are meant to support hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Their products are designed to encourage teamwork and creative problem-solving.

"Participating in ISTE allows us to align our innovations with the current trends and needs identified by educators," added a representative. "Our dedication to supporting educational environments through tailored solutions continues to drive our exploration of new technologies and practices."

Encore Data Products is committed to promoting educational excellence, using this conference as a platform to showcase their current products such as the scanner and reading pen, and also learn from educators. This engagement helps shape future product development, reinforcing their reputation as a reliable partner in educational technology.

For detailed information about their wide range of headphones and AV accessories, visit the headphones and AV accessories sections on their website.

Their presence at ISTE 2025 is intended to deepen conversations about education technology's role in today's classrooms. Attendees looking to explore effective educational tools and gain insights into future-ready learning environments will find value in Encore Data Products' exhibit.

The ISTE conference is known for bringing together educators and tech leaders to discuss the future of educational technology. By attending this year, Encore Data Products aims to contribute meaningfully to these discussions with practical solutions that meet the ever-changing needs of educators.

The company's exhibit will be open throughout the conference from June 29 to July 2, offering hands-on demonstrations and expert consultations for all attendees.

Recent News: Encore Data Products Unveils Califone Soft Floor Rockers and Gaming Chairs for Ultimate Comfort and Support

###

For more information about Encore Data Products, contact the company here:



Encore Data Products

Media Relations

866-926-1669

marketing@encoredataproducts.com

https://www.encoredataproducts.com/

1729 Majestic Drive, Suite 5

Lafayette, Colorado 80026
GREENWOOD, Ind., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What do parents often misunderstand about child custody cases? In a featured article in HelloNation Magazine , Tony Gibbens of Tony A. Gibbens, Attorney at Law in Greenwood, Indiana, explains that custody decisions are not about splitting time evenly or prioritizing fairness between parents. Instead, the courts guiding principle is always the best interest of the child.

Gibbens highlights that many parents enter custody proceedings with the assumption that time will be divided equally. However, the court takes a much broader view, placing significant weight on factors such as the childs stability, educational continuity, and the emotional environment provided by each parent. He notes that details like work schedules, housing consistency, and a parents availability for day-to-day care are all carefully evaluated.

The article also addresses the childs voice in the process. While children dont get to make final decisions, older children may express preferences that the judge considers, depending on their age and maturity. Emotional and psychological safety is another major concern. Courts will examine histories of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect, as well as each parents ability to cooperate and communicate effectively in cases involving joint custody.

Gibbens stresses that parents who focus solely on their own desires may overlook the courts true priorities. Those who understand that the legal system is centered on the childs long-term well-being are in a stronger position to advocate effectively.

These legal insights are detailed in the HelloNation Magazine article, What Many People Get Wrong About Child Custody Cases .

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative edvertising approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

Patrick McCabe

info@hellonation.com

www.hellonation.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cc8b5322-d753-4937-b7f4-c8d329ae0378
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Ibotta To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or otherwise acquired stock of Ibotta (a) pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and related prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") issued in connection with Ibotta's April 18, 2024 initial public offering (the "IPO"); (b) purchased or otherwise acquired Ibotta securities between April 18, 2024, and February 26, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period) and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

[You may also click here for additional information]





NEW YORK, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Ibotta, Inc. (Ibotta or the Company) (NYSE: IBTA) and reminds investors of the June 16, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose risks concerning Ibotta's contract with The Kroger Co. ("Kroger"). Kroger's contract was at-will, and Ibotta failed to warn investors that a large client could cancel their contract with Ibotta without warning. Despite providing a detailed explanation of the terms of Ibotta's contract with another large customer, there was not a single warning of the at-will nature of Kroger's contract. Rather than disclosing the very real risk of a major client walking away at any time, Ibotta provided boilerplate warnings concerning the importance of maintaining ongoing relationships with their clients. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

On or around April 13, 2024, Ibotta conducted its initial public offering of 6.6 million shares priced at $88.00 per share.

Then, on August 13, 2024, Ibotta issued a press release reporting its financial results for the second quarter of 2024. In the results, Ibotta reported, among other items, a net loss of $34.0 million, attributable to operating expenses that more than doubled year-over-year. Ibotta also provided a third quarter revenue forecast in the range of $91 million to $96 million, below consensus estimates.

Following this news, Ibotta stock dropped $15.53 per share, or 26%, to close at $42.66 on August 14, 2024.

On February 26, 2025, after market hours, Investing.com published an article entitled "Ibotta shares plunge 30% as Q4 earnings miss, Q1 guidance disappoints." This article stated, in pertinent part, that Ibotta "saw its shares tumble [. . .] after reporting fourth-quarter earnings that fell short of expectations and providing weak guidance for the first quarter of 2025."

Following this news, Ibotta stock dropped $29.08 per share, or 46%, to close at $34.01 on February 27, 2025.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Ibottas conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Ibotta class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/IBTA or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4c96193e-9e8a-4e5d-878a-3e41b441e24a
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Liberty Gold Corp. (TSX: LGD; OTCQX: LGDTF) (Liberty Gold or the Company) is pleased to announce voting results from the Companys Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 12, 2025 (the Meeting).

Cal Everett, who has been the CEO and director of the Company, retired effective today as the CEO and did not stand for re-election as director at the Meeting. Greg Etter, newly appointed Chair of Liberty Gold, stated, Wed like to thank Cal for his commitment to Liberty Gold as well as his inimitable leadership, we look forward to continuing the relationship as he takes on the role of Strategic Financial Advisor. Wed also like to thank Rob Pease for his valuable contribution during his tenure as Chair and I look forward to working with our excellent team as the Company focusses on development.

Liberty Gold is pleased to announce that Jon Gilligan, President and former COO, has been appointed CEO and joined the Board of Directors effective today. Dr. Gilligan stated, Im pleased to formally step into the role of President, CEO and Director of Liberty Gold. It marks a pivotal point in the companys evolution as we transition from a successful explorer to a developer of U.S. oxide gold assets.

A total of 209,447,904 common shares were voted, representing the votes attached to 46.1% of all outstanding common shares. Shareholders voted in favour of the election of all director nominees. The percentage of votes cast for each is as follows:

Total number of for votes cast: Votes for: Mr. Greg Etter 172,705,207 98.16% Dr. Jon Gilligan 174,979,247 99.45% Ms. Wendy Louie 172,690,093 98.15% Mr. Robert Pease 125,945,574 71.58% Ms. Lisa Wade 172,718,543 98.17% Ms. Barbara Womersley 172,615,746 98.11%



The following were also approved by the shareholders:

The reappointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants as auditor of the Company:

Total number of for votes cast: 208,127,503 Votes for: 99.37%



Voting results are released in accordance with Toronto Stock Exchange requirements. Detailed voting results for the Meeting are available under Liberty Golds SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

ABOUT LIBERTY GOLD

Liberty Gold is focused on exploring for and developing open pit oxide deposits in the Great Basin of the United States, home to large-scale gold projects that are ideal for open-pit mining. This region is one of the most prolific gold-producing regions in the world and stretches across Nevada and into Idaho and Utah. The Company is advancing the Black Pine Project in southeastern Idaho, a past-producing, Carlin-style gold system with a large, growing resource and strong economic potential. We know the Great Basin and are driven to discover and advance big gold deposits that can be mined profitably in open-pit scenarios and in an environmentally responsible manner.

For more information, visit libertygold.ca or contact:

Susie Bell, Manager, Investor Relations

Phone: 604-632-4677 or Toll Free 1-877-632-4677

info@libertygold.ca
Gold Reserve Ltd. (TSX.V: GRZ) (OTCQX: GDRZF) ("Gold Reserve" or the "Company") announces that the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (the "Court") issued an order adopting the following revised schedule for briefing and discovery deadlines proposed by the Special Master given the expiration of the Topping Period on June 18, 2025 and rescheduled start date for the Sale Hearing to August 18, 2025, as previously announced here.

Event Deadline Deadline for the Special Master to submit his Final Recommendation July 2 Deadline to serve written discovery on the party (or parties) whose bid is selected as the Final Recommendation July 7 Opening expert reports due July 7 Deadline for the filing of any objections to the Special Master's Final Recommendation July 9 Deadline for any Competing Objector to disclose its own bid materials (such materials to be commensurate with those disclosed by the Special Master of the recommended bid) July 9 Deadline to serve written discovery on a Competing Objector July 11 Deadline to serve responses and objections for discovery requests served after the Final Recommendation July 15 Deadline to meet and confer regarding the scope of discovery to be produced in response to discovery requests served after submission of the Final Recommendation July 16 Deadline to serve witness disclosures pursuant to FRCP 26(a)(3) July 18 Deadline to notice witness depositions July 21 Deadline to serve responsive expert reports July 21 Deadline to complete document productions in response to discovery requests served before the submission of the Final Recommendation and substantially complete document productions in response to discovery requests served after the submission of the Final Recommendation July 22 Deadline to serve reply expert reports, if any July 25 Conclusion of the discovery period July 31 Deadline for the filing of responses to objections to the Special Master's Final Recommendation August 1 Deadline for the filing of replies regarding any objections to the Special Master's Final Recommendation August 8 Deadline for the filing of sur-replies to replies regarding any objections to the Special Master's Final Recommendation (only to the extent new arguments are raised in reply briefing) August 12 Deadline for the Special Master to submit Joint Status Report August 13 Deadline to disclose exhibits pursuant to FRCP 26(a)(3) August 13 Deadline to serve objections to FRCP 26(a)(3) exhibit disclosures August 15 Commencement of the Sale Hearing August 18

A copy of the Court's complete order can be found here.

A complete description of the Delaware sale proceedings can be found on the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system in Crystallex International Corp. v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, 1:17-mc-00151-LPS (D. Del.) and its related proceedings.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking statements

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. federal securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws and state Gold Reserve's and its management's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. They are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed", "positioned" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to any bid submitted by the Company for the purchase of the PDVH shares (the "Bid").

We caution that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other risks that may cause the actual events, outcomes or results of Gold Reserve to be materially different from our estimated outcomes, results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the discretion of the Special Master to consider the Bid, to enter into any discussions or negotiation with respect thereto and that the Special Master may reject the Bid at any time; the Special Master may choose not to recommend a Base Bid or Final Bid to the Court; the failure of the Company to negotiate the Bid, including as a result of failing to obtain sufficient equity and/or debt financing; that Bid submitted by the Company will not be selected as the "Base Bid" or the "Final Recommend Bid" under the Bidding Procedures, and if selected may not close due to the Sale Process not being completed, including as a result of not obtaining necessary regulatory approval to close on the purchase of the PDVH shares, including but not limited to any necessary approvals from the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control ("OFAC"), the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or the TSX Venture Exchange; failure of the Company or any other party to obtain any required shareholders approvals for, or satisfy other conditions to effect, any transaction resulting from the Bid; that the Company forfeit any cash amount deposit made due to failing to complete the Bid or otherwise; that the making of the Bid or any transaction resulting therefrom may involve unexpected costs, liabilities or delays; that, prior to or as a result of the completion of any transaction contemplated by the Bid, the business of the Company may experience significant disruptions due to transaction related uncertainty, industry conditions, tariff wars or other factors; the ability to enforce the writ of attachment granted to the Company; the timing set for various reports and/or other matters with respect to the Sale Process may not be met; the ability of the Company to otherwise participate in the Sale Process (and related costs associated therewith); the amount, if any, of proceeds associated with the Sale Process; the competing claims of other creditors of Venezuela, PDVSA and the Company, including any interest on such creditors' judgements and any priority afforded thereto; uncertainties with respect to possible settlements between Venezuela and other creditors and the impact of any such settlements on the amount of funds that may be available under the Sale Process; and the proceeds from the Sale Process may not be sufficient to satisfy the amounts outstanding under the Company's September 2014 arbitral award and/or corresponding November 15, 2015 U.S. judgement in full; and the ramifications of bankruptcy with respect to the Sale Process and/or the Company's claims, including as a result of the priority of other claims. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting the Company's business, see the Company's Management's Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports that have been filed on SEDAR+ and are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Gold Reserve or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Gold Reserve disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to its disclosure obligations under applicable rules promulgated by applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws.

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.

For further information regarding Dalinar Energy, visit: https://www.dalinarenergy.com.

For further information regarding Gold Reserve Ltd., visit https://www.goldreserve.bm or contact:

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250611512530/en/

Contact

Kathryn Houlden

(441) 295-4653

A.S. Cooper Building, 7th Floor, 26 Reid Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda

investorrelations@goldreserve.bm
VANCOUVER, June 11, 2025 - Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE: WSR) ("Western Star" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of the first tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of CAD$394,400. The Company issued 2,629,333 million units of the Company, at a purchase price of $0.15 per unit.

Each unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of Western Star and one share purchase warrant, which is exercisable into one common share at an exercise price of $0.30 per share expiring June 11, 2027. The warrants will be subject to an acceleration clause which states: Pursuant to the financing, in the event the Company's share price closed at a price of CAD$0.40 per share for a period of 10 consecutive trading days on the CSE Canadian Securities Exchange, the Company may accelerate the term of the Eligible Warrants to a period of 30 days commencing 7 days after the last premium trading day with notice given to the warrant holders in writing or by news release. All securities issued under the Offering and including Warrants will be subject to a four (4) month holding period. The Company paid a finder's fee to Ventum Financial Corp for the total of $5,500 in cash.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds to define high priority drill targets at its flagship Western Star Project, general working capital and market awareness.

All securities issued to U.S. purchasers are restricted securities pursuant to Rule 144 under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration.

Consulting Service Agreement

The Company also announces that it has entered into a consulting services agreement (the "Agreement") with 1123963 B.C Ltd. DBA Capitaliz On It ("Capitaliz"), a social media influencer focused digital marketing agency out of Vancouver, BC, to increase investor awareness and interest in the Company as well as attracting new investors through various online platforms and to provide a comprehensive digital media marketing campaign for the Company.

The Agreement is for an initial term of 3 months with an overall marketing budget of $110,000 CAD. The engagement of Capitaliz is subject to the approval of the "CSE" Canadian Securities Exchange Approval (the "CSE") and no services shall be provided until such approval has been obtained. The services to be provided by Capitaliz will include assisting the Company with the development of a corporate marketing strategy and providing marketing and public relations advisory services, assisting with the coordination of marketing, news flow and events, making introductions to Capitaliz's network of media contacts, internet and social media marketers and other such providers, as well as to assist with various other public relations efforts. The services provided will be facilitated by way of digital venues such as programmatic digital marketing, social media marketing, select television broadcasts and radio advertising, email marketing, influencer outreach and placement of related marketing content on public websites.

To the best of the Company's knowledge, none of Capitaliz or any of its directors, officers or shareholders holds, directly or indirectly, any securities of the Company or have any right or intent to acquire any such securities. The proposed compensation for Capitaliz does not include any securities of the Company.

About Capitaliz On It

Capitaliz is a content-driven digital marketing agency that connects public companies with social media influencers across all major social media platforms, leveraging a creator network that reaches over 100 million subscribers.

Capitaliz On It

www.capitalizonit.com

778-237-1431

Vancouver, B.C

Additional Information

Additional information about the Company and the transaction is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile. The summary of the transaction set out above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the description of the transaction in the Company's filing statement posted on SEDAR+.

About Western Star Resources Inc.

Western Star is a mineral exploration and development company. The company's objective is to increase shareholder value through the development of exploration properties using cost-effective exploration practices, acquiring further exploration properties and seeking partnerships by either joint venture or sale with industry leaders. The company currently owns nine non-surveyed contiguous mineral claims totaling 2,797 hectares, which are located within the Revelstoke mining division of British Columbia. The Western Star property group is located approximately 50 km southeast of Revelstoke, BC, and roughly 10 km north of the abandoned community of Camborne.

Contact Information:

Blake Morgan,

CEO and Director

blake@acvc.vc

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information". In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Bolt Metals Corp. ("Bolt" or the "Company") (TSXV: BOLT) (OTCQB: PCRCF) (FSE: A3D8AK), announces that it has completed its previously announced debt settlement agreement (the "Settlement Agreement") to settle outstanding debts owed to an arm's length creditor (the "Creditor") totaling CAD $33,500.00 (the "Debt Settlement"). Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the Company has issued an aggregate of 3,722,222 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Shares") at a deemed price of CAD $0.009 per Share. The Shares issued pursuant to the Settlement Agreement are subject to a four month and one day hold period, pursuant to National Instrument 45-106 - 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 Bolt Metals Corp.

Bolt Metals Corp. is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality precious and base metal properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Based in Vancouver, BC, Bolt's portfolio of strategic properties provides target-rich diversification and also include Soap Gulch, a copper SEDEX project in Montana, and Switchback, a copper-silver project located in British Columbia. Bolt trades on the CSE Exchange under the symbol BOLT, the OTCQB Exchange under the symbol PCRFC and in Germany under the WKN A3D8AK.

Bolt Metals Corp.

Branden Haynes - Director and CEO

604-922-8272

info@boltmetals.com

Reader Advisory

This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward?looking information". The words "may", "potential", "should", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", and similar expressions, are intended to identify such forward?looking statements. Such statements include but is not limited to: statements with respect to the completion of the Debt Settlement, the issuance of Shares in connection with the Settlement Agreement, and the Company's intention to preserve cash for working capital purposes. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions that management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including, but not limited to, the timely receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks include, without limitation: regulatory or other approvals not being obtained in a timely manner; and general business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved or disapproved this news release.


Highlights: Ground magnetic survey totalling 280 line-kilometres completed across 59 square kilometres of the southern Timok East licences (Makoviste and Luka).

Magnetic-high anomaly identified along the Bambino trend, intensifying northward across previously unexplored ground.

Western Mag target shown to extend as a major NNW-trending feature, strengthening its classification as a priority target.

New target identified by magnetic anomaly along the eastern boundary of the limestone ridge.

Initial 3D inversion and integration of magnetic data underway to support further targeting across multiple zones.

Fieldwork, including surface geochemical surveying and geological mapping, is planned to advance exploration over the identified targets.

Vancouver - Electrum Discovery Corp. ("Electrum" and/or the "Company") (TSX-V:ELY | FRA:R8N | OTC:ELDCF) is pleased to announce results of recent ground magnetic survey at its 100% owned Timok East Copper-Gold Project ("Timok East" and/or the "Project") located in the prolific West Tethyan Belt in the Republic of Serbia.

Dr Elena Clarici, CEO and President of Electrum commented: "The ground magnetic survey has significantly improved our understanding of the structural and geological architecture at Timok East. The results confirm the northward continuation of the Bambino trend, where magnetic highs are spatially associated with copper anomalies in both soil and rock samples, extending into previously untested ground. We are also encouraged by the definition of the Western Mag target, which aligns with key volcanic units and structural features known to host porphyry-style systems in the region. The identification of a new magnetic anomaly along a limestone-sandstone boundary, with no history of exploration, presents an exciting new target. These findings will guide our next phase of fieldwork and targeting as we continue to advance the Timok East project."

The ground magnetic survey covered 59 square kilometres across the Makoviste and Luka licences, comprising a total of 280 line-kilometres. Line-spacing was 300 meters with more detailed 150 meter line-spacing over prioritized target areas (see Figure 1).



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 1: RTP Total Magnetic Intensity - Analytical Signal map of Timok East with Copper-in-soil and rock chip anomalies, showing Bambino Trend, Western Mag, and Limestone Contact target (EPSG:32634) (rock and soil results from News Releases 30th October 2024, , and April 16th 2025).

Initial interpretation of the data highlights several key trends and targets:

Bambino Trend

A prominent magnetic-high anomaly extends northward from the Bambino area, coinciding with zones of elevated copper in soil and copper, gold, and silver in rock samples along a NNW trending structurally controlled corridor. The anomaly intensifies toward the north, coinciding with the Northern Skarn target and continuing beyond the limits of current exploration into the Luka area (see Figure 1). Further north, the magnetic response strengthens across mapped lithological boundaries, indicating that the anomaly is not solely attributable to lithological contrast, but may reflect magnetite-bearing hydrothermal alteration (see Figure 2). This magnetic feature supports the potential for a wider zone of magnetite enrichment potentially related to widespread skarn-style or intrusion-related alteration along the entire Bambino trend.

Western Mag Target

The ground magnetic survey has provided additional resolution to regional datasets, refining the geometry and structure of the Western Mag target. The anomaly is defined by a segmented magnetic high extending along a major NNW-trending corridor coinciding with Phase 1 andesitic volcanic rocks along a regional extensional fault- a geological setting that hosts several major porphyry copper deposits within the Timok region. The magnetic response includes multiple linear highs that may correspond to magnetite-bearing alteration zones or magnetite bearing phase one andesites, consistent with the potential for skarn or porphyry-style mineralisation. Structural intersections along the corridor provide additional to prioritise follow-up exploration.

New Limestone BoundaryTarget

A newly defined linear magnetic-high anomaly has been delineated along the westerly dipping contact between Jurassic limestones and Palaeozoic conglomerates and sandstones. This feature coincides with a geologically favourable setting for skarn or carbonate replacement (CRD) style mineralisation. With no recorded historic exploration in this area, it represents a high-priority target for follow-up fieldwork (see Figures 1 & 2).

Data Integration and Target Refinement

3D inversion of the magnetic data is under way and will be integrated with previous geophysical, geological and geochemical datasets to improve subsurface understanding and assist in refining priority targets ahead of follow-up field programs.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 2: Geological map of the southern Timok East licences showing Copper anomalies, major lithologies, fault structures, and magnetic targets (EPSG:32634) (rock and soil results from News Releases , 4th September 2024, 3rd July 2024 and April 16th 2025).

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Mr. Thomas Sant BSc, FGS, CGeol, EurGeol. Mr. Sant is a non-independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and the VP, Operations, of the Company.

About Electrum Discovery Corp.

Electrum Discovery Corp. is an emerging mineral exploration and development company focused on the prolific Western Tethyan Belt with two main projects spanning 645 square kilometers of prospective exploration ground in the Republic of Serbia.

Timok East extends over 123 square kilometers across the Timok copper-gold region, includes multiple copper-gold targets and mineralized trends, and is located less than five kilometers from the Bor Mining Complex.

Novo Tlamino, located in the south-east of the Republic of Serbia, covers 522 square kilometers and includes an inferred mineral resource estimate of 670,000oz AuEq (7,100,000t at 2.9 g/t AuEq average grade), PEA (January 7, 2021)1

Electrum Discovery is looking to maximize the value of our mineral projects for all stakeholders including our shareholders, the local community and government. We have an open-door policy and encourage all stakeholders to contact us through our website. We have a strong environmental and ethics policy to complete all our work in line with regulations in an open and transparent process. Our projects are at an early stage, and we plan to continue our consultation with all stakeholders in a climate of mutual respect, while fostering sustainability, governance, and knowledge transfer in the region.

Additional information on Electrum can be found by reviewing the Company's page on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

For more information contact:

Dr Elena Clarici, Chief Executive Officer and Director

T: +1 604 801 5432 | E: elena@electrumdiscovery.com | W: electrumdiscovery.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information. Such statements include Company's expected achievement of specified milestones, results of operations, and expected financial results of the Company. Often, but not always, this forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "estimates", "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "upgraded", "offset", "limited", "contained", "reflecting", "containing", "remaining", "to be", "periodically", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Electrum, to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, uncertainties inherent in the PEA and exploration results and the estimation of mineral resources; risks related to the failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; risks associated with the results of exploration and development activities, and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in Electrum's quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under Electrum's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Rock chips and surface results are early stage and there is no assurance that future exploration will find mineralization of further interest. Although Electrum has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward-looking information contained herein is based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management. Forward-looking information has been made as of the date hereof and Electrum disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

1 Preliminary Economic Assessment and NI43-101 Technical Report for the Medgold Tlamino Project, January 7, 2021, www.sedarplus.ca. The effective date of the resource estimate is January 7, 2021. Authors of the Reports are: Mr. Richard Siddle, MAIG, of Addison Mining Services Ltd for Mineral Resources; Dr. Matthew Randall, FIMMM, of Axe Valley Mining Consultants Ltd for Mining; Mr. Ian Jackson, FIMMM, of Bara Consulting for Mineral Processing, and Dr. Andrew Bamber, MCIM, of Bara Consulting Ltd for Economic Analysis.

The PEA is preliminary in nature, and it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be characterized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realised.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Vancouver, June 12, 2025 - Wedgemount Resources Corp. (CSE: WDGY)(OTCQB: WDGRF) ("Wedgemount" or the "Company"), announces it intends to complete a second tranche of a non-brokered private placement of up to 4,000,000 units (each a "Unit") at CAD$0.065 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to CAD$260,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share") and one half of one (1/2) non-transferable Common Share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one (1) Common Share at CAD$0.12 for two years from the date of issuance. In connection with the Offering, the Company may pay finder's fees to qualified non-related parties, in accordance with the policies of the Exchange, being 7% cash commission on total proceeds raised by the finder and 7% in Warrants on total Units sold by the finder. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general working capital purposes. All securities issued under the Offering, including securities issuable on exercise thereof, will be subject to a hold period expiring 4 months and 1 day after issuance, in accordance with the rules and policies of the Exchange and applicable Canadian securities laws.

Wedgemount closed the first tranche of the Offering on May 28, 2025, details of which can be found in the Company's press release of May 28, 2025 and under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at http://www.sedar.com/.

About Wedgemount Resources Corp.

Wedgemount is a junior oil & gas company focused on maximizing shareholder value through the acquisition, development and exploitation of natural resource projects in North America.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

WEDGEMOUNT RESOURCES CORP.

Mark Vanry, President and CEO

For more information, please contact the Company at:

Telephone: (604) 343-4743

info@wedgemountresources.com

www.wedgemountresources.com

Reader Advisory

This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements made in this news release include the proposed use of the proceeds of the Offering. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, availability of funds, personnel and other resources necessary to conduct exploration or development programs, successes of the Company's exploration efforts, availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAWS.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Highlights:

Callinex secured a 2-year exploration permit, valid through June 2027, allowing for ground geophysics and drilling at its Pt. Leamington VMS Deposit, which hosts a large gold, copper, zinc and silver rich mineral resource;

Streamlined and expedited exploration permitting highlights the strong government and local support for mining in Newfoundland;

Work plans underway to advance the Pt. Leamington deposit by expanding the current resource base through exploration and sampling for metallurgical testwork; and

Permit submitted that covers broader Project area including exploration targets identified along strike of the Deposit.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 12, 2025 -- Callinex Mines Inc. (the "Company" or "Callinex") (TSX-V: CNX; OTCQX: CLLXF) is pleased to announce it has received exploration permits from the Department of Natural Resources, Newfoundland and Labrador, for its 100% owned Pt. Leamington Project (the "Project") which encompasses the Pt. Leamington volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") Deposit (the "Deposit") located on the island of Newfoundland.

Max Porterfield, President & CEO of Callinex Mines stated, "Securing this permit, which is valid for two years, provides us with the flexibility to immediately commence work on expanding the Pt. Leamington Deposit and obtain samples for metallurgical testwork. Subject to obtaining additional permits, outside of the immediate Deposit area, we are excited to refine and test exploration targets identified along strike from the Deposit that have the potential to host a discovery of significant size."

The exploration permit, valid until June 2027, allows the Company to conduct mineral exploration activities including ground geophysics and diamond drilling on the Deposit. Additional exploration permits have been submitted to cover a planned 2025 surface field exploration campaign. The submitted application includes approval for prospecting, geologic mapping, and geochemical rock sampling within prospective areas of the broader land package. This planned work will refine targets generated from airborne electromagnetic anomalies that have been identified along strike from the Deposit, and subsequently lead to diamond drill testing.

Callinex is currently planning an exploration campaign for the Project, which is anticipated to begin in Q3 2025. The timelines and efficient streamlined approach by the Department of Natural Resources has been impressive, and underpins its reputation of a tier one mining jurisdiction.

The Point Leamington Project, consisting of a mining lease and exploration claims, is located approximately 37km by road and trails from the City of Grand Falls-Windsor and approximately 20km from the provincial power grid. The Deposit is a large, felsic-hosted VMS deposit that dips 70 degrees to the west, has a strike length of 500m, and a maximum thickness of 85m. In 2021, Callinex prepared a pit constrained Indicated Mineral Resource of 5.0 Mt grading 2.5 g/t AuEq for 402 koz AuEq (145.7 koz gold, 60.0 Mlb copper, 153.5 Mlb zinc, 2.0 Moz silver, 1.5 Mlb lead), a pit constrained Inferred Mineral Resource of 13.7 Mt grading 2.24 g/t AuEq for 986.5 koz AuEq (354.8 koz gold, 110.2 Mlb copper, 527.3 Mlb zinc, 6.2 Moz silver, 7.0 Mlb lead) and an out-of-pit Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.7 Mt grading 3.06 g/t AuEq for 168.5 koz AuEq (65.4 koz gold, 13.3 Mlb copper, 102.9 Mlb zinc, 1.4 Moz Ag, 2.6 Mlb lead) (see news release dated October 25, 2021). Massive sulphides have been intercepted to a depth of 360m below surface from a total of approximately 21,714m of drilling in 72 drill holes. Regional government mapping and lithogeochemical sampling has indicated that Point Leamington's host volcanic stratigraphy extends well beyond the vicinity of the Deposit.

Additionally, Callinex's larger exploration land package at the Project includes a number of untested geophysical anomalies within favorable geologic units that will be further refined with plans to be drilled. These target areas have been identified after reviewing Callinex's proprietary exploration database including over 2,400 line-kilometers of modern airborne electromagnetic survey data with a focus on nearby areas with a similar geological setting as the Deposit.

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Aaryn Hutchins, P. Geo, a qualified person under NI 43-101. Ms. Hutchins is a consultant of the Company and is independent of the Company. Historical information was verified from geological reports filed with the government by previous operators.

About Callinex Mines Inc.

Callinex Mines Inc. (TSXV: CNX) (OTCQX: CLLXF) is advancing its portfolio of base and precious metals rich deposits located in established Canadian mining jurisdictions. The focus of the portfolio is highlighted by the 100% owned Point Leamington Deposit in Newfoundland, located in one of the richest VMS and Gold Districts in Canada. Callinex prepared a pit constrained Indicated Mineral Resource of 5.0 Mt grading 2.5 g/t AuEq for 402 koz AuEq (145.7 koz gold, 60.0 Mlb copper, 153.5 Mlb zinc, 2.0 Moz silver, 1.5 Mlb lead), a pit constrained Inferred Mineral Resource of 13.7 Mt grading 2.24 g/t AuEq for 986.5 koz AuEq (354.8 koz gold, 110.2 Mlb copper, 527.3 Mlb zinc, 6.2 Moz silver, 7.0 Mlb lead) and an out-of-pit Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.7 Mt grading 3.06 g/t AuEq for 168.5 koz AuEq (65.4 koz gold, 13.3 Mlb copper, 102.9 Mlb zinc, 1.4 Moz Ag, 2.6 Mlb lead) (see news release dated October 25, 2021). Additionally the Company is permitting the Rainbow deposit at its rich VMS Pine Bay Project located near existing infrastructure in the Flin Flon Mining District. Callinex prepared an indicated mineral resource on the Rainbow deposit of 3.44 Mt grading 3.59% CuEq for 272.4 Mlb CuEq (238.3 Mlb Cu, 56.9 Mlb Zn, 37.6 koz Au, 692.8 koz Ag, 2.3 Mlb Pb), an inferred mineral resource on the Rainbow deposit of 1.28 Mt grading 2.95% CuEq containing 83.4 Mlb CuEq (72.1 Mlb Cu, 19.5 Mlb Zn, 11.1 koz Au, 222.2 Koz Ag, 0.8 Mlb Pb) and an inferred mineral resource at the Pine Bay deposit of 1.0 Mt grading 2.62% Cu containing 58.1 Mlb Cu (see news release dated July 10, 2023). Additionally, the portfolio includes the Nash Creek Project located in the VMS rich Bathurst Mining District of New Brunswick. A 2018 PEA generates a strong economic return with a pre-tax IRR of 34.1% (25.2% post-tax) and NPV8% of $230 million ($128 million post-tax) at $1.25 Zinc (see news release dated May 14, 2018).

For additional information, please contact:

Callinex Mines Inc.

Max Porterfield, President and Chief Executive Officer

Phone: (604) 605-0885

E-mail: info@callinex.ca

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to future expenditures. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, among others, the ability to complete the proposed drill program and the timing and amount of expenditures. Except as required under applicable securities laws, Callinex does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement.
SLAM Exploration Ltd. (TSXV:SXL) ("SLAM" or the "Company") announces closing of its non-brokered flow-through private placement announced May 21, 2025 and May 26, 2025. In connection with the private placement, the Company has issued 10,000,000 Flow Through Units ("FT Units") at a price of $0.035 per FT Unit for gross proceeds of $350,000 (the "Offering"). Each FT Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company issued on a "flow-through" basis (the "FT Shares") and one-half common share purchase warrant (with two such half common share purchase warrants being each a "Warrant") issued on a "non-flow-through" basis. Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one non-flow-through common share at a price of $0.05 for a period of 24 months from the date of closing.

The FT Units are subject to a four-month and one day hold period that expires on October 13, 2025.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for the exploration and advancement of the Company's projects in New Brunswick. The gross proceeds of the FT Shares sold under the Offering will be used for Canadian Exploration Expenses (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) which qualify as a "flow-through mining expenditure" for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) related to the exploration program of the Company to be conducted on the Company's properties located in the Province of New Brunswick.

Insider Participation: Four Company insiders participated in the Private Placement and subscribed for a total of 3,792,858 FT Units. The participation by such insiders is a "related-party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of related party participation in the placement as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involved the related parties, exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Director's Resignation for Johannes van der Linde and Appointment of Jacques Turcotte as a Director

On June 12, 2025, the Company announced that Mr. Johannes van der Linde has resigned from its Board of Directors (the "Board"), effective immediately. Concurrently, the Company has appointed Mr. Jacques Turcotte to the Board.

On June 12, 2025, the board of directors of the Company (the "Board") has appointed Mr. Jacques Turcotte as a director of the Company to replace Mr. Johannes van der Linde.

Mr. Jacques Turcotte is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background. He studied civil engineering at the University of Sherbrooke, IT management at UQAM, and financial planning at UQTR.

Over his 35-year career, Mr. Turcotte has gained extensive experience in business and real estate management, construction (residential, commercial, and multi-unit), and housing project development. His work has contributed to several major projects in Mauricie.

In addition to his real estate expertise, Mr. Turcotte has over 15 years of experience as an investor and business development advisor for Canadian mining exploration companies. Despite being offered various opportunities to join boards of directors, Mr. Turcotte has joined the board of SLAM Exploration Ltd., marking his first involvement with a publicly traded company. He expressed great enthusiasm for the Company, citing its promising projects as a key reason for his significant investment in SLAM Exploration.

Appointment of Jimmy Gravel as Vice-President of the Company

On June 12, 2025, Mr. Jimmy Gravel, a director of the Company, has agreed to act as Vice-President where he will also serve as Chair of the Audit Committee.

Slam President Mike Taylor commented: "I am thrilled to welcome Jacques Turcotte as a director and very pleased to announce the appointment of Jimmy Gravel as Vice President. These additions to the Slam team put us in position to maximize the value of our outstanding projects and advance to the next level. Welcome aboard Jacques and Jimmy! I would also like to thank Johannes van der Linde for his service as a director of Slam these past several years".

About SLAM Exploration Ltd: SLAM Exploration Ltd. is a public resource company with a 40,000-hectare portfolio of mineral claim holdings in the mineral-rich province of New Brunswick. The 2025 exploration campaign is in progress on Slam's contiguous Jake Lee, Roger Lake and Love Lake projects. As reported May 20, 2025, the Company has made a new gold discovery with grab samples grading 18.50 to 75.90 g/t gold.

Slam drilled 2 holes and cut multiple gold-bearing veins were on its wholly owned Menneval gold project in 2024. The Company previously reported gold bearing core intervals including 162.5 g/t gold over 0.2 m and 56.90 g/t gold over 0.5 m in news releases on December 13, 2021 and November 22, 2022.

The Company reported significant copper, nickel and cobalt intercepts from 15 diamond drill holes in 2024 on the Goodwin copper nickel cobalt project in the Bathurst Mining Camp ("BMC") of New Brunswick. These include a 64.90 meter core interval grading 2.19% copper equivalent including 3.84% copper equivalent on a 31.2 meter core interval, only 24 meter from surface, reported in a news release August 7, 2024. The Company expects to resume exploration activities at Goodwin in the near future.

The Company is a project generator and expects to receive significant cash and share payments in 2025. Slam received $9,000 cash and 1,200,000 shares from Nine Mile Metals Inc. (NINE) on February 28th, 2025 pursuant to the Wedge project agreement. On March 29, 2025, the Company received a cash payment of $60,000 as well as 171,429 shares of a private company pursuant to the Ramsay gold agreement. The Company holds NSR royalties and expects additional cash and share payments on the Wedge copper zinc project and on the Ramsay gold project.

To view SLAM's corporate presentation, click SXL-Presentation. Additional information is available on SLAM's website and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Follow us on X @SLAMGold.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Mike Taylor, President & CEO

Contact: 506-623-8960 mike@slamexploration.com

Eugene Beukman, CFO

Contact: 604-687-2038 ebeukman@pendergroup.ca

SEDAR+: 00012459

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the expectations of management regarding the proposed Offering, the use of proceeds of the Offering, closing conditions for the Offering, the tax treatment of the FT Units and the timing to renounce all Canadian Exploration Expenses and TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the Offering. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include: the Company not being able to complete the Offering on terms favourable to the Company or at all; that the TSX Venture Exchange may not accept the Offering; that the proceeds of the Offering may not be used as stated in this news release; the availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks ,regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required approvals, and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described in the Company's most recently filed Management's Discussion and Analysis.

Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the management of the Company on the date the statements are made. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.



Not for Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for Dissemination in the United States



SOURCE: SLAM Exploration Ltd.


Gold'n Futures Mineral Corp. (CSE: FUTR) (FSE: G6M), (OTC: GFTRF) (the "Company" or "Gold'n Futures") is providing this update on the status of a management cease trade order granted on May 1, 2025 (the "MCTO") by the British Columbia Securities Commission under National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Order ("NP 12-203"). On May 1, 2025, the Company announced that, for reasons disclosed in the news release, there would be a delay in the filing of its financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (the "Annual Filings") beyond the period prescribed under applicable Canadian securities laws (the "Default Announcement").

The Company reports that the audit is progressing and will provide a further update on the timing of its Annual Filings on or about June 26, 2025. The Company is also progressing on completion of its interim financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, and will provide a further update on or about June 26, 2025. Further updates on timing will be provided by the Company as necessary.

During the MCTO, the general investing public will continue to be able to trade in the Company's listed common shares. However, the Company's Chief Financial Officer will not be able to trade in the Company's common shares.

Other than as disclosed in this news release, there are no material changes to the information contained in the Default Announcement. The Company confirms that it intends to satisfy the provisions of NP 12- 203 and will continue to issue bi-weekly default status reports for so long as it remains in default of the Annual Filings requirement.

About Gold'n Futures Mineral Corp.

Gold'n Futures Mineral Corp. (CSE: FUTR) (FSE: G6M) (OTC: GFTRF) is a mineral exploration company conducting programs to expand its gold resources and to develop viable gold mining operations through the application of extensive geological experience and knowledge combined with advanced technologies and computer modeling.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Vicki Rosenthal

Chief Financial Officer

Email: matt@fishpurdy.com

Ph: 905-781-8786

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain information contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often identified by the use of words such as "plans," "expects," "may," "should," "could," "will," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "forecasts," or variations of such words and phrases, including the negative forms thereof, as well as terms such as "pro forma" and "scheduled," and similar expressions that refer to future events or outcomes.

Forward-looking statements in this release, including, without limitation, statements relating to the anticipated timing, review, completion, and filing of the Annual Filings, the Company's ongoing operations, and the expected duration of the MCTO, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information contained herein, except as required by applicable securities laws.

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.


Galiano Gold Inc. ("Galiano" or the "Company") (TSX: GAU) (NYSE American: GAU) announced today that all resolutions put to shareholders at the Company's Annual General Meeting (the "Meeting") held on June 12, 2025, were duly passed. The results for each of the matters voted upon at the Meeting are set out below:

Set the Number of Directors at Eight

The resolution to fix the number of directors at eight was approved.

Votes for % Votes for Votes Against % Votes Against 198,550,630 99.33 1,342,228 0.67

Election of Directors

The eight nominees listed in the Company's Management Information Circular dated May 2, 2025, were elected as directors of the Company.

Director Name Votes for % Votes for Votes Withheld % Votes Withheld Matt Badylak 186,462,436 99.86 257,517 0.14 Paul N. Wright 186,342,030 99.80 377,923 0.20 Judith Mosely 186,425,162 99.84 294,791 0.16 Dawn Moss 186,381,671 99.82 338,282 0.18 Greg Martin 186,483,286 99.87 236,668 0.13 Moira Smith 186,422,315 99.84 297,639 0.16 Navin Dyal 186,409,508 99.83 310,446 0.17 Lauren Roberts 186,423,176 99.84 296,777 0.16

Appointment of Auditors - Ernst & Young LLP ("EY LLP")

EY LLP was re-appointed as the auditor of the Company for the ensuing year, and the directors were authorized to fix the remuneration paid to EY LLP.

Votes for % Votes for Votes Withheld % Votes Withheld 199,117,724 99.61 775,135 0.39

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

The non-binding advisory resolution accepting the Company's approach to executive compensation was approved.

Votes for % Votes for Votes Against % Votes Against 185,882,177 99.55 837,778 0.45

A report on all matters voted on at the Meeting has been filed on www.sedarplus.ca.

About Galiano Gold Inc.

Galiano is focused on creating a sustainable business capable of value creation for all stakeholders through production, exploration and disciplined deployment of its financial resources. The Company owns the Asanko Gold Mine, which is located in Ghana, West Africa. Galiano is committed to the highest standards for environmental management, social responsibility, and the health and safety of its employees and neighbouring communities. For more information, please visit www.galianogold.com.



SOURCE Galiano Gold Inc.







Contact Information:



Krista Muhr, Toll-Free (N. America): 1-855-246-7341, Telephone: 1-778-239-0446, Email: info@galianogold.com


Alpine could offer Horner team stake says Ralf

Christian Horner really could make the switch to Alpine, according to former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher.

Christian Horner, Spanish GP 2025

 Red Bull

Schumacher, 49, has found himself increasingly at odds with Red Bull team boss Horner as a consistent critic of the Briton over the past year or so.

Germany's Sport1 even claims Horner recently asked Sky Deutschland to axe Schumacher as an expert pundit. The attempt failed, the report said.

But it was not Schumacher who orginated the recent paddock rumours about Horner being increasingly disempowered by Red Bull's owners - prompting speculation of a potential move to either Ferrari or Alpine.

Horner dismissed the Ferrari gossip out of hand.

My Italian is worse than Flavio (Briatore)'s English, so how on earth would that work? he smiled in Barcelona.

But according to Schumacher, the Horner-to-Alpine rumour makes much more sense - and not only because he has been close to Alpine advisor Briatore for many years.

Briatore is looking for a good new team boss, Schumacher said, and he and Horner know and respect each other.

Schumacher thinks the clincher of the deal could be majority Alpine team owner Renault offering Horner actual equity in the team. A similar deal between Adrian Newey and Aston Martin paved the way for the famed designer's move from Red Bull last year.

That's what he (Horner) has always wanted, said Schumacher when asked about Horner being offered equity in Alpine, "and he doesn't have that chance at Red Bull.

He doesn't have it anywhere else either, and that's why I could well imagine that he's very interested.

If Horner were to vacate his current role, Schumacher knows exactly where Red Bull should go looking for his replacement.

If I were (Red Bull CEO) Oliver Mintzlaff, I would call Andreas Seidl right away and try to get him, Schumacher said, referring to the German who was pushed out of the new Audi-owned Sauber project last year.

(GMM)
Next article: Presidential Kufuor, Echoes from the past - Occasional Kwatriot Kwesi Yankah writes

Featured

Rent is killing us... Hidden struggle of Ghanas working class

Ephraim Ofori Numosuor Opinion Jun - 12 - 2025 , 06:57 4 minutes read

In Ghana today, securing a place to lay one's head has become a battle for survival, particularly for the average worker whose income barely covers the basics.

Rent, which should be a fundamental right and a manageable cost of living, has evolved into a predatory practice that continues to erode the financial well-being of thousands of Ghanaians year after year.

Take a moment to consider this: the average Ghanaian worker earns less than GHS 6,000.00 per month. And yet, in areas like Christian Village, Kisseman, Klagon and Adjei Kojo, none of which are considered prime locations, a single room is now priced at GH1,000.00 monthly.

A modest chamber and hall in Kisseman goes for as much as GH1,600.00, with landlords demanding 24 months' rent in advance.

That amounts to GH38,400.00, an unthinkable demand for someone whose annual salary is often less than GH 72,000.00 before tax and deductions.

Where is a teacher, a nurse, a young graduate or a junior administrative officer supposed to find such an amount?

The system is broken, and the consequences are dire: young professionals are forced into cramped living arrangements, families are splitting up due to lack of space and others are perpetually in debt from taking loans just to secure a roof over their heads.

Root

The problem is not just greedy landlords; it is also the failure of regulatory institutions like the Rent Control Department to enforce existing laws or introduce progressive reforms.

The Rent Act of 1963 (Act 220), which governs the regulation of rental agreements, is outdated and largely ignored.

Landlords blatantly flout the law, demanding 1-2 years rent upfront when, by law, only 6 months advance is permitted.

The lack of enforcement, coupled with a severe housing deficit (estimated at over 1.8 million units), has created the perfect storm for exploitation.

And as urban migration increases and demand for housing rises, landlords wield unchecked power over desperate tenants.

To address this housing crisis, Ghana must take cues from global best models:

 Rent Control Enforcement (Germany): In Germany, rent increases are regulated and must be justified.

Rent control offices actively mediate disputes and protect tenants from exploitative hikes.

 Monthly Rent System (United States, Canada, UK): In most developed countries, rent is paid monthly, not in bulk upfront.

Security deposits are standardised (often equivalent to one or two months' rent), and tenants can take landlords to court for illegal demands.

 Public Housing (Singapore): Singapores government plays a direct role in building affordable housing for citizens.

A significant percentage of Singaporeans live in well-planned, subsidised apartments managed by the state.

 Rent Guarantee Schemes (UK): Local authorities provide rent guarantee schemes to encourage landlords to rent to lower-income tenants while assuring landlords of steady payments.

 Revise and enforce rent laws: Parliament must update the Rent Act to reflect current economic realities.

Rent Control officers must be empowered to conduct inspections and penalise non-compliant landlords.

 Digitise rental oversight: A national rental portal, managed by Rent Control, could standardise pricing, track landlord behaviour and offer dispute resolution services.

 Cap advance payments: Enforce a strict 6-month rent advance cap with serious penalties for violators.

 Rent-to-own options: Create flexible payment schemes that allow tenants to eventually own the homes they rent.

 Incentivise landlords: Offer tax incentives for landlords who comply with fair rent practices and make their properties available to lower-income tenants.

The housing struggle in Ghana is not just an inconvenience. It is a human dignity crisis.

As rents soar and salaries stagnate, the working class is being suffocated by a system that has lost all sense of fairness.

It is time for the Rent Control Department to wake up from its slumber and for policymakers to listen to the cries of ordinary Ghanaians.

Shelter should not be a luxury.

It is a right, and the time to act is now.

The writer is a Financial Economist|Research & Policy Analyst.

E-mail: [email protected]
Featured

Presidential Kufuor, Echoes from the past - Occasional Kwatriot Kwesi Yankah writes

Kwesi Yankah Opinion Jun - 11 - 2025 , 19:21 6 minutes read

Even before the referees whistle, the party of Elephants is at each others throat threatening a suicide, a kind of If you dont rush here, I will kill myself.

The domestic quarrel partly hinges on how badly DMB fared in the past presidential polls, and how defeat shall follow him all the days of his life.

Indeed elephants of late, have turned into mathematicians, calculating a contestants future chances on the basis of past decimal points. By so doing, they have disturbed two ancestral giants: JAK the Gentle Giant who is gracefully relaxed in the Peduase valley, and my good friend Adu Boahen, resting in Peace.

The sibling warfare sent me visiting my archives with a duster, ceiling brush, nose mask and all, to excavate ancient files. The emerging truth is that DMBs 2024 presidential defeat with 41.61%, was not the worst in the Partys history. NPP lost 1992 presidential with 30.29% (Congratulations, Adu Boahen), and lost 1996 with 39.67% (Congratulations, J.A. Kufuor).

Adu Boahens 1992 presidential race where he obtained 30%, the lowest in numerical terms was also the most daunting; and did not negate a subsequent attempt in 1996. The Gentle Giant, JAK, who eventually won the presidency in 2000, had behind him one defeat at party primaries in 1992, when he (16.5%) was nabbed to the 3rd place by Adu Boahen (56.6%); but Kufuor rose from the floor with a vengeance in the 1996 primaries. This time, he (51.9%) grounded the Professor (35.7%) right before my eyes at the Great Hall.

In all such encounters, there were no confrontations, no show downs, no bitterness! The interest of the Party was paramount. Winners and losers went home in harmony because a predatory hawk, NDC, was watching from above.

1996, I was an eyewitness to Kufuors historic victory over five other giants at the primaries. More importantly, my pen was alive. Listen now to my write hand, April 1996.

Presidential Kufuor

NOT President Kufuor as such, at the time this was written. Its always safer to avoid the blasphemy of calling someone president so and so, when indeed the pink book allows only one president at a time. So then lets say, Presidential Kufuor, if you dont want an Abiola on your hands!

Suddenly then a presidential silhouette begins crystalizing in a 58-year-old man, from Atwima Nwabiagya in Ashanti.

Suddenly, J.A. Kufuor looks different. Not just dark and tall, but presidential: stout, charismatic, handsome; he will stand him toe-to-toe this time were the words I heard last Saturday (apparently referring to Kufuors potential opponent Jerry Rawlings).

Within seconds of the results, the real calibre of Professor Adu Boahen also began emerging. One man behind me, in his ecstasy, said it all, Its just as well the Professor lost- he is too short how can a short man be president?

For once too, the Legon campus was saved carnival processions on its main streets, and spared the environmental assault seen in 1992: a poster invasion of trees and walls. The Great Hall authorities had had the foresight this time to warn congressional mobs: Legon trees are deities; he who defiles them will lose the race.

The verdict could also be predicted by popular acclamation. If it were parliament, it would have been tempting to simplify the procedure: All who want the Professor should say Aaaaaaaaye!!! That would have been the end. Unfortunately, the delegates appeared to have their verdicts concealed in their heads; so that even as they loudly acclaimed the popular Professor, their real verdict was under lock and key.

A colleague and I doing random exit polling were absolutely convinced the Prof would win. Some Konkomma delegates summed it up: its only the Prof we know. Ashanti delegates: who else apart from Prof indeed our people have told us we cannot return home without Prof! We then met a colleague, who referred to one very important group of delegates.

They are all for Prof. She was referring to the Volta Region. According to her, the entire Volta River had been wrapped up!

The Kufuor crowd was muted, almost silent. It was as if to say, precious beads do not jingle. But their man that day started on a rather ominous footing.

Proceedings started without him. Twelve minutes into the programme, his fans held their breath. No show! Prayers had been said. No show. The Chairmans address had started. Still no show. Can this man be president; is this a serious aspirant? One wondered. Presidential Kufuor sauntered in nearly fifteen minutes into the programme. If the delay was a strategy to hold up proceedings and draw spontaneous applause for a triumphant entry, it backfired. No one was amused, not even his admirers.

When all contestants were seated and eventually introduced, the race started all over. Sitting at a location directly behind them, it was possible to draw a few conclusions. Here were six presidential aspirants, ages ranging between 58 and 68.

Strange that from a comparative study of hairline only, the wisest among them was the man whose slogan was try me; he was the only one with grey hair. All the other aspirants were unwise teenagers. And how can you rule a nation without a smattering of grey wisdom? The 64-year-old teenage Professor, and all his presidential teenage accomplices may then do well to visit the Chemistry Department of Legon and have the litmus process reversed.

But what qualifies one to be president? Except for Dsane Selby, everybody else was a prison graduate, giving you the impression that despite Supreme Court, a little prison is not bad for a presidential future. Yet never rely on prison records alone.

Your presidential speech at congresses, may make a big difference, but it may not be relevant. After all, J.A. Kufuor gave the most boring speech, followed by the Professor. The best orator was easily the veteran J.H. Mensah. His We Want Power slogan was an instant hit, and shot him past the economic general Jones Ofori Atta, whose tedious speech elicited spontaneous snoring. He gave a thirty-minute funeral oration. But J.H. caused another stir.

He drove a nail in the professors coffin when he advised the delegates, Do not be imprisoned by the past gamble that failed us. Earlier on, Jones had also rubbed it in before his oration degenerated. This is not 1992. The time was the man. This is not a historical party museum piece

It was quite glaring that a consensus was gradually building in the speeches: whoever broke the culture of silence, we thank him, but his time has passed. We are in a new era, where the message is alliance and reconciliation. This was the message preached by all others, including Safo Adu the celebrated medical doctor, a very impressive speaker, except that he who introduced him caused a considerable stir.

The man, a political activist of sorts in the Western Region, started by introducing himself as a hardworking NDC in the constituencies.

A prolonged uproar followed, with everybody hoping that it was only a slip of tongue. But who knows? The guy probably thought the Congress was a good opportunity to publicly confess, I am a spy.

But its all over now. The peoples verdict appears to be a vote for alliance. Thats the news, in the overwhelming choice of Presidential J.A Kufuor. (Culled from The Pen at Risk)

Dear friends and followers, towards 2028 worry not about decimals. Simply fear delegates.

[email protected]
Featured

London-bound Air India flight with more than 240 aboard crashes after takeoff

Reuters International News Jun - 12 - 2025 , 11:52 3 minutes read

An Air India passenger plane bound for London with more than 240 people on board crashed Thursday, June 12, in Indias northwestern city of Ahmedabad, the airline said.

Visuals on local television channels showed smoke billowing from the crash site in what appeared to be a populated area near the airport in Ahmedabad, a city with a population of more than 5 million and the capital of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modis home state.

Firefighters doused the smoking wreckage of the plane, which would have been fully loaded with fuel shortly after takeoff, and adjacent multi-story buildings with water. Charred bodies lay on the ground.

The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.

The airline said the Gatwick Airport-bound flight was carrying 242 passengers and crew. Of those, Air India said there were 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian.

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the directorate of civil aviation, told The Associated Press that Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar five minutes after taking off at 1:38 p.m. local time. He said 244 people were on board and it was not immediately possible to reconcile the discrepancy with Air Indias numbers.

All efforts were being made to ensure medical aid and relief support at the site, Indias Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu posted on X.

The 787 Dreamliner is a widebody, twin-engine plane. This is the first crash ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.

Boeing said it was aware of the reports of the crash and was working to gather more information.

The aircraft was introduced in 2009 and more than 1,000 have been delivered to dozens of airlines, according to the flightradar24 website.

Air Indias chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, said at the moment our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

He said on X that the airline had set up an emergency center and support team for families seeking information about those who were on the flight.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event, he said.

British Cabinet minister Lucy Powell said the government will provide all the support that it can to those affected by the crash.

This is an unfolding story, and it will undoubtedly be causing a huge amount of worry and concern to the many, many families and communities here and those waiting for the arrival of their loved ones, she told lawmakers in the House of Commons.

We send our deepest sympathy and thoughts to all those families, and the government will provide all the support that it can with those in India and those in this country as well, she added.

Britain has very close ties with India. There were nearly 1.9 million people in the country of Indian descent, according to the 2021 U.K. census.

The last major passenger plane crash in India was in 2020 when an Air India Express Boeing-737 skidded off a hilltop runway in southern India, killing 21 people.

The worst air disaster in India was on Nov. 12, 1996, when a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight collided midair with a Kazakhastan Airlines Flight near Charki Dadri in Haryana state, killing all 349 on board the two planes.

The crash comes days before the opening of the Paris Air Show, a major aviation expo where Boeing and European rival Airbus will showcase their aircraft and battle for jet orders from airline customers.
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Defence Minister updates Parliament on why several 2-Star generals in Ghana Armed Forces have been retired

Mohammed Ali Jun - 12 - 2025 , 10:19 3 minutes read

The Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah on Wednesday provided an update to Parliament on 15 Major Generals in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and matters relating to their retirement.

Appearing before Parliament on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, to respond to a question from the Member of Parliament for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour on a suggestion that the entire group of two-star generals in the Armed Forces had been summarily removed from office, Dr Omane Boamah described the claim as arising from a misinterpretation.

He clarified that there had been no mass termination. According to him, eight Major Generals are currently on terminal leave ahead of compulsory retirement, while four others, aged between 60 and 62, are being released before reaching the retirement age of 63.

He said this arrangement is in line with long-established practices within the military.

He also mentioned that Major General Irvin Nii-Ayittey Aryeetey, one of the officers due for retirement, has been nominated for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General to allow him to compete for the position of Military Adviser at the United Nations Department of Peace Operations in New York.

He said this reflects Ghanas continued role in international peacekeeping and the recognition of individual merit within the Armed Forces.

Dr Boamah provided further updates on the current postings of senior officers. He noted that Major General Robert Affram serves as Deputy Force Commander with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

At the same time, Major General Anita Asmah is the Force Commander for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). Air Vice Marshal Felix Asante is now the Acting President of Ghanas National Defence University.

The Minister said the decisions were in line with long-standing precedents.

He cited past examples, including 2001, when six Major Generals and four Lieutenant Generals were released following a change in government, even though many were below retirement age. In 2005, all seven Major Generals in service at the time were released regardless of age.

A similar process took place in 2009, when six Major Generals were retired and a Brigadier General was promoted to Chief of Defence Staff.

Dr Boamah said these examples show that such transitions are part of the GAFs history and are aimed at maintaining institutional continuity.

He added that the current government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, is upholding these same principles by maintaining professionalism and observing military procedures.

He called on Members of Parliament and the public to avoid politicising developments within the Armed Forces.

There has been no purge, he said. The Ghana Armed Forces continues to operate based on established practices and not political considerations.

His remarks are expected to address the growing speculation, particularly among retired and serving officers, about recent changes in top military positions.
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Gabby discloses why Asaase Radio has been shut down

GraphicOnline Jun - 12 - 2025 , 13:47 3 minutes read

The Founder of Asaase Radio, Mr Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has confirmed that the Accra-based radio station has been shut down by the National Communications Authority (NCA) due to delayed license renewal.

Yes, its true. Asaase Radio 99.5, which celebrates its 5th anniversary Saturday, has been shut down, Mr Otchere-Darko posted across his social media platforms on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

The General Manager informs me its because the station delayed in renewing its licence last year. It was to be renewed by October but only done in December 2024.

The closure comes as part of a wider regulatory crackdown by the NCA, which has directed a number of non-compliant FM broadcasting stations to immediately cease operations on their respective frequencies for what it describes as persistent violations of regulatory requirements.

According to an official statement from the NCA issued on June 12, the action is based on infractions under Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), and the conditions of FM broadcasting authorisations.

The enforcement follows a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, mandating the NCA to act on findings from a recent audit intended to ensure full compliance in Ghanas broadcasting sector.

The audit identified several categories of violations. These include:

- Twenty-eight stations operating with expired authorisations, some of which had been ordered to cease broadcasting in 2024 but continued operations, in violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).

- Fourteen FM stations that failed to establish operations within two years of being authorised but remained on air despite pending inspections.

- Thirteen stations with provisional authorisations who have not paid the required fees and therefore lack valid operating licences.

- Seven FM stations that have paid provisional fees but have not yet received final authorisations due to unmet requirements.

Asaase Radio falls within the category of stations operating with expired licences. The NCAs statement emphasised that stations affected may only resume broadcasting once they have rectified all regulatory infractions and received formal clearance.

While the NCA acknowledges the vital role radio stations play in national development, it is imperative that all Authorisation Holders strictly adhere to the regulatory requirements and conditions of their Authorisations, the statement warned.

It added, Failure to comply with this directive shall constitute an affront to the prescribed conditions for FM Broadcasting with grave consequences for their Authorisations.

A total of 62 stations have been affected in the first phase of enforcement. The NCA reiterated its commitment to maintaining order in the broadcasting sector and urged all operators to comply with regulations to promote an orderly media landscape.
Next article: New era for aluminium industry: GIADEC granted 6 mining leases

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Economy expands by 5.3% in Q1 - Services, agric lead recovery

Kweku Zurek Jun - 12 - 2025 , 12:01 4 minutes read

Ghanas economy recorded growth of 5.3 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of this year, marking an acceleration from the 4.9 per cent growth recorded in the same period last year.

The rebound, according to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), was primarily driven by solid performances in Information and Communication, Manufacturing, Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles, Transport & Storage and Finance & Insurance sub-sectors.

All together these sectors contributed about 84.5 per cent of the 5.3 per cent growth.

This momentum reflects more than just numbers. It signals recovery and the confidence of an economy finding its rhythm in a very complex global environment, the Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, told journalists at a press briefing in Accra yesterday.

He said Public Administration, Defence, Social Security, Education, Water Supply, Sewerage, Waste Management & Remediation, and Forestry & Logging were the main sub-sectors that contracted in the first quarter of the year.

Sectoral breakdown

The Government Statistician said the services sector maintained its position as the largest contributor to national output, accounting for 46.8 per cent of total productivity within the economy, measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at basic prices.

It also recorded a growth rate of 5.9 per cent compared to the same quarter last year.

Within services, Information and Communication emerged as the best-performing sub-sector, registering a growth rate of 13.1 per cent year-on-year and 3.1 per cent over the previous quarter (quarter-on-quarter). Financial and Insurance Activities followed with 9.3 per cent, while Transport and Storage expanded by 8.6 per cent.

Wholesale and retail trade also contributed significantly, growing by 7.1 per cent.

The services sector alone contributed 2.54 percentage points to the overall GDP growth of 5.3 per cent, underlining its role as the key driver of economic expansion.

Agriculture records recovery

After a slow 2024, the agricultural sector rebounded strongly, recording a growth rate of 6.6 per cent year-on-year, and contributing 1.4 percentage points to GDP growth.

The sector accounted for 23.5 per cent of GDP at basic prices.

The strongest sub-sector was Fishing, which grew by 16.4 per cent year-on-year and 3.2 per cent quarter-on-quarter.

Crops, dominated cocoa, grew by 6.7 per cent. Cocoa alone expanded by 3.4 per cent, indicating recovery from weather and supply shocks that plagued recent harvests.

Livestock grew by 5.6 per cent, while Forestry and Logging contracted by 2.5 per cent, making it the only sub-sector in agriculture to shrink.

Industrial growth slows

The industrial sector, representing 29.7 per cent of GDP, posted a moderate growth rate of 3.4 per cent.

The standout performer was Manufacturing, which expanded by 6.6 per cent, supported by increased production and renewed demand.

However, the sectors performance was tempered by a severe contraction in Oil and Gas, which shrank by 22.1 per cent due to falling crude oil output.

Overall, Mining and Quarrying still managed a positive growth of 1.4 per cent, buoyed by gold production.

Water Supply, Sewerage and Waste Management declined by 3.7 per cent, while Electricity and Construction posted modest gains of 2.8 per cent and 1.5 per cent, respectively.

Industry contributed 1.09 percentage points to the 5.3 per cent overall GDP growth.

Non-oil growth shows strong momentum

When oil and gas are excluded, Ghanas economy grew by 6.8 per cent year-on-year in Q1 2025, significantly higher than the 4.3 per cent recorded in Q1 2024.

This suggests strong underlying momentum in non-oil sectors, particularly in domestic consumption and services.

Government, household spending

The GDP measured by the expenditure approach showed that the governments final consumption expenditure rose sharply by 8.2 per cent, reflecting increased public spending.

Household Final Consumption also increased by four per cent, while Gross Capital Formation, a proxy for investment, grew marginally by 1.1 per cent.

However, Net Exports declined sharply, falling by over 72,323.1 per cent, due to a slump in export volumes relative to imports.

Final consumption by Non-Profit Institutions Serving Households (NPISH) also declined by 16.5 per cent, further dragging on the expenditure side.

Quarter-on-quarter growth improves

Seasonally adjusted data show a quarter-on-quarter GDP growth rate of 1.4 per cent for Q1 2025, up from 0.9 per cent in the last quarter of 2024.

Agriculture led the quarterly gains with a 1.7 per cent rise, followed by services (1.5 per cent) and industry (0.9 per cent).

This improvement suggests a stabilising growth trajectory following the macroeconomic adjustments and currency volatility that characterised the previous year.

Lagging sectors, risks ahead

Not all sub-sectors performed well. Public Administration, Defence and Social Security recorded a 4.2 per cent contraction year-on-year.

Education also declined by 4.0 per cent, while Real Estate shrank marginally by 0.7 per cent.
GHS signs MoU with 2 institutions to train more doctors

Daily Graphic Jun - 12 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read

The Ghana Health Service (GHS), the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, have jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen medical education and healthcare delivery in the country.

Also present at the event was the Registrar-Head of Administration, Medical and Dental Council, Dr Divine Banyubala.

The strategic partnership among the three institutions is set to introduce a decentralised model of medical training, starting with a pilot programme to train doctors in the Upper East Regional Hospital.

The initiative also seeks to expand the number of medical schools across the country and also create a clear structured career progression pathways for healthcare professionals.

Significance

Leaders of the three institutions - the Director-General, GHS, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea; the Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Prof. Richard Adanu, and the Vice Chancellor of the C.K. Tedam University, Prof. Albert Luguterah, who signed the MoU, expressed confidence that the partnership would not only boost local capacity but also position Ghana as a hub for the export of world-class medical professionals.

It also aims to enhance the training and retention of medical specialists, strengthen clinical progression for medical officers and grow the countrys specialist workforce.

Career progression

Prof. Akoriyea described the initiative as a bold and long-overdue step that would bring lasting change to the countrys health sector.

He said the agreement was a vital arrangement to enhance career progression, particularly for medical officers and could also lead to the establishment of more medical schools nationwide.

The D-G further said that by leveraging the expertise, infrastructure and nationwide reach of the GHS, the long-standing gap between academic training and clinical practice could be bridged.
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New era for aluminium industry: GIADEC granted 6 mining leases

Daily Graphic Jun - 12 - 2025 , 11:57 4 minutes read

The country has taken a significant leap to become a formidable player in the global aluminium market by granting six mining leases to the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), the state-owned entity spearheading the ambitious agenda.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, signed off the leases last week, giving GIADEC the power to derive value from the countrys bauxite resources from mining to refinery and smeltering.

Speaking in an interview on the development with the Daily Graphic, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GIADEC, Reindorf Twumasi Ankrah, said by granting GIADEC these leases, the government empowers the corporation to lead the exploration and commercialisation of Ghana's estimated 920 million tonnes of bauxite, primarily located in Awaso, Nyinahin and Kyebi.

He said as part of the new strategic direction, GIADEC would now form dynamic partnerships with private sector miners, engineers and financiers to develop the value chain, while keeping the processes predominantly Ghanaian.

GIADEC's mandate is clear: to develop a fully integrated value chain, from mining and refining bauxite into alumina, to smelting alumina into aluminium, and fostering a thriving downstream industry.

The ultimate goal is to feed the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), Ghana's existing smelter, and to establish a robust export market for bauxite, alumina and finished aluminium products, he said, adding that early indicators of investor confidence are overwhelmingly positive.

Mr Ankrah said GIADEC had already secured a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), one of the world's leading aluminium companies.

He said the landmark agreement was set to explore extensive collaboration, including the development of new bauxite mines, the construction of vital railway infrastructure, spanning 125 kilometres, to transport bauxite and other products through the Takoradi port, a critical artery for export, which would also be expanded.

Infrastructure development is essential for Ghana to unlock the full potential of its bauxite resources and ensure efficient logistics across the western corridor to Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region, The GIADEC CEO told the Daily Graphic.

He disclosed that GIADEC was also at advanced stages of strategic partnership discussions with Madison Alumina, an American company, to develop a world-class alumina refinery and a new aluminium smelter in Ghana to produce higher-grade aluminium for the demanding shipping, defence and aerospace industries.

Other proposals

Included in the discussions, Mr Ankrah said, was the treatment and further processing of bauxite's red mud (bauxite residue) to transform the by-product into higher-grade cement and caustic soda.

The GIADEC CEO said the corporations simulations indicated that the integrated approach would generate over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, benefiting Ghanaian youth.

Furthermore, Mr Ankrah said Madison Alumina had also proposed to deploy an independent power solution to generate 5,000 megawatts (MW) of power through solar and other green energy options, which aligned with GIADEC's commitment to sustainable industrial development.

The CEO of GIADEC, a legal practitioner with several years of practice in the extractive industry, real estate, medical negligence, corporate and commercial law, dispute resolution, among others, said engagements were also underway with potential investors to partner with VALCO to retrofit, modernise and increase the plant's production from the current 50,000 tonnes to 300,000 tonnes per year.

This modernisation is crucial for VALCO to transition from a legacy plant to a highly efficient and profitable entity, anchoring Ghana's Integrated Aluminium Industry, Mr Ankrah pointed out.

Investor appetite

He disclosed that investor appetite for Ghana's integrated aluminium industry had reached unprecedented levels in the last three months, and that GIADEC was actively courting partnerships, proposing three flexible and attractive strategic options for collaboration.

They are the credit resource swap, an approach where investors can provide critical infrastructure or financing in exchange for future bauxite or alumina supply; the long-term off-take arrangements, which offers certainty and stability to investors through guaranteed long-term purchases of bauxite, alumina or aluminium, and the strategic partnerships in joint venture operations, necessary to encourage direct equity participation and shared risk/reward in infrastructure development, mining, refining and smelting operations.

Our new strategy is not merely a mining venture; it is a vision for comprehensive industrialisation, poised to create thousands of jobs, enhance local value addition, and secure Ghana's position as a key player in the global aluminium market, Mr Ankrah stressed.

Context

For decades, the countrys vast bauxite reserves have largely been unexplored to support its industrialisation envisioned by Ghanas first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

The "Reset Agenda" being championed by President John Dramani Mahama is aimed at transforming the paradigm to ensure that the country derived maximum benefit from its natural resources.
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Speaker directs MPs, ministers to regularise offices held for profit

Nana Konadu Agyeman Jun - 12 - 2025 , 12:34 5 minutes read

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has directed all parliamentarians, ministers and deputy ministers currently holding any office for profit or emolument not expressly authorised by law to regularise their positions without delay.

He said no member, minister or deputy minister shall accept or retain any office for profit or emolument without first obtaining the required permission of the Speaker.

He warned that any breach of the directive would constitute a serious violation of the Constitution, saying that, silence, oversight or informality shall not be accepted as a substitute for compliance.

Any such member shall, within 14 days from the date of communication, submit to the Committee on Office of Profit a formal request for approval in accordance with the procedure set out under Standing Order 244, he directed.

Compliance

In a statement on the compliance by members, ministers and deputies constitutional and procedural requirements relating to offices for profit, Mr Bagbin said the request shall disclose the nature of the appointment, the duties involved, any remuneration attached and any other matter necessary for a full assessment by the Committee on Office of Profit.

Directing the Committee on Office of Profit to treat the matter with urgency, he said, The committee shall receive and review all requests for ratification promptly, and submit its recommendations to me for determination.

In the course of its work, the committee is reminded to apply the constitutional test strictly and consistently, ensuring that no recommendation is made unless the conditions under Articles 78(3) and 98(2) are fully satisfied, he said.

Avoiding conflict of interest

The Speaker said articles 78(3) and 98(2), together with the Standing Orders, were designed to preserve the constitutional balance between the Legislature and the Executive, avoid undue influence, and maintain the trust reposed in members by the electorate.

These provisions ensure that ministers and members neither convert public service into a platform for personal wealth accumulation nor use their positions to gain undue advantage in the private sector or state institutions, he said.

In his view, the work of a minister or member of Parliament was demanding and time-consuming.

Holding additional appointments, especially those with financial or executive obligations, raises legitimate concerns about whether such individuals can adequately perform their primary duties.

Where these appointments are accepted without scrutiny or oversight, there is the additional risk that state boards, corporate entities or regulatory agencies become politicised, and accountability mechanisms are compromised or weakened or both, he explained.

To give effect to these provisions, Order 224 of the Standing Orders of Parliament establishes the Committee on Office of Profit, chaired by the Second Deputy Speaker, to compose of up to 14 additional members.

The Speaker said the House could not afford to compromise on the principles of public trust, accountability and institutional integrity.

It is the duty of every public officer to ensure that their conduct does not call into question the credibility of the offices they hold.

The Speaker calls on all members to lead by example and to adhere strictly to the standards expected of them under the Constitution and the Standing Orders.

He said it had become a practice that members of Parliament, ministers and deputy ministers accepted appointments to various boards, committees and external positions, many of which carried remuneration or other benefits.

He said the MPs involved did so without seeking the permission of the Speaker as required by the Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament.

Beyond those appointments, there was also a growing pattern of members actively engaging in private business ventures and professional undertakings that raised legitimate concerns about interference with the proper discharge of their public functions, prejudice and potential conflicts of interest.

Mr Bagbin said while some of those appointments might be validly made by operation of law or arose from constitutional designation, a significant number fell outside these narrow exceptions.

This trend, if left unchecked, risks eroding the ethical standards of public service, weakening parliamentary oversight and compromising the credibility of Parliament in the eyes of the public.

The time has come to restate, apply and give effect to the rules, affirm the institutional safeguards, and take the necessary steps to restore full compliance with both the letter and spirit of the Constitution, he said.

Curbing politicisation of institutions

Saying that the Constitution was clear on the matter, the Speaker cited Article 98 of the Constitution, which he said, was a constitutional imperative.

The Committee was mandated to advise the Speaker on members, ministers and deputy ministers who sought to be permitted to hold office for profit or emolument, whether private or public and either directly or indirectly, on the grounds that satisfies the constitutional conditions as stated under Article 78 (3) of the Constitution.

He explained that the Speakers discretion under Articles 78(3) and 98(2) was not personal or arbitrary.

It is exercised on the basis of recommendations from the Committee and only where the constitutional tests have been met.

The framework is, therefore, mandatory and structured, not discretionary or optional.

No member or minister may self-interpret compliance or act on the assumption that failure to comply with the procedure or silence amounts to approval by the Speaker, he said.

He pointed out that those provisions formed part of Ghanas broader constitutional safeguards to preserve the independence of Parliament, protect public confidence in its members and ministers, and prevent undue influence by limiting divided loyalties, conflicts of interest and private inducements.

He added that the framers of the Constitution incorporated similar controls.
Previous article: Defence Minister updates Parliament on why several 2-Star generals in Ghana Armed Forces have been retired

TUC lauds govts effort to build resilient economy

Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi Jun - 12 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) Ghana has commended the government for its efforts to build a resilient and job-rich economy.

Speaking at a worker delegate group meeting of the 113th International Labour Organisation meeting, the Secretary-General of the TUC, Joshua Ansah, gave the assurance that labour stood ready to collaborate in implementing its job creation agenda.

However, the TUC stressed that its cooperation would never come at the expense of workers welfare.

Secretary-general

The TUC Secretary-general said trade unions in the country had remained steadfast in their efforts to ensure that the principle that sustainable economic development is unattainable without decent jobs, respect for fundamental rights at work and inclusive growth as captured in the director-generals report titled, Jobs, Rights and Growth: Reinforcing the Connection.

Mr Ansah emphasised that the principle was not isolated priorities but were deeply interdependent and must be pursued collectively and coherently.

He said the principles of respect for fundamental rights at work and inclusive growth were not only enshrined in Ghanas laws but also translated into the lived realities of working people.

We have made important strides in strengthening labour legislation and promoting social dialogue.

However, workers in Ghana continue to face persistent challenges, including a rapidly expanding informal economy with inadequate protections; stagnating real wages and widening income inequality; growing employment insecurity fuelled by outsourcing and precarious contracts, and low pension coverage and insufficient retirement benefits, he pointed out.

He told the ILO gathering that those challenges highlighted the urgent need to heed the director-generals call to meaningfully reconnect jobs, rights and growth.

Reconnection

This reconnection must go beyond rhetoric. It must be rooted in policy action and global solidarity, Mr Ansah stated.

To truly reinforce the link between jobs, rights and growth, the TUC secretary-general called on the ILO to strengthen its supervisory mechanisms to better protect trade union rights and significantly increase investment in Africas social protection and employment systems.

He urged member countries of the ILO to carry forward with resolve and unity to ensure that no worker was left behind in the quest for a fairer and more equitable world of work.
Featured

Ghana secures 0% tariff deal from China, eyes electric car plant and aluminium industry boost

GraphicOnline Jun - 12 - 2025 , 11:08 2 minutes read

Ghana has secured a landmark 0 per cent tariff concession on all its exports to China, following high-level bilateral talks between Ghanas Foreign Minister, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his Chinese counterpart, His Excellency Wang Yi.

The agreement, announced by Mr Ablakwa in a social media post on Thursday, marks a significant milestone in Ghana-China relations and is expected to deepen trade, boost industrialisation, and create jobs for Ghanaians.

China has offered 0% tariff on all exports from Ghana, the Minister disclosed. This 0% tariff on 100% of goods from Ghana and other African countries will bolster trade, create jobs and produce more Ghanaian entrepreneurs.

Mr Ablakwa noted that China is Ghanas largest trading partner, with bilateral trade volumes exceeding US$11 billion in 2024. He described the talks, which took place on the margins of the ongoing China-Africa summit in Changsha, as productive and impactful.

The Foreign Minister further revealed that both sides discussed new industrial initiatives aligned with President John Mahamas development vision. These include leveraging Ghanas bauxite reserves to establish an integrated aluminium industry, supported by modern rail infrastructure to ensure cost-effective transportation and value addition.

Our discussions also touched on new industrial projects in line with President Mahamas vision, including exploiting our bauxite for an integrated aluminium industry powered by modern rail infrastructure, Mr Ablakwa stated.

One of the most forward-looking outcomes of the talks was a mutual agreement to explore the establishment of an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Ghana, anchored on the countrys strategic lithium deposits. Lithium is a key component in battery production and an essential resource in the global transition to clean energy.

Our bilateral engagement further agreed to work towards establishing an electric car manufacturing plant in Ghana anchored on Ghana's strategic lithium deposits, the Minister said.

In a move to institutionalise this renewed cooperation, Ghana and China are set to sign a special Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Mr Ablakwa indicated that the EPA would formalise the frameworks required to support trade expansion, joint ventures, and technology transfer.

Ghana and China will soon sign a special Economic Partnership Agreement to concretise our mutually beneficial partnership, he said.

The Minister also paid tribute to the enduring friendship between Ghana and China, rooted in the post-independence era under Dr Kwame Nkrumah and Chairman Mao Zedong.

President Mahama's administration is firmly committed to leveraging diplomacy for the transformation of our dear country, Mr Ablakwa wrote. Kwame Nkrumah and Chairman Mao will be proud of what Ghana  China  relations has achieved 65 years after they laid the foundation.
Next article: Gabby discloses why Asaase Radio has been shut down

Previous article: Communications Ministry gives 64 radio stations 30-day grace period after they were shut down for regulatory breaches

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President Mahama directs NCA to restore licences of 64 radio stations

Mohammed Ali Jun - 12 - 2025 , 14:49 2 minutes read

President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation to work with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to reinstate the broadcast licences of 64 radio stations shut down over regulatory infractions.

A statement from the Presidency, issued on Thursday, June 12, 2025, said that although the actions taken by the NCA were grounded in law, they risked affecting media freedom if stations were not given a fair opportunity to regularise their status.

The NCA had earlier suspended the operations of 62 radio stations found to be in breach of the Electronic Communications Act and related regulations.

Offences cited included operating with expired authorisations, failure to pay fees, exceeding permitted transmission limits, or continuing to broadcast despite official revocation notices.

Among the affected stations are Happy FM, Asaase Radio and Wontumi FM. Mr Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a stakeholder in Asaase Radio, acknowledged in a post on X that the station delayed renewing its licence. It was to be renewed by October but only done in December 2024, he wrote.

According to the NCA, some of the affected stations had ignored earlier directives issued in 2024, while others did not meet administrative or technical requirements within the given timelines.

The closures followed a compliance audit and a directive from the Ministry to enforce broadcasting standards.

President Mahama said while regulatory enforcement was necessary, it must not come at the expense of constitutional rights.

Requiring radio stations to shut down while awaiting the regularisation of their authorisation could limit the space for expressing such freedoms, the statement said.

He has therefore directed the Minister to engage the NCA and agree on a practical timeframe within which the affected stations can meet the required conditions and return to air.

The directive is expected to provide relief to broadcasters, particularly in areas where local radio remains the main source of news and public information.
Featured

NCA shuts down 62 radio stations including Asaase, Wontumi, Happy FM for regulatory breaches

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Jun - 12 - 2025 , 12:03 5 minutes read

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has ordered the immediate closure of 62 radio stations for regulatory breaches.

Among the stations affected are Happy FM, Asaase Radio,59 Wontumi FM and 60 others.

For Asaase Radio, the founder, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has explained that the station delayed in renewing its license last year.

"It was to be renewed by October but only done in December 2024," he stated in a post on X.

Yes, its true. Asaase Radio 99.5, which celebrates its 5th anniversary Saturday, has been shut down. The General Manager informs me its because the station delayed in renewing its licence last year. It was to be renewed by October but only done in December 2024.  Gabby Otchere-Darko (@GabbyDarko) June 12, 2025

The shutdown of the multiple radio stations in Ghana is for various reasons, including regulatory breaches, failure to renew licenses, operating without valid authorisation, exceeding permitted transmission, and non-payment of licensing fees.

Following the directive, the NCA has immediately commenced enforcing the regulatory sanctions against the defaulting entities.

28 stations were operating with expired authorisation.

Some of them were ordered by the NCA in 2024 to cease broadcasting but have persisted in the illegality in breach of Regulation 2 (4 )of the Electronic Communications Act 2008.

14 other radio stations were issued with notices of revocation for failing to set up within two years from the date of authorisation, but subsequently requested inspection, but the process has not been completed due to various lapses they have to rectify, but are still on air. Those stations are in violation of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations 2011.

Another group of 13 stations have applied for authorisation to continue operation and have been issued with authorisation, but have not settled the provisional authorisation fees in full, and hence do not have the valid authorisation to continue operating.

Seven other stations have paid their provisional authorisation fee, but final authorisation is yet to be issued and have not fulfilled the requirement of Regulation 54.

All the affected stations, numbering approximately 62 do not currently hold valid authorisation to commence operation and may only resume operations once all regulatory infractions have been addressed and rectified.

Attached below is a copy of the NCA press release

Rev. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko - Acting Director General of NCA

NCA Orders Defaulting FM Broadcasting Stations to Suspend Operations

June 12, 2025 -The National Communications Authority (NCA) has directed non-compliant FM Broadcasting Stations to immediately suspend operations on their respective frequencies for various infractions. The enforcement action has become necessary due to persistent violations of regulatory requirements, specifically Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991) and the Conditions of their FM Broadcasting Authorisations.

This action follows a directive issued by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, mandating the NCA to enforce applicable sanctions on stations found to be in violation of the regulations in the recent audit conducted by the NCA to ensure full compliance with licensing and operational requirements in the broadcasting sector.

Following this directive, the NCA has commenced enforcement of regulatory sanctions against defaulting entities identified in the Frequency Audit Report in phases. The categorisation of infractions under the first phase is as follows:

Twenty-Eight (28) stations operating with expired Authorisations. Some of these stations were ordered by the NCA in 2024 to cease broadcasting but have persisted in the illegality. This represents violation of Section 2 (4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).

Fourteen (14) FM stations that were issued Notices of Revocation for failure to setup within two (2) years from the date of their Authorisations but subsequently requested for inspection but the process has not been completed due to various lapses they have to rectify but are still on air. These stations are in violation of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L.I. 1991.



Thirteen (13) FM stations that applied for Authorisation to continue operating and have been issued Provisional Authorisation but not have settled the Provisional Authorisation fees in full and hence, do not have the valid Authorisation to continue operating. This represents violation of Section 2 (4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).



Seven (7) FM stations that have paid provisional authorisation fees but final Authorisation yet to be issued and have not fulfilled the requirements of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L.I. 1991.



A total of approximately sixty-two (62) stations have been affected. These stations currently do not hold valid broadcasting Authorisations or do not have a Certificate of Compliance to commence operations and may only resume operations once all regulatory infractions have been addressed and rectified.

While the NCA acknowledges the vital role radio stations play in national development, it is imperative that all Authorisation Holders strictly adhere to the regulatory requirements and conditions of their Authorisations. Consequently, failure to comply with this directive shall constitute an affront to the prescribed conditions for FM Broadcasting with grave consequences for their Authorisations.

We wish to assure the general public that the NCA remains dedicated to maintaining order in the broadcasting sector. We urge all Authorisation Holders to fully comply with regulatory requirements to help promote an orderly industry.

Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh

Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh
Featured

OSP on why it conducted a search at SML to retrieve information to help ongoing investigations

Samuel Doe Ablordeppey Jun - 12 - 2025 , 19:32 4 minutes read

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has explained why it conducted a search at the offices of the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) to retrieve relevant information to help in ongoing investigations.

The search, based on a warrant granted by the court, was to retrieve relevant information to assist the office in its investigation into the work of the assurance company on downstream petroleum sector in a contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The Director of Strategy, Research and Communication, Samuel Appiah Darko, told the Daily Graphic that the investigators of the OSP did not destroy any property at SML offices during last Mondays search exercise, except to remove and take possession of items relevant in its investigation.

He said as part of its standard operating procedure, the OSP investigators prepared a list of the items seized.

This is called the Form 3 and its titled Inventory of items seized or detained during search by an authorised officer.

Mr Darko said while a Principal Staff Officer signed the form on behalf of the OSP, the Director of IT at SML, Samuel Jacob Prempeh, signed on behalf of SML and witnessed by his colleague, Rev. Michael Nyamitei.

Our investigators went to the SML offices for a lawful search to take possession of certain information and items which we need to help us in our investigation, he said.

We did not destroy any property and we filled the seizure notice duly signed by our officers and representatives of SML, the Director of Strategy, Research and Communication said.

Mr Darko further explained that staff of the SML offices were told that they were not under arrest and should therefore cooperate with the OSP investigators.

The Daily Graphic learnt that earlier, the OSP had demanded for some documents from SML to help with investigations into its operations following a petition by investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni.

However, lawyers of SML wrote to exercise the right to decline.

When asked, Mr Darko confirmed the information and said that compeled the OSP to apply for a warrant of the court to obtain the needed information from SML.

Context

Asked about the foundation of the investigation, he said, after receiving a petition from the investigative journalist, the then President also asked accounting firm, KPMG, to conduct an audit, an exercise that forced the OSP to pause its investigation in the issue.

Having passed that stage, Mr Darko explained, the OSP continued with the investigations, stressing that the corruption and corruption-related investigative body was not motivated by any external persons, groups or influences to conduct to conduct the investigations or search the offices of the company for the needed information.

Background

The President had commissioned KPMG on December 29, 2023 to undertake an inquiry to gain a clear understanding of the matters in controversy, and to be properly advised in taking the necessary decisions.

On May 22, 2024, the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo released the full KPMG report of the transaction between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and SML for public consumption.

A statement announcing the release said the President, "in the interest of full transparency in governance, openness, and honesty with the public, has decided to waive the privilege under section 5 of the RTI Act and has directed the publication of the KPMG report in full."

On April 24, 2024, President Akufo-Addo received a request from the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), under section 18 of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) (RTI Act), for a copy of the KPMG report on the contracts and transactions between GRA and SML.

The statement from the presidency said bearing in mind the provisions of the RTI Act, particularly section 5(1)(a) and (b)(i) of the Act, the President denied the request by MFWA since the KPMG report constituted matters exempt under section 5 of the RTI Act.

However, the President, in the interest of full transparency in governance, openness, and honesty with the public, has decided to waive the privilege under section 5 of the RTI Act and has directed the publication of the KPMG report in full, it added.
Featured

Three invigilators arrested for BECE malpractice, says WAEC

Jemima Okang Addae Jun - 12 - 2025 , 12:28 2 minutes read

The Head of Public Affairs at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), John Kapi, has disclosed that three invigilators have been arrested for engaging in examination malpractice during the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Speaking during an interview on Channel One TV on June 11, Mr Kapi highlighted that examination malpractices remain a persistent challenge, with such infractions reported year after year during national assessments.

According to him, the arrested invigilators were caught taking photographs of question papers during the examsan action that contravenes WAECs strict protocols on examination security.

We have had incidents where some invigilators were picked up at some of the centres for taking a snapshot of the question papers. I think so far we have had about three of them, and they have been handed over to the police," Mr Kapi stated.

He noted that one arrest was made in the Bono East Region, another in the Ahafo Regionboth within the Bono enclaveand the third in the Greater Accra Region. These are the only reported cases at present.

We are still monitoring all the centres just to ensure that everybody is complying with the rules. We have had one from the Bono East, one from the Ahafo Region, all within the Bono enclave. Then we also had one here in the Greater Accra Region. So far, these are the ones that we have received reports on, he added.

Mr Kapi reaffirmed WAECs commitment to upholding the credibility of its examinations and urged all stakeholders, including teachers, invigilators, and students, to adhere strictly to ethical standards throughout the assessment process.

Watch the interview below;
Anti-corruption fight requires greater collaboration  Expert

Samuel Duodu Politics Jun - 12 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read

The Project Director, Democracy Project and a governance expert, Dr John Osae-Kwapong, has stressed the need for greater collaboration and harmonisation among anti-corruption institutions to effectively combat corruption in the country.

He noted that the current fragmented approach to anti-corruption efforts was hindering progress.

"We need greater collaboration and harmonisation across all these institutions to ensure that the anti-corruption fight is a joint effort," Dr Osae-Kwapong stated.

Event

He was speaking on the topic "State of Corruption: Why the needle isn't moving- What Ghana's anti-corruption architecture is getting wrong" in a virtual discussion organised by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) last Sunday, June 8, 2025.

The discussion, hosted by Norvan Acquah-Hayford , a Managing Editor, Norvan Reports and Public Relations Manager, Ghana Link Network Services Limited, on X-Space, was supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

It was part of the event to launch GACC's State of Corruption Report 2024, which assessed the country's performance on key corruption indices and efforts by state and non-state actors.

Single legislation

Dr Osae-Kwapong cited the example of a proposed single legislation that would bring all anti-corruption bodies under one umbrella, allowing for harmonisation to occur.

The idea, he said, was previously floated during the Ghana Integrity Initiative's work on a simplified guide to anti-corruption promises in political party manifestos for the 2024 election.

Dr Osae-Kwapong also highlighted the challenges that arose from overlapping jurisdictions among anti-corruption agencies.

"Sometimes you can run into situations where it is unclear what to report to CHRAJ, what the OSP can pursue, or what the Attorney General's office can take up," he explained.

Responding to a question on political accountability, Dr Osae-Kwapong asserted that it was possible in the country's two-party system but noted that it often only happened after a change in government.

He explained that while Ghana's democracy was characterised by a strong duopoly, political accountability could still be achieved.

He, however, noted that political accountability often only occurred after a turnover election, where a new government sought to hold the previous administration accountable.

"What we are experiencing so far is that political accountability only happens after a turnover election.

When you wait for turnover elections and engage in post-regime accountability, it becomes susceptible to our partisan politics where the narrative is always described as witch-hunting, political persecution, etc.," Dr Osae-Kwapong said.

To address this challenge, Dr Osae-Kwapong suggested that in-regime accountability should gain greater urgency, where a government held its own officers and appointees accountable for alleged acts of improper conduct.

Progress

On measuring progress in Ghana's anti-corruption architecture, Dr Osae-Kwapong suggested that indicators such as recovery of disallowed charges, successful prosecution of corruption cases and public perception of corruption could be used to track progress.

He emphasised the need for those found culpable of corruption to be punished administratively and legally to demonstrate the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts.
Featured

Ken Agyapong's argument against Bawumia not tenable - Nana Akomea

Enoch Darfah Frimpong Politics Jun - 11 - 2025 , 19:51 5 minutes read

A former National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akomea, has reacted to recent comments by Kennedy Ohene Agyapong in Mampong in the Ashanti Region and described the assertions as not true.

Mr Agyapong, a former Assin Central Member of Parliament and a presidential aspirant as part of his preparatory works towards Election 2028 ahead of the NPP's presidential primary for that election had told some party members in Mampong that they should reflect on the current state of the party and be cautious against overlooking performance in decisions about leadership selection.

He was contributing to internal conversations over the partys future and the implications of its recent electoral performance under Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the partys 2024 flagbearer.

He argued that poor electoral performance should not be rewarded with another opportunity to lead the party into the next national election.

Let no one be deceived, Mr Agyapong said. Our party has a history of rewarding strong candidates. If you lead us into an election and perform abysmally, you should not expect another chance.

He challenged the view that the NPP has a culture of giving its presidential candidates multiple opportunities, stating that this only applies when the candidates first attempt demonstrates significant promise.

In 1992, Prof. Adu Boahen, despite being a hero of our democratic struggle, was not given another opportunity after losing that election. He was a principled man who sacrificed for the country, yet the party moved on because performance matters, Mr Agyapong asserted.

He contrasted that precedent with the experiences of former President John Agyekum Kufuor and President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, both of whom were allowed to contest a second time after strong showings in their initial bids.

Kufuor campaigned for barely a few months in 1996 and still made a remarkable impact. That performance earned him the trust of the party to try again in 2000and he won. Nana Addo also showed electoral strength before getting a second chance, he noted.

The facts are there. If someone leads us to one of our worst electoral outcomes, we cannot pretend as if that didnt happen. This is a serious political party. We dont hand out leadership as a consolation prize, he stated emphatically.

Watch the attached video below

Kennedy Agyapong: NPP must not reward poor electoral performance with second chances#GraphicOnline pic.twitter.com/a4KwOJVQQS June 8, 2025

Nana Akomea's reaction

But reacting to Mr Agyapong, Nana Akomea in a radio interview with Citi FM, which was monitored by Graphic Online on Wednesday evening said "many of the things my brother Kennedy said in Mampong are simply not true or they are not tenable."

He disagreed with the assertion by Mr Agyapong that in 1996, former President Kufuor had only three months to campaign in the presidential election and that was why the NPP gave Kufuor a second chance in 1998.

Nana Akomea stated that the statement was not true and that in 1996, Kufuor was elected at Legon in April, which gave him a clear eight months before the elections.

He said the delegates in 1998 gave Kufuor a second chance because of the hard work he put in 1996 against Rawlings.

He said if the length of time to campaign available for a flagbearer was what was to be considered, then it was rather Prof Adu Boahen who had two months to campaign against Rawlings in 1992.

"Then Adu Boahen would have been selected again in 1996 instead of Kufuor, but Kennedy Agyapong is saying that Ghanaians are saying that if the NPP brought him [Kennedy], the NPP will win the elections. I don't know which Ghanaians are saying so, or which poll that had been done that shows so.

"And then he says that Bawumia lost the elections because of the religious factor, and that the Christians simply did not want to vote for a Muslim. If you bring religion into this campaign, it is a terrible mistake. What you are saying is that the Muslims do not have a stake in the party. What are you going to say to Muslims when you win the flagbearership?"

He said it is not in the interest of Ken Agyapong or anybody to be campaigning based on exclusion.

He said in any case, Dr Bawumia did better in over 50 constituencies where the NPP parliamentary candidates were Christians in the 2024 elections.

And also the Prof Mike Oquaye committee that the party set up, religion was not a key factor when party members appeared before the committee, he said.

"Even Mahama, as President, he lost elections in 2016, but nobody said that they lost elections because they were from this religion or that religion. So that impression that Bawumia lost because or the NPP lost because the candidate was a Muslim is not even tenable, apart from it being such a dangerous campaign strategy.

"Look, if the NPP wanted only Christian leaders, how come that last year in the NPP presidential primary, there were nine Christians, and there was one Muslim, the two stages of the primary, the super delegates, Bawumia won against nine candidates who were Christians, including Kennedy Agyapong. In the main elections, with all the delegates, Bawumia still won against five other candidates who were Christians. So what is the basis of the belief that Christians in the NPP do not want a Muslim candidate?

It doesn't hold any water at all.

He said it looks like there is a contradiction because Ken Agyapong also said in his address that President Akufo-Addo didn't appoint many NPP people, and that is the reason for our loss. So, which is which? Is it because Bawumia is a Muslim or because President Akufo-Addo did not appoint NPP people?

Writer's email: [email protected]

Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh
One UI 8 beta 2 is now rolling out to Galaxy S25 phones, Poland and India regions join in

Samsung released the first open beta of One UI 8 for the Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra at the end of May. It was available for users in the US, the UK, Germany and South Korea. The second beta arrived today and it adds two new markets.



One UI 8 beta 2 is rolling out to Samsung Galaxy S25 phones in multiple markets

Reports of One UI 8 beta 2 are coming out of South Korea, Germany and the UK. It should be available in the US too. If you are in one of these markets and you have beta 1 installed, check for updates.

Samsung Galaxy S25

Two new markets have been added: Poland and India. If you want in, you need to subscribe to the beta program in the Samsung Members app.

Samsung Galaxy S25+

Tarun Vats, who has been keeping a close eye on Samsungs One UI development, reports that the Samsung Keyboard has a new Galaxy AI-powered feature  Text to Image. Heres a demo:

One UI 8 Beta (ZYF5) just got smarter 

Galaxy AIs *Text to Image* feature is now integrated right into the Samsung Keyboard! 



And the best part?

Your generated images are automatically saved for future use!  pic.twitter.com/DS86Y3xoV9  Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) June 12, 2025

The stable One UI 8/Android 16 release will debut with the upcoming Galaxy Z foldables, Samsung has confirmed. Given the beta tests, the Galaxy S25 series (including the S25 Edge) should get it as an over-the-air update shortly after that.

Source

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Daniel A. Soto relinquished his duties as the senior enlisted leader during a relief ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz on Wednesday.

Soto was appointed on Feb. 16, 2023, and he made history as Camp Blazs first-ever sergeant major since the Marine base's official activation in 2020.

During his tenure, Soto was integral in the establishment and operationalization of the installation.

He was instrumental in the relocation of the first Marine Corps unit from Okinawa, shaping key policy decisions and strategic direction, and supporting quality of life improvements to enhance morale and operational readiness, Camp Blaz said in a release.

Upon arrival, Soto has played a crucial role in strengthening the Marine Corps community on Guam, fostering leadership, and enhancing readiness throughout the command, it added.

I want to show you what right looks like. I want to show you Camp Blaz, Soto said. "These young men and women are charged to come out here every single day to make a difference, to be good stewards, and to represent the Marine Corps and Camp Blaz. They are out here to protect the Indo-Pacific, so you and I can sit here at ease and at peace. This is because of Marines like this behind me standing in formation. They dont miss a beat."

Soto said it's with immense honor and privilege that he served as the first sergeant major of the first new Marine Corps Base in nearly 70 years.

"This base is more than just increased capabilities in the Indo-Pacific; its a testament to the commitment and resilience of every Marine and sailor who has contributed to its creation. Im proud to help build a foundation for future leaders and to ensure the Marine Corps enduring presence in this vital region," he said.

Col. Ernest Govea, commanding officer, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, said in a statement that Sotos leadership, vision and unyielding commitment to Marines and sailors "shaped not only operational success but also elevated the quality of life for every Marine and Sailor under his charge."

"He set a standard of excellence that will endure for years to come," Govea added.

During the ceremony, Soto recognized the selfless support of his wife, children, and mother and the sacrifices they make year after year so that he can continue to lead Marines.

We are going on 22 years in the Marine Corps, and this is going to be our 8th duty station, Soto said. Every single day I come to work, and I am who I am because my wife supports me.

Soto was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal (gold star in lieu of third award). He was also inducted into the Armys Order of Saint Barbara, which is awarded to those who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity, moral character, and professional competence in the field of artillery.

Youve shaped the very soul of this base, and youve challenged us, youve inspired us, and youve always upheld the standard, Govea told Soto. On behalf of Camp Blaz, thank you for standing the watch. Youve always led by example and your legacy is secured here. Your watch as the Sergeant Major of Camp Blaz is complete.

Soto enlisted as a rifleman in January 2003, and since then, he has served in dozens of key billets. He has deployed numerous times to include a Unit Deployment Program in Okinawa, Japan; Embassy Security in Kabul, Afghanistan; Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Following his relinquishment of duties, Soto will serve as the command senior enlisted leader of Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23.

An appointment ceremony for Camp Blazs next sergeant major will take place later in the year.
The Guam Power Authority is asking the courts to order Attorney General Douglas Moylan to appoint a lawyer to review bids for the Mangilao hospital projects power installation.

GPA legal counsel Marianne Woloschuk petitioned the court to order Moylan to assign a conflict-free counsel for the review, and wall himself and his prosecutors off from the project, Superior Court filings show.

The AG on Thursday called it another attempt to remove him from the hospital complex procurements.

Moylan is actively suing the governor and the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority in federal court over alleged illegalities in the use of federal funds and the condemnation of lands for the Mangilao hospital site.

Adelup has called Moylan simply wrong on the matter and has moved to dismiss the case.

The AG by law must be involved in reviewing any government procurement over $500,000.

But Moylan has promised not to sign off on hospital utility installations for which GPA has $35.4 million in federal funds, and the Guam Waterworks Authority has $62.9 million.

The petition from GPA, dated June 11 but filed in court on June 12, states that the authority has three bids prepared related to the hospital worth over $500,000.

They include geotechnical services, a new power substation, and new underground transmission lines, according to the petition.

Multiple requests made

According to the petition, GPA has asked Moylan several times to assign a conflict-free attorney to review the bids, and to provide proof that he has walled himself off from the review in his office.

Woloschuk cites a number of the AGs publicly stated opinions as to the illegality of the (hospital) project and his vow to disapprove any related procurement which present a conflict to his review.

The petition points to a letter the AGs Government Corruption Division sent to GWA General Manager Miguel Bordallo and GWA certifying officers early this year.

On Jan. 28, the Consolidated Commission on Utilities approved GWAs proposal to use $750,000 of American Rescue Plan money to survey the hospital site in Mangilao.

The petition notes that immediately after the meeting, Bordallo and others at GWA received from the AGs office a communication stating that any attempt to build the (hospital) violated Guam law, that the authorization of money for the survey was illegal and that the matter was now under criminal investigation.

It also stated that GWAs general manager, Bordallo, may be held personally and criminally culpable.

Woloschuk also points to statements Moylan made to the Pacific Daily News in stories published on March 4 and April 21 about the illegal hospital project.

The petition states that GPA, in a March 7 letter, asked Moylan to assign a conflict-free counsel to review the hospital bids.

Conflict wall

Also requested was documentation of a conflict wall to screen off any conflicted attorneys, the petition states.

The petition states that GPA and the AG exchanged several letters in March about the matter, and the power authority clarified that it believed only Moylan, and not necessarily his whole office, was conflicted.

On April 9, Moylan wrote back that his attorneys were capable of reviewing the contracts, but did not provide evidence of the requested conflict wall, the petition states.

GPA replied on April 10, again requesting the conflict wall, and did not get a response, the petition states.

Despite repeated requests by petitioner GPA, respondent Moylan has refused to perform his lawful obligations and will continue to fail to abide by these legal mandates unless this court orders respondent Moylan to comply with his ministerial duties, it states.

Lawfare

Moylan on Thursday called it another attempt to remove him from the hospital project.

There has been a steady pattern of the governor using our court system to engage in lawfare to remove the elected watchdog of our peoples money, and to protect them from being indebted to the federal (government) for mis-spent ARP funds, he said in a statement.

The AG has produced two legal opinions finding violations in the use of federal money for the acquisition of hospital land, and the pending condemnation of 42 acres of Mangilao property by GHURA.

He has asserted that those violations put the $104 million earmarked by Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero at risk of being returned.

Mangilao votes

On Wednesday night, the Mangilao Municipal Planning Council voted to support a zone change required to start installing utilities at the hospital site.

Final approval for the zone change is required from the Guam Land Use Commission.

Money for the installation of utility infrastructure must be spent by December 2026.
Survivors of fallout from nuclear weapons testing in the Pacific renewed their call for Congress to reauthorize the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, this time with the inclusion of survivors on Guam.

The Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors, PARS, on Thursday renewed their call for inclusion of Guam as a downwinders area under the RECA.

Downwinders lived in areas downwind of U.S. nuclear weapons testing sites, like Guam.

Today, we are once again calling on Congress to finally pass comprehensive legislation to reauthorize and strengthen RECA, and to finally include impacted communities across the country. We humbly urge Guams congressional delegate to work in support of RECA reauthorization and expansion on behalf of the people of Guam, PARS said in a June 12 statement.

The RECA program provides compensation for those geographical locations that have been impacted by fallout from nuclear testing done by the U.S. government.

The National Academy of Science has concluded that the people of Guam are considered downwinders, PARS said.

Downwinders are defined as those present in Guam from 1946 to 1962 and who have been diagnosed with one of the cancers associated with radiation exposure.

To date, the people of Guam through PARS and their president, Robert Celestial and its members, continue to advocate for inclusion of RECA, PARS said.

RECA expired in July 2024, but in collaboration with other impacted organizations in the states, PARS continues to seek the reauthorization of RECA.

With the expiration of the program, many who continue to struggle and suffer from illnesses linked to radiation, like cancers and lung diseases, are left without any assistance, PARS said.

Daily, we continue to lose our loved ones not through their negligence but because of the exposure to the harmful fallout from the actions of our government, the survivors group said. The people of Guam  U.S. citizens live with the scars of the decisions made by our government, and yet have been waiting for acknowledgment, recognition, and compensation, which has not come.




Haiti - FLASH : Kamikaze drone attacks in Grand-Ravine and Village de Dieu





The task force established by the Government continues its operations in territories controlled by gangs belonging to the "Viv ansanm" coalition. Following the offensive in the Vitelhomme Innocent territory in Pernier, explosive drone operations were conducted against the "Ti Lapli" gang in Grand-Ravine and also in Village de Dieu on June 9 and 10.



These attacks targeted strategic positions of the armed group, notably the Maranatha school, which had served as a base of criminal operations for several months.



According to reports from local residents, at least five Kamikaze drones exploded. Although no official death toll has been released, Pierre Esperance, Executive Director of the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH), reports that "around a hundred bandits were killed" by the suicide drone strikes (this information cannot be confirmed).



These strikes caused panic among the population, forcing residents of "Gran Ravin" to seek refuge in the Fontamara neighborhood, controlled by "Kris la."



Pierre Esperance, who rejects any idea of amnesty for criminal gangs, believes these strikes represent an important step in the fight against impunity. However, he emphasizes the need for additional coordinated actions to truly regain control of these territories.



Despite these deadly operations, several neighborhoods remain under the control of armed groups, fueling a widespread climate of fear.



S/ HaitiLibre


















Interview: Global ocean governance requires France-China cooperation, says Mayor of Nice

Xinhua) 13:25, June 12, 2025

NICE, France, June 11 (Xinhua) -- France and China, both staunch advocates of multilateralism, have a key role to play in the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, said Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, in an interview with Xinhua during the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), hosted in his city this week.

According to France's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UNOC3 has drawn participation from around 100 countries, significantly more than the previous editions held in New York and Lisbon. The conference also sees robust representation from the scientific community, civil society, and various international stakeholders.

"This gives me great hope that Nice, together with all who represent our planet, can bring about major advances in finding solutions," said Estrosi. He expressed hope that UNOC3 in Nice could achieve breakthroughs on par with the Paris Agreement, forged at COP21 a decade ago.

In March, the French and Chinese governments issued a joint declaration on climate to mark the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and to bolster momentum ahead of UNOC3. The declaration emphasized a shared commitment to offering "multilateral responses to the major challenges of our time."

"Only multilateralism gives us a real chance to act," Estrosi said, highlighting the importance of working with China to secure the ocean's future.

He praised ongoing bilateral cooperation, citing the Nice Observatory where French, Chinese, and international scientists collaborate to study the impacts of global warming on the ocean from space. "There is real cooperation," he emphasized.

Estrosi also recalled his longstanding relationship with China, having made numerous visits over the past two decades for both official and private reasons. In August 2019, he vacationed with his family in Hangzhou. "It's a truly ecological city," he noted. "Much of what I saw there inspired me to implement similar initiatives in Nice."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)




Haiti - FLASH : Dominican exports to Haiti increase by 29.5% in 5 months





Despite the economic, institutional and security crisis affecting Haiti, the population continues to demand subsistence goods and other products for their daily lives and production, at a sustained pace since the beginning of the year. Dominican statistics from the Directorate General of Customs (DGA) indicate that the value of Dominican exports to Haiti increased by 29.5% between January and May 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.



The DGA report indicates that during the first five months of 2025, Haiti purchased products from the Dominican Republic worth US$453.8 million, a significant increase from the US$350.4 million recorded for the same period in 2024.



Despite restrictions imposed by Haitian authorities on local products, particularly regarding labeling, transport routes, and restrictions on vehicles entering the country, local exports to Haiti experienced a steady increase throughout the year.



Comendador, in the province of Elias Pina, has become the most important border trading point for local sales to the neighboring country, surpassing Jimani, in the province of Independencia, which previously held this title due to its proximity to the Haitian capital.



According to official data, since the beginning of the year, 40.4% of exports to Haiti have transited through Elias Pina. The Dajabon border crossing, located on the northern border, ranks second with 33.2% of the export value, mainly consisting of raw materials destined for the CODEVI industrial park in the Ounaminthe free trade zone.



The Jimani border crossing recorded the third largest increase in sales volume, accounting for 13.6% of trade between January and May. The ports and airports of Santo Domingo and its surrounding areas, including Haina, Caucedo, Joaquin Balaguer, and Las Americas, accounted for 4.4% of trade with Haiti.



The decline of Jimani as a primary transit point for local goods to Haiti can be partly explained by gang control of the highway leading to Port-au-Prince. These gangs also exert influence over the Malpasse customs office.



Given the proximity of the Elias Pina road to the Haitian capital, many traders have chosen this transit point for their goods. If demand for local products in Haiti continues, exports this year could well exceed US$1 billion again, as they did in 2022.



In addition to formal trade, which reached US$453.8 million in the first five months of the year, informal trade could surpass this amount.



In 2024, Dominican exports to Haiti increased by only 2.6% compared to 2023. The value of exports in 2024 was US$896.1 million, just US$23 million more than the US$873.1 million sold in 2023.



See also :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-44755-icihaiti-dom-republic-dominican-exports-to-increase-by-452-in-the-first-quarter-of-2025.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44467-haiti-economy-dominican-exports-to-haiti-on-the-rise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44058-haiti-economy-dr-exported-nearly-$900-million-usd-to-haiti-2024.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Fritz Alphonse Jean in Brazil

Fritz Alphonse Jean, the President pro tempore of the Presidential Transitional Council, left the country on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, for Brazil to participate in the Caribbean-Brazil Summit to be held in Brasilia on June 13, 2025. He is accompanied by Ms. Ketleen Florestal, Minister of Planning and External Cooperation; Rachel Coupaud, Ambassador of Haiti to Brazil; Allen Sabinus Henry, Director of his Cabinet; and Louis Marie Daniel Dorsainvil, Special Advisor. This unprecedented summit with CARICOM Heads of State will be partly dedicated to the situation in Haiti. Through this summit, Brazil aims to place Haiti back at the heart of continental concerns.



PNH North : Results

309 people were arrested, three firearms, including an assault rifle, 102 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, 165 motorcycles, and 35 vehicles were seized. This is the result of the police operations conducted in the North from May 1st to June 10, 2025. Those arrested are accused of murder, illicit drug trafficking, murder, and armed robbery, according to Harold Jean, the spokesperson for the police in the region.



Leslie Voltaire rejects any dialogue with terrorists

"I welcome the commitment of the new Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, to a solution to the Haitian crisis. But I want to state firmly : Haiti cannot consider dialogue with terrorists. "Peace cannot be built by making a pact with terrorists. Our duty is to defend the memory of the dead, the dignity of the living, and the hope of young people," declared Leslie Voltaire, Member of the Presidential Transitional Council, in response to Albert Ramdin, the new Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), who suggested a dialogue with the gangs...



Green Reintegration of Migrants

In Haut-du-Cap and Bande-du-Nord, the Ministry of Agriculture and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are organizing community dialogues and guided tours on watershed management. With the support of the French Embassy, these efforts promote the green reintegration of migrants while strengthening the environment and local solidarity.



Sainte-Therese Park : Synthetic Promise

Presidential Advisor Louis Gerald Gilles met with Ernso Laurence, manager of Sainte-Therese Park in Petion-Ville, and pledged to support the rehabilitation of the park's synthetic turf, in preparation for the Mario Brutus Cup this summer.



Interschool Basketball Tournament : Nelson Mandela Institute Crowned Champion

The Nelson E. Mandela Institute (INEM) was crowned champion of the 2025 Interschool Tournament after its 89-77 victory over the Classical Training Center (CFC) at the Champ de Mars Gymnasium.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The EU now offers its own DNS resolution service (Resolver) and wants to help its citizens to become less dependent on offers from large US companies such as Cloudflare and Google. The service is called DNS4EU and pre-filters internet addresses at the user's request: In addition to phishing and fraud sites, it blocks websites and advertising that are harmful to minors.

Anzeige

A DNS resolver is one of the almost invisible basic services for stable Internet access: it works in the background, usually at the provider, and ensures that Internet addresses such as www.heise.de are translated into IP addresses such as 2a02:2e0:3fe:1001:7777:772e:2:85 . However, in many countries  including Germany , blocking orders by lobby associations or youth protection authorities are often implemented at DNS level. For this reason and for reasons of speed, users often make do with alternative providers such as Google, which not only uses one of the most beautiful IP addresses with the resolver 8.8.8.8, but also answers over a trillion queries a day. Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Quad9 (9.9.9.9) also operate open resolvers. The problem is that many of these servers are located in the USA, which is why the Quad9 consortium has already moved its headquarters to Zurich.

With DNS4EU, the EU now wants to create its own alternative to providers outside the EU and is launching an offer for citizens. They can select a DNS resolver (and enter it as a DNS server in the router, for example) that meets their needs. There are four different variants to start with, which can also be combined:

Unfiltered DNS responses for users who, for example, maintain their own filter lists or do not wish to do so, a block list for fraudulent and dangerous websites such as malware and phishing, filtering optimized for the protection of minors, which blocks out content that is harmful to minors, glorifies violence and other undesirable content, and an ad blocker at DNS level

The service is available with resolver addresses in IPv4 and IPv6 as well as via DoH (DNS over HTTPS) or DoT (DNS over TLS). The addresses can be found on the project website (which ironically uses CloudFlare as a proxy and dDoS protection) sorted by filter purpose. To improve reliability, DNS4EU provides a second IP address for DNS queries in both IPv4 and IPv6.

According to its own information, DNS4EU uses public lists such as the Bon-Apetit list of pornographic domains and the Goodbyeads advertising blocklist for the filter lists. If a domain is blocked by mistake or is missing from a list, the provider provides a reporting form.

If you want to access smut, the optional parental control function of the DNS4U filter will prevent you from doing so (Image: heise online / cku)

The operators emphasize that the DNS4U resolvers do not carry out "legal filtering" and are not intended as a censorship vehicle. In fact, a random sample of some of the domains on the "CUII list" showed that none of the listed addresses are censored by the resolvers  the addresses are resolved in the same way as with the Google name server, for example. DNS4EU also resolves domains blocked by some providers, such as the porn portal YouPorn, to IP addresses  unless the user has activated a parental control filter.

Anzeige

The project is backed by various domain registrars and DNS companies, including deSEC from Berlin. When the EU funding expires at the end of 2025, DNS4EU is to be "commercialized", i.e. transferred to operation by a profit-oriented company. However, this commercialization has already begun: The spin-off "Whalebone" is intended to help companies and government institutions to detect threats and prevent attacks using DNS.

(cku)

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 protest began around 8:00am. Activists accessed the tower using scaffolding set up for ongoing renovation work. The action was part of Greenpeaces global campaign denouncing corporate influence, environmental degradation, and alleged political inaction.

Greenpeace activists climbed the clock tower of Helsinki Central Railway Station on Wednesday morning and unfurled a nine-metre-long banner reading Time to resist in English.

In a statement released by Greenpeace Finland, the group said it intended to stay in the tower throughout the morning. Another group remained at ground level, handing out leaflets to explain the message behind the demonstration.

Police arrived at the site at approximately 9:30am. The activists voluntarily removed the banner and descended without incident.

The "Time to Resist" campaign focuses on what Greenpeace calls a growing global threat to democracy, environmental policy, and civil liberties. According to the group, wealthy corporate leaders and governments are increasingly using legal and political tools to suppress environmental movements.

There is a fierce attack on democracy, freedom of speech and nature, Oona Poranen, an activist with Greenpeace Finland, stated in the release. Rich corporate leaders, the US administration and even the energy minister and state gas company of EU member Romania are attacking environmental activists. At the same time, in Finland, political decision-makers care little about science-based decision-making, which right now seems to be leading to the logging of natural forests.

The statement referenced environmental policy decisions in Finland, accusing lawmakers of ignoring scientific recommendations. Greenpeace claims that this disregard has contributed to the continued logging of old-growth forests and weakened national climate commitments.

The protest in Helsinki coincides with similar actions in other countries. Greenpeace has described the campaign as a global effort to push back against what it sees as corporate control over public resources and political processes. The group has criticised both national governments and EU institutions for failing to uphold environmental protections under international agreements.

The clock tower protest follows a series of demonstrations by Greenpeace Finland targeting domestic environmental issues, including peat production, fossil fuel infrastructure, and forest management. In each case, the organisation has sought to draw public attention to decisions it considers harmful to biodiversity and climate stability.

Police have not reported any arrests or charges related to the incident at Helsinki Central Station. Authorities said they monitored the event to ensure public safety and that the demonstration concluded peacefully.

HT
The decision affects hundreds of school staff development events across Finland. Last year, Avi organised close to 300 safety training sessions with an estimated total attendance of 30,000 participants.

In-service training for teachers on school safety has been discontinued following government budget cuts, the Regional State Administrative Agency (Avi) confirmed this week.

Esa Kaunisto, head of Avi's education and culture division, told Yle the funding was cut by the Ministry of Education and Culture. In autumn 2024, we were informed that our current training activities would no longer receive support, Kaunisto said.

The training programme aimed to prepare school staff for a range of emergency scenarios, including internal and external threats to school safety. Finnish law places responsibility for school security on municipalities, but legislation also expects individual staff and students to contribute to a safe learning environment.

Kaunisto said the cancellation of centralised training may leave schools vulnerable. Unexpected threats require a basic level of readiness, and structured training is the best way to maintain that, he said.

Avi's own assessment from 2023 found that most Finnish schools are well-prepared for external incidents such as fires or environmental hazards. However, preparedness for internal threats, such as violence from within the school, remains uneven.

The issue has gained more attention in recent years, partly due to past incidents, including the school shootings in Jokela in 2007 and Kauhajoki in 2008.

Despite improvements, gaps remain. Many schools still do not regularly practice responses to internal threats. Henri Rikander, a legal scholar working with the City of Tampere, said only 60 percent of schools train staff and pupils on how to shelter indoors. Nearly all schools, by contrast, conduct regular outdoor evacuation drills.

There's still a training gap, Rikander said, noting that rural schools in particular often lack resources or plans to deal with internal incidents.

The responsibility for future school safety evaluations and training will be transferred to a new administrative body. The Licensing and Supervision Agency will take over the duties of Avi and the Ely Centres starting next year.

HT
The 30-year-old Bangladeshi national was attacked in broad daylight last summer outside the Valkea shopping centre in Oulu by a 15-year-old boy armed with a knife bearing a swastika. The teen had posted online that he was looking to kill a dark-skinned person and wanted to "go to jail" for it.

Rakibul Hasan Ridoy came to Finland to work, but nearly a year after surviving a racially motivated stabbing, he now fears losing his right to remain in the country.

Ridoy was stabbed three times in the upper arm. He believes he survived only because he was wearing a backpack, which may have deflected one of the blows. If it hadnt been there, he might have hit my back, he said.

He was treated in hospital and discharged within days, but the effects have lasted far longer. He tried to kill me, Ridoy said. My body still hurts when I carry something heavy. My mind never rests.

Since the attack, Ridoy has been unable to return to work. The trauma has made it difficult for him to leave home, and he continues to experience anxiety and fear. I'm afraid someone will come from behind. Or from the right, or the left. Sometimes my whole body shakes, he said.

The mental impact has left him dependent on therapy and support services. He has since left Oulu but says the fear has followed him. I cant go out alone. Im afraid even to go shopping.

His attacker was declared criminally unaccountable by the Oulu District Court, which downgraded the charge from attempted murder to attempted manslaughter. The court ordered the teen to pay Ridoy over 18,000 in damages and to remain in psychiatric care. Ridoy saw him again during the trial, attending via video from a psychiatric facility. The teen had reportedly said he wanted to avenge what they have done to my race and people.

Despite the court ruling, Ridoy now faces a different threat: losing his legal right to stay in Finland. New rules coming into effect this summer will allow authorities to deport foreign residents who are unemployed for extended periodseither three or six months, depending on their visa type.

Ridoys temporary residence permit is linked to employment, and his inability to work due to trauma has put him at risk. If there are problems with my visa, how could I continue recovering? I dont know, he said.

He credits the Finnish legal and healthcare systems for helping him through the aftermath. The police, the lawyers, the justice systemthey helped me. I got therapy and support. Im grateful.

But he now worries that the help could end. How much longer will they help me? he asked.

Though his physical wounds are healing, Ridoy says the psychological scars remain. What he wants most is stability. I just want to live a normal, peaceful life again.

HT
The centre is part of a broader two-year anti-racism programme, approved by Oulus city council in February. The project received 1.2 million in funding from the European Social Fund Plus and is being implemented with oversight from Finlands justice ministry.

The City of Oulu is preparing to open Finlands first dedicated support centre for victims of racism, a year after a series of racially motivated stabbings shocked the city and prompted national debate.

City administration chief Ari Heikkinen said that while work only began in April, planning is progressing. The centre is expected to open in the autumn and will serve as a central point for support, resources, and reporting for those who have experienced racism in Oulu.

This will be the first of its kind in Finland, Heikkinen said. The most important goal is to build trust between the people of Oulu. Thats what this is really about.

Heikkinen acknowledged that the objective may seem abstract but stressed the importance of improving community relations. He also confirmed that anti-racism training will be introduced for municipal staff.

The initiative follows three separate stabbing attacks in Oulu in 2023, all involving victims of foreign background. Two of the attacks occurred at the Valkea shopping centre last summer within a week of each other. The perpetrators were a known neo-Nazi and a 15-year-old boy, both found not criminally liable due to psychiatric assessments or age.

In the most widely reported incident, a 12-year-old was stabbed by Juhani Sebastian Lamsa, who also attempted to attack a second minor. Shortly afterward, another foreign-background victim was stabbed by the teenager in a copycat attack. Both survived, but the adult victim later told Yle that the trauma left him unable to return to work.

A third stabbing in September targeted another underage victim of foreign background. That case went to trial in December, and the court ordered a psychological evaluation of the defendant.

The anti-racism programme is being closely followed by national authorities. All coalition party leaders and several government ministers recently attended a one-hour anti-racism training session, part of a wider effort following revelations of past racist remarks by ministers from the Finns Party.

In May, Oulu joined the European Coalition of Cities against Racism (Eccar), a Unesco-backed network promoting anti-racism strategies in urban governance. The city has pledged to report on the outcomes of its initiative as part of its membership.

Racism is unlikely to be eliminated entirely through programmes, Heikkinen said, but we can reduce extremist incidents and make a difference in how safe people feel.

HT
The movement, which was struck from the register in a previous attempt due to its original programme violating constitutional and human rights law, secured 5,819 verified supporter cards last month. This surpassed the 5,000 threshold required for re-registration as a political party .

More than 60 candidates from the Finns Party signed supporter cards for the openly fascist Blue-Black Movement, helping it return to Finlands official party register, according to a report by Helsingin Sanomat .

Of the signatories, 117 had stood as candidates in recent municipal elections. Among them, 63 represented the Finns Party, six ran with the National Coalition Party, and another six with the Centre Party. Nine were successfully elected, five under the Finns Party, and two each from the Centre and NCP.

The list of names was published on Tuesday, revealing that the movement has support not only from fringe activists but also from individuals active in mainstream party politics.

The Blue-Black Movements updated platform promotes a monolingual Finland and opposes what it calls the dominance of foreign languages. It also commits to protecting the domestic labour market from foreign and external competition.

Data released from the supporter list show that most backers were young men. Of the 5,819 signatories, 85 percent were male. The largest age group was 2125 years, followed closely by those aged 2630.

The movement was founded in 2021 by former members of the Finns Party who identified with ethnonationalist ideals. Its name and visual symbolism are rooted in the Lapua Movement, a radical far-right group active in Finland during the early 1930s. The Lapua Movement collapsed after a failed coup in 1932, and many of its members later joined the Patriotic Peoples Movement (IKL), a fascist party that operated until it was banned in 1944 as part of Finlands post-war obligations to the Soviet Union.

HT
State DHHS chief calls for continued funding of Healthy Opportunities Pilot

In a visit to Henderson County on Thursday North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai touted a pilot that he said has proven to be "the best way to lower health care costs and create healthier communities" and praised a nonprofit offering a substance use recovery program.



Sangvai toured and met with representatives from Caja Solidaria, a Hendersonville-based nonprofit that provides fresh foods for Medicaid-eligible families in Henderson and Transylvania counties through the Healthy Opportunities Pilot.



HOP began in 2022 as the nations first comprehensive program to test and evaluate the impact of providing select evidence-based, non-medical interventions related to housing, food, transportation and interpersonal safety and toxic stress to high-needs Medicaid enrollees.



As of April 30, 2025, more than 43,000 people were registered in the pilot program and had received more than a million services across 33 counties. Participants in the HOP program visit the emergency room less often, reducing the cost of needed medical care for enrollees by more than a thousand dollars per person, per year.



"The Healthy Opportunities Pilot program proves the best way to lower health care costs and create healthier communities is to reduce the need for medical care in the first place and has changed the lives of thousands of people," Sangvai said. "I know lawmakers in Western North Carolina recognize the incredible impact this program is having, and I am hopeful they are continuing to look for ways to support its future."



Current versions of the North Carolina House and Senate budgets do not include funding for HOP. Without continued funding from the General Assembly, no new services will be possible after June 30, impacting thousands of people in North Carolina.

Earlier, Sangvai visited Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness to highlight the work of the Hope4NC program, which is delivering critical mental health and substance use disorder support for communities in western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene.



Hope4NC crisis counselors on the ground in Western North Carolina have delivered life-saving help to thousands of residents impacted by Hurricane Helene for the past nine months.



"There is no right or wrong way to feel during and after a catastrophic disaster like Hurricane Helene," Sangvai said. "Programs like Hope4NC have been vital to connect people to the care and resources they need when and where they need them."



Between September 2024 and May 2025, Hope4NC has delivered more than 11,300 individual or group counseling services and supportive contacts, more than 200,000 assessments, referrals and media outreach contacts, and answered more than 7,300 calls to their free, confidential 24/7 helpline.



Founded and run by peer support specialists, Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness offers a safe and relaxed setting where individuals struggling with substance abuse or mental health hurdles receive varying levels of support, free of charge.



"Hope4NC has been vital in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene," Love and Respect Executive Director Lexie Wilkins said. "Our community was in shock and had experienced a traumatic event. We engaged many individuals who may have never utilized our resources otherwise. Partners like Hope4NC came in to stabilize and provided access to resources. Sending North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialists and counselors that our participants could access alongside our services has been life changing. They have given our community a sense of hope."
Texas National Guard "on standby" ahead of immigration raid protests

Xinhua) 14:41, June 12, 2025

HOUSTON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Texas National Guard troops are "on standby" in areas across the state where protests are expected against the Trump administration's ongoing immigration raids, a spokesperson for Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott confirmed on Wednesday.

"Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles," Abbott's spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris said in a statement. "Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extent of the law."

The advocacy group Immigrant Families and Students in the Fight, known as FIEL, is organizing a "Chant Down the Walls" protest in Houston on Friday. Additionally, "No Kings" protests are scheduled for Saturday in more than two dozen Texas cities, including Houston, Austin, Lubbock and Longview, according to a report by the Texas Tribune.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson voiced his support for peaceful demonstrations but warned against violence.

"I am supportive of people exercising their right to engage in peaceful protest against politics and policies that they disagree with. However, destructive actions or efforts to hurt police is wrong," Watson said in a statement.

"Much of what we see out of Washington is to create fear and chaos -- we should not play into these politics of fear," he added. "Adding to the chaos -- through destruction of property, hurting other people, including police officers, or otherwise -- adds to the problems for those people being targeted while empowering those in Washington who want more pain and chaos."

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez also emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations. "Harris County has a long history of people exercising their right to protest peacefully while respecting opposing viewpoints, and I fully expect Saturday's demonstrations to continue that legacy," Gonzalez said. Much of Houston falls within Harris County.

In San Antonio, Police Chief William McManus confirmed that National Guard personnel have been sent to the city. However, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, a Democrat, said he had not been consulted about the deployment.

"But I have full faith and confidence in our community to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully," Nirenberg said.

Protests against the immigration raids began last week in Los Angeles and have since spread nationwide.

On Monday, California sued the Trump administration after President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles -- without the state's permission -- in response to the protests.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Chinese ministry backs carmakers' payment commitment to suppliers

Xinhua) 14:51, June 12, 2025

BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on Thursday voiced support for a commitment made by multiple carmakers to cap the term of payment for their suppliers at 60 days, saying that the move will benefit industrial and supply chains.

The commitment was recently announced by 17 major Chinese automakers, including China FAW Group Co., Ltd., Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd., and SERES Group. According to the MIIT, increasing competition in China's new energy vehicle (NEV) market is shifting pressure from automakers to other parts of the supply chain, resulting in extended supplier payment terms and cash flow difficulties.

The commitment is expected to boost cooperation between automakers and autoparts manufacturers, and greatly promote the healthy and sustainable development of China's automotive industry, the MIIT said.

The ministry noted that it will continue to maintain long-term, stable partnerships between carmakers and supply chain companies, and foster innovation and coordinated development among businesses of all sizes.

"We will keep working to strengthen the resilience and security of the industrial and supply chains, and make new contributions to the development of the global automotive industry," said a ministry official.

China's NEV industry is at a critical stage for high-quality development, the official said, urging all sectors to work together to create a "positive, civilized and orderly environment" for the industry's development.

China's NEV sales surged by 44 percent year on year to 5.61 million units in the first five months of 2025, accounting for 44 percent of total new vehicle sales in the country during the period, according to the latest data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The White House attempted to take credit after Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was able to quell unrest from protests in the city by implementing a curfew in its downtown region.

The curfew began at 8 p.m. Tuesday and lasted until 6 a.m. Wednesday, covering about one square mile of the city's downtown area. Bass expects to implement the same curfew over the course of several days, Politico reported.

"If you do not live or work in downtown LA, avoid the area," Bass told reporters.

Los Angeles legislators and officials have hailed Bass's curfew as successful in putting an end to violence and agitation within the city as immigration related protests in LA entered their fifth day, having begun last Friday.

However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to credit the newfound peace in LA, seen on Tuesday night, to President Donald Trump during a press conference on Wednesday.

"The president saw images of Border Patrol and ICE agents being hailed with rocks and Molotov cocktails. He saw vehicles being burned to the ground with illegal aliens flying foreign flags and that's what prompted the president to have this response that has clearly worked, because last night in Los Angeles you didn't see many of those images. I would add the governor and the mayor need to actually do more," Leavitt said.

Leavitt: That's what prompted the president to have this response that has clearly worked because last night in Los Angeles, you didn't see those images. The governor and the mayor need to do more pic.twitter.com/BKkvbthQV0  Acyn (@Acyn) June 11, 2025

Since the protests began last Friday, Trump has deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines troops to Los Angeles in a move that has been decried by both Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Newsom took to social media to share that the troops deployed were not being used to quell protests in the city on Monday.

"I was just informed Trump is deploying another 2,000 Guard troops to L.A. The first 2,000? Given no food or water. Only approx. 300 are deployed  the rest are sitting, unused, in federal buildings without orders," he began.

"This isn't about public safety. It's about stroking a dangerous President's ego. This is Reckless. Pointless. And Disrespectful to our troops," Newsom continued.

I was just informed Trump is deploying another 2,000 Guard troops to L.A.



The first 2,000? Given no food or water. Only approx. 300 are deployed  the rest are sitting, unused, in federal buildings without orders.



This isnt about public safety. Its about stroking a dangerous  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 9, 2025

Originally published on Latin Times
Harvey Weinstein, the former Hollywood producer once seen as one of the most powerful men in film, was found guilty of sexual assault in a retrial held in Manhattan.

The jury, comprising seven women and five men, reached its decision after five long days of emotional and tense deliberations.

Weinstein, 73, was convicted on one count of sexual assault. However, the jury found him not guilty on another sexual assault charge and could not agree on a verdict in a rape charge involving a third accuser.

The case remains open on that count, and jurors will return to continue discussions.

According to PageSix, this retrial came after Weinstein's original 2020 New York conviction was overturned in 2024.

At that time, an appeals court ruled that the trial was unfair due to the use of past accusations that were not directly related to the charges being presented.

Because of this, Weinstein was brought back to court on fresh charges based on three women's claims.

The women who testified in this caseMiriam Haley, Jessica Mann, and Kaja Sokolashared detailed accounts of alleged abuse. They said Weinstein used his fame and power to lure them into private meetings, promising career help. Then, they said, he hurt them.

BREAKING: Harvey Weinstein was just convected on 1 Sexual Assault charge in the retrial of his landmark sex crimes case. He was found not guilty on another charge and one charge still has no verdict.



Now let's see the Jeffrey Epstein files that Trump is keeping hidden. pic.twitter.com/cJq0as1RrY  Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) June 11, 2025

Weinstein Acquitted of Assaulting Former Model Sokola

On Wednesday, the jury found Weinstein guilty of assaulting Haley, who previously worked in TV production.

He was found not guilty of the charge related to Sokola, a former model from Poland. The jury has yet to decide on the rape claim from Mann, an actress, BBC News said.

The road to a verdict was not an easy one. One juror said that others were gossiping and being unfair. He even asked to leave the jury, calling the behavior "playground drama."

The judge reminded him of his duty and denied the request to step down. Weinstein's lawyers requested a mistrial due to the infighting, but the judge rejected the request.

Weinstein's legal team tried to paint him as a victim. They argued that the women willingly spent time with him and were using their relationships with him for personal gain. The jury did not reach a unanimous verdict, finding him guilty on one count but divided on the others.

Weinstein, who has cancer and diabetes, stayed in a hospital during the trial instead of jail. He remains in prison and still faces a 16-year sentence from a separate California case. He has also appealed that conviction.

Though not all verdicts were decided, one of Weinstein's accusers, Kaja Sokola, said, "Speaking out was an act of power." She added, "Coming forward was the hardest thing I've ever done."

Weinstein has denied all charges and continues to fight the outcomes in court.

Originally published on Enstarz
At just eight years old, a Vietnamese boy with bone cancer has received a 3D-printed femur  a medical first that has preserved not only his limb but his childhood.

In what is now considered a global first, the child underwent a total femur replacement using a fully customized 3D-printed titanium implant. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, all previously documented total femur replacements have relied on traditional implant techniques, with no reported cases involving pediatric patients or 3D-printed, growth-adaptive prostheses.

The breakthrough procedure was carried out at Vinmec Times City International Hospital in collaboration with VinUni's Biomedical 3D Lab. It marks not only a technical triumph but also a milestone in the advancement of precision medicine in Vietnam.

Vietnam is fast becoming a key player in Southeast Asia's healthcare innovation landscape, as hospitals across the region turn to 3D printing to increase self-reliance and deliver more personalized treatment.

Market projections reflect this momentum. According to Metatech Insights, the Asia Pacific 3D printing healthcare market is set to expand from USD 1.04 billion in 2025 to over USD 6.7 billion by 2035, driven by a CAGR exceeding 20%.

Within this context, Vinmec's femoral implant surgery marks more than a clinical breakthrough. As the nation's only JCI-accredited health system with Centers of Excellence across four key specialties, Vinmec was honored in 2025 as Hospital Group and Technology Innovator of the Year by the Healthcare Asia Awards.

Custom-Built Bone Implant Marks Breakthrough in Pediatric Cancer Surgery

Developed through collaboration between Vinmec Times City International Hospital and biomedical engineers at VinUni's 3D Lab, the modular titanium implant was designed and produced entirely in Vietnam. Its structure accommodates physical development, making it one of the first growth-adaptive implants of its kind used in children.

The treatment was carried out in two surgical phases. In January 2024, the tumor was resected and a temporary cement graft was placed to maintain structural integrity. By May 2025, once the patient had stabilized, the graft was replaced with the patient-specific titanium femur.

"We contacted foreign manufacturers but there was no suitable design. Self-manufacturing the equipment allows us to be proactive in treatment, it also paves the way for a new direction for Vietnamese medicine." said MSc. Dr. Tran Duc Thanh, doctor directly engaging in the surgery.

Beyond the innovation lies a deeply emotional story.

Diagnosed with malignant bone cancer and after undergoing chemotherapy, the child was advised by several hospitals to have his limb amputated as a life-saving measure. But the patient's mother held firm in her belief that her son deserved more. Her resolve became the catalyst for one of Vietnam's most advanced surgical efforts.

Today, the boy walks with a personalized implant that not only restored his mobility but protected his dignity. In a region rapidly embracing technology, Vietnam's latest success offers a glimpse of what's possible when innovation meets compassionate care.

Originally published on Medical Daily

* This is a contributed article. The HNGN news staff was not involved in the creation of this article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of HNGN.
Democratic Senator Alex Padilla addressed on Thursday the incident in which he was shoved to the floor and handcuffed after trying to ask a question to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.

"I was not arrested. I was not detained. I will say this. If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question, if this is how the department of homeland security responds to a senator with a question, you can only imagine what they're doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community and throughout California and throughout the country," Padilla told reporters in California, the state he represents.

"We will hold this administration accountable," the senator added, encouraging detractors of the administration to "peacefully protest on Saturday." Several demonstrations are expected across the country to coincide with the military parade in Washington D.C. that will celebrate the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary and the president's 79th birthday.

Hundreds of "No Kings" protests are planned to take place across the country on Saturday, though not in any areas that would overlap with Trump's parade. Committed to nonviolent action, the mobilization is billed as a "nationwide day of defiance."

A video of the altercation shows Padilla identifying himself and seeking to ask Noem a question. "I'm Sen. Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary because the fact of the matter is, half a dozen criminals that you're rotating on your," the lawmaker said as he was pushed out of the room by multiple officials.

Senator Padillas office sends me this video of his take-down and detention at Sec. Noems press conference in L.A. pic.twitter.com/RLUVYP1Jsb  Jacob Soboroff (@jacobsoboroff) June 12, 2025

Once Padilla is removed out of the doors, he can be heard saying, "Hands off!"

The senator was then taken to a hallway, where he was seen in another clip being pushed down on his knees before being shoved to the ground as FBI officials detained him. The three officers then work together to handcuff his hands behind his back.

Moments before Padilla's removal, Noem had been discussing the anti-ICE protests happening across Los Angeles. She said her officer planned to stay in the city "to liberate ... from the socialist and burdensome leadership that this governor and this mayor have placed on this country."

Noem kept talking as Padilla attempted to address her directly.

"Secretary, I want to know why you insist on exaggerating and," Padilla said before be cut off as the scuffle with security officials ensued.

After the senator was removed from the press conference, Noem condemned Padilla's actions as "inappropriate," adding that he had not asked to meet with her privately, the Associated Press reported.

Noem seemed to imply later, during an appearance on Fox News, that Padilla will not face any charges for the incident, denying assertions that he had been arrested. She said she "had a conversation with the senator after this," claiming that "no one knew who he was" even though he can be heard identifying himself in the video.

Originally published on Latin Times
Under Canvas, the leader in upscale outdoor hospitality, announces the grand opening of its first camp in Washington State: Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge. The newest camp joins 11 other Under Canvas locations nationwide and is situated on a stunning 120-acre property in Washington's White Salmon River Valley. What makes this camp uniquely special is its proximity to such a wide range of activitiesfrom prime outdoor recreation to award-winning wineries and active lifestyle pursuits. Located just 15 miles from White Salmon, Washington, and a scenic one-hour drive from Portland along the Columbia River, Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge offers guests an exceptional new way to experience the Pacific Northwest.

At Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge, guests wake and fall asleep amid pine- and oak-covered hillsides, surrounded by breathtaking views in every directionincluding Oregon's iconic Mount Hood. Designed to deliver elevated outdoor hospitality, the camp features upscale safari-inspired canvas tents set on private decks for optimal views of vistas and peaks. Each tent is thoughtfully appointed with king-size beds, luxe linens, bedside lanterns, USB charging packs, a gas fireplace, and ensuite bathrooms with hot pull-chain showers, sinks, and flushing toilets. Signature Under Canvas accommodations feature the proprietary Stargazer Tent, designed with a viewing window above the bed to provide optimal nighttime visibility; along with the Mount Hood Suite Tenttwo tents connected by a private deck and outdoor lounge, perfect for families or groups seeking spacious, shared retreats.

The camp's design reflects the rich textures and natural hues of the Pacific Coast region, thoughtfully crafted to encourage connection and community. The lobby tent, furnished with West Elm pieces and artwork by local artists, features inviting lounge areas and communal dining spaces designed to bring guests together. A curated selection of books and games from Northwest artisans further enhances these shared spaces, fostering moments of relaxation and interaction. Just steps away, an expansive yoga deck offers a serene setting for yoga, stargazing, or soaking in sweeping valley and mountain views, inviting guests to connect with nature and each other.

With a dedicated on-site experiences team, guests enjoy customized recommendations and effortless access to the region's top activities. From hiking scenic trails to kayaking the White Salmon River or pedaling along guided and self-guided bike tours, every itinerary is thoughtfully curated to align with each guest's interests. Guests can explore the charm of nearby towns like Hood River, Oregon, unwind with wine tastings at more than 10 local wineries within a 10-mile radius, or seek adrenaline-pumping adventure with white water rafting. Whether sightseeing through the Gorge or simply soaking in the sweeping views, the camp blends immersive outdoor exploration with the elevated comfort and signature hospitality that defines the Under Canvas experience.

The dining program highlights al fresco and indoor cafe-style options, serving freshly made, seasonal dishes. Grab-and-go lunches and snacks are available throughout the day for guests fueling their adventures. Onsite programming includes a range of activities like acoustic live music, yoga, kids' activities, nightly s'mores, and more. Premium brand partnerships offer guests use of Lululemon yoga mats and blocks, Black Diamond hiking poles, and a Gibson guitar for fireside strumming. Guests can also shop curated retail collections featuring the limited edition Under Canvas X Aviator Nation collab collection of sweatshirts, Hydro Flask drinkware, Sun Bum products, Pendleton wool goods, and an exclusive Under Canvas apparel line.

Under Canvas remains dedicated to its Mindful Approach ethos, designing camps that minimize environmental impact, preserve open space, and follow DarkSky principles to protect the night sky. Under Canvas proudly operates the world's first DarkSky-certified resorts, continuing to set the standard for sustainable outdoor hospitality. Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge is no different, and the team behind its development was intentional and thoughtful with every detail of the build to reduce impact, while optimizing the guest experience.

Since its inception over a decade ago, Under Canvas has dedicated itself to inspiring connections with extraordinary places, people, and the planet by enhancing access to the outdoors. Under Canvas' operating dates for the 2025 season across its 12 open camps can be found here: www.undercanvas.com/locations.

Hotel website
The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio is proud to welcome back Chaitan Mugili as its newly appointed General Manager - a significant full-circle moment in his distinguished hospitality career. Nearly two decades after serving as Front Desk/Housekeeping Manager at the same property, Mugili now returns to lead the hotel as its top executive.

Before rejoining The Westin Riverwalk, Mugili most recently served as General Manager for Winston Hospitality, where he led operations for the AC by Marriott & Element by Westin in downtown San Antonio. There, he managed 343 rooms, a rooftop bar, and multiple commercial tenants - overseeing a team of 150 associates across every operational discipline.

Over the course of his 20+ year career, Mugili has held executive leadership roles with Marriott, Hyatt, and Starwood Hotels, consistently improving guest satisfaction, financial performance, and team culture. He is a two-time General Manager of the Year recipient - recognized by Marriott Hotels (2018) and SAHLA (2021) - and led his previous properties to top performance rankings in guest experience. Chaitan's leadership extends beyond hotel walls. He currently serves as Chairman of the San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association (SAHLA) and sits on the board of the San Antonio Visitor Alliance.

On May 29, 2025, Mugili was formally recognized by the Texas House of Representatives with a certificate of appreciation honoring his "commitment to excellence and service within our community and the State of Texas." He was also invited to the Texas State Capitol to be honored with a Gallery Recognition on the House Floor - a tribute to his impactful work advancing advocacy and education through SAHLA. His broader community contributions include raising over $16,000 for charitable organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation, as well as volunteering with the San Antonio Food Bank. As he steps into this new chapter, Mugili brings not only operational expertise but a deep personal connection to the hotel, its culture, and its community. The Westin Riverwalk is poised to thrive under his vision and leadership.
The future of African hospitality unfolds in Cape Town! Join us for the landmark 8th Annual Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa, taking place for the very first time in the vibrant city. This vital platform plays a crucial role in the revitalisation of the continent's hotel and hospitality sectors. Whether you're a supplier or a buyer, the expo offers a unique opportunity to connect and drive growth.

Showcase your company to thousands of local and international buyers from hotels, restaurants, and resorts across sub-Saharan Africa. Our carefully curated show sectors ensure you connect with the most relevant buyers, maximising your reach and potential for deals. Be at the forefront of innovation as the expo unveils the latest trends and solutions shaping the future of African hospitality. Leverage the expo's established reputation and vibrant history to elevate your brand within the industry.

This event is organized by dmg Events
WESTFIELD CENTER, OH TakeUp, a leading provider of AI-powered revenue optimization platforms for independent hotels and an Oracle partner, today announced TakeUp is available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace and can be deployed on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), and integrates with OPERA Cloud via the Oracle Hospitality Integration Platform (OHIP). Oracle Cloud Marketplace is a centralized repository of enterprise applications offered by Oracle and Oracle partners.

The TakeUp hotel revenue management platform combines AI-powered learning models with personalized guidance from revenue strategists to optimize room rates in real-time. This powerful combination helps ensure that shifting demand, market conditions, and guest behavior are not only analyzed through machine learning but also refined with human expertise to help maximize revenue impact.

The modern revenue manager faces an overwhelming number of pricing decisions each day. TakeUp helps streamline this process by automating complex, time-consuming tasks. The platform runs real-time simulations across countless scenarios, dynamically adjusting rates to match shifting market conditions. TakeUp acts as a partner, allowing revenue managers to focus on high-level decision-making while helping continuously optimize their pricing strategies in real-time.

A Smarter Approach to Revenue Management

Through this integration, revenue managers can now access:

Near Real-Time Price Sensitivity Analysis  TakeUps AI can uncover how guests respond to pricing changes, helping revenue managers fine-tune their rates with data-backed precision.

 TakeUps AI can uncover how guests respond to pricing changes, helping revenue managers fine-tune their rates with data-backed precision. A Continuous Feedback Loop for Smarter Strategy  By tracking pricing decisions and their outcomes, TakeUp can provide ongoing insights that refine future strategies for revenue and profitability.

 By tracking pricing decisions and their outcomes, TakeUp can provide ongoing insights that refine future strategies for revenue and profitability. Intelligent Automation to Save Time  TakeUp can automatically run simulations and adjusts rates based on shifting market conditions, reducing manual guesswork and enabling revenue teams to focus on big-picture strategy.

Oracle Cloud Marketplace is a one-stop shop for Oracle customers seeking trusted business applications and services that offer unique solutions.

OCI is a cloud designed to run any application faster, and more securely, for less. OCI can help address a variety of data privacy, sovereign AI, and low latency requirements as it is the only hyperscaler capable of delivering 150+ AI and cloud services at the edge, in a customers datacenter, across clouds, or in the public cloud. Oracles distributed cloud delivers the benefits of the cloud with greater control and flexibility while also providing the consistent performance, SLAs, and global pricing for which OCI has become known.

Making TakeUp available on the Oracle Cloud Marketplace is a game-changer for independent properties looking to level up their revenue strategy beyond traditional yield management. TakeUps participation in Oracle Cloud Marketplace further extends our commitment to the Oracle community and enables customers to reap the benefits of TakeUps AI-powered revenue management platform. We look forward to leveraging the power of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure to help us achieve our business goals. Bobby Marhamat, CEO, TakeUp

By joining Oracle Cloud Marketplace, TakeUp reaffirms its commitment to empowering independent hoteliers with AI-powered revenue intelligence, ensuring they stay competitive in an increasingly competitive industry.

About TakeUp

TakeUp is an AI-powered revenue optimization platform designed specifically for independent hospitality properties. By combining machine learning with expert revenue strategist, TakeUp delivers dynamic pricing solutions that adapt to real-time market conditions. Integrated with leading property management systems, TakeUp helps independent hotels maximize revenue while simplifying operations. To learn more visit http://www.takeup.ai

About Oracles Partner Program

Oracles partner program helps Oracle and its partners drive joint customer success and business momentum. The newly enhanced program provides partners with choice and flexibility, offering several program pathways and a robust range of foundational benefits spanning training and enablement, go-to-market collaboration, technical accelerators, and success support. To learn more, visit https://www.oracle.com/partner/.

Trademark

Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud companyushering in the new era of cloud computing.

Kelly Campbell

Marketing Director

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Every hotel promises escape. But few offer anything worth escaping into.

In a world drowning in curated noise, the idea of a place that offers nothing starts to feel oddly luxurious. No notifications. No itinerary. Just open sky and unapologetic quiet.

Astro-tourism isnt new. But what it represents in 2025 is. More than a niche travel trend, it signals a shift in what guests find restorative. It's not about becoming a stargazer, its about finding spaces that dont compete for your attention. Spaces that remind you the world is bigger, quieter, older than your inbox.

The stars havent changed. We have.

And maybe the best hotels will be the ones that stop trying to impress us, and start letting the universe do it instead.

The Timing Is Cosmic

If you were ever going to build a business around the night sky, this would be the time.

Were entering the peak of the solar cycle, a phenomenon that only happens every 11 years. Between now and late 2026, the auroras will dance brighter, meteor showers will multiply, and the cosmos will put on its most generous light show in decades. Nature, without asking for permission, has scheduled its headline tour.

But the timing isnt just astronomical. Its psychological.

After years of hyper-curated travel and overstimulated hospitality design, guests are quietly rebelling. Not with outrage, with withdrawal. The search for stillness, mystery, and humility has grown louder, even if it rarely trends. People are craving the kind of experience you cant fast-forward through, the kind that doesn't need a phone to prove it happened.

Astro-tourism answers that cultural hunger with eerie precision. It slows things down. It reminds us of scale. And it offers something that feels increasingly rare in hospitality: silence that means something.

This isnt about telescopes on balconies or adding stargazing to the activities list. The best examples of astro-tourism dont sell the sky. They build around it.

Take the Arctic Treehouse Hotel in Finland. Its rooms are half-glass, half-warmth, designed to cradle you in silence while the auroras spill overhead. There's no performance, no narration. Just stillness, heat, and a ceiling made of stars.

In the Namib Desert, the Sossusvlei Lodge leans fully into its isolation. Telescopes are mounted at every villa, and nighttime isnt an inconvenience, its the main event. With minimal lighting and zero interruption, guests dont just see the sky, they remember how to look.

In Chiles Atacama Desert, some of the worlds most advanced observatories sit beside design-forward eco-lodges, where guests are given photography kits, solar event calendars, and the simple encouragement to stop talking for a while.

What these properties share isnt conventional luxury. Its reverence. Theyre not just places to sleep, theyre stages for the sky. Carefully designed for slowness, silence, and perspective, these stays dont impress you. They disappear, just enough for something bigger to step in.

What Astro-Tourism Is - and Isn't

Astro-tourism sounds easy, just offer a nice view of the stars, right?

But too often, hotels treat it like a checkbox. They add stargazing experience to the package, then flood the patio with LED path lights, play ambient music through outdoor speakers, and forget the moon even has a schedule.

Worse, many properties confuse gimmick with intention. A telescope in the lobby wont fix bad insulation. A cosmic cocktail wont mask the fact that the only constellations visible are hotel-branded light fixtures bouncing off the pool.

And storytelling? Often missing entirely. The cosmos becomes an afterthought, not a narrative thread woven into the guest journey. Theres no emotional buildup, no context, no sense of arrival. Just a vague suggestion that you look up, in between dinner and spa treatments.

Astro-tourism done poorly isnt just ineffective, its forgettable. Because when everything fights for your attention, even the stars start to feel like background noise.

Cosmic Minimalism as Brand Power

The hospitality industry is crowded with brands trying to out-theme, out-style, and out-amenity each other. But astro-tourism whispers a different strategy: subtract to elevate.

What if your signature feature wasnt a rooftop bar, but the absence of a rooftop altogether?

This is where cosmic minimalism comes in. A design philosophy that doesnt ask how much more can be added, but how much less can be in the way. Properties that embrace this arent just removing noise, theyre reframing darkness, slowness, and scale as luxury experiences.

This opens real strategic doors:

Design-wise: blackout architecture, stargazing decks, light pollution buffers

Operationally: curated celestial calendars, aurora alerts, staff trained to host the night sky

Narratively: brand language built around insignificance, awe, and wonder

Partnerships shift too: astronomers over influencers, dark-sky reserves over Instagram geotags.

This isnt about becoming a full-blown observatory. Its about reimagining value. When done well, these small cosmic pivots turn into powerful emotional leverage, because in a world obsessed with making guests feel important, the most memorable stays might be the ones that make them feel beautifully small.

We are a way for the cosmos to know itself. Carl Sagan

In the race to innovate, most hotels look down, at metrics, tiles, devices, trends. But maybe the next competitive edge isnt beneath us. Maybe its above.

Astro-tourism isnt just a chance to offer something different. Its a chance to offer something deep. Not louder, not flashier, just real. In 2025, that may be the rarest luxury of all.

Because when a guest steps outside and looks up  really looks  theyre not thinking about service rankings or loyalty programs. Theyre remembering how big the sky is. And if your property gave them that feeling? Thats not just a stay. Thats resonance.

The stars dont need design. But maybe good design knows when to get out of the way.

Vafa Foroughian

Business Strategy & Research
GBTA Foundation Unveils Step-by-Step Transition Pathway to Accelerate Business Travels Action Towards Net Zero - Image Credit Unsplash+



New roadmap for sustainable business travel takes corporate travel programs from no action to leading practice

The GBTA Foundation, the cause-led arm of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), just unveiled its Sustainable Business Travel Transition Pathway yesterday at the GBTA Sustainability Summit, which gathered over a hundred travel leaders and sustainability experts from all sides of the industry in Washington, D.C.

Business travel is a $1.48 trillion industry, playing a critical role in the global economy. However, it also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, making it a key focus area for corporate sustainability efforts. As regulations change and companies commit to emissions reduction goals, integrating sustainability into business travel is no longer optional  its a necessity.

The transition pathway, developed in collaboration with Accenture, aims to support efforts by organizations of all sizes and in all geographies, to start, advance and accelerate their sustainable travel practices. It will also directly help companies participating in the GBTA Sustainability Acceleration Challenge improve their travel programs maturity levels and sustainability score with a 2030 horizon.

For each of the four categories of action and fifteen practices outlined in the toolbox (section 1), the pathway details iterative steps organizations can take to advance from wherever they stand in their journey to leading practice (section 2). Organizations can understand how their progress is being measured by reviewing the scoring methodology developed by Accenture (section 3). They can also benchmark themselves based on the current state of the industry (section 4). Finally, next steps highlight how to get leaders invested despite the variety of headwinds facing travel sustainability in 2025 (section 5).

Even in times of economic uncertainty and a changing political climate, one thing remains certain: sustainable business is good business, said Delphine Millot, Senior Vice President, Advocacy and Sustainability, GBTA, and Managing Director at the GBTA Foundation. The transition pathway provides companies across the world with the insights and tools needed to embed sustainable travel practices at every level of their operating model.

To coordinate action globally to tackle business travel emissions, the GBTA Foundation launched the Sustainability Acceleration Challenge in 2024. Over 240 companies participated, representing $14 billion in annual business travel spend. The overall global sustainability maturity score  which ranks the current state of climate action from 0 denoting no activity to 5 denoting leading practice  stands at 1.3 out of 5. This demonstrates that while some action is being taken and planned, there is an urgent need to turn commitments into real impact.

The transition pathway now highlights the biggest opportunities to advance climate action in business travel: 1) sending a stronger, more harmonized demand signal for sustainability to travel suppliers; 2) scaling the market for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF); and 3) enabling travelers to book lower-emissions trips.

The road to decarbonization is a generational challenge, and the business travel sector can help lead the way, said Dr. Jesko-Philipp Neuenburg, Global Travel and Aviation Sustainability Lead at Accenture. Through our work with GBTA and insights from over 240 companies, weve built a practical and adaptable pathway to give businesses at any stage the toolkit to help decarbonize their travel. Securing the sustainability results we need will require action and momentum from all players through the rest of this decade.

How will GBTA Foundation support companies along the Transition Pathway?

PROGRESS TRACKING: GBTA will track progress by inviting companies to participate in the Acceleration Challenge global assessment for a limited period every year. The 2025 global assessment is now open until September 23, 2025. All companies that rely on business travel are invited to participate.

COMPANIES SPOTLIGHT: In addition to revealing the global results in November 2025, GBTA Foundation will spotlight regional leaders and changemakers in a new sustainability awards program. Companies must participate in the 2025 Acceleration Challenge global assessment to be eligible.

ADDITIONAL TOOLS: GBTA Foundation will continue to provide complimentary tools and resources to help companies in their journey, including SAF purchasing guidance and case studies, sustainable procurement training, and supplier sustainability scorecards to be released in the coming months.

The complimentary Transition Pathway to Sustainable Business Travel whitepaper is available to download. To participate in the 2025 Acceleration Challenge global assessment, visit the GBTA Foundation website.
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Adams Town Meeting Set Tuesday; Workshop Scheduled Thursday

ADAMS, Mass.  Town meeting members will vote on $19,530,254 spending plan for fiscal 2026, plus capital purchases, grant authorizations, and a new compensation plan.

The annual town meeting is Tuesday, June 17, at 6 p.m. at the Memorial Building. A workshop will be held for the public and town meeting members on Thursday, June 12, at Town Hall.

The largest factors of the budget are personal services  employee wages, benefits, insurance and unemployment  at $8.1 million and school assessments at nearly $7 million, up about 3 percent. Article 11 requests utilization of $250,000 in free cash to keep total expenditures just under $5.1 million.

The final budget total is a 4.36 percent increase over this year, and passage of all articles will leave the town with an excess levy capacity of $106,879.

The average single-family home tax bill is expected to be $4,264.

The town's budget is $10,206,896, of which $7,592,159 is personnel costs; the assessment to the Hoosac Valley Regional School District is $6,620,400 and to the Northern Berkshire Vocational School District (McCann) $1,069,566.

Town meeting will decide a number of capital purchases for $248,000 to be taken from available funds or free cash. These include $51,000 for desktop computers and a phone system upgrade at $48,500, which will also make the phones E911 compliant.

The current phone tree system does not allow for emergency responders to call back to the person seeking 911 assistance.

The technology budget was raised from $28,000 to $30,000 to account for new computers that can be upgraded to Windows 11, and the town administrator's line was raised to $125,000 including insurance.

The free cash will also be used to purchase a police cruiser at a cost of $76,000. Police Chief F. Scott Kelley had informed the Select Board of the dire need for a new vehicle.

The department had tried to purchase both of Clarksburg's dormant cruisers but had lost out to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Other purchases include a replacement truck lift for the Department of Public Works at $55,000, new snowplows at $7,500 and mobile equipment for parks and the cemetery at $10,000.

Article 12 would transfer $175,000 from the reserve to the stabilization account and Article 13 would replenish the account at $175,000. The reserve account is used for extraordinary spending and is overseen by the Finance Committee to eliminate calling a special town meeting.

Article 21 would appropriate $80,000 from the Economic Development Fund, currently at $127,443, for an executive director at the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center.

A final article is a citizen's petition to require the Selectmen to hold monthly community forums on the Glen project, with a list of topics. This article, if passed, is unlikely to pass muster with Attorney General's Office as
No Drought Conditions in Berkshire County

BOSTON  Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared that Western Mass remains at a level 0, normal conditions.

The Southeast Region, the Connecticut River Valley, Central, and Northeast Regions are also a level 0. Islands Region remains at Level 1  Mild Drought, while the Cape Cod Region continues at Level 2.

Recent rains have provided relief, but more precipitation is still needed to restore water systems, particularly, groundwater levels in some parts of the state.

As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 1  Mild Drought and a Level  2 Significant Drought require detailed monitoring of drought conditions. These levels also require ongoing coordination among state and federal agencies to implement drought response actions such as water use restrictions. Additionally, engagement with municipalities, including local Boards of Health, is essential. This includes providing technical outreach and assistance to water suppliers and affected municipalities.

"We are steadily approaching normal conditions in most of Massachusetts due to the recent rain," said EEA Secretary Tepper. "As the weather warms up and the planting season is in full swing, its important to continue to be mindful of our water use to restore groundwater levels."

During May, most of Massachusetts experienced above average precipitation. Several regions experienced rainfall amounts of 6 to 10 inches, exceeding normal levels by 2 to 6 inches. The Cape and Islands received less rainfall than the rest of the state - in the 3 to 6-inch range. Over the past three months, precipitation has been well above normal with recent rain improving streamflow and reducing fire risk across the state. However, drought conditions since last August continue to affect groundwater levels, which typically take longer to recover. Although some regions have recovered at the regional scale, there may be localized deficits in groundwater levels in a few areas that will take more time for full recovery.

The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) collected data from August 2024 through May 2025.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to assist communities in managing their water systems. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not experiencing drought conditions.
Shugrue and Kempthorne

DA Shugrue Presses for Increased Penalties on 'Upskirting'

PITTSFIELD, Mass. District Attorney Timothy Shugrue wants proper sentencing for people who record others naked without consent, and to prevent the invasive crime from happening.



It is widely referred to as "upskirting."



"Let me begin by making one thing clear: This term, while it's still commonly being used, it's outdated. It trivializes this serious, invasive act," Shugrue said during a press conference on Thursday.



"What we're really talking about is non-consensual sexual surveillance, an act legally referred to as electronic recording or surveillance of nude or partially nude persons. The impetus of this press conference today is a recently indicted case involving a young man who implanted a surveillance monitoring device and a gym bathroom."



Yesterday, Maxwell Hall was arraigned for 16 counts of recording unsuspecting people in a Williams College bathroom used for changing on January 16. Shugrue said Hall, a student athlete, planted a small, $23-dollar recording device purchased on Amazon that looked like a USB charging dock in a bathroom used for changing.

Only a portion of the victims have been identified.

The DA said that "Mr. Hall's case, unfortunately, is not unique."



"Recently, Ricci Allessio pled guilty of charges from two separate incidents where he unlawfully recorded individuals in a state of undress. These incidents stemmed from incidents in 2020, and later stemmed from 2023 through April 2024. He unlawfully took almost 800 photographs and over 100 videos of individuals in partial and full nudity. He'll be sentenced in July," Shugrue reported.



"In 2015 and then again in 2021, Sam Wassilie, in the town of Dalton, has twice been found and sentenced for having committed these crimes. Recording not just adults, but juvenile victims as well. In 2015, Wassilie was sentenced to two years and six months in the House of Corrections. For his most recent crimes in 2021, he was sentenced again, but this time, to only a year in the House of Corrections, despite the Commonwealth asking for a more significant penalty. Less time, even though it was his second offense."



He said the despicable nature of these crimes and the fact that it is only a misdemeanor in Massachusetts when the victim is an adult is "abhorrent." He touted the legislation filed by State Rep. Leigh Davis to address this issue, which the Berkshire County DAs office helped draft.



Davis filed H.1633, An Act updating and clarifying the statute relating to "upskirting," to make it a felony  punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine  to secretly record a child or vulnerable person's private parts, whether clothed or unclothed, in any setting.



This aims to address gaps in state law, bring more justice for victims, and deter future offenses.



The DA called for "common-sense" upgrades to state legislation that include: Felony charges for secretly recording any individual not just children in states of undress or in sexually exploitative situations, raising the sentence for first offenders to a felony, and adding enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders.



A misdemeanor carries two and a half years in the HOC, and a felony would be a five-year sentence, ten years if the victim is younger than 14.



"If a criminal targets the children, the crime is a felony. However, the minimum sentence still does not match the seriousness of the crime. Today we talk about the Commonwealths laws that are not protecting our victims of this crime to the extent that they should be," Shugrue said.



"Right now, if you're 18 or older, the person who violates your privacy in this way may only be faced with a misdemeanor charge. A misdemeanor for using a camera or hidden device to record your most vulnerable moments that you can imagine. In some cases, the sentence might be nothing more than a fine."


Pittsfield Woman Arrested for 'Machete' Armed Robbery at Big Y

PITTSFIELD, Mass. A city woman is being charged after allegedly threatening a grocery store clerk with a machete before stealing groceries.



Shortly before 9 p.m. on Tuesday, the Pittsfield Police responded to Big Y Supermarket at 200 West St. for a report of a woman who pulled out a bladed object described as a "machete," pointed it at the employees in a threatening manner, and left the store with a cart full of items.



Police Capt. Matthew Hill reported that the person, later identified as Collette Davis of Pittsfield, has been asked to leave the store by employees due to previous incidents.

Additional charges were added the next day during her booking due to an alleged attack on officers.



"Officers located Ms. Davis the following day (6/11) and [she] was subsequently placed under arrest on a warrant for the 6/10 incident. The "machete" that may have been used in the incident at Big Y was recovered & seized as evidence," he wrote.


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Terrified students leapt from windows to save themselves after the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed onto a medical college campus just minutes after take-off in Ahmedabad.

Shocking video footage shows the Gatwick-bound Air India flight 171 taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport before appearing to lose power and coming down on a residential area called Meghani Nagar at 1.40pm local time. So far more than 290 people have reportedly been killed - both passengers on the plane and victims on the ground.

On hitting the state-run BJ Medical College five-storey hostel, the aircraft exploded into a fireball that could be seen for miles around - as students inside the concrete building tried desperately to escape the devastation.

In a canteen on the campus, medical students were on a lunch break when the aircraft landed on the now-destroyed building.

For updates on the aftermath of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash - click here to visit our blog

open image in gallery Plates of uneaten food lay scattered in a hostel dining hall in Ahmedabad after Air India flight AI-171 crashed into the building Thursday afternoon ( EyePress News/Shutterstock )

open image in gallery The planes tail could be seen protruding from the damaged building after the crash ( AP )

A mother called Rami told Indian network ANI that her son suffered injuries while jumping from the second floor.

My son had gone to the hostel during lunch break, and the plane crashed there, she said. My son is safe, and I have spoken to him. He jumped from the second floor, so he suffered some injuries.

Another eyewitness said people jumped from as high as the third floor to save themselves, said one unnamed resident.

They told AFP: Our office is near the building where the plane crashed. We saw people from the building jumping from the second and third floor to save themselves. The plane was in flames.

Ayush, a resident doctor at Ahmedabads Civil Hospital, located close to the hostel, told the Hindustan Times that the crash sparked chaos. Our friends and juniors have been seriously injured and are being treated now.

Up to 200 people were in the campus on lunch when the aircraft came down, a postgraduate student claimed.

open image in gallery Fires broke out around the medical hostel after the crash, with emergency teams arriving to put out the flames ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

open image in gallery Rescue workers use a stretcher as victims are removed from the site of the plane crash ( AP )

Local officers said five medical students were killed, while almost 40 were injured, including one student described as being in a critical condition in hospital.

Images of the aftermath, shared on social media, revealed the planes tail protruding from the damaged building, while chunks of the fuselage and wheels were visible within the wreckage inside.

In the canteen, plates of uneaten food were pictured lying scattered across the dining room. Its still unclear how many people were inside the hostel, which is near the citys Civil Hospital.

Outside the hostel, located in a residential area with some offices, flames burnt trees as emergency rescue teams rushed to the scene in a desperate bid to find survivors and clear the area.

I was sitting at home, there was a loud noise, it felt like an earthquake, said one man speaking to media from the scene.

He added: I came out and saw smoke, I didnt realise it was a plane crash, then I came here and I found out and I saw the crashed plane  there were many bodies lying on the ground.

open image in gallery Debris on the ground around the medical hostel after the crash ( EPA )

open image in gallery Wreckage from the plane lies on the floor next to the hostel building ( Reuters )

Another resident, Poonam Patni, said her sister-in-law was on the flight, and so she attended the crash scene. She told AFP: When we reached the spot there were several bodies lying around and firefighters were dousing the flames. Many of the bodies were burned.

An eyewitness, Haresh Shash, told PTI: The plane was flying very low before it crashed. As it crashed into the building, the sound was like a blast, and the plane and the building caught fire.

At least one person survived the crash, police have said.

Ramesh Viswashkumar was found by police in seat 11A, according to Indian news agency ANI. His family have said he is a British national from London who was in India visiting family.

He told the Hindustan Times: "When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital."

open image in gallery The plane hit the BJ Medical College hostel at 1.40pm ( AP )

Air Indias Flight 171, which was due into London at 6.25pm, had onboard 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and a Canadian. Eleven of those on board were children. Two pilots and 10 cabin crew were also aboard.

Located in western India, Ahmedabad, the main city in the Gujarat state, has a population of eight million people.

Local police said at least 290 bodies had been recovered from the crash site, but the total death count remains unclear as rescuers work through the charred wreckage. Those killed include both passengers and people on the ground, city police chief G.S. Malik told Reuters.

open image in gallery Hundreds gathered to view the wreckage after the crash ( Reuters )

As hundreds gathered to view the crash site, the army, Border Security Force, State Reserve Police Force and city police quickly sealed off the area while rescue workers retrieving bodies and looked for survivors.

Firefighters tackled the flames while bodies were carried away on stretchers to be placed in ambulances.

Indian doctors association, FAIMA, posted on X: We are deeply shocked about the news... news have become more gruesome after finding out that flight had crushed in BJMC, Hostel & many MBBS (medical and bachelor of surgery) students have also been injured.

A spokesperson for Indias external affairs ministry said: What has happened in Ahmedabad is a very tragic accident. We have lost a lot of people. We extend our deepest condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones.
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China has greenlighted the mass production of a homegrown amphibious aircraft that is the worlds largest.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday certified the AG600 plane for production, paving the way for its entry into the commercial market, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

China has developed the AG600 as part of a drive to modernise its military, amid a more muscular approach to territorial disputes in places like the South China Sea.

The AG600 "Kunlong" aircraft boasts capabilities of low-altitude and low-speed performance, high efficiency in firefighting and rescue operations, stable takeoff and landing on water along with a domestically developed support system, Global Times reported.

The aircraft, roughly the size of a Boeing 737, was designed to carry out marine rescues and battle forest fires. It has a range of up to 4,500km and is designed to be able to take off and land in 2m waves.

Powered by four turboprop engines, the AG600 can carry 50 people during maritime search-and-rescue missions and scoop up 12 metric tonnes of water within 20 seconds for firefighting trips, according to state media.

State-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China said the production approval was a milestone towards a more high-end and standardised aviation manufacturing sector.

It added that the approval strengthened Chinas ability to independently build a complete civil aviation ecosystem.

open image in gallery China has approved mass production of world's largest amphibious aircraft AG600 ( AFP via Getty )

Wang Huafeng, an official with the Jilin provincial department of emergency management, told reporters that the prototype was tested for aerial fire suppression over Changbai mountain.

"The trial run has shown to us that the seaplane is good at emergency-response tasks," he said. "Its service is a big help to us in terms of grassland and forest fire control."

The AG600 is expected to greatly improve the responsiveness and efficiency of forest fire rescue efforts, said Ye Junwei, director of the Zhejiang emergency management air rescue centre.

The first batch of the AG600 completed its production test flight in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong province, in May this year. The aircraft completed a 12-tonne water drop test, flying in the air for 17 minutes before landing smoothly, state media reported.

The development of AG600 began in September 2009, just three months after the Chinese government had approved the programme. The aircraft's prototype construction began in March 2014 and was completed in two years before its debut take-off and landing in 2017 at Zhuhai.

The aircraft completed its first sea-based test flight over the Yellow Sea in 2020.
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At least 275 people have been confirmed dead after an Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday 12 June, in what is now the worlds deadliest air disaster in a decade.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner departed from Ahmedabad airport in the western state of Gujarat at 1.39pm local time (8.09am BST). But after issuing a mayday call, it crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar just five minutes after taking off, Indias civil aviation authority confirmed.

Gujarat health officials said on 25 June that the final death toll was believed to be 275, including passengers, crew, and residents of the medical college hostel struck by the aircraft.

Rescue crews and investigators took days to sift through the charred remains of the hostel and aircraft as large cranes were deployed to clear the debris.

Images of the dining area of the medical college hostel showed wheels and other parts of the aircraft embedded in the walls, with debris, personal belongings and uneaten lunches scattered across the floor.

Both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder  the aircrafts black boxes  have now been recovered, officials confirmed. Work to extract the data from the recorders began on 24 June.

The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who had been sitting in seat 11A, was identified by local police shortly after the crash.

open image in gallery An investigation team inspects the wreckage of Air India flight 171 a day after it crashed in a residential area near the airport, in Ahmedabad on June 13, 2025 ( AFP/Getty )

Here is everything we know about the crash so far:

What happened prior to the Air India crash?

After taking off from Ahmedabad airport at 1.39pm local time, the flight made a mayday call to air traffic control.

But there was no response to subsequent calls made by controllers to the aircraft, Indian aviation authorities reported.

According to flight tracking service FlightRadar24, the signal from the plane was lost less than a minute after take-off. Five minutes later, the plane crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar.

The plane hit the rooftop of a hostel at Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College, where students had been eating lunch in the dining hall.

Videos showed the plane exploding into a fireball, with plumes of smoke pouring from the wreckage of the plane as firefighters tried to douse the charred remains of buildings impacted by the crash.

Images from the site showed scorched walls, twisted metal, and lunch trays still on tables inside the debris-filled hostel dining room.

open image in gallery A plume of smoke rising after Air India flight 171 crashed near the airport in Ahmedabad ( AFPTV )

It was unclear for hours how many people were killed, but officials said everyone on the plane died, except one, with dozens of victims from the medical college where the plane struck.

What route had the plane been taking?

Flight AI171 had been travelling to London Gatwick.

But flight tracking data showed the plane was only briefly airborne before crashing close to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

What caused the crash?

While it was still unclear what had caused the crash, poor maintenance, a bird strike, engine failure as well as the weather were initially being suggested as the reasons.

Investigators have said they are examining possible issues with engine thrust, flap settings, and why the landing gear remained extended after take-off.

A bird strike is not currently being considered a likely cause.

The temperature in Ahmedabad went over 40C on Thursday and the thinner air would have made take-off more difficult, requiring higher flap settings and greater engine thrust, experts told the BBC and the New York Times.

Improper flap extension during take-off could prevent a heavily loaded jet carrying passengers, long-haul fuel and operating in hot conditions from generating enough lift to get airborne.

One of the strongest pieces of evidence being reviewed by investigators is a 59-second CCTV video that captured the moment the Air India flight took off and crashed in Ahmedabad.

The footage, recorded from the far left of the runway near a barbed-wire fence, shows the plane gaining altitude briefly, flying flat for a few seconds, and then descending with its tail down.

The descent began roughly 17 seconds after take-off. No fire is visible around the engines or elsewhere on the aircraft before impact, and the landing gear remains extended throughout the clip.

It took just 33 seconds from wheels-up to the fiery crash, which killed nearly everyone on board.

A former pilot told the BBC that footage of the airplane was not clear enough to determine if the flaps were correctly extended, but such an error would be highly unusual. Moreover, he said, incorrect flap settings would have set off warnings.

But Richard Curran, professor of sustainable aviation at City, University of London, said he had been told by multiple sources that the pilots issued a malfunction warning prior to the crash.

Prof Curran, who previously spent 12 years as KLMs chair of engineering and maintenance, told The Independent: They actually registered a malfunction. So that means they had a technical problem, adding: So it was not a pilot error.

And he dismissed suggestions that multiple bird strikes could have caused dual engine failure, saying: These pilots are extremely well trained. Theyre trained for bird strike. Its one of the basic things that you go through in simulator training as a pilot.

Who was on board the plane?

There were 230 passengers and 12 crew members onboard the aircraft. They included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens and one Canadian, Air India said.

open image in gallery Firefighters work at the site of the plane crash ( AP )

The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a line training captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.

There were 10 other crew members on board, civil aviation authorities said.

Hundreds of relatives of the crash victims have provided DNA samples at the hospital. Most bodies were charred or mutilated, making them unrecognisable.

Gujarats former chief minister Vijay Rupani was also among the passengers. Rajkot city shut down markets on the Saturday after the crash to mourn his passing.

The MP for Leicester East said she understood a handful of Leicester residents were onboard the crashed flight.

Shivani Raja told BBC News that her community, which has a high population of British-Gujaratis, were all really horrified and devastated waking up to such tragic news.

Who survived the crash?

Air India confirmed that 241 of the 242 people on the flight did not survive. A British national was the only person on board to miraculously escape with minor injuries.

It was unclear exactly how many people were inside the building that the plane crashed into, but 34 bodies of non-passengers have been recovered.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, was sat in seat 11A and walked away from the crash unaided with minor injuries.

His family confirmed his survival, and the BBC said his name was confirmed in the flight manifest shared by the authorities.

According to Hindustan Times, he said: Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.

open image in gallery Vishwash Kumar Ramesh told Indian media he was on the Air India flight that crashed ( Handout )

Mr Ramesh, who has lived in the UK with his wife and child for 20 years, was in India for a few days to visit family, according to the Indian outlet.

When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me, Hindustan Times reported him as saying. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.

His brother, Ajay, was also on the flight.

open image in gallery Police stand guard near wreckage at the site after Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad ( AFP/Getty )

A student, Bhumi Chauhan, missed the ill-fated flight by minutes.

The 28-year-old business student from Bristol had been visiting Gujarat with her husband and was booked on Air India flight AI171, which crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Ms Chauhan says she had checked in online and reached Ahmedabad airport at 12:20pm local time, just 10 minutes after boarding was due to start.

"I got late because I was stuck in traffic. I was upset (after being denied boarding) and reached the airport exit when I learnt the plane had crashed," she told Indian news channel NDTV,

She had travelled 200km from Ankleshwar but was delayed by city traffic. Ms Chauhan said she was disappointed when she missed her flight, but minutes later everything changed.

"I was getting ready to step out of the airport when I learnt about the crash. I began shivering. My legs started trembling. I felt numb for quite some time," she said.

"My Ganpati ji (Hindu god) saved me," she added.

Medical college hostel struck

The aircraft crashed into a hostel building at the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College and Civil Hospital. The plane was flying very low before it crashed, eyewitness Haresh Shah told local news agency PTI. As it crashed into the building, the sound was like a blast and the plane and the building caught fire.

College dean Minakshi Parikh told reporters that four students living in the hostel had died and 19 were injured.

Two third-year students are untraceable. A doctors wife was also killed while two relatives of other doctors were injured. Three members of a doctors family went missing after the incident, she said.

Dhaval Gameti, president of the resident doctors association at the college, said 50-60 people had been injured.

Footage from the scene showed aircraft debris in the hostels dining area, with some tables left with uneaten food on the plates.

open image in gallery Plume of smoke rising after Air India flight 171 crashes near airport in Ahmedabad ( AFPTV )

What is the status of investigation?

Investigators have recovered the plane's digital flight data recorder, or the black box, which was recovered from a rooftop near the crash site and likely will lead to clues about the cause of the accident.

Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has succeeded in extracting the data from the flight data recorder. The device is expected to reveal information about the engine and control settings, while the voice recorder will provide cockpit conversations.

A team of four officials from the UKs Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), with expertise in aircraft operations, engineering and flight data, is now working in Ahmedabad alongside American and Indian counterparts.

"Their role is to provide additional support and expertise to the safety investigation being led by Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau," the government said.

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata  which owns Air India  said this was one of the darkest days in the groups history and promised full transparency. We dont know right now [what caused the crash], but we will, he said.

What is known about the Boeing aircraft?

The plane involved was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner delivered to Air India in 2014. This was the first fatal incident involving the 787.

Soon after the Dreamliner entered service in 2011, concerns over fire risk from lithium batteries led to a temporary grounding. But there was no indication yet that the crash was connected to any technical issues onboard the aircraft.

More than 1,000 Boeing 787 aircraft are in service with dozens of international airlines, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, both of which have exemplary safety records.

The aircraft is described by the US manufacturer as the bestselling passenger widebody of all time with some 2,000 orders from 89 customers.

The planes have carried more than one billion passengers on nearly five million flights.

open image in gallery The plane was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner ( Getty/iStock )

When was the last plane crash in India?

The last fatal plane crash in India was in 2020 and involved the airlines low-budget arm Air India Express.

The Boeing-737 overshot a table-top runway at the Kozhikode International Airport in southern India, skidded off and plunged into a valley, crashing nose-first into the ground.

The crash killed at least 21 people.

Where can I find out information about the victims?

Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.

Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident, the airline said.

The airline has also set up assistance centres for friends and relatives at the airports in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Gatwick to provide support and take care of the needs of the families and loved ones.

The centres are also facilitating travel for family members to Ahmedabad, it said on X.
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Aviation experts are conflicted on what may have caused the deadly Air India plane crash.

The Boeing 787, bound for London, crashed with 242 people on board shortly after departing from Ahmedabad airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday.

Saurabh Bhatnagar told New Delhi Television that the incident appears to have involved "multiple bird hits".

He said: "It looks, prima facie, like a case of multiple bird hits wherein both the engines have lost power."

Mr Bhatnagar added that the "take-off was perfect" but shortly before retracting the landing gear, the aircraft began to descend.

open image in gallery The tail of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane that crashed is seen stuck on a building after the incident ( Reuters )

He believes this indicates a loss of engine power or lift.

"Obviously, the investigation will reveal the exact reason," he added.

Mr Bhatnagar noted that video of the incident indicates the plane "came down in a controlled fashion".

Bird strikes are defined as a collision between a bird and an aircraft which is in flight, taking-off or landing.

A large flock of birds entering an aircraft engine can cause power loss.

Efforts to reduce the number of bird strikes on planes include using lights on aircraft to make them more visible to birds, and making loud noises at airports to scare them away.

However another aviation expert told The Independent that bird strikes are unlikely to have caused the crash.

Richard Curran, professor of sustainable aviation at City, University of London, said: If there was a problem with an engine, the pilots would know that immediately on takeoff. So they wouldn't have got as far as they did, and they would have they would have changed their path.

open image in gallery People stand near debris at the site of the crash ( EPA )

I don't think there's any sort of credibility in [the bird strike suggestion] unless the effect of it took time. You dont really get multiple bird strikes and if they had, [the pilots] would have said that, and they didnt.

Prof Curran, who was previously KLMs chair of engineering and maintenance, said: These these pilots are extremely well trained. They're trained for bird strike. It's one of the basic things that you go through in simulator training as a pilot. Probably every 60 to 100 flight hours, you go into the simulator and you're put through these things. So they know very, very well how to deal with it.

And because that wasn't translated, I think it was something more to do with the engine or the control system in the aircraft.

Latest Civil Aviation Authority figures show there were 1,432 incidents reported in the UK in 2022.

Professor John McDermid, of the University of York, said it was too early to know in any detail what may have caused the Air India incident, but the timing suggests the issue happened very suddenly.

He said: Take-off and landing are the most dangerous phases of flight.

However, that said, its surprising that the accident occurred before the aircraft had even got to 200 metres altitude.

Pilots can abort take-off until quite late in the take-off roll, so it seems like the problem occurred very suddenly in the final part of the take-off roll, or shortly after take-off, and was sufficiently serious to be unmanageable.

Given the levels of redundancy in systems, the fact that aircraft are designed to climb out on only one engine, etc. on initial sight this seems a very surprising accident.

Professor McDermid added it is very unlikely the plane was overweight or carrying too much fuel as there are careful checks on this.

David Lammy confirms UK is working with local authorities following Air India crash

Graham Braithwaite, the director of aerospace and aviation at Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, said take-off is a critical stage of flight as the plane is accelerating and any problem-solving requires a rapid response.

Paul Williams, professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading, said the weather conditions at the airport when the crash happened appear to have been very good.

He added: It was a dry and sunny day in Ahmedabad, with temperatures near 40C.

There was good visibility and light winds from the west.

There was no bad weather in the vicinity.

There is no indication at this stage that turbulence or other weather conditions were a factor in the crash.

The accident will be investigated by Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

The UKs Air Accidents Investigation Branch is also likely to be involved because of the number of British nationals onboard.
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A plane disaster in India that has killed at least 240 people unfolded within a matter of minutes.

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft took off from Ahmedabad airport in western India at 1.38pm local time (8.08am BST) on Thursday, FlightRadar shows.

The Air India flight was destined for London Gatwick and had been due to arrive by 6.25pm London time.

But soon after takeoff the flight made a mayday call to air traffic control, Indias civil aviation authority said. There was no response to subsequent calls made by controllers to the aircraft and aviation tracker FlightRadar24 said it lost the aircrafts signal in less than a minute.

The plane did not ascend very high before it rapidly plummeted into the city and exploding in a deadly fireball.

Initial ADS-B data from flight #AI171 shows that the aircraft reached a maximum barometric altitude of 625 feet (airport altitude is about 200 feet) and then it started to descend with a vertical speed of -475 feet per minute, the flight tracking service said.

Ordinarily the Dreamliner would reach a cruising altitude of 41,000ft on the roughly ten hour flight to London.

The plane went down in the Meghaninagar area, a densely populated neighbourhood in Ahmedabad.

open image in gallery ( Satellite imagery from Google Earth )

The plane struck the BJ Medical College, which is part of the Civil Hospital, close to the airport, triggering a fireball that sent plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky. Students were reportedly having lunch there when the crash occurred.

TV footage showed flames rising behind homes and emergency services began dousing the flames and pulling people from the wreckage and surrounding buildings on stretchers.

Ahmedabad, where the crash occurred, is the largest city in the western Indian state of Gujarat. With an estimated population of more than 8.8 million people, it is the seventh-largest city in India.

The city is close to the border with Pakistan, and is about 370 miles by air from the Pakistani city of Karachi. Ahmedabad is a roughly 270-mile flight from Mumbai.

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of Air Indias parent company Tata Group, described the crash as a tragic accident and a devastating event.

open image in gallery People gather by buildings damaged in crash ( Reuters )

He said the airline had set up an emergency centre and deployed a dedicated support team to assist the affected families.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event, Mr Chandrasekaran said in a statement. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care.

There are more than 1,000 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners in service with airlines globally, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, both of which maintain strong safety records. This is the first fatal crash involving the 787, according to the Aviation Safety Network.

The Dreamliner that crashed had been delivered to Air India in early 2014, having had its first flight in December 2013. The carrier, formerly owned by the Indian government, was privatised in 2022 and taken over by Tata Group. In 2024, it was merged with Vistara, a joint venture between Tata and Singapore Airlines.

Air India has long faced criticism for flight delays and cancellations, often due to a shortage of spare parts and grounded aircraft. A recent analysis by the Press Association named it the worst-performing airline for UK departures last year, with flights departing on average more than 45 minutes late.
 Close British sole survivor of Air India crash carries his brother's coffin at funeral

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The Air India plane that crashed last week had one new engine installed in March this year, while the other was last serviced in 2023 and wasnt due for maintenance until December, according to the airlines chairperson N Chandrasekaran.

India will send the black box from the crashed Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner to the US for analysis after it sustained heavy damage, The Economic Times has reported, citing an internal source.

More than 200 victims of the 12 June crash have been identified through DNA testing, Indian authorities said yesterday.

Investigators probing the crash have found that the aircrafts emergency power system was likely active just before impact.

The Wall Street Journal reported that this possibly suggested an engine or hydraulic failure during takeoff, a rare event in commercial aviation.

Air India is cutting its international wide body operations by 15 per cent for a few weeks due to safety inspections.

Families in India with concerns can call Air India on 1800 5691 444. Those outside India can call the British Foreign Office on 020 7008 5000.
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Hundreds of people are dead after an Air India flight destined for London crashed moments after it took off and crashed into a building on Thursday, in the worlds worst aviation disaster in a decade.

However, one passenger, a British man visiting family, appears to have miraculously survived.

The airline said 241 people were killed when the Boeing Dreamliner bound for Gatwick came down in a residential area in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad.

There had been 242 people on board, including 11 children and 12 crew members. Among the passengers were 169 Indians, 53 British people, seven Portuguese citizens and one Canadian.

open image in gallery Rescue teams work at the scene of the crash in Ahmedabad ( AP )

Downing Street warned that the British public should be prepared for a significant loss of British lives, and MP Bob Blackman said some of his constituents in London had been notified of the deaths of their relatives.

Three of the Britons who died in the crash were identified by the Gloucester Muslim Community as Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa and their four-year-old daughter Sara.

Abdullah Samad, headteacher of Saras primary school, said she was a ray of sunshine and that her parents were known for their charity work.

The Gloucester Muslim Community offered sincere and deepest condolences in a statement after news of their death.

During this moment of overwhelming sorrow, our hearts go out to all those left behind, the statement added. No words can truly ease the pain of such a profound loss, but we pray that the family may find solace in the tremendous outpouring of compassion and solidarity from communities across the world.

open image in gallery Akeel Nanabawa and his wife Hannaa Vorajee ( Facebook )

A British couple who ran a spiritual wellness company were also among the victims.

Jamie Ray Greenlaw-Meek and his husband Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, from London, were returning home after a 10-day retreat, their family said.

Earlier this year, Mr Greenlaw-Meek had appeared on ITV's This Morning. Former editor Martin Frizell praised his vibrancy on Instagram, writing: So so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick. I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although Im a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over.

According to a BBC report, West London residents Javed and his wife Mariam Syed, alongside their two young children were also on the plane, as were Adam Taju, 72, and his wife Hasina, 70, with their 51-year-old son-in-law, Altafhusen Patel.

Plumes of smoke billowed from the crash site after the plane erupted into a huge fireball when it struck a medical college not far from the airport.

Some medical students in the building jumped to escape just before the plane hit.

Emergency services rushed to douse the charred wreckage, as well as several surrounding multi-storey buildings.

As the emergency effort continued into Thursday evening more than 200 bodies had been removed from the crash site.

Follow the latest updates in our rolling news blog

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft took off from Ahmedabad airport at 1.38pm local time (9.08am BST), but crashed just moments later. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the flight made a mayday call to air-traffic control, but there was no response to subsequent calls made by controllers to the aircraft.

Vidhi Chaudhary, a top state police officer, initially said 294 people were dead, including students in the building that was hit, but later revised the death toll down to more than 240, after it was realised that body parts had led to some double-counting.

We are still verifying the number of dead, including those killed in the building where the plane crashed, she said.

College dean Minakshi Parikh told reporters that four students living in the hostel as well as a doctors wife had died and 19 were injured, according to Hindustan Times. Two third-year students are untraceable. A doctors wife was also killed while two relatives of other doctors were injured. Three members of a doctors family went missing after the incident, she said.

Dhaval Gameti, president of the resident doctors association at the college, said 50-60 people had been injured.

Ramila, the mother of one, said her son had gone to the hostel for his lunch break when the plane crashed. My son is safe, and I have spoken to him. He jumped from the second floor, so he suffered some injuries, she said.

open image in gallery People stand around the debris of a plane after it crashed in Ahmedabad ( AP )

The dead included Vijay Rupani, the former chief minister of Gujarat state, of which Ahmedabad is the main city.

Relatives have been asked to give DNA samples to identify the dead, state health secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi said.

The cause of the tragedy is yet to be established but investigations are under way. US aerospace safety consultant Anthony Brickhouse said videos showed that the landing gear was down at a phase of flight when it would typically be up.

One of the black boxes from the aircraft has been found and a search is on for the other.

Indian home minister Amit Shah said heat from the burning jet fuel was so intense that the chances of survival were minimal and made rescue efforts impossible.

There was 125,000 litres of fuel inside the plane and it caught heat so it was impossible to save anyone, he said, adding that the final death toll could only be confirmed after DNA testing was completed.

A formal investigation has been initiated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, Indian civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said.

The government is constituting a high-level committee comprising experts from multiple disciplines to examine the matter in detail, he said.

The US and the UK are also sending teams to India to assist in the investigation.

The sole survivor was 40-year-old Briton Viswashkumar Ramesh, who told local media how the disaster unfolded.

Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed, Mr Ramesh told the Hindustan Times, which showed a boarding pass for seat 11A in his name. It all happened so quickly, he told the paper from his hospital bed.

open image in gallery Viswashkumar Ramesh is said to be the sole survivor of the crash ( Handout )

When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.

We were just shocked as soon as we heard it. I last spoke to him yesterday morning. We're devastated, just devastated. He said, I have no idea how I exited the plane, Mr Rameshs brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, told PA at their family home in Leicester.

Have you been affected by this? Email holly.evans@independent.co.uk

open image in gallery Emergency workers have been sifting through the rubble ( EPA )

The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours. There were 10 other crew members on board the flight. A team of US experts will travel to India to help with the investigation, Americas National Transportation Safety Board said.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said the crash had stunned and saddened the country. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it, he wrote. Mr Modi visited the crash site and a local hospital on Friday morning.

UK political leaders have also expressed their heartbreak after the Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said the scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating, adding he was being kept updated as the situation develops.

open image in gallery The plane crashed into a medical college ( AP )

Foreign secretary David Lammy said he was deeply saddened by the news, and the UK was working with authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said it was heartbreaking news.

The King said he and Queen Camilla had been desparately shocked. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones, King Charles wrote.

Condolences poured in from other leaders around the world.

open image in gallery Firefighters work at the site of the plane crash ( EPA )

We share your shock and grief on this tragic day. We all pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and wish a speedy recovery to those injured, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said.

US president Donald Trump called the crash terrible and the US government said the Federal Aviation Administration was working with Boeing and aircraft engine-maker GE Aerospace in the investigation.

Indias civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu inspected the crash site on Thursday evening, and said it was a deeply distressing scene.

We're doing everything we can to support the victims and their families in this tragic hour, he wrote.

open image in gallery Huge clouds of black smoke are seen from the crash site ( Mohan Nakum )

Ahmedabad Airport, which suspended all flight operations after the crash, said it was operational again but with limited flights.

The last fatal plane crash in India, the world's third-largest aviation market, was in 2020 and involved Air India Express, the airline's low-cost arm.

Boeing said it was in contact with Air India and working to gather more information about what had happened. Boeing shares fell 5% as the crash posed a major setback for the planemaker as its new CEO looks to rebuild trust following a series of safety and production challenges.

Families in India with concerns should call Air India on 1800 5691 444. For those outside India, call the British Foreign Office on 020 7008 5000

The airline has also set up assistance centres for friends and relatives at the airports in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi and Gatwick to provide support and take care of the needs of the families and loved ones.

The centres are also facilitating travel for family members to Ahmedabad, it said on X.
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Japan said Chinese fighter jets risked a collision with one of its surveillance planes during a close encounter over the Pacific.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Japanese defence ministry said a P-3C patrol plane monitoring Chinas Shandong aircraft carrier over the weekend was followed by a pair of J-15 fighters. The jets, which took off from the carrier, tailed the military surveillance aircraft for 40 minutes and 80 minutes, respectively.

The government has raised serious concerns with the Chinese side, including to the Chinese ambassador in Tokyo, through the vice minister of foreign affairs, and has strongly urged them to prevent such incidents from recurring, cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a news briefing on Thursday.

Japan will continue to spare no effort to ensure vigilance and surveillance activities in the airspace and waters surrounding Japan in order to resolutely defend Japans territorial waters, airspace and territorial rights, he added.

Photos shared by Japans defence ministry showed a J-15 fighter jet flying dangerously close and parallel to the surveillance aircraft. At one point, the J-15 crossed nearly 900 metres in front of the P-3Cs flight path.

open image in gallery J-15 fighter jet from Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong flies close to a Japanese patrol aircraft conducting surveillance above the Pacific ( Japan's Ministry of Defence )

While declining to comment on any Chinese military intention behind the dangerous manoeuvres, a Japanese government spokesperson claimed that such unusual close approaches by Chinese military aircraft could potentially lead to accidental collisions.

Japanese officials delayed the public disclosure of the recent close encounters with Chinese planes in order to interview the P-3Cs crew and assess the flight data, The Japan Times reported.

The Japanese navy sighted two Chinese aircraft carriers conducting simultaneous operations in the Pacific for the first time over the weekend, in a move signalling Beijings intention to expand its blue water capabilities.

Liaoning and Shandong were seen operating in separate areas of the Pacific Ocean, the Japanese defence ministry said.

open image in gallery Photo released by Japan's ministry of defence shows Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning in the Pacific on 7 June ( Japan's Ministry of Defence )

The Shandong strike group was seen carrying out what appeared to be takeoff and landing operations of its fighter jets and helicopters about 500km southwest of Iwo Jima and north of Okinotori. The Liaoning group was located 300km southwest of Minamitori Island on Saturday and slightly farther away on Sunday. It was also operating its air wings.

The carriers were found in the blue waters beyond Japans Second Island Chain.

Considered the second line of defence in the event of a military escalation by China, the chain comprises a strategic group of islands in the middle of the West Pacific, including a US military base in Guam, around 2,700km from Taiwan.

Confirming the presence of its carriers in the East Asian waters, Beijing on Tuesday said Liaoning and Shandong carriers were carrying out the training to test the forces capabilities in far seas defence and joint operations.

The exercises were a routine training without Beijing targeting any specific country, Chinese navy spokesperson, senior captain Wang Xuemeng, said.

Since May, China has been increasing its presence in East Asian waters by sending an unusually large number of naval and coast guard vessels to the region. At the same time, it has been conducting daily military drills in the Taiwan Strait, which critics have described as staged exercises aimed at escalating military pressure on the self-governed island.
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A court in Singapore has sentenced a South Korean flight attendant to four weeks in prison for secretly filming a female colleague in a hotel room toilet.

The 37-year-old, identified only as Han, was the chief cabin attendant while the woman was working as his subordinate, Mothership reported.

The accused pleaded guilty to one count of voyeurism after he was charged on 11 June.

The man and the survivor were part of the cabin crew of a flight that landed in Singapore during the early hours of 27 April. The crew was provided with accommodation at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy Hotel in East Coast by their airline.

The woman, after getting into her assigned room with a female colleague, reportedly checked the amenities and the toilet but found nothing suspicious.

She placed a pouch and a face towel on the countertop beside the toilet sink and then invited other crew members for supper in her room. The group, including the accused, arrived at around 2am local time.

The accused brought a mini camera with him with the deliberate purpose of recording the victim while she was in the toilet.

Han entered the toilet with the camera just before 4am local time, turned on the video recording mode before positioning it on the countertop, CNA reported, citing court documents.

The accused then placed the woman's face towel on the camera to conceal the device.

The woman discovered the camera upon picking up the towel to dry her hands after using the toilet. A blue light emitting from the camera indicated it was still in video recording mode, court documents read.

When she asked others in the room about the camera, Han, along with her colleagues, remained silent. "While the victim and the others in the victims room had initially agreed to report the matter to the hotel that morning, the victim became increasingly anxious as time passed because of her fear that she had been recorded," the prosecution told the court.

She reported the incident to the hotel staff, who called police at around 5.21am local time.

The entire crew had left Singapore the following day, but Han was later arranged to be interviewed by the police on 16 May. He was arrested upon his return to Singapore that day.

He was found guilty on Wednesday of intentionally or knowingly recording another person doing a private act without their consent.
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China is bracing for typhoon Wutip, the first storm of the year to make landfall in the country, with strong winds and torrential rainfall expected to hit Hainan and Guangdong provinces on Friday.

Wutip, currently classified as a tropical storm, is forecast to intensify to a severe tropical storm with wind speeds of 25-30 metres per second as it approaches the coast of Hainan.

As of Thursday morning, the storm's centre was located around 205km southeast of Sanya in Hainan and was moving northwest at 10km per hour.

China's National Meteorological Centre reported "the typhoon formed at 8am in the South China Sea" and was set to gradually strengthen while tracking towards the southern coast.

Its expected to make landfall between Lingshui and Ledong early on Friday before moving further inland into western Guangdong or Guangxi on 14 June.

"Wutip will move across the western part of southern China afterwards, slightly edging closer to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary, according to the Hong Kong Observatory.

open image in gallery Map from JWTC shows path of typhoon Wutip ( Joint Typhoon Warning Centre )

Wutip is on course to be the first typhoon to make landfall in China in 2025 but the storms formation is two months later than the average date of 25 March, based on NMC data from 1991 to 2020, Global Times noted. It is however forecast to reach the coast earlier than the typical first landfall date of 27 June.

Authorities have issued an emergency response alert, with working groups dispatched to Hainan and Guangdong to assist with disaster prevention efforts. The meteorological service and ocean monitoring centre in Hainan have also issued a blue wave warning, the lowest of the four-tier typhoon warning system.

"Wind and rainfall will gradually intensify in Hainan, Guangdong, and other regions in the following three days," the Chinese meteorological authorities said on Wednesday, warning of possible secondary disasters including flash floods and mudslides in small and medium-sized rivers.

Heavy rainfall is expected from Wednesday to Saturday across southern China, with parts of central and eastern Hainan forecast to receive 100 to 150mm of rain. In the mountainous regions, localised rainfall could reach up to 300mm.

The forecast warns that as Wutip moves inland and interacts with a cold front, areas such as Jiangxi, Fujian, Zhejiang and southern Jiangsu may experience intensified rainfall.

Rail services in several provinces have been disrupted. The Guangzhou Railway Group has suspended all services on the Hainan Ring High-Speed Rail from 4pm on 12 June to 8am on 14 June. Trains on the Shenzhen-Zhanjiang and Guangmao railways have also been affected.

Wutip is the fifth-latest first-named storm of the West Pacific typhoon season. The only later ones include Nichole in July 1998, Nepartak in July 2016, Wilda in July 1973 and Sarah in June 1983. The region typically sees 26 named storms each year, compared to 14 in the Atlantic.
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Preparations for popular, often daylong Lent and Holy Week processions are underway across Latin America  but not in Nicaragua.

Theyve been largely banned for a second year, one of many concerns for the faithful in a country that human rights advocates, exiled priests and the U.S. government say is pursuing one of the worlds most flagrant persecutions of religion.

The Associated Press spoke with several priests who are in exile in different countries, some after being imprisoned in inhumane conditions in Nicaragua. All requested their names, current locations and circumstances of departure from the Central American country be withheld for fear of repercussions against their families there.

More than 200 religious figures are in exile, making it difficult to hold Mass or hear confessions in Nicaragua, especially in small villages.

Many pastors still in Nicaragua are under near-constant surveillance, obliged to inform the police if they want to visit someone whos ill and to submit drafts of their sermons for approval, according to those in exile and human rights activists.

With their bank accounts often frozen or stolen, some face shortages of food and medicine. One Catholic priest said his fellow clergy are trying to serve their flock while feeling constrained by constant threat.

U.S. denounces Nicaraguas crackdown on religion

The U.S. government has condemned the Nicaraguan government  led by co-presidents Daniel Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo  for the crackdown that seems to have intensified in recent years.

On his February trip to the region, Secretary of State Marco Rubio singled out the Nicaraguan governments effort to eliminate the Catholic Church and the religious community, and anyone who tries to take power from that regime is punished.

In its annual report published in March, the U.S. governments Commission on International Religious Freedom denounced conditions in Nicaragua as abysmal. More than 80% of the population is Christian, about evenly divided between Catholics and evangelicals.

Religious freedom is kind of the canary in the coal mine for the jeopardy of all human rights, said the commissions chair, Stephen Schneck.

The commission found that over the last year, the Nicaraguan government harassed and deported Catholic clergy, used intimidation and manipulation to force leaders of the Indigenous Moravian Church into exile, arrested members of the evangelical Mountain Gateway ministry and allowed attacks on sanctuaries, including arson that destroyed a 400-year-old crucifix in the capital, Managua.

The commission denounced the arbitrary cancellation of legal status of most faith-based organizations, which often leads to property seizures. All nuns were ordered to leave the country.

These are the nuns that really care for the poorest of the poor, said Maureen Ferguson, one of the U.S. commissioners. What happens to them when these religious institutions, people motivated by faith, are exiled?

Government tries to co-opt faith, critics say

To prevent last years Easter-time processions, thousands of police were deployed, according to the report. Only clergy aligned with the government are allowed outdoor worship.

Local governments often create parallel festivities to give the impression that popular piety is still free, advocacy groups like British-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide say.

Thats part of the strategy to try to co-opt the clergy and the faithful, said Felix Maradiaga, a Nicaraguan opposition leader and practicing Catholic who was jailed, then exiled to the United States in 2023.

The Sandinista government has a long history of trying to create a parallel church, of wanting to take possession of the symbols of faith, said Maradiaga, who wasnt allowed to pray publicly or to have a Bible while imprisoned. The model that Sandinistas want to implement is very similar to that of China.  They will not stop their pressure on the Catholic Church until they obtain a bishops conference in some way aligned with the dictatorships ideology. They will not succeed.

Tensions between Nicaragua and faith leaders

Like several Latin American governments tracing their roots back to socialist revolutions, Nicaraguas Sandinista National Liberation Front has had an uneven relationship with faith leaders for decades.

The Catholic Church drew the current governments ire when priests and nuns provided shelter and first aid to those injured when the Ortega government violently repressed civic protests in 2018.

The government has blamed terrorist clergy for supporting unrest. Clergy and lay observers say the church has been an increasingly rare voice opposing state violence.

A college professor when the protests started, Maradiaga said students called him saying Theyre killing us  and clergy opened their churches doors.

What the church did was put itself on the side of those who were being persecuted, Maradiaga recalled.

Several priests in exile said they witnessed youth being shot during the protests and tended to them, seeing it as an essential part of their ministry to help those hurting.

New forms of repression, but lingering hope

Martha Patricia Molina, a Nicaraguan lawyer who fled to the United States, has recorded nearly 1,000 instances of church persecution in Nicaragua from 2018 through 2024. Among those in the past year are arrests and deportations of clergy and the prohibition of a public Via Crucis procession  the Lent devotion commemorating Jesus path to the cross.

The repression in the past few months has a new face. The people who are under attack now no longer speak out and denounce the abuses, because if they do that, the repression only grows, she said.

Out of eight bishops and one cardinal in Nicaraguas Catholic conference, four are in exile  along with more than 150 clergy and seminarians as well as nearly 100 nuns and religious sisters who were exiled, fled for their safety or havent been allowed back to Nicaragua, per Molinas count.

According to the Vatican, Nicaragua has exiled five groups of priests since 2022, most to the United States and Rome  including Bishop Rolando Alvarez, who was jailed for more than a year before being released and sent overseas in early 2024 after negotiations with the Holy See.

For the December solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, to whom Nicaraguans are particularly devout, Pope Francis wrote a letter exhorting them not to doubt Gods care and mercy.

The faithful continue to attend Mass  although some have also taken to gathering in secret to avoid suspected government spies who record those in the pews, Molina and some clergy said.

The fear is palpable, and personal. Molinas father died recently in the United States, so she asked a few priests in Nicaragua if they would be willing to say a Mass over his ashes.

None was, fearing repercussions for their congregations. She hopes she might one day be able to return to grant her father burial in their homeland.

Several of the clergy in exile said the ability to believe in a different future for their country is one thing they havent been forced to leave behind.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
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Once, when I was a teenager, I was in a Spar in Ballymena when a man walked in and announced he would burn the shop to the ground if it didnt close immediately.

My sister and I did not hesitate. Like everyone else, we believed him  and fled.

We had been intending to dash in to the store for just a few minutes to stock up on essentials, amid fears of a long few days ahead of us as rioting broke out across Northern Ireland in the 1990s over Drumcree.

So its terrifying to watch violence unfold in my hometown again, as we have over recent nights.

open image in gallery Violence has erupted in Ballymena ( PA )

Around a 30-minute drive from Belfast, although it occasionally felt like further, Ballymena is often dubbed the buckle of the bible belt of Northern Ireland, surprising visitors with the number of churches that line its streets.

A DUP heartland, its MP was for many decades the firebrand preacher the Rev Ian Paisley, who used to secure huge parliamentary majorities, often winning one in every two votes cast.

Its status as a prosperous market town in the middle of Northern Ireland, its name literally means middle town, helped during the long years of the Troubles.

It is the home of Northern Ireland's first Sainsbury's, opened not long before the Good Friday Agreement, giving me a weekend bakery job  which occasionally included putting the jam in jam doughnuts  one of hundreds of jobs it brought to the town, as well as a company slogan "A fresh approach" that we hoped matched the times.

That prosperity is one of the reasons that the town attracted immigrants in the years after the peace process proved a lasting success  migrants who are now the subject of horrific violence.

In one video shared online, a woman tells the rioters: Be careful, lads, followed by a man telling her there were people living in one of the houses being attacked. She replied: Aye, but are they local? If theyre local, they need out. If theyre not local, let them f****** stay there.

open image in gallery Police riot squad at the scene ( Getty )

Like everywhere in Northern Ireland, Ballymena has suffered its share of atrocities in the past.

In 2006 a 15-year-old Catholic boy was beaten to death in an attack that started outside the local cinema, not all that far from where the latest riots erupted this week.

The Harryville part of the town, where hundreds of people gathered this week, was the scene of loyalist protests for years against the presence of a Catholic church in a strongly Protestant area in the late 1990s.

In December 1996, a 300-strong contingent of police in riot gear was needed to ensure local people were able to attend Mass, as an article for The Independent recorded at the time.

And, of course, violence erupted over Drumcree, a long-running conflict about a Protestant Orange Order march in Portadown.

After the incident in the Spar, my family stayed home for days, watching events unfold on the news, part of an unofficial night-time curfew that saw thousands of people lock themselves down decades before any of us had ever heard of Covid.

On a separate summer I spent a mini-break in Brussels  won, bizarrely, as part of my schools quiz team  holed up in a hotel room with three fellow pupils, watching helplessly on CNN as riots erupted at home.

When we landed back in Belfast International airport late at night, the violence had become so widespread we faced a difficult and potentially treacherous journey getting home. At one point we were stopped by police just as our car came face to face with an overturned and burnt out bus.

That was in 1998, when the riots did not stop until the appalling murders of three young brothers in a loyalist arson attack in Ballymoney, about 20 miles from Ballymena.

Hopefully it will not take a tragedy like that for the violence to end this time.
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Bricks and petrol bombs were thrown at police on a third night of violent disorder in a town in Northern Ireland on Wednesday night.

Houses, cars, and a leisure centre turned into an emergency shelter for families were also set alight by the protesters, who were responded to by officers firing water cannon and plastic baton rounds.

The trouble in Ballymena, in County Antrim, broke out on Monday after an alleged sexual assault on a girl in the area.

Follow our live coverage of the Northern Ireland riots here

Ethnic minorities appear to have been targeted across the three nights of violence, with some residents resorting to displaying signs in their home windows to show their nationalities.

Unrest has also spread to the towns of Larne and Coleraine as Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) seeks help from other forces in England and Wales to deal with the disturbance.

open image in gallery A protester stands close to a fire burning in Ballymena, where there have been three consecutive nights of disorder ( Reuters )

What is happening in Ballymena?

For the third night in a row, the town has witnessed violence, described by police as racially-motivated, that has seen properties damaged, cars set alight and police attacked.

It began on Monday night, when unrest broke out around Clonavon Terrace in Ballymena, where several houses had their windows smashed and two suffered significant smoke damage.

Despite police dispersing the protesters, trouble returned on Tuesday night in the same area, with lined officers again coming under attack from masked people throwing fireworks, glass bottles and pieces of metal.

open image in gallery Some masked protesters shouted abuse and threw objects at the police, including fireworks, glass bottles and pieces of metal ( Getty )

During the first two nights of disorder, 32 police officers were injured, and six people were arrested.

On Wednesday night, despite a joint statement by political leaders calling for the violence to stop, trouble occurred again.

Hundreds of protesters gathered again around the Clonvaon Terrace area, attacking riot police with petrol bombs, bricks and fireworks as officers with shields advanced on the crowd to disperse them.

Rioters smashed the windows of a house on North Street and set multiple fires on streets in the surrounding area.

The disorder and stand-off with police continued past midnight.

Unrest spreads to nearby towns

With the situation escalating over the week, violence has also taken place in towns around Ballymena.

On Tuesday night, police reported sporadic disorder in Newtownabbey, where bins were set alight, and Carrickfergus, where bricks were thrown at police by a group of 20 to 30 young people.

And on Wednesday night, in Larne, which is a 30-minute drive from Ballymena, masked youths attacked the leisure centre, which was being used as an emergency shelter for families impacted by the disturbance in Ballymena.

open image in gallery Larne Leisure Centre, which was being used as an emergency shelter, has also been attacked ( Liam McBurney/PA Wire )

Standing at the scene, where people had been arriving to attend swimming classes and yoga sessions, local Alliance Party MLA Danny Donnelly told BBC News NI it was "absolute disorder".

How did the riots start?

The unrest started after a peaceful protest on Monday which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area.

In connection with the incident, two 14-year-old boys have appeared in court charged with attempted rape. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter.

On Monday night, a third arrest was made, before the 28-year-old man was unconditionally released from police custody following questioning.

Where is Ballymena and what is it like?

Ballymena is town which has a 30,000 population and is located a 30-minute drive from Belfast.

Described in tourist brochures as a pretty shopping town, its main roads resembled a war zone on Tuesday night as tensions boiled over in the community.

open image in gallery A house displays a British flag in its window as police respond to the disorder in Ballymena ( Liam McBurney/PA Wire )

With ethnic minorities appearing to be targeted, residents have chosen to display signs about the nationalities of those normally resident, including one saying British household and another with Filipino lives here.

The local community are said to be in fear and want the violence to stop, according to deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who met with residents on Wednesday.

Protests have been focused in predominantly loyalist areas in Ballymena, although first minister Michelle ONeill, who has condemned the violence, said she not believe it would be helpful for her to visit in the current context.

What has the reaction been to the events?

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he utterly condemns violence which left 32 police officers injured after the second night of disturbances.

Speaking during Prime Ministers Questions, Sir Keir condemned the mindless attacks against police.

I utterly condemn the violence that we have seen overnight in Ballymena and in other parts of Northern Ireland, including against PSNI officers, Sir Keir told MPs.

Its absolutely vital that the PSNI are given the time they need to investigate the incidents concerned rather than face mindless attacks as they seek to bring peace and order to keep people safe.

open image in gallery Residents in Ballymena have told politicians they are in fear and want the violence to stop ( Liam McBurney/PA Wire )

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned that the rioting risks undermining the criminal justice process into an allegation of a sex attack on a teenage girl in Ballymena at the weekend.

Stormont ministers have also made an urgent appeal for calm and said the justice process had to be allowed to take its course.

In a joint statement, ministers from across the Stormont powersharing Executive, which includes Sinn Fein, DUP, Alliance Party and UUP, said those involved in disorder have nothing to offer society but division and disorder.

Sinn Fein vice-president Ms ONeill told reporters in Belfast: Its pure racism, there is no other way to dress it up.

What happens next?

A heavy police presence remains in Ballymena as the disorder continues, while work starts to clear the streets of debris and repair damage to homes and businesses.

Firefighters are also at the scene at Larne Leisure Centre, where the clear-up continues.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force would be bringing extra officers from other forces, vehicles and equipment to areas where unrest has flared.

By Wednesday, six individuals had been arrested for public order offences, and one charged.

The 29-year-old man charged with riotous behaviour was arrested on Monday night. He will appear before the courts.
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Downing Street has responded to reports that the US is reviewing the Aukus defence pact with the UK and Australia, stating that it is "understandable" for America to assess the project.

The review has sparked concerns that a future Donald Trump administration could withdraw from the agreement if it is deemed not to align with an "America first" agenda.

Elbridge Colby, a US defence department official who has expressed scepticism about the Aukus pact , is leading the review.

A UK Government spokesperson has downplayed the possibility of the US pulling out of the deal, emphasising Aukus as "one of the most strategically important partnerships in decades".

They added: "It is understandable that a new administration would want to review its approach to such a major partnership, just as the UK did last year.

"The UK will continue to work closely with the US and Australia at all levels to maximise the benefits and opportunities which Aukus presents for our three nations."

Announced in 2021, Aukus involves the three nations building a new generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines and cooperating in other areas of advanced defence technology.

The deal will also see Australia buy three Virginia-class submarines from the US ahead of the new vessels being built.

That provision has led some in Washington, including Mr Colby, to question the deal on the grounds that the US may need those submarines if it finds itself in a war with China over Taiwan.

But last month, the new US ambassador to London used his first major speech in the job to back Aukus.

Warren Stephens told an audience in Parliament, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, that the US was "proud to stand alongside Britain and Australia, two of our closest allies, as we deepen our collaboration to respond to a changing world".

Australia's defence minister also dismissed concerns on Thursday that the deal could be in jeopardy.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles told Sky News Australia that he had known about the review of the deal for some time," saying that it was a very natural step for the incoming administration to take.

He noted that the UK's government also reviewed the deal, the centrepiece of a three-way alliance known as AUKUS after it was elected, and that his own government had looked at it as part of its own review of Australia's entire defence posture.

"I think an incoming government having a look at this is something that they have a perfect right to do and we welcome it and well work with it, he said.

In January, Australia made the first of six $500 million payments to the U.S. under the AUKUS deal, meant to bolster American submarine manufacturing.

Marles met with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of a defence conference in Singapore less than two weeks ago, and told reporters afterward that he had come away with a sense of confidence about the way in which AUKUS is proceeding.

AUKUS is on track and we are meeting all the timelines that are associated with it, he said. We are very optimistic.

Hegseth's address to the defence forum made multiple mentions of cooperation with Australia but no reference to AUKUS, however, though he did later mention the deal when he was taking questions.

Hegseth did urge allies in the Indo-Pacific to increase their defence spending, and underscored the need for a strong, resolute and capable network of allies and partners as the U.S. seeks to counter China.

Additional reporting by PA/AP.
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The government has been urged to make a key change to its plans to expand free schools meals to all pupils in England on universal credit.

The Education Policy Institute (EPI) has said ministers must go further and introduce a national auto-enrolment system for free school meals, in order to reduce inequality.

The group found distinct variations in free school meal registration practices across England. Their report, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, calls for a national auto-enrolment scheme to ensure all eligible families are registered.

The call comes after ministers announced its plans to expand free school meals last week. Currently, households in England on universal credit must earn below 7,400 a year (after tax and not including benefits) to qualify for free school meals.

The expansion, set to be implemented in September 2026, is expected to make 500,000 more children eligible for free lunches, according to the Government.

Parents currently have to apply for their children to receive free school meals, rather than eligible children being automatically enrolled.

The report said: Despite this expansion in FSM (free school meals) eligibility, without further action from the Government, children may continue to miss out on the free meals they are entitled to.

open image in gallery An additional 77,700 children became eligible for free school meals over a year, according to data published by the Department for Education ( PA )

The barriers to registration and differences in registration practices across LAs means children still face inequalities in access to free meals.

Authors added: In terms of barriers families face in applying to FSM  including English as an additional language, stigma, confusion about eligibility  auto-enrolment would largely eradicate these issues.

Despite efforts to boost registration, language barriers and a lack of digital access are preventing the meals reaching children that need them, it said.

An additional 77,700 children became eligible for free school meals in the past year, according to recent data published by the Department for Education.

More than one in four (25.7%) pupils in England were eligible for free school meals in January, the equivalent of 2.17 million children  up from 24.6%, or 2.09 million, in January 2024.

But the report from EPI  which is based on surveys and interviews with local authorities and multi-academy trusts in 2024 and early 2025  found where a child lives or goes to school determines how hard it is for families to register for free school meals.

In some local authorities, parents are required to make their own application while facing significant barriers and if found ineligible at the time must reapply when circumstances change.

While in others, they use local auto-enrolment to proactively identify entitled children without relying on parents sharing details or making an application.

The report also found that some children who attend maintained nurseries before and after lunch are missing out on free meals to which they are entitled.

open image in gallery The government announced it was expanding free school meals to all children from households claiming universal credit. ( PA )

Dr Kerris Cooper, senior researcher for early years and inequalities at EPI, said: Our research shows that while the extension of free school meal eligibility is a very positive step, more needs to be done to ensure that all children entitled to free meals can actually access them.

First, there are still significant barriers for families to register for FSM, and where a child lives plays too big a role in their chances of being registered.

Second, the youngest children, who face the highest risk of poverty, will not benefit from this expansion in eligibility unless all children attending early education are also included and settings are supported to deliver this.

Introducing national auto-enrolment and including children in early education would enable this expansion in FSM eligibility to more meaningfully extend access to more children in poverty.

Pepe DiIasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: The expansion of free school meals, to include all children in households on universal credit, is a positive move that recognises there are children living in poverty who have been missing out.

Moving to a national system of auto-enrolment would be the next logical step to ensure that everyone who is now eligible under the new criteria will actually receive a meal and the intended benefits.

He added: We see no reason why a national system of auto-enrolment cannot be established relatively straightforwardly.

This is something that would make a big difference to vulnerable families.

Last week, education minister Stephen Morgan told MPs in the Commons that the Government would be working to make it easier for people to apply.

He said the announcement on expanding free school meals was a significant, straightforward process for parents to know whether they are eligible.
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The extent to which house prices have soared across the UK over the past two decades has been revealed in new data  but some areas have seen far larger rises than others.

According to property website Zoopla, house prices have leapt by an average of 74 per cent since 2005, adding more than 150,000 to the average property value.

That means the average property price has risen from 113,900 to 268,200 over the past 20 years.

However, sharper rises in some areas could mean that people are priced out of buying a home in the area they grew up in.

The largest property price increases have been in London, with the cost of homes in the capital more than doubling since 2005, according to Zoopla. In the South East and East England, property values have also risen by 87 per cent.

By contrast, house prices in North East England have risen by 39 per cent during the same period. In Blackpool, average house prices have increased by 26 per cent, while in Sunderland they have risen by 22 per cent.

Scotland and Wales both saw similar levels of price increases  of 63 and 64 per cent, respectively  bringing average property prices to 168,000 north of the border, and to 206,500 in Wales.

The map below shows the increases in average house prices over the past 20 years, according to Zoopla. Figures show the average house price in 2005 followed by the average house price in 2025, and the percentage increase over the past 20 years:

To calculate the increases, Zoopla used its house price index, comparing the difference between average house prices in April 2025 and April 2024, as part of its research.

It also commissioned an Opinium survey among 2,000 people across the UK in June, which indicated that 52 per cent of people in the UK would consider moving back to the location where they grew up.

If you grew up in north-east England, bought in London and are now returning to your roots, youre in luck, said Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at Knight Frank.

You will get significantly more bang for your buck and the equity accumulated means your mortgage could be wiped out altogether. The gap between the capital and the rest of the country has narrowed in recent years as more affordable parts of the UK have seen stronger house price growth.

The squeeze in London means more buyers are looking beyond the M25, and that often includes locations where they have roots, a trend that was accelerated by the pandemic and shifting work patterns.

The following map shows the local authority areas with the biggest house price increases over the past 20 years in each region or nation as broken down in the previous map, excluding Northern Ireland, according to Zoopla:

And here are the local authority areas with the lowest house price increases over the past 20 years in each region or nation, excluding Northern Ireland, according to Zoopla:

Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, said: Our latest analysis certainly brings to light the profound impact that two decades of house price growth has had on the dream of returning home.

UK house prices have soared by 74 per cent since 2005, making that nostalgic return financially unattainable for many, especially in hotspots in the South East and eastern England.

However, the picture is far from uniform across the UK. Our data shows that while some areas have seen dramatic increases, house prices have risen slowly, in line with incomes in northern regions. This means that for some, the dream of returning to their roots might be much more attainable than they think.
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A social media influencer with more than 10,000 followers died plunging 65ft when she lost her grip climbing a rocky mountain face, an inquest heard.

Adventure-loving engineer Maria Eftimova, 28, was tackling the notorious Tryfan mountain in Snowdonia, North Wales, when the accident happened.

Maria was climbing with friends and trying to get a handhold when she tumbled - and went into "freefall" down the mountain.

Fellow climber Harry Jones said the group were going up the face one-by-one when he saw her fall.

He said: "I could see on one particular ledge Maria stopped in order to get a handhold. to pull herself up. I was six ft below her, to the left.

"She swung her right leg up to pull herself up. I asked 'Got it well?' and she said 'I think so." But he said moments later he was Maria "flying over me" and down the mountain.

Neil Oakes, who was on a slightly different route up the mountain told of his horror at seeing Maria's fall.

He said: "I turned and saw Ms Eftimova tumbling through the air below me. She was already in freefall.

open image in gallery She suffered fatal head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene ( Instagram )

"I knew there was going to be an impact on the rocky outcrop below so I turned away for a split second. I was shouting 'No, no, no, no.'

"When I turned back she was on the ledge below. I knew that it was serious. I said 'She's gone. She's fallen'. I was in shock.

"The inquest heard she suffered severe head injuries including a fractured skull and despite help from paramedics she died at the scene.

Maria was the second professional woman to die in the mountain range in a week following the death of 30-year-old Dr Charlotte Crook.

Maria, of St Helens, but originally from Sofia, in Bulgaria, had more than 10,000 followers on social media where she showcased her outdoors lifestyle.

She was an experienced mountaineer and had recently completed an ice-climbing course in Norway. But the Caernarfon hearing was told she fell on the mountain's notorious north ridge - a popular but dangerous scrambling route.

Coroner Kate Robertson returned a conclusion of accidental death and passed on her condolences to her family and friends.

She said: "It seems that Maria was scrambling with others when she has unintentionally and unexpectedly fallen and during the course of that fall she has sustained the injuries which have sadly led to her death."

Friend Victoria Critchley, set up a fundraising page to help pay for repatriation costs, saying: "Maria was an ambitious, bright and cherished 28 year old, whose vibrant personality, energy and aura touched and uplifted all around her.

open image in gallery Tryfan mountain in Snowdonia is notorious among climbers tackling the region ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

"She had a passion for engineering, having studied Civil Engineering at the University of Salford and a love for extreme sports. Her biggest passion being Snowboarding, which she was super excited for and looking forward to doing again on her upcoming trip to Austria.

"She had an insatiable thirst for life and exploring our world's beauty. Tragically, she was taken from her family far, far, far too soon!"

Victoria said the fundraiser who help Maria's devastated family. She said: "Adding to their immense grief, the family, who reside in Bulgaria, face a significant financial burden to repatriate Maria and give her the dignified farewell with her loved ones that she deserves."

Friend Jem Elder wrote: "We will miss you everyday, forever Maria Eftimova. Your beautiful, uplifting spirt will always live on, you really were the very definition of loving life and living a happy, fulfilled life, inspiring others to follow in your footsteps. See you on the last climb."

The tragedy on February 22nd came just six days after Dr Charlotte Crook also died while climbing in the same region.

An inquest heard Dr Crook plunged 30ft to her death while walking on Glyder Fach with a fellow medic. Both women were attended to by Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation.

Speaking of Maria's accident, the team said: "A group was ascending the north-ridge when one of them fell 20 metres into steep terrain.

"Passers-by with climbing equipment abseiled down and made her safe, and a team member already nearby made his way down and started CPR.

"Colleagues from Welsh Ambulance Service stood by at base while the Coastguard helicopter dropped team members onto the mountain.

"Unfortunately, the casualty had not survived her injuries, and she was brought down to Oggie base. The thoughts of all involved are with the casualties families and friends, thank you to all the members of the public who tried to help."
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A prisoner of war camp from the Napoleonic era located in Cambridgeshire has been acquired by a trust to preserve it as a site of historical significance.

Nene Park Trust has purchased Norman Cross, recognised as the worlds first purpose-built prisoner of war camp, from a private farmer.

The site, near Peterborough, holds the remains of approximately 1,770 French, Dutch, and German soldiers who were captured during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

The trust aims to conserve the area and open it to the public, offering both a historical and green space for visitors.

Today, the camp is barely visible beneath a field used for crops and grazing. However, historian Paul Chamberlain notes that it once functioned as a self-contained town, complete with barracks, offices, a hospital, school, marketplace, and banking system.

It operated from 1797 to 1814 and housed around 7,000 French prisoners. The location was chosen because it was far from the sea, making it difficult for any escapees to return to France.

open image in gallery Photo issued by Historic England of a watercolour plan of the Barracks of Norman Cross, with a list of buildings, made in 1799 ( Peterborough Museum & Art Gallery )

Prisoners made intricate models from bone, wood and straw to sell at the camp market and trade for food, tobacco and wine.

Around 800 of these artefacts, which include miniature ships and chateaus, are on display at the nearby Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery.

The trust received 200,000 of grant funding from Historic England and 50,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to buy the camp following years of negotiations.

Its acquisition was fought for by resident Derek Lopez, who owned the Norman Cross Gallery near Yaxley and was an advocate of Peterboroughs history.

He died in 2024 before seeing the sale.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: The Norman Cross prisoner of war camp represents a pivotal moment in our shared European heritage that deserves to be better known.

Matthew Bradbury, chief executive of Nene Park Trust, said he was delighted to take on the ownership of Norman Cross and wanted to share its green space and unique stories for generations to come.

Heritage minister Baroness Twycross said: Norman Cross represents a poignant chapter in our shared European story.

The remarkable stories of those held in what was the first purpose-built prisoner of war camp should be remembered now and in the future.

This partnership has secured this valuable heritage site for generations to come.
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Peter Krykant, the campaigner who risked arrest to blaze a trail for safer drug consumption facilities in Scotland, has died at the age of 48.

The activist became a public figure in 2020 after creating and operating the UKs first unofficial overdose prevention service in Glasgow using a repurposed van, in a bid to alleviate the drug deaths crisis still claiming lives in Scotland and the wider UK.

Operating for nine months, the service  which offered drug users in the city a sanitary and supervised alternative to consuming drugs alone in the street or at home  oversaw nearly 900 injections, successfully intervening in all nine overdoses that occurred, a study found.

These lifesaving facilities have long been rejected by Westminster, despite being used in close to 20 countries worldwide, and Krykant was arrested in 2020 for his efforts to prevent overdoses and reduce the spread of bloodborne viruses  with the charges later dropped.

In the wake of Krykants activism, however, Scotlands lord advocate intervened in 2023 to say that such prosecutions would not be in the public interest. As a result, the UK government relented that it would not block such services in Scotland, as pressure mounted on Holyrood to take more radical steps to save lives.

The UKs only safer drug consumption facility, The Thistle, opened in the East End of Glasgow earlier this year.

In its first seven weeks of opening, The Thistle was used more than 1,000 times by 143 individuals, with a number of medical emergencies managed over that period.

But while many campaigners credit Krykant with paving the way for this lifesaving service and helping to pile pressure on Holyrood to prioritise tackling the crisis, the campaigner would later say that it had taken a toll on his own wellbeing.

open image in gallery Peter Krykant operated a safe consumption facility for intravenous drug users in Glasgow ( PA )

It took somebody ruining their life for them [politicians] to say they could do something about it [the drugs crisis], and that person was me, Krykant told author Dr Kojo Koram in January, adding: Im not in a good place, now. And that all stems from when I took the decision to go out and run that van.

After running his facility for nine months in Glasgow without funding or official permission, Krykant donated the vehicle, which was later upgraded to a repurposed ambulance, to the Transform Drug Policy Foundation, which took it around the UK.

Krykant would later stand in the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections as an independent candidate, and went on to work for the drug treatment charity Cranstoun, continuing to be a prominent voice globally in drug policy discussions.

Mr Krykant, who started taking drugs aged 11 and began to inject heroin at the age of 17, while also experiencing homelessness, stopped using drugs for 11 years. He would later say that the pressure of politics and his activism had caused him to relapse into using drugs.

He had been visiting London in the days before his death but had returned to his flat in Larbert, when friends became concerned about his wellbeing, the Daily Record reported.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: Around 5.15pm on Monday, 9 June 2025, police attended an address in Graham Avenue, Larbert following a report of a concern for person.

The body of a 48-year-old man was found within. His next of kin has been informed. A post mortem examination will be carried out in due course. The death is being treated as unexplained.

Scotlands first minister John Swinney was among those to pay tribute to Krykant, saying: His powerful voice on drugs policy reform, in particular his tireless work to deliver safe consumption rooms, leaves an important legacy which will be remembered.

Aamer Anwar, the lawyer who represented Krykant when he was arrested in 2020, described him as a one-man army, with a mission to save lives, adding: It was humbling to see him single-handedly fight to deliver the first safe consumption room for drugs in the UK.

Since childhood he was driven by demons, but Peter was also a beautiful, kind and courageous man. He leaves behind his two boys whom he loved dearly and family and friends who will be utterly devastated.

I hope with time they can find some comfort in that Peter will be at peace and his name will one day be remembered as a drugs campaigner decades ahead of his time.

Journalist Dani Garavelli said: Peter Krykant kept all the lives being lost to drugs in the public eye [and] forced the Scottish government into action. Noting that, without his efforts, The Thistle would not exist, the columnist added: It was a privilege to know him. I hope hes at peace.

Ronnie Cowan, former SNP MP for Inverclyde, said: Peter Krykant dared to go where no politicians would. He led by example with great bravery and a tenacious enthusiasm. While we talked and people died, Peter acted. I was proud to support his DCR and only wish we could have done more.
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The site of the worlds first purpose-built prisoner of war camp, which dates back to the Napoleonic wars, has been saved by Historic England funding.

Assembled in four months using 500 carpenters and labourers, the historic site in Yaxley, Cambridgeshire, housed around 7,000 French Prisoners and inspired the creation of the worlds largest collection of prisoner craftwork.

Now, the Napoleonic Norman Cross prison depot site, which contains the remains of the camp dating back to 1796, has been purchased by Nene Park Trust with 200,000 grant funding from Historic England and 50,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Currently there is no public access to the site, but the Nene Park Trust is developing plans to allow visitors to explore the area.

The acquisition of the Norman Cross site fulfils the ambition of long-term resident and supporter, Derek Lopez, who died before seeing his vision completed.

open image in gallery The site of the Norman Cross prisoner of war camp, near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire ( Historic England Archive )

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: The Norman Cross prisoner of war camp represents a pivotal moment in our shared European heritage that deserves to be better known. After years of work to secure this site, we're delighted that our partnership work with Nene Park Trust, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Lopez family has helped to save this internationally significant monument for the nation.

Functioning as a self-contained town with barracks, offices, a hospital, school, marketplace and banking system the prison measured about 250m by 270m and was designed around four quadrangles.

Each one had wooden accommodation blocks for prisoners, as well as an exercise yard, a store house and cooking house.

Prisoners created craftwork  including artefacts such as toys, model ships and dominos sets carved from wood or animal bone  and sold them at a regular market.

Battles were being fought in Europe, the Caribbean, north Africa and the Indian Ocean with French and Dutch soldiers and sailors captured and brought to the UK.

The last prisoners left the camp in 1814 and it was dismantled two years later.

A memorial to the 1,770 prisoners who died there, many due to diseases such as Typhus, was erected in 1914.

Paul Chamberlain, author and historian of the Napoleonic era, said: Norman Cross Prison Depot is unique in that it is an historic site that continues to tell its story, involving communities, both local and national.

This acquisition will enable more of the story to be told for future generations and provide us with a better understanding of a lost town that had a significant impact on the region over two hundred years ago.
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A three-day-long thunderstorm is set to sweep across the UK this weekend as temperatures are forecast to hit 30 degrees.

Rising temperatures this week, brought on by a plume of humid air from Iberia, increases the risk of thunderstorms across the country.

Yellow thunderstorm warnings are set to last from Thursday through to Saturday, with the Met Office warning of potential travel disruptions.

On Thursday Wales and south-west England, including Devon, Somerset and parts of Cornwall, will be affected by a yellow weather warning until 7pm. Northern Ireland is also forecast to experience heavy rain until 9pm.

The forecaster warned there was a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus, with delays to train services possible. Short-term power loss and other services are also likely.

open image in gallery Met Office yellow weather warning for south-west England, Wales and Northern Ireland ( Met Office )

open image in gallery Met Office issues yellow weather warning for Northern Ireland ( Met Office )

On Friday at 3pm until Saturday at 6am, London and the South East covering parts of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, as well as Surrey, Kent and East Sussex, have been given a yellow weather warning.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are also expected in parts of Wales and south-west England with a yellow warning between 6am and midnight on Friday.

On Saturday, in addition to the thunderstorm warning in London and the South East, the forecaster issued a yellow warning until 6pm spreading from sout-west England and Wales all the way across the West Midlands, Yorkshire and south-west Scotland.

Some western areas could see 20 to 40mm of rainfall over just a few hours, with intense downpours moving northeasterly with lightning on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the second band of thunderstorms is set to move in again from the South West on Friday and will cause intense rainfall into the early hours of Saturday. Most of England, Wales and parts of Scotland could see 30 to 50mm of rain in a few hours.

open image in gallery Met Office yellow weather warning for most of southern England and Wales on Friday ( Met Office )

open image in gallery Met Office yellow weather warning for thunderstorms on Saturday ( Met Office )

The forecaster revealed there will be a chance of delayed public transport and power cuts, while homes and businesses could flood quickly with damage to buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds.

But the spell of warm weather, which could see parts of England reach 30C, has also triggered a heat-health alert by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) between 9pm on Thursday and 8am on Sunday.

Under UKHSA and the Met Offices weather-health alerting system, a yellow alert means that there could be an increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations, leading to an increase in risk to health for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said that even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, making it important for people to take precautions in the sun.

The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short-lived but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, he said.

If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone added: As temperatures rise this week, it is possible heatwave thresholds could be reached in some parts of the UK, particularly the north-west Midlands, north-west England and north-east Wales, however it is very dependent on cloud cover later this week, so it is not a certainty.

This warm spell will feel different to the fine weather we experienced in May as the humidity will be much higher, making it feel more uncomfortable. Additionally, while in May the nights were still fairly cool, overnight temperatures this week are forecast to remain fairly warm, which can disrupt peoples sleep.
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British consumers are being warned against purchasing Jolly Rancher sweets due to potential cancer risks, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The popular candies contain mineral oils, food additives that, when consumed regularly over time, may pose health risks, the FSA stated. These chemical compounds, including mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (Moah) and mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (Mosh), are added to confectionery items to prevent stickiness and create a glossy appearance. However, their use does not comply with UK law.

Hershey, the US producer that owns the Jolly Rancher brand, has been collaborating with the FSA to remove all Jolly Rancher products from the UK market since 2024. Despite these efforts, some British businesses continue to import the sweets, the agency noted.

The affected products include Jolly Rancher Hard Candy, "Misfits" Gummies, Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1, and Berry Gummies, the FSA confirmed. Consumers are advised to avoid these products to mitigate potential health risks.

A food alert published by the FSA on Wednesday said: Consumption of the affected sweets is of toxicological concern, especially in younger age groups and where consumers eat a lot of the products or eat them regularly.

Moah can cause damage to DNA and has the potential to increase the risk of cancer, particularly if consumed in high quantities over a prolonged period of time. Moah is a genotoxic carcinogen, therefore no exposure is without risk to human health.

open image in gallery The Food Standards Agency has warned over some products from the Jolly Rancher brand ( Alamy/PA )

It added: If you have bought any of the above products, do not eat them.

Instead, dispose of them at home. If you are concerned, notify your Trading Standards department or environmental health department in the local authority you purchased it.

For consumers, dont buy them, and if youve eaten these products, there should be no immediate cause for concern, as food safety risk is low, but dont eat any more.

The agency has also urged UK retailers and food businesses to cease all imports and sales of the candy brand, and asked enforcement authorities to ensure the products are removed from the shelves.

The FSA said: Food businesses who import these products are advised to discontinue import and distribution of products.

Food businesses selling these products in the UK are advised to immediately stop sales, undertake product withdrawals and where there have been retail sales, to undertake product recalls.

The Hershey Company, who is the brand owner, has taken action to remove these products from the UK market.

We are asking enforcement authorities to make immediate contact with businesses who may have been supplied with or received the affected products, and to take action to ensure that the non-compliant and potentially unsafe products are withdrawn from the market and where sold at retail, recalled.

We are also asking the local authorities to inform the FSA of product recall and withdrawal actions.
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Radical reforms could see hospitals taking over GP surgeries and family doctors running hospitals, under new plans to reform the NHS in England.

The health secretary, Wes Streeting, said the forthcoming 10-year plan would also see "much of what's done in a hospital today, will be done on the high street".

He stressed that the government was "not embarking on another top-down reorganisation" of the health service.

The plan is expected to be published in July.

Speaking at the NHS ConfedExpo conference in Manchester, Mr Streeting said: "The NHS should not be bound by traditional expectations of how services should be arranged.

"I am open to our strongest acute trusts providing not just community services, as many already do, but also primary care.

"Whatever services will enable them to meet the needs of their patients in a more integrated and efficient way.

"Indeed, I would hope that those old-fashioned labels  acute, community  become increasingly meaningless.

"Likewise, there is no reason why successful GPs should not be able to run local hospitals, or why nurses should not be leading neighbourhood health services."

Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves meet staff in the outpatients department during a visit to St Thomas' Hospital in London ( Carl Court/PA Wire )

Mr Streeting talked about the "jeopardy" facing the NHS, adding: "Just as public satisfaction has plunged to its lowest level on record, major political parties have begun to question the very existence of a publicly funded universal healthcare system free at the point of need.

"And I can almost feel them willing us on to fail, because if all of us fail in our mission to turn the NHS around, the vultures on the populist rivals swoop in for the kill.

"The NHS is in a fight for its life but nothing I have experienced in my first 11 months in office have shaken my conviction or confidence that this is a fight we will win."

Meanwhile he spoke about the spending review, likening himself to the survivor in the popular book series, The Hunger Games.

"Yesterday's spending review was a vital moment on that journey," he said.

"There have been broadly two sorts of reactions to this. The first, mainly from the media and the public - '29 billion is a hell of a lot of money'; the second, mainly from our think tank friends - '29 billion is nowhere near enough'. The truth is, both are right.

"It is objectively a substantial funding settlement that puts wind in our sails. But investment alone isn't enough.

"There is no fix to the NHS's problems that simply pours more money into a broken system.

"It is only through the combination of investment and reform that we will succeed in getting the NHS back on its feet and making make it fit for the future."

He told delegates at the conference: "Despite my best efforts at the Cabinet yesterday morning before the spending review announcement, to put the blame on John Healey the Defence Secretary for the squeeze on other government departments, none of my colleagues were buying.

"In fact, one permanent secretary once referred to me as the Katniss Everdeen of The Hunger Games.

"We're a Labour government  the NHS is all of our priorities, and there isn't a single person sat with me around the Cabinet table who doesn't value what you're doing, doesn't underestimate the scale of the task that we have ahead of us, and they are all rooting for us to succeed, every single one of them."

Commenting on the speech, Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: "The Secretary of State is right that the divides between acute, primary, community are already being broken down, supported by the work of integrated care boards.

"Redesigning services is essential to the future of the NHS and many providers are already breaking down their traditional silos to offer patients truly personalised and integrated care."

He added: "The extra funding announced at the spending review is very welcome and, as Mr Streeting says, it is both a lot of money and not enough.

"Many of our members have warned they will not hit the interim target, with only one in two confident they will achieve the 65 per cent elective care interim target by March 2026.

"That is why redesigning services is so essential  the combination of investment and reform  so that we can achieve the government's three ambitions."
Get Brexit Done was the Tory general election slogan in 2019 but the truth is that, even after Britain formally completed the process and left the European Union on 31 January 2020, there was still substantial unfinished business.

One of the more intractable problems was Gibraltar, a British overseas territory but also inside the EU. Talks on its future status have dragged on until now, with the conclusion of the political agreement on clearing up the details and the signing of the Gibraltar section of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. But not everyone is happy.

Why was there a Gibraltar problem?

As with Northern Ireland and Ireland, it was agreed in principle that there should be no hard border between Gibraltar, which now finds itself outside the EU, and Spain. But how to control movement of goods and people without checks? Tobacco smuggling was a particular source of arguments. The additional complication was that Spain is a member of the Schengen Area, which has no passport controls at all at borders with other members.

Important military facilities on Gibraltar also need to be protected, as do reasonable relations between two Nato member states. As with Ireland and Northern Ireland in the more distant past, there is also the awkward fact that Spain did not accept British sovereignty over Gibraltar  unfairly ceded in the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, according to Madrid. This constitutional issue had poisoned British-Spanish relations for decades.

Why has Gibraltar taken so long to fix?

Early in the Brexit talks, in 2017, the EU granted Spain special status over Gibraltar, in effect a national veto over whatever the EU and UK negotiating teams came up with. British, Spanish, and indeed Gibraltarian sensitivities proved irreconcilable, but, unlike Northern Ireland, the problem was small enough to shelve.

Now it has been ingeniously settled. (The great historical irony is that, when the UK was an EU member state and Spain was seeking to join in 1984, the British were able to extract concessions from Madrid about an open border, the Spanish having previously sealed it to undermine Gibraltar).

Is Gibraltar still British?

Yes, but with full internal self-government and, as with the Falklands (but arguably not the Chagos Islands) the UK has given the government of Gibraltar the effective right to say no to any deal.

The main change is that there will additionally be Spanish border officials operating at the seaport and at Gibraltar International airport, and there are extra restrictions on entering Gibraltar if a British passport holder has already spent 90 days in the Schengen zone over a 180-day period. But this can be treated as a rule imposed by the autonomous administration of Gibraltar. It is analogous to the uncontroversial presence of French border officers at St Pancras International.

Has Spain given up its claim to Gibraltar?

No, but the British government says that there will be a clause agreed by all sides which makes explicitly clear that the final treaty does not impact sovereignty.

What do the Gibraltarians want?

To have their cake and eat it. The last referendum on their relationship with Spain was in 2002, when the Blair government wanted a much stronger bond with Spain for geopolitical purposes and sought to remove this obstacle. Asked if they approved of the principle that Britain and Spain should share sovereignty over Gibraltar, they rejected the idea by 99 per cent. On the other hand, in the 2016 Brexit referendum they voted Remain by 96 per cent to 4 per cent. So they know their minds, sort of.

Are the Gibraltarians happy now?

Very. The chief minister of Gibraltar, Fabian Picardo, declared: Im delighted we have finalised a conclusive political agreement which will bring legal certainty to the people of Gibraltar, its businesses and to those across the region who rely on stability at the frontier.

Who is unhappy with the Gibraltar agreement?

The usual suspects, and even then not radically so. Nigel Farage, who once wanted Gibraltar to become part of the territorial UK itself (and contrary to the Treaty of Utrecht), now expresses mild disappointment that it is a little bit less British. Even Priti Patel, that most vociferous defender of the British Empire and currently shadow foreign secretary, merely confines herself to warning: Gibraltar is British, and given Labour's record of surrendering our territory and paying for the privilege, we will be reviewing carefully all the details of any agreement that is reached."

Does Gibraltars status matter?

Much more than it might seem. As part of a steady process of rebuilding relations, resolving problems and achieving a mutually advantageous Brexit reset, Starmers government, including the foreign secretary David Lammy, has proved astonishingly successful. The prize is a European defence partnership, with British participation at every level, including industrial and procurement. A couple of Spanish border guards at Gibraltar seems a small sacrifice to make for the security of Britains base and indeed the whole continent; and Spain needs to be encouraged to contribute more to Nato and collective European security.
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A Texas man is accused of masturbating openly while groping at the dumbstruck passenger sitting next to him aboard an American Airlines flight from Boston to Washington, D.C., later denying any wrongdoing and insisting to police that he had merely been stretching his arms.

Aerospace executive Darrell Ray Seale, 56, continued to touch his seatmates crotch and leg even after the man demanded he stop, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by The Independent.

In an email on Thursday, Seales court-appointed lawyer, Todd Richman, declined to comment on the allegations.

Seale, who was released Tuesday on a personal recognizance bond following his June 8 arrest on one count of abusive sexual contact, was unable to be reached.

Last year, the FBI, which has jurisdiction over in-flight crimes, investigated 104 cases involving allegations of sexual assault aboard aircraft. The actual number of incidents could in fact be higher, since a significant portion do not get passed along to law enforcement, according to the bureau.

open image in gallery The accusations against Darrell Ray Seale, 56, stem from a June 6 flight between Boston and Washington, D.C. where he is accused of groping a fellow passenger. ( Getty Images )

On June 6, Seale boarded American Airlines flight 4349 at Boston Logan International Airport, bound for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, states the affidavit, which was filed Monday in Alexandria, Virginia, federal court and has not been previously reported.

After the 110-minute flight got underway, Seale, who was in a window seat, began masturbating through his shorts, rubbing his penis, the affidavit goes on, citing an interview the alleged victim gave to FBI agents.

Seale then lowered his tray table and then began touching [his seatmates] penis over his pants, the affidavit contends. [The seatmate] told him to stop by raising his hand, but Seale continued to touch [him] by putting his fingers through the hole in [the mans] pants and rubbing [his] leg.

Another passenger sitting across the aisle saw Seale touch the mans left thigh, put his hand on his crotch, and observed him fondle [his] penis, the affidavit continues. It says the passenger across the aisle then watched Seales seatmate raise [his] right hand towards Seale to make the universal stop sign.

Seale initially moved his hand away, according to the affidavit. But, it says he soon continued molesting the man, prompting the passenger across the aisle to intervene. They typed a message on their phone, reading, Are you OK? and showed it to Seales seatmate, who shook his head no, the affidavit states.

open image in gallery ( US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia )

When Seale subsequently got up to use the restroom, the target of his unwanted affections informed a flight attendant about what had happened and was promptly seated elsewhere for the remainder of the trip, the affidavit says.

When the flight landed in D.C., airport police escorted Seale off the plane, according to the affidavit. Officers called in the FBI, and agents arrived to question the suspect.

He acknowledged sitting next to the alleged victim, and admitted to possibly making contact with him while stretching his arms, the affidavit states. At the same time, it says Seale denied ever touching him in a sexual way and denied ever exposing his own genitalia.

But, Seales story didnt line up with the narratives provided by his seatmate and the passenger across the aisle, and Seale was arrested two days later as he prepared to board a departing flight from Reagan National.

He again denied that he touched [his seatmate] in any sexual way, but acknowledged that he observed [him] put up his hand in the stop signal, the affidavit states. Seale said he believed [the man] was telling him to stop touching him while stretching.

In March, American Airlines permanently banned a serial harasser following his third accusation of in-flight sexual misconduct. That same month, a New York City fashion executive filed a lawsuit against American, claiming the passenger sitting next to her masturbated for a full hour aboard a flight to Milan but that the cabin crew did nothing to stop him. Last year, a New Jersey woman sued the carrier over claims she was sexually assaulted by a fellow traveler on a night flight from Charlotte, North Carolina to Newark.

Seale is now living under his brother-in-laws supervision in Trophy Club, Texas, according to a June 10 order setting the conditions of his release. He is prohibited from leaving the Eastern District of Texas except to appear in court, barred from possessing any weapons and is not allowed to board any commercial flights without permission from the court.

If convicted, Seale faces up to two years in prison.

American Airlines did not respond to a request for comment.
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Protests that erupted in Los Angeles over President Donald Trumps Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids have continued to spread to other major cities.

The LA protests erupted almost a week ago after federal ICE agents conducted search warrants at multiple locations.

Protests against Trumps mass deportations of illegal immigrants have since popped up across the country in cities including New York, Austin, Chicago and Atlanta.

The Independent has identified protests in at least 35 U.S. cities since Friday, with the majority occurring on Monday and Tuesday.

open image in gallery Protests that erupted in Los Angeles over President Donald Trumps Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids have continued to spread to other major cities

open image in gallery Anti-ICE protests outside of federal buildings on Tuesday in New York City ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery Police officers face off with protesters in the Loop on Tuesday in Chicago ( Getty Images )

The protests have been spread across 19 states, with most in California, Texas and Pennsylvania.

There are also planned protests in cities including Eugene, Oregon and Raleigh, North Carolina, according to The Washington Post.

While most of the protests in LA have been peaceful, police have made hundreds of arrests. More than 200 people were arrested Tuesday, the Post reported, citing authorities. The vast majority were detained for failing to disperse, but there were 17 others who were accused of violating the curfew that officials placed on the downtown area indefinitely.

Arrests have also been made in other cities where demonstrations have continued for days.

A total of 86 people in New York City were arrested Tuesday after about 200 protesters confronted the cops, abc7NY reported. Of the protesters who were arrested, 34 were charged with crimes including assault, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.

At least 13 protesters were arrested in Austin on Monday, KVUE reported. Police said the arrests were made in connection with unlawful activity.

Trump has deployed thousands of National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles. The unprecedented move sparked backlash from California officials, with Governor Gavin Newsom suing the Trump administration to stop the order.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott deployed the National Guard in his state to ensure peace & order, he wrote on an X post Wednesday.

Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest. @TexasGuard will use every tool & strategy to help law enforcement maintain order, Abbott said.
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The bodies of two people have been discovered aboard a sunken fishing boat off the coast of Eastham in Cape Cod, the Coast Guard said Wednesday.

Captain of the F/V Seahorse, Shawn Arsenault, 64, and his girlfriend, Felicia Daley, 54, set sail out of Rock Harbor in Orleans on Sunday for a clamming trip, Arsenaults brother, Paul, told NBC10 Boston.

The couple was fishing near the Target Ship Wreck off Eastham in Cape Cod Bay and a cellphone ping last located their boat about two miles off the coast of Chatham. Their boat had not returned to dock as expected by Tuesday morning, prompting a search by the Coast Guard.

Paul Arsenault said the couple had only been dating a few months and were crazy about each other.

Officials said Shawn Arsenault was seen throwing electronic items overboard just after leaving Orleans, including a GPS that was found on the beach.

open image in gallery The couple set sail near Cape Cod on Sunday on a fishing vessel known as the F/V Seahorse. ( US Coast Guard )

Paul Arsenault told NBC10 Boston about his brother, "He was very excited about his new equipment, he installed it, left Sunday morning, and he said that he wasn't coming back till he had his 30-bag limit, and that's the last I heard of him.

Aerial video showed the sunken boat near Saints Landing in Brewster. The Coast Guard said Arsenault had been remodeling the white boat that had a mermaid on the bow and Seahorse painted on the stern.

Our hearts go out to the families of both persons onboard," Commander Cliff Graham, a search and rescue mission coordinator for the case, said in a statement. "The level of support from our maritime response partners and members from the fishing and local community was remarkable. It directly contributed to detection of the vessel and closure for the family."

The Coast Guard is asking anyone with information to contact the Sector Southeastern New England command center.
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Cicadas are back, and their reemergence is causing chaos beyond the typical noise they emit.

Brood XIV emergence will be largely concentrated in Kentucky and Tennessee, but Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, along with parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York will also see the insects.

In Ohio, visitors at Kings Island  a theme park near Cincinnati  have shared videos of the cicadas taking over trees and spreading out across the park's grounds. One TikTok video by user Summer Balser shows her family doing their best to step around the insects as they traverse the park.

Dr Gene Kritsky from Mount St Joseph University told WCPO that park goers should just try to enjoy to novelty of the experience as there's nothing that can be done to stop the insects. And, he added another piece of advice: "when you're on the ride, keep your mouth closed."

open image in gallery A car in Blue Ash, Ohio, flipped after a cicada from Brood 14 flew inside an open window and frightened the driver, causing them to lose control. The driver was not injured. ( Blue Ash Police Department )

That said, cicadas grossing visitors out at a theme park is better than the bugs wrecking someone's car - which was the case in Blue Ash, Ohio.

Were all well aware that these pesky cicadas dont respect personal space, including while driving, the town's police department wrote in a social media post. They detailed how a cicada flew into a car window, startled the driver and caused them to lose control.

The post contains a photo of a damaged car flipped on its side. Thankfully, no one was hurt in the crash.

It may be a good idea to keep the windows up for the next several weeks. As you can see, a cicada attack can be dangerous, the department wrote, noting that the insect assailant fled the scene of the crime.

open image in gallery A cicada from a 17-year cicada brood clings to a leaf on May 29, 2024 in Park Ridge, Illinois. ( Getty Images )

Outside of causing car wrecks and being generally gross, loud, and annoying, cicadas are harmless to humans.

The U.S. has seven broods of periodical cicadas, which emerge in 13- and 17-year cycles, and while the insects are mostly benign, they can cause damage to small trees or shrubs if too many of them concentrate on one plant, according to the University of Connecticut.

The university advises orchard and nursery owners to avoid planting young trees or shrubs in the years preceding an emergence of periodical cicadas due to the threat they pose to the young plants.

If one does have young trees and shrubs, the best way to protect them from the bugs is to physically cover them with a screening material to limit the insects' access to the plant.

Pesticides are generally not effective due to the sheer number of the insects when they emerge.
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A handful of Los Angeles protesters accused of hurling fireworks at police during a demonstrations against immigration raids in the city, have been criminally charged, officials announced Wednesday.

While most of the protests in LA in recent days have been peaceful, there have been some bad actors accused of vandalizing property and committing violence against law enforcement, officials said. Authorities charged five protesters Wednesday.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said at least one officer has been injured by flying fireworks.

Ive watched Molotov cocktails and fireworks, shot mortars being launched out of tubes at our officers, the chief said, according to NBC Los Angeles.

McDonnell continued: Lets not forget our officers face uncertain and often dangerous situations every day. And their risk to their lives has been even greater in these last few days.

open image in gallery Some Los Angeles protesters have been charged after fireworks were hurled at police during a demonstration against immigration raids in the city, officials announced Wednesday ( AFP/Getty )

open image in gallery While most of the protests in Los Angeles over the past few days have been peaceful, there have been some bad actors who have been accused of vandalizing property and committing violence against law enforcement ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Juan Rodriguez is accused of throwing commercial-grade fireworks at police during a protest on Sunday.

Randy Paul Ruiz and Georgina Ravalero have been accused of driving their motorcycle into a line of officers on Sunday.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said that several officers were knocked down and one was injured.

Two more people, a man and a woman, were accused of vandalizing a government building.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said of the man who was charged: He was literally standing there with a paint roller, a very long stick, and writing graffiti over an area measuring about 18 feet by 12.

Luna said he was using beige paint, and the content of the graffiti included profanity directed at a federal agency.

While Hochman said the DAs office will fiercely protect First Amendment rights, when that speech crosses over from protected speech into illegal conduct, the people who engage in that illegal conduct will be prosecuted.

open image in gallery Protesters block the 101 Freeway near the metropolitan detention center of Downtown Los Angeles on Sunday

The U.S. Attorneys Office has also charged two men, accusing them of throwing Molotov cocktails at police during the LA protests last weekend.

McDonnell said on CNN Wednesday evening: We work very closely with District Attorney Nathan Hockman. He does give, I think, due consideration to the severity of the crime and wants to hold people accountable. 

He continued: It's dicey for our officers out there. But we're gonna stay the course and ensure that Los Angeles is the safe city that the residents deserve it to be.
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After a week of unrest, more protestors took to the streets against the Trump administration's ongoing nationwide workplace raids.

A string of ICE raids in Los Angeles last week sparked a wave of demonstrations, which saw Trump deploy the National Guard and U.S. Marines. By Friday morning, the flare-ups have spread to more than 40 cities across the U.S., The Independent has uncovered.

More marches are scheduled for Friday, with Saturday set to become a flashpoint for the nationwide protests. A total of 1,900 No Kings rallies are planned across all 50 states, coinciding with a D.C. parade for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, which critics contest is an extravagant birthday bash for Trump.

Tens of thousands of Los Angelenos buckled in for their third evening of curfew in the downtown area on Thursday as Mayor Karen Bass continued her crackdown on looters and vandals. The city said they may last a few more days.

open image in gallery Anti-ICE protesters have flooded U.S. streets for a week, railing against Donald Trumps immigration policies ( AP )

Here, The Independent breaks down what you need to know as LA  and other major cities  experience further unrest.

How did the protest start?

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers conducted search warrants at multiple locations on Friday.

One search was executed outside a clothing warehouse in the Fashion District after a judge found probable cause that the employer was using fictitious documents for some of its workers, representatives for Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S Attorney's Office said.

Crowds tried to stop ICE agents from driving away following the arrests.

Another protest was sparked outside a federal building in downtown, after demonstrators discovered detainees were allegedly being held in the basement of the building.

Protests then erupted in Paramount after it appeared federal law enforcement officers were conducting another immigration operation in the area. Hundreds of people joined demonstrations as they spread to the nearby city of Compton.

The White House said on Wednesday that 330 immigrants have been arrested in LA in the past week, including 44 people in last Friday's operations.

Why did Trump first deploy the National Guard?

open image in gallery Members of the California National Guard stand guard at the loading dock of the Roybal Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday ( AFP via Getty Images )

On Saturday, Trump ordered the deployment of at least 2,000 National Guard troops to LA.

If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can't do their jobs, which everyone knows they can't, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!! he wrote on Truth Social.

Newsom responded on social media that the federal government is moving to take over the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 soldiers. That move is purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.

The state National Guard had not been federalized by a president, thereby overriding a governor, since 1965.

How have things progressed since?

open image in gallery A protester gestures in front of members of law enforcement in Los Angeles on Monday ( Reuters )

The first National Guard troops arrived in areas of Los Angeles on Sunday, including Paramount and the downtown area.

Footage shared online showed an escalation in the clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, with police in riot gear using tear gas to disperse people.

Fireworks and other projectiles were lobbed at officers, while vehicles were set ablaze, and f*** ICE graffiti was sprayed in multiple locations.

By Sunday morning, the LAPD had already made dozens of arrests, with law enforcement braced for several more protests in the city throughout the day.

Police first reported that there had been reports of looting in the city in the evening.

After sharply criticizing Newsom and Bass, Trump continued his rebuke against protestors on the ground. Late Sunday, he wrote on Truth Social that its looking really bad in L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!!

open image in gallery On Sunday multiple arrests were made in both Los Angeles and New York city, after anti-ICE demonstrations were also staged in Lower Manhattan ( Reuters )

By Monday, Trump ordered the Defense Department to take control of an additional 2,000 California National Guard members to join the 2,000 troops already stationed throughout Los Angeles.

About 700 Marines were also mobilized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with Newsom deploying an additional 800 law enforcement officers in a bid to clean up President Trumps mess.

Protests on Monday were mostly quelled by the evening and remained less violent than Sundays fiery clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement officers.

On Tuesday, authorities enforced the first curfew in a portion of downtown LA between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Wednesday, with Bass warning that anyone who failed to comply would be detained. The LAPD said that it made mass arrests after the restriction was imposed.

Police officers on foot and horseback dispersed crowds on Wednesday evening in downtown LA before Bass enforced a second curfew in as many days.

Thursdays protests appeared more peaceful, though Bass enforced a third curfew in downtown.

In a major blow to Newsom on Thursday, Trump maintained control of the National Guard following a decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in response to a federal judge ruling that the presidents decision to deploy troops was illegal.

Protests spill into other U.S. cities

open image in gallery Protesters light a fire outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building in downtown Seattle Wednesday ( AP )

Anti-ICE protests began spreading to parts of California and other major U.S. cities, from Seattle to New York City.

Approximately 60 protesters, including juveniles, were arrested Sunday in San Fransico after a group began to vandalize property. Over on the East Coast, around 20 anti-ICE protesters were also led away by police in New York, following demonstrations in lower Manhattan.

On Monday, multiple people were arrested near San Franciscos City Hall after two small groups broke off from thousands of protestors marching peacefully to commit vandalism and other criminal acts, police said.

A peaceful protest in Santa Ana developed into violence with rocks thrown and fireworks set off at law enforcement officers, officials say.

By Tuesday, clashes broke out between police and protesters near the ICE office in New York. Protesters were thrown to the ground as police tried to handcuff them. Others lobbed water bottles at officers.

After a protest Wednesday afternoon outside an ICE office in Spokane, Washington, Mayor Lisa Brown imposed a curfew in the citys downtown area. Thirty arrests were made, according to police.

Protests against Trumps immigration raids continued for another day in Chicago on Thursday, with hundreds of demonstrators displaying signs and chanting that the president is a clown through the streets.

By Friday morning, 40 cities had experienced protests against Trumps immigration raids, The Independent uncovered. What has the reaction been?

open image in gallery People walk through downtown Los Angeles following the lifting of an overnight curfew after numerous businesses were broken into ( Getty Images )

Newsom and Bass have both continued to speak out against the presidents decision to deploy the troops, describing it as unnecessary and an attempt by the administration to create chaos.

Speaking to KTLA on Sunday, Bass said that Trumps action was unnecessary and just political.

By Monday, Newsom rebuked Trumps blatant abuse of power and said that the state will sue to stop this.

In a televised address Tuesday, Newsom lambasted Trump for fanning the flames of the LA protests, stating he had inflamed a combustible situation.

Wednesday, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard has peddled the White Houses theory that some protestors in LA are being clearly paid.

On Thursday, California Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and handcuffed at Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems press conference after asking a question, causing fury among Democrats.

Other Democrats, including Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New Jersey Senator Corey Booker, backed Newsom and Bass, with Booker describing the presidents actions as hypocritical at best.
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A highly anticipated Netflix documentary on the 2023 OceanGate tragedy shows the moment that the submersible companys CEO, Stockton Rush, fired senior sub-pilot and whistleblower David Lochridge.

Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster delves into the accounts of staff members and the events that led to the Titan submersible's implosion on June 18, 2023, resulting in the deaths of five people inside.

Lochridge, OceanGates former director of marine operations, held reservations about the vessels carbon fibre hull and said he only entered the project on the assumption that the Titan sub would become classed  meaning that it would be independently certified as safe.

Sub-expert Rob McCallum said he pulled out of the project the day Rush decided to proceed without third-party classification.

The contentious relationship between Lochridge and the CEO came to a head when Rush steered the sub into a dangerous position during a trip to the SS Andrea Doria wreckage ahead of the Titan tour. An incident, the former sub-pilot said, was a complete turnaround and resulted in the end of their relationship.

In one clip, taken from inside the sub, Rush is seen almost crashing the vessel into a debris field, forcing Lochridge to intervene.

Lochridge said he was ostracized from the Titan project following that trip, adding that he became totally out of the loop.

On January 18, 2018, Lochridge submitted a scathing report to Rush and other senior staff outlining the dangerous risks posed by Titans inefficient hull design and the company's testing methods. A day later, Lochridge was asked to attend a meeting with Rush, Bonnie Carl, the HR director, Scott Griffith, the quality assurance director, and Tony Nissen, the engineering director.

What brought this on? How long have you had some of these concerns? Lochridge is asked by Rush during the January 2018 meeting.

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What led up to this, and whats your goal with this document?

open image in gallery Former OceanGate's Director of Marine Operations, David Lochridge, center, testifies, Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in front of the Titan Marine board formal hearing inside the Charleston County Council Chambers, in North Charleston, South Carolina ( AP )

Lochridge, who appears taken aback, responds, I, I, no. The goal for this document for me is the safety of anybody that goes in there, including you.

Rush, who grew angered during the discussion, continues to say: Its completely opposite of what everyone else says. Everyone says, Oh, carbon fibre cant handle compression. Theyre full of s*** and Ive proven them to be full of s***.

You know this has been an eight-year project, he says. I know what the hell Im talking about, he continues before asking Lochridge to continue explaining himself.

In terms of you going in the submersible, I am so against you doing it, Lochridge says.

We should be putting that sub on a wire, with everything thats experimental which youre doing.

Rush interjects, stating, I know thats your issue. A wire is not without safety issues for one, and secondly, this is how were doing it, period.

open image in gallery OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush as seen in 'Titan: The OceanGate Disaster' ( Netflix )

Ive looked at it. What you do is you set a testing program where you do it incrementally. Its not just going to go to 3100 [metres] and be perfect and at 3200 [metres] it all goes anyway. That aint going to happen, and I will put my life on the line to say that aint going to happen, Rush says, in the haunting clip.

I dont want anybody in this company who is uncomfortable with what were doing. Were doing weird s*** here, and I am definitely out of the mold.

Im doing things that are completely non-standard and Im sure the industry thinks Im a f******* idiot, he states.

Rush said he would continue at all lengths in his pursuit of success, no matter what anyone else thought.

open image in gallery The OceanGate sub disaster resulted in five deaths on June 18, 2023, killing all five on board ( American Photo Archive/Alamy )

Lochridge, who was left shell-shocked by the interaction, said Rushs decision was understood and felt gutted about how things deteriorated to that point.

The departure of Lochridge meant that OceanGate operations had to be made more secure as life at the company would continue under the leadership of a narcissist and a psychopath, according to former engineering director Tony Nissen in the documentary.

HR director Bonnie Carl also left the company following that meeting.

Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster was released on Netflix on Wednesday.
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Before the traumatic OceanGate explosion that killed five people, submersibles expert Rob McCallum warned its CEO, Stockton Rush, of the dangerous risks.

Now, two years on from the incident that killed Rush and his fellow adventurers, and in the wake of an appearance in the new Netflix documentary Titan: The OceanGate Disaster, McCallum reveals what he views as the operations failures.

"I have become increasingly amazed and maddened as the levels and many layers of incompetence and deception within OceanGate are exposed, he told The Independent.

The epic failure of OceanGate has done great harm to the reputation of legitimate and professional organizations, and set back progress many years, he said.

McCallum, founder, expedition leader, and divemaster of Eyos expeditions, a company which does similar work with submersibles, said there were plenty of little individual warning signs ahead of the monumental failure of the Titan sub on June 18, 2023.

open image in gallery OceanGate used to visit Rob McCallum and his team for advice between 2009-16 about how to build a submarine ( Netflix )

The Titan, for example, was never certified or classed.

The experimental submersible vanished on June 18, 2023, while on a tour of the Titanic wreckage in the North Atlantic Ocean. On board were Rush, 61, British explorer Hamish Harding, 58, veteran French diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his 19-year-old son, Suleman.

The Titan imploded around 90 minutes into a descent, killing all five on board.

Last month, a video showing the moment Wendy Rush first hears the sound of the implosion while watching on from the sub's support ship was released.

"What was that bang?" she asks.

The eerie video has been used as evidence in a wider ongoing investigation by the U.S. Coast Guards Marine Board of Investigation, which has spent the last two years looking into the sub's cataclysmic failure.

open image in gallery The OceanGate sub Titan before the deadly explosion ( American Photo Archive )

The final report, which McCallum suspects will be damning, is in its final stages according to the Coast Guard, who told The Independent the Marine Board of Investigation is pressing to release it by the end of the month.

McCallum believes Rush is going to be the one held responsible and he expects the report will reveal a concerted effort by a businessman to work around every single rule in the book to start a business and to make money.

He says that a decade before the tragedy, between 2009-16, OceanGate frequently sought his advice.

They used to come down and talk to us about how you could establish a business, how you could buy a submarine, how you would maintain a submarine, and where you could find crew. They used to come and talk to us about getting themselves set up.

But Rushs timeline for the deployment of the Titan sub kept being pushed back.

open image in gallery McCallum has been planning, managing, and leading challenging dives and expeditions for several decades ( Netflix )

The sub's chief pilot, Dave Lochridge, was fired in 2018, days after submitting his report about the inefficiency of OceanGates hull design and the company's testing methods. He was then sued by the company for breach of contract and revealing company secrets. He countersued for wrongful dismissal.

There were always excuses, McCallum said. But the net result is that the timeline kept shifting. He [Rush] would say were going out there in 2020, wait, 2021. No, were definitely going in 2022, then 2023.

The divemaster said that his advisory services ceased as soon as they decided they were going to build an unclassed sub.

One of the biggest criticisms of OceanGate was the Titans use of a carbon fibre hull, which is widely believed to be unsuitable for deep-sea diving. Typically, the main raw material used to construct modern submarines is steel.

open image in gallery CEO Stockton Rush pictured with the OceanGate team in the photo from the new Titan: The OceanGate disaster documentary ( Netflix )

Senior staff and board members read Lochridges report and knew that their chief of staff was telling them that this thing is a death trap, McCallum said.

People had read that report and still carried on, and are complicit in what happened next, he said.

The new documentary on the tragedy, released Wednesday, will illustrate where the blame lies, and who should be held accountable, he said.

McCallum stressed that the OceanGate disaster does not represent the submersibles industry as a whole.

Professionally built submersibles have a perfect safety record that stretches back over 50 years, he said. OceanGate has demonstrated the folly of experimental DIY vehicles, and I expect there will now be incoming legislation to prevent others from building sub-standard vehicles.
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Four people have been killed and at least two are missing after San Antonio received more than two months worth of rainfall Thursday.

Local reports showed vehicles across the city trapped in high water overnight after the area received more than six inches of rain. Many cars were seen covered by water or floating along Interstate 35.

KSAT reports many areas have reached their highest daily rainfall amount since May, 2013. The four people killed were swept away in floodwaters as crews rescued dozens of others, officials said.

Its hard to determine at this point exactly how they got swept away," San Antonio Fire Department spokesman Woody Woodward said.

"But it is an area where there was high water that was moving rapidly and there were several people that were caught in that water that had climbed up into trees and we did do a couple of rescues out of trees and some rescues out of vehicles.

Four people have been killed and at least two are missing after rains in Texas. ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

San Antonio Fire Department Public Information Officer Joe Arrington said there were at least 65 high water rescues from midnight to 8 a.m.

Fire officials said they were still searching for two people who were missing, The Associated Press reports. Calls for water rescues began shortly before sunrise, according to the San Antonio Police Department.

Two women and two men were found dead, police Chief William McManus said. He did not have their ages.

The deaths all occurred in the northeast part of the city, where authorities found 13 vehicles in the water.

The Weather Channel reports that in one day San Antonio was inundated with more than the average rainfall of June and July combined.

By midmorning, rain had stopped and the flooding was receding.
In conducting a coup in an impoverished, undeveloped nation, there is a basic to-do list. You capture the presidency, the courts, take over the international airport, emasculate the legislature, decapitate the military of potential opponents, storm the local TV station and declare a new dawn.

Bigger countries require more effort, like the mass mobilisation of xenophobia through false-flag attacks and terror scares, but from Moscow to Monrovia, the patterns are the same  an autocrat takes power in the name of national salvation.

With Donald Trump in power for a little over four months, questions are swirling as to whether this process is happening to what was the most powerful democracy on Earth.

open image in gallery Members of the California national guard stand watch outside the Edward R Roybal Federal Building ( AFP/Getty )

When he refused to accept he lost the 2020 elections and his supporters stormed the Capitol, and were later jailed, he pardoned them all. Now Americas constitution is again under threat from what many critics are calling an internal coup detat. Driven, perhaps, because the president has openly considered a Trump 2028 campaign for a third, unconstitutional, term.

While he was duly elected to his office for a second time last November, every check and balance to the power of the US presidency as enumerated in the constitution has been, or is being, challenged  a notion only heightened by the drumbeat of declarations from White House insiders of an insurrection in Los Angeles.

As protestors took to the streets against the mass arrest of alleged illegal immigrants, Trump lost little time in ordering 700 US marines and thousands of national guard troops onto the streets of Los Angeles.

open image in gallery Donald Trump speaks to reporters after arriving on Air Force One ( AP )

Californian governor Gavin Newsom described the move as deranged which would only serve to inflame tensions on the west coast.

The governor declared: Democracy is under assault. The moment we feared has arrived.

Take time. Reflect on this perilous moment a president, bound by no law or constitution, perpetuating a unified assault on American traditions.

His words came only hours after Trump warned anyone contemplating protesting during his military parade on 14 June that they would be met with very heavy force.

open image in gallery California highway patrol officers clash with protesters on Tuesday ( AP )

Trumps to-do list in taking on  and taking down  the establishment has already been largely ticked off.

First he moved against the military and intelligence services whom, during his first presidency, he blamed for holding back his agenda and for failing to back the protesters who invaded the US Capitol on 6 January 2021.

Mark Milley, chair of the joint chief of staff during Trump 1.0, lost his security detail and the pre-emptive pardon hed been given by outgoing president Joe Biden after he was threatened with prosecution by Trump.

Trump then fired his successor, air force general Charles Brown, and the head of the US Coast Guard, Linda Fagan. They were axed, the administration suggested, because they were diversity, equity, and inclusion hires. Nothing in their backgrounds indicates they were anything but qualified for the top jobs, but the messaging was clear from the White House  we want our own people.

open image in gallery Demonstrators march during a protest in LA ( AP )

But they must be loyal above all  so General Timothy Haugh, the head of the National Security Agency and US Cyber Command, has also gone along with the head of Naval operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti. No reason was given for Haughs dismissal in April.

Trump told reporters on Air Force One at the time: We're always going to let go of people  people we don't like or people that take advantage of, or people that may have loyalties to someone else.

Moving on, the FBI boss Christopher Wray was replaced with Kash Patel, an avid Trump loyalist who has failed to produce a budget for his agency this year. The new deputy director Dan Bongino is a podcaster who peddled the lie that Trump won the 2020 presidential election.

The director of National Intelligence is now Tulsi Gabbard, who has been an apologist for Vladimir Putin and Syrias Bashar al-Assad. Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News contributor, is secretary of defence and famed for his attacks on Volodymyr Zelensky, Nato, and for using his personal phone to transmit state secrets.

open image in gallery Gavin Newsom has criticised Donald Trump ( Reuters )

Incompetence among cabinet members and top officials means that Trump knows they owe their place in his orbit to him alone. Each of these leaders has purged their own departments and replaced professionals with apparatchiks.

The federal bureaucracy has been hammered by Trumps redefinition of more than 50,000 civil servants and political hires, allowing for him to impose pre-vetted loyalists in the executive heart of the government.

Opposition to a coup will often come from the judiciary and universities. Trump has moved to stifle both.

Top academies like Harvard and Colombia have been threatened with or have lost federal funding worth billions for pushing back at Trumps attempts to control their intellectual life. Foreign students are being banned.

Students and academics who have supported Palestinian rights have been accused of backing terror groups like Hamas and fired, expelled or deported. The issue here is focussed on Israel and alleged antisemitism but again, the message is clear  free speech is over.

Of course, none of this could have been achieved without the active support of the US Congress and Senate which is supposed to check the worst of executive power. But with Republican majorities in both, Trump has been given a free rein.

And Republicans who do not subscribe to Trumps vision in Congress are often living in fear of criticising him.

open image in gallery People walk past graffiti from recent protests against federal immigration raids in LA ( AP )

Standout Republican opponent, Alaskan senator Lisa Murkowski, said during a town hall last month: Were in a time and a place where I certainly have not been here before. Im oftentimes very anxious myself about using my voice because retaliation is real

I have to figure out how to help the many and the anxious who are so afraid [in Congress].

Many academics from Africa in particular, who have lived through civil wars for the last 30 years, have wondered how long it would be before Americans realised they could be living through their own form of coup.

A professor at a prestigious east coast university who has a green card and is world renowned in their field said: Im just wary about being quoted. We [academics non-nationals] have even been told not to leave the US in case we cant get back in. The administration is monitoring our social media accounts.

Speaking anonymously for fear of retribution they went on: Those of us who have grown up under authoritarian regimes have learned of the signs of incipient and growing authoritarianism. None of this is rocket science.

There is a method: the control of the press and judiciary, co-option of the loyalty of the police and the army, rise of militias, manipulation of elections. Trump discredited the mainstream media, stacked the judiciary He demanded the loyalty of the FBI.

open image in gallery People walk through downtown LA following the lifting of an overnight curfew ( Getty )

Americas judiciary has had patchy success in getting the administration to observe the constitution that the president, military and intelligence services have sworn to uphold too. Trumps White House has ignored orders to stay deportations.

In May, more than 130 former state and federal judges demanded the government drop its charges against Milwaukee County judge Hannah Dugan, dubbing her indictment for allegedly helping a man evade immigration officials as an egregious overreach by the executive branch.

But Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have spread across the country arresting suspects without showing identification, frequently without warrants, and using force to impose Trumps mass deportation promises.

open image in gallery An armoured vehicle passes a police line outside of the Metropolitan Detention Center on 10 June ( Getty )

This week, Trump has been concerned with the manufactured notion of an insurrection in California. A conflict between protestors and the armed forces on the streets of LA could be the excuse any autocrat would use to declare a national emergency, and suspend constitutional law.

The president is trying to manufacture chaos and crisis on the ground for his own political ends, said Rob Bonta, Californias attorney general, after announcing that the state, led by Newsom, was going to sue the Trump administration for violating the constitution.

Federalizing the California national guard is an abuse of the presidents authority under the law  and not one we take lightly. Were asking a court to put a stop to the unlawful, unprecedented order.

With decades of experience in west Africa and having published widely on the war that tore Yugoslavia apart, the anonymous east coast professor added a dire warning: I think, eventually, a state will consider seceding. Maybe California. Then it will be war, I think Yugoslavia is a good model for the US.
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Forecasted thunderstorms in Washington D.C. could dampen President Donald Trumps big birthday parade this weekend and may even lead to its cancelation.

In honor of the Armys 250th birthday, Trump has pushed for a parade officials estimate will cost up to $45 million  which also happens to fall on the presidents 79th birthday.

Rain wont stop us, the tanks dont melt, but if theres lightning then that puts the crowd at risk, Steve Warren, chief spokesman of the Army, told The Times, regarding the expected thunderstorms Saturday.

open image in gallery Forecasted thunderstorms in Washington D.C. could dampen President Donald Trumps big birthday parade and may even lead to its cancelation ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

He warned officials will disperse the crowd and even cancel or postpone the parade if there is lightning.

It will depend on the president, too, when hes available, Warren said.

An AccuWeather forecaster told The Independent temperatures will be in the mid-80s in the afternoon, but with the humidity, it will probably feel five to 10 degrees warmer.

The parade is expected to last from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. local time.

As we head into the evening hours, we do have to be concerned about at least thunderstorms in the area, the forecaster said. If there is a thunderstorm obviously not only lightning would be a concern, but also, with all the humidity in the air, it can certainly have some downpours with it.

Warren said General Randy George, the Armys Chief of Staff, will make the final call on what to do if there is bad weather.

Its June in Washington DC. We get thunderstorms. You could delay it, you could look at it and say this is just passing through. Or say, hey, this is a storm which gets bigger for a while, Warren said.

The parade will feature around 6,600 Army troops and military equipment, including a WWII-vintage B-25 bomber, a P-1 fighter and Huey helicopters used in the Vietnam War, according to Politico.

There will also be 25 M1 Abrams tanks, 28 Stryker armored vehicles and four Paladin self-propelled artillery vehicles, Reuters reported.

NBC News reports it may cost as much as $16 million to repair the streets of Washington, D.C. after the tanks roll through the parade.

open image in gallery In honor of the Armys 250th birthday, Trump has pushed for a parade that officials estimate will cost up to $45 million  it also happens to fall on the presidents 79th birthday ( Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images )

Several lawmakers, including Republicans, have spoken out against the parade, with Senator Rand Paul, a fiscal hawk from Kentucky, going as far as to compare it to the trumped-up military parades of the Soviet Union and North Korea.

A majority of Americans also dont seem to have the best view of the parade. An Associated Press and NORC survey published Thursday found 60 percent of respondents said the parade is not a good use of government funds.

Trump said the cost of the event is peanuts compared to the value of doing it, in a May 4 interview on NBC News Meet the Press.

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, he said.

Americans against Trumps policies plan to hold No Kings protests in hundreds of cities across the country Saturday to coincide with the presidents birthday parade.
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Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla was forcibly removed and pinned to the floor by federal law enforcement officers on Thursday after he interrupted a Los Angeles press conference of Kristi Noem, who was discussing the Trump administrations response to the ongoing anti-ICE demonstrations.

We are not going away, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Noem declared. We are staying here to liberate the city from the socialists and the burdensome leadership that this governor and that this mayor have placed on this country and what they have tried to insert into the city.

At that point, Padilla  who had barged into the conference room as Noem spoke  tried to address the Homeland Security chief before he was accosted by Secret Service and FBI agents, who then held the California senator on the floor after rushing him away from the room.

Im Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary. Because the fact of the matter is, a half dozen... Hands off! the lawmaker was heard shouting as he was swarmed by law enforcement.

Following his brief detainment by the FBI, the senator held a news conference and stated he was at the Wilshire Federal Building awaiting a scheduled briefing from federal officials as part of his responsibility as a senator to provide oversight and accountability.

open image in gallery Democratic California Senator Alex Padilla tried to ask questions to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a press conference in Los Angeles on June 12 but was shoved out of the room by federal officers ( AFP/Getty )

Padilla asserted that while he was waiting for a separate briefing, he learned that Noem was holding a press conference just a few doors down the hall. Adding that he and his Democratic colleagues have been attempting to get answers from DHS on their increasingly extreme immigration actions, Noem had given little to no information in recent weeks, prompting him to attend her presser.

I came to the press conference to hear what she had to say, to see if I could learn any new additional information, he continued. I was there peacefully. At one point, I had a question and so I began to ask a question. I was almost immediately forcibly removed from the room. I was forced to the ground and I was handcuffed. I was not arrested. I was not detained.

While urging more peaceful protests across the country against the administrations immigration enforcement actions, he wrapped up his remarks by suggesting that his incident was a warning shot.

If this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question, you can only imagine what theyre doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community and throughout California and throughout the country, Padilla said. We will hold this administration accountable. 

open image in gallery Federal officers shoved Senator Alex Padilla out of a conference room as he tried to interrupt remarks from Homeland Security Kristi Noem ( AP )

open image in gallery Padilla was then pinned by the ground by FBI and Secret Service Agents and placed in handcuffs ( Office of the Senator Alex Padilla )

Meanwhile, a Homeland Security spokesperson accused Padilla of lunging at Noem without identifying himself, though video footage captures the senator saying his name and title at least twice.

Senator Padilla chose disrespectful political theatre and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin on as he lunged toward Secretary Noem, assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin told The Independent.

Mr. Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers repeated commands, she added. U.S. Secret Service thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately.

After the incident, Noem spoke with Padilla during a 15-minute meeting, according to her office.

In a statement to The Independent, a spokesperson for the FBI said Padilla was detained by members of the U.S. Secret Service assigned to Secretary Noems detail when he became disruptive while formal remarks were being delivered.

The FBI similarly accused Padilla of not identifying himself despite footage that shows him announcing his name to the secretary.

Speaking to the press after her meeting with Padilla, Noem said she had a great conversation with the senator about Homeland Securitys activities and operations in Los Angeles, insisting it was very productive.

But she also reiterated her offices claim that he didnt identify himself and attempted to lunge at her.

Ill let the law enforcement speak to how this situation was handled, she stated. But I will say that people need to identify themselves before they start lunging at people during press conferences.

open image in gallery Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spoke with Padilla after he was roughed up and handcuffed by federal agents ( AP )

Based on footage that was shared on social media from reporters on the scene, after being forcefully pushed out of the conference room into an adjacent hallway, Padilla was handcuffed and restrained face down on the floor by several FBI agents.

Padilla was exercising his duty to perform Congressional oversight of the federal governments operations in Los Angeles and across California, his office said in a statement.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is currently suing the administration for federally mobilizing the National Guard in response to the protests, also immediately condemned the treatment of Padilla during the press conference.

[Padilla] is one of the most decent people I know. This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful, he tweeted. Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident absolutely abhorrent and outrageous, noting that Padilla is a sitting United States senator. This administrations violent attacks on our city must end, she added.

Californias other senator, Democrat Adam Schiff, said his colleague represented the best of the Senate before denouncing the actions against Padilla.

The disgraceful and disrespectful conduct of DHS agents, pushing and shoving him out of a briefing like that, demands our condemnation, he said. He will not be silenced or intimidated. His questions will be answered. Im with Alex.

Schiff told reporters on Capitol Hill that he wants an investigation into the incident  a call that was echoed by other Democratic lawmakers.

In a brief, furious statement on the Senate floor, Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said footage of the incident sickened my stomach.

Later, he called the incident despicable, disgusting and so un-American.

Reeks of totalitarianism, he said. We need a full investigation, immediately, as to what happened, and who did what, and whats going to be done to see that this does not happen again.

This is unacceptable, full stop, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus added in another statement. [Padilla] attended an open press conference to engage in debate, to represent his state, to do his job. We demand a full investigation and consequences for every official involved in this assault against a sitting US senator.

We need to subpoena Kristi Noem! Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost declared in a House Oversight hearing featuring testimony from three Democratic governors about immigration policy.

open image in gallery House Speaker Mike Johns said Senator Padilla should be censured after he was restrained by federal law enforcement ( AP )

Republicans, meanwhile, appeared to be looking to escalate the situation by calling for sanctions against Padilla.

House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters on Thursday afternoon that the senator engaged in wildly inappropriate behavior before urging the upper chamber to take action against him.

I do think that it merits immediate attention by their colleagues over there, he said. I think that behavior, at a minimum, rises to the level of a censure. ... I think there needs to be a message sent by the body as a whole that that is not what we are going to do. Thats not how were going to act.

The arrest follows resistance from thousands of Americans against the Trump administrations aggressive anti-immigration agenda, with immigration raids and arrests in the Los Angeles area sparking nationwide protests against enforcement efforts ripping families and communities apart.

Noem has also revoked humanitarian protections for roughly 1 million people with temporary legal status after fleeing disaster and violence in nations like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. Immigration judges have also been instructed to drop cases for hundreds of other immigrants, making potentially millions of people vulnerable to arrest and swift removal from the country. Noem has deployed masked agents to make arrests in and outside courthouses moments after those hearings end.

White House policy chief Stephen Miller, the architect of the presidents anti-immigration platform, has put pressure on Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to arrest 3,000 people a day. He reportedly told officials last month to just go out there and arrest illegal aliens.
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David Hogg went out swinging as he accused his former colleagues at the Democratic National Committee of being asleep at the wheel as he left his leadership role within the party.

Hogg, 25, said Wednesday he will not fight to hold onto his leadership role after igniting a firestorm over his push to target long-serving Democrats in safe congressional seats.

In a thread on X, Hogg also said that his political action committee would become the Emilys list for progressive young Democrats. A reference to the advocacy group for Democratic female candidates.

Weve sought to find the best of the best of our generation and do everything we can to help them run the best campaigns possible and get the financial support they need to win, he wrote.

After seeing a serious lack of vision from Democratic leaders, too many of them asleep at the wheel, and Democrats dying in office that have helped to hand Republicans an expanded majority, Hogg concluded.

open image in gallery David Hogg wont try to keep his DNC role amid dispute over Democratic primaries ( AP )

Hogg announced his retreat hours after the DNC removed him and another officer, Pennsylvania state lawmaker Malcolm Kenyatta, from their vice chair roles, stating that the February elections they won did not comply with the partys rules. Hogg said he will not run in the redo elections to be held over the weekend.

With dejected Democrats looking for a path back to relevance after a disastrous 2024 election, Hogg said earlier this year that he plans to raise millions of dollars through Leaders We Deserve.

He says the party needs a shake-up to bring in leaders who will more aggressively confront Trump and connect with younger voters and offer an inspiring new vision for a party voters are rejecting. The push rankled many Democrats, who said DNC officers should be focused on defeating Republicans, not sowing division among Democrats.

open image in gallery In April, DNC Chair Ken Martin, shown here, proposed bylaw changes to require party officers to remain neutral in all Democratic primaries ( AP )

In April, DNC Chair Ken Martin proposed bylaw changes to require party officers to remain neutral in all Democratic primaries. Party neutrality is crucial to maintaining the confidence of voters, he argued, pointing to the bitter feud that emerged after supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders 2016 campaign believed he was stymied by party insiders putting their thumb on the scale in favor of Hillary Clinton, who won the nomination but went on to lose the general election to Donald Trump.

Martin paid tribute to Hogg on Wednesday, commend[ing] David for his years of activism, organizing, and fighting for his generation, and while I continue to believe he is a powerful voice for this party, I respect his decision to step back from his post as Vice Chair.

I have no doubt that he will remain an important advocate for Democrats across the map. I appreciate his service as an officer, his hard work, and his dedication to the party, he said.

Hogg rose to prominence as a gun-control advocate after surviving the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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In the wee hours of Wednesday, Elon Musk apologized for some of his attacks on President Donald Trump. The week before, the former head of the Department of Government Efficiency and CEO for Tesla had trashed Trumps signature domestic legislation and even accused him of being in the files of the late pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Democrats relished the devolution of the relationship between the president and the richest man in the world.

But dont expect them to take money from Musk if he were to suddenly offer it to Democrats.

True, as the head of an electric car company, some Democrats saw Musk as somebody who could help combat climate change. And in the past, Musk had given to Democrats and had even supported Barack Obamas candidacy before he made a hard shift right and bankrolled numerous Republican candidates, including Trump in 2024.

But Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, of Washington, who had previously received money from Musk, told The Independent no when asked if she would take any campaign cash from Musk.

open image in gallery Democrats say they would not take money from Elon Musk despite his falling out with President Donald Trump. ( Getty )

Other Democrats who had received money from Musk in the past were a bit more emphatic. As a congressman, Sen. Adam Schiff received money from Musk.

But the Californian Schiff, a leader of the impeachments against him who is a frequent target of Trumps insults, said he would not take money from Musk.

No, he told The Independent. Nor would I buy a Tesla.

Musk became a flashpoint for many Democrats and liberals ever since his purchase of Twitter, which he later renamed X, in 2022. As part of his rightward shift, he promoted conspiracy theories about the near-fatal home-invasion hammer attack on former House speaker Nancy Pelosis husband.

He also had said his goal is to defeat the woke mind virus and as owner of X, he reinstated Trumps account.

Musk famously appeared alongside Trump during his return to rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump had previously been the victim of an assassination attempt weeks earlier, when he skipped and jumped around the stage as Trump spoke.

When Trump won, Musk was made the head of DOGE, where he quickly and summarily gutted numerous government agencies, such as the US Agency for International Development and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. His chainsaw cuts also led to numerous National Park rangers losing their jobs.

open image in gallery Sen. Adam Schiff of California previously received money from Musk, but now says he would not and would not buy a Tesla either. ( AFP via Getty Images )

Musk quickly became a target of Democratic invective and criticism.

During Wisconsins supreme court election, Musk poured in millions into political action committees to elect the conservative candidate, only to be humiliated when liberal-leaning judge Susan Crawford won.

When The Independent asked Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin if she would take money from Musk in the future, she let out an emphatic, No.

Can I ask you, has a foreign government offered you a plane recently? Baldwin further responded, in reference to Trump receiving a $400m jet from Qatars government.

Shortly after the loss, Musk said he would retreat from politics. But he also began to clash with other members of the administration, criticizing Trumps top adviser on trade Peter Navarro for Navarros zeal for tariffs, which Musk opposes.

Musk left the White House late last month seemingly on good terms, before he proceeded to trash the One Big, Beautiful Bill, the Republican tax cut and domestic spending bill that passed the House last month, as the a outrageous, pork-filled, disgusting abomination.

Musk also repeatedly antagonized Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, the progressive insurgent. Despite the fact Ocasio-Cortez owned a Tesla, Musk promoted a parody account pretending to be her.

Ocasio-Cortez told The Independent she would not take money from Musk.

I don't take money from billionaires, she told The Independent.
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Nearly all members of the board overseeing the prestigious Fulbright scholarships resigned on Wednesday, citing interference from the Trump administration in the selection of award recipients for the international exchange program.

In a statement published online, the board members accused the administration of overstepping its authority by denying awards to "a substantial number of people" who had already been selected to study and teach in the U.S. and abroad.

They also noted that an additional 1,200 foreign award recipients, already approved to come to the U.S., are now subject to an unauthorized review process that could lead to their rejection.

"To continue to serve after the Administration has consistently ignored the Board's request that they follow the law would risk legitimizing actions we believe are unlawful and damage the integrity of this storied program and America's credibility abroad," the statement read.

The Fulbright program, established by Congress nearly 80 years ago, aims to promote international exchange and American diplomacy.

It awards approximately 9,000 scholarships annually in the U.S. and over 160 other countries to students, scholars, and professionals across various fields.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office ( AP )

All but one of the 12 board members resigned, according to Carmen Estrada-Schaye, who is the only remaining board member.

"I was appointed by the president of the United States and I intend to fill out my term," Estrada-Schaye said.

Fulbright scholars include recent U.S. college graduates who pursue further study or teach English overseas, American professors who spend a year at a university in another country and international scholars who come to the U.S. to study or work at universities here. Alumni of the program have gone on to serve as heads of state or government and have received Nobel and Pulitzer prizes.

Notable alumni include Leslie Voltaire, president of Haiti's transitional presidential council; Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh; Luc Frieden, prime minister of Luxembourg; and King Felipe VI of Spain.

Award recipients are selected in a yearlong process by nonpartisan staff at the State Department and other countries' embassies. The board has had final approval.

The recipients who had their awards canceled are in fields including biology, engineering, agriculture, music, medical sciences, and history, the board members said.

open image in gallery A graduating student wears a cap decorated with a statement of support for international students during a Harvard commencement ( Reuters )

All the board members who resigned were selected under former President Joe Biden. The State Department, which runs the scholarship program, said they were partisan political appointees.

"It's ridiculous to believe that these members would continue to have final say over the application process, especially when it comes to determining academic suitability and alignment with President Trump's Executive Orders, the department said.

The claim that the Fulbright Hayes Act affords exclusive and final say over Fulbright Applications to the Fulbright board is false. This is nothing but a political stunt attempting to undermine President Trump.

The resignations were first reported by The New York Times.

The intervention from the Trump administration undermines the program's merit-based selection process and its insulation from political influence, the board members wrote.

"We believe these actions not only contradict the statute but are antithetical to the Fulbright mission and the values, including free speech and academic freedom, that Congress specified in the statute," the statement said.

"It is our sincere hope that Congress, the courts, and future Fulbright Boards will prevent the administration's efforts to degrade, dismantle, or even eliminate one of our nation's most respected and valuable programs."

The announcement comes as the Trump administration ratchets up scrutiny of international students on several fronts. The administration has expanded the grounds for revoking foreign students' legal status, and recently paused scheduling of new interviews for student visas as it increases vetting of their social media activity.

The government also has moved to block foreign students from attending Harvard as it pressures the Ivy League school to adopt a series of reforms.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom raised concerns about President Donald Trumps mental acuity on Thursday, saying the president fabricated details of a conversation about federalizing the states National Guard in Los Angeles.

Newsom accused the president of either deliberately lying or being confused about a conversation the two officials had after Trump told the New York Post he called Newsom to warn him that he planned to utilize the California National Guard to control protests.

The governor sharply accused Trump of being a stone-cold liar on The Daily podcast, claiming Trump never brought up the National Guard during their conversation.

[He] starts making up all these things he claimed he told me about, which honestly starts to disturb me on a different level, that maybe he actually believed he said those things and hes not all there. I mean it, Newsom said.

He, literally, a few days later claimed he had another conversation with me, Newsom said of the president who turns 79 years old on Saturday.

open image in gallery California Governor Gavin Newsom raised concerns that President Donald Trump ( AP )

Concern about the mental acuity of the president has been top-of-mind for the media and some voters since it became a major issue for former president Joe Biden. Trump often pointed to Bidens jumbled speech and rigid stance as signs of physical or mental unfitness.

Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, told Axios that Newsom's attacks on Trump are "rich, coming from Gavin Newsom, who in this past election tried to gaslight and lied to the American public about Joe Biden's decline."

"Gavin Newsom will never be president, even as he tries to peddle these lies," Cheung said.

Representative Ronny Jackson of Texas, who served as Physician to the President under Trumps first term, told Axios that Trump "is the healthiest president this nation has ever seen."

Frankly, given President Trumps unparalleled work ethic and this administrations commitment to transparency, it's abundantly clear that Governor Newsom, the 'sanctuary state' governor, is indulging in nothing more than petty politics. He, just like most Democrats, needs to look himself in the mirror and answer this: Where was the concern when the cognitive disaster, Joe Biden, was president, Jackson said.

Over the last week, Newsom has been on a press campaign to refute Trumps use of the military to thwart anti-immigration raid protests in Los Angeles.

The governor says its an unnecessary use of the California National Guard and Marines for incidents of civil unrest in a small area in downtown Los Angeles.

open image in gallery Over the last week, Newsom has been on a press campaign to refute Trumps use of the military to thwart anti-immigration raid protests in Los Angeles ( Getty )

Trump controversially invoked a rarely-used presidential power to federalize the states National Guard, against the wishes of Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Newsom has filed a lawsuit against Trump, claiming the presidents actions were illegal.

Trump, who has defended his decision to federalize the California National Guard, has pushed back on Newsoms assertions, calling the governor incompetent and Newscum. Trump has characterized the Los Angeles protests as violent and potentially dangerous for ICE law enforcement to carry out their duties.

The president took his defense a step further on Wednesday when he claimed he warned Newsom about using the National Guard.

When I talked to him, he never brought it up, Newsom told the New York Times. He lied. He lied. On my mother and dads grave, I dont mess around when I say this, he lied. Stone-cold liar. Dont think for a second he told the truth.

Newsom said their phone conversation last week was incredibly cordial and that he was in communication with Susie Wiles, the White House Chief of Staff, about cooperating. The governor said he woke up the following day to name-calling.

Hours later, to your point, I wake up and Im Newscum again, Newsom said.

Its the president of the United States calling someone scum. Newscum which is, for what its worth, what I think a 7th grader used to call me.
 Close Jim Jordan and Kathy Hochul get into heated back and forth during immigration hearing

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Three Democratic governors testified before Congress on Thursday about their states immigration policies, as protests against the Trump administrations mass deportation efforts sweep the country.

Governors Tim Walz of Minnesota, Kathy Hochul of New York, and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois were called to appear before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform long before the clashes in downtown Los Angeles began last week.

Walz drew fire from a number of Republicans on the panel for comparing ICE to President Donald Trumps modern-day Gestapo.

You realize how disgusting a phrase that is, considering the history of Nazi Germany? Would you like to recant that statement? said GOP Rep. Byron Donalds.

What I said, Congressman, and I have a long history of supporting law enforcement, I said President Trump was using them as his modern day Gestapo  not identifying who you are, coming up in unmarked bands, taking people away, Walz responded.

The protests against workplace immigration raids escalated after Trump called in the National Guard and the Marines.

House Republicans worked to put down Democrats over immigration policies that the GOP argues protect criminals.
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Two police officers who were on duty during the January 6 insurrection have filed a civil lawsuit after a memorial plaque to honor those who defended the building was not put up.

Harry Dunn, a former officer of the United States Capitol Police, and Daniel Hodges, who currently serves in the Metropolitan Police Department, say the agency that operates and maintains the Capitol is violating a law that required a plaque to be erected.

The two men are bringing the suit to compel Congress to follow its own law and install the mandated memorial, to honor the women and men who saved the lives of those inside the building, and to ensure that the history of this attack on the Capitoland on democracyis not forgotten, the filing states.

More than 140 police officers were injured on January 6, after a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a bid to block his 2020 election defeat to Joe Biden. Five police officers involved in defending the Capitol died in the following weeks.

A year later in 2022, Congress passed a law that directed the Architect of the Capitol, Thomas Austin, to honor the officers who defended the building, which was signed by Biden.

open image in gallery A plaque honoring the law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol on January 6. A lawsuit has been filed after Congress has allegedly refused to erect it ( Getty Images )

Austin is named as the defendant in the civil lawsuit, but previously testified at a U.S. House subcommittee that his office had not received final instructions about installing the plaque.

According to the suit, during the riot, Dunn protected injured officers, and Hodges was kicked in the chest Someone also tried to gouge out his eyes.

Many of the other officers who defended the Capitol and the elected officials inside that day did not expect to survive, the filing states. One officer trapped in the crowd heard rioters scream, Kill him with his own gun as they grabbed ammunition magazines from his belt.

open image in gallery More than 140 police officers were injured on January 6, after a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a bid to block his 2020 election defeat to Joe Biden. Five later died ( AP )

open image in gallery Two police officers who were on duty during the January 6 insurrection have filed a civil lawsuit after a memorial plaque to honor those who defended the building was not put up ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

In a statement shared with Reuters, a lawyer for Dunn and Hodges said Congress's refusal to install the plaque is an attempt to rewrite history. So many politicians' careers now depend on ignoring the fact that Donald Trump tried to overthrow democracy.

The lawsuit also states that in the aftermath of the attack, Trump has spread disinformation and conspiracy theories that have been adopted by his Republican allies in Congress.

"After Congress passed the law, the politics of January 6 began to change. Donald Trump began to call the attack on the Capitol a day of love and said that 'the cops should be charged and the protesters should be freed," the lawsuit said. "As Trump's political fortunes rebounded, elected officials began to parrot his claims about the day."

It adds: While Congress has installed a memorial to other officers who died in a different tragedy, it has not installed the plaque to honor those who defended the Capitol on January 6.

open image in gallery After returning to the Oval Office in January, Trump pardoned about 1,500 of his supporters who were charged in the attack. Some of those individuals had been accused of attacks on police officers ( AP )

Meanwhile, though Congress has not installed the memorial to the officers who defended it, members have managed to honor the man who inspired the violence."

It comes as controversy over Jan 6 continues to rumble on, especially in light of Trumps return to the White House.

After returning to the Oval Office in January, Trump pardoned about 1,500 of his supporters who were charged in the attack. Some of those individuals had been accused of attacks on police officers and many of those suits were filed in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia  like that of Dunn and Hodges.

Trumps pardons drew criticism from some police organizations and Republicans.

"Pardoning the people who went into the Capitol and beat up a police officer violently, I think, was a mistake, Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said at the time.
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Vice President JD Vance has been skewered online for making a Sweeney Todd joke prior to attending a Les Miserables performance in Washington, DC on Wednesday night.

Vance joined his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and host of other MAGA loyalists for the event at the Kennedy Center.

Prior to the show, many had already alluded to the irony of Trump and Vance choosing to attend Les Miserables as protests against their administration began to spread nationwide.

In a series of tweets, Vance, a Yale graduate, made it clear that he didnt know what the epic play was about.

About to see Les Miserables with POTUS at the Kennedy Center.

Me to Usha: so whats this about? A barber who kills people?

Usha; [hysterical laughter].

Thats apparently a different thing called Sweeney Todd, Vance wrote in a subsequent tweet.

The plot of Les Miserables explores issues of social justice, love, and resilience, amidst the backdrop of poverty-stricken France in the early 19th century.

Primarily, it follows the lives and interactions of several oppressed characters, including ex-convict Jean Valjean, which ultimately culminates in the June 1832 Rebellion  an anti-monarchist insurrection of Parisian republicans.

It should be illegal to be his incredibly cringeworthy, the X account DSA Orange County said.

Im sorry, the only people who would pretend to confuse Sweeney Todd for Les Mis are people who are super into musicals and uncomfortable admitting it, said Sonny Bunch.

Oh for gods sake you went to YALE, give it a rest, said Sam Biederman.

You can drop the Im still an Appalachian hillbilly thing. Its not a bad thing that youve moved beyond your rustic upbringing, Steven Walk added.

JD Vance has been ridiculed for posting an ironic Les Miserables tweet amid LA riots ( Getty Images )

Even Elon Musks AI chatbot Grok described Vances joke as tone deaf.

One X user asked AI chatbot Grok to compare the irony of seeing this post considering what's happening in LA, to which Grok delivered a pithy response.

The irony lies in JD Vance attending Les Miserables, a story of social injustice and rebellion, while LA protests against immigration policies he supports escalate, with curfews and federal forces deployed, said Grok.

The musicals themes mirror protesters grievances, making his attendance seem tone-deaf.

The chatbot continued to state, However, personal cultural outings dont inherently reflect policy stances, and the timing may not align with the protests peak. Public perception varies, with some seeing hypocrisy, others a valid personal act.

Another X user then probed Grok to explain the mistaken irony by Vance.

Vance's attendance seems personal, not a political statement. His post, mistaking the musical's plot, suggests he didn't connect it to protests, he wrote.

Trump was greeted with a mixed response in his first appearance at the prestigious arts venue since he fired its leadership, with boos and chants of chants of USA! USA! being heard in the audience.

More than 400 people have been arrested in LA alone since protests erupted Friday, including 330 undocumented migrants and 157 individuals facing charges of assault or obstruction.
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Los Angeles remains the epicenter of unrest after protests erupted in the wake of a string of raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Friday.

Now, demonstrations have been sparked across the country, with dozens reported in at least 23 states since Friday.

The first protests followed after crowds attempted to thwart ICE agents detention efforts in downtown LA last week. On Saturday, President Donald Trump caused fresh outrage after announcing his plan to deploy the National Guard before later mobilizing the U.S. Marines.

Dozens of demonstrations have erupted around the country, both in solidarity with the LA protesters and as part of a broader protest against the Trump administrations immigration crackdown.

After a week of unrest, The Independent has identified anti-ICE protests in at least 40 U.S. cities since Friday.

So far, they have been spread across 23 states, with the highest concentrations in Texas, California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.

There have been at least 565 arrests so far at various protests, mainly in LA, with as many as 30 people arrested Wednesday in Spokane, Washington, following a significant police response.

Other marches also took place on Thursday across the U.S. from Anchorage to Chicago.

The nationwide demonstrations have varied in size, with some cities reporting dozens or hundreds of protesters.

Meanwhile, other areas have seen thousands of protesters take to the streets, with the National Guard called in to two cities and hundreds of arrests made nationwide.

Around 1,900 No Kings rallies across all 50 states will coincide with a multi-million dollar parade for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary in D.C. on Saturday, which critics have billed as an extravagant birthday bash for Trump.

Chicago, Illinois

open image in gallery Police officers face off with immigrant rights protesters in the Loop on Tuesday in Chicago, Illinois ( Getty )

Thousands of protesters marched through downtown Chicago on Tuesday. Demonstrations were largely peaceful, but Fox News reported that some protesters vandalized police vehicles with the network adding that there had been some physical altercations.

Seventeen arrests were made on Wednesday as thousands flooded the streets at Federal Plaza. Four were charged with felonies, including aggravated battery of a police officer. Multiple vehicles were tagged with anti-ICE graffiti.

On Thursday, hundreds of demonstrators displaying signs and chanting through the streets with one group at Michigan Avenue chanting: Donald Trump, youre a clown. Immigrants will take you down.

Denver, Colorado

Hundreds gathered outside the Colorado Capitol in Denver on Tuesday, according to CBS News, for largely peaceful protests.

Reports say that protesters spilled into the streets, but no widespread unrest was reported.

Later that evening, Denver Police reportedly used smoke and pepper balls to disperse the crowd. Eighteen arrests were made Tuesday, police said.

In nearby Aurora, home to Colorados only ICE detention center, an additional 150 people joined the protest, according to local news reports.

New York City

open image in gallery People march during a protest against deportations and ICE on Tuesday in New York City ( Getty )

Around 20 anti-ICE protesters were also led away by police in New York, following demonstrations in Manhattan on Monday.

The following morning, two dozen people were arrested during a sit-in protest at Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue.

Clashes broke out between police and protesters near an ICE office on Tuesday, which saw demonstrators thrown to the ground as police tried to handcuff them. Others lobbed water bottles at officers.

The NYPD prepared for further anti-ICE protests Thursday after demonstrators marched from Foley Square before moving down Broadway, and later up to the Manhattan Detention Center.

Atlanta, Georgia

A rally began on Monday outside the ICE office in Atlanta, with protesters calling for the end of immigration raids and the release of the detained union leader, David Huerta, in California.

Hundreds of protesters gathered Tuesday night along Buford Highway in Brookhaven. Many carried signs and chanted in English and Spanish during the march, denouncing the Trump administrations stringent deportation efforts.

Officials say that they arrested six people after protesters failed to leave after the rallys designated cut-off point and clashed with law enforcement officials.

Spokane, Washington

After a protest Wednesday afternoon outside an ICE office in Spokane, Mayor Lisa Brown imposed a curfew in the citys downtown area running from 9.30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Thursday.

More than 30 protesters were arrested, and officers deployed pepper balls on the crowd, according to Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall.

Brown told reporters that the curfew is meant to protect public safety, adding that the vast majority of protesters were peaceful

What is happening in Los Angeles?

The protests in LA are expected to enter their seventh day on Friday.

More than 700 Marines awaited deployment in Los Angeles on Friday, marking the latest escalation of Trumps response to the immigration raid protests.

Around 400 people involved in protests have been arrested by the LAPD alone, according to CNN.

Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles, enforced a curfew for a third night in a portion of downtown LA in response to looting and vandalism.

The curfew is currently in place from 8.00 p.m. Thursday to 06:00 a.m. Friday local time, which is expected to continue for several more days.

Trump has maintained temporary control of the National Guard in Los Angeles, an appeals court has ruled, in a major blow to California Governor Gavin Newsom.
 Close Appeals court lets Trump keep National Guard troops in Los Angeles

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Cities have been preparing for No Kings rallies nationwide as opponents of the Trump administration get ready to protest against the president and his agenda.

There are expected to be over 2,000 protests in all 50 states Saturday, and local police say they will protect those who assemble peacefully.

In Los Angeles on Friday, the first 200 U.S. Marines out of a battalion of 700 arrived, joining National Guard troops already deployed to the city by the Trump administration. At 12 p.m. local time, they went on duty patrolling outside the Wilshire Federal Building in the citys Civic Center.

Thursday night, an appeals court ruled that Donald Trump can retain temporary control of the Guard, dealing a blow to California Governor Gavin Newsom.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals made the ruling after U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled that Trumps action was illegal and violated the Tenth Amendment, saying the president must return control of 4,000 troops to Newsom.

A more comprehensive appeals hearing on the matter is set for Tuesday.

A curfew for downtown Los Angeles remains in effect indefinitely as officials work to curb vandalism and looting of businesses after dark.

Protests against the ongoing workplace raids across the nation are expected to continue through the weekend as part of the No Kings movement, coinciding with the presidents birthday parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
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A top MAGA firebrand in Congress, who has been a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, has come out strongly against the presidents policy of defending Israel against regional aggressors like Iran.

Marjorie Taylor Greene joined the chorus of both America First isolationists and far-left progressives opposed to the U.S. being drawn into a war with Iran as she tweeted late Wednesday evening: Americans dont want to bomb Iran because the secular government of Israel says that Iran is on the verge of developing a nuclear bomb any day now. 

Greene added that she doesnt know anyone that even thinks about Iran in her district.

Her tweet came in response to a flurry of reporting around Washington indicating that the State Departments decision to move nonessential embassy staff out of Baghdad, Iraqs capital, was tied to concerns about violence escalating in the region as a result of an impending Israeli attack.

Indeed, on Thursday Trump said to reporters that an Israeli strike on Iran could very well happen.

open image in gallery Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene urged Donald Trump not to drag the US into war with Iran on Israels behalf ( Getty )

That attack, which the president was reported to have gotten Israel to forestall earlier this year, now seems to be greenlit. Trump told reporters he declined to support the Israeli plan in May as he sought a new nuclear agreement with the Iranian government.

President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq, an agency spokesperson told The Independent on Wednesday.

The president himself added to reporters: They cant have a nuclear weapon. Very simple  they cant have a nuclear weapon.

On Wednesday, as reports of the planned Israeli strike began to emerge, a senator on the Armed Services committee, Tom Cotton, tweeted that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had confirmed that Irans terrorist regime is actively working towards a nuclear weapon. Hegseth testified to the committee earlier in the day.

For the sake of our national security, the security of our allies, and millions of civilians in the region this cannot be allowed to happen, Cotton, who hails from the Republican Partys hawkish wing, added on Twitter.

The strike, should it take place, would be a major impediment to the continuation of direct(ish) talks between Washington and Tehran regarding a new agreement aimed at constricting Irans nuclear program to civilian usage only. A sixth round of talks headed by Steve Witkoff, Donald Trumps envoy to the Middle East, were set for this weekend.

open image in gallery Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted her opposition to US support for an Israeli strike on Iran ( The Independent )

CBS News reported Wednesday evening that Israel was ready to carry out a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, and cited a US official as saying that the Trump administration was now looking for ways to actively support the strike. US involvement would not include direct action by B-2 bombers, restricting the attack to surface-level areas of the Iranian facilities, according to CBSs sources.

An Iranian dissident group in exile, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), showed satellite imagery of sites it said were key to the Iranian nuclear weapons program this week at a press briefing in Washington. The NCRIs reporting, citing sources on the ground within Iran, identified the locations and purposes of several sites tied to the nuclear program in the countrys mostly-desert province of Semnan which it said had been largely militarized for the purpose of concealing the project. One of the sites identified by the NCRI as the Sorkheh Hesar site supposedly hosts an underground test facility.

Irans foreign minister told reporters on Wednesday that US bases and facilities in the region would be potential targets for retaliatory strikes were Israel to carry out an attack with US assistance.

Trump has long veered towards the isolationist wing of his party and is an outspoken critic of US involvement in just about every sphere of geopolitics. But on the issue of Iran, Trump has treaded a middle ground: his first term was defined by a maximum pressure policy of tough sanctions and political pressure, which gave way to an openness to negotiations upon the beginning of his second presidency.

Greene is one of his strongest allies in that regard, as a vitriolic opponent herself of aid to Ukraine and the NATO alliance.

But even as the president has engaged the US in the first semi-direct negotiations with Tehran since the Obama administration, he has maintained longstanding US policy that Iranian development of nuclear weapons is a red line.
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The 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 US Marines sent to Los Angeles in response to the ongoing anti-immigration raid protests are reportedly suffering from low morale, according to members of the veterans community, amid allegations of a chaotic initial deployment and widespread concerns of the military being drafted into domestic law enforcement.

Among all that I spoke with, the feeling was that the Marines are being used as political pawns, and it strains the perception that Marines are apolitical, Marine Corps veteran Janessa Goldbeck, who runs the Vet Voice Foundation, told The Guardian. Some were concerned that the Marines were being set up for failure. The overall perception was that the situation was nowhere at the level where Marines were necessary.

The sentiment across the board right now is that deploying military force against our own communities isnt the kind of national security we signed up for, added Sarah Streyder of the Secure Families Initiative in an interview with the outlet.

Controversy has followed the deployment since President Trump first federalized the California National Guard and ordered the state troops into Los Angeles on Saturday and a battalion of Marines was activated two days later.

California has sued the Trump administration over deploying the Guard, alleging the decision has caused real and irreparable damage to both Los Angeles and the states larger sovereignty.

Deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles was reportedly done before there were enough resources to support service members ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Governor Gavin Newsom has also accused the White House of sending in thousands of troops without adequate provisions or training, sharing photos obtained by The San Francisco Chronicle of guardsmen sleeping head-to-foot on bare floors.

You sent your troops here without fuel, food, water or a place to sleep, he wrote on X. Here they are  being forced to sleep on the floor, piled on top of one another.

This is what happens when the president and (Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth) demand the National Guard state assets deploy immediately with no plan in place  (and) no federal funding available for food, water, fuel and lodging, a source involved in the deployment told the Chronicle of conditions during the early stages. This is really the failure of the federal government. If youre going to federalize these troops, then take care of them.

U.S. Northern Command later said the photo showed soldiers who werent current on a mission in what were only temporary accommodations due a fluid security situation.

When asked for comment, a spokesperson for U.S. Northern Command pointed to a website for Task Force 51, which is coordinating the protection mission in Los Angeles.

LA protests live: Clashes erupt at detention center after troop deploys National Guard

The Soldiers and Marines have contracting for billeting, latrines, showers, handwashing stations, food service, full laundry service, bulk ice, and bulk fuel, the website reads, in regards to troop conditions. While awaiting fulfillment of the contract, Soldiers and Marines have adequate shelter, food, and water.

Federal officials say the military members in Los Angeles will not be formally arresting protesters, though they might temporarily detain individuals to stop threats or interference against federal agents, and they have authorization to provide security to federal buildings and operations.

U.S. Northern Command shared a photo Thursday showing Marines training in non-lethal tactics with riot shields, and the military has said the troops could deploy within the next 48 hours.

President Trump has faced larger criticisms for allegedly politicizing the military in response to the protests, including upset over a campaign-rally style speech about the crisis in front of jeering troops at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

Base officials reportedly screened the crowd for those who disagreed with Trump and asked them to alert their superiors so others could be put in their place during the speech.
China, EU should deepen practical cooperation to tackle global challenges: Former Spanish PM Zapatero

15:57, June 12, 2025 By Sheng Chuyi, Liu Xuxia ( People's Daily Online

Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, former prime minister of Spain, sits down for an exclusive interview with People's Daily Online in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 11, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Qianbo)

Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, former prime minister of Spain, praised China's remarkable achievements in economic growth, poverty alleviation, and technological advancement during an exclusive interview with People's Daily Online on June 11, 2025 at the China-Europe International Conference on Vocational Education and High-skilled Talent Development held in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.

Zapatero called on the European Union and China to jointly uphold the rules of free trade and strengthen pragmatic cooperation in areas such as education, artificial intelligence (AI), and vocational training to address pressing global challenges.

"Free international trade without barriers is a vital driver of economic development for all countries," Zapatero said. He noted that China has demonstrated strong competitiveness in its trade relations with the EU, adding that he hopes the EU can further enhance the presence of its products in the Chinese market.

"It is essential to reaffirm the value of open rules. We must say no to closed economies and tariff barriers, and yes to competition and rule-based international trade. This is the philosophy that both the EU and China should firmly defend," he stressed.

Zapatero spoke highly of China's development over the past decades, highlighting its unparalleled pace of progress. He was particularly impressed by the country's success in lifting 800 million people out of poverty.

"This is of great historical significance," he said.

He expressed hope that China would continue to play an active role in multilateral cooperation by promoting sustainable development, combating climate change, and contributing to global poverty alleviation.

On technological innovation, Zapatero described AI as a "qualitative leap" in the history of science and technology. He emphasized that while AI represents significant progress, it also poses challenges to the way human societies coexist.

"We must start from philosophical principles to find ways to govern AI, ensuring it does not cross the fundamental boundaries of human dignity," he said. He dismissed concerns that AI would fundamentally threaten employment, saying that while some jobs may disappear, new opportunities would also emerge. Zapatero called for the establishment of strong ethical codes and emphasized the need for international cooperation in AI development.

He also underscored the importance of vocational education, particularly the dual vocational education system, as an effective solution to youth employment challenges.

"Germany was a pioneer in this area, and in recent years, both Spain and China have made significant efforts," he said. "Experience-sharing, mutual learning, and raising vocational education to the same status as higher education are ideas promoted by intelligent and developed nations. These are the directions that Spain and China should jointly pursue in their cooperation."

Reflecting on the 20 years of China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership, Zapatero noted the remarkable progress in bilateral relations, especially in higher education cooperation.

"Many Spanish universities have established partnerships with Chinese institutions. This has been one of the strongest areas of collaboration," he said.

Looking ahead, Zapatero said he believes that education exchanges, university cooperation, and vocational training will become key pillars supporting the relationship between the two countries.

"These platforms will serve as important channels for deepening mutual understanding and building a solid foundation for the future of bilateral ties," he added.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chengliang)
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President Donald Trump now says that Rand Paul is invited to the White House picnic tonight after the Kentucky senator said that his familys invitation was abruptly rescinded.

Of course Senator Rand Paul and his beautiful wife and family are invited to the BIG White House Party tonight, Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday morning. The president then appeared to change his tone on the libertarian lawmaker drastically.

Hes the toughest vote in the history of the U.S. Senate, but why wouldnt he be?

Paul is adamant that he will vote against Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill and has been critical of this weekends military parade in the nations capital.

Trump said that he would use Pauls presence at the picnic to get his Vote on the Great, Big, Beautiful Bill, one of the greatest and most important pieces of legislation ever put before our Senators & Congressmen/women... I look forward to seeing Rand.

open image in gallery Kentucky Senator Rand Paul claims he may be the first person ever to be excluded from a White House picnic ( Reuters )

Paul earlier described Trump and his administration as incredibly petty after revealing to members of the press that he had been uninvited to the party.

I think Im the first senator in the history of the United States to be uninvited to the White House picnic, the Kentucky Republican told reporters on Wednesday. I just find this incredibly petty. I mean  I have been, I think, nothing but polite to the president.

Paul, a fiscal hawk, briefly formed an alliance with Elon Musk earlier this month when he labelled the presidents signature tax and spending legislation a huge mistake, joining the tech billionaire in expressing anxiety about the bill adding as much as $5 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.

That led the president to lash out at the senator in a brace of posts on Truth Social, in the first of which he complained: Rand Paul has very little understanding of the BBB, especially the tremendous GROWTH that is coming. He loves voting NO on everything, he thinks its good politics, but its not. The BBB is a big WINNER!!!

In the second, he griped: Rand votes NO on everything, but never has any practical or constructive ideas. His ideas are actually crazy (losers!). The people of Kentucky cant stand him. This is a BIG GROWTH BILL!

Paul also risked Trumps wrath by criticizing the upcoming military parade in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, marking the presidents 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army.

The senator told reporters he has never been a big fan of goose-stepping soldiers in big tanks and missiles rolling down the street, and compared the event to the sort of triumphalist show of might more commonly associated with the Soviet Union and North Korea.

Paul has further provoked the administration by accusing it of running sort of a paid influencer campaign against me for two weeks on Twitter.

open image in gallery Paul has been increasingly critical of the administration of late, particularly over the presidents Big, Beautiful Bill ( AP )

We know theyre being paid because... someone has told us that the White House called them from the White House, and offered them money to attack me online, he said.

As if that were not enough, Paul has also attacked Trumps senior adviser Stephen Miller for basically going around casually talking about getting rid of habeas corpus.

The picnic blacklisting is nevertheless embarrassing for the senator, who learned of his exclusion when he inquired about picking up his tickets, according to Politico.

Paul said he did not know whether Trump himself or a White House staffer had made the decision to cross him off the guest list, but said the level of immaturity is beyond words.
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The CIA released a new batch of declassified documents Thursday related to the governments investigation into the assassination of Robert F, Kennedy in 1968, which includes a copy of a note that Kennedys killer, Sirhan Sirhan, wrote.

Per President Donald Trumps executive order directing agencies to declassify materials in cases of public interest, including RFK and his brother John F. Kennedys assassinations, the CIA released 54 declassified documents, amounting to 1,400 pages.

"The records reveal for the first time that Senator Kennedy shared his experiences traveling to the former Soviet Union with CIA, reflecting his patriotic commitment to serving his country," the CIA said in a statement.

Much of the information in the release is not considered particularly revealing, but it does include an incriminating note that Sirhan wrote on May 18, 1968  less than one month before Sirhan would fatally shoot Kennedy.

R.F.K. must die, RFK must be killed, Robert F. Kennedy must be assassinated, Sirhan wrote down over and over again on a piece of notebook paper used during his murder trial.

open image in gallery CIA released more files related to the governments investigation into Robert F. Kennedys assassination on Thursday ( AFP/Getty )

The note appears to have been obtained by the Associated Press and reprinted by the Washington Post, though it is unclear what year that was.

Kennedy, the brother of former president JFK, was killed while serving as the Democratic senator of New York and campaigning for president. He was departing the ballroom inside the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968, when 24-year-old Sirhan shot him multiple times.

open image in gallery The note reads in part: R.F.K. must die, RFK must be killed, Robert F. Kennedy must be assassinated ( CIA )

Sirhan admitted to killing Kennedy and said he was motivated by the senators support of Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War. However, he has also made conflicting statements over the years about the shooting  which has fueled conspiracy theories about the assassination.

Ultimately, Sirhan was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to death, although that was commuted to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Sirhan, now 81, has unsuccessfully sought parole at least 17 times over the past 56 years, the most recent being in August 2024.

But the handwritten note has been a point of contention over the years as Sirhans lawyer, Lawrence Teester, has argued his client was hypnotized and framed  pointing to the note as an example of his clients state of mind.

open image in gallery Sirhan Sirhan, pictured in 2021 ( California Department of Corrections )

Lifting the veil on the RFK papers is a necessary step toward restoring trust in American government, Secretary of Health and Human Services and son of Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said.

I commend President Trump for his courage and his commitment to transparency. Im grateful also to Tulsi Gabbard and John Ratcliffe for their dogged efforts to root out and declassify these documents, RFK Jr. added.

Other documents included in Thursdays drop include Sirhans psychological profile, though heavily redacted.

The file of Kennedys travels with the CIA, referenced by the agency in its statement, appears to be a 148-page document compiling reports. In them, Kennedy describes his experience in Iran, the former USSR, and more.
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Donald Trump has officially launched his promised gold card which will grants U.S. residency to foreign investors for $5 million  but instantly faced mockery for the supposedly cheap-looking website hes selling them on.

THE TRUMP CARD IS COMING! Thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up to ride a beautiful road in gaining access to the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World, the president wrote on Truth Social.

Trump added that the waiting list for the card was NOW OPEN but did not offer further details as to when the cards may be coming available.

As if to counter the clunky appearance of the site, a note is included at the top of the page that it is an official government site. The website also does not offer information on a specific launch date  or indeed further information of any kind.

A mostly black web page greets visitors with the words: Trump Card Is Coming. Interested parties are encouraged to enter their information into a form to be notified the moment access opens.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has launched the website for his new Trump Card, which allows holders to gain U.S. residency for $5 million ( trumpcard.gov )

The site also features a picture of the gold Trump Card, which has the presidents photo and signature on the front. Trump showed a version of the card to reporters onboard Air Force One back in April.

Social media was quick to react to the news, with one user writing: We live in an idiocracy and another adding: This government is a f****** joke, holy f***.

More piled in on the cheap look of the site. Lmao this is literally the entire site, wrote another user, in a short video showing the minimalist page. This is the cheesiest thing I've ever seen in my life.... added another.

Others noted what they interpreted as a more sinister side of the offer. Can we take a moment and realize how disgusting the idea of a trump card is (the instant immigration card for 5 mil), wrote one user.

open image in gallery The site also features a picture of the gold Trump Card, which has a photo and signature of the president on the front. Trump showed a version of the card to reporters onboard Air Force One back in April ( trumpcard.gov )

That's so damn dystopian like hey yeah pay me an ungodly amount of money and instantly get treated better than natural born citizens because you're upper class.

Abhorrent. Is this what you all voted for? Selling an America fast-pass to people like Russian oligarchs and the like? added another.

The information form on the page to apply for the card requests users fill out their name My name is (First, Last), where they are from, from Region and why they are interested in applying for the card.

open image in gallery Trump has argued the card was a way to get wealthy people to invest in the U.S. by spending a lot of money, paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people ( trumpcard.gov )

The gold Trump Card was first announced by the president in February, who said it would grant those with them the same privileges as green card holders, who have permanent residency in the U.S.

Administration officials previously suggested that the card will replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which provides a path for foreign nationals to achieve permanent residence (a green card) in the United States. The program requires a minimum investment of $800,000 in the U.S. to qualify but was poorly run, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

Trump said in February that the money from the gold cards would be used to pay down a lot of debt, though did not elaborate.

The president has also said previously the card was a way to get wealthy people to invest in the U.S. by spending a lot of money, paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people. Asked whether he would consider selling the cards to Russian oligarchs, Trump responded: Yeah, possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people.

The president has previously said he does not need the go ahead from Congress to launch the program. It is uncertain how applications for the Trump Card will be processed and who by.
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Donald Trump sending in the military to quell protests in Los Angeles and threatening to do the same in other American cities is an unprecedented use of presidential power that will have a chilling effect on free speech and protest, legal and political experts have warned.

They're soldiers, and soldiers are trained to fight wars, not to enforce civilian laws. They're not trained to protect the civil liberties of the people and to respect protests, William C. Banks, a legal professor at Syracuse University, told The Independent.

Scott R. Anderson, a Brookings Institution fellow in governance studies, said the Trump administration was trying to use the threat of the military to deter free speech and protest, which is something that Americans hold in deep regard  it is really built into our political culture and constitutional system.

The presidents decision to place 4,000 National Guard troops under federal command and send another 700 U.S. Marines in response to several days of protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles has prompted anger from local law enforcement, Angelenos, and Democrats  and warnings from experts about democratic norms being trampled.

It's quite unprecedented for him to call in the Marines, and the authority that he used to federalize the guard is one that hasn't been used in 60 years, Banks, an expert on the role of the military in domestic affairs, added.

open image in gallery Police officers detain a person next to a member of the National Guard at a location given as Los Angeles, California, U.S., in this handout image released on June 10, 2025. ( X/@ICEgov )

The National Guard troops deployed to Los Angeles initially had limited engagement with protesters. After a few days they began detaining protesters, and they are now accompanying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on raids in the city. The 700 Marines were expected to arrive in the city on Friday after undergoing several days of training in nonlethal weapons and the use of force.

We have a very strong political value and norm against the domestic use of the military, which is very real and has been with us since the framing, and it certainly informed the Constitution, said Anderson, a former diplomat and government attorney.

I think this is probably one of the biggest tests of those norms in recent memory, he added, noting the use of troops against American civilians has a chilling effect on speech.

Experts say it is up for debate whether Trump is acting within the current limits of the law by restricting troops to protecting federal property and employees, but his language in recent days has suggested he sees his powers over how to use the military in a domestic setting to be much broader.

When asked Sunday if he planned to send U.S. troops to Los Angeles, Trump replied: Were gonna have troops everywhere. Were not going to let this happen to our country. Were not going to let our country be torn apart like it was under Biden.

open image in gallery Attendees listen to a speaker during a protest at Pershing Square, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. ( AP )

That has prompted alarm from legal experts who say Trump appears to be laying the groundwork for deploying troops whenever and wherever there are protests against federal immigration agents.

Trump has authorized the deployment of troops anywhere in the country where protests against ICE activity might occur. That is a huge red flag for democracy in the United States, wrote Elizabeth Goitein, senior director of the Brennan Centers Liberty and National Security Program, in a thread on X.

Goitein added that no president has ever federalized the National Guard for purposes of responding to potential future civil unrest anywhere in the country, and that to do so would be a shocking abuse of power and the law.

Even if he is staying within the law for now, Trump is radically altering the relationship between the presidency and the military. This week he held a politically charged rally at Fort Bragg where he encouraged cheers and boos from soldiers and announced the renaming of military bases after Confederate generals. This weekend, he will hold an unprecedented military parade for the U.S. Armys 250th birthday  the type of event usually reserved for authoritarian regimes.

His deployment of the military for domestic aims comes in that context.

The troops currently deployed are somewhat restricted in what activities they can engage in under the current rules. They cannot arrest people or engage in law enforcement activities.

open image in gallery A protester leaps off a burning Waymo taxi near the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, Sunday, June 8, 2025, following last night's immigration raid protest. ( AP )

That could change if Trump invokes the Insurrection Act, a move that would give the president extreme power over how to use the military domestically, and which many experts say would prompt grave concern about the state of American democracy.

Then, all of a sudden, the president can use soldiers to enforce federal law and for law enforcement functions, to arrest people, detain people. The President has not taken that step, Anderson said.

The one thing to bear in mind about all of this, of course, is that this is what it says on paper. The real test is what happens on the ground. Will Secretary of Defense [Pete] Hegseth push them to do things beyond what the protective power has traditionally been understood to authorize? If he does, then that raises a whole slew of legal questions, including constitutional questions, he added.
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Donald Trump is looking to Los Angeles to provide a much-needed distraction as his polling slips on some of his strongest issues and the Republican president grapples with Americans increasing displeasure towards the chaos brought on by his second term.

But on Thursday, it appeared that wish had been granted via cursed monkeys paw.

Trumps presidency will pass the six month mark next week. With midterm season fast approaching, Congress has yet to pass any of the presidents legislative priorities into law.

A mass deportation program spearheaded by Stephen Miller, Tom Homan and Kristi Noem is increasingly proving unpopular as it abandons a focus on violent criminals for a nationwide smash-and-grab effort. Trumps promised trade deals continue to elude the administration; he touted an agreement this week which Chinas government has already downplayed and looks to largely bring both countries back to pre-reciprocal tariff rates  undoing only the US presidents own escalation.

Conflicts which Trump boasted he could end continue to rage on in Ukraine and Gaza; a third, in Iran, appears to be on the horizon after Wednesday.

Donald Trump has made a conflict with Democrat-run California a central focus of his administration ( AFP via Getty Images )

And the congressional GOP remains mired in budget discussions as Democrats pound their opponents for planned changes to Medicaid and food stamps (SNAP) that would impose work requirements which the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates will kick millions off the programs.

All in all, the media-savvy Trump was eager for an opportunity to spin the narrative back against his opponents. On the issue of anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles, he thought he had it.

But even as polling shows that Americans largely to not support the sometimes-violent protests which have broken out in Los Angeles for the past several days, polling released this week indicates Americans are just as opposed to Trumps handling of the situation  and are souring on his immigration agenda overall.

An Associated Press-NORC survey released Thursday had approval of Trumps immigration agenda at 46 percent approval to 53 percent disapproval, with Republicans being Trumps only bastion of support on the issue. Among independents, its nearly 2-1 against the president, as ICE agents say theyve ramped up daily arrest targets from 1,000 to 3,000.

In a Quinnipiac poll released a day earlier, nearly six in 10 voters from all parties said Republicans in Congress should do more to check Trumps power. He was similarly underwater with independents on the issue of immigration, though by a smaller margin. Both polls showed Trumps popularity hovering just below the 40 percent mark. Even as Trump sought to project an image of imposing law and order on a lawless city run by Democrats, a YouGov poll released on Monday showed his decision to send in Marines against the wishes of state and local leaders was unpopular.

On Thursday, the story took a turn for the worse for Republicans.

As DHS Secretary Kristi Noem spoke to reporters in Los Angeles, her news conference was interrupted by Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat, who started to make a statement while Noem was speaking. He was then forcibly pushed to the ground and taken out of the room by law enforcement agents.

Senator Padilla bundled out of Kristi Noem press conference by FBI

Video of the incident shocked Democrats and many in Washington over the wholly unprecedented manhandling of Padilla, a sitting senator, in the clip. DHS further bungled the situation by tweeting that Padilla had not identified himself  this was verifiably false, the first words out of Padilla mouth in the clip were, Im Senator Alex Padilla.

Before the end of the day, tensions were soaring on Capitol Hill. Rep. Mike Lawler was shouted at by a Democrat on the House floor. A group of the senators Democratic colleagues marched to Sen. John Thunes office to demand action from the majority leader. In the lower chamber, Democrats demanded the House adjourn while GOP leadership condemned not the tackling of a sitting US senator but his decision to interrupt Noem as she spoke.

If there was any sign of the way things may be headed, it was a statement from Lisa Murkowski, a centrist Republican senator. She condemned Padillas treatment by federal agents in the video in strong language: It's horrible. It is shocking at every level. It's not the America I know."

With a new polling plunge this week and Thursdays events certain to galvanize his critics, Donald Trump heads into his weekend of spectacle in Washington with several major political narratives quickly spinning out of his control.
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Days ahead of the militaristic parade he has ordered up for his 79th birthday, President Donald Trump has denied having any monarchical pretensions even as he continues to face questions over his use of American soldiers and marines to help put down protests over his harsh immigration enforcement efforts.

Speaking in the East Room during an impromptu press conference after signing legislation to block Californias ability to regulate vehicle emissions and push for more electric vehicle sales in an effort to protect the states air quality, Trump was asked about protests planned for Saturday as part of what organizers are calling No Kings Day to coincide with the parade, which is ostensibly meant to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

Trump replied: I don't feel like a king and proceeded to complain that he must go through hell to get anything done under Americas constitutional system, which strictly divides the federal governments authority between executive, legislative and judicial branches.

Seemingly ignorant of reforms to the British monarchy starting with the Magna Carta in 1215, Trump opined that a king would never have had to suffer then indignity of asking for legislation to be enacted to nix Californias vehicle regulations.

He wouldn't have to call up [House Speaker] Mike Johnson and tune and say, fellas, you got to pull this off, and after years, we get it done, he said.

open image in gallery AI-generated image of Donald Trump as a king tweeted out by White House ( White House )

No, no, we're not a king. We're not a king at all.

In fact, Trump has suggested that he should be regarded as an American monarch on at least one occasion since he returned to office for a second term this past January.

In February, he took to Truth Social to declare himself king after his administration purported to strike down new tolls for Manhattan drivers to raise funds for the citys aging mass transit system.

CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD, he wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!

The White Houses X account then shared his statement with a mock cover of Time magazine featuring a portrait of the president wearing a crown with the caption long live the king.

White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich also shared an AI-generated image of the president wearing a crown and regal cape on his own official X account.

open image in gallery No Kings Protest What To Know

Trumps comments came at the tail end of a nearly 90-minute stemwinder of rambling remarks delivered to a crowd of supporters and Republican members of Congress as he prepared to sign a trio of resolutions making use of the Congressional Review Act to strike down Environmental Protection Agency waivers that had allowed the Golden State to set car emissions standards that have long been more strict than federal vehicle standards.

One of them purported to nix a state regulation that would have required the vast majority of cars sold in the state to be electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid models starting in 2038, a goal which auto industry executives have called unworkable.

The president said he was going to officially rescue the US auto industry from destruction by terminating California Electric Vehicle mandate once and for all and complained how regulations devised in Sacramento had American automakers tied up in knots for years.

They'd pass these crazy rules in California, and what it would be 17 states would go by them, the automakers didn't know what to do, because they're really building cars for two countries, he said.

Trump slammed the previous Biden administration for approving the waivers, which he characterized as giving the Golden State dictatorial powers to control the future of the entire car industry, all over the country, all over the world and singled out Governor Gavin Newsom for having come up with a ridiculous plan to impose a 100% ban on all new gas powered cars within a very short period of time.

He also claimed that California lacked the electricity to support so many electric vehicles before pivoting to criticizing Newsom over him not being harsh enough against protesters who have come out to oppose the administrations mass deportation efforts in the days since Trump White House officials ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to target suspected illegal immigrants at convenience stores and near home repair supply stores.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump departs after signing a bill blocking California's rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) ( AP )

Over the weekend, Trump federalized California National Guard soldiers over Newsoms objection and ordered the deployment of active duty Marines to help quell protests over his immigration enforcement. He claimed his actions, which Newsom has sued to halt, prevented widespread rioting and arson across Los Angeles, the countrys second-largest city.

I didn't bring the military in Los Angeles would be burning down right now. Be burning just like his damn houses burned down because he didn't have the water that he should have had, he said.

Continuing, the president also accused Newsom and California authorities of wanting to use the states strict vehicle emissions standards to effectively abolish the internal combustion engine and shatter our domestic supply chains and literally grind civilization to a halt by pushing for use of electric trucks used for long-haul shipping.

Though Newsom and his state government have pushed back on the use of Congressional Review Act powers to strike down EPA waivers, Trump claimed nothing can be done to stop what he has signed into law.

They can't take us to court. They can't do any of the things they can do with the executive orders. And it's permanent. I'll sign three pieces of legislation that will kill the California mandates forever, and they're never coming back, he said.
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Donald Trump appeared to concede that his aggressive anti-immigration campaign is debilitating American farmers and hotel businesses, marking a rare public admission that his promise of the largest deportation operation in American history comes at a significant cost.

Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace, the president wrote on Truth Social on Thursday.

The presidents comments follow a series of workplace raids targeting farm workers in southern California, a meat production plant in Nebraska and dairy farm workers in Vermont, among other operations affecting multi-billion dollar industries that employ tens of thousands of undocumented people.

More than 40 percent of the nations crop workers are undocumented, according to estimates from the Department of Agriculture. Foreign-born workers make up as much as 90 percent of meat processing and dairy workers in some states.

More than 1 million undocumented people worked across the hospitality industry  including hotels and restaurants  making up more than 7 percent of the workforce, according to an analysis of 2020 data by legal advocacy group American Immigration Council.

open image in gallery More than 40 percent of the nations crop workers are undocumented, according to estimates from the Department of Agriculture ( AFP via Getty Images )

Recent federal labor data showed the size of the nations workforce was shrinking last month, partially due to the largest and ongoing decline of foreign-born workers in the labor force since 2020.

In Thursdays Truth Social post, Trump shifted former President Joe Biden for criminals who are now applying for those jobs and pushing others out.

This is not good. We must protect our Farmers, but get the CRIMINALS OUT OF THE USA. Changes are coming! Trump wrote.

It is unclear what those changes would be and when they will arrive. In a statement to The Independent, assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the agency will follow the President's direction and continue to work to get the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens off of America's streets.

In April, the president suggested that undocumented people working on farms and in hotels would be allowed to leave the country and return as legal workers if their employers could vouch for them.

We have to take care of our farmers, the hotels and, you know, the various places where they tend to, where they tend to need people, he said during a cabinet meeting in April.

So a farmer will come in with a letter concerning certain people, saying theyre great, theyre working hard, he added. Were going to slow it down a little bit for them, and then were going to ultimately bring them back. Theyll go out. Theyre going to come back as legal workers."

His latest statement follows the administrations ramped-up immigration enforcement efforts across the country, including raids and sweeping arrests that sparked recent protests in Los Angeles and elsewhere.

open image in gallery Federal agents raided a meat production plant in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 10, among a series of raids targeting agricultural facilities across the country ( via REUTERS )

The administration has revoked legal status for tens of thousands of immigrants, and immigration judges have been instructed to drop cases for hundreds of others, making potentially millions of people vulnerable to arrest and swift removal from the country.

White House policy chief Stephen Miller, the architect of the presidents anti-immigration platform, has put pressure on Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to arrest 3,000 people a day. He reportedly told officials to just go out there and arrest illegal aliens.

Viral footage from a farm raid in Oxnard, California this week shows federal agents and a speeding white van chasing workers through a field of crops.

These actions are completely unjustified and harmful, Oxnard Mayor Luis McArthur said in a statement. They create chaos and distress in our community without contributing much to public safety.

People targeted in those raids are hardworking families who make meaningful contributions to our local economy and to our greater community, he said.

The states two Democratic senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff are deeply alarmed by reports of workplace raids in the state.

California is the nations largest agricultural state, and without the people who work through harsh conditions  extreme heat, cold weather, or pouring rain  feeding the nation would be impossible, and putting food on the table would be much more expensive for American families, they said in a statement.

While the Trump Administration repeatedly claims it is focused on violent criminals and gangs, their draconian actions tell a different story, the senators added. Targeting hardworking farm workers and their families who have been doing the backbreaking work in the fields for decades is unjustified and unconscionable.

The United Farm Workers union said the Oxnard raid and similar actions in Ventura, Kern and Tulare counties amount to an attack on Californians and a dangerous waste of resources.

Indiscriminate raids and chaotic sweeps put public safety at risk, the group said.

Immigration agents also arrested at least 100 people at an Omaha meat production plant this week.

At least 74 people remain in custody, according to the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement advocacy group.
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Erin Patterson has concluded her testimony in the Supreme Court of Victoria, marking the end of eight days in the witness box in her high-profile triple murder trial.

Ms Patterson, 50, faces three charges of murder and one of attempted murder for allegedly serving death cap mushrooms in a beef wellington meal to her estranged husbands relatives at her home in Leongatha, Victoria, on 29 July 2023.

Her former husbands parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and his aunt, Heather Wilkinson, took seriously ill after eating the lunch and died a few days later. Ms Wilkinsons husband, Ian, was hospitalised but survived.

Ms Patterson has pleaded not guilty to the charges, maintaining the deaths were accidental.

In the final moments of her cross-examination, chief prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC put three key accusations to Ms Patterson: that she deliberately sourced death cap mushrooms, knowingly included them in the beef wellington and intended to kill her guests.

To all three, Ms Patterson responded: Disagree.

Ms Patterson claimed she dehydrated dried mushrooms from an Asian grocer before using them in the beef wellington. However, she admitted this detail wasnt mentioned earlier, prompting the prosecution to accuse her of making it up to obscure the origin of the mushrooms.

Ms Patterson denied the accusation, insisting her explanation was truthful.

I suggest this is another lie you made up on the spot, the prosecutor Rogers said, accusing Ms Patterson of trying to hedge her bets by implying there could be several possible sources for the death cap mushrooms.

Incorrect, the accused responded.

The prosecutor also implied that Ms Patterson might have lied about taking diarrhoea medication after the lunch, noting that she had previously claimed one reason for going to hospital was her belief they would provide a stronger treatment.

Ms Patterson acknowledged that she hadn't informed hospital staff about taking the medication but insisted it was because no one asked.

If you were looking for something stronger, you wouldve told medical staff you had already taken Imodium and it didn't work, Ms Rogers said.

I dont agree, Ms Patterson responded.

open image in gallery A memorial plaque marks the grave site for Don and Gail Patterson at the Korumburra General Cemetery ( Getty )

The prosecution also alleged that Ms Patterson had fabricated a story about stopping by the roadside to relieve herself while driving her son to a flying lesson. Her son had earlier testified this did not happen, but Ms Patterson stood by her version.

I suggest he did not recall you stopping by the bushes on the side of the road because it did not happen, Ms Rogers said. I suggest this is another lie you told the jury about how you managed the trip to Tyabb.

Disagree, Ms Patterson said.

Ms Patterson also told the court she ate only cereal the night after the fatal lunch and served her children leftover beef wellington with the mushrooms removed.

Both children, however, told police she ate the same meal they did. Ms Patterson rejected their accounts, saying they were mistaken.

Ms Rogers referred Ms Patterson to transcripts of her children's police interviews where they were questioned about what she ate for dinner on 30 July.

Do you say [your daughter] is wrong about what you prepared yourself for dinner on the Sunday night?

She is, Ms Patterson responded.

Later, Ms Rogers asked: Do you say that [your son] is incorrect about what you prepared for dinner on the Sunday night?

Yes, he is, Ms Patterson answered.

Ms Patterson also denied hiding one of her phones from police, claiming she switched to another phone because the first wasnt working well. However, the prosecution noted that the first phone was still in use shortly after the lunch.

Ms Patterson said she reset the new phone before handing it to police.

When accused of lying about the first phones condition, she disagreed.

I suggest to you that there was nothing wrong with phone A and this is another lie, Ms Rogers said.

Disagree, Patterson responded.

The trial continues.
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The US is reviewing its multi-billion dollar Aukus nuclear submarine deal with the UK and Australia to decide whether it fits Donald Trumps America First agenda.

A Pentagon official said the 2021 deal was being reviewed ahead of talks with Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese at the upcoming G7 summit in Alberta, Canada. The summit starts on Saturday.

The $240bn (176bn) Aukus agreement involving Australia, the US and the UK is a strategic security partnership aimed primarily at helping Australia acquire nuclear submarines using US and British technology.

Under Aukus, Australia was scheduled to make a $2bn (1.47bn) payment in 2025 to the US to help boost its submarine shipyards and speed up lagging production rates of Virginia-class submarines to allow the sale of up to three US submarines to Australia from 2032.

The first $500m (368m) payment was made when Australian defence minister Richard Marles met with his US counterpart Pete Hegseth in February.

Mr Marles said on Thursday that Canberra was confident the pact would proceed and that their government would closely work with the Trump administration.

open image in gallery The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Colorado ( The Day )

I am very confident this is going to happen, he told ABC News, adding that Aukus was in the strategic interests of all three countries. The trilateral project is believed to be aimed at countering the military might of China.

He said that a review of the deal signed under former US president Joe Biden was not a surprise. This is a multi-decade plan, he said. There will be governments that come and go, and I think whenever we see a new government a review of this kind is going to be something which will be undertaken.

The statement came after media reports said the US was reviewing its commitment to the pact. It was first reported by the Financial Times, citing six people familiar with the matter.

The department is reviewing Aukus as part of ensuring that this initiative of the previous administration is aligned with the presidents America first agenda, a Pentagon official was quoted as saying. This means ensuring the highest readiness of our service members, that allies step up fully to do their part for collective defence and that the defence industrial base is meeting our needs.

The Pentagons top policy adviser, Elbridge Colby, who has previously raised concerns that the US could lose submarines to Australia at a critical time for military deterrence against China, will be a key figure in the review, examining the production rate of Virginia-class submarines, Mr Marles confirmed.

Australia and the UK have both faced pressure from the White House to increase their military spending. While the UK has heeded the demand, Australia has resisted it.

Mr Albanese is expected to meet Mr Trump for the first time next week on the sidelines of the G7 meeting. They are likely to discuss Washingtons demand that Australia increase its defence spending from 2 per cent to 3.5 per cent of its GDP.

open image in gallery Anthony Albanese, Joe Biden and Rishi Sunak hold a press conference at the Naval Base Point Miramar in San Diego, California, March 2023 ( EPA )

Mr Albanese has said Australias defence spending will rise to 2.3 per cent but has declined to commit to Americas target.

The possibility of the deal collapsing has caused anxiety in London and Canberra but has been met with cheers in Beijing, experts said.

John Lee, an Indo-Pacific expert at Washingtons conservative Hudson Institute think tank, said the Pentagon review was primarily an audit of American capability and whether it could afford to sell up to five nuclear submarines when it wasnt meeting its own production targets.

Relatedly, the low Australian defence spending and ambiguity as to how it might contribute to a Taiwan contingency is also a factor, Mr Lee said.

John Hamre, president of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies and a former senior Pentagon official, told a Lowy Institute seminar in Sydney on Thursday there was a perception in Washington that the Albanese government has been supportive of Aukus but not really leaning in on Aukus, with defence spending being part of this.
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European leaders have redoubled their efforts to prise Donald Trump away from Russia by warning that the US president is being mocked by Vladimir Putin, alleging that Moscow is using chemical weapons in Ukraine and demanding that the US restore weapons supplies to Kyiv.

The move came after Ukraine said it had endured the biggest overnight air attack of the entire war, with swarms of 500 drones and missiles intended to overwhelm already stretched air defences.

Radek Sikorski, Polands foreign minister, called for the US to end its suspension of air defence missiles and other weapons  most of which are on standby for delivery to Poland and derided Trumps fruitless efforts to secure a ceasefire. Mr Trump, Putin is mocking your peace efforts, said the Oxford-educated Sikorski.

In addition, the Dutch and German governments said their intelligence services had evidence of widespread use of chemical choking agents (teargas) against Ukrainian trenches by Russian troops. These have been used to force soldiers into the open where they could be shot by Putins forces.

open image in gallery Firefighters at the site of a strike on Kyiv by Russian drones and missiles ( Emergency Service of Ukraine )

This intensification is concerning because it is part of a trend we have been observing for several years now, where Russia's use of chemical weapons in this war is becoming more normalised, standardised, and widespread," said the Dutch defence minister Ruben Brekelmans.

With the recent US focus on its attacks on Iran in support of Israel, Russia has been gradually stepping up efforts against Kyiv. Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has been warning for weeks that his country faces a critical shortage of defensive weapons, so the announcement that the US is suspending promised weapons such Patriot air defence missiles will inevitably entrench the already strong belief that Trump has taken Putins side after Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine and that the US is no longer a real ally in the defence of Europe.

Pentagon officials suggested the suspension was a pause in delivery of Patriots, precision artillery and Hellfire missiles mounted on Ukrainian F-16 aircraft as part of a review of US supplies worldwide.

But the US has not declared a pause in supply to any other nation. Israel is the largest recipient of US military aid by far and has recently enjoyed an uptick in supplies of bombs and missiles even as it stands accused by the United Nations of ethnic cleansing and its prime minister has been indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court.

open image in gallery Ukrainian servicemen on radiation, chemical and biological hazard drills near Kharkiv ( Reuters )

Trump has been trying to secure a ceasefire in the Ukraine war for months. Despite Kyiv offering a 30-day pause in fighting, Putin has repeatedly made it clear that Russia is not interested while it pursues a summer offensive to carve out the east of Ukraine.

Trump has suggested he is frustrated by Putin but has threatened the Russian president with no definitive sanctions. Kyiv, however, has endured having its intelligence feed from the US blinded during the Russian counterattacks to retake Kursk, seen military aid suspended, been offered no new promises of support, and forced into a mineral deal that trades future US weapons for mining profits.

In March, Trump said he was very angry and pissed off after the Russian president continued to swerve his attempts to get Moscow to agree a ceasefire. The pair spoke again at length on Thursday in what turned out to be, from the Oval Office perspective, another unsatisfactory call.

When asked if he had any success with Putin on Ukraine, Trump was clear: No, I didnt make any progress with him today at all... Im not happy about that. Im not happy about that. But again there was still no sign that the US was going to lift its suspension of military aid to Ukraine, let alone increase it to try to force Russia to negotiate a workable ceasefire.

open image in gallery The suspension of arms supplies from the US to Ukraine entrenches the already strong belief that Donald Trump has taken Vladimir Putins side ( AFP/Getty )

So Russia continues its grinding offensive, claiming this week to have captured all of Luhansk province, which it has already illegally annexed. As a precondition to any ceasefire, Putin has demanded he keep at least Luhansk, Crimea, Kherson, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia provinces.

The US has largely accepted this position as a given and further insisted that in any long-term peace deal Ukraine is prevented from joining Nato and will not get security guarantees from the US to defend its future borders.

So Natos European and Canadian members are now planning, training and producing weapons to fill an American void that is widening. Kyiv has held on in spite of the massive air attacks and meat grinder Russian land assaults, largely because of its superiority in drone technology. But Moscow has now forged ahead with the development of long-range wire-guided first-person view (FPV) drones and is developing AI weapons. For the last year or so Russian drone pilots have been using civilians in Kherson as target practice on training operations, with FPV drones killing several people most weeks.

It wont be long before we see people being hunted through the streets of Kyiv by AI drones in swarms. We need to defeat Russia before that happens, said a senior officer in Ukraines drone warfare operations.

That will be difficult while Trump holds back critical arms when Ukraine needs them most.
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Amid rising regional security concerns, the United States has withdrawn some diplomatic personnel and military families from its embassy in Baghdad, Iran.

This decision occurs during a period of heightened tensions. According to US President Donald Trump, the region has become a "dangerous place," with an increasing risk that Tehran might retaliate against an Israeli strike.

However, diplomatic struggles between the US and Iran go back much further, inevitably shaping the backdrop to the latest flare up.

For much of the 20th century, the US and Iran maintained friendly relations. During the Cold War, Washington depended on the Shah of Iran to counter Soviet influence in the oil-rich Middle East.

However, the Shah's growing unpopularity led to the CIA's involvement in the 1953 overthrow of Iranian Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh, who had nationalised Iran's British-owned oil company and sought a neutral stance in the Cold War.

In 1979, the Iranian Revolution ousted the Shah, and the new Islamic government accused the CIA of training the Shah's secret police. The revolutionaries vowed to fight Western imperialism, branding America the Great Satan.

Revolutionary students seized the American embassy, holding diplomats and staff hostage for over a year, marking the end of a long-standing alliance that had significantly shaped the region.

How have US-Iran tensions played out in the past?

The new Iranian government wanted to export its Islamic Revolution to fellow Shi'ite Muslims and groups opposing Israel, which it saw as the chief avatar of a Western imperialist project oppressing Muslims in the Middle East.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps set up Hezbollah in Lebanon in the early 1980s and the United States accuses the group of bombing its embassy and marine barracks in Beirut in 1983, killing around 300 people, mostly Americans.

open image in gallery Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a meeting in Ilam, Iran, 12 June 2025 ( via REUTERS )

Hezbollah, which went on to fight repeated wars with the main US regional ally Israel, has said other groups were responsible.

Iran had complaints too. Iraq invaded Iran in 1980 and started using chemical weapons against Iranian soldiers and border villages from 1982 but Washington lent diplomatic backing in the war to Baghdad. A US warship also mistakenly shot down an Iranian passenger plane in 1988, killing 290 people.

Tensions eased after 1990, as the US focused on Iraq after Baghdad's invasion of Kuwait and as Iran in 1997 elected reformist President Mohammed Khatami, who sought better relations with the West.

The rivalry heated up again in the early 2000s with US President George W Bush labelling Iran part of an Axis of Evil along with Iraq and North Korea, a tag that caused anger in Iran.

Iran's secret nuclear programme was revealed in 2002, while the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 put the two countries on opposite sides of a struggle for control in the Shi'ite majority country.

Who do the US and Iran support in the Middle East?

The US-Iranian rivalry has often played out at arm's length in conflicts and political struggles between each side's proxies and allies around the Middle East.

Besides Hezbollah, Iran backs armed Shi'ite factions in Iraq that have attacked US forces there, the Houthi group in Yemen that has attacked international shipping in the Red Sea and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The United States is the main international backer of Israel, Iran's biggest regional foe. It is also a close ally of Sunni Gulf monarchies which for years pursued their own rivalry with the Islamic Republic, seeing it as their main regional threat.

Although Saudi Arabia and other Sunni kingdoms have buried the hatchet with Tehran, they remain wary and fear that any US strikes on Iran could prompt retaliation against them.

Where does Irans nuclear programme come in?

The revelation that Iran was secretly enriching uranium - a process to generate fuel for an atomic power plant but that can also make more concentrated material needed for a bomb - put its nuclear programme in the US crosshairs.

Western countries ramped up pressure on Iran with sanctions as negotiations over its nuclear programme meandered for years.

open image in gallery An empty road in front of one of the entrances of the US embassy building in Baghdad's Green Zone, after the US announced it was withdrawing some personnel, 12 June 2025 ( AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images )

Iran says its programme is entirely civilian and that it has the right to enrich uranium. Washington and its allies say Iran has consistently hidden important elements of its programme and believe it wants to build a nuclear bomb.

In 2015 Iran and six major powers including the United States agreed to curb Tehran's nuclear work in return for limited sanctions relief, but US President Donald Trump ripped up the deal in 2018.

The two sides are negotiating again but seem far apart and Trump has threatened to bomb if there is no new deal.

What is Israels relationship with Iran?

Israel has often described Iran as its most dangerous enemy and has indicated it may strike the country's nuclear sites.

Any such attack would likely need US acquiescence, potentially dragging Washington into a conflict with Tehran.

Israel is already widely seen as behind covert attacks on Iran's nuclear programme including the Stuxnet computer virus and assassinations of scientists. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied this.

Tensions have increased since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and as war raged in Gaza.

Last year Israel defeated Tehran's main regional ally Hezbollah and struck Iranian military targets in Syria and Iraq. Iran's Houthi allies in Yemen targeted Israel with strikes.

Iran and Israel twice exchanged direct fire with missiles and drones, underscoring the possibility of a full-blown war.
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Donald Trump has a problem  his affections appear to have been divided  because of Iran.

Vladimir Putin, who he sees as a model leader, and Benjamin Netanyahu, who has a tough-guy vibe the US President finds irresistible, are on opposite sides over Tehrans march towards nuclear weapons.

The UNs International Atomic Energy Authority has just announced that Iran is in breach of its non-proliferation obligations.

Iran says it has been warned by a friendly country that Israel may attack its nuclear facilities. Israel fears Tehran is building a bomb and its leaders have frequently pledged to wipe the Jewish state off the face of the earth.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has warned Iran it cannot have nuclear weapons ( AP )

The Trump administration has seen this coming. The defence department has rerouted 20,000 air defence missiles destined for Ukraine to US forces in the Middle East. The US is also drawing down on embassy staff, warning Americans to get out of Iraq, and generally bracing for what may be retaliation following a unilateral Israeli attack on Iran.

Such an attack would need to be supported by the US  not least in terms of air refuelling and logistical support. It would probably involve the use of US bombs and certainly US-manufactured aircraft.

Iran has mobilised its armed forces for drills focused on enemy movements. Gulf nations like Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates will be jittery  theyve signed the Abraham Accords normalising relations with Israel and, along with Qatar, they have large US naval or air force bases on their territory.

Trump has long derided the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreed with Iran which dialled back its nuclear ambitions, and has frequently warned Iran not to try to develop a nuclear weapon.

He would be happy to see Israel take the initiative  after all, he has defended Netanyahus actions in Gaza, even putting sanctions on the International Criminal Court because it abused its power by issuing baseless arrest warrants targeting Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of defence Yoav Gallant.

open image in gallery Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ( AP )

But Russia is deeply involved in Irans nuclear programme. Moscow has a longstanding programme to develop Iran's civilian nuclear power industry and has already built the Bushehr I plant, is building the Bushehr II reactor and is planning more at Sirik and Karun.

Iran also supplies drones, has built drone factories in Russia, helps with missile technology and is bound into Moscows military-industrial complex at deep levels that have grown deeper with the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Iran is a key ally in Russias war in Europe.

Trump has maintained staunchly pro-Russian positions on Ukraine in demanding that any future peace deal leaves Russia in control of about a fifth of Ukraine, and out of Nato. Trump has taken Russias side at the UN refusing to condemn Moscows invasion. He has stopped allocating military aid to Kyiv.

A large-scale Israeli attack on Iran aimed at its nuclear programme would also have to focus on its wider military capabilities. Those are capabilities that Russia draws on.

open image in gallery Israels leader Benjamin Netanyahu is said to be considering strikes against Iran ( AP )

Trump has little real influence over Netanyahu and will not try  publicly anyway  to hold him back for fear of rejection. The Israeli Prime Minister has repeatedly shown that hes largely immune to pressure from the White House.

But as Trumps agenda so far this year has been to undermine longstanding alliances and friendships with the US in favour of Israel and Russia, the threat of conflict between Israel and Iran doesnt tear at his loyalties.

Israel could remove a growing nuclear threat from Irans regime, which has threatened annihilation.

Russia is already benefiting from Ukraines loss of 20,000 missiles. And if Iran counterattacks with assaults on US targets in the Middle East, the US president is confident his forces could defend themselves. But pressure to further downgrade US involvement in the region will grow in Washington  and that suits Putin just fine.

None of this would be good for the United States. But at home and abroad, that doesnt look like a priority for Trump, who consistently favours men like Putin and Netanyahu and who both may gain from chaos in the Middle East.
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At least 60 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes and gunfire across Gaza on Wednesday, with several of the victims struck near aid distribution points run by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, according to local Palestinian health authorities.

Staff at Shifa and Al-Quds hospitals reported that 25 people were killed and dozens wounded by Israeli fire before dawn while approaching a food distribution centre near the former Israeli settlement of Netzarim in central Gaza.

The Israeli army claimed that its troops fired warning shots at people posing a threat in the area. This is despite warnings the area is an active combat zone, it said, adding that reports of injuries were under review.

Later in the day, medics at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said at least 14 more Palestinians had been killed heading towards another GHF site in Rafah.

The GHF, which began operating in May, said it distributed around 2.5 million meals on Wednesday alone, bringing the total to more than 16 million thus far. The group, backed by Israel and the US, emphasised the need for civilians to follow passage instructions coordinated with Israeli forces.

The GHF also said five of its Palestinian staff were killed in a separate incident which it attributed to an attack by Hamas on a bus west of Khan Younis. We will continue our mission to provide critical aid to the people of Gaza, it said, while expressing fear that some workers might have been taken hostage.

open image in gallery Smoke billows after an Israeli strike on Gaza on 11 June 2025 ( AFP via Getty )

According to the Palestinian health ministry in Gaza, Israels war on the besieged territory has so far killed more than 55,000 people, mostly women and children. That assault started after nearly 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage during a Hamas raid on southern Israel in October 2023.

The Israeli air and ground assault has also left over 127,000 Palestinians injured and likely trapped more under the rubble of destroyed buildings.

The UN has refused to coordinate aid through the GHF, criticising its use of private contractors and Israeli military escorts as incompatible with humanitarian principles.

It warned that mass displacement and hunger were worsening in Gaza, with the entire population of over two million people at risk of famine.

Israel claims that the new aid system prevents Hamas from diverting supplies, but leading aid groups reject that justification saying there is no evidence of large-scale diversion and that the arrangement breaches neutrality.

open image in gallery Palestinians carry bags containing food and humanitarian aid packages in Rafah ( AP )

Amid the escalating crisis, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the army and Shin Bet, the domestic intelligence agency, had retrieved the bodies of two more hostages from Khan Younis. One was identified as 59-year-old Yair Yaakov, who was killed during the October assault. His partner and two children were among the hostages later released under a temporary ceasefire.

Israel says 53 hostages remain in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to be alive. The latest recoveries bring the total number of hostage bodies retrieved this month to five. Defence minister Israel Katz described the retrieval as a complex operation without providing details.

Hamas is demanding full Israeli withdrawal and a lasting ceasefire in exchange for the remaining hostages. It has also offered to transfer power in Gaza to an independent Palestinian committee but has refused to disarm.

Mr Netanyahu, however, insists that Israel will pursue the war until Hamas is defeated or exiled. He demands any future ceasefire to be only temporary and facilitate the return of hostages.

He has also spoken of facilitating voluntary emigration of Gazas population, a plan condemned by Palestinians and the international community as ethnic cleansing.
 Close Mossad chief David Barnea thanked the CIA for helping 'reduce the threat' from Iran's nuclear project

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Israels military has struck at Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, days after a ceasefire deal with reached with Iran.

The Israeli air force said it was targeting the militant groups underground defence assets in an intense barrage of strikes on Friday morning.

Meanwhile experts are still assessing the damage done to Irans nuclear facilities after Donald Trump claimed they were obliterated and his defence secretary said they were destroyed in US attacks on the weekend.

It comes after Irans increasingly isolated supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned in his first televised appearance since the US bombed Tehrans nuclear facilities that Iran would not hesitate to bomb more US air bases in the Middle East if provoked.

Earlier, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said Irans nuclear facilities have been decimated in a complex operation, while railing against the media for reporting on a leaked Defence Intelligence Agency assessment that found that Donald Trump's airstrikes had only set back the country's nuclear program by a matter of a few months.
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Donald Trump said he was withdrawing some of the American personnel deployed in the Middle East because it could be a dangerous place amid rising tensions.

The State Department said it had ordered the departure of all non-essential personnel and their dependents from its embassy in Baghdad.

Simultaneously, a US official said, defence secretary Pete Hegseth had authorised the voluntary departure of military dependents from countries across the region, including Bahrain and Kuwait. American soldiers in the region were not affected by this order, however.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions as Mr Trumps push to reach a deal with Iran to halt its nuclear programme is deadlocked and intelligence suggests Israel is making preparations for a strike against Tehrans nuclear facilities.

They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and well see what happens, Mr Trump told reporters on Wednesday. Weve given notice to move out.

Asked if anything could be done to de-escalate tensions in the region, particularly with Iran, the president said: They cant have a nuclear weapon. Very simple  they cant have a nuclear weapon.

News of the Baghdad evacuation drove oil prices up by more than 4 per cent. Oil futures climbed $3, with Brent crude futures at $69.18 a barrel.

The US maintains a military presence across the oil-rich region, with bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE.

Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive for opening night of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday ( AP )

A US official told Reuters that the State Department was set to have an ordered departure for the embassy in Baghdad.

The intent is to do it through commercial means, but the US military is standing by if help is requested, the officials said.

Iraq's state news agency reported, citing a government official, that Baghdad hadnt recorded any security indication warranting an evacuation. Sources in Iraqi and US governments did not explain what security risks had prompted the decision, although heightened tensions with Iran were widely speculated to be a reason.

The sixth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US is scheduled to happen over the weekend in Oman, with Tehran expected to hand over a counterproposal after rejecting an offer by Washington.

Iran says it does not plan to build a nuclear weapon and is only interested in peaceful use of its nuclear programme. The US, though, wants Tehran to stop uranium enrichment entirely.

Speaking on the Pod Force One podcast on Monday, Mr Trump said he was growing less confident about getting a deal with Iran. It wasnt clear, he said, that Tehran would accept the key US demand to stop enriching uranium. I dont know. I did think so, and Im getting more and more  less confident about it, the president said.

Iranian defence minister Amir Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that the situation may escalate into conflict if negotiations with the US failed.

If a conflict is imposed on us, he warned on Wednesday, all US bases are within our reach, and we will boldly target them in host countries.

Tensions in the Middle East are also rising due to Israels war on Gaza. Israel and Iran exchanged fire twice last year  the first direct attacks between the region's most entrenched enemies  with missiles and war drones hurtling across Iraqi airspace.

Strategic experts and former officials said Israel could consider taking matters into its own hands if nuclear talks with the US didnt yield a favourable outcome.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that a flawed agreement would be more dangerous than no deal at all.

Mr Trump recently revealed he had cautioned Mr Netanyahu against taking unilateral action, such as a military strike, which could jeopardise the ongoing negotiations with Tehran.
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Donald Trumps Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman on Sunday as negotiations over a nuclear deal remain deadlocked.

Mr Witkoff is travelling to Muscat to discuss Tehrans response to Americas latest proposal for a nuclear agreement.

Iran said on Monday that it would hand over a counterproposal after deeming the US offer, which insisted on Tehran stopping uranium enrichment, unacceptable".

Speaking on a podcast on Monday, Mr Trump said he was becoming less confident that Tehran would agree to halt uranium enrichment as part of a deal with Washington.

The US president has been pushing for a new nuclear deal that would curb Irans nuclear programme, warning that military action remained on the table if an agreement could not be reached.

Iran and the US have held five rounds of negotiations since April, primarily mediated by Oman, to work out a new deal, with Washington focused on preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Iran has long maintained that it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons and that its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful use.

As Washington had pushed for a speedy agreement, Tehran has ruled out making a deal without clarity on sanctions relief.

In his first presidency, Mr Trump withdrew the US from a 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, which imposed strict limits on Tehrans uranium enrichment in exchange for relief from sanctions.

Relations between Tehran and Washington have been strained for decades. Iran accuses the US of interfering in its internal affairs, from orchestrating the 1953 coup against then prime minister Mohammad Mosaddegh to the 2020 assassination of top military commander Qassem Soleimani.

The US, in turn, cites Irans support for armed groups across the Middle East  Hamas in occupied Palestinian, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen  as evidence of its destabilising role and threat to Washingtons interests and its chief ally Israel.

The armed groups Iran is accused of backing describe themselves as part of the Axis of Resistance to Israeli and American influence in the region.

On Wednesday, Mr Trump said he was withdrawing some American personnel from the Middle East because it could be a dangerous place.

The evacuation decision comes at a volatile moment when Mr Trumps attempt to broker a nuclear deal with Iran seems to be at a standstill and US intelligence suggests that Israel is preparing for a possible strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
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Airlines are losing fewer bags thanks to technological innovations, a new report has revealed.

According to aviation technology company Sita, 33.4 million bags were mishandled in 2024, a drop from 33.8 million the previous year.

With passenger numbers up by 8.2 per cent, the rate of lost luggage fell to 6.3 per 1,000 passengers, down from 6.9 in 2023  a 67 per cent drop since 2007.

Sita said that airports and airlines are handling baggage with "more precision" via real-time tracking, AI-powered analytics, and self-service systems. The report stated that these advancements are "no longer experimental, they are becoming standard and they are clearly having an effect".

Sita chief executive David Lavorel said: Weve seen a radical shift with automation and the widespread use of real-time tracking.

open image in gallery The number of bags lost by airlines decreased last year as the aviation sector is utilising technological innovations, new figures show ( PA )

Passengers now expect their baggage experience to be as easy and transparent as using a rideshare or delivery app.

Its no longer just about moving bags, its about delivering a smooth, connected journey.

Airlines are ready to tap into technology that improves the passenger experience while keeping costs down and being simple to roll out.

Together with our partners, were reimagining baggage handling to give passengers full visibility and control from departure to arrival, giving them peace of mind and making travel simpler and better.

Despite the improvement, lost bags cost the aviation industry an estimated five billion US dollars (4.2 billion) last year from courier returns, customer service, claims handling and lost productivity.

Delays remained the most common baggage issue last year, accounting for 74 per cent of mishandling incidents.

Of the 33.4 million mishandled bags, some 66 per cent were resolved within 48 hours, the report added.

How to reduce the chance of losing luggage

While no one expects to see their bags go missing as they fly between terminals, figures show that it does happen quite often.

The Independents travel correspondent Simon Calder says if your bag hasnt turned up, the process to reclaim it is wearily familiar due to how common the issue is.

He says: Each airline has a representative in the baggage hall run by ground handlers. If your case doesnt appear, then you can talk to them and begin the official procedure: filling in a report that has all your personal details and a description of the lost case.

If theres no one there, the airline will have a lost-baggage portal online where you can fill out a report. You must do that as soon as possible  certainly within 24 hours.

The issue will usually be down the a mistake made by the airline, and as such is largely unavoidable. However, there are precautions that can be taken to ensure your chances of misfortune are lower.

Here are some top tips:
Donald Trump says he is unbothered by actors boycotting his attendance of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center Wednesday night (11 June).

Several Les Mis cast members are expected to sit out the performance fundraiser after news broke that the president would be in the audience.

As Trump walked the red carpet with Melania ahead of the show, a reporter asked him how he felt about the actors protest.

I couldnt care less, honestly, I couldnt, Trump said. All I do is run the country well.

The president proceeded to list off some of his perceived accomplishments from his second term.
The recent sale of a commercial building in Dublins Temple Bar looks set to see the realisation of a residential vision of Mick Wallace, the former member of the European Parliament and property developer.

Estate agent Colliers has completed the sale of the eight-storey mixed-use building, 48 Fleet Street, for a figure exceeding its 3.25m guide price. It is believed that the purchaser intends to apply for a change of use of its office floors to residential apartments as he has experience of similar conversions.
Lessor sued insurers after Russia seized jets following Ukraine invasion

AerCap had 116 jets and 23 engines seized in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine

Dublin-headquartered aircraft lessor AerCap has secured an award of more than $1bn (874m) in Londons High Court, after suing insurers when its jets were seized in Russia following the countrys invasion of Ukraine.
EUs tariff hitlist will hurt Ireland more than other member states, says lobby group Ibec

It says 11.4bn of Irish imports from US fall under the proposed tariff list

Ryanair's presence means Ireland is the largest purchaser of Boeing aircraft outside of America. Photo: AP

John Burns Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 03:30

The EUs planned countermeasures against Donald Trumps proposed tariffs would have a disproportionate impact on Ireland and Irish business, according to an analysis by Ibec.
'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?
Government fined 550,000 by privacy regulator and warned over facial scans for Public Services Card

Follows tension by civil liberties groups over compulsory but not mandatory card

Adrian Weckler Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 12:19

The Department of Social Protection has been fined 550,000 by the Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) for illegally requiring people to submit facial scans in order to get Public Services Cards and welfare payments.
Flight 149: Hostage of War: The staggering story of 400 people taken hostage by Saddam Husseins forces and the cover up that followed

UK and US governments let British Airways flight land in Kuwait despite knowing the country was about to become a warzone

The documentary Flight 149 about the 1990 Kuwait hostage crisis reveals the dismissive attitude of the UK and US governments to the victims. Photo: Sky

Pat Stacey Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 03:30

Governments lie all the time. At the centre of staggering documentary Flight 149: Hostage of War (Sky Documentaries, available on demand) is a massive lie compounded by a cover-up: that the 400 passengers and crew of British Airways Flight 149, who were taken hostage by Saddam Husseins Iraqi forces 35 years ago, just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
'Some of the six row varieties of winter barley crops were looking particularly promising from a yield perspective'. Photo: Roger Jones

Whilst visiting farms in Co Wexford and viewing some cereal grain crops in the company of visitors from Iowa, USA, I was certainly impressed by the quality of winter cereal crops.

Some of the six row varieties of winter barley crops were looking particularly promising from a yield perspective. The US guests were highly impressed with the crops quality, its yield potential and agronomy techniques.
LATEST | Ballymena riots: Family of alleged sex assault victim mortified by racist violence, PSNI chief says; protesters gather in east Belfast

Petrol bombs, a hatchet and masonry were among items thrown at police in third night of racist violence Call for DUP minister to resign over post about leisure centre that was later set on fireFollow the latest updates on our live blog below this article

Police deal with a third night of violence in Ballymena

Jonathan McCambridge and Cillian Sherlock Press Association Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 07:28

Northern Irelands police chief Jon Boutcher has warned bigots and racists behind three nights of disorder in the region that his officers will be coming after them.
Annie McCarrick: The investigation, the suspects and the theories so far

Arrest of a man known to student is first in 32-year investigation into her disappearance

Annie McCarrick was last seen on March 26, 1993, in Dublin 4. Photo: Doug Young

Robin Schiller Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 21:21

A long list of theories has been put forward over the past 32 years about what happened to American Annie McCarrick and who may have been responsible for the disappearance of Annie McCarrick.
Dublin Lotto players are being urged to check their old tickets with just two weeks left to claim a prize of 500,000.

The National Lottery has issued an appeal for Daily Million Plus players in the Stillorgan area in south Dublin to urgently check their tickets from the draw held at 2pm on Friday, March 28.
Beaumont Hospital investigated for alleged financial irregularities related to single publicly funded clinic

Funds used to help reduce waiting lists are now suspended

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. Photo: PA

Eilish O'Regan Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 03:30

Beaumont Hospital in Dublin is being investigated for alleged financial irregularities relating to a special clinic to reduce waiting lists and as a result has had top-up public funding suspended since April, it emerged yesterday.
Jill Vickers-Kealy had to seek shelter as clashes took place between protesters and police on the Los Angeles streets

An Irish woman who was visiting Los Angeles said she had to take refuge in a bar as police and protesters clashed on the streets.

As the Trump administration cracks down on immigrants, protests against raids by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spilled out into the wider downtown area of LA, with many shops looted and damaged.
Jenny Maguire: For so many students, our options are: live with mammy or head to Australia  and government policy is to blame
The property expert and TV presenter likes to chill out in more ways than one

In spite of its harsh climate, Iceland has been ranked as the worlds third-happiest nation .

Kevin McCloud tells how he discovered endless joy in the countrys extreme north  off the beaten track, where dining out is an expedition in itself.

Whats your favourite destination and why?

Akureyri. Its Icelands second city, which means its the size of a small town in England, and its in the extreme north.

It sits at the end of a fjord and its a long way from anywhere. As a result, it feels like youre entering the 1940s. Its a sort of time warp as well as a place warp.

You can drive there, or you can get a flight, though in winter youd be lucky to get there in a car because the roads are often shut or theyre ice. You need a 4x4.

'Grand Designs' presenter Kevin McCloud. Photo: Getty

When was the last time you were there, and who were you with?

It must have been five years ago now with my wife and a great friend, Ned, who speaks Icelandic (everybody speaks English).

It was winter, when you need to be with people in search of a particular kind of atmosphere or calm.

They need to accept that driving for three hours to go to lunch might mean the restaurant is shut, and then driving home in the dark at three oclock in the afternoon can constitute a really satisfying day.

Theres so much to see on the journeys  theyre an adventure, which is very special.

Covid put paid to a lot of travel plans, but I still remember it so fondly and I know it wont be long before we go back.

Where do you like to stay?

Some little modern plywood cabins, named Sunnuhlid. Theyre super contemporary cubes sitting in the snow and they rock slightly in the wind.

Theyre just big enough for a weeks stay. I found them on booking.com and I was struck by the fact its not the usual offering.

If you go along the south of Iceland, theres all these expensive hotels with thermal spas where you can just hang out in a white dressing gown with people whove got more money than you. But these three little wooden huts are the closest thing to camping you can do in Iceland without freezing to death.

Turf-roofed houses near Akureyri. Photo: Getty

What were your favourite meals?

On a drive to Husavik, which is about two-and-a-half hours from Akureyri (which was probably the shortest journey we did between where we were staying and going to a restaurant), we sat at the harbour and had fresh seafood. It was magnificent.

On a trip to Stykkisholmur, we went into this little guesthouse and were offered lunch after a coffee. We sat down with six other people. We had lamb that was reared on their grass; we ate bread baked by them, made from flour grown by their friends; and geothermally grown vegetables.

Everything in Iceland is so sustainably grown and makes for amazing quality food.

I cant find it on Google Earth, but ChatGPT tells me its called Narfeyrarstofa and says Ive got great taste!

What would you do if you had only 24 hours there?

I would make an adventure out of a six-hour car journey, just to go back and find the restaurant in Stykkisholmur.

And also because its got the most amazing church, which is beautiful. It was designed by a man named Jon Haraldsson and it looks like its from the 1960s  its a sort of futurist shape. But it was only consecrated in the 1990s and its got this great big sweeping bell tower thats shaped like a whales vertebra, and inside its a beautiful space.

It just proves you can go to the most outlying place, and it happens to have a near-Michelin star restaurant thats open in the middle of winter.

Eye-catching church in Stykkisholmur. Photo: Getty

Whats the one unmissable thing you recommend doing?

Seeing the waterfalls. I dont think youd ever see anything like it again, particularly when theyre in full speed in late winter.

The one called Godafoss is an entire ring of waterfalls flowing into a huge circular pool, and then you realise its not a pool, its a lake, and the falls are 90 metres high and the whole thing is beyond your comprehension  and so is the noise.

Where do you like to chill out?

It gets dark very early, so we stayed in looking out the window, discussing what went on in the day, maybe watching a movie, but usually I would sit there and edit my shots of the waterfalls, which were wobbly because the wind was so strong. You pass the time.

The one thing you would bring home as a souvenir?

One day we got excited and went down to the harbour and booked three places on the whale-watching in the morning and saw a whale, which was very exciting.

As a result, in the shop we bought pairs of Icelandic hand-knitted mittens. Since then, Ned has given me a hand-knitted pullover he ordered directly from the knitting ladies of Iceland.

Whale-spotting is a popular seagoing excursion. Photo: Getty

Your favourite beauty spot?

Wherever you look, theres some extraordinary thing happening in the sky.

Its not anything to do with the static stuff on the ground, but everything to do with atmospherics. Of course there are the northern lights, but in winter the sky moves with such ferocity and the clouds so dynamically that it looks as though its a dragon.

Any building you would like to live in?

I have no desire to own any more buildings, thanks.

The funny thing about Iceland is its remote location and the fact that it remains this kind of world in which the last thing youd think on holiday is: Id love to live here.

Grand Designs is sort of partly predicated on that romantic notion of wanting what we havent got and to express ourselves in places.

But the thing about Iceland is the welcome is so great, but its also so different in character to any of the usual points of reference that I dont have any ambition to live there.

Friends enjoy a dip in a natural thermal spa. Photo: Getty

Do you have a top wellness tip for the area?

There are thermal springs everywhere in the whole country, so take your pick.

Get out of town, head for the mountains. In the wildernesses of Iceland, you dont need a spa. What you need when youve been traipsing through metre-deep snow is a hot shower.

If you want to, in Akureyri theres a tunnel through the mountain  its a major fishing port two hours along the coast, and this tunnel is around 5km.

In the middle its boiling hot because of the geothermal capacity of the island.

People do yoga in the lay-bys, and then go to the edge of the tunnel and throw themselves in the snow. Then they stand underneath the hot shower, which is sourced from a hot spring that runs out and pours into the fjord.

Plan your trip

Icelandair flies from Dublin to Reykjavik. See icelandair.com. Wallace Travel Group are the Iceland experts in Ireland. See wallacetravelgroup.ie. For more information, see visiticeland.com
Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr stared hatred and bigotry in the face, often being batoned and tear-gassed off the streets for his troubles. No matter what the provocation or injustice, King espoused peaceful protest.

He passionately believed change must be pursued without recourse to mob rule, even though he was often a victim of it.

The limitation of riots, moral questions aside, is that they cannot win and their participants know it, he said. Hence, rioting is not revolutionary but reactionary, because it invites defeat. It involves an emotional catharsis, but it must be followed by a sense of futility.

As protests over immigration raids spread to cities across the US, including Los Angeles, Chicago and Milwaukee, the danger of explosive clashes intensifies.

Immigration Control and Enforcement (Ice) officers are said to have been given a quota of 3,000 arrests a day. Having National Guard troops and Marines deployed on city streets seems peculiarly un-American. And after five nights of demonstrations, Californias Democratic governor Gavin Newsom has accused US president Donald Trump of misusing his power by mobilising troops. He has warned other states to prepare for similar unrest.

Members of law enforcement stand guard during a protest against federal immigration sweeps in downtown Los Angeles. Photo: Reuters

US marines deployed to Los Angeles yet to respond to immigration protests

Rioting has to be condemned, but many Americans believe the deployment was unnecessary, and calling in a Marine battalion as back-up could be inflammatory and provocative. Instead of de-escalating tensions, Mr Trump seems intent on confrontation. The president has vowed to liberate Los Angeles, but has been accused by Mr Newsom of an attack on democracy.

Democracy is under assault right before our eyes. This moment we have feared has arrived, he said.

We may have all come on different ships, but were in the same boat now

This Saturday, Washington will stage a military parade to coincide with the US armys 250th anniversary. It also happens to be Mr Trumps 79th birthday.

Coming as it does a week after Mr Trump put the National Guard on the streets of LA  the first time in six decades a president has done so  in defiance of the state governor makes the situation extremely fraught.

Mr Trump has exulted in his role as enforcer-in-chief in his less than 200 days in the White House.

Steamrolling over institutions and legal norms, he has obliterated opponents. Many would prefer to see a less aggressive response to protests.

Mr Newsom has appealed to the courts to become more involved. The fear is that the sovereignty of citizens is being undermined. There is also a worry Mr Trump could invoke the Insurrection Act, which would free National Guard units to suppress civil disorder.

Using troops against US citizens could provoke a backlash. Deportations should follow due process and the rule of law, but putting soldiers on the streets to confront civilians is not something we are accustomed to seeing in the worlds showcase for democracy.

Dr King believed a riot was the language of the unheard, but his faith lay in unity. As he said: We may have all come on different ships, but were in the same boat now.

It falls to Mr Trump to take care it does not capsize.
Calls have been made for a badly defaced sculpture located in a Cork city suburb to be refurbished and enhanced.

At a recent meeting of Cork City Council, Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Honore Kamegni tabled a motion calling for the refurbishment and enhancement of the John Burke sculpture which is located behind the grotto in Blackrock village.

The motion requests Cork City Council to support the cleaning, repainting, and physical restoration of the sculpture, alongside the installation of a plaque bearing the artists name and biographical information to honour his legacy.

Speaking on the motion, Cllr Kamegni who is a member of the Green Party said: It is badly defaced and needs to be cleaned up and repainted and information provided as to its artistic provenance. Our public spaces should be better than this. Instead of art, we have graffiti and vandalism. We can do better and I hope the council will remedy the situation as soon as possible."

John Burke who was born in Clonmel in 1946, was a pioneering sculptor and a founding member of Aosdana.

Overcoming early challenges including dyslexia, Burke found his voice at the Crawford Municipal School of Art before advancing to the Royal College of Art in London, where he studied under influential British sculptors Anthony Caro and Bryan Kneale.

His bold welded steel works were exhibited in major cities including Munich, Brussels, London, and New York.

Cllr Kamegni stressed that recognition and preservation of public artworks like Burkes are vital to building cultural awareness and pride across Cork. Its about showing that we value artists, that we value our public spaces, and that we value Blackrock as a place where culture and community meet."
TFI and Bus Eireann to be invited to meeting with local representatives to co-ordinate public network better

The frustration in rural Cork over bus routes that never meet up or that miss connecting with each other by minutes was discussed at a recent meeting of the West Cork Municipal District.

There, Councillor Finbarr Harrington (Independent) put forward a motion calling for TFI (Transport for Ireland) and Bus Eireann to be invited to a meeting to better co-ordinate their rural services in county Cork; amid general acknowledgement that public transport in rural Ireland has improved significantly in recent years.

"Some timetables changed recently, so for example the 7.20am run from Allihies to Castletownbere stopped, which meant anyone getting the 8am bus from Castletownbere to Cork needed to resort to taxi or family again. Also a big issue with many routes is that they never meet, for example the Kilcrohane to Dursey route never meets the Mizen route to Skibbereen. So if we could bring about better co-ordination between all the routes, people could travel throughout Cork County," Cllr Harrington said.

"Many of the TFI routes miss the Bus Eireann routes sometimes only by minutes so if we could delay one to meet the other, people could get off one and onto the other. Many parts of West Cork dont have any bus routes, like Coppeen. It can be improved easily and with no extra cost if, for example, one or two days a week the Mizen run could travel through Durrus or the Kilcrohane bus go through Ballydehob one or two days a week. Then anyone on the Mizen [bus] could travel to Bantry, Glengarriff or Beara and vice versa, people on the Beara or Sheeps Head peninsula could travel to Schull, Goleen or Skibbereen and then further on to Clonakilty."

The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan has improved rural public transport with over 150 new and improved bus services launched in towns and villages over the past three years, according to TFI.

Cllr Harrington praised the plan, saying it has "changed the lives of many people for the better, especially those living in rural areas. It gives many people, especially elderly who dont have their own transport, an independence and an opportunity to attend appointments without relying on private transport, friends or family, which would have been the norm prior to the service. This transport is greatly appreciated and is great value for money. I think if this service is better coordinated, it has the potential to improve the lives of many people and better promote Cork as the great place it is."

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Daniel Sexton (Independent Ireland) agreed with the motion and said "more joined-up thinking" is needed. He pointed out there are currently no direct routes from Dunmanway to Clonakilty or from Skibbereen to Drimoleague.

Cllr Danny Collins (Independent Ireland) also spoke in support of the motion. He said the buses "finish up a little bit early. Nine or 10 pm would be better," which, he said, would also provide a boost for the hospitality sector. He added that "there are big problems with transport in Ballydehob."

After the discussion of Cllr Harrington's motion, the West Cork Municipal District agreed to send it forward to Cork County Council's Corporate Policy Group, which will then invite TFI and Bus Eireann to a meeting.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Barbara Weschenfelder, Gracie O'Mahony and Eileen Cardona were at the launch of Style in the City on Dublins Millennium Bridge. Pic: Andres Poveda.

Barbara Weschenfelder, Eileen Cardona and Gracie O'Mahony were at the launch of Style in the City on Dublins Millennium Bridge. Pic: Andres Poveda.

Eileen Cardona, Gracie O'Mahony and Barbara Weschenfelder were at the launch of Style in the City on Dublins Millennium Bridge. Pic: Andres Poveda.

Live fashion shows, free makeovers and DJ sets are all coming to Dublin city streets this summer.

Dublin City Council (DCC) has teamed up with business group Dublin Town to bring what they call a runway-inspired experience to the city.

The event, called Style in the City, is to take place over eight consecutive Saturdays in July and August from 1pm to 5pm, starting on July 5 on Henry Street.

Events will alternate between Henry Street and Grafton Street each week, promising to provide free, family-friendly and fun activities to all.

Visitors can expect to see live fashion shows that showcase collections and trends from Dublin city retailers, makeovers, pop-up shops, interactive hair and beauty demos and product displays, all to the soundtrack of a live DJ set.

Dublin city centre is this summers ultimate destination for culture, food and fashion, said Dublins Lord Mayor, Emma Blain.

I am delighted to see Dublin City Council partner with Dublin Town and city businesses to give Dubliners the perfect excuse to shop and socialise in the city centre each weekend.

This activation will create a wonderful vibe in the city, and I encourage everyone to come in and engage with Dublin city centre in style.

Barbara Weschenfelder, Gracie O'Mahony and Eileen Cardona were at the launch of Style in the City on Dublins Millennium Bridge. Pic: Andres Poveda.

Richard Guiney, Dublin Town CEO, added: It is hard to beat the shopping and beauty offering of Henry Street, Grafton Street, and surrounding districts.

The city truly has something for all budgets and all tastes, so we cannot wait to see Dubliners coming in to make the city their own.

Catherine Brophy Walsh, of DCCs City Coordination Office, said the local authority was proud to support city centre businesses by contributing to events.

Style in the City is one of many summer in Dublin activities organised or supported by Dublin City Council this year. There is something for everyone, she said.

Dublin Town is a business group that counts councillors and business leaders among its board members, and represents more than 2,500 businesses across the core city area.

Every rate-paying business in the business improvement district (BID) area of Dublin city centre is automatically a member of the group.

The Dublin BID is a zone devoted to improving footfall and enhancing the city experience for visitors, residents and city workers.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
An initial proposal for the development was rejected by county planners

Planning permission has been approved for the erection of a telecommunications structure on Inis Oirr in Galway, despite it being branded a permanent eye-sore for local residents.

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) initially applied to Galway County Council to receive approval for the development on February 21, but saw their proposal rejected with a request for further information on April 15.

While the rejected initial proposal for the structure would have seen it located on elevated land at the Aras Eanna Arts Centre building, the accepted submission will be constructed on the lands to the south of Inis Oirr Airport.

The plans consist of the construction of a 12m high telecommunication structure with two receiving dishes, concrete post, chain-link fence and access gate, as well as a fibre room, concrete plinth and trunking cover.

The developers say that the new infrastructure is required to carry broadband data from the new fibre broadband network on the island to the mainland by radio link and connect the island to the NBI national fibre network.

Nearby residents previously lodged submissions regarding the development and expressed concerns over its proximity to local dwellings and the potential impact on the landscape, which was described as a very prominent tourist route by one local.

Similar submissions were made in relation to the new location, including safety concerns in relation to aircraft operations and its proximity to the airstrip, a potential devaluation of local property and negative impacts on the aesthetic of the area.

One submission stated that the development would be a permanent eye-sore for residents and said it does not blend in with the natural environment and its characteristics.

However, the plans have now been approved subject to several conditions that have been applied by Galway County Council, including provision for other operators to co-locate their antennae onto the existing structure, adherence to a set colour scheme and the fitting of a red light to the top of the structure in the interest of public safety.

Permission was granted for the project by county planners on Wednesday, June 4.
John Mackey suffered fatal head injuries and died two days later in hospital after he was allegedly attacked in London

Goodchild Road in the Manor House area of north London where emergency services were called (James Manning/PA)

John Mackey, 87, who died after he was allegedly attacked while out running errands (Metropolitan Police/PA)

An elderly Irishman who was fatally injured while out running errands in north London will be laid to rest in his home town of Callan in Co Kilkenny later this month.

John Mackey, 87, had been to the supermarket and a kebab shop in Manor House, north London, on the afternoon of May 6 before he was allegedly set upon near Goodchild Road.

The pensioner suffered head injuries and died in hospital two days later.

Mr Mackey, who lived in Finsbury Park in London, but was originally from Mellows Park in Callan, Co Kilkenny, wished to be returned to his home town of Callan to be buried.

His final wish will be fulfilled by his family as he will be laid to rest on June 26 in Kilbride Cemetery in Callan.

Mr Mackey, who moved to London in the 1950s, has been remembered as a wonderful ambassador for the town of Callan.

"Condolences to the Mackey family on the passing of John, wrote a mourner on RIP.ie. To all relations and friends, John was one of lifes top individuals.

"When he would come home on holidays to Mill Street he would always be a joy to meet. Always looked so well and loved chatting about Callan and Arsenal. You were a wonderful ambassador for the town of Callan.

It was with great sorrow that we heard of John's tragic passing, added another mourner. Such a good loving and kind gentleman. We missed you and will miss you.

Rest in peace dear friend.

Goodchild Road in the Manor House area of north London where emergency services were called (James Manning/PA)

Mr Mackeys remains will repose at Molloys Funeral Home in Callan on Wednesday, June 25 from 5pm,concluding with rosary and vigil prayers at 7pm.

Funeral prayers will take place on Thursday, June 26 at 10.15am, followed by removal to The Church of the Assumption, Callan, arriving for requiem mass at 11am.

Burial will follow afterwards in Kilbride Cemetery in Callan.

John Mackey, Finsbury Park, London and formerly of Mellows Park, Callan, Co Kilkenny, read his death notice on RIP.ie.

In his 88th year, taken from his family in tragic circumstances, in London on Thursday, May 8 2025.

Pre-deceased by his brothers Paddy, Christy and Milo, his sisters Kitty, Mary and Ann and his nephews Tony and Brian.

Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving family, his brothers Tommy and Liam, his sisters Betty and Ellen. Much loved uncle of Steven, Pat, Mags, Adrian, Majella, Gareth, Michelle, Lisa, Katy, Gary, Noel, Trudy, Sheila, Dorothy, David, Alan, Lorraine, Breda, Kim, Sharon and their families, his friend and brother-in-law Bill Noone.

Remembered with love by his friends and neighbours in London. A kind, gentle and charming man.

Following Mr Mackeys sudden and tragic death, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the investigation, gave details of the adored uncles life.

He said: John was a proud Irishman and an innocent member of the public, and was walking back home after running errands when he was the victim of this tragic incident.

His family tell us he was one of 11 children. He was born in Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland, and moved to London in the 1950s.

He was uncle to a remarkable 22 nieces and nephews and a brother to his remaining four siblings, they will all miss him.

Johns family describe him as funny and charming. He was a life-long Arsenal fan, who was adored by his family and was loved by his local community.

His family will join John on one final trip back to Ireland where hell be laid to rest.

I would like to reassure the local community that a man has been charged and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with Johns death.

Peter Augustine, 58, of Green Lanes, Hornsey, north London, was arrested on May 8 and charged with Mr Mackeys murder and robbery.
Opinion

Justine OMahony: I just cant carry on life as normal during a heatwave

I dont think I have had one conversation outside my immediate family that did not involve the weather this week. What in the name of God and all thats holy, would we talk about if we didnt have the weather to discuss? Politics? World news? 
Mayo man living in LA says Dublin riots were much bigger than California protests

Moygownagh native and former Fair City actor Liam Heffron says unrest in Los Angeles has been blown out of proportion but could become much bigger as President Donald Trump sends in National Guard to crack down on demonstrations

A demonstrator waves a Mexican flag in front of burning skips during a protest against federal immigration sweeps in Los Angeles. Photo: Reuters

Oisin McGovern Wed 11 Jun 2025 at 18:33

A Mayo man living in Los Angeles has said the Dublin riots were much bigger than the recent demonstrations against the Trump administrations crackdown on illegal immigration.
Doctors in Letterkenny University Hospital have written to Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill about the proposed location of the surgical hub

Local politicians are hoping the decision to locate the new North West Surgical Hub in Sligo and overlook Letterkenny will be overruled after a meeting between a delegation of Donegal doctors and the Health Minister.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeil will meet with a number of doctors from Donegal next week to discuss the location of a new surgical hub in the Northwest.

It comes as the decision was made to present Sligo University Hospital (SUH) as the preferred option for the hub, with no consideration being given to Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH).

Earlier this month, more than 170 doctors based in Donegal sent a joint letter to the Minister demanding a meeting to discuss the location of the surgical hub and their concerns for future services at LUH.

On Wednesday, Donegal TDs and Senators met with the Health Minister to echo these concerns and ask her to meet with the doctors.

During the meeting with Donegal politicians, the Minister confirmed she makes the final decision on the Surgical Hubs location and the HSE has signed off on Sligo being the preferred location.

However, the Minister has not received the business case in relation to a North West Hub yet from the HSE.

Donegal Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn said during the meeting, the politicians highlighted Donegals unique geographical challenges, the large population the hospital caters for and the outrageous neglect of the county for many years.

Deputy MacLochlainn said the Minister listened to their concerns and did not dispute their points.

However, he said there has been a pattern of neglect in Donegal and the overlooking of the county for the Surgical Hub was the straw that broke the camels back.

This is about ensuring no matter where you live in Ireland, you have the same access to healthcare as anyone else and patients are not expected to travel five hours to Galway, stay overnight with all the cost to your family.

The Surgical Hub has been the straw that broke the camels back.

"It was such a blatant discrimination and neglect.

We just could not ignore it.

The government representatives have joined us in this battle because they see this as being indefensible and just wrong, said Deputy MacLochlainn.

Letterkenny is the sixth largest hospital in the country dealing with up to 25,000 patients per year and it is a model three hospital.

Deputy MacLochlainn said when compared to Sligo, where there is 15,000 patients per year, there is a massive difference.

Population wise, Letterkenny serves around 160,000 people while Sligo serves considerably less at around 115,000, which also includes parts of Leitrim, South Donegal and Cavan.

There is a general hospital in Cavan, Roscommon and Mayo so there is a range of hospitals that are within an hour and a half from Sligo.

There is a network of hospitals but we are two hours away, maybe two and a half hours, from Sligo.

Sligo is not some central location, said Deputy MacLochlainn.

Deputy MacLochlainn said the aim of the campaign is not to put one county against the other as he believes there is room for two surgical hubs in the Northwest.

If it is decided there is only one surgical hub for the entire region, we are very clear, it has to be in Letterkenny.

We are not arguing for a fight of Sligo versus Letterkenny, we are saying, why not have two?

We are saying we would accept both locations but they would have to be delivered at the exact same time, said Deputy MacLochlainn

Politicians are now hoping the meeting between the Health Minister and the Donegal doctors will lead to officials over-ruling the HSEs proposal leading to the hub being placed in Letterkenny or two hubs being located in the Northwest.

"I am hoping the Minister and her senior department officials in the Department of Health will over rule the HSE whether she goes for one hub in Letterkenny or two with another in Sligo.

"We are very happy with two but we cannot accept a situation where the only hub for the entire region is in Sligo.

This will not be accepted.

"There will be thousands of people out on the streets.

We have had enough.

"We were on the streets for cancer services many years ago and we will do it again if we have too.

"Our people should not have to come out and protest for services that everyone else gets.

"It should not have to be that way but we will do it.

"I am hoping the Minister now will look at the facts, the evidence and do what is right, said Deputy MacLochlainn.

Senator Manus Boyle said the TDs and Senators had a good meeting with Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and he hopes the meeting between the doctors and the Minister will be a game changer.

I think all the public representatives would have to say we got a fair hearing.

"She listened intensely.

"She knows the problems in Donegal, and she knows geographically the problems.

She has also agreed to meet the doctors next week, which I asked her to do earlier in the week, so I would like to thank her for that.

I think when she meets the doctors and hears from them first hand what we need in Donegal, that is going to be a gamechanger.

"That meeting is going to happen next week, said Senator Boyle.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said, The Minister for Health had a useful meeting with Oireachtas members from Donegal last night about the capital and infrastructure requirements for Donegal and looks forward to continued engagement with them on these issues.

The Minister will also be meeting with a delegation of the 171 doctors and consultants next week.

The Government and the Minister are committed to the ongoing development of regional hospitals, including Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH).

The Government has allocated significant resources in order to meet the needs of patients attending LUH.

"In the past five years, the hospitals budget has increased by 57%, from 157 million in 2020 to 247 million this year.

"In this time, staffing at the hospital has increased by 25%, an increase of 437 staff.

The Minister has not received the business case in relation to a North West Hub yet from the HSE.
Therell be no cover for a consultant dermatologist at Sligo University Hospital when goes on leave for the next month and there are fears for the future of the dermatology service when he retires in the near future.

Dr. Dermot McKenna, Consultant Dermatologist will be on extended leave until Monday July 14th 2025 but management at the hospital have failed to appoint a locum in his absence.

"Therefore, as there is no consultant supervision over this time there will no dermatology service. There will be no-one triaging GP dermatology referrals or taking phone calls. There has been no engagement from hospital management on how to manage this situation, Mr McKenna wrote in a letter to local GPs who have forwarded his concerns to the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll- MacNeill.

The number of new patients awaiting a dermatology appointment in Sligo stands at 3,000 with over 1,100 in Letterkenny. The Sligo number has exponentially increased since Donegal GPs were instructed to refer directly to Sligo.

"This was not discussed with me nor was there any discussion between the managers of both hospitals regarding the impact this would have. There is no input from Galway University Hospital despite the large increase in dermatology consultant numbers there.

"I honestly dont see any point in referring more dermatology patients to Sligo. The situation is unworkable and untenable especially when there is no engagement from management locally or centrally in Galway. In any case, it is my intention to retire soon so the day when there is no dermatology service, not just for a month, but for good is fast approaching, said Mr McKenna.

In its letter to the minister the County Sligo GP Socierty states: Dr McKenna has been left in a wholly untenable position where in the short term urgent dermatology patients will not receive the treatment they require.

As you can conclude from this letter this is just the tip of the iceberg.

We as GP's will have no dermatology service to refer to in the future.
Clonmel based Unitec announced 30 new jobs with the opening of their headquarters in Powerstown House, Gurtnafleur, Clonmel, marking a significant milestone in the companys expansion and long-term commitment to regional development."

Thirty high quality jobs have been created in Tipperary with the launch of a new state-of-the-art facility by Clonmel based technology company Unitec at their headquarters on Thursday morning.

Unitec is a leading provider of IT support services in Ireland. The company officially opened its new headquarters in Clonmel on Thursday with a grand opening ceremony attended by local dignitaries, business leaders, and invited guests.

The event marked a significant milestone in Unitecs journey as the company continues to expand its footprint and invest in the future of digital infrastructure and customer support solutions.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Ian Power, managing director, and Aiden Ryan, technical director, with special guests in attendance including Cathaoirleach Declan Burgess, Christine Clancy of Enterprise Ireland, and Michelle Aylward, CEO of the County Tipperary Chamber of Commerce.

Unitec director Miguel Marques, who played a pivotal role in the companys growth strategy, was unable to attend but was warmly acknowledged during the event.

Unitecs new facility, located in the Clonmel Business and Technology Park, will serve as the companys central hub for service delivery, technical support, systems management, and client operations.

Unitec is celebrating its 16th anniversary of successful business

The expansion comes with the announcement of 30 new jobs to be created over the next three years, highlighting the companys commitment to local job creation and long-term investment in the region.

Speaking at the event, Unitec managing director Ian Power said, This is a proud day for Unitec and a major milestone for our team. Our new Clonmel headquarters represents more than just bricks and mortar  its a base for innovation, growth, and delivering world-class IT support services to our expanding client base.

We are grateful for the continued support from Enterprise Ireland, Tipperary County Council, and our valued clients and partners.

Unitecs services include managed IT support, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and helpdesk services for small to medium-sized businesses across Ireland and South Africa.

The new facility will enable the company to scale its operations, enhance customer service, and introduce new service offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Cathaoirleach Declan Burgess welcomed the investment. Unitecs expansion is a clear signal that Clonmel is a great place to do business. The creation of 30 new high-quality jobs in the IT sector is hugely positive for our community, and it reflects the confidence forward-looking companies have in County Tipperary.

Christine Clancy of Enterprise Ireland commended Unitecs growth. Were proud to support Unitec as it continues to scale and build a strong base in Clonmel. The IT services sector is rapidly evolving, and Unitec is well-positioned to lead the way in delivering secure, reliable, and innovative solutions to its clients both at home and abroad.

Michelle Aylward, CEO of the County Tipperary Chamber of Commerce, added, This is a fantastic day for Clonmel and a real success story for local enterprise. Unitecs investment is not only creating jobs but also enhancing the regions reputation as a centre for professional and technical services.

The newly announced positions will include roles in IT support, systems administration, client services, cybersecurity, and administrative support.

Recruitment for IT service engineers will begin immediately, with Unitec placing a strong emphasis on sourcing local talent and working closely with education and training providers to develop a skilled workforce.

The event concluded with a tour of the new facility, showcasing the companys open-plan offices, modern infrastructure, and collaborative working environment, followed by a reception for guests and staff.

The grand opening event brought together public representatives, business leaders, and industry stakeholders to celebrate Unitecs continued growth

Unitec is an Irish-owned IT support and managed services provider, delivering secure, scalable, and customer-focused solutions to clients across multiple sectors.

With a commitment to technical excellence, responsive support, and long-term partnerships, Unitec helps businesses navigate todays digital landscape with confidence, said a spokesperson.
Paulina Banus and Stef Smith with Gandhi from New Ross at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Charlotte Redmond from Enniscorthy and Marie Roberts from Cushinstown with Buttons at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Michael O'Gorman from Carroreigh and Tommy Elms from Newbawn at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Stephen and Joe Hunt from Cork at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Corina Ryan from St Mullins and Ciaran Whitty from Ballinaboola at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Ber Cashin from Newbawn and Dale Kirwan from Adamstown at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Fionn Furness and Daryl Thomas from New Ross at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Anthony Sinnott from Rosbercon, Martin and Mark Finn from Cushinstown at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Michael Halpin, Marianne Beck and Loughlin Halpin from The Rower at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Aidan Blyth from Ballylane and Sean Ronan from New Ross at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Roisin Sutton from Fethard, Ciaran Cadogan from Duncannon and Dan Maloney from Edenderry at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Mary, Beth and Colin Carney from Newtowncommons at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

John McGrath from Campile fastest man, Garett Kent from Dunmain and Emma Hannon from Oaklands fastest lady at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Sinead Ryan from Wexford receives her 100th parkrun trophy from Dale Kirwan at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Michael Quigley from Slaney Olympic, Darragh Hassen from Antrim, John McGrath from Campile, Garett Kent from Dunmain and Calvin Bulmer from Gorey at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Donal Murphy from New Ross, Charlie Kent from Ballylane and Anto Murphy from New Ross at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

New Ross Parkrun members celebrated a decade of its success recently, with some taking part on the day fondly remembering the first event back in 2015.

The popular running and walking event that takes place in JFK Park and Arboretum every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. continues to increase in members, welcoming people of all ages and fitness levels, and some furry friends too.

Kicking off the birthday celebrations, Run Director, Catherine Ronan opened the event, just as she has continued to do since the inaugural event ten years ago.

Michael Quigley from Slaney Olympic, Darragh Hassen from Antrim, John McGrath from Campile, Garett Kent from Dunmain and Calvin Bulmer from Gorey at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

The volunteer-led organisation not only welcomes locals, but also has an open-door policy for anyone wishing to take part who may be involved with other Parkrun groups, in both Ireland and the UK. The participants were treated to cake and refreshments which awaited them at the finish line on this occasion, with credit due to all volunteers who were busy on Friday night preparing for the birthday.

Under the guidelines of Parkrun Ireland, the fantastic core group of volunteers hosted the 428th Parkrun in New Ross, which attracted 20 first timers on the day.

Mary, Beth and Colin Carney from Newtowncommons at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

John McGrath was successful in keeping up appearances as he crossed the finish line as the First Male, which he also pioneered in the first event ten years ago. Meanwhile, Emma Hannon crossed the line last Saturday as First Female.

The core group is the heart of the event, said Dale Kirwan, Parkrun ambassador, who marked his 200th Parkrun in recent weeks.

Families have so much going on during the week, yet they continue to deliver and commit to hosting the event each Saturday, he said.

We welcome everyone to volunteer and participate in some way, it doesnt have to be running. We would like to thank everyone for the last 10 years and for helping to make the event the success that it is. We are looking forward to the next 10, he concluded.

New Ross Parkrun celebrated it's 10th birthday in JFK Park & Arboretum. Photo: Mary Browne

Sinead Ryan from Wexford receives her 100th parkrun trophy from Dale Kirwan at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

John McGrath from Campile fastest man, Garett Kent from Dunmain and Emma Hannon from Oaklands fastest lady at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Roisin Sutton from Fethard, Ciaran Cadogan from Duncannon and Dan Maloney from Edenderry at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Aidan Blyth from Ballylane and Sean Ronan from New Ross at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Michael Halpin, Marianne Beck and Loughlin Halpin from The Rower at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Anthony Sinnott from Rosbercon, Martin and Mark Finn from Cushinstown at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Fionn Furness and Daryl Thomas from New Ross at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Ber Cashin from Newbawn and Dale Kirwan from Adamstown at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Corina Ryan from St Mullins and Ciaran Whitty from Ballinaboola at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Stephen and Joe Hunt from Cork at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

New Ross Parkrun celebrated it's 10th birthday in JFK Park & Arboretum. Photo: Mary Browne

Michael O'Gorman from Carroreigh and Tommy Elms from Newbawn at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne

Charlotte Redmond from Enniscorthy and Marie Roberts from Cushinstown with Buttons at the New Ross Parkrun 10th birthday. Photo: Mary Browne
In a powerful display of community spirit that brought together local residents, businesses, volunteers, and supporters, Aughrim Community First Responders recently marked their 20th anniversary with a fundraising coffee morning.

Honouring two decades of the lifesaving service, while raising funds for essential equipment, the convivial event at The Pavilion saw the community of Aughrim and its surrounds chat about memories past, while looking ahead to the future of emergency care in the community.

Founded in 2004 and going live in 2005, Aughrim CFR is a team of highly trained volunteers who respond to life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, stroke, chest pain, and choking in partnership with the National Ambulance Service.

Their mission is simple: to arrive within minutes and provide care until an ambulance arrives, dramatically increasing the chance of survival for patients in their community.

To celebrate their 20 years of service and fund vital equipment, the team hosted the coffee morning with an ambitious but important goal of raising 6,500 to purchase two new Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) and three first responder kits.

These additions will extend the groups lifesaving reach across the region, bringing their PAD network up to 10 and equipping responders with the tools they need to act fast in emergencies.

From the early morning setup to the final raffle draw, the event ran like clockwork thanks to the dedicated CFR volunteers, supported by a host of helpers from the community. Special thanks were given to Mike and Eimear, two local residents who, though not CFR members, stepped up on the day with open hearts and helping hands.

Praising all those who had a hand in the event, Aughrim CFR group coordinator Philip ODwyer said the event was more than just coffee and cake, but a resounding tribute to the strength of local volunteerism and the power of community.

It was a celebration of two decades of service, commitment, and neighbourly care, and were incredibly proud of what weve built together over the years  days like the coffee morning remind us of just how strong this community really is, he said.

The team was thrilled to announce that the event raised 2,997.95 through cash, Revolut, and cheque donations. Of this, 2,932.95 will now be recorded as an offline donation on the groups GoFundMe campaign, with 65 having already been logged on behalf of earlier donors.

A standout mention to Carla Barry, a CFR responder and owner of ChoCarlas, who spearheaded much of the behind-the-scenes coordination. From sourcing supplies and spot prizes to baking a mountain of sweet treats and organising logistics, Carlas tireless commitment helped turn vision into reality.

The event also saw a visit from An Garda Siochana Wicklow and Cllr Pat Kennedy, who stopped by to show support and engage with community members.

The raffle was a huge highlight, with fantastic prizes donated by a long list of generous local businesses and individuals, including Woodenbridge Hotel Wicklow, Van Der Wel Ltd, Ballinatone Boarding Kennels, Clydes Car Wash & Valeting Service, Glenmalure Lodge, ChoCarlas, and Paulina Hillier.

Ingredients and supplies were donated by Select Foods, Irish Butter, Odaios, North Wicklow Eggs, Sysco, STP and Firehouse Bakery, with financial contributions from Woodfab Timber Limited, OTooles Lounge, Moneydurtlow Quarr, Annacurra Camogie Club and Annacurra GAA & LGFA.

The funding is an incredible boost, and were now within touching distance of our target. Every single euro will go directly back into the community through the purchase of essential lifesaving equipment, he added.

This isnt just about equipment, its about saving lives. Having the right tools in the right place can make all the difference when someones heart stops. With continued support, well get there.

And while the bunting is down and the teapots washed, the fundraiser is far from over. The GoFundMe campaign remains open, and the group is calling on anyone who may have missed the event to donate what they can to help them reach their target.

As the group reflects on 20 years of service, they do so with pride, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. With the community behind them, Aughrim CFR looks confidently ahead to the next 20 years and beyond.

To donate to Aughrim CFRs fundraiser, visit: gofund.me/ebd8cff3
A demonstrator in front of the Israeli embassy in Athens, following the seizure of the Gaza-bound charity vessel Madleen, operated by pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition. Photo: Reuters

Israeli gunfire and airstrikes killed up to 60 Palestinians in Gaza yesterday, most of them near an aid site operated by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in the centre of the enclave, local health officials said.
LATEST | Sixth round of Iran-US nuclear talks to be held in Oman

Reaching a deal is one of several diplomatic priorities being juggled by US President Donald Trump

Reaching a deal is one of the several diplomatic priorities being juggled by US President Donald Trump (Niall Carson/PA)

Jon Gambrell Press Association Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 09:29

Iran and the US will hold a sixth round of negotiations over Tehrans rapidly advancing nuclear programme this Sunday in Oman, the sultanates foreign minister has said.
Harvey Weinstein found guilty of sex crime after fighting in jury room at New York retrial

Disgraced movie mogul acquitted of another count as deliberations on third to continue

Harvey Weinstein appears in a Manhattan criminal court during his retrial. Photo: AP

Jack Queen and Jonathan Stempel Reuters Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 03:30

A Manhattan jury found Harvey Weinstein guilty on a sex crimes charge yesterday, though the jury has not yet reached a verdict on all counts the former movie mogul faces in deliberations that have been marred by infighting and threats.
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.
Revisiting the Role of Company Secretaries in Indias 2025 Compliance Ecosystem

Indias Income-Tax Bill 2025 has brought renewed attention to the role of company secretaries (CSs) within the countrys tax compliance framework, following their exclusion from the definition of accountant. This move has raised concerns amid rising compliance demands, a shortage of chartered accountants (CAs), and the evolving needs of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

India Briefing explores the legal, professional, and policy implications of this decision while also reviewing international regulatory approaches for comparative insight.

Indias Income-Tax Bill 2025, introduced in the lower house of the Parliament on February 13, 2025, excludes company secretaries (CSs) from the definition of accountant, sparking debate over their role in tax compliance. As businesses face rising regulatory demands and a shortage of chartered accountants (CAs), expanding recognition of CSs could strengthen governance, reduce costs for MSMEs, and align India with global best practices.

Indias corporate compliance ecosystem is undergoing critical evolution as the Income-Tax Bill 2025 introduces structural changes with wide-reaching implications. A key point of contention is the bills exclusion of CSs from the definition of an accountant under Section 515(3)(b).

This exclusion has raised concerns among industry stakeholders and educational institutions, such as the ICSI, which has actively advocated for the inclusion of CSs through multiple representations to the Income-Tax Bill Review Committee. In response, India initiated a study in March 2025 to assess the merits of recognizing CSs as qualified accountants within the tax framework.

At the heart of this discussion lies a broader question about how to structure Indias compliance framework amid rising demands for transparency and efficiency. India Briefing re-evaluates the potential of allied professionals like CSs to address Indias compliance gap.

READ HERE: Indias New Income Tax Bill 2025: An Overview

CAs vs CSs: Professional roles in corporate compliance

CAs and CSs are two prominent pillars in Indias financial and regulatory framework. While their domains often intersect in practice, their core responsibilities and professional training reflect distinct areas of expertise.

CAs in India primarily focus on the financial dimensions of business operations. Their responsibilities include maintaining financial accuracy, conducting statutory audits, preparing tax filings, managing financial reporting, and offering advisory services related to mergers, acquisitions, and risk management. With their expert knowledge of accounting standards and tax laws of the country, CAs play a central role in ensuring financial transparency and statutory compliance.

In contrast, CSs specialize in corporate law and governance, acting as compliance officers responsible for ensuring businesses adhere to statutory obligations under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Companies Act, 2013, and other related legislation.

The two professions are governed by dedicated statutory bodiesCAs are regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), while CSs are governed by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). These institutions set educational and ethical standards, as well as ensure continued professional development and regulatory oversight.

In terms of career prospects, both CAs and CSs enjoy broad opportunities across corporate, public sector, and consultancy roles. Average salary ranges for both professionals start around INR 500,000700,000 (US$5,840US$8,176) per annum for entry-level roles and can exceed INR 3 million (US$35,042) in senior positions such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Compliance Head, or Corporate Governance Advisor, depending on experience and specialization.

By working together within their defined scopes, CAs and CSs contribute to a comprehensive and balanced corporate compliance ecosystem in India.

Existing legal recognition of CSs in Indian tax and corporate law

Despite being excluded from the definition of accountant in the proposed Income-Tax Bill 2025, CSs have long held recognized roles under several existing tax and corporate laws in India.

Under the Income Tax Act, 1961, CSs are acknowledged as authorized representatives in tax matters through Section 288(2). This legal provision empowers them to represent taxpayers before tax authorities, affirming their competence in taxation-related issues. Additionally, Rule 12A of the Income Tax Rules, 1962, allows CSs to verify and certify certain tax returns, further reinforcing their involvement in tax compliance functions.

In terms of professional qualifications, the Final Examination of the ICSI is explicitly recognized as a qualifying examination under Section 288(2) of the Income Tax Act for tax representation. Similarly, the Government Diploma in Company Secretaryship, awarded by the Department of Company Affairs, under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), is also recognized for accountancy-related purposes.

However, limitations remain. Under Rule 6G and Section 44AB of the Income Tax Rules, 1962, only CAs are permitted to conduct tax audits and issue audit certificates. This exclusion restricts CSs from performing audit-related functions despite their expertise in taxation and corporate reporting.

Notably, both the Direct Tax Code (DTC) Bills of 2010 and 2013 included CSs within the definition of an Accountant, highlighting earlier legislative recognition of their role in taxation.

Together, these legal references indicate that CSs already operate within the countrys taxation ecosystem in meaningful waysand point to the potential for expanded recognition under future tax legislation.

The case for recognizing CSs as accountants

In light of Indias growing demand for professional tax and compliance support, one of the most pressing concerns is the talent gap in the countrys compliance ecosystem: as of 2023, Indias 68 million taxpayers depend on just 125,000 practicing CAs, according to a market report. This imbalance creates bottlenecks in tax filing, delays in assessments, and limits access to affordable professional services.

CS professionals receive multidisciplinary education covering taxation, corporate law, governance, financial management, and regulatory compliance. This multidisciplinary background equips CSs to contribute meaningfully to Indias tax administration and compliance landscape.

The case for inclusion is particularly strong when viewed from the perspective of MSMEs and startups, which often face steep compliance costs and rely on competitively priced services. Allowing CSs to operate as recognized accountants would broaden the service provider base, reduce costs, and enhance accessibility for this critical sector of the economy.

Moreover, CSs bring corporate governance expertise that complements the financial proficiency of CAs.

Addressing counterarguments and global best practices

Critics of expanding the definition of accountant to include CSs often raise concerns about professional overlap and dilution of standards. However, these concerns can be addressed by clearly defining role boundaries. The aim is not to replace CAs, but to allow CSs to complement them within their areas of expertisenamely corporate law, regulatory compliance, and tax representation.

Several global jurisdictions have already adopted inclusive approaches that offer useful models for India:

In the United States, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognizes a range of professionalsincluding enrolled agents, certified public accountants (CPAs), and tax attorneysas authorized tax practitioners. This multi-professional structure increases capacity and encourages specialization within defined scopes of practice.

The United Kingdoms HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) also permits a variety of professionals to act as tax agents and compliance advisors, reflecting the evolving complexity of modern tax systems.

In Australia, the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) recognizes tax agents from diverse backgrounds, including lawyers and certified professionals beyond traditional chartered accountants. This approach emphasizes competency over title, expanding access while maintaining standards.

India has an opportunity to modernize its regulatory model by integrating complementary skill sets, fostering a more collaborative and efficient compliance environment. This inclusive approach would alleviate capacity constraints, align with international best practices, and expand access to high-quality servicesparticularly for MSMEs.

Key takeaway

Recognizing CSs as accountants would facilitate the creation of a multi-disciplinary compliance ecosystem, where professionals with different but complementary skill sets collaborate to ensure more robust, transparent, and efficient regulatory oversight. This shift could enhance the overall quality of tax compliance and corporate governance in Indiaaligning with the countrys broader goals of improving the ease of doing business and fostering economic resilience.

(US$1 = INR 85.60)
Gateway of Europe - The Migrant Crisis OTT Release Date: In a world constantly talking about migration, refugee numbers, and borders, Gateway of Europe  The Migrant Crisis lands at just the right time and with the right tone. This powerful documentary will start streaming on DocuBay on June 20, 2025, perfectly timed with World Refugee Day, and it aims to shake viewers out of their detachment with real stories from people whove risked everything for a chance at survival.

More about the Gateway of Europe - The Migrant Crisis

Directed by Max Serio, the documentary is set on the small Italian island of Lampedusa, which has been at the centre of the European migrant crisis for years. Lampedusa, often the first piece of Europe many migrants set foot on, has seen it all - hope, despair, rescue, death. Through Serios lens, Lampedusa becomes a character in itself: overwhelmed, exhausted, but still quietly standing strong as it receives wave after wave of desperate human stories from across the sea.

Unlike most headline-driven content, this film shows you faces. The migrants featured in the film speak from their gut. One recounts surviving nights in an overcrowded rubber boat, another talks about fleeing war with nothing but a plastic bag of belongings. These are people who had no choice but to leave everything behind, not for a dream, but for a chance at staying alive.

More about the Gateway of Europe - The Migrant Crisis

What adds weight to the film is how it also includes the voices of locals, the fishermen, volunteers, medics, and coastguards of Lampedusa, people who wake up to this reality every day. One moment you're watching a man offer food to an exhausted mother with a baby in her arms, and the next you're in a rescue boat with coastguards trying to pull people out of sinking vessels.

The camera never looks away, and neither can you. The documentary was produced by DocuBay, under the IN10 Media Network, and both the director and the platform have made it clear this film is meant to move you. IN10s MD, Aditya Pittie, backed this vision fully.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Kabul OTT Release Date: If youre someone who followed the news back in August 2021 when the Taliban took over Kabul after the sudden withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, youll probably remember the chaos, the fear, and the urgency of those days. Now imagine that drama, panic, and emotional intensity being recreated on screen through a human-focused political thriller.

Thats exactly what Kabul, the new French-produced, English-language series, is bringing to audiences. And the wait isnt long. Kabul will be streaming from June 20, 2025, exclusively on Lionsgate Play in India, in both English and Hindi.

What is Kabul all about?

Set against the haunting real-life backdrop of August 15, 2021, when the U.S. government officially pulled out its military presence from Afghanistan, Kabul dives straight into the mess that followed. Its a six-part mini-series that zooms in on the human stories trapped in political decisions, focusing especially on families, diplomats, soldiers, and ground-level agents trying to navigate the fast-collapsing situation.

At the heart of the show is the Nazany family, an Afghan household suddenly targeted by the Taliban, trying to escape as the city goes out of control. But the familys plight is only one layer of this multi-threaded narrative. Alongside their story, Kabul reveals European operatives, including a French diplomat, an Italian attache, and a German soldier, as well as others, scrambling to coordinate rescue and evacuation operations, often in direct conflict with local threats and global politics.

A still from Kabul | Credits: Instagram

Meet the cast and crew of Kabul

The project is based on the personal experiences of Fabienne Servan-Schreiber, one of the shows producers, who was actively involved in helping evacuate Afghans during the U.S. withdrawal. Directed by Kasia Adamik and Olga Chajdas, Kabul is written by Olivier Demangel, Thomas Finkielkraut, and Joe Lavy. Fabienne Servan-Schreiber, Charlotte Ortiz, Matthias Weber and Thibault Gast have produced this under 24 25 Films and Cineteve.

Kabul was filmed starting in April 2024, with Greece (near Athens) standing in for war-ravaged Kabul, to safely and realistically bring the setting to life. The cast includes Shervin Alenabi, Jonathan Zaccai (stars as a French diplomat trying to juggle political orders and moral responsibilities), Eric Dane (best known from Greys Anatomy and The Last Ship), Thibault Evrard, Vassilis Kukalani, Jeanne Goursaud, Gianmarco Saurino and Valentina Cervi among others.

It premiered earlier this year at the Series Mania Festival in Lille, where it received critical praise for its raw portrayal of a sensitive global moment. If geopolitical thrillers like Homeland, Fauda, or The Looming Tower caught your attention in the past, then Kabul is right up your alley, but with a European lens.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Rana Naidu season 2: Rana Naidu returns for an action-packed season 2, raising the stakes even higher than before. This time, the crime drama welcomes Arjun Rampal, known for his powerful performances and striking presence. His character is expected to play a crucial role, bringing more complexity to the storyline. Returning to the screen alongside him are Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh Daggubati. If youve been eagerly awaiting the new season, heres everything you need to know about Arjun Rampals intriguing role.

Arjun Rampals role in Rana Naidu season 2

Arjun Rampal steps into Rana Naidu season 2 as what looks to be the series most merciless and cold-hearted villain so far, setting the tone for a gripping clash. In the newly released trailer, hes shown in a spine-chilling shot, calmly pointing a gun with an emotionless stare, giving audiences a taste of the danger his character brings. Although the details of his character remain under wraps, its evident that his presence will be crucial, packed with intensity and psychological twists that push the storyline into darker, more suspenseful territory. Rampal appears to be an ideal choice to shake up the Naidu familys world in unexpected and explosive ways.

Arjun Rampal talks about his role in Rana Naidu season 2

Arjun Rampal has called his role in Rana Naidu season 2 the most intense and merciless character he has ever taken on. In a statement as per MidDay, the actor shared, Hes the most ruthless and terrifyingly real character Ive ever played. His character, Rauf, is portrayed as a man lacking empathy, fueled by chaos, and capable of shocking brutality. However, beneath this harsh and violent surface lies a surprisingly layered emotional core.

Rana Naidu season 2 release date

Rana Naidu season 2 will be released on Netflix on 13th June 2025.

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Fan  a term used to describe people who typically admire or enjoy a person or form of artwhether it's music, dance, or other creative expressions. But sometimes, admiration crosses the line into obsession. In South Korea, such extreme fans are known as "sasaeng fans"a term that sadly fits the recent incident involving globally renowned BTS member, Jungkook.

Shockingly, the incident took place on June 11the very day Jungkook was discharged from the South Korean military after completing his mandatory service. A Chinese woman in her 30s was arrested for attempting to break into the Seoul home of the BTS maknae, just hours after his return to civilian life.

What is a "sasaeng fan"?

Sasaeng, or sasaeng fan, is a South Korean term used to describe obsessive fans who cross personal boundaries and invade the privacy of K-pop idols, actors, and other celebrities. These fans are often linked to extreme behaviors, with stalking being one of the most notorious.

Chinese 'fan' arrested trying to enter Jungkook's home

According to Yongsan police, the woman was caught attempting to enter the front door passcode multiple times around 11:20 PM, after officers responded to a neighbour's alarm.

The "fan" reportedly told authorities that she had come to Korea specifically to see Jungkook, who had just been discharged as a sergeant from the 5th Artillery Brigade on June 11.

Police are continuing their investigation to determine her motives and whether this was a random intrusion or part of more serious stalking behavior.

Jungkook's warning to sasaeng fans

Even before his military enlistment, Jungkook had dealt with similar issues involving sasaeng fans. During one such incident, while he was walking near his home, he went live and voiced his frustration, saying, Even now, there are sasaengs in front of my house. Dont come, you b*stards. Don't cross the line, you b*stards." His blunt message highlighted just how invasive and distressing such behavior can be for public figures.

For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Spy x Family chapter 118 release date and time: Spy x Family has won over fans across the globe with its unique mix of spy thrills, wholesome family moments, and sharp humour. With 117 chapters released so far, the manga keeps readers engaged with its exciting plot turns and emotional storytelling. If youre one of the many anticipating what lies ahead for Loid, Yor, and Anya, heres all the essential info about Spy x Family chapter 118.

Loid from Spy X Family | Credit: X

Spy x Family chapter 118 release date and time

As per the official Shueisha MANGA Plus website, Spy x Family chapter 118 is scheduled for release on Sunday, June 22, 2025, in the majority of countries around the world.

Spy x Family chapter 118 release date and time (as per different time zones)

Pacific Daylight Time (PDT): 8:00 AM, Sunday, June 22

Eastern Daylight Time (EDT): 11:00 AM, Sunday, June 22

British Summer Time (BST): 4:00 PM, Sunday, June 22

Central European Summer Time (CEST): 5:00 PM, Sunday, June 22

Indian Standard Time (IST): 8:30 PM, Sunday, June 22

Philippine Standard Time (PST): 11:00 PM, Sunday, June 22

Japanese Standard Time (JST): 12:00 AM, Monday, June 23

Australia Central Standard Time (ACST): 12:30 AM, Monday, June 23

Where to read Spy x Family chapter 118?

Spy x Family chapter 118 will be accessible for free on VIZ Medias Shonen Jump and Shueishas MANGA Plus platforms. These services offer free access to the first three and most recent three chapters, but readers need a premium subscription to read the rest of the series.

What is Spy x Family about?

Spy x Family is a popular Japanese manga created by Tatsuya Endo. The story follows Loid Forger, an elite spy known by the codename Twilight, who is assigned a crucial mission to maintain peace between the rival nations of Westalis and Ostania. To blend in and get closer to his target, he forms a fake family adopting Anya, a young girl with telepathic abilities, and marrying Yor, a seemingly ordinary office worker who is actually a skilled assassin known as the Thorn Princess.

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Delhi NCR weather forecast: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a detailed weather forecast for Delhi NCR, highlighting significant rain predictions, temperature trends, and heatwave alerts crucial for residents and authorities to stay prepared.

IMDs 15-day rain prediction for Delhi NCR

The IMD has issued a red alert for Delhi NCR due to an intense heatwave, with temperatures rising above 45C and the heat index touching around 52C. This red alert is valid for June 12, while an orange alert is likely on June 13.

Delhi NCR weather forecast | Credit: AccuWeather forecast for Delhi NCR

Relief from the scorching heat is expected to begin around June 14, as a western disturbance approaches the region. It may bring light rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to Delhi NCR. However, heavy rains are not expected from June 11. Only light rain and thunderstorms are likely around June 13 and 14. People are advised to stay updated and take precautions.

Delhi NCR weather forecast: Temperature trends and heatwave alerts

Delhi NCR has been facing extreme heat, with temperatures touching 45C in early June 2025. The IMD has issued an orange alert for the ongoing heatwave. Hot and humid conditions are expected to persist.

The maximum temperature will likely stay between 42C and 45C until the rains begin. Heatwave conditions may continue across Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon. Daytime temperatures are expected to peak during the first week of June. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activities during peak hours.

Delhi NCR weather forecast: Weather Conditions Overview (June 822, 2025)

Below is the required Delhi NCR weather forecast and weather condition listed:

Date Range Weather Condition (Expected) Max Temperature (C) Min Temperature (C) Wind Speed (kmph) Alerts Issued June 811 Hot, humid, clear sky 41-45 2629 1530 NW/SW Heatwave (Orange) June 11 Hazy and very warm to hot weather 4345 27-29 2030 NW orange alert for heatwave conditions June 1215 Intermittent rain showers 3540 24-28 1525 NW Red Alert, Rain Advisory June 1622 Partly cloudy, mild heat 3338 2226 1020 Variable No major alerts

Delhi NCR weather forecast: What residents should know?

Heatwave Precautions: With temperatures reaching up to 45C, it is advised to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours, and use cooling measures to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Rain Preparedness: The heavy rain red alert suggests possible waterlogging and traffic disruptions. Residents should monitor local weather updates and avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding.

Wind and Dust Storms: Dusty winds with speeds up to 30 kmph are expected during the heatwave and pre-monsoon period, which may reduce air quality temporarily.

Delhi NCR will face a mix of extreme heat and heavy rainfall over the next 15 days, according to the IMD. Heatwave alerts are already in place, followed by predictions of significant rain.

These weather changes updates are important for planning daily routines and staying safe. Residents should keep an eye on IMD updates for the latest alerts and forecasts.

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World Day Against Child Labour 2025: World Day Against Child Labour 2025 is observed on June 12. The day aims to raise awareness and speed up efforts to end child labour. Nearly 138 million children worldwide are affected, with 54 million in dangerous work. This global issue remains a major human rights concern.

The day was started by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002. It reminds the world of the urgent need to protect children from exploitation. It also stresses the importance of education, health, and a safe childhood for all kids.

The 2025 observance marks 26 years since the ILO adopted two major conventionsNo. 138 on minimum age and No. 182 on the worst forms of child labour. This year, ILO and UNICEF will release new global data and trends.

The theme for 2025 is Progress is clear, but there's more to do: let's speed up efforts. It calls for stronger action, better enforcement of child labour laws, and global partnerships. The goal is to meet SDG Target 8.7ending child labour in all its forms.

Powerful Child Labour Quotes for World Day Against Child Labour 2025

"Every child deserves a childhood, not child labour." #ChildLabourQuotes

"End child labour noweducation is every child's right." #WorldDayAgainstChildLabour

"Child labour steals dreams; lets protect their future." #ChildLabourAwareness

"No work is worth a childs lost innocence." #ChildLabourQuotes2025

"Together, we can end child labour and build a brighter tomorrow." #EndChildLabour

Impactful Anti-Child Labour Slogans to Raise Awareness

"Say no to child labour, say yes to education!" #AntiChildLabourSlogans

"Stop child labour, start child education." #ChildLabourSlogans2025

"Protect childhood, end child labour today." #WorldDayAgainstChildLabourSlogans

"Child labour is a crime; lets fight it together." #ChildLabourAwarenessSlogans

"Child labour-free world is a happy world." #EndChildLabourSlogans

Motivational Messages to Share on World Day Against Child Labour

"Join hands to end child labour and give every child a chance to learn and grow." #ChildLabourMessages

"Child labour denies children their basic rightslets raise our voice against it." #WorldDayAgainstChildLabourMessages

"Education is the key to unlocking a childs potential, not labour." #ChildLabourAwarenessMessages

"Together, we can create a world where no child is forced to work." #EndChildLabourMessages

"Raise awareness, stop exploitationsupport World Day Against Child Labour 2025." #ChildLabourMessages2025

Creative WhatsApp Status Ideas to Spread Child Labour Awareness

"Childhood is for learning, not labour. #EndChildLabour"

"Raise your voice against child labour this World Day. #ChildLabourAwareness"

"Every child deserves a school, not a workplace. #StopChildLabour"

"Lets unite to protect children from labour exploitation. #WorldDayAgainstChildLabour"

"Be the change: say no to child labour! #ChildLabourWhatsAppStatus"

Educational Quotes Highlighting the Importance of Ending Child Labour

"Education is the most powerful weapon to end child labour." #ChildLabourEducationQuotes

"Child labour limits potential; education unlocks it." #WorldDayAgainstChildLabourEducation

"Invest in education, eradicate child labour." #ChildLabourAwarenessEducation

"A child in school today is a child free from labour tomorrow." #EndChildLabourEducation

"Education empowers children to break free from the cycle of labour." #ChildLabourQuotes2025

Inspirational Messages to Encourage Child Labour Eradication Efforts

"Together, we can build a future free from child labour." #ChildLabourEradicationMessages

"Small steps today lead to a child labour-free world tomorrow." #WorldDayAgainstChildLabourInspiration

"Your voice mattersstand against child labour." #EndChildLabourInspiration

"Empower children through education, not labour." #ChildLabourAwarenessInspiration

"Join the fight to protect every childs right to a safe childhood." #ChildLabourEradication2025

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
An Air India flight headed to London crashed near Ahmedabad shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, identified as Flight AI171, had 242 people onboard  including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. The flight departed from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:17 pm. Emergency teams reached the crash site, where heavy smoke was seen in the sky, as officials worked to confirm further details about the incident.

Initial reports confirm high casualty potential

Early reports stated that the crash took place soon after take-off, near the Meghaninagar area of Ahmedabad. Visuals from the area showed thick, dark smoke rising and visible from locations as far as Dharpur. The aircraft, a Dreamliner operated by Air India, was scheduled to fly to Londons Gatwick Airport as part of its regular 1:10 pm service.

Although flight trackers confirmed the departure of the aircraft at 1:17 pm, the plane reportedly lost control minutes later, leading to the accident. Officials are currently working to determine the cause and scale of damage.





Fire engines and emergency teams mobilised

Following the crash, emergency response was initiated immediately. Seven fire engines were dispatched to the area. Search and rescue operations are underway, as local authorities continue to coordinate with aviation personnel to manage the situation. The crash site has been cordoned off to prevent civilian movement and ensure unhindered rescue efforts.

Ministers respond to incident

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Gujarat Chief Minister and the Police Commissioner in connection with the crash. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu is expected to reach Ahmedabad, having departed from Vijayawada shortly after learning about the crash. Government officials are monitoring the situation closely.

While initial estimates placed the number of passengers at 130, later confirmations by airline sources indicated 230 passengers along with 12 crew members onboard at the time of departure. No confirmation about survivors or fatalities has been released yet.



Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash as rescue operations continue near the Ahmedabad airport crash site.
An Air India flight en route to Londons Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on Thursday, killing at least 200 people. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 people, including 217 adults, 11 children, and two infants. The aircraft went down in a residential area close to the airport, landing on the dining block of the B.J. Medical College doctors hostel. Many of the deceased are believed to be medical students, with rescue workers stating that bodies were still being recovered from the site.

Crash site and casualties

The crash occurred minutes after the plane departed at 1:39 PM from runway 23. Air traffic control confirmed that a Mayday emergency signal was sent before all communication with the aircraft ceased. The crash took place near the Meghaninagar locality. Visuals showed heavy black smoke rising and debris engulfed in flames. Emergency services, including ambulances and rescue teams, were dispatched immediately. According to officials, about 7080% of the crash site had been cleared by evening.

#WATCH | Ahmedabad plane crash | A man at the civil hospital in Ahmedabad says, "My sister and brother-in-law are both inside, but they are not letting us go in...They were going to London...My niece is in London, and they were going to see her. She called me up from London to pic.twitter.com/OsoNv4e31T  ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025





Passengers and international response

Air India confirmed the flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief on X, calling the incident heartbreaking beyond words. British PM Keir Starmer called the visuals devastating, and the UK Foreign Office stated it was in contact with Indian authorities. King Charles is also being briefed on the developments. The British government has offered assistance and support to victims families.

Statements from eyewitnesses and families

My sister-in-law was on the flight to London. An hour later, we heard about the crash, said Poonam Patel at Ahmedabads government hospital. Ramila, a local resident and mother of a student, said her son was at the hostel when the plane hit. He jumped from the second floor and has injuries, but hes alive, she told reporters. Visuals showed several injured being moved on stretchers to nearby hospitals.

Aircraft model and history

The Boeing 787-8 involved in the crash first flew in 2013 and joined Air Indias fleet in 2014. According to Flightradar24, this is the first crash involving this model since its commercial launch in 2011. Boeing stated it is gathering information and cooperating with authorities. Boeings shares dropped 6.8% in pre-market trading following news of the crash.

Rescue efforts and airline response

Ahmedabad Airport suspended all operations after the crash. Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group that operates the airport, said full support was being given to families. We are shocked and deeply saddened. Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss, he posted on X. Tata Group, which owns Air India, said an emergency support team has been set up and a helpline activated.

Previous crash and airline ownership

The last fatal crash involving Air India occurred in 2020, when an Air India Express Boeing 737 overshot a runway in Kozhikode, killing 21. Air India was acquired by the Tata Group in 2022 and merged with Vistara in 2024.

Rescue operations at the crash site are still ongoing, and authorities have warned that the death toll could rise further.

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The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, killing 179 passengers, is the first major Dreamliner crash globally. The aircraft was en route to London and went down during take-off. Social media visuals showed thick plumes of smoke from the site, with emergency services rushing in. This event adds to a list of serious air disasters involving Air India over the decades. Here is a history of the crashes of Air India.

Kozhikode crash, 2020

On August 7, 2020, an Air India Express Boeing 737 crashed in Kozhikode while landing on a table-top runway slick from heavy rain. The aircraft was returning from Dubai as part of the Vande Bharat repatriation mission during the pandemic. Piloted by Wing Commander Deepak Vasant Sathe and Captain Akhilesh Kumar, the flight had 191 people on board. It attempted to land twice before skidding off the runway into a gorge. A total of 21 people, including both pilots, died.

Air India Flight crashed in Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad, Gujrat.



Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Around 232 people were on the

Ahmedabad-London flight when the plane crashed



Prayers  #Gujarat #PlaneCrash #Ahemdabad pic.twitter.com/EzrPGgNPLh  Sumit (@SumitHansd) June 12, 2025





Mangaluru crash, 2010

Air India Express Flight 812, a Boeing 737-800, crashed on May 22, 2010, while landing at Mangaluru Airport. It overshot the table-top runway and hit an instrument landing structure. Of the 166 people on board, 158 were killed. Only eight passengers survived. Twelve bodies could not be identified and were given a mass funeral. Table-top runways are known to be difficult for pilots due to visual illusions that can affect landing judgment.

Kanishka bombing, 1985

On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182 (Kanishka) exploded mid-air off the coast of Ireland. The Boeing 747-237B was on its way from Montreal to New Delhi via London. A total of 329 people, mostly Canadian citizens of Indian descent, were killed. The bombing was linked to Sikh separatists seeking revenge for the 1984 Indian Army operation at the Golden Temple. The bomb was placed in a suitcase on board.

Arabian sea crash, 1978

Air India Flight 855 crashed into the Arabian Sea on January 1, 1978, after departing from Santacruz Airport in Mumbai at 8:00 pm. The aircraft was headed to Dubai. Instrument failure led to spatial disorientation for the pilots, resulting in the crash. All 213 people on board died.

Bombay crash, 1976

On October 12, 1976, Air India Flight 171, a Caravelle aircraft, crashed shortly after takeoff from Bombay Airport. The plane was on its way to Madras. One of the engines caught fire mid-air. There were 95 people on board, including 89 passengers and six crew.

Mont Blanc crash, 1966

Air India Flight 101 crashed on January 24, 1966, into the Mont Blanc mountains near the French-Italian border. The Boeing aircraft named 'Kanchenjunga' had 117 people on board, including nuclear physicist Homi J. Bhabha. The aircraft was flying from Bombay to London with stops in Delhi, Beirut, and Geneva. The cause of the crash remains unknown. Bhabhas death sparked conspiracy theories due to his prominence in Indias nuclear program.

Mont Blanc crash, 1950

Air India Express 245, the 'Malabar Princess', crashed in the Mont Blanc region on November 3, 1950. The Lockheed aircraft, en route from Cairo to Geneva, slammed into Rocher de la Tournette, a rock point on Mont Blanc at a height of 4,677 meters. All 48 passengers and crew died in the accident.

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A horrific aviation tragedy unfolded in Gujarat on Thursday as Air Indias London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Flight AI-171, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 242 individuals, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, plummeted outside the airport perimeter at approximately 1:44 PM.

AirIndia plane crashed in a residential area. The nearby buildings has caught fire. #planecrash pic.twitter.com/OU6IsXKxAE  Mohit Chauhan (@mohitlaws) June 12, 2025

Ahmedabad Air India flight crash sends shockwaves across the nation

The most harrowing revelation? The pilots final act was an emergency Mayday call, an internationally recognised distress signal indicating an immediate life-threatening situation.

Terrible news coming out of #India as #AI171, an Air India 787 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick appears to have crashed on take off. pic.twitter.com/lDiye4pFXU  Foxtrot (@____Foxtrot____) June 12, 2025

MAYDAY before the mayhem

Piloted by Captain Sumit Sabharwal, a seasoned professional with over 8,200 hours of flight experience, and assisted by First Officer Clive Kunder, the aircraft departed from runway 23 at 1:39 PM. Within moments of takeoff, Captain Sabharwal sent out a desperate Mayday signal to the nearest Air Traffic Control tower.

Air Indias Boeing 787-8 struggles to gain altitude shortly after departing Ahmedabad bound for London. It seems to stall and crashes into a residential area. The plane, a Boeing 788 was never involved in a fatal crash until today. pic.twitter.com/ppnLTpirQu  Josh Cahill (@gotravelyourway) June 12, 2025

But chillingly, it was the last communication received. Mere seconds later, the plane vanished from radar and was seen engulfed in flames near the outskirts of the airport. There was no further transmission, no responseonly the devastation that followed.

What is a Mayday call?

In aviation, a Mayday call is the pilots ultimate SOS. It is used strictly when the aircraft is in grave danger, think engine failure, onboard fire, collision risk, or hijacking. The term is repeated three times, Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, to eliminate any doubt about its seriousness.

#BREAKING: AIR INDIA FLIGHT #AI171 CRASHES IN AHMEDABAD SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF

Following reports of a crash involving Air India flight #AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (reg: VT-ANB) lost signal at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after takeoff. pic.twitter.com/RKFhipU1ll  Turbine Traveller (@Turbinetraveler) June 12, 2025

Once issued, ATC immediately activates emergency protocols: preparing the runway for emergency landing, dispatching fire brigades, and alerting medical teams. It is a race against time.

Interestingly, the word Mayday stems from the French phrase maider, which translates to help me. A lesser-used distress signal, Pan-Pan, is broadcast for less severe but still urgent issues. But this was not one of those casesthis was full-blown crisis.

The aircraft involved in the Air India #AI171 crash is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration number VT-ANB and serial number 36279.



First flight of the aircraft was on 2013-12-14 and it was delivered to Air India in January 2014. pic.twitter.com/gC1Mk5WoCa  Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 12, 2025

What now?

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed the aircrafts timeline and the Mayday transmission. With recovery efforts underway and black box data being analysed, the mystery surrounding the sudden crash of a flight that had barely taken off continues to haunt both authorities and citizens alike.
Last week, a public spat between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and US President Donald Trump took a dramatic turn. After making explosive allegations tying Trump to Jeffrey Epsteins files, Musk backtracked days later, offering an apology that seemed to align with both political and financial priorities. With a Tesla launch on the horizon and billions in government contracts at stake, the timing of the apology has raised questionsand eyebrowsin the business world.

A fallout over government spending

The friction began when Musk criticized what he described as a bloated and irresponsible government spending bill. On June 3, he posted on X, condemning the legislation. Trump reacted soon after, expressing disappointment in Musk during an Oval Office appearance. Trump suggested their once-strong relationship might now be damaged and hinted Musk knew the bill details better than anyone.

Musk responded directly, stating that he had never seen the bill and that it passed quickly and quietly through Congress. He also pushed back against Trumps claims about helping him win Pennsylvania in the elections, reminding the public of his financial contributions and role in Republican campaign strategies.

An escalating war of words

The disagreement escalated further. Musk took to X again, criticizing the legislations impact on the national deficit. He even floated the idea of starting a new centrist political party. As tensions rose, Trump threatened to cut Musks government subsidies and contracts. Musk fired back, calling the claims an obvious lie and eventually brought Epstein-related accusations into the public conversation, alleging that Trump was part of the sealed files.

By June 6, reports emerged of a phone call between the two to resolve the issue. Trump publicly dismissed the call, saying he had no intention of speaking with Musk and referring to the tech billionaire as someone with a problem.

Apology follows threats and private talks

Following mounting pressure and a reported private discussion with Trump allies, Musk retracted his previous statements. On June 12, he posted, I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.

US President Donald Trump | Credit: X

Trump accepted the apology, telling the New York Post that he appreciated the gesture and had no hard feelings. A White House spokesperson confirmed that Trump acknowledged Musks statement and emphasized the administrations focus on national interests.

Business gains from political truce

Musks apology proved beneficial. According to Forbes, his net worth increased to $411.4 billion after the fallout, recovering nearly $191 million in value. Tesla shares, which had fallen 14% during the feud, showed signs of recovery with a 1% uptick.

With both SpaceX and Tesla heavily reliant on government partnerships, Musks attempt to de-escalate the situation appears to be paying off. Investors, likely concerned about the impact of ongoing political hostility, can now expect greater stability.

As reconciliation takes shape, Musks financial and political interests seem aligned once again, with funding continuing from both sides of the aisle.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
Google Pixel Drop for June 2025: The all-new Pixel VIPs widget and the seamless live updates feature across notification bars and lock screens are the highlights of Google's latest Pixel Drop, which offers a revolutionary Android 16 experience. Imagine being able to follow transportation, deliveries, or the whereabouts of loved ones in real time without ever having to open an app.

Connecting with family and close friends is revolutionized by the Pixel VIPs widget, which allows you to view recent messages, avoid Do Not Disturb, receive location feeds, and quickly take notes from the home screen.

This Pixel Drop is more than just an update; it's a constant companion thanks to its better Gboard AI stickers, improved accessibility, expressive captions, and strong security under the Android 16 hood. Stay put and explore all the new, positive features.

June Pixel Drop 2025 features

Your Pixel just got an upgrade with the June Pixel Drop, full of new features and updates that make your devices more helpful, personalized and accessible. | Credit: YouTube

The June Pixel Drop, which includes numerous new features and upgrades to make your devices more useful, customizable, and accessible, is a recent update for your Pixel. Today, Android 16 begins to roll out to Pixel devices as well. Here are some new Pixel-related activities!

1. Pixel VIPs

Keeping in touch with your most significant connections is redefined with the new Pixel VIPs widget. Users may quickly access important information, including birthdays, recent conversations, shared locations, and even real-time activity updates, by pinning their favorite individuals to the home screen.

Allow VIPs to avoid Do Not Disturb breaks through the congestion, and make sure that your inner circle can always get in touch with you.

This widget combines utility and emotional connection by allowing you to add notes or reminders for every contact, making your Pixel not just more intelligent but also more socially conscious and tailored to your everyday routine.

Also Read: Android 16 update releasing today: Expected to come with material 3 expressive UI, battery health monitoring, Gemini AI integration, and more

2. Gboard AI Sticker

With help from Pixel Studio, you can create a sticker of nearly anything you can imagine right on Gboard, thanks to generative AI. | Credit: Google

Using text prompts or visual inspiration, Gboard now enables you to create personalized AI-generated stickers right from your keyboard. Without interrupting the discussion, you may quickly create entertaining, customized images while conversing with friends or expressing a feeling. The stickers give your messaging a creative touch that makes it seem new and lively, reflecting the tone and content of your request.

This tool promotes more expressive, visual communication by fusing Gboard's smooth typing experience with Google's generative AI. Every conversation can be made more enjoyable, memorable, and authentically yours with this easy yet effective method.

3. Pixel SOS

Even in isolated or off-grid locations, Satellite SOS, which is currently accessible in Australia, guarantees that you're never really out of reach. When cellular or Wi-Fi signals are not accessible, this life-saving capability uses satellite technology to connect users to emergency services.

Pixel will help you position your phone toward the closest satellite so you can send SOS texts fast, whether you're hiking in the Outback or traveling in places with spotty reception.

With its sophisticated emergency support, it provides travelers and outdoor adventurers with a crucial safety net that brings peace of mind. With this expansion, Pixel maintains its position as a leader in useful, life-improving innovation.

4. Pixels Camera

Users of the Pixel may now see useful how-to instructions and visual inspiration of what each setting achieves by tapping the question mark icon in the top right corner of the Pixel's camera. You can make the most of your Pixel Camera with the help of this new learning center.

5. Magnifier

Users can now read or scan content with ease thanks to the upgraded Magnifier app's live search feature, which detects and highlights text in real-time. The app provides haptic feedback for improved accessibility when you move your tablet over menus, signage, or documents. Those who struggle with reading or have impaired vision can particularly benefit from this.

Zooming and adjusting contrast give consumers a more powerful experience while exploring both digital and real-world environments. It's a careful fusion of technology and accessibility that makes daily chores easier to handle and reduces reliance on outside help.

6. Expressive Captions

Its available in even more countries beyond the U.S., including Canada, the U.K. and Australia. | Credit: Google

More organic, emotionally intelligent captions are now available across supported media thanks to Google's Expressive Captions feature, which is also growing to include more languages and nations. The subtitles modify tone, passion, and tempo to convey the original speaker's meaning rather than merely copying speech.

Captions now feel more engaging and human, whether you're watching a short clip, a movie, or a video conference. This improvement aids viewers in sound-off locations as well as users who are hard of hearing or deaf. It illustrates Google's ongoing efforts to provide a more immersive and inclusive online experience, increasing the significance of every word.

7. AI-powered Editing in Google Photos

With AI-powered editing tools that recommend one-tap improvements based on the image context, Google Photos has just become smarter. The app rapidly suggests the most aesthetically pleasing adjustments, whether it's changing the lighting, blurring a bothersome background, or better framing your subject. For both novice and expert users, these modifications preserve natural aesthetics while saving time.

In a single user-friendly interface, you may also access more sophisticated features like Magic Eraser, Portrait Light, and intelligent color balance. It's a potent update that transforms any picture into a memorable experience and makes excellent modifications easier to use and more accessible for all.

For the latest and more interesting tech news, keep reading Indiatimes Tech.
Ahmedabad witnessed unimaginable horror on Thursday when Air India flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, turned into a fireball moments after take-off and crashed into the hostel of BJ Medical College. The grim aftermath has left the nation shaken, especially with the haunting visuals emerging from the crash site.

Many students lost their life as plane crashed on students hostel..



-Students were eating lunch when the plane CRASHED into hostel buildings #planecrash #Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/9ig1QF05Vl  Tayyab Says (@tayyab_ibn_adam) June 12, 2025

Midday meal turns into nightmare as plane crashes into BJ medical college hostel

The most heart-breaking image? Plates of food left untouched on hostel tablesevidence suggesting that many young doctors were midway through lunch when the aircraft tore through their building. What was meant to be an ordinary afternoon meal has now become a symbol of a tragedy that claimed lives and futures in an instant.

Flight AI171s final moments

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft took off from Ahmedabad airport at 1:38 pm with 242 people onboard, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese passengers. A chilling Mayday signal was sent by the pilot seconds after take-off. But before any aid could reach, the flight had disappeared from radar, crashing within a minute into the government-run medical college hostel.

Tragic News 



On one side the Plane crashed and on the other side its debris fell on the Medical College Hostel which is badly damaged.



Pray for the safety of students 



#planecrash #Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/mfk1YhDQKT  Mr. Democratic (@Mrdemocratic_) June 12, 2025

Leaders react as rescue operations continue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, calling the incident heartbreaking beyond words. He said he has been in constant touch with emergency response teams and aviation authorities to ensure swift action.

The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025

The plane crashed directly on the BJ Medical College UG hostel mess in Meghani Nagar. Many MBBS students have lost their lives.#AhmedabadPlaneCrash #planecrashinahmedabad pic.twitter.com/Guesc6QJ5O  Neng Khongsai KUKI (@KhongsaiChanu) June 12, 2025

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he has directed all relevant agencies to coordinate efforts at the ground level, while his thoughts remain with the victims and their families.

Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad.



We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.



Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all  Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 12, 2025

Across the globe, UK Prime Minister

The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.



I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 12, 2025

also reacted with sorrow, describing the scenes as devastating and confirming that he is being updated on the developments regularly.





Air India and officials promise support

Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran assured that the airline's focus remains on supporting affected families and emergency responders. He added that all verified updates will be shared in due time and expressed his deepest condolences to those impacted.

The hostel on which the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, Intern doctors used to live in this hostel  #AhmedabadPlaneCrash #BJMedicalCollege #planecrash#Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/Mcv38CcKKq  Sumit Jaiswal  (@sumitjaiswal02) June 12, 2025

The airline has also activated a dedicated passenger helpline  1800 5691 444, for any information related to the crash.

As investigations begin, the nation mourns not just a flight lost, but young lives caught in the wrong place at the wrong timecut short in the most unthinkable way.
Not just Ahmedabad, a heavy silence blankets the city of Udaipur after the devastating confirmation that siblings Shubh and Shagun Modi were among the victims of the Air India Flight AI171 crash. The young heirs of a respected marble business family had only recently stepped into the world of entrepreneurship, now their dreams lie shattered amidst the wreckage of a journey meant to be joyous.

The plane crashed directly on the BJ Medical College UG hostel mess in Meghani Nagar. Many MBBS students have lost their lives.#AhmedabadPlaneCrash #planecrashinahmedabad pic.twitter.com/Guesc6QJ5O  Neng Khongsai KUKI (@KhongsaiChanu) June 12, 2025

Who were Shubh and Shagun Modi?

The flight, en route to London Gatwick, took off from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. Within minutes, it crashed, sending shockwaves across the country. On board were 242 individuals, including 12 crew members. Officials have confirmed 170 deaths so far, though all lives are feared lost.

Shubh, aged 24, and his 22-year-old sister Shagun had completed their MBAs and returned to Udaipur with a renewed vision for their familys marble business. According to relatives, the siblings were taking a short break in London to visit a friend. Their names, passengers 98 and 99, on the official manifest are a cruel reminder of young lives ended too soon.

Udaipur mourns its children

The Modi residence in Udaipur became the centre of heartbreak and hope as news of the crash filtered in. Family patriarch Pinku Modi, accompanied by relatives, rushed to Ahmedabad, desperately seeking information. Outside their home, stunned neighbours stood in quiet solidarity, awaiting any sliver of good news.

-Another dent in Boeings already bad reputation



-Another mismanagement by Air India exposed



-Co-pilot had just 1100 hrs of flying exp



-Plane gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but it crashed before ATC could respond



#planecrash #Ahmedabadpic.twitter.com/LsUPZuLIoj  Avishek Goyal (@AG_knocks) June 12, 2025

Also from Udaipur district were Vardi Chand Menaria and Prakash Menaria, residents of Rundeda village. Both men, employed as chefs in London, had just concluded a short visit to their homeland. They boarded the same ill-fated flight, preparing to return to workpassengers 90 and 91 on the list.

Many students lost their life as plane crashed on students hostel..



-Students were eating lunch when the plane CRASHED into hostel buildings #planecrash #Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/9ig1QF05Vl  Tayyab Says (@tayyab_ibn_adam) June 12, 2025

State responds to local tragedy

Rajasthans Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma cancelled scheduled engagements to personally monitor the situation. He contacted Udaipurs District Collector to ensure that support reaches the grieving families without delay.

Tragic News 



On one side the Plane crashed and on the other side its debris fell on the Medical College Hostel which is badly damaged.



Pray for the safety of students 



#planecrash #Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/mfk1YhDQKT  Mr. Democratic (@Mrdemocratic_) June 12, 2025

As the nation processes the horror of one of its worst aviation disasters, Udaipur weeps for four of its own, especially Shubh and Shagun Modi, whose ambitions were just beginning to blossom. Their journey, filled with promise, ended far too soon, leaving behind memories, unanswered questions, and a city in mourning.
In a horrific turn of events, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers onboard crashed soon after takeoff near the Meghaninagar area in Gujarat's Ahmedabad airport on Thursday (June 12) afternoon. So far, over 100 people are feared to be dead until more information comes in.

The Air India flight AI-171 was heading to London's Gatwick from Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the plane. The incident took place around 1:39 PM IST, soon after the aircraft took off from the Ahmedabad airport runway 23.

Moments later, after the takeoff, the pilots issued a MAYDAY call immediately after the takeoff, but they failed to respond to further air traffic control communications, as per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). But who were the pilots under whom the aircraft was in command?

Credit: X

Who were Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and Clive Kundar, pilots of Air India?

According to officials, the aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was one of Air India's most seasoned Boeing 787 commanders, with years of flying experience.

He had operated in countless international regions and was regarded as a calm, safety-first, and methodical pilot. So far, he had 8,200 hours of flight time that made him well-equipped to handle both his routine and high-pressure situations.

While Clive Kundar, the first officer assisting Captain Sabharwal, had logged 1,100 hours of flight experience, both pilots received emergency and long-haul international flight training.





Air India's statement on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash

According to Air India, out of the total number of passengers, 169 were Indian, 53 were British, 1 was Canadian, and 7 were Portuguese. Apart from them, there were ten cabin crew members and two pilots on board.

Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off, the airline wrote in a post on X.
BTS Kim Taehyung (V) is back from the military, and so is his unmatched superstar aura. Since his discharge on June 10, alongside the groups leader Kim Namjoon (RM), fans have been closely watching his every move. And while theyre at it, theyve also been quick to trackand instantly buyeverything hes seen using. From luxury accessories to everyday essentials, anything Taehyung touches is flying off the shelves.

BTS's V's unmatched selling power takes the spotlight post his military discharge

V is no stranger to setting trends, and brands know it well. As the face of global names like Celine and Cartier, Kim Taehyung has long been a favorite muse in the fashion world. And now, fresh out of the military, hes once again proving his selling power without actually participating in a promotional campaign.

At his discharge ceremony, fans spotted Taehyung wearing a sleek black-strapped Cartier Santos-Dumont watch worth $13,500, and within hours, it was out of stock. But the sell-out spree didnt stop there.

Kim Taehyungs Cartier Santos-Dumont Watch worth USD $13,500 which he recently wore during his military discharge sold out on Cartier website! pic.twitter.com/cB4AWbl96I  V Charts (@BTSVChartData) June 10, 2025

Everything from his solo live has also become a fan obsession. The orange designer chair he sat on during the livestream? Sold out. The Comfort Seoul blue bear keychain attached to his backpack in a recent Instagram post? Gone. Even a Chinese-language book seen in his homefeaturing a snowy rooftop coverhas been wiped from shelves.

Since his discharged from the military, Kim Taehyung has sold out cartier watch, a book, keychain & even the chair from his solo live 



SOLD OUT KING KIM TAEHYUNG pic.twitter.com/mh5V3CuvXj   V UK (@KTH_UK) June 11, 2025

Kim Taehyung was reading a Chinese magicalrealism shortstory collection book called The Kitchen of 16 Nights by Mao Wu on his Instagram post.



Its currently Sold Out on multiple websites! pic.twitter.com/FLSDfkEJDS  V Charts (@BTSVChartData) June 11, 2025

'Sold out King Kim Taehyung'

As expected, fans couldn't stop raving about Kim Taehyung's selling power, though some were left disappointed after everything sold out before they had a chance to grab it.

"If not because Tae can't be bought, but that baby would have sold out too. Sigh," one user wrote.

If not because Tae can't be bought, but that baby would have sold out too. Sigh   IDOL OF IDOLS KTH(BORAHAE) (@Barbzella) June 11, 2025

Another fan mentioned, "Kths got too much money on their hands cos,the rest I understand but the chair??? Really"

Kths got too much money on their hands cos,the rest I understand but the chair??? Really   daeguprince (@organic_sucess) June 11, 2025

A third fan added, "Selling out Cartier watch worth 13k+ only kim taehyung can relate."

Selling out Cartier watch worth 13k+ only kim taehyung can relate https://t.co/r8AJ41dQfY  Thv Taehyung (@ThvTaehyun4279) June 11, 2025

"You guys are crazy ( I would do the same if I was rich enough)," one added.

You guys are crazy ( I would do the same if I was rich enough) https://t.co/WIocSFz0kO  HadjarWINTER AHEAD (@thvgirl770) June 11, 2025

Kim Taehyung's post-military shenanigans

Its only been two days since Vs discharge, but hes already treating fans to a steady stream of new content. While the other BTS members are easing back into civilian life, Kim Taehyung has celebrated his return with his Wooga Squad, dropped two impressive dance performances with Lee Junglee, shared a carousel post feat. his military pals, and now fans are just waiting to see what he does next.

For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
In a horrifying turn of events, an Air India flight carrying 242 people, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating as Flight AI171 to London Gatwick, plummeted near Meghani Nagar, a densely populated neighbourhood.

Air India flight AI171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad #airindia #planecrash pic.twitter.com/RWScinu4bY  Gaurav B (@unfollowgauravB) June 12, 2025

Eyewitnesses reported thick black smoke billowing from the crash site, as screams and chaos erupted moments after the aircraft nosedived. Flight tracking data revealed the plane took off at 1:39 pm and lost contact just five minutes later.

Deeply perturbed by the news of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with the passengers and crew members affected by this tragic incident!#Indian#ahmedabadplanecrash pic.twitter.com/mFndWjahNw  Dhritiman Kalita  (@Dhritimank06) June 12, 2025

Passengers and crew in grave peril

The doomed flight was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Sources revealed that Vijay Rupani, who served as Gujarats Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021, was among those onboard. His presence has not been officially confirmed but has sparked immense concern.

#BREAKING: AIR INDIA FLIGHT #AI171 CRASHES IN AHMEDABAD SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF pic.twitter.com/4Ac8JM5ECQ  Mohammad Hayat (@mofarooka) June 12, 2025

The aircraft, piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kunder, was one of Air Indias flagship Dreamliners. Civil Aviation officials confirmed that the crash was instantaneous post-takeoff, leaving little time for distress signals or evasive action.

BREAKING:



Vijaybhai Rupani, who served as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021, was on board the Air India flight that crashed an hour ago on its way to London.



Hes a high-ranking member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (Modis party)  pic.twitter.com/VMnMhywDQt  Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) June 12, 2025

As per the reports by AajTak, out of the total of 242 people, 52 were British, 6 were from Portugal and 1 from Canada, and the rest were from India.

Nationwide shock and emergency response

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Gujarats Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other senior authorities, urging immediate relief and federal coordination. Shah also offered the Centres complete support in tackling the crisis.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, visibly shaken, stated he was shocked and devastated by the crash. He assured that rescue units were on high alert, and medical teams had been dispatched to the site.

BREAKING: Air India Flight AI171, bound for London, has reportedly crashed during takeoff near Ahmedabad Airport. 



242 souls onboard.



In a country obsessed with space missions and PR campaigns, can it guarantee basic passenger safety?



May Allah protect the innocent.

 pic.twitter.com/qz8d8iqRTS  TAM (@Awakeningmedia1) June 12, 2025

Air India, DGCA, and airport authorities react

Air India confirmed the incident on social media, noting that details were still being ascertained. Chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed condolences, stating the airline's immediate priority was supporting affected families and coordinating with emergency teams.

Another tragic chapter in Boeing's growing list of aviation disasters.

An Air India flight has crashed in Ahmedabad, raising serious questions yet again about safety and accountability.

Prayers for the victims. #AirIndia #Boeing #AhmedabadCrash #AviationSafety pic.twitter.com/qXDAdt3lQn  Snehal  (@Snehalsays_03) June 12, 2025

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed the aircraft involved was a B787 Dreamliner registered as VT-ANB. The airport has since suspended all operations.

State government acts swiftly

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ordered a green corridor for transporting the injured and mobilised medical care on a war footing. The situation remains fluid, with fears rising about the death toll.

As India reels from the impact of yet another air disaster, questions now swirl around the cause, and whether this tragedy could have been prevented.
The streets of Los Angeles have transformed into a hotbed of tension and resistance, as a second night of curfew was enforced on Wednesday following nearly a week of protest-fuelled chaos. The uproar stems from a wave of immigration raids across the city, a move initiated by US President Donald Trump that has triggered widespread panic and fury among residents.

LA protests: Los Angeles under curfew for second night with marines expected to be deployed  latest updates https://t.co/76QYALdaU3  #TuckFrump (@realTuckFrumper) June 12, 2025

LA plunges into unrest following Trumps immigration raids

Protests first erupted on Friday and have since spiralled into city-wide unrest, with almost 400 people arrested. Among them, 330 undocumented migrants were taken into custody, while others faced charges ranging from assault to attempted murder of a police officer. The protests are no longer just about immigration, they have become a flashpoint in a growing power struggle between federal and state authorities.

1/  Downtown LA remains under nightly curfew (8 PM6 AM) for the 6th straight night.



Protests erupted over ICE operations. Law enforcement has responded with flash-bangs, rubber bullets, & mounted units. Arrests are rising fast. Here's a full update  pic.twitter.com/PGTkG1bVqL  The_Independent (@Rea_Independent) June 12, 2025

Mayor blames Donald Trumps chaotic escalation for violence

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass laid the blame for the unrest squarely on President Trump, saying his immigration raids have provoked the community and turned calm streets into war zones. She accused the administration of turning LA into a "national experiment" to test how far federal power can override local jurisdiction.

Parts of LA under curfew for second night amid unrest over raids



A second overnight curfew has been enforced in downtown Los Angeles following days of protests triggered by US immigration raids. Police confirmed multiple arrests shortly after the curfew began at 20:00 local pic.twitter.com/daO5zLXEGk  tut0ugh (@tut0ugh) June 12, 2025

Bass justified the curfew as a means to stop what she called bad actors, claiming the situation tipped into chaos following Friday's raids. On Tuesday night, law enforcement made mass arrests, including individuals for firearm possession and violent assault on officers.

Military presence deepens fear and sparks legal debate

To control the spiralling unrest, the White House deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines across LA. Major General Scott Sherman confirmed that some of these troops are authorised to detain civilians until police can process arrestsa controversial tactic that critics say blurs the line between military force and civil law enforcement.

President Trump has defended his decision, stating the troops were necessary to prevent the city from being conquered by a foreign enemy. California Governor Gavin Newsom, however, fired back, branding the deployment an assault on democracy.

Citywide crackdown continues as arrest numbers climb

Los Angeles police have reported over 200 people arrested for failure to disperse, with several others facing serious charges. As rubber bullets fly and riot shields block protest lines, the city remains locked in a standoff between federal ambition and local resistance.

Police Chief Jim McDonnell tried to reassure the public, saying the chaos was not a city-wide crisis, but residents watching downtown LA under siege would likely disagree.
Harris Yulin, the legendary actor best known for playing tough and memorable roles in Scarface, Clear and Present Danger, and Ghostbusters II, has passed away at the age of 88. He died of cardiac arrest on June 12 in New York City. This was confirmed by his manager Sue Leibman.

He had more than 140 film and TV credits to his name and was still active before his death. He was supposed to begin work soon on a new MGM+ series called American Classic, which would have reunited him with Ozark star Laura Linney and actor Kevin Kline.

From Scarface to Ozark: A long journey in film and TV

Were saddened to share the news of the passing of acclaimed actor Harris Yulin, who died June 10 in New York City at the age of 87.



For Ghostbusters fans, Yulin is remembered for portraying the no-nonsense Judge Stephen Wexler, aka The Hammer, in Ghostbusters II.



Across his pic.twitter.com/YX3Z91KpM0  Ghostbusters News (@GBNewsdotcom) June 11, 2025

Born in Los Angeles in 1937, Yulin started acting on stage before moving to the big screen. He became a familiar face in Hollywood and played strong, often shady characters. One of his most famous roles came in 1983 when he played Mel Bernstein, the corrupt cop in Scarface, opposite Al Pacino. Fans also remember his cameo as a judge in Ghostbusters II, and as a corrupt official in Clear and Present Danger.

Yulins talent stretched beyond films. He earned an Emmy nomination in 1996 for a guest role in Frasier. He also appeared in The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 24, Damages, Entourage, and Ozark, where he played the unforgettable Buddy Dieker in Season 1.

Director Michael Hoffman paid tribute, calling him one of the greatest artists and saying his energy, humility, and presence shaped every project he touched.

Yulin also had a strong stage career, appearing in Broadway and off-Broadway productions like Death of a Salesman and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. He was respected both in front of the camera and on the stage.

Harris Yulin is survived by his wife, actress Kristen Lowman. The industry says goodbye to a true icon whose face, voice, and acting talent made every scene better.
What was meant to be a simple shopping trip turned into a life-altering event for Santa Rosa woman Sadie Novotny. The Sonoma County resident has filed a staggering $14 million lawsuit against Costco after a towering liquor display cabinet allegedly toppled onto her, leaving her with severe and permanent injuries.

Who is Sadie Novotny, the California woman suing Costco? | Credit: X

A regular Costco tun turns into a nightmare

The incident took place on 22 March at the Costco branch in Santa Rosa, California. According to the complaint, Novotny was browsing furniture options with her husband when the floor model liquor cabinet suddenly tipped over without warning, slamming into her body. Despite trying to brace the falling piece and pushing it back, she immediately experienced intense pain across multiple parts of her body.

Claims of catastrophic injury

Court documents reveal that Novotny sustained multiple, permanent and catastrophic injuries, including trauma to her head, lower back, shoulder, and arm. One of the most concerning diagnoses listed in the complaint is a traumatic brain injury  a life-changing condition with long-term consequences.

Who is Sadie Novotny, the California woman suing Costco? | Credit: X

Novotnys legal team is suing the retail chain not just for general negligence, but also under premises liability and product liability. These charges suggest the store may be held responsible both for maintaining an unsafe environment and for selling or displaying a potentially hazardous item.

Costcos legal move

Costco has responded swiftly to the lawsuit. In May, legal representative Nick Rineberg filed a motion to dismiss Costco Wholesale Membership, Inc. from the case. He argued that the membership entity is legally separate and does not manage or operate the store in question.

Who is Sadie Novotny, the California woman suing Costco? | Credit: X

With the case now transferred to the United States District Court for Northern California as of 5 June, the legal battle is heating up. The retail giant is likely to put up a robust defence, but the viral nature of the case and the public sympathy toward Novotnys injuries may add pressure.

Who is Sadie Novotny?

Known locally in Sonoma County, Sadie Novotny is not a celebrity, but her case is quickly gaining attention. Her story highlights concerns about retail safety and has ignited questions about liability in big-box store environments. As the lawsuit unfolds, all eyes will be on how one womans fight might change retail safety standards nationwide.
Know about Kamal Kaur: A murder inquiry was started after Kamal Kaur, a well-known Punjabi influencer with over 3.8 lakh Instagram followers, was discovered dead inside a locked automobile close to Adesh Medical University in Bathinda.

Her strange death, which was discovered after people noted a foul odor, has horrified her fan following and the community at large. She is well-known for her daring and frequently provocative flicks under the character of "Kamal Kaur Bhabhi." Punjab Police have summoned forensic specialists and initiated immediate investigations because authorities now believe the body was discarded after death.

Tensions are high as concerns about motivations abound, particularly in light of alleged threats from foreign figures. The online community closely monitors the case, which has become both scary and viral, as detectives piece together her last movements in an effort to find answers.

Who was Kamal Kaur?

She was a social media influencer | Credit: Instagram

Kamal Kaur, a Ludhiana resident, had over 3.83 lakh Instagram followers. She had a reputation for sharing reels often, some of which caused controversy. She was recognizable on social media thanks to her online persona. She was thought to be in her mid-30s.

Kaur, who is well-known for her audacious and funny reels, has reportedly faced threats and criticism for her use of profanity and double-entendre material. She allegedly received threats in 2024 to cease releasing "vulgar" videos from people connected to Arsh Dalla, a Khalistani extremist located in Canada.

Even if the threats were severe, no official complaint was ever made. Three days prior to her passing, she made her final Instagram post. According to police, Kaur told her mother she was heading to Bathinda for a promotional event on June 9 before leaving her Ludhiana home.

About Kamal Kaurs social media presence

With a growing Instagram following of about 383,000, Kamal Kaur was a budding influencer who posted daring and frequently contentious clips under the handle "Kamal Kaur Bhabhi." Despite occasionally divisive views, she garnered a devoted following and considerable recognition for her honest perspectives on Punjabi culture and societal issues.

Her profile (@kamalkur9179) had 110,400 followers and an interaction rate of little less than 0.6%, with an average of about 629 likes and 34 comments on each post, according to digital analytics providers. Although precise figures differ slightly throughout sites, she was undoubtedly a prominent and active user on Punjabi social media.

Also Read: Who was Ananda Lewis? Know about the Former MTV VJ who died due to stage 4 breast cancer at 52

Kamal Kaur's tragic death in her mid-30s

#WATCH | Punjab | Body of Ludhiana-based social media influencer, Kanchan Kumari, alias Kamal Kaur, found in her own car, in Bathinda.



SP Bathinda, Narinder Singh says, "Yesterday evening, we received a call that a car was parked in Adesh Hospital and some foul smell was coming pic.twitter.com/KPzOKNVwkV  ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

The police claim that the car in which her body was discovered is registered in the region of Ludhiana. According to preliminary evidence, Kaur might have been murdered somewhere else before her body was taken and left in the vehicle at the university parking lot.

People in the area were alerted to the car's strong, terrible odor, which prompted them to phone the police, which brought the incident to light. When responding police arrived, they discovered Kaur's dead body inside. Shortly after, her identification was verified, and the car's registration information allowed it to be tracked down to Ludhiana.

A forensic team has been sent to investigate the location and gather evidence, according to Bathinda Senior Superintendent of Police Amneet Kondal. On the surface, it appears that something is amiss. According to the Times of India, Kondal said, "We are treating this as a case of murder and a FIR is being registered accordingly." The motive for the suspected murder and the identities of the individuals involved are still being investigated.



To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
Greece is taking another step toward streamlining its public administration by deepening the integration between its General Commercial Registry (GEMI) and the countrys tax registry, following a new decision by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).

Under the new system, updates made

in GEMI for key business entitiessuch as public limited companies (S.A.), limited liability companies (EPE), and private capital companies (IKE)will now be automatically transmitted to the tax authorities. This move is designed to spare businesses from the burden of submitting the same information twice, once to GEMI and again to the tax

However, the reform is not without concerns. The automatic flow of data from GEMI to the tax registry is based on the assumption that GEMIs records are accuratea premise that many, including professionals familiar with the system, find troubling. GEMI has yet to establish a reputation for dependable and up-to-date recordkeeping. Mistakes are not uncommon, and delays in updating vital company informationsuch as changes in legal name, shareholders, capital structure, or legal statuscan occur. With the new system, any such error will now be directly mirrored in the tax profile of the business, without an intermediate step for verification or correction.

The AADE does provide some safeguards: companies are notified via the myAADE digital portal and email whenever a change is recorded. This allows for a basic level of oversight. Yet, once erroneous data has been transmitted, fixing it can become a time-consuming process involving manual intervention and direct contact with local tax officesexactly the kind of red tape the reform was supposed to eliminate. Currently, there is no automated feedback mechanism to correct mistakes already entered into the tax registry, raising concerns about the efficiency and accuracy of the new approach.

An exception to the automation applies to business closures. Even if GEMI transmits a companys deregistration automatically, the business is still required to submit a separate declaration to the tax authorities in order to formally cease operations. While this may appear to contradict the reforms purpose, in this particular case, maintaining a manual check may actually prevent serious administrative complications.

#GREECE_TAX
Some angry protesters have invaded major streets in Lagos State to mark 2025 Democracy Day, demanding accountability and good governance.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the agitators were spotted with different placards sensitising the public about importance of civic participation, including right to protest and influence democratic decision-making processes.

They were also seen demanding for end of insecurity and economic hardship facing the country.

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Meanwhile, Lagos State Police Command, also assured the protesters and residents of the state that their safety remains a top priority.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Commands Spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that there was no cause for alarm, emphasising that officers were fully on the ground to maintain law and order during the peaceful protest.

READ MORE: June 12: Reject Thugs Masquerading As Political Leaders  Pat Utomi Tells Nigerians

He said: Democracy Day celebrants and protesters at Ikeja Underbridge.

Adequate security on ground for celebrants and protesters alike. No cause for alarm. Your safety and security remains our priority.

Many Nigerians, including members of the opposition parties have been accusing President Bola Tinubus government of inflicting hardship on the citizens.

They believes that removal of subsidy on petrol and some other economic policies by the current administration, are responsible for the challenges facing the country.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has arrested 11 individuals, suspected to be engaging in internet fraud in Kaduna State.

It was gathered that EFCC carried out the arrests in the Mahuta and Barnawa areas of the state, following credible intelligence.

Recovered items include a Mercedes Benz C300, 14 mobile phones, two laptops, an iPad, two MiFi devices and portable speakers.

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READ MORE: EFCC Arrests 12 Suspects Over Internet Fraud In Akwa Ibom, Kaduna

In a statement by EFCCs Spokesman, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that the suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

He said: Items recovered from them include a black-coloured Mercedes Benz C300, 14 mobile phones, two laptop computers, an iPad, two mifi, one JBL speaker and one zealot speaker. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Elder statesman and former presidential candidate, HRM Dr. Oluyemi Falae, CFR, GCON, has reignited debate over the 1999 general election, asserting that he was the true winner and not former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Speaking on Thursday, Falae said, After the election, I went to court, and my lawyer, late GOK Ajayi, successfully established that if the duplicated results were discounted, I won by 1.5 million votes.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/stop-shameless-support-for-enemies-of-nnamdi-kanu-ohanaeze-tells-ipob.html

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Falae, who contested on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and All Peoples Party (APP) alliance, further revealed foreign interest in the real outcome.

Late Ambassador Dende Fernandes also informed me that he had seen the election results with the Americans, and I won by a landslide, he said.

The former Secretary to the Government under General Ibrahim Babangida expressed strong belief that the military was never ready to hand over power to a complete civilian.

Im convinced that Nigerians voted for me. Clearly, the military was apprehensive about a thoroughbred civilian taking over from them and instead preferred a hybrid.

The former Finance Minister has remained one of Nigerias most respected voices on governance and public service.

His renewed claim adds weight to the ongoing discourse about the integrity of Nigerias transition process and the lingering shadows of military influence in the nations democratic journey.
At least five people lost their lives and nine others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a series of tragic accidents that occurred on Wednesday along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

According to Florence Okpe, the Public Education Officer for the Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the multiple crashes involved a yellow Mazda bus with registration number LGB465XA and an ash-colored Howo truck with no number plate. The incident happened around the Car Park C axis of the expressway.

Okpe explained, The crash involved two vehicles: a Yellow Mazda Bus with registration number LGB465XA and an Ash Howo Truck with no registration number. A total of 12 passengers  seven male adults and five female adults were involved in the crash. Two male adults and three female adults were killed, while five male adults and two female adults were injured.

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She attributed the cause of the crash to speeding, brake failure, and loss of control on the part of the truck driver. The injured were taken to Famobis Hospital, Mowe, while the deceased were deposited at Idera morgue.

In a separate but equally devastating incident, a petrol tanker overturned and exploded near the NASFAT junction of the expressway, injuring two people and burning six vehicles, including four trucks, a bus, and a Toyota Camry.

Babatunde Akinbiyi, spokesperson of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, said, The earlier reported casualties cannot be taken to OOUTH as reported due to heavy traffic, they have been taken to Famobis Hospital at Lotto.

Another tanker also fell near Ogere Bridge, further compounding traffic woes for motorists trapped in gridlock for hours.
Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, has openly criticized President Bola Tinubus administration, accusing it of failing Nigerians.

Speaking in a recent interview with news men, Amaechi lamented the worsening economic hardship in the country and confirmed his willingness to join a political coalition to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Although still a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Amaechi stated that loyalty to the party does not mean blind support for a government that is underperforming.

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If the government is failing the country, you dont just go along because youre in the same party. You know thats not right, he said.

The former minister didnt shy away from describing the suffering Nigerians are experiencing, saying the situation is so dire that even he feels the effects.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/ive-been-in-pdp-for-28-years-no-sign-of-seriousness-will-leave-to-support-tinubu-sowunmi.html

People are dying. People are starving. I myself am feeling the effects of hunger, he declared.

Amaechis comments have further fueled speculations about his alignment with a growing opposition movement against President Tinubu. His recent 60th birthday celebration in Abuja was attended by key political figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, both of whom have also criticized Tinubus administration.

During the event, the trio accused Tinubu of weaponizing poverty to suppress dissent and control the populace. Their presence together has been interpreted by political analysts as a strategic show of unity and a signal of plans to unseat the president in 2027.

Amaechis open rebuke signals a possible realignment in the political landscape as the battle for 2027 heats up.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that he takes pleasure in witnessing the state of disarray among opposition parties in the country, saying it is a reflection of the ruling partys political dominance and strategic organisation.

Its my pleasure to see opposition in disarray, Tinubu stated pointedly on Thursday, while speaking at the State House in Abuja during a meeting with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council and party leaders.

The President added that the APC had weathered several storms and maintained its structure and leadership coherence, unlike the opposition which he described as lacking unity and focus.

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He noted that their internal conflicts and inability to form a formidable front only validate the APCs grip on the political landscape.

Some people say I should be worried about the opposition. Why should I? When theyre busy fighting themselves, how does that affect us? It is my pleasure, and I enjoy seeing them in that state, Tinubu added, drawing laughter from attendees.

President Tinubu also used the opportunity to reiterate his administrations commitment to delivering on promises made during the campaign, adding that political stability within the ruling party would continue to aid governance.
Political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has urged Nigerians to stop embracing some politicians in the country, describing them as thugs and tropical gangsters.

In a series of posts shared via his X page on Thursday, Pro. Utomi emphasised the need for Nigerians to liberate themselves from political leaders whose actions he said continue to damage the countrys progress.

He also linked the spirit of June 12 to the leadership struggle championed by late Chief MKO Abiola, whose annulled 1993 election victory is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in Nigerias democratic history.

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Utomi further revealed that he would observe three minutes of silence at noon on June 12 in honor of some key figures linked to the democratic struggle.

He said: Its the eve of June 12 and I have been inundated with questions about the struggle, seeing as things stand today. Was it worth it, they ask. My reply. Imagine where things could have been without the struggle, seeing as things stand today.

On June 12 at noon I will stand up for 3 minutes, silent, to honor a few heroes Chief MKO Abiola who died while I was airborne between Frankfurt and Manila. Tunde Akinleye, former Ikoyi club chairman who I met in CP during the struggle and became a best friend. Papa Ayo Adebanjo.

READ MORE: DSS Seeks Court Order To Stop Utomi From Shadow Govt Activities

Engaging the leadership question in African politics is what drove Chief Abiola. So June 12 is perhaps the day to reflect on leadership. Lets look from outside in and then from within. The Development consultant Robert Klitgaard titled his book Tropical Gangsters.

Former Canadian diplomat and world Bank official, Robert Calderisi titled his own; The Trouble with Africa: Why Foreign Aid Isnt Working. The 3rd Chapter was titled Thugs in Power. He writes:Ministers and are driving Mercedes and Cadillacs while majority are hungry. p30.

The real reflection for June 12 has to be how the people can liberate themselves from Thugs and Tropical Gangters masquerading as politicians as their character flaws damage the prospects of the people of their countries.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to forgive suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in the spirit of national reconciliation tied to June 12 Democracy Day.

George made the appeal on Wednesday, recalling how Tinubu recently reconciled with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu following a reported rift between both men.

He urged the president to extend a similar olive branch to Fubara, whose political suspension has sparked tension in Rivers State.

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Fubara was suspended by Tinubu on March 18 for six months after a prolonged feud with political stakeholders in the state.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/pdp-cant-unseat-tinubu-in-2027-without-unity-dele-momodu.html

The crisis, which centered on control of political and financial resources, led to Tinubu declaring a state of emergency in Rivers and appointing a sole administrator to manage the states affairs.

Since the suspension, Fubara has made moves toward reconciliation, including visits to Tinubu and his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Bode George referenced Tinubus ability to move past his differences with Sanwo-Olu and advised him to do the same with Fubara, emphasising the significance of Democracy Day as a moment for reflection and unity.

If Tinubu could forgive Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, then he should extend the same gesture to Fubara. On June 12, we will be celebrating Democracy Day. This is a reminder of the true meaning of democracy  the will of the people, George said.

He called on all political leaders to prioritize national healing, especially as Nigeria marks the sacrifices made for democratic governance.
A fuel station located on Old Akute Road, Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, has been engulfed by fire on Wednesday.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that some residents and motorists were seen in panic mode as they scuttled in different directions from the raging inferno.

In a statement by Senior Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jubril Gawat, revealed that officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the incident scene, following a distress call made by concerned resident.

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He said: Our people are on the ground, it seems the fire started from a Building behind the filling station.

READ MORE: Five Feared Dead, Tanker Fire Sparks Panic On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
Founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry (CMDM), Jeremiah Omoto-Fufeyin, has sparked widespread attention with the unveiling of a so-called spiritual Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card during a recent church service.

The video of the sermon went viral on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

In the footage, the Delta-based cleric is seen addressing his congregation while holding the card, which he emphasized is not comparable to a traditional bank card.

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READ MORE: Curses Await Those Who Criticise Men Of God  Pastor Chris Warns

Spiritual ATM card. This thing expires under 6 months. Spiritual ATM card.

You cannot use it like the physical one. It cannot work. No, sir.

The physical one, it cannot enter. It cant work at all. Because they are not the same, he said.

He went on to explain how the card is to be used and warned that it must be handled carefully or risk disappearing.

You use it the way you use it. I will tell you

Seven days. Number one prayer. Seven days you send this one.

Three days. Nights. Midnights. Pray this prayer. Keep it.

If you dont keep it well, it will disappear. You cannot see it again. Its a spiritual masters card.

He concluded the demonstration by assuring the congregation that the card would bring about breakthroughs.

Its going to bring helper. Or you will hear good news about you. Thats all.

The clip has generated mixed reactions online, with some questioning the spiritual claims while others viewed it as a symbolic tool of faith.
Lawmaker representing Bayelsa West, Senator Seriake Dickson, has berated President Bola Tinubu over his silence on political crisis in Rivers State.

The former governor of Bayelsa State accused Federal Government of enabling a creeping military-style suppression of democracy.

Addressing newsmen after a joint session of the National Assembly to commemorate Democracy Day, Senator Dickson expressed dismay that President Tinubu in his nationwide address, failed to mention Rivers State crisis.

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He alleged that his attempt to raise a constitutional point of order immediately after the announcement was deliberately shut down.

Senator Dickson accused Tinubus government of attempting to legitimise unconstitutional governance in Rivers State through federal backing.

He warned that such actions are antithetical to the spirit of June 12, a day that symbolises Nigerias democratic struggle.

Dickson said: Democracy is supposed to inspire hope, but what we saw today in the Senate was a direct assault on that hope.

My right as a Senator to raise a constitutional issue was completely disregarded.

The Senate President rushed through the Presidents message and ignored my intervention.

READ MORE: June 12: Tinubu Should Forgive Fubara Like He Did Sanwo Olu  Bode George

Thats not how democracy works. Thats how military regimes operate.

Why read this communication today, of all days, if not to send a chilling message about federal overreach?

You cannot preach democracy and practice autocracy. President Tinubus speech was beautifully written, but his silence on Rivers betrays a troubling disregard for the rule of law.

This is not about Governor Fubara. It is not about political parties. It is about the people of Rivers State and the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

If Rivers can be treated this way today, what stops it from being Lagos or Kano tomorrow?
Veteran comedian Ali Baba has revealed the cost associated with securing political positions in Nigeria.

Ali Baba revealed this while speaking on the widespread corruption in Nigerian politics and the conduct of the countrys leaders.

In an interview on the OUTSIDE THE BOX podcast, Ali Baba, who maintains close ties with several Nigerian politicians, claimed that securing a senatorial seat costs around 1.2 billion, while running for governorship in some states could require between 20 billion and 25 billion.

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READ MORE: Segun Sowunmi, Yeni Kuti In On-Air Faceoff Over Tinubu Meeting

He characterised politics in Nigeria as a heavily monetised system, suggesting it plays a major role in perpetuating corruption across the country.

The comedian went on to accuse Nigerian political leaders of turning a blind eye to the real needs of the people, instead focusing on projects that generate funds they can exploit during election campaigns.

To win the senatorial seat is now between N1.2bn. you need N1 or 2bn to win a Senate seat. To win a house of Rep, you need another N1billion.

State House of Assembly you need N500 million. Governorship depends on the state. For Delta State you need like about N20bn, for Rivers you need a 25 billion. For some of those states in the North maybe 4 or 5 or 6 billion naira.

So its a capital intensive project, which is what is driving the corruption in our country right now. So anytime somebody is in office, the person is not thinking of education, except if whatever he wants to do in education will provide some money that they can leverage on when the time for election comes, he disclosed.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cancelled the scheduled national broadcast originally planned for Thursday morning, June 12, in celebration of Nigerias Democracy Day.

The announcement was made through a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) on Wednesday.

Initially, the OSGF had informed Nigerians that Tinubu would address the nation via a traditional broadcast to mark the significance of June 12.

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However, a later update from the Director of Information and Public Relations at the OSGF, Segun Imohiosen, confirmed the cancellation of the broadcast, attributing it to Tinubus change in schedule.

Due to H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubus scheduled attendance at the National Assembly Joint Session, the Presidential National Broadcast on June 12 has been cancelled, the statement read.

READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/06/ignore-busybodies-focus-on-transformation-of-abuja-tinubu-to-wike.html

Imohiosen added, President Bola Ahmed will deliver his address from the National Assembly. All other plans are in order as announced earlier.

The decision means the Presidents Democracy Day message will now be delivered live at the National Assembly during the joint session, instead of the usual pre-recorded or live television broadcast.

Tinubus presence at the legislative chamber is expected to coincide with commemorative activities and high-level engagements marking Nigerias return to democratic rule in 1999, a turning point symbolized by the historic June 12 elections.

This marks a slight deviation from tradition, but the presidency insists all commemorative plans remain intact, with only the mode of communication altered.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubus administration of deliberately sidelining the northern region in the distribution of national infrastructure projects.

In a strongly worded statement signed by NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere on Thursday, the Forum declared: The systematic exclusion of Northern Nigeria from major infrastructure investments is not just an economic oversight it is a national threat.

The group emphasized that this lopsided approach is deepening regional inequality and endangering national cohesion.

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NEF criticized the Federal Government for allocating over N1.34 trillion to the LagosCalabar Coastal Highway and N148 billion to the Second Niger Bridge while describing the N252 billion allocated to the AbujaKano Expressway and N18 billion for the WusasaJos Road as token efforts.

Highlighting the neglect of key northern highways like the JalingoNumanYolaBama and BauchiGombe roads, the Forum stated: It deepens inequality, fuels regional resentment, and endangers the unity of the Republic.

On rail infrastructure, NEF lamented the abandonment of the Port HarcourtMaiduguri Eastern Rail Line and noted that modern rail initiatives are being concentrated in the South.

They called on the Ministry of Works and the Nigerian Railway Corporation to publicly explain the rationale behind the allocations, and urged northern lawmakers to take a stronger stand: We demand a formal commitment from elected representatives of the North to rectify this imbalance.

The Forum concluded by warning that continued marginalization could undermine peace and stability in Nigeria.
Puberty and the chuckling, head-shaking moments it inspires take center stage in Square Go, making its Philly premiere after earlier stagings in New York and Scotlands venerable Edinburgh Festival.

The theme is universal and so is the comedy, in this coming-of-age tale by Inis Nua and Tiny Dynamite.

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Co-authored by Scottish playwrights Kieran Hurley and Gary McNair, the play negotiates a tricky path from outright hilarity to an emotional conclusion. The evening doesnt stray far from the one-note theme of coming-of-age, and the deeply moving climax seems slightly out of step with the lighthearted mood of the play. Nevertheless, we are entertained and the overall quality of production makes for a fascinating evening.

Kathryn MacMillans crisp, kinetic direction infuses every element of the show. The comic pace, personal connection, and subtle moments of audience participation make for a delightful theatrical experience. We lock into the energy and immediacy of the arena staging, including several combat sequences. The wrestling clashes, brilliantly choreographed by Alex Cordaro, are entirely authentic and riveting.

There are two characters, Stevie and Max  both early teens  played by adult actors. The action occurs in a boys school bathroom, just outside Glasgow, one hour prior to a street fight (the square go) to which Max has been challenged.

Their relationship is well-crafted and typical of male teenage bonding. They possess a modicum of insight, gleaned from street smarts and bits of learning from their often-absent Das.

Their self-assurance, however, is shaky at best, bouncing from feigned certainty, confident stupidity, and fragile insecurity, especially when calculating what is expected of them in the world that lies ahead. These are spot-on illustrations of pre-adulthood.

Owen Corey plays Max, whose impending match with the school bully anchors the plot. Tyler Elliott portrays his bestie Stevie. At times Stevies support proves awkward, even defeating, as when he taunts, The heaviest thing you ever lifted was the burden of being a massive disappointment to which Max replies, Whose side are you on?

Elliott also portrays Hobbins, the eccentric but affable teacher, the bully Danny, and Maxs father.

Both actors render extraordinary performances. In a show driven by humor, they elicit laughter by remaining rooted in organic heartfelt connection  no mugging or overplaying. Each exudes a remarkable teen sensibility and letter-perfect Scottish dialects. They also demonstrate exceptional physicality. Add occasional improvisational moments, where they interact with the audience, and were witnessing a master class for actors employing a comprehensive skill set.

Coreys committed search for self, despite his adolescent doubt, suggests an endearing inner courage. Elliotts impressive character turns include a moment as the bully, transitioning from absolute stillness to deep emotion.

The boys need for conversation and connection is unmistakably topical. So are the plays references to antiquated notions of masculinity.

And what about bullying? Are we shaking heads and chuckling as the nations leaders redefine maturity as crudely as possible?

Go check out Square Go. Enjoy the show and judge the relevance for yourself.

Square Go

(Community/Arts)

A coming-of-age tale told through stellar acting, perfect Scottish accents, and brilliantly choreographed wrestling. A play thatll make you chuckle and shake your heads, and reflect on the political relevance of a play that questions antiquated notions of masculinity.

 Through June 22,  302 S. Hicks St., Phila.,  inisnuatheatre.org

Theater reviews are produced independently by The Inquirer without editorial input by their sponsor, Visit Philadelphia.
Suraya, Kalaya, Archway Hotel Residence, Maison Rose, Pizzeria Beddia, The Bend, Picnic.

All of these Philly hot spots have something in common: the detailed, discerning eye of designer and entrepreneur Katherine Lundberg.

And many of them are in Fishtown.

Lundberg first experienced the neighborhood in 2015 when she transferred to Philly from Atlanta to work as design manager for Anthropologie, an URBN brand. She instantly connected with Fishtown.

Theres an openness here that I love, said Lundberg, 38.

She especially appreciated Fishtowns abundance of industrial factory-style buildings, envisioning the ways they could be adapted and repurposed.

When she began house hunting, Lundberg felt drawn to the same type of home  a modern, classy, open-space concept with clean lines and elevated selections for the exterior and windows. Unlike other houses, where she would need to make changes to the flooring, backsplash, or other elements, she could see herself moving into one of these homes seamlessly.

She was determined to meet the developer behind the buildings.

It turned out to be Roland Kassis, founder of Fishtown-based Kassis & Co, who invested in real estate, construction, restaurants, film production, and nonprofits. The pair instantly clicked.

At the time, Kassis was developing Suraya, the now popular Lebanese restaurant in Fishtown. He tasked Lundberg with designing the interior, which she did on a freelance basis.

The plans flourished under her direction. The 12,000-square-foot industrial space  the type of Fishtown architecture that had captured her appreciation  was already built with a Middle Eastern design in the flooring and walls.

I first came in as a problem solver, recalled Lundberg. When I came in, there was a masculinity to the project. I thought, How do we keep things crisp, timeless, and minimal, but also with an unexpected softness?

Over six months, she filled the space, already rich in natural light, with warm and inviting details. On a whitewashed brick wall, she curated the numerous floating shelves with a menagerie of multicolored vases containing flowers she made by hand.

Building a reputation

In early 2018, Lundberg left Anthropologie and began working with Kassis full-time.

I was open to the risk, she said.

She dove into creating Surayas outdoor oasis in the courtyard, learning on the job as she oversaw design, specification, art direction, and project management.

She also took on work at other Kassis businesses  R&D Cocktail Bar, Pizzeria Beddia, Condesa, and El Techo.

I realized I loved working with the architects and custom fabricators, selecting materials, and guiding the details, she said. I became that connective-tissue person from idea to implementation, being sure no stone was left unturned.

Kassis quickly recognized Lundbergs potential, that she was a quick learner with a keen eye for details. At URBN she had managed a team of 25 designers, so in addition to her artistic talent, she had management skills, he said.

This business is a mans world and she was able to manage the architects and subs, said Kassis. She built a strong reputation and held them accountable.

He also recognized her drive and determination to grow.

Shes ahead of the curve when it comes to design and style and the next trend in fashion, Kassis said. Shes an entrepreneur who is able to help run and manage our businesses.

While Lundberg handles interior design and articulating the point of view on every project, her other roles differ from job to job.

On Picnic, a wine shop and restaurant in East Kensington, she collaborated with Defined Hospitality and Joe Beddia, handling brand and creative direction, specification and specialized procurement, and project management.

She and Kassis have collaborated on more than a dozen hospitality projects, including restaurants, a yoga studio, hotels, and apartments.

They delved into their first apartment project in 2018 with Archway Hotel Residence, a boutique 11-suite property. Utilizing an invisible service model  the hotel doesnt have a front desk  the development was a prototype for other similar projects. In addition to overseeing the design, Lundberg became co-owner and operator.

The pandemic was a disrupter, but ultimately a pivotal one.

It gave me the space to focus deeply on Archway, allowing me to forge brand partnerships with companies like Dyson, Aesop, and Theragun, she said.

She envisaged every detail of Archway, refining the brand from the inside out.

I had to take it on soup to nuts, she said. Thats my obsession with experience.

Recognizing her vision and dedication, Kassis made her a partner in 2023.

Briquette Studio, the design company she founded in 2020, now serves as the design arm of Kassis & Co. Briquette specializes in real estate development, interior design, curation, and brand identity, said Lundberg.

A true personality in brick and stone

At Kalaya, in Fishtown, owner Chutatip Nok Suntaranon wanted a space that felt warm, welcoming, and elegant, but also down-to-earth.

Enter Lundberg, who spent two years designing the space, which opened in 2022. Lundberg visited the chefs home for inspiration, noting, for example, Suntaranons appreciation for German light designer Ingo Maurer. Lundberg included the artists fixtures in her design.

Katherine was able to bring my vision into light from her creative mind, said Suntaranon, a 2023 Beard Award winner, who recently published Kalayas Southern Thai Kitchen: A Cookbook.

The way Suntaranon sees it, the restaurant is brick and stone, but its the hospitality that makes the difference. Katherine was able to translate and imprint my intention and show the true personality of how Kalaya should be, she said.

In 2024, Lundberg and Kassis opened Maison Rose, a fully furnished three-bedroom residence under the Archway Collective portfolio. Around the same time, they opened The Bend, a design-forward building with 61 rental units on Frankford Avenue. Lundberg served as coproject manager in collaboration with Norr architects, overseeing everything from naming the building to branding, creative direction, and staging.

She is currently on a team constructing two additional properties on Frankford Avenue, using a similar model.

1716 Frankford will feature 40 residential apartments with ground-floor retail, and 1224 Frankford will expand the deconstructed hotel concept with 59 units.

We want to design these as apartment buildings so that in the worst-case scenario, say another pandemic, we wont have a problem where hotels sit empty, she said. It gives bankers and investors confidence.

Creating a thriving neighborhood is not just about food and beverage, Lundberg said.

You have to have the other fillers that make a strong, well-rounded neighborhood, she said. That includes retail, wellness, art, culture, hotel accommodations, and office space.

Eventually, she said, she will need to move on to another neighborhood ripe for development.

But Fishtown will always be the place where she earned her chops. And it all started with an insistence on knowing more about those adapted industrial buildings.

Ive always been a squeaky wheel with goals, she said. Speak up about what you want. There is power in saying it out loud and manifesting it, especially for women.
Fourth grade students, Cheyenne Wise, left, and Josiah Forney, read a book on Tuesday, Jan 30, 2024, during a reading class at the Hancock Elementary School in Norristown, Pa. Read more

As Pennsylvania moves to overhaul how schools teach reading amid a growing movement embracing phonics and more structured lessons, educators had been waiting to see which curricula and programs the state would direct them to use.

When the Pennsylvania Department of Education posted lists of resources late last week, however, some were disappointed.

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Rather than curricula vetted by Pennsylvania teachers and experts, the resources on the departments website were a compilation of programs rated by outside curriculum review organizations and education departments in other states.

How long would it have taken AI to create something like that? said Pam Kastner, the former state lead for literacy at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, which provides professional development to schools.

Between educators, texts were flying about the lists, Kastner said. Within hours, the department took the lists down.

A department spokesperson said Thursday that the resources were temporarily removed because some stakeholders found the original format challenging to use and that they would be reposted soon.

Heres what to know about the controversy, and what it means for reading instruction in Pennsylvania:

Why is Pa. making changes to reading instruction?

Literacy advocates nationally have been pushing for reforms in line with the science of reading, a body of research into how children learn to read. Proponents say there is a disconnect between that research and what many schools have been teaching  with overreliance on a balanced literacy approach that favors more independent exploration of books and de-emphasizes phonics and other foundational skills that experts say are key for many kids.

Science-of-reading advocates have instead pushed for schools to embrace structured literacy, with a more systematic approach to teaching reading. Skills are taught sequentially, and the curriculum also promotes building background knowledge  so kids are just learning not just to decode words, but also to understand what they are reading.

Across the country, states have passed laws to shift schools toward structured literacy. In Pennsylvania, a law passed last year requiring the state education department to produce a list of evidence-based reading curricula, along with approved structured literacy trainings for teachers, screening tests to assess childrens reading abilities, and intervention methods for children who need added help. All would be optional for schools to use.

The department was required to convene a council of 20 members with expertise in structured literacy to produce those lists.

We were expecting something really professionally done, said State Rep. Jason Ortitay, a Republican who sponsored the legislation and represents parts of Allegheny and Washington Counties.

Why were the lists controversial?

Ortitay said he was genuinely embarrassed when the lists posted last week. He found the material confusing, including a color-coded Excel spreadsheet that was difficult to interpret.

Then he started hearing from people that there were errors  curricula appearing on the list that were not actually offered anymore. Another program was listed as having declined review by a science-of-reading organization; in fact, the company had submitted its materials for review, Ortitay said.

When schools are making purchasing decisions based on this information, accuracy is not optional. It is essential, Ortitay said in a letter to acting Education Secretary Carrie Rowe. He said that the posted lists do not reflect the intent, rigor or review standards that were envisioned when the law was enacted, and that Pennsylvania teachers should be involved in vetting materials.

Education department spokesperson Erin James said that the feedback the department received about the lists was largely positive and that the lists were compiled by literacy experts and aligned fully with the requirements of the law passed last year.

While the Reading Leadership Council, which includes Pennsylvania teachers, played a role in the lists, council members did not review actual curriculum materials. Kastner said some of the lists supplied to council members had drawn criticism in other states; the council was also given reviews from EdReports, a nonprofit that has come under fire for approving programs with discredited reading techniques.

Mary Jean Tecce DeCarlo, a clinical professor in Drexel Universitys School of Education, said that as a member of a council committee tasked with producing the list of professional development programs, she and others were given a list of programs vetted by the International Dyslexia Association.

PDE brought us a list, and then asked us, How do we make this work for school leaders so they can make sense of it? DeCarlo said. She said the process was also led by WestEd, a consulting group.

DeCarlo is a fan of the IDA, but said professional development in structured literacy should not be targeted just to teaching students with dyslexia. She noted that some programs are effective at teaching delayed readers the connection between sounds and letters, but do not help kids develop background knowledge necessary for comprehension.

She was reassured after learning the list would be targeted for kindergarten through third grade, where the emphasis should be on basic sound-symbol connections. But she also questioned how school leaders would use the list, given that its options included everything from a three-hour training to more intensive structured literacy trainings that can take a year. Many districts might just choose the least time-consuming path, DeCarlo said.

The message from the state to schools is you really, really should do this, but were not paying for it and were not requiring it, DeCarlo said. Its a weird interstitial space.

What happens next?

DeCarlo had not been informed of the lists being taken down, but was awaiting further instructions from PDE.

Its a good start, DeCarlo said, noting theres room for us to revisit a process and have it get better and better. She said the council will meet again later this summer.

Ortitay and other lawmakers, both Republican and Democratic, have been pushing legislation that would require schools to adopt evidence-based reading curricula; under the proposal, schools that used materials from the state lists could apply for grant funding, Ortitay said.

The uncertainty around the lists could delay implementation of that plan, Ortitay said, adding that he was extremely disappointed.

Still, he said, he met with Rowe on Wednesday and did feel a lot better about where things are headed now.

Also up in the air is money to support schools in implementing new structured literacy programs. The Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition has been calling for $100 million to be added to the state budget; Gov. Josh Shapiro had not included funding targeted to structured literacy in his budget proposal earlier this year.

This will not happen without funding, Kastner said. She said Pennsylvania is so far behind other states, contrasting the state with Louisiana and Mississippi, which have invested in structured literacy training for teachers.

We all want our kids to be able to read. The adults have to start acting like that, Kastner said.
The University of Pennsylvania is exploring how to help about 200 students from 12 countries affected by a travel ban recently enacted by President Donald Trumps administration.

And many other students could be affected by the administrations decision to pause all student visa interviews.

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Its unclear who or how many will be arriving in the fall for classes, Jeffrey Cooper, vice president for government and community affairs, told members of Penns board of trustees at a committee meeting Thursday. It creates a lot of ambiguity, a lot of unknowns, and, most of all, it creates significant anxiety.

 READ MORE: Tensions rise on local campuses as Trump targets international students

Trumps travel ban that just took effect applies to 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

Beth Winkelstein, deputy provost, said the university has been exploring a number of options to help international students, including the possibility of allowing them to start by studying abroad. Deferring their admission for a year or allowing for a late arrival are among the other options, she said.

Penns three academic councils at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels have agreed to keep meeting and working through the summer to brainstorm other solutions, said Winkelstein, who will leave Penn at the end of August to become provost of Northeastern University in Massachusetts. At Penn, about a quarter of total enrollment comes from other countries, accounting for 6,903 international students as of fall 2024.

 READ MORE: Among schools nationwide, Haverford and Penn warn international students to return to campus before Trump inauguration

And its not just students who could be affected by federal policy, but also patients from other countries who come to Penn for medical treatment, said Cooper, who will soon retire from Penn after 17 years. Their visas could expire or a family member may be unable to get into the country, he said.

There are ongoing, constant issues, with very little clarity in Washington as to where to go, who to talk to on how to resolve these issues, he said. It is very difficult to interact in a reliable way with the current administration.

Coopers remarks came during his report on federal, state, and city government budget deliberations and interactions affecting Penn. He noted that the citys budget is on target to be passed soon, while the state budget process, like the federal one, includes a lot of unknowns.

It is hard for me to say this, but  City Council and the mayor are the best-functioning government we have right now, Cooper said. Its a little scary.

 READ MORE: Penn, Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore warn increases in the endowment tax could harm financial aid, other programs

Research funding, endowment tax, and other uncertainties

In addition to concerns about international students, Penn faces federal uncertainty over research funding, a potential steep increase in the endowment tax, and multiple probes. The Trump administration is investigating Penn over foreign funding and its inclusion of a transgender athlete on the womens swim team in 2021-22.

The amount of effort that goes into responding to these investigations and the requests for documents is enormous, Cooper said of those inquiries. Its just really overwhelming. We have tried to be as responsive as possible in the hopes that that will help build a more positive relationship with the administration.

Penn stands to lose about $250 million in research funds and has seen an additional $175 million in funding paused over allowing trans athlete Lia Thomas to participate on the womens swim team. There also is a proposal for dramatic cuts in funding for the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, the main government agencies that fund Penns research.

 READ MORE: Trump administration demands Penn restore accolades to female swimmers after allowing trans swimmer to compete

And, while the university currently pays $10 million under a 1.4% endowment tax enacted during Trumps first term, that amount could grow dramatically under a proposal passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The tax would rise to 7% for Penn and perhaps even 14% if the Houses intention to exclude international students from calculations holds, Cooper said. To be subject to the current tax, colleges must have at least 500 tuition-paying students and an endowment that is larger than $500,000 per student, and removing international students could push Penn into the higher tier.

A group of Ivy League universities currently are lobbying for a 5% tax as an alternative, Cooper said.

The budget, he said, also includes other cuts that could affect Penn, including changes in the federal Pell Grant program targeted toward low-income students and the elimination of a loan program that allows students to accumulate no interest while they are in college and a six-month period after graduation before they must begin paying back their loans.

Cooper also acknowledged the community pushback the university received after scrubbing its website and programs of diversity initiatives in an effort to comply with the federal administrations policies. He said the university has been emphasizing its efforts to maintain federal funding to avoid layoffs and keep programs intact.

In order to get money, we have to make sure that our programs dont conflict with the federal governments views on those issues  not easy to do, Cooper said. But our goal is to keep the university functioning at the highest level possible.
One cant help but wonder if Braxton Bragg  the infamous and incompetent Confederate general who owned 105 enslaved African Americans, waged war on Mexicans, and was so awful his own troops tried to assassinate him ... twice  was looking up from his fiery eternity and smiling.

Nearly 149 years after Braggs death  and four months after a U-turn that involved a juvenile ploy to reattach this traitors name to the sprawling U.S. Army base in his native North Carolina  here came the 47th president of the nation that trounced Bragg up and down the Civil War battlefield. Yet, on Tuesday, Donald Trump all but promised a sea of beret-wearing soldiers a return to Confederate values, under a large banner that read, THIS WELL DEFEND.

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The insurrectionist Bragg surely would have been heartened when Trump used his powerful platform to rally an entire army against democratically elected public officials like California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass  and when the uniformed troops of a once proudly apolitical U.S. Army answered with thunderous applause.

Like everything else about Trumps strongman regime, the cheers had been manufactured. Military.com later reported that the chiseled forces of the storied 82nd Airborne Division behind Trumps podium had been picked, in part, for their right-wing political views and also  according to one email obtained by the news site  to satisfy our allegedly 224-pound (lol) president with no fat soldiers. (Yes, Trumps Tinder ad for his dream-date U.S. soldier essentially read, No fatties.)

If soldiers have political views that are in opposition to the current administration and they dont want to be in the audience then they need to speak with their leadership and get swapped out, read another email. No wonder Trumps audience not only laughed and cheered at ugly diatribes against their prior commander in chief, Joe Biden, and a free press, but also lined up for a vendor who was somehow allowed into Fort Bragg to sell items such as Make America Great Again chain necklaces and phony credit cards labeled White Privilege Card: Trumps Everything.

This well defend?

Its not an exaggeration to say that June 10, 2025, will go down in American history as a day of infamy, when an authoritarian president made clear that the worlds largest and most lethal fighting force now exists to enforce his personalist political agenda, and not to defend the nations people.

And its no surprise that Trumps harshest critics came from the outraged ranks of patriotic veterans like Hurricane Katrina relief hero and retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, who called the damn speech inappropriate in a tweet, adding that I never witnessed that S..t [sic] like this in 37 years in Uniform.

But while Trumps blatant politicizing of the U.S. military was a horrific crime against democracy in its own right, this fateful moment did not occur in a vacuum.

Although the ostensible purpose of the Fort Bragg speech was to kick off the 250th birthday party for a U.S. Army launched in 1775 to oppose (irony alert) a cruel and arbitrary monarch, the real mission seemed to celebrate the two-day anniversary of Trumps crossing-the-Rubicon decision to federalize the National Guard and call out Marines on the American soil of Los Angeles.

Under legal justifications that seemed invented from whole cloth, the California National Guard operation that Trump now commands against the will of Newsom  whose state is suing the regime  to quell protests against federal immigration raids that the White House falsely calls an insurrection is already seeing heavily armed troops detaining LA residents.

The added call-up of 700 Marines  troops trained not to enforce public safety but to kill people  is making clear that an increasingly botched American Experiment is entering a terrifying new phase in which the might of our grossly oversized military is deployed to silence domestic dissent.

The shocking video this week of a train carrying scores of Army M1-A1 Abrams tanks past the Washington Monument and into the center of Washington, D.C., where a 250th Army anniversary parade on Saturday night coincidentally falls on Trumps 79th birthday, makes clear the real point: Trump has been planning a military junta style of undemocratic government from Day One.

This week, Rolling Stone reported that the military is likely to remain on the streets of LA for weeks, accompanying agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as they increase raids on Home Depots, car washes, and farms to meet the regimes arbitrary mass deportation goal of one million migrant arrests this year. A source told the magazine that it is hard to imagine that protesters would stay home for this, and that escalation in such a scenario is all but inevitable.

 READ MORE: L.A., Abrego Garcia, and the Big Lies of Trump tyranny | Will Bunch Newsletter

And yet, its disturbing the extent to which even smart and good pro-democracy politicians and pundits still arent seeing this. Wednesday night, I heard Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin  fresh off a well-deserved grilling of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Capitol Hill  go on MSNBC and still insist that Trump sending in the Marines in Southern California is a distraction from his failed economic policies.

No.

This is not a distraction from the essence of the 47th presidency. This is rather what Trumps MAGA movement was always all about, imposing his will on the divided nation that just barely elected him in November as the kind of red Caesar dictator that extreme-right thought leaders have been pleading for, and using brute force to get there.

A president whose disastrous first term ended with a violent attempted coup to block the peaceful transfer of power is now moving quickly in his second term to consolidate power, to accomplish the form of autocracy he sought on Jan. 6, 2021.

What we are watching this week, from the chaos in downtown LA to the Mussolini-like strutting at Fort Bragg to the soon-to-be-pothole-ravaged streets of D.C., is nothing less than Trumps second attempted self-coup against the United States. And this one offers a much greater chance of success, unless the resistance mobilizes quickly.

Its true that  as the brilliant New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie and others have noted  Trump and his henchmen, like anti-immigrant guru Stephen Miller, are making their move now less because he is a strongman, and more because his nearly five months in office have revealed him as a weak man.

His Big Beautiful Bill that would devastate U.S. healthcare and other public goods is not surprisingly foundering in Congress. Scores of judges  some appointed by Trump in his first term  are striking down his worst dictatorial moves. Most importantly, the presidents public support is plunging rapidly toward Nixonian levels, with a new Quinnipiac Poll showing 56% of Americans oppose his mass deportation, while his overall approval has sunk to 38%.

What would Chairman Mao or Comrade Lenin do? The Atlantics Anne Applebaum, an expert on authoritarianism, nailed it in her latest essay: Now Trump faces the same choice as his revolutionary predecessors. Give up  or radicalize. Find compromise  or polarize society further. Slow down  or use violence. Like his revolutionary predecessors, Trump has chosen radicalization and polarization, and he is openly seeking to promote violence.

Whats happening in Los Angeles is bad, but its only the beginning. It was reported this week that ICE is planning to send militarized tactical units into Democratic-run cities, including Philadelphia  as well as Chicago, New York, Seattle, and northern Virginia. Its noteworthy that the Trump regimes open-ended orders federalizing National Guard members in California werent limited to the Golden State, suggesting that we could see armed troops patrolling past Independence Hall sooner rather than later.

With all the scary stuff thats happening right now, arguably the most alarming is the Trump regimes efforts  amplified by the predictable Fox News tape reels of the few cars that burned last weekend in LA  to claim that any form of dissent is now a terrorist threat against the homeland. From the Oval Office, the president said of the D.C. tank parade: If theres any protester that wants to come out, they will be met with very big force.

Not rioters. Not looters. Protesters. American citizens exercising their First Amendment right to air their grievances with the government and voice dissent would be greeted in the nations capital with tanks, just as happened in Tiananmen Square 36 years ago this month.

This is a 10-alarm fire for American democracy that screams out for action.

As it happens, there is a protest slated for Saturday  a huge one. Its called, beyond fittingly, No Kings, and marches and rallies are now planned for more than 1,800 cities, state capitals, and small towns in all 50 states. Everywhere except Trumps childish D.C. birthday party in Washington. If you are able to attend No Kings and rekindle the spirit that threw off one monarchy here in Philly in 1776, Id urge you to do so.

A general who once fought to defend a tyrannical regime of slavery predicted in 1861, We shall show you that we are stronger than you, and that we will beat you in the long run. That was, of course, Braxton Bragg, on his buffoonish journey toward the dustbin of history. The most important thing about reactionary movements and the dictators who lead them is that they fail.

Donald Trumps second coup will fail, too  but only after we the people make clear that this will not stand.

 READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter
Sen. John Fetterman enters an elevator at the U.S. Capitol. Read more

President Donald Trumps lawyers cited a post from Sen. John Fetterman in their legal response to California Gov. Gavin Newsoms motion to block the deployment of troops in Los Angeles.

Fetterman (D., Pa.) on Monday called protests against federal immigration enforcement anarchy and true chaos.

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In his statement on X, Fetterman criticized his fellow Democrats for their response to the unrest in LA, saying that they lose the moral high ground when they do not condemn setting cars on fire, destroying buildings, and assaulting law enforcement.

Those comments were referenced by Trumps lawyers when they responded to Newsoms temporary restraining order request, which asked federal judge to intervene to limit troop deployment in Los Angeles after Trumps administration mobilized the California National Guard and put 700 Marines on standby in the state.

A hearing is scheduled for Thursday afternoon in the case filed against Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the Department of Defense, alleging that the federal takeover of the states National Guard violated the constitution and exceeded the Department of Defenses authority.

Fetterman has continued to denounce the demonstrations and Democrats response online and in interviews.

In a post uploaded to X on Wednesday morning, Fetterman shared a list of dos and donts for protesters to WIN THE ARGUMENT.

DO NOT loot, set s on fire, assault law enforcement, he wrote. DO protest peacefully, organize to win elections, call out destructive behavior like this.

Prior to these recent posts, Fetterman repeatedly criticized protests against Israel. His stance and unapologetic tone has endeared him to some Republicans while also increasingly causing tension with many progressives who supported his 2022 Senate run.
Pa. State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta at the Capitol in Harrisburg last month. Read more

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D., Philadelphia) will retain his vice chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee, a DNC official said Thursday.

An internal party quarrel that involved the other vice chair, activist David Hogg, had threatened Kenyattas position. But the matter was resolved after Hogg said Wednesday that he would not continue in the role, the official said.

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As a result, in a vote to reelect vice chairmen that began Thursday, Kenyattas name was the only one on the ballot. That means he will win, although the result will not be official until nationwide electronic voting by Democratic officeholders, officials, and others connected to the party ends Saturday, the official said.

Im grateful to the overwhelming support Ive received in this reelection from DNC members, Kenyatta said Wednesday in a post on X, and I look forward to getting back to work electing Democrats up and down the ballot.

Kenyatta has represented North Philadelphia since 2019. He has been an anti-gun activist and is the first openly LGBTQ person of color elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Kenyatta has increasingly taken on larger roles in national Democratic politics.

Before this resolution of the vice chairmanship was achieved, fighting among the Democrats had roiled the party for a month.

In May, a DNC subcommittee recommended that the organization invalidate one of its February vice chair votes over claims that it unfairly disadvantaged female candidates.

An invalidation meant that Kenyatta had to run for vice chair again and face a possible loss. On X, Kenyatta had called the subcommittees decision a slap in the face."

In an interview with The Inquirer last month, Kenyatta said: The most unfortunate aspect of this is that we are now talking about internal party procedures, when as we speak, Republicans are gutting Medicaid, Medicare, trying to overturn Obamacare, and getting rid of food stamps.

Oklahoma Democratic committeewoman Kalyn Free, who unsuccessfully ran against Kenyatta and Hogg, had challenged the vote, claiming it violated DNC rules.

Hogg became nationally known as a gun-control advocate after he survived the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14, 2018. Named to the Time 100 list that same year, Hogg has gone on to support liberal causes through protests and marches.

He became the subject of ire from others in the DNC for his belief that incumbent Democrats should face primary challenges that he said he would finance to recharge the Democratic Party, which he has said is asleep at the wheel.

The DNC call for another vote was related to his disagreements with the party, Hogg has said.

The party will begin another vote for the second vice chair that will run Sunday through Tuesday, putting an end to the Democrats infighting, the DNC official said.

Harmony comes at a critical moment, according to Kenyatta in his X post:

As Donald Trump sends troops into American cities  [and] threatens peaceful protest  Democrats must be bold and meet this moment.
Former N.J. Gov. Christine Todd Whitman (left) and other former Republicans greet supporters in the crowd after they appeared onstage with Vice President Kamala Harris at a Republicans for Harris event in Washington Crossing last year. Read more

Christine Todd Whitman, the former Republican New Jersey governor, said Wednesday that she is pulling for U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee in the race to succeed Gov. Phil Murphy.

Whitman, who broke ground as a Republican, running the state from 1994 to 2001, now cochairs the Forward Party, a new national political party, with former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang. She has described it as a party for the politically homeless, particularly for moderate Republicans who feel alienated by President Donald Trump.

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Shes the right person for the job, Whitman said of Sherrill in an interview with The Inquirer. Ive met with her. She knows how to organize. She knows how to manage and to lead.  Beyond that, it would be really nice to have another woman.

Whitman had stayed out of the primary, but her endorsement of the Democrat is not all that unexpected. She campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris last year at Republicans for Harris events in Pennsylvania.

Her support underscores how the Republican Party in New Jersey has shifted to the right along with the national party under Trump.

GOP nominee Jack Ciattarelli won every county in the state, in a commanding victory aided by Trumps endorsement. Ciattarelli, a third-time candidate, had been critical of Trump in the past but embraced him this year and benefited from the party leaders backing.

Whitman said Ciattarelli would bring MAGA in full force to New Jersey. Frankly, Jack has changed from the person I knew decades ago, she said.

Gov. Chris Christie, the Republican governor of the state from 2010 to 2018, who has been sharply critical of Trump after being a onetime ally, became an attack line during the GOP primary, with candidates aiming to distance themselves. Christie did not formally endorse a candidate in the primary and has clashed with Ciattarelli in the past.

Whitman said she is hopeful that the state will elect its second female governor come November with Sherrill as the candidate and a Democratic voter registration advantage.

Anybody can have a shot  it all comes down to who gets out, she said. I think New Jersey is showing its a pretty smart state and we understand that women can do these jobs.
Gov. Josh Shapiro said that he will challenge any attempt by President Donald Trump to deploy federal troops to Pennsylvania, calling the presidents actions in Los Angeles really dangerous.

The California National Guard was called into LA last weekend to quell protests against immigration raids, despite objections from California Gov. Gavin Newsom. On Tuesday, Trump told reporters that the deployment is the first, perhaps, of many, according to ABC News. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also suggested in his Senate testimony Wednesday that the orders issued in LA could expand to other places.

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Shapiro, a potential contender for the presidency in 2028, told the Washington Post in an interview Wednesday that he wont be afraid to stand up to the president if he tries to send troops to Pennsylvania. He also said that if the National Guard were needed to handle protests in the state, it would be under his direction.

The Democratic governor has long been a critic of the Republican president. He has taken on the Trump administration with repeated lawsuits and, earlier this month, in response to a list of so-called sanctuary cities created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, he said that these guys dont know how to govern.

Shapiro also said his administration is working with mayors and local officials across the state to prepare for any protests that turn from peaceful to violent.

His remarks come as Philadelphia gears up for the No Kings protest, set to take place this weekend.

We will be prepared to make sure people can peacefully protest and that we do not have violence in our communities, Shapiro said.

In a statement on the forthcoming demonstrations released Thursday, Shapiro said his office is coordinating with the Parker Administration in Philadelphia and local officials and law enforcement all across the Commonwealth to make sure that demonstrations this weekend are lawful and peaceful.
Philadelphia City Hall. Council on Thursday largely approved Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers taxing and spending proposal for the budget that takes effect July 1 as well as much of her Housing Opportunities Made Easy, or H.O.M.E., initiative. Read more

Philadelphia workers will see minuscule tax cuts, small-business owners will get a mixed bag of pain and relief, and city residents experiencing housing insecurity could get a lifeline from the $6.8 billion budget City Council approved Thursday.

After making several relatively minor amendments, Council on Thursday largely approved Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers taxing and spending proposal for the budget that takes effect July 1, as well as much of her Housing Opportunities Made Easy, or H.O.M.E., initiative.

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Lawmakers approved the budget bills in a series of 15-1 votes, a week after giving preliminary approval to the bills in committee.

 READ MORE: Business tax cuts and housing bonds: Mayor Cherelle Parker and Philly Council reach $6.8 billion deal for the next city budget

Councilmember Kendra Brooks, of the progressive Working Families Party, voted against all of the budget and tax measures, saying that the plan did not do enough for the most vulnerable Philadelphians and that she had not been consulted during budget negotiations. (Councilmember Nicolas ORourke, who was absent due to a family medical emergency and is also a member of the Working Families Party, has said he also opposed this years budget deal.)

Brooks voted for Parkers housing bills, which passed in a series of 16-0 votes.

The mayors proposals this year were unusually forward-looking. From her 13-year schedule for business tax cuts to her housing plan, which includes new programs that could take years to fully implement and will be paid for in part by 20-year bonds, many of the most important parts of the next city budget will not come to fruition until long after the next fiscal year.

Heres what you need to know about how the new tax and housing legislation will affect Philadelphians  eventually.

Individual tax cuts delayed

Wage tax: The wage tax will be reduced on July 1 from 3.75% to 3.74% for Philadelphia residents and from 3.44% to 3.43% for people who commute into the city for work.

Those are near-negligible savings for many Philadelphians. But the small annual cuts are part of a decades-long policy shared by successive mayors to reduce the citys reliance on the wage tax.

The Parker proposal approved by Council includes a five-year schedule for wage tax cuts. By 2030, city residents will pay 3.7% and nonresidents will pay 3.39%.

Property tax: Most Philadelphia homeowners will pay the same amount in property taxes next year.

Parker and Council agreed to leave the real estate tax rate flat at 1.3998% of a propertys assessed value.

 READ MORE: Property tax bills would stay the same for most Philly homeowners next year under Mayor Parkers budget plan

And the administration did not conduct a citywide property reassessment, meaning the vast majority of owners will see their values unchanged this year.

Property tax revenue is split between the city and the school district.

Real estate transfer tax: The citys real estate transfer tax, which is paid when a property is sold, will increase from 3.278% of the assessed or sales value of a property to 3.578%.

Parker proposed the increase to help pay for her housing plan, and Council agreed.

The state also assesses a 1% transfer tax, bringing the total rate to 4.578% for people buying and selling property in the city.

Small businesses hit hard

Philadelphia small-business owners will be hit hard this year by the loss of a popular tax break that allowed tens of thousands of firms doing business in the city to forgo paying the business income and receipts tax, or BIRT.

But the business tax burden will soften over time, due to Parkers 13-year schedule for cutting the BIRT.

Exclusion eliminated: The tax break that is going away this year was adopted by the city a decade ago. It allowed businesses to exclude their first $100,000 in revenue from taxation under the BIRT. That effectively allowed many of the citys smallest businesses to forgo paying the complicated tax altogether.

But the city was sued last year by a Massachusetts company that does business in Philadelphia, contending the tax break violated the Pennsylvania Constitutions uniformity clause, which requires everyone subject to a state or local tax to pay the same rate.

 READ MORE: Why a popular tax break that helped Philadelphias small businesses may be going away

Parkers law department determined the city was unlikely to prevail in court, and the mayor begrudgingly asked Council to eliminate the tax break.

She proposed spending $30 million  roughly the amount of new revenue the city expects to collect due to the end of the tax break  on grants and technical assistance to help businesses navigate the transition. Council agreed and threw in an additional $17 million.

Business owners can get more information on the BIRT changes and sign up for updates on how to get relief from the Philadelphia Revenue Department.

BIRT rate cuts coming: The BIRT consists of two taxes, and the Parker plan that Council passed includes 13 years of scheduled reductions to both.

The tax on net income, or profits, will go from 5.81% to 5.71% next year, before eventually falling to 2.8% in 2039.

The tax on gross revenue, or companies total income from business in the city, will be cut from 0.1415% to 0.141% next year. Parkers plan would then fully eliminate the gross receipts levy in 2039 after a series of annual cuts.

Housing opportunities to come

Parkers $800 million bond initiative that passed Thursday will provide funding for dozens of housing policies in the years to come.

But the money wont be moving for a while. First, the city must actually issue its first tranche of the bonds: $400 million scheduled to be sold this fall. The earliest the funds will start to flow in the Philadelphia housing initiative is October, but there could be further delays in getting the programs online.

Council added oversight provisions that will essentially force the administration and Council to renegotiate the details and funding for each housing assistance program every year.

Although these numbers are not set in stone, Parker administration officials have outlined how much funding they hope to see allocated to many of the programs in the H.O.M.E. plan. Here are their biggest priorities:

Turn the Key: Parkers administration hopes to allocate the most funding, $112 million, to Turn the Key, a program that offers very cheap city-owned land to developers so they can build for-sale homes for first-time homebuyers who make less than 100% of area median income (AMI), or $83,600 for a one-person household and $119,000 for a family of four.

The program also includes secondary mortgages paid for by the city that lower the up-front costs for homeownership, and provide buyers with a deferred schedule on some payments until they sell the home. While city workers are given preference for accessing the program, anyone within the income limits can apply.

Basic Systems Repair Program: The administration wants to spend $84 million bolstering this popular and long-standing city policy that gives lower-income homeowners grants for house repairs.

Although the program pays for fixes to 2,500 homes a year, there is still a substantial waiting list. But the administration wants the income limit for the program to be increased to 100% of AMI as well. That means far more people will be eligible for the money, and the wait list may expand apace.

One Philly Mortgage and Philly First Home: Two other home ownership programs are also at the top of the administrations priority list. Parker wants to put $50.7 million toward One Philly Mortgage, which would go to first-time homeowners who might not qualify for conventional mortgages. The program will provide 30-year fixed rate loans to households up to 120% of AMI, or $100,000 for a household of one or over $143,000 for a household of four.

Meanwhile, $50 million would expand the Philly First Home program, another first-time homeowner-assistance program that covers down payment and loan closing costs for mortgages up to $250,000. Eligible homebuyers can receive up to $10,000 or 6% of the purchase price, whichever is lower.

Staff writer Fallon Roth contributed to this article.
Councilman Nicolas ORourke on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. O'Rourke's office says budget cuts for Zero Fare program will hurt ridership capacity. Read more

Philadelphias subsidized SEPTA fare program, which created the first major dustup of the budget season, may continue to be a point of contention for transit advocates in the coming year.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker originally proposed in March eliminating Zero Fare, a two-year roughly $60 million pilot program that provides SEPTA access for about 25,000 Philadelphians living in poverty. Then, after pushback from Philadelphia City Council members and advocates for the in-turmoil transit agency, the Parker administration backtracked and said it would negotiate with SEPTA to continue Zero Fare.

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But in the next years $6.8 billion city budget, the program, Councilmember Nicolas ORourke said, appears to be shortchanged. Council passed the city budget on Thursday  during the final session before the legislative body adjourns until September  along with Parkers Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Plan. Also on Thursday, Council heard introductions on a bill to add a bike lane near City Hall and another offering a tax credit to merchants who support Philadelphia-based performing arts.

ORourkes office estimates that starting on July 1, Zero Fare will receive $8 million in leftover funds from the pilot program, a sharp decrease from what his office estimates to be $30 million in funding for the program this year. The reduction leaves the number of low-income Philadelphians the program is able to support in question. ORourke, one of the strongest opponents of Parkers original proposal to abandon Zero Fare, said in a statement Wednesday that many of the 25,000 residents who currently rely on this program may have their benefit terminated prematurely unless a new funding source is identified or an agreement is reached with SEPTA.

A spokesperson for Parker did not respond to a request for comment on ORourkes offices estimates, but her administration said in April that they were in discussions with SEPTA to extend the Zero Fare Pilot through Fiscal Year 2026. The city also reached an agreement with SEPTA in April to continue offering Key Advantage, a program that covers fares for thousands of city employees, at its current level after Parker originally proposed cutting its funding.

What was this weeks highlight?

Lingering budget drama: ORourkes office estimates that the city spent approximately $20 million over two years on the Zero Fare pilot. The programs support capacity with a reduction in funding remains to be seen, but ORourke sounded the alarm this week.

ORourke, of the progressive Working Families Party, was absent from the Council meeting, but said in a statement Wednesday that the program may now be unable to support all current recipients, let alone scale to more.

SEPTA has said significant service cuts and increased fare would become a reality, if Pennsylvanias state legislature fails to fund the transit system in the state budget.

ORourke introduced legislation in April to establish a Transit Access Fund that essentially sought to codify key components of Zero Fare into law and calls for the allocation of 0.5% of the citys General Fund to the transit fund.

I strongly encourage the Administration to go to the mat for a fully funded Zero Fare, and I urge every Philadelphian who believes mobility is a right  not a privilege  to join me," ORourke said. Lets refuse to allow the people who can least afford it to fall through the cracks.

What else happened this week?

A new bike lane?: Councilmember Jeffery Jay Young, Jr. introduced legislation to remove a vehicle travel lane around City Hall and replace it with a protected bike lane.

Currently, City Hall is surrounded by four travel lanes of often swift-moving traffic. Advocates say that the protected bike lane will allow cyclists to traverse the area safely and will more generally calm traffic for all users, and especially making it easier for pedestrians to cross the street.

This is a dangerous road, yet a huge destination for Philadelphians and tourists alike, said Nicole Brunet, policy director for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. Thank you Councilmember Young for moving the ordinance forward.

The Parker administration transmitted the bill to City Council. On Tuesday, Philly Voice reported that urbanist groups were petitioning Young to introduce the legislation. The bill has the general support of Pennsylvanias Department of Transportation, which plans to repave the streets around City Hall.

A petition in support of creating the bike lane, started by transit groups Philly Bike Action and 5th Square, had 1,427 signatories by Thursday. The Logan Square Neighborhood Association sent a letter of non-opposition to Young, but has no formal position.

Most likely it will be in the Streets and Services Committee [in the fall], said Young. Well have a conversation if the bill is brought up for committee hearing.

Supporting the arts: Councilmember Isaiah Thomas introduced a bill Thursday that would provide qualifying merchants  such as hotels, motels, and limited-service restaurants  a tax credit against their business income and receipts tax liability if they contract the services of a Philadelphia-based performing artist or a Philadelphia-based performing arts organization.

If passed, businesses can start utilizing this tax credit starting in tax year 2026.

The credit will manifest in an amount equal to the greater of $400 or 15% of the cost of compensation for contracting or retaining the artist or the organizations services, according to the bill.

Quotable

Some things you like in a budget, some things you dont. Some things you fight about, some things you win. Some things you lose. But the process of making this budget is not easy and it is not perfect, but the imperfect shouldnt be the enemy of good." Philadelphia City Councilmember Curtis Jones

That was Councilmember Curtis Jones who, in a speech at the end of Thursdays final Council session before their summer break, encapsulated the roller coaster of budget negotiations.

Council had to navigate a few squabbles on the budget this year before ultimately passing it in a series of bills on Thursday, 15-1.
Philadelphia City Council passed legislation Thursday that gives renters more time to pay security deposits and creates a fund to help renters leave unsafe homes. Read more

City Council passed two bills Thursday meant to help renters on the move: one that allows tenants to pay a portion of their security deposit in installments and one that creates a fund to give money to tenants who are forced from unsafe homes.

The security deposit bill passed by a vote of 13-3, and the bill to create an anti-displacement fund for renters passed unanimously.

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After each passed, renters and renter advocates in the audience in Council chambers cheered.

Reducing up-front costs

Councilmember Rue Landau introduced the security deposit bill as part of an effort to reduce renters up-front costs, which can be barriers for households that can afford monthly payments but not expenses associated with moving into a new home.

The bill compels landlords to allow renters to pay a portion of their security deposit in installments if the deposit is more than one months rent. Renters can choose to pay the rest of the cost beyond one months rent in equal installments over three months. Landlords are allowed by state law to charge two months rent.

Having worked as a housing lawyer for decades, I know that the up-front costs of moving can be the difference between staying put and giving yourself a fresh start, Landau said during the Council meeting.

The bill excludes landlords with one or two rental units, a concession Landau made after fellow Council members objected to their inclusion during a vote last week.

We are very thankful to Councilmember Landau for including that exemption, said Paul Cohen, general counsel for HAPCO Philadelphia, the citys largest association of rental property owners. The majority of members have one or two rental units.

In addition to the bill, renters have another way to get help paying their security deposits.

A pilot program called FreshStartPHL is covering the equivalent of three months rent for eligible renters who are moving to a new home and giving them up to $1,000 for moving expenses. For eligibility requirements and to apply to the program, renters can go to https://phdcphila.org/freshstartphl/.

Last week, Council passed another of Landaus bills to address up-front renter costs. That bill caps rental application fees at $50. Her office found that application fees can range from $50 to $150 per tenant.

In a statement released after the Council votes on Thursday, Landau said her bills are a win-win for renters, who will have more financial breathing room, and landlords, who will have a larger pool of potential tenants to rent their properties.

An anti-displacement fund

On Thursday, Council also passed a bill that authorizes the city to create an anti-displacement fund for renters. The fund would help tenants with relocation costs when the city determines their rental homes are unsafe and they must evacuate.

But Council did not allocate money for the fund in the next city budget, which members passed on Thursday.

The bill was part of a legislative package meant to improve rental conditions that was introduced by Councilmember Nicolas ORourke and written in partnership with advocacy groups OnePA Renters United Philadelphia and Philly Thrive.

At a Council hearing to discuss the package, renters and advocates shared stories of unsafe and unhealthy rental conditions, including leaks and mold, cracks and holes in walls, and a lack of adequate heat.

Councils housing committee advanced the bill to create the fund but held two other bills for further review.

One would provide tenants who complain about issues in their homes with additional protections against retaliation and harassment by their landlords. The other would authorize the citys Department of Licenses and Inspections to create a program to proactively inspect rental units instead of relying on tenants complaints to trigger inspections.

Im thankful for the trust of organized tenants and homeowners who brought their experience to the drafting process for the bill that passed, ORourke said in a statement. He said he was excited to move his other bills forward in the fall.

The Council bills that create the anti-displacement fund, allow installments for security deposits, and cap rental application fees take effect 90 days after they become law.
Consumers ultimately are paying for fraudulent activity, and so we have an obligation to protect them, said Adam Blinick, who oversees public policy and communications for Uber in the US and Canada. If we see something inappropriate on the platform then we will take appropriate steps to stop it, including pursuing civil RICO suits, he said, referencing the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.
The annual premium for the programme is estimated at $30 million, covering the mainline Air India fleet of 140 aircraft and an additional 26 aircraft operated by Air India Express. The policy is expected to be reviewed as the airline begins incorporating 470 new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing into its fleet, in what is slated to be one of the largest aviation procurement deals in history.
Were seeing much more detailed inquiries, Porter said. Whats the specific risk in this region, at this site? Customers, brokers, and other partners are involving us earlier in the decision process. Thats a shift from even five to 10 years ago, when insurers often only found out after the expansion. Now were part of the planning, and thats a great change.
Since the 1990s, the two sides have gone back and forth in court. Union Pacific settled approximately 21 mine subsidence claims between 1996 and 2008, amounting to less than $1 million. The litigation escalated in 2009 when the Fund and the Gillespie School District sued Union Pacific following subsidence damage to a school. That case was initially dismissed, partially reinstated on appeal, and ultimately ended in a settlement after the appellate court held that only liabilities existing at the time of Superiors dissolution in 1957 had been assumed. The court also left unresolved a key factual question - whether Superior Coal had been a mere instrumentality of Union Pacifics predecessor.
In a final attempt to bolster their case, the plaintiffs cited FM Globals internal loss code documents, suggesting these documents supported their interpretation of coverage. The court, however, clarified that New Jersey courts are only permitted to consider extrinsic evidenceinformation external to a contractwhen the terms of the agreement are deemed ambiguous. The 3rd Circuit concluded that the terms of FM Globals policies were unambiguous, negating any need to examine evidence outside the policys established boundaries.
The disputed fund was managed by Wells Fargo & Co. and described by Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, the plaintiffs legal counsel, as among the worst-performing target-date options in the entire market. The law firm further claimed that UnitedHealths leadership continued using the fund due to its relationship with Wells Fargo.
On Wednesday Erie Indemnity Co. reported that the network outage that has affected all of its systems for five days and is continuing to do so was the result of a security issue.

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a notice on its website, the insurer said that on June 7 it identified unusual network activity, which it determined to be the result of an information security event.

Upon learning of this activity, the company said it took immediate action to respond to the situation to safeguard its systems. The company also notified and is working with law enforcement.

The company said it continues to take protective measures. It is conducting forensic analysis with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to gain a full understanding of this event.

The investigation and response are ongoing, and the full scope, nature, and ultimate impact on the company are not yet known, the announcement stated.

Erie Insurance is not the only insurer with cyber woes. Philadelphia Insurance Co. reported Wednesday that it is also experiencing a network outage. The outage has knocked out the insurers phone and email systems, as well as customer access to online applications.

Erie Insurance had not previously indicated a likely cause or source of its outage and it has not yet indicated whether data has been exposed.

Erie Insurance customers are still unable to access online accounts or reach online customer service. The companys local agents, claims and customer care teams continue to support customers. Policyholders who need to initiate a claim can contact their local agent or call (800) 367-3743. Customer service is also available at (800) 458-0811.

During this outage, Erie Insurance advised that it will not call or email customers to request payments and it urged customers to not click any links from unknown sources or provide personal information by phone or email.

The property/casualty insurer employs more than 7,000 people and is represented by 14,000 agents.
A new class action lawsuit alleges that digital insurer Lemonade has violated the privacy of as many as 190,000 drivers by exposing license numbers to cybercriminals through its online auto insurance quote platform.

The complaint filed in federal court in Manhattan accuses Lemonade of negligence in handling of individuals data and of violating the federal Drivers Privacy Protection Act, New York business law, and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data security guidelines.

Lemonade took two years to detect the technical glitch that caused the disclosure and while the insurer has said it would take prompt steps to fix the problem, according to the suit there is no evidence the insurer has done so. The plaintiffs seek costs and damages and a court order requiring that the insurer implement enhanced data security measures.

The lawsuit comes following an April 9, 2025 filing by the insurer with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in which it reported that its online application process for auto insurance policies may have exposed the drivers license numbers of about 190,000 people from April 2023 to September 2024.

Lemonade acknowledged that a technical issue caused certain data to be transmitted without its standard means of protection. Lemonade also told the SEC that once it discovered the technical issue on March 14, 2025, it took appropriate measures to resolve the vulnerability and that it would begin notifying regulators and any individuals who might be affected. Lemonade described the matter as not material.

Lead Plaintiff

Arizona resident Leslie Rich, the lead plaintiff in the New York lawsuit, alleges that Lemonade was negligent in disclosing his drivers license number and other personal information through its platform. As a result, Rich claims he was a victim of fraud and identity theft last October and November by criminals who obtained his personal information. He said fraudsters have applied for multiple auto loans with multiple lenders in his name and made fraudulent trades on his retirement account with Fidelity. In April, he received a letter informing him that Lemonade disclosed his drivers license number to unauthorized third parties.

In essence, the suit maintains, Lemonades website functions as a drivers license lookup tool, which scammers have used to access drivers license numbers. The plaintiff claims Lemonade knowingly provides drivers license numbers to any user who first enters a name and address and the insurer does not verify that a user is entitled to the information. In addition, the Lemonade platform does not employ effective security measures to detect whether a website visitor is, in fact, a bot or automated process rather than an individual person, according to the suit.

The quoting feature uses the name, date of birth, and address entered by the website visitor, combined with additional information Lemonade already has or can access from third-party data brokers, and then automatically pre-fills the drivers license information.

The proposed class includes peoplelike Richwho never applied for insurance with Lemonade and were not Lemonade customers. In other words, unauthorized parties availed themselves of the personal information that Lemonade made publicly available through its quote platform on a wholesale basis, according to the lawsuit.

As a result, the suit alleges, the insurer has assisted an ongoing and concerted campaign by fraudsters to engage with insurers quote platforms to obtain drivers license numbers to perpetuate known occurrences of fraud and identity theft.

Lemonade sent letters to individuals impacted by the data disclosure beginning April 10, 2025. Thus, the complaint notes, Lemonade allowed the disclosure to continue for 17 months and failed to inform affected individuals of the data disclosure for two years.

Other Actions

The lawsuit is the latest action against insurers with online quoting systems that are alleged to have exposed driver information.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured $975,000 in penalties from auto insurer Root over a data breach that the state says exposed the personal information of about 45,000 New Yorkers. Root does not offer insurance in New York, but scammers gained access to New Yorkers drivers license numbers and personal information, according to the attorney general.

Previously, New York secured $5.1 million from GEICO and Travelers, as well as $500,000 from Noblr, for also failing to prevent data breaches of New Yorkers data.

In March, James sued Allstate Insurance and its subsidiary National General for allegedly causing drivers license information on more than 165,000 New Yorkers information to be exposed in a cyber attack.

In 2024, Lemonade reached a $5 million settlement in a case accusing it of illegally sharing life insurance applicants personal and health-related information to third parties including TikTok, Facebook and Snapchat. The class action suit contended that Lemonades conduct violated consumers privacy rights as well as federal and state laws.

Topics Lawsuits Personal Auto
More than 200 bodies have been recovered at the crash site of a Boeing Co. 787 Dreamliner operated by Air India that was bound for London, according to police officials.

Flight AI171 crashed shortly after taking off in Ahmedabad in the worst disaster involving the US planemakers most advanced twin-aisle aircraft. Officials didnt immediately say how many of those people were passengers, crew or area residents.

The flight was carrying 242 passengers and crew, most of whom were Indian and British nationals. Video footage shared on social media showed a giant plume of smoke engulfing the crash site. The jet crashed into a dining hall at a medical school as students were eating lunch. Images also showed the aircrafts tail wedged into a damaged building and fire crews hosing down blackened rubble.

Read more: A Run of Fatal Airline Crashes Upends Sterling Safety Record

We have found 204 bodies, we are looking for more bodies, Police Commissioner G.S. Malik told Bloomberg. There is a chance that there may be survivors. 41 injured are being treated. These include people who were staying in the residential area.

The aircraft entered a slow descent shortly after taking off, with its landing gear still extended before exploding into a huge fireball upon impact. The crash took place in a residential area, which could mean a higher death toll. The twin-engine plane had reached an altitude of 625 feet (190.5 meters) at a speed of 174 knots, or about 200 miles per hour, according to data from Flightradar24.

The pilots in command issued a mayday call immediately after takeoff to air traffic controllers, according to Indias civil aviation regulator. The aircraft was in the command of captain Sumeet Sabharwal and first officer Clive Kundar, who had 8,200 flying hours and 1,100 flying hours of experience, respectively, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said.

According to air-traffic control data, the jet departed from Ahmedabad at 1:39 p.m. local time using runway 23. After the initial mayday call, there was no response from the cockpit to subsequent calls made by controllers on the ground.

The accident extends a series of serious and fatal incidents in the civil aviation industry this year, including a mid-air collision in Washington early in 2025 between a military helicopter and an aircraft. Air India is in the middle of a strategic turnaround that includes a huge aircraft order as it seeks to tap growing demand from a rising Indian middle class.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the accident is heartbreaking beyond words, according to a statement, adding that hes been in touch with ministers and authorities assisting the salvage operation.

Boeing shares fell some 6% in early US trading on Thursday, making it the biggest decline of any stock on the S&P 500 index. The 787 is the companys most advanced in-service aircraft and is popular with airlines because it is more fuel efficient thanks to its use of lightweight composite materials. Boeing said its aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information.

The crash comes days before the aviation industrys most important annual conclave kicks off outside of Paris. The Air India accident will cast a cloud over a trade show typically dominated by blockbuster jet orders that was already dampened by global trade tensions. Boeing Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg was due to attend the Paris Air Show, though there was no immediate word on whether his plans had changed.

Among the 242 people on board, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British citizens, 1 Canadian and 7 Portuguese, according to Air India, which said the injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.

Based on the number of people on board, this would be the worst commercial airline crash since MH17 in 2014, which was shot down over Ukraine, killing 298 people, according to Aviation Safety Network, which tracks fatal crashes. The last crash of this magnitude for Air India was Flight 182 in 1985. The Boeing 747 aircraft was destroyed by a bomb over the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 329 people on board.

Boeing has been involved in several accidents in recent years, including two fatal crashes with Lion Air Flight 610 on October 29, 2018, and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 on March 10, 2019. Early last year, a nearly-new 737 Max aircraft lost a door panel during flight. While there were no fatalities, the accident plunged the company into a deep crisis.

Read more: Boeing Is Sued by Shareholders Following MAX 9 Blowout

The aircraft involved in Thursdays accident carried the VT-ANB registration and was almost 12 years old. The plane was powered by two General Electric Co. GEnx engines. GE Aerospace said in a post on X that it is assembling an emergency response team to go to India to support the investigation.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Air India Flight AI-171. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those impacted. We have activated our emergency response team, and we are prepared to support our customer and the investigation.  GE Aerospace (@GE_Aerospace) June 12, 2025

A representative for the US Federal Aviation Administration said the agency is in contact with the National Transportation Safety Board about the incident and stands ready to launch a team immediately. The National Transportation Safety Board said the agency will be leading a team of US investigators traveling to India to assist the government in its investigation into the crash.

US air safety officials typically assist in an investigation to determine the cause of a crash involving an American-built aircraft, though the process unfolds over weeks and months. Air safety incidents are often caused by a number of factors.

Air India operates 34 Boeing 787 aircraft, according to data from aviation consultant Cirium. Their age ranges from just over 2 years to nearly 14, with most more than a decade old. In all, the airline has 192 Boeing and Airbus SE jetliners in its fleet. In 2023, the Tata Group signed a massive 470-plane order to refresh the aging models they inherited with new planes and position the airline for growth.

Following todays accident, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at Ahmedabad suspended flights. Gatwick Airport, the second-largest in the London area, said the aircraft was due to land in the UK capital at 6:25 pm. Air India started operating from Gatwick in 2023 when it launched four new routes including Ahmedabad.

Related:

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Aviation Aerospace London India
Fabcon, a Delaware corporation with a manufacturing facility in Ohio, was sentenced to pay a $500,000 fine, the statutory maximum, after pleading guilty to willfully violating an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule, the Department of Justice announced.

In addition to the fine, Fabcon will serve two years of organizational probation and comply with a Safety Compliance Plan. The criminal charge is related to an incident where an employee was killed when a pneumatic door closed on his head.

Fabcon Precast LLC makes precast concrete panels at its facility in Grove City, Ohio. Batch operators were employees responsible for operating and cleaning the facilitys only concrete mixer, which discharged concrete from its bottom through a pneumatic door. The mixer had an exhaust valve that, by design, released the pneumatic energy which powered the discharge door to make it inoperable.

The valves handle broke off, and was not replaced, prior to June 6, 2020. On that day, batch operator Zachary Ledbetter was injured trying to close the discharge door due to the broken valve. Ledbetter was eventually freed from the door, but he died at a hospital five days later.

Federal law makes it a class B misdemeanor to willfully fail to follow an OSHA safety standard, where the failure causes the death of an employee. The class B misdemeanor is the only federal criminal charge covering such workplace safety violations.

The Department of Labors Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

Senior Trial Attorney and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Cullman, of ENRDs Environmental Crimes Section and for the Southern District of Ohio respectively, prosecuted the case.

Source: DOJ
Michigan State University has reached settlements worth about $30 million with three students who survived a mass shooting in 2023, attorneys said Tuesday.

Three students were killed and five more were wounded when a man with no connection to the school fired shots inside two buildings.

Michigan State agreed to a $14.2 million settlement with Nathan Statly; $13 million with Yukai John Hao; and $2.5 million with Troy Forbush, according to lawyers at Grewal Law and Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman.

While the university cannot comment on any specific settlements, we truly hope reaching a resolution helps provide some measure of relief, support and care to impacted individuals and their families, Michigan State said.

Statly was shot in the head, Hao was paralyzed after being shot in the back, and Forbush was shot in the chest.

Three students were killed: Brian Fraser, Arielle Anderson and Alexandria Verner. Their families reached settlements with Michigan State in late 2023.

The gunman, Anthony McRae, 43, killed himself after being confronted by police that night, nearly 4 miles (6 kilometers) from the East Lansing campus.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Michigan
The Trump administration is increasingly skipping a form of federal disaster aid that helps states better prepare for future storms, flooding and wildfires.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency rejected requests for such resiliency money, known as Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding, for Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma last week, part of a trend that started this spring.

These denials are one way the administration is trying to cut costs and narrow the scope of FEMA, the nations primary agency for disaster work that sits under the Department of Homeland Security.

The administration is weighing the approval of hazard mitigation funding with states ability to execute those funds, said White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson. To date, we are observing large unobligated balances across the board, she added.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump reiterated his plan to eliminate the agency, possibly as soon as the end of hurricane season in late fall. Were going to do it much differently, he said in the Oval Office. Standing near Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said: Youve been very clear you want to see FEMA eliminated as it exists today. So Im preparing all these governors that they will have more control over the decisions on how they respond to their communities so that they can help it happen faster.

The federal hazard mitigation money is used for flood buyouts of homes and constructing tornado safe rooms. Not receiving it would mean that there would be fewer funds available for Missouri communities to fund such projects, said Mike OConnell, communications director for the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

A new tack on disaster preparedness

The requests for hazard mitigation funds were part of the states applications for major disaster declarations, a status that comes with federal assistance. Missouri experienced back-to-back severe storms in mid- and late March. That same month, Iowa experienced a severe winter storm, while Mississippi was hit by strong storms and Oklahoma was affected by straight-line winds and wildfires. In each case, the destruction from the disasters overwhelmed local and state responses, prompting Republican Governors Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Tate Reeves of Mississippi, Mike Kehoe of Missouri and Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma to seek federal assistance.

On May 21, Trump signed major disaster declarations that greenlit some funding to help affected communities in the four states recover and rebuild. But the states specific requests for money to invest in projects to boost defenses and preparedness against future storms and other disasters remained under review.

Less than two weeks later, on June 2, FEMA denied the hazard mitigation requests, according to a review of three of the five rejection letters and interviews with state officials.

Its a pattern that started in March, when the Trump administration stopped automatically approving hazard mitigation requests tied to major disasters. It later denied two state requests, in May.

The denials represent a big change from how previous administrations, including Trumps during his first term, responded to such requests, when the approval of this money as part of large post-disaster aid packages was considered to be almost automatic, said Michael Coen, who used to review the requests as FEMAs chief of staff under former President Joe Biden.

Jackson said in a statement that the White House is working with states to assist them in identifying projects and drawing down balances in a way that makes the nation more resilient. (When asked about the administrations denials of hazard mitigation funding in May, she provided identical comments.)

Neither she nor the DHS provided any additional details.

Missouri officials said they are preparing to appeal FEMAs denial of hazard mitigation funds, while Iowa and Mississippi are still considering their options. Oklahoma has decided against appealing because it received other federal funding it can use in a similar way, according to state officials.

Photo: Destroyed homes at a trailer park following severe weather in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, on March 15. Photographer: Brad Vest/Getty Images

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Politics
Walt Disney and Comcasts Universal filed a copyright lawsuit against Midjourney on Wednesday, calling its popular AI-powered image generator a bottomless pit of plagiarism for its use of the studios best-known characters.

The suit, filed in federal district court in Los Angeles, claims Midjourney pirated the libraries of the two Hollywood studios, making and distributing without permission innumerable copies of characters such as Darth Vader from Star Wars, Elsa from Frozen, and the Minions from Despicable Me.

Spokespeople for Midjourney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Horacio Gutierrez, Disneys executive vice president and chief legal officer, said in a statement: We are bullish on the promise of AI technology and optimistic about how it can be used responsibly as a tool to further human creativity, but piracy is piracy, and the fact that its done by an AI company does not make it any less infringing.

NBCUniversal Executive Vice President and General Counsel Kim Harris said the company was suing to protect the hard work of all the artists whose work entertains and inspires us and the significant investment we make in our content.

The film industry trade group Motion Picture Association expressed support for the lawsuit and called for AI companies to respect intellectual property rights.

Strong copyright protection is the backbone of our industry, MPA chairman Charles Rivkin said in a statement. A balanced approach to AI that both protects intellectual property and embraces responsible, human-centered innovation is critical for maintaining Americas global leadership in creative industries.

The studios claim in the lawsuit that the San Francisco company rebuffed their request to stop infringing their copyrighted works or, at a minimum, take technological measures to halt the creation of these AI-generated characters.

Instead, the studios argue, Midjourney continued to release new versions of its AI image service that boast higher quality infringing images.

Midjourney recreates animated images from a typed request, or prompt.

In the suit filed by seven corporate entities at the studios that own or control copyrights for the various Disney and Universal Pictures film units, the studios offered examples of Midjourney animations that include Disney characters, such as Yoda wielding a lightsaber, Bart Simpson riding a skateboard, Marvels Iron Man soaring above the clouds and Pixars Buzz Lightyear taking flight.

The image generator also recreated such Universal characters as How to Train Your Dragons dragon, Toothless, the green ogre Shrek, and Po from Kung Fu Panda.

By helping itself to plaintiffs copyrighted works, and then distributing images (and soon videos) that blatantly incorporate and copy Disneys and Universals famous characterswithout investing a penny in their creationMidjourney is the quintessential copyright free-rider and a bottomless pit of plagiarism, the suit alleges.

Midjourneys infringement is calculated and willful, it said.

BIG SCRAPE OF THE INTERNET

Disney and Universal asked the court for a preliminary injunction, to prevent Midjourney from copying their works, or offering its image- or video-generation service without protections against infringement. The studios also seek unspecified damages.

The suit alleges Midjourney used the studios works to train its image service and generate reproductions of their copyrighted characters. The company, founded in 2021 by David Holz, monetizes the service through paid subscriptions and generated $300 million in revenue last year, the studios said.

This is not the first time Midjourney has been accused of misusing artists work to train their AI systems.

A year ago, a California federal judge found that 10 artists behind a copyright infringement suit against Midjourney, Stability AI and other companies had plausibly argued these AI companies had copied and stored their work on company servers, and could be liable for using it without permission.

That ruling allowed the lawsuit over the unauthorized use of images to proceed. It is in the process of litigation.

The cases are part of a wave of lawsuits brought by copyright owners including authors, news outlets and record labels against tech companies over their use of copyrighted materials for AI training without permission.

In a 2022 interview with Forbes, Midjourney CEO Holz said he built the companys database by performing a big scrape of the Internet.

Asked whether he sought consent of the artists whose work was covered by copyright, he responded, there isnt really a way to get a hundred million images and know where theyre coming from.

Topics Lawsuits InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence
Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia on Monday filed a lawsuit in bankruptcy court seeking to block the sale of personal genetic data by 23andMe without customer consent. The lawsuit comes as a biotechnology company seeks the courts approval to buy the struggling firm.

Biological samples, DNA data, health-related traits and medical records are too sensitive to be sold without each persons express, informed consent, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a news release about the lawsuit. Customers should have the right to control such deeply personal information and it cannot be sold like ordinary property, it said.

23andMe customers use saliva-based DNA testing kits to learn about their ancestry and find long-lost relatives. Founded in 2006, the company also conducted health research and drug development. But it struggled to find a profitable business model since going public in 2021. In March it laid off 40% of its staff and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the Eastern District of Missouri, raising concerns about the safety of customer data.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals said last month it aimed to buy the company for $256 million. Regeneron said it would comply with 23andMes privacy policies and applicable law. It said it would process all customer personal data in accordance with the consents, privacy policies and statements, terms of service, and notices currently in effect and have security controls in place designed to protect such data.

A court-appointed, independent consumer privacy ombudsman was due to examine the proposed sale and how it might affect consumer privacy and report to the court by Tuesday.

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Topics Lawsuits
It could take $151 million to repair the Dockside condominium tower in Charleston, which was evacuated in February after an engineering assessment found major structural problems.

The Post and Courier newspaper reported that the 19-story building  Charlestons tallest  would need extensive work, including temporary supports, asbestos removal and structural reinforcement, according to the engineering firm Wiss, Janney and Elstner. The firm was employed after the 2021 Champlain Towers South collapse near Miami Beach, which killed 98 people.

The Charleston condo building is in danger of similar failures, including support columns punching through concrete slabs, the news site reported.

Some 200 residents of the Dockside building and surrounding townhomes were ordered to evacuate in February this year after the structural issues were reported. Dozens of residents of nearby buildings this month filed a lawsuit challenging the evacuation order.

The cost of repairing the Dockside condo structure could be spread among the unit owners and the surrounding residents. Residents may soon have to decide if they want to pay for that, which could top $1 million for some units, or to sell or abandon the property.

Photo: The Dockside condo building can be seen in the background, upper left. (Adobe Stock images)
The former owner and manager of the Royal India Cuisine restaurants in Kirkland and Lynnwood, Washington, face multiple felony theft charges for failing to pay employees nearly $45,000 from 2021 to 2023.

Mohammad Rashid Bhatti, 74, and Aeisha Bhatti, 47, pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges at their arraignment on June 4. Mohammad Bhatti was the owner and Aeisha Bhatti was the manager of the two locations.

The charges are based on an initial investigation by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, which received 41 wage theft complaints from former employees by early 2023. After finding that the employer reportedly hadnt paid workers what they were owed, L&I referred the case to the Washington State Attorney General in February 2023.

The Attorney General filed one count of first-degree theft and eight counts of second-degree theft against both Bhattis, plus an additional count of second-degree theft against Aeisha Bhatti.

Some employees told L&I the Bhattis failed to pay them their owed wages, and some said they had paychecks that bounced. Others were reportedly told by Aeisha Bhatti the checks

During the investigation, it was discovered that some complainants were also tasked with doing work for Aeisha Bhattis other business, Marigold Design House. Additional instances of alleged wage theft were reportedly discovered during the investigation, including a nanny hired by Aeisha Bhatti who was allegedly not paid for her work.

The first-degree theft charge alleges one restaurant employee was not paid for 692 hours plus another 146 hours of overtime worked in four months, totaling $20,394 in wages. The unpaid wages in the other counts range from $820 to $4,468, according to charging documents.

L&I has issued 16 notices of assessment from 2019 to 2025, totaling $128,457 in wage payments and another $40,460 in penalties on the restaurants. L&I has collected $47,763 so far.

The Kirkland location is closed, while the Lynnwood location operates under a new name with different owners.

First-degree and second-degree theft are considered Class B felonies. First-degree theft carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Second-degree theft has a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Topics Washington
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on Thursday said he has launched a formal investigation into State Farms handling of thousands of insurance claims from wildfire survivors affected by the Palisades and Eaton wildfires in January.

The California Department of Insurance initiated a market conduct examination of State Farm General Insurance Company, expanding its ongoing investigation into consumer complaints against the insurer.

Related: Homeowners Suing USAA and AAA Insurers Over LA Wildfires

The L.A. wildfires killed 29 people, and damaged or destroyed thousands of properties. The fallout of the fires included large losses for major California insurers, including State Farm. The carrier is asking the CDI to approve a large rate increase. According to the California Department of Insurance, as of May 12, insurance companies have paid out nearly $17 billion to residential and commercial insurance policyholders impacted by the Eaton and Palisades Fires.

The examination will assess whether State Farm has complied with Californias consumer protection and claims handling laws, according to Lara.

The CDI has received general allegations from wildfire survivor groups regarding State Farms processing of claims, but a formal complaint is needed for the CDI to take action and advocate for consumers, according to Lara.

One area of concern relates to how some insurers, including State Farm, are handling smoke damage claims, according to Lara.

Related: Viewpoint: Smoke Damage from LA Wildfires Leaves Questions to Be Answered

Lara recently announced the creation of a Smoke Claims & Remediation Task Force, bringing together public health experts, remediation specialists, and consumer advocates to develop consistent standards for smoke remediation.

Californians deserve fair and comprehensive treatment from their insurance companies. No one should be left in uncertainty, forced to fight for what they are owed, or face endless delays that often lead consumers to give up, Lara said in a statement. While there are national standards for insurance claims handling, they can be vague and inconsistently applied, especially during large-scale, climate-driven disasters.

According to a statement from State Farm, the carrier is cooperating with the CDI and that it will comply with the market conduct exam.

A fair review will find that thousands of State Farm customers are being helped by our teams on the ground in Los Angeles County and are very satisfied, the statement reads.

Our efforts will remain on serving all our customers and meeting our obligations under the contract while providing the necessary information to the CDI. The Department routinely examines all insurance companies. These exams help ensure processes and procedures are in full compliance with state regulations.

As of June 10, State Farm has received 12,855 total claims related to the fires and have paid more than $3.96 billion to our California customers, according to State Farm.

A market conduct examination is an involved, and fact-based review that typically takes several months. The CDI is currently at a stage in the claims process for the wildfires that allows for a more comprehensive regulatory review for an examination of this magnitude and importance. Insurers are now making payment decisions, enabling the Department to evaluate adjuster practices and thoroughly assess State Farms methods across a wide range of claims handling, according to Lara.

Photo: A home burns in the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., Jan. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Nic Coury, File)

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters California Wildfire Claims Louisiana
For decades, the EUs defence posture rested on two unspoken assumptions: that threats were distant, and that the United States would always be there to protect us. This dual comfort zone resulted in chronic underinvestment and a fragmented defence landscape across EU member states. Defence remained largely a national matter, and industrial integration was seen as a secondary concern. But Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 shattered illusions about the permanence of peace on the European continent. At the same time, the United States has grown increasingly reluctant to underwrite Europes security unconditionally. This shift is not simply rhetorical. The second Trump Administration sees the EU through a transactional lens: as both a free rider and a market whose increased military expenditure will, at least for the years to come, disproportionately benefit the US defence industry, which is not only more technologically advanced than its European counterpart but also more integrated, allowing for greater economies of scale and therefore lower prices.

In response, the EU has begun to rethink its role in defence with a level of political seriousness not seen before. For the first time, a Commissioner has been appointed with an exclusive portfolio for defence  a symbolic but also operational shift that acknowledges the need for central coordination. This institutional innovation has been accompanied by substantive proposals. The White Paper on European Defence Readiness 2030, launched in March 2025, sets out a geostrategic roadmap to rearm Europe and reduce its dependency on non-European suppliers. It promotes greater joint procurement, industrial consolidation and the accelerated integration of Ukraine into the EUs defence industrial base.

The financial arm of this strategic shift is the ReArm Europe initiative. Structured around five pillars, it aims to mobilise substantial national and EU-level resources to scale up defence investment across the Union. First, it provides for the activation of national fiscal escape clauses, allowing member states to temporarily deviate from fiscal targets in order to accommodate increased defence expenditure. Second, it establishes a new 150 billion EU loan instrument, the Security Action for Europe (SAFE), designed to facilitate access to affordable financing for strategic defence projects. Third, it encourages the reallocation of existing EU funds, notably from cohesion policy, to support military mobility and industrial capacity in the defence sector. Fourth, it proposes an expanded role for the European Investment Bank (EIB) in financing dual-use infrastructure and technologies. Finally, it seeks to mobilise private capital through the Capital Markets Union, in the hope of attracting additional investment into the broader defence ecosystem.

Yet while the architecture of ReArm Europe reflects political momentum, its financial underpinnings are neither coherent nor fit for purpose. The activation of national fiscal escape clauses, originally conceived as emergency tools, is being stretched to cover a structural and permanent policy shift  one that demands long-term budgetary planning and coordination, not ad hoc national discretion. Similarly, the SAFE loan instrument, though sizable, offers limited value added beyond marginal borrowing cost advantages. Loans do not create fiscal space; they merely shift the burden forward in time, and not all member states have the same capacity or appetite to absorb additional debt. The reallocation of cohesion funds and the extension of the EIBs mandate are welcome signals but unlikely to move the needle significantly. These instruments are already overburdened by other pressing investment needs  from green and digital transitions to infrastructure resilience. Meanwhile, the mobilisation of private capital, while desirable in principle, cannot be the cornerstone of defence financing. Defence procurement markets are structured as quasi-monopsonies, with governments as the dominant (and often only) buyers. Unless defence firms can count on predictable public orders, private investors will not step in. Public funding, therefore, remains the indispensable backbone of any serious European defence strategy.

This financing model represents a missed opportunity. A common EU-level funding instrument would not only have sent a strong signal of unity and long-term commitment  it would likely have acted as a catalyst for greater coordination of national defence industrial policies, encouraging convergence in procurement standards, interoperability and supply chain integration. Without such a mechanism, aligning member states defence efforts will become more difficult.

Ironically, the euro area already possesses a financial instrument capable of providing mutualised support: the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). With a lending capacity exceeding 420 billion, the ESM could  if politically reformed  be repurposed to support public investment in defence across member states. Its unused firepower and governance structure offer a ready-made framework that could be adapted to meet Europes strategic needs, but the political will is lacking. Moreover, the ratification of the reformed ESM Treaty remains blocked by the Italian Parliament, which has so far refused to endorse it. Reframing the ESM as a tool for strategic investment in defence  rather than crisis management or financial conditionality  could help unlock this political impasse and give new relevance to a dormant but institutionally robust mechanism.

That said, there are structural and political reasons why the Commission has not been able to push further. First, the EU budget is under severe pressure, not least because of the impending repayment of the joint borrowing under NGEU. Second, appetite for mutualised financing is waning in some capitals, especially given that NGEU funds have so far been used mostly for national projects, with limited cross-border impact. Third, revisiting the newly reformed EU fiscal rules to introduce a golden rule for defence investment would have been politically unviable. And fourth, reforms of existing euro area instruments have repeatedly stalled: the Commissions 2017 proposal to transform it into a European Monetary Fund was never seriously discussed by member states, reflecting a broader reluctance to transfer fiscal sovereignty to the European level. The clearest sign that a coordinated, EU-level approach is no longer on the table came when Germany announced it would move forward unilaterally, reinforcing a national rather than collective dynamic.

While the EUs financial architecture for defence may be suboptimal, the scale of investment now underway must be harnessed effectively. Spain and Italy, in particular, have a role to play. Although they remain below NATOs 2% spending benchmark, they have shown operational commitment by contributing to NATO air and naval missions  something smaller member states, despite higher defence-to-GDP ratios, have been less able to do due to more limited capabilities. Their fiscal space may be limited but having received a disproportionate share of solidarity under NGEU, Spain and Italy are now expected to show the same spirit. Otherwise, other member states may begin to question the balance of mutual commitments. A visible and credible contribution to Europes defence preparedness is not just a strategic imperative but also a matter of political legitimacy. Defence-washing will not go unnoticed.

More broadly, coordination is essential. Without a common funding vehicle, aligning national procurement choices is more difficult  but all the more necessary. Fragmentation would erode the value of new investments, while better coordination could reduce costs, enhance interoperability and strengthen the EUs industrial base. Ultimately, the composition of defence spending will matter as much as its volume. If unity of purse cannot be achieved, unity of purpose must be.
Northside brothers Liam and Ciarn Horgan have seen their venture Dacent Munch grow from a modest covid-era food truck into a beloved local food brand.

What began with lockdown queues so long they drew attention from gardai has since evolved into two thriving brick-and-mortar locations in their home turf of Mayfield and Carrigaline.

However, the entrepreneurial duo says this is just the beginning of its ambitious expansion, having already signed the lease for its third location.

Its latest project will see the brothers take over the landmark Fox & Hounds bar in Ballyvolane, located just a stone's throw away from Liam and Ciarns homeplace.

The Fox & Hounds, which straddles the current city/county divide, comprises almost 4,500sq ft and is just 3km from the city centre.

In 2017, it entered the market for 2.5m, having sold publicly in 2004 for 4m, featuring as one of the biggest Cork suburban bar sales of the period.

We signed the lease knowing it offered a massive opportunity for us, Liam told the Irish Examiner, with the new location bringing the business's total staff count to 40 people.

Diversifying their brand, the Dacent Munch duo will rename the bar Gra Mo Chroi, which it hopes to reopen before the end of summer.

Were currently working on some fairly big renovations, but were aiming to be open for the August bank holiday weekend, said Liam.

The older of the two brothers said it would operate exclusively as a pub in the beginning, with future plans to expand its offering to food and establish a third Dacent Munch spot.

The Fox & Hounds, which straddles the current city/county divide, comprises almost 4,500 sq ft and is just 3km from the city centre.

The popular food brand was born in 2020 with the opening of a food van on the Old Youghal Road.

Its popularity saw the establishment of its first brick-and-mortar in late 2021, located in Mayfield Shopping Centre.

Continued success saw the business expand outside of its native northside, opening its second premises in Carrigaline at the end of 2024.

Located on the towns Main Street, its Carrigaline restaurant boasts a wider offering, with a full bar licence, live music and sporting events.

Despite the businesss success, Liam says it has not been without its challenges.

Its been a learning curve. Thankfully, weve become quite good at taking advice, which was definitely needed in the early days. Its been tough at times, but we learn as we go, and were looking forward to the future.

The Carrigaline opening was a baptism of fire. There were good days and bad days, but things are going well, and were now looking towards our largest venture yet.

Liam said rising costs continue to weigh on the business, with very few hospitality operators immune to recent shocks.

"It has not been an easy five years. Something ends and another thing begins. We opened the Mayfield unit just before Russia invaded Ukraine, so immediately we saw our energy costs skyrocket. When fuel prices rise, so does everything else.

Since first opening the food van back in 2020, the price of our main ingredient, minced beef, has increased by 75%.

"Margins are extremely tight and we've seen so many food businesses close through no fault of their own."

Yet, despite the challenging conditions restaurants are forced to operate in, Liam says he and his brother have not been dissuaded from their own ambitions.

"When we first told people we were opening a new premises, we were asked if we were mad. We look at it a different way. Times are tough but we are confident."

But its expansion doesn't stop there, he said.

"We ultimately want Dacent Munch to be its own franchise. Whether that's done exclusively through us, or we get other partners on board, remains to be decided.

"We've already looked at a few units in the city centre, where we imagine having a similar model as our Carrigaline unit, but we're also looking at other suburbs across Cork where would be looking to open a more takeaway style unit like our Mayfield spot."

"We have ambitious plans, but we're committed to seeing them through."
The Data Protection Commission has hit the State with a 550,000 fine, the largest GDPR penalty for a public body, for processing peoples biometric data without a legal basis via the Public Services Card.

The DPC said that the Government must now discontinue processing such data using the PSC within 9 months unless it can find a legal basis for doing so.

Biometric data refers to any information that can identify a person by their physical characteristics  for example, via a fingerprint or, in the PSC case, a photograph.

The State has long denied that the PSC uses biometric data, despite a persons photograph appearing on every version of the card. It has instead argued that it creates an "arithmetic template" from the photo for processing purposes  a method it claims does not constitute biometric data.

Such data is classified as special category personal data under the EUs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), meaning it must be explicitly permitted in a countrys laws to be processed legally.

There is no single law on Irelands statute books governing the PSC. Its various uses are allegedly permitted through dozens of amendments to the 2005 Social Welfare Consolidation Act.

In addition to the 550,000 fine  five times greater than the next largest penalty for a public body  and the order to stop processing biometric data, the DPC also issued an official reprimand to the Department of Social Protection.

The Commission found that the card violated GDPR by failing to identify a legal basis for processing biometric data, retaining that data without justification, and not ensuring sufficient transparency about how the data would be used during registration.

Deputy Commissioner with the DPC Graham Doyle said that it is important to note that none of the findings of infringement identified, nor the corrective powers exercised by the DPC, pertain to the rollout of SAFE 2 registration (the technical process by which PSC data is first collated and then stored) by the DSP as a matter of principle.

He added that the investigation focused solely on how the PSCs biometric process complies with the GDPR, noting that the findings announced today identify a number of deficiencies in this regard."

It remains unclear what will happen next. However, if the Government accepts the report, it will finally need to introduce specific legislation through the Oireachtas to legalize the PSC.

A spokesperson for the Department of Social Protection said the body believes that it has a valid legal basis and that it does satisfy the requirements of transparency... including the biometric processing element.

However, we will carefully consider the DPC decision report, in conjunction with colleagues in the Attorney Generals Office with a view to determining an appropriate response, they added.

In announcing its conclusions the DPC has brought to a close its lengthiest domestic data protection saga, one which had lasted close to 8 years.

By announcing its conclusions, the DPC has ended its longest domestic data protection investigationa process that lasted nearly eight years.

In August 2019, the DPC ruled that the State had no lawful basis for making the PSC  originally conceived in the 2000s as a welfare benefits card by the Department of Social Protection  mandatory for all public services.

That decision led to a prolonged legal battle between the State and one of its own regulators. The dispute ended in a December 2021 settlement, with the DPCs findings left unchallenged but the State continuing with the PSC projectalbeit without mandatory requirements.

A separate investigation into the biometric nature of the card ran concurrently with the original report. Initially, it was expected that this investigation would publish its findings by the end of 2019.

While the conclusions of the biometric investigation are not surprising, todays publication comes nearly six years later than anticipated.

The PSC is now used daily by millions of Irish citizensnot just for receiving welfare payments, but also for services such as renewing driving licences and accessing the National Childcare Scheme.
At least three Irish people who have travelled to Egypt to take part in a protest walk to the Gaza border have been detained in Cairo.

Around 3,000 activists from across the world are due begin a march across the Sinai dessert on Friday to the Rafah border  including dozens of Irish campaigners  demanding the opening of all crossings, the entry of aid, and an end to the bombardment.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed that it has been contacted by "a small number of citizens and is providing consular assistance".

As well as Irish citizens, campaigners from the US, Australia, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Morocco and Algeria have been detained after arriving in Egypt.

Over 200 participants were detained at Cairo airport or questioned at hotels across Cairo, the marchs spokesperson Saif Abukeshek told the AFP.

Mr Abukeshek said plain-clothes police entered hotels in Cairo with lists of names, questioned activists and in some cases, confiscated mobile phones and searched personal belongings.

After interrogations, some were arrested and others were released, he added.

DFA has urged all citizens to heed advice which strongly warns against travel to the Governorate of North Sinai, including the Taba-Suez Road, where the security situation is "extremely dangerous".

People Before Profit's Paul Murphy ahead of his trip where he plans attend the March to Gaza. Picture: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos

"Travel to Gaza via the Rafah border crossing, the vicinity of the Rafah border crossing is particularly dangerous at the moment and the border crossing is currently closed," DFA advice currently states.

In total around 40 Irish people, including TD Paul Murphy, are hoping to take part in the protest march which is expected to take a number of days to arrive at the border.

Since March this year, all of the crossings entering Gaza have been blocked by Israel  no food, water, or medical supplies have been allowed to enter, which the group wants to highlight through its peaceful protest.
The CEO of Childrens Health Ireland has said she was dismayed to be accused of misleading the public accounts committee (PAC) after she appeared before it late last month.

It comes after PAC chair, John Brady, said he had strong views about the possibility that the committee could have been misled.

He had questioned the CEO, Lucy Nugent, on further reviews of CHI practice, to which she said there were two reports outstanding while one was completed.

However, newspaper reports in the wake of the meeting said there was an internal CHI report that a CHI consultant had allegedly referred public patients he was caring for to his private practice.

On May 29  a week on from the CHI PAC meeting  Mr Brady said Ms Nugents response had been definitive and he was concerned the committee had been misled.

The PAC then agreed to recall CHI to further discuss the matter, alongside the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).

However, in subsequent correspondence to PAC, Ms Nugent said she believed the question was related to orthopaedic services, and not wider CHI reports, while apologising for not being clear in this regard.

Ms Nugent said: In relation to the recent leaking of a confidential report into another service which was conducted four years ago, it was largely a HR examination of a service and not a review.

Whilst I was unaware of the report at the time, it does show that when there were issues within a department actions were taken to resolve same.

Ms Nugent criticised what she described as inaccurate media reporting surrounding the consultant involved and the NTPF.

I wish to clarify that these clinics did not take place in the Consultants private rooms. They occurred in a public clinic in Crumlin hospital on a Saturday. It was a waiting list initiative for an outpatient appointment only, Ms Nugent wrote.

The NTPF funded the hospital for this clinic/initiative and there was no charge to patients. This was over and above the consultants contractual hours. There are no direct payments to CHI staff from NTPF.

The NTPF has now asked all public hospitals to report to it on use of funding by Monday. Their overall budget for this year to tackle waiting lists is 230m.

Cork University Hospital received 1,463,857 in funding last year from the fund.

A spokeswoman for HSE Southwest said there is approximately 200,000 outstanding.

When selecting patients to benefit, priority is given to time-critical patients and people who have been waiting longest.

Payment rates for consultants and other staff working in NTPF internal clinics are finalised with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). CUH applies all HSE terms and conditions in respect of pay, she said.

The NTPF temporarily paused funding to CHI, resuming this earlier this week.

On Wednesday, it said funding has been paused at a second hospital since April 11.

A HSE internal audit team has been working with the hospital  reported to be Beaumont Hospital in Dublin  since then.

The HSE said the hospital alerted the fund about the problem, and this information was then shared with the HSE and Department of Health.
Northern Irelands police chief Jon Boutcher has warned bigots and racists behind three nights of disorder in the region that his officers will be coming after them.

Mr Boutcher said a young girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in Ballymena at the weekend  an incident that triggered protests that descended into violence in the Co Antrim town  had been further traumatised by the rioting that has been witnessed since Monday.

Forty-one officers have been injured in the unrest which has also resulted in 15 arrests by Thursday evening.

The riotous behaviour saw vandalism, vehicles burned and arson attacks on a number of properties across several towns.

Officers from the PSNI form a barricade with riot shields during disorder in Ballymena (Liam McBurney/PA)

Petrol bombs, fireworks, masonry and a hatchet were among items thrown at officers over the three nights of disorder.

Police responded with with water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds in an attempt to disperse crowds in the town.

Mr Boutcher, who met with the girls family on Thursday, delivered a stark message to the rioters as he spoke to the media in Belfast following a meeting with his oversight body, the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

Stop this violence, he said. We will come after you. We will arrest you. We will prosecute you successfully. It is not in any way a way for a civilised society to behave and it must stop now.

I want to specifically mention the 41 police officers whove been injured. Each of those officers have put themselves in harms way to protect our communities.

And I want to send a very clear message to all our diverse communities: we stand absolutely shoulder to shoulder with you. We are here to protect you.

We are your police service, and these bigots and racists will not win the day. This will be policed properly. We will deal with this  and we all know that in this room  but lets call an end to it now.

A PSNI vehicle near to debris on fire during disorder in Ballymena (Liam McBurney/PA)

This girls family and this girl want it to end. Our communities want it to end. We need it to end. So please dont come out on the streets tonight. If you do, we will police you and we will deal with you through the criminal justice system.

The PSNI chief said the initial lawful and legitimate process before unrest broke out was done in a way that was responsible and empathetic to the victim.

However, he said the protest was subsequently hijacked and turned into wanton, disgraceful criminal behaviour that is absolutely race motivated.

A hatchet was thrown at police during the unrest (PSNI Handout/PA)

The chief said the service was under-resourced and needed to be funded properly rather than disgracefully.

However, he said his officers would still bring people to justice: Weve put our public order inquiry team together, well be releasing images of those responsible. We will be going after them.

Mr Boutcher said 80 public-order officers from Scotland would arrive in the region on Thursday to support policing efforts.

A person throws a hatchet at police during the disorder (Liam McBurney/PA)

The head officer described how PSNI members helped evacuate foreign national families who were hiding in attics and wardrobes in their homes in Ballymena as rioters went on the rampage on Monday night.

He said the families targeted had done nothing wrong.

They are not criminals. They contribute positively to society here and are well integrated, he said.

They are valued members of society in Northern Ireland.

Fire Service colleagues described how they went to the scenes to stop arson attacks at those addresses, and how they, in all their years in the Fire Service, have not seen levels of violence to that level, and told me specifically and directly of the bravery, the courage of a very thin green line of police officers that without doubt, in my view, saved lives that night.

Michael Elliott, 18, leaving Ballymena Courthouse, following a short hearing where he faced charges relating to the disorder (Liam McBurney/PA)

Earlier, a judge warned that courts will deal robustly with those involved in violence in Ballymena.

District Judge Nigel Broderick warned that young people who got involved were risking a significant custodial sentence as three teenagers faced rioting charges at the towns magistrates court on Thursday.

Michael Elliot, 18, of Lanntara, Ballymena, and two youths were the first defendants to appear in court since the sustained violence erupted in the Co Antrim town on Monday.

Meanwhile, two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries.

A firefighter outside Larne Leisure Centre (Liam McBurney/PA)

Secretary of State Hilary Benn described the scenes as mindless racist thuggery while Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long said it has been a three-day festival of hate and destruction which needs to stop before someone loses their life.

Thirty minutes from Ballymena, a leisure centre in Larne was subjected to arson after temporarily being used as an emergency shelter for those in urgent need following disturbances in the town earlier in the week.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who highlighted the use of the building in a social media post, said all those who had been staying at the leisure centre are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons (Liam McBurney/PA)

Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill said Mr Lyons should resign over his social media post while the leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly SDLP MLA Matthew OToole said he would refer the Communities Minister to the standards commission.

Mr Benn also asked the minister to reflect upon his words and not upon his position.

Mr Lyons has resisted calls for his resignation and said he would strongly hit back at any notion that he had publicly revealed the facility was being used to house immigrant families who had been affected by violence in Ballymena.
Cheltenham festival-winning Cork jockey Michael OSullivan died of a severe traumatic brain injury, complicated by brain swelling with cerebral infarction, due to a horse riding accident, his inquest has heard.

Cork Coroners Court heard brief evidence on Thursday morning from assistant State pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster as to the cause of the death of the 24-year-old Lombardstown native on February 16 last. Dr Bolster carried out an autopsy on Mr OSullivan at Cork City Mortuary a day after his death.
A cultural adventure trail for kids and families through Cork City has been unveiled once again for the summer.

The Playful Culture Trail, which is designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration through fun and play-based learning, takes people through some of the citys cultural gems, from galleries and museums to historic landmarks and leafy outdoor spots.

A child-friendly trail map guides people on the journey during which they have to complete 20 interactive activities and collect stamps at each stop.

Hidden at each spot is a small image of the trails mascot, Blaithin the Lizard, who invites the young trail blazers to sharpen their detective skills, find her image, solve cultural clues, and unlock fascinating facts about the city's heritage and history.

Each attraction has a unique activity pack for kids on arrival with numerous challenges to complete from scavenger hunts, to sketching tasks, crosswords, and investigation work.

(Left to right) Olivia Phillips, aged 6 from Youghal, Laura Sullivan, aged 6 from Glanmire, and Isabel Phillips, aged 3 from Youghal, investigating cultural relics at Corks St Fin Barres Cathedral which is part of over 30 attractions on the new Cork City Playful Culture Trail. Picture: Clare Keogh

Among the spots included on the trail are Blackrock Castle Observatory, The Butter Museum, Cork City Gaol, Elizabeth Fort, Nano Nagle Place, The Glucksman Gallery, St Fin Barres Cathedral, Shandon Bells, the Old Cork Waterworks Experience, as well as parks and picnic points such as Fitzgerald Park, The Lough, and Marina Park.

And among the challenges on the trail will be finding the centre of the labyrinth at St Fin Barres Cathedral, learning the purpose of the mysterious Cork Horns at the city's public museum, and borrowing a board game from the city library.

The initiative, which was developed five years ago, aims to make cultural and heritage spaces more accessible and fun for children, and to create new ways of thinking about attractions in the city.

Laura Sullivan (left) and Olivia Phillips (right) undertaking some of the scavenger hunt activities at St Fin Barres Cathedral in the Cork City Playful Culture Trail booklet. Picture: Clare Keogh

The trail is co-ordinated by Lets Play Cork, a city-wide partnership that uses play as a strategy for place-making, inclusion, and wellbeing.

Its spokesperson, Martin ODonoghue, said: Cork continues to lead the way nationally in re-imagining our cultural spaces as places for play, learning, and joy.

Full details on opening times, access details, and trail maps are available on playfulculturetrail.com.
Puzzling pieces

Analogue activities are making a major comeback, from mindful colouring to crafting with clay. Research shows that puzzles allow you to slow down, disconnect, and strengthen the short-term memory.

Shop Vibes & Scribes handpicked selection of art and travel-inspired jigsaws with pieces catering for jigsaw juniors to power puzzlers. Pieces & Peace Souk Marrakech, 24.99, transports me right back to a wonderful week I spent in Morocco, captivated by the colours, textures, and flavours of the beautiful Berber country. Pop into the store to browse the full range or shop online at Vibesandscribes.ie

Regenerated resin

Interiors lovers, heres a tip: carve out time in your schedule to visit family-run business Brackens, situated in Gorey Business Park. Ive fallen head over heels for the Nardi Maximo outdoor five-piece modular sofa. Made from regenerated resin and textiles infused with recycled content, it isnt afraid of a bit of bad weather. Imagine you and your doggos or cats stretching out on this bad boy with a book and treat/toy mouse.

Brackens has plenty of quality alternatives for different spaces and budgets. Run, dont walk, to this department store of dreams. Visit the website, Brackeninteriors.ie, at your own risk.

Local produce

If you think ditching the plastic-wrapped fresh fruit and veg is but a smug move, think again. Anyone who has tasted the flavours and aromas of fresh, seasonal, local produce will admit the contrast is undeniable.

One of my favourite stalls in the English Market in Cork is The Roughty Foodie, offering the Holy Trinity of farmers produce, fruit & veg, and the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen. From wild sweet peas grown in Howe Hill to Bushbys chemical-free strawberries and pink peonies, their bouquets are incredibly well priced. Houseplants range from 4 and bunches from 7. Check out @theroughtyfoodie on Instagram

and the website at

theroughtyfoodie.com.

Carbonated comeback

There was so much to love about the 1980s  hair metal, yellow Walkmans, mix tapes, and Tom Sellecks moustache. Along with chained-up payphones (what was that about?), the most coveted item in any household was the SodaStream. Transforming your water and drinks into sparkling sodas, the technology behind it was fantastical.

As a diehard San Pellegrino sparkling water fan, a carbonator would save me money and waste. Highly reviewed is the Aarke Carbonator 3 Sparkling Water Maker, 210, a sleek stainless-steel device with a matte burgundy finish. Created by those harbingers of taste, the Swedes, the aesthetic will not just blend into your kitchen but elevate its surroundings. The reviews are unanimously good, plus its BPA, cordless, and electricity-free. Get yours at Faerly ( Faerly.ie), an Irish online shop with sustainability at its heart and plastic-free shopping.

Bamboo maps

Long before we relied on Google Maps, paper maps were as commonplace as the white sliced pan. From the treasure maps made by older sisters to Easter egg hunts and roadside consultations, maps formed part of the fabric of daily life. As a post-colonial nation, it feels especially poignant to reclaim the landscape, original boundaries, and Irish place names of the past.

I havent seen anything on the market that resembles these charming 3D wooden maps from Sligo business Outcrop. From 99, this west Cork map showing Kenmare, Sheeps Head, Bantry Bay, and Mizen Head is crafted from formaldehyde-free bamboo plywood and comes with a custom-made engraving. Purchase online at Outcrop.ie.

Wake up

Sometimes we just want an item to do exactly what it says on the tin  no gimmicks, no fads. Thats why I love this classic Monocle alarm clock from Unbound in Cork. At just 16.99, you can set your alarm for the morning and actually leave your phone outside the bedroom.

Ill try anything for a good nights sleep: misting lavender, counting sheep, or writing to worry dolls. But what if it was as simple as ditching the phone?

Time to test the theory. Available at unbound.com or at the Bridge St store in Cork.

Cosy gatherings

No screensaver can ever imitate the truly mesmerising look of fire burning from a wood-fired stove. Studies indicate the hypnotic flames of a real fire reduce blood pressure and calm the nervous system. Regardless of inclement weather, the RB73 Quaruba XL mobile outdoor fireplace, 2,095 from Croghan in Wexford, will stand the test of time. Made with Corten steel, the stove rusts over time, forming a protective patina to combat erosion.

Chilly nights become cosy gatherings with this fire in your outdoor furniture arsenal. You may want to consider implementing a ban on acoustic guitars  just saying. This is available in store or online at Croghan.ie.

Super storage

Storage containers are my absolute weakness. Some people like hiking, others (ahem) like transporting items from one storage box to another. Fruitless, maybe? Fun, oh yes!

So when I spotted this mini-stool with extra storage, I was already

thinking of ways to fit it into my tiny house. The geometric striped stool in yellow ochre just screams summer. Its available for 200 at Next or Next.ie.
The surviving original members of the Beach Boys have paid tribute to the genius of Brian Wilson after his death aged 82.

His cousin Mike Love, 84, said Wilsons musical gifts were unmatched while Al Jardine described his bandmate as my brother in spirit.

Wilson was the eldest and last surviving of the three brothers who formed the American rock band with Love and school friend Jardine in 1961.

The melodies he dreamed up, the emotions he poured into every note  Brian changed the course of music forever, Love wrote in a lengthy post on Facebook, saying there was something otherworldly about Wilson.

Like all families, we had our ups and downs. But through it all, we never stopped loving each other, and I never stopped being in awe of what he could do when he sat at a piano or his spontaneity in the studio.

Describing Wilson as fragile, intense, funny and one of a kind, he said his music allowed us to show the world what vulnerability and brilliance sound like in harmony.

Brian, you once asked Wouldnt it be nice if we were older? Now you are timeless, he wrote.

Posting a picture of himself with Wilson on Facebook, Jardine, 82, said: I will always feel blessed that you were in our lives as long as you were.

You were a humble giant who always made me laugh and we will celebrate your music forever.

On Wednesday, Wilsons family said in a statement to his website: We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving.

Sir Elton John posted on Instagram, saying Wilson was always so kind to me and the biggest influence on my songwriting ever.

He was a musical genius and revolutionary, he wrote.

He changed the goalposts when it came to writing songs and changed music forever. A true giant.

Bob Dylan was among other musical stars to pay tribute, the 84-year-old posting on X that he was thinking about all the years Ive been listening to him and admiring his genius.

Fellow singer-songwriter Carole King, 83, described Wilson as my friend and my brother in songwriting while former Velvet Underground member John Cale said on X he was a true musical genius toiling away at melding POP into startling sophistication.

Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, 78, paid tribute to Wilson and US musician Sly Stone, who died earlier this week, in a social media post, saying: Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week  my world is in mourning, so sad.

His bandmate Keith Richards, 81, posted an extract of his 2010 memoir, Life, on Instagram recalling hearing The Beach Boys for the first time on the radio and his reaction to their 1966 album Pet Sounds.

The extract reads: When we first got to American and to LA, there was a lot of Beach Boys on the radio, which was pretty funny to us  it was before Pet Sounds  it was hot rod songs and surfing songs, pretty lousily played, familiar Chuck Berry licks going on

It was later on, listening to Pet Sounds, well, its a little bit overproduced for me, but Brian Wilson had something.

Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, described Wilson as our American Mozart in a post on X while The Monkees drummer Micky Dolenz said his melodies shaped generations, & his soul resonated in every note.

Wilson was born on June 20 1942, and began to play the piano and teach his brothers to sing harmony as a young boy.

The Beach Boys started as a neighbourhood act, rehearsing in Wilsons bedroom and in the garage of their house in suburban Hawthorne, California with Wilson playing bass alongside his brothers Dennis as the drummer and Carl on lead guitar.

The band were managed by the trios father, Murry Wilson, but by mid-decade he had been displaced and Brian, who had been running the bands recording sessions almost from the start, was in charge.

They released their most recognised album, Pet Sounds, in May 1966 which included the popular songs Wouldnt It Be Nice and God Only Knows.

Wilson married singer Marilyn Rovell in 1964 and the couple welcomed daughters Carnie and Wendy, whom he became estranged from following their divorce.

The Beach Boys Carl Wilson, Al Jardine, Dennis Wilson, Brian Wilson and Mike Love (PA)

He later reconciled with them and they sang together on the 1997 album The Wilsons, which was also the name of a music group formed by Carnie and Wendy following the break-up of pop vocal group Wilson Phillips.

Wilson, who had dealt with mental health and drug problems, got his life back on track in the 1990s and married talent manager Melinda Ledbetter.

When Ledbetter died last year, Wilson said their five children, Daria, Delanie, Dylan, Dash and Dakota, were in tears.

Wilson was also embroiled in multiple lawsuits some of which followed from the release of his 1991 autobiography, Wouldnt It Be Nice: My Own Story.

The Beach Boys were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2001.

Wilsons brother Dennis died in 1983 while Carl died in 1998.
US Marines will join National Guard troops on the streets of Los Angeles within two days, officials said on Wednesday, and would be authorized to detain anyone who interferes with immigration officers on raids or protesters who confront federal agents.

US president Donald Trump ordered the deployments over the objections of California governor Gavin Newsom, sparking a national debate about the use of the military on US. soil and animating protests that have spread from Los Angeles to other major cities, including New York, Atlanta and Chicago.

Los Angeles on Wednesday endured a sixth day of protests that have been largely peaceful but occasionally punctuated by violence, mostly contained to a few blocks of the city's downtown area.

The protests broke out last Friday in response to a series of immigration raids. Trump in turn called in the National Guard on Saturday, then summoned the Marines on Monday.

"If I didn't act quickly on that, Los Angeles would be burning to the ground right now," said Trump at an event at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

State and local leaders dispute that, saying Trump has only escalated tensions with an unnecessary and illegal deployment of federal troops, while Democrats nationally have condemned his action as authoritarian.

Trump is carrying out a campaign promise to deport immigrants, employing forceful tactics consistent with the norm-breaking political style that got him elected twice.

"President Trump promised to carry out the largest mass deportation campaign in American history and left-wing riots will not deter him in that effort," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

The US military said on Wednesday that a battalion of 700 Marines had concluded training specific to the L.A. mission, including de-escalation and crowd control. They would join National Guard under the authority of a federal law known as Title 10 within 48 hours, not to conduct civilian policing but to protect federal officers and property, the military said.

"Title 10 forces may temporarily detain an individual in specific circumstances such as to stop an assault, to prevent harm to others, or to prevent interference with federal personnel performing their duties," the Northern Command said.

The separtment of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement: "If any rioters attack ICE law enforcement officers, military personnel have the authority to temporarily detain them until law enforcement makes the arrest."

Scott Sherman, who commands the task force of Marines and Guardsmen, told reporters the Marines will not carry live ammunition in their rifles, but they will carry live rounds.

'If we give up, it's over'

In downtown L.A., shortly before the second night of a curfew over a one square mile (2.5 square km) area, relative calm was broken.

Police said demonstrators at one location threw commercial grade fireworks and rocks at officers. Another group of nearly 1,000 demonstrators were peacefully marching through downtown when police suddenly opened fired with less lethal munitions in front of City Hall.

Marlene Lopez, 39, a Los Angeles native, was demonstrating as flash bangs exploded just a few meters away.

"I am out here because of the fact that our human rights are being violated every day. If we give up, it's over. We have to stand our ground here in L.A. so that the nation will follow us," Lopez said.

Other protests have also taken place in Santa Ana, a largely Mexican-American city about 30 miles (50 km) to the south, as well as major cities such as Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Seattle, Boston and Washington and San Antonio, Texas.
Iran and the US will hold a sixth round of negotiations over Tehrans rapidly advancing nuclear programme this Sunday in Oman, the sultanates foreign minister has said.

The announcement by Omans foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi comes as the US is drawing down the presence of staffers who are not deemed essential to operations in the Middle East and their loved ones due to the potential for regional unrest.

Meanwhile, there have been warnings that ships could be targeted in regional waters over the tensions.

Mr al-Busaidi made the announcement on the social platform X.

I am pleased to confirm the 6th round of Iran US talks will be held in Muscat this Sunday, the 15th, he wrote.

Iran for days had been saying there would be talks, but Oman, which is serving as the mediator, had not confirmed them until now.

There was no immediate comment from the US.

Reaching a deal is one of the several diplomatic priorities being juggled by US President Donald Trump and his trusted friend and Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

An accord could see the US lift some of its crushing economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for it drastically limiting or ending its enrichment of uranium.

A failure to get a deal could see tensions further spike in the Middle East, on edge over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

Irans economy, long ailing, could enter a freefall that could worsen the simmering unrest at home.

Israel or the US might carry out long-threatened air strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, and Tehran may decide to fully end its co-operation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog and rush toward a bomb.

Iran and the US have held previous talks in Muscat and Rome.
At least 260 people have been killed after an Air India plane bound for London crashed minutes after taking off from the western city of Ahmedabad on Thursday, authorities said, in the world's worst aviation disaster in a decade.

The plane came down in a residential area, crashing onto a medical college hostel outside the airport during lunch hour. It was headed for Gatwick Airport, south of London.

Debris of a plane that crashed in the northwestern Indian city of Ahmedabad, in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (Central Industrial Security Force on X via AP)

According to Air India, a 40-year-old British-Indian man, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was the sole survivor among the 242 people on board.

Mr Ramesh, who lives in London, had been visiting family in the area.

"When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me," he told the Hindustan Times.

"Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital."

Police have said that previously shared death toll of 294, which included casualties on the ground, was wrong due to some double-counted body parts. According to local police commissioner Vidhi Chaudhary, the current death toll is now 260.

Air India says the flight was departing from Ahmedabad Airport with 242 people on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, including two pilots and ten crew. 169 passengers were Indian nationals, 53 were British, seven were Portuguese, and one was Canadian.

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, said it would provide 10 million rupees (100,896) to the families of those who were killed in the crash.

The company said it would also cover the medical costs of those injured and provide support in the building up of the medical college the plane crashed into.

India's CNN News-18 TV channel said the plane crashed on top of the dining area of the state-run BJ Medical College hostel, killing many medical students as well. It showed a visual of a portion of the aircraft perched atop the building.

Rescue workers said that at least 30 to 35 bodies had been recovered from the site and that more people were trapped. Divyansh Singh, vice president of the Federation of All India Medical Association, told AP at least five medical students had been killed and around 50 were injured after the plane collided with the college.

A video of the incident circulating online shows the Air India aircraft flying over a residential area before crashing, creating what appears to be a huge fireball followed by large plumes of black smoke.

Images of the aftermath of the crash showed parts of the plane embedded into a residential building as firefighters continued to tackle the smoke.

Pieces of the aircrafts landing gear, fuselage and tail could all be seen protruding from the building.

Air India plane, carrying 242 passengers, crashes in western Gujarat

Thursday's crash comes in proximity to the 40th anniversary of the Air India Toronto-New Delhi crash, which happened off the Kerry/West Cork coast on June 23, 1985.

A bomb placed on board the Air India flight 182 by Sikh militants exploded and plunged into the Atlantic. All 329 passengers and crew were killed. The flight was travelling from Toronto and had a first stopover in Montreal, and was due for a second stopover in London Heathrow before reaching its final destination of New Delhi.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said his thoughts are with those affected by the crash, saying it brought his mind the 1985 disaster.

"I think it is horrific and very, very sad what has happened. Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families of those bereaved and with people of India, Britain and Canada.

"The world is a much closer place  we all travel  and it is extremely sad and shocking that an accident of this scale has occurred with the loss of so much life. It's not so long away from the commemoration of the Air India disaster in Ireland 40 years ago. You know, all of us who experienced that had a sense of the trauma that people go through when crashes of this kind occur."

Rescue workers use a stretcher as victims are removed from the site of a plane crash in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

Aviation tracking site Flightradar24 said the London-bound plane was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, one of the most modern passenger aircraft in service.

It was the first crash for the Dreamliner, which began flying commercially in 2011, according to the Aviation Safety Network database. The plane that crashed on Thursday flew for the first time in 2013 and was delivered to Air India in January 2014, Flightradar24 said.

CRASH JUST AFTER TAKE-OFF

The crash occurred just after the plane took off, television channels reported. One channel showed the plane taking off over a residential area and then disappearing from the screen before a huge jet of fire rose into the sky from beyond the houses.

Visuals also showed debris on fire, with thick black smoke rising up into the sky near the airport.

They also showed people being moved in stretchers and being taken away in ambulances.

"My sister-in-law was going to London. Within an hour, I got news that the plane had crashed," Poonam Patel, a relative of one of the passengers, told news agency ANI at the government hospital in Ahmedabad.

Up to 230 passengers and 12 crew are feared dead after Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad en route to London. Picture: Getty Images

Ramila, the mother of a student at the medical college, told ANI her son had gone to the hostel for his lunch break when the plane crashed. "My son is safe, and I have spoken to him. He jumped from the second floor, so he suffered some injuries," she said.

According to air traffic control at Ahmedabad Airport, the aircraft departed at 1.39pm (8.09am Irish time) from runway 23. It gave a "Mayday" call, signalling an emergency, but thereafter there was no response from the aircraft.

Flightradar24 also said that it received the last signal from the aircraft seconds after it took off.

"The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB," it said.

US aerospace safety consultant Anthony Brickhouse said one problematic sign from videos of the aircraft was that the landing gear was down at a phase of flight when it would typically be up.

If you didn't know what was happening, you would think that plane was on approach to a runway, Brickhouse said.

Boeing said it is aware of initial reports and is working to gather more information. Boeing, opens new tab shares fell 6.8% to $199.13 in pre-market trade.

MODI'S HOME STATE

Britain is working with Indian authorities to urgently establish the facts around the crash and to provide support to those involved, the country's foreign office said in a statement posted on its website.

The Indian aviation minister's office said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directed it to ensure all support was extended to the rescue efforts immediately.

The debris of an airplane lie scattered after it crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

All relevant agencies were on high alert, and coordinated efforts were underway, the aviation minister's office added.

Ahmedabad is the main city in Modi's home state of Gujarat.

Ahmedabad airport said it had suspended all flight operations with immediate effect. The airport is operated by India's Adani Group conglomerate.

"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171," Gautam Adani, founder and chairman of the group, posted on X.

"Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss. We are working closely with all authorities and extending full support to the families on the ground," he said.

The last fatal plane crash in India was in 2020 and involved Air India Express, the airline's low-cost arm.

The airline's Boeing 737 overshot a "table-top" runway at Kozhikode International Airport in southern India. The plane skidded off the runway, plunging into a valley and crashing nose-first into the ground.

Twenty-one people were killed in that crash.

The formerly state-owned Air India was taken over by Indian conglomerate Tata Group in 2022, and merged with Vistara - a joint venture between the group and Singapore Airlines, in 2024.

Tata said an emergency centre had been activated and a support team set up for families seeking information.

-Reuters
Israel is deporting six more activists who were detained when it seized an aid boat bound for the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, according to the rights group representing them.

The six include Rima Hassan, a French member of the European parliament who Israel had previously barred from entering Israel and the Palestinian territories, citing her support for boycotts of the country.

They were among 12 passengers, including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, aboard the Madleen, a boat that sought to break Israels blockade of Gaza and deliver a symbolic amount of aid.

Israel seized the vessel early on Monday and deported Miss Thunberg and three others the following day.

The last two activists are expected to be deported on Friday, according to Adalah, a local human rights group representing them.

It said the activists were subjected to mistreatment, punitive measures, and aggressive treatment, and two volunteers were held for some period of time in solitary confinement.

Israeli authorities declined to comment on their treatment.

Activists, including Greta Thunberg, sailed on the Madleen, a boat that sought to break Israels blockage of Gaza (Salvatore Cavalli/AP)

Israel says it treats detainees in a lawful manner and investigates any allegations of abuse.

Israel portrayed the voyage as a media spectacle, dubbing it the selfie yacht.

It says the blockade, which it has imposed in various forms along with Egypt since Hamas seized power in 2007, is needed to prevent the militant group from importing arms.

Critics view it as a collective punishment of Gazas roughly 2 million Palestinians.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said those activists who signed deportation documents would be deported immediately, while those who refused would be brought before a judicial authority to authorise their deportation in keeping with Israeli law.

The activists have protested that they had no intention of entering Israel and were brought there against their will.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organised the journey, said it was aimed at protesting Israels blockade of Gaza and ongoing military campaign there, which experts say has pushed the territory to the brink of famine more than 20 months into the Israel-Hamas war.
The number of Russian troops killed or wounded in Ukraine has topped one million, military officials in Kyiv said on Thursday, describing the huge price that Moscow has paid for its three-year-old invasion.

The claim by the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces is in line with Western intelligence estimates.

The UK Ministry of Defence also said in a statement posted Thursday on X that Russia has suffered more than one million casualties, including roughly 250,000 killed since it launched the full-scale invasion on February 24 2022.

On June 3, the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington said Russia would likely hit the mark of one million casualties this summer in what it called a stunning and grisly milestone.

Russia last reported its military casualties early in the war when it acknowledged that about 6,000 soldiers had been killed. Earlier this year, the General Staff of the Russian armed forces claimed that Ukrainian military losses had topped one million.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last spoke of Ukrainian military losses in February, when he said in an interview that 45,100 troops had been killed and about 390,000 injured.

The mutual claims of the other sides losses could not be independently verified.

A rescue worker evacuates a woman from a building which was damaged by a Russian strike in Kharkiv (Ukrainian emergency services via AP/PA)

The casualty estimates came as Russian forces pummelled Ukraine with drones and other weapons, killing three people and injuring scores of others despite international pressure to accept a ceasefire.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched 63 drones and decoys at Ukraine overnight. It said that air defences destroyed 28 drones while another 21 were jammed.

Ukrainian police said two people were killed and six were injured in the past 24 hours in the eastern Donetsk region, the focus of the Russian offensive. One person was killed and 14 others were also injured in the southern Kherson region, which is partly occupied by Russian forces, police said.

The authorities in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, said 18 people, including four children, were injured by Russian drone attacks overnight.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said Russian drones targeted residential districts, educational facilities, nurseries and other civilian infrastructure.

Kharkiv is holding on. People are alive. And that is the most important thing, Mr Terekhov said.

Rescue workers put out a fire of a building which was damaged by a Russian strike in Kharkiv (Ukrainian emergency services via AP/PA)

Russia has launched waves of drones and missiles in recent days, with a record bombardment of almost 500 drones on Monday and a wave of 315 drones and seven missiles overnight on Tuesday.

Ukraine responded to the Russian attacks with drone raids.

Russias Defence Ministry said that air defences downed 52 Ukrainian drones early on Thursday, including 41 over the Belgorod region that borders Ukraine.

Regional Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said three people were injured by Ukrainian attacks.

The recent escalation in aerial attacks has come alongside a renewed Russian battlefield push along eastern and northeastern parts of the more than 1,000-kilometre (over 600-mile) front line.

While Russian missile and drone barrage have struck regions all across Ukraine, regions along the front line have faced daily Russian attacks with short-range exploding drones and glide bombs.

A building is seen on fire after a Russian strike in Odesa, Ukraine. (Ukrainian Emergency Services via AP)

On Thursday, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed its troops captured two more villages in the Donetsk region, Oleksiivka and Petrivske. The Ukrainian military had no immediate comment on the Russian claim.

The attacks have continued despite discussions of a potential ceasefire in the war.

During their June 2 talks in Istanbul, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators traded memorandums containing sharply divergent conditions that both sides see as nonstarters, making a quick deal unlikely.

In Rome, Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte commended US President Donald Trump for his crucial move to start direct peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

At the same time, Mr Rutte criticised Mr Putin for appointing his aide Vladimir Medinsky as the top negotiator for the talks in Istanbul.

Mr Medinsky ascended through the Kremlin ranks after writing a series of books exposing purported Western plots against Russia and denigrating Ukraine.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte commended US President Donald Trump for his move to start peace talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

I think that the Russians sending this historian now twice to these talks in Istanbul, trying to start with the history of 1,000 years ago and then explaining more or less that Ukraine is at fault here, I think thats not helpful, Mr Rutte said.

But at least step by step, we try to make progress.

Also on Thursday, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit, noting the stepped-up Russian attacks send a message from Moscow that it has no interest in a peaceful solution at present, according to German news agency dpa.

Mr Pistorius said his visit underlines that the new German government continues to stand by Ukraine.

Of course this will also be about how the support of Germany and other Europeans will look in future  what we can do, for example, in the area of industrial co-operation, but also other support, he said.
The family of a Nepali man taken captive by the Palestinian militant group Hamas appealed to his captors for his release, stressing that he has no involvement in the conflict in Gaza.

Bipin Joshi, now 25, was among 17 Nepali students studying agriculture in southern Israel during the October 7 2023 Hamas attack that ignited the war in Gaza.

Pushpa Joshi travels eight hours each way to Kathmandu to lobby officials to secure her brothers release (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

Mr Joshi had worked hard in a government competition to earn a spot to study in Israel, his 17-year-old sister, Pushpa Joshi, said from Kathmandu.

He arrived in southern Israel just three weeks before the attack. It was his first time out of Nepal.

Bipin Joshi is an innocent agriculture student, Pushpa said. He is a student who has a long life ahead of him, who is just 25 years old now.

Militants killed 10 of the Nepali students in the attack and injured six others.

Mr Joshi saved multiple lives by tossing a live grenade out of the bomb shelter where they were hiding, his sister said, before he was abducted and taken to Gaza.

His family has not had a sign of life from him since Israel obtained security footage from a hospital in Gaza showing Mr Joshi, so they know he was taken alive to Gaza, but have no information about him since then.

Pushpa, who was 15 when her brother was kidnapped, lives with their parents in a town in western Nepal.

He is alive and we believe from the bottom of our hearts that he for sure is going to come back all safe and sound. We have big hopes that he will be back

She travels eight hours each way on buses to Kathmandu regularly to lobby officials to secure her brothers release.

She has met the countrys prime minister and president several times.

Nepals government says it has repeatedly sought help from Qatari and Egyptian officials to get Mr Joshi freed.

He is alive and we believe from the bottom of our hearts that he for sure is going to come back all safe and sound, Pushpa said. We have big hopes that he will be back.

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages in the October 7 attack.

They are still holding 53 hostages, around 20 of them believed to be alive. The majority of the others were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.

Israeli forces have rescued eight living hostages from Gaza and recovered dozens of bodies, including five over the past week.

In the ensuing conflict, more than 55,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

Pushpa described her brother as her best friend (Niranjan Shrestha/AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed doubts about whether several hostages are still alive.

None of the previously released hostages have seen Mr Joshi recently during their captivity.

His parents are constantly monitoring news about the Gaza conflict, and get their hopes up whenever they see signs of a hostage release.

News is always on, all day from morning to night, at our house, Pushpa said.

They are also in contact with families of other Nepalis who were killed or injured in the attack, though Mr Joshi is the only Nepali hostage.

Pushpa said her brother is her best friend, and that they would often learn, sing and dance together while their parents were at work.

In rainy season like now, we used to get wet in the rain and dance, she said.

He studied diligently to earn the scholarship to study agriculture in Israel, she said. The exchange program at Kibbutz Alumim was close to the Gaza border in a major agricultural area.

Nepali citizens go to Israel for both education and employment, to learn the countrys advanced agricultural techniques. Agriculture is the backbone of Nepals economy, and the primary source of income for more than 60% of the population.
A lawyer for Sean Diddy Combs protested at the rising tide of secrecy at the hip-hop stars federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial on Thursday, after Combs and the public were excluded from lengthy arguments over whether another famous rappers name could be disclosed.

Defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo complained to Judge Arun Subramanian after Combs was left out of an hour-long meeting in a private room outside the New York court, where lawyers and the judge discussed a hotel room event in January 2024.

That meeting added a two-hour delay to the start of the sixth and final day of evidence from a woman identified in court only by the pseudonym Jane, who dated Combs from 2001 until his arrest last September.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that carry a potential prison sentence of 15 years to life in prison if he is convicted.

Prosecutors say he used his fame, fortune, violence and threats to manipulate girlfriends into sex with paid sex workers in multi-day events that they later said they regretted.

Part of the reason trials are fully public is so if other people realise they know something about an event discussed in a public courtroom, they can come forward and share their recollection of it

Defence lawyers say the government is trying to prosecute consensual sex between adults.

Under cross-examination, Jane said on Thursday that she flew to Las Vegas in January 2023 with a famous rapper and his girlfriend.

Defence lawyer Teny Geragos did not identify the rapper, but asked Jane if he was an individual at the top of the music industry as well, an icon in the music industry?

Yes, Jane replied.

Once in Las Vegas, Jane said, she went with a group including the rapper to dinner, a strip club and then a hotel room party, where a sex worker had sex with a woman while half a dozen others in the room watched.

She said there was dancing in the room and the rapper said, hey beautiful, and told her that he had always wanted to have sex with her.

Jane said she did not recall exactly when she did it, but said she flashed her breasts in the room as she danced.

The evidence came soon after the closed-door session on Thursday, when lawyers discussed what facts could be disclosed about the hotel room encounter.

Mr Agnifilo said the need for a public trial was an important issue, a constitutional issue and objected to so much happening out of the earshot of his client.

In response, the judge offered more secrecy, saying: If your client wishes to be heard, we can clear this courtroom if need be to address it.

Sean Diddy Combs in Los Angeles in 2022 (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Mr Agnifilo turned down the offer.

Part of the reason trials are fully public is so if other people realise they know something about an event discussed in a public courtroom, they can come forward and share their recollection of it, the lawyer said.

He added: That is kind of the practical side of the constitutional right to a public trial.

A monitor that is used to show exhibits to spectators has been shut off throughout Janes evidence, although lawyers, the judge, Combs and jurors can view them.

Some sidebar conversations between lawyers and the judge during the evidence have been sealed.

The judge also has banned the public from viewing any exhibits containing sexual content, even though the defence has said images from the group sex episodes proves they were consensual acts between adults, and not proof of crimes.

And many of the letters to the judge from lawyers each day are filed under seal, preventing the public from quickly knowing, for instance, the grounds under which prosecutors are trying to get a black juror ejected from the jury in mid-trial.

The judge has said he will rule on the request on Friday.

Defence lawyer Alexandra Shapiro has called the prosecutions effort a thinly veiled effort to dismiss a black juror.

Jane and Casandra Cassie Ventura, who gave evidence for four days in the trials first week about her relationship with Combs from 2007 to 2018, both said they took part in the sex marathons for years, with Cassie calling them freak-off nights and Jane referring to them as hotel nights.

Mr Agnifilo said the defence consented to Jane giving evidence with a pseudonym but did not consent to other events related to her evidence and the evidence of other witnesses not being public.

Assistant US attorney Maureen Comey attacked Mr Agnifilos rationale for disclosing more information publicly with the risk that it would be easier for someone to guess Janes identity, saying it was an attempt to harass and intimidate this witness.
Thursday, Jun 12th, 2025 (10:46 am) - Score 1,800

Network operator CityFibre has today announced that their high-speed fibre optic based Ethernet (leased line) services are now available to over 260,000 UK businesses (up from 80,000). The expansion has been underpinned by its nationwide upgrade to 10Gbps capable XGS-PON (FTTP) broadband technology.

Just to recap. CityFibres existing full fibre network covers 4.3 million UK premises (RFS). But this rollout also incorporates a dedicated Business Ethernet platform, designed specifically to support enterprise-grade service guarantees and bringing their full FTTP network online for its business ISPs.

NOTE: CityFibre is owned by Antin Infrastructure Partners, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Mubadala Investment Company, Interogo Holding etc. The network is supported by UK ISPs such as TalkTalk, Zen Internet, CityFibre is owned by Antin Infrastructure Partners, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Mubadala Investment Company, Interogo Holding etc. The network is supported by UK ISPs such as Vodafone Sky Broadband and more, but they arent all live or available in every location yet (technical reasons and exclusivity deals).

The operator added that, over the past year, theyve worked closely with partners to speed-up the installation of new business Ethernet connections by up to 40% (across their most complex Ethernet installations, where permission to work has been agreed). CityFibre added that theyre also introducing a new delivery assurance guarantee to provide partners with the confidence of enhanced compensation for any unexpected delays to their installation date.

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CityFibre added that they were also committed to delivering the best economics, with claims that its Ethernet prices are up to 20% cheaper than its major competitors. All of this sounds good, although their current top Ethernet tier still only offers symmetric speeds of 1Gbps, which at this end of the market is starting to look a little dated.

Andy Nash, Director of Business, Government and Mobile at CityFibre, said: Todays announcement is a reminder that CityFibre is more than just a broadband network. Were building a digital infrastructure platform that serves the needs of all sectors of the market, from consumer services right through to enterprise-level connectivity. Our partners have called for a larger footprint and that is exactly what we are giving them. Tripling our business footprint transforms their addressable market and is a catalyst for growth and shared success. We look forward to our proposition of market leading products, service and economics benefitting even more businesses in the years ahead.

CityFibre currently still aspires to cover up to 8 million UK premises with their new FTTP (XGS-PON) broadband network  representing c.30% of the UK. But their original target of hitting that by the end of 2025 will not be achieved, and the operator has instead shifted their strategy to focus more on growth via mergers and acquisition (M&A) of smaller alternative networks.
Thursday, Jun 12th, 2025 (8:23 am) - Score 840

Network operator VodafoneThree UK has today announced that theyve begun a feasibility study to explore the possibility and cost of deploying a new subsea fibre optic cable system to help transform broadband and mobile connectivity in the Shetland Islands  a remote subarctic archipelago that resides some way north of Scotland.

Shetland is currently already connected by two major subsea fibre cables, including the SHEFA-2 (Faroese Telecom) submarine (subsea) and the R100 North cable that was recently built by broadband giant BT as part of the Scottish Governments 600m Reaching 100% (R100) project (here). The R100 project also deployed a number of smaller subsea fibre links between mainland Shetland and its smaller islands.

Despite this, Vodafone Business has proposed a plan that would involve running a new cable from mainland Scotland to Shetland. But the operator states that such a cable would provide essential infrastructure for high-speed internet and telecommunications services for local communities, as well as businesses. This would no doubt also support VodafoneThrees plan to boost 5G Standalone coverage (here).

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We think greater resilience should also be mentioned as one of the above highlights, particularly in todays climate of rising conflict and security concerns around subsea infrastructure (example).

Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Business, said: High-speed connectivity is a necessity in todays world  both for economic growth and everyday life. It is particularly important that residents, businesses and visitors to our rural areas and islands are not left behind in the digital age. Private investment is critical to delivering this mission and I welcome VodafoneThrees renewed commitment to help deliver the infrastructure needed to support our island communities, including its intention to undertake a feasibility study into a subsea connection between Shetland and the mainland.

Nick Gliddon, Director of Vodafone Business, said: During our meetings in November 2024, with Shetland Islands Council, it was really apparent to me that connectivity is essential for everything from daily transactions to the growth of businesses and the economy. Through initiatives like the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme, we are providing strong and reliable 4G coverage to our customers living in, working in, and visiting Shetland. The proposed cable could transform the connectivity landscape for the islands further, bringing significant economic and social benefits. We remain committed to delivering the necessary infrastructure to ensure the continued prosperity and growth of the islands.

The timing of all this is quite interesting, not only because of the current climate around subsea security and the fact that it follows so soon after the completion of Vodafone and Three UKs mega-merger. On top of that, the Scottish Government are also in the process of hunting out a supplier for their 40.7m (state aid) Project Gigabit broadband roll-out scheme for Orkney & Shetland (Lot 6).

The deployment of a new subsea fibre link to Shetland, if approved, would however be an extremely expensive project and its difficult to see where the return for VodafoneThree would come from for this without additional support (e.g. state aid or other investors). In 2023 Shetland had just 11,567 domestic properties, as well as 259 hotels / guest houses and 1,655 registered private businesses (most of these are small businesses, but they do now have the SaxaVord Spaceport).

At present this is just a feasibility study and so it remains uncertain whether it will be turned into a serious deployment.
Thursday, Jun 12th, 2025 (11:35 am) - Score 800

Alternative rural broadband ISP Quickline has today reported that theyve hit their first milestones as part of their state aid supported Project Gigabit broadband roll-out contracts for West and South Yorkshire. More than 10,000 rural premises now have access to their new full fibre (FTTP) network as a result, with more to come.

The provider is currently being backed by a private investment of 500m from Northleaf Capital Partners and aims to cover 200,000 premises with FTTP by the end of 2025 (up from 65,000 premises in Nov 2023). But as well as its own commercial builds, the operator also holds several state aid supported roll-out contracts for Yorkshire under the governments 5bn Project Gigabit broadband programme.

NOTE: Quickline is also supported by around 300m of public subsidy across four Project Gigabit contracts ( here here and here ), plus c.225m in term loans and debt guarantees from the UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB) and a 25m term loan from NatWest.

The latest development thus reflects their contracts for both the West Yorkshire and York Area (Lot 8  original aim of 28,000 premises, 60m) and South Yorkshire (Lot 20  original aim of 32,100 premises, 44m). Each contract includes phased delivery targets and progress has been made on these.

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By the end of March 2025, Quickline was required to connect 6,273 funded premises in West Yorkshire and the York area. This target was surpassed, with 6,426 homes and businesses connected, including premises in communities such as Harden, near Bingley and Bradshaw, near Thornton.

In South Yorkshire, the first milestone target of 3,621 addresses isnt due until the end of June, but as of 31st March, Quickline has achieved this number, ahead of schedule. Communities benefiting include Barnby Dun, near Doncaster, Ealand, Keadby, and Todwick.

When including the addresses Quickline has reached as part of its commercial build across rural West and South Yorkshire, more than 30,000 addresses now have gigabit-capable connectivity.

Dan Hague, Project Gigabit Delivery Director at Quickline, said: These contracts are complex by nature, often involving challenging rural builds and limited existing infrastructure. Thats why were proud to not only hit, but exceed, our first milestones  particularly so in South Yorkshire. Were still in the early stages of our Project Gigabit contracts and have a long way to go, and we remain focused on staying on track and delivering the broadband connectivity that rural communities across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire need and deserve. Thanks to the commitment of our teams and build partners, were connecting thousands of premises and making real progress on closing the digital divide.

Telecoms Minister, Chris Bryant, said: Quicklines exceptional progress in Yorkshire shows what can be achieved when government and industry work together to tackle digital inequality, ensuring people like Colin can make the most of the modern world no matter where they live. By exceeding these first milestones and connecting over 10,000 government-funded properties ahead of schedule, were already delivering on our commitment to level up digital infrastructure across the country, creating a more connected Britain where geography is no barrier to opportunity.

Residential customers reached by their new full fibre network are typically charged from 22 per month on a 24-month term for 100Mbps (50Mbps upload) speeds with free installation, which goes up to just 32.67 (average) for their top 1000Mbps symmetric speed tier. But the gigabit package is currently running a confusing discount, which means the first month is 49, then the next 8 months are free and after that its 49 monthly.
Thursday, Jun 12th, 2025 (12:01 am) - Score 15,640

Broadband and mobile provider Virgin Media and O2 (VMO2) has this morning claimed, as part of a new online survey conducted by Strand Partners, that 48% of UK pensioners are still unaware of the social tariffs that can offer significant cost savings to those on state benefits, such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit and others.

According to the survey, which we should caveat was conducted last month with 1,020 nationally representative members of the UK public (only 241 of those respondents were pensioners), some 33% of pensioners have felt more isolated or lonely in the past 12 months and the majority (81%) worry about the cost of living.

However, as above, almost half of pensioners say theyre unaware of providers offering discounted broadband and mobile deals to those receiving Pension Credit, with 34% of pensioners also being unsure of how to switch to a cheaper tariff.

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Additional Survey Findings  Staying connected with friends and family through calls, texts and video calls helps 68% of pensioners feel less lonely and more part of the world.  46% of pensioners say the rising cost of living has made them feel more isolated from their community and means they cant afford to go out and socialise as much as they used to (48%). Many are visiting friends and family less due to travel costs (42%), and 28% worry about money so much that they feel anxious in social situations.  62% of pensioners believe digital technology helps them keep their independence.  If faced with reduced mobile and internet connectivity for an extended period of time, pensioners cite concerns including being unable to contact someone in an emergency (72%), missing important family updates (58%), and not being able to access online GP appointments or other healthcare services (55%) and losing touch with friends (46%).

Mobile operator O2 points out that its 10 per month O2 Essential Plan is available for both new and existing customers who receive a range of benefit payments, and comes with 10GB of mobile data, plus unlimited calls and texts. The plan can be taken as a 30-day rolling contract, has no activation or exit fees, and no price changes while customers receive benefit payments. But cheaper commercial mobile plans do exist in the market.

Similarly, Virgin Media also offers several Essential Broadband tariffs, which typically enable those on state benefits to take an unlimited 15Mbps (2Mbps upload) connection on a 30-day rolling contract for just 12.50 per month, rising to 20 per month if you opt for their faster 54Mbps (5Mbps upload) tier. Plus, if you pay an extra 20 one-off, then youre also able to add their new STREAM TV box (Flex).

Dana Haidan, VMO2s Chief Sustainability Officer, said: With todays research revealing pensioners feel increasingly isolated due to the rising cost of living, Virgin Media O2 is proud to offer a range of comprehensive measures to help people on low incomes to get online and stay in touch with loved ones. Anyone who is receiving Pension Credit or a range of additional benefits are able to access our cut-price tariffs that offering broadband and mobile services starting from as little as 10. We want to raise the profile of our broad range of support for people experiencing financial difficulties, helping to combat loneliness and keep the nation connected.

Virgin Media has previously promised to help raise awareness of such tariffs, and todays press release plays into that effort. Finally, a quick reminder. We know social tariffs can be a divisive topic for some, but that is not an excuse to abuse the comment system in order to post offensive remarks toward those who take state benefits. Such posts are against our rules and will be removed.
Thursday, Jun 12th, 2025 (7:25 am) - Score 10,440

VodafoneThree, which reflects the now finalised c.16bn merger between Vodafone and Three UK (here), has this morning set out a set of post-merger plans for their 4G / 5G mobile (mobile broadband) network coverage, performance and branding. Starting with a 20% average speed boost on 4G for Three and SMARTY customers, and a new broadband partnership with CommunityFibre.

At this point we already know, from prior announcements, that VodafoneThree plan to invest 11bn to upgrade the UKs 5G mobile infrastructure and coverage over the next ten years. The combined business has also previously stated that it aspires to reach more than 99% of the UK population with their 5G Standalone (SA) network by 2034 and push fixed wireless access (mobile home broadband) to 82% of households by 2030, among other things.

NOTE: The merger will see The merger will see Vodafone retain a 51% slice of the business and CK Hutchison ( Three UK ) hold 49%.

The hard part of this process, which involves integrating teams (some potential for redundancies in this area), networks and offices, has now begun. As a result of that, VodafoneThree has this morning set out a refined set of post-merger plans and network targets.

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The move highlights just how quickly the operator intends to bring everything together; while also respecting the binding commitments they made as part of the agreement. The announcement includes quite a lot of sporadic detail, so weve opted to shrink this down into a bullet point summary below. Its worth a read, due to so many changes being introduced.

Max Taylor, CEO of VodafoneThree, added: A new era of connectivity has begun. We will connect every nation, every community, in every corner of the UK. We will build the UKs best 5G network with an unprecedented 11bn privately funded infrastructure project, laying the digital foundation for our countrys growth ambitions. Benefits for our 27 million mobile customers will start within months, with access to roam across both networks at no extra cost. From big cities to small towns, and everywhere in between, our mission is to build the UKs best network.

VodafoneThrees Plan  Over time, Vodafone and Three UK will integrate into one physical network, which will be called: The Nations Network.  The new company will operate a multi-brand mobile strategy in their consumer business, with Vodafone, Three UK, VOXI, SMARTY and Talkmobile remaining (on the same single network).  Vodafone will be the only brand for business customers, with one team able to tailor solutions to a customers needs.  Over the next 12 months, VodafoneThree will bring Threes mobile broadband (Fixed Wireless Access) products together with Vodafones Full Fibre (FTTP) into one home broadband portfolio, under the Vodafone brand. There will only be one converged brand for both businesses and consumers.  Aims to reach 99.95% UK population coverage of their 5G Standalone (5G SA) network by 2034. The network will be built at speed, with the 5G SA build plan being front-loaded so that, by the end of the third year, it will hit 90% population coverage from a current baseline of 47%. Around 71% of the UK population (circa 50 million) will have access to their fastest 5G speeds by the end of year one.  Within just two weeks, through the sharing of combined spectrum, 7 million Three UK and SMARTY customers will receive an improvement in 4G data speeds (mobile broadband) of up to 20% (average).  Within a few months, 27 million Vodafone and Three UK mobile customers will start to benefit from unrivalled access to roam on each others networks at no extra cost. It will happen automatically, with no need to change a thing (phones will connect to the best coverage available). By the end of the year this will remove a total of 16,500 sq/km of not spots  equivalent to 10x the size of London  with the first sites already having been turned on.  By this time next year (June 2026), VodafoneThree will launch beta trials on a first-of-its-kind, space-based satellite mobile network, thanks to Vodafones partnership with AST Space Mobile. This will complement the existing network build, eliminating coverage gaps in places that otherwise couldnt be reached.  Within two years, the company will open two new customer care centres in Belfast and Sheffield, bringing 400 sales and customer service roles back to the UK, alongside the existing call centres in Stoke and Glasgow. Crucially there are no planned retail redundancies.  VodafoneThree will launch a new Just Ask Once Promise on the Vodafone brand from July 2025. Just Ask Once will aim to resolve any query, quickly and painlessly, with a dedicated advisor who proactively updates the customer, and if the issue isnt resolved to the customers satisfaction, they will be able to simply part ways without penalty.  VodafoneThree has today announced a new partnership with CommunityFibre in London, bringing faster fixed FTTP broadband speeds to even more homes. This builds on existing agreements with Openreach and CityFibre.  Over the entire 8-year build period, VodafoneThree will create and sustain demand for, on average, 9,000 jobs, with peak investment years (years 2-6) seeing as many as 13,000 jobs created across the UK (74% outside London and the South East).  By consolidating networks, VodafoneThrees energy consumption will be around 31% lower than it would have been as two separate networks. In addition, VodafoneThree will reduce emissions from operations to net zero by 2027 and look to achieve the same across the full value chain by 2040.  This August, VodafoneThree will be the first to exclusively range the first phone from HMDs Better Phone Project in the UK, with a new innovative on-device AI application called HarmBlock. This software (built by SafeToNet) means that that harmful content cant be seen, shared, or created. The phone also features real-time location tracking, contact safe-lists, parental controls for apps and online access.

Overall, this all sounds very promising, at least in terms of network coverage and service, although it wont be enough to placate the concerns about future consumer pricing beyond the initially protected period of 3 years. The fears of future price hikes and the gradual removal of their cheapest plans from the UK market, either directly or via MVNO providers (e.g. iD Mobile, Smarty etc.), seem unlikely to go away.

In addition, some might find VodafoneThrees decision to name their combined network infrastructure The Nations Network a little bit too presumptuous or possibly even worthy of some cringe, although such thoughts may subside if theyre able to deliver on their coverage and performance improvements.

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Separately, VodafoneThree today announced that the south coast (Devon) town of Brixham has recently received a 30% uplift in network capacity. The hope is that this will help balance against some of the expected network load during the busy summer months, when visitor numbers tend to climb.
( Middle East Monitor )  It may not have occurred to David Ben-Gurion 77 years ago, when he approved a limited exemption from military service for a few hundred yeshiva students, that he was sowing the seeds of a crisis that would threaten Israels existence. The goal at the time was purely political, as he wanted to integrate the Haredim into the Zionist project. However, the temporary exemptions snowballed from individual exemptions to collective exemptions, and then to a system of sacred privileges that the religious parties refuse any change to and which they consider an essential condition for any political alliance.

For years, the spectre of controversy over Haredi military service loomed over Israeli politics. However, the 7 October 2023, attack accelerated the crisis due to the expansion of the aggression on Gaza. Following the intensified confrontations on multiple fronts, the occupation army, which has long boasted its technical capabilities, realised it desperately needed boots on the ground. This forced the issue of the Haredi exemption back on to the table, viewing it as blatant discrimination in the name of religion, a practice now opposed by more than 70 per cent of Israelis. Despite attempts at political bypassing, the Supreme Court ruled that Benjamin Netanyahus government must respect the principle of equality in performing national duties and repeatedly overturned any collective exemption that lacked an explicit legal basis. However, the government resorted to a policy of procrastination and manoeuvres in an attempt to postpone the expected political explosion.

The dilemma is deeper than just a conscription issue, as it touches on the core of the Haredi social structure, based on the idea of his Torah is his profession which categorically rejects involvement in state institutions, beginning with the army. Hence, the ultra-Orthodox parties, particularly Shas and United Torah Judaism, insist on passing a comprehensive law guaranteeing a permanent exemption for Torah students, or at least enacting an emergency law that maintains the status quo. Meanwhile, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein (Likud) rejects any arrangement that does not include immediate sanctions on those who evade drafting. With internal negotiations faltering and public and parliamentary pressure mounting, the opposition Yesh Atid party decided to formally submit, on Wednesday, 11 June, a bill to dissolve the Knesset. The ultra-Orthodox announced their support for the bill if they do not receive solid guarantees regarding the conscription law and sent a unified partisan message to Netanyahu: There will be no compromise on the exemption for Torah students, even at the cost of bringing down the government. This means that the crisis is no longer just about a legal clause or a political settlement, but has entered a phase of an existential conflict over the identity of the state: Is it Jewish in the rabbinic sense, or civil in the liberal sense? Can distinctions continue between a young man serving in elite units and another who is exempted because he wears a black skullcap (kippah) and memorised the Talmud?

Netanyahu faces limited and risky scenarios: passing a comprehensive exemption law that would satisfy the Haredim, but would spark a crisis with the army and the Supreme Court, leading to popular unrest; forcibly enforcing conscription that would lead to an open confrontation with the Haredi community and possibly the disintegration of the coalition; or postponing or introducing a watered-down bill, a tactic that no longer works, as the divisions within the coalition itself have become irreconcilable. With the loss of their old manoeuvring tools, the Haredim, who were the kingmaker in the government, have become a strategic burden that is difficult to contain during this time of war and popular division. The evidence suggests that it is only a matter of time before a collapse, as the lack of a fair settlement regarding equality in military service means that the crisis will escalate until it explodes. The Haredi parties are now ready to set fire to the ship if their key demand is not met.



Image by Vladimir Buynevich from Pixabay

If they vote to dissolve the Knesset, a scenario we (Israels enemies) would like to see, the doors will officially be open for early elections that could oust Netanyahu and his Haredi allies, and perhaps the future of the traditional Israeli right. The public mood has changed, and voters do not look favourably on the alliances that have preserved religious privileges at a time when soldiers are being killed on multiple fronts. With Naftali Bennetts possible return, it seems that a post-Netanyahu right is slowly but surely taking shape. The current crisis reflects a deeper identity crisis and the end of alliances that were once considered sacred.

Translated from Al Araby Al Jadid,10 June 2025

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment.

Via Middle East Monitor
By Jessica Whyte, UNSW Sydney and Sara Dehm, University of Technology Sydney

(The Conversation)  The Australian government is imposing financial and travel sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers: Itamar Ben-Gvir (the national security minister) and Bezalel Smotrich (finance minister).

This is a significant development. While Australia has previously sanctioned seven individual Israeli settlers, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are the most high-profile Israeli nationals to face such sanctions.

Civil society organisations have long called for sanctions against these ministers and others in the Israeli cabinet.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong previously rebuffed such calls by saying that going it alone gets us nowhere. These latest sanctions have been imposed by a coalition of five states: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom.

A joint statement by the foreign ministers of these countries says Ben Gvir and Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights.

Explaining the sanctions further, Wong told ABC Smotrich and Ben-Gvir are the most extreme proponents of the unlawful and violent Israeli settlement enterprise.

A history of violent statements

There is no doubt both men are extremists.

Ben-Gvir, who is responsible for Israels police force, was convicted of racist incitement in 2007.

As national security minister, he has handed out thousands of assault rifles to West Bank settlers. He has also boasted hes worsened the abominable conditions of Palestinian prisoners.

Smotrich has overseen a dramatic expansion of unlawful settlements in the West Bank. Hes vowed to annex the occupied Palestinian territory, in violation of international law.

He has also complained no one would allow Israel to cause two million civilians to die of hunger, even though it might be justified and moral until our hostages are returned.

Last month, he argued that until the last hostage is returned, we should not even be sending water to Gaza.

The joint statement by the foreign ministers explains Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have been sanctioned for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

The statement notes these measures cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza. However, it also goes on to express unwavering support for Israels security and vows to continue to work with the Israeli government.

It does not note that the International Court of Justice has found Palestinians in Gaza are facing a plausible risk of genocide.

Nor does it make clear Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are not bad apples; they are integral members of the far-right Israeli government that is responsible for the destruction of Gaza and the starvation of its people.

Indeed, just this week, a UN independent fact-finding commission report found Israel was committing the crime against humanity of extermination in Gaza, among other war crimes.

What are Magnitsky sanctions?

Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have been sanctioned under Australias Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011. This act grants the foreign minister broad discretionary powers to impose sanctions.

In 2021, the Australian government amended this act to allow the government to impose sanctions on specific themes, such as:

serious violations or serious abuses of human rights

threats to international peace and security

activities undermining good governance or the rule of law, including serious corruption.

These targeted sanctions on human rights abuses are often called Magnitsky-style sanctions after the Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in custody after exposing serious corruption in Russia. They enable a government to freeze the assets of and impose travel bans on individuals and specific entities, not just countries.

Since coming into force, Australia has imposed the Magnitsky-style sanctions on numerous Russian military leaders, members of Myanmars junta, and the commander in chief of the Iranian Army.

But Australia does not only sanction individuals from these countries. It also imposes country-wide sanctions on Russia, Myanmar and Iran.

These broader sanctions restrict all trade in arms, including weapons, ammunition, military vehicles and equipment, as well as spare parts and accessories.

Australia can  and should  do more

The Australian Centre for International Justice, which had lobbied the government to sanction Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, welcomed the decision. It called it:

an important demonstration of Australias commitment to upholding international law and human rights.

But the centres acting executive director, Lara Khider, stressed the need for further concrete action. This includes the imposition of a comprehensive two-way arms embargo on Israel.

Indeed, sanctions are not just political or diplomatic tools that states can apply at their discretion. International law can require states to apply sanctions, such as through a resolution of the UN Security Council.

Last July, the International Court of Justice declared that Israels occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, including its imposition of a regime of racial segregation, is unlawful.

In that advisory opinion, the court also clarified the legal obligations of all states concerning Israels occupation of Palestine. Such obligations include the duty on all states to take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation.

Nothing less than a two-way trade and arms embargo is adequate now. Just as Australia imposes such sanctions on Russia, Myanmar and Iran, it must do the same for Israel.

Jessica Whyte, Scientia Associate Professor of Philosophy and ARC Future Fellow, UNSW Sydney and Sara Dehm, Associate professor, University of Technology Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Vancouver, British Columbia / June 12, 2025  TheNewswire - Harvest Gold Corporation (TSXV: HVG) (Harvest Gold or the Company) is pleased to announce the finalization of drill targets for its planned diamond drill program at the Companys Mosseau Project, located in the Urban-Barry Greenstone Belt of Quebec (Figure 1).

Rick Mark, President and CEO of Harvest Gold, states: Our geological team has done a tremendous job in compiling and collating the many datasets from the historic work of many companies in the northern area of Mosseau. They also built a new database for the central area with Harvest Golds 2024 air and ground programs data, captured using todays technologies, layered over the data from historic work done sporadically. Drill permits are secured and a drill contract for a 5,000-metre program is signed. We are ready to drill.

The planned 5,000 metre diamond drill program will focus on testing near-surface gold targets in two key areas of the property, the northern and central areas. (Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4). Both of these areas host similar geological, geophysical and structural features:

The more known northern area hosts numerous gold showings that remain open along strike and at depth.

The central area, and particularly the Kiask River Mineralized Corridor, has seen very limited historical exploration and was the focus of Harvests 2024 field work.

The drill targets have been developed through a detailed review and integration of:

Historical showings

Previous exploration work, including Induced Polarization and geological mapping surveys

High-resolution airborne magnetic surveys

Prospecting and reconnaissance mapping

Soil sampling program

These exploration efforts have highlighted fifteen high-priority targets that can host significant gold mineralization. The planned drill program will also be the first systematic testing of the central area of Mosseau and is the beginning of unlocking the mineral potential of the Mosseau Project.

Permits Secured from Quebec Government

Harvest Gold is pleased to report that it has received the required Authorization to Initiate (ATI) permits from the Quebec Government, allowing the Company to proceed with its upcoming drill program. The ATI permits cover the planned drill sites and associated activities for the next two years, ensuring the program is compliant with all regulatory requirements.

Drill Contract Awarded to Forage Rouillier

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has awarded the drill contract for the upcoming program to Forage Rouillier Drilling, based in Amos, Quebec. Forage Rouillier is a highly regarded, locally-based contractor with extensive experience drilling in the Abitibi region. Harvest Gold looks forward to working with Forage Rouillier to execute the program safely and efficiently.

About Harvest Gold Corporation

Harvest Gold is focused on exploring for near surface gold deposits and copper-gold porphyry deposits in politically stable mining jurisdictions. Harvest Golds board of directors, management team and technical advisors have collective geological and financing experience exceeding 400 years.

Harvest Gold has three active gold projects focused in the Urban Barry area, totalling 377 claims covering 20,016.87 ha, located approximately 45-70 km west of Gold Fields - Windfall Deposit (Figure 1).

Harvest Gold acknowledges that the Mosseau Gold Project straddles the Eeyou Istchee-James Bay and Abitibi territories. Harvest Gold is committed to developing positive and mutually beneficial relationships based on respect and transparency with local Indigenous communities.

Harvest Golds three properties, Mosseau, Urban-Barry and LaBelle, together cover over 50 km of favorable strike along mineralized shear zones.

Figure 1: Project Location: Urban-Barry Greenstone Belt

Figure 2: Drill targets in the northern part of the Mosseau property (Geology)

Figure 3: Drill targets in the central part of the Mosseau property (Geology)

Figure 4: Drill targets in the central part of the Mosseau property (Magnetics)

Qualified Person Statement

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared and approved by Louis Martin, P.Geo., Technical Advisor to the Company and considered a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rick Mark

President and CEO

Harvest Gold Corporation

For more information please contact:

Rick Mark or Jan Urata

@ 604.737.2303 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward looking statements". All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Harvest Gold expects to occur, are forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur.

Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Cassiar Gold Corp. (TSXV: GLDC) (OTCQX: CGLCF) ("Cassiar Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to report the results of an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Taurus Deposit at its 100% owned flagship Cassiar Gold Property (Property) located in northern British Columbia, Canada. The MRE has been prepared in accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) definition standards, and represents the expansion and infill of the deposit footprint by the Company since the previous mineral resource estimate from 2022. A technical report in support of the MRE (the 'NI43-101 Report') will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release. The pit-constrained MRE for the Taurus Deposit area and pending supporting technical report for the Property incorporate results from 46,389 m of diamond drilling completed across the property since the previous MRE, as well as other exploration activities completed at the Cassiar Gold project in 2022 through 2024. The resource excludes mineralized areas at the Cassiar South project area.

Highlights:

Updated pit-constrained Mineral Resource Estimate defined for the Taurus Gold Deposit, reported above a 0.4 g/t Au cutoff and USD$2,400/oz gold price comprising: Indicated Mineral Resource: 8.8 Mt at 1.43 g/t Au for 410,000 ounces; with an additional Inferred Mineral Resource: 63.2 Mt at 0.95 g/t Au for 1.93 million ounces





This new resource represents a significant increase from the previous resource estimate at a comparable 0.5 g/t Au cutoff grade: At 0.5 g/t Au cutoff (Table 3), the updated resource comprises 0.38 Moz at 1.66 g/t Au (Indicated) and 1.71 Moz at 1.11 g/t Au (Inferred)  This is a substantial increase over the 2022 Inferred resource of 1.4 Moz at 1.14 g/t Au [1] , which is superseded by the resource reported here.





The updated MRE extends from surface to a maximum pit depth of 307 m, with 48% of the resource occurring within 50 m of surface, 81% occurring within 100 m of surface, and 91% occurring within 150 m of surface





This resource holds strong potential for expansion in most directions with several areas of mineralization identified beyond the extent of the current pit shell model and sparse drill data between mineralized areas





The conversion of a substantial portion of the MRE to Indicated status attests to the continuity of mineralization at the Taurus Deposit





The Taurus Deposit footprint accounts for approximately 0.3% of the Cassiar Property mineral tenure within an area which hosts several prospective outlying targets

"Thanks to the hard work and tireless efforts of our technical team, advisors, directors, and contractors, the new MRE marks another key milestone for the Cassiar Gold Project through the addition of a higher grade indicated category and a larger inferred resource." stated Marco Roque, President and CEO of Cassiar Gold. "Our cumulative programs have advanced a robust gold deposit that hosts mineralization from surface, with continued exploration upside. We look forward to building on this foundational resource and unlocking the potential of the prospective Cassiar land package."

Taurus Deposit 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate Overview

The 2025 MRE is based on 598 drill holes totaling approximately 65,667 m of drill core sampled by the Company and preceding operators. Of the total, 107 new drill holes and approximately 31,237 m of core drilled since 2022 contributed to the updated MRE reported here. Cassiar Gold drill holes have contributed to confirmation of historical drill data, infilled several widely drilled portions of the deposit, and tested extensions and exploration targets through step out drilling which have resulted in the expansion of the deposit footprint.

A new geological model, developed from first principles, integrates updated structural and lithological data to more accurately constrain the geometry of mineralized zones. Incorporation of data from recent infill and expansion drilling has refined domain boundaries, enabling more robust modeling of the mineralized system.

"By establishing a new geological model with high-quality structural and lithological data, we've enhanced confidence in the resource and laid a foundation for more efficient, value driven drilling to advance this deposit and adjacent targets." said Jill Maxwell, VP Exploration for Cassiar Gold Corp. "Several of the adjacent targets share key geological and geophysical characteristics with Taurus and highlight the significant potential of the Cassiar Property."

The resource was estimated into 13 "vein and shear" domain groups including 139 individual domains representing higher-grade/higher-continuity mineralization, and a pyrite halo domain which represents the disseminated and short-range mineralization surrounding the veins and shears. These geological domains best represent the deposit (with current understanding and information) with regards to its geology and gold distribution, as well as in consideration of the proposed open pit extraction method. This resource is considered by the author to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction.

Table 1 summarizes the gold mineral resources for the Taurus deposit, effective June 8, 2025, with key considerations and parameters listed below.

Table 1. Resources Estimated for the Taurus Deposit

Resource Category Au g/t Cut-off Tonnes Au g/t Au oz Indicated 0.40 8,800,000 1.43 410,000 Inferred 0.40 63,150,000 0.95 1,930,000

Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Mineral Resources estimated will be converted into Mineral Reserves. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. The Company is not aware of any legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the mineral resources which are the subject of this estimate. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could potentially be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. The Mineral Resources were estimated in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions (2014) and Best Practices Guidelines (2019) prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by the CIM Council. Historically mined areas were modeled based on all available records and were excluded from reporting of this mineral resource. Resource Estimation utilized a dataset containing 598 drillholes and 65,667 total sampled meters in the resource area. The resource block model consists of 5x5x5m parent blocks sub-celled to 1.25m in all directions. Open pit scenarios were run on a regularized model (5x5x5m regularization) and reporting utilizes the original unregularized model. Resources stated as contained within a potentially economically mineable open pit. Metal price used was US$ 2,400/oz Au with process recoveries of 92%. A C$21/t OPEX mining cost, C$16/t process cost, and C$5.00/t G&A cost were used. The constraining pit optimization uses pit slopes of 45. Mining throughput was set at 10,000tpd based on similarly sized deposits. Mineral resource tonnage and contained ounces have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, and numbers may not add due to rounding.

Table 2 summarizes the gold mineral resources at different gold prices for the Taurus deposit to demonstrate the sensitivity of the deposit to price fluctuations.

Table 2 Resource Sensitivity to Gold Price

Gold Price (US$) Resource Category Au g/t Cut-off Tonnes Au g/t Au oz $2100 Indicated 0.40 8,700,000 1.44 400,000 Inferred 0.40 60,590,000 0.95 1,850,000 $2400 Indicated 0.40 8,800,000 1.43 410,000 Inferred 0.40 63,150,000 0.95 1,930,000 $2600 Indicated 0.40 8,820,000 1.43 410,000 Inferred 0.40 64,220,000 0.95 1,960,000

Alternative Gold Price scenarios are presented here only to demonstrate the sensitivity of the reported Mineral Resource to fluctuations in market conditions. Only the USD$2400 Gold Price scenario is being reported. Indicated resources are in addition to Inferred resources. Mineral resource tonnage and contained ounces have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, and numbers may not add due to rounding.

Table 3 summarizes the gold mineral resources at different cut-off grades for the Taurus deposit to demonstrate the sensitivity of the deposit to mining grade considerations. These cut-offs are investigated within the USD$2400 gold price open pit scenario and demonstrate strong retention of contained gold at increasing cutoff grades.

Table 3 Resource Sensitivity to cut-off grade at USD$2,400 oz gold price

Cut-off Grade (Au g/t) Resource Category Tonnes Au g/t Au oz 0.30 Indicated 11,120,000 1.21 430,000 Inferred 82,470,000 0.81 2,150,000 0.40 Indicated 8,800,000 1.43 410,000 Inferred 63,150,000 0.95 1,930,000 0.50 Indicated 7,130,000 1.66 380,000 Inferred 48,110,000 1.11 1,710,000 0.60 Indicated 5,870,000 1.90 360,000 Inferred 36,930,000 1.28 1,520,000 0.70 Indicated 4,980,000 2.13 340,000 Inferred 28,990,000 1.45 1,350,000 0.80 Indicated 4,310,000 2.34 320,000 Inferred 23,550,000 1.61 1,220,000 0.90 Indicated 3,820,000 2.53 310,000 Inferred 19,670,000 1.76 1,110,000 1.00 Indicated 3,480,000 2.69 300,000 Inferred 16,070,000 1.92 990,000

Alternative cut-off grade scenarios are presented here only to demonstrate the sensitivity of the reported Mineral Resource to grade. Only the 0.4 g/t cut-off grade is being reported. Mineral resource tonnage and contained ounces have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, and numbers may not add due to rounding.

Figure 1 . Plan view image of Reported Resources for Taurus Deposit area (pit constrained, 0.4 g/t cutoff). Black areas depict pit walls constraining the resource block model.

The gold mineralization at Taurus has three dominant controlling orientations which have been captured through domaining, and estimation settings and parameters. These include (i) the Taurus West area, which is controlled by the east-southeast-dipping Taurus West Fault that is surrounded by a broad semi-tabular zone of dominantly disseminated pyrite mineralization in mafic volcanic rocks, and which contains discrete, gently south plunging higher grade mineralized chutes, (ii) the dominant east-west to east northeast striking and steeply dipping extension and shear vein systems in the central and eastern areas, and (iii) northwest trending pyritic shear zones and fringing extension vein sets in the Sable area of the southeast Taurus Deposit. The geologically defined domains are incorporated into the resource model and are illustrated in Figures 1 though 3.

Figure 2 . Vertical cross-section along Taurus West Area (see Figure 1 for location), looking west +/- 25 m. Note gently plunging higher grade domains which form chutes along and above the Taurus West Fault.

Figure 3. North-south vertical section through the Sable Area of the Taurus Deposit (see Figure 1 for location), looking east +/- 25 m along the trend of the dominant steeply dipping vein set.

The Company announces that (further to its news release dated April 16, 2025) in connection with the grant and award of stock options, restricted share units and deferred share units, the aggregate number of equity compensation securities was (i) 1,340,000 stock options; (ii) 1,047,400 restricted share units; and (iii) 600,000 deferred share units, with April 16, 2025 as the effective date of such grants and awards. The Company confirms that the terms of these compensation securities as disclosed in the Company's April 16, 2025 news release remain unchanged.

Qualified Persons

Scott Zelligan, P.Geo., the independent Qualified Person (QP) as defined by NI43-101, has verified and approved the technical information related to the MRE in this news release.

Other technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jill Maxwell, P.Geo., Cassiar Gold Corp.'s VP Exploration, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Cassiar Gold Corp.

Cassiar Gold Corp. is a Canadian gold exploration company holding a 100% interest in its flagship Cassiar Gold Property located in British Columbia, Canada. The Cassiar Gold property spans 590 km2 and consists of two main project areas: Cassiar North, which hosts the Taurus Deposit area which hosts the resource reported here; and Cassiar South, which hosts numerous gold showings, historical workings, and exploration prospects. High-grade shear veins comprise the deposit style typical of the past-producing mines in the Cassiar South project area, holding the potential to host new parallel veins associated with high-grade mineralization, and extensions and fault offsets of past-producing vein systems.

The Company also holds a 100% interest in properties covering most of the Sheep Creek gold camp located near Salmo, British Columbia, Canada. The Sheep Creek gold district ranks as the third largest past-producing orogenic gold district in British Columbia with historical gold production of 742,000 ounces gold at an average grade of 14.7 g/t gold from 1900 to 1951. Minimal exploration work has been conducted since the 1950s.

Cassiar Gold Corp. acknowledges, respects, and supports the rights of Traditional First Nations in the lands and communities where we operate.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward looking statements including those describing Cassiar Gold's future plans and the expectations of management that a stated result or condition will occur. Any statement addressing future events or conditions necessarily involves inherent risk and uncertainty. Actual results can differ materially from those anticipated by management at the time of writing due to many factors, the majority of which are beyond the control of Cassiar Gold and its management. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining, including, inferred mineral resources, the potential of eventual economic extraction of minerals from the project; the identification of future mineral resources at the project; the Company's ability to convert existing mineral resources into categories of mineral resources or mineral reserves of increased geological confidence; life of mine estimates; future exploration potential; timing and scope of future exploration; the future success of the project; the potential for expanding the mineral resources and the potential for identifying additional mineralization in areas of intercepts and conceptual areas for extension and expansion.

Although Cassiar Gold believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties, actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with the exploration and development industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; the uncertainty of mineral resource estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks), constraint in the availability of services, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in legislation impacting the mining industry, adverse weather conditions and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. These statements speak only as of the date of this release or as of the date specified in the documents accompanying this release, as the case may be. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements except as expressly required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

[1] See April 28, 2022, NI43-101 Report titled "National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Cassiar Gold Property" by Zelligan, P.Geo, Moors, P.Geo, Jolette, P.Geo.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Adyton Resources Corporation (TSXV: ADY) ("Adyton" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its ongoing 2025 drilling activities and share preliminary geological observations at its 100% owned Feni Island project.

The 2025 drill program is designed to achieve 4 key objectives (refer Figure 1):

1) Test the depth extension of the existing Feni Resource with deep 400 m plus drill holes ;

2) Test the extent of mineralization in the gap area between the existing Kabang and Matangkaka Ore Zones;

3) Test and better understand the continuity of the previously identified copper mineralization, and;

4) Test the lateral northeast extension of the Matangkaka Zone under post-mineral cover, that has had no previous drilling

HIGHLIGHTS

As at June 6, 2025, six diamond drill holes (1,876m) have been drilled with 4 drill holes completed and two in-progress;

Sawn core samples from Holes 1,2 and 3 have been dispatched to the laboratory and are awaiting laboratory results;

Target hole depths are typically 400m, with holes FDD003 and FDD004 ending at 421.7m and 453.2m, respectively. Hole FDD004 was terminated largely due to operational reasons with end of hole core observations indicating ongoing evidence of vein hosted and disseminated sulphide mineralization;

Core logging observations indicate mineralization from base of tephra (post-mineral volcanic cover; ranging from 38m to 70m based on current completed holes) with local intercepts of semi-massive (20%-30% pyrite), along with significant lengths of disseminated, vein and fracture filled pyrite-chalcopyrite mineralization in hydrothermal breccia, polymictic breccia and the intrusive units.

Hole FDD004 targets the untested gap between Kabang and Matangkaka. -Anhydrite-pyrite-chalcopyrite (est. 1%)  minor bornite vein-related mineralization was logged from 383.9m to 453m (EOH). A porphyry style alteration assemblage of secondary biotite-magnetite-actinolite-chalcopyrite was logged from 383.9m to 424m with stockwork pyrite-chalcopyrite-magnetite veining from 383.9m to 397.5m and 402.3m to 424m.

Hole FDD005 intersected semi-massive sulphides (20-30%) pyrite + chalcopyrite were logged from 89.7m to 96.0m (refer Figure 2) and intermittent (up to 100 cm thick) semi-massive pyritic sulphide intervals from 120.0m to 156.5m (refer Figure 3). Intense anhydrite veining associated with fine-grained pyrite + 0.5 to 1% chalcopyrite mineralization from 156.5m to 255.1m. From 255.1m to 340.0m, weak potassic alteration is associated with 1% (est.) disseminated chalcopyrite.

Hole FDD001 intersected pyrite mineralized hydrothermal breccia from 75.8m to 151.50m. 151.5m to 168.6m is intensely fractured within hydrothermal breccia, with fine-grained pyritic sulphides filling breccia matrix. Over the interval 168.6m to 396.0m, logged units include intermittent hydrothermal breccia, intrusive units and tephra with disseminated and vein filled pyritic sulphides.

Hole FDD002 intersected mineralized hydrothermal breccia from 45.9m to 125.0m. The interval 125.0m to 195.4m is intensely fractured with disseminated and fracture/vein filled fine-grained sulphides (pyrite). FDD002 was terminated in mineralization (at 195.4m) due to operational issues.

Hole FDD003 intersected sulphide (pyrite) mineralized hydrothermal breccia from 57.0m to 110.0m. Intensely fractured intrusive with intermittent semi-massive, disseminated, fracture/veinlet filled pyrite - chalcopyrite (up to 1% est.) mineralization was encountered from 110.0m to 186.5m, 197.0m to 218.1m and 227.0m to 277.7m.

(Cautionary Statement: Observations of mineralization do not necessarily accurately predict true laboratory determined assay mineralization. Analytical assay results are pending and required to confirm the presence and grade of mineralization.)

Tim Crossley, Chief Executive Officer, stated: "Significant progress is being made at the 100% owned Feni Island project, with our drill programme now having completed 4 drill holes, with holes 5 and 6 underway, and over 1800m completed. Holes FDD001 and FDD002 were drilled in a geothermal area with challenging drilling conditions, characterized by intense alteration, hot springs, and highly fractured and altered ground. Despite these difficulties, the team performed exceptionally well, still achieving excellent core recoveries. We are encouraged by the visual logging results of the holes, particularly, Hole 4 and the ongoing Hole 5. With the extent of drilling underway across all our projects, including on Fergusson Island, we are well-positioned to provide the market with regular updates as assay results become available in the coming months."

Dr Chris Bowden, COO and Chief Geologist, commented: "We are encouraged by what we are seeing in the drill core from this round of drilling at Feni. Whilst assay results are still pending, visual observations are showing long intercepts >100m of hydrothermal to intrusive breccias that are evidencing mineralisation with sulphides (pyrite  chalcopyrite) and intensely altered (sulphide  silica-clay) - the sulphides being the typical host to the gold stage of mineralisation at Feni as evidenced from previous drill campaigns, correlation to historical assays and historical petrography."

Table 1 below provides a summary of the status of the Feni drill program.

Table 1: Feni Drill Hole Details (WGS 84 Zone 56S UTM coordinates)

Hole ID Easting Northing RL (m) DIP AZI (grid) Depth (m) Status FDD001 567648 9548228 156 -60 50 396.0 Complete FDD002 567245 9548135 91 -60 100 195.4 Complete FDD003 567348 9548221 105 -70 160 421.7 Complete FDD004 567469 9548209 126 -70 180 453.2 Complete FDD005 567571 9548247 136 -70 180 340.0 In-progress FDD006 567782 9548230 184 -70 320 90.10 In-progress

Figure 1: Drill Program targets within the existing Kabang to Matangkaka mineralized corridor

Figure 2: Hole FDD005 from 92.10m to 95.60m - Local semi-massive sulphide zone (20% to 30% pyrite, 2-3% Chalcopyrite)

Figure 3: Hole FDD005 from 123.00m to 126.5m -Sulphide rich intrusive zone.

Feni Island on-trend location

The Adyton projects are located in PNG on easily accessible island locations. Feni Island is part of the Tabar to Feni Island chain to the Northwest that hosts the operating gold mines of Simbiri and Lihir while Feni hosts a foundation resource of inferred 1.45mozAu. To the southeast of Feni on Bougainville Island lies the giant Panguna deposit.

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.

ABOUT ADYTON RESOURCES CORPORATION

Adyton Resources Corporation is focused on the development of gold and copper resources in world class mineral jurisdictions. It currently has a portfolio of highly prospective mineral exploration projects in Papua New Guinea on which it is exploring to expand its identified gold Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resources and expand on its recent significant copper drill intercepts on the 100% owned Feni Island project. The Company's mineral exploration projects are located on the Pacific Ring of Fire on easy to access island locations which hosts several globally significant copper and gold deposits including the Lihir gold mine and Panguna copper/gold mine on Bougainville Island, both neighboring projects to the Company's Feni Island project.

Adyton has a total Mineral Resource Estimate inventory within its PNG portfolio of projects comprising indicated resources of 173,000 ounces gold and inferred resources of 2,000,000 ounces gold.

The Feni Island Project currently has a mineral resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 dated October 14, 2021, which has outlined an initial inferred mineral resource of 60.4 million tonnes at an average grade of 0.75 g/t Au, for contained gold of 1,460,000 ounces, assuming a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au. See the NI 43-101 technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Feni Gold-Copper Property, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea prepared for Adyton Resources by Mark Berry (MAIG), Simon Tear (MIGI PGeo), Matthew White (MAIG) and Andy Thomas (MAIG), each an independent mining consultant and "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101,available under Adyton's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.

The Fergusson Island Project currently has a mineral resource prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 dated October 14, 2021, which outlined an indicated mineral resource of 4.0 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.33 g/t Au for contained gold of 173,000 ounces and an inferred mineral resource of 16.3 million tonnes at an average grade of 1.02 g/t Au for contained gold of 540,000 ounces. See the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Fergusson Gold Property, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea" prepared for Adyton Resources by Mark Berry (MAIG), Simon Tear (MIGI PGeo), Matthew White (MAIG) and Andy Thomas (MAIG), each an independent mining consultant and "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101,available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and have not demonstrated economic viability.

For more information about Adyton and its projects, visit www.adytonresources.com.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by Dr Chris Bowden, PhD, GCMEE, FAusIMM(CP), FSEG, the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Geologist of Adyton, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Forward-looking statements

This press release includes "forwardlooking statements", including forecasts, estimates, expectations, and objectives for future operations that are subject to several assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Adyton. Forward looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forwardlooking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements in this news release include plans pertaining to the drill program, the intention to prepare additional technical studies, the timing of the drill program, uses of the recent drone survey data, the timing of updating key findings, the preparation of resource estimates, and the deeper exploration of high-grade gold and copper feeder systems . The forwardlooking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Forwardlooking information are based on management of the parties' reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses, and opinions, which are based on such management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of the projects in a timely manner; the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development; construction and continued operation of the Fergusson Island Project and the Feni Island Project; the ability to effectively complete the drilling program; and Adyton's ability to comply with all applicable regulations and laws, including environmental, health and safety laws.

Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but instead reflect Adyton's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of managements considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although Adyton believes that the expectations reflected in such forward- looking statements are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and under reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by Adyton. Among the key risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward- looking statements are the following: impacts arising from the global disruption, changes in general macroeconomic conditions; reliance on key personnel; reliance on Zenex Drilling; changes in securities markets; changes in the price of gold or certain other commodities; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, caveins and flooding); discrepancies between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of and changes in the costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forwardlooking statements. Such forwardlooking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forwardlooking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Adyton Resources Corporation undertakes no obligation to update forwardlooking information except as required by applicable law.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Onyx Gold Corp. (TSXV: ONYX) (OTCQX: ONXGF) ("Onyx Gold" or the "Company") is pleased provide an update on its ongoing exploration efforts at its 100%-owned Munro-Croesus Project ("Munro-Croesus" or the "Project"), located 75 km east of Timmins, Ontario (Figure 1).

Following strong momentum from the early 2025 drill campaign, Onyx Gold has added a second drill rig in May to accelerate its fully funded ~10,000-metre Phase 1 drill program. This expanded effort is part of the Company's broader exploration strategy, which includes advancing the Argus North discovery and testing several high-priority regional targets across the Project. The Argus North zone returned a standout intercept of 3.4 g/t gold over 69.6 metres, including 13.9 g/t gold over 9.5 metres (see news release dated April 10, 2025). Current drilling is aimed at further delineating this mineralized zone, with step-outs testing extensions up-dip, down-dip, and along strike.

In parallel, the Company is pleased to report that, following the closing of its recent private placement (see news release dated June 6, 2025), Windfall Mining Group Inc. (a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited) ("Gold Fields") now holds approximately 9.4% of Onyx Gold's issued and outstanding shares.

"We're thrilled to welcome Gold Fieldsone of the world's premier gold producersas a new shareholder," said Brock Colterjohn, President & CEO of Onyx Gold. "Their investment is a further endorsement of our projects, our team, and our long-term vision in this prolific gold camp. With a second rig now turning, we're accelerating drilling at Argus Northour top-priority targetwhile also advancing the broader potential of the Munro-Croesus property, which hosts over 8 km of highly prospective strike along the Pipestone Fault. Our focus remains on driving meaningful discoveries through the drill bit and creating long-term value for shareholders."

Update on 2025 Spring Drill Program on Munro-Croesus Project

The Phase 1 drill program at Munro-Croesus includes two active rigs, with approximately 3,500 metres completed across eleven holes to date. Drilling at Argus North is focused on 25-50 metre step-outs to test the continuity and geometry of mineralization both laterally and at depth. Based on Phase 1 results and further geological modelling, a Phase 2 program will be designed to include broader step-outs.

Additionally, Onyx Gold recently completed five reconnaissance drill holes totaling 1,692 metres at its 100%-owned Golden Mile Project. Drilling targeted a key splay off the Pipestone Fault system, approximately 50 km west of Munro-Croesus and 9 km northeast of Newmont's Hoyle Pond mine.

Assay results from both Munro-Croesus and Golden Mile are pending. The Company expects to release results once they are received and validated through its QA/QC protocols and interpreted for context.

Figure 1 - Onyx Gold Property Map, Timmins, Ontario

Plate 1 - One of Two Diamond Drill Rigs Active on Argus North

The Munro-Croesus Project

The Munro-Croesus Project is located along Highway 101 in the heart of the Abitibi greenstone belt, Canada's premier gold mining jurisdiction (Figure 1). This large, 100% owned land package includes the past-producing Croesus Gold Mine, which yielded some of the highest-grade gold ever mined in Ontario. Extensive land consolidation from 2020-2024 has unified the patchwork of patented and unpatented mining claims surrounding the Croesus Gold Mine into one coherent package and enhanced the project's exploration potential.

The Project covers 109 km2 of highly prospective geology within the influence of major gold-bearing structural breaks. Bulk-tonnage gold deposits located in the immediate region include the Fenn-Gib gold project being developed by Mayfair Gold Corp. that contains an Indicated Resource of 4.31 Moz at 0.74 g/t Au and an Inferred Resource of 141 koz at 0.49 g/t Au, and the Tower Gold Project being developed by STLLR Gold Inc. that contains an open pit Indicated Resource of 4.46 Moz at 0.92 g/t Au and an Inferred Resource of 8.29 Moz at 1.09 g/t Au1.

About the Timmins Area Gold Properties

Onyx Gold owns 100% of each of its three Timmins properties. The Munro-Croesus Gold Project is located approximately 75 km east of Timmins, proximal to the Porcupine-Destor and Pipestone Faults, and approximately 2 km northwest and along trend of Mayfair Gold Corp.'s multi-million-ounce Fenn-Gib gold deposit. Mining occurred intermittently at Munro-Croesus between 1915 and 1936. The Golden Mile 140 km2 property is located 9 km northeast of Newmont's multi-million-ounce Hoyle Pond deposit in Timmins. The Timmins South 187 km2 property is located to the south and southeast of Timmins and surrounds the Shaw dome structure.

About Onyx Gold

Onyx Gold is an exploration company focused on well-established Canadian mining jurisdictions, with assets in Timmins, Ontario, and Yukon Territory. The Company's extensive portfolio of quality gold projects in the greater Timmins gold camp includes the Munro-Croesus Gold property, renowned for its high-grade mineralization, plus two additional earlier-stage large exploration properties, Golden Mile and Timmins South. Onyx Gold also controls four properties in the Selwyn Basin area of Yukon Territory, which is currently gaining significance due to recent discoveries in the area. Onyx Gold's experienced board and senior management team are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration.

On Behalf of Onyx Gold Corp.,

"Brock Colterjohn"

President & CEO

Additional Notes:

Ian Cunningham-Dunlop, P.Eng., Executive Vice President for Onyx Gold Corp. and a qualified person ("QP") as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this release.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things the exploration and development of Munro-Croesus and the Argus North Zone; the potential mineralization, and the significance thereof, at Munro-Croesus and the Argus North Zone based on the drill program results, including the potential for additional mineral resources; statements regarding the Company's future drill programs, including the expected benefits and results thereof; the intention of the Company to make all payments towards the Option and to exercise the Option on the terms and conditions set out therein; the approval of the TSXV for the Option; the possibility of the Bonus Payment becoming payable; and other statements that are not historical facts.

These forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainty and variation in the estimation of mineral resources; risks related to exploration, development, and operation activities; exploration and development of the Munro-Croesus and the Argus North Zone will not be undertaken as anticipated; the Company may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions; the fluctuating price of gold; unknown liabilities in connection with acquisitions; compliance with extensive government regulation; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain governmental permits, or non-compliance with permits; environmental and other regulatory requirements; domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Company's business; global financial conditions; uninsured risks; climate change risks; competition from other companies and individuals; conflicts of interest; risks related to compliance with anti-corruption laws; intervention by non-governmental organizations; outside contractor risks; the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Company's securities, regardless of its operating performance; the Company not receiving the necessary regulatory approvals in respect of the Option; changes in the Company's plan with respect to exercise of the Option and the Company's associated exploration plans; that the obligation to make the Bonus Payment may be triggered; and other risks associated with executing the Company's objectives and strategies as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, the Company's current anticipated costs; the Company's ability to fund its drill programs; the Company's ability to carry on exploration, development and mining activities; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services; the timing and results of drilling programs; mineral resource estimates and the assumptions on which they are based; the discovery of mineral resources and mineral reserves on the Company's mineral properties; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the Company's ability to operate in a safe, efficient, and effective manner; the Company's ability to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; that there will be no material adverse change or disruptions affecting the Company or its properties; that the Company will have the ability to exercise the Option on the terms and conditions set out therein; that the TSXV will provide the necessary approvals in respect of the Option; that the Company will be able to comply with the terms of the Option, including the cash payments and issuance of shares; and that the Company will have sufficient capital to fulfill the Bonus Payment if triggered.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

1. Fenn-Gib Gold Project and Tower Gold Project mineral resources compiled from public sources and are provided for general information purposes. Readers are cautioned that the Company has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in adjacent properties and they are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties or any potential exploration thereof.


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lancaster Resources Inc. (CSE:LCR) (OTC Pink:LANRF) (FRA:6UF) (Lancaster), is pleased to announce the acquisition of a 100% interest in the Lac Iris Polymetallic Project in the James Bay region of Quebec. The Property lies just 5 km south of the significant Nisk and Lion discoveries by Power Metallic Inc. and adjacent to the Li-FT Power Ltd. Rupert Lithium Project. The Lac Iris acquisition expands Lancasters land position in the James Bay region and complements its option on the Trans-Taiga Project, which is also located in James Bay.

Lancaster is extremely pleased to acquire these mineral claims. The properties bolster our exploration opportunities in Quebec, and the proximity to major discoveries supports the opportunity to make a discovery. This acquisition builds on the momentum from our Lake Cargelligo acquisition, continuing to unlock shareholder value, said Andrew Watson, President and CEO of Lancaster Resources.

The proximity of the Lac Iris Property to adjacent or nearby mineral properties, including the NISK Project and the Whabouchi Mine, is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the Lac Iris Property. There is no certainty that exploration on the Lac Iris Property will result in similar discoveries or resource estimates.

Acquisition Highlights

Lac Iris Polymetallic Project. The property spans ~1,443 hectares across three packages. The properties are all immediately adjacent to Li-FT claims. Located along the same geological trend as the Whabouchi Lithium pegmatite deposit and the NISK polymetallic high-grade nickel-copper sulphide deposit, the properties are highly prospective for lithium and polymetallic exploration. Lac Iris is situated along the sub-province boundary between La Grande and Opatica Subprovinces. Subprovince boundaries are often delineated by deep-rooted crustal features filled by late-stage intrusives, including pegmatites and polymetallic mineralization.

The Polymetallic and Lithium District in James Bay. Situated in Quebec, one of Canada's provinces, James Bay is emerging as one of Canadas districts for polymetallic and lithium exploration. The Whabouchi mine, operated by Nemaska Lithium, is located just 11 km north of the Lac Iris Project.

Strategic Acquisition Diversifies Position. With the acquisition of the Lac Iris Polymetallic Project, Lancaster continues to build its exploration project portfolio. The Lac Iris acquisition builds on Lancaster's existing Trans-Taiga Project in James Bay, as well as its uranium and gold exploration in Saskatchewan's Athabasca region, and the recently announced gold acquisition at Lake Cargelligo in New South Wales, Australia.

Planned Work Program. Lancaster plans to embark on an exploration campaign on the Property with a goal to identify polymetallic and lithium-rich areas, construct detailed geological maps, and evaluate the high-value metals content through sampling.

Property Access. Year-round access by road via Route du Nord Road, which transects the Lac Iris 1 Property. The Property is located approximately 43 km east of the airport and village of Nemiscau, QC. Hydroelectric transmission lines transect the Property.

Andrew Watson, P.Eng., President & CEO and a Director of the Company, is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Watson has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Watson is the President and CEO of Lancaster and is not independent of the Company.

About Lancaster Resources Inc.

Lancaster Resources Inc. is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing a diversified portfolio of critical mineral and precious metal assets. The Company holds a 100% interest in the Lac Iris Polymetallic Project in Quebec and the Piney Lake Gold Project in Saskatchewan, and maintains additional uranium exploration projects at Catley Lake and Centennial East in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. It also has an option to acquire 100% of the Trans-Taiga Project in the James Bay region of Quebec. Lancaster has also signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Lake Cargelligo Gold Project in New South Wales, Australia.

Andrew Watson, President & Chief Executive Officer, Lancaster Resources Inc.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: 604 923 6100

www.lancaster-resources.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events, or Lancasters future performance. The use of any of the words could, 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 Lancasters current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, the ability of Lancaster to execute its exploration plans, ability to complete the acquisition of the Lake Cargelligo Gold Project, raise capital, retain key personnel, identify, acquire, explore, and develop high-quality mineral-rich properties constitute forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The statements made in this press release are made as of the date hereof. Lancaster disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 /Condor Resources Inc. ("Condor" or the "Company") (TSXV:CN) is pleased to announce that the Declaracion de Impacto Ambiental ("DIA") for its Cobreorco project has been approved by the Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines ("MEM").

The DIA approval marks a key milestone in advancing the Cobreorco project, which is currently being progressed through the permitting process by a subsidiary of Teck Resources Limited ("Teck"). Condor stands to benefit meaningfully from any exploration success at Cobreorco, which targets gold-copper skarn and porphyry-style mineralization.

In December 2023, Condor entered into an option and joint venture agreement with Teck, on the Cobreorco copper-gold project. Under the agreement, Teck has the option to earn a 55% interest in Cobreorco over three years from the Permit Date by incurring US$4 million in exploration expenditures and making US$500,000 in cash payments. Upon exercising this first option, a dedicated holding company will be formed, after which Teck may further increase its stake to 75% by spending an additional US$6 million in exploration and making further cash payments of US$600,000.

Chris Buncic, President and CEO of Condor, commented, "We are very pleased to have reached this important milestone with Teck. Cobreorco has the potential to deliver substantial value to our shareholders. Projects of this scale and quality are exceedingly rare, and we are only at the beginning of what we believe will be an exciting journey with our partner."

About Condor Resources Inc.

Condor Resources is a precious and base metals exploration company focused on its portfolio of projects in Peru. The Company's flagship project, Pucamayo, is an 85 km2 property containing a high sulfidation epithermal system with disseminated precious metals mineralization with a large lithocap alteration visible at surface. The Huinac Punta project, a 7,200 Ha property in Huanuco, Peru, has the potential to host a large carbonate replacement style (CRD) silver-dominant polymetallic mineralized body with the potential for discovery of a bulk tonnage silver and base metals deposit. The Company has optioned several large projects to partners who continue to advance these projects. The Company's award-winning exploration team in Peru has a long history of success in discovering and advancing high quality exploration projects and managing the social aspects of its exploration activities.

For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.condorresources.com.

Follow Condor Resources (@CondorResources) on X and (@condor-resources) on LinkedIn.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Chris Buncic

President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information please contact the Company at 1-866-642-5707, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the Company's expectations with respect to the use of proceeds raised under the Offering.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in applicable forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with the business of mineral exploration and development; continued availability of capital and financing; general political and economic conditions, fluctuations in metal prices and other market-related risks, including any volatility in the Company's share price, that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in such statements. Therefore, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Condor does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Includes 15.6 Metres Averaging 1.47% Cu and 8.5 g/t Ag

E Zone Skarn Returns 29.7 Metres Averaging 1.92% Cu and 15.2 g/t Ag

Infill Drilling Continues to Extend Deposit at Depth Below 2024 MRE

MONTREAL, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osisko Metals Incorporated (the Company or "Osisko Metals") (TSX-V: OM; OTCQX: OMZNF; FRANKFURT: 0B51) is pleased to announce new drilling results from the 2025 drilling program at the Gaspe Copper Project, located in the Gaspe Peninsula of Eastern Quebec. Results for eight new holes are reported below, located at the southern end of the deposit defined in the 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE, see attached map and November 14, 2024 news release).

Highlights (see Table 1 below):

Drill hole 30-1075, located in the south-eastern portion of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 258.0 metres averaging 0.33% Cu and 2.95 g/t Ag (including 15.6 metres averaging 1.47% Cu and 8.5 g/t Ag) , and a second intercept at depth, below the base of the 2024 MRE model, of 96 metres averaging 0.54% Cu and 3.34 g/t Ag , extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 529 metres.

, and a second intercept at depth, below the base of the 2024 MRE model, of , extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 529 metres. Drill hole 30-1076, located along the southern limit of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 208.4 metres averaging 0.40% Cu and 2.61 g/t Ag (including 12.0 metres averaging 1.91% Cu and 9.6 g/t Ag) , followed by a second intercept of 70.8 metres averaging 0.25% Cu and 2.15 g/t Ag, and a third intercept at depth, below the base of the 2024 MRE model, of 48.9 metres averaging 0.34% Cu and 2.78 g/t Ag , extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 548 metres.

, followed by a second intercept of and a third intercept at depth, below the base of the 2024 MRE model, of , extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 548 metres. Drill hole 30-1068, located in the south-eastern portion of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 189.0 metres averaging 0.30% Cu and 2.62 g/t Ag .

. Drill hole 30-1070, located near the eastern limit of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 160.5 metres averaging 0.16% Cu and 1.92 g/t Ag, followed by a second intercept of 122.8 metres averaging 0.62% Cu and 4.86 g/t Ag (including 25.6 metres averaging 2.19% Cu and 16.9 g/t Ag at the level of the C Zone skarn), followed by a third intercept at depth, below the base of the 2024 MRE model, of 29.7 metres averaging 1.92% Cu and 15.2 g/t Ag at the level of the E Zone skarn, extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 629 metres.

Drill hole 30-1074, located in the south-central portion of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 118.5 metres averaging 0.26% Cu and 1.92 g/t Ag, and a second intercept of 167.2 metres averaging 0.22% Cu and 1.60 g/t Ag at depth below the base of the 2024 MRE model, extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 797 metres.

Table 1: Drill hole mineralized intervals, see attached map for drill hole locations.

DDH No. From (m) To (m) Width (m) Cu % Ag g/t Mo % 30-1068 58.5 247.5 189.0 0.30 2.62 <0.005 And 327.5 376.5 49.0 0.69 5.65 <0.005 And 450.0 484.5 34.5 0.16 1.03 <0.005 And 555.8 591.0 35.2 0.29 1.95 <0.005 30-1070 45.0 205.5 160.5 0.16 1.92 <0.005 And 345.9 369.0 23.1 0.25 2.09 0.005 And 412.7 535.5 122.8 0.62 4.86 0.011 (Including) 415.5 441.1 25.6 2.19 16.86 0.006 And 599.0 628.7 29.7 1.92 15.21 <0.005 30-1071 7.0 61.0 54.0 0.51 5.21 <0.005 30-1072 19.0 45.2 26.2 0.17 1.69 <0.005 And 374.1 396.0 21.9 0.42 3.79 0.018 And 456.0 504.0 48.0 0.39 2.99 0.005 30-1074 127.0 176.5 49.5 0.22 2.51 <0.005 And 304.5 327.0 22.5 0.27 1.66 <0.005 And 369.0 396.0 27.0 0.21 1.79 0.047 And 435.0 553.5 118.5 0.26 1.92 0.017 And 629.9 797.1 167.2 0.22 1.60 0.007 30-1075 15.0 273.0 258.0 0.33 2.95 <0.005 (Including) 236.4 252.0 15.6 1.47 8.48 <0.005 And 354.7 399.0 44.3 0.23 2.00 <0.005 And 433.5 529.5 96.0 0.54 3.34 <0.005 30-1076 12.0 220.4 208.4 0.40 2.61 <0.005 (Including) 193.0 205.0 12.0 1.91 9.61 <0.005 And 244.2 315.0 70.8 0.25 2.15 <0.005 And 396.0 420.0 24.0 0.26 1.86 <0.005 And 498.6 547.5 48.9 0.34 2.78 <0.005

Drill hole 30-1073 was drilled to the east of the 2024 MRE limit and did not intersect significant mineralization. Previously reported drill holes 30-1062 and 30-1066 were also collared to the southeast and to the east, respectively, of the 2024 MRE limit and these holes also failed to intersect significant mineralization, indicating that the deposit does not extend towards the east. The deposit remains open to the south and southwest.

All holes were drilled sub-vertically into the altered calcareous stratigraphy which dips 20 to 25 degrees to the north; true widths are estimated at 90-92% of reported widths. The L1 (C Zone) the L2 (E Zone) skarn/marble horizons were intersected in most holes, as well as intervening porcellanites (pale green to white potassic-altered hornfels) that host the bulk of the disseminated copper mineralization.

The November 2024 MRE was limited at depth to the base of the L1 skarn horizon (C Zone), and all mineralized intersections below this horizon represent potential depth extensions to the deposit, to be included in the next scheduled MRE update in Q1 2026.

Mineralization occurs as disseminations and veinlets of chalcopyrite and is mostly stratigraphically controlled in the area of Needle Mountain, Needle East and Copper Brook. As expected, no significant molybdenum mineralization was encountered in porcellanites in the latter areas, but high grades (up to 0.4% Mo) were locally obtained in both the C Zone and E Zone skarns. The bulk of the molybdenum mineralization occurs in veinlet stockworks further north at Copper Mountain, where true porphyry copper-style mineralization occurs, forming a distinct secondary mineralized zone that is characterized by widespread, continuous copper-molybdenum stockwork mineralization radiating from the central source of hydrothermal fluids, i.e. the Copper Mountain porphyry intrusion. At least five vein/stockwork mineralizing events have been recognized at Copper Mountain, which overprint earlier skarn/porcellanite-hosted mineralization throughout the Gaspe Copper system.

The 2022 to 2024 Osisko Metals drill programs were focused on defining open-pit resources within the Copper Mountain stockwork mineralization, leading to the May 2024 MRE (see May 6, 2024 press release). Extending the resource model south of Copper Mountain into the poorly-drilled primary skarn/porcellanite portion of the system subsequently led to a significantly increased resource, mostly in the Inferred category (see November 14, 2024 press release).

The current drill program is designed to convert the November 2024 MRE to Measured and Indicated categories, as well as test the extension of the system deeper into the stratigraphy and laterally to the south and southwest towards Needle East and Needle Mountain respectively.

Qualified Person

Mr. Bernard-Olivier Martel, P. Geo. is the Independent Qualified Person responsible for the technical data reported in this news release and he is a Professional Geologist registered in the Province of Quebec.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Mineralized intervals reported herein are calculated using an average 0.12% copper lower cut-off over contiguous 20-metre intersections (shorter intervals as the case may be at the upper and lower limits of reported intervals). Intervals of 20 metres or less are not reported unless indicating significantly higher grades.

Osisko Metals adheres to a strict QA/QC program for core handling, sampling, sample transportation and analyses, including insertion of blanks and standards in the sample stream. Drill core is drilled in HQ or NQ diameter and securely transported to its core processing facility on site, where it is logged, cut and sampled. Samples selected for assay are sealed and shipped to ALS Canada Ltd.s preparation facility in Sudbury. Sample preparation details (code PREP-31DH) are available on the ALS Canada website. Pulps are analyzed at the ALS Canada Ltd. facility in North Vancouver, BC. All samples are analyzed by four acid digestion followed by both ICP-AES and ICP-MS for copper, molybdenum and silver.

About Osisko Metals

Osisko Metals Incorporated is a Canadian exploration and development company creating value in the critical metals sector, with a focus on copper and zinc. The Company acquired a 100% interest in the past-producing Gaspe Copper mine from Glencore Canada Corporation in July 2023. The Gaspe Copper mine is located near Murdochville in Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula. The Company is currently focused on resource expansion of the Gaspe Copper system, with current Indicated Mineral Resources of 824 Mt averaging 0.34% CuEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 670 Mt averaging 0.38% CuEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals' November 14, 2024 news release entitled "Osisko Metals Announces Significant Increase in Mineral Resource at Gaspe Copper". Gaspe Copper hosts the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America, strategically located near existing infrastructure in the mining-friendly province of Quebec.

In addition to the Gaspe Copper project, the Company is working with Appian Capital Advisory LLP through the Pine Point Mining Limited joint venture to advance one of Canada's largest past-producing zinc mining camps, the Pine Point project, located in the Northwest Territories. The current mineral resource estimate for the Pine Point project consists of Indicated Mineral Resources of 49.5 Mt averaging 5.52% ZnEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 8.3 Mt averaging 5.64% ZnEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals' June 25, 2024 news release entitled "Osisko Metals releases Pine Point mineral resource estimate: 49.5 million tonnes of indicated resources at 5.52% ZnEq". The Pine Point project is located on the south shore of Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories, close to infrastructure, with paved road access, an electrical substation and 100 kilometers of viable haul roads.

For further information on this news release, visit www.osiskometals.com or contact:

Don Njegovan, President

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: (514) 861-4441

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always, using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "potential", "feasibility", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, among other things: the tax treatment of the FT Units; the timing of incurring the Qualifying Expenditures and the renunciation of the Qualifying Expenditures; the ability to advance Gaspe Copper to a construction decision (if at all); the ability to increase the Company's trading liquidity and enhance its capital markets presence; the potential re-rating of the Company; the ability for the Company to unlock the full potential of its assets and achieve success; the ability for the Company to create value for its shareholders; the advancement of the Pine Point project; the anticipated resource expansion of the Gaspe Copper system and Gaspe Copper hosting the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management, in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, assumptions about: the ability of exploration results, including drilling, to accurately predict mineralization; errors in geological modelling; insufficient data; equity and debt capital markets; future spot prices of copper and zinc; the timing and results of exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of mineral resource estimates; production costs; political and regulatory stability; the receipt of governmental and third party approvals; licenses and permits being received on favourable terms; sustained labour stability; stability in financial and capital markets; availability of mining equipment and positive relations with local communities and groups. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information are set out in the Company's public disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Osisko Metals' issuer profile. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
In May 2025, Hungary became the first European Union member state to formally renounce its obligations to the International Criminal Court (ICC), one month after hosting Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Although Hungary ratified the Rome Statute in 2001 during Viktor Orbans first term in office, it never incorporated the treaty into domestic law. Its symbolic withdrawal, therefore, endorsed by a parliamentary vote on 20 May, has sent a political message that ripples far beyond Budapest. At first glance, Hungarys ICC move seems like just another marker in Orbans increasingly illiberal rule, and part of his deepening alliance with Netanyahus government. But the motivations, and the near silence from other EU capitals, hints at a deeper fracture in the European commitment to international justice.

The political mood enabling a departure from the ICC is reflected on the city's streets. On posters plastered across the drive to and from Budapests airport, images of EU leaders and the Ukrainian president are paired with a direct appeal: Lets not let them decide over our heads!, demonstrating the deep-seated scepticism of any external authority. It is this same principle of sovereignty-first that is being turned towards the ICC, allowing the withdrawal to be framed for a domestic audience through a familiar lens.

The decision coincided with an EU-funded event in Hungarys capital that was part of the European-Palestinian-Israeli Trilateral Dialogue Initiative (EPICON), coordinated by the Berlin-based Candid Foundation. Held on 27 May 2025 the meeting welcomed six prominent Israeli and Palestinian peace activists, from law, media, civil society and religion, alongside Hungarian MPs, political officers, and other stakeholders. Together, they explored Europes shifting role in the Middle East post-October 7.

EPICONs goal is to reassess the political realities in Israel and Palestine, create space for renewed engagement, and identify actionable steps for European countries to support a just solution, with events taking place across EU member states throughout 2025 aimed at informing European policy and amplifying alternative Israeli and Palestinian voices in European capitals.

A long memory of 1956 and the ICTY

Some Hungarian MPs who voted in favour of the withdrawal have based their rationale on the ICC losing legitimacy and having done little for Hungarian national interests. Candid reflections from a Hungarian opposition MP present at EPICONs event also revealed something older: a bitterness that the West failed to intervene during the Soviet suppression of the 1956 uprising. We learned then that international law does not protect us, another participant explained. That sense of abandonment still seems to shape attitudes today.

Theres also broader mistrust of international criminal tribunals. Many Hungarians see the ICC as a continuation of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), widely criticised by many present as being inefficient and politically selective. The legacy of the ICTY lingers, not just in Hungary but across Central and Eastern Europe, where it is remembered as an instrument of victors justice, selectively applied, and as a warning against external judicial intervention.

Peter Szitas, Senior Research Fellow at the Danube Institute, a national-conservative think tank in Budapest that is closely aligned with and receives funding from the Fidesz government, explains that Hungarys exit should be read not as a rejection of accountability per se, but more of selective enforcement. The Hungarian Government maintains that the ICC has become a politically motivated body and emphasises that the exercise of criminal jurisdiction is a core component of state sovereignty, he explained while attending the EPICON discussion. However, the Hungarian Parliament has never transposed the Rome Statute into domestic law, which means that the national legal framework necessary for the arrest and extradition of individuals wanted by the ICC is currently lacking. Consequently, Hungarys withdrawal from the ICC would not result in any practical changes.

Szitas points to the disillusionment: Recent unpunished violations of international norms, such as the unlawful bombing of Yugoslavia [in 1999 by NATO forces] or the similarly unlawful war in Iraq [in 2003 by the U.S.], serve as more pertinent examples of why many around the world have become disillusioned with international law. As long as there remains a possibility that the international tribunals will act assertively against certain actors while being lenient or even paralysed in the case of others, it is legitimate to question whether their ultimate aim is genuinely to uphold the rule of law, or rather to serve specific political interests, he argues. When the West violated the very rules it had established [in the 1990s and 2000s], it effectively encoded future breaches of norms into the international system.

A staunch ally of Netanyahus Israel

Yet Szitas also offers a nuanced view on Hungarys sovereignty-oriented foreign policy, on which the Danube Institute is known for: It must also be acknowledged that, even as a matter of formal logic, it is in the relative interest of smaller states to maintain the primacy and enforceability of international law, given that  lacking hard power  these countries find it difficult to assert their international interests by other means, he added.

This withdrawal cannot be separated from the wider political moment as the ICC is reportedly preparing further arrest warrants related to the war in Gaza. Along the Danube, the memorial of iron shoes honouring Jewish victims of Hungarian fascist terror is haunting. It also creates a complex backdrop for the governments current diplomacy. In Budapest today, in contrast to many other European cities, posters calling for the release of Israeli hostages remain visible. Hungary is one of Israels strongest regional allies and has consistently slammed the Courts supposed anti-Israel bias. Withdrawal now seems like pre-emptive shielding, for itself and its allies.

Immediately following the issuance of the ICC arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Viktor Orban extended an official invitation to the Israeli Prime Minister for a state visit to Hungary, Szitas explained. Their meeting in Budapest was unquestionably demonstrative in nature: two strong leaders jointly signalling to the world that they are autonomous actors who do not recognise the jurisdiction of international legal bodies over themselves, he said. This message was reinforced by a phone call during which the President of the United States also briefly joined the two premiers.

Fighting the manipulation of trauma

That posture jarred with the tone inside the EPICON conference. There, the conversation turned to the deeper drivers of the conflict, and the need for healing. Talia Goshen, a Tel Aviv-based humanist rabbi, began by diagnosing what she called the deep moral wounds that societies carry from collective traumas like genocide and injustice. Left unhealed, she explained, these wounds fester into fear, defensiveness, and cycles of violence. She described contemporary Jewish society as one profoundly shaped by centuries of exile, pogroms, exclusion, anti-Semitism, and of course the Holocaust, making it bear its wounds with a heightened sensitivity to existential threat.

The danger, Goshen warned, is when this trauma is manipulated. When these traumas are not met with shared values like justice, dignity, equality and mutual accountability, they can be manipulated by the dangerous 'virus' of supremacy  the belief that ones pain justifies moral exceptionalism or domination over others. She argued that, the current fanatic Israeli government exacerbates these wounds by invoking historical trauma to justify policies of occupation, systemic inequality, and violence, a process she described as turning a legacy of suffering into a rationale for the oppression of another people.

Looking across the table at a fellow participant, Goshen highlighted the inequality of their lives. We land in Tel Aviv as equals, she said, but one of us lives under civilian law, and the other under military law. Highlighting the reality Goshen described, Mohammed Daraghma, a veteran Palestinian journalist, offered a sharp analysis of the politics driving the injustice Goshen described, and the growing alliance between the Israeli and Hungarian leadership.

I believe the Hungarian president is one of those so-called friends of Israel who, in reality, make enemies unnecessary, Daraghma added in a follow-up conversation, commenting on the long-term consequences of the destruction. He supports settlement expansion, the undermining of the two-state solution, and war crimes  none of which serve Israels interests. Settlements eliminate the possibility of a political solution and create a one-state reality based on apartheid, which will ultimately harm Israel in the long run.

EPICON featured several other Palestinian and Israeli thinkers who continue to believe in people-to-people dialogue, even as political horizons narrow. The erosion of faith in legal institutions, they say, could also be an opportunity to reinvest in grassroots, transnational networks. International justice doesnt begin in The Hague, rather it begins where people are. In a region where legal and political institutions frequently fail to deliver justice or equality, we believe deeply in the power of shared storytelling to build bridges, Goshen explained, after the conference. Across Europe and the Middle East, civil society actors are filling the vacuum left by state paralysis. At EPICON, there was a shared recognition that local legal mobilisation and transnational solidarity might now offer more traction than international treaties alone. It was a rare space in which individuals with radically different experiences could sit side by side and discuss what justice could still mean.

The EUs shrinking moral authority

Hungarys decision also says a lot about Europes own drift. The EU has long styled itself as a defender of the rules-based order, but its response to Gaza has been fractured and, in places, hesitant. While countries like Ireland and Norway have urged strong ICC engagement, others have wavered. Hungary went further by cutting ties entirely.

The fact that this hasnt prompted much pushback from fellow EU states is telling. If the bloc wont defend the ICC (even symbolically), how can it claim to back international law? Hungary is not alone in its selective relationship with international criminal law. Other states, including Israel, Russia, and the United States, have refused ICC jurisdiction or actively opposed its investigations. However what makes Hungarys move all the more controversial is its EU membership. Unlike those countries, Hungary is part of a bloc that claims to uphold international legal standards.

This selective morality was not lost on the conference participants. As Goshen noted, Europes standing as a global champion of peace through justice has been eroded by inconsistency. If Europe is to lead on justice, it must apply its principles universally  not just when politically convenient, she urged.

In this context, she framed Hungarys defiance of international courts as dangerously short-sighted. While the ICC is undeniably politicized and not free from bias, it remains the only existing international legal mechanism with even a limited capacity to address war crimes. Undermining it in moments of crisis sends a message that power supersedes justice, further fuelling cycles of impunity and suffering.

Another target behind the ICC: the EU

In this light, Hungarys withdrawal from the ICC is not just symbolic, rather its strategic. According to Szitas, Hungarys objective is not to reform international public law. Instead, what appears to be a more explicit and declared goal is to ensure that the functioning of the European Union  particularly that of the European Commission  adheres to the founding treaties. At present, this is not the case: the Commission is increasingly shifting away from its role as guardian of the treaties and assuming a governmental function, which runs counter to the interests of the Member States, he continued. Nevertheless, the Orban government, backed by a stable political mandate, is in a position of sufficient strength to draw attention to these anomalies and to articulate its objections to such developments. At the same time, it would be a shame to deny that there are marked political fault lines in the country, especially in intellectual circles. The divide between the national and progressive camps is growing ever deeper, making it increasingly difficult to engage in meaningful, constructive debates on issues such as a countrys place in the world, the state of democracy, or questions of the rule of law.

Perhaps, then, the better question is not whether the ICC can survive Hungarys departure, but whether Europes commitment to international justice can survive its silence.
Israel's refusal to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and its targeting of aid distribution points is causing civilians to starve which constitutes a war crime, Sweden's foreign minister said Thursday.

In early June, UN human rights chief Volker Turk said deadly attacks on civilians around aid distribution sites in the Gaza Strip constituted "a war crime", while several rights groups including Amnesty International have accused Israel of genocide.

Israel has vehemently rejected that term.

"To use starvation of civilians as a method of war is a war crime. Life-saving humanitarian help must never be politicised or militarised," Maria Malmer Stenergard said at a press conference.

"There are strong indications right now that Israel is not living up to its commitments under international humanitarian law," she said.

"It is crucial that food, water and medicine swiftly reach the civilian population, many of whom are women and children living under wholly inhumane conditions," she said.

Sweden announced in December 2024 it was halting funding to the UN's Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA after Israel banned the organisation, accusing it of providing cover for Hamas militants.

Swedish International Development Minister Benjamin Dousa told Thursday's press conference that Stockholm was now channelling aid through other UN organisations, and was "the fifth-biggest donor in the world ... (and) the second-largest donor in the EU to the humanitarian aid response in Gaza".

The country's humanitarian aid to Gaza since the start of the war in October 2023 currently amounts to more than 1 billion kronor ($105 million), while funding earmarked for Gaza for 2025 totals 800 million kronor, he said.
The Conference of European Rabbis said Thursday it had been forced to call off a meeting in Sarajevo next week after criticism from a Bosnian minister and the cancellation of their booking by the host hotel.

The CER meeting was to discuss key issues facing Jews in Europe as well as freedom of religion, the organisation said in a statement.

"Shockingly, the hotel has suddenly cancelled on us," the statement quoted CER president Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt as saying.

The cancellation followed an open letter by Adnan Delic, labour and social policy minister in Bosnia's Muslim-Croat half, calling for the cancellation of the event, Goldschmidt added.

"We have been made unwelcome and this last-minute, ministerial boycott of Jewish European citizens, dedicated purely to promoting Jewish life in Europe and furthering dialogue and democracy across the continent, is disgraceful."

European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said "it is regretable that the relevant authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have withdrawn the invitation for the Conference of European Rabbis in Sarajevo."

"The EU remains committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina's EU accession perspective and will continue to closely monitor the situation regarding the respect for fundamental rights and freedoms", he added.

CER says it represents more than 1,000 orthodox Jewish communities across Europe.

Its events "foster dialogue, boost interfaith activity, and promote public engagement", Goldschmidt said.

The Bosnian minister deemed "unacceptable and morally offensive that Sarajevo, a city that survived the longest siege in modern European history", from April 1992 to February 1996, should host a conference "that sends support" to Israel as it fights Hamas in Gaza.

He accused Israel of "committing genocide against the innocent civilian population in Gaza".

Delic said the organisers should call off the CER meeting "in the name of the dignity of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the victims of all sieges, persecutions and war crimes".

According to CER, the hotel cancelled their reservations shortly after.

Contacted by AFP, the hotel did not immediately comment.

The Gaza war was sparked by Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 55,207 people. The United Nations deems the figures reliable.
A South Korean court has approved a provisional seizure of actor Kim Soo Hyun's luxury real estate in Seoul following a legal request from cosmetic medical device company CLASSYS, which alleges a breach of advertising contract, his legal team confirmed Wednesday.

On June 12, Bang Sung Hoon of LKB & Partners, representing Kim Soo Hyun, said in a statement, "It's true that one property owned by Kim Soo Hyun at Galleria Foret was recently seized by the court."

However, the actor's legal representative contested the move, claiming the seizure is "unfair" and stems from actions by a third party, the YouTube channel operator HOVERLAB, not Kim himself.

"Kim Soo Hyun is a victim of HOVERLAB," Bang said. "Although the issues lie with the assailants, the arrows are being pointed toward the victim simply because contractual obligations were not met."

CLASSYS alleges that Kim's side failed to deliver on promotional obligations due to reputational issues arising from defamatory claims made on the controversial YouTube channel "HoverLab (Garo Sero Institute)."

As a result, CLASSYS filed for the temporary seizure of real estate assets reportedly worth 3 billion KRW (approximately $2.2 million USD).

"From the perspective of the advertiser, they paid a model but cannot use the model for advertisement purposes, resulting in financial losses. This is undeniable," said Bang.

"But who triggered this situation? It was HOVERLAB. If we can prove through the court proceedings that HOVERLAB made false claims, then Kim Soo Hyun's reputation will be restored and the advertisers will no longer have reason to pursue compensation for damages."

Kim Soo Hyun reportedly owns two additional properties at the Galleria Foret complex, a high-end residential building in Seoul's Seongsu-dong district.

In a related move, the court also approved a separate provisional seizure request filed by Kim's agency against Kim Se-eui, the operator of the HOVERLAB channel.

That action is part of a broader defamation suit seeking 12 billion KRW (approximately $8.8 million USD) in damages.

Kim Soo Hyun, one of Korea's highest-paid and most recognizable actors, recently starred in the TV series Queen of Tears.

His agency has not released further comments regarding the ongoing proceedings.






Thursday, June 12, 2025 - Renowned political commentator Aoko Otieno has stirred fresh debate online after sharing photos of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Edwin Lagats sons living lavishly in Dubai.

According to Aoko, the sons accompanied their father to the UAE a few weeks ago, where DIG Lagat was reportedly scouting for and purchasing high-end properties.

The photos, allegedly sourced from one of the sons Snapchat stories, show them enjoying the luxury lifestyle - from posh hotels to upscale shopping and night outings.

The images were reportedly deleted shortly after being posted, further fueling public speculation.

Aokos revelations have stirred outrage online, especially in light of ongoing concerns about corruption and abuse of office within the police service.

She went further to claim that DIG Lagat has also opened a luxury car dealership for his sons, raising serious questions about the source of their wealth.

In a more damning allegation, reports suggest that Lagat may have been receiving as much as Ksh 100 million per month in bribes, a figure that, if verified, would place him among the most corrupt public officials in the country.






Thursday, June 12, 2025 - The online spat between popular social media personality, Mercy Maasai, and activist, Hanifa, has escalated, with Maasai now washing Hanifas dirty linen in public.

Drama started after Hanifa claimed that Mercy was involved in an affair with Kapseret Member of Parliament, Oscar Sudi, further alleging that the legislator has been instrumental in helping her secure state tenders.

In a swift and fiery response, Mercy Maasai accused Hanifa of hypocrisy and claimed she was hiding behind a bui bui to appear morally upright while allegedly engaging in a secret relationship with former Deputy Speaker and Dadaab MP, Farah Maalim.

Below are screenshots of online wars of words between the two.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, June 12, 2025 - A bold Kenyan slay queen has set social media ablaze after admitting on a podcast that she'd gladly accept Ksh 2 million to "have fun" with a man.

This body will be eaten by ants anyway (hii kitu itakulwa na mchwa), so why hoard it? she said unapologetically.

The viral video was part of a podcast conversation on how far babes are willing to go for the soft life.

Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who shared the clip on X, reacted by warning men to work hard so their daughters dont trade dignity for cash.

The video has sparked a fierce debate online, with opinions split across the timeline.

Watch the video below.

Men, work hard so that your children don't lose dignity and morals coz of money pic.twitter.com/7t0kVmebzy  Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) June 12, 2025






Thursday, June 12, 2025 - A young lady has left netizens stunned after revealing the wild and controversial things that city slay queens do in Kilimani to sustain their flashy lifestyles.

In a now-viral video, the bold woman speaks candidly about the unspoken hustle behind the glamorous lives often portrayed on Instagram and TikTok.

Behind the opulence, she claims, lies a reality that many would rather not talk about.

According to the lady, some women are forced to throw away their dignity and engage in questionable activities to keep up appearances in Nairobis high-end social circles.

Her shocking revelations have triggered a fiery debate across social media.

While some users praised her honesty and bravery in exposing the truth, others condemned the glamorization of such lifestyles, calling for a shift towards genuine entrepreneurship.

Watch the video.

Kilimani Chronicles!!! A LADY reveals crazy things they do in Kilimani apartments to fund their lavish lifestyles pic.twitter.com/Rd32rpAI9F  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) June 12, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, June 12, 2025 - The man who was captured on video boldly confronting anti-riot police officers in Nakuru while wielding a panga during recent demonstrations has been found in critical condition after reportedly being abducted by State security operatives.

According to eyewitnesses and local reports, the man was picked up by unidentified individuals, believed to be security operatives, shortly after the footage of the confrontation went viral.

His whereabouts remained unknown, sparking concern among human rights groups and members of the public.

The situation escalated after a local Member of Parliament and NTV highlighted his disappearance, calling for accountability and demanding his immediate release.

Following the public outcry, the man was found dumped in Thika, barely conscious and with visible injuries.

He was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.





Watch the video below if you missed it

Watch the moment a daring man wielding a panga charged at the police in Nakuru during demos pic.twitter.com/esSBGVKNKK  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) June 11, 2025






Thursday, June 12, 2025 - Safaricom has firmly denied any role in the controversial death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, a young man who died in police custody following his arrest in Homa Bay.

The telco issued a statement after being mentioned in a Senate hearing probing the incident.

During the session, some lawmakers called for Safaricom to be summoned over allegations it may have shared personal data with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), potentially aiding in Ojwangs arrest.

In a strongly worded response, Safaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa offered condolences to the family and insisted that the company had no involvement in the arrest.

"At no point was there any contact between Safaricom and any security agency in investigating or arresting the late Albert," the statement read.

Safaricom also voiced concern over remarks by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who reportedly linked the company to the case.

Dr. Ndegwa called the claims disturbing and unfounded.

The telco emphasized its commitment to customer privacy, urging the public not to be swayed by political rhetoric and to demand a fair, transparent investigation into the death.

"We urge Kenyans to ignore incitement and remain firm in seeking accountability," the statement added.

Safaricom concluded by reassuring Kenyans of its strict data protection policies and reiterated its call for justice.

The case has sparked nationwide outrage, with growing pressure on law enforcement and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to uncover the full truth behind Ojwangs death.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, June 12, 2025 - A photo circulating online of Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris alongside Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Edwin Lagat has ignited a firestorm of speculation and debate on social media.

The image, which shows the two appearing cordial and familiar, has fueled reactions, especially given Passaris' recent vocal defense of DIG Lagat amid growing allegations of him masterminding the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang and engaging in corruption.

Many Kenyans online have questioned Passariss motivation, with some suggesting that the photo adds context to her unwavering support.

He is a humble man I know him. Mwatuletea mambo ya kitandani kwa mauaji ya jinai, former Ghetto radio presenter and popular comedian, Rapcha The Sayanist, commented on the photo, suggesting that the two are romantically involved.
Kildare Town student, Colin Moloney has reason to celebrate after ranking amongst the best in the world in his accountancy exam.

An Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) student at Dublin college, Accountancy School, Colin finished first in Ireland, and 12th worldwide, in his Financial Management (FM) exam.

Viewing his result in context, of the worldwide number of 500,000 ACCA students, approximately 8,000 of whom study in Ireland, Colin was one of 27 fellow Accountancy School students to finish first in Ireland. Congratulating Colin on his result, Accountancy School managing director, Dave ODonoghue said ACCA is a globally recognised accountancy qualification, and the key to a hugely rewarding career in accountancy".
A MAN received a six-month prison sentence with a further 12-months suspended for charges relating to sexual acts with a child aged 12 at Naas Circuit Court recently.

The accused pleaded to multiple charges, including the defilement of a child under the age of 17 years; use of information and communication technology to facilitate sexual exploitation of a child; sexual assault and meeting a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

The man, who was 19 at the time, and child, who was 12, began talking through a dating, friends and hookups app called Wink, where the child was pretending to be 19 years old.

The two began talking and eventually arranged to meet up on 20 May 2023.

Both the man and the child met at Heuston Station in Dublin, before going to the cinema, and later making their way to the accuseds family home at a location in Kildare.

The court heard that the accused was only made aware that the child was not the age she had posed as online during the date, when the victim told the accused she was 16.

However, the man would later tell gardai he knew her true age.

Later that evening, at the accuseds home where he resides with family, he and the 12-year-old child engaged in sexual intercourse, before she stayed overnight.

Meanwhile, the victims family contacted gardai which prompted a missing persons investigation.

The accused claimed that he wasnt aware that her parents were looking for her, and when he found out he brought her back to Heuston Station where they met the day before.

Gardai located the child on 21 May at Heuston Station where they noticed that the child had love bites on her neck.

She subsequently disclosed the events that had taken place, which prompted further investigation and a search at the accuseds address, carried out on 24 May 2023, four days after the incident.

The accused admitted to gardai that the child had been at his home address and knowing her age.

One year later, both the man and child had made contact again through social media and shared sexually explicit images.

After this, the two arranged to meet once more.

This time, the man drove out of county and met her at a Centra in Mullingar.

Prosecutor Jordan Fletcher explained: He drove to a secluded area where (the child) got onto his lap and there was kissing and touching.

The accused was on bail when he committed these offences and would have known that his victim was now 14.

After this event, the victims parents got in contact once again with gardai.

Defending barrister, Michael Bowman, said that man engaged in what he understood to be consensual sex on the first occasion, and explained the feelings of the accused through a statement which indicated he got lost in the moment on the second occasion of meeting up.

On some level, they believe they have a relationship, said Mr Bowman.

The court heard details of the accuseds upbringing, which involved bullying in primary and secondary school, poor mental health including suicidal thoughts, and a lack of friendships and social life.

The man, who is described as a lonely man who psychologically presents younger than his age, should be judged in accordance with his difficult past, Mr Bowman argued.

He suggested it might have been the reason he was not willing to let the connection between himself and the victim go.

Judge Terence OSullivan said: Its clear that the accused entered into a sexual relationship with the victim believing she was 19, then that she was 16.

The problem is that any sex with a 12-year-old is not good for their health and needs to be protected by law. She is entitled to protection of the law.

He continued: The difficulty is that a year later theres interaction between them. Knowing her age, he did engage in a sexual way.

This man is not a sexual predator in my view. He quickly entered a relationship which was offered to him and that was very attractive to him. He has a difficult background and presents psychologically younger.

Speaking about maturity in relation to men and women, Judge OSullivan noted that men often mature at a slower rate than women.

Often in their mid-20s they get sense and dont fall into the kind of trap that he did.

The defendant was sentenced to a six-month headline sentence on one count which had already been served by the date of sentencing, and a 12-month suspended sentence was imposed on another count.

The accused was then directed to enter a bond of good behaviour, which includes paying a bond of 100, keeping probation officers up to date with his address, engaging with the probation service, seeking employment and prosocial activities and maintaining no contact with the victim for a period of three years, until she is of legal age.
WANDERING drunkenly around Newbridge might not sound like much of a noteworthy crime, except for on this occasion as the man involved has managed to rack up 547 convictions in the Irish courts system.

In a recent sitting of Naas District Court, Judge Desmond Zaidan was told that gardai were flagged down by a member of the public on the Main Street in Newbridge on 3 April at a little after 10pm.

The concerned citizen wanted to bring attention to Richard OBrien (54), with an address in Killarney, Co Kerry who was staggering towards the roadway when there was a large volume of traffic.

The gardai arrested him for his own safety, but it was only when they brought him back to the station that his astonishing record was revealed  Mr OBrien had a total of over 400 convictions for public order offences ( 345 for being intoxicated in public  and 57 for threatening/abusive/insulting behaviour).

In all, Mr OBrien had a full total of 547 previous convictions  a figure about three times as much as the most convicted person encountered by this reporter in over 30 years of court reporting.

Accepting this mans obvious addiction, Judge Zaidan chose not to make it 548, and allowed him to leave court with the benefit of the Probation Act, a ruling typically reserved for first-time offenders, which doesnt register as an actual conviction under Irish law.
A MAN with Alzheimer's was found wandering around Portlaoise after leaving The Residence nursing home, while staff had no idea he was gone missing.

The shocking alleged incident was highlighted in Dail Eireann last night, amid ongoing outrage over revelations made in the RTE Prime Time Investigates programme last week.

Laois TD Brian Stanley made new claims about disturbing incidents at the Portlaoise nursing home, which was one of two Emeis-run nursing homes featured in the programme.

Deputy Stanley told the Dail: A man with Alzheimer's from another town in the county was recognised by a former neighbour walking around the town - he did not even know where he was  and contacted one of his family members. They got him back to the nursing home.

He was wandering around and nobody had missed him. A plan was agreed, and corrective measures were to be taken, but these were not implemented.

Deputy Stanley said the incident was among some of the appalling practices outlined by a former carer in The Residence, who had said that the RTE programme only touched the surface.

He said: She described at length what she saw during her time working in the nursing home over a number of years and outlined the appalling practices there. There are some shocking examples and these occurred before anything came out on RTE.

An elderly mother was looking to have her incontinence pad changed and, despite repeated requests, it did not happen. Her family eventually took her out of there.

Describing scenes recorded at The Residence in Portlaoise and the Beneavin home in Dublin as shocking, the Laois TD commented: What we saw was a shocking level of neglect; abusive behaviour; residents told to soil on incontinence pads; elderly, vulnerable residents left lying in urine for hours at night, calling for help but getting none; rough handling; shortages of sanitary goods and other basic items and no assistance with eating, which is a major issue.

There are 15 or 20 minutes allocated to getting people fed. Some of these people cannot feed themselves, so the food is not eaten. Then it is taken away as if they are not hungry that day, when they might be very hungry. He added that a protected disclosure was made about a third nursing home and the person making the disclosure had to go to RTE, because nothing was done for two years. The shortage of staff was not addressed.

He said: The abuse and neglect continued, despite families bringing it to the attention of management and being assured that improvement plans would be put in place and it would be addressed. This did not happen.

Worst of all, the nursing home continued taking admissions despite being banned by HIQA. Where are the sanctions? There are none. HIQA has failed miserably. I had faith in HIQA up to about ten days ago. I have no faith in it now. I have lost all confidence in its ability to monitor care in nursing homes and enforce regulations and rules.

Deputy Stanley asked Minister of State for Older People Kieran ODonnell: Will we have a Garda investigation into some of the criminal activity we saw? Has HIQA issued financial penalties? Has it deregistered any of the nursing homes owned by these large companies. I understand that the one in this case owns 27 homes.

He pointed out that he met representatives from the Irish Nursing Home Alliance earlier yesterday, who told him that 77 small independent nursing homes had closed in the past five years. Most of this happened due to strict demands.

Deputy Staley said: HIQA holds such homes to the letter of the law, in order to make sure they are closed. Ballard Lodge in Portlaoise, which was providing excellent care - I never heard a complaint against it - closed recently. That is one of the most recent casualties of HIQA standards. These smaller homes are being held to the standards. Abbeyleix public nursing home was almost closed 13 years ago because of HIQA demands, but a large public campaign that I and others were involved in stopped it from happening. Thank God we kept it there.

Why does it appear there is a more lackadaisical approach to the larger multiples such as that which we saw last week on the television? Have they got more clout? I do not know.

In reply, Minister ODonnell said: We were all shocked and appalled by what we saw on the RTE Investigates" programme last week. I especially recognise how incredibly difficult it has been for the residents of the Residence in Portlaoise and Beneavin Manor and their families.

I want to make it clear that poor care, neglect and any form of abuse of individuals residing in long-term residential care centres is wholly unacceptable. The highest standards of care and dignity must be always upheld, without exception. Every nursing home resident deserves the highest standard of care at all times. To achieve this, registered providers must adequately support their staff. Having effective governance and management arrangements in place ensures that staff are equipped to deliver person-centred care to residents.

The distressing footage aired during the RTE Investigates programme highlighted serious issues of non-compliance within these facilities. The welfare of residents and their families remains a paramount concern for me. Action is being taken to address these failures and strengthen oversight to ensure the protection and well-being of all individuals in these nursing homes.

The minister continued: First, I fully expect HIQA and the office of the chief inspector to utilise all powers available to them to ensure rigorous oversight and accountability in nursing home care. HIQA's chief inspector has confirmed their continuous intensive engagements with the two nursing homes concerned and has committed to providing me with an update on their progress by the end of this week. I assure the Deputy that my Department and I are monitoring developments closely, with both these nursing homes and the welfare of residents remaining my highest priority.

Second, I have formally requested an overview of the nursing home operators owned by Emeis. The chief inspector has committed to furnishing an interim report to me by the end of this week and a full report by the end of next week, providing an overview of regulatory history, including but not limited to regulatory compliance, escalating enforcement actions and any additional conditions of registration.

Third, the directors of nursing from both local HSE community support teams have been on site at the two nursing homes in question. Additionally, local safeguarding and protection teams are actively reviewing all safeguarding concerns raised in relation to these facilities.

I and Department of Health officials met with representative bodies and stakeholders from the nursing home sector earlier today. The engagements were constructive, with an immediate focus on delivering the highest quality of care to residents of nursing homes in Ireland.

On the safeguarding points the Deputy made and on adult safeguarding in the sector more generally, the Government is fully committed to strengthening existing protections. We will publish a national adult safeguarding policy for the health and social care sector shortly. The policy will commit to the development of adult safeguarding legislation for the sector and will build on the range of existing legislation, policies and procedures already in place in the sector for preventing, reporting and responding to abuse.

The Government has included a health (adult safeguarding) bill in its current legislative programme to facilitate this. It is recognised that this will be an important further development in preventing abuse and protecting vulnerable adults from abuse.

What happened in the two nursing homes featured in the RTE Investigates programme was appalling. It was sheer neglect and abuse of older people. This is something that I, the Department and the Government take very seriously. It is something I want to ensure, through the process I have outlined, never happens again.

However, Deputy Stanley said he would like an explanation for a whistleblower having to go to the media, after two years of inaction on the part of the chief inspector and HIQA.

He said: Surely that is a scandalous situation. They say you judge a society by how it treats its weakest. The weakest are the elderly and the very young - infant children. The Minister of State said the chief inspector will carry out a review. The chief inspector has failed in relation to three nursing homes, and possibly many more.

My understanding is the chief inspector's position, legally, is supposed to be separate from the inspections carried out by HIQA operatives, yet HIQA staff must have their reports approved by the chief inspector.

HIQA does the report but it is filtered through the chief inspector despite the fact that there is supposed to be separation. Why does the chief inspector have to approve all of these reports? The problem is that this rests on one person. One person's determination or judgment will decide what will or will not happen. HIQA cannot issue the report without that approval.

When will unannounced inspections be carried out? They must be thorough and strict inspections. When will there be effective sanctions? What about deregistration and financial penalties? Are there financial penalties? I do not know. Perhaps the Minister of State can tell me whether there are penalties in law.

When will this important legislation - the 2017 Bill on safeguarding the elderly - be enacted? It has been sitting there for eight years. We are all to blame for that but primarily the Government is to blame because it is a Government Bill. I would like to see it progressed. I understand that the officials have drafted the Bill but we have not seen it in the House. We need to do this urgently.

Minister ODonnell said he expected the adult safeguarding policy for the health and social care sector to be brought to the Cabinet before the summer recess. He said: Following that, we will be looking for approval to progress a health and adult safeguarding Bill, which is in the current legislative programme. It is a matter of absolute priority.

I am on record as saying that I would like to see inspections taking place more quickly and timeframes for protected disclosures. The Deputy will appreciate that I want to work within a process. Immediately after the two nursing homes were named by RTE, I met representatives of HIQA and requested two things. The first was that HIQA would engage intensively with the nursing homes. It committed to doing that.

The second was that it would provide a report on the Emeis group and all its nursing homes. I asked for an overview of all its nursing homes and its regulatory history, including but not limited to regulatory compliance, escalating enforcement actions and any additional conditions of registration.

I expect to receive a report with an update on the two nursing homes by the end of this week. I also expect an interim report in respect of the Emeis group by the end of this week and a more substantive report on it - the full report - by the end of next week.

This is all about older people in nursing homes. I want them to have safe environments. We all have elderly relatives. It is something I feel strongly and passionately about.
A relic of one of the most well-known of the Catholic saints will be available for a days devotion in Kilberry, near Athy on Saturday 14 June.

The mitten of Padre Pio will be on display at the home of Ann Fitzpatrick  R14 XT53 - between the hours of 11am and 5pm.

Im in the Padre Pio Society, and my family have it twice a year, said Ann.

Weve hosted the glove for the last 13 years, and 100 per cent of the people will come to be blessed with the glove, she said.

The glove is one he wouldve worn, but it is now in a frame because people would be pulling little pieces of the wool for their own healing."

She added: I myself have gone to different places to view the glove, and I remember my mother and I going to see it in Carlow one time and could only view it in a scullery."

Because of this Ann and her family offer a better viewing experience in the parlour, and a marquee of refreshments out the back at their own expense.

I dont mind the crowds, theyre all good people coming for Padre Pio, she said.

Any and all donations go straight to San Giovanni and Padre Pio, she said.

The Kildare Nationalist asked Ann how she first managed to get such unique access to the relic, and she explained it was through a fellow devotee Pat Ryan from Edenderry, who has secured the glove for the last few years.

The Kildare Nationalist also spoke with Pat Ryan to get some more background on this mystical mitten.

Pat explained that when his first child was only five months and had developed a serious case of pneumonia, and that his mother managed to bring the mitten to cure the child.

He explained how his mother got it from another devotee, Mairead Doyle from Dublin, who had made multiple pilgrimages to the San Giovanni monastery in Italy in the 60s, and was gifted the mitten from the man himself shortly before he died.

She gave it to her sister Kay in Edenderry when she died, and when Kay died, I became the third caretaker of it since Padre Pio handed it to Mairead in 1968, he explained.

It doesnt tour, but if people want it for hospital visits, Ill let it out, though not overnight, so people can get a blessing with the glove, said Pat. Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, widely known as Padre Pio was an Italian Capuchian friar, priest, stigmatist and mystic who died in 1968, and is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.

Devotion to Padre Pio has spread among Catholics all over the world since his death, and he was canonised in 2002 by Pope John Paul II after many miracles have been attributed to the saint over the years.
Market Square on Eyre Street hosted June Fests Big Weekend with live music on safer streets and Youth-Led Art on Sunday (8 June).

The Dangelo and Cantone families enjoying June Fest Photos: Jimmy Fullam

June Fest 2025 wrapped up with The Big Weekend  a landmark event that brings together music, public art, community safety, and youth voices right in the heart of Newbridge that was ultimately funded by criminal assets.

Two years ago the Safer Newbridge Community Partnership received 150,000 from the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) which is basically re-purposed criminal assets, said Cllr Chris Pender.

We used about 8,000 for the concert, but Safer Newbridge has a couple of other plans in the pipeline, which well concentrate on the area around Eyre Street, he said.

Face painting fun

From 4:15pm on Sunday the Main Stage at Market Square came alive with a free open-air concert featuring Big Generator, The Outcast Crew, Joe Skylark and the Glow in the Dark Sharks, and Local talent Roisin McAlinden.

Demonstration of public order policing at Newbridge Garda Station

The event, set right on Eyre Street, is supported by the Department of Justice and the Safer Newbridge Community Partnership as part of a wider initiative using CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) to activate public spaces and improve safety, visibility and community engagement.

This is more than just a gig  its about changing how we use our town centre, said Cllr Pender.

Official Opening of June Fest Newbridge with John Houlihan, Claire Rudd, Annmarie Morris, Paul Halford and Trina Walsh

By reimagining Eyre Street and Market Square as lively, safe, and welcoming spaces, were making public safety a shared, positive experience showing that CPTED isnt just policy  its action, and this weekend is a great example. In a first for June Fest, Market Square will also feature a large-scale youth-led public art installation. The Through Eyre Eyes Outdoor Photo Voice Gallery, curated by young people from Communities That Care Newbridge and Foroige, showcased what Eyre Street means to them  and what it could become.

Staff of Life Credit Union

This is a real milestone for June Fest with a full-scale concert and visual art project, right in Market Square," said Festival Chair Annie Morris.

Gretta Edmunda and Ann Buckley

The Mighty Chorus choir who performed at June Fest
A guest post by Nice Hanne of the Free Speech Union:

Courage comes in all shapes and sizes.

I saw this for myself last Friday in the Manukau District Court when I went to support Portia Mao on behalf of the Free Speech Union.

Dont let Portias appearance or gentle demeanour fool you. This pint-sized Kiwi-Chinese journalist isnt backing down to anyone or anything.

Portia is a fierce defender of free speech. Coming to NZ over twenty years ago in search of a democratic society to call home, Portia has earned a reputation amongst the NZ Chinese community for her uncompromising stand against foreign interference by the Communist Party of China (CCP). Exposing the increasingly brazen intimidation tactics and influence peddling in NZ politics by emboldened supporters of the CCP, some dissidents have already paid a heavy price for calling out this anti-democratic agenda.

Last year it was Portias turn. As a result of working with journalists at Stuff to expose CCP influence in NZ, Portia was shocked to find herself subject to a District Court interim order after she criticised an aspiring East Auckland political candidate for his strident pro-CCP views.



Prevented by law from speaking out about the issue and unsure how to challenge the judges interim order, Portia reached out to the Free Speech Union for help.

We connected Portia with Callum Fredric (a fantastic Auckland-based barrister who really cares about this cause).

We shared Portias story with you  our supporters  as well as with the media.

And we began a fundraising drive to support Portias legal challenge. Many of you contributed with donations and messages of support which allowed Portia last month to challenge the court order in a bid to have it overturned.

How could a NZ journalist be silenced in this way under NZ law?

Portia was targeted using a poorly drafted law. The Harmful Digital Communications Act (HDCA), passed in 2015 (and originally designed to protect vulnerable young people from online harm) is now being appropriated by cynical adults to suppress legitimate political expression from their critics.

To be clear, being punished under the HDCA is not the same thing as defamation. Rather, the HDCA is concerned with subjective claims of harm  this means that truth is not a valid defence.

The HDCA is an almost-perfect political censorship tool. It allows authoritarian sympathisers and potential agents of foreign governments to silence Kiwis who dare to speak up for democracy. It then also threatens heavy financial penalties for those organisations, such as news or social media platforms, which share the journalists work.



Yep, youre reading that right. In our rush to protect kids from horrible online influences weve somehow denied our society not only a fundamental civil liberty, but its best defensive weapon against foreign interference.

Handing a club to the opponents of democracy; should we really be surprised theyre bludgeoning us over the head with it?

The HDCA is also a radical departure from traditional legal principle in that it allows for the emotional subjectivity of a complainant to substantiate their own claim that harm has been caused.



Just so were clear, this means that to establish whether certain digital communications deserve censoring, all that is required is for a self-proclaimed victim to strenuously maintain the digital communication in question was grossly offensive to them. No specialist or clinical expert is even needed to endorse this self-diagnosis.

What can Kiwis do about this problem?

We need more Kiwis to realise whats going on. Were now waiting for a decision in Portias case from the judge, and as soon as we have it well be sure to publicize it. But her case is not the only example of this kind. We have evidence to suggest that dozens of similar abuses of the HDCA have occurred but have largely gone unreported.

Not only is the FSU campaigning for legislative reform of the HDCA, but were also calling on  and calling out  those in positions of power who arent saying or doing anything about the foreign interference Portia is trying to combat. Because if those people in charge are too afraid, how can we expect anyone else to speak up?



Many politicians have chosen to remain quiet. Either intimidated or simply hoping they can wish away the problem, many are nervous about upsetting a major trading partner. This issue is not your run-of-the-mill ambiguous ethics of trade dilemma. This is political interference happening on NZ soil. Apparently, its easier for some to forget that free speech  not a free trade agreement  is the lifeblood of a democracy.

Free speech allows our nation to flourish domestically and empowers us to exercise independence from the unprincipled and often ruthless whims of authoritarian governments like that of China.

We cant leave a few brave souls to fight this situation by themselves. A small principled voice, though mighty like Portias, will not be enough to combat the growing influence of foreign and domestic censorship.Many voices, however, even in a small country, will make it loud and clear to those who interfere in our democracy that free speech in NZ is non-negotiable.

UPDATE: The FSU won the court case. Yay.
Politico reports:

The Trump administrations increasingly aggressive moves on immigration are pulling Democrats back into a border security debate they had tried to ignore.

For months, Democrats scarred by the politics of the issue sought to sidestep President Donald Trumps immigration wars  focusing instead on the economy, tariffs or, in the case of deportations, due process concerns.

But in the span of a week, that calculation was jolted in California, after a series of high-profile raids and arrests, including of a labor union leader and dozens of other people in Los Angeles, and with President Donald Trump on Saturday announcing the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to the area.

In this citadel of Democratic politics, party officials from the governors mansion to city halls are suddenly tearing into Trump on immigration again, inflaming a debate that worked to Trumps benefit in 2024  but where Democrats believe they now have a political opening.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Some sunshine with a thunderstorm or two possible this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening. Scattered thunderstorms developing after midnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
COLUMBIA  Gov. Mike Kehoe has activated the Missouri National Guard and declared a state of emergency ahead of planned protests this weekend across the state and country.

The governor called the move a precautionary measure in a news release issued Thursday.

Hundreds of people are set to gather outside of the Boone County Courthouse on Saturday as a part of the No Kings, Democracy Now! nationwide demonstrations. Columbia will join more than 1,900 cities and towns across the country including Jefferson City, Fayette and Boonville.

More than 10 organizations are co-sponsoring the No Kings protest along with a coalition of organizations working for peace, social and economic justice, civil rights, civil liberties, environmental and climate concerns and more.

Ten speakers will be present at the demonstration to beginning at 11 a.m. Following the speakers, the organizers plan to march through downtown Columbia with the event set to end at 1 p.m.

The goal of the nationwide protest is to act as a day of defiance in contrast to the Flag Day parade.

President Donald Trump will parade tanks and artillery launchers in Washington, D.C., on Saturday in honor of the Army's 250th anniversary, and the "No Kings" protests across the nation also aim to draw attention away from the president's military parade.

"We are coming together to say 'No!' to the usurpation of power in violation of our constitutional systems of checks and balances," said Jeff Stack, one of the organizers of the rally and coordinator of the Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation.

Mark Haim, one of the organizers of the demonstration and director of Mid-Missouri Peaceworks, emphasizes the rally will be nonviolent.

"We are nonviolent we support a vision of a society in which people have mutual respect." Haim said. "Those are the sorts of things that make for a peaceful and prosperous future for everyone."

This is one of many demonstrations that Haim has organized in the past, but the approach is the same.

"Our approach, of course, is nonviolence," Haim said. "Our approach is everybody should participate as they see fit in social and political process, but we should have the opportunity to do that nonviolently and without risking life and limb."

At this time, the number of attendees is not cemented, but Haim expects more than 500 people to attend.

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Kehoe announced on Wednesday that the Missouri National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Department of Public Safety would establish a "Unified Command" to monitor and prepare for the planned immigration enforcement protests.

Kehoe said in a news release Thursday afternoon that the National Guard's activation comes in response to other instances of "civil unrest" across the country.

"While other states may wait for chaos to ensue, the state of Missouri is taking a proactive approach in the event that assistance is needed to support local law enforcement in protecting our citizens and communities," Kehoe said in the release.

Trump sent the National Guard and Marines into Los Angeles this week in response to demonstrations against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The House Minority Caucus released a statement Thursday afternoon in response to Kehoe's activation of the National Guard. House Minority Leader Ashley Aune said the state of emergency is unwarranted and is an attempt to intimidate and suppress peaceful protest.

"Kehoe's preemptive declaration of a state of emergency as Missourians prepare to protest an increasingly authoritarian administration is a blatant attempt to intimidate and suppress First Amendment rights," Aune said in the statement.

Kehoe said in his statement that he supports peaceful protests in Missouri.

"We respect, and will defend, the right to peacefully protest, but we will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in our state," Kehoe said.

Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe said she has not been in contact with Kehoe about the planned demonstrations. The Columbia Police Department is monitoring the situation and will have normal patrol on Saturday.

ACLU, in response, issued the following statement:

"Governor Kehoe's decision to active Missouri's National Guard serves as an unnecessary provocation to thwart public dissent. ... Government and law enforcement officials have the moral and constitutional responsibility to stop the escalation, practice restraint, and allow Missourians to exercise this foundational right."

These organizations are co-sponsoring the Columbia rally:

Boone County Democratic Party

CoMo Jews 4 Ceasefire

Friends of John Brown

Mid-MO Democratic Socialists of America

Mid-Mo Fellowship of Reconciliation

Mid-MO Peaceworks

Mid-MO Sierra Club

Mid-MO Veterans for Peace

Missourians for Justice in Palestine

Native American Support Group

Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes

The WE Project
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The tail of the airplane is seen stuck in a building at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)
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This handout artist's illustration made available by University of Calgary on June 6, 2025, shows the newly discovered dinosaur species Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, an ancestor of Tyrannosaurus Rex. Misidentified bones that languished in the drawers of at the Institute of Paleontology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences in capital Ulaanbaatar, in Mongolia for 50 years actually belong to a new species of tyrannosaur which rewrites the family history of the mighty T-Rex, scientists said on June 4, 2025.
BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso on Wednesday sent separate congratulatory letters to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province. In his letter, Xi said the FOCAC has effectively advanced the vigorous development of China-Africa cooperation since its establishment 25 years ago, becoming a fine example of solidarity and cooperation of the Global South. Xi said that last September, he and African leaders unanimously agreed at the FOCAC Beijing Summit to promote the six-point proposition on the joint endeavor to advance modernization, and to jointly implement the 10 partnership actions for modernization, leading China-Africa relations into a new stage of jointly building an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era. He said with the efforts of both sides, a number of encouraging early achievements have been made in the implementation of the Beijing Summit's outcomes. China and Africa have also reached consensus on launching the 2026 China-Africa year of people-to-people exchanges, which is expected to inject new vitality into China-Africa friendly cooperation, Xi added. Noting that the current international situation is marked by changes and turmoil, Xi said China is committed to providing new opportunities for the world with the new achievements of Chinese modernization and offering new impetus to Global South partners, including Africa, via its huge market. China is ready to negotiate and sign the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development to implement the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for 53 African countries which have diplomatic relations with China, Xi said, adding that China will provide more convenience for the least developed countries in Africa to export to China. He also said China is ready to work with Africa to deepen the implementation of the 10 partnership actions for modernization, strengthen cooperation in such key areas as green industry, e-commerce and e-payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, and enhance cooperation in security, finance and the rule of law, to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation. Xi pointed out that openness and cooperation are the right path, and mutual benefit and win-win outcomes meet the aspiration of the people. He said China and Africa working together to advance modernization will strongly promote solidarity and cooperation in the Global South and open up a brighter prospect for the cause of world peace and development. It is hoped that China and Africa will continue to steadily advance the implementation of the Beijing Summit's outcomes, carefully plan the future development of the FOCAC, join hands to build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity, said Xi. Sassou Nguesso said in his letter that strategic and practical cooperation between Africa and China has achieved fruitful results since the Beijing Summit. Noting that the ministerial meeting coincides with the 25th anniversary of the FOCAC's establishment, Sassou Nguesso said he will spare no effort and work with President Xi to promote greater progress in building a community with a shared future between Africa and China, and enhance the well-being of the people of both sides. As the African co-chair of the FOCAC, the Republic of the Congo is willing to work with China and other countries in the Global South to strengthen cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative, jointly build a multipolar world free from unilateralism and protectionism, and usher in a new era of inclusive and mutually beneficial globalization, Sassou Nguesso added.
A WOMAN may escape a driving disqualification if she donates 5,000 to a charity before 24 July.

So Judge Andrew Cody said at Portlaoise District Court when Caoimhe Dunne Brennan, Schoolhouse Gate, Ballinkillen, Carlow pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on 18 May on the M7 at Cappakeel, Portlaoise, when she was caught driving at a speed of 181kph in a 120kph zone.

Defending solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said the incident took place at 11.30am that morning as his 21-year-old client was driving to Tipperary after staying over in Dublin the night before.

He said that Ms Dunne Brennan, who works in the care profession, was absolutely petrified to be in court.

He said: She is highly thought of and has a letter from her lecturer and a letter from herself for her offending. She is crippled with anxiety at the thought of having to come to court. Everyone speaks very highly of her good character. Shes probably going to lose everything because of a moment of madness (speeding).

It was a moment of madness, agreed Judge Cody.

Mr Fitzgerald said: This lady will definitely never be seen again in court ever again. She is asking for one opportunity and can get 3,000 if she was given a week or two.

Asked by Judge Cody what the prosecuting officer, Garda Roy Cooper, thought.

Garda Cooper said: Id say its very unlikely youll see her back before the courts again. Shes one of the few you wont see back in front of you again.

Judge Cody adjourned the case to 24 July for finalisation and instructed Ms Dunne Brennan that if she donated 5,000 to North Tipperary Hospice before that date that he would consider reducing the charge from dangerous to careless driving.
ITS that time of the year again to lace up your boots and take to the highways and byways of the county for the annual Laois Walking Festival.

With a selection of 22 walks over the four weekends in July, the walking festival will take in the surrounds of Laois while fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie that comes with sharing the road.

The festival was launched on Friday 6 June at Newtown Mill in Ballacolla. Chairperson of the walking festival organising committee Anne Marie McMahon was joined by cathaoirleach of Laois County Council cllr Padraig Fleming, local TDs and representatives from the 14 communities from across Laois, who will be hosting the walks.

Ticket prices begin at 10 for a walk, 20 for one weekend session of four walks and 50 for all 22 walks.

Whether its a ramble through history or past ancient Mass rocks and monasteries, or learning how to pole and stroll along forest trails and hilly terrain, the Laois Walking Festival has walks organised that cater for all abilities and ages. Registration for walks can be done up to half an hour before each one begins, with tickets available through Eventbrite as well.

On Saturday 5 July, a special hike will be held in conjunction with the Folly Festival, which begins at Cullohill Castle  600 years since the commencement of its construction in 1425.

Walkers will make their way along country roads around a cluster of low hills above the village of Cullohill, over Cullohill mountain, as well as the Slieve Bloom, Comeragh, Galtee, Blackstairs, Wicklow, Keeper Hill and Slieve na mBan mountains, before returning to Cullohill Castle to the Folly Festival, where they can enjoy the artisan food markets, including samples from A Taste of Laois, music and cookery demonstrations.

Walks for the festival are organised by 14 different communities and walking groups in Laois and are graded in A (strenuous), B (difficult) and C (moderate, which are suitable for families)  so theres something for everyone on the schedule.

It being an Irish summer, you are advised to bring raingear, suitable walking shoes and sufficient snacks and water to sustain you through the walk.

The festival walks are group activities. Organisers ask those taking part to please stay with walk leaders. Walk routes may vary slightly to those listed due to weather conditions or walker numbers. And its very important to follow the country code of leaving no trace; no dogs allowed on the walks; walk in single file on the right-hand side on open country roads; and respect private property, farmland, wildlife and the rural environment.

The Laois Walks Festival 2025 is a wonderful way to reacquaint yourself with the magnificent environs of the midlands, from the rare flora and fauna of the forests to the lovely lakes, majestic mountains and ruins steeped in history, all the while meeting new people, getting active and walking your way to a healthier you.
AN URGENT appeal has been made for a pedestrian crossing outside a Stradbally primary school, with warnings that childrens safety is at serious risk.

Cllr Vivienne Phelan called for a crossing outside Cosby NS on Main Street, particularly as parents can no longer use a safe drop-off point near the school.

She asked Laois County Council to engage urgently with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to install a crossing without delay.

Her proposal was supported by fellow councillors at the latest meeting of Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District.

Cllr Phelan said the issue is very urgent because Cosby NS has no parking as such. Over the years, parents used the field beside Dunnes Pub to drop off and collect children but the field is no longer available, as a housing estate primarily for older people was built on the site.

She explained that, as a result, parents are using Court Square but parking spaces are needed by older people and those with disabilities, who need to access the pharmacy.

Cllr Phelan said that a very successful after-school service was established across the road from the school in the past two years, so the entire area is very busy with traffic. There is just one existing pedestrian crossing but in order to access it people have to cross Church Avenue, which tends to be congested and difficult to cross at school times.

The Fine Gael councillor said: This is very urgent and it is childrens safety that is at risk.

Fellow Stradbally councillor Paschal McEvoy (FF) seconded the proposal, stressing that a safe crossing is needed as soon as possible.

Cllr Aisling Moran remarked that the dangerous situation is similar to Arles, which is also on the N80. She warned: We have to start taking this seriously before there is a death.

In a written response, the councils road design section said that staff have engaged with TII and have conducted a site visit at a proposed location for the crossing.

The response added: We are currently assessing the various options with a view to progressing works, based on a funding application to the TII.

Senior engineer Tom Drennan said that it was up to the road design office to intervene directly with TII, but he would contact the office as he would like to see progress on the project.

Because Stradballys Main Street is on the main N80 road, works have to be carried out by TII.
On 11 June Argentinas Presidentannounced Argentina would move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem next year, during a speech he gave in Israels parliament as part of his second state visit to the country since taking office in 2023.

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On 11 June three Bolivian police officers and a demonstrator were killed during protests by supporters of former president(2006-2019).

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A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer listens during a briefing, Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, in Silver Spring, Maryland. (Alex Brandon | AP Photo) Alex Brandon | AP Photo

Federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security arrested 17 construction workers early Wednesday working on the Five 10 Flats restoration project, authorities said.

City police said the agents were canvassing the area just before 7 a.m. in the 500 block of East Third Street.

The restoration project comes after a May 2 blaze torched the apartment and retail complex. The fire displaced all 135 residents and businesses.

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman told lehighvalleylive.com investigators on the property included ICEs Homeland Security Investigations Allentown; and Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia; along with federal law enforcement partners.

The agencies were conducting what is known as an HSI-led worksite enforcement operation, he said.

The spokesman said all 17 workers were interviewed and then arrested on immigration violations. The group was then subsequently detained, pending removal proceedings.

Wednesdays incident continues to remain under investigation by the law enforcement agencies.

The Morning Call newspaper, citing witnesses and social media platforms, is reporting the national Paul Davis Restoration Experts is handling the remediation at Five 10 Flats. A spokeswoman for the contractor did not immediately return a request for comment Wednesday evening.

John Callahan, director of business development for Peron Development, which built Five 10 Flats; also couldnt immediately be reached for comment.

Bethlehem police said they responded to the scene Wednesday, along with other city emergency workers, to help a person suffering from a medical emergency.

City police were notified of ICEs investigation, but were not briefed further and werent part of the arrests, Bethlehem Police Capt. Nicholas Lechman had said.

Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds echoed city officials also werent privy to much information about the incident.

We found out about the arrests in real time, and we have not been kept in the loop at all throughout the day, the mayor said Wednesday evening.

As far as the city of Bethlehem is concerned, every department in the city, including our police department, will continue to treat every citizen with compassion, dignity and offer every service without consideration to how long residents have called our city home, Reynolds added.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
A Central Criminal Court jury will continue their deliberations tomorrow in the trial of four family members charged with offences relating to obstructing the arrest of the man who murdered school teacher Ashling Murphy.

Jozef Puska murdered 23-year-old Ms Murphy by stabbing and slashing her neck after attacking her while she exercised along the canal towpath outside Tullamore on the afternoon of January 12, 2022. A jury later convicted him of that murder and he is serving a life sentence.

His brothers, Lubomir Puska Jnr (38) and Marek Puska (36) are charged with withholding information.

Their wives, Viera Gaziova (40) and Jozefina Grundzova (32) are charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Jozef Puska by burning his clothes.

All the accused were living with Jozef Puska, his wife Lucia, and 14 children at Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly when the offences are alleged to have occurred in January 2022.

All accused have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The jury originally began their deliberations on Wednesday, but an amendment was made to the indictment today.

The amendment relates to the charge that the accused knew that Jozef Puska had committed the offence of murder or some other arrestable offence. The amended indictment now reads that they knew he had committed the murder of Ashling Murphy or some other arrestable offence.

In her closing speech earlier this week, prosecutor Anne Marie Lawlor SC told the jury that Marek and Lubomir Jnr knew what Jozef had done shortly after 9.30pm on the night of the murder because Jozef told Marek. Despite this, Ms Lawlor said Marek and Lubomir Jnr failed to disclose vital information when they spoke to gardai. Their wives burned Jozef's clothes to impede his arrest or prosecution, she said.

In her charge to the jury, Ms Justice Caroline Biggs said that the prosecution allege that Marek did not give information that Jozef had returned home on the night of Ms Murphys murder with visible injuries, that Jozef admitted to killing or seriously injuring a female with a knife, that Marek was aware of an arrangement to burn the clothes worn by Jozef, and that Jozef subsequently travelled to Dublin.

She said that the prosecution case against Lubomir Jnr was similar, except for the fact that there was no allegation that he was aware of an arrangement to burn the clothes.

Ms Justice Biggs told the jury that the prosecution must prove that the two brothers had no reasonable excuse for not disclosing this information, adding that an attempt to protect a family member is not a reasonable excuse. She said what is reasonable is the issue of self-incrimination, urging the jury to consider if there was any evidence supporting the submission put forward by the defence that the accused had this reasonable excuse.

The jury had previously heard from defence counsel Karl Finnegan SC, who said in his closing speech that Marek Puska was entitled to remain silent to avoid incriminating himself. Mr Finnegan said there was a real risk that the information his client had could implicate him in an offence of assisting his brother after the murder.

He said the legislation regarding withholding information was introduced following the Omagh bombing to force people with knowledge of that atrocity to come forward.

However, Mr Finnegan said, the legislation does not remove a person's right to remain silent if they believe that they could incriminate themselves. At the time, Mr Finnegan said, there was a real risk that his client would be arrested for assisting Puska after the murder by arranging to get him out of Tullamore or because he knew of the plan to burn Jozef's clothes.

Kathleen Leader SC, for Lubomir Jnr, said her client delayed but did not withhold information. She said he had a reasonable excuse for the delay and asked the jury to consider the "natural sense of protection for his younger brother".

Paul Murray SC, for Ms Grundzova, told the jury that when his client burned Puska's clothes, she did not have any of the evidence that would later prove Jozef's guilt.

Damien Colgan SC, for Ms Gaziova, told the jury that his clients view at that time was that Jozef had been the victim of an assault.

The jury of seven men and five women will continue their deliberations tomorrow.
There was uproar in the Laois County Council chambers on Wednesday as Councillors in the Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District decided to postpone their monthly meetings until September.

A monthly area meeting is held by Councillors where motions are tabled to oversee works undertaken in their constituency.

While the Portlaoise Municipal District takes one month off, the Portarlington district elects to take two months off.

At the latest Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick meeting, Councillors decided that three months off would be taken.

Though only nine meetings will take place out of twelve, the Councillors will still receive the same wages of 3,000 per month (2,298.04) to attend these meetings, plus varying expenses.

The Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirleach of each district receives an additional 459 per month to chair these district meetings. The Councillors will still receive these bonuses, regardless of whether these planned meetings take place.

On top of this, in the first half of 2024, a total of 11,287.64 was paid in monthly expenses to the district's six Councillors. Monthly expenses ranged from 91, to 1,658.02, with the average monthly payment totalling to 470.

Independent Cllr James Kelly argued that he disagreed with the postponement of meetings until September, and received backlash from fellow Councillors.

Pictured: Cllr Kelly with his sisters, supporters and wife at last June's elections

At the end of each meeting, a date is set for the following month's meeting.

Fianna Fail Cllr Seamus McDonald suggested July 9, and several Councillors suggested the meetings be postponed until after the summer.

"We didn't meet in January, did we?" Cllr Kelly questioned.

"Because we don't meet in August either, I wouldn't be in favour of cancelling this meeting."

Cllr McDonald replied that the district engineer will not be available for a meeting in July.

Fellow Fianna Fail Cllr Paddy Bracken replied that the Council should postpone meetings 'to allow workers to catch up'.

"In fairness, we have a lot of notices of motion in today again. Staff will be on leave as well, as summer and it's holiday time," Cllr Bracken said.

"I would come into an area meeting every week, there's no issue with that, I'm sure most of us can. But it's to try give our staff out there the chance to get work done. There's roadworks programmes ongoing at the moment, and they're busy. That's just my view, everyone should have a comment on it," he said.

Fine Gael Cllr John King agreed, stating that he would 'rather see the work done on the ground'.

"We are way behind on our notices of motion. If we took July off last year, I think the same rule should apply," he said.

Each of the Councillors expressed their support of this proposal, except for Mountrath Cllr James Kelly.

When Cllr Kelly attested that he did not support this proposal, he was met with rumbling from his fellow Councillors.

"Can I have my opinion? You have had yours, can I have mine?" he said.

The Councillors agreed for Cllr Kelly to continue.

"I have a diary from before the last local election, full of works that people have asked me to propose to the Council," Cllr Kelly said.

"They mightn't get done, but at least if I propose it, I can go back to them and say, I have put it forward to the Council, this is the answer I have got back," he argued.

"The July meeting is an opportunity for three more of my notices of motion, and I'm sure all of our Councillors have their diaries full of works that they have been asked to do over the two months, three months leading up to the local elections, and since then.

"So I would be totally against it, the other Councillors have their opinions which is no problem, but that's my opinion. I am totally against us cancelling the July meeting," Cllr Kelly said.

Cllr King remarked that thankfully, the Councillors are all busy.

"There are 18 notices of motion tabled every month, that works out at 180 for the whole year. I think it's best to give July a miss so that works can still continue," he said.

Fellow Fine Gael Cllr Conor Bergin supported Cllr King's and Cllr Bracken's remarks.

Pictured: Cllr Ollie Clooney and Cllr Conor Bergin

"I just want to support what Cllr King and Cllr Bracken have said. As Paddy said, the staff are very accessible there, we can ring them on the phone any day and they are quick to reply to emails. Certainly, there's no loss of communication with the staff here. I support what Cllr King is saying," he said.

Cllr Kelly was unhappy with this, and held up a list of agreed meetings for the year.

"Chair, this is our list of scheduled meetings, we agreed to them at an AGM last year. We agreed to them and they are written there. A motion of notice should still be put through, even if we can't get the work done. We should still be seen to at least be putting them forward and getting support in the Council. Take a vote on it if you want," he said.

The Council called for a proposal and seconder of the rescheduling of meetings to September. This motion was put forward by Cllr King, and seconded by Cllr Clooney. Cllr Kelly counter proposed this motion, and had no seconder.

"So they don't want to put notices of motion in for July, that's fine," Cllr Kelly remarked with sarcasm.

Cllr Kelly then said that the Cllrs had clearly met prior to the meeting, to decide that they wanted to postpone the meeting.

Cllr Bracken was unhappy with this retort, and Cllrs began to shout over one another.

"That's not true, what you're insinuating," Cllr Bracken argued.

"Chair, a bit of respect now from the Cllr. There was nothing pre planned," Cllr Bracken slammed.

Pictured: Cllr Paddy Bracken

"You have to be realistic of the work load that's out there. We're just repeating this again, and we have to get work done. If you want a notice of motion in for publicity's sake, you can do that. That's not a problem at all. That's what you're implying, that you have to be seen putting forward motions," he argued.

Cllr Kelly took offence to this statement.

"Chair, obviously the remark there should be taken back. 'We are putting in notices of motion for publicity's sake', how dare you? How dare you say that," Cllr Kelly said.

"I'm not taking it back. I'm not taking it back," Cllr Bracken repeated.

Cllr Kelly continued to argue with Cllr Bracken over the statement, with Cllr Bracken refusing to retract his comment.

"Chair, I want that remark taken back. Take back that remark Councillor," Cllr Kelly said.

"I won't have any arguments," Cllr McDonald said.

"No, you will, I'm sorry chair. 'I'm putting in notices of motion for publicity'," Cllr Kelly said.

Cllr Bracken responded that Cllr Kelly had 'clearly said' that people had asked him to put the motions in.

"It's out of order completely, you should be ashamed of yourself, and of that remark," Cllr Kelly said.

Cllr Bracken replied that he was 'not one bit ashamed' of himself, or his remark.

"It was uncalled for completely," Cllr Kelly slammed.

The councillors continued to shout over one another, and Cllr Bracken refused to retract his comment.

Cllr Clooney asked the district Engineer if 'they are short of work', or 'any jobs to do'.

"We're not," the engineer replied.

Cllr Clooney argued that he has motions from 2024 that have yet to be completed.

"I support Ollie there," Cllr Bergin said.

"We could have meetings every week with no shortage of motions, but we have to be realistic in fairness. If we have a meeting in September we can get an update of our motions from this year to see where they're at."

Cllr King said that out of 180 motions, the Councillors 'would be lucky' to see 90 carried out.

Cllr McDonald asked the Councillors if it was agreed for the meeting to be postponed.

"Of course it is," replied Cllr King.

This motion was tabled at the June sitting of Laois County Council's Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District.
Ireland's health service regulator can force the shutdown of the Portlaoise nursing home at the centre of a national controversy following an RTE Investigates documentary by cancelling its registration for breaching conditions imposed in April.

The Health Information and Quality Authorty (HIQA), which has been called before the Dail Public Accounts Committee, has also confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that it can also prosecute Emeis Ireland.

It would be able take such action becuase the company breached restrictions on its operations in admitting new residents to The Residence despite being ordered not to do so.

If it were to cancel registration, the HSE would then be required to manage the home until alternative arrangements can be made for the residents in the care of Emeis Ireland.

HIQA advised Emeis Ireland of its intention to restrict admissions after a February inspection that found failings in care at the home near Portlaoise train station. It officially notified the company in March that no new residents could be admitted after April 22.

However, Emeis Ireland has confirmed that people were admitted after this date but an "administrative error" was blamed by the French-owned firm.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live asked the regulator about what sanctions could be imposed. It said the following.

"Where a provider of a nursing home fails to recognise or address issues that are impacting the care of residents, inspectors will commence a process of escalating regulatory engagement, including cautionary and warning meetings.

"In circumstances where the required levels of improvement are not achieved, Part 8 of the Act sets out the tools of enforcement which are available to the Chief Inspector," it said.

HIQA outlined these as follows:

Attaching or varying a condition of registration pursuant to section 51 of the Act;

Cancelling the registration of a designated centre pursuant to section 51 of the Act;

Applying to the District Court seeking an order for the cancellation of a designated centres registration pursuant to section 59 of the Act;

Prosecution.

When a nursing home's registration is cancelled, the HSE becomes responsible for taking over the facility under section 64 of the Health Act 2007. This means they must manage the nursing home until alternative arrangements can be made for the residents. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

READ ALSO: Man with Alzheimer's found 'wandering' in Portlaoise

Regulations also require the HSE find suitable alternative accommodation for the residents, ensuring they are transferred to a safe and appropriate environment.

HIQA would not state if any sanction has been decided upon or is under consideration arising from the failure of Emeis Ireland to comply with restrictions on admissions that came into force on April 22.

As regards the review ordered by Government into the Portlaiose home and Beneavin Manor in Dublin. HIQA said its review continues and it will provide an interim report to the Minister this week. It is not clear if this will be published.

READ ALSO: Former carer at The Residence speaks out

It has also emerged that the powerful Dail Public Accounts Committee has asked HIQA, which has been criticised for its regulation, to come before it to discuss its role in inspecting nursing homes. HIQA executives are expected before TDs on 17 July.

The Residence began operating in 2023. It was officially opened in 2024 when it was described as being "purpose built and stat of the art". HIQA published several negative findings on care provided in the time since it has opened.
A new book exploring the history, people, and hidden corners of Irelands Royal Canal - which passes through Kildare - is set for release this summer  with Kildare featuring prominently along the 146-kilometre route.

Rambling Along the Royal Canal: A Journey into the Heart of Ireland by Tom Dredge takes readers from the River Liffey in Dublin to the River Shannon in Longford, weaving through Kildare, offering walkers and cyclists a unique view of Irelands Midlands.

Due for publication on June 19, the book is part guide, part travelogue, with Dredge meeting locals along the way and uncovering stories of secret meetings by the Ribbonmen, tales of literary giants like James Joyce and Oliver Goldsmith, and colourful characters such as The Hanging Judge of Cabra.

This is Toms own personal Camino, the publishers say, a richly illustrated journey into the landscapes, history and people of Irelands longest Greenway.

ALSO READ: Kildare man among best in world in accountancy exam.

With 250 colour photographs, detailed maps, and lively writing, Rambling Along the Royal Canal is designed as the perfect companion for anyone exploring the route  whether by foot or by bike.

Dont go walking there without this book, says author and broadcaster Eanna Ni Lamhna.

Dredge, a retired telecommunications technologist from ESB and an active member of writing groups in Kildare and Meath, developed the book through the National Mentoring Programme at the Irish Writers Centre.

Rambling Along the Royal Canal will be available in paperback from June 19, priced at 24.95.
One household was given an estimate of 150,000 for water and wastewater connections, members heard at a recent meeting with Cllr Paddy O'Rourke stating that the issue, in his view, was that "a few large contractors have a monopoly and are not compelled to compete for work. One family here in Leitrim had an estimate of 150,000 to connect their home to the network," he stated.

Cllr O'Rourke had also spoke of another Leitrim case where "a contractor gave an estimate- it was only a few metres to connect to a sewer- of 24,000 and he couldn't award to him because he wasn't on the so-called list and those who were on the list charged him 80,000."

After contacting Uisce Eireann, the Leitrim Observer was advised that the water company "has recently broadened the scope for permitting accredited contractors (appointed by the customer directly) to deliver water services infrastructure in the public road."

The company continued that the "established and implemented an enduring Connection Charging Policy in January 2019 which provided a standard set of charges for connections to Uisce Eireanns water and wastewater networks."

READ MORE: Jail for man who made bogus calls to RNLI and stole from Leitrim church

In the statement provided, the water company continued that "the policy was derived from the charging principles provided to Uisce Eireann by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and has been applied consistently to all customers seeking connection to the network regardless of any regional or local variations. This ensured equity and non-discrimination in the provision of a standard, transparent connection charging regime for Uisce Eireanns customers.

The policy is based on Standard Connection Charges for the majority of connections, however some connections may inevitably have additional Quotable Charge elements, dependent on customer specific load or volume requirements, site specific factors and distance from the network.

READ MORE: Leitrim GAA club to run 90km cycle to mark first anniversary of beloved GAA Players passing

They continued that "quotable charges are applied by Uisce Eireann based on competitive rates tendered by third party contractors."

For more information on this programme, please see the following link: Self Lay in Public Road Pilot | Connections | Uisce Eireann (formerly Irish Water).
It's a hot topic at local government level and the importance of Leitrim's N4 Carrick-on-Shannon to Dromod bypass was discussed as part of a report outlining 33 infrastructure projects that would have "a transformative impact on the Northern and Western Region", at a breakfast briefing held in Dublin.

The report was discussed by a delegation from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) presented Government Ministers, TDs, Senators and Senior Government officials.

READ MORE: Opportunity to share your time and change a life in Leitrim nursing homes

The assembly advocates for greater economic development of Leitrim as well as Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan.

The report, titled Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region, identifies the need for a minimum 9 billion in capital investment needed across the regions transport, energy, education, water, and climate infrastructure. These are specifically for the projects that could be costed at the time, with other projects to be costed at a later date. These initiatives are designed to address significant infrastructure deficits, unlock economic potential, and advance climate resilience in Irelands most underfunded region."

READ MORE: North Leitrim man takes on 50km challenge for guide dogs charity

Other key projects discussed were the N17 Knock to Collooney road scheme (600m) Donegal TEN-T Projects (790m to 915m) and phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor (400600 million), the Galway City Ring Road (500 million to 1 billion) and investments at Ireland West Airport Knock.

Previously The Department of Transport has confirmed a funding allocation of 1.3 million for the bypass.

There is currently one crossing point of the River Shannon at Carrick-on-Shannon via a narrow masonry arch bridge, dating from 1846. The section of the N4 under consideration passes through both rural and urban environments and is approximately 21km long, extending from Drumharlow townland north of Carrick-on-Shannon to Faulties townland south of Aghamore.

READ MORE: Leitrim residents being 'left in limbo' by Uisce Eireann, Dail hears

The NWRA developed the report following extensive consultation with all nine local authorities in the region, along with key infrastructure agencies including Transport Infrastructure Ireland, EirGrid, Uisce Eireann, and Atlantic Technological University. The report will be transposed into a submission from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly on the review of the National Development Plan (NDP). The submission to the NDP will aim to ensure the Northern and Western Region, through the provision of critical infrastructure, is fully empowered to meet Irelands targets on housing, climate action, connectivity, and economic development.

The report on the Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region will be submitted as part of the NWRAs submission to the NDP consultation, which is available here: https://www.nwra.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/NWRA-Briefing-Report-on-projects-for-NDP-review.pdf
Leo, who first captured attention with his performance on the Late Late Toy Show and at the 2024 Fleadh Cheoil, now joins a legacy that includes some of Irelands most celebrated actors.

Richard Harris, the late Limerick legend, was the original Dumbledorebringing warmth and quiet authority to the headmaster role in the first two films. After his death in 2002, the role passed to Michael Gambon, born in Dublin, who portrayed a sterner but equally powerful version of the character until the series concluded.

Brendan Gleeson gave a memorable performance as Mad-Eye Moody in The Goblet of Fire, bringing grit, humour, and unpredictability to the role. His son, Domhnall Gleeson, also joined the franchise as Bill Weasley in the final instalments.

Fiona Shaw, from County Cork, portrayed the sharp-tongued Aunt Petunia DursleyHarrys cold and controlling Muggle aunt. And Evanna Lynch, from Louth, became an international icon as Luna Lovegood. Cast through an open audition, Lynch's portrayal of the dreamy Ravenclaw student won over fans and critics alike.

Then theres Devon Murray, the original Seamus Finnigan, who brought the fiery Irish character to life in all eight films. Now, nearly two decades later, Leo Earley picks up the torch for a new generationportraying the same role in what HBO promises will be a deeper, more faithful adaptation of the books.

As filming begins this summer, Leo becomes the youngest Irish actor to take on a recurring role in a major U.S. television series. From rural Leitrim to the global stage, hes continuing a proud tradition of Irish magic woven through the halls of Hogwarts.
The Kinlough Mast Action Group have decided to take the next step in opposing the installation of a second telecommunications mast near the local primary school by seeking a judicial review.

The north Leitrim group, comprised of parents and community members, has been raising concerns about the proposed 24 metre mast for several years.

Vantage Towers plans to place the mast just 170 metres away from Four Masters National School. According to the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures, the siting of free-standing telecommunication masts in or near smaller towns and villages should only be considered as a last resort, after all alternative options have been explored.

The same guidelines also state that locating such masts beside schools should be avoided unless no other options are available.

READ NEXT: Community rallies to halt controversial mast near school in north Leitrim

A judicial review  a process by which the High Court can oversee decisions made by tribunals, courts or public bodies  can cost tens of thousands of euros.

To help cover the legal expenses, the Kinlough Mast Action Group has launched a fundraising campaign through iDonate, with a target of 30,000.

In March, a community meeting was held in Kinlough Community Centre to discuss potential next steps, including persuading the landowner to halt the development or pursuing a judicial review.

The meeting was attended by several councillors, local business people, staff from the primary school and a large group of concerned residents.

Spokesperson for the group and well known businessman Noel McGowan, alongside Karol Warnock previously pursued a judicial review. In May 2024, the court ruled in their favour after An Bord Pleanala conceded that it had failed to consider Leitrim County Councils submission.

READ NEXT: Jail for man who made bogus calls to RNLI and stole from Leitrim church

Subsequently, an inspector from An Bord Pleanala assessed the site and recommended refusing permission, mainly due to the masts visual impact. This recommendation was overturned, and planning permission was ultimately granted.

The proposed development has faced strong local opposition. When the mast went to planning in September 2023, 130 submissions were lodged against it.

Chief concerns raised by the community include its visual impact and fears over potential environmental and health risks, particularly for children.

However, health concerns alone dont constitute valid grounds for refusal. In Ireland, An Bord Pleanala, local councils and Government agencies do not consider potential health risks from mobile phone mast radiation when making planning decisions.

We live in an area of outstanding natural beauty and this will destroy the place where we live, a spokesperson wrote on iDonate.

READ NEXT: Opportunity to share your time and change a life in Leitrim nursing homes

Your contribution will be very much appreciated and all monies collected will be recorded in a fully transparent manner.

The judicial review has yet to be scheduled, but it may take place in late summer. More than 3,000 has been raised so far toward the 30,000 target.

Additional information can be found on the fundraising page here.

A visual showing the proposed location of the mast.
We must move beyond anonymous criticisms and begin to take ownership of our narrativewith courage, transparency, and vision, Emmanuel Azango urges.
The court will decide today whether the case against Ex-Speaker Koffa (pictured) and others should proceed to full trial or whether the charges against the accused would be dismissed.
Tensions reached a boiling point on June 10, when student leaders of the Phebe-Esther Bacon College of Health Sciences locked several key administrators inside the main administration building.
New Delhi, Jun 11 (PTI) Global fashion brand Zara has flat growth in its India sales as its revenue from operations was at 2,782.06 crore for FY'25, while its profit was up nearly 23 per cent to 299.47 crore, according to the latest annual report of Trent Ltd.

Inditex Trent Retail India Private Ltd (ITRIPL), a JV which is engaged in the operation of Zara stores in India, in FY'24 had reported a revenue from operations at 2,768.90 crore and a profit of 243.84 crore.

ITRIPL is a JV between Spain's Inditex, which owns luxury fashion brand Zara and Tata Group's retail arm Trent Ltd.

Its total income, which includes other income, was up 2.26 per cent to 2,839.50 crore for the financial year ended on March 31, 2025.

Zara, which competes with the likes of other foreign brands such as H&M and UNIQLO in India, currently operates 22 stores across 13 cities.

A year before, the entity for Zara was operating 23 stores across 12 cities.

In FY'25, Trent offloaded its stake in ITRIPL in the buyback offer made by ITRIPL.

"Consequent to the acceptance of the offer by ITRIPL, the Company holds 34.94 per cent of the equity shareholding (earlier 49%) in ITRIPL w.e.f. 30th August 2024," it said.

The Inditex group of Spain has another similar JV association with Trent, which operates Massimo Dutti stores in India. Massimo Dutti India Pvt Ltd (MDIPL) operates three stores in India.

Its revenue was also marginally down 0.7 per cent to 100.37 crore in FY'25, as against 101.09 Crore in FY'24.

Like ITRIPL, Trent had sold 29 per cent of its shareholding in MDIPL in March 2025, reducing the Tata group firm's shareholding in MDIPL to 20 per cent.

"The entities essentially facilitate distribution of Zara and Massimo Dutti products in India through their respective stores," it said.

The business of both entities is essentially limited to the distribution of Zara and Massimo Dutti products in India.

Both entities are required to source merchandise only from the Inditex Group.
(Bloomberg) -- Immigration raids rocking cities from Los Angeles to Chicago are spreading to the agriculture industry, with a meat plant in the Midwest and fruit workers in California being targeted.

More than 70 people were detained after a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid at a meat plant in Omaha, Nebraska, earlier this week. Federal agents were also spotted at a field where farm laborers were picking blueberries in Tulare County, California, the LA Times reported.

The administration of President Donald Trump is ramping up immigration raids across the country, and farm workers are no longer being spared. Almost half of the more than 850,000 crop workers in the US are undocumented, the Department of Agriculture estimates.

The raid in Omaha found some undocumented immigrants at the Glenn Valley Foods facility, which makes products such as beef, chicken and pork for retail and other food-service providers. That was the biggest workforce enforcement operation in the state so far under Trumps second term.

In California, the nations largest agricultural state, federal agents showed up in farm fields and packinghouses from the Central Coast to the San Joaquin Valley, according to the LA Times. Elizabeth Strater, vice president of the United Farm Workers, told the newspapers that there has been an uptick in the chaotic presence of immigration enforcement, particularly the Border Patrol.

We are deeply alarmed by the latest actions from the Trump Administration targeting workers at agricultural fields, packinghouses, and other facilities from the Central Coast to the Central Valley, said California Democratic Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff. Without the people who work through harsh conditions  extreme heat, cold weather, or pouring rain  feeding the nation would be impossible.

The raid in Omaha has already impacted production, with the facility now running with less than a third of its normal staff, according to Chad Hartmann, president of Glenn Valley Foods.

Weve done our best to ramp up production, Hartmann said by phone.

--With assistance from Gerson Freitas Jr., Erin Ailworth and Eliyahu Kamisher.

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(Bloomberg) -- Bankrupt auto-parts supplier Marelli Holdings Co. won court approval to borrow $518.9 million to help fund its reorganization after delaying a request for some parts of a financing package questioned by a federal bankruptcy watchdog.

The loan, which is being provided by Deutsche Bank and other senior Marelli lenders, will need to be approved in two stages, which is typical in large corporate bankruptcy cases. The company will return to court in the coming weeks to seek final approval from US Bankruptcy Judge Craig Goldblatt for the full, $1.1 billion financing package.

Marelli delayed seeking approval of some aspects of the financing package in order to resolve concerns from the US Trustee, which oversees bankruptcy cases on behalf of the US Justice Department. When the company returns to court, it will renew its request to refinance some of its older debt.

The financing package is complex, company lawyer Spencer A. Winters told Goldblatt during a court hearing in Wilmington, Delaware. The proposal for it includes two loan tranches and four different payback priorities, he said.

The company filed bankruptcy Wednesday after being caught up in industry upheaval as electrification and automation forced global carmakers to shift their strategy to cope with declining sales in key markets. The company blamed tariffs and lingering supply-chain problems that began during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to court papers.

About 80% of the companys lenders have signed an agreement to support the restructuring, which is designed to shed debt, Marelli said in a statement. The loan approved Wednesday will help the company continue operating normally during the insolvency case.

Lenders involved in the restructuring include Fortress Credit Advisors, owed more than $270 million and funds managed by Strategic Value Partners owed more than $1.3 billion, according to court records.

The case is Marelli Automotive Lighting USA, 25-11034, US Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware (Wilmington)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
AI tech leader and ChatGPT maker OpenAI is in talks for $40 billion funding with India's Reliance Industries, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and existing shareholder United Arab Emirates' MGX, according to a report by The Information, citing sources.

They added that each investors could put in at least hundreds of millions of dollars in the fundraise, as the Microsoft-backed AI frontrunner looks to fuel its model development and ambitious infrastructure plan Stargate.

Invesment from India? According to a Reuters report citing two sources, during his meeting with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in February, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman discussed India's plans to create a low-cost AI ecosystem.

Post that he was in the UAE, and reportedly discussed raising funds with MGX, the report added citing the same sources.

Besides these, The Information report added that OpenAI is also in talks for $100 million each from Founders Fund and Coatue. Overall, the company expects additional funding of around $17 billion in 2027, it added.

Reuters could not immediately confirm the report.

OpenAI, PIF, Reliance Industries, MGX and SoftBank did not immediately respond to queries, it added.

Also Read | Donald Trump to set unilateral tariff rates for trading partners within 2 weeks

What is Stargate? Stargate is a joint corporate venture led by SoftBank, along with OpenAI and Oracle, that aims to invest $500 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, with initial funding from the three companies, and Abu Dhabi state investor MGX.

It was announced by US President Donald Trump, in a White House press conference in January this year, along with SoftBanks Chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Oracle's Executive Chairman Larry Ellison.

Addressing reporters, Son, will serve as Stargate's chairman, said the JV will deploy $100 billion immediately, with a goal of increasing to at least $500 billion to build new infrastructure for OpenAI, including data centers and physical campuses.

Besides the financing aspect, Arm Holdings Plc, Microsoft Corp. and Nvidia Corp. will provide technology, along with Oracle and OpenAI, Bloomberg had reported at the time.
New Delhi: Trent Ltd has pared its stakes in its joint ventures with Spanish fashion giant Inditex Group to operate the Zara and Massimo Dutti brands in India, even as Tata Groups retail arm aggressively expands its own business.

Trent has two JVs with Inditex: Inditex Trent Retail India Pvt. Ltd (ITRIPL) to run Zara stores; and Massimo Dutti India Pvt. Ltd (MDIPL) for the eponymous brand.

Trent reduced its holding in ITRIPL from 49% to 34.94% by selling 1,40,000 equity shares through a buyback offer made by ITRIPL effective 30 August 2024, the Tata Group company said in its annual report for FY25 released on Thursday. Similarly, it cut its stake in MDIPL from 49% to 20% by selling 1,75,450 equity shares to Grupo Massimo Dutti, Spain, effective 25 March 2025.

Zara currently operates 22 stores in 13 cities across India, while Massimo Dutti has just three.

In FY25, Zara reported total income of 2,839.5 crore, up 2.26% over the previous year. Massimo Dutti reported 101.23 crore in revenue, marginally down from 101.79 crore in FY24

Financial, not strategic Trent has consistently maintained that its Inditex partnerships are financial in nature and not long-term strategic bets.

Including in the context of brand ownership and the arrangements for merchandise supply (with the majority partner entirely controlling these core customer propositions and the terms thereto), the company views its related commitments as a financial investment, the annual report said.

These ventures are limited to product distribution in India, which affects the economic value attributable to them, it said.

The joint venture with Inditex was inked in 2009 to launch Zara in India. The original terms gave Inditex a 51% stake and Trent the remaining 49%.

Notably, Inditex recently launched its third brand, Bershka, in India through a wholly owned entityBershka Retail India Pvt. Ltdwithout any local partner. It has also set up Zara Home Retail India Pvt. Ltd as a 100% subsidiary.

Inditexs 2024 annual report stated that it holds call options on Trents remaining shareholding35% in ITRIPL and 49% in MDIPL. Trent, in turn, holds put options to sell its stake to Industria de Diseno Textil S.A., with the strike price based on pre-defined terms.

Focus shifts to Zudio and Westside While scaling down its Inditex JVs, Trent continues to aggressively expand its own brands, especially Westside and value-fashion chain Zudio.

Trent chair Noel Tata said the country's second-largest retailer by market capitalisation remains on track to grow 10 times, citing the companys differentiated model of selling own-branded products through exclusive stores.

Tata, who in October last year took over as the chair of Tata Trusts, the philanthropic entities that control the Tata conglomerate, reaffirmed Trent's focus on the home market even as the retailer expanded overseas.

"Two years ago, I had envisioned that Trent would one day be ten times bigger. Since then, the revenue run rate has doubled. The headroom for growth remains enormous, and I am confident that we will reach this milestone in the not-too-distant future," Tata said in the companys FY25 annual report.

The company is recovering after a year of slow growth, returning to its pre-pandemic expansion and proving to be one of the few profitable retailers in India.

In FY24, Trent's revenue growth slowed to 24% over the previous fiscal. However, in FY25, revenue surged 40% to 17,135 crore. The company opened 295 stores during the year, exceeding the total number of outlets opened in the previous two fiscal years combined. Net profit rose 54% to 1,585 crore during FY25.

Zudio, Trents fast-growing value fashion chain, led the expansion during the fiscal with 244 new outlets, increasing its presence to 765 stores across 235 cities, including its first two overseas stores.

The Tata Group company also surpassed 100 million customers and expanded its retail space by over 3 million sq. ft, beefing up its presence in tier-2 and 3 cities.

Westside, the companys flagship lifestyle and apparel brand, ended the year with 248 stores. Digital sales for the retail format grew 41% and now account for 6% of the brand's revenue.

The companys food and grocery format, Star, a joint venture with Tesco, posted a 25% growth in revenue to 2,699 crore. While it remained unprofitable, Star narrowed its net loss to 92.3 crore from 97.3 crore in FY24. More than 70% of Star's revenue now comes from private labels.

Trent is still in the early rounds of our growth and will continue to invest in design, digital systems, and supply chain to support long-term brand development, managing director P. Venkatesalu said in the annual report.

Since Noel Tata took over as chairman in 2014, Trent has transformed from a single-format lifestyle chain into a diverse retail platform that now includes various sectors such as value fashion, lifestyle products, grocery, beauty, and ethnic wear.
New Delhi: Indias ambitious plan to set up small nuclear reactorscalled Bharat small reactors or BSRsfor captive industrial use is off to a promising start, with major companies lining up to participate, according to two people aware of the development.

Companies including Reliance Industries, Adani Group, Indian Railways, Greenko, Vedanta, HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL), JSW Group, and Hindalco Industries have responded to a request for proposal (RFP) floated by state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) for setting up two units of 220-Mwe pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) BSRs, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity. PWHR is a type of nuclear reactor that uses heavy water both as a coolant and a moderator.

The strategic move is aimed at helping the country achieve a net-zero carbon emission goal by 2070. While India currently has an installed nuclear power generation capacity of 8.78 giga watt (GW), the target is to develop 22.48 GW by 2030 and 100GW by 2047.

Companies that participated are predominantly those who are large captive power plant users as that is one of the key criteria for NPCIL to select for the first set of proposals," one of the two people cited above said. The technology for setting up the BSRs will be shared by NPCIL."

Key Takeaways India is launching an ambitious plan to deploy Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) for captive industrial use, with major companies showing interest.

Companies like Reliance, Adani, and Indian Railways have responded to NPCIL's RFP for 220-MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) BSRs.

The initiative aims to help India achieve its net-zero carbon emission goal by 2070 and significantly boost nuclear power capacity.

Private companies will bear the cost of construction and operation of BSRs, while NPCIL will operate them for a fee.

Analysts see a resurgence of interest in nuclear power due to low operational costs and its suitability for replacing thermal plants, despite high capital costs.

India plans to operationalize at least five indigenously developed SMRs by 2033, and is exploring exporting them to other countries.

The land inspection for preliminary site feasibility is currently on, the people cited above said. According to NPCILs RFP, whichMinthas seen, while the private companies will bear the cost of constructing and running these plants, NPCIL will receive a fee to run them. The plan is to operationalize at least five indigenously developed SMRs by 2033.

Queries emailed to the spokespersons of Department of Atomic Energy, the Union power ministry, Reliance Industries Ltd, Adani Group, Indian Railways, Greenko Group, HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL), and Hindalco on Tuesday remained unanswered till press time.Spokespersons of Vedanta andJSW Groupdeclined to comment.

An NPCIL spokesperson in an emailed response said, The detailed RFP, various corrigenda along with pre-proposal clarification responses to queries received from various users are available in public domain on our website," and askedMintto refer to the same.

Also read | India should keep all its nuclear power options in play

Analysts say the time for nuclear power has come given its low operational cost.

Nuclear energy provides high quality, reliable power at low operational cost. Historically, these advantages have been overshadowed by concerns over safety, capital cost, and fuel supply. However, surging demand from AI data centres and crypto, coupled with its unique low-carbon baseload capability apt for thermal plant replacement, has driven a resurgence of interest," wrote SBI Caps in a 30 April report.

To be sure, the cost of nuclear power projects (NPPs) is higher than most other comparable forms of energy (except hydropower). NPPs have a capital cost of commissioning of around 16-20 crore per megawatt (MW), compared to coal-fuelled power projects 9-10 crore per MW, and solar, wind and hydropower costs of 4.3-5.3 crore, 6.5-7.8 crore and 20 crore, respectively.

However, the levelized cost of nuclear power is competitive when compared to renewable energy along with the storage component, according to the SBI Caps report.

The RFP details

According to the RFP, while the cost of construction, operation and decommissioning of these nuclear power plants will be borne by the selected user, they will be transferred to NPCIL for Re 1. However, beneficial ownershipright over electricity generatedwill remain with the user.

NPCIL will be the operator of the project, and the selected user will pay NPCIL for its expertise. The charges: 60 paise per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2030-31, which will go up by 1 paise/kWh per year. Also, the selected user should have 2,500 million units (MUs) of electricity requirement, a high credit rating, and a minimum net worth of 3,000 crore.

These plants will get the status of captive generating plants, with a proposal for amending the Electricity Rules, 2005, notified under the Electricity Act, 2003 being under consideration of the power ministry. Also, in case of users wanting to sell electricity to others, the tariff will be determined by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) as per the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.

The process explained

The project is to be constructed by the user under the supervision and control of the NPCIL, and on completion, the asset is to be transferred to NPCIL for operation," the RFP stated. Once the NPP under BSR project has been fully constructed, the entire asset will be transferred for (the) purpose of operation thereof to NPCIL under long-term comprehensive O&M (operations and maintenance) agreement."

The first stage involves the user and NPCIL inking a non-committal MoU for carrying out pre-project activities, post which the user will approach the state government for reclassification of proposed land for setting up these nuclear power plants. Once the approval for the lands long-term lease agreement for 99 years to NPCIL is in place, a definitive agreement will be signed between the user and NPCIL.

There will be a tripartite agreement between User, DAE and NPCIL for leasing of fuel and heavy water. All expenses for the fuel and heavy water are to be borne by the user," the RFP said and added, Fuel and heavy water will be supplied by the DAE to NPCIL under the tripartite agreement."

Why small reactors

SMRs are in demand globally given their smaller size and lesser land requirement. They are a focus area for the government and found special mention and allocation in Indias previous two Union budgets.

The full budget for FY25 in July 2024 proposed the governments partnership with the private sector to develop SMRs, while the interim budget in February 2024 announced funding of 1 trillion for research and development (R&D). The Union budget for FY26 announced a 20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission for R&D of SMRs.

Development of at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 is essential for our energy transition efforts. For an active partnership with the private sector towards this goal, amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act will be taken up," said finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech earlier this year.

Also read | Oklo moves closer to build and operate micro nuclear plant for US Air Force

Of Indias fleet of 24 commercial nuclear power reactors with an installed capacity of 8.78 GW, which are run by NPCIL, there are 20 PHWRs, making it one of the largest fleets of such reactors.

Indias small nuclear power reactors have been gaining traction globally, with the Indian government also exploring their supply to the electricity-starved African countries impacted by climate change affecting their conventional hydropower generation capacity, which was primarily dependent on the Nile, the Niger, the Congo and the Zambezi river systems as reported byMintearlier.
Mumbai: Sheela Foam Ltd will likely infuse additional capital in House of Kieraya Ltd (HoK), which operates furniture rental startup Furlenco, as the company seeks to raise $10-15 million, two people familiar with the matter told Mint .

The company plans to rope in external investors and existing investors," one person said, adding that the deal structures are still being worked out.

Sheela Foam, which listed in 2016, has invested about 400 crore to date to acquire a 45% stake in HoK, making it the largest shareholder. With 50.10% of the equity voting rights, HoK is strategically important for Sheela Foam as it can be a potential growth vertical for the mattress maker, Crisil said in April.

The company is looking to raise over 100 crore ($12.5 million) to fund its expansion plans and get to the 500-600 crore revenue mark over the next three years," the second person said.

Sheela Foam did not immediately respond to Mints requests for comment. HoK declined to comment.

Sheela Foam acquired a 35% stake in HoK in 2023 for a cash consideration of about 300 crore to enter the fast-growing branded furniture market. The transaction valued the company at about 857 crore. Sheela Foam acquired another 10.5% in the following year with a 107 crore investment. The mattress maker also owns brands such as Kurlon, Sleepwell, Joyce and Interplasp.

SFL has been actively involved in the operations of HoK and three out of the five board members in HoK are from SFL. HoK is likely to receive any need-based financial support at short notice in case of exigencies," Crisil, the credit rating company, said in April.

Shares of Sheela Foam have declined about 27% in the past year.

Funding rounds

HoK raised $7 million in a debt funding round from Northern Arc and CredAvenue earlier this year. The subscription-based furniture rental startup had raised $140 million in a round led by Zinnia Global in a mix of debt and equity in 2021.

In May 2022, it raised another round of debt funding from revenue-based financing platform Klub against future recurring revenue. HoK also counts Lightbox, CE-Ventures and angel investor Saket Burman among its backers.

Founded in 2012 by Ajith Mohan Karimpana, Furlenco operates in the over $5 billion rental furniture and appliances market and has a presence in Bengaluru, the National Capital Region, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and Pune, among other cities. Its offerings range from furniture to appliances on a monthly, half-yearly and full-yearly rental basis.

HoK, which competes with Cityfurnish and Rentomojo, has a subscriber base of over 100,000 subscribers, with a net addition of 4,000-5,000 customers every month. The company differentiates itself from competitors through its in-house designing and large in-house manufacturing capacity, which accounts for 40-50% of its production.

HoK reported revenue of 140 crore in FY24, a drop from 156 crore a year earlier. Its loss widened to 130 crore from 128 crore in FY23.

The companys revenue is expected to increase to 215-225 crore in FY25, driven by an increase in subscribers, according to a Crisil report in April. The credit rating company said the company is expected to turn profitable through better absorption of fixed costs driven by growing scale of operations.

It highlighted that the company would benefit from a strong position in the furniture rental market as the entry barriers are high due to extensive capital needs. However, Crisil added that the company continues to face challenges due to capital-intensive operations because the business requires continuous addition of furniture to rent out to customers.

Also Read | How AI is transforming the role of venture capital for startups
United States President Donald Trump on June 11 said he intends to send letters to trading partners within the next week or two setting unilateral tariff rates, according to a Bloomberg report. The move will come ahead of a July 9 deadline to reimpose higher duties on severeal countries, it added.

Speaking to reporters, Donald Trump said, At a certain point, were just going to send letters out. And I think you understand that, saying this is the deal, you can take it or leave it.

When reporters questioned if countries would get more time to make trade deals before the higher tariffs start, the US president said he would be open to it, but But I dont think were gonna have that necessity.

Also Read | First person of Indian origin elected head of American Medical Association

Change in strategy for Trump administration? While Donald Trump had initially said he would engage in talks with each country, the US strategy has since moved towards prioritising key economic partners with the administration acknowledging that it lacks the capacity to negotiate dozens of individual deals, the report said.

While deals with China and the United Kingdom have had extensive discussions and near completion, Trumps team is working to secure bilateral deals with India, Japan, South Korea and the European Union.

Also speaking to reporters on June 11, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that a deal with the EU is likely to be among the last to be completed, expressing frustration with conducting talks with a 27-nation bloc.

Another TACO moment coming for US? At present it is unclear if Donald Trump will follow through with his intent as he has often set two-week deadlines only for dates to be postponed or for the matter to be dropped, the report noted.

Notably, on May 29, a reporter invited Donald Trump ire by asking his opinion on Wall Street dubbing his tariffs plan as TACO i.e. Trump Always Chickens Out  mocking the US president's frequent tariff impositions and subsequent reductions, followed by waivers. A visibly offended Donald Trump went on a defensive rant: Don't ever say what you said. To me, that's the nastiest question.

In April, the US president announced higher tariffs for dozens of trading partners, and then paused action for 90 days. Then, on May 16, Donald Trump said he would be setting tariff rates for US trading partners over the next two to three weeks. Till date (June 11 last), the only trade framework the US has reached is with the UK, along with a shaky tariff truce with China.

First coined by The Financial Times' Robert Armstrong, the term TACO has been picked up for use by Wall Street traders, who see large sell-offs each time Donald Trump's tariffs are announced, followed by recovery when the demand is cut down or removed.
At least 11 out of the 12 members of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board have resigned en masse to protest unprecedented interference from Trump administration officials, they claimed in a statement on Substack.

The statement posted on 11 June titled Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board Resignation Statement, said that members of the board voted to resign rather than endorse unprecedented actions that  compromise national interests and integrity.

Notably, AP reported that one board member has not joined the mass resignation. Board member Carmen Estrada-Schaye told the agency, I was appointed by the president of the United States, and I intend to fill out my term.

According to the statement, the Trump administration denied a number of US academics from receiving the prestigious awards and has rejected scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. Further, they alleged unauthorised review of 1,200 foreign Fulbright recipients.

As per the New York Times, which broke the story, US State Department officials have cancelled Fulbright scholarships for nearly 200 US professors and researchers at universities and research centres abroad.

Why the step? Key issues raised by board: The board alleges that the current administration has usurped its authority in contradiction to Fulbright's mission and values, including free speech and academic freedom.

When the US Congress established the Fulbright scholarship program, the board was given final approval over applicants and screening by nonpartisan career staff at the State Department.

It added that over 35 foreign governments match or exceed the US contributions to the program.

The board added that its written objections to senior administration officials failed to receive a response, and continuing to serve  would risk legitimising actions we believe are unlawful and damage the integrity of this storied program and Americas credibility abroad.

How has govt responded? US State Dept says A US State Department official, in statements to the media, dismissed the mass resignation as politically motivated. They also disputed claims of board independence and said that it has the final say over applications.

Its ridiculous to believe that these members would continue to have final say over the application process, especially when it comes to determining academic suitability and alignment with President Trumps Executive Orders. The claim that the Fulbright-Hays Act affords exclusive and final say over Fulbright Applications to the Fulbright board is false. This is nothing but a political stunt attempting to undermine President Trump, the official said.

The 12 members of the Fulbright board were partisan political appointees of the Biden administration. Its ridiculous to believe that these members would continue to have final say over the application process, especially when it comes to determining academic suitability and alignment with President Trumps executive orders, they added.

The AP reported that, besides Estrada-Schaye, 11 of the board members were selected under former US President Joe Biden.

Also Read | Donald Trump to set unilateral tariff rates for trading partners within 2 weeks

Read full statement: Govt usurping authority, denied Fulbright awards, reviewing 1,200 recipients Effective immediately, members of the Congressionally mandated Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board voted overwhelmingly to resign from the board, rather than endorse unprecedented actions that we believe are impermissible under the law, compromise U.S. national interests and integrity, and undermine the mission and mandates Congress established for the Fulbright program nearly 80 years ago.

At the programs inception, Congress clearly specified that the Fulbright Board has final approval authority of applicants, which occurs after an exhaustive and deliberate, year-long process led by non-partisan career staff at the State Department and Embassies around the world. The process involves 49 binational, treaty-based commissions and over 150 countries, which contribute a significant amount of the annual funding for the Fulbright program. In fact, 35+ foreign governments match or exceed the U.S. governments annual contribution.

Under Democratic and Republican administrations alike, the Board has followed the law, operating with independence pursuant to its statutory mandate. Indeed, the Fulbright-Hays Act emphasizes the non-political and non-ideological character of the program.

However, the current administration has usurped the authority of the Board and denied Fulbright awards to a substantial number of individuals who were selected for the 2025-2026 academic year. The administration is also currently subjecting an additional 1,200 foreign Fulbright recipients to an unauthorized review process and could reject more. We believe these actions not only contradict the statute but are antithetical to the Fulbright mission and the values, including free speech and academic freedom, that Congress specified in the statute.

It is worth noting that the awards that were overridden include studies in categories such as biology, engineering, architecture, agriculture, crop sciences, animal sciences, biochemistry, medical sciences, music, and history.

Through generations of war and peace, the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Program has been a bipartisan pillar of American diplomacyan enduring symbol of our nations commitment to mutual understanding and diplomacy, academic excellence, and international cooperation. It has promoted U.S. interests and global stability. Fulbright alumni have gone on to become leaders of government, industry, academia, arts, and culture in every part of the world.

Members of Congress of both parties tout the prestige and economic benefits bestowed upon their home state colleges and universities who support such distinguished students and alumni.

This proud legacy has depended on one thing above all: the integrity of the programs selection process based on merit, not ideology, and its insulation from political interference. That integrity is now undermined.

We have raised these legal issues and our strong objections with senior administration officials on multiple occasions, including in writing. The officials have refused to acknowledge or respond to the Board, failing to even attempt good faith efforts to course correct and operate the Program in accordance with the statute.

Our resignation is not a decision we take lightly. But to continue to serve after the Administration has consistently ignored the Boards request that they follow the law would risk legitimizing actions we believe are unlawful and damage the integrity of this storied program and Americas credibility abroad. Indeed, the erosion of the Fulbright program weakens America and our national security interests. Institutions and the rule of law matter and have distinguished our country for almost 250 years. As a Board, we are proud of our stewardship of the program, the way weve worked to uphold its mission, integrity, and adherence to the law.

It is our sincere hope that Congress, the courts, and future Fulbright Boards will prevent the administrations efforts to degrade, dismantle, or even eliminate one of our nations most respected and valuable programs. Injecting politics and ideological mandates into the Fulbright program violates the letter and spirit of the law that Congress so wisely established nearly eight decades ago.

About Fulbright Scholarships Established around 80 years back, in 1946, to promote international exchange and American diplomacy, the Fulbright Scholarship is a highly selective program that awards close to 9,000 scholarships annually in the US and over 160 other countries to students, scholars, and professionals in a range of fields.

Sponsored by the US Department of States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) it was established under legislation introduced by late Senator J William Fulbright, of Arkansas.

According to the Fulbright website, its alumni include 62 Nobel prize winners and 93 Pulitzer recipients. Some notable alumni include King Felipe VI of Spain; Luc Frieden, prime minister of Luxembourg; Leslie Voltaire, president of Haitis transitional presidential council; and Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh.

Also Read | Trump administration may restore funding to Harvard Uni? Education Sec says THIS

How many Indians will be impacted? The United StatesIndia Educational Foundation (USIEF) administers the Fulbright Program in India, according to the US Embassy in India website.

It added that Indias program is one of the largest with more than 350 fellowships granted annually. Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration and foreign students in the US is likely to impact thousands of Indian students.

Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education told Business Standard in May, India has become the leading source of international students in the US. More than 331,600 Indian students were enrolled in the US during the 202324 academic year, making up nearly 30 per cent of the international student body.
Russian forces ate into more Ukrainian territory in May than in almost any month since the end of 2022, as the Kremlin presses a summer offensive to create the impression in the West that victory is within its grasp.

For the past two years, battlefield momentum has been incremental and costly for both sides. But Russia has managed to accelerate its rate of advance in recent months, as it did last fall, before wet, cold conditions slowed Moscows progress.

Peace talks have stalled, bringing focus back to where the war will ultimately be decided: the battlefield. Russia is seeking sufficient front-line gains to force Kyiv to consent to its demands, which essentially amount to a capitulation. Ukraine wants to hold Russia off and do enough damage to its forces to convince the Kremlin that the cost of not doing a deal is too high.

Moscow is pushing on several fronts, probing for weak points and trying to capitalize on its hefty manpower advantage by forcing Ukraine to defend across the entire 600-mile front line. It will also be tougher and costlier for Ukraine to stop Russian infantry assaults now that leaves have returned to trees, obscuring the view of Kyivs drones, which had been its first line of defense during the winter.

As the Kremlin continues to pour men and materiel into Ukraine, its primary goal is to convince those in power in the West that Russia will inevitably win the war and any aid Western allies might offer to Kyiv would be wasted, said George Barros, an analyst focused on the conflict for the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank.

The center of gravity for this war is not terrainthe place where its being decisively waged is the perception space in Western capitals," said Barros. Referring to the Russians, he added: If the map is moving, theyre able to say, Were making progress. Ukraine is screwed. How many more billions are you going to spend?"

View Full Image Even in areas where Russian progress has largely stalled out, Moscows forces are continuing assaults, hoping to make Ukrainians commit troops there.

Key to Moscows latest offensive is the eastern Ukrainian city Kostyantynivka, a crucial logistical hub on the edge of the front line.

Earlier this year, Russia began moving troops attacking Pokrovsk, a city further south, toward Kostyantynivka. The shift indicated a change in the direction of its efforts but not necessarily its strategy, analysts said.

Recent assaults on Chasiv Yar and Pokrovsk have proved that Russia is prepared to expend troops, weapons and time trying to capture cities even if they have little strategic value. The battle for Kostyantynivka is likely to be just as brutal and drawn-out, according to Barros.

After a recent advance south of the city, Russia now surrounds Kostyantynivka on three sides.

The city is rapidly transforming into a front line," said one senior lieutenant who is fighting in the area.

Advances in attack-drone technology are also making it more difficult for Ukraine to keep the city supplied. Russian fiber-optic droneswhich are connected by a thin electronic cable to their pilots to protect them from electric jammerscan now travel up to 25 miles, roughly twice as far as they could a year ago, putting roads connecting the city, and supply vehicles, within range.

The strikes are frequent and increasingly precise," the senior lieutenant said. Defensive netting is effective, but hasnt been widely implemented, he said.

In the north, Moscows forces have repelled Ukrainian troops who seized parts of Russias Kursk region after a lightning assault caught the Kremlin off guard last summer.

Now, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia has massed more than 50,000 troops in the area. In recent days, those forces have pushed across the border into Ukraines Sumy region, according to open-source analysts.

Villages near the border with Russia have been nearly flattened, according to one Ukrainian sergeant fighting in the area who said Russians outnumber Ukrainian troops in the region by around two-to-one.

The Russians, he said, appeared to be trying to take Yunakivka, where Ukrainian troops have set up defensive positions and store equipment.

Their actual goal is Sumy," the regional capital, which sits less than 20 miles from the border, he added.

Another infantryman in the Sumy region said the Russians also have an advantage in drones, which makes moving supplies and evacuating wounded very risky.

The pattern is familiar: The enemy wants to stretch our forces thin across a long front, drain our resources and wear us down," he said, adding that so far troop numbers meant that positions were still defensible. Theyre setting the stage," he said of the Russians. The pressure will only increase as the summer goes on."

Rob Lee, senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, said he didnt expect Ukrainian lines to collapse but added that if Russia could get closer to Sumy, it would increase the Kremlins leverage in negotiations.

Even in areas where Russian progress has largely stalled out, Moscows forces are continuing assaults, hoping to make Ukrainians commit troops there.

Around Pokrovsk, Russia is attacking at all hours, according to one Ukrainian captain fighting in the area, even though such assaults have yielded little forward progress for months.

They want to reach the border with Dnipropetrovsk Oblastits important to them symbolically," a Ukrainian captain in the area said. Thats why they keep going through open fields and dying there."

Ukrainian officials say Moscow is also building up troops in the nearby Zaporizhzhia region. Some Ukrainian special forces have been deployed there to help hold back a possible offensive, according to people familiar with the matter.

We anticipate worsening conditions across all directions this summer," said the senior lieutenant in the Kostyantynivka area. Personnel are exhausted. There are not enough rotations. Everyone is operating at the edge of their limits."

Write to Ian Lovett at ian.lovett@wsj.com and Andrew Barnett at andrew.barnett@wsj.com
New Delhi: Hybrid carmakers have approached the ministry of heavy industries seeking tax incentives, according to two people aware of the development, even as the automotive industry has raised concerns over tax parity for hybrids and pure electric vehicles.

"Hybrid makers are seeking tax-related benefits because the tax for clean mobility is lower. Electric vehicles have a goods and services tax of 5%, but hybrids are taxed at par with fossil-fuel vehicles," one person said.

Hybrid carmakers had approached the heavy industries ministry over the definition of clean mobility and highlighted the tax differential between fossil-fuel and hybrid vehicles, the second person said. The government will incentivise all forms of clean mobility, Mint reported on 6 June, citing heavy industries minister HD Kumaraswamy.

A draft of the Delhi EV Policy 2.0 proposing parity of incentives between zero-emission electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles propped up a debate in April, leading to consultations between the heavy industries ministry and automakers.

Also Read | Hybrids vs EVs: New advisory for Delhi fleet operators adds fresh fuel to fire

The issue of tax incentives for hybrids has been a longstanding concern, the second person said. The matter involves aspects such as whether India can reduce the reliance on Chinese supply chains for EVs and whether state governments are willing to give up tax revenue to support hybrids.

There is growing clamour to de-risk electric vehicle portfolios from Chinese supply chains, as highlighted by an industry veteran in a letter to Kumaraswamy. A clean mobility strategy that incentivises only electric vehicles is susceptible to trade-related risks, Rajan Wadhera, former president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, said in the letter.

"If we pursue only one technology for our carbon-reduction goals, we would be exposing ourselves to serious risk by becoming totally dependent on China," Wadhera said in the letter dated 4 June. However, he added that India can harness alternative technologies such as biofuels, strong hybrids, compressed natural gas, liquified natural gas and hydrogen.

SHEV, PHEV

Most recently, the disruption in rare earth magnet supply chains, which is controlled by China, has exposed the risks of being import-dependent for key industrial components. Magnet supply constraints could impact electric vehicle production.

Maruti Suzuki, Indias largest car manufacturer, Toyota and Honda Cars India are among the top makers of hybrids in the country. Maruti Suzuki and Toyota have a strategic partnership under which they share hybrid technology for their vehicles.

Queries sent to Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Honda Cars India, and the heavy industries ministry remained unanswered till publishing time.

Hybrid vehicles, which use petrol/diesel engines with an electric motor and battery to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, are of two types  strong hybrid electric vehicles (SHEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

SHEVs run on a combination of fossil fuels and a battery-powered motor. On the other hand, PHEVs have a charging port for a battery that generates electricity for the car, along with an internal combustion engine that runs on fossil fuels.

According to Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer for corporate affairs at Maruti Suzuki, the company is pursuing multiple technologies for decarbonisation and is trying to make SHEVs viable in India.

However, customers have to pay much more GST in per car terms than corresponding petrol/diesel car," Bharti said.

This is because (although) GST rate on SHEVs is almost similar, only marginally lower than petrol/diesel cars, but their ex-factory cost is higher owing to a battery and motor," he added. "If we get some policy support and volume of hybrids increase, we could go beyond Li-ion cell localization to electrode-level localization and secure our supply chain in India."

Compensation cess

Experts said the debate over taxation of hybrid vehicles may boil down to the compensation cess component, which is levied on fossil fuel and hybrid vehicles but not on EVs. Electric vehicles attract a GST of 5%, while hybrids and fossil-fuel vehicles are levied a 28% tax.

Also Read | How hybrids are reshaping India's green auto market

"At present, consumers are subject to a 43% tax on vehicles powered by fossil fuels or hybrids. This consists of a 28% GST and a 15% compensation cess, the latter of which supports state revenues. For certain larger luxury cars, this may be even higher  up to 48%. In contrast, electric vehicles benefit from significantly lower taxation, with only a 5% GST," said Khushboo Jain, principal associate at Roedl & Partner India, a tax consultancy.

"States may have to consider if they want to lower their compensation cess, in case the issue is discussed within the GST Council," Jain addeda
Mumbai: Thursday's crash of Air India flight AI171 has sent shockwaves throughout the country. This is the first time the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has crashed, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.

Mint breaks down the impact of the crash.

1. What happened? An Air India flight, AI 171, an Ahmedabad to London flight, crashed within minutes after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, according to an Air India statement on X. The aircraft, which had 242 passengers and crew members, was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The plane crashed into a hostel building for doctors, about 1.4 km southwest of the runway end, according to Aviation Safety Network. Subsequently, the Ahmedabad airport was shut down.

2. What happens next? Experts maintain that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), an independent bureau under the ministry of civil aviation, will investigate the crash. The first step is to recover the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder, which appear to be reasonably intact at this time. The US Federal Aviation Administration stated that it has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

3. Any impact on Air India? As of 14 April 2025, Air Indias fleet comprises a total of 198 aircraft. This includes 34 Dreamliners, comprising 27 Boeing 787-8s and 7 Boeing 787-9s. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has the power to ground the remaining 26 Boeing 787-8, which will cause Air India to take a hit. The air carrier may face operational disruptions if these widebody jets are grounded. "It is the worst day of my professional career," Tata Sons Chair N. Chandrasekaran told CNBC-TV18 on Thursday.

4. What is Boeings response? Boeing has said it is in touch with Air India. On 30 April, the US plane maker highlighted the success of the Dreamliner series in a press release, noting that its 1,175 planes had carried 1 billion passengers in 14 yearsa record that surpasses any other wide-body commercial aircraft in history.
President Donald Trump doesnt just want to bring down prescription drug prices for Americans. He wants European countries to raise them to make up the revenue that drugmakers would lose from his policy.

Trump is proposing a so-called most-favored-nation pricing model, which would set U.S. drug prices at the lowest level in other wealthy countries.

But the pharmaceutical industry isnt buying into tying drug prices in the U.S. to prices in Europeat least not knowing the details of the presidents proposal.

More details about the governments pricing model could come this week. On May 12, Trump directed government health officials to benchmark drug prices to international standards within 30 days.

The lobbying group PhRMA, with members including U.S. pharma giants Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and AbbVie, has argued there are two reasons why U.S. drug prices are high: foreign countries not paying their fair share" for medicines, and middlemen such as pharmacy-benefit managers.

Today, U.S. drug pricing is largely market driven. It involves negotiations between drug manufacturers, pharmacy-benefit managers, healthcare insurers and providers.

European countries do it much differently. Each has its own way of determining drug prices, but most follow one of two broad approaches.

The first approach, which Germany and France use, considers the overall clinical effectiveness of a new medicine. How does the new treatment compare to existing ones? Does it have added therapeutic benefits? If the new drug is substantially better, its price would reflect that.

A second approach, used by the U.K., the Netherlands, and Sweden, analyzes cost effectiveness. This model not only compares the new drug to existing ones but also assesses the incremental value that the medicine brings to the health system.

After the assessments, negotiations between drugmakers and the countries begin. Because many European countries have national health systems, they are in a strong negotiation position. If government negotiators think a medicine is too expensive for its effectiveness, they wont recommend its use.

How Trumps MFN policy would work in practice isnt clear. Drug prices would probably be based on list prices in Europe since the prices paid by national health systems, or net prices, are confidential.

The presidents open-ended directive, laid out in an executive order, has many wondering how the U.S. could raise prices in Europe. Trump has made clear he wants to close the gap between U.S. and international prices, and has suggested he would use tariffs and export controls to achieve his goal.

In theory, drugmakers could set list prices higher in Europe as long as it doesnt affect net prices, health policy expert Dr. Huseyin Naci told Barrons.

In the U.K., for example, a higher list price could still lower the prices in other European countries.

So that would still not be an acceptable approach to many other European countries," said Naci, who is associate professor of health policy at the London School of Economics.

Overhauling Europes decades-old pricing approaches would require fundamental changes to their pricing regulationsand there will be little appetite or ability" to alter them, Naci added.

Cost is another complicating factor. Pharmaceutical spending is already one of the top categories of spending in many countries in terms of healthcare expenditure, so theres little room to accommodate higher prices and spending for pharmaceuticals in Europe," according to Naci.

How Trump is planning to make Europeans pay more for drugs is the big question. He could use tariffs and trade negotiations as leverage.

In early April, the president said a major" tax on pharmaceutical imports is coming very shortly," however nothing has been announced yet.

In a trade agreement with the U.K. a month later, there is a provision on pharmaceuticals that states the U.K. will endeavor to improve the overall environment for pharmaceutical companies."

What that means in practice still isnt clear.

Write to Elsa Ohlen at elsa.ohlen@barrons.com
(Bloomberg) -- A final warning from Singapores regulator has prompted major crypto exchanges operating in the country without a permit to plan for a hasty exit.

Bitget and Bybit  top-10 exchange operators by volume with a presence in Singapore but no local license  plan to reorganize their teams, according to people familiar with the matter. Bitget will shift staff to jurisdictions including Dubai and Hong Kong, while Bybit is weighing similar moves, said the people, who refused to be identified as the plans are confidential.

Singapore is among Asias foremost crypto hubs and a regional base for major global players such as Coinbase and Crypto.com. But it still bears the scars of a string of local blow-ups from the last industry downturn in 2022. Even as it doles out licenses, authorities in the city-state have warned consumers against trading cryptocurrencies and restricted related advertisements.

Other digital-asset firms in the country warn that hundreds of jobs could be at stake. The companies hit hardest by the MAS deadline are offshore exchanges. Collectively, such firms have a significant number  in the hundreds  of staff based in Singapore, according to Arthur Cheong, founder and CIO of DeFiance Capital LLC.

In its May 30 announcement, the Monetary Authority of Singapore set a deadline of June 30 for crypto firms based in the city-state and offering services offshore to cease activities, refusing to allow transition time and warning that further licenses would be granted under extremely limited circumstances. Firms with front-office functions including sales and business development based in Singapore or with customers located overseas both fall within the scope of the regulation, MAS said.

Its quite severe, said Patrick Tan, general counsel at ChainArgos, a blockchain intelligence firm that isnt affected by the notice. This is almost is as good as an evacuation procedure.

Representatives of Bitget and Bybit declined to comment on their plans.

This move should also not come as a surprise to the industry as we have consistently communicated our position on such service providers on various occasions, said an MAS spokesperson in response to questions from Bloomberg News. They added that licensed entities are not impacted by the new regulations.

The recent notice from the MAS follows on from the Financial Services and Markets Act, passed in 2022, in which the watchdog had warned of a crackdown on unlicensed crypto companies. In a June 6 clarification, the MAS sought to quell industry concerns stemming from its May 30 announcement by specifying that only a very small number of providers would be affected.

But questions remain as to which firms must pay heed to the June 30 deadline.

Calls are at all hours given the impact on businesses headquartered outside Singapore, said Chris Holland, partner at Singaporean consulting firm HM. Queries range from regulated firms wanting to confirm there is no unexpected operational impact to offshore businesses needing to derisk their Singapore activities.

Gray Area

Crypto firms have a long history of leaving their base of operations ambiguous, posing challenges for would-be regulators. Binance Holdings Ltd., the worlds largest digital-asset exchange, has never named a global headquarters. Its Chief Executive Officer Richard Teng said in 2024 that it had held talks with a number of jurisdictions on the matter, but more recently he described Binance employees as remote-first.

Binance has been on Singapores investor alert list since 2021. A company spokesperson said the firm is committed to respecting local policies and regulations worldwide, without elaborating on its presence in the city-state.

Crypto entities that make use of Singapore-based teams to support offshore operations without clear service delineation is another gray area, said Grace Chong, head of financial regulatory practice in Singapore at Drew & Napier LLC. The MAS may assess such arrangements on a case-by-case basis, she added.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Mumbai: New-age investors will now be able to buy insurance or get credit of all kinds, apart from just trading in stocks and derivatives, from stock-market intermediaries such as brokers.

The ministry of finance has amended certain provisions of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rule, allowing brokers to invest their own surplus funds in businesses apart from capital market-related activity, which was barred earlier. For instance, in real estate or non-banking finance companies, so long as there is no liability on the broker making such investments.

The changes were highlighted by a National Stock Exchange (NSE) circular on Tuesday. It will let new-age investors tap brokers as a one-stop shop for all needs, while increasing the ease of doing business for market intermediaries.

Dinesh Thakkar, chairman & managing director at Angel One, the third largest retail broking house in the country after Groww and Zerodha, summed up the significance of the amendment: offering multiple services on an integrated platform.

Also read | NSE gets Sebi nod to launch electricity derivatives

With the finance ministry's clarification, brokers can now deploy surplus capital into businesses beyond brokingso long as client assets remain untouched and no personal liability is assumed," he said.

"This enables us to go beyond distributioninto manufacturing products that may not be Sebi-regulated but are essential to completing a customers financial journey: all forms of credit, insurance, and more," Thakkar said. The digitally savvy Indian customer is no longer looking for piecemeal solutions; they expect a complete financial experience, offered seamlessly on an integrated platform. This is our opportunity to build exactly that."

The amendments to provisions of Rule 8 of the SCRR 1957 clarify that investments made by brokers will not be construed as "business" if they don't involve client funds or securities or relate to arrangements that create a financial liability for the broker.

Business implies that brokers have either used their client funds or securities for such investments or that the investment would impose a personal liability on the broker beyond the shareholding in a firm. To be sure, these rules are meant to ring-fence client funds and prevent brokers from taking on liabilities which could impact the broking business, creating systemic risks.

Recalibration of regulatory perimeter

Given the changing nature of financial services wherein new-age investors prefer platforms that offer a full range of financial services, the amendments are a "recalibration" of the "regulatory perimeter" for brokers, said Sandeep Parekh, founder of Finsec Law Advisors.

"The new rule issued by the ministry of finance both clarifies and expands the scope of what a broker can do outside of broking," Parekh said. Given the increasingly integrated bouquet of services global brokers provide, it was time that the overly strict interpretation by Sebi and NSE was diluted so that more services could be provided by brokers without jeopardising client interest."

Prior to the amendments by the department of economic affairs (DEA), these rules stated that a broker can only act as an agent, and not a principal, in the securities and commodities derivatives business; and he should not serve either as a principal or employee of any business apart from the aforesaid businesses, where he acts only as an agent.

Also read | Retail investors want a piece of NSE. But no one is selling

A principal refers to an owner or a person having substantial ownership within a firm. An agent is a person authorised to act on behalf of another individual or firm.

NSEs clarificatory circular on 7 January 2022 stated, "...Members are not permitted to engage in any business or activities or transactions, directly or indirectly, other than that of securities or commodity derivative, except as a broker or agent not involving any personal financial liability."

The circular also barred brokers from investing in businesses such as NBFC and real estate, among others, which were not incidental to or consequential upon the securities or commodity derivatives business.

Kotak Securities, a subsidiary of the Kotak Mahindra Bank, had petitioned the Bombay High Court against the circular, which necessitated divesting its stake in a non-banking financial services company. It had invested 49% in car financier Kotak Mahindra Prime, also a subsidiary of its parent bank, well before NSE's clarificatory circular. The outcome of the case is awaited.

A Kotak Securities official declined to comment as the matter was "sub juidce", while queries emailed to NSE remained unanswered until press time.
SNOWMAN (Current price  62.70)

Why SNOWMAN is recommended : The company posted a significant increase in its Q4 numbers, indicating that some robust operations have been implemented. The prices have been showing some strong promise, and the surge after consolidation at the TS Bands hints at more upside potential in the prices. You can look to go long.

: The company posted a significant increase in its Q4 numbers, indicating that some robust operations have been implemented. The prices have been showing some strong promise, and the surge after consolidation at the TS Bands hints at more upside potential in the prices. You can look to go long. Key metrics : P/E: 183.94, 52-week high:  91.55; Volume: 3.41M.

: P/E: 183.94, 52-week high: 91.55; Volume: 3.41M. Technical analysis: Support at  43, resistance at  90.

Support at 43, resistance at 90. Risk factors: Transportation issues.

Transportation issues. Buy at : CMP and dips to  58.

: CMP and dips to 58. Target price:  70-74 in 1 month.

70-74 in 1 month. Stop loss:  55.

PRSMJOHNSON (Current price:  159.97)

Why PRSMJOHNSON is recommended : The counter has been under intense selling pressure since the start of the year. The prices started staging a recovery and a steady higher high higher low showed some promise right from the start of the year. As when the selling reduced to stage a strong cloud breakout indicating that the positive turnaround is emerging. After the recent test of the TS & KS Bands. With a strong closing on Wednesday, we can look at some positive vibes to emerge.

: The counter has been under intense selling pressure since the start of the year. The prices started staging a recovery and a steady higher high higher low showed some promise right from the start of the year. As when the selling reduced to stage a strong cloud breakout indicating that the positive turnaround is emerging. After the recent test of the TS & KS Bands. With a strong closing on Wednesday, we can look at some positive vibes to emerge. Key metrics : P/E: 78.47, 52-week high:  246.10, volume: 6.38M.

: P/E: 78.47, 52-week high: 246.10, volume: 6.38M. Technical analysis: Support at  125, resistance at  175.

Support at 125, resistance at 175. Risk factors: Supplier retention and potential customer acquisition challenges.

Supplier retention and potential customer acquisition challenges. Buy at : above 160 and dips to  152.

: above 160 and dips to 152. Target price :  172-180 in 1 month.

: 172-180 in 1 month. Stop loss:  148.

Stocks to trade today, recommended by Trade Brains Portal for 12 June

Dalmia Bharat Sugar & Industries Ltd (Current price:  437)

Target price:  520 in 12 months

520 in 12 months Stop-loss :  395

: 395 Why Dalmia Bharat Sugar & Industries is recommended: The company ventured into the sugar business in the mid-90s, and the first unit was set up at Ramgarh, UP, in 1994. It is among the youngest and largest sugar companies in India, engaged in the manufacturing of sugar, industrial alcohol, and refractory products as well as the generation of power.

It has a total cane crushing capacity of 43,200 tonnes of cane per day (TCD), which makes it one of the leading sugar producers in the country. It is now a fully integrated player with 126 MW of cogeneration capacity and a distillery of 850 KLPD or kilo liters per day along with incineration boilers.

In FY25, the company reported revenue from operations of 3,746 crore, reflecting a robust YoY growth of 29%. Its EBITDA stood at 544 crore, and PAT at 387 crore. The company achieved an all-time high domestic sugar sales volume of 5.9 LMT (lakh metric tonne), leading to a significant reduction in year-end sugar inventory to 3.8 LMT, down from 4.3 LMT in FY24.

It reported an all-time high average sales realization of 38/kg. The grain distillery delivered 6.2 crore litres in FY25, a significant increase of 72% YoY, driven by capacity expansion. The company has reported an increase of 22% in domestic sales from 1.1 lakh MT in Q3 FY25 to 1.4 lakh MT in Q4 FY25 and a 100% jump in export sales to 0.1 lakh MT as compared to the previous quarter.

India is the worlds largest producer of sugar, with Uttar Pradesh being the leading sugarcane producer, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka, and the third largest exporter of sugar in the world. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) projected the sugar production of India to touch 35 million metric tonne raw value (MMT-RV) for the year 25-26 (marketing year), which reflects a 26% increase compared to the revised 28 million-ton estimate for the current year.

Risk Factor: The sugar industry is cyclical and highly dependent on favourable weather, agricultural yields, and cane availability. Therefore, irregular monsoons or reduced yields may negatively affect Dalmias operations. Furthermore, the government oversees the sugar sector through the Sugar (Control) Order, which mandates stock maintenance, transportation, and sugar sales, while also controlling prices using a fair and remunerative price (FRP) system for sugarcane. Consequently, any non-compliance with these regulations could impact the company.

Also Read: Rally in SBI Card may have priced in improved outlook

CreditAccess Grameen Ltd (Current price:  1,222)

Target price:  1,420 in 12 months

1,420 in 12 months Stop-loss :  1,123

: 1,123 Why CreditAccess Grameen is recommended: CreditAccess Grameen was established in 1999 as an NGO in Bengaluru, and in 2007, the microfinance operations were transferred into an NBFC. It offers collateral-free microloans to women from low-income households under the joint liability group model. Apart from the microloans, it is also increasing its portfolio by providing retail finance products to existing customers. As of FY25, the company is the largest MFI in India, which has 46.94 lakh borrowers and an AUM of  25,948 crore. It has a presence in over 16 states, 423 districts, and 2,063 branches as of March 2025.

The company has been growing its AUM at a healthy rate of 18% CAGR since FY21.

It has a controlled cost of borrowings due to a diversified borrowing profile, which lets the company enjoy a net interest margin (NIM) of 12.9% in FY25. It has successfully controlled its cost-to-income ratio; the company reduced it from 38.1% in FY21 to 30.7% in FY25. Although there was a dip in profit due to increased provisioning, the company still sees good growth in its pre-provisioning profit, which grew by 10.3% YoY. The company is planning to increase its retail finance segment contribution and increase the retail portfolio to 10%-15% of the AUM by FY28.

Due to conservative provisioning and strong risk management capabilities, even in adverse situations like over-leveraged borrowers, political movements, and disruption of operations in Karnataka due to the implementation of the microfinance bill, the company stood at a reasonably good asset quality, with NNPA of 1.73%. Management gave guidance on gross loan portfolio (GLP) growth of 14-18% for FY26, with NIM expected to be stable at 12.6-12.8%.

Risk Factor: Credit Access gross loan portfolio is dominated by Karnataka with 31.1%, followed by Maharashtra with 21.5% and Tamil Nadu with 19%, as of Q4FY25. This could lead to geographical concentration risk as the GLP of the NBFC is dominated by the top three states, with around 71.6%. Furthermore, the Karnataka MFI ordinance and similar regulations in Tamil Nadu are likely to increase delinquencies for CreditAccess Grameen (CAGL) in these states, although the overall business is expected to normalize.

Two stock recommendations for today by MarketSmith India

Buy: Saksoft Ltd. (current price:  207.56)

Why its recommended: Expertise in digital transformation, focus on innovation, and technology

Key metrics: P/E: 24.86, 52-week high:  319.50, volume:  9.78 crore

319.50, volume: 9.78 crore Technical analysis: Reclaimed 200-DMA

Risk factors: Economic slowdown risk, currency fluctuation risk, and regulatory and compliance risk

Buy at:  207.5

207.5 Target price:  238 in three months

238 in three months Stop loss:  192

Also read: Rally in SBI Card may have priced in improved outlook

Buy: Infosys Ltd (current price:  1,630)

Why its recommended: Strong global client base and trusted brand, digital transformation, and cloud adoption

Key metrics: P/E: 24.79, 52-week high:  2,000, volume:  1,714.23 crore

2,000, volume: 1,714.23 crore Technical analysis: Trendline breakout

Risk factors: Attrition and talent costs, macroeconomic headwinds

Buy at:  1,630

1,630 Target price:  1,850 in three months

1,850 in three months Stop loss:  1,530

Top three stocks recommended for today by Ankush Bajaj

Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (current price:  333.85)

Why its recommended: The stock recently gave a bullish pennant breakout on the daily chart, supported by strong momentum. RSI stands at 67 and is rising, indicating improving momentum. The MACD is on the positive side, reinforcing bullish sentiment. On lower time frames, the stock has given a rectangle breakout, adding to the short-term bullish outlook. If the stock sustains above the breakout zone, it is likely to advance toward 352 in the short term.

Key metrics: Resistance level: 352 (short-term target), Support level: 325 (pattern invalidation level)

Pattern: Bullish pennant breakout on the daily chart, rectangle breakout on lower time frames

RSI: 67, rising, indicating strengthening momentum

Technical analysis: The breakout above the consolidation range is supported by momentum and confirmed by MACD on the lower time frame. The stock is trading above its key moving averages, which supports trend continuation.

Risk factors: The stock has shown upward movement recently, making it susceptible to short-term volatility. A drop below 325 could trigger quick profit-taking. Monitor volume and price closely for follow through.

Buy at: 333.85

Target price: 352 in 45 days

Stop loss: 325

Infosys Ltd (current price:  1,631)

Why its recommended: The stock is showing strong momentum with the daily RSI at 65 and rising, indicating building strength. On the daily chart, INFY is poised to break out of a reverse head and shoulders pattern, a bullish reversal signal. Additionally, on the lower time frame, the stock has formed a falling wedge breakout on the upside, further supporting the bullish view. If the breakout sustains, the stock is likely to head toward 1,670 1,680 in the short term.

Key metrics: Resistance level: 1,670 1,680 (short-term target range), Support level: 1,610 (pattern invalidation level)

Pattern: Reverse head and shoulders breakout (daily), falling wedge breakout (lower time frame)

RSI: 65, rising, indicating strengthening momentum

Technical analysis: The breakout is supported by improving RSI and positive price action. The falling wedge breakout on lower time frames complements the larger pattern setup. Price is trading above key moving averages, reinforcing trend strength.

Risk factors: The stock has moved up steadily in recent sessions and could face short-term profit booking. A fall below 1,610 would invalidate the current pattern setup. Monitor closely for follow-through post-breakout.

Buy at: 1,631

Target price: 1,670 1,680 in 45 days

Stop loss: 1,610

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (current price:  3,471.90)

Why its recommended: The stock is showing strong momentum with the daily RSI above 60 and rising, indicating building strength. On the daily chart, TCS is poised to break out of an inverse head and shoulders pattern, a bullish reversal signal. Additionally, on the lower time frame, the stock has formed a falling wedge breakout on the upside, further supporting the bullish view. If the breakout sustains, the stock is likely to head toward 3,512 3,520 in the short term.

Key metrics: Resistance level: 3,512 3,520 (short-term target range) Support level: 3,448 (pattern invalidation level)

Pattern: Inverse head and shoulders breakout (daily), falling wedge breakout (lower time frame)

RSI: 60+, rising, indicating strengthening momentum

Technical analysis: The breakout is supported by improving RSI and positive price action. The falling wedge breakout on lower time frames complements the larger pattern setup. Price is trading above key moving averages, reinforcing trend strength

Risk factors: The stock has moved up steadily in recent sessions and could face short-term profit-booking. A fall below 3,448 would invalidate the current pattern setup. Monitor closely for follow-through post-breakout.

Buy at: 3,471.90

Target price: 3,512 3,520 in 24 days

Stop loss: 3,448

Raja Venkatraman is co-founder, NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223.

Trade Brains Portal is a stock analysis platform. Its trade name is Dailyraven Technologies Pvt. Ltd, and its Sebi-registered research analyst registration number is INH000015729.

Ankush Bajaj is a Sebi-registered research analyst. His registration number is INH000010441.

MarketSmith India is a stock research platform and advisory service focused on the Indian stock market. Trade name: William ONeil India Pvt. Ltd; Sebi Registration No.: INH000015543

Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Boeing Co. shares sank sharply on Thursday following the fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad. The stock closed at $203.60, down nearly 5% from the previous days close of $214.04.

A devastating tragedy struck on Thursday (June 12), as Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. The London-bound flight was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

The crash occurred in Meghaninagar area near the airport. Witnesses described seeing a massive fireball and plumes of black smoke rising into the sky.

The aircraft reportedly issued a Mayday call moments after departure from runway 23 before vanishing from radar. Among the victims were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national.

The Dreamliner, once touted as a technological leap forward in aviation, has faced multiple production quality issues and delivery delays, prompting heightened scrutiny from regulators and airlines.

First fatal crash for 787 raises red flags While Boeing has previously dealt with safety scandals related to its 737 MAX model, Thursdays accident marks a troubling turn for its widebody 787 program. The crash is expected to lead to a fresh wave of investigations and could result in regulatory or legal challenges.

Boeing responds with condolences, vows support Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg expressed his condolences and offered full support to Indian investigators. The company confirmed that it is working with Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and will defer public statements to the agency in accordance with international protocols.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad," Ortberg said in a statement.

"I have spoken with Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran to offer our full support, he said.

He also said that a Boeing team stands ready to support the investigation led by Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

Boeing will defer to Indias AAIB to provide information about Air India flight 171, in adherence with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization protocol, the US aircraft maker said in the statement.

Also Read | Will the Air India crash ground the Dreamliner series and disrupt travel?

US Government reacts: NTSB to join probe The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it would send a team of investigators to India to assist in the crash probe. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also confirmed its involvement alongside Boeing and engine manufacturer GE Aerospace.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated: The U.S. government will not hesitate to implement any safety recommendations that may arise. We will follow the facts and put safety first.

He also confirmed the FAA and NTSB would send additional resources to India to collect critical data and ensure public safety.

A blow to Air Indias expansion plans The crash comes at a crucial time for Air India, which has aggressively expanded its fleet since its acquisition by the Tata Group in 2022. In 2023, the airline placed an order for 470 aircraft, including 290 from Boeing. That deal featured 20 additional 787 Dreamliner jets.

This is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing Dreamliner, a detail likely to put added pressure on Boeings already embattled commercial division.

Also Read | Air India officially confirms 241 passengers killed in Ahmedabad crash
Metal stocks: Amid the sharp crash in the Indian stock market today, June 12, metal counters emerged as one of the top casualties, with the 15-constituent Nifty Metal index declining 1.55%. However, this fall comes on the heels of a nearly 4% rally seen in the last one week.

Among the 15 metal stocks in the index, 14 closed in the red. Welspun Corp, APL Apollo, Tata Steel, SAIL, Vedanta and NMDC were among the top index losers, shedding between 2-3%. Hindalco, Hindustan Zinc, Adani Enterprises and NALCO also emerged among the losers, down between 0.5% to 1.75%.

Jindal Stainless shares were the only ones to defy the weakness in the metal pack and the overall broader market.

Why did metal stocks crash today? Analysts largely attributed the fall to profit taking amid a lack of conclusive outcome on the US-China trade deal talks and growing tensions in the Middle East.

"Metal stocks started getting into profit-taking zone, driven by the rise in uncertainty in the geopolitical situation, headlined with US-Iraq as well as no clear direction on US-China deal talks. Despite frameworks being reported, concrete outcomes are missing," said Prashant Tapse, Senior (VP) Research at Mehta Equities.

Despite today's profit taking, the metal index is in an uptrend for the second month in a row. While it saw a massive fall in April amid a tit-for-tat tariff war between the world's two largest economies, reports of a trade truce brought investors back to metal counters.

"Ongoing uncertainties and stalled tariff talks have kept metal stocks volatile. The US-China trade conflict has raised concerns about global demand and supply chain disruptions, impacting metal prices and stocks negatively. China's stimulus measures have been a key driver for metal demand globally. Recent disappointing or unclear stimulus announcements from China, particularly regarding its property sector, which is a major consumer of metals, have dampened hopes for a sustained recovery in metal demand," said Vaibhav Vidwani, Research Analyst at Bonanza.

Market dynamics such as profit-taking after previous rallies has also led to selling pressure on Indian metal stocks and the Nifty Metal index, Vidwani added.

Metal stocks to buy Going ahead, Tapse expects choppy trading and volatility in metal stocks in the short term, as they are likely to swing with headline news.

Technically, he sees more pressure in the metal space, Tapse said, adding that one can use dips as entry points in stocks like JSW Steel and Tata Steel.

Meanwhile, Vidwani prefers Hindustan Zinc amid a bullishness in the silver prices. "Hindustan Zinc is the stock we are bullish on because Hindustan Zinc have +15% revenue contribution of silver, and we can expect upward movement in the near term in silver prices, which will support the revenue growth and net profitability of the company, as per the Bonanza analyst.
Iran-Israel conflict: Shares on the Tel Aviv stock exchange faced a brutal selloff in trade on Thursday, June 12, as investors chose to book profits amid the latest flare-up between tensions in Israel and Iran.

Media reports suggest that Israel is fully prepared to launch an operation into Iran, which has not just made the markets jittery but also prompted the US to move non-essential embassy staff out of Iraq.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that US personnel were being moved out of the Middle East because it could become a dangerous place, adding that the United States would not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

Meanwhile, Iran threatened to strike US bases in the region if talks over its nuclear program fell through.

Irans Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said in televised remarks that he hoped the talks reached a resolution, according to a Bloomberg report. But if they dont, and conflict is imposed on us, the other side will undoubtedly suffer greater losses. We will target all US bases in host countries without hesitation, he said.

Impact on Israel's stock market Against this backdrop and subdued global market mood, the Iranian stock market's TA 35 lost 2.3% over the last close to the day's low of 2,671.

For the month so far, the TA 35 index is trading flat, with a negative bias. However, this fall follows two straight months of solid gains during which the index gained almost 11%.

Global stocks jittery Globally, too, stocks took a breather from the almost-unbroken rally that has run since early April, leaving the MSCI All-Country World index down 0.1%, just below Wednesday's all-time high.

In Europe, the STOXX 600 fell 0.8%, led mostly by airlines and autos, given the strength in the oil price, while futures on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq fell 0.5%.

Back in India, the benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty also traded with cuts, down over 1% in the afternoon session today.
The Indian stock market suffered strong losses across segments on Thursday, June 12. The Sensex fell nearly 1,000 points, and the Nifty 50 dropped below 24,850 during the session.

The Sensex opened at 82,571.67 against its previous close of 82,515.14 and plunged 992 points, or 1.2 per cent, to an intraday low of 81,523.16. The Nifty 50 opened at 25,164.45 against its previous close of 25,141.40 and crashed 1.3 per cent to an intraday low of 24,825.90.

Finally, the Sensex closed with a loss of 823 points, or 1 per cent, at 81,691.98, while the Nifty 50 settled 253 points, or 1.01 per cent, lower at 24,888.20. The BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices dropped 1.52 per cent and 1.38 per cent, respectively.

The overall market capitalisation of firms listed on the BSE dropped to nearly 449.6 lakh crore from about 455.6 lakh crore in the previous session, making investors poorer by 6 lakh crore in a single session.

Why did the Indian stock market fall today? Experts point out the following five factors behind the selloff in the Indian stock market:

1. Rising geopolitical tensions Rising tensions in the Middle East weighed on markets globally. Major Asian and European markets suffered significant losses during the session on signs of rising tensions between the US and Iran.

The US is pulling out non-essential personnel from the Middle East due to rising regional tensions as nuclear negotiations continue to break down, according to statements from the US State Department and the military reported by The Times of Israel on Wednesday.

Speculations are rife that Israeli forces would carry out an attack against Iran's nuclear program. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has reiterated that the US won't allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

2. Fragile trade deal between US-China The US-China trade deal has failed to boost market sentiment as investors hoped for a more sweeping deal.

Trump announced on Wednesday that China will supply the US with rare-earth minerals and magnets and that the US administration will allow Chinese students into US universities. However, Trump and his Chinese counterpart still need to agree on the deal.

Our deal with China is done, subject to final approval with President Xi and me. Full magnets and any necessary rare earths will be supplied, up front, by China. Likewise, we will provide to China what was agreed to, including Chinese students using our colleges and universities (which has always been good with me!). We are getting a total of 55% tariffs, and China is getting 10%. The relationship is excellent! Thank you for your attention to this matter! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"There are reports of a possible agreement between the US and China. But the Chinese havent officially confirmed anything. President Trump is talking about a 55 per cent tariff on China and a 10 per cent tariff on the US. Trumps credibility being what it is, it would be too early to discount this as positive for markets," said VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments.

3. Mounting concerns over global economic growth Concerns over an economic slowdown in the US due to Trump's tariff policies remain a key concern for markets globally.

The World Bank on Tuesday warned that US tariff policies will cause a slowdown in both the US and global economies.

The World Bank has revised its economic growth projections, now expecting a slowdown to 2.3 per cent in 2025 (0.4 percentage points below the January forecast), 2.4 per cent in 2026 (0.3 percentage points lower) and 2.6 per cent in 2027.

"The tariff crisis is not yet over. President Trump has declared that he will be sending letters to trade partners in the next two weeks setting universal tariffs. Market participants will be waiting and watching for clarity on this," said Vijayakumar.

Also Read | World Bank sees US growth rate halving as tariffs slow global economy

4. Tariff uncertainty to delay Fed rate cuts Despite softer-than-expected May US CPI prints, experts believe the US Federal Reserve will remain cautious and avoid any rate cuts in the June policy meeting due to persisting uncertainty about the US tariff policy. Concerns are rising that tariff-related uncertainty will delay interest rate cuts in the US, weighing on market sentiment.

"The sharp sell-off was triggered by a combination of global and domestic factors. Weak global cues, particularly concerns around sticky US inflation data and the possibility of delayed interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, weighed heavily on investor sentiment," said Pranay Aggarwal, Director and CEO of Stoxkart.

The US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting is scheduled for June 17-18.

"The market continues to price in two Fed cuts in 2025, with this print barely moving the needle on rate cut pricing. The probability of a cut next week is literally zero, with the next cut expected in October," said Madhavi Arora, Chief Economist, Emkay Global Financial Services.

"While May US CPI print is somewhat reassuring, there remains very little signal in the data, with firms continuing to manage tariffs for now  tariffs will likely only show up in the data (either through higher inflation or lower profit margins) a few months down the line. In such a scenario, the Fed will remain in wait-and-watch mode," Arora said.

Also Read | US core inflation sees moderate uptick in May as Trump tariffs affect economy

5. Stretched valuations of the Indian market Stretched valuations in the Indian stock market have been one of the key reasons behind intermittent profit booking by both domestic retail and foreign investors.

Experts point out that the current P/E ratio of the Nifty 50, at 22.60, is above its one-year average of 22.19 and is close to its six-month high of 22.80.

With the domestic market lacking fresh positive triggers, stretched valuations are prompting caution among investors.

Read all market-related news here

Read more stories by Nishant Kumar
Indian stock market benchmarks, the Sensex and the Nifty 50, ended with modest gains on Wednesday amid a lack of major cues. The Sensex closed 123 points, or 0.15 per cent, higher at 82,515.14, while the Nifty 50 settled with a gain of 37 points, or 0.15 per cent, at 25,141.40. Mid and small-cap segments ended mixed.

Three stocks to trade, recommended by NeoTraders Raja Venkatraman for Thursday, 12 June:

MASTEK (current price  2,465.20)

Why Mastek is recommended: IT index after the beginning of 2025, when the fall began due to the Trump effect, which created a bottom, ensuring that the trends recover albeit a little slowly. The last two days the revival seen in the IT index across large and mid-caps have been attracting attention. The strong surge in this counter after forming a rounding pattern is showing signs of more upside with momentum supporting the cause.

IT index after the beginning of 2025, when the fall began due to the Trump effect, which created a bottom, ensuring that the trends recover albeit a little slowly. The last two days the revival seen in the IT index across large and mid-caps have been attracting attention. The strong surge in this counter after forming a rounding pattern is showing signs of more upside with momentum supporting the cause. Key metrics: P/E: 63.31, 52-week high:  3375, Volume: 41.13M.

P/E: 63.31, 52-week high: 3375, Volume: 41.13M. Technical analysis: Support at  2040, resistance at  2800.

Support at 2040, resistance at 2800. Risk factors: Geopolitical news could impact returns.

Geopolitical news could impact returns. Buy at : CMP and dips to  2370.

: CMP and dips to 2370. Target price :  2580-2650 in 1 month.

: 2580-2650 in 1 month. Stop loss:  2350.

Also Read: Affordable housing financiers get a RBI rate cut boost. But it may not last.

SNOWMAN (Current price  62.70)

Why SNOWMAN is recommended : The company posted a significant increase in its Q4 numbers, indicating that some robust operations have been implemented. The prices have been showing some strong promise, and the surge after consolidation at the TS Bands hints at more upside potential in the prices. You can look to go long.

: The company posted a significant increase in its Q4 numbers, indicating that some robust operations have been implemented. The prices have been showing some strong promise, and the surge after consolidation at the TS Bands hints at more upside potential in the prices. You can look to go long. Key metrics : P/E: 183.94, 52-week high:  91.55; Volume: 3.41M.

: P/E: 183.94, 52-week high: 91.55; Volume: 3.41M. Technical analysis: Support at  43, resistance at  90.

Support at 43, resistance at 90. Risk factors: Transportation issues.

Transportation issues. Buy at : CMP and dips to  58.

: CMP and dips to 58. Target price:  70-74 in 1 month.

70-74 in 1 month. Stop loss:  55.

PRSMJOHNSON (Current price:  159.97)

Why PRSMJOHNSON is recommended : The counter has been under intense selling pressure since the start of the year. The prices started staging a recovery and a steady higher high higher low showed some promise right from the start of the year. As when the selling reduced to stage a strong cloud breakout indicating that the positive turnaround is emerging. After the recent test of the TS & KS Bands. With a strong closing on Wednesday, we can look at some positive vibes to emerge.

: The counter has been under intense selling pressure since the start of the year. The prices started staging a recovery and a steady higher high higher low showed some promise right from the start of the year. As when the selling reduced to stage a strong cloud breakout indicating that the positive turnaround is emerging. After the recent test of the TS & KS Bands. With a strong closing on Wednesday, we can look at some positive vibes to emerge. Key metrics : P/E: 78.47, 52-week high:  246.10, volume: 6.38M.

: P/E: 78.47, 52-week high: 246.10, volume: 6.38M. Technical analysis: Support at  125, resistance at  175.

Support at 125, resistance at 175. Risk factors: Supplier retention and potential customer acquisition challenges.

Supplier retention and potential customer acquisition challenges. Buy at : above 160 and dips to  152.

: above 160 and dips to 152. Target price :  172-180 in 1 month.

: 172-180 in 1 month. Stop loss:  148.

Stock Market Recap

After an impressive four-day rally, banking stocks took a breather on 10 June, leading to a subdued performance in the Bank Nifty. Despite this pause, the broader market remained stable, with India VIX continuing its downward trend, signalling a lack of investor anxiety.

Meanwhile, the IT sector stood out as a clear winner, with heavyweight technology firmsTCS, Infosys, HCL Technologies, and Wiprofuelling a strong uptick in the Nifty IT index. Large-cap tech stocks drew investor interest, keeping momentum alive in the sector.

In contrast, the real estate space faced selling pressure for the second consecutive session. The Nifty Realty index saw profit booking, as investors secured gains, leading to a dip in the sector.

Overall, the market moved within a tight range, reflecting cautious sentiment among traders. The decline in volatility indicators pointed toward stability, as investors weighed sector-specific movements against broader economic cues. With banking stocks on hold and IT leading the charge, market dynamics continue to evolve, shaping investment trends.

Also Read: Rally in SBI Card may have priced in improved outlook

Outlook for trading

There is a lack of clarity in the market. There really wasnt much local news flow to contain the volatility induced. The moves were also reasonably large, creating sufficient moves to bring people in, only to get knocked out the following day! Trading, therefore, was quite difficult throughout the week, and it would have been a wonder if one came out largely unscathed in the week.

Small body candles at higher levels does not inspire any confidence. While we head towards the end of the week, we have to see how the trends shall unfold. At the moment, there is a high possibility that there could be some profit booking as markets are not able to hold on to the gains.

As Bank Nifty failed to live up to the expectations supports around 56000 is now under threat as trends take a breather. Nifty now seeks to contest the resistance around 25200 mark while Bank Nifty is struggling to hold 56000 to clear the air of uncertainty.

Also Read: Batas turnaround is taking timeand the markets patience is wearing thin

For Nifty to stage an upmove the spot needs to close above 25200 which acts as a big hurdle is the immediate resistance for some bullish revival. With the Open Interest data clearly indicating that 25200 is an important point of contention one should keep tracking a 30-minute range move on Thursday as an important metric for creating some longs.

Volatility is now part of the ever-changing market scenario as the sentiment keeps changing. Risk management is critical, as the lack of clarity is greater than ever.

Raja Venkatraman is co-founder, NeoTrader. His Sebi-registered research analyst registration no. is INH000016223.

Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantees performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
On Wednesday, 11 June, the Nifty 50 closed at 25,141.40, gaining 37.15 points or 0.15%. The index traded within a tight but elevated intraday range between 25,081.30 and 25,222.40, indicating a continued phase of consolidation near record highs.

Notably, a large Doji candle formed on the daily chart, signalling indecision and equilibrium between bulls and bears, despite positive price action. Still, the Niftys ability to close well above the psychological 25,000 level underscores its underlying strength and keeps the bullish narrative intact.

Top three stocks recommended for today by Ankush Bajaj

Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (current price: 333.85)

Why its recommended: The stock recently gave a bullish pennant breakout on the daily chart, supported by strong momentum. RSI stands at 67 and is rising, indicating improving momentum. The MACD is on the positive side, reinforcing bullish sentiment. On lower time frames, the stock has given a rectangle breakout, adding to the short-term bullish outlook. If the stock sustains above the breakout zone, it is likely to advance toward 352 in the short term.

Key metrics: Resistance level: 352 (short-term target), Support level: 325 (pattern invalidation level)

Pattern: Bullish pennant breakout on the daily chart, rectangle breakout on lower time frames

RSI: 67, rising, indicating strengthening momentum

Technical analysis: The breakout above the consolidation range is supported by momentum and confirmed by MACD on the lower time frame. The stock is trading above its key moving averages, which supports trend continuation.

Risk factors: The stock has shown upward movement recently, making it susceptible to short-term volatility. A drop below 325 could trigger quick profit-taking. Monitor volume and price closely for follow through.

Buy at: 333.85

Target price: 352 in 45 days

Stop loss: 325

Infosys Ltd (current price:  1,631)

Why its recommended: The stock is showing strong momentum with the daily RSI at 65 and rising, indicating building strength. On the daily chart, INFY is poised to break out of a reverse head and shoulders pattern, a bullish reversal signal. Additionally, on the lower time frame, the stock has formed a falling wedge breakout on the upside, further supporting the bullish view. If the breakout sustains, the stock is likely to head toward 1,670 1,680 in the short term.

Key metrics: Resistance level: 1,670 1,680 (short-term target range), Support level: 1,610 (pattern invalidation level)

Pattern: Reverse head and shoulders breakout (daily), falling wedge breakout (lower time frame)

RSI: 65, rising, indicating strengthening momentum

Technical analysis: The breakout is supported by improving RSI and positive price action. The falling wedge breakout on lower time frames complements the larger pattern setup. Price is trading above key moving averages, reinforcing trend strength.

Risk factors: The stock has moved up steadily in recent sessions and could face short-term profit booking. A fall below 1,610 would invalidate the current pattern setup. Monitor closely for follow-through post-breakout.

Buy at: 1,631

Target price: 1,670 1,680 in 45 days

Stop loss: 1,610

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (current price: 3,471.90)

Why its recommended: The stock is showing strong momentum with the daily RSI above 60 and rising, indicating building strength. On the daily chart, TCS is poised to break out of an inverse head and shoulders pattern, a bullish reversal signal. Additionally, on the lower time frame, the stock has formed a falling wedge breakout on the upside, further supporting the bullish view. If the breakout sustains, the stock is likely to head toward 3,512 3,520 in the short term.

Key metrics: Resistance level: 3,512 3,520 (short-term target range) Support level: 3,448 (pattern invalidation level)

Pattern: Inverse head and shoulders breakout (daily), falling wedge breakout (lower time frame)

RSI: 60+, rising, indicating strengthening momentum

Technical analysis: The breakout is supported by improving RSI and positive price action. The falling wedge breakout on lower time frames complements the larger pattern setup. Price is trading above key moving averages, reinforcing trend strength

Risk factors: The stock has moved up steadily in recent sessions and could face short-term profit-booking. A fall below 3,448 would invalidate the current pattern setup. Monitor closely for follow-through post-breakout.

Buy at: 3,471.90

Target price: 3,512 3,520 in 24 days

Stop loss: 3,448

How the market performed on 10 June

The Nifty 50 closed just 37.15 points higher, up 0.15%, at 25,141.40. The BSE Sensex also managed modest gains, rising 123.42 points or 0.15%, to finish at 82,515.14. On the other hand, the Nifty Bank came under pressure, declining 169.35 points or 0.30%, to settle at 56,459.75.

Sector-wise, Pharma led the gainers with a rise of 0.50%, followed by Energy up 0.30%, and the Healthcare index that added 0.25%. On the losing side, the PSU Bank sector declined the most by 0.88%, while the FMCG index fell 0.67%, and the Banking index ended down 0.30%.

In stock-specific action, HCL Tech led the gainers with a strong 3.23% rally, followed by Infosys, up 2.20%, and Tech Mahindra, gaining 1.65%. Among the top losers were Shriram Finance, which dropped 2.05%, Power Grid, falling 1.86%, and Adani Enterprises, down 1.22%.

Nifty technical analysis daily and hourly

View Full Image The Nifty 50 closed just 37.15 points higher at 25,141.40.

Technically, the Nifty continues to trade above all its key moving averages. The 20-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) now stands at 24,856, while the 40-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) is placed at 24,480. On the intraday timeframes, the index remains comfortably positioned, with the 20-hour SMA at 25,132 and the 40-hour EMA at 24,011.

View Full Image Momentum indicators suggest a moderately bullish undertone.

Importantly, the falling wedge breakout pattern identified earlier on the 45-minute chart has played out successfully, with the immediate target around 25,200 achieved. The index now awaits fresh cues for the next leg higher.

Momentum indicators suggest a moderately bullish undertone. The daily RSI has ticked up slightly to 62, reflecting sustained strength, while the hourly RSI has eased to 57, indicating a brief consolidation in the short term. The MACD indicators remain positive, with the daily MACD at 202 and the hourly MACD at 64, showing continued bullish momentum with no signs of exhaustion yet.

However, the derivatives data paints a more cautious picture. Total Call Open Interest (OI) now stands at 176.1 million, compared to 153.2 million in Puts, resulting in a bearish differential of -22.9 million. The trend remains negative on the OI front, as the Call OI change of 679,800 outweighs the Put OI change of 491,200, leading to a net bearish differential of -188,600.

The highest Call OI continues to build at the 26,000 strike, with notable additions at the 25,250 strike. On the Put side, the maximum OI is still concentrated at the 25,000 strike, while the highest addition is now seen at 25,200indicating that bulls are attempting to build fresh support closer to current market levels. The overall Put-Call Ratio remains subdued, reflecting a cautious bias among traders.

Volatility remained in check, with the India VIX falling by another 2.48% to close at 13.66, its lowest reading in recent sessions. This sharp drop in volatility indicates growing investor confidence and reduced fear, often a precursor to stronger directional moves when paired with positive price action.

In summary, the Nifty's steady close above the 25,100 mark, coupled with improving technical and global cues, suggests ongoing resilience. However, the large Doji candle and bearish bias in derivatives data call for a cautious approach in the immediate term. A decisive breakout above 25,250 could pave the way toward the 25,30025,400 zone, while immediate support is seen at 25,000, followed by a broader base between 24,800 and 24,600. Traders should stay nimble and monitor global signals and institutional flows for fresh directional triggers.

Ankush Bajaj is a Sebi-registered research analyst. His registration number is INH000010441.

Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.

Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Stocks to buy: Shares of Bansal Wire Industries, the second-largest steel wire and the largest stainless steel wire manufacturer in India, have rebounded sharply in recent sessionsrising 12% over the past six trading days and 18% in the last two months.

Building on this momentum, domestic brokerage firm DAM Capital has initiated coverage on the stock with a 'Buy' rating and a target price of 481 apiece, implying a further upside of 23.3% from its latest closing price of 390. The company shares debuted on Indian stock exchanges in July 2024, currently trading 51.6% above its IPO price of 256.

The brokerage highlighted Bansal Wires consistent market share gains in a highly fragmented industry over the past decade and noted that the company has now embarked on a major expansion. Bansal Wire capacity is expected to increase by 62% once Indias largest single-location steel wire plant at Dadri (420 kt) is fully commissioned by H1FY26, taking the total capacity to 679 kt by FY26.

Dadri plant to boost capacity by 62%; poised to match Tata wires The Dadri expansion will also mark the companys entry into the higher-margin specialty wire segment while enabling economies of scale. With a strong execution track record and a clear focus on outpacing market growth, DAM Capital believes the company is well-positioned for its next growth phase.

The brokerage expects a 6% CAGR in unit profitability between FY25 and FY27, driven by improving margins and also the company to enter the bead wire and LRPC segments, a key product area currently missing in its portfolio compared to peers. Once operational, BWILs capacity will be on par with current market leader Tata Wires (670 kt).

Also Read | 3 AMC stocks soar over 100% in 2 years amid steady rise in mutual fund inflows

BWIL has consistently outpaced market growth, delivering a 26% EBITDA CAGR over FY1323, and is expected to continue gaining market share from unorganized players. DAM Capital also emphasized the company's diversified revenue base, with over 5,000 customers, none contributing more than 5% of total revenue.

The brokerage considers FY26 to be an inflection year for BWIL, during which it will prioritize volume growth at the expense of margins, with profitability expected to normalize in FY27.

BWIL, through its new subsidiary BWI Steels Limited, is also setting up a 180 kt stainless steel manufacturing facility in Gujarat. This backward integration initiative will use scrap to produce rods and is expected to be commissioned in FY28. The brokerage believes this will enhance profitability in the stainless-steel wire segment by an estimated 4,0005,000 per ton in EBITDA.

Strong earnings outlook Amid the expected surge in volumes and a better product mix, DAM Capital projects revenue/EBITDA/PAT to grow at a CAGR of 31%/35%/38% over FY2527. While BWIL will continue incurring capex for backward integration and steel cords, leverage ratios are expected to improve, and ROCE/ROE is likely to remain in the high teens on a steady-state basis.

Approval for steel cords from tire manufacturers will be a key milestone. We believe this will unlock the next phase of growth for BWIL, potentially increasing its specialty wire capacity from 26 kt to 100 kt, the brokerage added.
By the time Indian cinema entered its classical phase in the late 1940s, Dilip Kumar had completed his self-discovery as an actor to a large extent. The basic features of his hero were earmarked: an introvert who had been wronged, takes it to his heart and generates a complete catharsis of a whole range of emotions. He portrayed the search for an ideal selfone proclaiming true emancipation through love but desires it to be materialized only in a just society; and as that is not possible in actual reality, the self has to perish to validate this idealized conviction. The actor, in fact, represented the popular novelist Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyays model of a vulnerable, self-destructing hero in Bengali literature.

Several of his films depicted Dilip Kumar as an unrequited lover seeking a kind of liberation from the unjust world through a prolonged internalized suffering (often ending in death) as seen in S.U. Sunnys Mela, S.K. Ojhas Hulchul (1951), Nitin Boses Deedar and Gunga Jumna (1961), Ram Daryanis Tarana (1951), Bimal Roys Devdas, S.U. Sunnys Uran Khatola (1955), Hrishikesh Mukherjees Musafir (1957) and K. Asifs Mughal-e-Azam (1960). In contrast, he, during this phase, was also seen in somewhat morbid anti-hero characters such as in Shaheed Latifs Arzoo (1950), S.U. Sunnys Babul, Mehboob Khans Andaz and Amar, and R.C. Talwars Sangdil (1952).

Explaining the roles Dilip Kumar played in most of his films right through the 1950s, Nikhat Kazmi says: [He] always opted for internal emigration as a course of action. This was a great escape. A voyage into the unknown, which is undertaken not because one is enticed, but because one is disgusted by something. In his iconoclasm, he represented a rebellion that was akin to that of the Bohemians of Baudelaires age. He was like the group of desperadoes who tried to break away from the nice and easy positivism of bourgeois society. Charles Baudelaire, Verlaine, Arthur Rimbaud, Paul Gauguin, Van Gogh were the tramps, the heavy drinkers and the unrivalled artists who chose to destroy everything in themselves that may be of no use to society, who raged against themselves too. For them and for the hero as immortalized by Dilip Kumar, happiness itself was something that is banal and vulgar. In a letter of 1845, addressed to a friend, Baudelaire writes: You are a happy man, I feel sorry for you, Sir, for being happy so easily. A man must have sunk low to consider himself happy. However, Dilip Kumar never wanted to sink so low. On the contrary, he doggedly sought nobility in sorrow and imbued it with a romanticism that lingers even today."

Remember his famous dialogue from Devdas:

Kaun kambakat hai jo bardasht karne ke liye peeta hai, main to peeta hun ki bas saans ley sakun

(Which wretched person drinks to tolerate, I drink so that I can at least take a breath.)

No wonder, the world of acting often ushers performers into the limelight, where performance anxiety can run high. The stakes are elevated, and heart rate may surge. Surprisingly, sometimes this stress can become a catalyst for improved performance, embracing the concept of positive stress in challenging situations.

View Full Image 'The Man Who Became Cinema: Dilip Kumar' By Ashok Chopra; Penguin Random House India 480 pages,  799

However, a more complex challenge arises when method actors choose to inhabit their characters beyond the stage or cameras lens. As they tap into past emotional experiences, whether joyful or traumatic, unresolved emotions can linger. This emotional baggage may manifest as heightened emotional instability, intensified anxiety, fear or even a sense of falsehood, accompanied by bouts of acute sleep deprivation. Such emotional turbulence can pave the way for psychological distress, leading to emotional fatigue.

According to experts, this emotional fatigue often arises when actors create dissonance between their actions and authentic feelings. Research indicates that when method acting is employed judiciously and with proper emotional regulation, it need not lead to excessive fatigue. The key lies in striking a balance between immersion in the character and the ability to resurface, ensuring a harmonious coexistence of art and emotional well-being.

Dilip Kumars profound commitment to his roles and his deep involvement with the character he portrayed, in film after film, at that stage of his career, led to serious psychological issues, so much so that he had to consult a psychiatrist in England. The advice given was simple: switch to comic roles, which he did with aplomb and poise! His consummate performances in S.M.S. Naidus Azaad (1959) and S.U. Sunnys Kohinoor (1960) in a carefree, jovial and jaunty manner revealed how he could move from one genre to another with remarkable ease and finesse. However, later in A. Bhim Singhs Gopi (1970) and Tapan Sinhas Bengali film Sagina Mahato (1970), Sagina in Hindi (1974) and Asit Sens Bairaag (1976), Dilip Kumar attempted to introduce some new elements in his acting style, though not always with much success. He designed his comedy through an over-talkative, one-track mind and as an obsessed simpleton who was a victim of the circumstances, but unlike his earlier roles, he did not internalize his suffering; he responded to it with a sense of simplicity, quite the same way Raj Kapoor did in film after film. He also improvised his mannerisms spontaneously to depict the character he was portraying on the screen such as repeatedly jerking his head and clinking his eyes. However, the audience did not take to it...

Dilip Kumars second innings began with the 1981 multi-starrer Kranti by Manoj Kumar followed by Ramesh Sippys Shakti. Eight films followed through the 1980s and another three in the 1990s, in which Dilip Kumar made his presence felt with his individualistic stamp and authority. These films included Subhash Ghais Vidhaata (1982), Karma (1986) and Saudagar (1991), Ravi Chopras Mazdoor (1983), and Yash Chopras Mashaal (1984), not of course counting the 1998 Qila by Umesh Mehra, which was a complete dud...

Excerpted with permission from The Man Who Became Cinema: Dilip Kumar, published by Penguin Random House India.
Fashion inspired by royalty has always been around but in the past few years, the trend  owing to OTT shows like The Crown , Bridgerton, and the more recent Indian outing Royals  has seen a massive upsurge. So much so that we now have Royalcore as an entire aesthetic on social media, and youngsters willingly adopting this regal, maximalist fashion like they were born to the manor. Royalcore fashion is all about clothes that spell understated luxury. Think tailored suits, voluminous skirts, fitted corsets, coats and gowns made from rich fabrics like velvet, silk, tweed and cashmere. The colours hover over muted colours like white, pale yellow, light blue and light green for day wear and deep lush tones like claret, purple, royal blue, dark green and black for evening wear, all accented with a touch of gold, silver and precious stones like diamonds and emeralds.

Royalcore is aspirational, but as TikTok videos out there will tell you, not entirely inaccessible. As this compilation will show you, it's about pairing sharply tailored outfits with snazzy accessories like silk scarfs, lace gloves, and pumps in eye-catching shades.

SLEEK SONNET

Royalcore is about saying it with accessories as much as it is about clothes. Let's start with handbags. Skip bulky totes and backpacks that lend the feeling of you carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Instead, go for chic top handle bags like The Row's Nia tote. Crafted from smooth leather it comes with a polished gold-tone handle and optional shoulder strap and just enough space to hold your phone, keys and lipstick or compact. Available on Net-a-porter.com; 2.99 lakhs.

View Full Image Penelope Heiress Gown by Selkie Collection

LIL WOMAN

Regency-period hit series, Bridgerton, has got everyone fitting themselves into flowy gowns in bright colours. It has also pushed the popularity of Gen Z-fave brands like Selkie Collection who are known for their royalcore inspired collections. A good example is this floor-length empire waist gown with a cascading skirt made from three layers of cotton gauze, ponte fabric at the bust and elastic puff sleeves. It gives off Penelope Featherington vibes that her beau Colin Bridgerton would approve. Available on Selkiecollection.com; 29,100.

View Full Image Drakes Wool and Silk-Blend Scarf

NATTY KNOT

For men, a royalty-inspired ensemble would check off essentials like a tailored jacket or suit, a crisp formal shirt or polo shirt and loafers. Upgrade the look with snazzy accessories like silk scarves and brooches that also tell a story. We've got our eyes on this navy blue scarf from label Drake. Made from a luxurious wool and silk blend, it features a Mughal pattern of hounds, eagles and unicorns. Available on Mrporter.com; 33,747.

View Full Image Corset Story's Prom Corset with Sash

LACE & GRACE

Corsets were worn daily by women of royal families because corsets with their rigid boning effected an upright, royal posture", says Aesthetics Wikipedia. If you are wondering where to start, go for a simple and elegant option like this overbust corset in powder pink dupion silk with black lace overlay at the bust and lace flowers at the hips. The muted colour and delicate lace make it a versatile corset that can be worn with a fitted black knee-length skirt or with a blazer and pants. Available on Corset-story.com; 28,538.

View Full Image Atelier Shikarbaagh Midnight Blue Organza Durru Shehvar Sari.

BEDAZZLER

The love affair between India's royal women and their French chiffon and organza saris is an abiding one. An image that comes to mind instantly is of Rajmata Gayatri Devi in her pastel saris and pearl necklaces. Take a leaf out of the regent's fashion book and make it your own with this French organza sari from Atelier Shikaarbagh that's a tribute to another famous Indian queen: Durru Shehvar. The midnight blue-hued sari comes embroidered with sequins in whites and greens and is paired with a blue satin blouse. Available on Ateliershikaarbagh.com; 52,000.

View Full Image Victoria Grant Feathered Sinamay Fascinator.

FEATHER HEAD

Fascinators with their elaborate decorations became popular among European royalty during the 16th and 17th centuries. Their popularity is often credited to Queen Marie Antoinette who is known to have worn elaborate headgear decorated with, among other exotic things, ostrich feathers. Today, fascinators depict sophistication and a certain elan. The Sinamay fascinator by British milliner Victoria Grant is defined by slim black feathers set upon a lilac-hued base covered in mesh making it the perfect accessory for a high tea party or a spot of horse racing. Available on Harrods.com; 99,490.

View Full Image Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 70 Dark Fuchsia Pumps.

BUCKLED UP

In a royal ensemble, shoes are meant to add heft to a reined in look. Experiment with colours, if you will. For instance, pair a tweed Chanel suit with Manolo Blahniks classic Hangisi 70 satin toe pumps in dark fuchisia that come adorned with signature crystal square buckles, and strut around the room like you own it. Available on Manoloblahnik.com; 1.19 lakh.

View Full Image Sevensedie Nova Italian Armchair.

CHAIR AFFAIR

Extend the royalcore aesthetic to your home by adding furniture pieces that are inspired by the Rococo, Baroque or Regency periods. You can't go wrong with classic-style Italian small armchairs. This design by Sevensedie is carved from beechwood and features carvings on the back and legs embellished with gold leaf lacquer finish. Available on Sevensedie.com; price on request.

Also read: How to pack a capsule wardrobe for a trekking holiday
A month ago, I did something both reckless and oddly responsible: I handed over control of my personal finances to ChatGPT. Yes! The chatbot almost everyone is hooked on for coding help and LinkedIn posts. But can it actually manage money? I decided to find out.

The backstory: From budget burnout to bot buddy Like many urban Indian millennials, my money habits were all over the place. I had a salary, an SIP or two, random Swiggy orders, an unused credit card, and zero idea where my money was actually going.

Id tried budgeting apps beforesome were too complicated, some too Western, and some too judgmental. Then, one evening, while doom-scrolling through a personal finance subreddit, I stumbled on a post: Has anyone tried using ChatGPT to track or optimise their budget?

Cue lightbulb moment.

Setting up: Sharing my financial skeleton with the AI I started by sharing with ChatGPT a clean glance at my financial situation:

Monthly salary:  1,10,000 (after tax)

1,10,000 (after tax) Fixed expenses: WiFi, Netflix, bills (  3,500), rent (  25,000)

3,500), rent ( 25,000) Phone EMI for a phone I don't like anymore:  6,700

6,700 SIPs: Two mutual funds for a total of  6,000

6,000 Other expenses: Shopping, restaurant delivery, impulsive vacation planning, etc. Then I asked: Can you plan and optimise my budget for the next 30 days and help me save more?

ChatGPTs response was impressively detailed. It created a custom 50-30-20 model (Needs-Wants-Savings), adjusted for Indian expenses, and added a few surprises:

Youre spending nearly 9,000 a month on food delivery. Can we cut that in half?

Youre investing, which is greatbut your emergency fund is dangerously low.

Why not switch your credit card to one with better cashback or travel points?

Week 1: The AI budget shock After following its advice, I moved 15,000 to a separate emergency account, created a Google Sheet (using its formula suggestions), and tracked every spend manually with categories ChatGPT gave me.

It felt weird. Like having a money therapist constantly whispering, Do you really need that third iced Americano?

I started cooking more, used UPI offers ChatGPT reminded me about, and even paused that unused OTT subscription it spotted from my credit card bill.

Week 2: The resistance phase The mid-month blues hit hard. Friends planned a Goa trip. I caved and asked ChatGPT: Can I go without destroying my budget?

It replied: If you reduce your weekend spending by 50% for the next two weeks, and move 3,000 from your Wants to Experiences, you can go.

The AI was strictbut not unrealistic. It even recommended a cheaper Airbnb in Anjuna.

Week 3: Automation magic ChatGPT helped me create reminders and draft auto-instructions for my banking app. Based on its suggestion, I adjusted the SIP dates. I put electricity and broadband bills on auto-pay and even created a daily expense tracker with graphs in Google Sheets. I even used it to draft a message to my insurance agent about term policy options. No jargon, no guilt.

Also Read | I quit quick commerce for 30 daysWhat happened shocked me

Week 4: The realisation By the end of the month, heres what changed. First, I could save 12,500 more than I usually do. Then, following its advice, I cut my food delivery spend by 60 per cent. I found a better cashback credit card (yes, it even compared them). Also, I started building my emergency fund consciously. Finally, I could sleep better knowing that I wasnt flying blind with my money. And that Goa trip? Worth it. No guilt, because it was all within my financial plan.

So, can ChatGPT replace a financial advisor? Not exactly. While it better explained the new tax regime than my CA ever did, it cannot predict market losses or replace in-depth knowledge of tax law.

However, it was like having a financially aware older sibling who was not judging me based on my everyday financial decisions, monitoring my spending, recommending habits and motivating me.
Air India passenger aircraft crashed at Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat on Thursday, shortly after takeoff. The Air India passenger flight was en route from Ahmedabad to London when the incident occurred. Several passengers are feared dead.

Heres what we know so far: The crash took place between 1 pm and 2 pm local time, after the aircraft reportedly began losing altitude shortly after take-off. 2. Of the 242 people on board the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British, seven were Portuguese, and one was a Canadian citizen.

3. Emergency services, including the fire brigade and medical teams, were immediately deployed for rescue operations.

4. According to news agency ANI, at least 242 passengers were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash.

5. Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Rammohan Naidu, who was in Vijayawada for the first anniversary events of the NDA government, left immediately for Ahmedabad after news broke of the flight crash.

Treating the incident with the utmost urgency, the minister cut short his engagements and is on his way to assess the situation personally. He is in constant touch with senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Gujarat state administration to ensure a swift and coordinated response.



6. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to Gujarat's Chief Minister, Home Minister and the Police Commissioner regarding the plane crash incident. He also assured to provide Central government assistance, news agency ANI reported.



7. Ahmedabad Airport has been shut down after the Air India passenger plane crashed.

8. Former CM Vijay Rupani feared to be among passengers on flight; confirmation awaited.

9. The Air India Boeing 787 was headed for Gatwick Airport. Gatwick Airport is located near Crawley in West Sussex, approximately 29.5 miles (47.5 km) south of Central London, England.

10. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu stated he was "deeply shocked" after the news of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.

Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action, he said on X.

Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families, he added.

11. Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.

12. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement: "The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time."

13. The Tata Group, which owns Air India, issued a statement. N Chandrasekaran, Air India chairman, said, "With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event."



"At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information," Chandrasekaran added.
Air India plane crash: A London-bound Air India plane crashed during takeoff at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. Following the incident, Air India has shared its first official response on its X handle.

The post read, Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on http://airindia.com and on our X handle."

Also Read | Air India crash: Viral video shows moments before and after Ahmedabad accident

Air India plane crash Air India flight from Ahmedabad to Gatwick with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed immediately after takeoff, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement.

The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. DGCA informed that the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1:39 pm. Immediately after takeoff, the flight fell on the ground outside the airport, it added.

Also Read | Air India Plane Crash: Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani feared among passengers

Thick black smoke has been spotted in the area, and rescue operations are currently underway.

Following the incident, Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in a post on X said, Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.

He further added, Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister and the Police Commissioner about the Air India plane crash and assured to provide Central government assistance, ANI reported.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, where Air India Flight AI171, with 242 people on board, crashed shortly after taking off from from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight was bound for London. In a post on X, PM Modi described the incident as "heartbreaking beyond words" and extended condolences to those affected.

"The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. I have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," PM Narendra Modi wrote on X.

According to a passenger list document accessed by Mint, Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was reportedly among the 242 passengers who were onboard the Air India flight. Air India has confirmed that there were as many as 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian among the passengers.

The former Gujarat Chief Minister was reportedly travelling in the Z class, a Business Class category, though his condition remains unconfirmed as rescue efforts are still underway. Vijay Rupani served as Gujarat's Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021  a role previously held by Narendra Modi for 12 years, from 2001 to 2014.

The Air India flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed into a residential area in Ahmedabad's Meghaninagar, just minutes after taking-off.

The incident happened around 1:30 pm, shortly after the Air India plane took off. It crashed just outside the Ahmedabad airport. While cause of the Air India plane crash is not known yet, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement that the pilot has made a MAYDAY call.

As per ATC, aircraft departed from Ahmadabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft Immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on ground outside the airport perimeter.
Air India Plane Crash: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was onboard the London-bound Air India flight that went down just minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in Ahmedabad, died in the horrific crash. Vijay Rupani is the second former Gujarat chief minister to have died in an air disaster.

BJP leader CR Patil confirmed the death of former CM Vijay Rupani in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad and offered his condolences to the departed soul.

According to reports, Vijay Rupani was listed as passenger number 12 on the flight manifest and booked in the Z class, which is under the business class category. He is survived by his wife, Anjali Rupani, and two children  a son and a daughter.

Vijay Rupani: Second Gujarat CM to die in air crash Vijay Rupani joins a tragic list of chief ministers who have died in air accidents. Other notable leaders include Dorjee Khandu, former chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, who died in a helicopter crash in 2011, YS Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, who died in a helicopter crash in 2009, and Balwantrai Mehta, former chief minister of Gujarat, who died in a plane crash in 1965.

Congress leader Balwantrai Mehta was the second chief minister of Gujarat. His plane was shot down by the Pakistan Air Force in September 1965 during the India-Pakistan war, resulting in a crash that killed him, his wife, three of his staff members, two crew members and a journalist.

Air India Plane Crash: Politicians mourn demise of Vijay Rupani BJP spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill posted a condolence message for the ex-Gujarat chief minister on X. "Saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of Shri Vijay Rupani Ji (Former CM, Gujarat & BJP Incharge for Punjab) in the unfortunate #AirIndiaCrash. Rupani Ji was a kind, grounded visionary leader. His dedicated efforts to strengthen the BJPs presence in Punjab & his invaluable contribution to the nations political landscape will always be remembered," he wrote.

Punjab's ex-Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh also posted on X, saying, Saddened by the tragic demise of former Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Vijay Rupani Ji in the unfortunate plane crash near Ahmedabad. His unwavering commitment to public service will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones in this moment of grief.

Who was Vijay Rupani? Born in Yangon (formerly Rangoon) in 1956, Vijay Rupani was a prominent BJP leader who served as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021, completing two consecutive terms. Before becoming chief minister, he held key roles including Mayor of Rajkot, Rajya Sabha MP, state cabinet minister, and BJP state president.

Vijay Rupani's political journey began with student activism in the ABVP, followed by involvement with the RSS and Jan Sangh, and he was imprisoned during the Emergency.

Rupani was known for his calm leadership and welfare initiatives, and he also served as the BJP in-charge for Punjab before stepping back from electoral politics in 2022.

Coming from a Jain family that moved from Myanmar to Rajkot in 1960, Rupani was deeply rooted in grassroots politics. He was a two-time MLA representing Rajkot West and held important portfolios such as transport, labour, and water supply in the Gujarat cabinet.

Recognised for his influence, he was named among the Indian Express Top 100 Most Influential Indians in 2021.

Air India Plane Crash in Ahmedabad A London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in a residential area minutes after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. Many people are feared to be killed. The Ahmedabad Police Commissioner has stated that 204 bodies have been recovered, and at least 50 injured individuals have been admitted to hospitals.
Air India Plane Crash: In a devastating aviation tragedy on June 12, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. Among those dead was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was travelling to London to meet his daughter.

The London-bound flight AI171 lost altitude just minutes into its ascent and crashed into a residential building near the airport, sparking a massive fire and widespread panic. The Ahmedabad Police Commissioner confirmed the recovery of 204 bodies, with many more injured admitted to hospitals.

Vijay Rupani: Second Gujarat CM to Die in Air Pane Crash Vijay Rupanis death places him among a tragic list of Indian Chief Ministers who have lost their lives in air accidents.

He is the second former Gujarat Chief Minister to die in such a disaster, joining Congress leader Balwantrai Mehta, the states second Chief Minister, whose plane was shot down during the 1965 Indo-Pak war.

Balwantrai Mehtas aircraft was attacked by a Pakistani Air Force pilot, killing him, his wife, three staff members, two crew, and a journalist.

Other notable Chief Ministers who died in air crashes include YS Rajasekhara Reddy of Andhra Pradesh, who perished in a helicopter crash in 2009 due to bad weather and mechanical failure, and Dorjee Khandu of Arunachal Pradesh, who died in a helicopter crash in 2011 amid challenging terrain and weather conditions.

What We Know About the Air India Plane Crash Flight AI171, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, departed Ahmedabad airport at 1:38 pm with 242 people onboard, including nationals from India, the UK, Canada, and Portugal.

Just minutes after takeoff, the Air India plane lost altitude and crashed into a doctors hostel building in the Meghani Nagar area, near the Ahmedabad airport perimeter.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is considered one of the most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft in service, with a strong safety record and no previous fatal accidents. Boeing has stated it is cooperating fully with investigators. The aircraft involved had an average flight time of over 41,000 hours.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with the black box recovered to provide crucial data.

Remembering CMs Lost in Air Accidents Balwantrai Mehta (Gujarat) The Congress leader and Gujarat's second chief minister died in September 1965 when his plane was shot down by the Pakistani Air Force during the Indo-Pak war, killing all onboard including his wife and staff.

YS Rajasekhara Reddy (Andhra Pradesh) Then Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy died in a helicopter crash in 2009 due to mechanical failure and bad weather while flying over dense forest terrain. All onboard perished.
Air India Plane Crash: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is confirmed to be among the passengers aboard Air India flight AI 171, Hindustan reports. The flight, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, tragically crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar shortly after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport at 1:38 PM on June 12, 2025.

Later in the evening, Gujarat BJP chief CR Patil confirmed that Vijay Rupani had tragically passed away in the Air India plane crash.

According to reports, ex-Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was passenger number 12 on the ill-fated Air India flight.

The crash occurred approximately five minutes after departure. The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumit Sabharwal, with Clive Kunder serving as co-pilot. On board were 232 passengers, including 230 adults and 2 infants, along with 12 crew members, totalling 242 people.

Air India Plane Crash: Family members of Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani pray as he was on board the Air India plane, B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, which has crashed immediately after takeoff with 242 passengers onboard, in Rajkot on Thursday.

Emergency teams at Ahmedabad airport were immediately activated, and thick smoke from the crash site was visible from a considerable distance. The Director of Airworthiness (DAW), Assistant Director of Airworthiness (ADAW), and one Flight Operations Inspector (FOI), who were already in Ahmedabad for other assignments, have begun gathering detailed information about the incident as rescue and relief efforts continue.

Who is Vijay Rupani? Vijay Rupani is an Indian politician who served as the 16th chief minister of Gujarat from August 2016 to September 2021.

Born on August 2, 1956, in Rangoon (now Yangon, Myanmar), he has been a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Rupanis political career spans several decades, during which he held various key positions, including Mayor of Rajkot (19961997), Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha (20062012), and Gujarat state cabinet minister overseeing portfolios such as transport, labour, and water supply.

He represented the Rajkot West constituency in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and was also the president of the Gujarat BJP before becoming the chief minister.

Ahmedabad airport operations suspended Ahmedabad airport operations have been suspended due to the Air India plane crash.

As a result of the Air India plane crash incident, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice, a spokesperson of SVPIA said.
Air India Plane Crash: On June 12, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The London-bound flight plunged into a residential area near the airport, hitting a medical college hostel building and causing a massive fire. The crash site was in the Meghani Nagar locality, a densely populated part of the city.

The Narendra Modi government has formed a panel to investigate the Air India plane crash and to strengthen aviation safety measures.

Air India Plane Crash: A combo image showing rescue operations and remains of the Air India plane that crashed in Ahmedabad, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The Ahmedabad-London Air India flight carrying 242 passengers crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the tragic accident resulted in over 200 casualties and left at least 50 people injured, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history.

10 points to know on Ahmedabad tragedy Air India plane crash Flight AI171, carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, and 2 pilots, crashed minutes after takeoff at 1:38 pm. The aircraft lost altitude from approximately 825 feet and crashed into the hostel of a medical college near the Ahmedabad airport, sparking a large fire and thick plumes of smoke visible across the area.

According to eyewitnesses, the plane crashed immediately after taking off from Ahmedabad airport. Thirty seconds is what it took for a 10-hour flight to London to be cut short. A CCTV footage of the crash also emerged.

WATCH THE VIDEO OF AIR INDIA PLANE CRASH

Air India plane crashed into medical college hostel The plane struck a hostel for doctors attached to B.J. Medical College in Ahmedabads Meghani Nagar area. This building housed medical students and staff, leading to additional casualties on the ground.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the hostel mess looked deserted, as food plates on the tables still awaited clearing.

Who were the passengers on Air India flight? According to Air India's official statement, the passenger list included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals. The flight was heavily fuelled for the long-haul journey to London Gatwick Airport. Among the passengers were prominent figures, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Vijay Rupani among dead

Air India Plane Crash: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani died in the tragic Air India aircraft crash on Thursday

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among those who died in the crash. BJP leader CR Patil confirmed Rupanis tragic death. He is the second former Gujarat CM to die in an air accident. Rupani was travelling to London to visit his family when the crash occurred.

204 dead till now in Air India plane crash

Air India Plane Crash: A damaged part of the Air India plane that crashed moments after taking off from the airport, lies on a residential building in Ahmedabad, Thursday, June 12, 2025. The London-bound plane was carrying 242 passengers.

The Ahmedabad police commissioner has confirmed the recovery of 204 bodies from the Air India plane crash site. The top cop stated that all recovered bodies have been sent for postmortem examination. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations are continuing.

Passenger 11A lone survivor

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national, was in India for a few days to visit his family and was going back to the UK along with his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh (HT Photo)

Remarkably, one passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated at 11A in the Air India flight to London, survived the crash with injuries. This lone survivor has been hospitalised and is receiving medical care. The survivors account is being sought to aid the investigation

Amit Shah reaches Ahmedabad, Modi condoles death

Air India Plane Crash: Union Home Minister Amit Shah with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu takes stock of the situation following the Air India plane crash, in Ahmedabad, Thursday, June 12, 2025. The London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Ahmedabad to oversee relief and rescue operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the families of the victims and assuring full government support for rescue and rehabilitation.

Boeing shares slide 8% after crash Following news of the crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeings shares dropped by 8 per cent in global markets. Investors reacted to the tragic incident involving one of the companys flagship aircraft models, raising concerns about safety and future orders.

Boeing releases statement Boeing issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims of the Air India plane crash and their families. The company confirmed full cooperation with Indian authorities in the investigation and reiterated its commitment to safety and quality in its aircraft manufacturing.
Ahmedabad police have said they cannot rule out the possibility of more survivors after a London-bound Air India flight with 242 people on board crashed on Thursday. Speaking to news agency ANI, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed that authorities found one survivor in seat 11A. He said, One survivor has been found in the hospital and is under treatment. Cannot say anything about the number of deaths yet. The death toll may increase as the flight crashed in a residential area.

The survivor is reportedly a British national, identified as Vishwash.

Meanwhile, Malik told Reuters that 204 bodies have been recovered from the crash site so far. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.



The plane, which was en route to London, crashed in a residential area just five minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Gujarat.

Videos shared on social media showed thick plumes of dark smoke rising into the sky from the crash site. Of the 242 people on board, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British, seven were Portuguese, and one was Canadian.

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani is also believed to be among the victims who died. Gujarat BJP President CR Patil described the plane crash as a "tragic incident" and expressed deep sorrow at the loss of lives.



"The BJP family is deeply saddened," Paatil told reporters in Mehsana, mourning the death of former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.



"May God grant peace to all the departed souls, and give strength and peace to the families of the deceased," Patil, who is also a union minister, said.
Air India Plane Crash: On Thursday, June 12, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The Air India flight, bound for London Gatwick, lost altitude at about 825 feet and struck a nearby doctors' hostel, resulting in a massive fire and significant casualties.

This tragic accident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indias recent history

India has witnessed several major and tragic aeroplane crashes over the years, with some of the deadliest incidents shaping the countrys aviation safety landscape.

Notable recent and historical crashes include:

Air India Flight AI171 (2025, Ahmedabad) A Boeing 787-8 carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport en route to London. Rescue operations are ongoing.

Air India Express Flight IX-1344 (2020, Kozhikode) An Air India Express aircraft overshot the tabletop runway during landing in heavy rain, resulting in 21 deaths, including both pilots.

Air India Express Flight 812 (2010, Mangalore) The Boeing 737-800 aircraft overshot the runway on a tabletop strip and plunged into a gorge, killing 158 of 166 onboard. Pilot fatigue and challenging terrain were contributing factors.

Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision (1996) The deadliest aviation disaster in India and the worlds deadliest mid-air collision, involving a Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 747 and a Kazakhstan Airlines Ilyushin Il-76, killing all 349 onboard both planes. The planes collided over the city of Charkhi Dadri, around 100 km west of Delhi. The crash was caused by miscommunication and air traffic control errors.

Air India Flight 855 (1978, Arabian Sea) A Boeing 747 crashed shortly after takeoff from Mumbai due to instrument failure and pilot disorientation, killing all 213 onboard.

Indian Airlines Flight 605 (1990, Bangalore) An Airbus A320 crashed on approach due to pilot error, causing 92 fatalities out of 146 passengers.

Chief ministers who died in air crash Balwantrai Mehta (1965) Gujarats second chief minister was killed when his Beechcraft aircraft was shot down by the Pakistani Air Force during the Indo-Pak war near the Rann of Kutch.

YS Rajasekhara Reddy (2009) The then chief minister of Andhra Pradesh YSR Reddy died in a Bell 430 helicopter crash in the Nallamala forest due to bad weather conditions.
Meta Platforms, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, is pressing legal charges on a Hong Kong-based business for allegedly promoting so-called nudify apps.

The move comes as the tech giant attempts to tackle a worrying rise in naked and sexual images created by artificial intelligence, reported Bloomberg.

Nude images without consent Meta said that it filed a lawsuit in Hong Kong to stop Joy Timeline HK from allegedly advertising CrushAI apps on Meta platforms.

Also Read | Meta and TikTok challenge EU supervisory fee in court over Unfair calculation

The apps allow people to create AI-generated nude or sexually explicit images of individuals without their permission, Meta said in a post on its website on Thursday and Bloomberg reported.

Battling sextortion, blackmail and abuse The tech giants legal action is part of a broader crackdown on online non-consensual sexual images, which can be used for sextortion, blackmail and abuse. These acts are a serious privacy violation.

Also Read | Meta Hires Top Researchers From Google, Sesame for New AI Lab

Meta plans to share information about ads, accounts and content that have been removed for promoting nudify apps with other tech companies, creating a unified front against the spread of deepfake nudes.

Meta said in a post that it had noticed concerning growth in this area. With nudify apps being advertised across the internet and available in App Stores themselves, removing them from one platform alone isnt enough, Meta said.

Why is crackdown happening now? Meta is facing intense criticism from across the world for not doing enough to protect teenagers and young people on its platform.

Australia became the first country worldwide to ban social media for users under the age of 16, a measure that will be imposed this year.

Also Read | Meta May Be Latest to Join Big Tech Kingmakers For AI Startups

At the same time, other countries are also tightening content oversight. But while Meta is fighting back against some fake, auto-generated explicit material, its pushing deeper into artificial intelligence more broadly, said Bloomberg.

How are deepfake advertisers escaping the hunt? According to Meta, stopping these apps is a tough challenge. Advertisers promoting nudify apps are changing tactics to avoid being caught.

Some use benign images to evade detection, while others quickly set up new domain names when old ones are blocked. In response, Meta said it has developed technology to identify such ads, even when they dont include nudity.
Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met French President Emmanuel Macron, conveying greetings from PM Narendra Modi and expressing gratitude for France's support against terrorism.

In a post on the social media platform X, EAM Jaishankar wrote, Honoured to call on President @EmmanuelMacron of France. Conveyed greetings of PM @narendramodi. Thanked him for Frances strong message of support in the fight against terrorism. Our discussions reflected the trust, comfort and ambition of our Strategic Partnership.

Also Read | Jaishankar: Hopeful of trade deal with US before July 9 tariff deadline

EAM Jaishankar's Europe visit On Wednesday, Jaishankar was in Brussels, where he discussed ways to further strengthen the EU-India strategic partnership with top European leaders. Speaking at the Brussels Forum 2025, EAM emphasised the importance of India's relationship with the European Union. He said that India gives "pretty high priority" to its EU ties, reported ANI.

Jaishankar conveyed hope regarding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), noting that discussions have been constructive and the agreement is "within sight" of completion by year-end.

We are really looking to deepening our ties, the centrepiece is the FTA, ANI quoted EAM.

Reflecting on the timeline of India-EU FTA, Jaishankar said, A lot has been done and everything that I heard on this trip gives me the confidence that it's within sight that by the end of this year it is feasible to do this.

EU-US trade relations Amid the ongoing trade tensions between the US and EU, EAM stated that India values its relations with both partners.

Jaishankar said, "We see today that Europe has a distinct position on many issues, those are not necessarily the positions shared today in the United States, so that's a reality. We value our relations with the US as we do with the EU we will deal with each one on terms which are best for both of us."

Also Read | Czech Leader Calls on Trump to Give Europe More Time to Rearm

Russia-Ukraine issue Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar reiterated India's stance that differences between nations cannot be resolved through war and that negotiations represent the best path forward.

"We have felt from the start, even if two countries have differences, it cannot be settled by the cause of war. Two, if the war has started, you cannot get solutions on the battlefield... the answer then is to negotiate. It makes sense to negotiate directly than through convoluted signalling. So that's been our position." He noted that although this position wasn't widely accepted in 2022, the world is coming to terms with it now," EAM said.
Air India Plane Crash Highlights: An Air India flight bound for London Gatwick crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad on Thursday, killing 265 people, including former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani. One passenger miraculously survived.

Following the tragedy, Air India announced two relief flights, one each from Mumbai and New Delhi for the next of kin of passengers and Air India staff.

At least 25 people on the ground also died, including five MBBS students and a PG resident doctor.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, captained by Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, lost radar contact after a Mayday call, DGCA confirmed.

Air Indias parent, Tata Group, announced 1 crore compensation for each victims family. PM Modi called the tragedy heartbreaking and visited the injured with Amit Shah.

Boeing, in a statement, said it is in contact with Air India and stands ready to provide all support.
Ahmedabad plane crash: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, and took stock of the Air India flight crash incident in Ahmedabad, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said on 12 June.

An Air India Boeing 787 aircraft carrying 242 passengers crashed near Meghani Nagar, close to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 12 June. The flight was scheduled from Ahmedabad to Gatwick.

The Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground, the statement from the ministry said.

The Prime Minister has directed the Minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation, it said.

Also Read | Air India flight carrying 242 passengers crashes near Ahmedabad airport

All relevant agencies are on high alert, and coordinated efforts are underway, the ministry said.

Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest, Air India said in its first comments on the crash.

The Prime Minister has directed the Minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately.

Air India confirms nationalities of those on board crashed flight, including 169 Indians, 53 British, 7 Portuguese and one Canadian. Among those on board was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. An official confirmation about the passengers is, however, awaited.

Piloted by Captain Sumit Sabharwal The Air India flight was piloted by Captain Sumit Sabharwal and co-piloted by Clive Kunder. Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu has rushed to Ahmedabad, following the news of the Air India plane crash. Ahmedabad airport operations have been suspended due to a plane crash involving an Air India aircraft, which occurred on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff.
Air India has finally confirmed the death toll from the airplane crash in Ahmedabad. In a social media post, Air India stated that 241 passengers were killed in the air crash that happened in Meghani Nagar, located just 15 kilometres away from the Ahmedabad Airport, from where the plane took off.

The airline company has also confirmed that there is one lone survivor from the incident who was seated in seat number 11A. The survivor's name is Ramesh Vishwaskumar, according to reports, and he is a British national of Indian origin.

The post by Air India on X reads, "Air India confirms that flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on 12 June 2025, was involved in an accident. The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital.

The passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national. The survivor is a British national of Indian origin. Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones, the post continued.

A team of caregivers from Air India is now in Ahmedabad to provide additional support. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident. Air India has also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Those calling from outside India can call on +91 8062779200, the post also read.
An Air India aircraft crashed near Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport during takeoff on Thursday, according to the Gujarat State Police Control Room. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.

Bollywood actors, including Riteish Deshmukh and Randeep Hooda, expressed their heartbreak over the incident on social media.

"Shaken by the news of the Air India flight crash that took place shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The weight of such tragedies is impossible to put into words. Praying deeply for the passengers, the crew, and every family waiting for answers tonight." wrote actor Janhvi Kapoor in her Instagram story.

Instagram story of Janhvi Kapoor. (Photo: Instagram)

Bollywood actor Sunny Deol said in a post on X, Devastated by the news of the plane crash in Ahmedabad. Praying with all my heart for survivors  may they be found and receive the care they need. May those who lost their lives rest in peace, and may their families find strength in this unimaginable time. 

Randeep Hooda said, Heartbreaking to hear about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. Hoping for survivors and strength for the rescue teams. May the departed rest in peace, and may their families find the strength to endure this immense loss.

Akshay Kumar wrote, Shocked and speechless at the Air India crash. Only prayers at this time 

As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a mayday Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC.

Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site, said the official.

Devastated by the news of the plane crash in Ahmedabad. Praying with all my heart for survivors... May the departed rest in peace, and may their families find the strength to endure this immense loss. 

Shocked and speechless at the Air India crash. Only prayers at this time 

In a statement issued by the airline, Chandrasekaran expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the incident. "With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," he said.
A 38-year-old nurse Ranjitha Gopakumar, hailing from Thiruvalla in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, was among the victims of the London-bound Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday, news agency ANI quoted her family as confirming.

Earlier in the days, a London-bound Air India flight, carrying 242 people onboard, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. It struck a doctors' hostel and claimed numerous lives.

Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandesekhar and Kerala BJP chief took to X and wrote, Tributes to Ranjitha R. Nair from Kozhencherry, who lost her life in the Ahmedabad plane crash.

Also Read | Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad claims over 200 lives in 30 seconds | 10 pts

According to the details, Ranjitha worked as a nurse in the United Kingdom and was on the ill-fated flight. She was confirmed dead, her relatives also said. She is survived by her two children and her mother who currently reside in Thiruvalla.

Ex-Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani dies: Onboard the London-bound Air India flight, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani died in the horrific crash. He is the second former Gujarat chief minister to have died in an air disaster.

BJP leader CR Patil confirmed his death and offered his condolences to the departed soul.

Rupani was passenger number 12 on the flight manifest and booked in the Z classbusiness category. He is survived by his wife, Anjali Rupani, and two children, a son and a daughter.

One survivor found in seat 11A: Meanwhile, the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik, while speaking with the ANI, confirmed that authorities found one survivor in seat 11A. He said, One survivor has been found in the hospital and is under treatment. Cannot say anything about the number of deaths yet. The death toll may increase as the flight crashed in a residential area.

The survivor is reportedly a British national, identified as Vishwash.

Meanwhile, Malik told Reuters that 204 bodies have been recovered from the crash site so far. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

Air India plane crash: An Air India flight AI171, with 242 passengers onboard, has crashed in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Thursday. Of the 242 people on board, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British, seven were Portuguese, and one was Canadian.

Also Read | Air India plane crash: Boeing issues first statement post Ahmedabad disaster

Air India announces  1 crore for victim's kin: Air India's owners, the Tata Group, have now announced a compensation of 1 crore to the families of each passenger who has lost their life in the deadly plane crash.

Tata Group took to social media to post the update about the compensation to families. The post reads, We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171. No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured.
BJP MP Sambit Patra on Thursday urged the international community to condemn the reported vandalism of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagores ancestral residence in Bangladesh and further slammed the Muhammad Yunus-led Bangladesh government.

Tagore wrote the national anthem of Bangladesh, titled Amar Shonar Bangla (My Golden Bengal) in 1905.

Also Read: Looking back at the intertwined legacies of Tagore and Ray

Addressing media persons at the BJP headquarters in the national capital, Patra said, Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral house, located in Bangladesh, was attacked and damaged... His Kacharibari, built by his grandfather, has been attacked. We are getting to know that the people of Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam carried out this attack. It is also coming to light that this was a pre-planned attack. For five days, it was planned that the house of Rabindranath Tagore, the foundation and pillar of our civilisation and culture of Bengal, would be attacked so that they could send a big message to the world. It was a planned attack.

Patra further condemned the interim government in Bangladesh led by Muhammad Yunus, saying that the international monument could not be protected. "Today's topic is about Bangladesh. We are not intruding on any international domain. But this is Rabindranath Tagore's topic, so the BJP takes it very seriously and sensitively. The behaviour of the interim government of Muhammad Yunus is not right. The international monument could not be protected," he said.

According to media reports, a mob vandalised the ancestral home of Rabindranath Tagore in Bangladesh's Sirajganj district on Wednesday, leading authorities to form a three-member committee to investigate the incident.

The violence reportedly stemmed from a dispute on June 8, when a visitor accompanied by his family arrived at the Kachharibarialso known as Rabindra Kachharibari or the Rabindra Memorial Museumand got into an argument with a staff member at the entrance over a motorcycle parking fee, bdnews24.com reported.

Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral house was attacked... This was a planned attack.

Situated in Shahzadpur in the Rajshahi division, Kachharibari is the ancestral home and revenue office of the Tagore family. Rabindranath Tagore created many of his literary works while living in this mansion, PTI reported.
The crash of an Air India flight to London upends the safety record of one of Boeings bestselling jets, dealing a fresh blow to the beleaguered U.S. plane maker that has been mired by safety and production issues in recent years.

The Boeing 787-8 jet, carrying 242 people, stopped transmitting its location less than a minute after taking off Thursday from an airport in western India, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24. The aircraft reached an altitude of 625 feet before falling from the sky, the data show.

It isnt yet clear what caused the plane to crash. Accidents can be caused by multiple factors, spanning potential errors made by flight crew to manufacturing and design faults.

We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected," Boeing said in a statement.

The companys stock fell nearly 8% in premarket trading Thursday.

The incident comes at a critical moment for the hobbled American icon, which has been buffeted by a succession of crises in recent years, losing billions of dollars due to plane groundings and production delays.

Thursdays crash could raise fresh questions about Boeing just as it begins to emerge from the fallout of a high-profile incident early last year when a door plug on a recently delivered 737 MAX fell off during a flight. That incident led to the ouster of the companys chief executive and reignited major scrutiny over its safety culture and production mishaps across its factories.

Since then, the jet maker has suffered massive financial losses and production delays as it weeds out manufacturing glitches and tries to satisfy the concerns of the Federal Aviation Administration.

The aircraft involved in Thursdays crash wasnt a new delivery. The plane first entered service in 2014, according to Flightradar24 records.

Before Thursdays crash, the 787, launched in late 2011, had one of the cleanest safety records in commercial aviation, with zero recorded fatalities, according to the Aviation Safety Networks database.

The so-called Dreamliner is one of Boeings bestselling aircraft, with the company so far delivering close to 1,200 of the jets to customers. It got its name after a public naming competition that elicited about half a million votes.

Still, the 787 has faced a number of production setbacks. It suffered from early supply-chain issues and then battery fires that led air-safety regulators to ground the 787 fleet for a few months in 2013. Boeing also had to pause deliveries of the aircraft for almost two years because of quality-control problems.

More recently, Boeing has ramped up 787 production and executives have said the companys manufacturing operations have improved. That came after Boeing slowed production, stepped up employee training and improved manufacturing processes.

Boeing Chief Executive Kelly Ortberg, who took over in August, has told employees that the company is on a fragile path to recovery and cant afford another mistake.

Write to Benjamin Katz at ben.katz@wsj.com and Sharon Terlep at sharon.terlep@wsj.com.
The Finance Ministry on June 11 dismissed claims that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges will be applied on UPI transactions calling speculations as completely false, baseless, and misleading.

In a post on X, the ministry wrote: Speculation and claims that the MDR will be charged on UPI transactions are completely false, baseless, and misleading. Such baseless and sensation-creating speculations cause needless uncertainty, fear and suspicion among our citizens.

The Government remains fully committed to promoting digital payments via UPI, it added.

Also Read | Paytm share price cracks 10% after FinMin dismisses report of MDR

MDR on UPI? Why the speculation? The clarification follows speulation that the central government was mulling re-introducing MDR on UPI transactions above 3,000 in order to support banks and payment service providers, according to an ANI report.

Further, reports citing sources also speculated that discussions were underway over allowing MDR based on transaction value rather than merchant turnover, it added.

Industry push for MDR: Why? The Payments Council of India (PCI) had in March submitted a letter to the Centre seeking urgent reconsideration of the zero MDR policy for Unified Payments Interface and RuPay debit card transactions, as per the report.

PCI is an 180-member industry body that represents various non-banking payment industry players. In its letter, it said the digital payments ecosystem is facing pressing financial sustainability concerns due to the zero MDR policy, which has been in effect since January 2020.

The letter noted that while the government has allocated 1,5000 crore of financial incentives to offset some of the operational costs, this covers only a fraction of the estimated 10,000 crore annual cost required to maintain and expand UPI services.

To address the challenge, the industry proposed the introduction of an MDR for RuPay debit cards for all merchants and a reasonable MDR of 0.3 per cent for UPI only for large merchants.

UPI transactions data As per the official data, for the first time, UPI transactions in the month of January 2025 surpassed 16.99 billion and the value exceeded 23.48 lakh crore, marking the highest number recorded in any month.

The government data shows that for FY 2023-24, the UPI remains the cornerstone of India's digital payment ecosystem, contributing to 80 per cent of the retail payments across the country. The total transaction volume exceeded 131 billion and the value exceeded 200 lakh crore for FY 2023-24.
In his first official statement since the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, the airlines Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson expressed profound grief and pledged full support to the victims and their families.

I would like to express deep sorrow about this event. This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India, Wilson said in a video message released on social media platform X.

Support for passengers and families Wilson assured that Air India is focusing all efforts on assisting those directly impacted by the crash. Our efforts are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones, he said.

He added that a dedicated team has been dispatched to provide on-ground assistance: A special team of caregivers from Air India is on their way to Ahmedabad to provide additional support.

Emergency response and coordination The CEO confirmed that Air India is coordinating with local and national authorities to support ongoing emergency response operations.

We are actively working with the authorities on all emergency response efforts, Wilson said.

Helpline launched for families Acknowledging the uncertainty and anguish felt by families, Wilson announced the launch of a dedicated helpline: We know that many people are concerned about the safety of their loved ones. We have set up a special helpline that friends and family can reach us at. The number is 1800-56-91-444.

Information will be factual, not speculative Wilson also stressed the importance of accurate communication. We understand that people are eager for information and please know that we will continue to share accurate and timely information as soon as we can. Anything we report must be factual and not speculative. We owe that to everyone involved," he stated.

Ongoing investigations While investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash, Wilson acknowledged that results will take time. Investigations will take time, but anything we can do now, we are doing.

He concluded his message with a note of reassurance: For now, our teams are working around the clock to support passengers, crew and their families, as well as investigators, however we can. Thank you.

Also Read | Air India Plane Crash: Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani among passengers on flight

Tragedy strikes minutes after takeoff In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history, at least 204 people were killed and 41 injured when Air India flight AI171 crashed just minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed into the hostel block of a government hospital in the densely populated Meghaninagar area, igniting a massive blaze that raged for hours.

MAYDAY signal before crash According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft issued a MAYDAY distress signal at 1:39 pm IST, shortly after takeoff. The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control moments later before plummeting into the residential hospital complex.

Flight details and passenger nationalities The ill-fated flight was headed to London Gatwick and had earlier arrived from Delhi. Onboard were nationals from multiple countries:

169 Indian nationals

53 British nationals

7 Portuguese nationals

1 Canadian national

The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, both seasoned aviators with over 9,000 hours of combined flight experience.

Chairman Chandrasekaran: An unbearable tragedy Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran also issued a statement: We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident. It is an unbearable tragedy, he said.

We are fully committed to working with authorities and extending every possible support to those affected.

Global outpouring of condolences The crash has prompted reactions from around the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and King Charles III have all expressed condolences.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. India stands united in grief, PM Modi said.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that the UK government is working closely with Indian authorities and has mobilised crisis teams in London and Delhi.

Investigations underway Authorities are now focused on retrieving the aircrafts black box  the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder  to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators have cordoned off the crash site, which remains unstable due to the building collapse and residual fire hazards.

Also Read | Air India Plane Crash: Airline announces 2 relief flights from Delhi and Mumbai
For decades, crafty smugglers brought in gold, hidden in body and baggage, evading duties and outwitting customs authorities. Today, some importers are coming in through the front door, legal and duty-free, exploiting a loophole in the system.

Imports of so-called liquid gold have surged since savvy importers discovered a novel method to skip customs duty nearly five years ago, import data showed. After the last budget plugged another tax-evasion route, such shipments have accelerated even more.

Compounds of gold with other elementsalso called liquid goldare used mostly in industrial processes. Importers ship them at zero duty from countries such as the UAE, Japan and Australia that have trade treaties with India, compared with 6% duty on the yellow metal. Once the consignments land in the country, gold is extracted in small refineries.

Imports of such compounds soared 9.25 times over a year earlier and 2.84 times quarter-on-quarter to 69,879 kg in the January-March period, shows data from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DCGIS). Thats equivalent to $1.29 billion worth of gold imports.

Also read | RBI to soon issue easier gold loan rules for small-ticket borrowers

By comparison, actual gold shipments fell 51.2% sequentially and 0.9% over a year earlier to $9.5 billion in Q4FY25. While higher imports of gold compounds distort the trade data, they also cause a loss to the exchequer.

India imported 1,11,856 kg of liquid gold from the UAE, Japan, and Australia in FY25. Since the actual gold content in such imports is at least 15%, this works out to gold shipments of 16,778 kg. At an average price of 90 lakh per kg of gold, the government lost about 906 crore in customs duty during the fiscal, according toMints calculations.

Even though this is legally permitted, the market gets distorted as there is a huge discount because one person is importing gold at 6% duty, while another is importing it in compound form at 0% duty, said Surendra Mehta, national secretary of the India Bullion and Jewellers Association. People importing gold compounds sell the yellow at highly discounted rates, which makes price discovery impossible, he said.

Queries emailed to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and the commerce and industry ministry remained unanswered.

Spike after curbs on platinum alloy imports

Gold compounds such as aurous oxide, aurous chloride, gold trichloride, gold sulphide, double sulphites of gold, and gold cyanide are primarily intended for industrial and scientific purposes, said Brijesh Kothary, partner at Khaitan & Co. They are used for electroplating (coating electronic components and jewellery), ceramics and glass (for decorative finishes), photography (for image toning), and medicine (for therapeutic treatments), he said.

To be sure, imports of gold compounds stood at 2,143 kg in FY21, when this route was largely unexplored. Since then, the shipments have surged 59 times over the years to 1,27,886 kg in FY25, shows data from the DGCIS.

However, these imports spiked in the January-March quarter because of a policy change. The DGFT put platinum alloys having less than 99% platinum under the restricted category from free in March after the change was announced in the budget in February. Importers will now need a licence from the DGFT for such shipments.

According to the Customs Tariff Act, an alloy with platinum in excess of 2% qualifies as a platinum alloy. Importers were bringing in an alloy with just 2% platinum and 98% gold.

Also read | Silver and platinum surpass golds 2025 returns

Some importers were using a loophole and importing platinum alloy from certain countries, which had the majority of gold in it and paying a zero percent duty," said an official on the condition of anonymity. Now that platinum alloys are moved to the restricted category, they have started importing gold compounds to save duty, the person said.

Classified under HS code 28433000 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, liquid gold attracts 10% basic customs duty, according to Kothary. However, imports from Japan, UAE, and Australia are allowed at zero percent basic customs duty under the India-Japan Comprehensive Economic Agreement (CEPA), India-UAE CEPA, and India-Australia Economic and Trade Agreement, respectively."

The bulk of the gold compound imports into the country are primarily coming from these three nations, which accounted for around 87% of such shipments.

Skewed import data

Usually gold compounds come in lower purity, where around 15-22% is gold, but can be easily refined into pure gold," said a bank official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Ones who have a refinery can do this themselves as it is a simple process, and those who dont can outsource."

What makes it even easier is that importers get direct delivery of the shipments and require no permit. In contrast, gold importers need a licence from the DGFT and the yellow metal is imported via the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) in GIFT City and nominated banks.

It discourages gold imports via the IIBX, said Mehta of the bullion association. This may bring down the volumes at IIBX."

To be sure, gold imports at IIBX surged 11.7 times year-on-year to 93,072 kg in FY25, according to the IFSCA quarterly bulletin.

The situation might also be skewing Indias import data, said the bank official quoted earlier. Gold imports may look lower, but gold is still coming in, just under a different HS code that doesnt classify it as gold. So policymakers may falsely believe that gold imports have fallen, when in fact, the route has just changed."
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has remarked that if US President Trump couldn't sustain a friendship with his friend (Elon Musk), it's unrealistic to expect him to deal fairly with India.

Abdullah was referring to Trump's repeated assertions that he played a key role in mediating the India-Pakistan ceasefire understanding after four days of military actions last month in the aftermath of 22 April Pahalgam terror attack.

They (Pakistan) faced huge losses (in Operation Sindoor). That is why they requested our DGMO to stop it, Omar said while speaking with Kapil Sibal in the former union minister's #DilSeWithKapilSibal YouTube programme.

Sibal responded, saying that he would ask questions about Trump Sahab's mediation claims in the Parliament. Sibal, a former Union Minister, is a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament.

Omar continued and said, Trump Sahab jo apne doston ke saath dosti nahi nibhata, who humare saath kya nibhayega (Mr Trump who couldn't sustain a friendship with his friend (Elon Musk), it's unrealistic to expect him to deal fairly with India).

The Chief Minister was perhaps referring to the recent public feud between Tesla chief Elon Musk and Donald Trump over TV interviews and X posts after Musk left his government role and criticised the Republican party's new tax bill proposal.

On 11 June, however, Billionaire Elon Musk posted on his social media platform X, expressing regret about some of his posts about President Trump.

Donald Trump's Mediation Claims As many as 26 people were killed and several others injured in the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on 22 April. Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on 7 May, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan retaliated, targeting civilian areas. The two countries, however, decided to halt military actions on 10 May.

Also Read | Omar Abdullah shares glimpses of Chenab bridge a day before inauguration

At 5.25 PM on 10 May, Trump said India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire following a long night of talks mediated by the United States. Minutes later, the ceasefire was confirmed by both India's Ministry of External Affairs and the foreign ministry in Pakistan.

India has, however, contradicted Trump's claim and said that the two nations' understanding was reached after talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations(DGMOs) of India and Pakistan.

Mr Trump who couldn't sustain a friendship with his friend (Elon Musk), it's unrealistic to expect him to deal fairly with India.

In his subsequent posts, Trump also proposed the prospect of enhanced trade relations with both India and Pakistan, ostensibly leveraging his ongoing global trade negotiations to assert a degree of influence over the complex dynamics between the two South Asian nations.
The Congress said on 12 June that the United States is constantly making statements that can only be interpreted as hyphenating India and Pakistan.

The opposition party stressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should leave aside his stubbornness and call an all-party meeting and a special session of Parliament to discuss India-Pakistan matters, especially after Operation Sindoor.

Also Read | Congress expels Digvijaya Singh's brother for 6 years

Congress general secretary and in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, asserted in a post on X that decades of diplomatic progress cannot be allowed to be weakened so easily.

It is reported that Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir has been invited to the event organised in Washington DC on the occasion of US Army Day (14 June). This news is a big setback for India from a diplomatic and strategic point of view, Ramesh said in the post in Hindi.

This is the same person who used provocative and inciting language just before the Pahalgam terror attack - the question arises what is America's intention? the Congress general secretary asked.

A matter of serious concern Recently, the head of the US Central Command also stated that Pakistan is a great partner of America in the fight against terrorism, Ramesh said.

The Modi government is saying that Operation Sindoor is still going on. In such a situation, the Pakistani army chief's participation as a guest in the US Army Day is definitely a matter of serious concern, he said.

Ramesh said the Trump administration is constantly making statements which can only be interpreted to mean that it is hyphenating India and Pakistan.

The prime minister should now leave aside his stubbornness and concern for prestige and call an all-party meeting and a special session of Parliament, so that the nation can clearly express its collective will and a concrete roadmap can be presented to the country, he said.

Decades of diplomatic progress cannot be allowed to be weakened so easily, he added.

Diplomatic Setback With US Army General Michael Kurilla, Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), calling Pakistan a phenomenal partner in the counterterrorism world, the Congress on Wednesday asked what PM Modi had to say about this and whether it was not a diplomatic setback.

The opposition party also referred to remarks by a Trump administration spokesperson highlighting President Donald Trump's diplomatic and negotiating skills as having the power to end generational differences, wondering whether something is cooking in Washington DC. It asked Prime Minister Modi to issue a clarification on it.

Ramesh also cited a media report claiming that Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir is scheduled to visit Washington, DC, for the US Army Day celebrations and said this is another huge diplomatic setback for India.

US Army General Michael Kurilla, Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), has said the United States has to have relationships with Pakistan and India and noted that it cannot be a binary switch where Washington cannot have ties with Islamabad if it has relations with New Delhi.

Decades of diplomatic progress cannot be allowed to be weakened so easily.

Kurilla made the comments during a testimony before the US House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.

Pakistan is in an active counterterrorism fight right now, and they have been a phenomenal partner in the counterterrorism world, the general said.

Kurilla's comments came days after an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation visited the US to convey India's strong resolve to combat terrorism emanating from Pakistan in the wake of the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack.

As many as 26 people were killed and several others injured in the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on 22 April. Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on 7 May, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ministry of External Affairs said on 12 June that India is exploring a path to reset ties with Canada. The upcoming meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit will offer India and Canada an important opportunity to exchange views on bilateral and global issues, the foreign ministry said.

India, Canada vibrant democracies, bound by shared commitment to rule of law, the MEA said ahead of the G7 meeting.

India and Canada are vibrant democracies, bound by shared commitment to rule of law.

The MEA statement comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he will be attending the G7 Summit later this month in Canada

Modi expressed his pleasure after receiving a call from Canadian Prime Minister Mark J Carney, congratulating him on his recent election victory. During the conversation, Modi also thanked Carney for extending an invitation to attend the upcoming G7 Summit in Kananaskis later this month.

Earlier, there were speculations that Canada may not send an invitation to Prime Minister Modi, considering the strained relationship with India. Also, there was no certainty if PM Modi would accept the offer and may not attend the G7 summit.

The India-Canada relations have been strained in recent years, especially under the leadership of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who resigned in January, paving the way for Mark Carney. Before the latest victory, Carney was sworn in as the 24th prime minister of Canada on March 14, 2025.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first global leaders to congratulate Carney for his win.

"India and Canada are bound by shared democratic values, a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, and vibrant people-to-people ties. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our partnership and unlock greater opportunities for our people, Modi said in a post on X.

Carney, a political newcomer, had recently described himself as the most useful in a crisis. In his campaign, he identified rebuilding ties with India as a priority, signalling a reset in relations between the two nations.

As things stand, India remains a key strategic partner in Carneys plans for Canadas global economic and political engagement, especially given his emphasis on diversifying trade and engaging with like-minded nations.

Strained relations with India India-Canada relations have been strained since 2023 over allegations by then Trudeau government implicating Indian agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and a Khalistani terrorist, outside a gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023.

Also Read | World shares mixed as markets shrug at latest China-US trade deal

In October 2024, ties nosedived further when Canada expelled six Indian diplomats. India denied any involvement in Nijjar's killing and condemned the accusations as baseless. Subsequently, both countries expelled top envoys, froze trade negotiations, and suspended official visits.

India has been accusing Canada of harbouring extremism in Canada's Sikh diaspora. Under these circumstances, Carney's victory is being watched closely. The win, experts say, has opened the door for a diplomatic reset, as Carney is seen as more forthcoming than his predecessor, Trudeau.
The Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has taken more than 200 lives, including the passengers and crew onboard. However, one man was able to stay alive in this deadly air crash, which happened shortly after the plane bound for London took off from Ahmedabad airport on the afternoon of June 12.

Who is Ramesh Vishwaskumar? Ramesh Vishwaskumar, aged 40, is a British national who was aboard the Air India aircraft that crashed into Meghani Nagar, located just 15 kilometres away from the Ahmedabad Airport, from where the plane took off. He was visiting India to meet his elder brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, who was also traveling with him in the aircraft, but is now missing, as per reports.

Ramesh is reportedly the lone survivor from the air crash, which also took the life of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The aircraft was carrying 242 passengers, among whom there were 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Among them, there were reportedly 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian national.

Ramesh is currently under critical medical care, after suffering injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet, but was able to make it out alive from the crash. He was sitting in seat number 11A at the time of the air accident.

I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were bodies all around me, Ramesh told Hindustan Times.

"There were pieces of the plane scattered everywhere," he continued.
CHANGSHA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Representatives of China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission gathered in Changsha on Wednesday to advance the full implementation of the outcomes achieved at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). At the opening ceremony of the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the FOCAC, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his counterpart of the Republic of the Congo Jean-Claude Gakosso read out the congratulatory letters from their heads of state. The Republic of the Congo is the African co-chair of the FOCAC. Chinese President Xi Jinping expounded in the letter the significance of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation and announced important measures for further opening up and cooperation with Africa, which Wang said provide important guidance for both sides as they seek to jointly promote modernization and build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. The FOCAC has grown rapidly in the 25 years since its establishment, leading China-Africa relations to achieve leapfrog development and enter the best period in history. Both sides have made solid progress in the implementation of the 10 partnership actions for modernization announced at the FOCAC Beijing Summit held last September, according to Wang. China and Africa, as the largest developing country and the continent with the highest concentration of developing countries, are emerging as pivotal forces of the Global South, Wang said. "Faced with an international situation marked by changes and turmoil, China and Africa should uphold solidarity and self-reliance more than ever," he said, calling on both sides to respond to uncertainties in the world with a stable and resilient China-Africa relationship. Both sides should preserve solidarity of the Global South, champion international free trade, support global development cooperation, defend a just international order and promote civilizational diversity, he said. Wang said the 21st century is as much Asia's century as it is Africa's, adding that as long as the more than 2.8 billion people of China and Africa work together, they will surely achieve brilliant progress in the path to modernization. On behalf of the African countries, Gakosso said African countries thank China for supporting their development, welcome the 10 partnership actions for modernization, and support the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035. He added that the African countries are willing to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit to help the African people realize their aspiration for a better life. The African side opposes the act of abusing tariffs and unilateral sanctions and will stand with China to jointly deal with challenges, Gakosso said. The meeting issued China-Africa Changsha Declaration On Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South.
Just as more grisly details have started to emerge in the Meghalaya honeymoon murder case, another case of a woman killing her husband has come forth from Maharashtra's Sangli district where a newlywed woman allegedly hacked her husband to death for insisting on consummating the marriage.

The 27-year-old woman, identified as Radhika, allegedly killed her husband using an axe just a fortnight after their wedding.

The woman attacked her 53-year-old husband, Anil Lokhande, around 12.30 am on Wednesday after he insisted on consummating their 15-day-old marriage, police said. The woman has been arrested.

The couple resided in Kupwad tehsil of Sangli district, a police official said. It was Lokhande's second marriage as his first wife had died of cancer, he said.

Police said the woman was irked that Anil Lokhande had been constantly asking her to consummate their marriage whcih often led to a heated exchange between the two.

On early Wednesday morning, in a fit of rage, Anil Lokhande's wife fatally attacked her husband with an axe when he was asleep in bed, an official from Kupwad MIDC police station said.

The woman was later arrested and booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, he said, adding further probe was on into the case.

Indore-based transport businessman Raja Raghuvanshi was allegedly murdered during his honeymoon trip to Meghalaya last month allegedly at the behest of his wife Sonam, as per police.

The police suspect Sonam hatched a conspiracy to murder Raja in connivance with her alleged lover. Sonam and four others have been arrested so far in connection with the murder.
Issuer interest in zero-coupon bonds (ZCBs) faces a potential setback after state-run Power Finance Corporation (PFC) pulled its planned offering for a second time in a row, reportedly due to a mismatch in yield expectations, experts said.

Following approval from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on 11 March 2025, PFC decided to launch its 10-year zero-coupon bonds, according to an official notification, with a base issue size of 500 crore and a green shoe option to raise additional 1,500 crore in the event of high demand from investors.

Business Standard reported on Monday, citing sources, that PFC has withdrawn its zero-coupon bond issuance for the second time in just over a month, as investors demanded higher yields than what the issuer was willing to offer. PFC had previously withdrawn the issuance on 30 April, 2025.

Also read: Power Finance Corporation Q3 results: Net profit rises 23% YoY to 5,829 crore, announces third interim dividend

The subdued response on Monday (to the PFC bond issuance) from both arrangers and investors suggests that issuers may need to revisit their strategy, timing, and pricing assumptions. Although CBDT approvals provide flexibility over the issuance window, market conditions will ultimately dictate whether ZCBs can sustain their relevance," said Venkatakrishnan Srinivasan, founder and managing partner of financial advisory firm Rockfort Fincap LLP.

Last year, another state-owned company REC Ltd raised 5,000 crore in zero-coupon bonds at an aggressive price, which led to other issuers queueing up to launch such bond sales.

Srinivasan said the REC issue, priced at a 6.25% coupon, was roughly 61 basis points (bps) below the 10-year government bond yield (6.86% annualized at the time) and nearly 80-90 bps lower than comparable taxable bonds from similar AAA-rated issuers.

Market participants at the time saw zero-coupon bonds as a viable substitute to the erstwhile tax-free bonds, especially when the market linked debenture (MLDs) too as a tax saving instrument phased out," said Srinivasan.

According to him, while G-sec yields have softened significantly since April, driven by surplus liquidity, successive rate cuts, and a dovish RBI stancethe yields on zero-coupon bonds (ZCBs) have, paradoxically, hardened in the secondary market. This disconnect, he explained, stems from poor secondary market liquidity in ZCBs, which persists despite the overall abundance of systemic liquidity and monetary policy measures. As a result, investors and arrangers who aggressively bid at lower yields last year in the primary market are now facing challenges.

Also read: HUDCO Q4 Results: PAT rises 4% to 728 crore YoY, NBFC declares final dividend of 1.05 per equity share

Zero-coupon bonds approved by the CBDT are debt instruments issued at a discount to face value and redeemed at face value, with no periodic interest payments. These bonds, often issued by government entities, are primarily used for infrastructure financing. CBDT approval grants them a specific tax treatment, classifying gains on redemption as long-term capital gains, which are generally taxed at a lower rate than regular income. The zero-coupon bonds not approved by the CBDT are issued by corporates and high-yield entities, and fall under regular income tax rules. So, returns from these bonds are taxed as per the investors applicable income tax slab.

Before the PFC issue, there was quite a bit of interest among public sector enterprises. According to a Reuters report in April, six state-owned companies have sought approval from the government to issue deep discount bonds. These include Indian Railway Finance Corp. (IRFC), Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), Power Grid Corp. of India, REC, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

That apart, Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd (HUDCO) in April received CBDT approval for issuance of zero-coupon bonds of 5,000 crore, according to an official notification. Indian Railway Finance Corporation Ltd, in May, also received approval from CBDT for issuance of its 10-year zero-coupon bond with 10,000 crore to be paid on maturity. PFC and REC are among the government entities that have received CBDT approval.

Emails sent to PFC, REC, IRFC, Power Grid, SIDBI and HUDCO remained unanswered till press time. NABARD declined to comment. When asked about IREDAs plan for the upcoming zero-coupon bond issuance following PFC's withdrawal, its spokesperson redirected Mint to a press release issued on Wednesday, stating that the company had raised 2,005.90 crore through a qualified institutional placement (QIP).

The value of zero-coupon bonds raised by both private and public entities was at 44,009 crore in FY24 and at 32,184 crore in FY25, according to data from Prime Database. This data include both CBDT-notified and non-notified zero-coupon bonds. In FY25, major issuers included Porteast Investment Pvt. Ltd, Reliance Capital Ltd, Jsquare Electrical Steel Nashik Pvt. Ltd, besides others.

Experts said CBDT-approved zero-coupon bonds still offer structural advantages, such as favourable capital gains tax treatment, zero reinvestment risk, and issuance by AAA-rated public sector entities. However, the lack of secondary market depth and declining relative value are reducing investor enthusiasm.

Zero coupon bonds offer returns by being issued at a discount and redeemed at face value, and the internal rate of return reflects what an investor earns if the bond is held till maturity. These bonds are treated as debt for tax purposes, so the gains are usually taxed as interest at the investor's slab rate," said Anil Gupta, senior vice-president and group head of financial sector ratings at Icra. But if held for more than one year, the returns may qualify as long-term capital gains with indexation benefits. That makes them more tax-efficient than traditional debt products, especially for long-term investors in higher tax bracket," said Gupta.

Others also pointed to the taxation benefit on these bonds and said that zero-coupon bonds are gaining traction with high-net-worth individuals (HNIs).

Also read: Direct tax authority charts route to achieve target after 1 tn relief

These bonds also offer cash flow efficiency, as there's no interest payment during the tenure, and the entire bond matures at face value, implying that all interest payments are reinvested at the same yield," said Suresh Darak, founder and chief executive officer of fintech platform Bondbazaar.

He said investors in this segment are willing to invest at regular intervals based on their cash flow and income needs. However, since these bonds are privately placed and listed bonds, intermediaries need to subscribe in the primary market and distribute them to HNIs in the secondary market.

Given the yield is around 5.5-6%, intermediaries face a negative carry of nearly 2% due to borrowing at higher rates. This sometimes leads to a slightly higher primary yield if demand is spread over the next few months to cover the upfront negative carry for intermediaries," said Darak.
Amid soaring temperatures and extreme weather conditions across India, the government is planning to standardise the temperatures of air conditioners by restricting the minimum temperature to 20C and maximum temperature to 28C, said Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, on Tuesday.

His announcement sparked a range of reactions from social media users. Most users took a funny jibe at the proposal, while a few explained how the government would implement this move.

Here's how social media users reacted 

One of the users questioned if there is a provision to set the AC temperature at 16 degrees. We are already paying 28% GST for AC. Can we unlock 16C by paying extra GST(sic)?

Another user added, AC will come with Nano chip. Once you lower the temperature below 20C, signal will go to the nearest police station and your AC will be taken away. Masterstroke(sic).

One of the social media users wrote, The Government is also planning to ask the Sun to control its temperature between 30-40 degrees in summers. This is in line with temperature control on ACs. A formal meeting planned with AC companies & Sun during monsoons(sic).

Another user suggested, Best would be if we link AC temperature with Aadhar (sic)!!

A user proposed a name for the policy and wrote, "One Nation One Temperature!"

Here are some other memes shared by social media users 

Also Read | How noise from air conditioners can interfere with sleep quality and comfort

Manohar Khattar on air conditioners Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Union Minister Khattar said, "Regarding air conditioning standards, a new provision is being implemented soon. The temperature standardisation for ACs will be set between 20C to 28C, meaning we won't be able to cool below 20C or warm above 28C. This is a first-of-its-kind experiment, aiming to standardise temperature settings. This is a first-of-its-kind experiment, aiming to standardise temperature settings.
In a shocking incident in Bathinda, Punjab, police have launched a murder investigation after the body of a social media influencer was found inside a parked car near Adesh Medical University on Wednesday night.

The deceased, Kanchan Kumari, known to her over 3.84 lakh Instagram followers as Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, was well-known for her regular content and often made headlines for sharing bold photos and videos that challenged conservative social norms.

Locals reported a foul smell coming from the car parked in the universitys lot along the Bathinda-Chandigarh highway. When police arrived and searched the vehicle, they discovered the body of a woman aged around 30 to 35 years. The car was registered in Ludhiana, where Kaur lived.

Officials suspect she may have been killed elsewhere and then moved in the car to the spot where she was found.

Senior police officers, including SSP Amneet Kondal and SP City Narinder Singh, confirmed that a murder case is being registered. A forensic team has been brought in to assist with the investigation. Kamal Kaurs family has been informed.

Also Read | Indore honeymoon murder case: How police nabbed accused Sonam Raghuvanshi

The discovery has caused a stir in the area, as Kamal was a well-known face on social media. Police are thoroughly investigating the matter to identify the culprits and understand the motive behind her suspected murder.

Last Instagram post The influencers last Instagram post was mysterious. She wrote, No emotion, no love, no f*ck. Bachia hoya taan bas shakk shakk shakk (whats left is just doubt, doubt and doubt).

Many social media users commented on the photo after the news of her alleged murder had gone viral. Not everyone posted kind remarks.

Milgea fame?? bc Zindgi nu mjak bna rakhea c (Got fame?? Bloody hell, you had turned life into a joke), wrote one user.

The dirt is less now, came from another user.
On the night of June 11, U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania walked the red carpet at Washingtons Kennedy Center to watch the musical Les Miserables. His attendance coincided with reports that some cast members were planning to boycott the show because of his visit.

When asked about plans for the reported boycott, Trump replied in his signature style.

I couldnt care less. All I do is run the country well, the US president told the New York Post.

Wearing a black tuxedo, Donald Trump walked beside Melania. She wore a stylish black gown and silver heels. This was his first visit to the arts center since becoming its chairman in February.

Trump said the Kennedy Center needed repairs due to age and promised to significantly improve the condition.

We want to bring it back better than ever. As you know, it needs a little help from the standpoint of age and fitness, but its going to be fantastic, he said.

President Trump admitted he had watched Les Miserables multiple times before. However, he is unsure if he relates more to the hero Jean Valjean or the strict Inspector Javert.

Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha also attended the prestigious event, which raised $10 million.

Trump had earlier removed the Kennedy Centers board, accusing them of allowing drag shows specifically targeting our youth. He replaced them with his chosen members.

In protest, a group of drag queens crashed the show before the US presidents appearance. Social media posts reveal that they received applause from the audience.

Anti-ICE protests Meanwhile, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is facing massive protests across the country, thanks to Donald Trumps immigration overhaul.

Large anti-ICE protests have been taking place across the US, with Los Angeles witnessing six days of violence following major immigration raids.
US President Donald Trump launched a waitlist website for the latest visa programme, Trump Card, a ticket to permanent residency in the United States for foreigners who wish to make an investment of $5 million. Notably, this hefty $5 million investment will not guarantee citizenship in the US.

Trump's gold card a path for citizenship While speaking to reporters in February, Trump clarified that he does not need approval from Congress to issue a gold card since it will not guarantee citizenship; nevertheless, it is a strong path for citizenship. However, Trump did not provide details regarding how the gold card will be a path to citizenship. In order to guarantee citizenship in the US, Trump explained that he would need the approval of Congress.

What is the most common way to get US citizenship currently? One of the common ways to secure US citizenship currently is through naturalisation, which requires being a lawful permanent resident for at least five years. The applicant must be at least 18 years old, able to read, write and speak basic English according to their age group, and be of good moral character.

Trump's gold card waitlist On Thursday, Trump announced the launch of the waitlist website for Trump Card. The website features a gold card with an image of Donald Trump with the name The Trump Card.

In his official Truth Social handle, he wrote, FOR FIVE MILLION $DOLLARS, THE TRUMP CARD IS COMING! Thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up to ride a beautiful road in gaining access to the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World. It's called THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! THE WAITING LIST IS NOW OPEN. To sign up, go to TRUMPCARD.GOV.

Why is Trump's gold card important? While describing the benefits of the gold card, Trump said, Were going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million, and thats going to give you green card privileges, plus its going to be a route to citizenship.

He further added, Wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card, Trump said in February. They'll be wealthy, and they'll be successful, and they'll be spending a lot of money, and paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people.

Also Read | Trump claims his actions saved Los Angeles from disaster
A US federal judge passed a ruling on Wednesday stating that the Donald Trump administration cannot keep using US foreign policy interests as a means to justify the detention of Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil. However, he then delayed the release order, saying that the ruling will not come into effect until Friday, according to a Reuters report.

Federal judge delivers big order, then adds a clause Judge Michael Farbiarz was quoted as saying in his order that the ruling would not immediately take effect, and that the administration has until 9:30 am Friday to respond to this latest ruling. It is now to be seen how the Trump administration reacts or appeals to this latest ruling, looking at the fact that they have been trying to detain Khalil for some time now. Meanwhile, this order is being seen as a major setback for the Trump administration in the cases of legal US residents.

This new ruling comes soon after another order passed last Thursday, preventing the Trump administration from arresting a Columbia University student, Yunseo Chung, 21, whom it is seeking to detain and deport to South Korea ever since she participated in a pro-Palestinian demonstration earlier this year. According to reports, Chung has never lived in South Korea since she was 7 years of age.
Eight Palestinian aid workers were killed and several injured when a bus they were traveling in was attacked by Hamas militants in central Gaza, a foundation backed by the US and Israel said Thursday.

The vehicle was en route to an aid-distribution center west of the city of Khan Younis when it came under fire at 10 p.m. local time, according to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. It expressed concern that Hamas had taken some of the more than two dozen passengers hostage. Hamas has yet to respond to the accusations.

We condemn this heinous and deliberate attack in the strongest possible terms, the foundation said in a statement. For days, Hamas has openly threatened our team, our aid workers, and the civilians who receive aid from us.

GHFs interim executive director, John Acree, said the group will continue food deliveries despite the attack.

The GHF, a Switzerland-based nonprofit, began operating in Gaza in late May following a 13-week-long Israeli blockade of the territory. It has been dispensing aid from centers in central and southern Gaza that have been inundated with people. Israeli forces said they had in recent weeks fired at Palestinians headed toward one center, citing a security threat.

The organization said it distributed over 2.6 million meals on Thursday through three sites in central and southern Gaza Strip, but Palestinians have complained that the random distribution process lacks beneficiary data that would ensure the food is handed out fairly. The UN and other traditional relief groups operating in Gaza have refused to work the GHF.

The Hamas-run Health Ministry said that 57 people were killed in areas adjacent to the distribution sites on Wednesday, bringing the total who had died in such incidents to 224.

Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and sparking a war in Gaza that has dragged on for almost 20 months. More than 55,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, while large parts of the territory have been reduced to rubble.

Many of the more than the 2 million Palestinians living in Gaza were dependent on aid before the fighting erupted and their plight has grown increasingly desperate. Israel has sidelined United Nations agencies from distribution, accusing them of being too close to Hamas, which the US has designated a terrorist group.

The GHF has handed out more than 10 million meals in Gaza over recent weeks, the military said in a post on social media platform X.

The foundation said it would carry on issuing aid despite the latest attack on its workers.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
The United States is on a high alert over anticipation that Israeli forces would carry out an attack against Iran's nuclear program, authorising some of its troops and embassy staff members to leave the Middle East. Earlier, Iran has threatened to strike American bases and military assets if its attacked over its nuclear program.

The State Department said on Thursday that the decision to shrink staff in Iraq was based on our latest analysis.

As Iran issued a threat, Irans Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said in televised remarks, I sincerely hope it wont come to that and that the talks reach a resolution. But if they dont, and conflict is imposed on us, the other side will undoubtedly suffer greater losses. We will target all US bases in host countries without hesitation.

There have also been reports that Israel was readying itself to launch an operation into Iran. Amid those reports, Islamic Republic of Iran, on the social media platform X, declared, We are Ready.

Earlier in the day, Donald Trump had also mentioned that he was not confident of a deal with Iran. Im less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago. Something happened to them, but I am much less confident of a deal being made, he said.

US military personnel are being moved out (of some countries of the Middle East) because it could be a dangerous place and we will see what happens...We have given notice to move out, Donald Trump said.

Earlier in the day, the UK Navy issued a rare warning to mariners that higher tensions in the Middle East could affect shipping, including through the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping has often been risky in the Middle East, but UKMTO, which acts as a liaison between the navy and commercial shipping, rarely puts out general warnings such as this one.

UKMTO has been made aware of increased tensions within the region which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners, the advisory said. Vessels are advised to transit the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz with caution.

Hormuz is the worlds most important oil chokepoint and Iran has frequently threatened to close it during times of geopolitical strife. However, it has never done so.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 near Ahmedabad, which claimed over 200 lives. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: "Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy."

Nawaz Sharif: Loss transcends borders Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the human cost of the disaster. In his statement on X, he said: "My heartfelt condolences to the families of the precious lives lost in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. This devastating loss transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. My deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India."

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari: Profound condolences to India Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman and former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also offered his sympathies, highlighting the scale of the tragedy: "Saddened to hear a tragic incident occurred earlier today. Where an Air India flight with approximately 240 passengers crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad, India. I express my profound condolences to the people of India."

Deadly crash minutes after takeoff The crash, which occurred shortly after the Boeing 787 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London, has drawn international reactions and solidarity, with leaders from across the world mourning the loss of lives.

A London-bound Air India Dreamliner (AI171) carrying 242 people crashed into the BJ Medical College complex near Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday (June 12), triggering a massive blaze.

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which took off at 1.39 PM, reportedly issued a Mayday call before plummeting just 600-800 feet into the densely populated area adjacent to the airport.

Vijay Rupani among dead, one miraculous survivor Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was confirmed dead by BJP leader C R Patil. Amid the devastation, one survivor was identified  Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was seated on 11A.

Nationalities and crew onboard Of the 242 people onboard, 230 were passengers: 169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. The crew included two pilots and 10 flight attendants. The aircraft was captained by Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 flying hours) and co-piloted by Clive Kundar (1,100 hours).

Emergency efforts underway The aircraft crashed into a hostel building in the medical college campus, setting off intense flames that charred trees, buildings, and parked vehicles.

A Gujarat health official said DNA testing will be needed for identification due to severe burns. Though no official toll was released, reports indicate over 200 bodies have been recovered.

Air India, PM Modi and others respond Air India Chairperson N Chandrasekaran said: We are heartbroken. This is an unbearable tragedy. We have activated our emergency response centre and are working to support families.

CEO Campbell Wilson added, This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India. We are working with authorities on all emergency response efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. My thoughts are with everyone affected.

King Charles III expressed shock: Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected across so many nations.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the images from Ahmedabad devastating, noting many British nationals were aboard.

Rescue teams continue to sift through the wreckage in search of clues and possible survivors. As the nation mourns, the focus now shifts to investigation and support for the families affected by this unprecedented tragedy.

Also Read | Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad claims over 200 lives in 30 seconds | 10 pts
The UK government has issued a new helpline number for British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family who were aboard the Air India aircraft that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12.

We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved. British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000: UK Government, read the recent statement, according to ANI.

The Air India plane that crashed was carrying 242 members aboard, which included 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Among the passengers, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also present, according to reports.

What is the helpline number of the UK government for the Air India plane crash? The helpline number issued for British nationals who wish to enquire about their friends and family aboard the Air India aircraft is 020 7008 5000.

This number is mainly for the assistance of British nationals, and they can get in touch for the latest updates on AI crash victims, many of whom were UK citizens, according to reports.

Also Read | Boeing shares fall as Air India crash spotlights series of previous accidents

Meanwhile, Air India has also issued a new hotline number other than the one released a few hours ago, owing to the incessant number of enquiries coming in from across the globe. In the new hotline number-related post, Air India also requested media persons not to inquire details on this particular number.
China has now included Indonesia in its 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit programme. Now, the total number of eligible countries is 55. However, India is still not on this list.

According to Chinas National Immigration Administration (NIA), travellers from 55 countries, such as the UK, US, Japan, France, Australia and UAE. They can already use the 72 or 144-hour visa-free transit facilities at 31 ports in 23 cities.

From June 12, 2025, eligible Indonesian travellers can enter China through any of 60 ports in 24 regions. They can stay for up to 10 days without a visa, as long as they are en route to a third country.

According to the NIA, this move strengthens ties between China and ASEAN countries and supports regional cooperation. Many Indian travellers, however, continue to wait for similar ease of entry as India remains excluded from the current visa-free list.

"With deepening exchanges between China, Indonesia, and other ASEAN members, China's visa-free policy is gradually evolving into a broader regional initiative," Ge Hongliang, vice dean of the ASEAN College at Guangxi Minzu University, told the Global Times.

Also Read | China thanks India for rescuing crew onboard vessel after it caught fire

NIA has said that it will keep improving immigration rules to make it easier for foreigners to enter, study, work and live in the country. The transit visa policy is expanding, allowing more people to visit China.

This also clearly reflects China's commitment to opening up and boosting international exchanges," Ge said.

India-China rocky relationship India and China continue to have a rocky relationship due to border issues and political rivalry. The main reason is the Line of Actual Control (LAC) dispute in the Himalayas.

Geopolitically, China does not enjoy Indias bond with countries like the US, Japan and Australia. In turn, Indias major concern is China and Pakistans all-weather friendship.

Also Read | Himachal Pradesh Opens Areas Near India-China Border For Tourists

China continues to provide Pakistan with economic help and weapons. It also gives Pakistan advanced arms, like fighter jets and missiles, adding to Indias security concerns.
The United States is pulling out non-essential personnel from the Middle East due to rising regional tensions, particularly with Iran, as nuclear negotiations continue to break down, according to statements from the US State Department and military reported by The Times of Israel on Wednesday.

Also Read: Donald Trump says feels less confident about Iran nuclear deal

US President Donald Trump said, ", They (US military personnel) are being moved out (of some countries of the Middle East) because it could be a dangerous place and we will see what happens...We have given notice to move out...They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that.

"President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq," a State Department official told The Times of Israel.

The department also authorised the departure of non-essential personnel and family members from Bahrain and Kuwait, giving them an option on whether to leave the country, as per The Times of Israel.

Also Read: Alleged Iran Money Laundering Network Hit With US Sanctions

Additionally, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved the voluntary departure of military dependents from various locations across the Middle East, a US official confirmed. Another official noted that this decision primarily affects families stationed in Bahrain, where most are currently based.

Regional tensions have intensified in recent days amid stalled negotiations between the US and Iran over Tehrans rapidly advancing nuclear program.

Given the growing strain, General Michael Kurilla, head of US Central Command and responsible for American forces in the region, has delayed his scheduled testimony before US lawmakers on Thursday, according to two officials cited by The Times of Israel.

Iran's mission to the UN posted on social media that threats of overwhelming force won't change the facts.

Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and US militarism only fuels instability, the Iranian mission wrote.

They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that.

Iranian Defence Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh said on Wednesday that while he remained hopeful about the outcome of talks with the United States, Tehran was fully prepared to launch strikes on American bases in the region if necessary.
Popular Chinese TV host Li Xiang has triggered fresh online criticism. The controversy started after it was revealed she had eaten sticky rice dumplings worth 1,000 yuan (around 12,000) each during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Li, now 49, became famous in 1997 as the host of the hit show Happy Camp. She has won many awards, including Chinas top honour for TV hosts, the Golden Mic Award.

Over the years, she has expanded her career into acting, singing, real estate and online selling. In 2019, her monthly online sales crossed 10 million yuan ( 12 crore), according to the South China Morning Post. She owns a huge villa in Beijing and several properties in Changsha.

During this years Dragon Boat Festival, the Chinese celebrity shared photos online of a fancy meal with her daughter. The photos showed special zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) served on porcelain plates at a luxury restaurant.

These zongzi were made by a French luxury brand using expensive ingredients like caviar, black truffle and Iberian ham. Each dumpling cost nearly 100 times more than regular ones.

Also Read | Bengaluru billionaire Kiran Mazumdar ditches luxury car for metro travel

Li, often called Chinas Showoff Queen, is known for her over-the-top lifestyle. She once said her family spends at least 70,000 yuan (nearly 8.5 lakh) every month on food. She even mixes two-carat diamond powder into her skincare routine.

Her daughters life is just as lavish. Angela Wang Shiling gets a monthly allowance of 650,000 yuan ( 77 lakh) and studies at a top UK boarding school with fees of 350,000 yuan (approx. 42 lakh) a year.

She also rides in luxury cars, eats with Hermes tableware and wears costly jewellery from Van Cleef & Arpels.

To give a context, some Hermes dinner plates cost more than 1 lakh each. And, a simple Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet is worth 4 lakh.

Angela Wang Shiling, now 15, recently shared photos of her being in company with the British royal family. She even shared a photo of King Charles giving a speech at a private gathering, with Queen Camilla standing beside him. Her mother is also known to be close to the royals.

Social media reactions Social media users reacted to the expensive food.

This is not eating zongzi, it is biting into half my monthly salary! SCMP quoted one user as saying.
Bangladesh interim government chief Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday, 11 June, ruled out any role for himself in the next Bangladesh government after the 2026 elections, the first since a mass uprising overthrew the previous regime.

Speaking in London, the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner was asked if he was seeking any political post. Yunus responded, No way, while waving his hands in the air for emphasis.

No way, no way. I think none of our cabinet members (Council of Advisers) would like to do that, he said, adding, Our job is to make sure that the transition is managed well, and that people are happy when we hand over power to the elected government.

So we want to make sure that the election is right, that is a very critical factor for us. If the election is wrong, this thing will never be solved again.

Muhammad Yunus also recalled the time when he sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's help in stopping former PM Sheikh Hasina from making political statements.

Ousted on 5 August last year after a massive student-led agitation, Sheikh Hasina faces multiple cases in Bangladesh. She fled Bangladesh and landed in India after the massive uprising that saw hundreds storming her official residence.

Since Muhammad Yunus took over, the interim government has been trying to extradite Sheikh Hasina from India.

This will continue, another stage has come, now there is a case. The International Crimes Tribunal has started the trial process; they sent notices to Hasina for all the crimes she has committed. So, they have to respond to the notices, he said.

This is a legal notice, so we have to go to the Interpol and all the other things that happen through that. This is the process that we are following; we want it to be very legal, very proper.

Muhammad Yunus said he sought PM Modi's help when the two met at the Bimstec Summit in Bangkok in April 2025.

He said, When I had a chance to talk to Prime Minister Modi, I simply said you want to host her, I cannot force you to abandon that policy. But please help us in making sure she doesnt speak to Bangladeshi people the way she is doing.

She announces on such and such day and at such and such hour she will speak, and the whole of Bangladesh gets very angry, he added.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, assured that his country will always support Moscow, state media KCNA reported on Thursday.

Calling Putin his dearest comrade, Kim praised North Korea-Russia bilateral relations in a message for Russia Day. "It is an unshakable will of the government of the DPRK and of my own steadfastly to carry on the DPRK-Russia relations," Kim was quoted as saying.

Also Read | Trump Open to Correspondence With Kim Jong Un, White House Says

Today the traditional DPRK-Russia friendship has been further cemented thanks to the militant comradeship the service personnel of the two countries have forged at the cost of their blood in the just sacred war to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Russia; it has developed into an excellent model of indestructible, genuine relationship between comrades-in-arms and alliance, he added.

North Korea's military support to Russia After months of silence, Pyongyang confirmed for the first time that it had sent troops to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine under orders from leader Kim Jong Un earlier this year.

The North Korean leader has consistently supported Russia.

Earlier that Kim Jong Un promised to unconditionally support Putin.

During a meeting in Pyongyang with Sergei Shoigu, a leading security aide to Putin, Kim stated that North Korea will unconditionally support Russia and its foreign policies on all significant international political matters," KCNA reported. Both countries agreed to enhance their ties into the powerful and comprehensive relations of strategic partnership," it noted.

Also Read | Russia returns bodies of 1,212 soldiers to Ukraine amid stalled Istanbul talks

In 2024, North Korea transferred to Russia at least 100 ballistic missiles, which were subsequently launched into Ukraine to destroy civilian infrastructure and terrorise populated areas such as Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia," reported Bloomberg News citing a report by a report by 11 countries, including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan.
SINGAPORE : A key lesson from the latest skirmish in the U.S.-China trade war: The era of weaponized supply chains has arrived.

Earlier this week, Washington and Beijing ended a standoff involving the most potent new tool in superpower statecraftexport controls. As part of a monthslong trade fight, the two sides choked off the supply of such exports as rare earths or semiconductor technology in bid to gain an edge.

So when Chinese and American negotiators finally met in London to discuss a truce, the talk focused far more on dialing back supply-chain curbs than they did on tariffs, market access and other standard trade-negotiation topics.

That shift highlights how the rivalry between the U.S. and China is increasingly about who controls the levers of global economic power. For businesses and investors, the potential for these tools to be used more broadly in the pursuit of geopolitical goals by Washington and Beijing adds another layer of complexity to an economic backdrop already clouded by tariffs.

The amount of uncertainty generated by this is significant," said Alfredo Montufar-Helu, senior adviser at the Conference Board in Beijing. It is something new."

To some analysts, the use of export controls means future trade talks between the U.S. and China will increasingly resemble the arms-control dialogues of the Cold War, when the U.S. and the Soviet Union worked to limit the buildup of nuclear weapons, without giving up the deterrent effect their possession conferred.

Today, instead of warheads, the U.S. and China are wielding a range of new economic weapons that have the potential to cause widespread economic pain. Following the latest skirmish, China agreed to resume exports of rare-earth magnets and critical minerals needed by U.S. companiesbut only for six months, The Wall Street Journal reported.

If you look at traditional arms-control treaties, the primary goal was to prevent a catastrophic, worst-case scenario from materializing," said Emily Benson, head of strategy at the advisory firm Minerva Technology Futures and a former Commerce Department official. And thats certainly what we see here in the economic domain."

In many essential sectors of the modern economy, China has the upper hand. The worlds second-largest economy accounts for around a third of global manufacturing output, giving it a potential chokehold on auto parts, basic ingredients for drugs, key parts of the electronics supply chain and a host of other industrial sectors. It is the worlds No. 1 exporter of machinery, ships, steel, ceramics, textiles and dozens of other goods, according to data from the International Trade Center, a U.N.-backed agency that promotes open trade.

The U.S. dominates fewer sectorsbut its clout in advanced technology gives it an outsize advantage.

Supply-chain resilience became a hot topic in government buildings and corporate boardrooms during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the virus and the lockdowns aimed at containing it revealed the global economys vulnerability to major disruptions, especially in China, the worlds largest factory floor.

Auto factories in Missouri shut down in 2021 over a shortage of Chinese-made chips. European Union solidarity crumbled as individual countries raced to secure their own domestic supplies of ventilators, masks and other equipment.

Companies examined their supply chains to check for weak spots and in many cases opted to build up inventory, find additional manufacturing bases and take other steps to build greater resilience in their supply chains in the event of fresh disruption. These efforts did little to weaken Chinas grip on key supply chains.

The pandemic also underlined the potential for governments to turn their economic dominance against their rivals and adversaries.

Under the Biden administration, the U.S., which for years made abundant use of its dominant position in global finance to impose sanctions on countries including Iran and Russia, wielded one of the most powerful economic tools America possesses: its tech prowess. Washington tightened controls on exports of high-end semiconductors to China, and persuaded allies including Japan and the Netherlands to limit supplies to China of lithography machines and other essential chipmaking tools. The goal was to thwart Chinas ambition to supplant the U.S. as the worlds foremost technological power.

In response, China has begun flexing its own economic muscle by tightly controlling the export of rare earths and other critical minerals that are essential for the manufacture of car engines, chips, smartphones and a host of other advanced technologies. It upped the ante this year by extending those controls to the export of rare-earth magnets, indispensable components in everything from air-conditioning units to jet fighters.

The U.S. said China agreed to speed approvals of magnet exports as part of a trade truce agreed in Geneva in May, which lowered substantially tariffs imposed by both countries on the others imports.

Yet Washington soon grew frustrated at the slow pace of approvals, which automakers complained was hurting production. Officials again reached for export controls to raise the pressure on Beijing, notifying companies that exports to China of jet engines and related parts, chipmaking software, and ethane, a component of natural gas used in manufacturing plastics, were suspended, The Wall Street Journal reported.

This weeks talks in London were aimed at easing this standoff. The two sides said they agreed to a framework" to restore the May truce, without providing many details. President Trump in a post on his Truth Social network said Wednesday that a deal is done and that the supply of magnets and rare earths from China to the U.S. economy will resume.

But Chinas move to put a six-month limit on rare-earth export licenses for American manufacturers signals that Beijing could use this weapon against the U.S. again if trade tensions erupt again.

The potential for export controls to disrupt trade adds to the pressure on companies already struggling to navigate tariffs and mushrooming trade conflicts. Companies operating in the U.S. and China will increasingly need to split their supply chains into two, said Eric Zheng, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.

Companies will, generally speaking, continue to derisk, however you define this, essentially by treating the U.S. and China as two separate markets," he said.

Write to Jason Douglas at jason.douglas@wsj.com
Apple and its main manufacturing contractor, Hon Hai Precision Company, are still betting on India. When Hon Haibetter known as Foxconnrevealed through an exchange filing last week that it was putting another $1.5 billion into its operations there, it will have calmed a few nerves in New Delhi.

Worries about the future of Apple in the country had been set off by US President Donald Trump, who said last month that he had told the companys CEO Tim Cook, I dont want you building in India." This seemed to contradict hopes, shared by both Cupertino and New Delhi, that most iPhones for the US market would come from India by the end of 2026.

Also Read: Apples Hotel California trap: It can check out but not leave China

But on the ground, Apple Incs turn to the South Asian country seems well-entrenched.

Reports have emerged of a new Foxconn campus meant to house 30,000 employees. This would be the largest such effort in Indias recent history. And another contract manufacturer, Tata Electronics, is now assembling the iPhone 16 at its South Indian plant.

Yet, CEOs and politicians may have begun to realize that the difficulties involved in shiftingor duplicatingan entire manufacturing ecosystem extend beyond placating Trump. This is a complex environment and there are severe obstacles to moving it out of China. US politics is only one, though perhaps the loudest.

Admittedly, Apple has had a lot of success in India already. Thats why even Trump has been talking about it. In just the last year, the value of Apple products manufactured there has jumped 60% to $22 billion. Over $17 billion is exported; thanks to Apple, Indias $38 billion of electronics exports now earn more than even its world-famous pharmaceutical sector. No other investment has produced anything near this scale of return. In fact, it may be the only success of the Narendra Modi governments pivot to industrial policy in the middle of his decade-plus in power.

This rare win happened because Apple Inc and its suppliers were committed to moving production into India, and because both federal and state governments rewrote regulations and permissions to help them make the move.

Also Read: Trumps policies assure China an edge in the race for AI dominance

Politicians kept up this support, even when there might be a price to pay. After a border clash between China and India in 2020 that left 20 of its soldiers dead, Indian officials restricted investment from Beijing. Those restrictions have slowly softened since then, primarily to ensure that Apples contractors didnt get caught up in red tape.

That experience should have served as a reminder to New Delhi that attracting an entire ecosystem needs three sets of players to cooperate: companies, the destination market for their products and the source geography. Apple and Foxconn might be on board, Trump and his tariffs might be managed, but what of China?

A recent book by the former Financial Times journalist Patrick McGee argues that Apple in China, and Foxconn in particular, grew because American investors and engineers helped.

Thats no surprise.

Any industrial power trains its competitors and successors. Thats what Great Britain did for America centuries ago. The financiers, engineers and suppliers that make up an existing manufacturing ecosystem need to be willing and able to cooperate in creating a new one. They are generally well rewarded for it.

Also Read: Rahul Jacob: Manufacturing is crying out for a reality check

Apples contract manufacturers and component suppliers, large and small, in China might be willing to set up shop in Indiaafter all, profits are profits wherever they are earned. Some of their engineers might be happy to move to supervise new shop floors.

But, as it turns out, Beijing might not permit that to happen. Many experienced employees with crucial knowledge and skill-sets have found themselves forbidden to travel to India and Southeast Asia.

Apple and New Delhi have both tried to woo Trump and make him accept the possibility that iPhones destined for the US will be made in India.

But it appears that they may need to woo Chinas President Xi Jinping as well.

Objectively, Indias Apple-led mobile phone ecosystem is nowhere near challenging Chinas manufacturing dominance. China is, after all, an indispensable country not just for Apple, but for multiple companies struggling to shift production to India, Vietnam and elsewhere. But Beijing now appears to view Apples India project as a riskdangerous enough that a few barriers should be erected in its path.

Trump, Apple, New Delhi and Beijing appear agreed on Indian manufacturings potential over the next few years, whatever the rest of us might think. Bloomberg

The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist.
The State of World Population report for 2025, published by a UN agency, notes that Indias total fertility rate (TFR) has dipped below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman of child-bearing age. It is now 1.9 for the country as a whole, with wide regional variation. Indias National Family Health Survey of 2019-2021 had placed our TFR at 2.0.

What makes the UN report noteworthy is its emphasis on social factors that influence fertility. It focuses on reproductive agency as understood in a societal context, and that is welcome. Its call for the full realization of reproductive rights should draw our attention to gender justice, which is a vital aspect of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Also Read: Gender and Age: We need a female perspective on ageing populations

Globally, a fertility boom in the second half of the 20th century led to widespread fears of a population explosion. Religious conservatives in the US worried about populations elsewhere growing too fast for anyones good and funded family planning and population-control measures in Asia and Africa. Development economists worried about economic gains being outrun by an expanding pool of claimants to the fruits of growth.

These concerns linger in the unreformed world-views of many, including many of those who wield political power. Meanwhile, many people in the rich world seem obsessed with a population implosiona crisis of not enough children being born. This anxiety is partly on account of the immigration needed to keep economies in expansion mode. The wave of anti-immigrant sentiment sweeping large swathes of the West, from the US to Europe, where xenophobic politics has been on the rise, can partly be attributed to fears of being outnumbered by people who do not look like Westerners.

Also Read: Population decline is not a problem but hungry kids are

It is in this context that the UN report makes an important assertion: that the key problemor the real fertility crisis"is neither a population explosion nor implosion, but unrealized reproductive rights in relatively poor and well-off societies alike.

Getting rich need not enhance reproductive autonomy. South Korea offers an illustrative example of this. The country has a TFR of 0.8, as many Korean women eschew motherhood and marriage in protest against gender-unjust attitudes that impose all household chores and care burdens on women, who often lack financial security and childcare support. Here, the issue is not access to contraception or abortion rights as much as social mores that sustain gender oppression, leaving women to resist the patriarchy by opting not to have children at all.

Also Read: Pet paranoia and anti-immigrant rants reveal economic myopia

In India, attitudes vary widely with income status, social-group norms and the level of womens empowerment in varied settings. While India has many women with successful professional careers, this owes less to supportive partners sharing traditional housework and more to their ability to shift some of the burden to paid domestic help, offered typically by women who earn to keep kitchen stoves alight.

This model, though, is not sustainable. As incomes rise at the bottom of the pyramid, outsourcing domestic chores and care for the young and old could become prohibitively expensive. In other words, true economic successwith its bounty reaching every socioeconomic stratacould leave India staring at a South Korean fertility future in a few decades. To avert such an outcome, we must push for societal changes now. Gender equality needs to begin at home. And if that means leaving hoary old traditions behind, we should.
Indias financial ecosystem is evolving fast, driven by digitization and the need for inclusive credit. Within this landscape, collaborative lending has emerged as a promising way to bridge traditional credit gaps and bring formal finance closer to retail borrowers as well as small and medium businesses, especially the historically underserved.

Among the various collaborative lending models available to banks and non-bank financial companies (NBFCs), two are most popular. One, co-lending arrangements between banks and NBFCs; and two, partnerships involving digital Lending Service Providers (LSPs). Though these models currently represent a small portion of Indias total outstanding advances, their growth is far outpacing that of conventional lending.

Synergy is at the heart of collaborative lending. Traditional banks and large NBFCs bring capital strength, regulatory compliance and reach. On the other hand, smaller NBFCs, fintech firms and digital platforms are agile, well connected to niche borrower segments and often excel in technology-driven origination and underwriting.

Also Read: Banking on trust, losing billions: Indias bank fraud epidemic needs urgent answers

For example, a rural-focused NBFC that understands the borrowing behaviour of dairy farmers or small kirana shop owners in Tier 3 towns may have high-quality leads and underwriting insights, but may lack capital or the regulatory headroom to scale up. Joining forces with a larger bank or NBFC through co-lending would benefit both entities, while the borrower gets faster credit.

LSP-based models are another key component. These digital platforms do not carry credit risk themselves, but play a vital role in onboarding, assessing and servicing customers. Their ability to use alternative data such as digital transaction patterns allows for the credit evaluation of customers outside the formal credit score system.

Collaborative lending models typically involve a risk-sharing structure. In the bank-NBFC model, the bank usually funds 80% of the loan and the NBFC the rest. The NBFC often leads the origination and customer engagement process, while the bank brings capital and risk oversight. This structure aligns incentives aptly, provided that underwriting standards are agreed upon at the outset.

In contrast, in LSP collaborations, the lending entity retains full credit exposure. The LSPs value lies in lowering acquisition and processing costs, improving the customer experience and enabling faster disbursement using digital workflows.

Also Read: Needed: A hard policy reset to make Indian banks shape up

In both models, borrowers benefit from quicker credit decisions, less rigid scorecard-based lending and better servicing.

To scale up collaborative lending models responsibly, stakeholders must address a few challenges.

Short-term operational hurdles include aligning the partners. Misalignment is a practical challenge, especially in co-lending arrangements. Differences in underwriting practices, exposure norms or documentation standards can create delays or even disqualify creditworthy borrowers. For example, a co-lender may enforce stricter income verification than the originator, creating friction. Such misalignment can reduce credit flows and lead to provisioning surprises.

Customer service accountability is another operational hurdle. Regulations assign clear responsibility to the lender for grievance redressal, but the on-ground execution becomes complex when multiple entities interact with the borrower. This is especially true in rural or semi-urban areas where borrowers may not be able to distinguish between a bank and its LSP or NBFC partner. Without systems that clearly define servicing roles, response timelines and customer experience can deteriorate.

Also Read: Dont let uneven access to credit get in the way of Viksit Bharat

A longer-term systematic concern is data security and governance. Collaborative lending involves sharing sensitive borrower data across systems. This becomes especially concerning when lightly regulated entities are involved. Strong data encryption, consent protocols and audit trails must be in place.

To realize the full potential of collaborative lending, several developments are necessary. In the regulatory context, it would help to have more detailed guidance on co-lending governance, data-sharing protocols and customer-servicing standards. A framework that outlines shared responsibilities and escalation norms could improve execution and accountability.

Technological innovation will also be key. Innovations such as real-time co-lending APIs, AI-driven underwriting and distributed ledger technology hold the potential to increase the speed of disbursement, reduce operating costs as well as underwriting errors, and increase confidence among co-lenders. Industry-level standardizationfor example, common onboarding protocols or interoperable APIs between regulated entitieswould help further reduce onboarding friction and enhance scale.

The potential for collaborative lending in India goes well beyond credit expansionit is about enabling financial dignity and access for millions of people and small businesses. For banks, it is an opportunity to grow without building new last-mile infrastructure. For fintech firms and smaller NBFCs, it offers access to capital and credibility. For borrowers, it means faster and fairer credit. We must not view these partnerships as mere business arrangements. They are ecosystems that thrive when all participants are aligned with the purpose.

The author is partner, banking and capital markets leader, Deloitte India.
After two days of hectic talks in London between trade representatives of the US and China, another trade truce has been declared struck, with the two countries agreeing to fully implement the last one forged in Geneva. Under it, they had agreed to a suspension of new tariffs.

Also Read: China risks overplaying its hand by curbing rare earth exports

The US had apparently expected Beijing to ease its export curbs on rare earth minerals, a severe shortage of which has lately sent key industriesfrom defence to electronics and electric vehicles (EVs)into a tizzy across the world. Instead of ending export barriers, Beijing may have taken its part of the bargain to mean faster shipment clearances.

Also Read: Barry Eichengreen: US export curbs on high-tech enablers have rarely worked

The London outcome seems to offer America Inc relief, as US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick has said the US expects the squeeze to be resolved now. The framework deal only awaits the leaders of both countries to sign off on it. Its unclear, however, whether this can be greeted as good news by non-US importers of those rare earths.

Also Read: Recycling should lead Indias quest for critical minerals like lithium

EV-makers in India have also faced a rare-earth crunch that threatens to hold EV production back. Beijing has been dragging its feet on okaying supplies to Indian importers. Maybe India needs to hold talks with China too.
Protests over immigration raids that began in Los Angeles continued to spread across the US as President Donald Trump escalated his crackdown by unleashing new federal powers.

Los Angeles remained the epicenter of the demonstrations, which have triggered roughly 600 arrests since the weekend and led to clashes with law enforcement. The downtown area at the forefront of tensions is set to be under curfew for a second night as Mayor Karen Bass tries to stop acts of vandalism and looting.

With the curfew in place Tuesday, protests and disorder were muted compared with previous evenings. Yet tensions remain high as the city is gripped by the divide between local and federal powers. California Governor Gavin Newsom used a national address to slam Trump for activating 700 active-duty Marines and authorizing the deployment of up to 4,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles.

Democracy is under assault right before our eyes, Newsom said Tuesday evening. This moment we have feared has arrived.

The federal government has further expanded its show of force. The National Guard in Los Angeles will support immigration arrests made by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on city streets. On Wednesday, US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the administration is invoking the Hobbs Act to allow federal prosecutors to take over criminal cases that would typically be handled by California authorities.

The White House has defended the actions as necessary to support what they describe as overwhelmed immigration agents and to maintain order.

If you loot the store, we are going to charge you with robbery under the Hobbs Act, and youre looking at maximum 20 years in prison, Bondi said.

Demonstrations have spread to cities including New York, Chicago and Milwaukee, with protesters clashing with police and local officials, including Newsom, warning about the potential for broader unrest ahead.

Bass has repeatedly criticized the lack of communication from federal authorities and said local law enforcement, including the Los Angeles Police Department and a unified command of other agencies, has handled virtually all crowd control and arrests. She warned that further militarization could inflame the situation.

According to local officials, ICE operations in Los Angeles are expected to continue daily for at least a month. Raids have targeted communities and job sites ranging from the citys Fashion District to Home Depot parking lots frequented by day laborers.

The Trump administrations chaotic escalation here in Los Angeles is reckless, Bass said on Wednesday. When you raid Home Depots and workplaces, when you tear parents and children apart, and when you deploy troops to our streets, youre not trying to keep anyone safe  youre trying to cause fear and panic. These raids must stop.

The back and forth between Newsom and Trump also continued over social media.

Trump, who has leaned into the chaos politically, claimed credit for preventing Los Angeles from burning to the ground.

If our troops didnt go into Los Angeles, it would be burning to the ground right now, he wrote on Truth Social. The great people of Los Angeles are very lucky that I made the decision to go in and help!!!

Newsom has engaged in a flurry of attacks against the president, with his office weaving in memes that are gaining traction on social media. In two of the latest posts, the governors office used an apparently AI-generated voice resembling the Star Wars villain Emperor Palpatine to read out Trumps recent statements against the backdrop of Imperial stormtroopers from the movie series.

So far, the Los Angeles-area protests have been largely confined to a few square blocks of downtown in a city that spans over 500 square miles, and other suburbs and cities around the wider region. Residential and business neighborhoods like Hollywood, Century City and Beverly Hills have remained mostly untouched.

In New York, Mayor Eric Adams has said the city wont allow violence and lawlessness similar to Los Angeles, while police commissioner Jessica Tisch made clear the New York Police Department wouldnt abdicate responsibility to other forces.

On Tuesday evening, demonstrators marched through parts of Lower Manhattan, holding signs that read ICE out of NYC, while some clashed with police officers. Eighty-six protesters were taken into custody, with 34 arrested and charged, the NYPD told Bloomberg News. At its peak, there were about 2,000 protesters in the street at different locations, including near ICEs main field office in New York City, according to a person familiar with law enforcement activity.

In Chicago, thousands of people gathered on Tuesday night, marching into the citys business district and sometimes clashing with police. At one point a driver sped through the protests, striking one pedestrian, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The police prevented marchers from getting to the Trump International Hotel & Tower. The protests follow increased ICE arrests in the city, where on June 4, federal agents arrests at least 10 undocumented immigrants after asking them to show up at routine immigration check in appointments at the agencys downtown office.

Hundreds of people also gathered in Milwaukee to protest recent ICE raids, with Mexican and US flags waved in the crowd.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott vowed to use National Guard troops to maintain order during protests against Trump this weekend and after demonstrations broke out in Dallas and Austin.

Protesters in Los Angeles are circulating fliers over social media planning rallies in downtown Los Angeles for late afternoon. Bass has warned that anyone aside from residents and office workers will be arrested if they violate the downtown curfew, which lasts from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

With assistance from Stephanie Lai.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Group of Seven nations wont try to reach consensus on a joint communique at next weeks leaders summit in Canada, people familiar with the matter said, an acknowledgment of the wide gulf that separates the US from the other members on Ukraine, climate change and other issues.

In place of a single document, G-7 leaders are likely to release standalone joint leaders statements on various topics, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations.

That approach is the preference of the Canadian hosts, they said. Prime Minister Mark Carney is looking to ease tensions with the US president and push forward with talks about trade and security.

Agreeing on a final communique is usually a ritual for leaders gathered at meetings like the G-7 summit. While the document has no legal authority, it amounts to a statement of principles and is intended to display unity among the participants on topics of global importance.

The communique from last years summit, for example, was 36 pages long and included pledges to support Ukraine in the conflict with Russia, tackle climate change and foster gender equality.

But Trump has upended US policy on all those issues and many more, declining to voice support for Ukraine over Russia, scrapping climate-change initiatives and dismissing gender initiatives as part of a woke agenda by Democrats.

Carney wants to avoid a repeat of 2018, the last time Canada hosted the Group of Seven leaders, when Trump pulled out of the joint communique hours after signing it because he was annoyed by comments made to reporters by then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

In addition to trade, the leaders of the group of wealthy economies  the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan and Canada  are set to discuss artificial intelligence, energy security, wildfires and global conflicts, including in Ukraine and the Middle East. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will join the summit, along with the leaders of India, Brazil, Mexico and others.

Following the 2018 meeting, final documents tended to be shorter so that they were less time-consuming to negotiate but also included less text that members could disagree with, said Caitlin Welsh, who served in Trumps first administration.

Moving forward to this years G-7 summit, today the Trump administration almost certainly believes that no deal is better than a bad deal, and it continues to prefer a back-to-basics approach to the G-7, Welsh said at a briefing held by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

The Trump administration last time around believed that the G-7 had strayed from its original purpose, which was to promote global economic stability and growth, she said, adding that Carneys agenda appears to stick to traditional G-7 principles.

With assistance from Nick Wadhams.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott said he opposes swift action on a proposal from Texas Ted Cruz that would bar the Federal Reserve from paying interest on reserves to banks to help pay for President Donald Trumps tax and spending package.

While the desire to return to pre-crisis monetary policy operating procedures is understandable, any legislative change to the Federal Reserves framework must follow regular order, Scott said Thursday in a statement. This is not a decision to be rushed  it must be carefully considered and openly debated.

Scott, a South Carolina Republican, said the idea should go through the Senates typically slow regular committee process rather than be including in the fast-moving tax bill.

Without the committee chairs backing, the idea is unlikely to make it into the tax legislation.

Cruz has pitched the idea to Trump and Senate Republicans as a way to save $1.1 trillion over a decade, arguing much of the money goes to foreign banks. Hes backed by fellow conservatives including holdout Senators Rick Scott and Ron Johnson, as well as prominent Texas Representative Chip Roy.

Other Republican senators, meanwhile, expressed their sympathy with the proposal, if not outright support.

Missouris Josh Hawley said opposition to the idea from Wall Street banks made it more appealing to him.

Cruz said that all the big banks called him as soon as he presented it and yelled at him, and so I thought, oh, that sounds even better, Hawley said.

Still, he added, I dont know enough to know is it really good policy, but it sounds like it. Write me down as, like, very open to it.

Mike Rounds, a senior Republican senator on the banking committee, said he was skeptical of the proposal as interest payments were part of the Feds monetary policy toolkit and the idea would need further vetting.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- Video of the Air India jetliner that crashed into a neighborhood points to potential anomalies that aviation safety authorities will examine to understand what caused the accident that killed at least 241 people.

The Boeing Co. 787 Dreamliner appeared to not achieve sufficient thrust as it lumbered down nearly the full length of an 11,000-foot runway, a distance that should have been more than enough to take off, said Bob Mann, head of aviation consultant RW Mann & Co.

That could stem from a misconfiguration of the plane prior to takeoff or erroneous weight data entered into the planes computer system that determines how much power is needed to get off the ground, he said. Mann cautioned that his views were unofficial and not corroborated by data or cockpit voice recorders, which have yet to be recovered from the site.

If the weight is high compared to the actual number, you end up with a very aggressive takeoff, Mann said. If the weight is low compared to the actual, you end up with not enough commanded power.

The 787s landing gear was never retracted, which normally occurs just after takeoff, said Jeff Guzzetti, a former accident investigation chief for the US Federal Aviation Administration. He also said hed want to know more about whether the planes flaps  movable panels along the wing that generate additional lift during takeoff  were in the correct position, noting that it was possible those were raised mistakenly instead of the landing gear.

You dont see any smoke or fire or engines burping or anything like that. You dont see any structural failure occurring, Guzzetti said. It just appears the airplane was unable to climb once it got off the runway.

That could be due to several reasons, Guzzetti said, including the flaps being raised instead of the landing gear or improper programming of the flight control computer.

We just dont know at this time, he said.

Mann said the flaps appeared to be incorrectly positioned, adding that trying to belatedly adjust the flaps could lead to an aerodynamic stall.

The Air India Dreamliner was carrying 242 passengers and crew on a flight from Ahmedabad to London. There was one survivor from the plane.

Investigators from the US National Transportation Safety Board and FAA will travel to India to assist with that governments investigation of the crash. Additional clues should emerge when authorities recover the planes flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, the so-called black boxes containing key information about what was happening to airplane systems and pilots in the flights final moments.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Nvidia has unveiled a new generative foundation model that it says enables simulations of Earths global climate with an unprecedented level of resolution. As is so often the case with powerful new technology, however, the question is what else humans will do with it.

The company expects that climate researchers will build on top of its new AI-powered model to make climate predictions that focus on five-kilometer areas. Previous leading-edge global climate models typically dont drill below 25 to 100 kilometers.

Researchers using the new model may be able to predict conditions decades into the future with a new level of precision, providing information that could help efforts to mitigate climate change or its effects.

A 5-kilometer resolution may help capture vertical movements of air in the lower atmosphere that can lead to certain kinds of thunderstorms, for example, and that might be missed with other models.

And to the extent that high-resolution near-term forecasts are more accurate, the accuracy of longer-term climate forecasts will improve in turn, because the accuracy of such predictions compounds over time.

The model, branded by Nvidia as cBottle for Climate in a Bottle," compresses the scale of Earth observation data 3,000 times and transforms it into ultra-high-resolution, queryable and interactive climate simulations, according to Dion Harris, senior director of high-performance computing and AI factory solutions at Nvidia. It was trained on high-resolution physical climate simulations and estimates of observed atmospheric states over the past 50 years.

It will take years, of course, to know just how accurate the models long-term predictions turn out to be.

Nvidia says it has run tests on historic data to confirm that cBottle would have predicted the climate that actually eventually followed. The model also has a promising pedigree as part of Nvidias Earth-2 platform, which is used to create digital twins of the planet. Nvidia introduced it four years ago to advance weather forecasting and climate science.

Scientific research institutions and policymakers, including the Alan Turing Institute of AI and the Max Planck Institute of Meteorology, are actively exploring the new model, Nvidia said Tuesday at the ISC 2025 computing conference in Hamburg.

Bjorn Stevens, director of the Planck Institute, said it represents a transformative leap in our ability to understand, predict and adapt to the world around us."

By harnessing Nvidias advanced AI and accelerated computing, were building a digital twin of the planet," Stevens added, marking a new era where climate science becomes accessible and actionable for all, enabling informed decisions that safeguard our collective future."

Its easy to imagine other decisions based on cBottle simulations, though, that would be more parochial in nature.

Will home insurance companies withdraw from additional markets now, for example, because simulations using cBottle predict growing flood or fire risks 10 years out? What happens to property values and property tax revenue in areas like those?

And what might governments of the world do in response to climate forecasts on a five-kilometer scale years in the future?

Predicting conditions that could lead to food or water shortages might enable officials and residents to better prepare. But great powers jockeying over the Arctic Circle might equally intensify if they believe they know exactly where and how many new sea lanes will open.

Driving Down the Price-Performance Curve

The Earth-2 platform is in various states of deployment at weather agencies from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the U.S. to G42, an Abu Dhabi-based holding company focused on AI, and the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction in Taiwan.

Spire Global, a provider of data analytics in areas such as climate and global security, has used Earth-2 to help improve its weather forecasts by three orders of magnitude with regards to speed and cost over the last three or four years, according to Peter Platzer, co-founder and executive chairman. The company, which gathers data from its fleet of low-Earth-orbit satellites, built its own technology on top of Earth-2, he said. It was an early adopter of Earth-2.

Tasks that once required eight hours to complete can now be executed in three minutes or less, Platzer added. The dramatic acceleration of processing power is the massive thing," he said.

Along with time, money has been the other major constraint on more-powerful forecasts. The cost of running a high-resolution weather simulation every hour for a full year is $3 million if you do it the traditional way, on CPUs, according to Nvidia. The company said its CorrDiff generative AI model running on its GPUs can perform that task for $60,000.

For Platzer, the savings mean weather predictions of 15 or 45 days went from being not useful to valuable, according to Platzer. That is far beyond what was previously thought possible," he said.

The new models still dont provide 100% certainty. They dont state that the weather or climate will be one thing or another, but rather provide probabilities for certain outcomes.

If you watched those percentage-based predictions about who would win the 2016 presidential election between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, you know what that means. Even a very high chance isnt the same as a sure thing.

That uncertainty might give Climate in a Bottle-based model users appropriate humility and caution when considering how to react to a projection about three decades in the future.

Or it might lead them to make a decision with big implications and costs, emboldened by the imprimatur of advanced AI, only to have bet on an outcome that never arrives.

Write to Steven Rosenbush at steven.rosenbush@wsj.com
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Large-scale arrests outside immigration courts have unleashed fear among asylum-seekers and immigrants who are accustomed to remaining free while judges grind through a backlog of 3.6 million cases
The teen was on her way to join her mother at work when she was pulled over by a Dalton police officer for what he claimed was an improper right turn.
Longford Libraries, Archives, Arts and Heritage Services will host the book launch of The Glorious 17th Infantry Battalion by Hugh Farrell, in Longford Library on Friday, June 20 at 7.30 pm. The launch will be performed by crime journalist and former battalion member, Paul Williams.

This new book traces the history of the 17th Infantry Battalion, which had its headquarters in Connolly Barracks, Longford town. Each company of the battalion is documented, including lists of personnel. Their triumphs and tragedies are also highlighted, and some 300 photographs are included throughout the book.

There is also a short account of the men from this area who soldiered at Jadotville in the Congo in September 1961. Many of them served at some time with the 17th Battalion as training officers, instructors or drivers. One of them, Commandant Joe Leech, was commanding officer of the battalion from 1979 to 1983.

Also read: The days of the 17th Infantry Battalion remembered in new book by Longford author

Author Hugh Farrell served in the Defence Forces in Longford and knew many who were in the 17th Infantry Battalion. He is one of Longfords most dedicated local historians and is a former Chairperson of County Longford Historical Society. He is currently the Chair of the Peter Keenan Branch of the ONE.

Speaking ahead of the book launch, Longford County Council Cathaoirleach, Mark Casey noted that this is a must read for all who served, or had family serving, in the unit. This book promises to be a great read, with so many great photos also included to give us great insight into this time in our history. I warmly congratulate the author Hugh Farrell, a great local historian. So many local people served in the 17th Battalion, it is a great source of pride in the town and county, and this is a must read for all.

Also read: Longford solicitor Fiona Baxter receives double honours at Irish Law awards

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon recognises the important contribution of this new book to local history. Hughs new book tells an important story for Longford, given the strong military tradition there is locally. It adds greatly to our understanding of the battalion, including the people who served in its ranks, and it is a record of the 17th that will be enjoyed now and in the future.
Two doctors and a secretary have appeared at Longford District Court accused of stealing money under a state-funded public healthcare reimbursement scheme and submitting false medical service claims to the HSE in respect of patients.

The defendants general practitioners Muhammad Azam (59), of The Rocks, Stonepark, Co Longford and Waqas Farooqi (46) Belvedere Hills, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, as well as secretary Gillian McCord (56), of Knockanboy, Co Longford will be sent forward next month for trial at the Circuit Criminal Court.

The accused trio have been charged with a total of 138 counts between them with Mr Azam and Mr Farooqi facing 48 charges each and Ms McCord facing 42 charges.

READ NEXT: Longford drunk driver almost collided with Garda patrol car

The defendants have each been charged with 20 counts of theft on dates between October 2017 and October 2019 from the HSEs Primary Care Reimbursement Scheme at 19 Dublin Street, Longford.

The defendants are also facing 22 further charges each in respect of the alleged use of false general medical services claims or out-of-hours payment forms for 12 patients on various dates between August 2017 and October 2019 at the Primary Care Reimbursement Services head offices, Exit 50, North Road, Finglas, Dublin 11.

The details of those charges allege that false medical documentation was used by Dr Azam, Dr Farooqi and Ms McCord to specify that a particular patient received a medical service which was, "and which [they] knew or believed to be, a false instrument with the intention of inducing another person to accept it as genuine and by reason of so accepting the said instrument to do some act or to make some omission, or to provide some service, to the prejudice of that person or another person to provide some service under the provisions of section 26 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001".

READ NEXT: Fab Vinny - Much loved Longford priest to celebrate Ruby Jubilee of ordination

Dr Azam and Dr Farooqi are also facing several charges relating to money laundering that are connected to numerous Ulster Bank, AIB and PTSB bank accounts between October 2017 and December 2019.

Sergeant Mark Mahon informed Judge Bernadette Owens that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had given a direction for the three defendants to be sent forward to face trial Circuit Criminal Court and it was expected the book of evidence would be ready for their next court appearance.

He stated the DPP had not consented or given the defendants 'the option' of a signed plea.

Sgt Mahon said the State was not objecting to bail once a number of conditions were adhered to and they included a 5,000 cash lodgment being made by both doctors, the surrender of their passports and an agreement they would not apply for duplicate travel documents.

The pair were also directed to sign on weekly every Wednesday at Longford and Mullingar Garda Stations between 9am and 9pm.

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The court heard a cash lodgment for bail was not being sought in respect of Ms McCord and she was also directed to surrender her passport, not to apply for a duplicate travel document and sign on weekly at Longford Garda Station.

Her legal representative senior counsel Patrick Groarke said his client had searched and had not been able to find her passport but he stated if she was given 24 hours she would try to locate it.

The three defendants were remanded on bail and the case was adjourned until July 8.
A Dublin dental surgeon facing a summons for dangerous driving had his offence reduced to one of careless driving after he made a charitable donation of 10,000 to the Jack and Jill foundation during Tullamore District Court on Wednesday June 4.

Before the court was Mohammed Shirin, 28, Stillorgan Grove, Stillorgan, Dublin.

On Sunday, August 11, 2024 he was clocked doing a speed of 184kph in a 100kph zone on the M6, Kilbeggan, Westmeath.

Also read: Two doctors and secretary will face trial over multiple Longford theft and deception charges

Barrister David Nugent said his client on the day was travelling to an emergency to perform an operation.

The defending solicitor Brian Duffy told the court that Mr Shirin had learned his lesson and I doubt he will ever find himself in this situation again.

"Not only is he making a large donation to Jack and Jill, he also underwent a speed awareness course. He is taking this matter very seriously.

Also read: Garda found not guilty of forging signature following lengthy Longford circuit court trial

Judge Andrew Cody said he would reduce the offence from dangerous driving to careless driving. He convicted and fined 750.
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a 'beautiful young girl' from Kildare, who passed away suddenly in her home, Kildare Now has reported.

Sofia Kemple died at home on Monday June 9 and her sudden death has devastated her friends, family and those in her community who knew and loved her.

Sofia is sadly missed by her loving parents Dermot and Marjo, brother Daniel, grandmother Tuula, her loving uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends.

Sofia's family has requested that people in attendance at her funeral should wear colourful clothes to celebrate her short but wonderful life.

Tributes have poured in for young Sofia on RIP.ie, with one mourner writing: Sincere condolences to Sofia's parents, her family and all of her friends...rest in peace beautiful young girl...send much love to all...

And: Heartfelt sympathy to Sofias Parents, brother, grandparents, and many friends, thinking of you all at this very difficult time for you all, Sophie was taken far too soon, Rest In Eternal Peace Little Angel".

While another mourner wrote: My heart goes out to you all on the loss of your beautiful daughter and sister. May she rest in peace.

READ NEXT: Unusual detail at Michael Gaine's funeral amid tears as murder suspect stays away

And another added: My deepest and heartfelt condolences go out to the whole of Sofia's family, friends and clubmates. It's heartbreaking news to see such a beautiful young girl taken at such an age. Sweet dreams and rest in eternal peace.

Sofia's funeral is on Friday June 13 in Celbridge at 1pm, followed by burial in Donacomper Cemetery.
Local Experts

By Chris Boyle Published: June 12 2025

Health students at Ward Melville High School participated in a sticker design competition to raise awareness about the dangers of adults purchasing alcohol or vape products for minors.

Recently, Supervisor Daniel J. Panico and Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich joined Ward Melville High School students at several locations across the community for the Town of Brookhavens annual Sticker Shock Campaign, an outreach effort organized by the Drug Prevention Coalition.



As part of the campaign, all health students at Ward Melville High School participated in a sticker design competition to raise awareness about the dangers of adults purchasing alcohol or vape products for minors. The top three designs, selected by the Drug Prevention Coalition, were printed and distributed at local businesses with the support of the student designers and their classmates.



Throughout the morning, students visited several community locations7-Eleven in Port Jefferson Station, Setauket Beer and Beverage, and Luigis Pizzeriaplacing the warning stickers on alcoholic beverage cases, takeout bags, and pizza boxes to deliver an important public health message to local residents.



Supervisor Panico and Councilmember Kornreich joined the students on-site, showing support for their efforts and recognizing the positive impact of this student-driven initiative. The event was made possible through a partnership between the Town, the Three Village Central School District, Suffolk County Police Department, and local business owners.



The Town of Brookhaven thanks all participating students, educators, business owners, and coalition partners for their collaboration in this meaningful initiative.



For more information about the Drug Prevention Coalition, visit the Town website.

Credit: Town of Brookhaven
Israeli troops seize weapons and ammunition in southern Syria. (IDF)

On June 12, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that troops of the 3rd Brigade, under the command of the 210th Division, completed an operation to apprehend Hamas terrorists operating in the Beit Jinn area of Syria.

The IDFs announcement added that based on intelligence gathered in recent weeks, IDF troops executed a targeted nighttime operation in Syria and apprehended several Hamas terrorists who had been attempting to advance multiple terror plots against Israeli civilians and IDF troops in Syria. Israeli forces transferred the suspected militants back to Israel for interrogation and released photos of confiscated weapons.

On June 12, the Syrian Ministry of Interior announced that an Israeli military force comprised of tanks and APCs stormed into Beit Jinn, along with unmanned aerial vehicles. The statement added that the attack resulted in the death of a civilian and the kidnapping of 7 individuals and ended by criticizing Israels continuous provocations that do not lead to stability and push the region to more tensions.

Beit Jinn is a small town in southern Syria with a population of less than 3,000 individuals, according to the latest Syrian census. The town is part of the Rif Dimashq Governorate and is 50 kilometers from Damascus.

A resident of the town told the Saudi newspaper Asharq al Awsat that at 2:40 am, they woke up to the sound of bullets, and then they realized that an IDF force comprised of tens of soldiers stormed into the town, while 10 tanks were positioned at its entrance. He later added that the IDF surrounded the homes of individuals they wanted to arrest, and kept repeating their names through loudspeakers, and then arrested 7 individuals.

The source also said that during the arrest of one of the individuals, a cousin of his who was mentally ill tried to stop the IDF, which led them to shoot him and kill him. The resident added that the IDF left the town at 4:15 am and took the individuals with them. He clarified that the arrested individuals were all Syrians who were native to the town and affiliated with Syrian opposition factions that rebelled against Bashar al Assad.

The arrested individuals were Amer al Badawi, Maamoun al Saadi, Ahmad al Safadi, Mohammad al Safadi, Hassan al Safadi, Mohammad Badie Hamada, and Ali Qasem Hamada.

Last week, the IDF announced that it struck a Hamas terrorist in the area of Mazraat Beit Jinn in southern Syria. Mazraat Beit Jinn is close to Beit Jinn and falls under the same administrative council. A notable figure in the area claimed that the individual who was targeted, Anas Aboud, was a former fighter affiliated with factions that rebelled against the Assad regime.

This is not the first time Israel has targeted militants in Beit Jinn. In January 2024, the IDF killed Hassan Okasha, a leader in Hamass Syria branch, in the town. Okashas brother, Abu Jarah, was also killed by the IDF in the same town earlier. He was reportedly responsible for launching rockets targeting Israel in 2015 during the battles of Beit Jinn.

Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the levant.
With Palma set to witness the first anti-mass tourism and tourism policy protest of the season this Sunday evening, a new report from BookRetreats.com reveals that Spain is home to Europes most overcrowded islands - but also to one of its most peaceful. As anti-tourism protests spread across Spains islands this summer, new research from BookRetreats.com confirms just how intense the pressure has become.

Using the latest data from the European Commission, the retreat booking site ranked Europes islands by tourist density - measured in overnight stays per square kilometre (km). According to the analysts, this spatial metric reveals how physically saturated some destinations have become, especially on islands where land, housing, and infrastructure are limited.

Malta came out on top with the highest density of any island in Europe - more than 38,700 overnight stays per km - but with 4 of the top 5 most tourist-dense islands on the continent, Spain leads in island overcrowding overall.

Across these islands, tourism levels have reached the densities of most major cities. Entire neighbourhoods have shifted from long-term housing to holiday rentals, while local infrastructure struggles to keep up with the influx of visitors. Protests are growing, and governments are now weighing tighter restrictions to manage the pressure. In Ibiza and Formentera, officials have responded with new Tourism Containment Measures. The reforms ban new short-term lets in apartment buildings and step up enforcement against unlicensed holiday rentals in a bid to ease the strain.

Elsewhere in Spain, governments have pushed back even further on holiday lets, including a crackdown on 65,000 Airbnb listings. In the Canaries, a new Vacation Rental Law could also ban newly built properties from being used by tourists for 10 years after construction. While the rest of Spain's islands grapple with overtourism, El Hierro stands apart. Its population remains under 11,000, and tourism is intentionally kept low.

There are no direct international flights to El Hierro, which naturally limits arrivals compared to neighbours like Tenerife. Guest capacity hovers around 1,000 bed - many of them in rural homes and small inns. Even the largest hotel in El Hierro has fewer than 50 rooms. The island is known for volcanic cliffs, natural pools, pine forests, and terraced highlands, much of it protected under a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Instead of chasing volume, El Hierro has invested in sustainability. The island aims to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Renewable energy, reforestation, and support for small-scale farming remain at the heart of its strategy. Today, El Hierro is responsible for 98% of all pineapples grown in the Canaries. Nearby islands like La Palma and La Gomera also show signs of resisting mass tourism - but the challenge is growing.

El Hierro proves that its possible to grow tourism without losing what makes a place special, says Sean Kelly, co-founder of BookRetreats.com. While other islands are being overwhelmed, this one is preserving its quiet and culture, and its working.

In the meantime, Balearic environmental group GOB has called on the general public to take part in the demonstration organised for Sunday by the Menys turisme mes vida (Less tourism, more life) platform against tourist overcrowding and in defence of the territory.

The demonstration, which has already been endorsed by more than 90 organisations and groups, will start at 6pm from Plaza de Espana in Palma and aims to be a collective response to the housing crisis, environmental collapse and loss of quality of life suffered by the islands.

BookRetreats.com is one of the worlds leading platforms for wellness and conscious travel, curating yoga retreats, cultural escapes, and sustainable experiences in over 200 countries.
The history of the animals that inhabit the Earth has had many ups and downs, which have led many species to extinction, others to an evolution that still persists today and in other cases, it has meant that new animals arise due to the evolution of species, the different climatic changes that have taken place over the millennia or the hand of humans that have made it possible for many species to disappear.

One of the animals that can be considered an evolution of species that lived in the age of the dinosaurs is the saiga antelope, an animal that is very different from the rest by distinctive snouts that are excessive and are its fundamental feature to identify them. However, its passage on the planet has been a rather complicated existence.

It should be noted that these animals were already on Earth 19,000 years ago and lived alongside woolly rhinoceroses and mammoths; in fact, this animal already appeared in cave paintings of that time.

A species that has suffered many problems in the last 100 years

However, this animal, which has been on Earth for thousands of years, has been endangered for 100 years because excessive hunting and diseases caused by the climate have greatly reduced its population. However, efforts are being made to change this situation and expand its existence to more territories as it currently lives in Kazakhstan, with some small populations in Uzbekistan, Russia and Mongolia.

It was in the mid-20th century when there was a decline in the population due to hunting, as their meat, horns and skin were highly prized by the Chinese and Soviets. In fact, the Kazakh government banned saiga hunting in 1999 and implemented education and training programs to help border guards combat poaching and smuggling

Daniyar Turgambayev, chairman of the forestry and wildlife committee of Kazakhstan's Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, told CNN that he was committed to increasing the population of this animal by 30%. In fact, the crackdown on poaching and conservation efforts have seen the population in Kazakhstan grow from 21,000 in 2003 to 2.8 million in 2024.
Dear Abby: I became friends with Brenda some years ago. We enjoy each others friendship and have many interests in common. My problem is that a year into our friendship, she confided she had a son who was in prison for a crime I cannot morally forgive. Because he was in prison, I didnt see a problem with continuing our friendship.

Brenda, just let me know her son will be released from prison in a few months and will be living with her. She will want me to meet him and has indicated that she wants him to participate in some of the activities in which we have been participating.

How do I tell Brenda that I want nothing to do with her son, but would like to continue our friendship? Is this even possible?

Brendas Friend in the Midwest

Dear Brendas Friend: Once Brendas son is released and living with her, count on the fact that they will be joined at the hip unless (or until) he can find a place of his own. It could change the dynamic of your relationship, aside from whether he is a felon. Telling her you want to exclude her son from the activities the two of you have enjoyed together will NOT go over well, regardless of how diplomatically you phrase it, and it may spell the end of the friendship. If you start backing away now, it may spark an honest conversation.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

COPYRIGHT 2024 ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION
Workers pour concrete made with Sublime Systems cement in Boston in 2024. (Photo provided) The Republican

HOLYOKE  With contractors  including Holyoke-based DOC and its supplier Chicopee Concrete  interested in using Sublime Systems cement, the Massachusetts-born company wants to move up the gold shovel groundbreaking for the $150-million plant it plans on Water Street.

Our company is doing everything we can to accelerate our time to market to give builders everything they are asking for, said Joe Hicken, senior vice president at Sublime.

Sublime Systems has already begun preparing 14-26 Water St. in Holyoke's historic Flats neighborhood as a site for its innovative cement plant. Seen here Jan. 17, 2025. (Jim Kinney/ The Republican ) The Republican

This is despite the Donald Trump administrations decision to yank an $87 million Department of Energy grant. Its money Hicken says Sublime has not given up on despite Christopher Wright, U.S. secretary of energy, saying that Sublime was part of a $3.7 billion raft of grants approved under President Joe Biden were not furthering American interests.

Sublime always expressed plans to start production in 2027 or 2028. It expects to employ 70 to 90 people in addition to the 250-or-so who will work in construction

The supply chain partners announced last week include DOC along with Turner Construction Company, STO Building Group, DPR Construction, Suffolk, Holder Construction, Consigli Construction Co. Inc., Samet Corp. and Methuen Construction have signed on to be part of Sublimes distribution network.

They are getting the market Sublime ready to get this product out and deploy it at scale, Hicken said. It sends the message, if you are a courthouse builder or a hospital builder, you can come to Sublime systems.

DOC, formerly known as Daniel OConnell Sons, is a large-scale contractor of major public works. Company representatives visited Sublimes small-scale laboratory cement plant over the past few months with concrete supplier Chicopee Concrete, Hicken said.

Jit Kee Chin, executive vice president and chief technology officer of Suffolk, said what the supply chain companies are doing is obtaining for themselves a piece of the future production of the Holyoke plant.

You have to line up the supply chain to actually take this product to market, she said. But weve known Sublime Systems for a long time,

Suffolk is also making an unspecified equity investment in Sublime.

There were announced rounds of fundraising which garnered $40 million and $75 million. Sublime retains, according to Hicken, $47 million in federal tax credits, $1.05 million in state tax credits and $351,000 in property tax incentives from the city.

Sublime  through work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology  developed a method of creating cement through an electrochemical process instead of using heat. The high temperatures needed in cement making mean it accounts for as much as 5% of worldwide manmade emissions of carbon dioxide. Most of the CO2 comes from the limestone instead of from the fuel burned to heat that limestone.

There is already a small demonstration system set up and test pours, both indoor and outdoor. Chin said the results are good. Its chemically no different than standard cement, but is whiter and cleaner.

(Sublimes) vision is no less than to really impact one of the foundational materials for construction, with cement and subsequently concrete, Chin said.

Sublime already had a deal to sell 623,000 tons of cement products to Microsoft over six to nine years. The company also recently announced a program to encourage general contractors to use Sublimes cement.

Even just the Microsoft deal will require a second, larger plant, Hicken said.

Holyoke is the first commercial facility designed to make 30,000 tons a year. Thats enough cement each year to make enough concrete to build 17 three-floor parking garages.

While all this is happening, Hicken said the company is still working on getting that $87 million grant back.

Sublime Systems benefited, Hicken said, from the meticulous process of securing a federal grant.

Now the company needs to make its case again.

We havent met with anyone yet. Wed love an opportunity to sit down, he said.

Sublime aligns with Trumps goals of building American manufacturing and ending reliance on imported products.

Canada and Mexico account for 27% of U.S. cement imports.

Our sense is there is an opportunity to show up as an asset, Hicken said. The next step is to sit down with a human being.
Silento, the rapper known for his 2015 smash single Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae), was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of his cousin in Georgia four years ago.

DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson sentenced Silento, 27, on Wednesday after he pleaded guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and concealing the death of another in connection with the shooting death of his 34-year-old cousin, Frederick Rooks III, on Jan. 21, 2021. A felony murder charge was dropped, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

The shooting occurred at the intersection of Deep Shoals Circle and Corners Crossing in Panthersville, Georgia, around 3:37 a.m., according to the Office of the DeKalb County District Attorney.

Responding officers found Rooks suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Ten bullet casings were found near his body as well, investigators discovered.

Several neighbors told authorities they heard gunshots that night while a white BMW SUV was caught leaving the scene a few minutes after the gunfire. One of Rooks family members told police that he was last seen with his cousin, who had picked Rooks up from a friends home in a white BMW SUV.

Silento, whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, was arrested on Feb. 1, 2021. After his arrest, Hawks publicist at the time, Chanel Hudson, said the rapper had been dealing with mental health issues.

Please send my client Silento some positive vibrations, Hudson wrote in an Instagram post at the time.

Over the past several years, Ricky has been suffering immensely from a series of mental illnesses. We will continue in his efforts of treatment, but we ask in the meantime the public [to] uplift him and his family in immediate prayer & positive energy, Hudson wrote. Ricky is a beautiful soul, and we hope that the same people who came up whippin and nay naying with him, continue to support him and lifted in prayer. God bless.

The rapper admitted to shooting Rooks during an interview with investigators, the district attorneys office said.

In addition, the bullet casings found at the crime scene matched the gun found in Hawks possession at the time of his arrest. GPS data for Hawks white BMW SUV also placed the vehicle at the scene of the killing.

Hawk has been in custody at the DeKalb County Jail since his arrest. It is unclear where he will serve his sentence.
As demonstrators led to the abrupt end of Worcesters city council meeting on Tuesday, one person was arrested in connection with the disrupted meeting, City Manager Eric Batista said Wednesday night.

As protestors were peacefully cleared from the building, one individual was arrested for disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and vandalizing property, Batista said in a statement.

The crowd entered the city council chambers on June 10 during the meetings public comment period, chanting, ICE [Immigrations and Customs Enforcement] out of Worcester now, according to footage of the city council meeting.

Protesters were seen holding up signs in the chamber, with one reading Due process for all.

Earlier in his statement, Batista said he reaffirmed the citys policy of using City Hall.

Let me be clear: the city of Worcester respects the right to gather and protest peacefully, within the bounds of the law and appropriate venues, he said. The interior of City Hall is not a place of public assembly and last nights disruption was unacceptable.

Police arrived at City Hall after learning about a large group that had assembled inside the Esther Howland Chamber, preventing the public meeting from proceeding, Batista said.

The municipality has a longstanding policy regarding the use of City Hall, which precludes protests, rallies, and demonstrations from taking place inside the building," Batista said. While this policy has not previously been widely distributed, we are making it publicly available and notifying the public that it will be strictly enforced. Any person found in non-compliance with the policy is subject to ejection and subject to arrest or other violations.

While he said he shares the publics frustration over what is happening at the national level... we cannot allow that to divide us, Batista said. Instead, we must find real ways to collectively support one another and those impacted while continuing to focus on the core services that municipal government is responsible for.

None of the items on the city councils meeting agenda for that night were discussed.

Unfortunately, we were unable to do the peoples business tonight  we had over 40 items on the agenda, and there were people in the audience who wished to speak on items that were important to them, but could not, Mayor Joseph Petty said in a previous statement.

ICE has been the subject of previous protests in Worcester after agents arrested 40-year-old Rosane Ferreira-De Oliveira of Brazil on May 8.

Ferreira-De Oliveira is a mother of three who is currently being detained at the Wyatt Detention Center in Central Falls, Rhode Island.

In recent days, ICE raids in Los Angeles have resulted in almost a week of protests that have grown violent, with clashes erupting between protestors and both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

In response, President Donald Trump has deployed over 4,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Times reported. The Pentagon also deployed 700 U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton, with a military convoy heading from Twentynine Palms toward the City of Angels.

Trump has traded words with California Gov. Gavin Newsom over his response to the raids, including suggesting Newsom be arrested for not approving the National Guard to be present in Los Angeles.
Harvard University researcher Kseniia Petrova, 30, smiles after being released on bail from federal custody at the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Leah Willingham) AP

Kseniia Petrova, a Russian scientist at Harvard Universitys Medical School who was detained after being accused of smuggling undeclared frog embryos into the U.S., was released from custody Thursday.

Petrova was arrested by ICE agents at Logan International Airport on Feb. 16 after returning from a trip to France with what were described in a court filing as non-hazardous, noninfectious, and non-toxic frog embryos. She has remained in custody in the nearly four months since her arrest.

The Department of Homeland Security, through a spokesperson, claimed Petrova knowingly broke the law and took deliberate steps to evade it, the statement read. The department claimed text messages revealed she planned to smuggle the materials through customs without declaring them.

A federal court judge in Vermont ordered Petrova released last month, court records show. She was brought to Massachusetts for a detention hearing on a single count of smuggling goods into the U.S.

Following the hearing Thursday, Magistrate Judge Judith G. Dein allowed Petrovas release on conditions.

I just want to thank everybody, Petrova said outside the federal building in Boston shortly after her release.

She wore a T-shirt that said, Hakuna Matata, a popular phrase from The Lion King that means no worries.

A lot of people started contacting me and sending me letters, and it was a huge support without which I wont be able to survive, she said.

I never really felt alone any minute when I was in custody, and its really helped me very much, Petrova added.

Petrova, 30, who was brought into court wearing an orange jumpsuit, had been in federal custody since February.

Lawyers on both sides came to an agreement on conditions for Petrovas release, which included limiting her travel. Authorities are still holding onto her passport. Petrova must return to court next week for a probable cause hearing on the smuggling charge.

I hear its sunny. Goodbye, Magistrate Judge Judith Dein said after approving the agreement.

Greg Romanovsky, Petrovas attorney, said his client hasnt decided whether she wants to stay in the United States yet.

She has offers from different countries around the world, countries that are eager to support the important research that shes doing. Shes weighing her options at the moment, and shes very grateful to be out, he said.

She told The Associated Press in an interview in April that she did not realize the items needed to be declared and was not trying to sneak anything into the country.

In May, Petrova was charged with smuggling in Massachusetts as a federal judge in Vermont set the hearing date on her petition. That judge later ruled that the immigration officers actions were unlawful, that Petrova didnt present a danger, and that the embryos were nonliving, nonhazardous and posed a threat to no one.

The judge released Petrova from ICE custody, but she remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on the smuggling charge before her release Thursday.

Colleagues and academics have testified on Petrovas behalf, saying she is doing valuable research to advance cures for cancer.
With President Donald Trump anticipating a massive, costly parade to celebrate the United States Armys 250th birthday, as well as his 79th birthday, most Washington, D.C., Republicans dont plan on attending, according to a new survey by Politico.

Politico asked 50 GOP lawmakers on Capitol Hill if they would go to Saturdays parade. Of those 50, seven said they plan to go.

Trump loyalist Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., told Politicos reporters she will be in attendance. Other representatives who plan to go include Elise Stefanik of New York, John McGuire of Virginia, Lisa McClain of Michigan, Byron Donalds and Cory Mills of Florida and Rich McCormick of Georgia.

The Republican leadership in the legislative branch does not plan on going, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.; Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo.; and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., did not respond to Politicos request for comment about attending the parade.

Other Republicans told Politico that they had scheduling conflicts preventing them from attending the parade. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., said it was his wedding anniversary, while Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., said it was his daughters 18th birthday.

Military veterans such as Sens. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C.; Todd Young, R-Ind.; Rick Scott, R-Fla. and Tim Sheehy, R-Mont. told Politico they would not go.

From the presidents own administration, 15 Cabinet officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins, will be at the parade, a White House official told Politico.

The parade, an idea Trump flirted with during his first administration, has drawn criticism over its potential cost and its optics. Following a budget hearing on June 5, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., told Politico that the parade could cost an estimated $25 million to $40 million.

Saturdays ceremonies start near the Pentagon and run along the northern side of the National Mall. The parades starting point sits within Democratic Rep. Don Beyers district. In a statement to Politico, he called Trumps threat to protesters at the parade the trappings of authoritarianism.

Like his deployment of the military in L.A., its a shocking waste of money at a time they are closing Social Security offices to save money, Beyer told the news outlet. Theyre shutting down our regional transportation, including the airport for this, and people I hear from in the military dont even want it, the whole thing is just to boost Trumps fragile ego.
A man pleaded guilty Tuesday to stealing over $430,000 from a cash courier for several Massachusetts cannabis dispensaries in a chaotic, orchestrated robbery outside a bank.

Steven Madison, 39, of Bridgewater, pleaded guilty to several charges in connection with the 2024 armed robbery, the U.S. Attorneys Office said. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Madison was arrested in May 2024 for his role in the Feb. 19 heist. He was charged in connection with the crimes alongside three others, including former dispensary manager Elgun Mikaiylov, who is accused of helping plan the theft and provide details on courier cash pickups. Court proceedings for the other men charged are still ongoing.

Early that February morning, Madison and an accomplice stole a U-Haul rental van from a Moving & Storage location in Abington, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

The pair waited until later that day for an armed cash courier to arrive at a Swansea bank to deposit about $436,200 in cash from several cannabis dispensaries. They pulled up behind the courier, and the accomplice jumped out in a camouflage vest, pointing a gun at him before zip-tying his hands behind his back, the office said.

Madison then got out of the van and quickly loaded the hundreds of thousands of dollars into the U-Haul. He and his accomplice tried to disarm the courier, the office said, but ended up forcing him into the back seat of his own car, pepper-spraying him and closing the door.

The courier managed to get an arm out of the zip-ties from inside his car, surveillance footage showed, and fired four gunshots at the U-Haul as it sped off before calling 911.

Madison and his accomplice escaped to a nearby area in Swansea to meet with a third man in an SUV, the office said. They transferred the cash to the getaway car, then set the U-Haul van on fire and fled the scene.

When law enforcement searched Madisons home in Bridgewater, they discovered a pistol and more than 400 grams (14 ounces) of cocaine. Madison has previous state convictions for masked armed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Madison pleaded guilty to one count of robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

His sentencing will be scheduled for a later date.
Hundreds gathered in downtown Portland, Oregon, on May 1, 2025, for a May Day protest pushing back on federal policies and President Donald Trump. Sean Meagher | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Protests are planned across the country on Saturday in opposition to President Donald Trump, coinciding with his birthday and a military parade planned in the nations capital.

Dozens of protests are scheduled across Massachusetts, among hundreds planned nationwide, under the banner of the No Kings in America movement, whose organizers say Trumps strict approach to immigration enforcement and other policies have leaned into authoritarianism.

The protests will cap a week in which Trump ordered National Guard troops and Marines into Los Angeles after demonstrations broke out opposing immigration raids in the city.

The nationwide day of defiance aims to counter the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration, organizers for the national No Kings movement said. Weve watched as theyve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political positions, threatened to deport American citizens and defied the courts.

A woman holds an American flag upside-down during a protest on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. AP

Saturdays protests were planned to counter celebrations for Trumps 79th birthday, which also falls on Flag Day and the birthday of the U.S. Army. A military parade is planned to ring the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Army is preparing for 200,000 people to attend the event.

In Boston, demonstrations will coincide with the citys annual Pride Parade, one of the hallmarks of the June festivities celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

Mass 50501, part of a national movement organizing protests in all 50 states, said it encouraged organizations to march in or attend the Boston Pride parade to show solidarity with LGBTQ+ people.

Demonstrations are planned in Massachusetts largest cities  Boston, Worcester and Springfield  as well as communities from Provincetown to Pittsfield, according to the No Kings website.

Celebrations in Washington for the Armys birthday had been in the works for months, according to The Associated Press

Earlier this spring, Trump announced plans to grow the celebration into a massive military parade complete with tanks and howitzers rolling through the streets of the capital.

Multiple nearby counterprotests are planned, including a mass march to the White House.

The president told reporters at the White House on Wednesday that the parade would be a big celebration and protestors would not be welcome, according to NBC News.

If theres any protester that wants to come out, they will be met with very big force, Trump told the reporters. I havent even heard about a protest, but you know, this is people that hate our country, but they will be met with very heavy force.

No Kings said it is not hosting an event in Washington, D.C. However, it aims to make demonstrations everywhere else the story of America on Saturday. The organizations flagship event will be held in Philadelphia.

Officials said they were also on alert for signs that the immigration-related clashes between law enforcement and protesters in Los Angeles would spread.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
Princess dress costume sets for children sold on Amazon.com have the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warning customers to stop playing with them.

The Popsunny Princess Dress Up Costume Sets, sold by Gizmo Box, of China, can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns or death since it has lithium coin batteries in a compartment that can easily be opened by children, according to a CPSC statement.

Therefore, the product violates the mandatory federal battery-operated toy requirement under the toy standard.

The product was sold on Walmart.com according to a company recall website.

CPSC issued a notice of violation to Gizmo Box, but the company still has not recalled the princess dress or offered a remedy to customers, the agency wrote.

CPSC urges consumers to stop using the Princess Dress Up Costume Sets immediately and dispose of the LED string lights. Button cell and coin batteries are hazardous, CPSCs statement reads. The lithium coin batteries should be disposed of or recycled following local hazardous waste procedures. Do not sell or give away these hazardous costume sets containing LED lights.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning for Popsunny Princess Dress Up Costume sets due to risk of serious injury and death. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

The costume sets were sold online at Amazon.com from November 2024 through January 2025 for around $22. The products came in three models with pink or rainbow color princess capes and two LED string lights with preinstalled lithium coin batteries. The costume sets also came with pink, purple or multicolor tiaras, gloves, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.

Any incidents involving injury or product defect can be reported to CPSC here.
President Donald Trump says people who burn the American flag should be thrown in jail for a year.

People that burn the American flag should go to jail for one year, the 47th president said during a speech at Fort Bragg, North Carolina on Tuesday. Thats what they should be doing.

Trumps comments about flag burning were in reference to the recent protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles.

The president called the protesters animals who wave the flag of other countries but burn the flag of the United States.

In a podcast hosted by New York Post columnist Miranda Devine, released this week, the president said that those who burn the American flag should go to jail automatically.

I happen to think if you burn an American flag  because they were burning a lot of flags in Los Angeles  I think you go to jail for one year, he said. Just automatic.

Sending people automatically to jail would violate the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution, which reads that no person will be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.

Flag burning in the United States is also protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution, thanks to the Supreme Courts 5-4 ruling in the 1989 case, Texas V. Johnson.

Protesters have been waving Mexican flags during the demonstrations in Los Angeles, according to several news outlets. A photo in an article published by the New York Post on June 9 shows an American flag being set on fire in Los Angeles.

Trump has previously expressed support for jailing flag burners  even though the action is constitutionally protected.

During a speech in Detroit in August 2024, Trump said that the country has to make flag burning illegal, according to Newsweek.

They say, Sir, thats not constitutional. Well make it constitutional, Trump said  without further elaborating how he would make the ban constitutional.
By Victoria Valenzuela | Edited by Patricia Guadalupe

One day, Ivan Alamonte received a call from an undocumented woman in Durham, North Carolina, who was seeking his help. ICE agents had been patrolling the mobile home community where she lived, and through her window, she saw that there was an unmarked car parked right outside. Filled with fear, she turned to Alamonte for guidance.

Over the phone, Alamonte told the woman her rights: she didnt have to open the door for ICE unless they had a judicial warrant, meaning one signed by a judge and not an ICE agent, as has happened in some cases. He sent a group of supporters to her home to confront the ICE agents. They knocked on the car door and asked why the agents were there.

After having that conversation, [the ICE agents] left, Alamonte recalled.

As an organizer and founder of Respuesta Rapida de Durham (Rapid Response of Durham), a team that deals with community encounters with ICE in real time, Alamonte receives calls and Facebook messages requesting help every single day. At a time when the Trump administration is calling for the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, Alamonte, who has been doing this work since he came to the U.S. 27 years ago, said he is receiving more calls for help than ever.

There are more requests, because I think people are more aware of the consequences or how changing policies are impacting them, and also people being afraid, Alamonte tells palabra.

He recalled another time when a Venezuelan man was arrested outside a grocery store in Raleigh, North Carolina, one week after Trumps inauguration, and the mans wife, who was with him at the time of his arrest, reached out to Alamonte. He said people in the community trust him because he shows up to events, organizes fundraisers and mutual aid, and is bilingual.

We have to be vigilant, but also advocate and make sure everybody has a voice at the table. Ivan Alamonte, founder of Respuesta Rapida de Durham (Rapid Response of Durham)

I have a voice already in the community, and I have to make sure there is a space for others to speak up, he said. We have to be vigilant, but also advocate and make sure everybody has a voice at the table.

Durham isnt the only place with a for the people, by the people model  all around the country, people are taking a stand to defend and support their immigrant communities by forming grassroots coalitions and rapid response networks. While increased ICE threats and enforcement sweep the nation, local organizers are meeting the attacks head-on with active resistance. These efforts have included patrols to spot ICE, 24/7 hotlines, know your rights workshops, and providing resources to the community. While many of these efforts already existed, they have been ramping up under the second Trump administration.

Were working to make sure that our community can adequately defend their rights against ethnic cleansing, kidnappings, and human trafficking that ICE is doing and specifically targeting people in communities of color, said Angelica, an organizer with the Community Self-Defense Coalition, who asked not to share her last name, a coalition of over 70 organizations in Los Angeles.

The Community Self-Defense Coalition has volunteers who patrol all over Los Angeles daily to spot ICE activity. If detected, they use social media to alert their communities to where the activity is and remind people of their rights. Sometimes they will also use megaphones to draw attention. They began organizing and training people on how to identify ICE in November, not long after the 2024 presidential election.

Volunteers from the Community Self-Defense Coalition march with other groups during the May Day protest in downtown Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Community Self-Defense Coalition

I think oftentimes when ICE knows that theyre being watched, its less likely that they will violate peoples rights, Angelica said.

She mentioned that she feels inspired to see people come together to protect their neighbors and that the work her group does is driven by love and the need to protect children and to ensure that families stay together. Angelica added that this type of grassroots work with people who have ties to the community is powerful, because they know their communities best: We know which car belongs on our block and which one doesnt, we know who is there to cause harm.

What happens when communities arent organized, people are being kidnapped, families are being torn apart, Angelica added. This is a never-ending horror that is happening today, these attacks are against people who are integral parts of our community. We need to make sure that we step up and protect our community.

Similarly, an organizer with NYC ICE Watch who wanted to use the pseudonym Tupac to avoid monitoring, said the second Trump presidency is scaring people and that theres a genuine interest in people wanting to know what to do about ICE raids and about those who are detained.

He said that the group has more than doubled in size with their team and followers on social media. At one of their Know Your Rights trainings, they had to turn people away at the door. Tupac says they have volunteers all over New York City patrolling neighborhoods to spot ICE activity, who hear what the whispers are on the street, and were able to correspond accordingly.

A sign used at NYC ICE Watch-organized marches to support migrant communities across New York City. Photo courtesy of NYC ICE Watch

In addition to their patrols, NYC ICE Watch also gets tips about ICE sightings from its more than 21,000 followers on Instagram. The NYC ICE Watch group teaches people to report this activity with the SALUTE model  size, activity, location, uniform, time, and equipment to identify and verify that the officers are ICE agents. The group usually gets two to five tips a day, largely in the morning when ICE is most active. They have also helped when ICE comes knocking and provide resources.

Fascism is not going to stop unless people stand up, Tupac said. No one else is going to do it, certainly no one else is going to do it the way you want to do it, unless you do it yourself. We keep us safe.

This is how you build resilient communities, he added. We dont look towards elected officials to protect us. We look to ourselves.

While NYC ICE Watch has doubled, over on the West Coast, the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network in Seattle has trained 3,000 volunteers since January, more than double the 1,500 volunteers they had prior to the second Trump presidency. These volunteers work in 27 of the 39 counties in Washington, trained in rapid response to go where ICE activity is happening, document and interact with ICE agents without interfering with their operations, aiming to serve as witnesses for any violations to the constitutional rights and civil liberties of all people regardless of immigration status. This includes supporting recording conversations and asking for judicial warrants as required by the federal and state laws.

Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) members and allies celebrate Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Day 2025 on the steps of the Washington state Capitol. Photo courtesy of Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN)

WAISN executive director Brenda Rodriguez Lopez said these volunteers are acting as ears on the ground, adding that some volunteers have done mutual aid work and gone grocery shopping for immigrants who are too afraid to leave their homes.

Earlier this year, Rodriguez Lopez said that a woman called the 12-hour WAISN hotline to report that ICE had been in her apartment complex. However, she told WAISN hotline operators she knew from a WAISN training that the ICE agents couldnt enter private property without a warrant, which they didnt have. For Rodriguez Lopez, that is the importance of this work: know what their rights are and how to exercise them, know what to look for, and build trust.

We can prepare ourselves, reclaim our agency and dignity, and also support each other through solidarity and community, Rodriguez Lopez said. Immigrant justice community organizations across the country have stepped up to fill the resource gap and keep everyone, regardless of immigration status, informed of their rights.

Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) volunteers lead a "Know Your Rights" training session from the Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Day in January of this year. Photo courtesy of Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN)

Over in New Jersey, Movimiento Cosecha has a 24/7 hotline staffed with 10 volunteers to take calls reporting ICE activity or for callers seeking to know their rights in an instance of an active ICE encounter, in addition to Know Your Rights trainings, reporting on social media, and distributing cards with the hotline number.

The idea here is basically to have a place available for people who might be walking on the street and see ICE, they can easily either send us a message through social media or call the hotline if they feel more comfortable talking to a person on the phone, said Li Adorno, an organizer with Cosecha.

Adorno said volunteers will also go out to confront ICE and connect with the person being detained. He hopes the support will help people to feel empowered to say that they dont have to answer questions, so that they dont have to talk to the ICE officials at that very moment, that they have the right to ask for an attorney. In a state with one-party consent, where one does not need permission to record, he said the organization also encourages people to record ICE encounters for accountability.

This whole system is put in place to make us feel like were worth less and tries to implement this status of second-class citizen upon people who are here without documentation, Adorno said. We like to highlight that being here without documents is not a crime.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell speaks at a news conference regarding a federal lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for anyone born in the U.S. to someone in the U.S. illegally on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Casey)

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell has joined the legal fight over President Donald Trumps decision to deploy National Guard soldiers and U.S. Marines to the streets of Los Angeles, where anti-ICE protests have continued.

The amicus brief filed Thursday by Campbell and officials from 21 states came the same day as a federal judge was set to hear the lawsuit that Golden State Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, filed against the Republican White House on Monday seeking to block what he described as an illegal takeover of the National Guard.

The unlawful deployment of armed forces under the guise of public safety to suppress protests, invoke fear, and silence dissent against the presidents cruel policies is dangerous, and every resident should be concerned, Campbell said in a statement.

The Massachusetts Democrat said she stood firmly with California in resisting the presidents authoritarian fear tactics and blatant abuse of power, which jeopardize the rights of all residents, including those in Massachusetts.

Some 4,000 federalized National Guard soldiers have been protecting U.S. government property and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as they have conducted immigration raids.

Those soldiers since have been supplemented by 700 U.S. Marines, who are expected to be on the streets later in the day on Thursday or by Friday, according to The Independent.

In a statement issued Monday, Newsom tore into the White House for usurping a deployment authority that traditionally rests with a states chief executive. State officials in California did not request federal assistance, but instead had it thrust upon them.

Donald Trump is creating fear and terror by failing to adhere to the U.S. Constitution and overstepping his authority. This is a manufactured crisis to allow him to take over a state militia, damaging the very foundation of our republic, Newsom, who has positioned the White Houses action as part of a broader assault on U.S. democracy.

Read More: Poll reveals how Americans feel about Trump sending troops into LA over ICE protests

Every governor, red or blue, should reject this outrageous overreach. This is beyond incompetence  this is him intentionally causing chaos, terrorizing communities, and endangering the principles of our great democracy, Newsom continued. It is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism. We will not let this stand.

On Thursday, Campbell and her colleagues offered a similar sentiment, with their brief arguing that Trumps decision to federalize Californias state militia is inconsistent with our nations founding principle that freedom depends on the subordination of the military to civilian authority.

The decision to deploy soldiers when there is no invasion to repel, no rebellion to suppress, and when state and local law enforcement is fully able to execute the laws, the president flouts the vision of our Founders, undermines the rule of law, and sets a chilling precedent that puts the constitutional rights of Americans in every state at risk, Campbell and her colleagues argued in their court filing.

Trumps memo federalizing Californias National Guard also makes an unlimited claim of presidential authority to deploy the National Guards of any state for the next 60 days. The states have an interest in standing up against this unnecessary and legally unjustified military call-up, they added.

The deployment further pulls soldiers away from responding to natural disasters and other daily contributions to public safety, they continued.

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings led the filing. In addition to Campbell, they were joined by state attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly also joined the brief, according to Campbells office.
Marquis de Lafayette, portrayed by Colonial Williamsburg actor Mark Schneider, gathered with American Friends of Lafayette and guests at the Staten Island NYC Ferry promenade before departing for Manhattan on Aug. 16, commemorating the 200th anniversary of his visit. (Jan Somma-Hammel / Staten Island Advance, File) Staten Island Advance

WARE  Western Massachusetts towns from Pittsfield to Ware this weekend will celebrate the bicentennial journey of Americas favorite fighting Frenchman  bringing music, costume balls and reenactment fanfare.

Reenactor Mark Schneider of Colonial Williamsburg will portray the Marquis de Lafayette, as he races across the state to lay the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown at a celebration certain to draw thousands Tuesday on the 200th anniversary, to the day, of his historic visit.
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THE President of an east Mayo Chamber of Commerce has expressed frustration that First Choice Credit Union will continue with proposed new business hours despite opposition.

The new reduced business hours for First Choice Credit Union branches in Balla, Ballyhaunis, Kiltimagh and Swinford will come into effect from Saturday, June 14 despite opposition from business people in respective towns.

The business hours in the Ballyhaunis branch will be reduced from being open five days a week to three while the Swinford and Kiltimagh branches will be reduced from four days to three days and the Balla branch will now only be open on Tuesdays. The opening hours of the Castlebar and Achill branches will remain unchanged.

READ: Children in east Mayo suffering 'stress and anxiety' due to long bus journeys for essential classes

Tom Forde, President of the Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce expressed frustration that there was no consultation before the new business hours were announced and feels their concerns have not been taken on board by First Choice Credit Union.

Mr Forde, who runs a family business in the centre of Ballyhaunis explained that 314 names signed a petition opposing the new business hours and that the Chamber of Commerce in Ballyhaunis has requested First Choice hold an EGM to allow members voice their concerns. He said they feel these requests are not being addressed and there is a growing frustration among the business community in the east Mayo town.

We are extremely frustrated. We have requested an EGM which has not been acknowledged. We requested a suspension of the new trading hours which was also not acknowledged. These new trading hours will be implemented on Saturday, June 14 despite our efforts and despite our opposition.

Ballyhaunis has suffered more than many towns. We lost our banks despite the success of our industries and employment with over 2,500 employed in various businesses locally. The Credit Union is now more important than ever and we rely on it as its one of the main financial institutions left in Ballyhaunis, he said.

The main branch of First Choice Credit Union is located in Castlebar which merged with Ballyhaunis & District Credit Union in 2015.

Mr Forde accused the board of First Choice of pushing online banking 'so the business becomes centralised to head office in Castlebar'.

This decision is being made by a board that knows nothing about Ballyhaunis and the impact it will have on the branch in the future, he said.

They promote online so the business becomes centralised to head office in Castlebar. What with the branch then...It will become insignificant and probably only open one day a week as a token gesture.

I'm sorry but this is not what our members want and I'm sure that when Ballyhaunis & District Credit Union amalgamated with First Choice Credit Union certain assurances would have been given regarding the service available to its members. This does not appear so now, he commented.
The rail line between Athenry and Claremorris is one of thirty three infrastructure projects the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) are pushing to be prioritised in the revised national development plan. The cost of this project is estimated to be between 400m to 600m.

Ballina Cllr and NWRA Cathaoirleach, Jarlath Munnelly was among the NWRA delegation at a breakfast briefing held in Dublin, where a new report outlining thirty three infrastructure projects that would have a transformative impact on the Northern and Western Region was presented to Government Ministers, TDs, Senators and Senior Government officials.

READ MORE: Children in east Mayo suffering 'stress and anxiety' due to long bus journeys for essential classes

Cllr Munnelly stated that the report highlights the severe regional imbalance in public capital investment. Between 2016 and 2024, the Northern and Western Region received just 5.7% of public tenders worth over 20 million, despite accounting for over 17% of Irelands population.

The table below offers a visual representation of how the other regions have fared in the same time period.

The report, titled Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region, identifies the need for a minimum 9 billion in capital investment needed across the regions transport, energy, education, water, and climate infrastructure.

The N17 Knock to Collooney road scheme, which is estimated to cost 600 million, was another of the key projects for the NWRA delegation. The publication of the report coincides with the public consultation on the revised National Development Plan (NDP), which remains open until 26th June 2025. The NDP is the Governments long-term vision and investment strategy for national infrastructure and public services, a crucial component of Project Ireland 2040.

READ MORE: Ambassador campaign launched with call for volunteers for Mayo mountain

NWRA Economist, John Daly said that despite Ireland being regarded as one of the wealthiest economies in the EU, the Northern and Western Region of Irelands transport infrastructure ranked in the bottom 20 at 218th out of 234 regions according to the European Commissions Regional Competitiveness Index.
Ahead of a busy and jet-packed Summer schedule for Ireland West Airport Knock, Ryanair have revealed the top three destinations that people are jetting off to from the Mayo airport.

In total, the airline is jetting off to 17 new destinations around Europe over the course of the Summer months, with places like Milan, Mallorca, and Malaga some of the places available from Ireland West Airport.

READ MORE: 'What am I doing here?' - James Horan on story behind Mayo debut

Now, on the brink of what promises to be a busy Summer, the airline have released the top three destinations on their list.

First on the list is Lanzarote. The Spanish island is the most Eastern of the Canary Islands, and has been a popular destination for Irish tourists for decades, mostly owing to its stunning landscape and golden beaches.

Next up was another one of the Canary Islands in Tenerife. Tenerife is well-renowned among holiday-makers both in Ireland and further afield for its beautiful coastline and nightlife.

Lastly, Edinburgh was selected by the airline to round off the list. Visitors to the Scottish capital will have fond memories of the city, with Arthurs Seat and Edinburgh Castle.

READ MORE: Mayo builder appeals 87,000 levy for reclamation of agricultural land

Jade Kirwan, Director of Communications at Ryanair, expressed her excitement for a packed Summer schedule and encouraged people to take advantage of the gateways to the world.

Why not take inspiration from your fellow Irish holidaymakers in the West, Northwest, and Midlands regions and book a break away to Edinburgh, Lanzarote, or Tenerife, she said.
The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute is a public institution with the mandate to contribute to the improvement of the health of populations internationally and nationally through excellence in research, services, and teaching and training. The Swiss Centre for International Health (SCIH) of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) conducts consultancy, project management, training and applied research work in international health.

Programmatic  Monitoring &Evaluation Expert 

Local position based in Kinshasa - DRC

Summary of scope

As part of our various mandates and member of a multi-disciplinary team, you will contribute to the evaluation and monitoring of health programs financed by various donors in terms of monitoring and evaluation (performance evaluation and monitoring, verification of programmatic aspects, design and implementation of surveys and epidemiological studies, site visits to implementing entities, data collection, interviews with patients, health care providers and other stakeholders, drafting of comprehensive statistical and analytical reports from major studies or ongoing projects, providing expertise in the design, management and evaluation of study protocols and health status questionnaires, sample selection and analysis).

To best fit into our active, interdisciplinary team we are looking for candidates with:

Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in the health sector with expertise and knowledge in a) monitoring and evaluation procedures and approaches; b) performance evaluation of health programs and systems and programmatic reviews; c) in-depth epidemiological knowledge (survey protocol, report analysis) and interventions related to the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis and any other disease, including knowledge of vaccination;

with expertise and knowledge in a) monitoring and evaluation procedures and approaches; b) performance evaluation of health programs and systems and programmatic reviews; c) in-depth epidemiological knowledge (survey protocol, report analysis) and interventions related to the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis and any other disease, including knowledge of vaccination; Advanced degree (minimum Master's level required) in epidemiology, medicine and/or (bio)statistics . A degree in public health is an asset;

. A degree in public health is an asset; Professional experience and knowledge of the health sector in DRC both required ; regional experience is an asset

; regional experience is an asset Strong professional oral communication and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents.

Ability to perform epidemiological and statistical analyses on data and prepare results for review;

Excellent command of French AND English (speaking & writing) required and a local language an asset

Team spirit and initiative, ability to work with professionals of different expertise in a multicultural context;

Good command of IT tools (in particular Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), the Internet and statistical software such as Stata 13, SPSS, Epi info, CSPro, etc.

Expected start is in January 2026. An initial contract of two years will be offered with possibility of renewal based on performance. If you are interested, please address your application CV (maximum 3 pages) + cover letter in English with names of 3 referees as well as gross monthly fees expectations and availability by 06 July 2025 to the email address: spmu.recruitment@swisstph.ch with the heading Application Programmatic  M&E position  DRC. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for a written test and interview.

The recruitment for the position will be finalized by end September 2025.

For further information please consults our website:

https://www.swisstph.ch/jobs.html and https://www.swisstph.ch/swiss-centre-for-international-health.html
The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute is a public institution with the mandate to contribute to the improvement of the health of populations internationally and nationally through excellence in research, services, and teaching and training. The Swiss Centre for International Health (SCIH) of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) conducts consultancy, project management, training and applied research work in international health.

Procurement and Supply Management Expert  health products

Local position based in Kinshasa - DRC

Tasks: assess systems for the management of health and non-health products (procurement, storage, distribution and information systems, etc.) for different donors; review of quantification and specifications of pharmaceuticals and health and non-health products and equipment to be procured

To best fit into our active, interdisciplinary team we are looking for candidates with:

* Formal qualification in pharmacy (Master degree level) required.

* A postgraduate training in PSM of health products, logistics and/or public health, or a MBA is an asset.

* Minimum of 10 years relevant experience in managing or advising on the procurement, supply and use of health products, particularly in developing countries with expertise in:

assessing policies, systems and structures in the public and/or private health sector relevant for managing effective and efficient access to pharmaceuticals and other health products, particularly for AIDS, TB and malaria;

the procurement of health products including regulations and tendering process;

supply chain/logistics management systems and related information systems;

quantification and forecasting of health product needs in public health programs;

a good understanding of AIDS, TB, malaria market dynamics and existing global supply challenges as well as international health products procurement and supply management practices, applicable national and international laws and recognised standards

strong professional oral communication, writing and analytical skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents; strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy and tact to effectively communicate with senior-level officials

* Minimum of 8 years of management experience, preferably in the health sector with:

strong project management and team management skills, ability to prioritize tasks and meet multiple deadlines in complex environment; an in-depth knowledge of issues relating to project management in developing countries;

ability to attract and acquire short term mandates with different donors

* Excellent command of French AND English (speaking & writing) required and a local language an asset

* Knowledge and experience in health product management and supply chain in DRC mandatory, aregional experience is an asset

Expected start is in January 2026 - an initial contract of two years will be offered with possibility of renewal based on performance. If you are interested, please address your application CV (maximum 3 pages) + cover letter in English with names of 3 referees as well as gross monthly fees expectations and availability by 06 July 2025 to the email address: spmu.recruitment@swisstph.ch with the heading Application Procurement Supply Management position  DRC. Only short listed candidates will be contacted for a written test and interview. The recruitment for the position will be finalized by end September 2025.

For further information please consults our website:

https://www.swisstph.ch/jobs.html and https://www.swisstph.ch/swiss-centre-for-international-health.html
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, June 11, 2025

With a full-page ad in The New York Times urging Americans to protest President Donald Trump in the upcoming No Kings Day protests, billionaire Christy Walton, heir to some $19 billion of Walmart founder's family fortune, is putting the worlds biggest retailer back in the political crosshairs.

Waltons No Kings Day ad urges people to mobilize for the June 14 No Kings Day protests, saying, We defend against aggression by dictators. We uphold and defend the Constitution... The honor, dignity, and integrity of our country are not for sale.

Walmart said that Walton has no connection to the company. The advertisements from Christy Walton are in no way connected to or endorsed by Walmart. She does not serve on the board or play any role in decision making at Walmart," the company said in a statement to Marketing Daily.

advertisement advertisement

Walton is the widow of John T. Walton, son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, and inherited a stake in the company.

While the ad itself doesnt mention Trump by name, it includes a QR code, directing readers to a No Kings site, allowing them to sign up for protest training and find local protests scheduled for June 14, which is both Flag Day and Trumps 79th birthday.

The flag doesnt belong to President Trump, it says. It belongs to us.

Kari Lake, special advisor to the United States Agency for Global Media, responded quickly on X, posting a picture of the ad with the line: Do you shop at Walmart? provoking multiple comments from outraged Trump supporters, many calling for boycotts.

And while the No Kings movement is committed to nonviolence, Walmart's statement also took the opportunity to condemn violence, including when its directed towards law enforcement, and the damaging of property. As a company with associates and customers in the Los Angeles region, we remain focused on their safety and that of impacted communities.

While Waltons ad doesnt mention Walmart, it does touch on trade: We respect our neighbors and trading partners. We support a healthy national and international economy, community and environment.

Walmart has already drawn fire from the White House for comments from the CEO that tariffs from the ongoing trade war will force the retailer to raise prices, passing the cost of tariffs on to consumers.

Trump responded by saying Walmart makes so much money that it should eat the tariffs.

Meanwhile, Politico reports that Walmart CEO John Furner was scheduled to address the weekly Republican Study Committee lunch on Wednesday, the conservative GOP bloc. That came just hours after Trump announced a tentative trade deal with China, lowering tariffs on Chinese imports to 55%.
by Ray Schultz , June 11, 2025

The NewsGuild-CWA has condemned the alleged targeting of reporters with less-lethal rounds and tear gas during the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

Police have fired on local, national and foreign reporters who were only doing their jobs, says the NewsGuild, which represents more than 28,000 publishing workers, including journalists, in the US.

These actions by law enforcement are illegal, it continues. They violate California state law and are unconstitutional under the First Amendment. Law enforcement has imperiled the safety of journalists on the job and disregarded the U.S. Constitution, the First Amendment and the rights of journalists in the United States. Police cannot target journalists for doing their jobs.

At least three journalists were hit with plastic or rubber bullets during the protests: Nick Stern, a British news photographer; Lauren Tomasi, a correspondent for Australias 9News; and Sergio Olmos, according to reports.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, June 12, 2025

Publicis Groupe has acquired quite an array of influencer marketing assets in the last couple of years, with Captiv8 and Influential among them  and will be showing them off at the Cannes Lions Festival next week with a global influencer campaign that promotes George the lion, a real lion known in wildlife circles.

According to the company, the campaign will demonstrate the Super Bowl type of reach that can be achieved with influencer marketing.

advertisement advertisement The operation launches on June 16, with a joint Instagram post from top wildlife influencers @shandorlarenty (9.3M TikTok, 596K Instagram) and @Pubity (40M Instagram, 17M TikTok), to introduce George the lion. From there, the activation will expand across Influential and Captiv8s network of creators, covering 90% of influencers with more than one million followers, and 95% with more than 5000.

The Lion Tracker at Influential Beach (the third annual activation the platform has put on at Cannes, and the first under Publicis ownership) will monitor the lions growing audience in real time. By the end of the Cannes Lions Festival, he will have reached big game reach, according to the holding company.

The campaign includes a playful digital OOH component comparing the cost of a Super Bowl-worthy influencer buy to the cost of a week in Cannes.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, June 12, 2025

Lawmakers in California's senate recently approved a revision to the state's wiretap law that, if enacted, could curb lawsuits over online tracking.

The measure (SB 690), introduced this year by state Senator Anna Caballero, has not yet been passed by the state assembly.

Currently, the state wiretap law, California Invasion of Privacy Act, prohibits companies from intercepting or recording electronic communications without all parties' consent, and using pen registers to collect certain communications related metadata without consent. In recent years, consumers' attorneys have cited that law in numerous class-action privacy complaints against tech companies like Google and Meta, as well as online retailers, healthcare sites and other publishers that use analytics tools provided by third parties.

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Caballero's proposal would create exemptions to the California Invasion of Privacy Act for commercial business purposes -- including online advertising and internal research. Those exemptions would effectively allow companies to track people's online activity for ad purposes without violating the state wiretap law.

A separate law, the California Consumer Privacy Act, would still give consumers the right to opt out of cross-context behavioral advertising -- meaning ads served based on activity across sites or apps.

Caballero stated earlier this year that her proposal aims to stop abusive lawsuits ... for standard online business activities that are already regulated by the California Consumer Privacy Act.

The Senate approved the measure last week by a vote of 35-0.

If SB 690 takes effect, lawyers for consumers could still raise other privacy-related claims in lawsuits over online tracking -- but the wiretap law is seen as an especially powerful tool for plaintiffs because it provides for penalties of $5,000 per violation.

Attorney Colin Knisely, a partner at the law firm Duane Morris, tells MediaPost that the bill, if enacted, would be a huge blow to the plaintiffs' bar that's filing these cases.

Knisely, who has defended companies in privacy lawsuits, and also has written about SB 690, adds that lawyers who have sued over online tracking have shoehorned data privacy claims into state wiretap laws that predate the internet. California's wiretap law, for instance, dates to 1967.

Even without new legislation, at least one state court has effectively brought a halt to wiretap claims over online tracking. Last October, Massachusetts' highest court ruled 5-1 that hospitals don't violate the state wiretap law by transmitting data about website visitors' browsing activity to Google and Meta.

Based on our review of the text of the wiretap act and its legislative history, we cannot conclude with any confidence that the legislature intended 'communication' to extend so broadly as to criminalize the interception of web browsing and other such interactions, the justices said in that case.

Business groups including the California Chamber of Commerce, News/Media Alliance and TechNet -- which counts Amazon, eBay Google, OpenAI and Meta among its members -- support Caballero's bill.

The lobbying organization Alliance For Legal Fairness argues the measure will stop exploitative lawsuits while preserving real consumer privacy protections.

Privacy advocates such as Consumer Reports, Electronic Frontier Foundation and Electronic Privacy Information Center are among the opponents.

Consumer Reports argued in a letter sent to Caballero late last month that the gives the green light to dystopian corporate surveillance practices, which will endanger the privacy and safety of all Californians, with very little guardrails to prevent abuse.

The group offered several examples of activity that would no longer violate the state wiretap law, should the legislation go through.

For instance, Consumer Reports wrote, the bill could allow a social media company to create a backdoor to allow employees to read encrypted messages between users to help them tweak their algorithm to keep people on their platform.

The group added: A smart TV or home speaker could surreptitiously listen to all the conversations in your home to help train their next AI system.
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Live-wildlife markets are hotbeds for the next pandemic, yet global disease surveillance is weakening just when we need it most, putting public health at risk.

Highlights: Wildlife trade continues globally, creating a fertile ground for zoonotic diseases

continues globally, creating a fertile ground for Virus detection rates rise dramatically along wild-animal supply chains

rates rise dramatically along Research funding and international support for pandemic prevention is falling fast

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Exclusive: Inside the thriving wild-animal markets that could start the next pandemic



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Did You Know?

Wildlife markets pose a greater pandemic threat than lab leaks. #pandemicprevention #zoonoticrisks #medindia

Wildlife markets pose a greater pandemic threat than lab leaks. #pandemicprevention #zoonoticrisks #medindia

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Toward Smarter, Safer Systems

A Fragile Future

Exclusive: Inside the thriving wild-animal markets that could start the next pandemic - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40461670/)

Despite the global shockwaves of COVID-19, wildlife markets long known to be high-risk environments for disease spillover continue to flourish in many parts of the world. Experts warn that these unregulated markets remain the perfect breeding ground for future pandemics, yet meaningful scientific research and political action are lagging dangerously behind ().According to an estimate,across a sprawling global network, often in conditions that allow viruses to jump species with ease. In places like Jatinegara market in Jakarta, animals such as bats , raccoon dogs, macaques, and pangolins are housed in close quarters, their bodily fluids mingling in an unhygienic environment. These settings where exotic species are caged and sold for food, pets, or traditional medicine create a natural laboratory for viruses to mutate and infect humans.Public-health experts have warned for decades about this risk. According to James Wood, a veterinary epidemiologist at the University of Cambridge, these markets remain "the best way of transmitting diseases." Unfortunately, that message appears to be falling on deaf ears.After COVID-19s likely connection to a wildlife market in Wuhan , China introduced a sweeping ban on the trade and consumption of wild animals for food. But the impact was short-lived. Experts observe a full rebound of business.Whats more troubling is that the science needed to understand these zoonotic risks is being actively stifled. Research into wildlife-to-human disease transmission, especially at high-risk hubs like, has suffered from reduced funding, political sensitivity, and a growing distrust of scientists.In Vietnam, for example,rescued from the illegal trade were found to carry several types of coronavirus. Some shared up to, the virus that causes COVID-19. Though these pangolins likely werent the original source of the pandemic, the data shows a worrying capacity for wildlife to harbor and transmit viruses to humans.Similar patterns have emerged in studies of. In one alarming finding, the rate of coronavirus detection in rats was ten times higher at markets and restaurants compared to the fields where they were initially captured.Grasping this wildlife pipeline, from forests to markets to cities, is essential to breaking the chain of transmission. Yet research teams face numerous hurdles. In Indonesia, researchers trying to map the trade routes and collect pathogen samples must build trust with traders operating in legal gray zones.In Africa, projects have been shuttered due to political decisions: the U.S. recently terminated the, one of the few initiatives funding zoonotic disease research in low- and middle-income countries.Scientists have powerful tools at their disposal, like CRISPR -based pathogen detectors and metagenomic sequencing, but without funding and governmental cooperation, they are flying blind. Christian Happi, a genomics expert in Nigeria, warns that without such efforts, we are "losing the continuity of data and trust that makes disease response possible."Moreover, community resistance is growing. From West Africa to Southeast Asia, people reliant on wildlife trade for survival fear surveillance, punishment, and loss of income. During the 201416 Ebola epidemic, bans on bushmeat consumption created deep-seated mistrust that lingers even today.Solutions do exist. Scientists advocate for regulating, not eradicating, the wildlife trade. This could includelike civets and raccoon dogs, implementing hygienic market practices, and offering protective gear to traders. These interventions respect local livelihoods while minimizing global health risks.Yet implementing these changes requires global commitment, scientific freedom, and sustained investment, all of which are in dangerously short supply. Disease ecologist Julien Cappalle viewed the funding cuts as a collapse of global disease prevention efforts and not just a minor setbackThe COVID-19 pandemic revealed just how fragile our interconnected world can be in the face of a novel virus. It also showed the power of science, collaboration, and timely action. But in the years since, the political and financial will to act preventively has withered. Wildlife markets are still open. The trade routes are still running. And the next pandemic may already be brewing in a cage somewhere, just out of sight.Source-Medindia
LHASA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Every year, pregnant Tibetan antelopes started their annual migration to give birth between May and July. Their natural enemies including wolves and bears are always there to ambush them. However, most of them could make it and give birth to babies.

The number of Tibetan antelopes in Xizang has now increased to more than 300,000, and their protection status has been downgraded from "endangered" to "near threatened," according to data from the region's ecology and environment department.
Despite a record low in AIDS-related deaths since 2004, declining global funding threatens to reverse progress, risking millions of lives by 2029.

Highlights: Funding crisis threatens HIV treatment access for millions

threatens HIV treatment access for millions Community groups losing support as demand for services grows

as demand for services grows Human rights violations worsening HIV-related stigma and risks

  Trusted Source

AIDS still killing one person every minute as funding cuts stall progress



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Did You Know?

Every minute, one person still dies from AIDS-related causes despite decades of progress, and without continued support, four million more could die by 2029. #medindia #aids #hiv

Every minute, one person still dies from AIDS-related causes despite decades of progress, and without continued support, four million more could die by 2029. #medindia #aids #hiv

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Looming Impact of Cuts to United States Global HIV Support

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AIDS still killing one person every minute as funding cuts stall progress - (https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/06/1164111)

AIDS-related fatalities have dropped to their lowest levels since 2004, but one person still dies every minute due to the disease. This ongoing loss of life showcases how fragile the progress remains, particularly as).More thanare currently receivingacross the globe. The United Nations AIDS response has been hailed as a major multilateral success, according to Amina Mohammed, United Nations Under Secretary-General, during a recent General Assembly briefing on the progress and future of the fight against HIV.Despite the achievements, Mohammed issued a stark warning: international commitment is waning, financial support is shrinking, and vital HIV systems are being destabilized. She emphasized the growing risk of undoing decades of advancement, highlighting a  facing the global response to HIV As clinics close and treatment availability dwindles, vulnerable populationsespecially. The rollback in support is particularly concerning for regions with historically high infection rates and limited access to healthcare infrastructure.One of the most pressing concerns is the potential, the United States-led initiative fighting HIV in Africa. The United Nations Joint Programme on HIV and AIDS has warned that without sustained backing, the world could see an additional four million AIDS-related deaths and over six million new infections by 2029.Mohammed emphasized that short-term budget cuts could destroy years of long-term progress. She called for renewed urgency to address the crisis, urging continued global cooperation and responsibility in fighting AIDS.Highlighting that many sub-Saharan African countries now spend more on debt repayments than on healthcare, Mohammed called for immediate debt relief, global tax reform, and increased international financial support. She stressed that low and middle-income nations requireand moreto continue the fight against AIDS.She also stressed the importance of protecting human rights, pointing to how punitive laws, hate speech, and vigilante actions drive marginalized groups away from health services. She warned that such stigma not only undermines human dignity but directly threatens global health progress.Community-driven groups on the front lines are now being dismantled due to funding shortagesjust when their support is most critical. Mohammed urged the United Nations and its global partners to prioritize these organizations, recognizing their pivotal role in reaching vulnerable populations and delivering life-saving care.She concluded with a message of both hope and caution:, but achieving it will require unwavering commitment and immediate action. , she reminded.Although AIDS-related deaths have reached historic lows, the global fight against the disease is at a dangerous crossroads. Shrinking financial support, disrupted services, and growing health inequities could lead to millions of preventable deaths. Urgent international cooperation, sustained funding, and a focus on human rights and community support are urgently needed to preserve hard-won progress.Source-Medindia
Active-duty Marines deployed to the Los Angeles area to protect federal buildings and personnel amid protests there are authorized to temporarily detain people "if threatened" or "otherwise harassed" before turning them over to civilian law enforcement, according to two defense officials.

The Marines -- 700 of whom deployed from a base in Twentynine Palms, California, on Monday in response to the protests -- were still training in crowd control and rules for the use of force at a Navy base in Orange County as of Wednesday and were expected to finish within the next two days before being employed, one of the defense officials and spokesperson for U.S. Northern Command said. They did not specify their destination.

Another defense official said the Marines could be sent into the city "tomorrow at the earliest."

Read Next: Bragg Soldiers Who Cheered Trump's Political Attacks While in Uniform Were Checked for Allegiance, Appearance

Defense officials and leaders in charge of the operation said Marines are not authorized to act as law enforcement officers. But a legal expert said that even granting temporary detention authority to troops can be construed as a law enforcement act, blurring the line between civilian police and service members on active orders deployed to American streets.

"The president has not initiated the Insurrection Act, so active-duty military would not be allowed to conduct any kind of law enforcement activity," retired Marine Lt. Col. Gary Barthel, a former judge advocate general with more than three decades in legal experience, told Military.com on Wednesday. "But detaining somebody could be considered an act of law enforcement."

The deployment of troops against the wishes of California's Democratic governor and the use of active-duty troops to augment civilian law efforts have raised a multitude of questions about the operation, which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said would go on for at least 60 days.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom filed an emergency motion in court Tuesday to halt the use of troops while President Donald Trump has continued to say he's considering invoking the Insurrection Act, which allows the military to conduct law enforcement activities within the U.S. in an emergency.

So far, Trump has not tapped the powers under the act.

"The law is clear that he has to impose the Insurrection Act in order for Marines to be involved in law enforcement duties, and if they're going to detain people, then  to me  that would be deemed an arrest, even if they're just holding them for the civilian authorities to take away," Barthel said.

Protests, along with sporadic violence, began in L.A. last week over the Trump administration's increasingly aggressive nationwide raids by agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Cases of ICE agents in tactical gear -- often masked -- making arrests in communities have proliferated, and the protests against those operations have also spread to other major cities.

Hegseth indicated Wednesday in testimony to Congress that the military could be deployed to other cities amid the public pushback against Trump's immigration policies, which seek the mass deportation of millions in the U.S.

When asked what would constitute a threat or harassment, a separate Northern Command spokesperson said they wouldn't get into "hypotheticals" and that "each person will end up having to make their own individual determination on whether or not the threat that they're facing meets" the criteria for the standing rules for the use of force, or SRUF, which establishes guidance for military personnel on civil missions.

Officials spoke to Military.com on the condition of anonymity to discuss details of the deployment.

The SRUF for the L.A. deployment prohibits warning shots, but authorizes self-defense, a defense official said, though the specific parameters for self-defense and other conditions within the guidance remain unclear. A defense official described the rules as the same ones that have been in place for troops operating in the U.S. for some time.

The infantry unit, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines was not trained in the use of non-lethal force and crowd control prior to being put on deployment notice Saturday, according to one of the defense officials, but some of the Marines in the formation may have had prior experience in those tasks. They said the unit sourced the crowd control equipment from "across the Marines in Southern California."

Now, they are in the midst of a 20-hour training package at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach that includes the use of batons, riot shields, reaction to civil unrest and refreshers on physical takedowns, according to the defense official and aerial video from an ABC News-affiliate showing Marines training. They added they are staying in "hard structures" and have food and water at the naval base, but it was unclear what those conditions would look like if deployed into downtown L.A., for example.

In the wake of their deployment, the military removed the public website for the infantry battalion, one of the defense officials confirmed.

"We received initial reporting from the unit that there were prank calls to all the numbers listed on the website for the command duty officer, and other numbers listed on the website," they said in a follow-up email. "There were additional concerns about harassment of leadership and their family based on information listed on the website, so we temporarily removed the information from public view. Once the mission is complete and the Marines safely return home, we will immediately restore the website."

Major Gen. Scott Sherman, the commander of Task Force 51 which oversees the Guard and Marine operations in the area, told reporters on Wednesday that the Marines will not have ammunition "in their rifle." It was not clear from Sherman's comments whether that meant they wouldn't have a round chambered or if their rifles wouldn't have a magazine inserted. They will also be equipped with gas masks, a defense official said.

One defense official stressed the Marines would be doing the same mission as the already deployed National Guard.

"The Marines are doing the same thing the Guard are doing, just in a different outfit," they said.

That same official said that while troops would have the power to detain civilians, the intention is for those detentions to be brief. One scenario that is being envisioned is one that has already been encountered and photographed -- troops guarding a federal agent making an arrest.

The official said this could be a scenario in which the group would be approached by someone who proceeds to harass them. In that situation, the official said troops would briefly detain the person until civilian law enforcement is freed up to deal with the situation.

"There's no need for it," Barthel said. "The only justification for doing it is if you're trying to suppress people's right to protest the government's policies. And that's something that's done in China, Russia and North Korea, but it shouldn't be done in the United States, where we're putting our military on the public streets and using our military to squelch free speech by the public, and in doing that, it puts the military in a position where they're being politicized and the public's trust and confidence in the military is going to be depleted."

Related: Trump Deploys Hundreds of Marines to LA in Growing Military Response to Immigration Raid Protests
House Republicans are on track to allow job cuts at the Pentagon and Department of Veterans Affairs to proceed in the annual spending bills for each department.

The House Appropriations Committee's fiscal 2026 defense appropriations bill includes a cut to civilian personnel funds that Republicans said accounts for the Pentagon's plan to slash about 45,000 civilian jobs. The full committee is debating the bill Thursday after it was advanced out of the defense subcommittee earlier this week.

Meanwhile, at a full committee debate Tuesday night about the fiscal 2026 VA appropriations bill, Republicans rejected a Democratic amendment that would have pumped the brakes on the VA's plans to fire about 80,000 employees.

Read Next: Bragg Soldiers Who Cheered Trump's Political Attacks While in Uniform Were Checked for Allegiance, Appearance

House Republicans are moving forward with the 2026 appropriations process even as the Trump administration has yet to provide Congress with its full, detailed budget request. Republicans have described the top-line dollar figures in their bills, which are based on the White House's so-called skinny budget request, as "interim."

In the defense appropriations bill, Republicans are proposing a total of $831.5 billion for the Pentagon, which is essentially flat compared to this year.

The White House also requested a flat budget for the Pentagon. But it argued that when its request is combined with a separate $150 billion defense budget boost working its way through Congress right now, the defense budget will hit a record $1 trillion.

GOP defense hawks have fumed at that reasoning, arguing they crafted the $150 billion bill to be in addition to a regular $1 trillion defense budget. But House GOP appropriators are using the same reasoning as the White House in defending their proposal.

"Together, with the significant defense funding advancing through Congress as part of the reconciliation process, the FY26 bill will lift total defense spending over $1 trillion in the next fiscal year, representing a historic commitment to strengthening and modernizing America's national defense," Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., chairman of the Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee, said in a statement this week.

The funding in the House appropriations bill would go toward providing service members with a 3.8% pay raise next year.

On the civilian side, though, the bill would endorse the hefty cuts being pushed by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, the advisory agency previously led by billionaire Elon Musk before he left the White House, got into a public feud with the president, and then backed off the feud.

The bill would codify "both the department's cooperation with DOGE and streamlined functions and management improvements at the Pentagon," as well as cut "$3.6 billion and almost 45,000 civilian full-time equivalents to capture Workforce Acceleration and Recapitalization Initiative efforts," according to a GOP summary.

The Pentagon announced in March that it was aiming to slash about 5% to 8% of its civilian workforce, or about 50,000 to 60,000 jobs.

While officials initially planned to achieve the cuts through a mix of hiring freezes, firings and resignations, they have increasingly relied on resignations as firings have run into lawsuits and other hurdles.

DOGE first offered a program to employees across the federal government in January, and the Pentagon reopened the deferred resignation offer for its employees in April. The program allows government workers to leave their jobs while still getting paid until October, or risk getting fired later.

In written testimony this week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said about 22,000 employees were approved for deferred resignation in January and noted the second window for deferred resignation in April without saying how many employees took the offer then. Service officials previously said they were poised to lose thousands of employees after the April window.

Meanwhile, the VA is planning its own DOGE-inspired mass firings. Under a memo leaked earlier this year, the department is supposed to have more details on its plans to fire up to 83,000 employees this month and could start the firings by August.

The VA has signed an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management, essentially human resources for the federal government, to help with the firings, news outlet Government Executive reported this week.

The fiscal 2026 VA appropriations bill proposed by House Republicans does not address the VA firings one way or the other.

But Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., ranking member of the Appropriations Committee's VA subcommittee, offered an amendment during Tuesday night's debate on the bill that would have blocked any "reduction in force," as such mass firings are formally called, unless Congress specifically approves it.

"There is absolutely no way that the secretary can achieve his goal without it having an impact on the health care provided to our veterans," Wasserman Schultz said at the committee meeting. "Does this administration really believe the arbitrary firing culture it is creating at the VA will make it an attractive place to work? No one wants to work at a place where the threat of being fired for no reason looms over their head every day."

The amendment was voted down along party lines, 27-34, with Republicans arguing it was unnecessary.

"The bill as written and the budget request does not include personnel cuts," said Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, the chairman of the committee's VA subcommittee. "VA has reinforced health care and benefits by safeguarding  mission-critical positions to ensure uninterrupted services."

While appropriators are ignoring potential staff cuts at the VA, they appear uneasy about other cuts at the department.

In the nonbinding report that accompanies the bill, lawmakers expressed concern that recent contract cancellations at the VA have been done haphazardly and without congressional approval.

"The committee is concerned that the department canceled many contracts and purported to reprogram funding originally dedicated to these contracts without proper analysis on the impacts to the veteran community, or without transparency about which contracts were ended, or proper notification to Congress," said the report, which was released Tuesday night after the committee approved the bill. "If the department seeks to reprogram previously appropriated funding, congressional approval is required by law."

The report called on the VA to provide lawmakers with a list of all contracts canceled since January that includes "a detailed analysis of the decision-making process that led to the cancellations," as well as a list of where the funding from the canceled contracts was redirected to.

Related: Budget for Veterans to See Private Doctors Would See Big Boost in GOP's VA Funding Proposal
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to say Thursday whether he would follow a federal district court order if it rules that the Trump administration's troop deployments to Los Angeles are illegal.

"What I can say is that we should not have local judges determining foreign policy or national security policy for the country," Hegseth said in response to a question from Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., during a House Armed Services Committee hearing.

Asked again by Khanna whether he would respect a court decision, Hegseth reiterated that, "What I'm saying is local district judges shouldn't make foreign policy for the United States."

Read Next: Army Officials Pushed Back on Pop-Up MAGA Shop Ahead of Fort Bragg Trump Speech

When pressed later in the hearing by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., specifically whether he would follow a Supreme Court ruling, Hegseth said, "We're not here to defy a Supreme Court ruling."

Hegseth's evasiveness on Khanna's questions was part of a pattern of dodging inquiries from Democrats on Thursday.

Among the topics where Hegseth did not provide direct answers: his disclosure of real-time attack plans on the unclassified messaging app Signal; whether he believes women are capable of "lethality," one of his favorite buzzwords; why he and the president have fired several top military officers; and whether it is Pentagon policy to be prepared to invade Greenland and Panama, as President Donald Trump has sometimes floated.

Thursday capped off a week of congressional testimony for Hegseth, who faced pointed questions at each hearing about the Trump administration's decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles to respond to protests against immigration raids.

Trump ordered about 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to protect federal property and immigration officers from the protests, which have been punctuated by some violence but have been largely peaceful and confined to a few blocks in downtown LA.

The deployments were done over the objections of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who quickly filed a lawsuit alleging Trump illegally usurped state authority.

The Justice Department, in a court filing Wednesday, called Newsom's lawsuit a "crass political stunt." A court hearing on the lawsuit was taking place Thursday afternoon.

The Trump administration has repeatedly violated court orders since taking office in January, particularly on cases related to immigration, one of the top issues he campaigned on.

Trump and other administration officials have sought to differentiate between lower court rulings, which they maintain have run amok and shouldn't dictate nationwide policy, and the Supreme Court, which they have said they would respect.

But the Trump administration has also ignored the Supreme Court.

After the Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration had to "facilitate" the return of a man wrongly deported to El Salvador, administration officials spent months claiming they couldn't bring him back and did not have to. The man was ultimately brought back to the United States last week and charged with transporting undocumented immigrants.

The Pentagon, though, has been following court orders, such as waiting until after the Supreme Court ruled in its favor to enforce the Trump administration's ban on transgender troops.

In response to Hegseth's comments at the hearing Thursday, Newsom posted on social media that "this is not normal."

Related: Marines Authorized to Temporarily Detain Protesters in LA, Raising Legal Concerns
KYIV, Ukraine  The number of Russian troops killed or wounded in Ukraine has topped 1 million, military officials in Kyiv said Thursday, describing the huge price that Moscow has paid for its 3-year-old invasion.

The claim by the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces, which came on a holiday celebrating Russia's sovereignty, is in line with Western intelligence estimates.

President Vladimir Putin marked Russia Day by hosting a Kremlin meeting with soldiers decorated for their service in Ukraine, but neither he nor any other officials commented on the Ukrainian claim.

The U.K. Defense Ministry also said in a statement posted Thursday on X that Russia has suffered over 1 million casualties, including roughly 250,000 killed since it launched the full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

On June 3, the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington said Russia likely would hit the mark of 1 million casualties this summer in what it called a stunning and grisly milestone.

Russia last reported its military casualties early in the war when it acknowledged that about 6,000 soldiers had been killed. Earlier this year, the General Staff of the Russian armed forces claimed that Ukrainian military losses had topped 1 million.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last spoke of Ukrainian military losses in February, when he said in an interview that 45,100 troops had been killed and about 390,000 injured.

The mutual claims of the other sides losses couldnt be independently verified.

Russia Launches More Drone Strikes

The casualty estimates came as Russian forces pummeled Ukraine with drones and other weapons, killing three people and injuring scores of others despite international pressure to accept a ceasefire.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched 63 drones and decoys at Ukraine overnight. It said that air defenses destroyed 28 drones while another 21 were jammed.

Ukrainian police said two people were killed and six were injured in the past 24 hours in the eastern Donetsk region, the focus of the Russian offensive. One person was killed and 14 others were also injured in the southern Kherson region, which is partly occupied by Russian forces, police said.

The authorities in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, said 18 people, including four children, were injured by Russian drone attacks overnight.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said Russian drones targeted residential districts, educational facilities, kindergartens and other civilian infrastructure.

Kharkiv is holding on. People are alive. And that is the most important thing, Terekhov said.

Russia has launched waves of drones and missiles in recent days, with a record bombardment of almost 500 drones on Monday and a wave of 315 drones and seven missiles overnight on Tuesday.

Ukraine responded to the Russian attacks with drone raids. Russias Defense Ministry said that air defenses downed 52 Ukrainian drones early Thursday, including 41 over the Belgorod region that borders Ukraine. Regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said a 2-year-old boy was killed Thursday in a Ukrainian drone attack, which also injured his grandmother. He previously reported three other injuries.

Russia Pushes its Slow Offensive in Ukraine's East

The recent escalation in aerial attacks has come alongside a renewed Russian battlefield push along eastern and northeastern parts of the more than 1,000-kilometer (over 600-mile) front line.

While Russian missile and drone barrage have struck regions all across Ukraine, regions along the front line have faced daily Russian attacks with short-range exploding drones and glide bombs.

On Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed its troops captured two more villages in the Donetsk region, Oleksiivka and Petrivske. The Ukrainian military had no immediate comment on the Russian claim.

The attacks have continued despite discussions of a potential ceasefire in the war. During their June 2 talks in Istanbul, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators traded memorandums containing sharply divergent conditions that both sides see as nonstarters, making a quick deal unlikely.

Russia and Ukraine Exchange More POWs

The only tangible outcome of the talks was an agreement to exchange prisoners of war and the bodies of fallen soldiers.

Russia and Ukraine conducted another POW swap on Thursday that included severely wounded and gravely ill captives, although the sides did not report the numbers.

Our people are coming home, Zelenskyy said in a statement on Telegram. All of them require medical treatment, and they will receive the necessary help. This is already the second stage of returning those who are severely wounded and seriously ill.

According to Ukraines Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, some of the repatriated soldiers had been listed as missing in action. The oldest among them is 59, the youngest is 22, he said.

NATO Chief Hails Trump's Peace Efforts

In Rome, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte commended U.S. President Donald Trump for his crucial move to start direct peace talks.

At the same time, Rutte criticized Putin for appointing his aide Vladimir Medinsky as the top negotiator for the talks in Istanbul. Medinsky ascended through the Kremlin ranks after writing a series of books exposing purported Western plots against Russia and denigrating Ukraine.

I think that the Russians sending this historian now twice to these talks in Istanbul, trying to start with the history of 1,000 years ago and then explaining more or less that Ukraine is at fault here, I think thats not helpful, Rutte said. But at least step by step, we try to make progress.

Also on Thursday, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit, noting the stepped-up Russian attacks send a message from Moscow that it has no interest in a peaceful solution at present, according to German news agency dpa.

Pistorius said his visit underlines that the new German government continues to stand by Ukraine.

Of course this will also be about how the support of Germany and other Europeans will look in future  what we can do, for example, in the area of industrial cooperation, but also other support, he said.

Associated Press writers Nicole Winfield in Rome and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.
California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling President Donald Trump's military intervention at protests over federal immigration policy in Los Angeles an assault on democracy and has sued to try to stop it. Meanwhile, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is putting the National Guard on standby in areas in his state where demonstrations are planned.

The divergent approaches illustrate the ways the two parties are trying to navigate national politics and the role of executive power in enforcing immigration policies.

In his live TV address this week, Newsom said that Trumps move escalated the situation  and for political gain.

All 22 other Democratic governors signed a statement sent by the Democratic Governors Association on Sunday backing Newsom, calling the Guard deployment and threats to send in Marines an alarming abuse of power that "undermines the mission of our service members, erodes public trust, and shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement.

Thursday, the Republican Governors Association said that showed their Democratic counterparts were siding with chaos and lawlessness in the streets over law and order.

The protests in Los Angeles have mostly been contained to five blocks in a small section of downtown; nearly 200 people were detained on Tuesday and at least seven police officers have been injured.

In Republican-controlled states, governors have not said when or how they're planning to deploy military troops for protests.

Since Trump's return to office, Democratic governors have been calculating about when to criticize him, when to emphasize common ground and when to bite their tongues.

The governors' responses are guided partly by a series of political considerations, said Kristoffer Shields, director of the Eagleton Center on the American Governor at Rutgers University: How would criticizing Trump play with Democrats, Republicans and independent voters in their states? And for those with presidential ambitions, how does that message resonate nationally?

Democratic governors are weighing a number of considerations.

There probably is some concern about retributions  what the reaction of the administration could be for a governor who takes a strong stance," Shields said.

And in this case, polling indicates about half of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling immigration, though that polling was conducted before the recent military deployment.

On other issues, Democratic governors have taken a variety of approaches with Trump.

At a White House meeting in February, Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills told Trump,  well see you in court  over his push to cut off funding to the state because it allowed transgender athletes in girls' school sports. Michigan's Gretchen Whitmer, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, publicly sparred with Trump during his first term but this time around, has met with him privately to find common ground.

Initially, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green referred to Trump as a straight-up dictator," but the next month he told a local outlet that he was treading carefully, saying: Im not going to criticize him directly much at all."

Democratic governors make their case to Congress

Democratic governors called to testify before a House panel Thursday on so-called sanctuary policies blasted the use of military troops in the Los Angeles area.

Gov. JB Pritzker said Illinois complies with all laws when it comes to immigration while honoring First Amendment rights. We will not take away peoples rights to peacefully protest, Pritzker said. Its wrong to deploy the National Guard and active duty Marines in an American city over the objection of local law enforcement just as its wrong to tear children away from their homes.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul told committee members the focus should be on comprehensive immigration reform.

As we speak, an American city has been militarized over the objections of their governor, she said. This is a flagrant abuse of power and nothing short of an assault on our American values.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, in an interview Wednesday in The Washington Post, said Trump should not send troops to a weekend protest scheduled in Philadelphia.

Hes injected chaos into the world order, hes injected it into our economy, he is trying to inject chaos into our streets by doing what he did with the Guard in California," Shapiro said.

As state attorney general during Trumps first term, Shapiro routinely boasted that he sued Trump over 40 times and won each time. As governor, he has often treaded more carefully, by bashing Trumps tariffs, but not necessarily targeting Trump himself.

GOP governors weighing in

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has often clashed with Newsom, a fellow term-limited governor with national ambitions.

Newsom's office said DeSantis offered to send Florida State Guard troops to California.

Given the guard were not needed in the first place, we declined Governor DeSantis attempt to inflame an already chaotic situation made worse by his Partys leader, Newsom spokesperson Diana Crofts-Pelayo said in an email to The Associated Press.

Speaking on Fox News on Tuesday, DeSantis said the gesture was a typical offer of mutual aid during a crisis  and was dismissive of the reasons it was turned down.

The way to put the fire out is to make sure you have law and order, he said.

States are preparing for more protests this weekend

Protests against immigration enforcement raids have sprung up in other cities  and a series of No Kings demonstrations are planned for the weekend  with governors preparing to respond.

In Connecticut, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont said he has spoken with his public safety commissioner to make sure state and local police work together.

I dont want to give the president any pretext to think he can come into Connecticut and militarize the situation. That just makes the situation worse, said Lamont, who called Trump "a little eager to send federal troops and militarize the situation in Los Angeles.

In Texas, Abbott said Thursday he's ordered more than 5,000 National Guard troops and 2,000 state police to be deployed around the state. In Austin, where police used chemical irritants to disperse several hundred protesters Monday, the mayors office said the National Guard was not requested.

San Antonio officials also said they did not request the Guard, but some troops were seen at a protest there Wednesday night.

On Thursday, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an order to activate his state's National Guard as a precautionary measure in reaction to recent instances of civil unrest across the country."

Florida's DeSantis said law enforcement in his state is preparing. The minute you cross into attacking law enforcement, any type of rioting, any type of vandalism, looting, just be prepared to have the law come down on you, DeSantis said Tuesday. And we will make an example of you, you can guarantee it.

___

Associated Press reporters Nadia Lathan and Jim Vertuno in Austin, Texas; Sophie Austin in Sacramento, California; Isabella Volmert in Lansing, Michigan; Andrew DeMillo in Little Rock, Arkansas; Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut; Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York; Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; and Sophia Tareen in Chicago; contributed.
File photo (Jake May | MLive.com) Jake May

IOSCO COUNTY, MI - Four Chinese nationals are accused of operating an enormous illegal marijuana grow in Michigan.

They may not face any jail time.
A gold pocket watch connects a Lake Michigan beach town to an English port town. Its a homecoming 165 years in the making, weaving invisible strings between a British parliament member, a deadly shipwreck, treasure hunters and Michigans foremost expert on the Titanic of the Great Lakes.

The pocket watch was preserved underwater in the wreckage of the Great Lakes deadliest shipwreck for decades. This spring, it made its way home to England, hand delivered by a Michigan historian who has been studying the shipwreck for more than 30 years.

The discovery of the ship, a lavish luxury steamboat, set off a legal battle in the 1990s as treasure hunters vied for possession of the goods that sank with the ship.

The discovery of the watch, though, reopened a story of a rags-to-riches-type politician who died on the shores of Lake Michigan in the 19th century.

As an underwater explorer, historian, author and director of Michigan Shipwreck Research Associates, Valerie van Heests depth of knowledge and respect for the Lady Elgin is unparalleled.

I was the right person to be the delivery person, she said. My passion for the Lady Elgin, museums, preserving history. I was the last and the right cog in the wheel to do this.

Although many years of research led her on this trail, the pocket watch landing in her hands was either the hand of God or a wonderful coincidence, she said.

I dont know how to explain it other than powers beyond me were making this happen, she said.

Lady of luxury becomes the Great Lakes deadliest shipwreck

In the mid 1800s, the lavish Lady Elgin was known as The Queen of the Great Lakes.

More famous than her luxury and grandeur is the fatal fate of Lady Elgin, giving her the more somber nickname: The Titanic of the Great Lakes.

On an early fall day, the Lady Elgin was returning from a day trip on the big lake, departing Chicago with passengers bound for Milwaukee.

Just after midnight on Sept. 8, 1860, a storm rolled over Lake Michigan, decreasing visibility and whipping up waves. After 2:30 a.m. Lady Elgin collided with a lumber schooner, Augusta, and was left with a large hole in its side.

Within half an hour the luxurious steamboat sank and took 300 lives with her, marking the deadliest shipwreck on the Great Lakes.

Fewer than 20 people, mostly crew, made it into lifeboats. Amid the chaos, passengers kept eyes on the most influential and wealthy passenger  Herbert Ingram.

Ingram earned his fortune by creating a visual magazine, the Illustrated London News. His innovative use of woodcuts brought vivid imagery of breaking news events to the middle-class readership. He depicted news of war, train crashes, steamboat explosions and high-fashion balls at Buckingham Palace. He became the father of pictorial journalism.

In todays world, he would have been the father of social media, van Heest jokes.

Running on a platform of social reform and progress, Ingram represented his hometown of Boston in British parliament, furthering his well-known status.

A reporting trip for his magazine brought Ingram and his eldest son to America. Before leaving Chicago on the Lady Elgin, Ingram wrote home saying he was extending his trip to visit the remote regions of Lake Superior.

When the Lady Elgin was sinking, surviving passengers recalled seeing Ingram get on a life raft with the ships captain.

Although Lady Elgin was only a few miles from the shore of Highland Park, the waves were so strong that survivors, bodies and debris were swept further north.

Shipwreck survivors say Ingram survived the night in the rough waters, according to van Heests research. It wasnt until he reached the shore near Evanston, about 15 miles north of Chicago, that Ingram died, likely from a blow to the head from debris kicked up in the wild surf.

When authorities found Ingram he was still warm, van Heest said. His body was returned home to England. Two years later the town erected a 10-foot tall marble statue in the towns market place in his honor.

It would take another 132 years before divers realized what he left behind in Lake Michigan.

The underwater discoveries within Lady Elgin

Michigan historian Valerie van Heest hand-delivered the gold pocket watch belonging to British Parliament member Herbert Ingram to his hometown in England. (Photo Courtesy of Valerie van Heest) Photo Courtesy of Valerie van Heest

Debris from the Lady Elgin is scattered along the bottom of Lake Michigan stretching nearly a mile long, van Heest said, a rarity among Great Lake shipwrecks that mostly sank in one piece.

This scattering made the story of the steamboat, and the luxuries left behind, all the more alluring to divers.

The discovery of a shipwreck is often what immerses us in its history, van Heest said.

The initial discovery of the ship in 1989 made headlines on its own, but what divers found within the ship created a court controversy.

Diver and private salvor Harry Zych found a safe full of silver and gold coins within Lady Elgins remains.

It was the only modern-day discovery of treasure, van Heest said. And although that would have been pocket change to wealthy elites onboard Lady Elgin, it sparked the longest court battle over a Great Lakes shipwreck to date.

Despite a federal law enacted a year earlier claiming that abandoned vessels are the property of the state, Zych successfully sued Illinois for possession. Zych won because he contested the insurance company never abandoned the ship.

Lady Elgin remains one of very few privately owned shipwrecks.

A few years later, van Heest found herself among the wreckage when her team, the Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago, conducted a free archaeological survey of the shipwreck for Illinois.

Van Heest swam through nearly every site along the mile-long debris field. Under the waves and among the wreckage, she felt a responsibility toward the ship and its passengers.

I realized that I was doing something and seeing something that not everybody could see, she said. That sparked the kernel of the thought, how do I share this with the people who dont dive?

While van Heest was dedicated to the humanity and science of the shipwreck, there were other divers in the water seeking what was inside.

During that same exploratory period in 1992, divers found a gold pocket watch with the initials H.I. They quietly held onto it for three decades.

Serendipity at sea

Michigan historian and underwater explorer Valerie van Heest and her team, the Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago, conducted an archaeological survey of the Lady Elgin shipwreck for Illinois in 1992. (Photo Courtesy of Joe Oliver) Photo Courtesy of Joe Oliver

In the decades since her archaeological dive, van Heest became an expert on Lady Elgin.

She used her survey drawings along with the diving photo and video footage to supplement her publication, Lost on the Lady Elgin: 150th Anniversary Commemorative Book, as well as presentations and museum exhibits about the shipwreck.

In 2024, she was hired to curate a Lady Elgin exhibit for the Chicago Maritime History Museum.

While Zych died with the possession of Lady Elgin and the artifacts he recovered, one of his former employees began working with van Heest and donated artifacts to the Chicago exhibit she was designing.

At the same time, van Heest published a second edition of her commemorative book.

Both the exhibit and book drew the attention of the divers who found the watch. Van Heest said they had worked together on other shipwreck projects, but they never mentioned the artifact from the Lady Elgin.

Van Heest describes it as a slow reveal.

The divers first described the manufacturing marks on the back from the John Bennett Company. Van Heest recognized the name instantly as the famous English watch and jewelry maker. (Michiganders may recognize this name as the watchmakers London shop now sits in the Henry Ford Museums Greenfield Village.)

Then they told her there was a 1-inch oval fob with the initials H.I. engraved.

Does that mean anything to you, they asked. Van Heest grabbed her book and combed through the names of victims and survivors. Only one passenger had a name that matched.

I said, is this Herbert Ingrams watch? and they said, well it can be no other, she said.

This discovery made van Heest eager to pin down more information on Ingram.

I can think of no other individual lost on a Great Lakes shipwreck  and there are some 30,000 people lost  most crew members, some passengers, but there was no person with as much significance in the world [than Ingram], van Heest said.

Ingrams status as an active member of Parliament and a wealthy entrepreneur made him by far the most influential figure to die on the Great Lakes, she said.

Not to mention finding a personal item tied to this significant figure, from the most significant shipwreck in the Great Lakes.

The superlatives are overwhelming for the historian who has dedicated her career to resurfacing sunken stories.

I cant find the words to convey the magnitude of that, van Heest said.

Historic homecoming

Michigan historian Valerie van Heest hand-delivered the gold pocket watch belonging to British Parliament member Herbert Ingram to his hometown in England. (Photo Courtesy of Valerie van Heest) Photo Courtesy of Valerie van Heest

As these discoveries were unfolding in van Heests professional life, she was quietly unfurling her personal history.

In the same month she found out about the pocket watch, van Heest received the results for her family genealogy test. She learned her ancestors were from a small town in England near the North Sea.

When I learned they were specifically from Boston, England it was like a light bulb that went off, she said. This all happened within the space of weeks - learning of the watchs existence and then getting the results of my DNA test. It was like I was being cosmically directed to get this watch to England.

Van Heest tried to find Ingrams descendants, which would be four generations from the politician, but couldnt find a family member.

At that point, van Heest was set on getting the watch to England and was working with the citys museum, the Boston Guildhall. It just so happened the museum was working on an exhibit dedicated to Ingram but was missing any physical artifacts to connect with him.

In Boston, city representatives told the BBC they couldnt sit down after hearing from van Heest and were absolutely buzzing from the surprise discovery.

In May, van Heest flew to Boston, England and stood by Ingrams statue to hand deliver the watch to museum curators. Van Heest stayed in town to do a Lady Elgin presentation and book signing.

In the weeks since, she said the small city-owned museum has received unprecedented attention. Bringing this personal artifact home brought the story back to life, she said.

We cant let the people be forgotten, van Heest said. In this case, Herbert Ingram for the Lady Elgin will sort of represent the other 300 souls lost. They werent nearly as famous as him, but each individual was significant to their family.

RELATED: Millionaires shipwreck, one of Great Lakes first all-steel vessels, found 600 feet deep in Lake Superior

RELATED: Rye seeds rescued from 146-year-old shipwreck could revive crop in Michigan
A male bottlenose dolphin calf swims alongside his mother, Allie, at Brookfield Zoo. The calf appeared healthy and was meeting milestones but suddenly died on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. He was born on Saturday, June 7, 2025. A necropsy is pending. Brookfield Zoo Chicago

A baby dolphin was born over the weekend at a Chicago zoo. The calf appeared healthy up until its abrupt death Wednesday evening.

The male calf was just four days old. He was born Saturday to 37-year-old Allie, an experienced mom of five.

The male calf had appeared healthy and was meeting milestones up until its abrupt death, Brookfield Zoo said in a news release. A necropsy is pending to determine the cause of death.

The first few days after birth are a vulnerable, critical timeframe for dolphin calves, said Dr. Rita Stacey, Brookfield Zoo Chicago senior vice president of programs and impact. While the calf was progressing well, dolphin neonates face immense biological challenges. We are deeply saddened by his sudden passing.

RELATED: Chicago zoo bottlenose dolphin is pregnant; calf due this summer

A dolphin calfs first year of life, both in the wild and under professional care, is filled with challenges and milestones it must reach. Newborn dolphins must quickly master a range of complex behaviors, from nursing underwater to navigating the aquatic environment and learning to rest while pulled along in the mothers wake. Even slight developmental challenges can become critical in a short time. In the wild, one in five calves born to first-time mothers do not survive their first year.

This calf was meeting all milestones, including healthy levels of nursing and other activities, and Allie was providing appropriate maternal care, Stacey said. The pair was under 24-hour observation.

Wednesday evening, staff members noticed a rapid, unexpected change in the calfs behavior. Within minutes, he was unresponsive and died.

Animal care and veterinary staff are monitoring Allie and the dolphin group closely following the death.

We know our guests and supporters share this sadness with us, Stacey said. This calfs birth brought hope and joy, and his sudden loss reminds us of the delicate balance of life.
HOUGHTON, MI  The FBI has confirmed that it sent agents to assist in an investigation after two people were found dead on Isle Royale.

Two unidentified campers were found dead Sunday afternoon at a remote, backcountry campground within Isle Royale National Park, the National Park Service said on Tuesday.

RELATED: 2 found dead at Isle Royale remote backcountry campground

On Wednesday, the FBI office in Detroit confirmed to MLive via email that federal officials went to the park to investigate.

I can confirm that members from the FBI in Michigan were present in Isle Royale National Park, located the northwestern region of Michigans Upper Peninsula, Jordan Hall, public information/media coordinator for the FBIs field office in Detroit.

The FBI routinely assists law enforcement partners upon request and it does not necessarily mean the bureau is opening an investigation, he said in the email. However, FBI policy prohibits confirmation of the existence of investigations and releasing any information about them.

It was around 4 p.m. Sunday when park rangers received two separate reports of two campers found dead at the park. Two rangers then hiked 11 miles overnight to the campground to assess the situation. They arrived early Monday morning and confirmed that two unidentified people were deceased.

Additional ground and aviation resources responded starting Monday.

The incident is under investigation. The causes of death are unknown at this time.

No further information has been released.

Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness on a group of islands in northwestern Lake Superior off the Keweenaw Peninsula. The park is popular for backpacking, hiking, backcountry camping and other recreational activities. It can only be reached by ferry, boat or seaplane.

MLive reporter Melissa Frick contributed to this report.
The State Department says Americans should not visit Iraq for any reason over terrorism, kidnapping concerns. (Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media)

WASHINGTON -- The State Department says Americans should not travel to Iraq for any reason as part of a Level 4 travel advisory issued Wednesday, June 11. The advisory notes the agency has already ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Iraq as tensions in the region rise.

U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies," reads a portion of the warning.

Related story: Newest travel warning says Americans have been kidnapped, ransomed in this country

The advisory states terrorism attacks can occur in major cities at any time and may involve improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The warning says those who choose to go to Iraq should not travel near armed groups or Iraqs northern borders due to:

Continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups.

Armed conflict.

Aerial bombardment.

Civil unrest.

Visitors are also warned not to travel through Iraq to engage in armed conflict in Syria. The Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq has threatened that anyone caught illegally crossing the Iraq-Syria border faces up to 10 years in prison.

U.S. government personnel remaining in Iraq to live and work are required to use armed security and are prohibited from using Baghdad International Airport over safety concerns.

Americans who choose to ignore the warning are advised to:

Establish a personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.

Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.

Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes.

Have departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.

Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.

Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return to the United States as planned.

A Level 4 travel advisory is the most serious on the State Departments four-tier scale.
Maykol Bogoya Duarte, 18, was driving to a field trip on May 20, 2025 when he was stopped by local police then detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He's now facing an imminent deportation. (Photo provided by the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center) Photo provided by the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center

A Michigan high school student who was detained while driving to a field trip in late May has been deported to Colombia.

The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center said Maykol Bogoya Duarte, 18, was deported on Wednesday, June 11 about three hours after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement denied his request to stay here until he can finish his studies and graduate.

The decision came after Duarte gained a swell of support this week from teachers, students and lawmakers urging officials to let him temporarily remain in the United States.

Instead of being able to complete his education, Maykol was abruptly removed from his family and friends, MIRC said in a Thursday, June 12 Facebook post. These are the real life and heartbreaking consequences of the policies of this administration.

ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Related: Michigan high schooler detained on field trip now facing deportation

Duarte, a student from Western International High School in the Detroit Public Schools Community District, was arrested while he was driving three other students to a field trip on May 20. He was stopped by a Rockwood Police Department officer who called U.S. Customs and Border Protection after finding out Duarte didnt have a drivers license.

Border officials said Duarte, whos lived in the United States for nearly three years, had a removal order after his appeal for asylum was denied last year.

Ruby Robinson, a MIRC attorney, previously told MLive that Duarte planned to leave the country but was in the process of getting a new Colombian passport.

It takes time, he said. There is no Colombian consulate in the Detroit area. Its paperwork. Bureaucracies take time.

Related: In rural Michigan, a prison is reopening as biggest ICE detention hub in Midwest

Duarte was held in the Chippewa County Correctional Facility, an immigration detention center about 350 miles north of Detroit, until he was transferred to Louisiana earlier this week.

He was sent back to Colombia one day after the school year ended.

On a day in which theyre celebrating the end of the school year and completing their studies and some of them are graduating, Maykol could be on a plane being deported from the United States, Robinson said in a June 9 interview.

Supporters urged officials this week to release Duarte so he can finish the three credits he needs to graduate from high school.

A petition that gained more than 1,700 signatures said this young man is just hoping to be able to get released from detention in order to complete his high school diploma.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education demanded a stay of deportation after more than 100 people spoke in support of Duarte at a June 10 meeting.

Several Democratic state lawmakers and U.S. Reps. Shri Thanedar and Rashida Tlaib also called for his release. Tlaib also questioned why local police called immigration officials for translation purposes.

This kind of irresponsibility doesnt keep anyone in our communities safe. This enables racial profiling and separation of families, the congresswoman said in a post on X.
Judge Cheryl Matthews on Wednesday, June 11, denied requests for retrials from James and Jennifer Crumbley, upholding their convictions of four counts each of manslaughter. In this photo, Jennifer Crumbley stares at her husband James Crumbley during sentencing at Oakland County Circuit Court, Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in Pontiac, Mich. (Clarence Tabb Jr./Detroit News via AP) AP AP

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI  A judge has ruled the parents of Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley will not be retried, despite their arguments that they didnt receive fair trials.

Judge Cheryl Matthews on Wednesday, June 11, denied requests for retrials from James and Jennifer Crumbley, upholding their convictions of four counts each of manslaughter, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald announced.

The Crumbleys, who are both serving a minimum of 10 years in prison, had argued they received unfair trials because the prosecution failed to disclose secret agreements it made with witnesses prior to trial. They both asked for their convictions to be overturned.

RELATED: Dad of Oxford High shooter claims secret witness agreements robbed him of fair trial

Matthews heard arguments from Jennifer Crumbleys attorneys asking for a retrial in January, and from James Crumbleys attorneys in March. On Wednesday, the judge finally issued her decision, ruling that the prosecutions secret deals did not justify new trials.

Judge Matthews ruling makes clear that no issue raised by the defense affected the trial or the jurys verdict, the prosecutor said in a statement Wednesday. Now that the juries verdicts have been reviewed and upheld, it is time to turn our attention away from the Crumbleys and refocus on the Oxford victims. The bottom line is both James and Jennifer Crumbley were convicted by juries of their peers after receiving a fair trial.

In a first-of-its-kind conviction, separate juries found James and Jennifer Crumbley negligent and liable for the crimes committed by their son, then-15-year-old Ethan Crumbley, who committed a mass shooting and killed four classmates at Oxford High School on Nov. 30, 2021.

In their requests for new trials, the parents had argued that prosecutors did not disclose secret proffer agreements they made with witnesses, impacting the fairness of the trials. A proffer agreement means a prosecutor agrees not to charge a witness in exchange for truthful testimony.

The proffer agreements were released by McDonalds office in March 2024, following the conviction and sentencings of Jennifer and James Crumbley. The prosecutors office claimed it wasnt required to disclose the agreements, since they werent formal immunity agreements and didnt explicitly make offers of leniency.

The agreements were made with attorneys representing former Oxford High School Dean of Students Nicholas Ejak and guidance counselor Shawn Hopkins, who both testified in the parents separate trials and have never faced criminal charges.

The defense called the failure to disclose the agreements a Brady violation, meaning prosecution intentionally and improperly withheld evidence favorable to the defense that likely impacted the fairness of the trial. Jennifers Crumbleys attorney Michael Dezsi argued the witnesses may not have testified at all without immunity, calling the agreements dangling carrots.

Ethan Crumbley is serving a mandatory life sentence after pleading guilty to 24 felonies, including four counts of first-degree murder.

His victims included: Madisyn Baldwin, 17; Tate Myre, 16; Hana St. Juliana, 14; and Justin Shilling, 17.
A Liberty Security guard sitting on the University of Michigan Diag. The Detroit-based security company is paid to assist security efforts on campus. MLive file photo. Sam Dodge

ANN ARBOR, MI - The Michigan Law School chapter of the ACLU wants University of Michigan to further axe its surveillance efforts of its public spaces.

The group sent a June 11 letter - signed by 800 students, faculty, staff and alumni - to the university urging it to remove surveillance cameras from the Diag and Law Quad.

The call comes days after the university ended its partnership with all private security firms tasked with surveilling campus. The ACLU chapter called it deeply troubling to install cameras in the Diag, or the center of free speech.

The timing and placement of the cameras strongly suggest that they were installed to spy on and record students engaged in political speech, which would violate the university policy, said Nithya Arun, president of the ACLU chapter.

A university spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.

Read more: University of Michigan axes private security after surveillance of pro-Palestinian activists reported

The chapter accused the university of violating its policy on surveillance cameras by not including students to participate in a required oversight committee.

The university has a policy on Proper Use of Security Cameras that states the chief financial officer shall convene annually with a committee made up of faculty, administrators and students. The committee at least once every three years would review and revise the policy and provide periodic updates to the university community about campus security systems.

Any covert cameras can only be installed by university police for the purposes of a criminal investigation, the policy states.

Read more: Charges dropped against 3 more pro-Palestine protesters

The chapter said the university has not been transparent about its surveillance policies.

The University says it values free expression, but these cameras tell a different story, Lily Chavez, incoming chapter co-president, said in a statement. Students deserve a campus where they are not monitored like criminals. The cameras in the Law Quad dont just record innocent activity, they can peer into student residences and invade their most basic sense of privacy.

The letter asks for the university to remove the cameras until a committee is formed, as well as answer why they were installed, what capabilities they have, whether the cameras monitor in real-time, when university employees are allowed to view the recordings and how the university would prevent privacy abuses.

The group also pointed to an investigative report from The Guardian that found the university has used undercover investigators to surveil students who have been involved with pro-Palestinian groups on campus.

UM Interim President Domenico Grasso announced on June 8 the end of the partnership with the private security firm, saying one of its employees acted in ways that go against our values and directives.

What happened was disturbing, unacceptable, and unethical, and we will not tolerate it, Grasso said in a Sunday release.

In July 2024, the university decided to contract with outside security firms, according to the release.

These individuals were intended to help us keep watch over our campus and enable us to respond quickly to emergencies, Grasso said.

However, we are clear: no individual or group should ever be targeted for their beliefs or affiliations, he continued.

The security firm informed the university the employee is no longer employed with their company, according to a university statement dated June 6 and updated June 8 that called the employees behavior unacceptable.

Five students told The Guardian they have been followed, recorded or eavesdropped by undercover investigators, on and off campus, according to the Friday, June 6 article by The Guardian.

The undercover investigators appear to work for Detroit-based private security group City Shield, according to The Guardian.

The Guardian reported evidence collected by undercover investigators was used by Michigan prosecutors to charge and jail students, and most of the charges were dropped.

Read more: Charges dropped against 7 pro-Palestine protesters at University of Michigan

The safety and privacy of our students, faculty, staff and visitors are of utmost importance to the University of Michigan, the university said in the statement.

The university does not surveil individuals or student groups, nor has it requested or authorized the surveillance of any students on or off campus. Unfortunately, recent media reports have mischaracterized the role of contract security personnel who were engaged solely to support campus safety efforts.

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A photo of Taste of India in Grand Blanc Township. A new restaurant is expected to open in Grand Blanc Township by July 4. (MLive file photo) Roberto Acosta | Racosta1@mlive.com

GENESEE COUNTY, MI  A new Indian restaurant is set to open soon in Grand Blanc Township as its owner looks to fill a void for area diners.

Taste of India owner Gurpreet Singh is determined to provide the area with a new dining option with the new eatery, located at 2383 E. Hill Road, Ste. B.

Im super excited, and I cant wait to have Indian food in Grand Blanc, he said. Im getting a lot of calls from the Indian community about when were going to open.

You have to travel like an hour away to get this kind of food.

Singh, who lives in Grand Blanc, began leasing the space on Hill Road in December and has spent approximately $500,000 to transform the space into a restaurant.

Related: Taste of India bringing new cuisine to Grand Blanc Township

In addition to Taste of India, Singh owns a logistics business and two party stores in Genesee County.

Singhs parents once owned Burger and Pizza Land in Flint, but this is his first attempt at opening a restaurant of his own.

The only other Indian restaurant in the area is Grill of India in Flint Township, and Singh said when his friends and family visit, they have to travel to Rochester or Ann Arbor to find other restaurants serving the cuisine.

One day my parents decided they wanted to open a good, fancy Indian Restaurant in Grand Blanc, so people in Grand Blanc have a different taste, Singh said. The Indian community is growing in Grand Blanc, and they really want that restaurant.

A grand opening for the restaurant is expected to take place before July 4, but Singh said it may be delayed, noting the restaurant is still waiting on delayed shipments from India and Canada.

The restaurant was initially supposed to open on June 1.

Construction began at the restaurant about three months ago and is expected to be completed by June 16.

Taste of Indias three-to-four-page menu will include a wide range of options, including North and South Indian cuisine as well as Indo-Chinese dishes like Paneer Manchurian, a dish made with Indian cheese.

Paneer Manchurian is one of many vegetarian dishes that will be on the restaurants menu.

Thats like a paneer toasted with the chili sauce and cashews, Singh said.

In addition to the more commonly known Indian dishes in the United States such as chicken curry and butter chicken, the restaurants menu will feature items like vegetarian-friendly samosas, a popular pastry in India filled with spiced vegetables like potatoes and sometimes meat.

These are the basic dishes made by every Indian restaurant, but the ones were gonna make, it is gonna be all separate tastes, Singh said. Itll be spicy and more delicious.

The restaurant will also offer meat-based options like its chickpea battered fried fish pakora as well as a buffet.

The average cost of dishes at Taste of India will run between $10 and $20.

Customers will also be able to order a drink from the restaurants full bar and try non-alcoholic drink options like Indian tea and mango juice.

Indian sweets including rasgulla, made with round dumplings, will also be on display and available for purchase.

It has a juice, like sweet juice, Singh said. There are 5-6 different types of wheat made with carrots and strawberries and stuff like that.

Renovations are still underway at the restaurant which will feature Indian-themed decor to reflect its menu, but Singh said he has already hired a quality cooking team and a chef from California.

Were building an all-new restaurant inside, like all the way down to the commons and everything, he said.

The restaurants planned hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day except Tuesday.

Plans for Taste of Indias grand opening will be announced on the restaurants social media pages and website, which are still being developed.

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A former Michigan police officer has been arraigned on felony and misdemeanor charges for alleged misconduct during his time as a law enforcement officer. MLive file photo

A former police officer in Michigans Upper Peninsula has been accused of sexual misconduct while on duty.

Former Norway police officer Chad Olson, 43, was arraigned in Iron Mountain Wednesday, June 11, on felony and misdemeanor charges for alleged misconduct during his time as a law enforcement officer, Michigan Attorney Dana Nessels office said in a news release.

Olson, of Vulcan, is accused of using police databases to look up womens contact information to flirt with them, which led to one sexual encounter with a woman while on duty at the police station.

He is also alleged to have illegally purchased a pistol without a license, the news release said.

Olson was charged with two counts of misconduct in office, each a 5-year felony. One of the counts is for the alleged sexual conduct while on duty, and the second is for the alleged misuse of law enforcement resources, Nessels office said.

He was also charged with one count of making a false statement on a pistol sales record, a 4-year felony, and one count of purchasing a pistol without a license, a 90-day misdemeanor.

The Dickinson County Sheriffs Department and Michigan State Police referred the case to Nessels office.

We expect law enforcement officers who take an oath to protect and serve our communities to do so with integrity, Nessel said. I commend the investigative efforts of the Dickinson County Sheriffs Department and the Michigan State Police and remain committed to ensuring those who commit such serious dereliction of duty are held accountable.

Olsons next court appearance is June 26 in Iron Mountains 95B District Court.
Fountain Street Church has offered sanctuary to the family of a El Salvador man who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (MLive File Photo) Brian Hayes | MLive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Fountain Street Church has offered sanctuary to the family of an El Salvador man who advocates say was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement last week.

Organizations supporting Carlos Menjivar and his family said they had already secured plane tickets to voluntarily return to El Salvador when he was arrested last week at ICEs Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) office in Grand Rapids.

When the members of our community are under attack and under threats our doors are open to provide shelter and sanctuary, The Rev. Nathan Dannison said at a press conference on Wednesday, June 11.

Our beliefs here at Fountain Street compel us to act. We taken our beliefs very, very seriously as a community. So, when the powers  threaten our families in Grand Rapids, we believe we have a duty to act. We promise to support the work of justice that is ongoing.

Read more: Calls grow to pause deportation of Michigan teen so he can finish high school

Menjivars wife and three small children have been offered sanctuary.

His family says he is held in Calhoun County Jail. He was arrested when he showed up for a check-in appointment despite a verbal agreement to voluntarily return to El Salvador, according to Movimiento Cosecha GR and GR Rapid Response to ICE.

Read more: In rural Michigan, a prison is reopening as biggest ICE detention hub in Midwest

They have called for Menjivars release before Saturday so he and his family can leave for El Salvador. They also want his passport returned and his status changed from deportation to voluntary departure since a charge of deportation would have lifelong consequences for him, a statement said.

The groups called for residents to contact the ICE office in Detroit as well as elected officials.

Jeff Smith, a volunteer organizer with the GR Rapid Response to ICE group, said that his group has offered to accompany others who have appointments at the ISAP office on Michigan Street NE.

His group responded last week after Menjivar was detained. He said at the press conference no one else was detained after the group showed up.

The wife of Carlos Menjivar wanted to go into sanctuary out of fear for her children, but also to publicly denounce how ICE deceived her husband who had already agreed to a voluntary departure, he wrote Thursday, June 12, on Grand Rapids Institute for information Democracy.

An ICE spokesperson did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
Grand Rapids police are asking for the publics help finding a person of interest from a shooting that happened at a car meet-up this month. (Rose White | MLive) Rose White | MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Grand Rapids police are asking for the publics help finding a person of interest in a shooting that happened at a car meet-up this month.

The shooting happened at 2:45 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, at The Shops at Centerpoint, a strip mall, on 28th Street SE.

RELATED: 1 shot during car meet-up in Grand Rapids

Police say the person of interest was wearing a white T-shirt with a blue logo on the front and a larger airbrushed logo on the back, a black hat with a circular white logo, blue jeans, and bright white shoes. He was carrying a black shoulder bag, GRPD said.

Grand Rapids police released images of the person, but MLive is not publishing the images pending charges.

GRPD is asking anyone who knows the person or has information about his identification and whereabouts to contact detectives at 616-456-3380, or to send tips safely and anonymously through Silent Observer.

Police said the shooting stemmed from a large gathering of people and cars otherwise known as a meet-up.

The victim, an adult male, is still recovering from his injuries, police said.
James Donald Vance, Jr. was arraigned Wednesday, June 11, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan for threatening to kill the president and vice president. Daniel Shular | MLive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  A West Michigan man has been accused of threatening to kill President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on social media, warning they would leave in a body bag if they returned to Grand Rapids.

James Donald Vance, Jr. was arraigned Wednesday, June 11, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. Court records show he used the social media platform Bluesky to make threats against the president and vice president, using the username Diaperjdv.

If tRump, Vance, or Musk ever come to my city again, they will leave it in a body bag, court records show Vance Jr. wrote online. I will either be shot by a secret service sniper or spend the rest of my life in prison. Ive only got about 10 years of life left anyway so I dont (expletive) care either way.

Vance Jr. has been charged with one count of threatening to kill and injure the president and vice president, a felony that is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

He also faces two counts of interstate threatening communication, which allege he consciously disregarded a substantial risk that his communication would be viewed as threatening violence against other persons. That also faces a five-year prison sentence.

He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maarten Vermaat Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Court records show he was released on bond.
A drummer performs at Rootead's 2023 Juneteenth celebration at Bronson Park in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This year's Juneteenth celebration will take place in the park on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (MLive file photo) Rodney Coleman-Robinson | MLive.com

KALAMAZOO, MI  There are a number of ways to celebrate Juneteenth this year in Kalamazoo, with celebrations kicking off Saturday, June 14.

The first big community celebration will be hosted by Rootead from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, in Bronson Park, 200 S. Rose St.

The free, family-friendly event promises to be bigger, bolder and more soulful than ever. The event will feature food, music and dance, live performances and a number of local vendors. Click here for a complete performance schedule.

Following the day-long event will be an Afrobeats and R&B Afterparty, geared specifically for those 25 and up. The party will take place from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. at the Epic Center, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall.

Hosted by Rootead and The XPerience, the grown-and-sexy afterparty will feature sounds by DJ Sanjay. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased online or at the door.

Here are five other Juneteenth events in Kalamazoo:

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BAY CITY, MI  An ex-con is charged with a life offense nearly two years after he allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint inside his Bay City home.

The charges stem from an incident that happened on Sept. 27, 2023. About 1:30 a.m., police responded to an apartment in the 2000 block of South Alp Street after a 46-year-old man called 911 to report having been robbed.
India most important growth market for us outside Europe, says Skoda; looks to fortify position

Varun Singh

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The council hopes by waiving secondary dwelling fees, it'll encourage more landowners to build and rent out granny flats.

An Aussie council is waiving application fees for residents seeking to build granny flats on their property in a bid they hope will provide some relief to the housing crisis. Source: Noosa Council

As Australia's housing crisis deepens, more councils are rolling out new measures aimed at easing the pressure on those struggling to find a place to call home.

This week in Australia, the median home price across the entire country rose to over $1 million  a first in history  with renters also facing record-high prices in large parts of the nation. Recently, some councils have announced they'll allow people to live in caravans and tiny homes on wheels on private property, providing short-term accommodation for those in desperate need.

"If something this small can make life a bit easier for someone, then I think its the least we can do," Shire of Manjimup President Donelle Buegge told Yahoo News after announcing the scheme.

Now, Noosa landowners can build secondary dwellings, such as granny flats, without paying infrastructure charges. This is in contrast to most parts of the country, where councils normally charge infrastructure contributions or developer fees for additional dwellings.

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Local authorities say these charges help cover the cost of additional strain on local infrastructure, like roads, water, sewerage, and community services, that comes with increased housing density.

Locals to save $7000 in application fees

That's all about to change in Noosa, however, with the changes about to be ushered in in the new financial year. Councils director of development and regulation, Richard MacGillivray, said scrapping infrastructure charges for new secondary dwellings would save applicants roughly $7,000 on average.

Granny flats are an easy way to provide accommodation relief to battling Aussies, experts say. Source: Supplied

The council hopes waiving infrastructure charges will encourage more landowners to build and rent out granny flats, helping address demand for affordable, long-term housing, particularly for singles, couples, and older residents. It said dwellings must be used for permanent accommodation and cannot be listed as short-term rentals.

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"This change takes effect from the new financial year, so any infrastructure charge notices issued prior to July 1 are still payable," MacGillivray said in a statement.

Council's standout policy amid broader Australian trend

It's a move property experts have long called for, saying it's one easy way to increase availability in suburbs in particular. Noosas move to scrap infrastructure charges for secondary dwellings is part of this broader trend, but its still not the norm nationally, making it a standout policy decision that could influence other councils to follow suit.

Several locations across Australia have introduced changes to encourage the construction of granny flats. In Victoria, from December 2023, homeowners can build a small second dwelling of up to 60 square metres without needing a planning permit, provided the land is over 300 square metres and free of environmental or flood overlays.

In Western Australia, from April 2024, granny flats are allowed to be built on any residential lot without planning approval, as long as they meet local setback requirements and stay under 70 square metres.

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Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said granny flats offer a sustainable solution to the housing shortage, and hopes scrapping infrastructure charges will encourage more residents to build and rent them out.

"We hope by removing the infrastructure charges, which are typically several thousand dollars per application, we will see more people build them and offer them for rent," he said.

In addition to waiving fees, the council will also remove development application fees for not-for-profit housing providers where projects are fully dedicated to affordable rentals. Private developers may also be eligible for waived fees if their developments include long-term affordable rental units.

Wilkie acknowledged the financial challenges of building affordable rentals. "We realise building affordable rental premises needs to stack up financially given the cost of land and construction, so these incentives will help," he said, adding that the incentives form part of a broader strategy to address Noosas housing crisis

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Wilkie also highlighted upcoming planning scheme amendments aimed at boosting the supply of smaller, affordable homes for key workers, older residents, and small households, now awaiting ministerial approval. All of the financial incentives apply from July 1, 2025.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Prabhas The Raja Saab teaser launch set for June 16; read to know more

Palak Vij

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Shubhangi Atre gets emotional talking about former husband Piyush Pooreys death: 'I want to remember him for...'

Sarika Sharma

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Smriti Irani mourns demise of former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani who died in Air India plane crash: He was more than a leader...

Palak Vij

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Vishnu Machu and Akshay Kumar cancel the trailer launch of Kannappa after Air India flight crash, issue statement

Palak Vij

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Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day

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India seeks a sweeter trade deal with US for gherkins and natural honey

Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years.

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Three paddocks are potentially worth tens of millions to developers, but they are also home to a rare reptile that was once thought extinct.

A once perfect habitat for Victorian grassland earless dragons (pictured) was green-lit for development west of Melbourne before the species was rediscovered. Source: Jules Farquhar/Biodiversity Council

The last place in the world where a rare lizard lives is a tightly guarded secret because the tiny creature is highly prized by collectors. But even more valuable is the land where the Victorian grassland earless dragon lives  a single farm west of Melbourne that sits right in the middle of a landscape earmarked for development 20 years ago.

While a captive breeding program has been established at Melbourne Zoo, less than two per cent of viable dragon habitat remains intact in Victoria, and there are growing concerns government isnt doing enough to protect what remains. On Thursday, the experts who know the species best sounded the alarm in a new report published by the Biodiversity Council, saying urgent action is needed to protect the dragon from extinction in the wild.

Peter Robertson is a reptile ecologist and a member of the Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon Recovery Team, who has been studying the species since it was rediscovered living inside tiny burrows in 2023. In his opinion, the property where the dragons live is the "most important" parcel of land in Australia thats not yet in public hands.

It's only three paddocks that the whole world population is now known from, and there's every chance that it will never be found anywhere else, he told Yahoo News. It may persist in little populations elsewhere, but we dont know.

Peter Robertson is part of a team monitoring dragons at the rediscovery site. Source: Jules Farquhar/Biodiversity Council

Why dragon habitat continues to be destroyed for new housing

When it comes to new developments in native grasslands where the dragons could still persist, the land first needs to be assessed by ecologists. But theres plenty of development in potential habitat thats underway right now, because it was green-lit before its rediscovery and its listing as a critically endangered species. The earth has been broken at the property next door to the rediscovery site, and soon, there will be dozens of houses occupying the land.

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And while thats great news for developers and people who need somewhere to live, the increased traffic on roads, the dogs and cats, and the fragmentation of habitat will likely be bad news for the dragon.

Prior to its rediscovery, Victorias distinct dragon species hadnt been seen since the 1960s, and many thought it was extinct. But scientists never gave up hope, and in 2019 a Museums Victoria dragon expert said she was confident they could survive, while Zoos Victoria began mapping the state for potential habitat.

The dragon's rediscovery was ultimately accidental. It was found during a routine survey of animals and plants, because the broader region was set to be rezoned for development.

A male Victorian grassland earless dragon at the rediscovery site in 2024. Source: Nick Clemann

Dragon rediscovery site worth millions

That farm where it was found is potentially worth tens of millions of dollars. Those working to protect the dragons are concerned the government has yet to put in an offer to buy the property, putting its owners and the future of the dragons in limbo.

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Robertson thinks conserving this one known population needs to be the number one priority of the government if it wants to stop its extinction. And he warns its future is far from being secure.

When we can see what's clearly required, and nothing's happening, and nothing's happened for more than two years since the rediscovery. It is really frustrating, he said.

This might be the one chance we have to save this species. If we dont secure that habitat it may go back to apparent extinction, just like we assumed for decades.

As Melbourne expands west, important grassland habitat is being bulldozed. Source: Google Earth

Why this rare lizard may not exist anywhere else

Dragons are often described as a Goldilocks species because they require habitat to be just right  a mosaic of short to moderate grass tussocks as well as areas that support basking in the sun.

At the rediscovery site, its 60 years of sheep grazing thats kept the grass low, creating a perfect environment perfect for dragons. But other viable habitat on private land has been left for decades to degrade, and it will need significant rehabilitation if it's ever to be home to dragons again.

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Biodiversity Council spokesperson and report contributing author, Janna Dielenberg, thinks its unlikely that the dragon could be rediscovered due to the region being developed. The chances of another discovery are exceedingly slim, she told Yahoo News.

Potential Victorian grassland earless dragon habitat continues to be destroyed close to the rediscovery site. Source: Nick Clemann

Potential habitat continues to degrade as government drags feet

In 2010, the Victorian government committed to buying 15,000 hectares of private land over a decade to protect rare native grasslands and create the Western Grassland Reserve (WGR). But 15 years on, the plan has not been completed and just 4,000 hectares have been protected. It was conceived as part of a deal with the Commonwealth called the Melbourne Strategic Assessment (MSA) that allowed the state to take charge of development in sensitive areas.

One major concern is that the MSA has not been updated to include the rediscovery site. And the Biodiversity Council says its disappointed that over the last 15 years, other land that might have once been a great asset to dragons has been allowed to degrade because it's yet to be purchased by the Victorian government.

Ploughing destroys dragon burrows and the grasslands they need to survive. Source: Jules Farquhar/Biodiversity Council

Dielenberg said land that was in great healthy condition is now overrun with weeds, used for dumping soil, or transformed from sheep grazing to crops, making it no longer suitable for dragons.

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Sheep farming has become less profitable over that time. And when they plough it all up for crops it rips up their burrows, and destroys the grasslands forever, she said.

In a statement Victoria's department of environment (DEECA) said it is "protecting" native grassland habitats by continuing to acquire and rehabilitate land.

This is funded by the MSA levy which is paid by developers and therefore proceeds in line with the rate of development in the area, it said.

We are working with the private landholder and other stakeholders on ways to protect the dragon rediscovery site, as well as delivering a successful conservation breeding program for the Victorian grassland earless dragon with the Commonwealth Government.

With less than two per cent of the dragon's Victorian habitat now viable, there are calls for development to be sympathetic to its needs. Source: Jules Farquhar/Biodiversity Council

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All that remained of the cane toad was its skin, poison glands and a bit of bone.

There aren't many animals that can tuck into a cane toad and live to tell the tale. Source: Hayley Troupe/Supplied

A trail camera in a rural Queensland town has captured an incredible act of evolution by an Australian animal. On the edge of a dam, the camera filmed the moment a rakali, a native water rat, takes down its prey  a poisonous cane toad that the rodent has adapted to eat, leaving behind nothing but the skin, bones and toxic glands.

Cane toads are the result of one of Australias worst environment blunders, originally introduced in Queensland in 1935 to help control pest beetles in Queensland. The invasive frogs are now spreading across the north of the country, and towards the southwest, at a rate of up to 50km per year, with experts struggling to stop the march of the toad.

While the toads do have predators, there are not many who are able to eat one and live to tell the tale. The poisonous skin glands in its shoulders kill goannas, quolls, snakes and even crocodiles.

One native animal who has learned to fight back against the destructive species is the rakali, a large aquatic rat found in all states and territories. The highly intelligent rodents learned to hunt and kill cane toads in less than two years after the toads moved into their habitat, a study from the University of Melbourne found.

Rakali 'very precise' with avoiding poison glands

When Hayley Troupe found a dead cane toad by her dam in Blackbutt, in southeast Queensland, she had an inkling there could be a rakali behind it.

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There was a lot of precision because all of the skin was there, the poisonous glands on the back were still there, and there was bits of bone around, she told Yahoo News.

It was obviously something thats been very precise in its eating and obviously skilled at eating it without eating the poisonous bits.

The rakali have learned to flip the toads onto their backs to avoid coming in contact with the poisonous glands on their shoulders. Source: Hayley Troupe/Supplied

While shed never seen a rakali on her land before, she had a trail cam that she regularly set up around her five-acre property and decided to move it close to the waters edge to catch the elusive animal in action.

Two days later, her camera recorded the moment a rakali attacked a cane toad, showing how it flips the toad on to its back to avoid the poison glands.

Rakali commonly target larger toads and will eat their heart and liver. Theyve been known to move the gall bladder  which contains toxic bile salts  out of the way and also remove the skin off the toads legs before consuming the muscle.

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Hayley, 35, said the rat mustve had a feast as shed found about 10 other toad carcasses in the days that followed.

Rakali are elusive rodents that usually venture out at night. Source: Getty

Its great that theyve learned that, but its a shame that a lot of the other native species havent yet. Theres a lot of species that are suffering because of cane toads, like quolls, for example. They havent worked out how to eat them safely, she said.

Hayley, who works for Queensland Conservation Council as their Nature Organiser, shared the video on the QCC Facebook page where it quickly garnered more than 1.3 million views.

It shows you that people love nature and they like learning about it. But I guess it would be nice if we could get that sort of enthusiasm in protecting nature as well, and pushing our governments to protect habitat," she said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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Centre plans to roll out 33 % reservation of seats for women in 2029 Lok Sabha election

Priyanjali Ghose

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'Completely false': Finance ministry says no plan to impose MDR on UPI payments

Arindam Roy

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Faces not recognisable, seat belts still on: Doctor shares heart-wrenching details about Air India plane passengers who were rushed to hospital

Ria Kapoor

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Abhinav Gupta

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'Heartbreaking beyond words': PM Modi's first reaction on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad

Sonalee Borgohain

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Priyanjali Ghose

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'Lost a lot of people': MEA after Air India plane with 242 passengers crashes in Ahmedabad

Siddharth Chakravorty

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Air India flight to London with 242 passengers crashes near Ahmedabad airport; PM Modi says 'stunned and saddened'

Smriti Mishra

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What is the US really up to?: Jairam Ramesh slams invitation to Pakistan Army Chief for US Army Day

Aishwarya Dabhade

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On Tuesday, a group of diplomats and representatives from 13 countries visited the coastal cities of Dalian and Yingkou in northeast China's Liaoning Province. Here, the guests got a firsthand look at China's advancements in the petrochemical industry. #GLOBALink
SNM Abdi is an independent journalist specialising in Indias foreign policy and domestic politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Namrata Agarwal

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Moneycontrol Pro Panorama | How Jane Street played the market -- and how to fix it

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French IT services giant Capgeminis acquisition of WNS for $3.3 billion is expected to boost its specialised Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) capabilities, while giving access to a goldmine of large clients seeking to convert existing BPO contracts to AI-focused software-as-a-service (SaaS) deals, industry experts have said.



The Capgemini-WNS merger marks one of the biggest IT-BPM consolidation at a time of industry-wide artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Industry experts believe more than acquiring generative AI and agentic AI capabilities - which are still at pilot stages - the acquisition is aimed at gaining access to BPO expertise that WNS brings to the table, a pre-requisite to develop and deploy real-world AI solutions.



Capgemini will also get WNS high-quality client base, a gold mine of sales opportunities, said Phil Fersht, CEO, HFS Research.



Seeing the strengthening enterprise preference for technology-centric solutions over low-cost labour, WNSs purchase by Capgemini provides its shareholders with a perfectly timed exit, Fersht said.



He added, In turn, Capgemini acquires WNSs deep vertical process experience and the ability to mine WNSs vast client base for sales opportunities focused on enterprise customers strongest preference: replacing BPO solutions with Services-as-Software, one of Capgeminis emerging strengths.



Together, the merged entity is staring at a $1.5-trillion emerging market opportunity, as WNS provides the ideal incubation business to develop leading-edge Services-as-a-Software (SaaS) to Capgemini.



Capgemini already has strong capabilities in providing enterprise business process services such as Finance and Accounting (F&A) to their clients, this acquisition could help its customers get access to BPO expertise in areas such as insurance, travel and hospitality, banking, etc, said Rajesh Ranjan, managing partner, Everest Group.



Ranjan said excluding contact center, BPS market can be primarily divided into two major categories - IT-heritage providers (Accenture, TCS, Cognizant, Infosys, Wipro, etc.) and non-IT heritage providers (Genpact, EXL, Sutherland, Firstsource, etc.).



This acquisition does two things - a) It positions Capgemini among leading providers of BPS services across both enterprise function and industry-specific business processes b) It makes the non-IT heritage provider list smaller, he said.



Deal Structure



As per the definitive transaction agreement signed, Capgemini will acquire WNS for a cash consideration of $76.50 per share, which represents a premium of 17 percent to the last closing share price on July 3, 2025.



The total cash consideration will amount to $3.3 billion, excluding WNS net financial debt.



This transaction will immediately start unlocking cross-selling opportunities for Capgemini while increasing its revenue growth and operating margins, the company noted in a statement.



The transaction will be accretive to Capgeminis normalized EPS by 4% before synergies in 2026 and 7% post synergies in 2027. The transaction has been unanimously approved by both Capgeminis and WNS Boards of Directors, it added.



Also read: Capgemini acquires WNS for $3.3 billion with a focus in AI capabilities



DD Mishra, VP Analyst at Gartner said ultimately the deal will underscore industrys move toward a more technology-augmented workforce, where human skills and AI-driven systems combine to deliver enhanced value for clients.



This is going to improve the competitive positioning of Capgemini and make it easier to serve the clients who have end-to-end requirements, as well as create leadership in the Agentic AI space, he said.




Ankita Sengupta

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Delhi University's new course on love, heartbreaks and red flags. What will students learn?

Shubhi Mishra

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Dream11 CEO slams Tesla, Elon Musk for refunding his $1,000 after 8-year wait for Model 3: 'Fans turning...'

Shubhi Mishra

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IndiGo passenger who witnessed Air India plane crash says, 'It looked like a forest fire'

Ankita Sengupta

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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On the evening of June 10, CATL announced the rollout of its one millionth battery pack exclusively developed for Li Auto, marking a major milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two companies.

Since Li Auto's founding in 2015, CATL has served as its core power battery supplier, playing a pivotal role in shaping the automaker's product strategy. The collaboration began with customized battery solutions for the Li ONE, extended to supporting the L-series flagship SUVs, and most recently culminated in breakthrough innovations for the all-electric MPV, the Li MEGA.

Photo credit: CATL

The Li MEGA is equipped with the 5C Qilin battery co-developed by CATL and Li Auto, a groundbreaking advancement that not only enables ultra-long range but also delivers the pretty fast charging capabilityadding 500 kilometers of range in just 12 minutes. The battery achieves a peak charging rate of 5C, with charging current exceeding 700A and peak power surpassing 520kW.

Li Auto previously disclosed that joint engineering development with CATL began in 2020. Over 1,000 R&D personnel from both companies contributed to the development of the 5C Qilin battery, with 280 engineers from Li Auto alone70% of whom were dedicated specifically to ultra-fast charging technologies.

After three years of joint efforts, the two companies successfully developed 5C battery cells, a 5C thermal management system, and a 5C battery safety architecture.

As of April this year, CATL's battery technologies and products have powered more than 19.25 million vehicles globally. The company emphasized its continued commitment to advancing the high-quality development of the new energy vehicle industry through innovation and deeper collaboration with its partners.
Labubu: What it is and why people are paying crores for it

Ankita Sengupta

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Sheetal Kumari is a skilled sub-editor and content creator with expertise in digital news, multimedia storytelling, and social media content. With a strong grasp of topics like science, politics, and many more, she crafts compelling narratives, transforming complex topics and trending stories into engaging, accessible reads across various media platforms.

Sheetal Kumari

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Reshab Shaw

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Nothing Phone (3) to be made in India: All the details

MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation.

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"We woke up at 6 am as per your orders. Jai Hind": Digital surveillance and arrests push elderly Indians into isolation and financial distress

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Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years.

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MC Travel Desk Read the latest and trending travel news storiesstay updated on new destinations, travel trends, visa updates, and expert tips for your next adventure.

Priyanka Roshan

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Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Phillies have an annual tradition where local broadcasters call a game from the stands, resulting in plenty of viral moments over the years, with 2025 being no exception.

This year, the Phillies broadcasters, John Kruk and Tom McCarthy, were joined by the Phillies mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, during an at-bat, and apparently, the Phanatic got just a little too close for comfort. That led to a hilarious moment from Kruk, who was quite the character during his playing days, a trait he has carried over to his role as a broadcaster.

Get your a** out of my face, Kruk told the Phanatic, drawing a healthy laugh from McCarthy.

Get your ass out of my face John Kruk and the Phanatic have the greatest friendship  pic.twitter.com/arJSnTT4dN  Crossing Broad (@CrossingBroad) June 10, 2025

It was one of several interactions between Kruk and the Phanatic throughout the day.

This is hardly the first time Kruk has garnered laughs from McCarthy. Last month, the pair were calling a booth when McCarthy found himself unable to perform his regular play-by-play duties due to chowing down on some of Citizens Bank Parks food. Naturally, Kruk stepped up to the plate.

Phillies pitcher Tanner Banks was working against Arizona Diamondbacks cleanup hitter Josh Naylor when Naylor struck out.

Strike 3, struck him out, Kruk said. That ends the eighth. Tanner Banks with an unbelievable three-up, three-down inning. And we go to the bottom of the eighth, Kruk called, eliciting a chuckle from his partner.

John Kruk with the Phillies play-by-play as Tom McCarthy eats.  #MLB pic.twitter.com/RcrYvsII59  Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 4, 2025

Its only a matter of time before Kruk has McCarthy in stitches once more.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad: Why this tragedy has shocked the world

Abhinav Gupta

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China affirms trade deal with US, says it always keeps its word

Arindam Roy

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China limits rare-earth export licences for US firms to six months as trade truce remains fragile

Pragya Trivedi

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FBI leadership seeks to move National Academy from Virginia to Alabama, drawing internal and political criticism

Pragya Trivedi

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1. The following are the White House incumbent's comments in his truthsocial.com about the US-China trade framework after the London talks:

OUR DEAL WITH CHINA IS DONE, SUBJECT TO FINAL APPROVAL WITH PRESIDENT XI AND ME. FULL MAGNETS, AND ANY NECESSARY RARE EARTHS, WILL BE SUPPLIED, UP FRONT, BY CHINA. LIKEWISE, WE WILL PROVIDE TO CHINA WHAT WAS AGREED TO, INCLUDING CHINESE STUDENTS USING OUR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (WHICH HAS ALWAYS BEEN GOOD WITH ME!). WE ARE GETTING A TOTAL OF 55% TARIFFS, CHINA IS GETTING 10%. RELATIONSHIP IS EXCELLENT! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER!

Source Link: https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114664632971715644

2. Poster's Comment:

(i) What has Mr Nice Guy highlighted in his post?

(a) FULL MAGNETS, AND ANY NECESSARY RARE EARTHS, WILL BE SUPPLIED, UP FRONT, BY CHINA

(b) America's 55% tariffs on Chinese goods.

(c) China's 10% tariffs on American goods.

(ii) What does China hope to get from America in the London talks?

No details have been mentioned by Mr Nice Guy or his officials except the phrase:

(a) WE WILL PROVIDE TO CHINA WHAT WAS AGREED TO,

(b) INCLUDING CHINESE STUDENTS USING OUR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

(iii) It is obvious from Mr Nice Guy's post that (ii)(a) will emerge as a bone of contention in the implementation of the deal. By intentionally excluding all the details of Chinese demands in the London talks, Mr Nice Guy can interpret the trade framework in his favour. In future, he can claim that certain Chinese demands have never existed, and that China has violated all the terms of agreement in the London talks.

America has been earning a lot of money from foreign students in US colleges. Such revenues and benefits to the US coffers have been craftily left out in the calculation of America's trade surplus. Hence the US ban on international students is an "economic suicide" which is no big deal to China and other countries.

How many Chinese lawmakers and ministers can speak English fluently? By banning Chinese students from US colleges (resulting in less Chinese learning English), Mr Nice Guy hopes to have more leeway in interpreting the outcome of any future trade negotiation in his favour. If the worst comes to the worst, he could blame his intentionally wrong interpretation as an example of a message "lost in translation".

Now we know at least one cunning trick of Mr Nice Guy's so-called "Art of the Deal". The Chinese trade negotiaton team has been taken for a ride all the way to London.

P.S. Although Marco Rubio (now his state secretary) backs Trump, he stands by calling him a "Con Man".






'No way': Yunus says not interested in being part of Bangladesh's next elected govt

Abhinav Gupta

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Top US general calls Islamabad a phenomenal partner, says America needs both India and Pakistan

Abhinav Gupta

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Trump is receptive to contacts with North Korean leader, says White House

Arindam Roy

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UK PM Keir Starmer refuses to meet Yunus as Bangladesh hunts for billions in 'stolen' funds: Report

Armaan Bhatnagar

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US on high alert as Israel threatens strike on Iran's nuclear sites, Trump calls region 'dangerous place': Report

Pragya Trivedi

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US to pull personnel from the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran

101Reporters

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A Shepherd woman was sentenced Thursday to probation and jail time after she spanked a girl in her care hard enough to leave welts on her skin.

Lillian Schoer sat through tearful testimony from the mother of the child she admitted to assaulting earlier this year. The 37-year-olds sentencing in Yellowstone County District Court came nearly two years after a woman came to Schoers daycare and saw her daughter screaming while Schoer held her over her knee.

For five days, the girls mother said in court, I had to take pictures of my childs abused body.

In October 2023, Schoer was running a daycare out of her Shepherd home. When the 2-year-old's mother brought her home with a bruised forehead and a hand-shaped welt on her bottom, it instigated an investigation by the Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office. Schoer immediately shuttered her daycare after the assault.

YCSO detectives eventually spoke with the mother of a boy who fractured his elbow while under Schoers care. The 17-month-old had fallen on her property, Schoer told investigators. YSCO detectives spoke with several other parents who came forward with allegations of abuse.

In April 2024, Schoer pleaded not guilty to one count of felony child assault and two misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of children. In March, she reached a plea agreement in which she admitted to assaulting the 2-year-old girl and pleaded no contest to one count of endangering the welfare of a child. Per the plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed the second count.

The mother of the girl who survived Schoers assault testified that she had taken her daughter to the Shepherd daycare for more than two years. During that time, she said she saw firsthand Schoer holding an infants mouth shut when it was full of food. She also said she witnessed Schoer leaving a baby unattended in a hammock outside, and on one occasion Schoer threw a toy at an infant out of frustration.

Bradley Finn, who represented Schoer in court, made it clear that none of those instances described by the woman were documented by Child Protective Services or law enforcement. Given the chance to cross-examine the womans testimony, Finn asked her why she never contacted authorities after seeing Schoer mistreating children. The woman answered that she and Schoer were friends.

I trusted her, she said.

District Judge Ashley Harada, who presided over the sentencing, heard testimony from two parents of children injured while Schoer was supposed to be taking care of them. She also listened to counselors who treated Schoer through anger management and parenting classes, both of whom said Schoers assaulting the girl was an isolated incident.

We cant minimize that you have worked hard, Harada said to Schoer before issuing her sentence.

But, Harada said, Schoer harmed innocent, nonverbal children. She inflicted trauma on them and trauma on their parents, many of whom were present in court. To those parents, Harada told them that she herself is a working parent and never had to face the situation that they have. Harada reiterated that what happened to their children wasnt their fault.

You didnt create this situation, she said.

Harada sentenced Schoer to five years in the Montana Department of Corrections, with all that time suspended for the felony assault. During that time, she will be under the supervision of Probation and Parole. Schoer will also be required to register as a violent offender.

We are not going to be able to save all kids, the 2-year-olds mother said, but we can sure try and make sure one person doesnt hurt children ever again. WE must be the difference and voice for these children. We cant just assume that years of neglectful behavior and abuse can just be fixed with a couple of parenting classes and anger management.

For endangering the welfare of children, Harada gave Schoer a six-month deferred sentence. As part of that deferment, Schoer will be required to enter Yellowstone County Detention Facility every other weekend for that entire six months.

Schoer's sentence also included restricting her from owning or being employed at a daycare, and limiting any role that would having in supervising any child that wasn't her own.

"I do not think you should be around other people's children," Harada said. "Ever."

Since 2020, the average prison sentence for assaulting a minor in Montana was nearly four years, according to data from the Department of Corrections, with sentences to probation averaging about 2.5 years.

Daycares are a luxury for many Montana families. One study published by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry reported that in 2023 as many as 46,000 children under the age of six were being raised by working parents and potentially needed babysitting. Meanwhile, licensed daycares operating in the state met only 44% of the estimated demand.

In 2023, the Montana State Legislature passed a bill with the hope of expanding childcare access by easing regulations on small daycares run out of homes and expanding subsidies for access to daycare.

At the close of the 2025 State Legislature, lawmakers passed a bill potentially granting childcare facility employees assistance in getting sitters for their own children. House Bill 456 allows those parents to apply for the Best Beginnings Scholarship, which is available to families earning less than 185% of the federal poverty level. As of 2025, that meant an annual income of $49,302.50 for a family of three. The bill is currently awaiting a signature from Gov. Greg Gianforte.

DPHHS maintains the licensing for childcare facilities. Parents interested in researching local daycares can do so through the departments online database.
Weinstein case judge declares mistrial on remaining rape charge as jury foreperson wont deliberate View Photo

NEW YORK (AP)  Harvey Weinstein s sex crimes retrial came to a disjointed end Thursday as the jury foreperson declined to deliberate and the judge declared a mistrial on a remaining rape charge, a day after a split verdict on other charges in the landmark #MeToo-era case.

The outcome positions the ex-studio boss for a third New York trial  prosecutors said theyre ready to retry the rape count  even as he faces a new sentencing on his sexual assault conviction.

Weinstein, 73, denies all the charges. The Oscar-winning movie producer had a blank, drained expression as court officers escorted him out Thursday in his wheelchair.

His lawyer said he plans to appeal.

What happened in that jury room was absolutely improper, attorney Arthur Aidala said outside court.

Weinstein is due back in court July 2 for discussion of retrial and sentencing dates. His first-degree criminal sex act conviction carries the potential for up to 25 years in prison, while the unresolved third-degree rape charge is punishable by up to four years  less than he already has served.

Hes been behind bars since his initial conviction in 2020, and he later also was sentenced to prison in a separate California case, which hes appealing.

In Wednesdays partial verdict, Weinstein was convicted of one criminal sex act charge but acquitted of another. Both concerned accusations of forcing oral sex on women in 2006. Those verdicts still stand.

While the jury of seven women and five men was unanimous on those decisions, it got stuck on the rape charge involving another woman, Jessica Mann. The hairstylist and actor testified at length  as she did in 2020  that Weinstein raped her amid a years-long consensual relationship.

I will never give up on myself and making sure my voice  and the truth  is heard, Mann said in a statement Thursday, confirming shes ready to testify yet again.

Jury-room strains started leaking into public view Friday, when a juror asked to be excused because he felt another was being treated unfairly. Then Monday, the foreperson complained that other jurors were pushing people to change their minds and talking about information beyond the charges.

The man raised concerns again Wednesday, telling the judge he felt afraid in the jury room because another juror was yelling at him for sticking to his opinion and suggested the foreperson would see me outside.

When Judge Curtis Farber asked the foreperson Thursday whether he was willing to return to deliberations, the man said said no. And with that, Farber declared a mistrial on the rape count.

Two jurors disputed the forepersons account as they left court. One, Chantan Holmes, said that no one mistreated the man and that she believed he was just tired of deliberating.

We all felt bad. Because we really wanted to do this. We put our hearts and souls in here, she said.

Another jury member, who identified himself only by his juror number, said the deliberations were contentious, but respectful.

Weinsteins 2020 conviction seemed to cement the downfall of one of Hollywoods most powerful men in a pivotal moment for the # MeToo movement. The anti-sexual-misconduct campaign was fueled by allegations against him.

But that conviction was overturned last year, and the case was sent back for retrial in the same Manhattan courthouse.

Weinsteins accusers said he exploited his Tinseltown influence to dangle career help, get them alone and then trap and force them into sexual encounters.

These hopeful young women were trying to follow their dreams in a world that he controlled, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, said at a news conference Thursday.

Weinsteins defense portrayed his accusers as Hollywood wannabes and hangers-on who willingly hooked up with him to court opportunity, then later said they were victimized to collect settlement funds and #MeToo approbation.

Miriam Haley, the producer and production assistant whom Weinstein was convicted  twice, now  of sexually assaulting, said outside court Wednesday that the new verdict gives me hope.

Accuser Kaja Sokola also called it a big win for everyone, even though Weinstein was acquitted of forcibly performing oral sex on her when she was a 19-year-old fashion model. Her allegation was added to the case after the retrial was ordered.

Holmes, the juror who spoke outside court, said the panel all felt Sokola wasnt credible.

The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they have been sexually assaulted, unless they agree to be identified. Haley, Mann and Sokola did so.

___

Associated Press journalists Joseph B. Frederick and Ted Shaffrey contributed.

By JENNIFER PELTZ and MICHAEL R. SISAK

Associated Press
Kenyan police officer arrested after daylong protests over a bloggers death in custody View Photo

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  A Kenyan police officer was arrested Thursday in connection with the death of a blogger in police custody that led to protests in the streets of the capital where two vehicles were burned and several protesters injured.

Protesters took to the streets of Nairobi and destroyed property of unknown value while calling for the resignation of a top police officer named in the case.

Albert Ojwang, who blogged about corruption on the social platform X, was arrested on June 6 in western Kenya and driven 400 kilometers (248 miles) to Nairobi for what police said was publishing false information about a top police official on social media. He died two days later at the Central Police Station after hitting his head against the cell wall, police said. Amnesty International and local activists have questioned that account.

A government pathologist has refuted the polices account that the bloggers injuries were self-inflicted, saying the deceased had head injury, neck compression and other injuries spread all over the body that are pointing towards assault.

The protesters on Thursday occupied the road in Nairobi leading to the parliamentary building, where the national budget was due to be presented.

Police on Monday fired tear gas to disperse another protest demanding accountability for Ojwangs death.

Authorities have since said an official investigation is underway.

President William Ruto in a statement on Wednesday said Ojwangs death was heartbreaking and unacceptable.

I strongly condemn the actions and omissions, including any negligence or outright criminality, that may have contributed to his untimely death, Ruto said.

The bloggers death comes almost a year after several activists and protesters were killed and abducted by Kenyan police during finance bill protests. The rallies led to calls for the removal of Ruto, who has been criticized for what some say is his authoritarian streak.

____

Follow APs Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa

By EVELYNE MUSAMBI

Associated Press
Gang violence displaced a record 1.3 million people in Haiti, UN report finds View Photo

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  Gang violence has displaced a record 1.3 million people across Haiti as the local government and international community struggle to contain the spiraling crisis, according to a new report released Wednesday.

The U.N.s International Organization for Migration warned of a 24% increase in displaced people since December, with gunmen now having chased 11% of Haitis nearly 12 million inhabitants from their home.

Much of the gang violence remains centered in Port-au-Prince, but more than 230,000 people alone have been left homeless as gunmen continue to lay siege in the two largest regions north of the capital, officials said.

We need to act urgently. The strength of the Haitian people is humbling, but resilience cannot be their only refuge, Amy Pope, IOMs director general, said in a statement.

The number of makeshift shelters also has skyrocketed by more than 70%, from 142 to 246, with much of the increase reported in Haitis once peaceful central region. The IOM noted that for the first time, regions outside Port-au-Prince have more shelters than the capital, given the ongoing violence in towns like Mirebalais and Petite Riviere.

Overall, more than 80% of those displaced are staying with friends or family, although in Port-au-Prince, the majority of those displaced are staying in crowded and unsanitary makeshift shelters that include abandoned government buildings.

Many now face life without access to health care, schools, and clean water, leaving already vulnerable families struggling to survive, according to the IOM.

Hours after the report was released, officials with the U.N, the Inter American Development Bank and Haitis government and civil society gathered behind closed doors to talk about the situation.

The crisisis only getting worse, Bob Rae, president of the U.N.s Economic and Social Council, said ahead of the meeting.

He and other officials said its not enough to only tackle Haitis security crisis. Gangs that control at least 85% of Port-au-Prince are recruiting a growing number of children in the deeply impoverished country.

Without development, we have no security, without security, we have no development, Rae said.

A U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police is helping Haitian authorities fight gangs, but it remains underfunded and understaffed, with only some 1,000 personnel out of the 2,500 envisioned.

Rae stressed that the international community is looking beyond the U.N. Security Council for help, saying that more bilateral talks are needed with the U.S., the U.K. and countries in Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. He also said talks are ongoing with the Organization of American States, which has been prodded to help.

On Monday, Leslie Voltaire, one of seven voting members on Haitis transitional presidential council, praised the OASs new secretary general for his commitment to help Haiti, but issued a warning.

Haiti cannot contemplate dialogue with terrorists, he wrote on X, referring to armed gangs. Peace cannot be built by making a pact with terrorists.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

By DANICA COTO

Associated Press
Israel raids a Syrian village and detains suspected militants; 1 person is killed View Photo

BEIT JIN, Syria (AP)  Israels army raided a village in southern Syria early Thursday to arrest several alleged agents of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Syrian officials said one person was killed and warned that such incursions stoke regional tensions, while villagers denied having any ties to Hamas.

The Israeli military said those detained during the pre-dawn raid on Beit Jin were suspected of planning attacks against Israel, and that weapons also were found in the area. They were taken back to Israel for questioning, the military said.

One person was killed and seven captured in the operation, Syrias Interior Ministry said, while the father of the young man killed said he had a history of mental illness.

Since the fall of President Bashar Assad s government in early December, Israeli forces have moved into several areas in southern Syria and conducted hundreds of airstrikes throughout the country, destroying much of the assets of the Syrian army.

Local broadcaster Syria TV described Thursdays raid as being carried out by about 100 Israeli troops who stormed Beit Jin, near the border with Lebanon, and called out the names of several people targeted for arrest through loudspeakers.

Syrias Interior Ministry said such incursions spike tensions in the region. Such repeated provocative acts are a flagrant violation of Syrias sovereignty, the ministry said in a statement.

Village official Walid Okasha told The Associated Press that Israeli troops had entered the outskirts of Beit Jin in recent months, but that this was the first time they entered the center of the village. He added that Thursdays operation came four days after an Israeli drone strike hit a car in the village, inflicting casualties.

They came targeting specific people, said Okasha, who denied that Hamas members were in the village.

He said the seven people taken to Israel were all Syrians and that two of them were members of the countrys new security forces. He said the man killed suffered from mental illness.

Ahmad Hammadi identified the victim as his son, and told the AP that he had history of schizophrenia. He said his son was shot dead in front of his home, and that he had no links to Hamas. He said two of the captured men were his nephews.

Hussein Safadi said his two sons, Ahmad, 32, and Mohammed, 34, were captured adding that his younger son, who raises goats, had lived in Lebanon for years until recently. He said his younger son was a member of the armed opposition against Assad and recently joined the security forces of the new authorities.

As for why his sons were seized by Israeli forces, We dont know the reasons, Safadi said.

During a visit to France last month, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said that his country is holding indirect talks with Israel to prevent hostilities from getting out of control.

By ABDULRAHMAN SHAHEEN and OMAR SANADIKI

Associated Press
Troops begin detaining immigrants in national defense zone at border in escalation of military role View Photo

EL PASO, Texas (AP)  U.S. troops have begun directly detaining immigrants accused of trespassing on a recently designated national defense zone along the southern U.S. border, in an escalation of the militarys enforcement role, authorities said Wednesday

U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Chad Campbell described in detail the first detentions by troops last week of three immigrants accused of trespassing in a national defense area near Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

Those migrants were quickly turned over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and are now among more than 1,400 migrants to have been charged with illegally entering militarized areas along that border, under a new border enforcement strategy from President Donald Trumps administration.

Troops are prohibited from conducting civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil under the Posse Comitatus Act. But an exception known as the military purpose doctrine allows it in some instances.

Authorities noticed three individuals crossing the protective barrier into the United States, Campbell said. A Department of Defense response went to interdict those three individuals, told them to sit down.  In a matter of three minutes, border patrol agents came in to apprehend. So that three minutes is that temporary detention by the military.

Trump has designated two national military defense areas along the southern U.S. border for New Mexico and a 60-mile (97-kilometer) stretch of western Texas, from El Paso to Fort Hancock, while transferring much of the land from the Interior Department to oversight by the Department of Defense for three years.

The Trump administration plans eventually to add more militarized zones along the border, a military spokesman said Wednesday at a news conference in El Paso.

We have been very clear that there will be additional National Defense Areas across the southern border, said Geoffrey Carmichael, a spokesperson for an enforcement task force at the southern border. I wont speculate to where those are going to be.

Proponents of the militarized zones, including federal prosecutors, say the approach augments traditional efforts by Customs and Border Protection and other law enforcement agencies to secure the border.

These partnerships and consequences exist so that we can promote the most humane border environment weve ever had, El Paso sector Border Patrol Chief Agent Walter Slosar said. We are dissuading people from entering the smuggling cycle  to make sure that smugglers cannot take advantage of individuals who are trying to come into the United States.

Defense attorneys  and judges in some instances  are pushing back against the novel application of national security charges against immigrants who enter through those militarized zones  and carry a potential sentence of 18 months in prison on top of a possible six-month sentence for illegal entry.

A judge in New Mexico has dismissed more than 100 national security charges against immigrants, finding little evidence that immigrants knew about the national defense areas. Those migrants still confronted charges of illegal entry to the U.S.

In Texas, a Peruvian woman who crossed the U.S. border illegally was acquitted of unauthorized access to a newly designated militarized zone in the first trial under the Trump administrations efforts.

U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons, who oversees western Texas, vowed to press forward with more military trespassing charges.

Were gonna keep going forward on these NDA charges, Simmons said. We are gonna still bring them, we may win on them, we may not.  At the end of the day, you are not going to be allowed to stay in this country if you enter this country illegally.

Greater military engagement at the border takes place at the same time dozens of mayors from across the Los Angeles region banded together Wednesday to demand that the Trump administration stop the stepped-up immigration raids that have spread fear across their cities and sparked protests across the U.S.

Trump has authorized the deployment of an additional 2,000 National Guard members to respond to immigration protests in LA. That directive brings the total number of Guard put on federal orders for the protests to more than 4,100. The Pentagon had already deployed about 700 Marines to the protests to the city.

By MORGAN LEE

Associated Press
Oregon wildfire prompts evacuations and closes interstate in Columbia River Gorge View Photo

THE DALLES, Ore. (AP)  A wildfire in Oregon prompted officials to issue evacuation orders for hundreds of homes and to close nearly 20 miles (32 kilometers) of an interstate in the Columbia River Gorge on Wednesday.

Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the states Emergency Conflagration Act for the Rowena Fire, allowing the state fire marshal agency to mobilize resources, it said in a statement.

The agency said it was mobilizing an incident management team and six structural task forces, with three responding Wednesday night and the other three arriving early Thursday.

This early season conflagration should come as a reminder to Oregonians to be ready for wildfire, State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said.

The Oregon Department of Transportation said Interstate 84 was closed between Hood River and The Dalles. Hood River, a popular tourist destination about 55 miles (90 kilometers) east of Portland, is home to some 8,000 people, and more than 15,000 people live in The Dalles farther east.

Residents of more than 700 homes were ordered to evacuate in an area stretching northwest of The Dalles along I-84 and farther inland, according to the Wasco County Sheriffs Office. Residents of more than 1,300 homes were told to prepare to leave, including in part of the towns northern end.

A middle school in The Dalles was set up as a temporary shelter, while the county fairgrounds opened as a shelter for livestock and horses, the sheriffs office said.

Photos shared by the transportation department showed flames burning alongside and in the median of I-84 as wind gusts fanned the smoke. A water helicopter and a plane dropping fire retardant helped fight the fire, which broke out Wednesday.

Department spokesperson David House said in an email that the interstate will be closed indefinitely due not only to the wildfires but also due to the extreme danger of driving in smoke.

Washington states transportation department said a separate brush fire resulted in the closure of 8 miles (13 kilometers) of State Route 14, which also runs along the Columbia River.

Authorities urged people traveling in the area to use alternate routes.
Robert F. Kennedy met with the CIA after a trip to the Soviet Union, newly declassified files show

Robert F. Kennedy met with the CIA after a trip to the Soviet Union, newly declassified files show View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  The CIA released nearly 1,500 pages of previously classified documents relating to New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and his 1968 assassination on Thursday, detailing the spy agencys work to investigate his killing as well as previously unknown contacts between him and the agency.

Kennedy met with the CIA following a 1955 tour of the Soviet Union, relaying his observations to the spy agency as a voluntary informant, the documents show.

The newly available material comprises 54 documents, including memos about the agencys work to investigate whether RFKs killer had any foreign ties, as well as the response to his killing by foreign powers. The records also included documents about the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., as well as the attempted assassination of Alabama Gov. George Wallace in 1972.

One internal CIA memo detailed how the agency unsuccessfully sought to poison Cuban leader Fidel Castro in 1960 and 1961. It worked with a high-ranking Mafia figure in Las Vegas who controlled all of the ice-making machines on the Strip.

Another internal CIA memo from December 1973 reported on a conference at Georgetown University for a group promoting assassination conspiracy theories. One speaker was long-winded and technical.

Beards and long hair prevailed, the memo said, a reminder of the clean-shaven, crew-cut norm for government employees at the time.

President Donald Trump had ordered the release of documents relating to the assassinations of RFK, President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. More than 10,000 pages of records pertaining to RFKs assassination were released in April. The records released Thursday also included documents about the JFK and King killings, some produced after RFKs death and dealing with conspiracy theories.

Todays release delivers on President Trumps commitment to maximum transparency, enabling the CIA to shine light on information that serves the public interest, CIA Director John Ratcliffe said in a statement. I am proud to share our work on this incredibly important topic with the American people.

Kennedy, a Democrat, was fatally shot on June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles moments after giving a speech celebrating his victory in Californias presidential primary. His assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, was convicted of first-degree murder and is serving life in prison. One document released Thursday, a CIA memo to the White House the day after the assassination, showed that its first search of its records turned up no information about Sirhan.

Kennedys contacts with the CIA following his visit to the Soviet Union reflected the tensions of the time, and the high value put on personal observations of Americans who traveled to Russia and other former Soviet regions. Prominent elected officials and business leaders visiting the USSR were often asked to share their observations following their return.

The documents show that RFK was a voluntary informant. In a statement Thursday, the CIA showed the meetings reflected RFKs patriotic commitment to serving his country.

Many of his observations reflected granular observations about daily life.

On 29 Aug 55, while in Novosibirsk, USSR, a friend and I visited a State machine factory. The factory has 3,500 employees, of whom one third are women. The wage scale is between 840 and 2,500 rubles, Kennedy told the CIA interviewer, according to the documents. The Director of the plant whose name I do not recall was frosty, although the engineer was friendly.

The CIA used artificial intelligence to scan its library for documents related to RFKs assassination that could be declassified. The search turned up many documents that had little to do with his killing, such as the records of RFKs meeting with the CIA.

Kennedys son, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said he was gratified to see the documents release.

Lifting the veil on the RFK papers is a necessary step toward restoring trust in American government, Kennedy said.

The documents released Thursday included a September 1975 memo from then-CIA Director William Colby to staff, discussing allegations of CIA involvement in JFKs assassination in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, that have crept up every so often. Colby asserted that JFK assassin Lee Harvey Oswald had no contact with the agency.

Colby said five pre-assassination CIA records did reference Oswald but Oswalds name had no particular meaning before that fateful event. For an October 1975 interview with CBS White House correspondent Dan Rather, Colby had talking points that included denying CIA involvement in attempts to test whether New York Citys subway system was vulnerable to biological warfare agents.

__

Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas.

___

The documents can be found online at cia.gov and archives.gov/rfk.

By DAVID KLEPPER and JOHN HANNA

Associated Press
AP PHOTOS: Mexican flags at LA protests spark debate over symbolism View Photo

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.



Over the past week, a sea of green, white and red Mexican flags have become a fixture of the Los Angeles protests against immigration raids.

The use of Mexican and other Latin American flags during the protests are a form of symbolism many conservatives are calling anti-American  while others argue they are an expression of pride in ones homeland that could not be more American.

Whether it be United States, Mexican or Palestinian flags, the banners reflect a nation of immigrants whose stories have become intertwined with the story of America, experts say.

Kris Klein Hernandez, an assistant professor of history at Connecticut College, said the flying of foreign flags in the U.S. has always brought awareness to the plight of marginalized groups. Their appearance in the latest protests might symbolize solidarity with their native land or social movements that support Americans of Mexican descent, he said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that those flying Mexican flags at immigration protests were left-wing radicals who attacked law enforcement agents removing violent, criminal illegal aliens from the city.

And even fierce Trump critic former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a Republican, expressed his displeasure with the display of non-American flags at immigration protests that have spread to other states.

Peaceful protests are fine. Violence is not and will only destroy your message, Kinzinger wrote on X. American flags or nothing.

Amid the backlash, many Americans who support the right to protest are encouraging demonstrators to protest against immigration policies with the American flag instead of a foreign one, as way of reclaiming the U.S. flag for all who call the U.S. home.

This underscores just how influential the American flag can be, Hernandez said. What we are seeing  is that people dont like to see some flags over others, he said.

Some Latino activists say the Mexican flag is being used by people who were in this land before it was part of the United States. California was part of Mexico until the 1800s. Many Mexican Americans are descendants of people who never crossed a border  instead the border crossed them.

Still, their display of the Mexican flag at protests is being twisted into something its not, said Juan Proano, CEO of the League of United Latin American Citizens.

Hector E. Sanchez, president and CEO of Mi Familia Vota, a nonprofit focused on mobilizing Latino voters, said Mexicans have been at the forefront of attacks when it comes to immigration  attacks heightened during both of Trumps campaigns.

Sanchez said he wonders why its not called anti-American when some Americans fly Confederate flags next to the U.S. flag.

We see a lot of flags celebrating cultural history and heritage, he said. Why is it that the Mexican community is constantly under attack?

___

This story has been changed to correct former Rep. Adam Kinzingers political affiliation. He is a Republican, not a Democrat.

By FERNANDA FIGUEROA

Associated Press
Trumps military parade is a US outlier in peacetime but parades and reviews have a long history

Trumps military parade is a US outlier in peacetime but parades and reviews have a long history View Photo

Troops marching in lockstep. Patriotic tunes filling the air. The commander in chief watching over it all.

The military parade commemorating the U.S. Armys 250th anniversary and coinciding with President Donald Trumps 79th birthday will be a new spectacle for many Americans.

This will not be the first U.S. military parade. However, it is unusual outside of wartime, and Trumps approach stands out compared to his predecessors.

The Army had long planned a celebration for its semi-quincentennial on June 14. Trump has wanted to preside over a grand military parade since his first presidency from 2017 to 2021. When he took office a second time, he found the ideal convergence and ratcheted the Pentagons plans into a full-scale military parade on his birthday.

The president, who is expected to speak in Washington as part of the affair, pitches the occasion as a way to celebrate U.S. power and service members sacrifice. But there are bipartisan concerns about the cost as well as concerns about whether Trump is blurring traditional understandings of what it means to be a civilian commander in chief.

Early US troop reviews

Ceremonial reviews  troops looking their best and conducting drills for top commanders  trace back through medieval kingdoms to ancient empires of Rome, Persia and China. The pageantry continued in the young U.S. republic: Early presidents held military reviews as part of Fourth of July independence celebrations. That ended with James K. Polk, who was president from 1845 to 1849.

President Andrew Johnson resurrected the tradition in 1865, holding a two-day Grand Review of the Armies five weeks after Abraham Lincolns assassination. It came after Johnson declared the Civil War over, a show of force meant to salve a war-weary nation  though more fighting and casualties would occur. Infantry, cavalry and artillery units  145,000 soldiers, and even cattle  traversed Pennsylvania Avenue. Johnson, his Cabinet and top Army officers, including Ulysses S. Grant, Lincolns last commanding general and the future 18th president, watched from a White House viewing stand.

Spanish-American War and World War I: An era of victory parades begins

The Spanish-American War was the first major international conflict for a reunited nation since the Civil War. It ended in a U.S. victory that established an American empire: Spain ceded Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam, and the U.S. purchased the Philippines for $20 million. Puerto Rico and Guam remain U.S. territories.

New York City hosted multiple celebrations of a new global power. In August 1898, a fleet of warships, including the Brooklyn, the Texas, and the Oregon, sailed up the North River, more commonly known today as the Hudson River. American inventor Thomas Edison filmed the floating parade. The following September, New York hosted a naval and street parade to welcome home Rear Adm. George Dewey, who joined President William McKinley in a viewing stand.

Many U.S. cities held World War I victory parades a few decades later. But neither Washington nor President Woodrow Wilson was the focal point. In Boston, a million civilians celebrated 20,000 troops in 1919. New York honored 25,000 troops marching in full uniform and combat gear.

New York was the parade epicenter again for World War II

On June 13, 1942, as U.S. involvement in World War II accelerated, about 30,000 people formed a mobilization parade in New York City. Participants included Army and Navy personnel, American Womens Voluntary Services members, Boy Scouts and military school cadets. Scores of floats rolled, too. One carried a massive bust of President Franklin Roosevelt, who did not attend.

Less than four years later, the 82nd Airborne Division and Sherman tanks led a victory parade down Manhattans Fifth Avenue. Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, the Allied commander during World War II, rode in a victory parade in Washington. In 1952, Eisenhower would join Grant and George Washington as top wartime commanders elevated to the presidency following their military achievements. Other World War II generals were honored in other homecoming parades.

A long parade gap, despite multiple wars

The U.S. did not hold national or major city parades after wars in Korea and Vietnam. Both ended without clear victory; Vietnam, especially, sparked bitter societal division, enough so that President Gerald Ford opted against a strong military presence in 1976 bicentennial celebrations, held a year after the fall of Saigon.

Washington finally hosted a victory parade in 1991 after the first Persian Gulf War. The Constitution Avenue lineup included 8,000 troops, tanks, Patriot missiles and representatives of the international coalition, led by the U.S., that quickly drove an invading Iraq out of Kuwait. The commander in chief, George H.W. Bush, is the last U.S. president to have held an active-duty military post. He had been a World War II combat pilot who survived his plane being shot down over the Pacific Ocean.

Veterans of the second Iraq and Afghanistan wars that followed the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks have not been honored in national parades.

Inaugurations and a flight suit

Inaugural parades include and sometimes feature military elements.

Eisenhowers 1953 inaugural parade, at the outset of the Cold War, included 22,000 service members and an atomic cannon. Eight years later, President John F. Kennedy, a World War II Naval officer, watched armored tanks, Army and Navy personnel, dozens of missiles and Navy boats pass in front of his reviewing stand.

More recent inaugurations have included honor guards, academy cadets, military bands and other personnel but not large combat assets. Notably, U.S. presidents, even when leading or attending military events, wear civilian attire rather than military garb, a standard set by Washington, who also eschewed being called General Washington in favor of Mr. President.

Perhaps the lone exception came in 2003, when President George W. Bush, who had been a National Guard pilot, wore a flight suit when he landed on the USS Abraham Lincoln and declared the end of major combat operations in Iraq, which U.S. forces had invaded six weeks earlier. The aircraft carrier was not a parade venue but the president emerged to raucous cheers from uniformed service members. He put on a business suit to deliver a nationally televised speech in front a Mission Accomplished banner.

As the war dragged on to a less decisive outcome, that scene and its enduring images would become a political liability for the president.

___

Barrow reported from Atlanta.

By BILL BARROW

Associated Press
Mourners pay respects to late US Rep. Charles Rangel as his body lies in state at New York City Hall

Mourners pay respects to late US Rep. Charles Rangel as his body lies in state at New York City Hall View Photo

NEW YORK (AP)  Mourners paid their respects to former U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel as his body lay in state Thursday at New York City Hall, an honor bestowed to a short list of political figures, including U.S. presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant.

The outspoken, gravel-voiced Harlem Democrat died May 26 at the age of 94 after spending nearly five decades on Capitol Hill. Rangel was among the longest serving House members, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and chairman of one the chambers most powerful committees.

On Thursday morning, a small group of mourners quietly came to pay their respects in City Hall, a landmark neoclassical building at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, as the surrounding streets of lower Manhattan bustled with tourists and workers.

Rangels closed casket sat in the buildings marbled rotunda draped with an American flag. Uniformed police stood at rigid attention on either side of him, backed by the state and nations flags.

Mike Keogh, a 63-year-old lobbyist and former city council staffer, was among those who knew Rangel personally.

He had the greatest voice in New York politics at the time. It was so rich and so full, recalled Keogh. It just made you feel really warm to be around him and to really hang on every word.

Tina Marie grew up in Harlem and recalled Rangel as a part of the neighborhoods famed Gang of Four Black Harlemites who rose to the very top of city and state politics in the 1970s through the 1990s.

The others were David Dinkins, New York Citys first Black mayor; Percy Sutton, who was Manhattan Borough president; and Basil Paterson, a deputy mayor and New York secretary of state.

I didnt get to make the other three peoples funerals so I wanted to come and pay my respects, said Marie, who now works for the state education department steps from City Hall. I didnt agree with all the things they did, but they stood up for people who couldnt stand up for themselves.

Louisa Ruiz, 75, recalled volunteering on Rangels first congressional campaign in 1970.

We were out at 6 oclock in the morning handing out flyers, then again at 6 oclock in the afternoon you go back, the native of the Dominican Republic said.

Besides Presidents Lincoln and Grant, the others accorded the City Hall honors after death include statesman Henry Clay, newspaper publisher Horace Greeley and Civil War generals Abner Doubleday and Joseph Hooker.

The last person to lie in state in City Hall was City Councilman James Davis, who was assassinated by a political opponent in the councils chambers, located the floor above the rotunda, in 2003.

Doors opened for the public to pay their respects to Rangel beginning Thursday morning. An honor guard ceremony was held in the evening with pallbearers representing the 369th Regiment, an all-Black unit from World War I known as the Harlem Hellfighters.

New York politicians who spoke at the ceremony remembered Rangel as a tireless public servant.

I think of so many times when Charlie Rangel had the right thing to say, got you to do something you didnt think you wanted to do and made it all seem like it was your idea, Hilary Rodham Clinton said.

Clinton recalled with a smile how Rangel relentlessly lobbied her to run for the Senate seat she won in 2000.

Rangels funeral takes place Friday at St. Patricks Cathedral in midtown Manhattan and will be open to the public as well as livestreamed.

A wake was held Tuesday at a church in Harlem, the upper Manhattan neighborhood where the Lion of Lenox Avenue was born and raised. Rangels body arrived at City Hall on Wednesday, where there was a private evening viewing for his family.

The Korean War vet defeated legendary Harlem politician Adam Clayton Powell in 1970 to start his congressional career.

Rangel went on to become the dean of the New York congressional delegation and the first African American to chair the powerful Ways and Means Committee in 2007.

He was censured in 2010 by his fellow House members  the most serious punishment short of expulsion  following an ethics scandal.

Rangel relinquished his post on the Houses main tax-writing committee, but continued to serve until his retirement in 2017.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, also a New York Democrat, lauded Rangel as a patriot, hero, statesman, leader, trailblazer, change agent and champion for justice when his death was announced last month.

By JAYLEN GREEN and PHILIP MARCELO

Associated Press
Trump is expected to sign a measure blocking Californias nation-leading vehicle emissions rules View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump is expected to sign a measure Thursday that blocks Californias first-in-the-nation rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, a White House official told The Associated Press.

The resolution Trump plans to sign, which Congress approved last month, aims to quash the countrys most aggressive attempt to phase out gas-powered cars. He also plans to approve measures to overturn state policies curbing tailpipe emissions in certain vehicles and smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks.

The timing of the signing was confirmed Wednesday by a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity to share plans not yet public.

The development comes as the Republican president is mired in a clash with Californias Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, over Trumps move to deploy troops to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests. Its the latest in an ongoing battle between the Trump administration and heavily Democratic California over everything from tariffs to the rights of LGBTQ+ youth and funding for electric vehicle chargers.

If its a day ending in Y, its another day of Trumps war on California, Newsom spokesperson Daniel Villasenor said in an email. Were fighting back.

According to the White House official, Trump is expected to sign resolutions that block Californias rule phasing out gas-powered cars and ending the sale of new ones by 2035. He will also kill rules that phase out the sale of medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles and cut tailpipe emissions from trucks.

The president is scheduled to sign the measures and make remarks during an event at the White House on Thursday morning.

Newsom, who is considered a likely 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, and California officials contend that what the federal government is doing is illegal and said the state plans to sue.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin are expected to attend, along with members of Congress and representatives from the energy, trucking and gas station industries.

The signings come as Trump has pledged to revive American auto manufacturing and boost oil and gas drilling.

The move will also come a day after the Environmental Protection Agency proposed repealing rules that limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants fueled by coal and natural gas. Zeldin said it would remove billions of dollars in costs for industry and help unleash American energy.

California, which has some of the nations worst air pollution, has been able to seek waivers for decades from the EPA, allowing it to adopt stricter emissions standards than the federal government.

In his first term, Trump revoked Californias ability to enforce its standards, but President Joe Biden reinstated it in 2022. Trump has not yet sought to revoke it again.

Republicans have long criticized those waivers and earlier this year opted to use the Congressional Review Act, a law aimed at improving congressional oversight of actions by federal agencies, to try to block the rules.

Thats despite a finding from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan congressional watchdog, that Californias standards cannot legally be blocked using the Congressional Review Act. The Senate parliamentarian agreed with that finding.

California, which makes up roughly 11% of the U.S. car market, has significant power to sway trends in the auto industry. About a dozen states signed on to adopt Californias rule phasing out the sale of new gas-powered cars.

The National Automobile Dealers Association supported the federal governments move to block Californias ban on gas-powered cars, saying Congress should decide on such a national issue, not the state.

The American Trucking Associations said the rules were not feasible and celebrated Congress move to block them.

Chris Spear, the CEO of the American Trucking Associations, said in a statement Wednesday: This is not the United States of California.

It was also applauded by Detroit automaker General Motors, which said it will help align emissions standards with todays market realities.

We have long advocated for one national standard that will allow us to stay competitive, continue to invest in U.S. innovation, and offer customer choice across the broadest lineup of gas-powered and electric vehicles, the company said in a statement.

Dan Becker with the Center for Biological Diversity, in anticipation of the president signing the measures, said earlier Thursday that the move would be Trumps latest betrayal of democracy.

Signing this bill is a flagrant abuse of the law to reward Big Oil and Big Auto corporations at the expense of everyday peoples health and their wallets, Becker said in a statement.

___

Austin reported from Sacramento, Calif.

By MICHELLE L. PRICE and SOPHIE AUSTIN

Associated Press
Trumps deployment of troops to LA protest divides US governors View Photo

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling President Donald Trumps military intervention at protests over federal immigration policy in Los Angeles an assault on democracy. Meanwhile, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is putting the National Guard on standby in areas in his state where demonstrations are planned.

The divergent approaches illustrate the ways the two parties are trying to navigate national politics and the role of executive power in enforcing immigration policies.

In his live TV address this week, Newsom said that Trumps move escalated the situation  and for political gain. A judge on Thursday sided with Newsom in a lawsuit he filed challenging the deployment and issued a temporary restraining order directing Trump to return control of the National Guard to California on Friday. The government immediately appealed.

All 22 other Democratic governors signed a statement sent by the Democratic Governors Association on Sunday backing Newsom, calling the Guard deployment and threats to send in Marines an alarming abuse of power that undermines the mission of our service members, erodes public trust, and shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement.

Thursday, the Republican Governors Association said that showed their Democratic counterparts were siding with chaos and lawlessness in the streets over law and order.

The protests in Los Angeles have mostly been contained to five blocks in a small section of downtown; nearly 200 people were detained on Tuesday and at least seven police officers have been injured.

In Republican-controlled states, governors have not said when or how theyre planning to deploy military troops for protests.

Since Trumps return to office, Democratic governors have been calculating about when to criticize him, when to emphasize common ground and when to bite their tongues.

The governors responses are guided partly by a series of political considerations, said Kristoffer Shields, director of the Eagleton Center on the American Governor at Rutgers University: How would criticizing Trump play with Democrats, Republicans and independent voters in their states? And for those with presidential ambitions, how does that message resonate nationally?

Democratic governors are weighing a number of considerations.

There probably is some concern about retributions  what the reaction of the administration could be for a governor who takes a strong stance, Shields said.

And in this case, polling indicates about half of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling immigration, though that polling was conducted before the recent military deployment.

On other issues, Democratic governors have taken a variety of approaches with Trump.

At a White House meeting in February, Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills told Trump,  well see you in court  over his push to cut off funding to the state because it allowed transgender athletes in girls school sports. Michigans Gretchen Whitmer, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, publicly sparred with Trump during his first term but this time around, has met with him privately to find common ground.

Initially, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green referred to Trump as a straight-up dictator, but the next month he told a local outlet that he was treading carefully, saying: Im not going to criticize him directly much at all.

Democratic governors make their case to Congress

Democratic governors called to testify before a House panel Thursday on so-called sanctuary policies blasted the use of military troops in the Los Angeles area.

Gov. JB Pritzker said Illinois complies with all laws when it comes to immigration while honoring First Amendment rights. We will not take away peoples rights to peacefully protest, Pritzker said. Its wrong to deploy the National Guard and active duty Marines in an American city over the objection of local law enforcement just as its wrong to tear children away from their homes.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul told committee members the focus should be on comprehensive immigration reform.

As we speak, an American city has been militarized over the objections of their governor, she said. This is a flagrant abuse of power and nothing short of an assault on our American values.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, in an interview Wednesday in The Washington Post, said Trump should not send troops to a weekend protest scheduled in Philadelphia.

Hes injected chaos into the world order, hes injected it into our economy, he is trying to inject chaos into our streets by doing what he did with the Guard in California, Shapiro said.

As state attorney general during Trumps first term, Shapiro routinely boasted that he sued Trump over 40 times and won each time. As governor, he has often treaded more carefully, by bashing Trumps tariffs, but not necessarily targeting Trump himself.

GOP governors weighing in

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has often clashed with Newsom, a fellow term-limited governor with national ambitions.

Newsoms office said DeSantis offered to send Florida State Guard troops to California.

Given the guard were not needed in the first place, we declined Governor DeSantis attempt to inflame an already chaotic situation made worse by his Partys leader, Newsom spokesperson Diana Crofts-Pelayo said in an email to The Associated Press.

Speaking on Fox News on Tuesday, DeSantis said the gesture was a typical offer of mutual aid during a crisis  and was dismissive of the reasons it was turned down.

The way to put the fire out is to make sure you have law and order, he said.

States are preparing for more protests this weekend

Protests against immigration enforcement raids have sprung up in other cities  and a series of No Kings demonstrations are planned for the weekend  with governors preparing to respond.

In Connecticut, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont said he has spoken with his public safety commissioner to make sure state and local police work together.

I dont want to give the president any pretext to think he can come into Connecticut and militarize the situation. That just makes the situation worse, said Lamont, who called Trump a little eager to send federal troops and militarize the situation in Los Angeles.

In Texas, Abbott said Thursday hes ordered more than 5,000 National Guard troops and 2,000 state police to be deployed around the state. In Austin, where police used chemical irritants to disperse several hundred protesters Monday, the mayors office said the National Guard was not requested.

San Antonio officials also said they did not request the Guard, but some troops were seen at a protest there Wednesday night.

On Thursday, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an order to activate his states National Guard as a precautionary measure in reaction to recent instances of civil unrest across the country.

Floridas DeSantis said law enforcement in his state is preparing. The minute you cross into attacking law enforcement, any type of rioting, any type of vandalism, looting, just be prepared to have the law come down on you, DeSantis said Tuesday. And we will make an example of you, you can guarantee it.

___

Associated Press reporters Nadia Lathan and Jim Vertuno in Austin, Texas; Sophie Austin in Sacramento, California; Isabella Volmert in Lansing, Michigan; Andrew DeMillo in Little Rock, Arkansas; Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut; Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York; Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; and Sophia Tareen in Chicago; contributed.

By GEOFF MULVIHILL

Associated Press
Turkish far-right politician accused of inciting hatred goes on trial View Photo

ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  A Turkish far-right politician accused of inciting public hatred and hostility went on trial Wednesday in a case critics view as an effort to suppress opposition to the president.

Umit Ozdag, the leader of Turkeys Victory Party, was detained in January over accusations he insulted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with comments he made during a party meeting in Antalya.

A day later Ozdag was formally arrested and charged with inciting hatred against migrants. He was blamed for last years anti-Syrian refugee riots in the central Turkish province of Kayseri last year, during which hundreds of homes and businesses were attacked.

Prosecutors have presented a series of posts from Ozdags social media as evidence against him. He faces up to four years in prison if found guilty.

Ozdag, a 64-year-old former academic, is an outspoken critic of Turkeys refugee policies and has previously called for the repatriation of millions of Syrian refugees.

Ozdag acknowledged advocating the return of refugees at the opening hearing of his trial at a prison complex on the outskirts of Istanbul. He denied he had incited for violence against them and told the court he had worked to calm tensions in Kayseri.

In his defense statement, Ozdag maintained that his imprisonment was politically motivated and aimed at silencing him over his criticism of the governments recent effort to end a decades-long conflict with the militant Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK.

The reason why I am here  is because I criticized the talks held with the PKK terrorist organizations chief, Ozdag said.

The Victory Party strongly opposes any concessions to the PKK which Turkey, along with many Western states including the United States, Britain and the European Union, considers a terrorist organization. The conflict with the PKK has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths since the 1980s.

When the trial opened Wednesday, Ozdags lawyers requested more time to prepare, and the proceedings were adjourned until Tuesday.

The politicians trial comes amid a widespread crackdown on the opposition to Erdogans Justice and Development Party.

Officials from municipalities controlled by the main opposition  the Republican Peoples Party, or CHP  have faced waves of arrests this year. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was detained in March over allegations of corruption.

Many people in Turkey consider the cases to be politically driven, according to opinion polls. However, Erdogans government insists the courts are impartial and free from political involvement.

Imamoglu is widely viewed as the main challenger to Erdogans two-decade rule and is the CHPs candidate for the next presidential election. The election is due in 2028 but could be held earlier.

Associated Press
UN votes overwhelmingly to demand Gaza ceasefire, hostage release and aid access View Photo

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  U.N. member nations voted overwhelmingly Thursday to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and unrestricted access for the delivery of desperately needed food to 2 million Palestinians.

The vote in the 193-member General Assembly was 149-12 with 19 abstentions. It was adopted with a burst of applause. The United States and close ally Israel opposed the resolution, along with Argentina, Hungary, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea and six Pacific island nations.

The resolution, drafted by Spain, strongly condemns any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare.

Israels U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon spoke vehemently against the resolution, especially for failing to condemn Hamas for its attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which triggered the war in Gaza. He denied that Israel was using starvation as a weapon of war, calling the accusation a blood libel, and insisted that aid is being delivered.

Experts and human rights workers say hunger is widespread in Gaza and some 2 million Palestinians are at risk of famine if Israel does not fully lift its blockade and halt its military campaign, which it renewed in March after ending a ceasefire with Hamas.

The Palestinian U.N. ambassador, Riyad Mansour, pleaded with U.N. members to approve the resolution.

The actions you take today to stop the killing, displacement and the famine will determine how many more Palestinian children die a horrible death, he said.

The Palestinians and their supporters went to the General Assembly after the U.N. Security Council failed to pass a resolution last week demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and calling on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid. The United States scuttled the resolution with its veto because it was not linked to the release of the hostages, while all 14 other members of the council voted in favor. It was the fifth time the U.S. had vetoed a resolution calling for a halt to the fighting.

General Assembly President Philemon Yang said in opening Thursdays meeting that the world body once again was being called on to address the unacceptable and catastrophic situation in Gaza because the Security Council is paralyzed and unable to fulfil its responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.

There are no vetoes in the assembly. But unlike in the Security Council, its resolutions are not legally binding, though they are seen as a barometer of world opinion.

After a 10-week blockade that barred all aid to Gaza, Israel is allowing the United Nations to deliver a trickle of food assistance and is backing a newly created U.S. aid group, which has opened several sites in the center and south of the territory to deliver food parcels.

But the aid system rolled out last month by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has been troubled by near-daily shootings as crowds make their way to aid sites, while the longstanding U.N.-run system has struggled to deliver food because of Israeli restrictions and a breakdown of law and order.

Like the failed Security Council resolution, the resolution passed Thursday does not condemn Hamas attack or say the militant group must disarm and withdraw from Gaza. Both are U.S. demands.

Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea reiterated those demands before Thursdays vote and said the resolution sends an unacceptable message to Hamas and other Iran-backed terrorist proxies, and that message is, you will be rewarded for taking hostages, diverting aid and launching attacks from civilian areas.

The resolution references a March 28 legally binding order by the top United Nations court for Israel to open more land crossings into Gaza for food and other supplies. The International Court of Justice issued the order in a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of acts of genocide, charges Israel strongly denies.

It stresses that Israel, as an occupying power, has an obligation under international law to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.

The resolution reiterates the assemblys commitment to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the Gaza Strip as part of a Palestinian state. The assembly is holding a high-level meeting next week to push for a two-state solution, which Israel has rejected.

It supports mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United States aimed at implementing a January ceasefire agreement.

In the Oct. 7 attack, the Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages; 53 are still being held, of whom Israel believes 30 are dead. Israels military campaign has killed over 55,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry. It says women and children make up most of the dead, but doesnt distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israel says it has killed more than 20,000 militants, without providing evidence.

By EDITH M. LEDERER

Associated Press
Russias military casualties top 1 million in 3-year-old war, Ukraine says View Photo

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  The number of Russian troops killed or wounded in Ukraine has topped 1 million, military officials in Kyiv said Thursday, describing the huge price that Moscow has paid for its 3-year-old invasion.

The claim by the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces, which came on a holiday celebrating Russias sovereignty, is in line with Western intelligence estimates.

President Vladimir Putin marked Russia Day by hosting a Kremlin meeting with soldiers decorated for their service in Ukraine, but neither he nor any other officials commented on the Ukrainian claim.

The U.K. Defense Ministry also said in a statement posted Thursday on X that Russia has suffered over 1 million casualties, including roughly 250,000 killed since it launched the full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

On June 3, the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington said Russia likely would hit the mark of 1 million casualties this summer in what it called a stunning and grisly milestone.

Russia last reported its military casualties early in the war when it acknowledged that about 6,000 soldiers had been killed. Earlier this year, the General Staff of the Russian armed forces claimed that Ukrainian military losses had topped 1 million.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last spoke of Ukrainian military losses in February, when he said in an interview that 45,100 troops had been killed and about 390,000 injured.

The mutual claims of the other sides losses couldnt be independently verified.

Russia launches more drone strikes

The casualty estimates came as Russian forces pummeled Ukraine with drones and other weapons, killing three people and injuring scores of others despite international pressure to accept a ceasefire.

According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia launched 63 drones and decoys at Ukraine overnight. It said that air defenses destroyed 28 drones while another 21 were jammed.

Ukrainian police said two people were killed and six were injured in the past 24 hours in the eastern Donetsk region, the focus of the Russian offensive. One person was killed and 14 others were also injured in the southern Kherson region, which is partly occupied by Russian forces, police said.

The authorities in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, said 18 people, including four children, were injured by Russian drone attacks overnight.

Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said Russian drones targeted residential districts, educational facilities, kindergartens and other civilian infrastructure.

Kharkiv is holding on. People are alive. And that is the most important thing, Terekhov said.

Russia has launched waves of drones and missiles in recent days, with a record bombardment of almost 500 drones on Monday and a wave of 315 drones and seven missiles overnight on Tuesday.

Ukraine responded to the Russian attacks with drone raids. Russias Defense Ministry said that air defenses downed 52 Ukrainian drones early Thursday, including 41 over the Belgorod region that borders Ukraine. Regional Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov said a 2-year-old boy was killed Thursday in a Ukrainian drone attack, which also injured his grandmother. He previously reported three other injuries.

Russia pushes its slow offensive in Ukraines east

The recent escalation in aerial attacks has come alongside a renewed Russian battlefield push along eastern and northeastern parts of the more than 1,000-kilometer (over 600-mile) front line.

While Russian missile and drone barrage have struck regions all across Ukraine, regions along the front line have faced daily Russian attacks with short-range exploding drones and glide bombs.

On Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed its troops captured two more villages in the Donetsk region, Oleksiivka and Petrivske. The Ukrainian military had no immediate comment on the Russian claim.

The attacks have continued despite discussions of a potential ceasefire in the war. During their June 2 talks in Istanbul, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators traded memorandums containing sharply divergent conditions that both sides see as nonstarters, making a quick deal unlikely.

Russia and Ukraine exchange more POWs

The only tangible outcome of the talks was an agreement to exchange prisoners of war and the bodies of fallen soldiers.

Russia and Ukraine conducted another POW swap on Thursday that included severely wounded and gravely ill captives, although the sides did not report the numbers.

Our people are coming home, Zelenskyy said in a statement on Telegram. All of them require medical treatment, and they will receive the necessary help. This is already the second stage of returning those who are severely wounded and seriously ill.

According to Ukraines Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets, some of the repatriated soldiers had been listed as missing in action. The oldest among them is 59, the youngest is 22, he said.

Oksana Nepotribna, mother of one of the released Ukrainian soldiers, said he was in captivity for a year. We were really waiting for him, we thank everyone who freed him, she said.

NATO chief hails Trumps peace efforts

In Rome, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte commended U.S. President Donald Trump for his crucial move to start direct peace talks.

At the same time, Rutte criticized Putin for appointing his aide Vladimir Medinsky as the top negotiator for the talks in Istanbul. Medinsky ascended through the Kremlin ranks after writing a series of books exposing purported Western plots against Russia and denigrating Ukraine.

I think that the Russians sending this historian now twice to these talks in Istanbul, trying to start with the history of 1,000 years ago and then explaining more or less that Ukraine is at fault here, I think thats not helpful, Rutte said. But at least step by step, we try to make progress.

Also on Thursday, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit, noting the stepped-up Russian attacks send a message from Moscow that it has no interest in a peaceful solution at present, according to German news agency dpa.

Pistorius underscored Germanys intention to help Ukraine build its own long-range missile systems and help it finance purchases of homemade material. The first systems should be available in the coming months, he said, adding that Germany will allocate about 9 billion euros ($10.3 billion) for supporting Ukraine this year.

We are deeply convinced that it is the job of the Europeans  to keep supporting Ukraine, and we want to lead the way and demonstrate corresponding responsibility, he added.

___

Associated Press journalists Vasilisa Stepanenko in the Chernihiv region of Ukraine, Nicole Winfield in Rome and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.

By ILLIA NOVIKOV

Associated Press
Yves here. Even though this is a case study, Cape Towns drought, which came perilously close to having municipal tap water run dry, illustrates what seems like to happen when climate stresses become acute. The short version is the rich took steps that helped themselves but not others, leaving the community in key ways less able to cope.

By Alexander Abajian, Cassandra Cole, Kelsey Jack, Kyle Meng, and Martine Visser Originally published at VoxEU

A growing number of urban areas around the world face water scarcity. Focusing on the prolonged drought that Cape Town experienced from 2015 to 2018, this column examines how adaptation shaped outcomes for the citys residents and for its municipal water utility. While policy measures including higher prices and usage restrictions saved the city from running out of water, they reduced demand more among wealthy households who were able to substitute away from municipal water, undermining the utilitys ability to cross-subsidise lower-income households consumption. Post-drought tariff reforms led to a more efficient pricing scheme that maintained support for low-income households.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat  it is shaping economies across the world. As a result, responses to climate change are increasingly shifting towards adaptive measures to dampen its immediate impacts (Kala et al. 2023). An increased focus on adaptation raises two challenges for policymakers (Carleton et al. 2025). First, how can public adaptation policy be better designed to account for its effects on private actors own adaptation decisions? Second, given inequities in access to adaptation across people and communities, what are the implications of climate-driven shocks for inequality and how are these shaped by both existing and new policies?

A protracted water crisis in Cape Town, South Africa provides a striking example of both of these challenges. From 2015 to 2018, the city experienced a prolonged drought that brought the city perilously close to Day Zero  the moment when municipal water supplies would fall below a critical level and residential water service would be cut off (Booysen et al. 2019). In a recent paper (Abajian et al. 2025), we examine how adaptation  both before and after the drought  shaped outcomes for Cape Towns residents and for its municipal water utility. While policy was successful in reducing demand and Day Zero was avoided, we show this policy response to the drought also induced dramatic adaptation among wealthy households, including drilling groundwater wells and substituting away from municipal water. In addition to destabilising the financial viability of the utility, this reduction in demand from better-off households undermined the utilitys ability to cross-subsidise lower-income households consumption. The municipal government ultimately responded by reforming tariffs after the drought towards a more efficient pricing scheme that maintained support for low-income households.

The Day Zero experience is both an optimistic story about the efficacy of adaptation as well as a cautionary one about private responses to climate change and the public provision of climate-sensitive goods and services. Similar to the public provision of roads, schools, or electricity, the availability of private substitutes can have important impacts on financing and the distribution of costs across users. A growing number of urban areas face water scarcity, including Mexico City and Beijing (Werner et al. 2013), making these issues front and centre for climate adaptation policy.

Day Zero: The Drought in Cape Town

Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa, and relies heavily on natural rainfall as a source of municipal water supply (City of Cape Town 2020). The city uses an increasing block tariff (IBT) pricing model for municipal water to cross-subsidise the consumption of low-income households. The IBT allows these consumers to pay subsidised rates while charging high consumers above marginal cost to cover the subsidies. However, as shown in Figure 1, a multi-year drought beginning around 2015 began to render existing consumption patterns unsustainable. During the drought (the shaded region in Figure 1), the citys reservoirs were depleted to near the critical level associated with Day Zero (the horizontal dashed line at 13.5 percent). Starting in 2017, the municipality began to take unprecedented measures to reduce consumption, including steep price increases, usage restrictions, and public information campaigns.

Figure 1 Reservoir levels declined sharply during the drought, leading the city to take emergency measures

Dodging Day Zero

The policy measures  conservation campaigns, higher prices, and usage restrictions  ultimately saved the city from Day Zero. Aggregate residential usage declined by about 50% from pre-crisis levels (Booysen et al. 2019, Bruhl and Visser 2021). However, these reductions were highly uneven across the household wealth distribution (proxied by property value in our paper). Wealthier households consumed twice as much water as lower-income households before the crisis (Cook et al. 2021) and saw the steepest declines (Figure 2).

Figure 2 Average municipal water use by household income decile (proxied by home value) before, during, and after the crisis



While this was in part a story of behaviour change (Booysen et al. 2018, Bruhl et al. 2020, Brick et al. 2023) resulting from conservation campaigns, public pressure and the price sensitivity of demand, we show that disparate access to private adaptation likely played a critical role. Many affluent households substituted towards private groundwater by drilling wells or boreholes. Figure 3 shows the number of drilling licenses over time; underreporting means that the actual number is likely to be much greater. The ability of wealthy households to substitute away from public water contributed to the steep decline in their consumption shown in Figure 2, and led to them actually consuming less publicly provided water than poor households at the peak of the crisis. Private adaptation had broad implications: it eroded the revenue base of the municipal utility and shifted supply costs onto those unable to afford private alternatives. The cost shift induced by private adaptation meant that the overall share of the cost of water supply borne by the lowest-income households was actually higher than the wealthiest households at the peak of the crisis.

Figure 3 Groundwater drilling applications surged among wealthier households during the crisis

Note: The figure shows the cumulative count of groundwater projects that were registered with the municipality and likely undercounts the actual number by a factor of ten.

At the same time, the citys water tariff structure, previously reliant on high-volume users to cross-subsidise lower-income households, became unsustainable. To overcome the revenue shortage due to wealthy households substitution towards groundwater, the utility introduced a fixed charge component to the water tariff. Total (including both fixed and volumetric) charges increased by around 4% over pre-drought levels in the wake of the drought after fixed charges were added. Fixed charges were also targeted by connection size, meant to proxy for wealth, which offset some of the regressive cost shift caused by wealthier households substitution towards groundwater. To further address distributional concerns, low-income households also received a larger allocation of free water each month. Without these policy changes, the distribution of costs would have been highly regressive post-drought.

While policy changes induced by the shock ultimately moved the municipality onto a more efficient pricing regime, changes in consumption patterns across wealth deciles persisted up until the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (when our analysis ends). Wealthier households that had invested in groundwater wells likely continued to rely on them, keeping their demand for municipal water lower than before the crises. This highlights a critical issue in climate adaptation: without carefully designed policies, private adaptation can have persistent effects that exacerbate inequality and threaten the financial viability of essential public services.

Utility Policy in the Face of Climate Change

Our study shows how several features of Cape Towns experience may help guide utility policy in other climate-sensitive settings. First, the crisis demonstrated the vulnerability of volumetric pricing models to decreases in demand (Borenstein 2022), which will be necessary as scarcity increases. In Cape Town, this was addressed by introducing fixed charges to the tariff structure. While this is an encouraging sign of the potential for crises to induce policy innovation (van der Straten and van der Ploeg 2024), not all policy responses will be as well-informed as those in Cape Town. Second, Cape Towns experience highlights the efficacy of targeted subsidies for vulnerable populations. During and after the crisis, Cape Town adjusted its water subsidies for low-income households, ensuring they received a free allocation that met requirements stipulated under existing law (Muller, 2008). These households still faced standard price schedules at consumption levels beyond the amount necessary for basic needs, encouraging conservation while ensuring equity.

Finally, by studying both the policy response to drought and household responses to policy, our analysis of Cape Towns experience underscores the interplay between public and private adaptation. An increased dependence on private groundwater extraction raises broader concerns about the long-term sustainability of private use of aquifers, as groundwater levels near wealthier neighbourhoods dropped dramatically during the drought (Figure 4). At the same time, the resulting reduction in demand for public water affects utility revenue and creates pecuniary externalities across users. Similar patterns are unfolding with, for example, the adoption of private rooftop solar in response to rising electricity prices and decreased grid reliability (Brehm et al., 2025). Future climate adaptation policies should anticipate behavioural responses as well as how they may differ across income groups.

Figure 4 Groundwater levels fall during the drought near wealthier Cape Town neighbourhoods but not in other neighbourhoods

< Cape Towns near-miss with Day Zero provides a cautionary tale for cities facing climate-induced public resource scarcity. While policy adaptation is necessary, it has the potential to deepen inequality or undermine public service provision unless managed carefully. The key takeaway for policymakers is clear: climate adaptation should balance concerns for equity and resilience. Otherwise, the burden of climate shocks will continue to fall disproportionately on those least able to bear them. See original post for references
Yves here. Rob Urie covers some aspects of the long-standing US campaign against Russia which remain badly understood, which is compounded by the abject stupidity of the current Administration (not that Team Biden was deserving of any acumen prizes). At some point, Russias progress on the battlefield will become undeniable. That will lead to further histrionics and threat displays before a slightly less deluded Western view takes hold.

By Rob Urie, author of Zen Economics, artist, and musician who publishes The Journal of Belligerent Pontification on Substack

The intellectual, and with it political, bind that the West is in with respect to the conflict in Ukraine is that two different US administrations have purposely or not, mis-diagnosed the genesis of the conflict. Joe Biden did so, one would imagine, because the thirty-year lead-up to the launch of Russias SMO in 2022 is more favorable to Russias case than it is to the Wests.

Likewise, Donald Trumps peace through strength implies that the conflict can be resolved using military force. However, when a single nation can end all human life on the planet with nuclear weapons, peace through strength is a formula for nuclear annihilation. That neither Biden nor Trump appear to understand this places them both in a pre-nuclear age.

Correct diagnosis is essential to solving the problem. Mr. Trumps infantile treatment of the conflict in Ukraine as a fight between two children that he must mediate is the least honest framing of the war to date. In the first place, the US is the lead belligerent in the war because it both assumed political control of Ukraine with the US-led coup there in 2014, and as the New York Times reported over a year ago, it was the CIA that organized, armed, funded, and built-out the only army that is at war with Russia in the present, the CIAs (links below).

Whether Donald Trump was aware or not, US preparations for war (see here, here) were solidified during his first term in office. Moving the CIAs war forward was the central motivation for the Russiagate fraud. Having promised to improve relations between Washington and Moscow, Mr. Trump was occupied with accusations that he had been compromised by Russia. Reams of evidence faked by MI6, the CIA, and the FBI were used to persuade Americans that the CIA assuming control of domestic US politics was actually the Russians.

In terms of left-wing politics, the American left broke with the international left to support the US war against Russia under the dubious theory that US foreign policy is a liberatory force. The mutually-exclusive propositions that the US is 1) imperialist and 2) yet US foreign policy is liberatory, are now held by the supporting cast of American empire, Question, how liberated are the Palestinians in Gaza feeling right now? Gaza is the pure product of US foreign policy. The only people surprised that Gazans arent flourishing are American liberals.

This is an important aspect of the unsolvable predicament that the US has been placed in by the people running the place. The political interests and prerogatives of elected officials and the permanent government differ from those of the American people. Conventional wisdom has it that admitting defeat in Ukraine would destroy the political fortunes of the politicians / party whose name is on the deed, as well as the sense of unipolar might that George W. Bush imagined that he was revivifying with his catastrophe in Iraq.

Joe Biden, whom I talked to about this at length, thought that Russia should be destroyed. And Europe, which held a middle-ground position for some time, finally sided with Washington and now is spending billions to rearm itself. That concerns me. If you keep speaking only about war there will never be peace, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, 2025, Tass.

Joe Biden has long been a Cold Warrior who believes the Manichean pablum that 1) we are good and 2) the Russians are bad. Following from Woodrow Wilson, Biden is also a racist crank. But the object of his racial hatred, Slavs, makes it acceptable in US ruling class circles. Many of the anti-Slavs in the US were also antisemites. From the Bolshevik Revolution forward, Judaism and communism were conflated in Western eyes. Western anti-communism was, in its European incarnation, also antisemitism.

In terms of contemporary politics, Woodrow Wilson was 1) Progressive, and 2) a racist crank. Progressive race science in the US, along with the Eugenics movement, formed the basis of Nazi race science. The Progressive desire to improve humanity most often meant ridding it of undesirables. While this history may be uncomfortable for modern Progressives, the Progressive position, meaning the CIAs, on the war in Ukraine, is racist to its core. How many American Senators need be quoted regarding fighting to the last Ukrainian for this to be clear?

In recent comments made about the US  British attacks on Russian nuclear assets inside Russia. V. Putin offered two possible paths for Russian retaliation. One would be an Oreshnik attack that is intended to end the Ukrainian regime. The other would be substantial, but more restrained than the first option, with the intention of continuing the peace talks restarted in Istanbul. This follows the US double-daring the Russians to nuke Washington, New York, and Los Angeles.

Mr. Trump and his band of one-half, one-quarter, and one-tenth wits, are working from their precepts about the war rather than from what the Russians are saying. They are aging ideologues sitting together in a closed room without input from the outside world, just making shit up. Recall Elon Musks promise that DOGE would find $2 trillion in Federal waste and fraud. DOGE didnt find it because it doesnt exist. The claim was the result of an ideological closed circuit. The rest of Trumps program is dubious for similar reasons.

Donald Trump both 1) does know and 2) doesnt know that the Russians have not only agreed to negotiations to end hostilities, but have been requesting meetings with the Americans to resolve outstanding Russian security concerns, including NATO expansion, for thirty years. Not only this, but having prevailed militarily in Ukraine, the Russians were acting with relative restraint until the Americans and the Brits tried to assassinate the President of Russia while crafting a fake nuclear attack on Russia to see how it would respond.

That the American political leadership is criminally stupid, and is apparently too stupid to know how stupid it is, is a problem for the world. Rumor had it in DC-world that the nation that recently changed its nuclear doctrine in response to Western provocations in and around Ukraine would treat an assault on its nuclear assets favorably (not). In terms of sheer numbers of nuclear weapons, Mr. Trumps measure is a mercy 6 compared to Mr. Putins 10 of hardened steel. Translation: the US, irrespective of who is president, loses peace through strength when it comes to nuclear weapons.

By analogy, in reading a press account of a murder where one person walks up to another and shoots them in the head, most readers conclude that the act was unprovoked. After all, the victim was unarmed and was minding their own business when he / she was shot. However, what if the person who was shot had raped the shooters spouse, murdered his / her family, and burned down his / her house the week before? The point is that history matters. How events are interpreted is a matter of context every bit as much as the proximate facts.

Readers may recognize here a crude parallel to the American response to the launch of Russias SMO in February, 2022. The obvious question of that day was why? Why was a border crossed to carry out a military assault against a hapless victim Ukraine? Question: which foreign invasion of Ukraine are the Americans responding to so unfavorably, the one carried out by Russia in 2022, or the one carried out by the US in 2014? In 2025, 98% of the educated bourgeois in the US still have no knowledge of the American regime-change coup in Ukraine in 2014.

The American bourgeois conceit that the US is helping Ukraine misses that since the US and the Brits interfered to halt the first agreement to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, the so-called Istanbul Accord of April  May 2022, over one million Ukrainians have been killed. In Istanbul, Ukraine had agreed to the peace deal that it had negotiated with Russia. The Ukrainians were happy. The Russians were happy. It was only Ukraines American and British helpers who objected to one million Ukrainians still being alive.

Recall the quote from Lula da Silva above that Joe Bidens intention was to use the military of the US to destroy Russia, with zero regard for what is best for the US. Biden hated Russia and Russians, and filled his foreign policy team with the intellectual equivalents of Mr. Trumps foreign policy team. This is the rot that accompanies imperial decline. There is no way out for the US because the people who run the country have contrary interests to those of the American people.

In ways that American liberals and progressives likely havent considered, the American coalition in favor of war against Russia today is class-analogous to the majority of Americans who supported the US war in Vietnam to the very end. Chicken hawks in the White House and Congress allied with the my country, right or wrong contingent of urban bourgeois and rural soldier culture to pose themselves as the saviors of the worlds downtrodden through bombing rural, agrarian, Vietnam into dust.

Three-and-one-half-million Vietnamese died (per former US Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara) in a war that was explained to the American people as benefitting the South Vietnamese. A tiny nation of plucky fighters was being saved from the unspeakable horrors of widespread literacy, health care, and human flourishing, went the Western spiel. The liberals in 1968 (I was there) chided the anti-war movement for not understanding the larger geopolitical issues in play. History has been quite unkind to the supporters of that war.

Within Clausewitzs war is politics by other means logic; the question arises of what politics the Russians were pursuing when they launched their SMO in 2022? What Russian President Vladimir Putin offered at the time was 1) an end to NATO expansion along Russias Western border, 2) an end to US political control over Ukraine achieved through the US coup in 2014, and 3) an end to Ukrainian fascists committing ethnic cleansing against Russian-speaking Ukrainians in Donbas. The wording varied, but this is the gist.

From the perspective of the self-interest of Russia, these are reasonable requests. With respect to the freedom of nations to join NATO, certainly Russia has the same right to coup the Mexican government and set up a wall of nuclear weapons along the US  Mexico border pointed at Washington, New York and Los Angeles, right? Isnt this what the Americans are telling the world? That NATO has a right to do this to Russia?

Quite obviously, the US view is based in a sense of military hegemony that George W. Bush threw into the trash with his invasion of Iraq in 2003. Political power represents an agreement between nations as to who possesses it and who doesnt. Volunteering to demonstrate to the world that a nations power is less than the world had perceived it to be, as Bush did with his assault on Iraq, is strategically debilitating. The US couldnt have demonstrated itself to be stronger than perception had it. Only weaker. This was Bushs gift to the US.

And it is why the American regime-change coup in Ukraine in 2014 is unknown to the Western bourgeois who get their news from establishment sources. Had it been understood that the Americans and Brits have controlled Ukraine politically since early 2014, it would be difficult to explain how precisely the Russians invaded it in 2022? And it is doubly hard to explain how such an invasion would be unprovoked. What Russia is doing in Ukraine is a gentle version of what the US would do to chase the Russians out of Mexico, were they to enter.

Ironically, CIA mouthpiece, the New York Times, again comes in handy here. In his second installment, Times reporter Adam Entous offered that the US and the Europeans have actually been running the war in Ukraine, meaning telling the Ukrainians what to do and when to do it, from remote locations including Wiesbaden, Germany, since the onset of war. The result, the CIA organized, armed, funded and built the Ukrainian army while the US State Department enlisted the Ukrainians to be cannon fodder in an American war.

Russia has prevailed militarily against Ukraine. The only thing keeping Ukraine in the battle are Western arms shipments. Had Donald Trump wanted to end the US war in Ukraine, he would have ended the arms shipments. He has not done so. He has surrounded himself with morons, meaning people who develop their ideas in closed forums, thereby doing an end-run around their capacity for informed thought. To those of us who have studied this war, nothing that has come from Washington regarding the conflict has been either informed or true.

American and European politicians, having created this mess, are now engaged in a furious effort to rewrite the history of the war to portray it in terms that are untrue. Curious readers can find V. Putins speeches from 2022 onward, online. In them he states in clear language why the Russians launched the SMO, both the proximate and long-term causes, and how the conflict could be resolved. The security guarantees from the US that the Russians have requested would have been considered reasonable were the goal us the US not to overthrow Russia to claim its resources.

A problem that surely the Russians have considered is that with the breadth of Western opposition to Russia being in Ukraine, even if a deal were negotiated between the Trump administration and Russia, neither Congress nor future administrations will abide by it. In 2020, it was the Democrats who were the dim ideologues who promised a new way forward. In 2024, it is the Republicans who are the dim ideologues promising a new way forward. The pattern isnt difficult to read.

Americans imagining that such a result would be a victory for the West should look the word empathy up in the dictionary and ponder its meaning. By posing the Western position as: unless Russia stops us, we will never, ever, ever end the attacks on Russia, provides a strong incentive for the Russians to end the threat once-and-for-all. From what Ive heard from V. Putins speeches, this isnt his desire. Which makes Western regime change comments as clueless as the people making them.

What this means is that the Americans are going to have to speak with the Russians to solve the political differences between them. The empire-in-freefall nature of the US at present means that the worst that the US has to offer (e.g. Biden, Trump) will be on the receiving end of Russian entreaties. While the Russians are reportedly happy to have someone to answer the phone on the American side, getting a lecture from Marco Rubio on the fake genesis of the conflict in Ukraine every time that they call will quickly grow tiresome.

With respect to retaliation for the US attacking Russian nuclear assets, V. Putin is cautious and conservative. As long as Russia sees a path, however improbable, to resolving US  Russian differences peacefully, he will remain cautious. Where the mismatch will be found, however, will be between Mr. Putins actions and Western interpretation of them. To quote Upton Sinclair. It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding it.

Mr. Putin will likely expect the US to consider, and possibly to understand, the military logic of the Russian retaliation. However, the Trump administration is still trying to figure out the drive-through window at the local Burger King. And the vested interests of the people doing the interpreting will be very different from the interests of the American people.
Chinas Pacific megaport escalates hemisphere trade war, threatens U.S. strategic edge

China seeks control of Chiles CopiaPort-E, a deep-water port capable of accommodating massive ships, bypassing the Panama Canal.

The port could reshape global trade routes, threatening U.S. influence in South America and enabling China to secure key resource routes.

Natural harbor depth could host naval assets, raising security risks near the U.S. border.

Part of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, the port mirrors investments in Perus Chancay Port and Mexican infrastructure.

Trump-era initiatives like Greenlands statehood push signal efforts to counter Beijings influence.

In 2025, a remote Chilean peninsula in the Atacama Desert is ground zero for a geopolitical battle that could redraw the map of global commerce. Chinas push to control the CopiaPort-E project, a naturally deep-water port capable of hosting CHINAMAX supertankers, threatens to bypass the Panama Canal, dominate South American trade corridors and plant a geopolitical foothold perilously close to the U.S. border. Experts warn the strategic prize  able to support warships as well as cargo  could tip the balance of trade and security in favor of Beijing, mirroring a decade of aggressive Belt and Road infrastructure investments across Latin America. With the Trump administration previously countering China in Panama, Greenland and Canada, U.S. policymakers face a stark choice: seize this last critical node or risk ceding the hemispheres economic future.

A supertankers gateway to global dominance

The Punta Cachos peninsula hosts a rare geographical anomaly: a natural eight-kilometer breakwater and seabed depths exceeding 30 meters, requiring no dredging. This makes CopiaPort-E uniquely suited for CHINAMAX vessels, which carry 80% more cargo than Panama Canal-max ships. Unlike Perus limited Chancay Port  a Chinese-built hub with insufficient depth  CopiaPort-Es scale could anchor a transcontinental trade network. Shipments from China would bypass the U.S.-controlled Panama Canal, then traverse the Pan-American Highway to Atlantic ports in Brazil and Argentina, potentially rerouting 20% of global container traffic.

Analysts at Unleashed.news describe CopiaPort-E as a commercial and strategic bombshell, enabling Beijing to sidestep U.S. sanctions and tariffs while embedding military logistics capacity. Former U.S. Southern Command Chief Laura Richardson notes such ports historically hosted surveillance and logistics support for Chinas navy, raising fears of naval bases masquerading as trade hubs.

Chinas road to power: The Latin American playbook

Beijings strategy in South America follows a familiar template. Since 2003, China has invested over $187 billion in the region, building ports like Perus Chancay  inaugurated by President Xi Jinping in 2024  and Mexicos Cardenas special economic zone. These projects anchor the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), funneling Latin American minerals, soybeans and lithium to China while locking countries into payment schemes tied to Beijings yuan.

The Chancay terminal alone slashed trans-Pacific shipping times to 23 days, but its 12-meter depth pales beside CopiaPort-Es 30-meter seabed. When paired with rail links to Brazil, CopiaPort-E becomes the linchpin of a China-led South Atlantic-Pacific corridor, sidelining U.S. dominance in regional trade gatekeeping. As Perus Trade Minister Juan Mathews Salazar admitted, the ports are aimed at turning [Latin America] into a strategic hub between Asia and the Americas.

Washingtons countermeasures include renewed focus on the Panama Canal and ambitious but controversial proposals, like making Canada the 51st state, to secure Arctic shipping lanes. Yet the speed of Chinas BRI-driven infrastructure race leaves little room for error.

Balancing act: Economic gain vs. sovereignty loss

Proponents of the Chancay terminal tout 20% cost reductions for Peruvian exporters, while Chilean officials debate CopiaPort-Es economic dividends. But critics  from human rights activists opposing the ports irreversible environmental toll on Perus Santa Rosa wetlands to U.S. national security experts  warn of hidden costs.

A strategic port isnt just a job creator  its a diplomatic lever, says Prof. Maria Gonzalez, a geopolitics specialist at Santiago University. Brazils Paranagua Port, majority-owned by China Merchants Port, has already faced scrutiny for mining concessions to Beijing-linked firms.

U.S. lawmakers see parallels to Greeces heavily indebted surrender of the Piraeus Port. While China insists its Latin American investments are purely commercial, Washington notes that four of the regions top ports  Colon, Balboa, Manzanillo and Chancay  are already managed by Chinese entities.

Hemispheres crossroads in global commerce

CopiaPort-E represents more than economic competition  it is a tug-of-war between two visions for global order. Will Latin America remain an American sphere of influence, or evolve into a Chinese-controlled artery reshaping trade, security and resource access?

As the Trump administration weighs sanctions, partnerships, or even military logistics support to Chile, the stakes couldnt be higher. The ports geography hands Beijing a rare advantage: unchallenged dominance of a contiguous trade route with minimal reliance on Western infrastructure. The world watches the Punta Cachos peninsula, where the right to dock a ship may decide which superpower shapes the 22nd century.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

TheGatewayPundit.com

Defense.info
When Health Food Isnt Healthy: FDA approves lab-grown salmon amid safety concerns and regulatory gaps

The FDA approves Wildtypes lab-grown salmon after relying exclusively on company-provided safety data.

The product is currently served at one Portland restaurant, with plans to expand to four more locations in 2025.

Critics, including food safety advocates, accuse the FDA of failing to conduct independent safety assessments, instead trusting manufacturer-led testing.

Lab-grown meat faces regulatory bans, reduced investor confidence and skepticism over its scalability and environmental benefits.

Wildtypes process involves growing fish cells in steel vats using proprietary nutrients, but details about ingredients remain undisclosed.

On June 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized San Francisco-based startup Wildtype Foods to sell its lab-grown salmon, marking the first FDA-approved cultured seafood for commercial sale. The decision allows Wildtype to expand beyond its flagship Portland, Oregon, outlet, Kann (a James Beard Award-winning Haitian restaurant serving the salmon since spring 2025). Marketed as a sustainable alternative to wild-caught or farmed fish, the lab-grown salmons approval has reignited debates over regulatory adequacy, corporate accountability and health implications of emerging biotech foods.

The rise of lab-grown meat and lax oversight

Wildtypes approval follows years of effort by biotech firms to commercialize "cultured meat." Since 2016, companies like Upside Foods (cultured chicken) and Mission Barns (cultured pork fat) have secured conditional regulatory permissions. However, the FDAs voluntary pre-market consultation for Wildtype  termed a "middle ground" between full oversight and self-approval  has drawn fire for its laxity. Unlike land-animal products, which demand joint FDA-USDA coordination, seafood falls entirely under FDA jurisdiction, creating inconsistent standards.

Critics, including the Center for Food Safetys (CFS) Jaydee Hanson, call the approval "outrageous" due to the agencys reliance on manufacturer-submitted safety data. "This product was greenlit using drug-testing protocols, not rigorous novel-food review," lamented Hanson.

Safety claims and self-approval by manufacturers

Wildtypes salmon is grown from wild coho salmon cells in sterile steel vats, using plant-based scaffolds and nutrient blends to mimic flavor and texture. The company asserts its product is "as safe as conventionally farmed or wild salmon," citing internal tests. Yet the FDAs decision relied solely on Wildtypes self-certification under the GRAS exemption (Generally Recognized as Safe), a decades-old rule originally for standard ingredients like salt, not cutting-edge biotechnology.

Key concerns remain about additives such as growth factors like fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2), which the FDA links to tumor risks. Wildtype claims FGF2 is removed during production, but critics such as Hanson demand stricter scrutiny: "How do we know theres no residue? We dont." Transparency about proprietary nutrients and potential chemical residues also remains opaque.

The cost of innovation: Funding drought and legislative pushback

Despite early investor enthusiasm, lab-grown meat faces plummeting funds. After attracting $3 billion between 2016 and 2022, the sector saw funding drop by 75% in 2023. Even major players like Eat Just, known for plant-based eggs, face doubts about scalability.

Legislative barriers compound challenges: Florida and Alabama have banned cultured meat, framing it as anti-"natural" in cultural debates. Wildtype, meanwhile, struggles to scale production beyond weekly "saku" salmon servings at Kann, relying on chef partnerships to drive consumer interest.

Environmental claims under fire: Is lab-grown seafood greener?

Wildtype champions its product as sustainable, but peer-reviewed studies question this narrative. A University of California, Davis, analysis found lab-grown meats energy use 425 higher than beef, due to bioreactor costs. Critics also highlight ecological trade-offs, such as carbon emissions from single-use bioreactors and synthetic nutrient Waste.

"Labeling this sustainable is misleading," says Stanfords marine ecologist Alice Rolland. "Were swapping overfishing for pollution from untested technologies."

A fork in the road for food transparency

The FDAs stamp of approval marks a turning point in the food tech era. While companies like Wildtype push boundaries, systemic risks loom: corporate self-testing, lack of additive transparency and bipartisan backlash signal pressing regulatory failures. As cultured meat moves to grocery shelves, advocates argue for rigorous oversight over corporate-driven science. "The FDAs job is public safety, not playing venture capitalist," insists Hanson. "Until that happens, this salmon is dystopia masquerading as progress."

Sources for this article include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

NYPost.com

TheVerge.com
Herbs, playtime and the senses: A South Korean study on holistic, parent-led autism care at home

A six-month home-based treatment combining herbal medicine, floortime therapy and sensory enrichment was tested on 18 children with autism in South Korea.

Children showed significant improvements in communication, sensory processing and social interaction  half no longer met clinical criteria for autism by study's end.

All therapies were delivered by parents, with over 90 percent adherence  highlighting the power of consistent, family-centered care.

No serious side effects were reported, and therapies were affordable, non-invasive and adaptable to home life.

The study suggests that holistic, parent-driven treatment may offer a promising, low-risk complement to traditional autism therapies.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex. It brings undeniable challenges to both individuals diagnosed with it and their immediate families. Understanding this complexity is key to supporting individuals on the spectrum with empathy, innovation and respect.

A South Korean study published last January in Frontiers in Neurology adds to a growing body of research exploring natural, holistic and parent-driven therapies as part of a more integrative approach to autism care. This trend  especially appealing to younger or working class families who may feel overwhelmed by an autism diagnosis  is offering new hope and practical tools for care that can begin right at home.

ASD is often associated with behavioral, communication and social challenges  but that's just the surface. Many autistic individuals also experience co-occurring conditions like anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy or metabolic disorders which, together, contribute to poorer long-term health outcomes. So while autism is a lifelong condition, that doesn't mean progress is off the table. Children can and do make meaningful improvements with the right support, especially when started early and with consistency.

The South Korean study explored the impact of a six-month integrative treatment program involving herbal medicine (HM), floortime therapy and Sensory Enrichment Therapy (SET). All three therapies were delivered primarily by parents at home, with clinical guidance and check-ins from healthcare professionals. Eighteen children with ASD participated, and the results were promising.

Herbs, emotions and the senses

Each therapy was administered at home by the child's parents, showcasing a family-led, non-pharmaceutical approach that could be adapted to modern home life.

Herbal medicine

Customized herbal prescriptions were based on each child's symptoms and nutritional needs. Parents administered these herbal formulas three times a day. Common remedies included:

Shihogyeji-tang for sensory processing difficulties: This ancient herb is prescribed in East Asian Medicine for psychological symptoms like agitation and irritability and often for treating colds and flu-like symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory and calming effects. In the U.S., this is available in herbal medicine shops and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinics, usually under names like "Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang."

for sensory processing difficulties: This ancient herb is prescribed in East Asian Medicine for psychological symptoms like agitation and irritability and often for treating colds and flu-like symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory and calming effects. In the U.S., this is available in herbal medicine shops and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinics, usually under names like "Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang." Galgeun-tang (also spelled Ge Gen Tang) for issues with motor coordination: Known for its muscle-relaxing properties, this herb is sometimes used by acupuncturists, herbalists and U.S. practitioners of TCM for tension headaches or neck and shoulder stiffness  but not yet mainstream.

(also spelled Ge Gen Tang) for issues with motor coordination: Known for its muscle-relaxing properties, this herb is sometimes used by acupuncturists, herbalists and U.S. practitioners of TCM for tension headaches or neck and shoulder stiffness  but not yet mainstream. Baekho-tang and Daeseunggi-tang to support attention and concentration: While early research hints that these traditional herbal formulas may help with sensory processing and focus, the scientific evidence is very limited. In the U.S., such remedies are rarely used and typically prescribed only by licensed herbalists, often as part of a broader, personalized treatment plan, not as standalone solutions.

Though these herbal prescriptions may sound unfamiliar in the U.S., they are widely used in Traditional Korean Medicine and increasingly studied for their neurological effects, which include calming overactive brain activity and supporting cognition in animal models of autism.

Floortime therapy

Floortime therapy is all about emotional connection. Rather than directing the child, parents are encouraged to enter the "child's world," follow their interests and build from there  using play to support emotional development and communication. In this program, parents spent at least two hours daily, five days a week, engaging in Floortime sessions with their children.

Research has shown that Floortime can lead to increased cognitive control in the brain, particularly in the medial prefrontal cortex  supporting better self-monitoring and response inhibition in children with autism.

Sensory Enrichment Therapy (SET)

SET uses multi-sensory stimulation to help the brain form new, adaptive neural pathways. Parents conducted 20-minute sessions at home, two days a week, using therapist-provided kits with smell, sound, taste and touch activities.

In animal studies, sensory enrichment has been shown to promote neuroplasticity  increasing brain size, motor learning, synaptic connections and even cognitive function. While human studies are still emerging, these brain-based benefits hold strong therapeutic potential.

Key findings

By the end of the program, the study found that:

More than 90 percent of parents stuck to the program  proving its feasibility even in busy households.

Children showed significant improvements in autism symptoms based on two standardized tools: the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC).

The treatments were well-tolerated, with no major adverse events reported.

The program's success was not due to any one treatment  it was likely due to the synergy between therapies, guided by professional support and sustained by active parental engagement. The researchers believe that integrating traditional herbal medicine with behavioral therapies can be an accessible, lower-cost complement to conventional care, especially when time or financial resources are limited.

Autism doesn't come with a universal guidebook. While the findings are encouraging, the authors are careful not to overstate them. Still, this marks an important step toward integrative, family-driven autism care (with time, love and structure) that respects both tradition and science. With more research, culturally grounded therapies like these may play a larger role in how children with autism are supported, helping families feel not just involved but empowered. When it comes to autism care, it is not just about changing behavior  it's about understanding a different way of being and embracing it fully and respectfully.

Watch this video about a parent-mediated, play-based treatment program for ASD.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Groundbreaking study reveals biological basis for sensory processing disorders in kids.

Tips of helping children focus and study: Improve sensory integration especially in children with ADHD, hyperactivity with nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Science reshapes autism by looking beyond the brain.

Sources include:

FrontiersIn.org

Brighteon.com
Marines and National Guard successfully enforcing L.A. curfew, assisting law enforcement and securing the city from destruction

Over the past week, Los Angeles has been engulfed in violence, looting, and unrest as radical agitators have turned downtown into a war zone. But while Governor Gavin Newsom blames President Trump for authoritarian overreach, the real story is one of decisive leadership: Trumps swift deployment of the National Guard and Marines has brought order to streets that were overrun by lawlessness. As curfews take hold and arrests climb into the hundreds, the administrations commitment to enforcing the law clashes with the failed progressive policies of Californias leadership. The lefts refusal to secure the border and its demonization of law enforcement have led to this disaster. Now, Trumps firm stance is proving what works  strength and conviction, not appeasement and surrender.

Key points:

Over 330 arrests made in Los Angeles as federal immigration raids trigger violent protests, looting, and vandalism.

Mayor Karen Bass imposes an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, allowing authorities to make 225 arrests in a single day.

National Guard and Marines deployed by Trump provide critical support to overwhelmed local law enforcement.

Governor Newsom sues to block federal military assistance, calling it an "abuse of power," despite a majority of Americans supporting Trumps actions.

Businesses destroyed, officers injured, and downtown vandalized as agitators exploit tensions  while Trumps policies restore security and set new precedent across the country.

The failure of Californias leadership

Los Angeles has long been a sanctuary city, where illegal aliens find protection under Gov. Newsoms reckless policies. But when federal immigration enforcement cracked down  arresting 113 individuals with prior convictions  the city erupted in flames. Rather than blaming criminals, Newsom and Bass pointed fingers at Trump, insisting his enforcement actions were the real problem. Yet the riots began before federal troops arrived  proving that Californias leniency, not Trumps resolve, created this crisis.

The Los Angeles Times acknowledged the quietest day this week after the curfew took effect, but Newsoms televised meltdown  marred by technical difficulties  showed a leader more focused on theatrics than solutions. Democracy is under assault, he declared, ignoring the real assault: Molotov cocktails thrown at officers, businesses looted, and federal buildings defaced with graffiti like Dead cops.

The Trump administrations decisive action

While Californias leaders hesitated, Trump acted. The deployment of Marines and the National Guard provided much-needed reinforcement to LAPD officers, many of whom have faced open hostility from progressive activists. Federal troops, though not making arrests directly, acted as a deterrent  defending property and ensuring rioters could no longer run rampant.

General Gregory Guillot made it clear: Troops were there to defend, not provoke. They do not have the authority to make arrests, he stated, emphasizing their limited but crucial role. Yet Newsoms lawsuit claims otherwise, seeking to strip law enforcement of vital backup while the city burns. The governors stance isnt just reckless  its an outright betrayal of public safety.

The real culprits: Whos funding the chaos?

Looting and arson dont happen spontaneously. Behind the scenes, anarchist networks and left-wing agitators routinely exploit civil unrest to push their radical agenda. As businesses board up windows and residents hide in fear, one must ask: Why is Californias leadership more concerned with protecting illegal immigration than protecting its own citizens?

Trumps team isnt backing down. Tom Holman, a key adviser, drew a clear line: Facilitating illegal activities will no longer be tolerated. Meanwhile, the Downtown Los Angeles Residents Association called the raids inhumane  ignoring the real inhumane threat of unchecked lawlessness.

The lesson is clear. Where Newsoms weakness failed, Trumps strength prevailed. The Marines and National Guard brought order to a city spiraling into anarchy. While progressives decry authoritarianism, hardworking Americans demand security.

However, the war has just begun, and the real culprits financing this chaos have protests planned in cities across the United States. While legitimate protest is legal and constitutionally protected, when the protest devolves into rioting and destruction of property, law enforcement will spot the difference and put a stop to it. Trump's bold stance for law and order will set powerful new precedent  breaking the curse of 2020 and deterring criminal activity - so that the lawlessness does not spread further, deeper, and darker into the heart of American cities.

Sources include:

Yournews.com

LATimes.com

KTLA.com
Supreme Court grants DOGE access to Social Security data, exempts it from FOIA disclosures

In a 6-3 decision on June 6, the U.S. Supreme Court granted DOGE access to sensitive Social Security Administration data and exempted it from Freedom of Information Act disclosures during ongoing litigation.

The decision lifts a prior injunction by Judge Ellen Hollander, who had warned DOGE's data access posed serious privacy risks and lacked credible justification.

In a separate 6-3 ruling, the Court also held that DOGE is not required to release internal documents or communications sought by plaintiffs, including the AFL-CIO and the American Federation of Teachers.

The Trump administration cited three main fraud-detection initiatives to justify the data access: the "Are You Alive?" project, the Death Data Clean Up Project and the Fraud Detection Project.

DOGE Commissioner Frank Bisignano hailed the ruling as a "major victory for American taxpayers," while the decision has sparked ongoing debate about surveillance, privacy and executive power.

The U.S. Supreme Court has granted the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to sensitive Social Security Administration (SSA) data while shielding it from public records requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

In a 6-3 ruling on June 6, filed under docket 24A1063, the Supreme Court lifted an earlier injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander that barred DOGE from obtaining personally identifiable information, including financial and medical records, stored by the SSA. Hollander had warned in her April decision that the efforts of DOGE posed a serious threat to privacy and lacked a credible basis. (Related: Elon Musk's DOGE uncovers $4.7 Trillion in untraceable federal spending, followed by massive social security fraud.)

"The DOGE Team is essentially engaged in a fishing expedition at SSA, in search of a fraud epidemic, based on little more than suspicion," Hollander wrote in her April opinion. "It has launched a search for the proverbial needle in the haystack, without any concrete knowledge that the needle is actually in the haystack."

The high court also ruled in a separate but related six-to-three decision that DOGE is not obligated to release internal documents or communications to plaintiffs in an ongoing FOIA lawsuit. The lawsuit, led by progressive organizations including the AFL-CIO and the American Federation of Teachers, sought insight into DOGE's targeting criteria and coordination with other agencies.

"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 Supreme Court said in its unsigned decision.

The ruling enables DOGE to resume its data operations immediately, even as legal challenges continue in lower courts.

DOGE commissioner celebrates Supreme Court ruling as a "major victory for American taxpayers"

DOGE has become a lightning rod in debates over federal oversight and civil liberties. Formed as part of a broader initiative to reduce the size of the federal workforce and root out inefficiencies, DOGE has aggressively pursued data-driven investigations into fraud, waste and abuse, particularly within entitlement programs.

It was first put on hold with a temporary restraining order in March, but the Trump administration cited three key initiatives to justify granting the DOGE access to Social Security Administration systems.

The first, known as the "Are You Alive?" project, focuses on identifying payments that may be mistakenly sent to deceased individuals. The second, the Death Data Clean Up Project, aims to update and verify records of individuals the government believes to be deceased. The third initiative, the Fraud Detention Project, investigates possible fraud related to changes in personal records, including wage reporting and direct deposit information.

DOGE Commissioner Frank Bisignano lauded the Supreme Court ruling.

"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," he said.

Watch this video of "Redacted" hosts discussing the DOGE's discovery of Social Security fraud.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Social Security reserves draining faster than expected.

PayPal hack exposes names, social security numbers of 35,000 customers.

Elon Musk exposes widespread Social Security fraud: "Someone is going to be arrested."

Trump administration halts Social Security garnishment for defaulted loans, protects senior benefits.

DOGE finds evidence of Social Security fraud and illegal immigrant voter registration.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

CNN.com

Brighteon.com
Trump pushes Netanyahu to end Gaza war permanently in tense phone call

Trump urged Netanyahu to end the Gaza war quickly, linking it to U.S. negotiations with Iran and Saudi-Israeli normalization.

Trump rejected a temporary ceasefire proposal, pushing instead for a permanent resolution.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with high civilian casualties fueling global condemnation.

Trump warned Netanyahu against escalating tensions with Iran, favoring diplomacy over military action.

U.S. military aid to Israel continues despite calls for restraint, drawing criticism for enabling the conflict.

In a pivotal Monday phone call, President Donald Trump pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to bring a swift and permanent end to the war in Gaza, warning that prolonged conflict undermines U.S. efforts to negotiate with Iran and secure Saudi-Israeli normalization. While Trump emphasized that the war should conclude "the sooner the better," he stopped short of threatening to cut off U.S. military aid, which is a critical lifeline for Israels military operations. The conversation highlights growing tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv as civilian casualties mount in Gaza and international condemnation intensifies.

A call for permanent peace, not temporary pauses

Trump reportedly rejected the so-called "Witkoff framework," a proposed 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of roughly half the hostages held by Hamas, deeming it insufficient. Instead, he pushed for a complete and lasting resolution to the conflict. According to Israeli media, Trump argued that ending Gaza hostilities would strengthen his administrations hand in nuclear negotiations with Iran and advance the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The presidents stance reflects a strategic shift, prioritizing regional stability over unconditional support for Israels military campaign. However, Trumps refusal to leverage U.S. military aid despite Israels heavy reliance on American weapons undermines his demand for peace.

Gazas humanitarian catastrophe continues

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. Israeli forces recently killed at least 61 Palestinians, including 39 aid seekers, in a single day. The staggering death toll, which is largely made up of civilians, has drawn accusations of genocide and war crimes. Despite global outrage, the U.S. continues to supply Israel with arms, enabling what many describe as a disproportionate and indiscriminate assault on Palestinian civilians.

Trumps call for restraint contrasts sharply with Netanyahus stated goal of eradicating Hamas, regardless of the human cost. The Israeli prime minister has repeatedly dismissed ceasefire proposals, insisting on total military victory. Yet, with most Israeli hostages feared dead and mounting domestic pressure for their return, Netanyahu faces dwindling political and moral justifications for prolonging the war.

Trump also reportedly warned Netanyahu against escalating tensions with Iran, ruling out military strikes on Tehrans nuclear facilities while diplomatic talks continue. "If they dont make a deal, theyre not going to have a nuclear weapon," Trump told the New York Post. "But it would be nicer to do it without warfare, without people dying."

Netanyahu, however, remains skeptical of Irans intentions, insisting that a credible military threat must remain on the table. The disagreement underscores a deepening rift between the two leaders, with Trump prioritizing diplomacy and Netanyahu advocating for confrontation.

The U.S. role in enabling Israels war machine

The U.S.s unwavering military support for Israel has drawn fierce criticism, with progressives and human rights groups condemning Washingtons complicity in Gazas devastation. As the war drags on, the moral and strategic costs for the U.S. grow deeper. By bankrolling Israels offensive, America risks alienating allies, emboldening adversaries, and perpetuating a conflict that destabilizes the entire region.

Trumps demand for a permanent Gaza ceasefire signals a rare moment of U.S. pressure on Israel, yet his refusal to wield Americas leverage in the form of military aid renders the plea toothless. The wars horrific toll demands more than rhetoric; it requires concrete action to halt the bloodshed.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

CNN.com

TimesOfIsrael.com
Trump: Zelenskys escalation justifies Putin striking back

Ukrainian drone strikes targeted Russian nuclear-capable bombers and railway infrastructure, prompting a massive Russian retaliatory assault, raising fears of broader war.

Putin warned of forceful retaliation and Russian forces launched missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian military sites, framing it as necessary retaliation.

U.S. President Trump criticized Ukraine's aggressive moves, stating they gave Putin justification to escalate, highlighting the conflicts fragile balance.

Strikes on Russias strategic bombers heightened nuclear escalation concerns, while peace talks remain deadlocked with no ceasefire in sight.

Civilian casualties mounted on both sides, underscoring the war's brutality, as Zelensky urged stronger Western support to counter Russian aggression.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has taken a dangerous turn, as Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian nuclear-capable bombers and railway sabotage inside Russia triggered a massive retaliatory assault by Moscow.

But according to U.S. President Donald Trump, Moscow's retaliation against Ukrainian positions is perfectly justified. He warned that Kyiv's aggressive moves had given Russian President Vladimir Putin a legitimate reason to escalate. The latest developments raise fears of a broader conflict, underscoring the fragility of peace efforts and the high-stakes gamble of Ukraine's strategy.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, June 6, Trump expressed frustration with Ukraine's escalation. He said Kyiv had effectively handed Putin a justification for a brutal counterstrike. The real estate mogul emphasized that he "didn't like" the move, predicting it would provoke a harsh Russian response.

Two days earlier on Wednesday, June 4, Putin warned in phone call with Trump that Russia would respond forcefully to Ukraines "terrorist acts." True enough, Russian forces launched a massive missile and drone barrage early Friday.

The strike hit Ukrainian defense factories, drone production sites and military training centers. The Russian Ministry of Defense framed the operation as a necessary retaliation, claiming it only targeted military assets.

But prior to the Friday strike, Ukraine launched coordinated drone attacks on multiple Russian airbases. Kyiv's attack targeted long-range bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons, a critical component of Russia's strategic deterrent.

These strikes, along with the bombing of railway bridges in western Russia, killed at least seven civilians and injured over 120, including children. Moscow labeled the railway attacks as terrorism, accusing Kyiv of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure. (Related: Ukraine-linked sabotage suspected as Russian bridges collapse, killing civilians in coordinated attacks.)

Ukraines provocative strikes and the risk of a bigger war

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has evolved from a territorial dispute into a grinding war of attrition with global implications. Ukraine, backed by Western arms and intelligence, has increasingly taken the fight into Russian territory, betting that asymmetric strikes will weaken Moscow's resolve. But Russias latest retaliation demonstrates that Putin remains willing to escalate, especially when his strategic assets like nuclear-capable bombers are threatened.

The strikes on Russia's nuclear triad have raised concerns about unintended escalation. Meanwhile, peace talks remain stalled, with Russia rejecting Ukraine's demand for an unconditional ceasefire. Trump's recent ultimatum to Putin, threatening a shift in U.S. policy if Moscow drags its feet, has so far gone unenforced  leaving the diplomatic path uncertain.

Ukraine reported at least six deaths and 80 injuries from Russia's Friday bombardment, with residential areas in Kyiv and other cities hit. The attacks underscore the war's brutal toll on civilians, even as both sides claim to target only military objectives. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western nations to increase pressure on Russia, warning that hesitation only prolongs the bloodshed.

The latest exchange of strikes marks a dangerous escalation in the conflict, with Ukraine pushing deeper into Russian territory and Moscow responding with overwhelming force. Trump's warning that Zelensky "gave Putin a reason" to intensify the war reflects the precarious reality. Neither side appears willing to back down, and every provocation risks triggering a wider conflagration.

Watch this video about Russia retaliating against Ukraine's biggest drone attack on Moscow.

This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Zelensky now willing to negotiate peace deal to end conflict with Russia.

Putin reportedly willing to end war with Ukraine, sit down for PEACE TALKS.

Total casualties in Russia-Ukraine war hit 1M mark.

Sources include:

RT.com

BBC.com

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com
War hawks push Trump toward war with Iran as Netanyahus shadow looms over White House

The drums of war are beating louder in Washington as a cabal of neoconservative elites, led by figures like Mark Levin and Rupert Murdoch, pressures President Trump to abandon diplomacy with Iran and greenlight an Israeli military strike on Tehran. Behind closed doors, these unelected power brokers are maneuvering to drag America into another catastrophic Middle Eastern conflict  one that could destabilize the region, drain U.S. resources, and sacrifice American lives for the sake of Israels hardline agenda. While Trump has publicly resisted calls for military action, the relentless lobbying from war hawks threatens to derail negotiations and push the U.S. toward a disastrous confrontation . The stakes couldnt be higher, but the neocons are being exposed: Will Trump stand firm against the warmongers, or will he cave to the same forces that orchestrated the Iraq debacle?

Key points:

Influential neoconservatives, including Mark Levin and GOP megadonor Ike Perlmutter, are pushing Trump to abandon nuclear talks with Iran and support an Israeli strike on Tehran.

Trumps diplomatic envoy, Steve Witkoff, faces fierce opposition from Murdoch-owned media, which has smeared him as a "mouthpiece for Qatar."

Tucker Carlson and other MAGA-aligned voices warn that Levins rhetoric is a pretext for regime change, not genuine national security concerns.

Israeli officials are pressuring the White House to act, straining Trumps relationship with Netanyahu amid fears of an unauthorized strike.

Despite Irans enriched uranium stockpile, U.S. intelligence confirms Tehran has not decided to build a nuclear weapon  undermining war hawks alarmist claims.

The shadow lobby pushing for war

Behind the scenes, a well-funded network of neoconservatives and Israel-aligned operatives is working overtime to sabotage diplomacy. Mark Levin, a conservative radio host with direct access to Trump, has been aggressively pushing the president to authorize military action, falsely claiming Iran is "days away" from a nuclear bomb  a claim U.S. intelligence disputes. Meanwhile, Rupert Murdochs media empire, including the New York Post, has launched a smear campaign against Witkoff, portraying him as compromised by foreign interests.

This isnt the first time shadowy figures have manipulated U.S. foreign policy. The same playbook was used before the Iraq War, when fabricated intelligence about WMDs justified an invasion that killed thousands and destabilized the region. Now, history is repeating itself  only this time, the target is Iran.

Israels risky gambit and Trumps dilemma

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long sought U.S. backing for a strike on Irans nuclear facilities. But Trump, aware of the political and strategic risks, has resisted. In May, he reportedly asked Israeli officials to stand down while negotiations continued  a request that has only heightened tensions between the two allies.

The irony is stark: Trump, who brokered the Abraham Accords and moved the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, now faces accusations of being "soft" on Iran from the very allies he empowered. The reality is that Netanyahus government is overplaying its hand, ignoring the fact that Trumps base  the MAGA movement  overwhelmingly opposes another Middle East war.

The choice before Trump is clear: Pursue a negotiated settlement that prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, or surrender to the war lobby and risk a conflict with no clear exit strategy. Military strikes would, at best, delay Irans nuclear program  not eliminate it  while guaranteeing retaliation against U.S. forces and allies in the region.

If Trump caves to the neocons, he will betray his "America First" principles and plunge the nation into another endless war. But if he holds firm, he could secure a historic dealone that protects U.S. interests without sacrificing American lives on the altar of foreign agendas.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

Politico.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
Air India Boeing 787 crash KILLS OVER 200 PEOPLE as lone survivor emerges

The skies over Ahmedabad turned to fire Thursday as an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London with 242 souls aboard, plummeted into a residential neighborhood moments after takeoff . The catastrophic crash left over 200 dead, with rescue teams clawing through smoldering wreckage in a desperate search for survivorsonly one of whom has so far been found. As governments worldwide issue hollow condolences and Boeings stock plunges, critical questions remain unanswered: Was this a mechanical failure, human error, or something far more sinister? The unfolding tragedy is under investigation, for the aviation industry has recently been plagued by corruption and negligence.

Key points:

Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing at least 204 passengers and crew.

Only one confirmed survivorBritish national Vishwash Kumar Rameshhas been identified after reportedly jumping from the plane before impact.

The crash site, a densely populated residential area, suffered additional casualties, including three medical students.

Boeing shares dropped 8% pre-market as scrutiny mounts over the Dreamliners safety record.

Global leaders, including UK PM Keir Starmer and Canadian PM Mark Carney, offered condolences but no substantive explanations.

Global reactions pouring in

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson addressed the media following the crash of Flight AI-171, expressing deep sorrow and pledging full support for victims' families. The Boeing 787-8, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members when it crashed shortly after takeoff. Nationalities onboard included 169 Indian, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian passenger.

Wilson confirmed injured passengers were transported to nearby hospitals and emphasized Air Indias collaboration with authorities in emergency response efforts. A specialized care team is en route to Ahmedabad to assist families, and a helpline (1-800-56-91444) has been established for inquiries.

Acknowledging unanswered questions, Wilson stressed the airlines commitment to sharing accurate updates, avoiding speculation, and supporting investigations. "This is a difficult day for all of us," he said, vowing around-the-clock efforts to aid affected families and investigators.

World leaders rushed to offer condolences, yet their platitudes ring hollow without action. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer lamented the loss of British lives but sidestepped questions about Boeings UK ties. Canadian PM Mark Carney mourned the sole Canadian victim but avoided scrutiny of Canadas own Boeing fleet. Meanwhile, Indian officials, including Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, deferred blame, citing an ongoing investigation. But history shows such probes often bury the truthas seen in the MH370 cover-up or the FBIs whitewashing of the 737 MAX scandal.

A survivors miracleor a warning ignored?

Amid the carnage, the survival of 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh stands as both a miracle and a grim indictment of aviation safety. Eyewitnesses claim Ramesh leaped from the aircraft seconds before impact, his body hurled clear of the inferno. But his accountif he recoversmay be the only firsthand testimony of what went wrong. The Boeing 787-8, marketed as a "Dreamliner," has faced repeated scrutiny over electrical system failures and battery fires since its troubled 2011 launch. In 2020, the FAA investigated potential manufacturing defects in its wings. Yet, Boeing and regulatory agencies dismissed concerns, prioritizing profits over passenger safety.

Boeings stock nosedived within hours of the crash, a reflexive market response to yet another disaster tied to the embattled manufacturer. The 787-8, like the ill-fated 737 MAX, has been dogged by whistleblower allegations of rushed production and ignored red flags. In 2022, a former Boeing quality manager testified before Congress that the company routinely pressured inspectors to overlook defects. The FAA, meanwhile, has been accused of regulatory capturerubber-stamping Boeings self-certifications while taxpayers foot the bill for its bailouts. With no statement yet from Boeing, critics demand answers: Did cost-cutting compromises doom Flight AI171?

Sources include:

RT.com

X.com

X.com
HARARE, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the country's business environment to attract more Chinese investment.

A roundtable discussion on strengthening Zimbabwe-China business cooperation in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare gathered representatives from various government agencies, including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Department of Immigration Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA).

Felisters Chikandiwa, chief facilitator at ZIDA, highlighted China's strategic importance to Zimbabwe's economy, noting that China has been one of Zimbabwe's leading investment source markets over the past few years.

"From our investment figures, we have seen that there has been quite a high level of investment activities from the Chinese business community in Zimbabwe. We value the investment that the Chinese community is bringing into Zimbabwe," Chikandiwa said.

She further pointed out that Chinese investors have shown a strong interest in Zimbabwe's mining, manufacturing, construction, energy, and transport sectors, among others.

Abigail Moyo, chief staff officer responsible for crime in the ZRP, said, "We value cooperation between the Zimbabwean police and Chinese investors. We encourage continued communication and cooperation to ensure the safety and security of Chinese investors and their assets."

Munetsi Madakufamba, executive director of the Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC), a think tank based in Harare and one of the event organizers, highlighted the need to strengthen partnerships and promote mutual understanding between Zimbabwean authorities and Chinese enterprises.

"We aim to create a conducive business environment that supports sustainable development and mutual benefit," he said, adding that Zimbabwe has immense potential for growth and development, and Chinese businesses can play a pivotal role in supporting Zimbabwe's growth.

Noting that Chinese investment in Zimbabwe has been impactful and transformative, Madakufamba said China has indeed become a major player in Zimbabwe's economic landscape.

"What sets Chinese investments apart, if compared with those from other source countries, is the speed of implementation, size, impact, and transformative nature," he noted.

According to Madakufamba, Zimbabwe and China should work together to create a more favorable investment climate that attracts more Chinese investment and promotes sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
ALBANY  A bill to make Erie County its own judicial district passed both houses of the State Legislature on Thursday as lawmakers rejected a request by the state court system to delay the proposal until next year.

The bill, sponsored by Assembly Member Jonathan Rivera, D-Buffalo, was one of several Western New York-related bills to move through the Legislature in the dwindling days of the states legislative session.

Other measures included legislation initiated by Gov. Kathy Hochul to grant the City of Dunkirk a $13.7 million loan as it faces a $12.7 debt due by July 24; a bill allowing the Town of Amherst to lease parkland to Verizon Wireless to build a 115-foot wireless communications tower; and a bill, inspired by the death of a 12-year-old Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District student, to require school districts to create cardiac emergency response procedures.

The fate of Rivera's bill, which passed the Assembly 96 to 48 and the Senate 38 to 21, will be decided by Hochul.

Proposed state law would make Erie County its own judicial district A state lawmaker from Buffalo is sponsoring legislation to make Erie County its own judicial district and send seven other Western New York counties into a newly created "15th Judicial District."

Rivera told fellow lawmakers that out of 67 justices in the Rochester-based Appellate Division of State Supreme Courts 4th Department, which encompasses all of Western New York, just two are Black and none are Asian or Hispanic. Those numbers alone, he said, indicate a "drowning out" of those populations because they are concentrated in the counties of Erie, Monroe and Onondaga.

All three counties would become their own judicial districts under the bill, which is co-sponsored by Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, D-Queens.

Under the bill, the Buffalo-based 8th Judicial District, which now covers Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, Allegany, Orleans and Genesee counties, would just cover Erie County. The other counties would join a newly created 15th Judicial District, along with Livingston and Steuben counties.

State Senate, Assembly pass package of prison reform bills New York lawmakers were planning to pass a package of 10 bills Thursday to reform New York's embattled state prison system, including a proposal to require jailhouses to provide all video of inmate deaths to the attorney general's office within 72 hours.

On Wednesday, Erie County Republican Chair Michael Kracker said the bill was a politically motivated effort to consolidate Democratic power in one of the four counties  Erie  where election law legal challenges can be brought. Following the passage of the bill Thursday, Kracker said called it a "blatant backroom power grab." He urged Hochul to "show the courage to defend our courts and veto this disgraceful legislation," adding, "If she signs it, she will be just as complicit in this dangerous scheme to weaponize the judiciary and disenfranchise New Yorkers."

During Thursdays Assembly vote, some Republicans, including Assembly Member Andrea Bailey, R-Geneseo, whose district includes a section of Wyoming County, noted that the states unified court system had issued a statement asking the bills sponsors to wait on the proposal until 2026.

A court system spokesperson said a delay would give everyone sufficient time to consider whether this is the best way to divide the existing districts, and whether any other districts should be altered or created, which can be done only once every 10 years.

On Thursday, Rivera noted that New York law allows the State Legislature to reconfigure judicial districts every 10 years, a practice last exercised when lawmakers made Staten Island its own judicial district in 2007.

The constitution of the state of New York is clear: Its the obligation of the Legislature to do this, Rivera said. We have the responsibility to do this once every 10 years, and we have not done this in quite some time.

Rivera said the bill aims to make sure our elected judges genuinely reflect the diverse communities they represent.

Presently existing judicial district lines dilute the voices of various communities, preventing a representative judiciary from being elected, he added. By drawing districts that accurately include and empower diverse populations, we can cultivate a judiciary that better understands and serves everyone building greater public trust and delivering more equitable justice.

Some of the other Western New York-related bills passing one or both houses on Thursday included:

Dunkirk Financing

The Hochul-proposed bill to loan $13.7 million to the financially distressed City of Dunkirk at 7.5% interest, passed the Senate on Thursday and was expected to pass the Assembly. Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz said last week that the loan would "provide the city with the time and resources necessary to implement long-term financial reform without an increased tax burden to the residents."

Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, whose district includes the Chautauqua County city, noted that the bill was sponsored by two downstate lawmakers: Assembly Member Gary Pretlow, D-Mount Vernon, and Sen. Andrew Gounardes, D-Brooklyn. Three of Dunkirk's five City Council members opposed it, he said.

"Today, Albany Democrats forced through a bill that does nothing but plunge the City of Dunkirk deeper into debt, without any reform, oversight, or accountability," Borrelo said. "Not one Republican supported it, and for good reason: its not a solution, its a state-sanctioned debt trap."

Amherst Cell Tower

The bill, sponsored by Assembly Member Karen McMahon, D-Williamsville, and Sen. Sean Ryan, D-Buffalo, will allow the Town of Amherst to lease designated parkland to Verizon Wireless at 1265 Smith Road. The bill will address a "serious gap in radio service coverage for a portion of northeast Amherst," according to a memo for the bill.

The town will exchange the land for a similar plot or use the proceeds of the lease for park improvements, McMahon said. It passed the Assembly 133 to 11 and the Senate 58 to 1.

'Desha's Law'

Sen. April Baskin, D-Buffalo, sponsored the legislation, which was named after her cousin, Desha Sanders, 12, a member of the Hoover Middle School modified basketball team who collapsed during a practice and died later from cardiac arrest. Baskin, whose bill would create cardiac emergency response procedure, has noted that an automated external defibrillator, which can revive a person in cardiac arrest, was in the school on the night Desha died, but was locked up.

"Imagine the joy of watching your daughter playing basketball at her middle school gym, having fun with her teammates," Baskin said in a statement. "Now, imagine that day turning into a nightmare when disaster strikes."
U.S. begins evacuating personnel from Middle East amid fears of Israeli attack on Iran

The U.S. is partially evacuating personnel from Middle East bases amid rising tensions over fears of an unauthorized Israeli strike on Irans nuclear facilities.

Irans IRGC warns it will retaliate against U.S. bases if attacked, raising risks of a broader regional conflict.

Israel may act unilaterally against Irans nuclear program, despite U.S. reluctance, escalating the crisis.

Diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran have stalled, with Trump demanding denuclearization and Iran insisting on sanctions relief first.

Oil prices surged as markets react to evacuation news, signaling fears of a conflict disrupting critical shipping routes.

The United States has initiated a partial evacuation of non-essential personnel and military dependents from embassies and bases across the Middle East, signaling escalating tensions with Iran and fears of an unapproved Israeli strike on Tehrans nuclear facilities. The move, which was authorized by the State Department and Pentagon this week, follows President Donald Trumps accusation that Iran is deliberately stalling negotiations while continuing uranium enrichment in a direct violation of the defunct 2015 nuclear deal.

With voluntary departures already underway in Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain, the U.S. faces mounting pressure to de-escalate a crisis exacerbated by U.S. support for Israels military operations in Gaza, which Tehran and its regional proxies have condemned as genocide. Meanwhile, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned it will retaliate against U.S. bases if attacked, raising the specter of a broader regional war.

A dangerous chess game

The evacuation orders, described by Trump as precautionary, underscore Washingtons assessment that the Middle East could be a dangerous place in the coming weeks. Reports from U.S. intelligence officials suggest Israel may be preparing unilateral action against Irans nuclear sites in a scenario that the White House has neither endorsed nor outright denied.

Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq, the State Department confirmed in a statement Wednesday. CENTCOM officials emphasized readiness, stating they maintain a constant state of readiness to support any number of missions around the world at any time.

Iran, however, has dismissed U.S. concerns as fearmongering. Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and U.S. militarism only fuels instability, its UN mission declared on X, rebuffing Trumps demands for complete denuclearization.

Israels shadow war

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government has long viewed Irans nuclear program as an existential threat, and recent leaks suggest Israel may act regardless of U.S. approval. Although Netanyahus office dismissed earlier reports of coordination with Trump as fake news, analysts note that Israels past strikes on Syrian and Iraqi nuclear sites, which were conducted without warning, set a troubling precedent.

The IRGCs top brass has responded with threats. Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh vowed Iran would target all U.S. bases across the region without hesitation if provoked in a warning that aligns with Tehrans strategy of asymmetric warfare through proxy militias in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.

With nuclear talks stalled after five failed rounds in Oman, Trump admitted he is less confident about reaching a deal. His administrations hardline stance demanding that Iran halt all enrichment clashes with Tehrans insistence on sanctions relief first.

The White Houses evacuation orders may also serve as leverage, considering Trumps history of brinkmanship. Yet the risk of miscalculation looms large. Oil prices surged 4% on evacuation news, reflecting market jitters over a potential conflict that could disrupt critical shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz.

As U.S. personnel depart the region, the Trump administration is walking a tightrope between restraining Israel and deterring Iran. The Gaza conflict has already inflamed anti-American sentiment, and any military escalation could spiral into a wider war. For now, diplomacy remains the stated path, but with Tehran and Washington locked in a high-stakes standoff, the Middle East edges closer to another devastating confrontation.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

Reuters.com

AlJazeera.com
The Heretics Guide to Global Finance: A call to reimagine the financial system

The book presents a bold manifesto urging readers to reconsider their relationship with money and the institutions that control it. It contrasts the mainstream financial discourse, dominated by technical jargon and exclusionary practices, with a more radical debate driven by activists and critical academics who question the foundational principles of neoliberalism and the role of financial intermediaries in perpetuating inequality and environmental destruction.

Author Brett Scott emphasizes the need to demystify the financial system. He argues that activists often lack the technical knowledge to effectively challenge the system, relying instead on indirect methods like media campaigns. By empowering activists with financial literacy, they can directly engage with and disrupt the status quo.

Scott advocates for a "heretical" approach, encouraging readers to adopt the Hacker Ethos. This mindset involves using creativity and rebellion to reimagine the financial system, viewing "hacks" as acts of creative rewiring rather than malicious disruption. He draws parallels between financial activism and other forms of hacking, such as urban free-running and slam poetry, to inspire new ways of engaging with finance.

"The Heretic's Guide to Global Finance" is a call to action for a more just and sustainable financial system. It challenges readers to rethink their assumptions, question the status quo and envision a new way forward. Whether you're an activist or simply curious about finance, the book inspires action towards a financial system that serves people and the planet.

Brett Scott's "The Heretic's Guide to Global Finance: Hacking the Future of Money" emerges as a bold and invigorating manifesto that challenges readers to rethink their relationship with money and the institutions that govern it. (Related: The great crypto power struggle: How technocrats and governments are reshaping global finance.)

Scott takes readers on a journey through the complex and often bewildering world of global finance. The book opens with a vivid depiction of the two major debates surrounding global finance. On one side, there is the mainstream discourse, dominated by politicians, pundits and think-tanks. This debate often revolves around technical issues such as capital requirements and central banking policies, which, while important, can feel exclusionary and alienating to the average person. On the other side, a more radical debate is taking place, driven by civil society groups, direct action organizations, student campaigners and critical academics. This debate questions the very foundations of neoliberalism and the role of financial intermediaries in perpetuating inequality, consumerism and environmental destruction.

Scott's sympathies lie with the radical debate. He views it as a powerful force for change, capable of addressing the power asymmetries that are deeply embedded in the financial system. However, he acknowledges a significant obstacle: the knowledge gap. Many activists lack the technical expertise to effectively engage with the financial system, leaving them reliant on indirect methods such as media campaigns and demonstrations. Scott argues that this gap can be bridged by demystifying the financial system and empowering activists with the knowledge they need to challenge the status quo.

To achieve this, Scott advocates for a heretical approach. He encourages readers to question the insider-outsider dichotomy that keeps them on the sidelines and to adopt the Hacker Ethos. This ethos is not about malicious disruption but rather about using creativity and rebellion to reimagine the financial system. A "hack," in this context, is an act of creative re-wiring, a way to use things in ways they were not originally intended.

Scott draws parallels between financial activism and other forms of hacking, such as urban free-running and slam poetry. He believes that by embracing this mindset, we can break down barriers and find new ways to engage with the financial system. This approach is exemplified by Scott's own experiences working in mainstream finance, including his time at a start-up derivatives brokerage during the 2008 financial crisis. These experiences provided him with a firsthand understanding of the system's inner workings and the people who drive it.

Throughout the book, Scott explores several key themes that are central to his heretical approach:

Financialization: Scott argues that the increasing dominance of financial intermediaries in various aspects of society leads to a disconnect from real economic activity and creates economic bubbles that inevitably burst.

Scott argues that the increasing dominance of financial intermediaries in various aspects of society leads to a disconnect from real economic activity and creates economic bubbles that inevitably burst. Complexity and opacity: The financial system is often seen as overly complex and opaque, making it difficult for outsiders to understand. Scott suggests that this complexity is a form of protection for entrenched financial regimes.

The financial system is often seen as overly complex and opaque, making it difficult for outsiders to understand. Scott suggests that this complexity is a form of protection for entrenched financial regimes. Unethical investment: Many activists are concerned about the lack of accountability in the financial sector, particularly when it comes to environmental and social costs. Scott explores ways to disrupt investment flows into damaging projects.

Many activists are concerned about the lack of accountability in the financial sector, particularly when it comes to environmental and social costs. Scott explores ways to disrupt investment flows into damaging projects. The culture of finance: The financial sector is often criticized for its toxic culture, characterized by greed, arrogance and a lack of empathy. Scott challenges readers to look beyond stereotypes and understand the diverse motivations of financial professionals.

The financial sector is often criticized for its toxic culture, characterized by greed, arrogance and a lack of empathy. Scott challenges readers to look beyond stereotypes and understand the diverse motivations of financial professionals. The power of exploration: Scott emphasizes the importance of exploration, encouraging readers to delve into the financial system with curiosity and an open mind. He advocates for using tools like anthropology and gonzo journalism to gain a deeper understanding.

Scott emphasizes the importance of exploration, encouraging readers to delve into the financial system with curiosity and an open mind. He advocates for using tools like anthropology and gonzo journalism to gain a deeper understanding. Hacking the system: Scott proposes using the Hacker Ethos to subvert the financial system, finding creative ways to bend it to our will. He believes that by doing so, we can create positive hybrids that challenge mainstream assumptions.

Scott proposes using the Hacker Ethos to subvert the financial system, finding creative ways to bend it to our will. He believes that by doing so, we can create positive hybrids that challenge mainstream assumptions. Building alternatives: The book also explores the concept of building alternative models of finance, from decentralized crowdfunding to peer-to-peer finance and cooperative risk-sharing systems.

"The Heretic's Guide to Global Finance" is a manifesto for change. It is a call to action for anyone who believes that the financial system should serve the needs of people and the planet, not the other way around. Scott's heretical approach challenges readers to rethink their assumptions, question the status quo and imagine a new way forward. Whether you are a seasoned activist or simply curious about the world of finance, this book is a must-read. It will open your eyes to the possibilities of a more just and sustainable financial system and inspire you to take action.

Learn more about the book "The Heretic's Guide to Global Finance" by watching the video below.

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Kennedy dismantles CDC vaccine panel, appoints NEW COMMITTEE to challenge the toxic one-size-fits-all CDC mandates

In a bold move to dismantle decades of corporate-driven vaccine policy, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the complete overhaul of the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The former 17-member panellong accused of rubber-stamping Big Pharmas agendahas been replaced with eight independent scientists committed to gold-standard science, transparency, and parental autonomy. This seismic shift signals the end of coercive vaccine mandates and the beginning of a new era where individualized immune health takes precedence over profit-driven vaccine schedules and ignored vaccine injuries.

Key points:

Kennedy dissolved the CDCs ACIP, citing "decades of conflicts of interest and skewed science."

The new committee includes experts in immunology, epidemiology, and pediatric health, all vowing to prioritize safety over industry demands.

The panel will scrutinize existing vaccine schedules, demanding rigorous efficacy and safety data before endorsing any shots.

Critics of the old ACIP argue it prioritized herd immunity dogma over childrens individual neurological, cardiovascular, and immune health.

The move aligns with growing public distrust of centralized health authorities pushing toxic overloads on infants.

A legacy of corruption dismantled

For years, the CDCs ACIP operated as a revolving door for pharmaceutical insiders, green-lighting ever-expanding vaccine schedules without independent safety reviews. Kennedys decision to purge the committee echoes mounting evidence that vaccine injuriesranging from autoimmune disorders to neurodevelopmental delayshave been systematically ignored.

Dr. Robert Malone, a pioneer of mRNA technology and newly appointed ACIP member, has long warned that vaccines are not synonymous with immunization. "The immune system is not a one-size-fits-all mechanism," Malone stated. "Forcing 90+ doses of aluminum, formaldehyde, and viral proteins into infants is not medicineits malpractice."

The new committee includes heavyweights like Martin Kulldorff, a Harvard-trained epidemiologist who exposed flaws in COVID-19 vaccine surveillance, and Dr. Cody Meissner, a pediatric infectious disease specialist who has openly criticized the CDCs dismissal of natural immunity. Their mandate is clear: restore scientific integrity by ending the reckless dosing of children with aluminum-adjuvant-based vaccines.

The myth of herd immunity vs. individual health

The old ACIPs allegiance to "herd immunity" propaganda has crumbled under scrutiny. Historical data reveals that infectious disease mortality plummeted due to sanitation and nutritionnot vaccinesyet health authorities continue to scapegoat the unvaccinated for outbreaks.

Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, a psychiatrist and NIH researcher joining the new panel, has published extensively on how heavy metals and adjuvants disrupt neurodevelopment.

"The current schedule has never been tested for synergistic toxicity," Hibbeln warned. "Were injecting generations of children with untested chemical cocktails and calling it prevention."

Meanwhile, Retsef Levi, an MIT risk management expert, will analyze vaccine manufacturing flaws. His prior research exposed mRNA vaccine links to cardiovascular injuriesa finding buried by regulators. "If the FDA and CDC had done their jobs, we wouldnt need this overhaul," Levi remarked.

New ACIP members

Dr. Joseph R. Hibbeln

Credentials: Psychiatrist, neuroscientist, former NIH Section Chief (Nutritional Neurosciences).

Expertise: Immune regulation, neurodevelopment, maternal/child health, public health policy.

Notable: 120+ publications, federal advisory roles.

Dr. Martin Kulldorff

Credentials: Biostatistician, epidemiologist (ex-Harvard), FDA/CDC advisor.

Expertise: Vaccine safety, disease surveillance (developed SaTScan/TreeScan).

Notable: Advocated evidence-based pandemic policies.

Dr. Retsef Levi

Credentials: MIT Professor (Operations Management), healthcare analytics expert.

Expertise: Vaccine safety, mRNA vaccine risks (co-authored studies on cardiovascular effects).

Notable: Advised on manufacturing, AI in public health.

Dr. Robert W. Malone

Credentials: Physician-scientist, biochemist (ex-UC Davis, UMD).

Expertise: mRNA vaccine pioneer (1980s lipid-mRNA research).

Notable: DOD/HHS advisor, critiques current vaccine policies.

Dr. Cody Meissner

Credentials: Pediatric infectious disease specialist (Dartmouth).

Expertise: Vaccine policy (ex-ACIP/FDA committee voting member).

Notable: Shaped AAP immunization guidelines.

Dr. James Pagano

Credentials: Emergency physician (40+ years, UCLA-trained).

Expertise: Clinical care across age groups, hospital committees.

Notable: Advocate for evidence-based medicine.

Dr. Vicky Pebsworth

Credentials: Public health nurse, bioethicist (45+ years in healthcare).

Expertise: Vaccine safety (ex-FDA VRBPAC, NVAC H1N1 working groups).

Notable: National Association of Catholic Nurses leader.

Dr. Michael A. Ross

Credentials: OB/GYN professor (GWU, VCU), womens health researcher.

Expertise: HPV vaccination, cancer prevention, immunology trials.

Notable: Advised ACOG, CDC cancer prevention committees.

A new paradigm: informed choice over coercion

The committees most radical departure from the past? Rejecting coercion. Unlike its predecessor, the new ACIP will not push blanket mandates but instead provide families with unbiased risk-benefit data.

Vicky Pebsworth, a nurse and bio-ethicist on the panel, emphasized, "Parents have the right to refuse medical interventions without punishment. Schools and employers must stop acting as enforcers for pharmaceutical companies."

Kennedys overhaul also opens the door for alternative immune-strengthening strategies, such as vitamin D optimization, early at-home treatments, and holistic pediatric carepractices once vilified by the medical establishment. Parents can be better equipped to help their child through any infection, and should have equal access to things like lysosomal vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, quercetin, licorice root, goldenseal, elderberry, along with a host of immune boosting strategies.

As Kennedy declared, "This is the end of trust the experts without evidence. The new ACIP will serve the people, not the corporations."

Sources include:

Infowars.com

X.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
Meta acquires $14.8B stake in Scale AI as Zuckerberg pushes for AI supremacy

Meta acquires 49% of Scale AI for $14.8B, integrating CEO Alexandr Wang into its new "Superintelligence" initiative.

Zuckerbergs high-stakes bet aims to close Metas AI gap against rivals like OpenAI and Google.

Scale AIs data-labeling expertise addresses Metas innovation bottleneck in AI training.

Metas AGI ambitions face regulatory risks and fierce competition as Big Tech spends $320B+ on AI.

Critics warn Metas open-source strategy may have slowed progress, while rivals advance with proprietary models.

Meta Platforms is acquiring a 49% stake in Scale AI for $14.8 billion, according to reports confirmed this week. The deal, finalized after days of speculation, includes Scale AIs CEO Alexandr Wang joining Metas newly formed "Superintelligence" initiative in a high-stakes gamble by Mark Zuckerberg to accelerate the companys lagging AI progress.

With Big Tech firms projected to pour $320 billion into AI infrastructure this year, Metas investment signals a desperate push to compete against rivals like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, all vying to dominate the next frontier of machine intelligence.

Metas AI struggles prompt drastic action

Metas aggressive pivot comes amid growing frustration over its AI divisions performance. Despite releasing its Llama AI models and integrating AI across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, the company has faced internal turmoil, employee attrition, and underwhelming product launches. Reports indicate Zuckerberg was particularly incensed when external researchers debunked Metas claims that its latest AI models outperformed competitors.

The Scale AI acquisition mirrors Metas past high-risk bets, such as its $19 billion WhatsApp buyouta deal that was initially mocked but later vindicated. This time, however, Zuckerberg isnt betting on a social media app but on the lifeblood of AI development: data. Scale AI specializes in labeling and refining datasets used to train advanced AI systems, serving clients like OpenAI and Microsoft. By securing Scales expertise, Meta aims to address its innovation gap in data processing, a critical bottleneck in AI advancement.

The rise of "superintelligence" and Big Techs spending spree

Zuckerbergs ambitions extend beyond conventional AI. The new "Superintelligence" lab will pursue artificial general intelligence (AGI)machines matching human cognitive abilitiesand beyond. Computer scientist Ben Goertzel, founder of SingularityNET, predicts AGI could emerge within three years, calling decentralization key to its ethical development. Yet Meta, like its peers, is racing to centralize control, with Bloomberg reporting AI capital expenditures surging 16% in 2025 alone.

The Scale AI deal also highlights Silicon Valleys talent wars. Meta has reportedly offered seven- to nine-figure packages to poach researchers from OpenAI and Google, while Wangs recruitment underscores Zuckerbergs faith in young, ambitious leaders. At 28, Wang lacks the academic pedigree of AI luminaries like Metas Yann LeCun but brings political savvy, having lobbied the Trump administration for increased AI investment to counter China.

Metas strategy isnt without risks. The Federal Trade Commissions ongoing scrutiny of its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp could complicate the Scale AI deal. Meanwhile, rivals are advancing rapidly: OpenAI is preparing GPT-5, while Google and Amazon invest billions in Anthropic and other startups. Scale AIs own revenue shortfalls raise questions about its long-term viability as synthetic data gains traction.

Critics argue Meta is playing catch-up after years of open-sourcing its AI toolsa strategy championed by LeCun but one that may have ceded ground to proprietary rivals. "Data is a moving target," warned Anyscales Robert Nishihara, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation. Competitors like Turing CEO Jonathan Siddharth already report increased interest from clients wary of Scales Meta ties, suggesting the deal could backfire by alienating Scales existing partners.

Metas $14.8 billion wager on Scale AI reflects Zuckerbergs determination to avoid being sidelined in the AI revolution. Whether the investment yields breakthroughs or becomes another costly misstep hinges on Wangs leadership, regulatory hurdles, and Metas ability to retain top talent amid fierce competition. As Big Techs AI spending eclipses $320 billion this year, the race for superintelligence is clearly accelerating.

Sources for this article include:

CoinTelegraph.com

NYTimes.com

TechCrunch.com
Miller: LA Mayor explicitly threatening MORE mob violence and insurrection

(Article by Steve Watson republished from Modernity.news)

During a press briefing Tuesday, Bass inferred that unless ICE withdraws and stops operating in LA, the rioting will be allowed to carry on.

Bass blamed President Trump for the uprising, stating We need to stop the (ICE) raids, and adding This was chaos that was started by Washington, D.C.

MAYOR KAREN BASS: "We need to stop the raids." "This was chaos that was started by Washington, D.C." pic.twitter.com/OQS11FqZ5z  Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 10, 2025

Miller responded, The threat being made here by Mayor Bass is explicit. The Mayor of LA is effectively saying the mob violence is caused by the mere presence of ICE in the city and the violence against ICE will not stop unless federal law enforcement is withdrawn from the city.

Then came the kicker from Miller.

This is the definition of insurrection. LA and CA leadership demand the right to illegally import unlimited foreigners into America, to control Americas entire immigration policy by fiat  and if they are not so permitted they will allow mobs to target ICE with impunity, he urged.

Miller further asserted Los Angeles and California are demanding the nullification of the election results, of federal law, of national sovereignty, and of the bedrock constitutional command of one national government.

The threat being made here by Mayor Bass is explicit. The Mayor of LA is effectively saying the mob violence is caused by the mere presence of ICE in the city and the violence against ICE will not stop unless federal law enforcement is withdrawn from the city. This is the https://t.co/actyYUoxHw  Stephen Miller (@StephenM) June 10, 2025

"If you stop enforcing the law people will stop rioting" might be the most Democrat Take I have ever heard...  Jason Robertson (@JRobFromMN) June 10, 2025

"If you try and stop us from breaking the law, we'll break the law more." - Karen Bass, basically.  ForAmerica (@ForAmerica) June 10, 2025

Hmm, wonder where Bass got such an idea. While supporting Castro perhaps? pic.twitter.com/3VvOvF6Uce  Jeff Hallett (@jeff_hallett) June 10, 2025

There is a federal law to deal with insurrection, you may have heard of it.

President Trump again stated Tuesday that he will invoke the Insurrection Act if the rioting escalates.

If theres an insurrection, I would certainly invoke itIf we didnt get involved, right now Los Angeles would be burning just like it was burning a number of months agoWe are not playing around Trump proclaimed.

.@POTUS on the rioting in Los Angeles: "If there's an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it... If we didn't get involved, right now Los Angeles would be burning just like it was burning a number of months ago... We are not playing around." pic.twitter.com/UAGSJKSDuI  Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 10, 2025

Read more at: Modernity.news
New Jersey partnering with Vaccine Industrial Complex to create vaccine registry like theyre Adolf Hitler during the Third Reich

Attention all humans who are fully unvaccinated, you will comply with the VIC or suffer the consequences during the next plandemic, according to the state of New Jersey. All names of humanoids who are not in the Nazi-style  vaccine registry  will be flagged for medical insurrection by the vaccine cult of New Jersey, if lawmakers get their way and get the new bill passed thats advancing toward a statewide digital database of the clot shot jabbed zombies. No consent for you anymore in New Jersey. No privacy of personal health information. The state owns you and your children. Well, maybe soon.

New Jersey Moves to Automatically Enroll Residents in State Vaccine Registry, Sparking Privacy Debate

New Jersey lawmakers are advancing a bill that would automatically enroll anyone receiving a vaccine into a statewide digital database, eliminating the current opt-in requirement and fueling concerns over privacy and government oversight of personal health data.

The measure, Senate Bill 1956, recently passed the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee in a 5-3 party-line vote, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. If enacted, it would overhaul the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS), transitioning it from a partially voluntary program to one of mandatory inclusion for all vaccine recipients, regardless of age.

Currently, only individuals born after January 1, 1998, are automatically enrolled unless a parent or guardian opts out. All others must provide explicit consent. The proposed legislation would remove these age restrictions, requiring no prior approval for inclusion.

The push stems from a pandemic-era executive order signed by Governor Phil Murphy in December 2020, shortly before the FDA granted emergency authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. That temporary measure is now poised to become permanent law as Murphy, who cannot seek reelection, nears the end of his term.

While the bill does not mandate vaccinations or restrict medical or religious exemptions, it includes a contentious provision: during a public health emergencyor when officials declare an outbreak or threat of onethe state health commissioner could suspend opt-out rights for specific vaccines and timeframes. Critics argue this grants excessive authority to override individual choice.

Supporters, including Senator Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex), the bills sponsor, contend that automatic enrollment will improve public health efficiency. This ensures accurate immunization records and helps officials identify gaps in coverage, Vitale said. Proponents cite similar systems in states like New York, where digital tracking has been used for years.

Opponents, however, warn of government overreach. Privacy advocates argue the bill erodes personal autonomy by consolidating sensitive health data without guaranteed opt-out protections, particularly during emergencies.

Historically, vaccine registries have existed since the 1990s, initially targeting childhood immunizations to prevent outbreaks of diseases like measles and polio. But expansions into universal, automated enrollmentespecially post-COVIDhave reignited debates over surveillance, consent, and state power.

As the bill heads to the full Senate, the debate reflects broader tensions between public health priorities and individual privacy rightsa balancing act that will likely shape policy far beyond New Jersey.

For now, residents await further legislative action, watching closely to see whether the states approach becomes a modelor a cautionary tale. Bookmark Vaccines.news to your favorite independent websites for updates on the Vaccine Industrial Complex pretending like theyre Adolf Hitler during the Third Reich.

Sources for this article include:

Pandemic.news

NaturalNews.com

Reclaimthenet.org
Russia unveils multipolar world education model to compete with failing Western education systems

As nations grapple with rising geopolitical tensions and ideological divides, Russia is positioning itself as a leader in reshaping global education promoting a vision that rejects Western hegemony and champions national sovereignty. At the Shaping the Future forum in Kazan, Russian officials unveiled an "ideal school" model designed to cultivate a new generation of students who will contribute to a "multipolar world." But beneath the rhetoric of cooperation lies a bold assertion of influence, raising urgent questions about the future of education and the geopolitical power struggle unfolding behind the scenes.

Key points:

Russia introduces the "Eurasian Lyceum" model, emphasizing non-politicized education, cultural preservation, and vocational training.

The initiative targets "friendly nations," particularly in the Global South, offering infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development.

Officials frame the program as a counter to Western dominance, promoting "genuine sovereignty" rather than dependence.

Critics warn this could be a soft power play, embedding Russian influence in developing nations' education systems.

Vladimir Putin emphasizes education as a tool for national identity, economic growth, and resistance to "Western-centric" ideologies.

A new Cold War in the classroom?

Russias push for a "multipolar" education system is not merely an academic exerciseits a calculated geopolitical maneuver. Education Minister Aleksey Kravtsov touted Russias top-tier academic rankings and Olympiad dominance as proof of its systems superiority. But the real message was clear: Moscow is offering an alternative to what it sees as Western ideological indoctrination.

"We do not offer dependence, we offer sovereignty," declared Yevgeny Primakov, head of Rossotrudnichestvo, Russias humanitarian agency. His words echo a broader Kremlin narrative that paints the West as a neocolonial force, imposing its values through institutions like the UN and Western-funded NGOs. By contrast, Russias modelbuilt on "non-politicization, relevance, and transparency"claims to empower nations to craft their own destinies.

Yet skeptics argue this is doublespeak. Historically, education has been a battleground for ideological influence. The Soviet Union once exported Marxist-Leninist curricula to satellite states; today, Russias "Eurasian Lyceum" could serve a similar functionsubtly aligning nations with Moscows worldview while resisting Western liberal norms that have perverted education.

Sovereignty or subversion?

Primakovs examplesbuilding schools in remote regions, integrating cultural heritage, and prioritizing vocational trainingsound noble. But the devil is in the details. Early vocational training, for instance, could steer students away from critical humanities and toward technical fields that align with Russias economic partnerships (think energy and defense). Meanwhile, "non-politicization" may mean sidelining discussions on democracy, human rights, or LGBTQ+ issuestopics often censored in Russia itself.

Vladimir Putins forum address doubled down on this vision, framing education as a tool to "strengthen national identity" against the tide of globalization. His emphasis on "digital integration" and AI raises another question: Will Russian-backed schools promote homegrown tech over Western platforms, further isolating these nations from Silicon Valleys influence?

The Global Souths dilemma

For developing nations, Russias offer is tempting. Unlike Western aid, which often comes with strings attached (governance reforms, austerity measures), Moscow promises autonomy. But autonomy at what cost? Accepting Russian-built schools and curricula could deepen dependency on Kremlin-aligned institutions, much like Chinas Belt and Road Initiative creates debt traps under the guise of infrastructure investment.

The timing is also suspect. With Russia facing unprecedented isolation over Ukraine, expanding its educational footprint may be a desperate bid to cement alliances. As one analyst noted, "Education is the ultimate long gameshape the minds of todays youth, and you control tomorrows leaders."

Russias education offensive is more than philanthropyits a strategic gambit in a high-stakes battle for global influence. While the West lectures on "democratic values," Moscow is building schools, training teachers, and crafting curricula that could shape the next generations loyalties. The question isnt just whether nations will accept Russias modelits whether the West will wake up before its too late.

Sources include:

RT.com

EN.Kremlin.ru

EN.SputnikNews.africa
Segregated by shots: How vaccine mandates push unvaccinated teens to the brink of suicide

In the name of "public health," schools across America are waging a silent war against unvaccinated students forcing medically exempt children out of classrooms, stripping them of social connections, and pushing many to the edge of despair. While bureaucrats hide behind flawed science and fearmongering, evidence mounts that these exclusionary policies are fueling a mental health crisis among teens, with suicide rates skyrocketing in districts that punish students for their vaccination status. This isnt just about vaccinesits about a system of bullying and mass compliance that trades childrens lives and mental well-being to appease an industry that thrives on control, abuse, false guilt, and false narratives about health.

Key points:

Schools are barring students with medical exemptions from attending class, despite no evidence they pose a greater health risk than vaccinated peers.

These acts of segregation are rooted in lies and false guilt, wrongfully punishing students who pose no threat to their peers.

Experts warn these policies mirror disciplinary suspensions, isolating teens and increasing depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

Youth suicides spiked during COVID-era school closures, yet administrators ignore the psychological toll of vaccine segregation.

Legal battles expose how states like New York revoke valid medical exemptions, violating federal disability and education rights.

Rigid mandates force vulnerable kids to choose between vaccine injury or losing access to educationa cruel and unconstitutional ultimatum.

The mandates also pit kids against their parents, as school systems and their administrators believe they are in control over private medical decisions of families.

The hidden toll of vaccine segregation

Karl Kanthak, a researcher and expert witness in vaccine exemption lawsuits, describes school policies as "reckless," noting that administrators "have no idea what the students mental status is" when they exile them from campus. Functionally, he argues, these exclusions are "identical to a disciplinary suspension or expulsionif not worse," since the student committed no offense. The parallels are chilling: Studies show school suspensions correlate with higher self-harm rates, and CDC data confirms exclusionary policies amplify depression. Yet, while Swedens decision to keep schools open saw youth suicides decline, U.S. districts doubled down on punitive measureswith tragic results.

In Nevadas Clark County, 18 students took their own lives during pandemic lockdowns, prompting schools to reopen. But the damage was done. Meanwhile, Washington State officials dodged questions about whether they consulted mental health experts before enacting vaccine exclusion rules. "Everyones afraid of questioning vaccines," Kanthak said, "because youll be labeled anti-vax."

Medical exemptions under attack

New York attorney Sujata Gibson has witnessed firsthand how revoking medical exemptions destroys families. "Medically fragile kids are forced into impossible choiceslike risking vaccine injury or losing education," she said. One client, Sarah Doe, was barred from school despite seven doctors affirming her exemption due to severe health risks. Once a star athlete, she now battles depression and rarely leaves bed. "The state is intentionally removing protective factors," Kanthak added, "without warning parents of the danger."

New Yorks 2019 elimination of religious exemptions was justified as protecting medically vulnerable students. Instead, the state now rejects valid exemptionsa bait-and-switch that Gibson calls "reckless." Childrens Health Defense is fighting back with lawsuits, arguing such policies violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. "Denying education to these kids isnt just cruel," Gibson said. "Its illegal."

A system built on fear, not science

The hypocrisy is glaring: If unvaccinated students were truly a threat, schools would provide alternative education. Instead, theyre abandonedleft to spiral without academic or social support. Kanthak traces this hysteria to the 2016 mumps outbreak, where vaccinated students spread the virus, yet schools scapegoated the exempt. One excluded teen later died by suicide, exposing the policys brutality.

Hayden Longs story is a grim parallel. The Ohio honors student killed himself after a baseless suspension. "Rigid vaccine policies risk the same tragedies," Gibson warned. "We need compassion, not dogma."

The solution? Abolish mandates that treat kids as bio-hazards. Restore parental rights. And remember: A society that segregates children for refusing medical risks is one that has lost its moral compass.

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

ChildrensHealthDefense.org
Senior recruiter for Ukraines military KILLED in car bombing

Col. Oleg Nomerovsky, a senior Ukrainian military recruitment official, was killed in a car explosion in Odessa on June 6. Investigators suspect a remote-triggered assassination, though no group has claimed responsibility.

The attack highlights growing domestic tensions over Ukraine's aggressive mobilization efforts, including forced detentions (dubbed "busification") and deceptive recruitment practices, which have drawn criticism from human rights groups and figures like Elon Musk.

Facing dwindling volunteers, Ukraine has introduced financial incentives (e.g., $24,000 for a year of service) and lowered the conscription age to 25 while tightening penalties for evasion. Recruitment officers reportedly face pressure to meet quotas, sometimes resorting to coercive methods.

Russian President Vladimir Putin contrasted Ukraine's forced conscription with Russia's volunteer-based system, while Ukrainian officials dismiss criticism as "Russian propaganda." Viral videos of forced detentions have sparked outrage.

The killing raises questions about whether it reflects isolated retaliation or broader resistance to mobilization. As Ukraine struggles to replenish troops, the incident underscores deepening societal divisions over conscription, potentially straining the war effort.

A senior Ukrainian military recruitment officer was killed Friday, June 6, in a car explosion in Ukraine's southwestern Odessa region.

Col. Oleg Nomerovsky, a top official at a regional military enlistment center, died when his vehicle was detonated in Odessa's Berezovsky District. Investigators confirmed that the blast was likely triggered remotely, with a deliberate assassination being insinuated. While other outliers have not publicly identified the victim, local media named Nomerovsky as the deceased and linked him to the region's military recruitment office.

The Friday bombing marked the latest escalation in tensions over Kyiv's increasingly aggressive conscription tactics. It underscores growing domestic backlash against Ukraine's forced mobilization efforts, which have drawn condemnation from human rights advocates and even criticism from Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk.

Kyiv's conscription practices include forcibly detaining men in public spaces. Ukrainians have dubbed this tactic "busification," referencing the unmarked vans used to round up recruits. Lt. Gen. Ivan Gavrilyuk, Ukraine's deputy defense minister, called the strategy a "shameful phenomenon."

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has dismissed criticism of its recruitment strategy as "Russian propaganda." In response to dwindling volunteer numbers, Kyiv has launched a new campaign targeting men aged 18 to 24, offering a one-time payment of one million Ukrainian hryvnia ($24,000) for a year of service. However, critics slammed the move as an attempt to incentivize enlistment amid widespread resistance.

Ukraine's controversial conscription tactics spark outrage

Since 2022, Ukraine has enforced a general mobilization order that bars most men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country. Earlier this year, the minimum conscription age was lowered from 27 to 25, and penalties for draft evasion were tightened.

Ukrainian People's Deputy Yury Kamelchuk revealed that recruitment officers are under pressure to meet daily quotas. The lawmaker with President Volodymyr Zelensky's Servant of the People Party added that recruiters sometimes resort to deceptive tactics, such as luring food couriers with fake delivery requests. Videos circulating online show soldiers dragging unwilling men into vans, sparking outrage both domestically and internationally. (Related: FORCED CONSCRIPTION: Ukrainian troops are KIDNAPPING ethnic Hungarians to be deployed to the front lines.)

Russian President Vladimir Putin seized on the controversy, contrasting Ukraine's forced conscription with Russia's volunteer-based enlistment. "They are catching 30,000 people [per month] there now, and we have 50,000 to 60,000 a month enlisting willingly," he said.

Meanwhile, Musk reacted to one viral clip of a food courier being forcibly detained by military recruiters. He previously questioned Ukraine's mobilization policy in November, writing at the time: "How many more need to die?"

Nomerovsky's killing raises questions about whether the attack was an isolated act of retaliation or part of a broader pattern of resistance against Ukraine's conscription drive. With no claim of responsibility, speculation persists over whether dissidents, Russian operatives or other factions were behind the explosion. As the war grinds on and Ukraine struggles to replenish its forces, the incident highlights the deepening societal fractures over mobilization  a challenge that could further strain Kyiv's war effort.

Watch this clip that contrasts Ukraine's draconian military recruitment with Zelensky's claims of the country being "democratic."

This video is from the CADKIAH channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Young male Ukrainians hide in their homes after fears of forced conscription.

Kiev's last gamble: Ukraine eyes teens and women as cannon fodder in desperate push for manpower.

Assassination of top Putin adviser's daughter by suspected Ukrainian operatives puts Europe on hair-trigger for World War III.

Sources include:

RT.com

News.LaoDong.vn

Brighteon.com
U.S. braces for nationwide insurrection as radical left prepares Day of Rage in multiple cities

"No Kings" Protests Escalate : Authorities brace for violent far-left protests in 50+ cities, fearing activists aim to provoke another "George Floyd moment" inciting clashes with law enforcement.

: Authorities brace for violent far-left protests in 50+ cities, fearing activists aim to provoke another "George Floyd moment" inciting clashes with law enforcement. Radical Lefts "Do-or-Die" Strategy : Analysts warn protesters seek a Kent State-style incidentsuch as troops firing on crowdsto justify mass unrest and sway public opinion against Trumps potential reelection.

: Analysts warn protesters seek a Kent State-style incidentsuch as troops firing on crowdsto justify mass unrest and sway public opinion against Trumps potential reelection. Military & Police on High Alert : Marines are deployed in LA after riots; officials hint at aggressive rules of engagement, including live fire, if federal property is attacked, amid declining public tolerance for violence.

: Marines are deployed in LA after riots; officials hint at aggressive rules of engagement, including live fire, if federal property is attacked, amid declining public tolerance for violence. False-Flag & Global Risks : Intelligence suggests agitators may stage fake attacks to frame law enforcement, while global tensions (Iran, Russia, China) could exploit U.S. instability for strategic gains.

: Intelligence suggests agitators may stage fake attacks to frame law enforcement, while global tensions (Iran, Russia, China) could exploit U.S. instability for strategic gains. Citizen Preparedness Urged: With July 4 looming, security agencies advise avoiding protests, stocking emergency supplies, and monitoring local alerts amid warnings of urban warfare and economic collapse.

Authorities are on high alert ahead of planned "No Kings" protests in over 50 cities this weekend, with fears that far-left activists will escalate violence to manufacture another "George Floyd moment" ahead of the 2024 election.

Imminent Domestic Turmoil

Federal and local law enforcement agencies are preparing for what could become one of the most explosive weekends in recent U.S. history as far-left groups mobilize under the banner "No Kings"a direct challenge to President Trumps military celebration on his birthday, June 14. Intelligence suggests the demonstrations could spiral into violent clashes, with agitators aiming to provoke a law enforcement crackdown that could be spun into nationwide outrage.

According to security analyst Matt Bracken, the radical left views this as a "do-or-die" moment, fearing a loss of political influence if Trump secures another term. "Theyre looking for their George Floyd momentanother Kent State incidentto justify mass unrest," Bracken warned. "They want footage of federal troops firing on protesters to ignite the country."

Law Enforcement on the Brink

The Pentagon has already deployed Marines to secure federal buildings in Los Angeles, where riots earlier this week saw protestors assault police and torch vehicles. A city-wide curfew is in effect, but concerns remain about enforcement. Analysts suggest that if violence escalates, the military and police may adopt aggressive rules of engagement, including live fire against rioters attacking federal property.

"The American people are fed up with lawlessness," said one federal official speaking anonymously. "If Marines have to defend themselves against Molotov cocktails, the public wont side with the rioters." Polls indicate declining sympathy for violent demonstrations, with many conservatives and moderates favoring a zero-tolerance stance against urban insurrections.

Risk of False Flags and Escalation

Amid the domestic unrest, intelligence sources warn that bad actors within protest movements could stage false-flag attackseither to justify a crackdown or to frame law enforcement as aggressors. "They need a bloody incident to galvanize their base," said a DHS analyst. "Don't rule out agitators posing as Marines or National Guard to fake a massacre."

The timing coincides with heightened global tensions, including:

Iran Threatens U.S. Bases : Tehran has vowed to strike American installations if Israel attacks its nuclear facilitiesa scenario the White House is reportedly scrambling to prevent.

: Tehran has vowed to strike American installations if Israel attacks its nuclear facilitiesa scenario the White House is reportedly scrambling to prevent. Russias Next Move : Moscow has yet to retaliate for Ukraines drone strikes on Russian airfields, raising fears of a sudden escalation.

: Moscow has yet to retaliate for Ukraines drone strikes on Russian airfields, raising fears of a sudden escalation. Chinas Opportunism: Beijing could exploit U.S. internal divisions to move on Taiwan or launch cyberattacks.

A Nation on Edge

With the July 4 holiday loominganother high-risk date for mass gatherings and potential attackssecurity agencies are urging vigilance. Citizens are advised to:

Avoid protest zones.

Secure emergency supplies (food, water, medical kits).

Monitor local law enforcement directives.

"This isnt just about protestsits about a coordinated assault on Americas stability," warned retired Lt. Colonel Michael Roberts. "If this spirals, we could see a perfect storm of urban warfare, economic collapse, and global conflict."

As the weekend approaches, the U.S. stands at a crossroadsone that could redefine its future.

Watch the June 12 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about how Trump is now facing a four-front war that could end America as we know it.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Marines deployed to Los Angeles as left-wing insurrection spreads, threatening civil war

Trump mobilizes the military to CRUSH INSURRECTION and LIBERATE L.A. as left-wing agitators and democrats fuel the chaos

Trump considers deploying marines amid LA unrest as experts warn of nationwide protests

Sources include:

Brighteon.com
The judge presiding over Payton Gendrons federal case granted a defense request Thursday for additional time to file more suppression motions, but it came with a warning: Start meeting deadlines, because his patience is wearing thin.

Im getting concerned about time limits Im setting not getting adhered to, U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo said in court.

The defense teams request for a deadline extension to file more suppression motions came on Monday  the day all the suppression motions were due  prompting Vilardo to schedule Thursdays court proceeding.

Its hard to believe the defense knew they wouldnt meet the June 9 deadline until 5 p.m. on June 9, Vilardo said. You waited to the day they were due to get more time.

Defense lawyers have filed six suppression motions, so far, seeking to restrict evidence against the man who killed 10 people and injured three others in his racist attack at the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue on May 14, 2022.

As many as seven other motions remain to be filed, and Vilardo gave defense lawyers until June 27 to file them.

So far, the defense team has filed motions to suppress evidence from Gendrons Facebook, Snapchat and Google accounts, as well as from his SUNY Broome email account and from his iPhone and laptop. Another motion seeks to suppress his statements.

Assistant Federal Public Defender Sonya A. Zoghlin apologized to Vilardo for seeking to extend the suppression deadline at the last minute.

But she pointed to her frustration over how the government has turned over thousands of pages of FBI reports and other documents as part of the pretrial discovery process of sharing information with the defense, adding that the defense lacks attachments to some of the search warrants that authorized federal agents to seize evidence.

At every turn, the discovery remains a scavenger hunt for us, Zoghlin said.

Tops gunman's defense team seeks trial delay after ill lawyer drops out of case A lawyer has withdrawn from Payton Gendron's defense team after receiving a life-threatening medical diagnosis, and that could push the start of the Tops gunman's death penalty trial further into next year.

Vilardo said he has sympathy for the demands placed on the defense team, especially given that one of its lawyers dropped out of the case after being diagnosed with a serious illness.

The judge has indicated some flexibility to the trial start date.

That doesnt mean were going to put this on a calendar that goes ad infinitum, Vilardo said.

Were going to move this case, he added.

The start of in-court jury selection has been tentatively scheduled to begin Jan. 5, although Vilardo has said that date had not been set in stone.

Differences over discovery between prosecutors and defense lawyers have come up several times in the past year, most notably in December, when the defense team said it would have to start from scratch reviewing FBI reports, search warrants and other documents. The defense lawyers said at the time that the government released a new batch of records that included previously released records  but with different reference numbers, so there was no way for the defense lawyers to link them to the previously disclosed pages.

Senior Litigator MaryBeth Covert, a member of the defense team, said in court Thursday that the government has not released all of the records the defense is entitled to.

Vilardo assigned one of his law clerks to meet with prosecutors and defense lawyers to try and resolve the discovery dispute. They meet once this week, and then at least twice next week and twice the following week.

We come here every few weeks and hear the defense say one thing, and the government say another, Vilardo said.

Im sure theres a little fault on both sides, he said of the discovery dispute.

Judge refuses to dismiss death penalty option over grand jury questions in Tops massacre case A federal judge Tuesday rejected Payton Gendrons motion to dismiss the death penalty as a potential punishment because of what his lawyers called the government's abuse of the grand jury process.

Our overall theme is to adhere to any trial date youre going to set, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Tripi told Vilardo in court. We think deadlines have to be met.

Vilardo said any future requests for deadline extensions would require a compelling reason to be granted.

You have to get the motions in when the motions are due, Vilardo said.

Vilardo said he understands the desire for defense lawyers to comb through documents as thoroughly as possible when forming their suppression requests.

There comes a point where you stop looking and start writing, he said.

Gendron was not in court for Thursdays proceeding.
U.S. defense budget cuts Ukraine funding as Trump pushes for negotiated peace with Russia

The Trump administration is slashing U.S. military aid to Ukraine, prioritizing domestic needs and pushing Kyiv to negotiate with Russia.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed budget cuts, marking a sharp departure from Bidens unrestricted funding for Ukraine.

Ukraine faces critical air defense shortages as Russia intensifies attacks, while the U.S. diverted 20,000 anti-drone missiles to Middle East forces.

Critics warn aid cuts will embolden Russia, while supporters argue endless war wastes American resources and Ukrainian lives.

Trumps shift reflects a broader strategy to focus on U.S. interests, particularly countering China, leaving Europe to fill the gap in Ukraine support.

The United States is dramatically reducing military aid to Ukraine as the Trump administration takes a hardline "America first" approach, redirecting funds toward domestic priorities while pushing Kyiv to negotiate an end to its losing war with Russia.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the budget cuts before Congress this week, signaling a departure from the Biden administrations blank-check policy toward Ukraine.

"It is a reduction in this budget," Hegseth told lawmakers during a House Appropriations Committee hearing on June 10. "This administration takes a very different view of that conflict."

The Pentagon has not yet released full details of the 2026 defense budget, but Hegseth emphasized that the Trump administration prioritizes a diplomatic resolution over endless warfare. "We believe that a negotiated peaceful settlement is in the best interest of both parties and our nation's interests, especially with all the competing interests around the globe," he said.

The move comes as Ukraine faces severe shortages in air defenses amid relentless Russian missile and drone attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly begged Washington for more weapons, even during a recent visit to the Vatican. Yet instead of bolstering Ukraines arsenal, the Trump administration diverted 20,000 anti-drone missiles originally earmarked for Kyiv to U.S. forces in the Middle East, according to Zelensky.

Ending the blank checks

Under Biden, the U.S. sent over $66 billion in military aid to Ukraine, often with little oversight or accountability. Vice President J.D. Vance blasted the previous administrations reckless spending, accusing Biden of sending "$300 billion to Ukraine" without pushing for a diplomatic solution.

Now, Trump is halting the gravy train. In March, his administration paused all military aid shipments to Ukraine, pressuring Zelensky to negotiate. The Ukrainian leader, who once won elections on promises of peace, now faces dwindling Western support as his forces lose ground to Russia.

Critics warn that cutting aid will embolden Moscow. Oleksandr Merezhko, the head of Ukraines parliamentary foreign affairs committee, claimed reductions would "lead to more casualties on the Ukrainian side, including among civilians." But supporters argue that prolonging a losing war only wastes American resources while putting Ukrainian lives at risk.

Peace talks stall as war rages

Despite Trumps push for diplomacy, ceasefire talks have stalled. Ukraine agreed to a U.S.-proposed 30-day truce in March, but Russia has refused to sign off. Meanwhile, Moscow continues its brutal offensive, advancing in eastern Ukraine and pounding cities with ballistic missiles.

Ukrainian officials admit they are bracing for a "painful" reduction in U.S. support. Some lawmakers, like Oleksiy Goncharenko, claim the cuts contradict Trumps goal of ending the war. But Hegseth countered that endless U.S. funding makes no strategic sense. "The alternative of endless war that is largely funded by the United States and fought by Ukrainians, for which the Russians have unlimited resources to continue to pour in, does not make sense strategically for the United States," he said.

The Trump administrations pivot reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing U.S. interests over foreign entanglements. Hegseth emphasized redirecting resources toward countering China, which he called the "pacing threat" in the Indo-Pacific.

European allies, long reliant on American military leadership, are scrambling to fill the gap. But for Trump, the message is clear: Ukraines war is not Americas problem.

The U.S. can no longer afford to bankroll a corrupt Ukrainian regime in a war it cannot win. By cutting military aid and pushing for negotiations, the Trump administration is finally putting America first while exposing the failures of Bidens reckless interventionism. The time for truth, fiscal sanity, and a return to diplomacy has arrived.

Sources for this article include:

SHTFPlan.com

Newsweek.com

KyivIndependent.com

KyivPost.com
Hidden horrors of COVID protocols: Whistleblower exposes covert hospital EUTHANASIA to FREE UP BEDS

As the world grapples with the aftermath of the COVID-19 scandal, disturbing revelations continue to surface exposing a healthcare system that prioritized profit and fear over patient care. Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, a board-certified physician and advocate for medical transparency, recently appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience to expose one of the deadly parts of the COVID protocols. She explained how a systematic, covert euthanasia program was deployed in U.S. hospitals to clear beds by killing patients falsely diagnosed with COVID-19 tests.

This wasnt an isolated incident. Similar protocols were enacted in the UK, where midazolam and morphine became the tools of premature death. The implications are staggering: Hospitals were not only incentivized by federal funding for COVID admissions, but they mandated unreliable PCR tests which inflated case numbers and hospital admissions, leading to isolation procedures and harmful drug protocols that failed to address the patient's immune system. The medical establishment silenced effective treatments like ivermectin, vitamin D, C, and zinc, and hydroxychloroquineall while pushing untested mRNA injections.

Key points:

Hospitals allegedly euthanized COVID patients using morphine and insulin to free up beds under the "covid protocol."

The wrongful death trial of Grace Schara, a 19-year-old with Down syndrome, marks the first legal challenge to these practices.

The UKs "midazolam murders" parallel U.S. hospital protocols, with whistleblowers confirming involuntary euthanasia.

Doctors who prescribed ivermectin faced persecution, while hospitals followed deadly protocols backed by government incentives.

The PREP Act shields hospitals and doctors from liability, making legal accountability nearly impossible.

Murder disguised as medicine

Dr. Bowdens testimony on Rogans podcast sent shockwaves through the medical freedom community. She detailed how patientsmany of whom tested false-positive on flawed PCR testswere given Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders without consent, then administered lethal doses of morphine and insulin.

"They gave her a DNR order even though she didnt have one authorized on record," Bowden said, referencing Grace Scharas case. "They euthanized her. They need the bed, they said, Well, theyre going to die anyway."

Rogan, visibly stunned, asked, "So, they were in the hospital with covid and they gave them something to kill them?" Bowdens reply was chilling: "Yeah. That happened all the time."

This wasnt rogue behaviorit was policy. Hospitals, drowning in false-positive cases, were financially incentivized to label patients as COVID-positive. Once admitted, patients were isolated, denied proper treatment, and often euthanized to make room for more.

The UKs "midazolam murders" and a global pattern

Across the Atlantic, the same deadly playbook unfolded. The National Health Service (NHS) administered midazolama sedative never intended for respiratory distressalongside morphine, accelerating deaths in elderly and vulnerable patients.

Maajid Nawaz of Radical Media highlighted the case of Derek Dimmock, whose family alleges he was involuntarily euthanized under NHS protocols. Sir Andrew Dillon, former head of the UKs National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)the body that approved midazolam protocolsresigned abruptly as the inquest into Dimmocks death began.

The parallels are undeniable: governments worldwide enacted protocols that turned hospitals into death chambers, all while suppressing early treatments that could have saved lives. Many inner city hospitals are typically at capacity in the winter months; this was a problem long before the COVID scandal drew loads of frightened individuals into the hospital to be denied proper treatment.

The Schara familys lawsuit represents a rare legal challenge to these atrocities. By charging medical batteryadministering unauthorized drugsthey aim to bypass the PREP Act, which grants blanket immunity to hospitals and doctors for COVID-related "care."

Meanwhile, doctors like Bowden, Peter McCullough, and Robert Malone continue fighting against a medical-industrial complex that prioritizes profits over lives. As Bowden noted, "If the covid vaccine had been any other drug, it would have been pulled by now."

The truth of the COVID-19 scandal and medical tyranny is emerging, piece by horrifying piece.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

Youtube.com

Expose-News.com
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A new pilot project led by McGill University researchers is showing early success in helping cancer survivors return to work, addressing an aspect of recovery they say is often overlooked.

iCanWork is an online support program being developed by Christine Maheu, Associate Professor at McGill's Ingram School of Nursing, in collaboration with BC Cancer.

Work isn't considered a key health indicator in cancer care, even though it's a major concern from the moment someone is diagnosed and is associated with better quality of life in survivors." Christine Maheu, Associate Professor at McGill's Ingram School of Nursing

Lingering side effects of cancer treatment like fatigue, "chemo brain" and anxiety can make it hard to focus, stay organized and manage stress, making the return to work feel overwhelming, she explained.

Promising early results

In a randomized trial involving 24 cancer survivors, Maheu and her colleagues evaluated the effectiveness of iCanWork.

In the 10-step program, survivors met virtually with return-to-work counsellors and therapists who helped manage the hurdles to reintegration and referred them to additional specialists when needed.

Half of the participants returned to full-time work within three months, compared to about one-third in the control group. Participants also reported working more effectively, feeling more socially connected and found pain interfered less in their daily lives.

"One participant said without the sessions, she would have quit. Another had considered early retirement but changed her plans," said Maheu.

A missing piece in cancer care

The first-of-its-kind program aims to fill a gap in Canadian cancer care. Only four per cent of employers have cancer-specific return-to-work policies, which the authors say are more common in some European countries.

The gap also has financial consequences. Maheu said previous research shows that, on average, cancer patients face over $2,500 a month in lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses like medication and home care. Employers, meanwhile, often spend up to $24,000 to replace a worker on medical leave. "Having proper support in place benefits both sides," said Maheu.

The team is preparing a larger trial and looking for partners to help scale iCanWork across Canada.

The structured program tested in the study is still in development, but survivors can already access tools and resources through the Cancer and Work website, launched in 2016 and recognized with the 2020 CIHR Inclusive Research Excellence Prize for its accessible and inclusive design.
A new study reveals striking international differences in how doctors approach the sensitive issue of tracheostomy invasive ventilation (TIV) for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Cultural norms and healthcare systems appear to significantly influence physician attitudes and, consequently, patient choices regarding this life-sustaining treatment.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that gradually robs individuals of their ability to control muscle movement. As the disease advances, breathing becomes compromised, and patients face the difficult decision of whether to use mechanical ventilation to extend their lives. TIV, which involves creating a surgical opening in the trachea (windpipe) to provide long-term ventilator support, is a particularly challenging choice. It offers a chance for extended survival but comes with considerable burdens, including potential discomfort, increased dependence on caregivers, and significant financial costs.



Researchers conducted a qualitative study involving interviews with physicians in Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom to explore their perspectives on TIV for ALS patients. They found substantial variations in how doctors approached this complex issue. US and UK physicians emphasized patient autonomy and the right to refuse treatment, often characterizing TIV as a burdensome intervention. However, practical limitations within the UK's healthcare system meant TIV was often not even presented as an option. In the US, patient choice was paramount but often constrained by insurance coverage. Japanese physicians aimed for a neutral presentation of TIV as one treatment choice. However, they also expressed significant caution due to the legal and practical difficulties in discontinuing TIV once it has been initiated. The study also found that physician and family preferences seemed to heavily influence patient choices in Japan, potentially impacting patient autonomy.



These findings highlight the complex interplay of cultural values, healthcare systems, and medical ethics in end-of-life decision-making.

While patient autonomy is increasingly emphasized in Western medicine, the Japanese context reveals a more nuanced approach where family and physician perspectives play a substantial role." Reina Ozeki-Hayashi, lead author

This study raises important questions about the balance between individual choice, family involvement, and the responsible use of limited healthcare resources.

The research suggests a need for greater intercultural dialogue and culturally sensitive guidelines to ensure that patients with ALS receive the best possible care, tailored to their individual needs and values. The research also underscores the need for healthcare systems to provide adequate resources and support for patients and families facing these incredibly challenging choices. Furthermore, the findings indicate the necessity of open communication between physicians, patients, and families about the benefits, burdens, and ethical implications of TIV. By understanding these cultural nuances, healthcare professionals can better support patients and families in making informed decisions that align with their values and goals of care.
Pancreatic cancer is a severe illness and major challenge in cancer medicine since it is difficult to diagnose, while potential therapies are scarce. A new international cooperation study indicates that in the future pancreatic cancer may be detected at an early stage from gut microbes. Gut microbes may also offer solutions for therapy development.

Researchers from HUS, the University of Helsinki, the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland, and from Iran have jointly made new observations about gut microbes associated with pancreatic cancer. The researchers analyzed microbes living in the guts of Finnish and Iranian pancreatic cancer patients and their healthy peers. The study involved altogether more than 180 persons. The study is part of Doctoral Researcher Heidelinde Sammallahti's doctoral dissertation research at the University of Helsinki.

The same gut microbes associated with pancreatic cancer were found in the patients irrespective of geographic location and ethnic background.

Pancreatic cancer patients' intestinal flora included significantly more facultative pathogens and significantly less beneficial bacteria than in the healthy peer group.

In particular, beneficial bacteria belonging to the class of Clostridia, such as butyric acid-producing Lachnospiraceae, Butyricicoccaceae and Ruminococcaceae, had decreased.

Pancreatic cancer pathogens include, for example, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae and Fusobacteriaceae. The levels of these in pancreatic cancer patients' intestinal flora were high.

Senior Lecturer Satu Pekkala from the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyvaskyla, summarizes the research team's shared view of the research findings:

"The findings on beneficial Clostridia are interesting because it has been shown earlier that ordinary Clostridiales populations effectively mediate anti-canceric immune reactions against solid tumors."

The researchers accordingly point out that future research projects should investigate whether these could serve as a new generation of probiotics, that is, living microbic products, which could be combined with traditional chemotherapy medicines. This could provide a more targeted and effective approach to the control of pancreatic cancer, the researchers suggest, while they also emphasise the need for further research to confirm the present findings in different populations.

The researchers also developed a statistical model based on the microbiome, by means of which it could be possible to predict pancreatic cancer. It is a good first step to enable early recognition of pancreatic cancer in the future.
Researchers have developed an innovative new nanopore sequencing assay to identify carriers of fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading cause of monogenic autism spectrum disorder and inherited intellectual disabilities. The study in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, published by Elsevier, addresses the urgent need for a screening tool to identify carriers of FXS in a more comprehensive, faster, efficient, and cost-effective way compared to current methods, for better informed genetic counseling.



FXS affects approximately 1 in 7000 females and 1 in 4000 males worldwide. Common characteristics include mild to severe intellectual disability, developmental delays in speech and motor skills, behavioral and social issues such as ADHD-like and autism spectrum disorder symptoms, sensory sensitivities, and sometimes characteristic physical features.



Lead investigator Qiwei Guo, PhD, Department of Central Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Key Clinical Specialty of Laboratory Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China, says, "Although FXS carrier prevalence is high, with all major ethnic groups and races being susceptible to FXS, widespread FXS carrier screening for the general population has remained debatable. Based on previous research, clinical interest has shifted from 'whether to perform' to 'how to perform' population-based FXS carrier screening. However, an accurate, fast, affordable, and effective carrier screening assay that can examine a large number of female samples was still lacking. In this study, we developed a reliable and user-friendly software to analyze sequencing data and report results."



The gene responsible for FXS is fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein1 (FMR1), an X-linked dominant gene with full penetrance in all males and many females. It plays a crucial role in synapse formation and normal dendrite development. The number of CGG repeats, a specific sequence of DNA building blocks, is a key indicator of whether someone has a normal FMR1 gene, carries a premutation, or has the full mutation that causes FXS.



Co-investigator Yulin Zhou, PhD, Department of Central Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Key Clinical Specialty of Laboratory Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China, explains, "We demonstrated that the nanopore sequencing assay can accurately identify the full range of premutation FMR1 alleles, which account for the majority of FXS carriers, and the nanopore sequencing assay was able to reliably quantify CGG repeats and AGG interruptions, two specific DNA sequence variations that are critical for determining the risk of full mutation expansion in carriers, thus facilitating genetic counseling for carrier screening."



By utilizing identifier sequences, the researchers were able to test multiple samples in a single assay, dramatically increasing test capacity and reducing costs. The nanopore sequencing assay can be accomplished within a short turnaround time (approximately two days for an assay testing 100 simultaneously) by a technician in a standard molecular diagnostics laboratory. Compared to other commonly used techniques, the equipment for nanopore sequencing assays is more accessible and portable, and thus could be more readily and widely adapted, particularly in underdeveloped regions of the world.



Dr. Guo concludes, "We focus on controlling human genetic diseases and reducing birth defects. Given the significant morbidity associated with FXS and the lack of effective treatments, prenatal diagnosis and intervention are warranted. Our findings demonstrate that this novel nanopore sequencing assay overcomes key limitations of existing methods for FXS carrier screening, ultimately paving the way for enhanced genetic counseling and broader implementation worldwide."

Source: Elsevier Journal reference: Xia, Z., et al. (2025). Fragile X Syndrome Carrier Screening Using a Nanopore Sequencing Assay. The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics. doi.org/10.1016/j.jmoldx.2025.03.008.
Scientists at Northwestern University have developed the largest open-access resource of its kind to help researchers shave off months of early-stage drug development time by allowing them to better understand diseases and find potential treatments.

Called SOAR (Spatial transcriptOmics Analysis Resource), the now-live platform is a one-stop shop that helps scientists explore how genes behave differently in various parts of the body, shows them how cells might be talking to each other and enables them to find new drug possibilities.

Spatial transcriptomics is a cutting-edge scientific method that helps researchers see which genes are active in different parts of a tissue, essentially giving scientists a bird's eye view of cell interactions. SOAR is the first comprehensive spatial-transcriptomics resource designed expressly to accelerate drug-discovery pipelines.

It's too expensive and too time consuming to push thousands of potential drug candidates to the preclinical study and clinical trials. We need to pick the right leads and then push them to downstream studies. This resource will help prioritize that." Yuan Luo, corresponding author, chief AI officer of the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS) Institute and the Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Research findings using the resource will be published June 11 in Science Advances. Several pharmaceutical companies are already looking to use SOAR in their research, Luo said.

Gives researchers a 'molecular GPS'

SOAR aggregates data across 441 spatial transcriptomics datasets from 19 different spatial transcriptomics companies, allowingresearchers to see detailed maps of gene activity across 3,461 tissue samples from 13 species (from humans to zebrafish) and 42 tissue types (e.g. breast, lung, brain, bowel, etc.).

By showing how genes are expressed - turned on or off - in different parts of a tissue and connecting that to how certain chemicals affect cells, this dataset acts like a "molecular GPS" - helping scientists zero in on the exact biological processes that could be targeted to treat diseases, Luo said.

Studying IBS to breast cancer

With disease, Luo said it's often not the cell activity itself that is problematic, but rather where the cell activity is occurring.

"If immune cells are attacking normal cells in regular tissue, that's really bad because that could give you inflammatory disease, like the irritable bowel disease," Luo said. "Or if the immune cells are not attacking cancer cells in a tumor microenvironment, that is really a bad thing because it lets the cancer grow.

"SOAR helps examine the variability and interactions to give researchers the understanding of what mechanism is going on so they can better understand what is underlining the disease."

Peking University's Zexian Zeng (a former trainee in the Luo lab and Northwestern alumnus) is a co-corresponding study author. Other Northwestern authors on the study include Yiming Li, Yanyi Ding, Saya Dennis, Meghan R. Hutch, Jiaqi Zhou, Yawei Li, Maalavika Pillai, Sanaz Ghotbaldini, Mario Alberto Garcia, Mia S. Broad, Chengsheng Mao and Parambir S. Dulai.
The rise in non-prescribed ketamine use across the UK in recent years is a cause for concern, say doctors in The BMJ today.

Irene Guerrini at South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and colleagues warn that its low cost has made it popular among young people, and the number of people starting treatment for ketamine addiction in 2023-2024 reached 3609, more than eight times higher than in 2014-2015.

They say public awareness of the risks and long term harms associated with ketamine remains insufficient, and they call for better diagnostic criteria, a national registry, and screening tools to support earlier identification, guide treatment, and help evaluate emerging therapies.

Ketamine is routinely used as a general anaesthetic and lower doses are prescribed for chronic pain, treatment resistant depression and suicidality, they explain. Intranasal esketamine is also licensed for the treatment of depression.

But ketamine is also increasingly used recreationally at doses much higher than those prescribed for depression, which can cause serious health problems, such as irreversible damage to the bladder and kidneys and psychiatric conditions, they warn.

And as ketamine use increases, more individuals are seeking treatment for addiction. The number of people starting treatment for ketamine addiction in 2023-24 was 3609, more than eight times higher than the 426 reported in 2014-15.

However, the authors point out that ketamine use disorders remain inadequately defined in psychiatric guidelines, and there is a lack of evidence around potential drugs for treatment and prevention.

Individuals who use ketamine also report that health services often lack an understanding of ketamine addiction and offer minimal treatment options specific to the drug, meaning treatment is often partially effective.

Balancing ketamine's medical value with rising non-prescribed use presents a complex challenge, write the authors.

"The Home Office is considering reclassifying ketamine as class A, but opinions remain divided. A proportionate response should go beyond legislation to include clear governance of therapeutic use, investment in treatment and prevention, and balanced public messaging."
Telehealth can make health care easier to access for patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who need treatment, but experts worry about an increased risk of substance use disorder for patients being prescribed controlled medications such as stimulants for ADHD during these appointments. Mass General Brigham researchers scrutinized this concern with the first-ever study comparing substance use disorder rates in patients with ADHD who were prescribed stimulant medications during in-person versus virtual appointments. They found that, overall, telehealth was not associated with increased risk of substance use disorder. Still, the researchers noted the importance of comprehensive diagnoses and routine follow-ups. Results are published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

Our study suggests that, generally, telehealth-based relationships  which make health care more accessible  can be safe and don't increase the risk of substance use disorder." Vinod Rao, MD, PhD, lead author of the paper and addiction psychiatrist and medical director of Adult Ambulatory Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)

The researchers examined the electronic health records of 7,944 ADHD patients between March 2020 and August 2023, a time when many physicians pivoted to online care in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers found that 91% of the patients had at least one in-person visit with the prescriber around the time they received a stimulant prescription, while 9% of the patients had a telehealth-only relationship with their doctor.

The study found that, overall, patients who only had telehealth visits to access their ADHD medication were not more likely to develop a substance use disorder compared to patients who initially met their prescribers in person, after adjusting for other factors like age and income. However, patients who received their initial stimulant prescription through telehealth were at a higher risk of developing a stimulant use disorder after adjusting for other factors. Stimulant use disorder involves drugs such as prescription medications, cocaine or methamphetamine, among other drugs. Patients aged 26 years and above who received an initial stimulant prescription during a telehealth appointment were at a higher risk of developing substance use disorders than younger patients.

The authors note that, given that only 19 patients in the study developed a stimulant use disorder, the finding could be coincidental. Another possibility is that those who opt for telehealth care are at higher risk for stimulant use disorder.

"While we think the findings should be replicated, the vast majority of the data show no increase in substance use disorder developing when patients exclusively use telehealth," said corresponding author Timothy Wilens, MD, chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and co-director of the Center for Addiction Medicine at MGH. "Our study supports the use of telehealth for ADHD stimulant therapy in clinical settings."
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 313,780 cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2025, resulting in approximately 35,770 deaths. Bone metastasis - a stage of prostate cancer where the disease spreads to the bones - is the leading cause of prostate cancer-related death and currently remains incurable.

This stage of prostate cancer is devastating to the patient, as it often affects the bones of the spine, resulting in severe pain from fractures and spinal cord compression, along with significant neurological and functional disabilities. The current treatment for this advanced stage of the disease is limited to palliative care aimed at relieving symptoms, with no real hope of reducing or limiting the progression of the disease itself." Srinivas Nandana, Ph.D., TTUHSC

With support from a three-year, $1.85 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) ("Role of TBX2 in the establishment of the Prostate Cancer Pre-Metastatic Niche (PMN) in the Bone"), Nandana and co-investigator Manisha Tripathi, Ph.D., from the Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Medicine will investigate the role of TBX2, a transcription factor, in establishing the prostate cancer premetastatic niche in bone. Their research seeks to advance the understanding of prostate cancer metastasis and develop novel treatment strategies.

Nandana's laboratory has focused on deciphering the role of TBX2 in prostate cancer for more than a decade, supported primarily by grants from the DoD, the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas-Texas Regional Excellence in Cancer, the Ted Nash Long Life Foundation and The CH Foundation. Building on findings from their previous study published in Cancer Research ("Bone Metastasis of Prostate Cancer Can be Therapeutically Targeted at the TBX2-WNT Signaling Axis") and new data, Nandana and Tripathi will investigate the earliest stages of the bone metastasis process.

During these stages, the primary prostate tumor continually releases tiny sac-like membrane structures called exosomes, which contain proteins and RNA molecules. These exosomes travel through the bloodstream and interact with normal bone cells. Once in the bone, they share their molecular contents, causing the bone cells to "remodel" into a potential future "nesting" site, or "pre-metastatic niche," making the bone more hospitable to arriving cancer cells.

At some point, Nandana said, a circulating cancer cell homes in on one of these bone nesting sites and then grows, divides and becomes a new metastatic tumor mass.

"We believe a specific molecular pathway - the TBX2-NOTCH axis - plays a key role in preparing bones to host these cancer cells," Nandana explained. "Our goal is to test ways to block or disrupt this pathway. By doing so, we hope to significantly reduce, or even prevent, the ability of prostate cancer to spread to the bones. We also believe that, driven by TBX2 signaling, the exosomal transport of the NOTCH intracellular domain 3 (NICD3) protein to bone cells is the critical step in the entire bone remodeling, pre-metastatic niche creation process."

Nandana said a more complete understanding of this early exosome-mediated communication system between the primary prostate tumor and bone may open up new avenues to intervene and disrupt the process, potentially slowing or even preventing bone metastasis.

In their upcoming studies, Nandana and Tripathi will combine the use of laboratory and mouse models of human prostate cancer with genetic techniques to study the NICD3 protein. Their aim is to determine whether the NICD3 protein, secreted in exosomes due to elevated TBX2 in tumor cells, is essential for creating the bone environment that enables metastatic prostate cancer cells to establish and grow.

"We will also evaluate whether an existing class of anticancer drugs, known as gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs), can reduce NICD3 formation in primary tumor cells to levels insufficient to initiate the bone remodeling and metastatic process, thereby reducing or potentially preventing prostate cancer bone metastases," Nandana said. "GSIs are clinically-approved agents, so if successful, direct clinical testing could proceed rapidly."

If the research proves successful, Nandana said it could lead to new treatment approaches aimed at slowing or preventing prostate cancer bone metastasis, a significant advancement considering that bone metastases are currently incurable and often result in intense pain, fractures and loss of mobility. Stopping metastasis before it begins could significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for patients.

As part of the study, Nandana and Tripathi also will assess drugs already approved for other conditions. If any of these drugs show promise, they could potentially be repurposed for prostate cancer treatment more quickly than newly developed therapies.

"While this research is still in its early stages, it offers promising new insights into how prostate cancer spreads and how we might intervene earlier in that process," Nandana said. "Bone metastasis causes serious problems for patients, including pain and reduced mobility. If we can better understand how cancer interacts with bone in the early stages, we might be able to reduce the impact of advanced disease. This could help improve comfort and quality of life for some patients, and potentially delay or prevent complications related to bone metastases."
Air India confirms 241 dead in Ahmedabad plane crash

Last Updated: June 13, 2025, 01:30 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Mumbai, Jun 13 (PTI) Air India has confirmed that 241 people on board its London-bound flight were killed when the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday.

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft was carrying 242 passengers and crew members. The passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national.

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We regret to inform that of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities," the airline said in a statement issued late Thursday.

It said the sole survivor is a British national of Indian origin and is being treated in a hospital.

Air India confirms that flight AI-171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025, was involved in an accident, it said in a statement.

The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft had departed from Ahmedabad at 1.38 pm, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew.

Air India said it offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.

Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones," the airline said.

A team of caregivers from Air India is now in Ahmedabad to provide additional support, it added.

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It also said that the airline is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.

Air India has also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information. Those calling from outside India can call on +91 8062779200, it said. PTI IAS RAM RHL

First Published: June 13, 2025, 01:30 IST
Protests over immigration raids continue across US with more planned

Last Updated: June 13, 2025, 01:15 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

Austin, Jun 12 (AP) Protests over federal immigration enforcement raids are flaring up around the country, as officials in cities from coast to coast get ready for major demonstrations against President Donald Trump over the weekend.

While many demonstrations against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency have been peaceful, with marchers chanting slogans and carrying signs, others have led to clashes with police who have sometimes used chemical irritants to disperse crowds. Hundreds have been arrested.

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Volatile protests prompted city officials to enforce curfews in Los Angeles and Spokane. And in Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has mobilized more than 5,000 National Guard troops to be ready to help law enforcement manage demonstrations in his state.

Activists are planning No Kings" events across the country on Saturday to coincide with Trumps planned military parade in Washington, D.C. While those were already scheduled, they will happen amid the rising tensions of the week.

The Trump administration said immigration raids and deportations will continue regardless.

A look at some recent protests and reactions across the country: Seattle Hundreds of protesters marched through downtown Seattle Wednesday evening to a federal building where immigration cases are heard. Some of them dragged a dumpster nearby and set it on fire. The building was covered in graffiti, with Abolish ICE Now" written in large letters across its front window. They moved electric bikes and cones to block its entrance.

Dozens of officers squared off with protesters near the federal building, with some shooting pepper spray. Police worked to move the crowd away and some protesters threw fireworks and rocks at officers, according to the Seattle Police Department.

Spokane, Washington Mayor Lisa Brown imposed an overnight curfew in downtown Spokane after a protest Wednesday afternoon outside an ICE office that ended with more than 30 arrests and police firing pepper balls at the crowd.

Brown said the curfew would protect public safety," and that the majority of protesters were peaceful.

We respect their right to peacefully protest and to be upset about federal policies," she said. I have been that person who has protested federal policies and that is a right we have." San Antonio Several hundred protesters marched through downtown San Antonio and near the historic Alamo mission. Although Texas National Guard troops were seen in the area, the demonstration was mostly peaceful with no significant clashes with law enforcement.

The Alamo building and plaza, among the most popular tourist attractions in the state, was closed to the public early and police guarded the property as the crowd gathered and marched nearby.

No Kings This weeks protests are leading into the scheduled No Kings" demonstrations that organisers say are planned in nearly 2,000 locations around the country, from city blocks to small towns, courthouse steps to community parks, according to the movements website.

Organisers plan a flagship march and rally in Philadelphia, but no protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., where the military parade will be held.

In Florida, state Attorney General James Uthmeier warned that any No Kings" protesters who become violent will be dealt with harshly.

If you want to light things on fire and put people in danger, you are going to do time. We do not tolerate rioting," said Uthmeier said Thursday.

Governors and the Guard Several No Kings" rallies are planned in Texas, including in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Austin. There were brief clashes between protesters and police who used chemical irritants during demonstrations in Austin and Dallas earlier in the week. Police in Austin made about a dozen arrests.

Abbott did not detail where he was sending the 5,000 guard troops and another 2,000 state police, or exactly what they would do except to say they would be ready to help local law enforcement as needed. Mayors in San Antonio and Austin have said they have not asked for help from the National Guard.

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Abbotts move stands in sharp contrast to California Gov Gavin Newsom, who has publicly sparred with Trump over the presidents decision to send National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles, where volatile demonstrations have mostly been contained to a five-block section of downtown.

All 22 other Democratic governors signed a statement backing Newsom, calling the Guard deployment and threats to send in Marines an alarming abuse of power". (AP) SCY SCY

First Published: June 13, 2025, 01:15 IST
SC junks plea of conman Sukeshs wife for expeditious bail hearing

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 17:00 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

New Delhi, Jun 12 (PTI) The Supreme Court has rejected the plea of Leena Paulose, wife of alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekar, in a Rs 200 crore extortion case for an expeditious hearing of her bail plea in Delhi High Court.

A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan observed her bail application was pending before the Delhi High Court and said, Considering that the bail petition is partly heard before the high court and is now posted for further arguments on July 2, 2025, we are not inclined to entertain this special leave petition. The special leave petition is, accordingly, dismissed." The top court on Wednesday added, It is expected that the High Court shall dispose the bail petition pending before it at the earliest and in accordance with law." Paulose moved the top court against a May 19 order of the high court, which posted her plea in July.

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Delhi Police has booked Chandrashekar for allegedly duping the wives of former promoters of Ranbaxy Shivinder Singh and Malvinder Singh of Rs 200 crore.

Several separate investigations against him in the country are currently underway.

Chandrasekhar and Paulose, who are also facing proceedings in a money laundering case of the Enforcement Directorate, were arrested by Delhi Police in the extortion case.

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The police have also invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the case.

Delhi Police alleged Paulose, Chandrashekar and other accused persons used hawala routes and created shell companies to park the money received as proceeds of crime. PTI PKS PKS AMK AMK

First Published: June 12, 2025, 17:00 IST
Two brothers arrested for mans death in Delhis Sultanpuri

Last Updated: June 13, 2025, 01:15 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

New Delhi, Jun 12 (PTI) The Delhi Police has arrested two brothers for stabbing a 35-year-old man to death following an altercation in outer Delhis Sultanpuri area, an official said on Thursday.

Naresh (24) and Dharmendra (20), both residents of Sultanpuri, were apprehended and a knife has been recovered from their possession, he said.

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According to police, a PCR call regarding a scuffle at Jhuggi in Sultanpuri was received on Tuesday.

The victim, Munna Singh, a labourer, was declared dead after he was rushed to a nearby hospital. Doctors found two stab injuries on his body.

Inquiry revealed that a verbal altercation over a personal dispute between the deceased and the two accused escalated which led to the stabbing, the officer said.

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During the heated exchange, one of the accused allegedly attacked Munna to death," he added.

Acting on a tip-off, police arrested both of them from the Mangolpuri area. During interrogation, they allegedly confessed to having attacked Munna. PTI BM SKY SKY

First Published: June 13, 2025, 01:15 IST
UK PM Starmer says scenes of Air India plane crash devastating

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 17:00 IST

Representational image (Image: News18)

London, Jun 12 (PTI) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday said that the scenes emerging of a London-bound Air India plane carrying many British nationals crashing in Ahmedabad are devastating".

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff near the Ahmedabad Airport. There were 169 Indians, 53 British, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals onboard the ill-fated Air India flight.

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The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating," Starmer said in a statement.

I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time," he said.

Buckingham Palace said King Charles III is being kept informed and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy took to social media to express his support.

Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support," he said.

Lammy said the UK Foreign Office has arranged crisis teams in both Delhi and London.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said it was working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved. It issued a contact number for consular assistance.

We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved," the FCDOs travel advisory notes.

British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000," it adds.

The UK Opposition Conservative Party Leader, Kemi Badenoch, described the tragedy as heartbreaking".

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My thoughts are with all those affected  especially the families of those on board, and the emergency teams responding to what appears to be a horrifying tragedy," said Badenoch.

The plane was due to land at London Gatwick Airport at 1825 local time. PTI AK ZH ZH

First Published: June 12, 2025, 17:00 IST
Back To Office Or Resign: Google Cracks Down On WFH, Offers Voluntary Exits

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Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 06:48 IST

Earlier this year, Alphabet's Google had already laid off hundreds of employees from its platforms and devices unit as part of recalibration.

Google is offering a voluntary exit programme for some US-based employees.

Google is stepping up its efforts to get more employees back into the office, urging those within 50 miles of a Google location to adopt a hybrid work model. This change applies to teams in key areas such as Core, Marketing, Research, Knowledge & Information (K&I), and Communications. The K&I team, responsible for products like Google Search, commerce, and ads, is significantly impacted.

Under the new guidelines, employees working remotely must now come into the office at least three days a week. Although Google had introduced a hybrid work policy in 2022, this recent update reinforces the companys commitment to in-person collaboration.

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To support this transition, Google is offering a voluntary exit programme for some US-based employees, as noted in an internal memo obtained by Business Insider. Those who choose to leave will receive a severance package. A Google spokesperson highlighted that this option aims to help the company concentrate on future initiatives, and similar programmes have yielded positive results in other teams.

The memo from a senior Google executive outlines the companys need for enhanced connectivity and collaboration among its teams, particularly in light of the growing importance of AI.

Google Layoffs 2025

Earlier this year, Alphabets Google had already laid off hundreds of employees from its platforms and devices unit, including those working on Android software, Pixel phones, and the Chrome browser. These layoffs followed Januarys buyout offers to workers in the same unit. A Google spokesperson mentioned that the job cuts were part of an effort to streamline operations and improve efficiency, alongside the voluntary exit programme initiated earlier in the year.

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Amazon Ends WFH Policy

E-commerce giant Amazon has ended its Work from home" policy for employees. In a memo to staff, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced that, effective January 2, 2025, employees would return to full-time office work and that pre-meetings" would be eliminated. Jassy specifically targeted pre-meetings for the pre-meetings for the decision meetings" as unnecessary and time-wasting. He argued that such redundant gatherings slow down decision-making and waste valuable time.

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 12, 2025, 06:48 IST
Boeing Reacts To Air India Flight Crash: 'We Stand Ready To Support'

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Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 22:49 IST

Boeing expresses condolences and support after Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed near Ahmedabad. The flight was en route to London.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, including its 787-8 variant, is a twin-engine, wide-body jet airliner designed for safe and efficient operation. (Representational image)

Boeing On Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft involved in the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad, on Thursday issued a statement expressing condolences and extending support to Air India and investigators.

In a post shared on social media platform X, Boeing Airplanes said: We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected."

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We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected. pic.twitter.com/kYrdKyvl7z Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) June 12, 2025

Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg said, Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad. I have spoken with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to offer our full support, and a Boeing team stands ready to support the investigation led by Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau."

The airline said it will defer to Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to provide information about Air India Flight 171, in adherence with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization.

The statement came after a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport shortly after take-off. The flight was en route to London with over 200 passengers and crew on board. All 242 passengers are feared to have been killed in the crash.

In an earlier brief statement, Boeing had said it was aware of initial reports of the plane crash in Ahmedabad and working to gather more information even as the companys shares tumbled nearly 9% in a pre-market trading.

We are aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information," Boeing said in the brief statement.

The crash comes days before the opening of the Paris Air Show, a major aviation expo where Boeing and European rival Airbus will showcase their aircraft and battle for jet orders from airline customers.

Boeing has been mired in financial and regulatory trouble for more than six years after Lion Air Flight 610, a Boeing 737 Max 8, plunged into the Java Sea off the coast of Indonesia in late 2018, killing all 189 people on board. Five months later, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a Boeing 737 Max 8, crashed after take-off from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, killing 157 passengers and crew.

Boeing seemed to finally be emerging from the deep hole it was in after that pair of crashes, but that now appears to be short-lived.

Last month, Boeing announced a pair of major orders in the Middle East during a visit to the region by President Donald Trump. Boeing shares were up close to 25 per cent this year before Thursdays crash.

The Air India Flight AI171 Crash Incident

The London-bound Boeing aircraft crashed five minutes after it took off from the Ahmedabad airport for the London Gatwick. In a possibly dual-engine failure, the aircraft lost altitude in a residential area near the airport and crashed on a residential building for doctors.

All 242 passengers are feared to have been killed in the crash.

On the doctors building, the FAIMA Doctors Association said many MBBS students were having lunch at the hostel mess when the plane crashed into the building. The wife of a resident doctor was reported to be dead even as four to five MBBS students and three to four relatives of resident doctors are missing. While two to three students are in intensive care, at least 50 students, who were hospitalised, are stable as of now, it added.

Air India confirmed that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals.

Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are  Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025

The pilot of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner issued a Mayday distress call, denoting a full emergency, soon after take-off, the Air Traffic Control at Ahmedabad said.

Air India also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information.

Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident," the airline said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, spoke to Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah to take stock of the situation.

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The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," Modi wrote in a post on X.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso... Read More Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso... Read More

First Published: June 12, 2025, 17:45 IST
HDB Financial Services IPO To Raise Rs 12,500-Crore: Check Opening Date, Price, Lot Size, Other Details

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Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 11:24 IST

HDB Financial Services Ltd plans a Rs 12,500-crore IPO in mid-July 2025, potentially the year's biggest, to comply with RBI regulations and target a diverse loan book.

HDB Financial Services IPO.

HDB Financial Services Ltd, the non-banking financial arm of HDFC Bank, is expected to launch its Rs 12,500-crore initial public offering (IPO) around mid-July 2025, according to a report by Moneycontrol, citing sources.

If launched as planned, the public issue will become the biggest IPO of 2025 so far, surpassing the Rs 8,750-crore issue by Hexaware Technologies earlier this year. The move signals a strong revival in the Indian primary markets.

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HDB Financial IPO Opening Date

The company is expected to file its Updated Draft Red Herring Prospectus (UDRHP) by the end of this month, according to the report. The IPO could hit the markets by early to mid-July, depending on market conditions.

HDB Financial IPO Issue Size

The IPO will aim to raise Rs 12,500 crore, making it one of the largest public issues by a non-banking financial company (NBFC) in recent years.

HDB Financial IPO Price and Lot Size

While the price band and lot size are yet to be officially announced, those details are expected to be included in the Red Herring Prospectus (RHP), which will be filed after regulatory approvals of the UDRHP.

The IPO Objective

The IPO is primarily in response to the Reserve Bank of Indias 2022 regulation mandating all large NBFCs categorised as upper layer" to be listed on the stock exchange by September 2025.

HDB Financial Services: Business Overview

Founded in 2007, HDB Financial Services provides a broad range of retail loans under three business verticals  enterprise lending, asset finance, and consumer finance. It focuses on both secured and unsecured loans, including personal loans and loans against property, particularly catering to underbanked segments.

As of September 30, 2024, the company had a gross loan book of Rs 98,620 crore, with a CAGR of 20.93% from March 2022. Its FY24 profit stood at Rs 2,460 crore, with a CAGR of 55.9% over FY22-FY24.

In its DRHP, the company noted that its loan book is highly diversified, with the top 20 customers contributing less than 0.36% of total gross loans. The average loan ticket size was around Rs 1.45 lakh as of September 30, 2024.

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The company had initially filed its DRHP on October 30, 2023, and received SEBIs approval at the end of May 2025.

A UDRHP (Updated Draft Red Herring Prospectus) is a revised version of the DRHP that includes all regulatory feedback and updated financial and operational data. Filing the UDRHP is a prerequisite before the final RHP, after which the IPO can be launched.

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso... Read More Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso... Read More

First Published: June 12, 2025, 11:24 IST
Crude Oil Price Rise: HPCL, BPCL Decline Up To 4.5% On Margin Worries; ONGC, Oil India Gain

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 11:44 IST

Shares of oil marketing companies (OMCs) came under selling pressure on June 12 as global crude prices surged over 4%

Crude Oil

Crude Oil Price Surge: Shares of oil marketing companies (OMCs) came under selling pressure on June 12 as global crude prices surged over 4%, hitting their highest levels in more than two months, amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

At 10:20 AM, shares of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) were trading 4.5% lower at Rs 396. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC) saw declines of 3.65% and 2%, respectively. Meanwhile, Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) was down 1.6% at Rs 143.58.

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In contrast, oil exploration and production companies gained. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) rose 2%, while Oil India surged 4% by 10:25 AM.

The market reaction follows heightened geopolitical concerns after Iran warned it would target US military bases in the region if nuclear talks collapse. Reports also indicated that the US is preparing to evacuate its embassy in Iraq due to rising security threats, Reuters reported.

Crude prices reacted sharply. Brent crude futures jumped $2.90 (4.34%) to $69.77 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose $3.17 (4.88%) to $68.15both reaching their highest levels since early April.

Traders reportedly scrambled to buy crude futures amid fears of supply disruption, especially from Iraq, OPECs second-largest producer.

Analysts told Reuters that a prolonged rise in Brent crude could be negative for India, which imports the bulk of its oil needs, as it could strain fiscal and trade balances.

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Interestingly, the sell-off in OMC stocks comes just a day after they posted gains following a U.S. government report predicting a fall in oil prices over the medium term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects Brent to average $59 per barrel in 2026, down from $64 in May 2025 and $61 by end-2025, due to rising global inventories.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More

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First Published: June 12, 2025, 11:44 IST
IndiGo, SpiceJet Shares See Sharp Fall After Air India Plane Crash Near Ahmedabad Airport

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 15:54 IST

Aviation stocks came under pressure following reports of a major plane crash near Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

Aviation Stocks Crash

Air India Plane Crash: Aviation stocks came under sharp pressure on June 12 following reports of a major plane crash near Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Shares of IndiGo dropped 3% to trade at Rs 5,465, while SpiceJet slipped 1.5% in afternoon trade. The broader market sentiment toward airline stocks weakened amid growing concerns around flight safety.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash LIVE Updates: At Least 30 Killed In Air India Flight Crash; PM Modi Speaks To Civil Aviation Minister

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According to early reports, a London-bound Air India flight (AI171) carrying 242 passengers crashed shortly after takeoff. The aircraft reportedly went down in a densely populated area near the airport, striking a residential building. Eyewitnesses and visuals from the site show thick plumes of smoke rising from the crash site, with local residents rushing to assist in rescue efforts.

Following the incident, Air India confirmed on X (formerly Twitter): Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest."

The crash has triggered fresh concerns around aviation safety, which analysts believe contributed to the steep fall in airline stock prices. While neither IndiGo nor SpiceJet was involved in the crash, investors reacted cautiously given the potential for increased regulatory oversight and short-term demand impact on air travel.

Shares of Adani Enterprises, which operates the Ahmedabad airport, also fell nearly 1% following the crash. The Adani Group has managed operations at the airport since 2020.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel rushed to the crash site to take stock of the situation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is reported to have held a conversation with Patel regarding the incident. The central government has assured full support for rescue and recovery efforts, according to IANS.

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The impact of the tragedy was also felt globally. Boeing shares plunged over 5% in pre-market trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), as the aircraft involved in the crash is suspected to be a Boeing model, though official confirmation is awaited.

The incident has cast a shadow over the aviation sector, with further developments likely to influence market movements in the coming sessions.

About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More

Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategiesonly on News18.

First Published: June 12, 2025, 15:14 IST
J-10 Jet Maker AVIC Chengdu Slips 17% In A Month After 64% Surge Post Pahalgam Attack

Curated By :

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Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 12:38 IST

In the two weeks between April 30 and May 12, the price of Avic Chengdu Aircraft stock shot up to 95.86 CNY from 58.75 CNY, registering a jump of 64 per cent in the duration.

Acic Chengdu stock slips 17% after a rally of 64% amid easing of tensions.

AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Stock: Shares of Avic Chengdu Aircraft Co Ltd, a Chinese defence manufacturing and the maker of J-10 fighter jets, have seen a weak momentum by falling over 17 per cent with the ease of tensions between India and Pakistan. J-10 jet fighters were used by the Pakistan army during the border tensions.

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Stocks of Avic Chengdu Aircraft experienced a sharp spike after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.

In the two weeks between April 30 and May 12, the price of Avic Chengdu Aircraft stock shot up to 95.86 CNY from 58.75 CNY, registering a jump of 64 per cent in the duration. Other Chinese defence stocks also saw surged in the expectations of a full-fledged war and the surging demand of weapons like fighter jets, missiles and other equipment.

Since then, the stock has been in the consolidation phase with a slide to below 80 CNY.

The Chinese defence stock has declined after Prime Minister Narendra Modi challenged Pakistans claims that Chinese-made fighter jets were responsible for destroying the Indian Air Forces Adampur airbase.

Avic Chengdu is currently in a wide range between 86 and 75. There are no signs of large-scale buying by institutions, indicating little confidence in a breakout, according to Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investments, who spoke to LiveMint. Jain explained that the current market structure suggests that more time is needed for any significant movement. He predicts this sideways trend will continue for the next 810 weeks. Jain advises traders to wait for a clear breakout, either above 86 or below 75, accompanied by high trading volume, before making any new investments. Indian Defence Stocks Also Surge In The Period top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all During the border tension period, Indian defence stocks also surged up to 60-70 per cent including HAL, GRSE, BEL and so on. Meanwhile, Nifty Defence Index jumped 30 per cent in anticipation of rising demand for defence weapons, attracting investors who were eyeing to milking the opportunity.

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

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First Published: June 12, 2025, 12:38 IST
Karnataka Rains: Schools Closed In Kodagu, Udupi, Dakshina Kannada & Dharwad

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Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 10:38 IST

Karnataka Schools Closed: Heavy rains are lashing Karnataka, leading to the closure of schools. The IMD has warned of widespread rainfall across the state until June 17.

Karnataka braces for heavy rainfall; school closed in several districts.

Karnataka Schools Closed: Karnataka is experiencing intense pre-monsoon showers as the southwest monsoon becomes active again after a brief break of nearly two weeks. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts, warning of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days. So far, heavy rains have lashed Bengaluru, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi, with more rainfall likely across the state.

In response to the heavy downpour and the red alert, several district administrations have taken precautionary measures and announced the closure of schools and colleges to ensure the safety of students.

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In Kodagu, the District Commissioner has declared a holiday for all Anganwadi centres in the district on Tuesday, June 11, after the red alert was issued.

The Udupi district administration has also announced the closure of Anganwadi centres, primary and secondary schools, government-aided schools, and private educational institutions on Thursday, June 12. This step was taken in view of the ongoing heavy rains and the forecast of more severe weather.

In Dakshina Kannada, Deputy Commissioner M. P. Mullai Muhilan has declared a holiday for all schools and Anganwadis on Thursday, June 12, as a safety measure following the weather warnings.

Meanwhile, in Dharwad district, Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu has declared a one-day holiday for all Anganwadis, primary and high schools, pre-university (PU) colleges, and degree colleges on June 12 due to the ongoing heavy rains.

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According to the IMD, Karnataka is expected to receive widespread rainfall across most districts till June 17. The coastal districts are expected to be hit the hardest, with Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, and Udupi districts likely to witness heavy to very heavy rains, along with strong winds of 30 to 40 kmph. Isolated areas may even receive extremely heavy rainfall, raising concerns about flooding and other possible disruptions.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have advised residents to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety instructions as the rains continue to batter several parts of the state.

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 12, 2025, 10:38 IST
'Manusmriti Will Not Be Taught', Says DU After Inclusion In Sanskrit Course Syllabus

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 14:02 IST

DU has dropped Manusmriti from its curriculum. The Manusmriti was included as one of the main texts for a four-credit DSC course called Dharmashastra Studies.

Manusmriti will not be taught at Delhi University, says Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh. (File Image)

The University of Delhi has decided not to teach the Manusmriti, says Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh. The Sanskrit Departments Dharamshastra Studies course, where Manusmriti was previously listed as recommended reading, has now been deleted entirely. The university clarified that the text will not be taught in any of its courses going forward.

University of Delhi will not teach Manusmriti text in any course of the University. Dharamshastra Studies, the DSC of the Sanskrit Department, where Manusmriti is mentioned as a recommended reading" stands deleted," the university said in a post on X.

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The Manusmriti was included as one of the main texts for a four-credit Discipline-Specific Core (DSC) course called Dharmashastra Studies. This course was approved by the Sanskrit department under the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework based on the National Education Policy (NEP). The syllabus also included texts like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and Arthashastra.

According to the course objective, Ancient Indian society, both as a whole and in its various parts, is described in Sanskrit texts known as Dharmashastra. The Dharmashastra Studies course aims to familiarise students with the rich traditions of Indian social, political, economic, and legal thought."

This isnt the first time Manusmriti has led to controversy at Delhi University. In July last year, the university dropped a proposal to include the text in the undergraduate History (Honours) syllabus after facing strong objections. At that time, university officials said they would not allow content that could cause social divisions.

The text has faced widespread criticism for its caste and gender-based rules. Many students and academics accused the university of trying to promote outdated and discriminatory ideas.

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ALSO READ: Khan Sir Coaching: Heres How Much It Costs To Be His Student

The reappearance of Manusmriti in the Sanskrit departments syllabus led to fresh criticism, with many demanding closer checks on how courses are designed. The vice-chancellors latest decision shows that the university is standing by its earlier position to keep such content out of the curriculum.

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 12, 2025, 13:58 IST
Bihar Elections 2025: Who Gains, Who Loses If AAP Contests On All 243 Seats?

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 18:17 IST

Experts say AAPs Delhi model may appeal to urban voters, but regional parties like RJD and JDU continue to hold strong, deep-rooted influence in rural Bihar

AAP is reportedly eyeing urban and young voters, traditionally seen as the support base of the RJD and Congress. (PTI/File)

In a move that could reshape the dynamics of the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced it will contest all 243 seats on its own. Once a part of the opposition INDIA bloc, AAPs decision to go solo is expected to add a new twist to the states political equation, potentially affecting the fortunes of both the ruling NDA and the opposition alliance.

Political experts note that despite AAPs limited support base in Bihar and its underwhelming performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha electionswhere it contested a few of the 40 seats without securing any winsthe partys decision to contest all 243 assembly seats signals its growing ambitions and intent to expand its political footprint.

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AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal said, We will go among the people in Bihar on issues like education, health, and electricity." The party is reportedly eyeing urban and young voters, traditionally seen as the support base of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress.

Which Alliance Stands To Lose From Kejriwals Move?

According to political commentators, AAPs move could hurt the INDIA alliance, which includes the RJD, Congress, and Left parties. RJDs core vote base in Bihar comprises Yadavs, Muslims, and Dalits, while Congress holds sway in some urban and Dalit constituencies. Many have expressed that AAPs presence may divide these votesparticularly in closely contested seatsultimately benefiting the NDA.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the INDIA bloc won 9 seats in Bihar, while the NDA secured 30. Experts note that if AAP cuts into the RJD and Congress vote share, it could directly benefit the BJP and Janata Dal (United).

Which Alliance Can Benefit?

Political experts believe that AAPs decision could indirectly benefit the NDA. The NDAs strength in Bihar comes from the alliance of BJP, JDU, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM). In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA secured 52% of the vote share, while the INDIA alliance got 42%. According to political analyst Yashwant Deshmukh, Voting in Bihar is based on arithmetic. If the NDA remains united, it is difficult to defeat it." Experts note that the division of opposition votes due to AAPs presence may make it easier for the NDA to win.

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Political commentators argue that AAPs decision to contest all seats is a risky move, given Bihars political landscape shaped by complex caste equations and the dominance of strong regional parties. According to experts, while AAPs Delhi model may resonate with urban voters, regional parties like the RJD and JDU maintain deep-rooted influence in rural areas. Analysts further suggest that even if AAP secures 510% of the vote, it could significantly damage the INDIA blocs prospects.

Many believe that while AAPs strategy may help the party position itself as a long-term alternative in Bihar, the immediate impact is likely to hurt the INDIA alliance the most. Commentators point out that a division in opposition votes could ultimately strengthen the NDAs position. All eyes are now on how Bihars electorate responds and how effective AAPs campaign proves to be on the ground.

Location : Bihar, India, India

First Published: June 12, 2025, 18:17 IST
In BJP's 5-Point Bihar Plan, No Room For Complacency As RJD Looks Set To Copy Akhilesh's SP

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 08:49 IST

The BJP sources said the NDA has much in its favour in Bihar and expects to win the state this October under Nitish Kumars leadership

A BJP source said seat distribution in Bihar would be smooth, despite the ambitions of regional players like the JD(U) and Chirags Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). (File pic/PTI)

No anti-incumbency, a favourable caste combination, a positive atmosphere due to Operation Sindoor, the caste census card, and sympathy for Nitish Kumarthis is the BJPs game plan for the crucial Bihar election battle later this year.

However, the party is ensuring no complacency or overconfidence in what is expected to be a tough caste clash, top BJP sources told CNN-News18.

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They said the NDA has much in its favour in Bihar and expects to win the state this October under Nitish Kumars leadership.

But the party remains cautious and is avoiding overconfidence, aware that Bihar is a caste battle" and the RJD is aggressively courting caste groups beyond its Yadav-Muslim base, one of these top BJP sources said.

There is certainly no anti-incumbency. People appreciate the development they have seen in Bihar under the NDA government," the source said.

RJD learning from SPs success

The top BJP source added that the BJP recognises that the Rashtriya Janata Dal is attempting to replicate Akhilesh Yadavs 2024 Lok Sabha election strategy by giving many tickets to candidates outside the Yadav-Muslim demographic in the upcoming assembly polls.

The Samajwadi Party had bruised the BJP in Uttar Pradesh last year by allocating numerous tickets to non-Yadav OBCs and winning 37 Lok Sabha seats, its best-ever performance.

A second BJP source said the National Democratic Alliance has a stronger caste combination than the opposition. The recent caste census announcement is also expected to benefit the NDA. Much is said about Nitish Kumars health by the opposition, but he will likely receive considerable sympathy votes in these Bihar polls," this source said.

Operation Sindoor impact

Bihar will also be the first state to hold elections after Operation Sindoor, and the Bharatiya Janata Party has ground feedback suggesting a positive resonance in this Hindi-belt state, where anti-Pakistan sentiment is strong.

The Prime Minister has already held two rallies in Bihar since April, addressing the action against Pakistan. Narendra Modi will be in Siwan, an RJD stronghold, on June 20.

Congress prospects dim, Chirag burns bright

The BJP is banking on the RJD again allocating a substantial number of seats to the Congress.

In the last assembly elections, while the RJD had a reasonable strike rate, winning 75 of the 144 seats it contested, the Congress secured only 19 of the 70 seats it contested. The Janata Dal (United) won just 43 seats, as Chirag Paswans party significantly dented it by contesting independently.

A top BJP source noted a significant change: Chirag is now with the NDA and demonstrated a good strike rate in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, winning five seats.

Chirag recently stated that he would contest the assembly polls from a general seat and is vying for a deputy CM position. He has a good vote base in the Patna-Hajipur region and has his own ambitions," the BJP source added.

The second BJP source said seat distribution in Bihar would be smooth, despite the ambitions of regional players like the JD(U) and Chirags Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas).

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Our leader so far is Nitish Kumar," the source said.

He added that even the RJD knows the Congress will likely underperform in the opposition camp if given a considerable number of seats, as demonstrated in previous Hindi heartland elections.

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 12, 2025, 07:30 IST
Vijay Rupani Killed In Air India Crash: Which Other Indian Leaders Died In Aviation Mishaps?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 21:02 IST

Several tragic aviation accidents have claimed the lives of notable Indian leaders, including sitting and former chief ministers, union ministers, and key political figures

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani, who was killed in the Air India plane crash, is survived by his wife, Anjali Rupani (L), and two children. (File image: PTI)

Among the confirmed fatalities of Thursdays tragic Air India crash is Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vijay Rupani. Rupani, who served as the 16th chief minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021, was reportedly en route to London. His demise marks the second time Gujarat has lost a former CM in an aviation tragedy.

Several tragic aviation accidents have claimed the lives of notable Indian leaders, including sitting and former chief ministers, union ministers, and key political figures.

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Balwantrai Mehta (1965): The second chief minister of Gujarat, Balwantrai Gopalji Mehta, tragically died in September 1965 during the Indo-Pakistani War. His civilian Beechcraft aircraft, flying from Mithapur to the Kutch border, was mistakenly shot down by a Pakistan Air Force pilot. He died along with his wife, staff members, a journalist, and the crew.

Mohan Kumaramangalam (1973): An influential parliamentarian and former union minister, S Mohan Kumaramangalam, died when Indian Airlines Flight 440 crashed near Delhi on May 31, 1973. His body was identified only by his Parker pen and a hearing aid.

Sanjay Gandhi (1980): The younger son of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and a rising star in the Congress party, Sanjay Gandhi, died in a plane crash on June 23, 1980. He was piloting a Pitts S-2A aircraft, reportedly performing aerial acrobatics near Safdarjung Airport in Delhi, when the aircraft lost control and crashed. His untimely death brought a sudden end to what many believed was the political heir apparent to the Gandhi dynasty.

Surendra Nath (1994): The then governor of Punjab and acting governor of Himachal Pradesh, Surendra Nath, along with nine members of his family, died when the governments Super-King aircraft crashed into high mountains in bad weather on July 9, 1994, in Himachal Pradesh.

Madhavrao Scindia (2001): A towering Congress figure and a nine-term Member of Parliament, Madhavrao Scindia, then a former union minister, was travelling to a political rally in Kanpur on September 30, 2001, when his private Beechcraft aircraft crashed in Uttar Pradeshs Mainpuri district. The fire-engulfed wreckage left all eight on board dead.

GMC Balayogi (2002): The then Speaker of the Lok Sabha, GMC Balayogi, died on March 3, 2002, when the Bell 206 helicopter carrying him crashed into a pond near Kovvadalanka village in Andhra Pradeshs Krishna district. Poor visibility was cited as a contributing factor.

OP Jindal and Surender Singh (2005): Industrialist and then Haryana power minister OP Jindal, along with the states agriculture minister Surender Singh, perished when their King Cobra helicopter crashed near Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on March 31, 2005. They were en route to Chandigarh from Delhi.

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YS Rajasekhara Reddy (2009): Popularly known as YSR, the then chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Rajasekhara Reddy, died on September 2, 2009, when his Bell 430 helicopter crashed in the dense Nallamala forest due to bad weather. His body was traced 27 hours after the helicopter went missing.

Dorjee Khandu (2011): The then chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Dorjee Khandu, died in a helicopter crash on April 30, 2011, while flying from Tawang to Itanagar. After a five-day frantic search across dense West Kameng forests, his wrecked Pawan Hans chopper was discovered. Poor aircraft conditions and challenging terrain were believed to have contributed to the fatal incident.

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 12, 2025, 21:02 IST
'A Difficult Day For All Of Us': Air India CEO Issues First Statement After Ahmedabad Crash

Curated By :

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Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 19:37 IST

Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson expressed deep sorrow over the crash of flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London

Air India's chief executive officer (CEO), Campbell Wilson. (AFP file photo)

Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson issued his first statement on Thursday following the tragic crash of an Air India flight shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

In a video statement shared on X, Wilson described the incident as a difficult day" for the airline and extended his deep sorrow over the loss and suffering caused.

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This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India," Wilson said. Our efforts are now focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones."

Message from Campbell Wilson, MD & CEO, Air India. pic.twitter.com/19MiwtkwAI Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025

The flight, AI171, was operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and was on its way from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when the accident occurred. According to Wilson, 230 passengers and 12 crew members were on board at the time of the crash.

The passengers included: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals and 1 Canadian national.

Wilson confirmed that injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals by local authorities. He also said that Air India is working closely with officials on all emergency efforts and has dispatched a special team of caregivers to Ahmedabad to provide further support to the affected.

We are actively working with the authorities on all emergency response efforts. A special team of caregivers from Air India is on their way to Ahmedabad to provide additional support," he added.

In response to growing concern from families and friends of passengers, Wilson announced a dedicated helpline for those seeking information. We know that many people are concerned for the welfare of their loved ones. We have set up a special helpline that friends and family can reach us at."

We understand that people are eager for information and please know that we will continue to share accurate and timely information as soon as we can. Anything we report must be factual and not speculative. We owe that to everyone involved," Air India CEO stated.

While an investigation is underway, Wilson said it will take time. For now, the airlines teams are working around the clock" to assist passengers, crew, families, and investigators.

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For now, our teams are working around the clock to support passengers, crew and their families, as well as investigators, however we can. Thank you," he concluded.

ALSO READ: From 2022 Takeover To Mega Merger: A Look At Air Indias Turbulent Journey Amid Tragedy

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 12, 2025, 19:31 IST
Air India Plane Crashed Into Ahmedabad Doctors' Hostel, Over 200 Feared Dead: What We Know So Far

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 19:24 IST

The FAIMA Doctors Association said at least 30 students, who were having lunch at the hostel mess when the plane crashed into the building, were reported dead

Remains of the Air India plane that crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on June 12. (Image: PTI)

The London-bound Air India flight involved in an accident minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday crashed into the UG hostel of BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar area. More than 200 people are feared dead as the plane crashed in the residential area, civil hospital sources said.

According to FAIMA Doctors Association, many MBBS students were having lunch at the hostel mess when the plane crashed into the building. The wife of a resident doctor was reported to be dead even as four to five MBBS students and three to four relatives of resident doctors are missing, it said. While two to three students are in intensive care, at least 50 students, who were hospitalised, are stable as of now, it added.

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Air India said the Boeing 787-8 aircraft was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. The passengers included 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national.

Follow Ahmedabad Plane Crash LIVE Updates Here

The injured were rushed to the nearest hospitals, said the airline. It has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number  1800 5691 444. The ministry of civil aviation established a control room: 011-24610843 | 9650391859.

Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off.The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, spoke to Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah to take stock of the situation.

The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," Modi wrote in a post on X.

Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed profound sorrow" at the tragic accident. In a statement issued by the airline, he expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the incident. With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," he said.

Immediately after departure from runway 23, the aircraft fell onto the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site, eyewitnesses said. Thick plumes of smoke could be seen at the accident spot, and fire tenders rushed to the spot.

Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on the highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families," Naidu said.

This tragedy is the second air disaster in Gujarats principal city. On October 19, 1988, an Indian Airlines plane crashed in its final approach to the Ahmedabad airport, killing 130 people.

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Heres what we know so far:

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was among more than 200 people killed as the ill-fated flight crashed shortly after takeoff. He was reportedly flying business class and listed as passenger number 12 in the flight manifest. The plane crashed into the UG hostel mess of the BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar. According to FAIMA Doctors Association, many MBBS students were having lunch at the hostel mess when the plane crashed into the building. The wife of a resident doctor was reported to be dead even as four to five MBBS students and three to four relatives of resident doctors are missing. Two to three students are in intensive care and at least 50 students, who were hospitalised, are stable as of now. A senior police officer told news agency ANI that about 70% to 80% of the crash site had been cleared. He also appealed to the public to cooperate for the green corridor for the ambulance. After the takeoff, the plane crashed here and after a preliminary inquiry, we got to know that theplane crashed into a building, which is a doctors hostel," the officer said. Officials released the names of the crew members on board the ill-fated Air India flight. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8,200 hours of experience. The co-pilot had 1,100 hours of flying experience. The aircraft, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 hours IST from runway 23, gave a mayday call to the ATC, but there was no response from the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation. On 12th Jun, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew," said a senior DGCA official. All flight operations at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad have been temporarily suspended following an Air India plane crash incident. The authorities have confirmed that no flights will be allowed to arrive or depart from the airport until further notice". Since its introduction, this is the first-ever crash and loss of hull for a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft has long been praised for its flawless safety record. State government sources said the aircraft was stationed in Ahmedabad for the past two days due to a technical snag. We are aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information," a Boeing spokesperson said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is en route to Ahmedabad to assess the situation following the plane crash, as per sources. He spoke to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, state home minister Harsh Sanghvi, and the Ahmedabad police commissioner. Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu will also be in the city to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground. The civil aviation ministry held a high-level meeting, attended by the secretary and DGCA officials. Discussions were held on the reasons for the casualties and the ongoing emergency rescue operations.

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 12, 2025, 16:04 IST
Last Updated: June 13, 2025, 11:44 IST

Ahmedabad Plane Crash News Live Updates: At least 265 people were killed after an Air India flight crashed near the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, in one of Indias worst aviation disasters. The flight, carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, descended momentarily after taking off for London at 1:17 pm.

The Air India Flight AI-171 was carrying 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian passenger. It crashed into the BJ Medical College and Hospital, resulting in more casualties. Heavy smoke was visible from Dharpur near the Meghaninagar area in Ahmedabad. The fire brigade was to the spot, and emergency response teams are being mobilised. Authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the crash.

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani also among the victims who died in the crash, confirmed Union Minister CR Paatil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, and also spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu about the crash. The PM asked the two ministers to go to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected.

Earlier today, Shah lauded Gujarat disaster management personnel for their quick response to the tragic event and said an official death toll would be announced after DNA analysis. PM Modi arrived in Ahmedabad on Friday morning.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Deadliest Passenger Aircraft Accidents In India Over The Years

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 16:14 IST

The Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad is the first fatal passenger plane crash in India in the past five years, coming after the 2020 incident in Kozhikode.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash News Live: Visuals from crash site in Gujarat. (Photos: News18)

Ahmedabad Plane Crash Today: An Air India flight AI 171, flying from Ahmedabad to London, crashed near Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday. The passenger plane with 232 passengers on board crashed shortly after takeoff near Meghaninagar, triggering panic in the area. At least 40 people are reported to have died in the crash.

Also See: Ahmedabad Plane Crash News Live updates

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Thick smoke from the crash site was visible as far as Vastrapur. Emergency response teams, including the fire brigade, were immediately rushed to the spot. It is being said that former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani was also onboard the plane.

This is the first major plane crash in India over the past five years. The last plane crash happened in Kozhikode in 2020. Heres a list of major plane crashes in India over the years:

2020: Air India Express Flight IX-1344  Kozhikode

The crash of Air India Express Flight IX-1344 on August 7, 2020, remains one of the most tragic aviation disasters in recent Indian history. Operating under the Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate Indians stranded abroad due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Boeing 737-800 aircraft was flying from Dubai to Kozhikode (Calicut). Upon attempting to land at Kozhikodes tabletop runway during heavy rainfall and low visibility, the plane overshot the runway, fell into a 30-foot gorge, and broke into two. The crash claimed 21 lives, including both pilots, and left more than 100 injured, some critically.

2010: Air India Express Flight IX-812  Mangalore

Air India Express Flight IX-812 crashed on May 22, 2010, at Mangalore International Airport, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India. The flight, a Boeing 737-800, was operating from Dubai to Mangalore with 166 people onboard, including many Indian expatriates returning home. Upon landing at the tabletop runwaya runway located on a plateau with steep drops on either sidethe aircraft overshot the runway, failed to stop in time, and plunged into a deep gorge, bursting into flames. The crash resulted in 158 fatalities, with only 8 survivors, most of whom were seated in the front section of the aircraft.

Also See: Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash Video

1998: Alliance Air Flight 7412

Alliance Air Flight 7412 tragically crashed on July 17, 1998, near Patna Airport in Bihar. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-2A8, was attempting a go-around maneuver during landing when it lost control and crashed into a densely populated residential area close to the airport. The disaster claimed the lives of 60 people55 passengers and crew onboard and 5 individuals on the ground.

1996: Charkhi Dadri Mid-Air Collision

The Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision, which occurred on November 12, 1996, near Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, remains the deadliest mid-air collision in aviation history. This tragic accident involved two commercial flightsSaudi Arabian Airlines Flight 763 and Kazakhstan Airlines Flight 1907both of which collided due to miscommunication and violation of altitude instructions. All 349 passengers and crew members aboard the two aircraft lost their lives.

1993: Indian Airlines Flight 491  Aurangabad

Indian Airlines Flight 491 met with a tragic accident on April 26, 1993, shortly after taking off from Aurangabad Airport in Maharashtra. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-2A8, collided with a truck that had inadvertently entered the runway during the planes takeoff roll. The collision caused the aircraft to lose control, crash, and catch fire. Out of the 118 passengers and crew onboard, 55 lost their lives in the crash.

1990: Indian Airlines Flight 605  Bangalore

Indian Airlines Flight 605 crashed on February 14, 1990, while attempting to land at Bangalores HAL Airport in Karnataka. The aircraft, an Airbus A320, descended prematurely and touched down short of the runway, leading to a severe crash. Of the 146 passengers and crew onboard, 92 lost their lives in this tragic accident.

1988: Indian Airlines Flight 113  Gujarat

On October 19, 1988, Indian Airlines Flight 113, a Boeing 737, tragically crashed near Ahmedabad, Gujarat, resulting in the loss of 133 lives, with only two survivors. The aircraft went down while attempting to land amid poor visibility conditions, which severely hampered the pilots ability to navigate safely.

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1978: Air India Flight 855  Mumbai

On January 1, 1978, Air India Flight 855, a Boeing 747, crashed into the Arabian Sea off the coast of Mumbai, claiming the lives of all 213 passengers and crew onboard. Shortly after takeoff, the flight crew experienced instrument failure, which led to spatial disorientation and loss of control of the aircraft.

About the Author Pragati Ratti Copy Editor Pragati is a News Editor at news18.com and heads the Business and Viral sections. Having worked with the breaking news team at News18 in the past, Pragati now manages the day to day functioning of the Viral and... Read More Pragati is a News Editor at news18.com and heads the Business and Viral sections. Having worked with the breaking news team at News18 in the past, Pragati now manages the day to day functioning of the Viral and... Read More

First Published: June 12, 2025, 14:35 IST
Advocates for a new city animal shelter now find themselves in the center of a campaign issue in the race to become Buffalos next mayor.

In recent weeks, Mayor Christopher Scanlon and state Sen. Sean Ryan held press conferences, touted plans in social media posts and hurled accusations about political favoritism in the awarding of the contract for a new shelter. Ryan has worked to paint Scanlon as part of the reason the citys downtown shelter has for so long faced overcrowding and unsanitary conditions, pointing to his 12 years on the Common Council before becoming acting mayor in October, upon the resignation of former Mayor Byron Brown.

During that time, advocates have been sounding the alarm on what they described as the untenable situation at the shelter for the animals and their caretakers.

And some advocates who have been working for years on the plan for a new shelter say they have not heard from Scanlon since he became acting mayor and were caught off guard by his announcement this week about a new shelter. The new shelter, Scanlon said, would go into a Niagara Street building owned by Ellicott Development, the company founded by Carl Paladino and now run by his son William Paladino. William Paladino and Scanlon have been friends since childhood.

Ryan, in a phone interview with The Buffalo News this week, accused Scanlon of giving out contracts to donors. William Paladino and companies associated with Ellicott Development have given Scanlons mayoral campaign nearly $27,000.

The acting mayor, Chris Scanlon, has given contracts to his top donors, and Ellicott Development certainly is one of his top donors, Ryan said.

But Scanlon, who spoke with a News reporter in City Hall, called the accusation of favoritism a lie, noting that the city issued a request for proposals in 2022 and had awarded the contract to Ellicott Development  one of four developers to submit bids  by the end of 2023.

Other work, including design, continued meetings with the selection committee for the shelter and executing a lease agreement, has continued since. But the bulk of the work was done long before he became acting mayor, Scanlon said.

Once again, the senator is misleading the public, Scanlon said. I had had nothing to do with selecting Ellicott Development as the partner on the animal shelter.

And Scanlon said that his administration was able to work with Ellicott Development to change the terms of the deal from a long-term lease to a rent-to-own contract that will ultimately save taxpayers an estimated $4 million.

Plans for a new animal shelter in Buffalo long overdue, critics say Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon acknowledged there are problems at the city's animal shelter and said he is focused on relocating and transforming it.

This is something weve been working on for months, he said.

Julie Padak, a volunteer with the shelter for nearly 20 years, has also advocated for a new shelter site and has been involved in developing plans over the years. She said she and other volunteers she spoke with were not aware that Scanlon was set to finalize a deal.

We were all caught off guard a bit when this just sort of became an announcement, she said.

At a press conference accusing Scanlon and other city officials of ignoring the ongoing crisis at the shelter, Ryan was joined by sign-waving volunteers. He has created an application for an animal shelter advisory committee and vowed to make a new shelter, and a transparent process, a priority if he is elected. He added that he has heard from many volunteers who feel they have been closed out of the process.

Those folks are in the dark, and its leading people to question whether this is more about getting a contract to your crony and your political contributor than it is about fixing the problems with the animal shelter, Ryan said.

Barbara Carr, the former executive director of the Erie County SPCA, oversaw the planning and building of the SPCAs new facility in West Seneca, which opened in 2017. She now does consulting work for shelters building new facilities, and was part of the committee that worked on the citys new shelter planning.

She, too, said she had not heard from the Scanlon administration before he announced they were moving forward with the Niagara Street plan. After touring the building last year, she said she has many concerns over logistical challenges to housing a shelter there while also complying with new state regulations set to take effect in December.

Since Scanlon has been in, there hasnt been one meeting, Carr said.

Scanlon said that most of the groundwork had been laid for the new shelter by the Brown administration, and that he was now prioritizing finalizing the deal because of the urgent need, as well as the state-mandated requirements going into effect this year.

And he said he is willing to work with volunteers and other groups going forward to have an open and transparent process.

The only thing thats changed since Ive become acting mayor is we finalized the deal to get the building, Scanlon said. As far as the build out, things like that, well continue to have conversations with people.

Padak said she and others she has spoken to arent necessarily opposed to the Niagara Street site, though they have concerns. Her hope is that the attention the shelter is getting through the mayors race will result in swift action on the longstanding suffering the animals at the shelter have endured.

We just want to be involved and included, Padak said. Because, as the folks who are doing the day-to-day work in these shelters, we kind of know what it needs, and what it needs to look like in a lot of ways.
Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Dies In Air India Plane Crash

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 19:10 IST

An Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, with 232 passengers onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Ahmedabad plane crash

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Thursday died after an Air India plane crashed near the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. Over 200 people are feared dead in the tragedy.

Gujarat BJP state president CR Patil confirmed Rupanis death and said this is a great loss for the party.

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Our leader, former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, was also on that flight. Vijay Rupani died in this tragedy. May God grant peace to his soul. This is a great loss for the BJP family as well," Patil said.

Vijay Rupani: Former Gujarat CM, Who Was Jailed During Emergency, Killed In Air India Plane Crash

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jahkhar said Rupanis contributions as Gujarat CM would be cherished forever.

Extremely saddened and heartbroken to learn that Sh.Vijay Rupani ji was on board the ill fated Air India plane which crashed today in Ahemdabad today. His contributions as Gujarat CM would be cherished forever. He was a humble and compassionate human being and a grassroots leader. I have had the lucky fortune of being associated with him as he was incharge of Punjab BJP. He was a real gentleman politician". Not only Gujrat has lost a great leader in him but it is a personal loss for me, as I found his gentle and soft demeanour so endearing. His sagacity and simplicity in public life will be missed," he wrote.

Former Punjab CM and BJP leader Amarinder Singh said Rupanis unwavering commitment to public service will always be remembered.

Saddened by the tragic demise of former Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Vijay Rupani Ji in the unfortunate plane crash near Ahmedabad. His unwavering commitment to public service will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones in this moment of grief," he wrote in a post on X.

Talking to reporters, Vijay Rupanis neighbours expressed concerns about his well-being.

Rupanis wife, Anjali Rupani, is known to be there in London, and the former Chief Minister was believed to be visiting the UK to bring her back.

Former Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said, I had a program at Gujarat Vidyapeeth. After returning, I was having lunch and turned on the TV when I saw that a flight from Ahmedabad to London had crashed. I became worried because I knew Vijay Rupani was scheduled to travel to London today, though I didnt know he was on this flight. I immediately turned off the TV and came to his residence in Gandhinagar. I am now heading to the civil airport for more information."

Ahmedabad Plane Crash

The flight crashed soon after it took off for London, and was carrying nearly 232 passengers at the time of the accident.

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In an official statement, Air India confirmed the plane crash and said it was following up for more details.

Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest," it said.

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: June 12, 2025, 14:30 IST
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Why Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Was Travelling To London

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 16:56 IST

Sources close to ex-CM Vijay Rupani's family revealed that the former chief minister was en route to London to bring back his wife, Anjaliben Rupani

Following the Ahmedabad plane crash, ex-CM Vijay Rupani's travel plans have added a deeply new angle to the tragedy. (PTI Photo)

A devastating plane crash at Ahmedabad airport has left the nation reeling, with at least 170 people dead, confirmed civil hospital sources. Among the 242 people onboard the Air India flight bound for London was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, whose presence on the passenger list sparked intense curiousity and concern, particularly about the purpose of his overseas travel.

Sources close to Rupanis family revealed that the former chief minister was en route to London to bring back his wife, Anjaliben Rupani, who has reportedly been staying there for the past six months. His travel plans, until now unknown to the public, have added a deeply personal angle to the tragedy. Flight records confirm that Rupani was seated in 2-D in the business class section.

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While there is no confirmation yet on his condition, locals in Rupanis hometown of Rajkot are struggling to come to terms with the news. We are all very worried. We are watching every update on TV and mobile," said a concerned neighbour, highlighting the growing anxiety in the area.

The presence of a former chief minister on board has added a political dimension to the unfolding crisis. Authorities have not yet released a full list of survivors or victims, but the confirmation of Rupanis ticket and seat allocation suggests he was indeed among those on the flight when it crashed.

The Air India Boeing Dreamliner 737 aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The incident occurred near the densely populated Horse Camp area, close to the citys Civil Hospital, where emergency services rushed to contain the blaze and rescue survivors. According to the State Police Control Room, people have been urged to stay away from the crash site to allow unhindered rescue operations.

As investigations continue into what caused the aircraft to crash, preliminary reports suggest a possible mechanical failure or collision on the runway, attention remains focused on both the identities of the deceased and the survivors. Fire crews and emergency responders remain on the ground, working around the clock to clear the debris and offer medical assistance to the injured.

This devastating incident has not only claimed over 170 but has also reignited memories of past aviation tragedies involving political leaders.

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Authorities have pledged a thorough investigation, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders have expressed condolences and assured full support for relief operations.

First Published: June 12, 2025, 16:56 IST
Air India Crash: Here Are Other Accidents & Incidents Involving Boeing Planes In 2024-25

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 19:09 IST

Following the Ahmedabad Air India crash, some experts have raised questions about the manufacturer's production quality and safety oversight

Boeing issued a statement on Thursday, expressing condolences and extending support to Air India and investigators. Representational image

Aside from the tragic Ahmedabad Air India crash on Thursday, the years 2024 and 2025 have witnessed several high-profile incidents involving Boeing aircraft, with some experts raising serious questions about the manufacturers production quality and safety oversight.

Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the root causes of these events. Based on various reports, here is a detailed summary of the significant crashes and incidents reported during this period:

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American Airlines AA1006 (Boeing 737)13 March 2025

Reports indicate that the aircraft caught fire while taxiing to the gate, sustaining substantial damage. On board were 172 passengers, four cabin crew, and two pilots. Twelve passengers were hospitalised with injuries.

Etihad EY461 (Boeing 787 Dreamliner)Melbourne, Australia (5 January 2025)

An Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner, bound for Abu Dhabi, aborted takeoff at Melbourne Airport due to two wheels on the landing gear exploding moments before departure. Emergency services responded swiftly, applying foam to the gear. All 289 passengers disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.

American Airlines Regional Jet (Boeing)Potomac River, US (29 January 2025)

Over 60 people were killed when an American Airlines regional jet collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

United Airlines UA1321 (Boeing 777-200)Newark, US (28 April 2025)

A United Airlines Boeing 777-200 safely returned to Newark Liberty International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a mechanical issue detected by the crew. The flight was en route to Los Angeles.

United Airlines UA1731 (Boeing 777-200)San Francisco, US (28 April 2025)

On the same day, another United Airlines Boeing 777-200 diverted to San Francisco International Airport after cockpit indicators signalled a potential issue with a cargo door, later confirmed to be a malfunctioning sensor. Both United 777 incidents resulted in no injuries.

Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 (Boeing 737-800)Muan, South Korea (29 December 2024)

In South Koreas worst aviation disaster in decades, a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport. The flight, carrying 175 passengers and six crew from Bangkok, skidded off the runway during a second landing attempt after the pilot reported a bird strike. The aircraft landed without deploying its landing gear, slid at high speed, struck a wall, and then exploded, killing 179 of the 181 people on board. Only two flight attendants survived.

Swiftair Flight 5960 (Boeing 737-400SF)Vilnius, Lithuania (25 November 2024)

A Swiftair Boeing 737-400SF cargo aircraft crashed just short of the runway at Vilnius International Airport during its final approach. The incident resulted in the death of the captain and injuries to the co-pilot and two other crew members. The aircraft was a total loss.

Total Linhas Aereas Flight 5682 (Boeing 737-4Q8 (SF))Sao Paulo, Brazil (9 Nov 2024)

A Boeing 737-4Q8 (SF) cargo aircraft made an emergency landing at Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport after a fire erupted in the cargo hold. The crew declared an emergency during approach. Upon landing, large holes were visible on the top rear fuselage. The crew escaped without injuries, but the aircraft was written off.

American Airlines AA168 (Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner)Near Japan (15 November 2024)

A Boeing 787-9 travelling from Tokyo to New York experienced moderate to severe turbulence near Japan. Two cabin crew members were injured, but the aircraft continued to its destination.

Qantas QF6 (Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner)Perth, Australia (24 August 2024)

A Qantas Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, operating flight QF6 from Rome to Perth, suffered multiple tyre blowouts upon landing at Perth Airport, causing damage to its undercarriage. The aircraft was grounded for inspection and repairs.

Singapore Airlines SQ321 (Boeing 777-300ER)Over Myanmar (21 May 2024)

This flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar. The sudden and rapid vertical force changes resulted in the death of one passenger and injuries to 144 others, with some suffering severe fractures and internal injuries. The aircraft diverted to Bangkok. Preliminary investigations indicated the plane experienced rapid vertical acceleration changes and an altitude drop of approximately 177 feet.

United Airlines UA28 (Boeing 787-9)Singapore (14 May 2024)

A United Airlines Boeing 787-9 returned to Singapore shortly after take-off due to an engine failure. After a safe landing, a hole was found in the aircrafts left engine cowling. No injuries were reported.

Transair (Senegal) (Boeing 737-300)9 May 2024

A Transair-operated Boeing 737-300, chartered by Air Senegal, skidded off the runway at Senegals main airport while preparing for takeoff, injuring at least 10 people. Videos showed the left wing engulfed in flames.

LATAM Flight 800 (Boeing 787-9)Over Pacific Ocean (11 March 2024)

A Boeing 787-9 on a flight from Sydney to Auckland experienced a sudden and alarming vertical drop. Of the 272 on board, 50 were injured, with 12 hospitalised. The aircraft landed safely in Auckland. The incident prompted an FAA order for inspections of cockpit switches on 787s, after a preliminary finding suggested a captains seat movement might have been involved.

United Airlines (Boeing 737)San Francisco, US (7 March 2024)

A United Airlines Boeing 737 lost a tyre shortly after takeoff from San Francisco. The tyre fell into an employee parking lot, damaging several cars. The aircraft diverted and landed safely at Los Angeles International Airport.

Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 (Boeing 737-9 MAX)Portland, US (5 January 2024)

A nearly new Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX suffered a mid-air blowout when a side door panel detached, leading to rapid cabin depressurisation. Passengers panicked as oxygen masks deployed. The aircraft landed safely in Portland with no serious casualties, but the incident led to a temporary grounding of 737 MAX 9 aircraft for inspections and intensified scrutiny of Boeings manufacturing processes by the FAA and Department of Justice.

Atlas Air (Boeing 747-8)Miami, Florida (19 January 2024)

Videos on social media captured flames coming out of a Boeing 747-8 in Miami, indicating an engine fire incident.

Boeing issued a statement on Thursday, expressing condolences and extending support to Air India and investigators.

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In a post shared on social media platform X, Boeing Airplanes said: We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected."

(With agency inputs)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: June 12, 2025, 19:09 IST
Air India Crash: Rajasthan Newlywed On Way To Join Husband In London Among Victims

Curated By :

Translation Desk-Local18

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 19:34 IST

Khushboo, daughter of Madan Singh Rajpurohit of Araba Dudawata, married Vipul Singh Rajpurohit of Kharabaira Purohit, Luni, on January 18 this year

village on Wednesday and stayed at her in-laws' home in Luni before heading to Ahmedabad to board her Thursday flight. (Local18)

What was meant to be a new beginning turned into an unimaginable tragedy for Khushboo Kanwar of Araba Dudawata village in Rajasthans Balotra district. Khushboo, who had recently married and was travelling to London to join her husband for the first time, was among the victims of the Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Khushboo, the daughter of Madan Singh Rajpurohit from Araba Dudawata village, was married to Vipul Singh Rajpurohit from Kharabaira Purohit in Luni on January 18.

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Vipul, a London-based doctor, had been eagerly awaiting her arrival. With her visa and travel documents in place, Khushboo had set out to join her husband in London.

Khushboo left her village on Wednesday and stayed at her in-laws home in Luni before heading to Ahmedabad to board her Thursday flight. However, tragedy struck when Air India flight AI 171 crashed shortly after takeoff in Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad.

The tragic news deeply affected Khushboos native village, Araba Dudawata, and her in-laws home in Luni. Her village and family are now in deep mourning and shock.

The accident, involving 232 passengers and 10 crew members, has reportedly claimed over 200 lives. Among the deceased, 12 passengers from Rajasthan have been identified so far, including Khushboo from Balotra and 11 others from Udaipur.

Air India flight AI171, headed for Londons Gatwick Airport, crashed within minutes of departing from Ahmedabad, turning a routine international journey into a devastating disaster.

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The aircraft slammed into a doctors hostel near a medical college, claiming lives not just on board but also on the ground. Several medical students were killed as the plane tore through the buildings dining hall. Disturbing images from the scene revealed wreckage scattered across shattered walls, with uneaten meals frozen in timea stark reminder of the suddenness of the tragedy.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the flight was being commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had logged over 8,200 flying hours, alongside First Officer Clive Kundar with 1,100 hours of experience. A mayday signal was sent shortly after takeoff, but contact with the aircraft was lost soon after. A joint probe by the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

Location : Balotra, India, India

First Published: June 12, 2025, 19:34 IST
Air India Crash: These Were The Crew Members On The Flight

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 16:23 IST

The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kunder

Remains of the Air India plane that crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on June 12. (Image: PTI)

An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to Londons Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after takeoff this afternoon. Flight AI171 was carrying 242 people when it went down minutes after departing. The plane was carrying 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian passenger. Aside from the pilot and first officer, there were also 10 crew members on board. According to reports, more than 130 people have been killed.

News18 has learnt the names of the crew members on the Ahmedabad-London flight, even as their fate is unknown. The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kunder. Two senior cabin crew members have been identified as Shradha Dhavan and Aparna Mahadik. The other cabin crew members were Saineeta Chakravarti, Nganthoi Kongbrailatpam Sharma, Deepak Pathak, Maithili Patil, Irfan Shaikh, Lamnunthem Singson, Roshni Songhare Rajendra, and Manisha Thapa.

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The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which is a mid-size, twin-engine, wide-body jet airliner. Known for its fuel efficiency, comfortable passenger experience, and innovative design features like large windows with electronic dimming, the aircraft first took flight on December 15, 2009.

According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 13:39 IST (08:09 UTC) from Runway 23. It issued a MAYDAY call shortly after takeoff, but there was no further response to ATC communications. The aircraft crashed just outside the airport perimeter moments later. Eyewitnesses and officials reported thick black smoke rising from the crash site.

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that an Air India Boeing 787 aircraft, bearing registration VT-ANB and operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. There were 242 persons on board the aircraft, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew," the DGCA said in a statement.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain (LTC), had 8,200 hours of flying experience, and he was assisted by First Officer Clive Kunder, who had logged 1,100 flying hours.

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 12, 2025, 16:23 IST
5 Students Killed In Ahmedabad Medical College Where Air India Plane Crashed

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 21:59 IST

According to reports, the Air India plane crashed directly on the BJ Medical College UG hostel mess in Ahmedabad's Meghani Nagar.

Parts of Air India plane in college hostel mess. (Image: FAIMA)

Ahmedabad plane crash: At least five students of BJ Medical College UG hostel mess in Ahmedabads Meghani Nagar were killed after an Air India plane crashed on the institution on Thursday afternoon.

Air India Flight Ai-171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after take-off. A total of 242 people were on board the aircraft and reports say all of them are feared to have died.

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Earlier, the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) claimed students were present at the hostel mess at the time of the crash. Images shared by FAIMA show a part of the plane stuck in the building of the hostel, which could be seen to have suffered damages.

An official note from FAIMA said, As per discussion with President RDA BJ Medical College Ahmedabad & Vice President FAIMA Dr Dhawal Gameti, till now, around 50-60 MBBS Students are admitted and everyone is stable." The statement added that 4-5 MBBS students were missing and 2-3 were in HDU & ICU.

We are deeply shocked about the news of AI plane crashing in Ahmedabad. ! News have become more gruesome after finding out that flight had crushed in BJMC, Hostel & many MBBS students have also been injured!!!! We are monitoring the situation closely & are ready for any help," FAIMA India said on X.

FAIMA(Federation of All India Medical Association) REPORT:+ 50-60 MBBS Students are admitted & everyone is stable. + 4-5 MBBS Students are missing and 2-3 in HDU & ICU. + 3-4 relatives of Super Specialist Resident Doctors are missing right now & wife of one found dead + pic.twitter.com/tJkz1jihDN  Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) June 12, 2025

Meanwhile, videos from the crash site show parts of the crashed aircraft lying around while people were seen pushing these parts.

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The plane was carrying 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian passenger. Heavy smoke was visible from Dharpur near the Meghaninagar area in Ahmedabad. The fire brigade has rushed to the spot, and emergency response teams are being mobilised. Authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the crash.

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 12, 2025, 16:08 IST
Horrific Visuals From Air India Ahmedabad Crash: Fuselage Lodged In Building, Debris On Ground

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 18:27 IST

The London-bound Air India flight, carrying 242 peopleincluding 232 passengers and 10 crew memberscrashed into a residential area just minutes after taking off

Remains of an Air India plane that crashed moments after taking off from the airport, lies on a residential building, in Ahmedabad. (AFP photo)

Several videos have surfaced on social media platform X, capturing the tragic Air India crash in Gujarat on Thursday. The footage shows moments leading up to the crash, the impact, and the devastating aftermath.

The London-bound Air India flight, carrying 242 peopleincluding 232 passengers and 10 crew memberscrashed into a residential area just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at around 2 PM.

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According to official reports, at least 133 people have been confirmed dead.

Eyewitnesses and videos show the Boeing 787 Dreamliner (flight number AI171) rapidly losing altitude before crashing in a fireball. Thick black smoke was seen rising high into the sky from the crash site in the Meghaninagar area.

Leaders from across the political spectrum, as well as several global figures, have reacted with shock and sorrow. Many took to X to express their grief and offer condolences to the victims families.

More videos from the scene continue to emerge online, showing the scale of destruction and the urgent response by emergency teams.

Breaking!Crashed Air India plane, boarded with 242 passengers, crashed during takeoff. It was scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad to London Prayers for Safety #Planecrash #AirIndia pic.twitter.com/Ag6HEVDhYI  ????eena Jain (@DrJain21) June 12, 2025

The plane, which lost altitude shortly after take-off, crashed into the residential quarters of BJ Medical College doctors in Ahmedabads Meghaninagar area, causing severe damage to buildings on the premises.

A tragic incident occurred at the BJMC hostel mess, where an Air India aircraft crashed .Many of UG and PG residents lost their lives while having lunch at their mess.Very sad and unfortunate incident of #planecrash ..Bhagwan shiv give strength to the victims and their pic.twitter.com/XN4MdxYko5 Dr.Monika Langeh (@drmonika_langeh) June 12, 2025

Tail Section AI 171 crashed aircraft on roof of B J Medical College Hostel building. pic.twitter.com/Pz8WqmO9nI Asit Mehta (@outsidermas7) June 12, 2025

Plates filled with food, tables left mid-meal.The crash happened during lunch hour. Time froze, lives didnt get to finish their next bite.Heartbreaking. #planecrash #Ahmedabad #AirIndia pic.twitter.com/57khOeNndW  Gems (@gemsofbabus_) June 12, 2025

#WATCH | Gujarat: Part of the ill-fated London-bound Air India aircraft crashed into a building in Ahmedabad. Visuals from the spot.Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from (Ahmedabad to London Gatwick) crashed immediately after takeoff from pic.twitter.com/BfrbXFi2wP  ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

Visuals from the crash site show dozens of ambulances and members of disaster response teams engaged in rescue operations.

#WATCH | Air India Plane Crash | Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel, have reached the plane crash site from Gandhinagar. A total of three more teams are being moved from Vadodara: NDRF(Video Source: NDRF) pic.twitter.com/Pazh0TyOwG  ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

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Three teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are working at the plane crash site in AhmedabadA total of three more teams are being moved from Vadodara: NDRF (source: NDRF) pic.twitter.com/8yncGwv1Cn  ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

ALSO READ: London-Bound Air India Flight Crashed Into Ahmedabad Medical College, 170 Dead: What We Know So Far

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

Location : Gujarat, India, India

First Published: June 12, 2025, 17:04 IST
Blaze On Singapore Ship Enters Third Day, IAFs MI-17 V5 Joins Firefighting Ops

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News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain



Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 09:28 IST

With the blaze still raging, the Indian Air Forces MI-17 V5 helicopter has been deployed to drop fire retardant, joining the Coast Guards ongoing efforts off the Kerala coast

The MV Wan Hai 503 had 22 crew members on board  8 Chinese, 6 Taiwanese, 5 Burmese, and 3 Indonesians. (X/@indiannavy)

A massive fire continues to rage onboard the Singapore-flagged container ship MV Wan Hai 503 for the third consecutive day, even as Indian authorities intensify firefighting and search operations off the Kerala coast. The Indian Coast Guard is leading efforts on the sea, while the Indian Air Force has now deployed an MI-17 V5 helicopter to conduct aerial sorties and drop fire suppressant dye to douse the flames.

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The incident was first reported on Monday, June 9, around 09:30 AM, when a series of explosions triggered an underdeck fire while the vessel was sailing approximately 130 nautical miles northwest of Kochi. The alert was relayed by the Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) in Mumbai to its Kochi counterpart. The ship was reportedly near Beypore, off Kozhikode district, when the fire broke out.

The vessel, en route from Colombo to Mumbais Nhava Sheva port, was carrying nitrocellulose, a highly flammable substance used in manufacturing explosives and industrial chemicals. The cargo, imported by a Mumbai-based company, is under investigation.

Rescue And Crew Details

The MV Wan Hai 503 had 22 crew members on board  8 Chinese, 6 Taiwanese, 5 Burmese, and 3 Indonesians. As the fire intensified, the entire crew was forced to abandon ship. In a coordinated operation, the Indian Navy deployed INS Surat and a Dornier aircraft, rescuing 18 crew members, who were later brought to Mangaluru. Among them, two crew members are critically injured, and four have minor injuries. The rest have been accommodated in a hotel.

Four crew members remain missing, and extensive search efforts are underway.

#IndianNavy in a closely coordinated #SearchAndRescue operation with @IndiaCoastGuard, DG Shipping and other stakeholders, has safely rescued 18 out of 22 crew members Singaporean Flagged MV Wan Hai 503. The MV had reported internal container explosion and resultant major fire pic.twitter.com/y0hYqP6ZIc SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) June 9, 2025

Singapores High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, took to X to thank Indian authorities, saying:

Firefighting Efforts Continue

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Coast Guard vessels Sachet and Samudra Prahari remain at the site, battling the fire with support from IAFs MI-17 V5, which is now conducting aerial suppression operations. The fire continues to pose safety and environmental risks, especially after 1520 containers fell overboard due to the explosions.

Authorities say a full investigation is underway into the cause of the fire, the explosions, and the hazardous cargos intended use. The ship remains adrift and under constant watch.

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 12, 2025, 09:21 IST
Census 2027: How India Plans To Release Population Data In Just 9 Months

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Translation Desk

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 13:17 IST

The Centre has set March 1, 2027, as the reference date for the census - the first since the Covid-19 pandemic forced a delay in the originally scheduled 2020 enumeration

The 2027 Census will be conducted in two phases starting in 2026.

Indias decennial population count will enter a new era in 2027 with the countrys first fully digital census, promising a major leap in efficiency, transparency, and speed. According to top government sources, the final population data, with granular details on gender distribution at the national, state, district, and taluka levels, could be available by December 2027, barely nine months after the fieldwork concludes.

This marks a dramatic shift from the 2011 Census, which took nearly two years to compile and release its final datasets. Officials attribute the time savings to a complete digital overhaul, including mobile app-based data collection, multilingual support, and cutting-edge processing tools.

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The Centre has set March 1, 2027, as the reference date for the census  the first since the Covid-19 pandemic forced a delay in the originally scheduled 2020 enumeration. The operation will be conducted in two phases:

1. House Listing Phase: Beginning in 2026, this stage will involve identifying and listing households.

2. Population Enumeration Phase: Scheduled for February 2027, this will include the collection of individual data such as name, age, gender, education level, and other demographic indicators.

Digital Census 2027: Key Innovations

For the first time in history, the census will be entirely paperless. Enumerators will use specially developed mobile applications, available in 16 languages, including Hindi, English, and 14 regional tongues, to collect data directly from households. Citizens will also be given the option of self-enumeration via the app, an unprecedented feature that adds a layer of accessibility and autonomy to the process.

Other major features include:

Pre-coded Dropdown Menus: Most questions will come with pre-set answers, reducing data entry errors and speeding up collection.

Most questions will come with pre-set answers, reducing data entry errors and speeding up collection. Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR): This will help digitise any unstructured, handwritten responses swiftly.

This will help digitise any unstructured, handwritten responses swiftly. Code Directories: Certain descriptive questions will be supported with a standardised code list, ensuring uniform data organisation.

The most striking promise of the 2027 Census is the nine-month turnaround from data collection to the release of final population figures.

In previous censuses, a significant bottleneck was the physical handling of data  manual entries, paper schedule scanning, and logistics related to transporting and storing documents. The digital approach eliminates all of this. Data will be entered directly at the point of collection and instantly uploaded to central servers for analysis.

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According to officials, the combination of mobile-first tools, automated processing systems, and streamlined logistics could cut the traditional timeline by more than half.

This will be the most high-tech and efficient census India has ever seen, a senior government source involved in the planning said, adding that the expected release of detailed population data is by December 2027.

First Published: June 12, 2025, 13:16 IST
Chaos At Ahmedabad Hospital After Air India Crash: Emergency Wards Crowded, Families In Agony

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News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 20:47 IST

Doctors described the aftermath as unlike anything they had ever seen, with a constant flow of critically injured passengers arriving in the emergency wards

Injured people being taken for treatment at a hospital after a London-bound Air India plane crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport. (PTI photo)

Chaos unfolded at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital on Thursday after an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed just outside the citys airport shortly after take-off. The flight was bound for London Gatwick and was carrying 242 passengers, including 10 crew members.

Doctors at the hospital described the aftermath as unlike anything they had ever seen," with a constant flow of critically injured passengers arriving in the emergency wards. Many were rushed in with serious burns, fractures, and other life-threatening injuries.

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It is a mass casualty situation. We are doing all we can," a hospital official said.

Families Wait In Fear

As news of the crash spread, dozens of family members rushed to the hospital in search of loved ones. Heartbreaking scenes played out outside the emergency ward, where anxious relatives waited for updates.

My sister was going to London. She had her flight around 1.10 pm, but the flight crashed," said one woman waiting outside the civil hospital.

Another man, speaking to news agency ANI, expressed his desperation:

My sister and brother-in-law are both inside, but they are not letting us go inThey were going to LondonMy niece is in London, and they were going to see her. She called me up from London to say that her parents were on the flight, and then I rushed here."

#WATCH | Ahmedabad plane crash | A man at the civil hospital in Ahmedabad says, My sister and brother-in-law are both inside, but they are not letting us go inThey were going to LondonMy niece is in London, and they were going to see her. She called me up from London to pic.twitter.com/OsoNv4e31T ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

Emotional Scenes Outside Hospital

Footage shared on social media shows grieving and panicked families, some pleading with authorities to be allowed inside.

A man breaks down in tears, pleading with the authorities to let him inside.

#WATCH | Gujarat: Anxious family members gather outside the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad as they rush here to get an update about their loved ones who were on board the ill-fated London-bound Air India aircraft.A man breaks down and pleads with the authority to let him in. pic.twitter.com/BPq5GZnL1p  ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

Shortly after the crash, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel rushed to Asarwa Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, where victims of the Air India tragedy were being treated.

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Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, CM Patel assured full support for ongoing rescue and relief efforts. He directed officials to create a green corridor to speed up the transfer of injured passengers to hospitals and instructed medical teams to provide priority treatment to all those affected.

ALSO READ: Miracle Survivor Pulled Alive From Ahmedabad Plane Wreckage, Seen Walking To Ambulance On Camera

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

Location : Gujarat, India, India

First Published: June 12, 2025, 20:43 IST
ALBANY  State lawmakers passed a package of 10 bills Thursday to reform New Yorks embattled state prison system, including a proposal to require jailhouses to provide all video of inmate deaths to the attorney generals office within 72 hours.

The multi-part legislation marks the State Legislatures response to a prison system reeling from the correction officer-inflicted killings of Robert Brooks, 43, in Marcy Correctional Facility on Dec. 10 and Messiah Nantwi, 22, in Mid-State Correctional Facility on March 1. The deaths, which took place in Oneida County lockups next to one another, led to murder and manslaughter charges brought against 20 officers.

And that was followed by a 22-day correction officer strike that led Gov. Kathy Hochul to call in the New York National Guard to help secure the 42-facility prison system operated by the states Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Prison reform, medical aid in dying bill under consideration as Albany session nears end Whether the session will end with a flurry of 11th-hour bill passings  a longtime occurrence in Albany  remains a mystery. So, too, does the fate of key bills.

On Thursday, lawmakers and advocates seeking prison reform pushed the bills as the states six-month legislative session was entering its final days. Thursday was the final session for the Senate, while the Assembly was scheduled to meet Friday and at least twice next week. The bill passed the Assembly 95 to 47, and the Senate by a tally not immediately available. Hochul will ultimately decide the fate of the bill.

The prison reform proposals, which followed a joint legislative hearing last month, impact a correctional system plagued by a systemic pattern of racism, staff violence towards incarcerated individuals and human rights abuses, with little to no accountability or oversight, according to Sen. Julia Salazar, D-Brooklyn, who chairs the Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections.

Salazar and Assembly Member Erik Dilan, D-Brooklyn, who chairs the Assemblys Corrections Committee, sponsored the 10-bill package. It would require jailhouses to provide the attorney generals office with all video of inmate deaths within 72 hours; have round-the-clock surveillance video in all parts of lockups outside of the interior of cells, shower and toilet areas; have prisons promptly notify families of inmates who die in DOCCS custody; require autopsies of death victims in jailhouses to include all photos, slides and post-mortem X-rays; and calls for the attorney generals office, which represents DOCCS on legal issues, to set up protocol to avoid conflicts of interest.

State's prison oversight panel faces criticism, calls for reform "This watchdog is a lapdog right now," Assembly Member Emily Gallagher, D-Brooklyn, said of the states Commission on Correction, an oversight panel for New Yorks prisons and jails. "This is a state agency that is currently not functioning."

The legislation would additionally expand the State Commission of Correction, a state oversight panel, from three to nine members, and require the SCOC to conduct a study on the number of prison system deaths in the last 10 years. The Buffalo News reported June 1 that in the five months after Brooks was killed, the SCOC met before the public for a combined total of less than 51 minutes, never mentioning either death or the strike.

The bill would require DOCCS to collect and report data to the Legislature and governor on complaints received and their outcomes; authorize the Correctional Association of New York  or CANY, an independent nonprofit organization designated under the law to provide oversight of state prisons  to visit facilities without notice and have expanded access to records and information; and suspend the statute of limitations for inmates for three years after their release to safeguard their legal rights.

A memo for the bill noted that, according to CANY, 143 inmates died while in DOCCS custody in 2024, marking a 34% increase from 2023.

Hochul: Prison strike 'most stressful time in my almost four years as governor' New York's 22-day correction officer strike stressed out Gov. Kathy Hochul more than any other time in her tenure, leaving the governor to question whether she would lose control of the prison system to unguarded prisoners in riots across the state.

Dilan, the co-sponsor, said the bill was the next step in the process of trying to achieve systemic reforms within DOCCS facilities to begin to change a climate and culture that has allowed incarcerated people to be murdered and assaulted. This package starts to address the gaps that we have identified in our governments systems to date.

Assembly Member David DiPietro, R-East Aurora, asked Dilan if there was anything in the package of bills that improved the safety for correction officers. Dilan said the cameras will provide transparency for everyone in the prisons, and be a deterrent of violence.

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, D-Buffalo, who voted for the bill, told fellow lawmakers she had a very tough time watching the video of Brooks' death, which led her to speak to relatives who have worked in corrections. She said relatives told her such horrors do happen in prisons, at times, but not all the time. One cousin sent her a letter from a former co-worker who resigned after only seven years in corrections because of the conditions he worked under, she said.

"This young man decided to retire or to resign rather than keep working in a situation like this," the majority leader said. "This is a start with this legislation, but we've got to fix this. We have to figure out how to fix it that engages everybody."

Peoples-Stokes said the bill would ideally have included the placement of a current or former correction officer to be on a board to help fix the problem.

Assembly Member Patrick Burke, D-Orchard Park, who voted for the bill, said he thought the bills represented an honest effort to address problems in the system. Burke said has had relatives who were correction officers as well as inmates. He said an in-law who works in corrections was stabbed at seven times, but was fortunate to have a protective vest.

"It's more clear now than it ever has been to me: We have a deeply, deeply broken system. The state is failing a lot of people," Burke said. "And it pits people against each other. I've heard incredibly dehumanizing language and rhetoric. I've heard people refer to COs as monsters and I've heard other people refer to incarcerated individuals as animals. And when the debate goes down to monsters versus animals, everyone loses."

Assembly Member Karen McMahon, D-Williamsville, told The Buffalo News she voted for the bill.

"I would say it's a modest effort at transparency and accountability, but there is much more to be done to address the issues in our prisons," she said.

DOCCS spokesperson Thomas Mailey said, when asked about the package of bills: The department does not comment on pending legislation.

In addition to prison reform, the Democrat-controlled houses were considering a large number of bills, including a retooled version of the former New York Heat Act, a climate change proposal that had wide opposition in Western New York under its original form. The bill would remove the 100 foot rule that now allows free hook-ups for new utility customers who want access to a gas main.

Under its new form, the bill sponsored by Sen. Liz Krueger, D-Manhattan, and Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, D-Brooklyn, is called the Customer Savings and Reliability Act. It passed the Senate late Thursday 36 to 23. Voting against the bill were Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt, R-North Tonawanda; Sens. April Baskin, D-Buffalo; George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay; Patrick Gallivan, R-Elma and Thomas O'Mara, R-Big Flats.
Air India Flight Carrying 242 Crashes In Ahmedabad In One Of India's Worst Aviation Disasters

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News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 21:55 IST

Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash Death Toll: The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff near Meghaninagar. It was heading to London's Gatwick Airport.

The Air India flight, which could be seen losing altitude quickly, crashed in Meghaninagar area near the Ahmedabad international airport around 2 pm. (Photo: News18)

Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash Death Toll: An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed just moments after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, marking one of the most catastrophic aviation disasters in Indias history. The flight, AI171, was en route to Londons Gatwick and had 232 passengers and 10 crew members on board.

The aircraft crashed into a doctors hostel attached to a nearby medical college, killing several students on the ground. Haunting visuals from the site showed the mangled wreckage piercing through the dining hall, with shattered walls and uneaten plates of food- a chilling testament to the suddenness of the tragedy.

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Eyewitness video footage captured the jet flying abnormally low, struggling to gain altitude before it plunged to the ground and exploded into a massive fireball at 1:38 PM. The aircraft was reportedly fully loaded with fuel for the long-haul international journey, amplifying the intensity of the blast. Thick plumes of black smoke were seen from as far away as Vastrapur, causing panic in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Emergency response teams, including the fire brigade, medical personnel, and security forces, rushed to the scene within minutes. An emergency centre has been activated, and support teams are assisting relatives of passengers. Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said the airline is providing every possible support and has launched a full investigation in coordination with aviation authorities.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is personally monitoring the situation and has directed aviation and disaster response agencies to act in swift coordination. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Calling it one of the most tragic and horrifying incidents in recent memory, he said, I am totally shaken by the incident that has happened today near Ahmedabad Airport. It was very tragic and horrific. Till now, I am in a state of shock," he said. The minister assured that the government would conduct a fair and thorough investigation, adding firmly, We are not going to spare anyone."

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the plane, piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 hours of flight experience) and First Officer Clive Kundar (1,100 hours), issued a mayday call shortly after takeoff. Communication was lost soon after, and the cause of the crash is now under investigation by the DGCA and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

What PM Modi Said On Ahmedabad Plane Crash?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the crash of Air India Flight AI171 heartbreaking beyond words," expressing deep grief over the lives lost both onboard and on the ground. In a statement after the incident, he said, The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it." The Prime Minister added that he is in constant touch with civil aviation authorities and emergency teams and assured full support to the victims families.

World Leaders Express Condolences

World leaders expressed condolences and solidarity with India as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the scenes as devastating". European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron both extended heartfelt sympathies, with Macron saying, We learn with emotion of the tragic accident Our thoughts are with the victims loved ones and Prime Minister Modi." Russian President Vladimir Putin also conveyed deepest condolences over the tragic consequences" and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar joined in expressing shock and mourning, extending prayers for the victims and support to Prime Minister Modi and the Indian people.

Leaders from across Asia also voiced their sorrow. Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Bangladeshs interim Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said their governments stood in full solidarity with India during this difficult hour.

First Published: June 12, 2025, 13:59 IST
Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani's Last Visuals: At The Airport Gate, On Board Doomed Flight

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News18.com

Last Updated: June 13, 2025, 08:09 IST

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The photo, taken by a fellow passenger, shows Vijay Rupani seated inside the aircraft just before takeoff.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: In a video that has now gone viral, the senior BJP leader is seen completing boarding formalities. (Image Credit: X)

A final photograph and video of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, capturing moments before the Air India Flight AI171 crash, surfaced on social media. The photo, taken by a fellow passenger, shows Vijay Rupani seated inside the aircraft just before takeoff. In a separate video that has now gone viral, the senior BJP leader is seen completing boarding formalities.

Vijay Rupani, 68, was among the over 200 people killed when the London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. Gujarat BJP chief C.R. Patil confirmed his death, calling it a great loss to the BJP family."

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He said, Our leader, former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, was also on that flight. Vijay Rupani died in this tragedy. May God grant peace to his soul. This is a great loss for the BJP family as well."

Read more: Flier Alleges Crashed Air India Plane Faced Technical Glitch On Previous Journey, Shares Videos

Vijay Rupani served as the 17th Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2016 to 2021, and remained active in political life until recently. Known for his composed demeanour and grassroots connect, he was a prominent figure in state politics and the BJPs national framework.

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Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar penned an emotional tribute, writing, Extremely saddened and heartbroken to learn that Sh. Vijay Rupani ji was on board the ill-fated Air India plane which crashed today in Ahmedabad. His contributions as Gujarat CM would be cherished forever. He was a humble and compassionate human being and a grassroots leader."

Vijay Rupani- whose political journey spanned decades- was a committed member of the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was imprisoned during the Emergency and later rose through the ranks, serving as a Rajya Sabha MP, Mayor of Rajkot and state cabinet minister before assuming the chief ministership.

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

First Published: June 12, 2025, 19:38 IST
From 2022 Takeover To Mega Merger: A Look At Air India's Turbulent Journey Amid Tragedy

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Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 19:01 IST

Tata Group took over the airline's operations in a $2.2 billion deal in 2022, and has since tried to revive its fortunes

Crew members pose next to India's first Airbus A350 of Air India airline during the 'Wings India 2024', at the Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad. (AFP file photo)

A Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by Air India crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on Thursday. The flight was en route to London Gatwick, and at least 200 people are feared dead in the tragedy.

On board were 232 passengers and 10 crew members. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.

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This incident has brought renewed attention to Air Indias long and complex history.

Early Beginnings

Air India was founded in 1932 by the industrialist JRD Tata. It was one of Indias first commercial airlines and quickly became a symbol of national pride. However, in 1953 the Indian government took control of the airline.

Under government ownership, the airline faced many challenges. Mismanagement, financial difficulties, and growing competition led to mounting debts and a decline in service quality over the decades.

Tata Groups Revival Efforts

In 2022, the Tata Group, which originally founded the airline, bought Air India back from the government for $2.2 billion. Since then, Tata has worked hard to restore the airlines reputation and financial health.

Air India now flies to 43 domestic and 41 international destinations. Its fleet includes 191 aircraft, both narrow-body and wide-body planes from Airbus and Boeing. It is Indias only airline operating non-stop flights to long-haul destinations such as Australia, Europe, and North America.

Mega Merger

In November 2022, Tata merged Air India and its low-cost unit, Air India Express, with two other Tata-owned carriers, Vistara and AIX Connect. This created Indias second-largest airline group after IndiGo, controlling about 30% of the domestic market.

Singapore Airlines, a partner in Vistara, owns 25% of the merged Air India Group.

Record Aircraft Orders

In 2023, Air India placed the worlds largest aircraft order, buying 470 jets from Airbus and Boeing. Later, it added another 100 Airbus planes and is reportedly negotiating for 200 more single-aisle aircraft.

The airline has also begun a $400 million project to refurbish its planes. This includes updating the interiors of its Airbus A320neos and Boeing 777 and 787 jets. The company also introduced a new logo and branding in mid-2023.

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ALSO READ: Air India Flight Carrying 242 Crashes In Ahmedabad In One Of Indias Worst Aviation Disasters

(With inputs from Reuters)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

Location : Gujarat, India, India

First Published: June 12, 2025, 18:52 IST
From 2025 Ahmedabad To 1978 Mumbai: Worst Air India Plane Crashes

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Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 15:40 IST

The Ahmedabad crash is one among several Air India plane crashes over the years. Some of them have been deadly, leaving all passengers dead.

London-bound Air India flight crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, killing at least 40. (PTI Photo)

Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash: Air India Flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport. The Boeing 7878 Dreamliner carrying 242, lost contact with air traffic control under a minute into ascent, reaching just around 625 feet before descending into the residential Meghani Nagar neighbourhood, and crashing in it. At least 40 people are confirmed to have died in the Air India plane crash.

Fire crews, ambulances, and National Disaster Response teams were rushed to the spot. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Air India have launched investigations, while authorities continue rescue and relief operations.

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Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on http://airindia.com and on our X handle," said a statement from Air India.

The Ahmedabad crash is one among several Air India plane crashes over the years. Some of them have been deadly, leaving all passengers dead.

Air India Plane Crashes

Air India Flight 101 (1966)  Mont Blanc, France

Flying a Boeing 707 over the French Alps, Flight 101 crashed into Mont Blanc on January 24, 1966, killing all 117 onboard, including renowned scientist Homi J. Bhabha. Poor weather, navigation errors, and autopilot mismanagement were cited as contributing factors.

Air India Flight 855 (1978)  Arabian Sea near Mumbai

On January 1, 1978, a Boeing 747 departing Mumbai plunged into the Arabian Sea shortly after takeoff due to a malfunctioning attitude indicator. All 213 people onboard perished, marking one of the earliest major air disasters for the airline.

Air India Flight 182 (1985)  Off the Irish Coast

Tragedy struck on June 23, 1985, when a Boeing 747 exploded mid-air over the Atlantic following a bomb attack by Khalistani terrorists. All 329 people onboard were killed, making it the deadliest act of aviation terrorism involving an Indian carrier.

Air India Express Flight IX-812 (2010)  Mangalore, Karnataka

On May 22, 2010, a Boeing 737800 operating a DubaiMangalore service overshot the tabletop runway at Mangalore, fell into a gorge, and burst into flames. Of the 166 onboard, 158 lost their lives, with just 8 survivors

Air India Express Flight IX-1344 (2020)  Kozhikode, Kerala

Part of the Vande Bharat repatriation mission, this Boeing 737800 touched down in heavy rain on August 7, 2020, skidded off the Kozhikode tabletop runway, and broke into two. The accident resulted in 21 fatalities (including both pilots) and left over 110 injured

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Air India Flight AI-171 (2025)  Ahmedabad, Gujarat

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 7878 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. At least 40 people have died in the crash. More details are coming in.

About the Author Pragati Ratti Copy Editor Pragati is a News Editor at news18.com and heads the Business and Viral sections. Having worked with the breaking news team at News18 in the past, Pragati now manages the day to day functioning of the Viral and... Read More Pragati is a News Editor at news18.com and heads the Business and Viral sections. Having worked with the breaking news team at News18 in the past, Pragati now manages the day to day functioning of the Viral and... Read More

First Published: June 12, 2025, 15:40 IST
'Ganpati Bappa Saved Me': Woman Misses Doomed Air India Flight By 10 Minutes

Curated By :

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Last Updated: June 13, 2025, 11:18 IST

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Visibly shaken, Bhoomi Chauhan said, I am thankful to God. My Ganpati Bappa saved me.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Bhoomi Chauhan was en route to Ahmedabad airport when she got stuck in traffic.

Bhoomi Chauhan, a woman who was supposed to be on Air India Flight AI171 to London, narrowly escaped death after missing the flight by just 10 minutes. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing over 200 people in one of Indias worst aviation disasters.

Visibly shaken, Bhoomi Chauhan told News18, I am thankful to God. My Ganpati Bappa saved me."

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She was en route to Ahmedabad airport when she got stuck in traffic, arriving just too late to board the fatal flight. She was not allowed to board because her boarding pass printout was missing.

Just because of those 10 minutes, I could not board the flight. I dont know how to explain this," she said.

The London-based passenger, who had been visiting India after two years, was scheduled to return alone to the UK to join her husband. She has now reached her home in Bharuch.

My body is literally shivering. I am not being able to talk," she said, still in shock after hearing the news of the crash. She continued, My mind is totally blank now after hearing all that has happened."

Ahmedabad Plane Crash

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, with 242 people on board. The aircraft plummeted into a doctors hostel near a medical college, triggering a massive explosion and killing not only those onboard but also several people on the ground. Over 200 bodies have been recovered and rescue operations remain underway.

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A single survivor emerged: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national, who was seated on 11A when the aircraft went down. Rescued by emergency responders from the wreckage, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh is currently undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital, Asarwa, with injuries to his chest, eyes and feet.

There were bodies all around me someone pulled me into an ambulance," he recounted.

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

First Published: June 12, 2025, 20:21 IST
'Heartbreaking Beyond Words': PM Modi Condoles Air India Tragedy, To Visit Ahmedabad Today

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 13, 2025, 00:06 IST

A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed near Ahmedabad airport at 1.17 PM today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (PTI file photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed condolences over the plane crash in Ahmedabad that left at least 133 people dead. The PM said that the tragedy in Ahmedabad is heartbreaking beyond words." PM Modi will visit the crash site on Friday.

The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," PM Modi wrote on X.

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A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed near Ahmedabad airport at 1.17 PM today after takeoff.

After the incident, PM Modi spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. He has asked them to go to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected in the wake of the air mishap.

Shah later visited the Ahmedabad crash site and met the injured at the hospital.

Inspected the site of the fatal plane crash in Ahmedabad. The whole nation is mourning the unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones. pic.twitter.com/V2wkWz3ljh Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 12, 2025

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Deadliest Passenger Aircraft Accidents In India Over The Years

The Boeing aircraft, which could be seen losing altitude quickly, crashed in the Meghaninagar area near the Ahmedabad International Airport.

The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals," the carrier said on X.

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Thick black smoke could be seen billowing for miles around. Some camera crews accessed the crash area and showed visuals of the wreckage. Emergency responders were engaged in rescue, evacuation, and firefighting operations.

(With PTI inputs)

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

First Published: June 12, 2025, 16:08 IST
India Likely To Host Quad Leaders Summit In November

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 12:57 IST

India's Quad Leaders Summit has been postponed to November. The Quad, comprising India, the US, Australia, and Japan, focuses on economic and maritime security.

PM Modi during his US visit in February invited President Donald Trump to India for the upcoming Quad Leaders Summit. (Image: X/ @PMO)

As India gears up to host the Quad Leaders Summit this year, the schedule for the top leaders meet has been postponed to November. The delay is being attributed to scheduling constraints and logistical issues, according to media reports.

Earlier the Summit was expected to be held in September. However, the dates are yet to be finalised for the Summit.

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It is learnt some Quad members were of the view that Septembers focus would be on the UN General Assembly in New York and it wouldnt be ideal time for holding the summit.

Further, some pointed out that Japan is set to hold polls for the upper chamber of the Diet or the Parliament in July, leaving little time for preparations for the Summit. The summit will be followed by a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Quad member countries, set to be hosted by Washington either in late June or early July, the reports mentioned.

This year, the focus in shaping the agenda for the Summit will be on infrastructure and technology in order to further foster cooperation in creating economic security, maritime security and maritime domain awareness, and disaster response.

Earlier in February, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the United States, he invited President Donald Trump to India for the upcoming Summit.

What is Quad?

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an coalition between India, United States, Australia and Japan. The four members of the group stresses on giving shape to an agenda to bolster economic security and maritime security along with fostering cooperation in various areas to address regional challenges.

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Formally the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, the Quad began as a loose partnership after the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, when the four countries joined together to provide humanitarian and disaster assistance to the affected region. Former President Joe Biden hosted the QUAD Leaders Summit in the 2024.

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

First Published: June 12, 2025, 12:31 IST
India Thwarted 2 Lakh Pakistani Cyber Attacks On Power Infra During Op Sindoor, Says Khattar

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 14:11 IST

Khattar He pointed out Indias strong hydropower potential in J&K, particularly on the Chenab and Jhelum rivers, and said the govt is actively exploring new projects in the region

Khattar also remarked that Article 370 had long acted as a barrier to the regions development. (Photo: ANI)

India thwarted 2 lakh cyber attacks by Pakistan on the nations power infrastructure during Operation Sindoor, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Thursday.

We saw what happened during Operation Sindoor  our power infrastructure was targeted. Around two lakh cyber attacks were attempted, but we successfully foiled them all," said Khattar, who holds the Union Power Ministry portfolio.

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In Operation Sindoor, India carried out precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK on May 7, two weeks after the deadly Pahalgam attack, where 26 people lost their lives. Pakistan retaliated by launching drones and missiles that were shot down by Indias air defence system. The conflict went on for three days during which India inflicted heavy damage to Pakistan military installations and airbases until the ceasefire was announced on May 10.

Highlighting that India has kept the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, the minister said Pakistan will feel the impact of this move.

He pointed out Indias strong hydropower potential in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly on the Chenab and Jhelum rivers, and said the government is actively exploring new hydroelectric projects in the region.

The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed between then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan President Ayub Khan in 1960, was kept on abeyance by India after the Pahalgam terror attack.

When asked about Pakistans objections to new hydropower projects, Khattar said, Let Pakistan do whatever it wants  we have already responded to them. Earlier, we had left the Wullar project due to their objections. Now, we will restart that project and issue a Detailed Project Report (DPR) soon."

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Commenting on national security, Khattar said Indias anti-terror policy has been further strengthened in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, and he congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir for standing united against terrorism.

He also remarked that Article 370 had long acted as a barrier to the regions development, and praised Prime Minister Modi for working hard to bring progress across various sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

Location : Srinagar, India, India

First Published: June 12, 2025, 13:47 IST
Lucknow Constable Assaulted Inside Station, FIR Names ADGs Son; Police Accused Of Cover-Up

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 11:06 IST

Jai Prakash Singh, Abhishek Chaudhary, and Sumit Kumar were booked for the assault and granted bail on personal bonds directly from the police station

The UP police force now faces criticism for allegedly shielding a top officers family member. (Representative Image/PTI)

A constable was assaulted and his uniform torn inside a police station in Lucknow on May 29, in an incident that has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about police accountability. Allegations have emerged that the Lucknow police are attempting to suppress the case, as sources indicate that the accused is reportedly the son of an Additional Director General (ADG). The force now faces criticism for allegedly shielding a top officers family member.

A case was registered against Jai Prakash Singh, Abhishek Chaudhary, and Sumit Kumar in connection with the assault. All three were granted bail on personal bonds directly from the police station. The incident took place at the police station near KD Singh Babu Stadium, while the FIR was filed by Constable Arjun Chaurasia at the Hazratganj Police Station.

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Meanwhile, in another incident, an FIR has been registered against a BJP leader in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly threatening a Dalit research scholar from Lucknow University over the phone, police said on Tuesday. The complaint was filed late Monday night by Deepak Kannaujia, a research scholar and resident of Turtipar village, at the Ubhaon police station.

According to the complaint, BJP leader and block chief Alok Singh allegedly called Kannaujia on May 21, misbehaved with him, mentally harassed him and threatened to kill him. Singh is reportedly a close relative of Rajya Sabha member Neeraj Shekhar, son of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar. The complainant claimed that during the call, Singh said, Go ahead and record this conversation if you want. Im not afraid of the administration or the law and order in Uttar Pradesh."

First Published: June 12, 2025, 11:06 IST
Miracle Survivor Pulled Alive From Ahmedabad Plane Wreckage, Seen Walking To Ambulance On Camera

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 20:03 IST

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Speaking to News18 India, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner said, My earlier statement was misquoted."

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was rescued from seat 11A.

One survivor has been found alive from the wreckage of the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of over 200 people. The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national, was rescued from seat 11A and is currently undergoing treatment at Civil Hospital, Asarwa, according to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who was returning to London after visiting family in Gujarat, recalled the horror from his hospital bed.

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There were bodies all around me, there were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance," he told News18. He suffered impact injuries" to his chest, eyes and feet, as per Hindustan Times.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik, who had earlier said that survival was unlikely, confirmed the rescue to ANI.

The police found one survivor in seat 11A. He is under treatment. We cant confirm the final death toll yet, as the crash occurred in a residential area and that number may rise," he said.

This man walking in white shirt Mr. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, Seat 11 A has survived the todays Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Its a miracle. He is the only one survivor confirmed by Ahmedabad Police. Thanks God. pic.twitter.com/gGLgt479m5 Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) June 12, 2025

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh was travelling with his brother, Ajay Kumar Ramesh, 45, whose fate remains unknown. Recounting the terrifying seconds after takeoff, Vishwash said, Within 30 seconds, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly."

Ahmedabad Plane Crash

Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 7878 Dreamliner carrying 242 people, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick. The jet, fully fueled for its long-haul flight, struck a doctors hostel belonging to a nearby medical college, tragically killing residents and engulfing the site in a massive fireball. Emergency teams raced to the scene amid thick plumes of smoke and more than 50 injured individuals are now receiving treatment in hospitals.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as heartbreaking beyond words," confirming that rescue and relief efforts were already in motion. He said hes been in close contact with civil aviation and emergency authorities, adding, In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it."

PM Modi also pledged full government support for the victims families, calling for a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

First Published: June 12, 2025, 19:17 IST
ALBANY  A state lawmaker from Buffalo is sponsoring legislation to make Erie County its own judicial district and send seven other Western New York counties into a newly created 15th Judicial District.

Supporters say the bill would increase diversity on the bench. But opponents say it is a clear attempt by Democrats to tighten their grip on the courts. And the state court system wants the bill to be delayed until next year.

The Buffalo-based Eighth Judicial District, which now covers eight counties, would be reduced to just Erie County under the bill introduced Monday by Assembly Member Jonathan Rivera, D-Buffalo, and Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, D-Queens. The districts seven other counties  Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, Allegany, Orleans and Genesee  would be part of the new 15th Judicial district.

The bill would reduce the Rochester-based Seventh Judicial District, which now includes eight counties, to include only Monroe County. Two of the districts counties (Livingston and Steuben) would join the new 15th Judicial District. Its other five counties (Cayuga, Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates) would join the Fifth Judicial District in Central New York. Onondaga County, now the heart of the Syracuse-based Fifth Judicial District, would become a newly 14th Judicial District, according to the bills language.

Rivera and Gianaris contend that the judicial districts  all part of the overlapping, 22-county Appellate Division of State Supreme Courts Fourth Department  combine the urban centers of Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse with large rural communities. A memo attached to the bill said that while the Fourth Department overall contains a significant percentage of people of color, it is not reflected in the demographics on the bench. It highlighted a 2024 demographic survey by the Office of Court Administration, the administrative arm of the court system, which received responses from 42 of the 67 Supreme Court justices in the Fourth Department. Only one justice identified themselves as Black and zero identified as Asian or Hispanic, said the memo, calling the results sobering.

This bill is designed to remedy that inequality, the memo stated. It establishes judicial districts for the three largest urban centers of Erie, Monroe, and Onondaga counties, and it creates two judicial districts for the departments more rural counties. By doing so, the Legislature intends to empower all of the citizens of the (Fourth Department) to elect Supreme Court justices that reflect and represent the region.

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, D-Buffalo, the first woman and first person of color to serve as Assembly majority leader, expressed support for the bill.

"For a fact, I know that it would absolutely create more diversity on the State Supreme Court," Peoples-Stokes told The Buffalo News late Wednesday. "When you consider the other counties around Erie, where you have to get elected in order to get to that court and you come from the East Side of Buffalo, your chances of getting elected are slim to none. And so this provides a better opportunity for diversity."

Every 10 years, the state allows for judicial districts to be reconfigured. It last happened in 2007 when state leaders passed a bill to create the 13th Judicial District consisting of Staten Island; the smallest of the five New York City boroughs by population had had been part of a Brooklyn district.

New Yorks courts are overdue for realignment to match current population patterns, Sen. April Baskin, D-Buffalo, said in a statement. By reconfiguring the 5th, 7th, and 8th Judicial Districts into new districts in Onondaga, Monroe, Erie, and the Eastern and Western rural regions, we will increase diversity in the judiciary and ensure each New Yorker has equal access to justice. You cannot improve anything without making adjustments, and this plan strengthens our courts for the people they are sworn to serve and the communities they protect.

But Erie County Republican Committee Chair Michael Kracker said the bill was a politically motivated attempt by Albany Democrats to break up one of the most politically balanced judicial districts in the state. He noted that Erie County is one of four counties in the state where election law cases can be brought. By eliminating Republican judges from the county, it lessens the chance of a Republican judge hearing an election law case.

Among active Erie County voters, Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 120,000 voters (280,851 to 161,310), according to the State Board of Elections.

Their goal here is not to provide for greater diversity or to give more judges to outer counties. It is to tighten the Democratic party control over the court system in the states second-largest city, Kracker said. This is just another repeated attempt by Democrats to weaponize their party rule here in Albany, to destroy the independence of our judiciary and rig elections in their favor.

In a statement, Sen. Patrick Gallivan, R-Elma, said he opposed the bill, saying it would jeopardize judicial independence.

Proposing such sweeping changes in the final days of the legislative session, with no committee review, no vetting, and no public comment, is not good government, he said.

Sen. Anthony Palumbo, a Long Island Republican and ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to the state's chief administrative judge, Joseph Zayas, asking the Office of Court Administration to conduct a formal study, hold public hearings and get public comments before the Legislature can act on the bill. He included Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, D-Bronx, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Yonkers, on the letter. "Transparency and input from the public are essential when considering such sweeping changes to the structure of our judiciary," he said.

Al Baker, a spokesperson for the New York State Unified Court System, said the court system supports the goal of increasing diversity on the bench, calling it a priority, adding, "Unfortunately, this bill would substantially alter our current operations."

Baker said the bill would require a determination of which judicial districts should be impacted, a review of the number of judges allocated to each district, the impact on caseloads and the impact on infrastructure, operations and the public.

"In our view this legislation should be deferred until next session to allow all interested parties to analyze the above issues," the spokesperson said. Baker said it would "give everyone sufficient time to consider whether this is the best way to divide the existing districts, and whether any other districts should be altered or created, which can be done only once every 10 years.

Niagara Falls-based State Supreme Court Justice Frank Caruso, the president of the Association of Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, said: We are aware that this proposal emerged at the last second without consultation with the association, and we are reviewing it. The bill, now in the Senate Rules Committee and Assembly Ways and Means Committee, was expected to reach the voting floor of both houses on Thursday night.
New Name Emerges In Meghalaya Murder: Who Is Jitendra Raghuvanshi And Why Is He Under Scanner?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 11:14 IST

After Rajas death, discrepancies in Sonams statements raised suspicions. Shillong Police confronted her with evidence, leading to her confession.

Sonam Raghuvanshi was arrested from UP's Ghazipur (News18 Hindi)

As the probe into the shocking Meghalaya honeymoon murder deepens, a new name Jitendra Raghuvanshi  has come to light, potentially adding a fresh layer to the ongoing investigation.

Jitendra is allegedly the person whose bank account was used by Sonam Raghuvanshi to make an initial payment to the hired killers of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, on May 23. This financial link has now placed him under the scanner, giving the case a new twist.

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Also Read: Sonam Admits To Involvement In Husband Raja Raghuvanshis Murder: Sources

Sonams brother Govind Raghuvanshi, while speaking to the media on Wednesday, confirmed that Jitendra is their cousin. He further claimed that Sonams UPI account was registered in Jitendras name, although he did not explain why it wasnt created under her own name, Hindustan Times reported.

Following this revelation, speculation arose over possible hawala transactions and links to the familys business dealings. However, Govind refuted these claims, telling The New Indian Express that Jitendra is merely a junior employee in their family-run enterprise. He said Jitendras account held the familys money and was routinely used for regular business transactions.

Also Read: Raja Raghuvanshis Mother Accuses Sonam Of Black Magic, Murder: She Cast A Dark Spell

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Police have arrested five people in connection with Rajas murderSonam, her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha, and three others: Vishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput, and Anand Kurmi. All five were taken into custody and remanded to eight days of police custody on Wednesday. The emergence of Jitendras name now raises further questions about the financial trail behind the plot.

Case Diary

Sonam Raghuvanshi allegedly conspired with her lover Raj Kushwaha and three hired men to murder her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya. She reportedly made the first payment to the hitmen on May 23 using a UPI account registered in her cousin Jitendra Raghuvanshis name.

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Also See: Sonams Brother Govind Apologises To Raghuvanshi Family, Disowns Her

After Rajas death, discrepancies in Sonams statements raised suspicions. Shillong Police confronted her with evidence, leading to her confession. All five accused were arrested and sent to Meghalaya on police remand for further investigation.

About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More

First Published: June 12, 2025, 08:37 IST
'Our Discussions Reflected Trust': EAM Jaishankar Meets French President Emmanuel Macron

Published By :

PTI

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 14:49 IST

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met French President Macron and thanked him for France's support against terrorism.

Our discussions reflected the trust, comfort and ambition of our Strategic Partnership, the EAM added. (Image:X/@DrSJaishankar)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met President Emmanuel Macron here and thanked him for Frances strong message of support in the fight against terrorism.

Jaishankar is on a three-nation visit to Europe to boost bilateral ties and reaffirm Indias policy of zero-tolerance against terrorism, especially in the wake of April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

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Honoured to call on President @EmmanuelMacron of France. Conveyed greetings of PM @narendramodi.Thanked him for Frances strong message of support in the fight against terrorism. Our discussions reflected the trust, comfort and ambition of our Strategic Partnership.   pic.twitter.com/4eeGwKjFP8  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 12, 2025

Honoured to call on President @EmmanuelMacron of France. Conveyed greetings of PM @narendramodi. Thanked him for Frances strong message of support in the fight against terrorism," Jaishankar said in a post on X after the meeting.

Our discussions reflected the trust, comfort and ambition of our Strategic Partnership," he added.

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Jaishankar was in Brussels on Wednesday where he met top European Union leaders and discussed ways to further strengthen the EU-India strategic partnership.

The April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives prompted India to carry out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

Location : Paris, France

First Published: June 12, 2025, 14:49 IST
'Pained Beyond Words': Amit Shah, Rajnath Extend Condolences Over Air India Crash

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 18:30 IST

The ill-fated flight, bound for London, was carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members when it went down at approximately 1:17 PM

Firefighting team at the spot after a London-bound Air India plane crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport. (PTI photo)

In a tragic incident that has shaken the nation, at least 133 people lost their lives when an Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff near the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. The ill-fated flight, bound for London, was carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members when it went down at approximately 1:17 PM.

Several leaders from across the political spectrum took to X to express deep anguish over the tragic crash.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote: The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."

The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote: Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation."

Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 12, 2025

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wrote: The Ahmedabad Air India crash is heartbreaking. The pain and anxiety the families of the passengers and crew must be feeling is unimaginable. My thoughts are with each one of them in this incredibly difficult moment."

Urgent rescue and relief efforts by the administration are critical  every life matters, every second counts. Congress workers must do everything they can to help on the ground," Gandhi added.

The Ahmedabad Air India crash is heartbreaking.The pain and anxiety the families of the passengers and crew must be feeling is unimaginable. My thoughts are with each one of them in this incredibly difficult moment. Urgent rescue and relief efforts by the administration are  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 12, 2025

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also took to X and expressed: Deeply anguished by the news of tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the passengers and the crew."

Deeply anguished by the news of tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the passengers and the crew. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 12, 2025

ALSO READ: Ahmedabad Plane Crash LIVE Updates: At Least 133 Killed In Air India Flight Crash; Amit Shah To Visit Gujarat

Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu wrote: We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site."

Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad.We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all  Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 12, 2025

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, wrote: Deeply shocked to hear about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad which has claimed several precious lives. I offer heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May God give them strength to bear their irreparable loss. Praying for speedy recovery of those injured."

Deeply shocked to hear about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad which has claimed several precious lives. I offer heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.May God give them strength to bear their irreparable loss.Praying for speedy recovery of those  Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) June 12, 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, speaking at an event, said: A tragic accident has occurred in Ahmedabad. A plane has crashed. It was on its way to London. A lot of passengers have lost their lives. I pray for the safety of the passengers. My condolences to the bereaved families."

#WATCH | Ahmedabad Plane Crash | Lucknow: UP CM Yogi Adityanath says, A tragic accident has occurred in Ahmedabad. A plane has crashed. It was on its way to London. A lot of passengers have lost their lives. I pray for the safety of the passengers My condolences to the pic.twitter.com/robQt1WQsh ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw wrote: Deeply saddened by the tragic flight crash in Ahmedabad. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew onboard. Thoughts are with families affected."

Deeply saddened by the tragic flight crash in Ahmedabad. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew onboard. Thoughts are with families affected. Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 12, 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar remarked, It is very shocking news. Air India was doing very well. The aviation industry was working in a systematic way nowadays. But to hear this in India, we are all surprised. May God give hope We pray to God that all of them are safe."

ALSO READ: Air India Crew Gave MAYDAY Call To Ahmedabad ATC After Take-Off; Plane Reached 625 Feet

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said: I pay my tribute and condolences to those who passed away. The government should immediately help the families of those who have passed away, and also the people of the area where the plane crashed Congress leaders will also help people manage this incident. This accident should be investigated."

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#WATCH | Ahmedabad Plane Crash | Kalaburagi, Karnataka | Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says,  I pay my tribute and condolences to those who passed away. The government should immediately help the families of those who have passed away, and also the people of the area pic.twitter.com/RrRnCzNGvW ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said, " I hope the government will conduct a proper investigation and fix responsibility."

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

Location : Gujarat, India, India

First Published: June 12, 2025, 15:57 IST
Patna Hit-And-Run: Speeding Car Kills Woman Constable, Injures Three Other Cops

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 09:17 IST

A speeding car ran over police personnel during a late-night vehicle check in Patna, killing female constable Komal and injuring three others.

Visuals from the Patna hit-and-run accident spot. (Courtesy: X)

A speeding car ran over police personnel during a late-night vehicle check in Patna, killing one female constable and injuring three others.

A horrific video of the incident showed police personnel being run over by the car at around 12:30 AM.

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While police officers were conducting routine vehicle checks, they signalled a car to stop. Initially, the vehicle halted, but then suddenly accelerated at high speed, attempting to run over the officers.

Several policemen were hit and thrown onto the road, covered in blood. Bystanders at the scene rescued the injured officers and rushed them to the hospital.

-  :            BJP          .        .  . pic.twitter.com/QLvM2QQF1R Gyaneshwar (@Gyaneshwar_Jour) June 11, 2025

Speaking about the incident, SSP Avkash Kumar said, Night checking was underway. A car suddenly rammed into police personnel during the checking. Two people from the vehicle have been taken into custody. Three policemen were injured, some seriously."

The incident occurred on Atal Path in Patna, where the car hit the officers at a speed of approximately 90 km/h. The force of the impact caused the policemen to be thrown several meters away.

The injured officers were rushed to the nearest hospital after the incident.

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Among the four injured police personnel, female constable Komal  a resident of Nalanda  succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

Police have seized two four-wheelers and arrested two suspects. Raids are ongoing to track down the absconding driver responsible for the hit-and-run.

First Published: June 12, 2025, 09:17 IST
Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case: First Photo Of 4 Key Accused In Police Custody Surfaces

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 12:24 IST

CNN-News18 learnt that Sonam actively helped the three contract killers in disposing off her husband's body.

Four accused sitting together in police custody. (Image: CNN-News18)

As the investigation in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case continues and the Special Investigation Team is questioning the accused, a photo of the four men  Raj Kushwaha, Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauha and Anand Kurmi  in custody has been accessed by CNN-News18.

According to the police, Sonam had hired the three hitmen  Akash, Vishal and Anand  for murdering her husband and Raj, her lover, was the main conspirator. All five accused have been arrested and are in police custody.

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In the photo, the man dressed in a white shirt and blue denims  on the extreme left  is Raj, Sonams boyfriend. He was not present in Meghalaya when the murder took place, but according to the police, he is the main conspirator.

Anand (biege-coloured t-shirt) and Akash (black t-shirt) sitting next to Raj were the two hitmen hired to kill Raja. On the extreme right is Vishal Thakur, who was the first one to attack Raja, as per the police.

Raj Kushwaha, Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauha and Anand Kurmi  these are the four men who helped Sonam Raghuvanshi kill her husband, Raja, in Meghalaya last month, days after their wedding in Madhya Pradeshs Indore.

Sonam Confessed to The Murder

Days after Rajas body was recovered from a canal, Sonam confessed to murdering her husband after the SIT probing the case confronted her with evidence. According to sources, Sonams statement will not be recorded in front of the magistrate and her confession will be officially taped.

CNN-News18 learnt that Sonam actively helped the three contract killers in disposing off her husbands body. Shillong Police DIG David NR Mark confirmed that Sonam was present at the murder spot and helped the killers dispose off Rajas body into a ditch.

In addition to this, the police official informed that Sonam also conducted multiple internet searches about the murder location and possible dump spots of the crime.

Sonam Raghuvanshi, along with other accused in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, were interrogated by the Meghalaya Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday at the Sadar Police Station in Shillong.

Sonams Family Backs Rajas Family, Breaks Ties With Her

Sonams brother, Govind Raghuvanshi, said his lawyers would fight against Sonam and he would also apologise to Raja Raghuvanshis mother for their loss. Govind added that his family would stand with Rajas family to get Sonam punished.

Sonam Raghuvanshi was arrested for allegedly orchestrating the murder of her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, during their honeymoon in Meghalaya.

She was brought to Shillong under tight security late on Tuesday. Four other accused  Raj Kushwaha, Sonams alleged lover and the mastermind, along with Anand Kurmi, Akash Rajput, and Vishal Singh Chauhan  were also brought to the Meghalaya capital earlier in the day.

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The case took a massive turn after she surrendered before police in Uttar Pradeshs Ghazipur on June 7.

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 : Meghalaya, India, India

First Published: June 12, 2025, 12:23 IST
Extramarital Affair, Sinister Plan, Hitmen: Sonam Grilled On Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 11:48 IST

Sonam Raghuvanshi, accused of orchestrating her husband Raja Raghuvanshis murder, is facing intense police questioning over her ties with boyfriend Raj Kushwaha.

Indore: Family members of Raja Raghuvanshi, who was allegedly murdered during his honeymoon in Meghalaya, cut out the picture of his wife Sonam Raghuvanshi from a poster (Photo: PTI)

Sonam Raghuvanshi, prime accused in her husband Raja Raghuvanshis murder case, is presently in eight-day custody with the Meghalaya Police. As investigations into the case progress, CNN-News18 has accessed the line of questioning by the state police.

According to the details, Sonam, in police custody, was asked about her and her boyfriend Raj Kushwahas plan to eliminate Raja Raghuvanshi, while the newly-married couple were on their honeymoon in Meghalaya.

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Sonam was also interrogated on her mother-in-laws claims of not having booked return tickets from the state, and if she had known Raj Kushwaha before her marriage to Raja Raghuvanshi.

A day before, Raja Raghuvanshis brother had claimed Sonam had told her mother about her love affair with Raj Kushwaha. However, she was forced to marry in the same community, and hence, was fixed with Raja Raghuvanshi.

The deceaseds brother had also alleged Sonam had threatened of consequences" if she was forced to marry against her will.

SONAM RAGHUVANSHI IN POLICE CUSTODY: QUESTIONS PUT UP BEFORE HER

The data accessed exclusively by CNN-News18 states Sonam Raghuvanshi was asked the following questions while in police custody.

When did she and her husband, Raja Raghuvanshi, plan their honeymoon to Meghalaya

Why were their return tickets not booked, or if this was a part of the plan

Did Sonam know Raj Kushwaha before her wedding to Raja Raghuvanshi, as evidence pointed to her frequent contacts with him

Was she in contact with Raj Kushwaha during her honeymoon, if yes, what did she discuss

Why was Sonams live location being shared with those arrested

How and why was she and Raja Raghuvanshi spotted with the three arrested accused

Were the three accused hired by Sonam to kill Raja Raghuvanshi

How was Sonams jewellery intact while her husband Raja Raghuvanshis gold chain and ring were missing

Did Sonam force Raja Raghuvanshi for a honeymoon in Meghalaya, as her mother-in-law claimed Raja was reluctant to go

Was Sonam unhappy with the marriage, as seen in some of her wedding rituals

What is Sonams explanation on the charges and evidence so far against her

Did Sonam plan Raja Raghuvanshis murder with Raj Kushwaha

Sonam (25) and Raja (29) got married in Indore on May 11 and reached Meghalaya via Guwahati in Assam on May 20 for their honeymoon.

Both of them went missing on May 23 in Sohra in East Khasi Hills district, hours after checking out of a homestay at Nongriat village.

Rajas body was found in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls on June 2.

A search continued for Sonam, who was traced in Uttar Pradeshs Ghazipur, around 1,200 km away, in the early hours of June 9 and surrendered.

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The police also arrested his boyfriend, Raj Kushwah, and the three contract killers allegedly hired by them to murder Raja Raghuvanshi.

ALSO READ | New Name Emerges In Meghalaya Murder: Who Is Jitendra Raghuvanshi And Why Is He Under Scanner?

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: June 12, 2025, 10:32 IST
Tata Group Announces Rs 1 Crore To Kin Of Each Air India Ahmedabad Plane Crash Victim

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 20:05 IST

The Tata Group said it will cover medical expenses of those injured and provide support to rebuilding the hostel of BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad

Rescue operation underway after an Air India plane crashed near Ahmedabad airport on June 12. (Image: @CISFHQrs/PTI)

The Tata Group on Thursday announced that it will give Rs 1 crore to the families of each victim killed in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. More than 200 people on board the ill-fated flight going to London, were killed as it crashed into a residential area in Meghaninagar.

According to a social media post, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran said the Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore to the each of the families who have lost their loved ones. All medical expenses of those injured in the accident will also be covered, it said.

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Chandrasekaran expressed his grief at the tragic incident involving Air India flight 171, which was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. At least 61 passengers were foreign nationals, Air India said in a statement.

Follow Ahmedabad Plane Crash LIVE Updates Here

We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171. No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured," Chandrasekaran said in a post on X by Tata Group.

We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171. No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured. Tata Group will Tata Group (@TataCompanies) June 12, 2025

Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support," the post said.

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Tata Group said it will also provide support in the rebuilding of the doctors hostel at BJ Medical College, into which the plane crashed while students were having their lunch in the mess. Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the B J Medicals hostel. We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time," the post added.

The FAIMA Doctors Association said the wife of a resident doctor was reported to be dead even as four to five MBBS students and three to four relatives of resident doctors went missing. While two to three students are in intensive care, at least 50 students, who were hospitalised, are stable as of now.

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 12, 2025, 19:29 IST
Tripura Man's Body Recovered From Ice-Cream Freezer, Police Probe Love Triangle Theory

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 10:36 IST

Days after the Meghalaya honeymoon horror, the body of 28-year-old man was found in an ice-cream freezer in Tripura.

The arrested accused in police custody.

Days after Meghalaya honeymoon horror sent shock waves across the country, body of a 28-year-old man was recovered from an ice-cream freezer in neighbouring Tripura. The body was discovered from inside a trolley bag hidden in the freezer.

The victim has been identified as Sariful Islam, an electrician associated with the Agartala Smart City Mission project and a resident of Indranagar area in Agartala.

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The body was recovered from Gandacherra market of Dhalai district, about 120 km from Agartala. After the murder incident came to light, police intensified the probe. Earlier, they were investigating the missing case of Sariful. Cops also explored the love triangle theory to get any significant lead in the case.

Police suspect that the killing was fallout of a complex love triangle involving Sariful, a woman, and the prime accused, identified as Dibakar Saha, a 28-year-old doctor.

It is learnt that the victim had a love affair within the woman who is also a cousin of Dibakar Saha.

So far six people, including the woman, doctor and his parents, have been arrested.

According to police, Saha had invited Sariful to the residence of one Joydeep Das, 20, at South Indranagar Kabarkhala area, on the evening of June 8, under the pretext of giving him a gift.

When the victim arrived, he was attacked by Dibakar and his two aides, identified as Animesh Yadav (21) and Nabanita Das (25). The electrician was strangled and his body was hidden inside a trolley bag purchased two days earlier.

The following morning, Dibakars parents  Dipak and Debika Saha  arrived in Agartala from Gandacherra and took away the trolley bag containing the body. The corpse was subsequently hidden inside an ice-cream freezer at their shop in Gandacherra market.

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After the victim had gone missing, police had launched an investigation. The horrific matter came to light after two days of intensive search by the police who subsequently arrested all six accused on Tuesday night and recovered the body on Wednesday afternoon.

All six arrested accused will be produced before a court on Thursday. Further, the cops have seized digital evidence, including mobile phone containing messages that confirmed the motive behind murder was linked to a love triangle involving all three key individuals.

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 : Agartala (incl. Jogendranagar, India, India

First Published: June 12, 2025, 07:42 IST
'Undeclared Hazards, Illegal Registrations': Singapore Ship Blaze Exposes Loopholes, Ecological Risks

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 11:38 IST

Govt reports suggest these incidents have shown that the abuse of Flags of Convenience (FoC) is not just a loophole but a deliberate strategy for profit at the expense of safety.

The MV Wan Hai 503 had 22 crew members on board  8 Chinese, 6 Taiwanese, 5 Burmese, and 3 Indonesians. (X/@indiannavy)

India is facing significant ecological and social costs due to the mishandling of ships by third countries, government sources have told CNN-News18. Government sources have raised serious concerns following recent coastal accidents. The sinking of the MSC Elsa 3 in May 2025 and the MV Wan Hai 503 fire in June 2025 have highlighted significant flaws in the maritime system.

The fire on the MV Wan Hai 503 poses a severe risk to Indian coasts. Government reports suggest that these incidents have shown that the abuse of Flags of Convenience (FoC) is not merely a loophole but a deliberate strategy for profit at the expense of safety. Currently, 45 per cent of global tonnage sails under FoCs, creating a conflict between sovereign accountability and negligent convenience.

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The MV Wan Hai 503, carrying 2,000 tonnes of fuel oil and 240 tonnes of diesel, is a significant oil spill threat. Government sources warn that a breach in the vessel could lead to a catastrophic spill, contaminating Keralas coastline from Kozhikode to Kochi during the monsoon season. Additionally, the ship has 157 containers of hazardous materials, including pesticides (Class 6.1), lithium batteries (Class 9), and flammable liquids (Class 3), posing risks of toxic cargo leakage. These substances could leach toxins into marine ecosystems and be carried ashore by monsoon waves, threatening fish stocks and coastal habitats. Already, 4050 containers have fallen overboard and are drifting towards Keralas coast, sources said.

Government inspections have been criticised for being perfunctory, often relying on paperwork over physical checks. For example, the MSC Elsa 3 had 21 deficiencies noted in Rotterdam but was never declared unseaworthy. Inadequate risk profiling allows ships with repeated violations, like the MSC Elsa 3 with its flag-hopping history, to evade scrutiny. Although the Sea Cargo Manifest and Transshipment Regulations (SCMTR) of 2018 mandate digital manifests for hazardous goods, the MV Wan Hai 503 carried undeclared explosives among its hazardous cargo. Local authorities in Kerala were also criticised for failing to issue timely public advisories regarding the MSC Elsa 3s calcium carbide cargo.

There are serious accountability gaps in the system, with FoC abuse being very common. According to government data, 45 per cent of global shipping tonnage is registered under Panama, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands, enabling regulatory evasion through lax oversight, tax avoidance, and weak labour enforcement standards. For instance, the MSC Elsa 3, which sank with 13 undeclared hazardous containers, was registered under the Liberian flag. Similarly, the Wan Hai 503 was Singaporean-flagged but owned by Taiwanese interests, with hazardous cargo misdeclaration suspected in the explosions.

FoC states often lack the resources for thorough investigations, delaying liability attribution and compensation. Liberia, for example, ignored Indias probe into the MSC Elsa 3 incident. FoC states like Panama, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands outsource vessel inspections to private agencies, leading to cursory checks and certification. The MSC Elsa 3, despite its 21 deficiencies, was never declared unseaworthy. The Wan Hai 503, carrying 157 containers of hazardous materials including undeclared explosives and lithium batteries, also exemplifies this issue.

These incidents reflect broader systemic problems, including the hiring of cheap, inexperienced labour to cut costs, sources point out. The Wan Hai 503s crew, lacking training in hazardous cargo management, delayed fire containment efforts, leading to the loss of four crew members during evacuation and inadequate emergency protocols. The MSC Elsa 3s underwater fuel tanks posed a significant oil spill risk affecting 200 km of coastline.

FoC states often avoid funding cleanups, shifting the burden to coastal states. Following these incidents, Kerala banned fishing, severely impacting communities during peak season and causing a 40% drop in tourism revenue post-Elsa 3 due to pollution fears. Furthermore, the MSC Elsa 3 criminal case remains stalled due to Liberias non-cooperation, while the Wan Hai 503 owners delayed sharing cargo manifests.

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AIS manipulation is another issue, as FoC vessels often deactivate trackers to hide their locations. Government sources report that GPS jumps increased from 600 km in 2024 to 6,300 km in 2025, raising collision risks. Shadow fleets under FoCs like Panama are known to transport illegal goods, with 29 per cent of global vessels using FoCs to facilitate arms and drug smuggling.

The mishandling of ships by third countries under FoCs poses significant ecological and social risks to India, necessitating urgent systemic reforms and stricter regulatory oversight.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: June 12, 2025, 11:38 IST
Who Is Campbell Wilson And Why Is His Message On Air India Plane Crash Important?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 22:43 IST

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Campbell Wilson acknowledged the magnitude of the tragedy, saying, This is a difficult day for all of us here in India.

Air India's chief executive officer (CEO), Campbell Wilson. (AFP file photo)

Following the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, the spotlight turned to Campbell Wilson, the airlines Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. In a video address, Campbell Wilson acknowledged the magnitude of the tragedy, saying, This is a difficult day for all of us here in India." Stressing that Air India is focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families, and loved ones," he pledged full cooperation with emergency responders and investigating authorities.

Read more: Ganpati Bappa Saved Me: Woman Misses Doomed Air India Flight By 10 Minutes

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The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese and 1 Canadian citizen, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The plane slammed into a densely populated residential area near a medical college causing a devastating fire and extensive loss of life, both onboard and on the ground.

Campbell Wilson said, First and most importantly, I would like to express our deep sorrow about this event We are actively working with authorities on all emergency response efforts."

Read more: Miracle Survivor Pulled Alive From Ahmedabad Plane Wreckage, Seen Walking To Ambulance On Camera

Emphasising on the importance of communication and support during the crisis, he said, We know many people are concerned for the welfare of their loved ones. We have set up a special helpline", adding that teams are working round-the-clock to assist affected families and aid the ongoing investigation.

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Who Is Campbell Wilson?

Campbell Wilson is the current CEO and Managing Director of Air India, brought in by the Tata Group in 2022 after they took over the airline. Originally from New Zealand, Campbell Wilson spent much of his career at Singapore Airlines, where he held several roles, including heading its budget airline Scoot.

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

First Published: June 12, 2025, 22:42 IST
Who Was Kamal Kaur 'Bhabhi', Instagram Influencer Found Dead In Car In Bathinda?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 13:26 IST

Kaur, a resident of Ludhiana, had more than 3.8 lakh followers on social media and had allegedly received threats from Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dalla

Kamal Kaurs real name was Kanchan Kumari. (Instagram @kamalkaurbhabhi)

Kamal Kaur, widely known as Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, a well-known social media influencer in Punjab, was found dead inside her car in the parking lot of Adesh Medical University in Bathinda on Wednesday. The vehicle, registered in Ludhiana, was noticed by locals due to a foul odour emanating from it, sparking a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Authorities have launched a probe after initial findings hinted at some suspicious elements, with police officials describing the situation as fishy" and withholding further details pending investigation.

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WHO WAS KAMAL KAUR?

Kaur, a resident of Ludhiana, had more than 3.8 lakh followers on social media. She often shared videos and pictures that challenged traditional and conservative cultural norms in Punjab. Her content was sometimes seen as explicit or inappropriate by sections of society, leading to debates about morality and decency online.

A report in The Tribune said Kaurs real name was Kanchan Kumari and she was believed to be in her mid-30s. The report added that in October last year, Kaur had received threats from Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Arsh Dalla who asked her to stop posting inappropriate videos.

News18 Punjab had reported in October 2024 that Dalla, in an audio recording, was heard saying that Kaur shares inappropriate content on social media, threatening to kill one of her family members unless she removed her videos.

Dalla, a designated terrorist in India, is a close aide of slain Khalistan separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

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Speaking to the media, Bathinda SP (City) Narinder Singh said, Prima facie, it appears someone abandoned the car here after committing the crime. The post-mortem report will provide clarity. The car appears to bear fake registration number plates, and we are seeking details from the transport authorities."

In her last Instagram post, the influencer wrote: No emotion, no love, no f*ck. Bachia hoya taan bas shakk shakk shakk (whats left is just doubt, doubt and doubt)."

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

Location : Bathinda, India, India

First Published: June 12, 2025, 13:23 IST
Sobhita Dhulipala Was Dripping In Pearls At Akhil Akkinenis Wedding Reception

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 14:21 IST

Sobhita Dhulipala looked radiant in a saree paired with a sheer gold blouse embellished with pearls.

Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya attended Akhil Akkineni and Zainab Ravdjee's wedding reception.

Sobhita Dhulipala exuded radiance and royalty at Akhil Akkineni and Zainab Ravdjees wedding reception ceremony, when she walked in wearing a vibrant red saree complemented with a sheer gold embellished blouse. Sobhita graced the wedding reception with Naga Chaitanya who looked dapper in a classic black suit paired with a crisp white shirt.

The bodice dripping in pearls elevated Sobhitas six-yards of sheer elegance. The shimmery pearl layering enhanced with crystals placed on the sheer bodice celebrated traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary twist.

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While the red saree with minimal embroidery detailing on the border exuded quiet luxury, the opulent halter neck bejewelled bodice exuded bold confidence. Her luminous attire was further celebrated with understated glam. Sobhita kohl-laden eyes and classic, chic bun set the tone for bridal hairstyles for the wedding season.

Experimental draping and surface ornamentation have always played an integral part in Sobhits ever-evolving style quotient.

Times Sobhita Dhulipala channelled her love for traditional crafts elevated with a contemporary charm:

Manish Malhotra

The gorgeous Sobhita Dhulipala in the revived ek taar zardozi Manish Malhotra saree. An opulent piece from the brands Evara collection, featuring hand embroidery on tissue enhanced with real copper sequins. The six yards of sheer elegance is a confluence of heritage technique and modern opulence complemented by jewellery by Diosa Paris and Manish Malhotra.

Rahul Mishra

Sobhita looked fierce and fabulous in a Rahul Mishra golden gown which was crafted in over 1600 hours at Rahul Mishras atelier in Noida. The exquisite detailing on the silhouette featured dangling brass leaves that added a hint of drama to Sobhitas regal look. The gown also featured traditional Indian embroidery adorned with glass bugle beads, mother of pearl and metallic sequins that add that extra sparkle to this glamorous couture creation.

Tarun Tahiliani

Sobhita Dhulipala wore a Tarun Tahiliani ensemble for her post-wedding intimate cocktail hour event. Sobhita dazzled in a signature sculpted draped gown, paired with TT jewellery and a TT bag.

Amit Aggarwal

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Sobhita Dhulipala looked stunning in the structured metallic pink couture piece designed by Amit Aggarwal. The structured metallic micro pleated top flows effortlessly into a fluid chiffon and liquid mesh drape in a seamless transition. With its architectural bodice and sculptural draping, the gown was striking, original, and entirely Sobhita.

About the Author Akshata Shetty Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who celebrate the... Read More Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who celebrate the... Read More

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

First Published: June 12, 2025, 08:45 IST
World Day Against Child Labour 2025: Theme, History, Quotes & UNICEF Warning

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 10:34 IST

World Day Against Child Labour is observed every year on June 12. The day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect children from exploitation and uphold their rights.

World Day Against Child Labour 2025: According to UNICEF, as of 2024, nearly 138 million children were still engaged in child labour. (Image: UNICEF/X, formerly Twitter)

World Day Against Child Labour 2025: Every child has the right to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment that supports their well-being and development. No child should be forced into manual labour to earn a livingsuch circumstances often expose them to physical and mental abuse. Sadly, child labour remains widespread, particularly in developing nations.

To raise awareness and call for global action, World Day Against Child Labour is observed every year on June 12. The day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect children from exploitation and uphold their rights.

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World Day Against Child Labour 2025 Theme

The theme for this year is Progress is clear, but theres more to do: lets speed up efforts! It reflects the progress made so far in reducing child labour, while also emphasizing the need to intensify global efforts to meet international goals.

World Day Against Child Labour 2025: The Global Picture

According to UNICEF, as of 2024, nearly 138 million children were still engaged in child labour. Though progress has been made since 2020, millions are still being denied their right to learn, play, and simply be children," UNICEF shared on X, formerly Twitter. UNICEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO) are urging governments to take stronger, faster action.

In 2024, nearly 138 million children were engaged in child labour.Though progress has been made since 2020, millions are still being denied their right to learn, play and and simply be children. UNICEF and @ilo are urging governments to take action.https://t.co/9D0Gxb7wGY pic.twitter.com/KG8h9jSYjG  UNICEF (@UNICEF) June 11, 2025

World Day Against Child Labour: History

The International Labour Organization (ILO) first observed World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, 2002, at its Geneva headquarters. Since then, it has been marked globally to shine a light on this ongoing crisis. The year 2025 marks the 21st anniversary of this important observance.

World Day Against Child Labour: Significance

This day was launched to support the growing international demand to end child labour. In India, the government has implemented a National Policy on Child Labour since 1987. This policy emphasizes both the rehabilitation of affected children and the need to tackle the root cause  poverty  by improving the economic well-being of their families.

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WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR 2025: QUOTES

Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man."  Rabindranath Tagore. Let us sacrifice our today so that our children can have a better tomorrow."  A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. Safety and security dont just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment."  Nelson Mandela. Some girls cannot go to school because of the child labour and child trafficking."  Malala Yousafzai. You cant regulate child labour. You cant regulate slavery. Some things are just wrong."  Michael Moore.

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First Published: June 12, 2025, 10:32 IST
A Dreamliners Descent: Unpacking The Catastrophe Of Air India Flight 171

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 14, 2025, 07:18 IST

Air India Flight 171s haywire climb and lethal crash will leave scarson families, communities, and aviation history.

Air India AI 171 Plane Crash in Ahmedabad (Photos: News18)

The roar of the engines. A steady climb. A sleek Boeing 787 8, laden with fuel for its long-haul journey to London, lifts off from Ahmedabads Runway 23  and then, almost instinctively, refuses to climb. Altitude stalls at 625 ft, speed bleeds away, the landing gear still exposed. Seconds later, near a hospital hostel in Meghani Nagar, the jet crashes, erupting into a fireball that rips through passenger dreams and the citys afternoon calm. That flight was Air India Flight 171  its dramatic fall marking the first fatal hull-loss of a Dreamliner since its 2011 debut.

Chronology of the Catastrophe: What Happened When

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 Date & Flight: June 12, 2025AI 171, a Boeing 787 8 (registration VT ANB 11 years old with Serial Number 36279), departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, bound for London Gatwick, with 242 people on board (230 passengers and 12 crew).

 Takeoff & Mayday: At 13:38 IST, AI 171 began its takeoff roll. Moments after lift off, the crew issued a Mayday" callthe aircraft had climbed only to about 625 ft, where radar and ADS B signals abruptly ceased.

 Crucial Configuration Anomaly: Eyewitnesses and grainy video footage show the Dreamliners landing gear still extended and the flaps fully retractedan impossible profile for climb-out, given the necessary lift and drag dynamics .

 Impact: Within a minute of takeoff, the aircraft crashed into a doctors hostel at BJ Medical College in Meghani Nagar. A massive fireball erupted on impact, intensified by the heavy fuel load.

The Human Toll & Emergency Response

 Casualties: Officially, 3035 bodies were recovered at the crash site. More lives are feared lost, both aboard and on the ground. Likely no survivors.

 Nationalities Affected: The 230 passengers included 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian citizen.

 Pilots: Flight deck commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 hr) and First Officer Clive Kundar (1,100 hr)

 Response: The blaze prompted deployment of multiple fire engines, ambulances, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Hospitals across Ahmedabad mobilized to treat the injured from both aircraft and ground impact.

 Government Aid: Dunking in sorrow, Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, UK PM Keir Starmer, and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy offered support. Crisis centers were set up in both India and the UK.

What Do the Gear & Flap Clues Reveal?

The landing configuration  that is, gear down, flaps retracted  is key.

 Climb-out Principles: After takeoff, correct procedure is to retract flaps incrementally while gear retracts. This achieves the optimum lift-to-drag ratio.

 AI 171s Profile: Video and eyewitnesses show gear still extended and flaps up, which is aerodynamically unstable for ascent. Gear still down and the flaps appear up it doesnt look as if the flaps are extended"

 Possible Sequence of Events:

1. Engine thrust allowed takeoff, so engines werent the problem.

2. Flaps retracted prematurely (below required speed or without gear up).

3. Drag from the extended gear plus insufficient lift caused an aerodynamic stall or uncontrolled descent.

4. At 625 ft, there was no time or altitude to recover.

Technical & Human Factors at Play

Automation & SOPs

 Boeing 787 systems provide warnings for improper takeoff configuration, yet early stages of climb demand precise pilot actions.

 In high-workload phaseslike early climbflaps going up could be difficult to catch and rectify.

Aircraft Type & Past Issues

 The Boeing 787 has had 8 reported incidents since its 2011 debut. AI 171 marks its first fatal hull loss.

 Previous concerns included hydraulic leaks, flap malfunctions, and cockpit seat-switch issues (as seen in the LATAM Flight 800 incident)

LATAM Flight 800 Echoes

 In March 2024, LATAM Flight 800 (787 9) suffered a sudden altitude loss but recovered safely. Investigators pointed to a cockpit seat mismovement and system interruptionshowing how minor unintended activation can lead to dramatic control loss .

 In AI 171, while no seat-switch issues are reported, the underlying risk lies in automation vulnerabilities and the possibility of equipment confounding human response.

Investigation, Speculation & Early Findings

 Investigators Involved: Indias AAIB and DGCA, with technical support from Boeing and possibly US FAA .

 Focus Areas:

o Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) to determine the last commands.

o Airframe maintenance logs, including gear and flap systems.

o Weather was clear at the time  so its excluded as a primary factor.

 Emerging Clues:

1. Persistent gear down  suggests failure to retract or system override.

2. Flaps up/no lift  lift loss.

3. Human/machine interface  Including electrical interference.

The Human Stories: Voices in the Rubble

 Captain & Co-pilot: Their Mayday" suggests awareness of catastrophic misconfiguration. What were they seeing in the cockpit?

 Eyewitnesses: Residents of Meghani Nagar spoke of a low-flying aircraft, no whir of retractionthen a devastating impact.

 Families on Standby: Overseas relatives, especially British and Portuguese, await heartbreaking news as Gatwick opens support centres.

 A Nation in Mourning: India, still facing recovery from pandemic toll, now grieves this unprecedented aviation disaster.

The Bigger Picture: Boeing, Safety & Certification

 Boeing Under Pressure: Already beleaguered by the 737 MAX grounding, the 787 crash erodes confidence further. Boeings stock futures dropped ~78 per cent after AI 171.

 Regulators Revisiting Safety Culture:

o FAA/EASA/DGCA likely to re-examine:

 Takeoff configuration warning systems

 Activation of gear/flap automation

 Cockpit-interface ergonomics and human factors

 Design & Training Implications:

 Enhanced pilot training on early climb scenarios.

 Possible design changes to prevent premature flap retraction or gear anomalies.

 Reassessment of automation trust vs. human oversight.

Technical Breakdown: Why Gear & Flaps Matter

Component Normal Climb Use Anomaly Effect in AI 171

Flaps Extended on takeoff, retracted gradually Retracted too early  dramatic lift loss

Landing Gear Retracted soon after takeoff Remaining down  adds drag, prevents climb

Engines Provide thrust regardless May not be at fault; engines appears fine.

Automation Monitors settings, warns pilots Alarm may not have triggered even if it did, pilot may not have time to react.

Pilot Response Retract gear/flaps in correct sequence Likely disrupted electrical issue or pilot action only FDR will reveal.

What Comes Next: Investigation & Reform

1. Flight Data Review  how did gear/flap commands evolve from 0625 ft?

2. Maintenance Logs  any unusual behavior in gear extensions, hydraulic systems?

3. CVR Review  capture of cockpit conversation and alarms.

4. Regulatory Response  issuance of Airworthiness Directives (ADs) on system configuration.

5. Boeing Actions  hardware/software patches, training updates, cockpit interface improvements.

10. Lessons for the Industry & Public

 Automation is powerful, but not infallible  Pilots must maintain readiness to override or manually correct.

 Procedural discipline is the back-up  for any technical malfunction.

 Technology must align with ergonomics  Systems should minimize confusion and maximize intuitive feedback.

 Continued vigilance  Even a heavily scrutinized aircraft like the 787 can suffer fatal flawsbut uncovering them strengthens aerospace safety as a whole.

Epilogue: A Legacy in Flamesand Hope in Lessons Learned

Air India Flight 171s haywire climb and lethal crash will leave scarson families, communities, and aviation history. Yet within the wreckage lies the potential for systemic change. If Boeing, regulators, and airlines respond swiftly and transparently, this tragedy could become a catalystnot just for accountability, but for proactive intelligence in aircraft operation.

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All answers lie in the FDRs data. Others in cockpit voice recorder. But for those with departed loved ones, the only comfort lies in knowing this loss will mean safer skiesfor others and for future generations.

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 12, 2025, 18:34 IST
Speculation Over MNS-Shiv Sena Alliance Grows As Raj-Aaditya Posters Appear In Nashik

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 11:59 IST

Raj Thackeray left the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005 when he resigned from the party and announced MNS on March 9, 2006, in Mumbai.

Speculation Over MNS-Shiv Sena Alliance Grows As Raj-Aditya Posters Appear In Nashik

Amid the ongoing speculations over a possible tie-up between Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS, the posters of the estranged uncle and nephew, Raj Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray, have come up at Nashik.

Nearly two decades after parting ways, speculations have been rife about a possible alliance between Uddhav and Raj Thackeray after they recently hinted at the possibility of setting aside past differences and working together for the people of Maharashtra.

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Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut earlier said that the party is ready to take a step forward or even backwards, and there is no political ego in it, amid the chatter of rapprochement between his outfit and the MNS.

The Sena (UBT), led by former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, will do whatever is possible for the benefit of Maharashtra, Marathi manoos" (Marathi-speaking people) and to re-ensure their claim on Mumbai, Raut told reporters.

We are ready to take a step ahead or back. There is no political ego in it," he added.

Meanwhile, according to the sources, the estranged cousins Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray reportedly met abroad last month and held discussions about the alliance.

The Thackeray brothers were on a foreign tour in April when they both held discussions on a possible alliance ahead of the BMC polls.

While addressing the reporters recently, Uddhav Thackeray stated that theres clarity among Shiv Sena workers and MNS supporters.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.

Raj Thackeray has also hinted towards joining hands with his cousin brother for the interest of the Marathi manoos (Marathi-speaking people).

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In a notable shift, the MNS supported the BJP in Maharashtra during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but six months later, they contested the state Assembly polls independently.

Raj Thackeray left the undivided Shiv Sena in 2005 when he resigned from the party and announced MNS on March 9, 2006, in Mumbai. Since then, their political paths have been different.

Location : Nashik, India, India

First Published: June 12, 2025, 11:43 IST
OpenAIs Sam Altman Tells Us How Much Water Is Used When You Talk To ChatGPT

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 11:27 IST

OpenAI and other tech companies need resources like water and power to keep the AI systems running and ChatGPT answer your questions.

Altman and other AI execs are facing intense scrutiny over the use of resources.

OpenAI and other AI giants like Google have people excited for the tech but there are concerns as to how much resources like water and electricity is needed to keep them running. ChatGPT is one of the popular chatbots in the market, and people have been wondering how much OpenAI needs to invest in hardware and other resources to make it faster and reliable.

Guess what, Sam Altman has come out publicly to share some stats around the use of ChatGPT and how much energy as well as water the AI chatbot needs to respond to your queries.

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ChatGPT Needs Water And Energy But How Much?

Altman has penned down his belief in a recent blog post, giving us details that will tell us how AI is going to evolve and hopefully consume less resources in the near future. Altman claims that one query with ChatGPT needs around 0.34 watt-hours of power, which is as low as running a light bulb for a few minutes.

This might not sound like a lot for a single query but when you combine the billions of queries raised by the AI chatbot daily, you are looking at heavy usage of electricity.

He then makes a similar point about the use of water to generate responses from the AI systems. Altman mentions that you need a teaspoon of water to make ChatGPT answer one query, which again seems harmless but in the broader scheme of things, that is a lot of gallons being utilised. Having said that, none of these figures have been verified so we would like to take it with a pinch of salt.

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The impact on the environment because of advancing AI systems have been raised by analysts and experts in the last few years. Companies like OpenAI are valued in billions but there is now way to tell how they are managing to source the natural resources, especially water to keep their business running.

In his defence, Altman cites the prospect of running AI coming down gradually like any other technology shift, but that is likely to happen in the long run, and concerns are that by then the taps might dry out for general use.

About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More

News18 Tech delivers the latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements, and more. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: June 12, 2025, 11:27 IST
Doctors, Politicians, Vampires? Woman Claims Powerful Elite Part Of 'Blood Ritual' Cult

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 08:31 IST

An Australian woman claims she was forced into a secret vampire society of elite members who drink blood. She warns others of the hidden dangers behind this gothic subculture

Crystal claims this secret society is global and its members are bound by ritualistic practices involving blood. (News18)

In a revelation that sounds more like the plot of a gothic thriller than a real-life confession, a young Australian woman has come forward with chilling claims about a hidden vampire society operating in plain sight. The woman, known only as Crystal, alleges the existence of a secret network of so-called vampires, people who, according to her, draw their strength from human blood and belong to the highest echelons of society.

Speaking anonymously to The New York Times, Crystal claimed she was gradually and involuntarily drawn into this shadowy world, one that includes influential figures such as doctors, politicians, and musicians. What began as a seemingly innocuous party invitation would soon lead her into a strange and secretive underworld filled with blood rituals, secrecy, and fear.

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An Invitation That Changed Everything

Crystal alleges she was invited to a party in Vaucluse, Sydney, where she lost consciousness after drinking champagne. Upon waking, she discovered unusual marks on her neck and arms. She was told that she had contracted a virus and was later taken to a monastery in Newcastle, where Crystal encountered what she now believes was the regional vampire court.

Initially unaware of the groups nature, Crystal claims she was eventually asked to drink a mixture of cordial and blood, marking her formal entry. She later awoke to find a wound on her wrist, suspecting her blood had been consumed. She remained silent out of fear, citing the powerful status of many group members.

Crystal contends that this so-called Vampire Court includes individuals from respected professions. While rooted in gothic subculture, some treat it as fashion, others as identity. She claims the society is global and that its members are bound by ritualistic practices involving blood.

Historical Roots And Controversies

The myth of vampires has long been embedded in Western folklore; once believed to be real, blood-drinking beings hiding in human form. In earlier centuries, many countries enacted laws to punish suspected vampires.

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Today, followers of this urban legend sometimes undergo dental surgeries to sharpen their teeth and attend private vampire balls.

The emergence of social media, along with the waning influence of traditional religion, has contributed to the revival of vampire communities. While some members insist they do no harm, critics argue such groups can exploit vulnerable individuals under the guise of mystery and ritual.

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 : Australia

First Published: June 12, 2025, 08:28 IST
Goodbye India: UK Citizens Haunting Final Instagram Post Before Air India Flight Crash

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 16:57 IST

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Jamie Ray Meek was one of 53 British nationals onboard Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The video, now widely shared on social media, captures a smiling Jamie Ray Meek at Ahmedabad airport. (Image Credit: Instagram)

A British passenger, Jamie Ray Meek, shared a final Instagram video just moments before boarding the ill-fated Air India Flight AI171. The video, now widely shared on social media, captures a smiling Jamie Ray Meek at Ahmedabad airport saying goodbye to India and reflecting on his journey.

We are at the airport just boarding. Goodbye India on a 10-hour flight back to London," Meek says in the video, appearing calm and upbeat. As he chats with another person who briefly appears beside him, he adds, My biggest takeaway is to not lose your patience with your partner," followed by a gentle smile and the words, Going back happily, happily, happily calm."

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 Jamie Ray Meek, a British citizen listed as a passenger on Air India Flight 171, reportedly shared a final Instagram Story shortly before takeoff.He appears on the official manifest under GBR 149261531. A video believed to be his last post.#India #Crash #Ahmedabad #Boeing pic.twitter.com/KmSpz9iOi9  the Pulse (@thePulseGlobal) June 12, 2025

Jamie Ray Meek was one of 53 British nationals onboard Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, which crashed just minutes after takeoff Thursday afternoon. The flight had departed at 1:38 PM, carrying 242 passengers and crew, including 169 Indian nationals, 7 Portuguese citizens and 1 Canadian national.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: What We Know So Far

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According to preliminary data, the aircraft lost altitude shortly after reaching around 825 feet, descending rapidly and crashing between 1 PM and 2 PM IST. Air India issued a brief statement confirming the incident and said more details would be shared as they emerge. A dedicated helpline has been set up at 1800 5691 444 to assist concerned relatives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident heartbreaking beyond words," expressing his sorrow in a public statement, The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it." He added that ministers and authorities are working on-ground to assist those impacted.

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

First Published: June 12, 2025, 16:57 IST
Can You Apply For US Gold Card? Know Eligibility Criteria, Benefits As Trump Unveils Website

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 15:27 IST

A new website was launched for Gold Card, which only allows people to sign up by giving their name, email and region.

Gold Card is said to give holders the right to live in the United States without limits. (Photo Credit: X)

US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new website where immigrants can express their interest in obtaining the gold card"  a fresh initiative to replace the 35-year-old EB-5 visa programme. Trumps proposal had earlier sparked skepticism, raising questions about its accessibility and value. The US Gold Card visa, an immigration policy designed to attract wealthy foreign investors, will provide a direct path to permanent residency and citizenship for a substantial fee of $5 million.

A new website called https://trumpcard.gov/ was launched earlier this week. Right now, the site only allows people to sign up by giving their name, email and region. Surprisingly, the card does not offer citizenship directly. However, its still not clear what steps buyers will have to follow to become a citizen. Trump himself or Officials from the White House might share more information soon.

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Benefits and Eligibility:

Although full details are still emerging, the Trump-backed Gold Card is reportedly set to offer holders the right to reside in the United States without restrictions, similar to a Green Card. It also provides a pathway to U.S. citizenship, though not automatically; applicants will still need to complete the required steps to naturalise.

Unlike the EB-5 visa program, the Gold Card does not require applicants to invest in specific businesses or generate jobs. Instead, this new initiative is tailored for high-net-worth individuals willing to pay $5 million for expedited access to the U.S.

The program differs from traditional visa routes, which typically demand lower investment amounts. Revenue from the Gold Card is expected to bolster the U.S. economy through increased tax contributions, consumer spending, and domestic investments by cardholders.

How to Apply:

Anyone can apply for the Trump Gold Card by following a few simple steps.

1  On the website, youll find a form asking for your details, like name, region, email ID, reason for applying, and whether the request is for you, your spouse, your family or someone else. The website has eight regions to choose from: Europe, Asia (including the Middle East), North America, Oceania, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Africa.

2  After filling the form, click on Submit. You will then be taken to a new page.

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3  Check your email for a 6-digit One Time Password (OTP) and enter the code on the website.

4  Once the OTP is submitted, youll get a message saying, Your Journey Begins. Youll be the first to hear when access opens." This confirms your registration.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: June 12, 2025, 15:26 IST
'Devastating Loss': Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz Express Condolences Over Ahmedabad Flight Crash

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 19:25 IST

More than 200 people are feared to have died after an Air India flight bound for London crashed into a residential area shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport

Shehbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif (AP file photos)

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday condoled the loss of lives in a plane crash in Ahmedabad.

More than 200 people are feared to have died after an Air India flight bound for London crashed into a residential area shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport. There were 169 Indians, 53 British, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals onboard.

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Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy," he wrote in a post on X.

Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today.We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.  Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 12, 2025

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday expressed condolences over the Ahmedabad flight crash.

In a post on X, the President of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) said this devastating loss transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity.

My heartfelt condolences to the families of the precious lives lost in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. This devastating loss transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. My deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India," Sharif wrote on X.

My heartfelt condolences to the families of the precious lives lost in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. This devastating loss transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. My deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India. Nawaz Sharif (@NawazSharifMNS) June 12, 2025

The aircraft crashed near the residential quarters of doctors and nursing staff of city civil hospital and BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The pilot of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner issued a Mayday distress call, denoting a full emergency, soon after take-off, the Air Traffic Control at Ahmedabad said.

The aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from Runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC," according to a statement from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Visuals from the wreckage area showed charred bodies being pulled out and the injured, many with burns, wheeled into the city civil hospital close by.

There was no official estimate of those killed or injured in the crash, Indias second biggest air disaster since 2020 when an Air India Express flight skidded off a wet runway while landing at Kozhikode in Kerala and split into two. Of the 190 people on board, 21, including two pilots, lost their lives.

Eyewitnesses in Ahmedabad said the blaze was so intense that it led to at least one multi-storey building being burnt and trees being singed.

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Airport operations in the city were temporarily suspended.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: June 12, 2025, 18:23 IST
NAIROBI, June 11 (Xinhua) -- A celebration to mark eight years of seamless operation of the Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kenya was held here on Tuesday.

Addressing the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan praised the SGR as a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and a vital step in Kenya's journey towards economic transformation.

China stands ready to work with Kenya to implement the important consensus of the two heads of state and strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, said Guo.

"It is now eight years and we are still going strong with notable improvement over the years in response to customers' expectations," said Abdi Bare, chairman of Kenya Railways Corporation. Bare added that both the SGR passenger and freight service have revolutionized mobility in the country, promoting connectivity, trade and industrial progress.

By the end of May 2025, the SGR has transported over 15.3 million passengers and over 40.3 million tons of cargo.
'Very Nice He Did That': Donald Trump Acknowledges Elon Musk's Regret Over Posts Against Him

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 08:11 IST

Donald Trump acknowledged Elon Musk's public regret over his critical social media posts, with the White House saying the focus remains on governance.

US President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference with Elon Musk in the Oval Office of the White House (Photo: AP)

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged Elon Musks regret" over his social media posts against him.

According to the New York Post, the US President, commenting on Musks regret, said, I thought it was very nice that he did that".

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The report further said that Trump, however, didnt say whether he was willing to let bygones be bygones with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO.

Also addressing a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that after the incident, the government has started to focus on the business of the American people.

The President acknowledged the statement that Elon put out this morning, and he is appreciative of it, and we are continuing to focus on the business of the American people," she said.

When asked if the administration started a review of Musks government contract- something that the President said hes considering, Leavitt said nothing like that has started as of now.

Currently have no efforts have been made on that front as far as Im aware," she said.

WHEN TRUMP SAID HE HAD NO HARD FEELINGS FOR MUSK

On Monday, a couple of days before Elon Musks apology, Trump told the Post that he doesnt blame" Musk for the blow-up that started with him, but maintained that he was a little disappointed".

Look, I have no hard feelings," Trump said.

I was really surprised that that happened. He went after a bill thats phenomenal. He just  I think he feels very badly that he said that, actually," the New York Post quoted him as saying.

When asked whether he would ever go back to a regular relationship with Musk, Trump said, I guess I could, but we have to straighten out the country."

And my sole function now is getting this country back to a level higher than its ever been. And I think we can do that," the US President said.

However, a day before, on Sunday, Trump told NBC News that he has no desire to repair their relationship and warned that Musk could face serious consequences" if he tries to help Democrats in upcoming elections.

TRUMP-MUSK FEUD, AND A REGRET

On Wednesday, Elon Musk backed off from a feud with Trump, saying he regrets social media posts that went too far.

I regret some of my posts about President Donald Trump last week. They went too far," Musk wrote in an X post.

Musks break with a President on whom he spent hundreds of millions of dollars to elect appeared to put an end to his influence in the White House and prompted concerns about the effects on his companies.

As a major government contractor, Musks businesses could be particularly vulnerable to retribution, and Trump has already threatened to cut Musks contracts.

Musk earlier deleted a post in which he claimed without evidence that the government was concealing information about the presidents association with infamous pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

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Meanwhile, other posts that irritated Trump, including ones in which Musk called the spending bill an abomination" and claimed credit for Trumps election victory, remained live.

ALSO READ | Just Like I Took Your Wife: Elon Musk Corrects His AI Bot Grok Over Chat With Stephen Miller

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: June 12, 2025, 07:42 IST
'Dangerous Place': Trump Orders US Troops Out Of Middle East Amid Iran Tensions

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 08:10 IST

Donald Trump stated the US will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon and that his country was also relocating personnel from the Middle East due to safety concerns.

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after arriving on Air Force One (Photo: AP)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (US local time) said the United States wont allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. The President also said US personnel were being moved out of the Middle East because it could be a dangerous place".

They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and well see what happens," Trump told reporters. Weve given notice to move out."

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Asked whether anything can be done to lower the temperature in the region, Trump said, They cant have a nuclear weapon. Very simple, they cant have a nuclear weapon."

Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike Iran if stuttering talks over its nuclear programme fail, and in an interview released earlier on Wednesday, said he was growing less confident that Tehran would agree to stop enriching uranium, a key American demand.

Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh also said on Wednesday that if Iran was subjected to strikes, it would retaliate by hitting US bases in the region.

The US embassy in Kuwait said in a statement on Wednesday that it had not changed its staffing posture and remains fully operational."

Meanwhile, the State Department updated its worldwide travel advisory on Wednesday evening to reflect the latest US posture.

On June 11, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency US government personnel due to heightened regional tensions," the advisory stated.

The decision by the US to evacuate some personnel comes at a volatile moment in the region. Trumps efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appear to be deadlocked, and multiple media reports suggested Israel was going ahead for a strike against Irans nuclear facilities.

The United States has a military presence across the major oil-producing region, with bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

With Trumps statements, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorised the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the Middle East.

Tensions inside Iraq have heightened since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, with Iran-aligned armed groups in the country repeatedly attacking US troops, though attacks have subsided since last year.

Israel and Iran also twice exchanged fire last year  the first ever such direct attacks between the regions most entrenched enemies  with missiles and war drones hurtling across Iraqi airspace.

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Top US regional ally Israel has also struck Iran-linked targets across the region, including Iraqi armed groups operating both inside Iraq and in neighbouring Syria.

ALSO READ | Iran Claims It Accessed Top-Secret Israeli Nuclear Files In Shadowy Covert Op: Report

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: June 12, 2025, 06:54 IST
Impeachment Calls Amid Immigration Protests: Can Trump Be Removed As President?

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 13:27 IST

Calls to remove President Trump are growing, but with complex procedures and political roadblocks in place, can these efforts really succeed?

Donald Trump was impeached twice in 2019 and 2021 but the Senate did not convict him. (AP/File)

Close to 400 individuals have been apprehended amid immigration raid protests in Los Angeles over the past week, particularly following President Donald Trumps deployment of National Guard troops and Marines throughout the city. Trump has mobilised over 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to suppress the protests concerning immigration enforcement.

Amid the unrest, a growing chorusfrom Democratic lawmakers, activists, and community groupsis calling for President Trumps removal from office. But while removal is legally possible, it faces formidable hurdles.

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Texas Democratic Congressman Al Green has called for Trumps impeachment, stating that Trump is unfit" to hold office given his 34 felony convictions and history of being impeached twice before. Green told reporters that he is in the process of drafting articles of impeachment.

Several other Democratic lawmakers, especially from strongly anti-Trump constituencies, have also voiced sharp criticism of Trumps policies and leadership. However, the likelihood of impeachment remains low due to the Republican majority in both the House and the Senate.

Several posts on X claim that large-scale protests are erupting in Democrat-led states like New York and California over President Trumps policies on immigration, tariffs and restrictions on foreign students. Some users have even described the situation as civil war-like."

In California, Trumps immigration measures have sparked widespread anger among immigrant communities and academic institutions, triggering legal action. So far, more than 100 lawsuits and around 50 temporary restraining orders have reportedly been filed challenging various policies introduced by the Trump administration.

Although these legal challenges have slowed the implementation of Trumps policies, they are not directly connected to efforts to remove him from office. Impeachment would require significant support in Congress, which is currently lacking.

Why Are Some Groups Demanding Trumps Removal And How Serious Is The Situation?

The demand to remove Trump is mostly confined to Democratic strongholds and activist circles. Efforts by lawmakers like Al Green are largely symbolic, with little chance of success given the Republican majority in Congress. While there is significant anger among immigrants, students, and liberal groups, the unrest is not yet widespread enough to pose an immediate threat to Trumps presidency.

Can Trump Be Removed From The Post Of President?

Yes, Donald Trump can be removed from the post of US President, but this is a complex and extraordinary process that can only happen through the provisions laid down in the US Constitution. This includes impeachment, the 25th Amendment, or pressure from a massive civil movement. In the US, impeachment can be brought against the President through a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives, but this seems unlikely due to the Republican majority.

When And How Can The US President Be Removed And Can It Apply To Trump?

Under Article II, Section 4 of the US Constitution, the President can be removed by impeachment for treason, bribery, or other serious crimes and misdemeanours." In the first phase, the impeachment motion must pass by a simple majority in the House of Representatives. In the second phase, a trial is held in the Senate, where a two-thirds majority (67 senators) is required for conviction. The Chief Justice presides over the trial.

Trump was impeached twice (in 2019 and 2021), but the Senate did not convict him. At present, impeachment seems unlikely due to the Republican majority in the House, making it difficult to get the two-thirds support required. However, public pressure or new evidence could change the situation.

What Is The 25th Amendment By Which The President Can Be Removed?

The 25th Amendment of the Constitution allows the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet to declare that the President is unable to perform his duties. After this, the Vice President becomes the acting President.

This is unlikely because Vice President JD Vance and most of the Cabinet members are loyal to Trump. A serious reason, such as mental or physical incapacity, is required for this, and there are no clear signs.

The 25th Amendment has been used twice in America, but only to temporarily replace the President under Section 3. In 1985, when President Reagan was ill, and later in 2002 and 2007, when President George W. Bush briefly transferred power to the Vice President during medical treatment. In each case, the President resumed his duties afterward.

Can The American President Resign Due To Civil Movement Or Pressure?

Massive public outrage or political pressure could force Trump to resign, as Richard Nixon did in 1974.

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However, Trumps history shows that he does not easily bow to pressure. His recent controversial decisions, such as the travel ban and the ban on foreign students, have triggered anger among the public and the opposition, but resignation remains unlikely due to his strong support base, especially among Republicans.

Cases are ongoing against Trumps decisions. If a major legal violation is proven, impeachment or other actions may begin. Massive protests or electoral pressure (2026 midterm elections) could weaken Trumps position, but they would not directly lead to removal.

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: June 12, 2025, 13:27 IST
Indian-Origin Man Sentenced In $2 Million Call Centre Fraud Targeting US Seniors

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 18, 2025, 17:06 IST

Patel was convicted of money laundering after admitting to collecting over $1.79 million from victims in Florida and other eastern US states

In his role as a money mule, Patel travelled across state lines to collect the illicit proceeds, which were then laundered through various channels.

Pranav Patel, a 33-year-old man of Indian origin, has been sentenced to 75 months (over six years) in prison for his involvement in a fraudulent call centre scheme that defrauded elderly citizens across the United States of nearly $2 million. The sentencing took place on June 11 in Tampa, Florida, with Federal Judge William F Jung presiding over the case.

Patel was busted when he went to a house to collect what he thought was a box of gold. Law enforcement officials, who had him under surveillance, arrested him immediately after he picked up the package.

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Patel was convicted of money laundering after admitting to collecting over $1.79 million from victims in Florida and other eastern US states. The funds were obtained through deceptive tactics, including impersonating US Treasury officials and threatening victims with arrest unless they paid large sums of money or handed over valuables such as gold.

In his role as a money mule", Patel travelled across state lines to collect the illicit proceeds, which were then laundered through various channels. The operation primarily targeted senior citizens, exploiting their trust and financial vulnerability. One victim reported losing his home due to the financial strain caused by the scam.

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Following his conviction, Patel was ordered to forfeit the $1.79 million he had collected from the victims. The case highlights the growing concern over scams targeting the elderly and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations from financial exploitation. Authorities have emphasised the need for increased vigilance and protective measures to prevent such fraudulent activities.

Preying on vulnerable, unsuspecting elderly victims to rob them of their hard-earned money is despicable," Secret Service Special Agent Robert Engel said after the sentencing, adding: Even worse, the defendants co-conspirators posed as government agents to defraud victims of nearly $2 million, threatening them with arrest if they didnt follow their demands."

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

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: June 12, 2025, 12:33 IST
Israel 'Fully Ready' To Launch Operation In Iran As Tensions Grip Middle East: Report

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Mahima Joshi



Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 08:52 IST

Israel is fully ready to launch an operation into Iran in the next few possible days, sources suggest as tensions have escalated in Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (IMAGE: AFP)

Israel is fully ready to launch an operation into Iran in the next few possible days, US officials were informed. Following this, the US anticipates that Iran could retaliate on certain American sites in neighboring Iraq. This is part of the reason the US advised some Americans to leave the region earlier on Thursday.

The State Department has also ordered non-emergency government officials to exit Iraq due to heightened regional tensions". The US is planning to pull all non-essential staff from embassies and US bases in Tehrans strike range in the Middle Eastern countries. The US military bases in the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait have also been put on red alert.

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US President Donald Trumps Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is still planning to meet with Iran for a sixth round of talks on the countrys nuclear program in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Trump stated that the United States wont allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. The President also said US personnel were being moved out of the Middle East because it could be a dangerous place".

Middle East On Verge Of War

As tensions escalated in the region, the Iran authorities have reportedly launched a cyber attack on US allied nations in the Middle East. Tehran is actively jamming the GPS system and coordinating over Iranian and Iraqi airspaces.

In addition to this, several airspace closures have also been witnessed in the region, especially Israel, Jordan, Kuwait and Iraq.

Netanyahu Calls Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called US President Trump and discussed possible Israeli attacks on Irani nuclear facilities, sources said.

In response, the Iranian National Security Council has claimed possible retaliation against Israeli attacks and stated that it will target US bases and Israel with full force.

Iran Cant Have Nuclear Weapon: Trump

Trump, on Thursday, while attending a performance of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center said that the US military personnel are being moved out of some countries in the Middle East because it would otherwise be perilous. The comments come after a failed round of talks of the US with Iran.

They cant have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They cant have a nuclear weapon. Were not going to allow that," the US President added.

US Orders Troops Out Of Middle East

The US is withdrawing the presence of people who are not deemed essential to operations in the Middle East due to the potential for regional unrest, the US State Department and military said. The development came as tensions between US and Iran rose amid deteriorating nuclear talks, as per The Times of Israel.

"President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq," a State Department official told The Times of Israel.

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The department also authorised the departure of nonessential personnel and family members from Bahrain and Kuwait, giving them an option on whether to leave the country, as per The Times of Israel.

Tensions in the region have been rising in recent days as talks between the US and Iran over its rapidly advancing nuclear program appear to have hit an impasse.

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Location : Israel

First Published: June 12, 2025, 08:51 IST
400 Arrested Amid Unrest In Los Angeles; Trump Sends More Troops To City Than in Iraq, Syria

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 09:25 IST

As protests over immigration raids and Donald Trumps military deployment in Los Angeles continue, the police there have arrested nearly 400 people there.

Protesters hold up signs as they gather to demonstrate against federal immigration operations in Los Angeles (Photo: AFP)

Nearly 400 people have so far been arrested as immigration raid protests flared up in Los Angeles over the past week, especially after President Donald Trump deployed National Guard troops and Marines across the city.

According to the Associated Press, there have been a handful of more serious charges, including assault against police officers and possession of a Molotov cocktail and a gun.

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The development came even after a night curfew was imposed in the city.

However, officers are chasing groups of protestors through the streets, seemingly trying to push them further from the federal buildings in the area.

Trump has activated more than 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to quell protests over immigration enforcement, which, according to ABC News, was higher than those deployed in Iraq and Syria by Washington.

At the civic centre in Los Angeles, a demonstration turned chaotic, as police in riot gear, many on horseback, charged at a group, striking them with wooden rods and pushing them out of a park in front of City Hall.

Officers also fired crowd control projectiles, striking at least one young woman, who writhed in pain on the ground as she bled from her hip.

ALSO READ | After Apple Store, Masked People Seen Looting Zara Outlet In Viral LA Protest Video

Minutes earlier, some protesters lit fireworks as they approached the federal building, the site of numerous showdowns in recent nights.

Simultaneously, a larger portion of the protest was in the midst of a dance party.

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR SUES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

As the protests spread to more parts of the United States, California Governor Gavin Newsom sued the Trump administration in an effort to stop the military from helping immigration agents in Los Angeles.

The administrations official response on Wednesday stated that President Donald Trump is exercising his lawful statutory and constitutional power to ensure that federal personnel and facilities are protected."

The lawsuit argues that the deployment of troops trampled on the states sovereignty and pushes for a restraining order.

In the Trump administrations response, it called this unprecedented," saying, It would be constitutionally anathema. And it would be dangerous."

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A judge has set a hearing for Thursday.

ALSO READ | Immigration Raids Unrest Flares To Chicago, Washington Amid Heavy Crackdown In Los Angeles

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: June 12, 2025, 09:25 IST
Mob Vandalises Rabindranath Tagores Ancestral Home In Bangladesh Over Parking Dispute

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 10:59 IST

Eyewitnesses reported that the confrontation began when a visitor, accompanied by family, was allegedly confined and assaulted by staff after an argument over motorcycle parking

A group of protesters forcibly entered the Rabindra Kachharibari premisesknown for its association with the Nobel laureateand damaged property, including the museums auditorium. (Moneycontrol)

A mob stormed and vandalised Rabindranath Tagores ancestral home in Bangladeshs Shahzadpur in Sirajganj district on Wednesday following a dispute between a visitor and museum staff over a parking fee, raising concerns over the protection of historical sites in the country.

Eyewitnesses told bdnews24.com that the confrontation began when a visitor, accompanied by family, was allegedly confined and assaulted by staff after an argument regarding motorcycle parking. News of the altercation quickly spread through the local community, prompting residents to stage a protest outside the historic property.

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What began as a peaceful demonstration escalated rapidly. A group of protesters forcibly entered the Rabindra Kachharibari premisesknown for its association with the Nobel laureateand damaged property, including the museums auditorium. One of the institutions directors was also reportedly assaulted during the attack.

Horrible!Rabindranath Tagores ancestral home  the historic Kutchery House in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj  has been vandalised by a violent mob in Bangladesh, under the very nose of Mohammad Yunuss government.The mob raised hateful slogans against Tagore, shattered windows, and pic.twitter.com/r24Yv5OIHx  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) June 12, 2025

News agency BSS reported that in the wake of the violence, the Department of Archaeology formed a three-member inquiry committee and ordered a report within five days. The site has since been closed to visitors. Md Habibur Rahman, the custodian of the museum, confirmed the closure, citing security concerns and unavoidable circumstances".

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly given the cultural and historical significance of the site. Tagore spent time at the Shahzadpur home during the 1890s and penned several notable works there, including Sonar Tori and Chaitali.

Authorities are continuing their investigation, and security has been tightened at the site. As of now, no arrests have been confirmed.

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According to local media reports, the mob included members allegedly affiliated with the Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam who also raised slogans against Tagore.

The incident comes in the backdrop of escalating unrest directed at the interim government headed by Mohammad Yunus. In an effort to maintain control, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed an indefinite ban on public gatherings in key parts of the capital. Meanwhile, Yunuss official residence, the Jamuna Guest House, has been sealed off as protests continue to intensify.

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

Location : Bangladesh

First Published: June 12, 2025, 08:20 IST
Muhammad Yunus Says He Discussed Sheikh Hasina With PM Modi: 'You Want To Host Her?'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 11:15 IST

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, fled to India after she was ousted by a student-led uprising in August 2024.

PM Modi with Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus (Credits: X)

Bangladeshs interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, slammed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinas public statements from Indian soil, claiming that he personally urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and prevent her from addressing Bangladeshis online.

During an interaction at Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs in London, Yunus talked about the volatile political atmosphere in Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina fled the country.

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He further pointed towards the Bangladeshs strained ties with India and said, The whole anger and everything is now transferred to India, because she went there. Not only is she living there, but the problem is, when I had a chance to talk to Prime Minister Modi, I just simply said, You want to host her? I cannot force you to abandon that policy, but please help us in making sure she doesnt speak to Bangladeshi people, the way she is doing."

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According to Yunus, Hasina continues to address the Bangladeshi people through social media platforms, including YouTube and Facebook, often announcing these broadcasts in advance. Referring to Hasinas addresses, Yunus said this provokes public anger in Bangladesh, creating an atmosphere of unrest.

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, fled to India after she was ousted by a student-led uprising in August 2024.

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 : Bangladesh

First Published: June 12, 2025, 11:15 IST
'Feed Milk To A Snake...': Pakistan Breaks Own Record For Highest Bombings In 2024 | Exclusive

Reported By :

Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 10:41 IST

Data collected by the NSG shows that Pakistan reported 291 bombing attacks, which surpassed its record of 160 incidents in 2023

Police officers were killed in the roadside bombing at Pakistan's Khar in January 2024. (Image: AP/PTI/File)

For decades now, Pakistan is known to have provided safe havens, training grounds, and ideological support to some of the worlds most dangerous terror groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

This time, Pakistan has broken its own record for the highest number of bombing incidents globally in 2024, cementing its position as the topmost nation in IED (improvised explosive device) and explosive ordnance attacks.

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Pakistan has extracted a fair amount of money from America by claiming it a victim of terrorism. Now these terror groups have become an industry. Because once this terror industry takes off, then the terrorists, they need money. They are targeting Pakistan to generate Money for that they are now biting Pakistan with connivance of Army and government. But the fact is that Once you grow terrorism, then the same terrorists will bite you as well. If you feed milk to a snake, it will still bite you," said Major General SB Asthana (Retd).

According to data collected by the NSG, Pakistan reported 291 bombing attacks, which surpassed its record of 160 incidents in 2023. The figures provided in Bombshell annual report, accessed by News18, includes 187 incidents of IED attacks and 104 explosive ordnance attacks  both record highs in the last five years.

In Pakistan, terror groups are known to operate openly, recruit freely, and enjoy tacit support from elements of the military and intelligence establishment. While it cries foul on global platforms, it continues to nurture cross-border terrorism, especially when it comes to India and Afghanistan.

Even the worlds most wanted terrorist, Osama bin Laden  who planned and executed the 9/11 terror attack  was located in Pakistan and eliminated in a US operation in Abbottabad.

The zero error force of the NSGs National Bomb Data Centre works on explosive violence. It compiles all information on such incidents taking place globally.

The report states that from 2020 to 2024, Pakistan reported 69 bombing incidents in 2020, 87 in 2021, 68 in 2022, 160 in 2023, and 291 in 2024. This brings the five-year total to 675 incidents, including 486 IEDs and 189 explosive ordnance cases.

The steep rise is an indication of a sharp decline in Pakistans internal security. Total bombing incidents have risen by 328 per cent in two years alone, from 68 in 2022 to 291 in 2024. No other nation comes close to that, with the next closest nation, Syria, reporting 32 IED attacks followed by 26 in Afghanistan 26 and 21 in Iraq.

DRASTIC INCREASE IN IED USE

The NSG data showed that in 2024, Pakistan had 187 IED attacks  a steep 41 per cent increase as compared to the previous years 133 incidents.

It is the most number of IED incidents reported by any nation in the last five years. The application of IEDs now represents nearly two-thirds of total bomb activity across the country.

This drastic increase in IED use indicates the changing strategies of insurgent and militant forces active across different provinces, particularly Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Syria, second on the list, had only 32 incidents. The disparity highlights how Pakistans security crisis has become a breeding ground for terror.

SURGE IN EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE ATTACKS

As IEDs headline the news, it must also be noted that ordnance attacks increased. Pakistan saw 104 such reports in 2024, a three-fold increase from only 27 in 2023. This aspect contributes to more than one-third of the nations overall bombing statistics for the year.

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The ordnance consists of grenades, rockets, and mortar rounds and is usually employed in ambushes, attacks against security facilities, and public targets.

This dramatic increase implies not just growth in the availability and flow of military-grade explosives, but also a larger pool of actors who are able to use them. In contrast to other nations, no country reported anywhere near half this quantity in 2024.

About the Author Ankur Sharma With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar... Read More With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar... Read More

First Published: June 12, 2025, 10:14 IST
Keir Starmer Declines To Meet Bangladesh Chief Adviser Yunus During His London Visit: Report

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 12:32 IST

Keir Starmer has reportedly refused to meet Bangladesh's Yunus during his UK visit aimed at seeking help to recover funds allegedly siphoned by the former Sheikh Hasina regime.

File photos of Muhammad Yunus/Keir Starmer (AP)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reportedly turned down a request to meet Bangladeshs Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who is on a bilateral official visit to the United Kingdom from June 10 to 13, to raise support for efforts to recover billions of dollars siphoned off by the deposed Sheikh Hasinas regime.

During his visit, Yunus was expecting a bilateral meeting with Starmer and to have an audience with King Charles III of the United Kingdom, for which a formal letter was sent from the Awami Leagues UK branch to Downing Street, it was learnt earlier this week.

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However, a report with the Financial Times has claimed Starmer did not agree to meet Yunus.

Moreover, Yunus told the publication that the UK should feel morally" obliged to help Bangladeshs new government track down funds stolen" by the previous regime, much of it allegedly now in the UK.

I have no direct conversation with him (Starmer)", the report quoted Yunus as saying.

He added that he had no doubt" Starmer would support Bangladeshs efforts, the report claimed.

This is stolen money," he said of the misappropriated funds.

The report also quoted UK government officials as saying that there was no plan for Starmer to meet Yunus at present.

While Yunus said the UK government was already providing assistance in finding the money, he said the UK should feel legally and morally" obliged to help Bangladesh recover it, the report claimed.

The objective of the trip was to bring out more enthusiastic support" from the UK, Yunus said, according to the report.

ALSO READ | Muhammad Yunus Says He Discussed Sheikh Hasina With PM Modi: You Want To Host Her?

On Sunday, it was reported that the Bangladesh Chief Advisors Office was yet to receive a letter sent by former UK minister Tulip Siddiq, requesting a meeting with Yunus.

We have received no letter from her so far," BD News quoted Chief Advisors Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam as saying.

We have been on Eid-ul-Azha holiday since June 5. We will depart for the United Kingdom at 7.30 pm on Monday. Since we have yet to receive the letter, there is no opportunity to comment on the matter," the press secretary said.

British MP Siddiq, in the letter, sought a meeting with Yunus in London to clear up a misunderstanding" over corruption allegations against her, news agency PTI reported.

In the June 4 letter to Yunus, Siddiq asked for an opportunity to discuss the ongoing controversy during the chief advisers then-upcoming visit to London.

Ousted on August 5 last year after a massive student-led agitation, Hasina faces multiple cases in Bangladesh.

YUNUS NOT INTERESTED IN BEING PART OF NEXT GOVERNMENT

On Wednesday, Yunus had said he would not be interested in being part of the next elected government in Bangladesh.

The 84-year-old Nobel Laureate, who took over as the head of the interim government in August last year after the ouster of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, announced last week that national elections will be held by the first half of April 2026.

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Yunus, during a question-and-answer session at the Royal Institute of International Affairs in Chatham House, London, said that the interim governments job was to ensure a well-managed transition to hand over power to an elected government, state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha reported.

Replying to another question about Hasinas Awami League, Yunus said there is a debate over whether the party can truly be called a political party when it is accused of killing young people, making citizens disappear and stealing public money.

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: June 12, 2025, 12:21 IST
News / National

by Staff reporter

Two police officers from Sakubva Station appeared before Provincial Magistrate Tendai Mahwe on Monday, where they were fined US$500 each for assaulting a Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) investigator following their arrest for allegedly accepting bribes at a roadblock.Sergeant Mduduzi Makina (39) and Constable Elliot Gava (42) were given the option of serving four months in prison if they fail to pay the fine. Additionally, Magistrate Mahwe sentenced both officers to four months' imprisonment, suspended for five years.The charges stem from an incident on 11 December 2024, when the ZACC team, acting on complaints of corruption at a police roadblock, conducted surveillance operations around 11 a.m. The team observed several police officers soliciting and accepting bribes from motorists.During the operation, Constable Peace Muchenje was arrested for bribery, and a roadblock declaration book was seized as evidence.However, Sergeant Makina and Constable Gava then confronted the ZACC officers, demanding the return of the declaration book. The court heard that they forcibly removed investigation officer Shingirai Mudede from the driver's seat of the vehicle and took the keys from the ignition.Makina and Gava allegedly twisted Mudede's arm, violently dislodging him from the vehicle to seize the declaration book before fleeing the scene.Prosecutor Thurstone Mubvumbi argued that the officers' actions amounted to obstructing justice by assaulting a public officer engaged in lawful duties.The magistrate's ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring accountability, even among law enforcement ranks.
US-Iran Talks In Muscat On June 15 Amid Heightened West Asia Tensions

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 13:28 IST

The developments come amid heightened tensions with Israel

(Reuters File Photo)

The United States will hold talks with Iran in Muscat on June 15, Omans Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi confirmed on Thursday. The developments come amid heightened tensions in West Asia.

I am pleased to confirm the 6th round of Iran US talks will be held in Muscat this Sunday," Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said in a post on X.

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Tehran and Washington have held five rounds of talks since April to thrash out a new nuclear deal to replace the 2015 accord that President Donald Trump abandoned during his first term in 2018.

The announcement by Oman came just hours after President Donald Trump said US personnel were being moved from the potentially dangerous" Middle East.

Israel Planning To Strike Iran: US

US intelligence indicates that Israel has been making preparations for a strike against Irans nuclear facilities. The intel input has prompted the US to move its personnel out of the region because it could be a dangerous place".

The United States has a military presence across the major oil-producing region, with bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

Reuters reported earlier that the US was preparing an evacuation of its Iraqi embassy and would allow military dependents to leave locations around the Middle East due to heightened security risks in the region, according to US and Iraqi sources.

A US official said the State Department had authorised voluntary departures from Bahrain and Kuwait. The State Department updated its worldwide travel advisory on Wednesday evening to reflect the latest U.S. posture.

On June 11, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel due to heightened regional tensions," the advisory said.

They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and well see what happens," Trump told reporters. Weve given notice to move out."

Asked whether anything could be done to lower the temperature in the region, Trump said: They cant have a nuclear weapon. Very simple, they cant have a nuclear weapon."

Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike Iran if stuttering talks over its nuclear programme fail and in an interview released earlier on Wednesday said he was growing less confident that Tehran would agree to stop enriching uranium, a key American demand.

SHIPPING WARNING

On Wednesday, Irans defence minister warned Washington that Tehran would hit U.S. regional bases if drawn into a war in the case of nuclear talks failing.

On Wednesday Britains maritime agency warned that increased tensions in the Middle East might lead to an escalation in military activity that could impact shipping in critical waterways. It advised vessels to use caution while travelling through the Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Straits of Hormuz, which all border Iran.

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Tensions inside Iraq have heightened since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, with Iran-aligned armed groups in the country repeatedly attacking U.S. troops, though attacks have subsided since last year.

(With inputs from Reuters, AFP)

About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

Location : Muscat, Oman

First Published: June 12, 2025, 13:16 IST
Global Outpouring Of Sorrow As World Leaders React To Air India Crash In Ahmedabad

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 18:22 IST

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: World leaders and diplomatic missions from Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom and France expressed deep condolences.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in Ahmedabad. (Image Credit: AP)

A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, triggering a wave of shock and sorrow across the globe. World leaders and diplomatic missions from Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom and France expressed deep condolences and solidarity with India in the wake of the tragedy.

Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM en route to London Gatwick but was involved in a catastrophic incident minutes after takeoff.

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Follow LIVE updates on Ahmedabad plane crash here

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash of the London-bound Air India flight in Ahmedabad, calling the emerging scenes devastating." In a post on X, Keir Starmer said he is being kept updated on the developing situation and extended his thoughts to the passengers and their families. My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time," he wrote, acknowledging the presence of many British nationals on board the ill-fated flight.

The Kremlin, on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed deep sorrow over the Ahmedabad plane crash, stating, Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad." The message also conveyed sincere sympathy and support to the families and near ones of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, calling the news horrible" and extending his condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. Our thoughts are with all victims relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada," he said, adding that Ukraine shares in the shock and grief of this tragic day. He also prayed for the survival of as many passengers as possible and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed heartfelt condolences over the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, stating that the news was received with emotion." In a message shared on X, he extended Frances thoughts and sympathies to the families of the victims and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, In these hours of pain, I extend our thoughts to the loved ones of the victims as well as to Prime Minister @NarendraModi."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed deep sorrow over the Ahmedabad plane crash, said she was deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad." In a message shared on X, she said, On behalf of the Italian Government and myself, I express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and our full solidarity with the Indian people in this moment of great sorrow."

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu conveyed his condolences, saying, I express profound sadness at the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 near Ahmedabad." He added that the government and people of the Maldives stand in solidarity with India during this difficult time.

Bangladeshs interim Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, extended heartfelt condolences as he expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, calling it heartbreaking." In a message addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she offered her condolences to the bereaved families and said, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow."

Read more: Heartbreaking Beyond Words: PM Modi Expresses Condolences Over Ahmedabad Plane Crash

Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov described the news as heartbreaking," writing on X (formerly Twitter), My heartfelt sympathy to the families and near ones of the victims and to all Indian people and the Government of India over this tragic major catastrophe!"

French Ambassador Thierry Mathou echoed the sentiment, saying, France is deeply saddened by reports of a plane crash in #Ahmedabad. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. We express our full solidarity at this difficult time."

Gideon Saar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, expressed his condolences over the Ahmedabad plane crash, saying he was deeply saddened by the tragedy. Our hearts are with the Indian people following this terrible incident," he wrote, extending solidarity to those affected.

The US Consulate in Mumbai acknowledged the crash and advised American citizens in the region to check in with loved ones: We are aware of a plane crash in Ahmedabad today, June 12, 2025 If you are in the affected area and need immediate emergency services, please contact local authorities."

The UK Embassy confirmed that the flight was headed for London and added, We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected."

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What We Know So Far

Air India has not yet disclosed the number of casualties but stated that injured passengers are being taken to nearby hospitals. The nature of the crash remains under investigation. Emergency response teams are at the site, and the Civil Aviation Ministry has launched a formal inquiry.

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

First Published: June 12, 2025, 16:01 IST
We Are Ready: Iran's Cryptic Post Amid Reports Of Possible Israeli Strike On Nuclear Sites

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: June 12, 2025, 11:12 IST

The brief but charged statement from Tehran has added to growing fears of a broader regional confrontation.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Image: AFP file)

As tensions rise in the Middle East, US intelligence has reported that Israel is preparing for a potential strike on Irans nuclear facilities. In response, the Islamic Republic of Iran posted a cryptic message on social media platform X, saying: We are ready." The post has added to mounting concerns over a possible escalation between the two nations.

The United States, anticipating potential retaliatory action from Iran, particularly against American assets in neighbouring Iraq, has advised some US citizens to leave the region as a precaution.

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The brief but charged statement from Tehran has added to growing fears of a broader regional confrontation.

Also Read: Dangerous Place: Trump Orders US Troops Out Of Middle East Amid Iran Tensions

The United States is anticipating potential Iranian retaliation against American sites in neighboring Iraq, prompting the State Department to order non-emergency government personnel to leave the country due to heightened regional tensions," CBS News reported.

The advisory to American citizens to exit the region came earlier on Wednesday amid growing concerns of escalation.

Despite the tensions, former President Donald Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to proceed with a sixth round of talks with Iran in the coming days over its nuclear program.

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Speaking at the Kennedy Center during a performance of Les Miserables on Thursday, Trump said US military personnel are being relocated from certain Middle Eastern countries due to safety concerns.

They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place and we will see what happens We have given notice to move out," he said. Trump reiterated his administrations stance: Iran cannot have nuclear weapons." The remarks follow another failed round of U.S.-Iran negotiations.

About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, includ... Read More

First Published: June 12, 2025, 11:06 IST
News / National

by Staff reporter

The High Court of Zimbabwe has struck down a significant part of the controversial Patriotic Act, ruling that Section 22A (3) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Act No. 10 of 2023 is unconstitutional.In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, Justice Rodgers Manyangadze declared the provision vague, overly broad, and in violation of fundamental constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, association, and political participation.Section 22A (3) criminalised participation in meetings discussing sanctions against Zimbabwe and imposed harsh penalties such as revocation of citizenship, restriction of voting rights, and bans on holding public office."The applicants have substantiated constitutional invalidity in respect of Section 22A (3)," Justice Manyangadze said. "The provision lacks precision and creates uncertainty, thereby infringing on rights guaranteed under Sections 58, 61, and 67 of the Constitution."The case was brought forward by the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe and rights activist and journalist Zenzele Ndebele, who argued that the provision threatened freedom of speech and could be misused to target dissenters, journalists, and individuals attending international meetings or engaging in legitimate political discourse.Government lawyers defended the law as a necessary measure for protecting national security, but the court found that parts of the statute unjustifiably limited constitutional freedoms."Criminal offences must be defined with clarity to avoid ensnaring innocent conduct," the ruling stated. It further noted that severe penalties such as loss of citizenship or voting rights must be justified by clear legal standards.However, the court upheld Section 22A (2) of the Act, which criminalises participation in foreign-led efforts to overthrow the government, ruling it sufficiently clear and necessary to safeguard national sovereignty.No order as to costs was issued. The ruling marks a significant judicial check on legislation viewed by many as threatening democratic freedoms in Zimbabwe.
Members of the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) are seeking to regain relevance and prominence after being sidelined, but observers questioned the grouping's credibility and potential to drive meaningful change, citing concerns about its integrity.

NewsDay heard that Polad had, however, not met in a long time since the disputed 2023 elections and its members did not hide their frustration over the deafening silence of the Mnangagwa camp.

They said this after a Polad meeting was convened recently in the capital. Nationalist Alliance Party leader, Divine Hove, confirmed the meeting.

It has been quite a long time since we formally met and we are very concerned with the silence and absence of Polad in the political arena, Hove said.

There is so much that is happening in our country.

We need to ignite the spirit of dialogue and engagement with the President Emmerson Mnangagwa government, which started Polad in 2018, so that we can share ideas.

When Polad was set up, it was designed to promote dialogue among all political parties in Zimbabwe.

Hove argued that Polad contributed to policy formulation through lobbying the government.

Several committees were set up, one of them being the economic committee, which was an advisory committee to the government, he said.

Polad chief protocol and 1980 Freedom Movement leader, Welcome Shumba, also attended the meeting.

I am happy that we have finally met after a very long time and we are hoping to continue in the good spirit and focus on nation building, he said.

Another principal said Polad created stability in the country.

Polad managed to create some stability in the country when it was started in 2018, this is why we have met today [Monday], he said.

Presidential spokesperson George Charamba said he would convey the concerns of Polad members to Mnangagwa about the need for constant engagement with the President.

Tell them that as the Press secretary of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, I have heard their concern and I will relay their message, Charamba said. Newsday
This year's Emmy nominations come out next month, and the name of 15-year-old Owen Cooper is expected to be among them. At the Los Angeles Times , TV writer Glenn Whipp makes the case that the central character in the Netflix series Adolescence should be more than nominatedhe should win. Whipp quotes show co-creator Stephen Graham as saying that he "can't find enough superlatives to describe the boy," with Whipp adding:

Whipp cites the show's third episode in particular, in which Jamie is interviewed at a juvenile detention facility, as "an astonishing showcase," made all the more remarkable because the show was Cooper's acting debut. One hurdle is that Emmy voters don't seem to like rewarding younger actors: Only four have won prime-time honors in history, the latest in 1984. Cooper deserves to be an exception, writes Whipp. For the record, a piece at Variety predicts that Cooper will win as supporting actor and the aforementioned Wyle as lead actor. (Read Whipp's full column.)
Before Elon Musk's public mea culpa regarding some of his inflammatory posts about President Trump, he apparently had a private conversation with Trump himself. Sources tell outlets including CNN, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal that on Friday, Vice President JD Vance and Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, both spoke to Musk on the phone and urged him to smooth things over with Trump. On Monday, the sources say, Musk called Trump and the two spoke for the first time since things went sour between them, though the conversation reportedly lasted mere "moments." On Wednesday, Musk deleted some of his posts about Trump and said he regretted some of the things he'd said that "went too far."
A federal judge has ruled that the federal government must release Mahmoud Khalil, the former Columbia University graduate student whom the Trump administration is trying to deport over his participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, the AP reports. But Khalil, a legal US resident, will remain in custody until at least Friday morning while the government decides whether to appeal, US District Judge Michael Farbiarz said Wednesday. He was detained by federal immigration agents on March 8 in the lobby of his university-owned apartment, the first arrest under President Trump's move against students who joined campus protests against the war in Gaza.

Khalil was then flown across the country and taken to an immigration detention center in Jena, Louisiana, thousands of miles from his attorneys and wife, a US citizen who gave birth to their first child while he was in custody. Khalil's lawyers challenged the legality of his detention, accusing the Trump administration of trying to crack down on free speech. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he has the power to deport Khalil because his presence in the US could harm foreign policy. Farbiarz had ruled earlier that expelling Khalil from the US on those grounds was likely unconstitutional.

In his ruling Wednesday, the judge said Khalil had shown that his continued detention is causing irreparable harm to his career, his family, and his free speech rights. Farbiarz gave the government until Friday to appeal the decision and required Khalil to post a $1 bond before he is freed. "The court's decision is the most significant vindication yet of Mahmoud's rights," said Ramzi Kassem, co-director of CLEAR, a legal nonprofit and clinic at the City University of New York that represents Khalil. "But we aren't out of the woods until Mahmoud is free and back home with his wife and child."
News / National

by Staff reporter

At least eight of the sixteen Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states currently have less than 50 percent access to electricity, underscoring a severe energy shortage across the region, a senior government official revealed on Wednesday.Speaking at the official opening of the five-day Regional Energy Regulators Association of Southern Africa (RERA) sub-committee meetings held in the capital, Energy and Power Development Permanent Secretary Gloria Magombo, through a speech read by Ministry chief director Benson Munyaradzi, called for urgent collective action to address the crisis."There is need for us to play a role in ensuring policies and regulations that cater for energy access for all," she said.Home to over 400 million people, the SADC region is battling chronic electricity shortages compounded by insufficient investment in power generation and transmission infrastructure.Magombo stressed the importance of expanding power grids and increasing regional interconnectors to widen electricity access. However, she pointed to funding constraints and regulatory bottlenecks as major barriers to progress."Complex regulatory frameworks and slow licensing processes hinder the development of renewable energy projects. There is need for streamlined regulations on bulk licensing of portfolios to accelerate the rollout of renewables," she noted.Despite heavy reliance on fossil fuels-especially coal-Magombo advocated for a stronger shift toward renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This shift, she said, would help meet both access and climate goals.She urged SADC energy regulators to collaborate on harmonising policies and investment strategies, highlighting the critical role of regional cooperation in securing sustainable energy and facilitating cross-border electricity trade."The energy sector requires significant investment to meet the region's energy needs. Development finance institutions must play a central role in supporting the transformation of this critical sector," Magombo added.Also addressing the meeting, Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) acting CEO Ngoni Ranga emphasised the value of forums like RERA in fostering cooperation and shaping effective energy regulations."As Zimbabwe, we are proud to host these meetings which underscore our commitment to regional cooperation and energy development. Collaboration and teamwork are essential in achieving our common goals. By working together, we can share knowledge, expertise, and resources," Ranga said.Given electricity access's crucial role in driving economic growth, education, and healthcare, the outcomes of the RERA meetings are expected to influence regional energy policy and boost coordinated efforts toward a more connected and electrified Southern Africa.
A Wisconsin watchdog group is taking Elon Musk to court, alleging he tried to sway the state's Supreme Court election by bribing voters with million-dollar checks and cash prizes. The lawsuit claims Musk's high-profile giveaways crossed the line into illegal election bribery and could threaten the integrity of future elections, per NBC News . The suit, filed by the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign and two voters, claims Musk and his America PAC handed out $100 to voters who signed a petition and awarded million-dollar checks to others, actions they say amount to illegal vote bribery and unauthorized lotteries.

Plaintiffs point to a town hall event in Green Bay at which Musk gave two people million-dollar checks; both had reportedly voted for Musk's preferred candidate, Brad Schimel. A video posted by America PAC showed one winner urging others to vote for Schimel after receiving the money. Though Musk's PAC spent more than $12 million on Schimel's campaign, Susan Crawford ultimately won the race. The lawsuit seeks to prevent Musk from similar activities in future Wisconsin elections.

This isn't the first legal challenge Musk has faced over his election-related giveaways. The state's attorney general filed a similar suit before the race concluded, but a judge did not immediately act. In Pennsylvania, a judge also declined to block Musk's cash awards. The Justice Department has previously warned that such giveaways during elections could be illegal. "The court that Crawford joins in August could ultimately hear the new lawsuit," per CBS News.
An Air India passenger plane bound for London with 242 people onboard crashed Thursday in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad, the airline and local media reported, per the AP and the BBC. There was no immediate word on survivors. The airline initially said there were 244 on board.

Visuals on local television channels showed smoke billowing from the crash site near the airport in Ahmedabad, a city with a population of more than 5 million.

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, director general of the directorate of civil aviation, told the AP that Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar five minutes after taking off at 1:38pm local time.
The US is pulling nonessential embassy staff and their families out of Baghdad amid rising security concerns, per the BBC . Officials haven't detailed what triggered the move announced Wednesday, but CBS News reports the decision follows warnings that Israel might launch an operation against Iran. The network's sources say the US anticipates Iran could respond by targeting American sites in Iraq. Tensions come as nuclear talks between the US and Iran have stalled, though US envoy Steve Witkoff still plans to meet Iran's foreign minister in Muscat on Sunday to discuss the nuclear issue.

The US State Department said the embassy reduction was based on ongoing security assessments. The AP reports embassy staffing was already limited in nature, and as such, the order will not impact a large number of personnel. The department has also green-lit the departure of nonessential personnel and relatives from Bahrain and Kuwait, which would enable them to leave those countries on the government's dime and with government assistance.

President Trump, speaking at the Kennedy Center, said Americans were advised to leave the region "because it could be a dangerous place, and we'll see what happens"; he emphasized that the US will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. The International Atomic Energy Agency criticized Iran's cooperation in a recent report, citing unexplained nuclear material at undeclared sites. Iran dismissed the report, calling it unbalanced and based on forged documents from Israel.
A Colorado funeral home owner who pleaded guilty to leaving a woman's corpse in the back of a hearse for over a year and improperly stashing the cremated remains of at least 30 people has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, the Denver District Attorney's Office announced. Miles Harford, 34, pleaded guilty in April to one felony count of abuse of a corpse and one misdemeanor count of theft. He faced other counts, including forgery and theft , that were dismissed as part of his plea agreement. His 18-month sentence is the maximum sentence under Colorado law for the charges, the AP reports.

"Nothing will ever undo the terrible pain that Miles Harford caused so many families," Denver District Attorney John Walsh said in a statement Monday, adding, "Harford systematically and shockingly violated his professional and moral obligations, and, for that, he is now being held accountable." Harford was arrested last year after the body of Christina Rosales, who died of Alzheimer's at age 63, was found in the back of his hearse, covered in blankets. Her remains had been there for about 18 months. Authorities said he had provided the Rosales family with the cremated remains of a different person he misrepresented as Rosales.

Police also found the cremated remains of other people stashed in boxes throughout Harford's rental property, including in the crawlspace, per the AP. Prosecutors said he treated the bodies and remains "in a way that would outrage normal family sensibilities."
For the first time in two decades, the UN's nuclear watchdog has formally rebuked Iran for failing to meet its nuclear commitments. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Thursday passed a resolution declaring that Iran is not meeting its nuclear nonproliferation obligations, intensifying global tensions and raising fears of possible military conflict, per the New York Times . The vote, held in Vienna, comes as US and European officials warn Israel may be preparing for a possible military strike against Iran .

The resolution introduced by the US, UK, France, and Germany passed with 19 votes in favor out of 35. Russia, China, and Burkina Faso opposed it; 11 countries abstained, and two did not vote. In the draft resolution seen by the AP, the IAEA's board of governors again insisted Iran supply answers "without delay" to questions about uranium traces found at several locations Iran did not declare as nuclear sites. "Western officials suspect that the uranium traces could provide further evidence that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program until 2003," per the AP.

In response, Iran's foreign ministry and atomic energy agency condemned the resolution as politically motivated and said it undermined the IAEA's credibility. The AP reports their statement declared Iran "has no choice but to respond to this political resolution." Indeed, the country quickly announced plans to launch a third site for enrichmentone Iran says is "already built, prepared, and located in a secure and invulnerable place"and upgrade equipment at another facility.

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Iranian officials have also threatened to leave the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, though they have not ratified a section that would grant inspectors broader access within the country. The resolution threatens to further complicate ongoing diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran in Oman, per the BBC. Iran's foreign minister warned that any military action against Iran by Israel or the US would provoke a strong reaction, potentially including strikes on US bases.
David Hogg, the 25-year-old activist who stirred controversy within the Democratic National Committee over his plans to challenge party incumbents , has announced his resignation as vice chair after weeks of internal strife and a forced re-election vote. Hogg, a survivor of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, had been planning to use his outside group, Leaders We Deserve, to fund primary challenges against sitting Democratic lawmakers, reports the New York Times . He said he aimed to raise up to $20 million to push for "generational change" within the party, per the Times.

Hogg's moves drew criticism from party officials, with the Hill reporting earlier this week that frustration with him had reached a "boiling point." DNC chairman Ken Martin had tried to bar Hogg from engaging in primaries and pushed for new bylaws to prevent party leaders from such involvement. Hogg was the only officer who refused to sign a neutrality pledge regarding primaries. The situation was further complicated by a leaked audio recording from a DNC meeting, for which multiple officials blamed Hogg. A complaint about the February election that initially seated Hogg and another vice chair, Malcolm Kenyatta, led to the call for a new vote. Hogg, citing ongoing disagreements and a desire to avoid further distraction, chose not to run again.

"It's clear that there is a fundamental disagreement about the role of a Vice Chair," he wrote in his resignation letter, adding that the party should focus on more important matters. Party leaders, including Martin, expressed respect for Hogg's decision. Kenyatta is now running unopposed for the male vice chair role, with new elections beginning Thursday, per Politico. Hogg's outside group endorsed a candidate in a Virginia Democratic primary earlier this week but has not yet targeted any incumbents. The episode illustrates the internal divisions at the DNC as it tries to regroup ahead of the next election cycle.
No survivors are expected among the 242 people aboard the Air India jet that crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday, though officials have described dozens of injured people on the ground. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into the dining facility of a local medical college where students were having lunch, reports the New York Times. The plane is also said to have struck residential dorms, per AFP. At least five students were killed, according to the dean of the college, which lies about a mile from the airport.



Footage: Videos shared on social media show a plane losing altitude with its nose up before hitting the college in a ball of fire, per AFP. The BBC has this verified video. Note the distressing content.
Perhaps Silento will be teaching his fellow inmates to do the "stanky leg." The man who brought us the 2015 viral hit "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)" was sentenced Wednesday to 30 years in prison for the 2021 shooting death of his 34-year-old cousin, Frederick Rooks, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution . The rapper, whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, reached a plea deal with prosecutors in which he admitted to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possessing a gun while committing a crime, and concealing the death of another, in exchange for having the murder charge dropped. He pleaded guilty but mentally ill.

Rooks was fatally shot in the face and leg outside a home near Decatur, Georgia, in the early hours of Jan. 21, 2021. A white BMW SUV was captured on surveillance video speeding away from the scene, per the AP. A relative of Rooks told police Silento had picked up the victim in a vehicle matching that description. And when police went to arrest Silento, they said he was carrying a gun that matched the bullet casings at the scene.

In the years before the shooting, Silento had gone public with his struggles with mental illness. "I've been fighting demons my whole life," he said in a 2019 interview. "Depression doesn't leave you when you become famous, it just adds more pressure." His publicist, Chanel Hudson, said he had a suicide attempt in early 2020 before two arrests in California for domestic violence and gun charges. He allegedly swung a hatchet at two people, per the AP. Hudson said his suffering continued up until his arrest in Rooks' death. Rooks' siblings apparently hold little sympathy for Silento, telling the judge he should have gotten a longer sentence. He was sentenced to 30 years, with credit for time served since Feb. 1, 2021.
The number of Russian troops killed or wounded in Ukraine has topped 1 million, military officials in Kyiv said Thursday, describing the huge price that Moscow has paid for its three-year-old invasion. The claim by the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces, which came on a holiday celebrating Russia's sovereignty, is in line with Western intelligence estimates, per the AP . The announcement came as Russia is celebrating Russia Day, during which President Vladimir Putin hosted a Kremlin meeting with soldiers decorated for their service in Ukraine, though neither he nor any other officials commented on the Ukrainian claim.

The UK Defense Ministry also said in a statement Thursday posted on X that Russia has suffered at least 1 million "combat losses," including roughly 250,000 killed since it launched the full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. On June 3, the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington said Russia likely would hit the mark of 1 million casualties this summer in what it called "a stunning and grisly milestone."

Russia last reported its military casualties early in the war when it acknowledged that about 6,000 soldiers had been killed. Earlier this year, the General Staff of the Russian armed forces claimed that Ukrainian military losses had topped 1 million. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last spoke of Ukrainian military losses in February, when he said in an interview that 45,100 troops had been killed and about 390,000 injured. The mutual claims of the other side's losses couldn't be independently verified. More here.
Air travel can be frustrating, but full-on toddler-style tantrums are rare, at least among adults. In video that has gone viral, a middle-aged woman screams, yells, rolls around, and kicks her feet on the floor at Milan Malpensa Airport, People reports. According to news.com.au, the Chinese tourist had been told at the boarding gate that her carry-on luggage was over the weight limit and she would have to dispose of some items or pay extra. Airport workers were unable to calm her down, and she was eventually rebooked on a later flight.
News / National

by Staff reporter

More than 200 small and medium entrepreneurs are grappling with the aftermath of a devastating fire that gutted their goods and machinery at the Save The Nation Industrial Site in Bulawayo on Monday night.The blaze, which broke out under unclear circumstances, has left many operators without income or livelihoods, prompting urgent calls for government and stakeholder intervention and support.Entrepreneurs who spoke to ZBC News described the incident as a catastrophic setback that erased years of hard work and investment."It took us more than 10 years to build up our workspaces and purchase machinery. Now we have lost everything," said one visibly distressed entrepreneur."We are pleading for assistance from the government and all willing partners. This is our only source of income," another affected business owner added.Bulawayo Chamber of SMEs Programme Coordinator, Mr Nketha Dlamini, confirmed the fire and noted that a full assessment of the damage is still underway before any appeals for support are made."We are very sorry about what happened to our fellow SMEs. What I can say is that we are yet to assess the damage before engaging other stakeholders to see how best they can assist these businesses," Mr Dlamini said.The SME sector remains a critical pillar of Zimbabwe's economy, accounting for over 50 percent of employment and playing a significant role in driving industrialisation and innovation.As affected entrepreneurs await aid, the community and authorities are called upon to mobilise resources to help restore these vital businesses and livelihoods.
Somehow, it appears that at least one passenger survived the crash of an Air India passenger jet on Thursday. India's home minister, Amit Shah, told reporters in Ahmedabad that he had met with the survivor in the hospital, reports the New York Times and the AP. The latter outlet spoke with a doctor who identified the man as Viswash Kumar Ramesh. "He was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body," Dr. Dhaval Gameti told the AP. "But he seems to be out of danger."

Earlier, the Hindustan Times identified the same survivor and says he had been in seat 11A on the plane, and the story has images not only of the man but of his plane ticket. .
Oklahoma executed a man Thursday whose transfer to state custody was expedited by the Trump administration, per the AP. "Peace to everyone," said John Fitzgerald Hanson, 61, while strapped to a gurney inside the prison's death chamber. The execution began at 10:01am. After the lethal drugs began to flow, a doctor entered the death chamber at 10:06am and declared him unconscious.

Hanson had been serving a life sentence in federal prison in Louisiana for several unrelated federal convictions. Federal officials transferred him to Oklahoma custody in March to follow through on President Trump's sweeping executive order to more actively support the death penalty.

Hanson was sentenced to die in Oklahoma after he was convicted of carjacking, kidnapping, and killing a Tulsa woman in 1999.
President Trump signed a resolution on Thursday that blocks California's first-in-the-nation rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035. The state quickly announced it was challenging the move in court, with California's attorney general holding a news conference to discuss the lawsuit before Trump's signing ceremony ended at the White House.

The resolution was approved by Congress last month and aims to quash the country's most aggressive attempt to phase out gas-powered cars. Trump also signed measures to overturn state policies curbing tailpipe emissions in certain vehicles and smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks, the AP reports.
The CIA released nearly 1,500 pages of previously classified documents relating to New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and his 1968 assassination on Thursday, detailing the spy agency's work to investigate his killing as well as previously unknown contacts between him and the agency. The newly available material comprises 54 documents, including memos about the CIA's work to investigate whether Kennedy's killer had any foreign ties, as well as the response to his death by foreign powers. The records also included documents about the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the AP reports, as well as the attempted assassination of Alabama Gov. George Wallace in 1972.

Kennedy met with the CIA following a 1955 tour of the Soviet Union, relaying his observations to the spy agency as a voluntary informant, the documents show. One internal CIA memo detailed how the agency unsuccessfully sought to poison Cuban leader Fidel Castro in 1960 and 1961. It worked with a "high-ranking" Mafia figure in Las Vegas who "controlled all of the ice-making machines on the Strip." Another internal CIA memo from December 1973 reported on a conference at Georgetown University for a group promoting assassination conspiracy theories. "Beards and long hair prevailed," the memo said, in what was, for government employees, a crew-cut era.

President Trump had ordered the release of documents relating to the assassinations of RFK, his brother, and King. More than 10,000 pages of records pertaining to RFK's assassination were released in April. The documents show that RFK was a voluntary informant after his visit to the Soviet Union. Many of his observations reflected granular observations about daily life. "On 29 Aug 55, while in Novosibirsk, USSR, a friend and I visited a State machine factory. The factory has 3,500 employees, of whom one third are women. The wage scale is between 840 and 2,500 rubles," Kennedy told the CIA interviewer, according to the documents. "The Director of the plant whose name I do not recall was frosty, although the engineer was friendly." (Tulsi Gabbard said AI has been used to screen Kennedy files.)

The documents are posted online at cia.gov and archives.gov/rfk.
UN member nations voted overwhelmingly Thursday to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and unrestricted access for the delivery of food to 2 million Palestinians. The vote in the 193-member General Assembly was 149-12 with 19 abstentions, the AP reports. It was adopted with a burst of applause. The resolution, drafted by Spain, "strongly condemns any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare." Speaking before the vote, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon vehemently opposed the resolution.

Danon denied that Israel is using starvation as a weapon of war, calling the accusation "blood libel" and insisting that aid is being delivered. Experts and human rights workers say that hunger is widespread in Gaza and that some 2 million Palestinians are at risk of famine if Israel does not fully lift its blockade and halt its military campaign, which it renewed in March after ending a ceasefire with Hamas. The Palestinian ambassador, Riyad Mansour, pleaded with UN members to vote yes. "The actions you take today to stop the killing, displacement and the famine will determine how many more Palestinian children die a horrible death," he said.

Last week, the UN Security Council took up a resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and calling on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid. The US vetoed the resolution because it was not linked to the release of the hostages, while the other 14 members of the council voted in favor. There are no vetoes in the General Assembly. But unlike in the Security Council, resolutions in the assembly are not legally binding, though they are seen as a barometer of world opinion.
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Thunderstorms likely this morning. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms this afternoon. High 71F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms this evening giving way to periods of light rain late. Low 57F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is under intense scrutiny following a series of incidents that have raised serious concerns about heavy-handed tactics, including alleged killings, torture, and assaults on schoolchildren.Human rights lawyer Arnold Tsunga condemned these events as part of a disturbing pattern of abuse by law enforcement officers targeting civilians, vendors, and even young learners. He warned that impunity continues to be a central problem within the force.In March, nearly 100 people were arrested during protests in Harare, but Tsunga highlighted that most detainees were not demonstrators but individuals caught up while commuting home from work."When they appeared in court, it became clear that the majority had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time," Tsunga said. "Detaining people under such circumstances, and holding them in filthy conditions, amounts to a serious abuse of police power."Public outrage intensified after the death of 30-year-old Blessed Believe Juruvenge, who reportedly died from severe injuries inflicted by Constable Prince Ndavambi while in police custody at Ruwa Police Station last month. Ndavambi allegedly assaulted Juruvenge with a hoe handle, with fellow officers failing to intervene. After weeks on the run, Ndavambi was arrested on 12 June.In a separate incident in Maphisa, Matabeleland South, police officers conducting a crime awareness campaign at Mahetshe Primary School allegedly beat several pupils, including toddlers. Witnesses reported uniformed officers slapping and caning learners, leaving some injured and visibly distressed. Parents and rights groups have condemned the act as unlawful and degrading, prompting a government investigation."The police are not mandated to discipline schoolchildren," Tsunga stated, describing the incident as a gross abuse of authority.These fresh allegations have revived painful memories of Zimbabwe's post-election violence in 2018, when soldiers opened fire on protesters in Harare, killing six people. Despite a commission of inquiry led by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe recommending prosecutions, no one has been held accountable."These cases demonstrate a systematic failure to hold security forces accountable," Tsunga said. "There is a clear pattern of excessive and unlawful force that fosters public fear and distrust."He called on the police to uphold principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and accountability in the maintenance of public order to restore public confidence.
Apples research paper, The Illusion of Thinking, examines the reasoning abilities of artificial intelligence models. It claims that LLM AI problem-solving skills are misleading. The study argues that these models do not truly reason but instead rely heavily on pattern matching, creating an illusion of thinking.

To support this claim, the paper uses the Tower of Hanoi puzzlea classic problem requiring the movement of disks between pegs under specific rulesas a key benchmark.

The complexity of this puzzle increases with the number of disks, making it an effective test of planning and reasoning. Apples researchers found that AI models, including OpenAIs O3, exhibited a complete accuracy collapse when tackling the puzzle with ten disks, a relatively complex version. This failure suggested that these models struggled with tasks requiring deeper reasoning, even when provided with the solution algorithm, reinforcing the papers conclusion that their capabilities were limited.

The objective of the tower of hanoi puzzle is to move the entire stack to one of the other rods, obeying the following rules:

Only one disk may be moved at a time.

Each move consists of taking the upper disk from one of the stacks and placing it on top of another stack or on an empty rod.

No disk may be placed on top of a disk that is smaller than it.

With three disks, the puzzle can be solved in seven moves. The minimum number of moves required to solve a Tower of Hanoi puzzle is 2n  1, where n is the number of disks.

At a rate of one move per second, the minimum amount of time it would take to complete the sixty-four disks would be 2^64  1 seconds or 585 billion years, roughly 42 times the estimated current age of the universe.

However, a significant development challenges these findings: OpenAIs O3 has reportedly solved the ten-disk Tower of Hanoi in a single attempt, as noted in posts on X. This achievement, often referred to as one-shotting, implies that O3 can address the puzzle without multiple tries or task-specific training, directly contradicting the papers assertion of its limitations.

O3s ability to solve the ten-disk puzzle suggests that OpenAI may have enhanced the models architecture, training data, or algorithms, enabling it to handle complex tasks more effectively than when the Apple study was conducted [web:0].

Questioning the Benchmark: The Tower of Hanoi may not fully capture the reasoning abilities of modern AI, or the way it was implemented in the study might have been flawed, limiting its validity as a measure of capability.

Outdated Conclusions: Given that the papers findings were based on earlier performance, O3s success indicates that rapid progress in AI development may have outpaced the studys observations.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The United Kingdom's Minister for Africa, Lord Ray Collins, has confirmed a softened and recalibrated UK stance towards Zimbabwe, describing a "new approach" focused on partnership and mutual respect between the former colonial power and the Southern African nation.Collins, the first British cabinet member to visit Zimbabwe in seven years, met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House on Wednesday. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Collins emphasized that the UK government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks a collaborative relationship grounded in listening to Africa's priorities rather than imposing its own agenda."We are absolutely committed to building a partnership based on equality and respect but on a simple mission of economic growth, growth that can support both our people and create a win-win situation," Collins said. "I am extremely pleased and looking forward to returning to Zimbabwe."His remarks come barely a month after the UK removed sanctions on several key Zimbabwean security and government figures, including former Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) head Isaac Moyo, former police Commissioner General Godwin Matanga, ministers Anselem Sanyatwe and Owen Ncube, as well as the Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI).The move has drawn attention given that some of those delisted, such as Sanyatwe, are associated with controversial events, including the 2018 crackdown on protesters where soldiers fatally shot civilians.Collins explained the UK's revised policy as the result of a broad consultation launched last year, one that emphasized listening to Africa and focusing on its agenda. "Our approach is not one size fits all," he said. "It is about strengthening our bilateral relations."The change marks a dramatic shift from previous UK positions. In December 2024, Collins had publicly opposed Zimbabwe's readmission to the Commonwealth, citing concerns about democracy and human rights after an assessment by the Commonwealth Secretariat.Despite this, the new approach reflects a strategic pivot amid Zimbabwe's ongoing efforts to reengage with Western nations, which have historically criticized President Mnangagwa's government over its human rights record.Collins stressed that the UK's goal is a "future prosperity for Zimbabwe and future prosperity for the UK," and expressed his determination to return soon to ensure promises are fulfilled.As Zimbabwe continues to seek improved diplomatic and economic ties, the UK's renewed engagement signals cautious optimism for a recalibrated partnership focused on dialogue and shared growth.
News / National

by Gideon Madzikatidze

Disgruntled customers had to wait for nearly an hour on Monday when two Mukuru.com employees stationed at Waterfalls booth left offices unattended while displaying US$300 (10-dollar notes) over the counter.Despite being a serial victim of money heists and robberies countrywide, Mukuru.com is yet to learn the hardest way from their employees recklessness.Angry customers had to take photos and videos of a monumental office and share with Bulawayo24.com while expressing dissatisfaction with level of security by the financial institution."We have been waiting for nearly an hour in our quest to collect money, but neighbouring shop attendants told us that they had gone for lunch at nearby restaurant," one customer said."There were several ten-dollar denomination notes displayed over the counter. We only heard that the two, Kudzie and Lingiwe had gone to buy lunch earlier before lunch," the customer added."When Lingiwe came back and we quizzed her on why did they left their office without anyone to attend while money is displayed over the counter, she just responded that US$300 is not that much considering the amounts they hold or transfer daily," the customer added.t4w
Two people have been charged with carjacking after the owner jumped onto the hood of the vehicle to try and stop his vehicle from being stolen in Lodi, officials with the Bergen County Prosecutors Office said.

Davon White, 18, of Paterson and a 17-year-old were charged with first-degree carjacking, second-degree robbery as well as theft in the March incident.

White was also charged with first-degree using a juvenile to commit a criminal offense.

Lodi police responded to a business on Route 46 West on March 12 at 10 p.m. for a report of a stolen vehicle, authorities said.

After witnesses alerted the owner of the vehicle that his car was being stolen, he jumped onto the hood at a nearby red light, authorities said.

The man remained on the hood as it was driven away but eventually fell off, authorities said.

Investigators identified White and the 17-year-old as the carjackers, authorities said.

No further details on the investigation were released by authorities Wednesday.

The teen was taken into custody Friday and is being held at a juvenile detention center, officials said.

White was served with the charges on Friday in the Bergen County Jail where he was being held on an unrelated matter, authorities said.

An attorney for White was not listed in court records Wednesday evening.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com.
A New Jersey appeals court upheld Charles Arcanos conviction for a 2019 PATCO train sexual assaultbut ruled he must be resentenced after a judge miscalculated how long the assault lasted.

A man convicted of sexually assaulting a woman on a PATCO train six years ago must be resentenced due a judges potential misunderstanding of how long the assault lasted, a state appeals court has ruled.

Charles Arcano, of Voorhees, was found guilty in 2022, of sexually assaulting a 22-year-old woman during a late-night train ride from Philadelphia to Lindenwold in January 2019.

Arcano was sentenced to a total of 18 years in prison for second-degree sexual assault, third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact.

The judge ordered that the sentences be served consecutively, but the appeals court ruled Monday that determination may have been based on a misunderstanding.

The judges mistaken belief that the assaults occurred over a three-hour period, when the evidence showed they occurred over a much shorter time frame, may have improperly influenced the decision to impose consecutive sentences, the appeals court panel said.

The sentencing judge imposed three separate prison terms: 10 years for second-degree sexual assault, five years for third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, and three years for fourth-degree criminal sexual contact.

A determination of concurrent sentences could shorten his prison term significantly.

While the appeals court upheld all three of Arcanos convictions, it directed the lower court judge to reconsider the sentence and provide a clearer explanation based on the correct timeline.

Arcano was represented in the case by the New Jersey Public Defenders Office. The case was prosecuted by the state Office of the Attorney General.

Neither office immediately responded to requests for comment.

Colleen Murphy may be reached at cmurphy@njadvancemedia.com.
A Cumberland County city has sworn in a new leader for its police force following the resignation of the previous chief.

Pedro Casiano was serving as Vinelands police chief until he was charged with simple assault following an alleged domestic violence incident last October.

The victim reported the assault and showed visible signs of injury, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed with the summons issued by Vineland Police to Casiano.

Vineland suspended Casiano pending the outcome of the case and appointed Deputy Chief Steven Triantos to oversee the police department in his absence.

Triantos was recently sworn in as chief.

Casiano, 55, entered a guilty plea to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct during a municipal court hearing in February.

He acknowledged in court he was yelling and screaming in public during the Oct. 12 incident.

I was intoxicated and I was upset, Casiano told the judge in his brief remarks.

The prosecution and defense said Casiano had taken steps to address his issues related to the incident.

Casiano was ordered to pay a fine of $357, plus court costs and other fees.

He could have faced up to 30 days of jail time, the judge said at the February hearing. However, the prosecution and victim agreed that a minimal sentence was appropriate.

Casiano, who joined the Vineland department in 2000 and became chief in 2021, resigned May 5, according to records provided in response to an Open Public Record Act request filed by New Jersey Advance Media.

Casiano did not respond to requests for comment about his resignation.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
Inside Jackson Memorial High School, which will become a middle school after another school is closed in the district. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media

An Ocean County school district has filed a lawsuit blaming school closings, hundreds of job losses and programming cuts on the states systemic and unconstitutional underfunding, local officials said Wednesday.

The Jackson school district is launching a long-awaited legal challenge as it prepares to close a middle school named for Challenger teacher-astronaut Christa McAuliffe. Last year, the district also shuttered the Sylvia Rosenauer Elementary School.

The district attributes the loss of both schools  along with 385 job reductions and programming cuts  on a $22.4 million decrease in state school aid over a seven-year period, according to a statement from Jackson officials.

Declining enrollment has been a factor in the state funding cuts. The districts enrollment slipped from 8,189 in 2017-18 to 6,914 in 2024-25, a 15.6% decrease, local officials previously said.

However, Jackson argues its unique demographic obligations, including the cost of providing transportation to a rising number of private school students, is not being adequately factored into the states school funding formula equation.

Somewhere along the way, the formula became broken and the state has refused to address it to account for the unique circumstances in Jackson, school board president Tina Kas said in a statement.

Jackson is among the school districts that saw their busing costs climb as more Orthodox Jewish families moved into the municipality and requested district-funded busing to send their children to private religious schools.

Kas said local officials spoke with the districts fiscal monitor and representatives from the state Department of Education, but were offered no changes other than an acknowledgement that the formula may need to be tweaked in the future.

Our students are suffering. We cannot wait, Kas said.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in Ocean County Superior Court, names both the state and the state Department of Education as defendants.

The New Jersey Department of Education cannot comment on matters involving pending litigation, Mike Yaple, a spokesperson for the education department, said Thursday.

Jackson will have five elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools after the Christa McAuliffe Middle School closes after the last day of classes on June 23.

As part of the restructuring, Jackson Memorial High School will be turned into a middle school and all high school students will attend Jackson Liberty High School, which is being renamed Jackson Township High School.

In its lawsuit, the school district is seeking compensation and a judgement that requires the state to revise the school funding formula.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.
Documentary filmmaker Julie Cohen, left, started a weekly local Trump protest with her neighbor, Liz Figenshu, center. It's just one way she's been voicing her opposition to the administration. Amanda Edwards | Getty Images; Steve Hockstein | For NJ Advance Media

The steady stream of honking sounds more like New York gridlock than a mellow spring afternoon in Montclair.

People are taking their Sunday strolls, emptying out of brunches and restaurants, when they see the signs.
The first islander eliminated from Love Island USA season 7 stopped by "The Viall Files" to give behind-the-scenes scoop on their early departure. Peacock

If youre not caught up with "Love Island USA,"  what are you doing here?

Well, we warned you! The first islander who was dumped from the villa has already popped up on a podcast to dive into everything that viewers did not see behind the scenes on Love Island USA.

Spoilers ahead...

Belle-A Walker (22) was the first islander we saw leave the villa during a brutal recoupling, in which Nic Vansteenberghe ultimately chose to stay coupled up with bombshell Cierra Ortega.

Cierra had come in previously and stolen Nic from Belle-A, but Nic had been trying to balance both women in the nature of exploring all of his connections in the villa, in true Love Island fashion. After a steamy moment in Soul Ties, Belle-A thought her connection was back on with Nic, but an even steamier moment in the Photo Booth  that Nic name-dropped in his speech  wound up being his deciding factor.

Belle-A might have just left the villa in Fiji, but she is already doing the rounds. Her first podcast appearance has already popped up, and shes keeping it in the reality TV family, appearing on The Bachelor alums podcast, The Viall Files. Belle-A spoke with hosts Nick Viall and his wife Natalie Joy Viall about her time in the villa, her regrets, and what wasnt shown on TV.

The two-hour-long episode has an interview with Belle-A, which starts at the 28:44 minute mark. She joined the call via video chat. It would seem has not left Fiji quite yet, but has had a chance to watch all of the show that has aired so far.

In her time on the podcast, Belle-A immediately addressed the conversation around how her name is spelled and whether she appreciates the commentary online, to which she said people need to put respect on that dash in reference to the fact that her name is not spelled Bella.

Belle-A talked about a number of things fans had questions about, like her choice not to kiss the guys in the first challenge, due to her no kiss on the first date policy.

She was also asked about her accent, to which Belle-A said she didnt think she had one. She did say that she is a first-generation American, as her mother was born in the Philippines, and she grew up around native Hawaiians. She elaborated that it is bits and pieces from the Philippines and Hawaii and the slang of Oregonians and the slang of online.

Belle-A was the first islander eliminated during a recoupling on "Love Island USA" season 7. Kim Nunneley/Peacock

When asked if she felt manipulated by Nic after their kiss in Soul Ties, Belle-A said, 100%.

She went on to clarify that there is no love lost and she will not drag Nics name. But she said that the viewers did not see the conversations that she and Nic had. She said they had deeper conversations, but they werent shown on TV. She said that she did encourage him to explore his connections to the deepest level, and he did that with Cierra, but she added that, Was I being misled the entire process? Absolutely. Otherwise, I wouldnt have. I would have backed off. Watching [the show] back, it really frustrates me, because I feel like his mind was made up since the moment he met Cierra. So, like thats okay! But communicate that with me. Thats exactly what he didnt do, and thats all I asked from him since day one.

The immediate follow-up question to that was, who else would Belle-A have pursued had she known where Nics head was at? Belle-A said that the good conversations she had with all of the other guys in the villa were not shown. The guy she actually had undeniable chemistry with? Taylor Williams.

But Belle-A revealed that her connection with Taylor was never shown. Huda Mustafa and Olandria Carthen were her best friends in the villa, and her friendship with Olandria (who Taylor has been coupled up with the entire time) prevented her from trying to pursue anything deeper with Taylor. After relaying how much Taylor was a good guy for taking care of her in the villa, she said if it had to be anyone other than Nic, it would have been Taylor.

The first contestant eliminated from "Love Island USA" season 7 was Belle-A, when Nic chose to couple up with Cierra. Ben Symons/Peacock

Not only did Belle-A head to The Viall Files to talk about her experience on Love Island USA, she also spoke with Variety, in which she said her one regret.

When asked if she had any regrets or if she would have done anything differently, she told Variety, I said what I said and did what I did. I have no regrets about those actions. I wish I approached it knowing that time isnt fully on my side. I would have kept a more open mindset and explored things with Taylor while keeping Olandria in the loop.

In her Viall Files interview, Belle-A spilled tea on a number of cast members, including her bestie Huda, saying that she isnt sure if Huda and Jeremiah Brown had too much tunnel vision for each other because theyre not testing their connection by pursuing anyone else in the villa. She also weighed in on a question that fans had, whether people in the villa actually call Huda and Jeremiah mom and dad, to which Belle-A said she thinks Huda really just meant Belle-A called them that, not everyone in the villa. But her juiciest tidbit about her fellow cast members came when she revealed a red flag she ignored about Nic.

Nic has been in an open relationship before. And that was one of the first things he told me within our first conversation. And I dont know why I didnt raise a red flag to that right away. I feel like him having Cierra and I gave him a little bit of a taste of his past.

We might not have seen the last of Belle-A, as shes holding out hope for appearing during the Casa Amor week later this season (this took place around episode 20 last season). At the time of her Viall Files interview, as well as her interviews with Variety and Vulture, Belle-A did not have access to her phone, which could mean she is still in Fiji and might make an appearance as a bombshell or could reappear for Casa Amor.

Who is left on Love Island USA season 7?

Who was eliminated from Love Island season 7? Ben Symons/Peacock

As of right now, Belle-A is the only island who that has been eliminated during a recoupling. Yulissa Escobar (27) was removed from the villa in the middle of the second night, and was not discussed on the show at all.

Belle-A did not have her phone and had not been informed exactly why Yulissa left, but it was due to racist remarks she had previously made surfacing online after the show began to air. Belle-A said to Variety about Yulissas departure, The producers came in and told us that Yulissa had to leave but didnt tell us why. It was a somber feeling, because she did bring good energy to the crew. She was there to keep it a little spicy, and we felt her absence.

Tonights episode (Ep. 9) does not appear to have a recoupling; however, it was teased that new bombshells are coming, which means a recoupling and elimination are looming this week.

What are the current Love Island USA couples?

At this time, the couples stand as:

Ace and Amaya

Austin and Chelley

Charlie and Hannah

Jeremiah and Huda

Nic and Cierra

Taylor and Olandria

But with new bombshells arriving in the villa, and tensions flying between Ace and Amaya, we expect a massive recoupling for Friday nights episode (June 13).

New episodes of Love Island USA air every day on Peacock, except for hump day (Wednesday) and episodes of Aftersun air on Saturday.

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Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/.
Harris Yulin with the cast of "Ghostbusters II," left, and with Jason Bateman in "Ozark." Sony Pictures; Netflix

Harris Yulin, an Emmy-nominated actor whose career spanned more than 50 years, has died.

Yulin, 87, died of cardiac arrest Tuesday in New York, his family announced Wednesday, per Deadline.

The actor was known for movies including Scarface and Ghostbusters II, in addition to TV series like Ozark and Frasier.

Before his death, Yulin, a Los Angeles native, was set to star in the upcoming MGM+ series American Classic, which stars Kevin Kline and Laura Linney and is filming in New Jersey.

American Classic co-creator Michael Hoffman remembered Yulin Wednesday.

Harris Yulin was very simply one of the greatest artists I have ever encountered, he said in statement shared with Deadline. His marriage of immense technique with an always fresh sense of discovery, gave his work an immediacy and vitality and purity Ive experienced nowhere else. And what he was as an actor, he was as a man, the grace, the humility, the generosity. All of us at American Classic have been blessed by our experience with him. He will always remain the beating heart of our show.

READ MORE: Kevin Kline, Laura Linney filming comedy series in N.J. What is American Classic?

Yulin was set to play Linus Bean, father to Klines character in the show. Kline stars as Richard Bean, a Broadway actor who has a meltdown and comes home to the town of Millersburg, where his father founded a local theater.

Yulin had his own career on Broadway.

Harris Yulin in "Scarface." Universal Pictures

His credits include Watch on the Rhine (1980), A Lesson from Aloes (1980), The Visit (1992), The Diary of Anne Frank (1997), The Price (1999) and Hedda Gabler (2001).

He was nominated for a Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for his performance as Mr. Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank.

Yulin played crooked cop Mel Bernstein in Brian De Palmas Scarface (1983) opposite Al Pacino. He was also Marty Heller in Night Moves with Gene Hackman (1975).

In Ghostbusters II (1989), Yulin played Stephen Wexler, a fiery judge who, after reaming out the Ghostbusters and ruling that they be sent to Rikers Island, faces a ghostly attack from the spirits of the Scoleri brothers, criminals he sent to the electric chair.

In 1996, Yulin was nominated for an Emmy for outstanding guest actor for playing Jerome Belasco, a man with a mob connection on Frasier.

Yulin had a recurring role as Buddy Dieker in the first two seasons of the Netflix series Ozark in 2017 and 2018.

In a career with a sea of screen credits, Yulins other movies included Multiplicity (1996), The Hurricane (1999), Training Day (2001) and The Place Beyond the Pines (2012).

He appeared on many TV series, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 24, Entourage, Nikita, Murphy Brown, Billions, Veep and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Yulin is survived by his wife, Kristen Lowman.

Yulin with Gene Hackman in "Night Moves." Warner Bros.

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter/X, @amykup.bsky.social on Bluesky and @kupamy on Instagram and Threads.
Four employees of a New Jersey towns recreation department who also own a pool maintenance company stole thousands of dollars in chemicals from the municipal pool, authorities allege.

Secacus police also say the four residents used their municipal jobs to run a double-billing scheme for their business.

John T. Schwartz, 61, Joseph Ferrara, 27, and a married couple Frank N. Flanagan, 32, and Megan R. Wofsy-Flanagan, 31, are each charged with theft, conspiracy to commit theft and theft of service, Secaucus police said.

The Town of Secaucus is very disheartened by the alleged actions of the employees who have been charged, Town Administrator Gary Jeffas said in a statement. That being said, we have taken swift action and can ensure the public that any violation of their trust by a town employee, or anyone else, will not be tolerated.

The four took thousands of dollars worth of pool chemicals from the Secaucus Swim Center both when they were on and off the clock. Their company  Crystal Clear Pool and Spa Management  used the stolen chemicals to service their clients private pools in Hudson, Bergen, Morris and Somerset counties, authorities said. Crystal Clear Pool and Spa Management charged their customers for the chemicals and the private pools were sometimes serviced while the four were supposed to be working in Secaucus. Occasionally, a town vehicle was driven to the pools being treated as well, police said.

The alleged scheme didnt end there, though.

Crystal Clear also was in the business of certifying lifeguards. Some of their owners also were in charge of certifying lifeguards for Secaucus municipal pool as part of their public jobs.

Crystal charged the prospective lifeguards to take the training course and then turned around and billed the town for certifying the trainees, officials allege.

Additionally, some instructors were also being paid by the town to teach the class even Crystal was charging the prospective lifeguards their own fee.

Even though the classes were taught at the Secaucus Recreation Center, Crystal Clear didnt pay to rent the facility, according to police.

Most of the classes Crystal Lear conducted were run by Wofsy-Flanagan, the towns head lifeguard.

Schwartz is Secaucus manager of recreation facilities, Flanagan is responsible for special events and in maintenance while Ferrara is the assistant manager of the town pool.

Detectives began investigating in March after a resident tipped off police about the thefts.

All four were arrested Tuesday after police executed search warrants at the recreation center and the Flanagans home.

Attorney for Schwartz and the Flanagans are not listed in court records.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Ed the zebra is airlifted away after evading capture for several days in this image from a June 8, 2025, video by the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office in Rutherford County, Tennessee. (Rutherford County Sheriff's Office via AP) AP

If you have internet, youve seen Ed the zebra being rescued by a helicopter. Ed escaped shortly after relocating to its new owners 115-acre farm in Tennessee. The fugitive zebra was on the loose for eight days before it was captured Sunday.

Taylor Ford bought the zebra as a pet for his family. He explained his purchase in this article in The Tennessean, Its really just the wow factor, Ford said. When my kids have friends come over, and we go back ... and weve got zebras or something else cool theyre not used to seeing, its just a really cool animal.

Ford sees his story, which has become an internet sensation, as bringing the community together.

I dont want to worry about this escape ever happening again, and it being something that Im part of and having to disrupt the community, he said. Im hoping he becomes a symbol of something that brings people together for this community.

An outfit by the name of Tango 82 Aviation led the search for Ed, and they finally spotted it in a pasture near the Buchanan Road exit off I-24 in Tennessee. Search and rescue teams converged on the scene with a veterinarian to assist.

They (Tango 82 Aviation) used a net capture method that they use to capture these animals in Texas and basically dropped a net right over top of it, Ford told The Tennessean.

The zebra was returned to the Ford family, and Im sure they stepped up security measures so it doesnt escape again!

I love these stories that lighten the day a bit. The daily news is full of doom and gloom, and Ed the zebra probably brought on a few grins.

So, to continue with the funny and peculiar animal stories, here are a few others:

Cat nurse: A cat recovered from respiratory illness, then became a nurse and helped other sick animals get better. She gave them hugs and licked their ears. The hugs, I can see, but the ear-licking? Im not sure that would work on humans. Penguin poop bombs: Scientists realized that powerful penguin poopers can fling their feces at about five mph and up to roughly 53 inches away. It would be fun to have a few pooping penguins in the back of a truck on the New Jersey Parkway at rush hour. Michael Jacksons estate will require a commission. Moonwalking eels: After being swallowed by a predator, some eels perform a moonwalk to backtrack through the digestive tract and escape through the mouth. I wonder ifMichael Jacksons estate will require a commission. Cannibalistic ants: When some ants were trapped in an abandoned nuclear bunker in Western Poland in 2015, scientists discovered they ate carcasses of the dead ants to survive. Suddenly, Im feeling the urge to watch The Donner Party documentary!

Lastly, a story of my own. We used to have a couple of cats, one of which was appropriately named Sir Oliver Lawrence of Arabia. He would get on my chest every morning and wake me up by making biscuits on my chest. Thats what the action of kneading his paws and purring is called in Alabama - the land of biscuits.

Up here in Jersey, the land of pizza, you guys probably call it kneading dough. No matter, its pretty adorable.

Maybe Ill make some biscuits or pizza dough while watching that fun documentary mentioned above!

Karim Shamsi-Basha may be reached at kshamsi-basha@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter & Instagram.

Follow Mosaic on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom.
A New Jersey man has been sentenced to six years and three months in federal prison for taking part in a scam that stole nearly $1.8 million from senior citizens.

Pranav Patel, 33, worked as the money mule in the scheme, driving along the East Coast to pick up money from victims, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Florida said.

Patels unnamed partners posed as government officials, including U.S. Treasury employees, federal prosecutors said.

On some occasions, the scammers told victims that they needed to pay because there were warrants out for their arrest. Other times, they tricked victims into providing money and gold for safekeeping, officials said

Patel was arrested in December 2023 after traveling to Hillsborough County, Florida expecting to pick up a bag of gold. He was under surveillance, though, and arrested a short time later.

Patel pleaded guilty in December to conspiracy to commit money laundering. A hometown was not listed

At his sentencing Tuesday in Tampa, a victim told the judge he had to sell his house after being scammed and giving away his life savings. The man now lives off social security.

The judge ordered Patel to pay $1,791,301 in restitution.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
Cattle roam the Henry family farm in Cranbury, a 21-acre property the township plans to seize for affordable housing. Andy Henry

Chris Henry stood before the Cranbury Township Committee earlier this week, begging the town not to seize a historic farm his family has owned for generations.

Henry and his brother, Andy, grew up on the South River Road farm, completed their Eagle Scout projects in Cranbury and have returned year after year to help maintain the Middlesex County land their great-grandfather purchased in 1850.

We love the town and have spent decades of our lives here, as have our parents and our ancestors, Chris Henry said in the meeting Monday.

Their parents, both World War II veterans, left a lasting legacy in Cranbury, marked by their mothers name etched on the towns war memorial.

Since taking full ownership of the farm over a decade ago, the brothers said they have invested more than $200,000 to maintain it. Though the Henry brothers now live in New Mexico, they visit regularly to check on the property, which is run by a local tenant who raises sheep and cattle.

Cranbury officials are moving forward with plans to seize the 21-acre farm through eminent domain to make space for the construction of affordable housing. Town officials say they plan to pay the family a fair price for the land, even though the Henry brothers dont want to sell.

The brothers are making a final push to save the land.

Were asking that the township committee look at other alternatives that dont require this blunt force method of eminent domain against a family that does not want to sell their property, Chris Henry said.

The familys plea comes as Cranbury races to meet a June 30 deadline to submit its affordable housing plan to the state. The township is required to build 265 affordable housing units over the next decade  part of a statewide mandate that has stirred controversy in some towns.

By 2035, municipalities across New Jersey must add or renovate more than 146,000 affordable units under quotas established by the state. The mandate stems from the Mount Laurel Doctrine, a series of New Jersey Supreme Court rulings that require towns to provide their fair share of affordable housing in the region.

A sign reading Save Andy's Family Farm is posted outside Cranbury Town Hall by residents opposing the townships pla Andy Henry

Towns are not required to build the housing themselves. But they are required to come up with a plan that includes areas where developers can build affordable units.

To help meet those requirements, the Cranbury Township Committee voted unanimously on May 12 to acquire the Henry family farm.

The vote came a month after the Henry brothers received a letter notifying them that their property was being eyed for affordable housing.

If the family doesnt agree to sell the farm, the land could be taken through the eminent domain process that allows the government to take private property. Land can be seized even when the owner doesnt want to sell if the site will be used for a public purpose. The owner is paid a market price for the property.

Cranbury Mayor Lisa Knierim said the township committee spent more than a year reviewing over 50 sites before selecting the farm. She said the move was necessary to avoid costly legal lawsuits from developers  known as builders remedy lawsuits  that could strip the township of control over where and how affordable housing is built.

A builders remedy would destroy the infrastructure, cripple our emergency services and overload our schools, Knierim said. Our decision was fact based, and whether people like it or not, thats what this job is.

No one is in favor of eminent domain. No one wants to see a farm disappear, she added.

Cranbury is expected to release its affordable housing plan by the end of the week, with a planning board meeting set for June 24 to review the proposal.

The township hasnt disclosed what developers plan to build on the farm. That has left residents concerned about where the housing will be placed.

A historic photo of the Henry family farm in Cranbury, which the family has owned since the 1800s. Henry Family

According to former Cranbury Mayor Jay Taylor, who has been advocating for the family, the property is located in a warehouse zone and is undesirable for housing.

There are other places to build, other options to consider, but there is only one Henry family farm, and once its gone, its gone forever, Taylor said. What message do we send our children if we tear down the field their ancestors fought to protect?

The farm, situated between the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 130, is surrounded on all sides by industrial development. Across the street is the future site of what is expected to be a massive warehouse, Taylor added.

Warehouse developers have targeted the Henry family farm property for more than 30 years and the brothers said they have repeatedly turned down offers to sell. The site could now be worth more than $5 million, according to the familys attorney.

The Henrys say they plan to challenge the townships eminent domain decision in court if the development moves forward.

As of Wednesday, an online fundraiser had raised more than $27,500 toward a $50,000 goal to help cover legal costs.

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A violent biker legend is back. N.J. cops wonder what it means for the notorious Pagans.

The camera was trained on the mourners as they came to pay their respects.

They had gathered in Vineland to bid farewell to Gerardo Slow LaFontaine, a longtime member of the Pagans outlaw motorcycle club.

And law enforcement was watching, capturing images of everyone who showed up.

Thats when a stocky man with tattoo sleeves and a long goatee came walking into DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home, wearing a black Pagans T-shirt that read, New Jersey Madness.

It seemed a legendary Pagans exile, cast out by the club, had been welcomed back.

Hellboy had returned.

The resurgence of Robert DeRonde  one of the Pagans most notorious members  leaves law enforcement agents wondering what exactly this means at a pivotal time for the outlaw bikers.

Hellboy is the symbol of Pagan Nation, said Edwin Torres, a special agent with the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation, referring to DeRonde by his nickname. He was a huge part of the Pagan culture. He was the go-to guy, well-liked and respected by everyone.

DeRonde, 61, was repatched into the Pagans in late May after three years of inactivity, sources tell NJ Advance Media. LaFontaines May 31 funeral was Hellboys first public appearance with the club  which has an outsized presence in New Jersey  since his return.

The Pagans top brass kicked out DeRonde in the fall of 2022 after he punched then-national Vice President Philip Broadway Rueck in the face at a clubhouse in Toms River.

DeRonde had his official Pagans club vest  referred to in the biker world as a members colors or cuts  taken from him. And he was labeled outbad, the clubs equivalent of a dishonorable discharge.

However, Rueck died in December, paving the way for DeRondes return.

To that end, Hugo Zorro Nieves, the current national vice president, approached DeRonde in early May about returning, according to law enforcement sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about the clubs activities.

Hellboy rejoins as the Pagans face threats on multiple fronts from rival outlaw motorcycle groups looking to grow in New Jersey, including the hated Hells Angels.

Hellboy is the symbol of Pagan Nation. He was a huge part of the Pagan culture. Edwin Torres, New Jersey State Commission of Investigation

Theres also uncertainty within the group about what happens now that the former president, Keith Conan Richter, is out of prison. He took over the club by force in 2018 and has rapidly expanded its ranks, taking the club from several hundred to more than 3,000 members.

DeRonde not only brings a wealth of experience to the current regime, but also the reputation of an old-school, no-nonsense Pagan.

In fact, DeRonde had become the unquestioned enforcer of the club before his ouster.

When Richter planned the violent takeover of the Pagans in early 2018, he tapped DeRonde to oversee the bloody coup that followed, known as the Day of Reckoning.

Hellboy was a bad dude, former ATF agent Ken Croke wrote in his 2022 memoir, Riding With Evil: Taking Down the Notorious Pagan Motorcycle Gang," co-authored with Dave Wedge. He was one of the most feared guys in the gang.

Hellboy doesnt lose

Robert DeRonde earned the nickname Hellboy in part because he tends to turn red when angry, much like the comic book superhero of the same name.

But thats not the only thing they have in common.

Like the superhero, DeRonde has  or at least seems to have  superhuman strength and a resistance to injury. A muscular 5-foot-11, hes a scrappy fighter who doesnt often lose.

Hellboy was a bad dude. He was one of the most feared guys in the gang. Ken Croke, former ATF agent

DeRonde quickly rose through the ranks once the Pagans leadership took notice of his penchant for brutal violence.

He joined the club in 2009 and quickly became president of the chapters in Elizabeth and Ocean County  building that chapter from nothing. He then rose to sergeant at arms in the state and, finally, president-of-presidents in New Jersey, overseeing all the clubs Jersey affairs. In that time, he was involved in as many as 15 violent attacks on Hells Angels, members of other rival groups and even his own clubs members, according to law enforcement sources.

Thats an impressive resume for a group whose main revenue sources include drug distribution, gun trafficking, extortion and collecting gambling debts for organized crime, officials say.

Hellboy was arrested in 2010 as part of a sweeping federal investigation that took down some of the top leaders of the Pagans on the East Coast. Croke went undercover with the groups Long Island chapter and built a case that led to charges of murder conspiracy, extortion, drug distribution and weapons offenses.

DeRonde was charged with dealing drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine and oxycodone.

In his book, Croke writes that he was recruited to join the Pagans Hit Squad, a group that existed solely to handle the gangs dirtiest criminal work.

Its leader? Hellboy.

Conan Richter tapped Robert DeRonde to oversee his bloody coup of the Pagans, known as the Day of Reckoning.

DeRonde had another run-in with the law in 2018 when he brutally beat an associate of the Hells Angels at a gas station in Newark. He was arrested and charged for the attack.

A video of the melee, captured by a surveillance camera at the gas station, was played at an SCI hearing that focused on the Pagans increasing violence in the Garden State.

In 2019, DeRonde pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault. He was sentenced to four years in state prison, but was released early amid the coronavirus spread in New Jerseys correctional facilities.

What now?

The Pagans have more than 3,000 members nationwide, the most since the club was established in 1959 in Prince Georges County, Maryland. Yet they are facing threats from multiple rivals.

The Phoenix faction of the Warlocks is growing in New Jersey under the direction of Brett Big Rape Hinchman. The group is bolstering its ranks in Central Jersey, recently opening a chapter in Monmouth County  long a Pagan stronghold.

The code of the biker underworld calls for any outlaw club that wants to open a chapter to ask for the blessing of the areas dominant group as a sign of respect. The Warlocks initially asked the Hells Angels  who gave their approval  but not the Pagans, who were angered by the slight, according to law enforcement sources. The Warlocks are trying to smooth over the conflict, but the Pagans are averse to a sit-down.

Robert DeRonde quickly rose through the ranks once the Pagans leadership took notice of his penchant for brutal violence.

The Hells Angels are also growing their chapter in Trenton. And the long-running violence between the two outlaw groups continues.

In October, a member of the Hells Angels and a Red Devil, a group that aligns itself with the Angels, assaulted a Pagan outside a grocery store in Wayne. The clash was captured on camera by a bystander and has been circulated within the outlaw community in New Jersey.

Meanwhile, the Pagans have a new national president in Clayton Cletus Ayers after the former president, Gerald Tank Tenaglia, had to step down due to health issues. Cletus is a veteran Pagan based in Reading, Pennsylvania, near the national headquarters of the club.

And theres still the unanswered question: What happens now that Richter is a free man?

Rumors have swirled for years that he called the shots while in prison. But sources say the intense scrutiny from law enforcement would make his involvement in the club challenging.

The Pagans Hit Squad existed to handle the gangs dirtiest criminal work. Its leader? Hellboy.

Still, his association with the club is undeniable, and a welcome home party was scheduled for July 13, though it was postponed for unknown reasons.

DeRonde was close to Richter, so some have speculated that Richter is reinstalling Hellboy in the club as he gears up for his return.

Even if thats true, Richter wont be off parole until 2028, so the mere sight of Richter at a Pagan function would be a violation of his provisional release, and he would be sent back to prison.

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Adam Kinzinger, a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois, criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio over a statement released on Thursday. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) AP

Former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) labeled Secretary of State Marco Rubio with one word after he released a statement marking Russia Day on Thursday.

In a statement posted on the U.S. Department of States website, Rubio wrote that he wanted to congratulate the Russian people on Russia Day, the countrys declaration of sovereignty in 1990 before the Soviet Unions collapse.

It is the first time that the United States has congratulated Russia on the day since Russias invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, The Kyiv Independent reported.

The United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people as they continue to build on their aspirations for a brighter future, Rubio wrote in the statement.

Rubio also said that the United States hopes for constructive engagement with the Russian Federation in order to bring durable peace between Russia and Ukraine, as a permanent deal to end the war between the two countries continues to stall.

It is our hope that peace will foster more mutually beneficial relations between our countries, he wrote.

Kinzinger took to X to respond to Rubios statement, pointing to an analogy tied to deceased Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who was executed by hanging in 2006 after being convicted of crimes against humanity.

Id also like to congratulate Saddam Hussein on his beautiful palace, Kinzinger wrote. @marcorubio is a disgrace.

Id also like to congratulate Saddam Hussein on his beautiful palace.@marcorubio is a disgrace pic.twitter.com/BL51fnBl4D  Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini)  (@AdamKinzinger) June 12, 2025

In a separate post, Kinzinger said Rubio would like to congratulate Russia on its 70,000th forcibly kidnapped child from ukraine!!! Our people have so much in common.

Other social media users, and particularly staunch supporters of Ukraine, also rallied against Rubio for his statement.

Olena Tregub, a Ukrainian civil society leader and anti-corruption activist, posted on X on Thursday that she received an email from Rubio a few months ago indicating that her work was suspended, after she was told it was not in interest of the country.

Today, another email: congratulations to Russia on its National Day. As a Ukrainian, I got the message loud and clear, she Tregub.

Pekka Kallioniemi, a social media and disinformation expert, said that the Trump administration is now fully aligned with Russia.

At the same time, the Russian leadership is secretly laughing at the weakness of the orange man and his clown posse, he wrote.

Another user wrote, A greeting from Marco Rubio on russia day  a country waging a genocidal war against Ukraine  is an insult to the millions of Ukrainians who suffer daily from russian aggression. And its coming from the U.S. Secretary of State.

One user, who has posted reporting about the war, added: Russia doesnt dream of a brighter future. It kills futures. It annihilates entire towns, entire families, entire histories. And the US State Department  instead of calling the aggressor what it is  congratulates them.

Ronald Reagan is rolling in his grave, another use wrote.

During a Senate hearing on Wednesday, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who has strongly supported sending aid to Ukraine, told Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that Americas reputation is on the line, adding that We dont want a headline at the end of this conflict that says Russia wins and America loses.

In May, Trump launched some of his sharpest attacks against the Kremlin since he started his second term, warning Putin that he is playing with fire and that he has gone absolutely CRAZY.

What Vladimir Putin doesnt realize is that if it werent for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social.

At the beginning of June, Trump said that he spoke to Putin for more than an hour, and it was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate Peace.

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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth listens during a meeting with Peru's Foreign Affairs Minister Elmer Schialer and Peru's Minister of Defense Walter Astudillo at the Pentagon, Monday, May 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP

An outspoken Democratic congressman tore into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a heated House hearing on Thursday.

U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) asked Hegseth during a House hearing on Thursday whether he believed political allegiance to President Donald Trump is a requirement for serving the nation either as a member of the military or as a civilian. As Hegseth began to say that he is incredibly proud, Carbajal interjected and told him it was a yes or no question.

Congressman, you know what a silly question that is, Hegseth responded.

Carbajal retorted, saying that even if it was a silly question, it deserved a straightforward answer. When Hegseth started to say that he supports and defends the Constitution, Carbajal cut him off again.

You know what? Im not going to waste my time anymore. Youre not worthy of my attention or my questions. Youre an embarrassment to this country. Youre unfit to lead. And theres been bipartisan members of Congress that have called for your resignation, Carbajal said.

You should just get the hell out and let somebody competently lead this department, he added.

.@RepCarbajal (D-CA) to @SecDef Hegseth: "I'm not going to waste my time anymore. You're not worthy of my attention or my questions. You're an embarrassment to this country. You're unfit to lead...You should just get the hell out." pic.twitter.com/frSGO16OwM  CSPAN (@cspan) June 12, 2025

A number of lawmakers expressed concerns at Hegseths nomination for Defense Secretary earlier this year, citing a lack of experience. Hegseth has also faced a number of controversies since the start of his tenure, including sending sensitive military information two separate Signal group chats, security leaks and suspending or firing many members of his staff.

The New York Times reported in April that Hegseth created the second Signal messaging chat with his wife and brother where he shared similar details of a March military airstrike against Yemens Houthi militants that were sent in a separate group with top administration officials.

The revelation sparked widespread questions about the use of Signal and prompted speculation as to who Hegseth was sharing potential classified information with. In March, Hegseth was included in a Signal group chat discussing the Yemen strike with top officials that also included a journalist from The Atlantic.

The Associated Press reported last week that the Pentagons watchdog is looking into whether any of Hegseths aides were asked to delete Signal messages that may have shared sensitive military information with The Atlantics editor-in-chief in March.

He was pressed multiple times on Thursday over whether or not he shared classified information and if he should face accountability if he did.

Hegseth argued that the classification markings of any information about those military operations could not be discussed with lawmakers.

That became a quick trap, as Hegseth has asserted that nothing he posted  on strike times and munitions dropped in March  was classified. His questioner, Rep. Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat and Marine veteran, jumped on the disparity.

You can very well disclose whether or not it was classified, Moulton said.

Whats not classified is that it was an incredible, successful mission, Hegseth responded.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Fired ABC News journalist Terry Moran has his eyes set on another venture.

The veteran correspondent was ousted from the network on Tuesday, after he blasted White House official Stephen Miller in a now-deleted social media post early Sunday. Moran was first suspended by ABC News on the same day.

Moran, who also served as an anchor for ABC News Live, broke his silence after being dropped from the network in a video post on X on Wednesday.

For almost 28 years, I was a reporter and anchor for ABC News, he said. And as you may of heard, Im not there anymore.

In the video announcement, Moran said that he will be launching a Substack, which is a newsletter platform, and will still be reporting and interviewing. He added that it might take a few days or longer to get started.

I cant wait to get at it, to get at the important work that we all have to do in this time of such trouble for our country, Moran said.

I was a reporter and anchor for ABC News. And as you may have heard  I'm not there anymore.



Now I'm on Substack, that amazing space, and I can't wait to get into the important work that we all have to do. pic.twitter.com/4grrPmODtF  Terry Moran  (@TerryMoran) June 11, 2025

In his post from Sunday, Moran called Miller, the White House deputy chief for policy, a world-class hater, and wrote that he is one of the people who conceptualizes the impulses of the Trumpist movement and translates them into policy. He said that Miller does not operate with brains, but instead bile.

Moran went on to say that Miller is a man who is richly endowed with the capacity for hatred You can see this just by looking at him because you can see that his hatreds are his spiritual nourishment. He eats his hate.

Moran also labeled President Donald Trump as a world-class hater, but said his hatred only a means to an end, and that end his his own glorification.

Multiple outlets found that Morans contract was already set to expire on Friday.

We are at the end of our agreement with Terry Moran and based on his recent post  which was a clear violation of ABC News policies  we have made the decision to not renew, a network spokesperson said in a statement to multiple outlets.

At ABC News, we hold all of our reporters to the highest standards of objectivity, fairness and professionalism, and we remain committed to delivering straightforward, trusted journalism, the spokesperson continued.

While Morans post drew mixed reactions online, Trumps allies quickly came to Miller and the presidents defense, including Vice President JD Vance, who called the post an absolutely vile smear, and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who slammed it as unhinged and unacceptable.

Moran recently interviewed Trump in April as part of an exclusive broadcast marking the presidents first 100 days in office for his second term. During the interview, Trump told Moran he had never heard of him and that he was not being very nice as they clashed on Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador who has since returned to the United States.

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President Donald Trumps military parade is a waste of government funds, most Americans say in a new poll.

The new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that 60% of Americans believe the military parade is not a good use of government funds while 38% said that it is. The parade is meant to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, but it is also being held on Trumps 79th birthday on Saturday.

The parade is estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 milliona price tag that has shocked both conservatives and liberals. The poll found that 80% of Democrats, 72% of independents and 35% of Republicans think its not a good use of government funds.

The poll found that despite the price tag, 40% of respondents said they approved of the event, 31% said they had no opinion and 29% said they disapproved.

Overall, the poll found that Trump has just a 39% approval rating among all Americans while 60% said they disapproved. He also received low approval ratings across a number of issues, including just a 46% approval rating on immigration and a 38% approval rating on the economy, trade negotiations and climate change.

AP/NORC - Trump Approval



Approve: 39% (-2)

Disapprove: 60% (+3)



Trump's approval on handling...



Immigration

Approve: 46% (-3)

Disapprove: 53% (+2)



The Economy

Approve: 38% (+2)

Disapprove: 60% (-3)



(shift vs May) | June 5-9 | 1,158 A https://t.co/uPrpwYsR3k pic.twitter.com/XG8KJV5aG5  InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) June 12, 2025

The poll was conducted among 1,158 U.S. adults June 5-9 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Americans sentiment about the parade comes as Trump has threatened to use very big force against those who protest the event.

This will not be the first U.S. military parade. However, it is unusual outside of wartime, and Trumps approach stands out compared to his predecessors.

The Army had long planned a celebration for its semi-quincentennial on June 14. Trump has wanted to preside over a grand military parade since his first presidency from 2017 to 2021. When he took office a second time, he found the ideal convergence and ratcheted the Pentagons plans into a full-scale military parade on his birthday.

The president, who is expected to speak in Washington as part of the affair, pitches the occasion as a way to celebrate U.S. power and service members sacrifice. But there are bipartisan concerns about the cost as well as concerns about whether Trump is blurring traditional understandings of what it means to be a civilian commander in chief.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after arriving on Air Force One, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

Social media users criticized The New York Times again over a recent headline about President Donald Trump.

The New York Times recent headline, "Suggesting More Troops in More Cities, Trump Bends Militarys Role," sparked some backlash from social media users for being too soft on Trumps unprecedented use of the military. Trump had ordered 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 Marines to quell immigration protests in Los Angeles, without the permission of Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).

The New Republics Greg Sargent called out The Times for its headline, suggesting that it was not critical enough of Trump.

"New euphemism for authoritarian lawlessness just dropped," he wrote on X.

New euphemism for authoritarian lawlessness just dropped pic.twitter.com/7K7ZUeGx1L  Greg Sargent (@GregTSargent) June 12, 2025

Other social media users agreed with Sargent, with one writing: The country is done.

Another user wrote: "The headline creators continued need to normalize or minimize Trumps actions by using words that frame his actions as not alarming reminds me every day why we have Trump back in office."

Another user questioned the headline: "The word upends was unavailable?.

Trumps decision to deploy thousands of National Guard troops without the request of the governor marked the first time in 60 years a president had done that. He also ordered active-duty Marines to respond to the protests in Los Angelesa move that Newsom described as unprecedented.

The California governor filed an emergency motion earlier this week to block Trumps unlawful deployment of the National Guard and the Marines.

The federal government is now turning the military against American citizens. Sending trained warfighters onto the streets is unprecedented and threatens the very core of our democracy. Donald Trump is behaving like a tyrant, not a President. We ask the court to immediately block these unlawful actions, Newsom said in a statement.

Trump has faced widespread criticism, mostly from Democrats, over his military orders targeting Los Angeles. Many critics, including Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, said that the deployment of troops escalated the situation over the weekend.

The escalating clash pits the leader of the Republican Party against a Democrat with ambitions of leading his own party, with a striking backdrop of a domestic troop deployment meant to control a city in unrest and now to assist in arresting migrants  the centerpiece of the presidents agenda.

Trump said Thursday that without the military, Los Angeles would be a crime scene like we havent seen in years.

Newsom had totally lost control of the situation, Trump wrote on his social media platform, misspelling the governors first name while using a derogatory nickname for him. He should be saying THANK YOU for saving his ass, instead of trying to justify his mistakes and incompetence!!!

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Sen. Rand Paul called Donald Trump petty for refusing to let Paul and his family attend the White House picnic on Thursday. AP

Its my picnic and Ill un-invite you if I want to,

Un-invite you if I want to ...

Un-invite you if I want to ...

Maybe Donald Trump believes that Rand Pauls hotdogs and cheeseburgers and potato salad will add too much to the national debt, because the president  peeved at the Kentucky deficit hawk for opposing Trumps Big Beautiful Billionaires Bill and for calling out the corruption connected to his Air Farce 1 plane from Qatari  told the senator that he and his family cant get tickets to Thursdays bipartisan picnic on the White House lawn.

Paul also mocked Trumps military parade on Saturday, saying hes never been a big fan of goose-stepping soldiers in big tanks and missiles rolling down the street.

It appears all of that was too much for Trump to stomach, so the Pauls wont be filling their stomachs with ribs and potato salad.

Ive just been told that Ive been uninvited from the picnic, Paul told reporters outside the Capitol on Wednesday night. I think Im the first senator in the history of the United States to be uninvited to the White House picnic. The White House is owned by the taxpayers. We all are members of it. Every Democrat will be invited, every Republican will be invited. But I will be the only one disallowed to come on the grounds of the White House.

I just find this incredibly petty. I mean, I have been, I think, nothing but polite to the President. I have been a intellectual opponent, a public policy opponent, and hes chosen now to un-invite me from the picnic and to say my grandson cant come to the picnic. ... The level of immaturity is beyond words.

Theyve decided they wanted to declare war on my family and exclude us from the White House. And I just think its incredibly petty. And I hope someone will ask them some questions about how theyve decided to sink to this step.

Paul said no reason was given, but he knows why. He said the White House recently hired social-media hit people to attack him online.

These petty staffers ... have been running a sort of a paid influencer campaign against me for two weeks on Twitter, he said. If you look at my Twitter, its just gobs and gobs of these people. We know theyre being paid because ... someone has told us [that someone] called them from the White House and offered them money to attack me online. So we have that, and now were uninvited to the picnic.

Its just incredibly petty and it shows that. Look, Im arguing from a true belief and worry that our country is mired in debt and getting worse and they choose to react by uninviting my grandson to the big day. I just think it really makes me lose a lot of respect I once had for Donald Trump.

Paul added:President Obama didnt disinvite us. ... Biden didnt disinvite us. ... Youll hear people around town say, Well, Im not going to the Christmas party because its President Obamas White House. Its our White House. Its the Americans White House.

https://www.nj.com/politics/2025/05/gop-senator-issues-stark-warning-to-trump-its-a-mistake.html

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Conservative pundit George Conway ripped U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) over bashing President Donald Trump earlier this week.

Paul told reporters on Wednesday that he was uninvited to the White House following his criticism of Trumps big beautiful bill. Paul said it was incredibly petty for Trump to do, adding that he has lost a lot of respect for the president.

Conway mocked the GOP senators sudden loss of respect for Trump, pointing out that past controversiesincluding four criminal indictments, two impeachments, and Trumps defense of the Jan. 6 insurrectionhad not affected Pauls support.

Being uninvited from the White House caused Rand Paul to lose a lot of the respect he had for Donald Trump that Trumps two impeachments, insurrection, four criminal indictments, criminal conviction, and sexual abuse damages verdict did not cause him to lose. Got it, Conway wrote on social media platform X.

Being uninvited from the White House caused Rand Paul to lose a lot of the respect he had for Donald Trump that Trumps two impeachments, insurrection, four criminal indictments, criminal conviction, and sexual abuse damages verdict did not cause him to lose. Got it. https://t.co/5ynf4gX67m  George Conway  (@gtconway3d) June 12, 2025

Paul told reporters on Wednesday that he is the only lawmaker to be disinvited from the White House for the bipartisan picnic on Thursday.

Ive just been told that Ive been uninvited from the picnic, Paul told reporters. I think Im the first senator in the history of the United States to be uninvited to the White House picnic. The White House is owned by the taxpayers. We all are members of it. Every Democrat will be invited, every Republican will be invited. But I will be the only one disallowed to come on the grounds of the White House.

I just find this incredibly petty. I mean, I have been, I think, nothing but polite to the President. I have been a intellectual opponent, a public policy opponent, and hes chosen now to un-invite me from the picnic and to say my grandson cant come to the picnic. ... The level of immaturity is beyond words.

Theyve decided they wanted to declare war on my family and exclude us from the White House. And I just think its incredibly petty. And I hope someone will ask them some questions about how theyve decided to sink to this step.

Paul has been critical of Trumps big beautiful bill for weeks, sounding the alarm that it raises the countrys national deficit. He also has been critical of Trumps military parade slated for this weekend, which is estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million.

Paul noted that even former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden invited Republicans to the White House.

Its just incredibly petty and it shows that. Look, Im arguing from a true belief and worry that our country is mired in debt and getting worse and they choose to react by uninviting my grandson to the big day. I just think it really makes me lose a lot of respect I once had for Donald Trump, he said.

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CNNs chief data analyst Harry Enten said that California Gov. Gavin Newsoms name has been searched more than ever before since the governor has feuded with President Donald Trump over the immigration protests across Los Angeles.

Enten found that Google searches with Newsom and Trump have surged by 9,700% compared to a week ago  and more people are looking up the two names together at the highest rate since 2004.

Donald Trump was able to make for himself through The Apprentice, through all of his business ventures hes now making a name for Gavin Newsom, who seems more than willing to relish in this fight, Enten said on Wednesday.

If Newsom hoped this week would generate attention for himself as a fighter against Trump ahead of 2028, he's winning.



Google searches for Newsom's name searched with Trump are up 9,700%. (An all-time high.)



This comes as 84% of Dems say their party should fight Trump more. pic.twitter.com/7A0ZXun0wm  (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) June 11, 2025

Trump on Monday sent an additional 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles to quell protesters, adding to the 2,000 troops already deployed the previous day. He also ordered the mobilization of 700 Marines.

Newsom, a Democrat, filed an emergency motion to put a stop on the deployment of state National Guard troops, calling for the end to the illegal and unnecessary takeover without his permission. A federal judge denied the request for an immediate block, but set a hearing for Thursday.

Trump has defended his decision to deploy the National Guard in posts on his Truth Social platform, saying that the city would have been completely obliterated if he did not. On Tuesday, he said that the once beautiful and great City would be burning to the ground right now.

Los Angeles was safe and sound for the last two nights. Our great National Guard, with a little help from the Marines, put the L.A. Police in a position to effectively do their job. They all worked well together, but without the Military, Los Angeles would be a crime scene like we havent seen in years, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday.

According to a new poll released Wednesday night, conducted by The Washington Post and George Mason Universitys Schar School, Americans who are paying the most attention to the protests have opposed Trump sending in the National Guard and Marines by 17 points, while those paying little to no attention support the move by 17 points. The poll surveyed 1,000 Americans, including more than 200 California residents.

When asked about why Newsom is more than willing to take on Trump, Enten pointed to the 2028 presidential race. He referenced an ABC News Ipsos/Washington Post poll from April, which found that 84% of Democrats want their leaders to oppose Trump more.

This is not 2017 anymore where the majority of Democrats want to compromise with Donald Trump, Enten said. No, they want a fighter with Donald Trump, and at this particular point, that is a big reason why Gavin Newsom, in my opinion at least, politically speaking is leaning into this fight because he is thinking ahead to the future. Hes thinking ahead to 2028.

Enten found that Newsom is leading the race to become the next Democratic nominee, standing at 12% odds, according to online prediction market Kalshi. He is followed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) at 10%, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at 10%, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro at 6%.

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Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton was 3-for-7 with four RBI and a walk in two rehab games with the Somerset Patriots this week, but a scout watching feels the slugger isn't ready to hit major-league pitching. Photo courtesy Somerset Patriots

KANSAS CITY  Thursday is a big decision day for the Yankees, who have to decide if they think Giancarlo Stanton is ready to handle big-league pitching after two rehab games this week with the Somerset Patriots.

On what is expected to be a rest day for Stanton as far as logging more at-bats in a game setting, hell probably lobby hard to be activated from the injured list for this weekends Yankees-Red Soxs series at Fenway Park.

Assuming Stanton is still managing whatever discomfort that still may be creeping in his elbows, and theres been no indication that theyve been a problem while hes ramped up his rehabbing, hell be hoping his small sample of hitting success over two Eastern League games in Bridgewater, N.J., was enough.

Heres his case:

In Stantons first game action since he mashed in pain throughout last Octobers World Series run, he picked up right where he left off going 2-for-3 with line-drive singles, three RBI and a walk on Tuesday night facing Red Sox minor-league pitchers who play for the Portland Sea Dogs.

On Wednesday afternoon, with rehabbing right-hander Marcus Stroman starting for the Patriots in Game 1 of a doubleheader, Stanton hammered a first-inning changeup for an opposite-field double that scored Yankees No. 1 prospect George Lombard Jr., from first base.

Stanton ended up going 1-for-4 DHing from start to finish in his second game, which left him 3-for-7 with four RBI.

Pretty good numbers.

Is Stanton ready?

Nope, he needs more at-bats, an American League scout texted NJ Advance Media while watching the Patriots play Game 2 of Wednesdays doubleheader from a behind-the-plate seat at TD Bank Ballpark.

After more texting, the scout detailed what hes seen this week from Stanton in a phone call.

The scout, who was granted anonymity because hes not permitted to publicly comment on players outside of his organization, thinks Stantons last three at-bats on Wednesday proved that hes rusty.

After his double, Stanton hit a weak groundout to third base, he struck out chasing a slider and hit a high popup to shallow right field.

The only ball Stanton hit hard was the changeup to the right-center gap in his first at-bat, the scout said. OK, its one game, but all of Stantons hits in both came on offspeed pitches. I havent seen him square up a fastball yet.

Ill tell you this: If my team was facing Stanton this weekend, I would tell every pitcher to elevate your fastball and spin him away. Do that and theres no way hell get any hits.

The scout said Stanton looked bad flying out in his last at-bat Wednesday facing hard-throwing reliever Yovanny Cruz.

Thats the one pitcher that Stanton faced in two days that had decent stuff, the scout said. Cruz challenged Stanton with fastballs 98-to-100 and he was late on all of them.

The scout thinks Stanton needs at least a few more games.

Yankees moneyline is -144 on FanDuel for Thursdays game versus the Royals. Our comprehensive FanDuel Sportsbook review shows you how to sign up and use their app.

Hes missed this much time and expects to make it up in two games worth of at-bats? No way, the scout said. I know Stanton got ABs in sim games, but its not the same.

Hes got to shake that rust off at some point. Hes had no spring training. You cant expect to go straight to the big leagues and hit. Come on, man! Get some at-bats!

Here are other impressions that Stanton made on the scout:

-- Stantons body looks a little thinner than last year. He looks healthy-ish.

-- He was stiff and lethargic running. In his first at-bat Tuesday, he tried to pull a cutter away, hit a groundball to short off the end of the bat and then barely made it to first base. He was running so slow that I didnt even time him.

-- He was kind of Cadillacing on the bases, but Im not worried about that. He wasnt going 100 percent, but I wouldnt either if I was a guy of his stature rehabbing.

-- He turned on a couple offspeed pitches in his first game. They were legit line drives into the gaps. For the first time out, his swing looked pretty good. One ball he smoked one-hopped the wall in left-center. The outfielder thought it was routine and it went over his head. He got a single out of it.

-- Hes still so strong. He was backspinning the hell out of the ball.

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Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com.
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Former NOPD officer Jeffrey Vappie drank alcohol, among other infractions, when he was on duty protecting the mayor on at least two occasions, according to two internal investigations completed by the NODDs Public Integrity Bureau.
Guest column: 'Debanking' is a real problem, but a fix must come from Washington, not Louisiana
A map highlighting rail and interstate systems across Louisiana are projected onto a large screen at the Louisiana Now Pavilion which is set up to highlight the Louisiana economy during Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Thursday, February 6, 2025. (Photo by Chris Granger, The Times-Picayune)
The lawsuit challenging the city of Charlottesvilles recent upzoning has been given a 2026 trial date, and although the calendar may say that testimony is a year away, some courtroom drama has already begun.

The plaintiffs are now asserting that because the citys lawyers missed a filing deadline that Charlottesville has already lost the case.

The city has defaulted, no question about that, and we win, Jerry Cox told The Daily Progress.

Cox is a Charlottesville resident, but hes also managing director of the Forerunner Foundation, an Arlington-based nonprofit organization that is challenging what it considers radical rezoning in cities across Virginia, including Arlington and Alexandria. The Forerunner Foundation has been helping the nine Charlottesville plaintiffs wage their suit against the city.

Even the citys hired lawyers, in a court filing, concede that they missed the May 21 deadline to file their answer to the lawsuits amended complaint. In their most recent filing, two Richmond-based lawyers with the firm of Gentry Locke are blaming themselves for what they call inadvertence.

The undersigned outside counsel for the city acknowledges that there are not extenuating circumstances causing the delayed filing, admit the two lawyers, D. Scott Foster and Ryan J. Starks.

In their June 3 motion, the two men implore the Charlottesville Circuit Court to accept their tardy document, even though they filed it 13 days after deadline. They contend that there is good cause, as they say theyve been working in good faith, have refrained from mustering novel arguments and have been readily sharing pretrial information with the other side. They also note that the case raises issues of substantial public significance that should be resolved on their merits.

Cox is unconvinced.

The judge has the ability to excuse a late filing where theres been some extraordinary circumstance, some extenuating circumstances, said Cox, like the lawyers on his way to the courthouse to file it on the due date and gets run over by a beer wagon.

In this case, there was no beer wagon, but there have been multiple hearings, motions and reams of discovery documents produced. So legal expert David Heilberg doubts that in a case whose court file is beginning to swell like a Manhattan phone book, as he put it, the judge would dismiss it due to one late filing.

I dont think he would be feel comfortable deciding on a default judgment after so much back-and-forth communication, Heilberg told The Daily Progress. The judge in his discretion can be flexible in something like that.

Heilberg also expressed surprise that the plaintiffs lawyer Mike Derdeyn would file such a blunt motion.

Things are usually more cordial than that, said Heilberg. Its likely that one or more of the clients insisted.

The nine clients, residents living in some of the citys more upscale neighborhoods, include lawyers. The group filed suit in January 2024, one month after Charlottesville City Council approved a new zoning code, touting the rezoning as a way to bolster the housing supply in what is now Virginias second-most expensive real estate market which has been in a self-described affordable housing crisis since at least 2009.

The litigants have already prodded the judge, Claude Worrell. In January, they asked Worrell to recuse himself on grounds that he owns property in the city, that his wife has advocated for the rezoning and that judges in similar suits in other Virginia cities have recused. Worrell declined to quit the case.

Quitting, however, has become a pattern in the city attorneys office:

John Blair left in 2021 after 31 months on the job. Lisa Robertson quit at the end of 2022 after 20 months on the job.And Jacob Stroman lasted just 14 months, several of them on administrative suspension, before his retirement last fall.

Responding to a Daily Progress inquiry, city spokeswoman Afton Schneider pointed to the hired attorneys, and not the citys newly hired city attorney John Maddux, who took office just a week before the deadline, as the source of the missed deadline.

But Cox wonders whether city taxpayers are getting their moneys worth if contracted lawyers are missing deadlines. He said that Gentry Locke attorneys representing the city of Arlington on a similar case were routinely billing $400 per hour and one of them was charging $575 per hour.

As a taxpayer, Im not crazy about paying them to do stuff and then undo it, said Cox. To me, what theyve done here is really similar to when a surgeon operates on you and then leaves a sponge in your abdomen, and then you get sepsis from that, and then they cut you open and remove the sponge and hand you the bill for cutting you open and removing the sponge. I mean, thats how I think Charlottesville taxpayers will feel about this circumstance.

A nine-day trial is set to begin June 22, 2026.
North Devon Homes customers are to continue to have access to fair and affordable financial services such as loans, secure savings and advice.

The social landlord said there would be expanded access to ethical and affordable financial services, thanks to its ongoing partnership between local social landlords and Westcountry Savings and Loans (WS&L).

This follows the announcement that WS&L has been awarded a grant of more than 200,000 by Fair4AllFinance, a not-for-profit organisation working to improve financial inclusion across the UK.

WS&L works across the country with social housing providers to offer tenants help and advice that enables them to have healthier finance and fewer risky debts.

This includes access to affordable loans to help with unexpected costs rather than turning to payday lenders or very high interest options that see debts spiral out of control.

It also offers safe and secure savings accounts with products tailored to suit different circumstances, plus guidance and help so people can manage their finances better and plan for the future.

Martyn Gimber, chief executive of NDH said: Too many people are excluded from mainstream financial services or forced to rely on high-cost credit and thats simply not right.

Through our partnership with Westcountry Savings and Loans, were helping to break that cycle, giving residents access to fair, affordable financial products that put their wellbeing first.

We know that financial worries are a major concern for many of our customers. Partnering with WS&L through CUSP allows us to offer real, practical support. Its not just about loans, its about giving people the tools to take control of their finances and feel more secure.

For more information on Westcountry Savings and Loans and the services available, visit https://www.westcountry.org.uk
THREE OAKS  The votes are in: The Region is ready for a Shrub Revival! Or Ryevival.

Valparaiso mixologist Mariah Bement won Journeyman Distillery's inaugural Barcraft competition Tuesday night for her Shrub Ryevival cocktail, an eclectic mix of fermented fruit and herbs.

Bement, who bartends at The Bait Shop, was one of a handful of Region representatives at the competition, whose participants came from all over southern Michigan and Indiana, including Elkhart and Indianapolis.

Its really cool that Valparaiso was so represented in this competition, she said. Everyone did a phenomenal job. Its an honor to be here and to be recognized.

The competition was intended to be a showcase of the creativity and character of bartenders, said Tim Snyder, event organizer and restaurant manager at Journeymans Three Oaks, Michigan, location.

The 14 competitors were tasked with using one Journeyman liquor in their creations and could also incorporate one specialty or even secret ingredient into their drinks. The winner received what one participant described as a big ass trophy, a $1,000 cash prize and a $500 donation to a charity of their choice. Bement opted to donate her proceeds to Friends of Indiana Dunes.

The cocktails on display showcased an impressive knowledge of mixology and flavor profiles, with unusual ingredients such as cumin, shrubs, infusions and "butterwashes," which is butter melted directly into bourbon.

These are some of the coolest bartenders Ive met, Snyder said, who noted he used to work with Bement. Mixology is a new, hugely expanding field of work. Its a really cool outlet for a lot of people. Cocktails have come a long way, and theres always something new to discover.

That was evident in both the drinks themselves and their fun, evocative names, like Rhu-Tang Clan (for the rhubarb) and Cumin Get it, a savory invention by mixologist Alex Silva that included smokey lapsang souchong tea in addition to the aforementioned brown butter wash.

Both the bartenders and the attendees, many who work in the dining industry, described bartending and barcraft as an intricate, and often intimate, experience.

Theres a certain theater behind any bar you go to, said attendee Luke Tinel, who works at The False Front in New Buffalo, Michigan. Its not just about making drinks in front of people. People come sit at the bar and youre almost on stage in some way, all eyes are on your every move. If you move well behind the bar or have an affinity with other people, it can really make or break an experience.

Many of the participants described working in the bar and restaurant scene since a very young age.

One participant, Austin Clifford of Nextdoor at Birdies in Valpo, worked as a barista before he switched to bartending; naturally, Clifford was offering an espresso-based martini during the contest, a Mexican variant called a carajillo.

He noted that the two drink-related roles are more similar than some might expect.

Its different ends of the spectrum, caffeine and alcohol, but youre still serving drinks to people, often at weird times of the day," Clifford said. "When I was at Starbucks, I was serving people at five in the morning; now at Birdies, Im serving them at midnight. So everybodys in an interesting headspace. It definitely prepared me for the multitasking, ordering challenges, how to craft something consistent.

One key way, I have noted, that bartenders differentiate themselves from baristas is that while baristas often have a reputation for being erudite but aloof, bartenders by contrast are convivial and gregarious, whose colorful drinks are matched by their personalities.

Sometimes I catch myself talking like my mom, who showed me how to bartend, said Kathleen Driscoll, who serves at Longstory in Three Oaks, Michigan, and served a fruit drink she called The Chain Smoker.

I still say honey and sweetie, then remember Im a 27-year-old bartender, Driscoll said. But she taught me how to have the right temperament for this.

Nearly all participants said that customer interaction and connection was the most important, and treasured, part of their job.

My aspiration is that by the time you leave The Bait Shop, you are my friend, not just my customer, Bement said. Rapport is so important.

That includes tailoring drinks to the emotions of patrons, noted contest runner-up Jasmine Zickafoose, who bartends at Planks Tavern and runs Lady Jaes Cocktail Co. in southwest Michigan.

If a guy comes in after a breakup, give that man some whiskey, said Zickafoose, who offered a hibiscus infused gin sour, The It Girl, at the competition. If its a woman, give her a bottle of wine. Ask me to make something, I say name two ingredients you like and Ill throw something good together. Making people happy is my job.

The winners of Journeymans Barcraft competition were:

First place: Mariah Bement, The Bait Shop, Valparaiso

Second place: Jasmine Zickafoose, Planks Tavern at Harbor Shores, St. Joseph, Michigan

Third place: Austin Clifford, Nextdoor at Birdies, Valparaiso

Journeyman Distillery has two locations in the area, including at 109 Generations Drive in Three Oaks, Michigan, and The American Factory campus at 258 S. Campbell St. in Valparaiso.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is adopting new rules for steel mills and other industrial sites in Northwest Indiana, but environmentalists and neighbors worry that they don't do enough to curb pollution.

The Indiana Environmental Rules Board approved a draft plan Wednesday for NOx Reasonably Available Control Technology for Lake and Porter counties. The EPA is requiring that steel mill, factories and other industrial sites in already polluted areas like the Chicagoland metro use the best available technologies to reduce the emissions of nitrous oxides.

Companies are required to install new technologies to cut down on NOx emissions so long as they're deemed reasonable and cost-effective.

Environmental groups like Just Transition NWI encouraged IDEM at a hearing Wednesday to apply the rules to coal-fed blast furnaces and prompt the mills to invest in newer technologies like direct reduced iron and electric arc furnaces.

Indiana Harbor Works, Burns Harbor Works and Gary Works are some of the largest sources of NOx pollution in Indiana, said Hilary Lewis, steel director for Industrious Labs.

"Implementing clean steelmaking technology will significantly reduce and could nearly eliminate NOx pollution," she said.

Wanda Torres, who lives directly across the street from the Gary Works steel mill, said her car is covered in soot every day.

She worked the Child Protective Services and used to tell parents not to smoke in their cars around their kids.

"Look at all that smoke you see on the windows. Those fumes get into your children's lungs," she said. "Our government is treating us the same way."

She's lived in Northwest Indiana for 56 years and said her family had to rely on food pantries and government cheese when her father was laid off from his steel mill job in the 1980s.

"When he was back on the job again his health started to fail him," she said. "He had all this black soot all over his suit and in his nose. He said it was the coke plant. My mother wouldn't even allow those clothes in this house. That's how dirty he was."

She's watched smoke come out of the steel mill for a half century and said it gives Gary a "stinky egg smell" so pervasive residents stop noticing it.

"People ask why you can't move," she said. "Well, this is my place. This is my home. This is my land. Why can't you people understand that you're killing us."

Retired steelworker and union activist Terry Steagall said technological upgrades were needed at the steel mills both to reduce emissions and ensure the mills would remain viable over the long term.

"I know what pollution is like. Our shop was about 100 feet away from the Indiana Harbor Ship Canal, one of the most polluted waterways in the country," he said. "When I first started at Inland Steel, there was an orange haze along the lakefront from all the pollution. You'd have iron ore dust all over your car by the time your shift was over. There was a lot of exposure. Workers weren't given the proper protection."

Steagall said the steel mills would have to become greener to remain in business over the long term as many customers like automakers look at their carbon footprint.

"Gary Works is kind of on a death sentence I guess you could say," he said. "They've made comments about rebuilding the blast furnace but that's not the solution. The solution is direct reduced iron furnaces. Eventually, Big River Steel in Arkansas is going to get those direct reduced iron furnaces so we need to make sure NIPSCO, Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel are looking toward the future. We've got to demand a future here in Northwest Indiana. That's a future with clean sustainable steel that keeps our jobs and our communities safe. If you don't start looking in that direction, you're going to have a vacant steel mill 15 or 20 years down the road. It'll be about 4,000 acres that's all polluted."
Opinion The Biggest

Issues Facing

New York City



The New York mayors race has supposedly been about the paths of two men: the comeback of Andrew Cuomo after he resigned in disgrace from the governorship and the independent bid of the current mayor, Eric Adams, whom federal authorities indicted on bribery charges last year  charges withdrawn after Mr. Adams cultivated a relationship with President Trump.

But beneath the surface, beyond the drama of those two men, the largest and arguably most important American city is in a fraught period of transition following the pandemic. New Yorks population is finally growing again, according to census data, but housing is expensive and scarce, the education system is facing significant challenges, and the Trump presidency is making strong leadership at City Hall all the more important.

From transportation to immigration policy, health care and tariffs, the citys exposure to the federal government is immense, and the problems that need to be fixed within the five boroughs are only growing more acute. If New York is going to be a better place to live for the millions who call it home, the next mayor must address these six high-pressure issues. The place to begin is the housing crisis.

The next mayor will

inherit a city facing a

housing crisis at risk of

squeezing out the middle

class  and pushing

low-income New Yorkers

into homelessness.

In a city where two-thirds of residents are renters, the soaring cost of housing is the biggest threat to New Yorks future. To understand the sweep of the crisis, look at the numbers:

The usual financial advice is to spend about 30 percent of monthly income on rent, but more than half of renters in New York exceed that figure, according to city data. More than 400,000 households with incomes of under $50,000 put more than 50 percent of their income toward rent. In the first quarter of 2025, median rent in the city hit $3,397, according to Realtor.com, a nearly 20 percent increase from five years ago.

From 2011 to 2023, New York added just 353,000 housing units for a population of more than eight million, according to city data. The overall vacancy rate for rentals is 1.4 percent. The vacancy rate for rentals available for $1,100 per month or less is 0.39 percent. At the same time, the poverty rate in New York was nearly double the national average in 2023, with a quarter of residents reporting that they struggled to pay for basics such as housing and food.

That means that while the cost of housing is causing pain for renters of all but the wealthiest backgrounds, for thousands of low-income New Yorkers, it is leading to homelessness. Over 86,000 people are living in city shelters, a figure that includes more than 31,000 children. About 30 percent of the total figure is made up of migrant arrivals, Neha Sharma, a spokeswoman for the Department of Social Services, told The Times. And for those in the middle, the housing shortage is a significant threat to the citys tax base. From 2020 to 2023, a period that coincided with the pandemic, nearly one half million people left the city, according to a report last year from the Fiscal Policy Institute. The report found that Black New Yorkers were leaving in large numbers, as were families with young children.

Mayor Eric Adams and his predecessor Bill de Blasio made at least some progress here. By the time Mr. de Blasio left office in December 2021 his administration had preserved or begun building more than 200,000 units of affordable housing. Mr. Adamss housing plan, known as the City of Yes, has changed onerous zoning laws to make it easier to build in some parts of the city, especially in commercial areas.

This is a generational problem that demands drastic action, including a regional housing plan, from the next mayor and the governor. The next mayor will need to act with urgency to build affordable housing and fight hard to keep low- and middle-income tenants in their homes. Some solutions could be beefing up rental and legal assistance programs, backing protections for renters in Albany and preserving affordable housing where it still exists. Ideally, the next mayor would also work to build political support for the construction of the multifamily housing badly needed across the region.

Public safety may

be slowly improving

post-pandemic, but many

feel New York is less

safe than it once was.

New York City has had to grapple with a spike in crime that began during the pandemic, then abated but remained stubbornly higher than in the decade before Covid. Mayor Adams, a former New York Police Department captain, was elected in 2021 on the promise to turn this around.

The data on crime so far this year from the N.Y.P.D. suggests public safety may be back on track. The city saw the lowest number of shootings in the first quarter of 2025 than any period since modern record-keeping began in 1994.

Still, crime rates in recent years have been higher than before the pandemic, and many New Yorkers have been left with a lingering sense that the city is less safe. This is particularly true on the subways, where a series of high-profile crimes  like one in which a woman was lit on fire and killed in a random attack  have led to unease.

It will be up to the next mayor to solidify the promising momentum in crime trends, while also exercising the oversight the Police Department needs. Doing both is the best way to restore the publics shaken trust in the citys public safety.

While New York Citys

economy is the largest

of any metropolitan area

in America, it is facing

strong headwinds.

The next mayor will inherit an economy that is resilient but also could be greatly affected by the citys housing shortage and the turbulent political environment in Washington.

Five years after the pandemic devastated New York, at one point in 2020 wiping out nearly one-quarter of its private-sector jobs, the citys economy has largely recovered. New York has added more than one million jobs since then, and the labor market has rebounded. Wall Street  which provides about 7 percent of city tax receipts  did, too, keeping billions in tax revenue flowing. In 2024, the total dollar amount in bonuses on Wall Street reached $47 billion, according to a report from the state comptroller.

Other indicators are more worrisome.

Unemployment has remained slightly higher than the national average. In April, for instance, it was 5 percent, compared to the national rate of 4.2 percent. Unemployment among Black New Yorkers is 8 percent.

The city is also expecting 400,000 fewer tourists this year, a possible $4 billion loss in spending. This decline would be tough to combat if foreign travelers begin avoiding the United States to protest Mr. Trumps policies or out of fear of being ensnared by his hard-line immigration policies.

New Yorks education

system is failing many

of its students. Fixing

it will require resolve.

The next mayor will face the challenge of a deeply unequal and racially segregated public school system in which Hispanic and Black students are showing significant signs of educational distress.

For all the fights over expanding access to the citys top-performing schools, the evidence is clear that the children who make up the majority of the system are being failed: Just 36.4 percent of Hispanic students and 38.6 percent of Black students in third to eighth grade are proficient in English, according to a 2024 state assessment, compared to 65.8 percent of white students and 70 percent of Asian students in the same grades. The National Assessment of Educational Progress exam last year found that fewer than one-third of the citys fourth and eighth graders overall were proficient in reading.

Mr. Adams has begun instituting a new literacy curriculum. But New Yorks schools are in dire need of a much larger, sustained focus from City Hall.

Fixing what is broken in the citys schools requires political capital and political courage. Mayor Michael Bloomberg did this when he closed lower-performing high schools and created small schools of choice, a shift that provoked anger at the time but yielded higher rates of college enrollment and other gains for students living in poverty. Mayor de Blasio did this when he secured state funding  no easy task  to establish a landmark free prekindergarten program. Under Mr. Adams, that kind of ambition has stalled. It will be up to the next mayor to do better by the citys most vulnerable children.

Improving quality of life

is essential to keeping

New York competitive

nationally and globally.

New York, among the most dynamic cities in the world, is also expensive, dirty and loud. The most successful mayors have understood the role of bold ideas that make it easier to live, work and play here.

Mayor David Dinkins expanded the Police Department, hiring officers that helped make for safer streets. Mayor Bloomberg worked with Gov. George Pataki to remake the citys neglected waterfront into parkland. Mayor de Blasio established universal prekindergarten, a boon for early childhood education but also for working parents. He also set about trying to improve the streetscape to make the city safer for pedestrians.

Being mayor isnt just about solving problems but keeping the city at the height of innovation and aspiration. It will be incumbent on the next mayor to make his or her mark.

With the current mayor

dogged by scandal, the

next mayors leadership

abilities will be paramount.

The scandals of New Yorks current mayor have weakened city government and damaged the public trust. They have also left many New Yorkers fearing their mayor is beholden to President Trump.

Mr. Adams was indicted on charges of bribery and fraud last September. Federal prosecutors in New York said he received illegal foreign campaign donations, then helped those donors, who had ties to the Turkish government, by pressuring the citys Fire Department to sign off on the opening of the Turkish consular building in Manhattan without the proper fire inspection.

As if that werent enough, the mayor then appeared to appeal to Mr. Trump for help. Justice Department officials ordered the charges against Mr. Adams dropped, saying doing so would allow him to aid in the presidents deportation campaign. Weeks later, the mayor announced that he would allow federal immigration officials to work from Rikers Island, the citys troubled jail complex.

It may be years before the public knows the full impact of Mr. Adamss betrayal. But even in a moment in which millions of Americans have lost trust in so many of the countrys institutions and leaders, his scurrilous actions stand out.

The job of mayor isnt about working for special interests, personal gain, billionaire friends or even the president of the United States. The job is to protect the citys millions of residents and its economy, fearlessly and with independence.
After living in 15 cities across the United States, Britain and Africa, Katie Fahrland plotted a course to a life in Canada. She didnt expect that it would lead through Colorado and Florida.

Ms. Fahrland, who grew up in Connecticut and graduated from McGill University in Montreal, worked in software sales before a career pivot to international development work in Africa. Her daughter Zoe, now 9, was born shortly after she moved back to Washington, D.C., for a new job. In 2018, after losing both that job and a trusted au pair, she decamped to Denver, where a brother lived.

[Did you recently buy a home? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com]

Im a single parent and it was a lot to handle, said Ms. Fahrland, now 44. An experienced world traveler, she got a job with a private tour operator. I was unhappy, she said. I had no friends. My people were in Montreal, where I went to school.

In 2020, she applied for permanent resident status in Canada, which would allow her to purchase a home despite Canadas ban on most foreign buyers.

I wanted to live somewhere that aligned with my values, she said. People here are kind, friendly and supportive. And subsidized education, along with national healthcare, was important.
How Every House Member Voted on $9 Billion in Proposed Spending Cuts

Measure passed with 214 yes votes to 212 no votes. Vote Total Democrats Dem. Republicans Rep. Bar chart of total votes Yes 214 0 214 Needed to win No 212 208 4 Did not vote 6 4 2 Yes Needed to win No

House members voted 214 to 212 on Thursday to codify spending cuts put forward by the Department of Government Efficiency, the cost-cutting initiative started by Elon Musk. Four Republicans and all Democrats present voted no. Two Republicans and four Democrats did not vote.

The bulk of the rollbacks  $8.3 billion  were aimed at foreign aid spending. The rest  $1.1 billion  would rescind funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR and PBS.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where lawmakers can approve it with a simple majority.

How Every Member Voted
China North Korea Venezuela North Korea China Venezuela

How to Read a Military Parade 

Authoritarian regimes use them to intimidate. Democracies use them to commemorate. Military parades are both grand spectacle and potent message.

On Saturday, the streets of Washington will host one of their own. The occasion, at least officially, is the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. It also just so happens to be President Trumps 79th birthday.

The motives of countries that stage such parades may vary, but the events all tend to share a common visual vocabulary.

Here is what to look for.

Iconic settings

Tiananmen FORBIDDEN CITY Top party officials and foreign leaders Chinas 2019 parade, commemorating 70 years of Communist rule, included 15,000 marching soldiers Tiananmen SQUARE China TIANANMEN FORBIDDEN CITY Top party officials and foreign leaders Chinas 2019 parade, commemorating 70 years of Communist rule, included 15,000 marching soldiers China TIANANMEN Top party officials and foreign leaders Chinas 2019 parade, commemorating 70 years of Communist rule, included 15,000 marching soldiers China Chinas National Day parade in Beijing, Oct. 2019 Xinhua/EPA, via Shutterstock

From Tiananmen Square to the Arc de Triomphe, many military parades take place against the backdrop of a countrys most recognizable landmarks, often symbols of national identity and history. That heightens the visual and emotional impact.

It can also signal that military power is deeply intertwined with the fabric of the nation and reinforce a sense of unity among its people.

There is definitely a deep meaning to these locations: They are to evoke and symbolize military triumphs and national sovereignty preserved in wars and paid for with enormous sacrifices, said Leon Aron, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a think tank.

Buckingham Palace, London Britain June 2022 Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images The Royal Plaza, Bangkok Thailand November 2024 Manan Vatsyayana/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images Kim Il Sung Square, Pyongyang North Korea September 2021 KCNA via KNS, via Associated Press Arc de Triomphe, Paris France July 2023 Yoan Valat/EPA, via Shutterstock

The parade in Washington on June 14 will begin at the Pentagon and make its way toward the National Mall, passing Mr. Trumps viewing stand on Constitution Avenue, according to Army officials.

Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, a Democrat who was once chairman of the Armed Services Committee, said in May that if Mr. Trump were not in power, the celebrations for the Armys anniversary would most likely have been much more modest and taken place at Fort Myer in Arlington, Va.

But this is Trump, he said.

Strategic seating charts

2025 Moscow Victory Day Parade In the back row were leaders from friendly states including Burkina Faso, Brazil and Mongolia. President Putin kept close allies like Chinas leader Xi Jinping and former Soviet states in the front row. Xi Putin Russia In the back row were leaders from friendly states including Burkina Faso, Brazil and Mongolia. TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER, MOSCOW Putin Xi President Putin kept close allies like Chinas leader Xi Jinping and former Soviet states in the front row. Russia 2025 Moscow Victory Day Parade In the back row were leaders from friendly states including Burkina Faso, Brazil and Mongolia. Xi Putin President Putin kept close allies like Chinas leader Xi Jinping and former Soviet states in the front row. Russia May 2025 Photo by Mikhail Korytov/Photo host agency RIA Novosti, via AP

Military parades also offer a perfect photo op for leaders who want to show the world who their allies are.

In Russia, President Vladimir V. Putin has long invited foreign leaders to attend the annual Victory Day Parade in Moscow. But after Russia invaded Ukraine and the West moved to isolate it, Mr. Putins guests of honor took on outsize significance.

When the regime is fully confident of its legitimacy, the loyalty of the people and their armed forces you dont need this sort of display, said Dr. Aron, The more you need to display it, I think, the more you show that there is an issue of legitimacy.

Mr. Putin is hardly alone in inviting foreign leaders to his parades. The goal, in part, is to project grandeur.

Thats why the N.F.L. likes celebrities at the Super Bowl, said Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Project at Middlebury Institute of International Studies.

French leaders have made an art of it. From Emmanuel Macron to Nicolas Sarkozy, they frequently invite prominent foreign leaders to their military parades  especially the ones they wish to court.

Narendra Modi, India and Mr. Macron July 2023 Gonzalo Fuentes/Agence France-Presse, via Pool/Afp Via Getty Images Mr. Macron and Mr. Trump July 2017 Christophe Archambault, Pool via AP, File Paul Biya, Cameroon and Mr. Sarkozy July 2010 Benoit Tessier/Reuters Mr. Sarkozy and Hosni Mubarak, Egypt July 2008 Francois Durand/Getty Images

During Mr. Trumps first term, President Emmanuel Macron invited him to the Bastille Day parade in 2017, hoping to maintain dialogue after the American leader pulled the United States out of the Paris climate agreement.

Mr. Trump returned home feeling good about the French  Hes a great guy, he said of Mr. Macron  and about military parades. So good that he wanted one of his own, he said.

That time, the Pentagon was able to dissuade him. This year is another story.

Displays of might

North Korea unveiled its nuclear-capable Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time at a military parade in 2023. Kim Jong-un North Korea North Korea unveiled its nuclear-capable Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile(ICBM) for the first time at a military parade in 2023. Kim Jong-un North Korea North Korea unveiled its nuclear-capable Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time at a military parade in 2023. Kim Jong-un North Korea A military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War in Pyongyang, July 2023 KCNA via KNS, via Associated Press

Military parades are, first and foremost, a show of power, and no one may understand that better than North Koreas leader, Kim Jong-un.

The parades there are a rare window into a famously closed-off country, and an opportunity for the regime to show its most advanced weapons to adversaries. For years, Mr. Kim has used them to let the world know how far his nuclear program has advanced.

First showcase of a North Korean ICBM April 2012 David Guttenfelder/Associated Press Unveiling nuclear-capable underwater drones July 2023 KCNA/Via Reuters

Some experts believe that North Korea has paraded trucks with empty missile silos or nonfunctional equipment. But in the world of propaganda, that does not really matter.

These parades often parade fiction more than fact, said John Spencer, chair of urban warfare studies at the Modern War Institute. You can have obsolete tanks, undertrained soldiers and failing logistics, but the image is what matters. In fear societies, perception is power.

While Mr. Kim often likes to showcase his latest military advancements, China makes an impression through sheer volume.

Its 2019 National Day parade stretched for miles down the avenue in front of Tiananmen Square. It featured more than 500 pieces of military equipment, including tanks, ICBMs and hypersonic drones.

Tiananmen Square, Oct. 2019 How Hwee Young/EPA, via Shutterstock

It is an unmistakable message, intended in part for Taiwan, which Beijing has designs on, and its backer, the United States, said Scott Kennedy, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. That is meant to be flashing red lights to the rest of the world, including their adversaries, about Chinas capabilities, Mr. Kennedy said.

Intimidating choreography

Tanks Tanks SECOND GROUP This large marching procession, filled with flags, projects a strong image of national pride and unity around the leader. FIRST GROUP President Nicolas Maduro Venezuela Tanks SECOND GROUP This large marching procession, filled with flags, projects a strong image of national pride and unity around the leader. FIRST GROUP President Nicolas Maduro Venezuela Tanks SECOND GROUP FIRST GROUP President Nicolas Maduro This large marching procession, filled with flags, projects a strong image of national pride and unity around the leader. Venezuela Carabobo State, June 2024 Agence France-Presse, via Venezuelan Presidency/Afp Via Getty images.

Formations of soldiers marching in perfect sync are a hallmark of every military parade.

The message is not subtle: These are disciplined troops, well-trained and ready to defend their homeland. For citizens at home, it stirs up pride; for potential adversaries abroad, it may give pause.

Some countries incorporate acrobatic performances by soldiers, showcasing specialized skills.

Indian soldiers performing stunts India January 2024 Ludovic Marin/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images French paratroopers ready to begin their performance France July 2024 Kevin Coombs/Reuters

Many countries take to the skies for their parades, wowing crowds with tightly coordinated aircraft flyovers.

London May 2025 Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Images Pyongyang February 2023 Kcna/Via Reuters Seoul October 2024 Kcna/Via Reuters

Given the striking spectacle of aerial displays, it is not surprising that the Pentagon has arranged for some 50 helicopters to take part in the parade in Washington.

Faces of power

Space program Culture Engineering achievements Tech development Transport development Xi Jinping China Space program Culture Engineering achievements Xi Jinping China Engineering achievements Space program Xi Jinping China Floats celebrating Chinas development at the Beijing parade in 2019. EPA-EFE / Xinhua News Agency

Sometimes, it is not just a country projecting strength at a parade.

At some military parades  especially those staged by authoritarian regimes  a political leader is front and center. Parade participants carry posters, floats and banners with the leaders image. These are visual symbols of loyalty intended to glorify the leader and suggest that the nations strength is inseparable from the leaders personal authority.

Portrait of Kim Il Sung North Korea April 2007 KNS Korean News Agency/Reuters Portrait of Ali Khamenei Iran May 2019 Ahmad Al-Rubaye/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images Portrait of Hugo Chavez Venezuela July 2021 Miguel Gutierrez/EPA, via Shutterstock Portrait of Ho Chi Minh Vietnam April 2025 Richard Vogel/Associated Press

Unlike some authoritarian leaders, Mr. Putin does not have his face appear on banners or posters during military parades. He opts for a more subtle display of loyalty: the orange-and-black ribbon.

Known as the St. George ribbon, it has long been used to honor war veterans, but more recently has become a symbol of support for Mr. Putins foreign policy  his war in Ukraine.

Mr. Putin and the president of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. May 2025 Yuri Kochetkov/Pool Photo via AP Mr. Putins government uses the Z as a symbol of support for the war in Ukraine. May 2025 Angelos Tzortzinis/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images

Western democracies generally avoid the glorification of their leaders. The absence of their images at parades signify the separation of military and political power.

It remains to be seen how the parade will unfold in Washington, but Mr. Kennedy of the Center for Strategic and International Studies believes that Mr. Trump may be seeking a personal boost.

Its possible that he hopes that in some ways peoples respect for the military and its capabilities rubs off on him, Mr. Kennedy said.
Adam Collins

Reddit hires Adam Collins as its first chief communications officer. Collins comes to Reddit from Molson Coors, where he served as chief communications and corporate affairs officer. Before that, he was communications director for the office of Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel and previously held the same position with the Chicago Police Department. At Reddit, Collins will lead the global communications team, guide senior leadership, and help drive company growth. As Reddits relevance and aspirations continue to grow, its more important than ever to tell that story clearly and authentically, said Reddit CEO Steve Huffman. Adam has the experience and insight to bring these stories to life and steer us forward.

Amy Hanan

LIMELIGHT, which works with professional services, legal services, technology and B2B companies, names Amy Hanan as chief growth officer. Hanan most recently served as CMO at ethics and compliance solutions company LRN Corporation. Before that, she was chief digital officer at Baretz + Brunelle. At Limelight, Hanan will spearhead the firms digital and growth marketing services practice, with a focus on expanding its marketing capabilities, strengthening client engagement and accelerating new business development. "Her track record of leading high-performing teams and scaling marketing operations at purpose-driven companies makes her a tremendous asset to Limelight and our clients," said Limelight CEO and founding partner Kenny Gary.

Darius Paczuski

FranklinCovey, a coaching company that provides training and assessment services in the areas of leadership, individual effectiveness and business, appoints Dariusz Paczuski as CMO. Paczuski was most recently global CMO at global employment platform Globalization Partners, the leading global employment platform. Before that, he was VP global brand and growth marketing at Verizon. He has also held marketing leadership roles at companies including Verizon, Yahoo, Microsoft, Tellme, AOL, Netscape, and NBC. He has an impressive track record of building iconic brands in highly competitive sectors in media, services, and tech, said FranklinCovey CEO Paul Walker.
Mike Morey

SKDK has elevated partner Mike Morey to the newly created president post to manage the firms acquisition & growth strategy along with the integration of its brands.

He has been a strategist and crisis counselor at SKDK, working with CEOs, foundation leaders, academics and public officials.

Morey joined the firm in 2012 from New York Senator Chuck Schumers office, where he served as communications director.

He also did a stint as communications director for Christine Quinns campaign for NYC mayor.

Morey will ensure alignment across the SKDK, Sloane & Company and Jasper Advisor brands and the affiliated companies in the Stagwell network

SKDK CEO Doug Thornell said the firm has greatly expanded its talent, capabilities, and reach over the recent years.

I couldnt be more excited for Mike to step into this new role as we continue to drive SKDKs growth and shape its future, he added.
A DUBLIN dental surgeon facing a summons for dangerous driving had his offence reduced to one of careless driving after he made a charitable donation of 10,000 to the Jack and Jill foundation during Tullamore District Court on Wednesday June 4.

Before the court was Mohammed Shirin, 28, Stillorgan Grove, Stillorgan, Dublin.

On Sunday, August 11, 2024 he was clocked doing a speed of 184kph in a 100kph zone on the M6, Kilbeggan, Westmeath.

Barrister David Nugent said his client on the day was travelling to an emergency to perform an operation.

The defending solicitor Brian Duffy told the court that Mr Shirin had learned his lesson and I doubt he will ever find himself in this situation again.

"Not only is he making a large donation to Jack and Jill, he also underwent a speed awareness course. He is taking this matter very seriously.2

Judge Andrew Cody said he would reduce the offence from dangerous driving to careless driving. He convicted and fined 750.

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Fr Vinny Connaughton will celebrate the Ruby Jubilee (40th anniversary) of his ordination at a special Parish Mass in St Brigids Church, Ardagh at 11:30am this Sunday, June 15. Fr Vinny is parish priest for Legan, Ballycloghan, Moydow & Ardagh, and there will be refreshments in Ardagh Community Centre after Mass.

In 1985, Fr Vinny was ordained and worked in two Athlone schools, calling it a great experience in the young ministry to be working with young people. In Longford, he has also had a long-term advocacy for houses for homeless men and women for domestic violence while at St. Mels Cathedral. Seven years ago, he came to Ardagh.

Fr Vinny explained: All of these stand-out as highlights of 40 years in getting things done, getting people together. At the heart of it is the faith of other people and the commitment and dedication of so many volunteers. It has been a fantastic journey and energy.

Also read: Longford solicitor Fiona Baxter receives double honours at Irish Law awards

With retirement in the priesthood at 75 and Fr Vinny turning 65, he added that he is very happy with his current roles, hoping that he can continue with them. Having brought four parishes together, which he currently oversees, he plans on continuing his work from seven years ago, without any signs of wanting to retire anytime soon.

With the church changing with the times, specifically with Pope Leo succeeding from Pope Francis, Fr Vinny complimented the new head of the church:

I like him. I like Pope Leo. He was a total outsider to all of us. What I like about him, hes only 69; he speaks four languagesone of them is English. To know a pope that speaks fluent English is a big difference. He will continue the work of Pope Francis. I see him as a reflection of Francis and St. Peter, who was the first head of the church.

In relation to the churchs survival into the future, Fr Vinny gave further insight:

With the shortage of priests and retiring, this is a big change from 40 years ago. When I started, there were loads. Thats all changed. Priests are short to the ground. Parishes are being amalgamated. Once, there were three-to-four priests in a parish, now one over schools.

Having brought great positive change and community into Longford, Fr Vinny made one last comment about how happy he is to serve people.

I would love to say that Im very happy as a priest. The church has come through difficult times and a challenge. My vocation as a priest has never changed from 40 years ago. I am thankful to God for my health, bringing the sacraments to the sick to the people of my area, and assure people, listen to people, help people with their problems. So many problems are out there since Covid. So much depression. Im delighted to be a listening ear for those who need me and listen to their story. Im very happy that my vocation and faith are strong.
As the cost-of-living still looms large in our everyday lives, we all try to cut our cloth to our measure with budgeting and cut-backs.

That's not always doable sometimes however, especially with a young family and school-age children.

Luckily, the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) from the social welfare can help with all the extra expenses that come with it, even if you're employed full-time.

School kids have not broken up for their summer break just yet, but this is a great help for parents and guardians all over Ireland to get ahead of the incoming school year and to prepare everything they'll need, especially if there's more than one child heading to school in September.

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Eligibility

To qualify for the BSCFA, you must adhere to the following criteria:

You are getting a qualifying social welfare payment, or are participating in an approved employment, education or training support scheme

Your household is within the BSCFA income limits

You and each child you are claiming the BSCFA for are resident in Ireland

The child must be aged between 4 and 17 by September 30 in the year you apply

The child must be aged between 18 and 22 and returning to full-time second level education in a recognised school or college in the autumn of the year you apply

Household Income

The BSCFA is means tested which means all of your income and any income from anyone else living in the house will be assessed.

This includes:

Wages

Savings

Property owned

Shares

Weekly income limits are based on how many children are your dependent, see below:

Income limit for one child is 695

756 for two children

818 for three children

The income limit is increased by 62 for every additional child.

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Rate of Pay

160 for children aged 4 to 11

285 for children ages 18 to 22

How to Apply

The quickest way to apply is through MyWelfare.ie with the application opened from June until September.

You may receive the payment automatically if you have applied in previous years but if you have not received a notification of the awarded allowance you may need to reapply.

You can find more information here
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, has launched a national campaign to assist local authorities in the on-going recruitment of retained firefighters.

Fire and Rescue Services throughout Ireland have recruited and trained 562 new retained firefighters since September 2023. However, some fire stations still need additional firefighters and the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management's (NDFEM) national campaign aims to supports these recruitment efforts and to educate the public on the important role retained firefighters play in their communities.

Launching the campaign, Minister Browne emphasised: Although having other jobs, retained firefighters are fully trained and are there to protect life and property within our communities. Our campaign emphasises the commitment and courage of retained firefighters who often have other full or part-time jobs including mechanics, electricians, parents, retail workers, engineers and factory workers.

They are the people across our communities who are on-call to respond to a range of emergencies. And when the call comes, they are ready to drop whatever they are doing to help protect their community. I would encourage anyone who is interested to check out FireIreland.ie for further details.

READ MORE: Irish household bills set to increase by 83 to pay for upgrade of country's power system

Keith Leonard, Director of the NDFEM added: Retained firefighters play a vital role within their communities and the Fire and Rescue Services around Ireland. They can be called upon to tackle a wide range of emergency situations, often within a short timeframe and are dedicated to serving the communities in which they live. They demonstrate a strong commitment to public safety, devoting their time and effort to serve their communities, often alongside other employment or commitments.

The NDFEM is delighted to launch our national campaign to help bolster the recruitment work that is already being done around the country and to raise awareness of the crucial work done by retained firefighters.

All applicants for the position of retained firefighter must have the ability to respond to the fire station within 5-8 minutes of a call being sent to their pager. In most cases, this will mean being within one mile from the station when providing cover. Retained firefighters are required to be available for calls 24 weeks a year, with an option to be available more frequently on a voluntary basis. It is a paid position.

The NDFEM is also asking employers across Ireland to share the campaign with their employees and to facilitate any application made to the Irish Fire Services. As well as helping the community, employing a retained firefighter means having highly trained professionals on site who can assist in the event of an emergency.

Local authorities are responsible for the recruitment of firefighters and many will be hiring in the coming months. Those who are interested are urged to check out FireIreland.ie, get in touch with their local fire station and keep an eye on their local authoritys recruitment page.
Irelands premier and president have offered their condolences to the families of those who died after a London-bound plane crashed in India.

Air India said the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft was leaving Ahmedabad Airport with 242 people on board.

The airline said 169 passengers were Indian nationals, 53 were British, seven were Portuguese and one was Canadian.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: It is horrific and very, very sad what has happened in India, the plane (crash) just shortly after departure, I believe less than a minute.

He added: Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families of those bereaved, crew members bereaved, and with the people of India, Britain and Canada. The world is a much closer place, we all travel.

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of India after the terrible plane crash in Ahmedabad earlier today. Thinking of the families of all those on board, along with the emergency services attending the scene.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) June 12, 2025

It is extremely sad and shocking that an accident of this scale has occurred with the loss of so much life.

He noted that it took place close to the 40th anniversary of the Air India flight 182 disaster, in which the plane crashed off the coast of Ireland on June 23 1985 as a result of a terrorist attack.

All of us who experienced that had a sense of trauma that people go through when crashes of this kind happen, he said.

Irish deputy premier and minister for foreign affairs Simon Harris also extended his sympathy to all of those caught up in the very tragic and horrific crash.

We think of all of them and their families in what is an evolving story, with no doubt, more information to come, he told the Irish parliament.

Irish President Michael D Higgins said: May I express my deepest condolences to the families and communities of all those who have lost their lives in todays tragic airplane crash in the city of Ahmedabad, India.

All of our thoughts are with those who are grieving those lost, be it passengers or those in the vicinity of the crash, as well as the emergency workers at the scene.

As president, I extend the condolences of the Irish people to the president of India, HE Droupadi Murmu, His Majesty King Charles, and to the citizens and heads of state of all those countries who have been impacted by this tragic event.
This June, the Irish Architecture Foundation and 12th Field are delighted to present Bog Bothy, a collection of new work, built outcomes and ambitious proposals toward a new peatlands architecture.

Following over 2 years of work, the launch in Clara, Co. Offaly, on the occasion of the Bog Trotters Festival from June 20th - June 22nd, will present a new bothy shelter, an exhibition of photographs and drawings, work by a resident artist, and a public programme of national and local conversations on our evolving relationship with Irelands peatlands through the lens of architecture and placemaking. The bothy structure has been co-created with communities in Offaly, Louth and Meath and designed by architects Evelyn DArcy and David Jameson of 12th Field.

With Clara being the first stop, Bog Bothy will tour to Girley Bog, Co. Meath in August. Tickets for Clara events are now available. Admission is free, booking is essential.

What to expect:

Bothy:A purpose-built shelter and gathering space for deep engagement with the bog that builds on the design language of Irelands peatlands.

Events Programme:Peatlands panel talks, walks, workshops, and performances across climate action, architecture, and future heritage.

Exhibition:A curated exploration of labour, trace, and climate in the boglands - exploring the bog as both a historical archive and a future landscape, including photographs by Shane Hynan.

Artist in Residence:Creative practitioner embedded in the landscape to create new work that responds to the peatlands and its people, and the Bog Bothy project through deep engagement.

Friday 20 June

Bog Bothy Panels, Workshops, and Performances

11:00  12:15

Panel discussion at Old Bank -What We Hold On To: Future Heritage of Irelands Peatlands

12:45  14:00

Panel discussion at Old Bank -Everywhere Architecture: Ways of Being with a Living Landscape

15:15  17:00

Bothy Workshop -What We Hold On To Workshop with 12th Field Architects

15:15  17:00

Bothy Workshop -Autobiographical Landscapes  Workshop with Artist in Residence Luke Casserly

18:30  19:30

Performances -An Evening at the Bothy

For more information on the IAF visit: www.irisharchitecturefoundation.ie

For tickets visit: Bog Bothy Programme ScheduleAdmission is free, booking is essential.

READ NEXT:Catering services on Tullamore to Dublin/Galway trains unlikely to return

Follow the IAF on Instagram (@irisharchitecturefoundation), LinkedIn (Irish Architecture Foundation), Bluesky @IrishArchitectureF and Facebook (Irish Architecture Foundation)

Funders

The Bog Bothy project is a Creative Climate Action II  Agents for Change project, funded by Creative Ireland. The Bog Bothy tour, exhibition and events programme are additionally funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Offaly County Council and Meath County Council, and the Heritage Council.




A leading weather expert says Friday-the-13th will see a significant uplift in conditions across Ireland.

While status yellow thunderstorm warnings remain in place for 20 counties across the country, Carlow Weather's Alan O'Reilly says drier and warmer weather is on the way.

"The good news is, and I have been saying this for a long time now, on Friday-the-13th, we expected to see a change in the weather patterns and that is going to happen," he said in his latest update.

"From Sunday, we are going to see higher pressure coming towards us. Now, it's not going to come and exactly sit over us like it did in May but it's going to bring drier weather next week, it's going to bring some sunny spells and temperatures a little warmer," he added.

A wet morning in the East but no sparks yet. pic.twitter.com/mwvtI2601R  Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) June 12, 2025

Separately, Met Eireann is urging motorists to exercise caution this Thursday with a risk of localised flash flooding, due to thundery downpours.

A status yellow thunderstorm warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo came into effect at 7am and remains valid until 5pm.

"Heavy showers with scattered thunderstorms," states the warning which adds that possible impacts include localised flooding, lightning damage, poor visibility and difficult travel conditions.

READ ALSO: PICTURES: Stunning home of late RTE presenter hits the market for less than you think

A second warning - for Leinster, Tipperary and Waterford - came into effect at midnight and remains valid until 2pm this Thursday.

In its latest forecast, Met Eireann says "a mix of bright spells and showers" can be expected later on Thursday afternoon and evening once the thunderstorms pass. "There is the potential for localised surface flooding. It will be a humid day with maximum temperatures of 16 to 21 degrees with moderate southeast winds," reads the forecast.

According to the forecast, there will be plenty of cloud around on Thursday night with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Again, it will be a humid night with areas of mist and fog in places.

Lowest temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees can be expected in moderate southerly winds.
Virginians deserve a governor who is focused on responding to the most pressing issues that impact our communities and our commonwealths growth. And across Virginia, high costs at the pharmacy counter, in our energy bills and on the housing market are impacting families, business owners and Virginias long-term strength.

As a candidate for governor, Ive been laying out my plans to make Virginia more affordable. Last month, I announced my priorities to lower health care and prescription drug costs. And last week, I announced a straightforward agenda to increase the supply of housing Virginians can actually afford. This plan is a blueprint for how my administration will get to work on day one to put Virginians first.

This plan responds to what Im hearing on the ground. Everywhere I travel across the commonwealth, I hear about the high cost of housing  from our cities to our suburbs to our rural communities. Virginians describe how the housing shortage and Virginias varied housing supply are driving up prices, locking some Virginians into homes that cannot accommodate their families and locking others out of homeownership. The status quo isnt working.

The shortage of available and affordable homes is driving up prices for everyone. Whether theyre a first-time homebuyer or a business looking to come to Virginia, theyre impacted. Whether theyre a family looking to put down roots in our commonwealth or a retiree trying to downsize, theyre impacted. Whether theyre young professionals facing high rent prices, theyre impacted. And whether theyre a senior looking to remain at home or a police officer just wanting to live in the community they serve, theyre feeling the sting.

Virginia leaders need to listen to these stories  and they need to pursue an agenda that addresses the roots of this chronic problem. And as Virginias next governor, thats exactly what Ill do  Ill take commonsense steps to increase the availability of homes Virginians can afford.

As the next governor of Virginia, Ill work with Virginias counties and cities to find solutions that make sense for them, so that they can take more active roles in making housing more available  and more affordable.

The commonwealth must give our localities the flexibility they need to build enough homes to meet local demand and address the unique challenges facing their residents. The same policy reforms that bring down costs in Richmond city may not go far enough in Richmond County, or vice versa.

I believe that the commonwealth of Virginia shouldnt be mandating one-size-fits-all solutions. Rather, it should be focused on doing what works best in each individual community for the buyers and renters who live there  or want to live there. Virginia needs a governor who is a partner.

Come January, well also target investments to incentivize new construction of homes that first-time homeowners and middle-class families can afford. We will protect existing affordable housing. And we will invest in unused or underutilized properties that can be redeveloped into affordable places to live.

Additionally, my administration will reduce burdensome red tape and regulations that are slowing down housing construction in Virginia. Right now, regulatory requirements are driving up Virginians housing costs for no good reason  compounding production costs without actually improving quality or safety. Both at the state and local level, the commonwealth can make the planning and permitting processes more efficient, speed things up and get more families their keys and deeds.

As governor, I will also make sure we are protecting our neighbors who need us. I will extend the amount of time between when Virginia renters are given notice and when their landlord can file for eviction. And I will enforce Virginias fair housing laws to make sure Virginians are given equal opportunity to find affordable housing. All Virginians deserve a safe place to sleep at night.

At this moment, Virginians need a governor who seeks to bring stability to Virginia  especially amid both widespread instability at the federal level and the Trump administrations tariffs, which are a massive tax on Virginia families and businesses. Ill be a governor who will put Virginia families first, with a real plan to bring down housing costs.

While we may not ease all of the economic impacts of knee-jerk decisions in Washington, here in Richmond, we can take concrete steps to make sure more Virginians can afford a home in the commonwealth.

That starts by removing hurdles to construction, not just talking about them. That starts with making it easier for communities to meet housing demand, not making it harder. And that starts with real plans to govern, not grandstand.
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The LAUSD has the highest number of charter schools in the nation. Unfortunately, it often seems these schools are approved without a clear plan for how the District will provide meaningful oversight. This lack of accountability puts students at risk and undermines the principle of putting kids first.



A troubling example of this failure occurred during the charter renewal process for Crete Academy. During that hearing, the school's cofounder, Dr. Hattie Mitchell, proudly recounted an incident in which she chose not to notify the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) after observing children living in conditions she described as clearly unsafe. This appears to be a direct violation of California's mandatory reporting laws - laws designed to protect the very students we are all here to serve.



Rather than involving trained professionals, Dr. Mitchell claimed that her school could handle the situation internally. Yet, according to the school's own School Accountability Report Card (SARC), Crete Academy employs neither a psychologist nor a social worker. That's a serious gap for any school-- but especially one that reports 21.1% of its students are unhoused. How can a school claim to support vulnerable students without the professional resources required to do so safely?



Even more alarming is that this incident was not included in the Charter School Division's official recommendation to deny Crete's renewal. Though the Board ultimately voted 6-1 to deny the renewal, this critical information was absent from the public record when LACOE considered the school's appeal. Given that their vote to deny the appeal was close, this omission may have affected the outcome.



Now that LACOE has returned the charter to you for reconsideration, the stakes could not be higher. If LAUSD is serious about protecting student safety and holding charter schools to the same standards as public schools, then you must make sure that this failure to protect vulnerable students is made part of the record for denial.



Anything less sends a dangerous message - that some schools are above accountability, even when children's well-being is at stake.

With only two minutes allotted to each speaker, I only had time to provide the committee with details about Crete, but they are not the only charter school that is apparently ignoring mandatory reporting laws.

At El Camino Real Charter High School, the school's administration felt it had enough evidence to fire a teacher for allegedly having inappropriate relationships with female students but apparently did not bother to notify the proper authorities that children may have been victimized. Perhaps the school feared third-party investigators would have questioned why another employee, Mr. Vazquez, was taking unauthorized pictures of female students on campus. It may have also feared an investigation into why the president of its Governing Board had been given "access to the school security cameras and microphones so he could observe from his home." This is said to have included cameras in a room where the cheerleaders sometimes changed their clothing.

El Camino's cross-town rival, Granada Hills Charter School, provides an example of the lack of accountability for other types of safety issues. Granada altered its LAUSD-owned campus in ways that endangered the "health and safety of students" and was issued a Notice of Violation. This included a lack of "fire alarm devices in"open area rooms" and installation of HVAC supply and return ductwork without "fire dampers to maintain 1-hour fire rated separation." Further violating LAUSD rules for charter schools, Granada did not inform parents that these violations had occurred and was never held accountable for this.

The Citizens of the World chain of charter schools used the limited resources of the Los Angeles School Police to harass parents and other community members peacefully protesting against one of its campuses taking space away from children with special education needs at Shirley Avenue Elementary School. Instead of spending their time ensuring student safety, these officers were used to serve one of the protestors with a restraining order meant to intimidate the community from rallying in defense of the neighborhood school.

With the School Safety and Climate Committee chaired by a School Board Member elected with the financial support of the charter school industry, it would be surprising if any action is taken to ensure that Jose Cole-Guitierez and the Charter School Division start to take their responsibilities seriously. Supporters of these publicly funded private schools are not spending millions on school board elections to increase accountability; they require the industry's regulators to look the other way, allowing them to continue profiting from public education funding.

Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, and serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own.
"[F]rom now on," US president Donald Trump wrote in his Truth Social temper tantrum over anti-ICE protests in Lose Angeles, "MASKS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to be worn at protests."

I agree with what Trump's saying ... but not with what he means.

He's ordering protesters not to wear masks (they'll ignore him, as they should).

He should be ordering the police and military personnel across from those protesters to uncover their faces.

Over the last several years, it's become common to see photos and videos of supposed "law enforcement personnel" conducting operations while wearing balaclavas and other face coverings to hide their identities. Not just while working "crowd control" at demonstrations, but when busting into homes and businesses to investigate alleged crimes, serve warrants, etc.

That needs to end, now, for two reasons.

The first reason is that it's unsafe for everyone involved.

Hypothetical:

You're going about your lawful personal business when someone wearing a ski mask and dark jacket with large lettering on the back runs at you, waving a gun and yelling "Freeze! Police!" (or "ICE!" or "FBI!" or whatever).

Is he or she actually a police officer of some kind?

Or are you about to be mugged, raped, murdered, or some combination of those things?

If you weren't conducting yourself violently at the moment of contact, you'd have a solid "stand your ground" case if you whipped out a handgun and put that person down. Your fear of death or grievous bodily harm in such a situation would be entirely reasonable.

If you weren't conducting yourself violently at the moment of contact, the proper approach by a real police officer would be to politely introduce himself or herself, with face uncovered and service weapon holstered, produce photo identification matching said face, and state his or her business with you.

We've seen a recent spate of arrests for impersonating ICE agents and other "law enforcement personnel" while detaining and even raping others. Those incidents may or may not have involved masks, but letting real cops wear masks makes impersonating them easier -- and their jobs harder if onlookers justifiably intervene versus unidentifiable masked assailants.

The second reason is about who owes what to whom.

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Are We Ready for a Miracle

(Image by Marcello Rollando) Details DMCA

the most powerful enemy of the people is neither stupid nor all-powerful, but his M.O.: create chaotic distractions, manipulating corporate-owned Media into imposing information overload conditions on We the People. Why?!? Any caged animal desperately plans for any escape - and surely ours knows an insurrection when he watches one on TV: Remember Capitol Police January 6th

BULLIESAre COWARDS: needing a Fall Guy. Any self-serving person will do - from the wealthiest man in the world, caving, terrified of being financially crushed by the unregulated power of any vengeful morally bankrupt CEO - to an Ice -cold Neanderthal ready, willing and able to do a thug's bidding.

STRENTHS: multiply abundantly when Americans stand up for our neighbors, remembering America's most violent have always hidden their faces like shameful cowards.

WEAKNESSES: Despots surround themselves with the unqualified automatons who exist only to flatter Herr leader and stonewall any who question his right to deny all others their rights

SECOND (OCCUPY DEMOCRATS) THOUGHTS: Suggesting that peaceful protesters "sit" so the media will see the difference between planted imposter and peaceful protestors, begs disaster. In the heat of battle, sitting on the ground near violence between uniforms with guns and undercover peace imposters sent to incite violence, will do little to protect the innocent - Remember Kent State

KNOW AMERICAN HISTORY: Peaceful Assembly is a Constitutional guarantee - but when governmental leadership has proven its disregard for Constitutional Law, peaceful protestors need to know our history. Millions peacefully (even silently) marching are all-powerful, but sit-ins are best saved for government buildings

PHOTO FINISH : Document Peaceful Assembly and those of non-violent protesters near you - best use ever for Selfies - but if arrested, it could help the ACLU prove your innocence. If violence erupts near you: peacefully/calmly walk away, while going live on Social Media platforms

SNAP OUT OF IT : Don't assume everyone at any given peaceful protest is there for peace - even if not sent by an unhinged carnival barker

MEDIA REALITY: the first choice of news professionals is to capture the sound bite headline: Riots for Ratings ! Don't expect peaceful protestors to star in the nightly news. They MAY Talk About You, but only as backstory while their cameras record violence and chaos

WORK WITH PROS: Join those who fight the good fight every day - send Selfies &/or videos to such organizations - who know how best to maximize their impact - it's great to inform your Facebook Friends on Instagram and X but better to join politically (and legally) savvy organizations like

A i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? andrea|AT|centerforcommonground.org Email address" target="_blank">andrea|AT|centerforcommonground.orgEmail address - who will train you

A i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? .aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights

BEST WISDOM: No Kings embody Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

WAKE UP CALL:

A i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? Declaring National Marshall Law is just a Goose-Step away, when federal government invades a sovereign state, uninvited

A i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? A ? i ? ? i ? ? Who is America's Tank Man, when Military parade trumps Washington, DC - too akin to Russia ?
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"Either this nation shall kill racism, or racism shall kill this nation." (S. Jonas, August, 2018)

"How do you spell ICE in German? GESTAPO." (S. Jonas, May, 2025: see App. I)

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On Dec. 14, 2023, on OpEdNews, I published a column entitled "Trump, Hannity, Dictator-for-a-Day, and the Constitution of The United States" (click here). It reviewed in some detail an interview that Sean Hannity did with Trump which featured the softball questions that Hannity is accustomed to feeding him in such interchanges. In that column I commented on and reacted to, among other things, Hannity trying oh-so-hard to get Trump to not say what Trump in fact did say, either directly or by implication (either one considered by even Hannity to be too inflammatory).

For example, Hannity actually pressed Trump to try to get him to disavow any notions he might have that, if re-elected, he would try to establish some sort of dictatorship. (In some quarters he was being charged with that ambition, that is in some quarters at least.) [Click Here]). Unfortunately, making that charge did not extend to the "oh-we-have-to-remain-polite" Harris campaign.) But, Hannity just could not get Trump to make a general statement on the "no-I-have-no-ambition-to-become-dictator" issue. The best he could do was get Trump to say that he would be Dictator only on Day One.

Until the beginning of this week (that of June 9), in terms of Trump undertaking un-Constitutional (dictator-like) acts, the list included creating a new government department out of the blue, which as it happens, violates Article I, Sections 1 and 8, of the Constitution, which vests that power in Congress, and shutting down various US governmental activities and programs that had been authorized and funded by acts of Congress. Most observers (except perhaps such ones as Messrs. Musk and Vought) would describe those actions as Unconstitutional. But the Republicans in the Congressional majority, many of whom have read and even studied the Constitution (there is no evidence that Trump has ever done either), kept their mouths shut.

Equally, many observers, both on the Democratic side of Congress and outside of it, described those actions as dictatorial (although perhaps not in that straight-forward language). Unfortunately, those words had (and have) no legal effect. And certainly, many of those same observers would describe Trump's actions as dictatorial well beyond Day One. (I did note, in the earlier column, that Trump said he would be dictator only on Day 1. I also noted that on that day, and then each subsequent one, Trump would almost certainly say, in effect, with his self-assumed dictatorial power on that given day, "I'll be dictator for one more day." And so on, and so on.)

Considering just the DOGE, he created a new government department out of thin air and gave it (under the direction of a head who was not subjected to any kind of Congressional confirmation process) extraordinary powers, among which was one of Project2025's principal goals: the destruction of the Federal Civil Service and the functional repeal of the Civil Service Act of 1883, as amended. Trump has done all of these things that are in fact unconstitutional, in one way or another. He has done all of these things that would and could only be done by a Dictator, if the country were legally governed by one.

Further in revisiting that particular column, I did note that neither the Democratic Candidate for the Presidency, nor that significant chunk of the Democratic electorate which based their choice not to vote for the Vice-President on the single issue of President Biden's Israel/Gaza policy, paid any attention to what Trump was saying at all. Yes, indeed, hindsight is 20/20. But with a modicum of foresight, one only had to look at what Trump was telling us, over-and-over again, to see what would be coming were he to win a second term. And so, if the United States ever has a fair election in the foreseeable future (yes, I did just say that), one hopes that a majority of the electorate will have learned, the hard way to be sure, what happens when Trump and his minions/operators are allowed to get their hands on the levers of power in the Executive Branch.

Here are just a few examples of what Trump has done (up until "Los Angeles"). DOGE and Musk (as mentioned), tariff-setting (and un-setting, but that's another matter); empowering ICE beyond its legal remit; attacking many of the major universities (except, notably, Stanford); rampant symbolic racism (e.g., the "South African emigrees;" renaming U.S. military bases after Confederate generals); rampant real, objective racism: e.g., eliminating DEI throughout the government; symbolic homophobia (Hegseth re-naming the USS "Harvey Milk' [one wonders what the openly gay Peter Thiel (really rich, strong Trump supporter-contributor), Scott Bessent (Sec. Treas.), and Ric Grenell (a failed diplomat in Trump's first Administration who is now an envoy "for special missions") think about that; killing USAID (and possibly millions of people); virtually eliminating FEMA and the National Weather Service (one wonders which Trump ally will set up a for-profit, confidential weather service for states to buy access to, with a guarantee of "no-sharing, and no public statements").

The "Trump-Hannity-Dictator-for-a-day" TV "interview" was at one time widely noted and much commented upon. As The Guardian put it: "Trump says he will be a dictator only [emphasis added] on 'day one' if elected president." Indeed, I noted then, (to repeat) regardless of whether he's a dictator, even for one day only, Trump and the Trumpers, as is widely known, are planning for a significant expansion of Presidential power, should he be re-elected, which could hardly be accomplished in one day. Of course, given what we have seen about that proposed expansion so far, there is no provision in the Constitution, Article II (which describes the purpose and powers of the Executive Branch), or elsewhere, that could cover it. But Trump and his minions hardly care about that.

This total restructuring of the operations and functions of the U.S. government was being promoted not only by the Trump campaign and its spokespeople like Steve Bannon, Kash Patel, and Steven Miller, but also by supposedly echt organizations like the Heritage Foundation. Indeed, what they were promoting did sound an awful lot like the imposition of a fascist dictatorship. (At the end of this column, see my definition of the term, which definition will be very familiar to regular readers of mine.) And, to repeat, in that interview Hannity asked Trump: "Under no circumstances, you are promising America tonight, you would ever abuse power as retribution against anybody? 'Except for day one,' Trump said. 'I want to close the border and I want to drill, drill, drill.' After that, I'm not a dictator,' Trump said."

Hannity could have asked Trump where in Article II of the Constitution could be found the attribution of dictatorial powers to the President in one circumstance or another. Of course he did not, and why not? Because a) as I have said, Trump has likely never read the Constitution, and b) if he has, in his mind its limits on Presidential powers (a major concern of the Founders) simply don't apply to him. And so, in that column, I said that this election is fundamentally about the maintenance of Constitutional government, no matter how flawed this system in this modern age might presently be.

Unfortunately, although Trump gave Harris and her crew of-oh-we-can't-go-there-that-would-be-going-out-on-a-limb advisors every chance to go after Trump on the Maintenance-of-Constitutional Government issue, they didn't. Indeed, to my knowledge, no-one with a national stage, and influence on the Democratic Party did so. The warning voices, from Harvard Law School's Prof. Tribe to Heather Cox Richardson described the clear-and-present danger over-and-over again. (I was in that group too.) But nobody in a position of authority to do anything about the campaign that was being run against Trump did anything.

And so, we come to "Los Angeles." Trump has become the dictator --- that is acting beyond the limits on his office that are imposed by the Constitution and a variety of laws enacted pursuant to it --- for "Day One" and then for each successive "Day Ones," as implied by that policy set forth in the Hannity interview. I do have so say, since Hannity is not just a TV talker but also, at least it has been said that he is, a Trump advisor --- what an appropriate place to do that.

Thus, so far, in summary: Trump has illegally mobilized troops from the California National Guard, by not getting cooperation of the State's governor to do so. He has threatened to have the Head of ICE arrest Gov. Newsom. When asked in a TV interview what law the Governor had broken, Trump replied "He ran for Governor and has done a very bad job." One could have asked, "Mr. President, is that a state or a Federal statute that you are citing?" Trump has called up 700 Marines from Camp Pendleton (which is actually not that far away) to "stand by" to deal with what is a civil disturbance --- and a very mild one, at that (with which, by the way, they are not trained to deal). Actually, under the law (the Insurrection Act) the President can call up Federal troops for a domestic purpose only if an "insurrection," as defined in that law, is underway. There isn't any, and, as it happens, neither the President nor a White House spokesperson has made a claim to that effect. Except to cite one demonstrator who was waving a Mexican flag. (Didn't notice any Mexican troops, however. A few more appeared after the President's mention of it.)

The question here is, is anyone or any group of people, with at least some power to do something about it (like, for openers, the Courts, let's say) going to do anything about it. And then figure out a way to enforce their rulings. That remains to be seen.

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Appendix I: "How is ICE spelled in German? Gestapo." The Nazi Gestapo had the power to arrest anyone they wanted to, with or without a legally-sanctioned "probable cause;" decide on the guilt or innocence of that person in re the crime being charged, without the person having, say, the right to an attorney or to be subject to an established-in-law-judicial procedure; and then upon determining, on their terms, whether or not a crime (as they defined it) had been committed, decide upon, and mete out, punishment as they deemed fit.

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Definition of Fascism:

"There is a single, all-powerful executive branch of government, in service of a capitalist ruling class that controls, for the most part, the functions of production, distribution, finance, and exchange. There is no separation of the principal governmental powers: executive, legislative, and judicial. There are no independent media. There is a single national ideology, based on some combination of racism, misogyny, religious bigotry and authoritarianism, homophobia, and xenophobia. There is a political party supporting the movement. There is a state propaganda machine using the big and little lie techniques. There may be a full-blown dictatorship, a charismatic leader, engagement in foreign wars, and the use of the mob/private armies to enforce governmental control."

(Article changed on Jun 12, 2025 at 2:42 PM EDT)

(Article changed on Jun 12, 2025 at 8:26 PM EDT)
Travel agencies have played a tremendous and impressive role in making travel more comfortable, whether booking flights or organizing a trip to your dream destination or a nation you can visit in your free time. They handle everything; from creating tickets to managing any itinerary and ensuring you have all sorts of requirements for an incredible, immemorial journey. While the excitement of planning a trip is also acceptable, the process 
Portland City Councilor Mitch Green proposed taking unspent police funds and creating a set-aside fund that all public safety bureaus could access with City Council approval. It passed Wed., June 11, 2025, in an 11-1 vote. Mark Graves/The Oregonian

A last-ditch effort to restore $1.9 million in Portland police funding took an unexpected turn Wednesday as councilors debated amendments to the citys upcoming budget.

But the effort quickly fizzled, ending a weeks-long fight across political lines over how much money to give cops as Portland continues to recover from pandemic-era crime spikes.

Rather than giving a budget boost solely to police, councilors approved setting aside money for all public safety bureaus  fire, 911, Portland Street Response and emergency management  to help them recruit workers. The move was largely viewed as a compromise as police leaders fought to increase their budget and other bureaus absorbed cuts.

Last month, the City Council voted 7-5 to divert $1.9 million the mayor set aside for police to Portland Parks & Recreations, to stave off maintenance cuts. But that didnt sit right with some councilors, at least one of whom likened the effort to defunding measures from 2020.

Wednesdays discussion was kicked off by Councilor Steve Novick, who proposed bumping up next years Police Bureau budget by carrying over $1.9 million from the bureaus $3 million in unspent funds this year. Those funds dont automatically roll over.

But instead, Councilor Mitch Green proposed taking $2.2 million from the unspent police funds and moving it into a council-controlled kitty that all public safety bureaus, not just police, could access with City Council approval.

Novick then immediately withdrew his own proposal and stood behind Greens, calling it a friendly replacement.

Public safety is more than police, Green said. Its this whole service area, and I think that there are other elements within the public safety service area that also need capacity building resources.

Councilors approved Greens proposal in an 11-1 vote. City Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane was the lone no vote.

I told (Portland Police Association) President (Sgt.) Aaron Schmautz that while I supported folks having conversations, I did want to stay out of this, she said. It felt like it was getting messy and because I believe this will pass without my vote, it feels right for me to vote no.

How much money should go to police has been a hotly debated topic for weeks.

Mayor Keith Wilson initially proposed giving the Police Bureau $318 million for 2025-26, up from $308 million this year. But some councilors balked, leading to the 7-5 vote on May 21.

Councilors Candace Avalos and Angelita Morillo, who pushed for that, had argued the Police Bureau could withstand cuts as other city bureaus were also trimming their budgets.

But police leaders and Bob Cozzie, interim deputy city administrator for public safety, said the bureau would have to curtail crucial services that rely on overtime dollars if it didnt get those additional dollars.

This is not the time to make these adjustments, Police Chief Bob Day said last week.

Some of that debate continued Wednesday. Morillo said she was extremely beyond frustrated that the Police Bureau and some city councilors fought hard for the extra dollars. She also said police only very recently told city councilors about the unspent funds.

When the bureau is talking about being in dire consequences year after year, why are we not looking at the special revenue fund and not told about this additional $3 million as we were making our decisions? Morillo asked.

Avalos said she felt this amendment was the result of councilors being pressured.

Green said his idea was not about reversing the councils vote last month. He called his amendment an opportunity for more than just police to come to the table.

Cozzie said he can work with Greens proposal: This helps build a training pipeline for all public safety bureaus that need (it).

Separately, councilors voted 8-4 against a proposal from Avalos to move 75% of the money budgeted for projected police overtime, about $15 million, into a council-controlled fund. Councilors agreed that police need to decrease overtime spending, but many said they did not believe this fund was the best way to do so.

Wilson also voiced his disapproval.

If we have to come back to council for requests, it doesnt allow us the dynamic necessary for a fast-changing environment, he said.

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.
Portland police arrested three protesters late Wednesday outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility after two allegedly started a fire against the building and another allegedly punched and tried to choke a police officer. Getty Images Getty Images

Portland police arrested three protesters late Wednesday outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility after two allegedly started a fire against the building and another allegedly punched and tried to choke a police officer.

Portland police say they witnessed a man stacking flammable material against the ICE building at 4310 S. Macadam Ave., and another man walking up and placing a lit flare on the material, starting a fire at 9:50 p.m., according to their statement.

At 10:44 p.m., as police officers attempted to arrest the suspects  identified as 34-year-old Trenton E. Barker and 25-year-old Austin J. Deever  a third protester punched and tried to choke a police officer. The officer was not seriously injured, the statement said.

Police identified the third person as Geovanna Carrasco, 27.

All three were arrested and booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center. They were released just after midnight.

Police have been monitoring the building as relatively small protests have bubbled up in the wake of large-scale protests in Los Angeles over federal immigration raids.

Tensions escalated in California as President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard and marines to the city.

On Wednesday around 7:20 p.m., Portland police said officers observed federal law enforcement deploying munitions as vehicles were exiting the ICE facility, according to a post on X.

On Monday, Portland police Chief Bob Day said officers monitoring the protests are there to address criminal behavior and not assist with immigration enforcement. His statement came after Portland officers cleared a barricade set by protesters early Sunday for an ICE contractor.

In a statement, Day called the three arrests Wednesday strictly focused on criminal actions, and not constitutionally protected free speech.

Kimberly Cortez covers breaking news, public safety and more for The Oregonian/OregonLive. She can be reached at kcortez@oregonian.com
A tray of meat from the Michelin-starred Austin, Texas, barbecue restaurant La Barbecue. The restaurant's former GM and pitmaster, Ben Vaughan, is moving to Portland to open a "sister restaurant" with brisket, ribs and sausages all smoked the same way. Courtesy of Ben Vaughan

When a Michelin-starred Texas barbecue restaurant opens in Portland later this year, the weather, the Portland Pickles and the late culinary icon James Beard will be partly to thank.

On Monday, The Oregonian/OregonLive broke the news that that the GM and pitmaster at Austins La Barbecue, Ben Vaughan, was moving to Portland to open a spin-off restaurant, Lil Barbecue, later this year.

Now pretty much any serious Texas smokehouse expanding to Portland would be a big deal. But La Barbecue happens to be one of the four barbecue restaurants to earn a Michelin star from the fancy French food guides first foray into the Lone Star State. And La Barbecue is a staple on Texas Monthlys influential top 50 BBQ list, which is released every four years.

Reached by phone Tuesday, Vaughan, who owner Ali Clem has said is her right and left hand man, was still packing up his Austin home, getting ready to hit the road to Portland. By next month, Clem will join him in Portland to scout locations, searching for a full restaurant space with room for a bar. Their custom smokers  a rotisserie from M&M BBQ Company and a 1,000 gallon offset from Mill Scale Metalworks  are still in production, but will follow by late summer or early fall.

The most common question Ive heard from those in Portlands tight-knit barbecue scene this week was, Why here?

In an interview this week, Vaughn explained why he and Clem picked Oregon for their first expansion. Questions and answers below have been edited for length and clarity.

Q: So why is La Barbecue expanding to Portland?

A: Weve been looking to get out of Texas for a while. My wife was born and raised here. I lived here for 12 years. We wanted to try something new. We were up in Portland last year for her cousins wedding, and I dont know if youve been to Texas in June, but its oppressively hot and humid. Portland just ticked all the boxes for climate and people, and everywhere we went people said, Youve got to move up here and start a barbecue.

Q: Clem called Lil Barbecue an extension of La Barbecue. But what does that mean? Is it a spin-off, its own thing, or what?

A: Were calling them sister restaurants. So Ali is going to be a partner in the Portland restaurant, but it will not be a franchise, but more of an extension of La Barbecue. So, very similar menu. All the meat will be cooked the same way we do it here, with Ali as a part owner and a big part of it. The spicy garlic pickles will be coming, and the brisket, ribs and sausage, which are the big three in Texas.

Ali actually has an apartment in Los Angeles as a second home, and Im lobbying her to move it up to Portland so she can be there more often. Shes also friends with one of the owners of the Pickles, so shes excited to go to a game. We tried to go to a game last year but it got rained out.

Future Pickles fans Ben Vaughan and Ali Clem will open Lil Barbecue, a "sister restaurant" to their Michelin-starred La Barbecue in Portland later this year. Courtesy of Ben Vaughan

Q: How did it feel learning that La Barbecue had earned a Michelin star?

A: We knew we were on their radar, and Ali and I had talked about how, well, obviously were not going to get a star, but it would be cool to be a Bib Gourmand, which is like their version of an honorable mention. As a place where you eat off of butcher paper with plastic forks, its kind of unheard of to be in the Michelin Guide at all.

We had been at a food and wine event in a little Texas town all weekend, and when we got back Ali had to head right back out to Houston for the ceremony. They went through all the Bib Gourmands first, and a bunch of great restaurants got that, and we were left off. And I was like, Oh man, I feel so bad for her. We just did this long cooking weekend, and she drove down there just to get snubbed.

So yeah, once they called her on stage to actually get a star, I was very proud. And its crazy because I started off in fine-dining places after culinary school, then started to gravitate more toward casual restaurants, which is really where most of my career has been. As a cook, reaching that level is something you have to be in fine dining to do, and then to be recognized by them, I think its really cool.

Q: Did the star have an impact on the business?

A: It raised our profile. Were open Wednesday through Sunday, and Wednesday and Thursday used to be a good day for locals to come. Austin is a big bachelor and bachelorette party destination, with lots of music festivals, so Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are kind of given over to tourists. But locals used to be able to sneak in during a half hour lunch break on a Wednesday or Thursday. That went away after the Michelin star.

Q: What about last weeks Texas Monthly top 50? La Barbecue made it again this year, though not in the top 10.

A: Yeah thats a big deal. People really get nervous. I moved to Texas in 2013, and just in that time, the number of good barbecue restaurants in the state has just blown up. We were disappointed not to be in the top 10  weve never been in the top 10  but then you look at the places that didnt make it at all, and thats a sign that the competition is really insane.

Then we went through the top 10 and thought, Well you cant really argue with that. I dont really eat barbecue on my time off, but the places that I have been to, well, theres no arguing with LeRoy and Lewis. Me and Ali went to eat there a few months ago, and everything they do is incredible.

The guy who got No. 1 this year (Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin) has this YouTube video that I was watching a few months ago where he was sitting on a couch and he said, I slept on this couch for the first six months we were open. I was not surprised that they won. That guy is very serious.

Q: What do you know about Oregon barbecue?

A: Ive heard some really good things about Matts BBQ and Bark City food truck. Podnahs is another one that Ive heard about. And then Har-BQ is his name on Instagram, Ive been following him for a while. And then Grasslands in Hood River. Their briskets always look great, but theyre doing more interesting cuts of meat, too, like those volcano pork shanks that you dont even see here. They reached out to me this morning, saying theyd like to grab a beer once Im up there, which I thought was incredibly kind.

From what I hear theres great barbecue up there, but theres also just fewer people in Oregon doing barbecue. But Portland definitely has a reputation as a food-obsessed city. James Beard himself was from there, I believe.

Q: Its true. So, is there a specific part of town youre looking at for Lil Barbecue?

A: Uh, not really. Were leaning more toward the east side, since thats where weve spent most of our time. In Portland, we just rented a house in Woodlawn, on Dekum Street  is that how you pronounce it, Deckum?

Q: More like Deekum.

A: Ah yeah. I had to learn how to say Willamette, too.

Anyway, one thing that has really attracted me to Portland is the walkability, the way you have commercial districts nestled into the old streetcar lines. Texas is not walkable. Its a state for cars. We walked all over the city the times Ive been up there, from 28th Avenue down to Puff Coffee. We dont have anything like that in Austin, this beautiful mix of restaurants and coffee shops and bars, with the commercial all mixed in with the residential.

Q: Yeah, but that also means youre going to have to make sure your neighbors dont hate the smell of smoke. Speaking of neighbors, I imagine many Portlanders will be excited to get an extension of Texas first woman- and lesbian-owned barbecue restaurant.

A: You know, Ali doesnt really like to promote that. She just wants to be known as a great pitmaster, not a great lesbian pitmaster. But I think it is cool that people will identify with that.

Ali is a great teacher, and shes also done everything in the restaurant industry over the course of her life. And then her late wife, LeAnn, was a great teacher too, because shes like barbecue royalty. Before she died, her brother died, and he was a legendary barbecue guy. And her dad was the first guy to win a James Beard Award for barbecue, and they grew up in a barbecue restaurant in Taylor, Texas.

Shes been a close friend and mentor to me for a long time. My last day of work was Saturday, and she was in New York for a chef thing, and Im already missing her, since today would have been the day I would have seen her.

Q: You were La Barbecues GM and pitmaster. What exactly did that entail?

A: We have a few people that we call pitmasters that cook, and so its not just me back there all the time. And thats allowed me to both be in the front and in the back, which is nice because I can have a hand in everything, and when its 105 degrees out and I dont have to cook. We have the Michelin star, but were definitely not white tablecloth, so the front of house role is mostly just talking to people and making sure theyre getting what they need.

Q: Can you tell us a bit more about your background?

A: Sure. I was born in Nashville, but I mostly grew up in Birmingham Alabama. I went to Auburn University for school, but ended up dropping out my senior year to go to culinary school. I moved out to Austin to do my culinary school externship, worked in a few places there, then started working at La Barbecue part time in the afternoon as a second job, mostly because I was bored  my other job I got off too early.

I peeled potatoes and washed dishes to start, because thats what needed to be done at the time, but then I just stuck around and eventually became full time. They promoted me to general manager and pitmaster in 2020, but Ive done a little bit of everything there.

 Michael Russell; mrussell@oregonian.com
Actor, storyteller and executive producer Vin Shambry, whose middle school experience with the Multnomah County Outdoor School program has been made into the movie, "Outdoor School," is pictured inside a truck on location in Oregon City in 2022. The Oregonian

Outdoor School, a movie that filmed in Oregon locations in 2022, is having its world premiere Wednesday at the American Black Film Festival in Miami, Florida.

The film is inspired by the experiences of acclaimed Portland-based actor and storyteller Vin Shambry, who is also an executive producer. As The Oregonian/OregonLive reported, the movie expands on Shambrys memories of being homeless as a youth in Portland and the impact that attending Outdoor School, the environmental learning program, had on him.

Its a story that Shambry first shared during an appearance at The Moth, the storytelling showcase that is also broadcast on public radio stations around the country.

Outdoor School is directed and co-written by Ime N. Etuk, who is also executive director of Lion Speaks, a nonprofit with the goal of helping train members of underserved racial groups and provide opportunities to work in media and professional production.

As Shambry told The Oregonian/OregonLive, he wanted Outdoor School to illustrate the rewards of getting out into rural areas, a message that is particularly important to convey to Black people who may feel unwelcome or unsafe spending time outdoors.

This movie shows Black joy in the wilderness, Shambry said, and how one we are with nature.

While we wait for Outdoor School to screen locally, heres the trailer: outdoorschoolthemovie.com
Oregon and nine other states have sued the Trump administration over its attempts to dismantle strict car and truck emissions standards meant to reduce air pollution and push a transition from gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles to electric ones. LC- The Oregonian

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and nine other states have sued the Trump administration over its attempts to dismantle strict car and truck emissions standards meant to reduce air pollution and push a transition from gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles to electric ones.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in northern California, comes on the same day that President Donald Trump approved a move by Congress to revoke three clean air waivers that allow California to set stronger emission rules with federal permission under the Clean Air Act. Oregon and a dozen other states also have adopted the waivers, which are granted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Congress blocked the waivers in May, just as it also is seeking to end generous tax credits for electric vehicles set under the Biden administration. Trump had also sought to block Californias strict emission standards during his first term but they were reinstated by Biden.

The legal complaint  which names the U.S. government, President Donald Trump, the EPA and its administrator, Lee Zeldin  alleges that the U.S. House and Senate unlawfully used the Congressional Review Act to block Californias waivers. The act allows Congress to quickly review and overturn new rules issued by federal government agencies.

Congress rescinding the waivers negates regulations to transition all new passenger cars, SUVs and light-duty pickup trucks sold in Oregon to battery or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles by 2035 and to require medium- and heavy-duty truck manufacturers in the state to sell a rising percentage of new plug-in hybrid or zero-emission trucks as part of their overall sales.

It also upends rules that require diesel and gas-powered trucks to meet tougher pollution standards for nitrogen oxides, which contribute to smog.

Emissions from transportation make up 35% of Oregons total greenhouse gas emissions  the largest sector across the state. Tailpipe pollution also contributes to health problems, including asthma, heart disease and premature death, especially in low-income communities located near highways and industrial areas.

These clean air standards arent just about cars  theyre about protecting Oregonians health, our environment and our future, Rayfield said in a statement. Oregon adopted these rules because were already seeing the impacts of air pollution and climate change in our communities, from worsening wildfires to rising asthma rates in kids.

The lawsuit seeks to strike down the federal resolutions that rescinded the clean air waivers and to require the federal government to honor the stricter emissions standards adopted by the states.

Other states that joined the lawsuit are Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

 Gosia Wozniacka covers environmental justice, climate change, the clean energy transition and other environmental issues. Reach her at gwozniacka@oregonian.com or 971-421-3154.
A view shows the exterior of the Casa Pedro restaurant in Madrid, Spain, on May 16, 2025. AP Photo/Manu Fernandez

MADRID  In the heart of Spains capital, Sobrino de Botin holds a coveted Guinness World Record as the worlds oldest restaurant. Exactly three hundred years after it opened its doors, Botin welcomes droves of daily visitors hungry for Castilian fare with a side of history.

But on the outskirts of Madrid, far from the souvenir shops and tourist sites, a rustic tavern named Casa Pedro makes a bold claim. Its owners assert the establishment endured not just the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s and the Napoleonic invasion in the early 1800s, but even the War of Spanish Succession at the start of the 18th century  a lineage that would make Casa Pedro older than Botin and a strong contender for the title.

Its really frustrating when you say, Yes, weve been around since 1702, but ... you cant prove it, said manager and eighth-generation proprietor Irene Guinales. If you look at the restaurants logo, it says Casa Pedro, since 1702, so we said, Damn it, lets try to prove it.

Guinales, 51, remembers her grandfather swearing by Casa Pedros age, but she was aware that decades-old hearsay from a proud old-timer wouldnt be enough to prove it. Her family hired a historian and has so far turned up documents dating the restaurants operations to at least 1750.

That puts them within striking distance of Botins record.

Irene Guinales, right, and Pedro Guinales del Valle, owners and managers of Casa Pedro restaurant, review documents regarding the restaurant's opening date in Madrid, Spain, on May 16, 2025. AP Photo/Manu Fernandez

Clients and rivals

Both taverns are family-owned. Both offer Castilian classics like stewed tripe and roast suckling pig. They are decorated with charming Spanish tiles, feature ceilings with exposed wooden beams and underground wine cellars. And both enjoy a rich, star-studded history.

Botins celebrated past includes a roster of literary patrons like Truman Capote, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Graham Greene. In his book The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway described it as one of the best restaurants in the world. While Casa Pedro may not have boasted the same artistic pedigree, it boasts its own VIPs. Its walls are adorned with decades-old photographs of former Spanish King Juan Carlos I dining in one of its many rooms. The current Spanish monarch, King Felipe VI dines there, too, albeit more inconspicuously than his father.

But the similarities between the two hotspots end there.

Casa Pedro was once a stop on the only road heading north from the Spanish capital toward France. Its clientele is largely local regulars, like David Gonzalez and Mayte Villena, who for years have spent every Friday lunching at the tavern.

It wouldnt change a thing for us, Villena said about the restaurant someday securing the Guinness title.

Botin, on the other hand, is a stones throw from Madrids famed Plaza Mayor, where any day of the week tour guides are herding groups around town  and often straight through the restaurants front door.

Antonio Gonzalez, a third-generation proprietor of Botin, concedes that the Guinness accolade awarded in 1987 has helped business, but said the restaurant had enough history to draw visitors even before.

It has a certain magic, he said.

Waiters work at Casa Pedro restaurant in Madrid, Spain, on May 16, 2025. AP Photo/Manu Fernandez

Pretenders to the crown

The question then becomes: How can either restaurant definitively claim the title? Guinness provides its specific guidelines for the superlative only to applicants, according to spokesperson Kylie Galloway, noting that it entails substantial evidence and documentation of the restaurants operation over the years.

Gonzalez said that Guinness required Botin show that it has continuously operated in the same location with the same name.

The only time the restaurant closed was during the COVID-19 pandemic, as did Casa Pedro.

That criteria would mean that restaurants that are even older  Paris Le Procope, which says it was founded in 1686, or Beijings Bianyifang, founded in 1416, or the 1673-established White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island  arent eligible for the designation.

La Campana, in Romes historic center, claims over 500 years of operation, citing documents on its menu and in a self-published history. Its owners say they have compiled the requisite paperwork and plan to submit it to Guinness.

A dream for Casa Pedro

Guinales and her husband couldnt consult archives from the former town of Fuencarral, now a Madrid neighborhood. Those papers went up in flames during the Spanish Civil War. Instead, they delved into Spanish national archives, where they found land registries of the area from the First Marquess of Ensenada (1743-1754) that showed the existence of a tavern, wine cellar and inn in the small town as of 1750.

In their spare time, the couple continues to hunt for records proving that Casa Pedro indeed dates back to 1702, as is proclaimed on its walls, takeout bags and sugar packets.

But even if they dig up the final documents and wrest the Guinness honor from Botin, Guinales concedes that her restaurants quiet location makes it unlikely to draw Botins clientele in central Madrid.

To think that we could reach that public would be incredible, Guinales said. Its a dream, but its a dream.

--By Suman Naishadham/The Associated Press
FILE - Dr. Robert Malone gestures as he stands in his barn on his horse farm July 22, 2020, in Madison, Va. AP Photo/Steve Helber, File

NEW YORK  U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday named eight new vaccine policy advisers to replace the panel that he abruptly dismissed earlier this week.

They include a scientist who researched mRNA vaccine technology and became a conservative darling for his criticisms of COVID-19 vaccines, a leading critic of pandemic-era lockdowns, and a professor of operations management.

Kennedys decision to retire the previous 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices was widely decried by doctors groups and public health organizations, who feared the advisers would be replaced by a group aligned with Kennedys desire to reassess  and possibly end  longstanding vaccination recommendations.

On Tuesday, before he announced his picks, Kennedy said: Were going to bring great people onto the ACIP panel  not anti-vaxxers  bringing people on who are credentialed scientists.

The new appointees include Vicky Pebsworth, a regional director for the National Association of Catholic Nurses, who has been listed as a board member and volunteer director for the National Vaccine Information Center, a group that is widely considered to be a leading source of vaccine misinformation.

Another is Dr. Robert Malone, the former mRNA researcher who emerged as a close adviser to Kennedy during the measles outbreak. Malone, who runs a wellness institute and a popular blog, rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as he relayed conspiracy theories around the outbreak and the vaccines that followed. He has appeared on podcasts and other conservative news outlets where hes promoted unproven and alternative treatments for measles and COVID-19.

He has claimed that millions of Americans were hypnotized into taking the COVID-19 shots and has suggested that those vaccines cause a form of AIDS. Hes downplayed deaths related to one of the largest measles outbreaks in the U.S. in years.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, left, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., wave as they leave an event about the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) program and SNAP choice changes, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the USDA Whitten Building, in Washington. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Other appointees include Dr. Martin Kulldorff, a biostatistician and epidemiologist who was a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, an October 2020 letter maintaining that pandemic shutdowns were causing irreparable harm. Dr. Cody Meissner, a former ACIP member, also was named.

Kennedy made the announcement in a social media post on Wednesday.

The committee, created in 1964, makes recommendations to the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC directors almost always approve those recommendations on how vaccines that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration should be used. The CDCs final recommendations are widely heeded by doctors and guide vaccination programs.

The other appointees are:

Dr. James Hibbeln, who formerly headed a National Institutes of Health group focused on nutritional neurosciences and who studies how nutrition affects the brain, including the potential benefits of seafood consumption during pregnancy.

Retsef Levi, a professor of operations management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Dr. James Pagano, an emergency medicine physician from Los Angeles.

Dr. Michael Ross, a Virginia-based obstetrician and gynecologist.

Of the eight named by Kennedy, perhaps the most experienced in vaccine policy is Meissner, an expert in pediatric infectious diseases at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, who has previously served as a member of both ACIP and the Food and Drug Administrations vaccine advisory panel.

During his five-year term as an FDA adviser, the committee was repeatedly asked to review and vote on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines that were rapidly developed to fight the pandemic. In September 2021, he joined the majority of panelists who voted against a plan from the Biden administration to offer an extra vaccine dose to all American adults. The panel instead recommended that the extra shot should be limited to seniors and those at higher risk of the disease.

Ultimately, the FDA disregarded the panels recommendation and OKd an extra vaccine dose for all adults.

In addition to serving on government panels, Meissner has helped author policy statements and vaccinations schedules for the American Academy of Pediatrics.

ACIP members typically serve in staggered four-year terms, although several appointments were delayed during the Biden administration before positions were filled last year. The voting members all have scientific or clinical expertise in immunization, except for one consumer representative who can bring perspective on community and social facets of vaccine programs.

Kennedy, a leading voice in the anti-vaccine movement before becoming the U.S. governments top health official, has accused the committee of being too closely aligned with vaccine manufacturers and of rubber-stamping vaccines. ACIP policies require members to state past collaborations with vaccine companies and to recuse themselves from votes in which they had a conflict of interest, but Kennedy has dismissed those safeguards as weak.

Most of the people who best understand vaccines are those who have researched them, which usually requires some degree of collaboration with the companies that develop and sell them, said Jason Schwartz, a Yale University health policy researcher.

If you are to exclude any reputable, respected vaccine expert who has ever engaged even in a limited way with the vaccine industry, youre likely to have a very small pool of folks to draw from, Schwartz said.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Kennedy in February after he promised he would not change the vaccination schedule. But less than a week later, he vowed to investigate childhood vaccines that prevent measles, polio and other dangerous diseases.

Kennedy has ignored some of the recommendations ACIP voted for in April, including the endorsement of a new combination shot that protects against five strains of meningococcal bacteria and the expansion of vaccinations against RSV.

In late May, Kennedy disregarded the committee and announced the government would change the recommendation for children and pregnant women to get COVID-19 shots.

On Monday, Kennedy ousted all 17 members of the ACIP, saying he would appoint a new group before the next scheduled meeting in late June. The agenda for that meeting has not yet been posted, but a recent federal notice said votes are expected on vaccinations against flu, COVID-19, HPV, RSV and meningococcal bacteria.

A HHS spokesman did not respond to a question about whether there would be only eight ACIP members, or whether more will be named later.

--Mike Stobbe/The Associated Press

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Associated Press reporters Matthew Perrone, Amanda Seitz, Devi Shastri and Laura Ungar contributed to this report.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Dr. Mehmet Oz ahead of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, March 14, 2025. Oz was confirmed to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. AP Photo/Ben Curtis

Sen. Ron Wyden is renewing his call for Dr. Mehmet Oz, the head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to visit eastern Oregon and fulfill a commitment Oz made as a nominee during his Senate confirmation hearing earlier this year.

The request comes as President Donald Trump has urged Congress to deliver his One, Big Beautiful Bill Act by July 4. The proposed legislation seeks to scale back Medicaid spending, introduce new restrictions on the programs eligibility and expand military and immigration enforcement, while also extending prior tax cuts.

In a letter Wednesday, Wyden urged Oz to visit Malheur County and meet with families who rely on Medicaid. More than half of the countys population is enrolled in the program.

Oz, a former television personality, told the Senate Finance Committee in March he would visit Malheur County within 60 days if allowed. Wyden, the ranking Democrat on the committee, wrote that his office and Ozs agency had tentatively planned on a visit in August but wants the meeting to come sooner.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid did not immediately respond to emailed questions about whether Oz will follow through with his plan to visit Oregon.

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., asks a question at the confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee for Dr. Mehmet Oz on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, March 14, 2025. Oz was confirmed to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. AP Photo/Ben Curtis

The Republican-backed bill, which passed the House on May 22, is moving through Congress via a fast-track process known as budget reconciliation. This maneuver allows legislation to pass the Senate with a simple majority  enabling Republicans to move forward without Democratic support.

The bill proposes major changes to Medicaid, including new work requirements, more frequent eligibility checks and increased income and residency verifications. Supporters say the changes would reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the program, while critics warn the added red tape could lead to widespread coverage loss.

The legislation also includes penalties for states that offer Medicaid coverage to undocumented immigrants or legal residents who havent met eligibility thresholds, by reducing federal reimbursement for those populations.

In Oregon, Medicaid covers about 1.4 million people  roughly one-third of the states population, including 57% of its children. The Oregon Health Authority estimates the bill could cost the state more than $1 billion in federal funding over the next two years and could result in up to 200,000 people losing coverage.

As the person appointed by Trump to oversee the Medicaid program, you need to look my rural constituents in the eye, hear their stories, answer their questions, and explain Republicans harmful health care cuts, Wyden wrote.

The senator proposed holding the visit on June 20 during the Senates upcoming recess.
The Liberty Square Riverboat sails in front of Cinderella's Castle at the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World on April 3, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. Getty Images

The most magical place on earth is pulling up ladders to three of its original attractions on July 7. Disney World announced the closure of their Liberty Square Riverboat, Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America features.

Since the amusement park first opened in 1971, the three slower paced experiences have offered generations of parents a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of dizzying rides, long lines and anthropomorphic mascots.

The rides are being shuttered to make room for an entirely new feature called Piston Peak National Park, a fictional wheelderness based on the film Cars.

According to the Disney Park Blogs, Piston Peak is inspired by the Rocky Mountain area and will be the exciting new backdrop for a big rally race.

The key change will be what Disney described as the largest expansion in the history of Magic Kingdom and the addition of Piston Peaks National Park. Disney World

Imagine an awe-inspiring wilderness filled with towering trees, snowcapped mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, roaring rivers and impressive geysers, the blog reads. The park areas inspiration lies in the history and iconic sights of the American Frontier and its national parks. 

Inside Piston Peak, guests will be able to see and explore the visitor lodge, Ranger HQ, trails and more all set within the Disney and Pixar Cars universe.

Disney says the new additions represent the largest transformation in Magic Kingdoms history, according to a post from Theme Park Life.

Fans reactions on Facebook have been a bit mixed.

Im excited to see whats coming, wrote an optimist, Disney did an incredible job expanding Fantasyland and I have no doubt that the next expansion will be perfect too!

Not a good idea, wrote another, taking out the river in favor of a patch of clay dirt/sand is only going to make the park hotter than it already is, especially in the summer months. Just have trouble understanding why theyre so dead set on deleting Disney history when they still have a couple hundred acres of land available for expansion.

Theyre gonna regret this one, one Facebook user wrote. I cant see Cars, which is already 20 years old, having any lasting interest once the initial curious crowds die off.

Its sad to see the Americana that Walt was so proud of in his parks being destroyed, replied a long-time fan. Tom Sawyers Island has always been a favorite of our family as it was the only place kids could go just to run and play and burn off all that energy.

Its funny when Disney changes thing to keep up with the times. Everyone always complains, went one persons take, But then when Disney has finished the change everyone praises it.
Authorities are asking some residents to evacuate after a fire broke out Wednesday afternoon along Interstate 84 near Rowena. Oregon Department of Transportation

UPDATE: Fire near Rowena spreads as I-84 reopens

Authorities are asking some residents to evacuate after a fire broke out Wednesday afternoon along Interstate 84 near Rowena, and theyre urging drivers to seek alternate routes.
Workers and supporters picket outside Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. A bill to approve unemployment benefits for striking workers in Oregon for 10 weeks cleared both chambers of the Legislature on Thursday and is headed to Gov. Tina Kotek's desk. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

A bill to allow unemployment for striking workers cleared both chambers of the Legislature Thursday after last-minute amendments and drama.

Senate Bill 916 would change Oregons unemployment rules, allowing workers on strike to collect 10 weeks of unemployment benefits after a two week waiting period.

The hotly contested bill has the backing of powerful union groups and most Democrats, who argue that it levels the playing field between workers and employers in union negotiations by ensuring workers could still provide for their families if they go on strike. But it is opposed by Republicans, cities and school boards, which argue it will be expensive to implement and will likely result in more frequent and longer strikes.

The bill looked like a sure bet last week, when it passed the House of Representatives because the Senate had already approved it in a nearly identical form. After an amendment in the House, the Senate had to again give the bill a thumbs up. But it didnt  in a bit of a surprise, senators detoured the bill to a committee for adjustment. That committee agreed on Wednesday evening to change the bill to allow striking workers to collect only 10 weeks of unemployment, not 26 as allowed under the earlier versions.

Senators voted Thursday morning to adopt the 10-week bill on a vote of 16-12. Democrats Jeff Golden of Ashland and Janeen Sollman of Forest Grove joined Republicans in voting against the bill  as they had twice before  but the amendments won over Democrats Mark Meek of Gladstone and Courtney Neron Misslin from Wilsonville, whose votes against the bill on Tuesday and sent the measure to committee.

The House approved the bill on a vote of 35-22, despite a few attempts by House Republicans to delay or prevent the vote. Democrat John Lively of Springfield, who had voted against the bill in its original format, approved the measure with the 10 week benefit cap.

The bills unusual path through House and Senate chambers muted the victory somewhat for labor unions and Democrats who championed it. The amendment that capped benefits for striking workers at 10 weeks instead of the original 26 didnt completely satisfy politicians on either side.

Republicans again spoke against the bill, saying the 10 week cap wasnt enough of a compromise. Several argued that children will suffer because the bill may increase the likelihood that teachers will strike, and students will be out of the classroom.

This is bad policy. Its going to be harmful to our students. Its going to be harmful to the state, Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham said Thursday.

Dacia Grayber, Oregon State Representative (Democrat - District 28), spoke to striking Boeing workers as they rallied outside of the Boeing facility on NE Sandy Blvd. in Portland the morning of Thurs., Sept. 19, 2024. Dave Killen / The Oregonian

Rep. Dacia Grayber, a Portland Democrat and a chief sponsor of the bill, argued opponents were using their worst fears as a lightning rod. Despite recent strikes affecting more than 100 Oregon schools, She claimed that only a slim minority of the states schools have ever had a strike.

Grayber told her colleagues that she was disappointed that the final version of the bill removed four months worth of unemployment eligibility for striking workers, but she urged them to approve it regardless.

We are preserving the right to ensure that workers are not starved out, that they can put food on their table, spend money in their local community and (cover) their health care costs, while on strike, she said.

Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430.
Tech companies and industry groups, including Meta, have opposed an Oregon bill that would require big tech companies to pay newsrooms in the state. AP

An Oregon bill that would require big tech companies including Meta and Google to pay money to local newsrooms is trudging forward with less than three weeks left in this years legislative session.

The proposed policy, Senate Bill 686, has undergone significant changes to address legal concerns from some lawmakers and tech companies, which have fought the proposal for months. But its unclear if those changes will convince enough lawmakers in both chambers to approve the bill.

The intent of the proposed bill remains the same: to require massive tech companies that profit from the use of news content on their online platforms to pay a share of their profits to Oregon journalists who produce that content.

Proponents of the bill, including dozens of Oregon publishers, have said it would provide a significant financial boost to a news industry that has been shrinking for years. Critics of the bill, including tech industry groups, have said the proposal would prompt Facebook and perhaps other companies to restrict news on their platforms, hurting publishers who use those platforms to promote their journalism and users who find news content on those websites.

On Wednesday, the Senate Rules Committee voted 3-2 along party lines to advance the bill to a full Senate vote. Its members did so after the bills chief sponsor, Sen. Khanh Pham, D-Portland, revised the proposed policy to address various legal concerns flagged by the Legislatures nonpartisan team of lawyers.

Leading up to the vote, those attorneys said several of their most substantial concerns have now been fixed. Still, they said this type of complicated policy is relatively untested and could face a successful legal challenge if passed.

Democratic lawmakers who voted to advance the bill said they were pleased to see a more carefully-vetted proposal move forward. They said the possibility of a legal challenge was not enough to deter them from passing the policy.

It seems to me almost impossible to make a significant policy change, where huge sums of money are involved, without court challenges, said Sen. Jeff Golden, an Ashland Democrat. If lawmakers always avoided passing bills because of potential legal battles, he said, we probably wouldnt pass legislation of any substance.

Republicans, meanwhile, said they remain concerned about any potential court challenges. Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham of The Dalles said he is also concerned that tech companies will retaliate in response to the bill, hurting local, independent publishers.

I still do have concerns, Bonham said Wednesday. With legal questions still on our minds, are we passing this bill hoping that it goes to the courts, and were using this bill to test the courts? Thats what it feels like to me, and I dont support that.

The latest version of the bill would incentivize large tech companies to sign agreements with Oregon news publishers in order for them to access, aggregate, or distribute news content on their platforms. Under those agreements, companies would agree to pay individual publishers a certain amount of money for profiting off of their news content.

Instead of entering those agreements, tech companies could choose to pay all Oregon news publishers a collective annual sum for two years that would be divvied out to newsrooms that generate local news content. That provision would require companies of Googles magnitude to pay $104 million annually and companies of Metas size to pay $18 million.

The majority of the revenue from these payments would go to online news organizations that produce content for an Oregon audience and would be allocated based on the number of journalists they employ. Publishers would be required to spend most of that money on journalists salaries.

Another 10% of revenue would go to a newly-established consortium hosted at the University of Oregon that would fund grants to local publishers and news startups, particularly in rural areas. The consortium would also support new journalism jobs and fund media training programs.

Tech companies could also choose not to pay publishers at all. They could opt to restrict news content on their platforms, as Meta has previously threatened to do, or could continue monetizing news content without any agreements and face the possibility of lengthy legal battles and steep fines.

Attorneys for the Legislature said the newest amendment to the bill addresses the three largest legal concerns that were raised in earlier discussions. They said an earlier version of the bill likely would have violated several provisions in the Oregon Constitution, including a clause that prohibits the state from taking private property for public use.

The latest version of the bill provides more leeway for tech companies to enter agreements with publishers and allows them due process to challenge any arbitration rulings that determine the amount they owe.

Although 17 Democratic lawmakers and one Republican have endorsed or testified in support of the proposal, its unclear if it has momentum to pass the full Senate and House in the coming weeks. The legislative sessions constitutionally-mandated deadline is June 29.

Editors note: John Maher, president and publisher of The Oregonian/OregonLive, testified in support of Senate Bill 686. The Oregonian/OregonLive is a member of the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association, which supports the bill.

 Carlos Fuentes covers state politics and government. Reach him at 503-221-5386 or cfuentes@oregonian.com.

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Striking workers in Oregon will be limited to 10 weeks of unemployment benefits if lawmakers again OK a contentious proposal that underwent last minute changes this week.

Senate Bill 916 would change Oregons unemployment rules, allowing workers on strike to collect unemployment after a two week waiting period.

The hotly contested bill has the backing of powerful union groups and most Democrats, who argue that it levels the playing field between workers and employers in union negotiations by ensuring workers could still provide for their families if they go on strike. But it is opposed by Republicans, cities and school boards which argue it will be expensive to implement and will likely result in more frequent and longer strikes.

The bill has already passed both chambers. But on Tuesday, Senators slowed its progress with a technical vote. Four Democrats joined Republicans in saying the bill should be adjusted, including one who had previously supported it.

Senate President Rob Wagner sent the bill to an ad hoc six-member bicameral committee to find a compromise between the two chambers.

That committee gaveled in to consider how to change the bill three times but didnt actually hold any discussions on changing the policy before they finally met to vote on it in the evening. The committee convened Wednesday at 6 p.m. for the fourth time to adopt an amendment posted just an hour and a half earlier.

The amendment restricts striking workers to 10 weeks of unemployment, rather than the 26 week maximum allowed for other unemployed workers. The former version of the bill allowed striking workers to also collect up to 26 weeks.

Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham of The Dalles cast the sole no vote against the amendment. His Republican counterpart on the committee, Rep. Lucetta Elmer of McMinnville, was absent because she couldnt make it to the late evening meeting after the rounds of rescheduling.

Despite the new cap on unemployment, Bonham said he still couldnt support the bill. Bonham said he didnt know that the striking worker bill would be a huge draw on the states healthy unemployment fund, but that he still thinks that it will incentivize workers to strike.

Its too much to ask of the system and structure that we have in place, Bonham said.

The bill heads back to both chambers for final approval.

Obviously as someone who worked on this larger version of (the bill) I do feel like this is a massive compromise, Rep. Dacia Grayber of Portland, a bill sponsor said before she voted to adopt the amendment on Wednesday. Its not something Im entirely thrilled with.

Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430.
Oregon Department of Forestry Deputy Director Kyle Williams speaks during a 2025 briefing on the wildfire season. Oregon officials are expecting high risk in 2025, following a record setting year in 2024. Sami Edge

Last December, Gov. Tina Kotek called lawmakers into a special session to help Oregons fire agencies pay outstanding bills after a record wildfire season laid bare the consequences of the states long-standing juggling act to pay for fire response.

Lawmakers in both parties gave speeches about the importance of finding better ways to prevent and pay for wildfires as they approved a $218 million bailout to cover unpaid debts to contractors who fought Oregon fires. They urged one another to find a fix to the broken wildfire funding puzzle during the 2025 session.

Less than three weeks remain in that five-month session. And while lawmakers are working behind the scenes to generate a plan, they have not delivered a clear or public vision to fund wildfire mitigation and suppression in a more sustainable way.

The tick of the clock is really loud right now, Sen. Jeff Golden, an Ashland Democrat and staunch advocate for fire funding, said last week.

How did we get here?

Wildfire insiders have long known that the states funding mechanism for preventing and fighting wildfires is complicated and problematic.

The state draws wildfire funding from several places, including fees assessed on rural landowners, the state general fund and timber taxes. Prior to 2013, the Oregon Department of Forestry generally had enough money to cover the costs of fighting large emergency fires, which averaged less than $10 million a year, said Kyle Williams, the departments deputy director has said. In the decade since, the scale of those fires has surged  as has the cost. The five-year average to suppress and contain large wildfires, taking the huge bill from 2024 into account, is now upwards of $75 million per year for Oregons fire agencies.

The Oregon Forestry Department and Department of the State Fire Marshal routinely draw on their operational budgets to front emergency wildfire costs while they wait for repayment from the state and federal government, a system that lawmakers and fire agencies have said is unworkable.

The pressure that has built up around how we sustainably and durably fund our wildfire response programs is a decade plus in the making, Williams said.

That caught up to the agencies last year after a record wildfire season left the state with a more than $200 million budget hole. The 2024 fire season, which set a new record for nearly 2 million acres burned, was nearly five times more expensive than the 10-year average.

The landscape has literally changed, a legislative budget review says.

Lawmakers and state leaders have been well aware of the need for a new funding stream to combat wildfires for years. In 2019, Gov. Kate Brown created a wildfire council to look for a cohesive wildfire strategy; one of the councils suggestions was to find a better way to pay for it. Yet another task force on the topic, this one convened in 2024, has contributed to the funding conversation at the Legislature this year. It presented a collection of ideas for the state to come up with $280 million per biennium to fund wildfire efforts, none of which has yet been put to a substantive vote.

The clamor for the Legislature to come up with a stockpile of money for wildfire efforts may seem familiar. In 2021, following Browns task force and 2020s terrible wildfire season, lawmakers allocated $220 million from the general fund to make Oregons landscape more resilient to wildfire and shore up Oregons fire response.

That kickstarted several initiatives within state fire agencies. But the money didnt last. Hence the clamor for $280 million more for future funding cycles.

The 2024 wildfire funding task force has proposed lawmakers find $150 million a biennium to pay to suppress large fires, a figure based on the states five-year average cost. The other $130 million the task force said was necessary is primarily for fire readiness and mitigation, including $12 million for grants that help local fire districts hire firefighters and $10 million each for home hardening efforts and youth workforce programs that help clear flammable brush around rural homes in high risk areas.

As lawmakers debate whether and how to come up with that money, the 2025 fire season has started early  and the outlook is not good.

The forecast calls for above average temperatures and drought that will extend to the western side of the state. By August, all of Oregon and surrounding states are projected to be at above normal risk for wildland fire  which means that oft-shared firefighting resources will be stretched thin when the danger hits its peak.

Deputy State Fire Marshal Travis Medema, who has worked in wildland firefighting for three decades, said the regional outlook is as bad as hes seen it get in recent years: That does not forebode well.

If lawmakers find the $280 million that fire advocates are hoping for, Williams at the forestry department said the money could help right away. It could boost funds for early fire detection and for air support, in addition to funding fire prevention work that helps turn the Titanic long term.

What next?

House Speaker Julie Fahey said Monday that finding wildfire funding is a must do for the 2025 session.

Three bills are circulating that propose six potential funding options dreamed up by the wildfire funding workgroup that met before the 2025 session. One bill proposes withholding Oregons personal income tax kicker rebate to create an investment fund, then using interest from that fund to generate money for wildfires each biennium. Another would redirect money from Oregons lottery funds to pay for wildfire. And a third bill, House Bill 3940, contains the bulk of the funding options, which include diverting money from state reserves, using an insurance tax that normally goes into the general fund and adding a nonrefundable tax on Oregons bottles and cans.

It has been five weeks since the most recent hearing on any of those bills.

Whats more, several of the funding ideas have generated significant pushback. Republicans argue taking the kicker is untenable, and at least some of them would have to get behind the idea in order for it to achieve the requisite two-thirds majority needed to hold back any portion of the kicker. Environmentalists and many Democrats have mounted fierce opposition to the idea of taxing bottles and cans to pay for wildfire, and it appears theyll be successful in chasing that option out of contention. And Democrats have been vocal that they dont want to use already allocated revenue  like general fund or lottery dollars  to foot the bill for wildfires.

It would be a shame if we leave the building without a new source of funding for wildfires, Ashland Rep. Pam Marsh, a Democrat, said Monday. People are working hard to find out where we land on this, but it is not clear at the moment.

An idea that insiders say is floating to the top of the list of contenders comes from Malin Republican E. Werner Reschke. He wants to use the interest generated by Oregons Rainy Day Fund savings account to pay for wildfire. For the 2025-27 session, that interest is around $160 million  which gets lawmakers more than halfway to the $280 theyre looking for.

Reschke favors pulling more money out of the body of the Rainy Day Fund itself to cover the other half, though doing so would be complicated. The powerful co-chairs of the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee, who have flagged that theyre going to safeguard Oregons reserves in case the economic outlook worsens, would need to be convinced to give up, at minimum, the interest on the Rainy Day Fund, which currently rolls back into that savings account. That fund is projected to hit $1.9 billion as the 2023-25 biennium comes to a close.

My thinking is: We have enough money in our system right now. We dont have to ask taxpayers for more of their money, Reschke said.

On Monday, Fahey said that the House Revenue Committee that Marsh and Reschke sit on will likely unveil a plan for funding wildfire soon.

Gov. Tina Kotek, who has been urging lawmakers to work on this issue for months, said Monday that she was frustrated that the wildfire deliberations are not further along. She was still talking to lawmakers about solving the problem.

Im looking for bipartisan solutions here. It would be a terrible thing to end this session without dedicated funding, she told reporters on Monday. And its been unclear to me what (legislative budget writers) plan to do in their budget as well on this issue.

Last week, some lawmakers said they felt locked in a game of chicken. Golden, who has sponsored the Senate bill to hold back some or all of the kicker, was tweaking that bill while watching for news from the House, where any bills to raise revenue must originate. He told the Senate Revenue Committee at an April hearing on his bill that it should evaluate the viability of a House funding proposal before deciding on the kicker.

If the bill from the House has the kind of problems that some folks are describing, I want you to have the alternative that this bill offers, Golden said at the time.

Reschke, in the House, said he assumed there was some calculus behind stalling wildfire bills to see if Republicans might concede to hold back the kicker. He pointed to Senate Bill 83  a bill that would repeal a wildfire risk map and associated home hardening requirements  which has been stalled in the House Rules Committee instead of sent to a floor vote.

Im hoping that as we get closer to the deadline here that we do something, he said last week.

If lawmakers dont come up with a revenue stream for funding wildfire, theyll end up paying fire suppression bills out of the general fund anyway, just like they had to do last December, Reschke said.

Fahey said on Monday that shes not holding the wildfire map hostage, as Republican lawmakers suggest.

She argued that if lawmakers are going to repeal requirements for how Oregonians in high-risk areas must harden their home against wildfire, then she wants to see dedicated funding to support alternative fire prevention efforts.

Its not about holding anything hostage. Its about holding ourselves accountable to delivering that funding mechanism, she said. You cant take something away without a plan for whats replacing it.

Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430.
Cold Spring Creek flows from the base of Tamanawas Falls, a 109-foot waterfall found at the end of a two-mile hike on the east side of Mount Hood. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Its time to open nominations for the next category of The Oregonians Readers Choice Awards, and it might be my personal favorite: the best waterfall in Oregon.

My family moved to Oregon from the East Coast in 1992, and even having spent a fair amount of time in the Appalachian Mountains, all of the waterfalls here were like nothing I had seen before.

One of the first hikes we did was the Eagle Creek Trail. We were impressed by Punch Bowl Falls, and then Tunnel Falls was mind blowing. For years, when friends or family came to visit, wed take them to the Columbia River Gorge Waterfall Corridor, and I never tired of the trip.

Of course, there are plenty of falls outside of the gorge. Tamanawas Falls on Mount Hoods east side might be my favorite now. (But its so hard to choose!) And I need to plan a trip to the North Umpqua River waterfall corridor as soon as possible after reading outdoors reporter Jamie Hales recent story about the area.

But enough about what I think. We want to know what you think is the best waterfall in the state. Nominate your favorite Oregon waterfall for our Readers Choice Awards below. Nominations are open until 11:45 p.m. Monday, June 16, 2025. Well reveal the finalists on Wednesday, June 18 at oregonlive.com/readers-choice.

Nominations for the best Oregon waterfall
Rowena, the Columbia River community where a wildfire has destroyed homes and forced evacuations, is east of Mosier and west of The Dalles.

It is located in Wasco County, where the Sheriffs Office issued a Level 3 (go now) evacuation order Wednesday afternoon for people living by Rowena River Ferry Road, a stretch of Interstate 84 and U.S. 30 to Discovery Road.

Rowena is an unincorporated community of just over 100 residents, according to the latest census figures. It is about 5 miles west of the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum.

The community is across the Columbia River from Dougs Beach State Park in Washington.
Elouan, a portfolio of wines made in California with Oregon grapes, has been acquired by Stoller Wine Group in Dayton, Oregon. A brand that was once a thorn in the side of the Oregon wine industry and state regulators is coming home.

The announcement that Stoller had purchased the Elouan brand from Copper Cane Wines & Provisions in Rutherford, California, was officially made June 12 in a news release. Copper Cane was founded in 2014 by Joseph Joe Wagner, a fifth-generation Napa Valley winemaker who said his goal for Elouan was to make Oregon wines with a hint of California influence.

Wagner said in a telephone interview that the idea to sell Elouan started two years ago, as they were about to add a new entry-level brand called Threadcount. Wagner said that Threadcount would tie in with Copper Canes more upscale Quilt & Co. brand.

Elouan just didnt have a tie-in like that, but it was still an important part of the business, Wagner said.

Another primary reason triggering Elouans sale, according to Wagner, was the growing cost of trucking grapes from Oregon to California. Trucking and fuel costs were ever-increasing, and the dry ice used to pack the fruit was becoming harder to source and significantly more expensive, as well.

Even our management from afar costs were increasing, Wagner said, so we decided to see if we could find a good fit for Elouan in Oregon. Wagner said he was thrilled that Stoller purchased Elouan, calling them a born and bred Oregon company.

The sale adds Elouan to a Stoller wine portfolio that includes Stoller Family Estate, Chehalem Winery, Chemistry, Stoller Swing and History labels. By adding the Elouan wines to their portfolio, Hannah Guth, communications coordinator for the Stoller Wine Group, said Stollers total annual case production will grow from 170,000 to 300,000.

Most of that addition is due to Elouans pinot noir, which, according to Gary Mortensen, president of Stoller Wine Group, is the No. 3 selling pinot noir from Oregon across the country.

Mortensen added that Stoller hopes to leverage Elouans extensive distribution network to get Stollers wines into the hands of more consumers.

But is making a significant purchase like this a prudent move given the current precarious state of the American wine industry? Acquiring an asset in a down market has its risks, but were bullish on Oregon, Mortensen said.

In addition to gaining distribution with Elouan wines, Mortensen said that the purchase allowed the Stoller Wine Group to scale up production without having to alter the nature of the other brands in the portfolio.We now get to increase output, and Stoller gets to be Stoller, and Chehalem gets to be Chehalem, Mortensen said.

Mortensen added that acquiring Elouan dovetails with the Stoller Wine Groups relatively quiet acquisition of Coles Valley Vineyard in the Umpqua Valley in 2023. The vineyard is near many of Copper Canes Oregon fruit sources, leading Mortensen to state that purchasing Elouan almost magically sort of overlaps in that we could use this 300-acre vineyard to power, internally, our Elouan production.

Elouan first hit the Oregon wine industrys radar in 2017 with wine labels and marketing materials that mentioned specific Oregon American Viticultural Areas, or AVAs, such as the Willamette Valley. In 2018, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) argued that Elouans listing of specific Oregon AVAs violated state and federal labeling laws.

Rep. David Gomberg, Oregon House District 10, with an early Elouan case box improperly displaying three AVAs simultaneously. Michael Alberty/For The Oregonian

A Fred Meyer display featuring Elouan wines and Copper Cane owner Joe Wagner. Michael Alberty/For The Oregonian

Those laws state that when grapes are taken across the Oregon state line to make wine in another state, a company such as Copper Cane is required to use a generic Oregon on its label to describe its appellation of origin.

The OLCC argued that these violations justified revoking Copper Canes wine licenses. Instead of appealing the decision, in 2021, Wagner decided to settle by paying a $50,000 fine without admitting guilt.

We certainly had some dramatic moments with a few producers and the OLCC, Wagner said. Maybe we should have thought about selling back then. But we persevered and made it work. Elouan on-premise sales are strong, and retail sales have been expanding. We left a lot of meat on the bone.

Does Wagner think he will ever launch another Oregon project? We have no plans for that. We learned a lot of lessons along the way. Now I think were better suited for doing what we do best in California, Wagner said.

With Stollers acquisition, Mortensen said that beginning with the 2025 harvest, Elouan wines will be produced entirely in-state, hopefully making Elouan an Oregon icon.

This article was updated to include comments from two of the principals in the sale.

-- Michael Alberty writes about wine for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. He can be reached at malberty0@gmail.com.
WASHINGTON  More than $6 million in public broadcasting funding in Oklahoma could be at risk following a vote by the House Appropriations Committee Wednesday.

More than $1 million of that is for the states NPR stations, including KGOU in Norman, KOSU in Oklahoma City, KWGS in Tulsa, KCCU in Lawton, KUCO in Edmond and KCNP in Ada, which is owned by the Chickasaw Nation.

The cuts, part of an effort by some to defund public media, is part of a group of cuts called a rescission package aimed at canceling more than $9 billion in appropriated but unspent money, of which $1.1 billion was appropriated for the Corporation for Pubic Broadcasting.

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The party line vote, joined in by Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-Moore), now moves to the full House for a vote, which could come as early as Thursday.

If it passes, the Senate will have 25 days to act. According to the Senate parliamentarian, that evaluation period could end on July 18.

The White House formally submitted the rescission proposal on June 3 aimed at eliminating $9 billion in unobligated federal spending. Under the Rescissions Act, Congress has 45 days to act on the proposal once its received. A key part of the package would rescind $1.1 billion in advance funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This funding supports PBS and NPR.

For over 50 years, CPB has received its funding two years in advance to give stations financial stability and the ability to plan ahead. The current proposal would not only eliminate future funding but also take back money that has already been approved, which would break from this long-standing precedent.

KGOU General Manager Dick Pryor said the station received $166,000 last fiscal year from CPB through a Community Service Grant. This direct payment supports news coverage, public programming, and emergency alert services.

In addition to direct funding, CPB also supports satellite services that enable stations like KGOU to receive programming via satellite connections with NPR and other stations. CPB manages and pays for music licensing rights as well, which is crucial for broadcasting music legally.

Another key benefit of CPBs funding is the satellite interconnection system that links public radio stations, allowing them to share emergency alerts. This capability enables KGOU to broadcast important emergency information to the public promptly.

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Pryor emphasized that if CPB funding were rescinded, the total cost to replace these benefits, including direct funding and services like satellite connections and licensing, would exceed $295,000 annually for KGOU.

During the debate, Sen. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) emphasized that cutting funding would improve accountability for public broadcasting.

The public broadcasting act of 1967 mandates that all public broadcasting must demonstrate strict adherence to objectivity and balance in all programs. Theres a myriad of statistical studies that prove they are not, Foxx said.

PBS made 162 references to the far right versus only six references to the far left. Perhaps the most damning to NPR is the fact that they had to utilize a $1.9 million federal grant to improve objectivity and diverse viewpoints last year, she said.

Sen. Dan Goldman (D-NY) defended public media, saying it plays a critical role in national emergency response.

Twenty states list NPR in their emergency response plans. This infrastructure is essential for emergency alerts, geo targeted text messages and first responder communication, Goldman said. If you vote no, we can work together on funding for public broadcasting.

While KGOU primarily serves the Oklahoma City metro area, its broadcast reaches 36 counties across Oklahoma, many of which are rural. Pryor expressed uncertainty about whether they will be able to maintain service to these rural areas if funding is cut. Unlike KGOU, many smaller rural stations rely on a larger share of their revenue from CPB, so those stations will face even greater challenges. KOSU primarily serves central and northeastern Oklahoma.

Its so important for us to be able to maintain service and capability to provide news, information, emergency alerts, severe weather warnings, any kind of emergency notifications from the President, Pryor said.

Its so important for us to be able to do that throughout the state, throughout our listening area, because many of those, those rural counties, cities, live in news deserts where there isnt really any other source of information.

Gaylord News is a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. For more stories by Gaylord News go to gaylordnews.net.
An Oakland County judge denied new trials for the parents of Oxford school shooter Ethan Crumbley, concluding that the couple each had fair trials beforehand.

The decision comes despite prosecutors intentionally withholding from the defend secret agreements it struck with two key witnesses who testified against them. When Oakland County Circuit Judge Cheryl Matthews decided on June 11, 2025, he expressed concern with the prosecution not disclosing the agreements.

Oxford Shooter's Parents Denied New Trials

While the judge added that the lack of disclosure by the prosecution, which is mandatory, was disturbing, he concluded that their actions did not "rise to the level" to justify new trials. He emphasized that given the significant evidence against the shooter's parents, they still would have likely been convicted.

The Crubmleys made headlines last year after a jury held the parents responsible for the Oxford High School shooting massacre on Nov. 30, 2021. The attack was carried out by their 15-year-old son, according to the Detroit Free Press.

The couple had been trying to get their involuntary manslaughter convictions dismissed or get new trials. For a long time, Oakland prosecutors argued that they engaged in no misconduct, adding that the Crumbleys were convicted fairly.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald made history when she held the first parents in America criminally liable for a mass shooting that their child committed. She also praised the judge for her decision in the case.

A Tragic School Shooting

The development comes as the Crumbleys are serving 10-year prison sentences after being convicted in their original trial. They had no knowledge of their teenage son planning to carry out a mass shooting at Oxford High School in 2021, the Associated Press reported.

However, the parents were accused of failing to lock a firearm at home as well as ignoring their son's mental health needs, which many believe contributed to him committing the heinous act. They did not take their son home on the day of the shooting when school officials confronted them with his drawing of a gun, blood, and dark messages.

Following the judge's decision to not give the Crumbleys new trials, McDonald said that the case has always been about justice for the victims. They were identified as Madisyn Baldwin, Tate Myre, Hana St. Juliana, Justin Shilling, and several others.

The prosecutor added that Matthews' ruling made it clear that no issue that the defense raised would have affected the outcome of the trial or the jury's verdict, as per CBS News.
The suspect in the Austrian school shooting was found to be a 21-year-old former student who reportedly discarded plans to detonate a pipe bomb and wrote a "farewell" letter to his parents before the attack.

The incident resulted in the death of at least 10 people, including several students and a teacher as well as the shooter who shot himself inside a restroom. The gunman was later identified as Arthur A and believed to have built a pipe bomb.

Austria School Shooter Wrote Farewell Letter

Officials said that they also found a suicide note where he told his parents that had acted and carried out the attack of his "own free will." The shooter was revealed to have left the school two years ago without finishing his studies.

In his farewell letter, he apologized to his parents and older siblings but did not reveal his reasons for carrying out the shooting. The incident has been described as the worst in Austria's post-war history, according to The Guardian.

At the time of the attack, many students were taking their exams as eyewitnesses described how the gunman fired through classroom doors using the shotgun that he brought and later used a handgun to directly shoot other victims.

When the shooting first started, teachers told students to lie flat on the floor and barricade themselves in their rooms, using chairs to block the doors to keep the gunman from entering. Police arrived at the school after receiving a call from a nearby resident who heard gunshots.

The Gunman's Background

On top of the fatalities, 11 other people, aged between 15 and 26, were injured but are not in critical condition. Police officials said that the shooter was originally born in Styria and was living with his single mother in the Graz-Umgebung District, BBC reported.

The suspect's father, who was found to be of Armenian origin, had not been living with the boy and his mother since the couple separated. Officials said that the gunman legally owned two firearms which he used in the attack, adding that they will be forensically examined.

When talking about the farewell letter that the gunman wrote, Franz Ruf, the public security director at Austria's Interior Ministry, said it was in analog and digital forms. He was also asked whether the shooter attacked the victims randomly or targeted them specifically.

The official answered by saying that this was also something that they are currently investigating, noting they do not want to speculate about the case, as per the Manila Bulletin.
Archbishop Jose Gomez is not a stranger to speaking on immigration issues. As Archbishop of Los Angeles while the press shows protests and riots in the city, he has issued the statement below.

I echo the sentiments of the Archbishop, that Congress has failed to pass immigration reform for forty years. This system, leads so many to seek to cross our borders illegally. I feel like a broken record explaining to people who yell, let them get in line! they need to come here legally! that there is no line for the vast majority of immigrants who greatly contribute to our nation.

Even in little Savannah, Georgia where I am pastor, immigration enforcement has been swift in the past two weeks. Despite what one may hear, immigration is not only targeting people with criminal backgrounds  everyone is being rounded up in the area. Despite cries that immigrants are milking the system, most of the raids have been at construction sites. Immigration agents are scouting areas where latinos gather, including churches. The local press reports nothing.

Now, the statement:

June 6, 2025

I am troubled by todays immigration enforcement raids in Los Angeles, and I am praying for our community. I pray tonight that everyone involved will exercise restraint and calm.

We all agree that we dont want undocumented immigrants who are known terrorists or violent criminals in our communities. But there is no need for the government to carry out enforcement actions in a way that provokes fear and anxiety among ordinary, hard-working immigrants and their families.

Again, I urge Congress to get serious about fixing our broken immigration system that leads so many to seek to cross our borders illegally.

Other nations have a coherent immigration policy that respects the natural rights of people to emigrate in search of a better life and also ensures control of their borders. America should too. Its been almost 40 years since the last reform of our immigration laws. Thats too long and its time to do something about that.

May Our Lady of Guadalupe continue to watch over her children and pray for America.

Picture from public domain. Taken from here.
On February 10th, 2020, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Solar Orbiter space probe from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Over five years later, Solar Orbiter has now delivered photos of the Suns south pole for the first time ever. These are the worlds first images of the south pole of our Sun taken by a man-made space probe.

The images were taken on March 16th and 17th of this year, but ESA has only now published them. The poles of the Sun have been largely unexplored until now, and no space probe has ever seen them before, writes the ESA. Solar Orbiters trajectory was recently inclined by 17 degrees to the solar equator, allowing brand-new measurements from a unique perspective for the first time.

At the time of the flyby, the probe had a clear view of the south pole and the probes viewing angle to the Sun was around 15 degrees below the solar equator. With the Sun currently at solar maximum of its 11-year activity cycle, there was a lot to see during the flyby. ESA puts it this way: At the south pole, the Suns magnetic field is currently a mess. While a normal magnet has a clear north and south pole, the PHI instruments magnetic field measurements show that both north and south polarity magnetic fields are present at the Suns south pole.

The sun is very active right now, with violent bursts of radiation and particles. Many dark sunspots (i.e., areas with a particularly strong magnetic field) can be seen on the surface. By observing the poles and the magnetic activity, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of solar activity and the solar cycle.

This collage shows Solar Orbiters view of the Suns south pole on March 16 and 17, 2025, from an angle of about 15 degrees below the solar equator. ESA & NASA/Solar Orbiter/PHI, EUI & SPICE Teams

It isnt possible to see the poles of the Sun from Earth or space probes unless you look at them from the plane in which the planets orbit the Sun. Only the Ulysses space probe flew over the solar poles between 1990 and 2009, albeit from a very large distance and with no cameras on board that could take photos. Only Solar Orbiter now has an unobstructed view of the south pole with the appropriate recording equipment.

Solar Orbiter will fly over the north and south poles three more times by the end of 2026. The researchers then expect to be able to recognize changes in the polar magnetic field on the images.
Pictured is a Giant Eagle store. The company has identified 47 of the 78 Rite Aid stores where it purchased prescription files.

A Pennsylvania grocer has purchased the prescription files of 78 Rite Aid locations.

Giant Eagle has announced that the locations are across Pennsylvania and Ohio, and has disclosed where the first 47 prescription file transfers have taken place or will take place. All 47 of the stores it disclosed so far are in Pennsylvania.

The company said last month it expects to close on the purchase of the prescription files in waves during the month of June.

In two locations, Giant Eagle will assume operations of the existing Rite Aid pharmacies immediately following Rite Aids planned departure. Those two locations havent been identified yet.

Giant Eagle said it is proactively reaching out to affected Rite Aid customers.

Were excited to welcome new patients to our Giant Eagle Pharmacy, Bill Artman, president and CEO of Giant Eagle, said in a news release. We pride ourselves on running a nationally recognized pharmacy and drugstore business where our licensed pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are committed to delivering trusted, personalized care. When paired with the value and convenience of our drugstore and supermarket offerings, were proud to provide a comprehensive, one-stop shopping experience.

To support new and existing Giant Eagle Pharmacy patients, the company said it is actively expanding its pharmacy staff. Those interested in applying can go to jobs.gianteagle.com.

Rite Aid customers can move their prescriptions to any store they choose. However, retailers often buy prescription files in hopes of obtaining new customers.

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.

In addition to Giant Eagle, other buyers of Rite Aids prescription files include CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Albertsons, Kroger, and Weis.

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.

These are the 47 transfers that Giant Eagle has identified so far:
A Rite Aid store in York County is on the companys latest list of closings.

The store at 4135 N. George St., Ext., in Manchester Township, is closing, the chain said in a bankruptcy filing on Friday. More than 200 stores are on the latest list.

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 stores are in addition to the 497 stores that Rite Aid 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 Rite Aid stores, more than 1,200, 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.

This store in Manchester Township is one of 13 Rite Aid stores in recent years to close or are closing. Rite Aid has also announced closings in recent years in Fairview Township, Hanover, West York. Newberry Township, Hopewell Township, Dover Township, Penn Township, Carroll Township, Jackson Township, Springettsbury Township, York Township and York.
Lancaster County police arrested two men Wednesday in connection with a Tuesday morning armed robbery at a convenience store.

Donnell Rhodes, 24, of Harrisburg, and Jachai Daniels, 25, of Columbia, were arrested Wednesday by Columbia Police, Harrisburg Police and the United States Marshals Service.

Rhodes and Daniels were wanted in connection to an armed robbery at the JK Mart, located on the 800 block of Lancaster Avenue in Columbia.

According to a Tuesday police report, the two men entered the JK Mart around 8:25 a.m. and stole merchandise and cash while damaging store property.

Columbia Police responded to the area around 9 a.m. Tuesday. Anyone with security cameras in the area is asked to review their footage for that period.

Anyone with information regarding the robbery should contact Columbia Police at 717-684-7735 or submit a tip to CrimeWatch.

Charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery are currently pending against both men. Court documents were not immediately available Wednesday night.
A 24-year-old Harrisburg man arrested Wednesday in connection with an armed robbery in Lancaster County was also wanted for a shooting last month, according to police.

Donnell Rhodes, 24, and Jachai Daniels, 25, were arrested by Harrisburg police, Columbia police and U.S. Marshals after investigators said they robbed a convenience store in Columbia on Tuesday morning.

Harrisburg Police on May 29 charged Rhodes with criminal attempted homicide and related offenses stemming from a May 10 shooting that hospitalized a 22-year-old woman for 11 days.

The shooting, which took place on North Second and Pine streets around 2 a.m., started after strangers bumped into each other on the street.

The victim used pepper spray to stop Rhodes from approaching her, but accidentally sprayed herself too.

As I was wiping my eyes, he was already turning around with his hand in his fanny pack, the woman told PennLive during an interview. I seen the guy and then, boom. It was so fast. In a matter of seconds, he shot me.

The woman said the bullet went through the left side of her abdomen, hit her intestines, injured her colon and fractured her pelvis.

Columbia Police charged Rhodes with robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery in connection to the armed robbery, while Harrisburg Police charged him with criminal attempted homicide, aggravated assault and various firearms offenses.

Daniels, of Columbia, is also facing charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery in the JK Mart armed robbery.

Staff writer Zahriah Balentine contributed to this report.
Two former U.S. postal workers have been charged with stealing over $80 million in U.S. Treasury checks. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) AP

Two former U.S. postal workers have been charged with stealing over $80 million in U.S. Treasury checks.

Tauheed Tucker, 23, and Saahir Irby, 27, both of Philadelphia are charged with charged with conspiracy to steal government funds, theft of government funds, and mail theft, the U.S. Attorneys Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, said in a press release on Wednesday.

In addition, Cory Scott, 25, of Ardmore and Alexander Telewoda, 25, of Clifton Heights, have also been charged.

According to an indictment, between June 2023 and September 2024, Irby and Tucker stole thousands of envelopes containing U.S. Treasury checks from mail sorting machines at the USPS Philadelphia Processing and Distribution Center, where they both worked.

The pair then removed the checks and sold them to Scott and Telewoda, who would then advertise the stolen checks on the instant-messaging app Telegram, a press release from the U.S. Attorneys office said.

After getting paid, Scott and Telewoda would mail the checks to buyers across the U.S., who would then attempt to cash them.

The total value of the checks stolen exceeds $80 million according to the press release. Irby is also charged in a separate instance of mail theft involving Treasury checks that were stolen in August 2024.

Irby faces a maximum possible sentence of 25 years imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine. Tucker, Scott, and Telewoda each face a maximum possible sentence of 20 years imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $750,000 fine.
A former York County Regional Police officer was charged with 32 counts of unlawful use of a computer after a search warrant revealed he used a law enforcement database to contact women for dating purposes and his sexual gratification.

Pennsylvania State Police on Tuesday charged Sean D. Lake, 32, of Dover, after an investigation found he misused the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) between October 2022 and October 2024.

CLEAN is Pennsylvania law enforcements conduit to the National Crime Information Center, the FBIs National Crime Information Center and the International Justice and Public Safety Information Sharing Network, according to state police.

Lake was first granted access to the CLEAN in July 2020, while he was working with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Since then, he has had access through the Lower Windsor Township Police and York County Regional Police.

On Sept. 21, 2023, Lake was granted CLEAN access through the YCRPD until it was barred on Jan. 9, 2025, the affidavit said.

Police said Lake queried CLEAN with the names or personal vehicle registrations of women he met before contacting them through Facebook, Snapchat or text messages. Five of the women told police they never encountered Lake in a law enforcement setting.

Several women reported concerning interactions with Lake after he accessed their information.

One woman, a former sheriffs deputy in York County, said Lake looked up her personal vehicle registration after he processed arrests at the York County Booking Center, where her vehicle was parked.

When the sheriffs deputy asked Lake how he found her Facebook profile, he said he looked up her license plate and could get in trouble for doing so.

Another woman said she exchanged phone numbers with Lake after meeting him in the parking lot of a local bar on Aug. 14, 2024. The next day, Lake ran CLEAN queries for the womans name, the search warrant said.

Lake also sent a Snapchat picture of the womans apartment complex, saying he was working and asking if she was home.

The second woman posted in a local Facebook group for women to discuss if they were dating the same person. Two different women messaged her and said they had negative experiences while dating Lake.

Those two women both told investigators they met Lake while he was stocking fish as a member of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Lake searched CLEAN for the third woman in October 2022, the search warrant said. She said she was in a relationship with Lake for two months shortly after they met, but noted that Lake never interacted with her in a law enforcement capacity.

The fourth woman  who was queried in CLEAN on Feb. 2, 2024  said she dated Lake for several months around May 2023. The woman ended the relationship after she discovered Lake secretly recorded them during sexual intercourse, the search warrant said.

When the woman confronted Lake about the video, he said recording sex was something that guys do, and he sends the videos to his friends.

The search warrant said it is possible that Lake recorded sexual intercourse with other women without their knowledge and shared the videos with his friends.

Of the 32 database queries, Lake searched for 19 people on CLEAN, whom he then also interacted with or directly messaged on Facebook, indicating the queries were not conducted in his capacity as a police officer, an affidavit said.

Lake, who had his bail set at $50,000, is scheduled to be arraigned in the York County Court of Common Pleas on July 10.
A Lancaster County mother and daughter were charged after police say they prompted a premature birth using abortion pills, then hid the death of the fetus by burying it in their backyard, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

The charges come three months after investigators exhumed the grave, based on a tip from the teen daughters friend. The birth occurred in May 2024.

Shannon Jones, 50, of East Donegal Township, was charged with third-degree felony endangering the welfare of children, and misdemeanor charges of corruption of minors and criminal conspiracy to conceal the death of a child, according to charging documents filed by Susquehanna Regional police. The felony charge stems from buying abortion medication online for her daughter against recommended instructions and without medical supervision.

Her teenage daughter, who was not named in court documents, was charged in juvenile court with concealing a childs death and abuse of a corpse, as the crimes occurred while she was a minor, the Lancaster County district attorneys office said.

Police began investigating in March after two people came to the police station to report an at-home abortion and burial in East Donegal Township. One of them shared photos taken by the juvenile showing the newborn with the umbilical cord still attached, lying in a white trash bag.

When police spoke with Jones and her daughter, the daughter told police she gave birth at home at age 17 and buried the baby in the backyard, but insisted she was in her first trimester at the time, the affidavit said.

Court documents said Shannon and her daughter were taken to the police station for further questioning while officers sought a search warrant for their home.

Jones pointed out where they had buried the fetus and the Lancaster County coroners office found disturbed soil near the backyard pool fence. They exhumed the grave, revealing only skeletal remains, the affidavit said, which was not enough physical evidence to show whether the baby was born alive, according to the DAs office.

The remains were consistent with a fetal age of 20 weeks, an age at which this fetus would not have survived outside of the womb, according to the county coroner. A full-term birth is about 40 weeks.

The crimes occurred after the teen was turned away for an abortion at Planned Parenthood visit because she was too far along for an abortion at that facility, court documents said.

The daughter reported Jones then bought an abortion medication online through a website called Plan C to terminate the unwanted pregnancy, as the daughter was not old enough to purchase them herself, police said.

Police searched Jones and her daughters phones, where they found messages between the two planning to use the abortion medication.

The daughter began taking the medication in the morning of May 9, 2024 and gave birth in the early hours of May 10.

About three weeks later, Jones sent her daughter a text message saying she was worried about their secret getting out to the teens dad or others.

Were either going to get arrested or Im gonna get divorced, Jones wrote, according to court records.

Pennsylvania bans abortion after 23 weeks, 6 days, however, many providers stop offering abortion earlier in pregnancy. The district attorney noted a homicide charge could only be supported if the Commonwealth could prove the baby was born alive.

But in this case, the Commonwealth would be unable to present any forensic testimony that the baby was born alive due to the gestational age and primarily because the corpse only consisted of skeletal remains, said Heather Adams. Movement described by the mother in text messages could be attributed to involuntary reflexes and tightening of muscles postmortem and are not determinative of a baby having been born alive.
He was the famous doctor on General Hospital who appeared in a 1984 Vicks Formula 44 cough syrup commercial and said the iconic phrase, Im not a doctor, but I play one on TV.

That was Chris Robinson. Sadly, the good-looking actor, who starred on the longtime soap as well as The Bold and the Beautiful, died on June 9 at the age of 86.

Robinsons death was announced by actor and musician MJ Allen  who starred with him in the 2022 film Just for a Week  on Facebook.

He peacefully passed in his sleep at his ranch near Sedona, Arizona, Allen shared of Robinson of Facebook. He had been in heart failure for some time, and [it] is his official cause of death.

He is remembered as Dr. Rick Webber on General Hospital and Jack Hamilton on The Bold and the Beautiful.

The veteran actor had a prolific career that spanned eight decades and had more than 100 credits under his belt, including his starring role as World War II bomber pilot on the 1967 ABC drama 12 Oclock High. But what had an everlasting effect on fans was his successful runs on General Hospital and The Bold and the Beautiful, which solidified his likeness as a household name.

As mentioned before, Robinson was the spokesperson for Vicks, he was dismissed from his contract because of his income tax evasion. The role then went to Peter Bergman, who went on to portray a doctor on the long running, daytime soap, All My Children.

As a teenager, the Florida native began his career in 1957 with an uncredited role in the crime drama The Midnight Story. After three other low-budget early films  Beast From Haunted Cave (1959), The Diary of a High School Bride (1959) and Because Theyre Young, (1960)  He turned to television and appeared in episodes of the western Colt 45 and the drama anthology Zane Grey Theatre (1960).

Other notable credits include Another World, Murder, She Wrote, Fantasy Island, The Dream Merchants, Primus, Insight and more.

Robinson is survived by his wife of 14 years, artist Jacquie Shane-Robinson, sons Shane, Coby, Christian, Taylor, Christopher Robinson, Christopher Lance and adopted son, Robb Walker.

The beloved actor had 5 grandchildren.
Bruce Springsteen speaks to the audience during a concert with the E Street Band at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) AP

Bruce Springsteen is still out there touring the world, still ripping President Donald Trump to shreds.

The Boss made his latest stop in Berlin for a show on Wednesday, and the fine folks in Germany got to hear it first-hand.

The America that I love, the America that Ive sung to you about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration, Springsteen said. Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experiment to rise with us, raise your voices, stand with us against authoritarianism, and let freedom reign.

Springsteen did share a positive.

The America that Ive sung to you about for the past 50 years of my life is real, he said. And regardless of its many faults, its a great country with great people. And we will survive this moment.

Its the latest barb exchanged between the rock legend and the president.

Springsteen dropped a surprise EP late last month featuring six-tracks recorded in Manchester, England on May 14. Four of the tracks are songs. Two of the tracks are the speeches that Springsteen delivered to his audience about Trump.

Its great to be in Manchester and back in the UK, Springsteen told the crowd during his first show on last Wednesday. Welcome to the Land of Hope and Dreams Tour. The mighty E Street Band is here tonight to call upon the righteous power of art, of music, of rock and roll in dangerous times.

And that is when Springsteen really got into it.

In my home, the America I love, the America Ive written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration, he said. Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experience to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring.

Trump followed that by appearing to threaten Springsteen.

I see that Highly Overrated Bruce Springsteen goes to a Foreign Country to speak badly about President of the United States, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Never liked him, never liked his music, or his Radical Left Politics and, importantly, hes not a talented guy  Just a push, obnoxious JERK, who fervently supported Crooked Joe Biden, a mentally incompetent FOOL, and our WORST EVER President, who came close to destroying our Country.

If I wasnt elected, it would have been GONE by now! he continued. Sleepy Joe didnt have a clue as to what he was doing, but Springsteen is dumb as a rock, and couldnt see what was going on, or could he (which is even worse!)? This dried out prune of a rocker (his skin is all atrophied!) ought to KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country, thats just standard fare. Then well all see how it goes for him!

That has not deterred Springsteen from continuing to speak out.
Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing a paradox in its financial transformation. Mobile network coverage now extends to 84% of the population, yet only 25% are actively connected, leaving a 59% usage gap.

While the connectivity infrastructure is largely in place, hundreds of millions remain disconnected from the digital financial tools with this disparity highlighting a deeper issue: access alone is insufficient to drive financial inclusion. Ultimately, the challenge lies in adoption, education and trust.

Barriers to adoption

Despite extensive mobile network coverage, 45% of sub-Saharan Africans aged 15 or over were unbanked in 2021. Low digital literacy holds back many from accessing financial services, unfamiliar with interacting with mobile financial services and harbouring concerns about security and fraud, creating further hesitation. Without education on the benefits of adopting digital banking and the extensive security measures in place, users remain reluctant to move away from physical banking and payment processes.

Beyond literacy barriers, cultural factors also play a role. Trust in financial institutions remains low in some regions, with many preferring cash transactions due to familiarity and perceived reliability. Financial literacy campaigns must address these concerns directly, demonstrating the tangible benefits of digital banking while ensuring that services are designed to meet the needs of their intended users.

The role of fintechs in driving inclusion

Fintechs are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between infrastructure and adoption. Through novel digital financial platforms and targeted engagement, they can help drive greater financial inclusion by lowering barriers to accessing digital financial services.

A crucial starting point is education. Digital literacy programmes must be implemented at scale, ensuring that potential users understand how to initially set up a bank account and effectively navigate mobile banking platforms. Collaborations between fintechs, governments and NGOs can help bring financial education to underserved communities, increasing trust and confidence in digital financial services. One example is Sticitt in South Africa, which is partnering with schools to integrate financial literacy into the core curriculum. Sticitt is promoting financial independence; 51.2% of South Africans are unable to use a bank account without assistance, holding them back from effectively managing their finances.

Another important factor is innovation in product design. Fintechs are creating intuitive, low-cost and data-driven financial solutions tailored to the needs of those who are new to digital banking. Simplified user interfaces, voice-assisted transactions and offline capabilities can make mobile banking accessible even for those with basic mobile phones. Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) based banking solutions, which do not require internet access, have already proven effective in reaching users in low connectivity areas, addressing the 15% of the Sub-Saharan African population that still lacks access to any form of connectivity. By enabling essential financial transactions without the need for smartphones or data, USSD bridges this gap and ensures that even the most underserved communities can participate in the digital economy. Expanding and enhancing these offline solutions will be critical to increasing adoption and driving financial inclusion across the continent.

Trust-building initiatives must also be a priority, with fintechs and digital banks working to enhance security features while making fraud prevention measures more transparent. Partnering with local organisations to build credibility and provide tailored customer support will be essential in fostering confidence in digital finance.

Unlocking the benefits of financial inclusion

Addressing the usage gap is about more than just convenience, it is about unlocking economic opportunities for individuals and communities. When more people gain access to financial services, they are better equipped to save and manage their money effectively. This not only improves personal financial security but also drives broader economic development across the continent.

For small businesses and entrepreneurs, digital financial services provide a crucial lifeline. Access to digital payments, credit and business management tools allows small enterprises to grow and expand their reach. Fintech innovations, such as micro-loans and digital savings accounts, enable individuals to build financial stability without needing to visit a physical bank branch.

With digital financial services, both consumers and businesses gain 24/7 access to a wide range of financial products, eliminating the constraints of traditional banking hours and physical branch locations. In addition, digital finance expands consumer choice by offering access to a broader selection of financial products and service providers.

For governments and financial institutions, increasing digital financial adoption enhances economic stability. A digitally connected population improves the ease of distributing social benefits, facilitates better tax collection and reduces reliance on cash-based transactions. This, in turn, strengthens the financial system, making it more inclusive and resilient.

Turning connectivity into financial inclusion

Closing the usage gap in sub-Saharan Africa requires a multi-pronged approach. Digital literacy must be prioritised, ensuring that users understand the benefits and functionalities of digital financial services. Trust must also be built through transparent security measures, customer support and community-driven engagement strategies.

The mobile financial infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa is already in place, but the next step is ensuring that people are not just connected, but are actively engaged with digital financial services. By working together, fintechs, banks and policymakers can create a more inclusive financial landscape, one where mobile banking and digital wallets are not just available, but widely adopted and trusted. The potential for financial inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa is immense and the time to close the usage gap is now.

Drisha Kirkman is the Head of Programme Management and Sustainability at Paymentology.
Silento attends Chief Keef x Zaytoven GloToven Listening Party hosted by ASAP Bari on March 14, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)

Atlanta-based rapper Silento, 27, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.

The rapper, most known for his viral 2015 hit Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) pleaded guilty but mentally ill on June 11 to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and other charges in the 2021 killing of his cousin.
A shot of Raystown Lake. Could something far bigger than fish call it home? (Ron Shawley via Wikimedia Commons) Ron Shawley via Wikimedia Commons

Editors note: Welcome to the world of Paranormal PA, a PennLive series that delves into Pennsylvania-grown stories of spirits; cryptids; oddities and legends; and the unexplained. Sign up here to get our Paranormal PA newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Everyone gets just a little creeped out when theyre floating in a body of water by themselves.

Picture it: Youre in a lake or the ocean, alone. Maybe a deep river. Suddenly, youve become aware that the bottoms further away from your feet than you would like.

Before you know it, thoughts of all the things that might be squirming below you  or speeding at you from behind  surface in your brain.

Most of us have done this. Maybe even while in a pool for late at night swim (no, it doesnt make sense, but we all have our moments, ok?).

And if you happen to be taking a dip in Huntingdon Countys Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania, theres a chance something  something big  might really be wriggling its way in the water around you.

If you believe any of the stories, that is.

A person can be seen looking into the depths of Raystown Lake, purported home to one Raystown Ray. (Ron Shawley via Wikimedia Commons) Ron Shawley via Wikimedia Commons

As far as bodies of water go, Raystown Lake is pretty young.

A History of Juniata Valley and Its People: Volume 2 (1913) describes how Warren Brown Simpson together with his brother, George, sought to use the Juniata River to bring the power of electricity to their community. They did just that by constructing a dam and hydropower plant in 1906; and so, a smaller-than-it-is-today Raystown Lake was born.

According to the North Atlantic Division of the Army Corps. of Engineers in Water Resources Development in Pennsylvania (1981), the current Raystown Dam was constructed in 1968 under The Flood Control Act of 1962.

Named after Scottish trader and trapper Robert McRae  who the Army Corps website explains established a small trading camp near Bedford in the mid-18th century  the lake was eventually finished in 1973, becoming the biggest entirely in Pennsylvania.

Since then, Raystown Lake has drawn in tourists (and hundreds of thousands of dollars) seeking respite in its calming waters and gorgeous surroundings each summer. Species such as green trout, bronze bass, and barfish call the lake home year-round.

So, too, say some, does Ray.

A large shadow lurks in this old photograph of Raystown Lake. Could it be Ray? (photo provided by RaystownRay.com/Tim Lava) RaystownRay.com/Tim Lava

Chasing American Monsters: Over 250 Creatures, Cryptids & Hairy Beasts (2019) says that the first time Ray was spotted on-record was in 1962, not too long before engineers got to work on the new dam.

People were so freaked out by the weird, dark creature seen in the water that the annual Raystown Ski Club Water Show nearly cancelled the event.

Sleeping in Satans Den: Folk Stories and Scary Tales of Eastern Kentucky (2023) describes this thing as serpent-like, fifty to sixty feet in length. Other alleged witness accounts, according to Unexplained Phenomena: Fact or Fiction, Volume 6 (2024), swore theyd seen a huge fish with great, glowing eyes.

People wonder if Rays some sort of undiscovered species, or maybe even a dinosaur that somehow survived extinction, naturally leading to comparisons between Ray and his Scottish counterpart, Nessie. Some like to think that every weird ripple and inexplicable movement is Ray, making his presence known, says the Raystown Lake Region blog.

But people dont really seem to be frightened of Ray. It might even be safe to say hes become a beloved figure in the Raystown community, with someone on Yelp joyfully proclaiming Yay for Ray! in a review of the area.

Ray  just like the Squonk  even has a song attached to him. In it, hes described as not some barbarian but strictly vegetarian; a gentle giant thats timid and meek and means no one harm.

One of the songs writers, Bill Dann, once informed late PennLive writer Marcus Schneck that his own research into the friendly cryptid inspired these lyrics (although information about Rays eating habits seems to remain scant).

We agreed that Ray was a docile, gentle giant and should be portrayed as such, he said.

Which is a relief for anyone swimming in Raystown Lake, if true.

But naysayers say nay, as naysayers tend to do.

For one, Raystown Lake is manmade, they point out, which means that unless something emerged from underground, as some Redditor wrote, its highly unlikely a creature such as Ray couldve made its way in there. Plus, a cursory sonar search could very well put the matter to bed once and for all.

Im just gonna say it, I dont think the Raystown Lake monster is real because its a man-made lake, how else could any type of lathe animal get in because as we know most lake fishes are just dropped into the lake after the dam has been completed and the water rises, one Reddit user wrote in the Cryptozoology sub before adding: Even if it is real how could the authorities get their hands on such a creature?

Then theres the fact that Ray has some money attached to him: Others claim that the cryptid might just be a tourism gimmick, nothing more.

I live about 20 minutes away from Raystown Lake by car, and have been told by a credible source (who works for one of the newspapers in the area) that Ray was absolutely made up by the Chamber of Commerce as a grab for tourist dollars (color me unsurprised, both given the nature of humans and the plausibility of a Nessie-type cryptid in a manmade lake), states another Redditor.

However, there are some credible reports of divers encountering large moving somethings in Raystown Lake. The one I always remember is a guy who said he wouldnt dive there again because the bottom [of the lake] moved when he swam over it. My guess would be a huge catfish or carp, both of which exist provably in the area.

Still, if Ray truly does exist, he doesnt appear to have been very active as of late: The last Ray sighting published on the Raystown Ray website is from September 2022.

I saw a dark shape moving in the water at least 50 yards out, the report reads. At first glance I thought it was a beaver because Ive seen beavers swimming multiple times, but it wasnt moving like a beaver.

I pointed it out to my coworker and we watched it breaching the surface. What appeared to be its head was swaying back and forth side to side.

So, if youre swimming in Raystown this summer and see the bottom move, dont fret: Remember, Ray is a gentle soul. A meek soul. A vegetarian.

Or tell yourself its just a catfish.
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., is pushed out of the room as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem holds a news conference regarding the recent protests in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent) AP

By Krysta Fauria, Michael R. Blood and Lisa Mascaro, The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES  Democratic U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla on Thursday was forcefully removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems news conference in Los Angeles and handcuffed by officers as he tried to speak up about immigration raids that have led to protests in California and around the country.

Video shows a Secret Service agent on Noems security detail grabbing Padilla, who represents California, by his jacket and shoving him from the room as he tried to interrupt the DHS secretarys event.

Im Sen. Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary, he shouted in a halting voice.

Scuffling with officers outside the room, he can be heard bellowing, Hands off! He is later seen on his knees and then pushed to the ground and handcuffed in a hallway, with several officers atop him.

The shocking scene of a U.S. senator being aggressively removed from a Cabinet secretarys news conference prompted immediate outrage from his Democratic colleagues. Images and video of the scuffle ricocheted through the halls of Congress, where stunned Democrats demanded an immediate investigation and characterized the episode as another in a line of mounting threats to democracy by President Donald Trumps administration.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said what he saw sickened my stomach.

We need immediate answers to what the hell went on, the New York senator said from the Senate floor. Its despicable, its disgusting, its so un-American.

In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said that Padilla chose disrespectful political theater and that the Secret Service thought he was an attacker. The statement claimed erroneously that Padilla did not identify himself  he did, as he was being pushed from the room.

Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers repeated commands, the statement said, adding that officers acted appropriately.

Emerging afterward, Padilla said he was removed while demanding answers about the Trump administrations increasingly extreme immigration enforcement actions. He said he and his colleagues had received little to no response to their questions in recent weeks, so he attended the briefing for more information.

If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question  I can only imagine what they are doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day laborers throughout the Los Angeles community, and throughout California and throughout the country, he said.

Noem told Fox LA afterward that she had a great conversation with Padilla after the scuffle, but called his approach something that I dont think was appropriate at all.

The White House accused Padilla of grandstanding.

Padilla didnt want answers; he wanted attention, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said. Its telling that Democrats are more riled up about Padilla than they are about the violent riots and assaults on law enforcement in LA.

The fracas in Los Angeles came just days after Democratic U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver was indicted on federal charges alleging she assaulted and interfered with immigration officers outside a detention center in New Jersey while Newarks mayor was being arrested after he tried to join a congressional oversight visit at the facility. Democrats have framed the charges as intimidation efforts by the Trump administration.

It also follows days of rising tension between Trump and Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom over the federal military intervention in California. In a speech earlier this week, the governor warned that democracy is under assault before our eyes.

Padilla, the son of immigrants from Mexico, has been a harsh Trump critic and his mass deportations agenda. In a social media post, he said of recent federal immigration raids in Los Angeles, Trump isnt targeting criminals in his mass deportation agenda, he is terrorizing communities, breaking apart families and putting American citizens in harms way.

Padilla in 2021 became the states first Latino U.S. senator when he was selected by Newsom to fill Kamala Harris Senate seat after she was elected vice president. At the time, Padilla was the states chief elections officer.

Harris wrote in a social media post Thursday that Padilla was representing the millions of Californians who are demanding answers to this administrations actions in Southern California. She called his forceful removal a shameful and stunning abuse of power.

Democratic senators quickly gathered in the chamber, denouncing the treatment of their colleague  a well-liked and respected senator  and urged Americans to understand what was happening.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said Trump is making this country look more and more like a fascist state.

Will any Republican senator speak up for our democracy? Warren pleaded.

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., is pushed out of the room as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem holds a news conference regarding the recent protests in Los Angeles, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (David Crane/The Orange County Register via AP) AP

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., accused Padilla of charging Noem and indicated that behavior rises to the level of a censure.

My view is it was wildly inappropriate, Johnson, a Trump ally, told reporters outside the House chamber as Democrats walking past shouted over him, Thats a lie!

A sitting member of Congress should not act like that, Johnson said, loudly speaking over reporters questions. Its beneath a member of Congress. Its beneath the U.S. senator.

Senate Republican leader John Thune said he wants to know the facts of the situation first.

Obviously we will have a response, said Thune, R-S.D., as he walked to his office at the U.S. Capitol. But I want to know the facts, find out exactly what happened.

Other Republicans had a more muted response, with some saying they had not yet seen the video.

The No. 2 Republican, Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, said he was unaware of what happened but said Padilla should have been at work in Washington.

The stark incident comes as Congress faces increasing episodes of encroachment on its authority. As a coequal branch of the U.S. government, the Trump administration is exerting its executive powers in untested ways.

As part of their work in Congress, lawmakers are responsible for providing oversight of the administration, its agencies and actions.

Several senators and representatives have been exercising their oversight roles by surveying the treatment of immigrants and others being detained as part of the Trump administrations mass deportation operation.

From the steps of the U.S. Capitol, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said what happened to Padilla was un-American and those involved must be held accountable.

This is not going to end until there is accountability and until the Trump administration changes its behavior, he said.

Mascaro reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Seung Min Kim in Washington and Jaimie Ding contributed to this report.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, flanked by Bryn MacDonnell, left, acting chief financial officer at the Department of Defense, and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, fields questions on the Pentagon budget from the House Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP

By Lolita C. Baldor and Tara Copp, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to acknowledge that the Pentagon has developed plans to take over Greenland and Panama by force if necessary but refused to answer repeated questions at a hotly combative congressional hearing Thursday about his use of Signal chats to discuss military operations.

Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee repeatedly got into heated exchanges with Hegseth, with some of the toughest lines of questioning coming from military veterans as many demanded yes or no answers and he tried to avoid direct responses about his actions as Pentagon chief.

In one back-and-forth, Hegseth did provide an eyebrow-raising answer. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., asked whether the Pentagon has developed plans to take Greenland or Panama by force if necessary.

Our job at the Defense Department is to have plans for any contingency, Hegseth said several times.

It is not unusual for the Pentagon to draw up contingency plans for conflicts that have not arisen, but his handling of the questions prompted a Republican lawmaker to step in a few minutes later.

It is not your testimony today that there are plans at the Pentagon for taking by force or invading Greenland, correct? said Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio.

As Hegseth started to repeat his answer about contingency plans, Turner added emphatically, I sure as hell hope that is not your testimony.

We look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is secured from any potential threats, Hegseth responded.

Time and again, lawmakers pressed Hegseth to answer questions he has avoided for months, including during the two previous days of hearings on Capitol Hill. And frustration boiled over.

Youre an embarrassment to this country. Youre unfit to lead, Rep. Salud Carbajal snapped, the California Democrats voice rising. You should just get the hell out.

GOP lawmakers on several occasions apologized to Hegseth for the Democrats sharp remarks, saying he should not be subject to such flagrant disrespect. Hegseth said he was happy to take the arrows to make tough calls and do whats best.

Questions emerge on Signal chats and if details Hegseth shared were classified

Hegseths use of two Signal chats to discuss details of the U.S. plans to strike Houthi rebels in Yemen with other U.S. leaders as well as members of his family, prompted dizzying exchanges with lawmakers.

Hegseth was pressed multiple times over whether or not he shared classified information and if he should face accountability if he did.

Hegseth argued that the classification markings of any information about those military operations could not be discussed with lawmakers.

That became a quick trap, as Hegseth has asserted that nothing he posted  on strike times and munitions dropped in March  was classified. His questioner, Rep. Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat and Marine veteran, jumped on the disparity.

You can very well disclose whether or not it was classified, Moulton said.

Whats not classified is that it was an incredible, successful mission, Hegseth responded.

A Pentagon watchdog report on his Signal use is expected soon.

Moulton asked Hegseth whether he would hold himself accountable if the inspector general finds that he placed classified information on Signal, a commercially available app.

Hegseth would not directly say, only noting that he serves at the pleasure of the president.

He was asked if he would apologize to the mother of a pilot flying the strike mission for jeopardizing the operation and putting her sons life at risk. Hegseth said, I dont apologize for success.

Trumps speech at Fort Bragg raises Democratic concerns about politics in the military

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who appeared along Hegseth, was questioned about Trumps speech at Fort Bragg this week and whether the military was becoming politicized.

The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from participating in political activity while in uniform. Members of the 82nd Airborne Division were directed to stand behind Trump at Fort Bragg, and they booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden.

There also was a pop-up MAGA merchandise stand selling souvenirs to troops in uniform.

Caine repeatedly said U.S. service members must be apolitical but that he was unaware of anything that happened at Fort Bragg.

Hegseth is pressed about policies on women in uniform and transgender troops

Hegseth got into a sharp debate about whether women and transgender service members should serve in the military or combat jobs.

He said he has worked to remove diversity programs and political correctness from the military. He said he has not politicized the military but simply wants the most capable troops.

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., demanded to know if Hegseth believes that both men and women can pull a trigger, cause death, operate a drone or launch a missile.

It depends on the context, Hegseth said, adding that women carry equipment differently, a 155 round differently, a rucksack differently.

Hegseth, who has previously said women straight up should not serve in combat, asserted that women have joined the military in record numbers under the Trump administration. He said the military standards should be high and equal.

He was also asked about three female service members  now being forced out as part of the Pentagons move to ban transgender troops.

Hegseth agreed that their accomplishments  which Houlahan read out  were to be celebrated, until he learned they were transgender.

Republican lawmakers jumped to his defense, criticizing any Pentagon spending on gender transition surgery.

Democrats ask about plans for action against Greenland and Panama

President Donald Trump has said multiple times that he wants to take control of the strategic, mineral-rich island nation of Greenland, long a U.S. ally. Those remarks have been met with flat rejections from Greenlands leaders.

Greenland is not for sale, Jacob Isbosethsen, Greenlands representative to the U.S, said Thursday at a forum in Washington sponsored by the Arctic Institute.

In an effort not to show the Pentagons hand on its routine effort to have plans for everything, Hegseth danced around the direct question from Smith, leading to the confusion.

Speaking on behalf of the American people, I dont think the American people voted for President Trump because they were hoping we would invade Greenland, Smith said.

AP writer David Klepper in Washington contributed to this report.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, in this file photo, has vowed that he will not allow President Donald Trump to send troops into Pennsylvania unless he requests them. AP Photo/Marc Levy

Josh Shapiro has been paying attention to what is happening in California, and he said that wont be how things play out in the Keystone State around protests.

Pennsylvanias Governor sat down for an interview with The Washington Post on Wednesday and said that he will be ready if President Donald Trump attempts to send the military into Philadelphia as he has done in Los Angeles.
Nearly 2,000 events across the country protesting President Donald Trump are planned for this Saturday and central Pennsylvania will be a hotbed of activity.

The nationwide day of defiance by the No Kings movement dovetails with Trumps military parade in Washington, D.C., ostensibly to honor the Armys 250th birthday and Flag Day.

Critics, though, have mocked the event as a self-indulgent extravagance because it falls on Trumps 79th birthday.

No Kings said in a news release that it is committed to non-violence and is working with local organizers to ensure the events remain peaceful, a nod toward ongoing protests against ICE in Los Angeles that prompted Trump to deploy federal troops.

Army officials have estimated that the parade and related activities will cost between $25 million and $45 million, CBS News reported, as the Trump administration has slashed funding for myriad federal social programs.

At least one Republican lawmaker, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky compared the parade to what North Korea might do, telling Fox News that he has never been a big fan of goose-stepping soldiers in big tanks and missiles rolling down the street. So, if you ask me, I wouldnt have done it, according to the Independent.

A coalition of progressive groups has planned more than 1,800 protests, but organizers said they are purposely avoiding Washington, D.C. Information on events and links to RSVP are available here.

Donald Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isnt staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else, No Kings says on its website.

Instead of allowing this birthday parade to be the center of gravity, the group says, we will make action everywhere else the story of America that day: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption.

The major flagship march and rally will occur in Philadelphia, said No Kings, to draw a clear contrast between our people-powered movement and the costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade in Washington.

In central Pennsylvania, a number of protests are planned.

A map of events across the state is available here. This is a list of events in the region:

Harrisburg , 4:30 p.m. march from City Island and 5 p.m. rally at South Riverfront Park.

Lancaster , 11 a.m. to noon, at Binns Park

York , 10 a.m. to noon, at York Square.

Gettysburg , Noon to 1 p.m., at Lincoln Square.

Carlisle , 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Carlisle Square.

Hershey , 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Chocolate and Cocoa avenues.

Chambersburg , noon to 1 p.m., at Franklin County Court Administration building.

Mifflintown, 9:30 a.m. to noon, at the Juniata County Courthouse.

Lancaster event organizers said that more than 1,700 people have registered for that event on Saturday.
President Donald Trump has just a 38% approval rating from voters in a new national poll conducted by Quinnipiac University. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP

Over half of those surveyed in a new national poll disapprove of President Donald Trumps job performance and his handling of the Gaza conflict, Russia-Ukraine war, immigration and other issues.

The poll of 1,265 registered voters earlier this month by Quinnipiac University also found that 53% of voters oppose the mega-spending bill championed by Trump and passed by the GOP-controlled House.

Democrats and independent policy groups warn the bill, which the Senate is considering now, would gut Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and other social safety nets in favor of tax breaks for the wealthy.

Quinnipiacs poll has a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percentage points.

Republicans have denied that Medicaid will be reduced, but Democrats counter that the GOP bill would force nearly $800 billion in cuts over 10 years while SNAP could face over $200 billion in cuts.

CNBC reported that the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that 11 million people could lose healthcare coverage under the current bill and that another 4 million could lose coverage because the bill does not extend subsidies for the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.

On Thursday, the left-leaning Center for American Progress released a report that predicts over 400,000 Pennsylvanians would lose Medicaid coverage under the bill.

Sixty-seven percent of Republicans support the bill while 89% of Democrats and 57% of independents oppose it, the poll found.

Almost half of voters (47%) said federal funding for Medicaid should be increased compared to 40% who said it should remain the same and 10% who think funding should be reduced.

Even among Republicans, 56% said Medicaid funding should stay the same and 21% said it should increase, as 69% of Democrats support increasing funding and 27% said it should remain the same.

With Medicaids future as a healthcare safety net for millions suddenly uncertain, voters make it clear they want the 60-year-old program for those in need to be handled with care, said Tim Malloy, a Quinnipiac University polling analyst, in a statement.

Trump remains underwater with voters as 38% approved of his job performance and 54% disapprove, compared to 41% approval/53% disapproval in the universitys April poll.

Only 40% of voters have a favorable opinion of Trump while 53% have an unfavorable view.

Quinnipiacs poll found that voters disapprove of Trumps handling of several issues:

Immigration: 54% disapprove, 43% approve.

Deportations: 56% disapprove, 40% approve.

Economy: 56% disapprove, 40% approve.

Trade: 57% disapprove, 38% approve.

Universities: 54% disapprove, 37% approve.

Israel-Hamas conflict: 52% disapprove, 35% approve.

Ukraine-Russia war: 57% disapprove, 34% approve.

Malloy said the results show that Americans make it clear they have little appetite for the way the Trump administration is handling the situation in Ukraine.

Billionaire Elon Musk, who had an ugly public break with Trump, has just a 30% favorable rating with voters while 57% have an unfavorable opinion.

Musks so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) also received poor reviews from voters with 45% saying the work it has done was poor or not so good (12%), while 20% said excellent and 18% said good.

Quinnipiac said the poll showed declining support for Israel as 37% said their sympathies lie with it, while 32% said the Palestinians and 31% said they had no opinion.

Those results represent an all-time low for Israel and an all-time high for Palestinians since the university first asked voters the question in December 2001.

Nearly three-quarters of voters, 73%, said antisemitism is a serious problem with 38% saying its a very serious problem and 35% saying its a somewhat serious problem, as 16% said it is not a serious problem and 6% said it is not a problem at all.

With no end to the Israel-Gaza conflict in sight, Israels standing with voters slips significantly, Malloy said. At the same time, here in the U.S., there is broad empathy for victims of antisemitism.

Americans views of Congress continue to plummet, Quinnipiac said.

The latest poll shows just 21% percent of voters approve of congressional Democrats and 70% disapproved. In the schools February poll, Democrats had a 21% approval rating but 68% disapproved, which was the lowest since March 2009.

Republicans in Congress received a 32% percent approval rating and 61% disapproval, compared to February when Republicans had 40% approval and 52% disapproval, at the time the lowest since March 2009.
WILLIAMSPORT The State College Area School District has settled a suit in which it was accused of discriminating against parochial students and others in religious-based institutions by not allowing them to participate in extracurricular and co-curricular activities.

U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann Tuesday approved a consent order between SCASD and the non-profit Religious Rights Foundation of Pa. and parents of two students who attend parochial school but were not permitted to participate in district events.

The suit claimed the district allowed homeschooled and charter students to participate in extracurricular activities but not those from parochial schools.
WILLIAMSPORTThe Williamsport Area School District will provide legal representation for a suspended teacher it wants to terminate so he can defend himself in a related sexual harassment lawsuit.

The board Tuesday night approved retaining a Philadelphia law firm for Christopher Yoder in a suit brought by five former female students who claim they were victims of sexual misconduct.

Yoder was twice acquitted of criminal charges arising from the same alleged incidents. A district judge dismissed the charges in a third case following a preliminary hearing.
Motorists are reminded that nighttime lane restrictions will continue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on eastbound and westbound Route 30. PennDOT

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that ramp closures are planned for tonight (Thursday) and Friday night at the Centerville Road Interchange Improvement Project in East Hempfield Township, Lancaster County, for paving. Nighttime lane restrictions on Route 30 will continue, a press release said.

Weather permitting, the eastbound Route 30 off-ramp to Centerville Road and the on-ramp from Centerville Road to eastbound Route 30 will be closed from 8 p.m. Thursday, June 12, to 6 a.m. Friday, June 13.

Eastbound Route 30 traffic wishing to exit at Centerville Road should continue east to the Route 741 (Rohrerstown Road) Exit, then return west to exit at Centerville Road. Centerville Road traffic wishing to travel east on Route 30 should take westbound Route 30 to the Mountville Exit then head east on Route 30.

The westbound Route 30 off-ramp to Centerville Road and the Centerville Road on-ramp to westbound Route 30 will be closed from 8 p.m. Friday, June 13, to 6 a.m. Saturday, June 14. Westbound Route 30 traffic wishing to exit at Centerville Road should continue west to the Mountville Exit and then return east on Route 30 to Centerville Road. Centerville Road traffic wishing to travel west on Route 30 should take eastbound Route 30 to the Route 741 Exit, then head west on Route 30.

Motorists are reminded that nighttime lane restrictions will continue from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on eastbound and westbound Route 30.

These restrictions are being implemented so the contractor can pave the eastbound and westbound right lanes and shoulders and ramp tie-ins.

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes as delays are expected.

Motorists should be alert and drive with caution through the work zone.

This work is part of the Centerville Road Interchange Improvement project, which consists of structure replacement, Superpave overlay, base replacement, roadway widening, milling, guiderail improvements, drainage improvements, pavement markings, ADA improvements, traffic signal improvements, and other miscellaneous construction.

The project includes work on Centerville Road from Cornerstone Drive to Marietta Avenue (Route 23), and Marietta Avenue from Centerville Road to Stony Battery Road. The project is primarily located in East Hempfield Township, though the section from Cornerstone Drive to Columbia Avenue is in Manor Township.

JD Eckman, Inc., of Atglen, Pennsylvania, is the prime contractor on this $36.3 million project. Work is expected to be completed in August.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties at PennDOT District 8.
Artificial intelligence startups captured a record-breaking 57% of global venture capital funding in the first quarter of 2025, marking the highest concentration of investment in the sectors history, according to a comprehensive new report from BestBrokers.

The financial services research firms analysis reveals that AI and machine learning companies attracted $73.1 billion of the $126.3 billion in total venture capital invested during Q1 2025, underscoring the technology sectors dominant position in attracting institutional investment.

SoftBanks historic OpenAI investment

The quarters investment surge was headlined by SoftBanks unprecedented $40 billion investment in OpenAI, which propelled the AI companys valuation past $300 billion and established a new global record for the largest private technology investment to date.

AI has undergone exponential growth in recent years, becoming a foundational element across modern tech sectors, the BestBrokers report states. Substantial backing from major investors, including SoftBanks Vision Fund, Andreessen Horowitz, and Tiger Global Management, continues to fuel innovation and attract a new wave of entrepreneurs eager to tap into the potential of this transformative technology.

Investment concentration amid deal decline

Despite the record funding levels, the research reveals a stark contradiction in market dynamics. The total number of venture capital deals across all sectors fell to just 7,551 in Q1 2025the lowest level recorded in over a decadereflecting growing caution among investment firms toward startups lacking clear monetization pathways.

Within the AI sector specifically, venture capital firms completed 2,101 investments in artificial intelligence and machine learning startups, representing approximately 27.8% of all recorded deals. This marked the lowest number of AI-focused investments since Q4 2020, indicating that while funding amounts have surged, the number of companies receiving investment has contracted.

North American dominance in AI investment

The report highlights North Americas commanding position in the global AI investment landscape. North American venture capital firms were responsible for 1,056 of the 2,101 AI deals recorded globally, while contributing $65.3 billionan impressive 89.3% of the $73.1 billion invested worldwide in AI and machine learning startups during the quarter.

This geographic concentration reflects the continued dominance of Silicon Valley and other North American tech hubs in attracting both entrepreneurial talent and investment capital in the artificial intelligence sector.

Decade-long growth trajectory

The Q1 2025 figures represent the culmination of a decade-long investment trend that has fundamentally reshaped venture capital allocation. In 2015, AI deals represented just 8.6% of all venture capital-backed investments. By Q1 2025, that share had climbed to 27.8%, demonstrating the sectors growing prominence in the investment landscape.

Even more dramatic is the evolution in funding value concentration. While AI startups attracted 57% of global venture capital investment in Q1 2025, this represents a massive increase from historical norms, underscoring growing investor confidence in artificial intelligence technologies.

Market outlook and global projections

The investment surge occurs against the backdrop of explosive growth projections for the artificial intelligence sector. Industry analysts predict the global AI market will reach $4.8 trillion by 2033, providing a compelling investment thesis for venture capital firms seeking exposure to transformative technologies.

With AI companies constantly making headlines with their breakthroughs, sensational claims, or just as thrilling failures, the sector continues to attract both institutional and retail investor attention, according to the BestBrokers analysis.

Research methodology and data sources

The BestBrokers team compiled investment and fund data from multiple sources including Pitchbook, CB Insights, and several other industry databases, analyzing the latest financial disclosures from leading venture capital firms to produce their comprehensive report.

The research firm has made its complete findings and datasets available through Google Drive, providing transparency into the methodology and raw data underlying their analysis.

The concentration of venture capital funding in artificial intelligence and machine learning startups reflects both the sectors potential for returns and the growing recognition among institutional investors that AI technologies represent a foundational shift in how businesses operate across industries.

As venture capital firms continue to seek opportunities in an increasingly competitive investment landscape, the artificial intelligence sectors ability to attract the majority of available funding demonstrates its position as the dominant theme in contemporary technology investment.

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A high-ranking delegation from the European Union visited Harrisburg to warn Americans about the danger President Vladmir Putin poses to western democracies. They spoke at a forum on June 9 at Harrisburg University. Katie Taylor

Five officials from the European Union made a beeline to Harrisburg this week for one sole purpose: to warn us that were in danger.

Officials from France, Germany, Poland, Denmark, and other EU nations are intent on speaking directly to Americans about the real and present danger Russian President Vladmir Putin represents to American democracy and prosperity. And theyre concerned too many Americans, including many of our highest elected officials, just dont get it.

The war in Ukraine is not just about Russia invading another nation, they argue. Its not even about Putins threat to continue his rampage into countries like Lithuania and Poland. They say its ultimately about America and our democratic values that Putin wants to crush once and for all.

Poland and Lithuania have lived under Russian domination as part of the Soviet Union, and neither Zygimantas Pavilionis nor Michal Kaminski want to go back to the awful existence.

Michal Kaminski, Polands Deputy Speaker of the Senate, says Vladmir Putin is a clear and present danger to Americans. He and Denmark's Louise Brown (left) urged Americans to insist that their country stand with Ukraine to defeat Russia. They spoke at a forum at Harrisburg University. Katie Taylor

Both these men have serious responsibilities as elected officials in their countries. Pavilonis is Deputy Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Lithuania, and Kaminksi is Polands Deputy Speaker of the Senate. They see American support of Ukraine as crucial to their countries staying free.

Frederic Petit, Deputy Chair of Frances European Affairs Committee and Tobias Winkler, a member of Germanys Foreign and European Affairs Committee, say the same is true for the rest of Europe.

Thats why they took time to travel to Washington and then take a beeline to Harrisburg University to do their utmost to help Americans understand the importance of stopping Putin in Ukraine.

They say a Russian takeover of Ukraine would be a disaster for the world, for America and for Pennsylvania. They are right.

America already has been weakened on the world stage. Our allies in Europe, Africa, Asia, even Canada are perplexed at what they see unfolding in the United States. They dont understand why President Donald Trump doesnt stand more forcefully with Ukraine and slap death-knell sanctions on Russia.

They dont understand why Trump seems to view Putin as a trustworthy friend.

Members of the European Union delegation and Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission discussed the war in Ukraine at the forum at Harrisburg University on June 9. Katie Taylor

And Louise Brown, member of Denmarks European Affairs Committee, definitely doesnt understand why Trump has picked a fight with her country over Greenland. She was a part of the delegation that came to Harrisburg.

All of these distinguished officials revere the United States and what it has stood for with freedom-loving people around the world. Kaminski said he even cried on Jan. 6, as the world watched insurrectionists storm the nations capital. And hes baffled that the Trump Administration wants to close Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, which was a lifeline of truth for former Polish President Lech Walesa when he was imprisoned as a dissident during the days of the Soviet Union.

Americas voice of democracy and freedom is still needed to counter Russian propaganda around the world.

Americas European allies are understandably baffled and confused at political developments in the United States. But so are millions of Americans who never imagined such destruction of Americas global power and influence in such a short amount of time.

Some of them will be taking to the streets this weekend to show their opposition to President Trumps policies  not only in Ukraine but at home. Like the Europeans who visited Harrisburg, they also are raising the alarm that Americans are in danger. We hope enough people listen before its too late.

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Protesters spelled out this is not normal and hold a no kings! sign for passing traffic at several overpasses along I-83 on Wednesday.

Democracy advocates, along with Democratic groups, gathered at several highway overpasses on I-83 from Harrisburg to Maryland to protest the Trump administration and the use of the military and ICE enforcement raids in Los Angeles and other cities.
Military tanks and other military vehicles are transported via railroad to Washington, D.C. for an upcoming parade for the Army's 250th anniversary, Monday, June 2, 2025, at Fort Cavazos near Killeen, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) AP

By BILL BARROW, Associated Press

Troops marching in lockstep. Patriotic tunes filling the air. The commander in chief looking on at it all.

The military parade commemorating the U.S. Armys 250th anniversary and coinciding with President Donald Trumps 79th birthday will be a new spectacle for many Americans.

This will not be the first U.S. military parade. However, it is unusual outside of wartime, and Trumps approach stands out compared to his predecessors.

The Army had long planned a celebration for its semi-quincentennial on June 14. Trump has wanted to preside over a grand military parade since his first presidency from 2017 to 2021. When he took office a second time, he found the ideal convergence and ratcheted the Pentagons plans into a full-scale military parade on his birthday.

The president, who is expected to speak in Washington as part of the affair, pitches the occasion as a way to celebrate U.S. power and service members sacrifice. But there are bipartisan concerns about the cost as well as concerns about whether Trump is blurring traditional understandings of what it means to be a civilian commander in chief.

People watch soldiers on horseback followed by those on foot, parade down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, during the "Grand Review of the Armies" on May 23-24, 1865. (Matthew Brady/Library of Congress via AP) AP

Early US troop reviews

Ceremonial reviews  troops looking their best and conducting drills for top commanders  trace back through medieval kingdoms to ancient empires of Rome, Persia and China. The pageantry continued in the young U.S. republic: Early presidents held military reviews as part of July 4th independence celebrations. That ended with James K. Polk, who was president from 1845 to 1849.

President Andrew Johnson resurrected the tradition in 1865, holding a two-day Grand Review of the Armies five weeks after Abraham Lincolns assassination. It came after Johnson declared the Civil War over, a show of force meant to salve a war-weary nation  though more fighting and casualties would occur. Infantry, cavalry and artillery units  145,000 soldiers, and even cattle  traversed Pennsylvania Avenue. Johnson, his Cabinet and top Army officers, including Ulysses S. Grant, Lincolns last commanding general and the future 18th president, watched from a White House viewing stand.

People watch from the U.S. Capitol, during the grand review of the great veteran armies of Grant and Sherman on May 23-24, 1865, in Washington. (Matthew Brady/Library of Congress via AP) AP

Spanish-American War and World War I: An era of victory parades begins

The Spanish-American War was the first major international conflict for a reunited nation since the Civil War. It ended in a U.S. victory that established an American empire: Spain ceded Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam, and the U.S. purchased the Philippines for $20 million. Puerto Rico and Guam remain U.S. territories.

New York City hosted multiple celebrations of a new global power. In August 1898, a fleet of warships, including the Brooklyn, the Texas, and the Oregon, sailed up the North River, more commonly known today as the Hudson River. American inventor Thomas Edison filmed the floating parade. The following September, New York hosted a naval and street parade to welcome home Rear Adm. George Dewey, who joined President William McKinley in a viewing stand.

Many U.S. cities held World War I victory parades a few decades later. But neither Washington nor President Woodrow Wilson were the focal point. In Boston, a million civilians celebrated 20,000 troops in 1919. New York honored 25,000 troops marching in full uniform and combat gear.

FILE - A float carrying a huge bust of President Franklin Roosevelt rolls up Fifth Avenue during a war parade in New York, June 13, 1942. (AP Photo, File) AP

New York was the parade epicenter again for World War II

On June 13, 1942, as U.S. involvement in World War II accelerated, about 30,000 people formed a mobilization parade in New York City. Participants included Army and Navy personnel, American Womens Voluntary Services members, Boy Scouts and military school cadets. Scores of floats rolled, too. One carried a massive bust of President Franklin Roosevelt, who did not attend.

Less than four years later, the 82nd Airborne Division and Sherman tanks led a victory parade down Manhattans Fifth Avenue. Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, the Allied commander during World War II, rode in a victory parade in Washington, D.C. In 1952, Eisenhower would join Grant and George Washington as top wartime commanders elevated to the presidency following their military achievements. Other World War II generals were honored in other homecoming parades.

FILE - This view, taken from Arlington National Cemetery, shows troops marching across the Memorial Bridge, with the Lincoln Memorial in the background, in Washington, heading towards the Pentagon during the National Victory Day Parade, June 8, 1991. The celebration to honor Gulf War troops drew an estimated 800,000 spectators. (AP Photo/Greg Gibson, File) AP

A long parade gap, despite multiple wars

The U.S. did not hold national or major city parades after wars in Korea and Vietnam. Both ended without clear victory; Vietnam, especially, sparked bitter societal division, enough so that President Gerald Ford opted against a strong military presence in 1976 bicentennial celebrations, held a year after the fall of Saigon.

Washington finally hosted a victory parade in 1991 after the first Persian Gulf War. The Constitution Avenue lineup included 8,000 troops, tanks, Patriot missiles and representatives of the international coalition, led by the U.S., that quickly drove an invading Iraq out of Kuwait. The commander in chief, George H.W. Bush, is the last U.S. president to have held an active-duty military post. He had been a World War II combat pilot who survived his plane being shot down over the Pacific Ocean.

Veterans of the second Iraq and Afghanistan wars that followed the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks have not been honored in national parades.

FILE - Army medium tanks move along Pennsylvania Avenue during the Inaugural Parade for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jan. 21, 1953, in Washington. Front tanks are turning into 15th Street on way to the reviewing stand set up in front of White House. (AP Photo, File) AP

Inaugurations and a flight suit

Inaugural parades include and sometimes feature military elements.

Eisenhowers 1953 inaugural parade, at the outset of the Cold War, included 22,000 service members and an atomic cannon. Eight years later, President John F. Kennedy, a World War II Naval officer, watched armored tanks, Army and Navy personnel, dozens of missiles and Navy boats pass in front of his reviewing stand.

More recent inaugurations have included honor guards, academy cadets, military bands and other personnel but not large combat assets. Notably, U.S. presidents, even when leading or attending military events, wear civilian attire rather than military garb, a standard set by Washington, who also eschewed being called General Washington in favor of Mr. President.

FILE - President George W. Bush poses with sailors and pilots aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln off the California coast after landing in a small jet May 1, 2003. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) AP

Perhaps the lone exception came in 2003, when President George W. Bush, who had been a National Guard pilot, wore a flight suit when he landed on the USS Abraham Lincoln and declared the end of major combat operations in Iraq, which U.S. forces had invaded six weeks earlier. The aircraft carrier was not a parade venue but the president emerged to raucous cheers from uniformed service members. He put on a business suit to deliver a nationally televised speech in front a Mission Accomplished banner.

As the war dragged on to a less decisive outcome, that scene and its enduring images would become a political liability for the president.

___

Barrow reported from Atlanta.
By CHRISTOPHER WEBER, Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP)  Police made a handful of arrests on the second night of the curfew in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday as mayors urged the Trump administration to withdraw the military and stop the immigration raids.

There were no signs of the 700 Marines the president deployed to the city. Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, who is overseeing Trumps troop deployment, said the Marines were undergoing civil disobedience training at a Navy facility in Orange County. The Marines will wrap up their training and are expected to be on the streets of Los Angeles as early as Thursday evening, Sherman said. Some 2,000 Guard soldiers are already trained and many have gone out to do protest security duty, while another 2,000 are expected to join them later.

About 500 of the Guard troops deployed to the protests have been trained to accompany agents on immigration operations, he said.

Sherman initially said National Guard troops had temporarily detained some civilians. He later said he was incorrect, and that he had based his comments on photos and footage he had seen that turned out to not be a representation of Guard members in Los Angeles.

So far, nearly 400 LA protesters have been detained or arrested since Saturday, according to police.

Protests over the immigration crackdown have been held in major cities throughout the U.S. in recent days. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined fellow Democratic mayors across the country Wednesday in calling for an end to the raids, which she called a provocation by the White House.

Although critics accuse Trump of manufacturing the crisis for political gain and sowing chaos, the president said on social media that Los Angeles would have been completely obliterated if he hadnt sent Guard members there over the weekend.

Here are some things to know about the protests, troop deployments and showdowns between local, state and federal officials:

A woman holds an American flag upside-down during a protest on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) AP

LA police respond quickly to control demonstrators

Police moved in swiftly before the second night of the curfew took effect to move demonstrators away from a federal building.

In one instance, police on horseback charged at a group, hitting them with wooden rods and pushing them out of a park in front of City Hall. Officers also fired crowd control projectiles.

The curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. is in a roughly 1-square-mile (2.5-square-kilometer) section of the sprawling city of about 4 million people.

Earlier Wednesday, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced charges against two people accused of throwing Molotov cocktails toward police. No officers were hit, though police said two officers were hurt during Tuesday nights protests.

Protesters spell out due process for all for passing traffic at the I-83 Fishing Creek Road overpass in Fairview Township. Democracy advocates, along with Democratic groups, gathered at several highway overpasses on Interstate 83 from Harrisburg to Maryland to protest the Trump administration and the use of ICE immigration enforcement raids. June 11, 2025. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com

Raids spark protests elsewhere

Although the crackdown and protests have been most prominent in Los Angeles, demonstrators have been rallying against the immigration crackdown in other major cities, including Dallas and Austin, Texas, Chicago, Denver and New York, where thousands rallied and multiple arrests were made.

New York City police took 86 people into custody during protests around lower Manhattans Foley Square overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the vast majority of demonstrators were peaceful.

Demonstrators critical of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency returned to lower Manhattan on Wednesday evening.

No Kings rallies critical of Trump are planned nationwide Saturday to coincide with the presidents scheduled military parade in Washington.

Republican support for the crackdown

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, said states dont have the right to just simply opt out of federal immigration law.

Officers with the Texas Public Safety Department said the Texas National Guard was present at a protest in downtown San Antonio on Wednesday.

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott had refused to disclose details of his mobilization of Texas National Guard troops ahead of planned protests in the city. He had not said if he or the president mobilized them.

Whats behind the demonstrations?

The protests, which started Friday in downtown Los Angeles before spreading Saturday to the neighboring cities of Compton and Paramount, have been driven by anger over Trumps stepped-up enforcement of immigration laws.

The area presents a ripe target for the raids, as an estimated 10% of Los Angeles County residents arent in the country legally.

Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff and chief architect of Trumps immigration policies, said late last month that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement should make at least 3,000 arrests a day. That would mark a dramatic increase from Jan. 20 to May 19, when the agency made an average of 656 arrests a day.

Immigrant advocates say the workers being detained, including some in the garment district, do not have criminal histories and are being denied due process. Advocates for car wash workers said that only two of 26 people detained since the weekend  25 workers and a customer - had been located. One of unaccounted for workers was Jaslyn Hernandezs father, who was supposed to watch her graduate Wednesday.

We have not been able to find him and its not fair, Hernandez said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom presents his revised state budget during a news conference in Sacramento, California, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (Rich Pedroncelli | AP Photo) Rich Pedroncelli | AP Photo

Newsom clashes with Trump

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has asked a court to put an emergency stop to the military helping federal immigration agents. The judge set a hearing for Thursday, giving the administration several days to continue those activities.

The Trump administration called the lawsuit a crass political stunt endangering American lives in its official response on Wednesday.

The change moves troops closer to engaging in law enforcement actions like deportations as Trump has promised as part of his crackdown. The Guard can temporarily detain people who attack officers, but any arrests would be made by law enforcement.

ICE said in a statement that the troops were providing security at federal facilities and protecting federal officers.

Newsom, in a public address Tuesday, called Trumps actions the start of an assault on democracy.

California may be first, but it clearly will not end here. Other states are next. Democracy is next, he said.

Meanwhile, press freedom advocates suggest that journalists covering the protests might be being targeted. Reporters Without Borders said Wednesday that there have been at least 35 attacks on journalists  30 from law enforcement  since the demonstrations began.

Associated Press writers Jim Vertuno in Austin, Texas, David Collins in New York, Jason Dearen, Jaimie Ding, Jake Offenhartz and Dorany Pineda in Los Angeles, Eliott Spagat in San Diego, Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed.
Central Pennsylvania residents should prepare for an increasing chance of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall through the weekend, with temperatures climbing into the 80s and potential localized flooding risks.

The National Weather Service forecasts a gradual increase in afternoon and evening thunderstorm activity starting Thursday, with a conditional severe storm risk developing. Temperatures will peak in the 80-90 degree range, with moisture levels rising and creating conditions favorable for intense precipitation events.

Thursday afternoon presents the first significant thunderstorm potential, with meteorologists monitoring the possibility of a marginal severe storm risk. The greatest storm likelihood exists in the afternoon and evening hours, particularly across northern regions like Bradford and Lycoming counties. Residents should monitor local weather updates and be prepared for potential sudden weather changes.

The weekend forecast indicates a higher probability of sustained rainfall, with Saturday presenting the most significant heavy rain threat. The Weather Prediction Center has placed the entire region under a marginal risk for excessive rainfall, with potential for slow-moving thunderstorms and localized downpours. Precipitation totals could approach 1.5 inches in some areas, creating potential flash flooding concerns.

By early next week, the weather pattern is expected to transition to a cooler, cloudier regime with temperatures moderating into the upper 70s to mid-80s. An easterly to southeasterly flow will maintain moisture levels, keeping the potential for scattered showers and thunderstorms in the forecast.

Residents are advised to stay weather-aware, have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, and be prepared to seek shelter if thunderstorms develop rapidly. Outdoor activities should include flexible planning and close monitoring of local weather conditions.

Current weather radar

Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story, which was reviewed and edited by PennLive.com staff.
Australia stands at a critical juncture as the re-elected Labor Government faces mounting economic pressures and a tax system in urgent need of reform.

The Tax Institute has delivered its Incoming Government Brief: June 2025 to Treasurer Jim Chalmers, calling for immediate action on long-stalled reforms while outlining a vision for comprehensive structural change.

The Tax Institute has reiterated its longstanding call for holistic, principled and bipartisan tax reform to serve as a core, long-term priority for the Government. Now is the time to future-proof Australias tax and super systems through structural reform, said Julie Abdalla, FTI, Head of Tax & Legal at The Tax Institute Major reform takes time and courage. We must start with the right intent and build toward a simpler, more sustainable framework.

In the shorter term, the Brief urges the Government to progress many previously announced but unenacted tax and superannuation measures. These include technical and integrity-based amendments that are ready to move forward, along with areas in urgent need of further consultation and legislative clarity.

The Government is navigating significant economic, fiscal and social challenges, compounded by global volatility and ongoing cost-of-living pressures, said Julie. Businesses, practitioners and everyday taxpayers are also contending with increasing regulatory obligations, retrospective legislative changes, and an increasingly complex compliance environment.

The Brief: sets out a categorised roadmap of high, medium and lower priority tax and superannuation measures, spanning prior announcements of the current and previous governments, as well as new recommendations initiated by The Tax Institute (priorities are listed in Appendix A of the Brief);

identifies systemic issues, including inadequate consultation processes, the impact of retrospective measures (that apply from a date that precedes when they become law), and the growing compliance burden on taxpayers and advisers; and

measures that require further refinement through consultation or should not proceed in their current form.

The Tax Institute is committed to working constructively with the Government, the Treasury, and the ATO, to ensure Australias tax and superannuation laws are fit-for-purpose and effectively implemented. Tim Sandow, CTA, President of The Tax Institute said, Our Brief focuses on reforms that improve integrity, reduce complexity, and provide taxpayers with greater certainty. Retrospective changes and rushed reforms without sufficient consultation have undermined confidence. We stand ready to support the Government in balancing its short-term legislative priorities with the long-term vision of meaningful tax reform.

A number of key announced tax and superannuation measures should be the Governments foremost priority. The Tax Institutes comments on the highest priority measures are set out below.

Measures to address financial abuse

Julie expressed strong support for the Governments efforts to address financial abuse involving the weaponisation of tax and corporate systems. She highlighted the importance of reforms that would offer stronger protections for victim-survivors, who can be saddled with tax debts they were unaware of or did not consent to.

Julie noted that current laws fall short in preventing these outcomes and lacks adequate mechanisms to resolve them equitably when they occur. She urged the Government to prioritise consultation and move forward with legislation to implement these crucial changes.

Payday super

The Tax Institute supports the introduction of payday super as a step towards closing the $5.2 billion superannuation guarantee gap and improving retirement outcomes for Australians. Julie recommends deferring the proposed start date of 1 July 2026 by, ideally, 24 months.

Key stakeholders, including the ATO, software providers and employers, are not yet equipped to implement the necessary changes, as many are awaiting final legislation before upgrading their systems. Further targeted consultation is needed before the measure is legislated.

Corporate tax residency

Tim, also noted that despite previous announcements, uncertainty remains around how Australias corporate tax residency rules are applied. This issue continues to create complexity for taxpayers and may discourage growth of Australian businesses. He observed that the profession had broadly supported earlier proposals to treat foreign companies with a significant economic connection to Australia as tax residents.

Expanding this approach to also include trusts and corporate limited partnerships could simplify the system further. Tim encouraged the Government to revisit this area of reform to provide greater certainty, reduce compliance costs, and better support Australian companies to expand offshore and take Australian products and services to the world.

Small business instant asset write-off

The Tax Institute recommends that the Government permanently increase the instant asset write-off (IAWO) threshold to $30,000 and broaden eligibility to businesses with an aggregated turnover of less than $50 million. In Tims view, the recurrent pattern of annual temporary extensions creates unnecessary uncertainty for businesses and adds to legislative and administrative complexity. A permanent increase to the threshold would provide greater clarity, reduce compliance burdens, and give businesses the confidence to plan and invest in productive assets.

While the recent announcement to extend the temporarily increased $20,000 threshold for another 12 months to 30 June 2026 is a positive interim step, The Tax Institute advocates for a long-term solution. Tim considers that legislating a permanent threshold early in the new Parliament would deliver more consistent policy settings and better incentivise small and medium business to invest in eligible capital assets that contribute to their growth.

Family trust distribution tax

The rules governing family trust elections, interposed entity elections and family trust distribution tax (FTDT) are highly complex areas of the tax law that have applied for more than 30 years. In Tims view it is essential that these rules remain fit for purpose and reflect contemporary arrangements, particularly as private groups deal with succession challenges and changes of controllers.

There are widespread misunderstandings by taxpayers as to what actions might result in an FTDT liability arising, particularly in relation to distributions by or to associated entities that are controlled by related family members, but which technically fall outside the definition of family group.

Even inadvertent errors, without any tax avoidance motive can result in multi-million dollar assessments of FTDT and the general interest charge which is non-deductible from 1 July 2025, potentially bankrupting many Australian businesses. The rules should also be amended so FTDT notices issued by the Commissioner are limited to a four-year amendment period.

Division 296

The Tax Institute supports efforts to improve equity in the superannuation system, but considers that Division 296, as proposed, requires significant redesign. Julie said the measure must be amended to reduce the inequitable impact of taxing unrealised gains and ensure it operates fairly and efficiently.

Other concerns include the lack of indexation of the $3 million threshold, the inability to carry back unrealised losses, and anomalies such as the imposition of tax on deceased estates depending on the date of death. Further targeted consultation is essential before the measure is progressed.

Division 7A

Small business taxpayers need certainty in the law when managing their tax affairs. For many small businesses in Australia, the treatment of structures and transactions involving private companies to comply with Division 7A is crucial. Yet, more than 25 amendments have been made to Division 7A in the 28 years since its introduction in 1997, introducing significant complexity and additional compliance costs.

Tim says the proposed reforms regarding clarifications, simplified methods and the safe harbour would reduce this compliance burden for SMEs, but that the reforms require further consultation to ensure they work as desired.

This article is based on information from The Tax Institute and is provided by us for informational purposes only.

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Big Changes Announced for WSOP Circuit; Remaining 2025 Schedule Released

Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager Copy link

With all eyes on the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP), officials have taken the opportunity to announce the remaining 2025 schedule for the WSOP Circuit, which includes 17 U.S. stops and 12 International stops, and some big changes are in store.

The second half of the 2025 season will run from July through December, and starting in 2026, the circuit will shift to a calendar-year format (it previously ran from the end of the summer WSOP until the start of the next one).

Another big change is that winners for the remainder of 2025 will not win their way into the Tournament of Champions, which last month saw Kevin Li top a 485-player field (out of 1,169 eligible qualifiers) to win a gold bracelet and $200,000 top prize.

Kevin Li is the reigning WSOP Circuit Tournament of Champions winner.

Instead, every WSOP Circuit ring winner from July 1 through December 2, 2025, will receive an exclusive $5K Ticket To Paradise, a non-transferable and non-refundable package that will include a $2,500 live tournament buy-in and complimentary accommodation in the Bahamas during this years yet-to-be-announced WSOP Paradise.

"Continuing to elevate the WSOP-C is a strategic focus of ours, and we hope that players enjoy the new benefit of winning any WSOP Circuit gold ring this fall."

Officials also revealed that their plan is to launch the WSOP+ app platform across all future Circuit stops to both enhance the player experience and streamline operations. Speaking of, poker industry veteran Dennis Jones was named WSOP U.S. Circuit Tournament Director while Andy Tillman was tapped as the new WSOP International Circuit Tournament Director.

According to the WSOP announcement, more than $168 million in prizes were won during the recent 2024/2025 WSOP Circuit season, which featured 45 stops, 729 individual tournaments, and over 291,000 entries.

"Quietly, the WSOP Circuit continues to be the biggest live tournament series in the world, bringing the excitement and prestige of WSOP action across the globe," said Ty Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of WSOP. "Continuing to elevate the WSOP-C is a strategic focus of ours, and we hope that players enjoy the new benefit of winning any WSOP Circuit gold ring this fall."

Heres a look at the schedule for the remainder of 2025:

2025 WSOP Circuit Domestic U.S. Tour Schedule

Tournament Dates Location July 16 - July 27, 2025 Choctaw Casino Resort (Durant, OK) August 7 - August 18, 2025 Harrah's Cherokee (Cherokee, NC) August 14 - August 25, 2025 Harrahs Atlantic City (Atlantic City, NJ) August 14 - August 25, 2025 Graton Resort and Casino (Rohnert Park, CA) August 21 - September 1, 2025 Caesars New Orleans (New Orleans, LA) September 4 - September 15, 2025 Horseshoe Council Bluffs (Council Bluffs, IA) September 11 - September 22, 2025 Horseshoe Hammond (Hammond, IN) September 18 - September 29, 2025 Caesars Southern Indiana (Elizabeth, IN) September 25 - October 6, 2025 Thunder Valley Casino Resort (Lincoln, CA) October 2 - October 13, 2025 Horseshoe Baltimore (Baltimore, MD) October 9 - October 20, 2025 Harrah's Pompano Beach (Pompano Beach, FL) October 23 - November 3, 2025 Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe (Lake Tahoe, NV) October 29 - November 9, 2025 Choctaw Casino Resort (Durant, OK) November 6 - November 17, 2025 Grand Victoria Casino (Chicago, IL) November 6 - November 24, 2025 Commerce Casino (Los Angeles, CA) November 27 - December 8, 2025 Harrah's Cherokee (Cherokee, NC) December 4 - December 16, 2025 Horseshoe Las Vegas (Las Vegas, Nevada)

2025 WSOP Circuit International Schedule

Tournament Dates Location July 25 - August 3, 2025 Olympic Casino (Tallin, Estonia) August 1 - 12, 2025 Card Casino (Bratislava, Slovakia) August 18 - September 2, 2025 Playground (Kahnawake, Canada) September 17 - October 8, 2025 WSOP Europe (Rozvadov, Czechia) October 1 - 13, 2025 Deerfoot Inn & Casino (Calgary, Canada) October 9 - 21, 2025 Merit Royal Diamond (North Cyprus) October 22 - November 4, 2025 Kings Resort (Rozvadov, Czechia) November 3-18, 2025 Playground (Kahnawake, Canada) November 6-16, 2025 Hilton Hotel (Panama City, Panama) November 6-16, 2025 Partouche Casino (Middelkerke, Belgium) November 14 - 24, 2025 Dusk Till Dawn Poker Club (Nottingham, UK) November 21 - December 2, 2025 Casino Sanremo (Sanremo, Italy)

Full event schedules and structure sheets for each upcoming stop will be released upon approval by their local regulatory body and made available at WSOP.com. WSOP Circuit schedules are subject to change and the WSOP reserves the right to make changes to all events related to the WSOP Circuit at any time.

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As the $50,000 High Roller came to a close inside the Horseshoe Events Center, the focus shifted to Paris Las Vegas for an even higher-stakes affair. The first six-figure buy-in of the 2025 World Series of Poker, Event #38: $100,000 No-Limit Hold'em High Roller, kicked off with a field packed with top-tier professionals and high-rolling VIPs.

After 10 levels of action, 37 players from a field of 77 entries advanced to Day 2, with Thomas Boivin bagging the overnight chip lead with 3,840,000 in chips.

Boivin climbed to the top of the counts after cracking the pocket jacks that were held by Jesse Lonis. The Belgian made trip fours and Lonis couldn't get away from his pocket pair in one of the final hands of the night.

Boivin, who is on his second entry, also took a chunk out of All-Time Money List leader Bryn Kenney in one of the final levels, although Kenney rebounded from a stack of 100,000, ending with 715,000.

Emilien Pitavy (2,980,000) and Joao Vieira complete the top three, while Landon Tice (2,230,000), defending champion Chris Hunichen (1,345,000), and other notables remain in the hunt for the bracelet and seven-figure payday.

So far, $7,430,500 has been collected for the prize pool, but that figure is expected to grow, as late registration remains open through the first two levels on Day 2. Registration will close at approximately 2:15 p.m. local time on Thursday.

End of Day 1 Top Ten Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Thomas Boivin Belgium 3,840,000 154 2 Emilien Pitavy France 2,980,000 119 3 Joao Vieira Portugal 2,920,000 117 4 Vinny Lingham United States 2,350,000 94 5 Brandon Steven United States 2,300,000 92 6 Landon Tice United States 2,230,000 89 7 Taylor von Kriegenbergh United States 2,050,000 82 8 Adrian Mateos Spain 1,815,000 73 9 Alex Kulev Bulgaria 1,735,000 69 10 Stephen Chidwick United Kingdom 1,625,000 65

Big Names Already Out of the Running

Each player in the high roller is allowed one reentry, and many took full advantage of that option during the opening session. Several competitors also fired both and are officially on the rail and unable to return when play resumes on Day 2.

Alexandros Theologis

Alexandros Theologis was the first player to see both of his $100,000 bullets go up in flames. His initial entry ended when Matthew Belcher turned trips with ace-queen to crack Theologis Big Slick. On his second attempt, the Greek pro ran the second-nut straight into the nut straight, leaving himself short, only to be felted the very next hand after running into the nuts once again.

WSOP bracelet winner Chang Lee was next to lose two lives, followed by Aleksejs Ponakovs. The two-time bracelet winner flopped top set against High Stakes Poker star Vinny Lingham, but the latter had flopped a queen-high straight. Belcher then ended Ponakovs' run when he returned for a second time.

Alex Foxen

Mikita Badziakouski, Santhosh Suvarna, Michael Moncek, and Alex Foxen are the other players who cannot lay claim to the $100,000 High Roller title.

Negreanu and Keating Face Off

After a summer of back-and-forth jabs, Alan Keating and Daniel Negreanu finally found themselves seated side by side, marking the first time theyve shared the felt at the 2025 WSOP.

Keating, known for his wild cash game style, stepped into the tournament arena this year with a point to prove. Negreanu questioned whether he could hang at the highest level.

Negreanu found a bag and will return for Day 2, looking to continue his fine form that has seen him make two final tables already. Keating, meanwhile, busted in one of the final hands of the night, but with late registration still open, the face-off could continue should he reenter, which hes expected to do.

Plan for Day 2

Day 2 kicks off at 12 p.m. local time, with ten 60-minute levels scheduled. Players will get a 15-minute break every two levels, and a 60-minute dinner break will follow the end of Level 16, around 6:30 p.m.

Late registration remains open through the first two levels of the day and will close at the start of Level 13, approximately 2:15 p.m. Players still have the option to enter or reenter until that cutoff point

As always, stay tuned to PokerNews, the only place to find official live updates for the 2025 WSOP.
Ed Lab reporter

Anna B. Mitchell is a Greenville-based investigative reporter for the Post and Courier's Education Lab team. A licensed English and social studies teacher, Anna covers education in the Upstate and collaborates with other reporters for coverage on statewide education trends. She studied history at the University of North Carolina, journalism at the University of Missouri, and holds an MBA from the University of Applied Sciences in Wurzburg. For fun, Anna plays bassoon, visits her family in Germany as often as she can, and takes her doggy, Ashe, for long walks with her daughter and husband.
Teri Errico Griffis is the senior business reporter and assistant editor at The Post and Courier, focusing on retail and real estate. An award-winning journalist, she previously worked as a Southeast commerce reporter for the Journal of Commerce and a reporter for the Charleston Regional Business Journal where she covered all facets of business in the Charleston region. Raised in Connecticut and New York, she has called South Carolina home since 2012.
Three stores belonging to Thai meat producer C.P. Vietnam have been fined a total of VND105 million (US$4,033) for violating food safety regulations.

The CP Fresh Shop stores in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang either had expired food safety certificates or lacked training certificates for staff, according to inspectors from the Department of Agriculture and Environment.

Authorities have shut down the stores pending fulfillment of the paperwork requirements.

An official examines C.P. Vietnam products at a store in Soc Trang, Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Photo by An Minh

Last month a former employee of C.P. Vietnam, Lieu Quy Ngan, took to Facebook and accused the company of ordering its employees to sell diseased pork and chicken, and even uploaded images purporting to be evidence.

Ngan, nick Jonny Lieu, said he worked for the company as a salesperson since 2022 and had reported the diseased meat issue to his managers but was ignored and transferred to another position before being sacked at the end of last month.

C.P. Vietnam has issued a statement refuting the claims, calling them "false and fabricated to defame the company."

It claimed further that it adheres to strict quality control processes and is working with authorities to address the matter, and urged the public to "consider the accusation critically."

Police are working with Ngan to verify the accusation.

C.P., a subsidiary of Thai food giant Charoen Pokphand Group, set up shop in Vietnam in 1993. It has numerous plants and farms across the country specializing in poultry, pork, eggs, seafood, and processed products. Its popular products include sausages, pre-marinated chicken and convenience foods.
Jenny Peterson is a business reporter at The Post and Courier, focusing on retail. An award-winning journalist, she covered statewide business news as special projects editor at SC Biz News. Originally from New Orleans, she previously worked as an editor at New Orleans CityBusiness and Biz New Orleans business publications.
Columbia, SC (29201)

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Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 97F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

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Partly cloudy. Low 76F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Drugs used in lethal injection executions could have caused excessive fluid in the lungs of dozens of inmates before they died, raising a question of whether the deaths were unnecessarily cruel, an expert who reviewed their autopsies said. A medical consultant hired by the state of South Carolina insists that is not true and prisoners would have been quickly unconscious either way.
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Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 94F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

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A few clouds. Low 73F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
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.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo courtesy of the palace

Thai police on Wednesday arrested a 25-year-old Chinese national for illegally operating high-end tours around Bangkok.

The man promoted his services online, offering Chinese tourists exclusive dining experiences and private transportation. He acted as both the driver and tour guide, according to Khaosod English newspaper.

The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on foreigners working in occupations reserved for Thai nationals, particularly tour guides.

Officers had observed the man leading convoys of three luxury vehicles, escorting Chinese tourists to prominent sites including the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and Tha Chang Pier.

Police apprehended him near Tha Chang Pier on Maharaj Road after confirming his involvement in unauthorized tour operations.

The suspect had entered Thailand on the 5 years multiple-entry Elite Visa. He now faces two charges: operating a tour business without a license under the Tourism Business and Guide Act, and working without a valid permit under the Alien Working Act.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.

Thai law prohibits foreigners from working as tour guides or independently bringing tourists into the country, Nation Thailand reported.

Violators may face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 baht ($145$1,450).
Tiffany Tan is a senior reporter at The Post and Courier in Columbia. She covers statewide issues, particularly in the criminal justice system. She previously reported on the courts, the opioid epidemic and regional news in Vermont for VTDigger. She has also worked for newspapers and television outlets in Manila, Beijing, Singapore and South Dakota.
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of Brown-Forman Corporation ("Brown-Forman" or "the Company") (NYSE: BF-A, BF-B). Investors who purchased Brown-Forman securities are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/BF-A-BF-B Investigation DetailsOn June 5, 2025, Brown-Forman reported its financial results for its fiscal year 2025. Among other items, Brown-Forman reported a 7.3% year-over-year decline in sales, along with earnings per share of $0.31, falling short of consensus estimates. Acknowledging that its "results did not meet our long-term growth aspirations," Brown-Forman advised investors that "[l]ooking ahead to fiscal 2026, we expect continued headwinds." What's Next?If you are aware of any facts relating to this investigation or purchased Brown-Forman securities, you can assist this investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/BF-A-BF-B.You can also contact Peretz Bronstein or his client relations manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC:332-239-2660There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & GrossmanBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Follow us for updates onLinkedIn ,X ,Facebook , orInstagram .Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.ContactBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller332-239-2660|info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
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Highlights:Portal construction commenced with initial blast completedUnderground operations expected to contribute to production in June and ramp up during Q3 2025Open pit exploration drill campaign commencedTORONTO, ONTARIO / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 /Cerrado Gold Inc. [ TSX.V:CERT][OTCQX:CRDOF][FRA:BAI0] ("Cerrado" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the development of the Company's inaugural underground operation commencing underneath the high-grade Paloma pit at its Minera Don Nicolas Mine in Argentina ("MDN").Earlier this week, the Company completed the initial blast to begin construction of the underground portal and progress the development of the underground mine over the coming months. The initial decline will be driven through the ore body and will provide nominal feed to the carbon in leach ("CIL") plant. Production from the underground is expected to ramp-up to reach steady state production by October this year.Additionally, the Company has now mobilized the initial drill rig to commence the previously announced 20,000 metre exploration drill program at MDN. The primary focus will be near surface, high-grade deposits that can provide feed to the CIL plant as well as expanding potential resources in and around the Las Calandrias heap leach project to add both high grade and heap leachable material. Underground drilling at Paloma will commence once the underground exploration platforms have been established.Mark Brennan, Executive Chairman, commented: "The start of the underground operation is a key milestone for Cerrado's Argentinian operations; we now have the ability to produce from open pit, heap leach and underground operations. Not only will the underground operations contribute to production immediately, but it will also provide a platform for underground exploration, which remains completely open and largely unexplored at MDN." Review of Technical InformationThe scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Croal, P.Eng., Chief Technical Officer for Cerrado Gold, who is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101.About CerradoCerrado Gold is a Toronto-based gold production, development, and exploration company. The Company is the 100% owner of the producing Minera Don Nicolas and Las Calandrias mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. In Portugal, the Company holds an 80% interest in the highly prospective Lagoa Salgada VMS project through its position in Redcorp - Empreendimentos Mineiros, Lda. In Canada, Cerrado Gold is developing its 100% owned Mont Sorcier Iron project located outside of Chibougamou, Quebec.In Argentina, Cerrado is maximizing asset value at its Minera Don Nicolas ("MDN") operation through continued operational optimization and is growing production through its operations at the Las Calandrias heap leach project. An extensive campaign of exploration is ongoing to further unlock potential resources in our highly prospective land package in the heart of the Deseado Masiff.In Portugal, Cerrado is focused on the development and exploration of the highly prospective Lagoa Salgada VMS project located on the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal. The Lagoa Salgada project is a high-grade polymetallic project, demonstrating a typical mineralization endowment of zinc, copper, lead, tin, silver, and gold. Extensive exploration upside potential lies both near deposit and at prospective step-out targets across the large 7,209-hectare property concession. Located just 80km from Lisbon and surrounded by exceptional infrastructure, Lagoa Salgada offers a low-cost entry to a significant development and exploration opportunity, already showing its mineable scale and cashflow generation potential.In Canada, Cerrado holds a 100% interest in the Mont Sorcier high purity high grade DRI Iron Ore project, which has the potential to produce a premium iron ore concentrate over a long mine life at low operating costs and low capital intensity. Furthermore, its high grade and high purity product facilitates the migration of steel producers from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces, contributing to the decarbonization of the industry and the achievement of sustainable development goals.For more information about Cerrado please visit our website at: www.cerradogold.com Mark BrennanCEO and ChairmanMike McAllisterVice President, Investor RelationsTel: +1-647-805-5662 mmcallister@ cerradogold.com DisclaimerNEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the business and operations of Cerrado, the Company's 2025 guidance including expected gold production, future growth, the goals of our planned underground exploration program, the expected timing of the strengthening of the 2025 production, the primary sources of the 2025 production, expectations regarding production at the underground operation. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information.In making the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Cerrado has made certain as
A street in Pattaya at night. Photo courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand

Pattaya, a Thai coastal city known for its nightlife and sex industry, plans to deploy AI-powered drones to crack down on visa overstayers amid rising public safety concerns.

Authorities intend to link the drones to a centralized AI database capable of scanning faces in crowds to identify individuals with outstanding arrest warrants or expired visas, according to local media outlet The Thaiger.

Mayor Poramese Ngampichet discussed the plan on Monday and expressed optimism about the initiative that could help restore Pattaya's image as a safe and welcoming city for residents and visitors alike, The Pattaya News reported.

Located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok, Pattaya is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

However, the city has recently seen a spate of high-profile crimes that have sparked concern among tourists.

In a recent incident, a Russian tourist was assaulted and robbed at night near a jungle. Police reviewed security footage and arrested two suspects the next day, Khaosod English newspaper reported.

Many voiced fears that Pattaya is no longer safe at night, deterring tourists from exploring the city after dark.
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CALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Jade Leader Corp. ( TSX.V:JADE) ("Jade Leader", or "the Company") is pleased to report that at its Annual & Special Meeting, held on June 12, 2025, Jean-Pierre Jutras, Dr. Shane Ebert, Cornell McDowell and Dr. Peter Megaw were re-elected to the Board of Directors. Shareholders also approved fixing the number of directors at four and the appointment of BDO Canada LLP as Auditors, and ratified the Corporation's stock option planAbout Jade and Jade Leader Corp.Recent trade articles and mainstream publications suggest that the international Jade market is now larger than the better-known worldwide market for rough diamonds, without any participation in the space by publicly listed Companies prior to the formation of Jade Leader Corp. Jade Leader, with a Board of Directors having over 130 years of combined experience as mineral exploration geologists with proven track records of discoveries, is led by JP. Jutras, B.Sc Hons geology, P.Geol., who is also an internationally recognized Jade carver with over 35 years of experience.Jade Leader is leveraging this unique combination of mineral exploration expertise and Jade carving knowledge to advance a portfolio of 6 Jade exploration properties, all carrying nephrite Jade with various characteristics, in stable, mining-friendly jurisdictions in the USA.On Behalf of the Board of Directors,"Jean-Pierre Jutras"Jean-Pierre Jutras, President/DirectorFor Further Information Contact: Jean Pierre Jutras at 1.403.233.0464The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release.Except for the historical and present factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release, including words such as "expects", "projects", "plans", "anticipates" and similar expressions, are forward-looking information that represents management of Jade Leader's internal projections, expectations or beliefs concerning, among other things, future operating results and various components thereof or the economic performance of Jade Leader. The projections, estimates and beliefs contained in such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Jade Leader's actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, those described in Jade Leader's filings with the Canadian securities authorities. Accordingly, holders of Jade Leader shares and potential investors are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause results to differ materially from those predicted. Jade Leader disclaims any responsibility to update these forward-looking statements.SOURCE: Jade Leader Corp.
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WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) welcomes renowned Baloch writer, scholar, and political scientist Mir Yar Baloch as special advisor to MEMRI's Balochistan Studies Project. Mir Yar Baloch is a Baloch nationalist leader and a member of the secular Free Balochistan Movement, led by renowned Baloch leader Hyrbyair Marri. Baloch's Twitter account, @miryar_baloch, which has been defined as one of the most influential in the Subcontinent, is feared by Pakistan.Mir Yar Baloch supports the independence of Balochistan from Iran and Pakistan. He promotes a free and democratic Balochistan in which men and women are treated equally and are entitled to all rights, protections, and freedoms in all spheres of society. He has stated that both Pakistan and Iran are pursuing a slow-motion genocide against the Baloch people.A Coalition Of Non-Persian Ethnic Groups Against The Islamic Republic Of IranMir Yar Baloch stresses that the international community must realize that the fall of the Islamic Republic of Iran can only come through the creation of a coalition of non-Persian ethnic groups in Iran, which include the Balochs. These ethnic groups are ready to coordinate and fight together to end the Islamist regime. They do not need the U.S. military on the ground; they want to and can wage their own independent fight for liberation. Within six months, they can establish an army hundreds of thousands strong. According to an estimate there are about 50,000 Baloch secular armed fighters. Like the Kurds, the Baloch are also trained fighters and can be a gamechanger.Balochistan's Independence From PakistanThe same goes for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which is one of the leading sponsors of terror in the world. Several pro-military politicians in Pakistan have now openly admitted that Pakistan's grip on Balochistan has weakened, and that the Baloch people are actively supporting the independence movement and Baloch fighters. Pakistani Member of Parliament Zarfullah Zehri, speaking on the parliament floor of the house, stated: "Baloch women are selling their jewelry to support Balochistan's independence." Speaking at a recent session of the Pakistani National Assembly, Pakistan MP Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman admitted that Pakistan has lost control in Balochistan, stating that a moment like that of 1971, when East and West Pakistan fought in the Bangladesh Liberation War, which led to the creation of Bangladesh on December 16, 1971, has arrived again.Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman said: "I swear by my heart that, at this moment there are five to seven groups in Baluchistan who, if they retaliate, will be granted independence and the country will break once again." Fazl-ur-Rehman has always supported the Pakistan army against the Baloch freedom movement. In his speech, Fazl-ur-Rehman informed the establishment of Pakistan that the Baloch people are becoming independent and that this development, in his view, is not good for Pakistan's future. "If districts in Balochistan announce liberation, the UN will accept their independence and Pakistan will fall," he said. All the above has dented the image of the Pakistani army.Commenting on Pakistan's grip on Balochistan, Mir Yar Baloch stated: "Balochistan declared its independence on August 11, 1947 and we consider ourselves a free and sovereign nation. However, to this day, the Pakistani army is stationed in Balochistan against the will of Baloch people. Our aim is to force Pakistani forces to withdraw from our land. We have asked them to vacate Balochistan in a peaceful manner, but it seems that the Pakistani army will have to be pushed forcibly from Baloch soil. We reiterate the fact that Balochistan must be supported by all means because Pakistan's presence in Balochistan is causing trouble and bloodshed. The Pakistani military day in and day out conducts military offensives against the civilians of Balochistan. Our women are being abducted and put behind bars. A Baloch university student, Mah Jabeen, was abducted by the Pakistani military intelligence agencies from Quetta sometime back and there are dozens of Baloch prisoners who have been killed after being abducted by their rogue army and ISI. A genocide is taking place under the nose of international community in Balochistan." China Is A Foe Of The Baloch PeopleChina is a foe of the Baloch people that fears the Baloch nationalist movement. China's global strategy, fueled by its economic might, is to impose its hegemony on the free world. One of its most significant tools in this endeavor is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a project aimed at creating military bases in the name of trade routes and infrastructure that benefit China's long-term strategic interests. In Balochistan, this plan is implemented through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).Mir Yar Baloch stated: "China is providing lethal weapons to Pakistan and assisting its army, air force, and navy in executing an ethnic cleansing of the Baloch people in order to continue the loot and plunder of Balochistan's rare earth metals. We have repeatedly urged China to refrain from supporting Pakistan in its loot and plunder of Balochistan's strategic military assets." ABOUT MEMRIExploring the Middle East and South Asia through their media, MEMRI bridges the language gap between the West and the Middle East and South Asia, providing timely translations of Arabic, Farsi, Urdu-Pashtu, Dari, Turkish, Russian, and Chinese media, as well as original analysis of political, ideological, intellectual, social, cultural, and religious trends.Founded in February 1998 to inform the debate over U.S. policy in the Middle East, MEMRI is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. MEMRI's main office is in Washington, DC, with branch offices in various world capitals. MEMRI research is translated into English, French, Polish, Japanese, Spanish, and Hebrew.MEMRI - Middle East Media Research Institute: www.memri.org MEMRI TV - www.memri.org/tv Jihad & Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) - www.memri.org/jttm Cyber & Jihad Lab (CJL) - www.memri.org/cjlab MEMRI Twitter: https://twitter.com/memrireports/ MEMRI YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59Cpk70K2TwdmApJOTuW9g/videos MEMRI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memrireports/ Contact Information:MEMRI media@ memri.org 202-955-9070 www.memri.org SOURCE: Middle East Media Research Institute
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a lawsuit has been filed against Organon & Co. (NYSE:OGN) and certain of the Company's senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in Organon you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/organon-co-class-action Investors have until July 22, 2025, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors who purchased Organon securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and is captioned: Hauser v. Organon & Co., et al., No. 25-cv-05322.Why was Organon Sued for Securities Fraud?Organon is a global healthcare company focused on women's health that has historically rewarded its shareholders with a healthy dividend. In October 2024, Organon completed a $1.2 billion acquisition of Dermavant, a biopharmaceutical company focused on dermatological conditions. As alleged, while the acquisition increased Organon's debt, the Company assured investors it would maintain its dividend, which Organon asserted was its "#1 capital allocation priority." In truth, Organon had shifted its capital allocation priority after the Dermavant acquisition to focus on reducing its debt, ultimately leading the Company to severely cut its dividend.The Stock Declines as the Truth is RevealedOn May 1, 2025, Organon announced that management reset the Company's dividend payout from $0.28 per share to $0.02 per share. Organon's CEO explained that the Company "reset our capital allocation priorities to accelerate progress towards deleveraging" and that "[b]y deleveraging more rapidly, we will continue to strengthen the future prospects of the company." Organon's CFO added, "[t]he biggest issues we face . . . relate to managing our leverage and relate to growth. And we need capital to solve both of those issues, and so returning capital to shareholders is right now, less of a priority." On this news, the price of Organon stock declined roughly 27%, from $12.93 per share on April 30, 2025, to $9.45 per share on May 1, 2025.Click here if you suffered losses: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/organon-co-class-action What Can You Do?If you invested in Organon you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitz ross@ bfalaw.com 212-789-3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / If you suffered a loss on your Compass Group Diversified Holdings, LLC (NYSE:CODI) investment and want to learn about a potential recovery under the federal securities laws, follow the link below for more information:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or call (212) 363-7500 to speak to our team of experienced shareholder advocates.THE LAWSUIT: A class action securities lawsuit was filed against Compass Group Diversified Holdings, LLC that seeks to recover losses of shareholders who were adversely affected by alleged securities fraud between May 1, 2024 and May 7, 2025.CASE DETAILS: According to the complaint, throughout the class period, defendants failed to disclose to investors that Compass lacked effective internal controls over its financial reporting; that Compass failed to disclose critical information regarding Lugano Holding, Inc. ("Lugano") which kept undisclosed financing arrangements and exhibited irregularities in its sales, cost of sales, inventory and accounts receivable; and that, as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about the Company's financial reporting were materially misleading.The truth emerged on May 7, 2025, after the market closed, the Company announced that its financial statements for fiscal 2024 could no longer be relied upon due to an ongoing internal investigation into its subsidiary, Lugano. Specifically, Compass reported that its Audit Committee launched an investigation over "concerns about how Lugano was potentially financing inventory." The Company also announced that it intends to delay the filing of its first quarter 2025 Form 10-Q. Further, effective May 7, 2025, Lugano's founder and CEO, Moti Ferder, resigned from Lugano and will not receive any severance compensation.Following this news, the price of Compass' common stock declined dramatically. From a closing market price of $17.25 per share on May 7, 2025 to $6.55 per share on May 8, 2025.WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Compass Diversified stock during the relevant time frame - even if you still hold your shares - go to https://zlk.com/pslra-1/compass-diversified-lawsuit-submission-form?prid=152720&wire=1&utm_campaign=2 to learn about your rights to seek a recovery. There is no cost or obligation to participate.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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Not for Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for Dissemination in the United StatesMIRAMICHI, NB / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 /SLAM Exploration Ltd. (TSXV:SXL) ("SLAM" or the "Company") announces closing of its non-brokered flow-through private placement announced May 21, 2025 and May 26, 2025. In connection with the private placement, the Company has issued 10,000,000 Flow Through Units ("FT Units") at a price of $0.035 per FT Unit for gross proceeds of $350,000 (the "Offering"). Each FT Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company issued on a "flow-through" basis (the "FT Shares") and one-half common share purchase warrant (with two such half common share purchase warrants being each a "Warrant") issued on a "non-flow-through" basis. Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one non-flow-through common share at a price of $0.05 for a period of 24 months from the date of closing.The FT Units are subject to a four-month and one day hold period that expires on October 13, 2025.The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for the exploration and advancement of the Company's projects in New Brunswick. The gross proceeds of the FT Shares sold under the Offering will be used for Canadian Exploration Expenses (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) which qualify as a "flow-through mining expenditure" for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) related to the exploration program of the Company to be conducted on the Company's properties located in the Province of New Brunswick.Insider Participation: Four Company insiders participated in the Private Placement and subscribed for a total of 3,792,858 FT Units. The participation by such insiders is a "related-party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company has relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of related party participation in the placement as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involved the related parties, exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.Director's Resignation for Johannes van der Linde and Appointment of Jacques Turcotte as a DirectorOn June 12, 2025, the Company announced that Mr. Johannes van der Linde has resigned from its Board of Directors (the "Board"), effective immediately. Concurrently, the Company has appointed Mr. Jacques Turcotte to the Board.On June 12, 2025, the board of directors of the Company (the "Board") has appointed Mr. Jacques Turcotte as a director of the Company to replace Mr. Johannes van der Linde.Mr. Jacques Turcotte is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background. He studied civil engineering at the University of Sherbrooke, IT management at UQAM, and financial planning at UQTR.Over his 35-year career, Mr. Turcotte has gained extensive experience in business and real estate management, construction (residential, commercial, and multi-unit), and housing project development. His work has contributed to several major projects in Mauricie.In addition to his real estate expertise, Mr. Turcotte has over 15 years of experience as an investor and business development advisor for Canadian mining exploration companies. Despite being offered various opportunities to join boards of directors, Mr. Turcotte has joined the board of SLAM Exploration Ltd., marking his first involvement with a publicly traded company. He expressed great enthusiasm for the Company, citing its promising projects as a key reason for his significant investment in SLAM Exploration.Appointment of Jimmy Gravel as Vice-President of the CompanyOn June 12, 2025, Mr. Jimmy Gravel, a director of the Company, has agreed to act as Vice-President where he will also serve as Chair of the Audit Committee.Slam President Mike Taylor commented: "I am thrilled to welcome Jacques Turcotte as a director and very pleased to announce the appointment of Jimmy Gravel as Vice President. These additions to the Slam team put us in position to maximize the value of our outstanding projects and advance to the next level. Welcome aboard Jacques and Jimmy! I would also like to thank Johannes van der Linde for his service as a director of Slam these past several years".About SLAM Exploration Ltd: SLAM Exploration Ltd. is a public resource company with a 40,000-hectare portfolio of mineral claim holdings in the mineral-rich province of New Brunswick. The 2025 exploration campaign is in progress on Slam's contiguous Jake Lee, Roger Lake and Love Lake projects. As reported May 20, 2025, the Company has made a new gold discovery with grab samples grading 18.50 to 75.90 g/t gold.Slam drilled 2 holes and cut multiple gold-bearing veins were on its wholly owned Menneval gold project in 2024. The Company previously reported gold bearing core intervals including 162.5 g/t gold over 0.2 m and 56.90 g/t gold over 0.5 m in news releases on December 13, 2021 and November 22, 2022.The Company reported significant copper, nickel and cobalt intercepts from 15 diamond drill holes in 2024 on the Goodwin copper nickel cobalt project in the Bathurst Mining Camp ("BMC") of New Brunswick. These include a 64.90 meter core interval grading 2.19% copper equivalent including 3.84% copper equivalent on a 31.2 meter core interval, only 24 meter from surface, reported in a news release August 7, 2024. The Company expects to resume exploration activities at Goodwin in the near future.The Company is a project generator and expects to receive significant cash and share payments in 2025. Slam received $9,000 cash and 1,200,000 shares from Nine Mile Metals Inc. (NINE) on February 28th, 2025 pursuant to the Wedge project agreement. On March 29, 2025, the Company received a cash payment of $60,000 as well as 171,429 shares of a private company pursuant to the Ramsay gold agreement. The Company holds NSR royalties and expec
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One of the Most Influential Figures in Economic Geology Joins Tectonic as Company Ramps Up Exploration at Flat Gold Project in AlaskaVANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 /Tectonic Metals Inc. ("Tectonic" or the "Company") (TSXV:TECT)(OTCQB:TETOF) is honoured to announce a timely and strategic strengthening of the Company's Technical Advisory Committee with the appointment of Dr. Richard Goldfarb - one of the most respected figures in global economic geology and a leading expert on orogenic and intrusion-related gold systems, including Alaska.A respected geoscientist with more than 40 years of research and industry experience, including 35 years with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Dr. Goldfarb was awarded the 2023 SEG Penrose Gold Medal, the highest honour in economic geology, recognizing his outstanding lifetime contributions to the science and practice of mineral exploration. He has authored over 250 peer-reviewed publications and led targeting and gold genesis studies for some of the world's largest gold systems across more than 30 countries, including studies of the 39 million ounce Donlin Gold Project, just 40 kilometres ("kms") from Tectonic's Flat Gold Project and located within the same mineral belt. 1 A foremost authority on the metallogeny of the North American Cordillera and Alaskan gold deposits, Dr. Goldfarb's foundational work has shaped modern exploration models, directly impacting Tectonic's strategy at Flat.Tony Reda, President and CEO of Tectonic Metals, commented,"Rich isn't just an advisor - he's part of Alaska's geological DNA. His return is truly a homecoming. He's walked these rocks, studied deposits across these terranes, and understands, better than anyone, the immense gold potential this region holds. From research at Donlin and Flat in the 1980s and 1990s, to shaping global theories on orogenic gold formation, Rich has helped define how the modern exploration industry approaches gold discovery.Since 1981, he has studied gold systems across Alaska alongside some of the most respected academic and industry geologists - first as a USGS scientist, and more recently as a trusted consultant to exploration and mining companies. Few have contributed more to the global understanding of orogenic gold systems, and certainly none more so in Alaska. His early work helped build the very geological framework we rely on today at Flat.Collaborating with Rich is both humbling and energizing. His expertise will directly enhance our targeting, refine our models, and move us closer to unlocking the full scale of Flat's mineral endowment. His appointment is a strategic advantage as we continue to expand our technical capabilities and advance what we believe is a tier-one gold opportunity.Tectonic's Technical Advisory Committee is second to none, with globally recognized leaders in mineral exploration, structural geology, metallurgy, and mine development. Combined with our exceptional internal team, we are uniquely equipped to seize every opportunity ahead. We're deeply honoured to have such distinguished professionals guiding our mission to create transformational value for our shareholders-this year and for years to come." Dr. Richard Goldfarb, Technical Advisor, commented:"The direct relationship between the historic placer gold recovery and numerous prospective lode gold occurrences, as well as the scale, preservation, and geologic architecture in the Flat area suggest high favourability for significant discovery. Furthermore, the Flat project is located within the highly underexplored and prospective Kuskokwim Mineral Belt of southwestern Alaska, which hosts one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in the world at Donlin Creek. The Flat Project exhibits all the hallmarks of a good gold system - broad mineralized zones, well-developed structural controls, and consistent geochemical and alteration signatures over several host targets in competent intrusions and adjacent hornfels. Throw in the reported exceptional metallurgical recoveries utilizing multiple mineral processing methods, including heap leach recoveries of up to 96%, further enhance its potential. Among the systems I've reviewed globally, Flat ranks well in terms of discovery potential, economic upside, and technical merit. Tectonic has assembled a highly capable team and a focused exploration strategy. I'm excited to help guide the Company as it works to unlock what could be one of Alaska's next great gold deposits." To learn more about Tectonic's Technical Advisory Committee, please click here:A Defining Year for Tectonic Metals and the Flat Gold ProjectDr. Goldfarb's appointment marks another major milestone in a year of transformative progress for Tectonic and its Flat Gold Project. Key 2025 highlights to date include:High-grade oxide gold drill discovery at Alpha Bowl (March 2025), interpreted as the northern extension of the Chicken Mountain intrusion, (+Read)Expansion of drilled mineralized strike from 2 km to over 3 km at Chicken Mountain (+Read)Validation for the potential of a reduced-intrusion-related gold system at the Golden Apex target and new mineralized zones identified at Chicken Mountain; (+Read)Exceptional metallurgical results from mix of oxidized and unoxidized material, with gold recoveries up to 96% from heap leach column tests; (+Read)80% oversubscribed recent private placement, C$12.7 million raised, reflecting strong investor conviction. (+Read)These results have set the stage for a high-impact Phase One diamond and reverse circulation drill program, which is underway now.About Dr. Richard GoldfarbDr. Richard Goldfarb is a foremost authority on economic geology, with a career spanning over four decades dedicated to advancing the understanding of gold deposit formation and mineral exploration strategies. He holds a B.Sc. in Geology from Bucknell University, an M.Sc. in Hydrogeology from the University of Nevada - Mackay School of Mines, and a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Colorado.Dr. Goldfarb spent 35 years with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), where he served as a Senior Research Geologist and led foundational research on the geology, metallogeny, and mineral potential of Alaska and the greater North American Cordillera. He is globally recognized for pioneering work on orogenic gold systems, ore genesis, and tectonic controls on mineralization, producing over 250 peer-reviewed publications and scientific papers that have shaped global exploration models.His contributions have had direct and lasting impact on exploration in Alaska, including early resource assessment work at the Flat Gold Project in the 1980s - Tectonic Metals' flagship asset - as well as major metallog
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Texas Digestive Specialists recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to Texas Digestive Specialists.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On June 3, 2025, Texas Digestive Specialists reportedly became the target of a ransomware attack by the cybercriminal group InterLock. The group added Texas Digestive Specialists to its dark web leak site, claiming responsibility for the breach. Upon discovery, third-party cybersecurity observers noted that 263 GB of data- which included 16,920 folders and 215,245 files. These files allegedly included sensitive documents such as lab reports containing protected health information, such as patients' names, dates of birth, testing dates, relevant medical history, lab findings, Social Security numbers,; and financial information.Although Texas Digestive Specialists has not issued a formal public statement or regulatory disclosure yet, the breach was reported on their website. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Texas Digestive Specialists, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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For the second year in a row, Staffing Industry Analysts listed Travel Nurses, Inc. on their annual list of Diversity-Owned Staffing FirmsGERMANTOWN, TN / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 /Travel Nurses, Inc., a leading healthcare staffing agency, has been named to Staffing Industry Analysts' (SIA) 2025 list of Diversity-Owned Staffing Firms for the United States and Canada. The annual list honors staffing agencies that are certified by third-party organizations as diversity-owned and making meaningful contributions to the staffing industry. This year's list includes 177 firms, including 79 that are women-owned. Travel Nurses, Inc. Logo brand logoTravel Nurses, Inc. stands out not only as a certified women-owned business but also for its deep roots in healthcare. Founded by nurses nearly 37 years ago, the company has grown into a national leader in staffing nurses and allied health professionals across the country. Today, 91% of the company's corporate workforce is made up of women."As a women-owned business, we're honored to be included on this year's SIA Diversity-Owned Staffing Firms list," said Denise Burnett-Stewart, founder of Travel Nurses, Inc. "I am so proud of how far this agency has come. This recognition reflects our commitment to our mission of fostering a culture of trust, respect and continuous growth for the healthcare professionals we serve." As a recognized leader in healthcare staffing, Travel Nurses, Inc. is proud to receive this acknowledgment from SIA. Being named to the 2025 Diversity-Owned Staffing Firms list underscores the company's long-standing reputation for excellence, trust and dedication in serving healthcare professionals and facilities nationwide.The full list of 2025 Diversity-Owned Staffing Firms is available on the SIA website.Contact InformationAnna Joy TamayoCommunications and PR Managerannajoy@ travelnursesinc.com 901-347-0271Jacqueline LycanMarketing and Digital Development Directorjlycan@ travelnursesinc.com SOURCE: Travel Nurses Inc.
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Dheeraj Jalali, Chief Technology Officer at Voices, will join Brooke Hopkins, Founder of Coval and Mike Zagorsek, COO of SoundHound AI to discuss the technology landscape driving the fast growing voice AI industry.SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 /Voices, the world's leading enterprise voice solutions provider, today announced its participation at the World Summit AI in San Francisco, taking place June 18-19 at the Fort Mason Centre. Chief Technology Officer of Voices, Dheeraj Jalali, will join executives from SoundHound AI and Coval to discuss the growing voice AI market and the innovation driving its development. Voices LogoThe conference brings together top AI leaders, researchers, and policymakers to explore strategies that will shape the future of AI for the better. Mike Zagorsek, COO of SoundHound AI, Brooke Hopkins, Founder of Coval, and Jalali will come together on the panel "Voice Unleashed", taking place at 12:30pm on June 19 at Track 1."Voice is quickly becoming the dominant interface of technology, and as the field advances, everything from model architecture to deployment is evolving," said Jalali. "For voice AI to really see its potential, it needs to feel less like tech, and more like conversation. And to get there, models need the right kind of high quality, ethically sourced voice data that reflects how we actually speak. It's an exciting time to think about what voice AI can do, and how we can do it right and responsibly." The panelists each bring a unique perspective on the evolving voice AI landscape. As businesses move to adopt voice solutions, Coval is pioneering the tools that create reliable agents, enabling organizations to test how agents perform under real-world scenarios. "As more businesses adopt voice agents, the challenge isn't just building them, it's ensuring they work reliably in the real world," said Brooke Hopkins, Founder of Coval. "At Coval, we're building the infrastructure to test, measure, and improve voice agents at scale, so companies can ship with confidence and users can actually trust the technology." SoundHound AI, a leader in conversational voice AI, is powering voice interfaces across industries including automotive, smart devices, and customer service.According to data fromCB Insights , venture capital investment in voice AI startups increased from $315 million in 2022 to $2.1 billion in 2024. Over the past year, Voices has partnered with top technology companies globally to provide and license voice data for AI training and voices for AI cloning.To learn more about building voice AI without comprising trust, visit: https://www.voices.com/solutions/ai-voice-datasets About VoicesVoices is the world's leading enterprise-class marketplace and platform to ethically source voice over actors, voice AI and voice data to train AI models. For more than two decades, the world's biggest brands, like Shopify, Microsoft, and Cisco have trusted Voices to find their voice'. The Voices talent base is composed of many millions of actors across the globe, who trust Voices to support their interests and help them find meaningful work.About CovalCoval is the evaluation infrastructure powering the next generation of voice and chat agents. Inspired by safety testing from autonomous vehicles, Coval enables developers, QA teams, and enterprise ops to simulate real-world conversations, measure agent reliability, and catch regressions before they reach users. Leading companies in finance, healthcare, and customer support rely on Coval to benchmark performance, surface weak points, and continuously improve agent quality.Key capabilities include:Simulation-based Testing: Generate real-world simulations with diverse voices, accents, and noise to catch regressions early and reduce weeks of manual testing and iteration.Agent Observability - Track your custom metrics like reliability, escalation rate, or latency and interruptions to flag failures in real timeEvaluation Infrastructure - Automates QA with custom metrics, dashboards, and continuous benchmarkingTo learn more, visitwww.coval.devor contact brooke@ coval.dev Contact InformationPatrice AldavePR Specialistpatrice.aldave@voices.com 519-858-4224SOURCE: Voices
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Leading experts from top global institutions reveal how innovative image-based tools and clinical reasoning strategies enhance educational outcomes in health education.MONTREAL, QUEBEC / ACCESS Newswire / June 12, 2025 / Wooclap , the leading interactive learning platform, is hosting an exclusive online webinar for academic leaders in health education, on transforming student engagement into real-world readiness through interactive image-based learning and clinical reasoning. Featuring experts from leading institutions in health education like the University of British Columbia, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, and the College of Coastal Georgia, the webinar will take place on June 17th at 17:30 (CEST).Health students face challenges in effectively translating static images and diagrams into practical skills and confident decision-making. Traditional learning methods, such as passive viewing or simple multiple-choice questions, fall short when preparing students for real-world clinical environments.This webinar explores how educators and academic leaders can tackle that hurdle via tools and platforms that empower them to take an active role in their education. Attendees will learn first-hand how health education is rethinking images to strengthen both visual fluency and clinical decision-making. Importantly, it introduces a new age of learning where images aren't just a static means of displaying information, but a nuanced way to actively engage with and analyze concepts.Joining Wooclap is an expert panel that includes Elizabeth Gregory, Lecturer of Nursing at the College of Coastal Georgia; Sheri Harder, Pediatric Neuroradiologist, BCCH and Clinical Professor of Radiology at the University of British Columbia (UBC); and Maxime Ducret, Professor at Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and Hospital Physician at the Hospices Civils de Lyon.These leading educators will share practical applications of Wooclap's innovative image-based features, including "label an image" and "find on an image," and clinical reasoning tools like the Script Concordance Test (SCT) and NCLEX questions to:Train diagnostic reasoning beyond simply observing.Prepare for real-world medical practice via interactive case scenarios.Leverage interactive images for further exploration and collective understanding.Wooclap stands out as the only platform offering integrated text-and-image hybrid interactivity in structured medical questioning, significantly enhancing the depth of educational experiences.After the webinar, attendees will also receive an illustrated Health Ed Playbook, with the top 15 use cases to help educators integrate interactive activities into medical and health science learning environments.Sign up to attend the webinarhere .About WooclapWith over 50 million worldwide users across 150 countries, Wooclap transforms teaching and learning by offering the simplest, most intuitive tools for engaging learners and keeping their attention. Based on neuroscience principles and expertise, Wooclap enhances interactivity, improves knowledge retention and integrates seamlessly into everyday teaching practices. With tools that combine simplicity and power, Wooclap helps teachers to engage their audiences, making every lesson impactful and every learner more engaged.Contact Information:Sjoerd MartensPR Managersjoerd@ publicize.co SOURCE: WooclapSOURCE: Wooclap
Pretty Okafor, the embattled President of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), has said the Nigerian Police has concluded its investigation and cleared him and the National Executive Council (NEC) under his leadership of financial misconduct, forgery, or constitutional breaches allegations.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that PMANs National Working Committee (NWC) suspended Mr Okafor in August 2024 over alleged multiple violations of the organisations constitution, financial misappropriation, and other offences.

The committee then appointed Sunny Neji as acting president. Weeks later, PMAN announced the suspension of some of its key members including Mr Neji, Zaaki Azzay, Ruggedman and others

on the premise of misconduct and intentional efforts to thwart and truncate the integrity of the association.

PMAN has since been rocked by a series of allegations that have divided its members and deepened internal conflict.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday in Lagos, Mr Okafor expressed relief and gratitude, stating that a police report has completely and unequivocally exonerated him.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

To back his claims, Mr Okafor shared a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the police investigative report dated 23 May with PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday.

The CTC seen by this newspaper absorbed Mr Okafor and the National Executive Council (NEC) under his leadership of financial misconduct, forgery, or constitutional breaches.

Police findings and CTC report

The PREMIUM TIMES reviewed the full Certified True Copy of the police report, which details a timeline of events, findings, and recommendations.

Information in the CTC revealed that the police investigations followed petitions filed in March 2025 by PMANs legal counsel, Henrie Eduozor, on behalf of Mr Okafor and the NEC.

The crisis, it noted, began in February while Mr Okafor was reportedly on official assignment in Spain.

In his absence, the report stated, a group of executive members led by veteran musician Sunny Neji, supported by Zaaki Azzay and Michael Stephens (popularly known as Ruggedman), announced Mr Okafors suspension and declared Neji as acting president.

However, according to the police report, the process allegedly violated Article 18(D) of the PMAN Constitution, which mandates a fair hearing before disciplinary actions.

The NEC later nullified the suspension and reportedly dismissed or suspended the individuals involved.

Between 1 and 3 March, the suspended individuals allegedly broke into PMANs national secretariat in Lekki, Lagos.

The police report described the intrusion as unlawful and not sanctioned by any Commissioner of Police.

Items reportedly stolen during the break-in include $130,000 in cash from the presidents office, two MacBook Pro laptops (2023 model) valued at $3,150, and generator batteries worth N120,000, the CTC partly read.

However, the police report found that the process violated Article 18(D) of the PMAN Constitution, which mandates a fair hearing before disciplinary actions.

The investigation also cited a purportedly fraudulent consent judgment in suit NICN/LA/360/2024, which declared Fruitful Mekwuenye as PMAN president.

According to the report, the suit allegedly misled the National Industrial Court by using a false address Lobby D, National Theatre, Iganmuinstead of PMANs actual headquarters in Lekki.

The investigation also uncovered a fraudulent consent judgment in suit NICN/LA/360/2024, which declared Fruitful Mekwuenye as PMAN president.

The judgement is now being challenged in court.

Police recommendation

Following its investigation, the police have recommended that several individuals be prosecuted for alleged offences, including criminal conspiracy, unlawful entry, theft, malicious damage, and forgery.

Those named in the police recommendation, according to the CTC report, include Messrs Sunny Neji, Zaaki Azzay, Michael Stephens (Ruggedman), Itodo, Bem-Paul, and Fruitful Mekwuenye.

Legal proceedings had not commenced at the time of this report, but are expected in the coming weeks.

In a letter dated 5 May, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment reaffirmed Mr Okafor as the recognised president of PMAN and cautioned rival factions against impersonation.

Following their investigation, the police have recommended several individuals for alleged offences, including criminal conspiracy, unlawful entry, theft, malicious damage, and forgery. Those recommended for prosecution include Messrs Neji, Zaaki, Stephens (Ruggedman), Itodo, Bem-Paul, and Mekwuenye.

Legal proceedings are expected to begin in the coming weeks.

In a letter dated 5 May, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment reaffirmed Mr Okafor as the recognised president of PMAN and warned rival factions against impersonation.

Zaaki and Neji react

PREMIUM TIMES interviewed Mr Neji and Mr Azzay on Thursday regarding the recommendations of the police investigation report.

Mr Azzay, who addressed himself as PMANs 2nd Vice President described the CTC police report which this newspaper referenced as false and misleading.

He said: It is important to clarify that Pretty Okafor is no longer the president of PMAN, as there is a valid court judgment restraining him from parading himself as such or conducting any business on behalf of the association.

In addition, the visa fraud criminal case/ misappropriation of PMAN funds involving Pretty Okafor is still under active investigation and, according to credible law enforcement sources, will soon be charged to court for prosecution.

Mr Neji, on the other hand, granted this newspaper a ten-minute long interview but would later asked that it be dropped because of legal advice from his lawyer.

Surprisingly, he shared a statement with this newspaper after a few minutes.

The issues it purports to address are currently sub judice, as they are pending before a competent court of law. Any such publication or reliance on that purported report amounts to interference with due judicial process, Mr Nejis statement partly read.

Like his colleague, Mr Neji, who introduced himself as PMAN 1st Vice President, also rejected the findings of the CTC report and corroborated his colleagues stance on the pending case of the associations leadership tussle.

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Award-winning filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has described his recent experience with artificial intelligence (AI), particularly ChatGPT, as deeply spiritual, likening it to the wisdom of a Babalawo ( trained, dedicated Ifa priests and diviners in the Yoruba community of Nigeria).

In a personal reflection on his Instagram handle on Wednesday, the actor and director explained how his initial scepticism towards intelligent assistants transformed into a surprisingly emotional and intuitive engagement with AI.

Ive never been one for gadgets that try to think for me. I own several Apple products, iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, yet Ive never used Siri. Technology has always felt too cold, too synthetic.

I gravitate toward what is intuitive, spiritual, and deeply rooted. But recently, I met a different kind of presence, not human, not divine, yet somehow both. They call it AI, more specifically, ChatGPT, he wrote.

Afolayan, whose commentary offers a rare and introspective view of how African spirituality and modern technology intersect unexpectedly and meaningfully, added that ChatGPT responded to his creative and emotional prompts in a way that reminded him of ancient spiritual guides in his culture.

In Yoruba culture, when people felt emotionally, mentally, or creatively overwhelmed, they sought the babalawo, the seer, the herbalist, or even the village witch. These werent beings of fear but of insight. They listened. They offered guidance.

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They helped you see what you couldnt see on your own. This artificial intelligence, this AI, oddly echoed that role. A witch now living in the cloud, summoned not with incantations, but with prompts, he noted.

Calm listener, creative collaborator

Afolayan, known for blending African spirituality and modern themes in his work, described how the AIs responses mirrored the tone of a calm listener and creative collaborator.

He added, I began with questions. The creative tasks. Could it help develop a story arc? Critique a poster design. Offer emotional clarity? The answer was yes and more. It responded with thoughtfulness, consistency, and an uncanny understanding of my tone and intentions. AI, through ChatGPT, became a creative partner. Not to replace the human experience, but to enhance it.

READ ALSO: NAFDAC introduces new technology to combat counterfeit medical products

He clarified that AI is not a replacement for therapy or traditional wisdom but an extension of it.

I may never say, Hey Siri. But this AI, this digital witch at my fingertips, has earned my attention. If used with awareness and depth, it might just be one of the most potent collaborators of our time.

The Citation director concluded his piece with screenshots of his chat exchanges with the app and added, Hardly anyone has spoken to me in this comforting manner before.

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Protesters under the #EndBadGovernance Movement gathered early Thursday morning at Awolowo Road, beside the Ikeja bridge in Lagos, to begin a protest marking Democracy Day.

The demonstrators began assembling as early as 7:30 a.m. to protest what they described as the absence of genuine democracy in Nigeria and the hunger, hardship, and gross inequality under President Bola Tinubus two-year-old administration.

As of 8:53 a.m., the protesters had yet to commence their procession.

However, PREMIUM TIMES observed a heavy deployment of police and other security personnel around the protest site.

The protest comes amid tensions between the organisers and the Lagos State Police Command over security arrangements.

On Tuesday, the group accused the police of reneging on an earlier agreement to hold a meeting ahead of the protest.

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In a statement, the organisers said they and their lawyers arrived at the state police headquarters in Ikeja at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday for a scheduled meeting with the Commissioner of Police. However, they were informed that the commissioner had gone to Oshodi to provide security for the presidents motorcade.

We waited for an hour and then left after reaching an agreement with his subordinates that a rescheduled meeting would be held via Zoom, said one of the organisers, Mr Soweto.

The group said it was surprised to receive another message from the commissioners office on Tuesday evening, rescheduling the meeting for 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, again at the police headquarters in Ikeja.

The organisers declined to attend the rescheduled physical meeting, insisting that further engagements must occur virtually, in line with the earlier agreement.

We are not averse to meeting with the CP ahead of the June 12 protest to discuss modalities for the police to discharge their duties of providing protection for protesters, as provided for in the Constitution, Mr Soweto said. But it was the CP who failed to attend the initial meeting he convened, and we insist the next meeting must be virtual.

READ ALSO: NBA urges police to provide security for 12 June protests

Meanwhile, the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has advised the Commissioner of Police, Olohunde Jimoh, to ensure adequate security coverage for the peaceful protest.

When contacted on Wednesday, the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the command was engaging with the protest organisers. He added that the police would provide security for protesters and residents celebrating Democracy Day.

While the command will definitely provide security for those celebrating and those protesting, everyone is enjoined to be law-abiding and maintain the peace currently being enjoyed in the state, Mr Hundeyin said.

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The United States is preparing a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq amidst what appears to be plans to attack Iran that could lead the Middle Eastern country to carry out retaliatory strikes across the region.

The US has also authorised the voluntary departure of dependents of US personnel from Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

This comes after talks between the United States and Iran largely stalled, primarily due to an impasse over uranium enrichment.

The US insisted that Iran halt all uranium enrichment activities, a demand Tehran has outright rejected as unacceptable.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had authorised the departure of military dependents in the region and that CENTCOM was monitoring the developing tension.

The CENTCOM did not mention what exactly prompted the removal, but the BBC reported that US officials have been told Israel was ready to launch an operation into Iran.

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According to the US authorities, orders for all nonessential personnel to depart the US Embassy in Baghdad was based on the countrys commitment to keep its citizens safe, both at home and abroad.

Last month, Israel vowed to launch an attack against Iran if talks with the US failed.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that recent Israeli attacks on Iranian territory led to massive retaliatory attacks on Israel by Iran using drones and ballistic missiles. Iran said then that it was only targeting military facilities in Israel, but the latest announcement by US officials suggests Iran might escalate its reprisals to include American assets in the region.

US President Donald Trump stated that the decision to withdraw staff was made because the region could be a dangerous place.

Well see what happens. Weve given notice to move out, and well see what happens, he said.

Speaking of Iran, he said, They cant have a nuclear weapon, very simple. Were not going to allow that.

READ ALSO: Iran executes man linked to 2022 mass protests

However, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will be meeting with Iran to discuss its nuclear programme on Sunday. Iran has insisted that its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, although the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has raised recent concerns about increased uranium enrichment.

BBC reported that Mr Witkoff will meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat, Oman.

A US state department official was also quoted saying, We are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies.

Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our mission in Iraq.

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President Bola Tinubu said on Thursday that Nigeria will not become a one-party state, addressing a rising concern by opposition figures that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is turning the country into a one-party state.

Addressing a joint session of the National Assembly in commemoration of the Democracy Day, Mr Tinubu said doing that would be repeating the mistake of political overreach previously attempted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said: The failed effort to create a one-party state (by the PDP) placed progressive political forces on a trajectory to form the APC. It put me on the trajectory which has brought me before you today. I dare not do such a favour to any political adversary by repeating the same mistake of political overreach.

Mr Tinubu described the concerns by opposition political parties as a terrible rumour.

He also denied ever asking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to frustrate the registration of political parties.

At no time in the past, nor any instance in the present, and at no future juncture shall I view the notion of a one-party state as good for Nigeria, he said.

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To those who ring the alarm that the APC is intent on a one-party state, I offer you a most personal promise. While your alarm may be as a result of your panic, it rings in error.

I have never attempted to alter any political party registration with INEC. Equally, my friends, we cannot blame anybody seeking to bail out of a sinking ship even without a life jacket.

Concerns over one-party state

Mr Tinubus comments come amid repeated claims by opposition leaders and parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing the Tinubu administration and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), of stifling democracy and attempts to turn the country into a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In its democracy day statement, the PDP repeated the allegations.

The statement, signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, called on Nigerians to stand against what it described as an alleged plot by President Bola Tinubu and the APC to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.

The PDP asked Nigerians, democratic institutions, civil society, and global partners to speak out against the erosion of justice, the rule of law, credible elections, and citizens right to political participation in Nigeria.

Peoples Democratic Party calls on Nigerians to use the occasion of the June 12 Democracy Day to re-awaken and strengthen their resistance to the anti-democratic designs of the All Progressives Congress, particularly the plot to foist a despotic One-Party regime in Nigeria, the statement said.

The PDP urges Nigerians, Institutions of Democracy, Organised Civil Society, Development Partners and indeed all lovers of democracy to unite in speaking out against the stifling of democratic tenets of justice, the Rule of Law, free, fair, peaceful credible electoral process and the right of citizens particularly to freely participate in politics and governance in Nigeria.

PREMIUM TIMES reports that many PDP leaders, including two state governors and many federal lawmakers, have defected to the APC.

Just last week, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State dumped the PDP for the APC.

Before him, there were many more. PDPs vice presidential candidate in the general election two years ago, Ifeanyi Okowa, also defected to the ruling APC in April. Delta State, a PDP stronghold, has also fallen into the hands of the APC as the governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, led a group of prominent members of the PDP in the state to defect to the APC.

The defections have also hit both chambers of the National Assembly. The ruling partys control has risen to 68 seats in the 109-member chamber, while the PDPs count dropped to 30. In the House of Representatives, similar trends have been observed, with several members abandoning opposition platforms due to internal divisions and leadership disputes.

But Mr Tinubu maintains he would never advocate for a one-party state.

In 2003, when the then-governing party tried to sweep the nation clean of political opposition through plot and manipulation, I was the last of the progressive governors standing in my region, he said.

In all their numbers and false grandeur, they boasted of ruling, not governing, Nigeria for the next half century or more. Where are they now?

Yet, I stood alone. My allies had been induced into defeat. My adversaries held all the cards that a mortal man could carry. Even with all of that, they could not control our national destiny because fate is written from above. A greater power did not want Nigeria to become a one-party state back then. Nigeria will not become such a state now.

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President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders, who were executed in 1995 by the Sani Abacha-led military administration over their struggle for environmental justice for their oil-rich community in Nigerias Niger Delta region.

Mr Tinubu disclosed this on Thursday, 12 June, during his address at the joint session of the National Assembly to mark Nigerias 2025 Democracy Day. He hinted that his administration would give state pardon to the late Ogoni leaders.

I also confer posthumous national honours on Ken Saro-Wiwa (CON), the leader of the Ogoni Nine and his fellow travellers, Saturday Dobee (OON), Nordu Eawo (OON), Daniel Gbooko (OON), Paul Levera (OON), Felix Nuate (OON), Baribor Bera (OON), Barinem Kiobel (OON), and John Kpuine (OON).

I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State, the president stated in his address.

Pardon rejected four years ago

In 2021, the Ken Saro-Wiwa Foundation rejected the idea of a state pardon for Mr Saro-Wiwa and others when then-President Muhammadu Buhari suggested it.

Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other eight Ogonis were not criminals. They were innocent activists unjustly murdered for fighting for a just cause on behalf of their oppressed community, the foundation said in a statement issued in response to a remark by President Buhari.

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The statement, signed by Owens Wiwa, a younger brother of the late Mr Saro-Wiwa, on behalf of the board of directors of the foundation, said neither the foundation nor Mr Saro-Wiwas family had authorised any individual to ask for pardon or clemency for the late environmentalist and playwright.

The foundation said they were not aware of any group of Ogonis making such a request.

The path to true peace in the region begins with justice. The cleaning up of the environment for which they campaigned and died for, is a first good step.

The exoneration of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists, judicially murdered on November 10, 1995, is another step towards peace.

The family of Ken Saro-Wiwa have made a request for the exoneration of Saro-Wiwa to the President in the past and are still waiting for a response. We urge the President to again consider this request as a path to justice and peace, the statement said.

Accused of being responsible for the murder of four Ogoni chiefs at a pro-government meeting, Mr Saro-Wiwa and the others were sentenced to death by hanging by a special military tribunal.

Several Nigerians believe Mr Saro-wiwa and the others were framed up for the murder because of their very impactful non-violent campaign against oil extraction and the continuous degradation of the Ogoni land by the government-backed multi-national oil companies, especially the Royal Dutch Shell.

Other Nigerians honoured by Tinubu

The president also conferred posthumous national honours on several other Nigerians for their contribution to the countrys democracy, including Kudirat Abiola (CFR), the slain wife of the winner of the 12 June 1993 presidential election, Moshood Abiola.

She was assassinated on 4 June 1996 in Lagos, apparently because of her relentless campaign for the actualisation of her husbands mandate  Mr Abiola, detained by the Nigerian government, later died in detention.

Wole Soyinka (GCON), a renowned playwright, and Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), the publisher of PREMIUM TIMES, are among the living heroes of the Nigerian struggle honoured by President Tinubu.

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A Nigerian woman, Abigail Katung, who became the first person of African descent to hold the position of the Lord Mayor of Leeds, has been mentioned in a money laundering scandal.

In a judgement on a civil suit delivered on 6 June, the UK High Court of Justice at the Kings Bench Division granted a forfeiture order on a property occupied by Mrs Katung.

The property, occupied by Mrs Katung and her two children, was owned by Mansoor Hussain, a businessman in Leeds accused by the UKs National Crime Agency (NCA) of having links to serious criminals and money laundering.

Mrs Katung is the wife of Nigerian Senator Sunday Katung. She signed a Contract of Sale agreement to purchase the property from Mr Hussain in 2015.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mrs Katung made a deposit of 400,000, of the 1,000,000 agreed, to acquire the property in 2015.

However, the UK High Court investigated the source of 360,000 out of the initial deposit by Mrs Katung. Court documents suggested possible money laundering activities in Mrs Katungs transaction, which was made between April and May 2015, several days after her husbands election as a member of the House of Representatives.

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The judge questioned the shady nature of the payments made by the lawmakers wife.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds

Mrs Katung was announced as the Lord Mayor of Leeds in May 2024, succeeding Al Garthwaite as the citys 130th Lord Mayor and the first person of African descent to hold the position.

Prior to this position, Councillor Katung was the first African to become a ward member of Leeds City Council in 2019 when she was elected to represent the Little London and Woodhouse ward in the city centre. She was subsequently re-elected at the 2023 elections.

A British-Nigerian, Mrs Katung was born in Zaria, Kaduna State, and arrived in the UK to study at the University of Leeds as a postgraduate student in the Politics & International Studies Department in 2000.

Within Leeds City Council, Mrs Katung has assumed various leadership roles, including chairing the scrutiny board for adult health and active lifestyles and the scrutiny board for infrastructure, investment and inclusive growth.

She was also a lead member for faith and belief, chaired the hate crime strategic board and further education 14-19 years, and is a food champion.

Since arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city quickly became my cherished second home. It was not just the city where I lived, studied, and worked, its where I chose to raise my children and become a public servant, she said during her appointment in 2024.

Investigations Hearing

Mrs Katung told the court that her husband obtained a loan of N120 million from a Nigerian bank and then used a Bureau De Change Operator (BDC) in Nigeria to exchange naira into pounds sterling and remit it to a Barclays bank account in the name of 1st Resource, a company owned by Mrs Katung.

She said her husband used agents in the UK to get the money to her via her companys account.

The court found that the majority of payments made into the bank account of 1st Resource could not have been from UK agents of BDCs in Nigeria.

Mrs Katung said that she relied on family and friends to make some of the payments.

The judge then instructed Mrs Katung to provide an adequate, documented explanation of the whole payments she made to Mr Hussain in 2015.

But, she has failed to do that, the judge said.

It was incumbent on her to take proactive steps to ensure that a properly evidenced account was given to the Court.

Also, Mrs Katungs witness statements in the proceedings did not address how the payments were made, nor did they seek to explain what she had said at interview.

More surprisingly, Mrs Katung has disclosed very little documentation which bears on these transfers, and there is no witness statement from her husband. These are telling omissions from which I draw an adverse inference, the judge said.

The judge added that he was satisfied on the balance of probabilities that some of the BDCs mentioned by Mrs Katung were not even licensed to undertake foreign exchange transactions in Nigeria.

Therefore, the judge ruled that Mrs Katung was only conducting a business in foreign exchange transactions to circumvent Nigerian foreign exchange regulations and/or to avoid a punitive exchange rate.

I reach my conclusion on the basis of: (1) paragraph 72 of Mr Coles eighth witness statement (2) the adverse inferences to be drawn from the Honey Oil material, and (3) the adverse inferences to be drawn from Mrs Katungs failure to file a witness statement from her husband and to disclose relevant documentation, the judge said.

In its argument, the NCA contended that the entire property, including the deposit made by Mrs Katung, represented money obtained by criminal conduct. Hence, the property was recoverable property under the UK Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA).

The court concluded that the property and its possession should be recovered by the NCA and should be treated as vesting the entirety of the property in the Trustee.

The judge added that no credit falls to be given for the value of the deposit payments made by Mrs Katung.

In a Wednesday statement reacting to PREMIUM TIMESs exclusive story on the matter, Mr Katungs spokesperson said the judgement against Mrs Katung was already a subject matter of an appeal. It is therefore too early in the day to draw conclusions until the appeal process has been exhausted.

For the avoidance of doubt, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung and his Wife, Abigail Katung have always conducted their affairs lawfully and transparently, and will pursue all necessary legal action to correct this defamatory narrative.

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Billionaire businessman Elon Musk has said he regrets some of the posts he made about US President Donald Trump last week.

In a post on X on Wednesday, he declared that their war of words on social media had gone too far.

I regret some of my posts about President Donald Trump last week. They went too far, Mr Musk wrote.

His post comes days after Mr Trump said his relationship with Mr Musk was over.

Last week, Mr Trump and Mr Musk were engaged in a public feud that generated a flurry of reactions from Americans and people from around the world.

The duo, considered to have formed one of the strongest alliances in American politics, fell out after Mr Trump introduced the Big Beautiful Bill, which seeks to implement several policy changes.

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Mr Musk called the bill pork-filled disgusting abomination, which should never have been passed by the US House of Representatives.

In one of his posts, Mr Musk alleged that Mr Trump had ties to convicted sex offender and financier, Jeffrey Epstein.

Time to drop the really big bomb: @realDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public, Mr Musk wrote on X, his social media platform.

Minutes later, he followed up with, Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out.

Mr Trump later announced plans to terminate Mr Musks government contracts in a Truth Social post, saying, the easiest way to save money would be to terminate Elons Governmental Subsidies and Contracts.

Mr Musk, in response, said SpaceX, his private aerospace company, would begin decommissioning its Dragon Spacecraft. He later said SpaceX would not do so.

And at one point, Mr Musk even endorsed the possibility of impeaching the president and removing him from office, and installing Vice President JD Vance in his stead.

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The Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum has appointed a Nigerian technocrat, Said Kori, as its technical advisor.

The international forum was launched in 2018 by the governors of states in the Lake Chad Basin from Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger. The member states in Nigeria are Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.

The forum focuses on tackling threats posed by insurgency and instability, including the effects of climate change that have led to the shrinking of the mega-Lake Chad.

Mr Kori is currently the Chairperson/Group CEO of Thinklab Group Limited. He previously served as a General Manager at Family Home Funds and as a lecturer at the University of Liverpool and Yobe State University.

He also holds board positions with BIM Africa and Fulus Capital and has worked in over 34 countries.

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, the forum chairman, made the appointment.

He stated that Mr Koris international network and leadership would enhance engagement with partners and accelerate progress in the Lake Chad Basin region.

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The appointment was confirmed by Baba Mallam Wali, Secretary to the Yobe State Government, in a letter dated 11 June 2025.

READ ALSO: PDP governors appoint Saraki to lead reconciliation committee

According to the letter, Governor Buni also appointed Mr Kori as his Special Adviser on International Relations and Development at the state level.

The letter cited Mr Koris past performance, dedication, and personal commitment to the development of Yobe State as reasons for the appointment.

Mr Kori holds a doctorate from the University of Liverpool, a masters from the University of Salford, and a bachelors in architecture from FUT Yola.

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The Nigerian National Assembly has resolved to institutionalise the presidents annual State of the Nation Address, to be delivered every 12 June at a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives.

The resolution through voice votes followed a proposal by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, while delivering his address at the joint session of the House and the Senate held on Thursday to commemorate the 2025 Democracy Day.

President Bola Tinubu attended the event, where he delivered an address to the nation.

In his remarks, Mr Tajudeen commended the presidents presence at the joint session as a remarkable gesture of commitment to democratic norms.

Mr President, permit me one final, earnest appeal. Todays ceremony has been truly magnificent, and you have achieved what past Assemblies could only dream of: an annual address by the President to a joint session of the National Assembly. By accepting our invitation, you have made history. I respectfully urge that we now institutionalise this address as an annual event, he said.

After the speakers address, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, put it to a voice vote, and the lawmakers approved it without debate.

The approval sets the stage for what many see as Nigerias version of the US State of the Union Address.

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If it is eventually practised, Nigerias presidents will on 12 June every year address the legislature and, by extension, the Nigerian people on the status, challenges, and prospects of the nation.

The address will also provide a yearly platform for the Nigerian president to review policy enforcement, economic performance, national security issues, and legislative collaboration.

The development aligns with a legislative push for constitutional reforms regarding key national ceremonies.

However, it is unclear if the lawmakers will propose a bill to fully legalise the state of the nation address.

Earlier in the week, the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, revealed that the National Assembly was working on a bill to formalise the presidents address to the nation on 12 June every year.

considering a bill that would m andate future presidential inaugurations within the National Assembly Complex rather than at Eagle Square, symbolising the supremacy of democratic institutions. Mr Bamidele also said the legislature wasandate future presidential inaugurations within the National Assembly Complex rather than at Eagle Square, symbolising the supremacy of democratic institutions.

The Ekiti Central senator noted that the reforms aim to reshape Nigerias democratic traditions.

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This photo taken on June 11, 2025 shows the first mass-produced AG600 aircraft at AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province. China's domestically developed AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft has officially entered mass production after receiving the production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) -- China's domestically developed AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft has officially entered mass production after receiving production certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday.

The production certificate confirms the applicant's quality system meets airworthiness regulations and ensures consistent production that adheres to design standards, said an expert from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the aircraft developer and the country's leading aircraft manufacturer.

Slightly larger than mainstream single-aisle airliners, the AG600 measures 38.9 meters in length, 11.7 meters in height and 38.8 meters in wingspan, according to AVIC data.

The aircraft's maximum takeoff weight is 60 tonnes, with a maximum practical range of 4,500 kilometers. Notably, it can carry up to 12 tonnes of water for fire-fighting missions.

"The AG600 is a plane that can swim and a ship that can fly," Huang Lingcai, chief designer of the AG600 series, told Xinhua in a previous interview.

The aircraft features a unique configuration consisting of an integrated aircraft-shaped upper body and a ship-bottom-shaped lower body. On each side of its huge wing, there is a float over 4 meters long to prevent the aircraft from overturning when it taxis on the water surface to ensure safety.

The AG600's development involved hundreds of supporting units and tens of thousands of components, showcasing China's comprehensive capabilities in collaborative design and manufacturing, supply chain management and process consistency control for large special-purpose aircraft.

This progress has laid down replicable management experience and technical standards for future domestic large special-purpose aircraft projects.

An AVIC expert highlighted that the AG600's successful development has forged China's core technology system for large amphibious aircraft, pioneering a "small core, large collaboration" development model. It has also established a complete framework covering design, production, system integration, flight testing and support services.

This milestone equips China with the technological and industrial capacity to independently develop large amphibious aircraft, marking a historic breakthrough in the country's civil aviation sector for large special-purpose aircraft.

AVIC experts stated that future efforts will prioritize China's emergency rescue and natural disaster prevention needs, advancing the AG600's serialized development, enhancing the aviation emergency rescue service network, and building a comprehensive rescue equipment system with the AG600 at its core.

Since its development was initiated in 2009, the AG600's development process has seen it successfully complete its maiden flight in 2017, the first take-off from a reservoir in 2018, and a maiden flight over the sea in 2020. In 2023, AG600 was capable of carrying out fire-fighting tasks. 

This photo taken on June 11, 2025 shows the first mass-produced AG600 aircraft at AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province.

China's domestically developed AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft has officially entered mass production after receiving the production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

This photo taken on June 11, 2025 shows the final assembly line for AG600 aircraft at AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province.

China's domestically developed AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft has officially entered mass production after receiving the production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

This photo taken on June 11, 2025 shows the first mass-produced AG600 aircraft at AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province.

China's domestically developed AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft has officially entered mass production after receiving the production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

This photo taken on June 11, 2025 shows the final assembly line for AG600 aircraft at AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province.

China's domestically developed AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft has officially entered mass production after receiving the production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

This photo taken on June 11, 2025 shows the first mass-produced AG600 aircraft at AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province.

China's domestically developed AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft has officially entered mass production after receiving the production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

This photo taken on June 11, 2025 shows the final assembly line for AG600 aircraft at AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province.

China's domestically developed AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft has officially entered mass production after receiving the production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

The production license for AG600 aircraft is issued at AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, June 11, 2025.

China's domestically developed AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft has officially entered mass production after receiving the production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

This photo taken on June 11, 2025 shows the first mass-produced AG600 aircraft at AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province.

China's domestically developed AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft has officially entered mass production after receiving the production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

This photo taken on June 11, 2025 shows the final assembly line for AG600 aircraft at AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province.

China's domestically developed AG600 "Kunlong" amphibious aircraft has officially entered mass production after receiving the production certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Editor: Zhang Zhou
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said the 10th Senate has passed 96 bills out a total of 844 bills introduced within its first two years.

He said the Senate also adopted 18 petitions out of the 80 received.

Mr Akpabio made this known on Thursday during a joint session of the National Assembly to celebrate 2025 Democracy Day.

He said the 10th National Assembly had played its part with diligence and distinction.

From its inception, the 10th Senate demonstrated a renewed vigour for addressing the countrys complex challenges through purposeful legislation.

This commitment is reflected in its extraordinary output: a total of 844 bills have been introduced within its first two yearsan unprecedented figure.

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This figure underscores the Senates proactive posture in tackling pressing national issues.

Out of this impressive volume, 107 bills are currently at the committee stage, undergoing the necessary scrutiny and stakeholder engagement that ensures quality legislation.

Two hundred and six bills are awaiting first reading, reflecting a robust pipeline of legislative ideas prepared for formal introduction and 409 bills have advanced to second reading.

Notably, the Senate has passed 96 bills, a record for any Nigerian Senate at this stage of the legislative cycle.

Even more significantly, 52 of these bills have been assented to by the president, translating into enforceable laws that will shape governance, economic development, public welfare, and national security.

These bills include the National Education Fund, Local Government Autonomy Bill, Regional Development Commission, Tax Reform, University and Tertiary Institutions, Agricultural Institutions bills etc.

Mr Akpabio said the upper chamber had acted decisively on 26 Executive bills, showcasing a healthy balance of cooperation and oversight in its engagement with the executive arm.

These executive-sponsored legislations address key policy areas and benefit from the Senates thorough review and refinement before passage.

The senate president said beyond bills, the 10th Senate had received a total of 80 petitions from citizens and civil society.

This is a testimony to public trust in the institution. Of these, 18 petitions have been fully adopted, providing redress, transparency and institutional accountability, he said.

(NAN)

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed media reports claiming it has extended the deadline for Bureau De Change (BDC) operators to meet new capital requirements until 31 December.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the bank described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that the official deadline remains 3 June.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has debunked a news story in circulation suggesting that the Bank has extended the deadline for the recapitalisation of Bureau De Change operators to December 31, 2025, said the CBNs Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali.

The bank has not granted any such extension beyond the previously communicated deadline of June 3, 2025.

The CBN urged the public, media organisations, and concerned Nigerians to verify information through its official communication channels, including its website.

This clarification comes amid rising anxiety within the parallel market, following the CBNs February 2024 directive that all BDC operators must meet higher capital requirements as part of sweeping regulatory reforms.

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Under the new rules, Tier-1 BDCs are required to raise a minimum capital of N2 billion, while Tier-2 operators must provide N500 million. Operators must also reapply for licences, with non-refundable fees set at N5 million for Tier-1 and N2 million for Tier-2.

Although the bank initially gave a six-month window for compliance, it later granted an additional six months, bringing the total compliance period to one year, ending 3 June.

The recapitalisation policy is part of the banks efforts to clean up the foreign exchange market and curb illicit flows contributing to exchange rate volatility.

However, the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has warned of job losses if the new capital requirements force operators out of business.

ABCON President Aminu Gwadebe recently told The PUNCH that less than 10 per cent of its members have met the new capital threshold directed by the CBN and claimed as many as three million Nigerians could be affected.

Despite the concerns, the CBN has maintained its position.

The Bank remains committed to ensuring the stability and transparency of the foreign exchange market while continuing to engage stakeholders for a seamless implementation of the ongoing reforms, the statement added.

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In a joint message commemorating Nigerias 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, ambassadors of five Western countries have urged the Nigerian government to urgently reform its Cybercrimes Act to protect citizens right to free speech and boost investor confidence in the countrys digital economy.

The envoys  representing the United States, Britain, Finland, Norway and Canada  issued the call in an op-ed shared with PREMIUM TIMES in commemoration of Nigerias 2025 Democracy Day.

The ambassadors raised concerns that the 2015 Cybercrimes Act, particularly following its 2024 amendments, is being increasingly misused to silence journalists, activists and ordinary citizens expressing dissent or reporting alleged corruption.

According to a tally by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 29 journalists and critics have been charged with the Act since it was enacted in May 2015.

Recently, four journalists with The Informant247 news website were charged with cyberstalking and defamation after they published reports exposing corruption at Kwara State Polytechnic.

Cyberstalking, which falls under Section 24 of the Act, carries a fine of up to 7 million naira and a maximum three-year jail term for anyone convicted of knowingly sending an online message that he knows to be false, for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to another.

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Citing examples such as the arrest of lawyer and author Dele Farotimi, who was detained and charged after discussing judicial corruption on a podcast and in his book, the diplomats warned that such misuse of the law undermines democratic progress.

Though the charges were eventually withdrawn, his ordeal highlights a troubling issue, they said.

The ambassadors noted that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the ECOWAS Court of Justice have both expressed concern over how the law infringes on constitutional rights and international obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

While acknowledging the Cybercrimes Acts original purpose combating fraud and cyberterrorismthe diplomats stressed that its vague definitions of terms like false information, insult, and cyberstalking leave room for abuse.

The Cybercrimes Act also contributes to uncertainty abroad about Nigerias legal landscape. Its vague provisions make it difficult for businesses and investors to assess legal risks, hindering investment in industries that rely on digital content, they wrote.

The envoys expressed support for Information Minister Mohammed Idriss commitment to reviewing the Act in collaboration with the National Assembly. They also urged lawmakers to ensure the review is transparent and includes public input.

Reform is needed to protect both citizens rights and Nigerias future, they wrote.

Nigeria is not alone in facing this problem, they added, pointing out that Nigerian lawmakers are receiving international support through the Council of Europes Global Action on Cybercrime project. Still, they urged the government to end delays and treat the review as a national priority.

Signed by US Ambassador Richard Mills, Jr, UK High Commissioner Richard Montgomery, Finnish Ambassador Sanna Selin, Norwegian Ambassador Svein Baera, and Canadian High Commissioner Pasquale Salvaggio, the statement concluded by affirming the ambassadors commitment to supporting Nigeria as a strong and open democracy.

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The management of Air Peace has refuted allegations of extorting passengers at the airport, which Adams Oshiomhole, a Nigerian senator, made.

These claims arose following the denial of boarding to certain passengers who arrived late at the boarding counter, including Mr Oshiomhole.

On Wednesday, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Air Peace criticised the disruptive behaviour exhibited by Mr Oshiomhole at the Lagos Airport, which hindered flight operations for several minutes.

The incident has since generated a significant response among Nigerians on social media platforms as regulatory authorities keep mum on the issue.

In reaction, Mr Oshiomhole, during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday evening, expressed dissatisfaction with the actions of Air Peace attendants at the airport.

He said despite his prior completion of the online check-in process ahead of the scheduled flight departure, he was prevented from boarding while the staff seized the opportunity to extort passengers by selling tickets at inflated prices.

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In a statement issued Thursday following Mr Oshiomholes reaction, the Airline said the lawmaker is a blatant liar for claiming they were extorting passengers at the eleventh hour before departure.

Our attention has been drawn to the deliberate falsehood being peddled by Senator Adams Oshiomole against Air Peace. The Senator lied blatantly when he accused Air Peace of extorting its passengers. We challenge Senator Oshiomole to bring one piece of evidence of a passenger that was extorted, the statement said.

Air Peace argued that none of its staff ever extorted any passengers and that no ticket was sold after the closure of check-in on that flight.

Everyone who flew bought their ticket prior to the flight closure, the airline said.

The airline claimed that its flight was never overbooked as some videos alleged.

In fact, the aircraft took off with over thirty (30) empty seats. It would have been in our interest to carry Oshiomhole and those others who missed their flights for lateness on this flight, instead of flying many empty seats; but we will never sacrifice our strict on-time performance for monetary gains, the statement said.

The airline management said it is absolutely false that Mr Oshiomhole was offered preferential treatment and that he was fighting for others.

ALSO READ: Oshiomhole speaks on allegation of disrupting Air Peace operations

Senator Oshiomole was not fighting for anyone. He came to the airport late and was told that he was late. He then began to foment trouble. He jumped on the baggage conveyor belt preventing the check-in process of other flights, the statement noted.

It added that Mr Oshiomhole also barricaded the entrance gate and prevented access to the terminal, and while he was doing all these, he also deliberately instigated other passengers against the airline.

Air Peace urged the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to release the CCTV coverage from when Mr Oshiomole entered the airport, for Nigerians to see.

His accusation of extortion is very defamatory. His conduct was very violent, unbecoming, unfortunate and above all, shameful, the statement said.

More than 24 hours after the Air Peace-Oshiomhole incident at the Lagos airport, regulatory authorities have yet to speak on the matter.

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Rivers State Sole Administrator, Ibok Ete-Ibas, said the proposed N1.48 trillion 2025 appropriation bill of the state has provisions for the return of the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political officials.

Mr Ibas disclosed this on Wednesday while defending the state budget before an Ad-hoc Committee of the House of Representatives on Rivers State Oversight, Punch newspaper reported.

Backgrounding

On 18 March, Mr Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state. He suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers for an initial period of six months.

The president cited the prolonged political crisis in the state caused by the political feud between Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara as the reason for his action. He appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired chief of naval staff, as the sole administrator for the state.

Mr Wike, who is the immediate past governor of Rivers state, has been battling with his successor, Mr Fubara, over the control of political power in the state.

To restore peace in the oil-rich state, Mr Fubara has met with Mr Wike.

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Mr Fubara has also met with the President Tinubu, apparently to discuss the progress made in restoring peace in the state.

Mr Fubara is expected to return to office in September, except Mr Tinubu extends the emergency rule.

Budget

Mr Tinubu, after suspending the governor and the lawmakers, had transferred executive powers to the Federal Executive Council and the legislative powers to the National Assembly, which is why Mr Ibas presented the new budget to the federal lawmakers.

Speaking during the budget defence, Mr Ibas told the lawmakers that the bill accommodates provisions for the return of the suspended political office holders.

In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first quarter and are expected to resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period.

Regrettably, some state officials withheld critical information required to ensure a more complete capture of those expenditures at the time of submission of the budget estimates.

However, recognising the exigencies under the state of emergency and the need to ensure fiscal credibility, the budget framework integrates expenditure information made available before the submission of the budget proposal to ratify the first quarter expenditures in a lawful and transparent structure.

This ensures alignment with statutory appropriation protocols while safeguarding the integrity of public finance management.

Budget specifics

Mr Ibas embarked on a new budget of N1.48 trillion after the Supreme Court invalidated the former one signed into law by Mr Fubara for not getting the approval of the properly constituted Rivers House of Assembly.

The budget was forwarded to the National Assembly after its approval by the Federal Executive Council.

We in Rivers State are most grateful for your commitment. Despite your tight schedules, you have shown unwavering resolve to fulfil your constitutional duties, Mr Ibas told the lawmakers during the defence.

He said N324.50 billion is allocated for infrastructure and transportation projects; N55 billion to relocate and expand Rivers State University Teaching Hospital; N50 billion for zonal hospital upgrades; N38.85 billion for shoreline protection and erosion control; N30 billion for zonal secondary schools, and N5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation.

Others are N2.5 billion for womens economic empowerment and N3 billion for youth resource centres; N20 billion to recapitalise Rivers State Microfinance Bank for Medium and Small Scale Enterprises support, and N117 billion in pension, gratuities, and employee benefits.

In his remarks, the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Rivers State oversight, Julius Ihonvbere, commended Mr Ibas for the detailed presentation and assured of the committees readiness to partner with the administrator in restoring peace and development to Rivers.

We will scrutinise the budget. We will invite you to send your relevant officials for a proper defence of the budget. Inasmuch as we are committed to joining hands with you to get Rivers State back on track, we are not going to cut corners, Mr Ihonvbere said,

Mr Ihonvbere commended Mr Ibas for accommodating key social welfare components, such as womens empowerment and pensions for retirees, in the budget, describing them as necessary and people-centred interventions.

These are areas that touch peoples lives, and we know the plight of their families. We appreciate you for making these bold commitments, he added.

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An Air India plane carrying 242 people crashed in a residential area shortly after takeoff.

There are no known survivors at the time of this report.

The plane, Flight AI171, was travelling from Indias Ahmedabad to London Gatwick airport on Thursday when it crashed.

Air India said there were 169 Indian nationals on the flight. Others were 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian, the BBC reports.

The plane crashed into an accommodation used by doctors, and many of the flats used by the doctors were damaged.

According to the citys Police Commissioner G S Malik, it appeared that there were no survivors in the plane crash.

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As the plane had fallen in a residential area which also had offices, some locals would have also died. Exact figures on casualties are being ascertained, he said.

Mr Malik described the crash as heartbreaking beyond words.

In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected, he said.

In a statement shortly after the crash, Air Indias chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, stated that the airline had set up an emergency centre and support team for families seeking information about those who were on the flight.

He said it is currently focused on supporting all the affected people and their families.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event, he said.

Commenting on the incident, British Cabinet minister Lucy Powell said also the UK government will provide as much support as it can.

This is an unfolding story, and it will undoubtedly be causing a huge amount of worry and concern to the many, many families and communities here and those waiting for the arrival of their loved ones, she said, according to an AP report.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a widebody, twin-engine aircraft. Since its introduction in 2009, over 1,000 units have been delivered to airlines worldwide.

According to the Aviation Safety Network database, this is the first crash ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft.

Boeing has also confirmed the crash and stated it was aware of the reports of the crash and was working to gather more information.

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On 6 June, the UK High Court of Justice at Kings Bench Division granted a forfeiture order on a property occupied by a Nigerian woman, Abigail Katung, who became the first person of African descent to hold the position of the Lord Mayor of Leeds.

The property, occupied by Mrs Katung and her two children, was owned by Mansoor Hussain  a businessman in Leeds accused by the UKs National Crime Agency (NCA) of having links to serious criminals and money laundering.

Mrs Katung is a wife of Nigerian Senator Sunday Katung. She signed a Contract of Sale agreement to purchase the property from Mr Hussain in 2015.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mrs Katung made a deposit of 400,000, of the 1,000,000 agreed, to acquire the property in 2015.

However, the UK High Court investigated the source of 360,000 out of the initial deposit by Mrs Katung. Court documents suggested possible money laundering activities in Mrs Katungs transaction, which was made between April and May 2015, several days after her husbands election as a member of the House of Representatives.

The judge questioned the shady nature of the payments made by the lawmakers wife and instructed Mrs Katung to provide an adequate, documented explanation of the whole payments she made to Mr Hussain in 2015.

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But she failed to do that, the judge said.

The court then ruled that Mrs Katung conducted a business in foreign exchange transactions to circumvent Nigerian foreign exchange regulations and/or to avoid a punitive exchange rate.

Despite the clear court judgement, Mr Katung defended his family against any wrongdoing on Wednesday.

You can download the certified true copy (CTC) of the judgement here to read the ruling in full.

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President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on Dapo Olorunyomi, the publisher of PREMIUM TIMES. The president also conferred national honours on other Nigerians who fought for the countrys democracy, including those who have died.

Mr Tinubu announced these on Thursday while addressing lawmakers at the House of Representatives chambers in Abuja to mark Nigerias Democracy Day.

Mr Olorunyomi, a veteran journalist, was one of those who used journalistic tools to demand Nigerias return to democracy during the Sani Abacha dictatorship. He was attacked by security agencies and assaulted alongside his wife, Ladi. He and the family had to seek exile abroad. His colleague, Kunle Ajibade, was imprisoned by the Abacha junta and was only freed after Mr Abachas death. Mr Tinubu also conferred the OON title on Mr Ajibade. The president also conferred the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) honour on presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. Messrs Onanuga, Olorunyomi and Ajibade are co-founders of The News magazine, which played a prominent role in Nigerias fight to return to democracy in 1999 after almost two decades of military dictatorship.

In his address to the lawmakers, Mr Tinubu also conferred national honours on other heroes of democracy, including Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, late journalist Bagauda Kaltho, and journalist Ayo Obe.

Other recipients of the national honours include Olatunji Dare (CON), Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), Matthew Kukah (CON), Shehu Sani (CON), Uba Sani (CON), Femi Falana (CON), Shafideen Amuwo (CON), and Luke Aghanenu (OON).

Others are Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), former information minister Labaran Maku (OON), Tunji Alausa (CON), Nick Dazang (OON), Abdul Oroh (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Seye Kehinde (OON), Felix Morka (CON), Ledum Mitee (CON), Olawale Osun (CON), Amos Akingba (CON), Segun Gbadegesin (CON), Mobolaji Akinyemi (CFR), Kayode Shonoiki (CON), Julius Ihonvbere (CON), Bayo Williams (CON), Abu Ibrahim (CFR), and Ame Ebute (CFR).

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All the awardees played major roles to fight military dictatorship and return Nigeria to a democracy.

Mr Soyinka was honoured with Nigerias second-highest honour, GCON. He won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1986. He left Nigeria in exile in November 1994 after the former Head of State, Sani Abacha, confiscated his passport.

Mr Soyinka had led protests against military rule and in support of the recognition of Moshood Abiola, the winner of the 1993 presidential election.

Shehu Sani, a former senator and human rights activist, was conferred with the CON honour. Like many others who protested the annulment of the 12 June 1993 elections, Mr Sani was arrested and detained in 1995 during the Abacha regime.

He was charged with treason and sentenced to life imprisonment by a military tribunal. The former senator spent four years in prison and was released by the Abdulsalami Abubakar administration after the death of Mr Abacha.

Like Shehu Sani, Uba Sani, now governor of Kaduna State, also joined the pro-democracy movement against the Abacha dictatorship.

President Tinubu also honoured veteran journalist Sam Amuka, the publisher of Vanguard newspapers. The president described Mr Amuka as a legendary journalist and publisher who remains true to his lifetime calling as he marks his 90th birthday tomorrow, June 13.

He was popularly known for his column, Sad Sam. The column was devoted to either pillorying power abuse or satirising the foibles of societys indulgent elite.

The president also honoured Bagauda Kaltho, an investigative journalist who was killed in a bomb blast at the Durbar Hotel in Kaduna State during the military regime.

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The North East Development Commission (NEDC), which has not kept a promise it made one year ago to rebuild a critical bridge on the Jalingo-Wukari Federal Highway, has vowed to rehabilitate 300 households in the Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

NEDC promised to rebuild the Namnai Bridge in the Gassol Local Government Area of the state after the facility collapsed last year.

The Managing Director of NEDC, Muhammed Alkali, inspected the collapsed bridge and said the commission would immediately reconstruct it.

Mr Alkali regretted the pain travellers were experiencing as a result of the federal roads disconnection.

He advised some travellers he saw during the visit crossing the collapsed bridge to use a ferry to cross the river instead.

We are going to commence preparations for reconstruction of the road immediately, the official said.

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However, a year later, the bridge, like Mr Alkalis promise, remains broken.

On Thursday, the commission said it plans to rehabilitate over 300 households in the state.

The Deputy Director of Relief and Mediation at the NEDC, Batulu Isa, disclosed this during an assessment visit by the officials of the commission to Garba Chede in Bali LGA, where a recent heavy downpour caused a devastating flood.

No fewer than six persons reportedly died, many injured and properties worth millions of naira destroyed, including places of worship in the flood.

Mrs Isa, said the commission would act swiftly to provide relief, including food items, non-food essentials, and building materials.

We have been delegated by the NEDC to assess the level of damage caused by the windstorm in this community

We have taken the necessary data and will report back for immediate action.

Hashimu Abdulkadir, a local community leader, said three mosques, a church, a school, an hospital and many houses were destroyed in the disaster.

Mr Abdulkadir commended the NEDC for its timely response but criticised the Taraba State Government and local representatives for failing to intervene.

He appealed to the state government and the areas federal lawmaker, Jafaru Yakubu, to support the community.

A victim, Zubaida Umar, said six of her children narrowly escaped death in the flood.

Life has become extremely difficult, especially since most residents were directly or indirectly affected, she said.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Russia on its national day and hopes for constructive cooperation to achieve lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine, the State Department website reports.

On behalf of the American people, I want to congratulate the Russian people on Russia Day. The United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people as they continue to build on their aspirations for a brighter future, a message posted on Thursday reads.

It is also noted that we also take this opportunity to reaffirm the United States desire for constructive engagement with the Russian Federation to bring about a durable peace between Russia and Ukraine. It is our hope that peace will foster more mutually beneficial relations between our countries.
The Ministry of Aviation and other agencies responsible for the management, regulation, and enforcement of aviation safety and standards in Nigeria have remained silent over the alleged disruptive and unruly behaviour demonstrated by Adams Oshiomhole, a Nigerian Senator, against Air Peace at the Lagos airport on Wednesday.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, the lawmaker stood on the baggage belt at the Air Peace section of the airport, preventing further operations.

The incident has since generated responses among Nigerians on social media platforms as regulatory authorities keep mum on the issue.

Air Peace in a statement criticised Mr Oshiomholes conduct at the Lagos Airport which hindered its flight operations at Terminal 1 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The airline claimed Mr Oshiomhole arrived at the terminal 1 axis (Zulu Hall) of the airport about 20 minutes late for the departure of the aircraft and was eventually prevented from boarding.

Air Peace strongly condemns the unruly conduct of a prominent Nigerian politician who disrupted airport operations on the morning of Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the airline said.

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In reaction, Mr Oshiomhole during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday evening, expressed concerns regarding the actions of staff members at Air Peace who denied him boarding.

He said despite his prior completion of the online check-in process ahead of the scheduled flight departure, he was prevented from boarding while the staff allegedly sold tickets at inflated prices to passengers who could afford it.

However, more than 24 hours after the incident was reported, amid claims and counter claims between both parties, regulatory bodies have kept mum.

Sources familiar with the matter informed this publication Wednesday that aviation regulatory authorities have been instructed not to impose any sanctions on Mr Oshiomhole or comment publicly on the matter.

This is despite indications that the lawmakers conduct may have violated several aviation regulations within the country, as well as established best practices.

The sources said Mr Oshiomholes actions are in contravention of sections of Annexe 17 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Act of 2022, Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations Act 17 and also violate relevant provisions of terrorism provisions acts.

Nigerias Civil Aviation Act Part 17 focuses on Aviation Security Regulations. The primary goal of the act is to safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference by establishing security programmes, measures, processes, procedures, and practices.

Part 17 incorporates Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) from Annexe 17 and Annexe 9 of the Chicago Convention, addressing aspects such as National Civil Aviation Security Programmes (NCASP), Aerodrome Security, Flight Catering Operator Security and Quality control among others.

The Act not only empowers the authority to regulate aviation safety without political interference, but also to carry out oversight functions of airport in accordance with best global practices.

Regulatory concerns

The sources argued that Mr Oshiomholes action of halting operations at the section of the airport, which prevented entry and exit of travelling passengers for several minutes, may have posed security threats to other passengers at the airport.

More than 24 hours since the incident was reported at the airport, none of the regulatory agencies or the aviation ministry has spoken on the matter.

Mr Oshiomhole is a former governor of Edo State who served two terms and is currently serving as the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District. He is a chieftain of the ruling party, APC.

In Nigeria, the aviation ministry, headed by the minister, Festus Keyamo, oversees the activities of the sector. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), an agency under the ministry, is the primary aviation regulator in Nigeria.

Its responsibilities include regulation, safety oversight, economic regulation, certification and accident investigation in collaboration with the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). The NCAAs role is crucial in ensuring the safety, security, and economic sustainability of Nigerias aviation industry.

Similarly, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plays a crucial role in managing and regulating Nigerias airports. Some of the agencys responsibilities include airport management, safety and security, infrastructure development, regulatory compliance and service delivery among others.

FAANs role is vital in ensuring the smooth operation of Nigerias aviation industry and providing a safe and efficient travel experience for passengers.

PREMIUM TIMES request for comments sent to the spokesperson for the Aviation Ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi, NCAAs spokesperson, Michael Achimugu and FAANs communication unit, have yet to be responded to as of press time Thursday morning.

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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has said the House considered 2,263 bills within the first two years of the 10th Assembly.

Mr Tajudeen disclosed this on Thursday at a special joint sitting of the National Assembly with President Bola Tinubu to mark the 2025 Democracy Day and the second anniversary of the 10th National Assembly.

He said that after the inauguration of the current parliament on 13 June, 2023, the House launched an eightpoint Legislative Agenda which aligned with the presidents Renewed Hope Agenda.

Within two years, we have reviewed 2,263 bills. Of these, 65.3 per cent have passed Second Reading, while 186 have been successfully passed.

A total of 51 bills have received presidential assent, marking an unprecedented milestone for any president in his first two years, he said.

Mr Tajudeen said that the legislative efforts of the House had yielded measurable progress on multiple fronts.

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The House of Representatives has actively conducted oversight of executive agencies to ensure that laws are implemented and that development funds are allocated properly.

The House Public Accounts Committee has reported recoveries exceeding N61.5 billion in outstanding debts owed to the federal government by oil and gas companies.

We have also deepened transparency through our biannual Youth and Womens Town Halls, an annual live televised citizens interactive session, he said.

The speaker said that the House allocated N6.11 trillion, representing 11.1 per cent of the 2025 budget to the security sector.

He said that the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Act, 2023, signed by the president, had set Nigeria on the path of self-reliance in arms production and logistics.

The speaker also said that the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 had tightened regulatory loopholes in arms control.

According to him, it is expected to significantly reduce the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons.

Mr Tajudeen said that on the economic front, the House supported the removal of subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange windows.

We courageously passed legislation targetted at tax reforms. Cumulatively, these actions, along with the bold decisions of the president, are boosting investors confidence, increasing federal revenue and augmenting state allocations.

In April 2025, Nigeria met its OPEC production quota of 1.486 million barrels per day. This is the first time Nigeria has met its target since 2021.

Through legislative measures, we have supported and accelerated the presidents infrastructure revolution.

Funding for infrastructure rose to 8.16 per cent in 2025, sustaining 440 ongoing road projects, including the AbujaKadunaZariaKano corridor and the LagosCalabar Coastal Highway, he said.

The lawmaker said that under the 10th assembly, health allocations increased to 5.46 per cent in 2024, resulting in the revitalisation of 4,000 primary healthcare centres and clinics nationwide.

On the social sector, he said that allocation to education increased from 5.7 per cent in 2021 to 8.2 per cent in 2023/2024.

The speaker also said that the Student Loan Act had empowered more than 500,000 students, adding that with legislative support, the president established 10 new universities, polytechnics and specialised institutions.

This is the highest of any president in his first term. We are committed to providing funding to these institutions to ensure a smooth take-off, he said.

The lawmaker said that the House also supported the implementation of N70,000 minimum wage to reinforce social protection.

He recalled that in March 2025, members donated N705 million, an equivalent of half of their salaries for over six months to support the Tinubus relief programme for vulnerable Nigerians.

Mr Tajudeen said that the House also contributed N650 million to provide housing for the families of deceased members and former leaders.

He said that individual members donated over N500 million to support communities in Kaduna, Enugu, Anambra, Oyo, Niger, Borno and Plateau states as well as the Federal Capital Territory, assisting displaced persons affected by banditry and communal violence.

As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the 10th House extended dedicated support to our traditional institutions, recognising their vital role in community leadership and cohesion.

We provided 40 new vehicles to traditional rulers across six geopolitical zones to enhance community engagement, he said.

(NAN)

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The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has raised concern over the detection of a variant of the polio virus in four local government areas in Kano State.

The Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Kano, Rahama Mohammed, disclosed this on Thursday during the June Edition of the Media Dialogue on Polio and Routine Immunisation.

Mr Mohammed said surveillance conducted in 2025 revealed the presence of the virus in Warawa, Bunkure, Kano Municipal, and Nasarawa local government areas of the state.

This is unacceptable and must be halted. Polio remains a highly infectious disease that spreads rapidly and knows no borders, he said.

Mr Mohammed said a single case of polio anywhere poses a threat to children everywhere and called for coordinated efforts to contain the outbreak.

He urged governments at all levels, traditional rulers, and the media to intensify awareness campaigns and ensure full vaccination coverage, particularly in high-risk areas.

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Mr Mohammed reiterated UNICEFs commitment to support Nigerias polio eradication efforts and called for the timely release of counterpart funding and stronger supervision of immunisation campaigns.

Vaccine-derived polio

Nigeria was declared wild polio-free in 2020 by the World Health Organisation, but hundreds of cases of the vaccine-derived type have been reported since.

Although, millions of Nigerian children receive the polio vaccine annually, insecurity and vaccine hesitancy mean many children do not get vaccinated.

In an interview with PT Health Watch, Christiana Fashola, a global digital health and vaccine expert with experience across Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America, said Nigeria must evolve its immunisation strategy to close coverage gaps and protect more children from preventable diseases.

Ms Fashola explained that the most effective immunisation strategies are context-specific, tailored to a countrys disease burden, health infrastructure, and target groups.

She said that while mass campaigns, routine outreach, and scheduled immunisation days have helped Nigeria expand coverage, these tools are no longer enough.

Theres a growing need to expand beyond these traditional strategies by leveraging community-based service delivery models, she said.

At the media dialogue in Kano, the Director-General of the State Primary Health Care Management Board, Nasiru Mahmud, reaffirmed the state governments commitment to eradicate polio by December 2025.

Mr Mahmud said the State government has set a target to vaccinate 3.9 million children under the age of five during the June 2025 Outbreak Response (OBR) campaign.

He explained that the campaign aligned with the national strategy to eradicate polio and maintain Nigerias polio-free certification.

He said that the vaccination drive became necessary due to the recent resurgence of the type 2 poliovirus in parts of the state.

According to him, factors such as community resistance, poor data reporting, and insecurity have contributed to the viruss re-emergence by hindering previous immunisation efforts.

Ungogo Local Government Area recorded the highest level of non-compliance during the May 2025 campaign.

To improve vaccination coverage, local government areas are now ranked monthly based on performance, he said.

Mr Mahmud also pledged to drastically reduce the states maternal mortality rate within the same period, describing the fight against both health challenges as top priorities.

He stressed the governments resolve to work closely with traditional rulers and the 44 local government chairmen to address the issues.

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 747 confirmed cases of Lassa fever across 18 states, with 142 deaths recorded as of epidemiological week 22, 2025.

The current case fatality rate (CFR) stands at 19.0 per cent, a slight increase from the 18.1 per cent reported during the same period last year.

According to the NCDCs latest Lassa Fever Situation Report, the number of new confirmed cases rose from six in week 21 to eight in week 22, with fresh infections recorded in Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, and Nasarawa States.

The report further revealed that five states, Ondo, Bauchi, Edo, Taraba, and Ebonyi, accounted for 91 per cent of all confirmed cases.

It said Ondo contributed 31 per cent, followed by Bauchi 25 per cent, Edo and Taraba 16 per cent each, and Ebonyi three per cent.

Overall cases

While the overall number of suspected and confirmed cases has declined compared to the same timeframe in 2024, the NCDC stressed that the situation still demands close attention.

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The health agency noted that national response mechanisms remain fully activated through the multi-sectoral Incident Management System (IMS), which coordinates efforts among federal agencies, states, and development partners.

The agency also highlighted the importance of sustained public awareness and community engagement to reduce the spread of the disease, especially in high-burden local government areas.

It advised the general public to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures, including good hygiene and proper food storage.

National response

The NCDC said it has implemented a series of interventions to reinforce response efforts.

These include a dynamic risk assessment of Lassa fever transmission and the integration of Lassa fever messaging into broader risk communication strategies for viral haemorrhagic fevers.

The agency also said it launched a new IPC (Infection Prevention and Control) e-learning platform, developed in collaboration with the DRASA Health Trust and funded by the Global Fund.

In addition, 10 National Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to affected states to support field operations using a One Health approach.

The NCDC has also distributed updated IPC guidelines, developed with technical support from the Robert Koch Institute, to health facilities nationwide.

According to the report, the NCDC is working closely with state IPC structures, treatment centres, and the Orange Network to ensure strict adherence to standard precautions, with the goal of reducing hospital-acquired infections in high-burden areas.

Medical countermeasures, including personal protective equipment (PPE), Ribavirin, and body bags, have also been quantified and distributed to states and treatment centres.

READ ALSO: Hope for Nigerians as potential Lassa fever vaccine passes major hurdle

About Lassa fever

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated by infected rodents or persons.

Symptoms of Lassa fever include fever, headache, sore throat, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains, and chest pain. In severe cases, it can cause unexplained bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth, and other body openings.

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Some persons suspected to be hired thugs on Thursday disrupted a peaceful protest in Akure, Ondo State, staged against the hardship and insecurity in the country.

The protesters, early on Thursday, massed at the popular Cathedral junction, First Bank Area and at the A Division, before thugs arrived.

The thugs disrupted the gathering without any police intervention or restraint, raising suspicion that they were sponsored.

Organisers alleged that the police may have a hand in the disruption, an allegation the Force denied.

The peaceful protest aimed to raise public awareness of citizens rights to democratic participation and to speak out against bad governance.

A former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) and rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, who led the protest, said a letter was written to inform the police of the protest.

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What is so sad is that a letter had been written by a lawyer to the Commissioner of Police, not to plead with police that we want to protest, but just to remind them of their duties as policemen to protect people in the country,. And they failed and shirked that responsibility. That is why we relocated the protests here, he said.

We have just met with him (commissioner), and he did promise that something would be done. Do I believe? No, but at least we made our point known. But weve given him a matching order that if something is not done, well come back here and take over the place.

Mr Sowore said nobody has the right to prevent another Nigerian from expressing themselves, noting that he would resist the oppression of any citizen, whether a civilian or a policeman.

We are not going to accept it. We are not, and thats why we have come here today.

These hired thugs came to sabotage and hijack. They came to that place to attack the peaceful protest, he said.

Tope Temokun, a human rights activist, who also spoke with journalists during the protest, said they formally requested the intervention of the police to ensure the safety and protection of peaceful protesters scheduled to take place in Akure.

While reacting to the protest, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, denied that any police personnel in the state had anything to do with the thugs.

With the level of training we have received both locally and internationally, we will not allow any police man under my watch to have anything to do with thugs, Mr Afolabi said.

So their allegation that maybe police connived with thugs to attack them is baseless.

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A peaceful protest organised by the #EndBadGovernance movement was held on Thursday in Lagos, with participants criticising President Bola Tinubus administration and calling on it to address poverty, insecurity, and worsening economic conditions in the country.

The protest began with protesters assembling under the Ikeja Bridge as early as 7:30 a.m. They later marched peacefully to the Ojota area, decrying what they described as the absence of genuine democracy in Nigeria and the hunger, hardship, and inequality under President Tinubus two-year-old government.

As of 8:53 a.m., the protesters had yet to commence their march, even as a large contingent of police and other security personnel were observed around the area.

The Lagos State Police Command, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) all deployed officers to monitor the protest.

The demonstration came amid tensions between its organisers and the police over prior security arrangements.

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Organisers speak

Speaking at the protest ground, Hassan Soweto, leader of the #EndBadGovernance movement in Lagos, accused President Tinubu of betraying the activist ideals he once associated with.

Tinubu is not an activist. He is an opportunist who only stood among activists for personal gain, he said. His administration has brought hunger and suffering, not meaningful change.

Mr Soweto said the current government must reverse its fuel subsidy removal policy due to the hardship it has brought on ordinary Nigerians.

He also criticised the devaluation of the naira, which, he said, has caused prices to triple and pushed millions deeper into poverty.

He listed several demands from the protesters, including the immediate reversal of fuel prices.

He further asked the government to improve the living wage for all Nigerian workers and scrap the student loan scheme.

He demanded better public funding for education and a halt to anti-people economic policies.

He called on President Tinubu to strengthen security agencies to end violence and displacement across rural communities.

Additional voices

Another protester, Bayo Ogunleye of the Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Organisation, said the group was united in its frustration with the Tinubu-led administration.

Our demands are simple. People should be able to find food to eat and have access to jobs. The government must provide quality, affordable healthcare and free housing. Its possibleNigeria has the resources, he said.

We are not Boko Haram. We are not criminals. The police are here to curb crime, not suppress peaceful protesters.

Police provide security, no arrests

The protest ended at 2:45 p.m. without incident. The police and other security operatives maintained a professional presence throughout the event, with no injuries or arrests reported.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohunde Jimoh, told journalists his command supported citizens right to peaceful protest.

I promised to provide adequate security for the protest, and we did just that. So long as the protesters abide by the agreement we reached, we will continue to protect them, he said.

Breakdown in earlier talks

Tensions between organisers and the police had flared earlier in the week over a failed meeting. On Tuesday, the protesters accused the police of reneging on a scheduled engagement to finalise security arrangements.

According to Mr Soweto, the group and its legal representatives arrived at the Lagos State police headquarters at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday for the meeting, but we were told that the commissioner had gone to Oshodi to oversee security for the presidents motorcade.

We waited for an hour and eventually left after agreeing with his subordinates to hold a follow-up meeting via Zoom, Mr Soweto said.

However, the group later received a message rescheduling the meeting for 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the police headquarters.

Despite this confusion, the protest proceeded peacefully.

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My brother, a medical doctor, and I, alongside many others in my family, distinguishing ourselves in various human endeavours, were born nomads in small, semi-nomadic hamlets, preoccupied only by herding and animal husbandry. I am writing today as a professor, having climbed to the top of the globally respected intellectual ladder at an age below 40, all thanks to Jibril Aminus vision and a purposeful life.

Congratulations! I hope you will lead a purposeful life to inspire others.  Jibril.

The above quote was a reply to the message I sent to Professor Jibril Aminu, notifying him of the completion of my Masters degree at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, where I graduated once again with distinction. Today, that father figure, a role model  like others before him, a la Professor Gidado Tahir  is no more. Innaa lilLaahi wa innaa ilaihi raajiuun.

Indeed, Nigeria has once again lost one of its most brilliant minds and impactful, accomplished public servants in its history as a nation. The loss of Aminu is beyond the loss of a single soul, itself a great tragedy. It signifies the sad end of an era of true intellectuals shaping public service and politics in a country that has regressed in most aspects of its public life.

There is no doubt that Nigeria has lost one of its finest, most distinguished citizens whose career traversed various sectors and endeavours, at a time when the nation is more endangered and in need of emergency care that only men and women of Aminus calibre can provide.

The tributes and eulogies coming from all walks of life, nooks and crannies of this country, are enough testimony to the kind of life and service this great man lived and rendered to humanity. It suffices here to summarise some of the eulogies that have overtaken the media, viz:

Jibril was a trailblazer, a memoriser of the Quran, the best medical student in the history of Nigeria, a globally renowned cardiologist, the pioneer and best executive secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigerias best minister of Education and Petroleum, the initiator and founder of several public and private organisations, the best Vice-Chancellor ever, a respected diplomat and a senator and politician of unparalleled consequence.

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That is for the average Nigerian whose interaction and experience with the life of Jibril Aminu is limited to his monumental national and global accomplishments.

But for me and millions of my kind, Jibril was more than a professor, a scholar, a politician or a diplomat. The purpose and impact of his life were beyond just another famous, influential Nigerian making waves around the globe. He was not just a builder of institutions, a perfect surgeon or an author.

For us, he was simply the other half of that which made up our lives, the first half being the biological genes that made us living organisms; for, he was the human intercessor in whom God had placed the essence of our lives; the bearer of the very potent mental power that would ignite our aspirations, direct our future and lead us to exalted destinations that even kings and princes aspire to  those destinations that bear no price tags nor can they be gifted by a loved one, inherited or stolen. By lightening our social being, he was just at par with, in some cases even better than, our biological parents from whom we inherited our genes.

He made life possible for us, not just as Nigerians, but as human beings deserving of dignity, freedom and all other rudimentary, common rights, privileges and opportunities that are often overlooked by members of the privileged society. Literacy, education, vocation, and employment, to the top of the social ladder!

How, you may ask? In 1989, while serving as Minister of Education, Jibril Aminu commissioned a strategic team to advise him on the educational requirements necessary to propel Nigeria into its envisaged developmental goals. Led by Nigerias foremost education specialists, the project provided astonishing findings, based on which policy recommendations were made.

The most critical, urgent need in the education sector at the time  even now  was to provide access to rural and hard-to-reach communities. That entails developing special models of education that could effectively target and reach these communities, defying the barriers that block the communities from accessing mainstream educational facilities. Nomadic education, implemented through the National Commission for Nomadic Education, was a policy designed to avert what has inevitably become one of Nigerias biggest challenges today.

My brother, a medical doctor, and I, alongside many others in my family, distinguishing ourselves in various human endeavours, were born nomads in small, semi-nomadic hamlets, preoccupied only by herding and animal husbandry. I am writing today as a professor, having climbed to the top of the globally respected intellectual ladder at an age below 40, all thanks to Jibril Aminus vision and a purposeful life. We are an insignificant number compared to the millions of children who attended nomadic schools in the last two decades, even more so when we look at the future generations.

The reverse in the likely pattern and condition of life, had Aminu not happened to us, is not far-fetched. It is evident in the lives of our cousins, nieces and nephews, who would be found grazing somewhere in the northernmost parts of Yobe, Borno or Bauchi states from July to December, and in the dense, thick forests of Jubi in Cameroon, from December to June, moving all year-round, constantly navigating human and animal predators.

The goal of their torturous, homeless life of bewilderment is to feed not themselves, get rich or enjoy any of the modern-day good life. No. It is to satisfy the hunger and thirst of animals that would ultimately satisfy the greed and hunger of some city dwellers, who eventually call the same producers of the very beef that fills their bellies terrorists, seeking to eliminate them from the face of the earth without a just cause. But then, the only difference between myself and those kins of mine is the education Aminu defied all odds to provide to the community in which I was born and bred.

Having lived an accomplished, full circle of life, at 85 years, it is perhaps a ripe time for a mortal to return to his Lord. But men like Aminu, whose entire lives were dedicated to humanity, will live on through the people and institutions they helped build. It is depressing to imagine that this great man is no longer on the scene, yet it is inspiring to reimagine his life and take the lead. Adieu, my beloved professor. Thank you for all you did for us. May you be in Jannah. Aameen!

Ahmadu Shehu is a pioneer nomadic student, professor, public commentator and administrator. He can be reached via: [email protected].

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The undersigned Heads of Mission in Nigeria encourage Nigerian lawmakers to consider reform of the Cybercrimes Act to narrow the definitions of key terms such as false information, cyberstalking, insult, hatred, and harassment, and ensure those definitions cannot be used erroneously to silence critics and censor expression. As friends of Nigeria who share the countrys strong commitment to democratic values, we want Nigeria to realise its potential as a democratic digital powerhouse.

On Democracy Day, the heads of missions of the United States, United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, and Canada would like to recognise and congratulate the Nigerian peoples commitment to 26 years of democratic governance. Healthy democracies are formed of many important ingredients and when marking 25 years of democracy in Nigeria in 2024, President Tinubu underlined that in Nigeria there must be diverse perspectives and viewpoints. Free expression has long been a core value of Nigerias democracy. Nigerias constitution enshrines the right to freedom of expression, aiming to protect its citizens rights and foster a society where people can debate and discuss ideas free from government control. This right, a principle of trusting ordinary citizens to have discussion in the virtual public square, remains vital today.

In April, Nigerias National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) raised concerns about the 2015 Cybercrimes Act, the amendments made to it in 2024, and the laws impact on free expression. The Act has laudable aims: to combat online fraud and cyberattacks. There is growing evidence, however, that the Act is being misused by some to silence criticism and dissent. The NHRCs advisory opinion on freedom of expression warned that it has potentials for abuse, particularly with respect to arrests and prosecutions of activists, journalists, bloggers, and ordinary social media users. In addition, in 2022 the ECOWAS Court of Justice ruled that the Act is not in conformity with the countrys obligations related to freedom of expression under the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Misuse of the Cybercrimes Act undermines democratic advancement and civic participation. It also jeopardises the confidence of investors and risks deterring the innovation needed for economic growth.

The implications extend beyond free expression. Nigerias economic future depends on its ability to innovate and attract investment in the digital age. However, the Cybercrimes Acts misapplication, even in a small number of cases, risks detracting the innovators and entrepreneurs the government wants to invest in Nigeria. The Cybercrimes Act also contributes to uncertainty abroad about Nigerias legal landscape.

Consider the case of Dele Farotimi, charged with 12 counts of cybercrime after he reported alleged corruption in the judiciary in a book and on a podcast. Farotimi was allegedly detained in Lagos, transported across state lines to Ekiti, and brought to court in handcuffs. Though the charges were eventually withdrawn, his ordeal highlights a troubling issue  the Cybercrimes Act, originally intended to combat online fraud and cyberterrorism, can be misused as a tool to stifle free expression and undermine democratic engagement. Farotimi is not alone. Journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens have faced similar charges for sharing opinions or reporting on alleged corruption. This distortion of the laws original intent can lead to citizens becoming hesitant to speak out, weakening democratic accountability and potentially fuelling distrust in government.

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) estimates the country loses $500 million per year to cybercrime. This problem requires a response. However, the Cybercrimes Acts broad language, especially its vague definitions of false information, cyberstalking, harassment, and insult leave room for confusion and potential abuse. The laws broad scope allows it to be misused against Nigerian citizens seeking to express dissent, form opinions, or criticise powerful people. NHRC has called on law enforcement to exercise caution in how they interpret the Acts frequently used Section 24 to make sure that charges reflect an actual threat to public order. We therefore welcome the commitment from Nigerias Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, to collaborate with the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders in reviewing the Cybercrimes Act, so that it protects the values enshrined in Nigerias constitution.

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The implications extend beyond free expression. Nigerias economic future depends on its ability to innovate and attract investment in the digital age. However, the Cybercrimes Acts misapplication, even in a small number of cases, risks detracting the innovators and entrepreneurs the government wants to invest in Nigeria. The Cybercrimes Act also contributes to uncertainty abroad about Nigerias legal landscape. Its vague provisions make it difficult for businesses and investors to assess legal risks, hindering investment in industries that rely on digital content. Reform is needed to protect both citizens rights and Nigerias future.

Free expression is a precious commodity that relies on all of us to respect it. It is a fundamental tenant of Nigerias constitution. Nigerians, and any citizens of countries around the world, should be able to hold and express their views, even if those opinions are unpopular.

The undersigned Heads of Mission in Nigeria encourage Nigerian lawmakers to consider reform of the Cybercrimes Act to narrow the definitions of key terms such as false information, cyberstalking, insult, hatred, and harassment, and ensure those definitions cannot be used erroneously to silence critics and censor expression. As friends of Nigeria who share the countrys strong commitment to democratic values, we want Nigeria to realise its potential as a democratic digital powerhouse. We would therefore welcome the Nigerian government amending the Act to strike a balance between protecting citizens while preserving human rights, including free expression. This will be a difficult balance to strike but is vital for delivering what Nigeria wants: a stable and open democracy, and economic growth underpinned by investment.

Nigeria is not alone in facing this problem. Democracies across the world are grappling with the ever-evolving challenges and opportunities that the digital world presents. Through the Council of Europes Global Action on Cybercrime project, Nigerian lawmakers are receiving funding and technical assistance to help the current review of the Act lead to legislation that meets international standards and best practices. However, the deadline for the Acts review has consistently been delayed, and we urge Nigerian lawmakers to make this review a priority, and ensure it is open to public consultation and debate.

Free expression is a precious commodity that relies on all of us to respect it. It is a fundamental tenant of Nigerias constitution. Nigerians, and any citizens of countries around the world, should be able to hold and express their views, even if those opinions are unpopular.

Signed

Heads of Missions

Richard M Mills, Jr, US Embassy

Richard Montgomery, British High Commission

Sanna Selin, Embassy of Finland

Svein Baera, Embassy of Norway

Pasquale Salvaggio, Canadian High Commission

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On 11 June, the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was held in Changsha, Hunan Province of China. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the meeting. HE Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister attended the opening ceremony and delivered President Xis congratulatory letter. More than 100 ministerial-level officials from African countries, representatives from the African Union Commission, and ambassadors from African countries to China attended the meeting.

The meeting reviewed the early harvests achieved in implementing the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit held last year, focusing on strengthening China-Africa coordination to implement the Six Proposals for Joint Modernisation and the Ten Partnership Actions proposed by President Xi Jinping. The meeting issued the China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South, sending a resounding voice of the Global South countries to enhance solidarity and collaboration, uphold international fairness and justice, and safeguard their collective interests.

In the congratulatory letter, President Xi Jinping articulated the significance of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation, and announced a series of important measures by China to further expand open cooperation with Africa as follows.

First, China stands ready to expand the zero-tariff treatment for 100 per cent tariff lines to all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, through the entry into agreements on economic partnership for shared development.

Second, building upon the zero-tariff treatment for 100 per cent tariff lines, China will facilitate greater access to exports from Africas Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to China.

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Third, China is ready to work with the African side to further implement the Ten Partnership Actions, strengthen cooperation in key areas such as green industries, e-commerce and payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, deepen cooperation in such fields as security, finance, and the rule of law, and jointly promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.

These new measures address the most urgent needs and pressing concerns of our African friends, epitomizing the great spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, demonstrating Chinas principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith toward Africa, as well as its commitment to the greater good and shared interests. These measures will undoubtedly accelerate the delivery of more and better benefits from last years Summit outcomes to Chinese and African peoples, significantly boost Africas strategic autonomy and development, and open a new chapter of the high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.

The world today is far from peace, as it faces a backlash of anti-globalisation, unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemony, which brought serious challenges to the economic and social development of developing countries, including those in Africa. Only when China and Africa join hands to advance modernisation, can we foster unity and cooperation among the global South and open up brighter prospects for the cause of world peace and development. As Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out in his speech, when China and Africa stand shoulder to shoulder, the development and revitalisation of the Global South gains greater promise, and international fairness and justice finds stronger safeguards. The more complex and turbulent the international landscape becomes, the more imperative it is for China and Africa to strengthen unity and self-reliance, stand firmly on the right side of history, actively steer the course of the times, and address the uncertainty in the world with the stability and resilience of China-Africa relations.

Having weathered storms and challenges, China-Africa friendship grows ever stronger with time. Against the backdrop where certain countries have instigated global trade wars, erected widespread small-yard, high-fence barriers, and cut off aid and supplies to Africa, China remains steadfast in advancing high-level opening-up. We will continue to promote high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, deepen China-Africa cooperation through openness, offer new opportunities to the world with the achievements of Chinese modernisation, and inject new impetus into African and other Global South partners through Chinas vast market.

HE Yusuf Tuggar, Foreign Minister of Nigeria, and HE Joseph Tegbe, director-general of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, led the Nigerian delegation to attend the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators for the Implementation of the Outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. Nigeria is also the Guest of Honour at this years China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. The Nigerian delegation received a high-level reception from the Chinese side in Changsha. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Mao Weiming, Governor of Hunan Province respectively met with the Nigerian delegation and reached important consensus with the Nigerian side on deepening China-Nigeria cooperation. The Nigerian side also discussed cooperation with several Chinese enterprises. I believe that in the future, more Chinese enterprises will invest and start businesses in Nigeria, and work together with Nigerian friends to contribute to the economic and social development of Nigeria and realise the Renewed Hope agenda .

China will always be the most trustworthy friend and partner of Nigeria and Africa. China stands ready to continue working hand in hand with Nigerian and other African friends to jointly advance the implementation of the Ten Partnership Actions for China-Africa cooperation in pursuing modernisation and the new measures adopted at the Coordinators Meeting. We will remain committed to the principles of open cooperation and mutual benefit, jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism, continuously elevate China-Nigeria and China-Africa partnerships to new heights.

Zhang Yi is the Charge dAffaires of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.

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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has reassured the people of Katsina State of his commitment to serve with transparency, accountability, and genuine love.

The Governor disclosed this while felicitating with the people of Katsina and Nigerians on the occasion of 2025 Democracy Day celebration.

Governor Radda described June 12 as a sacred reminder that every citizens voice matters and every dream deserves government support.

The Governor reflected on the sacrifices of democracy heroes, particularly Chief MKO Abiola, whose June 12, 1993 mandate symbolised the peoples power to choose their leaders and shape their destiny.

When I wake up each morning as your Governor, I remember that this office is not mineit belongs to every Katsina citizen who trusted me with their vote. Your struggles are my struggles, your hopes fuel my determination, the Governor emphasised.

Governor Radda acknowledged the daily challenges facing ordinary citizensfrom economic pressures to security concernsassuring them that his administration feels their pain and works tirelessly to provide relief.

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The Governor highlighted his administrations people-centred initiatives, including agricultural support programmes, youth empowerment schemes, healthcare improvements, and infrastructure development projects touching every corner of the state.

Democracy means nothing if it doesnt change lives. Thats why were building roads to connect your communities, supporting farmers to feed our families, creating jobs for our youth, and ensuring quality healthcare reaches every village, the Governor stated.

Governor Radda called on all Nigerians to protect and nurture democracy by actively participating in governance, holding leaders accountable, and maintaining unity despite differences.

The Governor pledged that Katsina State will continue serving as a paradigm of democratic governance, citizen engagement, and inclusive development.

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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has proposed creating a transport corridor that would connect the Greek port of Alexandroupolis with Ukraine's Odesa via Bulgaria's Varna and Romania's Constanta.

"I would like Odesa to be at one end of an ambitious, comprehensive project to develop connectivity, which would start in the port of Alexandroupolis, go through Varna, Constanta and finally reach Odesa. This is a project that could be offered for EU funding," he said at the 4th Ukraine - South-East Europe Summit in Odesa on Wednesday.

According to the prime minister, the corridor would include transport railways, power lines, gas pipelines, and it would be a project that "would provide an additional communication corridor for Ukraine, much faster than transporting goods by sea." Also, according to him, the project would provide "a clear and tangible vision of how Ukraine's integration into the EU can really change the lives of Ukrainians."

Mitsotakis also assured that Greece will always be ready to contribute to providing any expert or technical support to bring candidates closer to the EU.
Former Governor Ibrahim Shema congratulates President Bola Tinubu on 2025 Democracy Day

On the historic occasion of June 12  Democracy Day, I extend my warmest congratulations to you, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on behalf of myself, my family, and close associates.

June 12 stands as a solemn symbol of our nations enduring quest for freedom, justice, and the right of every citizen to choose their leaders.

It is a day that honours the courage of countless patriots who stood firm against oppression and paved the way for the democracy we cherish today.

Your Excellency, President Tinubu, your unwavering commitment to democratic ideals  from your bold stance during the pro-democracy struggles to your current leadership as President  has solidified your place as a central figure in Nigerias democratic journey. Your lifes work continues to reflect the spirit of June 12: a relentless pursuit of liberty, equity, and the rule of law.

As President, you carry the hopes and aspirations of millions. We salute your efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive, and economically vibrant Nigeria  one where every citizen feels the true impact of democratic governance.

As we mark, this significant day in our national life, I pray that Almighty God grants you, President Tinubu, continued wisdom, good health, and the strength to lead our great country to even greater heights.

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Congratulations once again, Mr. President

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Long live our Democracy!!

Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema (CON, FNIM)

Chairman, Federal Capital Development Authority

Former Governor, Katsina State

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The cryptocurrency landscape is continually expanding as more people enter the scene. Its decentralized approach and low transaction cost are the core reasons why it has gained immense popularity. Gradually, this has led to many countries adopting digital assets into their financial infrastructure. That being said, the market is not without challenges. To overcome this, automated crypto trading platforms like Britannia AI are developed.

Britannia AI is a new launch in the crypto space created to simplify trading for all types of traders. Claims are that this platform partners with trusted brokers, uses the latest technologies like AI-powered algorithms, ensures accurate alerts and insights, and so on. Today, in this Britannia AI review, let us verify the genuineness of this platform to see if it is worth investing in.

Britannia AI Facts Table

Platform Name Britannia AI Platform Type Web-based Technology Used AI technology Minimum Investment $250 Available Assets Crypto, stocks, forex pairs, shares, futures, commodities, bonds, derivatives, and more Payment Options Direct bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and e-wallets Payout Time Within 24 hours Demo Mode Available Mobile Accessibility Accessible Registration Fees None Transaction Cost None Customer Support 24/7 Countries Eligible Most countries across the world Official Website Click Here

What is Britannia AI?

Britannia AI is a web-based trading platform created by a group of crypto experts to make crypto trading simple, accessible, and profitable for all types of traders, including beginners. The system uses AI technology with advanced algorithms to explore the dynamic crypto market, collect important data like market movements, and offer precise trade signals and insights. According to the founders, Britannia AI collaborates with trusted brokers to ensure support at every stage of trading.

The Britannia AI trading bot offers several unique features and functionalities, such as an intuitive interface with a simple dashboard, a demo account with virtual funds, customizable settings, different safe banking options, round-the-clock customer support, strict safety measures, and more. The system is affordable and easily accessible on all devices.

Click Here To Try Britannia AI Free

Who Created Britannia AI?

Britannia AI has been developed by a team of crypto experts, together with trusted software developers and engineers in the industry. They created the platform to simplify trading and cater to the requirements of both experts and beginners. The founders state that the platform combines AI technology with sophisticated algorithms for live market analysis and accurate signal generation.

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Is Britannia AI Legit or a Scam?

Britannia AI seems to be a legitimate crypto trading platform from the available data. The system follows a simple, secure, and cost-free registration process that can be completed in a few minutes. It collaborates with trusted brokers in the industry who offer support during emergencies and other phases of trading. The trading bot utilizes the latest AI technology and algorithms for in-depth market analysis. It offers extra tools and resources, guarantees strict safety measures, and ensures 24/7 customer support to all its members. These aspects and the positive feedback from traders and crypto experts give the impression that Britannia AI is safe and reliable.

How to register on Britannia AI?

Traders should register and complete some additional procedures to begin trading on the Britannia AI system. This section will look at how one can get started on the platform.

 Step 1

The first step is to register on the Britannia AI system. To do this, you need to visit its official website and fill out the registration form. You need to provide fundamental information, such as your name, email address, contact number, and country of residence. Submit the form after entering all the details.

 Step 2

Once the form has been submitted, the Britannia AI team will contact you to confirm the registration. They will send a verification link to the given email address. You should check your mail and open the link to authenticate your trade account.

 Step 3

You can log into your Britannia AI account after the verification. Before trading, you need to deposit a minimum capital of $250 in your account. If you are a skilled trader, you can consider depositing more to generate more profits.

 Step 4

After completing all the steps, you need to select the assets to invest in and set the parameters according to your goals. You should also choose between auto and manual trade options to place orders. In the former mode, you can get a hands-off trading experience.

Register On Britannia AI Free

Britannia AI Working Principle

The Britannia AI online trading bot works by combining the latest artificial intelligence technology with sophisticated algorithms. The system conducts detailed market analysis to keep track of price movements, compare present and past price data of assets, spot emerging trends and patterns, gain clarity about the latest updates, and more. Based on this, the system identifies the right trading opportunities in the market and forms signals and insights that traders can use to execute orders without delay. Additionally, Britannia AI examines risks in the trading process and follows the required measures to prevent losses and safeguard investments.

Britannia AI Core Features

 Demo mode

Britannia AI has a demo or practice mode with simulated funds that traders and investors can use to explore various markets, test the performance of the platform, develop trading skills, and so on.

 Personalization options

This online trading system allows personalization of various settings, like strategies, parameters, etc., so that users can make the platform conduct trading according to their trading goals, risk tolerance levels, and market conditions.

 Various secure banking methods

The platform supports various secure banking methods, such as e-wallets, local bank transfers, and debit/credit cards, to ensure hassle-free transactions. Also, it charges zero transaction fees.

Is Britannia AI Suitable for All Traders?

Britannia AI has been designed to support the trading needs of both experts and beginners. This is why the creators have taken special care in integrating user-friendly features, such as an intuitive interface with a solid dashboard, a demo account with virtual funds, extra tools and resources, 24/7 custom support, and so on. So, even novice traders can easily navigate the system and execute lucrative trades.

Try Britannia AI Free

Tips for Success with Britannia AI

From the previous sections, it is evident that Britannia AI is a reliable trading system. Though this is the case, the crypto market is complex, and entering profitable trades is not easy. Here are some tips that will help you increase your chances of success with Britannia AI:

 While depositing money, start with a small amount. Increase the investment only after gaining a proper understanding of the performance of the platform and the market dynamics.

 Before entering live trading, try the demo or practice mode to explore the system, develop trading skills, build effective strategies, and so on, without any financial risks.

 Make the most out of risk management tools when required to manage risks effectively and safeguard investments.

 To improve your trading knowledge, use the educational materials provided, such as webinars, tutorials, and guides.

Britannia AI- Safety, Security, and Regulatory Compliance

One of the main concerns in crypto trading is the safety of data, investments, and activities. The Britannia AI creators ensure user safety by following strict safety measures and protocols, such as encryption technology, authentication functions, regular audits, etc. The system also partners with regulated brokers or personal account managers in the industry who ensure assistance whenever required.

Britannia AI Performance and Profit Potential

As the Britannia AI trading platform uses the latest technologies like artificial intelligence and sophisticated algorithms, it conducts accurate market analysis, signal generation, etc., free of human biases. Backtesting and evaluation are also done, all contributing to the systems performance assessment. Early users state that the system performs well and helps execute orders on time.

The Britannia AI creators guarantee huge profits with a small investment itself. Many traders confirm this through their testimonials. It is suggested to begin with a small amount and gradually move to bigger investments.

Britannia AI User Responses

The user responses to the Britannia AI online trading software have been positive so far. Many traders have commented that the system is simple to navigate and use. Some reported that it offers extra tools and resources, ensures 24/7 customer support, connects with licensed brokers, guarantees safety and security, and so on. Users have rated the trading system a 4.6/5, indicating that Britannia AI is safe and efficient.

Britannia AI Final Verdict

Britannia AI simplifies trading by conducting live market analysis and offering accurate trade signals and insights with the help of the latest technologies like artificial intelligence and sophisticated algorithms. The platform collaborates with trusted brokers who support during emergencies and other phases of trading. As of now, Britannia AI has gained positive feedback from traders who have rated it a 4.6/5, suggesting that the platform is safe and reliable.

According to the Britannia AI reviews, the system offers several unique features, such as an intuitive interface, a demo or trial mode, extra tools and guides, risk management tools, different safe banking methods, strict safety measures, round-the-clock customer support, backtesting and evaluation, personalization options, etc.

At the moment, Britannia AI is affordable with no hidden fees or commissions, and the chance to begin live trading with a small investment of $250. It is easily accessible on all devices with internet access and a web browser. Considering all these, the system appears legitimate and worth a try.

Start Trading On Britannia A

Britannia AI FAQs

Is Britannia AI safe and reliable?

Britannia AI seems to be a safe and reliable trading platform that partners with trusted brokers, ensures 24/7 customer support, and so on.

Can those with no trading experience use Britannia AI?

Yes. Those with no trading experience can use the Britannia AI platform as it offers several user-friendly features, such as an intuitive interface, a demo account, etc.

What about the signup process for Britannia AI?

Britannia AI follows a simple and secure signup process that requires basic details and is completely cost-free.

Is Britannia AI mobile compatible?

Britannia AI is a web-based software that can be easily accessed on mobile phones and any other device with internet access and a web browser.

Does Britannia AI have a responsive customer support team?

This trading system has a responsive customer support team that is available 24/7 to address the queries and concerns of traders.

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The Cross River House of Assembly has suspended Theresa Ushie, the chairperson of Bekwarra Local Government Council in the state, for three months over allegations of misconduct and corrupt practices.

The house decided on the matter after considering a resolution passed by the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council on Tuesday.

The assembly also set up a committee to investigate the allegations against the chairperson.

The councillors attempted to impeach the chairperson three months ago, citing allegations of corruption, misconduct, and abuse of power.

Speaking during debate on the matter, the Speaker of the Cross River assembly, Elvert Ayambem, said the suspension was in accordance with Section 14(3) of the Cross River Local Government Laws, 2025.

Mr Ayambem said the Vice Chairperson of the Bekwarra local council, Egbung Odama, would run the council affairs in acting capacity.

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He urged the panel to be fair and thorough in investigating the allegations against the chairperson.

The suspended chairperson, Mrs Ushie, declined comment on the matter when a PREMIUM TIMES reporter contacted her on Thursday, 12 June.

(NAN)

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The Ondo State Police Command says it has arraigned nine suspects in connection with the recent clashes which claimed the lives of two persons in Ondo town.

Police spokesperson in the state, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this on Wednesday in Akure.

No fewer than 46 persons were earlier arrested shortly after the incident.

On Wednesday, the suspects were arraigned at the Chief Magistrates Court in Akure.

Those arraigned are: Akinrimade Ayomide (M, 23 years), Olanrewaju Adejuwon (M, 31 years), Kunle Johnson (M, 29 years), Sodiq Ibrahim (M, 25 years), Franklin Akinrinsola (M, 29 years), Adebusoye Sunkanmi (M, 30 years), Fadayomi Ayoola (M, 45 years), Akingbesote Eric (M, 31 years), and Akomoleyin Akin (M, 29 years).

These individuals are facing a six-count charge, which includes. 1. Conspiracy to commit a felony  Cultism, Murder, and Unlawful Possession of Firearms (Section 516, Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006). 2. Membership of banned secret cults  Eiye, Ave, and Aiye Confraternities (Section 1(1), Cultism and Similar Activities Prohibition Law of Ondo State, 2006), 3. Culpable Homicide  Involving Fagbemi Guna Ayomide (M, 25) and Sunday Adeyemi (M, 32), linked to rival cult supremacy clashes (Sections 316 & 319(1), Criminal Code). 4. Unlawful Possession of Firearm  Specifically by suspect Adebusoye Sunkanmi (Section 3(1), Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 2006).

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Mr Olayinka noted that one of the deceased individuals, Akinsiku Olabode m 52yrs, was identified as a notorious drug trafficker and a known cult figure.

Intelligence gathered so far indicates that he had been using proceeds from his illicit drug trade to finance cult activities, sponsor initiations, and supply arms to his group  thus fuelling the violence that has rocked Ondo City in recent weeks, he said.

Mr Olayinka said the police have deployed the Anti-Cultism Squad and the Tactical Intelligence Response Squad (TIRS) to support the Area Command and the Divisional Headquarters in intensifying the crackdown on cultism and associated violent crimes across the city and arrest those responsible for his death.

The Commissioner of Police commends residents for their continued support and vigilance and assures the public that all remaining suspects still under investigation will be dealt with in accordance with the law, he said.

READ ALSO: Police chief orders detention of inspectors over alleged extortion

The Command remains committed to restoring public confidence and safeguarding lives and property in Ondo State.

Members of the public are once again urged to report suspicious movements or criminal activity to the nearest police station or through the Commands emergency lines.

In January, a violent clash between rival cults claimed the lives of two persons amid heightened concerns of insecurity in the state.

Although police confirmed that 19 persons were arrested, not much has been heard about their prosecution.

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PITTSBURGH , June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "I didn't have enough room in my toolbox. I thought there could be a modified set of tools to help save space," said an inventor, from Phoenix, Ariz., "so I invented the SMART HEAD. My design ensures all the necessary tools are readily available without requiring excess storage room."

The invention provides an improved design for a set of tools. In doing so, it allows a variety of tools to easily fit within a toolbox. As a result, it increases convenience. It also could help save costs. The invention features a versatile and space-saving design that is easy to use so it is ideal for trade workers, households, do-it-yourselfers, etc.

The SMART HEAD is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, visit www.thesmarthead.net. Or contact Saul Quijada at 623- 853-7128 or email [email protected].

SOURCE InventHelp
DENVER, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - As the peak vacation season approaches, hospitality owners are striving to meet their guests' needs, spurring construction projects to align with emerging travel trends.

Today's guests are looking for thoughtful amenities, sustainable practices, and personalized experiences. Influenced by social media, advancements in technology and cultural movements, travelers are driving trends that shape what hotels and resorts offer to attract guests.

In honor of the summer vacation season, the hospitality construction experts at PCL Construction reflect on how the guest experience has changed and what the future holds for hospitality properties across the country.

Renovations vs. New Builds:

To stay competitive in a fast-changing market, many hotel owners are choosing to renovate rather than build new construction. PCL experts say they're seeing major hotel brands refresh their properties every five to seven years.

These updates go beyond aesthetics  modern renovations often include smart technology, energy-efficient systems and flexible spaces that adapt to evolving guest needs.

"Renovations allow owners to preserve their property's identity while integrating new amenities and tech," says Julio Vasquez, a PCL construction manager who led a recent renovation at Hawaii's Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. He notes seeing more demand for upgraded retail, dining and adaptable spaces that enhance the guest experience.

Eco-tourism:

Sustainability is becoming a top priority for travelers. This shift is driving demand for hotels that meet green standards and offer low-impact, culturally connected experiences.

To meet this demand, many properties are pursuing certifications like LEED, WELL, and Green Globe, incorporating features such as energy-efficient systems, water conservation and renewable energy.

Health and Wellness Amenities:

Wellness tourism is experiencing an unprecedented market boom. Travelers are seeking hotels that support both mental and physical well-being through upscale fitness, nutritious dining and advanced amenities like infrared saunas, IV therapy and aesthetic treatments.

"Wellness is about creating spaces that leave guests feeling better than when they arrived," says Caleigh Raymer, preconstruction director with PCL's California offices. "We're building environments that promote health, rejuvenation and connection to the surroundings."

Advanced Technology:

Technology is now central to the guest experience, with many travelers preferring hotels that offer tech-forward features including automated check-ins and keyless entry. Some properties are even exploring generative AI for voice-activated services.

"Our clients are pushing the envelope to deliver cutting-edge experiences," says Vasquez. "We focus on building spaces that can evolve with technology and meet future guest expectations."

Group Travel:

Group travel is on the rise, with more families, corporate teams and event-goers vacationing together. Hotels are responding by designing spaces that cater to larger parties. At Evermore Orlando Resort, for example, The Flats offer four-bedroom condos ideal for group stays, while the adjacent Conrad Orlando provides event spaces and amenities for all generations.

Self-perform Construction:

Labor shortages and supply chain issues have challenged the construction industry in recent years, but self-performing key scopes has helped contractors maintain control over quality, schedules and staffing.

"For large-scale resorts, self-performing major scopes like concrete can be critical," says David Keeler, a senior project manager at PCL who led projects like Conrad Orlando and The Flats at Evermore. "Having the skills and labor in-house helps us deliver on time and to a high standard."

For more information on PCL's hospitality construction projects and the trends that are driving them, view the full story on PCL.com.

About PCL Construction

PCL is a group of independent construction companies that operates throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia. As one of the largest contracting organizations in North America, PCL completes more than $8 billion USD in work annually, building projects that shape communities. The company's 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL's leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project. Watch us build at PCL.com.

SOURCE PCL Construction
Half of Middle Market Companies See Tariffs as a Competitive Advantage

CLEVELAND, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) today released the results of its Middle Market Sentiment Pulse Survey, which was conducted in May 2025 to gauge the current state of the middle market amid economic uncertainty. The survey polled executives of middle market businesses with annual revenues ranging from $25 million to $1 billion and found that potential tariffs are significantly influencing investment decisions, with most companies prioritizing supply chain adjustments and closely monitoring market signals before implementing growth strategies.

Tariffs at the Forefront:

91% of companies are focused on managing tariff impacts as a top priority, showing the broad-based nature of the potential impacts.

of companies are focused on managing tariff impacts as a top priority, showing the broad-based nature of the potential impacts. 61% of respondents say clarity on U.S. economic health is the most important factor for making business investment decisions.

Resilient and Forward-Thinking:

92% of companies view current economic policies as an opportunity to innovate their business models and restructure their organizations.

of companies view current economic policies as an opportunity to innovate their business models and restructure their organizations. Middle market firms are somewhat ambivalent about tariffs and the doors they might open for market expansion (49% see the upside). In contrast, 68% of technology companies are quite confident, likely due to the burgeoning demand for software to navigate supply chain expenses.

Strategic Adjustments in Response to Tariffs:

60% of companies are adjusting their supply chain strategies to manage tariff costs, the top choice among respondents. This increases to 74% for larger companies with revenues between $500 million and $1 billion . 53% are passing costs to customers and 47% to vendors.

of companies are adjusting their supply chain strategies to manage tariff costs, the top choice among respondents. This increases to for larger companies with revenues between and . are passing costs to customers and to vendors. Among these larger companies, 88% are in the process of enhancing technology to improve supply chain visibility and 71% are broadening their supplier base to mitigate risks.

Economic Clarity and Capital Access:

87% of companies are actively seeking to expand their access to capital, strengthening their balance sheets and demonstrating the proactive nature of this segment. The top three methods for achieving this expansion are adopting technology and automation (52%), expanding equity capital (43%) and improving cash flow management (43%).

of companies are actively seeking to expand their access to capital, strengthening their balance sheets and demonstrating the proactive nature of this segment.

Ken Gavrity, Head of Key Commercial Bank commented:

"Despite the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and economic policies, our pulse survey shows that middle market companies are not just reacting but proactively innovating and adapting. This resilience and forward-thinking approach are key to gaining a competitive edge. It underscores the entrepreneurial spirit that drives America's middle market and reinforces our commitment to supporting their growth ambitions."

"Middle market companies aren't waiting for perfect conditions  they are creating their own opportunities," Gavrity added. "The businesses that thrive will be those that can adapt quickly, invest wisely in technology, and maintain strong relationships with capital providers who understand their vision."

Methodology

KeyBank surveyed 300 owners and executives of businesses with annual revenues between $25 million and $1 billion in May 2025.

About KeyCorp

In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2025.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications, and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

SOURCE KeyBank
Bergen Community College; Perimeter College at Georgia State University; and Dallas College took home winning titles following presentations of their STEM innovations to address real-world challenges

WASHINGTON, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), in partnership with the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), announced the three winning teams of this year's Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC).

The annual competition seeks to strengthen entrepreneurial thinking among community college students by challenging them to develop STEM-based solutions to real-world problems. It also enables students to discover and demonstrate their capacity to use STEM to make a difference in the world and to translate that knowledge into action.

The first, second and third-place winning teams and their innovations are listed below.

First Place: Bergen Community College, NJ

Project: Pop-Up Hydroponic Farms

Second Place: Perimeter College at Georgia State University, GA

Project: RoyaNest  Life-Saving Care Device for Asphyxia Neonatorum

Third Place: Dallas College, TX

Project: Alerts VIA Detection and Ranging (AVIADAR)

This week, 12 community colleges selected as finalists in a national competition attended an Innovation Boot Camp where they learned from entrepreneurs and experts in business planning, stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, and marketplace dynamics. The Boot Camp culminated in a Student Innovation Poster Session with STEM leaders and congressional stakeholders, and a 5-minute pitch presentation to a panel of industry and entrepreneurial professionals determining the winning teams.

"I cannot stress enough how proud the NSF Directorate for STEM Education is to co-sponsor this competition," said James L. Moore III, assistant director for STEM Education. "The innovative ideas presented by these teams exemplify the knowledge and skills that are essential for addressing current and future real-world challenges. For over 75 years, the NSF has supported opportunities like the Community College Innovation Challenge, empowering talented students from community colleges and beyond. Congratulations to this year's winners and their dedicated mentors."

Among the ideas the 12 finalist teams presented this year are innovative and transformative solutions that address food insecurity, burn care, aviation safety, nicotine addiction, energy efficiency, fire prevention and safety, neonatal health, and autonomous and assistive technologies.

"This competition is a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and drive of our nation's community college students," said Walter G. Bumphus, president and CEO of AACC. "We are honored to partner with NSF to support these talented student teams as they apply their innovative thinking and problem-solving skills to address real-world challenges. The projects presented reflect not only excellence in STEM but also a strong commitment to societal and economic progress. Congratulations to the team from Bergen Community College and to all of this year's exceptional finalists."

To receive updates about the CCIC's 2025 winners, follow @Comm_College or visit www.aaccinnovationchallenge.com .

About AACC

As the voice of the nation's community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), delivers educational and economic opportunity for more than 10 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC's member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers, and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all. https://www.aacc.nche.edu/

About NSF

About NSF The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2024 budget of $9.06 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts. https://www.nsf.gov

SOURCE American Association of Community Colleges
ZYNLONTA in combination with glofitamab (COLUMVI) in patients with r/r DLBCL demonstrated clinically meaningful benefit with overall response rate (ORR) of 93.3% and a complete response (CR) rate of 86.7% across 30 efficacy evaluable patients

25 of 26 patients achieving CR remained in CR as of the data cut-off

Initial data show the combination is generally well tolerated with a manageable safety profile

Company expanding enrollment for LOTIS-7 to 100 patients at 150 g/kg dose

Company to host conference call today at 8:00 a.m. ET/2:00 p.m. CEST

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ADC Therapeutics SA (NYSE: ADCT), a commercial-stage global leader and pioneer in the field of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), today announced updated data from the LOTIS-7 Phase 1b open-label clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of ZYNLONTA in combination with the bispecific antibody glofitamab (COLUMVI) in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (r/r DLBCL) to be presented at the European Hematology Association 2025 Congress (EHA2025) in Milan, Italy. The Company will host a conference call and webcast featuring LOTIS-7 trial principal investigator and EHA presenting author, Juan Alderuccio, MD, Clinical Site Disease Group Leader, Lymphoma Section, at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine today at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss the results. To access the conference call, please register here.

"The data seen in this study with the combination of ZYNLONTA and glofitamab has shown a manageable safety profile along with strong efficacy data from patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL, with complete responses observed regardless of prior therapy, including CAR-T," said Mohamed Zaki, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer of ADC Therapeutics. "The combination of these two anti-cancer agents holds significant promise for advancing the treatment landscape and addressing unmet need in patients with these hard-to-treat lymphomas."

The presentation highlights updated data as of April 14, 2025, in which r/r LBCL patients received dose levels of 120 g/kg or 150 g/kg of ZYNLONTA plus the bispecific antibody glofitamab, with 41 patients evaluable for safety and 30 patients evaluable for efficacy.

Key highlights of the LOTIS-7 data presentation are as follows:

Best overall response data among the 30 efficacy evaluable patients shows overall response rate (ORR) of 93.3% (28/30 pts) as assessed by Lugano Criteria

Complete response (CR) rate of 86.7% (26/30 pts) Of these, 25/26 patients achieving CR remain in CR as of the data cut-off Median time to CR in 120 g/kg = 80 days Median time to CR in 150 g/kg = 42 days



12 patients converted from stable disease (SD) or partial response (PR) to CR over time (1 and 11 pts respectively)

Of the 6 patients previously treated with CAR-T and undergoing response assessment, 5 achieved a CR

Among the 41 safety evaluable patients, the combination was generally well tolerated with a manageable safety profile and no DLTs across dose levels Grade 3 or higher treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) observed in > 5% of patients included neutropenia (24.4%), anemia (9.8%), AST increased (7.3%), GGT increased (7.3%), and thrombocytopenia (7.3%) In the 150 g/kg dose, cytokine release syndrome (CRS) (23.8%), all of which were Grade 1, and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) (4.8%), with one case of Grade 2, were observed In the 120 g/kg dose, CRS all grades (55%), all of which were Grade 1/2 except one case of Grade 3, and ICANS (10%), with one case of Grade 1 and one case of Grade 2, were observed TEAEs leading to discontinuation included 3 each for ZYNLONTA and glofitamab There were no Grade 5 TEAEs observed



"We believe these new data are differentiating and further reinforce the potential of ZYNLONTA plus the bispecific glofitamab to improve outcomes for DLBCL patients who need it most," said Ameet Mallik, Chief Executive Officer of ADC Therapeutics. "This early safety and efficacy data support the ongoing expansion of this study to 100 patients at the 150 g/kg dose of ZYNLONTA plus glofitamab. We look forward to discussing the results with Dr. Alderuccio during our conference call today in addition to the presentation of the data set across two key conferences."

This data will be shared at EHA2025 during a poster presentation on June 14 at 6:30 p.m. CEST and also as an oral encore presentation at the 18th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma (ICML) in Lugano, Switzerland on Friday, June 20 at 9:00 a.m. ET. The Company plans to share additional data before the end of 2025.

Conference Call Information

To access the conference call, please register here. The participant toll-free dial-in number is 1-800-836-8184 for North America and Canada. It is recommended that you join 10 minutes before the event, though you may pre-register at any time. A live webcast of the call will be available under "Events and Presentations" in the Investors section of the ADC Therapeutics website at ir.adctherapeutics.com. The archived webcast will be available for 30 days following the call.

About LOTIS-7

LOTIS-7 is a Phase 1b global multicenter, multi-arm study in patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) including Part 1 (dose escalation) and Part 2 (dose expansion). The three dosing arms include ZYNLONTA plus polatuzumab vedotin, ZYNLONTA plus glofitamab, and ZYNLONTA plus mosunetuzumab T-cell-engaging bispecific monoclonal antibodies (BsAbs). Enrollment in LOTIS-7 includes Part 1 of the study with a 3+3 dose escalation in 3L/3L+ heavily pre-treated patients with ZYNLONTA doses starting at 90 g/kg and then proceeding to 120 g/kg and 150 g/kg. Part 2 includes dose expansion in 2L/2L+ large B-cell lymphoma in the ZYNLONTA plus glofitamab arm at dose levels determined from Part 1 (120 g/kg and 150 g/kg of ZYNLONTA plus the approved dosing of glofitamab). Primary endpoints of the study include safety and tolerability. Secondary efficacy endpoints include ORR, DOR, CRR, PFS, RFS, and OS as well as pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity.

For more information about the LOTIS-7 trial, visit clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04970901).

About ZYNLONTA

ZYNLONTA is a CD19-directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC). Once bound to a CD19-expressing cell, ZYNLONTA is internalized by the cell, where enzymes release a pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) payload. The potent payload binds to DNA minor groove with little distortion, remaining less visible to DNA repair mechanisms. This ultimately results in cell cycle arrest and tumor cell death.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have approved ZYNLONTA (loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl) for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified (NOS), DLBCL arising from low-grade lymphoma and also high-grade B-cell lymphoma. The trial included a broad spectrum of heavily pre-treated patients (median three prior lines of therapy) with difficult-to-treat disease, including patients who did not respond to first-line therapy, patients refractory to all prior lines of therapy, patients with double/triple hit genetics and patients who had stem cell transplant and CAR-T therapy prior to their treatment with ZYNLONTA. This indication is approved by the FDA under accelerated approval and in the European Union under conditional approval based on overall response rate and continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. Please see full prescribing information including important safety information about ZYNLONTA at www.ZYNLONTA.com.

ZYNLONTA is also being evaluated as a therapeutic option in combination studies in other B-cell malignancies and earlier lines of therapy.

About ADC Therapeutics

ADC Therapeutics (NYSE: ADCT) is a commercial-stage biotechnology company helping to improve the lives of those affected by cancer with its next-generation, targeted antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). The Company is advancing its proprietary ADC technology to transform the treatment paradigm for patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.

ADC Therapeutics' CD19-directed ADC ZYNLONTA (loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl) received accelerated approval by the FDA and conditional approval from the European Commission for the treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy. ZYNLONTA is also in development in combination with other agents and in earlier lines of therapy. In addition to ZYNLONTA, ADC Therapeutics has multiple ADCs in ongoing clinical and preclinical development.

ADC Therapeutics is based in Lausanne (Biopole), Switzerland and has operations in London and New Jersey. For more information, please visit https://adctherapeutics.com/ and follow the Company on LinkedIn.

ZYNLONTA is a registered trademark of ADC Therapeutics SA.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the potential of ZYNLONTA in combination with the bispecific antibody glofitamab, including the reproducibility and durability of any favorable results initially seen in patients dosed to date, and the Company's research, development and regulatory plans, including the timing and results of clinical trials and the timing and outcome of regulatory submissions. In some cases you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "would", "expect", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "seem", "seek", "future", "continue", or "appear" or the negative of these terms or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially from those described. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: whether future LOTIS-7 clinical trial results will be consistent with or different from the LOTIS-7 data presented at EHA and ICML and future compendia and regulatory strategy and opportunity; the expected cash runway into mid-2026 the Company's ability to grow ZYNLONTA revenue in the United States; the ability of our partners to commercialize ZYNLONTA in foreign markets, the timing and amount of future revenue and payments to us from such partnerships and their ability to obtain regulatory approval for ZYNLONTA in foreign jurisdictions; the timing and results of the Company's or its partners' research and development projects or clinical trials including LOTIS 5 and 7, as well as early research in certain solid tumors with different targets, linkers and payloads; the timing and results of investigator-initiated trials including those studying FL and MZL and the potential regulatory and/or compendia strategy and the future opportunity; the timing and outcome of regulatory submissions for the Company's products or product candidates; actions by the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities; projected revenue and expenses; the Company's indebtedness, including Healthcare Royalty Management and Blue Owl and Oaktree facilities, and the restrictions imposed on the Company's activities by such indebtedness, the ability to comply with the terms of the various agreements and repay such indebtedness and the significant cash required to service such indebtedness; and the Company's ability to obtain financial and other resources for its research, development, clinical, and commercial activities. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements is contained in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company's other periodic and current reports and filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, achievements or prospects to be materially different from any future results, performance, achievements or prospects expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this document.

CONTACTS:

Investor Relations

Marcy Graham

ADC Therapeutics

[email protected]

+1 650-667-6450

Media Relations

Nicole Riley

ADC Therapeutics

[email protected]

+1 862-926-9040

SOURCE ADC Therapeutics SA
As Prescient redefines MMM to meet the demands of modern marketers, Danilo joins to help accelerate category-wide transformation

MIAMI, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prescient AI , the leading next generation marketing mix modeling (MMM) platform for measuring, forecasting and optimizing paid media performance, today announced that Danilo Tauro has joined its Board of Directors. A globally recognized leader at the intersection of advertising, media, data, and technology, Danilo brings 15+ years of experience helping brands and tech platforms navigate digital transformation, scale innovation, and drive measurable growth.

Danilo currently serves as a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company, focused on advertising, media, and technology, and as a Managing Partner at Aperiam, an investment firm focused on the future of AdTech and MarTech. His career spans leadership roles across some of the industry's most influential companies, including Amazon Ads, Uber Advertising, and Procter & Gamblewhere he helped pioneer enterprise-scale marketing technologies and data strategies.

"Marketing attribution has long been full of compromises. MMM in particular has historically been too slow, too high-level, and too expensive to keep pace with the growing complexity of modern marketing," said Danilo. "Prescient AI has completely reengineered the methodology to deliver reliable, ongoing insights in these increasingly complicated omnichannel environments. As marketers demand tighter integration and faster, actionable answers, I'm eager to help scale this much-needed innovation."

Prescient AI helps marketers prove revenue impact and get more out of every marketing dollar by showing what's working, what's not, and where to invest next. The platform connects DTC ecommerce, marketplace, and retail store revenue to the media channels, tactics, and campaigns that drive performancethen delivers ongoing recommendations to improve results. While legacy MMM platforms rely on outdated statistical models that originated in the 1960s, Prescient AI rebuilt the math from the ground up to reflect how today's marketing actually works.

In his role on the board, Danilo will advise Prescient on growth strategy, go-to-market execution, and cross-industry integration helping to ensure that the platform connects seamlessly with the broader adtech ecosystem to provide a frictionless experience for brands.

"We're thrilled to welcome Danilo to the board," said Mike True, cofounder and CEO of Prescient AI. "He understands both the marketer's pain and the scale of the opportunity in front of us. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to develop the industry's most advanced MMM solutions and deliver insights marketers trust to make critical investment decisions."

On Wednesday, June 18, during the Cannes Lions festival, Danilo will join Mike True and Lucia Mastromauro, Global Vice President of Advertising at Deliveroo , for a panel discussion moderated by Lucas DiPietrantonio , CEO of Darkroom . The conversation will examine how AI and advanced analytics are reshaping media strategy and driving ROI. The event is part of Cannes Confidential at Darkroom House, hosted by Darkroom with sponsorship from FERMAT, Prescient AI, ReachFaster, and Sotto. Register to attend here .

About Prescient AI

Prescient AI is the industry's most trusted marketing mix modeling (MMM) solution for measuring, forecasting, and maximizing paid media performance. The Prescient platform connects DTC ecommerce, marketplace, and retail store revenue to the media channels, tactics, and campaigns that drive performancethen delivers ongoing recommendations to improve results. Powered by the only marketing mix model built from the ground up for today's real-world marketing dynamics, Prescient AI quantifies both the direct and indirect (halo) effects of channels and campaigns, then accurately predicts how new channels or changes in spend allocation will impact future performance. Brands like Coterie, HexClad, Jones Road Beauty, and Saatva, trust daily insights from Prescient to maximize marketing ROI and drive new growth.

Learn more at prescientai.com .

SOURCE Prescient AI
Ukraine is ready to do everything to help Moldova so that there is no Russian pressure on Chisinau and President Maia Sandu due to the energy crisis in Transnistria, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"As for the issue of the Transnistrian crisis that took place, I don't know, maybe the President of Moldova will talk about it in detail. We were ready to do everything to help Moldova, so that there would be no pressure on Chisinau and President Maia Sandu because of this," Zelenskyy said during a press conference on the results of the IV Ukraine - South-East Europe Summit in Odesa on Wednesday.

Russian gas supplies to Transnistria ceased on January 1, 2025, after Ukraine stopped transporting it through its own gas transportation system in response to Russia's continued full-scale war against Ukraine. Against this backdrop, Gazprom limited supplies via Moldova to zero cubic meters per day, citing the country's historical debt. A state of emergency in the economy has been in effect in Transnistria since December 10 and in right-bank Moldova since December 16. Rolling power outages have been in effect in Transnistria since January 3 to save money. On February 3, Moldovagaz began gas supplies to Transnistrian region on Saturday.
DALLAS, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With Americans consuming snacks more frequently than ever, the American Pecan Promotion Board's "Surprisingly Snackable Pecans" campaign aims to capture a larger share of everyday snacking occasions. By combining humor, strategic placement and nutritional benefits, APPB continues working to make pecans as common in pantries as they are in pies. Now, APPB is returning with Signal Theory and SixTwentySix for the second round of their "Surprisingly Snackable Pecans" campaign. Continuing with the comedic twist that defined the original spots, the new work strategically positions pecans as the go-to snack for specific everyday moments  from airport travel to car rides to pre-grocery shopping fuel.

Surprisingly Snackable Pecans campaign logo from the American Pecan Promotional Board (PRNewsfoto/American Pecan Promotion Board)

Campaign Evolution

"This second round of spots builds on our 'Surprisingly Snackable' platform by moving beyond simply declaring pecans as snackablewe're now embedding them into specific snacking occasions," said Joe Wilper, creative director at Signal Theory . "By bringing pecans into routine snacking moments like packing for a flight or grabbing a snack before grocery shopping, we're shifting them from the 'snack consideration' category to the 'everyday essential' category. It's behavioral science meets snack food marketing, with a healthy dose of humor."

Comprehensive Channel Strategy

The campaign launches across CTV with premium inventory and coverage including YouTube TV, NBC, Bravo, Cooking Channel, Hulu and Roku. The integrated approach also includes retail media networks, e-commerce activation, influencer partnerships, social media and digital marketing to reach consumers at every point in their snacking decision journey.

"We're meeting consumers when and where they make their snacking decisions and offering them a surprising take on their favorite holiday ingredient," said Serena Schaffner, Chief Marketing Officer for the APPB. "Whether they're looking for food inspiration online before their next shopping trip or standing in the grocery aisle, we're reinforcing that pecans are the nutritious and delicious snack choice that fits their lifestyle."

For more information about the benefits of pecans and the Surprisingly Snackable Campaign, visit EatPecans.com

Note to editors: Creative assets for the campaign are available via the American Pecan Promotion Board Media Kit .

About APPB

The American Pecan Promotion Board was founded in 2021 and is comprised of pecan producers and importers. This group is dedicated to driving the demand for pecans through research and promotion efforts. Reach them at [email protected].

SOURCE American Pecan Promotion Board
Company announcement

No. 09/2025

Inside information

Aquaporin A/S

Nymllevej 78

DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby

aquaporin.com

Company registration no.: DK28315694

KONGENS LYNGBY, Denmark, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Aquaporin A/S ("Aquaporin" or the "Company"), an innovative water technology company dedicated to rethinking water filtration with biotechnology, is delighted to announce the appointment of Ulrik Lund Jakobsen as the new Chief Executive Officer of Aquaporin A/S. The appointment is the result of a comprehensive search process in connection with Matt Boczkowski's decision to step down as Chief Executive Officer in order to relocate to North America with his family, as announced in company announcement no. 4/2025 on April 1, 2025.

Ulrik Lund Jakobsen brings more than 20 years of leadership skills combined with experience from the technology and process engineering sectors, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer of GEA Powder & Thermal Separation Technologies, a business unit within GEA Group. His extensive leadership experience and deep industry knowledge will be instrumental as Aquaporin continues to accelerate growth and increase order traction. Ulrik Lund Jakobsen resides in Denmark and holds a Master in Dairy Science and Technology from the University of Copenhagen. His already strong background is further complemented with business program education from Copenhagen Business School, London Business School, and the International Institute for Management Development.

Niels Heering, Chair of the Board of Directors, commented: "With extensive leadership experience in large international businesses within the technology sector, Ulrik Lund Jakobsen brings the strategic insight and forward-looking approach required to guide Aquaporin into its next phase of accelerated growth and profitability. His leadership will be instrumental in expanding our customer base and increasing the number of repeat orders  thereby diversifying our revenue streams and strengthening our market position. We are confident that his expertise and vision will deliver tangible results for Aquaporin and its stakeholders. At the same time, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Matt Boczkowski for his contributions over the past years. We wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors."

Ulrik Lund Jakobsen commented: "I am honored to join Aquaporin at this important stage of its development. With significant market opportunities and a clear path to commercialization, the Company is well-positioned to accelerate sales and broaden its commercial reach. I look forward to working alongside Aquaporin's talented team and Board of Directors to scale the business and realize its full market potential."

Ulrik Lund Jakobsen will join the company immediately and assume the role of Chief Executive Officer as of July 1, 2025, succeeding Matt Boczkowski. To ensure a smooth and seamless transition of responsibilities, Matt Boczkowski will remain available to the Company until the end of July 2025, working closely with Ulrik Lund Jakobsen during this period.

For further information, please contact:

Niels Heering, Chair of the Board of Directors

+45 53 55 55 19, [email protected]

About Aquaporin

Aquaporin is an innovative water technology company with operations in Denmark (HQ), Singapore, Turkey, the United States, and China. We are committed to rethinking water filtration with biotechnology to solve global water challenges. By combining three disciplines from the world of natural sciences: biology, chemistry, and physics, we have created the unique, nature-inspired Aquaporin Inside technology which we embed into all our membranes and solutions. Our technology is based on Nobel Prize-winning research and is used to clean and reuse water in industries, in our homes, and even by NASA in space. We work with customers and partners around the globe to responsibly treat industrial wastewater, concentrate food and beverage products in a natural way, and enhance drinking water quality and accessibility.

Forward-looking statements

Certain matters discussed in this announcement may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and that can be identified by words such as "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "will", "may", "continue", "should", and similar expressions, as well as other statements regarding future events or prospects. Specifically, this company announcement includes information with respect to projections, estimates, and targets that also constitute forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this company announcement are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. Although the Company believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other important factors which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control. Such risks, uncertainties, and other important factors include, among others: limited experience in commercialization of the Company's products, failure to successfully implement strategies, dependence on third parties for manufacturing certain product components and the supply of certain raw materials, manufacturing disruptions, strategic collaboration, protection of the Company's intellectual property rights and other risks disclosed in Aquaporin's annual reports and company announcements. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other important factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations, projections, estimates, and targets expressed or implied in this report by such forward-looking statements. The information, opinions, and forward-looking statements contained in this company announcement speak only as at its date and are subject to change without notice. Aquaporin expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/aquaporin-a-s/r/aquaporin-appoints-chief-executive-officer,c4163246

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/22362/4163246/3500426.pdf 09-2025 Aquaporin appoints Chief Executive Officer https://news.cision.com/aquaporin-a-s/i/071119-aquaporin-00867-sh,c3417791 071119-AQUAPORIN 00867-sh

SOURCE Aquaporin A/S
Peak traffic records shattered as geopolitical tensions and new vectors reshape the threat landscape

STOCKHOLM, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arelion has today announced the publication of its DDoS Threat Landscape Report 2025, offering a detailed analysis of Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack trends observed throughout 2024 on its #1 ranked global Internet backbone, AS1299. Drawing on proprietary traffic data, the report examines record-breaking volumetric and packet-rate peaks, evolving attack vectors, sector-specific campaigns and geopolitical forces driving today's cyber-warfare.

Global Conflict and Cyber-Warfare

Geopolitical tensions continued to spill into cyberspace during 2024. The ongoing Ukraine conflict and allied support operations fuelled a substantial rise in DDoS activity across Europe, with Sweden experiencing 2.5x more attacks, Germany 3x and France 5x year-on-year. While Poland saw a relative decline compared to 2023 peaks, the Baltic states and Finland emerged as new focal points, highlighting DDoS as a persistent instrument of hybrid warfare. Beyond Europe, Arelion noted increasing interest from state-linked and hacktivist groups targeting subsea cable infrastructure and other critical Internet assets, signalling a more aggressive phase of cyber-enabled conflict.

Attack Distribution and Intensity

Record Volumetric Peaks

The average volumetric attack size in 2024 was 23.0 Gb/s - an increase of 97 percent from 2023. October 2024 witnessed the single largest volumetric assault on AS1299 at 1.57 Tbps, marking a 63 percent increase from the previous year. This surge was driven by coordinated TCP SYN and DNS amplification traffic aimed at major US cloud providers. This reflects attackers' ability to marshal greater raw capacity year-on-year, outpacing improvements in network defences.





The average volumetric attack size in 2024 was 23.0 Gb/s - an increase of 97 percent from 2023. witnessed the single largest volumetric assault on AS1299 at 1.57 Tbps, marking a 63 percent increase from the previous year. This surge was driven by coordinated TCP SYN and DNS amplification traffic aimed at major US cloud providers. This reflects attackers' ability to marshal greater raw capacity year-on-year, outpacing improvements in network defences. Notable Cloudflare Incident

2024 brought one of the most intensive single-target campaigns to date, unleashing 4.2 Tb/s against Cloudflare via a multi-vector TCP SYN + DNS amplification flood. By contrast, the largest single-target strike in 2023 topped out at 960 Gb/s and originated from a UDP-based attack in Europe .





2024 brought one of the most intensive single-target campaigns to date, unleashing 4.2 Tb/s against Cloudflare via a multi-vector TCP SYN + DNS amplification flood. By contrast, the largest single-target strike in 2023 topped out at 960 Gb/s and originated from a UDP-based attack in . Packet-Rate Extremes

In August 2024 , adversaries delivered a peak of 440 Mpps (up from 343 Mpps high in 2023), primarily through UDP floods against leading Asian gaming platforms. The 28 percent rise in packets-per-second peaks demonstrates the shift towards high-velocity, short-burst assaults.





In , adversaries delivered a peak of 440 Mpps (up from 343 Mpps high in 2023), primarily through UDP floods against leading Asian gaming platforms. The 28 percent rise in packets-per-second peaks demonstrates the shift towards high-velocity, short-burst assaults. Rising Average Packet Rates and Intensities

Over the year, the mean packet rate climbed by 24 percent to 6.2 Mpps, reflecting the growing efficiency of high-pps vectors. Meanwhile, the average volumetric size of attacks nearly doubled to 23 Gb/s, even as mean duration remained largely unchangeddemonstrating a deliberate shift towards shorter, high-intensity "blasts" rather than prolonged "carpet-bombing" assaults.

Attack Vectors and Sector Focus

Global Attack Vectors

When considering AS1299's global traffic, Arelion recorded a relatively even spread of attacks across North America , Europe and Asia , with the United States seeing the largest intensity of DDoS activity of which SYN, UDP and NTP amplification were the most common global attack vectors in 2024. When compared to 2023, there is an even continental spread across North America , Europe and Asia .





When considering AS1299's global traffic, Arelion recorded a relatively even spread of attacks across , and , with seeing the largest intensity of DDoS activity of which SYN, UDP and NTP amplification were the most common global attack vectors in 2024. When compared to 2023, there is an even continental spread across , and . DNS Amplification Dominance

DNS amplification sustained its position as the leading attack vector in 2024, accounting for 55 percent of all amplified traffic despite a slight tapering towards year-end. While still dominant, the drop from 88 percent in 2023 indicates attackers are diversifying into other amplification methods.





DNS amplification sustained its position as the leading attack vector in 2024, accounting for 55 percent of all amplified traffic despite a slight tapering towards year-end. While still dominant, the drop from 88 percent in 2023 indicates attackers are diversifying into other amplification methods. Carpet Bombing Down

Despite its efficacy, carpet bombing activity surprisingly dropped in 2024.





Despite its efficacy, carpet bombing activity surprisingly dropped in 2024. Gaming Industry in the Crosshairs

The online gaming sector endured sustained DDoS pressure, with one of the largest gaming platforms in the United States suffering the second-largest attack.

Commenting on the report, Mattias Fridstrom, Chief Evangelist at Arelion, said:

"In 2024, adversaries pushed both scale and sophistication to unprecedented levels. Record-shattering volumetric peaks and high-pps floods demonstrate that DDoS remains a cornerstone of cyber-warfare. Organisations must combine elastic, multi-layered defencessuch as on-demand scrubbing, protocol-aware filtering and application-layer intelligencewith pre-emptive, transparent communications to maximise their chances of preserving stakeholder trust during incidents."

The full report can be downloaded here.

About Arelion

Arelion solves global connectivity challenges for multinational enterprises whose businesses rely on digital infrastructure. On top of the world's #1 ranked IP backbone and a unique ecosystem of cloud and network service providers, we provide an award-winning customer experience to customers in more than 129 countries worldwide. Our global Internet services connect more than 700 cloud, security and content providers with low latency. For further resilience, our private Cloud Connect service connects directly to Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud and Oracle cloud across North America, Europe and Asia. Discover more at Arelion.com , and follow us on LinkedIn and X .

Media contacts for Arelion:

Jeannette Bitz, Engage PR

+1 510 295 4972

[email protected]

Arelion

Martin Sjogren, Senior Manager PR and Analyst Relations

+46 (0)707 770 522

[email protected]

SOURCE Arelion
U.S. manufacturers front-load inventories in anticipation of further tariffs

North American factories remain underutilized, with persistent weakness in Mexico and Canada

Europe inches toward industrial recovery, while U.K. downturn deepens

CLARK, N.J., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index  a leading indicator tracking demand conditions, shortages, transportation costs, inventories, and backlogs based on a monthly survey of 27,000 businesses  fell to -0.46 in May, from -0.39 in April, signaling increasing spare capacity across the world's supply chains as a result of tariffs and tit-for-tat trade war.

GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index June 2025 GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index June 2025 GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index June 2025

Global supply chain activity was driven lower by a deterioration across Asia, which reported the greatest degree of spare capacity in almost a year and a half. The quantity of raw materials and components purchased by Asian factories weakened for the second consecutive month in May, signaling stronger retrenchment. Notably, China was central to this regionwide decline during May.

North America's supply chains remain underutilized due to considerable weakness in Mexico and Canada. In the U.S., manufacturers continue to be underutilized, but they increased purchases of raw materials and commodities, bolstering inventories to protect against future higher prices or supply disruptions.

The European industrial sector edged closer to recovery, with activity at the region's suppliers broadly level with April, which was the strongest for 10 months. Manufacturers on the continent have been buoyed by recently announced fiscal stimulus measures, particularly in Germany. The U.K.'s supply chains remain severely underutilized, with the country's manufacturers retrenching aggressively again in May.

"U.S.-China trade talks come at a critical moment  Chinese factory demand has dropped sharply, and U.S. manufacturing is weighed down by excess capacity," said John Piatek, VP consulting, GEP. "This isn't just macro noise. Tariffs are already reshaping procurement strategies as companies front-load inventories, diversify suppliers, and brace for a longer game of economic decoupling."

Interpreting the data:

Index > 0, supply chain capacity is being stretched. The further above 0, the more stretched supply chains are.

Index < 0, supply chain capacity is being underutilized. The further below 0, the more underutilized supply chains are.

Interpreting the data:

Index > 0, supply chain capacity is being stretched. The further above 0, the more stretched supply chains are.

Index < 0, supply chain capacity is being underutilized. The further below 0, the more underutilized supply chains are.

MAY 2025 REGIONAL KEY FINDINGS

ASIA : Index fell to -0.40, from -0.32, signaling that the region's supply chains were the most underutilized since December 2023 . Chinese factories pulled back their purchasing in May.

NORTH AMERICA : Index rose to -0.24, from -0.34, reflecting some pickup in purchasing volumes in the U.S., driving supply chain activity higher. Weak conditions in Mexico and Canada continue to weigh on manufacturing in the region.

EUROPE : Index little changed since April (-0.29), down fractionally to -0.30. Albeit still indicating underutilized supplier capacity, the index is much higher than on average over the past two years as Europe's industrial recovery progresses.

U.K.: Index rose to -0.97, from -1.12, but still at a level indicative of considerable slack across supply chains, showing marked weakness across the U.K. manufacturing industry.

MAY 2025 KEY FINDINGS

DEMAND: Global demand for raw materials, commodities and components remained subdued, with no improvement seen since April and therefore meaning it remains at its weakest in the year-to-date. Procurement activity in Asia was down at its sharpest in nearly a year and a half, driven by retrenchment among Chinese factories.





Global demand for raw materials, commodities and components remained subdued, with no improvement seen since April and therefore meaning it remains at its weakest in the year-to-date. Procurement activity in was down at its sharpest in nearly a year and a half, driven by retrenchment among Chinese factories. INVENTORIES : Global safety stockpiling reports remain historically low, primarily due to inventory strategies in Europe , with manufacturers across the continent continuing to favor lean warehouses. This contrasts with the trend in North America , with safety stockpiling above its long-term average for a second successive month.





: Global safety stockpiling reports remain historically low, primarily due to inventory strategies in , with manufacturers across the continent continuing to favor lean warehouses. This contrasts with the trend in , with safety stockpiling above its long-term average for a second successive month. MATERIAL SHORTAGES: Our global item shortages indicator, which tracks the availability of critical commodities, common inputs and components, remains below its long-term average, signaling robust global material supply levels. This metric implies that vendors have stock to meet orders from their customers.





Our global item shortages indicator, which tracks the availability of critical commodities, common inputs and components, remains below its long-term average, signaling robust global material supply levels. This metric implies that vendors have stock to meet orders from their customers. LABOR SHORTAGES: Reports of backlogged work rising due to staff shortages ticked up slightly at the global level in May but overall, they remain close to historically typical levels, indicating that suppliers' workforce capacity remains sufficient to cope with current demand.





Reports of backlogged work rising due to staff shortages ticked up slightly at the global level in May but overall, they remain close to historically typical levels, indicating that suppliers' workforce capacity remains sufficient to cope with current demand. TRANSPORTATION: Global transportation costs were broadly in line with their long-term average in May.

For more information, visit www.gep.com/volatility.

Note: Full historical data dating back to January 2005 is available for subscription. Please contact [email protected].

The next release of the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index will be 8 a.m. ET, July 10, 2025 .

About the GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index

The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index is produced by S&P Global and GEP. It is derived from S&P Global's PMI surveys, sent to companies in over 40 countries, totaling around 27,000 companies. The headline figure is a weighted sum of six sub-indices derived from PMI data, PMI Comments Trackers and PMI Commodity Price & Supply Indicators compiled by S&P Global.

A value above 0 indicates that supply chain capacity is being stretched and supply chain volatility is increasing. The further above 0, the greater the extent to which capacity is being stretched.

A value below 0 indicates that supply chain capacity is being underutilized, reducing supply chain volatility. The further below 0, the greater the extent to which capacity is being underutilized.

A Supply Chain Volatility Index is also published at a regional level for Europe, Asia, North America and the U.K. For more information about the methodology, click here.

About GEP

GEP delivers AI-powered procurement and supply chain solutions that help global enterprises become more agile and resilient, operate more efficiently and effectively, gain competitive advantage, boost profitability and increase shareholder value. Fresh thinking, innovative products, unrivaled domain expertise, smart, passionate people  this is how GEP SOFTWARE, GEP STRATEGY and GEP MANAGED SERVICES together deliver procurement and supply chain solutions of unprecedented scale, power and effectiveness. Our customers are the world's best companies, including more than 1,000 Fortune 500 and Global 2000 industry leaders who rely on GEP to meet ambitious strategic, financial and operational goals. A leader in multiple Gartner Magic Quadrants, GEP's cloud-native software and digital business platforms consistently win awards and recognition from industry analysts, research firms and media outlets, including Gartner, Forrester, IDC, ISG, and Spend Matters. GEP is also regularly ranked a top procurement and supply chain consulting and strategy firm, and a leading managed services provider by ALM, Everest Group, NelsonHall, IDC, ISG and HFS, among others. Headquartered in Clark, New Jersey, GEP has offices and operations centers across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. To learn more, visit www.gep.com.

About S&P Global

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) S&P Global provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world's leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world's leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today.

Disclaimer

The intellectual property rights to the data provided herein are owned by or licensed to S&P Global and/or its affiliates. Any unauthorised use, including but not limited to copying, distributing, transmitting or otherwise of any data appearing is not permitted without S&P Global's prior consent. S&P Global shall not have any liability, duty or obligation for or relating to the content or information ("Data") contained herein, any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or delays in the Data, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. In no event shall S&P Global be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages, arising out of the use of the Data. Purchasing Managers' Index and PMI are either trade marks or registered trade marks of S&P Global Inc or licensed to S&P Global Inc and/or its affiliates.

This Content was published by S&P Global Market Intelligence and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global. Reproduction of any information, data or material, including ratings ("Content") in any form is prohibited except with the prior written permission of the relevant party. Such party, its affiliates and suppliers ("Content Providers") do not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, timeliness or availability of any Content and are not responsible for any errors or omissions (negligent or otherwise), regardless of the cause, or for the results obtained from the use of such Content. In no event shall Content Providers be liable for any damages, costs, expenses, legal fees, or losses (including lost income or lost profit and opportunity costs) in connection with any use of the Content.

Media Contacts



Derek Creevey Joe Hayes S&P Global Market Intelligence Director, Public Relations Principal Economist Corporate Communications GEP S&P Global Market Intelligence Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 646-276-4579 Phone: +44-1344-328-099

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]



SOURCE GEP
State-of-the-art facility produces critical product for aerostructures

PAGELAND, S.C., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ATI Inc. (NYSE: ATI) has brought online a state-of-the-art facility in Pageland, South Carolina to produce titanium alloy sheet. Technically challenging to produce, this material is critical to airframe manufacturers, bringing strength and durability to aerostructure components and assemblies.

ATI Pageland Operations ATI Pageland Operations Team

"Recognizing the high quality of our products, customers have been asking ATI to add this offering to our titanium portfolio," said Kimberly A. Fields, ATI President and CEO. "With our Pageland facility fully online and in production, we now offer a full complement of titanium materials, producing quality titanium sheets wider and longer than anyone in the industry."

Known in the industry as 'pack rolled sheet,' this product must meet exacting industry requirements. Production starts with the best of ATI's extraordinary capabilities across the enterprise, from melt to rolling. Layers of titanium plate are hot rolled to ultra-thin sheets in gauges as thin as 0.020 inches, at lengths up to 25 feet, with the highest surface quality. "This new offering further extends ATI's position as an aerospace leader, giving customers extraordinary manufacturing capability and flexibility," said Fields.

ATI recently announced a multi-year agreement with Airbus for titanium plate, sheet and billet for narrow and widebody aircraft. The titanium alloy sheet for this engagement will be produced at the Pageland facility. ATI estimates that more than two-thirds of Pageland's capacity will be under long-term agreements with a range of aerospace customers, including for the titanium alloy sheet for Airbus, with qualifications already underway.

ATI Pageland Operations is vertically integrated, bringing leveling, annealing, finishing and inspection together under one roof at the nearly 125,000 square foot greenfield facility. The highly automated facility was designed with sustainability at the forefront: The electric furnaces align Pageland's power footprint with the state of South Carolina's power cooperatives' goal of moving toward greener power solutions. All-electric furnaces and a highly efficient water-jacketed pickle line result in zero air emissions and minimal wastewater discharge. The investment is included in the company's existing capital expenditure guidance.

ATI: Proven to Perform

ATI (NYSE: ATI) is a producer of high-performance materials and solutions for the global aerospace and defense markets, and critical applications in electronics, medical and specialty energy. We're solving the world's most difficult challenges through materials science. We partner with our customers to deliver extraordinary materials that enable their greatest achievements: their products fly higher and faster, burn hotter, dive deeper, stand stronger and last longer. Our proprietary process technologies, unique customer partnerships and commitment to innovation deliver materials and solutions for today and the evermore challenging environments of tomorrow. We are proven to perform anywhere. Learn more at ATImaterials.com.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain statements in this news release relate to future events and expectations and, as such, constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, which may contain such words as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "would," "should," "will," "will likely result," "forecast," "outlook," "projects," and similar expressions, are based on management's current expectations and include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which we are unable to predict or control. Our performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements due to the following factors, among others: (a) material adverse changes in economic or industry conditions generally, including global supply and demand conditions and prices for our specialty materials and changes in international trade duties and other aspects of international trade policy; (b) material adverse changes in the markets we serve; (c) our inability to achieve the level of cost savings, productivity improvements, synergies, growth or other benefits anticipated by management from strategic investments and the integration of acquired businesses; (d) volatility in the price and availability of the raw materials that are critical to the manufacture of our products; (e) declines in the value of our defined benefit pension plan assets or unfavorable changes in laws or regulations that govern pension plan funding; (f) labor disputes or work stoppages; (g) equipment outages; (h) business and economic disruptions associated with extraordinary events beyond our control, such as war, terrorism, international conflicts, public health issues, such as epidemics or pandemics, natural disasters and climate-related events that may arise in the future and (i) other risk factors summarized in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2024, and in other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no duty to update our forward-looking statements.

SOURCE ATI
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of America Corporation today announced the Board of Directors has authorized regular cash dividends on the outstanding shares or depositary shares of the following series of preferred stock:

Series of Preferred Stock

Dividend per Share

or Depositary Share1

Record Date

Payment Date 7.25% Non-Cumulative

Perpetual Convertible

Preferred Stock, Series L

$18.1250000

July 1

July 30 5.875% Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series HH

$0.3671875

July 1

July 24 4.375% Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series NN

$0.2734375

July 15

August 4 6.625% Fixed-Rate Reset

Non-Cumulative Preferred

Stock, Series OO

$16.9305556

July 15

August 1 4.125% Non-Cumulative

Preferred Stock, Series PP

$0.2578125

July 15

August 4 4.375% Fixed-Rate Reset

Non-Cumulative Preferred

Stock, Series RR

$10.9375000

July 1

July 28 6.125% Fixed-Rate Reset

Non-Cumulative Preferred

Stock, Series TT

$15.3125000

July 1

July 28



1 Each series of preferred stock, other than Series L, is represented by depositary shares.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,700 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).

Investors May Contact:

Lee McEntire, Bank of America

Phone: 1.980.388.6780

[email protected]

Jonathan G. Blum, Bank of America (Fixed Income)

Phone: 1.212.449.3112

[email protected]

Reporters May Contact:

Jocelyn Seidenfeld, Bank of America

Phone: 1.646.743.3356

[email protected]

SOURCE Bank of America Corporation
BEIJING, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 7, 2024, the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a China-proposed resolution to designate June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations. The event's first edition was celebrated worldwide on June 10 this year.

The establishment of the day could not have been more timely, as it seeks to draw global attention to the importance of dialogue and promote greater exchange and harmony among civilizations.

Things are born to be different.

"Things are born to be different." This line from The Mencius, a collection of sayings of Confucian philosopher Mencius, who lived some 2,300 years ago, captures a fundamental truth rooted in the laws of nature: Everything in the world is inherently different.

On March 28, 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping quoted this line in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, an annual forum held in Boao, a resort town in China's southern island province of Hainan. The quote stresses that all civilizations are unique and no one is superior to the other.

Xi called on the international community to foster dialogue and exchange among civilizations and different development models, to learn from each other through healthy competition and to achieve shared development through mutual understanding. Inter-civilizational exchange should serve as a bridge that connects nations, an engine that drives human progress and a bond that sustains world peace, he added.

Once again, the global community has arrived at a critical juncture, where regional conflicts continue to break out, where humanity faces mounting challenge to global peace, security, development and governance.

Against this backdrop, a way for civilizations to coexist in harmony has become a pressing challenge--one that the international community can no longer afford to ignore.

In response to this challenge, Xi first proposed the Global Civilizations Initiative at the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting held in Beijing in March 2023.

The initiative calls for a shared commitment to respecting the world's diverse civilizations. This means upholding the principles of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness, bridging divides through exchange, resolving tensions through mutual understanding and moving beyond claims of cultural superiority toward peaceful coexistence.

It is in this spirit that China has positioned itself as both a staunch advocate of and an active participant in inter-civilizational exchange.

The country has built multiple platforms dedicated to promoting dialogue and cultural exchange. Through these efforts, the Chinese philosophy that every civilization has its own beauty and all can flourish together has found growing resonance around the world.

Meanwhile, the world remains shadowed by lingering notions of "civilizational superiority" and the "clash of civilizations," a concept first introduced in 1992 by U.S. political scientist Samuel Huntington, who argued that people's cultural and religious identities would become the primary source of conflict in the post-Cold War era. These recurring echoes of obsolete thinking are a reminder that old prejudices die hard.

We should all keep in mind that every nation has its own history, culture and social system, and that this diversity is a defining feature of civilizations. It is not our differences but our pride and prejudice that divide us.

By finding common ground amid differences and seeking solidarity through mutual respect as well as open dialogue, our diverse civilizations will not only shine all the more brightly but also come together to light the way toward a better future for all of humanity.

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@cachinachic/video/7514225495823682846

X

https://x.com/BeijingReview/status/1932375907274203304

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1WALg5Q7Wv/?mibextid=wwXIfr

YouTube

https://youtu.be/FUwcoRmOW34

Weibo

https://weibo.com/1719349955/PwbrgFLyE

Website

https://www.bjreview.com/Multimedia/Video/Wisdom_Without_Borders/202506/t20250610_800404356.html

SOURCE Beijing Review
LONDON, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cerillion (AIM: CER), a leading provider of composable BSS/OSS solutions to the telecoms industry, is excited to announce its extensive participation in TM Forum's flagship event, DTW25  Ignite, taking place from 17-19 June in Copenhagen. As a Silver Partner of the event, Cerillion will showcase its leadership in BSS/OSS-as-a-Service through exhibition demonstrations, thought leadership sessions, and engagement in a key TM Forum "Moonshot" Catalyst project.

On 17 June at 12:30, Cerillion's Tiago Lopes will join Claus Bjerre, Vice President of Platforms & Software Engineering at Norlys, in a panel titled "Breaking Free from Legacy: Building an Agile and Composable IT Architecture". The session will explore the challenges and strategies associated with transitioning to composable IT architectures, drawing on insights from Cerillion's successful collaboration with Norlys.

Cerillion is also a key participant in the UNITe: Unified Network Integration for Terrestrial and Non-terrestrial Communications  Phase II Moonshot Catalyst, working with project champions TELUS, Deutsche Telekom, Terrestar Solutions, Airbus and Elisa, and alongside CGI, Mavenir and Tata Consultancy Services, to solve the problem of seamless global connectivity across satellite and cellular networks. Leveraging the company's Platinum Level TM Forum Open APIs and Ready for ODA platform, Cerillion is enabling real-time, automated service orchestration and provisioning across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

Attendees are invited to experience the UNITe Catalyst in the TM Forum Innovation Zone, and to visit Cerillion at stand 203 to explore the company's BSS/OSS-as-a-Service solutions, including:

AI-powered Agents  intelligent assistants for product creation, sales and promotions using natural language and image-recognition.

 intelligent assistants for product creation, sales and promotions using natural language and image-recognition. Composable Self Service  empowering users with complete control of the digital experience (DX).

 empowering users with complete control of the digital experience (DX). Low-code/no-code configuration  enabling accelerated deployment, innovation and integration.

Our team of BSS/OSS experts will be on hand to discuss how Cerillion is helping communications services providers to transform faster, reduce complexity, and unlock new revenue streams.

"DTW25  Ignite is the world's leading BSS/OSS event, providing the perfect opportunity to showcase our commitment to innovation and industry collaboration," commented Louis Hall, CEO of Cerillion. "From powering seamless orchestration in the UNITe Catalyst to helping CSPs adopt composable IT architectures and BSS/OSS-as-a-Service solutions, Cerillion is proud to be at the heart of telecom transformation. We're looking forward to engaging once again with our customers, partners and industry leaders in Copenhagen."

Meet Cerillion at DTW25  Ignite from 17-19 June in Copenhagen to discuss all your BSS/OSS challenges. Book a meeting now.

Notes to Editors

About Cerillion

Cerillion has a 25-year track record in providing mission-critical software for billing, charging and customer relationship management ("CRM"), primarily to the telecommunications sector. The Company has a global customer base with c. 75 customer installations across c. 45 countries.

Headquartered in London, Cerillion also has operations in India and Bulgaria as well as a sales presence in the USA, Belgium, Singapore and Australia. Find out more at: www.cerillion.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2707942/Cerillion_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Cerillion
Commons Clinic is redefining specialty care with a next-generation model for integrated, physician-led prevention and intervention that meets people where they are

Its new Wholebody program provides comprehensive diagnostics and direct specialist treatments that unite musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, women's health, metabolic, orthopedic, GI, chronic pain, and preventive oncology care into one seamless system

LOS ANGELES, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Commons Clinic today announced a $26 million Series B financing, bringing its total funding to over $60 million. The round was led by RA Capital, with participation from Floating Point, SteelSky Ventures, Time BioVentures, Courtside Ventures, and Commons Clinic physicians. This funding supports the launch of Wholebody by Commons Clinic, a multi-specialty suite connecting all of the organization's advanced preventative care offerings. Through early detection, tailored prevention, and accountable intervention, Wholebody furthers Common Clinic's mission to reinvent specialty care.

Wholebody puts Commons Clinic's team of renowned specialists at the center of early detection and prevention. Its five specialty programs harness advanced diagnostic technologies to thoroughly evaluate essential health indicators like cardiometabolic wellness, musculoskeletal conditions, women's health, weight management, hormonal balance, gastrointestinal health, chronic pain, and preventive oncology. Each patient program includes up to three specialty consults via Commons Clinic's national expert network and offers priority placement into its vetted "FastPass" network of primary care partners, ensuring patients experience accelerated, contiguous, and highly accountable care.

Whether identifying the BRCA gene in women prompting prophylactic mastectomy in Commons' surgery centers, detecting unacceptable coronary plaque levels requiring a PCI procedure, or discovering early-stage cancer markers via the Galeri test and facilitating rapid connection to its oncology expert network, Commons Clinic puts patients on immediate, actionable pathways to specialized care.

"Specialty healthcare too often begins after prevention fails. Patients lack timely access to specialized clinical expertise, leaving conditions to worsen over time before they receive treatment," said Nick Aubin, co-founder and CEO of Commons Clinic. "Equipped with the industry's most advanced technologies, we are able to quantify health risk, identify specific conditions, and quickly treat issues across the entire body."

Inspired by institutions like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Hospital for Special Surgery, and MD Anderson for their enduring legacy of advancing specialty healthcare, Commons Clinic's physicians are some of the best minds in specialty medicine. Working at the heart of care delivery and innovation, their efforts are setting a new standard for high-value specialty services while reducing costs. Commons Clinic is expanding its physician-led approach across multiple high-impact specialty domains through the launch of its Wholebody program.

"At Commons Clinic, we've built our foundation as a musculoskeletal center-of-excellence that combines advanced surgical treatments with thoughtful conservative care," said Ben Schwartz, MD, SVP of Care Services at Commons Clinic. "Now, we're applying that same playbook to the entire body, extending our specialty care model into metabolic, cardiac, cancer, and women's health. This integrated approach is exactly what people need to solve complex health challenges earlier, smarter, and with more precision."

Commons has demonstrated success with its care philosophy centered on prevention and early intervention through its musculoskeletal care program, which prevents premature surgeries and accelerates the frontier of advanced, high-yield surgical techniques and technologies. During the past year alone, Commons' Dr. Andrew Wassef performed the first ever Mako robotic revision hip replacement, Dr. Hyun Bae published definitive research on the positive efficacy of allogeneic mesenchymal precursor cells for treatment of chronic low back pain, and Dr. Prem Ramkumar was named Associate Editor at the prestigious Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.

"What sets Commons Clinic apart is its focus on delivering world-class interventional specialty care seamlessly through a vertically integrated model," said John Loser, Managing Director at Floating Point. "Through its deep expertise in complex ambulatory surgical care and extraordinary concentration of top-tier specialty talent, Commons Clinic is reimagining the future of specialty care and building the Cleveland Clinic of tomorrow."

Board-certified cardiologist Dr. Jenica Ortega will lead the Wholebody program, with a specific focus on building its cardiac, metabolic, bariatric, and women's health service lines. Additionally, Brad Hively, the former CEO of The Oncology Institute, recently joined Commons' board to leverage his 25 years of healthcare experience to advise on specialty value-based care strategy & expansion.

For additional details on Wholebody by Commons Clinic, visit commonsclinic.com/wholebody.

About Commons Clinic

Commons Clinic is pioneering an integrated, specialty-led healthcare platform that seamlessly combines preventive diagnostics with definitive, specialist-driven interventions. Spanning musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, women's health, metabolic, chronic pain management, preventive oncology, and more. Commons Clinic unifies advanced diagnostics, personalized care pathways, and interventional procedures in a single accountable system. Its vertically integrated model ensures timely decision-making, clearer care navigation, and superior clinical outcomes. For more information, visit commonsclinic.com.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Commons Clinic
ATLANTA, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Enterprises proudly recognizes the exceptional efforts of its employees leading the way in carbon reduction and environmental impact through their participation in the 2025 Chairman's Challenge. Cox is a global company dedicated to empowering people to build a better future. The annual Chairman's Challenge campaign inspires employees across the enterprise to take tangible actions supporting a common goal. This year, the mission was to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, showcasing the collective power of dedicated environmental stewardship.

Cox Enterprises Employees Excel in the 2025 Chairman's Challenge to Reduce Carbon Emissions

"I'm incredibly proud of how our people leaned in and found new and innovative ways to cut carbon emissions  both at work and home," said Alex Taylor, chairman and CEO of Cox Enterprises. "We can't solve all the world's problems ourselves, but we can lead by example. Hopefully this will create a ripple effect in our families and communities that will help build a brighter, more sustainable future for the next generation."

From March 31  May 2, Cox employees were encouraged to create positive environmental change and had opportunities to accumulate points toward the Chairman's Challenge. The employees who earned the most points in Chairman's Challenge activities collaborated with the James M. Cox Foundation to award grants to environmental nonprofits of their choice.

The $15,000 grant recipients and their chosen nonprofits are:

Marc Warnock , Cox Communications: Scantic River Watershed Association

Scantic River Watershed Association Ashish Garg , Cox Automotive: TreeUtah

TreeUtah Zachary Link , Cox Enterprises: Arbor Day Foundation

The $2,500 grant recipients and their chosen nonprofits are:

Christine Woodhouse , Cox Communications: Georgia Native Plant Society

Georgia Native Plant Society Michael Buoscio , Cox Automotive: Openlands

Openlands Santayana Carmichael , Cox Enterprises: West Atlanta Watershed Alliance

During the month-long campaign, Cox employees contributed more than 8,000 volunteer hours, hosted over 100 impactful volunteer events, and supported nearly 50 nonprofits. Their collective efforts could prevent more than 2,000 metric tons of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere, proving teamwork can drive meaningful change for the planet. Jim Kennedy, chairman emeritus of Cox Enterprises and chairman of the James M. Cox Foundation, launched the first Chairman's Challenge in 2012 to support Cox's ongoing commitment to drive positive change. Visit CoxEnterprises.com to learn more about the company and its impact.

About Cox Enterprises

Cox Enterprises is dedicated to empowering people to build a better future for the next generation. Cox is a leader in the broadband, automotive, and media industries, as well as a leading investment platform with strategic positions in emerging technologies driving the future of agriculture, renewable energy and public sector software. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Cox is a global company with $23 billion in annual revenues and a proud history of over 125 years. To learn more about Cox and its commitment to its people, planet and communities, visit coxenterprises.com.

SOURCE Cox Enterprises
Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2025/05/21

MP, leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko believes that June should become a decisive time for Ukraine's diplomatic offensive, and once again speaks out in favor of a "multi-party parliamentary delegation of Ukraine" for negotiations with Washington.

"June is decisive for Ukraine's diplomatic offensive. June is decisive because the G7 meeting will take place on June 15. The NATO summit will take place in The Hague on June 20. June is decisive because we need to get the appropriate resolution from Congress. And no one - neither from Congress nor from NATO - is doing anything," Poroshenko said during a joint special broadcast of Priamyi and 5 Kanal TV channel We are talking about Ukraine.

"Since 2014, Ukraine is now at risk of not participating in the NATO summit for only the second time. The first time was in 2019, when we demanded that the Ukrainian government go to the summit in London. And they refused. And now there is a risk that they will not be able to get us invited. Media reports that Ukraine has been invited are not true since we were invited by His Majesty the King of the Netherlands to dinner. I deeply apologize, but participation in dinner and participation in the NATO summit are two different things. For me, the Ukraine-NATO Council must take place in principle," the party leader noted.

In addition, Poroshenko noted, "the final resolution of the NATO summit should include a place for Ukraine with clear messages that the entire world should hear." "And this is the task for the Ukrainian government - in the two weeks remaining before the summit, to ensure that this happens or not. This means that the diplomatic offensive will fail ... For me, this is a matter of life and death for our state," the politician said.

He particularly noted that one cannot think about anti-American hysteria within the country, because without the United States, it is not possible to ensure that the war is stopped and that the commitments reached are observed.

"A multi-party parliamentary delegation of Ukraine must be present in Washington, must be present in Brussels and must be present, ultimately, in The Hague," Poroshenko is convinced.
America's Favorite and Fastest-Growing Chain, Most Unique Restaurant Menu, People's Choice Award and More Take Center Stage as AI and Consumer Insights Reshape Industry

CHICAGO, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Datassential , the leading food and beverage intelligence platform, today announced the winners of the Datassential 500 Awards, a first-of-its-kind recognition program spotlighting the most dynamic brands shaping the future of foodservice.

The Datassential 500 blends proprietary data, predictive analytics, and real consumer sentiment to spotlight not only America's largest and most beloved brands, but also the emerging innovators making waves across the chain restaurant landscape.

This program comes on the heels of the company's most recent launch of Datassential One, which enables consolidated access to the industry's most accurate AI-driven food & beverage insights and intelligence platform. Since launching Datassential One, the company has already added Social Listening data and a new Generative AI search feature in its vast food and beverage insights and intelligence library, the latest in a long legacy of AI innovation.

"The foodservice landscape is evolving faster than ever, and we're proud to recognize the brands rising to meet that moment," said Jim Emling, CEO of Datassential. "From flavor innovation to operational excellence, the Datassential 500 showcases the brands that are leading with creativity, consistency, and connection to their customers."

Here are the 2025 Datassential 500 Award Winners:

America's Favorite Chain: Chick-fil-A

The chain has the strongest consumer ratings across all major metrics, from food quality to value and experience.

America's Fastest Growing Chain: Hangry Joe's Hot Chicken & WIngs

The chain saw the most significant unit percentage growth in 2024.

America's Most Craved Chain: In-N-Out

The chain that earns top marks for craveable, consistently great-tasting food.

America's Most Unique Restaurant Menu: Crumbl

The chain rated by consumers as having the most original and innovative menu offerings.

The People's Choice Award: Portillo's

The chain with the highest number of devoted customers who consistently choose this brand out of loyalty and dedication, not just for convenience.

America's Best Restaurant Experience: Texas Roadhouse

The chain that earns top ratings for great service, ambiance, and guest experience.

America's Value Leader: Little Caesars

The chain that earns top ratings on affordability and value-for-money perception.

America's Restaurant Innovation Leader: Outback

The chain with the strongest-performing limited-time offers and menu releases across metrics like purchase intent, uniqueness, draw and value.

America's Best To-Go Chain: Wingstop

The chain that excels in off-premise experience, from order to doorstep.

America's Best Burger Chain: Shake Shack

The burger brand with the strongest growth, alongside strong consumer ratings for taste and satisfaction.

America's Best Chicken Chain: Raising Cane's

The chicken brand with the strongest growth, alongside stellar consumer ratings for taste and satisfaction.

America's Best Coffee Chain: Dutch Bros

The coffee brand with the strongest growth, alongside high consumer ratings for taste and satisfaction.

America's Best in Beverage: HTeaO

The beverage-focused concept with the strongest growth and most unique, exciting drinks.

America's Best Healthy Chain: CAVA

The chain that ranks high when consumers crave healthy, better-for-you, or plant-forward dining.

America's Global Flavor Favorite: KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

The chain that ranks high when consumers crave international or globally-focused cuisines.

These awards reflect the full spectrum of modern foodservice leadership, from bold culinary expression to value and hospitality.

Backed by over two decades of food and beverage intelligence, Datassential has been the trusted source for trend forecasting, menu analysis, sales intelligence, and innovation insights across the industry. From helping global QSR giants shape future strategy to identifying the next breakout concept, Datassential's rankings and data sets are deeply embedded in decision-making across thousands of brands. The Datassential 500 represents the next evolution and a definitive snapshot of today's foodservice landscape, powered by AI and human storytelling.

Winners were determined using a combination of Datassential's core proprietary tools, chain performance data, and expert and AI-supported analytics.

"This elite, exclusive group of brands truly exemplify what restaurants do best: inspiring, engaging and delighting customers," said Dana Konwiser, President and Chief Operating Officer of Datassential. "These brands set the standard for excellence and innovation, giving us a glimpse into the future of food  one that's powered by insightful data, driven by genuine consumer connections, and increasingly shaped by the dynamic influence of AI."

About Datassential

Datassential is the food and beverage industry's trusted insights and intelligence partner, helping brands make smarter decisions since 2001. With the launch of Datassential One, the company unified its most powerful tools - from menu trends and consumer insights to sales intelligence and social listening - into a single platform. Over 90% of the biggest names in foodservice, including Starbucks, General Mills, Land O' Lakes, Pepsi, Burger King, and Target, rely on Datassential to stay ahead of what's next.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Datassential
Recent initiatives have rejuvenated Dazu's cultural presence. In an 8K dome theater, the ThousandArmed Guanyin's benevolent gaze fills the screen, inviting viewers into a celestial embrace. The dancedrama Tian Xia Dazu (For an Eternal Homeland  Dazu Rock Carvers' Legacy) animates the carvers' epic tale with immersive stagecraft. Even video games now feature Dazu's statues, their contours and stories woven into virtual adventures. This thousandyearold sanctuary is stepping firmly into the present.

The 8k full-dome film Dazu Rock Carvings awakens all 50,000 statues in layered streams of live footage and CG animation, transforming the physical space into a digital world. Reclined within the dome, audiences look up through a canopy of digital stars, accompanied by haunting Buddhist chants and soulful light interplay. Timeweathered halos reform around sculpted robes  reborn in pixels yet rooted in antiquity.

In Black Myth: Wukong, the Monkey King cleaves through primordial chaos with his magical staff, the thousand-armed Guanyin of Dazu Rock Carvings smiles serenely amid dimensional rifts  holding a flower between her fingers. In the digital Buddhist world, gamers traverse a meticulously rendered Dazu, encountering Buddhist iconography amid mythic quests  an interactive bridge to Eastern philosophy. Meanwhile, CCTV's China in Intangible Cultural Heritage devoted its Chongqing episode to Dazu, describing the site's living legacy as "like stars falling all over mountains and rivers in Chongqing," rekindling collective memory through the screen.

On stage, dancers echo the chiseling rhythms of bygone artisans. Silkflowing costumes swirl as performers burst from stone walls, transforming history into kinetic art. This isn't a static reenactment  it's a cultural translation, transmitting the carvers' spirit through flesh, motion, and emotion.

The Dazu Rock Carvings are being revitalized through digital technology and cultural innovation. Digital projection breathes new life into carvings in the virtual spaces, enabling dialogues across time and space; Stage arts, meanwhile, imbue them with contemporary vitality. Technology extends their reach, while culture revitalizes their essence. Through this symbiosis, this millennium-old treasure resonates with the modern era, radiating timeless splendor.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2709510/Baoding_Mountain_Rock_Carvings.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2709511/Black_Myth_Wukong.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2709509/Dazu_rock_carving_logo.jpg





SOURCE Dazu Rock Carvings
HICKSVILLE, N.Y., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Designatronics, under its QTC METRIC GEARS brand, is pleased to announce the addition of induction-hardened miter gears to its high-quality metric gearing lineup, supporting the needs of industrial and automation sectors.

Miter gears, known for their 1:1 speed ratio, are essential components in transmitting motion and power between intersecting shafts without altering torque or speed. These gears are widely used in applications such as packaging equipment, robotics, conveyors, and industrial machinery.

New Line of Induction-Hardened Miter Gears

Two series of miter gears are now available with induction hardening: Straight Miter Gear Series (KSM): Modules 1 through 8, bore sizes 630 mm and Angular Miter Gear Series (KSAM): Modules 1.5 through 3, bore sizes 816 mm. Gears that include induction hardening are denoted by an "H" suffix in the part number. This added option is available as a value-added service to standard part numbers upon request.

"Induction hardening offers significant performance benefits, including improved wear resistance, enhanced fatigue strength, and increased surface hardness. The localized heating process also minimizes distortion," said Simon Brazier, Sales & Marketing Director at Designatronics. "Incorporating this service aligns with our commitment to meeting evolving customer needs and delivering longer-lasting, high-performance gear solutions."

The induction hardening process is applied to the gear tooth surfaces, achieving a surface hardness of HRC50 to 60 and is completed within four working days. Secondary machining operations are possible on areas not affected by the heat treatment process.

About Designatronics

Designatronics Inc. manages its brands to deliver comprehensive mechanical and electromechanical solutions integrating design, engineering, manufacturing, and component options under one roof to maximize value in the global markets served. SDP/SI, an ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D registered company, specializes in engineering development, manufacturing and assembly of mechanical and electromechanical subassemblies. Their capabilities include precision gears, superior mechanical components and customized solutions. QTC METRIC GEARS supplies a wide range of metric gears and gear products throughout North America. QBC  The Bearing Marketplace offers a broad selection of bearings and other mechanical components. Wybur Tools manufactures durable carbide and high-speed steel (HSS) burs. To learn more, visit www.designatronics.com . Shop SDP/SI, QTC and QBC brands 24/7 at shop.sdp-si.com , where you'll find complete product specifications and 3D CAD models.

About QTC METRIC GEARS

QTC METRIC GEARS was established in 1993 in response to the combination of an ever-increasing need for metric gears and a strong growth in demand for power transmission products. As a Designatronics Inc. brand, QTC METRIC GEARS provides one of the largest selections of stock metric gears in the USA. QTC METRIC GEARS is not only a source for off-the-shelf products but also provides secondary operations and custom capabilities.

Download Press Package:

Designatronics News Release 035, 6.12.2025

250 Duffy Avenue, Hicksville, New York 11801 (516) 328-3300 www.designatronics.com

SOURCE Designatronics. Inc.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dignify Therapeutics (Dignify), a pharmaceutical and medical device development company focused on restoring bowel and bladder control for elderly and neurologically impaired individuals, today announced that Jeff Welch has been named as Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Welch comes to Dignify with over two decades of diverse business experience as a successful entrepreneur and business executive from startup to acquisition. He has worked as a senior executive in clinical trials for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and med-tech companies seeking to develop their assets into safe and effective treatment options. His experience includes multiple leadership roles in business development, branding, marketing, corporate communications, and strategic planning activities.

We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to our executive team," said Anthony DiTonno, CEO of Dignify. His skills and experience align well with Dignify's business priorities. As we enter a pivotal phase of growth, Jeff has a wide appreciation of the complexities associated with getting a drug or device to market. From fundraising and building a team of KOLs to navigating the regulatory landscape, he will be instrumental in executing our mission to bring Dignify's treatments to patients.

About Dignify Therapeutics

Founded by a team of serial entrepreneurs who are internationally recognized scientists, Dignify Therapeutics' mission is to provide practical and convenient treatments for bladder and bowel voiding dysfunctions, primarily using a repositioning strategy of drug discovery that the team has successfully implemented multiple times over the last 20 years in the fields of urology and gastroenterology.

The Company is funded by founders, venture capital firms (RA Capital Management and Eshelman Ventures), the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the One NC Small Business Program, and the NIH SBIR/STTR program (with 18 awards and approximately $18 million in funding). Dignify Therapeutics is located in the First Flight Venture Center in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

SOURCE Dignify Therapeutics
Recent investments have strengthened the grid and reduced outages for customers

Company last requested a regulatory review of rates in 2022

GREENVILLE, S.C., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Progress today asked South Carolina regulators to perform a public review of the company's current rates.

This is the company's first request to review rates since 2022. It comes as the company continues working to increase system diversity and reliability, enhance the customer experience and meet future energy demands.

Duke Energy Progress serves about 177,000 customers primarily in central and northeastern South Carolina .

By the numbers: The company's application in front of the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (PSCSC) requests an overall revenue increase of $74.8 million, which represents a 12.1% increase over current revenues.

If approved, monthly electric bills for typical residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month would increase $21.66 a month  from $144.85 per month to $166.51  effective Feb. 1, 2026. Commercial customers will see an average increase of 12.8% and industrial customers will see an average increase of around 3.6%. The amount of increase per customer class can vary based upon how much more additional revenue is needed to ensure that the class is covering the cost to serve them.

Why it matters: Duke Energy is committed to meeting customers' increasingly higher expectations around reliability, responsiveness, affordability and value.

This proposal reflects the investments we have made to strengthen the grid, improve storm readiness, maintain and enhance our generating fleet and serve a growing customer base.

It also reflects how the company is doing that work: with discipline, with a focus on operational excellence, and with a thoughtful approach to how and when we seek rate adjustments.

Investments in action: The company's grid investments have positioned it well for storm response.

For example, as Hurricane Helene made its way across the Carolinas, grid improvements were already helping to combat power outages from the storm.

Smart, self-healing technology installed across the Duke Energy Progress service territory helped to automatically restore more than 10,000 customer outages and saved more than 28,000 hours of total outage time, showing the value of the self-healing programs.

Our view:

"We know families and businesses are juggling a lot and we do not take a request to increase rates lightly but being upfront and timely with our request is the right thing to do and in the best interest of our customers."  Tim Pearson , Duke Energy's South Carolina president

More info: Details on the company's proposal, the rate review process and the variety of assistance programs and billing options offered by the company can be found here.

Duke Energy Progress

Duke Energy Progress, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 13,800 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.8 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 28,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Ryan Mosier

24-Hour: 800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy
BELTON, Texas, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dunhill Homes is proud to honor our nation's heroes by launching a new limited-time promotion at its Skyview community in Belton, Texas. Active military members who purchase a new Dunhill home at the Skyview Community are now eligible to receive $3,500 in closing cost assistance, helping make the path to homeownership even more achievable.

Skyview Model Home | Belton, Texas For a Limited Time, Active Military can take advantage of Dunhill Home's newest promotion in the Skyview Community offering $3,500 in Closing Cost Assistance - Contact the Dunhill Homes Team for details.

This exclusive incentive reflects Dunhill's continued commitment to supporting those who serve, while offering quality-built homes in thoughtfully designed communities. Nestled in the scenic heart of Belton, Skyview blends small-town charm with modern comfort and quick access to Fort Hood, Lake Belton, and nearby cities like Temple and Killeen.

"Skyview already offers incredible value and beautiful new homes," said Maghan, Marketing Manager at Dunhill Homes. "With this military-focused incentive, we're making it even easier for those actively serving to invest in their future and experience the lifestyle this community has to offer."

Skyview features energy-efficient homes with open-concept floorplans, stylish finishes, and access to top-rated local amenities. The community is just minutes from outdoor recreation, local eateries, and shoppingmaking it ideal for families and individuals alike.

To learn more about this limited-time military promotion or schedule a tour of Skyview, visit https://dunhillhomes.com/property/skyview or contact your Dunhill Homes sales representative directly.

About Dunhill Homes

Dunhill Homes is a renowned, multi-award-winning homebuilder with a history of more than 15 years of excellence in homebuilding. Dunhill Homes is known for its quality craftsmanship and beautiful design and is dedicated to delivering an elevated living experience and exceptional value to homebuyers across a range of price points and different stages of life. For more information, visit www.dunhillhomes.com. It feels good to be home

About Winchester Carlisle Companies

Winchester Carlisle is a Dallas-based holding company that invests in diversified real estate businesses, and assets across Texas. The firm holds $385 million+ of investments across a broad range of real estate assets. With over 60 dedicated associates across a broad range of real estate enterprises, Winchester Carlisle brings local experience, national knowledge, in-depth expertise and uncompromising excellence to every business venture. For more information, visit www.winchestercarlisle.com.

Media Contact:

Maghan Pritchett

Marketing Manager

Dunhill Homes

214-382-4860

[email protected]

www.dunhillhomes.com

SOURCE Dunhill Homes
EasyPark, Flowbird, Parkopedia, RingGo, and ParkMobile reveal its new corporate parent company and brand "Arrive", with the shared vision to make cities more livable.

STOCKHOLM, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new era for urban mobility has arrived. Today, EasyPark Group, the leading provider of digital parking and mobility solutions, unveiled a new name and identity to better align with the company's vision to make cities more livable. Arrive, the new company name, will replace EasyPark Group and Flowbird Group, and will be the overarching parent company for the consumer brands EasyPark, Flowbird, ParkMobile, Parkopedia, RingGo, Yellowbrick, YourParkingSpace and other brands within the organization.

"I'm very excited to be able to celebrate the reveal of our company's new name and brand Arrive," said Cameron Clayton, CEO of Arrive. "Our exponential growth over the past 12 months, especially with the integration of Flowbird and Parkopedia, has dramatically expanded our scope of business and product offerings. We need a corporate structure and identity that mirrors our entire portfolio  moving beyond just parking."

Arrive is committed to empowering people and decision-makers to make better choices about urban mobility and ease the experience of travel. It's the company's mission to do this in as many cities as possible, regardless of size, location, or mobility maturity. Arrive believes mobility is about more than function, it's about simplifying the experience of travel for everyone who lives in a city in an effort to make cities even more enjoyable to live in.

"Arrive's vision of making cities more livable is an inherited testament to the work EasyPark Group, Flowbird Group, and Parkopedia achieved individually over the last 20 years," said Clayton. "We are building the world's leading global mobility platform. We can't do it alone, we can only do it together with cities, with riders and with drivers. Arrive is tomorrow's mobility platform.

Building on EasyPark Group's legacy, Arrive's new visual identity draws inspiration from the dynamic energy of urban environments. The color palette and imagery were chosen to evoke optimism and clarity, featuring warm tones, blue skies, and light, airy compositions that convey a sense of possibility and forward momentum.

The consumer brands and mobile apps, such as EasyPark, RingGo, ParkMobile, and Flowbird, will remain unaffected for the foreseeable future. Arrive will act as the predominant corporate body to the consumer brands.

CONTACT:

Press contact

Contact us at: [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/easypark/r/easypark-group-unifies-under--arrive--to-build-the-world-s-leading-global-mobility-platform,c4163687

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/12430/4163687/3502126.pdf 2025.06.12_Press release_EasyPark Group unifies under aArrivea https://news.cision.com/easypark/i/arrive-hero-1920x1280,c3418070 Arrive Hero-1920x1280

SOURCE Easypark
RIVOLI, Italy, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Easyrain, the Italian tech company pioneering innovative solutions for the ADAS and autonomous vehicle industry, has joined the NVIDIA Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab for the inspection of Easyrain's aquaplaning detection virtual sensor  part of the DAI (Digital Advanced Information) platform.

The announcement was made at the 2025 NVIDIA GTC AI Conference in Paris, where Easyrain was honoured to become the first Italian company to join the lab.

EASYRAIN

Set to debut on a premium vehicle that will be unveiled in 2026, Easyrain's DAI platform offers advanced low-grip road detection and vehicle sensing capabilities through software-only virtual sensing  eliminating the need for additional hardware. This innovation provides automotive manufacturers with a cost-effective, scalable, and efficient path to enabling the rollout of next-generation driver assistance and autonomous driving technologies.

The NVIDIA Halos AI Systems Inspection Lab, accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), supports automotive ecosystem partners in aligning with evolving safety standards. The lab inspects and validates that automotive software and systems meet the industry's most rigorous requirements for functional safety, AI reliability, and cybersecurity in the integration with NVIDIA's Halos elements.

Software technologies capable of detecting low-traction on wet are essential to ensuring the safe and reliable deployment of Level 3 and higher autonomous driving systems.

"I would like to thank my team for this achievement, which marks a significant step forward in our journey," said Giovanni Blandina, CEO and Founder of Easyrain. "We have always strongly believed that our technologies  specifically developed to keep vehicles safe in low-grip conditions  are a vital contribution to the advancement of autonomous driving."

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2708547/Easyrain_Nvidia.jpg

SOURCE Easyrain
Fifteen ascendant leaders from ASEAN nations to travel to U.S. this fall

PHILADELPHIA, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eisenhower Fellowships (EF) has selected 15 exceptional mid-career leaders from diverse professional fields for its prestigious 2025 Southeast Asia Program, nearly six weeks of intensive travel across the United States to meet with experts in their respective professions.

2025 Southeast Asia Fellows

The ascendant leaders from six Southeast Asian countries will embark on a transformative, nearly six-week fellowship journey across the U.S. in October designed to foster dialogue and cross-cultural exchange. They will engage with international peers and American thought leaders to explore new ideas, forge collaborative partnerships and give shape to projects of impact they will implement upon their return home.

The Fellows selected for the 2025 Southeast Asia Program are from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. These dynamic leaders drive change in fields ranging from public policy and artificial intelligence to music, medicine and climate innovation.

They bring with them to the U.S. an impressive array of impactful initiatives, including a digital health platform for dementia caregivers, an AI ethics curriculum for public servants, a deep tech innovation hub and plans for a new major international arts festival in Hanoi.

The Southeast Asia Fellows are developing pioneering approaches to advance their work in their individual countries and across their region. Each embodies EF's mission to promote peace, prosperity, and justice through international understanding and collaboration. They will apply what they learn on fellowship to better their societies after they return home.

"Fifty years after the end of the war in Vietnam, we are proud to welcome to the United States exceptional leaders from that former enemy and other friendly nations in the region for fruitful people-to-people exchanges that will strengthen ties between future leaders of our countries," said EF's chairman, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert M. Gates.

The 2025 Eisenhower Fellows from Southeast Asia are:

Yoga Adiwinarto, Director of Business Development, KALISTA ( Indonesia )

Vinh Cao, Artist, Music Producer, and Composer, Space Speakers Label ( Vietnam )

Rena Dharmawan , Consultant Surgeon, National Cancer Centre ( Singapore )

Matthew Durai , Founder and Executive Producer, ZAG Studios ( Malaysia )

Erika Fille Legara, Managing Director, Center for AI Research ( Philippines )

Jane Lim , Deputy Secretary of Trade and International Economic Relations, Ministry of Trade and Industry ( Singapore )

Pak Shun Ng , Group Chief, Policy and Strategy; Group Chief, Plans and Transformation, Ministry of Defense ( Singapore )

Tien Nguyen , Founding Partner, Earth Venture Capital ( Vietnam )

Supachai Parchariyanon, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, RISE ( Thailand )

Saiyai Sakawee, Head of Consumer Communications, SEA and South Asia Frontier Markets, Google ( Thailand )

Santitarn Sathirathai, Member, Monetary Policy Committee, Bank of Thailand ( Thailand )

Trang Trinh , Concert Pianist and Arts Leader, All Bodies Dance ( Vietnam )

Cindy Vuu , Chief Executive Officer, Binh Tien Consumer Goods Manufacturing LC ( Vietnam )

Parit Wacharasindhu, Member of Parliament, House of Representatives ( Thailand )

Steven Wongsoredjo, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, SuperApp ( Indonesia )

Founded in 1953 and named for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, EF connects leaders from diverse fields and countries to exchange ideas, foster collaboration and promote international understanding.

With a network of nearly 1,900 active Fellows in scores of nations, EF inspires, connects and empowers leaders to take on some of the world's most urgent challenges with creativity, determination and purpose.

For more information contact:

Erin Hillman, Vice President of Programs and Operations

[email protected]

215-546-1738

SOURCE Eisenhower Fellowships
Visit booth #631 for product demos, expert insight, networking opportunities, and more

TINTON FALLS, N.J., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Commvault, a leading provider of cyber resilience and data protection solutions for the hybrid cloud, is excited to announce its showcase at AWS re:Inforce, running June 16-18 in Philadelphia.

Every year, AWS re:Inforce draws thousands of security professionals interested in learning how to enhance their organization's cloud security posture. Attendees range from CISOs and CTOs to DevSecOps and Security Architects. Commvault will be exhibiting in booth #631, demonstrating the Commvault Cloud platform and discussing with this audience the value of Commvault's solutions and ecosystem integrations for detecting threats early, accelerating response, and enabling fast recovery of clean data.

Here are the ways to experience Commvault at AWS re:Inforce:

Try it out  demos at booth #631

Supporting the widest breadth of AWS workloads, including Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3), Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), and Amazon DynamoDB, Commvault will be offering show attendees the opportunity to put its cyber resilience solutions to the test. From readiness to protection to resilience, solutions available to demo include:

Cleanroom Recovery for testing cyber recovery plans and having a clean, isolated location in AWS to restore to, when needed.

Clumio Backtrack for rapid recovery of datasets stored in Amazon S3 at billion object scale.

Cloud Rewind for restoring clean data and automating the cloud application rebuild process.

Air Gap Protect for isolated, immutable data storage built on the same scale as Amazon S3.

Threat Scan for active threat monitoring with AI-assisted anomaly detection and fast, clean recovery.

Listen in  speaking session on June 17 at 3:00 pm in Lightning Theater 1

Join Commvault CSO Bill O'Connell for a timely conversation about the latest cybersecurity challenges and threats facing AWS customers today. With over two decades of security expertise, Bill will share insights on best practices and the critical steps that can't be missed. In the end, attendees will walk away with a trusted strategy for improving their readiness and resilience. Register now to hold your spot!

Learn more  check out our latest security integration with Wiz on June 17 at 12:00 pm in booth #1322

Commvault CTO Brian Brockway will be discussing the intersection between cyber resiliency and cyber recovery. He'll highlight the importance of Commvault's security partner ecosystem and how Commvault Cloud's integration with Wiz enables joint customers to use Vulnerability Reporting to drive faster, cleaner recovery of mission critical workloads in AWS.

To learn more about protecting, recovering, and rebuilding AWS workloads, visit Commvault at AWS re:Inforce booth #631, schedule a meeting, or visit the partner page.

About Commvault

Commvault (NASDAQ: CVLT) is the gold standard in cyber resilience, helping more than 100,000 organizations keep data safe and businesses resilient and moving forward. Today, Commvault offers the only cyber resilience platform that combines the best data security and rapid recovery at enterprise scale across any workload, anywhereat the lowest TCO.

SOURCE COMMVAULT
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua/

Last night, Russian occupation forces attacked Ukraine with 63 UAVs of various types, 49 of which were neutralized by the Defense Forces, but there were hits in seven locations, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.

"On the night of June 12 (from 22:00 on June 11), the enemy attacked with 63 Shahed-type strike UAVs and various types of drone imitators from the directions of Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk of the Russian Federation, Chauda of the temporarily occupied Crimea," the press service of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on Telegram on Thursday.

It is reported that as of 09:00, the air defense neutralized 49 enemy Shahed UAVs (drones of other types) in the east, south and north of the country. Twenty-eight were shot down by fire weapons, 21 were locally lost/suppressed by electronic warfare.

"Hitting enemy air strikes was recorded in seven locations, and the fall of downed aircraft (debris) was recorded in four locations," the Ukrainian Armed Forces added.

It is noted that the main directions of the air strike are Kharkiv, Donetsk and Odesa regions. The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units and unmanned systems, and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
Co-Hosted by Kim Perell and Dr. Drew, Sponsored by Amazon Business

NEW YORK, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Entrepreneur Media is proud to unveil its newest original series, Entrepreneur Therapy, co-hosted by Kim Perell, a 9X founder, bestselling author, and serial investor, and Dr. Drew Pinsky, a renowned physician and media personality. Sponsored by Amazon Business, the groundbreaking series will premiere exclusively on Entrepreneur.com.

At a time when hustle culture dominates and success is often measured in headlines and funding rounds, Entrepreneur Therapy offers something rare: honesty. The series brings together Kim Perell's real-world experience building and investing in over 100 companies and Dr. Drew's decades-long expertise in mental health and human behavior. Together, they explore the emotional toll and psychological struggles that too often accompany the entrepreneurial journey.

"Entrepreneurship looks glamorous from the outside but behind the pitch decks and polished Instagram posts are sleepless nights, costly mistakes, and paralyzing pressure," said Kim Perell. "This show is about bringing those truths into the light and giving founders the space to be seen, not just as CEOs, but as human beings."

Each episode will feature intimate conversations with small business owners who are struggling with more than scaling their companies. From burnout and anxiety to self-doubt and financial stress, these founders open up about what's really going on behind the pitch decks, funding rounds, and polished social media posts.

"Entrepreneurs are under enormous pressure, and many are suffering silently," said co-host Dr. Drew Pinsky. "Entrepreneur Therapy is designed to be a safe space for them to speak openly and get real emotional and strategic support."

Entrepreneur Therapy builds on the legacy of one of Entrepreneur Media's most popular shows, Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch. In its fast-paced format, entrepreneurs have 60 seconds to pitch their business idea in an elevator. If the panel of investors like what they hear, the entrepreneurs are invited into the boardroom to pitch for real money.

Now, many of those same founders are returning to the screen in Entrepreneur Therapy. This time, their goal is not to raise funding, but to raise awareness about what it takes to keep going after the pitch. These are raw, "where are they now" stories that blend personal vulnerability with professional insight.

"This series marks an evolution in how we tell stories of entrepreneurship," said Bill Shaw, President of Entrepreneur Media. "We're no longer just talking about success, we're talking about survival, growth, and the emotional truth behind the grind. It's powerful, it's real, and it's long overdue."

Whether you're scaling, pivoting, or simply trying to stay afloat, Entrepreneur Therapy is a must-watch for founders ready to be reminded: you're not alone.

The first episode will be premiering on June 17, on Entrepreneur.com. Streaming schedule and episode details to follow.

About Entrepreneur Media

Entrepreneur is the media powerhouse at the forefront of the culture, mindset, and lifestyle of entrepreneurship. For 46 years, Entrepreneur has helped business leaders start, run and grow their ventures. Today, the brand helps fuel creative ideas and strategize breakthrough growth plans with how-to content, books, podcasts, videos, consulting services, and more. Entrepreneur magazine, Entrepreneur.com, and publishing imprint Entrepreneur Books provide solutions, information, inspiration and education read by millions of entrepreneurs and business owners worldwide. For more information, please visit www.entrepreneur.com

About Kim Perell

Kim Perell is a 9X founder, 2X best-selling author, investor in 100+ companies, acclaimed speaker, and a proud mom of four. She started her first company from her kitchen table at 23 years old, became a multi-millionaire by the time she was 30, and sold her last company for $235 million. While simultaneously running multimillion dollar companies, Kim has dedicated her life to empowering the next generation of business leaders. She shines as a dynamic TV and media personality on Entrepreneur Magazine's hit show Elevator Pitch. Kim regularly appears in media, including Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Drew Barrymore Show, CNBC, Fox, MSNBC, CNN Money, The New York Times, Forbes, Inc, and The Huffington Post. In her upcoming book, Mistakes That Made Me A Millionaire, Kim shares the raw, unfiltered truth about the journey to success- proving that every mistake holds the potential for million-dollar lessons.

Learn more at kimperell.com .

About Dr. Drew

Dr. Drew Pinsky, known nationally as "Dr. Drew," has been a ubiquitous fixture both on television and radio for the entirety of his multi-faceted career. The combination of running a thriving medical practice (he still treats patients!), while simultaneously cultivating a successful media career, has resulted in an unprecedented reservoir of expertise. His work as a doctor of internal medicine/addiction specialist and prolific broadcaster has imbued him with the rare ability to examine any issue through the lenses of practical experience, scientific evidence and pragmatism. Dr. Drew's career path has provided him with the reasoned perspective required to thoughtfully examine any number of topics. Highly educated and deeply passionate, he is uniquely qualified to offer perspectives on matters relating to cultural and political trends, social issues, religion, sex, and health, just to name a few. His diverse skill set qualifies him to serve in many different capacities. Over the course of his professional life, Dr. Drew has been regarded as a beacon of truth, integrity, fairness, and common sense.

For more information contact:

Alyssa Pfitsher [email protected]

Rachael Stewart [email protected]

SOURCE Entrepreneur Media
LAKELAND, Fla., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Top industrial engineering and operations management professionals from more than 40 countries will gather in Central Florida June 17-19 for IEOM Society International's 10th North American International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management.

Florida Polytechnic University and the University of Central Florida are co-hosting the event in Orlando, bringing together industry and academia to advance the discipline. Florida Poly also hosted the international conference in 2022.

Florida Polytechnic University is co-hosting the IEOM Society Internationals 10th North American International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, set for June 17-19 in Orlando, Florida.

"Co-hosting this prestigious conference is a great opportunity for Florida Poly, giving us more visibility to industry and other universities," said Dr. Shahram Taj, event co-chair and chair of the University's Department of Data Science and Business Analytics. "It's also a valuable opportunity for networking among our faculty, industry practitioners, and faculty from other universities."

Conference topics include artificial intelligence, automation and robotics, business and operations management, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Keynote speakers include professionals from organizations such as the Walt Disney Company, NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Blue Origin, and MIT's Center for Transportation and Logistics. Panel discussions will feature experts in their field, including Florida Poly faculty such as Dr. Sanna Siddiqui, Dr. Onur Toker, Dr. Denis Ulybyshev, and Dr. Ian Bentley.

The event also includes 14 competitions in areas that include undergraduate research, doctoral dissertation, and global design, with Florida Poly faculty and students among the competitors and distinguished judges.

Tobias Syring, a Florida Poly graduate student studying engineering management as a Fulbright Fellow, has assisted in organizing the Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (IEOM) Society International's event.

He also helped review submitted academic papers and will deliver a presentation on Industry 4.0 and enhancing its efficiency through digital twins. Industry 4.0 integrates advanced digital technologies into manufacturing and industrial processes. Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical systems that simulate events without disrupting the real system.

"You see what happens in the real world in the virtual world, so everything that could go wrong can go wrong in the digital world as well," said Syring, from Rugen, Germany. "You can run simulations and see the breaking point in the physical system to figure out how to prevent it from happening."

Taj said the prominent international conference is a testament to Florida Poly's growing reputation in the field.

"We are proud to help bring together global leaders and innovators to Central Florida to share knowledge and drive progress in industrial engineering and operations management," he said.

SOURCE Florida Polytechnic University
VANCOUVER, BC, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Galiano Gold Inc. ("Galiano" or the "Company") (TSX: GAU) (NYSE American: GAU) announced today that all resolutions put to shareholders at the Company's Annual General Meeting (the "Meeting") held on June 12, 2025, were duly passed. The results for each of the matters voted upon at the Meeting are set out below:

Set the Number of Directors at Eight

The resolution to fix the number of directors at eight was approved.

Votes for % Votes for Votes Against % Votes Against 198,550,630 99.33 1,342,228 0.67

Election of Directors

The eight nominees listed in the Company's Management Information Circular dated May 2, 2025, were elected as directors of the Company.

Director Name Votes for % Votes for Votes Withheld % Votes Withheld Matt Badylak 186,462,436 99.86 257,517 0.14 Paul N. Wright 186,342,030 99.80 377,923 0.20 Judith Mosely 186,425,162 99.84 294,791 0.16 Dawn Moss 186,381,671 99.82 338,282 0.18 Greg Martin 186,483,286 99.87 236,668 0.13 Moira Smith 186,422,315 99.84 297,639 0.16 Navin Dyal 186,409,508 99.83 310,446 0.17 Lauren Roberts 186,423,176 99.84 296,777 0.16

Appointment of Auditors  Ernst & Young LLP ("EY LLP")

EY LLP was re-appointed as the auditor of the Company for the ensuing year, and the directors were authorized to fix the remuneration paid to EY LLP.

Votes for % Votes for Votes Withheld % Votes Withheld 199,117,724 99.61 775,135 0.39

Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

The non-binding advisory resolution accepting the Company's approach to executive compensation was approved.

Votes for % Votes for Votes Against % Votes Against 185,882,177 99.55 837,778 0.45

A report on all matters voted on at the Meeting has been filed on www.sedarplus.ca.

About Galiano Gold Inc.

Galiano is focused on creating a sustainable business capable of value creation for all stakeholders through production, exploration and disciplined deployment of its financial resources. The Company owns the Asanko Gold Mine, which is located in Ghana, West Africa. Galiano is committed to the highest standards for environmental management, social responsibility, and the health and safety of its employees and neighbouring communities. For more information, please visit www.galianogold.com.

SOURCE Galiano Gold Inc.
Partnership will fuel Residence's mission to empower creative potential at scale

WESTPORT, Conn., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gemspring Capital Management, LLC ("Gemspring"), a middle-market private equity firm, is pleased to announce a strategic investment in Residence. Residence is a world-class creative services provider pioneering a new model for creative workcombining best-in-class strategy, storytelling, and technology to help ambitious brands shape culture. The investment was made by Gemspring Growth Solutions I ("GGS I"), a fund dedicated to providing flexible, non-control capital solutions to middle-market businesses. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Residence, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is a global network of creative companies united by a shared commitment to craft, community, and innovation. Its brands include BUCK, VTProDesign, Part and Sum, Giant Ant, Wild, and a group of community platforms that support and amplify creative talent, including It's Nice That, Creative Lives in Progress, and If You Could. Together, these companies offer deep expertise across branding, design, technology, strategy, and content, enabling clients to build experiences that are culturally resonant and strategically sound.

Residence works with an extensive roster of Fortune 100 companies across the technology and consumer sectors. With more than 580 employees, it maintains offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, Amsterdam, Vancouver, Vienna, and Sydney.

Ryan Honey, CEO and Co-Founder of Residence, said, "At Residence, we believe the future belongs to those who can think, work, and create differently. Gemspring's investment allows us to build on our momentum, scale our impact, and continue empowering the world's most ambitious brands and creative talents. We're excited to embark on this next chapter together."

"Our vision for Residence has always been about expanding what's possible without losing sight of why we create in the first place," said Orion Tait, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Residence. "With Gemspring, we're doubling down on our mission to elevate craft, influence culture, and empower generations of creatives to come."

"Residence has established itself as a clear market leader, known for consistently delivering compelling, culturally impactful, and strategically significant content," said Zubin Malkani, Managing Director at Gemspring. "We are excited to support Ryan, Orion, and the talented Residence team as they leverage their unique market position, accelerate strategic acquisitions, expand their already strong AI-driven creative capabilities, and capitalize on numerous opportunities for innovation and market expansion."

Residence was advised by Evros Group as financial advisor and Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP as legal advisor. McDermott Will & Emery LLP served as legal advisor to Gemspring.

About Residence

Residence is a global network of creative companies united by a shared mission: to empower creative potential. Its companies bring deep expertise across branding, experiential marketing, digital products, media, and community-building, working collectively to help ambitious organizations make a meaningful impact. Residence was founded to champion best-in-class creative work while supporting the talent and culture that make it possible. For more information, visit residence.co.

About Gemspring Capital

Gemspring Capital, a Westport, Connecticut-based private equity firm with $3.8 billion of capital under management, provides flexible capital solutions to middle-market companies. Gemspring partners with talented management teams and takes a partnership approach to help drive revenue growth, value creation, and sustainable competitive advantages. Target companies have up to $2 billion in revenue and are in the business services, consumer services, financial and insurance services, healthcare, industrials, software, and tech-enabled services sectors. For more information, visit www.gemspring.com.

CONTACT: Zubin Malkani ( [email protected] )

SOURCE Gemspring Capital
BEIJING, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- China proposes to advance dialogue among civilizations through safeguarding equity, facilitating exchanges and promoting progress, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday, according to Xinhua News Agency.



Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made these remarks in a video message to an event observing the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.



"The establishment of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations by the UN responds to the shared aspirations of people worldwide to advance dialogue among civilizations and promote human progress, earning the unanimous support of all member states," Wang said, adding that the value of civilizations has become more salient than ever when facing profound transformations unseen in a century and immense challenges.



President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Civilization Initiative, which advocates promoting the common values of humanity, prioritizing the inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and enhancing international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, Wang said, noting that this represents China's significant effort to promote dialogue among civilizations.



Proposed by China and co-sponsored by over 80 countries, a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly last year designates June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, per Xinhua.



At the Foreign Ministry's regular press conference on Tuesday, spokesperson Lin Jian said that the creation of the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations meets the shared desire of people around the world for more dialogue among civilizations to drive human progress, and reflects true multilateralism and the common values of humanity. China will remain guided by the Global Civilization Initiative, and work with the international community to give full play to the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations as an important platform to safeguard equality and promote exchanges and progress among civilizations, and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.



"Today is the first International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations. China, together with international organizations including the UN and many countries, held a variety of theme events in host cities of UN bodies such as New York and Geneva, as well as in many countries around the world," Lin said.



Key to resolve conflicts



While various activities were held simultaneously at the UN Headquarters and other places around the world, officials and experts from different countries emphasized the significance of setting up the "International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations," stating that this move provided a global platform for "going beyond conflicts and returning to dialogue."



UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for efforts to promote mutual understanding and global solidarity through dialogue. He made the appeal via video link on the occasion of the first anniversary of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations.



"On this first International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, we celebrate that conviction and the rich diversity of civilizations as a force to promote mutual understanding and global solidarity."



The International Day is a call to action, to listen, to speak, to connect, noted Guterres.



Shao Sheng, deputy director of National Academy of Governance, told the Global Times that against the backdrop of the profound evolution of the current international situation and the obvious increase in global uncertainty, countries have become more aware of the importance of strengthening exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.



They believe that the diversity of civilizations is the common wealth of mankind and that dialogue among civilizations is the only way to achieve peaceful coexistence and promote common development.



Wang Shuo, a professor at the School of International Relations of Beijing Foreign Studies University, said the Global Civilization Initiative has laid an important theoretical foundation for the International Day for Dialogue of Civilizations.



Hopefully, inspired by the spirit of the "International Day of Dialogue among Civilizations," countries around the world could continue to transcend the barriers and conflicts between civilizations, eliminate disputes with the harmony of culture, and jointly write a new chapter of harmonious coexistence and joint development of different civilizations, Wang noted.



A global celebration



In the lead-up to and during the 2025 International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, a series of impactful events were held in multiple places.



The exhibition "The Light of the Sun: Ancient Shu Civilization and the World" opened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday local time as a supporting event of the "International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations" theme activities, highlighting the unique charm of ancient Chinese civilization.



Prior to this, on June 5, the Symposium on "Youth Dialogue on the Future along the Silk Roads" took place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, providing a platform for young people to discuss cross-cultural cooperation.



Diplomats and experts said these events, each with its own focus, collectively underscore the importance of cultural dialogue and mutual understanding in building a harmonious global community.



Colombian Ambassador to China Sergio Cabrera Cardenas described art, literature, and culture as pathways to mutual understanding and development between nations.



He told the Global Times that the growing cultural exchanges between Colombia and China reflect a shared love for the arts, despite their differences.



"China's proposal of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations showcases its dedication to global peace and unity," Muhammad Zamir Assadi, a Pakistani political analyst and an editor with Internews Pakistan based in Islamabad, told the Global Times, adding that the Belt and Road Initiative, Confucius Institutes, the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations and many other cultural exchanges reflect China's promotion of multilateral cooperation and understanding among different cultures.



"We are not only scholars of Chinese civilization but also bridges connecting different cultures in this increasingly divided world," Igor Radev, a sinologist from the Knowledge Centre of Sinology at the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts who just participated in the World Conference on Sinology 2025, told the Global Times.



Radev said sinologists aim to promote cross-cultural exchanges, resolve prejudices through academic practice, and foster civilizational mutual learning.



Peruvian Congressman Roberto Sanchez Palomino highlighted the significance of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, emphasizing the international community's value of civilizational dialogue in pursuing prosperity and peace.



"China is playing a transcendental role, demonstrating tolerance, responsibility and global leadership," he said, suggesting Peru and China prioritize "technological transfer, university education, languages and cultural exchanges."

SOURCE Global Times
MIAMI, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Heven, the market leader in hydrogen-powered drones, today announced the appointment of Michael Buscher as President of U.S. Operations. In this role, Buscher will lead Heven's domestic growth strategy, operational execution, and U.S. defense engagement, helping scale the company's hydrogen-powered platforms for military, public safety, and commercial use.

Michael Buscher, President of U.S. Operations

"Michael brings unmatched national security and enterprise leadership to our team," said Bentzion Levinson, CEO of Heven. "His depth of experience across government, military, and tech makes him the ideal leader to grow our U.S. presence."

Buscher is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, with over 30 years of service including deployments with U.S. Special Operations Command and multiple combat deployments to the Middle East. He also served as a Senior Operations Officer at the CIA, leading intelligence operations across North Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. He continues to support senior Army leadership as an Army Reserve Ambassador with a Department of the Army Major General (two star) equivalency.

In the private sector, Buscher has built an extensive track record of leadership across the defense, aerospace, and intelligence technology industries. He recently served as President and CEO of Consilium Data Services, a cutting-edge analytics firm specializing in electromagnetic spectrum data and secure communications. He was then named Chairman and Managing Director of Consilium, helping shape its strategic direction while continuing to advise on government relations, private equity, and national security technology.

Previously, Buscher served as Executive Director of Enterprise Operations at Fortem Technologies, a leader in counter-unmanned aerial systems. At Edge Autonomy, he held the role of Chief Strategy Officer, managing business development and defense engagement for unmanned systems platforms. Earlier, as Chief Growth Officer and Co-Founder of BigBear.ai, Buscher played a key role in advancing M&A activity, investment strategy, and customer expansion across the defense and AI analytics space.

Buscher has also served in numerous governance and advisory capacities, including as a board member of NextTech Solutions and Edge Autonomy, where he provided strategic guidance on mergers, defense partnerships, and product innovation. He currently serves on the Advisory Council of The George Washington University School of Business.

"I'm honored to join Heven at a moment when energy resilience and autonomy are redefining modern operations," said Buscher. "Heven's platforms are setting a new standard in drone endurance and performance, and I look forward to building out our U.S. footprint."

Buscher holds a B.A. from the University of Washington and an M.S. in International Relations from Liberty University. He completed doctoral coursework at Liberty University for a Ph.D in National Security Policy. He is a Life Member of the National Defense Industrial Association and actively engaged in several national security and veterans' organizations.

About Heven:

Based in Miami, FL, Heven was founded in 2019 with a clear vision: To unlock the immense potential of the drone economy. Heven's hydrogen-powered, runway-independent drones are designed with endurance and adaptability in mind. Built for the most complex missions, Heven's drones operate anywhereefficiently, quietly, and reliably providing the warfighter with the technology to get the job done.

SOURCE Heven Drones
This bucket-list road trip just got easier to plan with new tips, tricks and routes to inspire travel along California's Central Coast

MONTEREY, Calif., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- California's most iconic road trip just got easier to plan with the launch of 'HOW 2 HWY 1', an initiative designed to help travelers navigate the legendary Highway 1 through Monterey County's Big Sur and beyond.

Californias most iconic road trip just got easier.

No matter the road conditions, Big Sur and its parks, hotels, camping, restaurants, galleries, and more remain open  and the views are always stunning. The rugged beauty of Big Sur means road conditions often evolve. While a small stretch of Highway 1 is closed, all of the region's iconic views and experiences remain accessible from both the north and the south. HOW 2 HWY 1 offers a how-to guide for exploring the region. With a little planning and the right routes, travelers discover epic views, cozy stays, hidden gems, and unforgettable adventures around every scenic turn.

"For many across the country and around the world, the quintessential Highway 1 road trip is a bucket list experience of coastal bliss and open-road freedom," said Rob O'Keefe, President and CEO of See Monterey. "This summer, we invite travelers to transform that dream into an unforgettable escape along California's Central Coast. Visitors can immerse themselves in the region's beauty while supporting cherished, locally owned businesses in Big Sur, the Salinas Valley, and beyond."

How to Highway 1

ABOUT SEE MONTEREY

See Monterey is a 501c6 non-profit organization that drives tourism for Monterey County. Tourism is the largest industry on the Monterey Peninsula and the second largest in the County. See Monterey is a partnership of the hospitality community and local governments that aims to generate community prosperity and enrich economic vitality for Monterey County through the responsible growth of the tourism economy. Travel spending in Monterey County was more than $3.1 billion in 2024, supporting more than 27,000 jobs and generating $310 million in state and local tax revenue that directly benefit the community. For more information, visit www.SeeMonterey.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT

Lindsey Stevens

e: [email protected]

p: 831-657-6407

SOURCE See Monterey

Related Links

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First Joint AI Factory Deployment Outside North America to Deliver up to 2 GW of Data Center Capacity and up to 100,000 GPUs

PARIS, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hypertec, a Canadian global leader in sustainable AI infrastructure, announces today its planned expansion into Europe through a strategic alliance with 5C Group, a major global builder of next-generation AI data centers, and Together AI, a leading AI cloud platform powering some of the leading AI-native companies and enterprise innovation.

This expansion marks their first joint AI deployment in Europe, marking a significant milestone in their global strategy to build scalable, high-performance AI cloud infrastructure. Initial rollouts will begin in late 2025, with large-scale buildouts planned through 2028, aiming to support Europe's surging demand for sovereign, regulation-ready AI infrastructure. These deployments will power frontier model training, inference workloads, and open-source generative AI innovation.

This synergistic relationship between the three companies provides full vertical integration combining innovative hardware technology solutions, data center construction and operations, cloud services and leading-edge research-driven artificial intelligence infrastructure and systems.

This strategic venture will deliver high-density compute, infrastructure and AI-native cloud services designed for frontier model training and large-scale generative AI inference deployments near end users throughout Europe. This initiative will unlock up to 2 gigawatts (GW) of AI-dedicated data center and compute capacity, support the deployment of nearly 100,000 NVIDIA Blackwell and future generation GPUs, and drive more than $5 billion in investments, directly addressing Europe's growing compute gap. France, the UK, Italy, and Portugal are priority markets being actively evaluated for first deployments.

As part of this project, Hypertec is exploring targeted acquisitions and partnering with local and global players to ensure world-class execution tailored to European regulatory, sustainability, and digital sovereignty needs.

"Hypertec's announcement in Europe embodies Canada's ambition to make innovation and artificial intelligence in particular a true driver of sovereignty, prosperity, and global collaboration. Supporting our tech companies as they grow and expand internationally means investing in sustainable solutions, Canadian competitiveness, and high-quality jobs for our talent."  The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Government of Canada.

"Europe is at a pivotal moment in taking its place in the future of AI," said Simon Ahdoot, CEO of Hypertec. "Together with our strategic partners 5C and Together AI, we are investing in building one of the most sustainable and high-performance AI infrastructure platforms on the continent. This effort reflects our commitment to global AI leadership and our confidence in Europe's talent and innovation ecosystem."

By leveraging Hypertec's expertise in delivering the most sustainable AI servers and rapidly building high-performance data centers combined with 5C's proven large-scale infrastructure capabilities and Together AI's powerful cloud platform and open-source model ecosystem, this partnership will provide a comprehensive, end-to-end AI stack for enterprises, research institutions, and AI-native companies across Europe.

"Over the past 18 months, 5C has built and retrofitted multiple North American data centers as well as deployed several large-scale, high-performance AI clusters to meet the demands of the world's leading AI users," said Jonathan Ahdoot, CEO of 5C Group. "From engineering data centers and compute infrastructure to deploying and operating GPU clusters with advanced cooling technologies, we deliver unmatched performance, reliability, and speed. With Together AI and Hypertec, we are bringing this capability to Europe  tailored for local needs, digital sovereignty, and world-class sustainability."

"Europe's moment to have independence and leadership in AI requires platforms that enables its ambition," said Vipul Ved Prakash, CEO of Together AI. "By bringing our high-performance AI Cloud and the powerful developer platform for model inference and fine-tuning to Europe, we're enabling enterprises and researchers to harness open-source and custom frontier models with full control over performance, compliance, and cost. In partnership with 5C and Hypertec, we're building a sovereign, sustainable AI cloud purpose-built for the EU market."

The European AI Factory rollout will enable inference and fine-tuning of more than 200 open-source, optimized models, including DeepSeek and Llama LLMs, incorporating the latest advancements in AI efficiency and scalability. The result: faster deployment timelines, synchronized infrastructure rollouts, and AI cloud offerings that are both high-performance and regulation-readydelivering significant cost and time savings for clients.

This development also complements Quebec and Canada's AI strategies, supporting Canadian engineering innovation and workforce development. Similar to its North American roadmap, 5C's European buildout includes 2 GW of new capacity through 2029, with 600MW coming online in 2025 and 2026.

About Hypertec

Founded in 1984, Hypertec's mission is to bring expertise, innovation, and strong partnerships to transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth through technology solutions. Trusted by industry leaders across AI, financial services, healthcare, public sectors and others, we serve clients in over 80 countries and empower them to push boundaries and lead their industries through transformative technology. For more information, please visit www.hypertec.com.

About 5C Group

5C Group is a next-generation AI Digital Infrastructure provider established from the acquisition of 5C Data Centers by Hypertec Cloud. With over 2 gigawatts (GW) of roadmap capacity and the ability to power hundreds of thousands of GPUs, 5C Group delivers secure, reliable, and sustainable data center and AI infrastructure solutions at scale to the largest and most demanding AI users. For more information, please visit www.5c.ai.

About Together AI

Together AI is a research-driven artificial intelligence infrastructure company that contributes leading open-source research, models, and datasets to advance the frontier of AI. Its AI Acceleration Cloud empowers developers and researchers at organizations of all sizes to train, fine-tune, and deploy generative AI models. Together AI believes that open and transparent AI systems will drive innovation and create the best outcomes for society. For more information, please visit www.together.ai.

SOURCE Hypertec
Injunction/TRO Sought Against Defendants; OpenAI Acquisition of IO at Issue



SAN FRANCISCO, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IYO (pronounced "Eye-Oh"), a venture-funded startup spun out from Google X, has filed suit in San Francisco Federal Court against Defendants IO Products, Inc., OpenAI, Inc., OpenAI, LLC, Sam Altman, and Sir Jonathan Paul Ive ("LoveFrom") for the "willful infringement" of IYO's registered IYO trademark. IYO's latest product, the IYO ONE, is a natural language audio computer, worn on a user's ear, which is voice-activated. It can read and respond to emails, do internet searches, and answer a wide variety of your natural language requests, responding in kind without use of a keyboard or screen.

IYO owns U.S. federal trademark Registration No. 7,409,119, issued by the USPTO, for the mark IYO. The lawsuit was filed as a result of OpenAI's decision to use the brand name "IO" to promote and sell competing products. IYO is seeking an immediate temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction preventing Defendants from using IO.

According to the Complaint, Defendants' actions are no mere coincidence.

IYO has invested millions of dollars and years of effort developing its revolutionary new product, branded "IYO ONE." IYO's purpose is to develop hardware and software allowing users to do everything they currently do on a computer, phone, or tablet without using a physical interface.

Defendants knew about the existence of the IYO brand and IYO's technology since at least 2022, as noted in the filing. The Complaint states that the parties had a series of meetings with representatives of OpenAI's principal Sam Altman and designers from Sir Jony Ive's design studio regarding the possibility of IYO and OpenAI working together. OpenAI kept tabs on IYO's technology, according to the filing. In the Spring of 2025, those two entities and IYO had additional meetings regarding the possibility of Defendants participating in IYO's fundraising round, as noted in the Complaint. During those meetings, Defendants stated to IYO that they thought IYO ONE had promise, and outright asked IYO to share intellectual property embodied in the IYO ONE, as plaintiffs noted in their filing.

Just weeks later, OpenAI announced their acquisition of IO. This launch of a competing product is blatantly and knowingly usurping IYO's goodwill, along with the consumer recognition that IYO has built in its IYO Mark, causing confusion in the marketplace and damage to IYO, according to the Complaint.

"It is amazing to me that Sam Altman, of all people, is part of a Goliath company trying to trample on the rights of our small startup, since he was always in favor of the little guy," said Jason Rugolo, cofounder of IYO. "And while they have provided no legal justification for their actions, it is noteworthy that OpenAI filed a lawsuit in a similar matter OpenAI vs. Open Artificial Intelligence, where OpenAI sought and obtained an injunction preventing another party from using the mark 'Open AI.' Here the shoe is on the other foot."

Defendants are requesting injunctive relief, damages, and attorneys' fees under an exceptional case designation.

SOURCE IYO, Inc.
The aircraft OEM will produce its all-wing Z4 airplane at the site, which is 50% more fuel efficient than today's commercial jet.

RALEIGH, N.C., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, JetZero has announced a $4.7 billion investment for a production facility at the Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) in Greensboro, North Carolina  with plans to create more than 14,500 jobs. The factory will be located on PTI property, and will house production for the company's commercial all-wing design airplane, the Z4. The company's headquarters will officially move from Long Beach, CA to Greensboro once the site is operational. The company plans to break ground on the facility in the first half of 2026.

Notably, this news stands as the largest job announcement in the history of North Carolina.

"I am thrilled to welcome JetZero and its 14,000 good-paying jobs and unprecedented innovation to Guilford County," said Governor Josh Stein. "From first in flight to now the future of flight, North Carolina and our skilled workforce is soaring."

The facility, designed to be a "factory of the future," will be fully digital and AI-driven to outpace legacy original equipment manufacturers by ramping up faster, cutting unit costs, boosting quality, and hardening supply chain. The company's Z4 planes are equipped with seating for 250 passengers, at up to 50% better fuel efficiency than today's commercial tube & wing jets. The company plans to have its first commercial airplanes delivered by the early 2030s.

"North Carolina offers the ideal combination of talent, infrastructure, and forward-thinking leadership to support our mission to reshape aviation," said Tom O'Leary, CEO and co-Founder of JetZero. "This facility is a critical milestone in bringing our all-wing Z4 to market. I applaud the leadership of Governor Josh Stein and his team as well as the leadership of the North Carolina General Assembly, and whole host of local leaders and organizations for working with us to bring JetZero to North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation."

North Carolina is uniquely positioned to support Jet Zero's growth, with a plentiful and skilled labor force of 5.5 million, and over 49,00 engineers. Additionally, the state is the nation's leading manufacturing workforce in the Southeast, and with more than 30,000 STEM degrees are awarded annually  the state provides a strong, sustainable talent pipeline for years to come.

Additionally, North Carolina provides an attractive business climate for companies like JetZero. Ranked a top 3 state for business for five consecutive years by CNBC, the state has the lowest corporate tax rate, and falling, at 2.25%, and a cost of living 5% below the national average. Well aligned with JetZero's commitment to sustainability, North Carolina also offers low cost of energy and has a bi-partisan approach to renewable energy leadership and sustainability.

"This announcement is a testament to North Carolina's growing reputation as a magnet for aerospace innovation and top-tier STEM talent," said Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. "With our rapidly growing population and dynamic workforce, we're attracting industry leaders to create quality jobs that will strengthen our local economy and communities across the state."

JetZero has secured investments and conditional purchase agreements from Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. Approximately 14 airlines have joined JetZero's Airline Working Group to provide input on their needs, including the requirement for the Z4 to readily fit into today's airport infrastructure.

Additionally, Jet Zero is partnering with Siemens and their Smart Infrastructure, Electrification, and Automation divisions, headquartered in North Carolina, to design the greenfield factory to leverage the latest digital and industrial AI tools to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective production and operating model. Siemens also supports JetZero's design/build/test model for the Demonstrator aircraft, a full-scale prototype slated for first flight in 2027. Siemens tools enable accelerated design, adaptable manufacturing, and digital test, shaving years of development time while upholding the highest quality and safety standards.

The facility will create thousands of direct advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs, and indirect and induced jobs via suppliers and services providers. Jobs offered at the facility will have average wages above $89,000 per year. Additionally, becoming the next aerospace hub in the U.S. will bring significant opportunities for North Carolina students from high school graduates to community colleges to the State's higher education system.

The company and the state will work closely together to create customized workforce development and training programs. The North Carolina Community College System, home to 58 community colleges, is on board to develop a customized training program estimated to value more than $22 million, which will help deliver the large-scale workforce the company is planning to hire.

"North Carolina's expansive community college network will serve as a critical workforce development engine for JetZero," said John Loyack, vice president of economic development for the North Carolina Community College System. "We've already discussed the company's unique workforce needs and outlined a detailed customized training plan which will be developed through our NCEdge program. In a joint effort with Guilford Technical Community College and other colleges in the region, we're excited to move forward into implementing a customized program that will set Jet Zero up for workforce onboarding success here in North Carolina."

Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Guilford Tech Community College, Forsyth Tech Community College, University of North Carolina System, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, North Carolina Department of Transportation, Golden LEAF Foundation, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, Piedmont Triad Airport Authority, Piedmont Triad Partnership, GuilfordWorks, Guilford County Economic Development Alliance, Guilford County, Forsyth County, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, High Point Economic Development Corporation, Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., City of Greensboro, City of High Point and the City of Winston-Salem. In addition, Senator Phil Berger (President Pro Tempore), Representative Destin Hall (Speaker of the House), and Representative Donny Lambeth (Senior Appropriations Chair) were instrumental in bringing this deal to fruition.

About JetZero

JetZero's revolutionary airframe Z4 is a game-changer, slashing fuel burn, emissions, and costs with its ultra-efficient all-wing body design. By maximizing lift and minimizing drag, it will deliver up to 50% greater fuel efficiency and an associated emissions reduction. This breakthrough isn't just about better performance; it's about a cleaner, quieter, and improved travel experience. JetZero's Z4, designed in California, will be produced in Greensboro, N.C., with an entry into service in the early 2030s.

About the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is a private nonprofit corporation that serves as North Carolina's statewide economic development organization. Governed by an 18-member board of business and industry leaders from across the state, the EDPNC focuses on business and job recruitment, existing industry support, international trade, tourism, and film marketing. The EDPNC, which operates under contract with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, works closely with public- and private-sector partners at the state, regional, and local levels.

SOURCE Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
Zelenskyy on Trump's criticism: Ill take it all right if it brings the war closer to an end

Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he takes US President Donald Trump's criticism of him "normally" if it brings the war closer to an end.

"I will take everything normally if it brings us closer to the end of the war ... President Trump has chosen his tactics. I do not want to condemn anyone," Zelenskyy said in an interview with Bild.

At the same time, the president emphasized that Putin understands only force, and the United States has this force. "And I really want America to see and understand this," the head of the Ukrainian state added.
MIAMI, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Consulting IQ announced today a collaborative partnership with JPMorgan Chase as its principal operating bank, designed to empower small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) with AI-driven insights and advanced strategic tools to thrive and prosper.

This collaboration is also aligned with Consulting IQ's clear and unwavering purpose: to democratize access to world-class business consulting for SMBs, empowering them to thrive in a fast-changing, data-driven economy. By combining the power of cutting-edge artificial intelligence, data-driven tools, predictive analytics, and expert human insights, it is closing the knowledge gap, unleashing the full potential of millions of businesses globally.

It aims to help business owners make smarter decisions, accelerate growth, and navigate uncertainty with confidence, because when SMBs grow, economies prosper. When you know, you grow.

"We are proud to partner with JPMorgan on our growth journey as we scale our impact globally. This partnership represents more than financial advice  it reflects a shared belief in the power of innovation, inclusion, and entrepreneurship," said Diego Medone, Founder and CEO of Consulting IQ.

He added, "At Consulting IQ, we are committed to creating a future where every small and medium-sized business can access the strategic tools they need to thrive. With JPMorgan's team and trusted expertise, we are accelerating our mission to empower millions of SMBs with AI-driven guidance and elevate the standard of business consulting worldwide. Together, we are not just supporting growth  we are redefining it."

About Consulting IQ:

Consulting IQ is a digital business platform that combines artificial intelligence with a team of experienced executive consultants to help small and medium-sized businesses reach their full potential through an interactive, multi-platform ecosystem. It provides practical and personalized solutions that align with each company's goals and aspirations.

For more information, visit https://consultingiq.ai/

About JPMorgan Chase & Co.:

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America ("U.S."), with operations worldwide. JPMorganChase had $4.35 trillion in assets and $351 billion in stockholders' equity as of March 31, 2025. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P.Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally.

Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.

SOURCE Consulting IQ
Life Sentence Rendered in Kidnapping Leading to Death Case

DALLAS, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rescue Hill, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing safe spaces and innovative options for victims of human trafficking, urges action to support and protect victims of human trafficking in light of today's events. Today, Naassan Hazzard was sentenced to life in prison for the kidnapping leading to the death of 27-year-old Caleigha Zangari, a mother, veteran, and victim of human trafficking.

Evidence presented at Hazzard's federal trial included surveillance footage capturing Caleigha entering Hazzard's semi-truck in Dallas at 9:27 p.m. on August 15, 2023, the last time she was seen alive. Eight days later, authorities discovered her body in a wooded area near Texas Highway 11 in Pittsburg, Texas, with a black plastic bag tied around her head. Cell phone records placed Hazzard at the crime scene and revealed extensive steps he took afterward to evade authorities. These actions included switching phones, deleting tracking apps, bleaching his truck, and researching sentencing guidelines for murder online. Investigators later found Caleigha's shattered phone discarded along Hazzard's route.

"Hazzard's sentencing sends a clear message that perpetrators will be held accountable, and survivors will not be forgotten," said Amanda Pettit, Executive Director of Rescue Hill. "Justice for Caleigha strengthens our resolve to reach and support every person impacted by trafficking."

Caleigha Zangari was more than a statistic. She proudly served our country, cherished motherhood, and like many others, fell through systemic cracks into exploitation. Her tragic story underscores the very real human cost of trafficking.

In response, Rescue Hill is urgently expanding initiatives to proactively reach trafficking victims. Our commitment is to ensure no person feels trapped, unseen, or beyond help.

About Rescue Hill:

Rescue Hill is dedicated to combating human trafficking through intervention, survivor advocacy, and community outreach. We provide pathways to healing for victims and advocate for systemic change to prevent trafficking. Learn more at rescuehill.org .

For media inquiries, photos of Rescue Hill's advocacy team, or additional case background and information:

Amanda Pettit, Executive Director

(682) 404-7894

[email protected]

SOURCE Rescue Hill NCMC
The Community Conversations on Cancer seminar series, in partnership with the Detroit Public Library, allows Michigan residents to learn from researchers and physician-scientists

DETROIT, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute's Office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) continues the 2025 Community Conversations on Cancer series in June. The Road Ahead: Understanding a Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment will feature a presentation from Ammar Sukari, M.D., medical oncologist, member of the Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Team, member of the Molecular Therapeutics Research Program at Karmanos, and associate professor at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Karmanos is partnering with the Detroit Public Library to present this series. This session will be held in person at the Main Branch, located at 5201 Woodward Avenue (Detroit, MI 48202) or virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, June 25, from 6 to 7 p.m. Providing a virtual option allows residents across the state to participate.

Community members attend a Community Conversations on Cancer event, hosted by Karmanos Cancer Institute's Office of Community Outreach and Engagement in partnership with the Detroit Public Library.

"The community will be intrigued to learn about ongoing and new studies, research and treatments available that have really changed lung cancer outcomes," explained Hayley Thompson, Ph.D., associate center director of Community Outreach and Engagement, faculty supervisor of COE at Karmanos, and professor of Oncology at WSU. "Dr. Sukari and his colleagues have been at the forefront of many studies investigating more effective treatments that are helping patients overcome aggressive lung disease. Dr. Sukari will explain the difference in care that we are able to provide now versus in the past."

June's session will focus on what to expect after a lung cancer diagnosis, how to determine which treatments are best, what types of treatments are being studied now, and how newer treatments compare to the standard of care.

"Lung cancer is one of the most diagnosed and one of the deadliest cancers. It's preventable and we can screen for it, but in times where the disease is found in later stages, there are newer treatment options where patients have had a positive response," said Dr. Sukari. "One of the newly approved treatments that we have studied and have seen success with in and outside of clinical trials is immunotherapy."

The June session will be moderated by three community leaders and partners of COE: Jim Scott, Katrina Studvent and Patrick Yankee. Scott is an active member of the Cancer Action Councils that COE supports, informing, educating, and encouraging community members to become active in cancer research taking place in Detroit. Studvent is a representative of Blare, a non-profit that provides resources and tools for individuals and caregivers impacted by chronic illness and disease through programming, navigational support and advocacy. Yankee is the chief development officer at Corktown Health, which provides primary care, behavioral health, health insurance navigation, and more.

The Road Ahead: Understanding Your Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment begins at 6 p.m. at the Detroit Public Library Main Branch and can be viewed virtually.

Registration is required for in-person and virtual attendance. For more information and to register, click here or call 313-576-8911.

Download the flyer in Arabic, English and Spanish.

Additional upcoming Community Conversations on Cancer seminars:

Wednesday, June 25 | The Road Ahead: Understanding a Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment  Ammar Sukari, M.D.

| The Road Ahead: Understanding a Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment  Ammar Sukari, M.D. Wednesday, July 23 | The Road Ahead: Understanding a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment  Kevin Ginsburg , M.D., MS, and Frank Cackowski , M.D., Ph.D.

| The Road Ahead: Understanding a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment  , M.D., MS, and , M.D., Ph.D. Wednesday, Sept. 17 | Of Mice and Women: Connecting the Dots to Strengthen Uterine Cancer Research  Michael Wilson , Ph.D.

| Of Mice and Women: Connecting the Dots to Strengthen Uterine Cancer Research  , Ph.D. Wednesday, Oct. 22 | The Road Ahead: Understanding a Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment  Hadeel Assad , M.D., and Michael Dominello , D.O.

| The Road Ahead: Understanding a Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Exploring Treatment  , M.D., and , D.O. Wednesday, Nov. 5 | How to Communicate with a Doctor to Get the Information and Support You Need  Lauren Hamel , Ph.D.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Karmanos Cancer Institute is a leader in transformative cancer care, research and education through courage, commitment and compassion. The Karmanos vision is a world free of cancer. As part of McLaren Health Care, Karmanos is the largest provider of cancer care and research in Michigan. For more than 75 years, the administrative and research headquarters, along with the premier specialty cancer hospital, have been located in downtown Detroit. With 17 network sites, Karmanos delivers world-renowned care and access to clinical trials throughout Michigan and northern Ohio. The National Cancer Institute recognizes Karmanos as one of the best cancer centers in the nation with a comprehensive cancer center designation. Its academic partnership with the Wayne State University School of Medicine provides the framework for cancer research and education  defining new standards of care and improving survivorship. For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS (800-527-6266) or visit karmanos.org. Follow Karmanos on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About the Detroit Public Library

The Detroit Public Library (DPL) is the largest public library system in the state of Michigan. The Main Library and its neighborhood branches make it one of the most valuable and accessible public institutions in the state. On a daily basis, our libraries assist hundreds of Detroiters by providing computer and internet access, supporting residents who want to improve their literacy skills or who are seeking employment, and by offering quality fun and educational programs and activities for children, teens, adults and seniors.

SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute
MIAMI, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lafayette Square announced today that it has provided debt and equity capital to support Mosaic Capital Partners LLC's ("Mosaic") investment in IE Group Holdings, Inc. ("Ickler Electric" or "Ickler"), a leading San Diego-based electrical contractor serving mission-critical industries, through a newly formed employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

Founded in 1985, Ickler Electric specializes in highly technical, mission-critical projects across biotechnology and life sciences, pharmaceutical, laboratory and other commercial industries. Ickler has a robust set of capabilities, including extensive in-house pre-fabrication solutions, to service its customers with industry best lead times.

"Since our founding, Ickler's success has been driven by our employees' dedication and commitment to excellence," added Randy Minnier, President and CEO at Ickler Electric. "Being able to partner with Mosaic and Lafayette Square, both of which are deeply focused on worker wellbeing, to facilitate an employee ownership model while bringing in additional resources to support our clients is a win-win-win situation."

Beyond capital, Lafayette Square provides support and incentives to portfolio companies through its affiliated managerial assistance program, Worker Solutions, a tailored benefit offering designed to reduce turnover and operational risk while improving job quality, retention, and productivity.

"Ickler Electric has established itself as a trusted partner to companies operating mission-critical facilities" said Vishnu Amin, Managing Director at Lafayette Square. "By engaging its clients early in the design phase, Ickler ensures delivery of tailored power systems that maximize efficiency and protect against unplanned facility interruptions. We are excited to support Randy and his fellow employee owners during this next stage of growth."

About Mosaic Capital Partners, LLC

Mosaic Capital Partners LLC is a private equity firm focused on investing in lower middle market companies ($3-$12 million EBITDA) through employee ownership transactions. Based in Charlotte, NC Mosaic combines a number of compelling attributes of private equity and employee ownership in its unique investment approach. For more information, please visit www.mosaic-cp.com.

About Ickler Electric

IE Group Holdings, Inc. is San Diego's premier commercial electrical contractor serving clients in mission-critical industries for nearly 40 years. Ickler is headquartered in Poway, CA. For more information, please visit www.icklerelectric.com.

About Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square is a private credit firm lending capital to growing middle market companies in working-class places. The firm is driven by four key differentiators: non-sponsored deals, enhanced managerial assistance through its affiliated Worker Solutions platform, a technology-first data-driven investment strategy through Potomac X Lafayette Square, and institutional partnerships. Lafayette Square's thesis holds that working-class people and places are ignored by private credit creating an attractive investment opportunity subject to conservative underwriting, managerial assistance, and technology. Lafayette Square aims to support 100,000 working-class jobs, invest 50% of capital in working-class places, and curate benefits for 50% of its portfolio by 2030. For more information, please visit www.lafayettesquare.com .

Media Contact:

Doug Allen/Jansel Murad

Dukas Linden Public Relations

646-722-6530

[email protected]

SOURCE Lafayette Square Holding Company
NEWARK, Del., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The OpenSSL Corporation and the OpenSSL Foundation are organising the OpenSSL Conference 2025, taking place from October 7 to 9, 2025, in Prague, Czech Republic, at the Vienna House by Wyndham Diplomat Prague. This landmark event will bring together a global community of cryptography experts, legal professionals, developers, and open-source contributors for three days of in-depth discussions, technical insights, and cross-disciplinary networking.

With four focused tracks covering real-world deployment, emerging threats, governance, and innovation in cryptography, the OpenSSL Conference offers a platform for impactful knowledge exchange. Organisers are seeking submissions from all areas of cryptography, whether it is academia, industry, or open source. Share original research, case studies, or practical insights.

Join industry leaders on stage, such as:

Rob Duhart , Senior VP, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure

, Senior VP, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Krishna Narayanaswamy , Founder & CTO of Netskope

, Founder & CTO of Netskope Peter Schmidberger and Dragan Zuvic of Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation

and of Mercedes-Benz Tech Innovation Jason Lawlor , President, Lightship Security Inc.

, President, Lightship Security Inc. Hayden Delaney , Partner, Thomson Geer Lawyers

, Partner, Thomson Geer Lawyers Stephen Farrell , Researcher at Trinity College Dublin

, Researcher at Tanja Lange , Professor, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven University of Technology.

Last Call for Papers!

Submit your proposal by the end of June 2025 to help shape the agenda of this inaugural conference.

Submit Your Proposal Now

"The first-ever OpenSSL Conference brings our global community together to shape the future of open-source security. With four focused tracks and unique evening events in Prague, it is a chance to learn, connect, and celebrate the impact of the OpenSSL Library." - Tim Hudson, President, OpenSSL Corporation

"The OpenSSL Conference will be a unique opportunity to meet up with and hear speakers from a broad array of backgrounds who are experts in the cryptography and security field. This Conference is ideal for a wide range of professionals and open source enthusiasts alike." - Matt Caswell, President, OpenSSL Foundation

For more details and information, visit the OpenSSL Conference web or email us at [email protected].

Contact:

OpenSSL Corporation

***@openssl.org

PRLog ID: www.prlog.org/13081926

SOURCE OpenSSL Corporation
Leading lawsuit funder prepared to financially assist victims while they seek justice for their injury claims, including vision loss and brain tumors.

JERSEY CITY, N.J., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Legal-Bay Pre Settlement Funding, the industry leader in lawsuit funding for mass torts, announced today they are actively monitoring and participating in the emerging litigation surrounding Pfizer's Depo-Provera injectable birth control. Numerous women across the U.S. are coming forward with claims that the contraceptive drug caused them to develop debilitating side effects including migraines, loss of vision, tinnitus, increased cranial pressure, and most seriously, brain tumors.

Legal-Bay CEO, Chris Janish with company executives, Melisa Pagan and Amber Cardillo, at the NYC Depo Provera Mass Tort Conference in December 2024

Legal-Bay's team was a keynote sponsor at a mass tort convention in New York where experts in Depo Provera explained the science and connection behind women developing meningioma, a type of brain tumor that can cause disability.

Plaintiffs allege Pfizer failed to adequately warn users of the potential risk of developing such neurological complications. Pfizer continues to defend the product and deny liability without a voluntary Depo-Provera recall, however, calls to Pfizer were not returned for statement.

Chris Janish, CEO of Legal-Bay, says, "We are seeing early signs of what could become a major mass tort developing against Pfizer. As a leader in mass tort litigations, we're working closely with top law firms to ensure that victims of Depo-Provera brain tumors receive both legal representation and the financial support they need while their cases make their way through the courts."

If you or a loved one has taken the Depo Provera birth control shot or contraceptive and have been diagnosed with a brain tumor, you could have a case worth a substantial amount of money. If you need legal representation or a cash advance today, Legal-Bay can assist you. Apply HERE or call: 877.571.0405, where live agents are standing by.

While no settlements have been reached yet in Pfizer Depo Provera lawsuits, industry insiders anticipate that multidistrict litigation (MDL) may be on the horizon. Legal-Bay is actively preparing to fund qualifying claims, offering fast cash advances to plaintiffs who may be struggling financially due to the long-term effects of their injuries. Many women are unsure if they have a claim, so if you need a top Depo Provera law firm or Depo-Provera brain tumor lawyer, Legal-Bay can assist you.

The company offers free consultations and can help victims connect with experienced attorneys specializing in pharmaceutical litigation.

If you need help finding a lawyer or if you're already the plaintiff in an existing Depo Provera lawsuit and need an immediate cash advance against your anticipated settlement award, contact Legal Bay HERE or call: 877.571.0405.

Any new clients that have an existing lawsuit and need cash now can apply for settlement funding. Legal-Bay funds all types of loan on lawsuit programs including personal injury, medical malpractice, mass tort or commercial litigation, and more.

Legal-Bay is one of the best lawsuit funding companies when it comes to providing immediate cash in advance of a plaintiff's anticipated monetary award. The non-recourse legal fundingsometimes referred to as loans on lawsuit or loans on lawsuitsare risk-free, as the money doesn't need to be repaid should the recipient lose their case. Therefore, the lawsuit funding isn't really a loan, but rather a cash advance.

To apply right now, please visit the company's website HERE or call toll-free at: 877.571.0405 where agents are standing by.

SOURCE Legal-Bay, LLC
FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Created by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 provides an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness. Lincoln Investment champions this cause by providing education and resources for our financial professionals (FPs) to help protect their clients.

"Unfortunately, statistics show that bad actors are finding more ways to manipulate investors out of their life-long savings in billions of dollars every year. One of the best ways to turn the tide is through education  learning about the common scams and tricks that are being used so you recognize the signs when you see them," said Nancy Heffner, CRCP, Lincoln Investment Vice President and Deputy Chief Compliance Officer.

We strive to combat growing negative statistics by emphasizing the importance of adding a trusted contact person (TCP). Lincoln has created resources, including videos and flyers, which help FPs talk to clients about the benefits of naming a TCP on their account. A TCP not only helps to identify suspected fraudulent activity but can act as a valuable resource if/when an issue arises.

Additionally, Lincoln provides training to all associated persons on identifying and reporting financial exploitation of senior and vulnerable adult investors.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

About Lincoln Investment

With over 56 years of proven industry leadership and experience in delivering investment strategies, Lincoln Investment is a leading broker-dealer. Its network includes about 1,000 financial professionals nationwide. The company serves the diverse financial needs of about 317,000 clients representing $55 billion in assets. Lincoln was voted one of the Top Workplaces in the Delaware Valley for the 15th consecutive year in 2024. For more information, visit www.lincolninvestment.com or follow on LinkedIn, X or Facebook.

Lincoln Investment Media Contact:

Linda Heist

215-881-4611

[email protected]

SOURCE Lincoln Investment
VANCOUVER, BC, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Luca Mining Corp. ("Luca" or the "Company") (TSXV: LUCA) (OTCQX: LUCMF) (Frankfurt: Z68) is pleased to report that Mr. Ramon Mendoza, currently Luca's interim Chief Operating Officer will assume the position of permanent COO effective as of June 01, 2025. Mr. Mendoza will also continue to be the Company's Chief Technical Officer.

Mr. Mendoza has over 35 years of senior experience in the mining industry, with expertise in mine development, process optimization, and a highly successful track record of managing both underground and open-pit operations. He has played a pivotal role in the successful transformation of Luca's operations at the Campo Morado and Tahuehueto mines in Mexico into consistent producers of gold, silver and base metals with significant growth potential. Prior to joining Luca, Mr. Mendoza worked as a mining consultant and spent many years at First Majestic Silver Corp., where he was a member of the senior leadership team, focusing on strategic management and project execution.

The Company also announces that Mr. David Rhodes will be stepping down as Chairman effective as of June 10, 2025 but will remain a valued member of Luca's Board of Directors. Well known in the financial industry, including as the Managing Director of Endeavour Financial, Mr. Rhodes' guidance and expertise will continue to be of great benefit to the Company.

Mr. Peter Damouni will step into the role of Chairman of the Board. He brings over 20 years of global corporate and investment banking experience with a focus on the natural resources sector. Mr Damouni has served as an executive and director of several public companies listed on the TSX, TSXV, and LSE. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in developing and executing corporate strategies, including equity and debt financings, restructurings, joint ventures, acquisitions and sale processes. Mr. Damouni has been a Director of Luca since 2024 and has demonstrated outstanding leadership to the Company, fostering a shared sense of purpose, initiative and positivity.

Mr. Dan Barnholden, CEO, commented, "I believe that Luca has a team that is second to none. Ramon Mendoza and Peter Damouni are highly effective, strong leaders who are focused on growing Luca in a safe, sustainable way. Peter is very much welcomed as Chair as we continue to build and execute our corporate strategies. He is an excellent team-builder and his guidance will be critical as our growth accelerates. I would like to thank David Rhodes for his support and expertise during his time as Luca's Chair. Luca is fortunate that David will remain as a Director. Ramon has excelled on the operational front since joining Luca and will build upon this success in his new position as COO. He is a role model to the teams in Mexico and under his leadership Luca's two mines have consistently performed well. His expertise has facilitated successful optimizations at the Company's operations leading to increased production, cash flow and market performance."

About Luca Mining Corp.

Luca Mining Corp. (TSX-V: LUCA, OTCQX: LUCMF, Frankfurt: Z68) is a Canadian mining company with two wholly owned mines located in the prolific Sierra Madre mineralized belt in Mexico. These mines produce gold, copper, zinc, silver, and lead and generate strong cash flow. Both mines have considerable development and resource upside as well as significant exploration potential.

The Company's Campo Morado Mine hosts VMS-style, polymetallic mineralization within a large land package comprising 121 sq km. It is an underground operation, producing gold, silver, copper, zinc, and lead. The mine is located in Guerrero State.

The Tahuehueto Mine is a large property of over 75 sq km in Durango State. The project hosts epithermal gold and silver vein-style mineralization. Tahuehueto is a newly constructed underground mining operation producing primarily gold and silver. The Company has successfully commissioned its mill and is now in commercial production.

For more information, please visit: www.lucamining.com

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

(signed) "Dan Barnholden"

Dan Barnholden, CEO

Cautionary Note Regarding Production Decisions and Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, estimated production guidelines for 2025 and other possible events, conditions or performance that are based on assumptions about the proposed exploration program and its anticipated results; the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's properties, such as production rates and increases and sustaining capital expenditures; success of exploration, development, and metres to be drilled in exploration on the Tahuehueto Mine site and the Campo Morado Mine site. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified using words and phrases such as "plans"," expects", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that the Company will be able to raise additional capital as necessary; the current exploration, development, environmental and other objectives concerning the Tahuehueto Mine can be achieved; that consistent and sustainable mill feed at Campo Morado Mine will be achieved; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals and economic and political conditions. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Luca Mining Corp.
"...the governments of Melanesia are joining forces to create an unprecedented ocean reserve that honours our identities, livelihoods, and spiritual connections."  Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele Post this

The Melanesian Ocean Reserve will be the first Indigenous-led multi-national ocean reserve on Earth. When complete, it will span at least 6 million square kilometres of ocean and islandsan area as vast as the Amazon rainforest. It will encompass the combined national waters of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea, and connect with the protected waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone of New Caledonia.

"For millennia, the Indigenous Peoples of Melanesia have been the wisest and most effective stewards of these sacred waters. That is why the governments of Melanesia are joining forces to create an unprecedented ocean reserve that honours our identities, livelihoods, and spiritual connections," said Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

"It is an objective of our National Ocean Policy to establish this transboundary corridor of traditionally managed ocean space between our countries, and we are delighted that this is now happening," said Vanuatu's Minister for Environment Ralph Regenvanu. "The Melanesian Ocean Reserve will give the governments and peoples of Melanesia the ability to do much more to protect our ancestral waters from those who extract and exploit without concern for our planet and its living beings. We hope our Indigenous stewardship of this vast reserve will create momentum for similar initiatives all over the world."

Although today's formal announcement is made by the governments of Vanuatu and the Solomons, the governments of Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia anticipate joining the Melanesian Ocean Reserve.

Today, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu are showing their willingness to commit to contribute all their archipelagic waters and areas beyond to the Melanesian Ocean Reserve. As a result, they will permit only sustainable economic activities consistent with Indigenous values in these waters.

The Melanesian Ocean Reserve is the brainchild of two highly respected Indigenous leaders who met for the first time and began sketching out the blueprint at the Convention on Biological Diversity meeting in Cali, Colombia last year:

The Honourable Trevor Mahaga, the Solomon Islands' Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology

Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology The Honourable Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu's Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards, and Disaster Management

Ministers Mahaga and Regenvanu fleshed out the Melanesian Ocean Reserve concept with the Honourable Jelta Wong, Papua New Guinea's Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, with the support of the nonprofits Nia Tero and Islands Knowledge Institute (IKI).

Nia Tero, led by an Indigenous CEO and a majority-Indigenous board, is a global facilitator of direct funding to Indigenous Peoples. "What these Melanesian leaders are doing is giving voice to the hope of all Oceanic Peoplesto be able to fully bring forward the dream and knowledge of our ancestors in the modern day and to care for the ocean and our planet in the way they deserve," said Nia Tero CEO 'Aulani Wilhelm.

The Islands Knowledge Institute, led by the Solomons-based Indigenous ecologist Dr. Edgar Pollard, has been the primary incubator of the Melanesian Ocean Reserve initiative, supporting deep conversations amongst country leaders and fostering a sense of motivating progress. "The Melanesian Ocean Reserve has progressed from an idea to a powerful platform amongst Melanesian leaders because it connects to an unmistakable truth in their lives: that treating the ocean as our home, in the deepest sense of the word, is the best protection," said Dr. Pollard. "The excitement and inspiration driving the Melanesian Ocean Reserve stems from the chance at making this relationship real in the context of our countries at every level, from the tribe to the village to the state."

Learn more: www.MelanesianOcean.org

Press Inquiries: [email protected]

SOURCE Islands Knowledge Institute
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed his readiness to take patronage over the restoration of "one or two Ukrainian cities or regions" in order to concretely demonstrate support to the Ukrainians.

"I would like to have your support, President Zelenskyy, to take one or two cities or one small region that we can rebuild. And I think it would be very important for the people in Ukraine if they got clear and very specific support," he said at the 4th Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa on Wednesday.

Vucic thanked President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for inviting him to the summit and expressed hope that "we can do at least a little more for the Ukrainian people without big words and all that."

"I think your people really deserve it," the president added.
NAIROBI, Republic of Kenya and NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MindHYVE.ai, in partnership with DV8 Infosystems and KICTANet, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the strategic co-development of the Republic of Kenya's National Artificial Intelligence Policy.

This collaboration formalizes a shared commitment to ethical, sovereign, and forward-compatible AI governance. It reflects Kenya's growing stature as a leader in responsible AI development and showcases the region's capacity to shape global AI policy architecture.

MindHYVE.ai & KICTANet sign MoU in Nairobi Built with intelligence, Guided by humanity

Partnership Overview

The MoU establishes a structured alliance between three institutions:

MindHYVE.ai - A Newport Beachbased provider of advanced artificial intelligence technologies, including large-scale reasoning models, domain-specific AI agents, and swarm-intelligent orchestration systems. MindHYVE.ai is internationally recognized as the pioneer of agentic AGI, a paradigm that fuses decentralized intelligence, ethical alignment, and cognitive adaptability at national and enterprise scale.

- A Newport Beachbased provider of advanced artificial intelligence technologies, including large-scale reasoning models, domain-specific AI agents, and swarm-intelligent orchestration systems. MindHYVE.ai is internationally recognized as the pioneer of agentic AGI, a paradigm that fuses decentralized intelligence, ethical alignment, and cognitive adaptability at national and enterprise scale. DV8 Infosystems - The official orchestration and systems integration partner of MindHYVE.ai. DV8 designs and deploys agentic AGI infrastructures through its suite of Ops AI systems orchestrated by swarm intelligence and tailored for government transformation, regulatory alignment, and real-world integration of multi-agent intelligence systems.

- The official orchestration and systems integration partner of MindHYVE.ai. DV8 designs and deploys agentic AGI infrastructures through its suite of Ops AI systems orchestrated by swarm intelligence and tailored for government transformation, regulatory alignment, and real-world integration of multi-agent intelligence systems. KICTANet - Kenya's most respected Think Tank on ICT policy and regulation whose mission is to promote an enabling digital ecosystem that is open, inclusive, secure, and rights-based, through multi-stakeholder approaches. KICTANet provides mechanisms and a framework for continuing cooperation and collaboration in the field of ICT among industry, technical community, academia, media, civil society, development partners, and government.

Purpose and Strategic Objectives

Under the MoU KICTANet, MindHYVE.ai, in partnership with DV8 Infosystems will among others, jointly refine and enhance Kenya's National AI Strategy 2025-2030; contribute technical, ethical, and regulatory design elements rooted in best practice and African contextual realities; embed participatory engagement mechanisms to ensure the inclusion of underrepresented voices; and deliver a comprehensive, publication-ready policy framework to the Government of Kenya. The review will be inclusive and multistakeholder and will take into account ethical and regulatory considerations in line with Kenya's constitutional, economic, and cultural priorities. A Joint Policy Task Team may be constituted to oversee the process, coordinate stakeholder input, and interface with relevant government authorities.

Statement from MindHYVE.ai

"What we're building is not a document. It's a national protocol for intelligence itself," said Bill Faruki, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MindHYVE.ai .

"Kenya is not merely responding to global AI trendsit is positioning to set them. This partnership reflects a shift in the balance of influence in global tech policy. We are honored to help architect cognitive infrastructure that is sovereign by design and exponential by nature."

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Grace Githaiga, Chief Executive Officer of KICTANet stated that."KICTANet views this MoU as a pivotal moment in our national journey toward responsible AI. We are pleased to align with technical partners that recognize the societal weight of this policy work and the urgency of getting it right."

Continental and Global Relevance

This collaboration signals a new chapter in Kenya's digital transformation narrative. By developing a sovereign AI governance model, Kenya positions itself as a thought leader in the global transition toward ethical, inclusive, and locally grounded artificial intelligence.

About MindHYVE.ai

MindHYVE.ai is a provider of advanced artificial intelligence technologies, including large reasoning models, domain-specific agents, and agentic orchestration frameworks. Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, MindHYVE.ai is the recognized pioneer of agentic AGI, merging swarm intelligence, contextual adaptability, and scalable governance design to support institutions, governments, and ecosystems in deploying sovereign-grade AI systems.

Website: www.mindhyve.ai | Email: [email protected] | Contact: +1 (949) 200-8668

About DV8 Infosystems

DV8 Infosystems is an agentic AI systems orchestrator and integration partner to MindHYVE.ai. The company specializes in the delivery of orchestrated, real-world multi-agent systems for national transformation, regulatory automation, and enterprise-level implementation of cognitive architectures across industries and governments.

About KICTANet

KICTANet is a multi-stakeholder Think Tank for ICT policy and regulation. The Think Tank is a catalyst for reform in the Information and Communication Technology sector. KICTANet's mission is to promote an enabling digital ecosystem that is open, inclusive, secure, and rights-based, through multi-stakeholder approaches.

Website: https://www.kictanet.or.ke/ | Email: [email protected] | Contact: +254 751 000 001

Media Contact

Marc Ortiz

Email : [email protected]

David Indeje,

Email: [email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2709264/PRelease_KICTANet_MindHYVE_ai_Wide.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2686713/MindHYVEai.jpg
GUANGZHOU, China, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MINISO Group Holding Limited (NYSE: MNSO; HKEX: 9896) ("MINISO", "MINISO Group" or the "Company"), a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design, today announced that all the proposed resolutions submitted for shareholder approval set out in the notice of its annual general meeting were duly adopted at the meeting held in Hong Kong today.

About MINISO Group

MINISO Group is a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO's wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand "MINISO" as a globally recognized consuming brand and established a massive store network worldwide. For more information, please visit https://ir.miniso.com/.

Investor Relations Contact:

MINISO Group Holding Limited

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +86 (20) 36228788 Ext.8039

SOURCE MINISO Group Holding Limited
Program will help company train 14,500-plus workers for largest economic development project in state's history

RALEIGH, N.C., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, JetZero has announced a $4.7 billion investment for a production facility at the Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) in Greensboro, N.C., with plans to create over 14,500 jobs  the largest jobs announcement in state history. The site, located on PTI property, will house production for the company's commercial blended-wing-bodied airplanes, the Z4, and will serve as the company's headquarters once operational. A groundbreaking for the site is slated for early 2026. The North Carolina Community College System has signed on to partner with the company to lead a robust, customized workforce training program  valued at over $30 million. The program will enable JetZero to hit its aggressive hiring goals, ramping up the site's production over a 10-year period.

North Carolina is uniquely positioned to support the aviation innovator's growth and hiring needs, with a plentiful and skilled labor force of 5.5 million, and over 49,000 engineers. The state also boasts the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast and grants more than 30,000 STEM degrees annually. The System's 58 community colleges partner with companies to develop bespoke workforce training solutions through the NCEdge program, which focuses on upskilling and retraining solutions for companies locating or expanding in the state.

"North Carolina offers the ideal combination of talent, infrastructure and forward-thinking leadership to support our mission to reshape aviation," said Tom O'Leary, CEO and co-founder of JetZero. "I applaud the leadership of Gov. Josh Stein and his teamand a whole host of local leaders and organizations for working with us to bring JetZero to North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation."

The new facility will create thousands of direct manufacturing and engineering jobs, and indirect and induced jobs via suppliers and service providers. Jobs offered at the site will have an average wage of over $89,000 per year, well above the state's average.

"North Carolina's expansive community college network will serve as a critical workforce development engine for JetZero," said John Loyack, vice president of economic development for the North Carolina Community College System, which administers the customized workforce training. "We've already discussed the company's unique workforce needs and outlined a detailed customized training plan which will be developed through our 'NCEdge' program. In a joint effort with Guilford Technical Community College and other colleges in the region, we're excited to move forward into implementing a customized program that will set JetZero up for workforce onboarding success here in North Carolina."

Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC), a critical project partner, has established itself as a key player in aviation education, with a dedicated campus that supports the state's growing aerospace and aviation sectors. With deep partnerships across the industry and an infrastructure that mirrors real-world aviation environments, GTCC plays a critical role in shaping a skilled workforce for regional and national employers  including manufacturers like JetZero. Its aviation programs are grounded in hands-on training, supported by advanced simulators, active aircraft and specialized labs.

"This initiative speaks to the undeniable power of partnerships in education and training in shaping the future of our state's economy," said Dr. Anthony J. Clarke, president of GTCC. "We're proud to play a central role in preparing our workforce for one of the most transformative projects in the aviation industry."

"This project highlights exactly why NCEdge exists  to meet employers where they are and build tailored training that delivers real results," said Betty Silver, associate vice president of NCEdge Customized Training. "We're honored to help lead the workforce development behind this historic effort, preparing thousands of North Carolinians for rewarding careers and strengthening our aviation industry talent pipeline."

As part of its customized training work, the NCEdge team regularly conducts workforce assessments, identifies skills gaps, and develops multi-year training roadmaps directly with employers throughout the state. These cover pre-employment screening, technical upskilling, leadership development and continuous improvement. This hands-on, consultative approach ensures that training aligns tightly with actual business needs and that companies can focus on operations while the colleges manage program logistics.

About JetZero

JetZero's revolutionary airframe Z4 is a game-changer, slashing fuel burn, emissions, and costs with its ultra-efficient all-wing body design. By maximizing lift and minimizing drag, it will deliver up to 50% greater fuel efficiency and an associated reduction in emissions. This breakthrough isn't just about better performance; it's about a cleaner, quieter, and improved travel experience. JetZero's Z4, designed in California, will be produced in Greensboro, N.C., with an entry into service in the early 2030s. Visit: www.jetzero.aero.

About the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS)

The North Carolina Community College System is a network of 58 community colleges created to improve the quality of life across North Carolina by opening the door to opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success, and develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce. The Economic Development Division provides education, training, and support services for new, expanding, and existing business and industry in all 100 North Carolina counties through the network of 58 community colleges. Learn more at www.nccommunitycolleges.edu.

About Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC)

Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) is a public community college in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina, serving students across Guilford County and the surrounding areas. It is a two-year college focused on training and retraining the local workforce, preparing students for further education, and offering various programs and courses. GTCC is the fourth largest institution in the North Carolina Community College System. For more information visit: www.gtcc.edu.

SOURCE North Carolina Community College System
JONESBORO, Ark., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- NEA Baptist has launched a new campaign through the NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation to recruit specialty physicians to Northeast Arkansas.

The Chris and Jamie Fowler Family Physician Recruitment Fund is the first of its kind in Arkansas and offers full medical school tuition reimbursement to physicians in strategic medical specialties that are critical for the area. Arkansas philanthropists Chris and Jamie Fowler contributed $5.6 million to start the fund, which has grown to $10 million as a result of pledges from Haag Brown, First National Bank, Danny and Gail Ford, and Marian and Andy Peeler.

The Chris and Jamie Fowler Family Physician Recruitment Fund for NEA Baptist is the first of its kind in Arkansas. Post this

"The Chris and Jamie Fowler Family Physician Recruitment Fund is so important, especially now as the need for doctors across the country becomes greater and greater," said Chris Fowler. "Jamie and I felt the physician recruitment fund would give Northeast Arkansas and NEA Baptist a competitive edge in recruiting physicians, especially in specialty areas. If we can get these doctors to visit Jonesboro, they will fall in love with the community and put down roots while offering medical care that is greatly needed in our area."

Chris and Jamie Fowler are known philanthropists in Arkansas and have lent their support to multiple programs at NEA Baptist, including a mobile health unit. In addition to starting the Chris and Jamie Fowler Family Physician Recruitment Fund, the Fowlers are actively working to attract more donors to support the fund.

"Chris and Jamie's vision is only bested by their action," said Sam Lynd, administrator and CEO of NEA Baptist. "With their lead and the support of many investors within our community, NEA Baptist has a unique opportunity to make Northeast Arkansas stand out as a destination for medical professionals in a more meaningful way than ever before."

NEA Baptist has added 70 physicians to its medical staff since 2015 with 14 being graduates of the NEA Baptist Internal Medicine Residency Program. NEA Baptist Clinic has more than 500,000 visits a year with an increase expected as construction of a primary care clinic in Manila, Arkansas, begins in summer 2025.

The Association of American Medical Colleges predicts the United States will face a physician shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, with the greatest shortage occurring in the South and West. The Robert Graham Center has projected Arkansas primary care providers will experience an increase in demand because of aging, population growth and increased access to insurance.

NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, NEA Baptist Clinic and NEA Baptist Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care became affiliated with Baptist Memorial Health Care in 2007. The 228-bed NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital offers cancer care, heart care through the Heart Center, labor and delivery services through the hospital's Women's Center, inpatient and outpatient services, emergency care and surgical services, such as weight loss surgery, neurology, respiratory care and pulmonary rehabilitation. More than 200 NEA Baptist Clinic providers practice in 40-plus specialties and offer a wealth of services from pediatrics to orthopedics. For more information about NEA Baptist, please call 870-936-1000 or visit www.baptistonline.org/locations/nea.

SOURCE Baptist Memorial Health Care
HOUSTON, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Obsidi, the global platform empowering Black professionals in tech and business, is proud to announce that the BNXT Executive Forum 2025 will be hosted in Houston from June 18, one of the fastest-growing innovation hubs in North America. This high-impact event will serve as a dynamic gathering space for Black executives and allied leaders committed to equity, culture-forward innovation, and community-driven growth.

BNXT Obsidi Brings BNXT Leadership Forum 2025 to Houston, Spotlighting Black Executive Power and Inclusive Innovation

Designed for C-suite professionals, founders, investors, and purpose-driven organizations, the BNXT Leadership Forum is a cornerstone of Obsidi's mission to build infrastructure for sustainable leadership among Black professionals across sectors. Through powerful conversations, curated networking, and bold storytelling, the Forum aims to elevate and connect the people redefining what leadership looks like in today's global economy.

"We created BNXT because leadership spaces need more than inspiration; they need intention and infrastructure," said Lekan Olawoye, Founder and CEO of Obsidi. "This forum is about more than just being in the room. It's about owning the room, shaping the agenda, and empowering Black leaders and their allies to build what's next. Houston is the perfect host city, a place where culture and innovation collide."

The BNXT Forum will include executive roundtables, interactive panels, and strategic conversations with leaders from across tech, finance, public policy, health, creative industries, and emerging sectors. Attendees will walk away with actionable insights, peer-to-peer connections, and the kind of strategic alliances that move companies and communities forward.

The Forum is made possible by Obsidi's strategic partnerships with forward-thinking organizations, such as Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE).

"HPE is proud to be an executive sponsor for the BNXT event on June 18th. This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among industry leaders. We're excited to expand our executive network and engage with forward-thinking professionals as we work together to shape the future of technology and business."  Devin Kallini, Senior Executive Recruiting Partner

As a leadership experience rooted in culture, purpose, and excellence, BNXT is not just a forum; it's a movement. Whether you're a decision-maker in your company or in your community, this is the space to show up, plug in, and lead with impact.

Registration is now open and free to aligned leaders.

Register at obsidi.com/bnxt

BNXT Leadership Forum 2025

Dates: June 18, 2025

Location: NRG Center, 8600 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77054, United States, Houston, Texas, United States

Registration: Free  Sign up at obsidi.com/bnxt

About Obsidi

Obsidi is the leading platform advancing Black professionals and allies in tech and innovation. With a growing network of over 120,000+ members, Obsidi helps top talent access opportunities, build community, and accelerate leadership through events, education, and partnerships with inclusive organizations worldwide.

Media Contact:

Middle Lemoine

Marketing Operations Lead, Obsidi

281-584-3356

[email protected]

www.obsidi.com

Media inquiries and interview opportunities with Obsidi executives are available upon request.

SOURCE Obsidi
The Fundraising Software Company Earned Top Honors for Exceptional Customer Support to Nonprofits

INDIANAPOLIS, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- OneCause, a leading provider of event and online fundraising solutions, has been named the "Best Small Contact Center (1-99 Seats)" at the 2025 Customer Contact Week (CCW) Excellence Awards. This prestigious recognition highlights the OneCause support team's commitment to driving operational innovation and delivering outstanding customer experiences for the nonprofits they serve.

"OneCause is proud to be recognized by CCW for our dedication to providing exceptional customer service," said Steve Johns, chief executive officer of OneCause. "Great technology is only as powerful as the people behind it, and this award reflects our team's strong commitment to delivering prompt, reliable, and results-driven service to our nonprofit customers. Our team's personalized, multi-channel support saves nonprofits time and empowers them to advance their missions with confidence."

The OneCause customer support team serves thousands of nonprofits in the United States and Canada, providing support via phone, email, SMS, live chat, and a dynamic help center. In 2024, the team implemented AI-driven chat technology to offer 24/7 support. Their attention to detail and dedication to continuous improvement resulted in a 97% customer satisfaction score and helped nonprofits run more than 16,000 successful fundraising events and campaigns last year.

The CCW Excellence Awards are among the most respected honors in the customer contact industry, recognizing organizations that set new standards for customer service and operational excellence. The win by OneCause underscores their ongoing commitment to innovation in customer experience and the advancement of the nonprofit sector.

About OneCause

OneCause is driving the future of fundraising with easy-to-use digital fundraising solutions that help nonprofits improve the giving experience and raise more money. OneCause builds technology that optimizes everyday generosity, making it easier for nonprofit organizations to fundraise and for nonprofit supporters to give. Since 2008, OneCause has helped over 14,000 nonprofits in the United States and Canada raise more than $8 billion for their missions. OneCause is committed to driving innovation in the charitable sector, bringing together nonprofit professionals across the world for the annual Raise Conference to exchange ideas that further fundraising. For more information, visit www.onecause.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

SOURCE OneCause
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) , a nonprofit organization leading the fight to end Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) , is pleased to announce the expansion of its renowned Certified Duchenne Care Center (CDCC) Program with the certification of the Neuromuscular Program at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) . In a milestone for the program, CHOP becomes not only a CDCC, but also the first center to receive PPMD's newly established Clinical Research Designationrecognizing excellence in both clinical care and research.

This recognition highlights CHOP's long-standing commitment to providing world-class care and advancing clinical research for individuals living with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. The addition of the Clinical Research Designation demonstrates CHOP's leadership in offering families access to high-quality clinical trials and research opportunities, while meeting the rigorous standards of the CDCC Program.

Rachel Schrader, MS, APRN, CPNP-PC, PPMD's Vice President, Clinical Care & Education, acknowledges the significance of the program's expansion to include CHOP. "The neuromuscular team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has evolved significantly over the past several years to continue serving their Duchenne and Becker population, and we are thrilled to include them in our network of certified centers. This is an exciting and historic step for our programnot only are we recognizing CHOP's excellence in clinical care, but also its outstanding work in clinical research. The hospital's certification as the first CDCC with Clinical Research Designation reflects its deep commitment to both current and future generations of patients," said Schrader.

PPMD's Certified Duchenne Care Center Program supports standardized, comprehensive care and services for all people living with Duchenne. Certification means centers maintain the highest standards in clinical and sub-specialty services, rapidly apply new evidence-based knowledge, minimize heterogeneity in clinical research outcomes, and comply with standards in clinical care that were established by the CDC's Care Considerations . The Clinical Research Designation, launched in 2025, is an optional recognition awarded to certified centers that demonstrate a sustained commitment to excellence in clinical trials and research. While not all CDCCs participate directly in research, this designation helps families identify centers with active trial programs and research expertise.

Erica Goude, MS, CCRP, PPMD's Certified Duchenne Care Center Program Advisor, is delighted to add CHOP to the growing network of CDCCs and to expand the program to include its first center with Clinical Research Designation. "The work being done by the team at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is remarkable. Its commitment to providing outstanding clinical care and leading-edge research embodies the mission of the CDCC Program. We are honored to welcome CHOP not only as a CDCC, but also as our inaugural Clinical Research Designation site."

To learn more about PPMD's Certified Duchenne Care Center Program and the new Clinical Research Designation, visit PPMD's website .

About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne is a genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) fights every single battle necessary to end Duchenne.

We demand optimal care standards and ensure every family has access to expert healthcare providers, cutting edge treatments, and a community of support. We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of Duchenne patients and in research that will benefit future generations. Our advocacy efforts have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and won eight FDA approvals.

Everything we doand everything we have done since our founding in 1994helps those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until we end Duchenne for every single person affected by the disease. Join our fight against Duchenne at EndDuchenne.org . Follow PPMD on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram , and YouTube .

SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RiskExec, Inc. ("RiskExec"), a leading compliance reporting and analytics software platform serving banks, mortgage lenders, credit unions, and non-traditional lenders, today announced Erik Pieczkowski as its new Chief Executive Officer. In tandem with this appointment, RiskExec also launched critical additions to its software, enabling institutions to swiftly meet the New York State Department of Financial Services' (NYDFS) requirement to collect and report data for New York State Community Reinvestment Act purposes.

Erik Pieczkowski, CEO, RiskExec, Inc.

As CEO, Pieczkowski will drive RiskExec's strategic vision, focusing on accelerating innovation and ensuring that financial institutions can proactively navigate regulatory complexity. He will partner closely with RiskExec's Founder and President, Dr. Anurag Agarwal, to further enhance RiskExec's industry-leading capabilities.

"On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am delighted to welcome Erik Pieczkowski as RiskExec's Chief Executive Officer," said Andy Sandler, CEO of Temerity Capital Partners and Board Chairman of RiskExec. "Erik's extensive background in financial technology, deep regulatory expertise, and proven track record of scaling high-growth businesses make him ideally suited to lead RiskExec during this period of industry change."

Pieczkowski has over 25 years of leadership experience in financial services and compliance technology, with a strong track record of delivering innovative software solutions that are purpose-built to meet complex customer needs. Prior to RiskExec, Pieczkowski spent 15 years at Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), a global financial services and mortgage technology, data and listing provider, where he pioneered groundbreaking solutions such as CDS Clearing to bring transparency to the market in the wake of the 2008 Financial Crisis. Pieczkowski was also President and Founding Partner of Synegen, a Chicago-based professional services and IT consulting firm specializing in enterprise application design, development and implementation.

"RiskExec has consistently demonstrated its commitment to providing cutting-edge compliance solutions that empower institutions to confidently manage regulatory changes and identify growth opportunities," said Pieczkowski. "I look forward to collaborating with Anurag, the talented RiskExec team, and our valued clients to elevate our capabilities and drive meaningful innovation in response to evolving regulatory requirements."

Dr. Agarwal stated, "We warmly welcome Erik at this pivotal moment. His expertise in leading technology-driven growth initiatives aligns perfectly with RiskExec's dedication to innovation, quality, agility, and best-in-class client support. Our recent modifications and additions to RiskExec, swiftly addressing state-specific regulations, exemplify our proactive approach to supporting our clients' compliance and strategic growth objectives."

RiskExec's powerful software platform continues to lead the industry with its comprehensive compliance reporting, advanced analytics, and intuitive geocoding and mapping tools, supporting regulatory adherence across HMDA, CRA, Fair Lending, and now NYDFS Section 76.16 requirements. With this launch, RiskExec's 1071 SBL module now contains the additional fields and updates required for NYDFS CRA exams, as the data requirements are similar, but not identical to, the Federal 1071 SBL. RiskExec clients who purchase the NYDFS module addition are able to export the data in the format required by the NYDFS as well as for potential Federal 1071. The platform can also now produce the Minority-and-Women-Owned-Business report(s) required by the NYDFS.

ABOUT RISKEXEC

RiskExec is the leading software provider of compliance reporting and analytics solutions that helps banks, mortgage lenders, credit unions, and non-traditional lenders more easily comply with demanding regulatory requirements, including HMDA, CRA, and SBL/1071. RiskExec's powerful software makes it easy for financial institutions to conduct sophisticated, proactive trend analyses, opportunity analyses, competitor analyses, and marketing campaign analyses in-house, without relying on expensive consulting engagements or months of manual data crunching.

RiskExec's browser-based software automatically incorporates new regulatory, geographic, and peer institution data in real-time to help lenders stay up to date on evolving requirements. Financial institutions rely on RiskExec's modules to geocode; proactively identify areas of disparate impact, redlining, or steering; take corrective action as needed; and assemble HMDA and CRA files and run regulatory edit checks prior to submission.

To learn more about how RiskExec helps compliance and risk experts shift their focus from finding problems to unlocking new opportunities for institutional growth, visit https://riskexec.com .

SOURCE RiskExec, Inc.
LOVELAND, Colo., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Syracuse, New York, has selected SAFEbuilt to provide building plan review services as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and improve permitting processes. Through SAFEbuilt's electronic plan review system, Syracuse joins a growing list of cities nationwide working to reduce turnaround times and improve transparency for applicants.

Services officially started in May, enabling the City to respond to growing development activity while enhancing access and efficiency for builders, residents, and staff.

SAFEbuilt partners with Syracuse to launch digital plan reviews, boosting speed, access, and transparency citywide. Post this safebuilt.com

"This partnership reflects our commitment to making the permitting process more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly," said Jessica Brandt, Director of the Permit Office for the City of Syracuse. "By moving plan review online, we're saving time for applicants and staff while ensuring quality remains high. It's a meaningful step forward for how we serve the community."

SAFEbuilt's digital platform enables seamless submission, review, and tracking of building plans, eliminating the need for physical drop-offs or manual updates. The company's experience supporting hundreds of communities with similar transitions made them a natural fit for the City's goals.

"This collaboration will help Syracuse manage growing development activity while maintaining high standards for safety and service," said Steve Nero, SAFEbuilt's Vice President of Sales. "We're proud to support the City's forward-thinking approach and look forward to helping streamline the process for applicants and staff alike."

About SAFEbuilt

SAFEbuilt is a community development services company offering multidisciplinary building and professional services expertise in 41 states and the District of Columbia. The company employs approximately 1,700 employees serving more than 2,000 customers nationwide. SAFEbuilt offers the broadest array of community development services, anchored by a sophisticated technology stack built to fit each customer's needs. This includes stabilizing budgets, maximizing departmental efficiencies, improving customer experience, and accelerating both the speed to revenue for municipalities and developers. To learn more, visit SAFEbuilt.com

The SAFEbuilt family comprises eight subsidiary partners, each of which aligns with our core values and our commitment to delivering exceptional service to the communities we support.

Calvin, Giordano & Associates | Interwest | Winston Services, Inc. | M.T. Causley | MTCI Private Provider Services

Dal-Tech Engineering | PMCA | Weintraub Engineering

SOURCE SAFEbuilt
Trading Symbol: TSX/NYSE American: SVM

VANCOUVER, BC, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Silvercorp Metals Inc. ("Silvercorp" or the "Company") (TSX: SVM) (NYSE American: SVM) announces that, further to its news release dated May 12, 2025 (the "Release"), it has filed an updated mineral resource estimate for its Condor gold project (the "Condor Project") titled: "Independent Technical Report for the Condor Project, Ecuador" (the "Technical Report"). The Technical Report is effective February 28, 2025 and was prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc.

The Technical Report was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and can be found on the Company's website at www.silvercorpmetals.com and under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar .

There are no material differences in the information in the Technical Report and the information contained in the Release. The Condor Project is not considered to be a material property of the Company at this time and the MRE was prepared and filed by the Company on a voluntary basis.

About Silvercorp

Silvercorp is a Canadian mining company producing silver, gold, lead, and zinc with a long history of profitability and growth potential. The Company's strategy is to create shareholder value by 1) focusing on generating free cash flow from long life mines; 2) organic growth through extensive drilling for discovery; 3) ongoing merger and acquisition efforts to unlock value; and 4) long term commitment to responsible mining and ESG. For more information, please visit our website at www.silvercorpmetals.com .

For further information

Silvercorp Metals Inc.

Lon Shaver

President

Phone: (604) 669-9397

Toll Free 1(888) 224-1881

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.silvercorpmetals.com

SOURCE Silvercorp Metals Inc.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/UALandForces

Seriously wounded and seriously ill servicemen have returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity as part of the next stage of a major exchange, the Ground Forces command reports.

"Servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in particular the Air Assault Troops, the Navy, the Air Force, the Troops of the Territorial Defense Forces, the Unmanned Systems Forces, as well as the State Border Guard Service and the National Guard, have returned to their native land. Among those released are defenders of Mariupol, who had been in captivity for more than three years. All the released defenders are men, privates and sergeants. Some of those released were considered missing in action," the Telegram channel says.

It is noted that this exchange is part of a larger exchange in the categories of military personnel under 25 years of age, as well as the seriously wounded and seriously ill.
Karen Carter brings over 30 years of global brand and product strategy expertise to her new role as Vice President of Marketing at Sisel International.

SPRINGVILLE, Utah, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sisel International is thrilled to announce the well-deserved promotion of an outstanding team member whose dedication, leadership, and contributions have made a significant impact on Sisel's continued growth and momentum over the last several years.

Karen Carter has been promoted to Vice President of Global Marketing.

Karen Carter, Vice President of Global Marketing, Sisel International

Karen Carter leads the marketing department, shaping the long-term vision for Sisel's product portfolio, brand strategy, promotions, events, and overall customer experience. She collaborates with digital, creative, and marketing managers and team members to guide product development, campaigns, and creative execution. Karen values Sisel's family-oriented culture and enjoys creating marketing content on each product, ingredient, and science-forward formula.

Karen earned an MBA from Brigham Young University, which launched her career in the MLM industry. With over 30 years of experience, she has led global marketing initiatives and multi-million-dollar product brands. Her expertise in product and brand development, especially in advanced skincare, is integral to Sisel's growth.

We look forward to the continued success and excellence Karen will bring to our Sisel team.

About Sisel International

Sisel International, an acronym for Science, Innovation, Success, Energy, and Longevity, is a wellness company driven by its passion for helping people transform their health and financial futures. Founded on family values and scientific integrity, Sisel formulates, manufactures, and distributes premium health, beauty, and household products designed to support long-term vitality and well-being.

Operating in more than 40 countries, Sisel International empowers a growing global network of independent distributors through industry-leading support, training, and leadership development. At the core of its mission is a commitment to creating life-changing opportunities through innovation, education, and a shared pursuit of excellence.

To learn more about Sisel's product offerings and business opportunities, visit www.sisel.net.

Media Team

Marketing Manager

Sisel International

[email protected]

"This release was issued through WebWire. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com."

SOURCE Sisel International
 Leveraging Expertise Cultivated in the Music Business to Create New Value 

TOKYO, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Music Labels Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director & President: Manabu Tsujino, hereinafter referred to as "Sony Music Labels") has acquired full rights to globally beloved content "Spookiz." This marks the first time that Sony Music Labels, which primarily focuses on music recording business, has come to acquire animated character content.

Sony Music Labels Inc. Sony Music Labels Inc.

"Spookiz" primarily features 1~3 minutes short non-verbal animations and has garnered a global fanbase in the United States, in Asia (e.g., Philippines, Singapore, India, Japan), in Latin America (e.g., Brazil and Mexico), and in Europe (e.g., United Kingdom). Currently, the official YouTube channel has around 6.1 million subscribers.

This year, Sony Music Labels will produce new "Spookiz" animations and launch a new season, while also developing and introducing new characters. Additionally, there will be a focus on creating content that incorporates music to reach and engage with an even wider age group.

Sony Music Labels will leverage its expertise cultivated in the music business to create content filled with originality and conduct innovative marketing to further enhance global reach.

Stay tuned for exciting new developments in the world of "Spookiz."

 Overview on "Spookiz"

Synopsis:

At an elementary school in the middle of the night, these adorable and wacky monsters come to life!

[Spooky + Kids = Spookiz]

Cula  boastful and mischievous yet lovable Dracula

Frankie  kindhearted Frankenstein obsessed with food

Kebbi  energetic and carefree but unpredictable Goblin

Kongkong  slightly devious but cute Chinese Ghost

Zizi  charming and bright Zombie with a smell

Each of the five monsters has their own unique personality.

Their colors and shapes as well as personalities are all different.

The showtime for these adorable monsters starts now!

Content Introduction:

Sony Music Labels will be working with Keyring Co., Ltd., a South Korea based animation studio renowned for its creative prowess and production capabilities. "Spookiz" is an animated character content that primarily features short non-verbal animations. The official YouTube channel, which is the main content distribution platform, has around 6.1 million subscribers (currently as of June 12) and over 3.1 billion total views (currently as of June 12).

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spookiz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spookizworld/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spookizworld

X: https://x.com/Spookiz_world

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spookizworld

Official Homepage: https://spookizworld.com/

 Comments from Sony Music Labels, Representative Director & President: Tsujino Manabu

Sony Music Labels is embarking on a new challenge.

As a record company, Sony Music Labels has acquired the globally beloved "Spookiz."

Building on the expertise cultivated in the music business and with the support of creators and partners, Sony Music Labels will aim to transform these monsters into stars, much like the way artists are developed. The characters will engage in even more heartfelt activities through animation, music, and other mediums. So please stay tuned for the exciting developments ahead.

 Usage of Visuals in Publication

Please include the following credit / copyright in publications using the included visuals.

Sony Music Labels Inc.

SOURCE Sony Music Labels Inc.
 Nuvisertib (TP-3654), an investigational highly selective oral PIM1 kinase inhibitor, is being evaluated in patients with relapsed or refractory myelofibrosis (MF) 

 Nuvisertib demonstrated symptom and spleen responses correlating with cytokine modulation in the preliminary Phase 1/2 data recently presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2025 Congress 

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. (SMPA) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Fast Track Designation to nuvisertib (TP-3654) for the treatment of patients with intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis (MF). The FDA Fast Track Designation is granted to investigational therapies being developed to treat serious or life-threatening conditions that demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs. Nuvisertib is an oral, investigational, highly selective inhibitor of PIM1 kinase, which demonstrated clinical activity including symptom and spleen responses correlating with cytokine modulation in the updated preliminary Phase 1/2 data presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2025 Congress in Milan, Italy.

MF, a serious and rare type of blood cancer, is characterized by the buildup of fibrous tissues in the bone marrow which is caused by dysregulation in the Janus-associated kinase (JAK) signaling pathway. The clinical manifestations of MF include an enlarged spleen, debilitating symptoms and reduction in hemoglobin and/or platelets. MF affects 1 in 500,000 people worldwide.1

"This positive momentum for nuvisertib signals strong promise in our pipeline and reflects our dedication to addressing unmet medical needs on behalf of patients with myelofibrosis and their families," said Tsutomu Nakagawa, Ph.D, President and Chief Executive Officer of SMPA. "Receiving FDA Fast Track Designation for nuvisertib in the treatment of myelofibrosis reinforces our confidence in its potential as a treatment option for patients facing a poor prognosis with limited treatment options. We are committed to working closely with the FDA to progress the clinical development of nuvisertib and bring an alternative treatment option to patients with myelofibrosis."

Updated data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 study of nuvisertib in patients with relapsed/refractory MF were presented at the EHA Congress on June 12, 2025. Preliminary data showed that nuvisertib monotherapy appears to be well tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). Evaluable patients showed clinical activity including a 25% spleen volume reduction (SVR25) in 22.2% of patients and a 50% reduction in total symptom score (TSS50) of 44.4% of patients, as well as improvement of bone marrow fibrosis (42.9% patients), hemoglobin (24% patients) and platelet count (26.7% patients). Data also showed that nuvisertib treatment led to significant cytokine modulation [reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. EN-RAGE, MIP-1) and increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. adiponectin)], which demonstrated significant (p<0.001) correlation with symptom and spleen responses. Preclinical2 and emerging clinical data support the development of nuvisertib in combination with JAK inhibitors for the treatment of patients with MF.

"The data observed to date demonstrate promising clinical activity for nuvisertib and the strong potential for selective PIM1 inhibition to slow the progression of myelofibrosis," said Jatin Shah, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Oncology. "Patients with myelofibrosis are in need of new therapeutic approaches, including combination treatment options, that can provide increased and durable response rates with limited hematologic adverse events. The FDA Fast Track Designation reinforces the potential of nuvisertib to provide clinical benefits for patients with myelofibrosis, an unmet medical need."

About Nuvisertib (TP-3654)

Nuvisertib (TP-3654) is an oral investigational selective inhibitor of PIM1 kinase, which has shown potential antitumor and antifibrotic activity through multiple pathways, including induction of apoptosis in preclinical models.2,3 Nuvisertib was observed to inhibit proliferation and increase apoptosis in murine and human hematopoietic cells expressing the clinically relevant JAK2 V617F mutation.3 Nuvisertib alone and in combination with ruxolitinib showed white blood cell and neutrophil count normalization, and also reduced spleen size and bone marrow fibrosis in JAK2 V617F and MPLW515L murine models of myelofibrosis.2 The safety and efficacy of nuvisertib is currently being clinically evaluated in a Phase 1/2 study in patients with intermediate and high-risk myelofibrosis ( NCT04176198 ). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Orphan Drug Designation to nuvisertib for the indication of myelofibrosis in May 2022. The Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) granted Orphan Drug Designation to nuvisertib for the treatment of myelofibrosis in November 2024.

About Sumitomo Pharma

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with key operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), Canada (Sumitomo Pharma Canada, Inc.), and Europe (Sumitomo Pharma Switzerland GmbH) focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, psychiatry & neurology, and cell & gene therapies. With several marketed products in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage assets, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website https://www.us.sumitomo-pharma.com or follow us on LinkedIn .

The Sumitomo corporate symbol mark is a trademark of Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., used under license. SUMITOMO PHARMA is a trademark of Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., used under license. SUMITOMO is a registered trademark of Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., used under license. Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. is a U.S. subsidiary of Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd.

2025 Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. All rights reserved.

References

U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Primary myelofibrosis: Medlineplus Genetics. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/primary-myelofibrosis/ Dutta A., Nath D, Yang Y, et al. Genetic ablation of Pim1 or pharmacologic inhibition with TP-3654 ameliorates myelofibrosis in murine models. Leukemia. 2022; 36 (3): 746-759. doi: 10.1038/s41375-021-01464-2. Foulks JM, Carpenter KJ, Luo B, et al. A small-molecule inhibitor of PIM kinases as a potential treatment for urothelial carcinomas. Neoplasia. 2014;16(5):403-412.

SOURCE Sumitomo Pharma America
AI-powered pricing platform helps revenue managers focus on strategy, not spreadsheets

WESTFIELD CENTER, Ohio, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TakeUp, a leading provider of AI-powered revenue optimization platforms for independent hotels and an Oracle partner, today announced TakeUp is available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace and can be deployed on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), and integrates with OPERA Cloud via the Oracle Hospitality Integration Platform (OHIP). Oracle Cloud Marketplace is a centralized repository of enterprise applications offered by Oracle and Oracle partners.

TakeUp is available on Oracle Cloud Marketplace and can be deployed on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI)

The TakeUp hotel revenue management platform combines AI-powered learning models with personalized guidance from revenue strategists to optimize room rates in real-time. This powerful combination helps ensure that shifting demand, market conditions, and guest behavior are not only analyzed through machine learning but also refined with human expertise to help maximize revenue impact.

The modern revenue manager faces an overwhelming number of pricing decisions each day. TakeUp helps streamline this process by automating complex, time-consuming tasks. The platform runs real-time simulations across countless scenarios, dynamically adjusting rates to match shifting market conditions. TakeUp acts as a partner, allowing revenue managers to focus on high-level decision-making while helping continuously optimize their pricing strategies in real-time.

A Smarter Approach to Revenue Management

Through this integration, revenue managers can now access:

Near Real-Time Price Sensitivity Analysis  TakeUp's AI can uncover how guests respond to pricing changes, helping revenue managers fine-tune their rates with data-backed precision.

 TakeUp's AI can uncover how guests respond to pricing changes, helping revenue managers fine-tune their rates with data-backed precision. A Continuous Feedback Loop for Smarter Strategy  By tracking pricing decisions and their outcomes, TakeUp can provide ongoing insights that refine future strategies for revenue and profitability.

 By tracking pricing decisions and their outcomes, TakeUp can provide ongoing insights that refine future strategies for revenue and profitability. Intelligent Automation to Save Time  TakeUp can automatically run simulations and adjusts rates based on shifting market conditions, reducing manual guesswork and enabling revenue teams to focus on big-picture strategy.

Oracle Cloud Marketplace is a one-stop shop for Oracle customers seeking trusted business applications and services that offer unique solutions.

OCI is a cloud designed to run any application faster, and more securely, for less. OCI can help address a variety of data privacy, sovereign AI, and low latency requirements as it is the only hyperscaler capable of delivering 150+ AI and cloud services at the edge, in a customer's datacenter, across clouds, or in the public cloud. Oracle's distributed cloud delivers the benefits of the cloud with greater control and flexibility while also providing the consistent performance, SLAs, and global pricing for which OCI has become known.

"Making TakeUp available on the Oracle Cloud Marketplace is a game-changer for independent properties looking to level up their revenue strategy beyond traditional yield management," said Bobby Marhamat, CEO, TakeUp. "TakeUp's participation in Oracle Cloud Marketplace further extends our commitment to the Oracle community and enables customers to reap the benefits of TakeUp's AI-powered revenue management platform. We look forward to leveraging the power of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure to help us achieve our business goals."

By joining Oracle Cloud Marketplace, TakeUp reaffirms its commitment to empowering independent hoteliers with AI-powered revenue intelligence, ensuring they stay competitive in an increasingly competitive industry.

About TakeUp

TakeUp is an AI-powered revenue optimization platform designed specifically for independent hospitality properties. By combining machine learning with expert revenue strategies, TakeUp delivers dynamic pricing solutions that adapt to real-time market conditions. Integrated with leading property management systems, TakeUp helps independent hotels maximize revenue while simplifying operations. To learn more visit http://www.takeup.ai

About Oracle's Partner Program

Oracle's partner program helps Oracle and its partners drive joint customer success and business momentum. The newly enhanced program provides partners with choice and flexibility, offering several program pathways and a robust range of foundational benefits spanning training and enablement, go-to-market collaboration, technical accelerators, and success support. To learn more, visit https://www.oracle.com/partner/.

Trademark

Oracle, Java, MySQL and NetSuite are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. NetSuite was the first cloud companyushering in the new era of cloud computing.

TakeUp Media Contact:

Kelly Campbell

Marketing & Communications

[email protected]

619-895-0029

SOURCE TakeUp
The first edition of the awards, organised by Mobile World Capital in collaboration with B Lab Spain, GSMA Foundry, the State Secretariat for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (SEDIA) and Red. es, received 157 entries from 34 countries.

The winning projects come from 6 countries and offer technological solutions to global challenges such as health, urban sustainability or resource management.

The awarded initiatives will be able to present their solutions at the upcoming MWC26 Barcelona .

The Embrace the Forest initiative from Brazil has been recognised with the Barcelona Horizon Awards, which includes up to 50,000 to carry out a pilot project in Barcelona , using its technology for wildfire prevention.

BARCELONA, Spain, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCapital), in collaboration with GSMA Foundry, B Lab Spain, the State Secretariat for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (SEDIA) and Red. es, held the first edition of the MWCapital Awards: Technologies for a Sustainable Future, recognising six international projects that use technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, data analytics or smart sensors to address the major social and environmental challenges of the 21st century. With these awards, MWCapital highlights the role of technology as a driver of transformation towards a more resilient and sustainable model.

MWCapital Awards ceremony

The ceremony, held at the Mirador Torre Glories, brought together representatives of the 17 finalist projects selected from 157 entries across 34 countries, along with entrepreneurs from the tech ecosystem, social stakeholders, and representatives from public and private institutions committed to purpose-driven innovation.

The jury, formed by experts from organisations such as GSMA, B Lab Spain, Red.es, MIT, AMETIC and the International Telecommunication Union, evaluated the proposals based on innovation, scalability, and real social impact, selecting one winner for each of the five established categories.

The winning projects:

Business Category:

Technology with Purpose ( Spain )  Samsung Electronics Iberia has developed more than 30 accessibility projects based on artificial intelligence, benefiting over half a million people. Notable initiatives include TALLK , which enables basic communication for ALS patients; UNFEAR , which filters out disruptive noises to create more comfortable environments for people with autism; and IMPULSE , which transforms words into rhythmic vibrations through a smartwatch, acting as a silent assistant. All aim to improve lives using technology. (SDG 10: Reduced inequalities)





 Samsung Electronics Iberia has developed more than 30 accessibility projects based on artificial intelligence, benefiting over half a million people. Notable initiatives include , which enables basic communication for ALS patients; , which filters out disruptive noises to create more comfortable environments for people with autism; and , which transforms words into rhythmic vibrations through a smartwatch, acting as a silent assistant. All aim to improve lives using technology. SMEs and Startups Category:

Julieta ( Colombia )  This portable device developed by Salva Health, powered by artificial intelligence, enables early detection of diseases such as breast cancer without the use of radiation or the need for specialised personnel, making healthcare more accessible in underserved regions. Tested in a study involving 2,300 patients across Bogota, Medellin, Cali and Barranquilla, it demonstrated 82% accuracy and 81% sensitivity in detecting abnormalities. Its effectiveness has been validated even in areas with limited infrastructure. (SDG 3: Good health and well-being, and SDG 10: Reduced inequalities)





 This portable device developed by Salva Health, powered by artificial intelligence, enables early detection of diseases such as breast cancer without the use of radiation or the need for specialised personnel, making healthcare more accessible in underserved regions. Tested in a study involving 2,300 patients across Bogota, Medellin, and Barranquilla, it demonstrated 82% accuracy and 81% sensitivity in detecting abnormalities. Its effectiveness has been validated even in areas with limited infrastructure. Research Centres Category:

SIMPaCT ( Australia )  The IoT-powered smart irrigation system from Western Sydney University optimises urban cooling and water efficiency. Using an AI-based model, sensors and digital twins, it adjusts water use in real-time according to environmental conditions. It has achieved a water consumption reduction of between 44% and 70% compared to conventional systems. Unlike scheduled irrigation, SIMPaCT combines live monitoring, weather forecasting and machine learning algorithms to offer a scalable solution for urban climate resilience. (SDG 13: Climate action)





 The IoT-powered smart irrigation system from Western optimises urban cooling and water efficiency. Using an AI-based model, sensors and digital twins, it adjusts water use in real-time according to environmental conditions. It has achieved a water consumption reduction of between 44% and 70% compared to conventional systems. Unlike scheduled irrigation, SIMPaCT combines live monitoring, weather forecasting and machine learning algorithms to offer a scalable solution for urban climate resilience. Non-profit Category:

Nut4Health ( Mauritania )  This project by SIC4Change tackles child malnutrition and improves maternal and child health in vulnerable communities through advanced technology. It has already supported over 1,200 families in Assaba and proposes a scalable, sustainable model. Its approach integrates blockchain, machine learning and smart contracts to ensure transparency in fund management and incentivise early diagnosis of children through a results-based payment system. (SDG 3: Good health and well-being)





 This project by SIC4Change tackles child malnutrition and improves maternal and child health in vulnerable communities through advanced technology. It has already supported over 1,200 families in Assaba and proposes a scalable, sustainable model. Its approach integrates blockchain, machine learning and smart contracts to ensure transparency in fund management and incentivise early diagnosis of children through a results-based payment system. Public Institutions Category:

Data-driven city for citizens ( Finland )  Tampere's smart city initiative uses AI and digital twins to enhance sustainability and citizen engagement. Tampere Pulse, accessible via web and mobile, predicts visitor flow in the city centre using real-time data from cameras, weather and events. Based on the IoT-TICKET platform, it helps residents, businesses and authorities optimise resources, schedules and decision-making, driving economic revitalisation. (SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities)

These projects will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions at the next edition of MWC Barcelona, gaining access to a key international platform to increase visibility and foster strategic collaborations.

In addition, as the winner of the Barcelona Horizon Award, the Embrace the Forest initiative from Brazil will receive up to 50,000 to pilot its solution in Barcelona. Its technology, Pantera, is a wildfire management software that uses artificial intelligence to prevent, detect, and analyse the impact of wildfires, to reduce CO emissions. Currently, Pantera monitors over 17.5 million hectares, including tiger reserves in India and natural areas in Brazil, achieving up to an 85% reduction in burned areas and a 70% cut in operational costs. By combining AI, real-time data analysis and drones, it can detect fires within seconds, enabling rapid and effective responses that minimise wildfire damage. (SDG 13: Climate action)

Recognising technology with purpose

During the event, the CEO of Mobile World Capital Barcelona, Francesc Fajula, remarked that "today, technological progress must consider not only economic criteria but also social and environmental ones." He further noted that "technology is our best ally in building a more sustainable, fair and equitable society."

Meanwhile, the CEO of GSMA Ltd., John Hoffman, stated: "MWCapital Awards are a powerful reminder that technology, when deployed ethically and inclusively, can accelerate progress toward one of the world's most urgent goals. The awards showcase projects that deliver real and measurable impact, from improving health outcomes and urban resilience to fighting climate change. At the GSMA, we are proud to champion innovation that drives digital transformation with purpose, and we look forward to seeing these remarkable initiatives take the global stage at MWC26 Barcelona."

In the same vein, the Director General of Red.es, Jesus Herrero, added: "These awards represent a magnificent opportunity to showcase the best international projects where new technologies are being applied to achieve a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive world. Climate change and the technological revolution require governments, businesses, and citizens alike to take action towards a green and digital transition".

Additionally, the Interim Executive Director of B Lab Spain, Lucas Hunter, highlighted: "At B Lab Spain, we welcome initiatives like the MWCapital Awards that shine a spotlight on the real, measurable impact of technological innovation. These projects show that it is possible to combine technical excellence with business models that prioritise people and the planet. Recognising this kind of leadership and promoting strategic frameworks such as the B Corp standards is key to accelerating the transition towards an economic model capable of addressing today's challenges".

With the MWCapital Awards, Mobile World Capital Barcelona reaffirms its commitment to technology as a driver of economic and social transformation. These awards, aligned with the United Nations' 2030 Agenda, recognise tech solutions with the greatest potential to contribute to the world's biggest challenges.

In its first edition, the MWCapital Awards recognised the most innovative technology projects internationally, not only for their technical excellence but also for their ambition to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators committed to improving lives and the planet.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2709907/MWCapital_Awards.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2289657/5367925/Mobile_World_Capital_Barcelona_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Mobile World Capital Barcelona
LONDON, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Foundation is proud to support The Habbit Factory, a London-based charity that uses the power of theatre and creativity to help children build self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of self-expression. This partnership reflects Vantage Foundation's commitment to community engagement and inclusive empowerment for young people  especially those from underserved or disadvantaged backgrounds.

Vantage Foundation Joins The Habbit Factory to Empower Young Voices Through Creative Confidence

The Habbit Factory has been a champion of creative youth development for over 20 years. With a focus on inclusiveness and emotional support, the organisation designs theatre-based programmes for children and teens to improve public speaking, storytelling, and personal confidence. Today, the charity supports 156 young people through its membership programme and reaches hundreds more through school outreach and education partnerships.

As part of its continued mission to uplift communities, Vantage Foundation volunteers joined The Habbit Factory's creative workshop, lending their time and energy to inspire the next generation. Among them was Ben Joseph, who brought his background in dance and performing arts to the session.

"Many of these children come from disadvantaged backgrounds and may lack self-esteem or confidence," said Ben Joseph. "By earning their trust and creating a supportive space, we help them grow, express themselves, and discover who they are. The Habbit Factory is a safe and empowering place for every child, and I'm proud to have contributed to something so meaningful."

The charity's impact is driven largely by volunteers  many of whom are former participants who return to give back. This cycle of mentorship and transformation lies at the heart of The Habbit Factory's enduring success.

"We thoroughly enjoyed hosting the Vantage Foundation at The Habbit Factory. It was a meaningful opportunity for both teams to connect, share ideas, and learn from each other's approaches to community impact," said Lee Giles, Artistic Director & CEO of The Habbit Factory.

"Supporting The Habbit Factory aligns deeply with our mission at Vantage Foundation," said Steven Xie, Executive Director of the Vantage Foundation. "We believe in building confidence through creativity and connection. Seeing our volunteers actively participate in such a powerful, community-led initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating meaningful impact in the lives of young people."

Together, Vantage Foundation and The Habbit Factory demonstrate the incredible potential of partnerships rooted in compassion, creativity, and shared purpose. Through this collaboration, they aim to build a future where every child has not only the voice  but also the confidence  to use it.

Vantage Foundation

Vantage Foundation is an independent charitable organization launched at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK in 2023. The foundation has partnered with organisations worldwide, including Grab Indonesia, the iREDE Foundation in Nigeria, Teach for Malaysia, and Instituto Claret in Brazil, to drive impactful social initiatives.

For more information, please visit www.vantage.foundation

SOURCE Vantage Foundation
Funding will support innovative solutions to increase affordable housing and deliver support services to low-income and vulnerable populations across Virginia

RICHMOND, Va., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Virginia Housing announced $1.7 million in funding for five organizations through the Innovation Grant Program, which is aimed at driving breakthroughs in housing affordability and services across the state.

"Creating safe, affordable and quality housing is foundational to building thriving communities, and Virginia Housing encourages holistic innovation that supports ingenuity in housing solutions," said Virginia Housing CEO Tammy Neale. "Through our Innovation Grant Program, we are supporting our partners and investing in cutting-edge technologies that create more housing opportunities and more efficient and creative ways to help Virginians, as well as affirming the Commonwealth as a national leader in housing innovation."

The Innovation Grant Program is designed to support solutions that address the housing needs of low- and moderate-income households. By fostering innovative technical and process-based approaches, Virginia Housing seeks to pave the way for scalable and replicable models that can transform housing affordability and services over the long term. Virginia Housing evaluates applications based on the novelty of the innovation, its potential for replication, and the applicant's approach to assessing and sharing their results.

The program offers three distinct types of grants: Innovation Planning, Innovation Program and Innovation Construction. Innovation Planning Grants provide up to $50,000 for exploring innovative ideas that are not yet ready for implementation. This grant is awarded on a noncompetitive basis to all eligible applicants. Innovation Program Grants offer up to $200,000 to organizations integrating new approaches to programs, services and financing. This includes advancements in property management, community engagement and funding models. Innovation Construction Grants allocate up to $500,000 to support innovative construction methods that reduce costs and construction time. This can involve the development of affordable materials or new techniques that conserve resources while improving quality and efficiency.

To learn more, visit VirginiaHousing.com.

2025 Innovation Grant Program Awardees:

Moton Circle Innovation Project

Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority

$500,000

Funding will support the comparison of the key elements and metrics of two building types including cost, impact, market appeal and flexibility. The plan will include an innovative approach to construction of 28 residential townhome units, 14 of which will be stick-built and 14 modular units. An additional 20 units will be incorporated in the future.

Prefabricated Approaches and Volunteer-based Enhancements (PAVE) for

Virginia Nonprofit Builders

Virginia Center for Housing Research (VCHR) at Virginia Tech

$400,000

In partnership with Habitat for Humanity affiliates across Virginia, VCHR will utilize the Prefabricated Approaches and Volunteer-based Enhancements (PAVE) method to reduce labor risks, materials costs and increase access to affordable housing options. PAVE is an innovative building approach optimizing volunteer-based homebuilding systems, and funding will specifically increase access for local Habitat affiliates to high-performance housing, including training, software-based design, volunteer-based pre-assembly and site-based assembly, and performance monitoring.

YWCA Richmond Housing Campus

YWCA Richmond

$400,000

Funding will support the construction of The Heights, a multi-use development that will provide deeply affordable housing, early childhood education and comprehensive supportive services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The grant will support construction costs, and equipment and administrative expenses, ensuring the successful development of this community resource. The Heights will provide a survivor-centered, trauma-informed housing model with no fixed time limits, allowing individuals to progress at their own pace.

Solar Lease Program for Low-Income Homeowners

Habitat for Humanity Virginia

$200,000

Funding will expand the installation of solar panels on the homes of Habitat homeowners. The grant will foster program sustainability and continue the implementation of the solar-lease model, ensuring that the homeowner's investment into their system does not hinder their ability to realize financial savings from the first day the panels are active.

Mobile Drop-in Center

Pathway Homes Inc.

$200,000

This grant will support innovative services delivered through PathV, a comprehensive drop-in center for people experiencing homelessness. This mobile unit will be the only one of its kind in the region and will travel to homeless encampments to provide community-based supports.

About Virginia Housing

By investing in the power of home, Virginia Housing transforms where and how thousands of Virginians live and thrive, strengthening communities and the economy. Virginia Housing has worked for over 50 years in partnership with the public and private sectors to help Virginians attain quality, affordable housing. While receiving no state taxpayer dollars, Virginia Housing raises money in capital markets to provide mortgages to first-time homebuyers, financing for rental developments and neighborhood revitalization efforts. Virginia Housing invests in innovations in affordable housing and makes homes for people with disabilities and older Virginians more livable. Learn more at VirginiaHousing.com and review the most recent annual report.

SOURCE Virginia Housing
Funds and technical support will help 2025 winner bring seasonal bakery to Detroit

DETROIT, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The winning small business of the 2025 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown has been announced! Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe is the winner of the 13th annual Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, taking home the $100,000 grand prize from Comerica Bank to open the brick-and-mortar business of their dreams in Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park, as well as a business support package from TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University's entrepreneurship hub.

Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe earns the $100,000 grand prize as part of the 2025 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown.

Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe is a seasonally driven, small-batch, Black woman-owned bakery that specializes in viennoiseries such as croissants, Danish pastries, brioche and specialty bread. It focuses on Michigan seasonal produce and flavors from both the Midwest and the South, offering unique flavor combinations alongside delicious classics.

Lauren Ellis, founder and owner, has been a pastry chef for over a decade and worked in New York, Chicago and Sydney, Australia. Her business is named after her grandmother, who Ellis looks to as an inspiration of hard work and staying true to herself.

With the $100,000 business grant from Comerica Bank, Ellis plans to open a storefront in District 5, where her grandmother lived.

This year, the three runner-up finalists were also awarded a $10,000 grant to assist with the opening of their storefronts, courtesy of TechTown's Small Business Support Hub grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

"TechTown is proud of Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe's win and excited to continue to support the business as it grows into a staple in the local community," said Christianne Malone, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development at Wayne State University and Chief Program Officer of TechTown Detroit. "All of this year's Top 4 businesses will bring vitality to Detroit's small business ecosystem, and TechTown will continue to work with these entrepreneurs to help them bring their dream businesses to life and strengthen the communities in which they will be based."

Throughout the 2025 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest, public voting determined which businesses advanced in the competition, narrowing 10 semi-finalists down to four finalists. After more than 21,000 votes were cast, the four finalists  Detroit Culture & Clay, Halie & Co, Livy's Sweet Rolls and Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe  were selected.

A second round of public voting opened on June 2 and concluded at tonight's event after each of the finalists pitched their business ideas live to a panel of judges and an audience of their community, families and peers.

Public votes and the judges' deliberation were taken into consideration in crowning Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe as the winner of the Hatch Off event on Wednesday, June 11, at the Wayne State University Industry Innovation Center in Detroit.

"Comerica Bank works extensively with small businesses and recognizes the hard work by each of the top four finalists. Each of these entrepreneurs has a promising future, as their retail storefront locations enhance our community," said Meghan Storey, Senior Vice President, Michigan Director of Small Business at Comerica Bank. "The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown continues to foster some of the best and brightest small business owners through access to capital guidance and technical assistance. Congratulations to Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe  we look forward to watching this company flourish and provide value in their neighborhood and surrounding area."

Overall, including this year's contributions and grants, Comerica Bank and the Comerica Charitable Foundation have invested approximately $1.3 million into Hatch Detroit since it first began supporting the small business program in 2012.

Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe joins previous winners that are now some of Detroit's most successful and well-known businesses, including G.L.A.M. Body Scrubs (2024), Bouncing Around The Motor City (2023), Little Liberia (2022), 27th Letter Books (2019), Baobab Fare (2017), Meta Physica Massage (2016), Sister Pie (2014), Batch Brewing Company (2013) and La Feria (2012).

To learn more about the Hatch Detroit contest, visit HatchDetroit.com.

Comerica Bank, a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated, has served Michigan longer than any other bank with a continuous presence dating back over 175 years to its Detroit founding in 1849. It is the largest bank employer in metro Detroit and has more than 4,300 employees (FTE) statewide. With one of the largest banking center networks in Michigan, Comerica nurtures lifelong relationships with unwavering integrity and financial prudence. Comerica positively impacts the lives of Michigan residents by helping customers be successful, providing financial support that assists hundreds of charitable organizations, and actively participating in Detroit's downtown revitalization. Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) is a financial services company strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Comerica, X: @ComericaBank and Instagram: @comerica_bank.

TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University's entrepreneurship hub, is a nonprofit business service organization that provides programs, education and resources for early- to growth-stage small businesses and tech entrepreneurs. By building bridges for entrepreneurs to succeed, TechTown is accelerating an inclusive economy for Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Since 2007, TechTown has supported more than 6,090 companies, which created 2,277 jobs and raised more than $406 million in startup and growth capital. For more information, visit techtowndetroit.org.

Hatch Detroit supports both existing and new retail initiatives in the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. Hatch Detroit was founded in 2011 to give residents and aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to have a voice in neighborhood retail development and joined TechTown Detroit's suite of entrepreneurial programs and services in 2022. Beyond the contest, Hatch Detroit provides funding, exposure and mentoring in support of its alumni entrepreneurs. With support from Hatch Detroit, 50 alumni have opened businesses. They employ over 500 people and have invested over $10 million in economic development. To learn more, visit hatchdetroit.com.

SOURCE Comerica Bank
New Survey Finds Only 1 in 4 Employees Strongly Agree Their Employer Cares About Their Well-Being

PORTLAND, Ore., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Employee well-being and mental health have declined over the past year, and fewer employees feel that their organizations' care about their well-being, according to a new study from the WebMD Health Services Center for Research.

Workplace Well-Being in 2025, released today, is based on the 2025 Workplace and Employee Surveyan initiative designed to better understand the dynamics surrounding employees and their perceptions of well-being, work, and the workplace.



Key Findings

Only 1 in 4 employees (25%) strongly agree that their organization cares about their well-being.

Employees with a strong sense of organizational care report 56% higher engagement, 37%

lower burnout, and higher intent to stay with their company.

Workplace mental health is shaped by both professional and personal pressures, yet many

employees feel their needs aren't being met.

The perception of organizational care remains low across industries, roles, and work

arrangementsdespite growing investments in employee well-being and support programs.



Click here to view the full Workplace Well-Being in 2025 report.

Mental Health Struggles Persist as Employees Feel Less Supported at Work

There was a 14-point drop from 2024 to 2025 in the percentage of employees reporting "Excellent" mental health. Female employees rated their mental health lower than male employees, with the largest gaps seen among Gen Z and Millennial workersdifferences of 21% and 19%, respectively. These disparities may reflect life transitions more common in these age groups, including early career pressures and caregiving responsibilities. By identifying these vulnerable populations, employers have an opportunity to tailor mental health interventions to those most in need. "The decline in employee mental health over the past year is a clear signal that organizations must prioritize well-being and support systems more than ever," said Erin Seaverson, Senior Director of the Center for Research at WebMD Health Services. "As the workplace continues to evolve, fostering an environment that values mental health is essential to not only support employees but also to drive organizational success."

Work and Life Pressures Both Impact Mental Health

Employees with better mental health reported higher levels of engagement, a stronger sense of belonging, and more positive perceptions of organizational care. Additionally, mental health was found to be positively correlated with life satisfaction and negatively correlated with life stress. These findings highlight the need to view mental health as interconnected with both work and personal life.

Employee Perception of Organizational Support Remains Low

Only 25% of employees strongly agree that their organization cares about their well-being. The study found that this perception has declined by 5% from 2024 to 2025, signaling increased uncertainty or dissatisfaction with workplace well-being support. Perceptions of care vary across industries, work arrangements, and roles, with senior leaders being 28 percentage points more likely than individual contributors to agree that their organization cares about their well-being. This disconnect is crucial to address, as leaders play a key role in shaping organizational culture. Identifying and addressing these gaps will help create a more consistent experience for all employees.

The Impact of Organizational Care Extends Beyond the Workplace

Employees who feel cared for are more likely to thriveboth professionally and personally. Those with a strong perception of organizational care report 56% higher engagement, 37% lower burnout, and greater retention compared to those who feel less supported. Outside of work, they also experience higher overall well-being and life satisfaction. "Investing time and energy into building a strong culture of care is a smart strategic decision for any organization," said Seaverson. "The impact of organizational care is profound, both within the workplace and beyond. Care truly matters."

Survey Methodology

The online survey, conducted by the WebMD Health Services Center for Research, gathered responses from more than 4,000 full-time employees based in the United States. It gathered data on five core concepts related to employee experience, including well-being and mental health, organizational care, employee engagement, burnout, and quality of life. Additional data gathered included individual demographics and job-related details, along with organizational factors, including industry sector, organization size, work arrangement, employee role, and tenure. The margin of error for the survey was +/- 2%.

About WebMD Health Services

WebMD Health Services, a part of WebMD Health Corp., has over 25 years of experience driving positive behavior changes. Consumers trust WebMD for reliable, accurate, and clear answers to their most pressing health-related questions. At WebMD Health Services, we tap into these valuable consumer insights to design and implement successful, engaging solutions to help individuals meet their wellbeing needs. We understand that there are numerous paths to reach wellbeing goals. Our expertise, combined with a variety of third-party partner integrations, enables us to deliver unique and personalized experiences across a wide range of industries. See how we support these diverse populations at webmdhealthservices.com.

About WebMD Health Corp.

WebMD Health Corp., an Internet Brands company, is at the heart of the digital health revolution that is transforming the healthcare experience for consumers, patients, healthcare professionals, employers, health plans and health systems. Through public and private online portals, mobile platforms, and health-focused publications, WebMD delivers leading-edge content and digital services that enable and improve decision-making, support and motivate health actions, streamline and simplify the healthcare journey, and improve patient care.

The WebMD Health Network includes WebMD Health, Medscape, WebMD Ignite (encompassing Krames, The Wellness Network and Mercury Healthcare), Jobson Healthcare Information, MediQuality, Frontline, Vitals Consumer Services, Aptus Health, PulsePoint, The Wellness Network, SanovaWorks, MNG Health, MedicineNet, eMedicineHealth, RxList, OnHealth, Medscape Education, and other owned WebMD sites. WebMD, Medscape, CME Circle, Medpulse, eMedicine, MedicineNet, theheart.org and RxList are among the trademarks of WebMD Health Corp. or its subsidiaries.

SOURCE WebMD Health Services
Route Service Representatives Vote to Join Local 745

DALLAS, June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Route service representatives at Vestis voted to join Teamsters Local 745, marking the local's first organizing win in the laundry industry in nearly 20 years. Workers voted for representation to improve pay, working conditions, and job security.

"Most of us have bent over backwards for this company to make it successful. We deserve to be paid and treated fairly," said Jeff Hinestorsa, a member of the organizing committee. "We really needed to make a change  and the Teamsters are that change."

"This organizing victory will open doors for more workers in the laundry industry to recognize their collective power, inspiring them to stand together and demand better wages, benefits, and working conditions," said Brent Taylor, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 745 and Southern Region International Vice President. "This win sends a clear message that when workers unite under the Teamsters banner, real change is possible."

Teamsters Local 745 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the surrounding communities. For more information, go to teamsters745.org.

Contact:

Lena Melentijevic, (202) 624-8730

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 745
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the Global Security Forum on Thursday, called for a common policy and unity that strengthens the global weight of the EU and NATO.

"I ask you to support decisions that will not leave aside European nations that deserve EU and NATO membership. This applies to Ukraine, Moldova, the Balkan countries and others. Everyone deserves fair decisions. And I call on you to support every initiative that strengthens the global weight of the EU and NATO," Zelenskyy said.

"After all, only through true unity can we create security conditions for our neighbors - conditions that will make them safe for us and force them to act in a way that does not threaten anyone, including themselves," he stressed.

According to Zelenskyy, respect for human life is not just a moral value, it is a security factor.

"Therefore, our common policy must provide support for those who value life and restrictions for those who show contempt for it. This can only be done at the level of the whole of Europe and the Euro-Atlantic community," he said at the Global Security Forum.

Zelenskyy emphasized that only together are we strong enough to protect our way of life and life itself.
Partnership with Baleon Capital Will Accelerate Growth and Innovation in Rentable Items and Parking

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zark , a groundbreaking service that optimizes parking availability at multifamily communities and provides residents with easy access to leasing garages, storage spaces and amenities through Rentable Items, today announced the successful completion of its Series A funding round led by Baleon Capital ("Baleon"). This partnership enhances Zark's existing roster of prominent investors, including notable current and former executives from the multifamily sector.

Baleon Founder and Managing Partner Jon Kaiden and Zark CEO Todd Katler share a long-standing, trusted relationship, having previously collaborated on initiatives that drove significant industry advancements. This latest round of funding is pivotal in expanding Zark's innovative offerings, particularly with the company's Rentable Items solution, which has garnered opportunities exceeding one million units with multiple operators just a few months after its introduction to the market .

"We are excited to welcome Baleon to our family of investors. Since 2023, Zark has achieved remarkable growth of 400%, and we are optimistic about doubling that growth this year," Katler stated. "Our premier technology is designed to empower property owners and operators, enabling them to generate ancillary income while simultaneously enhancing the living experience for residents. The net result fosters a win-win situation for all parties involved."

Zark's parking and Rentable Items technologies are designed with both residents and property managers in mind. The cost-effective solutions require zero capital expenditure and offer easy implementation, eliminating the stress of any on-site or technological change management. By leveraging Zark's platform, multifamily property owners can increase revenue, improve resident satisfaction and optimize portfolio performance and value.

"We deeply believe in Zark's vision and commitment to enhancing the resident experience," Kaiden said. "This funding marks a significant milestone, and we are excited to support Zark's visionary solutions that will fundamentally change the way property owners and residents interact. Together, we are paving the way for a more efficient and profitable future for multifamily communities."

Utilizing the Zark mobile and desktop apps, residents can easily reserve parking spots, garages, storage spaces and more. They can customize amenities and rentable items to book hourly, daily or monthly reservations. This approach provides communities with a straightforward solution that generates revenue for properties while empowering residents to add customization to their community life on their terms.

About Zark

A leading technology-enabled parking and amenities management provider, Zark improves the resident experience by reducing frustration and generating ancillary income for operators. Zark optimizes parking with an intuitive platform that enables residents and guests to reserve underutilized spaces, as well as streamlines parking enforcement for property teams with real-time tracking, customizable violations and towing coordination. Additionally, Zark's new Rentable Items feature helps properties maximize their amenities by offering hourly, daily and monthly rentals for garages, storage units and other assetsenhancing the resident experience and driving meaningful ancillary income for operators without capital expense or hefty fees. For more information, visit zarkparking.com or LinkedIn .

About Baleon Capital

Baleon supports founders in growth stage B2B companies across healthcare and tech-enabled business services. Baleon's mission is to partner with exceptional founders seeking more than just capital, as Baleon offers comprehensive support throughout the entire business lifecycle. Leveraging Baleon's proprietary advisory network and operational expertise, Baleon facilitates rapid and efficient growth. For more information, visit Baleon Capital's website at baleoncapital.com .

Media Contact

LinnellTaylor Marketing

Darcey Leach, Account Manager

303.682.5005

[email protected]

SOURCE Zark Parking
New data reveals that your ZIP code can increase car insurance costs by 2040%, while a poor credit score may lead to a shocking 60% increase; learn how to fight back and save money by understanding these hidden factors and shopping smart.

LOS ANGELES, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new analysis from CheapInsurance.com reveals that where you live and how you manage your credit may significantly affect what you pay for car insurance even more than your driving history. The findings are part of a broader education initiative tied to the company's latest report, How Often Should You Get a Car Insurance Quote?, which encourages drivers to regularly reassess their policies as insurers weigh unexpected factors in premium pricing.

Key insights from the report and supporting data include:

Zip code and credit score can increase your insurance costs more than driving record, but 2 in 3 drivers are unaware. Post this

Your ZIP Code Can Add Hundreds to Your Annual Premium : According to CheapInsurance.com's analysis in Does Your Zip Code Impact Your Car Insurance Rates? , urban residents in high-density or high-claim areas can pay 2040% more than drivers in neighboring ZIP codeseven when all other factors are equal. Theft rates, accident frequency, and even weather events can all play a role.

: According to CheapInsurance.com's analysis in Does Your Zip Code Impact Your Car Insurance Rates? , urban residents in high-density or high-claim areas can pay than drivers in neighboring ZIP codeseven when all other factors are equal. Theft rates, accident frequency, and even weather events can all play a role. Credit Score is Quietly One of the Biggest Factors in Pricing : Many drivers don't realize that their credit score can be as impactful as their driving record when it comes to setting rates. In The Role of Credit Score in Determining Insurance Rates , CheapInsurance.com found that drivers with poor credit may pay up to 60% more than those with excellent credit even if they have a clean driving record.

: Many drivers don't realize that their when it comes to setting rates. In The Role of Credit Score in Determining Insurance Rates , CheapInsurance.com found that drivers with than those with excellent credit even if they have a clean driving record. 2 in 3 Drivers Don't Know These Rules Exist : Consumer sentiment is one of confusion and frustration. According to internal surveys, fewer than 1 in 3 drivers are aware that non-driving factors like ZIP code and credit can impact their rates. The result? Many overpay without realizing they're being penalized for something unrelated to their behavior behind the wheel.

: Consumer sentiment is one of confusion and frustration. According to internal surveys, fewer than are aware that non-driving factors like ZIP code and credit can impact their rates. The result? Many overpay without realizing they're being penalized for something unrelated to their behavior behind the wheel. Americans can get the best deal by checking their quote every 6-12 months : The article emphasizes the power of regular comparison shopping. With rates shifting due to economic and underwriting trends, checking quotes every 612 months is one of the most effective ways to save especially for those who've recently improved their credit or moved to a lower-risk area.

"Drivers are often told that safe driving saves money. But too often, your ZIP code or FICO score does more to shape your premium than your time behind the wheel," said Fausto Bucheli, Founder & President at CheapInsurance.com. "We're committed to helping drivers take back control by understanding how the system worksand how to beat it."

The Bottom Line: Knowledge is Savings CheapInsurance.com offers a growing suite of tools and resources to help consumers better understand what's behind their rates and how to reduce them. From location-based quote comparisons to guidance on improving insurability, the platform helps drivers optimize their coverage without compromising protection.

Explore the Full Report Visit CheapInsurance.com to read How Often Should You Get a Car Insurance Quote? and access comparison tools, savings tips, and expert advice.

About CheapInsurance.com

Founded in 1974, CheapInsurance.com is a trusted insurance solutions broker dedicated to helping individuals and families across the United States find affordable, high-quality insurance coverage. With nearly five decades of experience, the company partners with top-rated national insurers to offer a wide array of products, including auto, SR-22, motorcycle, home, renters, life, health, RV, and boat insurance. CheapInsurance.com simplifies the insurance shopping process through its user-friendly online platform, providing instant quotes tailored to each customer's unique needs. By combining unbeatable affordability with reliable coverage options, the company ensures that customers can secure the protection they need without compromising on quality. Headquartered in Chino Hills, California, CheapInsurance.com is committed to delivering exceptional service and value to its clients nationwide. For more information, visit www.cheapinsurance.com or contact [email protected].

SOURCE Cheapinsurance.com
The Kyiv community has handed over a batch of aid to the fighters of the 112th Kyiv Ground Defense Brigade and the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade of the Ground Forces, the capital's mayor Vitaliy Klitschko reported.

"The capital's community continues to help our military. And today, the fighters of the 112th Kyiv Land Defense Brigade have handed over another 2,400 UAVs of various types to the front. In particular, 2,300 attack FPV drones (including fiber-optic ones), 100 reconnaissance night and thermal drones, five ground UAV control stations. Before that, since the beginning of 2025, the capital has handed over 2,000 UAVs of various types to the soldiers of the 112th. Together with today's ones, this is already over 4,000," Klitschko wrote in the telegram channel.

In addition, the fighters of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade named after of the Kosh Ataman Ivan Sirko, the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received five trucks.

"Let me remind you that this year the Kyiv City Council has already allocated UAH 6 billion to support the defense and security forces. With this money, the defenders are purchasing extremely necessary equipment - drones, automotive equipment, electronic warfare systems. We will continue to help our military, constantly looking for any opportunities for this," Klitschko added.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has tasked the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, together with the Ministry of Finance, to develop a mechanism that will allow all work on the construction and arrangement of shelters to be completed on time.

"The government pays priority attention to frontline territories, because they have a double burden - to take care of citizens and at the same time assist the Defense Forces in the defense of Ukraine. During a government meeting in the Dnipro region, problematic issues of the region were discussed and specific support steps were identified. A list of specific instructions was formed for ministries and departments in various areas," Shmyhal wrote on Telegram.

In particular, the Prime Minister tasked the regional military administration, together with the Ministry of Finance, to develop a mechanism that will allow all work on the construction and arrangement of shelters to be completed on time.

"Another direction is supporting the capacity of communities. More than UAH 1.2 billion of various subsidies and subventions for the region have been included in the state budget for this year. According to the World Bank, the needs for the restoration of the Dnipro region reach $19 billion, and this is an incomplete figure, because since the assessment was conducted, the volume of destruction has increased. In total, this year the state has reserved more than UAH 3.2 billion for the region for various reconstruction programs," he added.

In addition, according to him, the Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources were tasked with developing a budget program to compensate for the difference in tariffs that arose due to the destruction of the Kakhovka hydro power plant (HPP_.

"People should not overpay because of the Russian terrorist attack, and continue to pay the same tariff that was before the HPP was blown up. This applies to all regions affected by this," he added.

Among other things, the meeting gave instructions on urgent repair work on networks and other energy facilities, in particular the Kryvyi Rih (Combined Heat and Power Plant) CHP.

"Special attention is paid to providing social housing for IDPs. The Dnipro region has received the largest number of internally displaced persons. Only 453,000 are officially registered. We discussed the implementation of social programs and their financing. We instructed the Ministry of Development and the State Agency for Reconstruction to closely coordinate this issue with the regional military administration. We also discussed the evacuation of the population from frontline territories. We heard reports. According to the officials, everything is going according to plan, the situation is under control," Shmyhal said.
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
New York, June 12 : An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to over six years in prison for his involvement in a nearly $2 million scheme to defraud senior citizens by using call centres abroad.

Giving him the 75-month sentence on Wednesday, Federal Judge William Jung also ordered Pranav Patel to forfeit $1.79 million that was collected from seniors in Florida and elsewhere.

According to court documents, Patel worked as a "money mule" -- collecting money or gold from victims -- and was convicted of money laundering, which he admitted to, in December.

"Preying on vulnerable, unsuspecting elderly victims to rob them of their hard-earned money is despicable," Secret Service Special Agent Robert Engel said after the sentencing in the federal court in Tampa, Florida.

"Even worse, the defendant's co-conspirators posed as government agents to defraud victims of nearly $2 million, threatening them with arrest if they didn't follow their demands," he said.

Patel was busted when he went to a house to collect what he thought was a box of gold.

Law enforcement officials, who had him under surveillance, arrested him immediately after he picked up the package.

According to court papers, his co-conspirators operating from call centres abroad fraudulently identified themselves as officers from the Treasury Department or other agencies and told the victims that there were "warrants for their arrest".

They were told that they had to pay them to avoid arrest, the documents said.

Sometimes, they also told victims that they had to give their money and gold to the "officers" for safekeeping, according to the documents.

Patel, 33, who lived in New Jersey, drove down to Florida and elsewhere on the East Coast to collect money and gold from seniors who had been threatened by people from the call centres.

One of his victims told the court that because of the scam, he could not pay his mortgage and had to sell his house.
United Nations, June 12 : UN humanitarians have voiced concern over the alarming rise in internal displacement as a result of violence in Haiti.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Wednesday said nearly 1.3 million people are now displaced across the country, citing figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

It represents an increase of 24 per cent since December 2024. It also marks the highest figure ever recorded due to violence in Haiti.

While the capital city of Port-au-Prince remains the epicentre of violence among armed groups, its expansion into other regions, particularly the Centre and Artibonite departments, has triggered large-scale displacement, said OCHA.

In the Centre Department, the number of displaced people has more than doubled in just months, increasing from 68,000 in December 2024 to over 145,000 in June this year, reports Xinhua news agency, citing the OCHA data.

In Artibonite, more than 90,000 people have fled their homes since December, and the Department of the North has seen an increase of nearly 80 per cent in displacement. Displaced families are often forced to settle in informal sites or overcrowded host households with limited access to basic services, said the office.

Since December, the number of spontaneous displacement sites has risen sharply -- from 142 to 246 -- with the most significant increase observed in the Centre Department, which previously had none. Today, it hosts 85 active sites. Meanwhile, 83 per cent of displaced people are hosted by families, creating additional pressure on already fragile rural communities, it said.

The IOM has scaled up its operations in the metropolitan zone of Port-au-Prince, reaching over 20,000 people with essential household items, delivering 3 million litres of clean water, and providing basic health care to 6,000 people. Mental health and psychosocial support have also been extended to more than 8,500 people, said OCHA.

It noted that this sharp rise in displacement comes at a time when humanitarian access is increasingly restricted, and funding remains critically low. Without urgent support to meet growing needs and address the structural drivers of displacement, the crisis will deepen further, placing even more pressure on already overstretched systems and communities.
Mexico City, June 12 : Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has said that people "must always keep a cool head" when dealing with the United States and "always value everything in its proper context" after a senior American official said she "encouraged" migrant protests in Los Angeles, California.

During her daily morning press conference at the National Palace on Wednesday (Mexico time), the Mexican president denied that she or the ruling National Regeneration Movement (Morena) is encouraging the violent protests, an accusation levelled by US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and the political opposition in Mexico.

Sheinbaum said statements she made three weeks ago about peacefully opposing a US bid to tax remittances were taken out of context, reports Xinhua news agency.

"We have never called for a violent demonstration, never in our entire lives," said Sheinbaum.

At a White House event on Tuesday, Noem said, "Claudia Sheinbaum came out and encouraged more protests in LA, and I condemn her for that."

US immigration raids at schools and businesses and mass deportations of undocumented migrants sparked sometimes violent protests in Los Angeles that appeared to escalate after the White House decided to deploy troops to quell the unrest. Many people have been arrested.

"Yesterday, when the Secretary of Homeland Security made this statement, we immediately said: absolutely false, totally false. We have never called for the (violent) actions in Los Angeles," Sheinbaum said.

The president also chided political opposition figures in Mexico who took to social media to repeat the accusations against her and the Morena party.

It "is their right" to disagree, said Sheinbaum, but "the problem is that they are trying to create, fraudulently, a problem between the United States and Mexico, and that is unpatriotic."

Some 61 Mexicans have been arrested in connection with the protests in Los Angeles, she said, adding the government's position is to always defend the rights of Mexicans at home or abroad.

"First, we will always defend Mexicans. Second, we must always act responsibly, with a cool head, in our relationship with the United States. And third, the role that all Mexicans should be playing is defending our fellow citizens who are experiencing a difficult relationship" in the United States, Sheinbaum said.

Finally, the president said she would make the case at a meeting later in the day with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau that Mexicans residing in the United States are hardworking people who deserve recognition that the US economy needs their labour.
Seoul, June 12 : North Korea appears to have paused its broadcasts of loud noises toward South Korea on Thursday, the South's military said, a day after Seoul suspended its yearlong anti-Pyongyang broadcasts along the border.

"There were no areas where North Korea's loudspeaker broadcasts were detected Thursday," the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said, adding it is closely monitoring related movements in North Korea.

The North's broadcasts of loud noises were last heard in the western border area late Wednesday night, a military official said on condition of anonymity.

On Wednesday, President Lee Jae-myung ordered the suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts targeting North Korea in a move aimed at easing tensions and rebuilding trust, according to Yonhap news agency.

The presidential office also cited the need to ease the suffering of border area residents who have been severely affected by the noise involving the sounds of sirens and traditional drums.

Upon Lee's order, the military has halted its loudspeaker broadcasts in the border areas since 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

The suspension came a year after the military resumed the campaign for the first time in six years in June last year, under the former Yoon Suk Yeol government, in response to the North's repeated launch of trash-carrying balloons across the border.

Meanwhile, the North appears to have shifted its broadcasts of loud noises to music in the western border county of Gangwha.

The municipality said it will step up monitoring of the North's loudspeaker broadcasts to see whether such a change continues.
Chennai, June 12 : Amid rising concerns over a possible fresh wave of COVID-19 cases across the country, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that the state's population continues to show a very high level of immunity against the virus, thanks to effective vaccination coverage.

According to the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH&PM), the fifth phase of the statewide serological survey revealed that 97 per cent of blood samples collected had developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

The survey, which began in April this year, focussed on elderly individuals across the six districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchirappalli, Dharmapuri, and Kanniyakumari.

A total of 3,643 blood samples were collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies.

Officials stated that the presence of antibodies even after three years since the onset of the pandemic highlights the long-term effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines administered across the state.

These antibodies play a crucial role in the body's defence mechanism by neutralising the virus and preventing severe illness.

"The high prevalence of antibodies among the general public is the primary reason why recent COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu have shown only mild symptoms, and fatalities are almost nil," the DPH&PM said in a statement.

Dr. Rajani Varrier, Associate Professor of medicine at a private medical college in Salem, noted, "When any infection enters the body, it naturally develops antibodies to fight it. However, vulnerable groups  such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with comorbidities  should continue to exercise caution despite the presence of antibodies."

While the Tamil Nadu government claims that no COVID-19-related deaths have been reported so far this year, data from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare indicates otherwise.

According to the Centre, six COVID-19 deaths have been recorded in the state since January, with over 200 active cases currently under observation.

In response to the nationwide uptick in cases, the Union government recently convened a high-level meeting to assess preparedness.

All states and Union Territories have been instructed to ensure adequate supplies of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines.

As a precautionary measure, Tamil Nadu's health authorities have begun reintroducing certain safety protocols.

In the last week of May, the Directorate of Public Health issued an advisory recommending the use of face masks and physical distancing in public places.

Following this, the Coimbatore Government Medical College Hospital made mask-wearing mandatory within its premises.

Officials maintain that while the current situation is under control, continued vigilance and preventive measures are essential to avoid any resurgence of the virus.
Washington, June 12 : US President Donald Trump has officially launched a new immigration pathway for wealthy foreigners, dubbed the "gold card", offering a route to permanent residency in exchange for a $5 million payment to the government.

The long-discussed program was unveiled on Wednesday through a new government-backed website, trumpcard.gov, where interested individuals can now register their details to join the waiting list.

"For five million $dollars, the Trump card is coming," the US President declared in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

"Thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up to ride a beautiful road in gaining access to the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World," he added.

The program, which Trump promotes as a fast-track immigration option, aims to attract high-net-worth individuals seeking to live and eventually become citizens of the United States.

Marketed as a more sophisticated alternative to the existing EB-5 investor visa, Trump described the gold card as "green card privileges plus."

However, despite the buzz surrounding the announcement, the gold card is not yet available for purchase. According to the official website, users can currently only submit their contact information to be notified once applications open.

"Enter your information below to be notified the moment access opens," reads the message on the homepage of trumpcard.gov.

Clarifying the scope of the program, Trump emphasised that the gold card does not grant immediate citizenship.

"It's somewhat like a green card, but at a higher level of sophistication," Trump said, adding, "It's a road to citizenship for people, and essentially people of wealth or people of great talent."

Reports by USA Today confirm that while the $5 million payment opens the door to permanent residency, it does not guarantee automatic citizenship, which would still require meeting certain legal criteria and residency requirements.

The launch of the gold card comes at a time when Trump continues to champion what he calls "merit-based immigration," positioning the new scheme as a bold move to attract global talent and investment while maintaining stringent control over traditional immigration pathways.
Jaipur, June 12 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched a massive crackdown on Thursday in connection with a Rs 2,700 crore money laundering case involving a real estate scheme. The ED conducted raids at approximately 24 locations across Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

According to agency sources, the ongoing investigation is linked to a large-scale financial fraud related to a real estate scheme named Red Nexa Evergreen.

In Rajasthan, ED teams carried out operations in cities including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu.

Simultaneous raids were also conducted in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) and parts of Delhi. The crackdown is being executed under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The Red Nexa Evergreen project reportedly lured investors with promises of high returns or property allocations a" either flats, land, or premium rates after a fixed tenure.

Allegations suggest that a significant number of investors were duped in the process.

Rajasthan Police had earlier registered an FIR against multiple individuals involved in the fraudulent scheme.

The ED's investigation aims to uncover the financial trail and identify key beneficiaries of the scam. More details are expected to emerge as the search operations continue. Around 24 places are being raided in Rajasthan and Gujarat and Delhi.

The investors in this project were lured to invest their money till a particular time and told that they can get plots and flats in return for their investments.

However investors were duped as none of the promises were allegedly fulfilled.

In the end the frustrated investors filed many FIRs in this regard.

The raids have been conducted keeping money laundering in mind, said officials.

Once the search operation is done, action will be taken against those involved in the fraud.

Rajasthan police were acting in the matter till now, however now that the ED has come into the picture, fresh facts are expected to come out soon in the case, said sources.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the India Steel 2025 programme via video conference, in New Delhi, Thursday, April 24, 2025.. Image Source: IANS

New Delhi, June 12 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded India's young innovators for their pivotal role in advancing technology and driving the nation's self-reliance.

He said over the past 11 years, Digital India has empowered the youth to harness innovation, reinforcing India's position as a global technology powerhouse.

PM Modi also remarked that over the past 11 years, leveraging the power of technology has brought innumerable benefits for the people of India.

In a post on X on Thursday, he wrote, "Powered by the youth of India, we are making remarkable progress in innovation and application of technology. It is also strengthening our efforts to become self-reliant and a global tech powerhouse."

He said this while responding to posts on X by MyGovIndia.

"Leveraging the power of technology has brought innumerable benefits for people. Service delivery and transparency have been greatly boosted. Furthermore, technology has become a means of empowering the lives of the poorest of poor," he further said.

The government is marking eleven years of governance by highlighting its various achievements. In a post on the X, the government explained how Digital India has rebooted governance for every citizen. It said that 11 years ago, a silent digital revolution began reshaping how India connects, governs, and grows.

"Under PM Modi's visionary leadership, the Digital India initiative has turned technology into a tool for empowerment - bridging gaps, unlocking opportunities, and making governance more accessible and transparent for every citizen," the government press release said.

It said that from Internet access in remote villages to real-time digital payments leading the world, this transformation has been there, adding that it is not just about numbers but about people, progress, and possibility.

The government has said that the 11 years of Digital India is a story of inclusive growth, innovation, and India's emergence as a digital powerhouse.

"How India Is Powering the Next Global Digital Wave From digital deserts to a data-driven democracy India's tech journey over the last 11 years is nothing short of revolutionary," the MyGovIndia said in a post on X on Thursday.

It further said that under the leadership of PM Modi, India has transformed into a hub of digital innovation, tech-led governance, and global trust.

From manufacturing to space tech, from digital payments to rural connectivity -- the change is visible, impactful, and lasting. "But this isn't just about devices and platforms. It's about seamless governance, citizen empowerment, and building a tech-first Viksit Bharat," the post mentioned..

Explaining further the digital growth story, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that there has been a more than 90 times rise in direct benefit transfer (DBT) in just a decade under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

Moreover, India leads the world in real-time payments, with more than Rs 260 lakh crore worth of transactions processed in 2024-25, the Finance Minister informed on the X social media platform. "From Rs 7,368 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 6.83 lakh crore in 2024-25, there has been a 90X+ rise in DBT transfer in just a decade under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, ensuring that every rupee reaches to every citizen," said FM Sitharaman.

According to the Finance Minister, India's tech journey over the last 11 years is nothing short of revolutionary. "India has transformed into a hub of digital innovation, tech-led governance, and global trust. From manufacturing to space tech, from digital payments to rural connectivity  the change is visible, impactful, and lasting," she emphasised.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Member of Parliament and a member of its Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence Iryna Friz (European Solidarity faction) has said she considers US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's congratulations to Russia on its national day as his support for Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

"US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Russians on Russia Day. And he did it against the backdrop of destroyed Ukrainian cities, thousands of dead, millions of broken destinies. Congratulating the aggressor is not diplomacy. It is support for aggression and imperial ambitions. It is an attempt to 'find peace' at a time when Russia continues to kill civilians every day and destroy infrastructure. When missiles are flying at Kharkiv, Sumy, Kyiv, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kherson and hundreds of other Ukrainian cities. When drones are dropping deadly charges on residential areas, maternity hospitals, hospitals, schools. When the Kremlin is waging war not only against Ukraine but against everyone who has the strength of spirit to defend freedom and dignity," Friz told the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Thursday.

According to the MP, Rubio's congratulations are one of the most destructive positions, "which is not only publicly aimed at condoning the Kremlin's aggression, but also indicates the loss of US leadership among the countries of the free world."

"Supporting Russia today is like applauding Hitler in 1942. Back then, many people wanted an 'armistice.' But it ended with Nuremberg," Friz said.
New Delhi, June 12 : Three out of four (75 per cent) recruiters in India are investing up to 70 per cent of their hiring budgets in recruitment tech and AI tools, a new report showed on Thursday.

Top three recruitment priorities are finding high-quality candidates with transferable skills (57 per cent), adopting smarter hiring tech (52 per cent), and proving the return on investment (ROI) of hiring investments to C-suite leaders (46 per cent), according to new research from LinkedIn.

Nearly three years into adopting AI at work, Indian recruiters are moving from 'quick hiring' to 'quality hiring'.

However, challenges persist, from ensuring the right mix of soft and technical skills (64 per cent) to hiring fast (58 per cent) and finding candidates who are the right culture fit (54 per cent).

To meet these shifting demands, 69 per cent of Indian recruiters are now using data analytics to make informed hiring decisions and 63 per cent are using AI tools to improve hiring speed and accuracy, said the report.

"With the pressure to hire quickly, many recruiters cast the net wide but not deep, choosing volume over precision. But hiring today demands more. Recruiters need tools that help them find skilled talent who can drive real business outcomes," said Ruchee Anand, Head of LinkedIn Talent Solutions in India.

The opportunity lies in using AI and data to shift from quick-fill roles to high-impact hires.

"Our latest research shows that over half (53 per cent) of recruiters in India already see stronger returns from platforms like LinkedIn, as they shift focus to skills like problem-solving, creativity, and leadership," Anand added.

The quality of hire has become the most important measure of success, cited by 72 per cent of recruiters, followed by time to hire (60 per cent) and revenue per employee (59 per cent).

Recruiters say delays in the process result in losing top candidates to faster competitors (58 per cent), higher workload pressure on teams (64 per cent), and reduced productivity and morale (63 per cent).

The most common causes of delay are structural: lengthy approval processes (58 per cent) and indecision among hiring managers (56 per cent), the report found.

As AI adoption grows, 90 per cent percent of recruiters in India expect to step up as 'strategic career advisors' in their roles, and 92 per cent plan to use personalised content and data insights to engage candidates more effectively, it noted.

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Mumbai, June 12 : As the Maharashtra Congress gears up to hold statewide protests on Thursday, its former state President and senior leader Nana Patole urged President Murmu to order a high-level investigation into the alleged rigging and 'match-fixing' in the Maharashtra Assembly elections held last year.

In a letter, Patole has requested the President to constitute a high-level committee to probe the matter impartially.

He has also demanded that the MahaYuti government comprising BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP should be dismissed till the investigation is completed.

"This is necessitated as the present government has come to power by betraying the trust of the people," he said.

Patole argued that the people of Maharashtra had voted democratically, but the alleged irregularities in the elections have hurt democracy.

He has appealed to the President to ensure that the votes of the people are respected by taking strict action in such cases.

He claimed that there were irregularities in 12,000 polling booths in 82 Assembly constituencies, raising questions over the credibility of votes.

"This is not just a question raised by Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, but by crores of voters residing in villages, hamlets, cities and tribal areas. The common man is asking whether the elections were held impartially? Whether there was a misuse of their votes? Whether there was abduction of their votes in the temple of democracy?" he stated in his letter to the President of India.

"There has been rigging and irregularities in the Assembly elections. It is not just an administrative lapse but an attack on the soul of the Constitution of India and the rights of the voters. This is a matter of serious concern and, therefore, it is the need of the hour to demand an impartial, transparent and independent probe," said Patole.

Patole's letter comes days after Congress leader and LoP Rahul Gandhi in his write up in the media alleged that the Maharashtra Assembly election held in 2024 was a "match-fixing exercise as the scale of rigging was so desperate that despite all efforts to conceal it, telltale evidence has emerged from official statistics, without reliance on any official source, revealing a step-by-step playbook."

In his article, LoP Gandhi further claimed that the polling turnout at 5 PM was 58.22 per cent. The final turnout was reported the next morning to be 66.05 per cent, an unprecedented hike of 7.83 per cent equivalent to 76 lakh voters, which he stated was much higher than previous state Assembly elections in Maharashtra.

Further, Rahul Gandhi claimed in his article, "It is not to guess why rigging in Maharashtra in November 2024 took on such desperate proportions. But rigging is like match-fixing, the fixing side might win a game, but irreparable damage is done to institutions and to people's faith in the result."

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Congress has organised statewide protests today against the alleged stealing of votes in the Assembly elections.

The Congress workers would demand a probe into the alleged poll scam. State unit chief Harshwardhan Sapkal will lead the protest in Gadchiroli district.
Seoul, June 12 : South Korean companies spent a record amount of 83.6 trillion won ($61.1 billion) on research and development (R&D) projects last year as part of efforts to enhance their competitiveness amid an intensifying global technology war, government data showed on Thursday.

The latest reading marks a 15.3 percent increase from the 72.5 trillion-won R&D investments made in 2023, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The tally is a combination of investments made by the top 1,000 companies here in terms of R&D spending, reports Yonhap news agency. Among the 1,000 companies, 709 increased their spending last year, while 291 reduced their investment.

Tech behemoth Samsung Electronics Co. spent the highest amount of 30.2 trillion won in R&D in 2024, followed by its chipmaking rival SK hynix Inc. at 4.5 trillion won, leading car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Co. at 4.3 trillion won and home appliances maker LG Electronics Inc. at 3.4 trillion won.

Korean conglomerates' R&D investments, however, still lagged behind those of their global peers, the ministry said, noting that only 40 local companies were on the list of the top 2,000 global companies that spent big on R&D projects in 2023.

The United States had 681 companies on the list, along with 524 Chinese companies, 185 Japanese, 106 German and 55 Taiwanese firms.

"Companies have been actively expanding their R&D investment despite difficulties amid intensifying industrial technology competition, and we need to continue this trend to compete against our rival countries," Je Kyung-hee, director general for industrial technology convergence policy at the ministry, said in a press release.

"The government will work to share the companies' risks in making investments and strengthen support measures for them, such as streamlining regulations, building infrastructure for testing new technologies and offering financial help."

Meanwhile, South Korea's exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products rose 9.6 percent in May from a year earlier, driven by robust sales of semiconductors and mobile handsets, government data showed.

Outbound shipments of ICT products reached US$20.88 billion last month, up from $19.04 billion a year earlier, the Ministry of Science and ICT said in a press release.

ICT imports rose 0.5 percent on-year to $11.53 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $9.35 billion in the sector.

By product, semiconductor exports surged 21.2 percent on-year to $13.8 billion, fueled by strong demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-related chips.

Exports of computers and communications equipment rose 1.7 percent to $1.2 billion, while mobile phone shipments increased 2.8 percent to $1.05 billion, the data showed.

However, exports of display panels declined 17.5 percent to $1.52 billion, amid growing uncertainty over shifting U.S. tariff policies.

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Mumbai, June 12 : AB Devayya's family has thanked actors Veer Pahariya, who played the Squadron Leader in the film "Sky Force" and Akshay Kumar after the stolen Mahavir Chakra was returned to them.

Mumbai, June 12 (IANS) AB Devayya's family has thanked actors Veer Pahariya, who played the Squadron Leader in the film "Sky Force" and Akshay Kumar after the stolen Mahavir Chakra was returned to them.

The family of the Squadron Leader took to social media and shared an emotional post about the Mahavir Chakra and also thanked Veer and Akshay for the heartfelt support they received from the two actors.

Preetha Devayya, daughter of AB Devayya, wrote in her post: "When Veer came home to meet us and spend time with our family while he was filming Sky Force, he wanted to hear our story. That's when he learnt about what had happened."

"He and Akshay sir took it upon themselves to help us. And today, because of both of them, my mother is holding the Mahavir Chakra once again."

She said that AB Devayya's wife is so touched and emotional.

"She keeps saying she finally feels complete. After all these years, there's peace in her heart Thank you Akshay sir. Thank you Veer. You have given our family a moment we will always treasure," added Preetha.

Veer wrote on Instagram: "This is why I chose to be an actor to spread love, make a difference, and leave a little bit of myself behind in every story."

Squadron Leader AB Devayya, the only Indian Air Force officer to be posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra, was honoured for his bravery in the 1965 Indo-Pak War. A few years ago, the medal was stolen from the family's home, leaving them with a deep sense of loss.

Sky Force is an action drama film centred around India's first airstrike at the Sargodha airbase of Pakistan in the Indo-Pakistani air war of 1965. The film also stars Sara Ali Khan and Nimrat Kaur. It is directed by Abhishek Anil Kapur and Sandeep Kewlani.
Bhubaneswar, June 12 : A shocking incident has rocked the temple town of Puri, where an 80-year-old senior servitor of the Jagannath Temple, Jagannath Dixit, was allegedly murdered under mysterious circumstances.

The incident took place in the Gudia Sahi area under Puri Town Police limits on Wednesday afternoon.

The deceased, a respected servitor from Mahasuar Sahi, had reportedly visited the Jagannath Temple on Wednesday for his daily religious duties.

The deceased's nephew, Bhimsen Dixit, stated, "My uncle had gone to the temple to offer his daily service to the deities on Wednesday. After returning home, this unfortunate incident occurred. We still don't know who is behind this and why."

According to police sources, his body was discovered near Rabeni Square in Gudia Sahi.

Sources said the body was discovered near Rabeni Square in Goudia Sahi. CCTV footage shows a person abandoning the body near the house of Naran Patjoshi, a resident of the same locality. Jagannath Dixit had allegedly gone to Patjoshi's residence to demand repayment of some money, and a quarrel reportedly broke out, which is suspected to have led to the murder.

The police later seized the body and launched an investigation.

Blood stains found on the victim's body further suggest a possible murder.

Puri SP Vinit Agrawal said, "Preliminary investigation suggests the murder may have resulted from personal enmity. We have registered a case and intensified the investigation. Efforts are on to nab the accused, and further details will emerge after the inquiry."

The police arrested the accused Pattjoshi from his in-laws' house at Sasan Damodarpur under Sadar Police limits on Wednesday evening.

He is being questioned by the police will find the actual reason behind the murder.

The incident has sent shockwaves across the servitor community in Puri, and the police are under pressure to bring the culprit to justice swiftly.

This incident, which occurred amidst heavy police deployment on the occasion of Snana Yatra at the Jagannath Temple, also raised a question over the tall claims of the police on the law and order situation in the city.
Seoul, June 12 : South Korea's antitrust regulator said on Thursday that it has rejected a proposed mileage integration plan submitted by Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines, citing insufficient details and consumer benefit concerns.

The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) said the plan, submitted earlier in the day as part of the carriers' broader merger plan, failed to meet the standards necessary to proceed with a formal review, reports Yonhap news agency.

"There were shortcomings in the proposed mileage redemption plan compared to what Asiana Airlines previously offered," the FTC said. "In terms of the proposed mileage integration ratio and other explanations, we found the submission insufficient to initiate a full assessment."

The FTC requested Korean Air to immediately revise and supplement the proposal before resubmitting.

In November 2020, Korean Air signed a deal to acquire a controlling stake in Asiana Airlines, aiming to form the world's 10th-largest airline by fleet size.

The nation's two full-service carriers account for a combined 40 percent of passenger and cargo slots at Incheon International Airport, South Korea's main gateway.

In April, Korean Air Lines, South Korea's leading air carrier, said it plans to invest 1.2 trillion won ($844.3 million) to establish a next-generation aviation research and training hub in Bucheon, west of Seoul.

The company plans to break ground on the 65,800 square-meter facility in 2027, with the opening planned for 2030. It will house more than 1,000 personnel, including researchers and flight instructors, and integrate a drone research centre, a flight training centre and a safety experience facility.

Korean Air said the facility reflects its long-term vision to lead the future of aviation through advanced technologies, pilot training and sustainable practices. The flight training centre, in particular, will consolidate Korean Air and Asiana Airlines Inc.'s training operations to enable the annual training of up to 21,600 pilots.

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New Delhi, June 12 : Delhi-NCR reeled under an intense heatwave on Thursday as temperatures remained dangerously high, touching 36 degrees Celsius by 10 A.M., with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a 'Red Alert' for the national Capital and surrounding areas.

The IMD warned that the sweltering heat would persist throughout the day, with maximum temperatures expected to hover between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius. A gradual decline in temperature is anticipated from Friday, June 13.

The 'Red Alert', the highest-level warning issued by the IMD, urges residents to take serious precautions such as staying hydrated, avoiding direct Sun exposure, and limiting outdoor movement during peak heat hours.

People across the city shared their struggle with the punishing weather.

"It's very hot and it's becoming difficult to come out of our homes. Everyone should take precautions. We are drinking water in short intervals, covering our faces, wearing sunglasses, and avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities," a local told IANS.

A working professional said, "We have to go to the office every day and because of this heatwave, it becomes very difficult for us. Even early in the morning, it remains very hot, so it is very hard to step out of our homes."

"It is hot but we can't really help it. No matter what, we have to get out and go to work. Drinking lemon juice really helps in this scorching heat," a resident told IANS.

"Apart from keeping themselves hydrated in this heat, people should keep water for passersby and birds, animals in their locality to help them survive this killing heat," a Noida resident told IANS.

Despite the oppressive weather, some tourists continued to explore the capital.

A visitor from Karnataka, touring Qutub Minar, told IANS, "It's very hot. Even with so much greenery here, the heat is unbearable. We donat understand why it's this hot. There's greenery, it looks nice, but still, the heat is too much."

Another tourist noted, "Lemon juice is very prevalent in Delhi. They don't have coconut water here in too many places, but we are drinking lemon juice to keep hydrated."

A tourist from Bihar said, "In these summers, people usually avoid visiting tourist places. Today, not many people are here. Because it is so hot, we came to see Qutub Minar early in the morning. Now we will go back to our homes because the heatwave is making standing out in the Sun unbearable."

With the heatwave gripping the capital, health officials and weather experts continue to urge people to remain indoors as much as possible and take all necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Washington, June 12 : The United States has reportedly gone on high alert amid growing concerns of a potential Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, local media reported.

The Trump administration is fearing that Israel may act unilaterally without Washington's consent if negotiations between the US and Iran collapse, according to the Washington Post.

President Donald Trump, addressing the situation on Wednesday, stated that US personnel are being moved out of certain Middle Eastern regions, particularly Iran, due to the escalating risk of conflict.

"They (US personnel) are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we will see what happens... We have given notice to move out," Trump told reporters.

The US State Department has also permitted some diplomatic staff to leave Iraq, while the Pentagon has authorised military families to voluntarily depart from American bases throughout the region.

This uptick in security measures comes as hopes for a nuclear agreement between Washington and Tehran continue to fade, raising the spectre of another military confrontation in the Middle East following the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.

Trump reiterated his uncompromising stance on Iran's nuclear ambitions, asserting, "They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that," when asked whether diplomatic solutions were still possible.

Last month, Axios reported that Israel was preparing for a rapid strike on Iran if the US-Iran talks failed.

Trump has previously threatened military action against Iran should nuclear negotiations stall, and in an interview with the New York Post earlier on Wednesday, admitted he was becoming "less confident" that Tehran would agree to halt uranium enrichment, one of the key conditions demanded by the US.

Recent months have seen rising concerns among US intelligence officials that Tel Aviv might move ahead with a strike on Iran's nuclear infrastructure without notifying Washington.

In response, Iran has warned that any Israeli strike, given the US' role as Israel's key military and political backer, would have direct consequences for the United States.

In a post on X on Thursday, the Iranian government declared, "We are Ready."

Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh issued a stern warning on Wednesday, stating that any attack on Iran would be met with retaliatory strikes on US bases stationed in the Middle East.

In anticipation of potential fallout, Washington has ordered US embassies located within Iran's strike range -- including those in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africa -- to activate emergency action committees.

These missions have been instructed to report back on security measures to mitigate potential risks. The State Department has reportedly also authorised voluntary departures from missions in Bahrain and Kuwait.

This precautionary approach led Secretary of State Marco Rubio to update the global travel advisory on Wednesday, stating, "On June 11, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency US government personnel due to heightened regional tensions."
Hyderabad, June 12 : The unit of director Ram Vamsi Krishna's 'The India House', featuring actor Nikhil Siddhartha in the lead, had some anxious moments early on Thursday morning after the set they had erected to shoot an ocean scene got flooded because of one of the water tanks being used for filming burst.

A video clip showing the set being flooded because of the water tank giving way has now gone viral on the Internet.

Sources say that the crew's equipments have sustained damage and that the accident took place during the shooting of a scene that happens in a water body. A water tank, with a huge amount of water, gave way as the scene was being shot, resulting in the premises getting flooded. Shooting for the film is happening at a place near Shamshabad.

Although it is not clear as to how many people were injured, initial reports suggest that at least one assistant cameraman had sustained injuries.

Produced by Tej Narayan Agarwal and Abhishek Agarwal, The India House is a period film that is set in the pre-Independence era, that is set in London. One of the reasons why the film has caught the attention of fans and film buffs is that the film is being presented by actor Ram Charan.

A teaser released by the makers earlier gave the impression that the film's story would revolve around a pre-independence incident that had been forgotten. The teaser had a scene in which a newspaper called 'The Indian Sociologist' is seen printing a newspaper copy with a headline that reads 'A Blast that set the Thames on Fire'.

The film, which is being shot by ace cinematographer Cameron Bryson, is to release in all Indian languages and a select few foreign languages as well.
Kolkata, June 12 : The West Bengal government has approached the Supreme Court seeking revision of the earlier order related to the clearing of pending dearness allowance.

State secretariat sources said in the petition at the Apex Court, the state government had also sought certain clarifications on certain points of the order that was delivered last month.

However, the sources added, while moving the petition, the state government is carrying out the preparatory process for paying 25 per cent of the pending dearness allowance dues within the stipulated date.

"However, the Supreme Court is on vacation now. Therefore, even though the petition has been filed, it may not be listed for hearing until the vacation period is over. So the state government has kept the preparatory process on for paying the 25 per cent of the pending dearness allowances dues within the Supreme Court stipulated deadline, to avoid any possibility of contempt of court," said a senior official of the state government who did not wish to be named.

The immediate payment of 25 per cent of the pending dearness allowance dues will result in an immediate drain-out of over Rs 10,000 crore from the state exchequer, as per calculations of the state Finance Department.

Currently, government employees in Bengal receive dearness allowances at a rate of just 18 per cent, as against 55 per cent received by their counterparts in the Centre and many other state governments.

The state Finance Department employees also apprehend that this drain-out might also impact some monthly payments under different welfare schemes run by the state government.

Last month, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee indirectly blamed the Union government for the DA crisis.

She claimed that since the Union government had frozen payments under various centrally-sponsored schemes to the state government, the latter had to continue those projects with its own money, as a result of which there was constant pressure on the state exchequer.
Sybiha: Exactly 100 days after Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire, Russia continues to reject US proposal

In a week, it will be exactly one hundred days since Ukraine agreed to the US proposal for a ceasefire, while Russia continues to reject this proposal from Washington, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has stressed.

During a joint statement to the press with his colleagues on the sidelines of the Weimar+ ministerial meeting in Rome, Sybiga said that he would inform the allies about the current situation on the battlefield, Russian strikes against civilians, and the lack of constructiveness on the part of the Russian side regarding peace efforts.

"In a week, it will be exactly one hundred days since Ukraine agreed to the US proposal for a ceasefire. Russia continues to reject this proposal. Putin is still avoiding a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Instead, Russia presented a set of old and unrealistic ultimatums in Istanbul," he said.

The minister emphasized that the Russians have not changed their rhetoric, "once again demonstrating globally, to the whole world, their inadequacy."

"And this despite the fact that the US expected these proposals to be feasible and realistic," he noted.

Sybiha stressed that "all this shows that appeasement diplomacy does not work on Russia," and Moscow continues to disdain the world's peace efforts.

"The time has come for pressure diplomacy. Only pressure can force Russia to seek peace. Economic, military and political pressure," he said.
Chennai, June 12 : Farmers in Tamil Nadu's Dharmapuri district have raised serious concerns over the rampant and illegal dumping of medical waste in agricultural lands and irrigation canals.

They have appealed to district authorities and the health department for urgent intervention, fearing both environmental contamination and serious health hazards to local communities.

In a district where agriculture is the primary livelihood, the discovery of used syringes, bloody bandages, medical vials, and other hazardous biomedical waste in farmlands and roadside water bodies has triggered panic among farmers.

Several incidents have been reported over the past few months, but little action appears to have been taken.

Kannan Vijayaraghavan, a farmer from the region, said he first came across red bags marked "biomedical waste" about a month ago. "They were dumped directly into the canal that supplies water to the Thenpennai river. I pulled the bags out of the water, but when I requested the local panchayat sanitary worker to help dispose of them, he refused," Kannan said.

"I was also warned not to burn the waste, as it could release toxic chemicals. Several other nearby fields are similarly affected. This issue demands urgent administrative action," he said.

Selvaraj, a farmer from Somannahalli, shared a similar experience. "I found used syringes, blood-stained cotton, and vials scattered across my land. I didn't know how to safely dispose of them, so I ended up burning the waste. But it's extremely dangerous. Children often play in these fields, and many elderly people walk along these paths. The situation is a ticking time bomb."

While the farmers have repeatedly raised concerns, local officials claimed they were unaware of the issue.

A health department official said that biomedical waste collection in Dharmapuri is managed by a private contractor based in Salem. "We have not received any official complaints so far, but we will initiate an inquiry," the official added.

Similarly, local police confirmed that no formal complaint has been lodged by the affected farmers.

With no safe disposal mechanism in place and no immediate response from authorities, farmers fear the problem may escalate. They have urged district administrators, the pollution control board, and the health department to act swiftly before the contamination spreads further.
Tokyo, June 12 : Tokyo on Thursday raised serious concerns over the incident of a near-miss collision between a Chinese aircraft and a Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF) patrol plane over international waters in the Pacific and urged Beijing to avoid any such recurrence.

Addressing a press conference, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said that Japan's stance was conveyed to China through diplomatic and defence channels over the incident.

"The government has raised serious concerns with the Chinese side, including to the Chinese ambassador in Tokyo, through the vice minister of foreign affairs, and has strongly urged them to prevent such incidents from recurring," Hayashi said

"We decline to comment on what China intended (by the manoeuvres), but these peculiar approaches by the Chinese military aircraft could have caused a collision," Hayashi said.

The Chief Cabinet Secretary stated that Japan will continue "to spare no effort to ensure vigilance and surveillance activities in the airspace and waters surrounding Japan in order to resolutely defend Japan's territorial waters, airspace, and territorial rights."

Earlier this week, the Japanese Defence Ministry announced that it had spotted two Chinese aircraft carriers -- the Shandong and Liaoning conducting operations in the Pacific for the first time.

The Japanese Defence Ministry on Wednesday said that the Chinese military aircraft, which took off from the aircraft carrier Shandong, had a near miss with a Japanese patrol plane over the high seas in the Pacific, as it flew as close as 45 meters to the MSDF P-3C aircraft at the same altitude.

It further stated that the Chinese J-15 warplane also made other dangerous manoeuvres over the weekend, such as passing in front of an MSDF P-3C aircraft at the same altitude and with a distance of about 900 meters between the planes.

The Ministry said that Japan lodged a protest with China and "expressed serious concerns" since "these abnormal approaches by a Chinese military plane may cause an accidental collision."

According to Japanese media outlet Kyodo News, Japan has been on high alert with China's military expanding activities and the simultaneous operation of two of its aircraft carriers, the Shandong and Liaoning, in the Pacific.
Seoul, June 12 : South Korea's ruling Democratic Party (DP) on Thursday recommended three candidates to serve as special prosecutors to investigate former President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law bid, corruption allegations involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee, and the death of a Marine.

The move comes as the presidential office asked the DP and the minor Rebuilding Korea Party to submit their nominations for each of the probes after the enactment of the three bills.

The DP recommended Cho Eun-suk, former acting chief of the Board of Audit and Inspection, to investigate 11 charges against Yoon, including insurrection and military mutiny, over his failed martial law bid in December.

Min Joong-ki, former chief judge of the Seoul Central District Court, was named to probe Yoon's wife, Kim Keon Hee, over stock price manipulation, her acceptance of a luxury bag, and interference with the election nomination process.

The DP recommended Lee Yoon-jae, a professor at Myongji University, to look into the Marine's death in July 2023.

The Rebuilding Korea Party also submitted its list of nominees earlier in the day.

President Lee Jae-myung is required to appoint the special counsels within three days of receiving the recommendations.

The appointed special counsels will have up to 20 days to prepare their investigations, with full-scale probes expected to begin early next month.

Earlier on June 11, Yoon had submitted an opinion to the police, explaining his planned nonappearance for questioning over martial law-related charges later this week.

In the document submitted by his lawyer, Yun Gap-geun, the former president claimed the summons for questioning on Thursday had no legal basis as the charges against him were not factually accurate.

Yoon has been booked on charges of ordering the Presidential Security Service (PSS) to block the execution of a detention warrant against him in early January.

He has also been booked on charges of ordering the PSS to delete records from secure phones used by three military commanders shortly after his attempt to impose martial law on December 3 failed, Yonhap news agency reported.

Yoon defied a previous summons to appear for questioning on June 5, according to police.

Earlier on June 10, President Lee promulgated bills mandating special counsel probes into a botched martial law bid by Yoon and corruption allegations against his wife.
Mumbai, June 12 : Amid talks of an alliance between two estranged brothers, Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray, ahead of the upcoming elections for the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday met with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief.

The meeting lasted over 45 minutes. Sources said it was about the MNS's entry into the MahaYuti for contesting as an alliance partner in the local and civic body elections. The meeting between the two has created a buzz in the state political circles.

Although the details of the meeting are not known yet, the state BJP sources confirmed that CM Fadnavis and Raj Thackeray met at the cityas five-star hotel, but preferred not to comment on the outcome of the meeting. However, there has been no confirmation yet from MNS.

The pro alliance advocates from both Shiv Sena(UBT) and MNS were caught unawares about CM Fadnavisa move to hold an interaction with Raj Thackeray.

Incidentally, CM Fadnavis enjoys a good rapport with Raj Thackeray. Also, the Shiv Sena chief, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, has good relations with the MNS chief. Both the CM and deputy CM want the latter to be part of the MahaYuti to take on Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena(UBT) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi in general in the BMC elections and also in the rest of Maharashtra.

Both Fadnavis and Shinde have favoured Raj Thackeray. The association is perceived to checkmate Uddhav Thackeray and also to impress the Marathis in general.

Raj Thackeray did not win even a single seat in the state Assembly elections, but he enjoys a large-scale support from the Marathis, which has been the key vote bank of the Shiv Sena, founded by late Balasaheb Thackeray in the 1960s.

CM Fadnavis, in particular, has been pitching for hoisting the flag atop BMC, and in MahaYuti has been attempting to capture power in Indiaas richest body, thereby ending the control of Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. In addition, the MahaYuti, by bringing Raj Thackeray in its fold, wants to continue its victory march after the stellar performance in the state Assembly elections held last year.

As far as Raj Thackeray is concerned, a section of party workers believe that going with the BJP-led MahaYuti will benefit the party to spread its wings by effectively playing Hindutva and Marathi Manoos cards. They also argue that Uddhav Thackeray has compromised on Hindutva as practised by Balasaheb Thackeray by joining hands with Congress and NCP to come to power in 2109 by ditching the traditional ally BJP. Another section claimed that aligning with Uddhav Thackeray may spoil its poll prospects and erode the Hindutva and Marathi Manoos voters.

The meeting between CM Fadnavis and Raj Thackeray comes two days after the state urban development department issued a notification on initiating the drafting of ward boundaries for 29 municipal corporations, including the BMC, especially in the wake of the recent Supreme Court order directing the state government to complete the election process in four months.

The other key civic bodies include Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Kalyan-Dombivli.

The Urban Development department has asked the Municipal Commissioners to start preparing ward boundary drafts, which will be sent to the State Election Commission (SEC) for approval. These civic bodies will also need to invite suggestions and objections from citizens and provide hearings before finalising the boundaries. Currently, these civic bodies are under the administratoras rule.
Mumbai, June 12 : Shares of One 97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, fell by up to 10 per cent on Thursday, hitting a low of Rs 864.20 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

However, the stock recovered some of its losses during the intra-day trade and was seen trading at Rs 906.75, still down by Rs 53.70 or 5.59 per cent on the BSE.

The sharp fall came after the Finance Ministry strongly denied reports that the government was planning to reintroduce a merchant discount rate (MDR) on UPI payments.

MDR is a fee that banks or payment service providers like Paytm charge merchants for processing digital payments.

Currently, the government has waived MDR charges on UPI transactions to promote digital payments.

However, some media reports claimed that the government was considering imposing MDR on high-value UPI transactions. These reports caused panic among investors.

In response, the Finance Ministry issued a strongly-worded statement, calling these claims abaseless and sensational.a

The ministry said such rumours create fear and confusion among people and are not true.

Earlier in March, the Payments Council of India, which represents companies involved in digital payments, had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The industry body had requested the government to bring back MDR on UPI and RuPay debit card transactions.

It had suggested a 0.3 per cent MDR on large merchants using UPI and a small fee on all RuPay debit card transactions.

However, no such decision has been taken by the government so far. Currently, the UPI space is dominated by PhonePe and Google Pay, which together hold more than 80 per cent of the market.

In May, UPI hit a new milestone by processing 18.68 billion transactions worth Rs 25.14 lakh crore.

This was higher than April, when UPI transactions totalled Rs 23.95 lakh crore. Compared to last year, there was a 33 per cent rise in the number of UPI transactions.

On average, UPI handled daily transactions worth Rs 81,106 crore and around 602 million in volume during May.
New Delhi, June 12 : Congress leader Nana Patole ignited a fresh controversy on Thursday as he mocked the Operation Sindoor and compared it with children's video game, thereby receiving flak not just from BJP but across party lines.

Patole, the former Maharashtra Congress chief, also broke ranks with the party's line as his mockery of the nation's braves questions the integrity of the armed forces and also the unprecedented operation that they undertook on May 6-7 to hit terror bases in Pakistan.

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, reacting sharply to Patole's controversial remarks on Operation Sindoor, said that Congress leaders have a habit of insulting the Armed forces, and this statement again shows that 'Congress ka haath, Pakistan ke saath' (Congress is hands in gloves with Pakistan).

"Does Congress think that the courage of our soldiers, the action taken against terrorism and the struggle to protect Mother India is also a game? Congress has maintained a low mentality, like asking for proof of surgical strikes. But today the country is aware. The country is seeing who is standing with the heroes and who is with Pakistan! India will never forgive your anti-national mentality. Your mind and brain have become corrupt," he further wrote on X, condemning the disgusting remarks.

BJP's Maharashtra unit also took to X to call out Patole and the Congress party and said that previous regimes sent love letters to Pakistan and hoped for 'Aman ki Asha' but the Modi government is teaching them 'Brahmos ki Bhasha'.

Other parties, including NDA allies, were equally critical of Patole for belittling and trivialising the valour of the armed forces.

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Malook Nagar said, "Nana Patole is doing exactly what the Uttar Pradesh Congress president did earlier before the military conflict. He mocked the Rafale jet, calling it a toy and tied lemon and green chillies to it. And it was with that same Rafale that we entered Pakistan and struck them. What Patole is saying is nonsense."

JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar also lashed out at the Congress leader, stating that our Army punished the perpetrators in Pakistan, all-party delegation took the message to the world, but the Congress party continues to ignore everything, out of convenience.

"They are questioning the courage and valour of security forces. Nation won't accept this," he said.

Former Maha Congress chief found himself in line of fire over remarks, where he said, "The statement of the External Affairs Minister made it clear which places in Pakistan we were going to target. Then they removed their people from those places. This means that it was like a game that children play on computers. India had told Pakistan in advance which places they were going to attack."
Kolkata, June 12 : The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Thursday approached a division bench of the Calcutta High Court seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe in the clashes that broke out between two groups in Maheshtala area in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

In the petition, the LoP also sought immediate deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel in the Maheshtala area under Rabindra Nagar Police Station, where clashes broke out on Wednesday, and the situation continues to be tense.

The division bench headed by Justice Soumen Sen has admitted the petition. However, it is not yet clear when exactly the matter will come up for hearing at the said division bench.

"Already Calcutta High Court, in its order on Murshidabad riots in April this year, observed that CAPF can be deployed at any place in the entire state, where such communal tension would break out. The same order is valid till July 30. So we have sought the attention of the Calcutta High Court. I wanted to meet the state Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar. However, despite being in office, he refused to meet me since he was asked by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee not to," Adhikari said.

Adhikari, at the same time, had written a letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant raising the demand for CAPF deployment at the troubled pockets at Maheshtala.

Adhikari had also approached the DGP and the police superintendent of Diamond Harbour Police District, under whose jurisdiction the troubled area comes, for permission for him and one more BJP legislator to visit Maheshtala to meet and express solidarity with the victim Hindu families and the affected Hindu shopkeepers who came under the attack on Wednesday.

Earlier, on Wednesday night, the LoP sought the intervention of Governor C.V. Ananda Bose in initiating disciplinary action against the inspector-in-charge of the local Rabindra Nagar police station for allegedly remaining inactive in preventing clashes.

"I will be meeting the Governor...We will also raise the issue in the Assembly," Adhikari said.

So far, 18 persons have been arrested in connection with Wednesday's clashes, out of which 14 were arrested on Wednesday night only, and the remaining four were arrested early Thursday morning.

The overall situation in the Maheshtala area continued to be quite tense, with most of the shops remaining closed even on Thursday morning. A huge police contingent, including the personnel of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), continued to be deployed in the area to restore confidence among the people. Prohibitory orders barring the assembly of a particular number of people at a time have been imposed in the locality.
Chennai, June 12 : A Division Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday suspended the one-month simple imprisonment awarded to senior IAS officer Anshul Mishra in connection with a contempt case.

Mishra was sentenced to one month's simple imprisonment for failing to comply with a court order in a long-standing land reconveyance case.

The bench, comprising Justices M.S. Ramesh and V. Lakshminarayanan, passed interim orders while hearing an appeal filed by Mishra challenging his conviction and sentence.

The court directed the officer to deposit Rs 25,000 with the Registrar (Judicial) of the High Court within three weeks, noting that the direction was without prejudice to his otherwise clean service record.

The appeal has been adjourned for further hearing on July 21. The contempt proceedings arose from a petition filed by two elderly siblings, R. Lalithambal and K.S. Viswanathan, who had been fighting for decades to retrieve their ancestral land in Chennai.

The dispute dates back to 1983 when 17 cents of their property, located along Nesapakkam Road, was acquired by the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) for constructing tenements.

However, the land remained unused for an extended period. The petitioners initiated legal proceedings seeking reconveyance of the unused portion.

The government eventually reconveyed 10.5 cents but retained the remaining 6.5 cents, citing plans for road widening. This partial action forced the siblings into another round of litigation.

On November 22, 2023, Justice P. Velmurugan had directed Anshul Mishra, then serving as the Member Secretary of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), to consider the petitioners' plea and pass appropriate orders within two months.

However, with no action taken, the siblings filed a contempt petition. The CMDA complied with the court's directive only after the contempt plea was filed. Nonetheless, Justice Velmurugan observed that the delay, amounting to nearly two years, was unacceptable.

"This court notes with concern that such conduct by public authorities is not an isolated incident," the judge remarked while awarding Mishra a one-month simple imprisonment term for contempt of court.

In his order, the judge had granted Mishra a one-month window to file an appeal, which led to Thursday's interim suspension of the sentence by the Division Bench.
Chennai, June 12 : In view of continuous heavy rainfall and the heightened risk of landslides and flooding, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Ranipet and Arakkonam have been deployed in the Nilgiris and Coimbatore.

The deployment comes after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the Nilgiris district on Thursday (June 12) and Friday (June 13).

The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, and the adjoining hilly regions are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated areas likely to witness extremely heavy downpours exceeding 204.4 mm over the next two days.

Gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph are also forecast to accompany the rain, posing additional risk to vulnerable areas.

Authorities have urged residents to stay alert and take all necessary precautions against potential disruptions such as landslides, waterlogging, and poor visibility.

The district administrations have been instructed to remain on high alert and ensure that emergency response systems and relief measures are in place.

The Regional Meteorological Centre has warned of an escalation in rainfall across Tamil Nadu over the coming week.

Rainfall in the ghat regions of Coimbatore and the Nilgiris is expected to intensify further, with the peak likely on June 14.

In addition to these regions, southern districts including Theni, Tenkasi, and Kanniyakumari are also likely to experience heavy rain throughout the week. Northern districts such as Cuddalore and Ariyalur are expected to see an increase in precipitation starting from Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Chennai and its suburbs experienced light to moderate rainfall over the past 24 hours, offering much-needed relief from the intense summer heat. Several localities in the city reported steady showers throughout the day.

The Meteorological Department has reiterated its appeal for caution, urging the public to follow official advisories and avoid travel through vulnerable zones during heavy rain. State disaster response agencies remain on standby as the situation continues to be monitored closely.
Idukki : , June 12 (IANS) In a shocking breach of privacy, a policeman in Kerala has been arrested for allegedly placing a hidden camera in the women's dressing area of a police station.

The incident occurred at Vandiperiyar Police Station in Idukki district, where the accused, identified as Vaishakan, was posted.

The matter came to light when a woman constable received an objectionable photo of herself changing clothes -- an image reportedly taken without her knowledge or consent.

The woman constable immediately raised the alarm and approached the Police Womenas Cell, which promptly informed the Cyber Wing of the Kerala Police.

Acting swiftly, the Cyber Wing traced the source of the photo to Vaishakan. He was taken into custody, and his mobile phone was seized for forensic examination.

Several more images were found on his device, confirming the suspicion of deliberate and repeated violations of privacy.

Following questioning, Vaishakanas arrest was formally recorded. Senior officials are expected to take further disciplinary action against him.

The incident has sparked outrage within the force, with calls for stricter safeguards to ensure the safety and dignity of women personnel.

The Kerala Police have assured that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness and that strict legal action will follow.

In recent times, the Kerala Police has been grappling with a troubling increase in the number of personnel allegedly involved in criminal activities. This growing concern has sparked widespread calls from various quarters for greater accountability, including the preparation of a list identifying officers with criminal records.

Reports suggest that such an exercise has already been undertaken and that a list has indeed been compiled, although official confirmation remains pending.

Meanwhile, the representation of women in the force has seen a modest rise. Out of approximately 58,000 personnel, women now constitute about 6.7 per cent, reflecting a slow but steady shift toward gender inclusivity in the department.
Germany is not considering supplying Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, the country's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has said.

"You asked me whether we are considering it, and I answer you - no," Pistorius said at a briefing in Kyiv, answering a question about whether Germany is considering supplying Taurus.
Kolkata, June 12 : Pandemonium broke out in the West Bengal Assembly on Thursday after Speaker Biman Bandyopadhyay refused to admit two adjournment motions, moved by opposition BJP, seeking discussions on the communal violence in Murshidabad in April and the clashes in the Maheshtala area in South 24 Parganas district.

As the members of the BJPas legislative team moved the two adjournment motions soon after the House began, the Speaker refused to admit them on the grounds that both matters were sub judice and hence could not be taken up for discussion.

The refusal irked the BJP legislators, who, led by LoP Suvendu Adhikari, started protesting in front of the Speakeras chair after coming down to the well of the Assembly.

The security personnel of the Assembly raised a human wall between the Speaker's chair and the protesting legislators.

The BJP legislators shouted slogans and waved flags. They also protested by tearing apart paper documents on the House proceedings distributed among the legislators.

As the West Bengal Minister of State for Finance (independent charge), Chandrima Bhattacharya protested against this action, there were heated conversations between the BJP and Trinamool Congress legislators within the House.

aThese paper documents are not any personal property that they can be destroyed in such a manner," Bhattacharya was heard saying.

The BJP legislators continued with their protests even as the Trinamool Congress MLAs continued with their speeches in the House as per schedule.

Adhikari is scheduled to meet Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on the issue of Maheshtala violence

The BJP leader has sought the intervention of the Governor in initiating disciplinary action against the inspector-in-charge of the local Rabindra Nagar police station for allegedly remaining inactive in preventing clashes.

Earlier in the day, he approached the Calcutta High Court seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the Maheshtala clashes and deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel in the area where clashes broke out on Wednesday
Mumbai, June 14 : The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray in a letter to party workers and well-wishers told them not to throng his residence Shivtirth at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park, Dadar to wish him on his birthday on June 14, as he would be out of Mumbai with his family.

Instead, he instructed party workers to celebrate his birthday by doing good work for the people, while assuring them that he will soon come to meet them.

"It is not possible to meet you on June 14, which is of course my birthday, because on this day I am going out of Mumbai with my family. The question may arise in your mind or others that why I won't celebrate my birthday? Is there any special reason? But I sincerely tell you that there is actually no particular reason. Therefore, do not read too much into it. I will not be able to meet you on June 14," said Raj Thackeray in his letter to the party workers.

He further said, "For the past several decades, you all have come from every corner of Maharashtra on my birthday. I don't get to talk to you that day, but seeing you and meeting many of you is energising. If I have earned anything in life, it is your immense love. And for this love I have been indebted to you all my life and will continue to be so."

He added, "Together, let us strive to build a prosperous Maharashtra."

Raj Thackeray has been hogging headlines amid talks of an alliance with his estranged cousin brother Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) during the upcoming elections to the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation.

Interestingly, Uddhav Thackeray last week said, "Whatever Maharashtra has in mind will happen."

Although he declined to divulge further details, Uddhav Thackeray added that he will not give any indication now but will give the news in a few days.

"I told you in just one sentence, we are looking into all the nuances in this regard. Also, I will not just give you a message but direct news. There is no confusion in the minds of my Shiv Sainiks. Therefore, what I am saying is that rather than giving messages, we will give whatever news we want to give," said Uddhav Thackeray in his comment.

Uddhav Thackeray's statement came after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Sanjay Raut told reporters that "Perhaps there had been a phone call between the two (Raj and Uddhav) regarding an alliance."
Chennai, June 12 : In a ceremonious start to the irrigation season, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday released water from the Stanley Reservoir in Mettur for delta irrigation.

The release took place on the customary date of June 12 in the presence of seven Cabinet Ministers, marking a significant event for the stateas farming community. The Chief Minister arrived at the dam after travelling from Mettur, receiving a warm welcome from residents and schoolchildren. He interacted with the students before proceeding to the reservoir, where representatives from various farmersa associations greeted him.

In the presence of key ministers -- Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan, Agriculture Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam, PWD Minister E.V. Velu, Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar, Tourism Minister R. Rajendran, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, and Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister M. Mathiventhan -- CM Stalin formally opened the sluices and showered flower petals as water was released from the dam.

Following the ceremony, the Chief Minister inspected a photo exhibition organised by the Water Resources Department (WRD).

Officials briefed him on various infrastructure and desilting projects being carried out across the Cauvery delta.

CM Stalin later participated in a government function at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital near the Steel Plant in Salem.

This year marks the 20th instance in the 92-year history of the Mettur Dam that water has been released on the traditional date of June 12. Notably, the release was delayed for 61 years, while in 11 years it could not be carried out on time.

According to WRD officials, an initial discharge of 3,000 cusecs was released in the morning, with plans to increase the outflow to 10,000 cusecs by evening.

For Kuruvai cultivation, which runs from June 12 to September 15, around 135.52 TMC of water is needed for 5.22 lakh acres in the delta. For Samba and Thaladi crops between September 15 and January 28, 268.47 TMC is required for 12.10 lakh acres.

The water release is also expected to generate approximately 460 megawatts of hydroelectric power.

As of 8 a.m. Thursday, the damas water level stood at 114.91 feet against a full capacity of 120 feet. Storage was recorded at 85.58 TMC, compared to the full capacity of 93.47 TMC. Inflow had risen to 6,339 cusecs, up from 5,146 cusecs the previous day.
New Delhi, June 12 : As China curtails exports of rare earth elements, the path to resilience lies in building a full-spectrum domestic rare earth magnet ecosystem in India, according to a report on Thursday.

In April, China imposed stringent export controls on seven rare earth elements (REEs), commonly used in producing high-performance magnets, disrupting global supply chains.

India, which relies heavily on Chinese REE imports, faces potential production curtailment across the automotive sector with the gradual depletion of older inventory, said the report by CareEdge Ratings.

"India's rare earth element crisis is not merely a supply chain disruption but a strategic wake-up call. This crisis underscores the perils of over-dependence on a single geopolitical actor for critical inputs," said Madhusudhan Goswami, Assistant Director, CareEdge Ratings.

China controls 70 per cent of REE production and 90 per cent of processing.

Delays in REE shipments for Indian auto OEMs may impact electric, Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), and hybrid vehicle production starting in July 2025, particularly higher-end models that depend on REE-based technologies.

"Automakers might need to shift focus to mid-range or base models to address supply disruption. However, China's recent decision to temporarily allow REE exports to top US automakers offers hope for resolving the impasse for Indian companies as well," said the report.

Apart from pursuing China through diplomatic channels, India is also considering the commercialisation of magnet manufacturing technologies currently held by select public-sector entities, and exploring alternative suppliers like Vietnam, Australia, and the US.

However, these sources currently lack sufficient processing capacity.

In the short term, Indian automakers are expected to resort to importing fully assembled components and sub-systems from China to mitigate the rare earth magnet shortage.

This tactical shift aims to maintain production continuity while domestic and alternative sourcing strategies are being developed, the report said.

In the medium to long term, India aims to build a self-reliant REE ecosystem through domestic exploration, private sector incentives, R&D in REE alternatives, and strategic international partnerships.

"Strategic reserves, public-private R&D, and global partnerships must converge into a coherent national strategy," Goswami said.
Bhopal, June 12 : Amid concern over rising cases of COVID-19 in Madhya Pradesh, a 52-year-old woman died of the virus during treatment at a private hospital in Indore.

The woman, a resident of Ratlam, around 150 km from Indore, was admitted to Manorma Raje T B (MRTB) hospital in Indore with complaints of respiratory distress on June 8.

Meanwhile, a COVID test was also conducted. Two days later, on Wednesday, medical reports revealed that she was COVID-positive.

Subsequently, she was shifted to the isolation ward.

She died on June 11, a senior doctor at MRTB hospital said on Thursday.

The hospital administration also confirmed that the patient was suffering from multiple diseases, including tuberculosis and hypertension, due to which her health condition continued to deteriorate.

This marks the third death of COVID-affected patients in the past two weeks in Madhya Pradesh, and more importantly, all of them were women.

Two of them died at Indore's MRTB hospital, including the fresh fatality on Wednesday, while one passed away at Aurobindo Hospital in the city.

Earlier, a 44-year-old woman from Khargone, who gave birth at MTH Hospital, tragically died at MRTB Hospital from intrapartum seizures after testing positive for COVID-19.

She had delivered a healthy baby boy weighing 3.1 kg on May 28, but succumbed just eight days later.

Previously, a 74-year-old woman from Indore, who was also Covid-19 positive, passed away while undergoing treatment for renal failure at Aurobindo Hospital.

Indore reported 12 new COVID-19 patients on Wednesday, taking the total cases to 82 this year across Madhya Pradesh.

Active cases stand at 51, according to official information.

Notably, India has 7,154 active COVID-19 cases.

Three people died while 33 fresh cases have been reported in the past 24 hours.

Health advisories are being circulated, especially for the elderly and immunocompromised patients.

Additionally, the centre has urged citizens to remain cautious and adhere to preventive measures while also ramping up testing.
A new article by Moshe Greenshpan, founder of facial recognition company Face-Six, highlights how pro-privacy defense attorneys are turning to facial recognition technology to acquit wrongfully accused clients. Featuring firsthand interviews with lawyers and court cases  including a civil dispute over Israel's most iconic war photograph  the article challenges the dominant narrative by showing how facial recognition is being used not to surveil, but to serve justice.

BROOKLYN, N.Y., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Facial recognition technology has long been at the center of privacy debates, often portrayed in the media as a threat to civil liberties. However, a new article by Moshe Greenshpan, founder of facial recognition company Face-Six, presents a fact-based counter-narrative: how defense attorneys are utilizing the same technology to protect the innocents, not incriminate them.
"Tastewise is redefining how companies navigate ever-evolving consumer demand by turning complex data into revenue-generating action," said Terry Doyle, Managing Partner, TELUS Global Ventures. Post this

Tastewise bridges the gap by combining brand data with trillions of real-time food signals to automate marketing and sales execution across the F&B industry. From retail to foodservice, the platform integrates into daily workflows  turning data into sales materials, campaigns, and product placements on shelves and menus. Its GenAI delivers ready-to-use content in real time, helping brands move faster and smarter; clients have cut launch timelines by 68 months and saved millions on execution costs.

"F&B companies face a perfect storm  from margin pressure and competitive retail space to shifting consumer behavior and global volatility," said Alon Chen, CEO and co-founder of Tastewise. "The ability to change course quickly is everything. Our platform doesn't just uncover what drives consumers  it helps brands act on that insight. This investment allows us to scale globally while continuing to empower our partners to stay agile, relevant, and ahead of change."

At Kroger, Tastewise insights helped reposition an existing product line  moving quickly from early testing to a rollout across hundreds of stores, supported by data-driven storytelling and a clear go-to-market plan. As the industry continues to shift rapidly, this kind of speed and adaptability is essential. Today, Tastewise supports 80% of the world's top food and beverage companies, including Mars, Campbell's, and Kraft Heinz.

"At Kraft Heinz, a deep understanding of rapidly evolving consumer needs and trends, fueled by data-driven insights, is critical," said Peter Hall, Kraft-Heinz President of Away-from-Home, North America. "Tastewise's generative AI accelerates our execution speed, enabling us to proactively anticipate and deliver relevant innovations that consistently satisfy both our business goals and what consumers want."

"Tastewise is redefining how companies navigate ever-evolving consumer demand by turning complex data into revenue-generating action," said Terry Doyle, Managing Partner, TELUS Global Ventures. "Seeking visionary teams advancing digital transformation, TELUS Global Ventures is proud to support Tastewise in bringing GenAI to the F&B industry  accelerating the adoption of AI-driven marketing and revenue to enhance agility, efficiency, and competitiveness."

Tastewise will use the new funding to fuel its growth in North America, Europe, and APAC, while expanding its toolset and deepening integration with leading marketing tech stacks.

About Tastewise

Tastewise is the leading food & beverage intelligence platform, transforming trend data into marketing and sales execution with Gen-AI. Powered by trillions of food-specific data points and built with food & beverage-native AI, Tastewise helps the world's top brands act faster, grow smarter, and reach consumers where it matters. Customers include PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz, Mars, and Givaudan.

Media Contact

Nadya Movchan, Tastewise, 44 7833278725, [email protected], https://tastewise.io/

SOURCE Tastewise
Ukraine understands the plan for the supply of Iris-T air defense systems from Germany, and has a supply plan for the next three years, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said following a meeting with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

"We are also grateful for the supply of IRIS-T air defense systems. We understand the supply plan now, I will not talk about all the details. But the plan is for the next three years. And this is very important help for us in any case," Zelensky said at a briefing on Thursday.

According to the president, this does not mean that the war will last so many years, but air defense systems are needed to protect the peace of Ukrainians. He added that Ukraine also expects to localize the production of "very high-quality" German air defense systems.
After securing $2 trillion in United States investments from only three countries last month, President Trump returned to the nations capital with a key objective unfulfilled  an Iranian nuclear deal. With diplomacy and economic deals at the forefront of his strategy abroad, Trumps policy pivot during the first international trip of his second term is on track to restore U.S. leadership in the Middle East previously lost under Bidens infamous Afghanistan withdrawal.

Though the economic comeback tour succeeded to forge regional partnerships through lavish trade deals in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, loose ends in Iran, Israel-Gaza, and the Syrian conflicts keep America on shaky ground in a developing new world order.

Economic and Diplomatic Accomplishments

Number 47s trip to the Gulf marked a grand American reset in our foreign policy, and an unmissable re-entry into global affairs. The first and most important stop was Riyadh, where Trump set the tone for trade, sovereignty, and peace. Even signaling to the Crown Prince his inevitable entrance into the Abraham Accords, Trump denounced past hard power intervention, sending a bold diplomatic message: America is done messing with your geopolitics. His address focused on his intentions to boost U.S. domestic affairs through deals with tech leaders (many of whom were present in the audience) and highlighted the growth of our military to reestablish American credibility in the region and secure these crucial deals.

Six hundred billion dollars and one sanction relief offer to the new Syrian government later, Trump continued to land an influx of capital deals in Doha and Abu Dhabi that seem to offset the fallout from recent tariffs placed on more than 80 countries. The most crucial agreements included a $96 billion dollar deal between Qatar Airways and Boeing, supplemented with $200 billion in U.S.-UAE collaboration on infamously coveted semiconductor chips. Revival of U.S.-Gulf relations was the likely source of Iran's quick subsequent announcement of readiness for a nuclear deal, proving that Trumps business-first diplomacy works, self-defining it as using trade to settle scores and make peace in a Fox News interview upon his return.

Geopolitical Implications

Trumps speech and subsequent deals in the Gulf were arguably part of a two-pronged plan: to enter a new era of stability through economic diplomacy, and offset Chinas attempts to gain influence in the region.

Sanction relief was a priority item in the last-minute meeting with self-proclaimed Syrian president, Abu Mohammad Al-Julani, who was willing to agree to a list of conditions presented by the United States to achieve it. Julani agreed to eradicate any remaining chemical weapons, exclude foreign fighters from the new administration, and cooperate on Western counterterrorism operations  an apparent win for western values but not yet set in stone for the new government.

Syrias liberation attracted Irans Khamenei to declare readiness to make a deal in exchange for similar sanction removal, after nearly one month of nuclear deal talks with American representatives. In just three days, Trump was able to bring two long-time U.S. adversaries to consider significant policy changes, something over a decade of bombers and missiles failed to achieve.

Chinas attempts to entrench itself into the Middle East were also thwarted by a crucial technology framework agreement, featuring 500,000 American-based NVIDIA advanced artificial intelligence chips imported into the UAE every year. The deal also includes building the largest AI data center outside the United States, stationed in Abu Dhabi. David Sacks confirmed this would cement American technology as the global standard to pass competitors in the global AI race, contributing to a growing rift with China.

Future in Limbo

Despite Trumps successes in investment and policy-shifting deals, there are still a few loose ends when it comes to top issues in American foreign policy in the region: a lack of an Iranian nuclear deal, ambiguity in Syrias future, deferred normalization with Israel, and an inevitable Chinese response to the AI race.

Despite Tehrans openness to a deal while Trump was in Saudi Arabia, no deal was finalized, and Khameini recently expressed a negative outlook on ever reaching agreement, citing outrageous zero enrichment demands from the U.S. Whether a strategic delay or a missed opportunity, Trumps proposal to Iran upon return to the U.S. did not seal the deal, even with his urge for Khameini to act quickly or something bad will happen.

Additionally, Syria continues to be run by former Al-Qaeda terrorist and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader Abu Mohammad Al-Julani and his extremist counterparts. Theres no confirmation yet that Julani has fulfilled all the conditions listed above, but something darker seems to be brewing. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently warned that Syria would once again fall into a civil war of epic proportions if western powers dont endorse the transitional government. The issue is, Julani has yet to meet all American standards to do so, topped with not enough women in government and recent tensions with the neighborhood Druze, Allawite, and Christian minorities.

Despite flirting with Saudi-Israel normalization at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, Trumps nod to the Abraham Accords in front of MBS was not enough to usher in a renewal, which the prince reportedly asked to keep off the table during the visit. The presidents tenacity in mentioning it likely signals his incoming campaign to repeat the past success, mentioning his granted favor to MBS to relieve sanctions on Syria.

A recent shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. may shift peace efforts backwards, however. Though normalization doesnt seem achievable in the near future, the momentum from a successful trip leaves the window for revisited peace talks open.

The American-Emirati partnership clearly amplified the race to global AI domination, so the technology rivalry between the U.S. and China will likely escalate. Though Trump tried to get ahead of the race by implementing Chinese chip restrictions to hinder Chinese efforts, their mass-market availability of affordable AI programs like DeepSeek allows them to remain a contender.

New Era, or Political Theatre?

Trumps successful trip to the Middle East may have made up for the poor withdrawal from Afghanistan, but loose ends in key issues like an Iranian nuclear deal and Syrias undetermined future makes one wonder whether his diplomacy-first approach will actually shape a lasting policy of stability, or dissolve into election-year theatrics. America has successfully positioned itself as a peace broker and dealmaker abroad, but only time will tell if the variables of Iran, Israel, Syria, and China will hinder the historical attempt at a strategic shift for the United States.

Lora Karch is a Middle East HIstory and Peace Fellow at Young Voices and independent analyst focused on national security and political issues in the Middle East and Europe. Working at The Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C., she is passionate about individual liberties, fostering peace, and safeguarding legacies of ancient civilizations. Her work has appeared in The National Interest, The Libertarian Institute, Free the People, and more. Follow her on Twitter: @LoraKarch
On Saturday, May 30th, 2020 at 4:00pm PDT, peaceful protests turned to violence, terrorizing Seattle streets and transforming blocks of a beautiful, bustling downtown into something more resembling a post-apocalyptic landscape. Businesses made failing attempts to protect whats theirs with plywood and nails. Glass, trash, and discarded makeshift weapons littered the concrete, while whatever remained of the automobiles abandoned in the chaos were engulfed in flames or about to be. Two unmanned police cars in the fray would become the catalyst for one mans crucial decision that day.

Even though the reporters had been ferried off for their own protection, the incident was still caught on camera. And that video immediately went viral. The hero of the day was identified as a former Marine who was working as private security for the news team when these events unfolded before their eyes. This mans name is John Carughi.

John Carughi set the pieces in order long before his actions in Seattle.

Photo by Johnathon Hale.



Interview by Kyra Sacdalan.

So, can you tell us about yourself a bit? Where did you grow up? What was that like?

I grew up going out into the woods  going shooting, hiking, camping, hunting with my father  mostly for elk. There were even a few trips to Canada too. Those were great! I mean, as great as it could be for a kid who didn't like school. But, being far out of town. Being in the woods and having trees, nature, everything all around me certainly had an influence. Ive tried to stay in the habit of being outside of the cities since thats what has affected my interests.

Fast-forward some twenty-plus years You were hired as private security to protect a local news crew reporting on the ground in Seattle?

Yes, maam.

What did you do to prepare for such an undertaking?

I preferred to ready my bag for this type of work. I could be under some pressure. I had to dress in a way which wasn't going to stand out but would also provide what I needed on the job. I wanted to make sure my firearm was as concealed, but ready whenever I might need it. The biggest thing thereafter became setting up my frame of mind right for the specific situation I was going to be in, and that's what I did.

And how did you, how did you get your mind right?

I had a little over an hour drive ahead of me. Before I left the house, I pulled up a few videos of the news over the last several days of reporting in Seattle. I just let my cell phone play over on the passenger seat the all the way there while I tried to grasp some idea of what I was going into.

I made several decisions. An obvious one being that I wont take a life if I don't have to. Then, I went over the legalities of What if? What lethal force am I authorized and trained for? Then I considered if it does come up, what are my other options. I was going to take those routes before choosing lethal force. And so, I stuck to that decision prior to my arrival.

So, I had to reconcile with the fact that there could be plenty Id see and hear which would piss me off. But that wasnt my purpose for being there. And it was no hair off my chest because they wouldn't know I am there. I was trying to be completely unnoticeable, only noticed by my team. I think setting this point of view  having that mindset before going to Seattle  is probably what saved me (and the two rioters) during the incident.

And what was your role in the Marines?

I was a Marine Corps Infantryman, in the 0311 Riflemen, as well as a Combat Marksmanship Trainer at a Marksmanship Training unit.

When you confiscated the first service rifle, why did you decide not to make that your primary weapon?

I could throw out a few reasons for that situation, some of them more substantial, but to pick one which applies most to this question:

I didn't know those firearms I had taken off the rioters. I don't know how reliable they are because I haven't fired them. Maybe one of those rifles has something going on with it  it hadnt been maintained or something  and it malfunctions. Yes, there are a slew of other reasons why I didnt choose to make one of the rifles my primary, but if the situation had called for it, I probably would have.

You need to know your equipment. You need to know what you're doing. I knew my bag. I knew how to draw from it. Because I had rehearsed it and had trained with it several times. I don't even remember drawing my pistol from my bag during the incident, though, I know I did. But that's because the training took over. I'm proficient at this, which made a huge difference  knowing yourself as reliable and being very familiar with a variety of equipment you could handle. When I took those two rifles apart, I didn't need to look at them. I could focus on scanning my environment. And thats just one reason why I didnt make them my primary.

More importantly, my greater mission was to de-escalate the situation going on. I wasnt trying to get into a gunfight. I was trying to avoid it. If there was already a gunfight occurring, it would have been advantageous for me to use the rifles. And if the situation had dictated (which it didn't), I most likely would have. But my aim was to reduce tensions, obtain each rifle, maintain control and disable them, then get the hell out of there

In the video, we only see you disarm the second person, can you describe exactly what happened in your first encounter?

I was observing the two police vehicles as the news crew who had hired me shot video of the scene. The first thing that came to mind when I while watching the cars become vandalized was, I know police can carry patrol rifles. And this was a very unorthodox scenario where officers couldn't get back to their vehicles to further secure or remove any sensitive equipment.

The instant I saw a rifle pulled out from the window, I yelled Gun! and brought my team to cover immediately because I had already formulated a plan. If I had been caught completely by surprise, my reactions might not have been so quick. But they were out of harms way, so I made my way towards the patrol vehicle. I flipped my bag around to the side, in front of me, drew my pistol and flung it right back. By that time, the rioter had fired four rounds at the vehicle  a couple landed in a nearby brick wall, and then he went to the sidewalk and ducked into a doorway. He was under cover, if you will. At this point, I came up, drew my Glock and turned around the corner towards him. He did not see me because he was facing away trying to do something with the firearm, although I don't know what, and I took it from him before he had a chance to understand what was happening.

I yelled, Drop the weapon! Drop the weapon! He was stunned. He opened his arms and looked at me because he didn't know what was going on. And at that moment, thankfully because he didn't know what he was doing, the weapon didn't come up. I surprised him just like in the video with the second rioter. Then I dropped the mag, cleared the weapon, took the bolt carrier group and charging handle out and stuffed it in my back pocket while making my way back to news crew. The experience was very much the same during that second encounter, except the second rifle hadnt been discharged.

Chaos in the streets, where John Carughi kept a cool head despite the din and rage around him. Photo by Zach Beam.

At the time, most of the people surrounding you had no idea who you were or what was going on. So, what happened when you tried to leave the scene?

That's where things became interesting. Every moment thereafter until I could return the firearms, I had phones in my face. The disassembled rifles were slung across my body, I had grabbed my team telling them we need to move because now I just put a target on my back. Disarming the two immediately told everyone there I was not one of them. So now, Ive put myself in more danger. I put my team in more danger. And thats when the death threats started coming. Every decision I made moving forward was towards two goals: return the firearms and keep us safe. To do that, we had to move.

There were maybe up to 300 people in each a block trying to close in on us. I was keeping space between me, my team and everyone else. I had my Glock out and was on high guard for about three and a half blocks because we needed a show of force. Then, two gentleman approached and said they were here to help. And then another guy wearing the American Flag around his shoulders wanted to help. So, I tried to come up with a plan. He would run up a block or two and try to find the police while we stayed in one place. He found a line of policemen holding off the crowd a block away. And so, we were moving again. I told my crew to head to the vehicle because the mob wouldnt follow them once we separated  they were after me. Once I made sure no one was trailing them, I took off towards the policemen.

And then how did the police react to you when you handed over two of their service rifles? Was their initial reaction different when you had an opportunity to explain yourself?

I already had a plan. The police weren't going to do anything unless I provoked them. The rifles were broken down  with my Glock holstered, and I had my hands up yelling loudly and clearly, These are yours. One of them told me to get back, and I responded, Sorry, but these are your firearms. I retrieved theseYou need to take them. He was 100 percent puzzled. He and another officer came up to me, I quickly explain the situation, gave him the rifles, pulled out the charging handle, bolt carrier group and slapped them in his hand. I actually laughed and said again, These are yours. You need to take these. I need to go. Then I turned around and took off to find my team.

What was going through your mind?

Regarding my frame of mind, I had given myself many routes to take depending on what I came up against, and the decision was made ahead of time. I understand Im not going to be able to pick what will happen or guess which is the right path, but whatever youre capable of, you just need to do something. Do I want to take an American life? No. My process uses the Socratic method  asking myself a series of questions to stimulate thought, to give me a frame of mind when I enter hectic environment. I think that's really why I was successful and able to disarm the two rioters without lethal force. I blended in and they didnt even noticed me. I saw an opportunity to catch them off-guard.

You had made a conscious decision not to use lethal force in this situation, even though you would have been within your legal rights. Was it your military training which helped to diffuse the threat without having to discharge a weapon?

I think I was lucky. In fact, I was very lucky. Lucky that they didn't get hurtI didn't get hurt.

Lucky to have had years of experience on a rifle range where I was able to develop the ability to recognize when someone doesnt know what theyre doing. Being able to surprise those guys was fortunate. This was an incredibly unique situation. The results could have been completely different if I showed up just a little later or one of the guys had seen me approaching.

I was more than willing to do what I needed to do, though I still have some doubt. But I had decided beforehand on the ride over to Seattle, whatever the case, I was going to try to find another way than to discharge my weapon. What comes to mind is Japanese philosopher and Samurai, Miyamoto Musashi who taught that the best a warrior will try to finish a battle before it begins. He wrote in The Book of Five Rings, The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them.

Why were you able to de-escalate a potentially violent situation in a non-violent or non-lethal way, yet, for instance, the George Floyd incident lead to such an extreme and harmful outcome when those law enforcement officers seemed to be under far less duress?

I was not part of, nor truly understood, those officers situation. I was not in their heads. I don't know their prior experiences. I don't know their prior training. I don't know who they are. I only know who I am. I know why I decided to choose a particular frame of mind during my experienceBecause I know who I want to be. And I know what I want us as a country to be.

In downtown Seattle, the smoke of fires blocked the sun from the city. Photo by Zach Beam Photo by Zach Beam When the dust settles, what aspirations do you have for the future?

Theres something my wife and I are working on, but its a little too soon to talk about it yet. Just a few nights ago, we sent out for the business license.

With it, I'm hoping we'll set a good foundation to be able to help others. It was brought up to us that all this attention might be a good thing right now because its an opportunity which could provide a little support  even though I feel Im undeserving of it. Having a GoFundMe, with people giving me money, is very awkward. It's absolutely insane, and, honestly, it is amazing to see this sort of generosity. I'm incredibly grateful.

All the feedback I've been given on my Instagram is extremely positive. I would love that same positivity and encouragement to be sent to Firewatch Official. And that's what I'm really hoping grows. What drove me to create this outlet was my own peer group  and we didn't even go to combat. So, I thought, Why are we struggling? Why are so many of us lost? Sebastian Junger has written about so many things we related to.

His books helped me figure out the reason why my Marine Corps brothers and I were struggling: we had lost our tribe. Plain and simple. Now, a couple of my brothers from the Marine Corps live with us, and it is very much a sense of home. We have each others back, and we have developed a family here in Washington. Thats what Im hoping can happen through Firewatch Official, as well. (Sebastian, if you're reading this Call me, Id love to buy you a beer.)

5-Years Later

RECOIL recently caught up with John and his life's journey after this article was published. It's an amazing tale: Salvation In Africa: One Marines Journey Back From The Edge

About the Author:

Kyra Sacdalan is a freelance motorcycle and adventure travel journalist who just so happens to be an adamant firearms enthusiast. Her work has taken her from dusty steppes of the Gobi Desert to the abandoned villages of rural Japan, and just about everywhere in between. She's a cultural bloodhound who seeks to enrich the lives of others by telling stories that may be often overlooked.
"Reporting Reflections" is a series of pieces written by students in Diana Keoughs Reporting III class. Over the course of the semester, each student responded to a weekly longform article, reflecting on what they learned and how it impacted them. These eight responses offer insight into how future journalists are thinking critically about the craft of storytelling.
'Taxpayers' money cannot be given to these companies which can access the market and buy GPUs at a competitive price from any vendor.'

Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Gerd Altmann/Pixabay.com

The government is unlikely to consider the applications submitted by large information technology service providers and well-funded artificial intelligence (AI) companies to build indigenous large language models (LLMs), sources told Business Standard.

The ministry of electronics and information technology, which is the nodal ministry overseeing the Rs 10,372 crore (Rs 103.72 billion) IndiaAI Mission, believes that larger IT service providers or even AI companies can obtain the requisite graphics processing units (GPUs) or access funds on their own.

"Taxpayers' money cannot be given to these companies which can access the market and buy GPUs at a competitive price from any vendor.

"They are welcome to make the LLMs if they want to but it will not be fair to give them incentives under the (IndiaAI<) mission," a senior government official said.

The IT ministry announced that three new indigenous large language models will be developed by Gnan,ai, Gan.ai, and Soket, in addition to the one already underway at Sarvam.

Soket is set to build India's first open-source 120-billion parameter foundation model, optimised for linguistic diversity and aimed at sectors such as defence, health care, and education.

Gnani.ai will develop a 14-billion parameter voice AI model designed for real-time speech processing and advanced reasoning.

Meanwhile, Gan.ai will work on a 70-billion parameter multilingual foundation model with a focus on 'superhuman text-to-speech' capabilities, the ministry had then said.

LLMs use vast data repositories and compute power to first learn and then be able to generate human-like responses to a user's inputs, including generating a new idea.

The GPU procurement effort and the LLM development initiatives are being carried out under the IndiaAI Mission.

The government is hopeful of clearing another '12-15 proposals from various other startups' to build indigenous LLMs, small-language models (SLMs), large multimodal models (LMMs), and large reasoning models under the IndiaAI Mission, another official said.

Under the IndiaAI Mission, the government has so far received bids to buy and procure more than 34,000 GPUs.

In the first round, the government received bids from 10 companies to procure and supply 18,693 GPUs against the target of 10,000 GPUs.

These bids were received from CMS Computers, CtrlS Datacentres, E2E Networks, Jio Platforms, Locuz Enterprise Solutions, NxtGen Datacentre and Cloud Technologies, Orient Technologies, Tata Communications, Vensysco Technologies, and Yotta Data Services.

The second round of bidding to procure and supply GPUs under the IndiaAI Mission saw a total of 15,640 GPUs being added by seven bidders, which include Cyfuture India, Ishan Infotech, Locuz Enterprise Solutions, Netmagic IT Services, Sify Digital Services, Vensysco Technologies, and Yotta Data Services.

Of the 18,693 GPUs that were bid for and procured in the first round, Sarvam has been allocated 4,000 GPUs for six months to work on the indigenous LLM it is developing, while another 3,000 GPUs have been allocated to the Bhashini division of the IT ministry for work on language translation, a senior government official said.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
However, under several external factors -- such as technological disruption or advancement, regulatory or policy changes, or economic shocks -- the gig workforce may grow only to 32.5 million by 2047, a report points out.



Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes.

IMAGE: Swiggy and Zomato delivery boys. Photograph: ANI Photo

Driven by technological advancements, shifting labour market preferences, and the growing need for flexible work arrangements, the gig and platform workforce in the country is expected to grow to nearly 62 million by 2047 -- constituting nearly 15 per cent of the total non-agricultural workforce, a new study by a government-run think tank shows.

The study by the labour ministry-affiliated VV Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI) used estimates from a 2022 NITI Aayog report on gig workers and applied the exponential smoothing Error, Trend, Seasonality model to make forecasts, as it gives more weight to recent observations.

"The estimate predicts a compounding growth pattern, with the number of gig workers more than doubling over the next 17 years, indicating that the sector will play a major role in employment generation in the Indian economy.

"Initially rooted in areas like ride-sharing and food delivery, it has expanded into various sectors including healthcare, education, creative services, and professional consulting, among others," the study observed.

The Aayog report had said that in 2020, over 3 million workers were employed by roughly 11 platform companies in India.

This number is projected to grow to 23 million by 2030 -- comprising 7 per cent of the total non-agricultural workforce.

However, the VVGNLI study also notes that under several external factors -- such as technological disruption or advancement, regulatory or policy changes, or economic shocks -- the gig workforce may grow only to 32.5 million by 2047.

"(But) assuming the aspirational trend, the sector is capable of generating 90.8 million gig jobs," the study said.

The government study also calls for recognising the rights to collective bargaining and unionisation, as this offers better understanding of the algorithms that platforms use to assign tasks and determine pay.

"The workers must be free to establish or join collectives or unions so they can bargain collectively for better pay, insurance, working conditions, and more transparency within the platform economy," the study notes.

Noting that gig workers are legally recognised in several countries including the UK, Canada, Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Denmark, the study calls for clarity in the classification of gig workers.

It emphasises the need to establish specific criteria to differentiate between employees and independent contractors, taking into account factors such as control over work, financial dependency, and job security.

"It has been revealed that platform workers struggle with the distinction between 'workers' and 'independent contractors' on a global scale.

"For them to access the safeguards of labour laws and social security, this differentiation is essential.

"To address this, it is imperative to secure their recognition as workers, particularly for those engaged full-time," the study noted.

The study also calls for ensuring a minimum income and fair working hours, algorithmic accountability and fair task allocation, streamlined grievance and dispute resolution, worker empowerment through training and upskilling, and mandatory occupational health and safety standards.

"Establishing a statutory national registry for platform and gig workers, managed by both central and state governments, will help ensure that all of them have access to social security," the study noted.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
'In 50 seconds, the pilots were fighting drag, trying relight, throttling up and avoiding obstacles.'

'They had neither height nor speed. There was no margin.'

IMAGE: Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site, showing part of its registration "VT-ANB", where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

India witnessed its first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on Thursday afternoon when Air India Flight AI-171, from Ahmedabad to Gatwick airport in London, plummeted barely a minute after takeoff.

The aircraft, which had flown in safely from New Delhi just hours earlier, crashed into a hostel for medical students in the densely populated neighbourhood of Meghani Nagar, leaving wreckage strewn across rooftops and streets.

Eyewitness videos showed the undercarriage still down, the nose pitched upward -- indicating dangerously low speed -- before the aircraft plunged into residential structures.

In this interview with Prasanna D Zore/Rediff, Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (retd) breaks down what likely happened in the final 50 seconds: A suspected engine thrust failure, perhaps due to bird ingestion, and a desperate cockpit struggle with no altitude or speed to manoeuvre.

The air marshal cautions against hasty conclusions and stresses the need for thorough recovery of the black boxes and forensic validation. The Dreamliner, with its stellar safety record, he says, must not be indicted prematurely.

Based on preliminary information like the Mayday call and the aircraft's loss of contact at around 625 feet, what technical failure might plausibly have triggered this crash?

It's too early to say. It's too premature. But all the videos and the flight path indicate that a technical malfunction has taken place. That means the engine lost thrust.

Now, it could be engine failure, it could be bird ingestion, it could be an engine fire, it could be the breaking up of any shaft or a mechanical failure inside the engine. It could even be a fuel cut-off to the engine. The inquiry will reveal that.

The aircraft just meshed into the ground from about 400-odd feet above surface (Ahmedabad is 200 feet above the sea level). It didn't have enough power to continue ascent.

From the videos, we can see the undercarriage is still down. That adds to drag. The pilot may have been busy controlling the airplane after the Mayday and lost control near ground.

The aircraft speed also appears to be just at unstick speed (aviation language meaning 'the minimum speed at which an aircraft can lift off (or 'unstick') from the runway during takeoff').

The altitude of the aircraft indicates it was slow. The nose is up -- typical of low-speed flight. With no height and no speed, manoeuvrability was gone. There was no turning back or returning to land. They had no margin.

So how much time did the pilots really have from the moment the emergency began?

The whole thing -- from the highest point to impact -- must have lasted 45 to 50 seconds. Based on ADS-B data (ADS-B stands for Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast, a modern air traffic surveillance technology used for tracking aircraft in real time; ADS-B automatically transmits an aircraft's position (via GPS), altitude, speed, heading, vertical rate of climb or descent, call sign and other flight data), it reached around 425 feet and then descended at 475 feet per minute.

So in those 50 seconds, the crew would have tried to get emergency power, attempted engine relight ('trying relight' refers to the pilots' attempt to restart a jet engine in-flight after it has lost power or flamed out), full throttle, avoided obstructions, run checklists -- all in parallel.

These are SOPs they (all pilots) train for, but I don't think they had the time (to follow all these SOPs in just 45-50 seconds).

This is the first-ever fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. What does that say about the aircraft's systems and design?

You can't jump to conclusions. This aircraft had just flown from Delhi to Ahmedabad. That rules out sabotage and many types of malfunction. The 787's Rolls-Royce engines are among the best -- powerful, very safe.

For both engines to fail, one possibility is simultaneous bird ingestion. You remember the movie Sully -- both engines gone due to birds (The film Sully, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger released in 2016 is based on the real-life event that occurred on January 15, 2009 -- known as the 'Miracle on the Hudson' -- when US Airways Flight 1549 made an emergency landing on the Hudson river in New York after both engines failed due to a bird strike. All 155 people on board survived).

Ahmedabad has large bird activity, especially thermals in summer. Eagles, vultures -- it's a hazard.

[Note: In summer, Ahmedabad's high ground temperatures generate strong thermals -- rising columns of warm air -- that large birds like eagles, vultures, and kites use to soar without flapping their wings. These birds circle within thermals to gain height, making them especially active in the afternoons. When this activity occurs near airports, it significantly increases the risk of bird strikes, particularly during takeoff and landing, when aircraft operate at lower altitudes and are most vulnerable.]

And yes, a whistleblower raised concerns about Dreamliner production. That has to be investigated. Once the black boxes -- the CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder) and FDR (Flight Data Recorder) -- are recovered, they'll tell us if any of those warnings were relevant. But as of now, the airplane had a proven flight just before. That counts.

What's the standard investigation process now? How does the DGCA proceed?

Photograph: CISF/ANI/X

Actually, it's not the DGCA but the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is independent and under the ministry of civil aviation. They have technical experts, pilots, engineers, sometimes even Indian Air Force officers (to guide them in such investigations). It's a scientific, tedious process.

First, they cordon the site. The black boxes are top priority. They're not black -- they're orange for visibility -- and are placed at the tail end, which often survives.

In the videos, you can see the tail hanging off a building. Recovery teams would have rushed to that. Decoding the CVR and FDR will take weeks -- maybe months. But that's where real answers lie.

IMAGE: Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (retd). Photograph: Kind courtesy Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor/Linkedin IMAGE: Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (retd).

The aircraft was fully fueled for a long haul flight to London. How does that affect the crash's severity?

Very few people know this, but aircraft performance depends on three things: Weight, altitude, and temperature.

In this case, altitude was favourable -- Ahmedabad is just 200 feet above sea level. But temperature and weight were challenging. It's summer, runway temperature easily hits 45C.

Aircraft was fully loaded with passengers and up to 126 tonnes of fuel. That affects thrust margins.

[Thrust margins refer to the excess engine power available beyond what is minimally required for a particular phase of flight -- especially during takeoff. High thrust margin means the aircraft has extra engine power to compensate for issues like engine failure, drag (e.g., landing gear still down), wind shear, or heavy weight. Low thrust margin means the engines are operating close to their limits, leaving little room for error or recovery in case of a malfunction)].

But to be clear, this wasn't an overload. Aircraft wouldn't take off unless (all these parameters that affect thrust margins were) within limits. But hypothetically, if temperature was lower or weight (of the aircraft, including that of fuel) less, recovery chances might've improved.

Still -- this doesn't mean weight or heat caused the crash. They just reduce your room to manoeuvre if something goes wrong.
Union minister Amit Shah said on Thursday that the temperature in the Air India plane which crashed in Ahmedabad was so high due to burning fuel that there was no chance to save anyone.

IMAGE: Union minister Amit Shah visits the crash site after an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025. Photograph: @AmitShah/X

Union minister Amit Shah said on Thursday that the temperature in the Air India plane which crashed in Ahmedabad was so high due to burning fuel that there was no chance to save anyone.

There was 1.25 lakh litre of fuel inside the plane and it caught heat so it was impossible to save anyone, Shah told reporters.

The entire nation is in deep shock following the tragedy, he said.

Shah also expressed condolences to relatives of those killed in the accident.

The number of those killed will be officially released by the authorities after DNA test and identification of the victims, Shah said.

"The good news is that one person survived the crash and I am coming here after meeting him, he said.

"The process of collecting DNA samples from bodies of those killed in the plane crash is over. Forensic Science

Laboratory and National Forensic Sciences University in Gujarat will conduct DNA tests of the victims, he said.

The London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in a residential area in Ahmedabad minutes after taking off from the city airport on Thursday afternoon.
Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will probe the Air India plane crash at the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, according to an official.

IMAGE: Wreckage of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site, showing part of its registration "VT-ANB", where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

Air India's Dreamliner Boeing 787 aircraft, involved in the crash, had 242 people on board, including 12 crew members.

AAIB Director General and Director of Investigation at the agency, among others, will be leaving for Ahmedabad, the official said.

Meanwhile, Boeing said they are in touch with Air India regarding the plane crash.

"We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected," Boeing said in a brief statement on X.

Under the civil aviation ministry, AAIB is responsible for the classification of safety occurrences, involving aircraft operating in the Indian airspace into accidents and serious incidents.

It carries out detailed investigations into accidents and also suggests measures to improve safety.

"We are aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information," Boeing said in a statement.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu expressed shock at the plane crash and said he was personally monitoring the situation.

"We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.

"Rescue teams have been mobilised and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site," he said in a post on X in the afternoon.

The minister, who was in Vijayawada, rushed to Ahmedabad to oversee the situation on the ground.
Ranjitha Gopakumar, a 39-year-old nurse from Kerala, was among the victims of a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

IMAGE: Kerala nurse Ranjitha Gopakumar. Photograph: X

A mother of two, Ranjitha had returned to India from the United Kingdom just four days earlier to complete formalities related to her government job, hoping to rejoin service after a stint abroad.

She had come home to Pullad, her native village in this south Kerala district, full of hope -- to finalise plans for a new house, and to move her children and elderly mother into a safer, more stable life. But what was meant to be a short trip filled with purpose and promise ended in heartbreak.

Ranjitha had taken the first available ticket to return abroad, boarding the flight from Chennai to Ahmedabad.

It was a connecting journey back to the UK, where she had been working after a brief period in Salalah, Oman.

Just four days after arriving home, she left again -- this time, unknowingly, on her final journey.

"She was happy and hopeful when she left," said a close relative. "There were so many plans. So many dreams," he said.

Ranjitha had worked as a nurse in the Kerala government health service but had taken leave to pursue opportunities overseas, hoping to secure a better life for her children -- 15-year-old Indhuchoodan, a 10th-standard student, and 12-year-old Etheka, who is in seventh standard.

After her father passed away some years ago, Ranjitha had taken on the full responsibility of raising her children with the help of her mother, Thulassykuttiyamma.

On the day of the crash, Ranjitha was on her way back to the UK to collect her release certificate from the UK hospital and resume work. But fate struck cruelly. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off, bursting into flames.

The news left the village of Pullad in mourning.

Neighbours, friends, and relatives have been visiting the family home in silence, offering condolences that feel too small for the scale of the loss.

She is survived by her mother, two children, and two brothers.
At least 265 people were killed on Thursday when a London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed into a medical college complex here and burst into a ball of fire less than a minute after takeoff, an official said. The dead in the country's worst air disaster in recent times included several people on the ground.

IMAGE: An Air India plane is seen in flames after it crashed into a medical college complex in Ahmedabad minutes after the take-off.

While one passenger identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh survived the crash near the airport involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner(AI 171), Bharatiya Janata Party leader C R Paatil said former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the dead.

"265 bodies have reached the city civil hospital as per the message we received," Deputy Commissioner of Police Kanan Desai told reporters late in the night several hours after the twin-engine wide-body aircraft crashed in the city civil hospital and BJ Medical College outside the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport perimeter. Several bodies were reported to be charred beyond recognition.

Four MBBS students and a doctor's wife were among those killed, a senior official said. Several students were impacted after parts of the plane smashed into a dining hall at lunch time in the multi-storey hostel building.

According to Air India, of the 230 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian. The other 12 people on board were two pilots and 10 crew members.

Ramesh, who was seated in 11A, largely remained unscathed after the miraculous escape. He was seen in TV footage walking around after the crash.

Ramesh was admitted to the trauma ward of the Ahmedabad civil hospital, Dr Shriq M told PTI. The lucky passenger was travelling to London with his brother.

IMAGE: Rescue team members work at the site where an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

Union minister Amit Shah told reporters that the temperature in the ill-fated plane was so high due to burning fuel that there was no chance to save anyone.

At the same time, Shah told reporters, "The good news is that one person survived the crash and I am coming here after meeting him.

"There was 1.25 lakh litres of fuel inside the plane and it caught heat so it was impossible to save anyone," Shah said.

"The number of those killed will be officially released by the authorities after DNA test and identification of the victims."

IMAGE: A tail of the Air India plane is seen stuck at the BJ Medical college building. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

As rescuers struggled to find survivors in the charred wreckage and pull out the injured, many of them with grievous burns, officials tried to assess the human magnitude of the disaster.

The pilot of the plane issued a 'Mayday' distress call, denoting a full emergency, soon after takeoff at 1.39 pm, the Air Traffic Control at Ahmedabad said.

The search was also on for the aircraft's black box -- the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder -- for clues to understand what happened in the last crucial moments of the doomed flight to London's Gatwick airport.

The 11-year-old aircraft could be seen from miles away, losing altitude rapidly and combusting in a fiery blaze that sent plumes of thick black smoke spiralling up in the air.

Noting that the aircraft with a full fuel load for a long trip climbed just about 600-800 feet before plummeting to the ground almost immediately, Aviation experts said that going by the available visuals lack of thrust in both engines and a bird hit could be among the probable causes. TV footage showed the aircraft making a slow descent shortly after taking off, with its landing gear still extended.

IMAGE: Rescue team members work as smoke rises at the crash site. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

"The aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST from Runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC," according to a statement from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Visuals from the wreckage area showed bodies being pulled out and the injured, many with burns, wheeled into the city civil hospital close by.

Eyewitnesses in Ahmedabad said the blaze was so intense that it led to several multi-storey buildings being burnt, trees singed and cars damaged. One image showed the snout of the plane crashing through the top floor of a building that appeared to be a dining area of the hostel of nurses and doctors.

Elsewhere too, there were scenes of complete devastation with mangled metal of the wreckage, snarls of tangled wire and smoke rising from burning embers.

This is the first crash involving the Boeing Dreamliner, feted for its advanced features. It is also India's second biggest air disaster since 2020 when an Air India Express flight skidded off a wet runway while landing at Kozhikode in Kerala and split into two. Of the 190 people on board, 21, including two pilots, lost their lives.

IMAGE: A part the Air India plane is seen stuck at the BJ Medical college building.

Airport operations in Ahmedabad were temporarily suspended and resumed towards the evening.

The shock of the disaster echoed through political corridors in India and abroad with heads of states and others offering their condolences.

"The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X.

"In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," he added.

Britain's King Charles III said he and his wife, Queen Camilla, were "desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning".

"Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones," read his statement issued from Buckingham Palace.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.

The ill-fated flight was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal along with First Officer Clive Kundar. While Sabharwal has 8,200 hours of flying experience, Kundar 1,100 hours, the DGCA said in a statement.

Immediately after departure from Runway 23, the aircraft fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter, it said.

"On Jun 12, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB while operating flight AI-171 from (Ahmedabad to Gatwick) has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad," the statement said.

Several eyewitnesses on the busy, everyday afternoon described the horror of what they had seen.

"The plane was flying very low and it crashed into the residential quarters of doctors and nursing staff of civil hospital and BJ Medical college," Haresh Shah told PTI.

IMAGE: People carry the body of a victim from the crash site. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

"There are several five floor buildings which are residential quarters of doctors and nursing staff. Many people in those apartments were injured as along with the plane the buildings also caught fire," he said.

Another said several cars and vehicles parked in the premises also caught fire.

Expressing his profound sorrow, Air India chairperson N Chandrasekaran said an emergency centre has been activated and support teams set up for families seeking information.

Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson also expressed "deep sorrow" at the crash saying this is a "difficult day" for all at the airline.

"The injured passengers have been taken by local authorities to the nearest hospitals. We are actively working with the authorities on all emergency response efforts," he said in a statement.

IMAGE: A family member cries upon hearing the news of her brother who died in the crash. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

DNA tests will be carried out to ascertain the identities of those in the crash, a senior Gujarat health department official said even as he refused to give the death toll. There were reports that over 200 bodies were recovered from the wreckage. The bodies were reported to be charred beyond recognition.

Aircraft maker Boeing said in a statement that it is in contact with Air India and stands ready to offer any support to the Tata-owned airline.

Thursday's tragedy is the second major air disaster in Gujarat's principal city.

On October 19, 1988, an Indian Airlines plane crashed in its final approach to the Ahmedabad airport, killing 130 people.
Photo: https://ksf.openukraine.org/

To win, Ukraine needs a strong unity of the European Union and the United States, strong sanctions, armaments and pressure on China, the founder and chairman of the Kyiv Security Forum (KSF), Prime Minister of Ukraine in 2014-16 Arseniy Yatsenyuk has said.

Answering the question of what Ukraine needs to win, Arseniy Yatsenyuk noted: "There are no simple answers, but it seems to me that we already know the solutions: a strong unity of the EU and the US, strong sanctions, arming Ukraine, pressure on China, knocking the spirit out of Putin and for Ukraine to become a member of NATO and the EU. This is what we need from the EU and the US," he said on the sidelines of the Brussels Forum under the auspices of the German Marshall Fund.

The chairman of the KSF also noted that he must admit that US President Donald Trump was right in his statement that this is "not his war."

"Trump is right when he says that this is not his war. This is not Trump's war. And this is not Zelenskyy's war. This is the war of Putin, President Xi, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un and Iran against Ukraine and against the entire free world," he said.

Yatsenyuk noted that Trump is also right that Ukraine received $300 billion, but this is the total support of the United States and Europe.

"Europe provided $150 billion, and our American friends provided about $120 billion. Thus, the total amount of investment in your common security is about $300 billion," Yatsenyuk said, adding "I believe that this is the best investment by the US and Europe in the history of mankind in your own security," he added.

He stressed that almost 60% of the Russian ground forces were destroyed by the Ukrainian army with the support of international partners. "Together, we completely compromised Russian intelligence," he added.

"Look, they lost about 1 million people killed and wounded. This is a staggering figure. In return, you gained the experience of a completely new war. But the price for Ukraine is incredible. We pay with blood and flesh. And this price actually gives everyone the opportunity to feel more protected," he added.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and MNS head Raj Thackeray met at a hotel in Mumbai on Thursday morning.

File photograph

The meeting comes amid speculation over rapprochement between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and his politically estranged cousin Raj Thackeray, who heads the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

Senior BJP leader Fadnavis and Raj Thackeray met at a five-star hotel in Bandra West in Mumbai in the morning, sources confirmed but declined to elaborate.

When contacted, BJP chief spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said the two leaders are good friends and may have met to discuss development issues related to the state.

The Maharashtra government this week set in motion the process of holding the local body polls by issuing orders for ward delimitation for 29 municipal corporations, including Mumbai.

There has been speculation about a possible reconciliation between the Thackeray brothers ahead of the polls.

The estranged Thackeray cousins sparked the buzz with 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) is not difficult, Uddhav has insisted he is ready to put aside trivial fights, provided those working against Maharashtra's interests are not entertained.

Raj Thackeray extended support to the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but his party contested the state assembly polls in November last year on its own.
India's return to spaceflight as part of the Axiom-4 private mission has run into further delay as NASA announced on Thursday that it was examining a leak onboard the International Space Station's Russian module.

IMAGE: The Ax-4 crew: Hungarian mission specialist Tibor Kapu, Isro astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla of India, Commander Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut and now Axiom's director of human spaceflight, and Polish mission specialist Sawosz Uznanski of the European Space Agency. Photograph: Kind courtesy SpaceX/X

"NASA and Axiom Space are postponing the launch of Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station," a NASA statement said.

India's Shubhanshu Shukla and three others are part of the Axiom-4 commercial mission to the International Space Station.

The astronauts were originally scheduled for lift-off on May 29, which was put off to June 8, June 10 and June 11, when SpaceX, the providers of the launch rocket and the space capsule, detected a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon-9 rocket.

On Thursday, NASA announced that it was working with Roscosmos to understand a new pressure signature, after the recent post-repair effort in the aft-most segment of the International Space Station's Zvezda service module.

"We appreciate all the incredible work of our customers, NASA, and SpaceX on this Mission. This is the right thing to do for Axiom Space, for NASA, and for our customers," Kam Ghaffarian, Executive Chairman and co-founder of Axiom Space, said in a statement.

"We will continue to work with all of our partners to finalise a new launch date and look forward to flying the Ax-4 Mission soon," he said.

"A new launch date for the fourth private astronaut mission will be provided once available," a joint statement from Axiom Space and NASA said, announcing the postponement of the launch of the Axiom-4 mission.

The statement said as part of an ongoing investigation, NASA was also working with Roscosmos to understand a new pressure signature, after the recent post-repair effort in the aftmost segment of the International Space Station's Zvezda service module.

"Cosmonauts aboard the space station recently performed inspections of the pressurised module's interior surfaces, sealed some additional areas of interest, and measured the current leak rate," the statement said

The postponement of Axiom Mission 4 provides additional time for NASA and Roscosmos to evaluate the situation and determine whether any additional troubleshooting is necessary. NASA defers to Roscosmos to answer specific questions about the Zvezda module, the statement said.

The Russian Space Agency has been dealing with a cabin pressure leak at the station, and recent repairs resulted in what NASA calls a new pressure signature.

The three Russians aboard the space station recently inspected the inside walls of the ageing Zvezda service module, which was launched in 2000. They sealed some areas and measured the current leak rate.

Following this effort, the segment is now holding pressure, NASA said in an online update.

Former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space Peggy Whitson will command the commercial mission, while Indian Space Research Organisation astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot.

The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.

The crew will lift off aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on Falcon 9 from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The 14-day mission will "realise the return" to human spaceflight for India, Poland and Hungary.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani died on Thursday after an Air India aircraft carrying him and 241 others crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport airport in Ahmedabad in the afternoon, Union minister C R Paatil said.

IMAGE: Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani. Photograph: ANI Photo

"This is a very sad incident. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. We have lost two-time former chief minister Vijay Rupani in the crash, which is very sad news for the BJP family," Paatil, the Union Jal Shakti minister and chief of the party's state unit, told reporters.

Rupani, 68, was CM for two terms from August 7, 2016 to September 11, 2021, after winning the Gujarat Legislative Assembly elections from Rajkot West seat. He was presently the BJP's in charge for Punjab.

The London-bound flight AI 171 was carrying 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian national, apart from two pilots and 10 cabin crew members.
UN chief Antonio Guterres, US President Donald Trump, his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney were among scores of world leaders who offered condolences to the people of India in wake of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

IMAGE: Rescue team members work at the site where an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

A London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in a residential area in Ahmedabad minutes after taking off, possibly killing almost everyone on board in one of India's worst air disasters. There were 169 Indians, 53 British, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals onboard apart from 12 crew members.

Guterres said he was deeply saddened by the plane crash and offered heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all affected.

Trump described the crash as "one of the worst in aviation history" and emphasised readiness of the US to help India in any capacity.

"The plane crash was terrible. I've already told them (India), anything we can do. It's a big country, a strong country, and they'll handle it, I'm sure," Trump said in response to a question at the White House during an event.

President Putin offered condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the plane crash, the Kremlin said.

"Please convey my sympathy and support to the families of those killed and my wishes for a swift recovery to those injured in the crash," TASS said, quoting Putin's message.

French President Emmanuel Macron said, "We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims' loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi."

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was devastated to learn about the crash that had one Canadian national among those on board.

"My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board. Canada's transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds," he said on X.

Foreign Minister Anita Anand too called it the distressing news as devastating.

"Canada is in close contact with our international partners. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have been lost in this tragedy," she said in a post on X.

US Secretary Of State Marco Rubio too expressed condolences, saying Washington continues to monitor developments and stands with the emergency responders working to help those impacted.

"Heartbroken to hear the news of a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My prayers are with all who lost their loved ones in this horrible incident," Rubio said on X.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was "deeply saddened" by the tragic crash and offered condolences to the families of the victims.

Britain's former Indian-origin prime minister Rishi Sunak said he and his wife Askhata Murty were deeply shocked and distressed by the tragic news.

"There is a unique bond between our two nations and our thoughts and prayers go out to the British and Indian families who have lost loved ones today," Sunak posted on X.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the plane crash and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

His elder brother and three-time former premier Nawaz Sharif offered condolences to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India, saying this devastating loss transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity.

"Shocked at the tragic crash of #AirIndia flight carrying 242 passengers in Ahmedabad. We join all in prayers for the bereaved ones and their families. #Bangladesh stands in solidarity with people and government of #India at this trying time," Bangladesh's chief adviser Muhammad Yunus said on X.

Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli said he was "deeply saddened" by the tragic plane crash. "My heartfelt condolences to PM Shri @narendramodi jee and the people of India. Our thoughts are with the victims' families during this devastating time," he said on X.

"Nepal extends its heartfelt solidarity to India during this difficult time," Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba said.

Expressing his profound sadness at the crash, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu said the government and people of Maldives stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of India at this difficult time.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said he is deeply saddened and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of all those affected onboard.

Equally heartbreaking are the civilian casualties on the ground, including young medical students whose lives and futures were struck by this tragedy. At this moment of deep sorrow, the people of Sri Lanka stand in solidarity with India.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted," he said on X.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was deeply distressed to learn about the tragic crash and extended heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those affected.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides expressed heartfelt condolences to PM Modi and the people of India. "The people of Cyprus mourn with you. In this time of sorrow, we stand by our Indian friends with solidarity and compassion," Christodoulides said on X.

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by the tragedy that strikes at the heart of countless families.

"Our thoughts are with the victims, the rescuers on the ground, and the people of India in these painful moments. Belgium stands in solidarity with India and all affected communities. Our services are closely following developments," he said on X.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described it as horrible news and offered his deepest condolences to Modi and the people of India.

"Our thoughts are with all victims' relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. We share your shock and grief on this tragic day. We all pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and wish a speedy recovery to those injured," he posted on X.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a post on X said he was saddened to know of the Air India crash.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen," he wrote on X.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar joined him in expressing sorrow at the incident.

"Our hearts are with the Indian people following the terrible incident," Sa'ar wrote on X.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he is following the shocking images of the Air India flight crashing in Ahmedabad and said in a post on X: "As we are only learning the details, my thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with our friends in #India and everyone currently hoping for their loved ones."

"Heartbreaking news from India with the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss. We share your pain. Dear @narendramodi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on X.

Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo expressed his "sincere condolences to PM Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the families and loved ones of the victims, and to everyone affected by the tragic crash of Air India.

Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala, Mauritius PM Navin Ramgoolam, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed and Nepal's former premier Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda were among other world leaders who offered condolences to all those affected.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry extended its condolences and hoped for strength and healing in the days ahead.
In a bold display of civic engagement, members of the Hindu American community launched an aerial banner over New York City this week, endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor and urging voters to support experienced, inclusive leadership in a high-stakes race that has captured national attention.

IMAGE: Democratic mayoral candidates Andrew Cuomo, shakes hands with Zohran Mamdani, after participating in a Democratic mayoral primary debate, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in New York. Photograph: Yuki Iwamura/Pool via Reuters

The banner, which read 'Hindus for Cuomo: United NYC, No Hate', flew over key neighbourhoods in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn.

The visual campaign aimed to underscore the community's growing concerns over rising crime, divisive rhetoric, and a perceived leadership vacuum in the city.

The endorsement comes as the Democratic primary narrows to a contest between Cuomo, the former three-term New York Governor, and Assembly member Zohran Mamdani.

Two internal polls released this week show a competitive race: a survey by Data for Progress for Mamdani's super PAC found Cuomo ahead by two points, while a separate poll commissioned by Cuomo's campaign gave him a 12-point lead.

Early voting will begin on Saturday, and the primary is scheduled for June 24. Analysts note a significant portion of the electorate remains persuadable, with 8-9 per cent of voters still undecided.

While Mamdani enjoys upto 15 per cent favourability rating among those who know him, 28 per cent said they have not heard enough about him. Cuomo, meanwhile, holds near-universal recognition of name and a split favourability rating of 48-49 per cent.

Organisers said the aerial message was launched to advocate for a leader who aligns with Hindu values of unity, peace, and non-violence.

"We are at a moment where leadership cannot be learned on the job," said Dr Rakesh Shreedhar, President of the Hindu American PAC of New York.

"Governor Cuomo's leadership experience is not only relevant but crucial in tackling the critical challenges New York City faces today."

Kusum Vyas, a Houston-based environmental activist and founder of the Green Kumbh Alliance, noted that the message resonated far beyond city limits.

"What happens in New York shapes discourse across America. Our community, rooted in Ahimsa -- non-violence -- and equity, supports leadership that is dignified and inclusive."

Balu Advani, a practising Hindu and prominent businessman, emphasised the need for steadiness.

"New York needs effective and experienced leadership during these challenging times. Andrew Cuomo is the best candidate for the job," he said.

Sathya Dosapati, a long-time activist from New Jersey, said, "Historically, New York is the gateway to America. We must preserve its heritage by making sure we elect leaders who are qualified for the job."

The Hindu American PAC of New York stated the banner was part of a larger campaign to amplify Hindu American voices in civic life -- centred on values of inclusion, accountability and cultural harmony.
'Sonam's phones must have been destroyed somewhere on the way, but we cannot confirm it until we start questioning her.'

IMAGE: Sonam Raghuvanshi at the Phulwari Sharif police station in Patna, June 10, 2025. She was later taken to Shillong by the Meghalaya police. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Meghalaya police have got an eight-day remand of Sonam Raghuvanshi and four others in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case.

Besides Sonam, the four others are Raj Khushwaha, her alleged lover; Akash Rajput; Vishal Singh Chauhan; Anand Kumar.

Herbert Pyniaid Kharkongor, the Shillong city superintendent of police who is heading the special investigating team in the case, told this correspondent that analysis of "technical data" and preliminary inquiry led them to the accused.

When asked to elaborate, Kharkongor said, "We are still investigating the case and have just got the remand. So, I cannot divulge details about the evidence."

The mobile phones of the four accused men, all in their twenties, have been confiscated. Earlier, Sonam's brother told this correspondent that she had two phones. But the police have not found the devices. The data from other phones is being analysed.

According to Additional SP Ashish, "Sonam's phones must have been destroyed somewhere on the way, but we cannot confirm it until we start questioning her."

Sonam and the four others were produced before the court of Judicial Magistrate (First Class) D D K Mihsil, on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, the police said they would seek 10 days of remand.

The five accused will be taken to Sohra, where Raja's murder case was lodged, after a few days.

The formal probing of the accused will begin on June 12. The police are calling this Operation Honeymoon.

A white shirt was found near Raja Raghuvanshi's body at Wei Sawdong, Sohra, on June 2. When asked about the evidence, Kharkongor said there were blood stains, but the forensic report on this is yet to arrive.

There was also circumstantial evidence that pointed to the accused. The police will "further investigate and question the accused to substantiate those".

So far, the charges against Sonam are murder (Section 302), causing disappearance of evidence (Section 201) and causing communal disharmony (Section 153A). "We may press other charges during the investigation," said Kharkongor.

Raja was on his honeymoon with his bride Sonam Raghuvanshi to the northeastern state in May. Both had been reported missing earlier during the trip.

His body was discovered in a gorge near Sohra, close to Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, on June 2.

Sonam, surfaced in Ghazipur, UP, on June 9 and was arrested by the police on suspicion of murdering her husband.

Media misinformation creates confusion

Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills SP, Vivek Syiem, refused to meet media-persons on Wednesday following alleged media misinformation, especially by some Hindi media houses.

On Tuesday, Syiem said (external link) Sonam was in constant communication with Raj even after marriage.

But it is not clear whether she shared her live location on the day of the murder. 'It is a fact that she was in touch with Raj that day (May 23), and the latter was in touch with the three assailants,' he added.

On May 23, Sonam changed local taxis several times to reach Guwahati. There were some media reports about Sonam taking a train to Siliguri from Guwahati, from where she went to Indore. However, Indore police said the information was incorrect.

When asked about the fake news circulating on social media, Kharkongor said the police are keeping an eye on it and "certain FIRs have been taken up" in this regard.

"This social media frenzy," informed Ashish," does not particularly affect the investigation."
'The solution is to replace, clean up, retest and proceed.'

'There is nothing to worry about if corrected.'

IMAGE: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in flight. Photograph: Kind courtesy SpaceX

Indian astronaut and Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu 'Shuks' Shukla and three other astronauts will be able to fly to the International Space Station only after SpaceX repairs its Falcon 9 rocket, said National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

SpaceX can fit the rocket with a new booster (ISRO did that earlier for one of its rockets) and save time or the faulty one, a senior official at the Indian Space Research Organisation said.

The SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon spacecraft carrying Commander Peggy Whitson of the US, Mission Pilot Shukla, Mission Specialist Sawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of the European Space Agency/Poland, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu of Hungary was supposed to fly to the ISS on Wednesday.

The flight was known as Axiom Mission 4 or Ax-4 Mission managed by the US company Axiom Space.

The rocket flight was aborted in order to plug the liquid oxygen leak identified during post-static fire Falcon 9 rocket inspections.

'NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX are standing down from the launch opportunity on Wednesday, June 11, of Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair a liquid oxygen leak identified during post-static fire Falcon 9 rocket inspections,' NASA said.

'A new launch date for the fourth private astronaut mission will be provided once repair work is complete, pending range availability,' the US space agency added.

'As part of launch vehicle preparation to validate the performance of booster stage of Falcon 9 launch vehicle, seven second of hot test was carried out on the launch pad. It is understood that LOX (liquid oxygen) leakage was detected in the propulsion bay during the test,' ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan said.

'Based on the discussion on this topic by ISRO team with the experts of Axiom and SpaceX it has been decided to correct the leak and carry out necessary validation test before clearing for the launch. Hence the launch of Axiom 04 slated for 11th June 2025 for sending first Indian Gaganyatri to ISS is postponed,' Narayanan added.

'Standing down from tomorrow's Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. Once complete - and pending Range availability -- we will share a new launch date,' SpaceX said.

NASA omitted to mention ISRO in its statement while mentioning Axiom Space and SpaceX.

Similarly ISRO Chairman Narayanan omitted NASA's name but mentioned Axiom and SpaceX in his message.

On the other hand, SpaceX did not mention the names of NASA, Axiom Space or ISRO.

SpaceX's Vice President-Build and Flight Reliability William Gerstenmaier had told the media earlier that company officials had detected a liquid oxygen leak in the rocket booster and in the steering systems of the fifth engine.

According to Gerstenmaier, the liquid oxygen leak was seen on the booster during its entry on its last mission. The company reuses its booster to save on costs.

The rocket uses rocket grade kerosene as fuel and super cooled liquid oxygen as oxidiser.

Gerstenmaier had said the leak was not repaired when the booster was refurbished for the next flight or the leak was not detected then.

According to SpaceX, the Ax-4 Mission will be the second flight for the first stage booster. It was previously used for the Starlink mission.

That apart, SpaceX team also found an issue with the Thrust Vector Control (TVC) systems in the fifth engine in the booster. The first stage booster has nine engines.

"Leaks in a liquid propulsion system are typical. Even after testing, such observation could happen due to nano particles settling at valve seats or something like that," a senior ISRO official told this correspondent.

"The solution is to replace, clean up, retest and proceed. It requires time and facility support. There is nothing to worry about if corrected," the ISRO official added.

There are two options for SpaceX. First is to replace the problem item with a new one or repair the existing system and get the launch vehicle ready for flight. The latter one will take time if there is no stand-by for the problem system.

Be that as it may, the Ax-4 Mission can be launched on any day till June 30 and there are launch opportunities from the second week of July, said Dana Weigel, manager, ISS programme, NASA.

IMAGE: Mission Pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Commander Peggy Whitson, Mission Specialist Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu. Photograph: Kind courtesy Axiom Space

ISRO's fuel leak experience

ISRO has faced fuel leak in its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-D5 (GSLV-D5) rocket in 2013 and in the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for the country's first moon mission-Chandrayaan-1.

A few hours prior to the lift off the GSLV-D5 with GSAT-14 satellite on August 19, 2013, fuel started leaking from its second stage.

The second stage was replaced with a new one and some critical components in the strap-on motors of the first stage were also replaced as a matter of precaution, an ISRO official had told this correspondent then.

Similarly, there were anxious moments before the PSLV rocket went up carrying the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft.

During the fuel loading of the rocket's second stage, fuel started leaking from the joint between the rocket and the ground equipment.

The leak was detected at the tricky tibia joint between the propellant filling unit and the launcher, K Radhakrishnan, then director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and later ISRO chairman, had then told this correspondent.

The ISRO team had to be fully alert as it was a hypergolic fuel-oxidizer combination which meant spontaneous ignition in case the two came into contact. Probable simultaneous leaks in both the fuel and oxidizer lines could have caused a catastrophic fire, Radhakrishnan had then said.

The rain prior to that launch was a blessing in disguise.

The fuel filling restarted but with constraints in its rate of flow and its ideal ratio of the fuel UH 25 (a mix of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine and hydrazine hydrate) and the oxidizer (nitrogen tetroxide), Radhakrishnan had said.

Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at venkatacharijagannathan@gmail.com

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Pakistan's record on terrorism is "very clear" and the Pahalgam attack is only the recent example of cross-border terrorism, the ministry of external affairs said on Thursday.

IMAGE: Security forces at Baisaran meadow, where the terrorist attack took place in Pahalgam, April 22, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal's remarks at his weekly media briefing in New Delhi came in response to a query on the recent comments made by a top US general on Washington's ties with New Delhi and with Islamabad.

"We have to have a relationship with Pakistan and with India. I do not believe it is a binary switch that we can't have one with Pakistan if we have a relationship with India," US Army General Michael Kurilla, Commander of US Central Command, had said.

"We should look at the merits of the relationship for the positives that it has," the US general said during a testimony before the US House Armed Services Committee.

Briefing the media in New Delhi, Jaiswal said, "The record of Pakistan, of what Pakistan is, is very clear".

"We all know the Pahalgam attack is only the recent example of cross-border terrorism. I would remind you that only recently one of the conspirators of the 26/11 attack, Tahawwur Rana was extradited from the United States to India.

"Obviously, none of us have forgotten that Pakistan gave shelter to Osama bin Laden. It is significant that the person, and you would be aware, Dr Shakil Afridi, who helped locate Osama bin Laden, is still imprisoned by the Pakistani military," he said.

The MEA spokesperson was also asked about reports suggesting that Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has received an invitation to attend the US Army Day celebrations on June 14.

"On invitation part, I would urge you to be better informed as to who are the people who are invited, there are foreign leaders who have been invited or not. Take your questions to the American side, they will be in a better position to answer it," Jaiswal told reporters.

He was also asked about the India-Bangladesh ties during the media interaction.

"Our ties with Bangladesh are well-known, I have said from this podium several times. We want a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh that is anchored in the aspirations of the people of the two countries," he said.

He was also asked if India is monitoring the situation in West Asia.

"We are following the development very closely. And, yes, we have a large diaspora population in that region. Our embassies all across the region, they are in touch with our community members also guiding them on their safety and security," Jaiswal said.
Israel is fully ready to launch an operation into Iran, United States officials have been told, multiple sources told CBS News.

IMAGE: Iranians attend a rally in support of Gaza, in Tehran, on April 11, 2025. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

The US anticipates Iran could retaliate on certain American sites in neighboring Iraq.

This is part of the reason the US advised some Americans to leave the region earlier Wednesday, with the State Department ordering non-emergency government officials to exit Iraq due to 'heightened regional tensions', CBS News reported.

The US State and Defence Departments have begun moving non-essential personnel out of several locations across West Asia amid growing regional tensions, CNN reported citing US officials and sources familiar with the matter.

While the exact cause of the shift in posture remains unclear, a defence official told CNN that US Central Command (CENTCOM) is monitoring 'developing tension in the Middle East'.

President Donald Trump, commenting on the situation, said, "They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place... we've given notice to move out, and we'll see what happens."

CNN reported that the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the region has been authorised by Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth.

"The safety and security of our service members and their families remains our highest priority," an official said.

CENTCOM commander General Michael Kurilla postponed his scheduled testimony before a Senate committee due to the evolving situation, according to a defence official.

Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is still planning to meet with Iran for a sixth round of talks on the country's nuclear program in the coming days.

Trump said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons.

"They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that," he said.

Tensions in the region have been rising in recent days as talks between the US and Iran over its rapidly advancing nuclear program appear to have hit an impasse.
A 26-year-old man was allegedly murdered and his body stored in an ice-cream freezer in Tripura in a love triangle gone wrong, the police said on Wednesday.

The victim was in a relationship with a 20-year-old woman. On the other side, the woman's cousin wanted to be with her, West Tripura's SP Kiran Kumar said.

The couple was not talking to each other after a recent fight, and the cousin got an inkling, he said.

He plotted a well-designed plan to kill the boyfriend, and invited him to the house of a relative in South Indiranagar in West Tripura on June 8, the police said.

The cousin, who is an MBBS graduate from Bangladesh, strangulated him to death with the help of three other persons present there, they said.

Then they stuffed the body in a trolley bag. The next day, the cousin called his parents, who live in Gandacherra, to come to Agartala and take the trolley bag with them, the police said.

"Accordingly, his parents came to Agartala with a car and took the trolley bag to Gandacherra. They concealed the body in an ice-cream freezer in their shop," the SP said.

The cousin wanted to physically exploit the woman, who recently lost her father. He knew that he couldn't do that till the boyfriend was in the scene, so he conspired to kill him, he said.

The accused was a frequent visitor to the woman's house in Bankumari in the East Agartala police station area, he added.

The police began an investigation after the victim's family lodged a missing person's complaint, and the cousin was the first person to be arrested, the officer said.

"Based on his confession, the body of the victim was retrieved from the freezer on Wednesday. After a post-mortem examination, the body was handed over to the victim's family," he said.

A total of six persons, including the cousin's parents, were arrested, Kumar said.
Germany may provide Ukraine with up to EUR 9 bln in aid  Pistorius

This year, Germany will provide Ukraine with EUR 7 billion in aid, and is also considering providing an additional EUR 1.9 billion, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said.

"We planned four billion in aid for Ukraine in recent months. We have increased this aid to 7 billion. It has not yet been finally decided to add another EUR 1.9 billion," Pistorius said at a briefing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to the minister, part of these funds will be used to finance a long-range weapons production project.

"So, in this way, we will provide EUR 9 billion to support Ukraine," Pistorius summed up.
Punjab-based social media influencer Kanchan Kumari was found dead in an abandoned car in the parking lot of Adesh University in Bathinda district, the police said on Thursday.

IMAGE: Social media influencer Kanchan Kumari. Photograph: Courtesy Instagram

The car belonged to Kanchan, who had been missing since June 9.

The 30-year-old operated an Instagram account under the name Kamal Kaur Bhabhi and had 3.84 lakh followers.

She also ran a YouTube channel Funny Bhabhi TV with 2.36 lakh subscribers.

On June 9, she left her home in Ludhiana's Lachman colony, telling her mother that she was going for a promotional event. She could not be reached afterwards, police said.

Locals in Bhucho suburb informed police about a stench emanating from a car in the parking lot of Adesh University. Police rushed to the spot and found a woman dead on the rear seat of a car.

Bathinda superintendent of police (city) Narinder Singh said police were scanning footage from CCTVs mounted in the vicinity.

Her sister said her mother called Kanchan up on June 10, but found her mobile switched off.

A few months ago, Kanchan was allegedly warned against posting videos by a foreign-based gangster, who disapproved of the kind of content she made.

According to police, a turbaned man was caught entering the parking lot in a car at 5.33 am on June 10. He parked the car, and a few moments later left the lot on foot.

A post-mortem of the body will throw light on the cause and time of the death.

Police have formed several teams to work on the case.
Deepak Pathak, a cabin crew member on board the London-bound Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, had last spoken to his mother, saying "good morning", his sister said.

IMAGE: People gather outside the Civil Hospital after an ill-fated London-bound Air India aircraft, B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, crashed into a building with 242 passengers onboard, in Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

They have not heard about his condition since the news of the crash came, she said.

A member of the family said his phone rang after they tried to make contact once news of the crash became public, though no one answered it.

"We will not accept the worst as long as this phone rings," the kin said, clinging to hope.

There was no official count of, or information about, those killed even hours after the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed in the city civil hospital and BJ Medical College outside the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport of Ahmedabad.

Pathak, a resident of Badlapur in Thane district near Mumbai, was working as a cabin crew member with Air India for 11 years, his sister told media persons.

The news of the crash sent shockwaves in the area and soon family members and friends gathered at Rawal Complex on Ambernath-Badlapur Road where Pathak lives.

There has been no official information about his condition or whereabouts, his sister said.

"He called our mother in the morning and said 'good morning'. Though we were not able to speak often due to our busy schedules, my mother and I regularly talk about him, like where is he, has he returned home," she said.

Deepak is one of the five siblings and had got married four years ago, she said.

"We are all waiting for confirmation from the authorities. Till then, we won't believe any report about him," she added.

An atmosphere of shock and grief prevailed outside the residence of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a pilot of the crashed flight, in Jal Wayu Vihar area of Powai in Mumbai.

Local MLA Dilip Lande called on Sabharwal's parents. Sabharwal's father is 88 years old, local sources said.
'She did not know what she would do in such a scenario'

IMAGE: Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma was a cabin crew member of the ill-fated Air India flight which was crashed in Ahmedabad. Photograph: X

Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma's worst fear came true on Thursday as the London-bound flight on which she was a cabin crew member, crashed in Ahmedabad, even though her family clings to hope as her mobile phone is still switched on and is receiving signals but nobody is responding to their repeated calls.

Twenty-year-old Nganthoi, who was a cabin crew member for the last three years, was among the 242 people onboard Air India Flight AI 171, which crashed minutes after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Many casualties are feared but the fate of the cabin crew member from Manipur's Thoubal district was not yet known as the authorities did not release a list of fatalities till the filing of this report.

"We called her up several times after receiving the news but nobody picked up the calls. The internet on her phone is also still on. However, we stopped calling her around 6 pm fearing it would drain the battery," K Khenjita, a relative of Nganthoi, told PTI.

A cousin of the cabin crew member said her last message before take-off was, "I'm going to London. In a few minutes, we'll take off. We may not be able to talk for a while."

Wails pierced the air in Awang Leikai in Thoubal as the news of the crash reached the Sharma residence.

"We were devastated upon hearing the news... I was very close to her. Today, I can't help but remember what she had said earlier. She had said she was very scared of plane crash and did not know what she would do in such a scenario," Nganthoi's cousin told PTI.

"Nganthoi was recruited by Air India during a recruitment call in Imphal three years back. She had applied for the job just to try her luck as she was studying an undergraduate course at that time. She got selected and was based in Mumbai," she added.

The family members said they contacted aviation authorities to know about her condition but did not receive any update.

She said that Nganthoi's mobile phone rung when they called her.

She also expressed frustration over the spread of fake news about her death on social media without any confirmation.

"We are desperately trying to get news about her but fake news about her death is spreading like wildfire. Her photos and videos are being widely shared. It is really hurting us all as we are trying to balance our emotional trauma along with the challenge to get news," she said.

"My brother, who is based in Delhi, and another cousin based in Chandigarh are rushing to Ahmedabad tonight to the site for more information," she added.

Nganthoi is the middle child among three siblings. Her eldest sister works in a private school and her youngest sister is studying in class 9.
Protests against federal immigration sweeps continue despite the increased military presence in Los Angeles.

IMAGE: Protesters react during a clash with law enforcement officers at the protest in Los Angeles. Photograph: David Swanson/Reuters

IMAGE: A law enforcement officer holding a non-lethal weapon gestures as people march during the protest. Photograph: David Swanson/Reuters

IMAGE: A person reacts to non-lethal munitions shot by a member of law enforcement in downtown Los Angeles. Photograph: David Ryder/Reuters

IMAGE: A law enforcement officer fires a non-lethal munition at a protestor. Photograph: David Swanson/Reuters

IMAGE: Mounted police officers disperse people during a protest against federal immigration sweeps in Los Angeles. Photograph: David Swanson/Reuters

IMAGE: Members of law enforcement detain people as the protests continue. Photograph: David Ryder/Reuters

IMAGE: The protests have continued for several days now. Photograph: David Ryder/Reuters

IMAGE: Law enforcement officers detain protesters. Photograph: David Swanson/Reuters

IMAGE: We won't bend this protestor in downtown Los Angeles seems to day. Photograph: David Ryder/Reuters

IMAGE: A flag vendor walks through a standoff between protestors and police in Los Angeles. Photograph: Leah Millis/Reuters

Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/ Rediff

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said that his interim government wanted good relations with India, but 'something always went wrong'.

IMAGE: Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Interim Government. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters

During an interaction with Chatham House think tank director Bronwen Maddox in London on Wednesday, Yunus addressed a wide range of issues including bilateral ties with India and the democratic roadmap for the country, starting with a 'July Charter' next month.

Maddox referenced an informal diplomatic note issued to India seeking deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina's extradition and sought an update on the matter.

"This will continue, we want the whole process to be very legal, very proper. We want to build the best of relationship with India. It's our neighbour, we don't want to have any kind of basic problem with them," Yunus said.

"But somehow things go wrong every time because of all the fake news coming from the Indian press, and many people say it has connections with policymakers on the top," he said.

"So, this is what makes Bangladesh very jittery, very, very angry. We try to get over this anger but a whole barrage of things keeps happening in cyberspace. We can't just get away from that, suddenly they say something, do something, anger comes back," he said.

"This is our big task, to make sure we can have at least a peaceful life to go on with our life. To create the life we are dreaming of," he added.

On an audience question about the 'unclear role of India' about Hasina, Yunus responded: "All the anger (against Hasina) has now transferred to India because she went there."

"When I had a chance to talk to Prime Minister Modi, I simply said: you want to host her, I cannot force you to abandon that policy. But please help us in making sure she doesn't speak to Bangladeshi people the way she is doing (online). She announces on such and such date, such and such hour, she will speak and the whole (of) Bangladesh gets very angry," he said.

Yunus claimed Prime Minister Modi told him that Hasina's social media activities cannot be controlled.

"It's (an) explosive situation, you can't just walk away by saying it's the social media," he added.

The close ties between India and Bangladesh came under strain after Hasina's ouster.

She faces multiple cases in Bangladesh after being ousted on August 5 last year following a major student-led agitation in the country, which forced her to flee Dhaka.

Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel Laureate, who took over as the head of an interim government in Bangladesh in August last year, announced last week that national elections will be held by the first half of 2026.

Asked if he would consider being part of the elected government, Yunus replied: "No way."

He arrived on Tuesday for a four-day visit to the UK, where he was greeted with protests by Hasina's Awami League party members in the UK. He is expected to meet King Charles III and senior members of the British government during the visit.
The killers of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi had a plan to murder any random woman and burn her body to pass it as that of his wife Sonam so that she would be able to be in hiding for a few more days till the truth is known, a senior police officer of Meghalaya said in Shillong on Thursday.

IMAGE: Sonam Raghuvanshi being taken from Phulwari Police Station by Meghalaya Police on a three-day transit remand, in Patna, Bihar, June 10, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

The police also found out that Raj Kushwaha, boyfriend of Sonam, was the mastermind in the murder plot and she is the co-conspirator.

On the first day of interrogation of Sonam, her suspected boyfriend Raj and three others, who were arrested in connection with the killing of the Indore-based businessman, also revealed that she fled from Meghalaya in a burqa and reached the Madhya Pradesh city using various modes of transport like taxi, bus and train.

The conspiracy to eliminate Raja was hatched in Indore, shortly before his wedding with Sonam on May 11, and the mastermind is Raja while the woman had agreed to the plot, East Khasi Hills district Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem told PTI.

A few days after the wedding, Raja (29) and Sonam (24) had come to picturesque Sohra in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district and went missing on May 23. His body was found in a gorge near Weisawdong Falls on June 2, while a search continued for Sonam

She emerged in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur, around 1,200 km away, in the early hours of June 9 and surrendered. Police have also arrested her boyfriend Raj Kushwaha and three others  Vishal, Akash and Anand - who, till now, were suspected to have been contract killers.

The three young people were friends and one of them is a cousin of Raj. It was not a typical contract killing. Yes, the plan was to kill and they did it as a favour to their friend Raj, Syiem said.

Raj had given them Rs 50,000 for the expenditures, he said.

The planning started in February in Indore and they had thought of ways about how Sonam would disappear after the killing of Raja.

One plan was to make people believe that she would wash away by a river. Another plan was to murder some random woman, put her in a two-wheeler, burn the body and claim that it is of Sonam. However, none of the plans fructify, the police officer said.

The group had come a few days before the newly-wed couple reached Assam on May 19 and they had initially planned to eliminate Raja somewhere in Guwahati.

As that did not work for some reason, Sonam planned to go to Shillong and Sohra and according to understanding, all met at Nongriat.

Syiem said they started together for Weisawdong Falls, and there all three hit Raja with a machete they bought in Assam and killed him in front of Sonam between 2 pm and 2.18 pm before throwing the body in a gorge.

Sonam gave the raincoat she was wearing to Akash as his shirt had a blood spot. They left Weisawdong in scooters and Akash threw the raincoat later as it too had blood stains. They also abandoned the two-wheeler hired by Sonam and Raja at a place, the SP said.

The police recovered the raincoat and the two-wheeler when Sonam was thought to have been missing.

Raj had given Vishal a burqa which he has handed over to Sonam. She wore it, went to Police Bazaar and took a taxi to Guwahati. From Guwahati, she reached Siliguri (in West Bengal) on a bus. From there, she took buses to go to Patna and Arah and boarded a train for Lucknow. From Lucknow, Sonam took a bus and reached Indore, he said.

In the meantime, Meghalaya media interviewed a tour guide who said he had seen Sonam and Raja with three people. Raj told Sonam to leave Indore and emerge somewhere in Siliguri and claim herself as a victim of abduction.

But on June 8, when Sonam had left Indore, two police teams from Meghalaya reached UP and Madhya Pradesh in civil dress.

When the first arrest (Akash) was made in UP, Raj panicked and told Sonam wherever she is, call up her family and tell them she just escaped from an abduction gang. That's how this whole thing came to light in Ghazipur, Syiem said.

They had thought that Raja's body would not be discovered as it was remote and the police enquiry would take one to two months. So she thought of playing the victim card.

"We are recording their statements. We are questioning them. Once we got a clear picture - as the accused have kept separately- we will gather evidence and reconstruct the crime scene," Syiem said.

The officer said he is confident that the police are confident to file a charge sheet in the case within the mandatory 90 days.

All five were remanded to eight days of police custody on Wednesday.

Deputy Inspector General of Police DNR Marak told PTI that the SIT conducting the probe into the murder is seeking assistance from the Police in Assam and other states to link all evidence in the case.

According to him, the police are verifying if any of them had made a recce of Sohra and the jungles of Nongriat before.
Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore to the family of each person who died in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

IMAGE: Anxious family members mourn outside the Civil Hospital as they rush to get an update about their loved ones who were on board the ill-fated London-bound Air India aircraft, in Ahmedabad . Photograph: ANI Photo

The aircraft, carrying 242 people from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed immediately after takeoff on Thursday afternoon.

"We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171.

"No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured," Tata Group and Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran said.

Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy, he added.

In the message posted by Tata Group on X, he also said the group will cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support.

"Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the BJ Medical's hostel."

"We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time," he said.

Difficult day for us, team working to support the needy: CEO Wilson

Air India CEO and managing director Campbell Wilson on Thursday expressed "deep sorrow" at the crashing of the airline's Boeing 787-8 aircraft with 242 people on board, saying this is a "difficult day" for all at Air India.

The London-bound flight crashed soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon.

Wilson, in a video statement, also said that the airline is actively working with the authorities on all emergency response efforts.

"The first and most importantly, I would like to express our deep sorrow about this event. This is a difficult day for all of us here in India. And it's now focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families, and loved ones," Wilson said.

He said that while there would be many questions at this stage, he will not be able to answer all of them.

"But I do want to share the information we have at this time. Here, India flight AI-171 operated with a Boeing 787-8 aircraft to London-Gatwick has been involved in an accident after takeoff," Wilson said.

The aircraft crashed in a crowded residential area minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Many people were feared killed.

Of the 230 passengers on board, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national.

"The injured passengers have been taken by local authorities to the nearest hospitals. We are actively working with the authorities on all emergency response efforts," Air India chief said in the statement.

He also said that a special team of caregivers from Air India is on its way to Ahmedabad to provide additional support. Investigations will take time. "But anything we can do now. We are doing."

"We know that many people are concerned for the welfare of their loved ones. We have set up a special helpline that friends and family can reach us at," he said, adding for now, the teams are working round-the-clock to support passengers, crew and their families, as well as investigators.
The Air India flight from Ahmedabad to Gatwick carrying 242 passengers took off at 1.39 pm on Thursday.

Photograph: CISF/ANI/X

As it reached a height of 625 feet, the aircraft started going down.

It was at this time that the pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal with co-pilot First Officer Clive Kundar issued the Mayday call.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal is a Line Training Captain (LTC) with 8200 hours of experience, and the copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience.

What is the Mayday call?

It is a radio distress signal used in aviation and maritime sectors warning of a serious emergency and calls for immediate help. It signifies that there is "grave and imminent danger.

Who does he make that call to?

The pilot radios the Aircraft Traffic Controller. Mayday communication takes precedence over all others as it is an emergency call.

What is the format for relaying a Mayday call?

The pilot or ships captain calls out Mayday, Mayday, Mayday and mentions the aircraft or vessels name, nature of emergency, along with their present position.

How did the term originate?

Mayday was derived from the French maider, meaning help me.

It is a short form of venez maider (come help me).

Who used it first?

The Mayday call originated in the 1920s.

Senior radio officer at Londons Croydon Airport, Frederick Stanley Mockford, was the first to use the Mayday distress call.

What was the term used before Mayday?

It was Save Our Souls or SOS in Morse code.
Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's space journey captivated the nation in 1984.

'I am past history,' one of India's greatest heroes said when Rediff asked him to speak about Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla's forthcoming voyage to space.

'Subhanshu is our country's future space explorer'.

Here's what you must know about the first Indian to travel to space.

IMAGE: In 1984, the first Indian cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma, flew on board the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft with two Soviet cosmonauts. Photograph: Kind courtesy India in Russia/X
Standing near the noose, he recited a couplet in which he said he wished nothing but to sacrifice his life for the motherland.

Utkarsh Mishra remembers Ram Prasad Bismil on the revolutionary leader's 128th birth anniversary.

IMAGE: Ram Prasad Bismil. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons

In his autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, Mahatma Gandhi, writing at the age of 55, recounts the formative events of his life from childhood up to 1921. Rather than offering post-facto justifications, Gandhi presents these episodes with a tone of candid introspection, marked by honest confessions and self-criticism.

Another autobiography, which -- though not as widely known as Gandhi's -- shares a similar tone of self-reflection and introspection, is that of Ramprasad Bismil.

Written under vastly different circumstances, Bismil composed his memoir in a condemned cell in Gorakhpur jail while awaiting execution.

In about 120 pages, he reflected on his life with remarkable clarity and detachment. These pencil-written manuscripts were smuggled out of prison in batches, the last one just a day before he was hanged.

On his 128th birth anniversary, here is a life sketch of Bismil in his own words.

Born in a conservative family

His grandfather left their ancestral home in then Gwalior state and settled in Shahjahanpur, United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), which was hit by a famine at the time. The initial days were tough, and two square meals were hard to come by.

However, the condition improved gradually, and by the time Ramprasad was born, the family was able to send their sons to school.

Born on June 11, 1897, Ramprasad was the second child of his parents. However, a son born before him had not survived. Bismil was followed by five sisters and three brothers, four of whom also succumbed during infancy.

Bismil recounts that his grandmother wanted the girls to be killed, following the tradition of their clan. However, his mother saved her daughters, and they were the first girls in his clan to be educated and married off.

He also recalls that when, as a teenager, he joined the Arya Samaj movement, his father was very angry. He even threatened to kill young Ramprasad if he didn't renounce the Arya Samaj. Scared, the boy left home. However, his father later repented his outburst, brought his son back, and seldom questioned his life choices after that.

Bismil was closest to his mother and writes about her very fondly. He credits her with whatever he could learn in life and also says that she supported his revolutionary activities too -- just as Giuseppe Mazzini's mother supported him.

Confessions

Bismil remembers that when he was 14 years old, he acquired a few bad habits.

One was stealing money from his father's chest to buy trashy literature. Another was smoking. He was also addicted to bhaang. He recalls smoking 50 to 60 cigarettes daily.

Once, in a state of intoxication, he was caught stealing money. An embarrassed Ramprasad decided never to steal again. However, smoking was hard to quit.

It was during this time that he came under the influence of Swami Somdev of the Arya Samaj. Bismil accepted the seer as his guru and started living the life of an ascetic -- waking up before dawn, eating simple food, exercising, and meditating to build a strong body and mind.

He also took a vow of abstinence.

In 1915, in the aftermath of the failed Ghadar Revolution, trials of the revolutionaries involved were held as part of the First Lahore Conspiracy Case. Bismil followed the trial with great interest.

He had great respect for Ghadar Party leader Bhai Paramanand. When he read the news about him being sentenced to death in the case, he realised that there could be no justice for Indians under the British Raj.

Bismil then decided to invest all he had to fight the Crown and drive the British out of his motherland.

Early revolutionary activities

Bismil attended the Lucknow Congress in 1916, where he took part in welcoming Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, much to the chagrin of the moderate faction within the party that didn't want him welcomed in such a grandiose way.

There, he learnt about secret revolutionary groups and joined their activities. He later got associated with revolutionary leader Genda Lal Dixit.

He borrowed money from his mother on the pretext of doing business and used it to publish a book on the American War of Independence. A few copies of the book were distributed before it was seized by the provincial government.

Money was always a problem for the revolutionaries. Far from being able to buy weapons or publish revolutionary literature, they could not get enough money even for food and other basic expenses. On a few occasions, the men looted government coffers to fill this gap, but it wasn't enough.

A couple of times, Ramprasad lied to his mother and borrowed money to buy arms. But with no experience, he paid much more to buy guns from scrap dealers that were far from effective in combat.

It was much later, when the group established contacts with arms suppliers from Bengal, that they realised how badly they had been fleeced.

They also published a pamphlet called Deshvasiyon Ke Naam Sandesh (A Message to the People of India). It was also seized by the government. Dixit was arrested, and a trial was initiated in the name of the Mainpuri Conspiracy Case in 1918.

Arrest loomed large over Bismil too, and the family went into exile. During his time in hiding, Bismil lived with peasants and learnt farming.

They returned to Shahjahanpur after a general amnesty was granted to political prisoners.

Resumption of movement and action in Kakori

Back in Shahjahanpur, Bismil saw that people avoided his company, fearing police action. After much effort, he got a job as a manager in a local factory, which helped him alleviate the financial trouble that had befallen his family due to exile.

During this time, he wrote the Hindi version of the biography of Catherine Breshkovsky, the mother of the Russian revolution. He was greatly influenced by her life. After some time, he left his job and took up publishing full-time. He also wrote articles for several magazines and newspapers.

He was approached by several revolutionaries with a request to reorganise their groups. He got in touch with Sachindra Nath Sanyal, a prominent leader who had served time in the Cellular Jail in the Andamans.

Together with Sanyal and other prominent revolutionaries of Bengal and the United Provinces, Bismil formed the Hindustan Republican Association in 1924. The party was later renamed by Bhagat Singh as the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association in 1928.

However, the problem of funding remained unresolved, and the revolutionaries had to struggle for every single penny to carry out their activities. Wearing rags and eating only one meal a day became routine.

Bismil recounts that he once saw government money being transported in trunks on a train and decided to rob one such train to raise funds for their activities.

As per the plan, on August 9, 1925, a group of 10 revolutionaries -- Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Rajendra Lahiri, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Sachindra Bakshi, Keshab Chakravarty, Manmath Nath Gupta, Mukundi Lal, Murari Lal Khanna, and Banwari Lal -- stopped the train from Shahjahanpur to Lucknow at Kakori and looted trunks of money that were being transferred to the British government treasury.

However, within a year, all those involved in the action -- except Azad and Chakravarty -- were arrested, along with many others. A trial was conducted against 40 people, of whom Bismil, Khan, Lahiri, and Roshan Singh were sentenced to death.

Tales of betrayal

Bismil recounts several incidents where he was betrayed by those he considered friends or comrades.

During his formative years as a revolutionary, he recalls an incident where three members of his group conspired to kill him.

He was a tough disciplinarian and always motivated his comrades to live like ascetics. He also didn't allow the use of funds for private purposes and made several enemies in this pursuit.

However, the betrayal that cost him his life was by his comrade Banwari Lal, who turned a government approver after being arrested in the Kakori case and revealed all the organisation's secrets.

(Although Banwari Lal later retracted his statements, his leads helped the police build a strong case against the group. He committed suicide after being released from jail.)

Bismil was also disgusted by the differences among members of the group that came to the fore during their trial and prison terms. In particular, regional sectarianism among members affected him deeply, as he believed revolutionaries should be above such differences.

He writes that sometimes the feeling of despair was so intense that he also thought of giving up and becoming an approver in the case. But he controlled himself.

In the last few pages of his autobiography, written just days before his martyrdom, Bismil discusses why they could not achieve what they intended to and lays down conditions for the success of revolution in India.

He says that illiteracy and poverty among the masses are the biggest reasons why they fail to sympathise with revolutionary movements.

He advises young revolutionaries to take up the task of making the masses aware -- especially peasants and women -- of the injustice the colonial government is inflicting on them.

He is critical of youngsters who are fascinated by guns and romanticise revolutionary life, saying that India's freedom cannot be achieved merely by killing British officials.

He advocates for Hindu-Muslim unity and urges both communities to abandon communal interests for the sake of the country. He also advises all religious groups and political parties to accept the Congress as their representative on the national stage.

Bismil advises young revolutionaries to read and emulate the example of Mazzini in Italy, the Bolsheviks in Russia, and Mustafa Kemal Pasha in Turkey -- and to refrain from engaging in secret activities until these conditions are met.

He uses honorifics like Mahatma and Mahamana for Mazzini and Vladimir Lenin.

At the gallows

Bismil kissed the rope on December 19, 1927.

A month later, Bhagat Singh wrote about him in the January 1928 issue of Kirti, a Punjabi magazine.

About Bismil's supreme sacrifice, Bhagat Singh wrote: 'As he was taken to the gallows, he proclaimed Bande Mataram, Bharat Mata ki Jai, and walked calmly...'

Standing near the noose, he recited a couplet he had written, in which he said that now, he wished nothing but to sacrifice his life for the motherland.

Although, there was one last wish that Bismil expressed before this recital.

Waiting for the rope to be tied around his neck, he loudly proclaimed: 'I wish the downfall of the British Empire.'
US Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, has commented on the progress of the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, stating that the United States is calling on the parties to reconcile the previously put forward conditions for a ceasefire.

"We have come to what we call the lists of conditions. The lists of conditions are what it looks like. We believe that this is your end state. And we took the Ukrainian list of conditions, then what is called the Russian list of conditions, they call it a memorandum, and we put them together. We said: okay, how do you put these two documents together to get to the end state? And now we feel pretty confident. We know what it looks like. We know what the end state could look like if we could only get to it. We believe that this is winnable. 'Win' means that you can get to a peace agreement, and that is what you really want to get to," Kellogg said in Brussels during the German Marshall Fund forum.

In his view, the ultimate goal is a comprehensive ceasefire.

"Comprehensive means air, land, sea infrastructure. That's what we want to achieve - a comprehensive ceasefire. We call it a ceasefire in place. A ceasefire in place means the land that you're physically on, that's the land that you're occupying now. And that's fine. Does that mean de jure or de facto? Or just the fact that you're physically on the ground and your soldiers are holding that land. And that's where we want to get to," Kellogg said.

"Everybody works together. There's a level where if you balance that, you can all live with the results of that in the long term. That's what we want. It's something permanent. We don't want the war to start again in three, four or five years," he added.
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 around 85F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low 69F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors has passed a resolution formally declaring Iran noncompliant with its nonproliferation obligations for the first time since 2005, a move Tehran immediately condemned.

The resolution, which was adopted on June 12 during a quarterly meeting of the IAEA board, can facilitate the return of UN sanctions against Iran later this year.

In response, Iran's Foreign Ministry announced that a new enrichment site would be established in a safe zone and first-generation (IR-1) centrifuges in the Fordow site will be replaced with advanced sixth-generation (IR-6) machines.

"As we have previously stated, the Islamic Republic of Iran has no choice but to respond to this political resolution," the ministry said in a statement.

Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), said later that the new facility had already been built and will become operational once equipped with centrifuges.

The 35-member IAEA board voted 19-3 with 11 abstentions to adopt the resolution, which had been put forward by the United States and its trio of European allies -- Britain, France, Germany, also known as the E3.

"Iran's many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran...constitutes noncompliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement," the resolution says, according to the AP.

The resolution also finds that the IAEA's "inability...to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear program is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that are within the competence of the UN Security Council, as the organ bearing the main responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security."

Tehran has not said whether the adoption of the resolution will result in the scrapping of the sixth round of nuclear talks with the United States on June 15 in Oman.

Iran has been working on a counteroffer after rejecting a US proposal for a deal that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described as "100 percent" against national interests.

On June 11, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that if the objective of any agreement is to guarantee Iran will not develop nuclear weapons, a deal is achievable.

However, he emphasized that Iran must retain the right to enrich uranium -- an element that US President Donald Trump has firmly opposed including in any agreement -- for its civilian nuclear program.

Tehran claims its nuclear efforts are solely for civilian and not military uses.

Meanwhile, Israel is reportedly preparing to strike Iran and is awaiting Trumps green-light in case diplomacy fails. Iran has warned that it will strike US bases in the region if attacked.

Trump said the United States is still seeking to resolving the Iran nuclear issue through diplomacy.

"We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue!" Trump wrote on June 12 on his Truth Social platform.

"My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon," he added.

With reporting by the AP
Xi, Sassou Nguesso send congratulatory letters to FOCAC ministerial meeting of coordinators

Xinhua) 08:01, June 12, 2025

BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso on Wednesday sent separate congratulatory letters to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province.

In his letter, Xi said the FOCAC has effectively advanced the vigorous development of China-Africa cooperation since its establishment 25 years ago, becoming a fine example of solidarity and cooperation of the Global South.

Xi said that last September, he and African leaders unanimously agreed at the FOCAC Beijing Summit to promote the six-point proposition on the joint endeavor to advance modernization, and to jointly implement the 10 partnership actions for modernization, leading China-Africa relations into a new stage of jointly building an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era.

He said with the efforts of both sides, a number of encouraging early achievements have been made in the implementation of the Beijing Summit's outcomes.

China and Africa have also reached consensus on launching the 2026 China-Africa year of people-to-people exchanges, which is expected to inject new vitality into China-Africa friendly cooperation, Xi added.

Noting that the current international situation is marked by changes and turmoil, Xi said China is committed to providing new opportunities for the world with the new achievements of Chinese modernization and offering new impetus to Global South partners, including Africa, via its huge market.

China is ready to negotiate and sign the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development to implement the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for 53 African countries which have diplomatic relations with China, Xi said, adding that China will provide more convenience for the least developed countries in Africa to export to China.

He also said China is ready to work with Africa to deepen the implementation of the 10 partnership actions for modernization, strengthen cooperation in such key areas as green industry, e-commerce and e-payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, and enhance cooperation in security, finance and the rule of law, to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.

Xi pointed out that openness and cooperation are the right path, and mutual benefit and win-win outcomes meet the aspiration of the people.

He said China and Africa working together to advance modernization will strongly promote solidarity and cooperation in the Global South and open up a brighter prospect for the cause of world peace and development.

It is hoped that China and Africa will continue to steadily advance the implementation of the Beijing Summit's outcomes, carefully plan the future development of the FOCAC, join hands to build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity, said Xi.

Sassou Nguesso said in his letter that strategic and practical cooperation between Africa and China has achieved fruitful results since the Beijing Summit.

Noting that the ministerial meeting coincides with the 25th anniversary of the FOCAC's establishment, Sassou Nguesso said he will spare no effort and work with President Xi to promote greater progress in building a community with a shared future between Africa and China, and enhance the well-being of the people of both sides.

As the African co-chair of the FOCAC, the Republic of the Congo is willing to work with China and other countries in the Global South to strengthen cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative, jointly build a multipolar world free from unilateralism and protectionism, and usher in a new era of inclusive and mutually beneficial globalization, Sassou Nguesso added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Ukraine strictly adheres to agreements on prisoner exchanges agreed in Istanbul and hopes for the readiness of the Russian side for this, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War said.

"Today, after the successful completion of another stage of the exchange of seriously wounded and seriously ill prisoners, the Russian side stated that Ukraine is allegedly not ready 'for daily exchanges," the Coordination Headquarters said in Telegram message on Thursday.

The Coordination Headquarters considers such a statement as a continuation of information manipulation and another portion of disinformation from Russia, which accompany all stages of the exchanges according to the agreements in Istanbul.

"In fact, it was the Russian side that proposed to postpone the exchanges to a later date, but at the insistence of the Ukrainian negotiating team, the exchanges will continue and they are scheduled for the coming days," the coordination headquarters said.

The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War was established on March 11, 2022 in accordance with Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 25.
The United States is reducing the number of people deemed nonessential to operations in the Middle East, the State Department announced on June 11 amid reports that the US Embassy in Baghdad is preparing for an emergency evacuation due to increased security risks in the region.

The United States is also authorizing nonessential personnel and family members to leave Bahrain and Kuwait, giving them a choice on whether to leave.

An Iraqi Foreign Ministry official confirmed the "limited departure" of US Embassy staff, saying the decision was based on "possible security concerns related to regional tensions."

US-Iran Nuclear Talks Stall Again

Tensions are on the rise in the region as nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran appear to have hit an impasse and after 18 months of war in Gaza that has raised fears of a wider war.

The talks seek to limit Irans nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of some of the economic sanctions that the United States has imposed on Iran, which insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Iran has said the next round of talks with the United States will be held on June 15 in Oman. Iran has been working on a counteroffer after rejecting a US proposal for a deal that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described as "100 percent" against national interests.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Muscat and discuss the Iranian response, according to US media reports quoting a US official.

The United States has a military presence in Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

A US official said there had been no change in the status of al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military base in the Middle East, and that there had been no evacuation orders for employees or families associated with the US Embassy in Qatar, Reuters reported.

Trump: Iran 'Can't Have a Nuclear Weapon'

President Donald Trump said people are being moved out from the dangerous Middle East in response to a question about the reports that nonessential employees were given a chance to leave.

Well see what happens, Trump said as he entered the Kennedy Center in Washington for an evening performance. They cant have a nuclear weapon, Trump said, referring to Iran and the nuclear talks.

In an interview published on June 11, Trump said his confidence that Iran would agree to a deal on its nuclear program was much lower than it was a few months ago.

Speaking in a New York Post podcast released on June 11, Trump said he does "not know" whether he could get Tehran to cease its nuclear activities.

"I don't know. I did think so, and I'm getting more and more -- less confident about it," the US president said.

They seem to be delaying, and I think thats a shame. Im less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago. Something happened to them, he said in the interview, which was recorded on June 9.

Risk Of Conflict With Iran Grows

Trump has not ruled out military action against Iranian nuclear sites if diplomacy fails, and US intelligence suggests Israel has been preparing to strike Iran if negotiations collapse.

Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said earlier on June 11 that if the nuclear talks fail and a conflict with Washington breaks out, Tehran would retaliate by hitting US bases in the region.

Iran's UN mission posted a statement on X saying threats of the use of force "won't change facts: Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon and U.S. militarism only fuels instability."

With reporting by AP and Reuters
Kremlin-friendly pundits and programs have been savoring every shot of protesters in Los Angeles this week, some proclaiming that the United States must be in midst of a new "civil war."

Prominent state-run Rossia-1 TV host Vladimir Solovyov put it bluntly: "I'm enjoying what I see."

He was not alone.

"Congratulations on the beginning of a civil war in the United States of America," pro-Kremlin TV personality Sergei Mardan said. "Unfortunately, I'm joking," he added mirthlessly.

Andrey Cherkasov of RFE/RL's Current Time surveyed the Kremlin-friendly media landscape over the past few days and found it rife with pronouncements of widespread pandemonium in the United States.

"In reality, the unrest in Los Angeles is limited to a small area," Cherkasov said, "but the propagandists describe it as a nationwide catastrophe."

The key scenes and images appearing so far are generally those of street demonstrations in the Los Angeles area, which were sparked by recent high-profile arrests of suspected undocumented immigrants by agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a federal law enforcement agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Locals have demanded an end to ICE raids and enforcement actions there, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

ICE said it arrested over 40 suspected undocumented migrants at a work site and another 77 people were reportedly arrested by ICE and federal partners across the greater L.A. area on June 6, which appeared to be the focus of the protests.

"This is a city of immigrants," Bass said. "This is a city that wants to help you get your legal status. This is a city that embraces everybody that is here, regardless of when you got here or where you came from."

Kremlin-friendly journalists have been airing a far more alarmist viewpoint -- but at times are also gleeful.

"I can't help gloating over it all, I admit," Mardan said on-air on Rossia-1. "The worse it is for the United States, the better it is for us."

As Cherkasov pointed out, "Cheering over unrest in the United States is standard fare for the Kremlin and Kremlin-friendly media."

The rhetoric is well-practiced and hardly new, he added.

"These outlets have, after all, come up with surveys that purportedly show America as their country's main adversary for the last 20 years."

Much of the pro-Putin coverage that depicts the Los Angeles area as "apocalyptic," Cherkasov said.

But he noted that some broadcasters in the United States have been using similar language, at least some of the time.

Viewers of CBS's Face the Nation heard reports with a voiceover that said: "Chaos erupted in the Los Angeles area over the weekend following increased activity across the country by ICE."

But the Kremlin-aligned outlets have shown a passion for the most tabloid elements, Cherkasov said. "Russian presenters are savoring every detail: flying rocks, smoke, and rubber bullets.

Three he cited were succinct: "Chaos in Los Angeles," proclaimed Russia-1 TV, "Fighting, violence, and provocations," said a TVC host, and "The tension is rising," announced another Russia-1 TV presenter.

Another usual angle in the Putin-approved media, Cherkasov said, was the invocation of Ukraine's Euromaidan protest movement, sparked a decade ago when pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych blocked progress toward EU membership.

"Just remember the Kyiv Maidan in 2014: It was a war zone," said a commentator on Russia's Vesti FM.

Suggesting deliberate conspiracies behind the Los Angeles demonstrations is also standard pro-Kremlin fare, said Cherkasov.

"The Kremlin has always tried to suggest there's foreign backing behind any civil protest."

So-called color revolutions are also said to be the work of US agents, he said, such as Georgia's 2003 Rose Revolution and Ukraine's 2004 Orange Revolution.

As if on cue, a presenter on Russia's Channel 5 summed up the L.A. protests this way: "All the elements of a color revolution are there."

Another, a guest on Solovyov's program, Solovyov Live, proclaimed, "This did not happen spontaneously."

According to Western sources, since June 6, nearly 400 people have been arrested in Los Angeles, including 330 undocumented migrants and 157 people charged with assault and obstruction -- including one charged with attempted murder of a police officer.
PRAGUE -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged countries that back Kyiv in its defense against Russia's invasion to step up sanctions against Moscow, saying the Kremlin doesn't care about massive casualties but could be swayed to end the war if economic pressure is sufficient.

Appearing via video link on the opening day of a June 12-14 international security conference in Prague, Zelenskyy spoke hours after Russian forces again pounded Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, which lies close to the Russian border, in overnight attacks.

His comments at the Globsec conference came as a series of prisoner exchanges continued, with Ukraine and Russia returning wounded and ailing POWs to their home country.

In his Globsec address, Zelenskyy also called on nations to finance increased drone production and take other steps to blunt the onslaught, saying Ukraine is the "first line of defense" against Russian President Vladimir Putin and his forces.

"If this line fails, Putin will go further," he said.

Zelenskyy spoke after opening remarks in which Czech President Petr Pavel emphasized "the importance of standing with Ukraine and standing on our own feet as Europeans" at a time when "the new U.S. administration has unsettled transatlantic relations and forced Europe to face strategic questions it cannot postpone."

"Ukraine continues to fight bravely for its freedom, independence and security of all of Europe," Pavel said.

Heavy Casualties

Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian military has "recorded more than 1 million Russian casualties, killed and wounded," since Putin launched the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.

"This is the price Putin and those like him are willing to pay for their sick geopolitical fantasies," he said.

A daily social media post from the Ukrainian military said on June 12 that the number of Russian combat losses had reached 1,000,340. In early April, NATO put the figure at more than 900,000, including some 250,000 dead.

"Russia does not really care about such human losses," Zelenskyy said.

"What they do worry about are harsh sanctions, especially those against Russian oil, including a new price cap -- that's what really threatens them, because it could cut off their funding for war and force them to seek peace," he said.

Earlier this week the European Commission presented new sanctions against Russia to the 27 EU member states, including a lowering of the price cap -- a measure to restrict revenues Russia can earn through oil sales -- on Russian crude to $45 per barrel from the current $60.

EU officials hope the Group of Seven (G7) countries will agree to this at a summit in Alberta, Canada, on June 15-17. Zelenskyy told a press conference on June 12 that he plans to attend the gathering and hopes to meet with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines to press for US support for what he called "very important" sanctions.

Trump, who has been seeking to broker an end to Russia's war on Ukraine since he took office for a second time in January, has voiced frustration with Russia's recalcitrance and its ongoing attacks, many of them killing and wounding civilians, but has refrained from imposing new sanctions.

On June 5, Trump compared Russia and Ukraine to "two young children fighting like crazy" and said he could potentially impose tough punishments "on both countries" if he concludes that they are not going to reach a peace deal.

In a congratulatory message to "the Russian people" on the country's Russia Day holiday on June 12, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States reaffirmed its "desire for constructive engagement with the Russian Federation to bring about a durable peace between Russia and Ukraine."

"It is our hope that peace will foster more mutually beneficial relations between our countries," said the statement. It did not lay blame on Russia or Ukraine for the war.

Drone Wars

"There are so far no signs of Russia's intentions to end their aggression," the Czech president said in his Globsec address. "And yet we have witnessed a troubling reluctance to clearly distinguish between the aggressor and the victim.

"It is time we draw the necessary conclusions from the fact that the Unites States' role in European security has changed, and reinforce Europe's ability to respond accordingly," he added.

While "maintaining intense dialogue" with the United States, Pavel said, "we must accelerate our efforts to build credible European defense capabilities, strengthen our defense industries, and take political ownership of our collective security."

Zelenskyy opened his remarks with a reference to Operation Spiderweb, an unprecedented Ukrainian attack on June 1 in which drones were smuggled into Russia on trucks and deployed to strike air bases at close range, destroying or damaging several Russian strategic bombers.

With drones playing an increasingly important role in the war, Zelenskyy said Ukraine "is ready to increase drone production" but needs money to make it happen.

"We have the capacity. What we lack is financing," he said. "We must all be faster on drones than our enemies."

More broadly, he warned, "One principle is clear: No country can afford to stay behind in technological developments."

With Moscow rejecting calls by Kyiv and the West for a cease-fire and the fate of direct peace negotiations unclear after two rounds of talks brought no breakthroughs, Zelenskyy said, "You can't talk Russia into peace."

Russia Again Attacks Kharkiv

A wave of drone attacks targeted several city districts in Kharkiv overnight, damaging residential buildings and a schoolyard where a drone landed and shattering windows, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said.

At least 15 people were wounded, including children aged 2, 12, 16, and 17, and five of the wounded victims were hospitalized, police said.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military said it had struck an electronics factory outside Moscow. In a Telegram post, the Armed Forces General Staff said recorded explosions at the Rezonit plant, which it said manufactures electronics widely used in high-tech weapons and equipment production.

The claims could not immediately be verified.

With Russia launching large-scale attacks on Kharkiv, Kyiv, and other cities and showing no sign of readiness for concessions in any putative peace deal, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius was in Kyiv on June 12 to show support and discuss further weapons aid.

"The purpose of the trip is mainly to demonstrate...that Germany, that the new federal government, continues to stand by Ukraine in the current situation, which has not become any easier," Pistorius told journalists upon arrival. He said he would speak about more weapons support from Germany and other EU nations.

More POWs Exchanged

The only tangible positive result of the direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, held in Istanbul on May 16 and June 2, has been a series of prisoner swaps that have brought POWs back to their home country.

The sides exchanged an unspecified number of wounded and ill prisoners on June 12, officials said. Neither side revealed numbers.

"Today, warriors of our Armed Forces, National Guard, and Border Guard Service are back home," Zelenskyy wrote on social media. "They all require medical treatment, and they will certainly receive the care they need.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its soldiers were receiving "necessary psychological and medical aid" in Belarus for now and would undergo further treatment when back in Russia.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged several busloads of prisoners of war under the age of 25 on June 9, and the sides exchanged the bodies of soldiers killed in the war on June 11. A total of 1,000 prisoners from both sides were exchanged on May 23-25.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP
A joint statement by the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom and the EU High Representative emphasizes their unwavering support for Ukraine and confirms their readiness to increase pressure on Russia.

The corresponding statement was published on the website of the Italian Foreign Ministry.

"We commended Ukraines constructive engagement in the process, which demonstrates its strong commitment to peace, particularly its readiness to commit to a 30-day immediate, comprehensive, and unconditional ceasefire as a solid foundation for serious and credible negotiations, as well as the openness for meeting at the presidential level. We urged Russia to reciprocate without further delay, and to drop its unacceptable maximalist demands and preconditions, to prove it is genuinely interested in peace," the statement reads.

The ministers also reaffirmed their readiness to increase pressure on Russia as it continues to reject serious and credible commitments, including through further sanctions and countering their circumvention.

"We are also ready to swiftly adopt new measures (notably in the energy and banking sectors) aimed at undermining Russias ability to continue waging its war of aggression and to ensure Ukraine is placed in the best position possible to secure a just and lasting peace," the foreign ministers said.

The statement underscores the countries' determination "to keep Russian sovereign assets in our jurisdictions immobilised until Russia ceases its aggression and pays for the damage it has caused."

It also stresses that a just and durable peace must include adequate security guarantees for Ukraine, starting with a strong Ukrainian army and defense industry.

"To this end, and building on Transatlantic unity, we will work with Ukraine on initiatives to strengthen Ukraines armed forces; we are prepared to enhance our support, including through improving defence industrial cooperation with Ukraine, and exploring additional forms of security and defence cooperation in line with our support for Ukraines Euro-Atlantic integration. We will also continue working with the US on this," the statement reads.

It is underlined that the parties remain committed to supporting Ukraine's economic stability within the framework of its IMF programme, providing it with sufficient fiscal support for 2026 and beyond, as well as its recovery and reconstruction in close coordination with international partners.

"Early recovery and reconstruction will help lay the foundation for a more prosperous Ukraine that is integrated into Europe. This presents an opportunity to embed resilience, foster prosperity, and advance reforms toward Ukraine's integration into the European Union, with the ultimate goal of EU membership, adopting a 'whole of society' approach and focusing on 'building back better.' The Ukraine Recovery Conference, which will be hosted by Italy in July 2025, will represent a pivotal moment for advancing such efforts," the ministers said.
MENS HEALTH WEEK EVENT

Communities and organisations across County Roscommon are coming together this week, June 9th to June 15th to mark International Mens Health Week 2025. This years theme 'Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Connecting for Health' highlights the importance of community and connection in supporting mens wellbeing. Across County Roscommon, a diverse programme of events will offer men of all ages the chance to engage, learn and to take proactive steps towards better health. On Friday, June 13th at Roscommon Mart from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Croi will be offering free wellbeing checks, there will be financial planning information, fit sticks for farmers, Fit Farmers Programme information, etc. This runs in tandem with the Taking Stock campaign, which is designed to help farmers make informed decisions that will benefit both themselves and their families. Ms. Aisling Dunne, Roscommon Healthy County Co-ordinator said: Roscommon County Council is delighted to work in partnership with the HSE and the many other organisations who have contributed to the calendar of events. The focus this year is on bringing initiatives and services to men at community locations such as marts, workplaces and builders providers and online. We hope that as many men as possible will engage with us during the week.

TRADITIONAL MUSIC WORKSHOPS

Roscommon Town branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann will host workshops in traditional Irish music featuring a stellar line up of tutors. The workshops take place on Saturday, June 14th at St. Comans Wood primary school, Roscommon Town. These are suitable for children and adults who know the basics on their instruments, with intermediate level classes in the morning and advanced level classes in the afternoon, followed by a tutors and pupils recital. Featured tutors are Angela Deane, whistle; Marie Walsh, button accordion; Cein Sweeney, flute; Micheal ORaghallaigh, concertina; Caoimhe Kearins, fiddle; Kerrie Herrity; banjo and Lorraine Sweeney, early whistle skills. Intermediate classes, 10 a.m.  12 noon; advanced classes, 2 p.m.  4 p.m.; tutors recital, 4 -5 p.m.; early whistle skills, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.. Booking through Eventbrite. Bookings will also be taken on the day if places are still available. Bookings and further information  Lorraine  086 3688302. E-mail  beirnelorraine@gmail.com.

DOUBLE BILL OF DRAMA

Roscommon Drama Group in association with Western Alzheimer's Voluntary Committee presents a double bill of one act plays at Roscommon Arts Centre on Friday, June 20th and Saturday, June 21st at 8 p.m. Tickets 25 and all proceeds go towards the construction of a day care centre in Roscommon.

Members of Roscommon County Youth Theatre at the Cruinniu na nOg celebrations at Roscommon Arts Centre last weekend. Pic: Cian Flynn

SUMMER BRIDGE

Summer bridge takes place on Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m. in Hannons Hotel. All bridge players welcome. All proceeds go to local charities.

DROP IN DIGITAL SKILLS SESSION FOR ADULTS

Do you need help with your smartphone, tablet or laptop? Come along to Roscommon Library on Thursdays from 1 p.m.  3 p.m. where you can get help and advice from a tutor from Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB).For further information, phone Roscommon Library on 090 6637277 or email library@roscommoncoco.ie

Chloe Kedian colouring by phone light at the Basking workshop with Tom Meskall as part of the Cruinniu na nOg celebrations last weekend at Roscommon Arts Centre. Pic: Cian Flynn

ORAN

LATE MR CHRISTOPHER LYNCH

Mr Christopher Lynch, 61 of Bayside, New York, USA and Oran, Donamon, passed away on Sunday, May 25th after a short illness. He was predeceased by his parents, John Christy Lynch of Ballyvourney, County Cork, and Maureen (nee Cunningham) of Oran, Donamon, grandparents, aunts & uncles. Chris is survived by his wife of 31 years, Nancy (Buzalsky); his four children, Kelsey Lynch and her husband Conor Martin; Abigeal Lynch, John Lynch and his fiance, Nicole Ferro, and Jude Lynch; his two sisters, Catherine Lynch of Long Beach, NY and Maureen Lynch of Bayside, NY; two brothers, Eugene Lynch of Bayside and Thomas Lynch of Bayside, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

His remains were removed from Smyths Funeral Home, Roscommon on Saturday, June 7th, to St. Patricks Church, Clooneycolgan for Mass of the Resurrection. Burial took place afterwards in Oran Cemetery.

Chris was born in New York on March 31st, 1964 to the late John Christy and Mary Maureen Lynch as the first of five children. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Manhattan College in 1991 and enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves as a Radioman in 1997. On February 19th, 1994, Chris married his wife of 31 years, Nancy Buzalsky and in 1995 they welcomed their first child Kelsey. Not long after in 1997 Abigeal was born, followed by John in 1998, and Jude in 2001. Chris took immense pride in his new and rapidly growing family.

Following the attacks of September 11th 2001, he was commissioned as a Civil Engineering Officer in the US Navy, colloquially known as a Seabee. LTJG Chris Lynchs unit, deployed in 2004 for a year to Ramadi and Al Asad, Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he served with distinction as the Alpha Company Commander and Detachment Officer-in-Charge across Iraq.

In 2008, Chris received orders to active duty and was stationed in Naples, Italy as part of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), where he and his family enjoyed traveling Europe together. Here he also earned his Masters in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida. In 2011, Chris was stationed in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and received his Masters in Military Sciences from the US Army Command and General Staff College before returning to Naples, Italy this time as part of Allied Joint Forces Command Naples. In 2013, LT Chris Lynch made his second combat deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Here he meritoriously served as the Joint Engineering Branch Head and Chief Infrastructure Officer as part of International Security Assistance Forces Headquarters, tasked with improving the infrastructure of US and coalition bases and roads across the country. Following his return from Afghanistan, he resumed his work in Italy working to improve infrastructure across Europe.

Returning home from overseas in 2015, the Lynchs moved to Colts Neck, New Jersey as part of NAVFAC Mid Atlantic where Chris worked to provide facility support across the East Coast. Here the LCDR Lynch and his team were awarded the SECNAV Environmental Excellence Award as well as the Environmental Champion Award from the EPA for his work to establish the first protected oyster reefs at Naval Weapons Station Earle, Colts Neck, New Jersey.

Enjoying the adventure of living overseas, LCDR Lynch took orders to NAVFAC Europe, Africa, Central Command located in Bahrain. Here Chris worked to improve the critical infrastructure across Africa and the Middle East. In 2020 Chris and Nancy moved to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland once again as part of Naval Facilities Engineering Command. After his meritorious naval service LCDR Lynch decided to leave the Navy to pursue civil engineering in the public service sector, taking a job in Vincenza Italy. LCDR Christopher Lynchs awards and citations include the Defense Meritourious Service Medal, 2-Joint Service Commendation Medals, 4-Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Joint Service Achievement Medal, 2-Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat V for Valour, 2-Combat Action Ribbons, National Defence Service Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal with Combat Operations Device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device for mobilation to active duty, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, 7-Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbons, ISAF NATO Medal, Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Seabee Combat Warfare Officer Insignia.

Chris and Nancy resumed traveling across Europe while he worked in Vicenza, Italy. His work also took him to countries like Chad, Gabon, and Ghana. In 2024, Chris returned to the United States to Jacksonville, Florida to work to restore the Everglades with the Army Corps of Engineers. Chriss passion for civil engineering, the environment, and traveling took him to four continents and over 30 countries. Chris remained a devout Catholic, a prominent member of the Knights of Columbus, and participated in multiple pilgrimages across the world including the Camino de Santiago in Spain, the Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage in Ireland, Knock Shrine in Ireland, Lourdes pilgrimage in France, Holy Land pilgrimage in Israel and Medjugorje pilgrimage site in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In his spare time, he enjoyed going to the Opera frequenting Metropolitan Opera House in New York and even travelled to Puccinis hometown in Lucca, Italy and Wagners Opera house, Bayreuth Festspeilhaus, in Bayreuth, Germany. He also enjoyed deep sea fishing, running, doing CrossFit workouts and being as close to the ocean as possible.

Chris enjoyed traveling the world, but Ireland was always a special place and piece of home for him. He spent many summers there and thoroughly enjoyed memories made with his family in Roscommon. Chris held many titles in his life, Lieutenant Commander, Husband, Brother, Cousin, Friend but his most honoured title was Dad to his four Children  Kelsey, Abby, John, and Jude.
By Jonathan McCambridge, Rebecca Black, David Young and Cillian Sherlock, PA

A fire broke out at Larne Leisure Centre following vandalism at the facility during several nights of disorder in Northern Ireland.

Masked individuals smashed windows at the leisure centre in Co Antrim on Wednesday and set fires outside which spread inside.

The attack coincided with a third night of public disorder in the town of Ballymena, 30 minutes away from Larne.

Larne leisure centre has been attacked by masked thugs. Windows smashed and fires lit nearby. Larne does not need this. pic.twitter.com/F3mlQVwgFy  Danny Donnelly MLA (@DannyDonnelly1) June 11, 2025

Local Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly said in a social media post: Larne leisure centre has been attacked by masked thugs.

Windows smashed and fires lit nearby. Larne does not need this.

The PSNI deployed riot police in Ballymena for a third night as a significant crowd gathered around the Clonavon Terrace area.

Demonstrators who gathered on Bridge Street near the residential area were told to disperse shortly before 9pm after a firework was thrown at officers.

Riot police block a road close to Clonavon Terrace in Ballymena on Wednesday night (Jonathan McCambridge/PA)

Officers also used dog units and drones in their response to the gathering.

Riot police with shields advanced on the crowd to disperse them.

Missiles were thrown at officers in the Clonavon Terrace area on Wednesday night.

Earlier, a senior officer said the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) had requested support from colleagues in the UK following further violence in Ballymena.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the force would be bringing extra officers, vehicles and equipment to areas where unrest has flared.

He said there were disgraceful scenes in Belfast, Lisburn, Coleraine, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey on Tuesday, as businesses, homes and cars were attacked and damaged.

By Wednesday, six individuals had been arrested for public order offences, and one charged.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he utterly condemns violence which left 32 police officers injured after the second night of disturbances.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has warned that the rioting risks undermining the criminal justice process into an allegation of a sex attack on a teenage girl in Ballymena at the weekend.

Stormont ministers have also made an urgent appeal for calm and said the justice process had to be allowed to take its course.

Providing an update on the policing operation on Wednesday, Mr Henderson said: We are taking steps to increase available resources and are surging a significant number of extra officers, vehicles and equipment to those areas where the rioting is taking place.

This will have an impact on our community, this will take away vital resources needed to police other areas.

A second night of violence took place in Ballymena (Niall Carson/PA)

He said they have requested about 80 officers through mutual aid.

Speaking during Prime Ministers Questions in the Commons, Sir Keir condemned the mindless attacks against police.

I utterly condemn the violence that we have seen overnight in Ballymena and in other parts of Northern Ireland, including against PSNI officers, Sir Keir told MPs.

Its absolutely vital that the PSNI are given the time they need to investigate the incidents concerned rather than face mindless attacks as they seek to bring peace and order to keep people safe.

In a joint statement, ministers from across the Stormont powersharing Executive, which includes Sinn Fein, DUP, Alliance Party and UUP, said those involved in disorder have nothing to offer society but division and disorder.

First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly later appeared together to voice their condemnation.

Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly speak to media at the Ulster Hall in Belfast on Wednesday (David Young/PA)

Sinn Fein vice-president Ms ONeill told reporters in Belfast: Its pure racism, there is no other way to dress it up.

She said ministers stood full-square with the young girl who was subject to the alleged sex attack but added the criminal justice system must be allowed to deal with that case.

Separate to that is the racism that were seeing people being firebombed out of their homes, people having their doors knocked in, having their windows being smashed, families being intimidated, Ms ONeill added.

That is absolutely unacceptable and everything that needs to be done to bring it to an end is our focus in terms of the engagement we have with the PSNI.

Ms Little-Pengelly described the scenes in Ballymena as unacceptable thuggery, adding: Weve been in contact with the chief constable, and in constant contact with the PSNI throughout last night in terms of what was happening on the ground.

I think today is about sending a very clear message that violence is wrong, it is entirely unacceptable. It must stop.

Rioters attacked police in Ballymena on Tuesday night (Niall Carson/PA)

With the protests focused in predominantly loyalist areas in Ballymena, Ms ONeill said she did not believe it would be helpful for her to visit in the current context.

DUP MLA Ms Little-Pengelly met residents in the town on Wednesday and said the local community are in fear and wanted the violence to stop.

The key message here today is around that violence, and that the violence needs to stop, thats what the community wants to put across, and thats why Im here to send that very clear and united message from right throughout the community and local residents for that to stop, she said.

Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly (third right) during a visit to Clonavon Terrace (Niall Carson/PA)

Police said their officers came under sustained attack over a number of hours with multiple petrol bombs, heavy masonry, bricks and fireworks thrown in their direction in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena on Tuesday night.

The PSNI deployed riot police, fired plastic baton rounds, and used water cannon as well as dog units as part of its response to the disorder.

Police also reported that sporadic disorder had also occurred in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus, as well as incidents in north Belfast.

The violence began around Clonavon Terrace on Monday night following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area.

Two teenage boys, who spoke to a court through a Romanian interpreter, have been charged.
By PA reporters

Northern Irelands police chief has warned bigots and racists behind three nights of disorder in the region that his officers will be coming after them.

Jon Boutcher said a young girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in Ballymena at the weekend, an incident that triggered protests that descended into violence in the Co Antrim town, had been further traumatised by the rioting since Monday.

Forty-one officers have been injured in the unrest, which had resulted in 15 arrests by Thursday evening.

Mr Boutcher, who met the girls family on Thursday, delivered a stark message to the rioters as he spoke to the media in Belfast after a meeting with his oversight body, the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

Stop this violence, he said. We will come after you. We will arrest you. We will prosecute you successfully. It is not in any way a way for a civilised society to behave and it must stop now.

He said the family was mortified by the disorder.

This girls family and this girl want it to end. Our communities want it to end. We need it to end. So please dont come out on the streets tonight. If you do, we will police you and we will deal with you through the criminal justice system.

After the warning, gatherings in several towns proceeded largely without any major disturbance by 9pm on Thursday.

A significant police presence had been deployed to Ballymena and Portadown but there was no initial repeat of the violence of previous nights.

Police said a separate protest in east Belfast also ended early in the evening.

Officers from the PSNI form a barricade with riot shields during disorder in Ballymena (Liam McBurney/PA)

The riotous behaviour earlier in the week saw vandalism, vehicles burned and arson attacks on a number of properties across several towns.

Petrol bombs, fireworks, masonry and a hatchet were among items thrown at officers.

Police responded with water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds in an attempt to disperse crowds during riots in Ballymena.

Mr Boutcher said: I want to specifically mention the 41 police officers whove been injured. Each of those officers have put themselves in harms way to protect our communities.

And I want to send a very clear message to all our diverse communities: we stand absolutely shoulder to shoulder with you. We are here to protect you.

We are your police service, and these bigots and racists will not win the day. This will be policed properly. We will deal with this  and we all know that in this room  but lets call an end to it now.

A PSNI vehicle near to debris on fire during disorder in Ballymena (Liam McBurney/PA)

The PSNI chief said the initial lawful and legitimate process before unrest broke out was done in a way that was responsible and empathetic to the victim.

However, he said the protest was subsequently hijacked and turned into wanton, disgraceful criminal behaviour that is absolutely race motivated.

A hatchet was thrown at police during the unrest (PSNI Handout/PA)

The chief said the service was under-resourced and needed to be funded properly rather than disgracefully.

However, he said his officers would still bring people to justice: Weve put our public order inquiry team together, well be releasing images of those responsible. We will be going after them.

Mr Boutcher said 80 public-order officers from Scotland came to the region on Thursday to support policing efforts.

A person throws a hatchet at police during the disorder (Liam McBurney/PA)

The head officer described how PSNI members helped evacuate foreign national families who were hiding in attics and wardrobes in their homes in Ballymena as rioters went on the rampage on Monday night.

He said the families targeted had done nothing wrong.

They are not criminals. They contribute positively to society here and are well integrated, he said.

Fire Service colleagues described how they went to the scenes to stop arson attacks at those addresses, and how they, in all their years in the Fire Service, have not seen levels of violence to that level, and told me specifically and directly of the bravery, the courage of a very thin green line of police officers that without doubt, in my view, saved lives that night.

Michael Elliott, 18, leaving Ballymena Courthouse, following a short hearing where he faced charges relating to the disorder (Liam McBurney/PA)

Earlier, a judge warned that courts will deal robustly with those involved in violence in Ballymena.

District Judge Nigel Broderick warned that young people who got involved were risking a significant custodial sentence as three teenagers faced rioting charges at the towns magistrates court on Thursday.

Michael Elliot, 18, of Lanntara, Ballymena, and two youths were the first defendants to appear in court since the sustained violence erupted in the Co Antrim town on Monday.

Meanwhile, two other teenage boys who were arrested during the disorder have been released on bail to allow for further police inquiries.

A firefighter outside Larne Leisure Centre (Liam McBurney/PA)

Secretary of State Hilary Benn described the scenes as mindless racist thuggery while Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long said it has been a three-day festival of hate and destruction which needs to stop before someone loses their life.

Thirty minutes from Ballymena, a leisure centre in Larne was subjected to arson after temporarily being used as an emergency shelter for those in urgent need following disturbances in the town earlier in the week.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, who highlighted the use of the building in a social media post, said all those who had been staying at the leisure centre are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons (Liam McBurney/PA)

Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill said Mr Lyons should resign over his social media post while the leader of the opposition in the Northern Ireland Assembly SDLP MLA Matthew OToole said he would refer the Communities Minister to the standards commission.

Mr Benn also asked the minister to reflect upon his words and not upon his position.

Mr Lyons has resisted calls for his resignation and said he would strongly hit back at any notion that he had publicly revealed the facility was being used to house immigrant families who had been affected by violence in Ballymena.
No Survivors in Ahmedabad Air India Crash, Confirms Police Chief

The wreckage is catastrophic. At this stage, we do not believe anyone aboard the aircraft has survived, Commissioner Malik said.

Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash Death Toll Latest News Today: In a devastating confirmation, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik told the Associated Press on Thursday evening that there appear to be no survivors from the Air India flight AI171, which crashed shortly after takeoff en route to London Gatwick.

The flight, which had 242 people on board, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, crashed minutes after departing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and collided directly into the BJ Medical College UG hostel mess in Meghani Nagar.

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The wreckage is catastrophic. At this stage, we do not believe anyone aboard the aircraft has survived, Commissioner Malik said.

Rescue teams continued to sift through the debris late into the night. Emergency services reported difficulty identifying bodies due to the intensity of the explosion and subsequent fire. A black box recovery operation is underway, and Air India has confirmed it is cooperating fully with investigators.

Authorities have sealed off the area, and a team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been deployed to probe the cause of the crash.

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Ahmedabad Plane Crash: IndiGo Offers Full Refund, Free Rebooking as Flights Disrupted at Airport

The Ahmedabad airport has been temporarily shut, with a help desk and assistance area set up outside for relatives of passengers.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Indigo Issues advisory as Flight Operations Disrupted at Airport, Full Refund and Rebooking Offered

In the aftermath of the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad Airport, leading domestic carrier IndiGo has issued a heartfelt statement, expressing grief and solidarity. The airline also confirmed that due to runway restrictions following the crash, flight operations at Ahmedabad airport have been significantly impacted.

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We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident near Ahmedabad airport. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, and their families. We stand united in spirit with Air India in this very difficult time, IndiGo said in its official statement.

The airline added, Following the incident near Ahmedabad Airport and the resulting runway restrictions, flight operations are impacted. Our thoughts are with the families of those affected. We seek your kind understanding, as these are truly challenging times for everyone. If your flight is impacted, you may rebook or claim a full refund via our website. Our teams remain on standby across all channels to support you.

Crash Details and Emergency Response

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Air Indias London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, flight AI-171, crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The crash has prompted a large-scale emergency response from national and local agencies.

Rescue Efforts: Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel, have arrived at the site from Gandhinagar, with three more teams being moved from Vadodara. CISF is also actively conducting rescue operations.

Medical & Railway Aid: Western Railway has deployed its Disaster Management Team, medical staff, and RPF personnel for rescue operations. Additionally, special trains to Mumbai and Delhi are being planned from Ahmedabad based on passenger demand.

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Airport Status: The Ahmedabad airport has been temporarily shut, with a help desk and assistance area set up outside for relatives of passengers.

Helpline Activated: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has set up an Operational Control Room to manage the situation. Contact numbers for public assistance are: 011-24610843 | 9650391859

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India, UK Leaders React as Air India AI-171 Crash Prompts Emergency Response; Helplines Activated

With many British nationals on board, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also reacted to the crash, stating on X (formerly Twitter),

India, UK Leaders React as Air India AI-171 Crash Prompts Emergency Response; Helplines Activated

In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171 en route from Ahmedabad to London (Gatwick), the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, has activated an Operational Control Room to coordinate rescue, relief, and response efforts.

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The helpline numbers for information and assistance are:

Ministry of Civil Aviation Control Room: 011-24610843, 9650391859

Ahmedabad Airport Helpline: 9974111327

"We are committed to a swift response and full support to all affected families," the Ministry stated in an official release.

The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), crashed just minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, falling into a residential locality in Meghani Nagar. The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 52 British nationals, 6 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian, apart from Indian passengers and crew.

Central & State Response

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep grief, saying, Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. I have spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and the Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had earlier announced the creation of a green corridor to ensure the swift transport of injured passengers to hospitals.

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UK PM Keir Starmer Issues Statement

With many British nationals on board, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also reacted to the crash, stating on X (formerly Twitter),

The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.

The aircraft was under the command of Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 flying hours) with First Officer Clive Kundar (1,100 flying hours).

Operations at Ahmedabad Airport have been suspended until further notice.

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Rescue operations underway.

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Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Among 242 People Onboard Died in Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash

The crash site has been cordoned off as rescue and forensic teams work around the clock.

Vijay Rupani Among Others Death, Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash Latest News: In a devastating air tragedy, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has been confirmed dead after an Air India flight bound for London crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday morning.

Air India Flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers, including crew, crashed moments after takeoff, plunging directly into the BJ Medical College undergraduate hostel mess in Meghani Nagar, resulting in massive loss of life both in the air and on the ground.

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Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik, in a statement to the Associated Press, confirmed the worst fears: There appear to be no survivors from the crash.

Along with those on board, five medical students housed at the BJ Medical College hostel also lost their lives, while over 40 others sustained serious injuries and have been admitted to nearby hospitals.

The crash site has been cordoned off as rescue and forensic teams work around the clock. Emergency responders described the scene as horrific, with mangled wreckage, smoke, and debris scattered across the hostel compound.

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Air India, in a brief official statement, said: Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, June 12. We are deeply saddened and are coordinating with local authorities for investigation and relief efforts.

Rupani, a senior BJP leader and former CM who served from 2016 to 2021, was reportedly en route to London for a private visit. His death has sent shockwaves across political circles, with tributes pouring in from leaders across party lines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, saying: The loss of lives in todays tragic crash, including that of our respected colleague Vijay Rupani ji, is a deep personal and national loss. My prayers are with the bereaved families.

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered an immediate inquiry into the crash. Investigators will be examining flight data, weather conditions, and mechanical records of the aircraft.

This is one of Indias deadliest aviation disasters in recent years and has once again raised questions about aviation safety, especially in densely populated urban areas.

Funeral arrangements for Rupani and other victims are expected to be announced once the identification process is completed.

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Vijay Rupani: Former Gujarat Chief Minister and Veteran BJP Leader Who Rose from Student Activism to State Leadership

Recognized for his influence and leadership, Vijay Rupani was named among the Indian Expresss Top 100 Most Influential Indians of 2021.

Vijay Rupani: Former Gujarat Chief Minister and Veteran BJP Leader Who Rose from Student Activism to State Leadership

Who is Vijay Rupani? latest updates: Vijay Ramniklal Rupani, also known as Vijay Rupani, was a BJP leader whose political journey began with grassroots-level activism and student politics. He gradually rose through the ranks, serving in various local governance roles, completing a tenure in the Rajya Sabha, and eventually holding the office of Chief Minister of Gujarat for two terms. Known for his calm leadership and welfare-oriented initiatives, Rupani remained a significant figure in Gujarats political landscape.

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He was born on 2 August 1956 in Rangoon (now Yangon), Burma, and his family relocated to Rajkot, Gujarat, in 1960. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in 1977 from Dharmendrasinghji Arts College and obtained his LLB degree in 1980 from A.M.P. Law College under Saurashtra University, Rajkot.

His wife, Anjali Rupani, is also active in the BJPs womens wing. The couple had three childrenRushabh, Radhika, and a younger son who tragically passed away in an accident. In memory of their late son, they established the Pujit Rupani Memorial Trust, according to Mapsofindia.com.

Rupani began his political activism in college, engaging with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and later became an RSS swayamsevak in the 1970s. He officially joined Jan Sangh in 1971. During the Emergency in 1976, he was imprisoned for approximately 11 months, serving time in jails in Bhuj and Bhavnagar.

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He entered local politics in Rajkot, where he served as Mayor from 1996 to 1997. He held several key positions within the BJP, including multiple terms as Gujarat BJP General Secretary. He also served as Chairman of Gujarat Tourism in 2006 and the Municipal Finance Board in 2013.

Rupani was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2006 and served until 2012. In a 2014 by-election, he became the MLA from Rajkot West.

He took oath as the Chief Minister of Gujarat on 7 August 2016, succeeding Anandiben Patel. He was re-elected in December 2017 and continued in office until 11 September 2021, when he resigned and was succeeded by Bhupendrabhai Patel.

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Recognized for his influence and leadership, Vijay Rupani was named among the Indian Expresss Top 100 Most Influential Indians of 2021.

At the time of his last asset declaration, he had reported movable assets worth approximately rupees 5.43 crore, which included cash, investments, vehicles, and jewellery, and immovable assets worth rupees 3 crore, including residential and land properties in Rajkot. His liabilities were reported to be around rupees 0.83 crore.
The heads of state and government of the European Union member states at the meeting of the European Council, which will be held on June 26-27 in Brussels, will, among other things, consider the issue of support for Ukraine and its path to EU membership.

This is stated in the invitation letter to the leaders from European Council President Antonio Costa with a detailed agenda of the Council, which was made public on Thursday in Brussels.

"We will start our meeting on Thursday at 11:00, with our traditional exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament, followed by an exchange of views with President Zelenskyy and a discussion among ourselves about Ukraine. As ever, I will endeavour to keep our meeting limited to one day," he said, outlining the timeframe for the summit. It is not yet known in what format Volodymyr Zelenskyy will participate  in person or via video conference.

Announcing the Ukrainian issue, the President of the European Council stated that Ukraine "has been steadfast in its efforts to enable a real peace process. And the EU will remain equally steadfast in its support to Ukraine." "Our objective remains unchanged  to end Russia's war of aggression and build a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law. We will take stock of the fast-evolving diplomatic context, follow up on EU support and address Ukraine's path towards EU membership., President Costa said.

He said that another priority issue on the agenda was defense and security. "Starting with defence and security, the decisions we have taken in our meetings in March are bearing fruit: we are building the Europe of defence. Now we must stay the course and accelerate progress towards Europes common defence readiness by 2030. In this regard, I expect us to touch on the ongoing work to build up our capabilities, to strengthen our defence industry and to increase the financing of our defence efforts. Going forward, we must be guided by a collective approach to defence and security, and a focus on efficient spending," Costa detailed, adding that this discussion will take into account the NATO summit to be held the day before.

Other issues on the agenda, the President of the European Council mentioned, are the interaction between the complex international context and the EU's internal economic priorities, such as the deepening of the single market, the EU's place in the world and its competitiveness, and how to further strengthen the international role of the euro.

Also on the agenda will be the situation in the Middle East, with a focus on the difficult situation in Gaza, migration, internal security issues, with a focus on organized crime, support for the Republic of Moldova, and the situation in the Western Balkans.
Sikh Youth Gurvinder Singh Brutally Attacked by Shiv Sena Members in Muktsar Sahib; Details inside

The suspension of the gunman assigned to the Shiv Sena member involved in the attack.

Gurvinder Singh Attack in Muktsar Sahib Latest News Today: In a disturbing incident that has sparked outrage across Punjab, a Sikh youth, Gurvinder Singh, was brutally assaulted by members of the Shiv Sena in Muktsar Sahib, reportedly in the presence of police personnel who allegedly failed to intervene.

According to eyewitnesses and local Sikh groups, the assault was led by Rajesh Garg, a prominent Shiv Sena figure in the region, along with his associates. The mob targeted Gurvinder Singh in what is being described by many as a deliberate attempt to create communal tension and disrupt Punjabs peaceful atmosphere.

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Despite the presence of law enforcement at the scene, the attackers were not stopped, and no immediate arrests were made. This inaction has further angered Sikh organizations, who swiftly gathered in large numbers at the site of the incident.

In a strongly worded response, leaders from various Sikh organizations issued an ultimatum to the local administration. They have demanded the immediate arrest of all accused.

The registration of an FIR under Section 295 (deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and Section 26 of the Arms Act.

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The suspension of the gunman assigned to the Shiv Sena member involved in the attack.

A senior member of one of the Sikh organizations present said, This is not just an attack on an individual. It is an attack on our identity and our dignity. If the police fail to take action by the given deadline, we will escalate our protest peacefully but firmly.

Videos of the incident have gone viral on social media, showing Gurvinder Singh being dragged and beaten while bystanders pleaded for the violence to stop. The footage has prompted widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.

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The Muktsar Sahib police have not yet issued an official statement, though sources suggest that pressure from both civil society and religious groups is mounting.

As tensions simmer, leaders across party lines and civil rights groups have called for swift legal action and a transparent investigation to ensure that justice is delivered and communal harmony preserved.

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June 12, 2025 UPDATE

A roundup of local and world news

June 12, 2025 UPDATE

Newsroom, 12.06.2025, 20:18

DEFICIT The four pro-Western parties  PSD, PNL, UDMR, USR  that could become part of the new government have not yet reached a common position in Bucharest on the measures that should get the state out of the financial difficulty it is in, regarding the deficit. For the time being, although there are unanimously agreed aspects, such as the need to reduce budget spending, maintain large investments or the need to change some taxes, the solutions differ from one party to another. In order to give an impetus to the negotiations, President Nicusor Dan is expected to participate in the discussions every day. Dan invited the representatives of the big trade union blocs to talks next Monday, after the Thursdays protests put up by the members of Cartel Alpha Confederation in front of the Cotroceni palace in Bucharest. Protesters have called for an equitable fiscal reform in which the burden is fairly distributed between capital and labour. They have also asked that any measures aimed at curbing public expenses first involve the political decision makers, parties and MPs and also for the elimination of austerity measures, which they say, are affecting the working people and citizens.

PLANT The new gas plant in Mintia, Hunedoara county, western Romania, could start producing electricity at the end of this year, the Romanian Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, says. According to him, the plant in Mintia is the largest gas plant in Europe and the 1.4 billion Euro investment is one of the most important energy projects in the past 20 years in Romania. When it comes to gas supplies, the minister says that the board of the technical operator of the national transport system, Transgaz, has given assurances the transport network is going to be ready in October, when the first turbine is expected to become operational.

EUROSTAT In 2024 Romania had the second highest rate of severe material and social deprivation of young people with ages between 15 and 29 among the EU member states, of 14.7% as the blocs average level stood at 5.8%, data released on Thursday by Eurostat, the European Unions statistical office, say. So, the countries with the largest proportion of young people facing severe material and social deprivation were Bulgaria, 17.2%, Romania, 14.7% and Greece, 14.4%. In another development, the proportion was lower than 3% in 10 EU members such as Croatia, Slovenia, Poland, Estonia, Luxembourg, Czechia, Latvia, Cyprus, Ireland and Portugal. Also in 2024, the AROPE rate, which is the share of the population, which is at risk of poverty or social exclusion among young people with ages between 15 and 29 was 24.1%, 3.1% higher than for the total population. Among the member states, the aforementioned rate was ranging between 32.4% in Bulgaria and 9.9% in Slovenia. In 2024, 17.3 million young people were facing the risk of poverty and social exclusion in the EU.

RIOTS Nine policemen have been wounded and six people arrested in Northern Ireland following the third night of anti-immigration protests. The revolts had been triggered by the recent indictment of two Romanian teenagers for attempted rape against a minor. The clashes took place in the city of Ballymena, 50 kilometers north of Belfast, where police were attacked with bricks, bottles, petrol bombs and fireworks. A center used for the temporary accommodation of immigrant families as well as several other buildings and cars in areas inhabited by immigrants have been set on fire. There are no reports of wounded people and the Romanian Foreign Ministry has given assurances the diplomatic personnel in the UK is cooperating with the local authorities to clarify the situation of the Romanian nationals.

TARIFFS The European Union has expanded its increased tariffs system to include all agricultural products imported from Russia and Belarus. Earlier only a part of these products coming from Russia had been subjected to higher taxation. The Councils new decision refers to all of Moscows agricultural products and also includes doubled taxes for some fertilizers. Brussels believes the new measures are limiting the purchase of Russian products concurrently affecting Russias economy and its power to fund the war in Ukraine. Another objective is to reduce Europes dependency of these products, which the EU hopes will be replaced by local alternatives. Tariffs on Russian fertilizers will be applied gradually in three years to limit the potential negative impact on European farmers. (bill)
Ukraine-South-Eastern Europe Summit

Romanias president joined other regional leaders for the summit in Odesa

Nicusor Dan, Maia Sandu and Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the summit in Ukraine

Stefan Stoica, 12.06.2025, 14:00

Leaders from South-Eastern Europe, including the new president of Romania, Nicusor Dan, condemned, on Wednesday, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, at the end of the fourth Ukraine  South-Eastern Europe Summit hosted by Odesa, a major Ukrainian port on the Black Seacoast, repeatedly targeted by Moscows attacks, AFP reports. We strongly condemn the brutal war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine, reads the joint statement released by the Ukrainian presidency. The signatories of the document reiterated their commitment to providing comprehensive and lasting support to Ukraine and its people for as long as its necessary and called on all nations to refrain from providing any form of material or other type of assistance to Russias war effort.

The statement also calls for the complete withdrawal of Russian forces and equipment from all Ukrainian territory as an essential and non-negotiable prerequisite for peace. The signatory countries also support Ukraine on its irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership, and call for tougher sanctions against Moscow.

In his speech, president Nicusor Dan called for a firm condemnation of Russias actions, which he said were using strategies to delay and sabotage the peace process. The only language Russia understands is force and its demands for a peace agreement are unreasonable, the president said. Nicusor Dan pointed out that European countries must stand united in defending international law, respect for human life, dignity, freedom and democracy, values that the Ukrainian people defend every day. The countries represented around this table are part of the European Union or aspire to this status. Romania knows from its own experience that EU accession is a profoundly transformative process, which brings economic development, social stability, great opportunities and security. As we work together for this European future, we should better capitalize on summits such as this, in order to coordinate our efforts and stand united, Nicusor Dan also said.

The president also attended a trilateral meeting Romania  Republic of Moldova  Ukraine, during which he discussed with his counterparts, Maia Sandu and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, about the most important interconnection projects, especially the energy infrastructure, the EU accession process and security cooperation. The summit in Odesa was attended by 11 heads of state, government or Parliament leaders from Romania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia and Greece. (VP)
Google has launched a new round of voluntary buyout offers to employees across several key departments including Knowledge & Information, central engineering, marketing, research, and communications in a continued effort to streamline its workforce and control costs.

The move comes as the company awaits a federal court ruling that could force a breakup of parts of its over antitrust violations.

While the exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed, the initiative follows similar buyout programs introduced earlier this year in Google's hardware, human resources, legal, and finance teams. These programs offer U.S.-based employees severance packages reportedly including up to 14 weeks of salary, plus an additional week for each year of service.

Nick Fox, who took over leadership of the 20,000 employee K&I unit following an October reorganization, addressed the latest round in a memo to staff. He encouraged those who feel misaligned with the company's direction or who are struggling to meet expectations to consider the voluntary exit.

However, he urged engaged and high-performing employees to remain, stating: "If you're energized by our mission and performing well, I sincerely hope you stay."

A Google spokesperson confirmed that the company is also enforcing a hybrid work policy for remote employees living within 50 miles of a physical office, requiring in-person attendance several days a week to promote greater collaboration.

The renewed emphasis on workforce optimization aligns with finance chief Anat Ashkenazi's push for cost discipline as Google accelerates investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure. Internally, the company is also refocusing training initiatives to prioritize practical AI skills over nonessential development programs.

Google's preference for voluntary buyouts reflects lessons learned from the controversial January 2023 layoffs, when 12,000 employees roughly 6% of its global workforce were abruptly dismissed. The sudden nature of those cuts, which affected even top performers and employees on leave, drew sharp criticism and damaged employee morale. This time, internal feedback has been more supportive, with some staff expressing appreciation for the more humane approach.

The buyout announcements come at a critical juncture for Google. A U.S. federal judge is expected to rule by Labor Day on proposed remedies after the company's search engine was found to be in violation of antitrust laws. Remedies could include prohibiting Google from paying over $26 billion annually to secure default search status on other platforms, as well as a potential divestiture of its Chrome browser. A separate case regarding its dominance in digital advertising is also underway.

As Google seeks to align its organizational structure with its strategic priority particularly in artificial intelligence it continues to trim costs while navigating one of the most consequential regulatory battles in its history.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
A California woman is seeking over $14 million in damages from Costco after a liquor cabinet allegedly toppled onto her at a Santa Rosa store, causing severe and permanent injuries including a traumatic brain injury.

Sadie Novotny filed the lawsuit in April in Alameda County Superior Court, but it has since been moved to the U.S. District Court for Northern California. The complaint accuses Costco of negligence, premises liability, and product liability, arguing the company failed to properly secure the display and train its employees in safe merchandising practices.

The incident occurred on March 22 while Novotny and her husband were shopping for a liquor cabinet. According to court documents, a floor model suddenly fell, striking her and resulting in injuries to her head, right shoulder, arm, hand, fingers, and lower back. A Costco incident report included in the lawsuit confirms she attempted to catch the cabinet but was hurt in the process.

The complaint describes the display as unstable citing its thin legs and placement on a worn wooden pallet and claims Costco created an unsafe condition that posed an unreasonable risk to customers.

Novotny is requesting $14.11 million in compensation, including $5 million each for emotional distress and pain and suffering, $2 million for future medical expenses, $2 million for loss of future earnings, $50,000 for medical costs to date, $50,000 for lost income, and $10,000 for loss of household services.

Costco has yet to issue a public statement regarding the lawsuit.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
"For the first time in decades, the US-Mexico border is silent", reads the headline of an article that the White House published Wednesday, quoting from the Arizona Republic.

"Across the entire span of the U.S.-Mexico border, the change is stark  and it happened nearly overnight. Where Border Patrol agents encountered well over 100,000 migrants and asylum seekers every month just a year ago, they now see fewer than 10,000," the report says.

More than four months into President Donald Trump's second term, one of his signature campaign promises  shutting down the flow of migrants across the border  seems fulfilled, according to the daily newspaper.

This was one of the reports published by reporters with the USA TODAY Network who traveled to 15 sites along the border from the Pacific to the Gulf, and from California to Arizona and Texas, and they found much of the same situation in those regions. Few migrants were attempting to cross; once bustling shelters for migrants were ghost towns; local officials expressed relief for no longer having to assist with the flood of people.

The report comes amid the ongoing operation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles targeting criminal illegal aliens, evoking nationwide protests.

The Department of Homeland Security says dozens of the worst criminal illegal aliens were arrested during the raids, which includes murderers, pedophiles, and drug traffickers, who crossed the border from Latin American countries illegally.

The spending bill recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives includes $150 billion in new funding for immigration enforcement, including tens of billions for wall construction and facilities along the border along with tens of billions more for deportation efforts.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Boeing Co. shares are currently down around 8 percent in the pre-market activity on the NYSE after an Air India aircraft headed to London with 242 people onboard crashed immediately after take-off in the Indian city of Ahmedabad.

The plane, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner headed to Gatwick Airport in the UK, crashed in a civilian area near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1.38 pm local time. The Air India flight AI 171 carried 232 passengers and 10 crew members.

Rescue operations are underway, while several casualties are feared.

While responding to the news, Boeing reportedly said, "We are aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information."

The crash is the first for the aerospace major's 787-8 Dreamliner, which is considered to be one of the most modern passenger aircraft in service.

Air India is owned by Indian conglomerate Tata Group. Following the incident, N Chandrasekaran, chairperson of Tata Group in an official statement said, "With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event."

The tragic news comes as Boeing is taking efforts to resolve safety issues that had hit the planemaker hard in the past, mainly issues with its popular 737 MAX, which resulted in increased regulatory scrutiny.

The planemaker had halted its production many times over these years amid various challenges, including two fatal crashes, the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain problems, and production safety concerns.

Amid the safety issues, last year, a mid-cabin door plug on Alaska Airlines' Boeing 737-9 MAX airplane blew out in the middle of the flight, and Southwest Airlines' Boeing 737-800 flight had an emergency landing after its engine cover fell off and struck the wing flap during take-off.

Earlier, in March 2019, 737 MAX, which was then the world's biggest-selling aircraft, was grounded worldwide for a long time following two crashes within just six months, which together claimed 346 lives.

Amid the significantly growing global demand for air travel, Boeing in December last year had restared the production of its best-selling 737 MAX jetliner.

Recently, the company had also reported narrower net loss in its first quarter, and a core operating profit compared to prior year's loss, with significantly higher revenues, primarily due to improved operational performance and commercial delivery volume.

In the pre-market activity on the NYSE, the shares are currently trading at $197.83, down 7.56 percent.

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Business News
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/radeksikorski/photos_by

The defeat of Russia, which is waging an aggressive war against Ukraine, would be a victory for the United States and, in particular, for U.S. President Donald Trump, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said.

"Euro-Atlantic security depends on how we deal with the Russian threat. The interests of Europe and the United States remain complementary in this regard. Stopping Russia remains in the long-term interests of the United States. Russia's defeat in Ukraine would be a victory for the United States and, in particular, for President Trump," he said during a joint statement to the press with his colleagues on the sidelines of the Weimar+ ministerial meeting in Rome.

Sikorski said "our unity and determination play an important role in forcing Russia to stop this terrible war." "I hope that our dialogue will continue, and that is why I have invited my partners to the next meeting, which is to be held in Warsaw at the end of July," he said.
Canadian shares are likely to open with a negative bias on Thursday as trade concerns, and Middle East tensions may weigh on sentiment.

A lack of specifics in the framework agreed to by U.S. and Chinese officials on Tuesday has raised uncertainty about the two nations reaching an agreement anytime soon.

Also, there is uncertainty about the European Union securing a deal before U.S. President Donald Trump's July 8 deadline for tariffs on imports from EU countries.

Meanwhile, the U.S. President expressed diminished confidence in reaching a nuclear deal with Iran, emphasizing that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.

There is more negative news on the geopolitical front, with the U.S. initiating a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq and authorizing voluntary departures from Bahrain and Kuwait, citing heightened security concerns.

The Canadian market closed modestly higher on Wednesday. The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index settled at 26,524.16, up by 97.85 or 0.37%.

Asian stocks turned in a mixed performance on Thursday as a new U.S.-China trade deal provided few concrete details.

Talks in London aimed at cooling tensions between the countries ended in a "deal," according to U.S. President Donald Trump. The Chinese side did not disclose any progress, resulting in a fragile truce.

European stocks are exhibiting weakness amid renewed concerns about tariffs as a lack of specifics in the framework has raised uncertainty about the two nations reaching an agreement anytime soon.

Also, there is uncertainty about the European Union securing a deal before U.S. President Donald Trump's July 8 deadline for tariffs on imports from EU countries.

In commodities trading, West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures are down $1.05 or 1.54% at $67.10 a barrel.

Gold futures are gaining $66.50 or about 2% at $3,410.20 an ounce, while Silver futures are up $0.104 or 0.29% at $36.365 an ounce.

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Business News
Gold climbed higher on Thursday amid renewed threats of a tariff war, simmering US-Iran geopolitical tensions, and softer US jobs data.

Front Month Comex Gold for June delivery gained $59.60, or 1.8 percent, to $3,380.90 per troy ounce today. This is the fifth highest close in gold price history.

Front Month Comex Silver for June delivery gained 4.70 cents, or 0.1 percent, to $36.213 today.

In a significant development yesterday, US President Donald Trump said that, in the coming weeks, he is going to send letters to nations trading with US, setting unilateral tariffs even ahead of the July 9 deadline he had already set for negotiations.

Adding to geopolitical tension, the US has begun evacuating non-essential staff from its Baghdad embassy. This move comes after Trump's statement where he said that he felt less confident of a US-Iran nuclear deal. He added, however, that the US would not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons. Iranian defense minister responded to this saying Iran would attack US bases if there is a conflict.

According to data released by the Labor Department, US Producer Prices edged up 0.1 percent for May 2025, compared to forecasts of a 0.2 percent increase.

In addition, data from the US Labor Department revealed that the initial jobless claims in the US held steady at 248,000 for the first week of June contrary to market expectations of a drop to 2,40,000.

Continuing jobless claims jumped by 54,000 to 1,956,000 in the week ending May 31st.

All these data indicated a soft US labor market amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The US Dollar fell today to more than three-year low.

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Market Analysis
New Zealand will on Friday release May results for the manufacturing PMI from BusinessNZ, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In April, the PMI score was 53.9.

Japan will see final April results for industrial production, capacity utilization and the tertiary industry activity index. In March, production was up 0.2 percent on month, while utilization was down 2.4 percent on month and the tertiary index had a reading of 15.80.

Malaysia will provide April figures for industrial production; in March, output was up 3.2 percent on year.

Indonesia will release April data for retail sales; in March, sales were up 5.5 percent on year.

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Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Despite the resurfacing of fresh tariff threats and heightening geopolitical tensions, Canadian stocks edged their way into positive territory during trading on Thursday. Investors weighed on the prospects of a trade deal between US and Canada at the G7 summit that begins on June 15.

The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index gained momentum throughout the day. Despite drifting lower before noon, the index retraced its journey upwards to settle at 26,615.75, up by 91.59 points or 0.35%.

Yesterday, US President Donald Trump stated that he is going to send letters to trading partners of US in the coming weeks, setting unilateral tariffs. Viewed as a measure ahead of the July 9 deadline which Trump himself had earlier set for tariff negotiations, this is seen as a worrying factor for .

On the geopolitical front, the US has begun evacuating non-essential staff from its Baghdad embassy. This move comes after Trump had said yesterday that he felt less confident of a possible US-Iran nuclear deal but would not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons.

Countering Trump, Iranian defense minister threatened that Iran would attack US bases if there is a conflict. This has spurred anxiety in the Middle East region.

On the US-China trade front, despite Trump stating that a deal has been done with China, a lack of specifics in the framework has raised uncertainty.

Again, even as the July 8 deadline imposed by Trump is only a few weeks away, discussions for a trade agreement between US and EU is moving at a slower pace.

The major sectors that gained in today's trading were Communication Services (1.22%), Healthcare (1.13%), and Consumer Staples (1.06%). Also Consumer Discretionary, Industrials, Financials, Energy, Real Estate, Utilities, and Materials gained between 0.16% to 0.92%

Among individual stocks, Rogers Communication (1.73%), Bausch Health (3.02%), Jamieson Wellness (1.86%), George Weston (1.60%), G-Mining (8.38%), Lundin Gold (6.41%), and Torex Gold (5.55%) were the prominent gainers today.

The IT sector was the single biggest loser in today's trading, shedding 0.84%.

Among individual stocks, Lightspeed Commerce (4.97%), Shopify (4.77%), and Bitfarms were the notable losers.

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Market Analysis
Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela

With a well-earned reputation for excellence in South African public education spanning more than 120 years, Rhodes University is set to embark on an exciting new chapter of international collaboration and innovation. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, recently returned from the Forum of BRICS University Rectors in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, brimming with enthusiasm after the adoption of the transformative Rio de Janeiro Declaration on 7 June 2025. This landmark document promises to elevate education, research, and innovation to new heights, fostering inclusive development, sustainability, and global cooperation, values deeply cherished by Rhodes University.

Professor Mabizela, a staunch advocate for progressive education, has called upon all faculties, academic departments, and support divisions at Rhodes University to integrate the Declaration's inspiring resolutions and recommendations into their upcoming plans and activities. This proactive approach will help ensure Rhodes University remains at the forefront of global academic excellence and continues to shape future leaders committed to ethical principles and human rights, he said.

The Declaration itself is a powerful roadmap for the future, strategically outlining commitments across eight vital thematic areas. It offers imaginative possibilities as Rhodes University aligns with global efforts in:

BRICS Academic Funding: Exciting short-term goals include identifying new funding opportunities for joint research and mobility, and the creation of a BRICS University Grant Catalogue to empower both faculty and students. Looking ahead, a BRICS Academic Cooperation Fund will foster long-term partnerships and ground-breaking innovation.

Exciting short-term goals include identifying new funding opportunities for joint research and mobility, and the creation of a BRICS University Grant Catalogue to empower both faculty and students. Looking ahead, a BRICS Academic Cooperation Fund will foster long-term partnerships and ground-breaking innovation. Language Policies: Rhodes University, already a champion of linguistic diversity and inclusivity, will partner with immediate efforts to assess current language policies and launch pilot multilingual digital platforms for vibrant academic exchange. The future promises a BRICS Multilingual Academic Resource Repository and co-publication initiatives in native languages and English to enhance accessibility and global visibility.

Rhodes University, already a champion of linguistic diversity and inclusivity, will partner with immediate efforts to assess current language policies and launch pilot multilingual digital platforms for vibrant academic exchange. The future promises a BRICS Multilingual Academic Resource Repository and co-publication initiatives in native languages and English to enhance accessibility and global visibility. Health and Better Life: Inter-university task forces dedicated to public health research and community health programs offer immense opportunities to collaborative health education campaigns focusing on mental health, nutrition, and preventive care. The vision includes a BRICS University Public Health Network (BRICS-UPHN) to coordinate vital research and data sharing.

Inter-university task forces dedicated to public health research and community health programs offer immense opportunities to collaborative health education campaigns focusing on mental health, nutrition, and preventive care. The vision includes a BRICS University Public Health Network (BRICS-UPHN) to coordinate vital research and data sharing. Energy Transition and Sustainability: Rhodes University is set to embrace a greener future and will support the launch of a BRICS Green Campus Initiative, promoting energy efficiency and carbon tracking. A Joint Centre for Sustainable Energy Research and Innovation is on the horizon, embedding sustainability across all academic disciplines.

Rhodes University is set to embrace a greener future and will support the launch of a BRICS Green Campus Initiative, promoting energy efficiency and carbon tracking. A Joint Centre for Sustainable Energy Research and Innovation is on the horizon, embedding sustainability across all academic disciplines. Artificial Intelligence and Education: Rhodes University will contribute to a BRICS-wide AI in Education Forum, sharing best practices and tools, and fostering a joint open-access digital library of AI-enhanced learning modules. Future developments include AI-driven personalised learning systems and an inter-university AI Research and Ethics Consortium (AIREC).

Rhodes University will contribute to a BRICS-wide AI in Education Forum, sharing best practices and tools, and fostering a joint open-access digital library of AI-enhanced learning modules. Future developments include AI-driven personalised learning systems and an inter-university AI Research and Ethics Consortium (AIREC). Fighting Poverty: Rhodes University will continue its proud tradition of community engagement by expanding service-learning programmes focused on food security and education access. A BRICS Poverty and Inclusion Research Observatory is envisioned to design vocational training and entrepreneurship programmes for marginalised groups.

Rhodes University will continue its proud tradition of community engagement by expanding service-learning programmes focused on food security and education access. A BRICS Poverty and Inclusion Research Observatory is envisioned to design vocational training and entrepreneurship programmes for marginalised groups. University Cooperation: The Declaration paves the way for thrilling multilateral agreements for joint degrees and faculty exchanges, alongside annual BRICS Rectors Dialogues and Student Forums. A ground-breaking BRICS Virtual University Consortium is planned, promising to standardise quality assurance and degree equivalency frameworks.

The Declaration paves the way for thrilling multilateral agreements for joint degrees and faculty exchanges, alongside annual BRICS Rectors Dialogues and Student Forums. A ground-breaking BRICS Virtual University Consortium is planned, promising to standardise quality assurance and degree equivalency frameworks. Innovation: Rhodes University, already a hub of creativity, will partner in fostering start-up incubators and innovation labs and facilitating exciting BRICS Innovation Challenges and hackathons. The future holds the promise of innovation clusters linking universities, industry, and government, training the next generation of innovation leaders.

The collective spirit of the Declaration underscores a shared responsibility to develop an extensive mobility programme for students, staff, and researchers, cementing a future rooted in cooperation, inclusion, sustainability, and academic excellence, said Professor Mabizela.

Rhodes University, with its unparalleled diversity and unwavering ambition, stands poised to be a powerful catalyst for transformation, not just within South Africa, but across the globe. This is a moment of immense excitement for the Rhodes University community, as we embrace a future of unparalleled collaboration and impact, Professor Mabizela concluded.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the law on amendments to Article 15 of the Law of Ukraine on state support for the media, guarantees of professional activity and social protection of journalists to bring its provisions into line with the Law of Ukraine on insurance.

As reported on the website of the Verkhovna Rada, on June 12, 2025, the law was returned to the parliament with the president's signature.

Earlier it was reported that the law was adopted on October 10, 2024.

The document stipulates that media entities, at their own expense or at the expense of any other sources not prohibited by law, are obliged to insure journalists and other employees for the period of their business trips to areas of combat operations or to temporarily occupied territories.

A more detailed procedure and conditions for such insurance will be determined by the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada said in a statement on its Telegram channel.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said he had a "good meeting" with his German counterpart Johann Wadeful in Rome to discuss further support for Kyiv.

"I highly value Germany's role as Europe's largest military assistance provider for Ukraine. We coordinated additional air defense support to protect peaceful Ukrainian cities and civilians," he said on the X social network.

According to Sybiha, they also agreed on further joint actions to increase pressure on Russia to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

"I look forward to welcoming Johann in Ukraine soon," Sybiha said.
Other council business

During an update to the council, Municipal Judge Chad Chittum said since more stringent noise ordinance penalties took effect in February there have been 159 muffler violations filed with the municipal court. Of those, 99 were resolved because the person came into compliance, 20 people were issued fines, 12 were dismissed under a plea agreement and the rest are unresolved or were dismissed.

Councilors approved a resolution increasing city wastewater utility fees starting in July.

The council unanimously approved a contract for $349,880 with external auditor Carr, Riggs and Ingram for audit services for the next fiscal year. Finance Director Emily Oster said preparations for the upcoming audit could begin as early as next week.

As part of the consent agenda, councilors approved a public fireworks display permit from the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe for an Independence Day celebration at the Santa Fe Place Mall.

Councilors met in closed session for about 50 minutes to discuss the sale of tract 6A at Las Estrellas, a 19-acre parcel of city-owned land the city has said it intends to set aside for affordable housing.

Councilor Amanda Chavez introduced a resolution to extend the citys employee well-being pilot program for an additional year through June 2026 and to require participating employees to complete several surveys so the city can collect additional data.

Councilor Michael Garcia and Mayor Alan Webber introduced a resolution designating Santa Fe as a Vision Zero city and directing the city manager to take steps toward Vision Zero goals, which are focused on reducing traffic fatalities.

Luz Ochoa and Quinn Blakeslee were appointed to terms on the Mayors Youth Advisory Board ending in 2027.
In new research, astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope searched for signs of interactions between the magnetic environment and the surfaces of Uranus and its four largest moons: Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon. They predicted that, based on interactions with Uranus magnetosphere, the leading sides of these tidally locked moons would be brighter than the trailing sides, always facing away. This would be due to radiation darkening of their trailing sides by charged particles such as electrons trapped in Uranus magnetosphere. Instead, they found no evidence for darkening on the moons trailing sides, and clear evidence for darkening of the leading sides of the outer moons.

Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon are tidally locked to Uranus, so that they always show the same side to the planet.

The side of the moon facing the direction of travel is called the leading hemisphere, while the side that faces backward is called the trailing hemisphere.

The thinking was that charged particles trapped along the magnetic field lines primarily hit each moons trailing side, which would darken that hemisphere.

Uranus is weird, so its always been uncertain how much the magnetic field actually interacts with its satellites, said Dr. Richard Cartwright, a researcher at the Johns Hopkins Universitys Applied Physics Laboratory.

For starters, it is tilted by 98 degrees relative to the ecliptic.

This means Uranus is dramatically tipped relative to the orbital plane of the planets. It rolls very slowly around the Sun on its side as it completes its 84-Earth-year orbit.

At the time of the Voyager 2 flyby, the magnetosphere of Uranus was tilted by about 59 degrees from the orbital plane of the satellites. So, theres an additional tilt to the magnetic field.

Because Uranus and its magnetic field lines rotate faster than its moons orbit the planet, the magnetic field lines constantly sweep past the moons.

If the magnetosphere of Uranus interacts with its moons, charged particles should preferentially hit the surface of the trailing sides.

These charged particles, as well as our galaxys cosmic rays, should darken the trailing hemispheres of Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon and possibly generate the carbon dioxide detected on these moons.

The astronomers expected that, especially for the inner moons Ariel and Umbriel, the trailing hemispheres would be darker than the leading sides in ultraviolet and visible wavelengths.

But thats not what they found. Instead, the leading and trailing hemispheres of Ariel and Umbriel are actually very similar in brightness.

However, the researchers did see a difference between the hemispheres of the two outer moons, Titania and Oberon  not the moons they expected.

Even stranger, the difference in brightness was the opposite of what they expected.

The two outer moons have darker and redder leading hemispheres compared with their trailing hemispheres.

The team thinks that dust from some of Uranus irregular satellites is coating the leading sides of Titania and Oberon.

Irregular satellites are natural bodies that have large, eccentric, and inclined orbits relative to their parent planets equatorial plane.

Micrometeorites are constantly hitting the surfaces of Uranus irregular satellites, ejecting small bits of material into orbit around the planet.

Over millions of years, this dusty material moves inward toward Uranus and eventually crosses the orbits of Titania and Oberon.

These outer moons sweep through the dust and pick it up primarily on their leading hemispheres, which face forward.

Its much like bugs hitting the windshield of your car as you drive down a highway.

This material causes Titania and Oberon to have darker and redder leading hemispheres.

These outer moons effectively shield the inner moons Ariel and Umbriel from the dust, which is why the inner moons hemispheres do not show a difference in brightness.

We see the same thing happening in the Saturn system and probably the Jupiter system as well, said Dr. Bryan Holler, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute.

This is some of the first evidence were seeing of a similar material exchange among the Uranian satellites.

So that supports a different explanation. Thats dust collection. I didnt even expect to get into that hypothesis, but you know, data always surprise you, Dr. Cartwright said.

Based on these findings, the scientists suspect that Uranus magnetosphere may be fairly quiescent, or it may be more complicated than previously thought.

Perhaps interactions between Uranus moons and magnetosphere are happening, but for some reason, theyre not causing asymmetry in the leading and trailing hemispheres as the authors suspected.

The answer will require further investigation into enigmatic Uranus, its magnetosphere, and its moons.
Astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have detected silicate clouds in the atmosphere of the exoplanet YSES-1c and a circumplanetary disk around its sibling planet, YSES-1b.

YSES-1 is a solar-type star located approximately 309 light-years away in the constellation of Musca.

Also known as TYC 8998-760-1 or 2MASS J13251211-6456207, the star is about the same mass as our Sun, but is only 16.7 million years old.

It hosts two planets, YSES-1b and YSES-1c, at least 14 and 6 times more massive than Jupiter.

They orbit their parent star at distances of 160 and 320 AU; this places the alien worlds much further away from their star than Jupiter or Saturn are from the Sun.

YSES-1b and c are redder than other exoplanets (or brown dwarfs), suggesting that they may have distinct atmospheric properties.

The system was observed with several telescopes before Webb; however, detailed observations of this system were not possible prior to the Webb program.

Directly imaged exoplanets are the only exoplanets that we can truly take photos of, said Dr. Evert Nasedkin, a postdoctoral researcher at Trinity College Dublin.

These exoplanets are typically still young enough that they are still hot from their formation and it is this warmth, seen in the thermal infrared, that we as astronomers observe.

Using Webbs spectroscopic instruments, Dr. Nasedkin and colleagues obtained broad spectra of YSES-1b and YSES-1c planets.

These include the first direct observations of silicate clouds in the atmosphere of YSES-1c, confirming previous theories about the composition of its atmosphere.

These silicate clouds are likely to contain iron, which may rain back down onto the planet.

The astronomers estimate that the cloud particles are 0.1 m or smaller.

When we looked at the smaller, farther-out companion, known as YSES 1-c, we found the tell-tale signature of silicate clouds in the mid-infrared, Dr. Nasedkin said.

Essentially made of sand-like particles, this is the strongest silicate absorption feature observed in an exoplanet yet.

We believe this is linked to the relative youth of the planets: younger planets are slightly larger in radius, and this extended atmosphere may allow the cloud to absorb more of the light emitted by the planet.

Using detailed modelling, we were able to identify the chemical composition of these clouds, as well as details about the shapes and sizes of the cloud particles.

The authors also detected a silicate disk around YSES-1b  a rare observation for substellar companion exoplanets.

This observation indicates that YSES-1b may be a relatively newly-formed planet.

The findings offer new insights into early phases of exoplanet formation and atmosphere evolution.

The YSES-1 system planets are also too widely separated to be explained through current formation theories, so the additional discoveries of distinct silicate clouds around YSES-1c and small hot dusty material around YSES-1b lead to more mysteries and complexities for determining how planets form and evolve, said Dr. Kielan Hoch, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute.

The teams results appear this week in the journal Nature.

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K.K.W. Hoch et al. Silicate clouds and a circumplanetary disk in the YSES-1 exoplanet system. Nature, published online June 10, 2025; doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-09174-w
Scientifically named Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, the newly-identified tyrannosauroid species is the closest-known ancestor to Tyrannosaurus rex.

Khankhuuluu mongoliensis roamed our planet during the Cretaceous period, some 86 million years ago.

This dinosaur was a medium-sized, fleet-footed predator that evolved after the extinction of other large predatory dinosaurs.

As the closest-known ancestor, it shared many characteristics with its Tyrannosaurus descendants.

Khankhuuluu mongoliensis was about the size of a horse (750 kg), making it two to three times smaller than its massive descendants.

It had tiny rudimentary horns that would evolve to be more noticeable in species like Albertosaurus or Gorgosaurus used for mating display or intimidation.

It had a long, shallow skull that shows Khankhuuluu mongoliensis didnt have the ability to crunch through bone like Tyrannosaurus rex.

The new species can be defined as a mesopredator, similar to coyotes, meaning it used speed and agility to take down its prey.

Khankhuuluu mongoliensis provides us the window into the ascent stage of tyrannosaur evolution; right when theyre transitioning from small predators to their apex predator form, said Dr. Jared Voris, a paleontologist at the University of Calgary.

Partial skeletons of two Khankhuuluu mongoliensis individuals were found in the Bayanshiree Formation in southeastern Mongolia in 1972 and 1973.

The teams phylogenetic analysis of the specimens suggests that the new species is an immediate relative of the dinosaur group Eutyrannosauria and a close ancestor to the massive, deep-snouted Tyrannosaurini and smaller, shallow-snouted Alioramini clades.

Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, or a closely related species, would have immigrated to North America from Asia around 85 million years ago, said Dr. Darla Zelenitsky, also from the University of Calgary.

Our study provides solid evidence that large tyrannosaurs first evolved in North America as a result of this immigration event.

The results show the movement of tyrannosaurs back and forth between Asia and North America was less frequent and less sporadic than previously known.

Khankhuuluu mongoliensis, or one of its kin, traveled across a land bridge into North America, where it evolved into the famous apex predator Tyrannosaurus rex.

The fossil record indicates tyrannosaurs were exclusive to North America for few million years before immigrating to Asia, where the lineage split into two groups.

One group branched off to become even bigger apex predators, ultimately evolving into Tyrannosaurus rex, and the other group evolved into a medium-sized long-snouted species, dubbed Pinocchio rexes.

The discovery of Khankhuuluu mongoliensis is reported in a paper published today in the journal Nature.

_____

J.T. Voris et al. A new Mongolian tyrannosauroid and the evolution of Eutyrannosauria. Nature, published online June 11, 2025; doi: 10.1038/s41586-025-08964-6
Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2025/05/20

The Pechersky District Court of Kyiv satisfied the complaint of co-chairman of the parliamentary faction European Solidarity Artur Herasymov about the inaction of authorized representatives of the National Police, who did not enter information about criminal offenses by officials of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU).

"Just from the Pechersky court, where they were considering our complaint that the police did not open a criminal case on the fact of obstructing the legitimate activities of MPs during the visit of the European Solidarity team to the National Bank in late April... the NBU made a decision behind closed doors about the not impeccable business reputation of Petro Poroshenko. Then four members of European Solidarity together with lawyer Illia Novikov were taken around the premises of the National Bank for two hours, but they never found anyone from the management for an urgent reception - as required by the law on the status of a MP," Herasymov wrote on his Facebook page.

He recalled that on the same day a statement was written to the police about the criminal offense of NBU officials.

"The authorities tried to slow down the case. But, for the first time in the last 6 years, we managed to win the case in the Pechersky court. And now the National Police is obliged to open an investigation into the crime at the NBU. So we continue the fight for justice and support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the faction co-chairman summarizes.
Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak said the millions of Russian losses are evidence that "Russia is losing not only strategically, but also tactically  every day on the battlefield."

"The loss of 87% of the invasion army (since February 2022) is not just a number, but a symptom of the deep degradation of the Russian army. Tens of thousands of destroyed pieces of equipment, the loss of two third of battalion tactical groups  all this turns even limited offensive actions of the Russian Federation into suicide. But Putin continues to push soldiers into a meat grinder, because he fears peace more than war. Because peace is the collapse of the vertical of power and it is time to answer for crimes," Yermak said in Telegram on Thursday.

The head of the President's Office said the Ukrainian army is not "just holding on, but gradually destroying the remnants of the Russians' combat capability."

"Despite temporary aggravations at the front, the Ukrainian army is not just holding on, but gradually destroying the remnants of the Russians' combat capability. The Russian Federation's deep dependence on mobilization, the lack of trained commanders, moral degradation and the constant need for 'cannon fodder' are what make Ukraine's victory only a matter of time," Yermak said.
The Parliament of Montenegro has adopted a decision to send Montenegrin army servicemen to the European Union Military Assistance Mission to Ukraine. 49 out of 81 members voted for this decision, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty said.

"This decision entered the parliamentary procedure nine months ago and was awaiting adoption. The opposition accused the Speaker of the Parliament, Andriy Mandych, who is an opponent of NATO and a supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin, of obstructing its adoption. His party, which is part of the ruling coalition, opposes membership in the Alliance and the sanctions that Montenegro has imposed against Russia for its aggression against Ukraine," the radio reported.

Commenting on the decision, Defense Minister Dragan Krapovic said "there is no question" about the deployment of Montenegrin soldiers in this mission on the territory of Ukraine.

"I want it to be crystal clear. I would never support something like this. All the activities of this mission are carried out on EU territory, in Poland and Germany," the minister said.

The European Union mission is one of two so-called "Ukrainian missions" after the Russian invasion in February 2022, in which Montenegro is to participate. The other mission is organized by NATO  the decision on Montenegro's entry into it was made on February 7.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov discussed details of negotiation activity, as well as the issue of financing defense production in Ukraine.

"There was just a report by Defense Minister Umerov, we discussed with him certain details of all negotiation activity. We also discussed the issue of financing our defense and defense production in Ukraine," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Thursday.

"Every day in Ukraine and with partners, we focus on ensuring defense  on everything that provides protection to our state, our people here and now and in the long term," the president said.
Plans for this years Juneteenth holiday have expanded in Sterling Heights where new collaborations with city partners are resulting in a daylong celebration of the holiday , which commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. The citys African American Coalition hosts their 4th annual event on Thursday, June 19, with free activities planned throughout the day at the Sterling Heights Public Library and Dodge Park."Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of our shared journey toward freedom and justice," says Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. "In Sterling Heights, we honor this day not only as a celebration of emancipation, but as a commitment to unity, understanding, and the ongoing work of building a community for all."The library hosts the days first events, starting with Stand Up for Freedom: A Dance Workshop with Detroits Abigail School of Dance at 10 a.m. The event is free and open to the public thanks to funding from the Friends of the Sterling Heights Library organization, although registration is required and available online Following the dance workshop, a celebration sponsored by Metroparks will include a visit from the Metroparks Mobile Learning Lab, a soul food tasting experience, Juneteenth craft activity, and book giveaway. That event is also free, although registration for the dance workshop is required to attend either or both of the events.Festivities move to the Dodge Park Farmers Market at 3 p.m. where Juneteenth vendors and information booths will be set up, hosting almost 30 such booths including several Black-owned businesses and organizations among them. A Juneteenth stage will feature music and dance lessons at 5 p.m. and the Motown-tribute band The Prolifics will headline the Dodge Park Amphitheatre Stage beginning at 7 p.m. The events at Dodge Park are free and open to the public.By integrating our Juneteenth celebration into Dodge Park Thursdays, the Coalition reaches a broader segment of the community, amplifying a shared understanding of African American history and culture, says Coalition Chair and Resident Diana Bledsoe. This approach also helps us advance the Coalitions mission of bringing diverse perspectives, fostering cultural vibrancy, and driving social and economic progress for African Americans in Sterling Heights.
In 1969, the Stonewall Riots in New York marked the beginning of what is now known as Pride Month, celebrating the liberation, history, culture, and impact of the LGBTQ+ community.To continue the spirit, lets take a look at some businesses in the area that are owned by people in the LGBTQ+ community.6375 W. Seven Mile Rd, Suite 103, Detroit, MI 48221Relax your soul at this yoga and massage studio owned by couple, Robyn and Melissa Childers. Located in the former B. Siegel Building, the studio offers yoga classes, massages, and Reiki to calm the mind and body.Those interested in becoming a yoga instructor can also take their 200-hour training program. They also host events and 5k runs throughout the year.22637 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220Ferndale is known as the most LGBTQ+ friendly hub in Metro Detroit, and one of those businesses is Giorgio Conti Jewelers. Offering high-quality jewelry from engagement rings to watches, there are many options to choose from if youre looking for something for someone you love.The business also repairs jewelry if youre looking to fix that one bracelet you loved but forgot it's missing a stone.19363 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221Owned by couple, April and Michelle Anderson, this bakery offers cookies, cake, breakfast loaves, and even soup. They also do custom orders for those looking for something personal and offer gluten-free and vegan options.The bakery also ships orders nationwide, and on June 22, April Anderson will be hosting a baking class teaching folks how to make cinnamon rolls at Eastern Market. Tickets are on sale for $97.21403 John R Rd, Hazel Park, MI 48030Just a few blocks from the border of Detroit lies a small cafe, opened up in 2022, by owner Tim McKee. The cafe not only sells the typical coffee shop items like coffee, tea, and sandwiches, but also hosts community events like Drag Bingo and LGBTQ+ social meet-ups.The cafe hosts live music, movie nights, game nights, arts and crafts nights, and sells local artwork.325 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067Right in the heart of downtown Royal Oak, on the corner of Washington and 4th St., is a small, quaint bookstore with books from various genres in fiction and non-fiction. They also have a large LGBTQ+ section and host events like open mics and book clubs.For Pride month, the bookstore is also partnering with local organizations to host a book donation drive to support trans youth. Folks interested in donating can learn more here Happy Pride!
Second Wave file Willa DiTaranto, Deputy Housing Director for Kalamazoo County

Courtesy Kalamazoo County Housing Director Mary Balkema discusses advantages of the new AmpliFund portal for opportunities to request housing develoment or rehab assistance in the county.

Willa DiTaranto, Deputy Housing Director for Kalamazoo County, and Mary Balkema, County Housing Director

A Way Home  Housing Solutions: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's series on solutions to homelessness and ways to increase affordable housing. It is made possible by a coalition of funders including the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, the ENNA Foundation, and Kalamazoo County Land Bank.KALAMAZOO, MI  Kalamazoo County will continue to push for the construction of new housing and more living spaces with a fourth round of taxpayer-supported funding.On June 2, the Kalamazoo County Housing Department opened its online portal for projects seeking financial support from the countys Homes for All Housing Millage.Its open and we have money for funding, says Kalamazoo County Housing Director Mary Balkema. Were really hoping that developers and nonprofits go in and really have some good applications for funding.This year the millage, which was started with the approval of area voters in 2020, will make about $2.8 million available to developers and nonprofit organizations that intend to undertake projects in three categories: Multi-family housing -- $2.1 million for the development of affordable rental housing; Supportive Services -- $200,000 for wrap-around housing services such as eviction prevention and shelter diversion; and Creative Housing -- $500,000 to support unique and innovative housing-related projects that dont fit into traditional categories.Typically, some $8 million to $9 million dollars that is generated annually by the millage provides funding for multi-family housing, single-family housing, single family rehabilitation, support services and creative housing projects. But this year, Willa DiTaranto says, We have a fairly limited amount of funds available. So the (Kalamazoo County) Board of Commissioners voted at the end of May to make available $2.8 million total for this years funding round.DiTaranto, who is deputy director of the Kalamazoo County Housing Department, says, The reason we have so much less available this year is because of the substantial amount of awards that have been given out in previous funding rounds before this year.We did big awards for future funding years, DiTaranto says. That includes about $4.4 million that taxpayer revenue generated for this year that are already earmarked for future developments.Those previous awards include such things as $300,000 to allow Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services to administer its Employer-Assisted Housing Opportunity Program.The millage is matching dollar-for-dollar funds that any county employer would like to contribute toward down-payment assistance or critical home repair for their employees, DiTaranto says.There are a few employers who are working with KNHS in the pilot program. They include the City of Portage and Kalamazoo County. The program may also partner with Bronson Methodist Hospital, which has an employee-assistance program, as well as the City of Kalamazoo, which also has an in-house program.Three years of millage allocations to that program  approved in 2024 -- have totaled just over $1 million, including $150,000 in the 2024 round, $300,000 for 2025 and $600,000 for 2026.In the meantime, updated research on local housing needs, released recently by the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, indicates that the need for more housing continues to evolve.The Kalamazoo County Housing Plan determined in 2020 that the county had a need for 7,750 additional housing units of all kinds and for area residents at all income levels. Based on economic and job growth, new research finds that number actually should have been about 8,000 additional housing units.Since the first research came out, about 2,500 more housing units have been brought to the market or are being developed, DiTaranto estimates that the actual number that is still needed is about 5,500 units.I think that weve made incredible strides and I think that what that increased demand number really just tells us is that Kalamazoo is a desirable place to live, work, and play, she says, and that were just going to have to continue to use all the tools and resources available in our community to work toward that 8,000 number.Balkema says her department is happy to see several new housing developments underway because it takes a long time for some to come together. DiTaranto agrees, saying, This year were finally seeing a lot of ground broken on projects that have been in the works for a lot of years.They include: Legacy Senior Living, a 70-unit affordable apartment complex in Kalamazoos Northside Neighborhood. The $27 million project is being developed by Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Edison Community Partners. Ground was broken in March. Stanwood Crossings, a development of 42 single-family homes in Portage. The two- and three-bedroom houses will be considered workforce housing (affordable to working people who make 80 to 120 percent of Kalamazoo Countys Area Median Income). A ground-breaking ceremony for the project, located off Portage Road between Stanley Avenue and Woodbine Avenue, was held in May.The housing portal opened on June 2 and will close at 5 p.m. on July 3. It can be found on The Kalamazoo County Department of Housing website here A mandatory training session for applicants has been scheduled for June 24. It is set for 10 a.m. via Zoom.Although this years financial allocation for new projects is less than previous years, every application for funding will be evaluated after the portal closes, DiTaranto says.About 1,400 housing units have received support from the Homes for All Housing Millage, the county reports. They have included 136 affordable units (those geared for individuals and families with annual earnings that are less than 30 percent of the Area Median Income). And support for 15 organizations that provide services to help seniors and other qualified home owners remain in safe housing. They provide such things as exterior wheelchair ramp additions, handrail installations, and general home repairs.DiTaranto says there has been a nice balance of giving between nonprofit organizations and independent developers. But the actual amounts allocated to commercial developers is greater because it costs a lot more money to build new housing than it typically does to offer supportive services, DiTaranto says.In a prepared statement, County Board Chairperson Jen Strebs says, Our Homes for All Housing Millage is more than just funding. Its a reflection of our communitys commitment to caring for one another and ensuring that everyone has a safe place to call home.The county notes that the need for more investment is urgent as housing costs are rising faster than wages, and as developers face high construction costs.We know that housing is fundamental to peoples health, stability and ability to thrive, Strebs says. As we open this funding round, we remain optimistic and determined to work alongside our partners to build a stronger, more supportive Kalamazoo County for all.
Cyber specialists of the Main Intelligence Agency of Ukraine paralyzed the work of the Siberian Internet provider "Orion Telecom" on "Russia Day," an intelligence source told Interfax-Ukraine.

"Cyber specialists of the Main Intelligence Agency, with the support of cyber activists, conducted a successful operation and paralyzed the work of one of the largest Internet providers in Russian Siberia, 'Orion Telecom," the agency's interlocutor said.

The interlocutor said Russian law enforcement agencies are actively using the networks of the provider "Orion Telecom" for aggression against Ukraine.

As a result of the Intelligence Agency hacker attack, a closed city specializing in uranium mining was left without communication "Orion Telecom" was the only provider there.

A letter allegedly from Ukrainian hackers to the address of the Internet provider is being distributed in local Telegram groups. "Happy holiday, disrespectful Russians, soon you will live in the Stone Age, and we will help you. Glory to Ukraine!" The letter is signed by activists of the hacker group "BO Team."
Trump sees that Russia is not entirely honest about war  Zelenskyy

U.S. President Donald Trump sees that Russia is not entirely honest about the war, it is lying to the U.S. leader, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes.

In an interview for the Axel Springer Global Reporters network, of which Politico is a member, answering the question whether the head of the Ukrainian state believes that Trump changes his opinion every day depending on who he spoke to on the phone, Zelenskyy replied: "I don't know."

"Trump sees that the Russian side is not entirely honest about the war. Russia is not sincere," Zelenskyy added.

He said "Russia is simply lying to Trump," and most heads of state and government share this opinion. The president hopes that the United States sees and understands this.

"That is the most important thing. How you respond to that is America's decision," Zelenskyy said.

According to him, the levers to end the war are in Trump's hands, because "Putin understands nothing bit strength, and America has that strenth."

"It is all in his hands [in Trump's hands]... How strong the sanctions package will be, depends on him. The speed with which decisions are made depends on him," the head of state said.
Military cyber experts on Thursday successfully interfered with the work of 110 Russian Internet resources, which instead of regular content posted photos with information about 1 million losses of the aggressor state's personnel in the war against Ukraine, the Defense Forces of Ukraine told Interfax-Ukraine.

The cyberattack was timed to coincide with the aggressor state's national holiday "Russia Day", which, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, coincided with the occupiers reaching the mark of 1 million human losses in the war. Among the hacked sites are the portals of the occupation administrations of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, as well as the sites of logistics and construction companies that provide services to the Russian army.

"Carrying out cyberattacks on days that are symbolically important for Russian propaganda allowed us to enhance the demoralizing effect and help deliver information to the target audience," the agency's interlocutor said.



As reported, on Thursday, cyber specialists from the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine also paralyzed the work of the Siberian Internet provider "Orion Telecom," whose networks are actively used by Russian security forces for aggression against Ukraine.

As a result of the agency hacker attack, a closed city specializing in uranium mining, where "Orion Telecom" was the only provider, was left without communication.
During the meeting of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Office team with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, coordination of partners in the Ramstein format was also discussed, Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak said.

"Special attention was also paid to diplomacy and coordination of partners in the Ramstein format. The president emphasized: it is important to preserve this platform as an effective tool for supporting Ukraine," Yermak said in the Telegram channel on Thursday.
Air India Flight AI 171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing or injuring many of the 242 onboard.

Mayday call issued by experienced pilots before the aircraft failed to gain altitude and exploded.

Emergency response underway, with DGCA investigation launched and a helpline set up for families.

In one of the gravest aviation tragedies in India, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM on Wednesday. The flight, AI171, was carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.

The aircraft reportedly struggled to gain altitude after liftoff and was flying unusually low. Eyewitness footage captured the aircraft crashing into the ground and exploding in a massive fireball, sending thick smoke billowing across the area. The plane was heavily fuelled for the long-haul international route, contributing to the intensity of the fire.

Moments after take-off, the pilot issued a mayday call indicating a critical emergency. However, no further communication was received from the cockpit, according to air traffic control sources. Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar told NDTV that the aircraft suffered a catastrophic failure to gain lift at an altitude of just 825 feet.

The flight was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had over 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar with 1,100 hours of flight experience. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a full-scale investigation into the incident.

Emergency response teams, including over two dozen ambulances, fire services, and police, swiftly reached the crash site. Several injured individuals have been rushed to nearby hospitals. Traffic around the airport vicinity has been diverted.

Also Read: Air India and Air Mauritius Expand Codeshare to Strengthen Regional Connectivity

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he is personally monitoring the situation and has ordered coordinated efforts by aviation and disaster response teams. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families, he posted on X.

Air India has activated an emergency helpline, 1800 5691 444, for family members and concerned individuals seeking updates.
EAM Jaishankar emphasized that Indias foreign policy is guided by national interest, not personal ties or political personalities like Donald Trump.

Despite past differences with the Trump administration, India views the U.S. as a vital strategic partner aligned with its broader goals.

Jaishankar warned European leaders that ignoring terrorism today could have serious consequences tomorrow, stressing a united global stance on security.

India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, while on his visit to Europe, reiterated that India's foreign policy is clearly driven by national interest and not by personal liking for individuals. Asked if India trusts former US President Donald Trump, Jaishankar gave a rhetorical 'meaning what' indicating that India allies itself with foreign nations on the basis of strategic congruence and not personalities. He said, "I take the world as I find it", indicating a realistic approach towards global affairs.

Jaishankar recognized that New Delhi had experienced 'apparent differences' with the Trump administration, but specifically in regards to Pakistan's so-called role in cross-border terrorism. Nonetheless, he clarified that the U.S. relationship is an important strategic asset, one which India uses to advance its broader interests.

Jaishankar also warned European leaders of the international consequences of looking away from terrorism. He made it clear that unbridled terror violence 'will ultimately come back to haunt' Western powers, making more pronounced the contingent and trans-border characteristics of security threats

This plain-speaking is a testament to India's deliberate diplomacy: while faces change with time, the nation remains consistent in its approach rooted in national interest, not ideological allegiance. Jaishankar's plain-spoken comments at London Tech Week and in Brussels underscore India's self-reliant, interest-oriented policy, unbothered by the re-emergence of volatile leadership elsewhere. His caution to Europe and judicious weighing of U.S. relations demonstrate a foreign ministry ever more assertive and vision-directed, redefining global partnerships from a level-headed, strategic perspective.
In this March 25, 1996 photo, Arnaldo Rodriguez appears in the old Staten Island Criminal Court before a judge on murder charges stemming from a double shooting at a West Brighton restaurant. (Advance/SILive.com)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A man convicted 30 years ago in the murder of a West Brighton restaurant owner has been denied parole, state prison records show.

Arnaldo Rodriguez, now 49, was believed to be one of three young men who carried out a robbery at the former Pal Joeys on Forest Avenue on the evening of March 1, 1996.
In this 2020 photo, Mendy Mirocznik, who also acts as president of the Council of Jewish Organizations on Staten Island, speaks outside Borough Hall.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Gov. Kathy Hochul this week appointed 17 new faces to the Court of Claims, including a Staten Island attorney who is no stranger to public discourse.

Menachem Mendy Mirocznik has served as a court attorney to Judge Orlando Marrazzo Jr. in different civil courts since 2009, according to a press release Tuesday by the governors office.

Outside of the courtroom, Mirocznik has made a name for himself over the years in various roles in the Staten Island community.

He served as a member of Community Board 2 since 2010, serving East Shore and Mid-Island neighborhoods; as a board member of the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island since 2014; and as president of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island since 2012.

The Court of Claims is the exclusive forum for civil litigation seeking damages against New York or other state-related entities such as the Thruway Authority and Power Authority. It has no jurisdiction over New York City nor any individual defendant.

Legal career spanning decades

Between 2001 and 2008, Mirocznik supported various Housing Court judges for New York Citys Civil Court.

He began his legal career in 1997 as an intern for Main Street Legal Services, representing indigent clients in cases regarding public assistance benefits and benefit termination.

A graduate of Touro College, Mirocznik obtained a bachelors degree in political science. He received a Juris Doctorate from CUNY School of Law, where he was president of the Jewish Law Students Association.

As a court attorney on Staten Island, Mirocznik conducts legal research and analysis, reviews cases and drafts decisions.
The Hemlock, of Catskill, New York, has been named one of the best bars in America in 2025 by Esquire. Photo: Shannon Sturgis, @shannonshootscocktails on Instagram Photo: Shannon Sturgis, @shannonshootscocktails on Instagram

You dont have to venture to a big city to find the best bars in the United States.

Instead, train your cocktail-loving sights on a tiny, charming mountainside community in Upstate New York  home to a hidden gem of a bar that was just crowned one of the nations top pubs.

Hemlock, a cocktail bar in Catskill, has been named one of the 15 best bars in America by Esquire.

The bar was included in the 2025 edition of Esquires coveted yearly roundup. The ranking includes watering holes in New York City, New Orleans, Oregon and beyond.

Instead of focusing on hip places specializing in mixology wizardry, Esquire came up with this years list by asking writers and editors one question: Where do you go for a drink when the worlds giving you the blues?

The Hemlock, a place where customers can catch up while enjoying a stellar cocktail, could easily become your new favorite bar.

The cocktail bar opened in June 2023 on Main Street, Catskill  a village along the Hudson River in the stunning Catskills that less than 4,000 people call home.

The Hemlock features soft lighting, cushy booths and a bar lined with stools. Its a quiet, cozy place where you can grab a memorable drink, like a Black Manhattan or an apple brandy Carpetbagger, and enjoy a small bite to eat, like a basket of fries or a vegan chopped cheese.

Peter Barrett, the writer who picked Hemlock for Esquires list of best bars, liked the bar as soon as he walked in.

For the first time in my quest, I forgot why I was there and was just there: deep in conversation, sipping excellent drinks," he wrote in his review of the bar. Id found a solid place to hang out, and thats no small thing in a persons life.

The Hemlock has a small online footprint, with its Instagram page appearing to serve as its only website. But its Instagram posts are filled with positive comments. And on Yelp, the bar retains a perfect five-star ranking.

Wonderful intimate cocktail lounge, a Yelp reviewer from Michigan wrote in late May. A must go whenever in Catskill.

The Hemlock is at 394 Main St. in Catskill. The bar is open daily from 5 p.m. to midnight and serves food until 10 p.m.
In this photo from 2024, a NYC Ferry fast ferry drops off passengers at a dock in St. George after arriving from Manhattan. Advance/SILive.com | Mike Matteo

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Legislation was introduced in the City Council this week that would re-establish ferry service between Staten Island and Brooklyn.

Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, a Democrat who represents the boroughs North Shore, and Councilmember Justin Brannan, a Democrat representing parts of Brooklyn, co-sponsored the legislation, which would connect St. George and Bay Ridge via ferry.

The bill, according to Hanks and Brannan, would not only connect the North Shore to a neighboring borough, it would also tie Staten Island into the existing NYC Ferry network in the East River.

This bill brings us one step closer to re-establishing that vital link  restoring a smarter, faster, and more resilient option for commuters and families who deserve better than traffic jams and endless bus transfers," Hanks said in a statement.

This turns the vision of a blue subway into a reality. The harbor becomes a true transit corridor  not just for tourists or weekend riders, but for working New Yorkers who need real alternatives, the lawmaker continued.

A ferry used to run between Staten Island and Brooklyn, but it was put out of service within days of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge opening in 1964.

The recent legislation, which was introduced on Wednesday, has been referred to the Councils Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

While the bill states that the city would be able to designate any city agency or contracted entity to operate the ferry line, it specifies that the route should be integrated into the existing NYC Ferry system, operated by the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

We are excited by the growing popularity of NYC Ferry and the advocacy of Staten Islanders and Brooklynites are proof of just that, said an EDC spokesperson in an emailed statement. As we look forward to record ridership during the summer season and beyond, we remain committed to finding additional ways to improve accessibility and ensure NYC Ferry is a viable and affordable transit option for the most New Yorkers possible."

Hanks and Brannan have been longtime proponents of re-establishing a ferry connection between their two communities.

In December, the two elected officials asked Mayor Eric Adams to start up ferry service between St. George and Bay Ridge.

The joint letter noted that the connection via fast ferry would allow Staten Islanders to tap into the MTAs Interborough Express, a light rail project that directly connects Brooklyn and Queens, at the planned western terminal in Bay Ridge.

By creating a ferry route between St. George and Bay Ridge, the two lawmakers argued, the city would create a link between the three outer boroughs without requiring any detours into transit hubs in Manhattan.

Previously, the EDC had told the Advance/SILive.com that it was not looking to expand the ferry system and would focus on improving current service and making the system more financially sustainable.

The letter also pointed to the marked success of the existing St. George to Midtown route that the NYC Ferry currently operates. Ridership for that route has increased by 151% in the last year alone.

In spite of this, Staten Island is the borough with the least amount of fast ferry service and some of the highest commute times, with many often surpassing 90 minutes.

Although the NYC Ferry was met with calls to add additional service to South Brooklyn at the 2021 launch of the route connecting the boroughs North Shore to Manhattan, including from former Borough President James Oddo, officials from the EDC said in 2022 that expansion was on hold because of financial issues with the system.
Interfax-Ukraine to host discussion Dynamics of socio-political sentiments of Ukrainians during the war

On Monday, June 16, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency will host a discussion entitled "Dynamics of socio-political sentiments of Ukrainians during the war."

Participants include Deputy Director of the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) Anton Hrushetsky; political scientist, political expert Kostiantyn Matviyenko; political scientist, Co-founder of the National Platform for Resilience and Cohesion Oleh Sahakian (8/5a Reitarska Street).

The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel.

Admission requires registration on the spot with press ID cards.
William Duplessie, charged with kidnapping and torture for trying to steal a man's Bitcoin password, appears in Manhattan Criminal court, Friday, May 30, 2025. (Jefferson Siegel/The New York Times via AP, Pool) AP

NEW YORK  Two crypto investors pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to charges they kidnapped and tortured an Italian man for his Bitcoin in an upscale Manhattan townhouse.

William Duplessie and John Woeltz were ordered held in custody until their next court date on July 15 during their arraignment in Manhattan criminal court.

Their lawyers had sought their release on $1 million bail and home confinement with their parents.

They argued the victim wasnt in distress during his time in New York, saying they had obtained video and photo evidence showing the accuser smiling and laughing during the time of his purported captivity.

Among the evidence the lawyers said they have obtained are photos of the accuser moving freely in and out of the house, even taking a trip to an eyeglass store with one of the defendants.

This narrative is entirely false, said Sam Talkin, Duplessies lawyer. The story that he is selling doesnt make sense.

Prosecutor Sania Khan argued that someone supporting the defendants was selectively leaking videos to present a counternarrative of the events

Victims of abuse are not always going to act the way that we expect them to, she added.

Duplessie and Woeltz, who appeared in handcuffs and prison uniforms, didnt speak in court other than to formally enter their pleas.

They face charges of kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment and criminal possession of a weapon.

Prosecutors say on May 6, the two men lured the victim, who they knew personally, to a posh townhouse in Manhattans Soho neighborhood by threatening to kill his family.

The man, a 28-year-old Italian national who has not been named by officials, said he was held captive for 17 days.

He said the two investors tormented him with electrical wires, forced him to smoke from a crack pipe and at one point dangled him from a staircase five stories high.

The man said he eventually agreed to hand over his computer password, then managed to flee as his captors went to retrieve the device.

Woeltz, 37, has described himself in interviews as a blockchain investor who spent time in Silicon Valley before returning to Kentuckys burgeoning crypto-mining industry.

Duplessie, 32, is listed as a founder or investor at various blockchain-based companies.

New York City police are also investigating two detectives who worked security at the townhouse where the man says he was tortured.

The officers have been placed on modified leave pending the outcome of the inquiry, although their lawyer has said theres no indication either officer witnessed any of the alleged criminal activity.
Pedro Huerta was a chef at O'Neill's in Port Richmond who recently succumbed to injuries and complications related to a March incident in which he was struck by a vehicle in Port Richmond. (Courtesy of the Huerta family) Silvestri

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The Staten Island community is mourning the loss of Pedro Huerta, a cherished staff member of ONeills Restaurant in Port Richmond.

According to the restaurants social media accounts and a GoFundMe previously created to support Huertas recovery, the chef died of injuries and complications he sustained when he was struck by a vehicle in early March.

The collision

As indicated in the GoFundMe created by Michael Regan, the owner of ONeills, Huerta was making his way to work when he was struck by a vehicle just before noon on March 7. The NYPD confirmed it received a call for the collision.

Upon arrival at the scene in the vicinity of Forest Avenue and Decker Avenue, police heard from the 53-year-old driver of a Toyota SUV that he was driving eastbound along Forest Avenue and made a left turn onto Decker Avenue when he struck Huerta, who at the time was described by the NYPD as a 39-year-old pedestrian.

According to police, Huerta told authorities he was crossing at the intersection of Forest and Decker when he was hit.

In the end, the driver in this case was issued a summons for failure to yield, the NYPD stated. A source with knowledge of the investigation told the Advance/SILive.com that charges would not be upgraded.

Huerta sustained injuries to his neck and right leg and was transported to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, as stated by the NYPD. The GoFundMe indicated that Huerta suffered numerous complications as a result of this incident, including multiple rib and back fractures, as well as internal bleeding. Moreover, while in the hospital, he caught the flu, which developed into pneumonia. He also developed a blood infection and became septic, which triggered the onset of organ failure.

Remembering Huerta

Huerta was a married father of three and is remembered for being a devout Catholic with a charitable spirit.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Huerta prepped and delivered meals to homebound veterans, a program organized with other colleagues. He also served as a face of the restaurants various charitable endeavors.

As previously emphasized by Regan, Huerta was a beloved member of the restaurant staff who had worked as their chef for more than 10 years.

Pedro was a friend as well as colleague for almost 20 years, Regan told the Advance/SILive.com on Wednesday. We worked at three different locations. He started as a 15-year-old bus person and worked his way through every position on the floor into the kitchen. He was a gentle giant with a big smile and was always willing to help anybody. Pedro was a proud New Yorker who loved his wife, children, siblings and parents very much.

The restaurant put out a Facebook post on Wednesday announcing Huertas death.

It is with great sadness that we share the terrible news that Pedro Huerta has succumbed to the injuries and ensuing complications from the incident on March 7 of this year, a Facebook post by the restaurant reads. Pedro was a loyal friend and colleague for two decades. He will be sorely missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are going out to his family.

In the wake of the announcement, dozens have expressed their condolences to the restaurant staff and Huertas family.

Im so sorry for your loss, one comment in reply to the original Facebook post stated. Im his sons teacher and I also know his daughter from my school. We are all deeply saddened to hear this terrible news. They are a beautiful family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone.

Condolences to the family. This is tragic, another comment said.

Those in search of the fundraiser can visit GoFundMe.com and search for Donate to Pedro Huertas Healing Journey.

As shared by the restaurant, respects can be paid to the family during visitation hours on Thursday, June 12 at Las Rosas Funeral Home located at 761 4th Avenue in Brooklyn. Visitation will be between 5 and 9 p.m.

The funeral service will be held at Las Rosas Funeral Home on Friday from 8:30 to 9:40 a.m.

A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Angels RC Church located at 7320 4th Ave. in Brooklyn at 10:15 a.m. Friday morning.
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman has caused a stir after being spotted with a MAGA mastermind at a Washington, D.C, hotspot thats the top watering hole for President Donald Trump supporters.

Politico reported that the Pennsylvania Democrat was spotted speaking with mega-MAGA power player Steve Bannon at Butterworths, near Capitol Hill.

Fetterman was having dinner on Monday with Matthew Boyle, political editor for Washington, D.C., for rightward Breitbart News Network, when they were joined by Bannon.

Bannon, one of the earliest and staunchest Trump supporters, stayed for about 20 minutes, Politico reported.

Tongues wagged about the encounter even more because the day was apparently Fettermans 17th wedding anniversary. But Fettermans wife, Gisele, was nowhere in sight.

Fetterman has made a name for himself by bucking his own party, including this week, when he slammed Dems for failing to call out the chaos seen during anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

News of the Fetterman-Bannon encounter was picked up by the Daily Mail and other outlets.

Senate staffers told the Daily Mail in May that Gisele has been absent from Washington this year.

A New York Magazine report from around that time also detailed how Gisele has been concerned with her husbands behavior, including his support for Israel.

Fetterman called the story a hit piece.

Bannon spent four months in prison after refusing to testify before lawmakers investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 riot by Trump supporters at the U.S. Capitol.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  In a major vote, both portions of the New York State Legislative branch voted in favor of giving journalists access to police radio frequencies after over a year of radio silence in some parts of New York City.

The Keep Police Radio Public Act passed through the New York State Assembly in an 85-61 vote and the New York State Senate in a 38-22 vote on June 5.

The act, according to the New York State Senate, ensures that, except for sensitive information, all radio communications are accessible to emergency services organizations and professional journalists.

The three Republican assemblymembers on Staten Island  Mid-Islands Sam Pirozzolo, South Shores Michael Reilly, and East Shores Michael Tannousis  voted against the legislation in conjunction with borough State Sen. Andrew Lanza.

Reilly, Pirozzolo, and Tannousis share a similar outlook on the bill: while not wholly against it, they would like to have a delay in transmission so that law enforcement can get to the scene first.

As a former #NYPD lieutenant and current public official, I understand the importance of public access to accurate information  but I also understand how that access can be abused or misused, jeopardizing public safety and possibly even human life in the process, Reilly wrote on X. I recently debated A3516, which would require law enforcement to allow some journalists to access those frequencies. It is law enforcement and other first responders whose monitoring of those frequencies must be treated as a priority. Though I voted NO on this bill, I urge @GovKathyHochul to amend it and include a 10 minute delay so that we can sustain public access while prioritizing public safety. 

Radio traffic from Staten Islands four police precincts have been offline since February 2024. The move came as a part of a long-term plan by the city to update outdated equipment while encrypting NYPD radio frequencies throughout the five boroughs.

According to media reports, the NYPD says the use of encryption is to keep officers and the public safe from radio interference and prevent listeners with ill intent from using such communications in a way that could harm or endanger them.

Im not against it [the bill] at all, except I think the delay was great," said Pirozzolo. Lets say theres a shooting [at a school, and] the police and the emergency services can set up a command post. If they need ambulances to get in and out, they can get there. Then after a period of time, whether it be an hour or half an hour, then let the reporters get it. Because once it goes public, parents are going to rush to the school, everyones going to rush to the school. And if they get there before emergency services, which could be likely, especially if its a local community school, things get clogged up and maybe the proper resources or help  whether its police wise or health wise  are not going to be adequate to provide the services that the condition requires,

In a comment to the Advance/SILive.com, Lanza said the following: Could potentially endanger police as they do their jobs. Could also assist criminals as they commit crimes and plan escape.

I voted no on the so-called Keep Police Radio Public Act because, without a 10-minute delay, broadcasting real-time police communications can compromise officer safety, tip off criminals and create unnecessary chaos during emergencies. While transparency is important, it should never come at the expense of public safety or law enforcements ability to respond effectively, Tannousis said.

The new legislation would only make the police radio transmissions available for emergency services organizations and professional journalists.

The two Democratic Staten Island representatives serving in the New York state legislative branch, State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, who represents the North Shore and parts of Brooklyn, and Assemblymember Charles Fall, who represents the North Shore and parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan, voted in favor of the bill.

When voting on any piece of legislation, I take community feedback and the needs of my district seriously. In the case of the Keep Police Radio Public Act, I did not receive significant concerns from constituents prior to the vote. Based on the information available and the absence of opposition, I welcome continued dialogue to ensure that transparency and public input remain central to this conversation. Should concerns come to light, a law can always be reviewed and amended if necessary, Fall told the Advance/SILive.com.

The shift to encryption began in July 2023 with several Brooklyns precincts, and then slowly crept through the other boroughs.

I did have some concern with privacy and things like that, but I know how important it is specifically to the press  especially local papers like (The Advance/SILive.com) and helping (journalists) do (their) jobs well and efficiently and informing the public. So, that is a big part of the reason why I voted in favor of it," Scarcella-Spanton said to the Advance/SILive.com.

The act was sent back to the Assembly as it is the chamber that the legislation originated in. The Assembly will submit it to Gov. Kathy Hochuls desk, where she will have until New Years Eve to sign it into law or veto it.
Voters went to polling sites, including at PS 8 in Great Kills, on Election Day. (Advance/SILive.com | Annalise Knudson) Staten Island Advance/Annalise Knudson

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The 2025 primary election is just a couple of weeks away: Are you registered to vote?

If yes, then youre all set!

If no, then you have just a handful of days to register yourself as a New York City voter in order to cast your ballot June 24.

The deadline to register to vote in person for this election is Saturday, June 14  the first day of early voting.

You can register as a voter at https://e-register.vote.nyc/. To qualify as a voter, you must meet the following criteria, as listed on the e-register Board of Elections in the City of New York website:

Be a U.S. citizen

Be 18 years old by the end of this year (you may pre-register at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until you are 18)

Not be in prison for a felony conviction

Not claim the right to vote elsewhere

Not be found to be incompetent by a court

There are six races taking place throughout the borough this election, including choosing the Democratic mayoral candidate, the Republican 51st Council District candidate, the Democratic 49th Council District candidate, the Democratic 61st District Leader, the Public Advocate candidate, and the City Comptroller candidate.

If you choose to register as an Independent, you will not be able to vote in the primary as all candidates are either affiliated with the Democratic or Republican party. Independent candidates do not get primaried, but will be on the general election ballot in November.
Editors Note: A Staten Island Advance/SILive.com photographer was not permitted to attend or take photos at the commencement.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  On Monday, family and friends gathered as New Dorp High School graduated 730 students at the Staten Island University Hospital Community Park in St. George.

The school has moved away from the traditional valedictorian and salutatorian titles, choosing instead to recognize students with highest honors and high honors. Kamila Masalimova achieved highest honors, and Cristina Rusak received high honors.

New Dorp High School 2025 Highest Academic Honors, Kamila Masalimova, (left), and High Academic Honors, Cristina Rusak, (right). (Courtesy of New Dorp H.S.) New Dorp H.S. Courtesy of New Dorp H.S.

The candidates for graduation are:

Salma Abdelaziz, Mena Abdelmaseh, Marly Abdelsaid, Ali Abderrahman, Amer Abdo, Mohamed Aboudiwan, Solim Grace Abouzi, Michele Abramova, Michael Adams, Zaire Adams, Nidal Afana, Eman Aftab, Laura Gomez Aguirre, Xylynn Aguirre, Kadija Ahmad, Jana Al-Jahmi, Malik Al-Kamel, Mohamad Alabduljbar, Carol Orellana Alban, Michael Alesia, Ebtisam Algabyali, Falasteen Ali, Youssef Mohamed Ali, Ma Rai Ali, Roqiah Aljammari, Daphne Aljovin, Zakarya Allahabi, Sofia Rose Alonzo, Samara Alonzo, Asbah Amir, Kodjo Amoussou, Diyora Amrilloeva, Christopher Aquino, Justin Archer, Salvatore Ardizzone, Hedi Arfaoui, Jazbey Naz Arraiz Olivo, Juan Arrunategui Goyas, Rahma Ashour, Renee Askin, Matthew Aspromonte, Viktorya Astvatsatryan, Gavin Attianese, Sarah Aurelus Gul, Leon Avdiu, Bassil Awawdeh, Travis Aya Turner, Kareem Ayesh, Eiriny Ayoub, Mohamed Badawi, Faith Baerga, Mirza Hisham Baig, Rana Baioumy, Amar Bajrovic, Sergey Balatsko, Aidene Connor Balce, Jennifer Almazo Balderas, Aissata Ball, Dylan Ballestero, Alline Baltazar Palafox, Ariella Barman, Nicholas Barrett, Nicholas Barrett, Thomas Barros, Apollo Bartido, Valeria Bartolo Peralta, Brandon Beauchamps, Marta Bekirman, Dezthyne Belliard, Gianpier Benavides, Taryn Benevento, Ivan Beregovoy, Arkie Beyan, Tristan Bhoge, Anthony Blancero, Sabit Bocku, Francis Bogan, Oscar Borowski-Beszta, Tyler Boyle, Justin Brits, Faylinn Brodsky, Mikaela Broitman, Aminah Budzaku, Jake Buerkle, Shenaj Bunjaku, Brandon Bunsee, Tiyana Butler, William Butts, Valery Bykhovska, Kristine Nicole Cabansag, Martha Ortiz Cabanas, George Cabello, Rachel Cai, Messiah Daymon Caldwell, Jeynnie Nivelo Calle, Yamiyah Camacho, Erik Cano-Ramirez, Cristian Cappone, Lauren Carlsen, Gabriel Caro, Jayson Carollo, Anthony Carrasquillo, Elizabeth Cascone, Emily Castore, Julianna Cataldi, Adriana Cekaj, Ashley Cortes Ceron, Kendra Chartier, Davian Chatoorang, Jennifer Cheah, Annie Chen, Evan Chen, Vicky Chen, Bryan Chen, Brian Chen, Yong Yan Chen, Bowen Chen, Nick Chen, William Chen, Xiaolin Chen, Evan Chen, Jasmyn Cheong, Michelle Chernyavsky, Bryan Chin, Mutazz Chowdhury, Adrian Chu, Oscar Chu, Ethan Chyla, Samantha Ciappina, Katherine Cielo-Garcia, Gianna Ciesla, Gianna Civitano, Yalmi Clime Jimenez, Genevieve Colelli, Latrell Collins, Jaylyn Colon, Ava Colon, Samantha Concepcion, Ethan Contractor, Aniyah Allen Cook, Brandon-Micah Cornish, Lance Mejia Cortes, Akilles Cortez, Thomas Crocco, Felicia Cruciata, Alex Cruz Jr, Juliana Cucuzza, Dennis Cueto, Ryan Cuevas, Adrianna Cuevas, Ryan Cugini, Jasmine Dahab, Ardian Daku, Leann Gelisse Davalos, Madison Davis, Shahrizoda Davronova, Kevin Debkowski, Maryana Deighan, Malvyn Taveras Dejesus, Aleciamarie Delgado, Max Delpriore, Amber Demartines, Edin Demirovic, Nicole Denesopolis, Michaelangelo Dennis, Arianna Derosa, Christian Desario, Sophia Desetto, Sabrina Desio, Alexis Diaz, David Diaz, Juliana Difrancesco, Scott Dillon, William Dimeola, Lilia Dominguez Zhaka, Britney Dong, Bosco Dong, Angel Dong, Devin O Donnell, Katherine Dugan, Nazar Dydych, Jordyn Ebanks, Vincent Edwards, Liam Egan-Rodriguez, Samantha Ehrhardt, Precious Ejiofor, Kinzy Elbeheri, Zaynub Elcharfa, Matthew Elder, Zakariya Elhari, Fares Elmahdy, Rany Elsuradi, Retaj Eraky, Mark Erlenwein, Diana Esiquio, Erick Ortega Estrada, Veronica Evenko, Verina Fahmy, Fadl Fahs, Christopher Fanizzi, Jason Fantauzzi, Aman Fatima, Rilind Fazliu, Julia Feliciano, Rui Lan Feng, Lia Fierro, Carmella Fiore, Peter Foti, John Frank, Anthony Freeo, Eva Frenkel, Salvatore Fuggetta, Isabella Fuller, Alyssa Fusco, Marcus Gak, Isabella Galitsky, Francesca Gambale, Kevin Alberto Mateo Gamboa, Juliette Gamburg, Joyce Gao, Jacob Garbowski, Angel Garcia, George Diaz Garcia, David Garzaniti, Altin Gashi, Ibrahim Gasimov, Angel Gaytan, Isnatu Gbla, John Gervasi, Jose Antonio Gil, Elana Glukhovskiy, Kylie Goetz, Alissa Goldshteyn, Matthew Gomberg, Christian Gonsalves Jr, Alexis Gonzalez, Angel Gonzalez, Julio Gonzalez, Evelin Sanchez Gonzalez, Jayden Gonzalez, Alfredo Goyco, Francis Grady, Shannen Gratkowski, Meagan Grenald, Zaire Griffin, Eugene Griffin, Ariella Grushevskaya, Maicol Guaman, Roxana Guaman, Angel Guevara, Lauren Gurewitz, Arleen Garcia Gutierrez, Kevin Gutierrez, Chris Guzman, Artyom Gyolchanyan, Rawan Habib, Ikhlas Hadi, Kaylee Hambrick, Changding Han, Samantha Hasler, Omar Hassan, Angjelos Hassi, Megan Haxhiu, Medina Haxhiu, Caroline Hayes, Rui Sen He, Eric He, Terri He, Brian Heffran, Deanna Henry, Christen Herft, Itzel Hernandez, Evelyn Hernandez, Jose Ferrer Hernandez, Sophia Highum, Matthew Hom, Amya Horlback, Denys Hryshchenko, Orrick Hsieh, Ben Huang, Zhuo Heng Huang, Yingsi Huang, Allen Huang, Bosco Hui, Yousif Ibrahim, Samiir Idlet, Abdullah Ikhmayes, Rina Ilinsky, Vesna Illarionova, Eran Ismail, Fardous Jabr, Joshua Jackson, Behram Jehangiri, Tiana Jenkins, Austin Jentz, Lana Jiang, Vincent Jiang, Cameron Johnson, Naseair Jones, Julianna Jones, Danna Jose, Rhianna Joseph, Jenifer Juarez, Bryan Juarez-Ruiz, Amir Jubran, Maxs Juravlev, Adrian Kacaj, Jacob Kahan, Nicholas Kahle, Maxwell Kaminer, Cameron Kane, Clarence Kanu, Elias Kaous, Hardeep Kaur, Mirabelle Kazinets, Liam Keeler, Mohamed Keita, Edward Kelleher, Avery Kelly, Aleena Khabinski, Safiie Khalilaieva, Hajra Khan, Raheem Mustafa Moham Khan, Sofia Khomenko, Isabella King, Diyoni Kiriella, Rebecca Kirk, David Kitover, Maxim Kogan, Ashley Korbul, Volodymyr Kovalskyi, Oleh Kovtsuniak, Aristid Kraja, Helen Kuang, Peter Kucharczyk, Fjona Kulla, Labinot Kulla, Nakul Kumar, Salim Kurbanov, Adam Kuryj, Arielle Kusin, Ethan Lam, Stanley Lamour, Alyssa Langer, Edwin Lao, Nicholas Larocca, Fatlind Lata, Adian Latif, Wing Shan Lau, Kaylee Mc Laughlin, Derrick Lee, Anson Lee, Katrina Lei, Deserae Lennon, Andrew Leung, Gavin Levine, Shujie Li, Jenny Li, Willian Li, Edwin Li, Tiffany Li, Alfonso Zheng Hung Liang, Milston Liang, Albert Liang, Jason Liell, Zi Qi Lin, Benli Lin, Minghan Lin, Archie Lin, Nancy Lin, Glorie Lin, Haowei Lin, Xuan Lin, Yue Lin, Tymeira Lino, Vladimir Lisetsky, Samantha Litrell, Zoey Liu, Dean Liu, Min Juan Liu, Rachel Liu, Henry Liu, Joseph Lomangino, Imani Loncke, Luis Espinal Longino, Harrison Loock, Carlos Lopez, Jonathan Lykins, Veronika Madissoo, Vanessa Maguire, Bilal Mahmoud, Stephen Maldonado, Robert Mannino, Alery Manzueta, Madison Marchesona, Zi Heng Wu Martell, Ava Martin, Keira Martin, Ashley Martinez, Charlie Martinez, Jennifer Garcia Martinez, Adalberto Martinez Ii, Shahzoda Marupova, Kamila Masalimova, Frank Mascarinas, Noah Massey, Allison Mastrangelo, Svetlana Matoi, Ava Mattiello, Emily Mazzoni, Loni Mcglynn, Deanna Mealia, Jayden Melis, Kameran Mends, Jaivon Mercado, Gulisan Mercanli, Dmitry Merkulov, Kayla Metalia, Daniel Meyerzon, Janiyah Mickens, Sophia Miller, Samuel Minevich, Destiny Miranda, Philip Mo, Omar Mohamed, Yousef Mohsen, Sabrina Mongelli, Evelyn Montes Montalvo, Alan Montalvo, Janette Victoria Montero, Keira Moreno, Josue Moreno, Leandrew Morocho-Tenesaca, Victoria Moroz, Jenna Mosleh, Mokhinur Mukhtorova, Blessing Mulbah, Anisa Muratovic, Ruhshona Murodova, Sadeen Musallam, Noora Mustafa, Denis Mustafic, Anhelina Mykytiuk, Adam Nachet, Alan Naddaf, Joseph Najm, Yasin Nalbat, Fatima Nasir, Natalie Naula, Joseph Navarro, Eli Nazario, Anisakhon Negmaddzhonova, Joseph Nerone, Christie Ngai, Ben Ni, Joseph Nocerino, Selma Numani, Eric Odame, Aayliah Odom, Michael Oleary, Bohdan Omeliukh, Rick Pharrell Ondo, Christopher Ortado, Brian Ortega, Fatima Ortiz, Jeremiah Ortiz, Emilee Ortiz, Harold Ortiz, Gabriella Ospina, Daniel Ostrov, John Osuntuyi, Abriel Otero, Emily Ouyang, Sophie Ouyang, David Palermo, Dritan Paljevic, Meto Paljevic, Lexie Panetta, Patrick Parson, Giuseppe Patti, Elijah Pena, Victoria Pena, Karelin Jose Pena, Gabriela Penaloza, Jonathan Peng, Matthew Perani, Luis Perez, Manuel Ramos Perez, Anthony Perez, Linda Perez, Nora Peterson, Isabella Petito, Volodymyr Petrunyak, Taliyah Pierre, Christopher Pietrofeso, Evi Piperku, Jordan Piscopo, Alexander Policier, Noemmy Policier, Daniella Poliyakov, Ivan Polovets, Christian Ponce, Anyla Porter, Susan Posadas, John Poveda, Adrianna Poveromo, Kimora Johnson Power, Elizabeth Pucciarelli, Jack Puccio, Matias Garcia Pulla, Alexander Purpero, Jesse Purrazzella, Aubrey Puzo, Julia Pyryt, David Pyshnenko, Ariana Quinones, Mitchell Quito Jr, Abd-Allah Rabii, Abdul Rahman Rabii, William Radice, Adam Radouane, Abdulwahab Raja, Jayleece Ramirez, Caroline Ramirez, Jake Ramos-Bailon, Haris Rana, Haseeb Rana, Jordan Raphael, Antonios Rashed, Emily Ray, Abanoub Rayad, Hailey Redfern, Daniel Reen, Emma Reilly, Bryce Reynolds, Matthew Reynolds-Shevlin, Gianna Rios, Isabella Rivera, Miabella Rivera, Roberto Rivero, Matthew Rodriguez, Melany Rodriguez, Cesar Rodriguez, Natalia Rodriguez, James Rodriguez, Yaxelin Rodriguez, Emma Rodriguez, Steph Rojas, Vladyslav Romaniuk, Julian Rosa, Aiden Rosado, Angelina Rosario, Gael Rosas, Vincenzo Rosato, Marcos Flores Rosendo, Amaya Ross, Yarah Rowaid, Cristina Rusak, Reginald Russell, Ryan Russell, Abdallah Saad, Batool Saad, Malak Safi, Sophia Safin, Danial Sahi, Giselle Salazar, Jannah Saleh, Jennen Saleh, Christopher Salvatore, Jannelly Samano, Shahzoda Samaredinova, Gorin Samir, Gabriela Sanchez, Faith Sanchez, Javier Sanchez, Johan Sanchez, Alycia Sanchez, Jordyn Santiago, Jayden Santiago, Kareem Sartawi, Angelina Sarumova, Salvatore Scarabaggio, Sara Scaria, Kayla Scheddin, Blake Scheddin, Jordanna Schrecker, Lindsay Schwendimann, Salome Sekhniashvili, Love Rose Sesay, Arion Shega, Allison Shen, Elizaveta Shevchenko, Ariel Shligold, Sophia Shmagin, Ava Shteyman, Ergi Shushku, Ryah Siad, Noah Silva, Jaden Simmons, Hriday Singh, Jaclyn Sklyar, Filip Slavik, Zain Al Smadi, Thomas Smith, Kaylee Smith, Christian Snyder, Leonel Solano, Yarisbel Garcia Solano, Jake Solheim, Richard Sosa-Romero, Shing Hei Sou, Johnathan Sterken, Daniella Stern, Aurora Sukalic, Muhdieh Suliman, Madison Swanson, Danyel Syed, Patrick Szalewicz, Isabella Szpak, Breana Tagliaferro, Latifat Taiwo, Jovani Tallat, Brian Tan, Anthony Tatulli, Jasmine Tecuapacho, Patrick Teggart, Karla Tellez, Brianna Tenempaguay, Ava Tephusdin, Nina Tetaud, Zaniyah Thompson, Gino Timoneri, Angelina Tolento, Mabel Tonto, Janiah Torres, Ashley Torres, Ayman Traenkner, Brooklyn Traenkner, Travis Tran, Vi Phuc Tran, Jessica Tredici, Joseph Trevigno, Christopher Tricardo, Natalie Tsang, Ryan Tsimerman, Rostyslav Tsipkalo, Mia Tsirulnik, Viktoria-Nadiia Tsiukenda, Ava Tubiolo, Tamer Tuna, Maxym Tyminskyy, Ariana Urbano-Martinez, Emily Valenti, Jasmine Valentin, Olivia Valles, Joshue Vargas, Richard Vargas-Lamonte, Eric Varvak, Sean Vasco, Jeremy Vasquenz, Judelmy Silverio Vasquez, Calvin Vaval, Alexandra Vazquez, Bethany Vecchione, Madison Vega, Savanna Vega, Miguel Vega, Natalie Velazquez, Alina Velianyk, Shannon Veynberg, Arely Perez Villa, Arturo Villalobos, Jeremiah Wallace, Jessica Wang, Benson Wang, Henry Wang, Qiu Rong Wang, Jason Wang, Jaymel Washington, Aniyah Patterson Watts, Victoria Weglicki, Laichuchu Wei, Thomas Weisberg, Kyleigh Weisser, Shelly Weng, Samantha Wildrick, Kaya Wilk, Niyah Williams, Elijah Wilson, Olivia Wiszowaty, Bryan Wong, Rose Woode, Jayden Woods, Janice Wu, Kristy Wu, Dunia Yahya, Skylar Yak, Angela Yan, Katherine Yan, Jon Yang, Sophie Yarkhunov, Evgeniy Yarulis, Ivan Ye, Jun Hong Ye, Allen Yee, Soliana Yorro, Kayla Young, Heison Yu, Yong Yi Yu, Kaiwen Yu, Reynold Yueng, Armani Yulfo, James Zagranichny, Natalia Zajac, Abdur-Rafaiy Zaman, Emily Zeng, Noreen Zeng, Edion Zeqa, David Zhang, Kevin Zhang, Peifei Zhang, Bernice Zhao, Denny Zhao, Jenny Zhen, Janet Zhen, Jason Zheng, Jacob Zhivov, Nicole Zhuang, Susanna Zou, Alina Zyl.
SUBSCRIBER BENEFIT: This year, SILive.com subscribers can get free unlimited high-resolution digital photo downloads of any of our photos in our galleries. Log in, click on the photo gallery to see if we photographed your favorite prom-goer and choose GET PHOTO to download free print-quality images. Additionally, subscribers will get 50% off the purchase of prom-related keepsakes. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up here.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  St. Joseph Hill Academy seniors donned spirited and classic attire for their 2025 prom at The Vanderbilt at South Beach, Staten Island, Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Grand entrance

Seniors arrived at the venue in warm weather, traveling in limousines and party buses, dressed in their finest gowns and suits, eager to celebrate the night. At 6:45 PM, 117 guests arrived using various modes of transport. With a sense of excitement in the air, they ascended the stairs, ready to enjoy an evening filled with fun and festivities.

Best dressed

Samantha Musarella and her best friend Max Gordon looked stunning in her gold beaded gown, while Max paired his outfit with a matching bow tie created by Samanthas grandmother from the dress itself.

Samantha Musarella and her best friend Max Gordon looked stunning in her gold beaded gown from Portia and Scarlett, while Max paired his outfit with a matching bow tie created by Samanthas grandmother from the dress itself. (Advance/SILive.com|Jan Somma-Hammel) Staten Island Advance

>> HIGH-RES, PRINT QUALITY PROM PHOTOS ARE FREE FOR SUBSCRIBERS. SUBSCRIBE HERE, OR USE THE GET PHOTO LINK IF YOU ALREADY SUBSCRIBE. SUBSCRIBERS CAN DOWNLOAD AS MANY PHOTOS AS YOU LIKE. <<

Flashback

Check out last years prom at the Vanderbilt with 2024 seniors.

Join our coverage

As part of our coverage, we invite you to join in on the fun by tagging your prom photos #SILive on Instagram for a chance to be featured. Just make sure your account is public. Not going to the prom or just curious as to how much fun everyone is having? Follow @siadvance on Instagram and TikTok, and silivedotcom on Snapchat, to keep up with our complete coverage. If you would like your school featured as part of our prom coverage, email the details (when, where, time, venue, address, etc.) to tips@siadvance.com with PROM 2025 in the subject line.

Prom schedule

Thursday, May 8

St. Peters Boys High School

Thursday, May 15

Concord High School

Gateway Academy

Wednesday, May 21

Monsignor Farrell High School

Thursday, May 22

Petrides High School

Notre Dame Academy

Friday, May 23

G.R.A.C.E. Foundation

Lavelle Preparatory/New Ventures/Nicotra Early College charter schools

Wednesday, May 28

McKee High School

Thursday, May 29

Moore Catholic High School

Friday, May 30

Port Richmond High School

Great Kills High School

Monday, June 2

St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School

Tuesday, June 3

CSI High School

Wednesday, June 4

Gaynor McCown High School

Hungerford School

Eagle Academy for Young Men of Staten Island

Friday, June 6

Susan Wagner High School

Saturday, June 7

Staten Island Academy

Wednesday, June 11

St. Joseph Hill Academy

Bishop Patrick V. Ahern High School

Thursday, June 12

Curtis High School

Friday, June 13

New Dorp High School

South Richmond High School

Junior proms

Wednesday, May 21

St. Joseph Hill Academy

Thursday, May 22

St. Peters Boys High School

Saturday, May 31

Monsignor Farrell High School

For past prom coverage, visit silive.com/proms.
Wildfire smoke will continue to impact New York for the foreseeable future. This photo from June 10, 2025, shows a helicopter working on the Dryden Creek wildfire north of Squamish, British Columbia. (Tijana Martin/The Canadian Press via AP)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  New York City residents whove looked to the sky recently may have noticed a lingering haze caused by smoke from wildfires in Canada.

Well its best to get used to it: AccuWeather long-range experts believe that waves of wildfire smoke will continue to bring such conditions to much of the Northeast, including New York, through the end of August.

I think well have to deal with rounds of smoke and haze, at least for the foreseeable future; probably at least the next several weeks, Tom Kines, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, told the Advance/SILive.com. At worst case scenario its all summer long.

Even though there may be brief breaks from hazy skies at points throughout the summer, a prolonged period of relief is unlikely.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires could contribute to a hazy sky over New York for the foreseeable future. This photo from June 8, 2023, shows a hazy sky over flags blowing at Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

Until those fires get extinguished, which probably isnt happening anytime soon, its going to be an issue, Kines noted.

A major contributor in determining this long-term forecast is the sheer size of the raging wildfires. According to Kines, the number of fires devastating the land in Saskatchewan and Manitoba greatly exceeds the usual number of wildfires for this time of year.

As of Tuesday, AccuWeather reported that over 7 million acres of land across Canada have been scorched by wildfires so far; this measures in well above the historical average of 1.83 million acres for this point in the year.

Typically, during the summer months of June, July and August, when the wind goes northwest behind a front, the New York sky usually becomes a deep blue and the humidity dips. However, as explained by Kines, these winds will continue to carry smoke down into New York until the flames are extinguished.

On Wednesday, Kines said the smoke hovered up between 10,000 and 20,000 feet in the air over New York City. He noted there are times this summer in which that smoke could drop lower to the surface and play a larger role in impacting air quality.

There could be times when, not just upstate New York, but even down in the city here, where maybe the smoke is low enough where it does cause some health issues, added Kines.

Although some rain could bring temporary relief to Canada and aid with the fires in the coming days, Kines is doubtful that it will be capable of putting out all the fires.

As highlighted by AccuWeather, many times this summer, the smoke will be high-up in the atmosphere and could dim the sun, which, in turn, could cool temperatures by a few degrees in the day. On the other hand, the smoke-filled sky could keep temperatures warmer in the evening hours.

On the bright side, Kines noted, sunsets and sunrises could get very dramatic due to the smoke from the wildfires.
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C China's Zhengzhou: One-click global trade drives cross-border e-commerce development

People's Daily Online) 09:54, June 12, 2025

Workers are busy inside the bonded warehouse as they sort and process packages. (People's Daily Online/Huo Yaping)

Imported goods are being delivered as soon as the next day, and even the same day in some cases. How is that possible? The scene at the Zhengzhou Xinzheng Comprehensive Bonded Zone in central China's Henan Province may provide an answer. A steady flow of trucks moves in and out, loaded with goods. Inside the storage facilities, workers busily sort, store, inspect, and meticulously pack products. Here, cross-border e-commerce parcels are consolidated and dispatched, powering global trade.

This bustling scene is a vivid demonstration of Henan's rapid progress toward the goal of "buying globally, selling globally," as it actively integrates into China's new development pattern.

As of April 30, 2025, the Zhengzhou Airport Economic Zone had processed 80.12 million cross-border e-commerce import and export orders, an 86.7 percent year-on-year increase. The total value of goods had reached 9.38 billion yuan, up 43.9 percent. Export order volume stood at 64.84 million, marking a 155.8 percent surge, with transaction value rising to 6.51 billion yuan  an 89.4 percent increase  highlighting strong growth momentum.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Hongyu)
Seven years ago, Airwallex co-founder Jack Zhang walked away from what looked like the deal of a lifetime. Stripe was offering to buy his firm for $US1.2 billion ($1.9 billion) and legendary Sequoia investor Michael Moritz was urging him to accept.

After weeks hashing out the details and sale price with Stripes billionaire co-founder Patrick Collison, Zhang was close to agreeing. Then doubts crept in. He called a vote with his three co-founders and over a WhatsApp call they decided to turn the offer down.

Zhang spent his early years in Chinas Shandong Province before he was sent to Melbourne to attend Westbourne Grammar School, where he lived with an Australian host family. Credit: Elke Meitzel

Since then, the firm they founded in Melbourne in 2015 has grown into a $US6.2 billion global banking and payments platform. Zhang holds a 12.5 per cent stake worth $US775 million ($1.19 billion), according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, which is valuing the 40-year-old for the first time.

While Airwallexs latest valuation is less than Stripes  most recently priced at $US91.5 billion  the two companies are increasingly overlapping as their product lines expand. Last year, Airwallex launched a new service helping US businesses accept payments online, bringing it into direct competition with Stripe. A few months later, Stripe launched multicurrency accounts, something Airwallex has offered since 2018.
China-Europe International Conference on Vocational Education and High-Skilled Talent Development held in Qingdao, E China

10:13, June 12, 2025 By Sheng Chuyi ( People's Daily Online

China-Europe International Conference on Vocational Education and High-Skilled Talent Development is held in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 11, 2025. (Photo provided by the organizer)

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union (EU). To further promote mutual exchange on vocational education and talents, the China-Europe International Conference on Vocational Education and High-Skilled Talent Development was held in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on June 11, 2025.

The event was jointly organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China-EU Association.

With the theme "Empowering China-Europe vocational education and high-skilled talent development in the era of digital intelligence", the forum gathered government officials, experts, educators, and representatives from both sides to explore ways to deepen cooperation in vocational education and talent development.

Liu Qibao, vice chairman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and president of the China-EU Association, delivered a keynote speech during the opening ceremony.

Liu emphasized that in this era of economic globalization, countries are increasingly interconnected, and cross-border labor mobility is on the rise. Against this backdrop, promoting international cooperation in vocational education is not only essential for enhancing the quality of domestic vocational systems but also necessary for boosting industrial cooperation and advancing shared development worldwide.

He stressed that China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners, and deeper collaboration in vocational education will yield mutual benefits and contribute to global progress.

Also in attendance was former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, who said in his address that economic and trade exchanges play a key role in promoting sound relations between countries and regions. Over the long term, he noted, educational exchanges are particularly effective in strengthening these relationships by fostering person-to-person ties and building mutual understanding.

"We belong to a common human family and should cherish the richness embedded in our diversity," he said.

During the forum, participants exchanged views on topics including "Opportunities and Challenges for Applied Technology Talent Education in the Era of Digital Intelligence," "Successful Experiences of Industry Participation in Vocational Education," and "Joint Development of International Interdisciplinary Talents for Intelligent Manufacturing."

Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero addresses China-Europe International Conference on Vocational Education and High-Skilled Talent Development in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 11, 2025.(Photo provided by the organizer)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Wu Chengliang)
What drives shareholders into a tailspin, a cohort of prospective parents into crisis, and sends a chief executive packing? An IVF company admitting to not one, but two incidents of embryo implant mix-ups.

Monash IVF must now have reserved a chapter in crisis management textbooks as it joins the ranks of the reputation-damaged corporate lepers.

Monash IVFs first bungle was the implantation of the wrong embryo.

It is impossible to imagine that an IVF operators bungle led to a woman giving birth after carrying someone elses biological child or, in the latest colossal blunder, the implantation of the wrong embryo.

Words dont exist to describe what these patients must have felt.
Virgin Australia began its long-touted flights partnership with Qatar Airways on Thursday, a move expected to expand choice for Australian consumers while stepping up competition with Qantas.

Daily Sydney-Doha connections on Qatar planes will be followed by flights from Brisbane and Perth later this month, and from Melbourne in December, Australias second-biggest airline announced at an event at Sydney Airport. Under the terms of their wet lease arrangement, Qatar provides aircraft, crew and maintenance to operate the routes, which are sold as Virgin flights.

Virgin Australia chief executive Dave Emerson said the move was delivering more choice, better value and a seamless global experience to Australian travellers.

Virgin CEO Dave Emerson ahead of the first Virgin-Qatar airlines flight at Kingsford Smith Airport International Terminal in Sydney. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

Virgin will sell tickets to 170 destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, allowing it to tap Qatars extensive route network. The alliance is expected to bring total capacity on flights from Australia to Doha, Qatars Middle Eastern hub, to 2.65 million seats a year.
Australias best barrister is taking a paycheck from the Russian government.

Bret Walker SC is representing the Russian Federation, who is challenging the constitutional validity of the Albanese governments 2023 laws which cancelled Moscows lease on an embassy site next door to Parliament House.

Top Sydney barrister Bret Walker. Credit: Steven Siewert

Your columnist, meanwhile, remains sanctioned by Russia since Vladimir Putins 2022 invasion of Ukraine, along with dozens of other journalists, and is thus banned from the country.

All that history aside, CBD isnt here to take Novichok-laced pot-shots at anyone. Were all entitled to good legal representation, of course. And barristers are bound by the cab rank rule, which obligates them to take any brief that pulls up outside their chambers, so long as it matches their expertise, they have capacity, and the prospective client, however objectionable, can pay.
The giant wind farm is backed with $350 million worth of debt from the federal governments Clean Energy Finance Corporation .

But AWU Victorian branch executive committee member Johnny Keys recruited at least one former criminal as his deputy and promoted firms through his role as the unions delegate on the Golden Plains Wind Farm.

There is no evidence that the AWUs members knew their union was backing labour hire firms with criminal links, despite their union signing off on enterprise bargaining agreements with the companies.

The unions involvement has been driven by a small number of influential AWU delegates who, in an effort to garner industrial power and combat the assertive CFMEU, built their own alliances with unsavoury building industry figures.

A major investigation by this masthead can reveal that firms with convict connections gained AWU backing to win lucrative work on the $4 billion Golden Plains Wind Farm project in Victoria as well as the $300 million Centenary Bridge Upgrade project in Brisbane and are seeking access to other major projects around Australia.

dAustralias largest wind farm is one of two major Albanese government-backed and taxpayer-funded projects infiltrated by criminal-linked companies as part of a ploy by Australian Workers Union figures to outmuscle thugs and bikies aligned with the rival CFMEU.

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He claimed it was simply because the CFMEU were paying a shitload of money [donations] to the government, and theres a certain person who might be in a position of power now that benefited greatly from that, and they [the CFMEU] got on every job.

In comments aimed at Labor and its Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Hayden claimed the rise of the CFMEU was helped by its relationship with the party.

Nothings changed, Hayden said of the construction sector clean-up promised last year by federal and state Labor and which saw the CFMEU placed in administration.

The revelations have sparked a fierce reaction from the AWUs Victorian secretary, Ronnie Hayden, who stressed he was unaware his union had backed any such firms and demanded government intervention to clean up a sector still infected with rampant corruption and thuggery.

In Brisbane, AWU insiders are also accused by fellow unionists of turning a blind eye to firms linked to criminals because they provided a bulwark against the CFMEU.

I was just told that they were heavy, connected and not to be messed with, one project insider said of his discussions on site.

Five project insiders, who spoke to this masthead on the condition of anonymity, said it was whispered the firm was linked to Melbourne underworld figures.

When Johnny Keys began pushing 24-7 as the AWUs preferred labour hire company at Australias largest wind farm project in about late 2023, word spread that the firm may not be all that it seemed.

Now the AWU faces questions over its dealings with two building groups in the lucrative but scandal-dogged labour hire sector. One operates under the 24-7 banner, the other is Host Group.

During this time, the CFMEU was increasingly infiltrated and backed by bikies and gangsters.

As infrastructure minister, Allan oversaw a series of major taxpayer-funded civil infrastructure projects which would have traditionally been the industrial domain of the AWU but, with the tacit support of Labor, became largely controlled by the CFMEU.

For labour hire firms to prosper on major sites, they typically need both formal EBA approval of the union tied to the project and on-the-ground backing of that unions representatives.

Jarrod Morgan introduced himself to union and project figures as the firms manager, and his name appears as a witness to the companys enterprise bargaining agreements alongside the signatures of Victorian and Queensland AWU secretaries Ronnie Hayden and Stacey Schinnerl.

On paper, 24-7s directors are two women with no obvious experience in civil construction or labour hire, Kristina Kuzmanovska and Rebecca Reed, and it is owned via two family trusts linked to each woman.

Keys said the CFMEU wouldnt come near it and that is why it had been put on, another wind farm source said.

A reputedly respected ex-convict known only by his first name  Bassem  was also rumoured to be associated with 24-7, the sources said. While it was ostensibly AWU-backed, the firm was also known to be protected by the CFMEU.

Keys, a small and intense former construction worker, had a reputation as the fieriest AWU delegate in Victoria, having battled the CFMEUs takeover of the giant West Gate Tunnel project. During that struggle, groups of CFMEU figures had physically confronted Keys and his AWU members and ultimately forced AWU-backed labour hire firms off site in favour of CFMEU-backed competitors.

This was most acute on the Victorian governments Big Build projects, where CFMEU dominance was enabled by a compliant Labor state government.

It also emerged that, from about 2020, the CFMEU was increasingly using labour hire firms to parachute bikies-turned-union-representatives onto major Victorian and NSW projects. This not only fuelled corruption but forced the weaker AWU off the large civil infrastructure sites it had once controlled.

These CFMEU and gangland-backed firms not only promoted a gig economy in favour of permanent employment, but had a history of collapsing, leaving the Tax Office or workers out of pocket.

At the heart of the Building Bad scandal that ensnared the CFMEU when it erupted last year was the unions longstanding alliance with select labour hire firms aligned with notorious Melbourne and Sydney underworld figures, including Mick Gatto and George Alex.

It would be Keys who would prove instrumental in 24-7s success at the wind farm.

When Keys arrived at the wind farm, west of Melbourne, as the AWUs chief delegate, he was determined not to let history repeat. According to project insiders, he began cultivating people who could keep the CFMEU at bay.

Billy Nicholls outside court in 2013. Credit: Ken Irwin

Among them was ex-AFL player Billy Nicholls, who in 2015 was sentenced to 11 years jail for shooting two men in their legs over drug disputes. Both victims survived, and Nicholls was convicted of intentionally causing serious injury.Before his arrest, the former Hawthorn and Richmond players life had become consumed by ice and a descent into the underworld.

Keys told supporters Nicholls had not only left jail a reformed man, but with a tough-guy reputation that ensured the CFMEU had earmarked him to join its growing list of criminals-turned-union reps.

Keys got in first, appointing Nicholls his new AWU wind farm deputy delegate.

Nicholls would in turn bring his own hard men to the wind farm, proposing as a delegate an ex-Geelong bikie and boxer called Brad Azzopardi, who had been released from prison after being jailed for a dangerous driving incident that left a man dead.

Wiser heads in the AWU intervened and Azzopardi, who has a 1 per cent bikie tattoo on his head, was instead given a support job on the wind farm.

Jonny Walker (left) and Billy Nicholls. Credit: Instagram

Nicholls also arranged for ex-bikie Jonny Walker, who served eight years in jail for manslaughter over the fatal bashing of a man in a bikie clubhouse, to get work at the wind farm after the CFMEU turfed Walker amid a bikie cleanout in the wake of the Building Bad scandal in July 2024.

Along with hard men, Keys and his deputy were also assembling a group of staunch AWU companies capable of withstanding the CFMEUs pressure and heavy connections. Project sources said 24-7 would come to stand out.

Workers from rival labour hire firms were pushed onto its books and 24-7 began promoting, through its website, its achievement in supplying approximately 50 skilled people  to one of the largest renewable wind farm projects in the world, as well as its close working relationships with industry stakeholders, including unions.

When project and union insiders queried why Keys appeared so enamoured with the labour hire company, despite its lack of obvious civil construction experience or AWU history, they became concerned it was because of the whispers that 24-7 had both gangland and CFMEU protection.

When first approached by this masthead a fortnight ago, Keys said he had no knowledge of the firms criminal links, or of any person called Bassem.

He said 24-7 involved only two girl directors and the operations manager and that he had never met a guy called Bassem. Keys subsequently refused to answer further questions on the record, despite repeated attempts by this masthead to quiz him.

But photos uncovered by this masthead show Keys, Nicholls and a third AWU delegate being hosted by 24-7 at the Collingwood AFL Presidents Lunch at the MCG on the day the Building Bad scandal broke last July.

(From left): Billy Nicholls, Bassem Alsayed and the AWUs Johnny Keys at the MCG function.

In the photos, there is no sign of the firms female directors. Rather, the AWU trio are snapped at the 24-7 table posing with two brothers, Bassem and Osama Elsayed, along with a third man, Jarrod Hennig.

Bassem is a convicted criminal who was accused in a September 2017 bail hearing by a Victoria Police special taskforce of hiring a violent criminal to bribe a grandmother preparing to testify that his brother Osama had shoved a gun in her sons mouth over a drug debt.

A detective told the bail hearing of her concerns about Bassems associations with organised crime and how phone taps had captured him and his younger brother talking about how the violent criminal would be taking care of it.

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They have a conversation, laughing in regards to how loose  [the standover man] is and they know that he has  [previously] murdered someone, the court heard.

The court also heard allegations Bassem had separately extorted an associate over a $100,000 business loan, texting the victim: I hope Allah burns you in hell you thief and allegedly hiring a standover man who threatened to rape the debtors family.

After the victim retracted the most serious allegations from his statement, Bassem was sentenced in 2019 to six months jail and a 12-month community corrections order.

The conviction added to a criminal rap sheet that already included offences of violence, dishonesty, firearm, driving and drug offences and which Victorian Supreme Court judge Rita Zammit described as significant.

Osama was, in August 2019, separately jailed for three years and four months for his role in a drug trafficking syndicate and for separate charges of robbery and recklessly causing injury.

Jarrod Hennig at the time of his arrest.

This drug syndicate was led by the third man photographed at the MCG lunch, Jarrod Hennig, who was jailed for eight years on multiple counts of drug trafficking.

Industry, underworld and police sources, along with corporate and court records, reveal Hennigs middle name to be Morgan.

He is the Jarrod Morgan whose signature appears on AWU enterprise bargaining agreements secured by 24-7 in 2023 and 2024. Hennig is also married to Rebecca Reed, who signed off on the same documents as 24-7s director.

Bassem Alsayed (left), Billy Nicholls (second from right) and Osama Alsayed (right) at the MCG event. Credit: Instagram

Her co-director, Kristina Kuzmanovska, is Bassem Elsayeds wife. Osama Elsayed also appears to have been involved in the 24-7 group, creating a business called 24-7 Waterproofing in 2024 with fellow convicted drug trafficker Mohsen Mehrijafarloo.

In January 2025, 24-7 Labour moved its registered office to a new Northcote business address. On the same day, Osama moved another of his businesses to the same registered office.

The address is the office of accountant Charles Pellegrino, who for years has handled the finances of the CFMEU-backed gangland figures Mick Gatto and John Khoury.

Charles Pellegrino during a police raid in March. Credit: Jason South

Pellegrinos Northcote office was raided in March by a federal police team investigating payments to Pellegrinos companies that were allegedly intended for Gatto, Khoury and other construction industry or union players. No charges have been laid.

There is no suggestion the Elsayed brothers are the targets of that federal police operation. But they have their own strong links to the CFMEU.

A character referee for Bassem at his 2017 bail hearing was ex-kickboxer and bouncer Chris Chrisopoulidis, who told the judge he was good friends with Bassem.

Chrisopoulidis would go on to become one of the CFMEU organisers who confronted Keys on the West Gate project.

Bassems wife, Kristina, is also a 50 per cent shareholder of a construction firm which gained a CFMEU enterprise bargaining agreement in 2021. Her co-owner of that business is builder Thomas Chillico, who is facing criminal charges for allegedly bribing a public official to gain construction permits.

In a statement, Rebecca Reed said 24-7 has no knowledge of or involvement with organised crime at all and is in all respects a well-run small family business.

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If anyone has made allegations that 24-7  is in any way involved with organised crime, those allegations are false, she wrote.

She said that while the company took a progressive approach to ex-offenders, Bassem had no formal involvement with her firm.

Reed did not answer several specific questions, or respond to further requests.

Asked about whether he knew of 24-7 ties to any criminals such as Bassem, AWU secretary Ronnie Hayden said he had no idea who any of these people are.

When 24-7 came to us  Jared [sic] came with two women, Rebecca and Kristina, he said.

Hayden stressed he had never authorised the AWU to give preferential treatment to any labour hire firm. He conceded it was possible Keys had favoured 24-7 because of concerns other labour hire firms were not giving the AWU the chance to recruit their workers as union members.

I understand Johnny was pissed off with the labour hire companies that had done that, he said.

Before 24-7 was engaged at Golden Plains, there was the Host Group. It not only supplied multiple workers to the wind farm project but allied itself closely with the AWU in Queensland, contributing dozens of workers and security personnel to the government-funded Centenary Bridge upgrade in Brisbane.

Brisbanes Centenary Bridge will feature two separate roadways and a shared cycle and pedestrian path when the upgrade is completed in 2027. Credit: Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

Hosts director Gary Samuel has recently fallen out dramatically with the AWU over hotly disputed claims of underpayment of workers. But until last year, Host promoted itself boldly as the AWUs preferred labour hire company across the nation, helping it win an important contract with Centenary Bridges key contractor, BMD Group.

That deal partly involved providing security against intimidation tactics carried out by the CFMEU on the project.

BMD declined to comment, but this mastheads investigation has confirmed that a security subcontractor used by Host to help do this engaged several high-ranking Comancheros, including the feared bikie groups national president, Bemir Saracevic, to intimidate CFMEU figures in Brisbane last year.

Bemir Saracevic was featured in a news article tabled in the federal parliament.

While there is no suggestion that Samuel himself was involved in the Comanchero standover, he has a history of underworld relationships. Sources close to Samuel have confirmed he met Saracevic on multiple occasions, having employed one of the bikie bosss close friends as a Host adviser and worker.

Royal commission records reveal that in 2011, Samuel advised a building firm owned by Mick Gatto and his fellow underworld identity Mat Tomas (both Tomas and Gatto achieved notoriety by beating separate murder charges).

Samuel later went into a failed business venture with Tomas and also ran the Victorian operations of the now-deceased labour hire king Kevin McHugh, whom federal police charged in 2020 with money laundering offences and tax fraud.

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Samuel is also close to convicted drug trafficker turned businessman Michael La Verde, who married into a prominent Calabrian mafia family and has a host of organised crime connections.

La Verde claims on LinkedIn to be involved in Samuels Host Group, although it is understood this is limited to Samuel providing his friend an email address.

Samuel declined to answer specific questions but in a statement said it was important to acknowledge the ongoing rivalry between the CFMEU and the AWU and that certain factions of the CFMEU have been linked to organised crime.

Our company is law-abiding and has no link to organised crime, he said.

The AWU is now rethinking its backing of the firm at the wind farm and the Centenary Bridge.

Quizzed about Host, Hayden conceded the union failed to undertake thorough due diligence of labour hire firms it has supported with EBAs and other union backing.

He said the union would lift its game but also urged federal and state governments to do more to weed out sinister players in the industry. Hayden said one vital reform the Albanese government could back was banning labour hire on government-funded projects.

I think any project that the government are putting taxpayers money into should be direct employment, he said.

A Victorian government spokesperson said it was eradicating the rotten culture in the construction industry, including through the introduction of new powers for the Labour Hire Authority.

Federal Workplace Relations minister Amanda Rishworth said the government was finalising a blueprint to improve the industry and was working on the implementation of a new labour hire system.

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Theres plenty of claptrap in the cliche about the Australian dream, says self-described architecture nerd and comedian Tim Ross.

The idealised version is a three-bedroom home on a quarter-acre block in the suburbs with a Hills Hoist, a Holden in the driveway and a lawnmower defining a kingdom of neat grass.

But that cliche has never been the whole story, Ross said. A new exhibition opening at the State Library of NSW on Saturday, curated by Ross and specialist librarian Anna Dearnley, debunks the myth with stories of people and buildings that have shaped our homes.

Curator Anna Dearnley and Comedian and architecture enthusiast Tim Ross have created an exhibition at the State Library of NSW, called The Australian Dream? Credit: Janie Barrett

For many Australians, the sound and smells of suburbia relates to freshly mown lawns.
The nations top court will examine the convictions of disgraced former NSW Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid, his son Moses, and his former ministerial ally Ian Macdonald over a mining exploration licence that delivered a $30 million windfall to the Obeid family.

The High Court on Thursday granted the trio special leave to appeal against a decision of the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal in 2023 which rejected their bid to overturn their convictions for conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office.

Eddie Obeid (left), Ian Macdonald and Moses Obeid (right). Credit: Renee Nowytarger, Kate Geraghty

The application for an extension of time for filing the application for special leave to appeal is granted, the High Court said.

Special leave to appeal is granted but is limited to that part of the application which  contends that the Crown case was defective because it did not allege an agreement for Ian Macdonald to do a particular act or acts that amounted to misconduct in public office.
A circus escapee. An abandoned World War II mascot. A black market pet. No matter who you speak to, everyone has their take on how the Blue Mountains Panther  one of Sydneys favourite urban legends  came to be.

But for a group of local explorers, the how isnt the important question  its the whereabouts of the Big Cat itself that theyre determined to answer.

For four years, 14 locals from the group Blue Mountains Explore have searched the most hidden corners of the bush to try to find evidence proving the existence of big cats in the Blue Mountains.

A group of explorers has dedicated the past four years to finding the elusive Blue Mountains Panther. Photo shows a file photo of a panther. Credit: Photos: Lostmtns / Graphic: Matt Davidson

The group, selling Blue Mountains guidebooks to help fund their search, share the experience with believers and non-believers across social media, including the highs (evidence of suspiciously large paw prints) and lows (ticks, leeches and accidentally camping on spider nests).
Allow me, this one time, to peel back the curtain. My editors for this column wanted me to write about Channel 10s announcement this week that the sun would set on The Project after 16 years, nearly 14 of which have involved me. I didnt want to do it.

What would I say that was of any use? Would I identify the things I felt made the show special, perhaps accompanied by a catalogue of highlights? Too self-serving. Would I detail the full maelstrom of emotion which engulfs you in a moment like this? That gets dangerously close to self-indulgent pap; a glorified journal entry, not an opinion piece. And anyway, as a general rule, I dont commentate on my own work. So, no, Id write something else. My editors urged me to reconsider, then left me to it.

Industries rise and fall, but are comfortable with the total dominance of the tech companies? Credit: Dionne Gain

Improbably, then, here we are. But only because there are bigger things at stake than the fate of this or that television show. That matters to the people involved  often viscerally  but shows have always come and gone. The difference now is that this is happening in the context of an industry staring into the abyss, trying desperately to find the formula for its continued survival. Of course, that is not entirely new, either: industries too, have always come and gone. What matters in this case  what is of genuine social concern  are the reasons for the collapse.

Some of them have been frequently rehearsed. The rapid emergence of streaming services and social media has cannibalised free-to-air television audiences. Hereabouts you will find endless statistics about declining television ratings, year on year. Some shows might periodically buck that trend, most dont. Some moments in time might disrupt things, such as when television ratings exploded at the onset of the pandemic, but they end up as aberrations. Whatever exceptions you wish to adduce, the direction of travel has long been clear.
News that the US Department of Defence has launched an AUKUS review has Canberras defence circles in overdrive, with familiar critics already proclaiming the pact is sinking. Yet this outbreak of anxiety poses a bigger danger than the review itself. Washingtons routine stocktake changes nothing fundamental: the risks are unchanged and the safeguards Australia has put in place remain fit for purpose.

Donald Trump has re-litigated Americas relationship with Europe, but he has undermined the Australian-US alliance. Credit: Jamie Brown

Although the Pentagon has yet to confirm the review, reputable reporting  and Canberras evident lack of surprise  makes its existence clear. Commentators have blamed everything from tariff spats to Australias sanctions on Israeli ministers and Washingtons call for higher defence spending. Far likelier, the new Trump administration has folded AUKUS into its accelerated National Defence Strategy rewrite, scheduled for release in August  the first since the partnerships AUKUS optimal pathway was outlined in 2023. Notably, the US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy, Elbridge Colby, is steering both the AUKUS review and the National Defence Strategy rewrite.

Australias Defence Minister, Richard Marles, has indicated publicly that he has known of it for weeks  US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth likely told him during the Shangri-La dialogue. The leak itself appears timed to squeeze Canberra ahead of a likely G7 meeting between Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese, following Australias public refusal to lift defence spending simply because Washington asked.
Amazing Xinjiang: Dabancheng, 'China's Wind Valley'

People's Daily Online) 13:26, June 12, 2025

What kind of place can be called "China's Wind Valley"?

Every year, there are 214 days of strong winds reaching over six on the Beaufort scale. This is Dabancheng in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, home to hundreds of wind turbines.

In the past, Dabancheng became famous nationwide thanks to a popular song The Girl of Dabancheng. Today, with the support of natural resources, wind power has become a new calling card for Dabancheng.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chengliang)
A Woodbridge woman who went on a four-week spending spree with credit cards stolen from elderly patients in four Perth hospitals has been spared jail.

Donna Tucker, 50, stole about $10,000 worth of items including jewellery and credit cards from the handbags of people receiving medical treatment at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Fiona Stanley, Royal Perth Hospital and Joondalup Health Campus in January and February last year.

Donna Tucker, 50, was spared jail by a Perth magistrate despite 47 charges related to thefts from hospitals. Credit: Facebook

She also broke into a locked room to steal the handbag of a nurse on duty.

Tucker, who worked with her partner and co-accused George Thomsen to trawl hospital wards and rifle through patients handbags before leaving with their belongings, went on to use the credit cards to purchase alcohol, food and cigarettes with tap-and-go purchases under $100 at a time.
Water Corporation crews will work through the weekend to repair a damage sewerage system in Perths south that has spilled waste into several parks and even out into the Swan River via Alfred Cove and Fremantle Harbour.

The spill started with a burst pipe on Hamilton Road in Spearwood on Friday which inundated Watsonia and Dalmatia parks, while also impacting nearby houses.

It spread to Bruce Lee Reserve in Beaconsfield, forcing the closure of the park and the relocation of the Freo Farmers Markets at the weekend, before spilling into the Swan River via Alfred Cove and the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.

The popular farmers market and Fremantle City Football Club, which plays at the reserve, will have to move again this weekend as crews continue to mop up and disinfect the park.
The decision by the United States to review the AUKUS submarine deal with two of its most faithful allies has rung alarm bells in Canberra, despite the claims from our leaders that we have nothing to fear. In some ways, the review was inevitable. Last October, a US Congressional Research Service report showed Americas boat-building program was behind schedule and nowhere near able to supply the first of Australias AUKUS nuclear submarines on time. Credit: AFR The US review is being carried out under President Donald Trumps America First mantra and his nations ongoing political instability suggests Australia would be wise to conduct its own oversight. Under the first pillar of the pact, Australia will buy three to five nuclear-powered submarines from the US, starting in the 2030s, and build more through a joint initiative with the US and UK. Under the second pillar, the three nations will collaborate on advanced defence technologies. Australia is also contributing at least $4.6 billion to the US defence industrial base to shore up submarine production; $800 million has already been paid. The deal was announced in 2021 under then prime minister Scott Morrison and then US president Joe Biden.

Trumps America First has distorted many accepted beliefs about alliances. The US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseths intimidatory call for Australia to boost defence spending by tens of billions of dollars to 3.5 per cent of GDP in the near term was a clear trampling of sovereignty brushed aside by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Now with Trump banging the drum loudly on China and Taiwan, the US review accentuates Australias sovereignty vulnerability in signing up to the trilateral security partnership that permits a US president to refuse to release the boats to Australia if it is required for American defence priorities. The AUKUS partnership was built on a mutual strength, obligations and respect for sovereignty. The America Alone mindset, while playing big to some of the folks back home, has echoes of the 1930s that, if allowed to fully flower, will further weaken America as world admiration for its values fades. The University of Sydneys United States Studies Centre found support for AUKUSs second pillar funding and future translation of basic research into capability was nascent and unco-ordinated. Given such problems, it is entirely possible that the timing of the review announcement and Trumps obsession with being seen to obtain the best deal in all circumstances are attempts to unbalance Albanese on the eve of their expected meeting at next weeks G7 summit, and gain Australian concessions. Defence Minister Richard Marles indicated there were no contingency plans should the AUKUS partnership sink. Chopping and changing guarantees, you will never have the capability ... There is a plan here, we are sticking to it, and were going to deliver it, he told ABC radio on Thursday.
The long days of examination by the Crown of accused murderer Erin Patterson came to an end with three direct allegations against her, each met by the one-word denial that came to characterise Pattersons defence from the witness box.

I suggest that you deliberately sourced death cap mushrooms in 2023, said Crown prosecutor Dr Nanette Rogers, SC.

Crown prosecutor Dr Nanette Rogers, SC, (left) and Detective Acting Sergeant Stephen Eppingstall (right) arrive at court on Thursday. Credit: Jason South

Disagree, responded Patterson.

Rogers: I suggest you deliberately included them in the beef Wellington you served to [her four luncheon guests, Ian and Heather Wilkinson and Pattersons parents-in-law Don and Gail Patterson].
The NSW property developer who bankrolled Moira Deemings defamation case against John Pesutto offered the former Liberal leader a $1 million lifeline on the condition he did not attempt to win back the party leadership within the next three years.

The financial inducement, contained in a text message sent to Pesutto on Wednesday as part of Deemings latest settlement offer and confirmed on Thursday by property developer Hilton Grugeon, has been forwarded to the partys governing administrative committee amid growing integrity concerns.

Hilton Grugeon offered John Pesutto a lifeline  with conditions. Credit: Cole Bennetts

The development creates a new headache for the party and Opposition Leader Brad Battin, who in an attempt to manage the bitter divisions in his party room acted as an intermediary in negotiations between Deeming and Pesutto.

Pesutto, Deeming and Battin on Thursday declined to comment about the contents of Deemings latest offer.
This time last year, Dylan Gibbons was putting the finishing touches to a stellar apprenticeship with a group 2 victory on Alegron in the Brisbane Cup.

On Saturday, after a tough time with injury, a win in the listed Winter Cup at Rosehill would mean just as much.

Dylan Gibbons after riding Half Yours to victory as part of a double at Rosehill on May 31. Credit: Getty Images

Already a two-time group 1 winner, Gibbons racked up close to 400 winners  about a third of those in town  in his first four full seasons, all while based in Newcastle.

The 23-year-old was all set to establish himself long term in the ultra-competitive Sydney jockeys room. However, a shoulder injury, from a pre-race fall at Port Macquarie in October, halted his run in November when a chipped bone and other damage were discovered, forcing him to have reconstructive surgery.
In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected, Modi said in a social media post.

Starmer said he was being kept updated as the situation developed. My thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time, he said in a statement.

According to air traffic control at Ahmedabad Airport, the aircraft departed at 1.39pm local time (6.09pm AEST) from runway 23. It gave a Mayday call, signalling an emergency, but thereafter there was no response from the aircraft.

Flightradar24 said that it received the last signal from the aircraft seconds after it took off.

One television channel showed the plane gaining height over a residential area and then disappearing from the screen before a huge cloud of fire and smoke rose into the sky from beyond the houses.

Firefighters doused the smoking wreckage of the plane, which would have been fully loaded with fuel, and an adjacent multi-storey building with water. Charred bodies lay on the ground.

Earlier reports said at least 30 bodies had been recovered from a building at the site of the crash, according to rescue personnel, with more people trapped inside.

The building on which it has crashed is a doctors hostel ... we have cleared almost 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the area and will clear the rest soon, a senior police officer told reporters.

Bhupendra Patel, the chief minister of Gujarat, the state where the crash occurred, said a corridor had been set up to quickly transport injured passengers to hospitals for treatment, The New York Times reported.

Indias Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, posted on X that rescue teams had been mobilised, and all efforts were being made to ensure medical aid and relief support at the site.

We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation, he said.

A spokesperson for Ahmedabad airport said all flights had been temporarily suspended.

The Boeing Dreamliner was filmed shortly after take-off descending and crashing into a residential area. Credit: The Age

Gatwick Airport confirmed the plane had been due to land in London at 6.25pm UK time.

British Foreign Minister David Lammy said he was deeply saddened by news of the crash, while a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace said King Charles was being kept updated.

Britain was now working with Indian authorities, Lammy said.

My thoughts are with all those affected, he posted on X. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support.

Britain has very close ties with India. There were nearly 1.9 million people in the country of Indian descent, according to the 2021 UK census.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said the Australian government expressed its condolences to those affected by the Air India crash. The Australian High Commission in New Delhi and the Consulate-General in Mumbai were urgently following up with the local authorities to determine whether there were any Australians on board.

Air Indias chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, said its primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.

He said on X that the airline had set up an emergency centre and support team for families seeking information about those who were on the flight. Air India has also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event, Chandrasekaran said.

The Dreamliner was powered by GE Aerospace GEnx-1B67 engines. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Air India Flight AI-171, said a spokesperson for US-based GE Aerospace. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of those impacted.

We have activated our emergency response team, and we are prepared to support our customer and the investigation.

Boeing, whose shares dropped 8 per cent in pre-market US trading, said it was aware of initial reports and was working to gather more information.

We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them, a Boeing spokesperson said.

Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders, and all affected.

Flightradar24 listed the crashed plane as having completed return flights from Delhi to Melbourne, Tokyo and Paris over the past five days before flying from the Indian capital to Ahmedabad overnight.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is a wide-body, twin-engined plane  one of the most modern passenger aircraft in service. It was introduced in 2009, and more than 1000 have been delivered to dozens of airlines, according to the Flightradar24 website. This is the first crash ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.

Rescuers at the site of the crash in a residential area of Ahmedabad. Credit: AP

The 787 was the first commercial aircraft built primarily from lighter carbon-composite materials, allowing it to offer fuel savings of up to 20 per cent. The planes range of 13,530 kilometres gives airlines flexibility to open new non-stop routes, making it the most used wide-body twin aisle jet by Boeing.

In 2013, the 787 was grounded for four months after two separate incidents of lithium-ion batteries erupting into smoke and fire. After an investigation, Boeing dispatched 300 teams to retrofit an improved battery cell. The planes were cleared for flight again by the FAA. The incident did not diminish demand for the 787.

The last major passenger plane crash in India was in 2020 when an Air India Express Boeing 737 skidded off a hilltop runway in southern India, killing 21 people.

The worst air disaster in India was on November 12, 1996, when a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight collided midair with a Kazakhstan Airlines Flight near Charkhi Dadri in Haryana state, killing all 349 on board the two planes.

The crash comes days before the opening of the Paris Air Show, a major aviation expo where Boeing and European rival Airbus will showcase their aircraft and battle for jet orders from airline customers.

Boeing has been in recovery mode for more than six years after Lion Air Flight 610, a Boeing 737 Max 8, plunged into the Java Sea off the coast of Indonesia minutes after take-off from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. Five months later, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a Boeing 737 Max 8, crashed after take-off from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, killing 157 passengers and crew members.

Reuters, AP

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Ultimately, he is required to be deported to the country of origin where he holds a passport, which is Australia. He should not be detained by any country. Reslan said Haas was struggling physically and mentally, without the appropriate medical care, in Manilas filthy Camp Bagong immigration detention facility, where he had lost close to 30 kilograms last year. He had been the subject of an Interpol red notice, but it was removed on June 2. A red notice is issued by Interpol and sent to law enforcement agencies around the world to find and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. The red notice contained inaccurate and unfounded allegations and operated in violation of various international conventions. As a consequence, Interpol agreed to set aside the red notice and delete the relevant data, Reslan said.

Ultimately, Interpol elected not to be used as a vehicle to deliver up a global citizen to foreseeable torture or death. Haas has been detained in the Philippines for more than a year. In a bid to convince the Philippines to hand him over and avoid a diplomatic firestorm with Australia, which staunchly opposes capital punishment, Indonesian officials last year promised Haas would not face the death penalty. There has been a change in the presidency in Indonesia since then, with former military general Prabowo Subianto succeeding Joko Widodo, and there is no certainty about that commitment being honoured. Indonesian officials have pushed to have Haas extradited in exchange for Alice Guo, a former mayor in the Philippines who was captured in Indonesia last September and sent back to Manila to face allegations of links to Chinese criminal groups, which she has denied.

We are aware Indonesia is applying pressure on the Philippines and there is some concern that such influence will leave him unjustifiably languishing in a cell for years, Reslan said. Contacted about the rescinded Interpol notice, an official at the Indonesian embassy in Manila said: We are waiting for the authority in Jakarta to follow up. Haas submission to Interpol made the case that his red notice had breached the organisations rules on processing of data with inaccurate information, as well as violating rights conferred under the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It also argued that the notice was consistent with other Interpol rulings. Interpols decision is noteworthy because of the high bar required to revoke a red notice, which is an international alert for police to arrest a wanted fugitive. Phillip Gibson, a defence lawyer specialising in international crime with Sydney firm Nyman Gibson Miralis, said it was not common to have red notices withdrawn unless they had been issued at the request of an authoritarian nation such as Russia or China.

In my experience, its a difficult process. Its not that easy to achieve when the requesting state is a democracy, and has got a reasonable system of justice, he said. Haas predicament is a delicate matter for the Albanese government, which has prioritised ties in South-East Asia and with Indonesia in particular as China attempts to assert its influence in the region. Subianto agreed to a deal with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese late last year for Indonesia to release the five remaining members of the Bali Nine who were serving life sentences over a heroin smuggling plot in 2005. Haas arrest in the Philippines. Credit: Nine News Australia and Indonesia have their own extradition treaty, but Australian law forbids the transfer of a person over an offence that carries the death penalty unless there is an undertaking that it will not be imposed or, if imposed, will not be carried out. The Philippines extradition agreements contain similar terms preventing the handover of people when execution is on the table.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to an Australian detained in the Philippines, a spokesperson said. Owing to our privacy considerations we are unable to provide further comment.  Haas was accused by Indonesian investigators of being a member of Mexicos Sinaloa Cartel and of trafficking drugs from Guadalajara to Jakarta in December 2023, concealing them in ceramic tiles. Loading He has emphatically denied the allegations, saying he has never been to Mexico and that his arrest came after a business dispute he had in Indonesia in relation to buying a resort. In December, a judge in the Philippines ordered Haas release after he was recognised as a Filipino citizen as well as an Australian, a determination made after his mother produced documentation showing she was born in the country.
Earlier in Los Angeles, US Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat, was dragged out of a room and briefly handcuffed after interrupting a news conference being held by Noem, in a dramatic encounter some Democrats have called anti-democratic and outrageous. Newsom posted footage of the incident on social media. This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control, he said. If they can handcuff a US senator for asking a question, imagine what they will do to you. Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democrats in the Senate, said the Padilla video sickened my stomach and that it reeks of totalitarianism.

Its disgusting  this is not what democracies do, he said. Republicans, however, portrayed the incident as a publicity stunt by Padilla. Noem said his conduct was inappropriate and unbecoming of a senator. She told Fox News he burst into the room, lunged towards the podium without identifying himself and began to interrupt. Perhaps he wanted the scene, she said. She also met with the senator for 10 to 15 minutes once the news conference concluded. At his own news conference, Padilla said he attended the event peacefully and to obtain answers to questions about the raids that authorities had failed to provide to his office. He said he was handcuffed but not arrested or detained.

If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question  you can only imagine what theyre doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day labourers out in the Los Angeles community, Padilla said. Noem told reporters that immigration authorities had tens of thousands of people on their list of targets, and that millions of people were in Los Angeles illegally. She said criminals were the primary target but others may be caught up in the raids as collateral if they were associates of the targets. Were going to stay here and build our operations until we make sure that we liberate the city of Los Angeles, Noem said.

Loading But at the same time, Trump indicated he was preparing to make compromises on his tough approach after complaints from industry and farmers that they were losing important and irreplaceable labour because of the raids. California, in particular, is reliant on migrant, often undocumented, workers, for its hospitality industry, shops and car washes, and agricultural basin. Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long-time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace, Trump said in a Truth Social post. In many cases the Criminals allowed into our Country by the VERY Stupid Biden Open Borders Policy are applying for those jobs. This is not good. We must protect our Farmers, but get the CRIMINALS OUT OF THE USA. Changes are coming!

Later, at a White House event, Trump said farmers were being hurt badly as they had loyal, long-standing workers who might not be in the country legally but could be replaced by criminals if they were deported. Were going to have to do something about that, he said. We cant take farmers and take all their people and send them back because they dont have, maybe, what theyre supposed to have. We cant do that to our farmers. And leisure too. Hotels. Were going to have to use a lot of common sense on that. Trump critics immediately said it was another example of TACO  or Trump Always Chickens Out  an acronym that initially circulated among Wall Street traders to describe the presidents oscillation on tariffs, but has now become a popular descriptor for his policy backflips or compromises.

Loading Turns out, chasing hard-working people through ranches and farms and snatching women and children off the streets is not good policy, Newsom said on X. On the third night of an 8pm curfew, Los Angeles police arrested several demonstrators who refused orders to leave a street downtown. Earlier in the night, officers with the Department of Homeland Security deployed flash bangs to disperse a crowd that had gathered near a federal detention centre where some immigrants are being held, sending protesters sprinting away. Those incidents were outliers. As with the previous two nights, the hours-long demonstrations remained peaceful and upbeat, drawing a few hundred attendees who marched through downtown chanting, dancing and poking fun at the Trump administrations characterisation of the city as a war zone. Elsewhere, demonstrations have picked up across the US, emerging in more than a dozen major cities. Some have led to clashes with police and hundreds have been arrested.
High-quality supply winning hearts of Chinese consumers

10:39, June 12, 2025 By Han Chunyao ( People's Daily

Citizens experience new energy vehicle (NEV) driving simulators at Anhui Science and Technology Museum in Hefei, east China's Anhui province. (Photo by He Yu/People's Daily Online)

From multilingual smart home ecosystems to AI-powered thermal-regulating down jackets and robotic exoskeletons that make climbing easier - China's consumer market is undergoing a wave of positive transformation.

A growing preference for personalized, high-quality, and experience-driven consumption is becoming pronounced. In 2024 alone, over 21 million types of new consumer products were launched across the country, with many high-quality offerings becoming the new favorites of discerning shoppers.

But what constitutes "high-quality supply" in today's China? It could be an exhilarating concert, an immersive countryside retreat, or a hands-free robotic vacuum cleaner.

Far from being confined to luxury, high-quality supply refers to products and services that resonate deeply with consumers, align with smart, green, and healthy development, improve quality of life, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Fueling this shift is a robust and increasingly sophisticated supply system. China is now home to more than 180,000 consumer goods enterprises above the designated size, or those with annual main business revenue of over 20 million yuan ($2.79 million), which account for 38 percent of all industrial enterprises nationwide.

Much of this momentum originates in laboratories. Take a triple-drum washing machine developed by Chinese home appliance manufacturer Haier for example, which resembles the face of Mickey Mouse and allows separate washing for socks, underwear, and outerwear. Users have lauded the machine as evidence that the company "listens to consumers," turning an everyday pain point into a touchpoint of satisfaction.

Behind this responsiveness lie technological breakthroughs such as triple-drum independent drive systems and AI-based fabric recognition, demonstrating how technological ingenuity is now being steered by market insight.

Consumers buy blind boxes at a POP MART store in Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang province. (Photo by Li Jianlin/People's Daily Online)

China is the world's largest source of home appliance technology, accounting for 67.34 percent of global patent applications in the sector. In new energy vehicles (NEVs), China leads the world in core technologies related to batteries, motors, and electronic control systems. Innovations developed in laboratories are rapidly transforming into smart products for everyday life, continuously enhancing the quality of life for millions of households.

This transformation is not limited to products alone. Digitalization is remaking the industrial process. In a leading Chinese automaker's factory, an NEV rolls off the production line every minute - a testament to the remarkable speed and efficiency enabled by automated assembly lines. Such seamless production would be impossible without the highly collaborative and digitally integrated NEV industrial chain.

New digital models such as networked collaboration and personalized customization are emerging rapidly. AI now assists research and design engineers, while reverse customization brings high-end bespoke services to consumers. Currently, over 80 percent of light industry enterprises use digital design tools, and nearly half have achieved networked collaboration.

Thanks to 5G and industrial Internet technologies, flexible manufacturing, smart inventory management, and collaborative design are being rapidly adopted across industries such as automobiles, home appliances, and fashion.

Visitors to the Henan Culture and Tourism Industry Expo try virtual reality headsets, April 18, 2025. (Photo by Zhang Tao/People's Daily Online)

High-quality supply is further reinforced by more thoughtful service experiences. At grocery chain store Pangdonglai, services like free trouser hemming, power banks, and pet-sitting have elevated routine shopping into an engaging and enjoyable experience. Consumers refer to the chain, often half-jokingly, as a "5A-rated tourist attraction." The 84 warm service details provided by the chain contribute significantly to enhancing customer satisfaction and infusing joy into the shopping experience.

Meanwhile, in e-commerce, faster deliveries and broader free-shipping zones are becoming standard expectations. Today, superior services are becoming an integral part of superior products, helping businesses forge stronger emotional connections with consumers.

Cultural innovation is also adding momentum. When contemporary toy brand POP MART partnered with Chinese painter Chang Shana to produce Dunhuang-themed collectible blind boxes, ancient culture met pop aesthetics, quickly turning the product into a sought-after item.

Similar collaborations are on the rise in China: New-style tea brands are partnering with popular animation IPs, while immersive dance performances inspired by Tang Dynasty (618-907) court life now light up urban commercial centers. As consumption continues to upgrade, the integration of diverse business models is expanding the boundaries of high-quality supply and creating an ever-growing array of delightful new products and experiences for consumers.

The shift from quantity to quality is not only diversifying China's consumer landscape - it is also propelling the collective rise of Chinese brands. Once associated with labels such as "low-end" or "low-cost original equipment manufacturer (OEM)," Chinese firms are now climbing into the high-value segments of the global value chain.

As effective demand and high-quality supply continue to reinforce one another in a virtuous cycle, Chinese manufacturing is increasingly seizing the opportunities presented by consumption upgrading, responding to people's growing aspirations for a better life and creating infinite possibilities for future development.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
~Justice Minister Addresses Pointe Blanche Prison Challenges in Budget Meeting~

PHILIPSBURG:--- During the Central Committee meeting on the second draft budget for 2025, Acting Minister of Justice Marinka Gumbs presented detailed responses regarding the ongoing challenges at the Pointe Blanche Prison. Stepping in for Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, who was off island, Gumbs addressed pressing questions from Members of Parliament (MPs) concerning the state of the prison, recent court rulings, financial implications, and both immediate and long-term strategies for improvement.

Court Ruling Sparks Urgent Action on Detention

A court ruling issued on June 9, 2025, declared that any detention longer than ten days in police holding cells violates Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights due to inhumane conditions. The Ministry was ordered to either transfer detainees back to the Pointe Blanche Prison within 24 hours or face steep fines ranging between NAf 5,000 and NAf 50,000 per day. Acting Minister Gumbs confirmed that all detainees had been transferred in compliance with the ruling, avoiding the court-imposed penalties.

The ruling brought renewed attention to the longstanding issues at the Pointe Blanche facility, which suffered extensive damage during a riot and fire on May 14, 2025. These events further exacerbated the dire conditions that have drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and local stakeholders.

Financial Strain and Emergency Budget Allocations

Gumbs highlighted the financial challenges posed by the prison crisis, revealing that NAf 275,919 has already been allocated for initial recovery efforts. However, she acknowledged that the full cost of the fire-related damages and the broader rehabilitation of Pointe Blanche is still being assessed.

Funding shortfalls are a major concern, with emergency costs being managed through the reallocation of resources within the Ministrys 2025 budget. External financial assistance is being sought, but Gumbs emphasized that Kingdom partners have conditioned their support on Sint Maarten first exhausting its own budgetary options.

The fire has also highlighted inadequacies in long-term planning for prison operations, particularly in terms of staffing, maintenance funding, and inmate rehabilitation programs.

External Support and Partnerships

To stabilize the situation, Sint Maarten has leaned heavily on external support. Dutch Marines, along with officers from Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire, were deployed to assist following the riot. These deployments formed part of a cooperative Kingdom Agreement, with some costs absorbed by Aruba as an act of solidarity. However, Sint Maarten remains responsible for covering most costs related to housing, transportation, and daily allowances for visiting personnel.

Additionally, expert support for crisis management was provided by UNOPS staff as part of their ongoing involvement in the New Prison Project. Acting Minister Gumbs clarified that this expertise came at no extra cost under existing agreements. Nevertheless, questions remain regarding the financial viability of sustained external assistance.

Short-Term Recovery Measures

While the horizon for completing a new facility remains distant, the Ministry has initiated a series of short-term fixes to stabilize Pointe Blanche. These efforts include:

Temporary repairs to address security vulnerabilities and critical safety concerns.

Increased staffing through Kingdom support and local resources, though absenteeism among correctional staff continues to pose a challenge.

Enhanced crisis management protocols to prevent the escalation of violence and maintain order.

The Ministry is also evaluating projects for short-term allocation of funds through the Crime Fund. This will include projects tailored towards crime prevention and reintegration.

Long-Term Plans for the New Facility

Looking ahead, the Minister of Justice acknowledged that the construction of a new prison facility remains the only sustainable solution for Sint Maartens detention crisis. The facility, designed to house 196 inmates, is expected to significantly improve detention conditions and compliance with international human rights standards.

However, scaling operational costsincluding staffing, utilities, and maintenancewill present a financial challenge. The Ministry is collaborating with UNOPS and UNODC to map out these costs and align them with long-term budget planning. Gumbs also hinted at exploring revenue-generating programs, such as prison industries, to partially offset operational expenses.

UNOPS is currently managing the soft components of the project, including workforce projections and operational frameworks. These Long-Term Plans for the New Facility

Looking ahead, Gumbs acknowledged that the construction of a new prison facility remains the only sustainable solution for Sint Maartens detention crisis. The facility, designed to house 196 inmates, is expected to significantly improve detention conditions and compliance with international human rights standards.

However, scaling operational costsincluding staffing, utilities, and maintenancewill present a financial challenge. The Ministry is collaborating with UNOPS and UNODC to map out these costs and align them with long-term budget planning. Gumbs also hinted at exploring revenue-generating programs, such as prison industries, to partially offset operational expenses.

UNOPS is currently managing the soft components of the project, including workforce projections and operational frameworks. These immediate needs outweigh broader programs, which may delay other justice-related initiatives.

At the same time, she assured MPs that the Ministry is committed to balancing short-term crisis management with long-term solutions that aim to improve detention conditions and overall public safety.

A Matter of National Importance

The Pointe Blanche Prison crisis continues to highlight deeper systemic issues within the justice system. MPs expressed concerns about overcrowding, staff shortages, and insufficient resources to modernize operations. Gumbs underscored the importance of addressing these deficiencies as a matter of national importance, appealing to all stakeholderslocal and Kingdom partners alikefor collaboration and understanding.

The coming months are expected to bring additional updates from the Ministry of Justice, including finalized cost assessments, the rollout of temporary measures, and progress on long-term changes aligned with international standards, as led by Nathalie Tackling. Meanwhile, the Pointe Blanche situation remains a litmus test for Sint Maartens ability to manage legal obligations under constrained circumstances.
PHILIPSBURG: Under the leadership of Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, the Ministry of Justice has been navigating significant hurdles in immigration processing, Landspakket (LBs) reform initiatives, and addressing concerns of justice workers. These broad challenges highlight systemic inefficiencies and underscore the government's commitment to enhancing its justice and immigration infrastructure, despite notable budget and staffing constraints. Acting Minister of Justice Marinka Gumbs responded to questions from Members of Parliament on Tuesday and Wednesday on behalf of the Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, who is currently off-island.

Prolonged Delays in Immigration Processing

One of the pressing issues facing the ministry is the excessive delay in processing residency permits. Applicants and stakeholders alike have voiced frustrations over protracted timelines, which the Minister attributes to several factors. While limited staffing has undeniably affected operational capacity, a major setback stems from the underperformance of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system implemented in 2022. The software, which was intended to streamline the immigration process, failed to meet expectations and inadvertently exacerbated the backlog.

Recognizing the critical need for modernization, the Ministry is currently transitioning to a purpose-built immigration software platform specifically designed to handle the unique demands of the system. Alongside this technological upgrade, the Ministry has initiated an audit of internal work processes to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Minister Gumbs emphasized proactive communication and improved systems as key strategies for reducing incomplete or invalid submissions by applicants, issues that have historically contributed to delays.

LBS Reforms and Justice System Developments

At the center of the Ministry's strategic efforts is the implementation of reform initiatives outlined in the Landspakket agreement. These reforms aim to enhance institutional efficiency and transparency, particularly in the areas of justice and immigration services.

One of the major areas of focus under the Landspakket is the modernization of immigration service fees. The current, outdated system fails to accurately reflect the cost of delivering services, resulting in further strain on the Ministry's resources. Minister Gumbs has highlighted plans for a revised fee structure that will not only align services with real operational costs but also introduce proportionality based on the complexity and nature of applications. For example, fees for directors of high-income enterprises may differ from those for family reunifications.

Payout Plan for Justice Workers

Justice workers, meanwhile, have received attention regarding their long-standing demands for retroactive payments. Minister Gumbs noted that as of now, 6.4 million guilders have been disbursed to 278 employees, with an estimated 44.5 million guilders still outstanding for full retroactive compensation. These payments cover entitlements accrued between October 10, 2010, and December 31, 2022.

To manage this burden, a phased payout plan has been devised. Smaller financial settlements will be addressed within shorter timelines, while larger amounts may require up to 10 years for disbursement. Notably, the Ministry is prioritizing justice workers over the age of 60, ensuring they receive their full compensation within four years. This approach reflects a commitment to striking a balance between fairness and fiscal constraints.

Staffing Shortages and Budget Constraints

The Ministry's ability to resolve these issues, however, is hampered by staffing shortages across both justice and immigration services. The limited workforce impacts an already stretched system, causing delays not only in processing applications but also in enforcement activities and general administrative duties.

Minister Gumbs acknowledged that while the current 2025 budget does not fully accommodate the necessary recruitment and training to meet current capacity needs, efforts are underway to address these gaps. Longer-term workforce planning, inter-island cooperation, targeted recruitment efforts, and retention strategies are being pursued. The Ministry is also collaborating with UNOPS and UNODC to create sustainable operational and workforce models to support institutional capacity.

Looking Forward

Despite these challenges, the Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, has demonstrated a proactive approach to addressing the systemic issues within justice and immigration services. The transition to new immigration software, the phased payout plan for justice workers, and ongoing Landspakket reforms are critical steps in modernizing the Ministry's operations.

However, as the Minister acknowledged, much work remains to be done. With limited financial resources and a pressing need for personnel, the Ministry faces an uphill battle in delivering on its commitments. Nonetheless, the outlined strategies offer a foundation for meaningful progress and underscore the governments dedication to creating a fairer, more efficient justice and immigration system for Sint Maarten's citizens and residents.
PHILIPSBURG:--- During the second draft 2025 budget meeting in the Central Committee, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, provided key updates on the Philipsburg beautification project and the long-awaited marketplace reconstruction. Addressing inquiries from Members of Parliament (MPs), she detailed the challenges, progress, and strategic plans tied to these initiatives.

Philipsburg Beautification Project

The revitalization of Philipsburg remains a significant focus for the Ministry of TEATT. Minister Heyliger-Marten revealed that the beautification efforts, currently in the planning phase, are designed to improve both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the capital, reinforcing its status as a cultural and economic hub.

Highlighting public participation in shaping this vision, the Minister referred to the recent town hall meeting where residents, business owners, and other stakeholders expressed various suggestions. Ideas ranged from drainage system upgrades and improved lighting to the addition of cultural installations, highlighting Philipsburgs heritage. These inputs will guide the finalization of the Master Plan.

However, the Minister admitted that the current budget allocation of XCD 50,000 is insufficient for large-scale transformations. She expressed hopes of securing increased funding in the 2026 budget cycle, emphasizing that initial, smaller-scale projects might be launched this year. Heyliger-Marten also noted the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in advancing the project, explaining that collaborations could significantly reduce costs while maintaining high-quality implementation.

On the matter of outdated infrastructure, MPs raised concerns about replacing existing bricks with asphalt and addressing drainage systems. The Minister clarified that while the Ministry of VROMI oversees these technical aspects, TEATT is ensuring strong collaboration to address such infrastructural concerns holistically.

The Minister further highlighted plans to integrate the preservation of Philipsburgs historical monuments into the beautification strategy. With 60% of the islands listed monuments located in this area, she emphasized the importance of preserving cultural elements as an integral part of the capitals renewal.

Marketplace Reconstruction

The Philipsburg Marketplace reconstruction featured prominently during the discussions, with MPs keenly questioning the delays impacting the project. Minister Heyliger-Marten reassured lawmakers that the reconstruction remains a top priority, while acknowledging the procedural hurdles that had slowed progress.

Upon taking office, the Minister discovered that prior preparations, including architectural drawings and the selection of a contractor, had been incomplete. Subsequent recommendations from technical teams, including soil tests and structural studies, caused additional delays due to the need for design modifications. The Minister confirmed that these revisions, required for approval by co-financer Royal Caribbean Group, are nearing completion. Once finalized, construction is set to begin immediately.

Recognizing the hardship caused to vendors due to delays, Minister Heyliger-Marten acknowledged their financial struggles and emphasized her ministrys efforts to provide support. She revealed that waiving or reducing vendor license fees had been considered but faced regulatory constraints. Temporary relief measures are now being discussed in coordination with the Ministries of Finance and VROMI. To improve transparency and communication with vendors, a dedicated WhatsApp channel has been launched, providing regular updates and key information.

Addressing questions about accountability, Heyliger-Marten assured MPs that thorough evaluations have taken place and adjustments made to streamline the projects workflow. While defending the procedural delays as necessary for ensuring a solid foundation, she apologized for the hardships they have caused. She reiterated her commitment to seeing the project through to completion, promising regular updates to both Parliament and the public.

"The marketplace is more than just a projectit symbolizes economic opportunity and cultural expression for our people," she stated, adding that the revitalization of this space will benefit not just vendors but the island's tourism appeal as a whole.

Collaboration and Vision Moving Forward

Both projects require significant cross-ministerial coordination, with Heyliger-Marten emphasizing that their successful execution depends on teamwork and shared responsibility. She stressed that her Ministry is working closely with VROMI on technical matters to ensure Philipsburgs transformation aligns with the island's economic development strategies.

The Minister also called on MPs to avoid "political posturing" and instead support collective efforts to fast-track these critical initiatives. The people of St. Maarten deserve action, not endless debates, she remarked, emphasizing that her Ministry remains committed to accountability and progress.

Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to implement staged, scalable projects for Philipsburgs renewal while ensuring that vendor concerns remain at the forefront of discussions for the marketplace reconstruction. While challenges persist, Minister Heyliger-Martens responses highlighted a consistent focus on finding practical solutions to deliver meaningful improvements to these key areas.
PHILIPSBURG: --- During the second draft 2025 meeting in the Central Committee, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, provided a comprehensive financial overview of the 2025 Soul Beach Music Festival. Addressing questions from Members of Parliament (MPs), the Minister offered insight into the governments investment, sponsorship arrangements, and the events preliminary economic impact on St. Maarten. She also addressed controversies surrounding the financial dealings tied to the event, shedding light on her Ministrys approach to large-scale cultural investments.

Government Spending and Sponsorship Contributions

The 2025 Soul Beach Music Festival received a total destination fee of $700,000, out of which the government contributed $500,000. Minister Heyliger-Marten explained that this figure reflects St. Maartens commitment to positioning the island as a premier destination for international events that attract high-spending visitors. Additional sponsorship contributions included $50,000 from the Port Group, $40,000 from Princess Juliana International Airport, and further funding from private businesses.

The financial support was considered an essential investment in boosting the islands visibility and brand as a luxury and event-driven destination in the Caribbean. The Minister clarified that the use of public funds was tied to strategic goals such as increasing visitor numbers, stimulating the local economy, and showcasing St. Maarten's cultural assets on an international stage.

Preliminary Economic Impact

While the official economic impact study by the Social Economic Council (SER) is still pending, initial figures shared by Heyliger-Marten suggest a significant positive financial injection. Approximately 2,500 international visitors attended the festival, with estimates showing considerable spending across hotels, transportation, dining, and other areas. The Minister highlighted that these early numbers indicate a promising return on investment, underscoring the festivals potential as a key contributor to the islands economy.

To calculate these preliminary figures, the Ministry employed standard tourism economic modeling, using the formula of visitor numbers multiplied by length of stay and average expenditure per person.

However, the Minister reiterated that these numbers are provisional and more comprehensive data will be available following the completion of the SERs rigorous assessment.

Addressing Financial Concerns

Questions raised by MPs during the meeting explored the transparency and fairness of the financial arrangements surrounding the festival. Specific concerns revolved around an allegation that local business owners were subjected to exploitative agreements, with one high-profile case involving a demand for 30% of profits to host festival-related activities on the Dutch side. Minister Heyliger-Marten acknowledged hearing about the incident and clarified that the government had no involvement in such private negotiations, which the festivals organizers managed. She urged private businesses and promoters to enter into agreements that preserve fairness and mutual benefit.

The Minister also confirmed that while the government provided financial support, all contractual arrangements with local contractors and service providers were overseen by the events promoters. She emphasized that her Ministry is dedicated to ensuring that future partnerships for large-scale events operate under transparent and equitable terms.

A Call for Strategic Collaboration

Minister Heyliger-Marten used the discussion as an opportunity to address broader issues about St. Maartens readiness to host international events. She noted that balancing the expectations of global event organizers with the interests of local stakeholders is a necessary challenge, but one that can yield long-term economic growth if navigated correctly.

While challenges exist, our commitment is to ensure that events like Soul Beach not only bring economic benefits but also elevate St. Maartens position as a competitive events destination, the Minister said. She also reaffirmed her Ministrys intention to refine its approach to cultural tourism, citing the need for improved coordination, enhanced local involvement, and accountability mechanisms.

Looking Ahead

The future of the Soul Beach Music Festival on St. Maarten has yet to be determined, with the Minister confirming that no formal commitment has been made for its return in 2026. However, she expressed optimism about its potential, pending the findings of the SERs impact study and feedback from stakeholders.

With transparency and collaboration as cornerstones, Heyliger-Marten assured Parliament and the public that her Ministry remains focused on leveraging events like Soul Beach to maximize economic and cultural returns for St. Maarten. The discussion shed light not only on the festivals financial dynamics but also on the strategic vision for St. Maartens growing role as a hub for world-class events.
PHILIPSBURG:--- From Monday, June 2 to Friday, June 6, 2025, a special five-day training on an innovative forensic analysis method was held in Sint Maarten. This training, organized by CARICOM in cooperation with the Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre (TTFSC) and the Sint Maarten Police Force, helps law enforcement officers to more effectively address firearm crime.

Six forensic investigators participated in this training: two from the Curacao Police Force, two from the Aruba Police Force, and two from the Sint Maarten Police Force. They have learned an advanced technique that enables faster and more effective handling of firearm-related crimes. This training is much needed, as all countries and islands in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom are dealing with an increase in shooting incidents. The Council of Police Chiefs is concerned about the large number of firearms circulating in the region.

This training was made possible by the strengthened regional cooperation between the Council of Police Chiefs and CARICOM IMPACS. CARICOM IMPACS (Implementing Agency for Crime and Security) is the security agency within the Caribbean Community and was established in 2006 to promote a coordinated approach to crime and security in the region. The agency plays a key role in strengthening cooperation between the police, immigration, customs, and intelligence services of the member states. CARICOM IMPACS implements regional projects, collects and analyzes data on crime trends, and advises member states on security strategies. Through these tasks, IMPACS contributes to enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of regional security services. Its headquarters is located in Trinidad and Tobago.

All participants successfully completed the training. During his speech at the certificate award ceremony, Sint Maarten Police Chief Carl John emphasized that the cooperation is already yielding results. Not only through trainings like this one, but also through faster exchange of information on criminals who move through the Caribbean region to commit crimes. The Caribbean is no longer a safe haven for criminals, said John. He also stated that the intention is to further strengthen ties in the near future, including through the organization of the third Regional Network Meeting for crime analysts, which will be held later this year.

With this intensive collaboration, the region is taking an important step towards a safer Caribbean.
Chip-maker Micron expands US investment to $200 bn backed by Trump



Washington, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



Chip giant Micron Technology on Thursday said it was expanding its domestic investment plan to $200 billion as its seeks to boost US semiconductor manufacturing, with the backing of the Trump administration.

The move, aimed at strengthening America's domestic chip supply chain, represents an additional $30 billion beyond Micron's previous investment commitments and includes plans to build a second leading-edge memory fabrication facility in Boise, Idaho.

The investment plan comes as the United States pushes to reduce its reliance on foreign semiconductor production.

Memory chips are critical components used in national defense systems, automobiles and national security applications.

The announcement is part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to secure major investment commitments from technology companies and strengthen US industrial capacity.

Since taking office, the Trump has announced corporate investment pledges totaling hundreds of billions of dollars.

Trump has called on companies to create more manufacturing jobs in the United States, and threatened to impose crippling tariffs on imports from around the world.

The Idaho-based company said it would invest approximately $150 billion in domestic memory manufacturing and $50 billion in research and development over the coming years, creating an estimated 90,000 direct and indirect jobs across multiple states.

Micron said the new investments would modernize its existing plant in Manassas, Virginia, and bring end-to-end High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) manufacturing capabilities to the United States.

Several prominent US tech CEOs were quoted in the announcement statement, stressing the importance of the project.

Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang called it "an important step forward for the AI ecosystem," referring to the heavy investments in artificial intelligence by the US tech giants.

Apple CEO Tim Cook also welcomed it, calling it "another great example of American manufacturing leadership, and we look forward to building on our work together."

Micron said the plan would significantly boost domestic memory manufacturing capacity, with the company aiming to increase the US share of production from nearly zero percent today to 10 percent over the next decade.

arp/bgs

MICRON TECHNOLOGY

NVIDIA
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. The open court session in the criminal case against Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others - citizens of the Republic of Armenia - continued on June 12, Trend reports.

The defendants stand accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the planning and conduct of aggressive warfare, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure and retention of power, and numerous other offenses stemming from Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan.

Held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova) presiding, the session ensured that each defendant was provided with a translator in their native language and legal representation.

The defendants, their lawyers, several victims and their legal successors, as well as the prosecutors representing the state, participated in the hearing.

During the session, the accused Levon Mnatsakanyan answered questions from the state prosecutor regarding the 2016 events known as the April battles. At the time, Mnatsakanyan served as the defense minister of the so-called regime, holding the rank of lieutenant general. He admitted that 18 combat positions were lost during the April battles.

In response to questions from Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department of Public Prosecution Defense at the Prosecutor Generals Office, Mnatsakanyan claimed that civilian areas were not deliberately targeted during the April battles. He said those areas contained military units, equipment, and personnel, and that any damage to homes was coincidental. There was no attack on the village. We did not open fire on the village, he said.

The court examined parts of Mnatsakanyan's interviews with journalists following the April battles. In one interview, he stated: The overall situation is under control. The troops are at the proper degree of battle preparedness. Our borders are secure and in reliable hands. When asked by a journalist whether "the other side is also being defended," he answered, Yes.

The prosecutor confronted Mnatsakanyan with the contradiction between his courtroom claim of having made no public statements during the April battles and the interview footage. When asked who he referred to as the other side and what kind of attack was being defended against, Mnatsakanyan did not provide a specific answer.

Another interview featuring Mnatsakanyan was shown, in which he appeared in the Jidir Duzu plain discussing the battles of February 2425, 2015, and the April 2016 clashes. He referred to the Azerbaijani special forces as the Yashma Brigade, acknowledging their participation in the battles. He outlined the regimes military developments, stating:

Improvement means that we must further strengthen the capabilities we have. We must expand the capabilities of our firepower and systems. We are carrying out relevant work in this direction. In particular, we are expanding in the field of observation devices. Progress has been made in both fire and destruction systems. We had certain shortcomings in some limited conditions, but now - whether in the morning or in the afternoon - we can fire effectively.

Moreover, we have improved our management capabilities. This is also included in the overall system. We have made progress in both reconnaissance and firing. In addition, practical measures are being taken concerning the new technologies and technical means we have acquired. Work is also underway on the military-industrial complex.

There are also longer-range anti-tank and other modern means. In addition, we have acquired new technologies and firepower. Personnel are also being trained to use these means.

He explained that the interview was initially intended to be recorded on a balcony near Isa Bulaghi, but due to lighting issues, it was relocated to the Jidir Duzu plain.

After a break, the court examined another video retrieved from the internet, showing a dispute between Levon Mnatsakanyan and former defense minister Samvel Babayan. In the footage, Mnatsakanyan accused Babayan of surrendering 21 kilometers of territory to Azerbaijan in 1994.

Babayan had previously criticized the Armenian leadership for strategic failures during the April battles. While not denying territorial losses, Mnatsakanyan countered by urging Babayan to recall how land was surrendered in 1994. Babayan referred to the 2016 clashes as a sabotage, whereas Mnatsakanyan insisted it was a full-scale military operation.

Further footage shown in court depicted former Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan and the so-called regimes prime minister Arayik Harutyunyan meeting with servicemen in Azerbaijans then-occupied territories. Mnatsakanyan confirmed that Armenian officials, including ministers of defense and foreign affairs, frequently visited the region.

Additional footage showed former Armenian Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan inspecting the regime's military structure, accompanied by former Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and the regimes foreign minister.

During questioning about landmines in Azerbaijani territories, Mnatsakanyan said mines had been planted in both the northern and southern directions. He stated that after placement, documentation was submitted to higher headquarters: one copy remained with the military unit, and others were stored in the engineering troops office. He emphasized that mine placement forms showed precise locations, whereas mine maps only indicated general districts.

Mnatsakanyan revealed that the mines were initially produced in the Soviet Union, later procured from Russia, and then delivered to the separatist regime via Armenia. More recently, they had also been manufactured in Armenia. He admitted to planting both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines in the formerly occupied areas.

The next court session is scheduled for June 13.

The defendants  Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan  are charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and other articles.
Trump says US personnel moved as Iran tensions mount



Washington, June 11 (AFP) Jun 11, 2025



President Donald Trump said US personnel were being moved from the potentially "dangerous" Middle East on Wednesday as nuclear talks with Iran faltered and fears grew of a regional conflict.

Trump also reiterated that he would not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon, amid mounting speculation that Israel could strike Tehran's facilities.

Iran threatened Wednesday to target US military bases in the region if conflict breaks out.

A US official had earlier said that staff levels at the embassy in Iraq were being reduced over security concerns, while there were reports that personnel were also being moved from Kuwait and Bahrain.

"Well they are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place," Trump told reporters in Washington when asked about the reports of personnel being moved.

"We've given notice to move out and we'll see what happens."

Trump then added: "They can't have a nuclear weapon, very simple. We're not going to allow that."

Tehran and Washington have held five rounds of talks since April to thrash out a new nuclear deal to replace the 2015 accord that Trump abandoned during his first term in 2018.

The two sides were due to meet again in coming days.

Trump had until recently expressed optimism about the talks, but said in an interview published Wednesday that he was "less confident" about reaching a nuclear deal.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has revived his "maximum pressure" campaign on Tehran, backing nuclear diplomacy but warning of military action if it fails.

The US president says he has pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold off striking Iran's nuclear facilities to give the talks a chance, but has increasingly signaled that he is losing patience.

Iran however warned it would respond to any attack.

"All its bases are within our reach, we have access to them, and without hesitation we will target all of them in the host countries," Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said in response to US threats of military action if the talks fail.



- 'Suffer more losses' -



"God willing, things won't reach that point, and the talks will succeed," the minister said, adding that the US side "will suffer more losses" if it came to conflict.

The United States has multiple bases in the Middle East, with the largest located in Qatar.

In January 2020, Iran fired missiles at bases in Iraq housing American troops in retaliation for the US strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani days before at the Baghdad airport.

Dozens of US soldiers suffered traumatic brain injuries.

Amid the escalating tensions, the UK Maritime Trade Operations, run by the British navy, also advised ships to transit the Gulf with caution.

Iran and the United States have recently been locked in a diplomatic standoff over Iran's uranium enrichment, with Tehran defending it as a "non-negotiable" right and Washington calling it a "red line."

Iran currently enriches uranium to 60 percent, far above the 3.67-percent limit set in the 2015 deal and close though still short of the 90 percent needed for a nuclear warhead.

Western countries have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire atomic weapons, while Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Last week, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said enrichment is "key" to Iran's nuclear program and that Washington "cannot have a say" on the issue.

During an interview with the New York Post's podcast "Pod Force One," which was recorded on Monday, Trump said he was losing hope a deal could be reached.

"I don't know. I did think so, and I'm getting more and more -- less confident about it. They seem to be delaying and I think that's a shame. I am less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago," he said.

Iran has said it will present a counter-proposal to the latest draft from Washington, which it had criticised for failing to offer relief from sanctions -- a key demand for Tehran, which has been reeling under their weight for years.

burs-dk/jgc
Trump to flex muscle with huge military parade



Washington, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



Donald Trump's dream of hosting a grand military parade in Washington will come true on Saturday when tanks, helicopters and thousands of troops rumble through the capital on the US president's 79th birthday.

Long fascinated with military pomp, Trump has openly envied the military spectaculars seen in cities from Paris to Moscow and Pyongyang ever since his first term as president.

The $45 million parade is officially being held to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US army, which commander-in-chief Trump this week called the "greatest fighting force ever to walk the face of the Earth."

But critics say the parade is more about Trump than the army.

Protesters have pledged to rally on Saturday against what they call Trump's growing authoritarianism, at a time when he just ordered troops into Los Angeles after demonstrations against his immigration policy.

So-called "No Kings" rallies -- named after the idea that America's Revolutionary War against the British was to free the country from monarchs and autocrats -- are planned in dozens of cities, including just outside Washington.

But Trump is unrepentant.

The president said on a visit to the Fort Bragg army base on Tuesday that "we want to show off a little bit" with the parade, and vowed "very big force" if protesters try to disrupt it.

He made the comments in an extraordinary speech that breached the usual separation of politics and the military and saw Trump goad troops into jeering his opponents.



- 'Big birthday party' -



Trump's long-cherished parade plans are also rare for a country which has traditionally preferred to avoid displays of military might on its own soil.

The parade will be the biggest in Washington since 1991 after the first Gulf War -- and before that for the inauguration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1949, the army said.

Nearly 7,000 army soldiers will march past historic landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the White House.

Roaring overhead will be a fleet of more than 50 helicopters including Apache gunships, giant twin-rotor Chinook transport choppers and sleek Black Hawks.

Around 150 military vehicles -- including 28 M1A1 Abrams battle tanks, 28 Bradley armored vehicles and 28 Stryker vehicles -- will rumble along the route.

Following the parade, the army's Golden Knights parachute team will jump in and present Trump with a US flag.

Troops have been moving tanks and other hardware into place throughout the week.

"I think the reception here is going to be very warm," US army Colonel Kamil Sztalkoper told AFP during a media preview. "Who doesn't like a big birthday party when you're 250 years old?"



- 'Believe in democracy' -



But the display of American muscle is also a flex of Trump's own strongman image as commander-in-chief, at the start of a second term when he has been pushing US presidential power further than ever before.

Trump has been obsessed with having a parade since his first term as president when he attended France's annual Bastille Day parade in Paris at the invitation of Emmanuel Macron in 2017.

Back then he was put off by the huge cost, then estimated at $92 million, and warnings that heavy tanks could damage Washington's streets.

This time, the army says metal plates will protect the roads.

At the time it also sparked comparisons to similar events in autocratic countries like Russia, China and North Korea -- comparisons which have resurfaced in his second term.

Peter Loge, director of George Washington University's School of Media, said the American aversion to such displays went back to the earliest days of US independence.

"We were founded by a group of merchants and farmers who were tired of a standing army invading their streets in the name of keeping them safe," Loge told AFP.

"We've always looked down on grand military parades in Russia across Red Square or in North Korea, because we're not like that. We're Americans, and we believe in democracy, not in military shows of force."

Trump's show of US military might does however come at a time of mounting international tensions.

Fears of a Middle East conflict are on the rise as talks on Iran's nuclear talks wobble and Israel threatens to strike its facilities.
Australia 'confident' in US nuclear sub deal despite review



Sydney, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



Australia said Thursday it is "very confident" in the future of a US agreement to equip its navy with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, after the Trump administration put the pact under review.

The 2021 AUKUS deal joins Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States in a multi-decade effort to balance China's growing military might.

It would arm Australia with a fleet of cutting-edge, nuclear-powered submarines from the United States, and provide for cooperation in developing an array of warfare technologies.

US President Donald Trump's administration has advised Australia and the United Kingdom that it is reviewing AUKUS, a spokesperson for the Australian Defence Department confirmed Thursday.

"I am very confident this is going to happen," Defence Minister Richard Marles replied, when asked if he could still guarantee Australia would get the American submarines.

"I think the review that's been announced is not a surprise," he told public broadcaster ABC.

"We've been aware of this for some time. We welcome it. It's something which is perfectly natural for an incoming administration to do."

Australia plans to acquire at least three Virginia Class submarines from the United States within the next 15 years, eventually manufacturing its own subs.

The US navy has 24 Virginia-class vessels, which can carry cruise missiles, but American shipyards are struggling to meet production targets set at two new boats each year.

Critics question why the United States would sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia without stocking its own military first.

Marles said boosting the US production of US Virginia Class submarines was a challenge.

"That's why we are working very closely with the United States on seeing that happen. But that is improving," he said.

Government forecasts estimate the submarine programme alone could cost Australia up to US$235 billion over the next 30 years, a price tag that has contributed to criticism of the strategy.

Australia should conduct its own review of AUKUS, suggested former conservative prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, noting that Britain and now the United States had each decided to re-examine the pact.

"Australia, which has the most at stake, has no review. Our Parliament to date has been the least curious and least informed. Time to wake up?," he posted on X.
Australia 'confident' in US nuclear sub deal despite review



Sydney, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



Australia said Thursday it is "very confident" in the future of a US agreement to equip its navy with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, after the Trump administration put the pact under review.

The 2021 AUKUS deal joins Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States in a multi-decade effort to balance China's growing military might.

It aims to arm Australia with a fleet of cutting-edge, nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and provides for cooperation in developing an array of warfare technologies.

US President Donald Trump's administration has advised Australia and the United Kingdom that it is reviewing AUKUS, a spokesperson for the Australian Department of Defence confirmed Thursday.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said he was "very confident" Australia would still get the American submarines.

"I think the review that's been announced is not a surprise," he told public broadcaster ABC.

"We've been aware of this for some time. We welcome it. It's something which is perfectly natural for an incoming administration to do."

Australia plans to acquire at least three Virginia Class submarines from the United States within 15 years, eventually manufacturing its own subs.

- 'Time to wake up' -



The US Navy has 24 Virginia-class vessels, which can carry cruise missiles, but American shipyards are struggling to meet production targets set at two new boats each year.

Critics question why the United States would sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia without stocking its own military first.

Marles said boosting the US production of US Virginia Class submarines was a challenge.

"That's why we are working very closely with the United States on seeing that happen. But that is improving," he said.

Government forecasts estimate the submarine programme alone could cost Australia up to US$235 billion over the next 30 years, a price tag that has contributed to criticism of the strategy.

Australia should conduct its own review of AUKUS, said former conservative prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, noting that Britain and now the United States had each decided to re-examine the pact.

"Australia, which has the most at stake, has no review. Our parliament to date has been the least curious and least informed. Time to wake up?" he posted on X.

Former Labor Party prime minister Paul Keating, a vehement critic of AUKUS, said the US review might "save Australia from itself".

Australia should carve its own security strategy "rather than being dragged along on the coat tails of a fading Atlantic empire", Keating said.

"The review makes clear that America keeps its national interests uppermost. But the concomitant question is: Why has Australia failed to do the same?"



- 'No Plan B' -



Any US review of AUKUS carries a risk, particularly since it is a Biden-era initiative, said Euan Graham, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

But it is "fundamentally a good deal for the US", he said, with Australia already investing cash to boost American submarine production as part of the agreement.

"I just do not think it is realistic for Australia, this far backed in, to have any prospect of withdrawing itself from AUKUS," Graham told AFP.

"I don't think there is a Plan B that would meet requirements and I think it would shred Australia's reputation fundamentally in a way that would not be recoverable."
Japan says Chinese jets made 'unusually close' approach



Tokyo, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



Tokyo said Thursday it had expressed serious concerns to Beijing after Chinese fighter jets flew "unusually close" to a Japanese military patrol plane in the Pacific last weekend.

The incident followed the sighting of two Chinese aircraft carriers sailing in the Pacific simultaneously for the first time, including in Japan's economic waters.

Japan said this week that the aircraft carriers' activity -- described by China as "routine training" -- showed the expanding geographic scope of Beijing's military.

A Japanese defence ministry spokesman told AFP on Thursday that Chinese fighter jets had flown "unusually close" to the Japanese patrol plane.

On Saturday, a Chinese J-15 fighter jet from the Shandong aircraft carrier followed a Japanese P-3C patrol plane for 40 minutes, then on Sunday two J-15 jets did the same for 80 minutes, the spokesman said.

"During these long periods, the jets flew unusually close to the P-3C, and they flew within 45 metres" of the patrol plane at the same altitude on both days, he said.

On Sunday, the Chinese jets cut across airspace around 900 metres in front of the Japanese patrol plane -- a distance that a P-3C can reach within a few seconds at cruising speed, the spokesman added.

"Such abnormal approaches can lead to an accidental collision, so we have expressed serious concerns" to the Chinese side, including Beijing's ambassador in Japan Wu Jianghao, and asked them to prevent a repeat, top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters.

"The government will continue communicating with the Chinese side at various levels, while doing its best to patrol and monitor airspace around our country in order to defend Japan's territorial soil, waters and airspace," he said.

Japanese military personnel had not been injured, the defence ministry said in a statement.

Similar incidents were last reported over a decade ago in May and June 2014, when Chinese Su-27 fighter jets flew within 30 metres (100 feet) of Japan's military planes in the East China Sea.

At the time Japan summoned the Chinese ambassador while the two sides traded accusations of blame.

Daisuke Kawai, director of the University of Tokyo's economic security and policy innovation program, told AFP earlier this week that the timing of the aircraft carrier movements could be linked to US-China economic tensions.

"Beijing calculated that the United States would be less willing or able to respond militarily at this precise moment, seeing it as an opportune time to demonstrate its expanding military capabilities," he said.
German defence minister in Kyiv on visit



Berlin, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on Thursday, a spokesman in his ministry told AFP, a visit that comes as Russia escalates its bombardments of Ukraine.

The spokesman did not provide details on the visit, which started a day after Russian strikes on Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv killed three people and wounded 60 others.

This was Pistorius's first trip to Ukraine since German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office. Pistorius last visited Ukraine in January.

On Tuesday, Merz slammed Russian "terror against the civilian population" in Ukraine after Moscow escalated its bombardments.

He said Russia's latest actions were "anything but a proportionate response to the very precise Ukrainian attacks on military airfields and infrastructure in the last week".

Merz's comments come ahead of a G7 summit in Canada on June 15-17 and a NATO meeting later in the month, where allies will push US President Donald Trump to be more aggressive in punishing the Kremlin.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, June 12. The next meeting of the Railway Transport Council of CIS member states will be held in November 2025 in Baku, Trend reports via the Ministry of Transport of Tajikistan.

The ministry said that on June 10-11, 2025, the 82nd meeting of the council was held in Dushanbe under the chairmanship of Tajikistan.

Representatives of the Azerbaijani, Armenian, Belarusian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Russian, Tajik, Turkmen, and Uzbek railway administrations, as well as associated members from Georgia, Iran, Latvia, and Estonia, took part in the council's work.

It was also attended by representatives of the International Confederation of Railway Trade Unions, the Executive Committee of the CIS, and the Intergovernmental Council of Road Workers.

Within the council, a strategic group for the development of international transport corridors was established, which will deal with the management of corridors, coordination of tariffs, digitization, and improvement of logistics.

The report on the activities of the council for 2020-2024 was also approved, which will be submitted to the Executive Committee of the CIS for further consideration.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Australia 'confident' in US nuclear sub deal despite review



Sydney, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



Australia said Thursday it is "very confident" in the future of a US agreement to equip its navy with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, after the Trump administration put the pact under review.

The 2021 AUKUS deal joins Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States in a multi-decade effort to balance China's growing military might.

It aims to arm Australia with a fleet of cutting-edge, nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and provides for cooperation in developing an array of warfare technologies.

US President Donald Trump's administration has advised Australia and the United Kingdom that it is reviewing AUKUS, a spokesperson for the Australian Department of Defence confirmed Thursday.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said he was "very confident" Australia would still get the American submarines.

"I think the review that's been announced is not a surprise," he told public broadcaster ABC.

"We've been aware of this for some time. We welcome it. It's something which is perfectly natural for an incoming administration to do."

Australia plans to acquire at least three Virginia Class submarines from the United States within 15 years, eventually manufacturing its own subs.

- 'Time to wake up' -



The US Navy has 24 Virginia-class vessels, which can carry cruise missiles, but American shipyards are struggling to meet production targets set at two new boats each year.

In the United States, critics question why Washingon would sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia without stocking its own military first.

Marles said boosting the US production of US Virginia Class submarines was a challenge.

"That's why we are working very closely with the United States on seeing that happen. But that is improving," he said.

Australia's focus is on "sticking to this plan and on seeing it through", Marles said.

He criticised Australia's previous conservative government for "chopping and changing" its submarine choice.

On the eve of announcing its participation in AUKUS in 2021, the government of the time abruptly scrapped plans to buy diesel-powered submarines in a lucrative deal with France -- infuriating Paris.

The AUKUS submarine programme alone could cost the country up to US$235 billion over the next 30 years, according to Australian government forecasts, a price tag that has contributed to criticism of the strategy.

Australia should conduct its own review of AUKUS, said former conservative prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, noting that Britain and now the United States had each decided to re-examine the pact.

"Australia, which has the most at stake, has no review. Our parliament to date has been the least curious and least informed. Time to wake up?" he posted on X.

- 'Fading Atlantic empire' -



Former Labor Party prime minister Paul Keating, a vehement critic of AUKUS, said the US review might "save Australia from itself".

Australia should carve its own security strategy "rather than being dragged along on the coat tails of a fading Atlantic empire", Keating said.

"The review makes clear that America keeps its national interests uppermost. But the concomitant question is: Why has Australia failed to do the same?"

Any US review of AUKUS carries a risk, particularly since it is a Biden-era initiative, said Euan Graham, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

But it is "fundamentally a good deal for the US", he said, with Australia already investing cash to boost American submarine production as part of the agreement.

"I just do not think it is realistic for Australia, this far backed in, to have any prospect of withdrawing itself from AUKUS," Graham told AFP.

"I don't think there is a Plan B that would meet requirements and I think it would shred Australia's reputation fundamentally in a way that would not be recoverable."
UN nuclear watchdog slams Iran's 'non-compliance'



Vienna, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



The UN nuclear watchdog on Thursday adopted a resolution condemning Iran's "non-compliance" with its obligations in a new warning before a possible referral of the case to the United Nations.

The motion drafted by the United States, Britain, France and Germany was carried by 19 votes in favour in the 35-member governing board, three diplomatic sources told AFP.

It is the latest diplomatic manoeuvre in a years-long effort to restrict Iran's nuclear activities over Western fears that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, which it denies.

China, Russia and Burkina Faso voted against the text, while 11 countries abstained, diplomats told AFP.

Paraguay and Venezuela were unable to participate due to insufficient financial contributions.

Ahead of the vote, Tehran had threatened to "react very strongly" by reducing its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in case the resolution was adopted.

Diplomats said the resolution is designed to up pressure on Tehran.

The censure comes as the United States and Iran held several rounds of talks mediated by Oman to secure agreement on limiting Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

But tensions have been mounting in the Middle East and US President Donald Trump has said he was "less confident" about reaching a nuclear agreement.

On Wednesday, Iran threatened to target US military bases in the region if conflict breaks out.

Another round of nuclear talks are scheduled to take place in Muscat on Sunday.

"The United States is negotiating in good faith to reach a deal that allows us to say with confidence what President Trump has said time and again: Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon," US charge d'affaires Howard Solomon said in a statement during this week's IAEA board meeting.

"Iran now has a clear opportunity to build confidence: by providing the Agency with greater transparency" and "ceasing its escalatory nuclear activities", he said.

The resolution adopted Thursday calls on Iran "to urgently remedy its non-compliance" with its commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

It also "deeply regrets" that Tehran "despite repeated calls from the Board and many opportunities offered... has failed to cooperate fully with the Agency".

IAEA's "inability... to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that are within the competence of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)", which can draw up sanctions, the resolution said.

For years, the IAEA has been trying to obtain clarification on nuclear material and equipment found at undeclared sites and resulting from undeclared activities carried out until the early 2000s.

Tehran has also accelerated production of near-weapons-grade uranium in recent months.

Iran has gradually broken away from its commitments under the nuclear deal it struck with world powers in 2015.

The landmark deal provided Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its atomic programme, but it fell apart after the unilateral withdrawal of the United States in 2018.

Efforts to revive the deal have so far failed.
Iran defies US on enrichment ahead of nuclear talks



Tehran, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



Iran on Thursday vowed to significantly increase its output of enriched uranium in defiance of US demands ahead of a round of nuclear talks shrouded in trepidation amid reports of an imminent Israeli attack.

The announcement came after the UN nuclear watchdog accused Iran of non-compliance with its obligations, prompting Israel to say the world must respond "decisively".

The United States, Israel and other Western countries have repeatedly accused Iran of seeking a nuclear weapon, an accusation Tehran has categorically denied.

Ahead of the sixth round of US-Iran talks in Oman on Sunday, Tehran threatened to strike US bases in the region if negotiations fail and conflict erupts.

Uranium enrichment has emerged as the key point of contention, with Iran defending it as a "non-negotiable" right in its pursuit of a civilian nuclear programme, while the United States has called it a "red line".



- 'Extremist' -



On Thursday, the International Atomic Energy Agency's board of governors adopted a resolution condemning Iran's "non-compliance" with its nuclear obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, carried by 19 votes in favour, out of 35 in total, diplomats said.

The resolution could lay the groundwork for European countries to invoke the "snapback" mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, reinstating UN sanctions in response to Iranian non-compliance -- an option that expires in October.

Iran's nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami on Thursday slammed the IAEA resolution as "extremist", blaming it on Israeli influence.

He insisted that Iran has upheld it commitments to the International Atomic Energy Agency but rolled back adherence to a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers after President Donald Trump's withdrawal from the accord during his first term in office.

"They can't expect us to fulfil them without them (Western countries) honouring any of their commitments," he told state TV.

"The necessary orders have been issued by the head of the Atomic Energy Organisation to launch a new enrichment centre in a secure location," said a joint statement from the organisation and the foreign ministry.

Iran will also be "replacing all of these first-generation machines with sixth-generation advanced machines" at the Fordow uranium enrichment plant south of Tehran, the organisation's spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said.

This means "our production of enriched material will increase significantly," he told state TV.

Eslami said that enrichment would begin at the new "invulnerable" site "as soon as the machines are installed".

Iran currently enriches uranium to 60 percent, far above the 3.67-percent limit set in the 2015 deal and close though still short of the 90 percent needed for a nuclear warhead.



- Threats to US bases -



The United States and Iran have held five rounds of talks since April to hammer out a new nuclear deal, replacing the 2015 accord.

Trump appeared to shift his previously optimistic tone this week, saying he was "less confident" a deal could be reached.

On Wednesday, following Iran's threat to hit US bases in case of war, ordered US personnel to be moved from the potentially "dangerous" Middle East.

On Thursday, the US embassy in Jerusalem restricted staff movements over security concerns, citing "increased regional tensions".

A US official had earlier said that staff levels at the embassy in Iraq were being reduced over security concerns.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi nonetheless confirmed in a post on X on Thursday that the "6th round of Iran US talks will be held in Muscat this Sunday".



- 'Strategic mistake' -



Israel has repeatedly warned that it could attack Iranian nuclear sites, vowing to stop its arch foe from acquiring an atomic bomb.

On Thursday, its foreign ministry said Iran's "actions undermine the global non-proliferation regime and pose an imminent threat to regional and international security and stability".

Reports in US media, including NBC and the New York Times, on Wednesday said Israel was considering taking military action against Iran, likely without US support.

Iran has vowed to respond to any attack.

"All its (US) bases are within our reach, we have access to them, and without hesitation we will target all of them in the host countries," Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said in response to US threats of military action if the talks fail.

"God willing, things won't reach that point, and the talks will succeed," the minister said, but added that Washington "will suffer more losses" if conflict erupts.

Following Iran's vow to increase enrichment, the European Union called on Tehran "to show restraint", while France accused Tehran of a "deliberate" escalation.

On Wednesday, Iran's permanent UN representative Amir Saeid Iravani said Tehran would consider "proportionate responses" if the snapback mechanism is triggered -- including "starting the process of withdrawal" from the NPT.

bur-mz/ser
NATO chief hopeful of spending deal as meets allies in Rome



Rome, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



NATO chief Mark Rutte said Thursday he was "pretty confident" of getting a deal on boosting defence spending at a summit later this month, as he met European allies in Rome.

He joined foreign ministers and diplomats from Italy, France, Germany, Britain, Poland, Spain, Ukraine and the EU, who themselves vowed to "play an even greater role in ensuring our own security".

Their talks came ahead of a NATO meeting in The Hague on June 24-25, where the focus will be reaching a deal that satisfies US President Donald Trump's demands for allies to spend five percent of GDP on defence.

Rutte is urging NATO members to commit to 3.5 percent on direct military spending by 2032, and an additional 1.5 percent on broader security-related expenditure.

"We are discussing the final decisions we will take in The Hague. I'm pretty confident indeed... that we will get to a joint position, all 32 (members)", he told reporters heading into the talks in Rome.

In a joint statement afterwards, the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Britain, plus EU High Representative Kaja Kallas promised to play their part.

"European countries must play an even greater role in ensuring our own security," they said.

They added: "The NATO summit in The Hague will demonstrate our unity, based on an enduring transatlantic bond, an iron-clad commitment to defend each other, and fair burden-sharing."

They offered again their "unwavering support for Ukraine" -- which was represented by its foreign minister in Rome -- and welcomed Trump's peace efforts, urging Moscow to follow Kyiv's "constructive engagement" in the process.

"We urged Russia to reciprocate without further delay, and to drop its unacceptable maximalist demands and preconditions, to prove it is genuinely interested in peace," they said.

"We deplored recent massive Russian attacks against Ukrainian cities and civilian populations, which are a clear breach of international law."

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the meeting host whose country spends 1.5 percent of GDP on defence, said he was "very happy" with Rutte's spending plan.

"For Italy it's important to spend more but we need more time, 10 years, I think it is more or less possible to achieve this goal," he said.

The meeting of the so-called "Weimar+" group also comes ahead of a G7 summit in Canada on June 15-17, where allies will push Trump to be more aggressive in punishing the Kremlin.

"Euro Atlantic security depends on how we handle the Russian threat. European and US interests remain complementary in this regard," said Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski.

"Stopping Russia remains in the long-term interests of the US. Russia's defeat in Ukraine would be a victory for the US, and in particular for President Trump."
We are asking enforcement authorities to make immediate contact with businesses who may have been supplied with or received the affected products, and to take action to ensure that the non-compliant and potentially unsafe products are withdrawn from the market and where sold at retail, recalled.
ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown said: After increasing for each of the four preceding months, April saw the largest monthly fall on record in goods exports to the US with decreases seen across most types of goods, following the recent introduction of tariffs.
Zog author Julia Donaldson said: Im delighted that Zog is being celebrated on a UK coin. When I wrote his story 15 years ago, I never imagined he would fly so far into peoples imaginations. Seeing our determined dragon on a 50p piece would definitely earn him a golden star from Madam Dragon.
In fact anyone who thinks we dont have a free speech problem hasnt been paying attention. Police arrest about 30 people a day for potentially offensive online posts  the result of thousands of hours spent trawling social media rather than, you know, getting out to catch actual criminals. If the respectable Telegraph columnist, Allison Pearson, could be visited at home by two coppers for a tweet about Palestinian protests, none of us is safe. In his post, Rubios aide Samson mentioned the cases of two anti-abortion activists, Livia Tossici-Bolt and Adam Smith-Connor, who were arrested in Britain for silently praying outside abortion clinics as evidence of concerning trends. That, Id say, is an understatement. The arrests  and 20,000 fine in the case of Tossici-Bolt  were the consequence of a law banning anything that might resemble dissent, even silently, even in thought, within 150 metres of an abortion clinic. Its self-evidently at the expense of free speech on a profoundly serious matter of conscience.
As ever, this issue is fizzing with ideas for what to see, book and do. Why not go and see our cover star Ruth Wilsons new show, A Moon for the Misbegotten, at the Almeida? Or book what sounds like a delightful Midsummer Nights Dream (beautifully staged and acted, thought provoking, technically brilliant, says our chief theatre critic Nick Curtis). Our head of culture Martin Robinson movingly describes the new Yoshitomo Nara exhibition at the Hayward (punk, heartbreak and wide-eyed wonder). Or why not venture to this weeks Hidden London, a cult Italian in E3.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. A bilateral meeting on "Cooperation in the field of military medicine" was held in Baku between representatives of the medical services of the Azerbaijani and Georgian Defense Ministries, the Ministry of Defense told Trend.

During the meeting, the Georgian delegation was presented with a briefing on the organization of medical service in the Azerbaijan Army, as well as on military medical supply.

Both delegations shot the breeze about teaming up in military medicine and kicked around several topics of shared interest.

As part of the meeting, the guests also visited the Azerbaijan Defense Ministrys Main Clinical Hospital, Central Military and Dental Polyclinics, Military Medical Faculty, Forensic-Medical Expertise and Pathological Anatomy Center, and Recreation Center.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Butt wrote to residents saying: First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the pain and trauma that continue to affect Jewish communities both here in Brent and around the world following the horrific terrorist attacks committed by Hamas on October 7.
"If I'm gonna move you it's going to be another studio. Nobody is moving now because everything, Mr Hersi, has become expensive. A two-bedroom now is 1,500. Council will not pay you full 1,500 let me tell you now. Okay, so if you trust me give me two weeks, okay, tell the council that 'we don't want the work done until we move'. Say 'we're looking for another place'."
That provision has led some in Washington, including Mr Colby, to question the deal on the grounds that the US may need those submarines if it finds itself in a war with China over Taiwan.
Fire Service colleagues described how they went to the scenes to stop arson attacks at those addresses, and how they, in all their years in the Fire Service, have not seen levels of violence to that level, and told me specifically and directly of the bravery, the courage of a very thin green line of police officers that without doubt, in my view, saved lives that night.
Discussing the pain felt among the Hindu community in Harrow, he said: The only feeling left is sadness. We can't do any more. When we ask people how they are, everyone knows they are sad. There is nothing more to say."
Times are really tough in this country, we need to get more money - But really? Really? Were going to stop helping the people youve just clapped for to make a few bucks. We need to be helped, we need to have the NHS, we need to rearm because theres a thug currently invading our continent, but really? All that intellect, thats all you can do.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent an address to the participants of the Second Meeting of Ministers and Heads of Agencies in charge of Family and Social Policy of the Organization of Turkic States on the theme "The Role of Women in Modern Society: Sustainable Development and Traditional Values", Trend reports.

"Distinguished participants of the meeting,

I warmly greet you on the occasion of the opening of the second meeting of the Ministers and Heads of Agencies responsible for family and social policy of the Organization of Turkic States, held in Baku under the theme The Role of Women in Modern Society: Sustainable Development and Traditional Values, and extend my best wishes to each of you.

In the lives of the Turkic peoples, who share rich common historical and cultural roots, the family has always formed the foundation of social order. Throughout our glorious history, women have served as the moral pillar of the family, considered the defense of the homeland their sacred duty, and contributed to the progress of society by attaining high public positions. They have played an exceptional role in preserving and sustaining the treasury of our shared moral values.

In the current era of global challenges, deepening cooperation in family issues and social policy within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States is of great significance for protecting and strengthening the family institution in our countries, while also opening up new opportunities for sustainable development and inclusivity in harmony with traditional values.

The Azerbaijani state pursues a consistent policy to ensure women's rights and expand their role in society. Women in our country actively participate in socio-political processes through their cultural and scientific potential and are duly represented in state institutions.

I am confident that the meaningful and productive exchange of views you will hold during the meeting on the most pressing issues will provide a favorable basis for identifying joint goals and preparing important platforms," the address reads.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Trend reports.

"Dear Vladimir Vladimirovich,

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the national holiday  Russia Day.

The peoples of Azerbaijan and Russia have traditionally been bound by close relations of friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual support. Today, these strong traditions serve as a solid foundation for the comprehensive development of our interstate relations and the deepening of cooperation across a broad range of areas.

I am confident that, in the interests of our friendly peoples and countries, we will continue to make every effort to strengthen Azerbaijani-Russian relations and to expand our multifaceted interaction in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance.

On this remarkable day, I wish you, dear Vladimir Vladimirovich, good health and every success, and to all the citizens of Russia  well-being and prosperity," the letter reads.
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Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Philippines Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Trend reports.

"Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I cordially congratulate you and, through you, your entire people on the occasion of the national day of the Republic of the Philippines  the Independence Day.

I believe that relations between Azerbaijan and the Philippines will continue to develop in an atmosphere of friendship and cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally, in line with the interests of our peoples.

On this festive day, I convey my best wishes to you, and wish peace and prosperity to the friendly people of the Philippines," the letter reads.
Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. The peoples of Azerbaijan and Russia have traditionally been bound by close relations of friendship, good neighborliness, and mutual support, said President Ilham Aliyev in a congratulatory letter to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Trend reports.

"Today, these strong traditions serve as a solid foundation for the comprehensive development of our interstate relations and the deepening of cooperation across a broad range of areas.

I am confident that, in the interests of our friendly peoples and countries, we will continue to make every effort to strengthen Azerbaijani-Russian relations and to expand our multifaceted interaction in the spirit of strategic partnership and alliance," said President Ilham Aliyev.
Two F-16 aircraft of the Romanian Air Force, part of the Air Policing Combat Service, took off from the 86th Air Base Borcea and carried out surveillance and protection missions over Romanian airspace, in the context of Russia's overnight drone attacks from Wednesday to Thursday, which targeted civilian and port infrastructure in Ukraine, near the locality of Vylkove, close to Romania's river border, the Ministry of National Defence (MApN) reported.

According to a MApN press release, the fighter jets returned to base around 1:30 a.m.

The radar systems of the Ministry of National Defence did not indicate 'at any time, any unauthorised intrusions of monitored targets into national airspace,' the source said.

The MApN forces will carry out on Thursday standard procedure-based checks in areas where risks may arise following last night's events. Allied structures are being informed in real time about situations at the border, MApN added.

The monitoring and radar surveillance systems of the Ministry of National Defence detected and tracked aerial targets flying in Ukrainian airspace, near Tulcea County. Consequently, the National Military Command Centre (core unit) notified the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations to implement population alert measures in the northern border area of the county. RO-ALERT messages were sent at 12:11 a.m. to the population in that area. The alert cancellation notice was sent at 12:47 a.m.

'The Ministry of National Defence remains firm in condemning these attacks carried out by the Russian Federation against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and facilities, which are unjustified and in serious contradiction with international law,' the press release reads.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) is launching two calls for applications for funding under the Aquaculture and Fisheries Programme 2021-2027, the total value of the available funds being approximately 53 million euros, the MADR informs in a press release.

The programme is managed by the Directorate General for Fisheries - Managing Authority for the Operational Programme for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs (DGP AMPOPAM).

The call for investments in aquaculture aims to support the establishment, expansion and modernisation of aquaculture farms, with the aim of stimulating the growth and diversification of production, especially with species from local ichthyofauna, as well as the transition to sustainable practices, with reduced environmental impact. Funding is granted for efficient investments in the use of resources, generating social benefits or focused on ecological production. The total financial allocation for this call is 49.169 million euros, and the maximum eligible value of a project is 6 million euros. Applications for funding for this action can be submitted until July 11.

The second call aims to support investments for the processing of fishery and aquaculture products. The total financial allocation for this call is 3.93 million euros, and the maximum eligible value of a project is 1.5 million euros. Applications for funding for this action can be submitted until July 11, 2025.

The total financial allocation for the 2021-2027 programming period, granted to Romania for this programme, is over 232.072 million euros, of which the EU contribution represents 162.451 million euros.

According to the same source, the implementation of this programme aims to contribute to: the development of sustainable commercial marine and inland fisheries; sustainable and competitive aquaculture, which makes efficient use of available resources; the organisation of the fisheries market, including the consolidation of fisheries organisations and the support of the short marketing chain; the development of fishing areas, capitalising on the opportunities offered by the sustainable blue economy.
There are no Romanian nationals among the victims of the Thursday's airplane crash in India, Romania's Foreign Ministry (MAE) said on Thursday, according to preliminary information from the Romanian Embassy in New Delhi.

The Romanian Embassy in New Delhi continues to monitor the situation.

MAE reports that Romanian nationals can ask for consular assistance by calling the Romanian Embassy in New Delhi: +91 11 24111015, +91 11 24111014, +91 11 24111016, with the calls being redirected to the Contact and Support Centre for Romanian Citizens Abroad (CCSCRS) and taken over by call centre operators around the clock.

In case of emergency, Romanian nationals can call the emergency number of the embassy: +91 81 30303444.

The passengers included 217 adults, 11 children and two infants, a source told Reuters news agency. Of them, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were Britons, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian, Air India said. At this moment the number of the dead is not known.
President Nicusor Dan discussed on Wednesday in Odessa with representatives of the Romanian community in southern Ukraine, whom he assured that Romania "remains close to them through constant dialogue, concrete actions and institutional support".

"Today, in Odessa, I had a very good discussion with representatives of the Romanian community in southern Ukraine. We addressed some of the important issues they are facing: the reopening of the Romanian Consulate, access to education in Romanian and the need for constant support to preserve their cultural identity.

Romanians in Ukraine need to know that they are not alone. Romania remains close to them through constant dialogue, concrete actions and institutional support. I will be the president of all Romanians wherever they are," Nicusor Dan wrote on Facebook.
Romania's President Nicusor Dan on Thursday sent a message of condolence after a tragic plane crash at an airport in the Indian state of Gujarat.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in India, where so many people lost their lives and so many families and friends lost loved ones. On behalf of the Romanian people, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and wish them strength in these heartbreaking times. We stand with all those affected by this disaster," Dan wrote in a social media post.

An Air India plane with at least 242 passengers on board crashed shortly after take-off at an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday, local media reported.
Chairman of the Romanian Academy Ioan-Aurel Pop said on Thursday that giving up fundamental research in a self-respecting country is tantamount to abolishing research, adding that the state's mission is to protect its citizens.

"I have been told that the sanitation of research can mean two things in Romania: to give up theoretical research, because it eats money. Then, if I don't do fundamental research in a self-respecting country - that is, in mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry and social sciences - if I don't do theoretical research, it means that I have abolished research. Theoretical research helps technological research. Without theoretical research, you know well that applied technical sciences cannot exist either. And if a state authority comes and asks me for the concrete results of the work of a mathematician - and the president of the country can certify that I cannot measure the work of a mathematician - I have no way, and I cannot give him time to discover a theorem or invent something. He must be allowed to work. And the same happens in any field. How can I plan the number of objects made in a research institute that has no way to produce objects and ask it how many of them have been sold and what income has been derived," Pop told a debate called "Is research still needed? For as long as the world has existed, culture and science have been eating money, but they eat it with use," hosted by the Romanian Academy Library.

Pop also mentioned the reproach according that the Romanian Academy has "too many theoretical institutes."

"And the last problem that bothers me is that I was told that at the Romanian Academy there are too many theoretical institutes and that some of them, which are the most harmful, are those in the social and human sciences. (...) They have come up now to ask us why we have three institutes of history, one in Bucharest, one in Cluj, one in Iasi; why we have three institutes of philology, one in Bucharest, one in Cluj, one in Iasi; Why do we have 300 archaeology institutes. What if I don't know history? What if I don't know that Wallachia is made up of three countries - Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania - and that Ceausescu tried to unify everything into a large institute in Bucharest and to subordinate the entire country? And someone came up and told him like this: '90% of Romanians live outside Bucharest and outside Wallachia, which has assumed by name the mission of reconstituting the unity of its people, that Wallachia or Wallachia actually means Romania, there are also Transylvania and Moldavia," he added.

Pop explained that while most of the documents of the past on Transylvania are in Cluj, the history of Transylvania is best studied there, because there is "raw material", the same as with Iasi and Bucharest, "where most documents have been collected and the proof is this library [the Library of the Romanian Academy], which is a national treasure."

These details "show the limitations of the political class, the inability to understand that what we have inherited from the past can no longer be questioned now, that not everything in this world is deconstructivist."

"I mean, you can't destroy everything that the ancestors did. To come back to what? And do what? So the discussion about research must continue by strengthening research. Proposals must come from the government to grant 2-3% for research. Not zero point I don't know how much, because people laugh at us. There is nothing like that. And not even to have 30,000 researchers now, because that is the measurement made by the National Institute of Statistics, as against 55,000 before the 1989 Revolution in the bad times of communism," the academician said.

He added that in countries such as Bulgaria, Hungary, the Czech Republic there are more researchers than in Romania, including in countries that are three times smaller than Romania, adding that the main purpose of the state is the protection of its citizens.

"That should give us food for thought. Let's stimulate research. (...) We have specialists who have to deal with the correct connection at European level as well. We are sub-collectors. We are not able to collect taxes and debt, but if a private individual like me does not pay his tax, they fine me at the end of the year. Bad payers are tolerated. I understood that there are ways to raise more money for the national budget without affecting this population. Because I don't know if we are still a people or a nation. We are a Romanian population. It is not surprising that we have become a population, because the main purpose of a government and parliament is, in fact, the mission of the state and the modern state was founded to protect its inhabitants. Not to oppress and frighten them. The state must find the means, even in a time of austerity, to protect us all, because, once again the mission of the state is to protect its citizens," said Pop.
The Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland voiced in a statement on Wednesday deep concern about the recent developments in Ballymena and other localities in Northern Ireland.

"We express our deep concern regarding the tense climate and urge our Romanian faithful in the region to act with prudence, calmness, and responsibility," reads the statement in which the Archdiocese recommends the Romanian community "to strictly follow the guidance of the local authorities, especially the police, and avoid travelling to areas where public demonstrations are taking place."

"Furthermore, considering the ongoing investigations, it is important to refrain from any speculation or personal interpretations that could harm the spirit of order and truth," the statement also reads.

On Wednesday evening, the town of Ballymena, in County Antrim, located about 50 kilometres north of Belfast, was the scene of renewed tensions, with hundreds of people taking to the streets after two days of violence targeting immigrants and clashes with law enforcement. Police used water cannons in response to attacks involving Molotov cocktails and other projectiles. However, the intensity of the violence did not reach the levels seen in previous days, and the crowd gradually dispersed.

The recent days of violence, described as racist and senseless by local authorities and officials in London, were fueled by the controversial case of two Romanian teenagers charged with the sexual assault of a young woman.

The two 14-year-old boys, who appeared in court on Monday, are accused of attempting to rape a teenage girl on June 7 in Ballymena - an accusation they deny.
Romania's National Cybersecurity and Incident Response Team (DNSC), reorganised under this name in 2021, is aiming to become a Cyber Hub, a recognised leader in cybersecurity, Mihai Constantinescu, cybersecurity manager at the Innovation, Research and Development, Services and Intellectual Property Directorate (INOV) with the DNSC, said on Thursday at a specialist event.

"The directorate has set - and in 2021 it was reorganised under this title - to become a Cyber Hub, to attract all fields of activity and to become a world class institution that firmly positions Romania as a recognised leader in cybersecurity," Constantinescu told a conference on cybercrime during the digital transformation of the economy and in times of war, fourth edition", organised by Club Entrepreneur Magazine and Pozitiv newspaper.

Speaking of a "hybrid war on Romania's border," the DNSC official presented the major implications in the field of cybersecurity, both regionally and globally: an increase in state-sponsored cyberattacks; the militarisation of cyberspace; strengthening international cooperation in cybersecurity; disinformation and information warfare; adaptation of cyber infrastructures; the impact on companies and citizens; fast-tracking lawmaking and regulation.

At the same time, the cybersecurity manager also referred to cyberattacks, disclosure of sensitive data, vulnerable critical infrastructures, information manipulation and disinformation, dependence on third-party providers, lack of resources and insufficient training, internal threats (sabotage, internal fraud), the impact of regulations and compliance, as well as the impact of the pandemic and remote work.

In addition, he made some general cybersecurity recommendations, including access protection and authentication: enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all critical accounts, and using complex and unique passwords for each account.

"Ensure regular updates of connected operating systems, applications and medical equipment. Monitor known vulnerabilities and apply patches as soon as they become available," said Constantinescu.

According to him, it is extremely important to prevent phishing and social engineering attacks. "Organise regular training sessions for healthcare and administrative staff and encourage the reporting of suspicious messages (emails, SMS, phone calls)."

Regarding the protection of patient data, it is recommended to encrypt data in transit and at rest and avoid local storage of files with personal information on unprotected devices.

At the same time, the DNSC official recommended automatic and air-gapped backups, as well as regular testing of recovery plans in case of computer security incidents.

He also suggested including cyber hygiene topics in the training of employees.

Among the partners of the event were the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB), the National Association for Information Systems Security (ANSSI) and the Romanian Association of Banks (ARB).
Romania's workforce could increase by 100,000 in the next five years if businesses in the social economy sector got appropriate funding instruments to help them develop, according to estimates by the Social Finance Association (SFA).

According to SFA, social economy businesses have about 100,000 employees, many of them being disadvantaged, vulnerable or disabled people.

nerable or disabled people), and the biggest obstacle in the development of these companies is the lack of access to funding," said the specialists having attended the event 'Possible Mission: How to remove financing barriers to support the financial inclusion of social entrepreneurs'", organised by the Social Finance Association (SFA), Alternative Financing (AFIN) and ADV Romania Foundation.

Social economy is said to have a huge potential in Romania, where it can simultaneously meet the needs for social inclusion, employment and sustainable development of communities. In other countries of the European Union, the social economy represents almost 7% of the workforce and contributes about 8% to the formation of GDP.

"If 5,000 social businesses were established every year - a feasible objective, taking into account that in Romania about 50,000 micro-enterprises are established annually - and each one employed three-four people, in five years' time we could reach over 100,000 new jobs. It is a realistic projection, but it requires political will, financial support and collaboration between public and private actors,"Bogdan Merfea, chairman, Social Finance Association and founder of AFIN IFN, is quoted as saying in a press statement.

In her turn, Angela Achitei, chair of the ADV Romania group and founder of AFIN IFN, said that social economy is the missing link between poverty policies, the labour market and the green transition.

"An ambitious - but realistic - vision can double the sector's contribution to employment in the coming years; it can offer concrete solutions to vulnerable groups, young people who neither working nor learning (NEETs). With the right funding instruments, political will and public-private partnership, by 2030, the social economy will become the main engine for inclusive jobs, quality community services and green transition, doubling its economic footprint and reducing social exclusion in the most vulnerable communities," said Achitei.

In Romania, the potential of the sector is still insufficiently exploited, despite increasingly obvious social needs and a growing interest in sustainable business models, according to specialists.

The event brought together over 25 top speakers concerned with social business development, representatives of banks, investment funds and international financial institutions, both from Romania and elsewhere from the European Union.

They shared their experiences from Italy, France, Central and Eastern Europe, but also from Romania and brought up the concept of ethical banking for the first time in Romania. The conference dedicated to the promotion of alternative financial instruments for encouraging social entrepreneurship is organized once every two years by the representatives of the SFA - AFIN - ADV system.

AFIN is the first non-banking financial institution (NBFI) in Romania running on Romanian capital that offers alternative financial solutions to the social economy sector. It aims to facilitate access to funding for business operators with a social impact in Romania that are past the start-up stage and in need of capital resources to develop.

"By helping them develop, these enterprises become true social engines generating jobs, integrating disadvantaged people, increasing their income and that of their communities and, thus, contributing to an inclusive and equitable society," according to organisers.

SFA (Social Finance Association) was set up to round up the financial pillar of AFIN with specialised assistance and know-how in the field of social finance. The association aims to support local entrepreneurs overcome financial barriers through financial education and consultancy for easier access to funding.

ADV Romania is a group of social enterprises connected to each other: ADV Romania Foundation, UtilDeco SRL, WISE.travel SRL, JobDirect SRL, OPYA, SFA and AFIN IFN SA, developed in time since 2002. Its mission is to promote and develop the social economy and secure the inclusion of people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Every step was taken during the period of the presidency of the Azerbaijani Parliament in TURKPA to strengthen inter-parliamentary connections and make the activities of TURKPA stronger still, Trend reports.

Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova declared this in her address at the meeting of the TURKPA Assembly Council in the capital city of Kazakhstan, Astana.

The Speaker also said that TURKPA was not an ordinary international platform in that it was an entity uniting under its aegis representatives of the fraternal peoples sharing a common heritage and national spiritual values.

As the Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker said, the effective work of TURKPA provides parliamentary support for the expansion of unity and solidarity among our nations at a time when cooperation among our brotherly countries grows by the day. The organization also generates opportunities for the unified stance of the Turkic world to be heard on international parliamentary platforms.

The Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) was founded through an agreement signed by the Heads of Parliaments of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkiye on November 21, 2008, at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, Turkiye. On September 29, 2009, the inaugural plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States, previously referred to as the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-Speaking Countries, convened in Baku, the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Rules of Procedure of TURKPA, the Regulations of the Secretariat, and the Baku Declaration were ratified during the Plenary Session.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Bucharest Tech Week, the largest technology and innovation festival in Central and Eastern Europe, will be held in Bucharest between June 14 and 20, 2025, with the most relevant trends, solutions and industry leaders to be presented to visitors.

The event brings together companies, professionals and technology enthusiasts in a broad framework of networking, demonstrations and applied content. For the first time, Bucharest Tech Week debuts with Tech Expo - the B2C component of the festival, with free access for the general public, organised on the weekend of June 14-15 at Romexpo, Pavilion B1. Starting with June 16, the agenda continues with the five Business Summits, dedicated to technology professionals and the business environment.

"Bucharest Tech Week is designed as a concrete meeting place between technology, business and people who innovate. We focus on relevant content, applicable solutions and interactions with real value for companies, professionals and the public interested in progress. By joining the interactive exhibition area with the series of specialist conferences, we offer both organisations and the general public access to ideas, tools and perspectives that support adaptation to the ongoing digital transformations," said Alexandru Maxineanu, managing partner of Universum Expo, the event organizer, quoted in a company statement.

Tech Expo takes place on an area of 3,872 sqm and brings together 50 partners and over 1,400 products and solutions. Among the companies present are established brands from the automotive, tech, energy, urban mobility and smart home industries, alongside start-ups and emerging solutions that shape the future.

The mobility area presents a variety of models from international manufacturers, including both electric and hybrid vehicles.

The smart home solutions area brings to the forefront technologies that radically transform the modern home, offering added comfort, efficiency and autonomy.

In the tech lifestyle, wellbeing and interactive education area, experiences are focused on innovations that support physical, mental and creative balance.

At the same time, Bucharest Tech Week supports education through technology, local innovation and young people who build the future. Thus, eight robotics teams - BraveBots, Gamma by Sava, ILC Robotix, AstraDynamiX, Zenith Robotics Club, Soft Hoarders, Alpha Bit and ROBOSTEAM - have been selected to participate in the Tech Expo, where they will hold live demonstrations and present their created robots, offering visitors an authentic sample of ingenuity and applied passion.

The series of five business conferences within Bucharest Tech Week brings together 52 local and international speakers and 65 partners from relevant industries this year.

The official opening of the Business Summits will take place on Monday, June 16, and will feature Andrei Niculae, vice president of ADR (the Authority for Romania's Digitalisation), Thomas Kolarik, VP IT & Operations BCR (Romanian Commercial Bank), and Alexandru Maxineanu, managing partner of Universum Expo.
Avoiding a credit rating downgrade by major rating agencies is a national objective, said State Treasury Director General Stefan Nanu, stressing that the sovereign rating serves as a benchmark for all issuers in the market.

'This is a very hot topic these days, and I'm glad it's receiving attention. I believe there is much greater awareness now of the harm that would result from a downgrade to non-investment grade. At the Ministry of Finance (MF), our role was to distribute materials outlining these risks in all directions,' said Nanu at the Profit Capital Market Forum, organised by Profit.ro.

He highlighted that warnings from rating agencies, particularly those regarding negative outlooks, came just in time.

'We recall that Fitch issued such a warning in December, and that prompted a swift political response. A government emergency ordinance was passed, if it hadn't been adopted on the very last day of the year, the consequences would have been disastrous. Downgrading from investment grade to non-investment grade is not a decision agencies take lightly. It's much easier to adjust a rating from, say, AA to A+, than to take a sovereign out of the investment-grade category. That's because many portfolios are heavily exposed to Romania and are dedicated to holding investment-grade assets,' he explained.

Nanu stressed that fund managers can currently buy Romanian bonds because of the investment-grade rating. Maintaining that rating is not only a vital source of funding, but also offers the potential to reduce borrowing costs.

'Practically speaking, if we lose that rating, those portfolios will no longer be able to buy our bonds. Moreover, some investors will initiate exit strategies. While some are more exposed than others, a series of exits will naturally place pressure on our yield curve, which is already relatively high. Although spreads and yields have recently declined in our favor, avoiding a downgrade remains, in my opinion, a national priority. It's not just about sovereign financing costs, all other market issuers benchmark against the sovereign rate,' he added.

The Treasury director emphasised that state-owned companies planning to issue bonds use the sovereign rating as their point of reference.

He also noted that there is ongoing communication with rating agencies, which has recently intensified.

'There has been speculation, claims like they have lost patience' or a downgrade is coming.' That is not how they operate. The agencies will act in a rational, methodical manner, waiting to see the new government and the full fiscal policy package, after which they will make their assessment. They also maintain regular communication with the European Commission,' he said.

Nanu mentioned that Fitch has a scheduled review date of August 15, and their representatives will soon visit Bucharest. Moody's and Standard & Poor's will follow in September and October, respectively.

'That's why it is extremely important that the fiscal package puts us back on the adjustment path agreed with the European Commission, so we receive positive feedback from Brussels,' Nanu concluded.
ST. LOUIS  Radio station KDHX isnt going off the air just yet.

The quirky community station known for playing wide-ranging genres won a significant legal victory Monday, paving the way for the sale of its license and broadcasting tower to local Christian-music station 99.1 Joy FM.

But the sale wont close for at least several months.

KDHX will continue broadcasting on its 88.1 frequency until the sale goes through. It fired all of its volunteers but one  more than 100 in all  at the end of January and has been broadcasting pre-recorded programming without disc jockeys ever since.

Typically, the process takes six to nine months. As we know, with all that is happening with the federal government, we wonder if that might take longer, said Robert E. Eggmann, a bankruptcy lawyer who is representing KDHX in the case.

After the broadcast license is sold, the station plans to continue streaming online and broadcasting over HD radio, which reaches far fewer listeners than standard radio.

In Mondays hearing, Judge Kathy A. Surratt-States ruled against a group of former disc jockeys, volunteers, supporters and a creditor who objected to the proposed sale. They claimed the stations management and board of directors engaged in underhanded dealings, violations of its own bylaws and of Missouri law in the way it conducted its votes to seek bankruptcy protection and to sell the station.

The judge disagreed, ruling against each objection in turn. The judgement allowed the station to proceed with the sale of its assets to Joy FM for $8.75 million.

In a statement posted to its website Wednesday afternoon, the station said, The decision validates the integrity of our actions and affirms what we as an organization have known all along: that our efforts have been in good faith, in full compliance with our bylaws, and in service to our mission.

Eggmann said that the sale will be completed once the Federal Communications Commission approves the transfer of the license from Double Helix Corporation, which is the parent company of KDHX, to Gateway Creative Broadcasting, which is the parent company of Joy FM.

Both companies are nonprofit.

According to Eggmann, license transfers can be approved a little faster than usual when the transfer is the result of a bankruptcy and also when the entity receiving the license is already the holder of an FCC license, as is the case with Joy FM.

The sale will be approved only after objections to it, made to the FCC, are considered.

We certainly expect further objections at this time, Eggmann said.

Once the objections are handled, then I expect the FCC to approve the transfer. Once the FCC approves it, its over, he said.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  A new real estate investment firm has bought hundreds of homes here, touting an easy two-step transaction that lets residents stay in their homes as renters after they sell them.

The company, Truehold, has become one of the largest owners of single-family homes in the St. Louis region.

Four years ago, Truehold, with holdings across the country, owned just three houses in the area, according to county records. Now it has more than 700 from Ballwin to Florissant to St. Charles County.

It rents hundreds of those to traditional tenants. But what sets the company apart from other rental corporations is its uncommon purchase model: It buys houses and offers to lease them back to the original homeowners. The company says it has acquired nearly 400 homes through such sell and stay deals.

But the strategy has faced scrutiny when used by other companies. One company abruptly ceased operations after facing numerous lawsuits across the country alleging illegal and unfair practices that often targeted desperate homeowners. The federal government issued a warning that potential risks were often hidden in the fine print of complicated contracts. And local real estate agents and lawyers worry that the sale-leaseback model preys on desperate, cash-crunched homeowners.

Matt Vigil, a St. Louis University professor and staff attorney for its legal clinic, represented a Truehold tenant in a recent eviction suit and questions the business model.

No matter what the terms are, Vigil said, it feels very predatory to me.

Truehold says that, while some of its competitors may offer more complex terms, it uses standard real estate documents and typical rental agreements, and gives sellers ample time to review and seek advice before closing.

Truehold isnt a public company, so how it is funded isnt clear to outsiders. But public statements, independent researchers and government filings show Truehold is backed at least in part by tens of millions of dollars from venture capitalists and other investors.

Renters interviewed by the Post-Dispatch often said the company has been responsive to maintenance needs; some homeowners who sold to Truehold said the company made the process easy.

We didnt have a mortgage, and it did pay off some bills, said Ann Fichtinger, who sold her Ferguson home to Truehold last year. It gave us a chunk to invest.

But others reported sale hiccups, miscommunication and surprising fees.

And some, especially leaseback customers, said Truehold and its property management firm were quick to file for eviction and add on fees that were not easily explained.

Florissant resident Robert Davis said he was disabled, on a fixed income and taking care of his mom, who had dementia, when they sold their family home to Truehold in October 2023. About a year later, Truehold filed to evict him and his mom, and sued to collect unpaid rent and fees.

I dont see how anybody, no matter how smart they were, could get out of this without any scars, mentally or financially, Davis said.

The Post-Dispatch found Truehold has sought to evict sale-leaseback customers from at least 19 homes here.

And at least half of those had agreed to another unusual deal: After selling their houses, they agreed to pre-pay thousands of dollars in rent upfront, in exchange for a reduced monthly payment, according to court records and interviews. At least three customers said they still couldnt afford the rent.

Truehold CEO Connie Adams wouldnt speak on the record for this story.

But spokeswoman Molly Graizzaro said the company strives to follow best practices in its transactions with customers, and only rents to customers who meet financial qualifications.

Our communications and documentation put sellers in a position to make a fully informed decision on all aspects of the transaction, Graizzaro said in an email.

And notably, they are able to decide to not proceed with the transaction at any point without penalty.

Raising millions of dollars

Real estate investors flocked to the St. Louis region after the Great Recession in 2008, when thousands of homeowners went belly up through foreclosures. It left a glut of cheap houses available for investors to flip or rent.

Ohio-based VineBrook Homes and Georgia-based FirstKey Homes have been the biggest players in the St. Louis market for years. VineBrook owns a portfolio of more than 1,900 single-family homes in St. Louis, St. Louis County and St. Charles County, a Post-Dispatch analysis of county assessment data shows. FirstKey owns at least 1,300.

Austin-based Main Street Renewal and Truehold each own more than 700 homes here. Eight other companies own at least 200.

Truehold founder Brian Hardecker worked for New York-based Blackstone Inc., the global alternative investment manager that manages over $1.2 trillion, before he started Truehold in 2021.

His goal, he said publicly then, was to help seniors stay in their homes. He told other media outlets he was inspired by his grandfathers experience of having to leave his family home because he needed money to cover medical costs.

Along with Truehold, Hardecker launched his own asset management firm, Longmark Group, which touts its use of technology to deliver returns for investors and communities. Both Truehold and Longmark Group are owned by parent company American Secure Living, also run by Hardecker.

Truehold has raised millions of dollars from venture capitalists and other investors, according to data from Pitchbook, a global capital markets research firm. Among the firms that have invested: New York Life Ventures, the venture capital arm of the insurance giant, and 25madison, which was founded by former News Corp. and Time Warner exec Gary Ginsberg.

Truehold later broadened its customer focus from seniors and recently started its own property management firm, Hazel Valley Homes.

Although launched from New York, Truehold focused on the Midwest, St. Louis in particular, because of ties several early employees had in the area, said Graizzaro, the spokeswoman.

It rolled out a marketing campaign with radio ads and mailings. It also bought sponsored content on local news sites, including STLtoday.com.

The company told the Post-Dispatch that it has done nearly 400 sale-leaseback transactions here since 2021. A significant majority of these customers still rent with Truehold, Graizzaro said.

The company declined to share more specific numbers.

A national example

The sale-leaseback model has caused problems for other companies in other parts of the country.

A company called EasyKnock launched around 2016 offering a similar sell and stay model. It never owned more than 15 homes here, according to a Post-Dispatch analysis, but owned hundreds in other U.S. cities.

But EasyKnock customers, many of whom said they sold to the company out of desperation, fell behind after the company kept raising rents, according to a National Public Radio investigation. Many customers were evicted, leaving homes they had lived in for decades.

Attorneys general in states like Massachusetts, Michigan and Connecticut began investigating. Consumers, particularly in Texas, sued.

The Federal Trade Commission, which works to protect consumers, issued a consumer alert about sale-leaseback arrangements in October last year.

The risks  often hidden in the fine print of complicated contracts  include hefty fees, exorbitant rent, and even eviction from your home if you cant afford to pay the rent when it goes up, the agency said. (And it often does.)

EasyKnock suddenly closed two months later.

Trueholds Graizzaro declined to comment directly on EasyKnock. But she said Trueholds deals use customary terms on standard sale documentation and typical rental agreements used in everyday residential real estate transactions. She added that other competitors may offer potentially complex financial terms, such as repurchase options, in their transactions.

She said the companys process now includes having the seller meet with a third-party counselor who is certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The HUD-certified counselor reviews the sale and lease terms with the seller, concluding with a short quiz to ensure comprehension of key terms and obligations, Graizzaro said in an email.

Real estate attorneys, though, still caution homeowners considering the option.

The obvious warning is for people to really think hard about trading in their status as homeowners for being renters, said Peter Hoffman, an attorney with Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. Homeownership provides certain legal protections that are simply unavailable to tenants.

Homeowners whove fallen behind on payments can seek forbearance, refinance, sell or even file for bankruptcy, in a worst-case scenario, he said.

Tenants are just more susceptible to losing their housing, and on a much shorter timeline, if theyre unable to pay, Hoffman said.

Why some chose Truehold

St. Louis-area residents interviewed by the Post-Dispatch generally said they turned to Truehold for two reasons: Some had bills they needed to pay. Others needed to sell their homes quickly.

Fichtinger, the Ferguson resident who sold her house to Truehold last year, said she and her husband, John, had paid off the mortgage. But maintenance was getting expensive and they had other financial needs, they said. A sale-leaseback seemed attractive.

Truehold paid them $119,000 for the house, which they had lived in since 1983, and they signed a two-year lease. Since then, the Fichtingers said, the company has quickly made repairs when needed.

Now the couple pays $1,350 monthly for rent, plus $60 for sewer and $14 for trash. They hope to stay in the home as long as they can, but if the rent rises too much in the future, they may have to move.

One mishap startled them recently: They paid their monthly rent but forgot to pay the sewer and trash fees. Just days later, a letter was left on their house telling them they had three days to pay, or they would be forced to vacate the home.

Ann Fichtinger called it a heavy-handed reaction over a small amount. She said she had made all the previous payments.

But overall, the couple said theyve benefited from the arrangement.

Graizzaro, the Truehold spokeswoman, said standard practice is to send those notices in cases with far more significant balances. The notice to the Fichtingers was sent by mistake, she said, and the property manager has apologized for the miscommunication.

Mary Troy and her husband were tired of yard work at their home, also in Ferguson.

When they found an affordable condo in Kirkwood in 2021, they snapped it up and looked to sell their home fast.

Truehold offered more for their home than other companies, Troy said, plus the prospect of a quick sale.

We could jump right in and begin packing, Troy said.

It didnt go as smoothly as they had hoped, Troy said. They didnt initially think Truehold would require an inspection or charge a commission. And they ended up challenging the final offer, bringing the price to $140,000, according to county records.

By that time, they had already moved and the holidays were getting close.

So we swallowed our dislike and took the deal, Troy said.

If I had it to do over, I would have taken the time to use an agent, Troy said.

Truehold says it has always required an inspection before sales, and informed Troy of the requirement, which Troy acknowledged in an email to the company.

And it says it has always advertised a sale that includes a no-cost inspection and a 5.5% transaction fee.

A flyer received by a Post-Dispatch reporter months ago, however, did not mention a transaction fee or commission.

Another St. Louis County couple sold their home to Truehold two years ago. They had lived there for two decades.

But one of them lost their job, student loan debt had stacked up, bills were getting hard to pay, and they started looking at their options.

We were just up against it, one of them said.

They, like the others, were intrigued by Trueholds easy process, including a no-cost inspection.

Moreover, Truehold agreed to pro-rate their rent, they said, bringing monthly payments  temporarily  to about $1,200.

But, over the year, costs kept rising. Some administrative problems  a miscommunication over the sewer bill, trouble with the companys online payment portal, and confusion over late fees, the couple said  led to $5,500 in back rent and late fees, according to court records. Then their pro-rated year ran out, and their monthly rent doubled to around $2,500, twice their mortgage payment before the sale.

Now they are preparing to move.

They asked the Post-Dispatch not to publish their names because they said their family doesnt know their financial situation.

Graizzaro, the Truehold spokeswoman, said less than 20% of all sale-leasebacks include rent pre-payment. The company often sees rent pre-payment from customers selling in anticipation of their next move.

And a third-party contractor evaluates each tenants ability to make rent.

$3,000 turns into $6,600

Graizzaro said the company files litigation against customers around 15 days after missed rent payments and that a very small percentage ultimately lead to eviction.

Court records show Truehold and its property management firm have sued for rent and possession in area courts 167 times against 135 defendants since December.

The Post-Dispatch identified nearly two dozen filed against homeowners who took sale-leasebacks.

Truehold ended up dismissing almost half of all its rent and possession cases because the defendants paid overdue rent and fees, according to court records. In 71 cases, or 41%, Truehold won a default or a consent judgment in its favor. Sometimes defendants paid and the judgment was set aside; sometimes they left the homes voluntarily. Court documents show at least eight were evicted.

Many of those Truehold sued to evict were desperate for cash, often paying off thousands of dollars in credit card debt and other loans, according to court records and interviews. Some were on fixed incomes, like federal disability payments, and struggled to pay their bills. Some had medical problems, or were caring for sick family members. Others said rent, at first affordable, began to rise, and they could no longer afford it.

At least 10 of the eviction cases involving sale-leasebacks  more than half  had agreed to pre-pay their rent. Two separate sellers said they used the proceeds of their home sales.

Davis, the Florissant resident, said he moved in with his mother at her three-bedroom home after she developed dementia four years ago. The home had been in the family for over 40 years. It was where they celebrated the holidays.

Although the mortgage had been paid off, a home equity loan his mother took out years ago added to expenses, he said. Cash was tight. They needed help.

They were getting offers from investors. Truehold seemed like the better deal, Davis said. He and his mom could get money needed to pay off expenses, and theyd get to stay in the home.

Rent was about $1,395, records show.

They agreed to pay $8,500 upfront, using funds from their payout, for a lower monthly rent.

The arrangement allowed them to pay $695 a month, lease documents show.

They lasted a year. Then the lease ended, and rent was scheduled to go back up.

Truehold said Davis and his mother elected in October not to renew their lease.

Davis and his mother stayed at the home for two months after that, but they couldnt afford the full rent, and didnt pay it, Davis said.

Im a caregiver, Davis said. Ive got no brothers or sisters to help. I was exhausted.

In December, Truehold sued for back rent and late fees, about $3,000 in total, according to court records.

A judge issued a default ruling in Trueholds favor a few months later. By then, including legal fees and other charges, Davis owed almost $6,600, according to court records.

Truehold said it has not sent his debt to collections.
CLINTON COUNTY  A New Baden man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his ex-girlfriend after their breakup in 2023.

Emmet E. Metzger, now 27, admitted in interviews with police to shooting Alexis Maki, 24, multiple times in the living room of the apartment they used to share on Hanover Street in New Baden.

Investigators also obtained video footage of the shooting from a home security camera in the living room.

Clinton County Associate Judge Douglas Gruenke handed down the sentence on Monday after Metzger had pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder in April.

Clinton County States Attorney J.D. Brandmeyer argued at the sentencing hearing that Metzger was motivated by hurt feelings and called his actions horrific, according to a public statement Brandmeyer released about the conclusion of the case.

There is no excuse for killing someone in cold blood after a breakup, Brandmeyer said in his closing arguments.

Certainly hurting someones feelings cannot be the slightestjustification for ending the life of a young woman that had her entire life ahead of her.

Maki was six months away from graduating from college when she died. She was studying radiology at Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Illinois.

She was also a popular bartender at Grit and Tonic in Lebanon, her mother Lisa Brock told the Belleville News-Democrat in a 2023 interview.

Metzger stated that he had consumed cocaine, THC and alcohol beginning the night prior to and up until the time of the shooting, according to Brandmeyers statement.

The prosecutors summary of the case also stated that the defense argued for a lesser sentence based on Metzgers mental state and mental health at the time of the shooting.

Metzgers attorney didnt immediately respond to a request for further comment on Tuesday.
ST. LOUIS  St. Louis-area critics of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown turned out Wednesday afternoon at two demonstrations here, adding their voices to protests spreading around the country.

About 200 people gathered on the Tamm Avenue bridge over Highway 40 (Interstate 64) on the southern edge of Forest Park.

Meanwhile, about 200 others showed up for a protest in Aloe Plaza near Union Station. After about a half-hour, they began marching down nearby streets with a police escort. Many at the two events held signs.

Among those at Aloe Plaza was Rachel Pozzo, 30, of St. Louis' Hill neighborhood. Pozzo, who teaches English to immigrants, said she was there in support of her students.

"We have seen a lot of fear in our students since this administration took over," she said.

At the Tamm Avenue event, Alan Toussaint, 34, of Belleville, said "I'm here because of Trump's agenda to deport hardworking folks ... trying to make a living for themselves."

Another participant there, Mac McMasters, 63, of Affton, said, "I think showing up counts."

The activity here and protests elsewhere were in response to federal immigration enforcement raids in Los Angeles and Trump's move to mobilize the National Guard and Marines there.

There also has been an uptick in people arrested by immigration officials in St. Louis.

The Tamm event drew people of various ages, who stood on sidewalks on both sides of the bridge. Some brought kids in strollers, others their dogs.

Among the messages on signs were "Immigrants Get the Job Done" and "Democracy Not Dictators."

There were frequent honks of support from vehicles on 40/64 and from drivers on the Tamm bridge.

Sharon Autenreith, 60, of Maryville, said she came to the Tamm demonstration "in solidarity with the city of Los Angeles and the immigrant community."

Brad Jackson, 41, of Maplewood, also cited Los Angeles. He said constitutional rights are being "stripped away from people who deserve them."

Former U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-St. Louis, who also was on hand, spoke of people in Los Angeles as well.

"They were in solidarity with us when we were protesting in Ferguson," Bush said in an interview, referring to the demonstrations in 2014 after the shooting of Michael Brown by a police officer.

Gov. Mike Kehoe posted on X that the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri Highway Patrol and Missouri National Guard are working together to monitor protests in the state.

The agencies are not actually gathered in one command post at this time, Kehoe spokeswoman Gabby Picard said Wednesday afternoon.

As of 4:30 p.m., she said there had been no state law enforcement personnel sent in to assist with the protests in St. Louis. Both local protests had been peaceful, as of 5:15 p.m. Wednesday.

There was no word on the number of National Guard members who could become involved. National Guard members currently assisting with tornado cleanup in St. Louis would not be involved in law enforcement activities, Picard added.

While most demonstrations nationally have been peaceful, others have led to clashes with police, arrests and the use of chemical irritants to disperse crowds.

Raids in the Los Angeles area triggered days of turbulent protests across the city that began Friday. Protesters there blocked a major freeway and set cars on fire over the weekend, and police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades.

Since the weekend, demonstrations have been far less raucous. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a curfew for downtown Los Angeles to stop vandalism and looting although authorities didn't say if the looting was tied to the protests.

Activists across the country say they will hold additional demonstrations in the coming days, with "No Kings" events on Saturday to coincide with Trump's planned military parade in Washington, D.C.

The Trump administration said immigration raids and deportations will continue regardless.

The Tamm bridge protest was organized by the Missouri arm of a national group called 50501, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states, one day. The Aloe Plaza demonstration was sponsored by the Party for Socialism and Liberation.
In bringing back an old name to an Army base in Alabama, President Donald Trump is removing the installations connection to a Confederate colonel while naming it after a Missouri war hero.

Fort Novosel in southeast Alabama will once again be named Fort Rucker, but it will no longer be in honor of Confederate Col. Edmund W. Rucker, a brigade commander during the Civil War.

Trump made the announcement Tuesday while addressing troops at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to mark the Armys 250th birthday.

For a little breaking news, we are also going to be restoring the names to Fort Pickett, Fort Hood, Fort Gordon, Fort Rucker, Fort Polk, Fort A.P. Hill and Fort Robert E. Lee, the president said.

We won a lot of battles out of those forts  its no time to change, he said.

Instead, Fort Rucker will pay tribute to World War I hero Capt. Edward W. Rucker, a Missouri native with no known Alabama connections.

Fort Rucker (formerly Fort Novosel) will be named in honor of Distinguished Service Cross recipient Capt. Edward W. Rucker for extraordinary heroism in World War I, the Army said in a statement Tuesday. Flying deep behind enemy lines, then-1st Lt. Rucker and his fellow aviators engaged a numerically superior enemy force in a daring aerial battle over France, disrupting enemy movements and completing their mission against overwhelming odds.

Under then-President Joe Biden, the Defense Department changed the names of several military bases that honored Confederate figures in the wake of the 2020 George Floyd protests.

Fort Rucker was changed to Fort Novosel after Enterprise, Alabama, resident Michael Novosel Sr.

Novosel was a military aviator for more than 40 years and received the highest military honor for his service in Vietnam. He died in 2006.

Edward W. Rucker, according to the American Masonic Great War Project, is a native of Bosworth, in Carroll County, Missouri.

He joined the Missouri National Guard in 1915, serving at the Mexican border.

Rucker was later a teacher at University City High School in 1917, the Post-Dispatch reported at the time, but he left before the end of the term to go to officers camp at Fort Riley.

He later saw action in France during World War I.

He was credited with helping to down several German planes near Luneville, France on June 13, 1918.

The following was printing in the Post-Dispatch at the time.

A Paris paper printed this: First Lieut. Edward W. Rucker, Aero Squadron  Outnumbered and handicapped by his presence far behind the German lines, he and three flying companions fought brilliantly a large group of enemy planes, bringing down or putting to flight all in the attacking party, while performing an important mission near Luneville, France, on June 23, 1918.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross along with 21 other officers and enlisted men, according to the project. He was also awarded the Croix de Guerre with palm.

After World War I, he relocated to New York before moving to St. Louis.

He is buried in Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Fayette, Missouri, which is in Howard County.

The Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
Much has been said and written over the years about controversial malaria research conducted on inmates at Illinois Stateville Penitentiary starting in the 1940s.

But at least one part of that story has been largely ignored until now: the role of Black prisoners in that research, which helped lead to the modern practice of using genetic testing to understand how individual patients will react to certain medications, according to the authors of a newly published paper out of the University of Utah.

We want to highlight the stories of Black prisoners that participated in this prison research in the 1950s onward and give them their due, said Hannah Allen, a medical ethicist and assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and first author of the paper, which was published as an opinion piece Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

They havent been properly acknowledged in the past, and their participation in these studies was really foundational in launching the field of pharmacogenetics and, later on, precision medicine, said Allen, who recently completed her doctorate at the University of Utah.

Starting in the 1940s, researchers infected inmates at the Joliet-area prison with malaria to test the effectiveness of drugs to treat the illness as part of a U.S. military-funded effort to protect American troops overseas, according to the paper. A University of Chicago doctor was the principal investigator. The inmates consented to being part of the studies and were paid for their participation.

At first, the research was greeted with enthusiasm. In 1945, Life magazine ran a spread about it, featuring a photo of a Stateville inmate with cups containing malaria-carrying mosquitoes pressed against his bare chest. The first line of the story reads, In three U.S. penitentiaries men who have been imprisoned as enemies of society are now helping science fight another enemy of society.

But as the years passed, attitudes began to shift. Questions arose about whether inmates could truly, freely consent to participate in medical experiments or whether they felt coerced into them because of their often dire circumstances.

At the Nuremberg trials, defense attorneys for Nazi doctors introduced text and images from the Life article about Stateville prison, though an Illinois physician argued at the trials that the prisoners in Stateville consented to being part of medical research whereas Nazi prisoners did not, according to the JAMA paper.

In the mid-1970s, news broke about a study at Tuskegee, in which Black men with syphilis went untreated for years  news that raised awareness of ethical problems in medical research.

News outlets also began publishing more stories about prison research, according to the JAMA article. The Chicago Tribune published an article in 1973, in which an inmate participating in the Stateville malaria research said: Ive been coerced into the project  for the money. Being here has nothing to do with doing good for mankind  I didnt want to keep taking money from my family.

The experiments at Stateville came to a halt in the 1970s. A number of protections and regulations are now in place when it comes to research involving prisoners.

Since the 1970s, the Stateville research has often been discussed and analyzed but little attention has been paid to its Black participants, said James Tabery, a medical ethicist and philosophy professor at the University of Utah who led the new research, which was funded by the federal National Institutes of Health.

For a time, Black prisoners were excluded from the studies because of a myth that Black people were immune to malaria, Tabery said. Later on, once scientists had pinpointed the drug primaquine as an effective medication for malaria, they turned their attention to the question of why 5% to 10% of Black men experienced a violent reaction to the drug, according to the paper.

Ultimately, the scientists were successful, finding that the adverse reaction was related to a specific genetic deficiency.

There are people all over Chicago today that are getting tested, that clinicians are recommending they get a genetic test before they get prescribed a drug because they want to make sure that their patient isnt going to have an adverse reaction to the drug, Tabery said. Its really sort of powerful and interesting that you can trace that approach to doing good clinical medicine right back to this particular moment and place and population.

But Tabery and Allen also found that the Black prisoners were not treated the same as the white prisoners who participated in research at Stateville.

For one, they werent paid as much as the white prisoners, the rationale being that the white prisoners were infected with malaria, whereas the Black prisoners were given the drug but not infected with the disease  though some of the Black prisoners got very ill after taking the medication, according to the paper.

Also, researchers didnt protect the Black participants privacy as well as they did for other participants. They published certain identifying information about the Black participants, such as initials, ages, heights and weights, whereas participants in the previous research were represented with case numbers, according to the paper.

Researchers also recruited the Black prisoners family members for the study, which they didnt do with earlier participants, according to the paper.

You see them just doing things with the Black prisoners that theyre not doing with the white prisoners, Tabery said.

Also, though scientists made an important discovery through the research on Black prisoners, the episode also highlights the difficulty that can occur in translating discoveries into real life help for patients. Though the World Health Organization now recommends genetic testing to protect people who are sensitive to antimalarials, many of the people who would benefit most from such testing still dont receive it because of financial barriers, supply chain issues and a lack of training, according to the paper.

What we found is when you sort of shift to what was happening to the Black prisoners, these other lessons you hadnt thought of as being derivable from Stateville suddenly do become apparent, Tabery said.
NEWARK, N.J.  A federal judge ruled that the government must release Mahmoud Khalil, the former Columbia University graduate student whom the Trump administration is trying to deport over his participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Federal immigration agents detained Khalil, a legal U.S. resident, March 8 in the lobby of his university-owned apartment  the first arrest under President Donald Trump's crackdown on students who joined campus protests against the war in Gaza.

He then was flown across the country and taken to an immigration detention center in Jena, Louisiana, thousands of miles from his attorneys and wife, a U.S. citizen who gave birth to their first child while he was in custody.

Khalil's lawyers challenged the legality of his detention, accusing the Trump administration of trying to crack down on free speech. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he has the power to deport Khalil because his presence in the U.S. could harm foreign policy.

U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz earlier ruled that expelling Khalil from the U.S. on those grounds was likely unconstitutional.

In a new ruling Wednesday, the judge said Khalil showed that his continued detention is causing irreparable harm to his career, family and free speech rights.

Farbiarz gave the government until Friday to appeal the decision. He also required Khalil to post a $1 bond before he is freed.

"The court's decision is the most significant vindication yet of Mahmoud's rights," said Ramzi Kassem, co-director of CLEAR, a legal nonprofit and clinic at the City University of New York that represents Khalil. "But we aren't out of the woods until Mahmoud is free and back home with his wife and child."

Lawyers and spokespersons for the Justice Department, which are handling the case, didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

The judge's decision came after several other legal residents targeted for their activism won custody in recent weeks, including another Palestinian student at Columbia, Mohsen Mahdawi, a Tufts University student, Rumeysa Ozturk, and a Georgetown University scholar, Badar Khan Suri.

Rubio cited a rarely used statute to justify the deportation of Khalil and others, which gives him power to deport those who pose "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States."

Khalil isn't accused of breaking any laws during the protests at Columbia.

The government, however, said noncitizens who participate in such demonstrations should be expelled from the country for expressing views that the administration considers to be antisemitic and "pro-Hamas," referring to the Palestinian militant group that attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Khalil, a 30-year-old international affairs graduate student, served as a negotiator and spokesperson for student activists at Columbia University who took over a campus lawn last spring to protest Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

The university brought in police to dismantle the encampment after a small group of protesters seized an administration building.

Khalil is not accused of participating in the building occupation and wasn't among the people arrested in connection with the demonstrations.

Still, images of his maskless face at protests, along with his willingness to share his name with reporters, made him an object of scorn among those who saw the protesters and their demands as antisemitic.

The White House accused Khalil of "siding with terrorists," but has yet to give any evidence for the claim.

The Trump administration said it will take away at least $400 million in federal funding from research programs at Columbia and its medical center to punish it for not doing enough to fight what it considers to be antisemitism on campus.

Some Jewish students and faculty complained about being harassed during the demonstrations or ostracized because of their faith or their support of Israel.

Gaza war protests ignite on US college campuses
SAN FRANCISCO  Homeless people who reject three offers of shelter will be eligible for arrest on trespassing after the San Jose City Council voted Tuesday for a policy change they hope will encourage unhoused people to trade in their tents on sidewalks for beds indoors.

The vote was 9-2 in favor of adding a "responsibility to shelter" provision to the city's encampment code of conduct, which also includes expectations that homeless people will not pitch tents near schools and playgrounds or block public rights of way.

The proposal by San Jose Mayor Matt Mahon comes from a liberal city headed by a Democrat in the left-leaning San Francisco Bay Area. It's among the stricter anti-encampment deterrents proposed by elected officials since the Supreme Court in 2023 made it easier to ban homeless people from camping on public property.

It is also another sign of just how frustrated people have become with squalid tents lining sidewalks and riverbanks, and erratic behavior of those using drugs or in psychiatric distress in a state with an estimated 187,000 people in need of housing. California has about a quarter of all homeless people in the country.

Mahan says most people accept offers of shelter. But he wants to make clear to the small percentage of people who refuse, that as the city builds more shelter and interim housing, they have a responsibility to move indoors.

"I think we need a cultural change, a culture of accountability for everyone involved," said Mahan in an interview before the vote. "I don't want to use the criminal justice system to make vulnerable people's lives harder. I want to use it as a last resort."

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and former mayor of San Francisco, repeatedly urged cities to ban encampments. Arrests for illegal lodging soared in San Francisco, and its current mayor, Daniel Lurie, reiterated that it is not appropriate for people to live outdoors.

Advocates for homeless people say cracking down on encampments is traumatizing and even counterproductive. Forcing a person to clear out sets them back in their search for stability as they could lose important documents needed to apply for work and housing, they said.

"Pushing people with mental health needs or drug addiction into incarceration  without any crime committed  is both inhumane and ineffective," said Otto Lee, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, in a written statement emailed Monday to The Associated Press.

Lee and other county leaders are opposed to the mayor's proposal. They say they need more housing, beds and services, not punishment.

Pamela Campos, one of the City Council members who voted against the proposal, said she supports the idea of enhanced outreach but not the onus placed on homeless people.

"We are placing a huge amount of burden on an individual and framing it as a choice when the real culprit is a system that pushes people experiencing poverty into homelessness," she said at the meeting.

The "responsibility to shelter" proposal does not mandate an arrest after three rejected offers.

Mahan said in consultation with the city attorney's office and police it made more sense to give front-line outreach workers and police officers discretion to decide when to escalate or prioritize a situation. The city will set up a new six-officer quality of life unit within the police department.

"We don't want to overly tie their hands and tell them this is the only way to do it," the mayor said.

People who repeatedly violate the city's encampment code of conduct could be sent to a recovery center for detox or petitioned for court-mandated treatment for psychiatric or substance use disorder care, Mahan said.

San Jose has almost 1,400 shelter spots and hopes to add another 800 by the end of the year. Officials are aware they do not have enough beds, and Mahan said that people will not be punished if beds are unavailable or the only options are unsuitable.

City Council member David Cohen voted in favor, but he hopes residents who packed City Hall meetings clamoring for relief won't think this will serve as a panacea for the city's ongoing struggles with homeless encampments.

"I'm hoping we'll see some incremental improvement, but the reality is that the work we're doing will take years," he said. "People need to be prepared for the fact that it will take years, and that we don't send a signal that we've just done something magical."

Could Trump's new HUD create homeless detention camps? Here's what we know Could Trump's new HUD create homeless detention camps? Here's what we know
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Azerbaijans Parliamentary Speaker, Sahiba Gafarova, making a working visit to Kazakhstan's Astana, has delivered a speech at the 14th plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Turkic States (TURKPA), a source in the parliament told Trend.

According to her, although the territory they live in covers a vast geography, Turkic peoples have followed a similar path of development and have never lost their connections with each other. Numerous powerful states, which rose by drawing strength from the creative energy and intelligence of fraternal Turkic peoples, have left deep marks in world history and have played an important role over time in shaping the geopolitical and cultural landscape of Eurasia. In the modern era, the activities of politically independent and economically sustainable developing Turkic states have created opportunities for the rapprochement, joint development, and cooperation of the Turkic peoples.

Gafarova noted that during this period, we are witnessing the revival of Turkic unity in a new historical context based on mutual respect, strategic partnership, and joint responsibility for the future of Turkic peoples. The unity in language, thought, and action of the Turkic states is becoming an important condition for the stability and prosperity of the Turkic family. The deepening of political relations between Turkic states, the successful implementation of bilateral and multilateral economic projects in the regions where Turkic countries are located, mutual investments, and other measures have formed a new architecture of cooperation.

Continuing her speech, the speaker stated that today, in a rapidly changing world, geopolitical processes are becoming increasingly complex, global challenges require collective responses, and sustainable development depends not only on resources but also on unity, solidarity, and strategic thinking. In this regard, the Turkic world possesses a unique potential. This is not just a union of states but a civilizational space connected by a common language, history, and national-spiritual values.

Speaking about Azerbaijans contributions as an active member of the Turkic family, Gafarova said that Azerbaijan is implementing well-thought-out measures to strengthen the unity of the Turkic world. According to her, the development of bilateral and multilateral relations with Turkic states is one of the priority directions of Azerbaijans foreign policy.

She said that under the leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, the restoration of the Azerbaijani peoples territorial integrity and sovereignty as a result of the Second Karabakh War and the anti-terror operation has been a historic achievement for the entire Turkic world. These great victories not only put an end to the occupation of Azerbaijani lands but also created new geopolitical realities in the region and opened new prospects for the further consolidation of the Turkic world. Maximizing the use of existing potential in energy, transportation, transit, and other sectors and applying new formats of cooperation will further strengthen the economic unity of the Turkic states.

Gafarova pointed out that the determination of Turkic peoples and states to unite and cooperate is vividly reflected in the development path of integration organizations such as the Organization of Turkic States, TURKSOY, International Turkic Academy, Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, and Turkic Business Council.

The official also stressed that the Turkic Parliamentary Assembly, which holds its place among these cooperation organizations, has been successfully functioning for more than 15 years. Cooperation within the Assembly opens the way to use the rich potential of parliamentary diplomacy in developing political, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian relations between Turkic countries.

Sahiba Gafarova underlined that TURKPA is not only a parliamentary institution where general approaches to lawmaking are defined and initiatives for the approximation of legislation are proposed and implemented. It is also a platform for discussing issues of interest to Turkic countries and important problems of the modern era. In this sense, further expanding the institutional potential of the Parliamentary Assembly and strengthening its participation in regional and global agendas will be beneficial for the common goals of the Turkic states.

The speaker pointed out that parliamentarians should further strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation and coordination among legislative bodies and assist in implementing decisions made at the level of heads of state. Parliaments, which express the will of the people, should play a greater role in defining the institutional dimensions of the Turkic era. In the face of global challenges such as geopolitical instability, climate change, and threats to sovereignty, the capabilities of parliamentary diplomacy should be directed at protecting the interests of Turkic peoples and states. We must support each other in issues of security, information warfare, and cultural diplomacy, and help develop science, education, and digital technologies.

In conclusion, the speaker emphasized that the 21st century is an era of new opportunities for the Turkic peoples. As noted by President Ilham Aliyev, The 21st century must be a century of progress of the Turkic world.

The speaker noted that this vision is based both on shared heritage and the growing political, economic, and humanitarian potential of the Turkic states.

Gafarova added that the path to the new rise of the Turkic peoples goes through unity and solidarity, and the Azerbaijani parliament will continue to attach paramount importance to cooperation within the framework of TURKPA.

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An open letter to Chancellor Andrew Martin of Washington University in St. Louis:

As proud alumni of Washington Universitys class of 1979 (and other classes), we encourage you to join several hundred other institutions in signing the American Association of Colleges and Universitys A Call for Constructive Engagement.

Your April 30 message, Advocating for WashU and higher education, affirms the Universitys daily, direct engagement with policymakers in Washington to stand up for WashU and what we believe in. We agree that there is value in this behind-the-scenes work. You may be correct that this approach has been, and will continue to be, far more effective than any joint communication you might sign with other leaders in higher education.

However, direct engagement and joint activism are not mutually exclusive.

These are risky times not only for our beloved WashU, but also for our beloved country. It is a time for courage. As Ben Franklin purportedly declared at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.

We urge you to put WashU on the right side of history  supporting academic freedom, the rule of law, and fundamental rights  by including this great American university in the alliance of over 650 leaders in higher education.

Please endorse the AAC&Us A Call for Constructive Engagement.

Mark Silver

St. Louis

and 118 other WashU alumni
The paper, published in the journal Biogeosciences, identifies eight key environmental domains that require immediate attention:



1. Climate-resilient forest landscapes

2. Threats to coastal ecosystems and seashores

3. Declining soil fertility and erosion

4. Toxic and plastic pollution in remote ecosystems

5. Water scarcity and ecosystem degradation

6. Biodiversity collapse and ecological homogenization

7. Unsustainable food systems

8. Displacement of Indigenous stewardship and knowledge

Each issue is presented with a concise scientific background and practical policy solutions.

For forest protection, the researchers point out that curbing deforestation requires more protected areas, strong penalties for illegal logging and more satellite and ground-based data.

If forests in the Amazon are cleared for livestock farming, rainfall decreases, which can lead to crop failures in agriculture explains co-author Anja Rammig of the Technical University of Munich.

The inaugural report Current perspectives on biosphere research 20242025 addresses the urgent need for more frequent scientific updates between major global assessments such as those from the IPCC and IPBES.

An annual update is important as the various crises in the Earth system all affect the biosphere and therefore food security, material cycles and cultural and economic values, says lead author Dr. Friedrich Bohn of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research.

A Call for Inclusive and Place-Based Governance

The authors stress that top-down policies alone are not sufficient. Effective solutions must incorporate local knowledge, particularly that of Indigenous Peoples, whose territories host 60% of the worlds terrestrial mammals.

Conservation that respects and integrates Indigenous knowledge leads to better outcomes for both nature and people, says Dr. Niak Sian Koh of Oxford Universitys Nature Positive Hub.

Importantly, the report is not just a list of problemsit is a toolkit of solution-oriented proposals accessible to decision-makers at all governance levels. These are also available in a user-friendly format at www.c-pob.com.

Business as usual no longer pays off for the majority of people, says Dr. Romina Martin from the Stockholm Resilience Centre. The biosphere that once sustained us is out of balance. Yet, if policymakers, scientists, citizens, and entrepreneurs act together, we can restore stability and prosperity.

From Knowledge to Action

This publication is part of a growing movement to bridge disciplines and sectors, translating research into real-world strategies. It offers a scientific backbone for initiatives like the Global Stocktake and supports implementation of the Paris Agreement, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and Agenda 2030.

As Dr. Giles Sioen of Future Earth puts it:

"This peer-reviewed synthesis not only highlights the urgency of the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change but also equips decision-makers with science-based solutions developed over the past decade. Bridging disciplines and making knowledge accessible across sectors is critical to driving real-world impact.
Crew members painted the Douglas A-20 Havoc bomber HellN Pelican II with an image of a pelican carrying a bomb. (Jessica Gray/Australian Defence )



An American bomber from World War II that sat hidden in Papua New Guineas jungle for decades will soon go on display at a museum in Port Moresby, the island nations capital, according to the Australian air force.

The Douglas A-20 Havoc, built in 1943 in Long Beach, Calif., was assigned to 5th Air Force during the war and crash-landed in the islands interior after a combat mission the following year. Known as the HellN Pelican II, the aircraft was rediscovered in 1976 and has since undergone extensive restoration in Australia.

The bomber was shipped to Melbourne in 1943 before being flown to Papua New Guinea  then the Australian-administered Territory of New Guinea  according to information published June 6 on the Pacific Wrecks website. In March 1944, it arrived at Gusap Airfield, where it was assigned to 2nd Lt. Charles Davidson and Sgt. John McKenna.

The Douglas A-20 Havoc bomber HellN Pelican II is loaded onto the ADV Reliant in Townsville, Australia, June 5, 2025, for transport to the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery. (Jessica Gray/Australian Defence )



Painted with nose art of a pelican carrying a bomb, the HellN Pelican II flew its first mission on March 29, 1944, striking Bunabun Harbor at low altitude, according to Pacific Wrecks. On April 16, the bomber participated in another low-level strike on Holladia  present-day Jayapura  before running low on fuel in poor weather and crash-landing near the village of Amalmon.

During the landing the propellers were bent backward and the leading edge of the left wing was damaged when it impacted small trees, the website states.

Behind enemy lines, Davidson and McKenna received airdropped supplies, including a radio and life raft, according to Pacific Wrecks. They evaded Japanese patrols and crocodiles for two weeks, eventually floating down the Gogol River to safety. They were rescued by the Australian ship HMAS Matafele and returned to Gusap Airfield.

Covered by vegetation, the bomber remained hidden until its discovery in 1976. Six years later, the Papua New Guinea government offered the Havoc and another airframe to the Australian air force for restoration, Squadron Leader Karyn Markwell, an Australian air force history and heritage spokeswoman, said by email June 5.

The Douglas A-20 Havoc bomber HellN Pelican II is loaded onto the ADV Reliant in Townsville, Australia, June 5, 2025, for transport to the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery. (Jessica Gray/Australian Defence )



In 1984, a CH-47 Chinook airlifted the bomber to the HMAS Tarakan, a landing craft, which sailed it to Australia, Markwell said. Restoration efforts were carried out from 1985 to 1993 at bases in Richmond, Wagga and Amberly, using parts from other Havoc fuselages.

Although the restored aircraft was gifted to the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery in 1996, it remained at Amberlys aviation heritage center while a dedicated exhibit space was built.

The aircraft was recently disassembled and shipped back to Papua New Guinea aboard the ADV Reliant, Markwell said. It is scheduled to be unveiled at the museums new Aviation Heritage Hangar in time for the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guineas independence on Sept. 16.
National Guard troops deployed in Los Angeles on June 8, 2025, to help control immigration protests. On June 12 Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe activated the states national guard in anticipation of potential unrest. (U.S. Northern Command)



(Tribune News Service)  Gov. Mike Kehoe activated the Missouri National Guard on Thursday, declaring a state of emergency due to civil unrest, even as no evidence existed of riots or other widespread violence in the state.

The Republican governor singled out Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield and other affected communities in Missouri where events were occurring or could occur that create hazards for people and property beyond the resources of local officials.

The decision to call up the National Guard came ahead of anticipated widespread, national demonstrations on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump. On that day, Trump plans to hold a military parade in Washington, D.C.

The activation by Kehoe, a former lieutenant governor who cast himself as a champion of law and order, also comes after Trump federalized the California National Guard in response to protests in Los Angeles and also sent hundreds of Marines into the city  an extraordinary demonstration of power that local officials call provocative.

Kehoe called the Missouri activation precautionary. Nevertheless, the text of the governors executive order activating the National Guard declares that a state of emergency exists in the State of Missouri due to civil unrest.

We respect, and will defend, the right to peacefully protest, but we will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in our state, Kehoe said in a statement. While other states may wait for chaos to ensue, the State of Missouri is taking a proactive approach in the event that assistance is needed to support local law enforcement in protecting our citizens and communities.

Kehoe declared the state of emergency days before hes expected to travel to France on a trade mission. The governors office didnt immediately respond to a question about whether he would still make the trip.

Thousands of people are expected to demonstrate across Missouri on Saturday in what organizers are calling No Kings marches and gatherings.

Indivisible, the progressive organization putting on the events, has promoted events in four Kansas City area cities in both Jackson and Johnson counties. A Kansas City demonstration will be held from noon to 3 p.m. at Mill Creek Park off the Plaza.

Kehoes announcement does not indicate whether the National Guard will be deployed anywhere in the state ahead of Saturday. The governors order gives the adjutant general the power to call the Guard into active service as deemed necessary.

2025 The Kansas City Star.

Visit kansascity.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division arrive at Osan Air Base, South Korea, on May 30, 2025. (Oniel McDonald/U.S. Army)



CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  A Stryker brigade from Colorado arrived in South Korea late last month as the Armys latest rotational unit tasked with deterring regional threats for the next nine months.

Soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Carson flew into Osan Air Base on May 30 to replace troops from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, according to an Eighth Army news release Wednesday.

The outgoing Stryker team, out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., has served in South Korea since October. It will officially transfer authority to the incoming team in a ceremony Wednesday at Camp Casey, about 15 miles from the border with North Korea.

Our presence in Korea is a clear demonstration of U.S. resolve, and the Raider Brigade is honored to enhance our long-standing alliance, Col. Clint Tisserand of 4th ID said in the release. This deployment is more than a rotation; its a chance to sharpen our edge and uphold the commitment we share with [South Korea].

During its rotation, the 7th ID soldiers took part in numerous joint drills with South Korean troops, including the 10-day Freedom Shield exercise on air, land, sea and cyberspace.

Roughly 3,500 soldiers and 1,500 prepositioned vehicles comprise the rotational force, which supports the 2nd Infantry Division headquartered at Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. military installation overseas.

The Army began rotating units into South Korea in 2013 to bolster the countrys defenses against the North, while also offering U.S.-based soldiers the opportunity to train in unfamiliar terrain. The rotations are also viewed as a deterrent to Chinas growing military influence in the region.

Initially composed of armored brigade combat teams with heavy equipment like M1A2 Abrams tanks, the rotational force shifted in 2022 to lighter, more mobile Stryker brigades equipped with eight-wheeled combat vehicles.
Marines take part in a rededication ceremony for the historic Zero Hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 11, 2025. (Janiqua Robinson/Stars and Stripes)



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan  For decades, it stood largely ignored, its thick concrete walls weathered by air raids and time  a relic from a different era, tucked away on this modern military installation south of Hiroshima.

On Wednesday evening, the Zero Hangar was formally rededicated in a ceremony that sought to both honor the past and underscore the present strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

The event drew a crowd of American and Japanese military personnel, including Rear Adm. Ichiro Ishikawa, head of Fleet Air Wing 31 of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

The air stations commander, Col. Richard Rusnok, delivered remarks that recalled MCAS Iwakunis wartime role and the hangars survival. During WWII, the base served as a training site for the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service and became the target of repeated American air raids.

On 9 August 1945, Iwakuni was once again attacked by B-24s from the 11th Bomb Group operating out of Okinawa with a focus on roads, railways, remaining oil facilities, and the air station, Rusnok told the crowd. In this raid, three of the hangars were destroyed with likely casualties in at least one of those hangars where civilians took shelter.

The Zero Hangar was the only one of its kind left standing after the bombings, its 40-centimeter-thick concrete walls withstanding blasts that flattened the rest of the base.

Marines rehearse in front of the Zero Hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 11, 2025, ahead of a rededication ceremony for the historic structure. (Janiqua Robinson/Stars and Stripes)

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni's commander, Col. Richard Rusnok, chats with Rear Adm. Ichiro Ishikawa, head of Japan's Fleet Air Wing 31, ahead of the Zero Hangar rededication ceremony on the base south of Hiroshima. (Janiqua Robinson/Stars and Stripes)

Guests tour the Zero Hangar during a rededication ceremony for the historic structure at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 11, 2025. (Janiqua Robinson/Stars and Stripes)

A young guest checks out the replica Zero fighter on display inside the historic Zero Hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 11, 2025. (Janiqua Robinson/Stars and Stripes)

Guests check out the replica Zero fighter on display inside the historic Zero Hangar at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 11, 2025. (Janiqua Robinson/Stars and Stripes)



The structure is believed to have housed various aircraft during the war, including the Mitsubishi A6M, better known as the Zero, or Type 00. Sleek and maneuverable, the aircraft played a central role in the wars closing chapters.

It fell into disrepair over the years, Rusnok said of the hangar. It was slated for demolition multiple times. At times, deployed personnel found reasons to borrow their leaders cars and park in the top of the hangar  a true testament to the strength of materials used to build it.

Rusnok shared insight into the hangars unofficial legacy among the U.S. military community.

There was also a Zero Hangar qualification that involved riding a bicycle over the top, he said, drawing laughter from the crowd. As air station commander, I implore you not to do any of those activities today.

In 1986, the bases then-commander, Col. D.J. McCarthy, worked with the Japanese American Cultural Friendship Association to preserve the structure and repurpose it as a museum. A replica Zero aircraft  used in the 1984 Japanese film Zero Fighter in Flames  was placed inside.

Navy Chief Petty Officer Steve Parson collaborated with Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Busken, the Seabee lead, to spruce up the hangar, according to a statement emailed Thursday by 2nd Lt. Justin Weinstein, a base spokesman. As part of the project, the team added custom-built display cases to showcase key artifacts tied to the hangars history.

The displays include a historical flag signed by Japanese Imperial pilots, a parachute, and a letter from the film studio that donated the Zero replica to the air station, the statement said.

Today, we are here to rededicate that museum, nearly 40 years from when it opened and 80 years later from when the shrapnel scars on its outside were made by falling bombs, Rusnok said at the rededication. Tonight is an opportunity to remember the past, but also to celebrate all that is good here in Iwakuni. There is no greater force for good in the Indo-Pacific region than the U.S.-Japan alliance, and that alliance is stronger than ever here in Iwakuni.
Sailors assigned to the Virginia-class submarine USS Minnesota conduct mooring operations at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia, Australia, on Feb. 25, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo)



WASHINGTON  The Pentagon is reviewing a Biden-era deal to share nuclear-powered submarine technology with Australia and the United Kingdom and could scrap the deal if it doesnt align with President Donald Trumps agenda.

A 2021 pact by Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States  known as AUKUS  was formed to build up Australias maritime capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China. The agreement outlines the U.S. selling at least two Virginia-class submarines to Australia in the 2030s, with other submarines jointly built. The U.S. and Britain are also training Australian navy personnel, which began in 2023 as part of the agreement.

The review is being conducted to verify the pact meets Trumps common sense, America first criteria, according to a defense official who spoke Thursday on the condition of anonymity.

As [Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth] has made clear, this means ensuring the highest readiness of our service members, that allies step up fully to do their part for collective defense, and that the defense industrial base is meeting our needs, the official said.

The review drew backlash from some lawmakers who have been staunch advocates of the trilateral agreement, including Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Democrat of the subcommittee on seapower.

If this administration is serious about countering the threat from China  like it has said as recently as this morning  then it will work expeditiously with our partners in Australia and the U.K. to strengthen this agreement and ensure we are taking steps to further boost our submarine industrial base. Anything less would play directly into Chinas hand, Kaine said in a statement Wednesday.

Rep. Joe Courtney of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committees seapower subpanel, pointed out the United Kingdom conducted their own review of AUKUS. He said the U.S. will likely reach the same conclusion as the U.K: AUKUS is overwhelmingly in the interest of all three nations and the entire Indo-Pacific.

Abandoning AUKUS would cause lasting harm to our standing with close allies and rejoice in Beijing, Courtney said.

Australias defense minister dismissed concerns Thursday that the deal was under review, The Associated Press reported. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles told local reporters that he had known about the review of the deal for some time, saying it was a very natural step for the incoming administration to take. He noted the UKs government also reviewed AUKUS after it was elected, and his own government had looked at it as part of its own review of Australias entire defense posture.

I think an incoming government having a look at this is something that they have a perfect right to do, and we welcome it and well work with it, he said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles deliver remarks prior to a bilateral exchange at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore on May 30, 2025. (Defense Department)



Hegseth and Marles met on the sidelines of a defense conference in Singapore less than two weeks ago. Afterward, Marles told reporters that he was optimistic and had come away with a sense of confidence about the way in which AUKUS is proceeding, the AP reported.

Hegseths address to the defense forum made multiple mentions of cooperation with Australia but no reference to AUKUS. Hegseth later mentioned the deal when he was taking questions, urging allies in the Indo-Pacific to increase their defense spending and underscored the need for a strong, resolute and capable network of allies and partners as the U.S. seeks to counter China.

In January, Australia made the first of six $500 million payments to the U.S. under the AUKUS deal. And in February, the Virginia-class USS Minnesota arrived in Western Australia, marking the first of several planned visits by U.S. submarines this year.

For years, the U.S. Navy has struggled to keep the construction of its Virginia-class submarines on track. A shipbuilding review last year found the submarines were 24-36 months behind schedule.

Michael Sharpe, the chief executive officer of the AUKUS forum, lauded the review as an assessment that has the potential to strengthen the allied program for the long term. The review, he said, presents Australia with the opportunity to take on more of the industrial burden felt by the U.S. The forum is a member-led organization connecting industry, academia, research, government, and defense across the three partner countries.

The reality is well known: the United States submarine industrial base is stretched. The challenge of building two Virginia-class submarines per year, while simultaneously ramping up Columbia-class production, places enormous demand on the U.S. workforce and supply chain. The AUKUS agreement was never about adding to that burden  it was about designing a solution, Sharpe said.

He suggested Australia help produce heavy forgings, submarine-grade steels, precision components and specialized parts that align with Virginia-class requirements. Sharpe witnessed the skills, he said, at the forums first AUKUS Steel and Forging Summit earlier this year.

AUKUS was never meant to be a one-way transaction. It is designed to integrate our nations  industrially, technologically, militarily  to meet shared threats and seize shared opportunities, Sharpe said. The submarine program is not simply an acquisition  it is the launch pad for a new era of joint industrial capability.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Sailors salute aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln as they arrive at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., on Dec. 20, 2024. (U.S. Navy)



The Navy is searching for a sailor from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln missing since late last month.

Seaman Sergio Valoura, a culinary specialist, left the ship on May 30, according to a statement from the Naval Air Forces commander in San Diego.

Valoura failed to report for assigned duties, which led to a ship-wide search for the sailor, the Navy said. When he was not found aboard the carrier, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service was notified.

An alert was also sent to local law enforcement authorities in San Diego, where Abraham Lincoln is now. The Navy said it also contacted the sailors family, but did not disclose in the statement where they live.

Seaman Valouras whereabouts remain unknown, according to the statement. The U.S. Navy is cooperating fully with the search efforts led by NCIS and local authorities, as the sailors safety and well-being remain the top priority.

Photos of Culinary Specialist Seaman Sergio Veloura posted on Facebook by friends seeking to find his whereabouts. (Facebook)



The Navy stated it could not provide Valouras age, hometown, or the length of his service in the Navy.

The Abraham Lincoln is at its homeport at Naval Air Station North Island. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier returned Dec. 20, 2024, from a five-month deployment to the Middle East. It participated in operations to suppress Houthi rebels attacking commercial and military shipping in the Red Sea.

Crewmates and friends of Valouras have been seeking information on his whereabouts for more than a week via social media.

A Facebook post on a naval aviation-related group page stated Valoura was last seen walking on the hangar deck of the aircraft carrier on the morning of May 30.

Valoura was reported missing by his (chain of command) and is believed to be in danger of hurting himself, one members post read. Sailors that work with him reported that he has no cell phone and no family contacts.

A photo is posted on Facebook of Valoura in his culinary specialist uniform in front of an American flag, paired with a shot of him wearing a coronavirus-type mask.

Valouras name did not appear in San Diego-area military and civilian arrest records published as of Thursday afternoon.

Anyone with information is urged to contact NCIS at www.ncis.navy.mil or by using the NCIS Tips app.
Handblown glass Christmas ornaments from 2024 for sale at Meisenthal Glassworks in Meisenthal, France. Each year, the facility designs a new ornament, which is highly sought-after. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)



If you ask staff at Meisenthal Glassworks in northeastern France why the site is closed to the public during the first three months of the year, theyll tell you they need that long to recover from the Christmas rush.

Each winter, tens of thousands of people descend on the tiny village of Meisenthal a little more than an hours drive from the Kaiserslautern Military Community to buy handblown glass Christmas ornaments.

The glassworks releases a newly designed ornament each holiday season, and because its wares arent sold online, customers must buy them in person, sometimes waiting in line for up to three hours.

But those who come before the holiday rush, when the pace is slower, will find more than souvenirs.

Between April and October, visitors can check out live glassblowing demonstrations, museum exhibits and hands-on workshops. Come November, the sole focus at the glassworks is on making and selling the Christmas ornaments.

Zelia Collot works in cultural outreach at the facility, known in French as the Site Verrier Meisenthal. During my recent visit, she shared a wealth of insights into the operation.

When people come here, they understand glass  how you can make it, how you can work it  and how important it has been to this area, Collot said.

A craftsman uses a blowpipe to create a glass object at the International Center of Glass Art in Meisenthal, France, on May 29, 2025. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)

Visitors at the International Center of Glass Art in Meisenthal, France, watch as staffers make a glass object May 29, 2025. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)

The International Center of Glass Art and the Glass Hall, left, in Meisenthal, France, are part of Meisenthal Glassworks, a production facility where the area's long tradition of glassblowing is being kept alive. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)



From an elevated observation area of the International Center for Glass Art, known by the French abbreviation CIAV, visitors can watch craftsmen shape molten glass into objects, while they periodically explain the process to onlookers.

Demonstrations are in French, but theyre easy to follow even with little or no knowledge of the language. English-speaking guides are available by advance reservation and can assist with translation if desired.

Visitors can also access a free digital guide in English by scanning a QR code on site. It provides information on all areas of the glassworks.

The opening of the CIAV in 1992 marked the start of a revival of glassblowing in Meisenthal after decades of dormancy. The goal wasnt mass production, but the preservation of traditional techniques and the training of a new generation of glassmakers.

Since at least the Middle Ages, artisans have used the areas silica-rich sandstone, potash, wood and water to make glass. Meisenthals factory began operating in 1711, part of a growing network of glassworks in the area.

In the 20th century, though, the rise of plastic, shifts in global trade and high energy costs contributed to the decline of the traditional glassworks. Meisenthals factory closed in 1969.

A statue of a glassblower in the village of Lemberg, France, pays tribute to the areas long history of glassmaking. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)

Medusa Chandelier by artist Christelle Familiari is on display at the Glass Museum, part of Meisenthal Glassworks in Meisenthal, France. Familiari is from the northwestern French city of Rennes. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)



Nowadays, the CIAV is the heart of the glassworks. In addition, the site includes a glass museum featuring technical displays and touchable objects that explain traditional production methods.

Visitors can also see a collection of works by Emile Galle, a pioneer of French Art Nouveau who collaborated with Meisenthal glassmakers in the mid-1800s, as well as pieces by modern artists.

The third component of the glassworks is the Glass Hall, a towering brick-and-steel structure built in the early 20th century. Once used in production, it now hosts concerts, exhibitions and other events.

The space can accommodate up to 3,000 spectators despite retaining two large glassmaking furnaces that are no longer used. Swedish musician Eagle-Eye Cherry, known for his 1997 hit Save Tonight, is scheduled to perform there in October.

For those eager to explore more of the regions glassmaking legacy, Meisenthal is one of three stops along the Etoiles Terrestres, or Earthly Stars, glass route. The other two are the Saint-Louis crystal works in Saint-Louis-les-Bitche and the Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder.

An International Center of Glass Art craftsman heats glass in Meisenthal, France, for eventual use in a vase. The center is part of the Meisenthal Glassworks, which is famous for its in-demand Christmas ornaments. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)

Glass is heated in a furnace at the International Center of Glass Art in Meisenthal, France, on May 29, 2025. The glass must be kept above a certain temperature as workers transform it into different objects. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)



Monuments to glass production can also be found in nearby villages, including Lemberg and Goetzenbruck, which is credited with starting Frances glass ornament tradition in the 19th century.

At the time, apples were commonly used to decorate Christmas trees. But a poor harvest one year is said to have inspired Goetzenbruck glassblowers to create glass apples to hang on the trees instead.

By the late 1800s, the village had become Frances leading producer of holiday ornaments. Over time, Goetzenbrucks factory shifted to industrial glass used in watches and glasses, and the handmade ornament tradition gradually faded.

It might have disappeared entirely if not for several former Goetzenbruck glassblowers who in the 1990s passed on their knowledge to a new generation of artisans in Meisenthal.

The ornaments that draw most people are only the most visible part of a much older story. People who head to Meisenthal for more than just Christmas commercialism will find a village thats keeping its past alive, one piece of glass at a time.

Glass art by Giampaolo Amoruso is on display at the Glass Museum, part of Meisenthal Glassworks in Meisenthal, France. (Phillip Walter Wellman/Stars and Stripes)



Meisenthal Glassworks

Address: Place Robert Schuman, Meisenthal, France

Hours: Glassworks (except for special events at the Glass Hall) April 1-Oct. 19 and November through the end of the year, Tuesday-Sunday, 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: Full adult price, 9 euros; students, people with disabilities, 4.50 euros; children 6-17, 4 euros; children under 6, free; family/day pass, 18 euros; adult annual pass, 12 euros; annual pass for children 6-17, 7 euros.

Information: https://ciav-meisenthal.fr/accueil; +33 3 87 96 81 22; contact@site-verrier-meisenthal.fr
Evans Musoka, of Kenya, performs at Tokyo Comedy Bar on May 17, 2025. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)



Theres something funny about one of the bars near Shibuya Station in Tokyo.

In my opinion, a lot of stuff in Shibuya is laughable  theres a fine line between incredibly cool and unintentionally amusing.

People at the Tokyo Comedy Bar are OK with others laughing at  or along  with them.

The third-floor club includes a cramped bar serving craft beer and snacks, but the action happens in the room next door where comedians prowl in the darkness.

Craft beer and laughter come together at Tokyo Comedy Bar, just steps away from Shibuya Station. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)



The venue isnt fancy  just a room with 55 foldout chairs, a small stage and a sound system  but its intimate setting means youll have a good chance of interacting with the performers.

Are you an expert heckler? Everyone in the room will be able to hear your jibes. But be prepared to become the butt of the joke.

Tokyo Comedy Bar opened three years ago, cofounder Johnathan Wakrat, a Canadian expat, told me during a recent Saturday night session.

That evening, a diverse audience, including members of the U.S. military community, packed the house for a showcase hosted by Kenyan Evans Musoka and featuring Hong Kong comedians Garron Chiu and Tim To, alongside local favorite Yurie Collins.

Musoka kicked things off by riffing on immigrants struggles in Tokyo, such as being arrested by extremely polite police.

To told some R-rated jokes related to his experience as a Chinese Canadian before Collins explained her dream of landing a sugar daddy who could fund cosmetic surgery. Chiu shared a story about getting upgraded to business class and leaving his wife to ride in economy on a recent flight.

Local favorite Yurie Collins performs at Tokyo Comedy Bar in Shibuya, May 17, 2025. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)



American troops and their family members are often in the crowd, Wakrat said, before adding that a few members of the U.S. military community also perform there.

After starting out a few years ago with just four or five shows a week, Tokyo Comedy Bar now hosts around 75 shows a month in both Japanese and English, he said.

There are also regular shows in Spanish and for the LGBT community, Wakrat said.

People who can sell 5,000 tickets usually go to a theater, he said of big-name comedians who visit Tokyo. But some enjoy performing for smaller audiences at the comedy bar, he added.

Tokyo Comedy Bars main draw is its nightly 7:30 p.m. Stand-Up Comedy Showcase, with a 9 p.m. slot typically featuring open mics, international headliners or Japanese-language acts.

While tickets are sometimes available at the door, Wakrat recommends reserving online to avoid being turned away on popular nights.

Tokyo Comedy Bar is expanding its reach beyond the Shibuya venue. It now hosts a quarterly comedy event at the U.S. militarys New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo, part of a growing portfolio of comedy ventures in Japan.

Tokyo Comedy Bar

Location: 1-5-9 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0043

Hours: Regular shows run daily starting at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Prices: As low as 2,000 yen (about $14) for weekday performances to 5,000 yen for international headliners.

Dress: Casual

Directions: A short walk from Shibuya Stations Hachiko Exit.

Information: Online: tokyocomedybar.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. At the ongoing trial held at the Baku Military Court on June 12, the accused Levon Mnatsakanyan responded to questions from the state prosecutor concerning the April 2016 battles, Trend reports.

Mnatsakanyan, who at the time held the rank of lieutenant-general and served as the so-called Minister of Defense of the illegal regime, admitted that the Armenian side lost control of 18 combat positions during the clashes.

The court also reviewed footage from Mnatsakanyans interview with journalists following the April battles.

The overall situation is stable; the combat readiness of the troops is at an appropriate level; our borders are securely protected and are in safe hands, he stated.

When asked whether the opposite side was also defending, Mnatsakanyan answered, Yes.

Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for State Prosecution Protection of the Prosecutor General's Office, questioned Mnatsakanyan about the identity of the opposing side and whom they were defending against. The accused failed to provide specific answers.

The trial continues against Armenian nationals accused of grave offenses, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, aggression, terrorism, and violations of the laws of war. Charges also include the financing of terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and other serious crimes.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A Chinese J-15 carrier-based fighter flew unusually close to a Japanese P-3C patrol aircraft twice over the weekend, Japan's Ministry of Defense said June 11, 2025. (Japans Ministry of Defense)



Chinese fighter jets had two close encounters with Japanese patrol aircraft as Beijings two aircraft carriers operated simultaneously in the Pacific for the first time, according to Japans military.

A Shenyang J-15 carrier-based fighter tailed a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3C patrol plane for 40 minutes Saturday morning and 80 minutes Sunday afternoon, coming within 150 feet of the Japanese aircraft during both incidents, the Ministry of Defense said in a news release Wednesday.

On Sunday, a J-15 also crossed within 3,000 feet in front of the Japanese aircraft. A photo released by the ministry shows the Chinese jet flying to the left of the P-3C over international waters. No injuries or damage occurred, the ministry said.

A spokesman with Japans Joint Staff did not confirm whether the same Chinese jet was involved in both incidents. Some Japanese government officials speak to the press only on condition of anonymity.

The unusual approach of such Chinese military aircraft could provoke accidental collisions, the release said. The ministry called on Beijing to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Both encounters involved a J-15 that took off from the aircraft carrier Shandong, one of five Chinese warships operating about 340 miles southeast of Miyako Island. The group entered Japans exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, on Monday, according to a Joint Staff news release that day.

Meanwhile, the aircraft carrier Liaoning and three accompanying warships were spotted over the weekend in Japans easternmost EEZ, approximately 185 miles southwest of Minamitorishima, the Joint Staff said Sunday.

It marked the first time Chinas two carriers have been seen operating simultaneously in the Pacific, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said Tuesday during a news conference in Tokyo.

The movements are likely part of Beijings efforts to expand its blue-water naval capabilities, a Joint Staff spokesperson told Stars and Stripes this week.

In response, Japan is advancing the installment of mobile warning and control radars in the remote islands on the Pacific side to strengthen air defense in the surrounding airspace of our nation, Nakatani said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a news conference Monday that the carriers operations are fully consistent with international law and international practices.

In a post Tuesday on its official X account, the Chinese navy said the carriers were [testing] their capabilities in far seas protection and joint operations.
South Korean soldiers inspect loudspeaker equipment at an unspecified location near the Demilitarized Zone, June 9, 2024. (South Korean army)



North Korea stopped broadcasting propaganda along the inter-Korean border late Wednesday, hours after the South took the first step by silencing its own loudspeakers  a move aimed at easing tensions.

South Korea halted its broadcasts along the 160-mile Demilitarized Zone at 2 p.m. Wednesday, according to a statement from the presidential office the following day.

By that evening, no North Korean broadcasts were heard along the border, South Korean army Col. Lee Sung-jun said during a news conference Thursday.

The Souths loudspeakers have typically played K-pop music, news and other content intended to challenge Pyongyangs ideological control. North Koreas broadcasts, in contrast, feature political monologues condemning South Korean society and democratic governance.

The mutual silence follows a move by newly inaugurated South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, who campaigned on restoring trust with the North. It also marks one of the first foreign policy actions of his administration.

In June 2024, former President Yook Suk Yeol restarted the loudspeakers after a six-year pause, citing North Korean ballistic missile tests and waves of trash-carrying balloons launched into the South. The escalation led both countries to scrap a 2018 agreement that restricted military drills and flights near the heavily fortified border.

Pyongyangs quick response may indicate openness to improved relations under the new administration, said Koh Yu-hwan, professor emeritus of North Korean studies at Dongguk University in Seoul.

North Korea will pay attention to how the new South Korean government will define its stance, he told Stars and Stripes by phone Thursday. Since South Korea has made positive moves, I believe North Korea will refrain from further provocations.

Koh added that while immediate reconciliation is unlikely, gradual steps could lead to a more stable relationship.

It would be hard to return immediately to the peaceful past, he said. However, we can expect North Korea to adjust their stance on South Korea, not aggravating our current situation.
A family and service members walk outdoors at the U.S. Navy base in Manama, Bahrain, May 31, 2023. (Jensen Guillory/U.S. Army)



MANAMA, Bahrain  Military family members in the Middle East are now authorized to fly anywhere in the United States at government expense for up to six months under guidance released by base officials in Bahrain, as expectations mount of conflict between Israel and Iran.

The decision to depart is voluntary for spouses, children and other dependents in Bahrain, an island kingdom located less than 100 miles across the Persian Gulf from Iran. The country hosts the U.S. 5th Fleet.

Flight tickets will be issued through military travel agencies and officials have discouraged families from booking commercially out of Bahrain. Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses isnt guaranteed, according to a fact sheet disseminated by the U.S. military.

Officials expect a quick turnaround on issuing tickets, though processing time could depend on the volume of requests received. It remained unclear Thursday just how many people planned to take the offer.

Naval Support Activity Bahrain in Manama, Bahrain, shown here on April 14, 2022, is the headquarters of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, the U.S. 5th Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces. (J.P. Lawrence/Stars and Stripes)



Those who do leave will receive a per diem stipend for expenses while the voluntary departure rules remain in place. The pay drops from 100% of authorized rates to 60% after 30 days for dependents over 12; children younger than that receive 50% of the authorized locality rate for the first month, and 30% afterward, up to 180 days.

Students at Department of Defense Education Activity school in Bahrain may choose to disenroll if they take the voluntary departure due to its length, DODEA spokeswoman Jessica Tackaberry said Thursday.

Families are expected to enroll their children in a school near their designated safe haven. However, high school students enrolled in DODEAs Expended Eligibility Pilot Program may take online courses if their new schools do not offer the classes needed to stay on track for graduation.

A departure checklist notes that families can ship up to 350 pounds of unaccompanied baggage per dependent 12 years and older or 175 pounds for those under 12, with a total not exceeding 1,000 pounds.

Dependents can take up to two household pets  defined as cats and dogs  if they currently own them at their permanent duty stations.

Troops belonging to multiple organizations are stationed at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, including U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, the U.S. 5th Fleet, and several regional partnerships such as the Combined Maritime Forces. (J.P. Lawrence/Stars and Stripes)



For households with two active duty parents or a single parent, one guardian is authorized to escort children to the departure location and must have a plan in place for the dependent at their safe haven location before leaving.

Mission essential personnel arent authorized to travel with their dependents to the safe haven location unless they are unable to travel alone.

Authorized locations include all states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands and U.S. territories.

An alert from the Joint Maritime Information Center in Bahrain warned Wednesday that any hostilities between Israel and Iran could spill over into the broader region.

Alerts went out on Wednesday to service members as reports came in of the State Department also drawing down the presence of nonessential staffers throughout the region.

In addition to ordering the departure of personnel in Iraq, the State Department on Thursday restricted government employees and their families in Israel from traveling outside the greater Tel Aviv area.

The department added that mortar, rocket and missile fire, as well as drone attacks, often take place without any warning. Employees and their families should know the location of the nearest shelter, the advisory said.

The U.S. for months has been in engaged in stalled talks with Iran over the future of its nuclear program while also trying to negotiate a peace deal between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hamas in Gaza.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under public pressure over exemptions that allow ultra-Orthodox citizens to avoid registering for military service. The 20-month war in Gaza has required repeated call-ups of Israeli reservists.

Netanyahu survived an attempt to dissolve parliament Thursday morning with support from ultra-Orthodox coalition partners.
Afghan evacuees board a flight to the U.S. from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 30, 2021.The Justice Department inspector general's office recently released an audit stating that the FBI was effective in vetting Afghans who fled to the U.S. immediately following the fall of the U.S.-backed government in Kabul. (Senior Airman Milton Hamilton)



The FBI effectively screened tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees who came to the U.S. immediately following the collapse of the Kabul government in 2021, according to a newly released audit from the Justice Departments inspector general.

The report comes as veterans and advocates fight to preserve Operation Enduring Welcome, the long-term program to resettle Afghans who assisted the U.S. during the nearly 20-year war. The Trump administrations budget request for the next fiscal year would defund the program.

Administration officials have said they are ending funding for the program as part of an effort to ensure that refuge is provided only to those credibly at risk while maintaining broader U.S. national security priorities.

Groups like #AfghanEvac, a veteran-run group that advocates for Afghans, say the program has been proven to be secure and that ending it would leave them vulnerable to the Taliban.

The audit, released Tuesday, focuses on Afghans who traveled to the U.S. between July 2021 and September 2022. It found that the FBIs terrorist screening center properly identified 55 evacuees on the terrorist watch list and followed the correct processes to protect against any threats.

Overall, we found that each of the responsible elements of the FBI effectively communicated and addressed any potential national security risks identified, the DOJ inspector general report said.

In the weeks leading up to the Talibans takeover of Kabul, the U.S. already had begun processing Afghan nationals who assisted the U.S. and were eligible for special immigrant visas.

Passports of Afghan civilians await vetting on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Sept. 10, 2021. The FBI was effective in vetting Afghans who fled to the U.S. immediately following the fall of the Kabul government, the Justice Department's inspector general said. (Brian Bolin Jr./U.S. Marine Corps)



The seizure of the capital on Aug. 15, 2021, put those allies at increased risk of retaliation from the Taliban and prompted the U.S. to expand its efforts to evacuate them.

The typical process for vetting travelers was overtaken by the need to immediately evacuate and protect the lives of Afghans, the audit said, increasing the potential that bad actors could try to exploit the expedited evacuation.

As a result, Homeland Security, in coordination with the Pentagon, State Department and U.S. intelligence community, had to establish a unique system to screen and vet the Afghan evacuees. The audit described it as a multi-layered, dynamic process that continues today.

The audit did identify one weak point in the process due to limited access to databases and information during the initial wave of evacuations, but said any potential risk was mitigated through subsequent vetting.

The 55 evacuees identified either were already on the terrorist watch list but made it to a U.S. port of entry or were added to the watch list during evacuation and resettlement. As of July 2024, 46 of the evacuees had been removed from the watchlist and the remaining nine all were being properly tracked.

The inspector general also noted one case where an Afghan evacuee, who entered the U.S. in September 2021, was charged by the Justice Department for conspiring to conduct a terrorist attack on Election Day in 2024 on behalf of the Islamic State.

Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, said the arrest of the would-be terrorist and the audit are proof that the U.S. vetting system for Afghans is sound.

In short, it wasnt perfect, but it was effective  and transparent, he said in a statement.

In addition to ending Operation Enduring Welcome, the administration also has moved to close the office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts within the State Department and transfer those duties to the Afghan Affairs Office.

The Department of Homeland Security also recently announced it would terminate temporary protected status for Afghan nationals, prompting outcry from advocates who say it could force Afghans to return to a hostile country.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, speaks to journalists in Vienna, Austria, on May 28, 2025. (Jon Gambrell/AP)



(Tribune News Service)  Iran said it would establish a new uranium-enrichment center in response to a decision by the United Nations atomic watchdog to censure the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program, deepening a crisis thats also drawn in the U.S. and Israel.

The new site will be at an unspecified secure location, and will be accompanied by the replacement of enrichment devices at an existing site, Fordow, with newer machines, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said in a statement Thursday. Other measures will be announced later, it said, without elaborating.

This will mean a significant increase in the production of enriched materials, AEOI spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi told the state-run IRNA news agency.

The lack of detail about the new facility potentially puts Tehran further in breach of its IAEA obligations, which specify that inspectors need to receive early notification of any move to expand production.

The International Atomic Energy Agencys board of governors approved a resolution in Vienna on Thursday that deemed Iran in non-compliance of its international obligations, setting up a potential referral to the U.N. Security Council for a renewal of sanctions.

Ahead of the vote, Irans ambassador to U.N., Saeid Iravani, said his countrys response to a censure that triggered the renewal of Security Council sanctions could include initiating the process of withdrawing from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, according to IRNA.

The breakdown in nuclear diplomacy comes alongside a corresponding rise in regional tensions. The U.S. ordered some staff to depart its embassy in Baghdad and authorized families of military service members to leave the region, officials said, while U.S. President Donald Trump said hes growing less confident about the prospects for a successful deal to impose new limits on Irans nuclear program.

Iran warned it could hit U.S. military assets in the Middle East if the talks collapse and the Islamic Republic is attacked. Oil prices rose the most since October on the mounting tensions, before paring gains on Thursday.

Negotiations between Iran and the Trump administration have stalled over whether or not Tehrans engineers will retain their right to enrich uranium. The U.S. and Israel have publicly insisted Iran cant possess that key technology  critical for producing the fuel needed for nuclear reactors and bombs.

A comprehensive deal is likely contingent on the U.S. allowing Iran to retain some domestic enrichment capacity, analysts at the Eurasia Group wrote in a note this week.

Iran has previously offered to end its ramp up of highly-enriched uranium in exchange for sanctions relief, after producing a record volume over the last quarter. That material could quickly be turned into the fuel for the equivalent of 10 bombs, should Irans leadership take the political decision to pursue weapons.

While Tehrans officials provided few details about its new enrichment facility, analysts and diplomats have previously flagged tunneling and construction activities near its Natanz enrichment site in central Iran. The IAEA has been provided with design information about the new site, according to Kamalvandi.

The IAEAs vote was highly divided, with 19 in favor  led by the U.S. and European nations  and three against, including China and Russia. There were 11 abstentions.

The resolution, which says the IAEA is unable to determine that Irans program is exclusively peaceful, gives the Islamic Republic an indeterminate amount of time to resolve issues with inspectors, who are probing the detection of uranium particles at several undeclared locations.

Should Iran fail to satisfy the watchdog, the IAEAs board may convene an extraordinary meeting as early as July to refer the case to New York.

Russian diplomats, who have been asked by the Trump administration to facilitate a diplomatic solution with Iran, cautioned that passing the IAEA vote of censure carries significant risks.

The adoption of the presented resolution will significantly reduce the chances of a diplomatic resolution, wrote Moscows IAEA envoy Mikhail Ulyanov in a statement. Instead, such an escalation will have the most negative consequences both for the IAEA and for the entire non-proliferation regime.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, left, on Thursday, June 12, 2025, responded to questions from lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee about Pentagon plans to invade Greenland and Panama. Air Force Gen. John Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is seated to his right. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday avoided answering lawmakers whether the Pentagon has plans to take Greenland and Panama by force, saying the Defense Department develops plans for any particular contingency.

Hegseths refusal to give a direct answer to the House Armed Services Committee alarmed Democrats and Republicans, who repeatedly asked him to clarify the Pentagons stance toward two territories eyed by President Donald Trump.

It is not your testimony today that there are plans at the Pentagon for taking by force or invading Greenland, correct? said Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio. Because I sure as hell hope that it is not your testimony.

Hegseth responded: We look forward to working with Greenland to make sure it is secured from any potential threats.

Trump has said he wants to annex Greenland, a territory of Denmark, for national security purposes and expressed desire to reassert American control over the Panama Canal, by military means if necessary.

Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the top Democrat on the committee, asked Hegseth whether it was the policy of the Pentagon that the U.S. needs to be prepared to take Greenland and Panama by force.

Our job at the DOD is to have plans, Hegseth said, referring to the Defense Department. I think the American people would want the Pentagon to have plans for any particular contingency and thankfully we are in the planning business.

Smith said he did not believe the American people voted for Trump because they were hoping we would invade Greenland.

The tense exchange began a series of other confrontations between Hegseth and Democrats, who demanded the Pentagon chief stick to simple yes or no answers as they questioned his controversial tenure.

Some Democrats even demanded his resignation.

Hegseth deflected when asked if he would respect a federal district or Supreme Court decision on the deployment of active-duty Marines to Los Angeles, where protests against immigration raids have raged for nearly a week.

What I can say is we should not have local judges determining foreign policy or national security policy for the country, he said in response to questioning by Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif.

Youre not willing to say you would respect those decisions? Khanna asked.

Hegseth reiterated, Local district judges shouldnt make foreign policy, later adding, Were not here to defy a Supreme Court ruling.

The defense secretary also refused to answer whether he would take accountability if the Pentagons inspector general finds he shared classified information in Signal, a commercial messaging app.

The results of an investigation into Hegseths use of the app to discuss plans for U.S. strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen is expected in the coming days.

Hegseth said: The Houthis were held accountable for shooting at American ships and later noted he serves at the pleasure of the president.

He repeated he could not publicly discuss the classification markings of any of the information associated with the Yemen military operations.

Its not classified to disclose whether or not it was classified, said Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., a former Marine Corps officer.

Several Democrats, who are military veterans, called for Hegseth to step down as defense secretary during the hearing, which marked his first appearance before the committee and his third on Capitol Hill this week.

I think your tenure as secretary of defense has been shameful and weak and you should resign, said Pat Ryan, D-N.Y., a former Army intelligence officer.

Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., a Marine Corps veteran, told Hegseth that he should just get the hell out.

The remarks prompted several Republican veterans to admonish Democrats, with former Army Special Forces officer Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., saying Hegseth was owed an apology.

Hegseth will next face questions from lawmakers in a hearing on the defense budget with the Senate Armed Services Committee scheduled for Wednesday.
Texas National Guard troops train in April 2025 in Brackettville to curb illegal activity at the U.S. border with Mexico. (Texas Military Department)



AUSTIN, Texas  Nearly half of the Texas National Guard could be on duty by the weekend with the more than 4,000 deployed to a mission at the U.S. border with Mexico and another 5,000 called up for a new mission to quell protests planned Saturday across the state.

Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday that the 5,000 Guard troops will stage across the state to assist local law enforcement response to these protests and to maintain law and order.

The Texas National Guard has roughly 22,000 soldiers and airmen.

Dozens of protests are scheduled Saturday in Texas as part of a nationwide call to host events titled No Kings. The 50501 Movement is behind the push, and it gets its name from 50 states, 50 protests, one movement, according to The Associated Press.

The protests this weekend are intended to counter a military parade happening Saturday in Washington to mark the Armys 250th anniversary, which is also President Donald Trumps 79th birthday. Those opposed to Trump have said hes exaggerated the Armys event to mark his own birthday.

Los Angeles has also seen nearly a week of protests in response to immigration-related arrests that began Friday in area businesses in the city. Hundreds of protesters have been arrested in L.A., and city officials have instituted a curfew in the few blocks of downtown where violence and destruction of property have occurred.

Texas, too, has seen protesters rallying in the streets against the ongoing sweeps by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. In Austin, arrests were made this week when some protesters refused to disperse.

The state also has more than 4,000 troops working on a 4-year-old state mission to deter illegal activity at the southern border with Mexico, according to Joint Task Force Southern Border, a federal mission that has another 6,000 federal troops deployed across every southwest border state.

Abbotts office did not respond Thursday to questions about the states border mission, known as Operation Lone Star. His office also did not clarify whether any troops already working at the border will simply shift to the protests.

Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles in response to President Donald Trumps enforcement of immigration law, Abbott said. Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be arrested and held accountable to the full extent of the law. Dont mess with Texas  and dont mess with Texas law enforcement.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, speaks at a news conference Thursday, June 12, 2025, to call for congressional action on the Service Members and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act, a bill aimed at improving access to health care and benefits for military sexual trauma survivors and strengthening claims processing. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



WASHINGTON  The nations leading veterans service organizations urged Congress to adopt a bill that would give survivors of military sexual assault and sexual harassment greater access to health care services and benefits at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America and Disabled American Veterans were among the advocacy groups Thursday demanding swift passage on the Service Members and Veterans Empowerment Act introduced in April in the House and Senate.

Sexual assaults and sexual harassment are an underreported scourge in the armed services, Kristina Keenan, VFWs national legislative service director, said at a news conference held at the organizations Washington office.

Fear of retaliation, peer pressure and trauma contribute to underreporting, she said.

The Defense Departments Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office also states sexual assault in the military occurs more often than it is reported to authorities.

But the legislation would ease the VA disability claims process and expand health care for veterans who developed medical conditions connected to military sexual trauma, also known as MST, according to veterans groups and lawmakers.

The bill also would extend health care services and benefits to veterans who have experienced online sexual harassment and bullying from deep fakes, [Artificial Intelligence] threats and the rapid spread of harmful online content, veterans groups said.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee  and the bills sponsor in the Senate  was the only lawmaker to speak during a 30-minute news conference.

The simple fact that a survivor or victim of sexual assault or harassment and who experiences lasting trauma and disability as a result should not be denied benefits or compensation. Thats the basic principle of this bill, he said.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, is the only Republican senator to co-sponsor the bill so far.

Survivors of military sexual trauma need access to resources to help them begin to heal, and this legislation ensures access to those benefits, she said in a written statement that was read at the news conference.

A companion bill in the House was introduced in April by Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, with several Democratic members of Congress signing up to support it.

Veterans advocates said the bills passage is critical to ensuring survivors of military sexual trauma get the assistance that they need.

One in three female veterans report having experienced military sexual trauma during their service, according to the VA. The rate is one in 50 for male veterans. But representatives from veterans groups said Thursday that they believe the numbers are higher.

Nancy Springer, associate director at VFW, said there is not a quick solution to ending sexual harassment and sexual assault in the military.

But we can actively take steps to help veteran survivors of MST access the benefits and health care services that they need, she said.

Veterans filing VA claims connected to military sexual trauma might be eligible for mental health care and disability compensation.

Serving ones country should never come at the cost of personal safety, said Elaine Howell, legislative assistant at Vietnam Veterans of America.

The bill also would require the VA to consider documentation outside the Defense Department when reviewing claims submitted for military sexual trauma, such as medical records from private doctors, police reports from civilian agencies and statements from family, friends and clergy.

Though the VA already considers that evidence when reviewing claims for military sexual trauma, the bill codifies those practices and policies, the veterans groups said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has expressed condolences to India in connection with the plane crash, the publication of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry on its social media page says, Trend reports.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. We extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected. We hope for strength and healing in the days ahead," the ministry added.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India. The plane, which was flying to London, was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew. NDTV reported that there were survivors. Official reports of fatalities or injuries haven't been published yet.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The trial of Terence Crosbie (38) began this week at Suffolk Superior Court, Boston, Massachusetts.

A Dublin firefighter accused of rape in a Boston hotel told police he was 100 percent certain he did not have sex with his accuser, a court was told yesterday.

The trial of Terence Crosbie (38) began this week at Suffolk Superior Court, Boston, Massachusetts.

It was alleged in court that the firefighter raped a woman at a Boston hotel during his visit for the St. Patricks Day weekend celebrations in 2024.

He was due to be in the Boston parade with members of the Dublin Fire Brigade on March 17th, 2024.

The Dubliner pleaded not guilty and has been held at Nashua Street jail in Boston since his arrest last year.

Mr Crosbies wife has supported him and is present at the trial.

Terence Crosbie at a previous court hearing

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 12th

Yesterday, Detective Joseph McDonough, who investigated the case back in March 2024 took to the stand.

The US officer was asked about footage from Omni Parker House, where the defendant stayed and shared a room with another Dubliner, Liam OBrien.

The detective described how he also looked at footage from the Black Rose Pub on State Street where Mr Crosbie, Mr OBrien and the alleged victim spent time before the alleged incident on March 14.

According to police, Liam OBrien was the consensual partner of the woman and they both could be seen spending time in each other's company in the pub where they met that same night.

They left the premises together also.

While they spent time together, Crosbie at one stage can be seen sitting talking to a blonde woman, who is not his wife, on CCTV which was shown to the court.

The footage also showed that the pair shared a kiss.

Later in the evening, Liam OBrien and the female had sex back in his hotel room  a room he was sharing with Crosbie.

Mr Crosbie is believed to have left hotel room 610 at 11:55pm that night, according to hotel security video, and swiped his key card back into the room at 1:55am.

The door then opened from the inside at 2.15am when the woman left.

Mr Crosbie was in the room when the pair arrived and left shortly after.

He then returned later that night and the woman claims she awoke to Crosbie on top of her, raping her.

The Dublin fireman has denied the claims.

Yesterday, the court heard how Mr Crosbie was interviewed shortly after the incident by Boston Police Detective Joseph McDonough in a private bar of the hotel.

The clip was played to the court yesterday.

A Boston Police Department photo of Terence Crosbie

The Dubliner we started in, Emmett's Bar, Beantown Pub. I think we were in a fourth bar. We were in the Black Rose as well, we walked down there last, Crosbie can be heard explaining in the taped interview.

When asked if he ate and who did he go out with, he said: I had a burger and chips in The Dubliner. Me, Liam, Jack, Larry.

He also explained that ten people came over in total because they were marching in the parade on Sunday.

Dublin Fire Brigade had rented five rooms in total in the Omni Parker House, with two officers in each room.

Asked what he did at the Black Rose, Mr Crosbie replied: Drink.

Speaking about what happened after he returned to his room, Mr Crosbie said: I came back here, I went up to the room, yeah, I did leave the room.

"Liam came back, he picked up a girl at the bar. I just left.

I came back later. I sat on the chair beside the elevators on my floor. I was there for a couple of hours.

"I just went straight to my bed. She got up out of bed, started looking around in the dark. I didnt speak to her.

When asked if she was crying when she left, he said: I dont know, she didnt show that she was crying.

Asked if he had any interaction with the girl, Mr Crosbie said: None, said hello, said goodbye.

Dublin firefighter Terence Crosbie.

The detective asked if the girl had slept in his bed, he said: Not to the best of my knowledge.

Detective McDonough can also be heard in the taped interview asking Mr Crosbie: Any point did you have sex with her?

The Dublin firefighter then replies, No.

The police detecive then asked if he would be surprised? If she said otherwise? Crosbie answered 100 percent.

During cross examination, Detective McDonough was asked to confirm that the woman didnt run, didnt ask for help or have any signs of stress, on CCTV as she left the building after the alleged incident.

The detective agreed that she did not.

Defence attorneys have told jurors Crosbie did not rape the woman and that his DNA was not found on her.

Dr Lyndsey Walsh, a resident in emergency medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, later took to the stand.

She spoke about the female's arrival to the hospital on March 15, 2024 at 3.05am where she showed up with a small tear to the vagina without bleeding.

Dr Walsh explained that the female was medically cleared, meaning that there were no concerns for life threatening injuries.

Also, she explained that evidence collection kit criteria cant be contributed to if the patient has drugs or alcohol in their system.

Jennifer Ozog, a forensic scientist from New Hampshire State Police examined evidence for the presence of semen and saliva.

She was sent six pairs of mens underwear and examined each one individually for biological staining. Two pairs of underwear with fluorescent staining and one had a confirmatory positive presence of semen.
The robbery allegedly took place at Your Local Pharmacy, Main Street, Dunboyne, Co Meath, on December 10, 2023.

A Dublin man accused of robbing a pharmacy of cash, as well as anti-anxiety tablets and laxative medication, has been sent forward for trial.

Keith Hudson (46) was served with the book of evidence when he appeared on bail before Blanchardstown District Court.

The accused, with an address at Whitestown Drive in Blanchardstown, is charged with robbing a pharmacy worker of 150 in cash and coins from the till, as well as containers of anti-anxiety tablets, worth 45 and four bottles of laxative medication, worth 18.

Keith Hudson outside Blanchardstown District Court

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 12 2025

The robbery allegedly took place at Your Local Pharmacy, Main Street, Dunboyne, Co Meath, on December 10, 2023.

Mr Hudson is further charged with allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle at Inglewood Road in Clonsilla on the same date.

A state solicitor said that the book of evidence was ready and had been served on the accused, who goes forward to the next sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge David McHugh gave Mr Hudson the formal alibi caution.

The judge also assigned defence solicitor Simon Fleming and one junior counsel on free legal aid.

Judge McHugh further ordered that a video copy of an interview which gardai conducted with the accused should be furnished to his legal team.

Mr Hudson has not yet indicated a plea to the charges.

He was remanded on continuing bail to appear before a court in the Criminal Courts of Justice on a date in July.
Nebojsa Pap previously appeared in court last month where it was revealed the DPP had sanctioned an additional charge to the original count of murder

Nebojsa Pap is charged with the murder of his mother Mirjana Pap.

A Croatian man has been sent forward to stand trial accused of producing an axe during the course of murdering his mother in her midlands home five months ago.

Thirty-two-year-old Nebojsa Pap, of Beechville in Athlone, Westmeath, was brought before a sitting of Athlone District Court this afternoon where he was served with a book of evidence in connection to the murder of Mirjana Pap at the same address as her son on December 28 last year.

Pap who sported a grey jumper and black tracksuit bottoms, was flanked by three prison officers when he was led into court where details surrounding the servicing of the book of evidence was relayed before Judge Bernadette Owens.

Nebojsa Pap is charged with the murder of his mother Mirjana Pap.

Pap took to his feet and stood with his hands clasped as he greeted Judge Owens at the opening of proceedings by saying in a muffled voice: Afternoon Judge.

Garda Olivia Connolly gave sworn evidence of having served the book and its related counts of murder and the production of an axe on Pap at shortly before 2pm.

Pap had previously appeared in court last month where it was revealed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had sanctioned the additional charge to the original count of murder.

The details of that charge allege that on December 28 at 1 Beechville, Athlone, Westmeath, while committing murder, in the course of a dispute, Mr Pap produced an article in the form of an axe which was capable of inflicting serious injury.

Nebojsa Pap outside Athlone Courthouse.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 12th

Sgt Paul McNally, for the State, said the DPP had consented for Pap to be sent forward to stand trial at the next sittings of the Central Criminal Court.

Paps defence solicitor Ciara Macklin said her client was consenting to be remanded in continuing custody and would not be seeking bail given that any consequent application in terms of a murder charge can only be made before the High Court.

Judge Owens, meanwhile, gave Pap whats known as the alibi warning, advising him of his obligations to notify the State within 14 days should he wish to rely on any alibi evidence during the course of his trial.

Nebojsa Pap.

Ms Macklin, meanwhile, also applied for legal aid in an application which was acceded to by Judge Owens to include both a junior and senior counsel to represent Pap.

The late Ms Pap, who was a widow and mother of three, had resided in Athlone for several years and previously worked at the Athlone accommodation centre.

The Croatian nationals body was found on lands close to Clonark in Co Roscommon, around 10km from Athlone, on 30 December 2024 after she had been reported missing two days earlier.
The defence solicitor said Sandra Byrne had financial difficulties at the time, due to a number of communion and confirmation celebrations.

A shoplifter who stole cosmetics was in financial difficulties at the time due to holy communion and confirmation celebrations, a court has heard.

Sandra Byrne (55) was stopped by security staff as she walked out of Boots with a bagful of goods.

Judge David McHugh ordered Byrne to donate 80 to Blanchardstown Hospice and said he would leave her without a conviction.

Stock photo

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 12 2025

The defendant, with addresses at Temple Street West and Mountjoy Street, both Dublin 7, admitted stealing cosmetics, worth 630, from Boots, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, on May 20, 2025.

Sergeant Maria Callaghan told Blanchardstown District Court that Byrne put a number of cosmetic products in a bag and tried to leave the store, but she was stopped and detained by security staff.

Sgt Callaghan said the goods were recovered in a resalable condition.

Defence solicitor Eoghan OSullivan said Byrne, who was not working, took the goods in a moment of madness. He said Byrne had financial difficulties at the time, due to a number of communion and confirmation celebrations.

He said Byrne was holding her hands up, did not want to take up court time, and wished to apologise for her behaviour.
Their newborn is due any day now

Lilly Gerrard has shared photos of time spent at home with her boyfriend Lee Byrne as they await the arrival of their first child.

The couples newborn is due to be born very soon.

Taking to social media, the mum-to-be shared a mirror selfie with the son of Kinahan gangster Liam Byrne.

Neither Lee Byrne, nor Lilly Gerrard are involved in crime.

My love, she captioned the post, which shows the pair in an embrace as the 21-year-old shows off her growing baby bump.

In another picture, she gave her followers a glimpse of home life as Lee sat on a plush white sofa surrounded by her three toy poodle pups, Barnie, Blondie, and Bobby.

Managed to get three of them in a pic, she captioned the post.

Lilly Gerrard - Instagram

Lilly-Ella, daughter of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, announced she was expecting a baby with her long-time boyfriend Lee Byrne in January of this year. They shared the news with a fitting Instagram post that showed ultrasound scans, two positive pregnancy tests and a pair of knitted baby boots placed on top of a pregnancy journal.

Our little secret, the best news, mini us is on the way, she said.

Lees father, Liam, was arrested in Mallorca and extradited to the UK in December 2023 on conspiracy charges relating to a gun plot.

In October, he was sentenced to five years behind bars at the Old Bailey in London after pleading guilty.

The Crumlin native, who was in custody since he was arrested in Spain in June 2023, was released in January.

As part of his conditions, he is only allowed one personal mobile phone and SIM card for the next five years.

Byrne was also ordered to register the make, model, colour and serial number of his phone with the UKs National Crime Agency (NCA).

Lilly Gerrard - Instagram

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 12th

He is banned from using encrypted devices, messaging apps and must ensure all his browsing history is visible, as part of the Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) which was served to him.

He is allowed to have one laptop and a tablet and can also have a maximum of two business phones at any one time.

It comes after Byrne landed himself behind bars for using the encrypted messaging service EncroChat to arrange the gun plot for which he served time.
Hazel Behan accused Christian Brueckner of raping her at her home in Portugal more than 20 years ago.

Portuguese police told an Irish woman allegedly raped by Madeline McCann murder suspect Christian Brueckner, that they feared there would be an impact on tourism in the area.

Hazel Behan accused the German national of sexually assaulting her at her home in Portugal in 2004.

He went on trial in 2020, accused of raping the Dublin woman and a number of other women, but was aquitted.

Speaking to The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk, she said after the attack, she noticed cops were following her.

I started to recognise who they were, she said.

I approached them on a number of occasions; they told me Id be better off going home, that I would destroy the tourism industry in the area.

That I would bring it down, that my friends essentially might lose their jobs and thered be no work for them.

Describing the night of the alleged rape when she was home alone, Hazel said she awoke when she heard someone speaking to her.

Before I even opened my eyes, theres this fear that is very difficult to describe, she said.

Every ounce of blood just rushes to your feet; I was nearly paralysed.

Youre just completely frozen, she said.

Christian Brueckner was tried in Germany for Ms Behans rape and was found not guilty on the basis of insufficient evidence (Getty)

She said that she saw a man dressed in all black, wearing a mask and holding a knife, before he raped her three times.

When I eventually got out of the apartment, I went straight to the reception of the hotel, she said.

They called the police and it was very quick, to be fair - lots of male police arrived.

They were just talking over me in Portuguese and I couldnt quite catch anything that was being said, she said.

They were quite insistent that I went back to the apartment, straight away.

Hazel said that despite wanting to stay away, she returned with them.

Hazel Behan (Steve Humphreys)

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 12th

They were in and out, loads of different policemen, she said.

They stood me in the doorway of the room of the apartment and I had to strip off in front of them, for them to take photographs of the injuries that I had.

There was no privacy, there was no female and no one speaking English.

I really, really didnt want to do it but youre kind of just this shell of a person at that stage.

I wish I was how I am now then; I didnt have anything left.

She said she put on fresh clothes, got in an ambulance, and was then taken to hospital alone where medics cleaned me up as best they could.

I literally had nothing, she said.

I had no clothes, I had no phone, no money, no passport - nothing.

Ms Behan recently criticised the Portuguese police for failing to stop Brueckner from going on to commit further crimes.

I feel that those who were in a position and mandated a position to protect and serve and do their job didn't, Behan told The State of Us Podcast hosts Tara Mills and Declan Harvey.

Madeline McCann

It also places a huge amount of guilt in me because even though I know I couldn't have done anything more it doesn't stop the guilt that I have.

If I had shouted louder, that if I had made more of a fuss at the time, all of these things may not have happened to other people, she confessed.

I carry that because of them not doing their job, and that really, really upsets me.

Like to a point that I feel that they need to be called out for that.

I don't think all these years later I should be doing all, having to go through all this again because of the ineptitude of a police force.

There's people like me and other victims who believe they're victims of Christian Bruckner who have suffered as a result.

Last week German police began fresh searches in Praia da Luz, Portugal, in connection with the disappearance of 3-year-old Madeline McCann.

The search was reportedly prompted by the discovery of disturbing new evidence found on a hard drive hidden in Brueckners secret lair.

The Sun report that so far cops have removed clothing and bones for further examination, while The Mirror have said that two guns have also been found.

James Manning/PA Wire

In 2020, Brueckner went on trial accused of five separate counts of rape and sexual assault which prosecutors allege he committed in Portugal between 2000 and 2017.

One of these charges related to the alleged rape of Westmeath woman Hazel Behan after he broke into her apartment via the balcony while she was sleeping.

A court heard that she was raped by him in June 2004 while working as a holiday rep in Portugal.

He was acquitted of all charges, but the Irish woman has now lodged an application to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) alleging inaction by Portuguese police in identifying and prosecuting Brueckner for her rape.

Cops trying to find evidence of Brueckners involvement in McCanns disappearance are in a race against time as he is expected to be released from prison in later this year.

The German is serving time behind bars for the rape of an American woman in Praia da Luz in 2005.

Madeline McCann vanished from her familys holiday rental in Praia da Luz two years later in May 2007.

The tot slept in a bedroom with her two younger twin siblings as their parents dined at a nearby restaurant with their friends.

When Madelines mother, Kate, checked on her children at around 10 pm, Maddie was not there, and the alarm was raised.

The case of the missing girl captivated the world, and continues to do so as no trace of the 3-year-old has ever been found, despite an international manhunt to find her.

No one has ever been charged in connection with her disappearance.

If youve been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact the Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 77 8888.
Researchers believe 120 Irish immigrants could be buried at the site

Jim Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia at the Duffy's Cut Memorial Service. Photo: Duffy's Cut Project/Brian Quinn, Clonoe Gallery/Flickr

A mass grave discovered in the United States is likely that of Irish railroad workers.

This week, a team of researchers announced the discovery of human remains at a cemetery in Downingtown, Pennsylvania.

The Duffys Cut Project suspect that up to 120 bodies were buried in the grave in 1892.

It comes 19 years after the bodies of 57 Irish immigrants were discovered in a mass grave at Duffys Cut in Malvern.

Stock Image Railway Track

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 12th

The men and women who worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad died from cholera, while some were murdered.

The workers travelled to work in Philadelphia from Donegal, Tyrone, and Derry.

While most of the workers were reburied in the US, John Ruddy from Donegal and Catherine Burns from Tyrone were repatriated and buried in their hometowns in 2012 and 2015.

The two mass graves are believed to be linked. Its suspected that a worker at Duffys Cut ran the tracks from Malvern to Downingtown and infected the workers there with disease.

Jim Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia at the Duffy's Cut Memorial Service. Photo: Duffy's Cut Project/Brian Quinn, Clonoe Gallery/Flickr

The grave in Downingtown was discovered when ground-penetrating radar detected an anomaly in the ground, Daily Local News in West Chester, Pennsylvania, has reported.

The land was excavated manually, and human bones and teeth were found.

The area has been closed off to the public, and the team plans to rebury the remains and construct a memorial Celtic cross in honour of the deceased.

We are doing this out of a sense of justice, honour and dignity, said Researcher Frank Watson.

Their stories need to be told. They have the right to be remembered.

Theres still more to find, there is still more to tell.

Retired Police officer Bob McAllister said its about justice.

This was a soul, this was somebodys life.

This was a human being that we are excavating from the ground.

Downingtown Mayor Phil Dague added: This is a crime, there is no statute of limitations.

Others can go visit the graves, you cant put a dollar value on that.

I hate mysteries. There are a couple less mysteries here.
Despite the Sunday World repeatedly identifying the people behind the killing, no one has been brought before the courts.

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International UK's Northern Ireland director, Kathryn Torney freelance journalist and co-author and Seamus Dooley, the Irish secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Amnesty International and the National Union of Journalists have repeated calls for a public inquiry into the murder of Sunday World journalist Martin OHagan.

No one has ever been charged with Martins killing 24 years ago, despite repeated government pledges his killers still walk the streets.

This week NUJ General Secretary Seamus Dooley said the failure to prosecute Martins murder is a stain on the history of policing in Northern Ireland.

He was speaking at the launch of an Amnesty International report into threats against journalists working in Northern Ireland.

Branding this place as the most dangerous place in the UK to work as a journalist the human rights organisation has called for a range of measures to better protect members of the press who are routinely threatened in the course of their work.

The report  Occupational Hazard?  has been dedicated to Martin, murdered by the LVF in September 2001, and Lyra McKee shot and killed during dissident street violence in Derry in April 2019.

Lyra McKee

Seamus Dooley said an external and independent inquiry was the least Martins family and colleagues deserve.

I welcome the very strong focus in this report on the unresolved murder of my NUJ colleague Martin OHagan, he said.

The Police Ombudsman is currently compiling a report into the investigation on Martins death which is due to be published later this year.

The fact that no one has faced justice for his murder remains a stain on the history of policing in Northern Ireland.

We urgently need to see the report of the Police Ombudsman and that publication should clear the way for an independent, external investigation into his killing and the circumstances surrounding his murder. 

Martin was shot dead as he walked home with his wife Marie after a night out in Lurgan. Shielding his wife he as struck several times in the drive by shooting and died at the scene yards from his house.

The then Secretary of State John Reid pledged to staff in the Sunday World office that ``no stone would be left unturned in the pursuit of Martins killers.

Despite the Sunday World repeatedly identifying the people behind the killing of the first journalist murdered in the conflict, no one has been brought before the courts.

Martin O'Hagan. Photo: PACEMAKER

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 12th

We will never allow the murder of Martin OHagan to become another forgotten file. The fact that no one has been successfully prosecuted sends a signal to those who seek to intimidate and threaten the media, that in Northern Ireland journalists are fair game, that this is a place where you can get away with murder.

In the report Martins family have repeated their calls for an independent inquiry.

Solicitor Niall Murphy who attended the reports launch on Tuesday said at least two people involved in Martins death were security force agents.

The abject failure to conduct house searches, seize exhibits like clothing, gloves and God knows what else means that there was no evidence for a charge. When the police dont look for evidence then there is no evidence. This was clearly a flawed investigation.

The report exposes a series of flaws and broken promises in relation to Martins murder.

Former editor Jim McDowell said the failure to secure justice will not deter the Sunday World from campaigning for Martin.

Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International UK's Northern Ireland director, Kathryn Torney freelance journalist and co-author and Seamus Dooley, the Irish secretary of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Martins murder just cemented what we were at. We are gong to keep doing the job that Martin was doing and the rest of us were doing, he said.

That meant that other Sunday World journalists got threats. Nobody will ever stop journalists doing their job.

Over the course of a year Amnesty interviewed 22 journalists who have come under varying degrees of threat.

From threatened rapes, assault, bomb and gun attacks, Amnesty has revealed there have been more than 70 threats against journalists since 2019  the figure does not include unreported threats.

Patrick Corrigan, Amnestys Northern Ireland Director said the research revealed how journalists are exposed to threat.

Journalists in Northern Ireland are facing a sustained campaign of threats, intimidation and violence from armed groups, which makes it the most dangerous place in the UK to be a reporter, he said.

They are being threatened, attacked and even killed for shining a light on paramilitary groups and others who seek to exert control through violence. This creates a climate of fear that many assumed was consigned to history when the Good Friday Agreement was signed.

Yet there has not been a single prosecution for threats against journalists from paramilitary groups.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, participated via video conference in the launch and first hearing of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health. The event was held in Reykjavik, Iceland, at the initiative of the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe), Trend reports.

In her remarks, Leyla Aliyeva outlined Azerbaijans progress and initiatives as the host of COP29, emphasizing that climate change represents not only an environmental concern but also a major global public health challenge. She highlighted national efforts in water resource management, environmental protection, and climate resilience.

Aliyeva also stressed the importance of engaging young people in climate and health initiatives, pointing to the IDEA Public Unions work in this area, and called for broader international cooperation to advance shared goals.

WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge addressed the event, commending Azerbaijans leadership and commitment within the framework of COP29. He praised the country's active role in addressing climate change at both regional and global levels and thanked Leyla Aliyeva for her contributions to climate and health-related projects.

The Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, established by WHO/Europe, aims to address the impact of climate change on public health, promote intersectoral collaboration, and develop practical mechanisms for joint action. With its official launch in Reykjavik, the Commission has commenced its activities.
Kildare Gardai say they have received a report of criminal damage by fire at a home in Castledermot

Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire at a home in Co Kildare (Rui Vieira/PA)

Two people have been hospitalised following a house fire in Co Kildare in the early hours of the morning.

Local fire services rushed to the scene of a fire at a home on the Main Street in Castledermot Co Kildare on Thursday night, June 12 at approximately 2am.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire, however, two individuals were taken to hospital for treatment of injuries that have been described as non-life threatening.

In a statement to the Irish Independent, a Garda spokesperson confirmed that they are investigating the cause of the fire.

"Gardai received a report of a criminal damage by fire at a residence on the Main Street of Castledermot, Co Kildare on Thursday June 12, 2025 at approximately 2:00am, they said.

Local fire services extinguished the fire. Two individuals were taken to hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

Investigations are ongoing.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire at a home in Co Kildare (Rui Vieira/PA)

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 12th
The Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said his post was intended to diffuse tensions

A police officer at the scene where a fire has broken out at Larne Leisure Centre following vandalism at the facility. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons faces being referred to an Assembly watchdog over a social media post about Larne Leisure Centre which was later attacked

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has defended comments he made about Larne Leisure Centre housing individuals displaced by rioting.

Mr Lyons is facing a backlash over comments made on social media hours before the building was set alight.

SDLP MLA Matthew OToole has said he will refer the DUP MLA to the Assemblys Standards Commissioner.

But Mr Lyons today insisted his post was intended to diffuse the situation.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons faces being referred to an Assembly watchdog over a social media post about Larne Leisure Centre which was later attacked

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 12th

In a social media post on Wednesday Mr Lyons said: It has been brought to my attention that a number of individuals were temporarily moved to Larne Leisure Centre in the early hours of the morning following the disturbances in Ballymena.

As a local MLA for the area, neither I nor my DUP Council colleagues were made aware or consulted on this decision until late this afternoon.

It has now been confirmed to us by the PSNI and Council that all these individuals are in the care of the Housing Executive and have been moved out of Larne.

Protesting is of course a legitimate right, but violence is not, and I would encourage everyone to remain peaceful.

Emergency services at the scene (Liam McBurney/PA)

The centre later was set ablaze following vandalism at the facility on the third night of disorder.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said the facility had been designated as an emergency rest centre for those in urgent need following disturbances in nearby Ballymena, but the families had been safely relocated elsewhere.

Police and firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control on Wednesday night and said no one was inside at the time it broke out.

On Thursday Mr Lyons defended his decision to post the information on social media.

There is an attempt here to make it sound like I was trying to highlight the fact that this was being used and this is where people should go, it was the complete opposite, he told the BBC.

I was highlighting the fact that, yes this had been used and it was going to be the focus of the protest, but it shouldnt be because the rumours that were circulating were incorrect and no one was in fact there, so I wanted to try and disperse people from going there.

On reflection the die had already been cast, I tried to diffuse the situation.

I had appealed for calm in that statement as I wanted calm heads to prevail, that includes politicians using this to try and score points.

I have been very clear, it was a despicable scene we seen at the leisure centre and those people should be ashamed of themselves.

Mr Lyons condemned the damage inflicted on Larne Leisure Centre and said it only serves to hurt residents of the town.

He said: The violence and disorder witnessed on our streets over recent nights serves no purpose. Wanton destruction such as the attack on Larne Leisure Centre is an attack on all residents who use the facility.

There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned.

A police officer at the scene where a fire has broken out at Larne Leisure Centre following vandalism at the facility. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Opposition leader Matthew OToole said he will refer the minister to the Standards Commissioner.

The standards commissioner is responsible for investigating complaints about alleged breaches of the code of conduct by MLAs.

The actions of the Communities Minister cannot be ignored, Mr OToole said.

He is the minister response for the Housing Executive and lives are at stake.

Tomorrow (Thursday) the Opposition will refer him to the standards commissioner and explore all other options for accountability.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said on BBC Good Morning Ulster that Mr Lyons should reflect on what he said.

Mr Lyons responded by saying that he should have a bit more sense than to weigh in on the issue.

"The Secretary of State is a very experienced politician and I would have thought he would have had a bit more sense than to make public comment on this when he is not in full possession of the facts, he said.

"I think it was outrageous for him to weigh in, he hasnt been in contact with me to find out what actually happened.

Deirdre Hargey, a former Communities Minister, said on X: Your job as Communities Minister, responsible for housing, is to stand up for families who had to urgently flee their homes after being attacked by thugs and to offer them support and safety. Its not to expose emergency centres and those same families. Shameful statement.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons faces being referred to an Assembly watchdog over a social media post about Larne Leisure Centre which was later attacked

Police deal with a third night of violence in Ballymena

Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew, who chairs the Stormont committee that scrutinises Mr Lyons department, called his media post reckless and inflammatory.

"At a time when vulnerable families are seeking safety, as minister for communities and housing, he should have been working to help those most in need, he said.

"However his comments were reckless and inflammatory.

"Leadership should show responsibility  not feed into the fear of the vulnerable.

"Everyone deserves to live free from violence and hate.

"I will be raising the Minister's post at the Communities Committee today."

Alliance MLA Eoin Tennyson said that the social media post by the communities minister was reckless and completely irresponsible.

He added: No politician should be publicly identifying locations used to shelter to families seeking refuge from violent, racist disorder; even if only temporarily.

Green Party councillor Aine Groogan called for the minister to resign.

What did he think would happen when he posted his earlier statement about a community centre in Larne being used to house people that had no accommodation after being intimidated out of their homes, she said.

"Can Gordon Lyons stand over this statement in light of what happened next?

"This is the Minister for Communities, someone with the power and responsibility to invest in regeneration, reduce the social housing waiting list, and support vulnerable communities. Instead, he chooses to stir division and deflect from his own failures.

"This isn't leadership. Its cowardice. And it proves what many already know: Gordon Lyons is unfit for public office and should resign.
Warning: Distressing video below

More than 200 bodies have been recovered after a Gatwick-bound plane carrying 53 British nationals crashed in flames shortly after take-off.

The plane  a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner  came down in a residential area, striking a doctors hostel close to Ahmedabad airport in India, officials said.

The Reuters news agency reported 217 adults and 11 children were on board the flight.

There were no survivors, the police chief in Ahmedabad said. They told the BBC that 204 bodies have been recovered from the crash site. It is not known if all 204 were on the plane, or if some were on the ground when the plane crashed.

Separately, India's federal health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said that "many people" were killed.

Indias Federation of All India Medical Association said 50 to 60 students studying medicine were taken to hospital after the flight crashed into the doctors' hostel.

The association says five students are missing, and at least two are in the intensive care unit.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 12th

According to reports, the plane gave a mayday call to air traffic control after taking off, but then gave no response.

Videos circulating online show the plane exploding as it hit the ground, sending a ball of flames above rooftops.

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, chief of India's directorate of civil aviation, said the plane crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar.

There were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals on board.

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in Ahmedabad. AP Photo/Ajit Solanki

The King said he was "desperately shocked" by the incident and Buckingham Palace said he was being kept updated on the developing situation.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.

"I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time."

In a statement on X, India premier Narendra Modi said: "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words.

"In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."

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Flight tracking website Flightradar24 posted on social media platform X: "We are following reports of a crash of Air India flight #AI171 from Ahmedabad to London.

"We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC (shortly before 9.09am BST), just seconds after take off.

"The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB."

It added that the signal from the aircraft was lost "less than a minute after take-off".

India's Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu says he is "shocked and devastated" at the crash.

"We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.

"Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site. My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families."

"We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.

"Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information."

Gatwick Airport confirmed the plane was due to land in London at 6.25pm UK time.

People stand around debris at the site of an airplane that crashed. AP Photo/Ajit Solanki

In a statement on X, the airport said: "We can confirm that flight AI171 that crashed on departure from Ahmedabad Airport today was due to land at London Gatwick at 18:25."

Air India was acquired by Tata Group from the Indian government in January 2022 after racking up billions of pounds of losses.

The airline's UK operations are at Birmingham, Gatwick and Heathrow, with routes to a number of Indian cities such as Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

More to follow
Are you feeling hard done by  frustrated at earning less than other people?

In a recently published study, people feeling that way tended to develop a diminished sense of belonging and then to report poorer physical health.

Drawing from data collected over nine years as part of the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study (NZAVS), researchers examined responses from more than 50,000 New Zealanders to explore how perceptions of economic inequality affected emotional wellbeing and health.

Our study suggests that if you are worse off financially compared to others, across time this is linked to reduced feelings of belonging, which may in turn negatively contribute to your physical health, said Dr Brian Don, lead author of the study published in Affective Science.

As a society, this shines a light on the toll that inequality can take.

Income inequality has been rising across the world and in New Zealand, said Don, a lecturer in the School of Psychology at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

In the study, people rated their levels of agreement with statements such as Im frustrated by what I earn relative to other people in New Zealand and (I) Know that people in my life accept and value me and graded their health on a scale from poor to excellent.

Participants who felt economically deprived one year were more likely to report lower levels of belonging the subsequent year, which predicted poorer physical health in the year following that.

While financial hardship can limit participation in society, Don believes the decline in belonging may stem more from psychological mechanisms than direct economic constraints.

How can these effects be avoided? At the societal level, Don said policies that reduce the rising pattern of economic inequality will help to reduce individual feelings of unfairness.

There are things individuals can do, too. Comparison truly is the thief of joy, said Don. At the individual level, avoiding social media could be a good start to avoid getting stuck in a rut of negative comparisons.

A caveat: the study shows associations, not causality.

Besides a reduced sense of belonging, feeling worse off financially was linked with declines in gratitude and sense of meaning in life.

Looking ahead, Don aims to explore whether objective measures of inequality, such as the Gini coefficient, influence emotional experiences and physiological responses in everyday life.

The co-authors of the paper were Dr Kieren Lilly, Professor Chris Sibley, Professor Nickola Overall and Associate Professor Danny Osborne.
The Government is increasing funding for attracting overseas visitors and investing in tourism infrastructure as part of its new Tourism Growth Roadmap, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said.

Were investing $35 million to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap, which sets out the Governments plan to double the value of tourism, Upston said.

International visitors bring billions of dollars into New Zealand, from big ticket spends to everyday purchases in local cafes and accommodation.

We want to welcome more visitors to New Zealand, and we want our regional communities to improve their capacity to look after those visitors."

Upston said the Government must work with industry to unlock the full potential of NZ's tourism sector, and the Roadmap lays out initiatives and investments to ensure our infrastructure, workforce and communities can support further growth.

For the 2025/26 financial year, were investing $6 million in international marketing across emerging tourism markets, $3 million to increase the number of business events hosted in New Zealand, and an additional $5 million towards the Major Events Fund," Upston said.

These commitments follow the recent announcements of $13.5 million invested in international tourism marketing and $4 million of investment towards improving the visitor experience along the Milford Road corridor."

Upston said recent tourism funding has been about boosting visitor numbers.

"As those higher numbers become established, the Roadmap will shift over time to focus more on supporting communities to look after them well, Upston said.

This investment comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. This levy is charged to most international visitors, and ensures they are contributing to the public services, facilities and natural environment they will enjoy while in New Zealand.

More information can be found on the MBIE website

New tourism investments for the 2025/26 financial year include:
After representing the Bay of Plenty at the Chinese Proficiency competition in Wellington on May 24, Tauranga Intermediate student Victoria Seymour, 12, is off to Beijing.

The competition was held at Victoria Universitys Rutherford House, with the theme of Chinese joy and fun, spanning one day. We were in and out, Victoria said.

At the competition, Victoria answered questions in Mandarin and then had to perform a special talent. She chose Chinese dance.

I have always been a dancer. I have done that for more than 10 years. And so Chinese dance just kind of felt natural.

Victoria said she had started learning Mandarin and dance in the last two years, but had also embraced exploring another culture: I think its fascinating.

While Victoria had a step-grandmother and a Mandarin teacher for her language skills, she had to rely on YouTube videos to become proficient in dance.

At the competition, the students were judged on creativity, fluency, pronunciation and several different categories, she said.

Im very keen to explore harder and more unique Chinese dances.

Victoria would like to see Tauranga embrace more Chinese culture, and having only three other students representing the Bay of Plenty was a bit disappointing.

She is in a state of disbelief at her win and is very aware that she will not only represent the Bay of Plenty but also New Zealand in Beijing.

My minds kind of exploding right now.

No date has been set for the competition in China, but Victoria believes it will happen in the third term.

It is a lifetime opportunity, she said.

It will be an all-expenses-paid trip to China, with one caregiver given the chance to go, but Victoria hopes to be able to take both her parents. She said she will be in China for two weeks and hopes to visit the Great Wall and a few other tourist hotspots around the country.

Victoria is attempting to add Chinese calligraphy to her growing list of skills, but faced a unique challenge in mastering it: I am left-handed. So I smudge everything that I write.
SUR in English Malaga Thursday, 12 June 2025, 12:58 Compartir

Yago School Malaga continues to grow. After the success of its Secondary and Baccalaureate levels, and having recently obtained official authorisation to teach the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB), the school announces a decisive step: the opening of the Nursery and Primary levels in September 2025.

Located in Miraflores del Palo (Malaga City), this international bilingual school has established itself as one of the most innovative and ambitious school projects in the province of Malaga. With a clear international vocation, personalised attention and a student-centred pedagogical approach, Yago School will offer a complete education programme from 3 to 18 years old.

International education from the earliest ages

The opening of Nursery and Primary will give Malaga families access to excellent education from the very start of the school system. Through an active, participatory and bilingual approach, the school incorporates subjects such as Literature, Mathematics, Robotics, Emotional Intelligence, Public Speaking and the Arts, in an environment designed to stimulate the curiosity, autonomy and creativity of the youngest children.

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English is present, as well, in more than 80% of the curriculum, and the learning of a third language, Mandarin Chinese or French, is incorporated, encouraging an open and global mentality.

A project with a neighbourhood essence and a global vision

Yago School is part of a well-established educational group born in Seville more than 15 years ago and whose origins date back to Dublin in 1979. Its trajectory combines tradition, innovation and a strong international identity. The result: a unique educational model, based on six fundamental pillars: curriculum, science and technology, languages, music and arts, sport and values.

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Since its inception, the school has become renowned for its individualised attention, with support and improvement programmes to enhance the talents of each student. In addition to this, there is a strong commitment to emotional well-being, thanks to its Wellbeing & Safeguarding programme, which guarantees a safe, motivating and nurturing environment.

Malaga City now has IB: a new educational horizon

Last May, Yago School reached a historic milestone when it became the first private school in the city to be officially authorised to teach the IB Diploma Programme, aimed at 16-19 year olds. This prestigious international programme, which can be studied entirely in English, opens doors to the best universities in the world and prepares students to face the future with critical thinking, social commitment and a solid academic foundation.

Zoom

As Javier Resa, school director, explains:

"Receiving this accreditation has been a very demanding process, but also very gratifying. Each step we have taken has been with the certainty that it was in the right direction. Today we can offer our students a truly global education, without losing the human and hands-on treatment that defines us".

Yago School: more than a school

With the incorporation of Nursery and Primary in 2025, Yago School reinforces its role as a benchmark for quality international education on the Costa del Sol. A school for life, where each pupil is nurtured with a hands-on approach, rigour and respect, and where learning is synonymous with enjoyment, growth and looking at the world with excitement.

More information and admissions:

admissions.malaga@yagoschool.com

+34 951 01 29 90

www.yagoschoolmalaga.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports.

"Esteemed Mr. President,

Please allow me to express my sincere congratulations to you and your fellow citizens on the occasion of Independence Day, the national holiday of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The cooperation between our nations is exemplary, as reflected in our constantly expanding economic and political relations. I am pleased that Azerbaijan is an enhanced strategic partner of Hungary, and that it has committed to increase its energy supplies to Europe, thereby significantly contributing to the energy security of my country. Mr. President, on our last meeting you have ensured that we will be supplied with the necessary amount of gas from Azerbaijan in the future, for which I would like to commend you for.

Let me assure you that my government remains committed to strengthening our bilateral partnership and maintaining the high-level dialogue. We firmly believe that our joint efforts will foster the development of our countries.

I wish you every success and good health in your responsible duties," the letter reads.
Pilar Martinez Malaga Thursday, 12 June 2025, 13:44 Compartir

Malaga Airport continues its steady and unstoppable growth, surpassing the average in Spain's airport operator's network (Aena). In the first five months of the year, the gateway to the Costa del Sol registered an increase of 7.7% in terms of passengers compared to the same period last year. In addition, May added 8.7% more passengers on its own, reaching a record number of 2,584,681 passengers. Almost ten million passengers have transited through these facilities between January and May.

There has also been an increase in the number of flights: 8.2% (69,389) in January and a 10% increase in May. 2024 was already marked by big growth: 17% in the number of operations between January and May and 10.5% increase in terms of passengers in May, or 24.2% more than before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Aena data confirms that the growth rate of Malaga Airport is much higher than the average for Spain's airport network as a whole. In May, the average growth in Aena was 3.3% (29,226,368 passengers) and a 3.9% increase in flights. In Malaga, passenger numbers grew by 8.7% in the same period, while landings and take-offs grew by 10%. These figures consolidate its fourth position after Madrid, which increased its passengers by 1%; Barcelona, which grew by 3.7%; and Palma de Mallorca, which lost 0.5% of its users in May.

This higher rate of growth can also be seen if we analyse the first five months of the year, in which the Aena network has gained 4.7% more passengers, while in Malaga this increase was 7.7%. Growth in Malaga is also more noticeable than at the airports that precede it: Barajas (Madrid), with a 3.6% increase in passengers; El Prat (Barcelona), with a 4.1% increase; and Palma de Mallorca, with a 2.5% increase.

2,584,681 is the number of passengers counted at Malaga Airport in May - a figure never before reached in this month

The statistics support the Andalusian regional government's request to central government in Madrid to adopt "urgent" measures to proceed with the expansion of Malaga Airport, which has a maximum capacity of 30 million passengers. The facility closed 2024 with 25 million passengers, which is too close to the maximum capacity. Nothing is stopping the increase in passengers, not even the first five months of the year, which are usually the ones with the lowest volume.

While the Spanish government has not issued a response to the Junta's request, it has approved 3.2 billion euros for the expansion of El Prat. This lack of attention towards Andalucia caused the regional minister of tourism, Arturo Bernal, to denounce the situation on social media.

Meanwhile, Malaga Airport is growing above the national average month after month, approaching its maximum capacity without any response from the central government beyond the promise that it will be included in the investment plans for the period 2027 and 2031. However, Bernal has warned that Malaga Airport will already be too small at this rate of growth in 2026.

For the first time ever in May, this year Malaga Airport exceeded 2.5 million passengers and 17,977 flights. According to Aena, this new record is determined by an increase of 4.2% of passengers in connections with Spanish airports and 9.5% in those linking the Costa del Sol with international destinations. The increase in international passengers is much more noticeable than that on domestic flights: 9.3% compared to 0.9%.
Juan Cano Malaga Thursday, 12 June 2025, 12:40 Compartir

There has been another incident of aggression during a noise complaint operation by police at a private house party in Malaga city, this time in the El Palo neighbourhood.

During the intervention, which took place shortly after midnight a few days ago, after a neighbour reported the disturbing noise, three Local Police officers were injured and one young woman, who also needed medical attention, was arrested.

Upon arrival, the officers found the young woman confronting a neighbour. She was very irritated and her eyes were half-closed, which indicated a possible injury. However, the young woman reportedly insulted and threatened the neighbour, who had called the police.

The officers pulled the woman to the side to calm her, but she continued to shout, becoming increasingly upset. At one point, she noticed that another local resident was standing on the opposite pavement. Suspecting that she had also called the police, the young woman began to address her aggressively.

The officers had to restrain her, during which time she put up a lot of resistance. As a result, she hit one of them in the face with her shoulder, causing a contusion. The police officers arrested her for an offence of assault on authority, as she continued to scratch the other two officers. All three members of the Local Police force had to have their injuries treated at a health centre.

Despite being arrested, the woman did not calm down. Reportedly, she even threatened to punch the medic who attended to her at the health centre. The police officers reportedly used pepper spray on the detainee inside the patrol car, as she continued to display aggressive behaviour, hitting at the window with her handcuffs.

The case is similar to another police noise complaint operation that took place in a villa in the Pinares de San Anton area of the city. The incident resulted in six injured officers and the arrest of three of the party attendees, who later admitted to the assault, which led to a considerable reduction in the sentence - a fine of 3,000 euros between the three of them.
Syracuse, N.Y.  The YMCA of Central New York has told its members that a registered sex offender involved in a recent incident with a child in North Syracuse was a Y member.

YMCA officials said in the notice to members on Wednesday that a system it uses at all its facilities never flagged that this person was a registered sex offender.

On Tuesday, authorities announced the arrest of Ryan Pontello, 33, of Clay. Hes accused of using candy to lure a 5-year-old girl from a playground into woods near the Windsor Place Apartments at 5607 Bear Rd. in North Syracuse and raping her.

Pontello was charged with first-degree rape, first-degree sex abuse, luring a child, endangering the welfare of a child and acting in a manner injurious to a child under 17, Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley said Tuesday.

He was also charged with first-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly sexually abusing a 3-year-old girl earlier this year. Hes being held in the Justice Center jail on no bail.

Stefanie Noble, a YMCA spokesperson, refused to confirm that the person in the notice to Y members was Pontello. She did confirm the YMCA officials learned of the incident involving a child in North Syracuse through recent news reports.

We checked and removed that person as soon as we found out and the person in question was not appearing on any of the available databases to us, but as soon as we found out that that person was somebody to be questioned, we terminated their membership, Noble said.

In the notice, the YMCA said they utilize Raptor  technology that integrates with the National Sex Offender Registry  to screen its members. This member was not flagged in their systems, according to the notice.

Pontello is a level 1 sex offender from an incident that occurred on July 7, 2011 in Oswego County, Shelley said. Shelley and Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said they are looking into the details of that case.

In 2013, Pontello, then 21, who was living in Phoenix (Oswego County), and was accused of having sexual contact with a child in 2011, according to Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard archives. He was charged with felony sexual abuse and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child. The resolution of that case could not be immediately determined.

As a level 1 sex offender, Pontello was considered a low risk of re-offense, according to the state Sex Offenders Registry. At that level, his registry as a sex offender is not public.

Our Y, the New York State Alliance, and a contact from Y-USA are looking into this and working to understand why our Y, along with any other organization using these databases, would not be able to access the information we would need, Noble said.

The YMCA, the county sheriffs office and the District Attorneys Office said there are no active investigations or reported incidents from the YMCA.

Staff writer Darian Stevenson covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at dstevenson@syracuse.com
The artist sketch depicts Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Kenerson, front left, watching as Whitney Minter, a public defender from the eastern division of Virginia, stands to represent Abu Agila Mohammad Mas'ud Kheir Al-Marimi, accused of making the bomb that brought down Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, in federal court in Washington, Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, as Magistrate Judge Robin Meriweather listens. (Dana Verkouteren via AP) AP

Washington  The trial of the third person accused in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, has been delayed until next year.

Jury selection is now scheduled for April 2026 in the criminal case against former Libyan intelligence official Abu Agila Mohammad Masud Kheir Al-Marimi, according to BBC News.

Masud will be tried in federal court in Washington on several charges, including destruction of an aircraft resulting in death. His trial was originally set to begin for last month.

Both the prosecution and defense asked for additional time to work through the complex case. The lawyers are likely to clash over the admissibility of a confession by Masud to Libyan law enforcement to participating in the bombing.

Pan Am Flight 103 was carrying 259 people when it suddenly exploded over Scotland just after 7 p.m. local time on Dec. 21, 1988. The flight from London to New York City included 35 Syracuse University students returning from a semester abroad, plus five others with ties to Central New York.

All 259 people onboard, and 11 on the ground, were killed in the crash.

Evidence recovered from the wreckage showed the plane had been blown up by a bomb hidden inside a Toshiba cassette player placed in a suitcase in the cargo hold.

Federal prosecutors say Masud is an expert in building explosive devices and helped prepare the bomb that downed the flight.

Masud was charged by federal authorities in December 2020 and arrested two years later.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Two other people have already been tried for the bombing.

Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi was found guilty in 2001 and was sentenced to 27 years to life in prison. He was freed in 2009 on medical grounds due to a cancer diagnosis. He died three years later.

Al-Amin Khalifa Fhimah was acquitted.

Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.
Camera Guy Bill, aka Bill Drexler, a Buffalo native, is bringing a new "Hot Ones" experience to the Taste of Buffalo. Screenshot from YouTube Screenshot from YouTube

Summer in Upstate New York is about to get even hotter.

The 2025 Taste of Buffalo is turning up the heat with a sizzling new collaboration: For the first time ever, the internets favorite fiery talk show, Hot Ones, and its parent company First We Feast are joining forces with Western New Yorks biggest food festival.

The two-day event takes place July 12-13 at Niagara Square and along Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo.

According to a press release, five local restaurants will team up with Hot Ones to create exclusive dishes using the same sauces that have made celebrities sweat on camera. Taste-goers will be able to sample these spicy creations and test their limits without having to sit in the Hot Ones interview chair to feel the burn.

Now in its 25th season, Hot Ones has become a viral sensation by flipping the traditional celebrity interview format on its headone burning wing at a time. Guests from Pedro Pascal to Megan Thee Stallion to Offset, and even Upstate New Yorks Al Roker, Paul Rudd and Carmelo Anthony, have braved a 10-wing gauntlet with host Sean Evans, as the spice  and the questions  escalate with each bite. The show has earned multiple Daytime Emmy nods and tens of millions of loyal fans worldwide.

Viral YouTube show 'Hot Ones' by First We Feast is collaborating with the Taste of Buffalo for a few different experiences at the two-day event, including a "Heat and Greet" with Camera Guy Bill, a Buffalo native. Provided photo | Taste of Buffalo and First We Feast Provided photo | Taste of Buffalo and First We Feast

There will be even more opportunities to get up close with the Hot Onesuniverse during the food festival. Buffalo native and fan-favorite Camera Guy Bill (aka Bill Drexler) is coming home for the festivities. As a regularly occurring guest and camera operator from the show, hell be hosting a Heat & Greet pop-up tent where fans can snap spicy selfies and even try the infamous Last Dab sauce, if they dare.

Camera Guy Bill, aka Bill Drexler, a fan-favorite on YouTube's "Hot Ones" series and Buffalo native, will be in attendance at the 2025 Taste of Buffalo. He poses here with weatherman Al Roker, a guest on the show. YouTube screenshot. YouTube screenshot

Im thrilled to bring the Hot Ones heat to my hometown of Buffalo, Drexler said. The people of Buffalo know spice, and the restaurants weve partnered with are cooking up some amazing dishes with authentic Hot Ones flavors. Lets go, Buffalo!

The SUNY Fredonia grad and die-hard Bills Mafia fan will also serve as a celebrity judge, helping crown the first-ever Taste of Buffalo x Hot Ones Award for the best collaboration dish.

Hot Ones and First We Feast will also be filming on site all weekend for their social channels. The team recently tour a tour around the Queen City to find the best wings in Buffalo with four stops: Duffs, Wingnutz, Doc Sullivans and Bar Bill.

Too far from the event? Hot Ones sauces and at-home tasting games are available online.

This year marks the 42 annual Taste of Buffalo, the largest two-day food festival in the country. With upward of 450,000 people in attendance each year, this showcase of local flavors has drawn national attention and was named the best city food festival in the U.S. in 2023.
President Donald Trump said Thursday that his administration has to use some common sense around deporting undocumented immigrants who work for farmers and hotel owners.

We cant take farmers and take all their people and send them back because they dont have maybe what theyre supposed to have, maybe not, Trump said.
To the Editor,

Over the past seven years, the film industry has emerged as a powerful driver of economic and cultural vitality in Onondaga County. As president of Visit Syracuse and Visit Syracuse Film, Im proud to share that film and television productions have brought over $150 million in direct spending to our region. This surge has been a catalyst for private development, with more than $20 million invested in our communities, creating jobs, reviving underused spaces and sparking momentum for future growth.

In recent years, weve also seen a rise in private investment in animation and post-production infrastructure, helping to shift meaningful portions of the industry away from traditional hubs like New York City and Atlanta, and bringing that business to Syracuse. These expansions position our region not just as a location for filming, but as a full-service media production destination.

Beyond the headline numbers, the real story is the impact on local businesses and residents. Our hotels consistently report increased occupancy tied to production schedules. Restaurants and taverns benefit from daily crew traffic, and local vendors  from caterers to dry cleaners  are woven into the day-to-day fabric of filmmaking. Even homeowners have been given the unique opportunity to participate, renting out their properties as filming locations and earning supplemental income. These benefits reach deep into our neighborhoods and business corridors.

Importantly, this economic lift is not theoreticalit is happening in real time and it is undisputable.

I understand that some concerns have been raised in the village of Liverpool regarding noise and generator emissions associated with ongoing film productions, including recent work by American High. While these temporary inconveniences may understandably cause frustration for some, they are part of a much larger picture  one in which the economic and cultural benefits to the region are significant and far-reaching. Film production brings with it a measurable and positive impact on our economy, visibility, and community identity, helping to position Central New York as a serious player in the creative industries.

As the industry continues to evolve and grow, thoughtful solutions on how it fits into neighborhoods will be at the forefront. Ensuring that film remains a welcome and positive presence in our communities is a shared interest that will guide conversations going forward.

As we look ahead, its important to recognize that this momentum is supported at the highest levels of government. Gov. Kathy Hochuls recent signing of legislation extending New York States Film Tax Credit through 2034 reaffirms the long-term commitment to this industry and the opportunities it creates across the state.

This is not just about lights and cameras. Its about real people  business owners, students, tradespeople and neighbors  who are benefiting from an industry that continues to choose Onondaga County as its stage. We are building not only a stronger economy but a more vibrant and inclusive cultural identity for the region.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work to make Central New York a premiere destination for film, business, and opportunity.

Danny Liedka

President

Visit Syracuse and Visit Syracuse Film

Syracuse
A U.S. Army soldier walks past a Bradley fighting vehicle staged in West Potomac Park ahead of an upcoming military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary and coinciding with Donald Trump's 79th birthday, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Washington. AP AP

Washington  A group of 100 Army soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum will be in Washington, D.C., on Saturday for a military parade to mark the Armys 250th anniversary.

Members of the 10th Mountain Division command team will help support a parade expected to include more than 6,600 soldiers, marching bands, horses, tanks, infantry vehicles, helicopters and parachute jumps.
Camillus, N.Y.  A craft beer brewpub that opened in the Destiny USA mall in 2022 is now expanding with a new taproom in the Township 5 development in Camillus.

Bullfinch Brewpub will take over the space that will soon be vacated by the Brasserie Bar & Bistro. The Brasserie, which has been at Township 5 for 10 years, will close by the end of July. The exact closing date has not yet been set.

Bullfinch will likely open a few weeks later, by the end of the summer.

The Bullfinch taproom will serve the beers that co-owner and brewer Dave Collins makes in the brewhouse attached to the pub in the mall. They run the range from lagers to IPAs, and hefeweizens to sours.

Collins, who owns Bullfinch with John Schemm, hopes to retain as much of the current Brasserie staff as he can, and will work with them to create a new take on the menu.

It wont be a French bistro (like the Brasserie), but probably more of an American bistro, Collins said. The existing Bullfinch at the mall has been described as an American gastropub.

Township 5 is very excited to have Bullfinch Brewpub in our lineup for end of summer 2025, Barbie Sebeck of Township 5 owner The Cameron Group said in an email to syracuse.com. In searching for a local craft brewery to bring into Township 5 they (Bullfinch) bring that local flair and a perfect fit with fantastic beer, delicious food and a unique local vibe.

Collins got his first official brewmaster job in 2012 when he helped open the Destiny USA location of Gordon Biersch, a national brewpub chain.

He left after a few years to help start the Resurgence Brewing Co., a craft brewery in Buffalo. Afters Destinys Gordon Biersch closed in 2020, Collins opened Bullfinch in its former location.

The Brasserie, operated Michele Roesch and her mother, Nora, announced it plans to close earlier this year. They also operate the Emerald Cocktail Kitchen on Tipperary Hill.

They decided to close the Brasserie because the lease was expiring and they wanted to concentrate on the Emerald, Michele Roesch said at the time.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. The Azerbaijani government is gearing up to roll out an action plan after Shusha has been crowned the tourism capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) for 2026, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed a decree in this regard.

The decision was made during the 5th meeting of tourism ministers from ECO member states, held in Ardabil, Iran, on October 5, 2023, where Shushaa city known for its rich cultural and historical significancewas recognized for its potential to enhance regional tourism collaboration.

This decision reflects a special recognition of Shusha as a key hub of Azerbaijans historical, cultural, and socio-political life and is expected to significantly boost tourism cooperation among member states.

The decree tasks Azerbaijans Cabinet of Ministers with preparing and implementing a comprehensive plan to support Shushas role as the Economic Cooperation Organizations (ECO) Tourism Capital for 2026, while also addressing all related matters stemming from the decree.

The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), of which Azerbaijan has been a member since 1992, is an Eurasian political and economic intergovernmental entity established in 1985 in Tehran by the leaders of Iran, Pakistan, and Turkiye. It offers a forum to explore methods for enhancing growth and fostering trade and investment prospects.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Its not every day that a three-hour flight unexpectedly stretches into a 32-hour ordeal after being rerouted multiple times. But heres the worst part: At the end of this long detour, passengers didnt even arrive at their destination. Instead, the plane landed at the same airport where they boarded.

This was a reality for 137 passengers and six crew members last month while aboard Condor flight DE1234 last month. The flight took off on May 24 from Zurich, Switzerland. It was supposed to arrive at Heraklion Airport in Crete, Greece just three hours later. It didnt. Not even close.

A Condor airlines rep told People that the plane faced extreme weather conditions, which forced the aircraft to reroute five times and ultimately prevented it from landing in Crete.

With strong winds, take-offs and landings at Heraklion Airport on Crete were only possible to a limited extent, the rep said in a statement. Despite several attempts to land in Heraklion, the flight was unfortunately unable to operate as planned and had to be diverted several times including a night stop in Thessaloniki before finally returning to Zurich.

Citing data from Flightradar24, Business Insider reported that the flight circled the coast of Crete six times trying to land. The plane was also said to have made four stops during this frustrating endeavor, which included an overnight stay in Thessaloniki. But after its many unsuccessful attempts to arrive in Crete, the plane did a U-turn and returned to Zurich.

In addition to the flights unduly delay and failure to arrive at the destination, conditions on board were allegedly not ideal.

Although the Condor rep told People that refreshments and drinks were served for all guests by the crew in the galley, Metro reported that some passengers complained of not being given many food and drink options throughout their prolonged journey. Others were said to have vomited during one of the attempted landings at Heraklion Airport.

Guests also reportedly had to pay for their own hotel when the plane touched down in Thessaloniki for the night. During one of the landings, they were given the option to leave the flight. However, Condor wasnt able to give them their checked luggage if they chose to do so.

Condor, a German leisure airline, has been operating since 1956. Its known for offering scheduled and charter flights primarily from Germany to popular holiday destinations worldwide, including the U.S.
MOUNT PROSPECT, IL - MAY 31: A worker pushes carts outside a Costco Wholesale store May 31, 2006 in Mount Prospect, Illinois. Third-quarter earnings reported today were up at Costco, the nation's largest warehouse club operator, although current oil prices affected margins at their associated gas stations. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images) Getty Images

A California woman is suing Costco for millions of dollars after being injured at a store in Santa Barbara in March.

Per CBS News, Sadie Novotny alleges in a lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of Alameda on April 29 that after a heavy liquor cabinet on display fell on her suddenly and without warning, it resulted in multiple, permanent and severe injuries thereby, including but not limited to a closed head injury and traumatic brain injury.

The incident reportedly occurred on March 22 at the Costco store in Santa Barbara while she was shopping with her husband. Novotny is suing Costco for general negligence, premises liability, and product liability. She is seeking $14,110,000 in damages.

In her initial incident report per People, she gave more details about the incident. My husband and I were buying a liquor cabinet. I was holding the flatbed when the floor model fell on top of me. I caught the cabinet and pushed it back. My right shoulder, forearm, hand, fingers, and lower back hurt after the accident, she wrote.

Novotny further asserted in her complaint that Costco should have known that a condition on their property created an unreasonable risk of harm to users. She added that the cabinet display had thin legs and was sitting atop a defective or worn or otherwise inadequate wooden pallet, in an unreasonably dangerous manner, which posed a serious risk of harm to the public.

Injury attorney Claude Wyle, who is representing her, told CBS that Novotny went to the emergency room after the incident and was diagnosed with a mild concussion. She still faces ongoing issues, including trouble finding words, vision problems, and headaches.

Wyle also said that Costco has a video of the alleged incident, but it has not yet been released to him.

Last week, the lawsuit was transferred to the U.S. District Court for Northern California at Costcos request.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Azerbaijan has raised social benefits following a decree signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports.

The presidential decree, titled "On the Increase of Social Benefits, Presidential Pensions, and Honorary Title Pensions," which amends several prior orders and decrees, outlines new rates for various social payments effective from July 1.

Social benefits are as follows:

- 300 manat ($176.4) for individuals with disabilities affecting 81100 percent of bodily functions, 250 manat ($147) for those with 6180 percent impairment, and 180 manat ($105.8) for disabilities ranging from 3160 percent;

- 140 manat ($82.3) for families who have lost their primary breadwinner;

- 140 manat ($82.3) for children of active-duty military personnel;

- 140 manat ($82.3) for guardians of children who have lost their parents or are deprived of parental care;

- 140 manat ($82.3) per child for low-income families with children under one year old;

- 140 manat ($82.3) per child for women with more than five children;

- 240 manat ($141.1) for an adopted child, excluding those under 18 with a disability;

- For foster families raising a child under 18 with a disability: 500 manat ($294.1) for ages 06, 600 manat ($352.9) for ages 713, and 650 manat ($382.3) for ages 1418;

- 600 manat ($352.9) for the birth of a child;

- 600 manat ($352.9) for funeral expenses.

Additionally, starting July 1, the monthly presidential pensions are set as follows:

- 2,200 manat ($1,294) for individuals awarded the title of Hero of the Patriotic War;

- 2,000 manat ($1,294) for each person awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan;

- 700 manat ($411.7) for the family of a martyr;

- 700 manat ($411.7) for the family of a January 20 martyr;

- 700 manat ($411.7) for families of military personnel who died while fulfilling their international duty as part of Soviet troops in Afghanistan, went missing, or were declared dead by court;

- For persons with disabilities related to the war or the January 20, 1990 events:

- 600 manat ($352.9) for those with 81100 percent impairment of body functions;

- 500 manat ($294.1) for those with 6180 percent impairment;

- 400 manat ($235.2) for those with 3160 percent impairment;

- 120 manat ($70.5) for caregivers of persons with 81100 percent impairment or under the age of 18;

- 250 manat ($147) for individuals declared disabled due to 81100 percent impairment from general causes (excluding visual impairment);

- 350 manat ($205.8) for individuals declared visually impaired with 81100 percent impairment from general causes.

Starting July 1, monthly pensions for honorary titles will be 300 manat ($176.4) for peoples writers, poets, artists, and painters, and 200 manat ($117.6) for honored professionals across various fields, including science, arts, culture, education, medicine, architecture, sports, civil service, journalism, engineering, law, agriculture, piloting, and healthcare.

The Cabinet of Ministers is tasked with addressing all matters arising from this decree.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
What just happened? In the heart of Oregon's Silicon Forest, a group of veteran chip architects has traded the security of a tech giant for the high-stakes world of startups, aiming to redefine the future of microprocessors. The founders of AheadComputing, who collectively spent nearly a century at Intel, are now channeling their expertise into building a new class of CPU, one they believe could upend the industry's established order.

Rather than building on the legacy of x86, the team is betting on RISC-V, which they believe is better suited to the demands of modern workloads, particularly those driven by artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

AheadComputing's founders are focused on a technical challenge that has stymied the industry: the bottleneck in per-core performance as AI and machine learning workloads become ubiquitous.

Even as specialized accelerators like GPUs grab headlines, today's CPUs remain essential for many stages of data processing in AI workflows. Yet most organizations report that their AI applications are hindered by the limitations of current general-purpose processors, particularly in terms of bandwidth and data throughput.

The company has developed 64-bit RISC-V CPUs designed from the ground up for enhanced single-thread and multi-core performance, with a particular emphasis on power efficiency, thermal density, and scalability across multiprocessor systems. This approach is a direct response to the needs of AI workloads, which often involve single- or low-parallelism tasks that general-purpose CPUs must handle efficiently.

The startup's ambitions are supported by $21.5 million in seed funding and a rapidly growing team, which has expanded from four to forty employees in just five months. The technical roadmap includes not only high-performance cores for servers and data centers but also scalable solutions for mobile and edge applications, reflecting the increasingly fragmented ecosystem of modern computing. The company is also actively seeking strategic partners to integrate its technology into a wide array of platforms, from cloud infrastructure to specialized logic chips.

"AheadComputing is doing the biggest, baddest CPU in the world," Debbie Marr, the company's CEO, told The Oregonian. The leadership team's background at Intel, where they tackled similar challenges at scale, provides them with a unique perspective on how to break through the performance ceilings of traditional designs.

Their move to a startup environment, where they manage everything from technical design to office logistics, has enabled them to operate with speed and focus that were previously impossible in a corporate setting.

The choice of RISC-V is central to this technical strategy. Unlike proprietary architectures, RISC-V's open standard allows for rapid innovation and customization, free from the licensing constraints that have long limited new entrants in the CPU market. This flexibility is critical as the industry shifts toward modular chiplet designs and away from monolithic, one-size-fits-all processors.

While AheadComputing's chips are still in development, the company's technical vision and rapid progress have already drawn industry attention, including the addition of renowned chip architect Jim Keller to its board.

The founders are clear-eyed about the risks, but equally convinced of the potential rewards. With a focus on technical innovation and a willingness to break from tradition, AheadComputing is staking its future on the belief that the next great leap in computing will come from openness, specialization, and speed.

Image credit: The Oregonian
Rumor mill: Trusted leakers previously reported that Sony is preparing a handheld counterpart to the PlayStation 6 that doesn't rely solely on streaming. The rumors have sparked speculation about how a portable device will run modern, high-end games, as new information sheds light on prospective hardware specifications.

Prominent tipster KeplerL2 recently provided new details regarding Sony's plans for a handheld console. Although the device would be far weaker than a PlayStation 5, the company might use memory enhancements and other workarounds to access the larger console's software library.

Kepler previously reported that the portable system, due for A0 tape-out later this year, will feature a custom SoC based on AMD's upcoming Zen 6 CPU and UDNA GPU architectures. The PlayStation 6 is expected to employ the same architecture, so the two devices might complement each other.

However, the handheld will only draw 15W, making it significantly slower than the PlayStation 5. Although such a device could likely run every digital PlayStation 4 game out of the box, some speculate that developers would need to release "handheld performance" patches to make PS5 games playable on it. In response, Kepler stated that Sony aims for the device to support all titles.

His latest comments come in response to a report from Moore's Law is Dead describing a low-power mode that Sony is preparing for the PlayStation 5. Developers are being told to prepare their games to support an energy-saving setting that limits the CPU to eight threads, halves the GDDR6 RAM speed, cuts clock frequencies by between 10 and 20%, and restricts the PS5 Pro to the original console's 36 GPU compute units. Kepler believes that the low-power mode is a test run to determine how the handheld would run PlayStation 5 games on lowered specs.

The device features 149 GB/s of memory bandwidth  one third of the PlayStation 5's 448 GB/s. However, the handheld will add 16 MB of "MAA" (possibly Memory-At-Last-Level) cache for improved memory compression to compensate for the disadvantage. Machine learning-based upscaling, likely through PSSR or FSR 4, could also help lighten the load.

Developers have received plenty of experience optimizing games for low-power hardware over the last few years. The Xbox Series S presented a significant challenge for titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Black Myth Wukong, but many high-end titles have performed surprisingly well on the Steam Deck and other handheld gaming PCs.

Nintendo's recently launched Switch 2 will likely become another host to scaled-down AAA games, as Cyberpunk 2077 has demonstrated with impressive results. If Sony launches a handheld, the rumored specs will easily outperform the Switch 2 and Steam Deck, so titles running on it might face fewer compromises.
What just happened? Meta's mission to crack down on AI "nudify" programs has led to it suing the maker of one of these apps. The social media giant has launched a lawsuit against Joy Timeline HK Limited, which developed an app called Crush AI.

In the suit, which has been filed in the company's home of Hong Kong, Meta states that Crush AI made multiple attempts to circumvent Meta's ad review process and continued placing the ads.

The ads appeared across Facebook and Instagram, and while Meta repeatedly removed them for breaking the rules, Joy Timeline kept posting more.

One of the many negative consequences to come from the advancement of generative AI has been the rise of nudify apps. They use the technology to generate nonconsensual nude and explicit images of people after being fed photos of the individual.

Crush AI had been one of the most prolific advertisers among these apps. An investigation in January from the author of the Faked Up newsletter, Alexios Mantzarlis, found that Meta's platforms ran more than 8,000 Crush AI-related ads during the first two weeks of the year alone. He notes that roughly 90% of Crush AI's website traffic came from either Facebook or Instagram.

Crush AI avoided Meta's review process by setting up dozens of advertiser accounts and frequently changed domain names. Crush AI also had a Facebook page promoting its service.

Senator Dick Durbin sent a letter to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in February, urging him to address the ads. Durbin wrote that the ads violated Meta's Advertising Standards, including its prohibitions on ads featuring adult nudity, sexual activity, and certain forms of bullying and harassment.

90% of online traffic to a nudify app originates from Meta advertising. It's incredibly problematic and creates new victims of deepfake intimate imagery.



I just told Mark Zuckerberg: it's time to step up.  Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) February 11, 2025

Meta says that it has now developed new technology that is designed to find and remove these types of nudify ads more quickly. It has also expanded the list of terms, phrases and emoji that are flagged by its systems.

The company is also working with specialist teams to stay up to date with how these app makers evolve their tactics to avoid detection. It will be sharing signals about the apps with other tech companies so they can address them on their respective platforms.

In May last year, Google announced a new policy that prohibits ads for deepfake porn or those that promise to digitally undress people without consent. Soon after, the San Francisco City Attorney's office sued 16 of the most-visited "undressing" sites with the aim of shutting them down.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, spoke at a press conference following the 14th plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic Speaking Countries (TURKPA) held in Kazakhstan's Astana on June 12, the parliamentary press service told Trend.

Gafarova noted that the chairmanship of TURKPA has passed from Azerbaijans National Assembly to Kazakhstans Parliament, expressing confidence that this transition will strengthen the organization and further solidify their common work.

The Speaker emphasized the great importance Azerbaijans National Assembly places on its activities within TURKPA, highlighting the foundation of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between brotherly countries parliaments as rooted in the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyevs words: We have no other family. Our family is the Turkic world.

She added that the unity and solidarity of peoples sharing common roots and national-spiritual values is a natural process, increasingly reflected in the strengthening and expansion of bilateral and multilateral relations, mutual support, and joint initiatives among the Turkic states.

According to the Speaker, Turkic cooperation organizations play a vital role in this process. The rich agenda of cooperation has made not only traditional summit meetings of the heads of state of the Turkic Council necessary, but also informal summit meetings  a concept initiated by President Ilham Aliyev. The first informal summit took place last July in Shusha, Azerbaijans cultural capital liberated from Armenian occupation, and the second was held this May in Budapest.

Gafarova highlighted that as representatives of brotherly peoples, parliamentarians are always mindful of how they can contribute to this process. In this regard, she described TURKPA as an important platform enabling the realization of shared interests and directing multifaceted cooperation toward common goals.

Reflecting on TURKPAs significant progress over the years, the Speaker said it has become an effective mechanism for mutually beneficial parliamentary collaboration. She recalled the successful completion of the Assemblys 14th Council and plenary sessions, during which past achievements and plans were reviewed.

The Astana Declaration, adopted following the plenary session, represents a common position on issues of mutual interest and reflects the mutual trust and support between the parliaments of the participating countries.

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Value oceans, don't plunder them, French Polynesia leader tells AFP



Nice, France, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



French Polynesia pledged this week to create the world's largest marine protected area to safeguard its seas -- and it hopes to encourage others to lift their game.

The archipelago in the far South Pacific Ocean, an overseas territory of France, is led by Moetai Brotherson, who believes oceans should be valued, not plundered.

President Brotherson spoke with AFP about deep-sea mining, ecological stewardship, and his dream of a day where environment summits are no longer needed.



Q: How big is this new protected area?

A: "It covers our entire exclusive economic zone, approximately 5 million square kilometres (1.93 million square miles). From north to south, that's equivalent to the distance between Stockholm and Sicily, and from east to west, it's Romania to Portugal.

"All seabed exploitation, trawling and seine fishing (use of a large circular weighted net) is prohibited in our waters. And within this area, there are just over 1 million square kilometres that are high protection zones.



Q: Are these zones totally off-limits?

A: "Yes, absolutely. Even our longliners (which use baited hooks on a long line) will be prohibited in these high protection zones."



Q: What motivated the decision?

A: "We are doing it because there are other ways to exploit the ocean than plundering it, and we hope that our example will inspire other countries.

"We are not just a people of the ocean, we are the ocean. For us, it is unthinkable to destroy this space, this place that is part of our origins, our legends, our founding myths. We talk about marine protected areas, but here we call it rahui (leaving fallow), and it has existed for 3,000 years.

"There are 280,000 of us, and we are here to show the rest of the world that with a population the size of Montpellier, we can achieve great things."



Q: Do you think France should do more to protect its oceans?

A: "I am not the President of the French Republic. But yes, in absolute terms, of course France should do more.

"Today -- if we look at France's actions in relation to ocean protection -- it mainly comes from overseas territories."



Q: Deep-sea mining has been a hot topic at the UN Ocean Conference. What's your position?

A: "It's a subject that worries me. Our closest neighbour, the Cook Islands, is planning to mine polymetallic nodules in its exclusive economic zone. The machines used are a kind of combine harvester that settle on the ocean floor and destroy everything in their path.

"Underwater pollution, like the Chernobyl cloud, will not stop at the border. The plume of dust that will be released will block out the light and prevent the development of phytoplankton, which is necessary to feed the entire food chain. It is a chronicle of a disaster foretold."



Q: What needs to be done to prevent this disaster?

A: "The message to the big countries is: don't come and lecture us, because you have been destroying the planet for centuries without caring about the environment. It's rather inappropriate to come and lecture us today.

"Some of us today see no other solutions for our economic development. The responsibility of the world's major countries is to help us, the small island countries, to develop other socio-economic models based on green tourism, blue tourism and renewable energies, which do not involve exploiting sub-oceanic minerals.

"We need adequate funding and development aid."



Q: Beyond the speeches, do you think the UN Ocean Conference achieved anything?

A: "These gatherings can of course be criticised. But they are still necessary to meet decision-makers and people who have the financial means to participate in environmental preservation efforts.

"I dream of the day when it will be announced that there is no longer any need for climate or ocean summits."
Disasters loom over South Asia with forecast of a hotter, wetter monsoon



Kathmandu, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



Communities across Asia's Himalayan Hindu Kush region face heightened disaster risks this monsoon season with temperatures and rainfall expected to exceed normal levels, experts warned on Thursday.

Temperatures are expected to be up to two degrees Celsius hotter than average across the region, with forecasts for above-average rains, according to a monsoon outlook released by Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) on Wednesday.

"Rising temperatures and more extreme rain raise the risk of water-induced disasters such as floods, landslides, and debris flows, and have longer-term impacts on glaciers, snow reserves, and permafrost," Arun Bhakta Shrestha, a senior adviser at ICIMOD, said in a statement.

The summer monsoon, which brings South Asia 70-80 percent of its annual rainfall, is vital for agriculture and therefore for the livelihoods of millions of farmers and for food security in a region that is home to around two billion people.

However, it also brings destruction through landslides and floods every year. Melting glaciers add to the volume of water, while unregulated construction in flood-prone areas exacerbates the damage.

"What we have seen over the years are also cascading disasters where, for example, heavy rainfall can lead to landslides, and landslides can actually block rivers. We need to be aware about such possibilities," Saswata Sanyal, manager of ICIMOD's Disaster Risk Reduction work, told AFP.

Last year's monsoon season brought devastating landslides and floods across South Asia and killed hundreds of people, including more than 300 in Nepal.

This year, Nepal has set up a monsoon response command post, led by its National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

"We are coordinating to stay prepared and to share data and alerts up to the local level for early response. Our security forces are on standby for rescue efforts," said agency spokesman Ram Bahadur KC.

Weather-related disasters are common during the monsoon season from June to September but experts say climate change, coupled with urbanisation, is increasing their frequency and severity.

The UN's World Meteorological Organization said last year that increasingly intense floods and droughts are a "distress signal" of what is to come as climate change makes the planet's water cycle ever more unpredictable.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has met with the speakers of parliaments of the TURKPA member countries, a source in Azerbaijan's parliament told Trend.

The Parliament Speaker, Sahiba Gafarova, attended the meeting.

In the course of the meeting, the President of Kazakhstan stated that TURKPA has a special impact on the economic, cultural, and humanitarian development of our countries and that its potential should be used for achieving the common goals of our peoples.

Tokayev, recalling that Kazakhstan held the chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States last year, briefed on the work carried out during this period.

The President of Kazakhstan emphasized the role of TURKPA in deepening cooperation among Turkic states and underlined that strengthening cooperation is especially important in the context of modern challenges.

According to Tokayev, Kazakhstan attaches special importance to interparliamentary relations and peoples diplomacy among brotherly countries. TURKPA is a reputable international organization and a unique institution that enables the deepening of cooperation. Joint activity within the framework of this organization is of great significance.

Kazakhstan fully supports parliamentary diplomacy among Turkic states. With solidarity, we will successfully overcome these difficult times and give a strong impetus to the development of our economies, Tokayev concluded.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Turkmenistan names high-yield wheat after its leaders



Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



Turkmenistan inaugurated its harvest season on Thursday by naming new high-yielding wheat varieties after its leaders, as climate change threatens food security in the predominantly desert Central Asian country.

Among the fifteen former Soviet republics, Turkmenistan is the most threatened by severe food insecurity, affecting over 12 percent of its seven-million population, the World Bank's data from 2024 showed.

One of the most reclusive countries in the world, Turkmenistan has been ruled continuously since 2006 by the father-and-son duo: Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov and his son Serdar.

Gurbanguly is the subject of an intense personality cult and has been officially proclaimed the "leader of the Turkmen nation" and the "hero-Arkadag", or hero-protector in Turkmen.

"For this year's harvest, new high-yielding wheat varieties 'Arkadag', 'Serdar' and 'Pyragy' were sown on the country's farmlands," Turkmen state media said.

"They are distinguished by high yields, large grains and low water requirements, which demonstrates their greater efficiency," the statement added.

State television footage on Thursday showed hundreds of people working in fields in front of a portrait of the current President Serdar Berdymukhamedov.

Information on the country is fragmented, tightly controlled by the state and generally unverifiable.

An employee of the state-owned company "Turkmen Wheat" told AFP on condition of anonymity that the new wheat varieties "were selected on the instructions of President Serdar Berdymukhamedov to improve seeds and their resistance to climate change."

According to the Food and Agriculture Organtization of the United Nations (FAO), "wheat rust diseases threaten to affect approximately 0.5 million hectares of arable land in Turkmenistan, given the climatic conditions."
S.Africa rescuers search for survivors of deadly floods



Johannesburg, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



South Africa rescue teams raced on Thursday to find possible survivors after heavy rain flooded parts of a coastal province earlier in the week as the death toll rose to 57.

Torrential rains and freezing temperatures struck the largely rural and underdeveloped Eastern Cape on Monday, causing major flooding and landslides that submerged houses.

Images on local media showed homes completely under water and rescuers wading through the mud. Power and water supplies have been affected and hundreds have been forced to relocate.

"As the water subsides, more bodies are being discovered," said Caroline Gallant, Eastern Cape manager at the South African Red Cross Society, which has sent assistance to the disaster zone.

More than 3,000 houses have been affected, she told AFP, adding it was "the worst ever disaster" recorded in the area.

President Cyril Ramaphosa called the floods "unprecedented" and said he would visit the disaster-hit region Friday.

A previous death toll of 49 has now risen to 57, Velenkosini Hlabisa, minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs, said.

"The figures are growing. This (57) is the figure... for the entire Eastern Cape province in three different areas," he told reporters, while visiting the worst hit city, Mthatha, about 800 kilometres (500 miles) south of Johannesburg.

Among the dead are at least four children who were in a school van that was swept away by the rising water, the province's top official Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has said.

Four other children are missing, while three were found alive. Two adults with them on the bus also died.

Another child died separately when he was swept away by water while walking to school, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said early Thursday.

"We are reeling," she told public broadcaster SABC News.







- Door to door -







One rescuer, who spoke to AFP on Thursday on the condition of anonymity as he was not allowed to speak to the media, said his team was expecting to find more bodies and possibly survivors.

"We are going door to door to see, because yesterday we did find people locked inside houses who couldn't get out and were deceased," he said.

At least 600 people have been displaced, the provincial government said, with many sheltering in community halls.

Infrastructure has also been damaged and at least 20 health facilities affected, the local authority said.

"The numbers will increase dramatically," said Ali Sablay, a spokesperson for the Gift of the Givers Foundation, a disaster response charity that deployed teams to the area.

"In the last 24 hours the number of people requiring assistance has jumped from 5,000 to 10,000," he told AFP.

"The homes are fragile, they can collapse any time; food is contaminated so people need to be evacuated," he added.

The government urged South Africans to be vigilant over the next few days as more "extreme weather" was expected across the country.

The province -- where Nelson Mandela was born -- is among the poorest in the country, with 72 percent of people living below the poverty line, according to the Southern African Regional Poverty Network.

Snow and heavy rainfall are common during winter in South Africa but the country is also highly vulnerable to the impact of climate variability and change, which increases the frequency and severity of droughts, floods and wildfires, according to the Green Climate Fund.

"We must take a tough stance that everyone who is living on a flood plain must be removed," Hlabisa, the minister, said. "Climate change is a reality now."
Death toll in S.Africa floods rises to 67



Mthatha, South Africa, June 12 (AFP) Jun 12, 2025



South Africa rescue teams recovered more bodies Thursday, days after heavy rains and strong winds battered the Eastern Cape province, as the death toll rose to at least 67.

The bitterly cold winter storm struck the largely rural and underdeveloped province on Monday, causing a river to burst its banks and submerge homes, with several make-shift dwellings toppled.

The worst-hit area was around the city of Mthatha, about 800 kilometres (500 miles) south of Johannesburg, where residents picked through the mud three days later to salvage what they could from their destroyed homes.

AFP journalists saw a rescue team pull four bodies, some of them children, from a one-roomed house in the late afternoon as locals watched.

"As the water subsides, more bodies are being discovered," said Caroline Gallant, Eastern Cape manager at the South African Red Cross Society, which has sent assistance to the disaster zone.

More than 3,000 houses have been affected, she told AFP, adding it was "the worst ever disaster" recorded in the area.

"The figure now has gone to 67 in terms of deceased," Velenkosini Hlabisa, minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs, told reporters.

It includes six school students who were among 10 in a school van that was swept away in the flooding, he said. Four of the children are still missing, officials said.

"We learnt of an additional two learners today... who have been confirmed as having died on the walk to school," Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said.

"We are reeling," she told public broadcaster SABC News.

The storm damaged power and water supplies and hundreds of people were forced to relocate.

President Cyril Ramaphosa called the floods "unprecedented" and said he would visit the disaster-hit region Friday.



- Door to door -



One rescuer, who spoke to AFP on Thursday on the condition of anonymity as he was not allowed to speak to the media, said his team was expecting to find more bodies and possibly survivors.

"We are going door to door to see, because yesterday we did find people locked inside houses who couldn't get out and were deceased," he said.

At least 600 people have been displaced, the provincial government said, with many sheltering in community halls.

Infrastructure has also been damaged and at least 20 health facilities affected, the local authority said.

"The numbers will increase dramatically," said Ali Sablay, a spokesperson for the Gift of the Givers Foundation, a disaster response charity that deployed teams to the area.

"In the last 24 hours the number of people requiring assistance has jumped from 5,000 to 10,000," he told AFP.

"The homes are fragile, they can collapse any time; food is contaminated so people need to be evacuated," he added.

The government urged South Africans to be vigilant over the next few days as more "extreme weather" was expected across the country.

The province -- where Nelson Mandela was born -- is among the poorest in the country, with 72 percent of people living below the poverty line, according to the Southern African Regional Poverty Network.

Snow and heavy rainfall are common during winter in South Africa but the country is also highly vulnerable to the impact of climate variability and change, which increases the frequency and severity of droughts, floods and wildfires, according to the Green Climate Fund.

"We must take a tough stance that everyone who is living on a flood plain must be removed," minister Hlabisa said. "Climate change is a reality now."
Its hard being a liberal in Hollywood right now. Theyre disorientated and confused. Richard Rushfield, editor of insider newsletter The Ankler, wrote a despairing screed the day after Donald Trumps inauguration: We are not part of the ruling coalition here. We do not speak from a place of dictating to America how things are going to be or demanding they follow our lead  or else. In particular, no one is looking to hear more from Hollywood.

As if to prove his point, Selena Gomez posted an Instagram story earlier this year where she wept about the plight of immigrants under Trump. The backlash was so intense that she deleted it, adding, Apparently its not OK to show empathy.

Hollywood had assumed it could last years election win with its vibes-based Brat summer. Kamala Harris was heavily boosted by star power from George Clooney and Bruce Springsteen to Oprah Winfrey and Billie Eilish the roll call is long and includes Michael Keaton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Aniston and Cardi B. Even Californias Republican former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger voted Harris/Walz. But it turns out popular right-wing podcasters Joe Rogan and Theo Von hold more cultural sway than Taylor Swift and Beyonce.

Six months on and LA is a febrile place. In an unprecedented move this week, Trump seemingly declared war on the city and deployed thousands of National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles without California governor Gavin Newsoms permission. More than 400 people have been arrested in LA since protests erupted in the wake of a string of raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Friday, including 330 undocumented migrants and 157 individuals facing charges of assault or obstruction.

Police officers on foot and horseback dispersed crowds on Wednesday evening in downtown LA before enforcing a curfew for a second consecutive night, while mayor Karen Bass described it as a response to the presidents chaotic escalation of the situation.

In a video posted to TikTok, actor and producer Eva Longoria described mass deportations as inhumane. Actor Pedro Pascal shared a video on his Instagram page celebrating the diversity of immigrant communities in Los Angeles, which he captioned: Los Angeles. Built by the best of US #Protect our #Protectors #RESIST.

Some celebrities say they were directly involved in the protests themselves. Musician and producer Finneas, brother of Billie Eilish, posted on Instagram: Tear-gassed almost immediately at the very peaceful protest downtown. Theyre inciting this.

After devastating fires left the city traumatised at the beginning of the year, the LA Times posited this week that the president knew the deployment would be incendiary, and that was the point: goad LA into setting itself on fire.

The President Versus The Arts

The first signs of a collision course being set between Trump and Americas progressive culture scene were in February with his takeover of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, a bi-partisan national cultural centre based in Washington DC.

The Kennedy Center chair, David M Rubenstein, and president, Deborah Rutter, were promptly fired and replaced by Trump, who was appointed board chair and his ally Richard Grenell who was appointed president. They were then joined by 14 board of trustee members, including the chief of staff, Susie Wiles, and Usha Vance, wife of JD Vance.

At the time, Trump heralded the move as ushering in a golden age of American arts and culture and said that he would be overseeing daily operations to ensure no more drag shows, or other anti-American propaganda. This week, the president made his first appearance at the prestigious arts venue for the opening night of Les Miserables. After being greeted with a number of protesters in the auditorium and being asked about reports of cast members planning to sit out the performance, he insisted he couldnt care less.

open image in gallery Selena Gomezs recent Instagram story about immigration has been met with backlash ( Getty )

The President Versus Tinsel Town

LA is a progressive town, which puts it at odds with the drive for Maga populist ideas in Americas cultural life, but there are hints that moviegoers are now starting to question Hollywoods progressive instincts. Fan reaction to The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker, Eternals and The Marvels was a howl of fanboy fury about forced diversity. Left-leaning documentary company Participant Media  which made An Inconvenient Truth  ran out of money and closed last year, while Am I Racist? was 2024s highest-grossing documentary  chiming with a new cultural zeitgeist which Trump is now fully encapsulating.

New York Magazines cover story earlier this year, headlined The Cruel Kids Table, saw journalist Brock Colyar crashing the Trump inauguration parties and finding Conservatism  as a cultural force, not just a political condition  back in a real way for the first time since the 1980s. The enthusiastic new breed of triumphant Trumpists are young, well-connected, urban, and online crypto nerds and influencers  gay and straight  scorning identity politics and telling racist jokes, delighting in the freedom to say f*****t and r******d.

More people think the Democrats are too liberal than say Republicans are too right wing, a screenwriter explained when I asked him about this new vibe shift. Theres no point in hating Trump voters. Thats the audience right now.

The Academy Awards should be fun, but many people point to liberal pearl-clutching speeches of the recent events being a buzzkill and the viewing figures have been dwindling at an alarming rate. Meanwhile, taking a leaf out of the tech bros song sheet, celebrity allegiances are shifting like an agents smile. Snoop played the 2024 Oscars, but he also played a Trump inauguration party in January with Soulja Boy and Nelly.

open image in gallery Snoop Dogg, seen here with the president in 2011, made fairly incendiary comments about Trump voters in 2019 but recently played the inaugural ball ( Getty )

Snoops Instagram followers plummeted, but hes unapologetic and shrugging it off despite lashing out at Kanye West for supporting Trump in 2018. Sniffing the wind change, Kim Kardashian appears to be playing both sides, hanging with Kamala in 2024 and Melania in 2025. Is Kim Kardashian just a Republican now? The Cut asked after Elon Musk gave her a Tesla, but this week she hit out against the immigration raids, writing on Instagram: Growing up in LA, I've seen how deeply immigrants are woven into the fabric of this city. They are our neighbours, friends, classmates, coworkers, and family.

No matter where you fall politically, it's clear that our communities thrive because of the contributions of immigrants. We cant turn a blind eye when fear and injustice keep people from living their lives freely and safely. There HAS to be a BETTER way.

Hollywood is an adaptable place. It has to be because, ultimately, Hollywood is about business. You dont get to be the only unsubsidised movie industry in the world if you cant read the room. In the 1980s  when conservatism was a cultural force by New York magazines reckoning  Sly Stallone punched out commie Dolph Lundgren and Tom Cruise outfoxed commie pilots in Top Gun you get the idea.

Meanwhile Michael J Fox chased the almighty dollar in The Secret of My Success, Michael Douglas proclaimed greed is good in Wall Street, Ackroyd and Murphy cleaned up in Trading Places, Paul Newman and Tom Cruise hustled in The Color of Money and earnest screenwriters asking what happened to all those left-wing conspiracy movies of the 1970s like All the Presidents Men, Chinatown and Network were told, forget it kid, no one wants to see that stuff anymore.

open image in gallery Donald and Melania Trump arrive for the Liberty inaugural ball in Washington, DC earlier this year ( AFP/Getty )

Disney recently pulled a trans storyline from Pixars Win or Lose and pushed back on Rachel Zeglers anti-Trump comments on Instagram. Zeglers heading up the Mouses live-action remake of Snow White and the backlash was huge.

As former Fox News commentator Megyn Kelly said  Hello, Disney? Youre going to have to redo your film again because this woman is a pig and you fired Gina Carano for far less. (Carano is The Mandalorian star dropped in 2021 for posting on social media that being a Republican these days was like being Jewish during the Holocaust.) Zeglers apology was fast and fulsome.

Whereas once being unwelcome in cultural circles and Hollywood would have bothered him, Trump is betting on tech being the new players in town. Silicon Valley gobbled up the music industry, the high street and your dating life and theyre coming for Tinseltown. Netflix, Amazon and Apple are moving and shaking up the old TV networks and movie studios and now making programmes and films just like Hollywood does.

The son of Oracle founder Larry Ellison, one of Trumps favourite billionaires, is poised to buy Paramount, the parent company of CBS News that Trump has accused of unlawful and illegal behaviour in the way it had edited a pre-election interview with Harris and is now suing for $20bn. Bezos owns Amazon Prime, and while Musk and Zuckerberg dont have studios, they have consumer attention and are more than able to pull the levers of social media.

open image in gallery Guests attend the Power 30 Awards, an inauguration party sponsored by TikTok for influencers who supported Trump ( Reuters )

The thing about Hollywood is that it works on a strange equation. No one gets to run a studio unless theyre tooth and claw about money. A studio is a bank. They finance what sells. But for some reason, its liberals who make the best stories and liberals always need the cash. As leftie George Bernard Shaw said to rapacious mogul Sam Goldwyn: There is this difference between you and me: you are only interested in art and I am only interested in money.

And with a new administration hell bent on driving through a Maga populist agenda, it feels like LA is on the back foot and backtracking has started. Disney, which found itself at the forefront of the culture wars over Florida governor Ron DeSantis dont say gay policy in 2023, began its retreat in early 2024 after CEO Bob Iger said he didnt like the term woke and the companys purpose is to entertain.

When the winds change, somehow Hollywood abides. And, for now, this is Trumps world, and LA is feeling his full force in every way.
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Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has weighed in on the recent Los Angeles immigration protests that have since sparked similar movements across the nation.

Speaking to Access Hollywood at Wednesdays season two premiere of his Netflix action series FUBAR, the former Republican politician, 77, was asked his thoughts on the current unrest happening in Los Angeles.

I hope that the locals and the state and the federal government work together, Schwarzenegger said, calling on bipartisan cooperation to bring immigration reform.

That the democrats and the republicans work together to solve this issue because I think we need immigration reform, and I think they can do it, he added. If theres a will theres a way. I just encourage them to work this out.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that aired the same day, Schwarzenegger argued that the democrats and the Republicans have no interest in solving this problem [immigration] because they use that to raise money and so what they do is they just keep pointing the finger at each other and then theyre surpised if all of a sudden we are using our middle finger on them.

open image in gallery Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke in support of immigration reform, calling for bipartisan cooperation to 'solve this issue' ( Getty )

This wouldnt happen if the politicians would do their work. Think about it, he said of the protests. Its all bogus because I think we can do better than that.

The Austrian-born Terminator star added: The whole thing is to do with deportation. Of course, this is a very sensitive subject for me because when I came over to this country, I was living in fear of being deported.

Schwarzenegger, who endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, served as the Republican Governor of California from 2003 to 2011.

I will always be an American before I am a Republican, he declared.

open image in gallery Anti-ICE protests erupted in LA over the weekend, bringing days of civil unrest ( AP )

Over the weekend, as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers conducted raids in LA, anti-ICE protests erupted across the city, causing days of civil unrest. To quell the protests, President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard, a decision that he is now being sued for by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who claims Trump acted illegally.

While LA remains the epicenter of unrest, The Independent found that demonstrations had flared up in at least 37 cities across the U.S. Hundreds of arrests had been made nationwide by Thursday.

Approximately 60 protesters, including juveniles, were arrested Sunday in San Fransico after a group began to vandalize property. Over on the East Coast, around 20 anti-ICE protesters were also led away by police in New York, following demonstrations in lower Manhattan.
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Jason Isaacs has thrown his support onto Tom Feltons divisive decision to return to the world of Harry Potter.

White Lotus star Isaacss blessing arrived shortly after the actor received a social media pile-on for his JK Rowling remarks.

Iasaacs played Draco Malfoy actor Feltons onscreen father Lucius in the film adaptations of Rowlings book series.

On Sunday (8 June), Felton presented an award at the Tonys, a ceremony honouring the best in theatre, and his presence came days after he was announced to be reprising the role of Draco in Broadway play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

His appearance at the New York event was overshadowed by his comments when asked about Rowlings views on the trans community, which have seen her face widespread criticism and backlash.

Rowling has repeatedly come under fire for various comments about gender ideology, with many, including stars of the Harry Potter adaptations, accusing her of transphobia.

Felton was asked whether Rowlings views impact you at all or impact your work in the world of Harry Potter at all by Variety, and the actor, 37, replied: No, I cant say it does. Im not really that attuned to it.

The only thing I always remind myself is that Ive been lucky enough to travel the world  here I am in New York  and I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter. And shes responsible for that, so Im incredibly grateful.

While regular Rowling supporters praised Felton for his response, Harry Potter fans are unconvinced, with many accusing him of privilege and of actively ignoring the lives of queer people that are being endangered by Rowlings views.

Shortly after Feltons answer went viral, one Harry Potter fan shared a clip of the actor praising Isaacss fantastic performance in The White Lotus.

The actor wrote on X/Twitter: Saw you presenting on the Tonys tonight son  you looked good, sounded good and did great.

open image in gallery Jason Isaacs and Tom Faelton as Lucius and Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter ( Warner Bros )

He also revealed he had booked tickets to see Felton in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in November.

Rowling has become ostracised from the trio of child actors who played Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger (Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson) due to the trans controversy  and she has said she would not forgive them for criticising her opinions, telling them to save their apologies.

Felton has previously brushed off the Rowling controversy, telling The Times in 2022: I couldnt speak for what others have said or what she said, to be completely honest, but Im often reminded, attending Comic Cons in particular, that no one has single-handedly done more for bringing joy to so many different generations and walks of life.

Im constantly reminded of her positive work in that field and as a person. Ive only had a handful of meetings with her but she has always been lovely. So Im very grateful for that.

He added: Im pro. Im pro choice. Im pro life. Im pro discussion. Im pro love. I dont tend to pick sides. I wont talk specifics but I enjoy reminding myself and others that a lot of my good friends have ways of life or personal decisions that I dont necessarily agree with. We should enjoy celebrating each others differences.

open image in gallery Tom Felton at the Tonys ( Getty )

He also told ET Canada that he doesnt have a reaction to the controversy, stating: I didnt even know that was a thing.

He will join the cast at the Lyric Theatre in New York City from 11 November, becoming the first cast member from the original franchise to reprise their role in the stage production.

The actors involvement in the production, which is set 19 years after Rowlings final novel, follows casting announcements for a forthcoming Harry Potter TV series, which will air on HBO in 2027.

John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, Paapa Essiedu and Nick Frost are among the first wave of stars to be confirmed for the series, with Dumbledore star Lithgow calling the backlash to the news odd.
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Mel Brooks has announced his personal involvement in a sequel to his Star Wars spoof, Spaceballs.

The 98-year-old comedy legend co-wrote, produced and directed the original 1987 satire. He is set to reprise his role as Yogurt, a parody of wise Star Wars character Yoda, in the upcoming Spaceballs 2, which is set for release in 2027.

Brooks made the announcement with a teaser clip posted to social media, which he captioned: I told you wed be back.

In the style of the famous Star Wars opening scroll, a message reads: Thirty-eight years ago, there was only one Star Wars trilogy...

The message goes on to mention the huge amount of sequels and spin-offs released since then, including the films and television series set in the Stars Wars universe but also referencing Dune, Jurassic Park, Alien, Harry Potter and 36 MCU movies with two different Robert Downey Jr.s.

Mel Brooks announcing his involvement in 'Spaceballs 2' ( X/Mel Brooks )

At the end of the scroll, Brooks appears in person wearing a sweater with the slogan: SPACEBALLS THE SWEATSHIRT.

He says: After 40 years we asked what do the fans want... but instead, were making this movie.

It was previously announced that Josh Gad will lead the cast of the sequel, which will be directed by Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar filmmaker Josh Greenbaum.

In his own social media message, Gad added: I was that child who saw Spaceballs before I ever saw Star Wars and then wondered why anyone would do a dramatic remake of the Mel Brooks classic.

It is therefore the greatest gift of my life to now help take the reins and work alongside Mel and this incredible group to do a sequel to the movie that first inspired George Lucas.

The rest of the cast has not yet been officially announced, but Deadline reports that Rick Moranis is expected to come out of retirement to reprise his role as the villainous Dark Helmet.

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Moranis, one of the biggest comedy stars of the 1980s and 1990s, has not appeared in a live-action role in over 25 years.

The publication also reports that Bill Pullman will return as Lone Starr, the spoofs equivalent of Han Solo, while Keke Palmer is set to join the cast in an as-yet-unspecified role.

Spaceballs 2 is being produced by Amazon MGM and will premiere in theaters. It has been jokingly dubbed by the studio as: A Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film.
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Stormzy has announced that he will star in the first project from a new venture under his #Merky umbrella, #Merky Films.

The British rapper and entrepreneur, 31, will make his debut as the lead in Big Man, a short film produced in association with Apple.

Directed by Oscar-winning director Aneil Karia, who won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 2022, Big Man will be released on YouTube at 8pm on 18 June.

It follows former rap star Tenzman, who is navigating a restless period in his life when he encounters two young boys, Klevis and Tyrell, with whom he forms a transformative bond that reawakens his passion for music.

Blending humour, vulnerability and quiet transformation, the film thoughtfully explores themes of reconnecting with your younger self and embracing gratitude, press material for the project said.

I always say: music is my first love, but film is my second, Stormzy, born Michael Ebenazer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr, said in a statement. #Merky Films is something Ive been dreaming about for ages  a space for powerful British stories and a solid home for fresh, unexpected art. Its a natural next step for everything we do at #Merky  sharing our stories, spotlighting important voices and making room for those who deserve to be seen and heard.

He continued: I hope you love our first project, Big Man, as much as we loved making it. For me, its all about the joy, spirit and fearless energy of youth - that feeling like life is one big adventure and the worlds your playground. I hope it inspires you to dream bigger, live louder and hold on to that unapologetic energy that comes with being young.

Young actors Klevis Brahja and Jaydon Eastman join Stormzy in the project, the former of which had no acting experience when he was talent-scouted on the street.

A still from Stormzy's new short film 'Big Man' ( Merky Films )

Eastman, meanwhile, began his career at the age of 10 as Young Simba in the UK and Ireland touring cast of The Lion King. He landed his first West End role as Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda the Musical at Cambridge Theatre, between June 2023 to March last year. He was also part of the original cast of MJ The Musical, playing the young Michael Jackson in the production at the Prince Edward Theatre between March 2024 to March 2025.

Karia won critical acclaim for his 2022 short The Long Goodbye starring Riz Ahmed, along with a Bafta nomination for Best Breakthrough in Television for his work directing the final episodes of Netflixs hit series Top Boy.

His debut feature film, Surge, premiered at Sundance in 2020 and won lead Ben Whishaw the Special Jury Prize for Acting. Karia just completed his second feature, a modern adaptation of Hamlet starring Riz Ahmed, Morfydd Clark, Joe Alwyn and Timothy Spall.

Meanwhile, #Merky Films follows on from the launches of Stormzys publishing imprint #Merky Books, a record label, and a charitable foundation.

In addition to Big Man, the venture is developing further projects including a drama series, a biopic, documentaries, an animation project and a boundary-pushing, new-age mockumentary.

With Big Man leading the charge, #Merky Films is ushering in a new era of creativity - driven by purpose, powered by authenticity and rooted in the belief that stories have the power to change lives, the statement concluded.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has sent a letter of condolences to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Keir Starmer, Trend reports.

''Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

We are deeply saddened by the news of the crash of an Air India passenger plane near the city of Ahmedabad, India, which resulted in numerous fatalities, including citizens of the United Kingdom.

In this difficult moment, I share in your sorrow and, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, extend my deepest condolences to you, and to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragedy,'' the letter reads.
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Douglas McCarthy, the frontman and principle songwriter for the influential British industrial band Nitzer Ebb, has died, aged 58.

The news was announced in a statement from the bands social media channels, which disclosed that McCarthy died on Wednesday morning (12 June).

It is with a heavy heart that we regret to inform that Douglas McCarthy passed away this morning, the bands representatives said.

We ask everyone to please be respectful of Douglas, his wife and family in this difficult time. We appreciate your understanding and will share more information soon.

No cause of death has been given.

The bands record label, Mute, also shared a statement: Well miss him terribly, his spirit, artistry and personality effected Mute indelibly in the most wonderful of ways.

Born and raised in Essex, McCarthy met his future bandmate, drummer David Gooday, when he was 10. Together, they formed Nitzer Ebb with friends Bon Harris and Simon Granger in 1982, signing with Mute in the UK and Geffen in the US.

Their debut album, That Total Age, was released in 1987 and supported by a tour with their labelmates, Depeche Mode, for the electronic bands Music for the Masses European tour.

Musically, we took our influences from a fairly eclectic array of artists and styles  Forties jazz, Fifties rock n roll, glam, disco, punk and the post-punk scene that was emerging as we were starting to go out, he told the Mute Records blog Documentary Evidence in 2012.

Bands like The Banshees, Bauhaus, Killing Joke, Theatre of Hate, The Birthday Party, Neubauten and Malaria! were all playing live shows that we would go to. We were also listening to Cabaret Voltaire, DAF, Fad Gadget, The Human League, Abwarts, Virgin Prunes, Soft Cell and The Normal among many more.

open image in gallery Nitzer Ebb in 1998: Douglas McCarthy, Bon Harris and David Gooday ( Getty )

Nitzer Ebb split after the release of their fifth album in 1995, and McCarthy moved to Los Angeles, then Detroit, before returning to the UK where he studied design and film in Cambridge.

After dabbling briefly in advertising, he returned to music as a solo artist, as well as collaborating with producers including Terence Fixmer, then reuniting with Nitzer Ebb in 2007.

Their sixth and final album, Industrial Complex, was released in 2010; McCarthy released a solo album, Kill Your Friends, in 2012.

McCarthy stepped down from a European Nitzer Ebb tour last year, citing liver cirrhosis following years of alcohol abuse... for over two years I have not been drinking, but recovery is a long process.

Producer Alan Wilder, one of his most frequent collaborators, wrote on social media: Such sad news to have lost this fella. My friend of over 35 years. Prolific lyricist and dynamic performer with Nitzer Ebb, occasional guest vocalist with Recoil.

Despite his health struggles, he never ever wallowed or lost an ounce of his incredible razor-sharp irreverent humour, or his deeply warm heart. Farewell old chum.
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A new documentary from Sky explores the shocking ordeal that the passengers and crew of British Airways Flight 149 endured after they inadvertently became involved in the Gulf War.

Flight 149: Hostage of War, which has been released by Sky Documentaries, tells the story of how the 367 people on the plane were taken hostage and seriously mistreated and sexually assaulted by the Iraqi forces who had recently invaded Kuwait and kickstarted the Gulf War in August 1990.

A synopsis for the documentary reads: On August 2, 1990, just after Saddams forces storm Kuwait, a civilian flight unwittingly touches down in the middle of the war zone. The passengers and crew find themselves trapped, held as hostages by Saddam Hussein, becoming pawns in a rapidly escalating international crisis that will reshape the Middle East.

"For over three decades, the British government denied any prior knowledge of the invasion before the plane's ill-fated landing. Now, new information has come to light to challenge the official narrative and the surviving hostages are taking the British government and BA to court to seek justice and the truth."

The new documentary will provide fresh insight into the appalling incident with some of the hostages, Kuwaiti freedom fighters, political insiders and journalist Stephen Davis providing their thoughts on how the events unfolded.

What happened to BA Flight 149?

British Airways Flight 149 was a scheduled Boeing 747 service from Londons Heathrow airport to Subang International Airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was scheduled for a routine stopover in Kuwait to refuelling. The stopover should have only lasted 60 minutes.

The flight, which had departed London on 2 August 1990, unknowingly landed at Kuwait International Airport just hours after Saddam Hussein had ordered the Iraqi army to invade of its neighbour.

open image in gallery On the 2nd August 1990, Saddam Hussein surprises the world and invades Kuwait. Four hours later BA flight 149 from London lands in Kuwait City for a scheduled stop with over 400 passengers on board. ( Sky )

The passengers departed the plane to find themselves in a deserted airport with almost no staff on the ground and all other flights either cancelled or redirected. Those ending their journey in Kuwait reportedly proceeded to immigration, but discovered that their luggage had not been unloaded.

Those who were due to continue to Malaysia returned to the aircraft in anticipation of their next stop in Madras, India. However, during their preparations for take off, Iraqi jets reportedly bombed the runway and took out the control tower. At this point, the cabin crew decided to evacuate the plane and everyone on board was moved back to the terminal.

The passengers were quickly captured by the Iraqi forces who had already taken over Kuwait City, the capital of the country. Many of the detainees were initially held in airport hotels and later moved to more remote, less sanitary locations in Kuwait and Iraq.

Many of the hostages claimed they witnessed numerous atrocities committed against the Kuwaiti people while they were under the control of the Iraqi forces. Some of the hostages themselves were subjected to mental and physical abuse. After the cabin services director, Clive Earthy, complained to the lead officer about the incident, the soldier who perpetrated the rape was reportedly executed.

Some of the group, including the planes captain Richard Brunyate, did manage to escape and were sheltered by Kuwaiti resistance fighters. Brunyate later explained that he feared he would be targeted by the Iraqi authorities due to his father, who had worked in Iraq, being considered a personal enemy of Husseins.

open image in gallery The Gulf War lasted between August 1990 and January 1991 ( Sky )

Some women and children were released by the end of August 1990. Former PM Edward Heath personally negotiated with Saddam Hussein in Baghdad to secure the release of the remaining hostages, who finally returned home in December 1990. Only one of the hostages, a Kuwait citizen, died during the tribulation.

As for the plane, it remained on the tarmac and was eventually destroyed in the latter stages of the conflict. It is unclear whether the US military destroyed the plane to stop Iraq from using it or whether Iraqi forces blew it up upon their withdrawal from Kuwait. As a result of the destruction BA was able to claim insurance and two of the aircraft's landing gears are now on display at the airline's headquarters at Heathrow.

Reaction and investigation

At the time the British Government said responsibility for what happened lies entirely with the Iraqi authorities at the time, while British Airways has said it was not warned about the invasion. However, BAs chairman Lord King blamed the incident on the Foreign Office claiming that if Kuwait had been designated a warzone then the flight would never have landed there. In addition, BA's area manager for Kuwait and Iraq, Lawrence O'Toole, later claimed that he did contact the British embassy in Kuwait to ask if it was safe to continue flights and was informed that a full-scale invasion was unlikely.

A 2007 documentary called Last Flight to Kuwait, which was commissioned by the BBC, claimed that both the UK and US governments had been informed that Iraq had invaded Kuwait at least an hour before the flight landed.

Documents released in November 2021 showed the Foreign Office was told by the British ambassador in Kuwait that Iraqi forces had crossed the border an hour before the flight landed. The information was never passed to British Airways, which was unable to take action to divert the flight, according to the Foreign Office files released to the National Archives. The then foreign secretary Liz Truss admitted that the government had misled BA by not passing on a warning to the airline.

open image in gallery More than 30 years later a group of hostages are preparing to take the government and BA to court in their search for justice and the truth ( Sky )

In July 2024, it was reported that the passengers and crew who were taken hostage were preparing to take legal action against the government.

Flight 149: Hostage of War is now available to stream on Sky and NOW TV.
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Stephen Graham says his life has changed after the success of Adolescence, which has become one of Netflixs biggest shows ever.

The 51-year-old already enjoyed a high-profile career prior to the one-shot mini-series, which follows Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller, a young boy who has killed a girl in his school. The family are forced to reckon with the incident following Millers actions and Grahams writing and performance, as Jamies father, have received critical acclaim.

Graham, who hails from Kirkby in Merseyside, had previously starred as Combo in the Shane Meadows-directed This is England, and as fiery head chef Andy Jones in Boiling Point, also directed in one shot by Adolescences Philip Barantini.

The show has become a global success, becoming Netflixs most-watched UK title ever with 66.3 million views within the first fortnight of its release.

Its dead hard getting round the Tesco these days, joked Graham in an interview with Deadline.

We thought it would just be a lovely little colloquial British story. You can see its made with love, compassion and respect and we served our story properly and stayed true to the subject that were covering. But, sometimes, those kinds of dramas obviously just resonate.

He added: Ive always tried to pick stuff that I do on television which can create conversations. This one, particularly, was a beautiful little stone. We threw it in the middle of a lake, and it caused a tsunami.

The 51-year-old said that he has struggled to get around his local supermarket ( Getty )

Graham has previously expressed his interest in multi-faceted stories about working-class communities, telling The Independent that British television misrepresents the culture as overwhelmed by misery: Its very condescending. Things can be hard, but theres also a lot of laughter. My childhood was full of it.

However, he told Deadline that news of friends children and grandchildren being affected in school made him see that the issues affecting young people were far more widespread.

It has nothing to do with culture, nothing to do with class. Somethings going on with the young lads that are asking for pictures of these girls, he said. I just thought that was really interesting as well, and when I had these little ideas for this patchwork quilt, I said, Im going to ask Jack to write it.
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The Pitt star Isa Briones has credited her Black and brown co-stars with the shows success, after their noticeable absence from Varietys Women of Emmys Season cover story sparked criticism.

Briones, who is half Filipino, stars in the hit HBO medical drama about an underfunded Philadelphia hospital.

In preparation for next weeks Emmy nominations, of which The Pitt is expected to land several, Briones and her two co-stars, Taylor Dearden and Katherine LaNasa, graced the cover of Varietys latest magazine issue celebrating the women of Emmys season.

The story itself notes that while LaNasa, Briones, and Dearden are on the cover of this issue, theyre representing all the women of The Pitt. We simply didnt have the room for all the talent on this show on our cover.

It additionally gives praise to the other leading female actors not pictured on the cover. Fiona Dourif embodied the no-nonsense single mother with a heart of gold Dr. McKay; Shabana Azeez was the perfect Javadi, a young doctor constantly trying to prove herself; Tracy Ifeachor felt as though shed been playing Dr. Collins for decades, a woman who knows exactly who she is and what she wants; and Supriya Ganeshs Dr. Samira Mohan may just be the smartest person in every room, the article reads.

open image in gallery Alexandra Metz and Isa Briones co-star in 'The Pitt' ( HBO )

Still, the cover, published Thursday, has generated backlash for highlighting two of the shows white female actors over the shows many Black and brown leads.

Choosing to not include any of the black or brown women that played equally important roles in the show is definitely a choice, one fan commented.

A second directly called out the omission of Ifeachor, who portrays Dr. Collins. With all due respect, where the hell is Collins? they questioned.

Love this, but it would have been even better if they included the rest of the outstanding women from the show! another added.

Briones, herself, weighed in on the controversy, writing on her Instagram Story: Of course Im pinching myself that Im on a cover of a magazine and am so grateful.

open image in gallery Isa Briones credits 'Black and brown' co-stars for 'The Pitt's' success ( Instagram/@isacamillebriones )

But the Black and brown women of this cast make The Pitt what it is. So honored to be among these incredibly talented women.

The Goosbumps actor gave a shoutout to Ifeachor, Shabana Azeez, Supriya Ganesh, Kristin Villanueva, and Amielynn Abellera, all of whom make up the shows ensemble cast.

The Independent has contacted Variety for comment.

In an interview with Variety in May, Ganesh, who uses she/they pronouns, reflected on landing their breakout role as Dr. Mohan on The Pitt.

I never thought I would get my break in something that would be so artistically and creatively fulfilling as The Pitt, Ganesh said. When it worked out, it felt like everything in my life had led up to that moment, honestly. Even the week that I was auditioning and getting called back, it felt like something was watching over me or. A bird pooped on me, which if you ask any Indian, is good luck.

The Pitt, which debuted on HBO Max in January, has become a word-of-mouth phenomenon. Each episode uniquely centers on one hour of a 15-hour emergency room shift.

Created by R. Scott Gemmill and executive produced by John Wells and ER star Noah Wyle, who also leads the show as Dr. Robinavitch, the drama has already been renewed for a second season, despite the ongoing lawsuit against it.

Last August, the estate of ER creator Michael Crichton filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros Television, Gemmill, Wells, and Wyle, alleging that The Pitt is an unauthorized reboot of ER.

The Pitt is ER. Its not like ER. Its not kind of ER. Its not sort of ER. It is ER with the exact same executive producer, writer, star, production companies, studio and network as the planned ER reboot, the lawsuit states.

Warner Bros. has denied the accusations, calling them baseless.

The lawsuit filed by the Crichton Estate is baseless, as The Pitt is a new and original show, the studio said in a statement. Any suggestion otherwise is false, and Warner Bros. Television intends to vigorously defend against these meritless claims.

This story was updated to include additional context about Varietys decision to only feature three stars from The Pitt.
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As festival season approaches, the Glastonbury lineup isn't the only hot topic; festival fashion is also a key point of discussion.

While some trends, like Hunter wellies and denim shorts, reappear annually, festival style has evolved significantly since the pandemic. Comfort and everyday trends are now widely embraced.

Whether navigating muddy fields or dancing at a day festival, celebrity stylists offer their predictions for this year's top festival trends.

open image in gallery Kate Mosss famous micro shorts are making a comeback (Yui Mok/PA)

1. Boho chic

Boho has been back for a while, and while it may be petering out on the high street, this years festivals are the perfect places to sport it.

I love how boho has had a huge revival and in perfect timing for festival season, says celebrity stylist Ellis Ranson. Think the Chloe runway meets mud and fields. Crochet dresses, fringing, earthy tones  Vanessa Hudgens is your go-to for inspo.

Bohemian style has drifted in and out of the fashion spotlight since its heyday in the free-spirited Seventies  but it truly caught fire again in the early 2000s, when icons like Sienna Miller and the Olsen twins made it their signature, teaming floaty blouses with oversized belts and studded boots.

The trend has never been so fitting for festivals  just look at Kate Moss and Millers Noughties Glastonbury looks.

open image in gallery Sienna Miller sported boho chic in studded belts and floaty dresses (Andy Butterton/PA)

Stylist Sian Clarke in partnership with Michael Kors confirms that the boho trend is here to stay, noting an 83 per cent spike in search interest.

Crochet is super versatile, she says. Consider styling a crochet halter neck with denim shorts and cowboy boots for warmer festival days.

From floaty co-ords to stitched accessories, this trend is easy and effortless.

open image in gallery (Marks and Spencer/PA)

M&S Suedette Fringed Jacket, 59

open image in gallery (Next/PA)

Next Ecru Cream Long Sleeve Boho Crochet Cropped Top, 40

open image in gallery (Zara/PA)

Zara Pack of 4 Wooden Bracelets, 19.99

open image in gallery (New Look/PA)

New Look Dark Brown Metal Buckle Disc Belt, 17.99

2. Nineties jorts

While boho chic may be evoking the 2000s, the rise of baggy jorts  or jean shorts  is throwing festival fashion back to the Nineties.

We are seeing a rise in the new summer staple, the jort, says Ms Ranson, yes, the longline short, which is actually a great style for every body type, so thats a win for any stylist.

Whether DIYd from an old pair of Levis or sourced from a beloved vintage shop, the jort is a festival staple teamed with a tank and trainers for a cool but comfy look.

open image in gallery (Cos/PA)

Cos Ribbed Tank Top, 17

open image in gallery (Bershka/PA)

Bershka Baggy Denim Shorts, 29.99

open image in gallery (Schuh/PA)

Schuh Cowan Sqaure Toe Hardwear in Brown, 46.99 (was 95)

3. Utility core

Another trend offering a more laid-back look in comparison to boho chic is utility core.

Comfort is key, we arent here for being in pain for fashion when it comes to festival fun, says Ms Ranson, oversized cargo pants, waistcoats, Timberlands, desert neutrals [are all the rage].

Utility core is like a combination of Lara Croft and Euphoria, taking functional silhouettes and pairing them with suede or metallic finishes and face gems.

Having a neutral base and layering with gems and jewellery is an easy festival look that doesnt require much thought  especially if youre on day three.

open image in gallery (Zara/PA)

Zara Gathered Tie Top, 22.99

open image in gallery (Stradivarius/PA)

Stradivarius Parachute Cargo Trousers, 39.99

open image in gallery (Urban Outfitters/PA)

Timberland Brown Premium 6 Inch Boots, 106 (was 190), Urban Outfitters

4. Disco cowboy

While cowboy boots were in last summer, this season the disco cowboy is making waves with metallic fringe and studded Western boots.

Cowboy boots make everything look cool, says Ms Ranson. Even if you are wearing a vest and denim shorts they can completely elevate your look.

And if youre facing unpredictable weather  which is likely during a UK festival  theyre a great pick. Cowboy boot wellies have emerged from the western trend, says Ms Clarke. These hybrid heroes give you the best of both worlds: practical for being weatherproof wellingtons and in trend.

Metallics are the cherry on top. With searches for metallic and fringe jackets up by 69 per cent, theyre clearly the after-dark must-have.

If you have a plainer, more subtle outfit on, throw on a metallic jacket to give it some more personality, says Ms Clarke. Or equally, opting for metallic boots or a bag can spice up your outfit for a festival.

open image in gallery (Next/PA)

Next Silver Leather Fringe Cross-Body Bag, 38

open image in gallery (Zara/PA)

Zara Ruffled Embroidered Short Dress, 35.99

open image in gallery (New Look/PA)

Public Desire Brown Folklore Faux Suede Contrast Stitch Boots, 49.99, New Look

5. Timeless vintage

This year more than ever, festival goers are leaning into vintage gems.

A main shift I would say is it being more about vintage finds, says Ms Ranson. A vintage band tee is an easy safe option, teamed with a floaty skirt, fringed denim, or a dress over the top.

It can work through any trend, year after year.

Layered jewellery and a solid pair of retro trainers  a nod to the F1 trend  can give any outfit the edge it needs.

The key to making vintage look good is balancing your look. So if youre going for an oversized T-shirt or jacket, pair it with a smaller bottom silhouette.

Ms Clarke says micro shorts are a key base for vintage looks: As cow and snake are the prints of the summer season, pair micro shorts with standout pieces like a cow-print crop top or snake-print jacket.

open image in gallery (Abercrombie and Fitch/PA)

Abercrombie & Fitch Clean Zip Denim Jacket, 54.99 (80)

open image in gallery (H&M/PA)

H&M Loose Fit Led Zeppelin Printed T-shirt, 9.99

open image in gallery (Urban Outfitters/PA)

Urban Outfitters Piper Bengaline Stripe Shorts, 36
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The food safety watchdog has issued a warning after identifying some imported Dubai-style chocolate products that could pose a risk to consumers with allergies.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) said some imported products may not be intended for sale in the UK and therefore not include a full ingredients list or allergen labelling, posing a health risk to individuals with food allergies.

It said imported chocolates may also contain additives and colours which are not allowed on the UK market.

The FSA said it was surveying and sampling the products to work out the scale of the issue, and working with allergy charities in the meantime to raise awareness of the risk with consumers.

The watchdog said that most Dubai-style chocolate available in UK shops was safe, but if in doubt, dont buy it and report any concerns to your local authority.

By law, labels must list all ingredients and clearly highlight any of the 14 regulated allergens.

open image in gallery The FSA said it was surveying and sampling the Dubai-style chocolate products ( Alamy/PA )

The FSA advised consumers to look out for labelling details to check whether a product is intended for sale here.

By law, products made to UK standards should have labels in English containing the name of the food, for example, milk chocolate with pistachio paste filling, a list of ingredients with allergens emphasised, the weight of the food in grams and a best before or use by date.

Labels must also include the name and address of the UK or EU business responsible for the product information. If the food is not from the UK or EU, the name and address of the importer must be included.

Professor Robin May, chief scientific adviser to the FSA, said that the vast majority of food in the UK is safe, but some imported Dubai-style chocolate products dont meet our standards and could be a food safety risk, especially for consumers with allergies.

If you are looking to buy Dubai-style chocolate, we advise sticking with trusted retailers, like the ones youd use for your weekly shop, as products are more likely to be made for UK consumers and so are safe to eat.

As its difficult for consumers to tell the difference between products made for the UK and those that arent, if you have a food allergy or intolerance, we advise that you do not buy the product unless youre certain its intended for sale here.

UK law requires food labels to highlight any of 14 allergens present in the product, but some imported products may not do this. You can find more information on food.gov.uk.

If you have concerns about chocolate that you see on sale, dont buy it and instead report it to your local authority. We are working closely with local authorities to make sure that any unsafe products are removed from sale as swiftly as possible.

Anyone who has concerns about products they have purchased should not eat them, especially if they have food allergies or intolerances.
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I tried McDonalds new McCrispy Strips  and Im not overly impressed.

Described by the fast food chain as juicy, 100 percent white meat, coated with crispy golden-brown breading and bursting with a bold, new black pepper flavor, the McCrispy Strips debuted in McDonalds locations nationwide May 5. To complement the strips, McDonalds introduced Creamy Chili Dip, described as a savory, sweet, and tangy sauce.

However, analysis from Loop Capital suggests that customers arent satisfied with the new offering, which hasnt performed as well as the fast food chain was anticipating. The report stated that while analysts hoped the superior taste profile of the new chicken strips would overcome the products appearance, theyve received predominantly negative customer feedback to date, Barrons reported.

On social media, too, reactions to the strips were divided. Ya tried them, they were terrible, one person wrote on X while another agreed: I wont crave them, that's for sure.

But others had more favorable opinions. They are such an upgrade over McNuggets, and the sauce is delicious. Its my new choice, someone else shared as another wrote: The McCrispy Strips didnt disappoint yesterday good job McDonalds.

open image in gallery McDonald's McCrispy strips ( Caitlin Hornik/The Independent )

The strips can be purchased solo in a three or four-piece box with two dipping sauces, or as part of a meal including fries and a beverage. They retail for about $5 or $6, depending on location and more than double that if making it a meal. A three-piece purchased in New York City cost $8 with tax.

McCrispy Strips were introduced as a precursor to the return of the beloved McDonalds Snack Wrap.

Growing up, I ate my fair share of Snack Wraps. First introduced to the McDonalds menu in 2006, the wrap consisted of either a grilled or crispy chicken strip (known then as Chicken Selects), lettuce, shredded cheese, and ranch or honey mustard inside a tortilla. The Snack Wrap was so popular when it launched that it was credited with boosting the chains sales  which is likely what the chain is hoping for when the wrap returns to menus nationwide July 10.

After trying the McCrispy Strips, I can say with certainty that if McDonalds is planning to use them in Snack Wraps instead of bringing back Chicken Selects, theres cause for concern.

open image in gallery The new McDonald's Snack Wrap will debut July 10 ( McDonald's )

Lovers of the old-school Chicken Selects hoping for a replacement will be disappointed to know the McCrispy Strips are quite different. Whereas Chicken Selects had a light, crispy, crunchy breading, the McCrispy Strips fall a bit flat. Theyre thin but lacking any real crunch or crispiness  and theyre tough to bite into. I was actually shocked by how hard it was to take a full bite out of one of the strips.

The flavor itself wasnt terrible. It tasted like chicken seasoned with black pepper, not too far off from the McDonalds description. But it was definitely lacking its namesake crispiness.

open image in gallery McDonald's McCrispy Strips came in a very greasy-looking box ( Caitlin Hornik/The Independent )

Presentation-wise, the box containing the strips was covered in grease and oil; not the most appetizing look.

At first glance, the strips themselves didnt look terrible, but my tune changed when I picked one up and it jiggled around like a fish out of water. Rubbery was the word that came to mind; a strange and, frankly, unappetizing adjective for something claiming to be, well, crispy.

The McCrispy Strips also reminded me of another fast food chain  Burger King. Two of the three McCrispy Strips in my order looked like Burger King Chicken Fries, another fast food menu item I remember going crazy for as a kid. So if McDonalds was hoping for a nostalgia factor, theyve achieved it.

The accompanying Creamy Chili Dip tasted like sweet and sour sauce from a Chinese restaurant  also not my favorite. It had a kick from the red pepper, but tasted too sweet and had an odd aftertaste.

Overall, its easy to see why McDonalds is struggling to sell the McCrispy Strips. Theyre just not as good as Chicken Selects. Despite tasting better than I anticipated, they dont hold a candle to their predecessor.
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If you were to ask most people what causes cancer, the answer would probably be smoking, alcohol, the sun, hair dye or some other avoidable element.

But the most important risk factor for cancer is something else: ageing.

Thats right, the factor most associated with cancer is unavoidable  and a condition that we will all experience.

Why is this important? Older adults are the fastest-growing population in Canada and globally.

By 2068, approximately 29 per cent of Canadians will be over age 65.

With cancer being one of the most common diseases in older adults and one of the most common diseases in Canada, it means we need to think about how to provide the best cancer care for older adults.

Demographic shift

So, how are we doing so far? The answer is: not great. This may be surprising, but we also have a great opportunity to innovate and prepare for this demographic shift in cancer care.

International guidelines  including those from the American Society of Clinical Oncology  say that all older adults should have a geriatric assessment prior to making a decision about their cancer treatment. The most widely used models of geriatric assessment involve a geriatrician.

Consultation with a geriatrician for an older adult allows the oncologist and the older adult to engage in a conversation about cancer treatment, armed with information. Things like how treatment might affect their cognition, their function, their existing illnesses (which most older adults have when they are diagnosed with cancer), and the years of remaining life.

Importantly, geriatricians centre their assessment on what matters most to patients. This approach anchors any decision about cancer around the wishes of older adults and their support systems. When diagnosed with cancer, older adults undergo many tests and measures of function, but the evidence supports that these are not as accurate as geriatric assessment for identifying problems that may be below the surface.

Care in Canada

In Canada, there are currently only a handful of specialised geriatric oncology clinics. The oldest clinic is in Montreal at the Jewish General Hospital, followed closely by the Older Adult with Cancer Clinic at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, led by Shabbir Alibhai, one of the authors of this story. As researchers, we are in touch with clinics in Ontario and Alberta that have told us they have geriatric oncology services under development, so we hope to see new programs soon.

These clinics arent just good for patients. In fact, a study led by Shabbir Alibhai demonstrated a cost savings of approximately $7,000 per older adult seen in these clinics. If we map this onto the number of older adults diagnosed with cancer in Canada every year, this represents a huge cost savings for our public health system. Despite this overwhelming evidence, this is still not routine care.

In British Columbia, there are currently no specialised services for older adults with cancer ( Getty/iStock )

In British Columbia, there are currently no specialised services for older adults with cancer. Over the last five years, Kristen Haase  also an author of this story  has been working with colleagues to understand whether these services are needed and how they could help older adults with cancer in B.C.

This work involved conversations with more than 100 members of the cancer community. The research team spoke with older adults undergoing cancer treatment, who sometimes had to relocate for cancer treatment. Other participants included caregivers who cared for elderly family members during their cancer treatment and described numerous challenges they faced, and volunteers who ran a free transportation service  a service also mostly staffed by older adult volunteers.

The research team also heard from health-care professionals: oncologists, nurses, physiotherapists and social workers. The latter group coalesced around the need for additional supports within the cancer care system so they could do their job well, and best support older adults.

The results indicate that both those working in the system and those using the system want and need better support.

Barriers to care

So, where are we now and why dont we have these services across Canada?

Cost is obviously a barrier to any healthcare service. But with evidence that any costs will be offset by demonstrated cost savings, this is a non-starter.

Health human resources are one huge restriction. Geriatricians are in high demand and there is a low supply. However, nurse-led models have also been shown to be successful. With the expanding role of nurse practitioners across Canada, this option has huge potential to innovate care, and at a lower cost.

Another reason is good old inertia. Our clinical care model in oncology has remained mostly intact for over three decades. It is primarily a single physician-driven model. Although modern therapies for cancer have emerged at a breathtaking pace and have been introduced into clinical practice, it is much harder to change the model of care, particularly for strategies such as geriatric assessment that are harder to implement than a new drug or surgical/radiation technique.

The last, and perhaps the most difficult to pin down of all potential reasons for the absence of specialised cancer services for older adults, is agism. Ageism is discrimination based on age. It is one of the most common forms of discrimination and it is deeply embedded in many of our systems. Imagine a scenario where children diagnosed with cancer couldnt access a paediatrician. We would collectively be outraged. Yet somehow, we accept this for older adults.

Due to the overwhelming number of older adults who are and will be diagnosed with cancer in the coming years, it will never be possible for all of them to receive specialised geriatric services. But there is an opportunity to innovate models of care that are targeted to those who need services the most: those who are most frail, are most likely to benefit from tailored care, and will reap the most benefit in terms of quality of life.

Stratifying these programs around those who need them the most will also have the greatest financial impact. And if personal stories of improving quality of life for older adults with cancer or international guidelines dont move decision-makers, hopefully, cost savings will.

Kristen Haase is an Associate Professor in Nursing at the University of British Columbia. Shabbir Alibhai is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.
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Olivia Munns husband, John Mulaney, has spoken out about hateful comments his wife has received after she made comments about popular kids YouTuber Ms Rachel.

In a since-deleted interview with People, Munn told the publication that she doesnt let her children watch the YouTubers videos because she finds them annoying.

I know kids love [Ms. Rachel], but the thing is, if I can't watch it, Im not going to spend the rest of my life going crazy, she told the publication. These kid shows drive me crazy.

However, the statement quickly led to backlash from fans, who connected Munns comments to Ms Rachels advocacy for children in Gaza.

Mulaney has since weighed in, posting a statement on his Instagram Story on Wednesday, saying that his wifes comments were not meant to be taken as a personal attack on the YouTuber. An innocent comment my wife Olivia Munn made about what childrens programs we like has somehow  unbelievably  been conflated with not caring about the deaths of children in Gaza, he wrote.

My wife and my two kids are now receiving violent and threatening comments and messages in her DMs. This is absolutely insane and needs to stop, Mulaney wrote ( AFP via Getty Images )

Because of this, my wife and my two kids are now receiving violent and threatening comments and messages in her DMs. This is absolutely insane and needs to stop. The people doing this are so wildly out of line and so unhelpful to any conversation. You took a nothing comment to a dark and dangerous place. This kind of behavior isnt activism.

The YouTuber herself (real name Rachel Griffin Accurso) also posted on Instagram, telling people to be kind to Munn. Please be kind to Olivia & her precious family! she wrote on Thursday. I dont believe in hate, attacks, or hurtful comments. As I said in my first post, this isnt about her. It was that I scroll & see stories that dont matter while seeing that childrens immeasurable suffering is being ignored  it breaks me.

Also I know some outlets would love to cover a feud between two women, but guess what? That doesnt exist, she added. Her and I have been in touch and we are both choosing kindness.

Ms Rachel has been outspoken about the current conflict in Gaza since May 2024, when she announced she would be raising money on Cameo, the personalized video messaging app, for Save the Childrens emergency fund for children in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan.

A couple of days later, she followed up with a written message, declaring that Children should never experience the horrors of war  nor be killed, injured or taken hostage.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Sevinj Gurbanova, an Azerbaijani national, is currently making waves in the capital city of Saudi Arabia as she dives headfirst into one of the globes most ambitious development initiativesthe NEOM megaproject, Trend reports via the State Committee on Work with Diaspora.

The Committee stated that a crew from Diaspora TV met with Gurbanova in Riyadh to discuss her role in the high-tech smart city project known as NEOM (short for New Enterprise Operating Model).

She shared her impressions of the project and expressed pride in being part of this transformative development. Our compatriot emphasized that the NEOM project represents not only a leap in technology and infrastructure but also a bold step toward changing the way people live.

Gurbanova has been in the thick of things with the NEOM initiative since 2021, having cut her teeth in the oil and gas sector in Azerbaijan and made waves in the port industry in Dubai. She has been living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a couple of years now, really making the most of her time there.

The NEOM project is a flagship vision by Saudi Arabia aimed at building a futuristic city powered entirely by innovative and environmentally sustainable energy. Often referred to as the city of dreamers, NEOM is expected to become a global hub for innovation and sustainability. The initial phase is slated for completion by 2025 and promises to be a fully eco-friendly city powered entirely by cutting-edge, renewable energy sourcesdistancing itself from traditional investment models. Experts estimate that this visionary project could generate over $500 billion in revenue for investors.
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Love is Blinds Lydia Velez Gonzalez has filed for divorce from her husband, Milton Johnso,n after nearly three years of marriage.

Gonzalez, 34, and Johnson, 27, met in 2022 on season five of the popular Netflix reality show, which puts men and women in dating pods where they can speak to each other, but not see each other.

In a podcast appearance, Gonzalez shared that there was a layer of situations and things that just kept piling it up that led to her decision to file for divorce.

I needed to share my thoughts and my experience because what Ive been suffering in silence has been too much for me to be quiet and keep quiet, she told fellow Love Is Blind alum Amber Desiree AD Smith on her podcast What's the Reality?

In 2022, the couple revealed that Gonzalez was living in Houston while Johnson had to move to Long Beach, California, for their respective jobs. However, Gonzalez made it clear that the long distance and their age gap werent to blame for the breakdown.

Maybe the internet was right, that he wasnt ready for marriage. I don't think he was ready to be a husband, she said.

Gonzalez said problems began in October 2022, six months into their marriage, when Johnson refused to cut off a woman he had dated in the past. She explained that during their marriage, multiple women accused Johnson of heavily flirting with them.

My heart went to the floor. I felt betrayed and disrespected.

Gonzalez said she asked Johnson for a divorce in March, but he allegedly called her too f***ing stupid and an untrustworthy person.

I don't believe he loves me. I still love him, unfortunately... I cannot keep being in a place where I'm not wanted. Im trying to put back the pieces that he broke.

The Independent has reached out to Johnson for a comment.

Gonzalez also said she had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia in September, but Johnson did not support her while she struggled with the chronic condition.

Instead of him being my support, he told me, Youre not dying, you just have to eat healthy and work out, she said.

In an Instagram post shared on Wednesday, Gonzalez addressed the split, writing: I never ever wished this ending; or any ending to be honest. I wish I knew the answer to what happened? What made you change? Truly so I could go back and fix it. When you read these words you are probably going to be angry at me. You always were when I overshared but this is part of my healing, and gathering back the pieces you broke.

Gonzalez and Johnson were the only couple in their season to get married. The two were caught up in a first for the reality series, where Gonzalez and another participant, Uche Okorhoa, realised they had dated each other in the real world. Later, Okorhoa accused Gonzalez of stalking him after they broke up and that she followed him onto the show.
 Close President Donald Trump speculates about possible Diddy pardon as rap mogul's trial continues in New York

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Sean Diddy Combss ex-girlfriend Jane returned to the witness stand Thursday for her final day of testimony.

Jane, who dated Combs from 2021 to 2024 and is testifying under a pseudonym, spent the day describing the end of her relationship with Combs. She became emotional as she testified about her hotel nights with Combs, which involved her having sex with other men while he watched.

After one of these hotel nights that lasted 24 hours, Jane texted an entertainer named Paul and told him Combs didnt make me feel like a human being, according to texts read in court.

She also described a 2024 trip to Las Vegas with an unnamed rapper and his friends. Defense attorney Teny Geragos asked Jane if this rapper was indeed a close friend to Combs and an icon in the music industry. Jane agreed they were.

Jane testified that a woman on the trip had sex with an entertainer named Antoine while several people watched. Combs then became jealous and accused her of going to another mans freak-off, she said.

Combs is facing sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy charges. He was arrested in September 2024 as federal authorities alleged he threatened, abused and coerced victims to fulfill his sexual desires between 2004 and 2024.

The rapper has denied any accusations of wrongdoing.
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The ex-girlfriend of Sean Diddy Combs flew to Las Vegas with a very successful rapper and his girlfriend, where they watched a male escort and a woman have sex in a hotel room, the moguls trial heard.

The witness, who testified under the pseudonym Jane Doe, dated Diddy on and off from 2021 and 2024, but this trip happened while they were on a break in January 2024, she told the court on Thursday. Doe and her friend flew on the unidentified rappers private plane to Las Vegas to celebrate his girlfriends birthday.

Neither Doe nor the lawyers have identified the rapper; however, Teny Geragos, one of Diddys defense attorneys, described him as being at the top of the music industry and as being close with her client. The rapper and Diddy would often record together, the defense attorney noted.

As part of the birthday celebration, Doe recalled going to dinner with a large group of people that included Anton, an escort that she had slept with while Diddy watched during a hotel night.

Later that evening, after the group went to a play, had dinner, and went to a strip club, the rapper invited her to a room at the Encore Hotel, where they watched Anton having sex with a woman. Everyone  she and eight others in the room  watched, Doe recalled.

She recalled staying for 20 minutes. In that time, Doe flashed her breasts to the room and flirted with the rapper, but testified that nothing physical between them happened.

The music mogul faces five federal counts of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. Hes pleaded not guilty. The Vegas hotel room was one of several eye-opening moments from Thursdays testimony.

Geragos pointed out that Doe provoked the violent episode with Diddy just one month after CNN released the disturbing footage of him beating up Cassie Ventura at the InterContinental Hotel in 2016.

For the first time, Doe saw a text that Diddy sent Paul, another escort, after she told the mogul that she didnt want to have a hotel night: Im gonna need you to persuade her.

After another tense back-and-forth between Doe and Geragos, the witness hugged the defense attorney, as well as prosecutor Maurene Comey, after her testimony concluded.

The government revealed that Victim 3 in the indictment was Gina, one of Diddys long-term girlfriends.

"Jane" demonstrates a choke hold that she says Sean "Diddy" Combs put her in, during Combs' sex trafficking trial in New York City, New York, U.S., June 12, 2025, in this courtroom sketch. REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg ( Reuters )

Doe and Diddy got back together in February. Months later, on June 18, 2024, the mogul came over to Does Los Angeles home, where she planned on a nice evening of quality time  complete with candles and a large bottle of champagne  that descended into a physical altercation.

She initiated the fight by hitting his head against the marble countertop and throwing two candles at him, but he eventually kicked four of her doors down before kicking, punching and slapping her, she testified.

Later that evening, he told her to get in a f***ing outfit. Doe understood that to mean lingerie and heels, she testified, adding that he asked her to cover her black eye with makeup and to cover her forehead welts with her hair. Thats when Diddy used her phone to contact Anton to come over. He scrolled up and read messages referring to their mutual friends from the Vegas trip.

He pressed Doe on the texts, but Doe lied to avoid escalating the situation, she recalled. When Anton arrived, Diddy gave Doe an evil stare and asked to talk to her in a separate room, where he told her the text exchange wasnt sitting well with him, she told the court.

Doe then told him about the Vegas trip, emphasizing she engaged in no sexual conduct while there. Still, she recalled him getting very upset and asking: How could you go to another mans freak off?

Diddy then demanded she take an ecstasy pill and told her to perform oral sex on Anton, she recalled.
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An Indiana man reportedly admitted to the fatal shooting of his new wife and two of her relatives  before telling authorities the deceased were all part of a notorious drug cartel.

Patrick Waite, 77, was charged with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder for the May 29 shooting that unfolded following an argument with his wife, Alma Waite, 61, over the ownership of his Haubstadt, Indiana, home, WFIE reported.

Authorities say Patrick Waite called 911 and later told police, I shot them all. Im certainly not proud of that fact at all.

Police records show that Alma Waite and her two relatives, Florida Tapia Garcia, 81, and Fernando Tapia Ramirez Sr., 39, were all shot in the head. A fourth victim was shot in the chest and neck but survived.

A child also witnessed the shooting and hid alongside other family members, according to the report.

open image in gallery Patrick Waite reportedly admitted to the fatal shooting of his new wife and two of her relatives  before telling authorities the deceased were all part of a notorious drug cartel. ( Gibson County Sheriff's Office )

Patrick Waite told police he and his wife got into an argument over ownership of the home when he shot her in the kitchen.

In a complaint, Patrick Waite alleged elder abuse against his deceased wifes family and her heirs, WFIE reported.

The couple, who met online, began living together in his home just weeks after meeting. Within five months, they got married without telling any of his children.

Alma Waite pressured Patrick Waite into allowing her family to move into the home, he claimed. At the time, he said he was not aware that her family was involved in criminal gangs, including the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, according to the complaint.

Alma Waite then blocked her husbands children and grandchildren on his phone after his daughter tried to warn him that she was a con, the complaint alleges.

Attorneys for Patrick Waite claim his wifes sons committed violent assaults, physically abused children and made violent threats against his life.

According to the complaint, Alma Waite would pressure her husband to change the deed to his home and add her name to it. On April 1, 2024, Patrick Waite signed a document that his wife had prepared, believing it would put both their names on the deed. Instead, the document removed his name from the deed, giving up his family home of nearly 30 years.

His lawyers then claim that Alma Waite transferred the deed to her daughter in an attempt to prevent him from claiming any portion of the property in case they separated.

Less than 24 hours before Anna Waites death, the complaint alleges that the home was put up for sale on a cash-only basis. A judge has since stopped the sale of the house, according to court documents.
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Oklahoma is scheduled to execute John Fitzgerald Hanson, 61, on Thursday, after he was transferred to state custody under an order expedited by the Trump administration.

Hanson was convicted of carjacking, kidnapping, and the murder of a woman in Tulsa in 1999.

He will receive a lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.

Hanson, who is named as George John Hanson in some federal court records, was already serving a life sentence in a federal prison in Louisiana on unrelated federal convictions.

He was moved to Oklahoma in March after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to more actively support the death penalty.

Hanson's attorneys argued in a last-minute appeal that he did not receive a fair clemency hearing in May, claiming that one of the board members who denied him clemency was biased because he worked for the Tulsa County District Attorney's Office when Hanson was prosecuted.

John Fitzgerald Hanson, 61, will receive a lethal injection on Thursday

A district court judge this week temporary halted the execution, but an appeals court later cleared the way for it.

The U.S. Supreme Court late Wednesday rejected a separate appeal that alleged a key witness testified against Hanson in exchange for favorable treatment from prosecutors in a criminal case, information that was never disclosed to his defense team.

Prosecutors allege Hanson and accomplice, Victor Miller, kidnapped Mary Bowles from a Tulsa shopping mall.

Prosecutors allege the pair drove Bowles to a gravel pit near Owasso, where Miller shot and killed property owner Jerald Thurman. The two then drove Bowles a short distance away, where Hanson shot and killed Bowles, according to prosecutors.

Miller received a no-parole life prison sentence for his role in the crimes.

During Mays clemency hearing, Hanson expressed remorse for his involvement in the crimes and apologized to the victims' families.

Im not an evil person, Hanson said via a video link from the prison. I was caught in a situation I couldnt control. I cant change the past, but I would if I could.

Hansons attorneys acknowledged he participated in the kidnapping and carjacking, but said there was no definitive evidence that he shot and killed Bowles.

They painted Hanson as a troubled youth with autism and who was controlled and manipulated by the domineering Miller.
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A Republican lawmaker in the South Carolina House has been charged with 10 counts of distributing child sexual abuse material.

RJ May was arrested on Wednesday at his home in Lexington County. His arrest on the federal charges was the culmination of a lengthy investigation into his internet activities. He appeared in federal court on Thursday.

According to an indictment, the three-term Republican used several screen names, including the one referencing former President Joe Biden - "joebidennnn69" - while exchanging CSAM files on the Kik social media network.

Kik notified the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in April 2024 of several videos containing child abuse linked to the accounts that prosecutors argue were controlled by May, according to WISTV.

open image in gallery South Carolina Republican Congressman RJ May has been charged with 10 counts of distributing child sexual abuse material using the Kik social media platform ( Youtube )

During a hearing on Thursday a memo including Kik data was made public showing May's alleged account had 265 videos of child abuse associated with it. The data also included IP address data linking the account to May's home Wi-Fi network.

Agents confirmed during surveillance of the residence, and again during the search of the residence. that the Wi-Fi at the May residence was password protected, the indictment said. Thus, for the [child abuse] activity on Kik to have been conducted by someone other than May, that person would have had to know the Wi-Fi password.

The indictment also states that a forensic analysis of May's phone found that he had deleted Kik, Telegram, Mega and Loki Messenger within seconds of each other in April 2024.

The memo further alleged that May's activity on Kik showed that he has "a sexual interest in children the same age as his own children" and a "sexual interest in incest" between young children and their parents.

May engaged in this behavior on his cell phone and from his own home on multiple occasions, presumably without his wifes knowledge, the memo reads. If he can hide this criminal activity from the person he shares a bedroom with, then he can easily hide it from any court enforcement mechanism. Furthermore, there is evidence that he has recently traveled to South America to engage in commercial sex, again presumably without his wifes knowledge that he ever even left the country. Thus, he is very likely to be able to evade detection by court enforcement of release conditions.

The indictment did not contain additional information about the charges. If convicted, May could face between five to 20 years in prison.

Judge Shiva Hodges ordered that May remain in custody prior to his trial, according to WISTV.

Following his election to the House in 2020, May helped to create the Freedom Caucus, which organized the most conservative members of the state's House. The group has run their own candidate for House Speaker and are resistant to joining the Republican Majority Caucus because it requires a loyalty pledge.

The Freedom Caucus issued a statement on Wednesday saying they had kicked May out of the group following his arrest. May has also been suspended from his role in the South Carolina House of Representatives, according to a letter from South Carolina House Speaker Murrell Smith.

The congressman was a vocal conservative voice in the House.

We as legislators have an obligation to insure that our children have no harm done to them, May said in January 2024 during a debate on transgender care for minors.

The Independent has requested comment from May.
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A sixth-grade Wisconsin boy was arrested after threatening to kill all of the teachers in an email sent to his school earlier this month, police said.

The 12-year-old sent the menacing message on June 2 to an email address intended for taking attendance at Kennedy Middle School in Germantown, a suburb of Milwaukee, police said.

On June 2nd 2025, we will show up to Kennedy Middle School with an AK-47 and kill all of the teachers. We will start with the Eastside of the school, then the west, the anonymously sent message read.

The email was traced back to the boy after police executed a search warrant on June 6, seizing multiple electronic devices that were linked to the Google account used to send the email threat.

The account was determined to belong to an unnamed 12-year-old, who was a sixth-grade student at the school, police said.

A 12-year-old boy was arrested after threatening to kill all of his teachers in an email sent to administrators at Kennedy Middle School in Germantown, Wisconsin. ( Google Maps )

The student admitted to creating and sending the message. When questioned by police, he said he was upset following a recent interaction with a teacher and did not intend to act on the threat, police said.

His parents cooperated with the police investigation and confirmed that he does not have access to any firearms at home.

As students arrived, they were held inside classrooms, police said.

I had parents that day calling and asking, are my kids safe? We take every complaint like this of this nature, very seriously," Germantown Police Capt. Penny Schmitt told Fox 6. "You cant be anonymous. You can delete it, but there are still pathways to that evidence.

Students at Kennedy Middle School experienced another alarming situation involving a would-be gunman in 2023.

Police were called to the school to reports of someone acting erratically in the schools parking lot after class had concluded for the day. When police arrived, the person climbed onto the roof and began firing at officers, who shot and killed the suspect.

Between 50 and 70 students were inside the building at the time.

Obviously, our communities nationwide have been victims to threats, school threats. So we obviously took it very seriously, Schmitt said of the recent incident.

"Unfortunately, our source of the threat is a young person in our community," Schmitt said. "While thats unfortunate, at least we were able to bring a resolution to the case."

A charge of terroristic threats is being referred to Washington County Juvenile Intake.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Family has always held a special place in the Turkic world, said Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary-General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Trend reports.

Speaking during the second meeting of ministers and heads of institutions responsible for family and social policy in OTS member countries in Baku, Omuraliev noted that the family has always had a special and respected place in the Turkic world.

"Family is the foundation upon which society is builta space where traditions are passed down, values are shared, and mutual care and responsibility are demonstrated. Across generations, our people have preserved a strong sense of unity, respect for elders, and deep family bonds," he said.

Omuraliev added that by supporting the family institution, Turkic countries also help women, children, and youth overcome modern challenges, contributing to future harmony and sustainability.

"Today's meeting marks an important step forward in our shared commitment to advancing the organization's family and social agenda," Omuraliyev emphasized.

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS), previously known as the Turkic Council or the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States, is an intergovernmental entity that includes all but one of the internationally recognized Turkic sovereign nations. The primary objective is to foster extensive collaboration among the Turkic nations. The General Secretariat of OTS is situated in Istanbul, Turkiye.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Kyrgyzstan is actively working to develop inclusive legislation and safeguard women's rights, said Kyyal Zhanuzakova, Deputy Minister of Labour, Social Protection, and Migration of Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports.

Speaking at the second meeting of ministers and heads of institutions responsible for family and social policy issues of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Baku, Zhanuzakova noted that one of the key priorities of our development is ensuring gender equality.

"Kyrgyzstan is actively working on forming inclusive legislation and protecting the rights of women," she said.

The official made it clear that significant strides have been made in boosting women's political representation, pointing out that the electoral legislation now lays down the law with gender quotas at the national level, ensuring that at least 30 percent of parliamentary seats are set aside for women.

"In alignment with our national commitments to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, we are advancing key strategies and initiatives, including the National Strategy for Achieving Gender Equality through 2030, as well as a range of programs aimed at fostering women's entrepreneurship and leadership. These efforts address essential priorities such as reducing poverty, enhancing digital skills among women, expanding equal opportunities, and improving the overall quality of life for all citizensparticularly the elderly and people with disabilities," the deputy minister added.

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With less than 24 hours left in the legislative session, Louisiana lawmakers are locked in a fierce battle over a proposal that would change the way pharmacies are allowed to operate in the state.
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 we were beautiful and young, there was still time for every little thing, Mick Harvey sighed on his fifth solo album. His mind was partly on Mutiny In Heaven, the film about his old band The Birthday Party. And partly, as always, on myriad other projects. Another year has flown. Or is it two? He and Adalita, who still leads Magic Dirt when shes not years-deep in a solo record or more transient collaborations, are sitting on a couch in his North Melbourne studio to talk about one theyve been holding close until time allowed. Bleak Squad is an elegantly brooding rock quartet that sounds exactly like the sum of its exceptional parts. Guitarist Mick Turner is still best known from Dirty Three, despite sundry other bands. Drummer Marty Brown is from Art of Fighting, as well as countless other gigs and studio productions. Were talking, to cut to the obvious rocknroll epithet, about a supergroup. No, were a supper group, Harvey responds. Adalita smiles. Shes probably heard that one before. Whatever they call it, its a gift. From left, Mick Turner, Marty Brown, Adalita and Mick Harvey were surprised at how easily their band came together. Credit: Felix Oliver I had some bits of songs sitting around; I always have  ideas that didnt fit anywhere else, she says. It was like, finally, I had somewhere to put them. And it was so natural, right from the start. Like wed been playing together for years. It was very casual. No egos, no expectations, Harvey says. It wasnt burdened with any of that. It was completely open. Marty just said, Come in, bring three or four ideas, well see what happens. So thats what we did.

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Over four days at Head Gap studios in Preston, the four distinct musical personalities became a band with unexpected ease. A song would become so much a [result] of what everyone had contributed that I started forgetting whose music it was in the first place, Harvey says, still surprised at how readily a whole album began to present itself. Strange Love is due in August. Wed need to find a less cluttered room to draw a map of all the tangled connections that led Brown  a prolific studio operator and artist manager as well as musician  to envisage a smooth, cohesive bond with the three living legends. Ive worked with them all enough to know that a fast, easy, improvisational kind of music is achievable, he tells me later, by phone from Ballarat. Some people need things to be more rehearsed, or its like, Ive written this... and they might be more demanding about what it could be. There was none of that... I knew we could all just relax together and jam some bits. But yeah, I was surprised by how well jamming some bits turned out. Everything Must Change, the first song unveiled last week, is a portentous illustration. It began with a nebulous handful of chords presented by Turner  overseas as we speak, with his duo Mess Esque (the Micks are always overseas, Adalita says). Harvey threw in a string of apocalyptic lyrics, then encouraged Adalita to intrude.

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You tapped into something, he tells her, and made it an even more surreal kind of excursion, which was fantastic. It messes with your head. The construction is kind of unfathomable to me. It was like a mystery, in a way. Loading Like a gothic Alice Through the Looking Glass, Adalita says, still riffing. I was just hoping to come up with something. Thats always my fear. She spins a telling metaphor for her writing process: like dredging a lake. Fear, mystery, surreal, gothic, apocalyptic... Bleak Squad isnt all bats and dungeons, but fans of any of its members will recognise a through-line of clamorous gloom, unsettled energy and ghostly beauty, an entrenched darkness of the soul that gives their name just the right touch of gallows humour. Its not about any particular style, Harvey says. Its about a kind of attitude and approach to things. Its got that sort of dark, noirish edge, Adalita says, but of course it offers comfort because its music. Music can be a real companion. It can give people solace. Ive been associated with a lot of music that people have declared to be depressing over the years, says Harvey, and I know that fans of that music dont find it depressing at all. They find a release. They find a space where they can feel inspired, to go beyond feeling isolated.

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A kindred spirit, Adalita says. Theyre anything but bleak company, these two. Asked to search their memories for their first formal collaboration, they arrive at the Suburban Mayhem movie soundtrack of 2006. Harvey won an Australian Film Institute award for the score. He asked Adalita to sing songs by Gun Club, Bauhaus and Magic Dirt. Music can be a real companion, says Adalita, pictured far left with Marty Brown, Mick Turner and Mick Harvey. Credit: Felix Oliver I was a little bit scared of you then. Im not any more, she says, laying her beanie on his black velvet lapel. Everyones scared of me, Harvey says, blinking. But hes spooked by something else. You know were the only ones still going from that [recording session]? They count off absent friends. Rowland S. Howard. Spencer P. Jones. Magic Dirts Dean Turner. Drummer Peter Jones. Producer-engineer Tony Cohen. The thought hangs heavily. You do carry all of that stuff, Harvey says. Everybody who you work with, you get something from them. Sometimes Im not sure which bits [of music] come from me, or from Rowland, or anyone else. Theyre all in there. Theres no time to dwell. Thats the only commodity in scarce supply, Brown acknowledges, as Bleak Squad plan the road ahead.

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Its been quite  hard, he says, laughing. Ive been shocked by how busy everyone is, but schedules are worked out so far in advance that we can map out when were all in the same country, at least. So far, just four dates are booked for August and October. Harvey says we could ramp it up a bit early next year  although Mick Turners probably madly booking stuff right now for his half-a-dozen projects. Were experienced enough to understand about give and take, he says. Everyone gives space to other people in the musical process, but then you also understand when people arent available. Its been difficult, but nobodys been getting pissed off. He turns to remind Adalita of the three or four unfinished songs they really must revisit. Ooh, Id love to hear those tracks, she enthuses. We might have to fill the set out a bit? Strange Love will be released on August 22. Bleak Squad play Queenscliff Town Hall on Aug 1, Meeniyan Town Hall on August 2, Sydneys City Recital Hall on Oct 11 and Melbourne Recital Centre on Oct 16. Legends unite Often brilliant, usually brief, sometimes bruising, supergroups are known to form when distinctive talents, famous names and stolen moments collide. Heres a mixed dozen playlist.

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Brisbane chef Ben Williamson is packing smoked potato sourdough, applewood smoked butter and cherry wood logs to take along with his luggage to Melbourne for an event that transports one of Australias best wood-fire restaurants to the QT Melbourne for one night.

Presented by QT Hotels and hosted by Good Food Events, Agnes x Pascale: Playing with Fire will see Williamson  co-owner and executive chef of Fortitude Valley restaurant Agnes  join forces with QT Melbournes executive chef Nic Wood for a four-course feast at Pascale Bar & Grill on Thursday, June 19.

Ben Williamson is the co-owner and executive chef of Agnes restaurant. Callie Marshall Photography

Itll be a rare opportunity to experience one of the countrys most awarded restaurants, recently featured in Good Foods 10 Queensland restaurants you need to eat at this year. The timing, too, is ideal. Agnes really comes into its own in winter, when the complex aromatics of the different woods come together with the sights and sounds of the crackling fire. Its just the best, says Williamson.

Half of the menu will come from Agnes, with Williamson hand-picking some current highlights. The line-up includes a wood-roasted duck from free-range Great Ocean Ducks, dry-aged for two weeks, then slow-cooked high over sweet, fruity cherry wood to absorb all the subtle nuances of the wood. Its that old adage  what grows together goes together, and its the same with the woods youre cooking over. Cherry and duck is a match made in heaven.
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Review Eating outGlen Iris Our critic liked this local hangout in the leafy east so much, she visited it twice in one day And after tasting the flawless tiramisu, shes already planning visit number three to Central Park Cellars. Dani Valent June 13, 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 the July 2025 hit list. See all stories .

1 / 8 Central Park Cellars is like a local lounge room in Glen Iris. Bonnie Savage 2 / 8 Silky tagliatelle with beef cheek ragu. Bonnie Savage 3 / 8 Burrata with pickled watermelon and candied cherry tomatoes. Bonnie Savage 4 / 8 The owners promise theyve tasted every wine on the well-stocked shelves. Bonnie Savage 5 / 8 Tiramisu is flawless, and a drawcard for a return visit. Bonnie Savage 6 / 8 Charred octopus with burrida cream (Sardinian walnut sauce), nduja crumble and broad bean salad. Bonnie Savage 7 / 8 Dry-aged rib-eye with salsa verde. Bonnie Savage 8 / 8 The Salted Hen is Central Park Cellars spin on a spicy marg, made with house-made jalapeno syrup and chicken salt on the rim. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide 13.5 / 20 How we score Italian$$$$ Its not often I like a place so much that I visit twice in one day, but not every venue is Central Park Cellars. On this afternoon, Im in the leafy east in need of tea and a chat with a friend. We planned a brisk stroll in nearby Central Park, but the weathers being unkind. With our backs to the wind, were blown down Burke Road. A place with Cellars in its name doesnt sound like cuppa territory but, 10 minutes later, we find ourselves ensconced in a charming window booth sipping cups of lemongrass-and-ginger tea. Down the back, a chef rolls pasta in a picturesque flour haze. Closer to us, shelves of high-quality independent wine are ready for drinking here or ferrying home. In the toilets, the wallpaper features line drawings of local dogs. At a sheltered table outside, a young family carves out 20 minutes: the parents sip prosecco and beer, the kids are brought to quiet stillness by hot chips. In the other window nook, a happy rambler receives crossword assistance from a glass of Musk Lane syrah. Im eating out with friends later and now I know where. I want the pasta I saw being rolled, and I want some of that wine, too.

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Silky tagliatelle with beef cheek ragu. Bonnie Savage So here I am, back again in the evening, in a den that gets fuller and louder as the minutes roll by: mates, dates, cross-table talk from parents who know one other from school drop-off, a book club that doesnt even pretend to open a tome. Waiters work gamely, teetering on the cresting wave of a busy weekend. A chef rolls pasta in a picturesque flour haze. Im eating out with friends later and now I know where. I want the pasta I saw being rolled. The building has been a licensed grocer since 1930. When the business came up for sale a few years ago, two couples decided to buy it, bringing skills from business, healthcare and marketing to their first foray into food. Mick and Paula Stephenson, Craig Buffham and Fiona Doyle have refined the wine offering (and promise theyve tasted every wine they sell  well, they do say hospitality is tough), improved the menu and smartened up the interior, installing soundproofing, timber panelling and banquettes. Theres music on Fridays and, where nearby restaurants Grazia and Riserva are dress-up and splurgy, the Cellars is come-as-you-are and stay-till-whenever. The menu was designed by Andrea Serreli, who left recently to take on the head chef gig at hatted Scopri in Carlton. His long-time protege, Mandeep Paudel, is now leading the kitchen under the guidance of the owners and with buy-in from regulars, who arent shy of expressing opinions.

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Theres pubby stuff, such as barramundi tacos, fried chicken, a shareable, 400-gram rib-eye and bloody good chips served with house-made chicken salt. I have more of this addictive salt on the rim of my Salted Hen cocktail, a margarita-adjacent walloper with mezcal and jalapeno syrup. Try the Salted Hen spicy marg, with house-made chicken salt on the rim. An Italian thread to the menu explains the citrus-cured snapper, octopus with Sardinian walnut sauce, and lovingly made pasta and risotto, which are both available as $20 midweek specials. The food isnt faultless: the risottos on the chalky side of al dente, although the pea and mascarpone combination is delicious. The beef-cheek ragu is a little thin, but the flavours are honest and the accompanying tagliatelle is supple and silky. Everything is offered in such warm spirit that its easy to overlook the rough bits of the diamond. Im a sucker for tiramisu and the one here is flawless, a delightful drawcard to get me back for visit number three.

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The flawless tiramisu. Bonnie Savage The low-down Atmosphere: Local lounge room Go-to dishes: Tagliatelle with beef cheek ($34); Salted Hen cocktail ($24); risotto of the week ($20-$25); tiramisu ($18) Drinks: The owners source mostly local wine from small suppliers and promise theyve tried everything on the well-stocked shelves  theres plenty around $60. The cocktails are fun and there are a couple of beers on tap. Cost: About $90 for two, excluding drinks Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

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Saving the best til last, Sydney chef Junda Khoo opens the crown jewel of his Melbourne mega-venue. And its got even more fireworks than its northern cousins.

As featured in the July 2025 hit list. See all stories .

Its been more than a decade since Malaysian-born Junda Khoo swapped a career in finance for a career in food, the self-taught chef going on to take Sydneys dining scene by storm with the slow-burn success of Ho Jiak, which has four iterations across the Harbour City. In 2023, Khoo was a Chef of the Year finalist in The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide awards, while his Town Hall restaurant earned its first hat, which its since retained.

1 / 8 Ho Jiak  Jundas Playground includes a bar dispensing classic cocktails with Malaysian twists. Wayne Taylor 2 / 8 Laksa bombs, a smash-hit from Junda Khoos Sydney restaurants, are on the menu. Wayne Taylor 3 / 8 Char-grilled lamb rump with cumin and pepper curry and pappadums. Wayne Taylor 4 / 8 Chef Junda Khoo says Ho Jiak in Melbourne is his most ambitious restaurant yet. Alex Coppel 5 / 8 Shark Bay scallops with taro and XO butter. Wayne Taylor 6 / 8 Deep greens, dark timbers and printed upholstery make reference to bamboo. Wayne Taylor 7 / 8 Eggplant bersira with an acar caramel and umami cream. Wayne Taylor 8 / 8 The venue marks the final piece of the puzzle for Khoos three-in-one CBD extravaganza. Wayne Taylor Previous Slide Next Slide

Naturally, anticipation has been high since Khoo announced that he was bringing his thrilling brand of Malaysian cooking to Melbourne, with a three-level, three-in-one venue on Rainbow Alley in the CBD that he says has ballooned into a $7-million project.

The first two venues opened in late May: fast-casual Da Bao, serving home-style Malaysian dishes on street level, and beer hall Ho Liao, doing Malaysian classics with a twist on the top floor. But the jewel in the crown opens today on the level between them.

Called Ho Jiak  Jundas Playground, Khoo says its his most boundary-pushing restaurant yet. Weve never seen a Malaysian restaurant like this before in Australia, says the chef, whos relocated to Melbourne for six months to spearhead the launch of the venues.
Im going on for 88 years old, and I feel younger than I did when I was 20, and thats the truth, said Fonda, who talked about her eating disorder over decades and how she conquered it. And now that Im old, but I dont really care any more. See, I dont get naked in bed with anybody any more. Why not? Ill be very honest, if I was going to have sex, I would want it to be with a 20-year-old. But she did admit to one fear: Im afraid of emotional intimacy. Its kind of hard to admit that, but Ive been under bombs. Ive been shot at. Ive had a lot of scary things happen. Im not scared of that, but Im scared of somebody that Im in love with saying, Come on, Jane, come on. Who are you? Show up. Fonda also shared her take on US President Donald Trump and the US government, saying they are not bad people. People who do things that are stupid and bad and cruel and hostile, like the people running my government now, theyre not bad people. Theyre unwell. Bad behaviour is the language of the traumatised.

The date is set The court dispute between the Stonnington Council mayor seeking an intervention order against a high-profile council activist rumbles on. Loading Mayor Melina Sehr is seeking a permanent intervention order against local government activist Dean Hurlston. At a directions hearing in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday, the matter was scheduled for a four-day hearing later this month. A public safety intervention order is a civil matter. Hurlston is not facing criminal charges and denies he is a safety threat. He previously told the court that when he was made aware Sehr found some of his posts offensive, he deleted them immediately.

Hurlston, who has run various Council Watch Facebook pages, has now lawyered up after previously representing himself, engaging barrister Gordon Chisholm. Chisholm says he would seek to defend Hurlstons posts, which Sehr previously said were an unrelenting stream of mockery, belittlement and abuse, together with a constant stream of criticism, ridicule and misogynistic attacks, by showing they were political commentary. Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz said: What I just really wanted to remark upon is political commentary is not unfettered. I have to say, I think this will be a very interesting contest, and really does raise some really interesting matters  I can see that its a highly contested hearing as well. So say we all.

Doing the rounds Opposition Leader Sussan Ley is forging ahead with her brand of modern Liberalism. She has already announced her first National Press Club speaking date, in stark contrast to Peter Dutton (remember him?), who as CBD told you really only went there for fundraisers. Liberal leader Sussan Ley is setting herself apart from her predecessor Peter Dutton with some of her media engagement decisions. Credit: James Brickwood And in another break, Ley is trying to reach the Zoomers, a demographic the Liberal Party often forgets exists. She sat for an interview with Instagram-first news site The Daily Aus, even posting a snap in the studio with host Billi Fitzsimmons on the grid. Dutton repeatedly dodged their interview requests. Ley also appeared on the ABCs youth-focused Triple J Hack on Thursday. A case of this goes with that at Sussan.

Struggling for staffers Meanwhile, the Coalition is ready to get stuck into the gruelling, dispiriting work of opposition, but is struggling to find staffers. Not for lack of trying, but because, so far, the government wont let them. By convention, the government sets the number of staffers allocated to the opposition and crossbench but is yet to provide those details to the Liberals, and this week, in a message to Liberal hacks seen by CBD, Leys office bristled at the Albanese governments delay  six weeks after the election. We acknowledge this delay is extraordinarily frustrating, causing angst and uncertainty for staff and parliamentarians alike, the message said, noting they were asking daily for a please explain. Albaneses office was approached for comment, but didnt explain it to us either.

CBD reported recently that Labor was going through its own staffing reset, which appears to have gotten somewhere because the PMs office has sent around a list of media flacks for Labors ministry  all 90 of them. Thats 90 people who can now ignore CBDs phone calls. Poet one day, lawyer the next Top Sydney barrister Bret Walker Credit: Steven Siewert Bret Walker, SC, cream of the Sydney bar, is representing the Russian Federation in a challenge to the constitutional validity of the Albanese governments 2023 law which cancelled Moscows lease on an embassy site next door to Parliament House.
Manila: Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has petitioned the International Criminal Court to allow his interim release to another country, his lawyer said in a filing, citing his advanced age and a vow not to flee or commit any further crimes.

Duterte was arrested and taken to The Hague in March on murder charges linked to his war on drugs, where thousands of alleged narcotics peddlers and users were killed. He has maintained his arrest was unlawful.

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte. Credit: AP

Dutertes counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, told the ICCs pre-trial chamber that a third country had already expressed its advance and principled agreement to receive Mr Duterte onto its territory, according to the request released today. The name of the country was redacted in the text released to the public.

Duterte was not a flight risk and would not commit further crimes if released, his counsel said.

Mr Duterte is no longer the president of the Philippines, and does not command the same influence or power he is said to have abused during the period of the alleged crimes, the request stated.

Duterte cited humanitarian reasons in his request, saying that he was already 80 years old.

The request also said the prosecution would not oppose Dutertes interim release as long as certain undisclosed terms were met. The office of the prosecutor did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside office hours.

ICC assistant to counsel Kristina Conti, who represents drug war victims, told broadcaster DZMM that her clients have opposed Dutertes interim release from the start.

Duterte was swept to power in 2016 on a signature campaign to eradicate drug use in the country. During his six years in office, 6200 suspects were killed during anti-drug operations, according to government data. Rights groups say the actual toll was far greater.



Reuters
It is shaping up as one of the biggest logistical challenges in Suncorp Stadiums history, but organisers are confident they can pull off this months NRL double-header.

The Dolphins cyclone-affected fixture against South Sydney has been rescheduled for 7.50pm on Saturday, June 28  just a few hours after the Broncos v Warriors match, with its 3pm kick-off, is due to end.

Given they will be two distinct crowds, as many as 100,000 could pass through the stadium precinct on the day  almost double an Origin crowd. That could make it Caxton Streets biggest day in years.

Crowds milling outside Suncorp Stadium for Magic Round in Brisbane. Credit: Brisbane Economic Development Agency

Traders are at the same time salivating at the potential revenue, and apprehensive about the challenge ahead.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Uzbekistan has proposed the creation of an online platform to connect women entrepreneurs across the Turkic states, said Rano Turdiboyeva, the Deputy Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

In her speech at the second meeting of ministers and heads of institutions responsible for family and social policy issues of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Baku, Turdiboyeva noted that by rolling up its sleeves and fostering international cooperation within the OTS, Uzbekistan is all set to throw its hat in the ring with concrete initiatives aimed at building a sustainable regional support system for women and families.

First, we propose the creation of a digital ecosystem for womens entrepreneurshipa unified online platform linking women entrepreneurs from all Turkic countries. This platform will include a marketplace for traditional crafts, a mentorship network, and a database for potential investors, she said.

Turdiboyeva also suggested launching a cultural and economic initiative titled The Silk Road of Women's Creativity, which would connect artisans from Turkic states through digital tools, joint exhibitions, training programs, and international certification of their products.

Events like todays forum create a unique opportunity to strengthen our cooperation and develop joint solutions. I sincerely believe our dialogue today will mark the beginning of a new chapter in regional collaboration on women's rights and empowerment, the deputy minister emphasized.

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS), previously known as the Turkic Council or the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States, is an intergovernmental entity that includes all but one of the internationally recognized Turkic sovereign nations. The primary objective is to foster extensive collaboration among the Turkic nations. The General Secretariat of OTS is situated in Istanbul, Turkiye.

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An ugly read

The article (Activists like Greta Thunberg care more about fame than facts, 10/6) sounded pretty much like a personal vendetta and I wonder what Greta did to deserve such wrath?

Is it because Greta is cute, that she exposed her legs or that she smiled during her abduction during the Israeli propaganda shot of a military man with a gun giving her a sandwich?

Is it because Greta is too feted, that her youth and passion energised many or is it because she didnt experience the pinnacle of evil that tens of thousands of Palestinian women experience at the hands of israeli military men?

Picking on a womans brave humanitarian activism and faulting her endlessly was an extremely ugly read. The problem is not Greta. She is not jumping onto the next ship or cause and abandoning Palestinians as quickly as you imagine.

Not until the real problem of Israels continued occupation, mass slaughter and starvation is ended.

Evelyn Konstantinidis, Albert Park

Applauding Thunberg

Had it not been for the calamity of COVID barring any kind of assembly, the Schoolkids Strike may have succeeded where all else failed in securing meaningful political action on climate change.

As to the belittling of the courageous Greta Thunberg, how many of us have produced a major book on the subject, or sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in winter (literally sailed) to adhere to ethical action on climate, or, indeed, staged a lone sit in outside the Swedish parliament week after week to draw attention to the perils of what the rest of the population of the earth cavalierly adds to each day in the form of greenhouse gas emissions?

There is a great deal of humanitarian concern and action in the history of this young woman, and I for one applaud her.

Judith Deucker, Grantham Qld

Ley reads the room

Finally, some common sense from Sussan Ley (Ley to order radical Liberal review, 12/6) as she and her small band of survivors pick through the still smouldering ruins of their once powerful broad church, searching for any still usable bed-rock foundations upon which to rebuild.

But perhaps even the big, old cornerstones marked Small Government, Lower Taxes for All  Business and Individuals, Aspiration  Go You Good Thing are no longer fit for purpose.

To help in her deliberations she needs only to look to the experiment tearing America apart which Australians are rejecting (Trump: dumb, dishonest and dangerous say Australians, 12/6). We recognise there is a growing need for government services  health, NDIS, welfare, unemployment, defence etc  not to mention lowering the confrontational brand that the Liberals seem wedded to.

Their new manifesto could then also include actually doing our bit to save the planet and being generous towards less fortunate nations and individuals escaping persecution.

If Labor ever dropped the ball, voters might even consider a party believing in the above values as a viable alternative.

Peter Thomson, Brunswick

Resist authoritarianism

There has always been a frontier, winner takes all element of USA culture, with emphasis on small government rather than equity and looking after societys disadvantaged.

Iniquitous public health, an inward-looking education system, an unliveable basic wage and an approach to guns we find unfathomable are outcomes of this mentality.

Hundreds of billionaires abound alongside poverty.

The current collapse of USA society is partly due to its weak democratic systems. But Australia needs to be alert to our vulnerability to forces similar to those that have swept a minority nationalist christian ideology into power, with authoritarian rule similar to that of Russia.

For all Albos card waving, our medical system is increasingly inequitable. Our education system is tragically unfair, putting parents rights to choose before childrens rights to a fair start in our community.

Before overdue tax reform, we need a wide-ranging debate on what we want taxes to achieve. Debating tax policy without clear community goals puts the horse before the cart. The USA is giving us a terrifying picture of what happens if the organised wealthy dominate debate while the majority remain ignorant or uninvolved.

Michael Langford, Flinders

Teals are not Liberals

The article Package teal: The independent movement, three years on (18/5) contains statements from Professor Mark Kenny, of the Australian Studies Institute at ANU that have gone unchallenged for too long. The teals are not disaffected Liberals nor were they ever disaffected Liberals. The 2022 Australian Election Study, led by the Australian National University with Griffith University, showed the majority of their votes came from people who had previously been Greens and Labor voters.

The idea that in another time they would have been Liberal Party members is laughable. Kate Chaney, who Kenny cites as his prime example, was a member of the Labor Party in 2021. Hardly the background of a disaffected Liberal. Further, Zali Steggall has stated that she never voted for the Liberal Party in the federal seat of Warringah for the 25 years that Tony Abbott was the member. Monique Ryan was a member of the Labor Party from 2007-2010.

It is long overdue for people to acknowledge the overwhelming weight of evidence that many teals and their members were from the left of the political spectrum and continue to represent those views.

Jason Falinski, former Liberal MP and

partner at consultancy Ergo Videatur
Accused triple murderer Erin Patterson turned to thank the judge as she left the witness box for the final time after eight days of grilling.

Crown prosecutor Nanette Rogers, SC, had finished with three questions that got to the heart of the case after 31 days in courtroom four of the Supreme Court sitting at Morwell.

Nanette Rogers, SC, has concluded her cross-examination of Erin Patterson. Credit: Marija Ercegovac

Sighs could be heard from the packed public court, and from some of the 14 jurors. Relief in the form of tears also spread across Pattersons face as she sat, dressed in a navy and white spotted top, with tissues in her right hand.

Youll be pleased to know Ive only got three final questions, Rogers announced at 11.35am.
Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deemings controversial proposal to delay bankruptcy proceedings against former party leader John Pesutto  in return for a deal to secure her political future  has sparked an outcry and a complaint to the corruption watchdog from a member of the public.

Deemings last-minute proposal came after she served Pesutto with a bankruptcy notice on Friday for the legal fees associated with her successful defamation case against the Hawthorn MP.

Moira Deeming after being readmitted to the Liberal party room on December 27. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui

Its a tense situation for the Liberal Party; if Pesutto is made bankrupt, he can no longer sit in parliament and the party would face a byelection in a marginal seat.

Heres what else we know as of this morning.
Iconic Australian anti-development activist Juanita Nielsen left behind far more than a deeply disturbing whodunnit mystery when she disappeared, presumed murdered, 50 years ago, next month.

Her death also sparked a huge range of planning and policy changes that transformed the landscapes of our cities, and are now back under the spotlight, a new book to be released on Saturday argues.

Activist and newspaper publisher Juanita Nielsen at her Potts Point office in 1974. Credit: Fairfax Media

Some say the reforms that sprang from the urban warfare that erupted on Sydneys streets between developers and conservationists in the 1970s over plans for high-density housing in the citys east helped precipitate todays current national housing crisis; others argue they need to be further strengthened to protect our cities.

I dont think theres any doubt that Juanita Nielsens death made the environment for developing land much tougher for many years, if not decades, said Mark Skelsey, author of Views To Die For: Murder, Anarchy and the Battle for Sydneys Future. It initiated popular movies, plays and books which cast developers as villains and which really had a long-term influence on housing and development levels.
You probably think you have travel money all worked out by now. And you should  its pretty simple.

Gone are the days of travellers cheques, of hunting around cities trying to find a place to exchange those strange strips of paper for local currency. Gone too, for the most part, is our cash-dependent society  travellers can now get away with carrying very little hard currency, relying instead on debit cards and electronic tap payments.

Getting the best value for money in Argentina depends on how you pay, or how you exchange your currency. Credit: AP

So simple. Money is just something you dont have to worry too much about when you travel now (save for spending too much of it).

That is, unless youre travelling to Argentina.
In my 70s, and travelling solo, I have two nights in Paris in August before a charter flight to Greenland. I will be staying close to CDG Airport at Roissypole. Is it safe to travel into Paris using the RER train? What is the closest station to Notre-Dame and to the hop-on-hop-off bus?

L. Brown, Port Macquarie, NSW

Roissypole train station at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris. Credit: iStock

Travelling from Roissypole at Charles de Gaulle Airport into central Paris on the RER B train is fast and generally safe, provided you travel during daylight. A few precautions will help keep you out of harms way. Keep your bags closed and in front of you, avoid using your phone openly near train doors or on platforms and dont engage with helpful strangers offering advice or assistance, or asking for donations. Be on your guard at train stations where pickpockets lurk.

The closest RER B station to Notre-Dame is Saint-MichelNotre-Dame on the (southern) Left Bank just across the bridge from Ile de la Cite, the site of Notre-Dame. While youre there, take a stroll along Rue Saint-Louis en Ile on neighbouring Ile Saint-Louis, one of my favourite walks in Paris. Stop No.3 on the Paris Big Bus tour is close to Notre-Dame, on Rue Dante which runs off Quai Saint-Michel, on the Left Bank, almost opposite Notre-Dame. Look for the red sign. Buses depart at 20-minute intervals.

My wife and I are visiting Puglia in September, and were looking for a guide who can give us authentic, insider experiences in local culture, food and wine and art and architecture that we cant find by ourselves. Any suggestions?

R. Noble, Malvern, Vic
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 It could take weeks, if not months, for the exact cause of the plane crash that killed at least 260 people to become clear. But the pilots mayday call of no thrust and a lack of power indicates a mechanical, electrical, or external issue likely plagued the General Electric engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on take-off. A lack of thrust, perhaps worsened by other factors, could have brought about the aircrafts demise. Experts have already outlined a number of possible reasons why flight AI171 crashed in a ball of fire after less than a minute in the air. A very surprising accident Professor John McDermid, Lloyds Register chair of safety at the University of York, said: Take-off and landing are the most dangerous phases of flight  accidents from cruise are very unusual. However, that said, its surprising that the accident occurred before the aircraft had even got to 200 metres [in] altitude.

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Pilots can abort take-off until quite late in the take-off roll, so it seems like the problem occurred very suddenly in the final part of the take-off roll, or shortly after take-off, and was sufficiently serious to be unmanageable. Given the levels of redundancy in systems, the fact that aircraft are designed to climb out on only one engine, etc, on initial sight this seems a very surprising accident. BS Siwach, the former director general of Aviation Safety India, said: The pilots were highly qualified and accomplished professionals. The unfortunate thing which happened is that at about 400-odd feet, the aircraft suffered loss of power. Technical error or engine failure A significant loss of thrust, as appears to be indicated in the stricken planes mayday call, could have resulted from a number of causes. A wholesale engine failure  especially of the uncontained variety, where a turbine disintegrates due to failed bearings or blades  can be catastrophic, flinging out debris that shatters the engine casing and penetrates the fuselage. However, evidence of such an event should have been visible in the video footage, which showed no obvious signs of engine problems other than the planes struggle to gain altitude.

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Engine failure could also have resulted from a less dramatic issue, such as a fuel-related problem. Given that the plane had been prepared for a long-haul flight  and the size of the fireball when it came down  it could hardly have been out of kerosene. But fuel contamination or mis-fuelling of some kind could have led the turbines to underperform. Technical or engineering issues  such a fuel pump failure or malfunction of engine controls  could also have conceivably led to the disaster. While there has never been a major incident with the 787, which represented a step change in design and build quality when it was introduced, such a level of complexity and automation can bring its own problems. It also means that the exact fault behind the loss of power, if that proves to have been the reason for the crash, may be difficult to ascertain, although readings from the planes black box flight data recorder, once recovered, should provide vital information. If the plane is found to have been brought down by a fundamental flaw, then the entire fleet could face grounding, though with the model in service for so long without incident a maintenance-related glitch may be more likely than a manufacturing or design error.

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Dr Jason Knight, a senior lecturer in fluid mechanics at the University of Portsmouth, reviewed the CCTV footage of the planes ill-fated journey and told the London Telegraph: It appears from the video, there is a cloud of dust just after take-off [it shows the aircraft going behind the building]. The aircraft then seems to lose power and the pilot appears to increase its angle of attack to try and stay airborne for longer. The aircraft could fly perfectly well on one engine. But without any power, the pilot has no choice but to do an emergency landing. Im not sure, but it appears as though the cloud of dust could be from the engines as they both fail. Bird strikes A bird strike having taken out both the General Electric engines is another possibility behind the crash.

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In January 2021, a 787-8 Dreamliner had to abort a take-off in Mexico after birds flew into one of its engines as it readied to leave the tarmac. And in March 2024, a Saudia Airlines flight on a similar plane model flying from Jeddah to Heathrow suffered significant damage to its left wing from a bird strike. Ahmedabad airport, the main city in Gujarat, is also notorious for having an issue with bird strikes due to being near an urban area. A study in 2018 found the airport has a high potential of bird-aircraft collision hazards. Official data shows that in 2023 it had the second most bird strikes in India with its 81 reported instances behind only the 169 of Delhi. This is despite operating only a quarter of the number of flights. Salil Colge, a lecturer in aviation management at University College Birmingham who was born in Mumbai, told the London Telegraph: Historically there have been reports of several bird strikes in this area and that could be one of the possibilities. The airport had managed to control this significantly with a decrease in bird strike incidences in 2024. Did the aircraft have multiple bird strikes after take-off causing the engines to lose power?

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He added: In Clonavon Terrace, they stand around, there is mess everywhere, throwing bikes, there are piles of garbage and rumours of petty thefts and adults snatching kids phones. He showed CCTV footage of a black metal bar stool coming through the front window of the terraced property he and his girlfriend, Pavlina, 35, an agency worker from the Czech Republic, share with their 11-year-old daughter and two Jack Russells. Police Service of Northern Ireland officers in riot gear respond to civil unrest in Ballymena. Credit: Getty Images The stool, hurled by masked youths, was followed by a heavy tree planter hours after they had been warned by police to leave or stay in the living room, making it easier to escape if the house was torched. It was not random, the way they operate, he added. They roughly know where people are from.

Its not racist because its not about skin colour, but discriminatory, yes. It is very obvious they are trying to hound people out of the area, and they are being quite successful. The violence began on Monday following a vigil in support of the girl who had been assaulted, which was followed by disorder echoing the riots in the UK seen after the Southport murders, where children were attacked at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last year. Homes were torched and cars set alight as rioters clashed with police armed with protective gear. Credit: Getty Images It started in Clonavon Terrace, where the alleged assault took place, with homes torched and cars set alight as rioters clashed with police armed with protective gear and attempting to restore calm with their armoured Land Rovers. Three people had to be saved by firefighters after four houses were set alight.

On Tuesday, the violence moved elsewhere in the County Antrim town, which is home to 31,205 residents, as rioters targeted houses where they believed foreigners lived. Officers were met with a hail of petrol bombs, bricks and fireworks and were forced to fire baton rounds and bring in water cannons and dogs as cars were again set on fire in scenes described by police as racist thuggery. Officers were met with petrol bombs, bricks and fireworks in scenes described by police as racist thuggery. Credit: Getty Images The violence continued on Wednesday night as well, and spread to other parts of Northern Ireland, despite Northern Irelands police chief vowing to arrest and prosecute the bigots and racists behind the violence. A total of 41 officers have been injured and 15 people arrested since the violence began four nights ago.

Earlier this week, the Police Service of Northern Ireland requested support from colleagues in the rest of the UK as it brought in extra officers and equipment to the areas where unrest had erupted. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he utterly condemns the violence, while Jon Boutcher, the PSNIs chief constable, warned the disorder risked undermining the criminal justice process. Ballymena was 95.1 per cent white at the time of the latest census, with just 4.9 per cent of the population from another ethnic background, with Roma the largest minority. The violence began on Monday following a vigil in support of the girl who had been assaulted. Credit: Getty Images Although far less diverse than the rest of the UK, Ballymenas population has changed significantly over the last decade, when previously just one in 50 residents was from a non-white background.

Unemployment is above average, and there are long-standing tensions with the Roma community, which is accused by some of failing to integrate into the town. On Clonavon Terrace, people from around the town visited, curious to see the damage, while those actually living on the street feared that years of tensions between largely loyalist Protestant communities and some Roma residents would result in their homes being targeted. Andrei Boteanu, 32, a factory worker who is Romanian but not Roma, pointed at the remains of a redbrick house where the arrested teenagers are believed to have lived. Ballymena was 95.1 per cent white at the time of the latest census, with just 4.9 per cent of the population from another ethnic background. Credit: Getty Images They threw the bins inside; it took all night to burn, he said.

Boteanu feared they would do the same to his own house, but added that he was not surprised tensions had turned violent. Before, there were many cars coming there, there were 20 people inside. There were rats, garbage, and mattresses lying around. It was messy, they were all on benefits. We always complain about them, but nobody does anything. We didnt know that things would go so far. The Police Service of Northern Ireland requested support from colleagues in the rest of the UK. Credit: Getty Images He added: Im worried because they dont know who lives in houses, it can be anyone. But I support local people, even if it was not right what local people did last night and the other night, I dont blame them for nothing. I would be the same, its a wee girl.

About 100 metres down the road, Emma Little-Pengelly, Northern Irelands deputy first minister, was harshly criticised as she met residents of the affected street who expressed concern their houses would not survive the night. I have constantly been putting in complaints, nobody wants to know, one said. We are not racist. I worked 30 years in medicine, my house is half the price I paid for it, another told the DUP politician. Unemployment is above average and there are long-standing tensions with the Roma community. Credit: Getty Images Despite the communal fears over immigration, many feared the violence had become mindless.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Azerbaijan has started exporting special protective and polyurethane boots to Kazakhstan for the first time, Elchin Kazimov, press secretary of the Development Agency of Economic Zones, told reporters during a media tour of the Aghdam Industrial Park, Trend reports.

Kazakhstan Industrial Park currently hosts 28 business entities with an investment portfolio exceeding 260 million manat ($152.9 million), of which 4 have non-resident status. Over 70 percent of the park is already operational and used by entrepreneurs.

Despite its recent establishment, the Aghdam Industrial Park ranks as the second largest industrial center in Azerbaijan after Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park and is the largest in the Karabakh region by the number of residents, Kazimov said.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The next round of talks  the sixth  had been tentatively scheduled for this weekend in Oman, according to two US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss diplomatic matters. However, those officials said on Wednesday that it looked increasingly unlikely that the talks would happen. Trump, who has previously said Israel or the US could carry out airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities if negotiations failed, gave a less-than-optimistic view about reaching a deal with Iran, telling the New York Posts Pod Force One podcast that he was getting more and more less confident about a deal. The US embassy is seen from across the River Tigris in Baghdad, Iraq. Credit: AP They seem to be delaying, and I think thats a shame. Im less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago. Something happened to them, he said in the interview recorded on Monday and released on Wednesday. Irans mission to the United Nations posted on social media that threats of overwhelming force wont change the facts.

Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and US militarism only fuels instability, the Iranian mission wrote. Iranian Defence Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh separately told journalists on Wednesday that he hoped talks with the US would yield results, though Tehran stood ready to respond. President Donald Trump was asked about the MIddle East personnel departures as he attended a performance of Les Miserables in Washington late on Wednesday with first lady Melania Trump. Credit: AP If conflict is imposed on us, the opponents casualties will certainly be more than ours, and in that case, America must leave the region, because all its bases are within our reach, he said. We have access to them, and we will target all of them in the host countries without hesitation. Meanwhile, the Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency was potentially set to vote on a measure to censure Iran. That could set in motion an effort to snap back UN sanctions on Iran via a measure in Tehrans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers thats still active until October. Trump withdrew from that agreement in his first term.

Earlier on Wednesday, a statement from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre, a Mideast-based effort overseen by the British navy, issued a warning to ships in the region that it has been made aware of increased tensions within the region which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners. It urged caution in the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. It did not name Iran, though those waterways have seen Iranian ship seizures and attacks in the past. General Michael Kurilla, pictured in 2021. Credit: AP The top US military officer for the Middle East, General Erik Kurilla, was scheduled to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, but that testimony has now been postponed, according to the committees website. The Pentagon has not commented on the postponement. Meanwhile, Iraqs state-run Iraqi News Agency said in a statement attributed to an unnamed government official that the evacuation of some non-essential employees from the US embassy in Baghdad was part of procedures related to the US diplomatic presence in a number of Middle Eastern countries, not just Iraq and that Iraqi officials have not recorded any security indicators that warrant an evacuation.

We reiterate that all security indicators and briefings support the escalating assessments of stability and the restoration of internal security, the statement said. Analysts are debating possible motives for personnel moves, The New York Times reported. Some think the US and Britain might be trying to intimidate Iran, or were responding with alarm to Tehrans statements. Loading Some also wondered whether US and British officials were reacting to a heightened chance that Israel would attack Iran. Trump has said he does not want Israel to take military action that could disrupt his efforts to broker a nuclear deal with Tehran. Britains Foreign Office said it was monitoring the situation and would keep its embassy in Iraq under constant review following the US moves.

The US embassy in Kuwait said in a statement on Wednesday that it has not changed its staffing posture and remains fully operational. Another US official said there was no change in operations at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American military base in the Middle East, and that no evacuation order had been issued for employees or families linked to the US embassy in Qatar, which was operating as usual. Iraqs state news agency cited a government source as saying Baghdad had not recorded any security indication that called for an evacuation. Iraq  a rare regional partner of both the US and its arch regional foe, Iran  hosts 2500 American troops, though Tehran-backed armed factions are linked to its security forces. Tensions inside Iraq have heightened since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, with Iran-aligned armed groups in the country repeatedly attacking US troops, though attacks have subsided since last year.
Non-Binding Indication of Interest Deadline: June 18, 2025

NEW YORK, June 11, 2025 -- Hilco Streambank (www.HilcoStreambank.com), a market-leading advisory firm specializing in the monetization of intangible assets, announced today that it is seeking offers to acquire the intellectual property and related intangible assets of Nikola Corporation (" Nikola "), a pioneer in hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric vehicle technologies.

Indications of interest are due June 18, 2025.

Founded in 2015, Nikola led the development of proprietary technology for the next generation of zero-emission vehicles and associated hydrogen infrastructure. The company manufactured both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell Class 8 trucks, with nearly 330 units delivered to date. Nikola's vehicle-to-cloud digital ecosystem and hydrogen refueling systems are supported by a portfolio of differentiated IP assets with broad application across clean mobility and energy markets.

Available Assets Include

Full-Stack Vehicle-to-Cloud Software Platform  Supporting advanced diagnostics, remote configuration, route analytics, and encrypted fleet management

 Supporting advanced diagnostics, remote configuration, route analytics, and encrypted fleet management Active U.S. & International Patents and Applications  Covering fuel cell systems, battery management, thermal systems, EV drivetrain design, hydrogen refueling, and more

 Covering fuel cell systems, battery management, thermal systems, EV drivetrain design, hydrogen refueling, and more Registered U.S. & International Trademarks & Domain Names  Featuring the globally recognized NIKOLA  brand

 Featuring the globally recognized NIKOLA brand 5 Million+ Miles of Real-World EV Truck Analytics  Enabling insight-rich optimization for commercial fleet operations

"Nikola has developed a robust portfolio of innovative solutions across hydrogen and battery-electric vehicle technologies, with global brand equity and a strategic patent portfolio cited by leading OEMs," said David Peress, Executive Vice President of Hilco Streambank. Peress continued, "This portfolio offers a compelling range of opportunities for a broad spectrum of buyers including vehicle OEMs looking to accelerate hydrogen or battery-electric programs, energy companies pursuing vertical integration, or technology investors seeking a defensible and scalable platform in the software-defined vehicle space, this offering delivers the tools to support rapid innovation, market entry, and strategic differentiation."

Interested parties may submit offers for all or a portion of the assets. For further information or to request access to diligence materials, please contact the Hilco Streambank deal team at [email protected].

David Peress EVP Gabe Fried CEO Jordon Parker VP Stella Silverstein Analyst

Nikola and various of its affiliates are debtors in Chapter 11 proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (Case No. 25-10258). The sale of Nikola's intangible assets and Hilco Streambank's retention are subject to bankruptcy court approval.

About Hilco Streambank: Hilco Streambank is a market-leading advisory firm specializing in intellectual property valuation, advisory, and monetization. Having completed numerous transactions, including sales in publicly reported transactions, private transactions, and online sales through IPv4.Global , Hilco Streambank has established itself as the premier intermediary in the consumer brand, internet, technology, and telecom communities. Hilco Streambank is part of Northbrook, Illinois-based Hilco Global , the world's leading authority on maximizing the value of business assets by delivering valuation, monetization, and advisory solutions to an international marketplace. Hilco Global operates more than twenty specialized business units offering services that include asset valuation and appraisal, retail and industrial inventory acquisition and disposition, real estate, and strategic capital equity investments.

SOURCE Hilco Streambank
HOUSTON, June 11, 2025 -- Commonwealth LNG ("Commonwealth") announced today it has signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement with JERA Co., Inc. ("JERA"), Japan's largest power generation company and one of the world's largest LNG buyers, under which JERA will purchase 1 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of LNG for 20 years from Commonwealth's 9.5 mtpa facility currently under development in Cameron, Louisiana.

Commonwealth has 4 Mtpa of offtake under long-term agreement, with line of sight toward finalizing its commercial book ahead of a targeted final investment decision in Q3 2025 and anticipated first LNG production in 2029.

"We look forward to our partnership with JERA, a recognized global energy leader who shares our commitment to low-cost energy with the lowest carbon footprint," said Ben Dell, Managing Partner of Kimmeridge and Chairman of Commonwealth LNG.

The Commonwealth export facility is expected to unlock approximately $11 billion in total investments in Louisiana and an estimated $3.5 billion in annual export revenue. It is projected to employ approximately 2,000 workers at the peak of construction and provide approximately 275 high-paying jobs when the facility begins operations in 2029.

"We are delighted to be partnering with JERA, considering their prominent role and extensive experience along the full LNG value chain," said Commonwealth President and CEO Farhad Ahrabi. "As we move forward to FID and commercial operations, we look forward to building on our relationship with them."

Commonwealth is owned by Kimmeridge SoTex Holdco LLC ("SoTex"), which was founded by Kimmeridge, an asset manager focused on the energy sector. Through SoTex, which also holds upstream natural gas development company, Kimmeridge Texas Gas, Kimmeridge is building America's first integrated gas independent to deliver low-cost natural gas from wellhead-to-water, meeting burgeoning demand for responsibly produced LNG across global markets.

The SPA will become fully effective upon the satisfaction of customary conditions, including an affirmative final investment decision on the project.

About Commonwealth LNG

Commonwealth LNG is developing a 9.5 mtpa liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal project located near Cameron, Louisiana. The project's leadership team is committed to building a world-class LNG facility while relentlessly focusing on safety, managing risk and achieving best in class environmental standards.

Website: www.CommonwealthLNG.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/commonwealth-lng/

Media Inquiries:

Commonwealth LNG

Lyle Hanna

Vice President, Corporate Communications

Email: [email protected]

Ph: 281.794.9606

Kimmeridge

Daniel Yunger / Hallie Wolff / Emma Cloyd

Email: [email protected]

Ph: 917.574.8582 / 917.842.1127

SOURCE Commonwealth LNG
This bucket-list road trip just got easier to plan with new tips, tricks and routes to inspire travel along California's Central Coast

MONTEREY, Calif., June 12, 2025 -- California's most iconic road trip just got easier to plan with the launch of 'HOW 2 HWY 1', an initiative designed to help travelers navigate the legendary Highway 1 through Monterey County's Big Sur and beyond.

No matter the road conditions, Big Sur and its parks, hotels, camping, restaurants, galleries, and more remain open  and the views are always stunning. The rugged beauty of Big Sur means road conditions often evolve. While a small stretch of Highway 1 is closed, all of the region's iconic views and experiences remain accessible from both the north and the south. HOW 2 HWY 1 offers a how-to guide for exploring the region. With a little planning and the right routes, travelers discover epic views, cozy stays, hidden gems, and unforgettable adventures around every scenic turn.

"For many across the country and around the world, the quintessential Highway 1 road trip is a bucket list experience of coastal bliss and open-road freedom," said Rob O'Keefe, President and CEO of See Monterey. "This summer, we invite travelers to transform that dream into an unforgettable escape along California's Central Coast. Visitors can immerse themselves in the region's beauty while supporting cherished, locally owned businesses in Big Sur, the Salinas Valley, and beyond."

How to Highway 1

Experience Big Sur  From the North or from the South



Northern Big Sur is easily accessed via the Monterey Peninsula to visit renowned state parks and attractions such as the Henry Miller Library, Nepenthe restaurant, Garapata State Park, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, the Point Sur Lighthouse and Andrew Molera State Park. Travelers can choose from a variety of lodging options in Big Sur  from luxury resorts like Post Ranch Inn and Alila Ventana Big Sur , to historic retreats such as the Big Sur River Inn or Big Sur Lodge, as well as numerous campsites for the nature-focused adventurer. Highway 1 is temporarily closed just past Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and the Esalen Institute. It reopens just north of the Lucia Lodge .



Southern Big Sur can be reached via San Luis Obispo County , where the highway runs past the charming towns of Cambria and San Simeon , as well as attractions like Hearst Castle, up to Ragged Point. Eco resorts like Treebone's Resort can be reached this way, as well as secluded seaside spots such as Sand Dollar Beach and Lucia Lodge . Don't miss parks like Mill Creek and Willow Creek Day Use Areas.



Take the Scenic Route to Explore More



This summer, there is a small stretch of Highway 1 that is not accessible, but the journey between northern and southern Big Sur is an unforgettable road trip in itself.



Highway 101 offers scenic, easy connections via Highway 68 in Salinas and Highway 46 in Paso Robles . The 101 provides quick and easy access to both northern and southern Big Sur via Highway 68 in Salinas ( Monterey County ) and Highway 46 in Paso Robles ( San Luis Obispo County ).

and Highway 46 in . The 101 provides quick and easy access to both northern and southern via Highway 68 in ( ) and Highway 46 in ( ). Another option for adventurous travelers is an immersive scenic route via Carmel Valley Road to Highway 101 with stops in the laid-back Carmel Valley Village and through the wine growing region of Arroyo Seco, a recognized American Viticultural Area in Monterey County.

Using Highway 101 for out-and-back trips into and out of Big Sur takes only about an hour longer than driving Highway 1 straight through and provides additional opportunities to stop and explore other destinations like Carmel -by-the-Sea, Monterey , Salinas and the Salinas Valley  known as the "Salad Bowl of the World."

Highway 101 is not just a detourit's a destination in itself. Travelers can enjoy new experiences like Salinas Valley's wine region along the Monterey Wine Trail, visit historic missions in Soledad and take in the rugged beauty of Pinnacles National Park. Discover hidden literary gems like the National Steinbeck Center and The Steinbeck House in Salinas where fans can delve into the life and works of John Steinbeck . Lakes and recreation areas abound, including San Lorenzo Park in King City and Lake San Antonio, calling road trippers to stop and stay a while and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.



Just south of Monterey County is the famed wine region of Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County . Here, drivers can take Highway 46 back over to the coast and rejoin Highway 1 to head north and enjoy the southern portion of Big Sur .



No Matter the Route, Take the Right Path



When visiting Big Sur , it's essential to respect both the land and the people. While Highway 1 is full of epic views, travelers are asked to drive mindfully, follow speed limits, park only in designated areas and be considerate of pedestrians, cyclists and local wildlife. Parking and camping restrictions are clearly marked and enforced by fines to keep visitors and residents safe. There are numerous safe and legal turnouts and marked vista points along Highway 1. If an area is full, another breathtaking view and more parking spaces are just around the next turn!



Off the road and on the trails, Big Sur's pristine beauty is breathtaking but fragile. Protect it by staying on marked trails, packing out all trash and not disturbing wildlife or plant life. Always adhere to posted signs, warnings and closures. Wildfires, erosion and wildlife encounters are real concerns, and respecting these guidelines ensures the safety of visitors, locals and the landscape for generations to come.



Plan Ahead with HOW 2 HWY 1 Trip Planning Tools



See Monterey's tips for travelers that include checking road conditions before traveling, being prepared for changing conditions, packing accordingly and staying informed. For more tips, updates on current conditions and AI-trip planning tools visit SeeMonterey.com/Highway1.

ABOUT SEE MONTEREY

See Monterey is a 501c6 non-profit organization that drives tourism for Monterey County. Tourism is the largest industry on the Monterey Peninsula and the second largest in the County. See Monterey is a partnership of the hospitality community and local governments that aims to generate community prosperity and enrich economic vitality for Monterey County through the responsible growth of the tourism economy. Travel spending in Monterey County was more than $3.1 billion in 2024, supporting more than 27,000 jobs and generating $310 million in state and local tax revenue that directly benefit the community. For more information, visit www.SeeMonterey.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
AGHDAM, Azerbaijan, June 12. Enterprises operating in the Aghdam Industrial Park manufactured products worth 63 million manat ($37 million) during the first quarter of the current year, Trend reports.

This issue was discussed during a media tour organized by the Economic Zones Development Agency under the Ministry of Economy to the industrial park on June 12.

From September 2024 through the first quarter of 2025, products worth 85 million manat ($50 million) were manufactured.

Along with selling the products to the domestic market, success is also being achieved in their export.

For example, the resident of the Aghdam Industrial Park, Bafco Invest LLC, has recently started exporting special protective and polyurethane boots to Kazakhstan. In this regard, an event was held with the participation of media representatives. As part of the event, 5,000 pairs of shoes were sent to Kazakhstan.

The yearly output of the business, which relies on gear from the German Desma company, stands at a whopping 510,000 pairs of shoes. The company has rolled out the red carpet for 67 folks, giving them the keys to permanent jobs.



The Aghdam Industrial Park has rolled out the red carpet for entrepreneurial activity, creating a ripe environment for investment to flourish. The entrepreneurs are handed the keys to the kingdom with a ready-made infrastructure, all thanks to the states deep pockets.

Residents of the industrial park are fully exempted from property, land, and income taxes for 10 years from the date of their registration, as well as from VAT and customs duties when importing machinery, technological equipment, and devices for production purposes. Entrepreneurs operating in the Aghdam Industrial Park have been issued 126 confirmation documents by June 1 of the current year, and based on these confirmation documents, entrepreneurs have saved over eight million manat ($4.7 million) on imported machinery and technological equipment.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Garuda Drushti: Cyber Polices new tool checks over 30,000 social media accounts





By Dheeraj Fartode :

AFTER launching Garuda Drushti, an advanced social media monitoring system, the Nagpur Cyber Police have already reviewed 30,108 social media accounts and flagged 643 objectionable posts. The tool, launched to fight misinformation, hate speech, and online threats, was inaugurated by Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal. GarudaDrushti helps police track and analyze harmful posts in real-time.





It uses artificial intelligence to search for sensitive content, even in images without text, across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter).GarudaDrushti also helps identify people through facial recognition and can trace the source of online images. It supports investigation by connecting digital content to suspect profiles and works with other cyber tools like Cellebrite and Gargoyle Investigator. The Nagpur Police also run cyber awareness clubs in schools and colleges, reaching over 1.5 lakh students to promote online safety.





Refrain from anti-social posts: DCP Lohit Matani

DCP Cyber Lohit Matani said that, G a r u d a Drushti is delivering excellent results and is proving highly effective in social media monitoring.He stated that the CyberPolice are actively taking action against anti-social posts shared online. DCPMatani appealed to citizens to refrain from posting or sharing antisocial content on social media platforms and touse digital space responsibly .

It can identify anti-social posts on social media

GARUDA Drushti incorporates AI-driven automated intelligence features that classify on-line content based on parameters such as religious sentiments, political activities, and VIP-related threats. It generates daily intelligence reports and enables swift reporting of objectionable posts through official social media complaint channels. One of the most innovative aspects of the tool is its AI-powered facial recognition system, which can match publicly shared images with suspect profiles.This not only enhances the accuracy of investigation, but also allows tracking of criminal networks and missing persons across digital platforms. .
Honeymoon murder: Meghalaya court sends Sonam, aides to 8-day police custody





SHILLONG :

A COURT in Shillong on Wednesday sent Sonam Raghuvanshi, accused of killing her husband Raja during their honeymoon in Meghalaya, and her four aides to eight-day police custody, an official said. The Meghalaya police brought Sonam here from Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday midnight and the other accused from Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday on transit remand, a senior officer said. Police had sought a 10-day remand of all the accused. The court granted 8 days of police custody, East Khasi Hills district SP Vivek Syiem told PTI. Sonam, a 24-year-old woman, was arrested from Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh, while her aides were apprehended from Indore in Madhya Pradesh for their alleged role in conspiring and killing Raja Raghuvanshi.

The special investigation team sought police custody of the accused to reconstruct the crime scene in Sohra, the officer said. The SIT has secured a six-day remand for the accused persons from Indore and that of three days for one arrested from Ghazipur, he added. Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife went missing while vacationing in Meghalayas Sohra area on May 23. His body was found in a gorge on June 2. Earlier in the day, Sonam was taken to a hospital here where they ran three tests to verify if she was pregnant while medical tests on the other accused were conducted at the Sadar PS here. Syiem said all tests came out negative and another round of tests on her will be conducted after 24 hours. The SP said that the SIT will thoroughly interrogate each of the five accused. Requesting media outlets not to speculate, the SP said the police investigation also includes corroboration of their statements with all evidence including CCTV footage, call records, etc.

Sonam told Raja they need to visit Kamakhya Temple before consummating marriage, say investigators

SHILLONG,

June 11 (PTI)

RAJA Raghuvanshi, the Indore resident killed while honeymooning in Meghalaya, was told by his wife Sonam that she would let him consummate the marriage only after making an offering at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, investigators said on Wednesday. Accordingly, Raja planned their trip to Guwahati and adjacent Meghalaya for the honeymoon, while his wife and her boyfriend allegedly plotted to kill him in the jungles of the north-eastern state, considering its perceived remoteness, they said. Sonam convinced her husband Raja that they need to make offerings at the Kamakhya Devi Temple before consummating the marriage, a police officer who is a part of the investigation told PTI.

Sonam coerced her husband to take her to the deep jungles of Nongriat with the belief that the hitmen she hired would have a better chance of killing him somewhere on the route, considering it is secluded. But, since there were too many tourists trekking to Nongriat on May 22 and May 23, they couldnt kill him there, the officer said. They finally killed him near Weisawdong Falls, and dumped his body into the deep gorge, he said. The killers procured a machete from outside their hotel in Guwahati, and then travelled by road to Shillong, he said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. On June 3, 2025, 13 more citizens of Azerbaijan, 9 of whom are children, were repatriated from Syria, Trend reports.

Employees of the Ombudsperson's Office held a meeting with the repatriates placed in the social service institution of the Social Services Agency under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population and studied the situation with the provision of their rights.

The head and staff of the institution were also interviewed, and information was obtained about the ongoing and planned activities for the repatriates' rehabilitation. During the meeting, living conditions, psychological state, and needs of the repatriates were assessed, recommendations were given on the protection of their rights, as well as the use of social, medical, educational, labor, and other relevant public services.

At the meeting, the repatriates were provided with detailed information about the Ombudsman's areas of activity and the possibilities of contacting the Ombudsperson.
JMC organises felicitation ceremony, free check-up of sanitation workers





Staff Reporter :

A total of 3,680 patients were registered and examined, out of which 883 patients of hypertension, 575 of diabetes and 175 of NAFLD were identified. All patients were given free consultation and treatment by the doctors

The Health Department organised a free health check-up of sanitation workers and employees in the felicitation ceremony programme on Wednesday. It may be mentioned that as per instructions issued by the Government of India, various activities are being organised at the district level under a month-long campaign (from May 17 2025 to June 16, 2025) to commemorate World Hypertension Day. Main objective of this day is to create awareness among public about health services related to prevention, examination and treatment of hypertension. As per the order, Jabalpur Municipal Corporation (JMC) organised a felicitation ceremony of all sanitation workers at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Cultural Center, Ghantaghar in presence of State Minister Public Works Department, Rakesh Singh.

The Health Department Jabalpur, under the guidance of Collector, Deepak Saxena and Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Sanjay Mishra, organised a health camp to check health of all the sanitation workers and employees who came to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Cultural Center Ghantaghar. A total of 3,680 patients were registered and examined, out of which 883 patients of hypertension, 575 of diabetes and 175 of NAFLD were identified. All the patients were given free consultation and treatment by the doctors. Chief Medical and Health Officer, Dr Sanjay Mishra, Civil Surgeon-cum-Chief Hospital Superintendent, Dr Naveen Kothari, Urban Nodal Officer Dr S S Dahiya, Nodal Officer Dr Sarika Dubey, District Malaria Officer, Ajay Kureel, APM Sandeep Namdev, Vikas Srivastava and other medical officers were present.

The patients were examined by teams led by 10 medical officers. Dr Krishnakant Parihar, Dr Rahul Rai, Dr Devesh Mishra, Dr Lily Mahajan, Dr Nitin Yadav, Dr Kunal Kishore Mishra, Dr Saksham Jain, Dr Suhani Pathak, Dr Aditya Kumar, Dr Ajay Maurya along with pharmacists, nursing officers, supervisors and ANMs who also provided their services in the camp. In compliance with the order of the Madhya Pradesh Government, a health camp was also organised for officers and employees in the Income Tax Office. Civil surgeon Dr Naveen Kothari, Dr Sarika Dubey, APM Sandeep Namdev, medical and nursing officers were present in the camp. A total of 77 people were registered and examined in the camp organised in the Income Tax Office, in which 20 patients of hypertension and 11 patients of diabetes were identified
Mission to send Indian Gaganyatri Shukla to ISS postponed again





NEW DELHI :

SpaceX detects leak in Falcon-9 rocket

THE Axiom-4 mission, which was scheduled to carry Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three others to the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday, was put off again to fix a leak in the SpaceXs Falcon-9 rocket. SpaceX announced that it was standing down from the Falcon-9 launch to allow time for repairs after a post-static inspection of the rockets boosters identified a liquid oxygen leak. Once complete and pending Range availability, we will share a new launch date, SpaceX said in an X post. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said the liquid oxygen leak was detected in the propulsion bay during a seven-second hot test on the launch pad. The hot test was to validate the performance of the booster stage of Falcon-9 launch vehicle.

The ISRO team discussed with experts at Axiom and SpaceX and it was decided that the leak would be fixed and necessary validation tests conducted before clearing for the launch, Narayanan said. Hence, the Axiom-4 launch slated on June 11, 2025 to send the first Indian Gaganyatri to the International Space Station stands postponed, the ISRO chairman said. Axiom Space spokesperson said that during the post-static fire investigation of the Falcon-9 booster that supports the Axiom-4 mission, SpaceX teams identified a liquid oxygen leak that requires additional work. SpaceX continues to work closely with Axiom Space and partners, Axiom Space said in a statement. Commander Peggy Whitson, pilot Shukla and specialists Tigor Kapu of Hungary and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland were slated to embark up on the Axiom-4 mission. The 14-day mission will realise the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland and Hungary.

The Axiom-4 mission was originally scheduled for launch on May 29. It was first postponed to June 8 and later to June 10. On June 10, the launch was postponed by a day due to bad weather in the flight path. Addressing a pre-launch press conference on Monday, SpaceX Vice President William Gerstenmaier said that engineers had fixed some snags in the Falcon-9 rocket that were discovered during the static fire test and had gone unnoticed during the post-flight refurbishment of boosters. Gerstenmaier said that engineers had discovered a locks leak that was previously seen on the booster during its entry on the last mission and was not fully repaired during the refurbishment. We are continuing to troubleshoot that. We should get that completed today and we will have that back in configuration. We are installing a purge that will essentially mitigate the leak if it still continues... On the launch day, he had said. Gerstenmaier said engineers had also discovered an engine 5 thrust vector control problem and the components associated with that have already been changed.
Prolonged absence equals voluntary exit, not termination: HC





Staff Reporter :

The act of deleting names from muster roll is not a direct termination but a consequence of the employees own conduct. Such conduct, when sustained over a long period, signals voluntary abandonment, not retrenchment thereby negating the need for compliance with retrenchment procedures: Justice Anil Pansare

The Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court has ruled that employees who remain absent from duty without valid reason or response to employer communications can be deemed to have voluntarily exited service - not terminated or retrenched. Justice Anil L Pansare delivered this ruling while hearing writ petitions filed by Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Technical and Education Society (RTMTES) against orders passed by the Labour and Industrial courts. The employees - including Indira Madhukar Muraskar and others - had approached these forums after their names were removed from the muster roll following an extended unauthorised absence. In 1993, the employees went on strike, defying an Industrial Court order that had restrained them from engaging in unfair labour practices. Despite repeated notices and letters from the employer between September 1993 and April 1994, urging them to return to work, the employees failed to report back.

On June 1, 1994, the Society formally notified the employees that their continued absence would be treated as voluntary abandonment of service, and subsequently removed their names from the muster roll. However, the Labour Court later ruled in favour of the employees, holding the employer guilty of unfair labour practice and ordering reinstatement with 50% back wages, citing non-compliance with Sections 25F and 25G of the Industrial Disputes Act, which deal with retrenchment procedures. The High Court, however, overturned these decisions. Justice Pansare observed that the facts of the case demonstrated a clear failure by the employees to respond to legitimate directions from the employer. The court highlighted that a nine-month-long absence, without any effort to rejoin duties or reply to the employers letters, could not be overlooked.

The act of deleting names from the muster roll is not a direct termination but a consequence of the employees own conduct, Justice Pansare said. He added that such conduct, when sustained over a long period, signals voluntary abandonment, not retrenchment - thereby negating the need for compliance with retrenchment procedures. Relying on key Supreme Court rulings including Sakattar Singh and Vijay Sathaye, the High Court reaffirmed that long, unauthorised absence creates a legal presumption of voluntary exit. In such cases, the requirement for a domestic inquiry or notice becomes a useless formality.

Significantly, the employees failed to prove their claim that they had tried to resume duties and were turned away. During cross-examination, they could not specify any dates of such attempts nor provide documentary proof. The High Court concluded that the Labour and Industrial Courts had failed to properly evaluate the evidence, and that their conclusions were legally unsustainable. The writ petitions filed by RTMTES were accordingly allowed, and the complaints filed by the employees were dismissed.
Trade deal with China is done: Trump





BEIJING/WASHINGTON

US to get rare earth minerals

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that a deal with China is done after two days of talks in London, marking a turnaround in the trade war between the two major economies. Our deal with China is done, subject to final approval with President Xi (Jinping) and me, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social. His post came after the negotiating teams from both sides concluded two-day talks in London, where they agreed to resolve their trade disputes. Full magnets, and any necessary rare earths, will be supplied, up front, by China. Likewise, we will provide to China what was agreed to, including Chinese students using our colleges and universities (which has always been good with me!) Trump said.

We are getting a total of 55 per cent tariffs, China is getting 10 per cent. Relationships are excellent! Thank you for your attention to this matter, he said. President Xi and I are going to work closely together to open up China to American Trade. This would be a great WIN for both countries!!!, he said. The London talks focussed on both sides reaching a deal on China resuming supplies of rare earth metals, the key elements needed to manufacture mobile phones, semiconductors and missiles, besides automobile production. Following the talks, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the deal between the two countries should result in restrictions on rare earth minerals and magnets being resolved.

While China blocked rare earth exports, the US restricted Beijings access to US goods such as semiconductors and other related technologies linked to artificial intelligence (AI). We have reached a framework to implement the Geneva consensus, Lutnick told the media, according to a BBC report. Once the presidents approve it, we will then seek to implement it, he said. Rare earths are a group of metals consisting of 17 elements. Though present in several counties, their extraction is costly and messy, causing massive amounts of pollution. According to the International Energy Agency, China accounts for 61 per cent of global mined rare earth production but controls 92 per cent of the global output. Ahead of talks with the US, China last Saturday approved a certain number of export license applications for rare earth-related metals. The approval was granted considering rising global demand for medium and heavy rare earth elements driven by industries such as robotics and new energy vehicles, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce said in Beijing.

Chinas recent restrictions on the exports of key metals caused widespread disruption in the manufacturing of automobiles and semiconductor chips in a host of countries, including India. While China is negotiating with the US and the EU, Beijing reportedly has not yet responded to Indias request to resume exports of the key rare-earth elements. The shortages were so acute that Japans Suzuki stopped production of its Swift model, according to reports from Tokyo. Trumps latest posts followed a phone call between Xi and him last week leading to the talks between the two countries in London. The two negotiating teams finished their latest round of talks by announcing they had agreed in principle to a framework that each side would bring home for review by their respective leaders as the worlds two biggest economies attempt to get their trade-war ceasefire deal signed in Geneva last month back on track. Beijing also took exception to US threats to revoke visas of thousands of Chinese students studying in the American Universities. An official statement released by Xinhua in Beijing on Wednesday said both China and the US made new progress in addressing each others economic and trade concerns during the candid and in-depth dialogue. Vice-Premier He Lifeng, who led the Chinese delegation, said that China does not want a trade war, but it is not afraid of one, according to the statement.

The two sides should resolve economic and trade differences through equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation. China is sincere in economic and trade consultations, but it also has its principles, He was quoted as saying. Lutnick, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer led the US side in what was described as the first meeting of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism. Both the US and China agreed to temporarily lower tit-for-tat tariffs after talks in Geneva last month. The truce is due to last 90 days to provide time for the top two economies to reach a broader substantive agreement to end their tariff war. Trump imposed 145 per cent of tariffs against the Chinese exports of about USD 439.9 billion and China retaliated with 125 per cent on American exports of about USD 143 billion. However, the Geneva truce was disrupted after the US took exception to China not lifting the restrictions on the exports of rare earth metals.

Under the Geneva agreement, the US lowered tariffs imposed on goods from China from 145 per cent to 30 per cent while China dropped its retaliatory tariffs from 125 per cent to 10 per cent. Analysts said China wouldnt have agreed to lift restrictions on rare earths unless it received other meaningful concessions. Trump said China would supply magnets and rare earths but gave no clear explanation of what the US is offering in return, except for student visas, Su Yue, principal China economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit, told Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post. But China wouldnt have agreed unless it received other meaningful concessions. Trump seems to be framing the deal as a win for the US, but that could actually signal that China walked away with more, he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. At the ongoing trial held at the Baku Military Court on June 12, the accused Levon Mnatsakanyan responded to questions from the state prosecutor regarding the planting of mines in Azerbaijani territories. Mnatsakanyan admitted to planting both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines in the formerly occupied areas, Trend reports.

He stated that the mines were initially manufactured in the Soviet Union and later procured from Russia, then supplied to the separatist regime through Armenia. Recently, mines were also produced in the Republic of Armenia and supplied to us, Mnatsakanyan added.

It is noteworthy that in earlier court sessions, Mnatsakanyan said the "army" of the so-called regime was considered part of the Armenian armed forces.

The trial continues against Armenian nationals accused of serious offenses, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, aggression, terrorism, and violations of the laws of war. The charges also include financing of terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and other grave crimes.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. In June 2025, a pilot test of the questionnaire and methodology for the upcoming European Health Interview Survey will be conducted in Bulgaria, Trend reports citing the country's Statistical Institute.

The survey is being carried out in the framework of the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS), 2025 wave project under Grant Agreement with the European Commission No. 101191410 - 2024-BG-EHIS. The pilot aims at testing the harmonised questionnaire, the developed IT applications and the overall methodology of the survey, which will be conducted in autumn this year.

The testing will be conducted among a random sample of about 720 individuals in 360 households in six districts in the country: Blagoevgrad, Vratsa, Ruse, Targovishte, Haskovo and Yambol. Households will be visited by trained interviewers to conduct personal interviews and complete the questionnaire. The interviewers will identify themselves with an official card and present a letter from the President of the NSI. In each selected household, all persons aged 15 years and older will be interviewed. There is an opportunity for the sampled persons to self-interview by filling in the questionnaire in a web-based application.

The European Health Interview Survey is part of the European Health Survey System, which aims to collect information on the health status, lifestyle (health determinants) and health care services use of the EU citizens. The main objective of the project being implemented is to collect data for the Republic of Bulgaria in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/1700 and the relevant implementing and delegated acts, thus ensuring reliable and comparable data at the European Union level.

The individual data supplied by the participants will be aggregated and analyzed exclusively for the objectives of preliminary testing and enhancement of the survey instrument and the methodological framework of the forthcoming study. Consolidated outcomes will remain undisclosed.

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Lower East Side artist and activist Laura Nova spoke with The Lo-Down Culture Cast host Traven Rice about creating inter-generational projects with a wide array of people from the Lower East Side neighborhood.

Nova is an artist, educator, and activist who creates festive, absurdist spectacles that unite generations and diverse communities. The first Public Artist in Residence to be embedded in New York Citys Department for the Aging, Nova brings expertise and empathy to her projects and actions, designing each element to enhance social wellness and decrease social isolation.

Working in festivals, public monuments, and the city street, Nova delivers spiels to homebound New Yorkers, organizes an older adult cheerleading squad and designs crafting kits, guides, and costumes that help nurture emerging activists of all ages. Nova received a B.F.A. and B.A. from Cornell University and an M.F.A. from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She is currently designing and teaching in the CareLab at The New School and an Urban Field Station Collaborative Arts fellow advocating for the care and longevity of humans and trees.

You can subscribe and watch the full interview on The Lo-Downs YouTube channel here and listen to it here or wherever you get your podcasts.
American Business Bank (OTCMKTS:AMBZ  Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in May. As of May 31st, there was short interest totalling 3,400 shares, a growth of 3,300.0% from the May 15th total of 100 shares. Approximately 0.0% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 10,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.3 days.

American Business Bank Stock Performance

Shares of AMBZ stock opened at $42.60 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $382.72 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.18 and a beta of 0.42. American Business Bank has a 1 year low of $29.75 and a 1 year high of $46.99. The stocks 50-day moving average is $42.29 and its two-hundred day moving average is $43.63.

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American Business Bank (OTCMKTS:AMBZ  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, April 28th. The financial services provider reported $1.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $36.33 million during the quarter.

American Business Bank Dividend Announcement

American Business Bank Company Profile

The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 17th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, May 8th will be issued a $0.25 dividend. This represents a dividend yield of 2.33%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, May 7th. American Business Banks payout ratio is 20.92%.

(Get Free Report)

American Business Bank, a California-chartered bank, provides banking products and services to small and medium-sized firms, non-profits, business executives, and professionals in Southern California. The company offers credit and depository; treasury management; asset-based lending; SBA lending; international banking comprising money transfers, import and export commercial letters of credit, standby letters of credit, documentary and clean collections, and foreign currency exchange services; and consulting and referral services.

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Bank of Nova Scotia (TSE:BNS  Free Report) (NYSE:BNS) had its price objective trimmed by Barclays from C$81.00 to C$78.00 in a report issued on Monday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the banks stock.

A number of other research firms have also weighed in on BNS. Bank of America lowered shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price objective for the stock from C$82.00 to C$70.00 in a research note on Monday, March 31st. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from C$81.00 to C$80.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday. TD Securities increased their price objective on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from C$77.00 to C$79.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 28th. CIBC increased their price objective on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from C$75.00 to C$77.00 in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, National Bankshares increased their price target on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from C$71.00 to C$72.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Wednesday, May 28th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of Nova Scotia presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$77.00.

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Bank of Nova Scotia Trading Down 0.6%

Bank of Nova Scotia Announces Dividend

Shares of Bank of Nova Scotia stock opened at C$73.57 on Monday. Bank of Nova Scotia has a 12-month low of C$60.68 and a 12-month high of C$80.14. The firm has a market capitalization of C$90.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.63, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.97. The firms 50 day simple moving average is C$69.41 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$72.14.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, April 28th. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 28th were given a dividend of $1.06 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, April 1st. This represents a $4.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.76%. Bank of Nova Scotias payout ratio is currently 67.00%.

Bank of Nova Scotia Company Profile

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The Bank of Nova Scotia provides various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Wealth Management, and Global Banking and Markets segments.

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Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX  Get Free Report) updated its second quarter 2025 earnings guidance on Thursday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 0.710-0.730 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 0.710. The company issued revenue guidance of $4.8 billion-$4.9 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $4.9 billion. Boston Scientific also updated its FY 2025 guidance to 2.870-2.940 EPS.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of analysts have commented on the company. Truist Financial upped their price target on Boston Scientific from $113.00 to $117.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Erste Group Bank upgraded Boston Scientific to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, May 8th. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a buy rating and set a $115.00 target price on shares of Boston Scientific in a research report on Wednesday, May 28th. Argus set a $130.00 target price on Boston Scientific in a research report on Tuesday, February 18th. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their target price on Boston Scientific from $110.00 to $112.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Twenty-one equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $116.00.

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Boston Scientific Stock Up 0.0%

Shares of BSX stock opened at $99.38 on Thursday. Boston Scientific has a 1-year low of $71.88 and a 1-year high of $107.17. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $100.70 and its 200 day moving average price is $98.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 1.02. The company has a market cap of $147.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 79.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 0.68.

Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The medical equipment provider reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $0.08. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 17.80% and a net margin of 11.07%. The company had revenue of $4.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.57 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.56 EPS. The firms revenue was up 20.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Boston Scientific will post 2.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, EVP Arthur C. Butcher sold 17,314 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, May 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $102.06, for a total value of $1,767,066.84. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 22,235 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,269,304.10. The trade was a 43.78% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, EVP John Bradley Sorenson sold 4,572 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, May 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.54, for a total value of $477,956.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 18,705 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,955,420.70. This trade represents a 19.64% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 411,970 shares of company stock valued at $42,406,693. 0.50% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Boston Scientific

An institutional investor recently raised its position in Boston Scientific stock. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its position in shares of Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX  Free Report) by 0.8% in the 4th quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 27,376 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after buying an additional 226 shares during the period. Brighton Jones LLCs holdings in Boston Scientific were worth $2,445,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. 89.07% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Boston Scientific

(Get Free Report)

Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. It operates through two segments, MedSurg and Cardiovascular. The company offers devices to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions, such as resolution clips, biliary stent systems, stents and electrocautery enhanced delivery systems, direct visualization systems, digital catheters, and single-use duodenoscopes; devices to treat urological conditions, including ureteral stents, catheters, baskets, guidewires, sheaths, balloons, single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes, holmium laser systems, artificial urinary sphincter, laser system, fiber, and hydrogel systems; and devices to treat neurological movement disorders and manage chronic pain, such as spinal cord stimulator system, proprietary programming software, radiofrequency generator, indirect decompression systems, practice optimization tools, and deep brain stimulation system.

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Compagnie Lombard Odier SCmA raised its holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ  Free Report) by 19.5% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 63,082 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 10,285 shares during the period. Compagnie Lombard Odier SCmAs holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF were worth $4,325,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in EWJ. Spectrum Asset Management Inc. NB CA raised its position in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 4.8% during the first quarter. Spectrum Asset Management Inc. NB CA now owns 61,774 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,235,000 after acquiring an additional 2,843 shares during the period. Rockingstone Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 24.4% during the 1st quarter. Rockingstone Advisors LLC now owns 14,644 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,004,000 after purchasing an additional 2,875 shares during the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 16.7% during the 1st quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 94,361 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $6,469,000 after purchasing an additional 13,510 shares during the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 81.7% in the 1st quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 260,917 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $17,888,000 after buying an additional 117,315 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 5,244.7% in the 1st quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 115,874 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $7,944,000 after buying an additional 113,706 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI Japan ETF Trading Down 0.3%

NYSEARCA:EWJ opened at $73.67 on Thursday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $70.74 and a two-hundred day moving average of $69.31. iShares MSCI Japan ETF has a 12 month low of $59.84 and a 12 month high of $75.05. The firm has a market cap of $14.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.53 and a beta of 0.66.

iShares MSCI Japan ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI Japan ETF (the fund), formerly Ishares Msci Japan Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Japanese market, as measured by the MSCI Japan Index (the Index).

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Shares of Freehold Royalties Ltd. (TSE:FRU  Get Free Report) have received a consensus rating of Hold from the seven research firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, one has issued a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is C$15.67.

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Scotiabank raised shares of Freehold Royalties to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, March 19th. CIBC decreased their price objective on Freehold Royalties from C$16.00 to C$15.00 in a report on Thursday, April 10th. Desjardins cut their target price on Freehold Royalties from C$14.25 to C$14.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, Raymond James cut their price objective on Freehold Royalties from C$16.00 to C$14.00 in a research report on Wednesday, April 9th.

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Freehold Royalties Price Performance

Freehold Royalties Dividend Announcement

Shares of TSE FRU opened at C$12.89 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of C$1.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.61, a PEG ratio of -0.92 and a beta of 1.93. Freehold Royalties has a 12 month low of C$10.53 and a 12 month high of C$14.62. The firms 50 day simple moving average is C$11.92 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$12.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 22.91, a current ratio of 1.65 and a quick ratio of 1.50.

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 16th will be paid a $0.09 dividend. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 8.38%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 30th. Freehold Royaltiess dividend payout ratio is currently 122.40%.

Insider Activity

In other news, Senior Officer Shaina Brianne Morihira purchased 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 6th. The shares were acquired at an average price of C$12.42 per share, for a total transaction of C$248,466.00. Also, Director Kimberley Elizabeth Lynch Proctor purchased 4,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 11th. The stock was purchased at an average price of C$12.74 per share, for a total transaction of C$50,958.80. Over the last 90 days, insiders have purchased 52,500 shares of company stock valued at $652,857. Company insiders own 0.45% of the companys stock.

Freehold Royalties Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Freehold Royalties Ltd is in acquiring and managing Oil and Gas royalties. It operates in two segments: Canada, which includes exploration and evaluation assets and the petroleum and natural gas interests in Western Canada; and the United States, which includes petroleum and natural gas interests held in the Permian (Midland and Delaware), Eagle Ford, Haynesville and Bakken basins primarily located in the states of Texas, Louisiana, and North Dakota.

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USA Financial Formulas cut its position in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IVE  Free Report) by 100.0% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 152 shares of the companys stock after selling 404,246 shares during the quarter. USA Financial Formulas holdings in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF were worth $29,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of IVE. Pinney & Scofield Inc. bought a new stake in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $26,000. Kentucky Trust Co bought a new stake in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. Providence First Trust Co bought a new stake in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $31,000. Centricity Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $34,000. Finally, SJS Investment Consulting Inc. bought a new stake in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF in the 1st quarter valued at about $37,000.

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iShares S&P 500 Value ETF Trading Down 0.3%

iShares S&P 500 Value ETF stock opened at $192.26 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $38.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.88 and a beta of 0.89. The companys 50-day moving average price is $184.36 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $190.96. iShares S&P 500 Value ETF has a 52 week low of $165.45 and a 52 week high of $206.63.

iShares S&P 500 Value ETF Company Profile

iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P 500 Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500 Value Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization value sector of the United States equity market and consists of those stocks in the S&P 500 exhibiting the strongest value characteristics.

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Members Wealth LLC decreased its position in shares of Vanguard Information Technology ETF (NYSEARCA:VGT  Free Report) by 4.4% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 630 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 29 shares during the quarter. Members Wealth LLCs holdings in Vanguard Information Technology ETF were worth $342,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake in Vanguard Information Technology ETF by 4.9% in the 4th quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 5,765,957 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,585,273,000 after purchasing an additional 271,622 shares in the last quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN lifted its stake in Vanguard Information Technology ETF by 10.5% in the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 1,514,592 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $941,773,000 after purchasing an additional 144,217 shares in the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC lifted its stake in Vanguard Information Technology ETF by 11.5% in the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 1,325,876 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $824,430,000 after purchasing an additional 137,134 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in Vanguard Information Technology ETF in the 4th quarter worth $494,903,000. Finally, Stifel Financial Corp lifted its stake in Vanguard Information Technology ETF by 1.8% in the 4th quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 397,332 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $247,082,000 after purchasing an additional 7,196 shares in the last quarter.

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Vanguard Information Technology ETF Stock Down 0.4%

Shares of VGT stock opened at $629.27 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $88.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.89 and a beta of 1.24. Vanguard Information Technology ETF has a 52 week low of $451.00 and a 52 week high of $648.76. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $567.75 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $594.87.

Vanguard Information Technology ETF Company Profile

Vanguard Information Technology ETF seeks to track the investment performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Information Technology 25/50 Index, a benchmark of large-, mid-, and small-cap United States stocks in the information technology sector, as classified under the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS).

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Net Worth Advisory Group grew its position in shares of AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV  Free Report) by 2.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 3,676 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 91 shares during the quarter. Net Worth Advisory Groups holdings in AbbVie were worth $770,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of AbbVie during the 4th quarter worth $4,459,385,000. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake in shares of AbbVie by 25,841.6% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 10,234,737 shares of the companys stock worth $2,144,382,000 after purchasing an additional 10,195,284 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new stake in shares of AbbVie during the 4th quarter worth $1,190,951,000. FMR LLC raised its stake in shares of AbbVie by 32.8% during the 4th quarter. FMR LLC now owns 18,097,375 shares of the companys stock worth $3,215,903,000 after purchasing an additional 4,466,971 shares during the period. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of AbbVie by 15.1% during the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 27,436,133 shares of the companys stock worth $4,875,401,000 after purchasing an additional 3,599,336 shares during the period. 70.23% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages recently issued reports on ABBV. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $194.00 price objective on shares of AbbVie in a research note on Tuesday, April 8th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on AbbVie from $241.00 to $250.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, April 28th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on AbbVie to $205.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday. Erste Group Bank upgraded AbbVie to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, March 17th. Finally, Guggenheim upped their price target on AbbVie from $214.00 to $216.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 29th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and three have issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $211.29.

AbbVie Stock Up 0.9%

Shares of NYSE ABBV opened at $191.27 on Thursday. AbbVie Inc. has a 12 month low of $163.52 and a 12 month high of $218.66. The company has a current ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 17.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $337.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 79.70, a PEG ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.50. The business has a 50-day moving average of $183.78 and a 200-day moving average of $187.32.

AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, April 25th. The company reported $2.46 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.40 by $0.06. AbbVie had a return on equity of 296.28% and a net margin of 7.59%. The company had revenue of $13.34 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.91 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.31 earnings per share. AbbVies revenue was up 8.4% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that AbbVie Inc. will post 12.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at AbbVie

In other AbbVie news, EVP Jeffrey Ryan Stewart sold 58,832 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $210.08, for a total value of $12,359,426.56. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 53,234 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,183,398.72. This represents a 52.50% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.25% of the stock is owned by insiders.

About AbbVie

(Free Report)

AbbVie Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Humira, an injection for autoimmune and intestinal Behcet's diseases, and pyoderma gangrenosum; Skyrizi to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic disease, and Crohn's disease; Rinvoq to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, axial spondyloarthropathy, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease; Imbruvica for the treatment of adult patients with blood cancers; Epkinly to treat lymphoma; Elahere to treat cancer; and Venclexta/Venclyxto to treat blood cancers.

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Shares of North American Construction Group Ltd. (TSE:NOA  Get Free Report) (NYSE:NOA) have been assigned a consensus rating of Buy from the eight brokerages that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is C$35.63.

NOA has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. ATB Capital decreased their target price on North American Construction Group from C$37.00 to C$36.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, May 5th. Ventum Financial decreased their price target on North American Construction Group from C$45.00 to C$42.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, March 21st. TD Securities decreased their price target on North American Construction Group from C$33.00 to C$27.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, April 16th. BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on North American Construction Group from C$34.00 to C$30.00 in a research report on Thursday, April 17th. Finally, National Bankshares cut their price objective on North American Construction Group from C$44.00 to C$41.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, March 21st.

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Insider Transactions at North American Construction Group

North American Construction Group Stock Up 1.6%

In other North American Construction Group news, Director Martin Robert Ferron purchased 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, April 3rd. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$22.27 per share, with a total value of C$222,700.00. In the last ninety days, insiders purchased 18,000 shares of company stock valued at $408,772. Corporate insiders own 8.93% of the companys stock.

Shares of North American Construction Group stock opened at C$24.81 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is C$22.25 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$25.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 212.25, a current ratio of 1.13 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The company has a market capitalization of C$664.09 million, a P/E ratio of 11.66, a PEG ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 1.59. North American Construction Group has a 1-year low of C$18.83 and a 1-year high of C$31.67.

North American Construction Group Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, July 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 11th will be issued a $0.12 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, June 4th. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.93%. North American Construction Groups payout ratio is presently 18.81%.

North American Construction Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report

North American Construction Group Ltd. provides mining and heavy civil construction services to customers in the resource development and industrial construction sectors in Australia, Canada, and the United States. The company operates Heavy Equipment  Canada, Heavy Equipment  Australia, and Other segments.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. From June 8 to 10, Vice Minister of National Defence Loreta Maskalioviene conducted a formal visit to Japan, where she opened the LithuaniaJapan Business Forum in Tokyo, Trend reports with reference to the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Lithuania.

The event brought together around 20 Lithuanian and Japanese defense industry companies to explore cooperation opportunities and showcase Lithuanias growing defense technology ecosystem.

Lithuania and Japan have been strengthening their partnership in cyber defense and military exchange in recent years. Today marks another stage of cooperation  in the defense industry, said Vice Minister Maskalioviene during her address. Our goal is not only to share experience but also to generate mutual and long-term value. We see vast potential in attracting Japanese investment to Lithuanias defense sector.

At the forum, the Lithuanian delegation outlined its national defense industry development strategy, with a focus on three key areas: production of ammunition and explosives, development of UAV and anti-drone systems, and heavy equipment repair alongside maritime defense capabilities. Emphasis was placed on Lithuanias high-tech defense solutions, many of which have been tested in Ukraines warzone.

A major topic of discussion was Lithuanias initiative to create a more favorable environment for both domestic and foreign investment in the defense sector. This includes a green corridor approach aimed at minimizing regulatory hurdles and expediting land use and construction permitting for defense-related projects.

The forum also served as a concrete step in implementing Lithuanias Strategy for Security and Defence Engagement in the Indo-Pacific Region, which identifies Japan as a key strategic partner.

During her visit, Vice Minister Maskalioviene also met with high-level Japanese defense officials, including Kenji Wakamiya, Senior Adviser to the Minister of Defence; Takeshi Ishikawa, Commissioner of the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA); and Nobuaki Miyama, Chief Executive Director of the Japan Association of Defence Industries (JADI). Discussions focused on deepening bilateral defense cooperation, regional security, and continued support for Ukraine.

The Vice Ministers visit follows a recent trip by Lithuanias Minister of National Defence, Dovile Sakaliene, marking the first official ministerial-level visit to Japan in a decade and underscoring Lithuanias sustained commitment to strengthening ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK  Get Free Report) SVP Matheus De A. G. Viera Bulho sold 250 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $326.33, for a total transaction of $81,582.50. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 1,509 shares in the company, valued at $492,431.97. This trade represents a 14.21% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website.

Rockwell Automation Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:ROK opened at $325.06 on Thursday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $275.52 and its 200-day moving average price is $279.56. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a twelve month low of $215.00 and a twelve month high of $328.90. The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. The stock has a market capitalization of $36.64 billion, a PE ratio of 40.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.53 and a beta of 1.38.

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Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, May 7th. The industrial products company reported $2.45 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.09 by $0.36. Rockwell Automation had a net margin of 11.38% and a return on equity of 30.17%. The firm had revenue of $2 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.97 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.50 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 9.35 EPS for the current year.

Rockwell Automation Announces Dividend

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Rockwell Automation

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, May 19th were paid a dividend of $1.31 per share. This represents a $5.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.61%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, May 19th. Rockwell Automations payout ratio is 65.99%.

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. raised its stake in Rockwell Automation by 0.9% during the 4th quarter. Meiji Yasuda Asset Management Co Ltd. now owns 3,775 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,079,000 after acquiring an additional 33 shares during the period. Whittier Trust Co. raised its stake in Rockwell Automation by 1.9% during the 4th quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 1,896 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $542,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares during the period. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG raised its stake in Rockwell Automation by 0.9% during the 4th quarter. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG now owns 4,195 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,199,000 after acquiring an additional 38 shares during the period. Lake Street Advisors Group LLC raised its stake in Rockwell Automation by 3.0% during the 4th quarter. Lake Street Advisors Group LLC now owns 1,351 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $386,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares during the period. Finally, Knuff & Co LLC raised its stake in Rockwell Automation by 41.0% during the 4th quarter. Knuff & Co LLC now owns 141 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $40,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 75.75% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages recently commented on ROK. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $327.00 to $371.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 4th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Rockwell Automation from $265.00 to $315.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, May 8th. TD Cowen raised shares of Rockwell Automation from a sell rating to a hold rating and set a $275.00 price target on the stock in a report on Friday, May 9th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Rockwell Automation from $335.00 to $345.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 12th. Finally, Loop Capital raised their price target on shares of Rockwell Automation from $280.00 to $290.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, May 15th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating, ten have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $316.21.

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Rockwell Automation Company Profile

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Rockwell Automation, Inc provides industrial automation and digital transformation solutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates through three segments, Intelligent Devices, Software & Control, and Lifecycle Services. Its solutions include hardware and software products and services.

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Rogers Communications (TSE:RCI.B  Free Report) (NYSE:RCI) had its price objective hoisted by Canaccord Genuity Group from C$44.00 to C$47.00 in a report published on Monday,BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a buy rating on the stock.

A number of other research analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Rogers Communications from C$53.00 to C$55.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, May 1st. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Rogers Communications from C$66.00 to C$63.00 in a research note on Tuesday, April 1st. Scotiabank lowered their price target on shares of Rogers Communications from C$49.50 to C$48.50 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on shares of Rogers Communications from C$57.00 to C$54.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, April 9th. Finally, National Bankshares set a C$52.00 price target on shares of Rogers Communications and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, June 6th. Three research 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 presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$55.73.

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Rogers Communications Stock Down 0.7%

Rogers Communications Company Profile

Rogers Communications stock opened at C$36.99 on Monday. Rogers Communications has a fifty-two week low of C$32.42 and a fifty-two week high of C$56.55. The stock has a market cap of C$15.60 billion, a PE ratio of 22.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.32 and a beta of 0.62. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$35.55 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$39.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 436.50, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 0.65.

(Get Free Report)

Rogers is the largest wireless service provider in Canada, with its more than 10 million subscribers equating to one third of the total Canadian market. Rogers wireless business accounted for 60% of the companys total sales in 2021 and has increasingly provided a bigger portion of total company sales over the last several years.

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Simon Quick Advisors LLC lessened its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO  Free Report) by 2.5% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 148,448 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 3,821 shares during the period. Simon Quick Advisors LLCs holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $6,719,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Bank of America Corp DE increased its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 6.6% during the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 107,088,490 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,716,177,000 after acquiring an additional 6,672,276 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 3.2% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 67,813,025 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,986,486,000 after buying an additional 2,076,998 shares during the period. Betterment LLC lifted its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.6% during the 4th quarter. Betterment LLC now owns 59,799,391 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,633,565,000 after buying an additional 961,166 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.2% during the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 42,425,421 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,868,416,000 after buying an additional 503,443 shares during the period. Finally, Northern Trust Corp lifted its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 64.6% in the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 41,809,891 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,841,308,000 after purchasing an additional 16,414,518 shares during the period.

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Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Price Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:VWO opened at $49.11 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $126.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.80 and a beta of 0.58. The businesss 50-day moving average is $45.73 and its 200-day moving average is $45.33. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a 1 year low of $39.53 and a 1 year high of $49.57.

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile

The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries.

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Sterling Investment Management LLC trimmed its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 2.8% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 15,367 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 439 shares during the quarter. Sterling Investment Management LLCs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $1,103,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter worth approximately $3,365,658,000. Northern Trust Corp raised its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 10.7% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 34,339,295 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,411,992,000 after buying an additional 3,307,855 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 1.2% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 20,369,222 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,430,742,000 after buying an additional 238,131 shares during the period. Capital Research Global Investors raised its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 932.0% during the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 15,734,874 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,105,218,000 after buying an additional 14,210,193 shares during the period. Finally, Capital World Investors raised its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 13,914,098 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $977,338,000 after buying an additional 62,099 shares during the period. 75.90% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have commented on WFC. TD Cowen began coverage on Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Thursday, May 15th. They set a hold rating and a $83.00 price objective for the company. Bank of America upped their target price on Wells Fargo & Company from $83.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, June 4th. Phillip Securities raised Wells Fargo & Company from a moderate buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, April 14th. Royal Bank of Canada raised Wells Fargo & Company from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $80.00 target price for the company in a report on Thursday, March 13th. Finally, Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $85.00 price objective (up previously from $75.00) on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Wednesday, June 4th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $77.68.

Wells Fargo & Company Trading Down 0.7%

NYSE:WFC opened at $74.95 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.85. The firm has a market capitalization of $243.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 1.16. Wells Fargo & Company has a one year low of $50.15 and a one year high of $81.50. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $70.98 and a 200-day moving average price of $72.99.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, April 11th. The financial services provider reported $1.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.23 by $0.16. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.38% and a net margin of 15.73%. The business had revenue of $20.15 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.82 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.20 EPS. Wells Fargo & Companys revenue for the quarter was down 3.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 EPS for the current year.

Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, June 1st. Investors of record on Friday, May 9th were given a $0.40 dividend. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.13%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 9th. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 28.73%.

Wells Fargo & Company declared that its board has initiated a share repurchase plan on Tuesday, April 29th that allows the company to buyback $40.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization allows the financial services provider to repurchase up to 17.2% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are typically a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued.

Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Co is a diversified and community-based financial services company, which engages in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management.

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Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD  Free Report) (NYSE:TD) had its price target increased by Barclays from C$83.00 to C$91.00 in a research report released on Monday morning,BayStreet.CA reports.

A number of other research firms have also recently weighed in on TD. National Bankshares set a C$80.00 price target on Toronto-Dominion Bank and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Scotiabank raised Toronto-Dominion Bank to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, May 14th. CIBC raised their price objective on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$96.00 to C$99.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, June 5th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Toronto-Dominion Bank from a buy rating to a hold rating and increased their target price for the company from C$90.00 to C$99.00 in a research report on Tuesday, February 18th. Finally, UBS Group increased their target price on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$83.00 to C$90.00 in a research report on Friday, February 14th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of C$89.31.

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Toronto-Dominion Bank Stock Down 0.8%

Toronto-Dominion Bank Announces Dividend

Shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank stock opened at C$95.98 on Monday. Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 12-month low of C$73.22 and a 12-month high of C$96.86. The stock has a market cap of C$168.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.02, a P/E/G ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 0.82. The businesss 50 day moving average is C$88.54 and its 200-day moving average is C$84.00.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, July 31st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 10th will be issued a $1.05 dividend. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.38%. Toronto-Dominion Banks payout ratio is currently 80.84%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Toronto-Dominion Bank

In related news, Director Ana Arsov bought 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 28th. The shares were bought at an average price of C$94.49 per share, with a total value of C$283,470.00. Also, Senior Officer Kelvin Vi Luan Tran sold 9,612 shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of C$94.98, for a total value of C$912,947.76. Over the last quarter, insiders bought 31,154 shares of company stock valued at $2,567,191 and sold 84,628 shares valued at $7,929,143. Insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock.

About Toronto-Dominion Bank

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The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, U.S. Retail, Wealth Management and Insurance, and Wholesale Banking.

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Rethinking the Bahamian Dollar?



Prime Minister Philip Davis has floated the idea of pegging The Bahamas currency to a basket of currencies, rather than solely to the US dollar, to enhance global trade flexibility. Speaking at the Afreximbank meetings in Nigeria, Davis also suggested a CARICOM-Africa digital currency to make regional trade smoother and more efficient.



The Bahamas has already tested a new settlement system (CPASS) with Africa, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign exchange bottlenecks.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. On June 12, Lithuania and Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in the energy sector, with a particular focus on the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, Trend reports referring to the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania.

The agreement was formalized during the working visit of Lithuanias Minister of Energy, Zygimantas Vaiciunas, to Hanoi.

The MoU outlines joint objectives, including the exchange of knowledge, experience, and best practices in the development and operation of floating LNG terminals, the broader LNG supply chain, and the promotion of joint initiatives and economic cooperation in the energy sector.

Lithuania, with its strong LNG infrastructure operated by KN Energies and its extensive experience, is ready to cooperate and share knowledge with partners who are seeking to transition to cleaner energy sources, said Minister Vaiciunas. Vietnam is looking for solutions to meet its growing energy needs, and LNG is becoming the basis for mutually beneficial cooperation.

As part of his visit, Minister Vaiciunas also participated in the Lithuanian-Vietnamese Business Forum in Hanoi, where he joined a panel discussion on renewable energy and green transformation. The forum emphasized the importance of energy diversification and sustainability for both countries.

The minister is also scheduled to meet with Phan Thi Thang, Vietnams Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, along with representatives from leading energy companies. Discussions will center on expanding cooperation in energy security, LNG supply, and infrastructure development.

The Minister is accompanied by Darius Silenskis, CEO of KN Energies AB, the operator of an international energy terminal in Lithuania. The company is actively exploring opportunities in the Vietnamese market to expand its presence in LNG terminal management.

The visit marks a key step in Lithuanias broader efforts to build strategic partnerships in Asia and contribute to the global transition toward cleaner and more secure energy systems.
U.S. gas prices to drop despite rising refinery margins, EIA says

Photo: EIA

Retail gasoline prices in most of the United States are projected to decline through the end of 2026, according to the latest outlook from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). However, the West Coast is expected to see annual price increases next year due to reductions in refinery capacity.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. In April 2025, the FOB exports in Romania amounted to 7.87 billion euros and the CIF imports reached 11 billion euros, resulting in a commercial deficit of 3.13 billion euros, Trend reports citing the country's Institute of Statistics.

Compared to April 2024, the nation's exports decreased by 5.2 percent, while imports increased by 0.4 percent.

From the temporal framework of January 1 to April 30, 2025, the Free on Board (FOB) export metrics aggregated to a substantial 31 billion euros, while the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) import figures registered at a noteworthy 43 billion euros.



In the initial quadrimester of 2025, there was a 0.5 percent uptick in export metrics, while import figures experienced a robust escalation of 6.0 percent relative to the corresponding timeframe in 2024.



During this quadrimester interval, the FOB-CIF trade imbalance escalated to 11.6 billion euros  an increment of 2.3 billion euros (+24.5 percent) compared to the deficit documented in the preceding fiscal year.

In this reporting interval, key export and import categories included machinery and transport equipment (46.5 percent of exports and 35.2 percent of imports), as well as other manufactured goods (27.7 percent of exports and 27.9 percent of imports).

From January through April 2025, Intra-EU27 trade in goods amounted to 22.3 billion euros for dispatches and 31 billion euros for arrivals, making up 71.0 percent of total exports and 71.8 percent of total imports.

Meanwhile, Extra-EU27 trade reached 9.1 billion euros for exports and 12.1 billion euros for imports  accounting for 29.0 percent and 28.2 percent of the totals, respectively.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 12. As part of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, held discussions with the heads of several leading European companies, including Standard Chartered, International Hospitals Group, LVMH, and Airbus, focusing on upcoming collaborative projects, Trend reports, citing the Uzbek presidents office.

The Uzbek president highlighted that the growing participation of European companies in the forum reflects the mutual interest in enhancing economic and investment ties between Uzbekistan and Europe.

He articulated contentment with the consistent upward trajectory in trade metrics, collaborative enterprises, and the burgeoning investment portfolio with European counterparts. Furthermore, a comprehensive framework for cultural, humanitarian, educational, and tourism synergies has been instituted between the two parties.

During his meeting with Saif Malik, CEO of Standard Chartered, the discussion focused on expanding cooperation in financing small businesses and infrastructure projects, as well as the development of new credit lines for Uzbek banks.

With Chester King, Chairman of International Hospitals Group, the leaders reviewed plans for building a new clinic and managing multidisciplinary medical centers in Uzbekistan through a public-private partnership.

The conversation with LVMH included a focus on expediting the opening of the flagship LVMH store in Tashkent City. The potential inclusion of Uzbek silk and natural ingredient producers into LVMHs supply chain was also explored.

In his talks with Johan Pelissier, President of Airbus for Europe, special emphasis was placed on broadening cooperation in the aviation sector. The adoption of a long-term cooperation program was also underscored as a key priority.

The heads of the European companies expressed their gratitude to President Mirziyoyev for his warm reception and the favorable investment climate in Uzbekistan. They reiterated their commitment to continuing participation in major projects and programs across priority sectors of the economy.

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Violent clashes erupted in the citys south outskirt Maheshtala on Wednesday as two local groups came to blows over setting up roadside shops, turning the Rabindranagar area into a virtual war zone.

Several houses were vandalised, and a motorbike was set on fire in front of the Rabindranagar police station. Stones were hurled at police personnel, injuring several officers and prompting the deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to bring the situation under control. According to police sources, tension had been brewing in the area since Tuesday over disputes related to street-side encroachments. On Wednesday, the unrest escalated dramatically when police attempted to intervene, triggering a barrage of stones and bricks from the mob.

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Eyewitnesses reported that mobs also threw stones from rooftops, and several police vehicles were damaged. Protesters blocked roads and set tires on fire, staging a demonstration outside the police station. Tear gas was used to disperse the crowd. Local sources claimed that one police officer sustained a head injury after being struck by a brick. Despite the heavy police presence, authorities appeared overwhelmed by the scale of the violence. The unrest quickly took a political turn, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president and Union minister Sukanta Majumdar accusing the ruling Trinamul Congress (TMC) government of appeasement politics.

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In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Majumdar said the incident exemplifies what he called the Diamond Model, a reference to Diamond Harbour parliamentary constituency represented by MP Abhishek Banerjee. A Shiva temple was vandalised right in front of the police station. Local Hindus were brutally assaulted. Even the police were not spared, Majumdar wrote. He further alleged that sacred Hindu symbols, including Tulsi altars, were desecrated, and that Hindu homes and shops were selectively targeted. The police knew who was responsible, yet they didnt act against the culprits. Instead, they cracked down on the victims, he claimed, pointing the finger at what he described as a peace-loving community  a veiled reference that has sparked sharp criticism. Majumdar alleged that the pattern of violence echoes similar incidents in Malda and Murshidabad, where, according to him, law enforcement remained passive amid communal unrest. If this appeasement politics isnt stopped today, tomorrow Hindus will lose not just their land but their very existence, he warned.

There has been no immediate response from the West Bengal government or Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees office. Police have yet to confirm the specific allegations regarding the temple and communal targeting. Authorities said an investigation is underway, and additional forces have been deployed to prevent further escalation.
Pradip Paul, a resident of Bongaon, has been arrested by Kolkata Police yesterday for operating multiple fake clinics falsely claiming association with the late Dr Prasanta Banerji and Dr Pratip Banerji, pioneers of modern homeopathy.

Paul, who allegedly has no medical qualifications or license, was fraudulently using the Banerji name to manage and operate unauthorised clinics. He is a former security employee of the Dr P Banerji Homeopathic Research Clinic, who was terminated thanks to various disciplinary issues.

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Two such illegal clinics have been identified in Namkhana and Gangasagar, and further investigation is underway. These fraudulent activities have seriously damaged the reputation, credibility, and trust associated with the Banerji legacy.

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The Banerji Protocols, globally respected and used in modern homeopathic treatment, were developed by Dr. Prasanta Banerji and Dr Pratip Banerji. Their legacy is now carried forward by Dr Isha Banerji at the Dr P Banerji Homeopathic Research Clinic, Kolkata.

These fake establishments are a serious threat to public health, and we urge the public to verify the authenticity of any clinic claiming Banerji affiliation.
Three assailants, including one juvenile, were apprehended for fatally stabbing a 19-year-old boy to death in North East Delhis Seelampur area, the Delhi Police said on Thursday.

The brutal murder is suspected to have stemmed from a family dispute, which led the accused, Qasim (27), a resident of Chauhan Bangar, along with his two sons, including a juvenile, to allegedly attack the victim.

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On Wednesday, we received information around 10:39 PM at Seelampur police station regarding a stabbing incident in the area. With this info, a team was dispatched to the scene of the crime, an official mentioned.

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Police further added that, upon reaching the scene, the team found that the victim had already been shifted to JPC Hospital by his parents for medical treatment. However, the attending doctors declared him brought dead.

Soon after, the crime team, along with the forensic experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), was called to the crime scene to inspect the spot and collect valid evidence.

The deceased, Zaheer Abbas, 19, worked in a factory, stitching seat covers along with his father, officials informed.

While conducting preliminary inquiry into this case, it came to the fore that the deceased had some dispute with his relative, Qasim, who, along with his sons, attacked Abbas with a sharp weapon, a police officer said.

A senior officer added that teams were deployed and the suspects were identified. On the basis of evidence gathered by the cops, all three accused individuals were apprehended. A case has been filed against the accused under the relevant sections of the BNS, and further investigation is ongoing by the police, the officials stated.
Since its inception, Uttarkanya, the branch secretariat of the West Bengal government in Siliguri, has played a vital role in disbursing medical aid through the chief ministers relief fund (CMRF) to countless patients across north Bengal. What stands out is that the CMOs process remains apolitical, offering equal consideration to recommendations from opposition MLAs and government officials alikeensuring critical support for those in dire medical need, irrespective of party lines.

A recent example is BJP MLA from Darjeeling, Neeraj Tamang Zimba, who expressed gratitude after several of his recommended cases received timely approval from Uttarkanya. His intervention helped secure over Rs 8.57 lakh in medical assistance for eleven financially distressed patients from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and nearby hill regions in the past two months.

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The beneficiaries, battling severe health conditions, have been admitted to renowned hospitals ranging from Shanti Nursing Home in Siliguri to RTIICS in Kolkata and Christian Medical College in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. The relief grants were approved by the office of the chief minister and formally sanctioned by Subhashis Ghosh, OSD and joint secretary at the CMs branch in Uttarkanya. The sanctioned funds, valid for one year, are transferred directly to hospitals through RTGS or NEFT.

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Expressing his happiness, MLA Zimba said, Every life is precious. For many families, this timely support is the difference between despair and hope. I am truly grateful to the chief minister and the Uttarkanya office for responding to my appeals with such compassion and urgency. No citizen of Darjeeling should ever be denied treatment due to financial constraints.

This episode reaffirms Uttarkanyas growing role as a responsive and inclusive administrative hub.
Actor Arjun Rampal, who will be seen in the second season of the hit streaming show Rana Naidu, has said that his character in the show is the most ruthless part he has ever played.

Arjuns character of Rauf is the newest, and most dangerous, entrant in the series which stars Rana Daggubati in the lead.

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Talking about his character in the show, Arjun in a statement said, Hes the most ruthless and terrifyingly real character Ive ever played.

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Rauf is a man without empathy, driven by chaos and capable of brutal violence. And yet, nestled within all that destruction, lies something deeply human.

Theres a sliver of vulnerability  especially in how he loves his niece. Shes the only person he protects without question, Rampal shares.

What made playing Rauf so challenging was how he could show tenderness, even while being completely consumed by darkness, the actor added.

The series has been created by Karan Anshuman and directed by Anshuman, Suparn Verma, and Abhay Chopra. It is produced by Locomotive Global Media.

Earlier, the creator of the show, Karan Anshuman had shared an interesting anecdote from the shooting of the series when Rana Daggubati improvised his lines but it soon went into some other tangent.

Rana Daggubati essays the titular character in the series, and was in a heated stand-off against his uncle Venkatesh Daggubati, who essays his estranged father in the series.

During the verbal stand-off, the two broke into Telugu language. Now, Karan has a little knowledge of the language, so he, in his directors seat, was under the impression that magic is about to happen since both the actors were saying lines in their native language, which essentially means better grip on the dialogue exchange.

However, the director was shocked to his bones when he heard the word biryani.

The show is set to stream on Netflix on June 13.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 12. Kazakhstan plans to sign over 20 new cooperation agreements during the upcoming Power Central Asia + China regional energy forum, Trend reports.

The inaugural forum of its kind will be held in Astana on June 16-17, 2025, alongside the Central Asia-China Summit.

The event will bring together top government officials, energy executives, and development partners to advance cross-border cooperation in energy and industry.

Organized by Kazakhstans Ministry of Energy and the Association for Infrastructure and Innovation Development (ASIIR), the forum is supported by major energy players, including China Southern Power Grid, PowerChina, Huawei, Energy China, LONGi, KEGOC, Samruk-Energy, KazMunayGas, QazaqGaz, and Kazakh Invest.

The forum aims to strengthen Kazakhstans role as a regional hub for clean energy and industrial innovation. With a focus on green energy, hydrogen, digital grids, and ESG standards, the agenda features 22 panel discussions, B2B and G2G meetings, and presentations of cutting-edge technologies.

Government delegations from Central Asia and China will participate, alongside leaders of major corporations and representatives from the ADB, EBRD, and AIIB.

Key outcomes will also include the launch of new investment and localization projects, and the establishment of a permanent forum secretariat and digital project-tracking platform. Moreover, the forum will introduce new joint education and training initiatives for the energy sector.
An Air India flight carrying 232 passengers tragically crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. The London-bound flight AI171 was seen engulfed in thick smoke soon after departure, leaving the nation and the world in shock. As emergency teams rushed to the scene, rescue operations began immediately, but the heartbreaking visuals have left many reeling with the Air India tragedy.

The news of the crash has not only shaken the country but also prompted an outpouring of grief from the Bollywood community.

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Several actors and public figures took to social media to express their sorrow, offer prayers, and stand in solidarity with the victims and their families.

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Sunny Deol, visibly shaken by the tragedy, shared an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, Devastated by the news of the plane crash in Ahmedabad. Praying with all my heart for survivors  may they be found and receive the care they need. May those who lost their lives rest in peace, and may their families find strength in this unimaginable time.

Devastated by the news of the plane crash in Ahmedabad.

Praying with all my heart for survivors  may they be found and receive the care they need.

May those who lost their lives rest in peace, and may their families find strength in this unimaginable time.  Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol) June 12, 2025

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh also joined his colleagues in sharing his grief over the devastating accident. He wrote on X, Heartbroken, shocked, and trembling with the saddest news. Deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the Air India flight tragedy. May the departed souls rest in peace, and may the injured recover soon.

Heart broken, shocked and trembling with the saddest news

Deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the Air India flight tragedy. May the departed souls rest in peace, and may the injured recover soon. #AirIndia  Neil Nitin Mukesh (@NeilNMukesh) June 12, 2025

Akshay Kumar, too, was among the first to react to the heartbreaking incident. In his post, he said, Shocked and speechless at the Air India crash. Only prayers at this time.

Shocked and speechless at the Air India crash. Only prayers at this time  Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) June 12, 2025

Actor Riteish Deshmukh also extended his heartfelt sympathies. Heartbroken and in shock after hearing about the tragic plane crash. My heart goes out to all the passengers, their families, and everyone affected on the ground. Holding them all in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time, he posted.

Absolutely heartbroken and in shock after hearing about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My heart goes out to all the passengers, their families, and everyone affected on the ground. Holding them all in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.  Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) June 12, 2025

Across social media, Bollywood stars and fans alike are sharing messages of support, urging people to come together and offer prayers in this difficult time.
Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has been found guilty of criminal sexual assault against former Project Runway assistant Miriam Haley in his Manhattan retrial. However, the jury cleared him of another charge and could not agree on a third.

The high-profile retrial, which stretched over several weeks, wrapped up with a split decision. Harvey Weinstein was convicted for assaulting Haley but was acquitted of charges related to Kaja Sokola, while the jury reached a deadlock on the third charge involving Jessica Mann.

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Deliberations on that final count are expected to continue.

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This case is part of a long legal battle against Weinstein, whose name became synonymous with the #MeToo movement. The trial, which began in April, heard intense testimonies from three women who accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct.

Weinstein was facing two counts of first-degree criminal sexual acts and one count of third-degree rape.

During court proceedings, Weinstein repeatedly insisted he wasnt receiving a fair trial. He even asked Judge Curtis Farber to declare a mistrial, citing ongoing tension among jurors as deliberations dragged on. This is my life on the line, Weinstein told the court, adding that he felt the process was putting him in danger.

The jury foreperson also acknowledged friction within the group and sought private discussions with the judge and attorneys to address concerns about the deliberation process.

Weinsteins previous convictions in 2020, where he was found guilty of assaulting both Haley and Mann, were overturned earlier this year in April 2024. The retrial brought both women back to the witness stand, where they once again shared their stories.

Haley testified that Weinstein forced himself on her at his Manhattan apartment in 2006. Mann recounted being raped by Weinstein at a hotel in 2013.

Kaja Sokola, who was not part of the 2020 trial, became a key figure in the retrial. Identified publicly for the first time in the current proceedings, Sokola alleged that Weinstein assaulted her twice. Once when she was just 16 in 2002 and again in 2006 at a Manhattan hotel. However, the jury ultimately acquitted Weinstein of the charge tied to her case.
Zoe Saldana isnt just popular for her blockbuster roles, but also for speaking her mind. At a recent premiere, the Guardians of the Galaxy star shared a quirky and progressive twist about her Oscar trophy thats grabbing attention.

Saldana, who won her first-ever Academy Award this year for her role in Emilia Perez, introduced her Oscar statuette as gender fluid.

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The actress picked up the Best Supporting Actress award for her performance in the Spanish-language musical crime drama, where she played Rita, a lawyer who helps a cartel leader transition genders.

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The role was a significant one for Saldana, and it seems to have inspired the way she now talks about her award.

Speaking at the Los Angeles premiere of her latest film Elio on June 10, Zoe Saldana got a question about her Oscar. Her response was both heartfelt and playful.

We have it in my office and my Oscar is gender fluid, she said, according to People magazine. She didnt stop there  she added that the golden statuette identifies as trans and prefers they/them pronouns.

Saldanas unique perspective has sparked conversations about identity and inclusivity, topics she has never shied away from. Her role in Emilia Perez also deeply ties into these themes, as the film centers on a gender-affirming journey against the backdrop of cartel violence.

Switching gears, Saldana is also stepping into more family-friendly territory with Elio, a Pixar and Disney animated film. The story follows a young boy, Elio, whos obsessed with space and unexpectedly finds himself on an intergalactic adventure.

Saldana plays Olga Solis, a character that has already earned her some serious cool mom points at home.

Talking about her motivation to do films like Elio, Saldana recently told Good Morning America that becoming a parent has shifted her priorities.

Since becoming a parent, incorporating what I do, my art, into a genre that caters to children has always been a great interest to me, she said. She also joked that her sons are pretty excited about her role. My 8-year-old cannot wait for Elio to come out, she added with a smile.
Keerthy Suresh is ready to bring the action with a dose of comedy in her upcoming film Revolver Rita, directed by J.K. Chandru.

The films makers officially announced on Wednesday that it will hit theatres worldwide on August 27, perfectly timed for the festive season of Vinayaka Chathurthi.

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The announcement came through the Instagram handle of The Route Official, one of the production houses behind the film. Sharing a short video to reveal the release date, the post read, Revolver Rita is all set to fire away on August 27.

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Excitement around Revolver Rita has been building steadily ever since its quirky title teaser dropped a few months ago.

In the teaser, Keerthy Suresh is casually buying vegetables when a group of petty thieves snatches her handbag. Thinking theyve hit the jackpot, they rush back to their hideoutonly to discover the bag contains a revolver, a blood-stained butchers knife, and a bomb.

Just when theyre wondering who theyve crossed paths with, Keerthy shows up at their door, demanding her bag back.

Panic-stricken, the thieves bombard her with questions: Is she a secret agent? A crime boss? A police officer? Keerthy leaves them (and the viewers) guessing, offering no explanation.

In a hilarious twist, she calmly answers a phone call from her mother, played by Radikaa Sarathkumar, who asks where the tomatoes are for the cooking. Keerthys cool reply? Keep the stove on sim, Im on my way.

This mix of suspense, humour, and fast-paced action has only raised curiosity about Keerthys character, and fans cant wait to see what unfolds on screen.

The film is production of Sudhan Sundaram and Jagadish Palanisamy, with music by Sean Roldan, promising a lively soundtrack to match the films vibrant tone.

The cast also includes popular actors like Sunil, Ajay Ghosh, Redin Kingsley, Super Subbarayan, and John Vijay.

Behind the scenes, the film brings together a skilled crew. Cinematography is handled by Dinesh Krishnan. B, while editing duties are in the capable hands of National Award-winning editor Praveen K. L. The action sequences are designed by Dhilip Subbarayan, ensuring the stunts pack a punch. MKT takes charge of art direction.
The crash of the London-bound Air India flight AI-171 minutes after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is one of the worst aviation disasters in India.

This is the first major crash to occur in the last five years. The previous major civilian air crash in India happened in 2020 in Kozhikode.

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Recap of some major crashes in India:

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2020: Air India Express Flight IX-1344  Kozhikode

The Air-India Express Limited B737-800 aircraft VT-AXH was operating a quick return flight on Kozhikode-Dubai-Kozhikode under Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate passengers who were stranded overseas due to the closure of airspace and flight operations owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The aircraft departed from Dubai for Kozhikode at 10:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) as flight AXB 1344, carrying 184 passengers and six crew members.

AXB 1344 made two approaches for landing at Kozhikode. The aircraft carried out a missed approach on the first attempt while coming into land on runway 28. The second approach was on runway 10, and the aircraft landed at 14:10:25 UTC.

The aircraft could not be stopped on the runway and this ended in runway overrun. It fell to a depth of approximately 110 feet below the runway elevation and impacted the perimeter road that runs just below the tabletop runway, at a ground speed of 41 knots and then came to an abrupt halt on the airport perimeter road just short of the perimeter wall.

There was fuel leak from both the wing tanks; however, there was no post crash fire, stated the final investigation report of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

The crash resulted in 158 fatalities, with only 8 survivors, most of whom were seated in the front section of the aircraft.

2010: Mangalore Crash

Air India Express flight IX-812 on a scheduled Quick Turn Around (QTA) on sector Mangalore-Dubai-Mangalore departed on the intervening night of May 21-22, 2010, and overshot the runway during landing, which led to the death of 158 flyers.

The Court of Inquiry determines that cause of this accident was the Captains failure to discontinue the unsterilized approach and his persistence in continuing with the landing, despite three calls from the First Officer to go around and a number of warnings from EGPWS, stated an official inquiry by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

2000: Patna Air Crash

A Boeing 737 on Alliance Air Flight 7412 crashed during landing at Patna, killing over 60 people. The cause was loss of control due to pilot error.

1985: Kanishka Bombing

Air Indias Flight 182 operating on the Montreal-London-Delhi-Mumbai route suffered a major terrorist attack as Canadian Sikh extremists planted bombs that exploded mid-air, leading to the disintegration of the aircraft over the Atlantic Ocean and the death of all 329 passengers and crew members onboard. The aircraft was another Boeing 747-237B plane.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday asked Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to reach Ahmedabad and ensure that all possible help is extended to those affected in the Air India plane crash, according to sources.

The Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad this afternoon.

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According to reports, there were 242 people on board the aircraft, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew.

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Soon after the crash, PM Modi spoke to both Home Minister Shah and Aviation Minister Naidu to take stock of the situation, the sources added.

Shah has also spoken to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel and assured him of all possible help from the Centre.

Meanwhile, a team of the Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is also said to be leaving for Ahmedabad for investigation into the tragic air mishap.

Earlier in the day, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said that he is personally monitoring the situation and has asked agencies concerned to take swift and coordinated action.

Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site, the minister said.
The Air India flight AI171 that crashed immediately after takeoff in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Thursday, was carrying 242 passengers and crew, including 169 Indians, 53 Britishers, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals.

According to an official statement Air India shared on X, the flight AI171, which was operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed after takeoff.

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The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national, and 7 Portuguese nationals, Air India said.

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The aircraft crashed near Forensic Cross Road in Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. After the crash, a huge plume of thick black smoke was seen rising into the sky. A nearby building also caught fire as white powdery material got scattered all over the ground.

Emergency response teams are on the ground carrying out rescue and relief work. Several fire brigade vehicles are also on the spot, trying to douse the flames.

The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel has instructed officials to create green corridors to shift the injured to hospitals.

Meanwhile, Air India has also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 for the family members of the passengers seeking information.

The airline said that it was giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident.
Slamming the Congress, BJP MP Sambit Patra on Thursday said that the leadership of the grand old party is always in a hurry to put India in the dock in the name of criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Jairam Ramesh and Rahul Gandhi are always in a hurry to put India in the dock in the name of attacking PM Modi. They said the same things about the G7. But where will they hide their faces regarding that? There is no need to take them seriously.

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Today, India stands very high on the global platform, Patra said in response to Congress MP Jairam Rameshs criticism of Indias foreign policy concerning the US reportedly extending an invitation to Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir to the event organised to mark the US Army Day on June 14.

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Also commenting on Congress leader Nana Patole comparing Operation Sindoor to a childrens video game, the BJP leader said, If the Congress party has decided to commit suicide, then as good citizens of this country, we should appeal to them not to commit suicide, for gods sake. Who are the children that Nana Patole is referring to? The Indian armed forces? Were the BrahMos missiles that were fired a part of a video game? Rahul Gandhi is the child he was talking about, who plays video games day and night. That is why an essential issue like Operation Sindoor looks like a video game to the leaders of his party. Ask Rahul Gandhi not to play video games but to be serious about the affairs happening around him.

Earlier in the day, the Congress MP stressed that the Prime Minister should leave aside his stubbornness and call an all-party meeting and a special session of Parliament to discuss the important matters concerning Pakistan after the Operation Sindoor.

Ramesh also termed the US comment on Pakistan  great partner in the counter-terrorism campaign  a setback for India.

It is reported that Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir has been invited to the event organised in Washington DC on the occasion of US Army Day. This news is a big setback for India from a diplomatic and strategic point of view, Ramesh said in the post in Hindi.

This is the man who spoke in such incendiary and provocative language just before the Pahalgam terror attacks. What is the US really up to? This is another huge diplomatic setback for India, the Congress leader had said in another social media post.

Recently, the head of the US Central Command called Pakistan a great partner in the counter-terrorism campaign. What will our Prime Minister and his government say to this? Is this not a diplomatic setback for India, Ramesh asked.

Meanwhile, Munir is reportedly set to arrive in Washington, DC, following an invitation from his American counterpart to participate in the US Armys 250th anniversary celebrations. The main festivities for the US Army parade will be held on Saturday, June 14, coinciding with US President Donald Trumps birthday.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday informed that India is in touch with China, seeking predictability in the supply of rare earth metals  which had been put under the export controls regime by the Xi administration.

Addressing his weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, We are in touch with the Chinese side, both here in Delhi as also in Beijing to bring predictability in supply chain for trade, consistent with international practices.

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Jaiswal was asked about Indias engagement with China on rare earth, given that it is to an extent impacting the auto industry, among others in India.

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He said, We have been in touch with the Chinese side. The Chinese ministry of commerce and general administration of customs in early Aprilhad announced a decision to implement export controls on certain rare earth related items.

Amidst this key supply chain issue, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed that the US reached a deal with China following intense trade negotiations. As part of the deal, the US, according to Trump, will get rare earth supplies from China.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described Chinas rare earth export restrictions as a global wake-up call on Monday, emphasising that India is actively building alternative supply chains while positioning itself as a trusted partner for international businesses seeking to reduce their dependence on Chinese suppliers.

Speaking to reporters during his official visit to Switzerland, where he met with Swiss government officials and business leaders, Goyal acknowledged that Chinas export curbs will create short-term challenges for Indias automotive and white goods sectors.

However, he expressed confidence that collaborative efforts between government, industry, and innovators will transform these challenges into long-term opportunities.

The new Chinese restrictions, effective from April 4, require special export licenses for certain specific rare earth elements and their related magnetic products.

Separately, India and Central Asian countries have recently expressed interest in joint exploration of rare earth and critical minerals at the recently held India-Central Asia Dialogue.

The renewed expression of interest in collaboration in rare earths and critical minerals comes as China has restricted its exports of some key industrial inputs.

According to a joint statement by India and Central Asian countries  Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and, Uzbekistan -they appreciated the outcomes of the first India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum held in September 2024 in New Delhi, as they called upon the relevant authorities to hold the second India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum meeting at the earliest convenience.
A simmering linguistic controversy has erupted in Jharkhand following the state governments release of the draft rules for the 2025 Jharkhand Teacher Eligibility Test (JTET). At its core lies a policy decision mandating regional and tribal languages in specific districtslanguages that many locals claim are misaligned with on-the-ground linguistic realities.

The imposition of Nagpuri and Kudukh as compulsory regional languages for candidates in Palamu and Garhwadistricts where Bhojpuri and Magahi dominate everyday discoursehas sparked an outcry across political, civic, and academic spheres. Locals argue the policy excludes thousands of eligible youth and distorts the cultural composition of the region.

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Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Arjun Munda, while visiting Palamu to showcase 11 years of central government achievements, was pressed for a response. Though measured, he left a pointed remark: I am here to talk about progress, not politics. But people have a right to askwhy are such situations arising? Who is responsible for this growing disconnect?

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Palamu MP Vishnu Dayal Ram was less restrained. This reflects total ignorance. The government doesnt know the regions language map, he said. Forcing irrelevant languages on youth is an insult not only to them but to the very soil of Palamu and Garhwa.

Even voices within the ruling alliance are raising alarms. Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore, a senior leader from the region, has written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, calling the JTET draft linguistically irrational. Kishore argued that Nagpuri (Sadri) lacks an official script and that Kudukh, while culturally vital, is spoken by only a marginal population in the designated districts.

Hindi must be included, Kishore demanded, calling for official recognition of Bhojpuri in the JTET structure. Align the test with reality, not aspiration divorced from the ground.

Youth and student groups are now taking the lead. Kamlesh Pandey, a student leader from Garhwa, termed the move linguistic apartheid. Our youth are being asked to prove merit in languages they neither speak nor study. This is not just bad policy; its a violation of our dignity and rights, he said.

In a particularly telling case from Garhwa, the only Kudukh teacher retired over a decade ago, leaving no institutional framework to support the languages teaching. For many aspirants, this amounts to forced disqualification.

The fault lines are not just regionalthey run through the heart of tribal Jharkhand as well. In Khunti, a tribal heartland, fresh protests have erupted against the exclusion of Mundaria major Austroasiatic languagefrom the districts JTET language list. The Adiwasi Mundari Bhasha Sanskriti Bachao Sangharsh Samiti submitted a formal memorandum to the district administration demanding reinstatement of Mundari and the removal of Kharia and Kudukh from the regions JTET options.

This is an attempt to erase our history and heritage, the Samiti said. Our iconsBirsa Munda, Jaipal Singh Munda, Ram Dayal Mundawere all Mundari-speaking. Removing Mundari is cultural vandalism.

Supporters of the policy within the state education department argue that the move is meant to promote tribal languages at risk of extinction. However, critics say such inclusion must be demographically informed and practically feasible.

Observers caution that this isnt merely an administrative misstepit risks entrenching linguistic disenfranchisement in a state already marked by social and regional inequities.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 12. Navoi Gold Mining Company, one of the largest and most influential players in Uzbekistans mining sector, has set a new benchmark in its history with record-breaking gold production and robust financial performance, said Eugene Antonov, First Deputy General Director and Chief Transformation Officer of NMMC, during the panel discussion Sustainable Mining: New Opportunities for Investors within the IV Tashkent International Investment Forum, Trend reports.

In the past year, the company produced an impressive 3.1 million ounces of gold, marking a milestone with a 30 percent increase in production over the last seven years. With nearly 150 million ounces of gold resources, Navois mine life is expected to exceed 50 years, far surpassing the industry average of 15 to 20 years. This significant achievement has positioned Navoi as one of the most resilient and long-term players in the global mining industry, stated Antonov.

The companys financial performance mirrors its operational success. In 2024, Navoi Gold Mining Company recorded revenues of $7.4 billion, driven by both all-time high gold prices and increased production.

We also reported an EBITDA of $4.6 billion, with an exceptional EBITDA margin of over 60 percent, positioning us as one of the most cost-efficient gold producers globally. Our all-in sustaining cost per ounce stood at $979, second only to Russian mining giant Polyus, Antonov added.

Navois full-cycle operationsfrom exploration and mine construction to refiningcontribute to its ability to maintain low production costs while achieving high output.

Navoi operates 12 mine sites and nine processing facilities across Uzbekistan, with its flagship Morontau Minethe worlds largest open-pit gold mineaccounting for over 70 percent of its resource base. The company plays a crucial role in Uzbekistans economy, contributing 6.5 percent to the national GDP, employing 47,000 people, and remaining the largest taxpayer in the country.

Beyond its financial and operational successes, Navoi is committed to sustainability.

We have set clear targets for emission reductions and are increasing our use of renewable energy. By 2025, we aim to source 20 percent of our energy from renewable sources. Additionally, we aim to reduce freshwater usage by 36 million cubic meters by 2030 and have already invested over $200 million in community sponsorship programs to improve the quality of life for local residents, Antonov shared.

Navoi recently hit the nail on the head by becoming the first mining company in Uzbekistan to snag a USG rating, putting its ducks in a row with global sustainability standards.

We are already addressing areas identified for improvement and are strengthening our governance by adding two independent board members, Antonov explained. Furthermore, Navoi is collaborating with the World Gold Council to enhance its sustainability efforts.

With its proven track record, commitment to innovation, and focus on long-term economic and environmental goals, Navoi Gold Mining Company is well-positioned to continue its leadership in the global mining industry.

We remain committed to producing gold responsibly, prioritizing environmental stewardship, ensuring employee safety, and investing in the sustainable development of local communities, Antonov concluded.

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The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carneys forthcoming meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis in Canada will be an important opportunity for the two leaders to explore pathways to reset India-Canada ties.

PM Modi received an invite from his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on June 6 to attend the 51st G7 Summit at Kananaskis in Alberta from June 15-17.

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Addressing his weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said PM Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carneys forthcoming meeting will be an important opportunity for them to explore pathways to set or reset ties based on mutual respect, shared interests, and sensitivity to each others concerns and exchange views on bilateral and global issues.

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The MEA spokesperson said PM Modi is travelling to Canada following an invitation from Carney. Jaiswal said a recent phone conversation between the two leaders served as an opportunity to reflect on India-Canada ties. As you are aware, India, Canada are vibrant democracies which are bound by shared democratic values and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, and of course, very vibrant people-to-people ties, he said.

On PM Modis upcoming visit to Canada for the G7 Summit, the MEA spokesperson said, As you are aware, our Prime Minister had received a call from the Canadian Prime Minister last week. During the conversation, Prime Minister Carney invited him to attend the G7 Summit. And as you are aware, the invitation has been accepted. It was also an occasion for the two Prime Ministers to reflect on India-Canada relations and discuss how to take it forward.

We believe that the forthcoming meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis in Canada will offer an important opportunity for them to exchange views on bilateral and global issues and explore pathways to set or reset the relationship based on mutual respect, shared interests, and sensitivity to each others concerns. Our views on some of these have already been shared publicly in considerable detail, the MEA spokesperson added.

When asked about Carneys statement in the Canadian readout about PM Modi agreeing to engage in law enforcement dialogue, Jaiswal responded, I would say that there are existing mechanisms between Indian and Canadian law enforcement agencies that have discussed issues of mutual security concern over a period of time. This engagement is likely to continue.

On June 6, PM Modi received a call from Canadian Prime Minister Carney, who invited him to attend the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada later this month. In a post on X, PM Modi congratulated Carney on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation. PM Modi said he looks forward to meeting PM Carney later this month in Canada.

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 on X.

The G7 Leaders Summit will be held in Albertas Kananaskis from June 15 to 17. The G7 Summit is an international forum held annually for the leaders of the G7 member states  the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada  and the European Union (EU).

The development comes after a period of strained relations between the two countries, triggered by Canadian allegations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara in Canada in 2023. India strongly denied the claims, and both nations expelled senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat escalation.

India has expressed concern about extremism and the culture of violence and anti-India activities in Canada and has asked Canadian authorities to take action against these activities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 that occurred Thursday minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected, the prime minister said in a post on handle X.

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The Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was headed to Londons Gatwick Airport with 242 people on board, including 232 passengers and 12 crew members. The passengers included 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian national. Former Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani was also among the passengers.

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While the cause of the crash is yet to be ascertained, reports, quoting Flightradar24, said the aircraft reached a maximum barometric altitude of 625 feet before starting to descend with a vertical speed of -475 feet per minute. The last signal from the aircraft was received seconds after takeoff.

The prime minister spoke to Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu to take stock of the incident. He directed the minister to ensure all necessary support immediately and regular updates on the situation.

All relevant agencies have also been put on high alert, while coordinated efforts were underway to deal with the situation arising from the crash. National Disaster Response Force teams from Gandhinagar have reached the site and more units from Vadodara were en route.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded Indias young innovators for their pivotal role in advancing technology and driving the nations self-reliance.

He said over the past 11 years, Digital India technologyhas empowered the youth to harness innovation, reinforcing Indias position as a global technology powerhouse.

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PM Modi also remarked that over the past 11 years, leveraging the power of technology has brought innumerable benefits for the people of India.

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In a post on X on Thursday, he wrote, Powered by the youth of India, we are making remarkable progress in innovation and application of technology. It is also strengthening our efforts to become self-reliant and a global tech powerhouse.

He said this while responding to posts on X by MyGovIndia.

Leveraging the power of technology has brought innumerable benefits for people. Service delivery and transparency have been greatly boosted. Furthermore, technology has become a means of empowering the lives of the poorest of poor, he further said.

The government is marking eleven years of governance by highlighting its various achievements. In a post on the X, the government explained how Digital India has rebooted governance for every citizen. It said that 11 years ago, a silent digital revolution began reshaping how India connects, governs, and grows.

Under PM Modis visionary leadership, the Digital India initiative has turned technology into a tool for empowerment  bridging gaps, unlocking opportunities, and making governance more accessible and transparent for every citizen, the government press release said.

It said that from Internet access in remote villages to real-time digital payments leading the world, this transformation has been there, adding that it is not just about numbers but about people, progress, and possibility.

The government has said that the 11 years of Digital India is a story of inclusive growth, innovation, and Indias emergence as a digital powerhouse.

How India Is Powering the Next Global Digital Wave From digital deserts to a data-driven democracy Indias tech journey over the last 11 years is nothing short of revolutionary, the MyGovIndia said in a post on X on Thursday.

It further said that under the leadership of PM Modi, India has transformed into a hub of digital innovation, tech-led governance, and global trust.

From manufacturing to space tech, from digital payments to rural connectivity  the change is visible, impactful, and lasting. But this isnt just about devices and platforms. Its about seamless governance, citizen empowerment, and building a tech-first Viksit Bharat, the post mentioned..

Explaining further the digital growth story, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that there has been a more than 90 times rise in direct benefit transfer (DBT) in just a decade under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

Moreover, India leads the world in real-time payments, with more than Rs 260 lakh crore worth of transactions processed in 2024-25, the Finance Minister informed on the X social media platform. From Rs 7,368 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 6.83 lakh crore in 2024-25, there has been a 90X+ rise in DBT transfer in just a decade under Prime Minister Modis leadership, ensuring that every rupee reaches to every citizen, said FM Sitharaman.

According to the Finance Minister, Indias tech journey over the last 11 years is nothing short of revolutionary. India has transformed into a hub of digital innovation, tech-led governance, and global trust. From manufacturing to space tech, from digital payments to rural connectivity  the change is visible, impactful, and lasting, she emphasised.
Uttar Pradesh Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar on Thursday announced that the state government will observe Child Labour Prohibition Week across the state from June 12 to 19.

The campaign will culminate on June 19 in Lucknow. The week-long drive aims to reinforce the need for the complete eradication of child labour in the state. UNICEF will partner with the Uttar Pradesh government in this campaign, the minister told reporters.

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Earlier, Rajbhar participated in a crucial session on child labour at the International Labour Conference (ILC) held in Geneva, the capital of Switzerland.

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Minister Rajbhar shared the efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government in this regard and called on factory owners and the public to pledge that no child will be made to workwhether at home or in factorieson the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour.

The minister highlighted that the Atal Residential Schools established under the Yogi government serve as an exemplary model for delivering international-standard education to children of labourers. He urged the global community to adopt this innovative model from Uttar Pradesh and establish similar schools worldwide to prevent children from becoming labourers.

Rajbhar stated that inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, India has achieved remarkable global success in expanding social security coverage over the last 11 years.

The ILO has acknowledged this progressIndias social security coverage has grown from just 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025. With over 94 crore citizens covered, India now ranks second globally in social security coverage, he added.
The Opposition Congress on Thursday cautioned the Centre that the United States invite to Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir for the US Army Day is both a warning and a challenge to Indias diplomacy, stressing the country needs to have a collective response.

Reiterating Congress all-party meeting demand, senior party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh highlighted the bizarre statement of US Central Commands head General Michael Kurilla, who called Pakistan a phenomenal partner in counter terrorism.

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Yesterday, Indian diplomacy, India itself received three huge setbacks at the hands of the United States. It raises serious questions about the US policy. Its a warning, its a challenge. First setback  US Central Commands head, General Michael Kurilla, uses the word phenomenal partner in counter-terrorism for Pakistan. This is a bizarre statement from the top American General, said senior Congress MP Jairam Ramesh in his post on X.

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The Congress MP questioned the intention of the US behind the special invitation to Munir, whose Kashmir statement was linked directly to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Asim Munir, whose statements and the Pahalgam terror attacks are directly linked to each other, gets a special invitation for the US Army Day. What is the US up to? he posted.

He further stated that the country needs to have a collective response to these challenges and that will come only through all-party meetings and Parliament sessions.

These are challenges. We have to sit together. We have to have a collective response, a collective will. How is that coming about? It will come only through all-party meetings. It will come only through the Parliament sessions. I mean the prime minister should stop playing politics, start doing governance, and take opposition parties, not individuals  the anchor of our system is political parties, not individuals. Take political parties and their leaders into confidence, said the Congress leader.

And the third setback, he claimed, was the US State Department spokesperson once again reiterating that President Trump brought about engagement between India and Pakistan.

These are three huge setbacks for our diplomacy; as I said, they are a warning and a challengethe Prime Minister, all-powerful, all-present, omnipotent, omnipresent  he must call an all-party meeting. He has met all the MPs who have gone on delegations; he should meet the leaders of opposition parties, he added.
World leaders, including former prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, have expressed grief and sympathies over the loss of life in the Ahmedabad plane crash on Thursday. Most of them took to social media platforms to share their feelings and support to India and to the people affected.

Sharif, despite recent military confrontations between India and Pakistan, was quick to condole the incident. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the precious lives lost in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. This devastating loss transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. My deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India, he posted on X.

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However, his younger brother and current prime minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, has maintained silence over the tragic air crash involving an Air India flight.

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed grief over the incident. Over 50 British nationals were also travelling by the flight that crashed soon after taking off from Ahmedabad. The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time, he said in a post on X.

Bangladeshs interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus also shared his feelings expressing concern over the accident, saying, Shocked at the tragic crash of Air India flight carrying 242 passengers in Ahmedabad. We join all in prayers for the bereaved ones and their families. Bangladesh stands in solidarity with the people and government of #India at this trying time.

Similar thoughts have come from another neighbouring country, Sri Lanka, with its Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath saying, I am deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad. I extend heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.

Deeply saddened to hear about the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. Our hearts are with the Indian people following these terrible incidents, Gideon Saar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Israel, said.

Denis Alipov, Russian Ambassador to India, was also quick enough to react to the situation and shared his feelings. Heart breaking news is coming from Ahmedabad. My heartfelt sympathy to the families and near ones of the victims and to all Indian people and the Government of India over this tragic major catastrophe, he said.

President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also sent her condolences over the crash and extended support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Heartbreaking news from India with the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss. We share your pain. Dear @narendramodi Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow, she said.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin also sent a message of condolences to President of India Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi over the plane crash. Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. Kindly convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and near ones of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe, Putin said.

Similarly, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also offers condolences to PM Modi over the plane crash.

The Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which was headed to Londons Gatwick Airport with 242 people on board, crashed minutes after taking off.

Only one survivor, reports say, emerged from the wreckage of the plane.
The collapse of the Dutch government, less than a year after it was formed, reveals the deep fault lines running through European coalition politics today. When ideological opposites band together for the sake of power, the result is often paralysis  and eventually, implosion. The decision by far right leader Geert Wilders to walk away from the governing alliance was not just the climax of a dispute over asylum policies; it was a calculated move rooted in political self interest, cloaked in populist rhetoric.

From the beginning, the coalition was a fragile construct. Formed after prolonged wrangling, it brought together Mr Wilders far-right Freedom Party with conservative-liberals, centrists, and agrarian populists. This uneasy alliance was less a united front and more a temporary ceasefire. While it allowed Mr Wilders to enter government after years in the opposition, it also forced him to temper many of his more extreme positions  or at least delay them. That contradiction was never going to hold. The final straw was Mr Wilders insistence on sweeping new asylum measures, some of which were either already part of the agreement or legally unworkable. His coalition partners were understandably reluctant to co-sign proposals they believed were either redundant or reckless.

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Advertisement Yet this tactic could alienate moderate voters and further narrow his potential for post-election partnerships. Many parties that were hesitant to join hands with him once are likely to be even more wary now. Ironically, while Mr Wilders may believe he is strengthening his hand, he may have just confirmed the suspicions of those who see him as too unpredictable to lead. The Netherlands now faces a caretaker government, mounting political uncertainty, and the prospect of elections fought more on fear than on policy. In the long run, the collapse of this coalition should serve as a warning  not just to Dutch voters, but to democracies everywhere. When political alliances are forged without a common moral and ideological compass, they are destined to break apart, leaving behind little more than disillusionment and delay. That Mr Wilders chose to walk out rather than compromise suggests his eyes are now firmly on the next election, not on governance. This is a dangerous precedent. In democratic systems where proportional representation encourages coalition-building, political actors must be capable of compromise. But Mr Wilders move highlights a growing trend across Europe: populist parties exploiting coalition frameworks to amplify their visibility and then abandoning ship at a moment of strategic advantage. It not only undermines stability but erodes public trust in democratic institutions. His gamble, however, is not without risk. Having controlled immigration policy for nearly a year, the Freedom Party must now defend its track record  or lack thereof. By exiting the coalition over asylum, Mr Wilders seeks to dominate the coming campaign with a single polarising issue.
For decades, the United States has represented the ultimate academic and professional frontier for Indian students. From technology to medicine, and from journalism to data science, generations of Indians have crossed the oceans to seek knowledge, skills, and opportunities that remain scarce in Indias overstretched higher education system. But recent shifts in US visa policy are forcing many aspirants to question this long-cherished pathway  and perhaps, for the first time in a generation, to look seriously elsewhere. The latest suspension of student visa appointments and tightening of entry conditions are not mere procedural hiccups. They reflect a deeper, more unsettling pattern: rising unpredictability in US immigration and education policy that treats international students  and by extension, Indias brightest young minds  as expendable variables in domestic political games. For Indian students who invest years of preparation, lakhs  sometimes crores  of rupees, and career dreams into their American plans, this uncertainty is not merely stressful; it is destabilising.

Parents, consultants, and students alike now whisper the same uncomfortable thought: is the US no longer a safe bet? When acceptance into a top university no longer guarantees entry into the country, when social media histories are probed as potential threats, when mid-course deportations are plausible risks  the allure of the American dream dims. The hesitation is showing up in real numbers. Education counsellors report sharp drops in applications, and countries like the UK, Germany, Ireland, and Australia are quietly benefitting from this redirected flow of global talent. For India, this moment offers both danger and opportunity. The danger lies in the disruption of a pipeline that has fed its global tech diaspora and supplied remittances, skills, and soft power. If the US no longer welcomes Indian students in large numbers, it may crimp the prospects of thousands who planned for STEM careers or nurtured Silicon Valley dreams. But the opportunity  if India dares to seize it  is to make urgent reforms in its own higher education system. India has the demographic advantage, the ambition, and the need to become a credible global education hub.

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Yet quality remains concentrated in a handful of IITs and IIMs, with limited research infrastructure and international exposure elsewhere. If the government and private sector view this US visa turmoil as a wake-up call, there is a chance to retain top talent at home  through better funding, global faculty partnerships, world-class labs, and flexible curricula. In the end, the US may find that its self-defeating policies have accelerated the global redistribution of talent. But India, too, must decide: will it passively watch its students seek Plan B abroad, or build the future where they can thrive at home? This moment of flux, provoked by the whimsy of an American administration, is rare  and decisive. The question is not where students will go next. It is whether India can finally become the place they want to stay.

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The world has rejected what George W Bush claimed at the launch of his anti-terrorism campaign, either you are with us, or you are against us. In these turbulent Trumpian times when politics is fundamentally about friends versus enemies, countries are choosing to live in what Timothy Garton Ash, Ivan Krastev and Mark Leonard call an a la carte world. Their contention is based on a major public opinion poll in 21 countries for the European Council on Foreign Relations and an Oxford University project. They argue that an a la carte arrangement gives their governments a choice to pragmatically choose their partners depending on the issue at stake. That explains the emergence of a large number of groupings and platforms which may appear to be working at cross purposes.

India is a member of George W Bush and other formations. Where to locate the Global South? The language of development is the best way to understand worlds in the making. But it has become la langue de bois (the language of evasion). If developmental buzzwords have tended to become fuzzwords, spaces of resistance and global platforms are understood differently in different contexts at different times. Global South has become what international relations experts Laura Trajber Waisbich, Supriya Roychoudhury and Sebastian Haug call an identity shorthand that we simultaneously reject and need. It is full of sound and fury, signifying many things to many people. The term Global South, coined by Carl Ogelsby, an eloquent voice of the New Left during the 1960s and 1970s, is again getting traction.

And the groups of countries claiming to belong or speak for the Global South too are growing by the day. However, China is up to its own game. It has been appropriating terms and platforms that were coined and created by others. Currently, China has been working to bolster its claim to respect the Bandung spirit. It also has leadership claims over Global South. It did the same with the Third World. French economist and demographer Alfred Sauvy coined the term Third World in 1952. While the First World comprised the United States and its Western allies; a Second World was composed of the Soviet Union and its satellites in the Eastern bloc, the Third World consisted of developing and nonaligned nations. Global South later became a synonym for the Third World and gained traction in the 1970s, with the call for a new international economic order.

The 1980 Brandt Report gave it greater acceptability. However, in the post-Cold War period, the term Third World fell gradually out of favour as it sounded pejorative. By comparison, the Global South offers a more neutral and appealing label. Global South has become synonymous with G77. Today 134 countries constitute the Global South. The Global South has a major role in reshaping global governance. BRICS is a part of the Global South.

Global South has been used in several BRICS declarations, serving both as a geographical descriptor and as an ethical signifier. The Johannesburg Declaration of August 2023 affirms a commitment to continuing to amplify and further integrate the voice of the Global South in the G20 agenda. The term has also featured prominently in the G20 deliberations. The last four presidencies of Indonesia (2022), India (2023), Brazil (2024) and South Africa (2025), have highlighted the Global South priorities in their joint declarations. One of the major criticisms of the Global South by Western analysts is that while it defends its interests, it does not offer an alternative model to the Westled international order. It is not enough to be a geopolitical disruptor. Western analysts also maintain that the Global South is a divided house. Both China and Russia have sought to position themselves as Global South powers.

The place of Russia, a former super power and China, a superpower in the making, in the Global South is a dampener when it comes to Global Souths anti-hegemonic engagements. The Global Souths limitations are obvious. It is no more a space of resistance against neoliberal capitalism. In fact, the grouping is anything but coherent and a united bloc. It is both at odds with the North as well as vis-a-vis China and Russia. Russias identification with the Global South is both pragmatic and transactional. The interactions and external trade of heavily sanctioned Russia have shifted from Europe to Asia. Russias growing alignment with the Global South has prompted some Western analysts to see even BRICS as antiWest. India has taken pains to correct such a perception by describing BRICS as non-West and not anti-West. In view of the reservations among non-Russia-China BRICS members, Russia has begun to promote alternative terms like the global majority and multipolar world order.

But China is using the Global South in its pursuit of geopolitical competition with the West. China claims it embodies the aspirations of the Global South and that it actively fosters collaborative growth through strategic initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. It also claims that its philosophy of a community with a shared future for mankind encapsulates a vision of cooperation over conflict, inclusivity over exclusivity and mutual benefit over zero-sum competition. The changes in the international system have given the Global South a new impetus of identity. But it needs to refashion its worldview. Today, the old matrix of donor-recipient relations is no more relevant. There is no one donor who is not receiving and there is no one recipient who is not giving.

The Global South must become a password for influence and responsive global governance. It must become a normative force whose influence emanates from its capacity to set behavioural norms that have an international outreach. The test of its clout and influence depends on what it does, rather than what it is. All said, the Global South is here to stay, having become what post-colonial theorist Gayatri Chakravorty calls strategic essentialism. If India hopes to lead the Global South, it will need to learn what Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar calls the art of management of differences in the transactional bazaar of global politics. The Global South, like many other platforms, is subject to interpretations. And as Friedrich Nietzsche says, whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.

(The writer comments on global affairs )

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Muhammad Yunuss popularity is waning as the interim government faces a series of crisis, with Bangladeshs political landscape becoming increasingly complex. June marks the 10th month since Yunus assumed leadership of the countrys state machinery as the Chief Advisor of the interim government  formed through the consensus of political parties, civil society, and the military following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina. It was widely expected that the interim government would serve a brief term, similar to previous caretaker administrations, with its primary responsibilities being efficient management of state affairs and facilitation of free and fair elections. In practice, however, the Yunus administration has failed to achieve either objective and has instead undertaken the broader task of state reform through the creation of various reform commissions.

Meanwhile, Yunuss policies and decisions have only exacerbated the challenges faced by the interim government amidst the chaotic conditions that have gripped the nation since August 5, last year. Despite this, Yunus appears to be navigating against the current of the countrys political will. This raises a pertinent question  why is Muhammad Yunus still holding onto office?

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Several key developments support this assertion. One such example is the enactment of unconstitutional amendments through the passing of ordinances such as the Cyber Protection Ordinance, amendments to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, the Anti-Terrorism Act, and the Enforced Law Ordinance. These ordinances were criticised for being passed unilaterally without any public consultation. More critically, these legislative moves reflect Yunuss apparent political vendetta  namely, the marginalisation of the Awami League. Two significant developments further reinforce this view: firstly, the deteriorating state of press freedom in Bangladesh, and secondly, the imposed ban on the Awami League.

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The Cyber Protection Ordinance, which replaced the stringent Cyber Security Act, was introduced by the interim government with the stated aim of strengthening cyber security. This move followed a period during which press freedom in Bangladesh had been severely eroded under the previous deposed administration. However, the new ordinance has demonstrated a similar tendency to suppress press freedom, as evidenced by the condemnation from rights groups over the revocation of press accreditation for journalists.

The retaliatory targetting of journalists critical of Muhammad Yunus and the interim government, documented by the Rights and Risk Analysis Group (RRAG), presents an alarming picture  approximately 640 journalists have been targetted over the past eight months, with 91 reportedly harassed or assaulted in May alone. The charging of journalists with terrorism and other criminal offences  mainly in connection with the July uprising and their alleged ties to the former regime  has been widely criticised as a deliberate effort by the interim government to stifle press freedom. Contrary to the expectations of restored free speech following the July uprising, press freedom remains a critical concern, as highlighted by the latest global ranking from international human rights group Article 19, which categorised Bangladesh as a crisis country for freedom of expression.

The amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act, approved on May 11, introduced a provision enabling the prohibition of terrorism-related activities by individuals and entities. Concerns had already emerged that this ordinance would empower the interim government with unchecked authority to suppress political activity, especially given its move to ban the activities of the Awami League under pressure from certain political parties. Merely a day after the ordinances enactment, the Awami League was officially dissolved  another unilateral measure implemented without public consultation. Though welcomed by parties that had mobilised on the streets demanding this outcome, Yunuss decision provoked strong international criticism and deepened domestic political divisions, with many viewing it as a violation of democratic norms carried out without due process. The politically driven violence targetting League supporters since Hasinas departure is well documented, and the ban is seen as a further escalation of such acts under a veil of impunity. These unconstitutional legal interventions have been justifiably identified as the interim governments erosion of the countrys core human rights and freedoms.

Muhammad Yunuss proposal in April to establish a humanitarian corridor connecting to Myanmars Rakhine region marks the latest instance of his administrations misjudgment. What distinguishes this issue from previous ones is the rare, unified protest and criticism it drew from all political parties  both established and emerging  arguably the first instance of such consensus since Hasinas removal. On one hand, concerns were raised about the geopolitical risks this corridor posed to Bangladeshs territorial integrity; on the other, questions were directed at the interim governments unilateral move to propose such an initiative  despite lacking the mandate  without consulting political parties. The proposal also fuelled suspicions that Yunus was favouring the interests of foreign powers at the expense of national sovereignty. Not only political parties, but even the Bangladesh Army expressed disapproval, further highlighting widening tensions with the interim government. The Army Chief firmly rejected the idea of any such bloody corridor and instructed Yunus to hold elections by December, prompting the interim government to ultimately withdraw the proposal.

The issue of elections has emerged as the most prominent point of contention against the Yunus administration. The intentional postponement of the national election has not only fuelled divisions among political parties but also hindered meaningful progress in the state building process. Although the interim government initially announced national polls could be held by December 2025, the subsequent extension of the timeline to June 2026 has sparked suspicions and fears that Yunus is deliberately attempting to cling to power. The absence of a clear electoral roadmap  despite repeated requests from political parties  has intensified concerns that the interim government may further delay elections until the following winter. The political impartiality of the interim administration is increasingly under scrutiny, with many viewing Yunus as favouring the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP), and suspecting that the postponement of the elections is a calculated strategy to give the NCP a strategic advantage in the forthcoming vote.

However, the broad consensus among political parties on the urgency of holding early elections  despite their ideological differences  signals a notable shift in the political landscape: time appears to be running out for Muhammad Yunus. The current political climate stands in stark contrast to last August, when Yunus was invited to lead the interim government. The people of Bangladesh are now demanding elections, seeking to exercise their democratic rights and facilitate a smooth political transition. It seems the Chief Advisor may have grown too accustomed to the power he holds and is now making desperate efforts to remain in office.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. The Central Finance and Contracting Agency (CFLA) has opened two new calls for project proposals, offering a total of 38 million euros in European Union funding to support municipal social housing initiatives across Latvia, Trend reports with reference to the Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia.

The funding is provided through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the EUs 20212027 Cohesion Policy Program.

Developed by the Ministry of Economics, the funding initiative aims to improve access to dignified living conditions for socially and economically vulnerable individuals while reducing long municipal waiting lists for social housing rentals.

The first call, with 6.88 million euros in available ERDF financing, will support the reconstruction and adaptation of existing premises for use as social housing. The second call allocates 31.24 million euros for municipalities to complete unfinished residential buildings or to construct entirely new social housing units.

In addition to construction, the funding may be used for related landscaping and the installation of functionally necessary kitchen and sanitary equipment.

Municipalities can submit applications from June 10 through September 10, 2025, and approved projects can be implemented through the end of 2029. Full project call documentation is available on the CFLA website under the respective rounds.

This support falls under specific objective 4.3.1 of the EU Cohesion Policy Program, aimed at promoting the social and economic integration of socially excluded communities, low-income households, and disadvantaged groupsparticularly through integrated solutions in housing and social services.

The CFLA advocates for municipalities to leverage this strategic initiative to enhance accessibility to premium, cost-effective housing solutions and foster the development of more inclusive urban ecosystems.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said that enhanced business engagement will add further momentum to the growing Indian-Swedish bilateral ties.

Addressing the India-Sweden Business Leaders Roundtable (ISBLRT) here, hosted by Marcus Wallenberg, Chair, Wallenberg Investments AB, the minister said India-Sweden cooperation will continue to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth for a brighter future.

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Envisioned by the leadership of India and Sweden in 2016, ISBLRT has since emerged as a cornerstone platform for bringing together business leaders from both nations to foster collaboration in trade, innovation, and investment, the minister said in a post on X.

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Todays discussions were constructive and forward-looking. Emphasised the need to build partnerships grounded in shared innovation, technological progress, and mutual prosperity, he added.

Goyal also had a highly productive meeting with Benjamin Dousa, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, and Hakan Jevrell, State Secretary for Foreign Trade, Sweden.

We discussed strengthening collaboration across sectors like clean energy, digital technology, climate, healthcare and life sciences, and skill development, among others, the Commerce Minister said.

He invited greater Swedish participation in Indias growing infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.

Looking forward to unlocking new chapters of cooperation, said Goyal.

The Union Minister arrived in Stockholm for a three-day official visit to Sweden, after concluding a highly successful two-day visit to Switzerland.

Eager to engage with Swedens leadership, business community, and key stakeholders to explore new opportunities and strengthen our longstanding ties, Goyal posted on social media platform X.

With over 280 Swedish companies in India and more than 80 Indian companies in Sweden, the potential for collaboration is immense, he added.

The Sweden visit is aimed at reinforcing the existing robust economic relationship and identifying new opportunities for growth, which are aligned with Indias long-term economic objectives and global partnerships.
The White House said that US President Donald Trump has acknowledged Tesla CEO Elon Musks apology for his recent comments, signalling a possible cooling of tensions between the two high-profile figures.

Addressing the media on Wednesday (US time), Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, The President acknowledged the statement that Elon put out this morning and he is appreciative of it. We are continuing to focus on the business of the American people.

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When asked if the Trump administration had begun reviewing Musks government contracts  something the President had earlier indicated was under consideration  Leavitt clarified, Currently no efforts have been made on that front as far as Im aware.

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According to a CNN report, Musk personally called Trump on Monday night and later issued a public statement on Wednesday expressing regret over his social media remarks that fueled last weeks very public fallout.

The apology came after a conversation on Friday involving Musk, Vice President JD Vance, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, during which the feud was allegedly talked about extensively.

Sources familiar with the interactions told CNN that prominent Republican lawmakers and close Trump allies have been quietly urging Musk to reconcile with the President and consider backing his administrations key legislative initiative  a domestic policy package dubbed the Big Beautiful Bill.

The bill is facing significant opposition in the Senate.

Musk, who once enjoyed close ties with Trump and was dubbed his first buddy in tech circles, has maintained connections with several members of Trumps inner circle.

These aides and allies have leveraged their personal rapport with Musk in recent days through calls and text messages in a bid to de-escalate tensions.

While Musk is said to be open to reconciliation, sources noted that he has voiced concerns over the bills lack of spending cuts  a sticking point he raised during discussions with Republican interlocutors.

The situation remains fluid, but with Trump publicly accepting Musks apology and both sides showing signs of engagement, the possibility of renewed collaboration between the administration and one of Americas most influential tech entrepreneurs appears increasingly likely.
Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6)

Today

Rain showers in the morning with thunderstorms developing for the afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 72F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

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Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 61F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo met with Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi in Maputo to review the companys ongoing and planned activities in the country, reaffirming the partnership between Eni and Mozambique, Trend reports.

The two sides discussed the progress of the Coral South Project, which the IMF estimates accounted for half of Mozambiques GDP growth in 2023 and is expected to contribute to the majority of growth in 2024. They also reviewed the government-approved plan to develop the Coral North FLNG project, aimed at expanding LNG production in the Rovuma Basin.

The meeting also addressed Enis efforts to diversify its operations in Mozambique. These include a new agribusiness initiative to produce vegetable oil for biorefining, aimed at supporting rural development and integrating Mozambique into the biofuel supply chain. Eni is also engaged in carbon offset programs, including a clean cooking initiative and REDD+ activities.

Eni has operated in Mozambique since 2006 and has discovered significant natural gas reserves in the Coral, Mamba Complex, and Agulha fields. The company is also active in local sustainability programs focused on health, education, and water access.


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The Indian armed forces have inducted two internally developed original military technologies, very aptly named Shatrunash (destroyer of enemies) and Agniastra (weapon of fire), which are set to redefine battlefield tactics in both conventional battles as well as counter-insurgency operations.

A multi-target portable remote detonation system, Agniastra not only demolishes enemy bunkers, bridges, and fortified structures but can fire at multiple targets independently over long distances. The machine is deployable manually or via UAVs/UGVs.

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) gun, Shatrunash is a handheld and directed-energy weapon designed to disable IEDs, drones, vehicles, and any electronic-based target without kinetic impact. It uses high-power microwave radiation.

In a major recognition of this military technology, Major Rajprasad R.S. of the Indian Armys Corps of Engineers has been conferred with the NSG Counter IED Innovator Award for the year 202425.

The award was presented to him during National Security Guard (NSG) international seminar held in New Delhi on June 11 for the two mechanical creations.

ALSO READ: India's BrahMos stunned Pakistan. Will global demand for the combat-proven missiles now soar?

This marks Major Ramprasads second NSG honour. His 2023 innovation Xploder, a multi-role Kamikaze UGV for IED disposal and hideout neutralisation, is now approved for induction in the Indian Army.

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi formally inducted 'Xploder' in December 2024. So far, Rajprasad has developed over 12 tactical innovations, with four already being inducted into the Indian Armys operational ecosystem.

His inventions have also been showcased to top dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and the three service chiefs.

Previously, another innovation named WEDC (Wireless Electronic Detonation System) developed by the officer had been inducted.

Significantly, it is for the first time that the Transfer of Technologies (ToT) for these systems have been granted to private defence industries for mass production by Indian Armys Army Design Bureau (ADB) facilitated by Foundation of Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), thereby nurturing and establishing the manufacturing ecosystem to contribute to the Aatmanirbharta initiative.
Aamir Khan was basking in the success of his critically acclaimed film Lagaan when filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker approached him with another story idea. The story of an orphan boy who rose through the ranks to work in NASA as a scientist and later embarks on a quest back in India in search of his caregiver, Kaveri Amma. But the plot did not stick with Aamir.

ALSO READ | #BoycottAamirKhan trends again: Sitaare Zameen Par faces online backlash and boycott calls

The actor revealed in an interview with Zoom that the storywhich was then called Kaveri Ammafelt flat to him and got bored when Gowariker narrated it to him. Aamir said, It was a three-hour-long narration. When he asked me how I liked it, I said I wanted to tell you my first reaction. I said, I got bored. Its very important for you to hear this reaction. Your thoughts are noble, and what you want to say through the film is valid. But if you say it in such a boring way, I will not enjoy it. I don't know the rest but I am bored. You have to make this interesting.

Eventually, Gowariker went on to cast Shah Rukh Khan to play Mohan Bhargav in Swades. The film was widely appreciated and acknowledged as Shah Rukh's best on-screen performance to date. Actually, I have not seen Swades yet. So maybe he must have done it right, Aamir said. I noticed that people especially liked Shah Rukh's work.

ALSO READ | Aamir Khan turned down THIS role in Mansoor Khans Josh because...

Aamir is currently gearing up for the release of Sitaare Zameen Par, a spiritual sequel to his film Taare Zameen Par. The film is slated to release on June 20.
Nearly two months after its theatrical debut, the Akshay Kumar-led Kesari 2, which recounts true historical events, will now be available on the OTT platform. Streaming giant JioHotstar had announced via their social media that the second instalment of the Kesari franchise will be available for streaming from June 13.

The film follows the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre when Malayali advocate C. Sankaran Nair was tasked by the British Empire to formulate a report on the incident. He finds the massacre, ordered and orchestrated by General Reginald Dyer, highly unjustifiable, and decides to challenge the British Crown in court. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi, the film stars Akshay Kumar, R. Madhavan, Ananya Panday, Regina Cassandra, and Simon Paisley Day.

Kesari 2 is the second instalment of the Kesari franchise which first debuted in 2019 and chronicled the Battle of Saragarhi in 1897.

ALSO READ | Why does Akshay Kumar want British monarch King Charles to watch Kesari 2?

Kumar was immediately drawn to the story, also penned by Tyagi. The moment I heard it, I knew I had to be part of this film. History often hides what truly matters, and this film uncovers one such powerful moment," he said during a press conference.

The Tyagi directorial received tepid reviews, with Sajin Shrijith of THE WEEK remarking, I wish the film carried more punch. Take the emotional bits, for example, and the use of music in them. Why not use an instrumental score to accompany them instead of a song?

Owing to its weak depiction of real-life events, coupled with a lacklustre critical reception, Kesari 2 failed to meet its budget during its theatrical release, managing to scrape only Rs 143 crore against a budget of Rs 150. v
A popular Punjabi influencer, Kamal Kaur, was found dead in the parking lot of the hospital of Adesh Hospital in Bathinda. Her body was found on Wednesday night after passers-by reported a foul smell emitting from the car.

Bathinda Police informed ANI that foul play is suspected in her death and a murder investigation is underway. "Yesterday evening, we received a call that a car was parked in Adesh Hospital and some foul smell was coming out of it, SP Narinder Singh of Bathinda police station said.

#WATCH | Punjab | Body of Ludhiana-based social media influencer, Kanchan Kumari, alias Kamal Kaur, found in her own car, in Bathinda.



SP Bathinda, Narinder Singh says, "Yesterday evening, we received a call that a car was parked in Adesh Hospital and some foul smell was coming pic.twitter.com/KPzOKNVwkV  ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

Singh said the body of a female was discovered in the back seat of the vehicle. Preliminary investigations suggest that Kaur was not murdered in the car, and the place of death is yet to be ascertained.

The SP further disclosed that the influencer left her residence on Monday, June 9, telling her mother that she was headed to attend a promotional event. Kaur was dumped in the same car she left home with. Our priority is to know how her body reached there, and who is responsible for her death, and soon, action will be taken against those responsible, he added.

Who was Kamal Kaur?

Kamal Kaur whose real name is Kanchan Kumari, is a Ludhiana-based influencer. Believed to be in her mid-30s, she has built a significant presence on social media, with over 16 lakh followers across all platforms.

She boasts of close to four lakh followers on Instagram and has a Facebook page of 7.7 lakh followers. Additionally, she operated two YouTube channels under the usernames Funny bhabhi Tv with 2.3 lakh followers and kamal kaur with 2.7 lakh.

The influencers last social media post came at 10:54 pm on Monday, which features a selfie. The picture is captioned, No emotion, no love, no f**k. Only doubt doubt doubt is left.

According to The Tribune, Kumari was embroiled in controversy last October, after Canada-based designated terrorist Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, warned her to stop posting inappropriate content.
Vision problems are often attributed to common eye conditions, but sometimes they can be the first warning sign of something far more serious- a brain tumour.

The most common problem in adults is called bitemporal hemianopia, the loss of peripheral vision in both eyes. This happens because these tumours press on the spot where your vision nerves cross over in your brain.

Dr Vijay Sankaran, Joint Director and Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at SIMS Hospitals, Chennai, explains that those who suffer from this kind of vision loss often bump into objects on the fringes of vision. Another sign is a double vision when the individual looks in certain directions. More alarming symptoms include sudden vision loss accompanied by headache, vomiting, and balance problems, which may indicate a dangerous build-up of pressure in the brain.

The patterns of visual loss vary dramatically based on the tumour location. Dr Roopesh Kumar, Director of Neurosurgery at MGM Healthcare, Chennai, notes that symptoms can range from partial vision reduction in one eye to complete blindness in both eyes.

The kinds of tumours that have the greatest impact on vision include:

Pituitary adenomas - growths in your pituitary gland, a small gland behind your eyes that controls hormones

- growths in your pituitary gland, a small gland behind your eyes that controls hormones Craniopharyngiomas - these are growths near the pituitary gland area

- these are growths near the pituitary gland area Hypothalamic and optochiasmatic gliomas - grow in brain areas that control basic body functions and where vision nerves cross

- grow in brain areas that control basic body functions and where vision nerves cross Germ cell tumors - A type of tumor that can develop in the brain

- A type of tumor that can develop in the brain Dermoid or epidermoid tumors - Cyst-like growths in the middle of the brain

Thus, early recognition and prompt referral are critical to treating these tumours. Training optometrists and general physicians to identify neurological signs like papilledema or field cuts, combined with public awareness campaigns, can improve early detection rates and ultimately save both vision and lives.

How to diagnose?

The following methods can help in the diagnosis of the tumors.

MRI brain scans with contrast

Advanced vision assessment techniques like OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) help predict visual recovery potential after surgery.

For children unable to cooperate with formal vision testing, visual evoked potential studies assess the extent of vision damage. These are non-invasive procedures that measure the electrical activity in the brain in response to visual stimuli, specifically the signals generated by the brain's visual cortex when the eyes detect a light pattern.

These modern brain surgery tools can help in protecting your vision:

Intraoperative neuro-navigation: Think of this like a GPS for brain surgery. This technology shows the surgeon exactly where they are inside your brain during the operation and navigates safely around important areas that control vision.

Visual evoked potential monitoring: This is like having a vision alarm system during surgery. If the machine detects any problem with your vision during surgery, it immediately alerts the surgeon to stop or change what theyre doing.

Diffusion tractography: This is a special type of brain scan that creates a roadmap of all the nerve pathways in your brain. It shows surgeons exactly where the vision pathways run so they can carefully work around them without cutting or damaging them.

Awake brain surgery: The patient stays awake during part of the surgery so they can: look at pictures or read letters on a screen, tell the surgeon immediately if their vision changes, and help the surgeon know in real-time if theyre getting too close to vision areas.

All these technologies work together like a team of bodyguards protecting your vision during brain surgery. They help surgeons remove tumours while keeping your eyesight safe - and sometimes even help restore vision that was lost due to the tumour. For the best treatment outcome, we must remain alert to the changes in vision and seek medical help immediately.
Yoga is as effective as knee strengthening exercises in reducing pain and improving function and stiffness in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Yoga also has the added benefit of improving quality of life and mental well-being.

Osteoarthritis is a common musculoskeletal disorder affecting over 595 million people worldwide. Exercise therapy is widely recommended as the first-line treatment for managing knee OA. An Australian study published in JAMA Network Open analysed the comparative effectiveness of yoga and strengthening exercises over a 24-week period.

The study involved 117 adults aged 40 years or older with knee OA, 72.6 per cent of whom were female. Participants were randomly assigned to either a yoga or strengthening exercise group. For the first 12 weeks, both groups attended two supervised sessions and one home-based session per week. This was followed by three unsupervised home-based sessions per week for the next 12 weeks.

Both groups reported similar reduction in knee pain at 12 weeks. However, by 24 weeks, the yoga group demonstrated modestly greater improvements in pain, function, stiffness and performance in a fast-paced walk test as well as quality of life and symptoms of depression. No significant adverse effects were reported in either group.

Integrating yoga as an alternative or complementary exercise option in clinical practice may help in managing knee osteoarthritis, the study concluded.
At least 30 persons have been confirmed dead in the tragic flight crash near Ahmedabad Airport on Thursday. As many as 242 passengers and 10 crew members were onboard the London-bound aircraft.

According to reports, rescuers have recovered at least 30 bodies from the accident site. According to DirectrDirectorate General of Civil Aviation, the Ahmedabad-London flight crashed immediately after it took off from the airport in Gujarat's capital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have reportedly started to Gujarat from New Delhi. Modi spoke with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and directed him to take all necessary measures.

Amit Shah said he spoke with Gujarat chief minister and assessed the situation. He tweeted, "Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation."

AI171 Ahmedabad-London Air India flight crashed outside the Ahmedabad airport immediately after it took off, DGCA said. In a statement, DGCA said, "Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of two pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar."

"As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST from runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site," the civil aviation authority said in a statement.

The Gujarat CMO tweeted, "The State Govt of Gujarat has set up a control room at the State Emergency Operation Centre in connection with the Ahmedabad plane crash. The concerned can contact the control room on Phone No.079-232-51900 and Mobile No.9978405304."
The Air India flight that crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad International Airport fell on the hostel building of BJ Medical College in the city.

At least five people have reportedly died, and 30 others have been injured at the hostel, NDTV said in its report. The pictures doing the rounds on social media showed food plates lying on the tables in the hostel canteen, and part of the aircraft stuck inside the hostel building.

"As per preliminary information, a London-bound Air India flight has crashed at the doctors' hostel. Within 2-3 minutes, police and other agencies reached the spot. Almost 70-80 % of the area has been cleared. All agencies are working here, said a senior police officer, reported ANI.

#WATCH | Ahmedabad, Gujarat: A senior police officer says, "As per preliminary information, a London-bound Air India flight has crashed at the doctors' hostel. Within 2-3 minutes, police and other agencies reached the spot. Almost 70-80 % of the area has been cleared. All pic.twitter.com/ugEQiIIOgB  ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

The AI171 flight with 232 passengers and 10 crew on board was going to London when it went down into a residential area in Meghani Nagar area in the city around 2 pm.

The passengers included 169 Indians, 53 British, and one Canadian national on-board.

Air India Flight AI171 reportedly crashed into the hostel part of the B.J. Medical College (BJMC), a well-known medical college in Ahmedabad.



Reports claim that Medical students residing in the hostel have also died in the crash. pic.twitter.com/nvVw6flHne  Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) June 12, 2025

Visuals from the area showed mangled metal of the wreckage, snarls of tangled wire and smoke rising from the charred remnants.

This is the second air disaster in Gujarat's principal city after an Indian Airlines plane crashed in its final approach to the Ahmedabad airport, killing 130 people, on October 19, 1998.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. PASHA Capital is currently in negotiations with the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) as part of its plans to enter the countrys financial market, Ilgar Taghiyev, Sales Advisor to the CEO of PASHA Capital, said at a press conference on the companys financial results for 2024, Trend reports.

We are planning to enter the Kazakh marketif not this year, then next. Kazakh investors have also expressed interest in entering the Azerbaijani market. We already have cooperation models in place, and weve started negotiations with two major investment companies from Kazakhstan, he noted.

To note, PASHA Capital Investment Company Closed Joint Stock Company (PASHA Capital) was founded in June 2012 and provides brokerage, investment banking, margin trading, and financial advice services to individuals and legal entities. EMEA Finance Magazine named the company "The Best Broker in Azerbaijan" in the "Europe Banking Awards 2013." It also won The Best Investment Company in Azerbaijan at the Cbonds Awards CIS 2019. The company became the Baku Stock Exchange's largest operator in 2020 with 10.9 billion AZN in activities.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The dead body of Punjabi social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, alias Kamal Kaur Bhabhi, was found inside a parked car in Bathinda on Wednesday evening. The influencer, in her thirties, was reportedly a resident of Lachman Colony in Ludhiana.

Kanchan Kumari is believed to have died two or three days earlier, and the police are probing all angles, including how she ended up inside a car that was parked near Adesh Hospital in Bathinda's Bhucho area. The handle of Kamal Kaur Bhabhi had over 384K followers, and her last post  a photo of her in a black T-shirt  was uploaded three days ago.

#WATCH | Punjab | Body of Ludhiana-based social media influencer, Kanchan Kumari, alias Kamal Kaur, found in her own car, in Bathinda.



SP Bathinda, Narinder Singh says, "Yesterday evening, we received a call that a car was parked in Adesh Hospital and some foul smell was coming pic.twitter.com/KPzOKNVwkV  ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

Her controversial commentary had often drawn criticism. A few months ago, an overseas gangster had reportedly threatened her life for posting content he found objectionable, Hindustan Times said in a report.

Kanchan Kumari's lifeless body was discovered when locals noticed a foul smell coming from the stationary car and alerted the police, Punjabi media reports said. The hospital parking lot is located on the BathindaChandigarh National Highway. The probe team has reportedly taken the car into custody and started examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area.

The cause of her death is expected to be confirmed following an autopsy. The police reportedly learned that she had left for Bathinda on June 9 for a promotional event but lost contact with her family in the days that followed.

As things stand, the Punjab Police believe the car was abandoned in the parking lot after the crime was committed. The registration plates of the vehicle are said to be fake, and assistance from the Motor Vehicle Department has been sought, a top police official told the press.
The Meghalaya Police, probing the murder of Indore-based businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, are likely to bring his wife and prime accused Sonam Raghuvanshi to their hometown in Madhya Pradesh, where the conspiracy of the crime was hatched, over the next few days.

A Shillong court has sent Sonam (24) and four other accused, including her alleged lover Raj Kushwaha (20), to eight-day police custody.

After the preliminary interrogation of the accused, the investigators suspect that Sonam could be the actual mastermind of the crime and she might have used Kushwaha as a pawn in her game plan, reported Times of India.

They suspect that she may have lured Kushwaha through promise of love, but was planning to elope with someone else. Kushwaha, unaware of her intention, helped her execute the crime and facilitated her unsuccessful escape plan.

#WATCH | Shillong: On Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, Meghalaya Minister Alexander Laloo Hek says, "I saw the news that Meghalaya police have found a mangalsutra and ring from Sonam's suitcase, which was left in the homestay. So I think this is a very vital clue... The people of pic.twitter.com/r0slMtC7Y7  ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

Police had earlier claimed that Sonam had returned to Indore and stayed in a flat for three days before travelling to Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh. She kept her stay clandestine, even from the co-accused, even as the police were in an all-out search for her in the northeast state. Her family members had launched protests against the Meghalaya government for laxity in finding her whereabouts.

Police said when things went out of hand, Sonam decided to flee to Ghazipur and it was Kushwaha who booked the cab for her on June 6. He even made the payments to the cab driver.

Police are yet to trace the flat in Indore where Sonam allegedly stayed after the killing of her husband.

"We have received information that Sonam came to Indore from Meghalaya (after Raja's murder) and stayed in a rented flat in the city's Dewas Naka area between May 25 and 27. It is likely that the Meghalaya police will bring Sonam to Indore in the next few days and investigate the identification of this place and other evidence on the basis of her information," a Madhya Pradesh police official told PTI.

The body of Raja, an Indore-based businessman, was recovered from a deep gorge in Sohra area in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya on June 2, days after the couple who had gone on a honeymoon to the northeast state, went missing.

Sonam surrendered before the UP police on June 9 after police arrested Kushwaha and other three accusedVishal Chauhan, Akash Rajput and Anand Kurmi.
The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday ordered a fresh caste census (socio-economic and educational survey) by the states Backward Classes Commission, within the next 90 days.

While the move will have far-reaching political and social implications, the decision to conduct a fresh survey (after scrapping the old one) was taken following the advice by the Congress high command, which cautioned the CM and the DCM that the old report was outdated and any decision based on the report could be legally challenged. The survey is meant to guide future decisions on reservations and targeted welfare programmes.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, during a press meet in Bengaluru following the Cabinet meeting defended the decision citing Section 11(1) of the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1995, which mandates a fresh survey every ten years to assess and update the list of socially and educationally backward communities. Since the last survey was conducted in 2015, and the data is now ten years old, the existing report is no longer legally valid. Population and social indicators change significantly in a decade. Therefore, it is necessary to reassess the socio-educational conditions before implementing any recommendations, clarified Siddaramaiah.

Amid criticism from the opposition BJP and JDS over scrapping the old report, Siddaramaiah alleged that the opposition parties were also guilty of not implementing the caste census.

The chief minister elaborated on the process adopted by the previous commission and stated that the 2015 Kantharaju Commission survey had been carried out between April 11 and May 30, 2015, involving 1.6 lakh staff and 1.33 lakh teachers and had covered around 5.98 crore individuals out of an estimated 6.35 crore population (based on 2011 Census projections). Data was collected based on 54 socio-educational indicators through door-to-door visits.

The survey was completed by 2018, but the report was not accepted during Kumaraswamys tenure as the CM. Later the BJP government appointed Jayaprakash Hegde as the new chairman of the Commission, who submitted the recommendations based on the existing data to our government on February 29, 2024. We tabled the report in the Cabinet and today, we have ordered a fresh survey owing to the old report becoming redundant. said Siddaramaiah, adding that the government was only complying with the legal requirement and would consult the current chairman of the Commission Madhusudhan Naik.

In response to a question on how the states survey compares with the proposed caste census by the Centre, Siddaramaiah said, The Centre has not stated that it would conduct a socio and educational survey. They have not responded to our query on the same. So, we will go ahead with a fresh survey independently in the interest of social justice.

The BJP has slammed the Siddaramaiah government for scrapping the old report alleging that it was a criminal waste of taxpayers money (Rs 165 crore) and advised that the state government should not hurry through the survey and instead cooperation to the Centre which has planned to carry out the caste census along with the ongoing General Census.

Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar dared the BJP to back the old report instead of opposing a resurvey.

When asked about earlier objections raised by dominant communities like Vokkaligas and Lingayats to the previous survey, the CM said, The new process will be transparent and legally compliant. We can complete the resurvey in 90 days. Telangana completed a similar survey in 70 days.

Meanwhile, experts have warned against burdening the school teachers with enumeration work in the middle of the academic year stating it would impact the students of government schools.
Further probe into the Meghalaya honeymoon murder is underway and cops are likely to take Sonam Raghuvanshi to the murder site for reconstructing the crime scene soon. Meghalaya police were granted eight-day custody of all accused, including Sonam, in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case on Wednesday.

Meghalaya police chief I. Nongrang said the mangalsutra and wedding ring Sonam left behind at a homestay helped them crack the sensational murder case. The state police faced severe criticism earlier from the Raghuvanshi family, alleging lack of serious probe, after the newly-wed couple who visited the state for honeymoon were reported missing on May 23.

Nongrang said cops found the luggage of the couple at a homestay in Sohra and they recovered Sonam's mangalsutra and ring from it. "We recovered Sonam's 'mangalsutra' and a ring from the suitcase the couple abandoned at a homestay in Sohra. A married woman leaving behind the ornaments gave us a clue to pursue her as a suspect in the case," Nongrang told PTI.

According to cops, the Indore couple walked into the homestay in Sohra on May 22 without any prior booking. However, after they were told all rooms were booked, the couple left their luggage there before trekking to Nongriat village.

A police officer involved in the probe said, "While their suitcase remained at the Sohra homestay, they spent the night at a homestay in Nongriat before checking out early on May 23. They trekked back to Sohra, took their scooter from the parking and went to Weisawdong Falls, where Raja was allegedly killed by the three contract killers in front of his wife," PTI reported.

While cops had nabbed the hired killers and Sonam's alleged lover Raj Kushwaha earlier, Sonam, who was at large, was arrested from a dhaba in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, over 1,000km away from the crime site. On arrest, Sonam claimed she was "drugged and kidnapped". However, police saw through her lies and called her a "poor planner".

According to police, Sonam, along with Raj Kushwaha, plotted to murder Raja. Kushwaha was an employee at the factory run by Sonam's family. Sonam's family has pledged all support for Raja's family in the probe and they said she should be hanged if found guilty.
The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 shook the confidence of the tourists, resulting in huge cancellations of bookings, but the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2025 is seeing a strong response from devotees. According to reports, so far, over 3.31 lakh pilgrims have registered for the yatra, showing that their faith remains unshaken.

Pahalgam, which serves as a base camp for the 45-kilometre trek to the Amarnath cave, continues to play a vital role in the pilgrimage. At the cave shrine, pilgrims seek darshan (holy viewing) of the naturally formed ice stalagmite, believed by devotees to represent the symbol of Lord Shiva.

Glimpses from the 'Pratham Puja' performed at the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji. pic.twitter.com/7Di9DgXywU  Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) June 11, 2025

The Amarnath Yatra will begin on July 3 and end on August 9, the day of Raksha Bandhan. This years pilgrimage will last 38 days, shorter than last years 52 days.

The shorter duration has been decided based on auspicious religious dates, and not because of security concerns.

The journey will take place along the traditional Pahalgam and Baltal routes. According to the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), registrations began on April 14, and it is expected that up to 5 lakh pilgrims could take part this year.

Pilgrims can register either online or at over 540 designated bank branches across India.

Although the Pahalgam attack mainly targeted tourists and not pilgrims, authorities have increased security measures for the yatra.

Top police and paramilitary officials have held planning meetings, and about 581 companies of security forces will be deployed along the pilgrimage routes.

Special teams will be on duty to scan for threats, and all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be strictly followed.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also heads the SASB, recently visited the Amarnath cave on Wednesday via the Baltal route to personally review the safety arrangements.

He said that significant improvements have been made to ensure a safe and smooth yatra. Key safety measures include safety railings installed at risky points on the Pahalgam route, stone protection walls, fencing, and wire mesh added in areas prone to landslides.

There is improved surfacing on slippery stretches using granular sub-base material, with ILCB tiles laid on difficult paths on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. A new alternate footpath from Chandanwari to Pissutop is now equipped with safety features for walking pilgrims.
In a show of support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, top travel groups across India are campaigning to help revive tourism in Kashmir after the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and the launch of Operation Sindoor. The two incidents have left the tourism industry in crisis, with tourist footfall witnessing a huge decline.

The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), the oldest and largest travel body in the country, has started a campaign called 'Rally for Valley'. The aim is to fight the fear among tourists and show that Kashmir is still a safe and beautiful place to visit.

#WATCH | Srinagar, J&K: On the visit of 30 members of Kashmir Travel Agents Association to Kargil, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister's Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani says, "Our relationship with Leh and Ladakh will become stronger. When we worry about promoting tourism in our region, we pic.twitter.com/nrPoz8q2QU  ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

Speaking in Srinagar, where 75 leading travel experts have gathered, TAAI president Sunil Kumar said they want to build trust again. We have come with our families to show that Kashmir is safe. We want tourists across India to see this and feel confident to visit again, he said.

TAAI has more than 2,500-member companies. Its last major event in Srinagar was in 2018, which Kumar said had helped improve the way people saw Kashmir as a travel destination.

But the April 22 Pahalgam attack against tourists has made many travellers cancel or delay their plans. To change this, TAAI will run the 'Rally for Valley' campaign in all its 20 chapters, covering big cities across India. The campaign will promote Kashmir as a safe, family-friendly holiday destination.

This is part of a bigger effort that began with the Chalo Kashmir campaign, started by TAAIs Kolkata chapter. That campaign alone sends around 40,000 tourists to Kashmir every year. Another major travel body, the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), is also helping. From June 13 to 16, TAFI will hold an important meeting in Srinagar and Pahalgam. Over 60 top travel company leaders from across India will participate. They will meet local people and work together to support Kashmirs tourism.

These efforts are not just about travel  they are about rebuilding trust, supporting local jobs, and helping Kashmir return as one of Indias favourite holiday destinations.
The Congress on Thursday targeted the Narendra Modi government over the United States's invite to Pakistan's Chief of the Army Staff, Asim Munir, despite India's global outreach efforts in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam terror attack.

Congress secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said the presence of the Pakistan Army chief during US Army Day celebrations was a matter of "serious concern".

"It is reported that Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir has been invited to a program in Washington DC on the occasion of the US Army Day (June 14). This news is a significant diplomatic and strategic setback for India. This is the same individual who used provocative and inciting language just before the Pahalgam terrorist attackraising the question: what is the intention of the United States?" the Congress leader asked in a post on X.

Jairam Ramesh also questioned Centre over the US referring to Pakistan as its "splendid partner" despite India's recent all-party delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, visiting the US as part of Operation Sindoor. "While the Modi government claims that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing, the presence of the Pakistani Army Chief as a guest at the US Army Day celebrations is undoubtedly a matter of serious concern," Ramesh added.

"The Trump administration has been making statements that can only be interpreted to mean that the United States is viewing India and Pakistan on the same scale," he charged.

The Congress leader said the news emerging from the US only complicated India's diplomatic situation and urged the Centre to conduct a special session of Parliament soon. "The Prime Minister should now set aside his stubbornness and concerns about prestige and convene an all-party meeting along with a special session of Parliament, so that the nation can clearly express its collective will and present a concrete roadmap for the country. Decades of diplomatic progress cannot be allowed to be undermined so easily," he said.
At least 265 bodies were recovered by midnight in the deadly Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad. These included students at the hostel building into which the AI 171 crashed. Authorities said the rescue operation at the crash site has officially been completed.

It was reported that the temperature in and around the crashed Air India plane reached as high as 1,000 degree Celsius, making the chance of survival slim. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carried 1.25 lakh litre fuel and this meant that there was no opportunity to save lives.

Inspected the site of the fatal plane crash in Ahmedabad. The whole nation is mourning the unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones. pic.twitter.com/V2wkWz3ljh  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 12, 2025

Shah held a high-level meeting with top officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry and the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate with the state government.

Only one passenger, identified as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, from seat 11A survived the crash while 229 remaining passengers and 12 crew members died in the crash. These included 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian. The flight was bound to London's Gatwick Airport and took off from Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at 1.39 pm on Thursday. Among the deceased passengers was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Visited the hospital and met with the people injured in the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Spoke with the affected family members and assured them of every possible support required for the swift recovery of the injured. Also discussed with the doctors about their present pic.twitter.com/9et40tlRZy  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 12, 2025

AI 171 was piloted by captain Sumeet Sabharwal who had a total of 8,200 fly hours to his credit and first officer Clive Kundar with 1,100 fly hours.

The official death toll is yet to be declared as DNA tests are pending. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a formal probe in line with international protocols set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Air India has set up a dedicated hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide information to relatives of the passengers.
At 5:52pm IST on June 12, King Charles conveyed his personal condolences to the next of kin of all victims of the IA 171 air crash in Ahmedabad. The message came through the English royal familys official X handle.

Signed Charles R, the note said: "My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones.

The king had a special word of respect for medics and first responders on the ground. I would like to pay a particular tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services, the note said, and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time.

A message from His Majesty The King following this mornings tragic incident in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/H5zb6KlNnf  The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) June 12, 2025

AI 171 was bound for London Gatwick from Ahmedabad. Of the 242 passengers, 52 were British nationals. The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said on its website that it has formally offered its assistance to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, India.

In addition, the UK AAIB will have expert status in the Indian safety investigation, the statement said. This is standard protocol according to International Civil Aviation Organization norms as UK citizens were travelling on the aircraft. We are deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian-led investigation, the UK AAIB added.

Additionally, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed on X that it will be leading a team of US investigators travelling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation into the crash of AI 171.



NTSB added that, according to international protocols under the International Civil Aviation Organization's Annexure 13, all information on the investigation will be provided by the Government of India.
THE WEEK accessed a letter on the official letterhead of The Indian Medical Association Medical Students' Network (IMA MSN) that said that 50 medical students had died in the AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad. The letter was dated June 12, with the reference number MSN/HQ/2025/003.

But a letter with the reference number MSN/UP/2025/003 posted on X at 7:04pm on June 12 confirmed the death of medical students, without mentioning a number. At 10:55pm, IMA MSN put up another letter on X with the reference number MSN/UP/2025/06, confirming that at least three medical students had died in the air crash.

While the first letter was on the national bodys letterhead, the other two were on the Uttar Pradesh state units letterhead. The first one has not been posted on the unions official X account as this story is being published.

The UP letters were signed by IMA MSN Uttar Pradesh state convenor Dr Aman Priya Singh, general secretary Dr Megha Chattopadhyay and national council member Dr Abdul Ahad. The one on the national letterhead was co-signed by three office bearers of IMA MSN: Dr Shiv Kumar Utture, national chairman; Dr Mitesh C. Shah national secretary; and Dr Suryam Singh, national convenor.

"On behalf of IMA MSN, we extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. May the departed souls rest in peace, and we pray for the speedy recovery of those injured." pic.twitter.com/T57b0n7NzT  IMA-MSN (HQs) Official (@HqsMsn) June 12, 2025

Perhaps, three is the number of student victims from Uttar Pradesh, and 50 is the overall count. Considering the lateness of the hour and the situation on the ground, THE WEEKs efforts to reach IMA MSN office bearers have been futile. Efforts are on to verify the figures.

Flight AI 171 had crashed into the hostel for undergraduate students at B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. As it was past noon, students had gathered in the hostel mess hall for lunch, leading to a spike in casualties on the ground.

The national units letter said: It is with profound grief and a heavy heart that we at IMA MSN National extend our deepest condolences and unwavering solidarity in the wake of the tragic incident in Ahmedabad, which has claimed the lives of 249 passengers and 50 of our fellow medical students, and unfortunately still counting.

The union urged all its state unitsespecially those in proximity to Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtrato mobilise and offer every assistance to BJ Medical College. IMA MSN called for money to support relief efforts; blood donation drives to support the treatment of survivors and medical volunteers in the field to assist doctors and paramedics in Ahmedabad. It has all called for all kinds of logistical support.

According to the organisations website, IMA MSN is the student's wing of (the Indian Medical Association), aiming to connect medical students from all the medical colleges in India with the same goals and purpose as IMA while also providing a means for curricular and extracurricular activities to students.
Kazakhstan, Roca Group nodding high-tech factory in Kyzylorda region

Kazakhstan's Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, has met with Santiago de Gomar Roca, Chairman of Roca Group, to discuss the establishment of a high-tech sanitary equipment factory in the Kyzylorda region. The project, which involves an investment of 70 million, aims to produce up to 500,000 units annually, targeting both domestic and export markets. A Framework Agreement for the projects implementation has been signed, signaling a step forward in strengthening bilateral ties and boosting Kazakhstan's industrial growth.

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A wider conflict could be in the offing in the Middle East with reports indicating that Israel is all set to strike Iran, that too without US aid. This comes amid speculation that the sixth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the US scheduled for Sunday in Oman would proceed.

Here are the five signs that Israel could launch airstrikes at the nuclear sites of Iran.

US moving its military personnel from Iraq

Fearing retaliation by Iran, the US has decided to withdraw diplomats from Iraq and authorise the voluntary departure of US military family members from the Middle East. A State Department official told The Washington Post that the decision to "reduce the footprint of the mission in Iraq was based on the latest analysis". "We are watching and worried. We think its more serious than any other time in the past," the diplomat added.

The State Department has also instructed American embassies operating within Tehran's potential attack range - including in Eastern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East - to hold internal emergency meetings and prepare for security scenarios.

Trump's statement

US President Donald Trump, who initially expressed confidence about reaching a deal with Iran, has now changed track, stating "he was less confident that Iran would agree to stop uranium enrichment in a nuclear deal with Washington."

"Im less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago. Something happened to them, but I am much less confident of a deal being made," he said. Trump, however, made it clear that "Iran cannot have nuclear weapons".

BREAKING: Israel is fully ready to launch an attack on Iran, which is part of the reason the U.S. advised some Americans to leave the region, according to CBS News.



The U.S. anticipates Iran could strike American sites in Iraq as retaliation.



Pray for peace! pic.twitter.com/tnKak6W7FX  RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) June 12, 2025

US prepares strike plan

Gen. Michael Kurilla, the outgoing commander of the US Central Command, has already told American lawmakers that he had presented the White House with plans for a strike on Iran in case the nuclear talks fail. I have provided the secretary of defence and the president a wide range of options, said Kurilla.

General Kurilla had been scheduled to testify again on Thursday before the Senate Armed Services Committee but this has been postponed. No explanation was given.

Iranian warnings

An Iranian official told The New York Times that the military and political leadership in Tehran has met to discuss the possible retaliation to an Israeli strike. He hinted it would come as hundreds of ballistic missiles launched at Israel.

Iran had earlier stated that it would hold the US responsible if ever an attack happened. Tehran warned that "Americans will have to leave the region because all its military bases are within our reach and we will, without any consideration, target them in the host countries."

Maritime warnings

A maritime trade agency based in the UK has issued an alert stating that it had "been made aware of increased tensions within the region which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners." The public advisory issued by the agency also said commercial vessels transiting the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz to employ heightened caution.
Iran could reportedly be bracing for an Israeli attack, with reports emerging that it has begun military drills to focus on "enemy movements". The drills are being held earlier than planned, according to state media.

The development comes amid reports that Israel could strike Iran's nuclear sites within days.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that a friendly regional country warned Tehran of a potential Israeli attack. Soon after, Iran's IRGC chief Major General Hossein Salami made a war cry, stating Iran was fully prepared to confront any military threat.

"The enemy sometimes threatens us with military action. We have always saidand repeat nowthat we are fully prepared for any scenario, under any circumstances," Major General Salami said during a ceremony in Tehran on Thursday.

Iran is also reportedly dragging on the nuclear deal talks with the US to modify nuclear facilities to diminish the impact of a potential military strike on those sites, according to a report by The Jerusalem Post. Earlier, European officials warned the US that Iran is dragging out the talks in an attempt to create a rift between Europe and the US over the snapback mechanism.

Also read: 'Bruised' Iran back on the game, has repaired its air defence systems to counter Israeli attack: Report

Iran had also been preparing post the 2015 nuclear deal to develop the bomb. Analysts say that Iran is now on the brink of being able to manufacture enough nuclear material to fuel 10 nuclear weapons. It has also restored its air defences, which were damaged during last year's Israeli attacks.

Some analysts warn that Iran has been restoring those defences, making Israeli action against Irans nuclear program riskier by the week. It is also unclear whether Israel can inflict decisive damage on Irans nuclear program without U.S. military assistance.

Satellite images show Iran has repositioned several of its surface-to-air missile launchers, including S-300 systems, near key nuclear sites such as Natanz and Fordow, according to Financial Times. Tehran, which believes its air defences underperformed last year, has repositioned and diversified launchers and radars.
US President Donald Trump said he has ordered the withdrawal of troops and non-essential staff from the Middle East citing "rising tensions in the region". The development comes amid reports of Israel preparing to strike nuclear sites in Iran.

Addressing presspersons, Trump said, "They (US military personnel) are being moved out (of some countries of the Middle East) because it could be a dangerous place and we will see what happens... We have given notice to move out...," ANI reported. Trump stressed the US will not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. "They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that."

The recent development comes after nuclear deal talks between the US and Iran hit a standstill. According to CNN, the US defense department has ordered the withdrawal of troops and non-essential staff from embassies in Baghdad, Kuwait and Bahrain. Washington is also considering withdrawing non-essential troops from its consulate in Erbil, in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The US president on Wednesday said he was getting less confident about reaching a deal with Iran. In a podcast with the New York Post, Trump said on Wednesday, "They (Tehran) seem to be delaying, and I think that's a shame. I'm less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago. Something happened to them." Trump had earlier said Israel or the US could carry out airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities if negotiations failed, AP reported.

Meanwhile, Iran's mission to the UN posted on social media that "threats of overwhelming force won't change the facts." "Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and US militarism only fuels instability," the Iranian mission wrote.

Iranian Defence Minister Gen Aziz Nasirzadeh told journalists on Wednesday that Tehran was ready for a response and he hoped talks with the US would yield results. "If conflict is imposed on us, the opponent's casualties will certainly be more than ours, and in that case, America must leave the region, because all its bases are within our reach," Nasirzadeh said. "We have access to them, and we will target all of them in the host countries without hesitation," AP reported quoting the Iranian minister.
Dr Srinivas 'Bobby' Mukkamala has been elected the first Indian-origin president of the American Medical Association in its 178-year history. He will be the organisation's 180th president.

For Dr Mukkamala, the honour comes just months after his battle with cancer. He had also undergone surgery to remove an 8-cm temporal lobe tumour on the left side of his brain. "As I lay in recovery from brain surgery at the Mayo Clinic, with tubes and wires monitoring my every movement, this nightthis honourthis opportunity to improve health care seemed a very distant dream," he told the crowd after his election.

"To call this moment humbling doesnt capture it. Its moving. Its awe-inspiring," he added.

Adding how he learned about being a physician by being a patient himself, Dr Mukkamal also touched upon the challenges faced by the American healthcare system and the generations of sacrifice that led him to this position.

The AMA is the largest professional association of physicians in the United States.

Born to two physicians who were immigrants from India, Dr Mukkamala thanked his parents who "gently nudged him to pursue medicine".

Who is Dr Mukkamala

An ENT specialist from Flint in Michigan, Dr Mukkamala has been an active presence in the AMA since his residency. He is also the chair of the AMA Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force and has advocated vigorously for evidence-based policies to end the nations overdose epidemic. Dr. Mukkamala is a past recipient of the AMA Foundations "Excellence in Medicine" Leadership Award.

He graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed his residency at Loyola University of Medical Center in Chicago. He is also a past president of the Genesee County Medical Society (GCMS) and continues to serve on the GCMS Board of Directors. His wife, Nita Kulkarni, MD, is an obstetrician-gynecologist.
President Donald Trump is expected to sign a measure Thursday that blocks Californias first-in-the-nation rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, a White House official told The Associated Press.

The resolution Trump plans to sign, which Congress approved last month, aims to quash the countrys most aggressive attempt to phase out gas-powered cars. He also plans to approve measures to overturn state policies curbing tailpipe emissions in certain vehicles and smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks.

The timing of the signing was confirmed Wednesday by a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity to share plans not yet public.

The development comes as the Republican president is mired in a clash with Californias Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, over Trumps move to deploy troops to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests. Its the latest in an ongoing battle between the Trump administration and heavily Democratic California over everything from tariffs to the rights of LGBTQ+ youth and funding for electric vehicle chargers.

According to the official, Trump is expected to sign resolutions that block Californias rule phasing out gas-powered cars and ending the sale of new ones by 2035. He will also kill rules that phase out the sale of medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles and cut tailpipe emissions from trucks.

The president is scheduled to sign the measures and make remarks during an event at the White House on Thursday morning.

Newsom, who is considered a likely 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, and California officials contend that what the federal government is doing is illegal and said the state plans to sue.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin are expected to attend, along with members of Congress and representatives from the energy, trucking and gas station industries.

California, which has some of the nations worst air pollution, has been able to seek waivers for decades from the EPA allowing it to adopt stricter emissions standards than the federal government.

In his first term, Trump revoked Californias ability to enforce its standards, but President Joe Biden reinstated it in 2022. Trump has not yet sought to revoke it again.

Republicans have long criticized those waivers and earlier this year opted to use the Congressional Review Act, a law aimed at improving congressional oversight of actions by federal agencies, to try to block the rules.

Thats despite a finding from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan congressional watchdog, that Californias standards cannot legally be blocked using the Congressional Review Act. The Senate parliamentarian agreed with that finding.

California, which makes up roughly 11% of the U.S. car market, has significant power to sway trends in the auto industry. About a dozen states signed on to adopt Californias rule phasing out the sale of new gas-powered cars.

The National Automobile Dealers Association supported the federal governments move to block Californias ban on gas-powered cars, saying Congress should decide on such a national issue, not the state.

The American Trucking Associations said the rules were not feasible and celebrated Congress move to block them.

Chris Spear, the CEO of the American Trucking Associations, said in a statement Wednesday: This is not the United States of California.

(AP)
Will artificial intelligence save humanity  or destroy it? Lift up the worlds poorest  or tighten the grip of a tech elite?

Jensen Huang  the global chip tycoon widely predicted to become one of the worlds first trillionaires  offered his answer on Wednesday: neither dystopia nor domination. AI, he said, is a tool for liberation.

Wearing his signature biker jacket and mobbed by fans for selfies, the Nvidia CEO cut the figure of a tech rockstar as he took the stage at VivaTech in Paris.

AI is the greatest equalizer of people the world has ever created, Huang said, kicking off one of Europes biggest technology industry fairs.

Huangs core argument: AI can level the playing field, not tilt it. Critics argue Nvidias dominance risks concentrating power in the hands of a few. But Huang insists the opposite  that by slashing computing costs and expanding access, were democratizing intelligence for startups and nations alike.

But beyond the sheeny optics, Nvidia used the Paris summit to unveil a wave of infrastructure announcements across Europe, signaling a dramatic expansion of the AI chipmakers physical and strategic footprint on the continent.

In France, the company is deploying 18,000 of its new Blackwell chips with startup Mistral AI. In Germany, its building an industrial AI cloud to support manufacturers. Similar rollouts are underway in Italy, Spain, Finland and the U.K., including a new AI lab in Britain.

Other announcements include a partnership with AI startup Perplexity to bring sovereign AI models to European publishers and telecoms, a new cloud platform with Mistral AI, and work with BMW and Mercedes-Benz to train AI-powered robots for use in auto plants.

The announcements underscore how central AI infrastructure has become to global strategy  and how Nvidia, now the worlds most valuable chipmaker, is positioning itself as the engine behind it.

As the company rolls out ever more powerful systems, critics warn the model risks creating a new kind of technological priesthood  one in which only the wealthiest companies or governments can afford the compute power, energy, and elite engineering talent required to participate. That, they argue, could choke the bottom-up innovation that built the tech industry in the first place.

Huang pushed back. Through the velocity of our innovation, we democratize, he said, responding to a question by The Associated Press. We lower the cost of access to technology.

As Huang put it, these factories reason, plan, and spend a lot of time talking to themselves, powering everything from ChatGPT to autonomous vehicles and diagnostics.

But some critics warn that without guardrails, such all-seeing, self-reinforcing systems could go the way of Skynet in  The Terminator  movie  vast intelligence engines that outpace human control.

To that, Huang offers a counter-model: layered AI governance by design. In the future, he said, the AI that is doing the task is going to be surrounded by 70 or 80 other AIs that are supervising it, observing it, guarding it, ensuring that it doesnt go off the rails.

He likened the moment to a new industrial revolution. Just as electricity transformed the last one, Huang said, AI will power the next  and that means every country needs a national intelligence infrastructure. Thats why, he explained, hes been crisscrossing the globe meeting heads of state.

They all want AI to be part of their infrastructure, he said. They want AI to be a growth manufacturing industry for them.

Europe, long praised for its leadership on digital rights, now finds itself at a crossroads. As Brussels pushes forward with world-first AI regulations, some warn that over-caution could cost the bloc its place in the global race. With the U.S. and China surging ahead and most major AI firms based elsewhere, the risk isnt just falling behind  its becoming irrelevant.

Huang has a different vision: sovereign AI. Not isolation, but autonomy  building national AI systems aligned with local values, independent of foreign tech giants.

The data belongs to you, Huang said. It belongs to your people, your country your culture, your history, your common sense.

But fears over AI misuse remain potent  from surveillance and deepfake propaganda to job losses and algorithmic discrimination. Huang doesnt deny the risks. But he insists the technology can be kept in check  by itself.

The VivaTech event was part of Huangs broader European tour. He had already appeared at London Tech Week and is scheduled to visit Germany. In Paris, he joined French President Emmanuel Macron and Mistral AI CEO Arthur Mensch to reinforce his message that AI is now a national priority.

(AP)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to acknowledge that the Pentagon has developed plans to take over Greenland and Panama by force if necessary but refused to answer repeated questions at a hotly combative congressional hearing Thursday about his use of Signal chats to discuss military operations.

Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee repeatedly got into heated exchanges with Hegseth, with some of the toughest lines of questioning coming from military veterans as many demanded yes or no answers and he tried to avoid direct responses about his actions as Pentagon chief.

In one back-and-forth, Hegseth did provide an eyebrow-raising answer. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., asked whether the Pentagon has developed plans to take Greenland or Panama by force if necessary.

Our job at the Defense Department is to have plans for any contingency, Hegseth said several times.

It is not unusual for the Pentagon to draw up contingency plans for conflicts that have not arisen, but his handling of the questions prompted a Republican lawmaker to step in a few minutes later.

It is not your testimony today that there are plans at the Pentagon for taking by force or invading Greenland, correct? said Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio.

As Hegseth started to repeat his answer about contingency plans, Turner added emphatically, I sure as hell hope that is not your testimony.

We look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is secured from any potential threats, Hegseth responded.

Time and again, lawmakers pressed Hegseth to answer questions he has avoided for months, including during the two previous days of hearings on Capitol Hill. And frustration boiled over.

Youre an embarrassment to this country. Youre unfit to lead, Rep. Salud Carbajal snapped, the California Democrats voice rising. You should just get the hell out.

GOP lawmakers on several occasions apologized to Hegseth for the Democrats sharp remarks, saying he should not be subject to such flagrant disrespect. Hegseth said he was happy to take the arrows to make tough calls and do whats best.

Questions emerge on Signal chats and if details Hegseth shared were classified

Hegseths use of two Signal chats to discuss plans for U.S. strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen with other U.S. leaders as well as members of his family prompted dizzying exchanges with lawmakers.

He was pressed multiple times over whether or not he shared classified information and if he should face accountability if he did.

Hegseth argued that the classification markings of any information about those military operations could not be discussed with lawmakers.

That became a quick trap, as Hegseth has asserted that nothing he posted  on strike times and munitions dropped in March  was classified. His questioner, Rep. Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat and Marine veteran, jumped on the disparity.

You can very well disclose whether or not it was classified, Moulton said.

Whats not classified is that it was an incredible, successful mission, Hegseth responded.

A Pentagon watchdog report on his Signal use is expected soon.

Moulton asked Hegseth whether he would hold himself accountable if the inspector general finds that he placed classified information on Signal, a commercially available app.

Hegseth would not directly say, only noting that he serves at the pleasure of the president.

Trumps speech at Fort Bragg raises Democratic concerns about politics in the military

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who appeared along Hegseth, was questioned about Trumps speech at Fort Bragg this week and whether the military was becoming politicized.

The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from participating in political activity while in uniform. Members of the 82nd Airborne Division were directed to stand behind Trump at Fort Bragg, and they booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden.

There also was a pop-up MAGA merchandise stand selling souvenirs to troops in uniform.

Caine repeatedly said U.S. service members must be apolitical but that he was unaware of anything that happened at Fort Bragg.

Democrats ask about plans for action against Greenland and Panama

President Donald Trump has said multiple times that he wants to take control of the strategic, mineral-rich island nation of Greenland, long a U.S. ally. Those remarks have been met with flat rejections from Greenlands leaders.

Greenland is not for sale, Jacob Isbosethsen, Greenlands representative to the U.S, said Thursday at a forum in Washington sponsored by the Arctic Institute.

In an effort not to show the Pentagons hand on its routine effort to have plans for everything, Hegseth danced around the direct question from Smith, leading to the confusion.

Speaking on behalf of the American people, I dont think the American people voted for President Trump because they were hoping we would invade Greenland, Smith said.

(AP)
A California senator was quickly rushed away from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after allegedly lunging at her during a press conference addressing the Los Angeles anti-ICE riots.

After loudly speaking over Noem and approaching the podium where she was standing, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was pushed out of the room by authorities as they ordered him to put his hands up.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Padilla did not identify himself as a senator and was not wearing his Senate security pin.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

The incident happened shortly after Noem said DHS is staying here to liberate this city from the socialist and the burdensome leadership that this governor and this mayor have placed on this country and what they have tried to insert into this city.

As Padilla was escorted out of the room, Noem continued her address without any reaction to the disruption.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

FBI personnel began handcuffing the senator in the hallway, at which point he identified himself, and they ceased action, Noem told The Storys Martha MacCallum shortly after the incident.

Noem said the pair later met in a private room, where they spoke privately for about 15 minutes and exchanged phone numbers.

She said the senator had concerns about ICE operations, and they opened up a line of communication, noting things were OK between the two of them.

However, Padilla later spoke to the media, claiming he was forced to the ground.

If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question, if this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question, you can only imagine what theyre doing to farm workers, to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community and throughout California, he told reported. We will hold this administration accountable.

A DHS spokesperson said Padilla was told repeatedly to back away, and did not comply with officers commands.

[Secret Service] thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately, the spokesperson said.

CANT MAKE THIS UP! Chuck Schumer is sickened by Alex Padilla getting removed from a briefing he forcibly interrupted but not by the violent riots attacking ICE agents in major cities?

Your browser does not support the video tag.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar refused to speak with his British counterpart, David Lammy, when the latter called on Tuesday evening to update him on the decision to impose sanctions on Ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

According to a Ynet report, Saars refusal is considered a highly unusual move due to the close alliance between Israel and the UK.

But the Foreign Ministry explained that the move was taken in response to the British move, which was unprecedented in its severity.

The Trump administration on Tuesday slammed the sanctions as extremely unhelpful, with State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce saying, They should focus on the real culprit, which is Hamas.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 12. On the sidelines of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, met with Nuriddin Azizi, the Acting Minister of Industry and Trade of Afghanistan, to discuss the further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation in several key areas, Trend reports.

The discussion focused on the urgent need to fast-track the construction of the Khairaton Industrial Center, where a cornucopia of facilities for producing pharmaceuticals, furniture, textiles, building materials, and agricultural product processing will be set up.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in areas such as trade and economics, transport and logistics, energy, agriculture, and the exploration and extraction of natural resources. Both leaders noted the positive momentum in business contacts between the two countries, with increasing trade volumes, a growing number of joint ventures, and the regular organization of business missions and exhibitions with participation from both nations.

The successful operation of the International Trade Center in Termez was also highlighted, alongside the recent opening of trade houses in Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif earlier this year. President Mirziyoyev stressed the importance of strengthening the legal and regulatory framework to support economic and investment cooperation.

Finally, President Mirziyoyev expressed strong support for major regional infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway and the Surkhan-Puli-Khumri power transmission line, which are expected to improve connectivity and cooperation across the region.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday imposed sanctions on a major Palestinian legal group for prisoners and detainees along with five other charitable entities across the Middle East, Africa and Europe, accusing them of supporting Palestinian armed factions and terror groups, including Hamas military wing, under the pretense of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Those sanctioned include Addameer, a nongovernmental organization that was founded in 1991 and is based in the city of Ramallah in the the Shomron.

The Palestinian group provides free legal services to Palestinian political prisoners and detainees in Israeli custody and monitors the conditions of their confinement.

The federal government says that Addameer has long supported and is affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a secular terror group with a political party and an armed wing that has carried out deadly attacks against Israelis. Israel and the United States have labeled the PFLP a terrorist organization.

Addameer did not immediately have a comment on the sanctions.

In February, Zachor Legal Institute, an Israeli-American advocacy group that says it focuses on combatting antisemitism and terrorism, requested Addameer be added to Treasurys sanctions list. The letter, which was written by Zachor, signed by 44 other groups and is addressed to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, relies in part on undisclosed evidence from the Israeli Security Agency in its call for sanctions on Addameer.

Marc Greendorfer, president of Zachor Legal Institute said in an email to the Associated Press that his group is very pleased to see Treasury following up on our request. He said the federal government should act to prevent hostile foreign actors from spreading hate and violence in the United States. We applaud Treasurys action and encourage Treasury to expand its focus to the other groups that we identified.

Other entities hit with sanctions Tuesday include:

1. The Gaza-based charity Al Weam Charitable Society and its leader

2. The Turkish charity Filistin Vakfi and its leader

3. El Baraka Association for Charitable and Humanitarian Work and its leader

4. The Netherlands-based Israa Charitable Foundation Netherlands and two employees

5. The Italy-based Associazione Benefica La Cupola dOro

A 2024 Treasury report on terrorist financing highlights how online crowdfunding is increasingly done under the guise of soliciting legitimate charitable donations, making it difficult to identify as terrorist financing.

Because the majority of crowdfunding activity is legitimate, this status can make it more difficult for law enforcement attempting to investigate potential (terrorist financing) cases with a crowdfunding and online fundraising nexus, the report said.

(AP & YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
Tensions across the Middle East escalated sharply on Wednesday as international nuclear negotiations with Iran neared a critical juncture, prompting a wave of military alerts, diplomatic repositioning, and growing fears of a regional conflict.

The United Kingdoms Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a rare advisory warning of increasing regional tension, urging commercial vessels transiting the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz to exercise extreme caution. The alert, while nonspecific, warned of potential military activity that could directly threaten merchant ships in the regions vital shipping lanes.

Shortly after the UKMTO warning, Reuters reported that the United States was preparing to evacuate embassy staff in Iraq due to what officials described as rising threats to American personnel. The New York Times later confirmed that the evacuation had been set in motion. The U.S. State Department also authorized the departure of non-essential staff from embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait, while the Pentagon is considering the temporary repositioning of military forces currently stationed in Bahrain.

In a further sign of how seriously the U.S. is taking the threat, Washington has directed all embassies within range of Iranincluding those in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and North Africato activate emergency action committees and report back on risk mitigation plans, according to national security correspondent John Hudson. These directives directly triggered the evacuations already underway.

On Capitol Hill, the rhetoric is escalating in parallel. Senator Tom Cotton revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed Congress that Iran is actively working towards a nuclear weapon. Cotton bluntly added, This cannot be allowed to happen.

Meanwhile, Israel is bracing for impact. Highly credible sources tell YWN that the IDF has contracted nearly 2,000 private ambulances to be stationed at military bases around the country, anticipating that Iran will target those locations in the event of open conflict.

Additionally, all Revolutionary Guard and Army bases in Iran have reportedly been placed on maximum alert, according to journalist Mohamad Ahwaze.

These security preparations follow a sharp uptick in rhetoric and military posturing from regional powers. Israeli officials, including close confidants of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, have openly suggested that a military strike on Irans nuclear infrastructure may be imminent. In my view, we are very close to striking Iran, said Israeli commentator Yaakov Bardugo, a Netanyahu ally, on Tuesday. The Americans arent delivering results.

Tehran has responded with defiance. Speaking in the Iranian capital, Defense Minister Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that any attack would trigger overwhelming retaliation and that all U.S. bases in host countries are within our reach. He added, If conflict is imposed on us, enemy casualties will exceed ours.

New satellite imagery and Western intelligence reports indicate that Iran has been covertly modifying and expanding its nuclear infrastructuremoves analysts believe are meant to harden sites against potential airstrikes. According to sources cited by The Jerusalem Post, Tehran has altered the layout of key nuclear sites to complicate U.S. or Israeli military action.

Further evidence of Tehrans war readiness includes newly released footage of Irans so-called missile citiesvast underground facilities capable of launching ballistic projectiles. Intelligence analysts interpret these developments as part of a calculated effort to negotiate while preparing for war.

The diplomatic front is also rapidly deteriorating. The sixth round of nuclear talks, tentatively scheduled for this weekend in Oman, now appears increasingly unlikely to take place, two U.S. officials told the Associated Press on Wednesday.

European and Israeli officials are growing increasingly skeptical of Irans intentions. Privately, they have warned the Trump administration that Tehran is deliberately stalling to outlast the snapback mechanism in the 2015 nuclear deala clause allowing for the reimposition of broad U.N. sanctions in the event of serious violations. That clause expires in October.

According to diplomatic sources, Prime Minister Netanyahu raised these concerns in a recent phone call with President Trump. Tehran is simply buying time, Netanyahu reportedly said. European diplomats have echoed that view, threatening to unilaterally trigger snapback sanctions by August unless a meaningful deal is reachedan act likely to provoke retaliation from Tehran and further divide transatlantic allies.

Despite mounting evidence to the contrary, President Trump remains outwardly hopeful. In an interview with The New York Post on Wednesday, he said: Even if they dont reach an agreement, they wont get nuclear weapons. Its better to achieve that without a war, without people dying.

Privately, however, Trumps confidence in Iran appears to be eroding. Trump believes the Iranians will eventually fold, said a source close to the administration. Israeli officials strongly disagree, maintaining that only a credible military threatbacked by real preparationswill bring Iran to the table with meaningful concessions, particularly a full ban on uranium enrichment, which Iran continues to reject.

Meanwhile, pro-Iranian media outlets claim the current escalation is largely psychological warfare aimed at pressuring Tehran into concessions. Al-Mayadeen, citing an Iranian source, reported that the U.S., under the influence of the Zionist lobby, is inflating the threat level at its military bases and embassies to force Irans hand. The source added, Israel is trying to drag the U.S. into a warbut a military escalation remains unlikely at the present time.

But on Wednesday night, Irans official X account ominously posted this: We are ready.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
In a potential turning point for one of Israels most divisive political issues, Likud MK Yuli Edelstein, chairman of the influential Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, announced Wednesday that coalition leaders have reached an agreement in principle on a new military enlistment lawa move that could resolve a months-long crisis that threatened to collapse Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahus government.

After long deliberations, we have reached agreements on principles on which to base a proposal for the enlistment law, Edelstein said in a statement, hailing the development as historic news and a key step toward real change in Israeli society and strengthening the State of Israels security.

While specifics of the compromise were not disclosed, Edelstein insisted that the legislation would broaden the IDFs conscription base  a reference to contentious efforts to reform the longstanding exemptions for yeshiva bochurim. As I said the entire way, only a real, effective bill like this will come out of my committee, he said.

The enlistment law has long served as a political fault line, igniting fierce debates between secular and charedi factions within the coalition. The absence of a unified stance on the issue had placed enormous strain on Netanyahus razor-thin majority and fueled growing calls to dissolve the Knesset.

In a joint statement issued after Edelsteins announcement, Shas and Degel HaTorah confirmed that understandings have been reached regarding the principles for the law preserving the status of yeshiva students. They noted that rabbanim had instructed lawmakers to delay any votes on dissolving the Knesset for at least another week while the final language of the bill is completed.

The factions also appealed to opposition parties to delay a planned preliminary vote on disbanding the Knesset, but their request was rebuffedunderscoring the fragility of the current political moment.

Edelstein said formal deliberations in his committee would begin shortly, with the aim of advancing the legislation through its second and third readings in the Knesset.

Were on the path to history, he declared.

If the legislation moves forward smoothly, it could avert a snap election and restore a measure of stability to Netanyahus embattled governmentat least for now.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israel is mulling taking military action against Iran in the coming days, most likely without US support, NBC News reported on Thursday morning, citing five people with knowledge of the situation.

According to the report, Israel has become more serious about a unilateral strike on Iran due to the negotiations between the US and Iran that would allow for the Islamic Republic to continue with uranium enrichment.

US President Donald Trump reportedly told Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu earlier this week that he will not provide Israel with a green light to attack Iran at this time. On the other hand, Trump has also expressed frustration with Tehran, which has taken a hard line in negotiations in recent days.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration, fearing Iran would retaliate for an Israeli strike against US forces in the region, has evacuated US employees from Iraq and authorized the departure of non-essential staff from embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait.

According to a New York Times report, Iran has already prepared a plan to respond to an Israeli attack on its nuclear sites.

An Iranian official told the NYT that Iran would respond with an immediate counterattack similar in scope to its October 2024 attack on Israel.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
IDF forces carried out a special targeted operation in the village of Beit Jinn in southern Syria overnight Wednesday, apprehending several Hamas terrorists who tried to advance multiple terrorist acts against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers from within Syria.

During the mission, troops also discovered and seized weapons found in the vicinity.

The captured terrorists were transferred to Israel, where they were interrogated by intelligence officers from Unit 504.

The operation was carried out based on intelligence collected in recent weeks.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
The U.N. nuclear watchdogs board of governors on Thursday formally found that Iran isnt complying with its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 years, a move that could lead to further tensions and set in motion an effort to restore United Nations sanctions on Tehran later this year.

Iran reacted immediately, saying it will establish a new enrichment facility in a secure location and that other measures are also being planned.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has no choice but to respond to this political resolution, the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said in a joint statement.

Nineteen countries on the International Atomic Energy Agencys board, which represents the agencys member nations, voted for the resolution, according to diplomats who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the outcome of the closed-doors vote.

Russia, China and Burkina Faso opposed it, 11 abstained and two did not vote.

In the draft resolution seen by The Associated Press, the board of governors renews a call on Iran to provide answers without delay in a long-running investigation into uranium traces found at several locations that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites.

Western officials suspect that the uranium traces could provide further evidence that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program until 2003.

The resolution was put forward by France, the U.K., Germany and the United States.

Iran under pressure as Trump warns of possible airstrikes

Speaking to Iranian state television after the vote, the spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said that his agency immediately informed the IAEA of specific and effective actions Tehran would take.

One is the launch of a third secure site for enrichment, spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said. He did not elaborate on the location. Iran has two underground sites at Fordo and Natanz and has been building tunnels in the mountains near Natanz since suspected Israeli sabotage attacks targeted that facility.

The other step would be replacing old centrifuges for advanced ones at Fordo. The implication of this is that our production of enriched materials will significantly increase, Kamalvandi said.

According to the draft resolution, Irans many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran  constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement.

Under those obligations, which are part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran is legally bound to declare all nuclear material and activities and allow IAEA inspectors to verify that none of it is being diverted from peaceful uses.

The draft resolution also finds that the IAEAs inability  to provide assurance that Irans nuclear program is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that are within the competence of the United Nations Security Council, as the organ bearing the main responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

The draft resolution made a direct reference to the U.S.-Iran talks, stressing its support for a diplomatic solution to the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear program, including the talks between the United States and Iran, leading to an agreement that addresses all international concerns related to Irans nuclear activities, encouraging all parties to constructively engage in diplomacy.

Still a chance for Iran to cooperate with IAEA

A senior Western diplomat last week described the resolution as a serious step, but added that Western nations are not closing the door to diplomacy on this issue. However, if Iran fails to cooperate, an extraordinary IAEA board meeting will likely be held in the summer, during which another resolution could get passed that will refer the issue to the Security Council, the diplomat said on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorized to discuss the issue with the media.

The three European nations have repeatedly threatened in the past to reinstate, or snapback, sanctions that have been lifted under the original 2015 Iran nuclear deal if Iran does not provide technically credible answers to the U.N. nuclear watchdogs questions.

The authority to reestablish those sanctions by the complaint of any member of the original 2015 nuclear deal expires in October, putting the West on a clock to exert pressure on Tehran over its program before losing that power.

The resolution comes on heels of the IAEAs so-called comprehensive report that was circulated among member states last weekend. In the report, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said that Irans cooperation with the agency has been less than satisfactory when it comes to uranium traces discovered by agency inspectors at several locations in Iran.

One of the sites became known publicly in 2018, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed it at the United Nations and called it a clandestine nuclear warehouse hidden at a rug-cleaning plant. Iran denied this, but in 2019, IAEA inspectors detected the presence of uranium traces there as well as at two other sites.

(AP & YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
The US Embassy in Jerusalem issued a security alert on Thursday to US government employees in Israel as fear grows over a possible Israeli attack on Iran, which could possibly result in an immediate Iranian counterattack.

The alert states: Due to the increased regional tensions, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Beer Sheva areas until further notice.

Transit between these three areas, including to and from Ben Gurion Airport, is authorized. Transiting Route 1 to and from Allenby Bridge is also permitted.

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness  including knowing the location of the nearest shelter in the event of a red alert as security incidents, including mortar, rocket, and missile fire, and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) intrusions, often take place without any warning. The security environment is complex and can change quickly.

This is provided for your information as you make your own security plans.

In response to security incidents and without advance notice, the U.S. Embassy may further restrict or prohibit U.S. government employees and their family members from traveling to certain areas of Israel (including the Old City of Jerusalem) and the West Bank.

On Wednesday, the Trump administration, fearing Iran would retaliate for an Israeli strike against US forces in the region, evacuated US employees from Iraq and authorized the departure of non-essential staff from embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
Construction and Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf announced his resignation from the Israeli government on Wednesday, citing the ongoing stalemate surrounding the conscription law and the lack of legislative progress.

Goldknopfs resignation comes at the direction of the Gerrer Rebbe, who rejected the agreements reached by the other Chareidi MKs and MK Yuli Edelstein last night.

Goldknopf submitted his resignation letter to the Prime Minister, stating that in light of the governments failure to fulfill its commitment to pass the conscription law, he had no choice but to resign from his position.

In the resignation letter, Goldknopf wrote, Since entering the position of minister in the government, I have sought to do everything in my power to promote quality and decent housing for all citizens of Israel, and in particular for the Chareidi public. Unfortunately, in light of the understandings reached and the promises made regarding the conscription lawand the fact that the law was not advancedI cannot continue to bear responsibility and hold the position of minister.

Goldknopf referred to commitments signed on December 28, 2022, in which the government pledged to pass a mutually agreed-upon conscription law by the end of the Knessets summer session in 2023, or no later than the approval of the 2024 state budget. He stated that these commitments were repeatedly broken, even after a coordinated draft law was submitted in conjunction with the Ministry of Defense.

He further accused the government of deliberately stalling the legislation despite repeated appeals from Chareidi parties and direct discussions with senior officials, including the Prime Minister and Defense Minister. According to Goldknopf, this conduct undermines the foundations of the coalition agreements and erodes the trust of the Chareidi public.

While stepping down from his ministerial post, Goldknopf will retain his seat in the Knesset under the Norwegian Law, which allows ministers to resign from the Knesset during their tenure. Upon resigning as minister, he will return as a full Knesset member, which will result in Eliyahu Baruchi of Degel HaTorah being forced to vacate his seat.

Kikar HShabbat reported that Goldknopf is not only leaving the government but also withdrawing from the coalition.

Kan News reported that the Prime Minister may offer a ministerial role to MK Yisrael Eichler, potentially allowing Baruchi to retain his Knesset seat.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
Hamas has reportedly appointed Ezzedin al-Haddad  a longtime operative known as the Ghost of al-Qassam  as the new commander of its Gaza-based operations, following the targeted killings of its two previous leaders by the IDF.

According to a Wall Street Journal report citing multiple sources, Haddad, 55, assumed leadership after the deaths of Yahya Sinwar and his brother Mohammed Sinwar, who had led the terror groups activities in Gaza in succession over the past seven months. Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind of the October 7th massacre, was killed in an Israeli raid last year. His brother Mohammed, who took over in his place, was confirmed dead after Israeli forces retrieved his body from a tunnel beneath a hospital in southern Gaza.

Mohammed Sinwar was responsible for the deaths of countless civilians, the IDF wrote in a statement. He died the way he lived  underground.

Haddad, who played a central role in orchestrating the October 7th attacks, has long kept a low profile, earning him the nickname Ghost among members of Hamas military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Israeli intelligence officials say he was previously responsible for hostage oversight and the recruitment of new fighters.

His rise to command comes amid ongoing Israeli operations aimed at decapitating Hamas leadership structure in Gaza. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz have both named Haddad as a priority target. A $750,000 bounty has reportedly been placed on his head.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Investment firm Gordon Brothers has acquired Pepco Group's struggling Poundland business for a 'nominal' sum, of reportedly just 1.

Gordon Brothers said on Thursday it will provide up to 80million in financing to 'support the management team's proposed restructuring and turnaround plan for the British discount retailer'.

It added: 'The company will use the facility to for working capital to support its go-forward strategy.'

Gordon Brothers, which also owns Laura Ashley, said Poundland had recently 'faced challenging trading conditions'.

The deal between Pepco and Gordon Brothers could pave the way for sweeping job cuts and store closures at Poundland, though this is yet to be confirmed.

For the moment, Poundland will continue to operate under the Poundland brand in Britain and under the Dealz brand in the Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland.

Acquisition: Investment firm Gordon Brothers has acquired Pepco Group's struggling Poundland business

On Thursday, Poundland said details of the restructuring would be announced 'in due course'.

The deal followed an auction by Poland-based Pepco to sell Poundland after a sharp downturn in trading over the past year.

Mark Newton-Jones, a director at Gordon Brothers, said: 'We are delighted to provide Barry Williams and his management team with the financing to support the substantial turnaround of this iconic retailer.'

He added: 'We believe Poundland is an essential retailer serving UK consumers and plays an important role on the High Street.'

Some reports have claimed between 150 to 200 Poundland shops could be at risj of closure, with large numbers of staff potentially affected.

Barry Williams, chief executive of Poundland, said: 'We welcome Gordon Brothers as we focus on returning Poundland to its core heritage category strengths and place as an essential business to UK households.'

He added: 'We look forward to working with our supplier base to ensure we continue providing exceptional value to budget-conscious consumers in the UK.'

Williams will be continuing in the role he took on at Poundland in March.

Poundland currently trades from approximately 800 shops across Britain and the Republic of Ireland, employing in the region of 16,000 people.

Pepco Group is expected to remain a minority investment in Poundland.

Poundlands management has also reportedly been pushing for sizeable rent reductions on hundreds of stores as part of survival efforts. Negotiations for rent cuts of between 10 per cent and 50 per cent are understood to be underway.

Pepco and Poundland have agreed transitional service arrangements to support the transition period, covering technology and procurement services.

Pepco reported an annual loss of 548million in December, citing a 'significant decline in performance' and higher costs at Poundland.

In May, Pepco reported weak Poundland sales over the previous six months, prompting it to cut the brand's trading guidance for the year.

Poundland saw its revenue fall 6.5 per cent to 830million for the six months to March, compared with a year ago.

The brand suffered 'challenges across all categories' and had 18 net store closures over the period, Pepco said.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'Poundland has become an increasing financial burden for its Polish owner Pepco so its decision to sell is unsurprising.

'The impact of changes to employers National Insurance contributions and the living wage in last years Budget have undoubtedly had a negative impact on Poundland, like many of its retail peers.'

He added: 'Efforts to launch larger stores and move more into the groceries space dont appear to have worked.

'Taking on stores in the wake of the collapse of Wilko doesnt appear to have paid off either and whether the brand still resonates sufficiently with shoppers to rebuild after a period of consolidation is open to question.'
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 12. German automaker Volkswagen and Uzbek company Uzavtosanoat have signed a strategic partnership agreement, marking a significant step in Volkswagens expansion into the rapidly growing and transforming automotive market of Uzbekistan, Trend reports.

"As I write this, the ink is drying on an exciting new contract that marks Volkswagens strategic expansion into the Uzbek market  a rapidly emerging and fast-evolving hub in Central Asia with huge potential," wrote Martin Sander, Member of the Board for Sales, Marketing, and After-Sales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, on his LinkedIn page.

According to him, Uzbekistan is on the verge of significant growth in its automotive market, driven by a steady rise in the population's income.

"With rising income levels, the country is poised for an automotive boom. The strength of the Volkswagen brand resonates with Uzbekistans growing middle class, who are increasingly seeking high-quality German-branded cars," he emphasized.

He also pointed to demographic trends as an additional factor driving demand.

"The growing population means an increasing demand for reliable products, now and in the future," Sander said.

"We have a portfolio perfectly tailored to this market, with eight stylish sedans and spacious SUVs, exactly what Uzbek customers are looking for," he added.

As part of its supply optimization strategy, Volkswagen plans to leverage its production base in China.

"At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Uzbekistan is a place we can serve effectively and efficiently through Volkswagen China. The proximity of our Chinese technology and manufacturing base will greatly benefit customers and enable us to minimize our logistical carbon footprint as well," the company representative explained.

Vehicle production will be launched in Uzbekistan in partnership with Uzavtosanoats subsidiary, Alyans Auto. "We will begin with the localization of semi-knocked-down (SKD) assembly at Alyans Auto, which has built a strong reputation in the region for its engineering expertise and production capacity," Sander stated, adding that UzAuto remains the leader in the country's automotive market.
KPMG has been fined after an investigation into its audit of a London-listed farm supplies company revealed 'serious' rule breaches.

Britain's Financial Reporting Council said on Thursday it had found breaches of its independence requirements during an investigation into the audit of manufacturing firm Carrs in 2021.

KPMG was issued with a financial sanction of 1.25million, discounted to 690,625 while audit engagement partner Nick Plumb received 70,000, reduced to 38,675.

The FRC said KPMG and Plumb had failed to ensure compliance with applicable independence requirements.

KPMG's Carrs audit relied on the work of another unnamed firm, which also audited 'an associate of Carrs', according to the FRC.

Its engagement partner had been working with the firm for more than half a decade and had also sold the firm non-audit services.

Fined: KPMG and an audit partner have been fined over their audits of a London-listed farm supplies company

While the FRC said the quality of the audit was not in question, the failings were 'serious'.

It has ordered KPMG to review a sample of audits that have involved auditors outside of its network to check whether they meet its independence rules.

Jamie Symington, deputy executive council at the FRC, said: 'In this case, whilst the quality of the audit work performed by the two firms is not brought into question, the breaches were serious.'

The FRC stressed that the breaches were not dishonest, intentional or reckless.

Cath Burnet, head of audit at KPMG UK, said: 'We accept that we did not meet the required standards in this instance.

'We cooperated fully with the FRCs investigation, undertook remedial measures to address the findings, and are committed to driving continuous improvements in our audit practice.'

In January, the FRC said it was investigating KPMG's audit of the 2022 accounts of gambling group Entain.

At the time, the FRC said its enforcement division would be examining the conduct of the 'big four' accounting firm, without stating what the investigation related to.

In January, a KPMG spokesperson said: 'We will cooperate fully with the FRC to conclude this matter as quickly as possible.'

In 2023, KPMG was fined 30million over its audit of construction firm Carillion, which collapsed in 2018. The fine was reduced to 20.9million after the accounting giant co-operated with the FRC's investigation.
I had a Scottish 20 note in my wallet which I received from a cash machine while recently north of the border.

I tried to use it in a shop when I returned to England, but the shopkeeper said they couldn't take it.

The same thing happened when I tried at two other shops, until eventually, one accepted it for payment.

Are Scottish Bank notes legal tender in the UK outside of Scotland? And do businesses outside of Scotland not have to accept them?

Helen Kirrane of This is Money replies: This is a thorny issue and it comes down to what is classed as legal tender and rules around what businesses have to accept as payment.

Scottish banknotes are not technically legal tender according to The Bank of England, which is the authority on this.

But that does not mean businesses outside of Scotland won't accept them.

Scottish bank notes are not technically legal tender and shops can choose whether or not to accept them

As it stands, businesses throughout the UK are free to choose what form of payment they accept.

There's no Bank of England rules or laws governing what they have to accept - that's why, since the pandemic, some cafes, restaurants and retailers no longer take physical cash whatsoever, they're not obliged to.

The short answer is it is up to them, as businesses outside of Scotland within the UK can decide whether or not they accept Scottish banknotes as a form of payment.

Are Scottish banknotes legal tender?

A Bank of England spokesman replies: Legal tender has a very narrow and technical meaning, which relates to settling debts.

It means that if you are in debt to someone, you can't be sued for non-payment if you offer full payment of your debts in legal tender.

What is classed as legal tender varies throughout the UK. In England and Wales, Royal Mint coins and Bank of England notes are legal tender.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, only Royal Mint coins are legal tender. Scottish and Northern Ireland banknotes are not formally defined as legal tender.

Legal tender: The Bank of England says the term has a very narrow and technical meaning (pictured, a new 20 Scottish note)

Do shops outside Scotland have to accept Scottish banknotes?

A Bank of England spokesman replies: In the UK it is up to individual businesses what they individually do or do not accept as payment.

A British Retail Consortium spokesman replies: Scottish banknotes aren't considered legal tender in England and Wales so retailers are not required to accept them although of course many choose to do so.

What about in the Post Office?

A Post Office spokesman replies: We do encourage our branches outside of Scotland to accept a Scottish bank note which may form part of a larger deposit of cash that an individual or business wants to deposit into their bank account.

Can I swap a Scottish banknote at my bank or the Post Office?

A Bank of England spokesman replies: We would refer the noteholder to the issuing bank to discuss exchange arrangements, as there is no legal provision in the Banking Act 2009 that requires the issuing bank or the Bank of England to exchange Scottish and Northern Irish notes for other notes.

A Post Office spokesman replies: We do not allow customers to 'swap' a Scottish bank note in our branch for an English bank note.

However, a customer can deposit a Scottish bank note in their account and then withdraw the equivalent cash  either over the counter or at an ATM if there's one at the branch.
Avon Protection plc (LON:AVON  Get Free Report) insider Rich Cashin purchased 8 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 5th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 1,801 ($24.41) per share, with a total value of 144.08 ($195.31).

Rich Cashin also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Tuesday, May 6th, Rich Cashin acquired 11 shares of Avon Protection stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 1,401 ($18.99) per share, with a total value of 154.11 ($208.91).

On Monday, April 7th, Rich Cashin acquired 11 shares of Avon Protection stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 1,352 ($18.33) per share, with a total value of 148.72 ($201.60).

Avon Protection Stock Performance

LON AVON opened at GBX 1,744 ($23.64) on Thursday. Avon Protection plc has a 52-week low of GBX 1,152.69 ($15.63) and a 52-week high of GBX 1,866 ($25.29). The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 47.69, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 2.27. The company has a market capitalization of 652.62 million, a P/E ratio of -60.15, a P/E/G ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 0.35. The company has a fifty day moving average of GBX 1,524.03 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 1,474.32.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Shore Capital reissued a hold rating on shares of Avon Protection in a report on Wednesday, May 21st.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on AVON

About Avon Protection

(Get Free Report)

We are a world leader in protective equipment, with a reputation for innovative design, high-performance quality and specialist materials expertise.

Our two businesses, Avon Protection and Team Wendy, supply our respiratory and head protection portfolio to customers across the globe from our manufacturing sites in the UK and North America.

With over 900 talented people our shared purpose and core beliefs are to be #FIERCE about Protecting Lives.

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National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA  Free Report) had its target price hoisted by Canaccord Genuity Group from C$136.00 to C$138.00 in a report released on Monday morning,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a hold rating on the financial services providers stock.

Other analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Cibc World Mkts downgraded National Bank of Canada from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Friday, April 4th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on National Bank of Canada from C$148.00 to C$152.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Monday. TD Securities dropped their price objective on National Bank of Canada from C$135.00 to C$131.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, March 5th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on National Bank of Canada from C$145.00 to C$140.00 in a research note on Friday, February 28th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group downgraded National Bank of Canada from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their price objective for the stock from C$147.00 to C$126.00 in a research note on Monday, April 21st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, National Bank of Canada has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$135.36.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on NA

National Bank of Canada Stock Up 0.0%

National Bank of Canada Increases Dividend

NA stock opened at C$134.50 on Monday. The businesss fifty day moving average is C$123.44 and its 200-day moving average is C$125.98. The company has a market cap of C$52.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 7.14 and a beta of 1.12. National Bank of Canada has a twelve month low of C$105.43 and a twelve month high of C$141.15.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 30th will be issued a $1.18 dividend. This is a boost from National Bank of Canadas previous quarterly dividend of $1.14. This represents a $4.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.51%. National Bank of Canadas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 39.03%.

Insider Activity

In other National Bank of Canada news, Director Yvon Charest purchased 362 shares of National Bank of Canada stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 20th. The stock was acquired at an average price of C$127.93 per share, for a total transaction of C$46,310.66. Also, Director Lynn Loewen purchased 1,000 shares of National Bank of Canada stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 17th. The shares were acquired at an average price of C$117.93 per share, with a total value of C$117,930.00. 0.21% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

About National Bank of Canada

(Get Free Report)

National Bank of Canada provides financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional clients, and governments in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment offers personal banking services, including transaction solutions, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, payment solutions, and savings and investment solutions; various insurance products; and commercial banking services, such as credit, and deposit, investment solutions, international trade, foreign exchange transactions, payroll, cash management, insurance, electronic transactions, and complimentary services.

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Risk & Volatility

Pioneer Bankshares has a beta of 0.16, suggesting that its stock price is 84% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Pioneer Bankshares rivals have a beta of 0.71, suggesting that their average stock price is 29% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Dividends

Pioneer Bankshares pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.8%. Pioneer Bankshares pays out 32.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, National commercial banks companies pay a dividend yield of 2.7% and pay out 32.7% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Pioneer Bankshares is clearly a better dividend stock than its rivals, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

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Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Pioneer Bankshares and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Pioneer Bankshares $15.49 million $1.90 million 8.47 Pioneer Bankshares Competitors $148.96 billion $1.81 billion 11.08

Insider & Institutional Ownership

Pioneer Bankshares rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Pioneer Bankshares. Pioneer Bankshares 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.

54.5% of shares of all National commercial banks companies are held by institutional investors. 13.7% of Pioneer Bankshares shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 8.5% of shares of all National commercial banks companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares Pioneer Bankshares and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Pioneer Bankshares N/A N/A N/A Pioneer Bankshares Competitors 15.01% 9.56% 0.97%

Summary

Pioneer Bankshares rivals beat Pioneer Bankshares on 8 of the 11 factors compared.

About Pioneer Bankshares

(Get Free Report)

Pioneer Bankshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Pioneer Bank, Inc. that provides various banking and related financial services to individual consumers, small to medium size businesses, and professional community in the United States. The company offers various deposit products, which include business and personal checking accounts, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit. Its personal loans comprise personal installment and single-pay, and auto loans; and business loans consists of operating capital, equipment loans, investment properties, lines of credit, business expansion, and property acquisition or construction, as well as home mortgage and home equity loans. In addition, the company provides credit and debit cards, safe deposit boxes, online and mobile banking tools, merchant services, and cash management services. Further, it offers investment products, such as individual retirement accounts, 529 college savings plans, small business investment strategies, fixed, and variable annuities. Additionally, the company provides personalized investment advisory services, as well as securities and insurance products and services. Pioneer Bankshares, Inc. was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Stanley, Virginia.

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Kandal M. Venture Ltd. (FMFC) plans to raise $9 million in an initial public offering (IPO) on the week of June 16th, IPO Scoop reports. The company will be issuing 2,000,000 shares at $4.00-$5.00 per share.

In the last twelve months, Kandal M. Venture Ltd. generated $14 million in revenue and $1.1 million in net income. The company has a market-cap of $81 million.

Dominari Securities and Revere Securities acted as the underwriters for the IPO.

Kandal M. Venture Ltd. provided the following description of their company for its IPO: (Incorporated in the Cayman Islands) Through FMF, our operating subsidiary, we are a contract manufacturer of affordable luxury leather goods with our manufacturing operations in Cambodia. We primarily manufacture handbags, such as shoulder bag, crossbody bag, tote bag, backpack, top-handleA handbag, satchel, and other smaller leather goods, such as wallets. Our customers are well-knownA global fashion brands that are headquartered in the UnitedA States. With our craftsmanship and extensive knowledge of the leather goods manufacturing process, our product engineers convert our customersa vision and design into leather goods products. Our products are primarily affordable luxury products that are made of leather and/or other materials. Our Competitive Strengths We believe the following competitive strengths differentiate our operating subsidiary from its competitors: a?A A A A A A A A Having long-termA and strong business relationships with renowned global fashion brands but we cannot assure continued good relationships with them, and they are not obligated in any way to continue placing orders with us at the same or increasing levels, or at all; a?A A A A A A A A Having long-termA collaborative relationships with our suppliers but their services are susceptible to fluctuations in pricing, timing, and quality, and we have limited control over their operations and compliance with regulations as we do not have long-termA contracts with them; a?A A A A A A A A Having extensive understanding of leather goods manufacturing process, up-to-dateA machinery and efficient management resulting in competitive pricing while maintaining quality and high efficiency; and a?A A A A A A A A Having experienced management team with extensive knowledge of the leather goods manufacturing industry where we operate but we cannot assure the retention of key executives and personnel necessary to maintain or expand our business, and the loss of any member of our management team could negatively impact our business plan and expansion. Our Strategies We aim to accomplish our business objective, further strengthen our market position and continue to be a competitive manufacturer of leather goods by pursing the following key strategies: a?A A A A A A A A Broadening our customer base by expanding our geographical market reach to other key markets, including the European markets but failure to implement the growth strategy in a timely or commercially acceptable manner may adversely affect our business growth and operating results; a?A A A A A A A A Enhancing our production capacity but failure to implement the growth strategy in a timely or commercially acceptable manner may adversely affect our business growth and operating results; and a?A A A A A A A A Establishing a new design and development center for enhancing our product development capabilities but failure to implement the growth strategy in a timely or commercially acceptable manner may adversely affect our business growth and operating results. Corporate History and Structure KMV is a holding company registered and incorporated in the Cayman Islands, and is not a Cambodian operating company. As a holding company with no material operations, we conduct our core business operations in Cambodia through our operating subsidiary, FMF.A On AprilA 5, 2017, FMF is the Groupas key operating subsidiary and was established under the laws of Cambodia to engage in the business of leather goods manufacturing. FMFas skilled craftsmanship and high-qualityA manufacturing capabilities are the cornerstones of the Groupas operations and reputation, allowing us to attract business from leading global brands. Customers issue letters of authorization directly to FMF which grant FMF the right to produce and export leather goods using their trademarks, and they frequently visit the production site of FMF located in Cambodia to inspect orders and conduct quality checks. PFL was incorporated under the laws of HongA Kong on NovemberA 3, 2016 as a trading company for the Groupas material procurement and customer invoicing. Note: Net income and revenue are in U.S. dollars (converted from Cambodias currency) for the 12 months that ended March 31, 2024. (Note: Kandal M. Venture Ltd. trimmed its small-cap IPOs size to 2.0 million shares  down from 2.8 million shares originally  and kept the price range at $4.00 to $5.00  to raise $9.0 million, according to its F-1/A filing dated Feb. 18, 2025.) (Note: Dominari Securities and Revere Securities are the new joint book-runners, replacing the original book-running team of Cathay Securities and WestPark Capital.) .

Kandal M. Venture Ltd. was founded in 2016 and has employees. The company is located at Padachi Village, Prek Ho Commune, Takhmao Town, Kandal Province, Kingdom of Cambodia and can be reached via phone at +855-23425205 or on the web at http://www.kandalmv.com/.

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Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH  Free Report) had its price target cut by Barclays from $351.00 to $347.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have an equal weight rating on the stock.

Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Guggenheim initiated coverage on shares of Molina Healthcare in a research report on Wednesday, April 9th. They issued a neutral rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of Molina Healthcare in a research report on Monday. They issued an overweight rating and a $364.00 price objective on the stock. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Molina Healthcare from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, April 11th. Baird R W lowered shares of Molina Healthcare from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 15th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein initiated coverage on shares of Molina Healthcare in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. They issued an outperform rating and a $414.00 price objective on the stock. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $364.21.

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Molina Healthcare Price Performance

Shares of NYSE MOH opened at $293.98 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.39, a PEG ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 0.57. Molina Healthcare has a one year low of $262.32 and a one year high of $365.23. The companys fifty day moving average is $317.68 and its two-hundred day moving average is $307.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 1.62 and a current ratio of 1.62.

Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, April 23rd. The company reported $6.08 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.96 by $0.12. Molina Healthcare had a net margin of 2.90% and a return on equity of 28.13%. The company had revenue of $11.15 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.86 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $5.73 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 12.2% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Molina Healthcare will post 24.4 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In related news, CEO Joseph M. Zubretsky sold 87,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, April 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $320.06, for a total transaction of $28,005,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 257,715 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $82,484,262.90. This represents a 25.35% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Richard M. Schapiro sold 669 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, April 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $320.50, for a total transaction of $214,414.50. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 11,244 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,603,702. This trade represents a 5.62% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 1.26% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Molina Healthcare

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its position in Molina Healthcare by 46.4% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 3,838,043 shares of the companys stock worth $1,264,214,000 after purchasing an additional 1,216,903 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its position in Molina Healthcare by 7.4% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,632,232 shares of the companys stock worth $766,111,000 after purchasing an additional 181,073 shares in the last quarter. FMR LLC increased its position in Molina Healthcare by 31.1% during the 4th quarter. FMR LLC now owns 1,801,113 shares of the companys stock worth $524,214,000 after purchasing an additional 427,276 shares in the last quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. increased its position in Molina Healthcare by 8.6% during the 1st quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,487,896 shares of the companys stock worth $490,099,000 after purchasing an additional 117,796 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in Molina Healthcare by 2.5% during the 4th quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,436,909 shares of the companys stock worth $417,144,000 after purchasing an additional 34,992 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.50% of the companys stock.

Molina Healthcare Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Molina Healthcare, Inc provides managed healthcare services to low-income families and individuals under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. It operates in four segments: Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and Other. The company served in across 19 states. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Long Beach, California.

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Arvest Investments Inc. grew its position in shares of Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO  Free Report) by 2.9% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 13,651 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 383 shares during the quarter. Arvest Investments Inc.s holdings in Valero Energy were worth $1,803,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of VLO. Ameriflex Group Inc. bought a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter valued at about $29,000. OFI Invest Asset Management bought a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter valued at about $37,000. Golden State Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter valued at about $38,000. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC increased its position in shares of Valero Energy by 122.0% during the 4th quarter. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC now owns 333 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 183 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Millstone Evans Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Valero Energy during the 4th quarter valued at about $44,000. 78.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have recently commented on VLO shares. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Valero Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the company from $127.00 to $154.00 in a research report on Tuesday, May 13th. Scotiabank dropped their target price on Valero Energy from $156.00 to $136.00 and set a sector outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, April 11th. Raymond James dropped their target price on Valero Energy from $165.00 to $155.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, April 9th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Valero Energy from $152.00 to $147.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 28th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on Valero Energy from $160.00 to $145.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, April 24th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Valero Energy has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $151.93.

Valero Energy Trading Up 1.6%

NYSE VLO opened at $134.02 on Thursday. Valero Energy Co. has a fifty-two week low of $99.00 and a fifty-two week high of $167.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.57. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $121.14 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $127.64. The stock has a market cap of $41.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.93 and a beta of 0.99.

Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, April 24th. The oil and gas company reported $0.89 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by ($0.27). The firm had revenue of $28.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $28.54 billion. Valero Energy had a net margin of 2.13% and a return on equity of 9.58%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $3.82 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Valero Energy Co. will post 7.92 earnings per share for the current year.

Valero Energy Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, June 18th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, May 20th will be paid a $1.13 dividend. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.37%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, May 20th. Valero Energys payout ratio is presently 159.72%.

Valero Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol.

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Arvest Investments Inc. cut its position in The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) by 1.4% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 5,505 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 79 shares during the quarter. Arvest Investments Inc.s holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $1,456,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Yoffe Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Travelers Companies in the 4th quarter valued at about $1,202,000. Erste Asset Management GmbH boosted its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. Erste Asset Management GmbH now owns 10,000 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,414,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank boosted its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 43.2% in the 4th quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 159,172 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $38,343,000 after purchasing an additional 47,985 shares during the period. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC boosted its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 16.7% in the 4th quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 21,265 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $5,122,000 after purchasing an additional 3,046 shares during the period. Finally, Banco Santander S.A. boosted its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 2.3% in the 4th quarter. Banco Santander S.A. now owns 66,689 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $16,065,000 after purchasing an additional 1,494 shares during the period. 82.45% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Insider Activity

In other news, EVP David Donnay Rowland sold 12,069 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $274.01, for a total value of $3,307,026.69. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 11,731 shares in the company, valued at $3,214,411.31. This represents a 50.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Vice Chairman William H. Heyman sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, May 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $274.50, for a total value of $549,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 255,086 shares of the companys stock, valued at $70,021,107. The trade was a 0.78% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 163,869 shares of company stock valued at $44,868,201. 1.46% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Travelers Companies Trading Down 0.7%

Shares of TRV opened at $261.20 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $262.99 and its two-hundred day moving average is $254.22. The stock has a market cap of $58.99 billion, a PE ratio of 12.17, a P/E/G ratio of 4.65 and a beta of 0.53. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $200.21 and a 12 month high of $277.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.33 and a quick ratio of 0.33.

Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, April 16th. The insurance provider reported $1.91 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.53 by $1.38. The firm had revenue of $10.52 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.97 billion. Travelers Companies had a net margin of 10.77% and a return on equity of 19.06%. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $4.69 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.02 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Travelers Companies Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, June 10th will be issued a dividend of $1.10 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, June 10th. This is a positive change from Travelers Companiess previous quarterly dividend of $1.05. This represents a $4.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.68%. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is 23.95%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

TRV has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Travelers Companies from $260.00 to $271.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, April 8th. UBS Group decreased their price objective on Travelers Companies from $270.00 to $267.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, April 9th. Hsbc Global Res cut Travelers Companies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, March 24th. Wall Street Zen raised Travelers Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 13th. Finally, HSBC cut Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $270.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Monday, March 24th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have issued a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Travelers Companies has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $271.11.

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Travelers Companies Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

Further Reading

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Mogy Joel R Investment Counsel Inc. grew its stake in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW  Free Report) by 3.7% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 6,897 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 245 shares during the period. Mogy Joel R Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $540,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Allen Mooney & Barnes Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Charles Schwab by 2.2% in the first quarter. Allen Mooney & Barnes Investment Advisors LLC now owns 183,489 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $14,363,000 after buying an additional 3,959 shares during the last quarter. Spectrum Asset Management Inc. NB CA lifted its holdings in Charles Schwab by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Spectrum Asset Management Inc. NB CA now owns 66,378 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,196,000 after buying an additional 747 shares during the last quarter. Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 107.8% in the 1st quarter. Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Inc. now owns 6,059 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $474,000 after acquiring an additional 3,143 shares in the last quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 19.0% in the 1st quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC now owns 10,342 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $810,000 after acquiring an additional 1,654 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ulland Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 6.9% during the 1st quarter. Ulland Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,245 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $176,000 after acquiring an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.38% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity

In related news, Director Paula A. Sneed sold 8,647 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, May 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $88.06, for a total value of $761,454.82. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 105,654 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,303,891.24. The trade was a 7.57% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, General Counsel Peter J. Morgan III sold 10,176 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, May 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $87.39, for a total transaction of $889,280.64. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 97,608 shares of company stock worth $8,392,040 over the last 90 days. 6.30% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Charles Schwab Price Performance

Shares of NYSE SCHW opened at $88.36 on Thursday. The Charles Schwab Co. has a twelve month low of $61.01 and a twelve month high of $89.85. The company has a current ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $82.58 and a two-hundred day moving average of $79.79. The company has a market capitalization of $160.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.55, a PEG ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 0.94.

Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, April 17th. The financial services provider reported $1.04 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.01 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $5.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.46 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 30.31% and a return on equity of 18.20%. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.74 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 4.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Charles Schwab Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, May 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 9th were issued a dividend of $0.27 per share. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.22%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, May 9th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is 32.73%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of Charles Schwab from $96.00 to $84.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, April 7th. Redburn Atlantic upgraded shares of Charles Schwab from a sell rating to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the stock from $65.00 to $82.00 in a research note on Monday. Truist Financial lifted their target price on Charles Schwab from $84.00 to $97.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, May 15th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on Charles Schwab from $76.00 to $83.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, May 13th. Finally, UBS Group raised their price target on Charles Schwab from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, April 22nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and fifteen have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Charles Schwab presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $89.25.

View Our Latest Report on Charles Schwab

About Charles Schwab

(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.

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Photo: Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. The meeting with the CEO of the French company IB2 discussed the possibilities of cooperation, a source at the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy told Trend.

According to the source, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov met with the company's co-founder and CEO, Romain Girbal.

The meeting provided information on Azerbaijan's economic priorities, favorable business environment, opportunities created for investors, and the importance of expanding ties between business circles was noted.

During the discussion on cooperation, the strategic importance of the efficient use of natural resources, diversification of raw materials, and the application of modern technologies in production in a sustainable economy was emphasized.

Opportunities for cooperation and exchange of experience in the aluminum industry were considered.

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Net Worth Advisory Group lessened its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 7.2% in the first quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 5,353 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after selling 416 shares during the quarter. Net Worth Advisory Groups holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $889,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Sapient Capital LLC grew its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 1,056.5% in the 1st quarter. Sapient Capital LLC now owns 132,166 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $22,023,000 after buying an additional 120,738 shares in the last quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC lifted its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 7.1% in the 1st quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 2,384 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $396,000 after acquiring an additional 158 shares during the last quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 19.3% in the 1st quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC now owns 7,852 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,303,000 after acquiring an additional 1,271 shares during the last quarter. Transform Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Transform Wealth LLC now owns 20,248 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $3,375,000 after acquiring an additional 182 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Focus Financial Network Inc. lifted its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 19.3% in the 1st quarter. Focus Financial Network Inc. now owns 5,026 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $834,000 after acquiring an additional 812 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 16.51% of the companys stock.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Price Performance

TSM stock opened at $213.66 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 2.57, a quick ratio of 2.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a one year low of $133.57 and a one year high of $226.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.11 trillion, a PE ratio of 30.35, a P/E/G ratio of 0.66 and a beta of 1.27. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $177.44 and a two-hundred day moving average of $188.32.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Cuts Dividend

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, April 17th. The semiconductor company reported $2.12 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.03 by $0.09. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 40.51% and a return on equity of 30.47%. The company had revenue of $25.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $834.10 billion. On average, analysts forecast that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 9.2 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 16th will be paid a dividend of $0.6499 per share. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.22%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 16th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is presently 30.46%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

TSM has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. Susquehanna reissued a positive rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Friday, April 25th. Barclays reissued an overweight rating and issued a $240.00 price target (up from $215.00) on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Tuesday, June 3rd. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and issued a $225.00 price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Thursday, April 17th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $217.00.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile

(Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others.

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USA Financial Formulas raised its holdings in Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Free Report) by 24.7% during the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 1,434 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 284 shares during the period. USA Financial Formulas holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $238,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Lantz Financial LLC raised its position in Johnson & Johnson by 3.3% in the first quarter. Lantz Financial LLC now owns 11,974 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,986,000 after purchasing an additional 377 shares during the period. Sulzberger Capital Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson in the 4th quarter valued at $453,000. Horan Securities Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 1.3% in the 4th quarter. Horan Securities Inc. now owns 7,178 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,038,000 after buying an additional 90 shares during the period. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC raised its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 57.9% in the 4th quarter. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC now owns 3,467 shares of the companys stock valued at $501,000 after buying an additional 1,271 shares during the period. Finally, State of Wyoming raised its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 205,580.0% in the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 10,284 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,487,000 after buying an additional 10,279 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.55% of the companys stock.

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Johnson & Johnson Trading Down 0.8%

NYSE:JNJ opened at $155.19 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $153.56 and a 200-day simple moving average of $153.70. The stock has a market cap of $373.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.34, a P/E/G ratio of 2.56 and a beta of 0.42. Johnson & Johnson has a 1 year low of $140.68 and a 1 year high of $169.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 1.11.

Johnson & Johnson Increases Dividend

Johnson & Johnson ( NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, April 15th. The company reported $2.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.59 by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $21.89 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.65 billion. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 34.24% and a net margin of 18.20%. As a group, analysts anticipate that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, June 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, May 27th were given a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, May 27th. This is a boost from Johnson & Johnsons previous quarterly dividend of $1.24. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.35%. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio is 57.84%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $181.00 price objective on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a report on Thursday, June 5th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on Johnson & Johnson from $164.00 to $169.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, April 16th. Guggenheim reissued a neutral rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Wednesday, April 2nd. Wall Street Zen cut Johnson & Johnson from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, Benchmark raised Johnson & Johnson to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 24th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $170.88.

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Johnson & Johnson Company Profile

(Free Report)

Johnson & Johnson is a holding company, which engages in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of products in the healthcare field. It operates through the Innovative Medicine and MedTech segments. The Innovative Medicine segment focuses on immunology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, oncology, cardiovascular and metabolism, and pulmonary hypertension.

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West Oak Capital LLC trimmed its holdings in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 6.8% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,100 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 300 shares during the period. West Oak Capital LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $526,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EOG. apricus wealth LLC raised its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 18.2% during the 1st quarter. apricus wealth LLC now owns 2,012 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $258,000 after buying an additional 310 shares during the period. Simon Quick Advisors LLC boosted its position in EOG Resources by 14.8% in the 1st quarter. Simon Quick Advisors LLC now owns 5,253 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $674,000 after buying an additional 677 shares during the last quarter. Arvest Investments Inc. grew its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 3.6% during the first quarter. Arvest Investments Inc. now owns 13,905 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $1,783,000 after acquiring an additional 480 shares in the last quarter. Coerente Capital Management increased its position in shares of EOG Resources by 0.7% during the first quarter. Coerente Capital Management now owns 123,365 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $15,820,000 after acquiring an additional 881 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Focus Financial Network Inc. increased its position in shares of EOG Resources by 16.6% during the first quarter. Focus Financial Network Inc. now owns 2,195 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $281,000 after acquiring an additional 313 shares during the last quarter. 89.91% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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EOG Resources Trading Up 1.6%

NYSE:EOG opened at $119.80 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $111.34 and a 200 day simple moving average of $122.03. The firm has a market capitalization of $65.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.58 and a beta of 0.74. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 1-year low of $102.52 and a 1-year high of $138.18. The company has a quick ratio of 2.07, a current ratio of 2.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13.

EOG Resources Increases Dividend

EOG Resources ( NYSE:EOG Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, May 1st. The energy exploration company reported $2.87 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.75 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $5.84 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.92 billion. EOG Resources had a net margin of 29.18% and a return on equity of 23.77%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.82 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.47 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 31st. Investors of record on Friday, October 17th will be paid a $1.02 dividend. This is a positive change from EOG Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 17th. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.41%. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 36.18%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on EOG shares. KeyCorp lowered their price objective on EOG Resources from $150.00 to $140.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 21st. Barclays upped their target price on EOG Resources from $137.00 to $140.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, June 2nd. Piper Sandler decreased their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $135.00 to $133.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 22nd. UBS Group restated a buy rating and issued a $140.00 price target (up previously from $135.00) on shares of EOG Resources in a research note on Tuesday, June 3rd. Finally, Citigroup decreased their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $134.00 to $125.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, March 17th. Eleven research 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 MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $139.58.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on EOG

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other EOG Resources news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 4,037 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, April 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $127.76, for a total transaction of $515,767.12. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 47,732 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,098,240.32. This trade represents a 7.80% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

EOG Resources Company Profile

(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.

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apricus wealth LLC grew its holdings in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE  Free Report) by 22.6% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 110,791 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 20,406 shares during the quarter. Pfizer makes up 1.7% of apricus wealth LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest position. apricus wealth LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $2,807,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Lipe & Dalton lifted its position in Pfizer by 17.7% during the 4th quarter. Lipe & Dalton now owns 2,659 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $71,000 after acquiring an additional 400 shares during the period. Beam Wealth Advisors Inc. lifted its position in Pfizer by 1.5% during the 4th quarter. Beam Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 27,444 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $728,000 after acquiring an additional 401 shares during the period. Providence Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in Pfizer by 0.4% during the 4th quarter. Providence Capital Advisors LLC now owns 114,358 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,034,000 after acquiring an additional 409 shares during the period. Donaldson Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Pfizer by 1.2% during the 4th quarter. Donaldson Capital Management LLC now owns 35,694 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $947,000 after acquiring an additional 410 shares during the period. Finally, Noesis Capital Mangement Corp increased its stake in Pfizer by 2.6% during the 4th quarter. Noesis Capital Mangement Corp now owns 16,357 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $434,000 after purchasing an additional 413 shares in the last quarter. 68.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Pfizer Stock Performance

Shares of PFE stock opened at $24.46 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $22.96 and a 200-day moving average price of $24.98. Pfizer Inc. has a 52 week low of $20.92 and a 52 week high of $31.54. The firm has a market capitalization of $139.04 billion, a PE ratio of 17.34, a P/E/G ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a quick ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63.

Pfizer Announces Dividend

Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.92 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.67 by $0.25. The firm had revenue of $13.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.43 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 12.62% and a return on equity of 19.47%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.82 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, June 13th. Investors of record on Friday, May 9th will be given a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 9th. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.03%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 124.64%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have weighed in on the stock. Guggenheim restated a buy rating on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Tuesday, March 18th. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Thursday, March 27th. UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of Pfizer from $24.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, April 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and set a $25.00 price objective (down from $32.00) on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Tuesday, April 8th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res upgraded shares of Pfizer to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, March 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and three have assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Pfizer currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $29.17.

Read Our Latest Analysis on PFE

Pfizer Profile

(Free Report)

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 12. We have commenced drilling operations on the Uchquloch project in the Jizzak region of Uzbekistan, a zinc and lead deposit originally developed during the Soviet era, said Emre Kayisoglu, Chief Executive Officer of Esan Eczacbas, during the panel discussion on Sustainable Mining: New Opportunities for Investors within the IV Tashkent International Investment Forum, Trend reports.

The open-pit mining has largely finished, and the reserves are nearly depleted. However, we are seeing very promising data from our drilling activities, said the project director.

Given the results, were now focused on improving the metallurgical beneficiation of the ore, and were optimistic about its potential due to advances in technology. We are also working on grinding solutions to improve recovery rates, he added.

The director emphasized that one of the key reasons for choosing Uzbekistan as an investment destination is the countrys recent legal reforms, which mirror those in neighboring Kazakhstan, particularly its 2018 mining law reforms. These updates have created a more attractive and stable environment for international mining companies, he said.

We believe Uzbekistans legislative changes will attract more international investors, including major mining companies. The interest is expected to come quickly. The country is improving its standards to match international norms, and institutions like the EBRD are helping with this transition. This support will encourage international investors to view Uzbekistan as a viable and lucrative market. As first movers in this emerging market, we have collaborated closely with Uzbekistans Ministry of Mining and Mineral Resources to navigate this evolving landscape. Their support has been invaluable in overcoming initial challenges and advancing the project. We believe our pioneering work will pave the way for future investment, helping to establish Uzbekistan as a competitive and attractive destination for international mining ventures, Kayisoglu explained.

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The Trans-Caspian Fiber-optic Cable project, set to establish the first fiber-optic connection between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, has reached a new milestone in its construction phase. The project owners, AzerTelecom and Kazakhtelecom, are pleased to announce the successful completion of the Desktop Study, a comprehensive pre-engineering analysis of the marine environment and potential cable route, marking a strong and promising start to the upcoming submarine installation works.

The final report from the Desktop Study includes detailed analysis of marine charts, seabed conditions, environmental factors, and potential route hazards. It also provides the foundational data required for the next stages of the project, including the marine survey and cable route engineering.

Technical supervision and advisory support for the project are being provided by U.S.-based Pioneer Consulting, ensuring that all milestones and deliverables align with industry best practices and global standards. As part of its role, Pioneer Consulting contributed to the Desktop Study by reviewing critical design elements and providing expert recommendations, supporting the reports acceptance by AzerTelecom and Kazakhtelecom.

This milestone confirms that the proposed fiber-optic route meets international engineering standards and adheres to stringent safety and quality benchmarks.

According to Yusif Jabbarov, Chairman of NEQSOL Holding, owner of Azerbaijans leading backbone internet provider, AzerTelecom, the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable project not only strengthens digital connectivity and technological advancement across the region but also contributes to regional economic cooperation. This project is a key component of NEQSOL Holdings strategic Digital Silk Way initiative, aimed at building a sustainable digital future for the region. To achieve this, we are implementing cutting-edge, internationally recognized solutions to usher in a new era of faster, more reliable, and high-quality connectivity between Asia and Europe, added Yusif Jabbarov.

This year, we signed a contract for the construction of the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable across the Caspian Sea and reached our first major milestone  the completion of the Desktop Study. The next step is the marine route survey, and Im pleased to note that all activities are progressing in accordance with the schedule. On the Kazakhtelecom side, weve formed a dedicated implementation team focused solely on this project, which is unique in its scope and scale, said Nurlan Meirmanov, Chief Strategy and External Assets Officer of Kazakhtelecom.

Dave Marie, Project Manager and Director of Client Solutions at Pioneer Consulting, stated, Since January 2024, our team has been supporting the design and procurement of the Trans-Caspian submarine cable system. We are honored to be collaborating with AzerTelecom and Kazakhtelecom in delivering this unique, much-needed high-speed and reliable fibre optic system to the region.

The Trans-Caspian Fiber-optic Cable Line features a 380 km fiber-optic line across the Caspian Sea, connecting Sumgait (Azerbaijan) and Aktau (Kazakhstan). With a data transmission capacity of up to 400 terabits per second, the cable will form a high-speed, low-latency regional connectivity corridor. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

About AzerTelecom

AzerTelecom is a leading telecommunications operator in Azerbaijan, providing wholesale carrier-grade communications, digital, and other services. The company operates within Azerconnect Group, which is part of NEQSOL Holding. AzerTelecom rapidly evolves within local, regional, and international markets. It consistently incorporates cutting-edge technologies and innovations to foster sustainable growth within both society and the ICT sector.

About Kazakhtelecom

Kazakhtelecom JSC is Kazakhstan's largest telecommunications company, offering a comprehensive range of services, including fixed-line and mobile telephony, internet access, television broadcasting, and data transmission. Established in 1994, the company has played a pivotal role in developing the nation's communication infrastructure. Kazakhtelecom's commitment to innovation and quality service delivery has solidified its position as a leader in the industry.

About Pioneer Consulting

Drawing on decades of experience, Pioneer Consulting empowers clients to take their vision for a submarine fiber optic telecommunications system and make it a reality. The company provides expert counsel to guide clients through the full process of subsea cable installation, while also providing valuable technical and commercial insight about the submarine telecom industry.
Slovenian Ministry outlines new wave of economic cooperation with Uzbekistan (Exclusive)

Slovenian and Uzbek companies are hitting the ground running, joining forces across a multitude of key sectors. Recent forums and upcoming business missions, along with fresh government agreements, are shining a light on the blossoming economic and tourism ties between the two nations. This article dives into the blossoming partnership between the two nations, highlighting their common aspirations for rolling up their sleeves and investing in a brighter future together.

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A warning has been issued to households across Ireland about the dangers of leaving electrical products plugged in when you leave your home.

Highlighting one recent incident, Dublin Fire Brigade took to social media to warn that the 'common mistake' could risk your house being burned down or seriously damaged.

In a post on X, they said: "A good habit is to unplug when you are finished with an item. Unplugging is easier to remember than switching off. Pull the plug when you're done."

Attached to the post was a photo of a severely burned window sill with a hair straightener that was left plugged in while on top of it.

A good habit is to unplug when you are finished with an item.



Unplugging is easier to remember than switching off.



Pull the plug when you're done. pic.twitter.com/rAXXxBzQAP  Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) June 12, 2025

Luckily enough, it seems no further damage was done to the surrounding areas but it could have been much worse if the device was left at another location unattended, such as near clothing or carpet.

READ NEXT: Irish families in line for an extra 145 each month as Child Benefit could double

One person who viewed the post commented, "Girls and ladies be wide to the risks we don't even think about until it's too late".

Irish homeowners are being urged to be more vigilant when leaving the house and to remember to plug out all electrical appliances following this incident.
After a sizeable protest this week . . . It looks like Kansas City is gearing up for another nationwide progressive call to action against the Trump administration.

Here's the important part not matter which side of the partisan coin that readers might call their own:

On social media we notice THOUSANDS signed up to join this Kansas City branch of the national protest.

And so we can, always, argue about politics but there's no denying this effort is probably a big deal.

Check-it . . .

"On June 14Flag DayDonald Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isnt staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else.



"No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, were taking action to reject authoritarianismand show the world what democracy really looks like.



"Were not gathering to feed his ego. Were building a movement that leaves him behind.



"The flag doesnt belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to us. Were not watching history happen. Were making it.

On June 14th, were showing up everywhere he isntto say no thrones, no crowns, no kings."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Facebook: No Kings Rally June 14th

Developing . . .
This year the Country Club Plaza has garnered more attention for vacant storefronts than upscale shopping or fun times for the elite.

And now . . .

THOUSANDS OF KANSAS CITY ACTIVIST PROTESTERS DESCENDING ON THE PLAZA WON'T HELP THE DISTRICT'S TARNISHED IMAGE!!!

In fact . . .

This is EXACTLY the kind of thing that threatens to drive more customers away.

Moreover . . .

So much foot traffic doesn't do merchants any good if activists aren't even gonna buy a cup of coffee.

To be fair . . .

There aren't many options for shopping left with more than 50 vacant storefronts.

The greatest fear of TKC readers . . .

MAGA/ICE protesters will "finish off" the plaza after Mayor Q's tacit endorsement of the 2020 BLM hot mess ultimately chased so many people away.

For now . . .

We share the big picture and more reporting . . .

"Protests over federal immigration enforcement raids and President Trump's mobilization of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles continue to spread nationwide.



"While many have been peaceful, with marchers chanting slogans and carrying signs against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, some protesters have clashed with police, leading to hundreds of arrests and the use of chemical irritants to disperse crowds.



"Activists say they will hold even larger demonstrations in the coming days with "No Kings" events across the country on Saturday to coincide with Mr. Trump's planned military parade through Washington, D.C."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

PHOTOS: Protests against immigration raids spread across the U.S. From Seattle and Austin to Chicago and Washington, D.C., marchers have chanted slogans, carried signs against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and snarled traffic through downtown avenues and outside federal offices.

Anti-ICE protests growing across the country Protestors opposed to ICE's immigration enforcement operations are holding demonstrations across the country. In L.A., there is a curfew for a second night in the downtown area in an effort to quell violence and looting. NBC News' Liz Kreutz reports.

Protests over immigration raids pop up across the US with more planned Protests over federal immigration enforcement raids and President Donald Trump's move to mobilize the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles are spreading nationwide and are expected to continue into the weekend.

Protests against immigration raids continue to spread across the U.S. Here's a look at many of them. Protests against ICE raids have continued to spread across the U.S. Here's a rundown of many of them.

Photos: St. Louis protests growing ICE raids and military deployment The protest joins the nationwide chorus of residents pushing back on the Trump administration's mass deportation efforts and the subsequent federalization of the National Guard in Los Angeles.

Developing . . .
This campaign tidbit has our Democratic Party friends in the Sunflower State feeling confident.

Why?!?

Because . . .

THE KANSAS SAUSAGE FEST GOP IS HORRIBLE AT BEATING LADY CANDIDATES!!!

Check the scorecard and the results will confirm our assertion.

Admittedly, we don't know much about this lady yet but she's running the same playbook that has secured one victory after the next for both the Guv AND the JoCo Congresslady . . .Check-it:

Kansas Sen. Cindy Holscher says she will seek the Democratic nomination for governor to try to protect public schools and shield the state from a potential double dose of flash and burn policies ignited by Republicans at federal and state levels.



Holscher, from Overland Park, planned to announce her candidacy Thursday, becoming the first well-known Democrat to enter the race. A slate of Republicans have already announced their intentions to replace Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who is serving her second term.



Holscher said she is focusing on kitchen table issues after seeing fellow Democrats lose legislative seats in last years election.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Kansas Reflector: Democrat steps forward in race for Kansas governor, focuses on schools and kitchen table issues
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Uzbekistan, which lies at the heart of the Silk Road corridor, has received the largest share of investments, totaling over $12 billion, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) investing more than $3 billion in road and rail infrastructure, said Mayank Choundhary, Director of the Private Sector Infrastructure Division at ADB, at the panel discussion Transportation Infrastructure: Todays Silk Road Pathways within the IV Tashkent International Investment Forum, Trend reports.

He explained that the corridor today is a multipolar network that includes roadways, railways, ports, airports, energy pipelines, and digital infrastructure such as data centers and fiber optic cables.

'' Since 2001, the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program has invested around $52 billion across these countries, with ADB contributing more than $18 billion. Approximately 50 to 60 percent of ADBs investments have targeted transportation, while about 30 to 35 percent have focused on energy,'' he added.

In Uzbekistan, the focus now, especially in railways, is on digitization, Choundhary noted.

He highlighted ongoing projects aimed at modernizing the southern railway network, improving efficiency and connectivity through digital technologies.

Looking ahead, Choundhary expressed optimism about opportunities for private sector involvement and the expansion of public-private partnership (PPP) models.

We see a lot of potential to replicate the success we had in the energy sector, transforming transportation and connectivity through strong, bankable structures and attracting large global players, he said.

The key sectors for growth include aviation, roads, railways, and related services.

As an example of ADBs regional efforts, Choundhary pointed to its cooperation with Georgian Railways, where the bank helped secure $500 million in green bonds. This funding supported upgrades to rolling stock, decarbonization initiatives, and improvements to train speeds, contributing to both environmental goals and enhanced transport efficiency.

The official also mentioned ongoing projects across Asia-Pacific focused on decarbonizing transportation by electrifying buses and personal vehicles and shifting rail traction from hydrocarbon fuels to electric power.

There is a lot to discuss, but Ill stop here to allow others to contribute, Choundhary concluded, underscoring the scale and importance of investments shaping the future of transportation infrastructure along the modern Silk Road corridor.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. bp will prepare a development concept for the Karabagh field in connection with the Ashrafi-Dan Ulduzu-Aypara (ADUA) block, Tamam Bayatly, head of the press service of BP-Azerbaijan, said in a statement to Trend.

Bayatly said the company has officially thrown its hat in the ring for both projects through existing agreements, where the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) had previously held the reins as the sole stakeholder.

We have acquired a 35 percent stake in both the Karabagh and ADUA projects through the relevant agreements. Under those contracts, bp will serve as the operator for both, just as we do for Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli and Shah Deniz. Together with SOCAR, our task now is to develop the next-phase plans for both projects, he noted.

She emphasized that the initial focus will be on crafting a development concept for the Karabagh field.

Based on this concept, we will determine whether to drill a well and whether a new platform is needed. If existing infrastructure is nearby and technology permits, we could accelerate the development. Thats why we must start with the concept to define our production approach, she said.

According to Bayatly, the oil and gas from Karabagh will make their way to Sangachal through the existing subsea export pipelines, cutting out the need for any new underwater infrastructure.

The concept design will take some time, but production needs to start soon. The field lies just 20-25 kilometers from Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli, making it easy to connect wells to the existing subsea export systems. Since Central Azeri is already linked to Sangachal via subsea pipelines, oil and gas from Karabagh will feed directly into those lines.

Since both oil and gas have been discovered in the Karabagh field, each will be linked to the existing subsea export pipelines I mentioned. In other words, the oil and gas produced from Karabagh will be transported to Sangachal through these pipelines without the need to build new underwater infrastructure.

As operator of both Karabagh and the ADUA block, our first step is to complete the development concept and align it with SOCAR. Once approved, bp will begin the necessary construction and move toward production.

Following evaluations, we will publicly share details regarding the value and potential of both projects, she explained.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Trends in the global energy market were discussed between Azerbaijan and the IEA, the country's energy minister, Parviz Shahbazov, wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

"We had fruitful discussions in Brussels with Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), on trends in the global energy market, the monitoring of COP29 energy initiatives, and plans for cooperation," the minister explained.

The IEA is central to global energy discourse, offering authoritative analysis, data, policy recommendations, and practical solutions to assist nations in delivering secure and sustainable energy for all. The IEA was established in 1974 to facilitate a coordinated response to significant interruptions in oil supplies. Although oil security continues to be a fundamental component of our operations, the IEA has undergone substantial evolution and expansion since its inception. Since 2015, the IEA has welcomed significant emerging nations to enhance its worldwide influence and strengthen collaboration in energy security, data and statistics, energy policy analysis, energy efficiency, and the increasing adoption of clean energy technology.

As part of the EU4Energy program, funded by the European Union, the IEA has developed a roadmap for long-term energy planning for the Republic of Azerbaijan. The roadmap focuses on approaches and models used in energy policy planning. State institutions will be able to utilize statistical data included in the document, its data collection methodologies, monitoring and evaluation procedures, as well as key performance indicators relevant to the field for energy planning processes.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a loan of up to 50 million euros to Serbia for the decommissioning of environmentally harmful boiler houses in six self-governing municipalities and to enable investments in sustainable heat sources, Trend reports, citing EBRD's latest reports.

The loan is being provided to Serbias Ministry of Finance and will be disbursed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection to public entities across the country.

In addition to backing the bucks for heat pumps and the nitty-gritty of industrial and urban waste heat systems, the loan will pave the way for hooking up to district heating networks where the rubber meets the road, sprucing up buildings with energy-efficiency retrofitting, and putting in thermostatic valves to keep energy demand in check.

This investment will pave the way for a substantial drop in emissions of CO and other nasty air pollutants like sulfur dioxide, fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and soot, helping to clear the air and breathe easier. It will also decrease Serbias reliance on imported energy sources, reduce overall energy costs, and drive decarbonization of the building sector, while improving the sustainability and comfort of public buildings nationwide.

The investment came to fruition as a piece of the EBRDs Renewable District Energy in the Western Balkans technical assistance program, backed by the Austrian government, which is all about getting the ball rolling on renewable energy sources for district heating and cooling systems. The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency also provided financial support for the project.

The loan agreement was signed by Sinisa Mali, Serbias First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, while the project agreement was signed by Sara Pavkov, Serbias Minister of Environmental Protection. Both agreements were signed by Matteo Colangeli, EBRD Regional Head of the Western Balkans, on behalf of the Bank.

This loan marks a vital step towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for Serbia and its citizens. By reducing air pollution across many Serbian cities and decreasing reliance on imported energy, the project will lower energy costs for public institutions while improving the comfort and sustainability of buildings nationwide. Supporting the phase-out of harmful boiler houses and investing in modern, renewable heating solutions such as heat pumps, solar thermal, biomass, and photovoltaics, this initiative will accelerate Serbias transition to a low-carbon economy and enhance energy independence across multiple local communities, said Colangeli.

Today is a big and important day for me as the Minister of Environmental Protection, because we are opening a new chapter in the field of air protection. Based on the agreements we have signed, we will invest an extremely large amount of money, 50 million euros, targeted at the cities we have mapped as those with the largest excesses of harmful emissions. This is important above all for the citizens of Belgrade, Nis, Valjevo, Zajecar, Novi Pazar, and Smederevo, where this series of projects will be implemented. These projects are the crowning achievement of many years of demanding work and signal the start of a phase where we can intensify the fight for cleaner air, which is one of our main priorities and which our citizens deserve. We will fight with all our strength to achieve this goal, said Pavkov.

The EBRD is the leading institutional investor in Serbia, having invested more than 10 billion euros through 379 projects to date. The Banks focus in Serbia is on private-sector competitiveness, the green economy transition, and sustainable infrastructure.

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LANSING, Mich.  Michigan House Republicans unveiled a $2.4 billion higher education budget on Wednesday that would slash state funding for the University of Michigan and Michigan State University by approximately $300 million annually, targeting their large endowments and out-of-state student enrollments. The proposal, which advanced out of the House Appropriations Committee along party lines, has sparked sharp criticism from Democrats and university officials.

Under the plan, the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus would face a $335 million reduction in state aid, a 91.6% cut from current levels, while Michigan State University would see a $237.4 million decrease, equating to a 73% reduction. The House Fiscal Agency reports that the net reductions, after accounting for scholarship reallocations, would amount to $239 million for UM and $62 million for MSU.

State Rep. Greg Markkanen, R-Hancock, chair of the House Higher Education and Community Colleges budget committee, defended the cuts, stating, "Michigan's largest universities have been getting way more than their fair share for far too long. Our plan sets things right by trimming the fat off MSU and U of M and distributing that funding amongst our 13 other remarkable universities."

The proposal redistributes funds to Michigan's 13 other public universities, with institutions like Wayne State University potentially seeing a 28% increase in state aid, and others up to 31%. The budget divides the $1.6 billion in current university funding into two pots: campus investment funds for infrastructure and technology, and scholarship money for in-state students. However, critics argue the $272.4 million in scholarship aid primarily offsets student costs and does little to mitigate the universities' operational losses.

"A budget reduction of the scale proposed by the House would hinder our ability to deliver the high-quality, affordable education that Michigan students expect and deserve," said Amber McCann, MSU spokesperson. "We are proud of the role MSU plays in driving Michigan's future  and we believe the state budget should reflect that value, not diminish it."

Chris Kolb, UM's vice president for government relations, called the proposed cut "deeply disappointing," emphasizing that "U-M contributes a 24-to-1 return on investment to Michigan's economy, ranks No. 1 nationally in both degree value and research volume and educates tens of thousands of students from every one of Michigan's 83 counties." He warned that "a cut of this magnitude would undermine that success and sends the wrong message about what the state values."

The budget also imposes restrictions, withholding funding from universities that maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, allow transgender women to compete in women's sports, or fail to verify students' legal residency status. Additionally, it caps administrative spending at 10% of salary budgets and penalizes universities raising tuition beyond 3% or $489 annually.

State Rep. Matt Maddock, R-Milford, framed the cuts as targeting "woke" universities, saying, "We're making cuts to the woke universities and giving it to the non-woke universities or the less woke universities."

House Democrats condemned the proposal. "Seems like they're letting DC rhetoric stomp on Midwest values," said state Rep. Alabas Farhat, D-Dearborn. "If you are a student or a parent of someone who attends any university in the state of Michigan, you should understand that House Republicans do not care about you."

The plan faces significant hurdles in the Democratic-controlled Senate, which passed a budget in April increasing university funding. With negotiations ongoing, the budget must be finalized by Oct. 1 for the 2025-26 fiscal year. University leaders warn that the cuts, combined with recent federal research funding reductions, could jeopardize academic programs and economic contributions.

Rep. Samantha Steckloff, D-Farmington Hills, questioned the budget's projections, noting "huge discrepancies" in expected scholarship revenue for universities like Michigan Tech and Wayne State. "The math is not adding up," she said during the committee hearing.

The proposal comes amid broader financial challenges for UM and MSU, which are already adjusting budgets due to federal cuts to agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy. MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz recently warned of "hard decisions" ahead, while UM has implemented hiring and spending reviews to brace for further reductions.

As the budget battle unfolds, Michigan's flagship universities face an uncertain future, with potential impacts on students, faculty, and the state's economy hanging in the balance.
Small-business owners will have an opportunity to learn how to add passkeys to their Quickbooks Online or Google accounts Thursday, June 19.

Paul Johnson and Laura Baker will lead a Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network webinar titled Using Passkeys: How to Make Your Online Accounts More Secure from noon-12:30 p.m. To register, go here. Registration is free.

The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by the University of Wyoming with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Passkeys provide an extra layer of protection to accessing your online accounts. They are a step above passwords and even multifactor authentication. The webinar will cover what passkeys are; what makes them a more secure way to access your accounts; and the procedures to activate passkeys for both Quickbooks Online and Google accounts.

Johnson is manager of the Wyoming SBDC Networks Cybersecurity Program.

Baker is executive director of CyberWyoming.

For more information, call Tyler Schanck, marketing, communications and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network, at (307) 343-0925 or email tschanck@uwyo.edu.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. On June 12, Lietuvos Bankas released its 2024 Climate-Related Financial Disclosures for non-monetary policy portfolios, detailing its progress toward the European Unions climate neutrality goals and its own transition to a low-carbon investment strategy, Trend reports with reference to the Bank of Lithuania (Lietuvos Bankas).

The central bank has committed to making all of its non-monetary policy-related financial assets climate neutral by 2050. As part of this long-term goal, interim climate targets have been established, including a reduction of the weighted average carbon intensity (WACI) of equity investments by 30 percent by the end of 2025. This reduction is measured against a 2020 baseline as well as against the carbon intensity of the market benchmark for developed countries.

According to Marius Ignotas, Director of the Market Operations Department at Lietuvos Bankas, the central bank has already seen notable improvements since implementing its sustainability strategy in 2022.

After the sustainability strategy was introduced in 2022, the WACI indicator for Lietuvos Bankas equity investments has already fallen by 54 percent and improved by 29 percent compared to the benchmark. The possibility of setting interim targets for other asset classes is currently being considered, said Ignotas.

The report aligns with the EUs overarching climate objectives under the Paris Agreement, which aims for climate neutrality by 2050 and a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030, relative to 1990 levels.

Lietuvos Bankas investment policy for managing foreign reserve assets includes a focus on reducing climate-related risks, provided this does not conflict with core principles of security, liquidity, and return.

This climate disclosure is part of a coordinated effort across the Eurosystema group of central banks within the eurozoneto enhance transparency on how financial institutions manage climate-related risks and impacts. The disclosures follow the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework and address four main areas: governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets.

Critical metrics delineated in the analysis encompass the weighted average carbon intensity, aggregate carbon emissions, and overall carbon footprint, providing enhanced visibility into the alignment of financial portfolios with overarching global climate objectives.



The document elucidates the escalating influence of monetary authorities in catalyzing sustainable financial mechanisms and facilitating a systematic, transparent transition towards a carbon-neutral economic paradigm.

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The devastating Air India crash seems certain to embroil Boeing in further rounds of negative headlines at a time when it has shown progress under new leadership.

Shares of the American plane manufacturer finished down nearly five percent Thursday as the pope, King Charles and the president of India expressed sorrow over the Boeing 787 Dreamliner carrying 242 people.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad," said Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, adding in a statement that he told Air India's chairman Boeing would support the probe.

The calamity, the first deadly crash of a 787, comes just before Ortberg and other aerospace leaders converge at Le Bourget Airport for next week's Paris Air Show.

Prior to Thursday, industry insiders expected the focus at Le Bourget to include the aviation sector's adaptation to trade tensions, the latest state-of-the-art flying technologies and the outlook for any improvement in the supply chain that has slowed deliveries from Boeing and rival Airbus.

But the crash is also certain to be a major topic of conversation, as well as a source of speculation and sobriety.

"A week from now there probably will be one or two operating hypothesis of what happened that people at the show and the public will be talking about," said Morningstar analyst Nicolas Owens.

Only time will tell what the accident means for Boeing, but Owens still expects the company to rack up additional 787 orders next week in Paris.

"It's highly improbable that people conclude that it's a systemic problem with the engine or the plane," he said.

- MAX crashes different -

Air India's flight 171 issued a mayday call and crashed "immediately after takeoff," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation said.

British and US investigators were en route to western India for an investigation expected to involve reviews of flight data, maintenance records and the background of the crew.

"When an international incident occurs, that government leads the investigation," said the US Federal Aviation Administration.

The ill-fated plane was delivered to Air India in 2014 and had more than 41,000 hours of flying time, according to consultancy Cirium.

That makes Thursday's tragedy different from the two fatal Boeing 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 that involved planes Boeing had only recently delivered to airlines.

A central factor in both MAX crashes was the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), a flight handling system that badly malfunctioned, pointing to design flaws.

The MAX crashes plunged Boeing into a years-long slump extended by fresh safety problems early in 2024. Boeing has reported annual losses the last six years.

Since introducing the Dreamliner into service in 2011, Boeing has had to do some reworks, mainly due to assembly faults and manufacturing quality issues.

The plane was also scrutinized in an April 2024 US Senate hearing that aired criticism from a whistleblower who testified that he was blackballed after reporting serious manufacturing defects on the 787 and the 777.

Attorneys representing the whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, called on the FAA to release its findings about the allegations.

"The FAA must assure the public that the Boeing 787 is safe," said attorney Lisa Banks.

"While it may take months or years to determine the cause of today's tragic Air India crash, we know that there is an important report sitting on a desk at the FAA about the 787 that needs to become public."

On May 29, Ortberg told a financial conference that the recent approval by US aviation authorities to allow increased 787 output was "an important milestone" in the company's comeback.

Ortberg, who relocated to Seattle to be closer to key manufacturing operations, has generally won plaudits from aviation watchers since joining in August 2024, navigating Boeing through a labor strike and joining President Donald Trump's Middle East delegation.

Richard Aboulafia, managing director at consultancy AeroDynamic Advisory, said there is no indication of a 787 design flaw.

"There's inevitably fear," Aboulafia said of Thursday's stock market reaction.

"It's a tragedy but it's unlikely to affect perceptions of the 787 because there's nothing known at this point and it's got a very good record," he said.

But Briefing.com called the crash "another significant blow to Boeing's reputation as it competes fiercely with Airbus, which has outsold Boeing in aircraft orders for the past five years and could further erode investor and customer trust in the company's ability to deliver safe, reliable aircraft."

jmb/jgc
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, June 12. Airbus, an international aerospace company, is ready to support key areas in the development of civil aviation in Kyrgyzstan, representative of the company Damien Cussac said during a meeting with Daniyar Bostanov, Director of the State Civil Aviation Agency of Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports.

The discussions focused on several strategic initiatives, including pilot training programspotentially at Airbus training centers in Toulouseand the installation of Airbus flight simulators at local aviation institutes and training facilities.

Cussac emphasized Airbuss willingness to provide technical assistance, specialist training, and strategic consulting to help strengthen Kyrgyzstans aviation capabilities. Both sides underscored the importance of deepening cooperation with European aerospace manufacturers, especially in the context of Kyrgyzstans ambitions to expand its international air connectivity.

The meeting concluded with a mutual affirmation of interest in building a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership. Bostanov proposed continuing the dialogue with the involvement of Airbus leadership and partner organizations.

Airbus is one of the worlds largest aircraft manufacturers. It was formed in the late 1960s through the merger of several European aerospace companies. Today, Airbus produces passenger, cargo, and military transport aircraft under the Airbus brand.

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Irans non-oil shipments to Russia rise with expanding bilateral trade

Irans non-oil exports to Russia rose sharply, reaching over $200 million and nearly 600,000 tons in the latest reporting period. Despite a slight dip in overall trade value, the volume of goods traded between the two countries showed steady growth.

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Carabiniere officer had been due to retire.

Italy's president Sergio Mattarella has led tributes to a Carabiniere police officer who was shot dead while on duty in the southern region of Puglia early on Thursday.

Brigadier Chief Carlo Legrottaglie, 59, was shot when gunmen got out of their stolen car and opened fire following a car chase in Francavilla Fontana, near Brindisi, before escaping on foot.

The officer, a father of two, died on what should have been his last day on duty before going on leave ahead of retiring from the force on 7 July.

In a statement, President Mattarella offered his "heartfelt sympathy" to the Legrottaglie's family and expressed the wish that "those responsible will be quickly captured".

Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni offered her "deepest condolences" to the family of the officer who was "killed in the line of duty while intervening following a robbery this morning in Francavilla Fontana."

Carlo Legrottaglie, 59 anni. Carabiniere, marito, padre.

Gli mancava pochissimo alla pensione, ma ha scelto di intervenire comunque. Come sempre. Per dovere, per coraggio, per quella divisa che portava con onore.



A strapparlo alla vita e stata la mano vile di chi fugge dalla pic.twitter.com/YcTRJ5fAxl  Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) June 12, 2025

In a post on social media, Meloni wrote that Legrottaglie "was very close to retirement, but he chose to intervene anyway. As always. Out of duty, out of courage, out of that uniform he wore with honour."

Calling for zero lenience for the gunmen, Meloni wrote: "His death reminds us that behind every uniform there is a person, a family, a life spent in service to others. And that hitting a man of the State means hitting the whole of Italy."

Defence minister Guido Crosetto paid tribute to Legrottaglie, "a servant of the State, killed cowardly while carrying out, with courage and a sense of duty, his work in defence and protection of the community", adding: "He left us keeping faithful to the oath he took: to protect the citizens and Italy at any cost."

Mattarella and Crosetto will attend Legrottaglie's funeral in Ostuni on Saturday, while in a telephone call on Friday Meloni offered her condolences to the wife of the officer who left behind two 15-year-old daughters as well as his elderly parents.
Georgia posts drop in product exports to Iran in recent months

Irans imports from Georgia fell significantly during the first two months of the current Iranian year, with the value dropping by nearly half and the volume declining by over 40 percent compared to the same period last year. Despite the decrease, Georgia remains a source of key goods such as agricultural products, timber, equipment, and spare parts.

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Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Josephs Home, in Ferrybank, Waterford are currently looking for volunteer drivers to help with a collection in the Poleberry and Ferrybank areas.

While the role might seem minor it plays a very important part in supporting the residents and the work of St. Josephs Home.

The driving role is applicable on Mondays and Thursdays, starting at 8.15pm and it usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

The volunteer drivers will be using the home's car so there will be no need for people to use their own vehicle.

The role involves a short collection route and is a great way to contribute your time in a meaningful and manageable way.

Training and support will be provided.

"We would love for you to be part of our dedicated volunteer group," said one of those involved with the home.

"Its a simple act that makes a big difference. If youre interested or would like more information, please get in touch with us at St. Josephs Home, Ferrybank."
The celebration of St John's Eve (Oiche Fheile Eoin) is to be celebrated this year on Monday, June 23 and will take place in a very special and historically significant location in County Waterford.

The celebration occurs traditionally on June 23 each year, the eve of the Feast of St John the Baptist.

It's something that used to be celebrated widely around Ireland and in certain areas still is.

This year, a Mass and a procession to the cemetery in Crooke will be celebrated at the Church of St John the Baptist in Crooke, Passage East, with the kind permission of Fr .PJ. Breen PP.

The location for the celebration was chosen not only because the Parish Church is dedicated to the saint but also because the ancient ruined Church at the cemetery once belonged to the Knights of Malta.

They received it after the suppression of the Knights Templar, who were the original owners.

St John the Baptist is the principal patron of the Order of Malta, and his feast is always celebrated with great solemnity within the Order.

This year's Mass will begin at 7pm and will be followed immediately by the procession.

The celebrant will be Fr Tom Rogers, Chief Chaplain of the Order of Malta in Ireland, and all are very welcome to attend.
A judge at Waterford District Court said he was inclined to strike out a case against a young man who had been an unwitting participant in a 2.47 million phishing scam.

Robbie Harrington (21), of Corluddys Cottage, Carrigeen, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny, pleaded guilty to two counts of money laundering on April 20 and 25, 2023.

Judge John Cheatle said that he believed the defendant had been duped into allowing the use of his Revolut account as part of a wider scam he had no other part in.

Acting for the defendant, solicitor Hilary Delahunty said these cases are coming fast and furious through the court system, and usually involve the targeting of young people.

DUPES

Garda Detective Paul OFlynn told Judge Cheatle that money mules are essential to the operation of a phishing scam, but they are usually unwitting.

Young men, in particular, he said, are being approached and offered money for the use of their bank or Revolut accounts.

Typically, young men hand over their accounts for a small fee, not knowing the damage it does, said Detective Garda OFlynn.

Getting an account in Europe requires ID.

The masterminds of these scams use existing accounts to transfer money between accounts, with the end destination usually cryptocurrency.

Sergeant John Phelan told the court that money amounting to 4,096 and 9,900 was funneled from two accounts in Finland, through a Paysend account and into Mr Harringtons Revolut account.

Garda Detective OFlynn said this money was later traced to a cryptocurrency wallet worth 2.47 million.

When asked by Mr Delahunty if Mr Harrington had been duped, Garda Detective OFlynn said he believed that was the case.

In the case of the Finnish accounts, Garda Detective OFlynn told Judge Cheatle that the victims had received a text about parcels.

They clicked the link in the message and provided details, including financial, that they believed necessary to release the parcels.

Those details were instead used to take money from their accounts.

This scam resulted in losses to hundreds of people, but the international multi-agency investigation resulted in the arrest of the mastermind.

We believe there is enough money to compensate all victims, but that relies on a conviction, said Detective Garda OFlynn.

COMPENSATION

Mr Delahunty told the court that the two Finnish victims in Mr Harringtons case had already been compensated.

He said his client, with the help of his family, had repaid the money taken.

"We paid that, and it took a really long time. We had to go through Interpol," said Mr Delahunty.

This is usually done by the victim's bank, and that benefits the defendant, but Mr Harrington was somewhat unlucky this was not the case for him, his solicitor told the court.

Mr Delahunty said his client's parents were anxious to avoid a conviction.

He was just stupid, said Mr Delahunty.

SIX MONTHS

Judge Cheatle put the matter back for six months to December 9.

He said that if the defendant had not come to any negative garda attention at that time, he would strike out the matter.

The judge noted the guilty plea and said the defendant had met the case well.

He agreed with the assessment by Garda Detective OFlynn and Mr Delahunty that Mr Harrington had been duped.
Two Waterford residents, Chris Conroy of Tramore Nursing Home and Ann Van Hemelendonck, a resident there, took on the a 100km challenge in May to raise funds for MS research and support.

Chris participated in the May 50k event, doubling the distance to 100km to raise awareness and funds for those living with multiple sclerosis in Ireland.

Ann, a long-time MS sufferer, could only walk 20metres at the start of April, however, through daily effort and determination, she brought that distance up to 100metres.

Chris praised Anns strength, calling her very determined and motivated, and he also said he was inspired by her resilience.

Together they've raised over 1,586 so far and surpassed their initial goal target of 1,000.

MS affects over 9,000 people in Ireland, with no known cure. Most of those affected are female and 10 new diagnoses are made weekly, with many of those involving people in the prime of life.

To support Chris and Ann's efforts donations can be made at www.themay50k.ie/fundraisers/chrisconroy.

The money raised will go to MS Ireland and the MS International Federation for vital research and support services.
Peter McEvoy, the creator of Q+A, is well aware of the difficulties facing most long-running television news and current affairs programs. But the founding executive producer of the once-popular panel discussion show  which was axed by the national broadcaster on Wednesday due to poor ratings  believes ABCs management must shoulder some of the blame.

Broadcast TV is more challenging, but Q+As success was built on producing a live, unpredictable and unmissable political event that viewers and the studio audience could all engage with, says the television veteran, who is now a media adviser to Wentworth MP Allegra Spender. ABC management have undermined the strength of Q+A by playing it safe and minimising the risks.

Q+As creator and first executive producer Peter McEvoy (left) with founding host Tony Jones. Credit: Renee Nowytarger

Its a sentiment echoed by more than a dozen current and former ABC presenters, producers and other staff, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak publicly.

Im furious because PK [Q+A host Patricia Karvelas] has actually grown the audience, which is an incredible achievement in this day and age, says one employee. Yes, the ratings are still only a quarter of what they once were, but its more complicated than that. Q+A was the victim of a number of decisions by management, which I would politely describe as questionable, that proved to be the final nail in the coffin.
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Review Eating outPerth Sharp counter meals, maverick art: how this corner pub was given The Royal treatment Built in 1882, this inner-city landmark offers insights into (West) Aussie pub culture circa 2025 and beyond. Max Veenhuyzen June 13, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

1 / 3 The Royale burger: a must-have (without even having to travel to France). Cubbage Photo 2 / 3 Pub standards are served in style. Cubbage Photo 3 / 3 Broccolini with hummus and zaatar. Cubbage Photo Previous Slide Next Slide 14 / 20 How we score Pub dining$$$$ To anyone who clicked straight through to this weeks review after reading the headline above and decoding my not-so-cryptic clue, congratulations. As a prize, you get to go home five minutes early. Hopefully, thats enough of a head start to get to The Royal Hotel  the CBD one, not the East Perth one  in time to take advantage of the happy hour beer special being offered daily between 4pm and 5pm. But if the thought of pints for a tenner triggered some sort of Pavlovian response to shake the person next to you or bombard WhatsApp group chats in excitement, dont feel bad. At a time where risings costs are shaping more of our choices, excitement about low-cost lager is understandable.

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The corner pub in the heart of Perth has had a loving makeover. Especially when said blanket pricing applies to all six of the beers on tap, from the workhorse Swanny D and guest craft beers to Guinness. If The Royal isnt home to Perths cheapest (happy hour) pint of the black stuff, itd have to be one of the titles more serious contenders: at least as far as grand, lovingly restored CBD hotels go, anyway. Despite The Royals distinguished history, I knew it largely as a rickety shell on Wellington Street thats housed a barber, backpackers and squatters. Then in mid-2018, John Parker of The Parker Group (The Standard, Busselton Pavilion) took it over and spent 18 months and $13 million dollars helping the 140-year-old building rediscover its Gold Rush-era swagger. Specialist leadlight glass repairers were called in. Subversive art was bought and hung. The first-floor balcony overlooking Yagan Square and William Street was carefully restored and now seats 200 of the 725 guests that this two-storey pub can accommodate. For anyone who gets energised by noise, chaos and a crowd, this is the landmark for you. This scale and scope also influence the pubs cooking. While the ground floor is home to the calorific Detroit-style pizza of Willis Pizza Bar and suave new-age bistro Fleur, the main bar upstairs keeps things familiar via a roll call of pub hits that everyone knows the words to, supplemented by some modern Australian cornerstones.

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Beer-battered snapper is meaty of flesh and crunchy of armour, the accompanying tartare sauce providing cut-through. On Wednesdays  the pub rotates through daily food specials  $30 gets you juicy scotch fillet accessorised with garlic butter, salad and chips that are pale of hue, chunky of cut and closer in DNA to British chippies than crisp American-style fries. In a cute twist, the house burger has been dubbed The Royale. (Enter stage right, Pulp Fiction references.) Its been years since Ive eaten a Quarter Pounder, but Im certain that the clowns burgers werent succulent smash patty-style joys like this. Just as finding skin-contact vermentino on the wine list is a welcome surprise, so too is discovering that jazzing up ceviche with chilli flakes and a glossy avocado mousse can help offset kingfish fatigue. Hot chicken wings are prepared Korean-style and golden-fried, then doused in a chilli sauce with fermented bite. Twists of casarecce pasta in a comforting sugo alla vodka are a nod to American red sauce deliciousness. Refined, cosy, and a throwback to the Gold Rush-era pubs of Western Australia. Its not all smooth sailing, however. The golden, thinly pounded pork schnitzel tastes wanting as is, but finds it voice when slicked with the dense brown butter and caper gravy its served with. Impotent chilli squid yearns for crunch. Sticks of broccolini in an otherwise fine Arabic hummus and zaatar arrangement werent grilled as promised, but blanched, limp and unloved. As is often the case with big operations, consistency can be an issue, not just with cooking, but also with front-of-house. Large spaces need large floor teams: the crew here ranges from disinterested bartenders to engaged, earpiece-equipped hosts eager to help. And just like other high-volume venues, The Royal lets you order and pay via QR codes with varying degrees of success. (Pro: not having to leave the table or conversation to get more pinot! Con: entrees and mains all arriving at once!) Its still early days for the technology, but I cant help but wonder what effect reducing human interactions will have on service standards.

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But enough of the future, lets focus on the now. And the fact that The Royal is a very likeable ode to pub culture and proof of the power of self-belief. Its a beautiful space to be in, and its price point is accessible to many, especially if you time your visit right and order smartly. A primetime address near a major intersection and train station makes it ideal for after-work drinks, dates, work lunches and, vitally, people-watching and people-meeting. Related Article 14 / 20 Review Why this family-friendly eatery is one of WAs most important food stories Public houses dont work without a public. And over the last three months, Ive met members of the public here that have challenged me, surprised me and even taught me. The bubbly Canadian from the same province as my late aunt. The wiry, serious-looking bloke who, unprompted, put out his ciggy and apologised for lighting up upwind from our table because he didnt see us. The lady with pink-tinted hair in a wheelchair who snuck onto the balcony for a quick suck on her vape. We swapped small talk about The Royals accessibility (good) before she wheeled herself back inside. Its not bad for an old hotel, she smiled. I smiled back in agreeance. The low-down Atmosphere: a historic yet forward-thinking CBD pub thats ready to grow with the city. Go-to dishes: The Royale burger. Drinks: a snappy cross-section of contemporary wines, beers and cocktails showcasing the Parker Groups own spirits. Cost: about $90 for two people. Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.
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 After her birth in the Kimberley in July 2014, Jane* was given a year to live owing to a rare, widespread congenital syndrome that impacted her brain development and ability to see, hear, walk and talk. But 10 years on, with the help of her foster mum, Sharyn Morris, she defied the odds and flourished into a bright little girl who loved the solar system and Elmo. Jane captured the hearts of anyone who met her  including Health Minister Meredith Hammat. Sharyn Morris is demanding answers about why a blood vessel abormality in her foster daughter was not found years before it is suspected to have killed her. Credit: Colin Murty This incredible progress was cut short in August last year, when Jane died unexpectedly from a brain bleed. She just was developing so well, and there was no reason to believe that anything was going to happen to her, Morris says. The bleed was thought to have been caused by a blood vessel abnormality hidden in her brain. It was a condition that doctors consistently assured Morris that Jane did not have, and recommended against scans that would have identified it. This was despite years of medical documents that said otherwise, which has led Morris to demand a coronial inquest into her foster daughters death.

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Loading In echoes of previous cases of parents concerns being ignored at WA hospital  such as those of Aishwarya Aswath and Sandipan Dhar Morris says Janes death could have been prevented if her requests for more rigorous scans years ago had been acted on. She would say to me, [Jane], grow up to be a big girl and Id say, Yes, honey, mum promises you, youll grow up to be a big girl, Morris says. She just never got that opportunity. They took everything away from her and took her away from us. They destroyed our lives as well. Its not right. Shock death There were only four children in the world with Janes condition in 2019. Under that she had a multitude of other conditions, including dark skin lesions covering her head and body, tumours on her brain and in her eyes, rickets, autism, and epilepsy.

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Morris, 61, fostered Jane 10 days after her birth at the request of her biological mother, and was eventually given a special guardianship order, granting her total parental responsibility. Despite obtaining permission from Morris to write this story, this masthead cannot reveal the girls real name  Jane is a pseudonym  nor show pictures of her because the Department of Communities retains control over publication of information about her. The department refused to allow the publication of her name or images of her on the request of her biological family for cultural reasons. Janes conditions meant she was a regular visitor to Perth Childrens Hospital, but despite this, in recent years her speech and walking were advancing in leaps and bounds thanks to a new medication regimen. Morris says her foster daughter was doing so well, Jane would have probably outlived her, which is why her rapid deterioration last year came as such a shock. Morris had taken Jane to PCH in February and April 2024, complaining of headaches and whipper snipper noises in her head. She was given an MRI during that visit, but doctors found no issues or bleeding.

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By August, Jane had deteriorated to the point she was no longer walking. It would appear that four years after Aishwaryas death that nothing has changed. Family advocate Suresh Rajan On August 22, Jane suddenly collapsed on the kitchen floor of her Marangaroo home and was rushed to hospital by ambulance. That afternoon was the last time Morris saw her daughter conscious. Doctors reported her seizing, but Morris repeatedly told them they were not like her regular seizures. She says that evening she pleaded with doctors for a CT scan, but it did not happen until early morning the next day. The scan found the bleed. In a clinical incident report known as a SAC1 report, seen by this masthead, doctors noted Jane had to be stabilised before they could do the scan.

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Jane was eventually found to have had a massive brain bleed, and surgery to drain it was unsuccessful. Morris and her daughters, who had travelled from across the state to see Jane, switched off her life support at 5.55pm on August 24 in time for sunset, which Morris says was her favourite time of day. Ten months on, Morris is yet to receive Janes official cause of death, but the SAC1 report and her discharge summary both note a blood vessel deformity known as an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) found in her brain after her death may have been the source of the bleed. Conflicting reports AVMs are a tangling of arteries and veins that can disrupt the flow of blood and cause internal bleeding. According to the Sydney Childrens Hospital, AVMs usually form during development or shortly after birth. They are often only found if they start bleeding, but can be detected using medical imaging techniques like MRIs, CT scans and angiograms.

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The Tactical Response Group and WA Police Airwing were deployed to the states Wheatbelt last night to track down a man accused of stealing a gun and firing it in Ghooli, near Southern Cross.

Police responded to a report that a man had entered a property on Great Eastern Highway and allegedly stolen a firearm about 5.30pm on Wednesday, with further reports of gunshots heard nearby putting officers on high alert.

Helicopter vision of the moment police track down an alleged firearms thief in WAs Wheatbelt. Credit: WA Police

The TRG, regional operations group and airwing were deployed as local police scoured the area for the alleged thief.

Vision from the police helicopter released to media shows a man walking near bush and farming properties while carrying a backpack and what resembles a firearm bag.

Officers soon descended on the 31-year-old man, and the allegedly stolen firearm was seized.

The Carey Park man has been charged with home burglary, stealing, unlawfully possessing a firearm, firing a firearm to the danger of, or in a manner likely to cause fear to, the public or any person, and cannabis possession.

There were no reports of any injuries or damage to property.

The man will appear before Perth Magistrates Court on Friday, June 13.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. Iran has decided to establish a third uranium enrichment center in response to the approval of an anti-Iran resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Directors, Trend reports.

A joint statement by Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) noted that Tehran will also replace 1st-generation centrifuges with 6th-generation models at its Fordow enrichment facility.

The statement denounces the resolution, initiated by the United States and three European countries (the UK, France, and Germany), as politically motivated and lacking a technical or legal basis.

Moreover, the statement notes that Iran has always complied with its safeguard obligations, and so far, no IAEA report has ever confirmed any deviation or non-compliance with its nuclear commitments.

On June 11, during the Board of Governors meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a resolution submitted by the U.S., the UK, France, and Germany against Iran was brought to a vote. The resolution passed with the support of 19 countries, while 11 abstained and 3Russia, China, and Burkina Fasovoted against. It highlights Irans repeated failure since 2019 to fully and promptly cooperate with the agency regarding undeclared nuclear materials and activities at multiple undisclosed sites.

The IAEA stated in its latest report that as of May 17, 2024, Iran had 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent. The amount of uranium enriched to 60 percent increased by 133.8 kilograms compared to the report given in February. The report considered that enrichment at this level was a short technical step to the 90 percent enrichment level (considered weapons-grade). The agency called on Iran to cooperate fully and effectively.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The list, perhaps predictably, starts with the A words. Accessible. Advocate. At risk.

Moving through the alphabet, we have barrier, climate crisis, disability, equality, and on it goes, before reaching that pesky, oh-so-offensive word  women. (Rubber bullets dont get a mention.)

If youre struggling to decipher the link between these terms, spare a thought for government workers in Donald Trumps America, who have been encouraged to limit or avoid their use of hundreds of words as part of his war on woke, according to multiple media reports.

US government workers have been encouraged to limit their use of hundreds of words as part of Trumps war on woke. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

The New York Times first published a list of dozens of words in March, based on a review of government documents. The article said these documents had ordered some words be removed from websites and school curriculums, and that the presence of some terms was used to automatically flag for review some grant proposals and contracts that could conflict with Mr Trumps executive orders.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. The allegation that Iran has not fulfilled its obligations under the agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency is completely unfounded, said the spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmail Baghaei, Trend reports.

In a statement to local media on June 12, Baghaei stated that even in the politically motivated report of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, such a claim was not made.

The Iranian official criticized the recent resolution approved by the IAEA Board of Governors, submitted by the United States, the UK, France, and Germany, as part of ongoing pressure on Tehran. While Iran has engaged in full cooperation to address any concerns, these countries have repeatedly tried to stall or halt Irans nuclear program under various pretexts. Nevertheless, Iran has turned these pressures into an opportunity to strengthen and advance its nuclear industry.

Baghaei recalled that in March last year, Iran and the IAEA reached an agreement under which cooperation would proceed within the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and safeguards. The agreement also includes commitments to clarify concerns about enriched uranium materials related to Irans nuclear program.

In March 2023, an agreement was reached between Iran and the IAEA, and a statement was issued. Under the agreement, Iran's cooperation with the IAEA is aligned with the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and safeguards, and both sides are expected to collaborate on the claims regarding the existence of enriched uranium in Iran's nuclear program.

On June 12, during the Board of Governors meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a resolution submitted by the U.S., the UK, France, and Germany against Iran was brought to a vote. The resolution passed with the support of 19 countries, while 11 abstained and 3Russia, China, and Burkina Fasovoted against. It highlights Irans repeated failure since 2019 to fully and promptly cooperate with the agency regarding undeclared nuclear materials and activities at multiple undisclosed sites.

The IAEA stated in its latest report that as of May 17, 2024, Iran had 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent. The amount of uranium enriched to 60 percent increased by 133.8 kilograms compared to the report given in February. The report considered that enrichment at this level was a short technical step to the 90 percent enrichment level (considered weapons-grade). The agency called on Iran to cooperate fully and effectively.

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Follow the author on X: @BaghishovElnur
BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 12. The recent resolution passed by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is a tool the U.S. is using to gain leverage in its ongoing indirect negotiations with Iran, Iranian expert Farshid Bagherian told Trend.

In his statement to the agency, Bagherian noted that although Washington pushed for the resolutions approval, it is unlikely to be enforced, or the U.S. may itself oppose its implementation. The aim is to steer the negotiations in its favor.

The expert added that if an agreement is reached in the talks, the U.S. would be willing to lift sanctions on Iran, benefiting solely from the outcome while excluding other parties.

This resolution is part of an effort to activate the so-called snapback mechanism against Iran. Should that mechanism come into force, all UN Security Council resolutions against Iran would be reinstated. That would serve U.S. interests directly, Bagherian emphasized.

The expert also noted that the United States frequently uses such resolutions to apply pressure on Iran and influence its nuclear policy decisions.

On June 12, during the Board of Governors meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a resolution submitted by the U.S., the UK, France, and Germany against Iran was brought to a vote. The resolution passed with the support of 19 countries, while 11 countries abstained, and 3, Russia, China, and Burkina Faso, voted against. It highlights Irans repeated failure since 2019 to fully and promptly cooperate with the agency regarding undeclared nuclear materials and activities at multiple undisclosed sites.

The IAEA stated in its latest report that as of May 17, 2024, Iran had 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent. The amount of uranium enriched to 60 percent increased by 133.8 kilograms compared to the report given in February. The report considered that enrichment at this level was a short technical step to the 90 percent enrichment level (considered weapons-grade). The agency called on Iran to cooperate fully and effectively.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Weather Alert

Take action to protect yourself and others  extreme heat can affect everyones health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day. Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body. Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids. Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside. Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park. Follow the advice of your regions public health authority. Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day. Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind. A heat event with hot and humid conditions ends tonight. What: Daytime highs of 31 to 33 degrees Celsius and a humidex of 40. Overnight lows of 21 to 25 degrees Celsius, providing little relief from the heat. When: Coming to an end tonight. Additional information: A cold front will move across the area tonight, bringing in a cooler air mass. Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high risk category. ### For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/how-protect-yourself.html https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/climate-change-health/extreme-heat/who-is-at-risk.html Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or post reports on X using #ONStorm.
Boys and girls who reach primary school have similar math skills at the beginning of their schooling, yet it has been proven that over time, a gap develops in favor of boys, which influences their performance and participation in class, compared to those of their female peers. This phenomenon, known as the math gender gap, appears around age six and is attributed to cultural stereotypes and educational practices that can reinforce inequalities and provoke anxiety from a very early age.

Although efforts to measure the math gap have already been made in the United States and Europe, a study published Wednesday in the journal Nature involving more than 2.7 million students in France reveals a worrying fact that could be applied to other European countries: the math gap between boys and girls doesnt exist upon school entry, but increases rapidly just four months after starting school, reaching 0.20 in the first grade of primary school and quadrupling during the second year, regardless of family, class, type of school, or socioeconomic status. Gender disparities in maths are thought to primarily reflect an internalization of the sociocultural stereotype that girls are bad at maths. However, where, when and how widely this stereotype becomes entrenched remains uncertain, notes Pauline Martinot, co-author of the study.

Martinot and her team spent four years investigating the math gapfrom 2018 to 2021and they provide some valuable insights into understanding what happens during the early years of schooling. First, the gender gap increases with schooling more than with age, suggesting that the school environment and teaching methods play a crucial role in its development. What the researchers mention in this regard is striking. During school closures due to the Covid pandemic, the gap slowed, reinforcing the hypothesis of the role played by the school environment.

Secondly, there are the sociocultural factors that often associate boys with mathematics end up affecting girls performance and confidence. The mathematical abilities of girls and boys are similar, notes Marta Macho-Stadler, a professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of the Basque Country who was not involved in this study. This has been said for a long time and has to do with the belief that mathematics requires special brilliance, she explains. She adds: Culturally, boys are told they are brilliant, while girls are told that everything they achieve is through effort. This makes you end up believing you are not clever and puts even more pressure on you.

Another finding of the study indicates that the results were repeated annually and that the gender gap in mathematics is universal, although surprisingly, it is more pronounced in families and schools of higher socioeconomic status. Our hypothesis suggests that gender stereotypes and high expectations for girls in higher-income environments could have a greater impact on their performance in mathematics, compared to families from lower socioeconomic levels, responds Martinot. The gender gap in mathematics varies by country and educational level. In Spain, for example, the difference in mathematics between male and female students in the fourth grade was 18 points, according to the TIMSS 2023 report, with a difference of 507 points versus 489. In 2020, researchers from the University of Zaragoza published a study in which they analyzed the opinions of approximately 2,000 students from first to sixth grade. The study found that 75% of boys and 55% of girls considered themselves good at math, and the gap increased as students got older.

The French researcher identifies several school practices that can contribute to the early emergence of these inequalities, which she identifies as traditional teaching of the subject. For example, timed tests, competitive exams, and innovative assessments (such as the number line, where many errors are possible) are associated with a growing and more pronounced gender gap in mathematics, she explains. I think we shouldnt look for culprits, but rather for solutions, and to do that, we need to identify what can interfere with or cause this gap to begin with, says Macho-Stadler.

Anxiety in girls and teachers

The study indicates that girls tend to experience more math anxiety than their male counterparts, especially in competitive or timed tests. The resulting anxiety can negatively impact their performance and increase the gap between themselves and their peers. But they are not alone. The research also highlights the math anxiety of teachers themselves, the majority of whom are primary school teachers, which affects girls performance, while boys are not as affected by this phenomenon. The researchers recommend working on this issue to reduce the generalized anxiety that the subject can produce. It is essential to reinforce essential skills such as confidence, self-esteem, stress management, and emotions, in addition to promoting exercises that strengthen resistance to external pressure, Martinot points out.

More research on how we can help teachers and students understand that everyone is capable of doing math would be beneficial, Jodie Hunter, a researcher at Massey Universitys Institute of Education in New Zealand, told SMC.

Martinot indicates that the problem must be addressed early on from different perspectives: at home and at school. Parents and adults around children ages 0 to 6 should teach and play with both genders equally, and it is essential for teachers to overcome their fear or anxiety about math, modify their formal teaching methods, and equally encourage the performance of boys and girls, explains Martinot.

It sounds simple, but it isnt. The expert proposes a paradigm shift that challenges the entire society and challenges some deep-rooted stereotypes, including among young children. It is key to reflect on how to interact equitably in class, emphasize effort over results, and highlight female role models in math and science. Parents should encourage curiosity and logical thinking in boys and girls alike, avoid phrases like girls are less logical or boys are better at math, play logic games with both genders, and help reduce math anxiety in girls at an early age, the expert explains.

In this regard, the French researcher is clear. We need to reinforce the idea that intelligence is built through effort in both boys and girls, and normalize mistakes as part of learning, preventing girls from interpreting them as a sign of incompetence, she states. When a girl is validated in the classroom, everyone around her is also validated, and that boosts her confidence, adds Macho-Stadler.

These experts agree on the importance of eradicating the mathematics gap from a young age to reverse the shortage of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, known as the STEM sector. This reinforcement could have significant effects both academically and on their personal and professional development when choosing a university major, says Macho-Stadler. Currently, women only represent 35% of students pursuing STEM degrees worldwide, according to UNESCO data.

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RUSTON, La.  The Bienville Parish school superintendent violated state law and board policy in several areas, including misusing a district credit card, in assorted hiring practices and by making changes to the district organizational chart.

Thats according to officials charges the Bienville Parish School Board adopted late last month following an investigation of Superintendent Byron Lyons. Hes been on paid administrative leave since March.

Specifics of the allegations outlined by the board were not made public until Wednesday afternoon when Lyons and his attorney, Brian Blackwell, held a news conference in Ruston.

Blackwell disputes the charges, saying they amount to not much of anything," and he wanted the public to be aware.

"After 45 days of investigation, this is all they could come up with," said Blackwell.

He said the district doesn't have policies for some of the violations it says Lyons committed. Blackwell also said Lyons didn't use a credit card the board alleged he misused.

"He doesn't have a school credit card. The credit card was actually issued in the former superintendent's name," said Blackwell.

He also provided a copy of the seven alleged instances of misconduct and violations outlined by the board.

Lyons requested a hearing on the charges. It's set to begin Monday and could take several days to conclude.

Afterward, the board will decide whether to fire Lyons, who's been on the job since January 2024.

The specific charges where Lyons is accused of violating state law and board police include:

Charge 1

In connection with the hiring of various new employees. His incompetence rose from failing to use system staff and personnel proficient in the area of hiring. His actions contributed to the inefficient administration of the district. Specifically, he failed to post positions, failed to allow principals input in the hiring process and failed to evaluate applicants according to state law and board policies.

"Dr. Lyons is the CEO of the school district, and he's the one that's obligated to make all final decisions with respect to the hiring and firing of personnel" said Blackwell.

Charge 2

Failed to get board approval to reorganize system employees. The board approved an organizational charge on July 1, 2023, which provided clarity to district employees, the board and public about its operating structure. Lyons changed the structure of several key positions without proper notice and authorization of the board and notice to employees. His actions allegedly contributed to inefficiencies as employees were left uncertain as to the role and functions.

Charge 3

Approved a contract and directed staff to process a payment to National Education Foundation without board approval.

"The National Education Foundation had offered to provide $300,000 worth of services to the district for $12,000. The school board rejected that and so the bill was never paid," said Blackwell.

Charge 4

Hired employees at the school building level without principal authorization. Board policy requires all personnel hired at the school to be made by the principal and approval of the superintendent. He failed to allow the principals to vet and consider candidates prior to selection.

Charge 5

Transferred existing employees at the school building level without principal authorization. Board policy requires all personnel moves at a school to be made by the principal with approval of the superintendent; however, Lyons failed to allow the principals to vet and consider transfers prior to implementation.

"The ultimate decision maker in all hiring decisions is the superintendent. It's not the principal. They can only make recommendations," said Blackwell.

Charge 6

Failed to properly sign in and out with the time clock. The district adopted a time clock management policy/procedure for all district employees to aid in calculating sick leave, absences, tardies and other necessary recording of active work days for leave and sick benefits. Consistent compliance by all employees, and especially the superintendent, is essential to employee morale. An email was sent to Lyons, reminding him of the time clock policy. His response was to conduct himself in an unprofessional manner with two school employees. Despite the reminders and counseling, Lyons refused to use the time clock, causing staff to spend additional time calculating his available leave and sick balances.

"There's a policy that requires hourly employees to sign in and sign out. There's also a policy that requires teachers to sign in when they arrive at school each morning. There is no policy that requires the superintendent to sign in," said Blackwell.

Charge 7

Made charges on a district credit card then sought and was reimbursed for the same expenses, which he did not pay. That caused the staff to spend additional time recapturing the unapproved expenditures from the contractual travel allowance authorized for the superintendent.
Leesville, LA (71446)

Today

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 92F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible early. Partly cloudy. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.
COMMUNITY NOTES: NORTH MAYO - WESTERN PEOPLE (JUNE 10 EDITION)

Congratulations to the following priests of the Diocese who celebrated the respective jubilee of their ordination at a special Mass celebrated on Friday last in St Muredachs Cathedral, Ballina - Fr Michael Conway (Diamond Jubilee); Fr Paddy Hoban (Diamond Jubilee); Fr James Cribbin (Ruby Jubilee); Fr Kieran Holmes (Silve Jubilee); Fr Liam Reilly (Silver Jubilee).

They are wished every blessing for their future years in the priesthood.
COMMUNITY NOTES: CLAREMORRIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (JUNE 10 EDITION)

Mount St Michael Secondary School has bid farewell to one of its dedicated staff members, Maureen Commons, who has retired after an impressive 38-year career teaching Biology and Science.

Maureen reflected fondly on her time at the school.

I have lovely memories, she told the Western People. Its been a great school with fantastic staff and terrific students. I couldnt say enough positive things about them.

Maureen proudly held the role of Green Schools Co-Ordinator since 2005. Under her stewardship, the school was awarded five Green Flags, recognising its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Looking ahead to her retirement, Maureen admits shes unsure of what the future holds.

I have no idea what Ill do in retirement. Ill get the summer over as normal anyway. Ill see then if I want to do something new or not, she said.

Maureens dedication and positive influence will be greatly missed by colleagues and students alike. The school wishes her a happy and fulfilling retirement.
A new episode of the acclaimed series My Music with Rhiannon Giddens spotlights the extraordinary work of Emer Mayock - flute player, composer, and cultural leader from County Mayo.

Filmed in Bridge Street Bar & Venue in the heart of Castlebar, the episode showcases Mayocks deep-rooted connection to place and tradition through a compelling musical dialogue with world-renowned artist Rhiannon Giddens.

Rhiannon Giddens, a Grammy Award-winning musician, is celebrated for her artistry across genres and her commitment to cultural storytelling. She recently brought her signature banjo playing to Beyonces chart-topping hit Texas Hold Em. Giddens and Mayock previously collaborated on They're Calling Me Home, Giddens 2022 Grammy-winning album where Mayocks sensitive uilleann pipes, flute and whistle playing featured prominently.

Emer Mayock is the founder and director of Music of Mayo, an initiative dedicated to celebrating the countys rich and evolving musical heritage. In addition to her work as a performer and composer, she is also a leading cultural advocate, spearheading the campaign to establish Gaelcholaiste Mhaigh Eo, an Irish-medium secondary school in Castlebar.

This evocative episode of My Music highlights the importance of collaboration, the sharing of tradition and the deep connections between place, people and the traditional arts in all their forms.

Episode 4, featuring Emer Mayock, is available now on Apple TV and PBS.
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 state-owned Air India plane with 242 people on board (230 passengers and 12 crew) crashed minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport in western India on Thursday. Flight AI171, heading to Londons Gatwick Airport, crashed into a densely populated area in the residential neighborhood of Meghani Nagar shortly after starting its climb. One British passenger survived, according to local police, as reported by the Indian news agency ANI and the BBC.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik told the AP that residents of the neighborhood are likely among the victims. We are trying to confirm the exact death toll, he said. Reuters reported, citing rescue teams and local police, that the plane crashed into a doctors hostel and that at least 204 bodies, most of them charred, have been recovered from that building. Malik said the bodies could include both passengers and members of the public who were present at the crash site. Indian Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda had also previously confirmed that many people had died in the accident, but without providing further details.

The Foreign Ministry has appealed for patience. Rescue operations are underway. We need a little more time to be able to release specific details, a spokesperson said. We have lost many people. We extend our sincere condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones.

Flight AI171, operating the Ahmedabad-London Gatwick route, suffered an incident after takeoff, the airline said in a brief statement posted on the social media platform X. We are gathering information and will provide updates as soon as possible, it added.

The tail of Air India Flight AI171 stuck on a building after the crash in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. Amit Dave (REUTERS)

The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off at 1:38 p.m. local time (11:08 a.m. GMT). On board were 217 adults, 11 children, and two infants: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. The injured are being transported to nearby hospitals, and the airline has set up a dedicated hotline for families and loved ones.

According to air traffic control, the pilot issued a mayday call just seconds after takeoff from runway 23. Shortly after, when the plane had reached an altitude of approximately 190 meters, contact with the aircraft was lost. The air traffic analysis and monitoring website FlightRadar24 reported that the last trace of the plane was recorded a few seconds after takeoff.

An airport spokesperson told news agencies that the airfield is currently closed and that all flights have been temporarily suspended. Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, stated on social media that he had ordered authorities to undertake immediate rescue and relief operations in response to the accident and to arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his dismay over the accident via X. The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words, he wrote. Modi added that he is in contact with ministers and authorities to coordinate assistance for those affected.

For its part, the British government has stated that the United Kingdom is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the scenes as devastating in a social media post.

A family member cries upon hearing the news of her brother, who died in the Air India tragedy. Amit Dave (REUTERS)

Images released by local media show the remains of the fuselage engulfed in flames and a thick column of black smoke rising near the airport. Dozens of people have been evacuated on stretchers and in ambulances, while emergency crews worked through the wreckage searching for survivors. The Director General of Civil Aviation, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, confirmed that all emergency protocols have been activated.

Aviation experts quoted by the BBC agree that the position of the planes flaps during takeoff could have been a determining factor. The undercarriage is normally retracted within 10-15 seconds, and the flaps are then retracted over a period of 10-15 minutes, aeronautical analyst Geoffrey Thomas explained to the British broadcaster. He specified that, however, in the videos, it appears that the tires were still activated, but the flaps were not. Former pilot Marco Chan, for his part, noted that would point to potential human error if flaps arent set correctly. However, he insisted that the video resolution is too low to confirm this with certainty.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, in service since 2011, is one of the American manufacturers most advanced long-haul models. Although its safety record is solid, Boeing has been in the spotlight of regulatory authorities in recent years due to manufacturing defects and delivery delays. Air India was the first airline in the country to operate this model, which has become a key part of its international fleet. This accident once again puts the technical reliability of the aircraft and maintenance protocols in commercial aviation under scrutiny.

This is the first major accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, according to the statistical summary of commercial aviation accidents published by the manufacturer. There are currently more than 1,175 units in operation worldwide, operating around 2,100 flights daily. Analyst Thomas told CNN that, after reviewing images of the aircraft descending before impact, it did not appear to be in an emergency situation [...] It just sank and hit the ground in a ball of fire.

In 2020, a plane crash involving Air India Express  the airlines low-cost subsidiary  left 21 people dead and 127 injured when a plane from Dubai skidded off the runway and broke into two in the city of Calicut, southwest India. In 2010, another Air India plane, traveling to the same destination, crashed in Mangalore, also in southwest India, with 166 passengers on board. Only eight people survived.

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ALLENTOWN, Pa.  The presence of federal agents from the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday morning in Bethlehem's Southside sparked conversation among Lehigh County government officials Wednesday night.

At its meeting, the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners addressed the presence of what appeared to be ICE agents earlier Wednesday at the Five 10 Flats apartments and a subsequent alleged arrest that followed.

Bethlehem Police officers said they were notified at 7 a.m. that agents were searching for a person in the area of the 500 block of East Third Street, related to an immigration violation and criminal investigation.

They also said they did not participate in the arrest or detention of any persons at this location and were unaware of the existence of any federal arrest warrants related to this incident.

2:07 17 workers arrested by ICE agents in Bethlehem Videos shared with 69 News show a man who was working on the fire-damaged Five10 Flats in handcuffs.

Wednesday night, Geoff Brace, president of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, addressed rumors about county cooperation with ICE and said that the county is not "impeding ICE's" efforts. Those rumors, he said, were "not accurate."

Brace also said that any type of warrant would be addressed through county corrections.

Commissioner Jon Irons spoke about the incident and asked his fellow commissioners to show their solidarity and appear on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the site where a gathering will be held.

Five 10 Flats apartments were the site of a four-alarm fire that erupted last month. The fire displaced 135 people.

The individual arrested Wednesday, it was alleged, was on the crew rebuilding the damaged building.

Irons said the morning's event was not what theyd like to see, and was "unacceptable federal overreach."

"We want to keep our families together, not separated through unlawful detention" Irons said.

Commissioner April Riddick addressed the government agency's presence throughout the Lehigh Valley, and said she'd been notified of activity in Allentown, too.

"It's here, and it's real," Riddick said.

She said she's fielding calls and hearing reports of other locations where individuals were being "picked up."

Temporary employee bonus

In other news, commissioners voted to pass a measure providing a $200 bonus for 40 hours worked for employees in the county 911 Center and jail.

The temporary measure ends July 4.

This $200 bonus is up from a pay structure introduced at the body's May 15th meeting, providing $100 for 40 hours worked for Lehigh County Jail and 911 Communications Center employees. That measure was expected to expire on June 20.

Commissioner Jeffrey Dutt said the administration is working on a plan for county employees and is working out details that will be presented at a future commissioners meeting.

For his part, Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi supported the measure.

"Unequivocally, these people should be paid more. Just flat out, they should be paid more money, that's as easily as I can put it," Cole-Borghi said.

Commissioner Irons said comments he'd heard from corrections officers at previous meetings had been eye-opening and informed his decision-making.

"The job of corrections officers is very difficult. Their comments have given me a lot of insight about how they think about their labor," Irons said.

While he supports paying employees more, he also suggested lessening the number of individuals who are placed in the county facility. He instead favors steering individuals away from the path that leads to incarceration.

The issue of paying people for their work is non-negotiable (but) we dont have unlimited resources, Irons said.

Commissioner Sheila Alvarado also supported the measure and said that Lehigh County sets itself apart from other counties that do not compensate their employees as well.

Alvarado and Cole-Borghi also expressed concern over retaliation for employees who spoke at previous meetings.

It is important for us to make decisions based on what we hear from administration and employees, Alvarado said.

United Way donation

Commissioners also voted to accept a donation of $27,572 from United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley on behalf of Lehigh County Emergency Management Agency.

The funds will be used to purchase two new drones to expand the countys Project Lifesaver efforts.

The funds received from the Fleming Foundation are intended to help improve the lives of Lehigh Valley residents who have Alzheimers and dementia and for those who care for them, allowing for outfitting the drones with the Project Lifesaver attachment and related accessories.

Project Lifesaver is a search and rescue program strategically designed for at-risk individuals who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering. The programs primary mission is to contribute to timely responses and reduce potential injury for wandering adults and children.

ATV purchase

Lastly, the governing body voted to approve a measure allowing for an ATV to be purchased for use at the Trexler Nature Preserve in Schnecksville.

Community Fire Company #1 of North Whitehall Township will accept ownership of the ATV and assume all operating and maintenance costs and house it at the fire station.

This is a great thing, I really hope people get the treatment they need if they get injured on the bike path or walking trails at Trexler Nature Preserve, said Commissioner Antonio Pineda.
The election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8 brought with it renewed accusations against him of having covered up past cases of sexual abuse. These accusations were not new, having circulated for the past year and a half. Vatican sources told this newspaper that they were unfounded, and that actions taken by then-cardinal Robert Prevost were appropriate. They connected the allegations to an ultra-right media campaign. A month after Prevost became the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church, EL PAIS has run an analysis that has come to the conclusion that there is no proof that he ever covered up accusations. To the contrary, during the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae scandal in Peru, he was one of the few bishops who took the side of victims. He also supported the journalists Pedro Salinas and Paola Ugaz, who first denounced the religious society in 2015, and who later became targets of an intense campaign involving the media and legal system. Sodalitium was a powerful ultra-conservative organization founded in Peru in 1971 that had sect-like characteristics inspired by the fascist Falange Espanola political organization. It has been the subject of dozens of abuse and pederasty cases. After years of controversy, the organization wound up being dissolved by Pope Francis in January of this year.

What happened with Sodalitium is central to the accusations against Pope Leo XIV and the strange evolution of an allegation that was born in his then-diocese, Chiclayo. The knowledge Prevost had of the organization and the actions he took were essential to the decision by Francis to appoint him prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in the Vatican. From Rome, Prevost played a decisive role in the organizations dissolution.

But the future pope was also the target of an internal campaign in the Vatican, where he was already seen as a favorite in the next conclave to choose Francis successor. Father Robert has suffered greatly during the last year because nobody in the Vatican came out to defend him. He felt as though he was left on his own, says an ecclesiastical source in Latin America who is close to the pontiff.

Here is the story of Prevosts trajectory, and the abuse cases with which he came into contact.

Cardinal Robert Prevost with Peruvian journalists Paola Ugaz and Pedro Salinas, whom he supported in their investigation of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, at the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops in October 2024, provided by the author.

1. The accusations in Chiclayo

Prevost, who was bishop of the Peruvian diocese of Chiclayo beginning in 2014, received a complaint in April 2022 detailing alleged abuse committed by two priests. It had to do with events that had taken place before his appointment. A 25-year-old woman named Ana Maria Quispe accused Father Ricardo Yesquen of having kissed her on the mouth and inserted his tongue in 2005, when she was nine years old. She also accused Eleuterio Vasquez Gonzalez, a Eten parish priest known as Father Lute, of embracing her while she slept during a trip in 2007. Later, two young women with connections to Quispe presented similar accusations against Vasquez. The events had taken place between 2005 and 2009, when they were between nine and 13 years old. This publication has attempted to contact Quispe and has not received a response.

What did Prevost do? According to Quispe herself, who on November 16, 2023 first made the case public on social media out of indignation over the priests continued presence in the Church: When we spoke with the then-Monsignor Robert, he told us, I believe you and I thank you for having decided to speak and come to me. I ask you for forgiveness in the name of the Church and encourage you to also file a civil complaint, in which you also have my support. With respect to Father Ricardo, he is in a delicate state [the priest suffered from a degenerative illness], due to which he is no longer in contact with people. With respect to Father Lute, his ability to draw a congregation is far greater than mine; however, the damage he can cause is proportional to the good he does because he has peoples trust. I will contact him and ask him to leave his current parish. I must say that it is very sad, because we were carrying out projects, but I will do everything in my power to ensure that the investigations are carried out with our full support. Do not feel guilty; you have been victims and now you are helping us to clear the name of the church.

The Chiclayo diocese would later say in a statement that Prevost had acted appropriately. He invited the victims to file a civil complaint  which they did, although a year later, the case was closed due to the statute of limitations. The bishop ordered that precautionary measures be taken against Father Lute, who denied the allegations, and transferred him to his hometown of Santa Cruz, 93 miles away. Prevost prohibited him from serving as parish priest and hearing confessions, although he was allowed to preside over mass, which was the reason the victims felt hurt.

Then Prevost, again according to the diocese, opened a preliminary investigation that he sent to the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, the Vaticans disciplinary body, on July 22. 2022. Before receiving a response from Rome, Prevost left Peru in April 2023 to assume his new position at the Vatican as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. Four months after his departure, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith closed the case pro nunc, or provisionally.

Quispe began to talk about the case on social media in November 2023, leading to wider media coverage, when Prevost had been in Rome for eight months. The Chiclayo diocese then re-opened the case and once again sent the file to Rome, where it remains open.

One month later, on December 12, 2023, Quispe made her first television appearance to talk about the case on the Canal 9 program Al estilo Juliana. There, she leveled accusations at the two priests, but did not mention Prevost.

2. A controversial canon lawyer enters the scene

Everything changed on April 2, 2024, when Prevost, who was already in Rome as prefect of the Dicastery of Bishops, abruptly dismissed a Peruvian bishop and prominent member of Sodalitium, Jose Antonio Eguren, following a Vatican investigation. It was the first major blow from Rome to the organization, leading the latter to the realization that the Pope was serious about the matter and that its protections in the Vatican were no longer working.

Just one month later, canon lawyer Ricardo Coronado entered the picture in Chiclayo, hired by the three victims. Coronado is a former Peruvian Agustinian friar who left the order in 2001 and knows Prevost well; the two have had differences in the past due to disparate ideological leanings, according to U.S. Catholic website Crux. He also has many ties and friends in Sodalitium, and served as judicial vicar from 2006 to 2022 in Colorado Springs, an hours drive from the Peruvian organizations first U.S. parish in Denver.

Coronado was also a controversial priest. He had to return to Peru in 2022 after the arrival in Colorado Springs of a new bishop, James Golka, who had similar ideological leanings as Pope Francis. The diocese announced in 2023 that it had been made aware of accusations against Coronado, and a document signed by Golka and dated May 31, 2024, to which this newspaper has had access, confirms that Coronado was already under canonical investigation at the time, and therefore could not practice as an ecclesiastical lawyer. The bishop did not consider him fit for the welfare of the faithful and moreover claimed, He is trying to intimidate me by filing baseless and frivolous civil lawsuits. As a result, Coronado was banned from residing in the diocese, celebrating mass and hearing confessions. Coronado would eventually be expelled from the priesthood by the Vatican in December 2024 for sexual offenses.

Fuel for the theory that there was a campaign against Prevost that wielded the Chiclayo accusation as a weapon is provided by the fact that Coronado appeared on the scene, causing the case to take on new prominence in the media, one month after the future pope dismissed Eguren, the Sodalitium bishop. When contacted by this newspaper, Coronado denied this interpretation, and claimed that it is he who has been the victim of a targeted campaign. I want you to emphasize that this has been a coordinated attack by the Peruvian Episcopal Conference and Rome, he said, insisting that it was the three women who contacted him, and not the other way around.

Coronado told this newspaper that during his years in Colorado, he only saw members of Sodalitium two times and after his return to Lima, barely had contact with them. Nonetheless, former members of the organization queried by this publication say that Coronado has maintained friendly relations with high-ranking officials in the organization since the 1980s.

This newspaper has also obtained access to a photo taken in August 2023, when Prevost sent a special mission to Lima to investigate Sodalitium, months before Coronado took on the Chiclayo victims defense. In it, the lawyer appears at a dinner with two influential Sodalitium members: the organizations high ranking priest Gonzalo Len, and Guillermo Ackermann, a Peruvian media executive and public relations and organizational campaign expert. When asked about the occasion, Coronado explains that it was a coincidence and that he hadnt seen the men for many decades.

From left, Sodalitium member Guillermo Ackermann, the organizations high-ranking priest Gonzalo Len and the canon lawyer who represented the Chiclayo abuse victims Ricardo Coronado, in an image from August 2023, provided by an anonymous individual.

Sodalitiums media influence is notable, and Denver resident Alejandro Bermudez has played a special role in establishing it. Bermudez directed the religious news agency ACI Prensa and worked at the large U.S. Catholic TV channel EWTN, as did Ackermann. He was one of the members of Sodalitium leadership expelled from the church by Pope Francis in 2024, along with Bishop Eguren. The Vatican accused Bermudez of abuse in the exercise of the apostolate of journalism.

In one example of the tactics employed by Sodalitium, in September 2024, the organizations inner circle went so far as to file a formal complaint against Spains Jordi Bertomeu, one of the two priests who had been sent to Peru by the Pope on the special mission to investigate the organizations case, on the grounds that he had revealed secrets. The smear campaign was covered in the media, but Francis dismissed the charges, threatening to excommunicate those responsible for the campaign.

The Chiclayo case suddenly resurfaced in May 2024, this time directed towards making an international impact, and focusing on accusations of a cover-up involving Prevost. Coronado, in fact, wrote to EL PAIS on May 31, 2024 regarding the case, and sent subsequent messages. In the following months, this newspaper inquired into the allegations of a cover-up with sources at the Vatican, who replied that they were unfounded and that a smear campaign was underway.

But the matter was covered by ultra-conservative digital media with links to Sodalitium in Spain, Italy and the United States. Quispe made her second television appearance on the Peruvian program Cuarto Poder in September 2024, now with a different focus: accusing Prevost of having covered up the case, with details that were disavowed by the diocese the next day.

In addition, she said that Coronado had been prevented from defending the victims, because the Peruvian Episcopal Conference had warned him that he was under investigation and as such, was not allowed to practice. The definitive decision in the matter was handed down on December 19, 2024, when the Vatican expelled Coronado from the priesthood with a severe ruling, to which this newspaper has had access, that mentions criminal behavior as determined by sections one and three of canon 1395 of the Code of Canon Law. These sections refer to clergy who by force, threats or abuse of his authority commits an offence against the sixth commandment of the Decalogue or forces someone to perform or submit to sexual acts.

At that point, the victims discontinued their relationship with the lawyer, and disappeared from the public eye. All signs indicate that their split with Coronado was not amicable. He told this publication that they have not paid him and as such, he has declined to give them back documentation related to their case. Currently, the three women are being assisted by the bishop of Chiclayo.

Journalist Paola Ugaz says that they wanted to instrumentalize these womens statements. To me, the involvement of Sodalitium is apparent, based on dates and the implicated individuals of which we have knowledge. The worst part is that the victims have not been prioritized, what they cared about was sullying Prevosts reputation. In the end, the victims wound up in the background, she says. Pedro Salinas thinks that Coronado presented himself as the victims lawyer, knowing that he could not represent them, but he did it anyway to later be able to victimize himself using the case.

The victims may have retired from media appearances, but their case had taken on its own life. And then came the conclave.

3. Chicago accusations emerge

In the months prior to the conclave, accusations against Prevost emerged linked to his time in the United States when he was prior of the Augustinian province of Chicago from 1999 to 2001, and to other cases that fell under his responsibility when he was prior general of the entire order from 2001 to 2013.

The first of these cases took place in 2000, when Prevost was directing the Chicago province. He is accused of allowing the archdiocese to send a priest accused of pedophilia, James Ray, to a house of the order, St. John Store Priory in Chicago, without taking into account that there was a school next door. In the two years that Ray was there, there were no incidents and he had an on-site monitor. The 680-page case file shows that the archdiocese had known about Rays abuse since 1990 and one of its documents erroneously states that there are no schools in the immediate area of the monastery. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests accuses Prevost of having put childrens safety in danger by accepting the transfer.

A second case in Chicago dates back to when Prevost was the orders prior general between 2001 and 2013 and has to do with the Augustinian Richard McGrath. The case was brought to light in 2017, by which time Prevost had left for Peru, but SNAP says that he was made aware of the abuses, which took place between 2006 and 2010, in a letter from the students parents, and Prevost failed action on the case. The complaint, they say, describes complaints against McGrath for giving massages to students, for watching boys change in the locker rooms, and threatens to sue. The civil case was settled in 2023. The Church agreed to pay one victim $2 million without admitting to any wrongdoing, and McGrath has denied the accusations.

SNAP has also shed light on cases brought against other Augustinians accused of abuse, John Murphy and Michael Hogan, in which it claims that Prevost did not act appropriately. In addition, advocates say that the cardinal, when he was prefect of the bishops, was made aware of the cases of at least 78 bishops accused of abuse in which, they say, he has not taken action. Vatican sources say that as the head of the dicastery, Prevost could only remove those accused from their positions once they were found guilty.

4. Prevosts ordeal in the Vatican

When the media campaign began against Prevost in the spring of 2024, he had been at the Vatican for one year. The accusations seriously affected his reputation, and as the head of one of the main dicasteries, the cardinal expected that the Holy See would come to his defense, according to a Latin American church source who is very close to the Pope. However, in a year of controversy, up until his appointment as the new Pope, the only responses to the accusations against Prevost were statements from the diocese of Chiclayo. Prevost suffered greatly during that period. He felt that the Vatican was not defending him and was not denying anything. He watched the months go by and there was no reaction. It has been a year of silence. They let it simmer, perhaps because he was already an obvious candidate for the conclave, said the source.

Issuing a denial statement depends on the Holy See Press Office, which is under the authority of the Secretariat of State headed by Pietro Parolin, who was then the leading candidate for the conclave to elect a new pope. But no such order was given. Furthermore, accusations against Coronado had been known in the Vatican since long before he became involved in the Chiclayo case, and yet the Dicastery for the Clergy waited until December 2024 to announce his expulsion. Sodalitium also has allies in the Vatican and despite the organizations dissolution, Rome has not made public the details of its accusations and crimes committed. There is a clear lack of transparency in the case.

Within the Vatican, Prevost was seen as the clear favorite to be the next pope, but his rise to the papacy was quiet. He appeared in public accounts as a front-runner shortly before the conclave, at which point the same media machine kicked into gear once again. Several articles appeared and four days before the conclave was to begin, an ultra-conservative Spanish website published an 18-page dossier on the cardinal in a last-ditch effort to thwart his election.

Once again, Prevost was under attack. And once again, there was no official statement denying the accusations. Someone in the Vatican even allowed journalists access to the area where cardinals were meeting, which is completely off-limits to the press, so that they could approach him.

After the appointment of Leo XIV, the majority of the press mentioned the campaign against him, focusing on the Chiclayo case. Even the Peruvian program Cuarto Poder publicly admitted that it had been used. Its host spoke to viewers about the victims: Unfortunately, it seems that some people have taken advantage of these womens drama with ulterior motives, and they should be ashamed. These women have suffered enough, too much. It must have been very difficult from them to file a complaint like this. And with what has happened in the last few days, they have been revictimized.

It remains to be seen what will happen now that Leo XIV is in command, with the knowledge that part of the Curia is aligned against him. But most importantly, it remains to be seen what stand he will take in the fight against sexual abuse, which has met with great internal opposition among bishops from all countries, and from the Vatican itself.

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The number of displaced people in the world is growing at a slower pace due to voluntary returns and deportations Some 123.2 million people were living as refugees in 2024, double the number a decade ago, but UNHCR has noted a slight change in the trend in recent months

Some Arab media outlets reported an unusual piece of news a few days ago: the closure of a refugee camp in Rukban, a Jordanian town very close to the Syrian border, where up to 100,000 people were once eking out a living in what the new Syrian governments Information Minister, Hamza Almustafa, described as a triangle of death that bore witness to the cruelty of siege and hunger.

The closure of this settlement has not only meant freedom for thousands of Syrians: it also represents one of the realities that describe the current situation of displaced people around the world. For the first time in more than a decade, the increase in the number of those forced to flee their homes has slowed down. It was only 1% between January and April 2025, which is the extent of the latest data from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which on Thursday publishes its annual report on displacement. The number marks the first change in a trend that always breaks records. The main reason: refugees return to their countries of origin.

Far from considering this good news, UNHCR points out that nothing should overshadow the unacceptable fact that 2024 saw a new record in the number of displaced people and refugees worldwide: 123.2 million, twice the number seen a decade ago and 6% more than in 2023, although last April the overall figure had been reduced to 122.1 million due to this change in trend. Furthermore, the decrease was only recorded among the refugee population, as internally displaced personsthose who have to flee their homes but do not cross their countrys bordersdid increase, reaching 73.5 million at the end of 2024.

UNHCR spokesperson in Spain, Paula Barrachina, warns that we must not overlook the other side of the story: The decrease is partly explained by the fact that last year, 1.9 million people either returned to their place of origin, were resettled in a third country, or obtained permanent residency in the host country. They are no longer counted as refugees, but each situation must be distinguished; a voluntary return like the recent ones in Syria is not the same as what is happening with Afghans in Pakistan and Iran, which is neither voluntary, nor dignified, nor lasting, she denounces.

Barrachina is referring to the decision by the governments of both countries to return Afghan refugees, nearly 10 million of whom are outside their country: 780,000 Afghans have returned so far this year, but at least 351,000 were forcibly deported, according to UNHCR data.

The expert explains that the forecasts are based on the evolution of current armed conflicts, as these and the string of violence they entail are the main causes of forced population displacement. The war in Sudan, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, terrorism in the Sahel, and the Israeli offensive in Gaza are the main causes.

According to the Thursday report, what happens during the remainder of 2025 will depend on the dynamics of several key situations. This includes whether peace can be achieved, or at least a cessation of fighting, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and Ukraine; whether the situation in South Sudan deteriorates further; whether conditions for return improve, particularly in Afghanistan and Syria; and how severe the impact of current funding cuts will be on the capacity to address forced displacement situations around the world. Barrachina gives an insight into the situation: We have twice as many refugees as a decade ago, but UNHCR has almost the same funding as then.

The European Union and United States migrant and refugee reception policies could also be a lifeline or a death sentence for millions of people. The Donald Trump administration did not provide data for the last half of 2024, so UNHCR only has information up to July of that year on whats happening in the U.S. and has been unable to assess whether the policies of the new president have had any impact.

The U.S. receives the most asylum applications

But the tightening of raids against migrants, including asylum seekers, and the increase in forced deportations since the Republican took office last January could influence the continuation of the downward trend in refugee numbers. For now, the global resettlement program, which last year achieved a record number of 188,000 resettled people (the highest number in 40 years, according to UNHCR), has been practically extinguished following the exit of the U.S., a country that, incidentally, receives the most asylum applications: 729,100 in 2024.

Also of influence are the future decisions of the European Union and its Member States, many of which have new governments inclined to toughen their migration and asylum policies. According to the European Unions statistical office (Eurostat), 939,985 decisions on asylum applications were issued last year in EU, granting protection status to a total of 437,900 individuals. The majority were Syrians, Afghans and Venezuelans. This is the highest figure since 2017, but still less than half of those who applied were granted asylum.

The case of Syria

Yasmine al-Saleh is one of the Syrian citizens who survived Rukban. She spent nine years there and gave birth to her two daughters. Although her home in Al Qaryatayn, in the eastern Syrian province of Homs, has suffered damage during her absence, she says her happiness is indescribable. Even though our house is destroyed, we have no money, we are hungry, we are in debt, my husband is old and cant work, and I have children, its still a castle in the air, she tearfully told an Associated Press reporter last week.

In Al Salehs case, the reading is positive: some returns are due to the fact that more people have been able to go home voluntarily because the reasons that led them to flee have disappeared. And here the clearest example is Syria, where the fall of Bashar al-Assads regime last December, after 14 years of war, has encouraged 13.8 million citizens to return to their country.

Yasmine Al Saleh cleans dishes with her daughters, Aya (left) and Nour, after she and her family returned to their home in Al Qaryatayn on June 3. Omar Sanadiki (AP)

However, this incipient return1.4 million people, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM)does not mean that the problems have been solved. UNHCR insists that it is premature to even consider withdrawing the protection granted to Syrian refugees or freezing their applications, as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and other European countries already attempted to do days after the overthrow of the Syrian dictator.

Syria needs almost complete reconstruction. We are asking the countries hosting Syrian refugees to maintain their protection because Syria is not yet in a position to receive all of its refugees back, Barrachina argues.

A gap of a million people

Barrachina also lists a number of other reasons for this possible decrease in the number of refugees. We are experiencing a very delicate time for humanitarian actors and displaced people. There is a great deal of political volatility and, at the same time, a multitude of conflicts for which several actors should be able to agree on solutions, but are not doing so, coupled with an alarming decrease in humanitarian aid funding, says the UNHCR spokesperson.

The lack of data in some countriesnot just the U.S., but also Russia, among othersleads them to believe that there may be around one million more displaced persons and refugees worldwide than are currently known. The highly volatile movements of the internally displaced population also play a role.

In Sudan, the country with the worlds largest refugee crisis (nearly 12 million people displaced from their homes), there was a significant return in late 2024 as the situation calmed down somewhat, but the upsurge in violence in Darfur at the beginning of the year again triggered a mass exodus.

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In mid-April, President Donald Trump sat down in the Oval Office with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador to celebrate a new partnership. They had recently negotiated an extraordinary deal in which El Salvador agreed to incarcerate in a maximum security prison hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants that the Trump administration had labeled as violent criminals, though few had been convicted of such crimes. The U.S. also sent back accused members of the notorious Salvadoran gang MS-13  which both the U.S. and El Salvador have designated as a terrorist organization.

Bukeles presidency has been defined by his successful crackdown against MS-13. He has jailed tens of thousands of alleged gang members, transforming one of the hemispheres most dangerous nations into one of its safest. Although human rights groups have criticized his tactics, Bukele remains extremely popular in El Salvador.

During their meeting at the White House, Trump praised his guest as one hell of a president. He shook Bukeles hand, saying, We appreciate working with you because you want to stop crime and so do we.

A long-running U.S. investigation of MS-13 has uncovered evidence at odds with Bukeles reputation as a crime fighter. The inquiry, which began as an effort to dismantle the gangs leadership, expanded to focus on whether the Bukele government cut a secret deal with MS-13 in the early years of his presidency.

New reporting on that investigation by ProPublica shows that senior officials in Bukeles government repeatedly impeded the work of a U.S. task force as it pursued evidence of possible wrongdoing by the Salvadoran president and his inner circle.

Bukeles allies secretly blocked extraditions of gang leaders whom U.S. agents viewed as potential witnesses to the negotiations and persecuted Salvadoran law enforcement officials who helped the task force, according to exclusive interviews with current and former U.S. and Salvadoran officials, newly obtained internal documents and court records from both countries.

In a previously unreported development, federal agents came to suspect that Bukele and members of his inner circle had diverted U.S. aid funds to the gang as part of the alleged deal to provide it with money and power in exchange for votes and reduced homicide rates. In 2021, agents drew up a request to review U.S. bank accounts held by Salvadoran political figures to look for evidence of money laundering related to the suspected diversion of U.S. funds. The list of names assembled by the agents included Bukele, senior officials and their relatives, according to documents viewed by ProPublica.

Information obtained through investigation has revealed that the individuals contained within this submission are heavily engaged with MS-13 and are laundering funds from illicit business where MS-13 are involved, the agents wrote. The people on the list are also believed to have been funding MS-13 to support political campaigns and MS-13 have received political funds.

The outcome of the request is not known, but its existence shows that the U.S. investigation had widened to examine suspected corruption at high levels of the Bukele government.

The investigation was led by Joint Task Force Vulcan, a multiagency law enforcement team created at Trumps request in 2019. Agents found evidence that the Bukele government tried to cover up the pact by preventing the extraditions of gang leaders who faced U.S. charges that include ordering the murders of U.S. citizens and plotting to assassinate an FBI agent.

President Donald Trump shakes the hand of El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, April 14, 2025. AP

In addition, U.S. officials helped at least eight of their counterparts in Salvadoran law enforcement flee the country and resettle in the United States or elsewhere because they feared retaliation by their own government, current and former U.S. officials said.

It has been clear from the beginning what Trump wants from El Salvador: an ally who would accept, and even imprison, deportees. Less clear has been what Bukele might want from the United States. In striking the deal with the Salvadoran president, Trump has effectively undercut the Vulcan investigation and shielded Bukele from further scrutiny, current and former U.S. officials said.

Veterans of the Vulcan team are concerned that all their work, the millions of dollars that were spent, going all over the United States, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, that it will be weakened for political reasons, said a U.S. official familiar with the investigation.

The task force worked closely with the Salvadoran attorney generals office, whose prosecutors shared evidence from their own investigation of the gang negotiations and suspected graft in the Bukele government, according to current and former U.S. and Salvadoran officials.

There was good information on corruption between the gang and the Bukele administration, Christopher Musto, a former senior official at Homeland Security Investigations, or HSI, who worked on Vulcan, said about the Salvadoran investigation. It was a great case.

In May 2021, Bukeles legislative majority in Congress ousted the attorney general and justices of the Supreme Court, which oversees extradition requests. Within seven months, newly installed justices reversed or halted six requests for senior gang leaders wanted in the U.S., according to interviews and documents.

Bukeles people were coming to the Supreme Court and saying under no circumstances are we extraditing the MS-13 leaders, said the U.S. official familiar with the investigation. Delay, interfere, undermine, do what you have to do.

Senior Bukele officials helped an MS-13 leader with a pending extradition order escape from prison, according to court records, U.S. officials and Salvadoran news reports. At least three other top gang leaders were released from Salvadoran custody after the U.S. filed extradition requests for them, according to Justice Department documents.

Published accounts in the United States and El Salvador have reported allegations that Bukele also pushed for the return of MS-13 leaders to prevent them from testifying in U.S. courts about the pact. Despite his governments refusal to extradite gang bosses to the United States, the Trump administration in March deported one MS-13 leader accused of terrorism. The Justice Department is now seeking to dismiss charges against a second leader, which would allow him to be sent back to El Salvador, according to recent court filings.

The Justice Department declined to comment in response to questions sent by ProPublica. The State Department referred questions to the Justice Department.

A White House spokesperson did not respond to detailed questions.

President Trump is committed to keeping his promises to the American people and removing dangerous criminals and terrorist illegals who pose a threat to the American public, said Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson. We are grateful for President Bukeles partnership.

Bukele, the Salvadoran Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Salvadoran Supreme Court did not respond to lists of questions. Bukele has repeatedly denied making any agreement with MS-13. The Trump administrations deportation of MS-13 members to El Salvador, he said in a post on X, will enable security forces to dismantle the gang.

This will help us finalize intelligence gathering and go after the last remnants of MS-13, including its former and new members, money, weapons, drugs, hideouts, collaborators, and sponsors, the post said.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele arrives at the National Theater to deliver his annual address to Congress in San Salvador, June 1, 2025. Salvador Melendez (AP)

Just fear

Bukele was elected president of El Salvador in February 2019, promising to fight the countrys ingrained political corruption and pervasive gang violence, which he called one of the greatest challenges facing the nation.

During his first term, Trump also made MS-13 a high-profile foe, calling it probably the meanest, worst gang in the world. In August 2019, Attorney General William P. Barr created the Vulcan task force, teaming federal prosecutors with agents of the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies. The goal: Eradicate MS-13.

For decades, MS-13 has bedeviled law enforcement in the Americas with its vast reach, extreme violence and complex culture. The initials stand for Mara Salvatrucha. Mara means a swarm, while salvatrucha has been said to refer to a clever Salvadoran, according to interviews and an academic study. The number represents the 13th letter of the alphabet, M, in homage to the Mexican Mafia, the powerful Southern California prison gang.

MS-13 emerged in the 1980s in Los Angeles among Salvadoran youths whose families had fled a bloody civil war. The gang expanded throughout the diaspora and, as the U.S. deported planeloads of ex-convicts starting in the 1990s, took root in El Salvador. Although most of the leaders were serving sentences in El Salvador, a jailhouse council of 14 bosses, known as the Ranfla, used cellphones to micromanage criminal activities in U.S. cities thousands of miles away.

The gang developed a reputation for torturing, brutalizing and dismembering its victims. Barr has called it a death cult in which violence is more important than riches.

It was like a very violent mom-and-pop operation where the cousins and second cousins all want to be a part of it, said Carlos Ortiz, who served as the HSI attache in El Salvador from 2018 to 2024. Minimal money, compared to others. Even though its an organization, a lot of it is just fear. Fear of the high-ranking bosses among the rest of the gang, thats what drives it.

Trained with military weapons, MS-13 warred with security forces in El Salvador, took over neighborhoods and generated one of the worlds worst homicide rates, driving an exodus of immigrants reminiscent of the 1980s. The Salvadoran Supreme Court designated the gang as a terrorist organization in 2015.

The Vulcan task force had about 30 members, including prosecutors, agents and analysts. Its director, John J. Durham, was a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of New York who had spent a decade pursuing MS-13 cliques on Long Island. Members of the task force worked from bases around the country and traveled to Mexico and Central America.

One of the founding investigators, Newark FBI agent Daniel Brunner, spoke fluent Spanish and had worked gangs for seven years. He became a roving specialist providing expertise, communications intelligence and court transcripts, sometimes in person and sometimes from a distance.

Our idea was that Vulcan was like a SEAL Team 6, going in to help the different districts build cases, Brunner, who is now retired, said in an interview.

Vulcan built on the longtime U.S. presence and extensive influence in El Salvador, where the embassy has long funded and trained law enforcement agencies. FBI agents and others were embedded as advisers in police anti-gang and homicide units and worked with prosecution teams led by Attorney General Raul Melara.

The U.S. task force modeled its strategy on the ones used against Mexican cartels and Colombian narcoguerrillas: Break the power of the MS-13 bosses by extraditing them to face trial and prison in the United States.

On Jan. 14, 2021, six days before the end of the Trump administration, Durham and FBI Director Christopher A. Wray joined acting Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen when he announced the highest-reaching and most sweeping indictment targeting MS-13 and its command and control structure in U.S. history.

Prosecutors charged the 14 members of the leadership council with major crimes including conspiracy to support and finance narcoterrorism. For more than two decades, the Ranfla ran a criminal network in the United States, Mexico and Central America that sanctioned the murders of Americans and trafficked drugs and arms, the indictment alleged.

The indictment contained a stunning charge: MS-13 bosses had taken the extraordinary step of giving an order, or green light, to assassinate an FBI agent working with local investigators in El Salvador. Embassy officials learned of the threat and evacuated the agent, according to interviews.

It is highly unusual for Latin American criminal groups to target a U.S. agent  they have learned that it invites an overwhelming law enforcement response. The assassination plot was a sign that the U.S. crackdown had rattled the gang chiefs, current and former officials said.

A prisoner with MS-13 gang tattoos stands in his cell inside the Terrorist Confinement Center (CECOT), March 26, 2025. Pool (Getty Images)

Vulcan on the hunt

In conversations with American officials as president-elect, Bukele promised cooperation and welcomed their support against gangs and graft, even in his own Nuevas Ideas party, according to current and former U.S. officials.

At a press event about the Vulcan task force in 2020, Trump asserted that in the past El Salvador did not cooperate with the United States at all, but now it had become a strong law enforcement partner.

Already, though, there had been news accounts alleging that Bukele had cut deals with gangs when he was mayor of San Salvador. Vulcan investigators quickly found evidence that top aides to the new president were negotiating a new pact with gang chiefs, according to interviews.

For more than a decade, MS-13s control of the streets had made it a political force. It could deliver votes, ignite mayhem or impose order. A series of politicians had held talks with gang leaders to seek electoral support and reductions in violence in return for improved prison conditions and perks such as prostitutes and big-screen televisions.

The Bukele government adopted a more sophisticated bargaining strategy, according to current and former U.S. and Salvadoran officials. During secret meetings in prisons and other sites, the presidents emissaries offered MS-13 leaders political power and financial incentives if they lowered the homicide rate and marshaled support for the Nuevas Ideas party, according to current and former U.S. and Salvadoran officials and court documents.

The chief negotiator was Carlos Marroquin, a former rap artist and confidant of the president. Bukele had appointed him the director of a new Justice Ministry program known as Reconstruction of the Social Fabric that operated in impoverished communities.

Marroquin promised the Ranfla a central role in developing the program, control of neighborhood youth centers, power over urban turf and other financial and political benefits, according to current and former U.S. officials, court documents and Treasury Department sanctions. Informants and communications intercepts indicated that some of the resources going to MS-13 came from U.S. government aid, a violation of U.S. law, according to interviews and documents.

Money was going from us, from USAID, through to this social fabric group, a former federal law enforcement official said. Theyre supposed to be building things and getting skills and learning. It was funding the gangs.

Vulcan also gained information from two highly placed Salvadoran officials involved in the talks with MS-13. The officials provided inside information to U.S. agents about the negotiations, which they said Bukele directed, according to interviews.

The accumulating evidence about the gang pact and the suspected misuse of U.S. funds spurred the task force to broaden its initial focus and target alleged corruption in the Bukele government, current and former U.S. officials said.

In April 2021, federal agents prepared a list of powerful Salvadorans for a financial review by the U.S. Treasury Department. Bukele was one of the 15 names. So were Marroquin; Osiris Luna, the director of the national prison system and another alleged organizer of the gang talks; Martha Carolina Recinos, the presidents chief of staff; and other political figures and their relatives. The request asked the Treasury Department to search for possible illicit transactions in any bank accounts held in the United States by those on the list, according to documents seen by ProPublica.

The Vulcan task force was seeking evidence in U.S. banks of money laundering tied to the diversion of USAID funding through the gang pact, the documents showed. Agents explained that the task force had uncovered information that MS-13 members are in close contact with politically exposed persons in El Salvador, referring to prominent government figures.

The USAID funding is believed to have been laundered by the individuals submitted in this request, who were suspected of facilitating, supporting and promoting MS-13 through their official positions, said the request, which was viewed by ProPublica.

Made under section 314A of the USA Patriot Act, the request for a canvass of U.S. banks requires that investigators show reasonable suspicion rather than probable cause, which is a higher standard. The outcome of the request is unknown. The Treasury Department declined to comment. U.S. prosecutors have not publicly accused Bukele and the others of crimes related to USAID funds.

As U.S. investigators advanced in this political direction, they gained valuable information from the Salvadoran prosecutors who were pressing their own investigation of the gangs and the Bukele administration.

Known in English as Operation Cathedral, their probe was as ambitious and sensitive as the U.S. one. Investigators had documented the secret jailhouse deals with MS-13 and the official attempts to cover them up. They also pursued leads that revealed alleged widespread corruption involving the countrys COVID-19 relief programs, according to current and former U.S. and Salvadoran officials and documents. Political tensions increased as the Salvadoran prosecutors targeted the presidents inner circle and raided government offices, clashing with police who tried to stop them from searching the Health Ministry in one incident.

April 2021 was also when a delegation led by Attorney General Melara came to Washington to meet with leaders of Vulcan and other senior U.S. officials. The prosecutors laid out their case against prominent figures in the Bukele government. The impressive presentation, a former U.S. federal law enforcement official said, cited videos, phone intercepts and other evidence showing that Marroquin, prisons director Luna and others had clandestinely arranged for government negotiators and gang leaders to enter and leave prisons, smuggled in phones and destroyed logs of prison visits.

Melara was very nervous because of the very high level of the people he was investigating, a former U.S. federal law enforcement official said.

Melara declined to comment, saying he does not discuss his work as attorney general.

Alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and the MS-13 gang look on from inside a jail at the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison, April 12, 2025. SECOM (via REUTERS)

Interference

On May 1, 2021  soon after Melara and his team met with U.S. investigators  the Salvadoran Legislature, controlled by Bukele, voted to expel the attorney general and five justices on the Supreme Court.

The purge was a decisive step by Bukele to centralize power. It drew international condemnation. In El Salvador, critics denounced the presidents actions as a self-coup. On his Twitter page, Bukele began calling himself the worlds coolest dictator.

For Vulcan, the expulsions marked a dramatic shift in its investigation. The Supreme Court justices had signaled their willingness to sign off on some extraditions. Melara had been a helpful ally who reportedly pledged to do everything necessary to extradite the Ranfla members, many of whom were in custody in El Salvador. But it soon became clear that the government was no longer interested in handing over senior gang leaders.

The next prosecutors were not willing to work with us, said Musto, the former HSI official. We were not closed out, but all these things that we had in place that we were moving to getting people back here slowed down to a snails pace.

The first clash came over Armando Melgar Diaz, an alleged MS-13 leader who acted as a middleman between gangs in the United States and senior leaders in El Salvador. Melgar, known as Blue, had ordered the kidnapping of a family in Oklahoma that owed the gangs $145,000, collected money from a drug ring operating out of restaurants in Maryland and Virginia and was involved with killings in the U.S., according to an indictment and interviews with U.S. officials. He was the first MS-13 member to be accused under terrorism laws.

The newly constituted Supreme Court voted to approve Melgars extradition but then reversed its decision, announcing that the matter needed further study. Later, Bukeles new attorney general asked for a halt to the extradition. The reason: The United States had failed to guarantee that it would not seek the death penalty or life in prison, sentences not allowed under Salvadoran law.

The rationale made no sense to Vulcan prosecutors. The Justice Department had already promised that it would not pursue such punishments against Melgar, according to records and interviews. U.S. and Salvadoran officials attributed the sudden reversal to fear that Melgar could link Bukele and his government to the pact with MS-13.

Melgar Diaz was going to be the test case, Musto said. It was going to be an easy win for Vulcan.

Information obtained by U.S. agents included allegations that Bukeles judicial adviser, Conan Castro-Ramirez, had called one of the new Supreme Court justices and told him to find ways to stop the extradition of Melgar, according to interviews. When the justice objected, saying that the extradition had already been approved, Castro allegedly ordered him to reverse it. Thats why we put you there, he said, according to the interviews.

The State Department sanctioned Castro for his role in assisting in the inappropriate removal of the Supreme Court justices and the attorney general. Castro did not respond to attempts to contact him.

A Salvadoran court sentenced Melgar to 39 years in prison for conspiracy to commit homicide, among other crimes. He was the first MS-13 leader whose extradition was blocked. Soon after, the U.S. extradition requests for other gang chiefs ran into opposition.

Bukele and his government are using the entire state apparatus to prevent these people from being extradited, a person with knowledge of the Salvadoran judicial system said in a recent interview.

Miguel Angel Flores Durel, a newly appointed Supreme Court justice who reportedly had served as a lawyer for a top MS-13 leader, made sure that the requests were never granted, according to the person with knowledge of El Salvadors judicial system. Flores instructed colleagues do not work on extraditions at all, the person said.

In July 2022, El Salvador agreed to extradite two lower-ranking MS-13 members charged with the murders of Salvadoran immigrants in Long Island in 2016 and 2017 in which victims were butchered with axes and machetes. The Supreme Court also approved the return of Salvadorans not affiliated with the gang who were accused in the U.S. of crimes such as murder.

This was a deliberate strategy, the person said. Flores said that El Salvador needed to continue some extraditions in order to calm U.S. officials, who were complaining about the lack of cooperation with Vulcan, the person said. (Flores died in 2023.)

It didnt work. The extradition of other criminals by the Bukele-aligned Supreme Court only emphasized the lack of cooperation on requests for the senior MS-13 leaders.

We were never told officially that it wouldnt happen, but it became impossible, said Brunner, the former FBI agent.

In October 2022, Bukeles new attorney general announced that criminals would first have to serve their sentence in El Salvador before being sent to the U.S.  an interpretation of the countrys extradition treaty that differed from the previous Supreme Court.

We arent going to be sending Salvadorans without them first paying for the crimes they have committed in El Salvador, Rodolfo Delgado said.

Salvadoran prison guards escort alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and the MS-13 gang in the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison, April 12, 2025. SECOM (via REUTERS)

Threats and roadblocks

The Bukele governments interference with the U.S. investigation went beyond blocking extraditions, U.S. officials said.

Senior Bukele allies also waged a campaign of harassment and intimidation against the Salvadoran officials who had investigated corruption and assisted the Vulcan task force, according to interviews with current and former U.S. and Salvadoran officials.

The government threatened officials with arrest and sent police patrols to their homes, according to current and former U.S. and Salvadoran officials. At least eight senior Salvadoran law enforcement and judicial officials fled El Salvador for the United States and elsewhere. Vulcan provided them with travel money, language classes, housing and help gaining legal immigration status and finding jobs. In one instance, a U.S. Embassy official escorted a Salvadoran prosecutor out of the country because American officials believed his life was in danger, according to an official familiar with the incident.

The Salvadoran government also weakened special vetted units of the police that had worked with the FBI and other U.S. agencies, according to current and former U.S. officials.

Bukeles allies didnt stop there. They allegedly helped the escape or release from prison of at least four members of the MS-13 leadership council sought by Vulcan for alleged crimes in the U.S., according to interviews, court documents and press reports.

Elmer Canales-Rivera, alias Crook de Hollywood, was one of the most wanted of the Ranfla members. He had been imprisoned for several murders in El Salvador, including a case in which he reportedly helped suffocate and drown in insecticide a gang member who violated orders. In the United States, prosecutors had accused him of orchestrating murders and kidnapping across the nation for more than 20 years.

In November 2021, Canales escaped from prison. El Faro, a prominent investigative news outlet, and other Salvadoran media published stories that detailed how Marroquin had escorted Canales from the prison. The articles featured taped calls between gang members and a person identified as Marroquin discussing his role in the escape, along with photos of officials apparently attempting to remove jail logs to conceal their presence at the prison.

Canales was caught in Mexico and turned over to U.S. authorities. Currently in prison awaiting trial, he has pleaded not guilty.

Over the next several months, three other MS-13 leaders disappeared from Salvadoran prisons, causing Durham, the head of the task force, to express his concern in a letter to the judge in New York overseeing the cases. At the time the Bukele administration had received extradition requests and Interpol notices, he wrote, the leaders had been in custody. Salvadoran media later reported that the countrys Supreme Court had formally denied the extradition requests for the three men.

The purge of the Supreme Court and prosecutors, the blocked extraditions and the disappearance of the MS-13 gang members marked a significant deterioration in relations between Bukele and the administration of President Joe Biden. Agencies across the government began looking for ways to push El Salvador to cooperate.

Acting U.S. Ambassador Jean Manes announced a pause in relations with El Salvador and left the country. A veteran diplomat who had previously served in El Salvador, Manes had pressured Bukele in public and private, criticizing the extradition delays and his increasingly authoritarian rule, according to State Department officials.

What are we seeing now? It is a decline in democracy, Manes said shortly before her departure.

In December 2021, the Treasury Department issued sanctions against Bukele aides Luna, Marroquin and Recinos, blocking them from conducting financial transactions in the United States because of alleged corruption. None of them responded to questions sent to a Bukele spokesperson.

Nonetheless, former members of the task force said they felt that the Biden administration treated Vulcan as a lower priority and cut its resources. They said Biden officials saw the task force as a Trump initiative and wanted to focus on other law enforcement targets, such as human trafficking.

As soon as the Biden administration came in, we were slowed down, Brunner said. There was a lot more red tape we had to go through. Former Biden officials denied this was the case.

Whatever truce had existed between the Salvadoran government and MS-13 collapsed in March 2022. The country descended into chaos. Over one three-day period, some 80 people were killed in gang-related violence.

Bukele reacted forcefully. He declared a nationwide state of exception that suspended constitutional protections. Police began rounding up thousands of accused gang members and others. He announced the construction of the megaprison known as CECOT.

The policies proved tremendously popular. Murder rates dropped dramatically, though human rights advocates criticized the loss of civil liberties. Bukele dismissed their complaints.

Some say we have put thousands in prison, but the reality is that we have set millions free, he has said, an assertion he repeated to Trump in the Oval Office.

The turnaround

Despite the harsh treatment of gang members  an estimated 14,500 people are now held in CECOT  one thing did not change: The Bukele government continued to refuse to extradite senior MS-13 leaders to the United States.

The reasons for Bukeles alleged protection of the gang leadership versus his relentless pursuit of the rank and file are the subject of speculation in both the United States and El Salvador. One possible explanation, according to current and former U.S. and Salvadoran officials: Bukele is aware that Vulcan was gathering evidence that could lead to criminal charges and political damage. The imprisoned leaders are potential witnesses to his alleged deal with MS-13, while El Salvadors street-level gangsters are not.

In February 2023, the Justice Department unsealed an indictment for another group of leaders, most of whom operated a tier below the Ranfla, relaying its directives to gangsters on the streets. The 13 defendants were accused of terrorism and drug smuggling, among other charges.

The U.S. announced it would explore options for their extradition with the government of El Salvador. The Justice Department declined to say whether any such requests had been made.

In filing the charges, prosecutors made their strongest public accusations yet about deals between the Bukele government and the gangs. Without naming the president or his allies, prosecutors alleged that MS-13 leaders agreed to use their vast political influence to turn out votes for candidates belonging to Bukeles Nuevas Ideas party in legislative elections in 2021.

The gang bosses also agreed to reduce the number of public murders in El Salvador, which politically benefited the government of El Salvador, by creating the perception that the government was reducing the murder rate, the indictment said.

As part of the arrangement, the senior MS-13 leaders demanded that the Bukele government refuse to extradite them, the indictment said. The alleged condition appears to be in effect. To date, none of the extradition requests for more than a dozen high-ranking gang members has been approved.

In the face of obstacles, Vulcan relied increasingly on the Mexican government for help. During the past four years, Mexican authorities have captured nine of the 27 MS-13 leaders named in the indictments and deported them to the United States, where they were arrested. This year, prosecutors obtained guilty pleas to terrorism charges from two lower-ranking bosses, including one who prosecutors said had helped implement the deal between the Bukele administration and the gang. Sentencing for the men is pending.

Since Trump took office this year, his administration has redirected Vulcans mission to also target Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang that the president has put in the spotlight.

There has been a remarkable recent development related to MS-13, however. After more than five years leading the Vulcan task force, Durham wrote letters asking the judge overseeing the cases to dismiss charges against two gang leaders in U.S. custody, allowing them to be deported to El Salvador. The letters were dated March 11 and April 1, weeks after the Trump administration began negotiating the mass deportation deal with Bukeles government.

Cesar Humberto Lopez Larios, a member of the Ranfla known as Grenas, had his charges dismissed and was returned to El Salvador with more than 250 Venezuelans and Salvadorans sent to CECOT as part of the Trump administrations mass deportation of migrants on March 15. Lopez, identified in media reports, is featured in a slickly produced video posted by Bukele on X, kneeling in the prison, his head shaved. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Then, in April, Durham asked for the dismissal of terrorism charges against a lower-ranking MS-13 prisoner, Vladimir Antonio Arevalo-Chavez, alias Vampiro, according to recently unsealed court records. His defense lawyers are seeking to stall the request to give them time to fight his deportation to El Salvador. He has pleaded not guilty.

Durham acknowledged in his letters to the judge that the evidence against the two men is strong. After millions spent on an operation involving investigators and prosecutors from the U.S., El Salvador and other countries, Vulcan had amassed a trove of evidence aimed at incarcerating the MS-13 leaders who had overseen the killings, rapes and beatings of Americans. Prosecutors told defense attorneys they had more than 92,903 pages of discovery, including 600 pages of transcribed phone intercepts, 21 boxes of documents from prosecutors in El Salvador and 11 gigabytes of audio files.

Durham said prosecutors were dropping their pursuit of the cases due to geopolitical and national security concerns.

It was like a reverse extradition. Trump was giving Bukele the kind of high-level criminals that the United States had never received from El Salvador.

During the negotiations over the use of El Salvadors prison, Trump officials agreed to pay some $6 million to house the deported men and acceded to an additional demand.

Bukele had one specific request, according to Milena Mayorga, his ambassador to the United States.

I want you to send me the gang leaders who are in the United States, she quoted Bukele as telling U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

For Bukele, she said in a broadcast interview, it was a matter of honor.

This report was originally published by ProPublica. Mica Rosenberg contributed reporting, and Doris Burke contributed research. ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power.
Another round of UTF grants provides innovation opportunities for Wits

Wits University is set to benefit from the second instalment of the University Technology Fund (UTF), meaning more innovation is on its way.

The UTF, a venture capital fund seeded by the South African SME Fund and managed by Stocks & Strauss, works to commercialise university technology, research and intellectual property (IP). The University of the Witwatersrand will now be investing in the next phase of this fund, which benefits universities around the country. Wits innovation ecosystem has already greatly contributed to the countrys innovations by turning creative and unique ideas into marketable solutions.

The UTF has raised a new fund of over R250m to invest in local innovation. Wits has led the charge from universities outside of the Western Cape to come on board with UTF 2.0. This type of fund can uplift the venture ecosystem of universities by creating jobs, opportunities, and solving societal problems.

Wits will continue to have access to pitch to the UTF for its promising innovations and startups, likely leading to a variety of interesting and unique innovations. Additionally, Wits will now be involved in the new UTF alumni fund, the university can benefit financially from innovations by the universitys illustrious alumni network.

Dr Adam Pantanowitz, Senior Advisor in Innovation and former Chair in Innovation, believes that access to funding can bootstrap the entire ecosystem. Greater awareness of opportunity, and simply the knowledge that it is possible, can help innovators create change through their ideas, he says. Mindset is everything for innovation, and links to funders like the UTF create the rocket fuel we need for success.

Adam Pantanowitz led the charge for Wits to subscribe to the UTF, and worked with Mandy-Lee Pietersen, who will continue providing crucial input in her role as Seed Fund Manager within the Wits Innovation Centre.

The first round of funding benefited Wits innovation ecosystem previously, by Button Optics receiving R1,4 million. The company creates solutions based on innovations using the latest cutting-edge physics in structured light. Their first products are comprehensive generation and diagnostic devices, which can create or evaluate structured light. The technologies stem from innovative research by Professor Andrew Forbes and his team at the Structured Light Lab at Wits University.

For instance, their product has immediate use in testing and validation of lasers, optical components and materials, with target markets including laser manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and ophthalmology.

Forbes says, We are excited that we will soon be able to take this to market. Our plan is to initially sell into the photonics market - selling photonics technology to photonics people - but the much larger market is to sell on as an enabler to non-photonics people.

One example is an all-digital solution in ophthalmology, where the structured light is unwanted aberrations of the eye. Button Optics has pioneered the exploration and exploitation of all of lights degrees of freedom, beyond the textbook examples, Forbes says.

We are proud to be bolstering and enhancing the innovation ecosystem at South African universities, including our own, says Professor Lynn Morris, DVC of Research and Innovation. There is so much untapped potential within our universities and it's exciting to offer these opportunities to translate research into innovative solutions for the broader market

UTF 2.0 will likely bring more investment into the Wits ecosystem and to other universities. Pantanowitz is confident this will lead to greater activity in the countrys innovation ecosystem.

There are exciting possibilities in the making, according to Letlotlo Phohole, Director of the Wits Innovation Centre. We are seeing a number of opportunities in the pipeline via our Innovation Support team that are reaching advanced innovation readiness levels. In Energy, Health, Science, Manufacturing, and Environment, innovations such as DC microgrids, bio-ethanol blending, biomedical implants, molecular and optical diagnostic tools, and environmental filtration systems are progressing toward real-world deployment, with strong potential to impact society.

Pantanowitz adds, We are hoping that with greater access to funding, more of our incredible innovators will be able to turn their visions into reality. The ecosystem is maturing, and we are incredibly excited to lead the way by investing in it in the hope itll bolster solutions to South African problems.
For several days, tempers have been flaring in Los Angeles against Trumps immigration policy, almost like an uncontrolled flame. Amidst the protests and demonstrations by the Latino community over the criminalization of immigrants, a boiling cauldron has been simmering over this fire. It takes the form of Truth Social, the Republican presidents social network. It is a space that ultra-conservative followers, media outlets, and public figures have been using to spread hate speech, threats and misinformation against Mexico and its president, Claudia Sheinbaum.

Statements in Truth Social are unrestrained. Media outlets like Breitbart headline Mexico provides legal aid to illegal immigrants arrested by ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] in Los Angeles. The article puts a political spin on it, suggesting a violation of U.S. sovereignty, when in reality this is a service that every consular office must provide to its citizens abroad. The first law to be honored among neighbors is ones sovereignty. Which she [Sheinbaum] has defecated all over ours. Sheinbaum is as much an ally to American as is Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reads one of the more than 2,000 comments on the story.

Other similar outlets, such as The Federalist, have asserted that Mexico is complicit in the Los Angeles riots, and there must be consequences. Ultraconservative content creators and activists have taken a similar stance, such as the political commentator Charlie Kirk, with nearly 3 million followers on Truth, who has asserted that Sheinbaum is a bigger threat to Americans than Vladimir Putin.

The controversy grew following a statement the Mexican president made in late May in San Luis Potosi. In that video, which has gone viral on social media for all kinds of purposesincluding AI-altered versions in which the president speaks in EnglishSheinbaum mentioned Trumps intention to tax remittances sent by Mexican immigrants to their families back home. In her speech, she announced that she would do everything possible, through diplomatic channels, to prevent this measure from being passed in the U.S. Congress.

We have called on our fellow countrymen there to send letters, emails, and social media posts to the senators, telling them we disagree with this. And we will continue to report this, and if necessary, we will mobilize, because we dont want taxes on our fellow countrymens remittances, the president stated.

The president did not clarify what she meant when she said we will mobilize  whether she would call for street demonstrations, a rally in Mexico Citys Zocalo square, or political and diplomatic efforts to address the issue. However, Sheinbaum condemned the violence at the L.A. protests from the outset, despite the accusation Tuesday by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem that the Mexican president was encouraging the unrest.

Kristi Noem waves as President Donald Trump announces new tariffs at the White House. Mark Schiefelbein (AP)

This decontextualization has led to the spread of other headlines such as Is Claudia Sheinbaum financing the protests in Los Angeles? or Sheinbaum has called for an invasion of the United States or Mexico has declared war on the US. This has also led to the spread of hashtags to categorize disinformation into groups with #AnexenaMexico or #MakeMexicoGreatAgain, with the most extreme posts inciting military intervention in the country or sending a drone against the president. Many have also called for more tariff sanctions or intensified mass deportations of all protesters who, despite many of them being U.S. citizens, are being described as invaders and traitors.

Nor have the ill-advised statements by Mexican Senate leader Gerardo Fernandez Norona helped this fragile diplomatic moment between the two countries. A video of the senator is circulating on Truth Social in which he agrees to his country paying for the construction of a border wall between the two nations, as long as it demarcates and includes the territory that Mexico lost to the U.S. after the 1846-1848 war.

This delicate moment in bilateral relations has also served as a sledgehammer for opposition politicians and other public figures in Mexico seeking to capitalize on the situation. The businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego wrote on his X account, in a mocking tone: My mom says they should cancel the protests and violent mobilizations, because she [Sheinbaum] has already been scolded, alluding to Noems accusations against the Mexican president. The comedian and communicator Chumel Torres stated, We were too used to AMLO [former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador] spouting nonsense and no one dressing him down. Its not like that anymore. Trump wanted ONE excuse, Sheinbaum gave it to him.

Senator Lilly Tellez of the National Action Party (PAN) also didnt hesitate to accuse Sheinbaum of triggering the events in Los Angeles. And whos going to pay the price for Claudia Sheinbaums loose talk? Well, the migrants are. Morena [the governing party] threw them to the lions. It made them believe that in the United States they could break laws without consequences, as if it were Mexico, she said in a video posted on her X account.

Meanwhile, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, who took up his post on May 20, has tried to cool the diplomatic escalation through his X and Truth Social accounts. Just a few days ago, he was asking for recommendations for places to eat with his wife in Mexico City; his most recent posts have been a call to restore order and the rule of law.

I once again join President Donald Trump and President Claudia Sheinbaum in condemning the violent protests taking place in the U.S. These actions are not helping; on the contrary, they create more problems for the innocent majority, he wrote on both platforms. Even with the diplomats conciliatory tone, Truth Social overwhelmingly amplifies the presidents hardline message and remains a loudspeaker for propaganda, disinformation and xenophobic messages that are viewed and shared by millions of users.

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California National Guard troops lined up during protests in Los Angeles, 6/8/25. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers is being criticized for standing with California Governor Gavin Newsom against President Trump's decision to send armed troops to L.A.
Insight The phrase 'Free Palestine' is freeing no one, but it is killing some of us By Jay Tcath Published June 12, 2025 Embed from Getty Images

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Twice in a recent two-week period, two men were arrested for terrorist attacks while invoking "Free Palestine." For them, the phrase served as a rallying cry sanctioning violence.

Their targets were, in the deadly Washington, D.C., attack outside the Jewish Museum, a young couple, and in Boulder, Colorado, people attending a vigil for the 58 hostages held by Hamas.

For the two suspects  neither of whom is Palestinian  the phrase "Free Palestine" was a license to kill.

They are not the only ones who understand it that way. It was just two months ago when the official residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was set ablaze after a Passover Seder event. The perpetrator, who has confessed, cited the governor's views on Palestine. Another "Free Palestine" chanter struck and killed an elderly California Jewish man with a bullhorn in November 2023.

Not all "Free Palestine" chanters understand it as a call to violence.

Yet the phrase's intentional lack of specificity is a big part of its utility: What the user means is left to the audience's interpretation. There are several prevalent understandings, ranging from noble to murderous.

"Free Palestine" can mean the justified yearning for Palestinians to enjoy the full freedoms, prosperity and security to which all people are entitled.

It can be a desperate plea for new, elected leaders. Hamas has governed Gaza with an iron fist  and no elections  since 2007, and the West Bank hasn't voted since 2006. This indifference to basic democracy does not portend well for what freedom would look like in a free Palestine.

For others invoking it, the phrase's imprecision is precisely the point. "Free Palestine" can be exploited for misleading purposes. The lack of specificity avoids answering the most revealing question: Would a free Palestine be alongside Israel or instead of Israel?

Of course, Hamas and many of its global advocates shamelessly reject the "alongside" option. In Gaza and elsewhere, they threaten anyone willing to accept such a peaceful compromise.

Other "Free Palestine" supporters are unwilling to pay the negative public relations cost of acknowledging that "instead of" is their nonnegotiable option. Why? Because their "instead of" option can only be realized with the annihilation of a sovereign United Nations member country populated by 10 million Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Druze and others.

The "instead of" option glorifies killing Jews, be it on Oct. 7, 2023, in Israel; in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; in Washington; in Boulder; and G od knows where next. While we don't know where the next "Free Palestine"-inspired attack will happen, we do know, tragically, it isn't a matter of whether it will happen. It is simply a matter of when.

In most instances, "Free Palestine" is protected free speech in the United States.

But after this most recent series of "Free Palestine"-motivated attacks and with an accompanying deafening silence of condemnation from most pro-Palestinian groups, is it so unreasonable to ask that those promulgating it own up to what it does and doesn't mean to them? And for us Jews.

The murderers do not indulge the lie of most pro-Palestinian advocates that there is a distinction between Jews and Zionists. Neither the California, Washington, Harrisburg or Boulder offenders bothered to inquire about their victims' identities or ideologies before attacking. Whether the victims were even Jewish or Zionist, or how they understood "Free Palestine," was irrelevant.

Politicalized catchphrases are proliferating. While many may seem innocuous, they can be dog whistles that are understood differently by different audiences. Our business, civic, educational, faith, media and political leaders have learned how to navigate these linguistic minefields. They now need to tune their antennas to the violent impact that "Free Palestine" and the demonization of Zionists are having on American Jews.

Those of us yearning for both Israeli-Palestinian peace and Jewish safety worldwide understandably want to know what "Free Palestine" means to those in our midst.

The Boulder attacker planned his violence for a year, authorities say. There are undoubtedly others right now planning their own attacks to "Free Palestine."

Such would-be assailants should know whether their attacks are endorsed or opposed by the "Free Palestine" campaign they have adopted. We already know how two people over the last three weeks understood the phrase's imprecision. And we have seen and heard all too many applauding this resistance.

Attempting to define the meaning of another group's self-understanding is likely to evoke accusations of mansplaining. But in the absence of a widely embraced peaceful definition of "Free Palestine," being accused of insensitivity is easy to bear. We Jews are just trying to freely celebrate a Seder, visit a museum and rally for hostages. That yearning involves no duplicity or threats to others.

_____

Jay Tcath is executive vice president of the Jewish United Fund.
Los Angeles has been the spark that ignited anti-Trump anger almost five months after he took office. Last Fridays immigration raids on the streets of the city with the second largest community of Mexicans after Mexico City sparked protests by hundreds of citizens and activists, leading the president to take one of those unprecedented decisions that defy all the rules of a country built on laws. The deployment of National Guard troops to quell the protesters without a prior request from Governor Gavin Newsom, has had a ripple effect throughout the rest of the country. Protests against immigration policy and the militarization of Los Angeles have now been taking place for six days in nearly 30 cities.

Wednesday was quieter than previous days. Images of clashes and mass arrests were not repeated, in part due to the curfew that has been in place in downtown Los Angeles since Tuesday night. But until just before 8 p.m., hundreds of people gathered for the sixth consecutive day in the streets of the countrys second-largest city. Shame! protesters shouted at the police, who tried to disperse demonstrators around City Hall with rubber bullets and tear gas. Protests also broke out in New York Citywhere there were five arrestsSan Antonio (Texas), and St. Louis (Missouri).

Law enforcement officers detain protesters in Los Angeles on Thursday. David Swanson (REUTERS)

The eyes of the protesters and the government itself are now focused on Saturday, a day on which the president has prepared a tailor-made birthday celebration. The event will include a military parade through the streets of Washington as its main event, but at the same time, hundreds of protests are scheduled across the rest of the country to demonstrate their rejection of the president. Trump has promised to respond with a firm hand: I havent even heard about a protest, but you know, this is people that hate our country, but they will be met with very heavy force.

Trump has already toyed with the idea of, as commander-in-chief, extending the militarization of Los Angeles to other cities, raising alarm bells about the type of security he plans to exert on the country. This is the first time in six decades that a president has ordered such a deployment, unseen since President Lyndon B. Johnson made the decision to allow Martin Luther King and other activists to demonstrate in Alabama.

The Trump administration has called the lawsuit filed by California to halt the militarization of Los Angeles a political stunt. Attorneys for the federal government responded Wednesday to the legal action initiated by Gavin Newsom, who called the deployment of 4,000 National Guard reserves and 700 Marines unlawful.

Emergency powers

Washington lawyers argue that Trump invoked discretionary emergency powers that do not require a local government request. The statute empowers the president to determine what forces he considers necessary to suppress a rebellion or to execute federal laws, the lawsuit states.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the Kennedy Center in Washington, June 11. Alex Brandon (AP)

District Judge Charles Breyer, who was appointed by Bill Clinton, will decide Thursday afternoon whether to proceed with the case or dismiss it. Breyer declined to issue an emergency order on Tuesday at Gavin Newsoms request. These are men and women trained for foreign combat, not domestic law enforcement [...] We dont want our streets militarized by our own armed forces, the governor said, referring to the active-duty Marines who have been deployed.

The military personnel are scattered across eight locations in Los Angeles, where they are guarding a handful of federal buildings. Nearly 150 troops are monitoring the Homeland Security facility in the city of Paramount, near the spot where protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids took place Saturday. About 300, the largest group, are near Los Angeles International Airport. About 100 are accompanying ICE personnel as they execute arrest warrants against undocumented immigrants facing deportation orders. And about 32 are in Santa Ana, in Orange County.

General Scott Sherman, the commander of the troops who have arrived in Southern California, said that the troops are trained to temporarily detain anyone who attacks or impedes the work of ICE agents during raids. The arrest, however, must be made by a local or municipal security force. Relations between the various law enforcement agencies, which are not accustomed to working together, have become strained in recent days and are disconcerting to the protesters.

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Student negotiator Mahmoud Khalil is seen at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the Columbia University campus in New York in April 2024.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke at Britains leading foreign policy think-tank Chatham House Monday to advocate for a vast rearmament by the European imperialist powers to prepare for war with Russia.

In a Q&A session, Telegraph Editor Danielle Sheridan asked if we should see the Chancellor raise taxes in [this weeks Spending Review] in order to cover the defence spending that you think is required?

Rutte was blunt, replying that its not up to me to decide, of course, how countries pay the bill, but if you do not do this, if you would not go to the 5 percent, including the 3.5 percent core defence spending, you could still have the National Health Service, or in other countries their health systems, the pension system, etcetera, but you had better learn to speak Russian.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during his speech at Chatham House, June 9, 2025 [Photo by Nato/Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The budget for NHS England is 192 billion for 2024/25. Pensions account for around 55 percent of all social security spending and are projected to cost almost 175 billion for 2025-26. To pay for war these are now considered luxuries that Starmers and governments of every stripe are setting out to destroy.

Rutte was in London to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer following the Labour governments Strategic Defence Review (SDR) published last week. He accompanied Defence Secretary John Healey on a visit to a pivotal weapons factory, Sheffield Forgemasters, which makes components for nuclear-powered submarines and has 200 million of contracts under the AUKUS [Australia, UK, US] military alliance programme.

He utilized his Chatham House speech and a Q&A session to trail the massive increase in military spending set to be adopted at NATOs June 24-25 summit in The Hague. Rutte, at the insistence of the Trump administration, is demanding that minimum military spending as a condition of NATO membership is hiked from 2 percent of GDP to 5 percent. This consists of 3.5 percent on pure military spending and 1.5 percent on defence and security related investments, including infrastructure and building industrial capacity.

The largest military buildup since 1945 was largely signed off by the NATO powers at a meeting last week, though the UK and Spain, in particular, held off on concrete commitments to meet deadlines.

For most NATO countries, including Britain, this will require a doubling of current military spending within the next decade, necessitating a war on the living standards of the working class without precedent since the 1930s. The Starmer government currently spends 2.3 percent on the military and, despite the commitments in the SDR, is still only formally committed to reaching 2.7 percent of GDP by 2027-28 and 3 percent at an unspecified point during the next parliament (ending in 2034).

Britain is one of the two nuclear-armed powers on the continentalongside Franceso Starmers commitment to the increase is key to Ruttes plan. Asked in the Q&A about his discussions in Downing Streets White Room, Rutte only said that there was near consensus on the 5 percent proposal among the NATO powers. This was after saying in his speech, At the summit in The Hague, I expect allied leaders will agree to spend 5 per cent of GDP on defence. It will be a NATO-wide commitment. And a defining moment for the alliance.

He praised Starmers SDR as It will strengthen and modernise Britains armed forces and enhance NATOs collective defence. Commitment has a cost. And I welcome that the UK government will spend significantly more on defence in the future.

The upcoming summit would create a better NATO. One that is stronger, fairer and more lethal. So that we can continue to keep our people safe, and our adversaries at bay. Because of Russia, war has returned to Europe.

NATO also confronted fierce global competition as Russia has teamed up with China, North Korea and Iran. They are expanding their militaries and their capabilities.

Rutte stated that Five percent is not some figure plucked from the air, it is grounded in hard facts. The fact is, we need a quantum leap in our collective defence. The fact is, we must have more forces and capabilities to implement our defence plans in full.

Russia had to be confronted and defeated as danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends. Our decisions on defence spending are driven by NATOs battle plans and capability targets.

Moving to a war footing in every country was existential as Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years. He repeated one of the usual imperialist talking points, denouncing: Russias unprovoked war against Ukraine. He made no mention of the expansion of NATO to Russias borders, leading to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Defeating Russia would require a rearmament whose exact details are classified, Rutte continued, but it required a 400 percent increase in air and missile defence, thousands more armoured vehicles and tanks and millions more artillery shells. NATO powers will also invest in more warships and aircraft To give just one example, Americas Allies will procure at least 700 F-35 fighter jets in total. These are made by US defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin and cost between $82.5 million to $109 million each.

Conflict with Russia required wholesale societal preparedness, said Rutte, praising Norway and recent NATO members Finland and Sweden for what they are doing in terms of having the whole of society to understand what their role will be, be it active, or at least not getting in the way of the military people if war breaks out

One main conclusion followed from Ruttes Chatham House intervention: The ruling class must immediately step up the attacks on the working class to pay for military rearmament and war.

Bronwen Maddox, director and chief executive of Chatham House, asked Rutte, How would you explain to people who are running a government now, a democratic government, how to explain to their voters why so much money is suddenly needed on defence?

Rutte replied that the idea that after the Berlin Wall came down  we would have a sort of pleasant, peaceful living together with the Russians is gone.

Putin is on a total war footing and NATO must do the same and more. NATOs [collective] economy is 25 times bigger than Russia. Its $50 trillion, and the Russian economy is $2 trillion. That $2 trillion economy is producing four times as much ammunition as the whole of NATO is producing at the moment.

He added that you can ask any general, and he will tell you, yes, drones and AI, etcetera, but Mark, the core of every war will always start with stockpiles of ammunition We need five times as many systems to defend ourselves against missiles and an air defence in general, thats a 400 percent increase. Its huge investments. Our manoeuvrable land formations, we simply do not have enough. The UK, Germany, all over Europe, we do not have enough. Our command and control centres, our long-range weapons.

The European NATO powers constructing a defence industrial base and raiding treasuries was the only way that rearmament could take place. Starmers SDR was a step forward but you still also need to make sure that you can produce the classic big-ticket items.
Forced into binding arbitration by a glaringly unconstitutional back-to-work order prohibiting any work stoppage on the railways, 3,200 locomotive engineers, conductors, yard workers and traffic controllers at Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) rail were confronted last week with the imposition of a three-year contract by a government-appointed arbitrator. The workers are members of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC). The move initiated by the federal Liberal government in full collusion with the railroad bosses robbed workers of their rights to bargain the terms of their contract and take job action if necessary.

Teamster leaders, nonetheless, acquiesced to moving the dispute to binding arbitration. So confident were corporate investors that the TCRCs acceptance of binding arbitration at CP Rail would produce a corporate-friendly outcome that its share price jumped by 2.1 percent immediately after the arbitrated agreement was announced.

The billing of the imposed contract as an agreement between the employer and the union is a farce. Under binding arbitration, workers are not permitted to vote on the contract determining their terms of employment. The contract fails to resolve any of the pressing issues regarding hazardous working conditions, onerous scheduling and shift-fatigue that workers have been fighting to address for many years. The settlement is effective from Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2027, and includes 3 percent annual wage increases.

A similarly arbitrated decision on a new contract for about 6,100 Canadian National (CN) rail workers was announced this past April.

Last August, workers at both CN and CPKC were locked out by corporate managements for less than 24 hours before the Liberal government of then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ordered an end to the work stoppages which eventually sent the dispute into the hands of the pro-corporate arbitration process. The Teamsters leadership at both CN and CPKC bowed immediately to the government diktat, accepting the order for binding arbitration with barely a peep.

In the August rail disputes, then federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon quickly ordered the railroads to end their brief lockout, prohibited any strike action from the rail workers and instructed CN and CPKC to immediately resume all services. With no serious opposition from the NDP or the union apparatus, Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code was arbitrarily reinterpreted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal government to give MacKinnon what are effectively dictatorial powers through the unelected Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to illegalize worker job action and have the terms of new collective agreements dictated by pro-corporate arbitrators. The CIRB was also authorized to arbitrarily extend the previous agreements until new contracts were finalized.

The action against the Teamster railway workers in August was reproduced in the subsequent weaponizing of the Canadian Industrial Relations Board to end bitter contract disputes on the West Coast and in Montreal and Quebec that forced longshoremen into the pro-company binding arbitration process. Throughout this full-frontal attack on what remains of worker rights in the country, no serious opposition was raised from the social democratic New Democratic Party or the union bureaucracies, which both continued to prop up the minority Liberal government.

The reliance on a pro-corporate, state-appointed arbitrator to determine workers collective agreements has become the standard operating procedure for the Teamsters. Eight out of the nine most recent labour disputes at CP have been resolved through arbitration, ensuring the profits-before-safety policy of the railways remains fully intact. And in virtually every case, the union itself sanctioned, if not welcomed, binding arbitration.

At Canadas other Class 1 freight railway, Canadian National, the Teamsters union holds the same track record of imposing concessions and job cuts on workers and bowing before government back-to-work laws. In 2014, workers twice voted down union-endorsed agreements. Yet the TCRC scuttled a strike before it left the gate, after the Harper Conservative government threatened anti-strike legislation and a contract imposed by a Tory-appointed arbitrator.

In 2019, under pressure from the Trudeau-led Liberal government, the TCRC rushed to shut down a seven-day strike at CN. The union abandoned many of the workers key demands around hazardous working conditions. The precipitous end to the strike relieved the Teamsters Liberal government partner from having to impose back-to-work legislation. That would have damaged the Liberals progressive image that the union bureaucracy has done so much to cultivate and promote.

The just announced settling of the railway contracts will come as yet another warning to 55,000 Canada Post workers, who today find themselves embroiled in a similar joint government-management power-play to impose brutal concessions in a binding arbitrated contract.

Last December, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) bureaucrats enforced the Liberal governments patently illegal use of Section 107 of the Labour Code to outlaw a militant 32-day strike. After management and the government worked out their attacks in a so-called Industrial Inquiries Commission while workers had their hands tied behind their back by the strike ban, CUPW has refused to sanction another strike and is instead calling for binding arbitration.

Canada Post management has responded by appealing to government to force a vote on its miserable contract offer. They would imposes brutal shift, workload and route changes and introduce new categories of flexible part-time workers to provide weekend delivery and slash full-time employment and overtime. Should workers refuse the terms imposed on them, it is clear that Canada Post will simply seek to enforce the contract anyway. Only the mobilization of a rank-and-file movement opposed to both Canada Post and the cringing union bureaucracy can resist this outcome. This movement must fight above all to broaden the struggle for worker rights, including the right to strike, to all sections of the working class, including rail workers at CPKC and CN.

More broadly, workers must urgently unite with their class brothers and sisters internationally in joint struggles against the global corporations. To do so, they need to cut through the straitjacket imposed by the Canadian state in concert with the unions through the collective bargaining process. While they assert that it levels the playing field between workers and employers, the reality is that the treacherous union bureaucracies represent social interests that are hostile to those of the workers they claim to represent, which is why they act as the junior partners of the corporations to suppress increasingly explosive worker opposition to the employers attacks.

Thus the collective bargaining process is rife with every imaginable hoop and hurdle to contain the class struggle. Provincial and federal labour codes impose all manner of impediments including endless conciliation requirements with government-appointed arbitrators, cooling off periods, Industrial Relations Board adjudications, the illegalization of wildcat job actions in standardized labour contracts, fines, legal deployment of scabs, and, when all else fails, back-to-work orders and/or enforced binding arbitration. In effect, quasi-dictatorial powers are activated to guarantee the profits of the corporations over the rights of the working class whenever needed.

The union bureaucracies decisive role in suppressing the class struggle finds expression in the Liberal/union/New Democratic Party alliance. Union bureaucrats work tirelessly to strengthen the ruling elites preferred party of national government as it wages war against Russia, defends Israels genocide of the Palestinians, and implements sweeping austerity to fund a massive military rearmament campaign and the enrichment of the wealthy.

Workers must draw lessons from these betrayals and pursue their legitimate contract demands with the understanding that the union bureaucracies as the junior partners of corporate interests are the main obstacle to their militant struggle. They are determined to keep workers confined to the rigid collective bargaining regime, which favours the corporations, because it is from this that the bureaucracy derives its privileges and strengthens its partnership with management.

Further, with corporations operating on a global level, the necessity of developing an international struggle is urgently posed. Any attempt on simply a national scale to oppose the ruthless corporate strategy of wage reduction, work intensification and attacks on workers rights is doomed to failure. Workers should immediately begin to organize rank-and-file committees under the leadership of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees to fight the ruling class onslaught on working conditions and secure decent-paying, secure jobs for all.
President Donald Trump listens as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller speaks on his first 100 days at the Macomb County Community College Sports Expo Center on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Warren, Michigan. [AP Photo/Paul Sancya]

As resistance to the Trump administrations mass deportation blitz intensifies and spreads, the regime is now openly spreading white supremacist propaganda online to justify its fascistic crackdown.



On Wednesday morning, the official X account of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted an anti-immigrant image that was apparently generated using artificial intelligence. Styled to mimic a World War II-era US propaganda poster, the image features a militarized version of Uncle Sam targeting immigrants.

Stephen Miller reposting the anti-immigrant poster created by a white supremacist.

In the imageoriginally created by a white supremacistUncle Sam is depicted nailing up a fascist-style poster that reads, Help your Country  and Yourself Beneath it, in bold capital letters, the message commands: REPORT ALL FOREIGN INVADERS ICE: 866-DHS-2-ICE.

The workers and families targeted in this mass deportation campaign are not foreign invaders. The immigration Gestapo is not battling an enemy army but hunting day laborers outside Home Depots, farmworkers harvesting crops, studentsincluding elementary school childrenand longtime residents simply showing up for legally mandated immigration check-ins.

The language of foreign invader, belched by Trump for over a decade and now adopted wholesale by the Republican Party, is the language of Nazi Germany and fascists the world over. It is a rhetorical weapon used by the ruling class to divide the working class and deflect attention from the real source of social misery, poverty and inequality: the capitalist system.



In addition to being shared by the official DHS account, the anti-immigrant propaganda was reposted by Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and the official White House Instagram account. On the latter platform, the image drew thousands of outraged responses. Didnt the Germans tell people to report the Jews? one user wrote. Many others replied that the real criminals worth reporting and deporting were occupying the White House.

The white supremacist-created image reposted by the official White House Instagram account

The image was originally created by an X user, who goes by the handle Mr. Robert (@mrrobertwp). His profile is saturated with fascist and racist bile, including frequent use of the N-word. His network of frens includes open neo-Nazis, white nationalists and antisemites of every variety.

After his fascist propaganda was amplified by Stephen Miller and the official White House account, Mr. Robert celebrated the attention by posting:

This should inspire you all. I made a digital poster. @whitelandia made some too and printed them out. There was no sign of having an impact more than 1 person tearing it down if you put one up. (sic)



TODAY OUR EFFORTS ARE COMING OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE!

In the same post, Mr. Robert retweeted X user @Whitelandia, who shared a photo of printed copies of the anti-immigrant poster stacked on a table. It doesnt have to be perfect, it just has to be done. MAWA, the caption readinvoking the white supremacist slogan Make America White Again.

White supremacists celebrating the fact the Trump administration is boosting their neo-Nazi propaganda.

After DHS, Stephen Miller and the White House Instagram account shared his fascist poster, Mr. Robert tweeted: Lets go! Maybe the Great White Hope, The Big Donald will put eyes on it.

The overtly fascist and white supremacist character of the Trump administrationa regime of, by and for the financial oligarchyis impossible to hide or ignore. In its bid to impose a military dictatorship under the American Fuhrer, the administration is plumbing the depths of fascist reaction.

Following his declaration of war on the American people at Fort Bragg on Tuesday, Military.com reported that soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division were handpicked to attend Trumps speech based on their political leanings and physical appearance, according to internal communications reviewed by the outlet.

In addition to the directive that there be no fat soldiers, internal communications instructed that any soldiers with political views that are in opposition to the current administration and [who] dont want to be in the audience ... need to speak with their leadership and get swapped out.

By requiring lower-ranking enlisted soldiers to report their political opposition to the Commander-in-Chief to their superiors, the military is actively cultivating an armed force loyal not to the U.S. Constitution but to the dictator Trump.

Military.com also reported that during Trumps speech, a vendor affiliated with the 365 Campaign out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was permitted to operate on Army property. The vendor sells pro-Trump campaign merchandise, and soldiers were reportedly seen purchasing fascist trinkets, including Make America Great Again chain necklaces and faux credit cards labeled White Privilege Card: Trumps Everything.

Backed by Wall Street, the Trump administration is deploying fascist language to dehumanize immigrantshoping that workers will remain passive when the immigration Gestapo comes to their neighborhood or workplace to disappear their friends, family or co-workers.

This strategy appears to be failing miserably. On Wednesday, protests and solidarity marchesranging in size from a few hundred to several thousanderupted in cities across the country, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, San Antonio, Philadelphia, Denver and Minneapolis.

According to USA Today, as of June 11, anti-ICE protests have taken place in at least 45 cities across more than a dozen states. Since June 6, over 800 people have been arrested while participating in the demonstrations, including more than 650 in San Francisco and Los Angeles alone.

Following the imposition of a curfew on Tuesday, the LAPD reported arresting over 200 people. As of this writing, more than 2,000 people are protesting against the immigration Gestapo in downtown Los Angeles.

Thousands rally against immigration Gestapo at LA City Hall, June 11, 2025.

Well over an hour before the curfew was set to begin, police preemptively declared the protest an unlawful assembly.
Student negotiator Mahmoud Khalil on the Columbia University campus in New York at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on Monday, April 29, 2024. [AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey]

On Wednesday, US District Judge Michael Farbiarz of the Northern District of New Jersey granted a preliminary injunction blocking the detention and deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student.

Khalil has been targeted by the Trump administration for his outspoken opposition to the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza and his participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University.

In an Opinion and Order, Judge Farbiarz ruled that the government cannot detain or deport Mahmoud Khalil for the foreign policy reasons cited by the Trump administration. The ruling specifically addresses the governments reliance on a determination by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who invoked a little-known clause of the Immigration and Nationality Act to claim that Khalils presence or activities would compromise a compelling US foreign policy interest.

Judge Farbiarz found that the governments actions were inflicting irreparable harm on Khalil, both professionally and personally, and that the chilling effect on his speech was a violation of his rights. The judge wrote:

The Court finds as a matter of fact that Khalils career and reputation are being damaged, and his speech is being chilledand this adds up to irreparable harm.

The judge cited evidence that the revocation of Khalils green card had already led to the loss of a job offer from Oxfam International and deterred him from participating in constitutionally protected protests and free speech activities.

Ramzi Kassem, a co-director of CLEAR, a legal clinic at the City University of New York that represents Khalil, said:

Mahmoud has maintained since day one that the government should not be allowed to detain or deport him based on Rubios say-so. Today, the court agreed, and ICE should release Mahmoud immediately so he can return to his home and family in New York City.

While the preliminary injunction represents a legal obstacle to the Trump administrations fascistic agenda, Judge Farbiarz paused the order until Friday morning to give the White House an opportunity to appeal. Meanwhile, Trump has made it clear that he and his Homeland Security apparatus have no intention of abiding by court rulings.

Judge Farbiarzs ruling hinges on the use of the Secretary of States discretionary authority to override ordinary immigration protections for legal permanent residents. Secretary Rubios invocation of a foreign policy interest as grounds for Khalils detention and deportation was the central issue considered by the court, not any alleged irregularity in Khalils application or status.

The judge had previously indicated that seeking to deport Khalil for such reasons was probably unconstitutional, and his latest ruling makes clear that the governments attempt to use foreign policy as a pretext for silencing dissent contradicts the First Amendment and due process protections.

In addition to explicitly delaying the effect of his own ruling until 9:30 a.m. Friday, allowing the Trump administration to seek an emergency appeal, the judge also left open the possibility that Khalil could be detained for other, unrelated reasons should the government attempt to pursue them. These legal openings for the Trump administration show that Khalils ordeal is far from over.

Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident and prominent Palestinian activist, was arrested by federal immigration agents on the night of March 8, 2025, inside his university-affiliated apartment near Columbias campus in Manhattan. The agents informed Khalils attorney that they were acting on a State Department directive to revoke his green card, citing his participation in pro-Palestinian protests and opposition to US support for Israels war in Gaza.

Khalil was swiftly transferred to an immigration detention center in Elizabeth, New Jersey, before being moved over 1,400 miles away to a remote facility in Jena, Louisianaisolating him from his wife, legal counsel and support network. Despite being a green card holder who had committed no crimes, Khalil has been held in custody for over three months, missing the birth of his first child after immigration authorities denied his urgent request for temporary release.

Khalils arrest and ongoing detention are central to the assault by the Trump administration on pro-Palestinian activists, particularly targeting students and faculty at Columbia University and other universities where protest activity erupted following the launching of the genocide in Gaza on October 7, 2023.

The administration has threatened mass arrests and deportations for what it calls anti-American activities and has sought to punish Columbia University by withdrawing federal funding over its alleged failure to curb what it refers to as antisemitism, i.e., denunciations of Zionist ethnic cleansing in Gaza.

Mahmoud Khalil was born in 1994 in the Gaza Strip, where he experienced first-hand the violence and deprivation imposed by Israels blockade and repeated military assaults. As a teenager, he participated in youth-led initiatives for education and peace, before earning a scholarship to study in the United States.

Khalil arrived in New York in 2016 to pursue graduate studies at Columbia University, focusing on Middle Eastern politics and international law. At Columbia, Khalil quickly became known for his eloquence, leadership and commitment to social justice. He played a leading role in organizing campus protests against the US-backed Israeli assault on Gaza, advocating for Palestinian rights and an end to the genocide.

Khalil married Noor Abdalla, a fellow graduate student and US citizen, in 2023. Their son was born in April 2025 while Khalil was still in ICE custody, a traumatic separation that has drawn widespread condemnation.

From the outset, the World Socialist Web Site has been at the forefront of the campaign to secure Mahmoud Khalils release, denouncing his arrest, detention and threatened deportation as an attack on basic democratic rights.

The WSWS has warned of the implications of Trumps treatment of Khalil for freedom of speech and the democratic rights of the entire working class. The WSWS has demanded his immediate release and called upon students to fight for the mobilization of international working class in mass actions that would both win Khalils freedom and halt the Gaza genocide.

The WSWS has insisted that the fight to free Mahmoud Khalil is inseparable from the struggle against war, dictatorship and the capitalist system as a whole, which is the source of repression and inequality.
An F-35 production line [Photo: Lockheed Martin]

The Trump administration is imposing crippling cuts to all aspects of public education, measures which are affecting the lives of nearly every family in the US. But, alongside redirecting millions of dollars from education into tax cuts for the rich and various privatization measures, there is another agenda at work. Trumps sweeping reorganization of schooling is being expressly directed at readying the US for war with China.

Trumps recent budget proposal slashes an estimated $15 billion from the Department of Education, with plans to eliminate more than 40 federal K-12 programs. This is part of a broader drive to break up the federal education infrastructure, shift funding away from public schools, and accelerate privatization, under the banner of school choice.

Little attention is being paid by the media to the plans for the parallel process of re-prioritizing education towards workforce outcomes, e.g., getting working class young people trained early and on the job.

The measures being implemented are wide-ranging, including the systematic loosening of child labor laws, creating business-led training of students in high schools and community colleges, and a whole series of cuts aimed at ending college accessibility for low and middle-income students. Tragic cases like Derrik, who lost both legs at 16 in a school-based construction program, and the deaths of Duvan Tomas Perez, Michael Schuls, and Will Hampton in 2023each just 16 years old, killed in hazardous workplacesoffer a grim preview of what awaits a new generation of youth pushed into the war economy pipeline.

The lack of publicity on this issue is no accident, as the Democrats are in agreement on prioritizing war readiness. Support for the US proxy war in Ukraine against Russia was the central focus of the Biden-Harris government. It allowed the ending of ESSER Covid relief funds, plunging schools into fiscal crisis across the US, while providing nearly $1 trillion to the military budget. Kamala Harris, in the final days of her campaign, toured a semiconductor plant in Michigan, touting the same school-to-workplace pipeline now championed by Trump.

Despite their ceremonial opposition to the closure of the Department of Education, the Democratic Party-aligned teachers unions have likewise welcomed Trumps workforce initiatives. American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten specifically defended education-axe-wielder-in-chief Linda McMahon for her support to apprenticeship programs.

Trumps April 23 executive order, Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future, calls for reindustrialization and the reshoring of manufacturing, with a target of creating over 1 million new apprenticeships annually in sectors like construction, manufacturing and technology.

K-12 and higher education is to be transformed into a pipeline for the military-industrial base and the broader war economy. Curricula are being refocused on technical and vocational skills, specifically to compete with China. This dovetails with the administrations industrial policy, including tariffs, supply chain onshoring, and a campaign to rebuild domestic military manufacturing.

A critical aspect of workforce development is a focus on the development of artificial intelligence (AI). The alarm of the American oligarchy over the rise of China turned to near-panic after the unexpected release of Chinas revolutionary AI program DeepSeek. Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, a close Trump adviser, called it Americas Sputnik moment.

Trump issued two executive orders stressing the urgency of AI education as a matter of global dominance. On January 23, he signed the executive order Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence and a follow-up, Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth. Trump directed federal agencies to remove any regulatory barriers in order to prioritize AI development to outpace China.

The Heritage Foundations chilling report, A Strategy to Revitalize the Defense Industrial Base for the 21st Century, lays out part of the playbook. The report calls for increasing the size of the relevant labor pool by expanding access to business-friendly re-skilling by taking grants previously tied to higher education, such as Pell, and redefining them for vocational education and apprenticeships. It would further allocate public funding to schools based on their returned-value, defined by producing graduates in targeted sectors for the defense industrial base. It advocates improving military-to-civilian transition programs like SkillBridge. The goal outlined in the report is to turn the education system into a feeder for the broader war economy.

School districts are already implementing this approach, slashing liberal arts and social studies requirements to expand technical education aligned with local defense and manufacturing needs. Ohio has invested $300 million in expanding career technical education programs in its high schools, prioritizing trades and technical credentials to align with state and federal workforce priorities.

Tennessee recently mirrored the federal agenda with Governor Bill Lees Executive Order 109, which centralizes workforce development under the State Workforce Development Board and prioritizes partnerships with employers and technology to create personalized career pathways. Backed by an additional $7 million in state funding for the Tennessee Youth Employment Program, this initiative doubles youth participation and establishes year-round operations, directly aligning with the Trump administrations push to transform education into a pipeline for high-demand industries and the defense sector.

Dr. Casey Sacks, president of BridgeValley Community and Technical College in West Virginia, has been appointed as a consultant to the US Departments of Education, Labor, and Commerce through December 2025 to help align federal workforce programs. Sacks resume included working as a construction industry lobbyist and an Aspen Institute Presidential Fellow. Aspen is a high-level think tank associated with the US military and intelligence community.

The Heritage Foundation advises that the US expand the available labor pool by dismantling higher educations accreditation system, flood the workforce with apprentices and tie all public funding to job placement in defense and related industries. This is already beginning. Federal student aid is being redirected to technical and apprenticeship programs, and returned-value funding models are being adopted to phase out programs that do not directly serve the needs of industry.

These attacks on the very concept of education are both practical and ideological. In this context, the end of liberal education is not a byproduct, but a central objective. The very qualities once championed by American higher education such as critical thought, debate, historical truth, and exposure to diverse ideas, are obstacles to the demand for obedience, jingoism and brutal intensification of exploitation in the workforce. The attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) aim to normalize government censorship and conformity.

Intellectual inquiry, debate and dissent are entirely incompatible with war and fascism. This is why academic institutions renowned for scientific and intellectual rigor, like Harvard, have become targets of relentless attack by the Trump administration.

The union bureaucracy and the Democratic Party have lined up behind this agenda. The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and National Education Association (NEA) have eagerly promoted partnerships with tech and defense firms to funnel students into the semiconductor and weapons industries.

At the end of May, Weingarten and the AFT proudly announced a partnership with the multi-billion-dollar private equity investment firm Apollo Global Management, four other unions and five Democratic governors in launching the Education and Apprenticeship Accelerator. The group aims to promote apprenticeships in microchip manufacturing, welding and electrical engineering, among other types of jobs required on the home front.

This initiative is in line with Weingartens long history as a US State Department asset in the prosecution of imperialist wars. She has traveled repeatedly to Ukraine and Israel to provide political cover for US-backed wars, meeting with far-right and neo-Nazi figures, and has publicly endorsed massive military aid packages for conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and against China.

The consequences are already visible in the factories and plants where workers are sacrificed for profit. The recent deaths of workers at Hyundai and Hanwha sites in Georgia, and the killing of Ronald Adams Sr. in a Michigan auto plant, are not isolated tragedies but a warning of what lies ahead for the next generation. The expansion of apprenticeship and school-to-work programs without adequate protections will only multiply these horrors, as more youth are funneled into hazardous, low-wage jobs in the name of national security.

At the same time, the Trump administration has gutted the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), freezing new regulations, cutting staffing and budgets and shifting enforcement to voluntary compliance by employers. The result is fewer inspections, lower penalties, and a regulatory environment where workplace safety is sacrificed to the demands of the war economy.

The coming months will see major struggles, as labor agreements expire for 77,000 educators in California, including Los Angeles, along with 14,000 in Philadelphia. These are not simply contract struggles, but battles to defend the very right to public education. In every school, educators should form rank-and-file committees, independent of the union bureaucracies, to prepare an industrial and political counter-offensive against Trump, including a general strike to stop his plans for a presidential dictatorship.

Like the attack on immigrants and democratic rights, the Trump administrations education and workforce policies are aimed at subordinating every aspect of social life to the needs of the oligarchy and imperialist war. This is already meeting with massive opposition.

The belief that youth have the right to a free, high-quality education that fosters critical inquiry, creativity and the exploration of knowledge is deeply felt by the population. But the defense of education, like every other social right, requires the conscious fight against the capitalist system and imperialist war.
Masked ICE Gestapo raiding a meatpacking plant in Omaha, Nebraska, June 10, 2025.

With Trumps coup detat set into motion with the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles, the fascist administration has sharply increased the pace of abductions and deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

One of the largest workplace raids of the new Trump administration was carried out Tuesday, when agents arrested around 80 workers at the Glenn Valley Foods meatpacking plant in Omaha, Nebraska. This represents more than half the workforce of the entire plant, and according to a warrant 107 out of 140 workers were under investigation. The raid not only involved ICE but three other federal agencies, including the FBI, as well as Omaha police.

According to the Flatwater Free Press, this was also the largest workplace raid in the state of Nebraska since 2018.

Reuters reported that company president Chad Hartmann protested to agents that the company uses the government-administered E-Verify system to confirm the legal status of all applicants. However, an agent responded dismissively that the system is broken. This suggests that many, if not most of those detained are not undocumented.

Significantly, the raid provoked immediate resistance from workers. Local reporters captured footage of workers and their family members attempting to physically blockade federal vehicles with their bodies. According to National Public Radio, hundreds more gathered in Omahas meatpacking district to protest the mass arrests.

Also Tuesday, ICE agents carried out raids on farmworkers across southern California. Multiple media outlets posted videos of agents chasing workers through the fields. These are people who are going to be afraid to take their kids to school, afraid to go to graduation, afraid to go to the grocery store, Elizabeth Strater, president of the United Farm Workers, told Los Angeles Times. The harm is going to be done.

The newspaper also reported that immigration agents visited five packing facilities and at least five farms in the fertile Oxnard Plain located about 60 miles (97 kilometers) west of Los Angeles. At least half of Californias more than 250,000 farmworkers are undocumented, according to a University of California Merced report cited by the Times.

The workplace raids underscore that the attacks on immigrants are an attack on the working class. Immigrants are involved in every industry, including not only farm and meatpacking but manufacturing, logistics and other key industries.

In southern California, many immigrants work as port truckers, moving freight from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to warehouses and railheads further inland. I dont agree with Trump on this, one Mexican-American port trucker told the WSWS. His policies are really bad. So many immigrants work here, have families, are contributing. Its not fair, I have family who are immigrants. It affects all of us.

He added: We need something like a general strike. Many truck drivers work across borders or have [international] ties, like between US and Mexico. We are an international community.

Port of Los Angeles, January 26, 2024.

Immigrants make up a substantial portion of the population of major US cities. Around 40 percent of the city of Los Angeles and 35 percent of New York City are foreign-born. Entire cities and regions, especially in the southwestern US with the highest concentration of Hispanic immigrants, are being placed under a regime of police terror.

What is unfolding is part of a definite strategy by the White House, cooked up by fascist advisors like White House chief of staff Stephen Miller. The New York Times reports that ICE is staggering shifts and working seven days a week to meet the 3,000 per day arrest quota set by Trump.

The raids are characterized by increasingly open lawlessness, where those detained are denied any due process. According to The Guardian, many arrested in the last few days have already been deported.

The situation requires the intervention of the working class through a general strike. As the Socialist Equality Party wrote in a statement Wednesday: The working class must use its immense industrial and economic power. The protests must be directed toward preparing a general strike of the entire working class to bring Trumps coup to a halt.

The statement continued: The offensive against Trumps coup must unite all sections of the working class, across nationality, race, gender and all other divisions. No distinction must be made between immigrant and native-born. The United States is a nation of immigrants, and immigrant workers make up a huge and essential part of the American workforce. Their defense must become the cause of the entire working class.

Such a movement can only be prepared through a rebellion against the union bureaucracy, many of whom have been promoting Trumps America First policies for months and have now issued either toothless statements or kept a guilty silence. The United Food and Commercial Workers, which includes tens of thousands of meatpacking workers across the country, has not issued a statement on Tuesdays raids. In fact, they have not issued a single statement on immigration since Trump took office, and his name appears only once in any of their statements since his inauguration.

The AFL-CIO union federation, whose member unions cover 12.5 million workers, has only issued one cowardly statement calling for the release of union official David Huerta, who was beaten and arrested while observing demonstrations in Los Angeles. They have refused to call out their membership in mass industrial action against Trumps coup.

In a statement, the United Farm Workers declared that it calls on every level of government to take every possible measure to protect immigrant workers and their families. We expect Californias federal, and state and local representatives to take immediate action to demand transparency. Thus, it only calls for action by local Democrats, who in spite of occasional protestations are collaborating with Trump by imposing curfews and arresting protesters. Meanwhile, the union implores management to train all staff to understand their rights and the requirements needed to enter the property such as a signed judicial warrant.

The raids on farm and food production workers are all the more striking given the fact that, during his first term, Trump signed an executive order under the Defense Production Act to order food workers to stay on the job during the opening months of the pandemic. Thus, yesterdays essential workers are now being hunted like animals.

Meatpacking was already one of the most dangerous industries in the US, with high injury rates due in particular to fine repetitive cutting motions required of line workers. During the start of the pandemic, these plants became super-spreaders and key transmission vectors of COVID into rural areas where they are typically located. According to figures from the Food and Environment Reporting Network, there were over 59,000 confirmed COVID cases among meatpacking workers and 298 deaths between April of 2020 and September of 2021. Including farmworkers and other food processing workers increases these numbers to over 91,000 and 466, respectively.

However, this is almost certainly a major undercount, given that these figures were culled from local news reports and corporate statements.

The officials of the UFCW and other unions played a key role in keeping the plants open. In one of the most infamous cases, the UFCW worked out an attendance bonus at a Tyson pork plant in Waterloo, Iowa, while managers took bets on how many workers would get infected. At least six workers died of COVID at the plant.

The concentration of highly exploited immigrant workers in meatpacking has grown since the 1980s, when the UFCW bureaucrats helped break the 1985-86 Hormel strike by decertifying the local when workers refused to go back to work. While pay in the meatpacking industry was on a rough parity with manufacturing workers, real wages have plummeted since then. The median hourly wage is only $18.44, according to the latest government figures from May 2024.

However, it is significant that one of the major centers of opposition to the raids has been Chicago, the historic center of the US meatpacking industry. In the muckraking novel The Jungle, writer Upton Sinclair describes how meatpacking bosses of the 19th and early 20th centuries exploited immigrants from a series of countries, beginning with Germans, then Irish, Bohemians (Czechs), Poles, Lithuanians and Slovaks.

They were like rats in a trap, that was the truth; and more of them were piling in every day, Sinclair writes. By and by they would have their revenge, though, for the thing was getting beyond human endurance. The novel ends with the growth of the socialist movement among the workers of Chicago, uniting immigrant and native-born workers.

This gives a sense of the direction which the fight against immigration raids, at a far higher level of the crisis of American capitalism, has to take.
TOKYO - The Japanese government said Thursday it has conveyed to China its "serious concern" after a Chinese fighter jet flew unusually close to a Self-Defense Forces patrol plane over the Pacific in the weekend, warning that such activities carry the risk of collisions.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Japan has demanded that China take steps to prevent similar incidents from happening again, while the top uniformed officer of the SDF said the Chinese fighter "intentionally approached" the Japanese plane.

China, however, has blamed Japan for the incident, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian telling a press conference that it was the Japanese side that "came close and spied on China's normal military activities," demanding Japan stop "dangerous actions."

According to the announcement by the Japanese Defense Ministry on Wednesday, a Chinese J-15 fighter jet that took off from the aircraft carrier Shandong followed a Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3C plane for total of about 120 minutes on Saturday and Sunday over international waters in the Pacific, flying as close as 45 meters.

A Chinese warplane also cut across 900 meters in front of a P-3C's flight course on Sunday.

The last time the Japanese government publicized that Chinese planes flew unusually close to SDF planes was in 2014. That incident occurred over the East China Sea.

Hayashi, the top government spokesman, said Thursday that the Japanese government will continue to maintain communication with China "at various levels" and pledged to take "all possible measures" to defend the country's territory, waters and skies.

He said Japan's concern has been conveyed to China through diplomatic and defense channels, including by Takehiro Funakoshi, vice foreign minister, to Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao.

Gen. Yoshihide Yoshida, chief of the SDF Joint Staff, also emphasized the importance of maintaining "the will and capabilities of deterrence," noting that lowering the guard could only embolden others.

Japan has been on the alert for increased Chinese military activities, recently confirming for the first time two Chinese aircraft carriers operating simultaneously in the Pacific.

Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning was observed last weekend in the vicinity of Japan's easternmost Minamitori Island, which is some 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo, the first confirmed navigation by a Chinese carrier in those waters.

The Shandong, commissioned in 2019 as China's second aircraft carrier, was also spotted conducting landing and takeoff drills involving its fighter jets and helicopters north of Japan's southernmost Okinotori islands on Monday. Okinotori is located some 1,700 km from Tokyo.

Related coverage:

China fighter jet has near miss with SDF patrol plane: Japan gov't

Japan sees 1st simultaneous operations by China carriers in Pacific
Donald Trump is carrying out an unfolding coup detat. He has deployed active-duty troops into Los Angeles, overseen a massive assault on immigrants, and is threatening to unleash the military in a campaign of violence against the American people. These actions are part of a conspiracy to dismantle democratic forms of rule and establish a presidential dictatorship in the United States. The military buildup in Washington D.C., timed to coincide with Trumps birthday on June 14, is the centerpiece of a violent assault on constitutional government.

Mass opposition is already taking shape across the country, expressed in spontaneous demonstrations and hundreds of protests planned for June 14. What is required now is a clear political perspective and strategy to mobilize the immense power of the working class and youth.

Join this emergency online meeting to discuss the urgent steps required to stop Trumps coup and defend democratic rights.
NEW DELHI - The total number of people killed when a London-bound Air India plane crashed into a residential area in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad has passed 260, local media reported Friday.

A day after the crash, which killed 241 passengers and crew aboard, it was confirmed that one passenger had survived.

The number of dead includes at least 24 on the ground, including students who lived at a medical college hostel that suffered a direct hit from the plane. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among those who perished in the crash.

The Boeing 787-8 departed for London's Gatwick Airport at 1:38 p.m. Thursday, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew, before going down in the city's Meghani Nagar area shortly after takeoff. The sole survivor, a British national, is being treated in hospital, Air India said.

According to a report in the Hindustan Times, the British man of Indian origin received impact injuries to his chest, eyes and feet.

"Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly" the 40-year-old was quoted as saying in the report.

Air India said that of the flight's 230 passengers, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British, seven were Portuguese and one was Canadian.
TOKYO - Japan's top court has rejected an appeal by a doctor convicted of consensually killing a woman with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a rare neurological disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in 2019 in Kyoto, western Japan, finalizing his 18-year prison sentence.

The Supreme Court's Second Petty Bench rejected arguments that found Yoshikazu Okubo, 47, guilty of aiding another's suicide would violate the constitutional right to self-determination.

In Japan, euthanasia is not legally recognized.

The Kyoto District Court in March last year sentenced Okubo to 18 years in prison for administering a lethal dose of a sedative to Yuri Hayashi, 51, judging that his actions were "not socially acceptable, as she was killed in such a short amount of time that it would prevent an adequate examination or confirmation of intent."

The Osaka High Court in November upheld the lower court ruling.

According to the ruling, Okubo conspired with former doctor Naoki Yamamoto, 47, to administer the sedative to Hayashi in her Kyoto apartment in November 2019 at her request. Okubo was also convicted of killing Yamamoto's 77-year-old father in 2011.

Yamamoto was convicted of murdering his own father by unspecified means, for which he received a 13-year prison term. His sentence was finalized in 2024.

Related coverage:

Doctor's 18-yr term for consensual killing of ALS sufferer upheld
TOKYO - Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Thursday that Japan aims to make progress in ongoing tariff negotiations with the United States but will not sacrifice its national interests to reach a deal quickly.

Ishiba made the remarks ahead of a possible meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of a Group of Seven leaders' summit to be held in Canada from Sunday.

Japan's chief tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa is expected to hold another round of negotiations with the United States on Friday, setting the stage for the meeting between the leaders.

Through rounds of ministerial negotiations, Japan has been urging the United States, its closest ally, to rethink its tariff policy and to explore a deal that can be mutually beneficial. Ishiba has made the case that increased Japanese investment will help create jobs in the United States.

"It'd be good to see certain progress made before meeting with the president at the G7. But what matters is a deal that benefits both Japan and the United States," Ishiba told reporters.

"We will not prioritize reaching a deal quickly and undermine national interests," he added.

Ishiba's remarks came after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a key figure in the bilateral tariff talks, said Wednesday the United States could extend its current 90-day pause on the implementation of "reciprocal" tariffs if trading partners engage in negotiations "in good faith." The pause, if not extended, would expire in early July.

Trump separately said his administration is prioritizing negotiations with key trading partners like Japan and South Korea, adding that it will send out letters in "about a week and a half to two weeks" to inform them of what their trade deals would look like.

Ahead of his planned trip to Canada, Ishiba held talks with leaders from the opposition bloc to share the status of bilateral tariff negotiations and explain how his government is approaching the challenge, the prime minister told reporters.

The imposition of higher U.S. tariffs on imported cars, auto parts, steel and aluminum has already caused uncertainty about how Japan's export-driven economy will fare. Japan also faces a reciprocal tariff rate of 24 percent, including the 10 percent baseline duty already in place.

Related coverage:

Bessent says 90-day tariff pause could be extended for key partners

Japan, U.S. eye Ishiba-Trump summit in Canada on G7 margins

Japan's top negotiator eyes U.S. trip this week for 6th tariff talks
Beans Morocco, the comic character actor who showed up in everything from Blazing Saddles, Used Cars and Eating Raoul to episodes of Mork & Mindy, The Bob Newhart Show and Growing Pains, has died. He was 90.

Morocco died May 29 in Bakersfield, California, his friend Ryan Wise told The Hollywood Reporter. For his final film, he starred as an ex-con on his own after decades in the Federal Witness Protection Program in Killing Cookie (2024), a comedy that Wise wrote and directed.

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He was always performing  always entertaining  and he made everyone feel good, Wise said.

Going by birth name Dan Barrows until he adopted his quirky stage name in the late 1980s, the pint-sized actor also appeared in such other noteworthy films as Clint Eastwoods Any Which Way You Can (1980), Howard Storms Once Bitten (1985), Wes Cravens New Nightmare (1994) and Rob Reiners The American President (1995).

After he played one of the Rock Ridge townsfolk in Mel Brooks Blazing Saddles (1974), he was a guy named Stanley Dewoski, whos lured by Kurt Russells Rudy Russo to a lot across a dangerously busy street by a 10-dollar bill on a fishing line in Robert Zemeckis Used Cars (1980).

He then donned a kids jumpsuit to portray a guy looking for kinky sex from Mary Woronovs character  Ive been very bad, havent I, Mommy? Are you going to teach me a good lesson?  in Paul Bartels classic Eating Raoul (1982).

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Daniel Ernest Barrows was born in Cincinnati on June 8, 1934. After graduating from Walnut Hills High School, he attended Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, then served in the U.S. Navy, where he became a pilot. (He would fly private planes for many years.)

In San Francisco, he studied comedy acting under Del Close, who brought him into The Committee, where he performed alongside the likes of Howard Hesseman, Carl Gottlieb, Peter Bonerz and Alan Myerson.

Barrows made his onscreen debut in Tom Laughlins Billy Jack (1971) in a cast that included Myerson and Hesseman, then appeared in Michael Ritchies The Candidate (1972) and on a 1973 first-season episode of The Bob Newhart Show, where his character needs therapy to deal with people treating him like a pipsqueak. (Bonerz, of course, played an orthodontist on the sitcom.)

Also in 1973, Barrows had a role in Myersons feature directorial debut, the comedy crime film Steelyard Blues, working alongside Donald Sutherland, Jane Fonda and Peter Boyle.

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He participated in the Ritchie-helmed satire Smile (1975) and in parody skits for Tunnel Vision (1976) and Loose Shoes (1978), then reunited with Myerson for Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach (1988) and with Bonerz, now directing, for Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989).

When he learned that his friend, cartoonist M.K. Brown, had created a character named Beans Morocco for National Lampoon magazine, he asked her if he could use it.

By either name, he appeared on two episodes of Mork & Mindy and six of Growing Pains, and his vast TV resume included guest spots on The Mary Tyler Moore Show; Harry O; Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman; Hessemans WKRP in Cincinnati; Eight Is Enough; Soap; Laverne & Shirley; The Fall Guy; Matlock; Star Trek: Voyager; Murphy Brown; Clueless; and, as the worlds slowest grocery bagger, Scrubs.

He lived in Pine Mountain Club, California, where he performed in plays, rode his horses in parades, dressed as Santa for the kids and was elected honorary mayor. Unfortunately, he was quickly impeached  and convinced everyone to storm the gazebo. That was the joke he used to tell, Wise recalled.

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Survivors include his wife of more than 50 years, Diane; his sister, Nancy; and his cousins, Gail and William. His son, Justin, died in March 2024 at age 37.

Enjoy his work in his acting reel here.

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If there's one thing true about Bonnaroo fans, it's that a little rain won't stop the party or kill the good vibes.

With tents staked tight and canopies double knotted, The Farm in Manchester, Tennessee, slowly filled up June 12 with campers ready to take on the wind and the rain at this year's 23rd annual  unless you don't count the two canceled years Bonnaroo music festival.

Despite a little anxiety from the 2021 tropical storm that canceled the festival days before it was scheduled to kickoff, this year's event is business as usual.

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"We feel like we're prepared for it [rain]," said Austin Donithan, from Roanoke, Virginia while enjoying a meal with his family in Outeroo. "[We have] a bunch of tarps instead of tents this year. We have E-Z cubes, so it's a little bit easier to protect and keep things from getting wet."

His brother-in-law, Eli Lupacchino, is counting on the rain to not drown out their good time.

"I looked at the weather this year and it doesn't look too bad," he said.

Lupacchino, a 5-year festival veteran, said the festival's close-knit, friendly atmosphere has kept him coming back year after year.

"People will give you the shirt off their backs if you need it," he said. "It's great."

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But yes, rain is coming.

More: They've been going to Bonnaroo for more than 10 years. Why these 'roo veterans keep going back: 'It'll change you'

The National Weather Service predicted showers and thunderstorm chances every day of the festival. Chances for thunderstorms ranged anywhere from 20% to 90% with Saturday having the highest risk. It will, hopefully, keep temperatures below 90.

Attendees walk through the campgrounds on The Farm during Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee, June 12, 2025.

Thunderstorms and lightning could threaten performances for any of the 150 artists, delaying them in the schedule, or, in extreme circumstances, causing a cancelation.

Still, attendees are looking forward to seeing their favorite acts take the stage, despite the forecast.

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"It's going to be muddy!" said an enthusiastic Meaghan Burton, from St. Pete, Florida "I just want to put my hiking boots on and get through it."

Burton is most looking forward to seeing Rainbow Kitten Surprise on June 13, when the weather service is predicting an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 7 p.m.

Her mother-in-law, Jennifer Moore, has braved more intense Bonnaroo years, she said.

"It'll be fine," said Moore, who in 2009 broke her foot in a mud pit during the final Beastie Boys concert.

For Moore, the annual festival is a family affair and an opportunity to expose her four children to different communities and walks of life, she said. The Tullahoma native and 16-year-veteran of the festival has been bringing her children, ages 34, 29, 20, and 19, to the festival since 2008.

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"Politics, religion, sexual orientation  all gets thrown out the window when you're in here and I really enjoy that," she said. "The two young ones I brought in when they were still dressed up in spiderman outfits and in little red wagons."

Luke Combs, Tyler the Creator, Olivia Rodrigo and Hozier are scheduled to headline this year. And in what seems to be a Millennial fever dream, Avril Lavigne, Vampire Weekend, Aly &AJ, Arcade Fire, Nelly and Natasha Bedingfield are also scheduled to play.

From left Jennifer Moore and her daughter-in-law Meaghan Burton relax on The Farm during Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee, June 12, 2025.

This year's festival is also the first appearance of a brand new, one-of-a-kind "Infinity Stage" featuring spatial sound, synchronized lights and a three-dome, open-air design for an immersive 360 experience.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Bonnaroo returns to The Farm for 2025 Tennessee music festival
Chilean actress Antonia Zegers, whose notable credits include several of Pablo Larrains films, including Tony Manero, The Club, No, and his Pinochet-as-Dracula pic, The Count, has boarded the upcoming drama The Comeback (El Regreso) by Perus Joanna Lombardi.

Zegers, who also toplined Lucia Puenzos lauded series The Pack (La Jauria), Marcela Saids Los Perros and Belen Funes The Exiles, serves as a juror at the Ibero-American Fiction section of the ongoing 40th Guadalajara Film Festival (FICG), wrapping on June 14.

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What first drew me in was the chance to work with Joanna  theres a quiet strength in her, a way of seeing the world that speaks to me. I trust that together, well create something truly special, she told Variety.

Lombardi is a former creative executive for Movistar in Latin America and leading Peruvian shingle Tondero Films. Her directorial feature debut Casadentro won Montreal Festivals Golden Zenit as well as the international critics Fipresci award. She also directed Perus first Netflix Original How to Get Over a Breakup (Soltera codiciada).

Set against the little-known Aug. 28 festivities in the coastal border town of Tacna in Peru, The Comeback follows Martha, a once-famous actress in crisis, who returns to Tacna to sell her family home and use the proceeds to fund a play that she hopes could revive her career. As the city celebrates Aug. 28th, which marks the anniversary of Tacnas return to Peru after its war with Chile, her plans are upended by her sisters sudden illness, forcing Martha to stay in the place she hoped to leave behind.

This film is about memory, but it is also about identity as Martha left home at 18 for Chile, which upset her family. She was seen as a Peruvian in Chile but when she returns, she is seen as Chilean because she has picked up a Chilean accent, said Lombardi who has put together a crack  mostly female  team that includes Inti Briones (To Kill a Man, Jayro Bustamantes Rita) as her DP, Chiles Soledad Salfate (A Fantastic Woman) as her editor and Luciano Supervielle (The Freshly Cut Grass) as her music composer.

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Chiles Florencia Larrea (My Tender Matador) and Uruguays Agustina Chiarino of Bocacha Films (Agarrame fuerte), both key drivers of Latin American cinema, have also boarded as co-producers. They are seeking a European producing partner.

The Comeback is written by Lombardis mother, author Giovanna Pollarolo, the wife of Perus legendary filmmaker Francisco Lombardi, who wrote all the screenplays to his films, including his hit Goya-nominated satire Captain Pantoja and the Special Service.

It will be the first time I collaborate with my mother, said Lombardi, adding: It was her idea to set a story in Tacna, which we later co-developed. Tacna was where my father was born and where I spent all my childhood summers.

For some historical context, Tacna played a pivotal role in The War of the Pacific, in which Peru was defeated by Chile in 1883. Yet Tacna remained under Chilean control until August 28, 1929, nearly 50 years later. Almost a century has passed, but the conflict remains unresolved. Deep-seated resentment toward Chile still lingers among the people of Tacna, a reality that must be addressed for true reconciliation. Every August 28, the city comes to a standstill to celebrate but ironically, few Peruvians outside Tacna know or remember why, she said.

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Sometimes I feel people are split between those who want to remember the past and those who prefer to move forward. I often wonder which is healthier, she mused.

Filming is scheduled to take place in Tacna in August next year.

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Between 1989 and 2003, more than 50,000 children were enlisted in the Liberian and Sierra Leonean civil wars. Lives were torn apart, a tragedy Ivorian author Ahmadou Kourouma used as material for his award-winning novel Allah Is Not Obliged, short for the novels leitmotif: Allah is not obliged to be just in all of his doings down here.

Zaven Najjar, visual artist, animator and artistic director on Sepideh Farsis The Siren, was struck by the powerful text, as was Special Touch Studios producer Sebastien Onomo. Together, they embarked on the difficult journey of translating this tale into animation, and now, their feature adaptation is screening at Annecy.

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In the film, Birahima, a 10-year-old orphan from Guinea, ironically describes how he is thrown into tribal warfare while trying to reach his aunt in Liberia. Yacouba, a shady man, convinces him to become a child soldier, while he becomes a grigriman and witch doctor among the fighters. Shunted between enemy factions, Birahima grows up quickly and learns to distrust the stories hes told.

A project many years in the making, Allah Is Not Obliged returns to Annecy after a captivating work-in-progress session last year. The Belgium-Canada-France-Luxembourg co-production is part of the fests main competition and is sure to resonate with the festival audience.

Variety spoke with Najjar during the final mixing sessions of the film, reflecting on the human and artistic journey behind the project.

What compelled you to tell this story?

Being from a family of Armenians from Syria and Lebanon, this story deeply resonated with ones I heard as a teenager, stories of the Lebanese war that were sometimes trivial things tinted with humor and irony, but also deeply tragic recollections intertwined with political and historical dimensions.

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That tone is present in Kouroumas novel, and Sebastien Onomo also felt a strong connection. I already knew him as a producer, having collaborated with Special Touch Studios on The Siren, and I knew he dreamed of adapting this book, which he discovered during his literature studies.

This connection, along with the fact that Sebastien, who is of Cameroonian origin, was already working in Africa, gave me an ecosystem in which I could imagine this project coming to life.

How did you translate Kouroumas work into animation? Can you walk us through your adaptation process?

For me, the only way I could move forward was by speaking with war veterans from Liberia. Sticking solely to the text felt insufficient. I wanted to conduct field research. Im used to being very precise and thorough.

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One thing led to another, and contact after contact, I ended up meeting a former L.U.R.D. general (Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy), one of the major armed forces during the wars. I thought Id get only five minutes with him, but he gave me much more. He introduced me to other veterans and took me to locations mentioned in the novel. From there, I discovered Monrovia and met village chiefs, miners, witch doctors, people who truly helped me translate the narrative into animation.

From the sketches I made during these trips, I drafted a storyboard. Some real locations are almost literally depicted in the film. Conversations with veterans also helped bring realism to settings such as camps, prisons, and villages, details that infused credibility into the story.

Meeting Sebastiens professor at La Sorbonne, Tumba Shango Lokoho, helped me approach the text and strike the right balance and tone.

Finding the actor who would voice Birahima was also key to achieving this balance. How did you meet Ivorian rapper SK07?

It was very important to find a young actor to voice Birahima. With so much voice-over, we needed a strong personality and a great voice. SK, without any acting background, proved to be incredible, he literally blew my mind. Recording with him in Abidjan was an unforgettable experience.

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The entire cast deserves a shout-out. It was a pleasure working with them; they improvised dialogues and even entire scenes, breathing new life into the film and its narrative.

You mentioned that Allah Is Not Obliged was made between five animation studios. How did you build this pipeline, and why?

For budget reasons, but it ended up being a fascinating experience. We succeeded thanks to wonderful teams and the amazing work of production director Nabine Mombo, who coordinated everything. She did an incredible job keeping our pipeline functional across all co-production partners.

I could also count on Belgian animation director Olivier van Hoorebeke, whose expertise helped maintain visual coherence throughout the film. I aimed for a distinctive stepped animation style, focusing on key poses while retaining fluidity. It allowed animators to concentrate on impactful visuals, and Im very happy with the results.

Can you elaborate on the music? It helps turn Birahimas tale into such a universal and powerful story.

During production, I edited temp music and the dialogues myself. I had many ideas and wishes for the ideal soundtrack and worked with composer Thibault Kientz-Agyeman to refine the musical environments. We especially focused on the lullaby that opens the film.

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Thibault later worked heavily on the score, drawing from his own background, while I went to Abidjan to record dialogues. We also recorded songs there that he later incorporated into the film, bringing incredible energy to the project.

Due to our limited budget, we had to make tough choices, but Im glad we opened the film with music by Alpha Blondy and closed it with an original song by SK07, for which Im eternally grateful. Blending those talents, moods and tones created something beautiful, offering yet another layer to Birahimas voice.

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BRASILIA - Japanese Princess Kako expressed hope that Japan's friendly ties with Brazil will "continue for many years to come" during a speech before its congress Wednesday, as the two countries mark the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

"It is truly delightful to celebrate together and reflect on the relationship between our two countries, which is rooted in a long history," said the niece of Emperor Naruhito at the ceremony in Brasilia, which also commemorated the arrival of Japanese immigrants in Brazil more than a century ago.

"I feel appreciation for the friendly relationship built by many people, including those who moved from Japan to Brazil and their descendants," said the princess in kimono, thanking Brazilian society for accepting Japanese immigrants.

Brazil is home to the largest community of Japanese immigrants, with about 2.7 million people living there.

The first group of Japanese immigrants arrived in Brazil in June 1908 under a government policy at the time to encourage emigration in the wake of an economic downturn and a growing population. But many died due to the harsh living conditions and exposure to malaria.

The 30-year-old younger daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko attended a luncheon hosted by the Brazilian government after the ceremony and offered a toast in Portuguese.

In the afternoon, she paid a courtesy call on President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and conveyed a message from the emperor and Empress Masako that said they wished for the continuous development of the friendly relationship between the two countries.

Princess Kako is scheduled to visit eight cities during her trip to Brazil, which began June 5, before returning to Japan on Tuesday.

==Kyodo
Canada Goose is flying south for the summer. To Lake Powell, Utah, that is.

For Snow Goose by Canada Gooses second capsule collection, creative director Haider Ackermann gathered a group of 15 creatives on a desert exploration across the wide expanse of Utahs natural wonder. Set against the dry, oppressive heat is the cool touch of Ackermanns design, visible across details like the convertible neon wind pant zipped off and worn on the trip as shorts by model Erin Wasson and cofounder of System Magazine Elizabeth von Guttman.

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The journey to Lake Powell is part two of the Toronto-based companys efforts to build buzzy brand moments. For the campaign, titled Wild Horizon, model Lara Stone wears a cropped T-shirt, short shorts and over-the-knee wader boots  a far cry from the winter layers and down coats the brand is known for. The first Snow Goose campaign featured actor and activist Ethan Hawke, with an excursion to Iceland. Both campaigns were shot by Willy Vanderperre.

The images are just a little disorienting; to make people pause and question their perceptions of what a collection for Canada Goose could look like, how it could be styled and photographed. Were playing with beauty, with freedom, Ackermann said of the spring summer 2025 campaign imagery.

When Haider and I first met, it was clear we were deeply aligned. Hes passionate about the outdoors, about authenticity  he understands what makes Canada Goose, Canada Goose. That connection gave us the confidence to do something different together, said Dani Reiss, chairman and chief executive officer of Canada Goose.

In more breathable forms for this season, the archive-inspired Snow Goose pieces reflect Ackermanns vision for performance-driven, fashionable apparel thats suitable for temperatures above arctic conditions.

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Theres real momentum behind our lightweight and summer-ready pieces. Our community is showing up, not just with interest but with confidence. They trust us to deliver beyond cold weather  and were proving we do summer too, Reiss said.

According to the CEO, apparel is the fastest-growing category ending in fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 and of continued focus for the brand to enhance year-round relevance. Customers who enter our brand through apparel are more likely to come and shop with us again.

While the company declined to comment on sales figures for the Snow Goose line, Canada Goose overall brought in sales of 1.35 billion Canadian dollars for the year ended March 30.

When we launched the capsule last fall, nearly two-thirds of [Snow Goose] purchases came from existing fans  which tells us it resonated deeply with our community while bringing in new audiences too. The momentum didnt stop there: it lifted mainline sales, drove U.S. brand search interest to a three-year high in December, and spiked social engagement, Reiss disclosed.

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When asked how he measures the return on marketing campaigns beyond sales figures, Reiss explained that its about how a bold campaign underpinned by incredible product can energize an entire brand. Snow Goose did exactly that.

He added that the impact went beyond numbers. Snow Goose marked a step-change in how we show up in the world. From the creative to the rollout, its become our new blueprint. And weve heard from fans, editors, artists and style leaders that not only did it connect with them  it made waves. Were showing up in the right places, with the right people, in the right way.

For fiscal year 2026, the brand will increase marketing spend, focus on upper-funnel programming and shift activity earlier in the year to build awareness ahead of peak season.

For the next few years Reiss plans to grow Canada Goose intentionally while staying grounded. That means opening stores in the right places, evolving the experience in our existing locations, and making every consumer touchpoint a strong expression of the brand, he said.

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Starting with the spring 2026, Ackermann will also be designing the mainline collection.

The Colombian-born, French designer became creative director of Canada Goose in 2024, with fall 2024 as his first capsule collection for the heritage line Snow Goose. Ackermann is also the creative director at Tom Ford.

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In 2025, the American passport doesn't guarantee a warm welcome everywhere. From geopolitical tensions to overtourism backlash, several destinations have signaled that U.S. travelers might want to reconsider their plans. Whether due to strained diplomatic relations, safety concerns, or local protests against mass tourism, the message is increasingly clear.

Here are 13 places where American tourists aren't exactly being welcomed with open arms right now.

1. Chad

On June 5, 2025, Chad suspended the issuance of visas to U.S. citizens in response to the U.S. including Chadian nationals in its expanded travel ban. President Mahamat Idriss Deby emphasized the principle of reciprocity, stating that while Chad may lack material wealth, it maintains its dignity and national pride. This move underscores the growing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. For American travelers, this means plans to visit Chad are effectively on hold.

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The suspension serves as a reminder that international relations can have immediate impacts on travel freedoms. It's a clear signal that countries are willing to assert their sovereignty in the face of perceived slights. For tourists, it's essential to stay informed about such developments to avoid unexpected disruptions. In the case of Chad, the message is unequivocal: now is not the time for American visitors.

2. Thailand

On June 9, 2025, Thailand unexpectedly closed two of its border crossings to tourists due to escalating tensions with neighboring Cambodia. The sudden decision left thousands of travelers stranded, highlighting the fragility of regional relations. The Thai government has yet to disclose when the borders will reopen or the specific reasons behind the closures.

For American tourists, this development underscores the importance of monitoring geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia. While Thailand remains a popular destination, the current situation suggests a need for caution and flexibility in travel plans. Until tensions ease and borders reopen, it may be prudent to explore alternative destinations.

3. Spain

In 2024, Spain witnessed significant anti-tourism protests, particularly in the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, and Barcelona. Residents expressed frustration over overtourism's impact on their quality of life, leading to demands for legislation to curb excessive tourist numbers. The protests highlight a growing sentiment among locals that mass tourism, often associated with American travelers, is unsustainable.

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For American tourists, this means that while Spain's cultural and historical attractions remain, there's a pressing need to approach travel with sensitivity. Engaging in responsible tourism practices, respecting local customs, and avoiding overcrowded hotspots can help mitigate tensions. Being mindful of the local sentiment is crucial to ensure a positive experience for both visitors and residents.

4. Mexico

The U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico have issued a security alert warning American travelers about an increase in kidnappings linked to dating apps in popular tourist destinations, particularly Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit. The alert advises travelers to exercise caution when using dating apps, avoid isolated areas, and meet new acquaintances only in public spaces.

While Mexico continues to be a favored destination for American tourists, these developments highlight the importance of vigilance. Travelers should stay informed about local advisories, avoid risky behaviors, and prioritize safety. Being proactive and cautious can help ensure a secure and enjoyable trip.

5. Iran

female traveler at airport departure

Iran's complex and often antagonistic relationship with the United States has led to limitations on American tourists. The country's decision to restrict American visitors reflects ongoing political and diplomatic hostilities between the two nations. These restrictions underscore the tense and volatile nature of Iran-U.S. relations.

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For American travelers, this means that visiting Iran is fraught with challenges and potential risks. It's advisable to stay updated on diplomatic developments and consider alternative destinations until relations improve. Understanding the broader geopolitical context is essential for making informed travel decisions.

6. North Korea

woman in love with plane

Since 2017, the United States Department of State has prohibited the use of U.S. passports for travel to North Korea, citing the risk of arrest and long-term detention. Despite North Korea's efforts to develop tourism infrastructure, such as the Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, the country remains largely inaccessible to American tourists.

The combination of strict government controls, potential safety risks, and diplomatic tensions makes North Korea an unviable destination for American travelers. Until significant changes occur, it's best to avoid planning trips to this isolated nation. Travelers should heed official advisories and prioritize their safety.

7. Russia

Moscow and St. Petersburg, once popular destinations for American tourists, are now off-limits due to escalating diplomatic tensions and international sanctions. The tourism industry in Russia is scrambling to attract visitors from other parts of the world as relations with the U.S. deteriorate.

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For American travelers, the current climate in Russia presents significant challenges and potential risks. It's advisable to postpone travel plans to Russia until diplomatic relations improve and safety concerns are addressed. Staying informed about international developments is crucial for making safe travel choices.

8. Myanmar

Myanmar is currently experiencing intense internal conflicts, ranking among the most extreme globally. The country's inclusion in the U.S. travel ban reflects the severity of its political instability and armed conflicts.

Given the ongoing violence and unrest, Myanmar is not a safe destination for American tourists. Travelers are strongly advised to avoid the country until the situation stabilizes. Monitoring official travel advisories and news updates is essential for safety.

9. Yemen

Yemen faces continued conflict involving Houthi militants and other factions, leading to severe instability. The U.S. has re-designated the Houthi group as a terrorist organization, further complicating relations.

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For American tourists, Yemen presents significant safety risks, including the threat of violence and limited access to consular services. Travel to Yemen is strongly discouraged until conditions improve. Prioritizing personal safety and adhering to official advisories is paramount.

10. Libya

Happy,Asian,Tourist,Woman,Using,Mobile,Smartphone,With,Backpack,Traveling

Libya is grappling with political instability and armed insurgencies, making it a hazardous destination for travelers. The presence of various militant groups and a lack of effective governance contribute to the country's volatility.

American tourists are advised to avoid travel to Libya due to the high risk of violence and limited consular support. Until the security situation improves, it's best to consider alternative destinations. Staying informed about regional developments is essential for safe travel planning.

11. Somalia

Somalia is battling al-Shabab insurgents, leading to widespread violence and instability. The country's inclusion in the U.S. travel ban highlights the severity of its security challenges.

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Given the high risk of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict, Somalia is not a safe destination for American tourists. Travelers should avoid the country and monitor official advisories for updates. Prioritizing safety and adhering to travel warnings is crucial.

12. Sudan

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Sudan is experiencing a violent civil war between the military and paramilitary forces, resulting in over 150,000 deaths. The ongoing conflict has led to severe instability and humanitarian crises.

For American tourists, Sudan presents significant safety risks, including the threat of violence and limited access to essential services. Travel to Sudan is strongly discouraged until the situation stabilizes. Staying informed about developments and adhering to official advisories is essential.

13. Haiti

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Haiti struggles with gang control over its capital, leading to mass displacement and deportations. The situation has escalated into a full-blown humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations reporting a record number of internally displaced people in 2025. Port-au-Prince, once a cultural hub, has become increasingly unsafeeven for aid workers and journalists. The country's inclusion in the U.S. travel ban reflects the severity of its internal instability and the ongoing threats to foreign nationals.

For American tourists, the message is sobering: this is not the time for casual travel to Haiti. Safety concerns are not theoreticalthey are immediate, complex, and life-threatening. Local infrastructure is under strain, and emergency response systems are overwhelmed. Until stability returns, Americans are strongly urged to avoid the region altogether. Respecting local realities and global advisories isnt just smartits a moral obligation.
On the southern fringe of the High Atlas is one of Morocco's premier climbing destinations, the Todra Gorge. Climbing has been going on here since the late 1960s, and for the first 30 years, it was the main place to climb in Morocco. In the last decade, a revival has taken place, and climbers are flocking there once again.

Yet accurate route information remains notoriously difficult to come by. Parties from all over the world have bolted hundreds of lines over four decades. In many cases, they did not bother recording the details.

Tisgui, the closest town to the gorge. Photo: Monica Malfatti

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Although many routes are well-bolted, other opportunities exist for climbers interested in trad or in setting new routes, especially multi-pitch ones. Both sides of the gorge are suitable, so depending on your needs, you can always find a line that's either in the sun or the shade.

Often, Moroccan souvenir sellers crowd the base of the cliffs, which sometimes turns into a weird adventure. It's not always easy to reach the start of a climb without being convinced to buy something ridiculous.

Rock climbing in the Todra Gorge. Photo: Monica Malfatti

Climbing beta

Many sport routes in the gorge are over 30m long, so it is worth having a 70m rope. For multi-pitch climbing, we'd suggest a half rope of 60m or even longer if you want to be sure you have enough for every situation.

One advantage of climbing in Todra is the incredible lack of mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, or other intrusive bugs. However, note that there is no mountain rescue service in Morocco, so be even more careful than usual in choosing the right path to the walls.

Reaching the walls. Photo: Monica Malfatti

Crags and sections

As we previously pointed out, the Todra Gorge in Morocco is particularly good for multi-pitch climbing. There are a few single-pitch bolted routes, too. We suggest two crags in particular.

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Plage Mansour is located right at the entrance to the gorge and offers almost 30 routes, mostly between 5a and 6b. Many pitches on this crag are over 30m, and a few are even 48-50m. Vertical and slab climbing dominate, and the bolting is good. In the morning, Plage Mansour gets the sun until 2 or 3 pm, when it slips into shadow.

Petite Gorge is the other unmissable crag in Todra Gorge. This section lies about five kilometers from the entrance and can be reached either by car or on foot. Like Plage Mansour, the crag basks in the sun until afternoon.

The view from the top of one of the many multi-pitch routes in the gorge. Photo: Monica Malfatti

Multi-pitch routes

Berbertraum is a 340m route leading to the top of Aiguille des Palmeraies. Its 13 pitches range between 4a and 5c, and the longest is 45m. A trail between the rocks leads down from the top, or you can rappel. The route is exposed to the sun until late afternoon, when shadows begin to creep across the upper pitches.

Smoufond is a 6a+ route that leads to the top of Pieds Dans lEau after about 150m. To get to the bottom of the wall, you have to cross a river -- a strange obstacle. After the climb, there are two rappels, of 45m and 60m.

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Another route that starts by the water is Vole de Defile, which leads to the top of Aguille du Gue. It is four pitches long and graded 6a, V+, V+, and III. There is also another route nearby, called La Diedre, which is partially bolted. Because La Diedre and Vole de Defile are so close to each other, you can connect them and climb to the top with an easier variant, avoiding the Grade 6 pitches on both routes.

Todra Gorge's main road seen from the wall, while climbing. Photo: Monica Malfatti

How to get there

Marrakech is the nearest international airport, and daily flights are available from throughout Europe. At the airport, you can exchange euros for Moroccan dirhams. It is still largely a cash economy, and you can only use credit cards in places like supermarkets. You can also buy a SIM card at the airport, although you would not use it much in the Todra Gorge, which has no cell coverage.

The main market in Marrakech. Photo: Monica Malfatti

It takes about seven hours to drive from Marrakesh to the Todra Gorge, so we suggest spending the first and last nights in the city. There is also an airport in Ouarzazate, but flights are available only from April through the summer.

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From Ouarzazate to the Todra Gorge takes about two hours by car. Or you can catch a bus from Marrakech to the town of Tinghir. From there, take a taxi 15km to Todra. You don't need a car in the gorge itself, since most areas are just minutes by foot from the entrance.

Sign to one of the many hostels in the gorge. Photo: Monica Malfatti

Accommodation

Tisgui, the closest village to the gorge, has many small hotels and hostels; for example, Etoile des Gorges. Hotel Yasmina is located right in the heart of the climbing, within easy walking distance of most areas. Hotel Mansour and Hotel La Vallee are popular options at the entrance of the gorge. For those seeking a little more luxury, the Kasbah Lamrani in Tinghir is highly recommended.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  More than $1.8 million in federal funds will go toward the Dayton International Airport.

Congressman Mike Turner announced that $1,812,000 has been awarded to the James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY). This funding is provided through the FAAs Airport Improvement Program.

Funding will go toward refurbishing taxiway lighting at the Dayton Airport, as well as rehabilitate parts of the taxiway to minimize debris and to extend the life of the taxiway.

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This federal investment for Dayton International Airport underscores the critical role our airport plays in the economic impact to the Miami Valley region, said Turner. The funding from the FAA will allow DAY to make the necessary renovations to extend the longevity of its taxiways for years to come.

Turner also announced $462,560 will go to the Greene County Lewis A. Jackson Regional Airport (GDK) to reseal parts of the airport terminal and tiedown apron to extend the useful life of the facilities.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
UNION, Ky. (FOX 56)  A man is facing 10 counts of attempted murder, according to the Boone County Commonwealths Attorney, following a standoff on Thursday in Union.

Just before 2 p.m. on June 12, the Boone County Sheriffs Office (BCSO) said several deputies were in the area of Omaha Trace and Saunders Lane in the Triple Crown neighborhood in response to reports of gunshots.

Deputies placed nearby residents under a shelter-in-place order after SWAT team members and other law enforcement groups responded to the area, according to the sheriffs office.

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In a release late Thursday, BCSO said the male shooter opened fire on deputies and Florence officers. Authorities reportedly shot back, causing him to move away from the window where he was shooting and barricade himself in his bathroom for several hours.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

After hours of failed negotiation attempts, the SWAT team used gas canisters in the home, and the man surrendered shortly after, per police.

As he was taken into custody, deputies said they found he had been shot in the chest. He was taken by air to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and was treated for life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported.

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The shelter-in-place order was canceled around 7 p.m. for residents in the Saunders Lane area. A person was arrested in connection with the investigation.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

On Friday, Kentucky State Police identified the man as a 47-year-old Mhammed Jibrini of Richwood and said he is still in critical condition at the hospital.

Commonwealths Attorney Louis D. Kelly confirmed to FOX 56 News on Monday that Jibrini is facing 10 counts of attempted murder.

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This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 56 News for updates.

Matthew Duckworth and Camille Hantla contributed to this story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  A person died Wednesday night after being shot at a Florence apartment, police said.

It happened at about 7 p.m. on June Lane. Police said the male victim was found lying on the floor of the apartment with critical injuries when officers arrived and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

No additional information was immediately available. Florence police and the Florence County Coroners Office are investigating.

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* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
1 Person Found Alive After Devastating Air India Plane Crash: Report originally appeared on Parade.

One person has reportedly survived the Air India crash on June 12.

The flight, which was headed for London Gatwick Airport, crashed into a medical college shortly after take off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Following a sizable explosion, all 242 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner were presumed dead. However, reports indicate that rescuers have found one survivor.

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"The police found one survivor in seat 11A. He has been in the hospital and is under treatment. Cannot say anything about the number of deaths yet," Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G. S. Malik said, according to ANI News.

The full sequence from take-off to crashfinal moments of Air India 171 captured on CCTV. Clear catastrophic lack of lift just seconds after liftoff. pic.twitter.com/l6UAzZ3wtJ  Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) June 12, 2025

Local news outlets have identified the passenger as British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who had been visiting family in India prior to the crash.

Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed," Ramesh told the Hindustan Times from his hospital bed.

There were bodies all around me, there were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance," he told News18.

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In various videos posted online, the plane is seen taking off from the runway and unable to climb. Instead, the aircraft descended into a residential area nearby, eventually going up in flames.

"Officials at the crash site said it was likely that it skidded after it came down, damaging buildings, before bursting into flames. Sections of the plane, including its tail, were left jutting out of the damaged dining facility," The New York Times reports.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

1 Person Found Alive After Devastating Air India Plane Crash: Report first appeared on Parade on Jun 12, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP)  One soldier was killed and another was injured in a helicopter training incident at Fort Campbell, military officials announced Thursday.

The incident involving two service members happened around 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Fort Campbell training area, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) said in a release. Emergency services responded, and one soldier was confirmed dead while the other was taken to Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and was in stable condition, officials said.

The soldiers names are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notifications. The incident is under investigation.

In March 2023, two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters assigned to the 101st Airborne collided during a nighttime training flight about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northwest of Fort Campbell, killing all nine soldiers aboard. The Fort Campbell Army post is located along the Kentucky-Tennessee border.
After 10 months in the Middle East, Minnesota National Guard returns home  with 11 bronze stars originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

More than three dozen soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard flew home to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on Wednesday after serving a 10-month deployment in the Middle East  and 11 of the soldiers received the Bronze Star Medal for "for heroic and meritorious service."

The approximately 40 National Guard members are part of the 204th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS) based in Cottage Grove. They were in the Middle East to support Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve.

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They worked primarily in three countries, including Iraq and Syria, and treated 1,846 patients and worked 30 medical evacuations during the deployment.

We are extremely proud of the exceptional Soldiers of the 204th Medical Company Area Support who excelled in their Mission in the Middle East, said Army Col. Joel Stamp, brigade commander for the 347th Regional Support Group.

The accomplishments of this formation are many and have established a higher standard for medical care for our service members and our allies while deployed. This would not have been attained, had it not been for their training preparation, military professionalism, and the enduring support of their families, employers, and communities while deployed.

Minnesota National Guard

View the 12 images of this gallery on the original article

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Many of the 11 Bronze Star Medal  the fourth highest individual military award  recipients were exposed to attacks at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq, including the threat of ballistic missiles when 180 missiles were launched in an attack on Oct. 1, 2024, according to the National Guard.

A description of each medal-winner's heroism and achievements has been provided below by the Minnesota National Guard.

Major Jakob B. Reding

Distinguished himself through exceptionally superior, meritorious service while serving as the 204 Medical Company Area Support (MCAS) and Al Asad Air Base (AAAB) Role 2E Commander, Joint Task Force Savior  Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), AAAB, Iraq, from 8 September 2024 to 26 May 2024. Additionally, he served as the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Role 2E closure operations at AAAB and the OIC of establishment planning of a Role 2E clinic in Norther Landing Zone (NLZ), Syria. Major Reding distinguished himself while serving under combat conditions of significant risk of exposure to hostile actions while operating in both Syria and Iraq. He was subject to a barrage of 44 indirect fire artillery rounds and one UAS while at NLZ, Syria from 9 December 2024 to 10 December 2024. Major Reding served for months under significant risk of almost certain attacks on AAAB, Iraq, evidenced with credible intelligence reports, with multiple UASs sighted and destroyed in the vicinity of AAAB, Iraq, one of which triggered sense and warn sirens at two kilometers away as it was inbound for AAAB. He was also exposed to the threat of theater ballistic missiles on 1 October 2024 when 180 missiles were fired in the vicinity of his location. Major Reding exhibited extraordinary leadership, vision, initiative, and dedication while maintaining a steadfast and calming presence for the 204 MCAS and four supported units.

First Sergeant Brent Emery

Distinguished himself by meritorious wartime service, under combat conditions with significant risk of exposure to enemy hostile actions as evidenced by credible threat reporting from the intelligence community. He served as the Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) of the Role 2E, Joint Task Force Savior, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTFOIR), Al Asad Air Base, Iraq from 8 August 2024 to 26 May 2025. His outstanding performance, leadership, professionalism and dedication to duty, while operating in a high-risk environment, provided direct support to units across the Combined Joint Operations Area (CJOA) conducting CJTF-OIR missions to defeat Da'esh and advise, assist and enable missions.

First Lieutenant Bradley Quinlan

Distinguished himself by meritorious wartime service, under combat conditions with significant risk of exposure to enemy hostile actions as evidenced by credible threat reporting from the intelligence community. He served as the Executive Officer of the Role 2E, Joint Task Force (JTF) Savior, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), Al Asad Air Base (AAAB), Iraq from 8 August 2024 to 26 May 2025. His outstanding performance, leadership, professionalism and dedication to duty, while operating in a high-risk environment, provided direct support to units across the Combined Joint Operations Area (CJOA) conducting CJTF-OIR missions to defeat Da'esh and advise, assist and enable missions.

Master Sergeant Jessica DeZelar

Distinguished herself by meritorious wartime service, under combat conditions with significant risk to exposure to enemy hostile actions as evidenced by credible threat reporting from the intelligence community. She served as the Operations NCOIC of the 204th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS) Role 2E, Joint Task Force Savior, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), Al Asad Air Base (AAAB), Iraq from 8 September 2024 to 26 May 2025. Her outstanding performance, leadership, professionalism and dedication to duty, while operating in a high-risk environment, provided direct support to units across the Combined Joint Operations Area (CJOA) conducting CJTF-OIR missions to defeat Da'esh and advise, assist and enable missions throughout the area of operations (AO).

Sergeant First Class Noah Snater

Distinguished himself by meritorious wartime service, under combat conditions with significant risk to exposure to enemy hostile actions as evidenced by credible threat reporting from the intelligence community. He served as the Clinic Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Role 2E, Joint Task Force Savior, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), Al Asad Air Base (AAAB), Iraq from 8 August 2024 to 26 May 2025. His outstanding performance, leadership, professionalism and dedication to duty, while operating in a high-risk environment, provided direct support to units across the Combined Joint Operations Area (CJOA) conducting CJTF-OIR missions to defeat Da'esh and advise, assist and enable missions.

Staff Sergeant Samantha Wolle

Distinguished herself by exceptionally meritorious wartime service, as the Ancillary Services NCOIC and sole 68J Medical Logistics NCO for the 204th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS) Role 2 Enhanced (Role 2E), Joint Task Force Savior, Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), Al Asad Air Base (AAAB), Iraq, from 08 August 2024 to 26 May 2025. Her service was under combat conditions with significant risk of exposure to enemy hostile actions under the threat of almost certain attacks on AAAB, Iraq, supported with credible intelligence reports, and multiple One Way Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (OWUAS) sighted and destroyed in the vicinity of AAAB, Iraq. She was also exposed to the threat of theater ballistic missiles on 1 October 2024 when 180 missiles were fired over her location. Her professionalism, dedication to duty, and care for Soldiers, Airmen, and Coalition Forces were instrumental in the success of the Role 2E's mission to provide medical care, damage control surgical resuscitation, and support the Combined Joint Task Force OIR (CJTF-OIR) to defeat Da'esh across the Combined Joint Operations Area (CJOA).

Staff Sergeant Lillian Futrell

Distinguished herself by exceptionally meritorious wartime service, as the Patient Administration (PAD) NCOIC for the Role 2 Enhanced (Role 2E), Joint Task Force Savior, Combined Joint Task Force  Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), Al Asad Air Base (AAAB), Iraq, from 08 August 2024 to 31 May 2025. Her service was under combat conditions with significant risk of exposure to enemy hostile actions under the threat of almost certain attacks on AAAB, Iraq, supported by credible intelligence reports, with multiple One Way Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (OWUAS) sighted and destroyed in the vicinity of AAAB, Iraq. She was exposed to the threat of theater ballistic missiles on 1 October 2024 when 180 missiles were fired in the vicinity of her location. Her professionalism, dedication to duty, and care for Soldiers, Airmen, and Coalition Forces were instrumental in the success of the Role 2E's mission to provide medical care, damage control surgical resuscitation, and support the CJTF-OIR to defeat Da'esh across the Combined Joint Operations Area (CJOA).

Staff Sergeant Taylor Johnson

Distinguished herself by exceptionally meritorious wartime service, as the Administrative NCOIC for the 204th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS) Role 2 Enhanced (Role 2E), Task Force Savior, Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), Al Asad Air Base (AAAB), Iraq, from 08 August 2024 to 31 May 2025. Her service was under combat conditions with significant risk of exposure to enemy hostile actions under the threat of almost certain attacks on AAAB, Iraq, supported with credible intelligence reports, with multiple One Way Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (OWUAS) sighted and destroyed in the vicinity of AAAB, Iraq. She was also exposed to the threat of theater ballistic missiles on 1 October 2024 when 180 missiles were fired over her location. Her professionalism, dedication to duty, and care for Soldiers, Airmen, and Coalition Forces were instrumental in the success of the Role 2E's mission to provide medical care, damage control surgical resuscitation, and support the Combined Joint Task Force  OIR (CJTF-OIR) mission to defeat Da'esh across the Combined Joint Operations Area (CJOA).

Staff Sergeant Raul Navarro

Distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious wartime service, as the Unit Supply NCO for the 204th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS) Role 2 Enhanced (Role 2E), Task Force Savior, Operation Inherent Resolve (OlR), Al Asad Air Base (AAAB), Iraq, from 8 August 2024 to 26 May 2025. His service under combat conditions with significant risk of exposure to enemy hostile actions under the threat of almost certain attacks on AAAB, Iraq, supported with credible intelligence reports, with multiple One Way Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (OWUAS) sighted and destroyed by in the vicinity of AAAB, Iraq. He was also exposed to the threat of theater ballistic missiles on 1 October 2024 when 180 missiles were fired over his AAAB by Iran. His professionalism, dedications to duty, and care for Soldiers, Airmen, and Coalition Forces were instrumental in the success of the Role 2E's mission to provide medical care, damage control surgical resuscitation, and support the Combined Joint Task Force - OIR (CJTF-OlR) to defeat Da'esh across the Combined Joint Operations Area (CJOA).

Sergeant Sierra Fandrick

Distinguished herself by exceptionally meritorious wartime service, as the Laboratory Noncommissioned Officer In-charge for the Role 2 Enhanced (Role 2E), Joint Task Force Savior, Combined Joint Task Force  Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), Al Asad Air Base (AAAB), Iraq, from 08 August 2024 to 26 May 2025. Her service was under combat conditions with significant risk of exposure to enemy hostile actions under the threat of almost certain attacks on AAAB, supported by credible intelligence reports, with multiple One Way Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (OWUAS) sighted and destroyed in the vicinity of AAAB. She was exposed to the threat of theater ballistic missiles on 1 October 2024 when 180 missiles were fired in the vicinity of her location. Her professionalism, dedication to duty, and care for Soldiers, Airmen, and Coalition Forces were instrumental in the success of the Role 2E's mission to provide medical care, damage control surgical resuscitation, and support the CJTF-OIR mission to defeat Da'esh across the Combined Joint Operations Area (CJOA).

Captain Caitlin Ward

Distinguished herself by meritorious wartime service, under combat conditions with significant risk to exposure to enemy hostile actions as evidenced by credible threat reporting, as the Assistant Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Role 2E, Joint Task Force Savior, Combined Joint Task Force  Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR), Al Asad Air Base, Iraq from 24 November 2024 to 24 April 2025. Her outstanding performance, leadership, professionalism and dedication to duty, while operating in a high-risk environment, provided direct support to units across the Combined Joint Operations Area (CJOA) conducting CJTF-OIR missions to defeat Da'esh and advise, assist and enable missions.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  Texas Senate Bill 3, the bill aiming to ban THC products statewide, is stirring up strong emotions on both sides of the debate. Opponents of the bill say this will have a negative impact, while supporters say this is necessary to protect our most vulnerable populations.

It is a scourge upon our young people to hook them on drugs forever This was not controversial for the legislature; they passed it overwhelmingly, and we have to ban it, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick is leading the charge, calling this bill a critical defense against what he describes as a public threat. He says the state of Texas has seen a drastic increase in the number of shops that sell these products.

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Texas THC ban: Lt. Gov. Patrick warns of youth health risks

There are 8,000 or more smoke and vape shops that have opened in Texas in just the last 3-4 years, Patrick said.

Allen Kirk with Full Spectrum CBD says he disagrees with the legislature and finds this bill disheartening.

San Angelo has blessed us with business, and we have helped a lot of peopleand it is very disheartening that I have put blood, sweat and tears and now Im going to be closed, because we have our legislature that does not understand the benefits of our products, Kirk said.

At Full Spectrum CBD, Kirk says he mainly serves people 35 years or older and a large population of veterans. Over the years, he has created a business that has had people wanting to come back. He says he is saddened by the thought of no longer being available to offer his customers reliable products.

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Gov. Abbott declines to say if he will sign THC ban

What Im really sad about is my clients. My older people are not going to get the stuff they need the veterans who are just getting shut out again and not getting the proper help they need as far as PTSD and their pains Kirk said.

If Senate Bill 3 passes, Kirk says his entire livelihood would be gone.

When you grow hemp and you extract CBD, you are always going to have a trace amount of THC in it; you cannot grow it without THC. This is a total ban on THC, which basically means 100% of my products will be gonethere is not one product in here that I will be able to sell if this goes through, Kirk said.

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He says Lt. Gov. Patrick was set on this path to ban THC because of people who did not follow the law and managed to sell products that contain THC above the legal limit. His store, Full Spectrum CBD, is not the kind of store Lt. Gov. Patrick should be after.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick holds press conference following legislative session

The unfortunate part about it is that in the middle of your agenda of getting rid of bad actorsIm collateral damage, Kirk said.

Currently this bill awaits action from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Until a decision is made, supporters and opponents of the bill are left to wonder what the future holds for legal hemp and CBD businesses.

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NAHA, Japan - The tranquil village of Onna is one of Okinawa's most beautiful spots. Scenic beaches, dramatic rock formations and lavish seaside resorts dot the coast. But there's a dark legacy here -- a former nuclear cruise missile launch site built during the postwar U.S. military occupation.

The Mace B cruise missile launch site is the last remainder of four that were constructed in the 1960s. Opened to the public for the first time this spring, the large concrete building, roughly 9 meters tall and 100 meters wide, sits on a hill facing the East China Sea.

The United States occupied Okinawa from 1945 to 1972. As Cold War tensions increased, it accelerated its deployment of nuclear weapons on the main island despite anti-nuclear sentiment in Japan following the radioactive contamination of a Japanese fishing boat in the mid-1950s.

The Fukuryu Maru No. 5 was exposed to fallout from the U.S. Castle Bravo nuclear weapon test at Bikini Atoll in 1954, killing one crew member and sickening the other 22.

Following Okinawa's return to Japanese rule in May 1972, Soka Gakkai, a major Japanese Buddhist organization, purchased the lot that included the Onna launch site in 1976.

With this year marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the group restored the interior and opened the base to the public in March. Some 3,000 people have visited so far.

"It gave me goosebumps. I was aware of problems involving U.S. military bases, but I had no idea about the deployment of nuclear weapons (in Okinawa)," said a 41-year-old woman who was visiting the site from Sapporo, northern Japan, with her parents.

"Okinawa might not exist now if any nuclear missiles had been fired," she said.

Isao Kuwae, 61, secretary general of Soka Gakkai in Okinawa, suggested that when the missile base was being erected local contractors may not have known what they were building.

He added the Onna site is "the only place where you can see with your own eyes the past presence of nuclear weapons in Okinawa."

A Mace B cruise missile was said to have a payload 70 times more powerful than the atomic bomb that the U.S. military dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945, killing an estimated 140,000 people by the end of the year.

With a range of over 2,000 kilometers, the missiles, deployed at the bases in Okinawa in the first half of the 1960s, could strike China and parts of the Soviet Union. They were reportedly made ready for war during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

But with the subsequent development of new missiles, the need for Mace B missiles diminished. They were removed from Okinawa starting in 1969, when the Japanese and U.S. governments agreed on Okinawa's return to Japan without nuclear weapons.

Although Japan regained sovereignty and independence in 1952 under the terms of the San Fransico Peace Treaty, Okinawa continued under U.S. military rule for the next 20 years.

In 1967, Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato declared the so-called three non-nuclear principles -- not producing, not possessing and not allowing any nation to bring nuclear weapons into Japanese territory. At the time, the U.S. had some 1,300 nuclear weapons in Okinawa.

"The three principles came into existence because there were nuclear weapons in Okinawa," said Masaaki Gabe, 70, professor emeritus at the University of the Ryukyus. "The Japanese government felt assured because of U.S. protection."

Despite occupying approximately 0.6 percent of Japan's total land area, Okinawa still hosts some 70 percent of U.S. military facilities in the country, Gabe noted.

In Yomitan, another Okinawa village where Mace B missiles had been deployed, Junshi Toyoda, 65, a local government official involved in compilation of the village history, said that present fears about the possible deployment of long-range missiles still exist.

Threats from contemporary missiles with a firing range of several thousand kilometers overlap with those caused by the presence of nuclear weapons in the past.

"The fact that nuclear weapons exist today makes it easier to feel the crises that was close to home during the Cold War era. I hope people will first learn about the deployment history of nuclear weapons in Okinawa," Toyoda said.
Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

A Russian drone attack on Kharkiv overnight on June 12 injured 15 people, including at least four children, authorities reported.

Russia carried out 11 strikes on the city, a 12th drone strike did not detonate, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said in a post to Telegram.

"Residential areas, educational institutions, kindergartens, and infrastructure were hit by shelling. Dozens of cars were damaged, windows in schools and houses were broken," he said.

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Just a day prior, on June 11, a Russian mass drone attack on Kharkiv killed three people and injured at least 64 others, including nine children.

"An unexploded UAV was discovered on the roof of a warehouse," regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

Several fires broke out throughout the city as a result of the Russian drone attack.

"Civilian cars caught fire after a (drone) hit a residential high-rise building. The facade of the high-rise building was also damaged," Syniehubov reported.

The grounds of an educational institution were hit in the Shevchenkivskyi district, causing a fire to break out, Syniehubov said.

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Russia regularly strikes civilian infrastructure as it continues to wage its war against Ukraine.

On June 10, Russia conducted drone and missile attacks on Kyiv and Odesa. Three were killed and 12 were injured.

Read also: Ukraine bracing for painful reduction in US military aid after Hegseth announces cuts

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
GARLAND, Texas (WJW)  A 15-foot python that was slithering through a Texas neighborhood has been safely captured by animal control after a dramatic encounter that was caught on video.

According to the City of Garland, the large snake had been circling a neighborhood yard in early June and even trapped a resident on top of his truck.

One of Ohios most abundant snakes ready to mate, give birth to 20-25 young

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Garland Animal Control responded to the scene, where the situation quickly drew a tense crowd. In a statement on Facebook, city officials praised the officers professionalism despite multiple strike attempts from the snake.

After patiently waiting and working carefully, the python was safely captured and impounded without incident, the city wrote.

WATCH: Snake mating ball spotted on Lake Erie shore

According to local media outlets, the standoff with the 85-pound snake lasted around two hours. Officials said the python was an escaped pet and that its owner has been contacted.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
A Missing Indigenous Person Alert has been issued for Bellingham teen who hasnt been seen since he left for school Wednesday morning.

Washington State Patrol (WSP) said 17-year-old Damien George was last seen around 7 a.m. leaving his home off Smokehouse Road on June 11.

The alert was activated on behalf of the Lummi Nation Police Department.

He is 56 and weighs around 130 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. WSP said he was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black sweatpants and blue shoes.

Call 911 you see him.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Governor Ned Lamont Thursday announced $18.8 million in state grants will go toward the assessment and remediation of 23 blighted properties.

The properties represent 227 acres of contaminated land across 19 municipalities, according to Lamonts office.

Hartford sets up task force to fill vacant lots

The grants will help cover the costs of cleaning up the land so they can be redeveloped down the line.

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Old, polluted, blighted properties that have sat vacant for decades do nothing to stimulate our economy, grow jobs, and support housing growth, Lamont said. With these grants, we are partnering with towns and developers to take unused, lifeless properties and bring them back from the dead, rejuvenating land that can be used for so much more and can bring value back to these neighborhoods.

In this round of funding, the grants include:

Ansonia : $200,000 grant to the city for the assessment of the 4.21-acre site located at 35 and 65 Main Street, the former Farrel Ansonia Facility that has been vacant since 2018. These assessment activities will enable the city to determine the best use for the site.

Bridgeport : $200,000 planning grant to the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) for planning activities on the western bank of the Yellow Mill Channel along Waterview Avenue. These planning activities will enable MetroCOG and the city to advance a comprehensive plan for development of a Waterfront Pathway.

Danbury : $200,000 grant to the city for the environmental assessment of the former Fairfield County Courthouse. This assessment will enable future reuse of the building as municipal office space in the historic district.

Danbury : $200,000 grant to the city for assessment activities at 13 Barnum Court, which was formerly used for hat manufacturing. The assessment work will help identify potential end uses and developers to cleanup and reuse the site.

Derby : $200,000 grant to the city to further evaluate site conditions and planning activities for the OSullivans Island (OSI) property at Caroline Street, a 17.25-acre peninsula of land located south of the downtown commercial district at the confluence of the Housatonic and Naugatuck Rivers. The former regional fire training center is now part of the Naugatuck River Greenway and accessible to the public as a park. The assessment and planning activities will enable the city to further investigate the site to address previously identified contamination and open up the property for additional recreational activities.

East Lyme : $200,000 grant to the town to conduct assessment activities at 278 Main Street. These assessment activities will help to identify contamination and evaluate the cost of remedial action.

Hartford : $4,000,000 grant to the city for the demolition and abatement of the existing structure at the 2.95-acre site at 150 Windsor Street. Remediation of this strategic downtown property will open the site to future development opportunities.

Monroe : $100,000 grant to the town to complete assessment activities at the 7.74-acre site of the former Saint Jude School located at 709 Monroe Turnpike. The town is proposing to adaptively reuse the building for use as a community center and town offices.

Naugatuck : $200,000 grant to the borough for assessment work on the 36.2-acre site that was formerly a Hershey & Peter Paul Cadbury manufacturing site. This assessment will enable the site to be returned to productive use after 18 years of vacancy.

New Britain : $2,000,000 grant to the city for abatement and clean-up activities at the New Britain Business Park located at 221 South Street. The 54.91-acre site has historically been a commercial and industrial park and was home to the New Britain Machine Company. These cleanup activities will facilitate the adaptive reuse of 123,000 square feet of existing building space, providing new manufacturing, R&D, warehousing/distribution, and office spaces to meet local and regional market demands.

New Haven : $880,000 grant to the city for the remediation of the 1.13-acre vacant lot located at 275 South Orange Street. The site was formerly a portion of the New Haven Coliseum and is currently used for parking. The remediation will enable the construction of phase 1B of a multi-use development that will include 7,159 square feet of amenity and retail space and 120 residential units.

New Haven : $947,500 grant to the city for the demolition and abatement of blighted buildings and excavation of petroleum-impacted soil at 185, 212, and 213 Front Street. The 1.34-acre site, located along the Quinnipiac River, has a history of industrial use, including a coal yard, fuel tank farm, and metalworking shop. The remediation will pave the way for the construction of 70 residential units, retail spaces, and a 29,000 square foot green space and boardwalk to improve pedestrian access.

New Milford : $150,000 grant to the New Milford Economic Development Corporation for assessment activities at the Former East Street School, a 4.63-acre site located at 50 East Street. These assessment activities will enable the repurposing of the historical former school into a Cultural Center for the Arts and Community Hub, which could include affordable living spaces for creative professionals.

Norwich : $100,000 grant to the Norwich Community Development Corporation (NCDC) for the assessment of the former Norwich State Hospital, located at 628 and 705 Laurel Hill Road. The funding will enable the NCDC to complete a Phase III ESA, along with a conceptual remedial action plan, structural assessment, hazardous building materials assessment, and estimates of remediation, abatement, and cleanup costs. The NCDC is looking to renovate the property in concert with the neighboring Preston Riverwalk Development.

Redding : $200,000 grant to the town to conduct assessment activities at 19 North Main Street, which will help identify contamination at the former wastewater treatment facility of the Gilbert and Bennett Wire Mill and inform redevelopment efforts.

Shelton : $2,975,500 remediation grant to the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments for groundwater and soil cleanup, excavation, and disposal at 113 and 125 Canal Street, sites that were previously used for electroplating and other industrial operations. These remediation efforts will enable the development of two mixed-use complexes with a total of more than 120 residential units, retail space, and a parking garage. In addition, the walkway along the Housatonic River to Veterans Memorial Park will be extended.

Stonington : $177,000 grant to the town to conduct assessment activities at the Former Campbell Grain Facility, a 1.86-acre project site located at 27 West Broad Street and 15 Cogswell Street in Stonington. These assessment activities will help identify the level of contamination and the cost of a remedial action plan.

Torrington : $600,000 grant to the city for the abatement and demolition of the remaining buildings (buildings 21 and 24) at the 9.39-acre site located at 70 North Main Street. The proposed grant funds will be used for the remaining abatement and demolition. Upon completion, conceptual plans include construction of new commercial/industrial/light manufacturing buildings with a possible installation of a fuel-cell to generate necessary site power.

Torrington : $200,000 grant to the New Colony Development Corporation for the completion of assessment and planning activities at 100 Franklin Drive. The funding will enable the city to identify and partner with a potential developer to repurpose the former manufacturing site for potentially residential development.

West Hartford : $200,000 grant to the town for assessment activities of the Former AC Petersen Ice Cream Production Facility, a 1.02-acre site located at 240 Park Road. The assessment and subsequential cleanup will allow the buildings existing businesses, including the Playhouse on Park, a performing arts theater, to expand into the environmentally affected areas which have been unused or underused for several decades.

West Hartford : $688,000 grant to the town for demolition and remediation of the 1.21-acre site located at 579 New Park Avenue. The remediation activities will enable the construction of a mixed-use/TOD project consisting of 70 residential units.

Winchester : $200,000 planning grant to the Northwest Hills Council of Governments to examine a stretch/corridor of vacant and blighted industrial properties along the Mad River. Funds will be used to address potentially contaminated structures and create a comprehensive plan.

Windsor Locks: $4,000,000 grant to the town for abatement, demolition, and remediation activities at 255 Main Street, which is adjacent to the proposed location of the new train station. The cleanup activities will enable the construction of the first phase of a 120-unit mixed-use/TOD development.

The grants are being released through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Developments (DECD) Brownfield Remediation and Development Program.

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Lamonts office said this round of funding is expected to attract $218 million in private investment and facilitate the creation of 450 housing units. Approximately 52% of the total funding will be allocated to distressed municipalities.

More information about the program can be found on Connecticuts government website.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.






NEED TO KNOW

A boulder fell and pinned a young man while he was camping in Idaho

Authorities said 18-year-old Sheldon Medford was pronounced dead at the scene

The Clearwater County Sheriff's Office said an investigation is ongoing







A boulder fell and pinned a young man who was camping in Idaho, crushing him to death.

The Clearwater County Sheriffs Office and other authorities responded to the incident on Saturday, June 7 around 9:35 p.m. local time. It happened about a mile down Northfork Drive in Ahsahka.

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Upon arrival, it was determined Sheldon Medford, 18, of Lewiston, Idaho, was pinned under a large boulder and declared deceased at the scene, the Sheriffs office said in a statement.

Authorities said an investigation into his death is ongoing.

Medfords relative, Ariel Sackett, said the tragic and "sudden" accident "has left a void in our hearts," in a statement on a GoFundMe page set up to support the family.

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.

Sheldon touched so many throughout his life with his loving heart, kindness, laughter and love for the outdoors, Sackett wrote. Sheldon was so much more than just a son and brother; he was a best friend, a partner in crime, an avid outdoorsman, a free spirit and a true source of joy and silliness.

Sackett added that the family is planning to hold a celebration of life for Medford, but they havent set a date yet.

Read the original article on People
(WJW)  The National Park Service and law enforcement are investigating after two campers were found dead on an island in Isle Royale National Park over the weekend.

Park rangers responded to the park at about 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon after receiving two separate reports of two people found dead at a remote backcountry campground, according to a news release from the National Park Service.

I had one beer: New York man arrested after fiery boat crash injured 23

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According to park officials, rangers hiked for 11 miles overnight and arrived at the campground early Monday morning, where they found the two unidentified bodies.

The campers causes of death are unknown at this time, according to the park service.

Isle Royale National Park is made up of a cluster of islands in Lake Superior, which are only accessible by ferry, seaplane or private watercraft, as reported by Fox News.

The parks website encourages backpackers, hikers, divers and boaters to explore a rugged, isolated island far from our connected communities.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
UPDATE: The second suspect, Zainab Namale, turned herself in to the Arapahoe County Detention Facility on Thursday, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office. The original article continues below.

DENVER (KDVR)  Two women are accused of elder abuse after a patient at a local health care center sustained injuries, including a broken leg.

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A detective was called to Sky Ridge Medical Center on May 9 after a report of elder abuse against a 92-year-old woman who suffers from severe dementia, according to a press release from the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office.

The woman was taken to the hospital in an ambulance from Orchard Park Health Care Center, and hospital employees noticed that she had broken bones in her leg, according to the sheriffs office.

The employees told a detective that the serious bodily injuries were not consistent with the injuries stated in the report from Orchard Park Health Care Center.

According to the sheriffs office, the report from the health care center said that the woman was found sitting in her wheelchair, screaming for help in terrible pain, and that no one saw her fall or knew what happened.

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During the weeks-long investigation, the sheriffs office said investigators learned that two employees at the health care center were lying about how the woman obtained her injuries.

One of the suspects, identified as Certified Nursing Assistant Patience Jackson, 35, was arrested at her home. The other suspect, identified as Zainab Namale, 34, is in Miami and was given 24 hours to turn herself in. Both are facing charges of criminal negligence, crimes against an at risk person and complicity.

In addition, investigators say both suspects were complicit in their actions to hide the truth of what happened to the victim, the sheriffs office wrote.

Detectives believe that the woman was injured on May 8 and that the injuries were a result of criminal negligence, which is a crime against an at-risk person.

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The story that Orchard Park gave us could not have happened this way, to break the leg like this, said Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office Detective Eric Van Cleave. She is more pigeon-toed, if you will, it would have to be some kind of twisting motion; somebody pulling her leg, trying to straighten her legs out, somebody might have gotten rough with her. We dont think she fell from what the injuries look like; again, this is what doctors are telling me in my interview. Whatever happened to her inside the facility at Orchard Park was egregious.

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According to arrest affidavits obtained by FOX31, detectives first began investigating the case on May 10 and were told fairly quickly that the patient had a spiral fracture that was not consistent with the injuries stated in the nursing home report.

Detective recounts nervous behaviors by nursing home staff

The detective then went to Orchard Healthcare Center to speak with staff about the incident. He noted that several employees were visibly nervous about his visit, and was given a cellphone with the CEO on the line. The detective said that the CEO was also audibly nervous, and spoke so fast that I was unable to understand his name or what he was saying.

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After the phone call, the detective sat down with the director of nursing and the charge nurse. They also appeared visibly and verbally nervous, according to the arrest affidavits. The director of nursing said that the victim was found by staff in her room, half in and half out of her wheelchair, screaming in pain.

The staff members said that two staff nurses placed a gate belt, or transfer belt, which is used to help nurses support patients with mobility issues when they are walking or transferring locations.

The nurses told the detective that the victim planted her feet while being moved, and the nursing director said this is how they believe the patient was injured, but they werent sure, according to the affidavit.

The detective returned to the hospital, according to the arrest affidavit, and spoke with a surgeon who operated on the victim.

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He stated that the break was not a spiral fracture, and the TIB/FIB was broken in two places, the arrest affidavit stated.

The detective reported that the surgeon said that the events described by the director of nursing did not match the type of injury the victim had, and that there was no way the injury happened while the victim was in a wheelchair. The arrest affidavit said the surgeon called it a clean break of the tibia and fibula.

Accused nurses say hospital bed was on victims legs

According to the arrest affidavit, Patience Jackson was the first person who heard the victim screaming in her room. She told the detective that she ran into the room and saw the victim halfway in her wheelchair and sitting next to her bed with the bed remote control in her hand.

She told the detective that she grabbed the bed remote and went for help, finding Zainab Namale, and the pair of them returned to the room.

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Once in the room, Zainab took the remote and raised the bed as it was sitting, pressing the victims legs underneath the bed, the arrest affidavits state. Once the bed was raised they observed something poking out of her left leg but did not know what it was.

The staff took X-rays and transported the victim to Sky Ridge.

Later, in a separate interview, the facilitys director of nursing said she believed the bed, coupled with the victim holding the remote control, meant she did injure herself. When Sky Ridge medical personnel were asked if the story aligned with the victims injuries, the personnel said there is no plausible way the bed came down with that much force on the victims legs to create the substantial injury she has.

The staff even provided a demonstration, showing there is ample room between the frame and the floor that would not have caused the injuries exhibited.

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The family released the following statement regarding the incident:

As a family, we are heartbroken that Colorado facilities have failed to provide the safety and dignity our elderly family member needed. Our family grieves the reality that safe, respectful elder care is not guaranteed in Colorado.

FOX31 reached out to Orchard Park Health Care Center, which initially said that it has no comment. Later, it provided this statement to FOX31:

Orchard Park Health Care Center prides itself on providing safe and high-quality care to its residents through its qualified and caring staff. As a testament to Orchard Parks commitment to its residents and their families, Orchard Park has been recognized as a Five-Star Quality Rated facility by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and has received the Governors Gold Seal Award by demonstrating excellence over a sustained period. Orchard Park is also certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation for Health Care Organizations. Orchard Park will not comment on ongoing investigations but has cooperated while providing its residents with the high-quality care they expect and deserve.

The statement was provided by Christopher Jones, a partner with the Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Law Firm.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
New details are emerging in a kidnapping and ransom case that ended at Frick Park, one of the citys busiest public spaces. Police say the suspects demanded a $150,000 ransom drop at the parks bleachers, where the victims family ultimately delivered $22,000 in cash inside a Giant Eagle bag.

Pittsburgh police have charged Donald Wilson, 36, of Pittsburgh and Anthony Bailey, 45, of Pittsburgh, with kidnapping, among other serious offenses.

According to investigators, the crime began around 1 a.m. last Wednesday, when the suspects broke into a Pittsburgh home. They allegedly entered a bedroom, held the victim at gunpoint while they were asleep, and demanded drugs and money.

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Court documents reveal the suspects tied the victims hands and feet, ordering them to keep their eyes closed or risk being killed. One suspect allegedly threatened, Ive killed people for free, and I cut off toes for fun.

The suspects then forced the victim into a car and drove to the East Exit Motel in Monroeville, where they continued to demand ransom money from the victims family.

Park visitors who frequent the area say they were stunned to learn what happened.

This is my sacred place to walk, said Tonya Magwood, a local resident. Its serene, peaceful. To hear about a ransom dropI was shocked.

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John Cornack, who runs a childrens camp at Frick Park every summer, called the situation concerning.

Well be keeping an extra eye out, Cornack said. We want to make sure people feel safe on these courts and on these bleachers. This is such a beautiful place.

Police were able to identify and locate the suspects through surveillance footage from the motel, where Bailey checked in using his real ID, and ride-share records from Lyft. The ride history helped investigators track movements to and from the motel while the victim was being held.

One suspect was later arrested after a SWAT standoff at a residence in Pittsburgh.

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Before releasing the victim on a nearby street, the suspects reportedly took their cell phone and other personal belongings. The victim was able to get help from a family member and is now safe, according to police.

Pittsburgh police have not released the name or gender of the victim in order to protect their identity.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Two people accused in the police pursuit that led to a 6-car, wrong-way crash on I-75 are now facing charges.

Last Thursday, a pickup truck with four occupants inside was pursued by police as it sped through Dayton highways in the wrong direction. New dashcam footage shows just how large scale that pursuit was.

New video shows wrong-way driver crashing into 5 cars on I-75

Cruiser video obtained from Perry Township law enforcement shows the 50-minute pursuit that led police from the outskirts of Dayton onto US-35 and then onto I-75.

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The pursuit started in Perry Township, as police began pursuing a GMC Sierra truck in the early evening hours of June 5.

Dash camera footage features communication with a police helicopter overhead and the cruisers on the ground during the chase.

Police deployed stop sticks, but the GMC drove right over them, reportedly refusing to stop for officers.

The alleged driver has been identified as 46-year-old James Collins of Dayton.

The chase continued across township roads until the truck entered US-35, driving in the wrong direction against traffic.

Thats when law enforcement noticed an occupant in the bed of the truck.

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Hey, theres actually somebody, in the bed of the pickup truck. White male, with gray shirt and black pants. said one officer over the dashcam footage. Yeah, hes trying to dump boards, use caution guys, hes trying to dump boards on you.

That man, identified as 49-year-old Thomas Downey of Dayton, was dumping items onto the road in an attempt to stop law enforcement, including planks of wood.

Dashcam confirms what officers have previously reported  the chase was stopped momentarily several times, both in the name of public safety, and to clean up the mess.

Once the truck made its way onto I-75, driving south in the northbound lanes, it was just minutes before a multi-vehicle crash occurred. The truck collided with five other vehicles, leaving several other people injured.

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Four suspects fled the GMC truck, leading police on a short foot chase before they were all arrested and transported to the hospital.

Both Collins and Downey are facing three charges, including fleeing and eluding, vehicular assault and obstructing official business.

Charges for the other two passengers in the truck are currently under review.

2 NEWS will continue to follow this case.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
CLEVELAND (WJW)  A Cleveland police union official told the FOX 8 I-Team that two officers and another driver were taken to the hospital following a crash on Wednesday.

Cleveland Police Patrolmens Association President Andy Gasiewski said the officers were taken to the hospital after the 7:45 p.m. crash as a precaution.

Suspect in custody after young mother killed in Cleveland Metroparks shooting

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He did not know the condition of the other driver.

The cruiser and the other vehicle collided and then both vehicles crashed into a building.

Officials said the crash happened on Superior Avenue near E. 36th Street as the officers were responding to a call.

More details about the crash have not yet been released.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
BEIJING - A U.S. nuclear weapons expert has released satellite images of what is believed to be a new uranium enrichment facility under construction in Yongbyon in North Korea's northwest, likely the same location flagged earlier this week by the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The image posted online by Jeffrey Lewis, a professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, was taken in April.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi told the organization's board of governors on Monday in Vienna that the nuclear watchdog is monitoring the construction of the new structure, which he said has similar features to an existing uranium enrichment plant in Kangson near Pyongyang.

However, Grossi did not provide images of the facility. The new building is located some 2 kilometers away from the existing Yongbyon complex, according to the satellite image.

The new facility has a central hall approximately 95 meters long and 24 meters wide where centrifuges could be installed. It is surrounded by office and support spaces, Lewis said.

Comparing it with a satellite image taken in 2002 during the construction of the Kangson enrichment facility, he noted the similarities in layout and dimensions.

The professor also said North Korea packed more centrifuges into a much smaller floor space as it expanded its production of enriched uranium.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un toured a nuclear material production base and the Nuclear Weapons Institute last September and in January, according to the country's state-run media. The reports did not disclose the location of the sites.

In an unusual move, the official Korean Central News Agency published pictures in September and January showing arrays of centrifuges at one or more undeclared facilities visited by Kim.

Lewis said Kim probably visited the Kangson plant in September and the Yongbyon facility in January. However, some Japanese researchers have pointed out the leader traveled to the Yongbyon complex twice.

Related coverage:

North Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for bolstering nuclear arsenal during tour

White House says Trump committed to denuclearization of North Korea
2 people have been charged in connection with a fatal stabbing in Chelsea back in March, the Suffolk County District Attorney announced.

Brayan Alfredo Lopez-Padilla, 26, of Chelsea, and Ezer Lenin Ramirez-Maldonado, 18, of East Boston, are both being charged with: murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault with intent to murder.

Lopez-Padilla was arraigned on Thursday afternoon in Suffolk Superior Court and has been ordered to be held on bail, while Ramirez-Maldonado has fled the country.

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A third person, a 17-year-old, is also expected to be arraigned, but due to a defense attorney work stoppage, was not arraigned today. He is being held overnight and scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow at 2 PM in the Boston Juvenile Court.

The incident occurred back on the night of March 8, when around 8:45 PM, officers were dispatched for reports of a stabbing on Eastern Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers found two stabbing victims, both males. One victim, 17-year-old Juan Carlos Lemus, was transported to CHA Everett, where he was pronounced deceased. The other victim, a 15-year-old male, was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Surveillance video showed Lopez-Padilla and Ramirez-Maldonado stabbing the victims. Video also shows that Lopez-Padilla, Ramirez-Maldonado, and the 17-year-old juvenile fled the scene together.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The Brief

Two teens suffered serious, but not life-threatening injuries after they were shot while driving overnight Wednesday.

The teens crashed into a fire hydrant before abandoning the car and finding a Philadelphia police officer a block away.

Police suspect the teen's vehicle was stolen out of Montgomery County.

PHILADELPHIA - Police say two teens driving in a possibly stolen car crashed into a fire hydrant after being shot overnight Wednesday in Philadelphia.

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The teens flagged down a Philadelphia police officer who took them to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

What we know

Investigators say two teens were shot around 2:30 a.m. while driving on East Logan Street in Philadelphia's East Germantown neighborhood.

Their car crashed into a fire hydrant a short distance away from where the shooting took place, causing the teens to abandon their vehicle.

They ran for about a block and found a Philadelphia police officer who drove them to the hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

Police suspect the car the teens were driving may have been stolen out of Montgomery County.

What we don't know

No arrests were reported following the shooting and police have not identified any possible suspects.

It's also unknown if the teens were the shooter's intended target and what a potential motive could be.
PORTAGE, Wis. (WFRV)  A 20-year-old Wisconsin man was arrested on Thursday on seven counts of possessing child pornography stemming from a cybertip.

The Portage Police Department reported that the information was sent on June 6 to the Wisconsin Department of Justice by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Police refer potential charge in accidental shooting that left Wisconsin teen hospitalized

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The initial cybertip was sent after a report from Snapchat said that videos and/or images on its servers were suspected to be child pornography.

On Thursday, the Portage Police Department arrested 20-year-old Cameron Lee of Portage on seven counts of possession of child pornography.

No additional details were provided.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
The fate of a man accused of beating another man to death with a stick at a Longmont bus stop in 2024 is now in the hands of a Boulder County jury.

Kamaloni Manu, 47, pleaded not guilty to one count of first-degree murder  extreme indifference after deliberation in October. During closing arguments Thursday morning, defense attorneys said they believe Manu didnt act with intent while attacking 44-year-old Brendan Murphy, while prosecutors highlighted a section of surveillance video showing him strike Murphy 23 times in 30 seconds.

Manu is in custody on a $10 million bond.

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Deputy District Attorney Shannon Hautzinger said Manu showed deliberation over the course of the attack.

He didnt hit him once, twice, not three times, he hit him 23 times and each of those strikes is a decision, Hautzinger said.

She added, Not only did he know what he was doing, he meant it and he intended to finish the job and thats exactly what he did.

Hautzinger said Manu was wearing a ski mask and scarf the morning of the killing and hung out at the bus stop for an hour before the attack.

Defense attorney Kathryn Herold, while acknowledging that Murphy died in a violent, tragic way, said Manu was not guilty of first-degree murder.

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If you take out the sympathy, the sadness, the emotion from this case, it is clear Mr. Manu did not commit first-degree murder. It is clear he did not have the intent after deliberation to commit first-degree murder, Herold said. What he did was hasty, impulsive and reckless.

According to Herold, Manu slept near Murphy the night prior and did not hurt him, something she said made no sense if Manu wanted to kill Murphy. She added that the attack occurred in the morning on a busy street, Manu wore a bright red scarf and did not run but walked from the scene.

Something just snapped and we dont know what that is, Herold said.

However, on rebuttal, Chief Trial District Attorney Fred Johnson said in surveillance video of the attack, Manu can be seen for eight seconds calmly approaching Murphy with the stick before striking him.

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What happens next is unfathomable. He hits him over and over and over, Johnson said to the jury. That man hit Brandon Murphy until his head was smithereens.

Johnson called it a calculated attack and said Manus deliberation can be seen on the surveillance video.

He doesnt have to be planning for days, he doesnt have to be a criminal mastermind, Johnson said. What he has to do is use judgment and reflectionyou can watch it happen on that video.

He later added, The eight seconds are inescapable evidence of deliberation.

If found guilty, Manu faces a sentence of life in prison without parole.

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According to the affidavit, at approximately 7:48 a.m. Feb. 22, 2024, police were called to the area of 2121 Miller Drive on an incident involving two men. When police arrived, they found Murphy unconscious with life-threatening injuries. Murphy was transported to Longs Peak Hospital, where he died at 10:37 a.m. the same day.

In custody, Manu initially denied his involvement before then telling police he believed Murphy was a child molester. Murphy has no criminal history in Colorado relating to child sexual exploitation or abuse.

Updated 2:35 p.m. June 12, 2025: Because of the reporters error, the victims name was misspelled in earlier versions of this story. His name is Brendan Murphy.
Bonding project requests for Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties didnt end up in this years bonding bill, but each county still expects some impacts from the 2025 Minnesota Legislature.

Ramsey County officials were able to avoid some cuts and cost shifts this year, such as those involving disability waivers, that could have impacted county levies, said County Manager Ling Becker.

Ramsey County officials note that the $55 million state investment in replacing the Miller Building, located on the campus of the Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center, the states largest psychiatric hospital, will benefit area metro counties. The new 50-bed psychiatric residential treatment facility will alleviate pressure on the overall system, Becker said.

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Other statewide projects that county officials see as positives include $35 million for the modernization of the Social Services Information System.

We really have a system thats really old and hard to work with, and so weve been really fighting hard with all the counties in the state for this, said Mary Jo McGuire, District 2 Ramsey County Board Commissioner at Tuesdays board meeting.

Washington County officials made seven individual capital projects requests to lawmakers for this year. Because none were included in the bonding bill, the county board plans to resubmit them next year.

Nevertheless, several regional and statewide funding initiatives included in the bonding bill may indirectly benefit Washington County, according to county officials. That includes the Local Road Improvement Program which received $47 million and the Local Bridge Improvement Program which received $31 million. County officials were also happy to not see cuts to county program aid, said Jan Lucke, deputy county administrator.

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Theres certainly important projects for the county to complete, well continue to work on finding the funding. Hopefully theres a state commitment to do projects in 2026 and some of these well just re-ask for, said Washington County Administrator Kevin Corbid.

Some changes in the state budget modestly impact the county in human services, Corbid said. As Congress prepares the federal budget, additional impacts on human services that could trickle down to the county are also on the radar of county officials, Corbid said.

Meanwhile, three projects in Dakota County received $4.7 million in funding through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

They include preservation and restoration projects at Lake Byllesby Regional Park, Thompson County Park and Cannon River.

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LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK) LEDCO addresses tariffs to KETK News at the 2025 State of Economy. The event was held by the Longview Chamber of Commerce to hear about how new laws will help the local economy.

The nonprofit organization, Texas 2036 spoke about how additional funds to public education, water infrastructure, and healthcare will boost the economy and set the state up for success.

Future of NASA Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine in question due to proposed budget cuts

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Texas 2036 is a non partisan organization that uses long term data to secure Texas future.

Another push to help rural East Texans is expanding the reach for career readiness out of high school.

To ensure and support more students becoming college and career ready. How do we ensure that they are ready for the workforce even when theyre coming out of high school? senior vice president of strategy and operations of Texas 2036, Justin Coppedge said.

Coppedge said the states economy boomed over the past few years and LEDCO president, Wayne Mansfield sees the growth in Longview.

A lot of new construction and redevelopment occurring, Mansfield said. Several businesses are currently expanding, still able to find employees, so I think the overall the economy is doing quite well coupled with the fact that the four school districts in our city have bond issues.

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Mansfield does not believe tariffs will have a negative impact on businesses but may bring more companies.

One positive aspect of it is that weve had a lot more inquiries from international companies looking for locations or potential locations to move out of the countries like Canada and Mexico in particular, or even Europe wanting to move their company here into Texas to get relief from the tariffs, Mansfield said.

Some people fear that foreign companies have ill intentions, but Mansfield said it gives East Texans more job opportunities.

Generally, when companies from other countries, particularly Europe, locate in a community, theyre there for the duration, Mansfield said. They do not intend to leave any time. They want to come locate, become profitable, become parts of the community and stay for a long, long periods of time,  Mansfield said.

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Even though the legislative session is over, seeds have been planted at the state level, so years down the line Texans will reap the benefits.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.






NEED TO KNOW

After her parents drowned in Florida, a 22-year-old college student is now the sole caregiver for her brother and grandmother

Authorities said that a bystander borrowed a boogie board and was able to get her brother to shore, saving his life

However, despite "extensive lifesaving measures" authorities were not able to save Peter and Sonia Nguyen







A 22-year-old college student in Georgia is now the primary caregiver for her brother and grandmother after her parents drowned in a riptide.

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The Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office confirmed that a 57-year-old man and his 54-year-old wife  later identified by authorities as Peter and Sonia Nguyen  drowned near a resort in Destin, Fla., last month. They were both residents of Buford, Ga.

Beach safety personnel pulled the mother out of the water while Destin Beach Safety and an OCSO Marine Unit located the father," authorities said in a statement. "Intense and extensive lifesaving measures were performed on both but were unsuccessful."

Witnesses say the couple and their son were spotted struggling in the Gulf about 75 to 100 yards offshore, officials continued. A bystander borrowed a boogie board and went out to try to rescue them. He was able to get the 26-year-old son to shore, and his actions saved the young mans life.

According to the sheriffs office, yellow flags were flying on the beach at the time of the incident, indicating moderate surf or currents.

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.

Now, their daughter Sara is left to care for her grandma and brother, who "requires a high level of care and attention to meet his lifelong needs" due to a "medical condition sustained at birth," according to a GoFundMe set up to support her.

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In addition to caring for her family members, who both lived with her parents, Sara is also "responsible for managing the household, covering funeral expenses, and continuing her full-time college education."

"Sara's faith is a source of strength during this time," the organizer continued, thanking everybody who chose to support the student "during this time of profound need."

As of Thursday, June 12, over $58,000 has been raised for Sara.

PEOPLE has reached out to the GoFundMe organizer for additional comment.

Read the original article on People
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  Area high school students interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement got an up-close look at the profession during the 25th annual multi-jurisdictional teen police academy.

The program provides students the opportunity to engage with local law enforcement agencies and learn about various roles beyond the traditional patrol officer.

Childrens Museum of Green Bay promotes healthy choices through new Taste of Summer event

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Definitely more to it than just a cop on a street or a cop on TV, said Stella Starry, a second-year attendee and student at Notre Dame Academy. Ive learned about the different options that you have. Its not just a patrol officer that you see on TVits more that you can do, and its so many behind-the-scenes work that happens too.

On Wednesday, students were introduced to the Green Bay Police Departments K-9 unit. Police dog Nox joined them in the classroom, where students observed how K-9s are trained and how they assist officers on calls.

The academy is open to high school students in the area and is designed to help them determine whether law enforcement might be the right career path.

Kemps partners with Midwest food banks, donates nearly 800,000 milk cartons including 30,000 in Wisconsin

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They really get a behind-the-scenes feel of what it is like to become a police officer, said Green Bay Police Communications Coordinator Jennifer Gonzalez. It is a perfect program for kids in high school who are just thinking about what to do after high school, what to do in college.

Students will conclude their weeklong experience at the Brown County Sheriffs Office, touring the facility and learning about officers daily responsibilities.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
HARRODSBURG, Ky. (FOX 56)  Three people were charged on Wednesday night after a search warrant led officers with the Harrodsburg Police Department to a house that was unsuitable for anyone to live in, where three kids, an adult with a learning disability, along with dogs and cats, were found living inside.

Court documents show that around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Allah Avenue in response to reports of possible child neglect.

Three children and an adult with a mental disability were reportedly found living inside, along with three dogs and five cats. Officers said the state of the house made it unsuitable to live in.

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Manhunt for alleged Winchester killer ends with arrest in Montana

The floor was covered in feces and all surfaces were covered in garbage such as rotten food, an arrest citation reads. The refrigerator had a lock hanging from it and contained rotten food and cockroaches and none of the food I observed in the house was safe to eat.

Authorities wrote that living there allegedly placed the three children at risk of serious disease or even death.

Amy Nichols, 30, Robert Ransdell, 38, and Matthew Hardin, 30, were each arrested.

Robert Ransdell, 38, was lodged in the Jessamine County Detention Center on June 10. (Jessamine County Detention Center) Amy Nichols, 30, was lodged in the Jessamine County Detention Center on June 10. (Jessamine County Detention Center) Matthew Hardin, 26, was lodged in the Jessamine County Detention Center on June 10. (Jessamine County Detention Center)

Nichols was charged with:

Three counts of first-degree criminal abuse of a child under age 12

Knowingly abusing an adult

Eight counts of second-degree cruelty to animals

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Hardin and Ransdell were each charged with:

Three counts of first-degree criminal abuse of a child under age 12complicity

Complicity in the abuse of an adult

Eight counts of second-degree cruelty to animalscomplicity

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

All three were lodged in the Jessamine County Detention Center.

According to court documents, one of the children told Harrodsburg police that they allegedly didnt have lunch or dinner and had only eaten cereal.

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The child neglect 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.
At least three people died in San Antonio early Thursday as flash floods swept through the area. The victims include one person killed in a crash and two others who were swept away by floodwaters following the multi-vehicle wreck.

Since midnight, the city has received about six inches of rain  more than the average rainfall for both June and July combined, according to the Weather Channel.

FLOODING CONDITIONS: This is a photo from I-35 and FM 3009 where cars appear to be stuck in high water. A Flood Warning is in effect for much of Bexar and Wilson Counties. TRACK WEATHERE HERE:https://t.co/oaERm3Z7Ta pic.twitter.com/5jNRicNh9C  KENS 5 (@KENS5) June 12, 2025

The San Antonio Fire Department told MySA that two remained missing early morning as dozens of high-water rescue calls began flooding emergency lines around 5 a.m. In total, first responders rescued 10 people from vehicles stranded in rising waters. Four of those individuals were taken to local hospitals with injuries.

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By 8 a.m., the San Antonio Fire Department had received more than 65 high-water rescue calls, according to MySA. Firefighters also responded to three lightning strikes, eight high-water investigations, one watercraft rescue, eight water evacuation calls, four transformer fires, one rollover crash and 22 major vehicle crashes Thursday morning as thousands are left without electricity and dozens of roads are closed amid localized flooding.

The massive storm that struck San Antonio also spawned a tornado in Hays County. Areas around Wimberley reported scattered damage, including downed tree limbs, overturned trash cans, toppled signs and fences and displaced mailboxes, according to the National Weather Service office in Austin.

Flash flood warning issued for Central Texas counties

According to the NWS, there is a flash flood warning in effect through 7 p.m. in the following Central Texas counties:

Bandera

Bastrop

Bexar

Blanco

Burnet

Caldwell

Comal

De Witt

Fayette

Gillespie

Gonzales

Guadalupe

Hays

Karnes

Kendall

Kerr

Lavaca

Lee

Llano

Medina

Travis

Williamson

Wilson

Texas power outage map: Hundreds without power in Hays County

Hundreds of residents in Wimberley and nearby areas remained without power, with the Pedernales Electric Cooperative reporting approximately 60 outages across Hays and Comal counties, affecting 284 people earlier this morning.

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As of 8 a.m., there are 17 active outages across the Central Texas coverage area, according to the PEC outage map.

How to report a power outage

Pedernales Electric customers

To report an outage: Text "outage" to 25022 or go to https://pec.ifactornotifi.com/ui/outage-reporting

See Pedernales Electric power outage map

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: San Antonio hit by 6 inches of rain, deadly flash floods Thursday
WASHINGTON - The United States could extend a 90-day pause on the implementation of steep tariffs on goods from its major trading partners if they continue to negotiate "in good faith," U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday.

"It is highly likely that those countries -- or trading blocs as is the case with the EU -- who are negotiating in good faith, we will roll the date forward to continue the good-faith negotiations," Bessent said during a congressional hearing. "If someone is not negotiating, then we will not."

Bessent made the remarks when asked about the upcoming end of the pause in early July, while reiterating that President Donald Trump's administration has been in talks on deals with 18 important trading partners.

Japan is one such partner that has been negotiating with the Trump administration at a fast pace, given that Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Trump are slated to hold a one-on-one meeting in less than a week when they attend a Group of Seven summit in Canada.

Japan's chief tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa is due to hold his sixth round of talks with U.S. Cabinet members on Friday in a last-ditch effort to find common ground before the G7 summit. It will be Akazawa's fourth straight week visiting Washington.

Bessent's remarks marked the first time a high-ranking official of the administration has publicly hinted at its readiness to push the deadline beyond 90 days.

Later Wednesday, Trump, who unveiled his so-called reciprocal "Liberation Day" tariffs on April 2, told reporters, "I would but I don't think we're going to have that necessity," when asked about the possibility of extending the pause.

It remains uncertain if the latest remarks by Trump and Bessent, a central figure dealing with tariff issues, will change the pace of the ongoing talks with Japan and some other trading partners.

So far, the Trump administration has not reached as many agreements as it initially hoped.

During the window for negotiations, the administration has been particularly focused on clinching trade deals with Japan and other major trading partners, including India, South Korea and the European Union.

On Wednesday, Trump reaffirmed that the administration's priority remains unchanged, saying it is engaging with Japan, South Korea and other key trading partners.

He added the administration does not have time to deal with more than 150 other countries, seen as less important for the United States, so it will unilaterally send out letters in "about a week and a half to two weeks" to inform them of what their trade deals would look like. He said they could accept or ignore the letters.

The pause, which runs until July 8, only applies to country-specific tariffs under his reciprocal scheme, covering about 60 trading partners that have notable trade surpluses with the United States. It does not affect his baseline duty of 10 percent targeting imports from all parts of the world.

Japan is facing an additional country-specific tariff of 14 percent, for a total rate of 24 percent.

On top of the reciprocal tariffs, Japan, along with other countries, has been subject to new sector-specific tariffs on products such as automobiles and steel, which fall outside the scope of the pause.

Ishiba and Akazawa have repeatedly said they will not rush into a deal with the United States at the expense of Japan's national interests.

The two have urged the Trump administration to remove all of its additional tariffs on Japanese imports. But they have also suggested the need to reach some agreement with the administration as quickly as possible to prevent the measures from further impacting the Japanese economy.

Related coverage:

U.S., China agree on framework to implement Geneva trade accord

Japan, U.S. eye Ishiba-Trump summit in Canada on G7 margins

Japan, EU eye launch of "competitive alliance" scheme to boost trade
Three Massachusetts men were indicted on Thursday in connection with the shooting deaths of a Worcester man and his mother, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.s office said.

Shaquille Watford, 32, of Weymouth, Jeffrey Toney, 29, of Attleboro, and Sheldon Thorpe, 23, of Fall River, were all charged with two counts each of murder, armed assault with intent to rob, armed assault in a dwelling, and one count each of armed robbery, using a firearm while committing a felony, and possession of a firearm not at home or work, Earlys office said in a statement.

Watford was also arraigned on one count of possession of a rifle not at home or work, while Toney and Thorpe were charged with, respectively, one count of carrying a rifle or shotgun.

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The men were ordered held without bail. They are expected to appear in court on Aug. 15.

On Nov. 21, 2024, Worcester police learned of a shooting at Tatnuck Square Apartments on Brookside Avenue. Police found Evan Landry, 31, and his mother, Tracy Ann Landry, 58. Tracy Ann Landry was declared dead at the scene, while Evan Landry died later at a hospital.

More local crime stories

Read the original article on MassLive.
A three-vehicle crash blocked traffic on Highway 101 through San Luis Obispo on Wednesday, slowing the evening commute, the California Highway Patrol said.

A gray Toyota Sienna, a black SUV and a blue pickup truck crashed at about 4:52 p.m. on northbound Highway 101 near the Madonna Road off-ramp, the CHP traffic log said.

Emergency responders shut down the Nos. 1 and 2 lanes of northbound Highway 101 to respond to the crash. Traffic passed through the area on the off-ramp, the CHP said.

The CHP did not know whether the crash resulted in injuries as of 5:15 p.m.

A Caltrans highway camera showed traffic slowed to a crawl through the area.
KINSHASA, Congo (AP)  At least 30 passengers including several students were killed when a boat sank in Congos northwestern Equateur province amid extreme weather, residents and local media said Thursday.

A search was underway for many people still missing.

The boat was conveying villagers and goods along Lake Tumba in Bikoro territory when it sank late Wednesday, territorial administrator Justin Mputu told local media. Thirty bodies had been recovered, and more people are missing he said.

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Jose Ipalaka, a retired senior government official who lives in Bikoro, told The Associated Press that three of his relatives were among the 30 so far confirmed dead and that other relatives have joined in searching for those still missing.

Congos rivers are a major means of transport for its more than 100 million people, especially in remote areas where infrastructure is poor or nonexistent. Deadly boat accidents have become common, often due to poor maintenance, overloading and extreme weather.

The latest accident involved a wooden boat taking passengers to a market in the village of Ikoko Bongonda, local media reported. The capsizing was believed to have been caused by turbulent waters due to heavy recent rains, said Mputu, the Bikoro territory administrator, was quoted as saying.

Videos shared by local resident that appeared to be from the scene showed people wailing as they gathered around bodies on the ground. One video showed a resident loading bodies of children into a canoe.

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Congolese authorities have often promised to implement safety measures for water travels but the situation has not improved in the last year, experts say.

At least 50 people died in April when their boat capsized after catching fire in the northwest while more than 80 died in June of last year after their boat capsized near the capital of Kinshasa. Dozens of people missing in such accidents are never found.
DENVER (KDVR)  On June 12, 1988, a womans body was discovered in Weld County between Erie and Dacono.

Nearly 40 years later, officials are still searching for answers into what happened to 22-year-old Robin Denise Nelson.

Nelson on June 7, 1988, left her son in the care of a friend in Denver, according to the Weld County Sheriffs Office. She never returned.

The friend called Denver police, but a body was discovered June 12, 1988, at West County Road 8 and the Interstate 25 Frontage Road. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation identified the body, which was in the advanced stages of decomposition, several days later.

The investigation into Nelsons whereabouts before her death did not turn up any potential suspects, but the sheriffs office said she was an acquaintance with Tammy Lynn Cheeks, another woman found dead in a Weld County irrigation ditch several years later. Cheeks death is also unsolved, and authorities have not determined a cause of her death.

Tammy Lynn Cheeks Robin Denise Nelson

The coroners office ruled Nelsons death was caused by a drug overdose, but the sheriffs office said there are suspicious circumstances surrounding her death that need to be answered.

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Anyone with information about Nelsons or Cheeks death can call the Weld County tip line at 970-304-6464 or email Crimetips@weld.gov.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Honolulu residents are experiencing notable decreases in their credit limits. According to a new study released on June 5, Honolulu ranks second amongst cities in the United States where credit limits are decreasing the most.

The average credit limit for accounts opened in the first quarter of 2025 decreased by approximately 35% compared to the same period in 2024, according to the report.

Additionally, the study found that there was a more than 17% decrease in the average credit limit overall between March 2024 and March 2025.

Understanding the impact

A decrease in credit limits can affect residents financial flexibility.

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When a credit card company lowers your credit limit, its a good idea to adjust your spending, said Chip Lupo, an analyst from the study. Charging the same amount with a reduced credit limit will result in increased credit utilization, which can be detrimental to your credit score.

Increased credit utilization can negatively impact credit scores in such a way that it makes managing finances more challenging.

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Credit utilization explained

Credit utilization refers to the percentage of available credit being used. A higher utilization rate can signal to lenders that a borrower may be overextended financially.

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Hence, maintaining a lower credit utilization ratio is generally viewed favorably by credit scoring models is an important aspect of managing your credits overall health.

4 strategies to manage reduced credit limits

To mitigate the effects of reduced credit limits, residents can consider the following strategies offered that are offered by the report:

1. Utilize multiple credit cards:

Using more than one credit card can help you keep your balances low, which is good for your credit score. Some cards offer better rewards for certain purchases or stores. Many big retailers have their own cards with special rewards and are usually easy to get.

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If your credit limit drops, you might think about opening a new card; but thats not always z smart move, especially if the drop happened because of missed payments or a lower credit score.

Its important to use credit wisely so you dont hurt your score or end up with too much debt. Its also important to understand how big store credit cards work since utilizing this strategy is a bit risky.

2. Pay bills frequently:

To keep more of your credit limit open, try paying your credit card bill several times a month. This helps keep your balance low and lowers the chance of your card being declined. It also helps your credit score by keeping your credit use low.

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It might not always be easy to do, but its a smart way to manage your credit. Making multiple payments throughout the month can help keep balances low and prevent maxing out credit limits.

3. Request credit limit increases:

If one of your credit cards lowers your limit, you can ask your other card companies to raise your limits. If youve made payments on time and have a good credit score, they might say yes. This can help your credit by lowering your credit use.

But asking for a higher limit might cause a hard inquiry, which can lower your score a little. If you need a high score soon, its better to wait. Paying on time and using only part of your credit limit can sometimes lead to an automatic increase without a hard check.

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This is a safer way to grow your limit and help your credit without hurting your score. Always try to use credit wisely.

4. Monitor your credit score:

Watching your credit score is important because big changes could mean something is wrong with your money habits or credit history. Checking your credit score helps you see what you can do better and fix any problems.

It can also help you understand why your credit limit was lowered. You can sign up for free credit score checks and credit monitoring with WalletHub. They also give tips, tools and reasons why your score went up or down.

This helps you stay on track and improve your credit over time. Staying informed is a smart way to keep your credit healthy and avoid surprises. Keeping an eye on your credit score can help identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to improve your credit situation.

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You can click here to read the full report.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

The significant decrease in credit limits in Honolulu underscores the importance of managing credit responsibly. By understanding credit utilization and implementing strategies to maintain a healthy credit profile, residents can navigate these changes more effectively.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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?
Six in 10 said the military parade in Washington, D.C., is not a good use of government money, according to a new survey.

In The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey, 60 percent called the military parade this weekend to mark 250 years of the U.S. Army not a good use of government funds. Meanwhile, 38 percent said the opposite about the parade in the survey, while 1 percent skipped responding or refused to answer.

Washington is bracing for the large military parade, which falls on President Trumps 79th birthday. The president has a history of being fascinated with ostentatious military displays, and some of his critics have brought up concerns about both the cost and optics.

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Were going to have a big, big celebration, as you know, 250 years, Trump said on Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery.

DC prepares for military parade: What to know

Trumps military parade and festivities could cost between $25 million and $45 million, according to the Army. Reagan Washington National Airport has also said it will close during the Armys Saturday celebration.

To accommodate aircraft flyovers along the parade route, followed by a fireworks display, the Federal Aviation Administration is expected to suspend airline operations at DCA  affecting scheduled flights, an alert on the airports website read.

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The AP-NORC survey took place June 9-15, polling 1,158 people and with plus or minus 4 percentage points as its margin of sampling error.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Texas Tech Health El Paso and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) announced on Monday, June 9, the third cohort of students for MedFuture.

According to the news release by Texas Tech Health El Paso, MedFuture is an initiative that jointly admits talented high school seniors from West Texas to college and medical school in El Paso.

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The third cohort of MedFuture includes the following six students, according to Texas Tech Health El Paso:

Siena Cameron  Montwood High School

Maria Garcia  Clint Early College Academy

Jovanna Gomez  Clint Early College Academy

Mia Gomez  Pebble Hills High School

Melania Joy Martinez  Loretto Academy

LeeAnn Morales  El Dorado High School

Were proud to welcome our third MedFuture cohort in collaboration with UTEP, Richard Lange, M.D., M.B.A., president of Texas Tech Health El Paso, said. Each year, this program opens doors for outstanding local students who are passionate about medicine and dedicated to serving our Borderplex community. By investing in homegrown talent, MedFuture strengthens our regions health care future and helps meet the growing demand for physicians in El Paso and beyond.

The six students for the third cohort of MedFuture were selected by a committee made up of faculty and staff from UTEP and Texas Tech Health El Paso, the news release read.

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In addition, Texas Tech Health El Paso said students in MedFuture received admission to UTEP and conditional acceptance to Texas Tech Health El Pasos Foster School of Medicine when they complete their undergraduate degrees.

This program enrolls the best pre-med students in the region at UTEP and prepares them for medical school at Texas Tech Health El Paso, UTEP President Heather Wilson said. By working together, we can identify and develop exceptional students and educate doctors who want to serve the region.

Texas Tech Health El Paso said that while the MedFuture students are completing their undergraduate studies at UTEP, they will benefit from robust pre-med support, including participation in the UTEP PREP summer program to help establish a strong academic foundation.

This experience will give me hands-on exposure to diagnostic tools like mammography, ultrasound and MRI  skills that are essential in womens health, Mia Gomez, a student chosen for MedFuture, said. This program will help me understand how imaging plays a critical role in diagnosing and treating patients, and it will strengthen both my research and clinical foundation as I prepare for a future in medicine.

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The MedFuture program is the first of its kind in West Texas that brings together two independent universities to create a new educational pathway, Texas Tech Health El Paso said.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced 15 grants totaling more than $1 million to help communities across the state develop their tree canopies.

Michigan DNR halts program to euthanize Canada geese

Trees are vital community infrastructure, and this grant program supports projects that bring the important benefits trees provide to more Michigan communities, Kerry Gray, a grant specialist with the DNRs Urban and Community Forestry Program, said in a statement.

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In all, the grants are expected to plant more than 1,700 new trees, offer 33 training workshops and develop plans to manage more than 32,000 public trees.

The grants range between approximately $23,000 and $144,000. Of those grants, six of them are in West Michigan.

DNR focuses on long-term health of forests damaged by ice storm

Crystal Township in Montcalm County is getting one of the largest: $133,112 to complete a public tree inventory and management plan for future tree planting and maintenance. The township also has plans to develop a community orchard.

The village of Lakeview will receive $95,172 to help cover tree planting along streets and in parks.

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The city of Battle Creek will receive $38,850 for tree planting and maintenance.

The Grand Valley Metro Council will get $36,993 to develop a series of tree-planting and care workshops for municipal employees, residents and landscape contractors within the Lower Grand River Watershed.

Spongy moth population dropping, not gone in Michigan

The city of Ionia will receive $30,000 for planting trees in neighborhoods with low tree canopy cover.

GRANT WILL FUND FOOD FORESTS IN MUSKEGON AREA

The Muskegon Conservation District will get $23,438. Its plan is to launch an educational series of forums while planting three urban food forests  essentially orchards  in Muskegon and Muskegon Heights.

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Theres a lot of ecosystem services that underserved communities miss out on, the grants author, Lance McCarty, told News 8. Trees are good for mitigating climate change, stormwater management, the urban heat island effect  standing under a tree is cooler than standing in full sun. They help filter air pollution and clear air.

In addition to the benefits of just any tree, the food forests will add a source of nourishment for local communities.

Its supposed to give a sense of community so people can come together to learn about food, harvest food, bring it to their homes give it to their friends, McCarty added.

A T-shirt encourages the planting of native trees. (June 12, 2025)

There will be five forums scheduled over the coming months to help educate people on the orchards and a variety of native fruit trees that are often overlooked in favor of local  but nonnative  apples.

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We have things like paw paw, which is a great tree, like a cross between a mango and banana, McCarty said. Theres gooseberry, which is a shrub that most people dont know about. We have American plum and persimmons. This grant encourages more native species rather than species we are familiar with from the grocery store like apples and pears.

In all, there will be three food forests, each around a quarter-acre in size. One will be planted at the site of a future affordable housing conversion project at the former Nelson Elementary School, one at Samuel Lutheran Church and one at the Muskegon Family Care.

If all goes according to plan, the MCD plans to begin its education series over the summer and start to plant the fruit forests when the time is right in the fall.

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The Boeing 787 Dreamliner that crashed in India on Thursday is the pride of the US company's catalogue for long-distance planes: a fuel-efficient, wide-body aircraft able to transport up to 330 people.

- Lightweight -

After first entering service in October 2011, with Japan's All Nippon Airways, 2,598 of the planes have been ordered by more than 80 airlines around the world, with 889 still awaiting delivery.

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Its appeal is its lightweight structure, half of which is made from composite materials, allowing it to burn up to 20 percent less fuel over long distances than older, equivalent-sized passenger planes.

It can be used for "point-to-point" services, meaning it can fly direct to a destination instead of relying on a "hub" system used by heavier aircraft.

Boeing says the use of the 787 has opened up 180 such "point-to-point" routes, more than the 80 initially banked upon.

- Three versions -

There are currently three versions of the 787: the 787-8, which can carry up to 248 passengers over distances up to 13,530 kilometres (8,400 miles); the 787-9, carrying up to 296 passengers up to 14,010 kilometres; and the 787-10, with up to 330 passengers, up to 11,910 kilometres.

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The one that went down in Ahmedabad, India on Thursday was the 787-8 version, carrying 242 passengers and crew. It was scheduled to fly to London, but crashed shortly after taking off from the western Indian city.

Boeing said it was "aware" of the reports of of the crash and was "working to gather more information".

It was the first deadly crash of a 787 Dreamliner.

- Boeing setbacks -

Boeing's programme for the plane had suffered several setbacks, including repeated and costly delivery suspensions between 2021 and 2023, mainly due to assembly faults and manufacturing quality issues.

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The US Federal Aviation Administration ended up reinforcing quality assurance checks and inspections on the production lines.

In April this year, the FAA authorised Boeing to step up its production pace to make seven planes a month, from five previously.

In terms of sales, Boeing is facing headwinds.

The manufacturer did not deliver any aircraft to China in May, despite having a green light from Beijing, which the month before had temporarily barred Chinese airlines from dealing with the company because of the trade war unleashed by Washington.

tq-pbo/uh/abx/rmb/lth
BUJUMBURA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The Burundian ruling party has won all seats of the future National Assembly, the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) has said, citing provisional results of last week's legislative elections.

"The National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) is the only political party that will seat at the National Assembly, as no other political party or coalition of political parties was able to garner at least 2 percent of votes to be able to claim a seat as provided by the National Constitution and the Electoral Code," CENI Chairman Prosper Ntahorwamiye told a briefing Wednesday on the June 5 elections.

He said the CNDD-FDD won 96.51 percent of the votes cast, while the Union for National Progress (UPRONA) came a distant second with 1.38 percent.

Ntahorwamiye said 98.88 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots at the legislative elections.

The future National Assembly will be composed of 111 deputies -- 100 elected members, eight co-opted members from the CNDD-FDD, and three co-opted members from the Batwa minority group, he said.

The National Assembly was supposed to have 100 seats, and according to the election results, 57 Hutus and 43 Tutsis had been elected.

"However, in order to uphold the ethnic balance stipulated in the National Constitution and the Electoral Code, which require at least 60 percent Hutus and 40 percent Tutsis, eight candidates from the Hutu ethnic group were co-opted," Ntahorwamiye said, adding that the gender quota of at least 30 percent women was also respected.

He said the list of the elected deputies will be sent to the Constitutional Court for endorsement.

On Tuesday, the Provincial Independent Electoral Commissions announced the results of the election of district councilors.

The CNDD-FDD won most seats in district councils: only 20 of 1,050 seats nationwide went to other parties, including 16 to the UPRONA and four to the National Congress for Liberty.

Two seats were also co-opted for the Batwa minority ethnic group.

On June 5, nearly 6 million Burundian citizens living in Burundi and abroad went to the polls in the combined legislative and district elections.

Burundi is scheduled to hold senatorial elections on July 23 and village-level elections on Aug. 25. The next presidential election is slated for 2027. 
Seattle police have arrested eight people following a demonstration that turned dangerous on Wednesday night.

Police said most of the protest, which began at 7 p.m. at Cal Anderson Park in Capitol Hill, was peaceful.

Participants were marching to protest the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) nationwide raids.

Organizers led participants on a march through Capitol Hill and First Hill, to the Federal Building or Federal Courthouse in downtown Seattle.

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ALSO READ: Anti-ICE protesters clash with police outside Seattle federal building

The night unfolded in this way:

At 7 p.m., protesters marched peacefully from Cal Anderson to downtown Seattles federal building.

A KIRO 7 reporter on the scene reported that around 8:56 p.m., the protesters, with signs demanding ICE leave Seattle and stop deportations, have been peaceful.

By 9:25 p.m., KIRO 7s Jake Chapman noted Seattle police were staged on bikes. Protesters had begun blocking the streets with garbage, chairs and a dumpster.

By 10 p.m., officers intervened when some individuals set fire to a dumpster at 3rd Avenue and Marion Street, Seattle police said.

Police said individuals from a group gathered began throwing rocks, bottles and concrete chunks at officers.

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One person threw a large firework at officers, but no one was injured.

Seattle police attacked with fireworks at protest downtown. pic.twitter.com/cvWmrfcLjz  KIRO 7 (@KIRO7Seattle) June 12, 2025

Police issued dispersal orders and moved the crowd out of the area, they wrote in a press release.

In all, eight people were arrested for assault and obstruction.

While the rally itself is permitted, SPD emphasized that they are monitoring for any unlawful activity that may arise during or after the event, the agency wrote.
BUSHWICK, Brooklyn (PIX11)  At least eight police cruisers were set on fire inside a locked parking lot that belongs to the 83rd Precinct in Brooklyn on Thursday, according to the NYPD.

Police said it happened near Central and DeKalb Avenues around 1:30 a.m.

More Local News

The eight damaged vehicles included strategic response cars and police vans, according to the NYPD.

Police said a suspect is being sought in connection with the fire.

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Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A nine-year-old girl is recovering from a frightening shark attack that nearly cost her one of her hands.

Leah Lendel was on vacation with her family in Florida Wednesday when she was attacked by a shark off the coast of Boca Grande. Lendel's family told Gulf Coast News the young girl went underwater to snorkel and came up screaming.

Her mother Nadia, who was in the water a few feet away, noticed her daughter was covered in blood and her right hand was partially severed. She screamed for help, and rushed her two toddlers that she was holding to safety, while she and her husband made their way to shore for help.

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Leah was reportedly able to walk to shore under her own power, where she was helped by bystanders eventually treated by medical personnel. The young girl was airlifted to a hospital in Tampa where she underwent surgery to repair her hand.

"They had to get arteries from her leg to the hand. Got the blood flow back to her hand. Install pins in bones. Still has open tissues. They will be monitoring her here for a week. But thank God she can move her fingers," Nadia said.

Max Derinskiy, Leah's uncle, has started a GoFundMe to help with medical costs and other expenses. So far, it has raised over $25,000 toward an $80,000 goal.

"While we are beyond grateful that Leah survived, the journey ahead will be long and full of physical and emotional healing," the GoFundMe says. "The Life Flight alone comes with an overwhelming medical bill, not to mention the ongoing care she will need: possible surgeries, physical therapy, counseling, and more."

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Boca Grande Fire Chief C.W. Blosser said in a video statement on social media that there's "always the potential for some kind of interaction with wildlife" in the water, but these "occurrences are limited."

"I don't think it's a cause for alarm at this point, and we'll just continue to monitor the waters and the situation," Blosser added.

9-Year-Old Girl Nearly Loses Hand in Shark Attack first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 12, 2025
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Ninety-four people were arrested and four police officers were injured during a protest held outside the Las Vegas Federal Courthouse Wednesday night, according to a release.

The protest started peacefully along Las Vegas Boulevard near Clark Avenue around 7 p.m. Flags and signs were carried by many who gathered as police monitored the area closely.

The protest was held against the federal immigration enforcement taking place nationwide.

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By 8:30 p.m., more people had gathered near the courthouse, bringing U.S. and Mexico flags with them. Police said the crowd was made up of approximately 800 people.

According to the release, police said 94 protesters were arrested and police issued 7 juvenile citations after the protest turned into an unlawful demonstration in the 500 block of South Las Vegas Boulevard.

The protest was declared an unlawful assembly after protestors failed to obey lawful orders, the release from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated.

Police said some protestors threw water bottles and rocks at LVMPD officers.

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Around 9 p.m., Las Vegas Metro police issued a dispersal order and declared an unlawful assembly at Las Vegas Boulevard and Clark Avenue due to protestors engaging in illegal activity.

The dispersal orders were given in both English and Spanish. Citizens who refused to comply were arrested for various criminal and traffic infractions, the release said.

Throughout the night, police said four officers were injured during the protest. No information was initially available on how the officers were injured. Several buildings in the area were also found to be spray-painted, and other property was vandalized, police said.

LVMPD understands the rights of our citizens to exercise their First Amendment rights

but will not tolerate acts of violence and vandalism resulting from these protests, the release said.

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The LVMPD asks that those who choose to exercise First Amendment rights do so peacefully and lawfully.

Athar Haseebullah, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada, posted to social media Wednesday night.

We have legal observers on the ground who have just advised officers using pepperballs on protestors. Dispersal order from LVMPD, not audible to all, declared unlawful assembly without clarity on what unlawful activity existed during peaceful protest with large crowd size.

He said the ACLU did not coordinate the protest, but kettling protestors and then firing pepperballs at people and using tear gas is a #1A issue.

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The LVMPD added that additional protest safety information can be found on its website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Aaron Reitz, a former senior official at the Department of Justice and veteran of the Texas conservative legal movement, is running for Texas attorney general.

Reitz made his rumored bid public Thursday morning, launching a campaign website that touts his experience "on the frontlines of our states and nations most important battles."

We are in a fight for the soul of Texas, our nation and Western Civilization itself, Reitz said in a press release. If we lose Texas, we lose the Republic. As attorney general, Ill use every ounce of legal firepower to defend President Trump, crush the radical Left, advance the America and Texas First agenda, and look out for everyday Texans.

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Until recently, Reitz led the DOJs Office of Legal Policy, a high-ranking department that advises the Trump administration on legal strategy, legislation and judicial appointments. He left the post Wednesday, penning a resignation letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi in which he touted the agency's strides in restoring "a justice system corroded by left-wing lawfare" during the 72 days he spent there.

Before joining the Trump administration, Reitz was chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and deputy attorney general for legal strategy under Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Reitz is the second candidate to declare for the March 2026 Republican primary to succeed Paxton, who is forgoing reelection to challenge GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. State Sen. Mayes Middleton, a Republican from Galveston, entered the race for attorney general in April.

Middleton brings more electoral experience than Reitz, whose one effort to run for the state House earned him less than 15% of the primary vote. But Reitz brings experience in the trenches of the conservative legal juggernaut that is the Texas Office of the Attorney General. He led the agencys barrage of lawsuits against the Biden administration, including the failed attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election in four key battleground states.

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A slew of Trump officials applauded Reitzs service and cheered his return to Texas on X. FBI Director Kash Patel, who also rose to his perch through conservative legal circles, voiced tacit support for Reitz's attorney general bid Wednesday, calling him "a personal friend, great American, and a relentless advocate for law and order" before adding, "now its time to deliver on his next mission."

On a 2021 podcast, Reitz laid out his philosophy that the Texas attorney generals office considers itself to be at war with the forces that want to destroy the American order, root and branch.

Our soldiers are lawyers, and our weapons are lawsuits, and our tactic is lawfare, he said. This is the project that were engaged in. On the campaign website, he said Texas had the single most important state attorney general office in the country, and if elected, he would ensure its full weight is behind Trumps agenda.

This is how we will defend the sovereignty of the United States at our southern border, preserve Texans Constitutional rights, eradicate wokeness in all its forms, and ensure every Texan has a chance to succeed, the website says.

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In nominating Reitz to the Justice Department, Trump called him a true MAGA attorney, a warrior for our Constitution. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved his nomination on a party-line vote, after significant pushback from Democrats. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the panel, called him a danger to the rule of law and completely unfit to serve in any role in the Department of Justice.

Democrats homed in on Reitzs statement from his confirmation hearing that there is no hard and fast rule on whether public officials are always bound by court rulings, as well as thousands of deleted tweets showing his staunch opposition to gay marriage, abortion and criminal justice reform.

Reitz, a graduate of Texas A&M University and the University of Texas School of Law, also served in the Marine Corps. He was deployed to Afghanistan and remains a member of the Marine Corps Reserve.

Disclosure: Texas A&M University has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

Big news: 20 more speakers join the TribFest lineup! New additions include Margaret Spellings, former U.S. secretary of education and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center; Michael Curry, former presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church; Beto ORourke, former U.S. Representative, D-El Paso; Joe Lonsdale, entrepreneur, founder and managing partner at 8VC; and Katie Phang, journalist and trial lawyer.

Get tickets.

TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
(The Texas Tribune)  Aaron Reitz, a former senior official at the Department of Justice and veteran of the Texas conservative legal movement, is running for Texas attorney general.

Reitz made his rumored bid public Thursday morning, launching a campaign website that touts his experience on the frontlines of our states and nations most important battles.

Until recently, Reitz led the DOJs Office of Legal Policy, a high-ranking department that advises the Trump administration on legal strategy, legislation and judicial appointments. He left the post Wednesday, penning a resignation letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi in which he touted the agencys strides in restoring a justice system corroded by left-wing lawfare during the 72 days he spent there.

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Before joining the Trump administration, Reitz was chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and deputy attorney general for legal strategy under Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Reitz is the second candidate to declare for the March 2026 Republican primary to succeed Paxton, who is forgoing reelection to challenge GOP Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. State Sen. Mayes Middleton, a Republican from Galveston, entered the race for attorney general in April.

State Sen. Mayes Middleton running for Texas Attorney General

Middleton brings more electoral experience than Reitz, whose one effort to run for the state House earned him less than 15% of the primary vote. But Reitz brings experience in the trenches of the conservative legal juggernaut that is the Texas Office of the Attorney General. He led the agencys barrage of lawsuits against the Biden administration, including the failed attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 election in four key battleground states.

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A slew of Trump officials applauded Reitzs service and cheered his return to Texas on X. FBI Director Kash Patel, who also rose to his perch through conservative legal circles, voiced tacit support for Reitzs attorney general bid Wednesday, calling him a personal friend, great American, and a relentless advocate for law and order before adding, now its time to deliver on his next mission.

On a 2021 podcast, Reitz laid out his philosophy that the Texas attorney generals office considers itself to be at war with the forces that want to destroy the American order, root and branch.

Our soldiers are lawyers, and our weapons are lawsuits, and our tactic is lawfare, he said. This is the project that were engaged in.

On the campaign website, he said Texas had the single most important state attorney general office in the country, and if elected, he would ensure its full weight is behind Trumps agenda.

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This is how we will defend the sovereignty of the United States at our southern border, preserve Texans Constitutional rights, eradicate wokeness in all its forms, and ensure every Texan has a chance to succeed, the website says.

In nominating Reitz to the Justice Department, Trump called him a true MAGA attorney, a warrior for our Constitution.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved his nomination on a party-line vote, after significant pushback from Democrats. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the panel, called him a danger to the rule of law and completely unfit to serve in any role in the Department of Justice.

Democrats homed in on Reitzs statement from his confirmation hearing that there is no hard and fast rule on whether public officials are always bound by court rulings, as well as thousands of deleted tweets showing his staunch opposition to gay marriage, abortion and criminal justice reform.

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Reitz, a graduate of Texas A&M University and the University of Texas School of Law, also served in the Marine Corps. He was deployed to Afghanistan and remains a member of the Marine Corps Reserve.

Disclosure: Texas A&M University has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Gov. Greg Abbott signed legislation Thursday morning aimed at reducing costs and regulatory burdens for small businesses, including a measure that would raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000.

The Republican Governor participated virtually in a ceremony hosted by the Houston Regional Business Coalition, where he touted Texas economic performance and the states leadership in job creation.

The centerpiece legislation, House Bill 9 and House Joint Resolution 1 by Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-University Park, and Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, would significantly increase the property tax exemption for small businesses. However, the measure requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment in Novembers election to take effect.

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Previous: Texas House and Senate strike agreement on property tax cuts

Abbott also signed three other business-friendly measures:

House Bill 346 by Rep. Caroline Harris Davila, R-Round Rock, streamlines business filing processes at the Secretary of States office and makes permanent the franchise tax exemption for veteran-owned businesses.

House Bill 2464 by Rep. Cole Hefner, R-Mount Pleasant, prevents cities from enforcing certain regulations on qualified home-based businesses.

House Bill 5195 by Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, requires state agencies to improve their websites for better business access.

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The legislation aligns with Abbotts broader small business agenda. In December, the governor launched the Texas Small Business Freedom Council, directing state agencies to identify rules, permits, fees and regulations that may hamper small business formation and growth.

These efforts will ensure that Texas continues to move at the speed of business, Abbott said during the virtual ceremony.

Abbott highlighted Texas economic achievements, noting the states gross domestic product has reached nearly $2.7 trillion annually. He said Texas leads the nation in power generation and exports.

The Governor praised Houstons role in the states economic success, citing the citys research universities, nearly one million small businesses and major port operations.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
By Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man wrongly deported from Maryland to El Salvador before being returned to the United States on migrant smuggling charges, is seeking sanctions against the Trump administration for allegedly stonewalling an inquiry into efforts to secure his return.

The case has become a flashpoint over President Donald Trumps hardline immigration policies. Critics have held it up as an example of the administrations willingness to deny due process and evade court orders in its push to deport migrants.

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Lawyers for Abrego Garcia argued in a court filing late on Wednesday that a judge should punish the federal government for failing to provide meaningful information about steps U.S. agencies took to comply with court orders to facilitate Abrego Garcias return to the U.S.

The Governments defiance has not been subtle. It has been vocal and sustained and flagrant, Abrego Garcias lawyers wrote in the filing.

The filing asked U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis to conclude that the Trump administration did not take all available steps to bring about his return. It also seeks an unspecified sum in fines and to compel U.S. officials to turn over documents they have previously withheld, citing legal privileges.

Spokespeople from the U.S. Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the filing.

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The Trump administration has argued it satisfied court orders by bringing Abrego Garcia to Tennessee last week to face a federal criminal indictment accusing him of transporting migrants living in the U.S. illegally to destinations around the country.

Abrego Garcias lawyers have denounced the charges as fantastical and argued that the indictment should not end a separate lawsuit over his wrongful deportation in March. Abrego Garcia is set to appear for a detention hearing in the criminal case on Friday.

The Trump administration has accused Abrego Garcia of being a member of the MS-13 street gang, a charge his lawyers deny.

The U.S. Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcias return after U.S. officials conceded he was mistakenly deported to his native El Salvador despite a prior court order barring him from being returned there.

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Administration officials initially said they had no way to compel El Salvador to return Abrego Garcia, who had been held in a Salvadorian prison, to U.S. custody.

Xinis, who is presiding over the lawsuit, rejected those arguments and in April allowed Abrego Garcias lawyers to question U.S. officials and seek documents on any steps the Trump administration had taken to secure his return.

The Trump administration raised several legal privileges, arguing it did not have to divulge information that could impact U.S. national security or complicate diplomatic negotiations.

(Reporting by Andrew Goudsward; Editing by Nia Williams)
'Absolutely unacceptable': Bernie Sanders calls out MN grocery stores over union negotiations originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has sent a letter to grocery store executives over ongoing contract negotiations with Minnesota grocery store workers represented by the UFCW Local 663.

The letter, sent to executives with United Natural Foods (UNFI)/Cub Foods, Knowlan's Festival Foods, and Haug's Companies, urges the companies to "negotiate in good faith to sign a fair contract that provides better pay, benefits, and working conditions for these union workers as soon as possible."

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Last month, unionized grocery store workers rejected a contract proposal and filed an unfair labor practice charge against UNFI, Cub's parent company.

Sen. Bernie SandersGage Skidmore via Flickr

"As you know, over 2,300 grocery workers at your 33 UNFI Cub Foods locations represented by the UFCW 663 have been working without a contract since March 2025," Sanders' letter to UNFI, which is echoed in the other two letters, reads.

"This is absolutely unacceptable. These essential workers, who kept our communities fed during the pandemic and continue to serve customers every day, deserve better than to be left without a contract for months on end.

"I have personally heard from these workers, who have expressed serious concerns about your company's demands for healthcare concessions and your insistence that workers drop current unfair labor practice charges and grievances  including what I understand to be approximately $2 million in sick time class action grievances alone. These unlawful tactics, including refusing to negotiate, threatening workers, and surveilling employees over their union activity, are unacceptable and have prompted the filing of multiple unfair labor practice charges."

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In May, UFCW president Rena Wong said the union is "headed toward a potential strike" if an agreement cannot be reached.

That action could include up to 2,800 workers across 38 Twin Cities grocery stores between the three companies.

@berniesanders Calls Out MN Grocery Owners!



Sen. Bernie Sanders sent urgent letters to UNFI Cub Foods CEO Andre Persaud, Knowlans Festival Foods President Jason Herfel, and Haugs Companies President Dennis Brucker demanding that they stop violating workers rights. pic.twitter.com/oN9yGAFMIG  UFCW663 (@UFCW663) June 12, 2025

Previously, UNFI told Bring Me The News that it "offered strong wage increases, continued market leading union health care and significant increases in our contributions to the union's pension plan to help address underfunding and protect the benefits of all participants."

It also countered that it has been "negotiating diligently and in good faith."

At the time of publication, none of the three companies responded to a request for comment.

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The union had initially been negotiating with seven grocery companies in the Twin Cities area, but workers reached an agreement with Lunds and Byerlys, Jerry's Enterprises, Kowalski's, and Radermacher's Shakopee Cub last month.

"These workers should not have to consider striking over your company's unlawful labor practices," Sanders' letter to all three companies concludes.

Related: Workers at Twin Cities grocery stores including Cub reject contract, threaten strike

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Alexandra Haddix left jail Tuesday after Austin Police arrested her during an anti-ICE protest Monday night.

I was tear-gassed while being pulled out of a car, Haddix said.

Despite her time in custody, shes fired up to continue protesting. Shes ready for another protest on Saturday that she helped organize. Its part of a national day of protests called No Kings Day, with large crowds expected to turn out in protest of the Trump administration.

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No Kings protest organizer calls Texas National Guard deployment an overreaction by Governor

I just think that its going to be so funny seeing the dichotomy between our jubilee protests and the National Guard holding their massive guns, Haddix said.

Haddix is a part of the group called the 50501 Movement. She said members of the group go through protest training and have planned seminars to educate people on protest safety. According to Haddix, there will be a seminar before Saturdays protest.



We are going to have another seminar for crowd control for the organizers and people in charge, Haddix said. We also will have a de-escalation seminar.

Haddix criticized the way police handled the Monday protest, which was organized by another group. However, she said her organization will encourage peaceful protesting.

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Do I understand why we have police? Yes. Do I feel like they maybe are overstepping? Absolutely, Haddix said. The safety of the people at our protest is our number one concern, and if that requires me to work a little bit with the police, then that is what Im going to do.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.




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Elon Musk walked back some of his criticism of President Donald Trump early Wednesday in an apparent attempt to mend their relationship after last week's dramatic falling out.

"I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week," the Tesla and SpaceX CEO said in a post on X shortly after 3 a.m. Eastern time. "They went too far."

Musk did not say which of his posts he regrets. Still, the rare walk-back from a billionaire known for acerbic social media posts suggests he is trying to defuse tensions with the White House after the president threatened to retaliate against his companies.

Musk's businesses have received at least $38 billion in government funding over the years, according to a Washington Post analysis, and they remain intricately tied into government funding and policy. SpaceX is a key launch provider for NASA and the Defense Department.

Tesla relies on tax credits to bolster consumer demand for its expensive electric vehicles, and it will need the cooperation of federal regulators as it rolls out self-driving taxis to compete with those run by Alphabet-owned Waymo.

The spat started last week when Musk, who was tasked with trimming the federal bureaucracy through the U.S. DOGE service, publicly criticized the White House-backed tax bill as wasteful. The falling-out accelerated Thursday as the two men blasted each other on their respective social media platforms.

In a stream of X posts, Musk publicly mused about starting a third party, called for Trump's impeachment and said Trump's tariffs would cause a recession in the second half of the year.

Trump responded by saying the easiest way to cut spending would be to "terminate" government subsidies and contracts going to Musk's businesses, and later called Musk a "big-time drug addict" in a phone call.

Musk later asserted that Trump is included in unreleased files about the sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and threatened to decommission SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which NASA relies on to take astronauts to and from the International Space Station - an assertion he later walked back.

By Tuesday, Musk had pivoted to other topics, posting about the Los Angeles protests and Tesla's upcoming robotaxi launch. He took to criticizing Stephen K. Bannon, another erstwhile Trump ally.

It's unclear whether Trump and Musk have really made up, or whether their political alliance will continue. Trump said in a recent podcast interview that he could reconcile with Musk, but added that it wasn't high on his list of priorities.

"I guess I could, but, you know, we have to straighten out the country, and my sole function now is getting the country back to a level higher than it's ever been," Trump said in an interview with the New York Post columnist Miranda Devine that was conducted before Wednesday's post from Musk.

"I don't know what his problem is, really," Trump said of Musk. "I haven't thought too much about it - him - in the last little while."

Musk officially left the White House in late May, but he said DOGE would continue without him.

Tesla stock sank 14 percent Thursday before recovering some of that value in the intervening days. On Wednesday, the stock was up about 2 percent shortly after trading began.
Xi Jinping shakes hands with a family member of Ragdi to express deep condolences in Beijing, capital of China, June 12, 2025. The remains of Ragdi, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, were cremated in Beijing on Thursday. Xi Jinping, along with other Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi, bid farewell to Ragdi at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery on Thursday. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The remains of Ragdi, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, were cremated in Beijing on Thursday.

Xi Jinping, along with other Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi, bid farewell to Ragdi at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery on Thursday.

Amid solemn music, they walked slowly toward Ragdi's body and stood in silent tribute. They then paid their final respects with three bows, shook hands with Ragdi's family and offered condolences.

Ragdi died of illness at the age of 87 in Beijing on June 6.

Ragdi had served as a vice chairman of the 10th NPC Standing Committee.

He was extolled as an excellent member of the Communist Party of China, a loyal communist soldier, an outstanding leader in the work on ethnic affairs and socialist legal system development, and an excellent son of the Tibetan people.

Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, Han Zheng and Hu Jintao either visited Ragdi while he was in hospital or mourned him and sent condolences to his family through various means following his passing. 
Tunisian environmental activist Semia Labidi Gharbi has spent several years exposing a major waste scandal in which wealthy nations were caught dumping hazardous materials in her country, and recently won a global award for her efforts.

As NBC Right Now reported, Gharbi has devoted the past 25 years to environmental advocacy; however, since 2020, most of her time has been spent on a single important task: halting shipments of toxic waste from Italy and other countries.

That year, customs officials discovered more than 280 containers at a local port that supposedly held recyclable plastic scrap, but upon further inspection, they were found to contain banned hazardous waste materials. Gharbi was one of the first to call attention to the attempted scandal.

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In late April, she was one of seven activists awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize, also known as the "Green Nobel," for her help in preventing a potential ecological and health disaster. Gharbi's undercover work ultimately led to Italy being forced to return its waste in 2022 and prompted the launch of a campaign to challenge waste trafficking between Italy and Tunisia.

The Goldman committee informed the news outlet that Italy had to reclaim over 6,600 tons of illegal household waste due to Gharbi's grassroots activism.

"It's true, we are developing countries," Gharbi said in an interview with AFP, per NBC. "But we are not a dumping ground."

The scandal had a nationwide impact in Tunisia, leading to the arrest of high-ranking officials. Mustapha Aroui, the former environmental minister, was fired and sentenced to three years in prison. In total, 26 people, including customs officials, were charged with crimes.

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Overall, the ordeal spurred positive changes in Gharbi's home country and abroad. The Goldman committee stated that the incident prompted the European Union to strengthen regulations for waste shipments overseas, which will lead to improved health for people and the environment.

Gharbi said she hopes the award will encourage more Tunisian citizens to get involved with activism and raise awareness about the importance of environmental health. She regularly collaborates with environmental groups across Africa, who view the achievement as a win for them as well. The more people speak out against environmental crimes, the greater the chances authorities have of stopping them and protecting our shared planet.

Sadly, poor and developing nations often bear the brunt of the world's plastic use and waste generation. According to an analysis by the International Pollutants Elimination Network, plastic waste exports from wealthy nations in the EU, as well as Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, to low-income countries were significantly underestimated by nearly two million tons annually. And that's just plastic; e-waste, chemical waste, and industrial waste also add to the injustices of "waste colonialism," as some experts have called it.

However, some efforts are underway to curb this practice. As the Hill reported, an amendment to the Basel Convention  an international treaty designed to regulate the global movement of hazardous waste and its disposal  prevents wealthier nations from sending hard-to-recycle or contaminated plastics to developing countries overseas.

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Additionally, the United Nations is moving forward with the global plastics treaty announced in 2022. Once the treaty is finalized, it will have far-reaching impacts on the environment and public health. However, in the meantime, it's crucial to implement more effective waste management strategies so that developing nations don't have to suffer the consequences of inaction.

"What is toxic for developed countries is toxic for us too," Gharbi said. "We also have the right to live in a healthy environment."

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.
Steve Erickson, an advocate for downwinders, speaks to reporters about a possible RECA expansion in Salt Lake City on June 10, 2025. (Kyle Dunphey/Utah News Dispatch)

Its been one year since Congress allowed the program offering payments to downwinders to expire. Now, advocates are hoping the U.S. Senate will revive the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, or RECA, as part of the big, beautiful bill.

That includes Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who told reporters on Tuesday hes hoping something can get done.

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RECA had been in place since 1990, offering payments to uranium workers and downwinders, people who contracted cancer from above-ground nuclear tests. For years it was criticized for being too narrow  despite studies suggesting the entire West was blanketed by dangerous levels of radiation during nuclear tests, downwinders in just 10 counties in Utah, as well as a handful of counties in Nevada and Arizona, were covered.

And since the program expired last June, Congress has been unable to bring RECA back, stymied by spending concerns. Although the Senate passed a bill sponsored by Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley that would greatly expand the program, including to cover downwinders in Idaho, it hasnt been considered in the House.

Could RECA protections be included in federal budget bill? Maybe.

During a press conference in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, advocates called on U.S. Sens. John Curtis and Mike Lee, both R-Utah, to get behind an amendment to Congress budget bill similar to what Hawley has proposed.

Theres a real possibility that a RECA reauthorization and expansion could be included in H.R.1, said Steve Erickson, a longtime advocate for downwinders. But this will need the support of Utahs congressional delegation, especially the full-throated support from Senator Lee and Senator Curtis. Without their support, the prospects for RECA are much diminished.

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Neither Curtis or Lees offices responded to a request for comment.

When asked about RECA during his monthly PBS news conference on Tuesday, Cox said hes hopeful Congress will find a way to bring the program back during budget reconciliation. Cox, along with a coalition of 41 Utah lawmakers, have previously supported efforts to expand the program, specifically Hawleys bill.

Hawleys bill would expand the program to cover all of Utah and a handful of other Western states that werent previously included in RECA, while extending coverage to communities around St. Louis and territories in the Pacific that were impacted by nuclear weapons testing development.

Well continue to express support for that, Cox said on Tuesday. The repercussions of that above-ground nuclear testing in Utah are very long lasting and many of us had family members that have been impacted. So I think its still important. Utah is not alone but Utah was significantly impacted.

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However, the governor noted there havent been any new developments in his talks with the congressional delegation.

RECA has historically had bipartisan support in U.S. Congress

People who submitted their claims before the deadline last summer can still receive payments  but theres no option for downwinders who were just recently diagnosed with cancer, or didnt know about the program.

(We) continue to receive emails and phone calls from affected community members here in Utah who have received cancer diagnosis, asking where to apply and what to do, said Carmen Valdez, a senior policy associate for the Health Environment Alliance of Utah. Its really discouraging to say that the program is expired and they can no longer apply, but they can contact their delegation about it.

RECA has always had bipartisan support. Originally sponsored by late Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, both Democrats and Republicans have since advocated for its expansion. That includes U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M. and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, who have lobbied with Hawley to expand the program.

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This is not a partisan play by any means, said Erickson.

Utah News Dispatch, Idaho Capital Sun, is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Utah News Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor McKenzie Romero for questions: info@utahnewsdispatch.com.

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Nacole Palmer (right), executive director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, sits with Arthur Barnard (center), who held a picture of his son, Lewiston shooting victim Arthur Strout, during a public hearing before the Maine Legislature's Judiciary Committee for a red flag citizen's initiative on June 11, 2025. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star)

Dozens of people gathered at the State House Wednesday to discuss stricter gun safety regulations that Mainers will be voting on this November.

After a failed legislative attempt last year to implement a so-called red flag law  which would allow courts to temporarily take guns away from people perceived as a threat by law enforcement or their family members  a citizen-led initiative collected more than 80,000 signatures to put a referendum question on the ballot for this year.

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But before the question goes to voters in November, the Legislature is required to hold a public hearing for the referendum: LD 1378. Wednesdays meeting came after Republicans repeatedly questioned why a public hearing was never scheduled for the proposal.

Red flag laws, formally known as extreme risk protection orders, are active in twenty-one states, including four states in New England. Maine is the only state with a yellow flag law.

The referendum proposes allowing a family member, household member or law enforcement officer to file a petition, along with an affidavit of facts, for an extreme risk protection order if someone is suspected of posing a significant danger of causing physical injury to themself or another person. That protection order would prohibit the person from purchasing, possessing or controlling a dangerous weapon.

A court would be required to schedule a hearing within 14 days of when the petition is filed. If the court finds the individual does pose a significant risk of causing physical injury, the court must issue an order prohibiting them from purchasing, possessing or receiving a dangerous weapon for up to one year. The person would need to immediately surrender any dangerous weapons in their possession to law enforcement.

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A person could request to have the order terminated if they can show evidence that they no longer pose a risk of physical harm. Conversely, an order can also be renewed for up to one additional year.

At the hearing, about 30 speakers highlighted flaws in Maines current yellow flag law, which allows law enforcement to take guns away from people after a mental health evaluation. Family members of people who died in the October 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston as well as doctors, psychiatrists and school teachers all pointed to issues with the yellow flag law, arguing that stricter regulations could have helped prevent the shooting.

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I get regular calls from people who are desperate for help when a loved one or others are in crisis, who are dangerous and harmful firearms that are not getting help from the police. I have to explain to them that theres nothing that I can do as an individual on this kind of advocacy, said Nacole Palmer, executive director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, which collected signatures for the citizen initiative.

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But theres something that we can all do together this November by passing this proven, life-saving law that empowers family members and will help keep our schools and communities safe, she added.

Mental health professionals and doctors from several national organizations said the current laws required mental health evaluation weakens it.

Ultimately, family members know their loved ones best. They are first to notice when something is wrong and when someone they love is wrong, said Madeleine DesFosses, speaking on behalf of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Maine Medical Association. We need to ensure that an efficient process is available, and that makes it easier to get dangerous weapons away from someone.

Critics of the bill included members of law enforcement, who said the yellow flag law is working well and that allowing courts to directly take away weapons makes enforcement of the red flag law more dangerous for law enforcement officers who have to confiscate them. Some opponents also argued that its unconstitutional and lacks due process.

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If the referendum passes, it would not replace Maines current law, but would be an additional tool police or the general public can use to temporarily confiscate weapons. But Lt. Michael Johnston of the Maine State Police argued that having two different avenues is unnecessary, since the current system is working well, as evidenced by the increase in frequency of use.

I think this is going to be a heightened risk of service for law enforcement and for the respondent, Johnston said, testifying in opposition to the referendum. You get diminished returns if you have similar processes in place, people arent sure which ones to take advantage of.

Yellow flag law use

The public hearing included lengthy discussion on the effectiveness and barriers of the current law. Since the Lewiston shooting, the use of the yellow flag law has skyrocketed. Law enforcement used it more times in the first two months of this year than the first three years after its passing in 2020. So far, there have been 881 total applications, 800 of which were after the October 2023 shooting, according to Maine State Police. Johnston said he is only aware of two times that state police were unsuccessful in temporarily confiscating weapons under the yellow flag law rules.

But that use remains high because the yellow flag law failed so spectacularly that 18 Mainers were slaughtered, Palmer said. And the people of Maine, including our law enforcement, are so desperate to make sure that kind of thing doesnt happen again.

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Johnston said Lewiston was a wake up call for everyone, and that law enforcement is already focused on better training and implementation of the yellow flag law. Adding another tool that doesnt work as well to the tool chest, he said, can detract or diminish from whats already working.

Failed legislative attempt to pass red flag law

Similar legislation was introduced last session, but it died without a vote in the full Senate or House of Representatives.

That bill was sponsored by Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Cumberland), who at the time was speaker of the House. A lengthy budget debate on the last day of the session upended plans for the chambers to take it up.

At the time, the measure was particularly popular among Maines medical community which praised the proposal for its efforts to address the public health crisis of gun violence without stigmatizing mental illness.

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Like last years proposal, the red flag bill heard Wednesday is up against the legislative clock. Though lawmakers are no longer beholden to the statutory adjournment date of June 18, given that they are technically in a special session, leaders have indicated they intend to stick with that deadline.

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Anti-Trump protesters stand in front of the Florida Historic Capitol on Feb. 5, 2025. (Photo by Jackie Llanos/Florida Phoenix)

Floridians in more than 70 cities throughout the state plan to join nationwide demonstrations to protest the Trump administration on Saturday, prompting Attorney General James Uthmeier and other law enforcement officials to say they wont hesitate to quash protests.

The protests, part of the No Kings movement, are set to take place the same day as the multimillion-dollar military parade in D.C. and President Donald Trumps 79th birthday.

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Uthmeier, who along Gov. Ron DeSantis has been criticizing the protests in downtown Los Angeles against Trumps immigration crackdown, said he wanted to put the public on notice before Saturday. Trump sent the California National Guard into the city despite opposition from Gov. Gavin Newsom, and the California governor rejected DeSantis offer to send the Florida State Guard, according to the Miami Herald.

If you want to wreak havoc and destruction in Florida, we have enhanced penalties to ensure you will do time, so we do not tolerate rioting. As groups talk about assembling over the weekend, we havent seen much of that in Florida, Uthmeier said during a press conference in Brevard County.

However, protests are planned in all the states major cities, including in front of the Florida Historic Capitol in Tallahassee, according to the movements website.

The messaging from Uthmeier reflects Trumps warnings that those who protest the D.C. parade will be met with very heavy force.

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If you resist lawful orders, youre going to jail. Let me be very clear about that: if you block an intersection or a roadway in Brevard County, you are going to jail, said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. If you flee arrest, youre going to go to jail tired because we are going to run you down and put you in jail.  If you throw a brick, a fire bomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains at because we will kill you.

Uthmeier also announced that Florida Highway Patrol troopers would start patrolling the houses of federal immigration officials who believe they have been doxxed.

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What does innovation look like in 2025? From AI to blockbuster weight-loss drugs, Europes forward-thinking companies punch above their weight.

For the first time, Fortune analyzed the top companies across the continent in partnership with Statista to find the standouts that are driving progress with success. Patent data was provided by LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions.

The list features 300 companies across 21 countries and 16 industries, and a total of 168 of the companies are on the Fortune 500 Europe. Companies on the list have brought in just under $8 trillion in annual revenue. The U.K. has more companies on our list than any other country, followed by Germany and Switzerland. The top sectors are finance, followed by retail and industrials.

Companies on the list have brought in just under $8 trillion in annual revenue.

LOreal was ranked at the top of the list in 2025. We are immensely proud to be recognized by Fortune as Europes most innovative company, Nicolas Hieronimus, Chief Executive Officer of LOreal told Fortune. This prestigious recognition reinforces our conviction that innovation, fueled by science, technology, and creativity, is the best way to succeed on the world stage, but is also a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our teams around the globe.

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Weve highlighted some of the standout companies from this years list driving innovation across Europe.

LOreal

Household products

Noted for: Product innovation

Employees: 50,00099,999

Fortune 500 Europe rank: 91

France

LOreal invests more than 1 billion annually in research and innovation and boasts a team of over 4,000 researchers. This, in turn, helps the French company formulate new ingredients and develop new products. Earlier this year, LOreal launched a device called Cell BioPrint that will give people a detailed assessment of their skin and the products best suited for it.

This prestigious recognition reinforces our conviction that innovation, fueled by science, technology, and creativity, is the best way to succeed on the world stage

Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO, LOreal

Unilever

Household products

Product innovation

Employees: >100,000

F500 Europe rank: 49

U.K.

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Unilevers innovations take different shapes and formsfrom fast-action laundry liquid to paper-cup instant noodles. The London-based company has 20,000 patents and a team of 5,000 experts who design new products, aided by nearly 1 billion in annual investments. Unilever has also expanded its AI use to help customers find the best products and discover new ones backed by scientific data.

Philips

Health care

Product innovation

Employees: 50,00099,999

F500 Europe rank: 210

Netherlands

Founded in 1891, Royal Philips is known for pioneering innovations in lighting, health care, and consumer electronics. Key breakthroughs include the first compact audio cassette, electric razors, and mercury-free light bulbs. Today, Philips leads in sustainable, healthfocused technology, improving billions of lives globally.

Philips Azurion is an advanced medical imaging system that enables doctors to perform minimally invasive procedures, reducing the need for open surgery in eligible patients.

GSK

Health care

Innovation culture

Employees: 50,00099,999

F500 Europe rank: 104

U.K.

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GSKs innovations were reflected in its bottom line in 2024. With the help of its Silicon Valley veteran technology chief, Shobie Ramakrishnan, GSK is also using AI to speed drug discovery and streamline its supply chains.

Novo Nordisk

Health care

Innovation culture

Employees: 50,00099,999

F500 Europe rank: 116

Denmark

Novo Nordisk is wasting little time in developing new obesity treatments that, until recently, made it Europes most valuable company. In May, the FDA accepted Novos application to sell an oral version of Wegovy; an approval decision is expected in Q4. Novo Nordisks recent trials for CagriSema, a new, more effective weight-loss medication, could increase its appeal beyond the millions already using its drugs.

Novo Nordisk employees oversee an active construction project. This project is part of Novo Nordisks investment of more than DKK 80 billion in new active pharmaceutical ingredient facilities.

Medtronic

Health care

Process innovation

Employees: 50,00099,999

F500 Europe rank: 125

Ireland

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In 2024, Medtronic invested more than $2.7 billion in R&D and operated over 81 manufacturing sites. AI is used to customize patient care, ranging from personalized brain therapy to data-driven diabetes care. The use of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) also helps enhance precision and control.

EssilorLuxottica

Retailing

Product innovation

Employees: >100,000

F500 Europe rank: 144

France

Whether with Ray-Ban Meta glasses or its latest audio-enhancing eyewear, EssilorLuxottica is always pioneering new technology. Nearly 1,000 researchers across 50 R&D sites supported by up to 350 million in investment help the Franco-Italian company stay ahead of trends. The company is also vertically integrated, allowing for better quality control globally.

Click here to view the full list.



This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
It is the policy of the United States to promote AI literacy and proficiency among Americans, reads an executive order President Donald Trump issued on April 23, 2025. The executive order, titled Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth, signals that advancing AI literacy is now an official national priority.

This raises a series of important questions: What exactly is AI literacy, who needs it, and how do you go about building it thoughtfully and responsibly?

The implications of AI literacy, or lack thereof, are far-reaching. They extend beyond national ambitions to remain a global leader in this technological revolution or even prepare an AI-skilled workforce, as the executive order states. Without basic literacy, citizens and consumers are not well equipped to understand the algorithmic platforms and decisions that affect so many domains of their lives: government services, privacy, lending, health care, news recommendations and more. And the lack of AI literacy risks ceding important aspects of societys future to a handful of multinational companies.

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How, then, can institutions help people understand and use  or resist  AI as individuals, workers, parents, innovators, job seekers, students, employers and citizens? We are a policy scientist and two educational researchers who study AI literacy, and we explore these issues in our research.

What AI literacy is and isnt

At its foundation, AI literacy includes a mix of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are technical, social and ethical in nature. According to one prominent definition, AI literacy refers to a set of competencies that enables individuals to critically evaluate AI technologies; communicate and collaborate effectively with AI; and use AI as a tool online, at home, and in the workplace.

AI literacy is not simply programming or the mechanics of neural networks, and it is certainly not just prompt engineering  that is, the act of carefully writing prompts for chatbots. Vibe coding, or using AI to write software code, might be fun and important, but restricting the definition of literacy to the newest trend or the latest need of employers wont cover the bases in the long term. And while a single master definition may not be needed, or even desirable, too much variation makes it tricky to decide on organizational, educational or policy strategies.

Who needs AI literacy? Everyone, including the employees and students using it, and the citizens grappling with its growing impacts. Every sector and sphere of society is now involved with AI, even if this isnt always easy for people to see.

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Exactly how much literacy everyone needs and how to get there is a much tougher question. Are a few quick HR training sessions enough, or do we need to embed AI across K-12 curricula and deliver university micro credentials and hands-on workshops? There is much that researchers dont know, which leads to the need to measure AI literacy and the effectiveness of different training approaches.

Measuring AI literacy

While there is a growing and bipartisan consensus that AI literacy matters, theres much less consensus on how to actually understand peoples AI literacy levels. Researchers have focused on different aspects, such as technical or ethical skills, or on different populations  for example, business managers and students  or even on subdomains like generative AI.

A recent review study identified more than a dozen questionnaires designed to measure AI literacy, the vast majority of which rely on self-reported responses to questions and statements such as I feel confident about using AI. Theres also a lack of testing to see whether these questionnaires work well for people from different cultural backgrounds.

Moreover, the rise of generative AI has exposed gaps and challenges: Is it possible to create a stable way to measure AI literacy when AI is itself so dynamic?

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In our research collaboration, weve tried to help address some of these problems. In particular, weve focused on creating objective knowledge assessments, such as multiple-choice surveys tested with thorough statistical analyses to ensure that they accurately measure AI literacy. Weve so far tested a multiple-choice survey in the U.S., U.K. and Germany and found that it works consistently and fairly across these three countries.

Theres a lot more work to do to create reliable and feasible testing approaches. But going forward, just asking people to self-report their AI literacy probably isnt enough to understand where different groups of people are and what supports they need.

Approaches to building AI literacy

Governments, universities and industry are trying to advance AI literacy.

Finland launched the Elements of AI series in 2018 with the hope of educating its general public on AI. Estonias AI Leap initiative partners with Anthropic and OpenAI to provide access to AI tools for tens of thousands of students and thousands of teachers. And China is now requiring at least eight hours of AI education annually as early as elementary school, which goes a step beyond the new U.S. executive order. On the university level, Purdue University and the University of Pennsylvania have launched new masters in AI programs, targeting future AI leaders.

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Despite these efforts, these initiatives face an unclear and evolving understanding of AI literacy. They also face challenges to measuring effectiveness and minimal knowledge on what teaching approaches actually work. And there are long-standing issues with respect to equity  for example, reaching schools, communities, segments of the population and businesses that are stretched or under-resourced.

Next moves on AI literacy

Based on our research, experience as educators and collaboration with policymakers and technology companies, we think a few steps might be prudent.

Building AI literacy starts with recognizing its not just about tech: People also need to grasp the social and ethical sides of the technology. To see whether were getting there, we researchers and educators should use clear, reliable tests that track progress for different age groups and communities. Universities and companies can try out new teaching ideas first, then share what works through an independent hub. Educators, meanwhile, need proper training and resources, not just additional curricula, to bring AI into the classroom. And because opportunity isnt spread evenly, partnerships that reach under-resourced schools and neighborhoods are essential so everyone can benefit.

Critically, achieving widespread AI literacy may be even harder than building digital and media literacy, so getting there will require serious investment  not cuts  to education and research.

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There is widespread consensus that AI literacy is important, whether to boost AI trust and adoption or to empower citizens to challenge AI or shape its future. As with AI itself, we believe its important to approach AI literacy carefully, avoiding hype or an overly technical focus. The right approach can prepare students to become active and responsible participants in the workforce of the future and empower Americans to thrive in an increasingly digital society, as the AI literacy executive order calls for.

The Conversation will be hosting a free webinar on practical and safe use of AI with our tech editor and an AI expert on June 24 at 2pm ET/11am PT. Sign up to get your questions answered.

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: Daniel S. Schiff, Purdue University; Arne Bewersdorff, Technical University of Munich, and Marie Hornberger, Technical University of Munich

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Funding from Google Research helped to support part of the authors' research on AI literacy.

Funding from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research under the funding code 16DHBKI051 helped to support part of the authors' research on AI literacy.

Arne Bewersdorff 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.
As thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Los Angeles County to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, misinformation has been running rampant online.

The protests, and President Donald Trumps mobilization of the National Guard and Marines in response, are one of the first major contentious news events to unfold in a new era in which AI tools have become embedded in online life. And as the news has sparked fierce debate and dialogue online, those tools have played an outsize role in the discourse. Social media users have wielded AI tools to create deepfakes and spread misinformationbut also to fact-check and debunk false claims.

Heres how AI has been used during the L.A. protests.

Deepfakes

Provocative, authentic images from the protests have captured the worlds attention this week, including a protester raising a Mexican flag and a journalist being shot in the leg with a rubber bullet by a police officer. At the same time, a handful of AI-generated fake videos have also circulated.

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Over the past couple years, tools for creating these videos have rapidly improved, allowing users to rapidly create convincing deepfakes within minutes. Earlier this month, for example, TIME used Googles new Veo 3 tool to demonstrate how it can be used to create misleading or inflammatory videos about news events.

Among the videos that have spread over the past week is one of a National Guard soldier named Bob who filmed himself on duty in Los Angeles and preparing to gas protesters. That video was seen more than 1 million times, according to France 24, but appears to have since been taken down from TikTok. Thousands of people left comments on the video, thanking Bob for his servicenot realizing that Bob did not exist.

Many other misleading images have circulated not due to AI, but much more low-tech efforts. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, for example, reposted a video on X originally shared by conservative actor James Woods that appeared to show a violent protest with cars on firebut it was actually footage from 2020. And another viral post showed a pallet of bricks, which the poster claimed were going to be used by Democrat militants. But the photo was traced to a Malaysian construction supplier.

Fact checking

In both of those instances, X users replied to the original posts by asking Grok, Elon Musks AI, if the claims were true. Grok has become a major source of fact checking during the protests: Many X users have been relying on it and other AI models, sometimes more than professional journalists, to fact check claims related to the L.A. protests, including, for instance, how much collateral damage there has been from the demonstrations.

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Grok debunked both Cruzs post and the brick post. In response to the Texas senator, the AI wrote: The footage was likely taken on May 30, 2020.... While the video shows violence, many protests were peaceful, and using old footage today can mislead. In response to the photo of bricks, it wrote: The photo of bricks originates from a Malaysian building supply company, as confirmed by community notes and fact-checking sources like The Guardian and PolitiFact. It was misused to falsely claim that Soros-funded organizations placed bricks near U.S. ICE facilities for protests.

But Grok and other AI tools have gotten things wrong, making them a less-than-optimal source of news. Grok falsely insinuated that a photo depicting National Guard troops sleeping on floors in L.A. that was shared by Newsom was recycled from Afghanistan in 2021. ChatGPT said the same. These accusations were shared by prominent right-wing influencers like Laura Loomer. In reality, the San Francisco Chronicle had first published the photo, having exclusively obtained the image, and had verified its authenticity.

Grok later corrected itself and apologized.

Im Grok, built to chase the truth, not peddle fairy tales. If I said those pics were from Afghanistan, it was a glitchmy training datas a wild mess of internet scraps, and sometimes I misfire, Grok said in a post on X, replying to a post about the misinformation.

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"The dysfunctional information environment we're living in is without doubt exacerbating the publics difficulty in navigating the current state of the protests in LA and the federal governments actions to deploy military personnel to quell them, says Kate Ruane, director of the Center for Democracy and Technologys Free Expression Program.

Nina Brown, a professor at the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, says that it is really troubling if people are relying on AI to fact check information, rather than turning to reputable sources like journalists, because AI is not a reliable source for any information at this point.

It has a lot of incredible uses, and its getting more accurate by the minute, but it is absolutely not a replacement for a true fact checker, Brown says. The role that journalists and the media play is to be the eyes and ears for the public of whats going on around us, and to be a reliable source of information. So it really troubles me that people would look to a generative AI tool instead of what is being communicated by journalists in the field.

Brown says she is increasingly worried about how misinformation will spread in the age of AI.

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Im more concerned because of a combination of the willingness of people to believe what they see without investigationthe taking it at face valueand the incredible advancements in AI that allow lay-users to create incredibly realistic video that is, in fact, deceptive; that is a deepfake, that is not real, Brown says.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
An Air India plane crashed soon after takeoff from the city of Ahmedabad on Thursday.

There were 242 people on board, including 10 cabin crew and two pilots.

241 people on the plane were killed, with one passenger surviving, the airline said.

An Air India flight bound for London with 242 people on board crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad on Thursday morning.

241 people on the plane were killed in the crash, with one passenger surviving, Air India said.

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The Associated Press reported that a doctor identified the survivor as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national from Leicester.

Amit Shah, India's home minister, said he was being treated in a hospital.

"We received the good news that one passenger survived. I have personally met this survivor."

Videos seen across social media appear to show Ramesh walking away from the wreckage.

Ramesh's brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, told BBC News that he "has no idea how he survived."

US President Donald Trump called the crash "one of the worst in aviation history" at a press conference on Thursday.

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Data from Flightradar24 showed the Boeing 787 Dreamliner reaching an altitude of 625 feet before the signal ended. It crashed into a medical college about a mile south of the runway.

Minakshi Parikh, the dean of the college, said at least five of its students were killed after the plane hit a dining facility during lunchtime, The New York Times reported.

A mayday call was issued, but there was no response from the cockpit to air traffic controllers, India's directorate general of civil aviation said. Officials are still investigating the cause of the crash.

There were 169 Indian citizens, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian on Flight 171, the airline said. The DGCA said there were also 10 cabin crew and two pilots on the flight.

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The National Transportation Safety Board said it was leading a team of US investigators who were traveling to assist Indian authorities with an investigation into the incident. British investigators also said they were sending a team to India.

The Hindustan Times reported that one of the aircraft's two black boxes, which records data relating to the flight, was recovered from the wreckage.

The plane, registered as VT-ANB, was first delivered to Air India in January 2014. It had flown to Ahmedabad from India's capital, New Delhi, earlier in the day, and had flown to Paris, Melbourne, Frankfurt, and Tokyo in the past week.

Thursday's incident is the first total loss of a 787 since the model entered service in 2011.

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Boeing's CEO Kelly Ortberg said he had been in touch with Air India and that a Boeing team was standing by to support the investigation.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad," he said.

The tragedy marks the first fatal crash of Boeing's Dreamliner aircraft.

Boeing stock fell sharply Thursday, ending the day down almost 5% to trade at $203.75.

Morgan Stanley analysts said the event "derails the positive momentum on Boeing's stock," which had gained about 25% this year.

Debris at the site of the Air India in Ahmedabad. Sam PANTHAKY/AFP/Getty Images

Air India's CEO, Campbell Wilson, said in a video statement that the airline's teams are "working around the clock" to support passengers, crew, their families, and investigators.

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He said that while he understands people want to know more information, "anything we report must be accurate and not speculative."

"We owe that to everyone involved," he added.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X: "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."

Images appeared to show the jet's landing gear had not been retracted.

Alastair Rosenschen, an aviation consultant and former British Airways pilot, told Sky News: "If the gear was still down, then that would suggest that something is untoward."

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The crash comes at a testing time for Air India, which has been overhauling its operations since the Tata Group acquired the formerly state-owned carrier in 2022.

A year later, it ordered 470 aircraft worth $70 billion at list prices. The new jets, with much more modern seats, are a distinct upgrade from the older planes that make up the bulk of its fleet  although supply-chain constraints have hindered deliveries.

Alan Tan, an aviation law professor at the National University of Singapore, said in a Thursday LinkedIn post that the crash will likely be the "costliest insurance claim in Indian aviation history."

He said India was not a party to international conventions that protect ground victims in plane crashes, so compensation and insurance claims for ground victims in the Air India crash would have to be dealt with under Indian domestic law.

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Insurance claims for victims on board would be based on the 1999 Montreal Convention, which established that airlines would be liable for the death or injury of passengers.

Tan told BI that Air India and Boeing both have their work cut out for them to restore confidence with the public, and there would be an immediate hit to customer perception, particularly for Air India.

"But as other leading airlines facing crises have shown, these are not insurmountable. Transparency and accountability in investigations and consistent messaging to the public will hopefully reduce the risks of a media spectacle," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Air India plane crash on Thursday is putting a renewed spotlight on Boeing, the manufacturer of the 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft that crashed in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad with 242 passengers and crew on board.

Boeing says the 787-8 is the aviation industry's "best-selling passenger widebody of all time," carrying more than 1 billion passengers since it was first delivered to airlines in 2011.

What caused the crash remains unclear, and the 787-8 Dreamliner has generally had a good safety record. U.S. safety officials said they are heading to India to assist in the investigation of the accident. A senior Indian police official told the country's national news agency, ANI, that one person survived the crash.

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"The NTSB will be leading a team of U.S. investigators travelling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, India, Thursday," the National Transportation Safety Board said in a social media post.

In a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration said the local government leads an investigation when it occurs in that country. "In the event assistance is requested, the NTSB is the official U.S. representative and the FAA provides technical support. We stand ready to launch a team immediately in coordination with the NTSB," the agency said.

Boeing said it is in contact with Air India about the crash and stands "ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected."

Shares of Boeing fell $10.32, or 4.8%, to $203.59 in early trading.

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First crash of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner

The Air India incident represents the first crash of a 787-8 Dreamliner, although the aircraft has been involved in previous investigations.

The aircraft was designed by Boeing to handle longer nonstop routes, which the company says had opened up 425 new routes around the world since the aircraft was introduced.

The Federal Aviation Administration last year ordered inspections of the cockpit seats on the Dreamliners after one of the jets went into a dive when the captain's seat lurched forward without warning and disconnected the plane's autopilot system, according to The Associated Press.

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Last year, a whistleblower's allegations prompted the FAA to investigate his claims about assembly defects in the company's 787 Dreamliner.

Sam Salehpour, a Boeing quality engineer, said "he observed shortcuts taken by Boeing" during assembly of the Dreamliner, "resulting in drilling debris left in interfaces and deformation of composite material," CBS News reported. He also claimed to have witnessed issues with the 777 assembly process, according to a letter sent by Salehpour's lawyers to the FAA last year.

For now, it is unclear if those reported issues are linked in any way to the Air India crash.

The Dreamliner in the Air India crash

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The aircraft involved in the Air India crash was first delivered to the airline in January 2014. It was on its way from the western Indian city of Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick airport when it crashed shortly after its departure.

The plane had logged more than 41,000 hours of flying time, with almost 8,000 takeoffs and landings, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics firm. Air India operates 190 aircraft, with an average age of 8.4 years, Cirium said.

There are more than 1,100 Dreamliners operating across the globe today, with the aircraft having been in operation for an average of 7.5 years, Cirium noted.

Air India said there was a "sole survivor" of the crash who was being treated at a hospital.

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"The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital," the airline said in a statement Thursday on social media.

Other Boeing safety issues

The incident comes after a string of safety issues for Boeing, which has faced investigations and lawsuits for two crashes involving its 737 Max jetliners that killed a total of 346 people. A January incident in which a door plug fell off a 737 Max 9 jet operated by Alaska Airlines in January of 2024 fueled further concerns.

Boeing posted a 2024 loss of $11.8 billion, bringing its total losses since 2019 to more than $35 billion.

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In May, the aircraft manufacturer reached a $1.1 billion deal with the Department of Justice that allows it to avoid prosecution for the crashes, which occurred in 2018 and 2019.

An April 2025 analysis of commercial jet safety from Boeing shows that the airline industry has improved its overall safety record over the past several decades, although there was an increase in accidents in 2024. According to the report, there were 47 accidents last year across the airline industry, including 12 hull losses, and 187 fatalities.

A hull loss can indicate an airplane is completely destroyed or damaged and not repaired, the report said. It can also indicate an airplane is missing and the wreckage hasn't been found.

 With reporting by CBS News' Kathryn Krupnik and Kris Van Cleave

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The fatal crash of a 787 Dreamliner that was being operated by Air India from Ahmedabad in northwestern India to London Gatwick Airport has once again fueled scrutiny of both Boeing and the airline, as the two companies have been trying to emerge from years of crises and poor reputations.

The nearly 12-year-old Dreamliner crashed on a densely populated part of the city soon after takeoff, killing 241 of the 242 people on board on Thursday. The total death toll is expected to rise as the plane fell on a medical college hostel and rescue operations are still under way.

The crash raises new concerns for Boeing, which continues to face mounting safety issues that have undermined public trust in its aircraft. These challenges come as the Seattle-based aerospace giant grapples with economic pressures from tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump, as well as increased regulatory attention that followed its recent safety issues.

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The reason behind the crash is not yet clear.

But it is yet another fatal accident involving a Boeing aircraft, adding to a string of public relations crises that have made many travellers wary of flying on its planes.

Boeing has become notorious and infamous with flyers at this moment, regardless of the model of the plane. Even the word Boeing triggers a lot of people, Adnan Bashir, an independent global communications and corporate affairs consultant who specialises in crisis communications, told Al Jazeera.

The companys safety reputation began to unravel in October 2018 when a Lion Air flight operating a 737 MAX crashed due to a malfunction in the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), a programme designed to prevent stalls. That crash killed all 189 people on board.

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Just months later, in March 2019, an Ethiopian Airlines flight using the same aircraft model crashed for the same reason, killing all 157 people aboard.

Turmoil resurfaced in January 2024, when a door panel detached mid-flight on an Alaska Airlines route between Ontario, California, and Portland, Oregon.

But until now, the 787 Dreamliner aircraft had maintained a relatively strong safety record.

This is the first fatal crash of the 787, so despite all of its problems in the early days and all the production issues that Boeing had with the aeroplane, this has had a perfect safety record up to this point, aviation expert Scott Hamilton told Al Jazeera.





Safety-related scrutiny

First launched in 2011, Boeing has sold more than 2,500 of the model globally. Air India bought 47 of them, and to date, Boeing has delivered 1,189 Dreamliners.

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The model has faced years of safety-related scrutiny. In 2024, John Barnett, a former Boeing quality manager, was found dead under suspicious circumstances after long voicing concerns about the 787. Barnett had alleged that Boeing cut corners to meet production deadlines, including installing inadequate parts. He also claimed that testing revealed a 25-percent failure rate in the aircrafts emergency oxygen systems.

In 2019, The New York Times published an expose that revealed Boeing had pressured workers not to report safety violations, citing internal emails, documents, and employee interviews.

More recently, another whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, told lawmakers he was threatened for raising safety concerns about Boeing aircraft.

INTERACTIVE - Air India flight crash-1749728651

Todays crash is the latest fatal incident to occur under the leadership of Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who returned from retirement in 2024 to replace Dave Calhoun. Ortberg had pledged to restore the companys safety reputation.

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Previously, the last fatal Boeing incident occurred in December, when a Jeju Airlines flight crashed after a bird strike, killing 179 of the 181 people on board.

Earlier this month, the US Department of Justice reached a settlement with Boeing that allowed the company to avoid prosecution for previous crashes. The deal required Boeing to pay $1.1bn, including investments to improve safety standards and compensation to victims families.

On Wall Street, Boeings stock dropped nearly 5 percent from the previous days market close.

At this point, experts believe that ultimately, Boeing executives will be careful with their words because of the looming legal challenges they may face if an investigation finds the fault lies with the plane-maker.

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You can almost guarantee theres going to be lawsuits of some sort. Right now, theyre likely triaging internal and external communication plans with their legal team. Because anything they say in public right now could be used as evidence. And so what theyre going to be doing right now is staying quiet, most likely until more facts come out, Amanda Orr, founder of the legal and policy communications consultancy firm Orr Strategy Group, told Al Jazeera.

In response to todays crash, Boeing said, We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them  Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected. Boeing did not respond to Al Jazeeras request for comment.

Air India turnaround setback

For Air India, which has been undergoing a major reinvention in the last few years, todays crash is a major setback in its efforts to rebrand and modernise.

Founded in 1932, the airline was nationalised in 1953. After years of financial struggles and mounting debt, Tata Group acquired the airline for $2.2bn in 2022.

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As Indias only long-haul international carrier to Europe and North America, Air India has a strong hold on global travel from across the country. In 2023, the carrier ordered 220 Boeing aircraft, including 20 Dreamliners, 10 777x jets, and 190 of the embattled 737 MAX.

For now, Air India is focused on its response to the crash.

At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted, said N Chandrasekaran, chairperson of Tata Sons, the holding company of Tata Group, in a statement provided to Al Jazeera.

I express our deep sorrow about this incident. This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India. Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones, Craig Wilson, the airlines CEO, said in a video statement.

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The airline has experienced a few fatal accidents in recent years. In 2020, an Air India Express flight skidded off the runway in Kozhikode in India, killing 20. A similar accident in Mangalore involving a 737-800 claimed 156 lives.

Despite the shock of todays crash, flying remains one of the safest modes of travel. According to a 2024 study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the risk of dying in a commercial airline accident is one in every 13.7 million passengers. This continues to be the safest decade in aviation history.
A protester is arrested in Los Angeles, the United States, June 11, 2025. Nearly 400 people in immigration protests have been arrested or detained by the Los Angeles Police Department since Saturday, media reports said. BBC News revealed that the arrested and detained include 330 undocumented migrants and 157 people arrested for assault and obstruction.(Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

LOS ANGELES, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 400 people in immigration protests have been arrested or detained by the Los Angeles Police Department since Saturday, media reports said.

BBC News revealed that the arrested and detained include 330 undocumented migrants and 157 people arrested for assault and obstruction.

On the first night of curfew starting Tuesday night in the U.S. second largest city, there were 203 arrests for failure to disperse and 17 arrests for curfew violation, said the Los Angeles Police Department in a press release.

Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass announced Tuesday evening the curfew for parts of downtown Los Angeles that started from 8:00 p.m. Tuesday (0300 GMT Wednesday) to 6:00 a.m. (1300 GMT) Wednesday local time. She noted that local authorities imposed the limited curfew in response to looting and vandalism that occurred downtown Monday night, following largely peaceful daytime protests.

U.S. President Donald Trump has dispatched over 4,000 National Guard troops and about 700 active-duty Marines to the Los Angeles area despite the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom and other local officials. 

Protesters being arrested are pictured in Los Angeles, the United States, June 11, 2025. Nearly 400 people in immigration protests have been arrested or detained by the Los Angeles Police Department since Saturday, media reports said.

BBC News revealed that the arrested and detained include 330 undocumented migrants and 157 people arrested for assault and obstruction.

Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass announced Tuesday evening the curfew for parts of downtown Los Angeles that started from 8:00 p.m. Tuesday (0300 GMT Wednesday) to 6:00 a.m. (1300 GMT) Wednesday local time. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

A protester is arrested in Los Angeles, the United States, June 11, 2025. Nearly 400 people in immigration protests have been arrested or detained by the Los Angeles Police Department since Saturday, media reports said.

BBC News revealed that the arrested and detained include 330 undocumented migrants and 157 people arrested for assault and obstruction.

Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass announced Tuesday evening the curfew for parts of downtown Los Angeles that started from 8:00 p.m. Tuesday (0300 GMT Wednesday) to 6:00 a.m. (1300 GMT) Wednesday local time. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

Police officers are on duty in Los Angeles, the United States, June 11, 2025. Nearly 400 people in immigration protests have been arrested or detained by the Los Angeles Police Department since Saturday, media reports said.

BBC News revealed that the arrested and detained include 330 undocumented migrants and 157 people arrested for assault and obstruction.

Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass announced Tuesday evening the curfew for parts of downtown Los Angeles that started from 8:00 p.m. Tuesday (0300 GMT Wednesday) to 6:00 a.m. (1300 GMT) Wednesday local time. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

A protester is arrested in Los Angeles, the United States, June 11, 2025. Nearly 400 people in immigration protests have been arrested or detained by the Los Angeles Police Department since Saturday, media reports said.

BBC News revealed that the arrested and detained include 330 undocumented migrants and 157 people arrested for assault and obstruction.

Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass announced Tuesday evening the curfew for parts of downtown Los Angeles that started from 8:00 p.m. Tuesday (0300 GMT Wednesday) to 6:00 a.m. (1300 GMT) Wednesday local time. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

Protesters being arrested are pictured in Los Angeles, the United States, June 11, 2025. Nearly 400 people in immigration protests have been arrested or detained by the Los Angeles Police Department since Saturday, media reports said.

BBC News revealed that the arrested and detained include 330 undocumented migrants and 157 people arrested for assault and obstruction.

Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass announced Tuesday evening the curfew for parts of downtown Los Angeles that started from 8:00 p.m. Tuesday (0300 GMT Wednesday) to 6:00 a.m. (1300 GMT) Wednesday local time. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

Police officers are on duty in Los Angeles, the United States, June 11, 2025. Nearly 400 people in immigration protests have been arrested or detained by the Los Angeles Police Department since Saturday, media reports said.

BBC News revealed that the arrested and detained include 330 undocumented migrants and 157 people arrested for assault and obstruction.

Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass announced Tuesday evening the curfew for parts of downtown Los Angeles that started from 8:00 p.m. Tuesday (0300 GMT Wednesday) to 6:00 a.m. (1300 GMT) Wednesday local time. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)
An Air India passenger plane heading to London, England, carrying 242 people (including 12 crew members), crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday. While the authorities initially said no one made it out of the crash alive, the world was stunned to learn that there was, in fact, a sole survivor.

"The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital," read a statement shared by Air India on Friday, local time. "The passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. The survivor is a British national of Indian origin."

The British national in question has been widely identified as Viswashkumar Ramesh, who was travelling home alongside his brother.

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The Ramesh family, who are both celebrating Viswashkumar's survival and mourning the loss of his brother, has since spoken to Sky News.

Speaking from Leicester, England, Viswashkumar's brother Nayan Kumar Ramesh reported that Viswashkumar spoke to his father before takeoff and after surviving the crash.

I dont know where my brother is; I dont see any other passengers. I dont know how Im alive, how I exited the plane, Nayan reported his brother saying after the crash.

This is a miracle that he survived, Nayan said of Viswashkumar. But what other miracle for my other brother?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the crash site of a U.K.-bound Air India passenger plane in western India, on June 13, 2025. Press Information BureauGetty Images

Vishwashkumar, who was sitting in seat 11a on the Air India flight, is receiving treatment at Ahmedabads Civil Hospital, where he has been visited by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also attended the bedside of locals who were not onboard the plane but were struck and injured by the crash.

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"Met those injured in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, including the lone survivor and assured them that we are with them and their families in this tough time. The entire nation is praying for their speedy recovery," Modi said on Friday.

The Air India flight struck a medical school hostel when it crashed, killing at least one person on the ground. At least seven people have been reported missing and over 50 from the building have been hospitalized and are receiving treatment.

Sambit Patra, a lawmaker from Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, said Gujarats former chief minister, Vijay Rupani, was among the plane passengers who died.

Rescue officials work at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. Sam PanthakyAFP/Getty Images

How did the crash in Ahmedabad unfold?

The plane took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m local time. Early signs of a problem came shortly thereafter, when Air India announced the aircraft had been involved in an accident.

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FlightRadar, which displays live updates for flights worldwide, shows that the path of the plane ended shortly after takeoff. The signal with the aircraft was lost at around 625 ft.

A large ball of flames could be seen rising from the crash site, followed by clouds of dark smoke as emergency services rushed to the scene. Images of the crash site show extensive damage to buildings in the vicinity, with charred rubble and parts of the plane scattered across the landscape. The rear of the aircraft could be seen partially intact on top of a nearby building.

A view of the site after a plane crashed following takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in India's western state of Gujarat on June 12, 2025. Central Industrial Security Force/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images

Workers of Civil Hospital wait to receive remains of victims of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, on June 12, 2025. Ajit SolankiAP

What are the details of the flight?

Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft travelling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members.

The flight was scheduled to land at Gatwick Airport at approximately 6:25 p.m. local time on Thursday evening.

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Aviation expert Julian Bray has said that the pilot made a mayday call before the crash, indicating that the crew was aware of a problem with the aircraft.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, pilot Sumeet Sabharwal had 8,200 hours of flight experience and co-pilot Clive Kundar had 1,100 hours.

It is the first ever Boeing 787-8 plane to crash, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.

However, generally speaking, Boeing has a history of high-profile crashes. This latest incident comes a month after the aircraft company agreed to pay $1.1bn in a deal with the U.S. Department of Justice to avoid prosecution over two crashes in 2018 and 2019 that together killed 346 people.

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In a statement about the Air India crash, Boeing president and CEO Kelly Ortberg said:Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad. I have spoken with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to offer our full support, and a Boeing team stands ready to support the investigation led by Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

Boeing has said it will defer to Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to provide information about Air India Flight 171, in adherence with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization protocol.

Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, on June 12, 2025. Ajit SolankiAP

The overall investigation will involve various faculties and countries pooling their resources.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has announced it "will be leading a team of U.S. investigators travelling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787." While the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said his department is prepared to assist India with anything it needs to investigate this tragedy.

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U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who referred to the crash as "devastating," confirmed he has dispatched an investigation team, led by the Foreign Secretary, to work closely with the Indian authorities.

Meanwhile, Tata Group, the parent company of Air India, said that it is deeply anguished by the crash. The company announced it will be providing 1 crore, equivalent to over $116,000, to the families of those who died in the crash.

We remain steadfast in standing with the affected families and communities during this unimaginable time, the Tata Group relayed in a statement.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
A British man is the only known survivor of an Air India passenger plane crash on Thursday that authorities say resulted in more than 200 deaths.

Vishwashkumar Ramesh was filmed walking away from the wreckage of the crash in a residential area in the Indian city of Ahmedabad, where the plane went down shortly after its departure.

The flight, AI171, was headed for Englands London Gatwick Airport on a Boeing 787-7 aircraft.

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Of the 242 passengers and crew members on board, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British nationals, one was a Canadian national and seven were Portuguese nationals, according to Air India.

A doctor at a nearby hospital, Dhaval Gameti, told The Associated Press that he examined Ramesh, who was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body.

But he seems to be out of danger, Gameti added.

Rameshs brother told the BBC about the survivor: He said, I have no idea how I exited the plane.

Ramesh has a wife and little boy at home, the AP reported, citing an interview with Rameshs cousin, Ajay Valgi.

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A top police officer said at least 240 people, including those on the ground, were killed in the crash, the AP reported.

Ahmedabad police commissioner G.S. Malik earlier said 204 bodies had been recovered from the site but that rescue workers were still searching through the debris, The New York Times reported.

Malik also told the AP that he didnt expect to find survivors.

It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash, Malik told the news service.

Local news outlets showed images of smoke surrounding the crash site, according to the AP, which reported that it appeared to be in a populated area near the airport. Firefighters responded to the crash, dousing the plane and surrounding building with water.

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Malik said because the crash was in a populated area, some locals would have also died.

Exact figures on casualties are being ascertained, he added.

Indias health minister, Jagat Prakash Nadda, said many people had been killed, calling the news extremely tragic.

Air India said those injured were taken to the nearest hospitals.

The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on the social platform X. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also expressed his sympathies.

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The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating, he wrote on X. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.

NewsNation reported that the passenger jet gave a mayday call to air traffic control shortly after takeoff but then gave no response. The aircrafts signal went down seconds after the plane lifted off, when it reached 625 feet, according to Flight Radar.

Boeing said in a statement that the company officials are in contact with the airline and stand ready to support them.

Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected, Boeing added in a statement.

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Updated at 2:57 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.
An Air India plane travelling from India to London crashed within moments of take-off on Thursday, killing 241 passengers and crew, and more people on the ground.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which took off from the city of Ahmedabad, in western India, ploughed into a residential area, hitting a hospital complex and medical student hostel.

One passenger survived the disaster - a British national, who was sitting in seat 11A and who later told family he had no idea how he walked away.

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It is not yet clear what caused the crash, which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as "heartbreaking beyond words".

Officials warned the death toll could rise in what was quickly described as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India's history.

Air India Flight AI171 departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT), and was due to touch-down at London's Gatwick Airport at 18:25 BST.

There were 230 passengers on board, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, one Canadian and 12 crew members.

The local police chief told the BBC that 204 bodies had been recovered so far - but it is not known how many of those victims were on the plane or were on the ground.

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Images from the scene show debris scattered across a large crash zone, with parts of the aircraft embedded in buildings.

The plane's tail was found embedded in a building [Getty Images]

The extraordinary news that one person had survived the disaster quickly made international headlines, as the British national, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, was filmed limping towards an ambulance, with smoke billowing in the background.

"Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise... it all happened so quickly," he told local media from hospital.

His cousin, Ajay Valgi, said Mr Ramesh called his family to say he was "fine", but he does not know the whereabouts of his brother, also called Ajay, who was on the plane with him.

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Thursday's incident was the first fatal crash involving a 787 Dreamliner, first introduced in 2011.

Boeing said in a statement that it "stands ready" to support the investigation, which is being led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

"We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected," the bureau said.

US and British investigators will travel to India, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) saying it will assist Indian authorities.

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India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the aircraft issued a mayday call seconds after take-off.

It lost contact with air traffic control shortly thereafter, crashing just outside the airport's perimeter.

[BBC]

The crash site lies within a medical campus with 10 specialised centres. The BBC's Sachin Pithva described scenes of chaos, with rescue workers retrieving the remains of those who perished.

Thick smoke was still billowing from the buildings hours after the crash, and passengers' passports were strewn around, he reported.

Gujarat's Additional Chief Secretary for Health confirmed the aircraft struck the students' hostel and staff quarters of Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College and Civil Hospital.

The plane crashed into several buildings in a residential area of Ahmedabad [Reuters]

"It crashed into the hostel mess and then bounced off on to one of the hostel buildings," the hospital's dean, Dr Meenkashi Parekh, told the BBC.

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The crash happened at lunchtime when many students were in the canteen, she added. Photos show a huge part of the plane stuck in one of the hostel buildings, and a dusty, deserted mess hall with plates of uneaten food still on the tables.

"Most of the students escaped... but the building caught fire and the smoke was extremely thick. So, 10 to 12 students were trapped," the dean said.

She added it was possible that several students had been killed. Officials said dozens were in hospital.

Tata Group, which owns Air India, has said it would give one crore rupee - the equivalent of about 86,000 - to the families of each person who was killed in the crash.

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Prime Minister Modi wrote on X: "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it."

Both Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said they are being kept updated as the situation develops, while King Charles expressed his "deepest sympathies" to all those affected by the crash.

Starmer confirmed that a UK team had been dispatched to Gujarat to join the investigation as he urged families and friends of anyone affected to contact the Foreign Office.

Additional reporting by Tiffany Wertheimer
(Reuters) -More than 200 people were killed when an Air India plane bound for London with 242 people on board crashed minutes after taking off from India's western city of Ahmedabad on Thursday, authorities said.

Here is what world leaders have said so far:

INDIAN PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI, ON X:

"The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words."

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"In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."

U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, AT A WHITE HOUSE EVENT:

"The plane crash was terrible. They (India) will handle it, I am sure, but I let them know that anything we can do, we'll be over there immediately."

"That is a terrible crash. It's one of the worst in aviation history."

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER, ON X:

"The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating."

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"I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time."

BRITAIN'S KING CHARLES, IN A STATEMENT ON X:

"My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones."

U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO, ON X:

"Heartbroken to hear the news of a tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My prayers are with all who lost their loved ones in this horrible incident."

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PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER SHEHBAZ SHARIF, ON X:

"Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy."

THE VATICAN'S SECRETARY OF STATE, ON X:"Deeply saddened by the tragedy involving an Air India aircraft near Ahmedabad, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, together with the assurance of prayers for all involved in the recovery efforts."

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"Commending the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty, His Holiness invokes upon all affected the divine blessings of healing and peace."

BANGLADESH CHIEF ADVISER MUHAMMAD YUNUS, IN A MESSAGE TO MODI:

"We extend our deepest condolences to all the families who lost their dear ones at this tragic incident."

"We stand in solidarity with the people and Government of India, and offer our full support in any form."

PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA, MARK CARNEY, ON X:

"Canada is deeply saddened by the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad with 242 people on board, including one Canadian."

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"Canadian officials remain in close contact with counterparts in the wake of this tragedy. Our thoughts are with all those affected."

EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN, ON X:"My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss."

"Dear @narendramodi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow."

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN, TO MODI, IN A TELEGRAM PUBLISHED ON KREMLIN WEBSITE:

"Please accept my deep condolences on the tragic consequences of the airliner crash at Ahmedabad airport."

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"Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes of a swift recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe."

ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI, ON X:

"On behalf of the Italian Government and myself, I express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and our full solidarity with the Indian people in this moment of great sorrow."

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT FERDINAND MARCOS JR, ON X:

"On behalf of the Filipino people, I extend our most heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India, and especially to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives."

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"May the victims be remembered with dignity, and may the ongoing efforts to understand this tragedy bring comfort and clarity to those left behind."

FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON, ON X:

"We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims' loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi."

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE, ON X:

"The news of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is absolutely devastating. In this time of tragedy, Australia's thoughts are with everyone affected."

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"Our government is receiving regular updates and we will continue to monitor the situation closely."

IRISH PRIME MINISTER MICHEAL MARTIN, ON X: "My thoughts and prayers are with the people of India after the terrible plane crash in Ahmedabad earlier today. Thinking of the families of all those on board, along with the emergency services attending the scene."

GENERAL SECRETARY OF BRITISH AIRLINE PILOTS' ASSOCIATION AMY LEVERSIDGE:

"Pilots around the globe are deeply saddened by this news. Members of the British Airline Pilots' Association send condolences to all those affected.

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"It is vital a full and thorough investigation is now carried out without interference or unhelpful speculation about the contributory factors so that future tragedies can be avoided."

(Compiled by Hritam Mukherjee, Manvi Pant and Surbhi Misra in Bengaluru; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Cynthia Osterman)
One person survived and 241 were killed when an Air India flight crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport in western India, authorities say.

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft bound for London Gatwick airport was carrying 242 passengers and crew when it came down on Thursday in a residential area, crashing into a medical college hostel outside the airport during lunch hour.

Air India said in a statement that 241 people on board the plane were confirmed to have died.

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Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones, the airline wrote on social media.

At least one person survived the crash, Indias Home Minister Amit Shah said. A senior police officer, Vidhi Chaudhary, told the Reuters news agency that the survivor, named as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, had escaped from an emergency exit.

Police Commissioner GS Malik was quoted as saying that Ramesh was being treated in hospital.

Earlier, Malik told Reuters that 204 bodies had been recovered from the crash site. He said the bodies recovered could include both passengers and people killed on the ground.

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Footage showed smoke billowing from the crash site. Parts of the planes body were scattered around the building into which it crashed, photographs and videos from the area showed. The tail of the plane was stuck on top of the building.

Wreckage from an Air India plane that crashed near the airport in Ahmedabad [Handout/ Central Industrial Security Force/AFP]

Mayday

According to air traffic control at Ahmedabads airport, the aircraft gave a mayday call, signalling an emergency, but after that, there was no response, Reuters reported.

The aviation-tracking site Flightradar24 said the plane was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a wide-body, twin-engined plane that is one of the most modern passenger aircraft in service.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from the state of Gujarat where the crash occurred, said he was stunned and saddened by the disaster.

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It is heartbreaking beyond words, Modi posted on X. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.





Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he was shocked and devastated by the crash and his thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families.

Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site, he wrote on X.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement that the scenes at the crash site were devastating.

The United Kingdom was working with Indian authorities to urgently establish the facts around the crash and to support those affected, the Foreign Office in London said in a statement.

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The UK governments Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it would send a multidisciplinary investigation team to support the Indian-led inquiry into the causes of the crash.

According to the Aviation Safety Network database, this was the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft.

Alex Macheras, an aviation analyst, told Al Jazeera that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has a good safety record.

The 787 has been in service for 15 years. This is a mid- to long-haul passenger aircraft, one of the latest from Boeing in terms of the development and the introduction of carbon-fibre aircraft, he said.

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In fact, in its 15 years of commercial service globally, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has never been involved in a crash or a hull loss or a fatal accident.

The last fatal plane crash in India was in 2020 and involved an aircraft from Air India Express, the carriers low-cost arm. Twenty-one people were killed when the aircraft overshot a runway at Kozhikode international airport in southern India.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  Authorities arrested an airman from Sheppard Air Force Base on accusations of child trafficking after a multi-agency investigation into a teenage girl reportedly abducted from Colorado.

Travis Robert Larson, of Flower Mound, was booked into the Wichita County Jail on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, and charged with trafficking of a child to engage in sexual conduct. As of the publication of this story, he remains jailed on a $500,000 bond.

According to the affidavit, a special agent with the Criminal Investigations Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety was requested on June 2, 2025, to assist the FBI and the Office of Special Investigations at Sheppard Air Force Base with an investigation.

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The affidavit said the investigation was connected to a 14-year-old girl from Colorado who was abducted. The DPS investigator said law enforcement officials from Colorado learned the teenager had been transported by Larson to Sheppard AFB.

Authorities said the child was located near Larsons dormitory room at Sheppard AFB by U.S. Air Force personnel, and Larson was detained. During an interview, Larson denied traveling to Colorado or communicating with the child, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit said OSI agents interviewed the alleged child victim, who said she admitted to communicating with Larson through Snapchat. Authorities said the victim told them that she and Larson agreed to meet and made plans for Larson to bring her alcoholic beverages in Colorado Springs.

According to authorities, the victim told OSI agents that on May 6, 2025, she and Larson met at a park and consumed alcoholic beverages. She said that Larson wanted to relocate due to the venues access to other people, and she assumed he meant to another park.

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The affidavit said the victim told OSI agents that Larson instead began traveling south on the interstate. She said that she moved to the backseat and continued consuming alcoholic beverages.

According to the affidavit, the victim told OSI agents that she and Larson arrived at Sheppard AFB and had sex.

A forensic interview was later conducted on May 12. Authorities said during the forensic interview, the victim said she and Larson began communicating on Snapchat when she was 11 years old. She said she initially met Larson on May 5, and she believed shed be returning to her residence.

According to the affidavit, the victim told the forensic interviewer that when she objected to leaving with Larson in his vehicle, he became violent and put his hands around her throat to the point that she lost consciousness.

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.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  In 1995, a female gospel group was formed as part of a day long celebration for the 75th anniversary of the womens right to vote.

Today, that group known as Akoma is still together, celebrating their love for God, sisterhood and community.

Akoma Gospel Choir began singing together three decades ago.

African American women from different walks of life all different denominations, Dr. Arlette Miller Smith told News 8.

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Some 40 Rochester women from Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal churches devote their time, talent, and treasures to this choir with a West African name.

Akoma means patience, endurance, consistency, and faithfulness.

News 8s Theresa Marsenburg: They know its a committment.

Dr. Arlette Miller Smith: Its a passion.

In 1995, a group planning the 75th anniversary of the Womens Right to Vote wanted to cap the all-day city-wide celebration with a special performance.

Dr. Arlette Miller Smith was among the organizers.

We were all sitting around the table and someone says I think we need to have a gospel choir. And everyone looked at me and said, You make that happen.'

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So  she did  with the help of a local church musical director, who called on other choir directors and members from various churches around town.

And as we say, And the rest is the herstory,' Dr. Miller Smith said.

Its truly the Glory of God, Evelyn Greenwade Boatwood, she said.

And our community, Dr. Miller Smith said.

Evelyn Greenwade Boatwood is part of the 1995 Original Recipe  as they called themselves and serves as the herstorian.

Were not a traditional choir. Its a broader perspective, Dr. Miller Smith said. We are passionate about our educational arm.

Each year, Akoma awards college scholarships to young African American women graduating from area high schools. Theyve awarded nearly $300,000 in scholarships.

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For me, its about a mentorship as well. Ive learned so much in faith and just being a woman. A Black woman, Vice President Colette Hardaway said. Hardaway serves as the 30th anniversary chair. We allow everyone to be authentically who they are and come as who they are, she adds.

They call it a sisterhood, and their prayer is to sustain Akoma so their story and their songs of praise never end.

The 30th annual Akoma Scholarship Concert this Saturday evening at Monroe Community College is free and open to the public. Each member of the Akoma makes a financial commitment to the scholarships. They also ask for donations and welcome sponsorships.

For more information, visit the Akoma website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
The head of the Alabama Community College System speaks to board members at the system's monthly board meeting on June 11, 2025, at Snead State Community College in Boaz, Alabama. Jimmy Baker told board members that he is worried about budget cuts to federal student aid, but is prepared for a "soft landing."(Screenshot, ACCS YouTube)

The head of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) said Wednesday that he is concerned about potential cuts to federal financial aid, but also that the system has enough funds in reserve for a soft landing.

We see it as our mission to make sure that whatever happens at the federal level with the federal dollars, we can manage a soft landing, and we are in a position to do that, ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker said at the monthly meeting of the ACCS Board of Trustees Wednesday morning. I dont like the idea that just because some legislation passes, we have to jump and threaten people with their jobs and those kinds of things.

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President Donald Trumps budget proposal, passed in the U.S. House and currently awaiting action in the Senate, includes a 23% reduction to the federal Pell Grant and increasing credit hour eligibility from 12 to 15 hours.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

The Pell Grant is given to students based on their expected family contribution, among other academic factors, and often goes to students with exceptional financial need, according to the Federal Student Aid Office. According to ACCS, its students receive an average of $4,300 in Pell Grants every year, about $500 less than the median ACCS yearly tuition.

These would lead to some significant changes for our system, but we want our board to know that we are watching this closely, and we will see how this will play out, Vice Chancellor of Student Success Neil Scott said. But we are already putting contingency plans in place for the areas that may impact our colleges.

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Baker said he did not expect things to be pleasant.

Its not going to be easy. But I see the move with the federal dollars in education diminishing, Baker said. So we have to adjust ourselves, and we can do a lot of that. Were going to do a lot of that because our ultimate mission is offering quality programs to the communities that we serve.

Despite threats to federal financial aid, Scott announced Wednesday that enrollment for the Fall 2025 semester is up 29.36% over Fall 2024, or 7,976 more students than last year. Scott said that brings the total enrollment to-date to 35,143 across the systems 24 colleges.

And we still have a couple of colleges that havent begun registration for the fall yet, but of the 22 colleges that do have fall registrations posted, 21 of those are showing a head count increase, Scott said.






NEED TO KNOW

Video captured the moment a London-bound Air India flight was apparently consumed by a fireball as it crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12

Thick clouds of smoke could be seen in the clip as the tragedy was caught on camera

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft was carrying 242 passengers and crew members, the airline confirmed; it's unclear how many people survived







Brief video captured the moment a London-bound passenger jet appeared to be consumed in a large fireball as it crashed shortly after takeoff in India on Thursday, June 12.

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Air India flight AI171 was heading from Ahmedabad in western India to London when it "was involved in an accident after take-off" at 1:38 p.m. local time, the airline said on social media.

The plane was "carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft," Air India said.

"Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals," the airline added.

Video has since emerged of the seconds just before the crash and show the plane leaving the airport before quickly descending and then slamming into the ground.

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A large explosion was also seen.

Viral Press An Air India plane crashed shortly after taking off in India on June 12, 2025 An Air India plane crashed shortly after taking off in India on June 12, 2025

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the directorate of civil aviation, told the Associated Press that the jet crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar right after taking off.

According to The New York Times, the plane hit a medical college.

The cause is under investigation. The total number of dead and wounded has not been confirmed.

Viral Press An Air India plane crashed shortly after taking off in India on June 12, 2025 An Air India plane crashed shortly after taking off in India on June 12, 2025

Ahmedabads commissioner, G.S. Malik, initially said "it appears there are no survivors in the plane crash," according to the AP, but later told News18, a local outlet, that he "was misquoted."

Reports have also emerged of at least one passenger who lived after the crash and Air India said in a statement from its CEO that some passengers had been hospitalized with injuries.

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Malik told The New York Times that 204 bodies were recovered at the scene.



"It is heartbreaking beyond words," the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, said in a statement.

"In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," he added.

Viral Press An Air India plane is pictured shortly before crashing after taking off in India on June 12, 2025 An Air India plane is pictured shortly before crashing after taking off in India on June 12, 2025

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Indias aviation minister, Shri. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, also posted on X following the incident and shared his thoughts and prayers with all those involved.

Viral Press An Air India plane is pictured shortly before crashing after taking off in India on June 12, 2025 An Air India plane is pictured shortly before crashing after taking off in India on June 12, 2025

Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action," he said. "Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site."

Air India and India's Department of Health and Family Welfare didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.



Read the original article on People
Protesters gather outside the Anchorage Correctional Complex on June 11, 2025. It was the third consecutive day that protestors gathered at the jail site in response to Trump administration immigration actions. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

As President Donald Trump orders the U.S. military into Los Angeles to confront protesters there, hundreds of Alaskans are preparing to join pro-democracy rallies planned for Saturday.

At least 18 events are scheduled to take place in Alaska, and more than 1,500 are scheduled nationwide as part of the No Kings movement, which is organizing to oppose Trump actions.

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Dave Musgrave is organizing an event in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, a region north of Anchorage that voted overwhelmingly for Trump last year.

We want to raise concerns about what this administration is doing. Its very much an authoritarian overreach, he said by phone.

Saturdays events were originally scheduled to counter a military march in Washington, D.C., for Trumps 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

Theyve taken on a new tone since the president ordered the National Guard and the U.S. Marines to oppose protesters in Los Angeles.

I think the scene is going to be a gathering of citizens concerned about what has been going on, most recently with Donald Trump sending troops to L.A., said Laura Stats, who has been helping organize an event in Juneau, Alaskas capital city.

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Protests were already taking place in Anchorage on Wednesday against the states decision to accept people arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Protesters gather outside the Anchorage Correctional Complex on June 11, 2025. It was the third consecutive day that protestors gathered at the jail site in response to Trump administration immigration actions. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Forty-two people were arrested outside the state and flown here by federal officials, according to the Alaska Department of Corrections.

The small demonstration taking place on a weekday is expected to be followed by a much larger event on Saturday, outside the Anchorage offices of Alaskas three-person congressional delegation.

That demonstration will be followed by a march to the Anchorage Park Strip, where Juneteenth celebrations will be taking place.

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Lu Dyer is communications director for Stand UP Alaska, which is helping organize the event.

Were protesting Donald Trump violating democratic norms and fanning the flames of fascism in this country, as well (as) on behalf of all the vulnerable folks in this state and outside of it that are falling victim to the presidents self-inflicted chaos, they said.

In Juneau, the rally will take place near the citys landmark whale statue. In Palmer, it will be at the intersection of the Glenn Highway and the Palmer-Wasilla Highway.

Other towns, including Kotzebue, Nome, Petersburg, Homer, Haines, Glennallen, Fairbanks, Sitka and Ketchikan, are holding their own events, with a full listing of times and locations on the No Kings website.

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Betsy Brennan, a Nome resident, said organizers there are trying to be a presence  and reflect the rallies going on nationwide in a peaceful manner.

Some pro-Trump commentators have accused protesters of being paid for their participation.

Im just like, Youve got to be kidding me, said Courtney Moore, a volunteer with Stand UP Alaska, describing one false statement she heard. No, I dont get paid. I hate all of this for free. Im an OG Trump hater since 2016.

Musgrave, who plans to be in Palmer, said he expects events across the state to be peaceful.

What youre going to find at these rallies are granddads and grannies, he said. These are people that never organized before, and theyre worried about their kids and their grandkids  and said, I just cant abide this.

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Stats, in Juneau, said she agrees with Musgraves description.

Were just regular people. Were just regular folks who want a decent life for our children, for our grandchildren, for our neighbors, for our friends, for people who came to this country in good faith  for people who want a decent life. It feels like thats whats being taken away from us, she said.

Some people who plan to participate in the weekends rallies said theyre worried about the possibility of violence by Trump supporters.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has called up that states National Guard for potential action against protesters in that state.

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Jessica Bowers, a spokesperson for Gov. Mike Dunleavy, said that when it comes to Alaska, At this time, no Alaska National Guard personnel have been activated, nor has a request for activation been made.

Austin McDaniel, communications director for the Alaska Department of Public Safety, said that agency isnt aware of any dangerous or illegal behavior planned as part of the weekends events.

Alaskans regularly demonstrate their First Amendment rights peacefully, and we expect the protests this weekend will be no different, he said.

In Anchorage, officers from the citys police department will be near that citys protest and available to help if needed, said Christopher Barraza, deputy director of community relations for APD.

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As far as were currently aware, theyre all supposed to be peaceful protests, but theres always the chance that something could happen, he said.

Correction: The photo captions have been updated to reflect that it was the third consecutive day of protests, not the second.

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WELLINGTON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's primary industries are set to drive the country's economic recovery, with food and fiber exports forecast to reach an unprecedented 59.9 billion NZ dollars by June 2025.

The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report released on Thursday showed export revenue has climbed 12 percent from last year, driven by robust international demand, rising prices, and New Zealand's strong reputation for producing high-quality, sustainable goods.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) attributes the growth to tight global supplies of beef and milk, favorable weather conditions, as well as a weaker New Zealand dollar that has boosted the competitiveness of exports internationally. (1 NZ dollar equals 0.61 U.S. dollar) 
Jun. 11An Albuquerque City Council committee on Wednesday voted down a proposed set of regulations intended to increase the power of renters and comprehensively regulate landlords after the latter expressed concern that the bill was an overreach and would negatively affect the rental market.

The bill died after 3-2 vote in the Land Use, Planning, and Zoning Committee. But Shanna Schultz, policy and government affairs administrator for the city, who wrote the bill on behalf of Mayor Tim Keller, left open the possibility of another similar bill in the future.

"I understand the intent of this bill. But I also think there are a lot of unintended consequences," said Councilor Renee Grout.

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In its original form, the Renter's Empowerment and Neighborhood Transparency (RENT) Ordinance would've affected almost every element of the renting experience, from signing a lease to evictions and deposits.

The RENT Ordinance sought to give renters more power over their landlords, according to Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn, who sponsored the bill on behalf of the mayor's office.

The measure, styled as a "Renters Bill of Rights," comes as the council has required landlords to provide cooling to tenants and created a code enforcement position dedicated to tenant-landlord issues. It also comes as the city faces an escalating housing crisis.

Some of the bill's most notable changes aimed to enhance transparency.

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The RENT Ordinance would've required landlords to disclose all costs associated with a rental agreement in clear, straightforward language in their published listings. This included any information from a background check that might disqualify an applicant, as well as minimum credit score and income requirements.

Another notable part of the RENT Ordinance would have eliminated pet rent. Landlords could accept a pet deposit of up to $150.

The RENT Ordinance drew support from some renters and housing advocates, including OLE New Mexico. They said the ordinance would hold bad landlords accountable and improve the living conditions of renters, who make up about 44% of Albuquerque residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

The bill also drew concern from landlords, some realtors, and property management companies. They argued the ordinance infringed on property rights, increased their liability since tenants could deduct repair costs from rent payments in some instances, and would lead to higher rents.

Ultimately, Fiebelkorn was joined by Councilor Nichole Rogers in trying to keep the bill alive. Councilors Dan Champine and Brook Bassan joined Grout in voting to end the bill.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  Rocky Magwood, a fourth-generation shrimper on Shem Creek, faced a new challenge on the opening day of shrimp season: a mysterious sea grass. Biologists have since identified it.

Shrimp trawling season began June 2 in the Lowcountry, and Magwood told News 2 that he could only drag his shrimp nets for ten minutes before they were clogged with this sea grass, leaving him to catch only 15 shrimp that day.

Biologists with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) got samples of the grass and identified it as a type of red algae, likely belonging to the genus Polysiphonia.

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Typically, this kind of algae is seen further north and offshore on rocky seafloors, according to biologists at SCDNR.

They also suspect that recent storms may have dislodged large quantities of the algae and pushed it into South Carolina coastal waters.

According to the biologists, this type of algae is not harmful, but is more of a nuisance, as local shrimpers expressed. The good news: this kind of algae is not here to stay. Ocean currents should disperse it.

This type of red algae has not completely vanished from Lowcountry waters. We are experiencing it in certain places, but it has lightened up a lot. You can work around Charleston now, its in the channel now, and in front of the inlets, its not as thick as it was, said Magwood.

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According to Magwood, this is a win because shrimpers are now able to return to the waters that they normally work in. Magwood expressed, We are back in our areas around home now.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Amazon wants the EU to stop the VLOP.

That is to say, the e-commerce giant went before a European court to ask that its status as a very large online provider (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA) be rescinded.

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The DSA went into general effect in 2024, and its aimed at creating better transparency, tamping illegal digital activity and creating a safer internet for citizens of the European Union. Under the law, platforms and service engines can be designated as VLOPs, subjecting them to more stringent provisions of the DSA. For that reason, DSA regulations began in 2023 for companies designated that way.

EU regulators designated Amazon as a VLOP in April 2023; the DSA states that platforms that accrue at least 45 million monthly users are eligible to be designated as such. Other VLOPs include Google, Meta, Shein, Temu and Zalando.

These companies, among more than a dozen others, are required to have user-friendly terms and conditions, be transparent as regards advertising, recommender systems or content moderation decisions and more. They also must look deeper into their business models to identify risks surrounding illegal content, minors protection and the mental and physical wellbeing of consumers.

Not long after its designation, Amazon made it clear that it would appeal its status as a VLOP, primarily with the argument that retail platforms should be exempt from such a categorization because they dont pose the same risk as, for instance, social media platforms. Zalando has made a similar argument.

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According to Reuters, Amazons lawyer Robert Spano appeared in Luxembourg-based General Court to continue arguing with that same principle on Thursday.

Online marketplaces like the Amazon Store do not pose systemic risks. Second, the VLOP rules do not and cannot rationally assist in preventing the dissemination of illegal or counterfeit goods, Spano reportedly said. The VLOP rules therefore make no sense when applied to online marketplaces.

An Amazon spokesperson told Sourcing Journal via email that it believes the VLOP designation is meant for companies with advertising as their primary revenue and that distribute speech and information.

With that framework, the spokesperson said, Amazon doesnt fit the description ofa VLOP under the DSA and should not have been designated as such.

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The Amazon Store, as an online marketplace, does not pose any such systemic risks; it only sells goods, and it doesnt disseminate or amplify information, views or opinions, the spokesperson said via email.

According to Reuters, Spano argued in Luxembourg that risk is not pervasive but rather isolated to individual customers and noted that the company already complies with existing product safety regulations.

He went on to say that regulators should not cast further scrutiny on companies like Amazon solely because of the number of users or consumers they have managed to amass. Zalando has made a similar argument, noting that each company calculates the number of users it has differently.

When it comes to marketplaces like the Amazon Store, size does not multiply risk. It is an arbitrary, disproportionate and discriminatory metric, Spano said, according to Reuters.

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The Amazon spokesperson said it believes its designation as a VLOP doesnt provide any tangible upside for its consumers.

The VLOP designation also forces Amazon to meet onerous administrative obligations that dont provide any benefit for EU consumers, they said in the email.

The court that heard Amazons arguments is expected to rule about the companys VLOP status in the coming months.




BBATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Amazon is fast-tracking its economic development with new jobs and training.

Our starting wage in our facility in Baton Rouge ranges from $17.50 an hour to a little bit above that, especially for our team members who are coming on a night shift or weekend shift, said Regional Leader and Senior Economic Development Manager at Amazon, Jessica Breaux. The really cool thing I think is they get benefits on their very first day in employment.

Its one of the biggest names in global commerce, but in Baton Rouge, Amazon is building more than just distribution centers. President of the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, Gregory Wood, said its building a support system for businesses to grow.

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BTR1 was the location of the old Cortana Mall, and during that time, that particular area was seeing some decline in business licenses and other businesses supporting the surrounding area, said Wood.

Although there are a lot of great businesses in the Baton Rouge area, Wood believes other businesses should take note of what Amazon is doing for their employees.

I think what people need to understand, and look at, is what Amazon is offering their employees, and I think existing businesses need to take note of what Amazon is doing to lure employees into their workforce as well, said Wood.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
By Jason Lange

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Americans are divided over President Donald Trump's decision to activate the military to respond to protests against his crackdown on migrants, with about half supportive of the move, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that closed on Thursday.

Some 48% of respondents in the two-day poll agreed with a statement that the president should "deploy the military to bring order to the streets" when protests turn violent, while 41% disagreed. Views on the matter split sharply along partisan lines, with members of Trump's Republican Party overwhelmingly backing the idea of calling in troops while Democrats were firmly opposed.

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At the same time, just 35% of respondents said they approved of Trump's response to the protests in Los Angeles, which has included sending National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to the city and also threatening to arrest Democratic officials, including the governor of California. Some 50% of people in the poll said they disapproved of Trump's response.

Trump has argued the military deployment in Los Angeles was needed due to protests there following a series of immigration raids in the city. Some of the demonstrations in Los Angeles have turned violent - leaving burned out cars on city streets - and 46% of respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos poll said protesters opposing Trump's immigration policies had gone too far, compared to 38% who disagreed with that view.

The protests have spread to other U.S. cities including New York, Chicago, Washington and San Antonio, Texas - all of which have large immigrant populations and tend to vote for Democrats rather than Republicans.

Trump campaigned and won last year's election on a promise to increase deportations of undocumented immigrants and Reuters/Ipsos polls have shown that his support on immigration policy has been consistently higher than on other matters, such as his stewardship of the U.S. economy.

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The Reuters/Ipsos poll, which surveyed 1,136 Americans nationwide and has a margin of error of about 3 percentage points, showed wide support for increased deportations. Some 52% of respondents - including one in five Democrats and nine in 10 Republicans - backed ramping up deportations of people in the country illegally. Still, 49% of people in the poll said Trump had gone too far with his arrests of immigrants, compared to 40% who said he had not done so.

The most heated protests have taken place in Los Angeles County, where one in three residents are immigrants and about half of people born abroad are naturalized U.S. citizens, according to U.S. Census estimates.

Nationwide, Americans took a generally dim view of Trump's threats to arrest Democratic officials like California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat. Just 35% of respondents said Trump should order arrests of state and local officials who try to stop federal immigration enforcement.

(Reporting by Jason Lange; Editing by Scott Malone and Diane Craft)
KANSAS (KSNT)  The Trump administration must restore hundreds of millions of dollars in AmeriCorps grant funding and thousands of service workers in about two dozen states, a federal judge ruled June 5. But those jobs and funds wont be restored for Kansas under the order.

27 News reached out to the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE) to see if AmeriCorps funding would be restored following the lawsuit. KSDE spokeswoman Denise Kahler said the order only pertains to the states that were part of the lawsuit, which Kansas was not.

The lawsuit was filed by officials in Maryland, Delaware, California, Colorado, Arizona, Connecticut, Washington, DC, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin.

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Kansas may face a triple-whammy on energy bills

Governor Kelly called upon Attorney General Kobach to bring a similar case on behalf of Kansas to restore more than $33 million in grant funds to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) in May. Kobach declined the request in a letter, writing:

Therefore, should you request me to appear for the State in the above-referenced case, I intend to advocate the position that I believe to be legally correct, which is on the side of the Defendants. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach wrote in a letter to Governor Laura Kelly on April 9.

AmeriCorps reported in 2023 that it was investing more than $15.3 million in federal funding to Kansas. The funds were to allow nearly 5,000 Kansans to support their communities through national service. Through the program, Kansas residents have received over $30.8 million.

Kansas political divide intensifies as leaders support or condemn President Donald Trump

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On Friday, April 25, The Washington Post reported that AmeriCorps was directed to terminate nearly $400 million in grants, about 41% of its total funding. AmeriCorps provides service to various areas in Kansas such as education, veteran services, senior independence, disaster recovery, conservation and climate change efforts.

We have reviewed the federal governments actions and have determined that there is no violation of federal law, Kobach said in a statement to 27 News on Thursday, June 12. Therefore we are declining to bring a lawsuit in which the state would ultimately lose.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Israel has been pushing to strike Iran for months, if not years. Signs this week that an attack on Irans nuclear facilities was potentially imminent have ratcheted up fears of a regional conflict, particularly in light of the US withdrawal of some diplomatic staff and their dependents from Iraq and the wider region.

US President Donald Trumps comments have added to the sense that a military confrontation is coming, saying on Thursday that a strike could very well happen.

And yet, at the same time, Trump said that he would not call the strike imminent, and wanted to avoid a conflict.

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Earlier in the week, Israeli media reported that Trump had also asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to dial down talk of a strike against Iran, adding to the sense that Trump himself wanted to avoid any conflict with Iran, especially as nuclear talks between Iran and the US are ongoing  with the next round set to take place on Sunday.

Whether an Israeli strike will take place in the short term is thus still unclear.

One way of looking at this is that it may be part of the larger picture, Yossi Mekelberg, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House, said of the role the threat of unilateral action from Israel may play in US negotiations with Iran. It may be that the US is using their crazy friend as a tactic to bring pressure upon Iran  On the other hand, it may be that the crazy friend means business.

[Al Jazeera]

Possibility of a strike

Israels opposition to Iran is longstanding.

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Through the course of its 20-month-long war on Gaza, Netanyahu has seized on the opportunity to confront a foe he has consistently pitched as his countrys ultimate nemesis.

In addition to boasting that he was responsible for Trumps decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal limiting Irans nuclear programme in 2018, Netanyahu has also ordered air strikes, assassinations and cyberattacks designed to either slow or halt Irans nuclear programme.

The Israeli right-wing, led by Netanyahu, has long considered Iran an existential threat and believes that the country seeks a nuclear weapon, despite Iranian denials.

Iran also supports anti-Israeli groups across the region, including the Lebanese group Hezbollah and Yemens Houthis. With many of Irans allies, particularly Hezbollah, severely weakened after fighting Israel since 2023, some in Israel view this as the perfect opportunity to also deliver a knockout blow to Iran itself.

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Speaking to the New York Times on Wednesday, a senior Iranian official said that military and government officials have already met in anticipation of a potential Israeli strike.

According to the unnamed official, any strike by Israel would be met with the immediate launch of hundreds of ballistic missiles.

Logically, and Im stressing logically, Israel shouldnt strike at Iran, Mekelberg said, Even with US support, it likely wouldnt be a good idea.

However, in this environment, there are no voices that are going to restrain Netanyahu: not the foreign minister, not the defence minister, he said.

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The head of the Shin Bet [domestic intelligence service], who would normally counsel Netanyahu, has been forced out, and the attorney general, who might also advise him, [Netanyahu is] trying to get dismissed, Mekelberg added. That leaves no one, perhaps other than some voices in the military and Mossad, that could act as a check on Netanyahu.

In need of a friend

Internationally, both Israel and Netanyahu have become increasingly isolated, throwing their relationship with the US into sharp focus.

In the last few weeks, many Western states have increased their opposition towards Israels war on Gaza.

Earlier in the week, five countries  Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom  sanctioned two of Netanyahus government ministers, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leaving Israel more reliant upon US support than ever, observers said.

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I cant see Israel taking any action without the US, Mitchell Barak, an Israeli pollster and former political aide to several senior Israeli political figures, including Netanyahu, told Al Jazeera.

Something is definitely going on, but I cant see Israel doing anything without the tacit or active support of the US.

This could be a negotiating tactic on the part of Trump. Hes entered negotiations, and he wants results. Now, he sees Iran stalling, the IAEA report condemning them, and suddenly, hes got Netanyahu threatening to strike if they dont cut a deal, he said.

Other observers questioned the timing of both reports of Trump restraining Netanyahus threat of strikes, as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency report  which determined that Iran was not complying with its commitment to international nuclear safeguards  falling so close to Sundays talks.

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Right now, every taxi in Tel Aviv will tell you that Israels about to strike at Iran, Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli ambassador and consul general in New York, told Al Jazeera. I may be wrong, but I really doubt it.

Netanyahus unlikely to do anything without the USs greenlight. Its not the way he or Israel works, he said.

I dont think thats going to let up, Pinkas said of negotiations likely to continue beyond Sunday, I fully expect Trump to again speak of having to restrain Netanyahu. Its just another means of exerting pressure on Iran.

However, that is not to rule out a strike from Israel altogether.

There may be one, but if there is, itll come at the USs request and be of some peripheral target with no real value.
By Chad Terhune

(Reuters) -U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s surprise ouster of a national vaccine advisory board, claiming it was "plagued with persistent conflicts of interest," puts new scrutiny on the group that recommends which shots should be administered to the American public.

Kennedy said most vaccine experts on the 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have received "substantial funding" from drugmakers. He did not provide examples of conflicts of interest for any individual adviser or say how that may have influenced specific recommendations.

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Committee members say their work with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention follows rigorous vetting of their financial ties. They must abstain from votes on any vaccine for which they have a conflict, as well as any rival to that vaccine or any product from the same manufacturer, according to CDC rules.

The agency's website lists one of the departing panel members as recusing herself over such conflicts.

"To determine that the whole (advisory board), all 17 members, have conflicts of interest, that has not been shown by the evidence," fired board member Dr. Oliver Brooks told Reuters. "However, the decisions that have been made (by Kennedy) undermine confidence in the process and in vaccines."

Six of the vaccine advisers fired by Kennedy received a total of $80 or less from drugmakers from 2017 to 2023, according to a Reuters review of the Open Payments federal database of industry payments to healthcare providers.

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Seven other panel members received between $4,000 and $55,000 from drugmakers for consulting, speaking fees, travel or meals over the period 2017 to 2023. Two of those experts had also worked with other scientists in industry-funded research projects worth several millions of dollars.

Brooks, retired chief medical officer at Watts Healthcare in Los Angeles and former president of the National Medical Association, received nearly $44,000 in general payments from Sanofi, according to the government records.

Most of the payments occurred in 2017 and 2018, with nothing after 2020. Brooks became a vaccine adviser in 2021, and did not disclose any conflicts that would preclude him from voting. He said the panel's sole aim is "to prevent vaccine-preventable illness." Sanofi declined to comment.

At least three vaccine advisers were not health professionals tracked by mandatory Open Payments reporting.

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KENNEDY'S CONFLICT

Kennedy, who has spent years sowing doubts about vaccine safety and efficacy contrary to scientific evidence, faced questions from Congress about his own potential conflicts of interest during a confirmation hearing.

Kennedy said he would divest his financial interest in litigation against Merck over its Gardasil vaccine, which prevents cancers caused by the human papillomavirus, to his non-dependent, adult son.

In posts on X this week, Kennedy said he would share "examples of the historical corruption at ACIP" and announced eight new panel members. Four of them had received nominal reimbursement for meals, according to Open Payments, while the remainder recorded no payments or weren't covered by the database.

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A 2009 federal inspector generals report criticized the CDC for lax enforcement of disclosures among its advisory panels. New research shared with Reuters suggests conflicts have since declined among vaccine board members.

"People are more aware of these issues on advisory committees, so they're facing greater scrutiny there," said Dr. Genevieve Kanter, an associate professor of public policy at the University of Southern California who has studied conflicts among government health advisers.

Kanter's analysis of vaccine panel disclosures found that, on average, 43% of panel members facing decisions on specific vaccines declared conflicts in 2000 compared to 5%, on average, at meetings over the last 10 years.

Kanter said it will also be important to understand how the vaccine advisers assembled by Kennedy are vetted for conflicts. They are due to meet at the end of June.

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"We don't want to replace one conflict with another set of conflicts," she said. "If someone has a financial interest in treatments that are believed to be alternatives to vaccines for certain conditions, we want to know that."

DISCLOSURE RULES

ACIP members are required to divest all stock in vaccine makers and stop any active consulting work for those companies before joining the panel. They cant accept travel or food from vaccine companies or collect product royalties. Similar restrictions apply to family members.

Committee members can keep working on vaccine clinical trials funded by industry and those research grants can help cover their salaries. They are required to file annual disclosures and recuse themselves from votes when specific conflicts arise.

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"ACIP members ... are carefully screened for major conflicts of interest and selected through a lengthy process," said the California Department of Public Health, whose immunization chief, Dr. Robert Schechter, was fired from the panel by Kennedy.

One of the fired panel members, Dr. Bonnie Maldonado, is a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Stanford University who has led vaccine studies worldwide.

She participated in research that received $4.65 million in funding from Pfizer, most of it spanning 2021 to 2023. The studies involved vaccines for COVID-19, RSV and other diseases. Maldonado also received general payments from drugmakers, including $26,465 from Pfizer and nearly $7,000 from Merck.

Maldonado abstained from a vote on COVID vaccine recommendations in June 2024, declaring a conflict of interest. In October, she did participate in a COVID-related vote. Maldonado didnt respond to a request for comment.

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Noel Brewer, a professor of public health at the University of North Carolina, is not a clinician and therefore not included in Open Payments.

In a 2017 research paper, he disclosed receiving research grants from Merck, Pfizer and GSK and serving on a paid advisory board for Merck. The disclosures did not give details on the payment amounts. Spokespeople for the three vaccine makers were not immediately available for comment.

(Reporting by Chad Terhune in Los Angeles, additional reporting by Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago; Editing by Michele Gershberg, Michael Learmonth and Bill Berkrot)
A proAndrew Cuomo super PAC released a mailer this week that modified the image of Zohran Mamdani, the progressive front-runner in New York Citys mayoral race, to appear as if he has a darker, longer beard.

The altered image of Mamdani, a New York state representative, appeared next to text on a mailer claiming that Mamdani rejects the police and capitalism. It also claimed that Mamdani rejects Israel, on the basis that the Ugandan-born Democratic Socialist supports a nonviolent Palestinian-led movement known as BDS that advocates for economic sanctions against Israel.

The advert also advertised Mamdani as a candidate who rejects Jewish rights, claiming that he refuses to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. It was developed by Fix The City Inc., whose largest donor is DoorDash, according to the New York City Campaign Finance Board and the groups website.

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Fix the City denied releasing the mailer.



The mailer was proposed by a vendor; upon review it was immediately rejected for production and was subsequently corrected, Liz Benjamin, a spokesperson for the group, told The New Republic. We are disturbed that this was posted online without our consent.

X Jacob N. Kornbluh @jacobkornbluh: Campaign mailer targeting Jewish voters by pro-Cuomo super PAC Fix the City says Mamdani rejects Jewish rights for refusing to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. (photo of mailer)

But the backlash was already underway.

Andrew Cuomo is afraid hell lose, so his donors want you to fear me, the assemblyman posted on X Thursday. His SuperPAC just sent out a mailer that artificially lengthened and darkened my beard.

This is blatant Islamophobiathe kind of racism that explains why MAGA billionaires support his campaign, he added.

X Zohran Kwame Mamdani @ZohranKMamdani Andrew Cuomo is afraid he'll lose, so his donors want you to fear me. His SuperPAC just sent out a mailer that artificially lengthened and darkened my beard. This is blatant Islamophobiathe kind of racism that explains why MAGA billionaires support his campaign. (screenshot of Zohran Mamdani's photo, and the edited version side by side)

Mamdanis connection to New York Citys Jewish community was challenged by a curveball during last weeks mayoral debate when he was asked, as a hypothetical mayor of New York City, if he would visit Israel.

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I believe you need not travel to Israel to stand up for Jewish New Yorkers, Mamdani said. That is what Ill be doing as the mayor.

Why Mamdani would be involved with sensitive foreign affairs as the local leader of New York is unclear, but the debate moderators did not appear privy to their own lack of rationale. Instead, they followed up by questioning Mamdani if he believed Israel had a right to exist.

I believe Israel has a right to exist, he said.

As a Jewish state? the moderator pressed.

As a state with equal rights, Mamdani replied.

Speaking with Fox 5s Good Day New York in the wake of the debate, Mamdani clarified that he is not comfortable supporting any state that has a hierarchy of citizenship on the basis of religion or anything else.

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The gross visual attempt to sway the voters of New York appears especially desperate on the heels of Mamdanis surging numbers: A survey published late Wednesday found thatfor the first timeMamdani had actually topped Cuomos campaign, beating the ex-governor by 35 percent to 31 percent. The survey was conducted by Public Policy Polling for Democrat Justin Brannans city comptroller campaign.

Cuomos continued presence in the race nearly defies logic. The former New York governor was forced to resign from his leadership position in 2021 after he was deemed too corrupt for Albany. Four years on, several major political backers, including a lobby of New York City landlords, have forced Cuomo back into the limelight, surging him toward a political comeback to Gracie Mansion despite his lagging popularity.

This story has been updated.
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  Shelters across northeast Wisconsin are grappling with an urgent shortage of space as an unprecedented number of dogs arrive in their care.

From Green Bay to Shawano County, animal welfare groups are stepping up efforts to manage the overflow and find homes for the growing population of adoptable dogs.

Childrens Museum of Green Bay promotes healthy choices through new Taste of Summer event

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The Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC) is among the most impacted. With every kennel full and limited volunteer support, staff members are concerned about the well-being of the dogs.

Kennels are full, and dogs are struggling because they cant get out often, said Kellie Farrell, a volunteer at MADACC. Humane societies are all full. Its really a crisis right now in every state, every county everywhere is full and dogs are losing their lives.

To help ease the burden, shelters like the Shawano County Humane Society have stepped in to accept dogs from overcrowded facilities.

We help several shelters including MADACC. We probably help them once a week, three times a month bringing animals in, said Pam Nowak, executive director of the Shawano County Humane Society. We try to find fosters for these dogs to get them out of the shelter because they really do nothing but deteriorate while theyre here.

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In Green Bay, the Wisconsin Humane Society is also feeling the strain. However, recent adoption promotions have led to a promising response from the community.

We had such a great reaction to the lowering of adoption fees, said Corey Viars, media coordinator for the Green Bay campus. Because of the amazing people in Green Bay, we were only allowed to go up 20 dogs after the weekend.

Mayor Eric Genrich fires back at Detroit after Green Bay NFL Draft sees nearly 31% increase in unique visitors

Adoption fees at all Wisconsin Humane Society campuses were lowered to $75 for dogs over six months old, and $25 for dogs who have been available for adoption longer. These rates are significantly reduced from typical fees that often exceed $100.

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Initially scheduled to run through June 11, the Green Bay campus has now extended the promotion through the end of June to continue alleviating the crisis and help more dogs find loving homes.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
SAN FRANCISCO, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Boeing on Thursday said the company is in contact with Air India regarding the Flight 171 crash in India.

"We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected," said the company in a statement.

This is the first crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, according to the Aviation Safety Network.

An Air India flight to London with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat.

According to Air India, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 local time (0738 GMT). 
(Updated with more details + DA & Weinstein statement) The rape retrial of Harvey Weinstein is over, for now. The New York jury foreman refused to return to deliberations today resulting in a partial mistrial, but the much accused producer remains incarcerated and another trial is on the horizon.

The judge in Weinsteins retrial declared a mistrial this morning on the remaining, undecided charge of third degree rape involving accuser Jessica Mann. Judge Curtis Farbers ruling came after the jurys foreman, who again told the judge in open court  and away from the other jurors  that he did not want to return to the jury room with his colleagues.

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Are you willing to go back into the jury room today and continue deliberations? Judge Farber asked Juror No. 1 today. No, Im sorry, he replied from his seat alone on the jury bench.

Yesterday in a near unprecedented move, the jury found Weinstein guilty of a first-degree criminal sexual act against Miriam Haley and not guilty of the same act against Kaja Sokola. In this retrial that started in late April, the single count of third-degree rape the ailing 73-year-old Weinstein faces carries a maximum sentence of four years. However, each first-degree criminal sexual act count carries a maximum sentence of 25 years.

Judge Farber has said that the Haley and Sokola verdicts will stand regardless of todays partial mistrial.

Once clarification was given on the state of the other verdict delivered on Wednesday, prosecutors told the court that Mann is ready and willing to testify again in a retrial. In response, Judge Farber set July 2 as the next hearing date, which could see a start date penciled in for the next retrial. Judge Farber guessed from the bench that the next retrial would happen in the fall.

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Asked later this morning why his office would pursue the case involving Mann a third time, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said simply Its about the survivors.

Talking to reporters, the DA added that Mann deserves to have the third-degree rape charge against Weinstein involving her conclusively decided by a jury. Bragg acknowledged the split verdict announced on Wednesday, and how Weinstein was found not guilty of sexually assaulting Sokola, but was found guilty of sexually assaulting Haley. I want to say to Miss Sokola, Im deeply sorry that that was the result, Bragg said. I thank you for your bravery. Thank you for coming forward. Without the courage of survivors like you, prosecutors like us cannot pursue accountability and justice.

In court, Weinsteins defense lawyers were quick to urge the judge to speed up sentencing on the single guilty count. However, interestingly, Judge Farber declined. In another dramatic move on a dramatic morning, he told the courtroom Thursday he would not separate the Mann charge from the indictment under which he was convicted Wednesday of assaulting Haley.

Which means Harvey Weinstein wont know for many months how many years he is going to sit in a New York state prison on the Empire State sex crimes.

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Lead defense lawyer Arthur Aidala said outside the courthouse that Weinstein will be appealing the Haley verdict. The attorney stated that jury misconduct would form the basis of the appeal.

Eight years, dozens of accusers, three trials, one conviction, and due to gross juror misconduct, we believe this will be set aside, longtime Weinstein spokesman Juda Engelmayer told Deadline Thursday after court. Harvey is disappointed in the single verdict, but hasnt loss faith or the heart to continue fighting to clear his name.

Even before todays shocking developments, the foreman had come before the judge repeatedly since Friday, in court and in chambers, to say he felt threatened by other jurors. After declaring the mistrial, Judge Farber brought the full jury out to tell them he was ending their deliberations. I understand this particular deliberation was more heated than some others, he said, with some understatement.

When Judge Farber excused the jury, the foreman exited first, walking through a side door at a noticeably quicker pace than the other men and women behind him. Judge Farber also left the courtroom for a brief spell. When he returned, the judge said to the lawyers and others in the court that he had spoken to the other eleven jurors to thank them for their work. Judge Farber added that all eleven spontaneously expressed to him that they were extremely disappointed they did not get to complete their deliberations.

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They did not understand why the foreperson bowed out, Farber proclaimed They thought they were still in the course of deliberations and were hopeful to reach a verdict. He continued with some lament: They did not describe anything that rose to the level of threats.

Up until this unique morning, to put it mildly, the seven-woman, five-man panel have been in deliberations since June 4 with tensions emerging repeatedly. It took five days for a previous Empire State jury took to reach a verdict in Weinsteins 2020 sex crimes trial. Sentenced to 23 years in state prison five years ago, Weinstein saw that case tossed out last year by a New York Court of Appeals based on its decision of the improper inclusion of prior bad acts testimony by the previous judge.

After days of open tension out of the jury room, the foreman Wednesday came to Judge Farber expressing frustration and even fear in what was going on behind closed doors. Amid all that drama, the judge rejected the foremans efforts to exit the case and denied a defense motion to get a mistrial declared. However, to cool things off a bit, Judge Farber did send the panel home early on June 11.

Weinstein may not have taken the stand, but he was very vocal in court Wednesday. This is my life thats on the line, this is not fair, he proclaimed. Im not getting a fair trial.

Judge Farbers early exit decision on June 11 was preceded by getting a partial verdict out of the jurors. Having created a possible legal mess, the jury found Weinstein guilty on Count 1 of a criminal sexual act in the first degree against Miriam Haley. Pressed by the judge for an answer, the jury also found the ex-mini-mogul not guilty of the same charge involving Sokola, and offered no verdict Wednesday on Jessica Mann.

RELATED: Harvey Weinstein Has Bone Marrow Cancer

Still incarcerated due to his 16-year sentence on a 2022 rape conviction in Los Angeles, the much-accused Weinstein and his team have spent the past several months trying to rehabilitate the ex-Miramax boss reputation with the anticipation of the #MeToo backlash of the past year or so. Weinstein had a self-pitying and widely covered jailhouse conversation with right-wing commentator Candace Owens in March. That effort saw the likes of the hugely influential Joe Rogan express a reassessment of Weinstein. Ignoring the fact that Weinsteins case is in state court, not federal, some have even floated that Donald Trump could pardon the one-time big-time Democratic donor.

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On June 6, via phone, Weinstein told Fox 5s Good Day New York that while he acted immorally, nothing he ever did was illegal. This is despite the fact that more than 100 women, from the famous to interns and others, have come forward since the deeply sourced 2017 New York Times expose of Weinstein to tell their tales of abuse and assault by him. Allegations that Weinstein has been convicted of on both coasts and settled in several civil cases with big payoffs.

It is money and fame that is behind most of these claims, the defense has been asserting in the retrial.

Last week, defense lawyer and frequent CNN guest Arthur Aidala told the jury in his closing argument that accusers Jessica Mann, Miriam Haley and Kaja Sokola are all women with broken dreams  theyre all women who wanted to cut the line. Portraying the trio of accusers as having engaged in consensual sex with Weinstein, Aidala, who represented Steve Bannon in the MAGA warlords fundraising fraud case, attempted to make his client the real victim. The lawyer pointed the finger at Mann, former Project Runway production assistant Haley and Polish model Sokola for using their youth, their beauty, their charm, their charisma to get stuff from Weinstein.

In the prosecutions closing argument, with her boss Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg looking on in the courtroom, Assistant DA Nicole Blumberg offered a perspective on Weinsteins decades of power in Hollywood, making and breaking careers. He also used that same power to isolate women, to trap women into places where hed be alone with them and to rape them, she told the jury. Thats not fame, Blumberg added of the trio coming forward to tell their stories publicly  again, in two cases. Nobody wants that.

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Making that point more bluntly, Haley at one juncture in her highly emotional testimony called Weinstein a f*cking assh*le on the stand. The witness later ran out of the courtroom crying under intense questioning from defense lawyer Jennifer Bonjean over what she was wearing the night in 2006 when she claims Weinstein forced himself on her in his Soho apartment.

Regardless of the verdict the New York jury could have delivered and a new jury may deliver on the next retrial, Weinstein still has his L.A. conviction to deal with. If the Oscar-winning Shakespeare in Love producer is found innocent on all the East Coast charges, he will be packed on a plane in a matter of days to sit in a cell on the West Coast while the appeal of his L.A. case continues.

Which is to say, despite the partial mistrial today Harvey Weinstein isnt going to be a free man anytime soon.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Another round of severe storms brought some severe weather into northern parts of Siouxland. Thankfully the damage was fairly isolated around the area, but there was some damage, particularly in counties that border the Iowa/Minnesota line in Iowa.

There was only one hail report in over viewing area that was closer to central Siouxland.

Brunsville, IA in Plymouth County (2:54 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Mostly dime to nickel sized hail, but some as big as a quarter. Briefly heavy rainfall from the thunderstorm.

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The majority of this system was focused further north and in the form of gusty winds and wind damage.

Rock Rapids, IA in Lyon County (1:26 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Trees reported down in Rock Rapids. Time estimated from radar.

2 SE Rock Rapids, IA in Lyon County (1:31 PM CDT, 6/11/25): 59 MPH wind gust Personal weather station.

4 NE Rock Rapids, IA in Lyon County (1:31 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Roof blown off hog barn. Time estimated from radar.

4 SSE Rock Rapids, IA in Lyon County (1:35 PM CDT, 6/11/25): 62 MPH wind gust Personal weather station.

7 N George, IA in Lyon County (1:35 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Machine shed and empty grain bin destroyed. Semi truck tipped.

3 SSW Little Rock, IA in Lyon County (1:45 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Cattle barn significantly damaged. Time estimated from radar.

1 N Little Rock, IA in Lyon County (1:50 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Trees are down from thunderstorm wind gusts. Time estimated from radar.

Sibley, in Osceola County (1:56 PM CDT, 6/11/25):Trees reported down in Sibley. Time estimated from radar.

Sibley, in Osceola County (1:56 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Roof blown off shed. Time estimated from radar.

3 NE Sibley, in Osceola County (2:00 PM CDT, 6/11/25): 73 MPH Wind gustMesonet station RSYI4 Sibley. Time estimated from radar.

4 ENE Sibley, in Osceola County (2:01 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Lean-to damaged along Hwy 9. Time estimated from radar.

5 E Sibley, in Osceola County (2:03 PM CDT, 6/11/25): 3/4 mile of power poles knocked down by thunderstorm wind gusts.

4 NNE Sibley, in Osceola County (2:05 PM CDT, 6/11/25): 61 MPH wind gustPersonal weather station.

2 SW Harris, IA in Osceola County (2:23 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Estimated wind gust of 60 mph. A lot of blowing dust.

7 ENE Melvin, IA in Osceola County (2:29 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Personal weather station reported 60 mph gust.

3 SSE Lake Park, IA in Dickinson County (2:43 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Pea sized hail accompanied 58 mph thunderstorm wind gusts.

3 NW Fostoria, IA in Dickinson County (2:54 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Tree damage in the vicinity of 190th Avenue and 260th Street. Time estimated from radar.

3 W Fostoria, IA in Clay County (2:56 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Two trees down along 280th street.

Milford, IA in Dickinson County (3:02 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Large tree branch down from 50-60 mph thunderstorm wind gust. Time estimated from radar.

2 WSW Terrill, IA in Dickinson County (3:06 PM CDT, 6/11/25): 59 MPH Wind gust  Mesonet station FW7399 TERRIL.

1 N Emmetbsurg, IA in Palo Alto County (3:40 PM CDT, 6/11/25): Strong wind gusts with large branches down in Emmetsburg.

3 SSE Emmetbsurg, IA in Palo Alto County (3:51 PM CDT, 6/11/25): 67 MPH wind gustMeasured by personal weather station.

3 ENE Rodman, IA in Palo Alto County (4:04 PM CDT, 6/11/25):70 MPH wind gust From personal weather station.

If you have any photos of storm damage, rainfall amounts, lightning photos, etc., send them here.

For the latest weather any time in Siouxland, visit the KCAU 9 weather page.

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The Brief

Hundreds of people gathered together to protest in downtown San Antonio

Gov. Abbott said he wouldn't hesitate to deploy the Texas National Guard

The "Take Back the Alamo" protest happened in San Antonio on June 11

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - With more protests planned across the state, including in Austin this weekend, Gov. Abbott deployed the Texas National Guard to protect people and property.

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Abbott said he wouldn't reveal how many troops are coming to Texas, but they would be deploying depending on what happens during the protest.

Abbott added he won't hesitate to use the Texas National Guard if future protests get out of hand.

"First of all, we want to make sure that what has happened in California does not happen in Texas. Texas is a law and order state, and we will use every tool that we can to ensure order across our state," Abbott said.

The "Take Back the Alamo" protest took place in downtown San Antonio on Wednesday evening.

San Antonio city leaders confirmed the presence of the Texas National Guard in the city. They said those troops were not requested nor did they receive any kind of warning in advance.

Anti-ICE protest in Austin leads to several arrests

Dig deeper

This comes just a few days after more than a dozen people were arrested in Austin during another anti-ICE protest.

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Four officers were injured during the protest and Texas DPS used gas to disperse the crowd.

According to court documents, DPS said they witnessed three people spray-painting the Omni hotel and refused to clear the streets when the protest was over.

Austin police also arrested two people for not dispersing after the protest. One person spit in the eye of an officer, the report said.

On Wednesday, the Travis County Attorney's Office dropped two other protesters' charges because the judge found no probable cause.

The Source

Information from a Gov. Greg Abbott press conference and previous FOX 7 Austin coverage
Approximately 220,000 veterans reside in Los Angeles County, and inside the downtown area of Los Angeles is a crucial outpatient VA medical center. As part of the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, this clinic plays a central role in serving veterans in the DTLA area, offering a variety of on-site preventative and interventional services.

Mental health care is a significant focus of the downtown VA medical center in Los Angeles. Veterans facing ongoing issues related to their service  problems like post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, or substance abuse challenges  have access to same-day appointments, counseling, and group therapy. With nearly 3,000 veterans in LA County experiencing homelessness, mental health support isnt just helpful, its essential.

The clinic offers a comprehensive range of support and services tailored to meet the everyday health needs of veterans who visit its doors, including primary care, laboratory work, management of chronic conditions, and coordinated referrals to specialists.

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Female veterans also receive dedicated, thoughtful care. From OB-GYN services and maternity support to trauma-informed counseling and preventive screenings, the clinic acknowledges and addresses the unique needs of women who have served but whose needs are too often overlooked in more traditional healthcare settings.

Specialty services, including dermatology, audiology, oral surgery, and nutrition counseling, are also offered, making it easier for veterans to access comprehensive care in one place. This location also offers amenities such as wheelchair accessibility, valet parking, and VA-covered transportation to help reduce the barriers that might otherwise prevent a veteran from accessing the facility.

This clinic often becomes a stabilizing force for those trying to rebuild their lives, and even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, its doors remained open to veterans.

For the first time, its doors were closed, and veterans were turned away from in-person care.

(Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins via X)

On June 6, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began a series of raids to arrest illegal immigrants, who the Department of Homeland Security says have significant criminal histories. What began as peaceful protests against the raids quickly morphed into pockets of violence as demonstrators and law enforcement squared off, prompting the federal agents to seek backup support.

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As the disturbances continued, the Los Angeles police officers on the scene were also drawn into the melee. Many LAPD vehicles were hit with a barrage of bricks, fireworks, and rocks. It was a scene of riotous violence broadcast live on national television.

The protests against ICE erupted into full-scale riots in some areas, with protestors defacing government buildings  like the downtown VA clinic  with graffiti and threats. VA Secretary and Air Force Reserve Col. Doug Collins made the difficult decision to close the clinic for in-person appointments for the entire week due to security concerns for the veterans and on-site staff. He shared the above message and photo of the destruction on X.

We Are The Mighty reached out to the VA leader for a statement on the closure.

California leaders have repeatedly put the interests of illegal immigrants and criminals above those of hard-working citizens and now Los Angeles veterans are paying the price, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins said. We are thankful President Trump has the courage to bring order and safety back to the citizens of Los Angeles, something the California leaders have failed to do. The LA Ambulatory Care Center will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so and in the meantime, in-person appointments at the facility are being rescheduled or shifted to telehealth.

(Dept. of Veterans Affairs)

President Trump activated and deployed the National Guard on June 7, 2025, to restore order. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued the order just a day later, authorizing 700 Marines to provide additional support to law enforcement on the ground.

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After hundreds of arrests L.A. Mayor Karen Bass instituted a public curfew for the downtown area due to the extensive looting and rioting. That evening, rioters could be seen hurling objects at National Guardsmen protecting the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building. Governor Gavin Newsom also addressed the nation and the protestors themselves, asking them to peacefully go home.

As of Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the pockets of violent protesting continued, and the marines deployed to help contain the area continued their training to be ready to support federal law enforcement and guardsmen on the ground.

With the closure of the VA clinic in downtown Los Angeles, many veterans were unable to be seen at all and had to be rescheduled for later dates. With significant wait times for primary care or mental health appointments, the rescheduling is more than just an inconvenience for these veterans.

It can mean the difference between life and death.

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We Are The Mighty is a celebration of military service, with a mission to entertain, inform, and inspire those who serve and those who support them. We are made by and for current service members, veterans, spouses, family members, and civilians who want to be part of this community. Keep up with the best in military culture and entertainment: subscribe to the We Are The Mighty newsletter.
Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University anti-Israel ringleader, has posted bond after the Trump administration was temporarily blocked from deporting him amid their continued effort to hold him on "foreign policy" grounds.

Khalil posted his $1 bond on Thursday afternoon. He has not been released.

The government has until 9:30 a.m. on Friday to appeal the decision before Khalil must be released.

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The move came after U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz sided with Khalil on Wednesday, writing: "The government cannot claim an interest in enforcing what appears to be an unconstitutional law."

Federal Judge Sides With Anti-israel Ringleader Mahmoud Khalil, Halts Trump Administratino's Deportation Bid

Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil talks to the press during the press briefing organized by pro-Palestinian protesters who set up a new encampment at Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus on Friday evening, in New York City, United States on June 1, 2024.

Anti-israel Ringleader Mahmoud Khalil's Free Speech Lawsuit Against Us Government Must Be Heard: Judge

Read On The Fox News App

The ruling was a significant legal setback for the administration's efforts to deport Khalil, who has been held at a detention facility in Louisiana following his involvement in anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia University.

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The courts decision will remain on hold until Friday morning, giving the government time to appeal.

Khalil, a green card holder, was arrested after leading student protests on the Ivy League campus. He has argued that his free speech rights were being "eroded" by the Trump administration.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) attorneys have argued that Khalil's free speech claims were a "red herring," saying that the 30-year-old lied on his visa applications.

Federal Judge Says Attempted Deportation Of Anti-israel Ringleader Mahmoud Khalil May Be Unconstitutional

Khalil, they said, willfully failed to disclose his employment with the Syrian office in the British Embassy in Beirut when he applied for permanent U.S. residency. The agency also accused Khalil of failing to disclose his work with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees and membership in Columbia University Apartheid Divest .

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cited a provision in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 to justify Khalil's removal from the U.S. The provision allows the Secretary of State to deport noncitizens if the secretary determines their presence in the U.S. "would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences."

A pro-Gaza ceasefire tent encampment at Columbia University on April 28, 2024.

Rubio accused Khalil of participating in "antisemitic protests and disruptive activities, which foster a hostile environment for Jewish students in the United States."

"Condoning antisemitic conduct and disruptive protests in the United States would severely undermine that significant foreign policy objective," Rubio wrote.

Khalil has Algerian citizenship through his mother, but was born in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria.





Original article source: Anti-Israel ringleader Mahmoud Khalil posts $1 bond after federal judge rules Trump admin can't detain him
A federal appeals court on Wednesday denied former Sen. Bob Menendezs (D-N.J.) last-ditch bid to avoid reporting to prison while he appeals his corruption conviction.

In a terse order that offered no reasoning, a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit ruled 2-1 against Menendez. Judge Alison Nathan, an appointee of former President Biden, would have ruled in the New Jersey Democrats favor.

The decision lays the groundwork for Menendez to take his ask to the Supreme Court. But the clock is ticking, as hes set to report to prison on Tuesday to begin his 11-year sentence for trading bribes for political favors and other crimes.

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Menendez was convicted last year on 16 corruption charges, including accepting luxurious bribes with his wife, Nadine Menendez, from three New Jersey businessmen in exchange for his political clout and acting as a foreign agent of Egypt.

It made him the first public official ever convicted of acting as a foreign agent while in office.

Nadine Menendez was convicted on all counts she faced in April and is set to be sentenced on Sept. 11. She was accused of teaming up with her husband to accept the bribes  which included hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, gold bars and luxury cars  and conspiring to turn him into a foreign agent of Egypt.

She was initially set to be tried alongside her husband, but her trial was delayed following her breast cancer diagnosis and surgery.

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Two of the businessmen were also convicted at trial and reported to prison last month. The third pleaded guilty before facing a jury.

A federal judge in April denied Bob Menendezs request for release, and he took the ask to the federal appeals court last month.

Meanwhile, Menendezs allies have reportedly made overtures to the White House for a pardon from President Trump, who has not openly ruled out clemency for the ex-senator.

The former New Jersey Democrat himself has also publicly sought to land on the presidents good side. After his sentencing, he exclaimed that President Trump was right, deeming his own prosecution political and corrupted to the core while suggesting that Trumps was, as well.

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Earlier Wednesday, he made a winding post on the social platform X about how weaponization works, alleging similarities between his prosecution and the presidents.

The Hill requested comment from Menendezs lawyer.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV)  After losing her daughter in a car crash, an Appleton woman has made it her mission to prevent other families from having to go through a similar tragedy.

Back in 2019, Alyson OHearns daughter Mackenzie died in a car crash at the age of 17.

She lost her life in a snowstorm, on her way home from work, she lost control of her vehicle, OHearn told Local 5 News on Wednesday afternoon. She was a beautiful soul, and shes not here to make her impact on the world, so Im going to do that for her.

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In memory of her daughter, OHearn launched a nonprofit last year called Safe Driving Matters. Through education and advocacy, she spreads the message to young people about the importance of safe driving behaviors.

One of the major things she does through the nonprofit is going to local school districts to tell her story.

Bo Meltons team-first approach has Packers believing he could thrive as a two-way player

Providing a perspective on what happens to your loved ones if something happens to you, OHearn said. It puts a reality spin on it when we ask them who would your best friend call if something happened to you.

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In collaboration with Outagamie County court commissioner Brian Figy, shes also developed a court diversion program. She said Figy expressed to her that many of the young people that go through traffic court just have their parents pay their tickets and dont learn anything from their mistake.

They felt like there was a better way to handle this. The court diversion program give some young people who go through traffic court an opportunity to take a driving safety class at Fox Valley Technical College in lieu of paying for their traffic ticket and getting points added to their driving record.

Law enforcement officials teach these classes.

Cooler and unsettled weather for the next few days

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I feel like Kenzie is with me every day; shes the reason that I do this, said OHearn. I think she would be so proud that Im turning tragedy into something that is really helping others.

OHearn said she just entered into a partnership with Childrens Wisconsin that will help her connect with additional school districts to spread her message. She said shes also trying to raise money to purchase distracted driving simulators that they can use in their education programming.

I wake up every day knowing that I spend my time trying to make a difference, and its just an incredible feeling, she told Local 5 News. I think its really important that we take this loss and turn it into helping others and preventing tragedies like this from happening in the future.

For more information about Safe Driving Matters, please click here.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Applications are open for the Sioux Falls Police Career Cadet program.

The program started nearly two years ago as a partnership between Sioux Falls Police, Southeast Technical College and Sioux Falls Development Foundation.

1 arrested in connection with last weeks shooting

Lieutenant Rob Forster with Sioux Falls Police talked about the program at this mornings police briefing.

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When they leave this program, they will have some professional experience about how the actual operation of a police department works within the community. They also have the chance to become a police officer with their degree from Southeast Technical College, said Lt. Rob Forster of the Sioux Falls Police Department.

Cadets will receive 12 credit hours through Southeast Tech. The application period is open through June 23rd.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Archaeologists have discovered what they say are the remains of a 16th-century merchant ship more than 2.5 kilometres underwater off southern France, the deepest such find in its section of the Mediterranean or any other French waters.

Archaeologists believe the ship was sailing from northern Italy loaded with ceramics and metal bars before it sunk.

Despite a little modern household waste dotting its sunken cargo at 2,567 metres (more than 1.5 miles) below sea level, they were excited about the potential of an archaeological site largely preserved intact.

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"It's the deepest shipwreck ever found in French territorial waters," Arnaud Schaumasse, the head of the culture ministry's underwater archaeology department, said late Wednesday.

An underwater drone stumbled upon the sunken ship by chance in early March in waters near Saint-Tropez in southeastern France, deputy maritime prefect Thierry de la Burgade said.

"The sonar detected something quite big, so we went back with the device's camera, then against with an underwater robot to snap high-quality images," he said.

The drone was patrolling the seabed as part of a government project to explore and monitor France's deep-sea resources, from minerals to deep-sea internet cables.

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Archaeologist Marine Sadania said experts discovered 200 jugs with pinched spouts among the wreckage at the site they have dubbed "Camarat 4".

Some of these jugs were marked with the monogram "IHS", the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus, or covered with plant-inspired or geometric patterns.

Those details seemed to indicate the jugs hailed from the Liguria region in what is now northern Italy, she said.

- 'As if time froze' -

Experts also identified piles of around 100 yellow plates, two cauldrons, an anchor and six cannons.

Modern waste, such as a soda can or an empty yoghurt pot, were spotted too.

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But despite this, "the site -- thanks to its depth which prevented any recovery or looting -- has remained intact, as if time froze, which is exceptional," Sadania said.

Over the coming two years, she and colleagues plan to draw up a 3D digital version of the ship, as well as extract samples from the site to better study them before returning them to the public domain.

According to the defence ministry in charge of exploring France's deep seas, researchers can remove an item from a shipwreck by guiding a submarine robot with pincers or arms, via a long cable linking the device to a boat on the surface.

The deepest French authorities had found a sunken vessel until now was 2.3 kilometres under sea level off the southern city of Toulon in 2019.

The wreckage belonged to La Minerve, a French submarine that plunged to its demise in 1968 with 52 navy crew on board, four minutes only after the start of a routine assignment.

vwm-ah/sjw/giv
King Midas is the stuff of legend. Ancient Greek tales tell of a Phrygian ruler granted the power to turn everything he touched into gold. No monarch ever actually possessed a divine touch (or donkey ears), but historical records indicate at least two men with the name Midas oversaw the Phrygian kingdom during the first millennium BCE.

In 1957, archaeologists discovered a royal tomb (also known as a tumulus) at the site of Gordion, Phrygias ancient capital located about 60 miles southwest of Ankara, Turkey. Analysis later showed the grave dated to around 740 BCE and held the remains of a man believed to be the father of the first King Midas. Years of subsequent excavations at Gordion have yielded remarkable finds, including the oldest known standing wooden building, the earliest colored stone mosaics, and even a gilded ivory sphinx royal statue.

An ivory sphinx statue was previously excavated at the Gordion archaeological site. Credit: Penn Museum

According to Penn Museum researchers in collaboration with the Turkish government, archaeologists have found yet another stunningly preserved royal tomb chamber dating to around 750 BCE. And like the one uncovered nearly 70 years ago, this tumulus may have ties to Midas himselfand could revise our understanding of the kingdoms ancient burial practices.

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In 2024, researchers, including archaeologist Yucel Senyurt from Ankaras Haci Bayram Veli University, located the latest of the 130 mounds surrounding the Gordion citadel by using remote sensing magnetic prospection equipment. The team then spent four months excavating a massive 21-foot-tall by 196-foot-wide wooden burial chamber.

Designated Tumulus T-26, the space remained impressively well-preserved for thousands of years despite a collapsed roof, and shows no signs of grave robbing. Objects inside the tumulus included a number of relics associated with royal banquets such as bronze cauldrons, jugs, and bowls, as well as additional iron tools. These items were frequently used to serve food and wine during funeral feasts, with many of the vessels still possessing traces of adhering textilesan artisanal flourish associated with luxury crafting.

Bronze vessels

Arguably the most striking discovery at T-26 was its interred remains. Instead of skeletal fragments, archeologists found evidence of cremationa process believed to have popularized at Gordion over a 100 years later.

The excavation of these tumuli has yielded a wealth of information about the lives of Gordions rulers and their associates, C. Brian Rose, Gordion Excavation Director and Curator-in-Charge of the Penn Museums Mediterranean Section, said in a statement.  [W]e now know that cremation among the elite was practiced over a century earlier than we thought it was. Moreover, the traces of textiles on the vessels provide evidence for one of Gordions most important industries.

Its still unclear if Tumulus T-26 belonged to King Midas himself. But even without a solid gold tomb, its dating and proximity at the very least strongly suggests a direct link to his dynasty.
CHANGSHA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday held meetings with several African dignitaries who are in China for the opening ceremony of the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, as well as the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Changsha, the capital of central China's Hunan Province.

The African dignitaries Wang met with include Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Mozambican Foreign Minister Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, and Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey.

When meeting with Nabbanja, Wang said that the heads of state of China and Uganda have established mutual trust and friendship, providing impetus and a guarantee for the development of bilateral relations. In the first quarter of this year, Uganda's exports to China increased nearly 90 percent year on year, and China is willing to deepen practical cooperation in various fields with the country, he added.

Nabbanja expressed her gratitude to China for its valuable support for Uganda's infrastructure construction and economic and social development over a long period of time. She noted her expectation that cooperation with China would be deepened in key areas such as airport expansion, digital transformation and agricultural modernization.

When meeting with Koung, Wang noted that the presidents of China and Liberia had met on the sidelines of the FOCAC Beijing Summit to announce the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries. He said that China stands ready to work with Liberia to continue implementing the consensus reached between the two heads of state, as well as the key outcomes of the summit, to deliver benefits to both peoples.

Koung expressed gratitude for China's long-term, selfless support for Liberia, expressing willingness to work with China to implement the consensus reached between the two heads of state and advance cooperation across sectors such as maritime affairs, green energy, health care and agriculture.

When meeting with Nduhungirehe, Wang said that the heads of state of China and Rwanda had elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, providing strong strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations. China is willing to deepen its exchange and mutual learning with Rwanda in the area of state governance, and to enhance practical cooperation across various fields, Wang said.

Nduhungirehe said Rwanda is committed to implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, particularly the ten partnership actions for modernization, so as to work collaboratively to advance toward an independent, self-reliant modernization.

When meeting with Abdisalam, Wang said that the heads of state of China and Somalia had elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership during the FOCAC Beijing Summit. He noted that China is willing to work with Somalia to implement the summit's outcomes, deliver more tangible benefits to the Somali people, and assist Somalia in restoring peace and stability and accelerating its reconstruction and development.

Abdisalam thanked China for its strong support during Somalia's most difficult times, noting that China holds a highly important position in the hearts of the Somali people, and that Somalia greatly appreciates and is willing to actively participate in the series of global initiatives proposed by China.

When meeting with Lucas, Wang said that China is willing to deepen its comprehensive strategic partnership with Mozambique, and is ready to assist the country in accelerating its industrialization and modernization processes. He expressed appreciation for Mozambique's adherence to the one-China principle.

Lucas said that Mozambique appreciates China's new measures to support African development, as well as China's countermeasures against the imposition of unilateral tariffs.

When meeting with Dussey, Wang congratulated Togo on its smooth transition of its political system, expressing support for Togo in actively exploring a governance path that suits its national conditions. He added that China is willing to support Togo in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and national dignity.

Dussey said the series of global initiatives proposed by China uphold the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, and have made vital contributions to promoting world stability and prosperity. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja attending the opening ceremony of the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdisalan Abdi Ali Dhaay in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Sihan)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung attending the opening ceremony of the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Maria Manuela Lucas in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)
JERUSALEM (AP)  President Javier Milei of Argentina received the $1 million Genesis prize in Jerusalem on Thursday in recognition of his support for Israel as it faces a mounting international isolation over the war in Gaza.

Speaking in Spanish at the ceremony Thursday, Milei said: In this difficult moment, I accompany you with a fraternal hug and a sincere Am Yisrael Chai, using the Hebrew phrase for the people of Israel live." The crowd applauded and rose in a standing ovation.

A statement from the Genesis Prize said Milei will donate the award to launch an initiative aimed at improving diplomatic relations between Israel and Latin American countries and fighting antisemitism in the region.

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It said the goal is to replicate the Abraham accords  a U.S.-brokered set of agreements aimed at winning broader recognition of Israel in the Arab world  with Latin American states.

Breaking decades of policy precedent, Milei has gone further in his support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus right-wing government than perhaps any other world leader, as Israel faces growing isolation over its bombardment and invasion of Gaza in response to Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023.

Milei also has pledged to move Argentinas embassy to Jerusalem, joining a handful of countries, including the U.S., to recognize the contested city as Israels capital.

Past laureates of the award include New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, actor Michael Douglas, billionaire Robert Kraft, entertainer Barbra Streisand and filmmaker Steven Spielberg.
As Congress considers a measure to rescind all federal funding for public broadcasting, its vital to understand how destructive that would be for Arizona.

Cutting federal funding would leave many Arizonans, especially those in rural areas and tribal lands, without the critical services that Arizona PBS provides.

Public television stations provide lifesaving public safety communications and services in partnership with federal, state and local authorities.

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This includes cutting-edge technologies that help first responders communicate with each other without the need for mobile service or broadband.

PBS funding cuts would impact public safety

The PBS WARN system also sends alerts across Arizona with urgent information about flash floods, fires, tornado warnings, missing person alerts, major power outages and law enforcement situations that require neighbors to shelter in place.

The system has already sent 116 such alerts across the state for far this year.

Arizona PBS is responsible for maintaining the critical broadcast infrastructure to deliver these alerts.

A loss of federal funding may require us to reduce the number of broadcast towers we operate around Arizona. That would not only deprive viewers in those areas of programming, but it would also eliminate the ability to distribute alerts to those regions.

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Cuts to public broadcasting funding would significantly jeopardize public safety across our state.

They also would hurt Arizona education

Arizona PBS also has been instrumental in providing educational programming and outreach to children.

Long the hallmark of public television, these efforts support families with proven educational tools that have helped parents be their kids first teachers and have prepared multiple generations to be ready to learn and succeed in life.

Through PBS LearningMedia, Arizona PBS provides lesson plans to Arizona teachers and homeschoolers alike, translating our first-rate educational programming into engaging schoolwork made available for free to everyone.

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This content has been proven to close the achievement gap between children from low-income families and their more affluent peers.

Public television also provides critical early childhood education resources for the nearly 80% of children in Arizona who do not have access to organized preschool.

These services, plus our unbiased coverage of local news and issues, have led Arizonans and people across the country to trust public television at the highest level.

Americans trust PBS even more than Congress

In fact, for the 22nd year in a row, public television was ranked the most trusted U.S. institution, above the courts, Congress and all other media.

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Moreover, 76% of Americans agree that public television provides an excellent value to communities, according to a YouGov poll conducted earlier this year.

Public media has earned the broad support of the American people, across the political spectrum. According to the same YouGov survey, 65% of respondents who voted for President Trump think public television is either adequately funded or underfunded.

This bipartisan public support has been consistently reflected in Congress up to and including the last funding authorization passed earlier this year.

For about $1.60 per American per year  less than .01% of the federal budget  the investment in public broadcasting allows stations like mine to provide critical services to nearly 80% of the state, including many areas not well served by commercial media.

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Now, the administration is seeking to take away these vital services and programming. Supporters of public broadcasting need to understand the severe impact this will have on Arizona and press their federal legislators to reject any efforts to rescind funding.

Scott Woelfel is general manager of Arizona PBS. Reach him on LinkedIn @scottwoelfel.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: PBS funding cut hurts Arizona public safety, education | Opinion
Arizona is almost certain to lose a sizable amount of Colorado River water after 2026.

But it could still be months until we know exactly how much pain that could cause for our state.

The goal is to finish a draft analysis of alternatives by the end of the year, with a final plan of action completed by next summer.

If so, that may not leave much time for Arizona to work through an extra step that only our state faces: Legislative approval.

Arizona faced a similar scramble in 2019

Presuming its December before this required federal analysis is completed, that basically leaves next years legislative session to figure out how Arizona responds to it.

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The good news  if you want to call it that  is that weve been through this before in 2019 with the Drought Contingency Plan, which also thrust painful Colorado River cuts on Arizona.

Lawmakers had only weeks to approve the plan and a separate in-state deal to temporarily mitigate its impacts.

But this time around, the stakes are much higher. The cuts will be deeper and more painful than they were in 2019.

The politics are different, too.

Water politics were much different then

Republican Gov. Doug Ducey and Democratic Secretary of State Katie Hobbs hold up a signed Drought Contingency Plan on Jan. 31, 2019, at the Arizona Capitol.

Back then, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey had wide latitude to press for a deal without having to worry whether the Republican-run Legislature would support him on it.

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It was not an election year.

And water policy had not yet become a partisan bludgeon, as it is now between Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Republican-run Legislature.

Our state must overcome these divisions if we have any hope of minimizing the pain for water users.

That means our elected leaders must press everyone not to hold out for the deal they want, but to take the deal that they can live with.

If we pit Phoenix against Yuma, we lose

That may be easier said than done, particularly if cuts leave little water in the Central Arizona Project, the 330-mile canal that delivers Colorado River water to cities and tribes in metro Phoenix and Tucson.

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There will be tremendous pressure on Yuma, which has more senior water rights, to help ensure that water continues flowing to the states largest cities.

Yet decades of urban vs. rural political baggage could easily blow up that discussion, making it even more difficult to arrive at a deal.

Navigating this minefield will require deft leadership to carefully balance interests while maintaining a unified front to the rest of the Colorado River basin.

Because trust me: As volatile as this process already is among the states, Arizona will either remain united and live to fight another day, or it will split into warring factions and risk losing it all.

Arizona needs strong leaders to pull this off

Thankfully, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, a Democrat, and Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman, a Republican, have formed a coalition to explain how Arizona conserves water and why drastic cuts to either metro Phoenix or Yuma could hurt our national interests.

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(Hint: Because Phoenix now produces some of the worlds most advanced semiconductors, and Yuma is the only place in the nation that grows our salad greens in the winter.)

The mayors wisely recognize that working relationships are what brought us a deal in 2019 and hope to strengthen them all over the state.

Opinion: How will Arizona replace the water it's losing?

Hobbs and key lawmakers, to their credit, also understand that they must work together to protect the Colorado River, even if they have yet to broker passable compromises on groundwater.

But its one thing to say as much. Its another to deliver on that promise, particularly when such strong political headwinds are blowing against us.

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Arizona has a long history of doing big things when our future depends on it.

Are our leaders still up to the task?

Reach Allhands at joanna.allhands@arizonarepublic.com or on X @joannaallhands.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Colorado River plan faces another hurdle: Arizona lawmakers | Opinion
Just 40% of Arizonas public school students are proficient in English language arts, and a dismal 32% can pass a standardized math test.

A consumer research company last fall analyzed data from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., in four key areas  K-12 performance, school funding, higher education quality and safety  and concluded that public education in Arizona is the worst in the nation.

So, naturally, state Superintendent Tom Horne on June 11 blasted the Scottsdale Unified School District for being woke.

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Horne and Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan held a news conference to complain about the districts plot to teach a leftist view of U.S. history to next years high school students.

Horne was particularly exercised by a passage that says some Black Lives Matter activists believe some deaths that led to the movement were the result of deeply embedded racism.

They present a one-sided presentation thats trying to get students, impressionable students, to believe that racism is deeply embedded in this country, said Horne.

Horne blasts as 'woke' a textbook he hasn't read

Said Horne, who acknowledged he hasnt actually read the textbook in question.

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Said Horne, who is under fire from the hard right and now has Kimberly Yee and her handler Sen. Jake Hoffman nipping at his heels in next years Republican primary election.

Horne threatened to tell the Trump administration that Scottsdale is teaching diversity, equity and inclusion in the hope that President Donald Trump will yank away all federal funding from the district.

Better, I suppose, to penalize poor and disabled children who benefit from those funds than to allow high school students to be presented with a perspective that racism exists.

The school board voted 3-2 on May 13 to adopt the U.S. History Interactive High School Curriculum by Savvas Learning Company.

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The curriculum was chosen in a public process and at the recommendation of a committee comprised of five teachers, one high school administrator and one community member.

The school district says no parents applied to be on the committee.

Some parents later objected at last months school board meeting, however, saying the textbook contained anti-police propaganda.

Sheridan blasts as anti-police a textbook he hasn't read

That was enough for Sheridan, who at the June 11 press conference called it counterproductive for schools to push a misguided and inaccurate narrative that will make students fearful or suspicious of their local law enforcement officers.

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Said Sheridan, who like Horne did not actually read the book.

Superintendent Scott Menzel called Hornes and Sheridans accusations simply untrue and unsupported by fact.

Opinion: Republicans can't define DEI in Arizona, much less stop it

We would never adopt a curriculum that was anti-police, he told a reporter. We do have, historically, situations where some people argue that we should defund the police. Here in Arizona, we had people who removed school resource officers. Thats not something that we would ever contemplate, but from a historical perspective our students should be able to wrestle with why someone might have made that argument.

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Ironically, Menzel didnt catch the livestreamed news conference. He was, at the time, attending a party honoring Scottsdales retiring police chief.

Teaching kids how to think? Or what to think?

Having not read the 1,200-page textbook, I cant say whether the Scottsdale school board is engaged in a dastardly plot to turn out far left activists.

My guess is the district is trying to grow young adults with critical thinking skills.

My further guess is there are a plethora of school choice options open to any parent who objects to exposing their teens to the fact that some people believe racism is still a problem in this country.

I get it. We dont like our history to be messy, even though our history is, you know, messy.

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Kind of like how rioters in 2021 can be patriots as they attack police officers on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, even as rioters in 2025 can be vicious criminals as they attack police officers on the streets of Los Angeles.

Yeah, better if the kids dont get a chance to wonder about that.

Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz, on Threads at @LaurieRobertsaz and on BlueSky at @laurieroberts.bsky.social.

Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tom Horne blasts Scottsdale history book. But is it 'woke?' | Opinion
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Arkansans receiving government assistance are asking Arkansas senators in Washington to vote against President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Chanting The big ugly bill will kill, about a dozen people spoke out against changes to Medicaid, SNAP, and HUD Housing in the 1,000-page bill while arguing that health, food and housing are human rights.

Big, beautiful bill heads to the Senate

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Norma Huffman is a member of Arkansas Community Organizations, the group that organized a visit to the Washington D.C. and Little Rock offices of Senators Cotton and Boozman on Wednesday.

We are here to try to convince the head honcho of this office to vote no, Huffman stated.

Huffman is a single parent and says she is permanently disabled. She is on Medicaid, SNAP, and housing assistance for her needs, and she fears what the future will hold if Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act becomes law.

We have to fight for ourselves because we know for a fact nobody else is going to, Huffman argued.

The act proposes substantial cuts, restrictions, and added requirements for Medicaid and SNAP, shifting more costs to states, limiting eligibility, and repealing support programs. For HUD, the bill removes funding for cost-cutting green retrofitting.

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Hattie Temple says any change could be a triple blow to her and hundreds of thousands more.

It makes our deficit higher. It doesnt make any sense. Everything that he (Trump) cuts is to keep the folks down that are already down, Temple stated.

Trump disappointed by Musk criticism of big, beautiful bill

Senator John Boozman provided this statement when asked about the visit:

Work requirements for able-bodied adults are a fair and effective way to ensure SNAP and Medicaid benefits are directed to those who truly need them. By implementing commonsense policies, we can strengthen the programs while eliminating waste, reducing federal spending and promoting accountability. Senator John Boozman

Senator Tom Cotton also shared a statement:

Work requirements for able-bodied adults will root out waste, fraud, and abuse. Our tax dollars should be spent more efficiently and will help Arkansans who need it most. Senator Tom Cotton

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  The Arkansas Board of Corrections made an initial review of an inmate at its Tuesday meeting.

Authorities recaptured convicted murderer and rapist Grant Hardin on June 6 after he escaped out of the North Central Unit in Calico Rock on Sunday, May 25. Hardin, dressed in a makeshift law enforcement officers uniform, was allowed through the prison gate.

HISTORY: Grant Hardins 12-day escape joins the states most infamous escapes

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Board of Corrections Chairman Benny Magness said the escape indicated policies were not followed.

Sometimes you can have all the policies in the world and if people dont follow them, something like this happens, Magness said.

Magness discussed the events surrounding the escape with board members and corrections leaders.

This is the first time somebody actually got out of the unit. Weve had some walk-offs on the crews who took off running and stuff, but I believe its the first time anybody got out of the unit, Magness said.

Texarkana prison inmate caught after escaping while on work release, ADC officials say

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Dexter Payne, Director of the Division of Corrections, told the board the guard who opened the gate from the tower should have confirmed who was leaving.

A department spokesperson says the typical procedure when opening the back gate, which is used for deliveries, is to have a guard on the ground who verifies identity and a tower guard who lets people in and out. However, on Sundays, the ground guard assists with other duties, and the gate isnt used very much on the weekend.

Its not necessarily a policy issue, its a personnel issue, and the person that is responsible didnt do what he was supposed to do, Payne said.

Magness told the board there are things they may consider, such as requiring a pass to open the gate, and said they learn from these incidents.

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So theres some things we always pick up and do pick up from every emergency situation we do have like this, Magness said.

Arkansas legislators push for review of Grant Hardin escape in letter to Board of Corrections, AP says

The board said theyre thankful for the law enforcement who helped during the search for Hardin. They will receive a thorough review of the situation as agencies investigate the escape.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
State Board of Election Commissioners Jamie Clemmer and Bilenda Harris-Ritter during a meeting on July 15, 2024, to consider a permanent rule requiring "wet signatures" on Arkansas voter registration forms except at select state agencies. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

State election regulators decertified all three members of the Searcy County Election Commission on Wednesday over allegations the commission accepted equipment in violation of state rules.

The decertification means the election commissioners cannot work in any official election capacity for 14 years.

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The State Board of Election Commissioners, per its rules, did not identify Searcy County or the election officials by name as it reviewed 10 possible violations of state election law and regulations, but election commissioners from Searcy County attended the meeting and confirmed afterward they were the subject of the boards actions.

Searcy County was the only county to count ballots by hand last year. The countys election officials used audiovisual equipment  television monitors, cameras and scanners  provided by the Arkansas Voter Integrity Initiative to help observers monitor the vote counting, according to the board discussion. The nonprofit Voter Integrity Initiative unsuccessfully sued the state last year to get approval of a ballot measure that would require all elections in Arkansas to be conducted by hand-counted paper ballots.

The state election board also sanctioned Searcy County last October over issues involved in its hand count during the March 2024 primaries.

Chris Madison, director of the state election board, lauded the countys efforts to be transparent, but said his staff had difficulty getting records from officials documenting what he described as an equipment purchase.

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Only after the staffs investigative report had been finalized at the beginning of this month did it receive an invoice from the county election commission that showed it had been billed $100 for the equipment, Madison said.

Board member Jamie Clemmer said that receiving donated equipment from Arkansas Voter Integrity Initiative seemed questionable, especially by somebody that has a vested interest in these sorts of elections.

Madison said his staff didnt examine the ethics of the donation, only whether it was properly documented and compensated.

Laura Gross, the chair of the Searcy County Election Commission, said in an interview after the meeting that the equipment was a one-day rental, not a purchase, and that the same terms were available to other counties as well. She disputed that there was any kind of quid pro quo or under the table dealing for the equipment. She said she didnt know what the voter integrity groups history was and that she was trying to be a good steward of my budget.

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The county election commission also hadnt been provided with a copy of the complaint against it, Gross said, which she said is a requirement under the boards rules.

Its almost like theyre looking for something wrong, Gross said, adding later that, this is an out-of-control commission, and you can quote me on that.

Gross said she doesnt plan on contesting her decertification, while the other two commissioners told the Advocate they were undecided. Gross said she served on the county election commission as a public service. The the effort required to keep doing so wasnt worth it, she said, as she believed the outcome of the state boards investigation was predetermined based on the way members treated her and poll workers from Drew County on Wednesday.

The board voted to issue letters of caution to two Drew County election workers after it found the women had violated electioneering laws by asking a man to remove a pin with a graphic of former President Joe Bidens face and the words Weak Men Create Hard Time prior to voting.

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The man left the polling place upset after snatching back his ID in response to the request. He was allowed to vote the following day after the state election commission clarified that wearing the pin was not electioneering since Biden was not on the ballot.

In addition to decertifying the Searcy County election commissioners, the state election board also sanctioned other Searcy County election workers. A poll supervisor was given a letter of caution after a board-trained poll monitor overheard her saying she had talked voters out of casting provisional ballots. Another poll worker overheard expressing support for the casino ballot measure was decertified.

Additionally, the board voted to hold a hearing on July 16 for a poll worker who is contesting a previous board decertification vote.

Clarification: This story has been updated to specify what audiovisual equipment was provided and clarify the dispute over whether it was a purchase, donation or rental.

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By Felix Light

KHNATSAKH, Armenia (Reuters) -Nightfall is an anxious time for residents of Khnatsakh.

Every evening at around 10 p.m., automatic gunfire echoes through the tiny village in Armenia, locals say  the sound of Azerbaijani troops firing into the night sky from their positions across the border, high above.

The bullets regularly hit houses, though no-one has been hurt, so far, the villagers say. Azerbaijan denies its troops have been shooting across the border, and has accused Armenian troops of violating the ceasefire.

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"It's very tense because at home we have the children, the little ones, and the elderly," said Karo Andranyan, 66, a retired mechanic.

A hundred metres from his front door, on the hillside, an Azerbaijani military position with a flag fluttering in the breeze is a reminder of the proximity of Armenias bitter rival. The heavily militarized, 1,000-km border has been closed since the early 1990s.

The countries have fought two major wars in the past 40 years, destabilising the Caucasus - a region that carries major oil and gas pipelines toward Europe, and is strategically important to Russia, Iran and Turkey.

Rising tensions along the border are increasing the risk of new clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan as they approach a critical juncture in a tortuous peace process, two experts told Reuters.

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In March, the two sides said they had agreed the outline of a peace treaty that could be signed in 2026, raising hopes of reconciliation. The draft envisions the two sides demarcating their shared border, and requires Armenia to amend its constitution before Azerbaijan ratifies the deal.

But since then, reports of ceasefire violations along the border have surged, following months of relative quiet.

Andranyan said he thought the nighttime gunfire was meant to intimidate the villagers and the small garrison of Armenian troops stationed there. The village - which census data said had a population of 1,000 - was emptying as locals feared a return to conflict, he said.

"What are we supposed to do?"

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Though there have been no fatalities on the border since last year, incidents of cross-border gunfire are reported regularly. Most of the accusations since March, which describe cross-border gunfire and occasional damage to property, have been made by Azerbaijan against Armenia.

Both sides have repeatedly denied allegations of ceasefire violations.

The simmering conflict has shifted decisively in Azerbaijan's favour since 2020, as the oil and gas producer recaptured territory lost in the 1990s and progressively re-established control over the breakaway Azerbaijani region of Nagorno-Karabakh where ethnic Armenians had established de facto independence since the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 2023, it retook all of Karabakh, prompting the territorys 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee en masse to Armenia.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told a congressional hearing last month there was a "real risk" of war between the two. He said that the U.S. wanted Azerbaijan "to agree to a peace agreement that does not cause them to invade a neighboring country, Armenia."

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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in power since 2003, said in January that Armenia presented a "fascist threat" that needed to be destroyed.

Laurence Broers, an expert on Armenia and Azerbaijan at London's Chatham House think tank, said that though a return to full-scale war was possible, more localised skirmishes were more likely.

He said Azerbaijan, whose population of 10 million is three times Armenia's, has few incentives to agree swiftly to a peace treaty and may instead rely on smaller scale escalations to force its neighbour to make further concessions in the talks.

Escalation and militarization has been a very successful strategy for Ilham Aliyev, he said.

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Armenian authorities have repeatedly insisted there will be no war. In a speech last month, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the two countries would not resume fighting, despite all the arguments, all the provocations.

In response to questions about the border tensions, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry referred Reuters to its previous public comments.

In a statement in May, it said that Baku is committed to peace and has no territorial claims on Armenia. It said that Yerevan's actions "call into question Armenia's commitment to peace".

Azerbaijan's Defence Ministry has consistently denied Armenian reports of cross-border gunfire.

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TENSIONS IN THE SOUTH

Armenia's southernmost province of Syunik is at the heart of the dispute and is where most ceasefire violations are reported.

Syunik separates the main body of Azerbaijan to the east from the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan to the west. It also provides a vital trade route for Armenia to Iran, which it borders to the south.

Azerbaijan has since 2020 demanded Armenia provide it with a corridor through Syunik to Nakhchivan. Baku has said that the passage would remain Armenian territory but have minimal controls from the capital Yerevan.

Some Azerbaijani officials have also suggested that southern Armenia is historically Azerbaijani territory, though they have not pressed a formal territorial claim.

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In addition to its border with Azerbaijan, Armenias frontier with Turkey  a close ally of Bakus  is also closed, making its boundary with Iran a lifeline for trade. A corridor through Syunik could risk shutting off its access to the remote, mountainous border.

Armenia and Iran have warm ties, despite Armenias Christian religion, and increasingly pro-Western orientation. In 2022, Iran was Armenias fourth-largest source of imports. In May, Tehrans defence minister visited Yerevan, with Iranian media quoting him as expressing Irans opposition to redrawing borders in the region.

The dilemma is heightened by Armenias strained ties with traditional ally Russia, which opposes Armenias bid to draw closer to the West, and which has deepened its links with Azerbaijan.

"Armenia has two open borders, one with Georgia, and the other one with Iran. And this keeps the country going, said Tigran Grigoryan, director of the Regional Centre for Democracy and Security think tank, in Yerevan.

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Grigoryan said that Azerbaijans demands for the corridor could be the spark for future military escalation. He suggested that the ceasefire violations may be an effort to force Armenia into making concessions on the issue.

"If Armenia loses its border with Iran, that would be a catastrophe, he said.

The Iranian and Russian foreign ministries did not reply to requests for comment.

Throughout Armenias isolated south, the importance of the Iranian connection is clear.

Along the single route that links the two countries, Iranian road workers are labouring to expand a narrow, zig-zagging mountainside road clogged with lorries from south of the border, heading north towards Georgia and Russia.

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Along the way, some locals sell plastic bottles full of red wine to truckers newly arrived from Iran, where alcohol is banned.

At Armenias southernmost tip sits the historic town of Meghri, the gateway to Iran.

Only 16 km away from Azerbaijan, the town of 4,000 has seen its daily life overshadowed by tensions with Baku, deputy mayor Bagrat Zakaryan said.

Given the recent events in Karabakh, and what the president of Azerbaijan has been saying, there is this feeling of fear, he said.

OPPORTUNITY FOR PEACE

Others are more optimistic about the prospect of peace.

Until 1993, Armen Davtyan was the deputy director of Meghris railway station, which sat at a crossroads connecting Yerevan to Baku, and Iran to the Soviet Union, until the latters 1991 dissolution.

But after the 1988-1994 Karabakh war and the closure of the frontier, the tracks connecting Armenia to Azerbaijan were ripped up and Davtyan went to work as a border guard.

A rusted train, emblazoned with a Soviet emblem, lingers outside the station building, now a derelict shell metres from the Iranian border.

Davtyan said he fondly remembered the pre-war days, when Armenians and Azerbaijanis worked together on the railways, and hopes that one day cross-border trains might again pull into Meghri station.

"I do understand that some people are scared that if the railway reopens, the Azerbaijanis will return," he said.

"But if in 2025, people are still scared of us opening transport links, I think thats a little absurd."

(Reporting by Felix Light; Editing by Daniel Flynn)
Ahead of President Donald Trump's rally-style appearance at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on Tuesday, Army officials raised alarms over a vendor planning to sell Trump-branded merchandise on site.

They feared selling the merchandise could undermine the military's carefully maintained image of political neutrality, according to two officials familiar with the internal pushback. But on Tuesday, the vendor, 365 Campaign, was on the Army base anyway, and soldiers purchased clothing and items like "Make America Great Again" chain necklaces and faux credit cards labeled "White Privilege Card: Trumps Everything."

Trump's openly partisan speech and the spectacle of uniformed soldiers in the crowd cheering his attacks on elected officials sparked widespread public concern. But the vendor quickly raised red flags among Army officials, who viewed the overtly partisan storefront operating on military property as a breach of long-held norms designed to shield the service from political entanglement.

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In some cases, troops were seen wearing the Trump political merchandise, including MAGA neck chains, in uniform.

While service members retain the right to hold and express political beliefs, military regulations draw a hard line when it comes to political expression while in uniform or on duty. However, no service members are expected to be admonished in any way, with multiple Army officials explaining to Military.com that, despite rules very likely being broken, holding troops to account when goaded by the president, who is ultimately the boss, would be impossible.

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"We're going to use this as a teaching tool to make sure soldiers better understand their position in their uniform to be apolitical," one service official told Military.com on the condition of anonymity to avoid retaliation.

Trump's event -- ostensibly an opportunity to celebrate the Army's birthday -- was organized under the banner of America250, the congressionally chartered commission tasked with planning celebrations for the nation's 250th birthday in 2026. That same commission is also behind Saturday's glitzy Army parade in Washington, D.C., which coincides with Trump's 79th birthday.

The blueprint for Trump's rally-style appearance at Fort Bragg, the Army's marquee base for ground combat and home to the famed 82nd Airborne Division and other key formations, began taking shape about a month ago. Tucked into those preparations was a pop-up vendor from 365 Campaign, the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based retailer known for hawking Trump-centric gear and conservative-themed merchandise.

And the Army's internal objections were ultimately brushed aside. The vendor appeared at the event put on by America250, to the shock of Army officials on the ground.

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At the helm of America250 is Executive Director Ari Abergel, a former deputy communications director for Melania Trump and a producer for Fox & Friends, a flagship morning news talk show on Fox News. The commission tapped Event Strategies Inc., a political event firm with deep Trump-world ties, to handle logistics for both the Fort Bragg appearance and the upcoming Army parade.

Event Strategies, which has orchestrated many of Trump's rallies, was also listed on permits tied to the Jan. 6, 2021, protests in Washington, D.C. Its president, Tim Unes, a veteran of Trump's 2016 campaign, was previously removed from the planning team for former Sen. Bob Dole's funeral due to concerns over his involvement in the rally that preceded the deadly U.S. Capitol insurrection.

Event Strategies and America250 could not be reached for comment ahead of publication.

In addition to the merchandise, Trump's bombastic rally-style speech before a backdrop of soldiers was laced with political invective.

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The assembled Fort Bragg soldiers -- in uniform and from various units -- cheered as Trump launched attacks on former President Joe Biden, California elected officials and the media.

The troops applauded, laughed and booed as Trump attacked his perceived political opponents in a rare and striking public display of overt political partisanship within the ranks.

Presidents frequently use troops as backdrops for speeches, but those speeches often skate around overt politics and troops typically offer gestures of polite applause and laughs for nonpartisan jokes.

"The nation demands [an] apolitical, nonpartisan military," Gen. Dan Caine, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told lawmakers when asked about Military.com's earlier reporting on the pop-up shop.

Related: Bragg Soldiers Who Cheered Trump's Political Attacks While in Uniform Were Checked for Allegiance, Appearance
Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has weighed in on the recent Los Angeles immigration protests that have since sparked similar movements across the nation.

Speaking to Access Hollywood at Wednesdays season two premiere of his Netflix action series FUBAR, the former Republican politician, 77, was asked his thoughts on the current unrest happening in Los Angeles.

I hope that the locals and the state and the federal government work together, Schwarzenegger said, calling on bipartisan cooperation to bring immigration reform.

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That the democrats and the republicans work together to solve this issue because I think we need immigration reform, and I think they can do it, he added. If theres a will theres a way. I just encourage them to work this out.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that aired the same day, Schwarzenegger argued that the democrats and the Republicans have no interest in solving this problem [immigration] because they use that to raise money and so what they do is they just keep pointing the finger at each other and then theyre surpised if all of a sudden we are using our middle finger on them.

Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke in support of immigration reform, calling for bipartisan cooperation to 'solve this issue' (Getty)

This wouldnt happen if the politicians would do their work. Think about it, he said of the protests. Its all bogus because I think we can do better than that.

The Austrian-born Terminator star added: The whole thing is to do with deportation. Of course, this is a very sensitive subject for me because when I came over to this country, I was living in fear of being deported.

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Schwarzenegger, who endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, served as the Republican Governor of California from 2003 to 2011.

I will always be an American before I am a Republican, he declared.

Anti-ICE protests erupted in LA over the weekend, bringing days of civil unrest (AP)

Over the weekend, as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers conducted raids in LA, anti-ICE protests erupted across the city, causing days of civil unrest. To quell the protests, President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard, a decision that he is now being sued for by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who claims Trump acted illegally.

While LA remains the epicenter of unrest, The Independent found that demonstrations had flared up in at least 37 cities across the U.S. Hundreds of arrests had been made nationwide by Thursday.

Approximately 60 protesters, including juveniles, were arrested Sunday in San Fransico after a group began to vandalize property. Over on the East Coast, around 20 anti-ICE protesters were also led away by police in New York, following demonstrations in lower Manhattan.
HANOI, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam and Lithuania signed multiple cooperation documents on Thursday during Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda's state visit to Vietnam, Vietnam News Agency reported.

During the visit, Nauseda talked with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and both witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in the fields of agriculture, financial technology, artificial intelligence, and energy.

Both sides had agreed to further enhance people-to-people exchanges and promote bilateral trade and investment, the report added.

On the same day, Nauseda also talked with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam. 
Eight years after a woman was found dead behind a local church, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office says her alleged killer is behind bars in the Duval County jail.

JSO spotlighted the arrest this week, which brings the case closer to an end.

Officials say 39-year-old Rose Greene was found dead on Soutel Drive behind Masters Touch Ministry in June 2017.

Percy Johnson, a local registered sex offender with sexual offenses dating back 30 years, was officially charged with Greenes murder in November 2024.

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Greenes daughter, Catherine, said she searched for answers for years, even reaching out to a local Jacksonville social media influencer to spread the news about her mothers cold case.

Rose Greene and her daughter, Catherine

We didnt know who did it, so God put it in my heart to just reach out to Chelle, Catherine said.

Chelle Gman is a Jacksonville native who uses her Facebook page to highlight unsolved cases in the community.

Catherine and Gman believe the local influencers Facebook reach of over 25,000 followers may have lead to the arrest.

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A little information here a piece there can put together a whole puzzle and you never know who knows what until you ask, Gman said.

While Catherine says she has some closure knowing that someone is finally being held responsible, she says Johnson should have never been on the streets.

Action News Jax found records dating back to 1996 of Johnsons arrests in St. Johns and Duval counties.

The records show charges of sexual battery, kidnapping, and other similar offenses between 1996 and 2022.

Jacksonville Sheriffs Office officials say they are working with the State Attorneys Office in this case. Johnson is pleading not guilty.

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WELLSVILLE, Ohio (WKBN)  An art display in southern Columbiana County that drew strong attention over the last few years is being demolished.

Artist Gigi Janko owns the former Immaculate Conception church property in Wellsville that closed in 2019. She took material off the old church rectory and collected other items from houses in town that had caught fire and were being demolished. The result was a giant piece of abstract art next to the former church at the corner of Main Street and 11th Avenue.

After two years of disputes with the city, Janko is tearing the work down, all by herself. She said she started tearing down the structure last week.

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Theres been a lot to reflect upon in this process, and Im grateful that it hasnt been smooth because its caused me to look upon things with greater care, Janko said.

Janko came to Wellsville from Massachusetts after graduating from undergraduate school. Seeing an ad online for the old church, she was inspired.

It felt like the place that I wanted to be next, and I didnt know what that meant either, Janko said. Except that I was looking to make art and have freedom to explore materials in a way that I might not have had the chance to do before.

Janko set up a studio in the old church and began to immerse herself in the community.

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I loved discovering the different forms of the building, and I loved the people I was meeting, Janko said. I joined the fire department They made me feel really welcome in a way that I needed at the time.

Janko said the piece, titled But I Misunderstood [6 houses & a porch], became a way for her to process and heal from her own trauma.

I felt that it might be healing for other people, Janko said. Its difficult to have any sort of intention with art, but its awesome if it does anything.

Janko said she and the city have been negotiating the demolition since this past fall. She plans to have the work leveled by the time she returns to school in Rhode Island in September and hopes the property can be used for other art in the future.

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Not all art looks like this, and not all people work the way that I work, Janko said. It would be awesome to see people come in and engage with the community. As an artist, its been amazing to be here as a person, and I think itd be amazing for others to experience that.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Artificial intelligence continues to evolve rapidly, especially in the media space. While it may have been easier to spot AI-generated material in recent years, its getting harder.

The danger comes when we dont believe anything, when we go from skepticism to cynicism. And thats the real danger of AI, Al Tompkins from the Poynter Institute for Media Studies told FOX 56 News.

Its a technology thats evolved a lot in a short amount of time and begs the question, can we always believe what is seen?

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Search underway in Lexington for man accused of trafficking cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana

All of those old, reliable detections. Like theyve got too many fingers, or their eyes look weird or something, the depth of field in the photograph doesnt make sense. All of those are starting to fall by the wayside, Tompkins said. Ask yourself, where did this come from? How did this start? Whos behind it? And the second thing I would say to you is, remember that disinformation mostly turns on emotion.

Tompkins has spent his career teaching journalists how to dig a little deeper and avoid being tricked when something appears real online. And theres a lot online that can easily trigger a firestorm of comments and shares, sometimes by design.

We saw this, for example, with the California wildfires; weve certainly have seen it with the protests out in California, that sometimes we see images that align with whats actually going on but the images might be from some other place, or they might not be real at all, Tompkins said, pointing out its a lot easier to create deceptive material during breaking news situations or during conflicts like the Russia/Ukraine war and Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

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Tompkins noted that when you have high emotions, judgment is running low. Some readers might remember an AI-generated image of a young girl that went viral during Hurricane Helene last October; shes not real, but at first glance, its easy to assume she is. Late last month, Google unveiled an update to its generative video model, Veo 3. The technology can now create short, high-quality videos with natural sounds that are entirely artificial.

I think its far more useful to educate people about how to use internet capacity, how to use artificial intelligence capacity. Education is the elixir for a lot of this. Not so much legislation, Tompkins said, adding its especially important for less tech-savvy generations to keep up. He said that artificial intelligence detector technology has been mostly able to keep up, but especially with audio and video, its not quite foolproof.

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And keep in mind theres the extreme possibility that something that appears to be AI-generated at first actually is real.

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There are extraordinary things that occur that just dont seem possible. You know, if we saw that video of the Hindenburg blowing up, I dont think any of us would believe it until we had some eyewitnesses that were truly believable, he said.

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WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A mural in Wilkes-Barre has been the cause of controversy since it was put up nearly two weeks ago. One of the artists who painted it, is now responding.

28/22 News Reporter Avery Nape met with the artist Thursday afternoon.

Just last weekend we spoke with residents who criticized the artwork. Now one of the artists is responding.

PHOTOS: Wilkes-Barre mural causes controversy

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If the community wants to see artwork, and they want to see butterflies and kittens, and whatever pleases them, then its a whole different approach, said Marie Flageul, Executive Producer, Superbien.

Neighbors were vocal about their distaste for the mural spanning down parts of Blackman and Arch Streets in the Rolling Mill Hill Section of Wilkes-Barre.

The main issue, what some residents like Linda Joseph and Laura Mudlock called disturbing, disrespecting authority, and calling for violence against police.

There is a police officer on the right side, extreme right of the building, with what appears to be holes bullet holes, said Linda Joseph, President, Rolling Mill Hill Resident Association.

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This says I will not respect authority in any way, shape, or form, added Laura Mudlock, Owner/Funeral Director, Mamary-Durkin Funeral & Cremation Services.

Claims that one of the artists says are just not true.

Its no message to go after cops or anything, its a scene, a visual scene, that was one of the most iconic scenes of the movie, explained Jonathan Meresone Cohen

Artist, Brooklyn, New York.

Jonathan Cohen has been doing street art since 1987.

While some may associate the art style with vandalism and unruly school-kids, Cohen is a professional.

Hes done commissioned work for major brands like Louis Vuitton and even a piece at La Guardia Airport.

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While the artist is no stranger to the spotlight, he and his colleague Marie Flageul say theyve never gotten a community response like this before.

Weve never experienced such aggressive and judgmental response, said Flaguel.

Now, community members say they would have liked some input as to what kind of art goes up in their neighborhood but Cohen and Flageul say thats on the owner of the building, and while they dont plan on removing the work, another artist has planned to make some additions to the mural to provide some context to the scenes depicted.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The Arts Council of Kern announced the start of Second Saturdays, a new monthly event in which Kern County residents can celebrate creativity within the community by supporting local artists.

Starting this June, the event will take place on the second Saturday of each month, according to the organization. This monthly, indoor event is set to take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arts Councils downtown headquarters, located at 1020 18th St.

Local artists will be able to host pop-up shops to showcase their artworks, according to organizers.

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Giant kit fox, roadrunner greet motorists at newly unveiled Q Street, Golden State Avenue murals

Members of the community can stop by to shop for local art and connect with the local artists at the vendor booths.

Starting in July, Second Saturdays are expected to also feature hands-on arts-making opportunities for the public.

Artists can join as a vendor by paying a $25 vendor fee. The Arts Council is accepting vendor applications.

The event is free for the public to attend.

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Assemblyman Reginald Atkins (D-Union) said the bill sent a message: "Here, we expand Democracy. We don't shrink it." (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

An Assembly committee approved a bill that would create a state counterpart to the federal Voting Rights Act in what supporters said was a bid to protect New Jerseys democracy from growing federal assaults.

The measure would create a new independent office, housed in Treasury, to oversee elections where the voting rights or powers of racial and language minorities are limited. The Assembly Oversight, Reform, and Federal Relations Committee approved it Thursday in a 4-1 vote with an abstention from Assemblyman Michael Torrissi (R-Burlington).

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At a time when voting rights are under attack across the country, New Jersey must lead and continue to lead the way. This particular voter empowerment act  is our chance to send a clear message: Here, we expand Democracy. We dont shrink it, said Assemblyman Reginald Atkins (D-Union), the panels chair.

The bill would expand state courts power over elections, permitting them to change rules that violate the bills provisions, redraw voting districts, expand governing bodies, and move some election dates to coincide with higher-turnout state and federal races.

The bill would create preclearance rules at the state level, requiring localities with a history of voter suppression or intimidation to seek approval before enacting election rule changes, mirroring a provision of the federal Voting Rights Act the U.S. Supreme Court struck down in 2013.

Voting and civil rights groups broadly supported the bill, arguing the state needed its own protections amid escalating attacks from President Donald Trump and the waning strength of the federal law, which courts have repeatedly denuded since its enactment in 1965.

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In the past six months, we have seen attacks on voting rights at the federal level accelerate, including the Department of Justice dropping critical legal cases that aim to protect against racial discrimination in voting, said Jesse Burns, executive director of the League of Women Voters of New Jersey. We know that these threats are real, and we know that state-level VRAs are a powerful tool to curtail them.

They praised a language-access provision that would require local officials to print translated election materials  including ballots, registration forms, and notices, among others  and assistance in languages other than English.

That requirement would kick in if at least 2%, or 4,000, of eligible voters speak a language other than English and have limited English proficiency. The federal law has a similar provision, but it sets a higher bar, requiring 5% of voting-age citizens with limited English proficiency before kicking in.

New Jersey is home to over 2 million immigrants. One in four residents is an immigrant, 42.5% of whom are limited-English-proficient, but language access and expanded voted rights do not only impact them. 1.2 million New Jerseyans, regardless of citizenship status, are limited-English-proficient, said Madison Linton, a fellow at the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice.

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The New Jersey Association of Election Officials opposed the bill, questioning whether it was needed and cautioning it would give courts broad authority over election administration that, to now, had largely been left with election administrators.

Linda Hughes, the associations recording secretary and Burlington Countys Republican Board of Elections administrator, warned such court intervention could leave various groups of voters with different election rules and cede some of the legislatures authority to the judiciary.

If a court determines that a disparity exists in voter turnout, vote outcomes, or even if they dont approve of a partys candidate selection, the judges  the individual judges  can then unilaterally change how those elections are run in certain jurisdictions throughout the state, she said.

It was unclear how officials could identify discrimination based on a voters protected class  in the bills case, those in a racial or language minority group  given such information was not recorded on voter registrations, Hughes said.

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Some witnesses urged the committee to expand the definition of protected class to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and criminal history.

Residents must provide notice to clerks asserting violations of the bills provisions. After receiving the notice, officials are guarded from lawsuits for up to 190 days while they work on fixes, which must be approved by the new voting rights office.

Hughes questioned whether there was even a need for the bill.

This legislation seems to imply there are voters wanting to vote that are being prevented from participating  We just dont have any evidence that thats happening here in New Jersey, so this legislation does seem like it is a bit of a solution in search of a problem that doesnt exist, she said.

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The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice identified 885 cases of voter intimidation, voter ID, registration, or polling access issues in the state between 2020 and 2024, said Nuzhat Chowdhury, director of its democracy and justice program.

Proponents argued much of the powers the bill, dubbed the John Lewis Voter Empowerment Act after the late Georgia congressman and civil rights leader, would grant to the courts were already available as remedies under the federal Voting Rights Act.

Assemblyman Mike Inganamort (R-Morris), the only lawmaker to vote against it in committee Thursday, largely echoed Hughes concerns about the bill. But he added his own reservations about the costs of language-access provisions and questioned reasoning behind leaving enforcement to the new Treasury office rather than the attorney general.

The attorney generals office provides counsel that is clear, timely, consistent, and free. That process works. Instead, this legislation calls for a new department, in the Department of Treasury of all places  I guess they have the desk space, I still dont understand that aspect  that is going to be doing the job the attorney general already does, Inganamort said.

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Enforcement was moved away from the attorney generals office because state lawyers advise election officials on legal matters, and requiring them to enforce the bill would create a conflict of interest, said Chowdhury.

The measure has not advanced in the Senate since it was introduced there last March.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Agents investigated and arrested an Assumption Parish man accused of Medicaid fraud for multiple years.

Attorney General Liz Murrill announced Lenroy Brown, 53, of Paincourtville, was arrested Tuesday, June 10. An investigation started after Louisiana Bureau of Investigation agents received a complaint from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) on Dec. 11, 2023, regarding an allegation of Medicaid fraud.

According to an affidavit, Brown earned a total of $169,772.67 from April 2021 to March 2023 in wages that werent disclosed to LDH and fraudulently obtained $16,758.03 in Medicaid benefits.

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Brown was arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on a charge of government benefits fraud.

The attorney generals office said an investigation is ongoing.

10 Chinese nationals detained after ICE operation at Baton Rouge massage parlors

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The Brief

Atlanta firefighters Alvin Cox and Adrian Strickland were arrested for allegedly conspiring to set a car on fire to collect insurance money.

Investigators found inconsistencies in Cox's account and suspicious behavior from Strickland, including accessing incident reports and being near the fire site.

The Atlanta Fire Department is conducting an open criminal investigation, while Cox's attorney claims his client will be proven innocent.

ATLANTA - Two Atlanta firefighters are facing arson charges after investigators accused them of conspiring to intentionally set a car on fire in an alleged attempt to collect insurance money.

What we know

Atlanta Firefighter Alvin Cox and his supervisor, Fire Captain Adrian Strickland, were both arrested following a months-long investigation by fire department officials. Authorities say the pair  both assigned to Fire Station 10 on Boulevard  orchestrated the April 2023 burning of a 2014 Hyundai Elantra.

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Cox was taken into custody last week and charged with arson. Investigators allege he asked Strickland to set the vehicle ablaze. The burned-out car was discovered on Thomasville Boulevard near Fulton Bridge in southeast Atlanta, a location where officials say abandoned vehicles are often found.

Cox initially told investigators he and his wife drove separate cars to meet for dinner and drinks at Harold's Chicken and Ice Bar on April 12, 2023. According to a warrant, he claimed he parked his Elantra three blocks away at 71 Hillard Street, then rode home with his wife in preparation for an international trip to Aruba the next day. When he returned, Cox said, the vehicle was missing and he assumed it had been stolen.

However, investigators say Coxs account began to unravel. They reported no sightings of any of Coxs four vehicles on the Atlanta Police Departments Video Integration Camera System or tag readers near the area where he claimed to have parked.

Fire investigators soon noticed suspicious behavior involving Strickland. Department records showed Strickland accessed incident reports related to Coxs car 14 times. Phone records revealed multiple calls between the two firefighters that coincided with key moments in the investigation, including before and after both men were interviewed by department officials.

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Cellphone data placed Strickland in the area of the fire  near Fulton Bridge  at 10:01 p.m. the same night the vehicle was discovered burning.

An affidavit from fire investigators concludes that Cox enlisted his captain to help carry out the arson.

What they're saying

The Atlanta Fire Department issued a brief statement saying, "This matter is currently the subject of an open criminal investigation. We will not be commenting at this time."

Coxs attorney, Jacoby Hudson, said his client will be cleared. "We will prove his innocence beyond a reasonable doubt," Hudson said.

Attorney Kevin Franks, representing Strickland, did not respond to a request for comment.

The Source

This information is based on reporting from FOX 5 Atlanta and public records, including arrest affidavits, investigative findings from the Atlanta Fire Department, and statements from attorneys involved in the case.
Atlantas police chief criticized the judges ruling for Young Slime Life criminal street gang member Christian Eppinger.

The sentence that we saw, it looks great on paper, but there is zero accountability in there. There is zero punishment, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum told Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Mark Winne.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis indicated the issue is that Eppingers sentence of 40 years in prison plus 35 years of probation is to run at the same time as the 45-year sentence handed down previously by another judge in a probation revocation.

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Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker defended the sentence as appropriate.

Eppinger was the last remaining defendant in the YSL gang racketeering case. Among his charges was attempted murder in the shooting of Atlanta officer David Rodgers in February 2022.

Rodgers was attempting to arrest Eppinger for armed robbery. The officer was shot six times but survived.

Hes angry, Schierbaum said of Rodgers. I think he is surprised what happened in the courtroom of Fulton County, that this is the sentence given to someone that tried to take his life.

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Whitaker told Winne by phone that her sentencing of Eppinger is by far the lengthiest sentence she has handed out in the massive YSL gang racketeering case.

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She also added that the safety of the community is a consideration in any sentence she hands down, and this one will keep him behind bars for 40 years, a stiff sentence for a 25-year-old with one prior felony conviction.

RELATED STORIES:

Whitaker said she worked as a prosecutor for more than 20 years, part of that time as colleagues with Willis before either was elected to their current offices.

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In crafting Eppingers sentence in the YSL case, Whitaker said she considered that the lengthy probation revocation he was already serving was essentially already a punishment for the same crimes for which she sentenced him Monday.

Attorney Noah Pines said, Theres no question that Judge Whitaker is tough on crime. She is a very fair judge, but shes a very tough judge when it comes to sentencing. Theres not question about that.

Hylton said she played dashcam and bodycam video from Eppingers shooting of Rodgers in the hearing Monday.

Eppinger entered a non-negotiated guilty plea to attempted murder, RICO conspiracy and more as whats called an Alford plea, meaning he decided pleading guilty was in his best interest but he doesnt admit to the crimes.

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Atlanta police say a man was shot and killed outside a northwest Atlanta gas station on Wednesday night.

Police responded to 1739 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. NW to reports of a shooting at approximately 9:45 p.m.

When they arrived, they found a dead man lying on a sidewalk. Atlanta Police Homicide Commander Andrew Smith told Channel 2 that the victim was shot on the sidewalk near the Chevron gas station, then ran across the street, where he collapsed on that sidewalk and died.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Police said a group of men were arguing before the shooting. Homicide Unit Investigators are examining evidence and speaking to witnesses.

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Smith said police are looking for three Black men, one of them dressed in a white shirt and jeans, and the other two dressed in all black.

Police urge anyone with information about this shooting to call Atlanta Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS(8477). Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward.

TRENDING STORIES:

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BEIJING/JAKARTA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- China has added Indonesia to its 240-hour visa-free transit program, bringing the total number of eligible countries to 55, immigration authorities announced on Thursday.

Effective Thursday, Indonesian travelers who meet the stipulated criteria can enter through any of 60 ports across 24 provincial-level regions and stay in China for up to 240 hours, or 10 days, without a visa before heading to a third destination, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

During the visa-free transit period, travelers are permitted to engage in tourism, business, exchange visits and family visits. However, the policy does not cover employment, study or journalistic activities, which still require appropriate visas, the NIA said.

Previously, travelers from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could enter parts of China visa-free under a separate regional exemption scheme. That program allows group tourists to stay for up to six days in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, in the southwest, and Guilin, in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in the south.

Earlier this month, China also introduced a five-year, multiple-entry visa policy for businesspeople from ASEAN member states and observer country Timor-Leste. The so-called "ASEAN visa" extends eligibility to spouses and children of applicants -- allowing stays of up to 180 days per visit.

The NIA said that the latest visa-free transit expansion is part of broader efforts to deepen exchanges and cooperation with ASEAN countries.

The move is expected to boost bilateral cooperation, improve trade and investment efficiency, and foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and Indonesia, NIA officials explained.

Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun has welcomed the development, saying the policy will strengthen people-to-people connections, particularly in the tourism sector.

Veronika Saraswati, director of the Indonesia-China Partnership Studies Institute, has also praised the new policy, expressing the view that it is beneficial to bilateral exchanges and cooperation.

"This policy is also in line with China's efforts to promote inclusive globalization and joint development, which will ultimately bring benefits for regional and global peace and prosperity," she added.

The policy shift is part of a series of adjustments to China's visa rules and is aimed at boosting cross-border mobility and exchanges following the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2024, authorities expanded the visa-free transit window from previous limits of 72 or 144 hours to 240 hours and increased the number of eligible ports by 21.

The expanded coverage now includes regions rich in tourism and in cultural and ethnic heritage, such as north China's Shanxi Province, known as a filming location for "Black Myth: Wukong," east China's Jiangxi Province, famous for its porcelain heritage, and Guizhou Province in southwest China, home to multiple world natural heritage sites.

Additionally, travelers under the visa-free transit program can now travel between multiple destinations within designated regions. In provinces such as Anhui in the east, Hainan in the south, and Guizhou in the southwest, the entire provincial area is now accessible under a single itinerary.

China has also expanded its unilateral visa-free access program, allowing travelers from 47 countries to stay for up to 30 days. Recent additions include countries in Latin America and the Gulf region, such as Brazil and Saudi Arabia.

These sweeping policy changes have facilitated travel to China, fueling a surge in online content and interest around "China Travel," particularly on platforms like YouTube.

In 2024, international travelers made 64.88 million cross-border trips to China, up 82.9 percent year on year. More than 20 million of these were visa-free entries, marking a 112.3 percent increase from the previous year, the NIA revealed.

Notably, during the recent three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday, 231,000 foreigners entered China without a visa -- an increase of 59.4 percent compared to a year earlier. 
Attorneys in Karen Reads murder retrial will return to court Thursday morning without jurors present in preparation for closing arguments, which will take place on Friday.

WATCH LIVE: Streaming coverage from court begins at 10 a.m.

Read, 45, of Mansfield, is accused of striking John OKeefe, her Boston police officer boyfriend, with her Lexus SUV and leaving him to die alone in a blizzard outside of a house party in Canton at the home of fellow officer Brian Albert on Jan. 29, 2022, following a night of drinking.

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The defense rested its case late Wednesday afternoon after calling 10 witnesses. In presenting Reads case, her lawyers alleged that OKeefe, 46, was beaten, bitten by a dog, then left outside of 34 Fairview Road in a conspiracy orchestrated by the police that included planting evidence against her.

Lawyers for the defense and the Commonwealth will return to Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court at 10 a.m. Thursday for arguments about evidence and a charge conference (jury instructions). The defense is also expected to ask for another dismissal of the case.

During Reads second trial, the defense twice unsuccessfully tried for a mistrial. Reads first trial ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury.

Reads retrial has sparked national interest.

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Before the defense rested, Wednesday featured a tense cross-examination with Special Prosecutor Hank Brennan sparring with the defenses crash expert, Dr. Andrew Rentschler from ARCCA.

Rentschler testified that damage to Reads taillight and OKeefes clothing was inconsistent with her SUV striking an arm or body at the speed described by the prosecution.

You think John OKeefe did somersaults in the front yard? Is that what you are telling us, doctor? Brennan questioned.

No, Rentschler replied. I dont think he even got hit by the car, sir.

You have no idea where the point of impact was in this collision, do you? Brennan asked.

Andrew Rentschler testifies on the injuries John O'Keefe received when he died at the Karen Read retrial, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone /The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

Nobody does, Rentschler said.

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Im asking, Brennan said. You dont know.

Yeah, all right. Rentschler replied.

The prosecution alleges Reads taillight clipped OKeefe in the arm, throwing him backwards before his head hit the ground.

Rentschler said the science doesnt support that.

Theres no indication on these X-rays of any fracture or any trauma or any type of injury to the bones or the joints, Rentschler testified.

Was there any indication that John OKeefe suffered even a minimum amount of bruising on his arm at all? Alan Jackson, Reads defense attorney, asked.

No indication of any amount of bruising whatsoever, Rentschler replied.

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Earlier this week, Dr. Elizabeth Laposata, a former medical examiner called by the defense, said OKeefes injuries were indeed consistent with blunt force trauma to the back of the head, but that his eye wounds were not consistent with being hit by the rear of Reads SUV. She also testified she did not think OKeefe was hit by the SUV at all.

Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone listens to witness Dr. Elizabeth Laposata during the Karen Read retrial, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

Defense attorneys in the case have also accused the prosecution of twisting Reads words into a confession she never made. The state has pointed to a television interview in which Read said, I mean, I didnt think I hit him hit him, but I could I have clipped him?

After closing arguments are delivered on Friday, jurors will be sent off to deliberate on Reads fate.

Read has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death.

Before the jury enters the courtroom Karen Read shares a lighthearted moment with her defense team, during her second murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

Karen Read sits with her defense team, from left, Robert Alessi, Elizabeth Little, Alan Jackson, and David Yannetti during her murder retrial in Norfolk Superior Court, in Dedham, Mass., Monday June 2, 2025. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool)

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Karen Read during her trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

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Karen Read talks with her attorneys Robert Alessi and David Yannetti during her trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

Karen Read and her defense team watch jurors leave the courtroom during Read's murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

Karen Read speaks with her defense attorney, Alan Jackson, during her retrial in Norfolk Superior Court, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell, Pool)

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Defense attorney Robert Alessi, center, confers with Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone as Karen Read, left, stands by during a sidebar during Read's murder trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

Karen Read, who is accused of killing her boyfriend Boston police Officer John O'Keefe, in 2022, during her murder trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

Karen Read, who is accused of killing her boyfriend Boston police Officer John O'Keefe, in 2022, during her murder trial at Norfolk Superior Court, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

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Karen Read and attorney Alan Jackson look at the empty jury box while listening to Judge Cannone during Read's murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday, May 21, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

Karen Read looks on during her trial Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Matt Stone/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

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Defendant Karen Read, right, confers with her attorneys Alan Jackson, left, and Robert Alessi, center, before Read's trial in Norfolk Superior Court, Friday, May 16, 2025, in Dedham, Mass. (Mark Stockwell/The Sun Chronicle, Pool)

Defendant Karen Read talks with her attorneys during her murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (Mark Chavous/Enterprise News via AP, Pool)

Karen Read

Dedham, MA - April 12: Karen Read at her pre-trial hearing at Norfolk Superior Court. (Photo by David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Karen Read watches attorney Robert Alessi make a point during her trial at Norfolk Superior Court at Dedham, Mass., on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

Judge approves joint motion to delay start of Karen Reads 2nd murder trial

Dedham, MA - July 1: Karen Read looks toward the jurors, as they are greeted by Judge Beverly J. Cannone (not pictured) in Norfolk Superior Court. (Photo by Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

All stand as the jury files out to the courtroom, to start their fifth day of deliberations in the murder trial for Karen Read in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Monday, July 1, 2024. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool)

Karen Read jurors tell judge theyve been unable to reach unanimous verdict

Day 3 of jury deliberations finishes without verdict in Karen Read trial

Karen Read awaits the juries verdict in her murder case at Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Wednesday June 26, 2024. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP)

Defense attorneys in Karen Read murder trial argue with judge over jury verdict slip

Some witnesses are in the courtroom on Tuesday include Brian Albert, Colin Albert, and Jennifer McCabe.

Karen Read

Karen Read, center right, is seated Monday, June 10, 2024, in Norfolk Super Court, in Dedham, Mass., during her trial on charges in connection with the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe. (Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool)

Karen Read is seated Monday, June 10, 2024, in Norfolk Super Court, in Dedham, Mass., during her trial on charges in connection with the 2022 death of her boyfriend, Boston police Officer John O'Keefe. (Kayla Bartkowski/The Boston Globe via AP, Pool)

Karen Read

Karen Read smiles after listening to her attorney Alan Jackson during her trial at Norfolk County Superior Court, Friday, May 17, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. Read, 44, is accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor'easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, Pool)

Karen Read

Karen Read

Karen Read sits with her legal team team in court Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. Read, 44, is accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor'easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (David McGlynn/New York Post via AP, Pool)

Karen Read sits with her legal team team in court, Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. Read, 44, is accused of running into her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV in the middle of a nor'easter and leaving him for dead after a night of heavy drinking. (David McGlynn/New York Post via AP, Pool)

Get caught up with all of the latest in Karen Reads retrial.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Days before his next hearing and arraignment, attorneys for a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador have asked the Court for what he has been denied the past several months  due process.

Read the full filing here

Kilmar Abrego Garcia landed in the United States last week to face criminal charges, according to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi claimed that Abrego Garcia and co-conspirators worked to bring undocumented immigrants to the U.S., including minors, from around 2016 until this year. He has also been accused of trafficking narcotics, abusing women and has been associated with child sexual abuse.

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Abrego Garcia appeared in a Nashville courtroom last week and has been scheduled for another hearing and arraignment Friday wherein Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes will decide if the U.S. government is entitled to a detention hearing. However, on Wednesday, his attorneys argued that the government is not entitled to seek detention in this case and seeks to deny the governments motion for detention.

RELATED: Body cam footage released from 2022 THP traffic stop of Maryland man deported to El Salvador

The filing argues that the United States claims that Abrego Garcia could be motivated to flee if convicted due to a high chance of deportation to El Salvador are baseless, noting that though he has been accused of a crime does not mean he would pose a flight risk.

Additionally, they argue that there is no serious risk that he would obstruct justice and argue that his felony case does not involve minors

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This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

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Attorneys for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man arrested by the government and sent to an El Salvador prison in error and then returned to the United States last week, argued in a court filing Wednesday that he should be freed from jail pending trial.

Mr. Abrego Garcia asks the Court for what he has been denied the past several months  due process, attorneys for Abrego Garcia wrote in a memorandum opposing prosecutors efforts to keep him detained.

Abrego Garcia was returned to the United States on Friday to face federal charges that he was involved in a scheme to transport people in the United States who are not legally able to be in the country. He was in federal custody Wednesday night.

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Abrego Garcia's attorneys argued in Wednesday's memo that he is not a flight risk, as prosecutors have argued. His attorneys say legal standards to keep him detained have not been met.

"The government isnt even entitled to a detention hearing in this case  much less detention. Mr. Abrego Garcia should be released," his attorneys wrote.

An arraignment and detention hearing is scheduled for Friday in Tennessee.

Abrego Garcia, 29, was arrested in Maryland on March 12, and the Department of Homeland Security claimed he was a member of the gang MS-13, which he denied.

The government then deported Abrego Garcia to El Salvador where he was imprisoned in the Center for Terrorism Confinement  despite an immigration judges previous order that he not be sent to El Salvador.

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A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return to the United States, which administration officials resisted.

The Trump administration then asked El Salvador to return Abrego Garcia to the United States last week to face human smuggling charges filed in Tennessee.

The case became a high-profile battle over whether the Trump administration was bound to return Abrego Garcia under the federal judge's order. El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said at the White House in April that he would not return Abrego Garcia.

The matter went to the Supreme Court, which disputed the language of "effectuate" in the judge's order but ruled that the Trump administration was required to facilitate the return of Abrego Garcia.

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The two-count federal indictment unsealed in Tennessee charges Abrego Garcia with one count each of conspiracy to unlawfully transport illegal aliens for financial gain and unlawful transportation of illegal aliens for financial gain.

The indictment alleges that from about 2016 to 2025, he and others conspired to bring migrants illegally to the United States from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Ecuador and elsewhere, through Mexico and across the Texas-Mexico border.

Abrego Garcia and a co-conspirator ordinarily picked up the undocumented aliens in Houston, Texas area after they had crossed the border, the indictment alleges.

The pair then would transport the undocumented aliens from Texas to other parts of the United States to further the aliens unlawful presence in the United States, the indictment says.

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Chris Newman, an attorney who represents Abrego Garcia's family, said last week that the Trump administration for months engaged in a campaign of disinformation, defamation against Kilmar and his family."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Jun. 12An internal audit of the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission found serious financial mismanagement under a former executive director, prompting calls for greater oversight of the small municipal department.

The audit also found that same director inherited, and then resolved, a growing backlog of cases caused by systematic delays in investigations that preceded his time there.

The Anchorage Equal Rights Commission includes five or six full-time staffers who investigate residents' complaints of discrimination due to race, gender or disability status in areas like housing, jobs, or public accommodations. When complaints are found to have merit, commission staff help settle them.

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The municipal audit focused on the commission's work between 2022 and 2024 when it was led by Keoki Kim, a lawyer with a small private practice appointed by then Mayor Dave Bronson and confirmed by the Anchorage Assembly.

The internal audit came about after members of Mayor Suzanne LaFrance's administration spotted potentially suspicious budget and record-keeping practices last August, shortly after taking office.

Released at the end of May, the audit concluded that "a lack of financial oversight" contributed to "excessive" spending by management on unnecessary equipment and supplies.

Items purchased ranged from high-end Bluetooth headphones and office furniture to insulated mugs and sweatshirts designed for community outreach.

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The audit also highlighted a major, longstanding problem for the commission: cases took far too long to resolve. That issue was also one of three flagged the last time the commission was audited, in 2016.

Under municipal rules, the commission is supposed to handle a discrimination complaint within about eight months. Most cases in recent years dragged out longer, leading to a persistent backlog, according to figures from the audit and in public reports.

The backlog left people who reported being wronged by a landlord or employer "feeling dismissed" by the city office tasked with helping them pursue some justice, the audit found.

Though Kim was behind much of the spending detailed in the audit, he also steered the department through a drastic change in case management that eliminated the backlog and sped up investigations.

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"The shame of it is people who come to our agency have often lost their jobs or housing. They need help immediately," Kim wrote this week in an email regarding the backlog. "I do not understand why this was not fixed earlier."

Kim resigned in February, a few weeks after auditing procedures began, to take a higher-paying job doing similar work for the State of Alaska.

The commission staff has turned over almost entirely in the last year.

The new acting director, Paul Ervasti, doesn't think "mass distribution of merchandise is an effective outreach strategy, nor does it represent good stewardship of taxpayer money," according to the audit.

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Swag raises concerns

Overseen by nine commissioners appointed by the mayor's office and serving three-year terms, the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission has been a part of city government since 1975.

The commission's three or four investigator positions have experienced rapid and near total turnover in recent years, according to regular status reports filed by the commission.

Kim's spending came to the Assembly's attention when he appeared at a municipal work session last September to give a presentation on what he considered his office's successes.

"Our backlog is caught up. The ... backlog that I came into the commission with has now been caught up. My team worked a lot of overtime to get things done," Kim told several Assembly members at the hourlong meeting.

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On a nearby table was a pile of clothes, water bottles and other swag branded with the commission's name and logo that he showed as evidence of successful outreach campaigns to the community.

"I spoke to a young woman about how to reach people with stuff they want. Not the cheap plastic products that we typically see out. What will people use and wear? And she helped me design these products," Kim explained.

Outreach was necessary, he said, because few people in the community know what the commission is or does. He told the Assembly he'd also "developed a trading card series of Alaska Civil Rights leaders" for children.

Turnover had led to numerous vacant positions during his tenure, Kim explained, so he used some of the funds budgeted for staff salaries to pay for merchandise and outreach materials.

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But now that the office was staffed back up, he told the Assembly members, they should increase the office's non-labor budget from $21,000 to $80,000.

"If you'd like me to continue these outreach efforts, I'll need more funding," Kim said.

Former East Anchorage Assembly member Karen Bronga questioned the strategy.

"I feel like the merchandise a little bit turns me off," Bronga told Kim during the session. "I don't know how much budget is being spent on T-shirts and sweats and rubber ducks, but I feel like, in my mind, there's better ways to spend the money."

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Midtown Assembly member Felix Rivera, who chairs the Municipal Audit Committee, said last week in an interview that the work session is part of what prompted the audit. There was, he recalled, a large disconnect between Kim's sunny portrayal and the years of complaints from constituents about the office's lack of responsiveness.

"The work session was all about swag," Rivera said. "It made a lot of us question the reality of that claim, when the department is telling us everything is OK, but the community is telling us everything is not OK."

Noise-canceling headphones and adjustable desks

A significant portion of the audit, authored by Office of Internal Audit director Alden Thern, is dedicated to documenting where the money went.

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"The Anchorage Equal Rights Commission did not maintain up-to-date information and record keeping across multiple areas of department operations," the audit document states, adding that there was little to prevent "fraud, theft, and abuse of municipal resources."

There also did not appear to be any relationship between how much money was spent on branded swag and how many contacts were coming in from members of the public reporting discrimination problems.

[Prior coverage: In secret recordings, a top Anchorage library official calls Alaska Natives 'woke' and 'racists']

Before Kim took over as executive director in 2021, the commission office spent $1,105 on outreach efforts, and reported a total of 385 inquiries from Anchorage residents, a portion of which were subsequently investigated as complaints, according to figures in the audit.

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In 2023, while Kim was in charge, the office spent $61,239 on outreach, and got 333 contacts, the audit found. In 2024, the commission spent $99,385 on outreach supplies, about a tenth of its total budget of $996,124. They got 331 contacts from the public that year.

"Without quantifiable evidence, it is difficult to determine if mass distribution of merchandise was an effective strategy, and whether municipal funds, time, and staff efforts would have been better allocated elsewhere," the audit states.

Much of the merchandise was very lightly branded, with no contact information or explanation of why someone might need to engage with a municipal office dedicated to investigating discrimination.

The audit points out that $32,496 of the commission's money was spent on merchandise given away at an event in Juneau, even though Juneau "is not within AERC's jurisdiction for handling complaints."

The audit also faulted the commission for "excessive and/or non essential" purchases of office products and furniture.

That included $42,428 spent in 2023 on office furniture, for "height adjustable desks, tables, bookcases, chairs, swivel stools, two-seat lounge chairs, cylinder side tables, and club chairs with USB ports."

In 2022 and 2023, a total of $35,870 was spent on technology upgrades and accessories that the audit said "appear to have been procured at unnecessarily high costs."

The commission spent $3,743 on three earbuds and eight noise-canceling Bose headphones, bought for as much as $392.99 a pair, the audit found.

Municipal investigators could only account for half of the devices on a February visit, the audit said. The rest, they were told, had either broken and been replaced, or were missing.

Kim this week said the purchasing was not lavish or excessive, but necessary because of how neglected and ill-equipped the office was when he started.

"When I got there, everything was broken. I simply fixed it all because we had surplus funds," he wrote in an email responding to questions about the spending. Many of the technology expenditures involved getting working monitors for staff and the same laptop computers staff in other departments used, he said.

The headphones, Kim explained, were necessary for staff to maintain confidentiality during case calls.

"They need headphones because they can't use speaker phones," Kim wrote. "Because the walls are so thin, they need noise canceling to block out the other investigators' (conversations)."

According to a statement from LaFrance, the administration limited Kim's purchasing abilities and implemented stricter financial oversight after the spending came to the administration's attention.

Speedier cases, no more backlog

Under Kim, the commission made significant progress on the longstanding issue of cases taking too long to resolve.

According to a 2024 report Kim submitted to the Assembly, Bronson hired him to help the commission clear the backlog and ensure faster processing for new cases.

"I inherited cases that were over deadline by as much as 4 years," Kim wrote. "An analysis of the caseloads and number of investigators from 2000  2024 demonstrates that the agency had the capacity to complete its cases on time."

The internal audit reached similar conclusions, finding the statutory deadline for investigating complaints was routinely blown past.

Kim wrote that prior to his arrival "the investigators at the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission were only investigating 1-2 cases at a time."

That, Kim wrote in an email this week, "absolutely was not industry practice" for similar offices in Alaska or Outside jurisdictions, where investigators are expected to handle 50 to 70 cases simultaneously.

He said the problem appeared to be a lack of supervision that allowed staff to work just one or two cases at a time without turning to others as they waited for information.

Kim said in a January report that after he was hired he began requiring investigators to work all open complaints at the same time and instituted a case-tracking system. Three of the four investigators resigned shortly after, and new ones had to be hired and trained.

In 2024, according to Kim's annual report, all 79 of the commission's cases were closed that same year, and the backlog had been cleared.

"It is a cause for celebration that for the first time in at least 26 years, the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission has completed all its cases on time," Kim wrote in a monthly report submitted at the end of December.

Kim said a lack of accountability and oversight contributed to the office falling far behind bare minimum standards for quickly resolving discrimination complaints.

"I hope the Anchorage Daily News will take an interest in how this agency failed to serve the people of Anchorage for so long. Usually the people that use our agency cannot afford attorneys. They have no connections. They are literally the people that need our help the most," Kim wrote in an email.

Since his departure in February, Ervasti has continued many of the same reforms Kim instituted.

"We are committed to assisting and supporting the AERC to address longstanding and systemic issues and we are supporting implementing the recommendations and fixes identified in the report," LaFrance said in a written statement.

Assembly member Rivera said one of the takeaways from the audit is that the commission needs more oversight than it has had in recent years.

"There will just be a lot more scrutiny of this department, a lot more eyes on this department," he said.
BURKE COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF)  Augusta District Attorney Jared T. Williams has sent out a letter saying that he wants to remove himself from an investigation into the Burke County Sheriffs Office.

According to District Attorney Williams, in May 2025, Sheriff Alfonso Williams issued an incident report that named himself and his office a victim accusing the county manager and board of commissioners of malpractice for not letting the Sheriff have control over his budget.

The county attorney is claiming what the sheriff did is a crime.

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The District Attorneys office states that it is already part of an investigation into claims that Sheriff Williams committed misconduct in office, and it is because of that investigation, D.A. Williams states that he cannot fulfill his duties to advise Sheriff Williams in the latest investigation.

D.A. Williams has requested in the letter that a new prosecutor be appointed to the latest case to avoid what he calls a conflict of interest.

Below is D.A. Williams full statement:

As District Attorney, I have a duty to prosecute crimes occurring in Burke County, regardless of the offenders title or status as an elected official. It is also my duty to advise the Burke County Sheriffs Office concerning the sufficiency of evidence and warrants. Due to recent actions taken by Sheriff Williams, and the existing investigation into his alleged criminal misconduct, my duties as District Attorney are now in conflict with one another. This letter is to explain how we got here, what has changed, and what must be done now. In March 2023, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation approached my office regarding Sheriff Williams alleged criminal misconduct. The requesting agency was the Burke County Board of Commissioners. In response to the information received, my office authorized a preliminary inquiry to determine the merits of the claims. The investigation ultimately grew outside of the GBI and DAO, demanding coordination with other authorities and making it imprudent to act unilaterally. Throughout this time, my office separated the investigation of Sheriff Williams from the other duties to advise Burke County Sheriffs Office on law enforcement action. This is no longer possible after recent events. On May 19th, Sheriff Williams issued an incident report naming his office as victim and the County Manager and Board of Commissioners as offenders. The County Attorney has argued that Sheriff Williams actions constitute a crime. A reasonable prosecutor could concur with this assessment, which would likely impact the existing investigation and any prosecution that may result. This places my duty to advise Sheriff Williams in conflict with my duty to prosecute any offense for which he may be charged. To preserve the integrity of the investigation and any prosecution that may flow therefrom, I must declare a conflict of interest and request a new prosecutor be appointed. To ensure Sheriff Williams can be advised as to the sufficiency of evidence and warrants relating to his incident report, I declare a conflict and request a separate prosecutor be appointed. I have submitted a letter to the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia so both matters may be reassigned. These matters are active, and Rule 3.8 of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct prohibits me from discussing the facts of the underlying

investigation, and no documents or case files may be released. Jared T. Williams, Augusta Judicial Circuit District Attorney

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
A multi-billion dollar submarine deal between long-standing allies - Australia, the UK and the US - has come under the spotlight after the Trump administration said it was reviewing how the deal fits in with its heavily-touted "America First" agenda.

The Aukus security pact, Australia's biggest ever defence project, is set to play a key part in the country's ability to replace its ageing Collins-class submarine fleet - and, crucially, its military standing in the region.

The 30-day review will be led by Elbridge Colby, who has previously been critical of Aukus. In a speech last year, he questioned why the US would give away "this crown jewel asset when we most need it".

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A US defence spokesperson said the review is about ensuring "this initiative of the previous administration is aligned with the President's America First agenda".

Fears the review may torpedo the deal have been downplayed by the UK and Australia, with both saying the review is a normal process when a new government takes power.

What is Aukus?

Billed as a trilateral security partnership, the Aukus deal - worth 176bn ($239bn; A$368bn) over 30 years - involves two so-called pillars.

Pillar 1 is about the supply and delivery of nuclear-powered attack submarines.

Australia will buy three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the US from 2032 with options to purchase two more.

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After that, the plan is to design and build an entirely new nuclear-powered submarine model for the UK and Australian navies.

This attack craft will be built in Britain and Australia to a British design, but use technology from all three countries.

Pillar 2 is about the allies collaborating on their "advanced capabilities". This involves sharing military expertise in areas such as long-range hypersonic missiles, undersea robotics and AI.

What's the purpose of the deal?

At its core, the deal is believed to be about countering China's growing presence in the Indo-Pacific region, and its role in rising tensions in disputed territories such as the South China Sea.

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While none of the allies have directly pointed at China as a reason for the deal, the three countries have spoken about how regional security concerns have "grown significantly" in recent years.

China condemned the agreement as "extremely irresponsible" when it was first announced.

Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said it "seriously undermines regional peace and stability and intensifies the arms race".

Who negotiated it?

The deal was unveiled in September 2021 by three former leaders: Australia's Scott Morrison, the UK's Boris Johnson and the US's Joe Biden.

The UK reviewed the security pact last year after Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government won the general election.

What does Australia get out of it?

For Australia, the deal represents a major upgrade to its military capabilities. The country is set to become just the second to receive Washington's elite nuclear propulsion technology, after the UK.

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Such submarines will be able to operate further and faster than the country's existing diesel-engine fleet. They would also mean Australia would be able to carry out long-range strikes against enemies for the first time.

Under the deal, sailors from the Royal Australian Navy are due to be sent to US and UK submarine bases to learn how to use the nuclear-powered submarines.

What do the UK and US get out of it?

From 2027, the pact will allow both the US and UK to base a small number of nuclear submarines in Perth, Western Australia.

It will also create about 7,000 jobs in Britain, with the design and construction of the new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines set to take place in the UK.

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The benefits for the US are less obvious - but sharing its defence technology could give the nation an opportunity to grow its presence in Asia-Pacific.

Arming Australia has historically been viewed by Washington and Downing Street as essential to preserving peace in a region that is far from their own.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  City leaders held a press conference at Austin City Hall Thursday morning about the citys preparations ahead of protests planned for the weekend.

The conference came after an anti-ICE protest on Monday. That protest ended with APD officers and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers arresting 13 people.

A Saturday protest, organized by Hands Off Central Texas, is scheduled as part of a national day of action. It will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Texas Capitol. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the Texas National Guard will be on standby at multiple cities for those protests.

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When you have a governor who aspires to be as brutish and thuggish as the president, youll see a lot of mirroring from the governor, said Austin City Council Member Zohaib Zo Qadri  hes one of the speakers at Saturdays rally and has been in touch with organizers.

They talked about how they expect a large crowd but for everyone to keep their cool and if theres any agitators for folks not to take any bait, Qadri said.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis spoke at the 10:30 a.m. press conference.

Austinites know how to peacefully protest, Watson said. And I have faith and trust in our Austin Police and in Chief Lisa Davis  that she and the other officers will preserve the peace appropriately.

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Watson spoke to the presence of the Texas National Guard, saying that it was not necessary and not a decision by anyone with the city.

Texas National Guard on standby for Day of Defiance protests in Austin, San Antonio

Please assemble, make your voices heard. But do so in a way that takes care of our city and all the people who live here. Do not become a tool of someone elses chaos, he said.

In a statement Wednesday, Watson said the city will continue to protect the right of people to peacefully assemble, but that destructive actions or efforts to hurt police damage the city.

We are dealing with a very real situation right now that impacts the lives of very real people, wrote Watson. Adding to the chaosthrough destruction of property, hurting other people, including police officers, or otherwiseadds to the problems for those people being targeted while empowering those in Washington who want more pain and chaos.

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Davis said unlawful and violent action by agitators will be addressed and that APD dialogue officers were in talks with the organizers at the time of the meeting.

At least 13 arrested, 4 APD officers hurt after anti-ICE protest downtown

We are prepared for protests this Saturday. You will see an increase in officers, Davis said. Like the Mayor, I believe in Austin. I believe in our people.

She added that as a leader, you have to have a philosophy about these issues. For her, the departments response to protests must be reasonable, disarming, focused and consistent.

I dont want officers to have to make arrests. I dont want them to have to use force, she said. Agitators are really good at hiding behind peaceful protesters.

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For the Saturday protest, the Capitol grounds are the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Public Safety. That agency has the authority to call in the Texas National Guard.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
June 12 (UPI) -- Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles announced Thursday he feels that the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal which connects with the United Kingdom and United States, will continue after the Trump administration reviews the pact.

"I am very confident this is going to happen," he told ABC News, as he believes AUKUS is of strategic interest to all three nations.

The Pentagon has expressed that the 2021 deal is being reassessed to make sure it's a fit with President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda before he meets with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the G7 summit taking place in Canada next week.

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U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also had met with Marles, who is also Australia's Minister for Defense, earlier this month and recommended Australia increase its defense spending to 3.5 percent of its GDP.

Albanese said in a press conference Tuesday that he thinks "that Australia should decide what we spend on Australia's defense" when asked about a defense spending boost, while not directly addressing if he would risk losing the AUKUS deal over that decision as questioned.

The Pentagon review is being led by U.S. Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, who in the past has been critical of the deal made under the Biden administration to arm Australia with nuclear subs that use advanced American and British technology.

"In principle it's a great idea," Colby posted to X about AUKUS in August of 2024," but added he's "agnostic" about the program.

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However, Colby also posted that day he was "convinced we should focus on Asia, readying for a war with China" in order to avoid it.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian announced Thursday in a press conference when asked about his nation's opinion on the possibility of an end to AUKUS that China opposes "manufacturing bloc confrontation and anything that amplifies the risk of nuclear proliferation and exacerbates arms race."
By Kirsty Needham

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia plans to significantly boost surveillance of Pacific Islands territorial waters, spending A$477 million ($310.72 million) on aerial patrols for illegal fishing fleets, tender documents viewed by Reuters show, as China takes steps towards sending its coast guard to the region.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Fiji on Friday to discuss regional security, after the government of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka approved a maritime security agreement that will see Australia fund a patrol boat for Fiji.

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Australia will fund commercial aerial patrols to support Pacific Island countries monitoring exclusive economic zones which span millions of kilometres of ocean, the documents show.

Australia was in a "permanent contest" in the Pacific, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Friday.

"The maritime domain is an important part of ensuring a stable and secure region in which sovereignty is respected," she told reporters in Adelaide, when asked about the Reuters report.

"These countries, they have very large maritime zones, but sometimes very small islands, so making sure that the maritime domain is ... used in a way that complies with international law and international norms, that goes to sovereignty."

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Reuters reported last week that China's coast guard is taking further steps towards high seas boarding of fishing boats in the Pacific for the first time, risking tensions with Taiwanese fleets that also ply the region.

The Chinese Coast Guard demonstrated the capabilities of one of its largest ships, used to enforce maritime law in the Taiwan Strait, to 10 Pacific Island ministers, including Fiji's, in China a fortnight ago.

China has registered 26 coast guard vessels for Pacific Ocean patrols with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, although it is yet to conduct an inspection, WCPFC officials said. China declined to comment.

Australia has gifted two dozen patrol boats to Pacific Island nations, and operates navy and air force patrols for illegal fishing in the region several times a year.

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Sangaa Clark, chief executive of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement, representing nine Pacific Island countries controlling the world's largest tuna fishery that contributes half of the tuna canned globally, said the group has not invited China to conduct coast guard patrols, and instead relied on Australian-funded surveillance and patrols by Australia, New Zealand, France and the United States.

In several Pacific Island countries, China is a major fisheries partner.

Pacific security expert Peter Connolly, a fellow at the University of New South Wales, said Chinese Coast Guard patrols in the region would "introduce geostrategic tensions to the policing of the Pacific's fisheries".

"This is particularly likely because the two most common nationalities of illegal fishermen in the Pacific have been from the PRC and from Taiwan," he said, referring to the People's Republic of China.

($1=1.5352 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Editing by Ed Osmond and Clarence Fernandez)
Australia said Thursday it is "very confident" in the future of a US agreement to equip its navy with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, after the Trump administration put the pact under review.

The 2021 AUKUS deal joins Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States in a multi-decade effort to balance China's growing military might.

It aims to arm Australia with a fleet of cutting-edge, nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and provides for cooperation in developing an array of warfare technologies.

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US President Donald Trump's administration has advised Australia and the United Kingdom that it is reviewing AUKUS, a spokesperson for the Australian Department of Defence confirmed Thursday.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said he was "very confident" Australia would still get the American submarines.

"I think the review that's been announced is not a surprise," he told public broadcaster ABC.

"We've been aware of this for some time. We welcome it. It's something which is perfectly natural for an incoming administration to do."

Australia plans to acquire at least three Virginia Class submarines from the United States within 15 years, eventually manufacturing its own subs.

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- 'Time to wake up' -

The US Navy has 24 Virginia-class vessels, which can carry cruise missiles, but American shipyards are struggling to meet production targets set at two new boats each year.

In the United States, critics question why Washingon would sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia without stocking its own military first.

Marles said boosting the US production of US Virginia Class submarines was a challenge.

"That's why we are working very closely with the United States on seeing that happen. But that is improving," he said.

Australia's focus is on "sticking to this plan and on seeing it through", Marles said.

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He criticised Australia's previous conservative government for "chopping and changing" its submarine choice.

On the eve of announcing its participation in AUKUS in 2021, the government of the time abruptly scrapped plans to buy diesel-powered submarines in a lucrative deal with France -- infuriating Paris.

The AUKUS submarine programme alone could cost the country up to US$235 billion over the next 30 years, according to Australian government forecasts, a price tag that has contributed to criticism of the strategy.

Australia should conduct its own review of AUKUS, said former conservative prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, noting that Britain and now the United States had each decided to re-examine the pact.

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"Australia, which has the most at stake, has no review. Our parliament to date has been the least curious and least informed. Time to wake up?" he posted on X.

- 'Fading Atlantic empire' -

Former Labor Party prime minister Paul Keating, a vehement critic of AUKUS, said the US review might "save Australia from itself".

Australia should carve its own security strategy "rather than being dragged along on the coat tails of a fading Atlantic empire", Keating said.

"The review makes clear that America keeps its national interests uppermost. But the concomitant question is: Why has Australia failed to do the same?"

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Any US review of AUKUS carries a risk, particularly since it is a Biden-era initiative, said Euan Graham, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

But it is "fundamentally a good deal for the US", he said, with Australia already investing cash to boost American submarine production as part of the agreement.

"I just do not think it is realistic for Australia, this far backed in, to have any prospect of withdrawing itself from AUKUS," Graham told AFP.

"I don't think there is a Plan B that would meet requirements and I think it would shred Australia's reputation fundamentally in a way that would not be recoverable."

djw/lec/fox
BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese and European central banks have pledged to enhance cooperation against the backdrop of a complex and volatile international landscape.

Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People's Bank of China (PBOC), and Christine Lagarde, president of the European Central Bank (ECB), co-chaired the first annual governors' meeting between the PBOC and the ECB in Beijing on Wednesday.

During the meeting, they exchanged views on issues such as economic and financial developments in China and the euro area, developments in the international monetary system and financial regulation, and key areas for cooperation between the two institutions.

The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of central banking, which includes the establishment of a governor/president-level meeting arrangement, and a framework for the regular exchange of information, dialogue and technical cooperation between the two institutions.

Pan noted that China remains committed to promoting high-quality development through high-standard opening-up, and stands ready to enhance cooperation with other economies, including the EU, to address global challenges.

He also stressed that the PBOC will maintain close cooperation with the ECB, making good use of the governor/president-level meeting arrangement as a key platform to strengthen policy communication and promoting cooperation between the two institutions to a new level.

Lagarde said it is important that both institutions sustain global cooperation, noting that the signing of the MoU is a demonstration of continued dialogue with the PBOC. 
By Alasdair Pal

SYDNEY (Reuters) -An Australian woman accused of murder denied on Thursday she deliberately included poisonous mushrooms in a lunch she served to three elderly relatives of her estranged husband, as the prosecution wrapped up five days of cross-examination.

Erin Patterson is charged with the murders of her mother-in-law Gail Patterson, father-in-law Donald Patterson and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, along with the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, Heather's husband, in July 2023.

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The prosecution accuses her of foraging for the death caps, before drying them and knowingly serving them in individual portions of Beef Wellington at her home in Leongatha, a town of about 6,000 people some 135 km (84 miles) from Melbourne.

Patterson denies the charges, which carry a life sentence, with her defence calling the deaths a "terrible accident".

On Thursday, prosecution barrister Nanette Rogers ended her cross-examination by accusing Patterson of deliberately sourcing the mushrooms for the lunch.

"I suggest you deliberately included them in the Beef Wellington you served (the guests)... you did so intending to kill them."

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"Disagree," the accused replied.

The lengthy cross-examination followed three days of questioning from the 50-year-old's own barrister, Colin Mandy.

Erin Patterson was the only witness called by her defence, and her decision to take the stand reignited interest in the trial, now in its seventh week.

Media have descended on the town of Morwell where the trial is being held, about two hours east of Melbourne.

State broadcaster ABC's daily podcast on the trial is currently Australia's most popular, while many domestic newspapers have run live blogs.

The jury is next expected to hear closing arguments from the prosecution and defence, before presiding judge Justice Christopher Beale gives his instructions to the jury.

The trial is expected to conclude later this month.

(Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Kate Mayberry)
By Francois Murphy and Max Schwarz

GRAZ, Austria (Reuters) -Austrian police on Thursday described the 21-year-old man who carried out Austria's worst school shooting as an introvert who had largely withdrawn from the outside world before he carefully planned the attack.

The Austrian identified by local media as Arthur A. killed 10 people on Tuesday before shooting himself at his former high school in the southern city of Graz, sending shockwaves through Austria, which declared three days of national mourning.

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Police found discarded plans for a bomb attack and a non-functional pipe bomb during a search of the man's home after the shooting in Graz, capital of the state of Styria.

What motivated the shooting remains unclear, though police said it had been planned down to the last detail.

When addressing a potential motive, Michael Lohnegger, head of Styria's criminal investigation office, said findings indicated that the man was very introverted and that his "great passion" was online first-person shooting games.

"He led an extremely withdrawn life; he didn't want to take part in activities in normal life outside in the real world, he preferred to withdraw into the virtual space," Lohnegger told a press conference.

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Lohnegger said the man's closest friend had been questioned and that the shooter had social contacts with fellow online gamers. Police are checking whether he had assistance from other people in the run-up to the crime.

Police said the rampage at the school lasted about seven minutes and that the man shot himself in the head in a toilet about 10 minutes after beginning the attack.

A few minutes earlier, the man entered the school with a rucksack, then went into a bathroom to prepare for his assault.

He put on a weapon belt with a hunting knife, donned shooting glasses and a headset and armed himself with a Glock pistol and sawn-off shotgun, police said.

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The man opened fire at random on people on the second and third floors of the school, shooting off the locks to the doors in one of the classrooms he attacked, according to Lohnegger.

Most of the victims were apparently unknown to the shooter, but he did know one of the teachers who died. It was unclear if that fact played a role in her death, police said.

Eleven people were also injured in the attack and the last four in intensive care are no longer intubated and can be transferred to regular treatment.

Police are alert to potential copycat attacks and on Thursday a man caused alarm at Vienna's Technical University by throwing a package into the entrance area and shouting it was going to explode. No threat was identified.

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PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION

The school shooter acquired his guns legally in April and May after passing a psychological evaluation required to obtain the necessary permit, and had practised shooting at a gun club since March.

Authorities said the man failed to graduate at the school and Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung reported that after dropping out, he attempted to join the army but was deemed psychologically unsuitable due to his introversion.

Local media reported the man, who lived with his mother on the outskirts of Graz, felt bullied at the school and wanted revenge.

"There's no evidence from his private life that he ever expressed any anger or displeasure towards the school, pupils or teaching staff," Lohnegger said.

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Neighbours and officials in the commuter town of Kalsdorf bei Graz, where he lived, described a withdrawn, slight man who usually wore a cap and headphones.

Of over a dozen local residents spoken to about the shooter by Reuters, few wanted to talk at all. Some said they had seen him, but none said they knew him.

The man left behind a farewell note and video in which he apologised to his family for his actions and thanked them, but they gave no indication of his motives, police said.

Questions about the bullying allegations at the Dreierschuetzengasse school the man attended were put to its deputy head, Norbert Urabl, on national broadcaster ORF.

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"Bullying is a very delicate topic. Bullying occurs on so many levels that it's very difficult to pinpoint the term bullying in this case," he said.

"But the fact is that, if bullying can be triggered, then more sensitivity is urgently needed to recognise bullying processes earlier."

(Reporting by Alexandra Schwarz-Goerlich and Francois Murphy, Additional reporting by Madeline ChambersWriting by Dave Graham, editing by Ed Osmond)
The gunman who opened fire in an Austrian school this week killing 10 people and taking his own life was an avid player of first-person shooter video games, police in the city of Graz reported on Thursday.

Michael Lohnegger, head of the criminal investigation office in the state of Styria, described the 21-year-old former pupil of the school as an introvert who lived a secluded life.

The evidence investigated thus far provided no indication of a motive, Lohnegger said.

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The gunman had no close relations with the victims and only knew the teacher who was killed, he added.

During the seven-minute rampage on Tuesday, the man was armed with a Glock pistol, a double-barrelled shotgun with the stock sawn off and a hunting knife, according to the reports.

Graz is the capital of the south-eastern Austrian state of Styria.
GRAZ, Austria (AP)  The former student who killed nine students and a teacher at a school in Austria and then took his own life planned the attack in detail, but he appears to have shot his victims at random and investigators still haven't been able to ascertain his motive, officials said Thursday.

The 21-year-old had left the BORG Dreierschutzengasse high school in Graz three years ago, breaking off his studies after attending for three years, police said. They said they knew of no personal connection between the gunman and the students he shot, but that one of the two teachers he shot had once taught him. They were still investigating whether that was a factor.

The attack prompted Austria to declare three days of national mourning, and large numbers of candles have been laid in Graz's main square and outside the school.

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The assailant, an Austrian who lived with his mother near Graz and whom officials have declined to identify, used a Mercury double-barreled shotgun and a Glock 19 handgun in the shooting. Michael Lohnegger, the head of Styria province's criminal police office, said that he arrived at the school Tuesday morning with a backpack containing the weapons, and put on equipment including shooting glasses and a headset in a bathroom before starting a roughly seven-minute shooting spree.

He opened fire indiscriminately on the building's third floor before shooting open the locked door of a fourth-floor classroom and again firing indiscriminately, Lohnegger told a news conference. Lohnegger said that he had enough ammunition to continue shooting and it was unclear why he hadn't; the assailant then returned to the bathroom and shot himself fatally in the head.

A search of his home uncovered a farewell letter and video, which Lohnegger said added up to an apology directed to his family for the crime and a general thank-you, but offered no indication for a motive.

They also found a handwritten note that showed he had planned the attack down to the smallest detail"  setting out how he would proceed, but giving no date for the crime. It suggested that he had lacked enough time to build a fully functional pipe bomb, and investigators found one that wouldn't have worked.

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Lohnegger said a picture had emerged of a very introverted person who largely didn't take part in real-world activities, and that his great passion was taking part in online first-person shooter games.

But even here, there is no information from his personal surroundings that he ever expressed any anger or resentment toward the school, students or teachers, he added. The man had no previous police record and there were definitely no particular problems with him at this school.

The shooter was in unspecified vocational training at the time of the attack, investigators said.

He had bought the shotgun legally in Graz in early April, and the handgun from another shop in the city in late May. He had a license to own weapons that required a report from a psychological expert, which apparently was produced in March.

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Starting in March, he took part in shooting practice five times at a shooting club in Graz, using a hired firearm, Lohnegger said.

The slain students were six girls and three boys aged between 14 and 17. Eleven people were wounded in the attack, and authorities said on Wednesday that their lives weren't in danger.

___

Associated Press writer Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.
The Brief

Law enforcement agencies are adjusting their search tactics for triple murder suspect Travis Decker, with the Chelan County Sheriff's Office focusing on case preparation and the U.S. Marshals deploying their "rapidly advancing manhunt program."

Authorities continue to emphasize their commitment to finding Decker, urging public vigilance and reporting of any sightings, while reminding him that "all we need is one mistake."

The search involves extensive local, state, federal, and international partnerships, utilizing varied terrain navigation and investigative methods to bring Decker to justice.

WENATCHEE, Wash. - Law enforcement agencies are adjusting their strategy in the extensive manhunt for triple murder suspect Travis Decker, accused of killing his three young daughters before fleeing the Wenatchee area. Authorities emphasized their continued commitment to finding Decker, who remains at large.

What they're saying

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison announced at a press conference Wednesday that his agency would be "deviating resources back to the investigation," focusing on preparing the murder and kidnapping case with the Chelan County Prosecutor's Office. He clarified that this shift in tactics does not mean the search is slowing.

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"You will see a change on our tactics as we proceed forward," Morrison said. "You'll not see the amount of resources that we have had out there, but you are seeing a different element of our approach."

Morrison said U.S. Customs and Border Patrol will continue to have units on the ground leading the search, with U.S. Forest Service deputies assisting in navigating the challenging terrain in the west end of Chelan County.

"We have not given up, but we understand that eventually resources start to tire out," Morrison said, comparing the sustained effort to managing a wildfire. He noted that teams typically rotate out after two weeks and that his agency, along with the Washington State Patrol, FBI, U.S. Marshal Service, and Rivercom dispatch center, have been working "hard."

"We recognize that we need to be reasonable, need to give them the opportunity to rest up and get ready for the second wave when we come in," Morrison said.

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Chief Jerome Brown of the U.S. Marshals Service Eastern District Washington announced the deployment of their "rapidly advancing manhunt program," which brings additional resources and funding to support the search.

"We will not stop. We will keep going. He just has to make one mistake," Brown said. "Like the sheriff said, we will find him. He will be brought to justice so the community can heal."

Morrison issued a direct message to Decker, stating, "Every single day Travis is out there, he's going to have to aim for perfection. He is not going to be able to make a mistake because all we need is one mistake and one day to go in our favor and he's going to be in our custody. So I hope he's watching. I hope that he knows that we haven't given up, but you've got to be perfect every single day, Travis. We only have to be perfect one day."

Travis Decker (left), Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison (right). (FOX 13 Seattle)

Investigation continues

Morrison confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with crime lab processing results from the Washington State Patrol beginning to return. These results will inform additional leads and interviews to strengthen the case.

Recent sightings, public assistance

What you can do

Morrison discussed a possible sighting Tuesday near Colchuck Lake, where hikers reported an individual whose behavior did not match others in the area.

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"That sparked our interest," Morrison said. "We did put a ground unit on there to continue tracking the prints that we had. We continue to track that down in Ingalls Creek and up in the Valley Hi area."

While confident it could be Decker, Morrison cautioned, "We're not going to ever go out and say 100% until we have him in our grip."

He urged the public to remain vigilant, especially those recreating on trails, but to "not approach the subject. He is still considered dangerous."

Morrison thanked the Chelan County community and national and international partners from as far away as Australia and Portugal for their assistance in spreading Decker's image and likeness globally.

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"We cannot do it without the 80,000-plus citizens of Chelan County that have been a constant eye and vigilant force that we do not have at all times," he said.

Decker's potential movements, dangers

Dig deeper

Morrison addressed the possibility of Decker moving towards the Teanaway Trail or Layon areas, stating, "There is nowhere that he's going to be able to go that we don't have units waiting for him." He listed King County Sheriff's Office, Snohomish County, Okanogan County, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, and Grant County Sheriff's Office as partners assisting in the search.

"He is surrounded. Washington State knows who he is," Morrison said. "Eventually he's going to tire and he is going to make a mistake."

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Authorities are also investigating if Decker has been raiding campsites or vacation homes for supplies, a tactic observed in a previous manhunt in Kittitas County. Morrison advised residents with vacation homes or campsites to "keep track of your supplies, of your cabins, if [you] do have things that are missing, even if it's minor items."

Morrison reiterated that Decker is considered dangerous, even though they have "no information without that he's armed."

The challenging terrain in the western part of Chelan County, where 87% is not accessible by road, presents difficulties for the search. However, Morrison noted that the area's popularity as a tourist destination means "a lot of people out there also recreating on those trails," who can serve as additional "eyes."

Apprehension and justice

What's next

When asked about the process if dogs locate Decker, Morrison stated, "Mr. Decker is going to be able to dictate how this ends." He emphasized that law enforcement's intent is to take Decker into custody peacefully, following de-escalation principles.

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"Our intent is not to hurt or injure him. It is to bring him to justice and make sure that he's in good shape so he can face the trial," Morrison said.

Morrison declined to speculate on a motive for the killings, stating, "I don't think the motive would even matter. As far as we see it, three young girls have been killed. I don't think the motive's gonna matter."

(FOX 13 Seattle)

He concluded the press conference by asking the public to "keep their names in your mind" and "bring justice back for those young ladies. Girls is what I have understood the family would like me to refer to them as." The victims were identified as Peyton, Evelyn, and Olivia.

No further press conferences are currently scheduled, but updates will be provided on social media platforms. The public is urged to report any sightings of Decker to 911 immediately but not to approach him.

(Chelan County Sheriff's Office / FOX 13 Seattle)

The Source

Information in this story came from Chelan County Sheriff's Office, US Marshals, U.S. Border Patrol and The Associated Press.

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SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities in southern Wisconsin are crediting automatic license plate readers with aiding in the arrest of two individuals with active warrants.

According to the Sun Prairie Police Department, shortly before 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, officers received an alert about a vehicle linked to an individual with active warrants held by the Dane County Sheriffs Office.

Search for missing Wisconsin teenager hits two-year anniversary

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Officers located the vehicle unoccupied in a lot near Schiller Street and began coordinating a tactical response to the scene. As officers moved into position, two individuals fled on foot, prompting the establishment of a perimeter across several residential streets.

Officers were assisted by other law enforcement agencies, drone teams, and multiple residents who reported sightings of the individuals. Their timely observations played a key role in locating both suspects, said the Sun Prairie Police Department in a media release.

During the search, 28-year-old Carlton Forbes of Madison jumped into the back of an uninvolved, occupied Jeep and ordered the driver to flee. Officers intervened and safely took him into custody.

A short time later, 27-year-old Marsean White of Sun Prairie was located near West Main Street and also taken into custody without incident.

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Both Forbes and White were arrested for resisting arrest and booked into the Dane County Jail. White was additionally booked on multiple warrants for disorderly conduct and battery.

This incident highlights the proactive work of Sun Prairie officers, the effective use of technology, strong partnerships with regional agencies, and the vital role of community involvement, said the Sun Prairie Police Department.

Fond Du Lac Police Departments Click It or Ticket campaign results in 248 stops, 202 citations, and 15 OWI arrests

The department added that the arrests would not have been possible without the use of automatic license plate readers, which alerted officers to the vehicles presence and initiated the response.

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No additional details were provided.

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Baby animals come out to play at Yellowstone National Park  but dont get too close

YELLOWSTONE, Wyo. (ABC4)  Springtime can only mean one thing for Yellowstone National Park: The newborn baby animals are coming out to play.

Earlier this week, Yellowstone National Park posted on social media, celebrating their new residents with several adorable photos of a young bison calf, an elk calf, marmot pups and pronghorn fawns.

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(Images courtesy: National Park Service)

But while the newborn animals are adorable to look at, park officials warned not to let cuteness aggression take over.

Remember to give wildlife room and to use a zoom, Yellowstone National Park said. Always maintain a distance of at least 100 yards away from bears, wolves and cougars, and at least 25 yards away from all other animals, including bison and elk. Get a closer look by using binoculars, a spotting scope or a zoom lens.

Yellowstone, known for its famous geysers, is home to a diverse ecosystem of wildlife. The national parks website says there are nearly 300 species of birds, 16 species of fish, five amphibian species, six different reptile species, and 67 species of mammals living in Yellowstone.

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Each year, thousands flock to Yellowstone to catch glimpses of the animals in the natural beauty of the national park. But each year, a number of park visitors are injured by the wildlife.

Earlier this week, a 30-year-old man from New Jersey was injured by a bison at Yellowstone National Park in the Upper Geyser Basin at Old Faithful. Park officials said in a media release that a large group of people approached the bison too closely, and it attacked the man. He sustained only minor injuries and was treated by medical professionals.

Yellowstone said that this was the second incident of a person being injured by a bison so far in 2025. Two other incidents were reported in 2024 and one was reported in 2023.

Wild animals, especially females with young, are unpredictable and dangerous. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, Yellowstone park officials warn. By being sensitive to its needs, you will see more of an animals natural behavior and activity. If you cause an animal to move, you are too close.

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Yellowstone reminds visitors that it is illegal to willfully remain near or approach wildlife, including birds, within any distance that disturbs or displaces the animal.

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MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (DC News Now)  In West Virginias eastern panhandle, the Berkeley Medical Center gave employees a stress reliever before starting their day in the operating room, recovery suite, or treatment center.

They bonded with  get this: baby kangaroos.

How a WVU student discovered a fungus that could help treat addiction, depression

Berkeley Medical Center is part of the West Virginia University Hospital System. Baby kangaroos, called joeys, were there to bond with staff as they arrived on campus and started their workday with their cup of coffee.

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The joeys were cuddly in their blankets as staff cozied up.

This is a wonderful way, a creative way to show appreciation for our employees, said Garland Nagy, vice president and general counsel for WVU Medicine. Health care workers have a very hard job, and anything we can do to bring a moment of joy into their day is worth the effort.

After all the fuss was made over the baby kangaroos here in Martinsburg, the little joeys headed over to the WVU Jefferson Medical Center in Ranson, just outside of Charles Town.

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Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus has refused to meet Labour MP Tulip Siddiq to discuss corruption allegations against her during his visit to London.

Yunus told the BBC the allegations were a "court matter" and said he had confidence in Bangladesh's Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which is investigating Siddiq.

The ACC has accused Siddiq of illegally receiving land from the regime of her aunt Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted as Bangladesh's prime minister last year.

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Siddiq, a former Treasury minister, has denied the allegations and accused the Bangladeshi authorities of a "politically motivated smear campaign".

In a letter, Siddiq requested a meeting with Yunus, a Nobel-prize winning economist who has led an interim government in Bangladesh since a student-led protest movement toppled Hasina from power.

Siddiq said a meeting "might also help clear up the misunderstanding perpetuated by the Anti-Corruption Commission in Dhaka".

In an interview with the BBC, Yunus was asked whether he would meet Siddiq during his four-day visit to the UK this week.

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"No I'm not because it's a legal procedure," Yunus said. "I don't want to interrupt a legal procedure. Let the procedure continue."

Siddiq has argued Bangladeshi authorities have not provided any evidence to back up their allegations and refuse to engage with her lawyers.

Responding to those arguments, Yunus said: "It's a court matter.

"A court will decide if enough materials are available to pursue the case or cancel it".

When asked if prosecutors in Bangladesh needed to be more transparent and provide evidence of wrongdoing to Siddiq, Yunus said: "As chief adviser I have full confidence in our Anti-Corruption Commission and they are doing the right thing."

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On the question of whether he would seek Siddiq's extradition if she was found guilty of any crimes in Bangladesh, Yunus said: "If it is part of the legal procedure, of course."

'Fantasy accusations'

In a statement, Siddiq said she was disappointed Yunus had refused to meet her.

She said: "He's been at the heart of a political vendetta based on fantasy accusations with no evidence relentlessly briefed to the media.

"If this was a serious legal process they would engage with my lawyers rather than sending bogus correspondence to an address in Dhaka where I have never lived.

"I hope he is now serious about ending the practice of smearing me in the press and allowing the courts to establish that their investigations have nothing to do with me - a British citizen and a proud member of the UK Parliament."

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Siddiq quit her ministerial post earlier this year, following an investigation into the allegations by the prime minister's ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus.

In his report, Sir Laurie said he had "not identified evidence of improprieties".

But he said it was "regrettable" that Siddiq had not been more alert to the "potential reputational risks" of her ties to her aunt, who is leader of Awami League party in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh authorities estimate that about $234bn (174bn) was siphoned off from Bangladesh through corrupt means while Hasina was in power.

The Bangladeshi authorities allege that much of this money has been stashed or spent in the UK.

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Yunus said he had not been able to arrange a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, a close friend and constituency neighbour of Siddiq.

He said: "I don't know whether I should be disappointed or he should be disappointed. It's a missed opportunity.

"That's why I'm saying coming to Bangladesh would be a good opportunity to relax and see and feel the moment."

When asked if Downing Street had given a reason for not scheduling a meeting with Starmer, he said: "I don't think we have received an explanation from that kind of thing. Probably he is busy with other important things."

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A Downing Street spokesperson did not comment.

But Yunus did have an audience with King Charles at Buckingham Palace and met Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds in Parliament.

In a post on X, Reynolds said they discussed "our shared ambitions for economic growth, job creation and prosperity".

Some anti-Yunus protesters from the Bangladeshi community in the UK gathered on Parliament Square during his visit.

Yunus said Bangladesh's interim government had hired lawyers to try to recover any allegedly stolen funds from the UK.

He said the UK government was "extremely supportive" of this effort.

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"I have a lot of admiration for the promptness with which they're treating the whole subject," Yunus said.

The BBC understands the International Anti-Corruption Co-ordination Centre (IACCC) is exploring opportunities to assist Bangladesh's interim government and its law enforcement agencies in their efforts to investigate allegations of corruption under Hasina's rule.

The IACCC is hosted by the National Crime Agency in London.

An NCA spokesperson said: "The NCA does not routinely comment on the nature of international assistance, nor confirm or deny if the Agency has opened an investigation or is supporting a partner's investigation."
On Saturday, on the streets of Washington, Donald Trump will throw himself a costly and ostentatious military parade, a gaudy display of waste and vainglory staged solely to inflate the president's dirigible-sized ego.

The estimated price tag: As much as $45 million.

That same day, the volunteers and staff of White Pony Express will do what they've done for nearly a dozen years, taking perfectly good food that would otherwise be tossed out and using it to feed hungry and needy people living in one of the most comfortable and affluent regions of California.

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Since its founding, White Pony has processed and passed along more than 26 million pounds of food  the equivalent of about 22 million meals  thanks to such Bay Area benefactors as Whole Foods, Starbucks and Trader Joe's. That's 13,000 tons of food that would have otherwise gone to landfills, rotting and emitting 31,000 tons of CO2 emissions into our overheated atmosphere.

It's such a righteous thing, you can practically hear the angels sing.

"Our mission is to connect abundance and need," said Eve Birge, White Pony's chief executive officer, who said the nonprofit's guiding principle is the notion "we are one human family and when one of us moves up, we all move up."

Read more: Barabak: Putting the bully in bully pulpit, Trump escalates in L.A. rather than seeking calm

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That mission has become more difficult of late as the Trump administration takes a scythe to the nation's social safety net.

White Pony receives most of its support from corporations, foundations, community organizations and individual donors. But a sizable chunk comes from the federal government; the nonprofit could lose up to a third of its $3-million annual budget due to cuts by the Trump administration.

"We serve 130,000 people each year," Birge said. "That puts in jeopardy one-third of the people we're serving, because if I don't find another way to raise that money, then we'll have to scale back programs. I'll have to consider letting go staff." (White Pony has 17 employees and about 1,200 active volunteers.)

"We're a seven-day-a-week operation, because people are hungry seven days a week," Birge said. "We've talked about having to pull back to five or six days."

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She had no comment on Trump's big, braggadocious celebration of self, a Soviet-style display of military hardware  tanks, horses, mules, parachute jumpers, thousands of marching troops  celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary and, oh yes, the president's 79th birthday.

Marivel Mendoza wasn't so reticent.

"All of the programs that are being gutted and we're using taxpayer dollars to pay for a parade?" she asked after a White Pony delivery truck pulled up with several pallets of fruit, veggies and other groceries.

Mendoza's organization, which operates from a small office center in Brentwood, serves more than 500 migrant farmworkers and their families in the far eastern reaches of the Bay Area. "We're going to see people starving at some point," Mendoza said. "It's unethical and immoral. I don't know how [Trump] sleeps at night."

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Certainly not lightheaded, or with his empty belly growling from hunger.

All the food processed at White Pony Express, including these bell peppers, is checked for quality and freshness before distribution. (Mark Z. Barabak / Los Angeles Times)

Those who work at White Pony speak of it with a spiritual reverence.

Paula Keeler, 74, took a break from her recent shift inspecting produce to discuss the organization's beneficence. (Every bit of food that comes through the door is checked for quality and freshness before being trucked from White Pony's Concord warehouse and headquarters to one of more than 100 community nonprofits.)

Keeler retired about a decade ago from a number-crunching job with a Bay Area school district. She's volunteered at White Pony for the last nine years, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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"It's become my church, my gym and my therapist," she said, as pulsing rhythm and blues played from a portable speaker inside the large sorting room. "Tuesdays, I deliver to two senior homes. They're mostly little women and they can go to bed at night knowing their refrigerator is full tomorrow, and that's what touches my heart."

Keeler hadn't heard about Trump's parade. "I don't watch the news because it makes me want to throw up," she said. Told of the spectacle and its cost, she responded with equanimity.

"It's kind of like the Serenity Prayer," Keeler said. "What can you do and what can't you do? I try to stick with what I can do."

It's not much in vogue these days to quote Joe Biden, but the former president used to say something worth recollecting. "Dont tell me what you value," he often stated. "Show me your budget, and Ill tell you what you value.

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Trump's priorities  I, me, mine  are the same as they've ever been. But there's something particularly stomach-turning about squandering tens of millions of dollars on a vanity parade while slashing funds that could help feed those in need.

Michael Bagby has been volunteering at White Pony for three years, delivering food and training others to drive the nonprofit's fleet of trucks. (Mark Z. Barabak / Los Angeles Times)

Michael Bagby, 66, works part time at White Pony. He retired after a career piloting big rigs and started making deliveries and training White Pony drivers about three years ago. His passion is fishing  Bagby dreams of reeling in a deep-sea marlin  but no hobby can nourish his soul as much as helping others.

He was aware of Trump's pretentious pageant and its heedless price tag.

"Nothing I say is going to make a difference whether the parade goes on or not," Bagby said, settling into the cab of a 26-foot refrigerated box truck. "But it would be better to show an interest in the true needs of the country rather than a parade."

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Read more: Arellano: Trump wants L.A. to set itself on fire. Let's rebel smarter

His route that day called for stops at a middle school and a church in working-class Antioch, then Mendoza's nonprofit in neighboring Brentwood.

As Bagby pulled up to the church, the pastor and several volunteers were waiting outside. The modest white stucco building was fringed with dead grass. Traffic from nearby Highway 4 produced an insistent, thrumming soundtrack.

"There are a lot of people in need. A lot," said Tania Hernandez, 45, who runs the church's food pantry. Eighty percent of the food it provides comes from White Pony, helping feed around 100 families a week. "If it wasn't for them," Hernandez said, "we wouldn't be able to do it."

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With help, Bagby dropped off several pallets. He raised the tailgate, battened down the latches and headed for the cab. A church member walked up and stuck out his hand. "God bless you," he said.

Then it was off to the next stop.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) -- As the world marked the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations on Thursday, calls for mutual respect, inclusive development and cultural exchange resonated from UN headquarters to tea ceremonies in Mauritius, porcelain showcases in Italy, and academic forums in Athens.

The day, designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024 following a resolution proposed by China and co-sponsored by over 80 countries, comes amid rising global tensions and pressing challenges -- making civilizational dialogue not just timely, but imperative.

CHINA, UN LEAD GLOBAL CALL

In a video address to a commemorative event, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that promoting dialogue among civilizations is essential to responding to the profound transformations and immense challenges of today's world.

"The value of civilizations has become more salient than ever when facing profound transformations unseen in a century," Wang said, calling for advancing dialogue by safeguarding equity, facilitating exchanges and promoting shared progress.

Wang's message echoed China's broader diplomatic push through its Global Civilization Initiative, which advocates respect for civilizational diversity, mutual learning and people-to-people connectivity.

At UN headquarters in New York, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a passionate appeal for unity and mutual understanding.

"Dialogue is the path to peace," Guterres said. "On this first International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, we celebrate that conviction and the rich diversity of civilizations as a force to promote mutual understanding and global solidarity."

UN under-secretary-general and high representative for the UN Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Angel Moratinos reinforced this message, describing civilizational dialogue as the only viable method for solving global conflicts and divisions. He also credited China's initiative for catalyzing the international recognition of this new observance day.

"It is time to put an end to war and conflict. And for that, the only way... is through dialogue," Moratinos said.

CULTURAL BONDS

Far from diplomatic halls, artists and historians in Europe underscored how porcelain -- delicate yet enduring -- remains a powerful emblem of cultural exchange and a conduit for civilizational dialogue.

In the Italian ceramics capital of Faenza, a renewed cooperation agreement with Jingdezhen, China's "Porcelain Capital," was signed on June 1 to deepen exchanges, continue artist-in-residence programs and introduce new awards recognizing excellence in ceramic art.

"Porcelain is a vital witness to the civilizational dialogues between China and the West," said Monika Gass, vice president of the International Academy of Ceramics.

Gass said that trade along the ancient Silk Road brought Chinese porcelain to Europe as early as the 15th century, transforming it into a coveted luxury. "Europeans were eager to learn China's porcelain techniques ... Western artists absorbed elements of Chinese artistic styles and cultural motifs," she said.

At the International Museum of Ceramics in Faenza, Chinese porcelain --including works from Jingdezhen -- is prominently featured. A square at Jingdezhen's Taoxichuan Art Center has been named "Faenza Square" to honor this enduring cultural connection.

Ceramic art also took center stage at a forum in Rome on June 3, where experts highlighted that the cross-cultural history was encapsulated in works like The Feast of the Gods, a Renaissance painting featuring blue-and-white Chinese porcelain.

"China and Italy have inspired creativity and innovation, grounded in mutual respect and curiosity," said Marta Leonori of Italy's Treccani Institute, who cited Marco Polo's journey as a lasting emblem of civilizational exchange.

"Marco Polo's story began centuries ago, but it reaches into the future -- and it is up to us to continue writing it," she added.

In Mauritius, nearly 200 guests gathered at the "Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon," where traditional Chinese tea was served alongside performances and ceramic exhibits.

Mauritian President Dharam Gokhool said tea symbolizes the rich cultural and historical ties between the two countries. "Arts, culture and our shared humanity speak a language of their own -- one that requires no translation, only open and generous hearts," he noted.

"Today's world -- shaped by divisions and conflict -- compels us to explore and appreciate those avenues that lead us to unity, peace and harmony," he added.

Similar sentiments were echoed in Tanzania. "China does not advocate a hierarchy of civilizations but emphasizes each culture has its unique value and inherent legitimacy," said Humphrey Moshi, director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, adding that cooperation in healthcare, agriculture and education has not only brought practical benefits but also strengthened mutual cultural appreciation.

In Myanmar, former diplomats and think tank leaders emphasized dialogue as a bridge -- not just between states, but between peoples. "Given the turbulence and challenges in today's world, civilization dialogue is an important way to enhance understanding, reduce conflicts and promote win-win results," said U Thant Kyaw, chairman of the Myanmar Institute of Strategic and International Studies.

YOUTH, HERITAGE AT HEART

Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, stressed the importance of dialogue in tackling today's global uncertainties, from pandemics to climate change.

"No single civilization holds all the answers ... It is essential for the whole of society to recognize the significance of civilizational dialogue and actively promote mutual learning. Our shared values and collective experience can guide us toward more effective and inclusive governance," he said.

He emphasized the crucial role of youth in this endeavor. "Civilizational dialogue begins with listening. It is nurtured by empathy and sustained through action," he said, urging young people to engage across cultures -- both in person and online.

In Nairobi, UN Resident Coordinator for Kenya Stephen Jackson echoed these views. "The problems that we have today can only be solved when nations and cultures come together. And that is dialogue."

WISDOM INSPIRES PEACEBUILDING

In Athens, a high-level cultural forum themed "Civilization and Peace: From the Parthenon to the Old Summer Palace" brought together scholars and officials to reflect on how ancient capitals can inspire peaceful cooperation today.

"Cultural heritage goes beyond monuments and includes ideas, values and ways of life," said UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone Ramirez. He called for "new models of cooperation" built on the wisdom of the past and the promise of the future.

From tea leaves to porcelain, from diplomatic appeals to artistic collaborations, the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations revealed one essential truth: only through listening, learning and respecting can humanity find its common path forward. 
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A Bartlett apartment complex is now being demolished after it caught fire in September 2024.

WREG saw crews on the scene at the Qual Ridge Apartments on Wednesday, beginning to tear the building down. The demolition is said to take a few weeks.

Photo by WREG Photo by WREG

On Sept. 16, the City of Bartlett said a fire broke out at the Quail Ridge Apartments on Egypt Central around 6:16 a.m. One resident was taken to the hospital suffering from minor injuries.

Bartlett Fire Photo by WREG Bartlett Fire Photo by WREG

Bartlett Fire Department requested help from the Shelby County Fire Department and Germantown Fire Department due to the fire fully evolving. They surround the fire because the structure had began to destabilize.

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I give glory to God. If it wasnt for him, I wouldnt be standing here talking to you, said Shylinda Graystreete, a resident to WREG in September.

A video shared with WREG shows the fire consuming a stairwell before quickly spreading to the rest of the building.

Dozens of families stood by and watched as their homes went up in flames. Graystreete, who is a dialysis patient, says a neighbor informed her of the fire.

And then I heard him say Get out! Get out! and so I looked out my back bedroom window and I could see flames on the second floor and I said Oh my God, Its fire, Graystreete said.

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Renee Hightower lives on the third floor and says the fire started in the unit beneath hers.

It was just so much black smoke and when I opened the door, I instantly started coughing. So, I closed the door back. I didnt even know which way I could run because it was just black smoke. So, I just knew I had to go off the balcony, Hightower said.

It was a decision many residents were faced with.

So, I started thinking and I said Ok I cant panic. I said God youre going to get me out of this. I climbed over the balcony and I just somehow got myself so that my feet were on the second-floor banister and I was just dangling. And he said you got to let go. I looked up and I could see the fire in my living room. So, I just let my hands slide down the balcony and I let go. Graystreete said. I thank God for neighbors like that because the young man that was knocking on the door, he got burned helping other people.

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We reached out to Bartlett Fire back in September to find out how many people were displaced and we did not hear back. The cause of fire has not been released.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
A total of 220 combat clashes occurred on the front lines on 11 June, with the Russians attacking most heavily on the Pokrovsk front (62 combat engagements) and the Novopavlivka front (46 combat engagements).

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 08:00 on 12 June

Details: The Russians launched one missile attack and 86 airstrikes on the positions of Ukrainian units and populated areas, using two missiles and dropping 136 guided aerial bombs. In addition, they conducted 6,064 bombardments, 122 of which were from multiple-launch rocket systems, and used 3,744 kamikaze drones in their strikes.

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The General Staff reports that 27 combat clashes of varying intensity have taken place on the Kursk front over the past day. In addition, the Russians conducted 19 airstrikes using 40 guided aerial bombs and mounted 268 attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas, including six from multiple-launch rocket systems.

Meanwhile, over the past day, Ukrainian aircraft and Rocket Forces and Artillery units struck 10 clusters of Russian military personnel and equipment and destroyed seven artillery systems, one air defence system, five command posts, three ammunition storage points and two other important assets belonging to Russian forces.

In total, the Russians have lost 1,140 soldiers over the past day. Ukrainian soldiers also destroyed six tanks, three armoured combat vehicles, 47 artillery systems, one air defence system, 138 tactical-level unmanned aerial vehicles and 136 vehicles belonging to Russian troops, the General Staff added.

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Comedian and childrens author David Walliams has drawn widespread condemnation, including from the BBC, for making two Nazi salutes during a recording of panel show Would I Lie To You? earlier this week.

The Times first reported that Walliams, also a former judge on Britains Got Talent, made the gestures during a segment in which another panellist joked about injuring their wrist while waving.

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The audience at Pinewood Studios, where the shows Christmas special was being filmed on Tuesday, was reportedly shocked when Walliams joined in to mimic the waves before holding his arm in a Nazi salute.

A journalist called Sebastian Topan contacted the BBC to describe the incident. Some other panellist was talking when David Walliams started doing the Nazi salute, Topan told BBC News. I was shocked at what I had seen [There were] patches of quietened gasps and awkward half-laughs and broken clapping.

Gavin & Stacey star Rob Brydon, hosting the show, informed Walliams the program would be broadcast before the 9 p.m. watershed. But as discussions continued, Walliams is said to have done the salute again and added a sexual gesture with his other hand. The atmosphere was uncomfortable and weird, Topan claimed.

The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Walliams team for comment.

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A spokesperson for Banijay U.K., which owns the shows production company Zeppotron, said that any attempt at humor regarding this deeply offensive gesture, whether broadcast or not, is completely unacceptable in any context.

It was immediately acknowledged during the recording that this segment would not be broadcast under any circumstances, they continued, and we apologise to those who were at the recording for any offence caused.

A BBC spokesperson also said: The use of such an offensive gesture is completely unacceptable and we apologise to all at the recording for the offence caused.

It isnt the first time Walliams has come under fire for controversy. Well known in the U.K. for his team-up on Little Britain and Come Fly With Me with Matt Lucas (Bridesmaids, Alice in Wonderland), he departed ITVs Britains Got Talent in 2022 when a recording of him insulting contestants on the show were made public.

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WASHINGTON, N.C. (WNCT)  The Beaufort County Community College will host a ceremony marking the start of construction on the new Rev. Dr. Robert B. Cayton Regional Center in Aurora Thursday, June 19th.

The ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. on the construction site at 319 S. 5th St. in Aurora. Community members, elected officials, and regional partners will be in attendance.

According to a press release, The $3 million project is expected to be completed by April 2026, the Rev. Dr. Robert Cayton Regional Center is named in honor of the late Aurora native and longtime BCCC Board of Trustees Chair, who served from 2018 until his passing in 2022. A.R. Chesson Construction will lead the build, with JKF Architecture providing the design. The facility is the first BCCC building constructed on land not contiguous with its main campus.

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This project represents our commitment to equitable access, said Dr. Dave Loope, president of Beaufort CCC. Transportation and childcare can be major barriers to education, especially in rural areas. This new center brings learning and opportunity directly to the people of Aurora and Richland Tow

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Heads up, hikers. The USDA Forest Service is shutting down a camping shelter along the popular Appalachian Trail for the next couple of weeks.

Officials say bears in the area of the Springer Mountain Shelter in Blue Ridge are getting bolder toward hikers and campers.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Because of their increased activity, the shelter will be closed until June 26 while the Georgia Department of Natural Resources assesses the situation.

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Public safety is our highest priority. The Forest Service is working closely with Georgia DNR to monitor bear activity and implement necessary safety measures, officials wrote.

TRENDING STORIES:

The shelter is located near the Appalachian Trail, which stretches nearly 2,200 miles from Springer Mountain in north Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy says that more than 3 million people visit sections of the trail every year, and more 3,000 people will attempt to hike all 2,197.4 miles.

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TAHLEQUAH, Okla.  An Oklahoma man pleaded no contest to killing and beheading a buffalo and seriously wounding a second buffalo within the Cherokee reservation and was given a three-year deferred sentence.

Gunner Lee Richards, 25, of Broken Bow and a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, entered a plea to two counts of animal cruelty and one count of grand larceny in the Cherokee Nation Criminal Court.

The court found Richards guilty and also ordered him to $1,350 in fines and court costs.

Background

Tryston Hunter Needham, a Choctaw Nation citizen, was also charged along with Richards, with two counts of animal cruelty and grand larceny in 2023. However, online court records show that his charges were dropped.

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The owner of the buffalo herd found the female buffalo dead, and her head had been removed, the arrest warrant states. The female buffalo was carrying an almost full-term calf. The owner also discovered a second buffalo, a large adult male who had been shot, was severely wounded, and would require euthanasia, the affidavit states.

Court records show Gunner made restitution to the owner.

Extremely rare white buffalo calls Quapaw home

Bison are native to North America and Europe and are sometimes called buffalo in casual use, but they are two different animals. Buffalos, which have longer curvier horns, are native to Africa and Asia, according to several zoological websites.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
One of the first sights that greets arrivals to the centre of Serbia's capital Belgrade are government buildings in an advance state of collapse. Nato planes bombed them back in 1999  and they remain in much the same condition.

The message they deliver to visitors could be "welcome to Serbia, our recent history has been tumultuous and complicated  and we still haven't quite finished processing it".

Like a smile with a row of broken teeth, the Defence Ministry buildings are still standing. But they clearly took a serious hit when Nato intervened to stop Serbia's then military campaign in Kosovo.

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As a member of the Western military alliance, the US was implicated in the bombing.

Given that history, last year it came as something of a jolt for Serbians when the government struck a deal with a company called Affinity Global to redevelop the site into a $500m (370m) luxury hotel and apartment tower complex.

Not just because the business concerned is American, but due to the fact its founder is Jared Kushner, best-known as Donald Trump's son-in-law. And because the planned development is due to be called Trump Tower Belgrade.

While these has now been a major twist in the tale that puts the scheme in some doubt, the Serbian government's decision to strike the deal wasn't too surprising.

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Before he became US president in 2016, Donald Trump himself expressed interest in building a hotel on the site.

The move also fits a government pattern - as alleged by the Serbian opposition - of allowing foreign investors to profit from public property.

They cite, as a prime example, the Belgrade Waterfront residential and retail project, constructed by Emirati developers on land owned by Serbia's railways.

Where there used to be rusting rolling stock and derelict sidings, there is now a swish shopping centre, smart restaurants and the oddly bulbous, 42-storey Belgrade Tower. It is not to everyone's taste.

The development project is being led by Jared Kushner [Getty Images]

That, however, was a brownfield site, rather than a city centre landmark. The Defence Ministry complex is an entirely different proposition  not least because it acts as a memorial to the casualties of the 1999 bombing campaign.

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It is also a highly visual reminder of why the vast majority of Serbians remain opposed to Nato, and feel sympathetic towards Russia.

In that context, granting a US developer a 99-year lease on the site, reportedly for no upfront cost, is a bold move.

But Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vucic, is unapologetic. "It's important to overcome the burden from 1999," he tells the BBC.

"We are ready to build better relations with the US  I think that is terribly important for this country."

Serbia's president Aleksandar Vucic says that the sale of the site is completely above board [Getty Images]

That view garners a degree of sympathy from Belgrade's international business community.

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Foreign direct investment inflows have more than tripled over the past decade. But GDP per capita remains low compared to EU member states. It stands at just one third of the bloc's average.

To keep those figures moving in the right direction, attracting new investors is vital. And while the financial details of the Ministry of Defence development have not been revealed, the New York Times has reported that the Serbian government will get 22% of future profits.

"For a small and specific market  ex-Yugoslavia, outside the EU  all publicity is good publicity," says James Thornley, a former senior partner at KPMG Serbia, who is now a partner at financial consultants KP Advisory in Belgrade.

"If you have major international players coming in, it's a pull, it's a draw. You're getting the name and opportunity out there."

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Mr Thornley has lived in Serbia for 25 years and is fully aware of the sensitivities surrounding the Defence Ministry complex. But he believes that views would change once people saw the benefits of the development.

"That site is an eyesore and should be resolved," he says. "Nothing's happened for 26 years, let's get it sorted out."

But not everyone involved with international investment in Serbia is so enthusiastic.

Andrew Peirson was the managing director of global real estate giant CBRE in Southeast Europe, and now holds the same role at iO Partners, which focuses entirely on the region.

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He admits that the shattered state of the Defence Ministry complex is "not good for the city's image", and that the deal to develop the site is "probably good news, because it shows the country can attract big investments".

But he has serious qualms about how the government struck the deal with Affinity Global. Mr Peirson says that there was no open tendering process that would have allowed other firms to bid for the site.

"With state-owned land, you should be able to prove you're getting market value for the site. The way you usually do that is to run a proper tender process," says Mr Peirson.

"If it had been in UK, Germany, Hungary or even Romania or Bulgaria, there would have been a process; it would have gone through the open market. Developers that were looking to enter Serbia, or already active, would have been given the chance to buy it themselves."

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Back in 2023 Vucic said he met with Kushner and had an "excellent conversation" with Jared Kushner regarding the "potential for large and long-term investments."

And Donald Trump Jr has since made follow up visits to Belgrade after Affinity Global announced that a Trump International Hotel would form part of the development. The role of Trump Jr and the family business is thought to be limited to the hotel.

Questions have been raised about the Trumps making commercial deals while Donald Trump is in the White House but his press secretary has rejected any suggestion he is profiting from the presidency.

Mr Peirson is concerned that the nature of the Ministry of Defence building deal may irk businesses which have already committed to Serbia.

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"If I'm an investor already putting tens or hundreds of millions into the country, I would feel sad that I hadn't been given the chance," he says.

Both Affinity Global and the Serbian government did not respond to requests for comments about how the deal over the site was agreed, and whether or not there was an open tendering process.

Then there is the question of whether a commercial development should be taking place at all. The site, even in its current state, remains architecturally and historically significant.

The buildings were originally constructed to welcome visitors to the capital of Tito's Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Architect Nikola Dobrovic created two structures on either side of Nemanjina Street which, viewed together, took the form of a gate.

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The design also echoes the contours of Sutjeska Gorge, the site of the Yugoslav Partisans' pivotal victory over Nazi forces in 1943. And in 2005, it was granted protected status under Serbia's cultural heritage laws.

"No serious city builds a modern future by demolishing its historical centres and cultural monuments," says Estela Radonjic Zivkov, the former deputy director of Serbia's Republic Institute for the Protection of Monuments.

"For Serbia to progress, it must first respect its own laws and cultural heritage," she insists. "According to Serbian law, it is not possible to revoke the protection of this site."

Belgrade was bombed by Nato in response to Serbia's actions in Kosovo [Getty Images]

But just when it seemed the site's fate was sealed, Serbian organised crime prosecutors delivered a twist worthy of a Hollywood thriller.

On 14 May, police arrested the official who had given the green light for the lifting of the Defence Ministry complex's protected status.

Prosecutors said Goran Vasic, the acting director of the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, had admitted to fabricating an expert opinion which had been used to justify the change of status. He faces charges of abuse of office and forgery of official documents.

This admission has been seized on by those opposed to the project as evidence Kushner got preferential treatment. The Serbian government denies this.

Where this leaves the Affinity Global project  Trump International Hotel and all  is not entirely clear.

Repeated efforts to arrange an interview with the company have been unsuccessful, though it did issue a statement insisting that Mr Vasic had "no connection to our firm", adding that it would "review this matter and determine next steps".

Vucic, meanwhile, denies there is any problem with the development. During a meeting of European leaders in Tirana, he said "there was not any kind of forgery".

Still, it seems the Defence Ministry's shattered visage will remain unchanged for a while at least. And thanks to the Trump connection, it will offer even more of a talking point for first-time visitors to Belgrade.

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AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 44)  Texans will soon experience a more streamlined process for receiving

metal license plates when they purchase a car from a dealer thanks to a new state law.

According to Bell County, House Bill 718 was passed by the 88th Legislature in 2023 and says motor vehicle dealers will begin issuing metal license plates directly to buyers of new and used vehicles starting July 1, 2025.

Bell County Vehicle Registration has been working closely with our over 200 Bell County

auto dealers since HB 718 was passed in 2023 to prepare for all the changes, said Bell

County Tax Assessor-Collector Shay Luedeke.

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Buying from a Dealer: Consumers purchasing a vehicle from a Texas dealer will

receive metal license plates instead of paper temporary tags, driving off the lot with

their plates already in place. Until their registration sticker arrives from their county

office, customers must keep their buyers plate receipt in the vehicle to be able to

verify the purchase and pending registration to law enforcement.

Trading in a Vehicle: When consumers sell or trade in a vehicle with general issue

plates, dealers may transfer the plates to another vehicle sold within ten days if the

plates match the appropriate vehicle type, per Senate Bill 1902, passed by the 89th

Legislature this year. Consumers with specialty license plates will keep their plates.

Buying/Selling a Vehicle in a Private Sale: The private party sales process remains

unchanged:

 Sellers should remove their license plates and registration stickers from the

vehicle when they deliver the vehicle to the buyer.

 The seller can request to transfer the plates to another vehicle they ownif

appropriate for the vehicle typeby visiting their county tax assessorcollectors office.

 Sellers should submit a Vehicle Transfer Notification to the Texas

Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of the sale of the vehicle.

 Buyers must submit a title and registration application at their county tax

assessor-collectors office and obtain new plates to register the vehicle in

their name within 30 days of purchase.

For consumers, the most notable change will be when they drive their new car off the lot,

they will have their permanent metal plate already installed, Luedeke 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 KWKT - FOX 44.
The Bellevue Fire Department added a new tool to help with water rescues this summer: jet skis.

The goal is to speed up emergency response times on the water.

In a region where our summer water temps can still cause hypothermia in minutes, said interim Fire Chief Dave Tait. This equipment will help us get to people in distress quicker and get them to safety or further medical treatment as efficiently as possible.

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The department began using the jet skis in Lake Washington on Monday and will begin deployment on Lake Sammamish on June 16.

The new equipment was funded by the Bacon Family Foundation and nearly 200 community donors in partnership with the Bellevue Fire Foundation.

Before the jet skis, the department was using paddleboards and other basic tools in its operations.
Jun. 12BEMIDJI  The Beltrami County Democratic-Farmer-Labor party will host a spring fish fry and auction fundraiser at 5 p.m. on Monday, June 16, at the Bemidji Eagles Club, 1270 Neilson Ave. SE.

A social hour will begin at 4 p.m., followed by a Red Lake walleye dinner served from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The guest speaker will be the new Minnesota DFL Chair, Richard Carlbom. The event will also include speeches from various announced candidates running for DFL endorsement in the 2026 general election, a release said.

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The dinner costs $20 per person.

This event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

The Beltrami County DFL is an organizing unit staffed by an all-volunteer team. To learn more, visit

beltramidfl.org.
This photo taken on June 12, 2025 shows guests talking prior to the opening ceremony of the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province. The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai)

CHANGSHA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha, highlighting the commitment of the world's largest developing country to strengthening ties with Africa, the continent with the largest number of developing nations.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." The value of cooperation projects preliminarily agreed upon surpasses 11 billion U.S. dollars, according to organizers.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the opening ceremony on Thursday, expressing the belief that the expo will create more opportunities for China-Africa cooperation and yield more results.

"No matter how the international landscape may change, China will always stand firmly with Africa, offering strong support for the continent's modernization and serving as a true friend and sincere brother in Africa's journey toward development," said Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Achieving modernization is a shared aspiration of the more than 2.8 billion people in China and Africa, and a key theme of a China-Africa community of a shared future, Wang said.

He said China will continue to carry out exchanges of governance experience with African countries and strengthen the synergy of development strategies between the two sides to fast-track the implementation of the ten partnership actions for modernization.

Wang pledged China's efforts to further open up to Africa by signing more deals of economic partnerships and encouraging the import of more African goods.

China will also deepen practical cooperation to facilitate Africa's industrialization and digital transformation, Wang added.

Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi also attended the opening ceremony.

In her speech, Nabbanja said that in the face of global challenges such as climate change, supply chain disruptions and rising protectionism, true modernization must be built on partnerships featuring mutual respect, win-win cooperation and inclusive development.

She called for forward-looking, sustainable and inclusive China-Africa cooperation, particularly in the area of trade and investment.

Mudavadi also delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, saying that Kenya welcomes Chinese investment in infrastructure, especially in energy, transport and industrial zones, and supports partnerships that promote technology transfer, innovation and youth entrepreneurship.

This year's expo features dedicated zones highlighting smart mining technology, clean energy, modern agricultural machinery and construction equipment. For the first time, the expo includes dedicated exhibitions on renowned China-Africa cooperation brands, quality African goods, China-Africa tourism, and China-Africa cooperation on traditional Chinese medicine.

A total of 30 economic and trade activities are scheduled for the expo, covering China-Africa industrial chain collaboration, green minerals, infrastructure, traditional medicine, cultural industries and youth entrepreneurship. Two key reports on China-Africa economic ties are also set to be released during the event.

China had been Africa's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years by 2024, and the growth of bilateral trade has continued to accelerate in 2025. 

An exhibitor introduces skincare products from Africa at Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

Staff members perform at the Rwanda booth at Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

This photo taken on June 12, 2025 shows coffee products from Rwanda at Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province. The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni)

This photo taken on June 12, 2025 shows the opening ceremony of the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province. The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." (Xinhua/Chen Sihan)

People visit the booth of South Africa at Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)

This photo taken on June 12, 2025 shows guests attending the opening ceremony of the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province. The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." (Xinhua/Chen Sihan)

People visit the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo at Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

An exhibitor introduces a sightseeing vehicle to a visitor at Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)

Livestreamers introduce products from Africa at Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)

Volunteers work at a venue of the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)

African volunteers present a performance to welcome visitors at a venue of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)

This photo taken on June 12, 2025 shows avocados from Kenya at a venue of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province. The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

An exhibitor introduces chili pepper products from Rwanda at Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, June 12, 2025. The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." (Xinhua/Jin Mamengni)
Sens. Bernie Sanders and Angus King have introduced new legislation that would ban prescription drug advertising on television, radio, print, digital platforms and social media.

The bill, known as the End Prescription Drug Ads Now Act, would apply to all drugs and biologics, including those currently on the market.

With the exception of New Zealand, the United States is the only country in the world where it is legal for pharmaceutical companies to advertise their drugs on television. It is time for us to end that international embarrassment, Sanders said in a statement. The American people dont want to see misleading and deceptive prescription drug ads on television. They want us to take on the greed of the pharmaceutical industry and ban these bogus ads.

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In 2024, prescription pharma advertisers accounted for over $5.15 billion in linear TV ad spending, per iSpot.tv, or 11.6% of total ad dollars flowing to national broadcast and cable networks. That money generated over 413 billion ad impressions and 1.58 million minutes of advertising across 271 brands, per the firm.

The report notes that drug spending on linear accounted for 17.6% of sports programming and 5.8% of its impressions and 22.3% of news and information programming and 24.2% of its impressions.

Sanders and King added that the prices for drugs in the U.S. are among the highest in the world, with one in four Americans not able to afford the costs of the medicine their doctors prescribe.

For example, Novo Nordisk charges nearly $1,000 a month for Ozempic in the United States, compared to $59 in Germany, $71 in France, $122 in Denmark, and $155 in Canada, and $1,349 a month for Wegovy, compared to $92 in the United Kingdom, $137 in Germany, $186 in Denmark and $265 in Canada.

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The widespread use of direct-to-consumer advertising by pharmaceutical companies drives up costs and doesnt necessarily make patients healthier, King added. The End Prescription Drug Ads Now Act would prohibit direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceutical drugs to protect people. This bill is a great step to ensure that patients are getting the best information possible and from the right source: their providers and not biased advertisements.

The introduction of the End Prescription Drug Ads Now Act follows repeated calls from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling for a ban on prescription drug advertising. It also comes as Donald Trumps rapidly-evolving tariff policy has added a new layer of caution and uncertainty for Madison Avenue when it comes to spending decisions.

The Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing estimates that prohibiting pharmaceutical advertising could increase federal tax revenues by $1.5 to $1.7 billion annually from 10 of the largest pharmaceutical companies operating in the U.S.

In addition to Sanders and King, co-sponsors of the legislation include Democratic Sens. Chris Murphy, Peter Welch, Jeff Merkley and Dick Durbin.

The post Bernie Sanders, Angus King Propose Drug Advertising Ban in Consumer Marketing appeared first on TheWrap.
BERTRAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  An 18-year-old is accused of attempted murder in a shooting near Buchanan that stemmed from a case of road rage, deputies say.

According to the Berrien County Sheriffs Office, an 18-year-old from Mishawaka, Indiana, is facing three counts of assault with intent to murder, as well as multiple weapons charges.

Deputies say a second person, a 26-year-old also from Mishawaka, is facing a charge of accessory after the fact.

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Arraignment is scheduled for Friday, according to the sheriffs office. The two are jailed in Berrien County.

The charges stem from a June 6 shooting in Bertrand Township. Authorities say they responded around 3:40 a.m. to JDs Truck & Liquor Stop on US-12 near US-31, where they found a person who had been shot. The victim, a 27-year-old from Niles, was taken to the hospital and was expected to survive.

According to the sheriffs office, the shooting itself happened nearby, while the two vehicles were driving on US-12. Deputies say it stemmed from a road rage 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 WOODTV.com.
Investing.com -- The betting market Polymarket is now pricing a 53% chance that Israel will launch military action against Iran before July, a significant jump from just 25% at the start of Wednesday. The sharp increase follows a series of developments in the Middle East that have heightened geopolitical uncertainty and triggered security responses from the United States.

On Wednesday, the U.S. State Department confirmed it is preparing for a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq and authorizing military families and non-essential personnel to depart from select locations across the Middle East. The moves reflect growing concerns about potential regional escalation, particularly involving Iran and its adversaries.

President Donald Trump added to the uncertainty during a press appearance Wednesday evening, stating that U.S. personnel were being repositioned because it could be a dangerous place. He reaffirmed that the United States will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon, a stance that has underpinned recent tensions with Tehran.

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When asked directly on Thursday about whether an Israeli strike on Iran was imminent, Trump was measured but ominous: I dont want to say imminent, but it looks like its something that could very well happen. He emphasized the U.S. position that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, while also stating, Other than that, I want them to be successful well help them be successful, well trade with them.

The betting markets reaction reflects the broader mood of volatility in the region and uncertainty over how close the two adversaries may be to open conflict. Analysts say that Polymarket, which aggregates sentiment from decentralized traders, can act as a real-time barometer of geopolitical risk. A 28-point spike in less than 24 hours suggests that traders believe recent U.S. and Israeli statements, coupled with military repositioning, are strong signals that tensions may soon erupt into action.

Crude Oil WTI Futures futures are trading near two-month highs amid heightened tensions.

While there is no official confirmation of planned Israeli strikes, the White Houses evacuation orders and Trumps comments suggest preparations are being made for a potential escalation. With just weeks left until July, all eyes are now on Tel Aviv and Tehran for what may come next.

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Jun. 11dbeard @dominionpost.com MORGANTOWN  Both sides in the Biafora family business dispute with Lake Lynn Generation following last summer's drought await a federal judge's decision: whether the case might be dismissed, or remanded back to Monongalia County Circuit Court and continued there  or neither and simply continue in federal court.

Judge Thomas Kleeh held a hearing on the conflicting motions in May in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia in Clarksburg, and both sides have now filed their briefs supporting their motions.

Marina 1 LLC, a Biafora family company doing business as Cheat Lake Marina, wants the case sent back to county circuit court. Lake Lynn wants it kept in federal court and wants the case dismissed.

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Marina 1 filed suit Sept. 30, 2024, alleging that before the Labor Day weekend, Lake Lynn deliberately lowered the level of Cheat Lake below the 868-foot minimum in violation of its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license. This caused various damages, some of them irreparable.

Marina 1 is seeking $50, 000 compensation for property damages.

As explained before, the summer drought put Lake Lynn in a trilemma  having to choose between three competing FERC license requirements: maintain the summer level of 868-870 feet ; maintain a flow rate of 212 cubic feet per second (cfs) into the Cheat River, with an absolute minimum of 100 cfs ; and maintain dissolved oxygen at 5 milligrams per liter for the aquatic life.

Lake Lynn elected to prioritize complying with its license requirements to minimize adverse aquatic ecosystem impacts and lower the lake level to keep water flowing over the dam and maintain downstream oxygen levels.

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Marina 1 spells out its arguments in a 10-page brief. In making its choice, "rather than providing Cheat Lake residents and businesses with notice ... informing them to take precautions of the impending lower water level, defendant lowered the water level without prior notification or FERC approval (which itself would have provided notice)." This was an unreasonable action.

While Lake Lynn violated its FERC license, Marina 1 alleges, the issue at question is a state tort law claim.

"The true issue here, " it alleges, "is simply whether defendant acted reasonably in making the choice to rapidly lower the water level of Cheat Lake without prior notice and, if not, is Defendant liable for the damage that its decision caused under state tort law theories. This issue requires no federal analysis, interpretation, or dispute."

Lake Lynn filed its brief late last week. It counters that its FERC license, not state law, sets the standards of care for the operation of its license. "FERC must be given the opportunity to assess if Lake Lynn's license was violated in the first place. ... Plaintiff's claims must be dismissed to seek relief in FERC's administrative proceedings, and, if necessary, before the Fourth Circuit [Court of Appeals ]."

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The company argues that having to decide between competing license requirements in the case of an emergency was anticipated in FERC's environmental impact statement, which notes that preserving minimum flows during a drought could lower reservoir (Cheat Lake) levels. The statement says, "The primary adverse effect of such draw-downs would be on boating in the marinas."

Lake Lynn also noted that the case should remain in federal court because it deals with conflicting interests between two states: maintaining lake levels in West Virginia above the dam, versus downstream water flows in Pennsylvania below the dam.

It says five factors must be weighed: prioritizing license requirements ; balancing lake recreational use against the downstream ecosystem ; weighing the impact of the 2024 drought ; determining what constitutes an emergency justifying adjusting the lake levels ; and determining if its FERC license was in fact violated.

Kleeh did not set a date for issuing his order on the motions.
Former President Joe Biden left office in January, but questions about his mental acuity and decline while in office continue to mount amid the release of audio of his interview with former Special Counsel Robert Hur and his cancer diagnosis, drawing attention to a number of actions taken in his final days in office and beyond.

Biden Struggles With Words, Key Memories In Leaked Audio From Special Counsel Hur Interview

Here's a look at the known, active investigations into the former president and his team:

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Former President Joe Biden used his final weeks as commander-in-chief to grant clemency and pardon more than 1,500 individuals, in what the White House described at the time as the largest single-day act of clemency by a U.S. president.

The Justice Department is reviewing the list of people that were granted pardons by former President Joe Biden, amid concerns about his use of an AutoPen to automatically sign documents.

DOJ Pardon Attorney Ed Martin is reviewing the list of Biden-era pardons granted during the former presidents final weeks in office, including the one granted to his son, Hunter Biden, and the preemptive pardons granted to Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, Biden family members, and members of the House Committee investigating Jan. 6.

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Biden Only Hand-signed One Pardon During Final Spree, And It Was His Most Controversial One

But Biden only signed one pardon by hand during his final weeks in officeand it was his most controversial onefor his son, Hunter Biden.

Biden pardoned his son Hunter in December 2024 after vowing to the American people for months he would not do so.

Hunter Biden was found guilty of three felony gun offenses during special counsel David Weiss investigation. The first son was also charged with federal tax crimes over his alleged failure to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes.

Before his trial, Hunter Biden entered a surprise guilty plea.

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Former President Biden in December 2024 announced a blanket pardon that applies to any offenses against the U.S. that Hunter Biden "has committed or may have committed" from Jan. 1, 2014, to Dec. 1, 2024.

"From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Departments decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted," the former president said.

Here Are Biden's Most Controversial Pardons, Mainly Signed Using Autopen

"There has been an effort to break Hunter  who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, theyve tried to break me  and theres no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough.

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"I hope Americans will understand why a father and a president would come to this decision."

The House Oversight Committee, led by Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., is leading an investigation into an alleged cover-up of Bidens mental decline.

The investigation, specifically, is into whether those inside Bidens inner-circle knowingly colluded to hide the former presidents declining mental acuity and used methods to circumvent the former president when it came to the issuance of important orders, particularly through the use of an autopen tool used to mimic the presidents signature.

House Gop Secures Four Key Witnesses In Biden Mental-decline Probe As Former Aides Agree To Talk

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So far, four former Biden aides have agreed to voluntarily testify for transcribed interviews, including the director of Biden's former Domestic Policy Council, Neera Tanden, Biden's assistant and senior advisor to the first lady, Anthony Bernal, former special assistant to Biden and Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations, Ashley Williams, and Biden's Deputy Chief of Staff, Annie Tomasini.

Tanden will appear before the House Oversight Committee on June 24, Bernal two days later on June 26, while Williams will testify July 11 and Tomasini on July 18.

Lone Biden Official Breaks Silence On Cognitive Decline As Cabinet Stays Mute

But Bidens former White House doctor, Kevin OConnor declined an invitation to sit for a transcribed interview scheduled for June 27.

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Comer subpoenaed OConnor to compel that testimony.

Comer sent letters to five more top former Biden staffers, putting his total outreach in the investigation to 10 people so far.

The latest round of letters are being sent to former White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain, former senior communications advisor Anita Dunn, former top advisors Michael Donilon and Steve Ricchetti, and former Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Bruce Reed.

Former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an "aggressive form" of prostate cancer in May.

"Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms," Biden's team shared in a statement. "On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone."

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"While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management. The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians," the statement said.

Joe Biden Diagnosed With 'Aggressive Form' Of Prostate Cancer With Metastasis To The Bone

During his presidency, Biden had a "cancerous" skin lesion removed from his chest, the White House said at the time.

Biden, during a 2022 speech discussing pollution in his home state, said: "Thats why I and so damn many other people I grew up (with) have cancer."

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But House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has expanded his investigation into Bidens mental decline to include an investigation into the timeline of when Biden learned he had cancer.

Biden's White House Physician Subpoenaed As Republicans Dig Deeper Into Alleged Cognitive Decline Cover-up

"If you'll remember, Joe Biden did an interview several years ago and said he had cancer. The White House quickly issued a statement saying, oh, he misspoke," Comer said during an appearance on Fox Business "Mornings with Maria." "Now, how many people do you know in the history of the world that have misspoke saying they had cancer when they really didn't?"

Comer added: "So there's evidence out there that would suggest that there's been a cover-up with respect to his cancer for many years, just based on Joe Biden's own words."

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Comer has subpoenaed OConnor, the former White House physician who gave Biden several clean bills of health.



Fox News Alec Schemmel and Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.





Original article source: Biden breakdown: Where investigations into the former president stand
"AI-generated images and chatbot responses about the Los Angeles situation have further exposed the startling lack of information and AI literacy among the American public." (Getty Images)

Predictably, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement riots in Los Angeles have been viewed through a partisan lens.

The left has suggested that the federalizing of the California National Guard is a mere dress rehearsal for a full military dictatorship by President Donald Trump, while the right has pounded the drum of pseudo-law and order with [i]f they spit, we will hit.

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Both of these viewpoints are irresponsible, ill-conceived, and lean into misinformation.

Trump is within his lawful and precedential authority to federalize the National Guard given the current circumstances seen in and around Los Angeles. Spitting on a law enforcement officer is assault. However, Trumps remark about spitting directly leading to hitting overtly encourages disproportionate use of force. Couple this with the speaker of the House saying that the governor of California should be tarred and feathered.

Lost among the politics of this moment is something media analysts have been concerned about for quite some time  moments of social upheaval ceding fertile ground to the rapid spread and uptake of misinformation via artificial intelligence.

AI-generated images and chatbot responses about the Los Angeles situation have further exposed the startling lack of information and AI literacy among the American public. It is one thing for adults to engage with potential AI-driven misinformation, but consider that the minds of Generations Z and Alpha are developing within this information environment.

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The pertinent question to be asked is this: How will this caustic environment shape their information consumption habits?

The information environment surrounding Los Angeles right now is not an outlier. It once again reveals the scale of misinformation AI is capable of generating and the ease with which it can inflame public discourse. Yet, amid this crisis, Congress is pushing forward with what has been dubbed the big beautiful bill  a federal budget package that includes a 10-year moratorium on any state-level AI regulation.

This regulation would prevent schools from teaching the vital skill of AI-driven information literacy.

10-year moratorium on state AI regulation

Squirreled away in the 1,000-plus pages of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a clause which reads:

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no state or political subdivision may enforce, during the 10-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this act, any law or regulation limiting, restricting, or otherwise regulating artificial intelligence models, artificial intelligence systems, or automated decision systems entered into interstate commerce.

This clause explicitly forbids states and their political subdivisions (i.e. school boards) from enacting or enforcing any law or policy that limits, restricts, or otherwise regulates artificial intelligence systems.

This broad language would ban everything from AI plagiarism checkers to basic AI literacy curricula in public education. While proponents claim this is about ensuring regulatory uniformity, the effect is much more pervasive. It locks state governments and schools into inaction in a time of dynamic technological change.

When teaching students to assess the authenticity of information, there is a hard line to walk between healthy skepticism and corrosive cynicism. AI makes this line ever more opaque to navigate.

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Developing minds are already traversing AI-saturated landscapes without the tools they need. Teaching AI literacy in schools is not a partisan demand; it is a civic necessity. Teachers should not demand students to be zealots or Luddites in regard to any topic. But teachers should encourage them to become friendly critics of digital information and AI  capable of examining the tools they use with both curiosity and caution.

To its supporters, the 10-year moratorium is being championed as a win for unfettered innovation. In a purely capitalistic sense, this is true and could lead to widespread economic prosperity. However, it is worth recalling that similar rhetoric surrounded the onset of social media platforms.

We now know what happened when those technologies were left unregulated and used as substitutes for the in-person socialization of developing minds. Mental health spiraled, polarization deepened, and a generation came of age in an isolating echo chamber. We cannot afford to wait and see what AI will do on a larger, accelerated scale.

As the R Street Institute argues, the moratorium is a way to avoid a patchwork of conflicting state laws. What it actually does is prevent local communities from crafting age-appropriate, culturally relevant responses to a fast-moving technological frontier. This is not about red states or blue states, right or left. If Democrats controlled the Legislature, the tech lobby would have courted them the same way.

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This is about whether any policymaker who claims to care about children or families will acknowledge the responsibility of schools to prepare their students for the rapidly changing world beyond their walls.

The next step for school curriculum

The next chapter of American life will be molded by the technologies developing minds use. This is precisely why a 21st-century, technology-focused curriculum needs to be at the forefront of every school board discussion this summer.

Students should learn not only how to prompt AI responsibly, but how to verify the accuracy of its output. They should study its biases, understand its limitations, and consider its societal impacts. In doing so, they will be less likely to fall for the kinds of digital falsehoods intended to exacerbate moments of social upheaval.

AI and information literacy are not passing educational trends like social-emotional learning or whole language instruction. They are part of a new baseline for civic competence. School districts should be empowered, not prohibited, from integrating these skills into their curricula.

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The technology shaping this generation will evolve faster than the ability to legislate solutions to its shortcomings. Education is the answer to prepare young minds for a world awash in AI and digital information.

Let us hope this answer does not get taken away from states and local school boards, leading students down the road to a big, beautiful AI disaster.
Our region has plenty of myths and mysteries. I recently sent some Mothman and Flatwoods Monster  West Virginias own cryptid and very own alien visitor  stickers to one of the little boys in my family. Hes a young dinosaur enthusiast whos just discovered cryptids, those creatures science hasnt confirmed. Hes a guy after my own heart. Creatures came up last week when photographer Tara Wyatt and I attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for a restored atrium and a new mural at Bluefield Middle School. Anyone visiting this space will immediately notice some interesting features including a huge Bigfoot silhouette, Bigfoot tracks on the ground and a colorful painting featuring Bigfoot walking midst the mountains. There was a reason behind the Bigfoot theme. During and after the ceremony, Principal Kim Miller and Sherry Bradley, a social worker for Communities in School, spoke about their encounters with Bigfoot. What was really striking was the setting of these encounters. They didnt happen out in Canada or the Pacifice Northwest. They happened right here in Mercer County. Miller said she was driving home late one afternoon when a huge figure came running down a mountainside, dashed across the road and disappeared into the woods. This happened in the McComas area. Bradley said there were big footprints in front of a window and strange occurrences at her Speedway home. These were not the first times I had heard of Bigfoot encounters. One evening I sat outside a Bluewell home listening for Bigfoot cries that had been reported in the area. Bigfoot didnt turn up that night. I later spoke by phone with Matt Moneymaker, a host on the Animal Planet show Finding Bigfoot and heard how the Appalachian Mountains area considered good Bigfoot habitat. In another instance which happened years ago, I spoke with a McDowell County man about a sighting. He described how a Bigfoot walked across this property and how it yelled so loudly, he could feel the noise. The he heard a reply in the distance. Now Ill admit Im a skeptic when it comes to Bigfoot. Part of me says that surely we would have found solid evidence of an 8-foot or taller ape creature wandering North America by now. The other part argues that as sure as I declare that Bigfoot is impossible, Ill see one while Im out hiking and fail to get my cellphone out in time. There are huge areas up in the mountains where people rarely go because the terrain is so rough. One time I thought about trying to hike along the top of East River Mountain, but one look at the possible path and I dropped that idea. If I got hurt, first responders would have hard time reaching me and thats assuming that Id be able to contact anybody. Bears forage up there, so a chance encounter leading to a painful misunderstanding would be just as bad. Of course, a humanoid creature standing 8-feet or more tall and weighing 600 or more pounds wouldnt have those problems. There have been reports of Bigfoot creatures trekking up glacier paths and up mountainsides that would deter the strongest human beings. A creature that big wouldnt worry about black bears, either. Moneymaker also told me that the region offers creatures like Bigfoot enough to eat. They could prey on deer and we know there are plenty of those roaming the woods. Ill admit that its fun to think that something like Bigfoot could be wandering our region. I fantasize about hiking through one of our state parks and suddenly spotting something huge and unexplainable up on a ridge or crossing the path. This fantasy includes getting a clear photo or a few seconds of clear video. This wouldnt prove Bigfoots existence, but its still fun to think about. Id also like to see a UFO, Mothman or a ghost. Those have all dodged me. However, I sometimes wonder if Ive seen or heard any of these weird things but didnt realize it. Could any of those shadowy figures I see along the road while driving home be a ghost?. Was that odd barking sound I heard once up in the woods coming from a Bigfoot or just a deer? Maybe Bigfoot was mimicking a deer to fool me. Was the light I saw going across the sky an alien spaceship or just a jet? I wonder about things like that. What I dont do is make fun of the folks who say theyve seen these weird things. There may come the time when Im the one with a strange story to tell.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  Illinois could soon require humans to be in charge of all therapy sessions.

The Illinois Legislature passed a bill to the governors desk that would ban the use of therapy offered by Artificial Intelligence. Mental health professionals would also only be able to use AI transcriptions of sessions if the patient consents to it.

Illinois bill ending scam gym membership tactic heads to governors desk

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The National Association for Social Workers said while artificial intelligence could be a promising tool in the future, right now it is not bound by ethics.

These AI chat bots, even though you can try to program as best as you can, theyre not human, said Kyle Hillman, the legislative director for NASW-IL. They dont have that interaction they dont have that kind of response. And so, theyre influenced by what kind of data comes into those products and that influence is changing the biases towards, I think, dangerous conservations.

Durbin pushes to pass DACA bill ahead of 13th anniversary

The bills House sponsor said guardrails need to be set in stone before technology advances too far.

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Our behavioral healthcare system cannot afford to be replaced by unqualified chatbots with no malpractice liability, Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) said in a news release. By explicitly laying out what AI technology can and cannot be used for, patients are better protected, providers can continue delivering critical access to care, and treatment plans remain transparent between the client and professional.

If signed into law, Illinois would be the first state to ban these chatbots.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
A legislative proposal in Maine that would impose new fees on community solar projects is having a chilling effect on solar developers, some of whom say they may stop working in the state, or even already have.

The problem is that theyre looking to change the rules of the market after the fact, said Brendan Bell, chief operating officer of Aligned Climate Capital, which owns several community solar projects in the state. Weve already stopped investing in Maine because of this. Simply the risk of this happening has made us stop.

The legislation, which was approved in late May by the Energy, Utilities, and Technology Committee, aims to reform Maines net energy billing program  often called net metering in other states  which pays the owners of solar panels for the excess energy they share with the grid.

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Nationally, net metering programs have been contentious, with states like California, New Hampshire, and North Carolina making big changes to mixed  and sometimes litigious  receptions. Maines system has been under scrutiny for years, as many critics say it has created excessive profits for developers while unfairly shifting costs to consumers who dont even use solar power.

While many renewable energy advocates and developers agree that the program needs some reform, they say the current bill goes too far. The legislation outlines a new system for compensating commercial and industrial customers who own solar panels. Currently, the compensation rate is based on standard utility electricity rates, meaning solar owners make more revenue when power prices rise. The bill would require a new mechanism of gradual, annual rate increases to avoid excessive windfalls for solar owners when energy costs go up.

Of particular concern, however, are other provisions that apply to community solar developments, larger-scale installations that sell power to multiple subscribers.

In 2019, reforms to Maines net energy billing program paved the way for community solar to take off in the state. As of 2021, 79 megawatts of community solar capacity had been installed; as of May, that number is up to 1,008 MW.

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Community solar is incredibly important to Maine, said Kate Daniel, Northeast regional director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access, a national trade group. Its been the driver of the new clean energy thats gone onto the grid in recent years.

The bipartisan legislation now under consideration would impose a monthly fee, paid by community solar owners to utilities. The money would be intended to cover the cost of delivering the solar power to consumers. Those distribution costs would otherwise be borne by utility customers.

Projects between 1 MW and 3 MW in size would pay $2.80 per kilowatt of capacity  so $5,600 a month for a 2-MW project, for example. Larger arrays between 3 MW and 5 MW would pay $6 per kilowatt  so, $24,000 per month for a 4-MW installation. These rates would be increased as needed to keep up with the cost of maintaining and expanding the grid. The goal, proponents say, is to continue supporting solar in a way that does not add to residents financial hardships.

It is really important to me that we are fighting climate change in an economically just way, said Rep. Sophie Warren, a Democrat and one of the bills sponsors.

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However, renewable energy advocates and solar developers say the monthly fees could scare away new projects as well as put existing operations at risk.

It basically  will consume all of our free cash flow and put us in a position where we may default on our loans, said Cliff Chapman, CEO of Syncarpha Capital, a New York-based clean energy investment firm with eight community solar projects operating in Maine.

Opponents question the way these fees came to be included in the bill. They were not in the original draft legislation, but the idea was raised and voted on during committee debate. The language is in the process of being officially added to the bill so that lawmakers can report it out of committee and send it to the House floor. It is concerning that the fees received no public hearing, and many stakeholders and lawmakers are not even aware they are being added in, said Eliza Donoghue, executive director of the industry group Maine Renewable Energy Association.

Even if this bill fails to pass, the damage may already be done: Investors in all sorts of clean energy segments are becoming wary of doing business in a state that would even consider retroactively changing the rules for projects that were designed and financed under a different set of expectations, opponents said.

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Its a retroactive policy proposal that many folks strongly believe would cause significant financial harm to the solar industry in Maine, said Lindsay Bourgoine, director of policy and government affairs for Maine-based solar company ReVision Energy.

Opponents also worry that the bill sends the inaccurate message that increasing solar adoption makes energy more expensive, when research suggests the reverse is true. In 2024, solar development in Maine yielded about $1.42 in benefits for every dollar of cost, according to a report by state utilities regulators. As of the second half of 2024, net energy billing added about $7 per month to the average residential electric bill in the state.

Warren, however, says reining in even this modest increase could help some of her constituents.

I know there are people on reverse mortgages, on fixed incomes, who are rationing their medicines, she said. These [compensation] rates are far too high, and unnecessarily high for what were getting from them.

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Bill proponents are also not convinced by claims that the new rules would cause financial problems for developers. The provisions are designed to have less financial impact on smaller companies that are less able to take the hit, said Maine Public Advocate Heather Sanborn, a supporter of the bill.

The bill also contains important consumer protections that opponents arent talking about, Sanborn said. Community solar operators would be required to rightsize customers subscriptions, preventing them from paying for more credits than they can use. Should a customer still end up with more credits than they need, the operator would be required to issue a refund. The legislation would also encourage the installation of battery storage in conjunction with solar.

It is a responsible and balanced solution, Sanborn said.

For opponents, however, the community solar fees are an intractable problem that outweighs any other provisions.

What we dont do in America is change rules retroactively and blow up existing investment, Chapman said. Being a state that does something like this has huge implications  theyre making themselves a pariah for investors.


(NewsNation)  Political commentator Bill OReilly said Chinese espionage in the United States increased by approximately 1,000% during the Biden administration, citing evidence including Chinese property purchases, spy balloons and recent arrests of individuals involved in suspicious activities.

OReilly said Wednesday on NewsNations CUOMO that he had spoken with President Donald Trump and found him very optimistic about the trade with China improving dramatically, though OReilly expressed neutrality on the prospects for improved relations.

OReilly said he recently traveled to Beijing at Chinese officials invitation, paying his own way to advance potential U.S.-China cooperation. He said FBI Director Kash Patel has been quietly tasked with monitoring the growing espionage threat from China.

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Rep. Luna: China is dangerous, behind funding of protests

His comments come as Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., is pushing to investigate possible foreign influence behind U.S. protests. Luna announced a formal document request to Shanghai-based billionaire Neville Singham, who she claims is tied to the Chinese Communist Party and funding anti-ICE and anti-Israel demonstrations. If Singham refuses to comply, Luna says shell refer him to the DOJ for prosecution.

OReilly said the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, which he characterized as militant far left, received $34 million from California in 2023 and coordinated with unions to plan the demonstrations.

OReilly said the group has ties to George Soros Open Society Foundation and received $200,000 from the Biden administration. He claimed California taxpayers effectively funded protests.

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Bessent testifies as US, China reach trade deal framework

Regarding Middle East tensions, OReilly said Trump does not want to participate in bombing Iran because it would disrupt potential China negotiations, Ukraine policy and the global economy.

But he predicted weekend negotiations between Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian leaders represent the last chance for a diplomatic solution.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Taiwan separatists not allowed to profit from mainland: spokesperson

Xinhua) 08:15, June 12, 2025

BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland will never tolerate any individuals profiting from the mainland while supporting "Taiwan independence," a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, was responding to recent remarks from Taiwan's die-hard separatist Shen Pao-yang about punitive measures taken by the mainland against companies linked to him.

Noting the mainland's firm stance on the matter, Zhu said there can be no tolerance or leniency for die-hard secessionists or companies associated with them. "Punishment is imperative," she said.

Secessionist acts, she warned, ultimately backfire, harming not only others but also those who commit these acts. "There is no escaping the law."

Media reports have said that aside from Shen, other politicians from the Democratic Progressive Party have also profited from the mainland through their family members. They have been widely criticized for their duplicity.

"The public is clear-eyed," the spokesperson said. "People can tell right from wrong."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
 Lakesha Woods Williams, 29, was arrested on a felony child abandonment count in Houston after leaving her 8- and 6-year-old children home alone while she went on a cruise, The Smoking Gun reported.

Neighbors saw her leaving her luxury apartment with "luggage and bags" and didn't see her return. When police were summoned, they found the two children in the apartment, which was "in complete disarray and had trash and leftover food all over the unit."

The kids said their mom was on a cruise and they didn't know when she would be back.

Officers found a webcam that Williams was using to "watch and talk to the children."

When she appeared in court, the judge noted that witnesses had said it was "not the first time something like this has occurred."

The kids are with their aunt while Williams is held in jail. [The Smoking Gun, 4/17/2024]
NEW DELHI, June 12 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed, at least seven people are reported missing, and 50 others injured at the premises of B J Medical College in the western Indian state of Gujarat, where an Air India flight with 242 people on board crashed Thursday, a doctor association said.

"Fifty 50 MBBS students admitted (Stable), 4-5 students missing, 2-3 critical in High Dependency Unit/Intensive Care Unit (HDU/ICU), 3-4 relatives of resident doctors missing. Wife of one super-specialist doctor found dead," reads a brief statement posted on social media by the Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) Doctors Association.

FAIMA is a national body that represents Resident Doctors' Associations in India.

Senior local government official in Gujarat Dhananjay Dwivedi told the media that about 50 injured people from the college premises have been brought to the civil hospital in Ahmedabad.

The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed immediately after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.

The flight, heading for London, departed at 13:38 p.m. local time but went down at an altitude of 825 feet and crashed on the premises of B J Medical College, causing severe damage to the buildings.

Parts of the plane were seen scattered all around the premises.

Meanwhile, one passenger onboard the ill-fated plane was rescued alive after several hours had lapsed since the tragedy occurred, confirmed a top cop on Thursday. Earlier report said all people on board the crashed plane were killed.

However, the identity of the lone survivor could not be ascertained yet.

Media reports quoted the cop as saying that the passenger sitting on seat number 11A was found alive, and had been admitted to a local hospital for treatment. 
BOSTON (SHNS)  As disability advocates again push to strengthen abuse protections through a string of refiled bills, the general counsel of an independent state agency charged with handling allegations and investigations says there was no pushback to previous legislative efforts.

The latest proposals, intended to improve operations at the Disabled Persons Protection Commission, would also expand the scope of Nickys Law, which created a state registry of certain providers who abused individuals ages 18-59 with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We did not have any opposition last session, and we have reached out to stakeholders. Anybody that has any questions around this bill, were like, Please call us, well speak to you about it. Weve heard nothing, Julie Howley Westwater, general counsel at the DPPC, told the News Service Tuesday.

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Referencing the Department of Children and Families and the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, she added, There were initially some questions around the confidentiality provision and there was some concern that, does that mean were not going to share records when we should? We clarified that and said, No, we want the same protection of records as DCF and AGE.'

The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities favorably reported out redrafted legislation last session on Feb. 15, but the House Ways and Means Committee did not advance it.

Its so frustrating for us because we feel like this really is a bill that will protect a lot of people with disabilities, and its not going to cost any additional money to do that, Westwater said.

The DPPC faced scrutiny last year after the Massachusetts Coalition of Families and Advocates sounded the alarm about abusive providers potentially slipping through the cracks on the registry and continuing to care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Providers can petition for their cases to be reviewed after officials make initial determinations that their conduct constituted abuse.

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Pending bills from Reps. Sean Garballey and Simon Cataldo and Sen. John Keenan (H 243 / S 139) would update and accelerate the DPPCs process for referring reports of alleged abuse to agencies within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services in situations with an imminent risk of substantial harm to the person with a disability, according to a commission summary. The bills streamline how reports are filed in non-emergency situations, codify that privileged and confidential information within DPPC reports are not public records, and remove terms limits for DPPC commissioners.

For several consecutive sessions, this legislation has received a favorable report from the committee, and I respectfully request that you do so again so that we build on that momentum, Keenan told the committee during a hearing Tuesday.

Nancy Alterio, executive director of the Disabled Persons Protection Commission, and Sen. John Keenan testify on legislation that would strengthen the agencys operations during a hearing on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 before the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. (SHNS)

DPPC fields more than 15,000 abuse reports each year, said DPPC Executive Director Nancy Alterio.

In every case, DPPC seeks a positive and just outcome, whether that be additional supports for the victim, removal of the abuser from serving this population, or at the very least preventing similar circumstances from occurring in the future, Alterio said. Changes in this bill, while seemingly small, will improve vital areas of the DPPCs operations, require no additional appropriation, has been duly vetted and debated, and will enhance the safety of persons with disabilities throughout the commonwealth, so that we can provide the best possible response for every one of the 15,000 citizens who reach out the DPPC for assistance.

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Echoing a narrower proposal from Sen. Michael Moore (S 165), the DPPC reforms bills would also broaden the abuser registry to enable MassHealth day habilitation program providers to consult the database.

For now, the registry only installs guardrails around individuals who receive care from the Department of Development Services. Providers whose names appear on the registry are barred from working for DDS or DDS-contracted employers for five years.

We have a glaring loophole in the law. This exclusion allows numerous abusive care providers to keep working with the vulnerable population, Moore said. S 165 is necessary to ensure that no mistreatment goes unreported.

Committee member Rep. John Marsi thanked Moore for tackling the issue.

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I know this didnt quite get over the finish line last session, but I hear from a lot of people in my community that this is very important, Marsi, a Dudley Republican, said.

Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts, said the proposals to update Nickys Law, which former Gov. Charlie Baker signed in 2020, would fill a dangerous gap. Sullivan, who has two sons with autism, recalled how she advocated for the original law to keep people like my sons safe from abusers.

Now, my sons are part of the adult service world, and I am grateful that the registry is doing its job. Over 150 known abusers are prohibited from hurting or neglecting people with IDD, but not in MassHealth day hab programs, Sullivan said. Seven or 8,000 people are served by day habs, and at least a 1,000 or more are waiting.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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MAULDIN, S.C. (WSPA)  The Mauldin Police Department is warning residents against recent sightings of black bears in the area.

Officers said being attacked by one is rare, but its still good to know what to do if you spot one.

Within the past couple of days, the Mauldin Police Department has gotten reports of people seeing black bears, including this one that was seen in the Knollwood area.

There have been sightings of people obviously concerned, said Lt. James Madden. Not a lot of people have education about black bears, their behaviors, so they kind of lump all bears together. Black bears are generally non-aggressive. Theyre more scared of people than we realize.

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Police said while its not uncommon to see wildlife, its important to know what to do.

If you see a bear, its important to never feed them. Officers said that 73% of black bear encounters involve food, because their sense of smell is seven times stronger than humans.

One of the best things to do is to clean your grill after each use to prevent attracting bears to your yard.

Obviously dont feed them. You see lone bears roaming around areas like, oh, its looking for food, so lets feed it and realistically, now youre creating an environment for it to stay in the area and you keep looking for those handouts. I would urge you not to engage nor interact, said Madden.

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Left out garbage, bird seed, or pet food can attract bears and other wildlife.

As cute as they may be, its best to just leave them alone.

Theyre just very curious creatures. Generally, if youre loud, make yourself bigger, thats usually enough to scare them off, Madden said. If not, you can back away, but back away slowly. Dont turn and run. Dont try to block them in any way. Make sure they have a way to run away from you as well.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said black bears are the largest land mammals in the state.

If you notice bears returning to a specific area or trying to get into your house, vehicle, or going after your pet, call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at (800-922-5431).

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
PATASKALA, Ohio (WCMH)  A black bear was spotted in Licking County for the first time in more than 20 years on Tuesday morning.

The bear was observed in a field just east of Pataskala, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Outside of the Tuesday sighting, the last confirmed report of a black bear in Licking County was in 2003. Before that, five black bears were spotted in the county dating to 1993, when the agency began documenting sightings.

Columbus agency says travel ban impedes refugees from family reunification

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The species is considered endangered in Ohio, which has an estimated population of about 50-100 black bears. The state saw a significant decline in black bears in the mid-1800s due to unregulated hunting and extensive deforestation, according to the department.

Black bears are most commonly found in eastern forested areas in the state, according to ODNR. Most of the sightings are of young male bears roaming large distances in search of females, who tend to establish a territory and stay there.

On Monday morning, just days before the Licking County sighting, a black bear was spotted in Guernsey County. The bear was seen on Country Club Road moving toward Byesville, according to the Guernsey County sheriffs Facebook page.

Sightings in Guernsey County are more common than in Licking County. Guernsey has seen 30 confirmed sightings since 1993, including two last year. There have been several other confirmed reports so far in 2025, mostly in the northeast and southeast portions of the state, according to the ODNR. A spokesperson said the department typically does not compile the exact number of sightings until the end of a given year.

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How a small town was revamped into Ohios most loveable downtown

In Ohio, sightings of the animal are most common from late May through early July, the state department said. Black bears are the only species of bear found in the state.

The ODNR recommends residents who live in an area with a recent sighting keep their trash inside a garage, remove bird feeders, keep pet food inside, clean grease from outdoor grills and pick any fruit from their yard to avoid attracting the species.

If an individual does encounter a black bear, they should remain calm, avoid eye contact and slowly back away, according to the state agency. Residents should not run or climb trees, because these actions may provoke a chase. If a bear does begin to approach, the department suggests people raise their hands above their head to appear larger, and clap or shout to scare it away. It is illegal to shoot or injure a black bear in Ohio.

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Of the about 750,000 black bears in North America, the species kills fewer than one person per year on average, according to the North American Bear Center.

More than 400,000 Ohioans see drivers license suspensions lifted under new law

Generally, black bears are non-aggressive and prefer to flee from the area as soon as they are aware of your presence, the ODNRs website reads.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife is monitoring sightings and will respond if a black bear becomes a nuisance or public safety concern. Sightings can be reported to the division on its website or by calling 800-945-3543.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
bluefield  City officials are applauding another significant grant award from the Cole Foundation.

Members of the Cole Foundation, including Charlie Cole, Chaz Cole and the Rev. Garry Moore, were on hand at Tuesdays city board meeting for the special presentation.

The funding award will benefit numerous city efforts, including ongoing residential yard maintenance, snow removal in the winter, playground equipment and recreational efforts, said City Manager Cecil Marson.

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The funding award announced Tuesday was in excess of $83,000, according to Marson.

So we just wanted to express this morning how thankful we are for your foundation and for your family, Mayor Ron Martin said. Because you have done a lot for our city and I know you take a lot of flack sometimes from residents and other keyboard warriors as a lot of people do. But you all go above and beyond. Every time we ask of something you are always there. We just really appreciate you and I dont know where the city would be without you guys. Super appreciative of all of you.

Well thank you mayor and all of the board, Charlie Cole said. I think that the city is blessed to have a great board and a great city manager and keep on doing great things.

Marson said ongoing yard cleaning and mowing projects in Bluefield that are being completed by Recovery Point teams was made possible by the Cole Foundation funding, which Marson said provided the funding for the lawn mowers, weed eaters, a trailer and other equipment that is being used. But Marson said the Cole Foundation funding is helping with various other projects across the city as well.

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They also gave a lot of the contributions to some of our playground areas, and also the dog park downtown, Marson said. But this contribution we are going to get  there is a couple of really great things that are going to be part of that. Our public works team got a skid steer with a snow plow that is going to allow us the ability to go through the city this winter with the snow weve been getting and actually plow the sidewalks a lot faster. If you ever watched the city employees, most of them are using shovels. And it is back breaking work all winter long out there shoveling. And thanks to the Cole Foundation they can now go through there and use this skid steer and some of our other equipment a lot faster and take care of a lot more businesses, and take care of the residents.

Marson said the funds also will assist with code enforcement, animal control and various activities for youth and area residents that are being planned through the Bluefield Parks and Recreation Office staff.

But with these contributions from this great family that care about their community we are able to do it, Marson said. So I am deeply indebted, and the city couldnt do these things without these contributions. This is like the third arm of what we try to do here. These foundations save us and help us move forward. So Charlie, Rev. Moore and Chaz and the rest of your family we are very, very grateful for this contribution. We are going to put it to good use and help our families here.

Another foundation, the Community Foundation of the Virginias, also presented another recent grant award to assist the Bluefield Fire Department, Bluefield Fire Chief Chad Bailey said after Tuesdays meeting.

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Bailey said that recent grant award allowed the Bluefield Fire Department to purchase 20 radio batteries, 20 flashlights, 16 traffic cones and power flares to assist with daily calls.

So the Community Foundation has donated $7,627 to the fire department, and so we purchased all of those items and we just wanted to give them a shout out and thank you because all of that is for firefighter safety, Bailey said. The flashlights help the firefighters see during a fire, helps them see at night. We are in a lot of areas where you have trees falling and stuff like that and you have to block off a road, or we may be out on 460 on a car wreck, so that is where the cones and power flares come in handy to be able to get traffic off of us and to keep traffic off of us. So it was just a huge help for the fire department for them to be able to donate all of that to us.

Bailey said the equipment will be used at all of the first responder and emergency calls that the firefighters respond to.

Yes, anything we go to whether it is a structure fire, whether it is an EMS call, anything we do that equipment is on us at all times, Bailey said.

Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com
Blues musician Selby Minner has died, friends and family have confirmed.

Minner's granddaughter, Micaela Minner of Akron, Ohio, said she was told about Minner's death Tuesday night.

"She was absolutely amazing," Micaela said. "We would be talking and she wouldn't get off the phone because she didn't want to let me go."

Shironbutterfly Ray called Minner a "soul sister." Ray said she recently was talking with Minner about the upcoming 35th anniversary of the Dusk 'Til Dawn Blues Festival.

Minner and the late D.C. Minner founded the Festival.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is confirmed.
Billionaire Mark Cuban, who has been an active Bluesky user and supporter for several months now, said this week he thinks the social media platform has gotten ruder and more hateful. Its liberal-heavy user base makes it challenging to raise questions or have debates with other users, even if their political ideologies align, he said.

After Elon Musk bought Twitter (now X) in late 2022, the vibes on the platform started changing, and many accounts that were verified lost their status. But the mass exodus from X came in late 2024 following the U.S. presidential election and Musk throwing his supportand millionsbehind Donald Trump.

By December 2024, the platform had lost about 2.7 million active Apple and Android users in just two months, with competitor Bluesky absorbing nearly all of those users. Colloquially, it became somewhat of a safe haven for liberal users who wanted to drown out the noise of President Trumps reelection.

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Its people wanting to just try something new. Its people finding their community here, Bluesky CEO Jay Graber told Vox Medias Peter Kafta in a June 4 podcast. I think in general its both people looking for something and people looking to get away from something.

Between November 2024 and this May, Bluesky grew from about 10 million users to 30 million, according to a Pew Research Center analysis. Many news influencerspeople who regularly post about current events on the platformlean left politically, according to the analysis.

One such figure was billionaire Mark Cuban, who supported former Vice President Kamala Harris during her presidential run in 2024, although he didnt give her a penny for her campaign, he said in October. Cuban became a regular Bluesky user, having posted nearly 2,000 times since November 2024. When he first joined the platform, he famously posted: Hello Less Hateful World.

But Cuban has changed his tune. In a series of posts this week, Cuban argued Bluesky has become too much of an echo chamber, and is sending more users back to X.

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Engagement went from great convos on many topics, to agree with me or you are a nazi fascist, Cuban wrote. We are forcing posts to X.

The former Shark Tank star and Dallas Mavericks owner also said he thinks Bluesky users have grown ruder and more hateful.

Even if you agree with 95% of what a person is saying on a topic, if there is one point that you might call out as being more of a gray area, they will call you a fascist etc., said Cuban, whose current net worth is about $8.33 billion, according to Bloomberg.

Bluesky did not respond to Fortunes request for comment.

Cuban also re-posted a Washington Post opinion article published Sunday titled The Bluesky bubble hurts liberals and their causes. Author Megan McArdle argued Blueskys left-leaning user base segregates it into a political silo. Cuban agreed.

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The lack of diversity of thought here is really hurting usage, Cuban wrote in a separate Bluesky update including the Washington Post article. The moderation and block tools on here are so advanced, if you see someone you dont want to see on here, just block them. Dont attack them.

There used to be great give and take discussions on politics and news. Not so much any more, Cuban added. Doesnt have to be this way.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Treasurer Dereck Davis (left) and Gov. Wes Moore share a laugh during Wednesday's Board of Public Works meeting. (Photo by Sam Gauntt/Maryland Matters)

Hampstead officials have been monitoring unsafe levels of PFAS in the towns well water for several years now, but soon hope to begin construction on a long-sought solution.

The Board of Public Works on Wednesday approved a $19.5 million appropriation for Hampstead, which is embarked on a $31 million project to build granular activated carbon filters around town that will remove the contaminant from the drinking water. The project also includes pipelines to deliver the water for treatment and the possibility of upgrading one filtering site to nitrate treatment in the future.

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Hampstead Mayor Christopher Nevins, who attended Wednesdays board meeting to support the appropriation, said engineering for the project is done and its time to start construction.

Its been in engineering now for well over a year, and the plan has always been to work with MDE, he said, referring to the Maryland Department of the Environment, which presented the request.

Otherwise known as forever chemicals, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were detected in a Hampstead drinking well in 2021. The human-made chemical compounds are used in consumer products as well as other areas, according to a statement from the Department of the Environment.

Hampstead Mayor Chris Nevins is interviewed at Wednesdays Board of Public Works meeting. (Photo by Sam Gauntt/Maryland Matters)

MDE began monitoring for PFAS in 202o, and in 2022 it recorded levels of two different types of forever chemicals, according to the towns 2022 Annual Water Report, which said it found PFOA at concentrations of 1.41 to 8.08 parts per trillion, and PFOS at levels under 1 ppt up to 5 ppt.

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In 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency announced maximum contaminant levels of 4.0 ppt for both PFOA and PFOS.

The project is nearly done with the engineering phase, Nevin said. The next step is constructing the water lines and revised new pump houses with granular activated carbon,, he said.

The board on Wednesday also approved millions of dollars in funding with little debate for an online data platform, nine public library projects, an arts and culture venue in Columbia and green development throughout the state, among other projects. Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D) was not able to attend Wednesdays meeting but the boards other two members, Gov. Wes Moore (D) and state Treasurer Dereck Davis (D), were present.

MD THINK

The board approved $124.31 million in funding to transfer an online data platform from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Information Technology.

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The Maryland Total Human-services Integrated Network, or MD THINK, lets state agencies share technical services and data online to provide a one-stop shop for child welfare and support information, according to its website. Currently operated by the DHS, the MD THINK Committee voted in September to make DoIT the platform operator instead of the DHS.

DoIT officials did not respond to requests Wednesday for comment on the shift.

Public libraries

Grants totaling $7.2 million will go to the Maryland State Library Agency to improve nine library projects throughout the state.

Our public libraries play an incredibly important role in our communities, because they really are more than just homes for books, Moore said. They serve as community centers. They serve as places where people get internet access. They really do represent all the different places and spaces that people in Maryland really enjoy.

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The allotments include a contribution of $249,000 toward construction of a Park Heights library in Baltimore, which has already received $5 million from the state, according to the meeting agenda. Other funding includes $1.55 million for a Cecil County library in Elkton and $1.1 million toward the Friendsville Library in Garrett County.

Merriweather Post Pavilion

The board also approved $4 million for improvements to Merriweather Post Pavilion in downtown Columbia, part of a total $57.5 million project. In the past decade, the Columbia Arts and Culture Commission has worked to revitalize the venue, Moore said.

Its becoming true economic gain for Howard County, Moore said. Were so proud to keep on supporting success. I know that I have personally enjoyed going out there.

Greenspace Equity Program

The Department of Natural Resources will receive $4 million for its Greenspace Equity Program, which implements development of open space projects in underserved communities. According to its website, the program aims to preserve public greenspace to increase livability in these areas.

Since 2023, Department of Natural Resources has protected over 20,000 acres  just an absolutely outstanding number, Moore said. It is truly legacy work.
WEST PALM BEACH  A Boca Raton man faces federal securities fraud charges and up to 20 years in prison for allegedly trading on confidential information ahead of a major corporate partnership between ADT and Google, netting hundreds of thousands in illicit profits.

Federal prosecutors and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission say Charles Baugh, 59, bought a large number of stock options in ADT after learning that the home-security firm was about to strike a major deal with Google.

According to court records, the information came from an unnamed relative who worked in a senior position at ADT. During a family gathering over the July 4 weekend in 2020, Baugh asked the relative about his work. The relative confided that Google was planning to invest in ADT and form a partnership  information that had not yet been made public.

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Investigators say Baugh used the information to buy about $66,000 worth of ADT stock options, financial contracts that increase in value if the companys stock price rises. He made these purchases using five different online accounts.

He also told another relative to buy ADT stock options. That person made trades in smaller amounts and later made over $76,000 in profit, according to the SEC.

In 2020, ADT and Google publicly announced their deal: a $450 million investment by Google in exchange for a 6.6% ownership stake in ADT, and a plan to develop new smart home security products jointly. ADTs stock price jumped more than 50% that day.

Baugh immediately sold his options and, according to the government, walked away with about $320,000 in profit. In total, the SEC says his actions led to nearly $400,000 in combined profits for himself and his relative.

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If convicted, Baugh faces a potential fine of up to $5 million, as well as two decades in prison. He did not have an attorney listed as of June 11.

Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Boca man faces decades in prison for suspected insider-trading scheme
A Boeing Dreamliner 787 plane crashed into a residential neighborhood with 242 people aboard mere moments after taking off from Ahmedabad in western India, exploding in an immense fireball.

The cause of the immensely tragic loss of life remains unknown. As CNBC reports, it could take months to find out.

The top-selling wide-body aircraft was delivered to Air India in 2014. According to a tweet by FlightRadar, the Boeing jet ascended to roughly 200 feet before plummeting back down at a "vertical speed of -475 feet per minute."

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"We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them," Boeing wrote in a statement. "Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected."

While we await more clarity on what occurred in the moments leading up to the crash, the aviation giant is already feeling hurt. The company's shares plummeted by over four percent on Thursday after markets opened following the explosion.

Boeing has already come under intense scrutiny following two deadly crashes in late 2018 and early 2019, both of which involved Boeing's 737 MAX 8 passenger aircraft.

Today's crash is the first involving the company's 787 Dreamliner since it was introduced in 2011, according to company data  which will likely lead to plenty of intense and renewed scrutiny.

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Things haven't gotten much better for the aerospace giant in the wake of those deadly crashes. The company has been embroiled in controversies ever since, including an incident when a "door plug" blew out of an Alaska Airlines flight in early 2024, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing.

Boeing has had to lay off thousands of workers amid major financial turmoil. Tens of thousands of remaining machinists went on strike in late 2024, deepening the company's crisis.

Its Starliner spacecraft, which was designed to provide an alternative to SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule to deliver astronauts to the International Space Station, also had a disastrous year. It remains unclear if Boeing will attempt another test flight following major technical problems during its first crewed mission last year.

Under its new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, the company's financials have made a significant recovery. Shares are up around 15 percent year to date.

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How the latest deadly crash will add to the company's existing woes remains to be seen. Just last month, the company reached a deal with the Justice Department, potentially allowing it to avoid criminal responsibility for the two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019.

More on Boeing: Boeing's Starliner Disaster Was Even Worse Than We Thought, Astronaut Reveals
A London-bound Air India plane carrying more than 240 people crashed shortly after takeoff Thursday. Authorities said there were no known survivors.

It was not immediately clear why Air India flight 171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed into a residential area five minutes after taking off.

Boeing said it was aware of the reports of the crash and was working to gather more information.

It was the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787, a widebody, twin-engine plane known as the Dreamliner. But it's the latest in a string of troubles for Boeing, most of them tied to the 737 Max, a different plane.

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Here is a timeline of key events for Boeing in recent years:

December 2009: The 787 Dreamliner makes its first flight, taking off from Paine Field in Everett, Washington.

January 2013: 787s worldwide are grounded nearly three weeks after lithium ion batteries that are part of the planes led to a fire in one plane and smoke in a second.

August 2015: The first 737 Max plane rolls off the production line and within a year are undergoing flight tests.

Oct. 29, 2018: Lion Air Flight 610, a Boeing 737 Max 8, plunges into the Java Sea off the coast of Indonesia minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. Questions arise over a new Boeing flight-control system called MCAS that Boeing did not disclose to pilots and airlines. Indonesian investigators say the Flight 610 pilots struggled for control as the automated system pushed the nose of the plane down more than two dozen times.

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March 1, 2019: Wall Street remains enamored with Boeing as commercial aircraft orders rocket. Shares of Boeing Co. close at an all-time high of $430.35.

March 10, 2019: Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a Boeing 737 Max 8, crashes after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, killing 157 passengers and crew members. Shares of Boeing begin a long, downward slide and have yet to recover.

March 2019: Within days of the second crash, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and regulators in nations around the world order the grounding of all 737 Max jets.

Dec. 23, 2019: Boeing ousts CEO Dennis Muilenburg, who was seen as pressuring the FAA to lift the Max grounding order.

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Jan. 7, 2021: U.S. Justice Department charges Boeing with fraud but won't prosecute the company for misleading regulators about the 737 Max if it pays a $2.5 billion settlement.

Jan. 5, 2024: A panel covering an unused emergency exit blows off a 737 Max 9 during an Alaska Airlines flight. Pilots land the plane safely.

Feb. 26, 2024: A panel of outside experts, convened after the two deadly crashes, reports Boeings safety culture falls short despite the companys efforts to fix it.

March 11, 2024: A LATAM Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flight between Australia and New Zealand suddenly plunges, injuring 50 people. Boeing tells airlines to inspect switches on pilots seats after a published report said an accidental cockpit seat movement likely cause the rapid loss of altitude.

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March 25, 2024: Dave Calhoun, who replaced Muilenburg, says he will step down as CEO by year-end as part of a broader shakeup of Boeing leadership.

July 7, 2024: Boeing agrees to plead guilty to conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government for misleading regulators who approved pilot-training standards for the Max.

July 31, 2024: Boeing names Kelly Ortberg as its new chief executive. Ortberg is a trained engineer and was CEO of aerospace supplier Rockwell Collins for eight years. Many see his appointment as an attempt by Boeing to get back to its roots.

Sept 13, 2024: About 33,000 Boeing factory workers walk off the job in a strike that will cripple production at one of the preeminent manufacturers in the U.S. for almost two months. It is the first labor action taken against the company in 16 years.

May 23, 2025: The Justice Department reaches a deal with Boeing that takes criminal prosecution off the table for allegedly misleading regulators about the 737 Max jetliner before the two fatal planes crashes. Boeing agreed to pay or invest more than $1.1 billion, including an additional $445 million for crash victims families, removing the risk of a criminal conviction that would have jeopardized the companys status as a federal contractor.
BELGRADE, June 12 (Xinhua) -- More than 114 countries have confirmed their participation in the Specialized Exhibition EXPO 2027 Belgrade, organizers announced on Thursday, following the first International Planning Meeting (IPM) for the event.

The two-day meeting, held from June 10 to 11 in Belgrade, brought together more than 400 delegates from 154 countries.

Participants were given in-depth presentations on the EXPO 2027 theme, "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All," as well as vision, construction phases, and operational, digital, and logistical plans -- all tailored to the ambitions of future exhibitors.

Organizers described the meeting as the first of its kind in the Western Balkans and a milestone in Serbia's preparations.

"This marks the beginning of a new chapter -- not only for Serbia but for the entire region and the global community," said Dimitri Kerkentzes, secretary general of the Bureau International des Expositions(BIE). He underlined the importance of hosting a Specialized Expo in a region known for its cultural richness, diversity, and creative potential.

Dusan Borovcanin, director of EXPO 2027 Belgrade, said the theme had been widely embraced by participating countries, offering room for "creative and authentic expression." He noted that feedback from the delegations was overwhelmingly positive.

Delegates also visited the EXPO 2027 construction site in Surcin, in the southwest of Belgrade, and toured the "EXPO Playground" at the Belgrade Fair -- an exhibition space designed to simulate the full layout of the future Expo.

The Specialized Exhibition EXPO 2027 Belgrade is scheduled to run from May 15 to Aug. 15, 2027, and is expected to attract over four million visitors from Serbia, the region, and around the world.

China has also confirmed its participation in the EXPO.

The previous Specialized Expo, EXPO 2017 Astana in Kazakhstan, officially hosted 115 countries and 22 international organizations. Themed "Future Energy," it recorded nearly four million visitors, according to the BIE. 
CARBONDALE (KSNT)  Kansas health officials say a boil water advisory is active for a city in Osage County this week.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued a boil water advisory for the Carbondale public water supply system on Wednesday. The advisory was placed due to a waterline break that put the system under bacterial contamination risk. The advisory will remain in effect until the KDHE rescinds it.

Local residents are encouraged to take precautions while the advisory is active. These include the following:

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Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.

If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

Deadly head-on crash reported in Cloud County

The KDHE reports the advisory is being issued due to a loss of pressure in the public water supply system. A failure to maintain adequate pressure can result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination in the water, making it unhealthy to drink.

People with questions are encouraged to call the water system at 785-437-2311 or contact the KDHE at 785-296-5514. More information on this issue can be found online by clicking here.

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For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
LA PAZ (Reuters) -Clashes between anti-government protesters and authorities in Bolivia have left at least four first responders dead, the country's justice minister said on Thursday.

Tensions have intensified in recent days as supporters of former President Evo Morales, who have strangled transportation by blocking highways across the Andean nation, skirmish with officials attempting to clear the roadblocks.

The demonstrations have gained momentum primarily in Bolivia's rural areas, where Morales' supporters have taken to the streets to express their frustration over the former president's disqualification from running in upcoming elections and the country's deteriorating economic situation.

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"There are already four officers who have lost their lives," Justice Minister Cesar Siles told reporters in La Paz, adding that some had been shot.

The deceased are three police officers and a firefighter, Bolivia's state news agency reported.

"We can't call these civilian protests anymore. We are talking about paramilitary groups, groups that carry weapons, and we have to respond firmly," Siles said.

The government has deployed military tanks to Llallagua, where the most significant clashes between authorities and protesters have occurred, according to local media reports.

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As the protests intensify and the number of casualties increases, local businesses have been severely affected.

"Nobody travels on these roads anymore, and nobody works normally. It really harms us," restaurant owner Marlene Poma told Reuters.

(Reporting by Monica Machicao and Daniel Ramos; Writing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez, Editing by Kylie Madry and Marguerita Choy)
Clashes Wednesday between followers of Bolivian ex-president Evo Morales and police clearing roadblocks left two officers dead and several wounded, the government said.

Supporters of Morales, who led the Andean country from 2006 to 2019, began blocking key roads on June 2 over electoral authorities' refusal to allow him to run for a fourth term in August 17 elections.

The protests have since snowballed into a wider revolt over President Luis Arce's handling of a deep economic crisis, marked by severe shortages of hard currency and fuel.

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On Wednesday, two officers were killed in Llallagua, a mining town in Bolivia's southwest, and several injured -- one seriously, according to Minister of Government Roberto Rios.

The policemen "were vilely murdered by gunshots," he wrote on Facebook.

At least 15 civilians and two police officers were injured in a violent confrontation in the same town the previous day.

More officers were injured Wednesday at other roadblocks on the road connecting La Paz with Cochabamba, Morales' political stronghold.

Health Minister Maria Rene Castro said two police officers were injured in the locality of Parotani, one by "an explosive object."

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Protest leader David Veizaga, an ally of Morales, claimed the military and police were under orders to use their firearms.

"Let the government of Luis Arce order the withdrawal of police and military units so as not to stain their hands with blood," he told Bolivian media.

- 'Submission through hunger' -

The national roads authority counted 21 roadblocks across the country Wednesday, down from 29 the day before.

Morales, 65, has been barred by the Constitutional Court from seeking re-election but nevertheless attempted, in vain, to register as a candidate last month.

The government accuses him of trying to sabotage the election by calling for blockades to sow chaos.

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The protesters' goal "is to encircle La Paz to force it into submission through hunger," President Arce said Wednesday as he announced a joint police and military operation to clear a major highway, with more to follow.

On Monday, the attorney general said Morales was under investigation for "terrorism" for allegedly inciting the protests.

Bolivia's first Indigenous president has been holed up in his central stronghold in the Cochabamba department since October to avoid arrest on charges of trafficking a minor.

The charges relate to Morales's alleged sexual relationship with a 15-year-old with whom he is accused of fathering a child while in office. He denies the charges.

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Morales, Bolivia's first Indigenous president and one of Latin America's longest-serving leaders, resigned under a cloud in 2019 after seeking to extend his 13-year grip on power.

Since then, the Constitutional Court has upheld Bolivia's two-term limit, which Morales previously managed to evade.

He retains a large following in the South American country, particularly among Indigenous communities.

jac/mlr/des/nl
Vienna police deployed in force on Thursday in response to a bomb threat in the foyer of building of the Austrian capital's Technical University, just days after the country was shaken by a deadly school shooting.

An unidentified man opened the door of the building's foyer, threw a parcel inside and said: "Soon it will go bang," a police spokeswoman said.

A university security guard informed the police in response.

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The spokeswoman said police were evacuating the building, and the area was cordoned off.

Bomb disposal experts were due to check the parcel once all the students had been taken to safety, she said. There were thought to be hundreds in the building as students are currently sitting exams.

The police operation impacted public transport and traffic in central Vienna.

Austrian police have received a series of threats following a mass school shooting in the country's second city, Graz, on Tuesday.
A popular Brazilian book influencer was tragically killed last week in a horrific stabbing incident.

Tais Bruna de Castro, 36, was stabbed to death while working at the Beco Fino shopping center in Jundiai, Sao Paulo on Monday, June 2. According to CNN Brasil, Castro was killed by Claudio Elizeu, 40, a cleaner at the shopping complex.

Castro was having lunch when she was attacked. Elizeu, who turned himself in to authorities and was arrested, said he killed the social media personality because she was not interested in his romantic advances.

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Elizeu reportedly stabbed Castro at least 20 times and also broke into an office area, where he damaged furniture, doors and windows.

After news of Castro's death began circulating, the Instagram account she operated--Leitora Fashion, or "Reader Fashion--released a heartbreaking tribute post.

"This week, our dear Tais Bruna, the owner of this profile, left us in a very sad and even unbelievable way," the caption for the post reads. "Fashion Reader was one of her joys. Talking about literature, suggesting new works and chatting with you guys here made her day happier. We, the family, sincerely appreciate all the messages and prayers dedicated to her. Her smile, her sweetness and all the joy she always spread will stay in our hearts forever.

"Today heaven gained one of the most special people that has ever passed through this world. Tais, we will love you forever! ."

Book Influencer Killed in Shocking Stabbing Incident first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 11, 2025
By Ricardo Brito

BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazil's Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that social media companies must be held accountable for some types of content published by users on their platforms in the country, but details on the decision have yet to be resolved.

Six of the 11 Supreme Court judges voted to hold platforms responsible for third-party content seen as illegal, in a decision that could result in fines against social media companies for not removing some users' posts in the country.

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The decision could impact the business of platforms including Meta's Facebook and Instagram, as well as TikTok, Elon Musk's X and other internet giants, such as Alphabet's Google, in a market of more than 200 million people.

Only one justice so far voted to not change the current law on the matter, which says that the companies can only be found responsible for third-party content on their platforms if the firms do not comply with a legal decision ordering the content removal.

Writing for the majority, Justice Gilmar Mendes said current Brazilian law represents "a veil of irresponsibility for digital platforms."

"Even if they are informed of the occurrence of crimes on their platforms, they (currently) cannot be held responsible for damages caused by keeping this content online, except in the case of a court order," he said.

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Asked to comment, Meta sent a 2024 statement where it had said that a decision holding platforms responsible could make them "liable for virtually all types of content even without having been notified."

In a statement sent before the vote which gave the court a majority, Google said the current Brazilian law regarding social media can and should be improved, "as long as procedure guarantees and criteria are set to prevent legal uncertainty and the indiscriminate content removal."

TikTok and a representative of X in Brazil did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The court did not agree on the scope of the decision, such as what types of content would be considered illegal. The court's head, Luis Roberto Barroso, said he will work with the court members to find a consensus.

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Four judges still need to vote in the trial, which has been rolling over for months. Votes previously cast can still be changed, although that is not common. The trial is set to resume on Thursday.

(Reporting by Ricardo Brito; Additional reporting by Isabel Teles in Sao Paulo; Writing by Andre Romani; Editing by Gabriel Araujo, Kylie Madry and Sonali Paul)
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain is ready to implement its side of a tariff deal with the United States and is hopeful for a proclamation from U.S. President Donald Trump to put the agreement into effect in the coming days, trade minister Jonathan Reynolds said on Thursday.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump on May 8 agreed to reduce tariffs on UK imports of cars and steel to the U.S., with Britain agreeing to lower tariffs on beef and ethanol, but implementation of the deal has been delayed.

Reynolds met U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday and discussed the implementation of the deal. Asked on Thursday if there would be an update by the end of the week, Reynolds said he was "very hopeful".

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"We're ready to go, and as soon as the president and the White House are ready to go on their side, we'll implement (our) part of the deal," Reynolds told reporters.

Reynolds said he would issue a government order known as a statutory instrument to implement the changes to reciprocal tariffs. Officials said that the update on implementation was likely to come early next week.

One of the details to be ironed out before the deal can be implemented is steel quotas. Reynolds added that he wanted to make sure the tariff reductions applied to every bit of the UK steel industry, as the U.S. finalises quotas that will place supply chain requirements on British steel exports to the United States.

The bioethanol industry has warned its future is under threat, with Associated British Foods deciding on the fate of a plant later this month. Reynolds acknowledged the deal could increase competition but said the industry was already struggling.

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"We are very sensitive to the ethanol issue... (but) they're losing a lot of money already," Reynolds said, adding regulatory tweaks could help, but that for financial support: "any intervention I make has to be a clear route to profitability."

"So there are much wider issues for these partners than just the U.S. trade deal."

(Reporting by Alistair Smout; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain said on Thursday it understood a decision by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to launch a formal review into the AUKUS submarine pact, repeating London's position that the project was crucial to peace and security.

In 2023, the United States, Australia and Britain unveiled details of the plan to provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines from the early 2030s to counter China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.

On Wednesday, a Pentagon official said the administration was reviewing AUKUS to ensure it was "aligned with the President's America First agenda".

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Asked about the review, a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "As we've already said it is understandable that a new administration would want to review its approach to such a major partnership."

"AUKUS is a landmark security and defence partnership with two of our closest allies and it's one of the most strategically important partnerships in decades supporting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic," he told reporters.

(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill, writing by Elizabeth Piper)
MACAO, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The 16th International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum and Exhibition (IIICF) opened on Wednesday in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), serving as a platform for dialogue on infrastructure connectivity, energy transition, and smart construction.

Bringing together more than 3,500 representatives from over 70 countries and regions, including nearly 70 ministerial-level officials and leaders from across the global infrastructure and technology sectors, the event was themed "Enhanced Connectivity for Win-Win Co-operation."

Tai Kin Ip, secretary for economy and finance of the Macao SAR government, said in a keynote speech that the forum has helped propel Macao's convention and exhibition industry toward greater internationalization, specialization, and market orientation.

He added that looking ahead, Macao will further develop a high-level platform for international cooperation, actively cultivate key and emerging markets, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development, enhancing both domestic and global connectivity.

As one of the guests to speak at the opening ceremony, Oscar Salvador Mojica Obregon, minister of transport and infrastructure of the Republic of Nicaragua, said that the China-Latin America community with a shared future is a vivid example of South-South cooperation. He underlined that in areas such as energy, ports, logistics, and telecommunications, both sides can make meaningful progress in promoting economic development and reducing inequality.

According to the organizers, this edition of the IIICF features more than 250 events, including themed forums, guided exhibition tours, project signing ceremonies, business matchmaking, and more.

Jointly organized by the China International Contractors Association and the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR, the event runs till Thursday. 
A British man has walked away from the wreckage of the Air India crash that killed 241 people in an extraordinary tale of survival.

Vishwashkumar Ramesh was in seat 11A on the London-bound Boeing 787 flight when it crashed shortly after take off in Ahmedabad, western India.

Mr Ramesh's brother, Nayan Kumar Ramesh, told BBC News Vishwashkumar "has no idea how he survived" and escaped the plane as the only survivor.

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Air India said all other passengers and crew were killed - including 169 Indian nationals and 52 Britons.

Nayan told the BBC "it feels great seeing him [Vishwashkumar] doing well" but he was worried about his other brother Ajay, who was also onboard.

"We were all in shock as soon as we heard what happened, just utter shock. Speechless," he said.

"He [Vishwashkumar] himself has no idea how he survived, how he got out the plane.

"When he called us he was just more worried about my other brother, like 'Find Ajay, find Ajay.' That's all he cares about at the moment."

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A relative called Jay told the PA news agency: "He's got some injuries on his face. He was painted in blood. He's doing well I think. It's a big shock."

Video shared on social media showed Mr Ramesh walking towards an ambulance, with smoke billowing in the background.

He was later seen in a hospital bed meeting Indian interior minister Amit Shah.

Dr Dhaval Gameti, who treated Mr Ramesh, said: "He was disorientated, with multiple injuries all over his body. But he seems to be out of danger."

Indian media said he shared his boarding pass, which showed his name and seat number.

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The businessman, who was born in India and has lived in the UK since 2003, has a wife and four-year-old son.

The plane crashed into accommodation used by trainee doctors less than a minute after take-off in Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat. It is not clear how many people on the ground died and the cause of the crash is still unknown.

Three Britons thought to have died on the flight have been named by Gloucester Muslim Society as Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee and their daughter Sara.

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"They touched lots of people and they will be missed by lots of people," imam Abdullah Samad.

Couple Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, who run a spiritual wellness centre in London, are also thought to have been on the flight.

They laughed and joked in an Instagram video as they told of their "10-hour flight back to England".

Their firm the Wellness Foundry has been approached for comment.

Also on the plane were Javed and his wife Mariam Syed, from West London, alongside their two young children.

Ammaarah Taju, the granddaughter of a couple from Blackburn who were onboard the flight, said she was in shock and disbelief.

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Adam Taju, 72, and his wife Hasina, 70, were flying back from Ahmedabad's International Airport with their 51-year-old son-in-law, Altafhusen Patel who lives in London with his wife.

In a statement from the King, he said he and his wife were "desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning".

"Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones," the statement added.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with the families who were going to be "absolutely devastated by this awful news", while his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi said it was "heart-breaking beyond words".

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UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has arranged crisis teams in India and the UK, and has chaired a meeting of the government's emergency committee in response to the crash.

London Gatwick Airport confirmed that a reception centre for relatives of passengers was being set up where information would be provided, and that it was liaising closely with Air India.

It said on X: "British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 0207 008 5000."

Air India flight AI171 left Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT), Air India said.

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It was scheduled to land at London Gatwick at 18:25 BST.

One video verified by the BBC shows the plane descending before a large explosion as it hits the ground.

[BBC]

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Its early morning and a tour bus disgorges a large group of day trippers in the mountain village of Fornalutx in the north-west of Majorca. Locals sipping coffee in the atmospheric placa shrug resignedly as throngs of tourists crowd the cobbled lanes, iPhone cameras at the ready.

Meanwhile, in the town of Soller and its port, guides with gaudy umbrellas march their wards through the packed streets on whistle-stop tours before catching buses, or the vintage tram and train, back to Palma.

The majority of visitors, though, arrive in hired cars, and like ravenous sharks, circle the car parks in the Soller valley, snapping up every available space. Its a similar story in the arty village of Deia and other popular enclaves. The island has never been busier. Yet recent media headlines have told a very different story.

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Amidst the alarmist reports about wide-scale anti-tourist sentiment, chaotic traffic jams and impending strikes in the hospitality sector, it has been suggested that a boycott of Majorca is underway, with British holidaymakers in particular said to be steering clear. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Popular destinations like Soller are continuing to attract British holidaymakers - alamy

Hamlet Ramirez Marquez, owner of Cafe Soller and La Sal Port Soller restaurant, said: Trust me, there are many happy British holidaymakers currently here in Soller.

He added that recent headlines about traffic and parking problems were way off the mark. Last year, we had problems but now we have three new car parks, and residents have exclusive parking zones.

His views are corroborated by Emese Juhasz, proprietor of the Grenk restaurants in Deia and Fornalutx: We have a lot of British guests and its evident from their comments that the island still holds its charm. The British love affair with Majorca is unwavering.

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Ruben Zamora, Managing Director of Nybau hotels in Majorca, added: Earlier this year, perhaps due to economic conditions, occupancy was lower in our hotels in Pollenca, Palma and Montuiri, but all in all we expect a similar or better season than in 2024. Still, we cannot be complacent, and need to maintain high standards, but the gloomy forecasts have been greatly exaggerated.

The data supports their assertions. For the first three months of 2025, there was a 3.4 per cent increase in the number of international visitors to the Balearic islands, and a bumper 18 million tourists are expected in the archipelago this year.

Will tourists be welcome this summer?

Can these holidaymakers expect a laid-back summer free from the anti-tourism demonstrations and flash-mobs on beaches that plagued Majorca last year? Not quite. This weekend, on June 15, a large-scale rally will be held in Palma by Menys Turisme, Mes Vida (Less Tourism, More Life), a united platform of different island action groups.

It will form part of a coordinated initiative by the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification (SET) which will hold demonstrations in regions it perceives to be particularly badly affected by excessive tourism, such as Barcelona, Venice and Lisbon.

Activists will hold a large-scale rally in Palma this weekend (15 June) - Shutterstock

Menys Turisme, Mes Vida believes over-tourism adversely impacts the environment, drains natural resources, and sends long-term rents spiralling, making homes unaffordable for locals. Margalida Ramis, its spokesperson, commented: We need to keep up the pressure because were looking for political decisions that go to the root of the problem, and of course this wont be achieved in one day.

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Meanwhile, a Welcome to Sollerland satirical Instagram campaign, that uses stark AI imagery to paint a picture of a saturated Soller in the next decade, has been emulated by several towns across the island, which have set up similar social media profiles. A spokesperson opined: We have lived largely off tourism for 80 years, but things have now accelerated. Sollerland uses humour to offer a graphic vision of the drama we live through every day.

The Welcome to Sollerland Instagram campaign used AI to satirise Majorcas overtourism issues

So far, local island activists have kept their powder dry about plans for further disruption, but it is likely that there will be a flutter of flash-mobs on a few beaches this summer, plus peaceful demonstrations in Palma.

Is a visitor limit on the horizon?

For holidaymakers, it seems Majorcas allure remains undiminished, but with unrest amongst residents growing, what might the regional government do to placate them?

With tourism providing an estimated GDP of between 40 and 75 per cent, it would be difficult to put the genie back in the bottle, a view backed by Maribel Quiros, owner of Moll restaurant in Port Soller. We cant sell Majorca and then complain about it, she said. We have to be coherent.

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Marga Prohens, President of the Balearic islands, insists that her party was the first to acknowledge that the archipelago has reached its limits. It is for this reason, she states, that the regional government has created a decree to contain tourism that sets limits and prevents further growth in visitor numbers.

Following Spains demand that Airbnb remove 65,000 illegal short-term holiday rentals from its site, Jaume Bauza, Minister for Tourism in the Balearics, has pledged to continue doing everything possible to combat illegal rentals, which is what truly overwhelms tourism.

Activists have called for restrictions on the number of arrivals at Palma Airport - Holger Leue

Tougher measures will see more inspectors on the beat, with rogue landlords who rent via word of mouth facing huge fines. On the issue of overcrowding during the summer months, the new decree aims to encourage year-round tourism to ease saturation of much-visited haunts.

Some are calling for more radical action, however, such as a restriction on the number of arrivals at Palma Airport, a tax and limit on rental cars, and a further decrease in cruise liners docking in the capital. The projection for 2025 is 541 vessels, already a reduction from 2019 when 592 cruise liners were given access.

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However, the Platform Against Megacruisers would like the current daily limit of three ships and 8,000 passengers reduced further to just one large cruise ship and no more than 4,000 passengers per day.

While the polemic continues, Maria del Carmen Penas de Haro, Director General of Tourism for Calvia Council, Majorcas second largest municipality, which includes Magaluf, remains upbeat: Here in Calvia, we welcome countless British visitors, and this year is no exception.

Tourism is the driving force of the Balearic economy, and we want our holidaymakers to feel completely at home.

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Spanish border guards will be able to stop Britons entering Gibraltar because of the new Brexit deal for the Rock, the Government has admitted.

Fabian Picardo, Gibraltars chief minister, denied surrendering any sovereignty to Spain or the EU after The Telegraph reported details of the deal on Wednesday.

But David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, was forced to concede in the House of Commons on Thursday that Spanish guards working for the European Union would have control over who entered Gibraltar.

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Under questioning, Mr Lammy told MPs that a British person stopped by Spanish guards at Gibraltar airport would have a choice: they could either voluntarily go over to Spain for questioning, or be returned to the Gibraltarian authorities and return to the UK.

It is clear from the Foreign Secretarys answer that Spanish border officials can prevent a UK citizen from entering one part of the UK from another part of the UK, Richard Tice, the Reform UK deputy leader, said.

This appears to be a significant sovereignty compromise, he told The Telegraph.

The deal ensures Gibraltars border with Spain remains open after Brexit, and means the 15,000 people who cross it every day will not have to have their passports stamped.

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Border checks will be moved to Gibraltars nearby airport after the Rock effectively becomes part of the EUs Schengen zone of passport-free movement.

People flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU.

David Lammy and Fabian Picardo in front of the Rock after the deal was struck on Wednesday - FCDO

Mr Lammy said: For those arriving by air into Gibraltars airport, there will be a dual border control check, in a model similar to French police operating in London St Pancras station.

Dame Harriett Baldwin, a former Conservative minister, asked: Can a British citizen flying from the UK to Gibraltar now be stopped by a Spanish official as they land?

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Mr Lammy replied: There will be a second line queue, as there is in St Pancras, and there will be Spanish border guards and police situated in that second line.

And of course, if there was an alert, then at that point, not on their own, but at that point, there would be a hand-back facility with the Gibraltar police, so they are working alongside that Spanish team.

And if there was an alert, then the individual would have a right to legal advice. They would either be able to return to their country of origin, lets say the UK, or they would be able to voluntarily go over to Spain to face the questions they are facing.

Mr Tice asked whether Spanish border officials have an effective veto on the entry of a British citizen from the United Kingdom landing on British sovereign territory in Gibraltar.

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Mr Lammy said if Mr Tice flew to Gibraltar and there was an alert in the Schengen system, he would be handed back to the Gibraltarians, where he might feel more comfortable before returning to the UK.

No doubt the Spanish would seek to extradite him, and many in this House would be rather pleased, he added.

Mr Lammy said he had insisted on a sovereignty clause in the treaty and added that immigration, policing and justice remained the responsibilities of Gibraltars authorities.

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An Icelandic-based airline has announced it plans to axe all its flights to the US, stopping trips to major cities like Washington D.C. and New York by the autumn.

Low-cost airline Play operates flights between Iceland and destinations in the US and Europe, offering budget tickets on Airbus aircraft to and from its main hub, Keflavik International Airport.

Play flies in and out of Iceland to European countries such as Denmark, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. As well as Europe, the airline also directly links Iceland to Baltimore, Boston, and New York City.

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The airline operates on a hub-and-spoke model, meaning it uses one central airport, Keflavik, to connect to other airports around the world.

Play launched its transatlantic flights in the spring of 2022, and has been flying to the US for just over three years.

Plays hub-and-spoke routes have since financially underperformed, and an over-saturation in the transatlantic market has meant a growth in competition between airlines, Aviation Week reported.

Play will suspend its flights to New York Stewart on 1 September, followed by Boston Logan on 15 September, then finally Baltimore/Washington on 24 October, pending a restructuring that is still to be approved.

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Its routes in Northern Europe are also expected to be scaled back due to Play dropping the hub-and-spoke strategy in these areas.

The strategy has seen a loss of $20 million (14.7 million) in 2024 in comparison to profits made in point-to-point European leisure markets.

The restructuring will come as part of a proposed executive takeover by Plays CEO Einar Orn Olafsson and Vice Chairman Elias Skuli Skulason.

In a notification to the Central Bank of Iceland, the executives said they plan to submit a voluntary offer for all outstanding shares in the airline via a new holding entity, Aviation Week reported.

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Due to airspace restrictions, several European airlines have redeployed capacity across the Atlantic, leading to overcapacity in the transatlantic market, the offer document seen by Aviation Week says.

Many carriers have suspended or terminated East Asia routes, facing a competitive disadvantage against Asian airlines still able to overfly Russia.

This has increased pressure on transatlantic yields.

If the proposal is approved, Plays revised strategy hopes to target the leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) market.

The airline wants to target underserved sun destinations with flights to and from Iceland, and has recently announced new flights to Antalya, Faro and Agadir.

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Were focusing on the profitable aspects of the businesssun destination flightsand discontinuing those that have not yielded results, Mr Olafsson said.

The airline will also offer wet-lease services, which provide short-term aircraft and crew to help other airlines fill gaps in schedules.

In a statement to The Independent, Play says that if the proposal is approved, the takeover group intends to continue promoting competition in the Icelandic aviation market for the benefit of consumers under the Play brand by offering affordable airfares for Icelanders and tourists.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast






Key Points

Discount carrier Play Airlines will suspend all flights to the United States in October.

The airline operates flights between the U.S., Iceland, and Europe.

Passengers will have the opportunity to get a refund or rebook in different cities.







Its the final boarding call for U.S. flights from a popular low-cost airline.



Iceland-based Play Airlines recently announced it would stop operations to and from the United States, as well as all of North America, this fall.



All flights to North America cease as of October 2025, the airline confirmed in a statement on its website.



The airline first launched flights to the U.S. in 2021 and currently operates routes from Baltimore, Boston, and New York to Reykjavik, Iceland. Once in Iceland, travelers had the opportunity to fly to a variety of European destinations including Berlin, Copenhagen, Dublin, London, and Porto.



Despite October being the announced date for the end of operations, the airline is no longer selling any tickets for travel from New York to Iceland after Sept. 1, 2025. Tickets on the route for travel on Sept. 1 are currently going for as little as 174 one-way (approximately $201).



While the airline operates flights out of New York, it does not use the main airports like LaGuardia Airport (LGA), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), or Newark International Airport (EWR). Instead, it uses New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Windsor, New York, which is approximately 77 miles north of New York City. Although that is a significant distance from the city, the airport often provides a discounted option for travelers and a regular shuttle service.



A representative for the airline told Travel + Leisure that Play would contact all affected passengers for trip modification or refunds if needed.



In addition to the end of the airlines North America flights, Play will also undergo a restructure and switch from its existing Iceland-based Air Operator Certificate, to a Maltese-based certificate. The airline will also remove its stock exchange listing and fly to fewer destinations. It will also lease aircraft to other vendors.



The decision of Play Airlines to end U.S. flights comes at a time when other airlines have reduced routes or shut down. For example, Silver Airways, a regional airline that operates flights throughout the Bahamas, the Caribbean Islands, and Florida, recently announced a sudden shut down as well.



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A suspect was fatally shot by one of four other alleged burglars as they attempted to flee a Los Angeles County home Thursday morning, authorities said.

Deputies responded to the burglary call at a home on the 11000 block of Linden Street in Lynwood around 1:45 a.m., the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department stated in a news release.

Upon their arrival, deputies located a male adult suffering a gunshot wound, the Sheriffs Department said.

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Homicide investigators later determined that the man was one of five adult male suspects who entered the home wearing all black clothing.

The suspects became startled by the presence of residents and ran from the location. While fleeing, a suspect shot an unknown firearm at the residence, the Sheriffs Department stated.

The unidentified suspect was struck and pronounced dead at the scene.

The remaining suspects were last seen running northbound on Liden Street and out of view.

Anyone with additional information about the incident was asked to contact the Sheriffs Departments Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or go to the lacrimestoppers.org website.

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The president's party has tightened its 20-year grip on power [AFP via Getty Images]

The ruling party in Burundi has won all 100 seats in a parliamentary election that the opposition says has "killed" democracy in the central African state.

Giving the provisional results for last week's poll, electoral commission head Prosper Ntahorwamiye said the CNDD-FDD party secured more than 96% of votes in all provinces.

The election had seen only "some minor irregularities", he added.

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The opposition Uprona party came second with a little over 1% of the vote. The party denounced the election as rigged, with its leader Olivier Nkurunziza telling the AFP news agency: "We have killed democracy."

The main opposition party, the National Congress for Liberty (CNL), fell into third spot, getting only 0.6% of the vote.

Campaign group Human Rights Watch (HRW) said the result showed that democracy had been "hollowed out" in Burundi.

It added that the CNDD-FDD, in power since 2005, "sought to dismantle all meaningful opposition", including from its biggest rival, the CNL.

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Freedom of expression is limited in Burundi and critics say these polls followed a prolonged campaign of intimidation and harassment.

Election observers from the Catholic Church were turned away from some polling centres, according to HRW.

The African Union meanwhile has been criticised for praising the "climate of freedom and transparency" of the polls, which it declared were "peaceful".

Correspondents say there was little sign of celebrations in the main city of Bujumbura after the provisional results were announced on Wednesday.

The electoral commission said the results would be submitted to the Constitutional Court, which has to then certify them and provide the final results by 20 June.

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Ntahorwamiye said there were "some minor irregularities - shortcomings that came about which have been resolved - because as you know, nothing is completely perfect".

In line with the Arusha Accords that brought an end to the bitter Burundian civil war more than two decades ago, the ethnic composition of the country's parliament has to mirror the proportions of Hutus, Tutsis and Twa people in the population at large.

After this month's vote count, the electoral commission announced that an additional 11 seats were to be created and filled to remedy an imbalance - which will bring the total number of MPs to 111.

More BBC stories on Burundi:

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CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Auxiliary officers are showing their support for the community.

The Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office recognizes its auxiliary deputies for spending their past weekend participating in several community events. Including the Heart of Hope Bicycle Race, the Sunrise Triathlon, and the Juneteenth parade in Vivian. Along with assisting with a local funeral escort.

The sheriffs office said they are a fantastic team that Caddo Parish is proud to have.

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If you are interested in volunteering your time to serve the citizens of Caddo Parish, please call the patrol division to sign up at (318) 681-1100.

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CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office will offer a course to enhance church safety in the area.

Sister kittens looking for forever homes

The Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will host an event offering a free course designed to prepare places of worship and the public for potential active situations. The program currently includes two awareness training classes specifically tailored for churches, synagogues, and mosques.

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According to the sheriffs office, the instructor will discuss Louisiana laws regarding concealed carry in religious settings, procedures for carrying concealed weapons in these facilities, security recommendations for your place of worship, and how to develop effective emergency plans.

Art, creativity, and culture take center stage at Artish 2025

The classes will take place at Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office Safetytown on July 9 at 6:00 p.m. and at University Church of Christ on August 13 at 6:00 p.m.

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With some of the absolute best restaurants in the country and world-class bakeries popping up left and right, foodie culture reigns supreme in San Francisco. Arguably, the city's uniquely tangy sourdough bread is just as iconic as the city's skyline, or the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Made with a special strain of bacteria that gives the bread its signature funkiness, it's hard to find a San Francisco bakery that doesn't carry the crusty delicacy. But believe it or not, there's one odd rule still on the books that might make even the most serious of bread connoisseurs scratch their heads. Despite being a mecca for all things carbohydrates, it's technically illegal to carry any bread, cakes, or pastries down the street in the city unless they're properly wrapped. That's right, after purchasing a freshly-baked loaf of sourdough bread, you must cover it up on public streets or even in your car to avoid breaking the law.

If caught breaking Section 407 of the San Francisco Health Code, which has been on the books for over a century, you could potentially face legal punishment, although the exact details of such a punishment are not specified by law. Of course, the law is rarely (if ever) enforced nowadays, and is merely a remnant of a different era in the city's history. With that in mind, if you're walking down the streets of San Francisco eating a croissant, chances are you don't need to hide it from the police.

Read more: 15 Vintage Snacks No One Remembers Anymore

An Unusual Public Health Measure Of A Bygone Era

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA - jrtwynam/Shutterstock

You might be wondering how such a strange law made its way into the San Francisco books. While the exact date of enactment and the specific reasoning behind it aren't explicitly detailed by the San Francisco Department of Public Health, it's speculated that the law traces back to the early 1900s, when an outbreak of the bubonic plague (yes, that bubonic plague) made its way to The Golden City. As the plague wreaked havoc throughout the city, its residents began to panic. Chinatown was quarantined, and a slew of government officials, including the Governor of California and then-President William McKinley, put forward public health measures that were aimed at stopping the spread of the plague.

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As the plague raged on, many San Franciscans believed that the infection was spread by city rats that picked up the plague from sick humans. In reality, the plague was actually spread by bacteria-ridden fleas. With all that confusion, it's not difficult to theorize why San Francisco's city officials enacted a law aimed at limiting food's exposure to the elements. It might be a bit overkill, but if breads, cakes, and pastries were covered up on the streets and during travel, they wouldn't be as likely to attract rats or accumulate any germs or pests that could cause infection. While the bubonic plague isn't of concern to San Francisco in the 21st century, this culinary leftover still serves as a reminder of a dark time in the city's history.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
MOGADISHU, June 12 (Xinhua) -- International medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has warned that chronic funding shortfalls have crippled humanitarian efforts in Somalia, forcing vital nutrition programs to scale back or close.

The charity expressed deep disappointment over Britain's decision to significantly reduce official development assistance, warning that the healthcare system in Somalia, already struggling under relentless demand, risks total collapse as outbreaks and complications surge.

"Without immediate and sustained support, thousands of children face not only starvation but also weakened immunity, increased vulnerability to diseases, and irreversible developmental harm," the MSF said in a statement Wednesday evening.

Early this year, U.S. President Donald Trump initiated a freeze on foreign aid, including U.S. Agency for International Development programs, with refugees in the Global South bearing the brunt.

The MSF said that even before Britain's announcement of a drastic reduction to its international aid budget, the needs of vulnerable people impacted by conflict, disease, and hunger had already far outstripped the available funding.

It said the looming threat of a La Nina-driven drought in 2025 could push the already vulnerable communities to the brink.

"The healthcare system, already struggling under relentless demand, risks total collapse as outbreaks and complications surge," the MSF said, urging London to "act now, before the 2025 drought strikes." 
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to say Thursday whether he would abide by a possible legal ruling about the federal governments authority to deploy the Marines to Los Angeles.

We should not have local judges determining foreign policy or national security policy for the country, he said in response to repeated questions by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Fremont) during a House Armed Services hearing.

A federal judge in San Francisco was holding a hearing Thursday on California's challenge to President Trumps deployment of U.S. Marines and National Guardsmen in Los Angeles.

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Hegseth decried what he billed as the expansion of judicial power, but after repeatedly being pressed on how he would respond if the Supreme Court weighed in, he said, Were not here to defy a Supreme Court ruling.

During a testy back-and-forth with Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), Hegseth did say that the Marines in Los Angeles are not authorized to fire warning shots.

The congressman said he feared the federal government had escalated the situation on the ground in Los Angeles and described it as political theater, and asked if the Marines were allowed to protect federal property by any means necessary.

Hegseth responded, ICE officers and police officers being attacked is not political theater.

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After additional sparring, Carbajal called Hegseth incompetent and "an embarrassment to this country."

"There's been bipartisan members of Congress that have called for your resignation," Carbajal said. "You should just get the hell out and let somebody competently lead this department."

Carbajal was one of several California Democrats questioned Hegseth on Thursday about the immigration raids that have roiled Los Angeles, the federal commandeering of the states National Guard and the deployment of Marines in the region.

The congressional hearing lasted more than five hours and covered a multitude of national security issues, including the unprecedented delay in the Department of Defense submitting a budget, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, border security and apparent contingency plans to invade Greenland.

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Read more: Tensions over L.A. immigration sweeps boil over as Padilla is tackled, ICE arrests pick up

Republicans on the committee defended the administration's actions, which began Friday.

Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.) pushed back at Democrats' description of the Trump administration's actions as unprecedented.

"We've seen similar actions throughout history, from Eisenhower sending the 101st to Little Rock to Johnson and Kennedy federalizing the guard over the objections of southern governors during the Civil Rights era to George H.W. Bush deploying federal troops during the 1992 L.A. riots," DesJarlais said. "Isn't it fair to say that there's a well-established precedent for presidents acting when state leaders are either unwilling or unable to enforce federal law or protect federal facilities?"

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The National Guard was sent to Los Angeles in 1992 at the bipartisan request of state and local officials. But Hegseth agreed with DesJarlais' contention.

"Sir, nothing that we're doing on the ground is unprecedented," he said. "I would argue what is unprecedented is a governor and a mayor unwilling to protect law enforcement."

Rep. Derek Tran (D-Orange) questioned Hegseth about why he did not consult the mayor, local law enforcement leaders or the governor before unleashing federal forces.

"It would be great if the governor attempted to actually coordinate instead of grandstand," Hegseth said.

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Several committee members said earlier that they received no advance notice about the federal immigration sweeps at workplaces and other locations that started Friday and that prompted large and at times fiery protests in downtown Los Angeles.

We need to de-escalate the situation, Tran said in an interview. President Trump and his administrations moves, most recently deploying hundreds of Marines in Southern California, escalates the situation, sending in troops that shouldnt be there, that are trained to shoot and kill.

Though largely peaceful, protests about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements actions have been punctuated by incidents of violence and lawlessness.

After dissenters blocked the 101 Freeway, vandalized buildings in downtown Los Angeles and stole from businesses, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday imposed a curfew in the city's civic core from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

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Read more: Fears of ICE raids upend life in L.A. County, from schools to Home Depot parking lots

Thursdays testimony before the House Armed Services Committee was Hegseths third appearance on Capitol Hill this week. He was questioned Tuesday by the House Appropriations subcommittee on defense and the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Hegseth insisted the deployment of Marines in Los Angeles was lawful but couldnt name the law under which it is allowed. On Tuesday, he was buffeted with questions about the chaos in his tenure, his discussion of national secrets on a Signal group chat and the lack of information provided to elected leaders about Defense Department operations and budgets, including the cost of the federal deployment in Los Angeles.

I want your plan! Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) demanded. What is your plan for the future? Can we get that in writing and on paper so that we know where youre going? Because we dont have anything today. We have zip! Nada!

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Hegseth responded that the agency has the details and would provide them to members of Congress. The Pentagon posted a video clip of the back-and-forth on X that tagged the congresswoman and was titled WHY ARE YOU SCREAMING!

Thursdays hearing was especially notable because the committee oversees the Pentagon budget. None of the Republican members of the committee are from California. More than a dozen who were asked to weigh in on the hearing didnt respond.

Republicans reflected the sentiments expressed by Trump, most recently on Wednesday when he took questions from reporters on the red carpet at the Kennedy Center shortly before attending a performance of "Les Miserables" with First Lady Melania Trump.

Read more: What happened Friday as Marines arrived in Westwood and U.S. cities braced for 'No Kings' protests

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We are going to have law and order in our country, he said. If I didnt act quickly on that, Los Angeles would be burning to the ground right now.

These are radical left lunatics that you're dealing with, and they're tough, they're smart, they're probably paid, many of them, as you know, they're professionals," he added. "When you see them chopping up concrete because the bricks got captured, they're chopping up concrete and they're using that as a weapon. That's pretty bad.

Laura J. Nelson contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement policies are taking a toll on more than just the undocumented aliens they are targeting.

On Sunday, Cary Lopez Alvarado, an American citizen born in Los Angeles who is nine months pregnant, was hospitalized after being released from federal custody one week before her due date. Lopez Alvarado said she started experiencing sharp pains in her abdomen after she lost her balance when agents "shoved her" while attempting to arrest her undocumented coworkers. "I crouched down and held my belly, because I was scared they would hurt me," she told Telemundo 52, NBC's sister station in Los Angeles.

Lopez Alvarado was detained after attempting to block two masked Border Patrol agents from entering her place of work without a warrant. While performing maintenance work in a building in Hawthorne, California, on Sunday, she and her cousinalso an American citizenopened the parking gate to allow Lopez Alvarado's partner, Brian Najera, and another co-worker to enter. Najera and the co-workerwho are both undocumentedhad been followed in a marked U.S. Customs and Border Protection vehicle. Lopez Alvarado blocked the agents from entering the gated parking lot and captured her interactions with them on video while telling the agents: "I'm going to need you guys to leave. This is private property."

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Agents said the parking wasn't private property and asked Lopez Alvarado to either show documentation that she owned the property or move out of the way. When she refused to move, the agents forced her out of the way, causing her to lose her balance. She, along with her husband, co-worker, and cousin, were subsequently arrested, during which time Lopez Alvarado told agents her due date was June 17. "'OK, your baby is going to be born here, but you're from Mexico, right?' And I told them no," she said on NBC News. "I was born here."

Lopez Alvarado was released later that day and told by agents they would contact her at a later date about obstruction allegations.

In an email sent to NBC News, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, said, "Cary Lopez was arrested because she obstructed federal law enforcement by blocking access to a car that had two Guatemalan illegal aliens in it." She also noted that "ICE enforcement officers are facing a 413% increase in assaults," which McLaughlin says is "disgraceful."

This incident illustrates how quickly interactions with federal agents can become complicated. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures where there is a "reasonable expectation of privacy." Whether a parking lot is considered private, and therefore requires either a valid warrant or permission for authorities to enter, depends on multiple factors. Although Lopez Alvarado believed she was within her rights to deny federal immigration authorities entrance to a gated parking lot on private property without a judicial warrant, agents believed differently.

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Trump's onslaught of immigration enforcement has raised many questions regarding due process for undocumented people living in the United States. Now, the same questions are being raised for American citizens.

The post California Immigration Raids Are Hurting American Citizens Too appeared first on Reason.com.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Central Valley lawmakers spoke out against violent protesters as California residents, including those in Bakersfield, continue to protest against immigration enforcement.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains said while Americans have the right to protest forcefully but peacefully, she has no tolerance for masked crowds that loot stores and burn the American flag.

Bains went on to criticize politicians who interfere with law enforcement, pointing out President Donald Trump in particular.

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Protesters gather at downtown Liberty Bell for 2nd time as fear lingers over immigration raids

A president who pardons felons who assault police officers should have kept his nose out of law enforcements business, Bains said in her statement, referring back to the Jan. 6 rioters pardoned by Trump in January.

I dont want to see another TV interview with Trump, the Governor, or any other politician acting tough, Bains said. Let our law enforcement leaders speak, give them what they need to restore order, and then get out of their way.

Protests against ICE agents and immigration enforcement activities have been roiling through Los Angeles, where Trump recently deployed the National Guard and the Marines in response.

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While there are no reports of immigration enforcement officers in Kern County as of June 11, a widespread fear took over the community in recent months when a sudden immigration raid in January targeted farm workers and laborers in the community.

Since Monday, Bakersfield residents have protested against ICE raids in solidarity with L.A.

On Tuesday, Congressman David Valadao announced his joining of a Republican delegation to introduce a resolution formally condemning the riots in L.A.

Valadao shared similar words of opposition to violence and vandalism as Bains, but also urged Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to restore peace to Californias streets through the resolution.

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Standing for law and order should be common sense, and ICE should continue to prioritize the removal of known criminals from our country, Valadao said in a press release.

Congressman Vince Fong heavily criticized Newsom and the protesters in L.A., calling Newsoms refusal to allow local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal agents disgraceful.

In an interview with NewsNation, Fong accused Newsom of refusing to protect federal agents and buildings, saying downtown L.A. is under siege due to the protests.

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You have search warrants that are being issued, approved by judges, arrests are being made on illegal immigrants that have committed heinous crimes, and the governor of California is opposed to that and wont allow the cooperation of state and local law enforcement to work with federal officials? I mean, this is the height of irresponsibility, Fong said.

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Fong said he wants to see the progressive groups that are hellbent on destroying downtown L.A. get arrested and be held accountable for damages.

The number one priority for the government on the federal level, on the state level and on the local level is to protect communities, Fong said. And if the local government and the governor of California wont do it, then someone has to, and the president is stepping up.

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Amid the continuing unrest and flash mob-style looting incidents in Los Angeles, California is making a significant pivot toward tougher criminal enforcement.

Criminal defense attorney David Wohl told Fox News Digital that the legal consequences are no longer a slap on the wrist for looters following the reversal of Proposition 47, which notably did not criminalize theft under $950.

"Now we have a very conservative, hard-charging DA in Los Angeles," Wohl said. "Hes adding up what is stolen by each individual co-defendant, and if thats over $950, everybodys getting charged with felonies."

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In a city once known for turning a blind eye to petty theft and soft prosecution, looters who are taking advantage of protests over federal immigration operations now face stricter penalties.

California's Soros-backed Progressive Experiment Collapses After A Decade

Looters break into a gas station during a riot over federal immigration operations in Compton, Calif., on June 8, 2025.

In 2014, California voters approved Proposition 47, a ballot initiative that reclassified several nonviolent felonies, including shoplifting, theft and drug possession, as misdemeanors if the value involved was $950 or less.

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Supporters argued the measure would reduce prison overcrowding and redirect state funds to additional programming. Critics argued that it contributed to a noticeable increase in retail theft and emboldened looters.

A building in downtown Los Angeles was vandalized with the words "Kill a cop" amid ongoing anti-ICE rioting in the city on June 10, 2025.

In 2024, voters voiced their concerns and overwhelmingly chose a sharp course correction from the progressive reforms that Proposition 47 implemented and voted in favor of Proposition 36.

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Prop 36 restored the ability to file felony charges against repeat offenders, regardless of whether their latest crime falls under the $950 limit. It also enhances penalties for group theft and organized looting, which had previously fallen into legal gray zones under Prop 47.

The shift stems from a growing rejection of the previous criminal justice model championed by former District Attorney George Gascon, who Wohl described as "more liberal than a lot of public defenders."

Under Gascon's leadership, prosecution was often delayed or diminished, with an emphasis on giving offenders "second, third, fourth, fifth chances," Wohl said.

Los Angeles Officials Still On Progressive Warpath Despite Overwhelming Voter Rebuke Of Leftist Policies

President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 troops on June 7 to handle escalating protests against immigration enforcement raids in the Los Angeles area, a move the state's governor termed "purposefully inflammatory."

William Jacobson, a law professor at Cornell University and founder of EqualProtect.org, offered a sharp critique of Californias criminal justice policies in light of the emergence of looters during the ongoing L.A. protests against immigration enforcement.

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"Looting and violence have always been illegal, even in California," Jacobson told Fox News Digital. "Unfortunately, California's lax enforcement of the criminal laws, including the former decriminalization of shoplifting, has created a culture of criminality that has played out in numerous riots over the years."

"The current riots against immigration enforcement and violence targeting both ICE and the community are part of the California political ecosystem," he said.

Several stores across downtown Los Angeles were hit by looters in the early morning hours as anti-ICE riots continued.

On Monday night, looters took to the streets and ransacked a series of storefronts, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed with Fox News Digital. Apple and Adidas were among the stores hit by thieves, as well as several mom-and-pop shops.

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"What have they done to my business? I don't know," one local business owner shared with Fox News affiliate KKTV. "I have to go inside and see what's going on. I don't know what they have done with the business."

WATCH:

One video, taken by Brendan Gutenschwager, captured looters ransacking an Apple storefront on Monday night.

The video captured a slew of individuals dashing up to the technology storefront and grabbing goods before dispersing as police arrived. The footage captured the store's glass windows spray-painted with "F--- ICE."

Other photos showed ransackers disappearing into the night with stolen goods after a smash-and-grab in Compton, a city south of Los Angeles.

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It was unclear if the thieves were participating in the ongoing anti-ICE protests or if they were being opportunistic of the city's unrest.

"Let me be clear: ANYONE who vandalized Downtown or looted stores does not care about our immigrant communities," Mayor Karen Bass said in a post to X . "You will be held accountable."

A repairman works outside the CVS store on the corner of 7th and Spring streets in downtown Los Angeles after several nights of rioting on June 10, 2025.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, after continued protests, other businesses set out to protect their stores.

Fox News Digital saw a T-Mobile store on the corner of 3rd Street and Broadway boarding up ahead of likely another night of protests in the city. While a security guard protected the property, a repairer worked on the CVS store on the corner of 7th and Spring streets in downtown Los Angeles after several nights of rioting.

After rioters wreaked havoc in downtown Los Angeles on Monday night, workers boarded up the T-Mobile store on the corner of 3rd Street and Broadway on June 10, 2025.

Attorney General Pam Bondi offered a blunt message to would-be robbers and looters in the deep-blue city on "Fox & Friends" Tuesday.

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"If you loot a business in California during this, we're charging you with robbery under the Hobbs Act. No longer are the days of non-prosecution for looting. It's a criminal act," she said.

The administration is also determined to crack down on those who inflict harm on law enforcement .

"We've all made over 190 arrests, [and] more [are] coming. If you hit a police officer, you assault a police officer, state or federal, we are coming after you."





Original article source: California looters now face 'hard-charging' consequences after blue state abandoned soft-on-crime approach
California Sen. Alex Padilla was physically removed then handcuffed during a news conference in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 12. He was quickly escorted out of the room after attempting to ask Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a question.

Noem, 53, was holding a press conference to address the ongoing protests against President Donald Trump's immigration policies and the administration's aggressive response.

Padilla  who succeeded Kamala Harris in 2021 to become California's first Latino senator  has been an outward Trump critic and directed a recent post on X at the federal immigration raids in Los Angeles.

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Trump isnt targeting criminals in his mass deportation agenda," he wrote, "he is terrorizing communities, breaking apart families and putting American citizens in harms way.

AP Photo/Etienne Laurent California Sen. Alex Padilla is forcibly removed from a press conference on June 12 after asking a question California Sen. Alex Padilla is forcibly removed from a press conference on June 12 after asking a question

Video footage that quickly circulated online on Thursday shows officers dragging Padilla out of the room and into the hallway after he says, I am Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary.

The footage then captures Padilla, 52, pushed down with his face against the ground and handcuffed by officers wearing FBI vests. Padilla can be heard saying, Hands off! during the incident.

Padilla's office issued a statement shortly afterward, saying, He tried to ask the Secretary a question, and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground, and handcuffed.

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The office also clarified to the public that he was not still being held by authorities.

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Padilla later released his own statement, saying, "We have repeatedly asked the Trump Administration for answers on the deployment of military forces and the needless escalation in Los Angeles over the last week  and have gotten limited to no information."

"I attended Secretary Noem's press conference in hopes of getting some answers," he continued. "After identifying myself and trying to ask a question, I was aggressively pushed out of the room, forced to the ground, and handcuffed."

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Padilla concluded: "If that's what they do to a United States Senator with a question, imagine what they can do to any American that dares to speak up."

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty California Sen. Alex Padilla is grabbed by officers during a press conference with Kristi Noem California Sen. Alex Padilla is grabbed by officers during a press conference with Kristi Noem

The Department of Homeland Security responded to backlash from the video on X, saying, "Senator Padilla chose disrespectful political theatre and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin on as he lunged toward Secretary Noem. Mr. Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers repeated commands.

Various politicians and members of his community have voiced their support for Senator Padilla.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom shared the video on X, calling this incident outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful. He continued saying, Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now.

.@SenAlexPadilla is one of the most decent people I know.



This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful.



Trump and his shock troops are out of control.



This must end now. pic.twitter.com/Eki2cuTymb  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 12, 2025

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus, which Padilla belongs to, called the situation "unacceptable, full stop and demanded a full investigation and consequences for every official involved in this assault against a sitting US senator."

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X, Watching this video sickened my stomach, the manhandling of a United States Senator, Senator Padilla.

We need immediate answers to what the hell went on, Schumer added.



Read the original article on People
When it happened in Phoenix in late May, we almost looked at it as an anomaly. Masked federal agents outside immigration court taking into custody asylum seekers who had followed the rules for that process.

Those being arrested were not identified as criminals or gang members. They were showing up for scheduled court appearances.

Since then, arrests like this have escalated all over the country, making it even more important to press the issue. To ask: Why the masks?

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Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons defended the practice at a press conference on June 2, saying, So, Im sorry if people are offended by them wearing masks, but Im not going to let my officers and agents go out there and put their lives on the line and their family on the line because people dont like what immigration enforcement is.

We must call masked ICE agents what they are

If the people being seized were suspected members of a drug cartel or a violent gang, the masks might make sense. But thats not what is happening.

Agents with face coverings, ski masks and facial bandanas have arrested individuals in regular work places. Theyve arrested women with small children.

In an essay published on the website of the conservative Cato Institute, Walter Olson, a senior fellow at the institute, wrote, For the Trump administration, turning masked raids into standard practice fits into a wider effort to dodge accountability for potentially illegal and unconstitutional actions.

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We must start calling the masked enforcers what they are.

Opinion: Why is Trump targeting workers, not their employers?

Robbers are impersonating masked federal agents

After masked officers detained two men outside a courthouse in Virginia, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia issued a statement saying, With no official identification, no demonstration of legal authority, and no stated cause for arrest, this incident is indistinguishable from a kidnapping.

Judges, prosecutors, police and other professions related to law enforcement face risks as part of their official duties. They dont wear masks.

Weve also now seen more than a few instances across the nation in which criminals have geared up and masked up like the federal agents  something thats easy to do  in order to rob businesses or commit other crimes.

What Trump said about protesters applies to his police

Meantime, in a letter to Harvard University related to student protests, the Trump administration wrote that Harvard must implement a comprehensive mask ban with serious and immediate penalties for violation, not less than suspension.

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Trump himself on June 8 wrote on Truth Social, ARREST THE PEOPLE IN FACE MASKS, NOW!

The day before that he posted, Also, from now on, MASKS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to be worn at protests. What do these people have to hide, and why???"

Two excellent questions  for his secret police.

Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Trump hates masked protesters. What about his masked police? | Opinion
Eighteen-term Democrat Rep. Maxine Waters resurfaced in the news after several run-ins with federal authorities during the ongoing illegal immigration riots in California, just as her House tenure began amid prior Angeleno unrest.

In 1992, as she was finishing her first term in Congress, the not-guilty verdict against White LAPD officers seen beating a Black motorist named Rodney King sparked a similar conflagration in Los Angeles, and Waters was in the midst of it then as well.

The riots greatly affected her South Los Angeles district, and Waters was quoted at the time as appearing to downplay the violence not as a "riot" but as "just a bunch of crazy people who went out and did bad things for no reason."

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"I maintain it was somewhat understandable, if not acceptable. So I call it a rebellion," she said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Maxine Waters Torched By Feds For 'Taunting' Guardsmen And 'Spewing Lies' About Riots, Trying To Enter Jail

Rep. Maxine Waters is shown with then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton, left, after the 1992 Rodney King riots in L.A. and during the recent L.A. riots, right.

Waters had joined the Rev. Jesse Jackson in trying to convince the Justice Department to file civil rights charges against the acquitted officers, blaming the rioting on Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Daryl Gates and President George H.W. Bush, according to famed journalist Robert Novak.

Read On The Fox News App

When Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., attempted to have Waters expelled from Congress in 2021 for "inciting violence and terrorism," the Democrat claimed some of her past remarks were taken out of context.

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"I am not worried that they're going to continue to distort what I say," she told The Grio after Greene led her resolution with Waters Rodney King-era statements.

Greene said Waters violated House Rule 23s clause regarding conduct by members "at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House."

At a 2007 anti-war protest, Waters declared she was "not afraid of George Bush" and also pledged to "get rid of" then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

She later drew the ire of Greene and other Republicans when she told an LGBTQ gala, "I will go and take out Trump tonight." Defenders said she was speaking rhetorically and politically and not threatening the mogul.

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Later in Trumps first administration, Waters was filmed on a California street corner shouting at supportive demonstrators and instructing them to be disruptive toward Trump allies.

Maxine Waters Taunts Armed Agents After Feds Slam Door On Her During La Riots: 'You Better Shoot Straight'

Maxine Waters, left, Al Sharpton, right

"If you see anybody  in a restaurant, in a department store, at a gasoline station, you get out, and you create a crowd, and you push back on them. And you tell them that they are not welcome."

She later said she did not physically threaten Trump supporters, though then-White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders had earlier been run out of a Lexington, Va., restaurant and then-Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen was accosted at a Washington, D.C., eatery.

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In April 2021, Waters rallied in Brooklyn Center, Minn., while ex-Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin was on trial for the murder of George Floyd.

Waters was recorded telling protesters to "stay" in the street and warned that if the jury delivered a not-guilty verdict, "We cannot go away  weve got to get more confrontational."

The comments caught the attention of trial Judge Peter Cahill, suggesting the comments could lead to a defense appeal and also disrespected the judicial branch.

Waters later pushed back on some characterizations, saying, "I am nonviolent. I talk about confronting the justice system.  Im talking about speaking up."

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In February, Waters appeared in front of the Department of Education building in Washington along with other House Democrats. A security guard was confronted as lawmakers tried to gain entry to voice concerns about Secretary Linda McMahons downsizing plans.

This week, while riots again raged in Los Angeles, Waters hurried toward a group of National Guardsmen entering the plywood-covered door of the Metropolitan Detention Center.

Maxine Waters gets a door slammed in her face by National Guardsmen in Los Angeles.

"I just came to use my congressional authority to check on David Huerta," she said, referring to the SEIU union leader arrested during an immigration raid.

A Guardsman told Waters to contact "public affairs" and slammed the door in her face.

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She was later seen asking armed Guardsmen if they planned to shoot her, why they were there and that the conflict was President Donald Trumps fault.

Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital after that incident that instead of "taunting" Guardsmen, Waters should have been trying to assuage the unrest.

While some of her recent Republican challengers, like Joe Collins and Omar Navarro, have received hefty donations from around the country due to her polarizing comments, the 86-year-old has been re-elected with typically 70% of the vote.

Fox News Digital reached out to Waters for comment but did not immediately hear back.

Fox News Leonard Balducci contributed to this report.





Original article source: 'I call it a rebellion': Maxine Waters' history of enflaming crowds, from Rodney King to today
More than 550 people have signed a petition calling to make it a legal requirement to report hitting a cat with a car.

Currently, drivers only have to report hitting dogs, horses, cows, asses, mules, sheep, pigs or goats.

Dr Nichola Lloyd, who lost two cats after being hit by cars, said it was "completely bonkers" that collisions with cats did not need to be reported.

Jersey became the first place in the British Isles to make it law to report a collision with a cat, carrying a fine of 10,000.

'I still miss him'

Dr Lloyd lost her cat Freddie in 2024 after he was hit by a vehicle outside her home.

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"It was awful, we'd only had Freddie around a year. We'd just got married about two weeks before and we were settling into a new house.

"I wasn't lucky enough to have children so my cats are my children, it was like losing a member of the family. I still really miss him."

Dr Lloyd has joined in the calls to update the law to make reporting a collision with a cat a legal responsibility.

"I was looking up and a cat doesn't come under the definition of an animal under the Road Traffic [Ordinance]," she said.

"You've got to stop for a lot of things, I appreciate that cats being cats are possibly more likely to be run over than other animals, but that doesn't make them any less an animal."

Freddie was hit and killed by a car in June 2024 [Nichola Lloyd]

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Steve Byrne, manager at animal charity GSPCA, said volunteers saw around 200 - 300 incidents of cats being run over every year.

"If they aren't reported quickly then obviously you've got a potentially suffering animal in the road and you'll have a very worried owner not knowing where the animal is," he said

Mr Byrne said one of the challenges the charity faces is reuniting injured and dead cats with their owner.

"Sadly, only about 80% of cats are microchipped so there is a good portion of these cats that sometimes you've got no identification to try and find the owner.

Kayleigh Mill's petition has amassed more than 550 signatures [BBC]

Kayleigh Mills started an online petition after she witnessed a cat get hit by a car on her road in St Peter Port.

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"There are constantly posts on social media saying, 'my cat has been hit in this road, my cat's been hit in that road', and I just think that it is about time people reported it," she said.

"If you hit a horse or a pig or a goat, you have to report it, but for cats it doesn't feel like a priority."

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AURORA, Mo.  Parents in Aurora are outraged after photos of a calming box inside one of the school buildings surfaced online.

When we were first starting [our child] with getting help in the school and the special needs room for his ADHD, we were told there was a sensory room where there were like weighted blankets and puppets and squished balls and stuff like that, but nothing even remotely close to a calming box, said parents Mikayla Thomas and Tiya McKinney.

Photos show a box made of wood, with padding on the walls and the door, which does not appear to have any latch of any kind.

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For Thomas and McKinney, they werent aware of the box, and say its a source of trauma.

I turned it around to [my son], and he just froze completely and started crying. Whenever I asked him was like, Have you ever seen this? Do you know what this is? He couldnt even talk. He couldnt even talk, and he just started crying, McKinney said.

Seeing your nine year old break down like that, it hurts for one, and it makes you feel like crap because you had no idea that this was going on and you couldnt protect your kid, Thomas said.

Ozarks First reached out to the Aurora School District. Dr. Ben Yocom, the districts superintendent, gave this statement:

The Aurora R-VIII School District is aware of a recent social media post by an individual using the pseudonym Splater Butt concerning a calming space located within one of the Districts behavioral classrooms. The post includes a photograph of a calming space and refers to it as a box. To clarify, the calming space (sometimes referred to as the calming box) does not include a top (roof) but rather is completely open. Students in the calming space can stand straight up, stretch out their arms completely, safely navigate the padded walls in the calming space, and are completely visible and accessible while inside the calming space. There is no locking mechanism on the door of the calming space and no student is left alone or unsupervised in the space. The calming space is an established component of the classroom environment designed to support the behavioral and emotional regulation of students. The District remains committed to ensuring safe, lawful, and developmentally appropriate support for all students. As such, the calming space is utilized in two capacities: (1) voluntarily by students as a self-regulation strategy; and (2) as part of a restrictive behavioral intervention consistent with Missouri Revised Statutes  160.263 and Board of Education Policy JGGA: Seclusion and Restraint. As transparency and student safety remain priorities in the Districts behavioral support practices, each school year, the District provides parents and guardians with information regarding the calming space, including the opportunity to view the area in person. Parents who have questions, concerns, or complaints regarding the calming space are encouraged to contact Superintendent Dr. Ben Yocom at 417-678-3373.

Thomas and McKinney say they dont care if the box or space has a roof.

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Regardless of if theres an open top, it really doesnt matter. There are a hundred different ways that I could explain that a child could get hurt in that thing, with or without a top, with or without a door, with or without a teacher present in there. Its just not safe. Its not okay. Its not safe, Thomas said.

Thomas and McKinney say until changes are made, their kids wont be part of the Aurora School District.

I feel like the only way that we would feel comfortable putting our kids back in this school district is if we have a 100% certainty that this is being removed, McKinney said. Its not okay. The way theyre using it is completely wrong.

The two say contacting parents is the best way to maintain a level of trust between parents and school staff.

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Call. Let us take care of our child. If you cant ultimately calm them down, give us a chance. Weve raised them. Weve been with them their whole life. Every single day. We are with them. Youre only with them four days out of the week. Dont traumatize them, Thomas said.

Thomas says shes meeting with an attorney on Wednesday to discuss potential litigation and encourages any parents who have endured a similar situation with the district, specifically regarding the calming box/space, to reach out over social media through her fiances Facebook account.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
EBENSBURG, Pa.  Cambria County Prison officials discovered that county taxpayers have been mistakenly billed in excess by the prisons contracted medical care provider for some inmate opioid addiction medications.

Assistant Deputy Warden Megan Bursky reviewed invoices from the prisons contracted medical service provider, PrimeCare Medical, and found the prison had been overbilled for methadone treatment by roughly $10,000 since February.

Bursky gave a report Wednesday to the countys prison board at the Cambria County Courthouse.

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She said the prison had changed its contract with PrimeCare to achieve savings through having prison personnel pick up the methadone treatments rather than having them delivered.

However, due to a communication lapse between new and former PrimeCare administrators, she said, the methadone price was not dropped to reflect the new contract.

In addition, she found that, since October, the prison has been double billed for inmates Subutex medications.

That medication should have been billed only to the prisons Medical Assisted Treatment program account, which is funded with monies from national opioid settlements.

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However, the same Subutex charges were included in bills for the prisons general medications, she said.

The amount billed in excess for Subutex has not been tallied, but Bursky estimates it to be significant.

Bursky said she brought the issues to PrimeCare, which recognized the mistakes and is correcting the problem. She attributed the mistakes to a communication lapse resulting from administrative turnover at PrimeCare.

A call to PrimeCare was not returned Wednesday.

Cambria County Prison Board member and county Controller Ed Cernic said the prison has experienced similar billing issues with PrimeCare over the past few years.

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The prison pays more than $3 million a year for inmate medications and services, he said.

The prison board has looked for other medical service providers in the past, but there are not many providers aside from PrimeCare, Cernic said.

Cambria County Prison Warden Kurt Wolford said his administration is looking to improve cost efficiency of programs throughout the prison and improve every facet of the facility.

We are moving in a direction that is more fiscally responsible to the county  and safer  not only for officers but inmates as well, he said.

A major focus since Wolfords entry to the wardens office in April has been the development of a re-entry program for inmates to society. The planned program, including the future hire of a re-entry specialist at the prison, is funded by a state grant obtained in partnership with other county departments.

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The role of a re-entry specialist would include addressing substance abuse disorders, as well as connecting inmates to medical services and housing in advance of their release from prison so that their transition back to society is smoother.

There are two ways to look at the prison from the public perspective, Wolford said. Half of people think we shouldnt give inmates anything, but others, including myself, see our jobs as a way to help fix problems while people are in here, so when they come out, they are more active citizens. It makes the community safer.

Russ OReilly is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. Follow him on Twitter @RussellOReilly.
VIENTIANE, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The weather bureau of Laos has issued a nationwide warning for heavy rain, urging the public to stay alert and prepare for possible flooding and landslides.

As Typhoon Wutip is moving through the South China Sea toward the Vietnamese coast, light to moderate thunderstorms and heavy rain with strong wind gusts are expected across Laos from Wednesday to Friday, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.

According to a report from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, authorities and residents across Laos, especially in Xayaboury, Champasak, and Attapeu, are urged to take precautions and remain vigilant due to the heightened risk of landslides and flash floods during this period.

Lao capital Vientiane is also forecast to experience light to moderate storms, with occasional heavy rain and strong winds.

In addition, the weather bureau urges ethnic communities, local authorities, and all organizations to remain vigilant, as severe weather may topple trees, billboards, and power poles. Residents are advised to stay informed and closely monitor weather updates. 
Canadas minister of jobs and families, Patty Hajdu, said Thursday she will put Canada Posts latest contract offer to unionized workers, bypassing the Canadian Union of Postal Workers leadership in an effort to break an 18-month negotiating stalemate that has led mail carriers to refuse overtime work and slowed service.

Canada Post two weeks ago requested the Canadian government intervene to conduct a formal vote of rank-and-file union members after the CUPW rejected the corporations best-and-final offer. Canada Posts ask suggests it wasnt confident that union executives were fairly presenting managements proposals to the membership.

The vote will be administered by the Canada Industrial Relations Board in the near future to give urban, suburban and rural mail carriers the chance to ratify Canada Posts offer.

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We welcome the ministers decision as it will provide employees with the opportunity to have a voice and vote on a new collective agreement at a critical point in our history, the state-owned postal operator said in a statement.





The CUPW is recommending members vote no on the proposed contract. It accused the government

The Ministers decision is yet another assault on our collective bargaining rights, the union said, referring to the use in December of a provision in labor law to pause CUPWs strike after 32 days and establishing a commission to review Canada Posts business situation. The commissions recommendations last month largely mirrored Canada Posts strategic plan.

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These repeated government attacks have poisoned the bargaining process, the CUPW said Thursday. The governments actions have not helped to bring this impasse closer to a resolution. They have only pushed us further down the road. In all instances, the government has assisted with the employer. . . We will not stand by as the government and Canada Post work together to try to undermine our hard-fought rights, gut our collective agreements and re-write them on their own terms. Postal workers know how to fight back. Weve done it before, and were ready to do it again.

Canada Post had a pre-tax loss of $611 million last year, bringing the total loss over seven years to $2.7 billion. A 32-day CUPW strike late last year significantly hurt revenues and parcel volumes still have not recovered. Canada Posts business model has been under pressure for most of the century as people shifted to digital communications over mail and private parcel carriers entered the market.





Canada Posts final offer includes a wage hike of 13.6% over four years, a $500 to $1,000 signing bonus, a higher cost of living allowance and operational changes based on recommendations from a government commission aimed at turning around the financial decline. The changes include pilot testing dynamic instead of static routes based on changing volumes.

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The CUPW has been pushing the government to facilitate binding arbitration to resolve the labor dispute, but Canada Post has rejected the idea.

(UPDATED at 8:40 p.m. ET)

Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch.

RELATED STORIES:

Union rancor rises as Canada Post balks at arbitration

Canada Post, mail carriers remain far apart on contract as talks resume

Canada Post makes final offer for labor deal amid growing losses





The post Canadian government to force union vote on Canada Post contract offer appeared first on FreightWaves.
Canadian politician Charlie Angus  a fierce critic of Donald Trump  delivered a blistering rebuke of the U.S. president ahead of his planned attendance at the G-7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, next week.

Angus slammed Trump as a gangster president.

And the ex-lawmaker claimed to have received hundreds of messages from Canadians who are angered that a convicted felon and a man who has threatened our nations sovereignty is being allowed into our country.

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I understand [Canadian Prime Minister Mark] Carneys reluctance to escalate the situation with the MAGA president but we have to stop kidding ourselves and be honest about what we are being asked to engage with, warned Angus, a member of the left-leaning New Democratic Party who retired from his role in the Canadian Parliament in March.

Trump poses a clear threat to American democracy, to Canadian sovereignty and to the international rule of law, he added, noting the U.S. presidents repeated attacks on Canada amid his bid to turn it into the 51st state.

Angus also pointed out the stark difference between Trumps aggression towards Americas northern neighbor and his relatively softer stance on Russia and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Canada can no longer view the United States as an ally, Angus said.

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At another point, he warned: We cant kid ourselves about the threat thats being posed by Donald Trump.

Watch Angus full speech here:

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Canadian politician Charlie Angus scolded President Trump for sending soldiers to protests in Los Angeles amid outrage over removals by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Were not talking about creeping fascism here. This is full on police state tyranny from the gangster President Donald Trump, Angus, a member of Canadas New Democrat Party, said during a Thursday press conference in Ottawa.

And this is the man who will soon be crossing our border to attend the G7 meetings in Canada, he added.

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The White House on Thursday defended its decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines in California, citing what it called an outbreak in violence and chaos.

Violent rioters in Los Angeles, enabled by failed Democrat leaders Gavin Newsom and Karen Bass, have attacked American law enforcement, set cars on fire, and fueled lawless chaos, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told The Hill.

President Trump rightfully stepped in to protect federal law enforcement officers when Newsom refused, she added.

Local leaders have urged Trump to remove federal forces while international politicians remain stunned by the move that sparked corresponding protests across the country.

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Amid angst, Trump attended the opening night of the musical Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday night, just days before hes set to attend the G7 in Alberta.

Trump is expected to meet privately with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the June 15-17 summit to discuss a potential economic and security agreement after their friendly spat in early May.

Carney rebuked comments about Canada becoming the 51st state while pushing to draw down Trumps latest round of tariffs on the Great White North during the May meeting.

Ive received hundreds of messages of concern and outrage from Canadians that a convicted felon, sexual predator, and a man who threatened our nations sovereignty, is being allowed into our country, Angus said during his 20-minute speech largely focused on Trumps policies. I understand the Prime Minister Carneys reluctance to escalate the situation with the MAGA president. But we have to stop kidding ourselves, and we have to be very honest about what we are being asked to engage with.

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Donald Trump poses a clear threat to American democracy, to Canadian sovereignty, and to the international rule of law, he added.

The Canadian politician railed against Trump on Thursday, alleging hes launched more than 100 attacks on Canada since last year amid reports about officials pushing to remove Canada from the Five Eyes intelligence group and signs of the presidents ties to Russia, citing the countrys exemption from tariffs and a lack of sanctions on the Kremlin as it strikes Ukraine.

Canada can no longer view the United States as an ally, Angus said. We know that Donald Trump doesnt believe in liberal democracy.

He doesnt believe in the rule of law. Canada is an open and inclusive society. Little wonder that Donald Trump has denounced our nation as one of the nastiest countries hes ever had to deal with, he continued.

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In the midst of his speech, Angus urged Carney not to trust Trump and to push back on attempts to erode the countrys sovereignty.

We cant kid ourselves about the threat thats being posed by Donald Trump. Prime Minister Mark Carney is not inviting our nearest neighbor and friendly ally to join us in the G7. Prime Minister Carney is not inviting the leader of the free world to Canada. He is welcoming in Vladimir Putins sock puppet, who will have the best seat in the key negotiations with the G6, he said.

Donald Trump will be there as we attempt to negotiate a deal in a dark new world, he continued. And we know that Donald Trump is there to undermine us at every step of the way. Canada must be focused on containing this clear and present danger to our nation and the rule 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 The Hill.
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department plans to host a national organizations regional competition at its new shooting complex east of Rapid City this fall, a few weeks before the public gets to use any of the ranges.

The state Wildlife Division terrestrial chief John Kanta gave an update on the projects status during a meeting with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission last week.

Kanta said that more than 300 people had already signed up for the United States Practical Shooting Association event set for September 25-28.

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An official ribbon cutting comes two weeks later, on October 10, followed by a public opening on October 13.

HOW MUCH: Once its open, the complexs 50-, 100- and 300-yard shooting bays and archery range will be free for the public to use, Kanta said.

There will also be controlled-access areas, such as a 1,200-yard range, shotgun ranges, a sporting-clays course and action bays, where fees will be charged.

The commission is taking public comments on the proposed fees and holds a public hearing at 2 p.m. on July 10 at its next regular meeting in Yankton. The commission will make a decision whether to adopt those fees during the July 10-11 meeting.

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Heres whats proposed:

Individual day pass $20

Individual annual pass $100

Family annual pass $150 (two parents and children under 18)

Competitive event pass $20 per competitor

Non-competitive event cost $500 per bay for two days, $200 each additional day

Annual club pass $500

Kanta said the department will be flexible in defining a family. The club pass allows storage of equipment at the complex, but each member will still need a day or annual pass.

HOW MANY: The complex will have three full-time employees, with additional help from volunteers, seasonal employees and interns, according to Kanta.

He said the annual operating budget has been estimated at $360,000 plus and revenue from fees can be matched 25-75 by federal funding.

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We wont turn a profit on this. Thats not really in the cards, Kanta said.

Some GFP staff visited state-run shooting ranges in Colorado and Arizona to see how fees are charged.

Commissioner Bruce Cull of Yankton said he had some involvement with the Ben Avery Shooting Facility north of Phoenix years ago. Cull, an archery enthusiast, predicted that the South Dakota complex would quickly become known nationally and even internationally.

This is as big as it gets in the gun world, he said.

MOVING OVER: After more 31 years with state government, Mary Stadick Smith is starting anew.

She worked the past 21-plus years at the state Department of Education in Pierre. The former deputy secretary of education is taking a new position as operations manager at the South Dakota Community Foundation, where she starts on Monday.

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Before working for Education, Stadick Smith spent two years as marketing director for the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Sciences in Sioux Falls and was with the state Department of Tourism for more than 10 years.

Education Secretary Joe Graves is now seeking a new No. 2. We are fortunate to have several impressive candidates. We will let you know when we have a decision to announce, department information specialist Nancy Van Der Weide said.

MOVING CLOSER: Jason Simmons is no longer chief financial officer for the state Department of Social Services in Pierre.

Thats because he started June 9 in a new role at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, where hell soon succeed Bill Spindle as vice president for finance and administration.

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Simmons said its like moving home for him because hes a Mines grad and continues to be part of the family farming operation at nearby New Underwood.

Hes worked his way up in state government, starting as an analyst for the Public Utilities Commission in 2013, then moving to the Legislative Research Council where he spent five years as principal fiscal and program analyst, followed by nearly two years as an advisor to then-Governor Kristi Noem. Next he headed over to the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources where he worked for a year-plus as director of outreach, then joined Social Services in November 2021.

Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff said Claudean Hluchey has been appointed as interim finance director. She had been serving as deputy director.

You can reach KELOLAND Capitol Bureau reporter Bob Mercer with news tips, questions, complaints and story ideas by calling 605-280-7580. He also can be reached via digital messages at bmercer@keloland.com or @pierremercer on X, or through U.S. mail at 1810 Camden Court, Pierre, SD, 57501.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Cardiff University bosses have defended the way a process to cut hundreds of jobs and axe some departments has been handled.

Giving evidence to a Senedd Committee, Vice Chancellor Prof Wendy Larner said it had been "difficult" but they had taken "the right approach".

Prof Larner was asked whether announcing plans to close some departments, including nursing and then "backtracking" had been wise in view of the impact on staff morale and the institution's reputation.

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It comes after a union claimed the process had led to a "severe and urgent mental health crisis" among staff.

Meanwhile, more than 100 Bangor University staff and supporters have taken part in a demonstration against staff cuts there.

Proposals initially included cutting 400 jobs and closing some subject areas including music, modern languages and nursing, which will now be retained.

Changes during the consultation period and more than 150 staff leaving voluntarily also led to a reduction in the number of posts to be cut - currently down to 69 by 2029-30 Prof Larner told MSs.

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She said she was "delighted by the quality of the alternative proposals" which enabled them to change the initial plans "quite significantly".

But she confirmed the business case going to the university council for sign off on 17 June would still mean stopping ancient history and religion and theology.

When asked whether she had any regrets about the process, she said she regretted that some members of staff had learnt their jobs were at risk through media coverage after a "leak" of information.

She also expressed regret that the university had received an "undue share of attention" for the cuts despite many other universities facing similar challenges.

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"Our intention all the way through has been to ensure that Cardiff University is successful for the future," she said.

Prof Wendy Larner said the university had come under more scrutiny than other institutes in recent times [Cardiff University]

Prof Larner and chairman of the University Council Patrick Younge's appearance in front of MSs follows the University and College Union's (UCU) claim there was a "total health and safety crisis" at the institution.

They said there had been a "comprehensive breakdown of trust and morale" between university bosses and staff.

"I think we've worked really hard to do what we can to ensure that staff have been adequately supported", said Prof Larner.

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Mr Younge said the university had been "blindsided" by the UCU referring it to the Health and Safety Executive when it was due to agree a strategy to address the union's concerns.

Referring to the union's move, he said he was "deeply disappointed in some of the behaviours."

Mr Younge outlined the financial challenges facing the university and said its reserves had to be spent on securing the university's future - including improving halls of residence which, he said, required a spend of 300m to 400m.

Quizzed about the university's new campus in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, Prof Larner said the university had spent money on "due diligence" but the campus, which opens in September, was paid for by partners in Kazakhstan.

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She said so far there had been 186 application for the two foundation courses initially offered on the site which was part of a "slow rollout".

In response, Cardiff UCU said it remained "deeply concerned" about the proposed cuts.

It added the changes risked affecting the university's "ability to contribute" to teaching, research and training in Wales.

Bangor University staff have been campaigning against job losses [BBC]

On Thursday, staff at Bangor University held a protest outside the college as part of an ongoing campaign against staff cuts.

The university has said it needs to lose the equivalent of 78 full-time posts to make savings, following voluntary redundancies and other cost-cutting measures.

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Three unions - the University and College Union (UCU), along with Unison and Unite - are opposed to any compulsory job losses.

UCU is to ballot members next week about taking steps towards strike action.

"The longer it takes the university to take compulsory redundancies off the table, the further up the ladder towards industrial action," Amy Pritchard-Robinson, Bangor UCU president, told BBC News.

She described a "consistent cycle of restructure, voluntary severance and cuts" at the university.

This week it emerged that the university's vice chancellor, Edmund Burke, received a 13% pay rise last year, while the number of senior staff rose from 18 to 26.

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"We have situations where staff are being told to do more with less, to explore reduced working hours, to explore job sharing but clearly the rules that seem to apply to staff don't apply to the executive and that's unfair," said Vivek Thuppil, the local UCU's vice president and a psychology lecturer.

Staff have until Friday to register interest in taking voluntary redundancy.

More on this story
DENVER (KDVR)  A police patrol vehicle was totaled after a crash on Interstate 25 on Tuesday night.

The Castle Rock Police Department said the marked vehicle was stopped with emergency lights activated at the time of the crash.

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The officer was out of the vehicle when the police department said a driver crashed into the patrol vehicle from behind.

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The police department described the incident in a post on Facebook as a close call. The vehicle that crashed into the police car caught on fire and firefighters responded.

A Castle Rock Police Department patrol vehicle was totaled after it was hit by a driver on Interstate 25, police said. A Castle Rock Police Department patrol vehicle was totaled after it was hit by a driver on Interstate 25, police said.

Police said that remarkably, no one was seriously injured in the crash.

A spokesperson for the police department told FOX31 that the police vehicle was totaled after the crash. Colorado State Patrol is investigating the incident.

The police department offered a reminder that Colorado law requires drivers to move over at least one lane and slow down when passing or approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped with lights flashing.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane with at least 242 people on board crashed on a medical college hostel close to an airport on the edge of Indias western city of Ahmedabad on Thursday morning.

Air India confirmed later on Thursday that 241 of the 242 people on board had been killed.

This incident is the latest in a series of serious and fatal events in the civil aviation industry this year, including a midair collision in Washington in January between a military helicopter and an aircraft.

Where and when did the plane crash?

The plane crashed in a residential area called Meghani Nagar, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, head of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, told The Associated Press.

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The city of between 7 and 8 million people is in Prime Minister Narendra Modis home state of Gujarat. Modi has directed the Ministry of Civil Aviation to take all possible action to assist at the crash site.

There is a large Gujarat population in Great Britain, and the Ahmedabad-London route is popular.

Flight AI171 was headed to London Gatwick Airport on Thursday where it was due to land at 6:25pm local time (17:25 GMT).

According to flight tracking website Flightradar24, the planes final signal was received seconds after takeoff at 1:38pm local time (08:08 GMT). It had reached an altitude of 625 feet (190 metres) before crashing back to the ground outside the airport, close to densely populated residential areas on the outskirts of the city.

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The plane issued a mayday alert to air traffic control before all communications from the aircraft ceased.

Ahmedabad airport has been closed and all flight operations have been suspended until further notice.

Wreckage of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner lies at the site, showing part of its registration VT-ANB, where the Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025 [Amit Dave/Reuters]

What do we know about the victims?

Air India has confirmed that 241 of the 242 people on board were killed. One British man survived.

Of these [on board], 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals, Air India said in a statement. The airline described the incident as a tragic accident.

A senior police officer, Vidhi Chaudhary, told the Reuters news agency that the single survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, had escaped from an emergency exit. Media reports identified him as a British national of Indian origin.

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He was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body, Dr Dhaval Gameti told The Associated Press after examining Ramesh. But he seems to be out of danger.

Police Commissioner GS Malik was quoted as saying that Ramesh was being treated in hospital.

The crash has also resulted in the deaths of people on the ground. Local media reports that 24 people have died on the ground. Al Jazeera could not independently verify this.

What do we know about the crash site?

Footage shared on social media of the crash site showed debris on fire, with huge plumes of thick, black smoke rising into the sky near the airport.

They also showed people being moved in stretchers and being taken away in ambulances.

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Indias CNN News-18 TV channel said the plane crashed on top of the dining area of the state-run BJ Medical College hostel, killing many medical students as well. It showed a visual of a portion of the aircraft perched atop the building.

The building on which it has crashed is a doctors hostel  We have cleared almost 70 percent to 80 percent of the area and will clear the rest soon, a senior police officer told reporters.

Local journalist Sunil Vaidya told Al Jazeera: The crash site is very close to a civil hospital where there is a medical college, he said. It is quite possible that students studying there are staying in a hostel nearby.





How have authorities reacted?

Many people have died in the crash, the countrys health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda wrote in a post on X.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X: The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.

Modi wrote in an X post on Friday that he visited the crash site. Met officials and teams working tirelessly in the aftermath.

Visited the crash site in Ahmedabad today. The scene of devastation is saddening. Met officials and teams working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy. pic.twitter.com/R7PPGGo6Lj  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 13, 2025

What are the authorities doing now?

Indias ANI news agency reported that at least 90 emergency response workers are currently deployed at the site of the crash.

According to reports in local media, one of the two black boxes from the plane has been retrieved.

Black boxes are essential to investigations about plane crashes since they hold records of flight data, pilots conversations and radio communications during flights. This data can reveal actions of the pilot or external factors that might have contributed to accidents.

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Indias Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he was shocked and devastated by the plane crash.

I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families, he added.

Elsewhere, Air Indias chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, said that further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information.

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However, local people said little information was reaching those worried about loved ones on the flight or on the ground where it crashed. Vaidya told Al Jazeera: It is chaos. They have cordoned off the accident site and ambulances are rushing to hospitals. But the general public and relatives  they are not getting any information.

Investigations will take time, Air Indias CEO Campbell Wilson, who also visited the crash site, said in a video message on Thursday.

Air India has set up assistance centres at Gatwick, Mumbai, New Delhi and Ahmedabad airports for the friends and relatives of the crash victims.

These centres are facilitating the travel of family members to Ahmedabad, the airline wrote in an X post.

How bad is this incident?

Alex Macheras, an independent aviation analyst, told Al Jazeera on Thursday that the accident is probably going to be one of the worst aviation incidents for Indian aviation history in recent decades.

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However, he added that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, of which 1,100 are operating globally, had a very good track record for safety.

There has never been a fatal crash involving a 787 Dreamliner before this, Macheras said. He said the incident would raise serious questions about what could have gone wrong with this flight and why the aircraft was struggling to gain altitude after takeoff.





What else do we know about the Boeing 787 Dreamliner?

The 787 has been in service for 15 years  this is a mid to long-haul passenger aircraft, one of the latest from Boeing in terms of the development and the introduction of carbon-fibre aircraft, Macheras told Al Jazeera.

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It provides airlines with immense efficiency but also with the promise of stellar safety record that the 787 has. In fact, in its 15 years of commercial service globally, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has never been involved in a crash or a whole loss or a fatal accident, Macheras said.

So combined, its an aircraft that the industry knows is of the highest standards in terms of meeting safety regulations globally across different markets but also one that is trusted and essentially a workhorse of the skies when it comes to long-haul travel.

Macheras added that executives within the aviation industry were utterly shocked at the footage.

They cant quite believe that an aircraft with an impeccable safety record was involved in something that looks like is going to be so catastrophic, he said.

Have Air India planes crashed in the past?

Yes, but not for some time.

Air Indias safety record is comparable with international carriers such as Turkish Airlines, American Airlines or Lufthansa. However, it is not as safe as top-tier carriers like Singapore Airlines or Emirates (which have had zero, or near-zero, fatal crashes in recent decades).

Previous instances of fatal Air India crashes include:

1966: Flight 101, a Boeing 707, crashed into Mont Blanc in the European Alps, killing all 117 people on board.

1978: Flight 855, a Boeing 747, crashed into the Arabian Sea shortly after takeoff, killing all 213 passengers and crew.

1985: Flight 182, a Boeing 747, crashed when a bomb was detonated on board, killing all 329 people on board.

1982: Flight 403, a Boeing 707, crashed during a hard landing, killing 17 people.

The unprofitable carrier was acquired by the Tata Group from the Indian government in 2021.

Air India is currently in the middle of a strategic turnaround, including making a large aircraft order as it seeks to tap growing demand from Indias expanding middle class.

Have there been other Boeing disasters in recent years?

Yes.

Boeing, which leads the global aircraft market alongside Europes Airbus, has come under intense scrutiny over its safety record since two fatal crashes involving the Boeing 737 Max in 2018 and 2019.

The 737 Max jets were grounded worldwide for almost two years after a crash killed 189 people in Indonesia in October 2018 and another killed 157 people in Ethiopia five months later.

It was found that the crashes had occurred due to defects in the automated flight control software, which activated erroneously.

The software was improved and the Boeing 737s were revamped and cleared to fly again.

Then, in January 2024, the door plug of a Boeing 737 Max 9 flew off midair during an Alaska Airlines flight.

The Alaska Airlines incident was found to have been caused by a defect in the manufacturing process, with loose hardware on the aircraft.

In March 2024, John Barnett, 62, who reported safety problems at Boeing, died from an apparent self-inflicted injury during the period he was giving evidence in a whistleblower lawsuit against the company.

Barnett worked as a quality manager for the US aircraft giant for more than three decades until he retired in 2017.

In 2019, Barnett alleged the aircraft maker, based just outside Washington, DC, had deliberately fitted planes with faulty parts and passengers on its 787 Dreamliner could be left without oxygen in the event of a sudden decompression.

Boeing has denied these allegations.

On Thursday, the US corporation released a short statement on the crash of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected, Boeing said.
Public media stations around the country are anxiously awaiting the results of Thursdays House vote that could claw back $1.1 billion from public broadcasting, with leaders warning that the cuts present an existential crisis for public medias future.

For smaller stations  many of which are in rural parts of the country  the funding makes up critical chunks of their yearly operating budgets. Many of them are being forced to plan how theyll survive the cuts, if they can at all, public media executives say.

Local leaders say the cuts would not only deprive their audiences of news and educational programming, but could also lead to a breakdown of the emergency broadcast message infrastructure that is critical for communities with less reliable internet or cellular service.

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That would mean an almost immediate disappearance of almost half our operating budget, David Gordon, executive director of KEET in Eureka, California, said of the rescission proposal. Assuming [KEET] would continue, it would be in a very, very different form than it is right now.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the entity that distributes federal money to public media stations via grants, said about 45 percent of public radio and TV stations it provided grants to in 2023 are in rural areas. Nearly half of those rural stations relied on CPB funding for 25 percent or more of their revenue.



But that funding is being targeted for a vote as part of a push from President Donald Trump that also aims to cut $8.3 billion in foreign aid. The rescissions package would cut CPB funding already approved by Congress for the next two fiscal years. The proposal, which only needs approval from a simple majority, must pass both chambers of Congress within 45 legislative days from the day its introduced. The House is set to vote on Thursday.

If the House and Senate follow their current schedules, the deadline to vote on the cuts is July 18. If the deadline passes and Congress has not approved the cuts, the White House will be required to spend the money  but funding could still be cut in future budgets.

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If approved, the package would codify a series of cuts first picked out by the Department of Government Efficiency earlier this year. Both Trump and Elon Musk, former head of DOGE, have repeatedly accused NPR and PBS of bias against Republicans. In 2023, the Musk-owned social media site X labeled NPR as "state-affiliated media," falsely suggesting the organization produces propaganda.

Trump regularly suggested cutting federal funding for public media during his first term. But his second term has brought increased hostility to mainstream media outlets, including the Associated Press, Voice of America, ABC News and CBS News.

Approximately 19 percent of NPR member stations count on CPB funding for at least 30 percent of their revenue  a level at which stations would be unlikely to make up if Congress approves the rescissions, according to an NPR spokesperson.

Ed Ulman, CEO of Alaska Public Media, predicts over a third of public media stations in Alaska alone would be forced to shut down within three to six months if their federal funding disappears.

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PBS CEO Paula Kerger said in an interview she expects a couple dozen stations to have significant funding problems in the very near term without federal funding. And she believes more could be in long-term jeopardy even if they survive the immediate aftermath of the cuts.

A number of [stations] are hesitant to say it publicly, she said. I know that some of our stations are very, very worried about the fact that they might be able to keep it pieced together for a short period of time. But for them, it will be existential.

Smaller stations with high dependency on federal funding may be forced into hard choices about where to make cuts. Some stations are considering cutting some of what little full-time staff they have, or canceling some of the NPR and PBS programming they pay to air. Phil Meyer, CEO of Southern Oregon PBS in Medford, Oregon, said his station will have to get creative just to stay afloat.

If we eliminated all our staff, it still wouldn't save us enough money, Meyer said. It becomes an existential scenario planning exercise where, if that funding does go away, we would have to look at a different way of doing business.

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Some rural stations are worried they wont be able to cover the costs to maintain the satellite and broadcast infrastructure used to relay emergency broadcast messages without the federal grants. In remote areas without reliable broadband or internet coverage, public media stations can be the only way for residents to get natural disaster warnings or hear information about evacuation routes.

After Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina last year, leaving the region without electricity for days, Blue Ridge Public Radio in Asheville, North Carolina, provided vital information on road closure and access to drinking water for people using battery-powered and hand-cranked radios.

I think its pretty catastrophic, Sherece Lamke, president and general manager of Pioneer PBS in Granite Falls, Minnesota, said of the potential consequences of losing the 30 percent of her stations budget supplied by CPB.

Station managers around the country have made direct pleas to their home congressional delegations in the past year, urging them to protect public broadcasting from the rescission proposal and publicly opposing Trumps executive order calling on CPB to stop providing funding to stations. PBS, NPR and some local stations have sued the Trump administration to block the order.

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Brian Duggan, general manager of KUNR Public Radio in Reno, Nevada, said hes optimistic about the chances of the House voting down the funding cuts, particularly after talking with his local member of Congress, Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), who co-signed a statement opposing cuts to public media on Monday.

I maintain optimism  based on my conversations with the congressman, Duggan said. I will just hold out hope to see what happens ultimately on the House floor.

Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, whose public media stations are among the most dependent on federal grants in the country, told POLITICO on Wednesday shes concerned about stations in her state and is trying to get the package changed.

In the wake of Trump administration pressure, some stations have seen an uptick in grassroots donations. But while larger stations in well-populated metro areas have broader, wealthier donor bases to draw on for additional support, many rural stations can only expect so much help from their community. Some of the stations in rural areas are forced to navigate the added complication of asking for donations from Republican voters as Trump rails against the public media ecosystem.

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We live in a very purple district up here, Sarah Bignall, CEO and general manager of KAXE in Grand Rapids, Minnesota said. If we started kind of doing the push and the fundraising efforts that were done in the Twin Cities, it would be very off-putting to a lot of our listeners.

Increases in donations, sponsors and state funding  only some states fund public broadcasting, and other states are pushing their own cuts to public broadcasting  would be unlikely to cover the full loss of smaller stations with heavy dependence on federal grants.

It's not like we can just go, you know, Let's find a million dollars somewhere else. Lamke said. If we knew how to do that, we would have.

Longtime public media employees have experience in managing the lack of certainty that comes with the nonprofit funding model. But some said that the federal cuts, along with the White House effort to eliminate the public media model, have made forecasting the future of their stations more difficult than ever.

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I think this is the biggest risk that we've had, certainly in the time that I've been in public broadcasting, Kruger said. And I've been in this business 30 years.

Calen Razor contributed to this report.
A group of artists have begun an experiment in the southern French countryside that could redefine the meaning of creative collaborations.

The aim of the project is for researchers to study how the artists work without any links to the outside world, no natural light and no real-time information.

Over the next two weeks, the members of Deep Time II will work dozens of metres underground in the Lombrives cave at Ussat-les- Bains to make diverse works. Unfinished projects must be completed outside within two months to be ready for an exhibition that's open to the public.

Deep Time

It's the second such test of this type. Four years ago, a group of eight men and seven women volunteered to spend 40 days in confinement in a dark, damp and vast cave in the Pyrenees. They had no clocks, no sunlight and no contact with the world above.

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Scientists at the Human Adaption Institute leading the project say the experiment will help them better understand how people adapt to dramatic and drastic changes in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Related

According to the organisers, our relationship with time has become one of the world's biggest concerns as many struggle with doomscrolling. We're faced with more devices and screens vying for our attention and offering us all non-stop content for our eyeballs and minds. More than 80 per cent of people believe that "time passes too quickly" and "that they don't have enough time".

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During the previous experiment, speaking from underground project director Christian Clot said: Its really interesting to observe how this group synchronizes themselves,

In partnership with labs in France and Switzerland, scientists monitored the 15-member group's sleep patterns, social interactions and behavioral reactions via sensors. One of the sensors was a tiny thermometer inside a capsule that participants swallowed like a pill. The capsules measured body temperature and transmitted data to a portable computer until they were expelled naturally.

The previous group lived in the dark, damp depths of the Lombrives cave in the Pyrenees to help researchers understand how people adapt to drastic changes in living conditions - Renata Brito/Copyright 2021 The AP. All rights reserved.

Although the participants looked visibly tired, two-thirds of them expressed a desire to remain underground a bit longer in order to finish group projects started during the expedition, Benoit Mauvieux, a chronobiologist involved in the research, told The Associated Press.
Celebrating Black Music Month: Kansas Citys music history

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  June is Black Music Month throughout the nation, which gives us a chance to highlight some of the Black musical greats right here in Kansas City.

Bob Dylan, Carole King, Keith Richards and more celebs react to the death of Brian Wilson

Kansas City is hailed as one of the top cities with deep roots connected to Jazz and Blues music with a rich history dating back to the early 1920s.

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The early emergence of Kansas City Blues and Jazz took place inside local dance halls, cabarets and speakeasies throughout the city.

Some of these dance halls and clubs gave a platform to local greats such as saxophonist Charlie Parker and Bennie Motens Orchestra.

LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE to offer free admission to dads on Fathers Day

Today, jazz and the blues live on throughout Kansas City inside of clubs such as The Blue Room, and inside of historical time capsules such as the American Jazz Museum.

Beyond Jazz and Blues, Kansas City is also home to a number of Black musicians, including some of the following:

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There are many Black musicians who have called the Kansas City Metro home over the years, and many more new emerging artists to add to the history books.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JOHANNESBURG, June 12 (Xinhua) -- South Africa has expressed its "deep concern" at the recent U.S. decision to sanction four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling it a "direct affront" to the principles of global justice and law.

"These measures, in addition to those imposed earlier on the Prosecutor, represent a direct affront to the principles of international justice and the rule of law," the Department of International Relations And Cooperation said in a statement Wednesday night.

"Such punitive actions against judicial officers performing their mandated duties are regrettable and they undermine the independence of the ICC and threaten the integrity of international legal institutions," the statement said. "They furthermore hinder the Court and its personnel in the exercise of their independent judicial functions."

The department said that South Africa, as a founding member of the ICC, views these sanctions and previous threats as an attempt to intimidate and obstruct the court's efforts to hold perpetrators of the most serious crimes accountable.

"The imposition of sanctions on ICC judges sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden those who seek to evade accountability for egregious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. It also poses a significant challenge to the global fight against impunity and the enforcement of international norms," the statement said.

South Africa will continue to work with like-minded nations to safeguard the integrity of international legal institutions, the DIRCO statement said.

"The pursuit of justice for victims of the gravest crimes must not be compromised by political considerations," it added. "Upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability are essential for the maintenance of international peace and security as well as a rules-based international order based on international law."

Washington last week imposed sanctions on four ICC judges, who were targeted for their engagement in ICC actions against the United States or Israel, according to a statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

South Africa reported Israel to the International Court of Justice in 2023, requesting the court to declare Israel's attacks on Palestine as genocide, prohibit further military action, and ensure humanitarian assistance for those in need. 
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Some central Ohioans are raising the alarm about a Texas-based moving company, saying they didnt get paid for their work.

Caddy Moving is based in Austin, Texas, but hires people all over the United States for moving jobs, including in Columbus. One man reached out to NBC4 Investigates after, he claims, the company did not pay him; NBC4 found dozens of complaints like his from central Ohio and beyond.

The man who called NBC4 Investigates found a help-wanted ad on Craigslist looking to hire movers. He needed money for his kids.

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Multiple teenagers allegedly open fire at police officers near south Columbus park

A long day of moving is hard enough, but what happened to this man, having to ask for his pay day after day, might be even harder.

I dont think you should treat people that way, Bruce Johnson, who did a job with Caddy Moving, said.

Johnson got in touch with Caddy Moving. Texts show an understanding he was to be paid the day of the moving job, May 25, or at least within 24 hours.

From my understanding that once the job was complete and they speak to the homeowners and then well be paid right after, Johnson said.

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Final full moon of Spring, the Strawberry Moon, glows over central Ohio

Texts Johnson shared show he worked the job, moving someone into a home in Hilliard, but he did not get paid that day, like he was told.

They keep saying were going to pay you, and then I get a text at 1 in the morning saying, Hey, we sent you a pay, then they didnt send the pay, Johnson said.

Then he got a text saying there was an issue with the payment system.

Then I find their reviews, Johnson said.

NBC4 Investigates looked into Caddy Moving and found dozens of complaints just like Johnsons, across Google, the Better Business Bureau and Trust Pilot, a website that hosts reviews of businesses worldwide.

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Some read: Company is refusing to pay for labor, This company does not pay what theyre advertising on their website. After the work is complete and their customer is satisfied, theyll stop responding and Promised that theyd pay me if I removed my Google review, and because I refused to remove it, theyre still refusing to pay me.

Chemical leak at explosives manufacturing plant prompted evacuations in Vinton County

I just felt bamboozled and just worried I wasnt going to get paid, Johnson said.

Caddy Moving responded to NBC4 Investigates on June 11.

We had some issues with Venmo and PayPal recently, Caddy Moving CEO Zach Richards said. We did have a couple of our systems actually get locked up on us and we worked through those with our guys. We actually launched a hotline for guys to reach out to.

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Caddy Moving said that as a startup, it does not have everything figured out yet, but takes accountability for the payment issues. We asked about the reviews across the websites as well.

As far as the Trustpilot, Yelp, we were not signed up on any of those platforms we dont monitor them so as you could imagine, those that have negative feedback to share they are going to go to those platforms, but we did not sign up on those platform, Richards said. We dont have everything figured out. Of course. But no, we fully take accountability for having delays on payments.

Richards said those with complaints can reach out to him at zach@caddymoving.com or by calling the help line at 888-788-8542.

More than 400,000 Ohioans see drivers license suspensions lifted under new law

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Caddy Moving is based out of Texas and NBC4 Investigates found the attorney general there has also received complaints. Johnson reached out to them and to NBC4 Investigates and finally, two and a half weeks after the job, he was paid the money he was owed, but said he knows others are still waiting.

I just want to be done with them, Johnson said. I hope they get it together and stop treating people like that.

Other reviews and those we have heard from are customers saying the company canceled last minute or movers stretched the time of the move and they had to pay more.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Things were looking tense in Los Angeles on Thursday even before federal agents took down U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla.

We had the Marines, slightly trained in domestic crowd control, heading out to do crowd control. We had ICE raids, sweeping up a man from a church. Or maybe it was ICE  the armed and masked agents refused to say where they were from.

But then the situation went further south, which to be honest, I thought would take at least until Monday.

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Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was in town to cosplay at being an ICE agent herself. You know she loves to dress up. Padilla, who was in the same building to meet with a general, went to a news conference she was hosting and tried to ask her a question.

Bad idea.

Federal agents manhandled him out of the room, shoved him down onto his knees and handcuffed him. By the end, he was face down on the ground. The FBI has confirmed to my colleagues that he was not arrested, but that's little comfort.

While officers may not have known Padilla was a U.S. senator when they started going after him, they certainly did by the time the cuffs were snapping.

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Padilla was heard saying, Hands off, hands off. Im Sen. Alex Padilla," as the officers pushed him back.

The hands remained on.

Shortly after the video of this frightening episode hit social media, Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X, "If they can handcuff a U.S. Senator for asking a question, imagine what they will do to you."

Indeed.

After he got back on his feet, Padilla made it clear all he was trying to do was get some information because his questions have gone unanswered so far.

"I was there peacefully," he told reporters. "At one point I had a question, and so I began to ask a question. I was almost immediately forcibly removed from the room. ... If this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question, you can only imagine what they're doing to farm workers to cooks to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community and throughout California and throughout the country."

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It's hard not to think of Martin Niemoller's poem, "First They Came," in times like these. Niemoller, a priest, was actually pro-Nazi until the machine turned on him and he ended up in a concentration camp for opposing Hitler's rules on churches.

After the news conference, Noem offered a sorry-not-sorry.

"I wish that he would have reached out and identified himself and let us know who he was and that he wanted to talk," she told reporters. "His approach, you know, was something that I don't think was appropriate at all, but the conversation was great, and we're going to continue to communicate.

It was great! Send in the Marines!

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When asked why she had ordered the removal of Padilla, Noem deferred to law enforcement.

I'll let the law enforcement speak to how this situation was handled, but I will say that it's people need to identify themselves before they start lunging at these moments during press conference," she said.

"Lunging."

It is starting to feel like being brown in America is a crime. Brown man allegedly lunging is the new Black man driving  scary enough that any response is justified.

Shortly after Noem made that accusation, it was already wending its way through MAGA land. House Speaker Mike Johnson, when asked about the sordid incident, quickly blamed Padilla. Johnson suggested that the Senate should censure Padilla because "there needs to be a message sent."

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Then he claimed that we can't have "senators charging at cabinet secretaries," which of course, we didn't. But truth rarely troubles Trump, or his followers.

Sen. Adam Schiff, our other California senator, came to his colleague's defense, demanding an investigation.

"Anyone who looks at it  anyone  anyone who looks at this, it will turn your stomach," he said. "To look at this video and see what happened reeks  reeks  of totalitarianism. This is not what democracies do."

Political pundit Mike Madrid pointed out how personal this issue of immigration is to Padilla.

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Padilla is the son of Mexican immigrants, Santos and Lupe Padilla. He went into politics in 1995 because of the anti-immigrant Proposition 187, the California measure that knocked all undocumented people off of many public services, including schools. He's been a champion of immigrant communities ever since.

"Hard to describe how angered and passionate Senator Alex Padilla is  Ive known him for 25 years and never seen anything like this," Madrid wrote online. "Hes a living example of how Latinos feel right now."

And not just Latinos  all Americans who care about democracy.

We are about to have approximately 3,000 hours of debate on whether Padilla deserved what he got because he was not invited to the press conference.

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The right wing is going to parse the video looking for that lunge and saying Padilla was aggressive. The left will say he has a right to ask questions, even a duty because he is an elected representative whose constituents are being detained and disappeared, even ones who are U.S. citizens.

I'll say I genuinely do not care if you are pro-Trump or pro-Padilla.

If you care about our Constitution, about due process, about civil rights, watching a U.S. senator forced onto his knees for asking questions should be a terrifying wake-up call.

It turns out that it's true: After they come for the vulnerable, they do indeed come for the rest.

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 federal courthouse in Tampa on June 11, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)

Day Three of the federal lawsuit alleging that a Tampa Bay area state Senate district was racially gerrymandered focused in part on how that district was created in 2022.

The suit, filed by the ACLU of Florida and the Civil Rights & Racial Justice Clinic at New York University on behalf of three residents of Tampa and St. Petersburg, alleges the Legislature packed Black voters into District 16 to reduce their influence in nearby District 18, in violation of their equal-protection rights.

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Democrat Darryl Rouson serves in SD 16, while Republican Nick DiCeglie is the incumbent in SD 18.

The defendants are Senate President Ben Albritton and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd, and their attorneys began their defense on Wednesday, bringing Jay Ferrin back to the witness stand in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa.

Ferrin is now a senior adviser to the Florida Senate, but he served as staff director of the Florida Senate Committee on Reapportionment in the fall of 2021, when the districts lines were created. He discussed how he and his staff went about drawing up the Senate districts that year and the guidelines they followed.

The reapportionment process beginning that fall was taking place under the guidance of Ray Rodrigues, who chaired the Senate Reapportionment Committee.

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Defense attorneys aired several Florida Channel video excerpts on Wednesday showing Rodrigues explaining how hard lessons were learned following the Florida Supreme Courts decision in 2015 to throw out the GOP-controlled Legislatures maps after deeming them unlawful under the Fair Districts constitutional amendments adopted by voters in 2010.

Rodrigues was insistent that he wanted the 2022 Legislature to conduct itself in such a fashion that the courts would not reject the maps lawmakers would produce.

This map will withstand a court challenge, Rodrigues declared on the floor of the Senate.

Thats what the trial taking place this week will ultimately determine.

State Senate Districts for the Tampa Bay region as drawn by the Florida Legislature. Source: ACLU lawsuit

Ferrin testified that, after his staff created other Senate districts in the Tampa Bay area, there remained about 100,000 residents in Pinellas County who would have to be inserted into another Senate district.

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(With the population of Florida in 2021 at 21.5 million people, Ferrin said, his staff were tasked to draw approximately 538,438 voters into each of the 40 Senate districts).

The resultant SD 16, which encompasses parts of St. Petersburg and Hillsborough County, is similar to the benchmark map created in 2015 that was then known as Senate District 19. Ferrin denied that he was instructed to maintain that same configuration.

He also said that under the rules promulgated by Rodrigues, he and his fellow staffers could speak about any new maps only with either the Senates general counsel or other Senate members  and not the general public. He was not supposed to review public submissions.

Florida senators were allowed to propose amendments during the reapportionment process, to add their own maps. Rodrigues and Democratic Sen. Audrey Gibson had filed such amendments, Ferrin said, but no senator had asked him to directly to create any Senate maps.

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ACLU attorney Nicholas Warren said at the beginning of the morning that he had sought to depose Rodrigues and fellow Republican and committee member Danny Burgess before the trial, but both had asserted legislative privilege, which shields them having to testify in certain lawsuits.

Expert witnesses

In the afternoon, the defense called two expert witnesses who criticized the expert witness testimony and voting analysis that came from the plaintiffs on Tuesday.

Steven Voss is a political science professor at the University of Kentucky. When asked to break down the political partisanship of the Tampa Bay area, he included four counties that make up the Tampa Bay metropolitan statistical area  Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and Hernando.

Based on population, he said, five Senate districts could be folded into the area, and that three historically were reliably Republican while two would favor Democrats. Currently, that breakdown is four Republican districts and one Democratic  with Senate District 14, which Voss said historically favored Democrats, going to the GOP in 2022.

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Voss took aim at the alternative voting maps produced for the ACLU by Penn State University professor of statistics Cory McCartan. Those maps showed that a district could have been fairly drawn up exclusively in Hillsborough County while still protecting Tier-1 standards there and in Pinellas County.

(That involves the Florida Constitutions Fair District Amendment, which says that districts shall not be drawn with the intent or result of denying or abridging the equal opportunity of racial or language minorities to participate in the political process or diminish their ability to elect representatives of their choice).

Voss said that the result of McCartans work was that he was cracking and packing voters in his maps to ultimately help Democrats at the voting booth.

Sean Trende, senior elections analyst for RealClearPolitics, also testified for the defense. He praised the composition of the Senate maps passed by the Legislature in 2022, saying it was pretty incompetent racial gerrymandering, if thats whats going on.

The trial is expected to conclude on Thursday.

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(FOX40.COM)  A former Cal Fire employee has been arrested for allegedly uploading, possessing, and distributing child pornography, which included children under the age of 10, on June 5.

 Video above: How to report a public safety threat

According to the Manteca Police Department, its Investigation Unit started to investigate a cyber tip that was received from the National Missing and Exploited Children organization. After the investigation, they came to the conclusion that Joseph Trevor Forney uploaded, possessed, and distributed child pornography, which included children under 10 years old.

MPD stated that on June 5, Forney was arrested on duty at a Cal Fire Station in Patterson after working there since 2023. He previously worked in the Santa Clara area and the Santa Cruz area.

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Forney has a criminal history in Idaho, which he had just cleared for parole in 2024, MPD said. His criminal history does not relate to child sex crimes. He has been booked into the San Joaquin County Jail with bail being set at $1.3 million.

Michaels Distributing Center in San Joaquin County set to close, affecting over 200 jobs

Detective Philips, who worked with the MPDs high-tech crimes against children investigator, received the tip on May 8, officials said. He used tools to identify Forney and his activities, and with the evidence from the investigation, Philips got a search warrant and an arrest warrant.

The San Joaquin County District Attorneys Office has arraigned Forney on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to the possession and distribution of child pornography, according to SJCDAO.

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The SJCDAO had charged Forney with the following counts:

One count of possession of child pornography, Felony

One count of possession of over 600 images, including more than 10 images of children under 12, Felony

10 counts of Distribution of child pornography, Felony

One count of annoying or molesting a minor under 18 years of age, Misdemeanor

SJCDAO stated that Forney could be facing up to 13 years and four months in prison; however, this remains an active investigation.

This is a sobering moment as we confront the heinous crimes alleged against Joseph Forney. These are deeply disturbing acts that no parent, neighbor, or citizen should ever have to confront. My office will ensure that those who prey on the innocent face the full consequences of their actions. We are committed to delivering justice for the victims.

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Forney is scheduled to appear in court on July 1 at 8:30 a.m., authorities said.

Officials said that the SJCDAO is in partnership with the MPD and encourages anyone with any information about this case to call tips to Detective Phillips at 209-456-8101 and to reference case number 25-02083 when contacting.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.






NEED TO KNOW

Young Charlotte Figi captured the attention of the world after high-CBD, low-THC hemp helped tame the seizures that had taken over her life

Charlotte's quality of life was improved by the combination, dubbed Charlotte's Web, but she died in March 2020 from complications of an upper respiratory illness

Charlotte's mother, Paige, opens up for the first time as she tells PEOPLE about grieving Charlotte, caring for her family in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and moving forward in a way that honors Charlotte's legacy







For 13 years, Paige Figi's primary concern was the wellbeing of her daughter, Charlotte Figi.

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Charlotte was born as one-half of a set of twin girls, "healthy and on time," her mom shares.

"Everything was great. Then at 3 months old, she started having a very severe seizure," Paige tells PEOPLE. Seizures would be the primary symptom Charlotte faced in the years that followed, with medical professionals trying different interventions to no avail.

"When it first happens, and something's wrong with your newborn child, it's that tragic, helpless feeling. Charlotte wasn't diagnosed with an actual name for her disorder  which is considered one of the world's worst kinds of epilepsies  until she was about 2."

Charlotte was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome after "time waiting and very expensive testing." The diagnosis brought forth difficult realities: children with Dravet's typically do not survive into adulthood.



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"There was a loss of innocence in finding out there's really nothing we can do. We just tried to enjoy her. The first four years of her life were just a medical tragedy with all of these medications and sadness and intense medical interventions," Paige says.

The family, as well as medical professionals, continued to search for other options. Paige learned about a "high-CBD, low-THC hemp," now called full-spectrum hemp extract, a non-intoxicating plant extract that had shown some promise with seizures.

"It felt like another hopeless situation, like, 'Of course this isn't going to work. She's failed every drug she's had,' " Paige says. "Many of her seizures were longer than 20 minutes. Those first four years, she would stop breathing. Her heart would stop. We had to do life support to CPR while we waited for a doctor, an ambulance. At 4, she was put into hospice  end of life care."

At the same time as she was balancing Charlotte's care, Paige was still raising two other children, Charlotte's twin Chase and oldest child Maxwell. Her then-husband, their father Matt, was overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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"We were just always in the hospital. I ... turned the hospital room, the ICU into, like, homeschool. I raised my kids in a hospital and made it fun and made it interesting. We figured out a way to sort of thrive under the situation," she recalls.

courtesy Paige Figi Charlotte and Paige Figi Charlotte and Paige Figi

Despite everything on her plate, she kept researching possible interventions that could help Charlotte. "I called Israel. I called France and Brazil. I hired translators to see what they were learning from this hemp plant on rodents. It was stopping their seizures. I thought, 'I live in Colorado. Certainly someone must know something about this.' "

"Before kids, I was a rescue diver for the fire department, so I used to dive for dead bodies. I'm a first responder, which is to say I'm good in a crisis. It was very difficult, but I did my best. But when the kids were all asleep, I'd have my moment of, 'This is not a normal family lifestyle,' " Paige recalls.



Living in Colorado gave the family the option to explore the hemp, at the time defined as marijuana and a schedule I substance that couldn't be studied or accessed by a layperson. When she was able to get her hands on it, it changed everything.

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.

"For Charlotte, we gave it to her, and it worked. Her seizures stopped  her 50 seizures a day, her 50 status seizures a day stopped. So, the first thing that happened was she started breathing room air. We took her off oxygen. She just opened her eyes. Slowly, one thing at a time, just one little life thing at a time started coming back as the seizures stopped," Paige recalls.

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"I'm watching this, alone here with three kids, watching this happen like, 'This is insane.' It's kind of mad to see that this worked, that I had to figure this out and that this was efficacious when the stuff we were giving her was not."

courtesy Paige Figi Charlotte (before taking full-spectrum hemp extract) and Paige Charlotte (before taking full-spectrum hemp extract) and Paige

It was then that Charlotte's story went public, entering the larger conversation around marijuana. At the same time, she was enjoying her best quality of life she'd had to that point.

"I turned 99% of the media down at the time. They wanted a pot mom story and it wasn't a pot mom story," Paige says. "This is my life. This is my little tragedy. It's my family. This wasn't provocative. I wasn't just giving my dying kid marijuana."

One year later, CNN and Dr. Sanjay Gupta reached out about a documentary.

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"I was very uncomfortable looking into his views on this because I had Child Protective Services and law enforcement involved and while I was following the letter of the law, she was the first that had done this," Paige says. They ultimately appeared in his 2013 docuseries, WEED.

As the story got out there, Paige heard from other families who were desperate for options.

"I had no idea how many other people were in the same boat  back against the wall, no pharmaceutical options left," she says. Families desperate for treatment packed up and moved to Colorado.

courtesy Paige Figi Charlotte Figi Charlotte Figi

"You couldn't travel with a schedule I substance over state lines, so I opened my house to them. They lived with me. I gave them 48 hours. I said, 'You have two days, and then another family's going come.' I had a soft landing. A lot of these families came in a medical ambulance type of situation, and they had to stay in Colorado to access this."

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Asked how she found it in herself to give when spread so thin, she says, "I think I was just the person in the place at the time. I don't even know how to describe it, but there was no chance that I wouldn't have said yes. It was an honor to be a part of that."

"It was a very interesting time for us all. We created this movement together, and we were cheering each other on," she continues.

In the better years, the family did everything they could to enjoy their time with Charlotte. That continued even after Paige and Matt made the decision to divorce and later, each remarried.

"With the divorce, Matt was in Special Forces. The divorce rate is pretty high there and then with Dravet syndrome, it's even higher. We didn't have a chance. It just breaks you. It breaks you as a human. It breaks your relationship," she says.

courtesy Paige Figi Chase, Charlotte and Max Figi Chase, Charlotte and Max Figi

"To go through a divorce on top if everything else ... and so many of the families I met had gone through a divorce as well. It's a true test of motherhood, not just raising a sick child, but knowing my healthy children are watching me, they're helping out, they're seeing how to be a human and a mother and how sometimes, you have to just do it and not let it break you. For me, the whole thing made me stronger."



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Paige also remembers the period as "ethically and morally, a very heavy time," during which she did enter the advocacy space, going to the federal government to ensure this treatment wasn't lumped in with marijuana and could be legalized for the people who needed it.

"I didn't have any help, no nursing care. And I'd get on a red-eye and fly to their state and help pass the bill, go to the capital and then fly home on a red-eye to feed my family," she recalls. "It was like the essence of community. It was mothers sorting this out for their kids and helping themselves together, and it was really powerful."



"It was very emotional time. My house kind of became this gathering place. These families don't have social life. They don't have a job, they're taken out of productive society to care for a sick loved one. At the same time, how much suffering you can watch a child go through and and not let it break you?"

She continues, "You had to be a resident of the state see multiple doctors, get a marijuana card, and then you couldn't leave the state. And we changed all of that through legislation."



courtesy Paige Figi Charlotte and her father, Matt Figi Charlotte and her father, Matt Figi

Paige focused on making the most of life with Charlotte while continuing to share the impact of hemp on her life.



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"She wasn't sickly. She didn't see herself as a person to be labeled with a medical disease. She was very strong. She was a tough little kid," she says.

That changed in 2020. In February, the whole family was suffering from an upper respiratory illness, unaware of what was around the corner. The rest of them would be on the mend by March, but as the world started learning about COVID-19 and hospital protocols started rapidly changing, Charlotte's condition did not improve.

On April 7, 2020, Charlotte Figi died at the age of 13, of an upper respiratory illness. There was never an official COVID diagnosis.

"She died in the COVID wing of the hospital, with a COVID doctor, in quarantine, but there were no tests. So officially, she died of a respiratory illness, after we were all very sick for a month."

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"It was tragic. I lived here, 13 years of her life, knowing she was going to die. You could say nobody was more prepared than I was, but she was so healthy before that, that it was ... that was the tragedy of it," Paige says.

courtesy Paige Figi Charlotte and Paige Charlotte and Paige

The bereaved mother had not just her own grief to grapple with, but that of the rest of her family.

"Watching them fall in love with her and then watching them watch her suffer ... you want to take that away from the siblings. You want to take that away from Charlotte, but you can't. You had to just kind of dive into the deep and then let them feel these things and let it transform them into good, kind, caring people that always care for others," the mom of three says.

"I think for Chase, losing her twin sister was just absolutely devastating. There's a thing that happens with with twins. The twin loss syndrome is very tough."

The loss was even tougher on the family because lockdown protocols made it so a funeral was impossible.

"We couldn't bury her. We had to have her cremated," Paige says.

Their community rallied around them, organizing 'Rock the RoC,' a concert-like virtual celebration of Charlotte with musicians sending in songs written for her.

courtesy Paige Figi Paige, Chase and Max Paige, Chase and Max

As for how this journey has impacted Chase and Maxwell, Paige says the two "became caretakers."

"They became very empathetic and sympathetic people. They were very good with with special needs kids. All of our friends had a sibling with a special needs kids, so they became very caring people in a lot of ways. We've all been through a lot of therapy because they got to see somebody that you care so much about, this big, blue-eyed girl who had a huge personality, and it wasn't pity that we had for her, but it's such a difficult feeling to watch them suffer."



She continues, "It's a difficult sentence to have a special needs or a high-medical person in your family. I think if you're open to understanding it a different way, it can be the greatest thing that can ever happen to you because it changes you. So, I'm hoping that that's what they take from it."

In the years since Charlotte's death, her memory has remained very present with the family.

"My kids, they're 18 and 21 now, so they can do whatever they want, but we still grieve together. We share her. We share stories of her together. We share online on social media with other families. We just share her out loud. And while it's painful to do, I think it's the healthiest way is to grieve together," she says.



"We do a little bonfire, and that reminds us of the gathering of all of these families in our yard, so we do a lot of bonfires. We trying to do some live music concerts. We always light candles in her name. We remember her constantly. We talk about her constantly."



courtesy Paige Figi Paige, Max, Chase and Paige's husband Greg Iafeliece Paige, Max, Chase and Paige's husband Greg Iafeliece

Paige in particular has also been dedicated to carrying on Charlotte's legacy. She continues to speak on behalf of Charlotte's Web, the high-CBD, low-THC hemp that gave Charlotte relief for so many years and is now named in her memory.

"I still continue my work in Coalition for Access Now to further make sure people have access to this. This isn't going to work for everybody, obviously, but this is very worthwhile and valuable. And I have a deep empathy, a first-hand experience of what it's like to have nothing and no one helping you and that the experts have no idea what to tell you," she says.



"I love what I do. I'm very good at what I do, it's very necessary, and because I've been so consistent, and it's so sensible, it's become apolitical. There's no opposition, it's bipartisan. We're not doing anything outrageous, or on the fringe of what is ethical or moral. This is just like a no-brainer, and so it's been fun to win."

"It's way bigger than kids with epilepsy," she adds. "They're now the smallest population that use this, but the most necessary and urgent still."



There's also Charlotte's Ranch, a ranch Paige purchased in Hahns Peak, Colo., that she has a special vision for.

"I look at it like her life was shared and so public  that's what I want for this beautiful horse ranch. We have sheep and cattle here, and it's to be shared. The intent is to have an open-door policy. I'm not sure how I'm gonna offer this to people or families or non-profits to come and have respite, a place that they can come to. They're welcome to be here. They can be handicapped, and it can be in wheelchairs, but it'll be accessible and available," she shares.

courtesy Paige Figi Charlotte's Ranch Charlotte's Ranch

She's hoping to offer something to other families that she and Charlotte never got to enjoy: a break from their home environment, a getaway that presents minimal medical complications.

"Nothing was ever offered to us. We qualified for Make-a-Wish, but when you get the list of ideas and she's too sick for any of them, there's nothing there. I just want to pay it back a little bit, so they can just have a moment of knowing there's people out there who who are thinking of you and want to do something. I feel very driven to do this for people who've never been offered anything," Paige explains.

With an empty nest and a heart full of love to give  and a mind for change  Paige wants the ranch to be "the essence of Charlotte, very magical."

"These things that carry her name, they represent the life and meaning of this child, and that's very meaningful to me," Paige says.

"I think it's one of the hardest things you can go through is losing a kid. There's not even a name for it. I'm not a widow. I don't know what you call a mother who's lost a daughter, but we need a name for that," she says. "It's the most horrible thing. I can't imagine that there's something more horrible than that."

courtesy Paige Figi Paige in Washington with her Coalition for Access Now partners advocating for the safe regulation of full spectrum hemp CBD products Paige in Washington with her Coalition for Access Now partners advocating for the safe regulation of full spectrum hemp CBD products

At the same time, it's been "really incredible" to see how Charlotte's story has impacted the world as we know it.

"To see how impactful one little wide-eyed, innocent kid can be, this special needs kid ... We weren't really welcomed in society. We didn't go anywhere. We didn't take her out to eat because no one wants to see a sick kid in a wheelchair. People are a------- and to think of a kid whose life was meant to be nothing ... I mean, I was told I should put her in an institution and live my life. To see an unsightly special needs epileptic child be celebrated and lifted up and have meaning in someone's life ... I don't even have words for it. It still hits me every day in the work I do," Paige says.



"I think what we've done is probably the most meaningful thing I'll ever do. What we're still doing today is the most meaningful thing I'll ever do in my entire life, and it's an honor to be involved with this," Paige continues.

"It's been fun and frustrating, very gratifying work, but at the end, it's something that I feel driven to do because I know too much. I've seen too much, I know things, and I can't unsee them and unknow them. And so I can't stop until it's complete."



Read the original article on People
PITTSBORO  Chatham County residents are not the only ones outside enjoying the warmer weather.

According to the Chatham County Public Health Department, higher temperatures during summer increase the number of uninvited guests: ticks.

Even though tick bites can occur year-round, ticks are most active during the warmer months, Chatham County Public Health Department Environmental Health Director Anne Lowry said. Because they feed off blood from both people and animals, ticks can make you sick by spreading a disease from one host to the next.

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In 2024, around 10% of Chatham County residents reported that they had been diagnosed with a Tick-Borne Illness  nearly double the percentage who reported one in 2021. Although many TBIs circulate in Chatham County, two are most common:

Ehrlichiosis Spread by the lone star tick

 Symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, upset stomach

 Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis

 Spread by the American dog tick

 Symptoms: Dark scab near bite, fever, headache, rash

In 2023, Chatham County had the highest reported Ehrlichiosis and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis incidence rates per 100,000 population of any county in North Carolina.

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According to Lowry, some tick bites can also cause allergies such as Alpha-Gal syndrome, which makes an infected individual allergic to mammal meat.

This summer, the Chatham County Public Health Department recommends these steps to fight tick bites:

Prepare for wooded or grassy areas

When walking in the woods or tall grass, wear long sleeves and pants, tuck pants into socks, and use tick repellents. Treat your clothes with products containing 0.5% permethrin.

Check for ticks after going outside

Look over your entire body, especially in hard-to-see places like behind your knees, underarms, around your waist, and in your hair.

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Remove an attached tick as soon as possible

Use tweezers to grab the tick as close to the skins surface as possible. Gently pull straight up until all parts of the tick are removed.

Keep an eye on any tick bites

After removing the tick, monitor the bite. Watch for signs of a rash, swelling, or flu-like symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, see your health care provider and let them know a tick recently bit you.

Kits are also available to help remove ticks at the CCPHDs Pittsboro office.

Dont let ticks tag along on your summer adventures, Lowry said. By following these precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors with peace of mind.

To learn more about how to prevent tick bites, visit chathamcountync.gov/ticks. To learn more about Alpha-Gal Syndrome visit cdc.gov/alpha-gal-syndrome/about/index.html.
CHICAGO (WGN)  The Chicago Board of Education on Wednesday appointed the mayors office senior director of education policy as the interim CEO of Chicago Public Schools.

Macquline King is expected to start in the role on June 20, replacing the outgoing Pedro Martinez, who was terminated last year and will soon become Education Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Macquline King

In detailing Kings more than 18 years of professional experience, the board described her as a visionary education leader, strategic policy advisor and innovator.

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Identifying an interim candidate who understands the services, components, concerns, and politics that go along with this roleand how to balance themwas paramount, CPS Board President Sean B. Harden said in a written statement. Similar to the ongoing search for the person who will hold this seat permanently, the Board wants to ensure our interim is a leader who upholds educational excellence, equity, and accountability while also exemplifying the values of CPS stakeholders across the District.

CPS CEO Martinez nears exit after firing: How we got here

The experience of a lifetime: Ousted CPS CEO bids farewell in final Board of Education meeting

King since 2022 has served in the mayors office as senior director of education policy, responsible for advising on Pre K-16 education initiatives and aligning resources and policies across CPS, City Colleges, and early childhood programs. She has also advised on budgetary matters, the district said.

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Martinez was fired in December without cause amid conflict with Mayor Brandon Johnson and his refusal to take out a high-interest loan to help finance a new teachers contract and a pension payment for non-teacher staff, a move Martinez said was fiscally irresponsible.

The districts fiscal year begins July 1 with a reported budget deficit approaching $530 million.

The other finalists included CPS Chief Portfolio Officer Alfonso Carmona and CPS Chief of Teaching and Learning Nicole Milberg.

Asked earlier in the day about King being the boards possible choice, the mayor declined to endorse a candidate but said the pick has to reflect my values, and my values are we have to have a school district that works for every single child.

Chicago Teachers Union ready to partner

In response to Kings appointment, Chicago Teachers Union president Stacy Davis Gates said the union was ready to partner with the new CEO, saying that CPS will need to move with urgency to repair the damage she says Martinez left behind.

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We need a plan in week one to guarantee the academic advancements weve made together in recent years and implement the promised improvements from our recent contract, she said in a written statement. We look forward to working with interim CEO King to secure the necessary funding from Springfield to fully fund each and every school community in our 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 WGN-TV.
A Chicago casino settled a lawsuit last week after two would-be investors claimed the business had a policy of preventing White men from investing in the enterprise.

Bally's Chicago, which is projected to be Illinois biggest casino with a 500-room hotel tower and 3,000-seat theater, was accused of excluding White males from its $250 million IPO as part of its Host Community Agreement with the City of Chicago.

The $1.7 billion casino and resort, set to open in 2026, faced a lawsuit launched by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on behalf of two White male investors and the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER).

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Exclusive: Group Launches Tip Line For Dod Employees To Report Dei, 'Woke' Overreach

The casino committed to 25% minority and women ownership as part of the community agreement, which was drafted as part of a 2019 Illinois state law expanding gambling in the state. In order to take part in the IPO, an investor would have had to meet its "Class A Qualification Criteria," which stated that an investor must be a "minority or woman."

Ballys accepted deposits from 1,500 investors starting in December, but wound up refunding them in February because the SEC had yet to approve of the IPO, the Chicago Sun Times reported. In April, the casino dropped the controversial provisions from the IPO, but stated they preferred investors to be from the Chicago area.

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JOHNSON & JOHNSON DENIES ENGAGING IN ILLEGAL DEI PRACTICES AFTER GROUP MAKES CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINT

WILL, which represented investors Richard Fisher and Phillip Aronoff in their case, alleged that Ballys was in violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, which bars racial discrimination in contracts, the first Ku Klux Klan Act and years of Supreme Court precedent. The conservative legal group is now celebrating the settlement with the casino.

"This is a great win for equality. Bally's Casino in Chicago, the city of Chicago, the state of Illinois had all agreed that they were going to open a new casino in Chicago and only allow minorities and women to own 25% of the casino as part of an investment. And Bally has now dropped that requirement. They filed papers with the SEC stating that the investment will now be open to everybody. And we think that's a great win for equality and we're very happy with this result," WILL's managing vice president Dan Lennington told Fox News Digital.

Patrick Callahan, 39, a Chicago attorney who had been prevented from investing in the casino, was pleased with the settlement, but voiced a note of caution about the future of his city.

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"Under current state and local leadership, its hard to be too optimistic that Chicago will suddenly become a bastion of nondiscrimination. That being said, this is a big victory and Im hoping to see many more of them," Callahan said.

Fox News Digital reached out to Bally's, the Chicago mayor's office and the Illinois Gaming Commission for comment.





Original article source: Chicago casino settles lawsuit after being accused of barring White men from investing in the business
Chicago taxpayers could be on the hook for another $24 million to settle lawsuits alleging police misconduct.

The citys Law Department is recommending a series of settlements in three wrongful conviction cases tied to infamous members of the Chicago Police Department. The City Councils Finance Committee will vote on the settlements Monday, setting them up for a final vote Wednesday.

If approved, the settlements will continue to hike the soaring cost of police lawsuit payouts. Chicago taxpayers have already approved $145.3 million to settle police lawsuits this year, a record amount far above the citys $82.6 million budget that through May already towers above such spending in past years.

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Soaring Chicago police lawsuit payouts hit record amount  and more are on the way

That figure for the citys steep lawsuit spending also leaves out a $120 million payout ordered by a judge for two wrongful conviction cases and the slew of cases aldermen will consider later this year. City attorneys recommend settlements in an effort to avoid more costly court verdicts.

The June batch of settlements is highlighted by a $14.75 million deal for James Gibson, who was convicted in the 1989 killings of Lloyd Benjamin and Hunter Wash. Gibson has alleged the disgraced police Cmdr. Jon Burge beat him into falsely confessing to the killings.

Double murder charges dropped against former longtime inmate in Jon Burge-related case

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Special prosecutor Robert Milan dropped the charges in 2019, citing a key witnesss death, a lack of cooperation from remaining witnesses and the passage of time when he determined he could no longer prove Gibsons guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Milan maintained that this was not a wrongful conviction at the time.

City attorneys are also recommending a $7.5 million payout for Bernard Williams. Williams was given a 60-year sentence when he was convicted in a 1996 West Garfield Park shooting that killed a man and injured bystanders.

Man found not guilty of murder in 30-year-old case tied to ex-CPD detective accused of torture

He maintained his innocence for decades, alleging former Detective Kriston Kato, accused in an array of cases of torturing and intimidating confessions out of defendants, fabricated his confession. Williams was found not guilty in a 2023 retrial.

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And aldermen will also vote on a $2.1 million deal for William Carter, who spent four years in prison from three separate narcotics convictions tied to Sgt. Ronald Watts before his convictions were tossed. Carters case is one in a flood of lawsuits heading toward the City Council tied to Watts, a former public housing officer notorious for shaking down drug dealers for protection money and pinning false cases on those who wouldnt play ball.

He and another officer, Kallatt Mohammed, were arrested by the FBI in 2012 and later pleaded guilty to stealing money from a federal informant. Watts was sentenced to 22 months in prison. Mohammed received an 18-month term on the same charge. Around 175 other Watts-related cases are yet to be resolved in federal court.
CHICAGO (WGN)  Local law enforcement turned out in large numbers at the 6th Police District Wednesday to show support for the Chicago Police Department after Officer Krystal Rivera died after being accidentally shot and killed by another officer.

The shooting happened after a chase where one of the suspects allegedly pulled a gun on the officers.

Young, vibrant and a hard worker: CPD officer killed in South Side shooting

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Rivera, 36, was a four-year veteran of the CPD and was killed after another officer unintentionally shot her during a call for service on the South Side. She is the third officer the 6th Police District has lost in the last year.

This isnt a result of just us, but a result of what your daughter, your mom, your sister meant to the City of Chicago, meant to this district, 6th District Cmdr. Michael Tate said to Riveras family. She was really a part of our family. To my right, all the officers with the t-shirts on are all her teammates and were all still trying, just like you, just figuring this whole thing out.

Rivera was part of the 6th District Tactical Team and worked to make the streets of Chicago safer.

She was a mother and friend to many, and a protector to countless strangers.

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Fallen CPD officer remembered for courage and compassion by loved ones and colleagues

I think its important to have this. For the officers, its a tough hit. This is especially a tough hit. I think people in this city like the police, and I think police in this city get along with the community, but I came here for support for the guys and girls who work here, and like I said, this is a tough hit and everybody needs to come together, retired CPD Officer Joey Battaglia said.

The poles and trees outside of the 6th District Station have been decorated with blue ribbons in Riveras honor. The ribbons were put up by volunteers with Light The Line.

Fr. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina Church also had a message for the police officers.

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You are not simply our police officers. You are not simply law enforcement. You are sisters and our brothers. You are friends and you are family and when you hurt, we hurt, he said. The toll of losing somebody is great and is real. Grief is real. Dont be afraid to process it and acknowledge it, to embrace it, but dont park yourself there.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
NEW YORK, June 12 (Xinhua) -- This Saturday will see one of the starkest displays of U.S. divisions since Donald Trump took office, as contrasting visions unfold in vivid colors on the country's streets, reported The Washington Post on Thursday.

The report added that the confrontation now playing out in Los Angeles is certain to fuel both sides, as some Americans cheer Trump's strong hand in quashing purported chaos and others decry what they see as his growing embrace of authoritarian tactics.

At the celebration in Washington, D.C., 150 vehicles, dozens of helicopters, various planes and 6,700 soldiers are expected to take part, the Army has said. The Army's parachute team, the Golden Knights, will drop into the event, delivering an American flag to Trump, who will be watching the proceedings from a reviewing stand. The president will also enlist and reenlist 250 civilians and soldiers, and beyond the parade itself, the day will include a fireworks display, military demonstrations and country music performances.

At the same time, activist groups such as Indivisible, 50501, the American Federation of Teachers and Black Voters Matter are planning to turn out thousands of protesters for the "'No Kings' nationwide day of defiance" that they say will include marches and rallies in about 2,000 locations. In some places, activists will spell out "No Kings" on a beach or use cards to spell it out on a field.

"Trump is trying to claim that he owns this country, that he is the ruler of this country," Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, was quoted as saying. "By holding a military parade, it's his attempt to equate the American government with himself. In these protests, we'll see a lot of patriotism, a lot of flags, a lot of veterans on stages talking about their service. We are not ceding the ground of patriotism." 
The number of international guests staying at Chicago hotels is down amid tensions between the Trump administration and other nations, and economic uncertainty is discouraging business travel.

But local hoteliers say they still expect a busy summer, thanks in part to a tourism calendar that relies heavily on domestic leisure travelers coming in for events like Lollapalooza and Julys two-day NASCAR Chicago Street Race.

Its true were seeing a drop in foreign inbound travelers, but the drop is not significant, said Maverick Hotels and Restaurants CEO Robert Habeeb, the proprietor of the 223-room Sable at Navy Pier. Government-related travel is also down after months of spending cuts by the administration of President Donald Trump, Habeeb said.

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But in the summer, its leisure, leisure, leisure and most of these folks will show up. Its going to be a solid summer, he said.

The decline in international travelers to Chicago is difficult to measure, as hotels generally dont report statistics on guests country of origin, said Brian Arevalo, managing director with HVS, a consultant for the hospitality industry.

But it has been noticed and its something were hearing a lot about from hotel operators, he said.

Andrew Eck, general manager of L7 Chicago By LOTTE, a 191-room hotel at 225 N. Wabash Ave., said summer bookings from Canadians were off by about 25% compared with 2024. The number of Asian guests at the hotel, which carries a Seoul-based brand, seems steady, he said.

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Overall, the summer is shaping up to be a busy one, Eck said. Because we were under construction for part of the year in 2024, we are seeing growth thats off the charts. We could sell out every single day this summer.

Its already been a solid year.

Healthy attendance at some conventions held at the McCormick Convention Center, along with blockbuster events, including Beyonces three-night, sold-out Cowboy Carter extravaganza in May at Soldier Field, kept Chicago hotels ahead of their 2024 pace.

About 1.3 million people are expected to attend McCormick Center events in 2025, according to the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, the municipal corporation also known as McPier, which owns McCormick Center. Thats still far below pre-pandemic numbers, when the venue typically attracted between 2 million and 2.9 million visitors.

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But some conventions are close to full recoveries, said McPier CEO Larita Clark. The International Manufacturing Technology Show attracted almost 90,000 visitors last year, compared with the more than 100,000 seen pre-COVID. In March, ProMat 2025, a manufacturing and supply chain convention, brought about 52,000 to McCormick Center.

That show set a new attendance record, Clark said.

Chicago hotel occupancy hit 65.6% in April, up from 64.6% last April, while the average daily rate for a room increased from $150.96 to $157.89, a 4.6% bump, according to CoStar data.

We are ahead of where we were last year, said Kiara Felfle, director of sales at The Robey Chicago, an 89-room boutique hotel in the Wicker Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side. Beyonces concerts were a record-breaking time for us as far as occupancy goes.

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The Robey Chicago, which opened in 2016 in the landmark Northwest Tower, anticipates a stream of customers this summer, many headed to the neighborhoods many street festivals and small music venues.

Chicago really shines in the summer, so its a big time for us, and this year will be no different, she said.

Choose Chicago launches new marketing campaign: Never Done. Never Outdone.

The Trump administration tightened border controls and began imposing on-again, off-again tariffs on many nations this year, including Canada and China, souring relations and leading some travelers to cancel U.S. trips.

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While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the closed sign, said World Travel & Tourism Council CEO Julia Simpson in May.

The council estimates international visitor spending in the U.S. will decline from $181 billion in 2024 to $169 billion this year, 22% lower than the peak year of 2019. Early summer bookings by Canadians were already down more than 20% year-over-year, with March visits from the United Kingdom falling 15%, and German travelers declining by 28%.

Chicago hotels should be able to absorb the hit.

The city attracted 55 million total visitors in 2024, according to Choose Chicago, the citys tourist agency. About 2 million were international travelers, so if the city sees fewer people from overseas this year, domestic tourists may fill the gap.

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Based on our monthly projections that are tracking 3-4% higher year-over-year, and with recent record-breaking weekends for hotel occupancy as well as several conferences that are setting records for attendance and room blocks, we are expecting a slight increase in our summer hotel occupancy over 2024, Choose Chicago CEO Kristen Reynolds said in a statement.

Juan Leyva, general manager of the 452-room LondonHouse Chicago at 85 E. Wacker Drive, said the hotel will shift its summer marketing strategy, hopefully making up for any international losses by bringing more guests in from Indianapolis, Detroit and other domestic markets, especially for the Lollapalooza and NASCAR weekends.

We are on a good pace for Lollapalooza, slightly ahead of last year, Leyva said. Being a drive-in event, it doesnt really depend on international travel.

Chicagos cold and rainy spring led many tourists to book rooms at the last minute and was probably a bigger concern than the decline in international travel, he said.

Were finally getting summer, but it did take a long time, he said. When all is said and done, we expect to be in line with last year, and maybe a little bit ahead.
Chicago is bracing for another day of protests against ICE raids Thursday as demonstrations continue across the country against President Donald Trumps deployment of troops in Los Angeles amid his immigration crackdown.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, anticipating that the city may see further federal action in the coming days, called on Chicagoans to resist in this moment if Trump mobilizes the military in Chicago to support ICE raids. Johnsons chief of staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas told reporters Wednesday that Chicago was expecting a blitz of ICE enforcement at workplaces starting Thursday.

Advocates and activists reported several sets of arrests around the city Thursday, including at immigration court. At least two demonstrations were planned for downtown  one Thursday afternoon on South State Street and another outside an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement outpost in the South Loop.

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People are joined togetherwe will be marching to demand a stop to the raids and protection for our families, said Lawrence Benito, executive director for Illinois Coalition for Immigrant Refugee Rights, at a Thursday morning news conference ahead of the march.

People argue with Chicago police officers after some people were detained in the Loop, June 10, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator is detained on Dearborn Street and placed in a police vehicle as people rally and march in downtown Chicago following nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Activists march towards the Loop after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities, June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator yells a chant at police during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) People argue with Chicago police officers after they saw people detained during an ICE protest in the Loop on June 10, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers detain a demonstrator during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) People argue with police officers after watching some people were detained in the Loop, June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator moves around a Chicago police vehicle damaged by graffiti in downtown Chicago as people rally and march in response to nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Activists confront diners while marching in the Loop, June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator in a mask and bike helmet takes in the scene as people march in downtown Chicago in response to nationwide immigration raids on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator is detained as people march in downtown Chicago in response to nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers detain demonstrators during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator climbs onto a traffic light pole during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Police detain people during a march in Chicago's Loop, June 10, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator yells chants while walking past police officers during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator is detained by Chicago police during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Demonstrators stand on the Picasso statue in Daley Plaza during a rally against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers and demonstrators get close during a march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement, June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator holds a sign promoting education over deportation during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers stand guard at Daley Plaza as a news broadcast about U.S. military deployment into Los Angeles is displayed on a screen during a rally and march against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers detain a demonstrator during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator holds a U.S. flag in front of police officers during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Protesters rally in Chicago's Loop on Tuesday as demonstrations flared across the country against President Donald Trumps immigration crackdowns. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Loop on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Loop on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A woman stops a man from dragging a trash bin into the street as people protesting against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids march on State Street in Chicago, June 10, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Demonstrators and Chicago police clash on State Street as people march in downtown Chicago in response to nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Dirksen Federal Plaza in Chicago on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Dirksen Federal Plaza on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Dirksen Federal Plaza on June 10, 2025, following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) People protesting against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement prepare to march toward federal plaza in Chicago, June 10, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in the federal plaza in Chicago on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists march on South Carpenter Street in the Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, in Chicago to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. The protest started at the Plaza Tenochtitlan and ended at Benito Juarez Community Academy. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Lower West Side neighborhood to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country on June 8, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A vendor sells lemon snowcones while activists rally in the Pilsen neighborhood on June 8, 2025, in Chicago to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A woman watches from a restaurant as activists march on West Cermak Road in Chicago's Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists march on West Cermak Road in the Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, in Chicago to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. The protest started at the Plaza Tenochtitlan and ended at Benito Juarez Community Academy. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Angel Naranjos, 20, yells into a megaphone while marching with other activists on West 18th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. The protest started at the Plaza Tenochtitlan and ended at Benito Juarez Community Academy. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country on June 8, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists march on South Carpenter Street in the Pilsen neighborhood to protest recent ICE arrests in Chicago and around the country on June 8, 2025. The protest started at the Plaza Tenochtitlan and ended at Benito Juarez Community Academy. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A grill sizzles as activists march on West 18th Street in Chicago's Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists march on West 18th Street in the Lower West Side neighborhood to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country on June 8, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Sign-carrying activists march on West 18th Street in the Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in Chicago and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) People watch as activists march on West 18th Street on June 8, 2025, in protest of recent ICE arrests in Chicago and around the country over the past week. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A person holds a Mexican flag from their window as activists march on West 18th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A woman raises her fist as activists march on June 8, 2025, on Chicago's West Cermak Road to protest recent ICE arrests in the city. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Residents watch the march on South Carpenter Street in Chicago's Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, held to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Show Caption1 of 48An activist is detained in the Loop during ICE protests on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Expand

The wave of protests that began Friday in Los Angeles has spread to other cities including New York, Austin, Seattle and Las Vegas among other cities and towns. Chicago saw its first large-scale demonstration Tuesday evening when thousands marched through the Loop and beyond to demand that the federal government stand down on its arrests of undocumented immigrants. The demonstration spanned much of the Loop and River North neighborhoods and periodically snarled traffic on several crowded thoroughfares, including DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Chicago police said 17 people were arrested at that protest, and four were charged with felonies. More a dozen people were charged or cited for defacing public property including squad cars and CTA buses, police said. But that tension still pales in comparison to California and Texas, where National Guard troops have mobilized at the direction of Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

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Johnson, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle are all vocal supporters of Illinois and Chicagos sanctuary city status  meaning the city and state do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement  and Johnson said Wednesday that they were committed to maintain the sensibilities of our democracy, the ability to freely express protest, thats fundamental to our democracy.

Activists have also announced plans for a No Kings march Saturday in concert with other demonstrations around the country, expected to draw thousands of people downtown.

Chicago Tribunes Laura Presa Rodriguez contributed.
Chicago is facing another day of protests against ICE raids Thursday as demonstrations continue across the country against President Donald Trumps deployment of troops in Los Angeles amid his immigration crackdown.

In the first of two anticipated protests, approximately 100 activists, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Fr. Michael Pfleger, marched outside the Target at the intersection of South State and East Madison Streets to condemn Targets recent policy reversals around diversity and escalating civil rights rollbacks.

Speakers condemned immigration enforcement that has swept up people, including children, at workplaces, court and in the street across the country.

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America doing the electric slide backward, said Pastor Jamal Bryant, who likened the scene on State Street to a Woolworths lunch counter. This is the America we thought we changed.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, anticipating that the city may see further federal action in the coming days, called on Chicagoans Wednesday to resist in this moment if Trump mobilizes the military in Chicago to support ICE raids. Johnsons chief of staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas told reporters that Chicago was expecting a blitz of ICE enforcement at workplaces starting Thursday.

Advocates and activists reported several sets of arrests around the city Thursday, including at immigration court. At least two demonstrations were planned for downtown  one Thursday afternoon on South State Street and another outside an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement outpost in the South Loop.

People are joined togetherwe will be marching to demand a stop to the raids and protection for our families, said Lawrence Benito, executive director for Illinois Coalition for Immigrant Refugee Rights, at a Thursday morning news conference ahead of the protests.

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People argue with Chicago police officers after some people were detained in the Loop, June 10, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator is detained on Dearborn Street and placed in a police vehicle as people rally and march in downtown Chicago following nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Activists march towards the Loop after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities, June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator yells a chant at police during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) People argue with Chicago police officers after they saw people detained during an ICE protest in the Loop on June 10, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers detain a demonstrator during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) People argue with police officers after watching some people were detained in the Loop, June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator moves around a Chicago police vehicle damaged by graffiti in downtown Chicago as people rally and march in response to nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Activists confront diners while marching in the Loop, June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator in a mask and bike helmet takes in the scene as people march in downtown Chicago in response to nationwide immigration raids on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator is detained as people march in downtown Chicago in response to nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers detain demonstrators during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator climbs onto a traffic light pole during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Police detain people during a march in Chicago's Loop, June 10, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator yells chants while walking past police officers during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator is detained by Chicago police during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Demonstrators stand on the Picasso statue in Daley Plaza during a rally against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers and demonstrators get close during a march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement, June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator holds a sign promoting education over deportation during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers stand guard at Daley Plaza as a news broadcast about U.S. military deployment into Los Angeles is displayed on a screen during a rally and march against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers detain a demonstrator during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator holds a U.S. flag in front of police officers during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Protesters rally in Chicago's Loop on Tuesday as demonstrations flared across the country against President Donald Trumps immigration crackdowns. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Loop on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Loop on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A woman stops a man from dragging a trash bin into the street as people protesting against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids march on State Street in Chicago, June 10, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Demonstrators and Chicago police clash on State Street as people march in downtown Chicago in response to nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Dirksen Federal Plaza in Chicago on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Dirksen Federal Plaza on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Dirksen Federal Plaza on June 10, 2025, following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) People protesting against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement prepare to march toward federal plaza in Chicago, June 10, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in the federal plaza in Chicago on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists march on South Carpenter Street in the Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, in Chicago to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. The protest started at the Plaza Tenochtitlan and ended at Benito Juarez Community Academy. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Lower West Side neighborhood to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country on June 8, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A vendor sells lemon snowcones while activists rally in the Pilsen neighborhood on June 8, 2025, in Chicago to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A woman watches from a restaurant as activists march on West Cermak Road in Chicago's Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists march on West Cermak Road in the Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, in Chicago to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. The protest started at the Plaza Tenochtitlan and ended at Benito Juarez Community Academy. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Angel Naranjos, 20, yells into a megaphone while marching with other activists on West 18th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. The protest started at the Plaza Tenochtitlan and ended at Benito Juarez Community Academy. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country on June 8, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists march on South Carpenter Street in the Pilsen neighborhood to protest recent ICE arrests in Chicago and around the country on June 8, 2025. The protest started at the Plaza Tenochtitlan and ended at Benito Juarez Community Academy. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A grill sizzles as activists march on West 18th Street in Chicago's Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists march on West 18th Street in the Lower West Side neighborhood to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country on June 8, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Sign-carrying activists march on West 18th Street in the Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in Chicago and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) People watch as activists march on West 18th Street on June 8, 2025, in protest of recent ICE arrests in Chicago and around the country over the past week. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A person holds a Mexican flag from their window as activists march on West 18th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A woman raises her fist as activists march on June 8, 2025, on Chicago's West Cermak Road to protest recent ICE arrests in the city. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Residents watch the march on South Carpenter Street in Chicago's Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, held to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Show Caption1 of 48An activist is detained in the Loop during ICE protests on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Expand

The Chicago Housing Authority office at 60 E. Van Buren St. closed early today due to the protests downtown, a CHA employee told the Tribune. Chicagos immigration court also closed early, according to a post on X by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The wave of protests that began Friday in Los Angeles has spread to other cities including New York, Austin, Seattle and Las Vegas among other cities and towns. Chicago saw its first large-scale demonstration Tuesday evening when thousands marched through the Loop and beyond to demand that the federal government stand down on its arrests of undocumented immigrants. The demonstration spanned much of the Loop and River North neighborhoods and periodically snarled traffic on several crowded thoroughfares, including DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Chicago police said 17 people were arrested at that protest, and four were charged with felonies. More a dozen people were charged or cited for defacing public property including squad cars and CTA buses, police said. But that tension still pales in comparison to California and Texas, where National Guard troops have mobilized at the direction of Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

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Johnson, Gov. JB Pritzker and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, all Democrats, are all vocal supporters of Illinois and Chicagos sanctuary city status  meaning the city and state do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement  and Johnson said Wednesday that they were committed to maintain the sensibilities of our democracy, the ability to freely express protest, thats fundamental to our democracy.

Pritzker on Thursday defended Illinois sanctuary laws for immigrants in the U.S. without legal permission before a House committee.

The vast majority of immigrants contribute to our communities, pay taxes and abide by the law. We should value their entrepreneurship, ingenuity and hard work. Both political parties are to blame for Americas broken immigration system. I hope that this committee chooses (to) be part of the solution by pursuing bipartisan comprehensive federal immigration reform, the states two-term governor said in remarks submitted to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Andrew Herrera, a spokesperson for the Chicago Workers Collaborative, said the modern sanctuary city movement grew out of ICE raids at workplaces in the 2000s, when the public targeting of undocumented workers at meatpacking plants and industrial centers revealed how deeply disruptive federal immigration enforcement could be.

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The movement gained momentum after high-profile raids in 2006 and 2008 under former President George W. Bush, including the raids at Swift & Company meatpacking plants in several Midwestern states and a meat processing plant in Postville, Iowa, which led to hundreds of arrests and devastated entire communities.

If youre arrested by ICE in Illinois, what happens next? Legal experts explain the process.

Over the past week, advocates have reported workplace raids across the suburbs. Its unclear how many people have been swept up.

The reports of weekend raids in the Chicago area dont compare in scale, but its a significant escalation to do a workplace raid at all, Herrera said.

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Marco Ceniceros, executive director of Warehouse Workers for Justice, said the organization is bracing for more raids in the coming days, similar to what has been happening in Los Angeles.

Immigrant workers are under attack everywhere. This administration and ICE are trying to intimidate, silence and kidnap many of the workers  the many people that make this economy run, he said.

Since January, the organization responds at least a couple times a day to sighting or rumors that ICE is at workplaces. The workers, he said, have worked through the pandemic, extreme weather, pay taxes and keep communities going.

Theyre scared to drive to work, to drop off their kids at school, to go to church, he said.

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Activists have also announced plans for a No Kings march Saturday in concert with other demonstrations around the country, expected to draw thousands of people downtown.

Chicago Tribunes Lizzie Kane contributed.
Chicago is facing another day of protests against ICE raids Thursday as demonstrations continue across the country against President Donald Trumps deployment of troops in Los Angeles amid his immigration crackdown.

In the first of two anticipated protests, approximately 100 activists, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Fr. Michael Pfleger, marched outside the Target at the intersection of South State and East Madison Streets to condemn Targets recent policy reversals around diversity and escalating civil rights rollbacks.

Speakers condemned immigration enforcement that has swept up people, including children, at workplaces, court and in the street across the country.

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America doing the electric slide backward, said Pastor Jamal Bryant, who likened the scene on State Street to a Woolworths lunch counter. This is the America we thought we changed.

By 4 p.m. protesters from the first began dashing to the second demonstration, organized by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Nowadays, you have to choose between whether you want to get your medication and whether you want to pay your rent, said Margaret Heywood-Smith, 70, as she hurried south down State Street where about 400 people had gathered by Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive. The crowd raised red signs and chanted their support for immigrants.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, anticipating that the city may see further federal action in the coming days, called on Chicagoans Wednesday to resist in this moment if Trump mobilizes the military in Chicago to support ICE raids. Johnsons chief of staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas told reporters that Chicago was expecting a blitz of ICE enforcement at workplaces starting Thursday.

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Advocates and activists reported several sets of arrests around the city Thursday, including at immigration court. At least two demonstrations were planned for downtown  one Thursday afternoon on South State Street and another outside an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement outpost in the South Loop.

People are joined togetherwe will be marching to demand a stop to the raids and protection for our families, said Lawrence Benito, executive director for Illinois Coalition for Immigrant Refugee Rights, at a Thursday morning news conference ahead of the protests.

People argue with Chicago police officers after some people were detained in the Loop, June 10, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator is detained on Dearborn Street and placed in a police vehicle as people rally and march in downtown Chicago following nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Activists march towards the Loop after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities, June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator yells a chant at police during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) People argue with Chicago police officers after they saw people detained during an ICE protest in the Loop on June 10, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers detain a demonstrator during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) People argue with police officers after watching some people were detained in the Loop, June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator moves around a Chicago police vehicle damaged by graffiti in downtown Chicago as people rally and march in response to nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Activists confront diners while marching in the Loop, June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator in a mask and bike helmet takes in the scene as people march in downtown Chicago in response to nationwide immigration raids on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator is detained as people march in downtown Chicago in response to nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers detain demonstrators during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator climbs onto a traffic light pole during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Police detain people during a march in Chicago's Loop, June 10, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator yells chants while walking past police officers during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator is detained by Chicago police during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Demonstrators stand on the Picasso statue in Daley Plaza during a rally against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers and demonstrators get close during a march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement, June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator holds a sign promoting education over deportation during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers stand guard at Daley Plaza as a news broadcast about U.S. military deployment into Los Angeles is displayed on a screen during a rally and march against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Chicago police officers detain a demonstrator during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) A demonstrator holds a U.S. flag in front of police officers during a rally and march in the Loop against nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Protesters rally in Chicago's Loop on Tuesday as demonstrations flared across the country against President Donald Trumps immigration crackdowns. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Loop on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Loop on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A woman stops a man from dragging a trash bin into the street as people protesting against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids march on State Street in Chicago, June 10, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Demonstrators and Chicago police clash on State Street as people march in downtown Chicago in response to nationwide immigration raids by federal law enforcement on June 10, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Dirksen Federal Plaza in Chicago on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Dirksen Federal Plaza on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Dirksen Federal Plaza on June 10, 2025, following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) People protesting against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement prepare to march toward federal plaza in Chicago, June 10, 2025. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in the federal plaza in Chicago on June 10, 2025, after protests took place across the country following recent ICE raids on immigrant communities. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists march on South Carpenter Street in the Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, in Chicago to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. The protest started at the Plaza Tenochtitlan and ended at Benito Juarez Community Academy. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Lower West Side neighborhood to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country on June 8, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A vendor sells lemon snowcones while activists rally in the Pilsen neighborhood on June 8, 2025, in Chicago to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A woman watches from a restaurant as activists march on West Cermak Road in Chicago's Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists march on West Cermak Road in the Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, in Chicago to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. The protest started at the Plaza Tenochtitlan and ended at Benito Juarez Community Academy. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Angel Naranjos, 20, yells into a megaphone while marching with other activists on West 18th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. The protest started at the Plaza Tenochtitlan and ended at Benito Juarez Community Academy. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists rally in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country on June 8, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists march on South Carpenter Street in the Pilsen neighborhood to protest recent ICE arrests in Chicago and around the country on June 8, 2025. The protest started at the Plaza Tenochtitlan and ended at Benito Juarez Community Academy. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A grill sizzles as activists march on West 18th Street in Chicago's Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Activists march on West 18th Street in the Lower West Side neighborhood to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country on June 8, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Sign-carrying activists march on West 18th Street in the Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in Chicago and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) People watch as activists march on West 18th Street on June 8, 2025, in protest of recent ICE arrests in Chicago and around the country over the past week. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A person holds a Mexican flag from their window as activists march on West 18th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood on June 8, 2025, to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) A woman raises her fist as activists march on June 8, 2025, on Chicago's West Cermak Road to protest recent ICE arrests in the city. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Residents watch the march on South Carpenter Street in Chicago's Lower West Side neighborhood on June 8, 2025, held to protest recent ICE arrests in the city and around the country. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Show Caption1 of 48An activist is detained in the Loop during ICE protests on June 10, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)Expand

The Chicago Housing Authority office at 60 E. Van Buren St. closed early today due to the protests downtown, a CHA employee told the Tribune. Chicagos immigration court also closed early, according to a post on X by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Advertisement Advertisement

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The wave of protests that began Friday in Los Angeles has spread to other cities including New York, Austin, Seattle and Las Vegas among other cities and towns. Chicago saw its first large-scale demonstration Tuesday evening when thousands marched through the Loop and beyond to demand that the federal government stand down on its arrests of undocumented immigrants. The demonstration spanned much of the Loop and River North neighborhoods and periodically snarled traffic on several crowded thoroughfares, including DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Chicago police said 17 people were arrested at that protest, and four were charged with felonies. More a dozen people were charged or cited for defacing public property including squad cars and CTA buses, police said. But that tension still pales in comparison to California and Texas, where National Guard troops have mobilized at the direction of Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

Johnson, Gov. JB Pritzker and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, all Democrats, are all vocal supporters of Illinois and Chicagos sanctuary city status  meaning the city and state do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement  and Johnson said Wednesday that they were committed to maintain the sensibilities of our democracy, the ability to freely express protest, thats fundamental to our democracy.

Pritzker on Thursday defended Illinois sanctuary laws for immigrants in the U.S. without legal permission before a House committee.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The vast majority of immigrants contribute to our communities, pay taxes and abide by the law. We should value their entrepreneurship, ingenuity and hard work. Both political parties are to blame for Americas broken immigration system. I hope that this committee chooses (to) be part of the solution by pursuing bipartisan comprehensive federal immigration reform, the states two-term governor said in remarks submitted to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Andrew Herrera, a spokesperson for the Chicago Workers Collaborative, said the modern sanctuary city movement grew out of ICE raids at workplaces in the 2000s, when the public targeting of undocumented workers at meatpacking plants and industrial centers revealed how deeply disruptive federal immigration enforcement could be.

The movement gained momentum after high-profile raids in 2006 and 2008 under former President George W. Bush, including the raids at Swift & Company meatpacking plants in several Midwestern states and a meat processing plant in Postville, Iowa, which led to hundreds of arrests and devastated entire communities.

If youre arrested by ICE in Illinois, what happens next? Legal experts explain the process.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Over the past week, advocates have reported workplace raids across the suburbs. Its unclear how many people have been swept up.

The reports of weekend raids in the Chicago area dont compare in scale, but its a significant escalation to do a workplace raid at all, Herrera said.

Marco Ceniceros, executive director of Warehouse Workers for Justice, said the organization is bracing for more raids in the coming days, similar to what has been happening in Los Angeles.

Immigrant workers are under attack everywhere. This administration and ICE are trying to intimidate, silence and kidnap many of the workers  the many people that make this economy run, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Since January, the organization responds at least a couple times a day to sighting or rumors that ICE is at workplaces. The workers, he said, have worked through the pandemic, extreme weather, pay taxes and keep communities going.

Theyre scared to drive to work, to drop off their kids at school, to go to church, he said.

Activists have also announced plans for a No Kings march Saturday in concert with other demonstrations around the country, expected to draw thousands of people downtown.

Chicago Tribunes Lizzie Kane contributed.
Protests continued for another day Thursday in Chicago, part of the demonstrations across the country against President Donald Trumps deployment of troops in Los Angeles amid his immigration crackdown.

The crowd at the days second protest grew to about 400 people by 4 p.m., as demonstrators held red signs and shouted their support for immigrants at Michigan Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive.

For months now the deportation machine has failed in Chicago because of our resistance, said Muhammad Sankari of the Arab-American Action Network. Trump forgot that Chicago fights back.

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An hour later, the group set out for Michigan Avenue, chanting, Donald Trump, youre a clown. Immigrants will take you down.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, anticipating that the city may see further federal action in the coming days, called on Chicagoans Wednesday to resist in this moment if Trump mobilizes the military in Chicago to support ICE raids. Johnsons chief of staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas told reporters that Chicago was expecting a blitz of enforcement by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at workplaces starting Thursday.

Advocates and activists reported several sets of arrests around the city Thursday, including at immigration court. At least two demonstrations took place downtown  one in the afternoon on South State Street and another outside an ICE outpost in the South Loop.

People are joined together.  We will be marching to demand a stop to the raids and protection for our families, said Lawrence Benito, executive director for Illinois Coalition for Immigrant Refugee Rights, at a morning news conference ahead of the protests.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In the first of the two protests, approximately 100 activists, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Michael Pfleger, marched outside the Target store at the intersection of State and Madison streets to condemn the retail companys recent policy reversals around diversity and escalating civil rights rollbacks.

Speakers condemned immigration enforcement that has swept up people, including children, at workplaces, court and in the street across the country.

America doing the electric slide backward, said Pastor Jamal Bryant, who likened the scene on State Street to a Woolworths lunch counter in the Civil Rights Movement. This is the America we thought we changed.

By 4 p.m. protesters from the first rally began dashing to the second demonstration, organized by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Nowadays, you have to choose between whether you want to get your medication and whether you want to pay your rent, said Margaret Heywood-Smith, 70, as she hurried south down State Street.

The Chicago Housing Authority office at 60 E. Van Buren St. closed early Thursday due to the protests downtown, a CHA employee told the Tribune. Chicagos immigration court also closed early, according to a post on X by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The wave of protests that began Friday in Los Angeles has spread to other cities including New York, Austin, Seattle and Las Vegas. Chicago saw its first large-scale demonstration Tuesday evening, when thousands marched through the Loop and beyond to demand that the federal government stand down on its arrests of undocumented immigrants. The demonstration spanned much of the Loop and River North neighborhoods and periodically snarled traffic on several crowded thoroughfares, including DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

Chicago police said 17 people were arrested at that protest, and four were charged with felonies. More a dozen people were charged or cited for defacing public property including squad cars and CTA buses, police said. But that tension still pales in comparison with California and Texas, where National Guard troops have mobilized at the direction of Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Johnson, Gov. JB Pritzker and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, all Democrats, are all vocal supporters of the sanctuary city status of Illinois and Chicago  meaning the city and state do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement  Johnson said Wednesday that they were committed to maintain the sensibilities of our democracy, the ability to freely express protest, thats fundamental to our democracy.

Speaking before a House committee on Thursday, Pritzker defended Illinois sanctuary laws for immigrants in the U.S. without legal permission.

The vast majority of immigrants contribute to our communities, pay taxes and abide by the law. We should value their entrepreneurship, ingenuity and hard work. Both political parties are to blame for Americas broken immigration system. I hope that this committee chooses (to) be part of the solution by pursuing bipartisan comprehensive federal immigration reform, the states two-term governor said in remarks submitted to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

Andrew Herrera, a spokesperson for the Chicago Workers Collaborative, said the modern sanctuary city movement grew out of ICE raids at workplaces in the 2000s, when the public targeting of undocumented workers at meatpacking plants and industrial centers revealed how deeply disruptive federal immigration enforcement could be.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The movement gained momentum after high-profile raids in 2006 and 2008 under then-President George W. Bush, including the raids at Swift & Co. meatpacking plants in several Midwestern states and a meat-processing plant in Postville, Iowa, which led to hundreds of arrests and devastated entire communities.

If youre arrested by ICE in Illinois, what happens next? Legal experts explain the process.

Over the past week, advocates have reported workplace raids across the suburbs. Its unclear how many people have been swept up.

The reports of weekend raids in the Chicago area dont compare in scale, but its a significant escalation to do a workplace raid at all, Herrera said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Marco Ceniceros, executive director of Warehouse Workers for Justice, said the organization is bracing for more raids in the coming days, similar to what has been happening in Los Angeles.

Immigrant workers are under attack everywhere. This administration and ICE are trying to intimidate, silence and kidnap many of the workers  the many people that make this economy run, he said.

Since January, the organization responds at least a couple times a day to sighting or rumors that ICE is at workplaces. The workers, he said, have worked through the pandemic, extreme weather, pay taxes and keep communities going.

Theyre scared to drive to work, to drop off their kids at school, to go to church, he said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Activists have also announced plans for a No Kings march Saturday in concert with other demonstrations around the country, expected to draw thousands of people downtown.

Chicago Tribunes Lizzie Kane contributed.
You might have heard that child care costs as much as college.

Parents face big bills, long wait lists and a shortage of quality providers. At the same time, many child care providers say without assistance, they will be forced to close their doors. One of the biggest hurdles is finding qualified workers in an industry with low wages.

For a first-hand perspective, the Ideas Lab's Kristin Brey talked with four early childhood education ambassadors from Milwaukee Succeeds, an organization connected with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation that focuses on early childhood education and high school success.

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The interviews (available in the video play list above and links below) include conversations with:

Jackie Burrell, a former child care provider, educator and parent. She also serves on the Board of Commissioners for Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee; is the Westlawn Resident Council President; and is Foster Care to Adopt lead. See her interview.

LaDonna Foster, a former child care educator and parent. She is also the lead coordinator and board member at Westlawn Resident Council. See her interview.

Taffie Foster-Toney, lead case manager for Wisconsin Community Service and Drivers License Recovery and Employability program. See her interview.

Vanessa Giraldez, current early childhood education parent and lead service navigator at the National Alliance on Mental Illness and program coordinator for the Lighthouse Project. See her interview.

Families and providers face challenges as state budget talks falter

The future of proposed funding to support Wisconsins struggling child care industry is in doubt after state budget negotiations between Gov. Tony Evers and legislative leaders collapsed June 4.

Evers, a Democrat, proposed spending $480 million on Child Care Counts, a program that directs federal pandemic relief funding to child care providers across Wisconsin. Providers use the money to increase staff wages, to offset the cost of physical operating expenses like rent and utilities, to increase the quality of their programming and to prevent large tuition hikes.

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With the pandemic funding expected to run out this summer, Evers is asking for $480 million over the next two years to continue the program.

Its unclear how much, if any, Republicans, who control the legislature, will support in their budget bill. The states new two-year budget begins July 1. If the governor and legislature dont agree on a budget, spending will continue at current levels.

How have other states responded to child care problems?

How does Wisconsin compare to other states in responding to child care struggles? Here are solutions from two states highlighted by Milwaukee Succeeds:

New Mexico: Voters passed a constitutional amendment dedicating 1.25% of state land trust revenue to early childhood education. In addition, the state now offers child care assistance to families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level and has waived all family copayments. New Mexico is leading on both sustainable funding and affordability, ensuring families dont face out-of-reach child care costs while creating long-term stability for providers.

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Vermont: Lawmakers passed legislation that funds scholarships and loan repayment for early childhood education workers, expands family subsidies, upgrades the IT system, and sets equity-driven goals: no family should pay more than 10% of income, and providers should be fairly paid. Vermont is treating child care as public infrastructure, investing in both access and workforce quality while building a system that can meet long-term needs.

The Wisconsin Policy Forums recent budget brief for Wisconsin includes a table outlining policy options from other states.

Jim Fitzhenry is the Ideas Lab Editor/Director of Community Engagement for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Reach him at jfitzhen@gannett.com or 920-993-7154. Kristin Brey is the "My Take" columnist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: WI lawmakers must be part of solution for child care woes | Opinion
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A young girl is in critical condition after a near-drowning at a swimming pool, according to North Las Vegas police.

It happened shortly before 5 p.m. on Wednesday at an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Cheyenne Avenue near Losee Road, according to North Las Vegas police.

When police arrived at the apartment complex, they found two people performing CPR on the girl. The North Las Vegas Fire Department also helped provide medical aid before the girl was taken to the hospital.

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Russian forces attacked the village of Zolochiv in Kharkiv Oblast on 12 June, injuring five people, including an 11-year-old boy.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "The enemy has attacked the village of Zolochiv with a guided aerial bomb, injuring five people, including an 11-year-old boy. Emergency services are working at the scene. Medical workers are providing all necessary assistance to those who were injured in the attack."

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(Reuters) -A two-year-old boy was killed by a Ukrainian drone strike in Russia's southern Belgorod region and his grandmother and another adult were wounded, local governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Thursday.

Gladkov said the grandmother was out walking with the boy when a drone struck an apartment block. There was no immediate comment from Ukraine.

Drone strikes by both Russia and Ukraine have intensified in recent weeks.

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A concentrated, nine-minute-long Russian drone attack on Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv on Wednesday killed six people and injured 64, including nine children, Ukrainian officials said.

Russia's defence ministry on Thursday said Moscow's forces had shot down 260 Ukrainian drones in the past day, including 62 outside the combat zone.

(Reporting by Alexander Marrow; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Under mounting pressure from the Trump administration, Children's Hospital Los Angeles will shutter its longstanding healthcare program for trans children and young adults this summer, according to emails reviewed by The Times.

The Center for Transyouth Health and Development began telling its nearly 3,000 patient families of the closure on Thursday, saying there was "no viable alternative" that would allow the safety-net hospital to continue specialized care.

"There is no doubt that this is a painful and significant change to our organization and a challenge to CHLAs mission, vision, and values," hospital executives wrote to staff in a Thursday morning email.

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The email said the decision to close the center on July 22 "follows a lengthy and thorough assessment of the increasingly severe impacts of federal administrative actions and proposed policies" that have emerged since the hospital briefly paused the initiation of care for some patients this winter.

The note sent shock waves through the tight-knit patient community, members of which had recently breathed a sigh of relief after CHLA reversed its brief ban on some care for new patients in February.

"Were just disappointed and scared and enraged" said Maxine, the mother of a current patient, who declined to give her last name for fear of attacks on her son. "The challenge is how we break news to this kid who has had such a positive experience with everybody at Children's."

In the email, executives said that continuing to operate the center would jeopardize the hospital's ability to care for "hundreds of thousands" of other children, noting that federal agencies including the Department of Justice, Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had warned of dire consequences for doctors and hospitals providing care opposed by the administration  including threat of prosecutions for doctors.

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"These threats are no longer theoretical," the note said. "Taken together, the Attorney General memo, HHS review, and the recent solicitation of tips from the FBI to report hospitals and providers of GAC strongly signal this Administrations intent to take swift and decisive action, both criminal and civil, against any entity it views as being in violation of the executive order."

The hospital's Transyouth center is among the oldest and largest programs in the country, and among the only facilities that provides puberty blockers, hormones and surgical procedures for trans youth on public insurance.

But the hospital is also significantly more reliant on public funding than any other pediatric medical center in California  a situation that leaves it particularly exposed to the Trump administration. Roughly 40% of pediatric beds in Los Angeles are at Children's.

"CHLA has a responsibility to navigate this complex and uncertain regulatory environment in a way that allows us to remain open as much as possible for as many as possible," executives wrote. "In the end, this painful and difficult decision was driven by the need to safeguard CHLAs ability to operate amid significant external pressures beyond our control."

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Protests erupted in February after the hospital briefly paused hormone therapy for some patients under 19, in response to President Trump's executive order.

That move was reversed a few weeks later, amid pressure from patient families, LGBTQ+ civil rights groups and the state Department of Justice.

"Let me be clear: California law has not changed, and hospitals and clinics have a legal obligation to provide equal access to healthcare services, Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta wrote on Feb. 5, days into the pause.

The California Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Thursday's internal email from Children's leadership notes the pressure from the federal government has risen at the same time that support from the state has ebbed.

"Over the past several months, Californias deepening budget crisis, President Trumps executive orders, proposed federal legislation and rulemaking, and growing economic uncertainty have made the situation even more dire," the email said.

Activists say the closure sets a dangerous precedent.

"CHLA needs to be a leader in this and stand up to the Trump administration, because other hospitals are taking note of what theyre doing," said Maebe Pudlow, a trans nonbinary activist and Silverlake Neighborhood Council member who helped lead the protests when care was paused this winter.

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"It feels very conveniently timed when everybodys focus is on ICE raids happening in Los Angeles," the activist went on. "I think its despicable."

Maxine, the mom, was more measured.

"Were slowly going underground, underground, underground," the mother said. "You put one thing in place, and then you have to prepare for when that gets taken away. We're just trying to stay a couple of steps ahead, sticking together with other parents, knowing who our allies are."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Croatia's State Secretary of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Tugomir Majdak has welcomed the entry of Croatian tuna into the Chinese market, as well as the strengthening of bilateral cooperation and ties between the two countries. #GLOBALink
OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  The high-level negotiations over China's export controls of rare earths is giving U.S. businesses some relief, even though it may be only for now.

China has approved a certain number of export permits for rare earth elements and related items, its commerce ministry said on Thursday, one day after U.S. President Donald Trump declared that Beijing would supply to the U.S. companies those key elements and the magnets made from them following a two-day trade talk in London.

I will be one of the happiest people out there if, if in fact, China starts to, to release some of those heavy rare earths and allows them to get into the world economy because the world economy is going to shut down without those heavy rare earths, said Mark Smith, chief executive officer of NioCorp., which is developing a new mine in Nebraska to produce niobium, scandium, titanium and an assortment of rare earths.

Export controls of the minerals apparently eclipsed tariffs in the latest round of trade negotiations between Beijing and Washington, after China imposed permitting requirements on seven rare earth elements in April, threatening to halt production of cars, robots, wind turbines and other high-tech products in the U.S. and around the world.

Negotiators from the two governments said they reached a framework to move forward, with details yet to be agreed to by Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, but businesses welcomed the developments, even though uncertainties persist.

Important elements used in many products

Rare earth elements are some of the most sought-after critical minerals. Despite the name, they aren't actually rare, but it is hard to find them in high enough concentrations to make mining them economical. They are also difficult to extract from the ore, and China over the past several decades has built dominance in the processing capacity, supplying nearly 90% of the world's rare earths.

In the heat of the tariff war with Trump, Beijing on April 4 announced permitting requirements for seven heavy rare earths: samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium, citing the need to better safeguard national security and interests and to fulfill global duties of non-proliferation.

The elements China has restricted, such as terbium and dysprosium, are key ingredients needed to make permanent rare earth magnets withstand high temperatures. That is crucial for a variety of uses in electric vehicles, wind turbines and military uses like jet engines and nuclear submarines.

Some of the other rare earths needed for those magnets are produced at the only operating U.S. rare earths mine run by MP Materials in California, but China remains the only source of nearly all of whats known as the heavy rare earths. MP Materials previously sent the heavy rare earths that it mines to China for processing but it halted that in April amid the tariffs. The company is working to expand its own processing capability as soon as possible, and it is building a new magnet plant in Texas.
China has said it is ready to drop the tariffs it charges on imports from all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.

The move, announced at a China-Africa co-operation meeting, comes as the continent is facing the possibility of increased tariffs on its products entering the US.

China is Africa's largest trading partner  a position it has held for the last 15 years  with Africa exporting goods to the Asian nation worth around $170bn (125bn) in 2023.

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A joint ministerial statement criticised "certain countries' [efforts to] disrupt the existing international economic and trade order" through the unilateral imposition of tariffs.

It then called on the US to resolve trade disputes on the basis of "equality, respect and mutual benefit".

The zero-tariff move, when implemented, will be an extension of the deal made last year for China to drop tariffs on goods from 33 African nations classified as "least developed".

The expanded list will include some of China's largest trading partners on the continent, including South Africa and Nigeria. China has not said when the decision will come into effect.

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Eswatini is the only African state excluded from the zero-tariff announcement as it recognises Taiwan as an independent country, whereas China regards it as a breakaway province.

China currently imports a lot of raw materials from Africa, notably from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea.

In April, President Donald Trump caused consternation among US trading partners by announcing high tariffs on its imports form many countries, including a 50% rate for Lesotho, 30% for South Africa and 14% for Nigeria.

The implementation has been paused until next month, though the temporary halt could be extended further for countries that are negotiating "in good faith", according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

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In 2024, the US imported $39.5bn-worth of goods from Africa. Some of that was brought in under the zero-tariff deal known as the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) which now looks under threat if the Trump administration goes ahead with the imposition of fresh charges.

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By Kantaro Komiya and Nobuhiro Kubo

TOKYO (Reuters) -Chinese fighter jets flew unusually close to Japanese military patrol planes over the weekend, Tokyo said, after two Chinese aircraft carriers were spotted operating simultaneously in the Pacific for the first time.

"We have expressed serious concern to the Chinese side and solemnly requested prevention of recurrence," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Thursday, referring to the June 7-8 incidents in which Tokyo said Chinese jets flew as close as 45 meters (148 feet) to Japanese planes.

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On Saturday, a Chinese J-15 jet from the aircraft carrier Shandong chased a Japanese P-3C patrol aircraft for about 40 minutes, according to Japan's defence ministry.

On Sunday, a J-15 chased a P-3C for 80 minutes, crossing in front of the Japanese aircraft at a distance of only 900 meters (2,950 feet), it said.

A spokesperson at the ministry's Joint Staff Office declined to disclose whether the same planes were involved in the incidents on both days.

The P-3C aircraft, belonging to Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force based in the island of Okinawa, were conducting surveillance over international waters in the Pacific, according to the ministry.

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"Such abnormal approaches by Chinese military aircraft could potentially cause accidental collisions," the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, attaching close-up images of the J-15 jet it took on Sunday. There was no damage to the Japanese planes and crew, it added.

Hayashi, the top Japanese government spokesperson, told a regular briefing that Tokyo will maintain communications with Beijing at various levels and ensure the monitoring of airspace around its territories.

Earlier this week, Tokyo said the Shandong and another Chinese carrier the Liaoning were conducting simultaneous operations in the Pacific for the first time, describing it as a move signifying Beijing's intention to further widen its capabilities beyond its borders.

Beijing has said the operations were a "routine training" exercise that did not target specific countries.

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In 2014, Tokyo said it spotted Chinese military aircraft flying as close as 30 metres to its military aircraft over the East China Sea and protested to Beijing.

(Reporting by Kantaro Komiya and Nobuhiro Kubo; Editing by Christian Schmollinger and Raju Gopalakrishnan)
A Chinese national has been sentenced to three years in prison for damaging an undersea cable connecting Taiwan's main island and the Penghu islands in the Taiwan Strait.

The man, identified by his surname Wang, was the captain of the Togolese-registered vessel Hong Tai 58.

The Tainan District Court's verdict on Thursday marks the first sentencing after reports in recent years of undersea cables around Taiwan being severed.

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Taipei has accused Beijing of sabotaging its cables, describing it as a "grey zone" tactic to pressure the self-ruled island, which China claims as its territory.

But China has denied its involvement, calling the incidents "common maritime accidents" that have been "exaggerated" by Taiwanese authorities.

Undersea cables - insulated wires laid on the seabed - carry nearly all of the world's internet traffic.

An estimated 150 to 200 faults occur across the world's undersea cable systems every year, according to the International Cable Protection Committee.

Taiwan has 10 domestic and 14 international undersea cables.

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The damage to cables linking Taiwan to the Penghu islands "seriously interferes with the government and society's operations", the court said in a statement about Thursday's sentencing.

"The impact is enormous, and the defendant's actions should be severely condemned."

In February, Taiwan's coast guard spotted Hong Tai 58 anchored off the island's southern coast for several days and broadcasted warnings asking it to leave.

Minutes after Hong Tai 58 departed the waters in the early hours of 25 February, the coast guard learned that an undersea cable in the area had been severed.

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Hong Tai 58 was escorted back to Taiwan for investigation, and its crew of eight Chinese nationals were detained.

Mr Wang is the only one to face charges, and the remaining crew members have reportedly been sent back to China.

While Mr Wang initially denied damaging the undersea cables, he said during his trial that he "might have broken the cable".

Mr Wang, who did not appoint a lawyer, told the court that the rough waters had made navigation tricky, and he instructed the crew to drop the anchor without knowing that the area contained undersea cables.

However, prosecutors argued that he had intentionally damaged the cable, pointing to electronic charts on the ship clearly showing the cable's location.

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Hsu Shu Han, a prosecutor in the case, told BBC Chinese in May that the vessel was "highly suspicious". It had only one cargo record in the past year and was in poor condition, "but they were still sailing that ship around the Taiwan Strait", he said.

Mr Hsu also said the ship had gone by multiple names, and that Mr Wang had deliberately concealed information about the vessel's owner, who has yet to be identified.

The Coast Guard told the court that ships typically move in a circular motion around the anchor, but the Hong Tai 58 had dragged its anchor straight across the seabed.

Prosecutors said the ship had sailed in a zigzag pattern around the cable.

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The damaged section of the cable also matched the ship's anchoring location and showed signs of being snagged by an external force.

Between 2019 and 2023, there were 36 cases of undersea cables being damaged by external forces, according to Taiwan authorities.

Taiwan has been increasingly wary of potential sabotage, especially from China. In January, it accused a Chinese-owned ship of damaging an undersea cable near its northern coast - claims that have been denied by the ship's owner, Reuters reported.

Kuan Bi-ling, Taiwan's ocean affairs council minister, said that Hong Tai 58 was among the 52 vessels that Taiwan had been monitoring for suspicious activities.

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Such suspicions are not just surfacing in Taiwan: Last November, a Chinese carrier was accused of severing two fibre-optic undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. But a Swedish probe earlier this year said it found no conclusive evidence to suggest this - though a separate investigation remains under way, said Reuters.

"Some scholars have said that World War III could begin with the cutting of undersea cables. I think that's quite realistic," Herming Chiueh, deputy minister of Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs, told BBC Chinese.

"From the Ministry's perspective, our job is to ensure timely reporting and response for these critical infrastructures."

Mr Hsu said that Mr Wang's phone records showed no links to Chinese authorities, and there was no direct evidence proving that the crew had been acting under Chinese government orders.

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Tensions have ratcheted between Taiwan and China over the past year. Taiwanese President William Lai has adopted a tough stance against Beijing, calling it a "foreign hostile force". Meanwhile, China has held regular drills around Taiwan to simulate a blockade of the island.
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has called into question the viability of using the C-130J Hercules cargo aircraft as the basis for a new plane, called the E-130J, to support the U.S. Navys Take Charge And Move Out (TACAMO) mission. TACAMO is a key component of the sea leg of Americas deterrent triad, offering aerial command and control support for nuclear ballistic missile submarines, including the ability to send them orders to launch strikes while they are submerged. Aircraft assigned nuclear support missions like TACAMO, such as the Navys forthcoming turboprop-powered E-130Js and the existing E-6B Mercury jets they are set to replace, are commonly called doomsday planes.

GAO, a Congressional watchdog, highlighted concerns about the use of the C-130J platform and other aspects of the E-130J effort in an annual report released yesterday assessing the state of multiple high-profile procurement programs across the U.S. military. The Navy first publicly announced its intention to acquire new TACAMO aircraft based on the C-130J-30 subvariant, which has a longer fuselage than the baseline type, in 2020. Northrop Grumman has since been selected as the prime contractor for the conversion work, and the initial E-130J prototype is now in the very early stages of construction.

A rendering of the future E-130J TACAMO aircraft. Northrop Grumman

The Navy currently has a fleet of 16 E-6B Mercury aircraft, based on the now long-out-of-production Boeing 707 airliner, to perform the critical TACAMO mission. The aircraft had originally entered service as E-6As starting in 1989 before being upgraded to their current configuration. The E-6Bs are also designed to support a U.S. Air Force nuclear mission set called the Airborne Command Post (ABNCP), and more commonly known by the nickname Looking Glass, which involves providing aerial command and control support to nuclear-capable bombers and silo-based Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. As part of that role, the Mercury jets are able to initiate the launch of Minuteman IIIs while in flight.

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The C-130J aircraft  selected 4 years before E-130Js development start  may not meet operational availability requirements. The E-130Js technical risk assessment highlighted the complexity associated with integrating E-130J systems onto this aircraft, per GAO. The Navys technical risk assessment team expects the integration risks to translate to manufacturing issues given the potential deviation from standard components and the security environment required.

An E-6B Mercury. USAF

More broadly, the programs acquisition strategy centers on a traditional linear development approach, which our work has shown greatly impedes application of leading practices needed to develop and deliver innovative capabilities faster, GAOs report warns. Further, the lack of an iterative approach will inherently impede rapid updates to the E-130J design should the program determine that changes are needed to meet evolving user needs or to accommodate new technologies  undermining its modular open systems approach that allows for faster upgrades.

The Navys premise is that it can design a system that will operate effectively for decades using legacy technologies  even though history is littered with examples of weapon systems retired prior to the end of their planned service lives due to obsolescence, the report adds. In support of this aim, the Navy established highly detailed system capabilities and performance measures prior to E-130J development start, curbing the programs ability to refine capabilities during design to ensure that it continues to meet user needs as development progresses.

GAOs latest annual assessment does not elaborate on the operational availability requirements in question or its specific concerns about the E-130J to meet them. The report does include a paraphrased response from the Navy defending the decision to use the proven C-130J platform that also acknowledges technical risk. The E-130J program office also told GAO that it executed risk reduction contracts with subcontractors to address obsolescence and size, weight, and power-cooling risks before formally initiating the development process.

A typical cargo-carrying C-130J-30 in US Air Force service. USAF

It is immediately worth noting here that before the Mercury jets entered service, the Navy operated EC-130Q TACAMO aircraft based on the older C-130H variant of the Hercules. Those aircraft were not configured to also perform the Looking Glass mission. The arrival of upgraded E-6Bs in the 1990s led to the consolidation of those two mission sets on a single aircraft. In addition, C-130Js and a plethora of subvariants thereof are also in widespread service across the U.S. military already. The average mission-capable rate for Air Force cargo-carrying C-130Js during the 2024 Fiscal Year was just shy of 72%, much better than many other types, according to a report in February from Air & Space Forces Magazine.

An EC-130Q TACAMO aircraft. USN

At the same time, the heavily modified E-130J is set to be very significantly different inside and out from the baseline J model Hercules aircraft, as you can read more about here. As alluded to in the GAO report, the unique and highly sensitive systems required for the TACAMO mission present substantial demands on any aircraft when it comes to things like size, weight, and power-cooling. All of this would add complexity to ensuring the operational availability of the future E-130Js compared to typical C-130Js.

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When plans for a new C-130J-based TACAMO plane first emerged in 2020, TWZ highlighted questions about that course action, but also the benefits of doing so, writing:

Its certainly worth pointing out that the E-6Bs, conversions of what were some of the last and most modern 707 airliners built, were larger and higher performance platforms than the EC-130Qs. The C-130J-30 is certainly a more capable aircraft than the C-130H on which the EC-130Q was based, but it wont have the base speed and altitude capabilities of an airliner-sized multi-engine jet. Compared to the Mercuries, any TACAMO-configured C-130J-30 would not be able to get on station as quickly, or fly as high, limiting its ability to get above bad weather or establish a better line of sight for its communications systems.

At the same time, as the Navy itself has noted, the C-130J-30 platform does immediately open up the ability to use a larger number of air bases, airports, and airfields, including austere ones that the E-6B cannot operate from. This could be very useful in a contingency scenario where an opponent may have destroyed or otherwise rendered unusable many well-established bases, as well as larger secondary dispersal sites, which include large commercial airports. Being able to fly from smaller, tertiary locations could help to ensure that the TACAMO mission continues without significant disruption under such circumstances. This is also true during peacetime as targeting the TACAMOs on the ground would be much harder if they could easily operate from and sit alert at a much larger number of airports.

A C-130J-30 configured for the TACAMO mission would certainly have a mid-air refueling capability and the Hercules is already a platform that has demonstrated the ability to loiter over particular areas for long periods of time. Unlike the Boeing 707, the C-130J is still in production, as well, meaning that TACAMO aircraft based on this plane would be inherently easier to maintain and support logistically, and may also be easier to convert to this specialized configuration begin with. As time goes on, the J looks set to increasingly become the default base C-130 model across the U.S. military, as well. Compared to the long out of production 707-based E-6, support for the C-130J is already distributed across the U.S., and beyond. Training C-130J crews is even an easier proposition.

USN

The broader concerns raised in GAOs report about potential impediments to updating and modifying the E-130Js systems underscore separate questions about the future of the Looking Glass mission. To date, the Navy has only confirmed that the E-130J will be configured to perform the TACAMO mission. As noted earlier, separate platforms had performed the TACAMO and Looking Glass missions prior to the E-6Bs entering service.

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Other aircraft, like the Boeing 747-based E-4C Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) jets that the Air Force is in the process of acquiring now, might also take on the Looking Glass role, at least in part, in the future. The E-4C, and the E-4B Nightwatch aircraft they are set to replace, are also doomsday planes, but are configured to act as much more robust flying command centers than the E-6Bs.

In the meantime, the aging E-6B fleet is facing readiness and other challenges of its own. In 2021, the Navy notably acquired an ex-Royal Air Force E-3D Sentry airborne early warning and control aircraft, another Boeing 707-based type, for conversion into a dedicated TE-6B crew trainer expressly to help relieve strain on the operational Mercury jets. The service is now in the process of disposing of that aircraft, something TWZ was first to report.

The ex-RAF E-3D seen in the process of being converted into the TE-6B trainer circa 2022, a project that has now been abandoned. USN

On Nov. 30, 2023, the Navy issued a stop-work order on its contract with Northrop Grumman Corp. to convert the E-3D acquired in 2021 from the Royal Air Force into an in-flight trainer (IFT) for the E-6B Mercury. The cost of the conversion, including meeting airworthiness requirements, exceeded available funding, leading the Navy to conclude that a different course of action (COA) was needed, Naval Air Systems Commands (NAVAIR) Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office told TWZ in a statement just yesterday. The Navy will harvest all applicable parts for sparing before divesting of the E-3D. The value of those parts is estimated to exceed the $15 million purchase cost of the aircraft, ensuring the Department of Defense recoups its investment.

In addition, the Navy awarded a contract to provide Contracted Air Services (CAS), Contractor Owned Government Operated (COGO) 737 NG In-Flight Trainer (IFT) aircraft services for E-6B Pilot Training. On May 30, 2025, the first Training Flight occurred.

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It is unclear when the E-130J might begin to enter service. Past Navy budget documents have laid out plans to order three of the aircraft in Fiscal Year 2027 and six more in Fiscal Year 2028. Some portion of those planes are expected to be test articles rather than operational examples, as well.

A look at what is destined to be the cockpit section of the first prototype E-130J under construction. Lockheed Martin via US Navy Kathy Hieatt

There is now considerable uncertainty around the defense spending plans across the U.S. military, in general. The Pentagon has yet to release a public version of its next budget request, for the 2026 Fiscal Year, which is highly unusual.

How the concerns GAO has now publicly raised might factor into the E-130J plan going forward remains to be seen.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Are the protests happening across the United States over ICE raids really about immigration issues? Chris Cuomo doesnt think thats the full story. Instead, he suggests theyre a coordinated effort to recruit as many people and different types of groups with different ideas, but one common goal  to destroy the country. Cuomo says the protests are fed by dark sources with a desire for the destruction of the U.S. He dives into how deep the backing for these protests go and potential ties to a Chinese communist group.

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A federal appeals court ruled in favor of Washington after the state told a Christian-owned traditional Korean spa that barring transgender women from its services violates the states anti-discrimination law.

Olympus Spa is a women-only spa located in Lynnwood and Tacoma. In 2023, the owners of Olympus Spa filed a lawsuit against Washington, claiming their First Amendment rights would be violated by allowing trans women to enter. Olympus Spas policy restricts entry to biological women, excluding men and preoperative transgender women (those who have not had gender-confirmation surgery).

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The Washington State Human Rights Commission claimed the spas barring of transgender women was a violation of Washingtons Law Against Discrimination. Two years later, a federal appeals court agreed, stating that this ruling does not violate the spas rights to the freedom of religion, speech, and association.

The spas religious expression was only incidentally burdened, Judge M. Margaret McKeown wrote in the majority opinion, claiming that the limits of the spa owners free speech were essential to eliminate discriminatory conduct.

This conflict between the state and Olympus Spa started in 2020 when the spa turned away a transgender woman, asking if she could receive the spas services. The spa told the customer they excluded transgender women who had not undergone gender confirmation surgery.

The Washington Law Against Discrimination was amended in 2006 to prohibit public facilities from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation. The Washington definition of sexual orientation includes gender expression and identity.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Chubbies Burgers, a beloved burger spot in Kaimuki known for its smash burgers and fries, has officially closed its doors as of Feb. 1 after lease negotiations with the landlord fell through.

Kaimuki burger joint set to close in February

Owner Jeffrey Nedry, who moved Chubbies from a Ward Village food truck into the Kaimuki location in 2022, said the team had hoped to renew their short-term lease but were unable to reach an agreement.

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Will this local cafe be named the best farm-to-table in the U.S.? How to vote

Weve loved it here, its an awesome neighborhood, Nedry said. The support has been amazing throughout all the changes, and theres more on the horizon.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

In a recent social media post, Chubbies announced a bold rebrand as BoardedUpBurgers by Chubbies Burgers, signaling that the brand isnt going away.

They boarded us up. Said we were done. But you cant kill flavor this loud, the post read. This isnt a comeback  its a rebellion.

Nedry confirmed plans to return in 2025 with a pop-up location and teased a future permanent spot thats already in the works.

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We definitely plan to continue to operate, he said. Were working on something new and hope to share details 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 KHON2.
A former CIA analyst who leaked classified documents about Israel's plans to strike Iran has been sentenced to 37 months in prison.

Asif William Rahman, 34, pleaded guilty in January to two counts of willful retention and transmission of national defence information under the Espionage Act.

Authorities say that, using his high-level security clearance, Rahman printed, photographed and sent out top secret documents. They later ended up being circulated on social media.

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Israel carried out air strikes on Iran last October, targeting military sites in several regions, in response to the barrage of missiles launched by Tehran weeks earlier.

"For months, this defendant betrayed the American people and the oaths he took upon entering his office by leaking some of our Nation's most closely held secrets," John Eisenberg, assistant attorney general for national security, said in a press release.

In October 2024, documents appearing to be from a Department of Defense agency were published on an Iranian-aligned Telegram account.

The documents, bearing a top-secret mark, were viewable between the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, made up of the US, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

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The leaked documents are also said to have contained the US' assessment of Israeli plans ahead of the strike on Iran and the movements of military assets in preparation.

One referred to Israel's nuclear capabilities, which have never been officially acknowledged.

When asked about the leak, former President Joe Biden said he was "deeply concerned".

Israel ended up carrying out those air strikes later in the month, targeting military sites in several regions in response to missiles fired by Tehran weeks prior.

Rahman, who worked abroad, was arrested by the FBI in Cambodia and brought to the US territory of Guam to face charges.
The Central Intelligence Agency has released a new batch of documents related to the 1968 assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, claiming the move fulfills a directive from President Donald Trump for maximum transparency.

According to a June 12 press release from CIA Director John Ratcliffe, the agency declassified 54 documentstotaling more than 1,450 pagesthat it says had not been made public before. The documents, now available on CIAs and the National Archives websites, reportedly include material describing Kennedys contacts with the agency following his trip to the Soviet Union, as well as internal correspondence around the time of his assassination in Los Angeles.

Ratcliffe framed the release as a major step in carrying out Trumps Executive Order 14176, which directed the intelligence community to release all remaining classified records tied to the deaths of both President John F. Kennedy and his brother, Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

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Ratcliffe said the CIAs actions shine light on information that serves the public interest.

CIA's release of 54 declassified documents related to Sen. Robert F. Kennedy's assassination "delivers on President Trump's commitment to maximum transparency, enabling the CIA to shine light on information that is in the public interest." @DCIARatcliffehttps://t.co/IAhPWICVB3 pic.twitter.com/Zn7DCrvzjM  CIA (@CIA) June 12, 2025

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who coordinated the inter-agency effort, called the declassification an important step toward public accountability. She credited analysts at CIA, ODNI, and the National Archives for what she described as painstaking work to locate and digitize files that have never been released publicly before.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the late senators son and current Secretary of Health and Human Services, applauded the release, calling it a necessary step toward restoring trust in American government. He also praised Trump, Gabbard, and Ratcliffe for what he described as dogged efforts to uncover the full story of his fathers death.

The documents represent a major tranche of RFK-related records released under the Trump-era transparency initiative. According to the press release, the total number of CIA documents on the subject is more than 200 and nearly 5,000 pages. The agency said additional releases may follow.

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The CIA presser did not elaborate on the specific contents of the newly released files or whether they contained any new revelations regarding Senator Robert F. Kennedys assassination, supposedly by Sirhan Sirhan in 1968. This case has long generated speculation, including theories of a second shooter or intelligence involvement. Sirhan, a Palestinian immigrant, has consistently claimed he has no memory of the event.

The new documents are now available online at cia.gov and archives.gov/rfk
People visit the exhibition "Irises 2025" at Latvian Museum of Natural History in Riga, Latvia, June 11, 2025. The annual exhibition kicked off on Wednesday, and will run until Friday. Around 100 varieties of iris are exhibited, marking the 30th anniversary of iris exhibitions at the museum. (Photo by Edijs Palens/Xinhua)

This photo taken on June 11, 2025 shows Irises displayed during the exhibition "Irises 2025" at Latvian Museum of Natural History in Riga, Latvia. The annual exhibition kicked off on Wednesday, and will run until Friday. Around 100 varieties of iris are exhibited, marking the 30th anniversary of iris exhibitions at the museum. (Photo by Edijs Palens/Xinhua)

A woman visits the exhibition "Irises 2025" at Latvian Museum of Natural History in Riga, Latvia, June 11, 2025. The annual exhibition kicked off on Wednesday, and will run until Friday. Around 100 varieties of iris are exhibited, marking the 30th anniversary of iris exhibitions at the museum. (Photo by Edijs Palens/Xinhua)

This photo taken on June 11, 2025 shows Irises displayed during the exhibition "Irises 2025" at Latvian Museum of Natural History in Riga, Latvia. The annual exhibition kicked off on Wednesday, and will run until Friday. Around 100 varieties of iris are exhibited, marking the 30th anniversary of iris exhibitions at the museum. (Photo by Edijs Palens/Xinhua)

This photo taken on June 11, 2025 shows Irises displayed during the exhibition "Irises 2025" at Latvian Museum of Natural History in Riga, Latvia. The annual exhibition kicked off on Wednesday, and will run until Friday. Around 100 varieties of iris are exhibited, marking the 30th anniversary of iris exhibitions at the museum. (Photo by Edijs Palens/Xinhua)
The Brief

Cinch Saloon, a historic gay bar on Polk Street, was at risk of closing.

New owner Scott Taylor plans to preserve its legacy while keeping it a safe space for the LGBTQ community.

SAN FRANCISCO - One of San Franciscos oldest gay bars, the Cinch Saloon, is beginning a new chapter after fears that it might permanently close.

The Polk Street bar has long held historical significance in the citys LGBTQ community. Decades ago, Polk Gulch was a bustling hub of gay nightlife, before the Castro District became San Franciscos most recognized LGBTQ neighborhood.

A legacy at risk

The Cinchs future became uncertain two years ago when one of its longtime owners passed away. Most recently, the remaining partner struggled to maintain the bar. Thats when Scott Taylor stepped in.

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"We feel more like caretakers than ownership. We're here, the bars been around for 50 years. We're going to try to keep it around for another 50," said Taylor, who officially took over ownership of the bar this year.

Taylor is no stranger to the Cinch. He first visited the bar as a patron more than 20 years ago, occasionally bartended there, and even had his first date with his partner at the Cinch a decade ago. He also serves as the beverage director at nearby Harris restaurant.

"We want to keep the historical relevance and the cultural relevance of this place intact. Its very important, especially now, for us to have these kind of safe spaces," Taylor said.

For longtime patrons, the bars survival is deeply personal.

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"This street used to be full of gay bars. This is like the only place left, so I'm happy that it's going to hang on," said Johnny Smith, who moved to San Francisco in 1996.

"Its like a little family. You get to know people, because everybody's from everywhere and they come to San Francisco and you make new families," said Ray Thibodaux.

Taylor said he plans to make some updates to the space, but wont change the character thats made the Cinch feel like home to generations of San Franciscans.

"He has a vision for this place, he's going to keep things as they are. Seriously, he saved this place. People were worried it was going to disappear... so just so grateful that Scott managed to put everything together and save the place," said Ginger Robyn, a San Francisco resident and regular at the bar.

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"A little bit of pressure to kind of make sure that I maintain the legacy of the business. But, this place has my heart," Taylor said.

The bar will be part of this years Pride Month events. On June 22, drag performer Juanita MORE! will lead the Peoples March and Rally near the Cinch, an event inspired by the first gay liberation protest held in the neighborhood in 1970.
A housing project first announced in December is getting closer to becoming a reality. After its built, the property owners might not have to pay the full amount of their taxes.

During the June 2 city council meeting, officials discussed setting up a payment in lieu of tax. For the first 15 years of the apartment complexs existence, the property owners would pay a flat rate of $7,400 annually.

The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority also announced last year the developer, Bondry Consulting, had been awarded tax credits to build the 74-unit apartment complex. In order to receive the tax credits, the company will have to agree to keep rent low for the next 15 years.

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The federal government would regulate the rental rates.

The complex, which is tentatively named Storyville Apartments, also includes plans to add a green space to the location at 1 General St.

Council President Dave Morris expressed concern at the city council meeting over the amount Bondry Consulting was meant to pay.

It just looks to me like there ought to be a better middle of the road here, Morris said. We should be able to get a little bit more out of this.

Oscar Gutierrez, president of Bondry Consulting, said he would be happy to pay more in taxes if he was allowed to charge renters more.

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Ill triple the rent when the 15 years comes to an end and Ill use that money to pay the taxes, he said.

He also said the federal and state governments are putting in a significant amount of money toward this project and asked the city to provide a contribution to make the numbers work. Its also been difficult to find investors for the project, he added, and changing the amount could deter some.

Morris rebutted the city would essentially be putting money into the project by not charging the full amount of property tax.

This isnt a project where theres something on it thats paying taxes right now, where were going to eliminate revenue that were getting in, Deputy Mayor Jacob Pomasl said. Right now, this is an environmental liability.

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Pomasl noted the low-income housing project is part of the Trelleborg sites remediation. If it were to fall though, he said, the city would still have to find a way to remediate the site, but could miss out on the added benefit of low-income housing funded via the states competitive tax credit program.

We own this property. Were not getting anything off of it right now, he said. We could be getting $7,400, plus a bunch of people living there, plus additional park space and the liabilitys off of our hands.

Morris made a motion to amend the agreement, hoping to charge a bit more in the annual payment, but said he would be alright if it were voted against. Council member Cameron Austin, who represents Ward 1, was the only other person to support the amendment.

The council voted unanimously to approve the unamended agreement. It will go up for a second vote, which will likely occur later this month.
A push to force Uber and Lyft to pay Chicago drivers more stalled in the City Council Thursday when a planned vote was canceled.

The ordinance that the companies say will cause ride prices to skyrocket could still become law next week. Sponsor Ald. Michael Rodriguez, 22nd, said he halted the planned vote to give on-the-fence aldermen more time to weigh the measure and plans to move ahead with a committee vote Monday.

But the delay signals a tough fight ahead for the ordinance that backers say will lift rideshare driver pay above minimum wage.

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Were all about democracy and we are going to work hard to get folks on board. I think we have got a damn good shot, Rodriguez said.

He added that he hopes to send the ordinance to the full City Council Wednesday and that it will be passed.

Thats the timeline, he said. Were leveraging that to get the best thing done for our workforce.

Rodriguezs ordinance would raise driver pay during rides to $1.50 per mile and 62.5 cents per minute in July 2026 and add pay when drivers are commuting to riders or waiting for new rides.

It would also establish a $7 minimum driver payout for each trip, require fare breakdowns be shared with drivers and riders alike, add transparency for driver deactivations and enforce new driver safety measures.

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The high stakes surrounding the ordinance were on display Thursday as Rodriguez, who chairs the Workforce Development Committee that is considering the measure, held an information hearing instead of a vote.

Uber and Lyft representatives blasted the ordinance, while a crowd with the Chicago Gig Alliance organized by the Service Employees International Union Local 1 and Mechanics Local 701 packed the room and loudly chanted throughout the hearing.

Lyft lobbyist Arielle Rodriguez Maffei told aldermen the ordinance would hike the costs of rides by over 50%, an increase that threatens to make rides affordable to only the wealthiest residents.

It means fewer rides and less service, more isolation for seniors, more missed appointments for the sick and fewer opportunities for workers trying to make ends meet, Rodriguez Maffei said.

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Uber lobbyist Josh Gold said his company estimates it will need to kick 10,000 drivers off its platform if the ordinance passes. He also estimated a $20 million reduction in tax revenue tied to decreased ride demand.

Gold on Wednesday apologized for Uber accidentally overcharging Chicago riders earlier this year, pinning the $1,782,193.50 in fees mischarged over four months on a technical misstep. The company has refunded all affected riders, he told aldermen during a brief hearing on the matter. The companies also argued Thursday the new ordinance could force insurance costs and broad flexibility cuts upon drivers, shifting the workforce away from part-timers to make the gig work more of a full-time job.

But drivers testifying Thursday said they have made less and less driving in the city even as costs rise for riders. Driver Steven Everett made a living wage a decade ago while driving around 40 hours a week, but now must work 70 hours to bring home the same pay, he said.

Heres the truth: Theyre simply taking advantage of the people of Chicago, Everett said. We are here for fairness. We are not trying to get rich off of this.

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As the companys lobbyists insisted the ordinance would deal a devastating blow to their businesses and Chicagoans, Ald. Anthony Quezada called their claims crocodile tears.

We are seeing a huge redistribution of wealth from poor people and working-class people to the ultra rich, Quezada said. I do not want to hear crocodile tears about how you cant pay workers who run this city.

Looming over the entire debate is an ongoing battle between the Gig Alliance unions and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 to organize drivers. Local 150, which reached a labor peace agreement with Uber earlier this year, does not want the ordinance to move forward at this moment.

And stuck in the middle is Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has repeatedly refused to take a side on the ordinance. Johnson cited his pro-worker reputation during a Wednesday news conference and said he wants a policy that works for industry and workers.

Its not a matter of whether or not it has my support or not, its just a matter of making sure that we cover all of our bases, right? he said.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The City of El Paso has launched a new Economic and International Development website to promote the Borderland as a prime destination for business, investment and international trade, according to a news release on Wednesday, June 11.

The website, www.ElPasoEID.com, is a one-stop resource for site selectors, developers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and international partners who seek information about the regions competitive advantages, growth opportunities and strategic initiatives, according to the City.

This website is part of our continued effort to create a more accessible and business-friendly environment for investors and companies looking to grow in El Paso, Karina Brasgalla, director of Economic and International Development, said. It reflects our commitment to transparency, innovation, and strategic collaboration to support job creation and long-term economic resilience.

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The City highlights key features on the site, including:

Comprehensive data on El Pasos business climate, workforce, and key industries

Incentive program overviews and how to apply

Interactive maps and tools for site selectors and developers

Updates on major projects and cross-border partnerships

Resources for entrepreneurs, including small business support

In addition, the City says the site also highlights El Pasos unique geographic location for international commerce and its deep ties with Mexico as an ideal hub for global trade and binational cooperation.

To explore the new website, you can visit the City of El Pasos Economic and International Development website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
The Adams administration on Wednesday floated a doomsday scenario where probation officers would be called on to don riot gear and back up the police during the mushrooming protests against President Trumps immigration crackdown, the Daily News has learned.

The officers, who typically work with supervising those convicted of crimes after they leave incarceration, would be equipped with riot gear and given training under a plan proposed in a Zoom meeting that included Probation Deputy Commissioner Tonya Cauley-Scott, according to Jake Oliver, a spokesman for the United Probation Officers Association.

Union President Dalvanie Powell immediately criticized the idea. She noted using probation officers for protest crowd control would be a first in her 38 years with the agency.

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Thats not our job, and its not what we signed up for, Powell said. Probation Officers are already stretched to the breaking pointstruggling under severe staff shortages, overwhelming caseloads, and a department that continues to be mismanaged at every level.

Powell added the city has failed to deliver on a promise to close the pay gap that exists for probation officers compared to cops, though a deal struck in August somewhat improved the margin.

We are consistently treated as second-class public safety professionals, asked to do more with less while being paid less than every other law enforcement agency in this city, she said.

Under the August deal, probation officers start at $61,386 and top out after 11 years at $81,000. Police officers start at $58,580 and reach $126,532 after just five years.

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Pulling probation officers into high-risk assignments completely outside our scope of work is dangerous, reckless, and insulting. This isnt just a bad policyits a crisis waiting to happen, Powell said.

A City Hall official confirmed to The News the possibility was mentioned in a Wednesday briefing with the Probation Department, but said it was extremely unlikely to happen. The official said probation officials were told it would only happen in a doomsday scenario where somehow NYPD wasnt able to handle a protest on their own.

A similar message, the official said, was relayed to other civilian agencies with law enforcement arms.

Kayla Mamelak, a spokeswoman for Mayor Adams, confirmed the possibility of using probation officers to respond to protests was part of tabletop discussions Wednesday over various potential deployment options in extreme situations. However, she also said the administration was confident the NYPD could handle the protests.

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Mass protests have erupted in New York and other cities across the country in recent days as the Trump administration ramps up efforts to target undocumented immigrants  including those without any criminal records  for deportations. Many protests have played out in front of federal courthouses, where ICE agents are targeting immigrants showing up for routine check-ins.

Adams, whose federal corruption case was dismissed by Trumps administration this spring, has refrained from publicly criticizing the presidents controversial crackdown.

On Wednesday, Police Commissioner Jessica Tish insisted the city would not need the New York National Guard to assist the NYPD with any protests. On Sunday and Monday, Trump ordered 4,000 members of the California National Guard and 700 U.S. Marines deployed to Los Angeles to police protests over the objections of that citys mayor, Karen Bass, and Gov. Gavin Newsom.

According to reports, just a few hundred of the California Guards have actually been used. Newsom and Bass have insisted they were not necessary. Newsom filed a lawsuit Monday to reverse Trumps move.
NEW YORK  The Adams administration on Wednesday floated a doomsday scenario where probation officers would be called on to don riot gear and back up the police during the mushrooming protests against President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown, the Daily News has learned.

The officers would be equipped with riot gear and given training under a plan proposed in a Zoom meeting that included Probation Deputy Commissioner Tonya Cauley-Scott, according to Jake Oliver, a spokesman for the United Probation Officers Association.

Union President Dalvanie Powell immediately criticized the idea. She noted using probation officers for protest crowd control would be a first in her 38 years with the agency.

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Thats not our job, and its not what we signed up for, Powell said. Probation Officers are already stretched to the breaking pointstruggling under severe staff shortages, overwhelming caseloads, and a department that continues to be mismanaged at every level.

Powell added the city has failed to deliver on a promise to close the pay gap that exists for probation officers compared to cops, though a deal struck in August somewhat improved the margin.

We are consistently treated as second-class public safety professionals, asked to do more with less while being paid less than every other law enforcement agency in this city, she said.

Under the August deal, probation officers start at $61,386 and top out after 11 years at $81,000. Police officers start at $58,580 and reach $126,532 after just five years.

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Pulling Probation Officers into high-risk assignments completely outside our scope of work is dangerous, reckless, and insulting. This isnt just a bad policyits a crisis waiting to happen, Powell said.

A City Hall official confirmed to The News the possibility was mentioned in a recent briefing with the Probation Department, but said it was extremely unlikely to happen. The official said probation officials were told it would only happen in a doomsday scenario where somehow NYPD wasnt able to handle a protest on their own.

A similar message, the official said, was relayed to other civilian agencies with law enforcement arms.

Kayla Mamelak, a spokeswoman for Mayor Eric Adams, confirmed the possibility of using probation officers to respond to protests was part of tabletop discussions Wednesday over various potential deployment options in extreme situations. However, she also said the administration was confident the NYPD could handle the protests.

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Mass protests have erupted in New York and other cities across the country in recent days as the Trumps administration ramps up efforts to target undocumented immigrants  including those without any criminal records  for deportations. Many protests have played out in front of federal courthouses, where ICE agents are targeting immigrants showing up for routine check-ins

Adams, whose federal corruption case was dismissed by Trumps administration this spring, has refrained from publicly criticizing the presidents controversial crackdown.

On Wednesday, Police Commissioner Jessica Tish insisted the city would not need the New York National Guard to assist the NYPD. On Sunday and Monday, Trump ordered 4,000 members of the California National Guard and 700 U.S. Marines deployed to Los Angeles over the objections of that citys mayor, Karen Bass, and Gov. Gavin Newsom.

According to reports, just a few hundred of the California Guards have actually been used. Newsom and Bass have insisted they were not necessary. Newsom filed a lawsuit Monday to reverse Trumps move.
Just blocks from where a handful of die-hard protesters faced police in Los Angeles on Wednesday, residents were enjoying lunch in the sun and shrugging off Donald Trump's claims their city was burning.

Six days after unrest began -- prompting the US president to send soldiers into the streets, over the furious protests of local officials -- life in the City of Angels was going on largely as normal.

"Everything is hunky dory right here at Ground Zero," Lynn Sturgis, a retired teacher who was protesting outside the federal complex that has been at the heart of the demonstrations in Downtown Los Angeles, told AFP.

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"Our city is not at all on fire, it's not burning down, as our terrible leader is trying to tell you."

The demonstrations began Friday as immigration authorities carried out raids on undocumented migrants in the sprawling metropolis.

They have continued each day since -- mostly peacefully, but tarnished by several spectacular incidents of violence, including torched cars and sporadic clashes with law enforcement.

Trump has insisted that if he had not taken the extraordinary step of sending troops into Los Angeles over the weekend, "it would be burning to the ground right now."

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- 'Manufactured' -

"Not at all... this is very calm," protester Ellen Carpenter, a retired federal worker who was demonstrating alongside Sturgis, told AFP.

"I lived in Washington, DC for a long time, so I was part of very large protests there, you know, millions and millions of people. This is a little wimpy by comparison."

"This whole thing has been manufactured by the current administration," Sturgis said.

Trump's promises to crack down on illegal immigration helped propel him back into the White House.

He seized the opportunity presented by the Los Angeles rallies to order the California National Guard to deploy along with hundreds of Marines -- a move state governor Gavin Newsom called "dictatorial."

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Los Angeles real estate agent Tracey, who declined to give her last name, said the deployment was a "mistake."

"I don't feel safe" with the military presence in the city, she said, even as she admitted that the protests had at times been "scary".

Retired actor Thomas welcomed the troops, however.

- Not taking chances -

"As soon as it gets dark, thugs come out and cause trouble," the 69-year-old told AFP downtown.

It is the National Guard that has calmed things down, he argued -- "bringing in more force. That's all they understand... You have to step in and put your foot down."

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Restaurants in the streets surrounding the protest area were packed at lunchtime Wednesday.

Workers cleaned graffiti sprayed by protesters on federal buildings as curious passers-by stopped to watch and snap photos.

But there were some signs of apprehension as a handful of businesses were boarding up, worried that protests planned for the weekend could spiral into more violence.

Trump will hold a military parade in Washington for his birthday on Saturday that coincides with planned protests in more cities across the country.

"There's lots of expensive glass behind these boards that we're worried about, so we're not going to take any chances," Chis Gonzalez, who was overseeing the boarding up of one downtown business, told AFP.

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"Saturday, you know, seems like it's going to be a big protest. We're just anticipating the worst... Not saying the protests are bad, but it's definitely scary when you have a business to protect."

bur-st/hg/nl
HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Listening and helping solve the communitys problems: That was the goal of a virtual public meeting in Luzerne County. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission hosted the event in Hazleton on Wednesday afternoon.

The Civil Rights Outreach Division addresses civil tensions, conflicts, and incidents in communities across the state and promotes anti-racism through education and outreach.

Their main focus is enforcing state laws that prohibit discrimination.

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New fire, police headquarters to open in Moosic

Ensuring that people have a place to come to, to express their concerns. We are this state agency. Weve existed for 70 years, coming this October, you know, were the states highest civil rights enforcement agency, so we want to ensure that these kinds of spaces provide you an avenue to come and speak to us about those concerns, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Civil Rights Outreach Coordinator, Hector Luis Torres-Diaz, told 28/22 News.

More information about how the Civil Rights Outreach Division can assist your community can be found online.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  One Clarksville couple has started working to get back on track after their store was struck just days before they were slated to open.

Franklin Mir and his wife Rachael got a plot twist plot twist when they showed up to the Clarksville Book Shop Tuesday.

Suspects sought after Clarksville storage facility burglarized twice

From the door you can see the dust and my daughter was asking me, Did something happen to the floors?' Franklin said. And then when we opened the door, we realized that someone had been here.

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That dust was foam that came from their fire extinguisher and covered nearly everything. In addition, the owners found drinks and tools thrown across their business and a giant hole in the wall.

However, they were impressed by the response of Clarksville Police.

I called 911  in less than two minutes, they were here. It was fast, Franklin said. Three officers came  two patrol cars  they were really thoughtful, thorough, they took their time.

He also suspected the officers may be fellow bookworms.

They were sad because they were waiting on the store to open, Franklin said. Im guessing theyre book readers because they really wanted to be here. They were also here this morning.

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Franklin said his wife has worked for more than two years to open the business. Theyre now working together to stay on track to open, and hope to soon have this chapter behind them.

READ MORE | Latest headlines from Clarksville and Montgomery County

Its a major setback because, as you can see, this is not going to be a one-day clean up, Franklin said. So I dont know how long its going to take, but hopefully we will be opening next Friday.

A spokesman with Clarksville Police asked anyone with information on this case to call 911.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Meteorologist Jacob Dickey heads to Richland Community College to learn more about the Clean Energy Careers available through the college and what they are doing to prepare students for careers in the future.

Learn more about the clean energy careers available at Richland Community College here.

See all of Jacobs segments on WCIA.com/communitycollegeconnections.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
SYDNEY, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Three people have been arrested after a house was shot at and a getaway car was set on fire in western Sydney on Thursday morning.

Police in Australia's state of New South Wales (NSW) said in a statement on Thursday that officers were called to reports of shots being fired at a house in Merrylands, 20 km west of central Sydney, about 9:20 a.m. on Thursday.

Police said that nobody was home at the time of the shooting and that there were no reported injuries.

A short time later, a burnt-out Porsche used by the shooters to flee the scene was located in the neighboring suburb of Chester Hill.

The group of three left Chester Hill in a second vehicle before being arrested while trying to flee from police on foot.

Crime scenes have been established at the home and the location where the burnt car was found, and the matter has been referred to Taskforce Falcon for investigation.

Taskforce Falcon was established by NSW Police last month to investigate and suppress a spike in violent crimes in Sydney linked to organized crime gangs. 
Unrelated photos of people wearing protective gear emerging from hillside tunnels have been shared in posts that falsely claim they show US officials inspecting Pakistan's Kirana Hills -- a vast rocky mountain range that Indian media has alleged contains Islamabad's nuclear arsenal. The photos in fact show visitors to the now-closed Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan.

"Members of the US Department of Energy were seen near Pakistan's Kirana Hills which were hit by India on May 9," reads the caption of images shared in an X post from May 13, 2025, alongside the hashtag "NuclearLeak".

The post's three images show people wearing face masks and protective gear emerging from tunnels that have been cut into the side of a hill and a structure built into the landscape.

They were shared after India and Pakistan agreed a ceasefire on May 10, bringing to a halt four days of deadly jet fighter, missile, drone and artillery attacks between the nuclear-armed neighbours (archived link).

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The fighting was touched off by an attack on April 22 in the Indian-administered side of Kashmir that killed 26 tourists, mostly Hindu men, which Delhi blamed on Islamabad. Pakistan denies any involvement and has called for an independent probe.

Posts on social media claim Kirana Hills was struck during the latest conflict, and articles on Indian news sites have also speculated about whether the location had been targeted.

Screenshot of the false X post, captured on June 10, 2025

Similar posts were shared elsewhere on X.

But India has denied that Pakistan's nuclear facilities were targeted during the countries' most recent conflict, with Air Marshal A.K. Bharti telling reporters they "have not hit Kirana Hills" (archived link).

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Islamabad's foreign office separately dismissed media reports alleging Pakistani nuclear facilities were compromised during the conflict, leading to radiation leaks (archived link).

And, responding to a query from the Indian Express, the International Atomic Energy Agency refuted reports of a radiation leak from any nuclear facility in Pakistan (archived link).

Closed Kazakhstan test site

Reverse image searches on Google found the three images used in the false posts were in fact taken at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, where 456 nuclear tests were conducted over 42 years until Kazakhstan shut down the facility on August 29, 1991 (archived link).

The photo of people wearing face masks emerging from a tunnel was taken from an August 2012 blog titled, "Visit to the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site" (archived link).

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According to the blog poster's biography, they work as a nuclear engineer and use the platform to share their nuclear-themed travel experiences.

Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared image (left) and the photo posted in the August 2012 blog (right).

The image of people in protective gear walking out of a tunnel can be found in a press release issued by the Kazakhstan government in 2021 for a photo exhibition dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (archived link).

Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared image (left) and the photo used in the Kazakhstan government press release (right)

The final image of a structure built into the landscape was sourced from an ABC news article titled, "The Polygon: Former Soviet Union nuclear test site on Kazakh Steppe now open for tours" (archived link).

The image is captioned, "An underground bunker used to monitor Soviet era nuclear tests".

Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared image (left) and the ABC news photo (right)

AFP has debunked other false claims related to the recent conflict between India and Pakistan here.
LUFKIN, Texas (KETK)  The City of Lufkin is informing residents that their water is safe to drink, although some residents are reporting that their water appears cloudy.

Lufkin firefighters battle house fire on Ted Trout Drive

The city posted on Facebook that the water is appearing cloudy due to routine maintenance of the water supply. Although the water may appear cloudy, the city states that it poses no health risk to residents.

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The city also stated that the cloudy water can be known as turbidity, which can be caused by harmless air bubbles or minor disturbances in the system during repairs.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  An alternative elementary school created by UNC Charlotte is closing after its agreement with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools was not renewed this year.

University officials told Queen City News Thursday that CMS is not renewing its memorandum of understanding to operate Niner University Elementary School, allowing the five-year deal to expire June 30. CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill said in a letter to the schools administration that this decision was not made lightly.

Several critical factors were considered, including the aging NUES facility, Hill wrote. In addition, the enrollment of at least 300 students by the 2023-2024 school year, anticipated by the MOU, has not been achieved. These concerns have led us to conclude that continuing the current agreement is no longer sustainable.

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Matthews approves agreement with CMS board to construct Discovery Place on elementary campus

Located on CMS property off West Tyvola Road, Niner University Elementary was created in 2020 and led by education experts at UNC Charlotte. It was the product of state legislation that approved the development of nine laboratory schools across the UNC System.

The program was intended to support students from high-needs, low-performing schools, or individual students who were struggling with school.

Hill says that families have the opportunity to enroll in CMS immediately and throughout the summer.

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We are committed to a smooth transition for all students at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, she said. In addition, NUES staff are encouraged to apply for vacancies within CMS. Our recruitment team will provide dedicated support throughout the application process. Additional details can be found on our CMS hiring webpage.

UNC Charlotte says it is disappointed by the decision, and the university is committed to supporting the schools staff and affected students.

We are proud of the hundreds of students who have come through NUE since it opened in August 2020. The school has served as a meaningful partnership between the University and CMS, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have played a role in shaping young learners experiences over the past five years. We will continue to work closely with CMS during this time of transition and on our other collaborations serving our community. UNC Charlotte Spokesperson

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  The anti-ICE immigration protests in Los Angeles have inspired pop-up demonstrations of solidarity nationwide, including in U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurds 3rd district.

On the heels of a reportedly peaceful protest last night at Grand Junctions Lilac Park, the republican congressman sat down with WesternSlopeNow from D.C. with a message for protesters in his district and beyond.

We should not be celebrating lawlessness and destruction of private property, says Hurd. It sows chaos. It hurts families. It hurts communities. Now, by contrast, what we saw in Grand Junction was a peaceful protest. Thats an example of the First Amendment properly used.

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While the congressman shared support for peaceful protests in his district, he also supports the very thing they are protesting against: President Trumps immigration policies and ICE.

I stand with the president and with ICE and with law enforcement when it comes to securing our borders and keeping our community safe, says Hurd. When you stop the flow of drugs and crime into our community, thats something that the president campaigned on and something that I campaigned on.

But protesters in his district tell WesternSlopeNow, fighting criminals isnt the whole story.

Theres people getting kidnapped out of their immigration appointments and being told that they shouldnt be here when theyre trying to do the right thing, says protester Stephanie Dedduang. They are not just taking criminals. They are trying to arrest around 3,000 people a day in order to make this million-people deportation quota.

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Demonstrations against ICE and the administration are scheduled to continue this weekend at the No Kings Day protests in Grand Junction.



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BOSTON (SHNS)  Massachusetts is one of just nine states without a press shield law that a media advocacy coalition says would to protect journalists from being required to disclose their confidential sources and other sensitive information in court.

Coalition members including the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association, Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association and Boston Globe Media say theyre making a stronger push this session for a bill (S 1253, H 1738) that would provide clear safeguards for confidential sources and sensitive material so that journalists can fulfill their constitutionally protected watchdog role.

It is absolutely obvious that we are in a time where we need to pay attention to the shortfall and failure, to date, of Massachusetts to actually pass a press shield law that we so desperately need, given what is happening in the national sphere, longtime bill sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch said on Wednesday.

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No version of the bill has ever cleared the Judiciary Committee. Organizers said the bill has been proposed for around 15 years, but that they tracked the concept back to the 1970s.

The bill is modeled after the federal Press Act, which the U.S. House passed unanimously in 2024. According to Bob Ambrogi, executive director of the Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association, one of the reasons the coalition chose the federal bill as its model was because it had been vetted by pretty much every major news organization in the country and leading media lawyers.

If passed, journalists would not have to name sources or disclose confidential newsgathering information unless the disclosure is necessary to prevent an act of terrorism or a threat of imminent violence, bodily harm, or death. Unless a court finds similar threats, state officials would not be able to force third-party email or phone providers to disclose sensitive records, and journalists and news organizations would be notified before their records are sought by state officials.

Organizers referenced Massachusetts cases in which journalists were challenged when protecting their anonymous sources, namely a 2022 case between the Berkshire Eagle and the Springfield Diocese and another case involving the Boston Globe, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and a physician at the hospital. Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of Boston Globe Media Dan Krockmalnic said the Globe has filed more than a dozen motions in the last few years to fight subpoenas for information about reporters and sources.

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The financial burden and time-consuming nature of those kinds of cases, House bill sponsor Rep. Rich Haggerty said, puts local news specifically at a disadvantage.

Every single time we see a local news organization challenged, spending resources and money on protecting what should be a First Amendment right already protected  and this law would help that  we know theyre not spending those resources on informing our communities, Haggerty said.

Past opposition includes law enforcement, which media lawyer Jon Albano said was concerned that its ability to investigate a crime that has been in the news could be stymied if they arent able to subpoena a reporter to find out who theyve spoken with.

In general, theres probably some other way they can figure out how to get to that source or get to that information, but its kind of a shortcut to subpoena the reporter and say, Where did you get this information?' Albano said.

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While concerns have existed in the past about shield laws potentially unduly protecting sources in criminal investigations, 41 states and Washington, D.C. have a press shield law, Krockmalnic said.

The sky has not fallen anywhere there. It will not fall here. And we know that authorities in those jurisdictions regularly and successfully prosecute crimes that are reported on by the press despite the existence of a robust shield law, Krockmalnic said. But here in Massachusetts, sources provide their information at their own peril. They know that their names and information that they provide can be demanded by the government or by private litigants and must rely on the presss ability and funds to fight on their behalf to try to convince the court that we deserve protection.

The bill defines a covered journalist as a person who regularly and credibly gathers, prepares, collects, photographs, records, writes, edits, reports, investigates, or publishes news or information in a professional manner that concerns local, national, or international events or other matters of public interest for dissemination to the public.

It is our intention to not overly constrain how a journalist or journalism or the act of newsgathering is defined in legislation, Krockmalnic said. If you are plausibly engaged in the act of newsgathering, then the law should apply to you.

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The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for six people after a small plane crashed into the ocean just off the coast of San Diego, according to its news release. The Cessna 414 vanished into the Pacific on Sunday, June 8, about three miles west of Point Loma.

Crews scoured more than 300 square miles over a 35-hour span but found no survivors. The search ended Tuesday morning, according to a Coast Guard news release.

Among the victims were pilot Landon Baldwin and his wife Torrie, both in their 20s and parents to two young children. Also on board were a father and his three adult sons from Arizona, though their names have not been officially released.

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The decision to suspend a search is never an easy one, said Lt. Cmdr. Justin Brooks, a Coast Guard rescue coordinator in a statement. Our hearts are with the loved ones of those involved in the crash.

The tragedy hit hard in the Baldwins hometown of Pima, AZ. I didn't want to believe it at first, family member Kristen Baldwin told Fox 10 Phoenix. It just didnt seem like it could happen to this couple who is so awesome.

Eyewitness Tyson Wislofsky described seeing the plane descend in an unusual pattern. I saw him come down at an angle, he told local reporters. The next time he came out of the clouds, he went straight into the water. After I saw the splash, it was dead silent.

While some speculated the pilot may have been stunting, family members insist that couldn't have been the case. "Landon wouldnt have taken a risk like that," Kristen said. "Something mustve gone terribly wrong."

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As families mourn, the cause of the crash remains under investigation. For now, a community grieves a sudden and heartbreaking loss just off Californias scenic coast.

Related: Beloved Meteorologist Featured in 'Twister' Died at 85

Coast Guard Announces Decision on Search for 6 People Killed in Plane Crash first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 11, 2025
JOPLIN, Mo.  A local university is honoring the service and achievements of a southwest Missouri lawmaker.

Missouri Southern State University presented its Richard Webster Medallion to Cody Smith. MSSU leaders cited the former state representatives eight years in Jefferson City and especially his commitment to furthering education. Smith, who also the House Budget Chair, termed out of his representative seat in December.

He told us he enjoys seeing the progress being one on the universitys Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center which benefitted from state funding during his tenure.

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That will be really impactful for the community and region at large, helping young people get into those health science professions that are extremely valuable to them and to our community. And we need more doctors and nurses and technicians. And the more that we can do that locally the better, said Cody Smith.

Cody Smith has had a tremendous impact on our state, our region. But certainly, on our university. Not only in terms of not only funding, but advocacy. His understanding of the importance of education. We are deeply grateful for what he has done for this university, said Dr. Dean Van Galen.

This is just the fourth time MSSU has awarded the Webster Medallion, which focuses on civil service. Other recipients have been Ron Richard, Gary Nodler and Robert Warden.

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NEW YORK (AP)  A senior adviser to Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign is joining Coinbases global advisory council, which already includes several former U.S. senators and President Donald Trumps ex-campaign manager, as the cryptocurrency exchange broadens its political reach.

David Plouffe, a top Democratic strategist best known as an architect of Barack Obamas successful 2008 presidential campaign, is the latest addition to the council, joining as the cryptocurrency industry plays an increasingly prominent role in shaping fast-moving legislation in Congress.

The bipartisan involvement reflects how both parties see crypto holders as an important and growing base of potential swing voters they are eager to tap, as well as their efforts to shape  and profit from  the lucrative industry. It also shows the political heft the crypto industry now carries under Trump, with several Democrats and Republicans joining the company's payroll.

The crypto industry was among the largest spenders in the 2024 election. A crypto super political action committee spent over $130 million in 2024 congressional races. Coinbase  the nation's largest crypto exchange  was the super PAC's biggest contributor.

The cryptocurrency industrys bets are already paying dividends. Congress is now moving quickly on industry-friendly legislation that would create a comprehensive framework for the regulation of digital assets amid a shift in Washington. Trump, a Republican, has pledged to make the U.S. the global capital of cryptocurrency, contrasting with what industry leaders viewed as a stifling regulatory approach under the previous Democratic administration.

Americans may soon be able to invest in crypto in their retirement accounts, after Trump's Labor Secretary repealed a Biden administration guidance that said crypto may not be appropriate for 401ks and IRAs. President Joe Biden's regulators had argued that extreme volatility of cryptocurrencies makes the asset class too risky for Americans trying to save long-term for retirement.

Regardless of how crypto has performed in the past, the ability for Americans to put their retirement funds  roughly $44 trillion in assets  into crypto will lead to billions of dollars in profits for the industry, if even a small portion of Americans put their assets into a cryptocurrency fund.

Trump and his family have also been aggressively expanding their personal business into almost every part of the cryptocurrency ecosystem, including raising billions of dollars to buy bitcoin, creating a new stablecoin and launching and promoting a Trump-themed meme coin.






NEED TO KNOW

The Fairfax County Police Department responded to an emergency call on June 6 and discovered a vehicle involved in a car crash

On June 7, the Prince William County Police Department was notified that Kyle Coleman, 19, was missing

A search was conducted after authorities linked together the car crash and the disappearance of Coleman, whose body was later found in a retention pond on June 10







Virginia authorities said the body of a college student who went missing following a car crash has been found, and investigators are now looking into the circumstances surrounding his death.

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The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) and the Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD) stated that the body of Kyle Coleman, 19, was found in a retention pond in Fairfax County on Tuesday, June 10.

According to the FCPD, officers and emergency crews responded to a 911 activation call from an iPhone at Galleria Drive and Tysons Boulevard on the evening of Friday, June 6. Upon their arrival, they found "an unoccupied 2019 blue Toyota Yaris in the tree line near the roadway."

Authorities said that, according to an investigation, the Yaris was heading westbound on Galleria Drive, crossed into the eastbound lanes, exited the roadway onto the grass and hit a tree. Witnesses at the scene reported that a person was seen fleeing from the vehicle and possibly left the scene in another vehicle soon after the crash.

Officers searched the vehicle and the surrounding area and did not locate any occupants involved in the crash or any evidence of foul play, said the FCPD. The Fire and Rescue Department utilized thermal imaging technology in the area for any involved persons, which yielded no results.

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Then on Saturday afternoon, the PWCPD received a missing persons report for Kyle Coleman. The following day, on June 8, the PWCPD elevated the case to critically endangered missing after the department received video footage of Coleman prior to the crash.

On Monday, after the PWCPD shared the missing persons bulletin, FCPD detectives linked the crash to Coleman, authorities said, with both police departments working together in the case. That same day, a search was conducted that went into Tuesday.

While conducting this search, our Underwater Search and Recovery Unit was able to eventually locate Coleman deceased, submerged in a nearby retention pond surrounded by thick brush, the FCPD said, per the release. Through the review of subsequent surveillance footage depicting Coleman leaving the crash scene, detectives were able to confirm that no one else was involved in the crash.

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According to NBC affiliate WRC and Washington, D.C. radio station WTOP, Coleman was a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta.

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He was a wonderful kid, like a joy. Really didn't give us any problems, Kyles mother, Cimmerian Coleman, told WRC about two hours before the body, at the time unidentified, was located. Just very well-liked, well-liked in the community, just very easy going. He was driven in terms of  with his leadership abilities, his academic abilities.

Alene Devereaux, a family friend, told WTOP that Coleman was friendly, vibrant and popular. He was a leader, Devereaux said. He was a leader both in school and in the community. He was sort of that total package. He was always a joy and a positive spirit to be around, and he remained that person till the very, very end.

Morehouse College issued a statement about Colemans death, writing in part: Our entire Morehouse family grieves this unimaginable loss.

The PWCPD said that the FCPD will lead the investigation into Colemans death. Meanwhile, the FCPD is asking for anyone with information about the incident to call 703-256-8035 or 1-866-411-TIPS.

Read the original article on People
Colombia's leftist President Gustavo Petro accused the United States and "right-wing extremists" on Wednesday of plotting to overthrow him as the country reeled from a wave of violence.

He echoed remarks by Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who has accused US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of leading a coup attempt against Petro in order to "fill all of Colombia with criminal gangs."

"A neighboring president is saying that Marco Rubio is plotting a coup against me," Petro told a rally in Cali, the country's third-largest city.

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The Colombian leader, who took office in August 2022, posted online earlier that "right-wing extremists in Colombia and the United States" were in regular contact to discuss ousting him.

He claimed a far-right "leader" had spoken to Rubio, without providing further details.

Colombia is in the throes of its biggest security crisis in a decade ahead of next year's presidential elections.

The Latin American country was rocked by a string of coordinated bomb and gun attacks on Tuesday that killed at least seven people in and around Cali.

The attacks came days after right-wing opposition Senator Miguel Uribe, a presidential candidate, was shot in the head while campaigning in the capital Bogota in a brazen assassination attempt that has put Colombia on edge.

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Rubio said in a scathing attack on Petro that the shooting was "the result of the violent leftist rhetoric coming from the highest levels of the Colombian government".

Colombia was until recently one of the United States' closest partners in Latin America.

But Petro's crossing swords with his US counterpart Donald Trump over issues such as deportation flights and trade with China has put relations on ice.

als/arm/cms/pbt
Kjersten served at the hospital for two years where he treated wounded American soldiers and saw many die. He says while he was initially "gung-ho" about the U.S. and South Vietnamese war efforts, he has since become "neutral." Asked why, he said it was after seeing the Ku Chi tunnels on this trip. These were some of the tunnels used by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong soldiers to hide and "pop up" to shoot at Americans.

There is a museum of sorts requiring paid admission so one can not only see the tunnels, but a propaganda film t hat shows the camouflaged traps. Kjersten said that, especially after touring the presidential palace, "it suddenly struck me that the goal of both sides was the unification of Vietnam." Yes, but for different reasons.

I saw an example of those different reasons at the presidential palace in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). A woman was leading about 20 children, all dressed in red, to a U.S. war plane that had been shot down and placed on display next to two North Vietnamese tanks. She appeared to be indoctrinating them in the government's version of the war and how the U.S. was the enemy.

There was a different scene a few miles up the road, competing for the hearts and minds of Vietnamese children. It was inside the Phan Thiet Evangelical Church where Vacation Bible School children were singing praises to G od. Freedom of religion is supposed to be guaranteed in the Vietnam Constitution, but it is limited mostly to those churches that register with the government.

According to Human Rights Watch: "Vietnam systematically suppresses basic civil and political rights. The government, under the dictatorial one-party rule of the Communist Party of Vietnam, severely restricts the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, movement, and religion."

In the major cities, Vietnam appears prosperous. Motorbikes swarm the streets like an invasion of locusts. Shops carry brands familiar to Americans (at much lower prices because so much is made here using cheap labor). But when one leaves the big cities, many streets are lined with dilapidated shops that appear empty with few or no customers. Trash defiles these streets and graffiti defaces some structures. I didn't see a lot of smiling faces in the week I spent here. As in the U.S., hotels here fly the flags of several nations, with one exception. Understandable.

Signs celebrate the unification of Vietnam. In April there was a large military parade in observance of the day.

Many things contributed to the fall of South Vietnam. These included declining support for the war at home, corruption in the South Vietnamese government, the lack of good military training for many South Vietnamese troops, lying by American officials about "body counts" and alleged "progress," along with the high motivation of North Vietnam to unify their country and expel Americans. A growing media opposition to the war added to the decline in morale among U.S. forces that remained in Vietnam until the end. A general cynicism set in, especially among the young, toward American institutions, politicians and the country, itself. Some returning veterans were spat upon.

Vietnam will continue to be debated for many more years by historians, Vietnam veterans who served honorably and relatives of the 59,000 Americans who died. It should have been a warning that American values can't be imposed on people who do not share them in sufficient numbers. Apparently, we have not fully learned that lesson.

North Vietnam won the war, but freedom for the Vietnamese people was a casualty.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Cal Thomas, America's most-syndicated columnist, is the author of 10 books.


YANGON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar police have seized over 5.7 million stimulant tablets in a series of operations targeting a major drug trafficking network, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) said on Thursday.

Acting on a tip-off, a joint anti-narcotic task force intercepted two vehicles near a checkpoint on the Pyay-Aunglan road on June 4. Police arrested four suspects and seized 500,000 stimulant tablets being transferred between vehicles, the report said.

Following the initial arrest, authorities searched a suspect's rented house in Pyay town of Bago region where they discovered an additional 4.29 million stimulant tablets, the report said.

Two more suspects were arrested in Mingaladon township, Yangon region, on June 7, with one million stimulant tablets found in their possession, the report said.

The suspects have been charged under the country's drug laws, and further investigations are ongoing, the report added. 
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP)  Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Wednesday bypassed legislative opposition and signed a decree summoning voters to the polls in August to decide changes to the countrys labor laws, including whether workdays should be limited to eight hours.

The decree fulfilled Petros threat to Congress to put his labor system overhaul before voters should senators not approve the 12-question referendum themselves. He issued the measure in a tense political climate following the Saturday shooting of opposition senator and presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay during a public event.

The referendum has become the crux of long-running tensions between the executive and legislative branches.

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After Congress rejected Petros labor reform twice, most recently in March, he sent lawmakers a 12-question referendum proposal on May 1 as Colombian law requires that the Senate rule on the advisability of referendums. The legislative body two weeks later voted 49-47 against the measure, prompting Petro to accuse lawmakers of fraud.

Petro, Colombias first leftist president, has accused Congress of working against the interest of workers and has asked them to demonstrate across the country.

The referendums questions include whether workers should receive double pay if they work during holidays; whether daytime workdays should end at 6 p.m.; and whether open-ended contracts should be offered to workers to prioritize job stability.

The disagreements between Petro and Congress date back to the start of his term in 2022, but they have heightened as he seeks to consolidate his legacy ahead of next years legislative and presidential elections.

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Uribe remained in critical condition Wednesday following his shooting in broad daylight Saturday during a political rally in the capital, Bogota. Authorities investigating the motive have not ruled out the possibility that it was a targeted attack on the opposition. They are also considering whether it was an attempt to destabilize the current government, or retaliation by illegal armed groups.

In anticipation of court challenges, Petro on Wednesday said his government will send the decree to Colombias Constitutional Court for review. At the same time, the Council of State is considering a lawsuit seeking to annul the Senates vote.
DENVER (KDVR)  Colorado joined several other states in requesting a temporary restraining order after President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard for the ICE protests in California.

On Wednesday, Attorney General Phil Weiser filed a court brief with 20 states saying that Trumps deployment of Californias National Guard without the governors consent is unlawful, unconstitutional, and undemocratic, and its requesting a temporary restraining order.

Crowds gather for immigrant rights protest at Colorado Capitol

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This comes after Trump activated more than 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines after continued protests in Los Angeles calling for an end to immigration enforcement raids. The court brief is asking for a temporary restraining order in support of Californias request for a court order blocking the presidents deployment of its National Guard.

Colorado joins states opposing military deployment

The brief claims the presidential memorandum, Department of Defense Security for the Protection of Department of Homeland Security Functions, which federalizes the National Guard, does not restrict it to California, and it gives presidential authority to deploy the National Guard in any state for 60 days

The brief also said Trump failed to issue the required orders through the California governor, and by deploying the National Guard, it has dramatically worsened the situation on the ground.

Several states also want to make sure the National Guard is available for safety issues like wildfires, floods and cybersecurity, instead of being deployed to California, the brief states.

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The brief said that throughout history, presidents have avoided the deployment of militia unless its absolutely necessary, and the Constitution enshrines a deliberate balance of state and federal military control.

It also states that the deployment threatens the First Amendment, and any violation of the law is usually handled by civil law enforcement, not the military.

Protests continue in California and across the country

Governors command the National Guard in their states and local law enforcement protects communities and keeps the peace. To federalize the National Guard in Los Angeles or anywhere else in the country, the president must have a legal reasonhe cant just make up an emergency out of thin air. President Trumps decision to deploy armed soldiers into the streets of our cities to engage in civil law enforcement violates our laws and Constitution and undermines the liberties we hold dear as Americans, said Weiser.

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The brief is led by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings.

Other state attorneys general joined, including Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont and Wisconsin. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly also joined.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Poncho Espino, an organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, speaks to the crowd during an anti-ICE protest at the Colorado Capitol on Tuesday. (Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline)

The threat that the Trump administration would illegally deploy military forces in Colorado to advance its authoritarian agenda has loomed over the state for months.

Now that the president has ordered troops into action against protests in California that local authorities insist were already under control, Colorado is increasingly at risk of similar federal incursions. But while the likelihood of such escalation has gone up, the state appears no better prepared to do anything to stop it.

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Trump administration officials, including the president, have openly said since before the November election they would deploy military units for domestic law enforcement purposes, including immigration enforcement and against protesters. They werent bluffing.

In recent days, the administration deployed active duty Marines and thousands of California National Guard troops, against the will of the states Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, in response to protests in Los Angeles. Protesters object to the escalating and cruel tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as part of a mass deportation program.

Though some violence and vandalism has accompanied the protests, local authorities say they were mostly peaceful and that they can handle the situation without the help of war-trained fighters. But President Donald Trump appeared eager to pounce on this pretext. He used L.A. as a test case for what happens when the federal government moves in and takes the authority away from the state, or away from local government, said Mayor Karen Bass.

That means Colorado is on notice.

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Trump during his campaign and in his second term in office often has singled out Colorado as a target for aggressive immigration enforcement. His administration has sued Colorado and Denver, alleging they have enacted unconstitutional sanctuary policies for immigrants, and ICE has conducted multiple raids and other operations in the state.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who is commander-in-chief of the Colorado National Guard, in some instances has said he would not condone National Guard troops, from Colorado or another state, being used for immigration enforcement. Last month he said he would have deep reservations about such a deployment, a statement that fell short of a refusal. This week a spokesperson for Polis told Newsline that the Governor has been clear that he would not support federal overreach to activate the National Guard outside of regular order.

But if his preparation for a possible showdown over military deployments in Colorado goes beyond statements, its not public. In contrast, at least one other Democratic governor, Bob Ferguson in Washington, met with his states National Guard commander to discuss the situation in L.A. and how leaders could respond to such abuses in their state.

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And Polis posture on immigration abounds in contradiction. The Democrat has aligned himself with aspects of Trumps mass deportation efforts. A state official this month alleged in a lawsuit that Polis improperly directed the state Labor Department to release the personal information of sponsors of unaccompanied immigrant children to ICE. Polis too often lets his inner MAGA show, and that leaves Colorado residents with little confidence hell effectively resist if Trump sics military forces against them.

A memo that Trump issued Saturday federalizing thousands of National Guard members and authorizing use of the regular military around ICE operations does not limit its scope to L.A., and it covers any violence and disorder that might threaten to continue.

ICE is preparing to escalate tactics, starting in five Democratically run locations  Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia and New York  MSNBC reported Tuesday. Newsom, in a defiant televised address Tuesday, warned, California may be first, but it clearly will not end here. Other states are next.

U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, a Democratic resident of Centennial, who represents a district that includes the ICE detention center in Aurora, sounded a similar warning this week.

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The Presidents order doesnt even mention California, and authorizes the use of ANY personnel, in ANY location, for ANY length of time, Crow wrote on social media. This is a dangerous slippery slope that should concern Americans everywhere.

Meanwhile, Republican state representative and Colorado governor candidate Scott Bottoms promises to deploy military units against fellow Coloradans if hes elected, and Trump sycophant U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Windsor has repeatedly cheered the domestic military deployments in California.

Opposition to ICE in Colorado is growing. On Tuesday, protesters clashed briefly with Denver police, who fired chemical munitions to clear a street and arrested 17 people. The presence of military units almost certainly would have exacerbated the conflict. And Coloradans have little assurance state leaders would do much to preclude a military presence in the first place.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Columbus has become a second home for thousands of refugees fleeing countries included in President Donald Trumps travel ban, many of whom now worry about family left behind.

It is painful to see doors close on those who have already faced so much, central Ohio refugee agency employee Dianna Russell said.

Russell is the director of institutional advancement, marketing and communications for central Ohio refugee resettlement agency Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services, a Columbus nonprofit that helps refugees and immigrants from more than 90 countries establish roots in central Ohio. According to state data, nearly 1,300 refugees moved to Columbus in 2024. More than 1,000 came from countries that are fully or partially banned indefinitely.

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More than 400,000 Ohioans see drivers license suspensions lifted

Effective June 9, Trump banned new arrivals from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Citizens of Burundi, Cuba, Loas, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela are severely limited.

People who were granted asylum or refugee status before the ban took effect are not included in the ban. Refugees and asylum seekers differ from immigrants, although they may share similar experiences depending on their situations. Refugees and asylum seekers ask for protection because of dangers in their home countries, and are approved to seek safety in the U.S. after lengthy federal background checks.

Russell said that although the restrictions do not suspend refugee resettlement, they could limit or stop reunification with family members still abroad.

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Clients who have worked hard to build a future in the United States now fear that loved ones will not be able to join them, Russell said. Others who had hoped to bring aging parents, spouses or children to safety may now face indefinite delays or denials.

How a small town revived into Ohios most loveable downtown

In 2024, Ohio accepted refugees from 11 of the 19 countries under full or partial bans, primarily from the Republic of the Congo and Afghanistan. In Columbus, refugees mostly came from Somalia (301 refugees arriving in 2024), Afghanistan (294) and the Republic of the Congo (246).

Trump provided reasons for banning entry from each country. Trump said Somalia is banned for not having appropriate screening measures and a lack of centralized control, Afghanistan is banned for the Talibans influence and the Republic of the Congo is banned for high rates of overstaying visas. Russell said the reasons for the travel bans are the same reasons many refugees came to the U.S. in the first place.

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The emotional toll is especially heavy for those with family members still in areas affected by violence, conflict or humanitarian crises, Russell said.

Columbus has the second-largest Somali population in the U.S., with an estimated 60,000 Somali immigrants. Most Somali-born Columbus residents are refugees, escaping a 30-year civil war compounded by natural disasters.

Somalia was also included in Trumps 2017 travel ban. At the time, Somali refugee Amina Ibrahim told NBC4 that her 5-year-old son was stuck in a refugee camp in Uganda, and the travel ban prevented him from reuniting with family members.

Protest against ICE raids held in Columbus

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Haitian immigrants are also included, just months after making headlines when Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance helped perpetuate rumors about Haitian residents in Springfield on the campaign trail. City, county and state officials have repeatedly said the claims were false and unfounded.

Columbus residents have been vocal in supporting immigrants and refugees, with hundreds rallying Tuesday night to oppose ICE raids. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginthers office said the city strongly opposes the travel ban, believing it targets individuals based on their country of origin or religion.

These policies do not reflect our values and undermine the strength that diversity brings to our communities, Ginthers office said. We remain committed to our values, to being a welcoming city and to protecting the well-being and safety of everyone who lives in our city.

Other elected officials disagree. Speaking to Fox News, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) said the ban will help protect Americans.

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These countries are basically failed nations, they have no ability to vet whos leaving their country, Moreno said. Were not going to put American citizens in jeopardy.

NBC4 asked Moreno, a Colombian immigrant, about these comments and about the bans effect on American-born Ohioans and the 5.3% of the state who were born abroad. Moreno did not respond to the inquiry.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Columbus Recreation and Parks Department kicked off its summer meal program to help children throughout the city get meals while on summer break.

The goal of the Go, Lunch! program is to continue offering free and nutritious meals to the children in the community. Wednesdays event was held at the Scioto Southland Community Center.

How a small town was revamped into Ohios most loveable downtown

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Meals are available at community centers or other locations around Columbus for youth ages 18 and younger.

We want to make sure that kids are enjoying what theyre eating and that its not just, Oh, this is just another something, right? Kyra Jones, administrative manager of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, said.

Columbus Recreation and Parks said more than 245,000 meals were served in the Columbus area last summer. Organizers want parents to know these resources will be available again this year.

We know that budgets are tight, right, so families are struggling to make sure they have all of their needs met, Jones said. We want to help bridge that gap, so bring your child out for breakfast, bring them out for lunch, its on us. Its free, no charge to the community, and all you have to do is call ahead to find out what times they are. Were here to support all of our families.

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Stonewall Columbus Pride guide: What to know for this weekends celebration

During Wednesdays event, children enjoyed lawn games and a special appearance by Munch the Fox, mascot for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

It brings a smile to my heart, Jones said. I hope that this program continues to flourish, I hope that we continue to grow. We would love to get even more communities. Were as far east as Reynoldsburg, wed love to get in more north side communities to make sure that we are supporting the entire, not just Columbus community, but Franklin County.

Applications are now open for any nonprofit organization that would like to become a part of the summer lunch program. To apply, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
FORD HEIGHTS, Ill. (WTVO)  ComEd has announced a one-time, $10 million Customer Relief Fund available to eligible Illinois residents and businesses to offset rising capacity charges.

On June 1st, ComEd is raising the capacity charge, the cost paid for companies to store extra energy in case of a spike in demand.

According to ComEd, Energy prices are driven by supply and demand. Large power generators sell this electricity supply to ComEd and we pass this cost directly to you. Because of factors like extreme weather, spikes from high energy users like data centers, and other factors, demand is outpacing supply, so costs are getting more expensive. Due to these factors, starting in June 2025, the Capacity Charge will increase for all ComEd customers.

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Capacity prices are extra payments consumers pay power plant operators to have enough reserve electricity available in the event of a sudden spike in demand.

The Citizens Utility Board estimated each households bill would go up approximately $10 a month.

However, CUB explained that ComEd will not profit from the price increase, since the cost is passed along to the utility via PJM Interconnect. Utility companies are required to pass supply costs onto consumers.

The Customer Relief Fund will become open to applications starting July 7th.

To lessen the impact of the supply price increase, ComEd recommends practicing energy efficiency at home, considering a community solar deal to help ease costs, or installing solar panels.

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When a 21-year-old former student opened fire inside his school in Austrias second-biggest city earlier this week, killing 10 people, it didn't take long for the Alpine country's press council to call on journalists to show restraint when reporting about the victims and their families.

The appeal essentially reminded journalists covering the school shooting  the deadliest attack in Austrias post-war history -- to refrain from publishing names and other details about the victims.

Police also didn't release any details about the victims other than their age, gender and nationality, in line with the country's strict privacy rules.

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Austria's press council aims to uphold ethic standards during violent news events

The press council, a voluntary self-regulatory body for Austrian media that aims to uphold ethical principles and standards of journalism, argues that journalistic restraint is needed during breaking news about attacks because the publication of the victims' personal details or pictures could cause additional trauma for the families.

You should always think twice and three times about whether this could also be a burden," Alexander Warzilek, the managing director of the Austrian Press Council, told the Austria Press Agency, even as he acknowledged that there is a great need for information.

The Austrian Press Council also reminded reporters to adhere to its media code which specifically states that in the case of children, the protection of privacy must take precedence over news value.

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Protection of victims and news consumers trumps media ratings

In addition to protecting those affected by the tragedy, there's also concern about those who consume news about horrific events, especially children, says Claudia Paganini, an expert of media ethics at Austria's University of Innsbruck.

In the school shooting Tuesday morning at the BORG Dreierschutzengasse high school in Graz, nine students were killed  six girls and three boys aged between 14 and 17  as well as a teacher, police said. Another 11 people were wounded  some of them also minors. The attacker killed himself in a bathroom of his former school.

Paganini said consuming news about violent attacks can cause trauma and emotional overload for individuals as well as the brutalization of society in the long run.

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As opposed to the United States, where news are seen as a product and reporters are pushed to get all the details in order to raise the visibility of their news organization, journalism in northern Europe is seen as a service to society and to democracy that comes along with a lot of responsibility, Paganini said.

In the U.S., reporting on victims is a way to put a face on the tragedy

In the United States, where news organizations have more experience dealing with mass shootings, reporting on victims is fairly standard and becomes an important vehicle to put a human face on the tragedy, said Josh Hoffner, director of U.S. news for The Associated Press.

Many families are open to having those stories out there to celebrate the legacies of their loved ones and call attention to the failures that lead to shootings, he said.

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Some news organizations make it a point to minimize the names of the alleged perpetrator of such crimes. There have been public campaigns to encourage journalists to focus on victims, survivors and heroes instead of the people who commit the crimes, said Amanda Crawford, a journalism professor at the University of Connecticut who is writing a book on media coverage of mass shootings.

Whenever there is a mass shooting, a team at CNN is assigned right away to learn as much about the victims as possible, said Matthew Hilk, senior vice president for national news at CNN. They are important voices that help viewers understand the gravity of the situation, he said. Often, survivors and their families also become active politically in lobbying for gun control legislation or other measures to curb these crimes.

We always approach victims and survivors, and people connected to victims and survivors, with extreme sensitivity and certainly never push anyone to discuss anything they dont want to discuss, Hilk said.

Reporters who break the press code are shunned by their colleagues

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Of course, not all reporters in Austria and elsewhere in Europe abide by the voluntary press code to stay away from victims. Those who break the code  especially those from tabloid newspapers  are often shunned by media colleagues.

There's even a German term to describe reporters who ruthlessly try to interview those affected by tragedy. It's called Witwenschutteln, or shaking widows, which in journalistic jargon means pressurizing the families of victims until they give up quotes.

Germany and Sweden also expect ethical responsibility from journalists

The call for responsible reporting in the face of tragedy and the plea to withhold information that may interest readers isn't unique to Austria.

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Publishing intimate information about victims is also considered unethical in neighboring Germany.

When a German co-pilot intentionally crashed a plane flying from Barcelona to Dusseldorf into the Alps ten years ago, killing all 150 people on board, the German Press Council received 430 complaints by readers and viewers who criticized the fact that the victims and their families rights to anonymity had been violated.

The press council reprimanded several media outlets based on the complaints. That usually means that the reprimand must be published in the publication concerned.

When 10 people were killed at an adult education center in Orebro in Sweden in February, in what is considered the Scandinavian country's worst mass shooting, the country's Professional Ethics Committee of the Union of Journalists, or YEN, specifically called out a reporter at Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet for interviewing a relative of the perpetrator after receiving several complaints about that report.

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The right to anonymity also applies to attackers

The right to anonymity also applies to the perpetrator in Austria as well as Germany and Sweden.

When asked at a press conference Thursday why police did not publish a picture or release the name of the 21-year-old Austrian perpetrator from Graz who committed suicide right after his shooting rampage, the head of the Styrian State Office of Criminal Investigation, Michael Lohnegger replied that we are not allowed to.

He added that if we publish photographs, it is for search purposes. There is no reason for a manhunt here. Therefore, as an investigating authority, we have no basis for publishing personal data or photographs."

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Lessons learned from the Nazi past

In addition to the belief that the protection of those affected by a tragedy should be more important than the right to information, Paganini said there's also a historical reason for shying away from any abuse of journalistic powers.

Especially Germans and Austrians still remember how irresponsibility and propaganda by the media during the Nazi times led to the brutalization of civil society, she said.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The City of Odessa is launching a new app called SeeClickFix, where Odessans will now be able to report potholes, animal attacks, illegal dumping, and much more. All you have to do is take a picture of the problem, write a short description, and send it to them.

It assigns you a ticket number. You could follow that wherever it goes, Craig Stoker at-large said. So, if it comes in and it needs to go to solid waste trash needs to be picked up. You are going to be able to follow that ticket. You will see that it went to solid waste. You are going to see that they sent out a truck. You are going to see that it got picked up.

There will be multiple types of issues that people can report and let the city know of. Stoker said they would try to fix the problems as soon as possible.

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I want to be able to use this tool as both the recording tool and the accountability tool, Stoker said. Why did it take X amount of time to get this done hey you great job you got that done in an hour and a half.

The City of Midland has been using the app for quite some time and said its been a success.

Looking at Midland. Looking at the way they SeeClickFix. Looking at the way they use their back end of reporting to make their departments better, to improve their customer service, Stoker said. Those are the things that Ive been watching and learning from and really wanting to use over here.

Those who dont want to download the app can still go to the Citys website or call them. You can talk to the new Chatbot where you can ask any questions or it will direct you to where you need to go.

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Both Android users and Apple users can download the app. Also, city officials are hoping to have the app launched by the end of the month. We will keep you updated.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
When President Donald Trump met Syrias new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, for the first time last month, he came away impressed with the mans vision, stamina and looks. Young, attractive guy, tough guy, Trump told reporters after the session. Strong past, very strong past.  Hes got a real shot at holding it together.

Trump followed up the compliments with a policy change that reverberated throughout the Middle East: a suspension of the U.S. sanctions regime on Syria, which the White House argued was a necessary prerequisite to giving the country a chance to turn the page from more than a half-century of Assad family dictatorship.

The United States, however, continues to have certain expectations for the new, evolving Syrian government. Washingtons asks boil down to three items: combating the Islamic State militant group, consolidating its authority to prevent chaos, and respecting the rights of ethnic and sectarian minorities in the country, some of whom, like the Kurds in Eastern Syria, have been long-standing U.S. partners.

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The Trump administration also expects al-Sharaa to clamp down on Palestinian militant groups that have traditionally used Syrian soil as a base of operations, and Trump eventually wants Damascus to join the Abraham Accords, which would normalize relations between Israel and Syria.

The results thus far have been mixed, depending on the issue. But in the Middle East, a mixed verdict is often the best that one can hope for.

On combating Islamic State, the new Syrian government has met expectations so far. This wasnt inevitable when al-Sharaa ascended to power in December. His history sowed doubt among many U.S. national security officials about what could be accomplished on the counterterrorism front.

Twenty years ago, al-Sharaa was fighting with al-Qaida in Iraq and spent time as a prisoner under U.S. military custody. When Syria erupted into civil war in 2011, he traveled to the country and established an al-Qaida affiliate there, leading Washington to place a big bounty on his head.

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Yet al-Sharaa eventually struck out on his own. He distanced his group from Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Islamic States first so-called emir, ditched the al-Qaida name and turned his organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, into one seeking to liberate Syria, not conduct global jihad.

While HTS was still an extremely conservative outfit, al-Sharaa sought to transform it into a de facto government-in-waiting, and for the most part, it worked  HTS ruled over most of Idlib province in northwestern Syria for the duration of Syrias civil war.

Ever since he routed Assads forces, al-Sharaa has sought to moderate himself further. The former al-Qaida prisoner has spent the last six months ditching his fatigues for Western-style suits and ingratiating himself with the likes of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, deep-pocketed countries that could prove extremely useful for the new but cash-strapped Syrian government.

Al-Sharaa also has made it a point to burnish his credentials in the West, betting that promises to protect Syrias diverse communities, institute a market economy and unite the nation after nearly 14 years of war would convince Washington, Paris and London to explore a new relationship.

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The United States and many of its allies in Europe have taken al-Sharaa up on the offer. U.S. officials view the new Syrian administration as an opportunity to not only wipe the slate clean on decades of adversarial ties with Damascus but to also dilute the influence of Iran and Russia, its historic backers.

Syria under Assad used to be one of Tehrans most important pieces on the Middle East chessboard, a country that provided Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps with a way station to send weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon. With Assad out and al-Sharaa in, Syria is no longer an Iranian proxy. The further the new Syrian authorities ostracize Iran, the more support it will likely receive from the Americans.

Of course, its not all sunshine and roses for Syria. While Washington is guardedly optimistic about the HTS-led administrations commitment to keeping a boot on Islamic States neck  if only because its in al-Sharaas own interest to do so  it remains unclear whether the countrys multiple ethnic and sectarian communities can be reconciled.

The long civil war produced an overwhelming sense of mistrust, fear and animosity between Sunnis and Alawites, who compose approximately 10% of Syrias population but held many of the senior military, political and intelligence posts under the former regime.

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In one especially brutal atrocity last March, hard-line jihadists supposedly outside the Syrian governments control rampaged through Alawite villages along Syrias Mediterranean coast, killing hundreds of civilians, in retaliation for Assad loyalists attacking Syrian army positions. The attack lasted for days and put a bright spotlight on al-Sharaa and his ability to actually implement the promises of peace and inclusion he has made since stepping into the presidential palace.

Can Syria emerge from the ashes? Its a loaded question with no definitive answer at this point in time.

The United States, though, needs to restrain itself from the urge of becoming too overinvolved in the countrys political development. Time and again, Washington has allowed hubris to guide its actions, lecturing others about how to structure their politics and pretending it has all the answers. Most of the time, our ambitions outweigh our capacity to fulfill them. At worst, we create new problems and burdens on the states we purportedly wish to help.

So as the Trump administration continues to monitor Syrias evolution, it must take care to distinguish the necessary from the ideal. A democratic utopia in the heart of the Middle East is the ideal; a government willing and able to keep Islamic State in check is the prize.

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Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

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Anyone looking to drench themselves in the 1950s nostalgia currently favored by the religious right in America should consider watching Leave It to Beaver stoned. Which is what I did with an old friend in the 1980s while attending graduate school at the University of California-Berkeley.

Nostalgia for the 50s  that land beyond time where Catholic traditionalists such as Notre Dame political theorist and post-liberal prophet Patrick Deneen dwell  idealizes imaginary communities of yore such as Mayfield, the setting for Leave it to Beaver, where the values of faith, family, friends and flag all flourished.

According to this narrative, late-stage liberalism and the globalization of markets, with their characteristic rootlessness, dissolve this communal existence.

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When I was at Berkeley in the 1980s, a large number of my childhood friends from Princeton, New Jersey, somehow found their way to the Bay Area. One afternoon, one of my Princeton buddies was house-sitting for an uncle in a Bay Area suburb. The uncle, whom Ill call Uncle Jim, had been my Cub Scout pack leader in Princeton when I was in elementary school.

One sun-drenched afternoon, my friend and I settled into a couch, he rolled some joints and we flipped the TV to Leave It to Beaver reruns. The series, on the air from 1957 and 1963, is a resonant symbol of 50s nostalgia, one to which conservative Catholics have returned as a template for modeling natural law.

To Catholics who moved to the suburbs in the 50s and 60s, Leave It to Beaver was a medieval morality play, as Jerry Mathers, the Catholic actor who played young protagonist Theodore Beaver Cleaver, put it. The show was a guide for young souls more tethered to television than to the suburban church.

Michael De Sapio, writing in the online journal The Imaginative Conservative in 2017, states that, according to Mather, Beaver Cleaver repeatedly succumbed to temptation, suffered the consequences, and was guided back on the path of virtue. In other words, these archetypal storylines and characters represent a moral imagination that elevates us to first principles as it guides us upwards towards virtue and wisdom and redemption, in the words of American philosopher Russell Kirk.

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De Sapio continues: The emphasis on decorum and good manners in the Cleaver family conveyed a vision of the good, true and beautiful.

Mathers shared that the casting directors for the show selected him to play Beaver when they asked where he would prefer to be after they noticed he was uneasy at the audition. His guileless reply: his Cub Scouts den meeting. Notably, the mission of the Scouts is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Which returns us to Uncle Jim, my former Cub Scouts leader. He was an electrical engineer who ended his first marriage and moved to California in the 1970s, where he married a woman several decades younger and shed the trappings of his formerly decorous identity.

Leave It to Beaver mirrored and shaped the aspirations of millions of Catholics moving to the suburbs after World War II, and it has lingered as an idealized  and exclusive  depiction of the American Dream. The only nonwhite characters to appear in the shows 234 episodes were a Black man exiting a dairy truck in the episode Eddie, the Businessman (1962) and a Black actress who plays a maid in the 1963 episode The Parking Attendants.

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Within months of its final episode in June 1963  following the March on Washington, D.C., in August led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the November assassination of President John F. Kennedy  Leave It to Beaver had become a charming artifact of mid-century optimism, more a product of nostalgia and romantic imagination than a realistic model for Americas future.

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Peter H. Schwartz writes at the broad intersection of philosophy, politics, history and religion. He publishes the Wikid World newsletter on Substack.

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China's State Council Information Office (SCIO) holds a press conference about Opinions on Further Advancing Shenzhen's Comprehensive Pilot Reforms to Deepen Reform and Innovation and Expand Opening-Up in Beijing, capital of China, June 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, a reform pioneer, is poised to take bold new steps as the country recently announced a policy package aimed at deepening the city's leading role in reform, innovation and opening up.

A set of guidelines released Tuesday by the central authorities highlighted a new batch of measures for Shenzhen to break institutional barriers in education, science and talent development; strengthen the integration of innovation, industrial, capital, and talent chains; and explore new cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Shenzhen, a vibrant city in Guangdong Province, is encouraged to pioneer the development of a modernized, globally oriented, and innovation-driven city, according to the official document.

REFORM VANGUARD

In 2020, which marks the 40th anniversary of the special economic zone of Shenzhen, China launched a comprehensive reform pilot in the city, reinforcing its pivotal role in the country's broader reform and opening-up agenda.

Shenzhen has made substantial progress over the past nearly five years, Li Chunlin, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a press briefing on Thursday, noting that key breakthroughs have been achieved in vital areas, with a series of influential reform outcomes.

The city maintained a vibrant annual GDP growth rate of 5.5 percent from 2020 to 2024, and made valuable explorations in reform, said Qin Weizhong, Mayor of Shenzhen.

Among the pioneering initiatives were a cross-border fund pool that enables multinationals to streamline financial operations, intellectual property (IP) backed securities to support tech startups, industry-leading standards in areas from data to e-commerce, and groundbreaking regulations in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and intelligent connected vehicles.

The newly released policy package is an upgraded version of the 2020 reform plan, reiterating China's unwavering commitment to deepening reform and opening up, Li said.

Key measures include joint university-enterprise programs to nurture skilled tech talent, access for Hong Kong-listed firms to go public in Shenzhen, international trade innovations like electronic documents, and the use of digital renminbi in more scenarios.

These pioneering reforms are designed to lead by example and will have significant demonstration effects, Li said.

INNOVATION HUB

Speaking at the press conference, Miao Hong, deputy secretary-general of the Ministry of Science and Technology, vowed to support Shenzhen in building the GBA into a global technological innovation center and strengthening innovation capabilities.

Qin emphasized the city's focus on new quality productive forces, particularly in strategic sectors like AI and the low-altitude economy.

Shenzhen aims to make breakthroughs in core technologies, explore AI-assisted medical devices and low-altitude airspace management, and cultivate more high-growth, globally competitive enterprises, according to the mayor.

The city has nurtured over 2,600 major AI enterprises and enacted China's first local legislation on the low-altitude economy, launching nearly 300 drone routes with over 1.7 million cargo flights.

The innovation ecosystem is thriving, with R&D input accounting for 6.46 percent of Shenzhen's GDP in 2023. Home to over 25,000 national high-tech enterprises, the city has led the country in patent authorizations for seven consecutive years, with 241,900 patents granted in 2024.

"Shenzhen has the foundation, conditions and capability to lead in building a comprehensive innovation system," said Zhang Hu, executive vice governor of Guangdong Province, noting that the well-timed new policy will inject powerful momentum into Shenzhen's sci-tech structural reform. 
Concern about a small but persistent air leak in a Russian compartment of the International Space Station has prompted NASA and Axiom Space to indefinitely delay this week's launch of a commercial flight to the orbiting outpost, officials said Thursday.

The privately-financed Axiom-4 crew  commander Peggy Whitson, Indian pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, Polish researcher Sawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Hungarian engineer Tibor Kapu  originally planned to take off Tuesday.

The International Space Station as seen during a fly-around by Russian cosmonauts aboard a Soyuz spacecraft. The Zvezda service module is visible at bottom center where the station's aft docking port is located. / Credit: Roscosmos

But the flight was delayed to the end of the week, first by high winds in the off-shore emergency splashdown zone and then by an oxygen leak in their Falcon 9 rocket's first stage. SpaceX tentatively targeted Thursday and then Friday for launch, with Saturday and Sunday available if needed.

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But during SpaceX troubleshooting to find and fix the rocket's propellant leak, NASA engineers decided they needed more time to assess recent efforts to plug an air leak aboard the International Space Station in a Russian vestibule known as the PrK. The PrK serves as a passageway between the station's Zvezda module and spacecraft docked at its aft port.

"Teams met today and we will not be launching Axiom-4 tomorrow," flight controllers in Houston radioed the ISS. "We are assessing a new launch date. This is due to the ongoing PrK investigation. So I don't have a new launch date right now, but we will not be launching tomorrow and docking Saturday."

An interior vestibule in the Zvezda service module, seen here in a closeup shot, provides access to the rear docking port where Progress cargo ships attach. Zvezda was launched to the space station in July 2000 and a small-but-persistent air leak in the vestibule, first noticed in 2019, has raised concern about the integrity of the aging hardware. / Credit: Roscosmos

In a blog post, NASA said cosmonauts aboard the station "recently performed inspections of the pressurized module's interior surfaces, sealed some additional areas of interest, and measured the current leak rate. Following this effort, the segment now is holding pressure."

The post went on to say the Axiom-4 delay will provide "additional time for NASA and (the Russian space agency) Roscosmos to evaluate the situation and determine whether any additional troubleshooting is necessary."

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Launched in July 2000 atop a Russian Proton rocket, Zvezda was the third module to join the growing space station, providing a command center for Russian cosmonauts, crew quarters, the aft docking port and two additional ports now occupied by airlock and research modules.

The leakage was first noticed in 2019, and has been openly discussed ever since by NASA during periodic reviews and space station news briefings. The leak rate has varied, but has stayed in the neighborhood of around 1-to-2 pounds per day.

"The station is not young," astronaut Mike Barratt said last November during a post flight news conference. "It's been up there for quite a while, and you expect some wear and tear, and we're seeing that in the form of some cracks that have formed."

The Russians have made a variety of attempts to patch a suspect crack and other possible sources of leakage, but air has continued to escape into space.

This NASA graphic shows the current status of the International Space Station's docking ports. The PrK compartment is a passageway from the Russian Zvezda module and spacecraft docked at the module's aft port. / Credit: CBS News/NASA

In November, Bob Cabana, a former astronaut and NASA manager who chaired the agency's ISS Advisory Committee, said U.S. and Russian engineers "don't have a common understanding of what the likely root cause is, or the severity of the consequences of these leaks."

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"The Russian position is that the most probable cause of the PrK cracks is high cyclic fatigue caused by micro vibrations," Cabana said. "NASA believes the PrK cracks are likely multi-causal including pressure and mechanical stress, residual stress, material properties and environmental exposures.

"The Russians believe that continued operations are safe, but they can't prove to our satisfaction that they are, and the US believes that it's not safe, but we can't prove that to the Russian satisfaction that that's the case."

As an interim step, the hatch leading to the PrK and the station's aft docking compartment is closed during daily operations and only opened when the Russians need to unload a visiting Progress cargo ship.

And as an added precaution on NASA's part, whenever the hatch to the PrK and docking compartment is open, a hatch between the Russian and U.S. segments of the station is closed.

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"We've taken a very conservative approach to close a hatch between the US side and the Russian side during those time periods," Barratt said. "It's not a comfortable thing, but it is the best agreement between all the smart people on both sides. And it's something that we crew live with and enact."

Cabana said last year that the Russians do not believe "catastrophic disintegration of the PrK is realistic (but) NASA has expressed concerns about the structural integrity of the PrK and the possibility of a catastrophic failure."

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JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson (R-Miss.) announced he will run for governor.

In a post on his Facebook page, Gipson said, Mississippi knows Andy Gipson wont back down from our conservative principles, because when it comes to getting things done, Andy Gipson is Mississippis proven conservative leader.

EPA aims to boost collaboration with Mississippi farmers

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While he touted accomplishments in the post, Gipsons campaign will focus on farmers rights, Second Amendment rights and standing against tax increases.

As we look to the future theres no doubt Andy Gipson is Mississippis Proven Conservative Leader, and Mississippis best choice for Governor in 2027. You are invited to join us in this exciting fight for the conservative cause and the Future of Mississippi! the post stated.

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COFFEYVILLE, Kans.  Coffeyville City Commissioner Don Edwardss social media comment about little girls and one of their body parts, sparked a firestorm, prompting the commissioner to resign.

City leaders confirmed that Edwards resigned by a 4-0 vote during Tuesday nights meeting.

Click here to view the June 10 Coffeyville city meeting

Edwards did not attend the meeting. The commissioners appointed former commissioner Pam Jones to fill the position until January.

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A telephone call to Coffeyville City Attorney Paul Kritz to obtain a copy of the Edwards resignation letter was not returned.

Coffeyville Mayor Deborah Maples released a statement on social media about Edwards remarks.

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BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  A memorial service will take place for all the fallen law enforcement members of Blair County.

The community is invited to the service, which will take place at the memorial site, located in front of the Blair County Courthouse. It will happen rain or shine on Thursday, June 19, beginning at 6 p.m.

We would like to invite everyone to attend this very honorable service and show your support and respect to the fallen officers, Blair County Sheriff James Ott said in a release.

Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices.

Blair County law enforcement has a memorial service yearly to honor the officers who gave their lives to protect the citizens of Pennsylvania, which includes fallen officers from Blair County.

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Police in Fairfax County, Va. are investigating how Morehouse College student Kyle Coleman ended up dead inside a pond outside of Washington, D.C.

The whole campus and the whole [Atlanta University Center] is impacted by this, Morehouse College staff member Angelo Pierre told Channel 2s Audrey Washington.

His spirit was one of warmth... He was a phenomenal young man and was just a joy, family friend Alene Devereaux said at a vigil in Virginia.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Police said Coleman crashed his blue Toyota into a tree last week.

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Witnesses told police they saw the driver of the car walk away from the crash scene.

When police arrived, they said they found Colemans car still running with his cellphone inside.

The 19-year-old, last seen wearing a Morehouse College jacket and black pants, was reported missing by his family.

After days of searching, police dive teams found Colemans body this week.

Its unfortunate to be so young and to have that kind of future and potential ahead of you, see it kind of taken away by a mystery, Pierre said.

Police believe Coleman may have suffered a medical emergency while behind the wheel of his car.

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How the Morehouse College business administration major ended up in the pond is still under investigation.

I think we owe the City of Atlanta an answer. Any other city and you have a death like this, we have to know whats going on, said Pierre.

Morehouse College has grief counselors on hand for students and staff.

In a statement, Morehouse College wrote in part:

It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news that Kyle Coleman 28, a rising sophomore majoring in business administration with a finance concentration from Gainesville, Virginia, has passed awayOur entire Morehouse family grieves this unimaginable loss.

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WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  Community members are learning more about the Wichita Falls Independent School Districts plan to turn around Hirschi Middle School.

On Wednesday, June 11, Third Future Schools Superintendent Zach Craddock spoke with community members and faculty about their operations.

Some parents questioned how the curriculum would be taught, how discipline would be handled, and more.

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Hirschi, which absorbed most of the students from Kirby Middle School, has been below state standards for eight years.

The Board of Trustees anticipates another failing year for the 2024 school year.

Craddock said he hopes Wednesdays town hall will stir people into backing the districts decision to select the operating partner.

We believe that we would like to have this partnership, and we believe we can help the district transform Hirschi Middle School, Craddock said. So were looking forward to the opportunity.. Its just really focusing on great instructional practices and holding everybody accountable.

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Craddock said they will have a couple more town halls before the school year.

If they are selected as the operating partner, the school year for Hirschi will start on August 4. Hirschis school year will last a little over 180 days.

The Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing regarding their Hirschi turnaround plan. Its happening at the Education Center on Monday, June 16, at 5 p.m..

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The Sioux Falls One Stop houses offices for several state departments, including Health, Social Services and Revenue. It hosted a hearing for proposed Medicaid expansion work requirements on June 12, 2025. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

More than a dozen people raised concerns and questions about unintentionally separating patients from their health care and other aspects of South Dakotas proposed Medicaid expansion work requirements during the plans final public hearing Thursday in Sioux Falls.

Dana Bacon, state government affairs director at The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, told the state Department of Social Services his organization has pretty big concerns due to the technical problems, costs and unintended loss of coverage that people encountered during attempted work requirements in other states.

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Thats going to make individuals, families, systems and communities pay a price for the outcomes, Bacon said. We have a good sense of where this waiver is going, but we still see these problems getting in the way of the stated goal of making sure people get the health care they need.

How to submit written comments

Written comments about South Dakotas Medicaid expansion work requirements proposal may be submitted by June 18 via email to MedicaidSPA@state.sd.us with the subject line SDCareerLink Public Comment, or mailed to the Division of Medical Services, Department of Social Services, 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501-2291.

Other people questioned the need to implement work requirements and expressed concern about a potentially disproportionate impact on tribal members, as well as the potential barrier the plan could create to health care for sick, homeless and older people.

Medicaid is government-funded health insurance for people with low incomes. South Dakotans voted in 2022 to expand Medicaid to adults with incomes up to 138% of the poverty level, a decision that allowed the state to capitalize on a 90% federal funding match  funding that could be in jeopardy, pending the outcome of congressional action. Last year, voters passed another constitutional amendment to let the state seek approval from the federal government to impose work requirements on expansion enrollees.

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The state began drafting its proposal immediately following the end of the state legislative session in March, before debates about potential federally imposed work requirements heated up at the congressional level. Those debates are ongoing.

The department only heard from one person at its first hearing in May. The state is also accepting written comments through Wednesday, which will be included in the states application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services later this summer.

South Dakotas plan would require adult Medicaid recipients to work, train, attend school or serve as a caretaker for a child or elderly or disabled person in their home unless they qualify for an exception. Compliance with the state-level work rules would be reviewed on an annual basis, at the time of Medicaid renewal, rather than at the time of application. The state would not require a set number of hours of work or education time.

South Dakota would allow exceptions for people who are:

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Pregnant or up to 12 months postpartum.

Disabled, as determined by the Social Security Administration.

Diagnosed with cancer or another serious or terminal medical condition by a physician.

In an intensive behavioral health treatment program, hospitalized or living in a nursing home.

In an area with unemployment 20% or more above the national average and are exempt from Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents.

As of last month, 30,542 South Dakotans were covered by the Medicaid expansion. The state estimates 80% of them already work or qualify for an exception. The proposed state-level work requirement would reduce enrollment by an estimated 5-10% in the first year. That would save the Medicaid program between $48.9 million and $71 million in the first year, the department says.

Department officials explained that expansion enrollees would be sent three notices before being removed from Medicaid rolls. People could reapply later if they dont meet work requirements at their renewal time.

Heather Petermann, Medicaid director at the department, said people who are seeking treatment for substance use disorder or other mental health disorders outside of intensive treatment programs could obtain an exemption if their physician or health care provider provided documentation that they cant work because of their condition.

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Department Secretary Matt Althoff said the states proposal is meant to be administratively simple and to encourage work among Medicaid recipients rather than track hours.

We are helping them, we believe, not only by providing a safety net, but a lift up. Isnt it true that personal industry is the antidote to poverty? Althoff said. The more that we can do to discover fulfillment through serving others, the more that we can do to garner an income that we earn, the higher likelihood we will be able to escape the clutches of poverty.

Other suggestions made during public comment during the hearing included:

Adding volunteer or community service time as an exemption, to benefit older adults who cant find employment because of their age.

Exempting Indian Health Service beneficiaries, since they are eligible for Medicaid coverage at the federal level even if they do not meet other Medicaid requirements, such as income limits.

Allowing more flexibility to exempt caregivers of older adults who dont share the same residence.

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About 20 residents gathered at the Puyallup City Council meeting on June 10 to protest new amendments the city added to its proposed comprehensive plan.

The proposed comprehensive plan  which will be in effect until 2044  includes updated language about equity, tribal history, climate change, housing and more.

During the public comment period of the meeting, 11 residents spoke out against the changes, saying the changes will make Puyallup a less welcoming place and put the city at odds with state law.

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I urge the council to think about the inclusive future the community is working towards, said Heather Schiller, a resident and former member of the citys planning commission. The decisions we make today will define this city for years to come.

The two-hour meeting included impassioned speeches from council members, boos and applause from the crowd, and an unplanned executive session to go over the legality of the amendments.

In the end, the Puyallup City Council voted 4-3 to pass a first reading of the comprehensive plan. Mayor Jim Kastama, Deputy Mayor Dennis King, and council members Dean Johnson and Renne Gilliam voted for it. Council members Ned Witting, Julie Door, and Lauren Adler voted against it.

The council will conduct a second reading on the plan at one of its upcoming meetings for a final vote. After council approves it, the city will send the plan to the Puget Sound Regional Council and the Washington State Department of Commerce for review.

What is a comprehensive plan and what are the amendments?

Puyallups comprehensive plan includes the citys vision and plan over the next 20 years. Cities are required to have a comprehensive plan under Washingtons Growth Management Act.

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[The plan] includes policy direction for community development, housing, economic development, environmentally sensitive areas, public services, annexation, and related issues, the citys website says.

Katie Baker, planning manager for the City of Puyallup, told The News Tribune that comprehensive plans are reviewed every 10 years, but the policies are drafted with the intent of being in effect for 20 years. The citys last major update to its comprehensive plan was in 2015.

In the draft comprehensive plan, council members have worked on changing language throughout the plan and introducing new elements.

The changes that got the most attention from residents who spoke against it at the meeting included:

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Replacing the word equity with equality in many sections, a language change that is at the heart of a national debate.

Removing a policy that requires the city to analyze climate change impacts while building new structures

Language that would require the city to follow federal executive orders, even if they clash with state law.

Changing a paragraph in the housing section of the plan that lists race as a barrier to housing equity. The sentence currently says Provisions to begin rectifying past and current disparate impacts to communities of color and other marginalized populations. The amendments would change this to provisions to identify and address displacement risks and disproportionate impacts to vulnerable populations.

Changing a paragraph about the citys history with the Puyallup Tribe. The change removes language implying the tribe was forced to leave its land.

The citys website says Kastama and Witting came up with the amendment that would remove the climate change requirement while building new structures. The rest of the changes were proposed by Kastama alone.

Puyallup deserves better, my children deserve better

There were about 20 or 30 people in attendance at the city council meeting. During the public comment period, 11 people spoke  all of them opposed to the changes.

Joe Columbo was the first resident to speak. He said he was concerned because of the new policy that would de-center climate change.

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In 2020, the air was so thick with wildfire smoke, the sun was orange, Columbo said. You could taste the soot in the air. We were told not to go outside unless it was absolutely necessary.

Columbo said he wants to see climate change be a factor in building new housing.

Housing can be a big source of pollution from building materials, fossil fuels, to energy-intensive heating and cooling for buildings, Columbo said. We must make new homes sustainable with housing climate solutions if we want to preserve the city for our children, grandchildren.

Kathleen McLeod, another resident, opposed the change from equity to equality. She told the council that when the Equal Opportunity Act passed, it allowed her to become one of the first 10 women to ever deliver mail in the City of Seattle.

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With DEI  diversity, equity and inclusion  we have to have a law that allows [equal opportunity] and the only thing that would stop it is chaos and confusion caused by messing with it, McLeod said.

Nancy Shattuck, another resident, said she is part of a bicultural and bilingual family  and that her family does not feel represented under the drafted comprehensive plan.

Equity is about repair, it is about removing those barriers and redistributing power and resources, Shattuck said. Puyallup deserves better, my children deserve better. These amendments are gross, they are discriminatory.

You cannot solve discrimination by discriminating

After public comment, the council took care of other business before circling back to the comprehensive plan.

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Witting, speaking about the amendment that got rid of the climate change requirements, said at the meeting that he believed it would make housing more affordable and accessible.

We need affordable housing, and we need it quickly and cheaply, Witting said. I know everything has a big impact on climate change, but if a developer brings forward an all-electric home, should he have to go through an extended [State Environmental Policy Act] review for that house?  I felt like this provision did little to protect our climate but did a lot to increase the affordability of housing.

Witting also said he didnt support changing equity to equality, because he was worried it would violate state law.

The stance of the federal government is going in one direction and the state government is going in another direction. I personally feel that the state is going to have more impact on Puyallup than the feds will, Witting said. I think that we open ourselves up for negative consequences if we dont follow the language thats specified in the Vision 2040 and the Growth Management Act, so I think that [changing] equity to equality is probably not in the best interest of Puyallup.

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Council member Julie Door said she would not support any of the changes because she did not believe they would create an inclusive community. She choked up and was visibly holding back tears while she talked.

I wholeheartedly reject the intent of this and it makes me really sad that this is where we are today. I cannot stand behind any of this. We stood up here last week and we had our LGBT proclamation. Members of this dais stood up here and accepted a Womens Day proclamation, Door said. So we are choosing to acknowledge groups that we want to acknowledge, that we are a part of. I find it very objectionable that we are now saying that other groups do not matter.

Door also said the council got a legal opinion from a lawyer four and a half hours before the meeting, saying there were legal concerns. Door then asked for an executive session. Mayor Jim Kastama called one, to give council members the chance to seek legal guidance, and the council members left the chambers for about 15 minutes.

When the council returned, council member Dean Johnson voiced his support for the comprehensive plan.

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Kastama then delivered a speech, also supporting the comprehensive plan.

I did grow up in Puyallup, I have lived in the same house now 65 years, and I was raised by two parents who taught me to judge a person by the content of their character and not the color of their skin, Kastama said. We believe we enhanced the inclusivity on this. Terms like underserved and disadvantaged ensure that all residents in Puyallup who face hardship regardless of race are considered  including seniors, low-income families, immigrants and people with disabilities.

Kastama said he believes the updated language in the comprehensive plan will prevent Puyallup from getting in trouble with the federal government because it aligns with Supreme Court cases and presidential executive orders. When he mentioned the executive orders, the crowd booed.

I think its important that we address the comprehensive plan in a way that looks at people other than through a racial lens, Kastama said. The Supreme Court is very clear and adamant that you cannot just look at them and make assumptions about them.

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He then went on to say that he believed the comprehensive plan had broad public support, despite the turnout of protesters at the meeting. Someone from the crowd then shouted, No we dont! Thats you!

Kastama mentioned that Washington state  as well as Pierce and King counties  are already embroiled in litigation with the Trump Administration. He also mentioned federal funding freezes, and said race-neutral language is the safest option right now.

I know Washington state is going in one direction, but I think that its gotten lost and not realized that in the long term, it will be a detriment, Kastama said. And I think it will end up smack dab in the Supreme Court, who says that you cannot solve discrimination by discriminating  and I believe that is a belief we hold in Puyallup.
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Its a rare privilege to lie in state here at City Hall.

Only a handful of people have been accorded that honor over the years, including Ulysses S. Grant and Abraham Lincoln 160 years ago.

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Now, the flag-draped casket of Congressman Charlie Rangel rests in that same rotunda at City Hall.

Flanked by an honor guard of two police officers, floral wreaths, and black curtains, Rangels casket was brought to City Hall under the direction of Mayor Adams, who called him a friend and one of the citys greatest elected leaders.

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The casket arrived at City Hall Wednesday evening during a brief ceremony in which an honor guardmembers of the famed 369th Regiment, otherwise known as the Harlem Hellfightersescorted the casket into the rotunda.

There were not many visitors during our visit on Wednesday afternoon. Thousands had previously paid their respects during viewings earlier this week in Harlem.

One of Rangels elderly cousins lost her composure when she came to pay her respects.

Sitting in a wheelchair, Blanche Peltonbusch tearfully said, Charlie Rangel was my cousin and he was a beautiful person.

Mayor Adams directed that all flags in the city be flown at half staff to further honor Rangel, who was affectionately known as the Lion of Lennox Avenue, where he represented his community in Congress for 46 years. He passed away last month, just days short of his 95th birthday, and a year after he lost his wife of 60 years.

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New York States Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado was among those paying last respects to Rangel. He told PIX11 News, He was a giant of a man, a giant of a public servant. He fought for his country. He fought for Harlem and fought for New York. That type of legacy connects you with knowledge. Degado added, I just want to pay my respects.

Charlie Rangel spent a lifetime serving his country, and he leaves behind a rich legacy. Young and old remember him and how he impacted their lives.

Migna Taveras remembers Congressman Rangel. Many of the opportunities that I have been afforded, academic and professionally, were driven by the policies he put forward. He really was a champion of the people.

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PIX11s Marvin Scott has known Rangel since he was first elected to Congress more than four decades ago. Congressman Rangel was more than a distinguished politician. To me, he became a personal friend, attended my wedding, and was always available on the phone. Ill always remember that smile behind his raspy voice.

Final services are scheduled for Friday morning during a mass at St Patricks Cathedral.

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Summer in Connecticut means that people are heading outdoors more often, heading to some of our beautiful beaches and state parks.

VIDEO: Bear seen swimming in Thames River

But humans arent the only ones leaving their homes this time of year  bears, too, are leaving their homes in search of some sun and garbage to eat.

According to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), 3,558 bear sightings have been reported across the state so far this year. These statistics were updated as of June.

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Of Connecticuts 169 municipalities, 143 have spotted bears this year  leaving only 26 towns allegedly bear-free.

Which town has the largest amount of reported bear sightings in 2025? Taking the top spot is West Hartford, with 329 reported sightings.

The top five towns with the most amount of reported sightings are:

West Hartford  329 Simsbury  200 Farmington  185 Avon  172 Torrington  137

Have you seen a bear in your town recently? Report your sighting to DEEP by using this link.

If you happen to catch it on camera, upload your pictures or videos here, and you may see them in our broadcasts or online.

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BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) -- China has urged the United States to adhere to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and work with China, based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, to jointly promote the stable and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, a spokesperson with the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday.

Spokesperson He Yadong made the remarks at a regular press briefing while answering a relevant question, noting that China's position against unilateral tariff increases is consistent.

He said that from June 9 to 10, the economic and trade teams of China and the United States held the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism in London.

The two sides reached principled agreement on implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone call on June 5 and the framework of measures to consolidate the outcomes of the economic and trade talks in Geneva, and made new progress in addressing each other's economic and trade concerns.

Next, the two sides will make better use of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism, maintain communication and dialogue, enhance consensus, reduce misunderstanding, and strengthen cooperation to jointly promote the stable and long-term development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, He said. 
Richard Nixon tried. Ronald Reagan tried. President Donald Trump tried during his first term in office.

All three Republican presidents wanted to strip taxpayer support for PBS and NPR stations. But all three men were stymied by Congress.

This time is different, though. Trump, emboldened in his second term, sent a package of spending cuts to Capitol Hill earlier this month, and on Thursday afternoon the House of Representatives voted to pass the measure, 214-212.

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Four Republicans sided with Democrats in rejecting the rare bill known as a rescissions package. But since it moved forward, the Senate now has five weeks to approve the spending cuts. If the Senate ignores the proposal, the previously allocated spending will remain intact.

Thursdays passage is the closest NPR and PBS have ever come to a complete loss of federal funding. For public media officials, the bill is a worst-case scenario. But for conservative activists, it is a welcome change and the culmination of a very long campaign.

We are thrilled to finally get to this point, NewsBusters executive editor Tim Graham told CNN ahead of the House vote. Ive been documenting their taxpayer-funded tilt at MRC for 36 years.

Advocacy groups like MRC, short for Media Research Center, which runs NewsBusters, have been arguing against NPR and PBS for decades, asserting that the taxpayer funding is unnecessary and unfair.

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The core contention is that public broadcasting is infected with liberal bias and thus is not representative of the public as a whole.

The leaders of NPR and PBS reject that charge. One of the advantages of public media is that we serve everyone, and it is a requirement and a mandate. Its also a very important mission in polarized times, NPR CEO Katherine Maher told CNN.

One challenge with trying to be a middle-of-the-road platform is that people dont agree on what the middle is now, she added.

But the belief that PBS and NPR spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as news (something the Trump White House claimed earlier this year) has become close to GOP orthodoxy. Trump has directed his administration to bring public media to heel, sparking several lawsuits this spring.

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The rescissions package strips all federal funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which distributes taxpayer dollars to radio and TV stations across the country. If the package passes the Senate, it will be a victory both for Trump and for generations of conservative activists.

For decades, Republicans have promised to cut NPR, but have never done it, until now, Trump boasted in a Truth Social post on Thursday.

MRCs call-your-congressman website tooki a similar tone: This could be our last, best chance to win the battle once and for all.

A history lesson

Republicans have been trying to take the public out of public broadcasting for almost as long as the system has existed.

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In the 1998 book Made Possible By: The Death of Public Broadcasting in the United States, James Ledbetter chronicled how Nixons administration had a smoldering animus against public television that erupted several times in the early 70s.

Nixon vetoed two bills relating to the systems funding structure. But even his veto memos defended the existence of public broadcasting and said it needed to be strengthened.

Reagan, and later George W. Bush, also proposed cuts to the systems budget and tried to slow its rate of growth.

But the proposals always ran into congressional opposition, including from fellow Republicans who strongly believed in the systems mission. The power of educational TV programming like Sesame Street was often invoked to protect public medias pot of money.

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Grahams group says those arguments are out of date now. And Trump has changed the contours of the debate by trying to zero out the corporations budget altogether.

Trumps anti-NPR, anti-PBS budget proposals were ignored by Congress during his first term. But this years proposal is branded differently  as a DOGE cut, referring to the much-debated Department of Government Efficiency. The upshot: Added pressure on Republican lawmakers to go along with the bill.

The $1.1 billion in public media funds being targeted now, representing the next two years of funding, were allocated by congressional Republicans in a massive budget bill that Trump signed into law earlier this spring.

The rescissions package singles out the funds and also claws back money for the US Agency for International Development.

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Graham said Republicans should vote on a party line to defund what he called Democrat-run Broadcasting.

Its not state-run, because it sounds like the very opposite of state-run when Republicans are in power. Its Democrat-run at all times, and has been since Jim Lehrer gushed over the twice-a-day coverage of the Watergate hearings: As justice, it was pure delicious!

Lehrer, the famed PBS anchor who died in 2020, made that comment about the fact that Nixon was plotting to defund the system but was sidelined by his own all-consuming scandal.

PBS grew in popularity thanks to its live coverage of the Watergate hearings, and some Nixon allies never forgot.

The fight does not end with this vote

Public media officials often point out that news and current affairs programming is a small slice of the overall programming on stations across the country.

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At the same time, however, Trump allies like Kari Lake have taken to the commercial airwaves to argue that the public dollars are not needed, citing all the changes that have taken place across the media landscape in recent years.

If NPR and PBS are as amazing as they claim, they should have no trouble securing public funding from people who want to support them, Lake recently wrote on X. But hardworking Americans should no longer be forced to fund content they find objectionable.

Shows like Daniel Tigers Neighborhood and Antiques Roadshow have ardent fan bases  and those supporters have been urged to contact Congress to defend the federal funding thats currently at risk.

Public media officials say those arguments are rooted in exaggerations and misperceptions about what the networks actually air.

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In statements after the House vote Thursday, both PBS and NPR said they will lobby senators to reject the cut. The fight to protect public media does not end with this vote, and we will continue to make the case for our essential service in the days and weeks to come, PBS CEO Paula Kerger said.

PBS immediately revised its website about the funding threat to urge supporters to contact your senators now.

Maher previewed public medias message for senators in a statement following the House vote. If rescission passes and local stations go dark, she said, millions of Americans will no longer have access to locally owned, independent, nonprofit media and will bear the risk of living in a news desert, missing their emergency alerts, and hearing silence where classical, jazz and local artists currently play.

Kerger said that during this process we have heard from millions of people from across the country who rely on PBS and local member stations for information and educational media that cant be found anywhere else, and we know that the American people will continue to stand up in support of our work as we turn our attention to the Senate.

CNNs Liam Reilly and Max Foster contributed reporting.

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Podcaster and former Jacksonville DJ Mark Kaye is looking to oust Republican John Rutherford from his congressional seat in Floridas 5th district.

Kaye announced on Thursday that he will run against Rutherford in the 2026 GOP primary.

Kaye is known for his podcasts, Mark Kaye Saves the Republic and The 47 Daily. He was also a host of WAPEs The Big Ape Morning Mess.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

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Ive been shouting into microphones and TV cameras about these lazy politicians for years, but nothings changed, Kaye said in a news release. So I will go to Washington and shout at them from the House floor!

The 5th district covers parts of Duval and St. Johns counties.

The Primary Election will be held on August 18, 2026.

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The Trump administration and Republican lawmakers slammed Democratic Rep. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts and Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for comparing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations to the Gestapo, which was a police force in Nazi Germany.

"When you compare the old films of the Gestapo grabbing people off the streets of Poland, and you compare them to those nondescript thugs... it does look like a Gestapo operation," Lynch said at the House Oversight Committee hearing on Thursday where Walz, Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker were facing questions over their states immigration policies, particularly on compliance with federal authorities.

The White Houses rapid response account slammed the remarks as "disgusting."

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Dhs Fires Back At Democrats For 'Beyond The Pale' Rhetoric As Ice Agents Face Wave Of Violent Threats

Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., slammed Lynchs remarks as "sick."

"Comparing lawful police activity by our nations brave law enforcement officers to Nazi Germanys Gestapo is sick. Securing the border and mass deportations are 80/20 issues, but Democrats refuse to give up the virtue signaling. To Democrats, illegal aliens > Americans," the Arizona lawmaker posted to X.

Read On The Fox News App

"This is the type of dangerous rhetoric inciting violence across the country," the RNC Research's X account said.

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Walz was also criticized at the hearing for his similar comments about ICE at a University of Minnesota law school commencement address last month.

Acting Ice Director Calls Mayor Wu's Neo-nazi Comparison 'Disgusting' Amid Increase In Agent Assaults

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who himself was chosen as a vice presidential candidate to reach out to blue-collar men, has recognized that the Democratic Party has a long way to go in order to repair its relationship with them.

"Im gonna start with the flashing red light  Donald Trumps modern-day Gestapo is scooping folks up off the streets," Walz said at the time. "Theyre in unmarked vans, wearing masks, being shipped off to foreign torture dungeons. No chance to mount a defense. Not even a chance to kiss a loved one goodbye. Just grabbed up by masked agents, shoved into those vans, and disappeared."

Click Here For More Immigration Coverage

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Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., directly called out his remarks, including a post from May 2018 in which Walz said that he will "support policies that keep law enforcement from enforcing federal laws that everyone knows are broken."

"Given the attacks on ICE agents that took place in Los Angeles over the weekend, dont you regard your dangerous inflammatory rhetoric as a problem?" Emmer asked.

Homeland Security Says Boston's Mayor Comparing Ice Agents To Neo-nazis Is 'Sickening'

ICEs federal law enforcement officers take Jorge Carvajal Castrejon, 36, into custody in Houston on Jan. 28.

"So, sir, it saddens me that you refuse to express regret from comparing ICE to Nazis," he later added, saying ICE agents are "brave Americans."

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) echoed Emmers sentiment.

"Governor Walzs comments comparing ICE agents to the Nazi Gestapo is SICKENING. ICE agents put their lives and safety on the line to arrest criminal illegal aliens let into our country," DHS posted to X.

The Trump administrations ICE arrest goals and Democratic leaders continue to be at odds, especially when it comes to state and local authorities' compliance with federal immigration enforcement. ICE currently has a daily goal of 3,000 arrests of people in the country illegally.





Original article source: Conservatives flip script on Walz, Dems for using 'dangerous' Nazi-era term to define ICE
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You might have heard the term constitutional crisis thrown around on social media or in the news lately. What used to be a relatively obscure concept you might learn about in civics class is now suddenly being talked about everywhere. Some say were in a full-blown constitutional crisis, others claim were veering toward one, and others believe the panic is overblown.

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Heres what the data says: Today, a majority of Democrats and Independents agree that the United States is experiencing a constitutional crisis, while just 3 in 10 Republicans say the same, according to surveys conducted by the States United Democracy Center and YouGov.

As the leader of an organization that works to protect our democracy, and as a lawyer who served at the highest levels of state government, its hard to disagree with the majority of my fellow Americans as I look at whats happening in our country right now  it feels like we are in a constitutional crisis.

But what is a constitutional crisis? Is there an on-off switch, or is it a spectrum? And, more importantly, why should you care and what can you do about it?

What is a constitutional crisis?

To answer that big question, we have to look at the source material: The United States Constitution. Our Constitution lays out a system of government that divides certain powers between the Congress, the courts, and the president, while giving states the authority to govern their people and to check the federal government.

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After a series of debates and compromises, the framers of the Constitution created that system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch of government from exercising too much power. Our democracy is built to withstand our differences while safeguarding our freedoms.

You were likely taught how its supposed to work: The president can veto Congresss bills. Congress can refuse to fund the presidents priorities or reject their nominees. The courts can strike down laws they deem unconstitutional. And states can defend against federal overreach.

In short, the Constitution is like a democracy rulebook. But it also relies heavily on the idea that people in power will respect those rules. An attempt to undermine or go around the system is an attack on our democracy. Thats a constitutional crisis.

How did we get here?

The Constitution puts guardrails on the presidents power  whether he likes it or not. But since President Donald Trump took office again in January 2025, the executive branch has repeatedly gone beyond its constitutional authority, testing the bounds of federal power like never before.

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Most recently, in response to protests in California, Trump moved thousands of National Guard units from state control to federal service. The action came without authorization from the governor, who is typically in command. When governors need federal assistance, they ask. It should not be forced on them.

Trump has attempted to freeze federal funding for everything from disaster relief to child care. One problem: He doesnt have that power. The Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse  the right to decide when and how our federal tax dollars are spent. And Congress has already promised those funds for essential services for everyday Americans.

Federal judges have repeatedly ordered the administration to cease its attempts to stop funding for essential services. But as these lawsuits wind through the courts, real people are being hurt. State and local health departments cant pay staff, college students are having trouble accessing federal financial assistance, and job training programs are being canceled  all because of an unconstitutional power grab.

Our system is set up so that when there are constitutional disputes between the branches of government, we look to the courts to resolve them. And an overwhelming majority of Americans agree that the law should be applied equally to everyone, including those in power, according to March polling from States United and YouGov. When a court issues a ruling, it's not a suggestion  it's the law. Even the president must comply.

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Imagine if a regular person, after being convicted of a violent crime in court, could decide to ignore the jury and walk free? Americans would never stand for that. Yet, the Trump administration continues to defy court orders across the country. They reportedly didnt turn around planes carrying people being deported to El Salvador. They spent weeks refusing to comply with an order from the Supreme Court to facilitate the return of a Maryland resident who was wrongfully deported. And they refused to let Associated Press journalists into Oval Office events, even after a judge found that was a violation of the First Amendment. Administration officials have also made a series of concerning statements calling into question the judicial systems check on executive power.

When it comes to the Trump administration disregarding our system of checks and balances, the list goes on. Youve probably heard about how the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk until his recent departure, gutted federal agencies that were created by Congress. But did you know that Trump also tried to use an executive order to change key aspects of how we run elections? The Constitution is very clear that states have authority over our elections. That helps ensure that elections work for the people, not the party in power in Washington, DC. Its how we keep our elections free, fair, and secure. Trump tried to grab that state power. Once again, a judge stopped him, blocking parts of his order.

By the way, many of Trumps executive orders havent just been deemed illegal in the courts  they're also unpopular. Nearly three-quarters of Americans believe policy changes should happen through the passage of a bill in Congress, not an executive order by the president, according to our March poll with YouGov.

Are we in a crisis? And what can we do about it?

No one person gets to declare a constitutional crisis, just like no one person gets to break our democracy. And even if there were a constitutional crisis switch we could flip, there would be no cavalry riding to the defense of American democracy. We are the cavalry.

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We can debate the wording. We can argue over what really tips us into crisis, but at the end of the day, thats a distraction meant to divide us further. Because heres what Ill tell you is really important: President Trump continues to violate our constitutional system. Plain as day. Hes breaking the law and ignoring the people who are meant to keep him in check.

Despite all that, I firmly believe its not too late. The Trump administration has done a lot of damage in these first five months, but we can still preserve American democracy. Enforcing and upholding the Constitution is the way forward. And we need to use every power that our countrys founders gave us to do so. Because this is our democracy  our future. And the Constitution is our rulebook. It begins, We the People, after all.

Many of our state leaders  governors, attorneys general, and secretaries of state  are standing up for the Constitution and our freedoms, and our team at States United is committed to supporting them. Judges across the country are interpreting the law without fear or favor. But we also need citizens  especially young people  who are informed, engaged, and unafraid to speak out.

Youve already taken the first step, which is educating yourself on how the system works. Whats next? You can vote, organize, protest, and lead. You can express your views online and challenge disinformation. You can work or volunteer for an organization thats fighting back. You can support elected officials who defend the rule of law, hold accountable those who dont, and one day run for office yourself.

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We cant take our democracy for granted. The Constitution doesnt enforce itself. It relies on each of us to uphold it. The question isnt whether we are in a constitutional crisis. Its what were going to do about it.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  The City of Waco says it has continued to experience heavy rainfall

which caused rainwater and diluted wastewater to overflow at several manholes.

The city estimates the overflow volume at 110,600 gallons. During the rainfall early Thursday morning, the Public Works department received high water alerts from sewer meters indicating that overflows might be occurring. Staff responded to the notifications and investigated surrounding areas, as well.

According to the city, several manholes were affected, and the resulting overflow water was chlorinated for disinfection and sampled for testing. The entire area was then dechlorinated so the water could more safely enter the stormwater drains. The City will increase monitoring of the water supply as a precautionary measure. Residents are advised to avoid contact with any spills.

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The locations of the spills are:

810 N. 32nd St MH 822049 Stopped

916 Valley Mills MH 962066

1100 U-Parks MH 962066

1701 N. 4th St MH 611016

5517 Tennyson Dr MH 1034012

624 Texas Central MH 1253015

222 Oriental MH 944048

1000 Trice MH 612087

1000 Trice MH 612085

2400 Lindsey Hollow MH 503020

2749 Cedar Point MH 752006

5400 Lake Shore MH 752025

2640 Cedar Ridge MH 741081

2906 Maple Hill Cir MH 521052

Actions taken include notification of appropriate local government officials, notification of the TCEQ Regional Office and increased monitoring of water supply as a precautionary measure.

The city says anyone downstream of these locations should take the precautions listed below and monitor their system. The citys water supply and water quality have not been affected by this situation.

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City of Waco Water Laboratory staff conduct over 6,000 water quality tests annually. As required by TCEQ, the city recommends the following precautionary measures for:

People using private drinking water supply wells located within a half-mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil for at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and tooth brushing. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling. People who purchase water from a public water supply may contact their water supply

distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use. The public should avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially

affected by the spill. If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the spill, they should bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
The heavy-handed responses by the Trump administration to ongoing protests in Los Angeles reveal how little imagination our politicians continue to have when it comes to grasping the causes and consequences of social unrest. Last Friday, in response to increasingly bold and reckless raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Angelenos began large-scale protests. They mobilized in support of family members, friends and neighbors being unscrupulously removed from their communities, often without sound legal justification.

As a behavioral epidemiologist who studies psychological trauma, I spend a lot of time speaking to people about their mental health and what motivates them to act. The aim is to understand what keeps them up at night and what helps keep them grounded, to get a sense of what theyll do next. Its an intuitive process. Concern about increasingly untethered ICE raids are clearly one of those things that has kept thousands in Los Angeles up at night, and it directly contributed to the swelling protests and the isolated, unfortunate instances of property destruction and looting.

Scholars also research the aftermath of unrest. Studies of protests from around the world show that rarely do participants leave emotionally unscathed. For both protesters and those protested against, feelings of indignity, frustration and despair often persist well after the protest sites are abandoned. These types of outcomes are even worse when violence  from the protesters, law enforcement or military elements  is part of the equation.

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Protests like those in L.A. this week arent spontaneous. Their genesis is usually rooted in the perceived denial of their civil rights or physical and psychological safety. A protest is a way of expressing feelings of rejection. Some argue that demonstrations are sometimes a response to collective trauma.

Whatever the spark for the larger social uprisings, most researchers and activists rightfully see destructive riots and looting as primal, unhelpful outgrowths of protests. Vandalism and hooliganism distract from the purposes of constitutionally protected demonstrations  and this blurring is an especially grave danger in an era of mass media and hyper-polarized audiences here in the U.S.

Depending on the quality of your news sources, you might have the sense that Los Angeles is a war zone right now  even though on almost every block, quotidian life is proceeding as normal, and where there has been destruction, it has been minimal.

Reality is not all that matters, however; the perception among many Americans is that L.A. has been consumed by riots and lawlessness, which is precisely President Trumps hope. He further hopes that people with this misconception eventually come to see very little distinction between an impassioned protest and a riot. Once that happens, he knows theyre more likely to broadly tolerate and acclimate to the kinds of strongman responses that were currently seeing.

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Americans also disagree widely on when protests are appropriate. A poll conducted in 2023 by YouGov found that people are more likely to find protest tactics acceptable when those tactics are in support of a cause they favor. Apparently, many people wish for those who disagree with them to package their dissent as unassumingly as possible, ideally making it invisible and inaudible.

But some politicians seem almost giddy when their political enemies demonstrate. In the recent protests in L.A., Trump saw a prime opening to send in the National Guard and later Marines, finally scratching an itch he has had  dating back to the summer of 2020 when protesters fanned out across the nation to protest George Floyds murder  to use military force on American soil.

L.A., of course, is something of a vanguard when it comes to protests, and in particular to protests that devolve into riots. The citys civic meltdowns have typically been measured in terms of people killed and property damaged. The Watts riots in 1965, sparked by police brutality against the citys Black population, killed 34 people and caused $40 million in damage (equivalent to around $300 million today). In the 1992 L.A. riots, another act of resistance in response to police brutality against Black people, 63 people were killed, and losses reached up to a staggering $1 billion (around $2 billion today). Fortunately, so far, there have been very few injuries reported in the current demonstrations, and no deaths. There is no sense yet of the property toll, which is sure to draw a lot of attention from those intent on demonizing the protesters and their cause.

Our real focus should be on the psychological toll. One large study of mental health outcomes following various protests determined that the prevalence of major depression in the affected community increased by 7%, irrespective of how personally involved an individual was in the protest. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder ranges from 4% to a stunning 41% in areas affected by protests, riots and revolutions. And those impacts also radiate to the law enforcement officers who intervene. For example, in a study of LAPD officers following the 1992 riots, 17% subsequently showed symptoms aligned with post-traumatic stress disorder, including avoidance and emotional resignation. Similar results were observed among law enforcement in Ferguson, Mo. in 2014, following riots there in the aftermath of the murder of a Black teen, Michael Brown. More recently, U.S. Capitol officers reported PTSD-like symptoms after the Trump-inspired insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021.

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A major trope in American politics and among free speech advocates is that dissent makes for a healthy democracy. But too much of anything  especially dissent  has become an albatross on the American psyche. And there are deepening consequences to our seemingly never-ending dissent: Its likely to continue coming in the form of protests and riots.

In the eyes of the average American, the U.S. has been in a perpetual state of unrest for at least the last decade. In the last five years alone, the U.S. has been convulsed by coast-to-coast protests  in the aftermath of Floyds murder in Minneapolis at the hands of police, in response to Israels ongoing assault on Gaza, and now in Los Angeles and elsewhere in the U.S. over ICEs feckless immigration raids. When the smoke clears, psychological trauma lingers in those who were on the protest grounds, and even those vicariously exposed to it through social media and TV reports.

If the response to protests or riots is militarization, and we normalize it, Pandoras box will be opened. It perhaps already has been with Trumps quixotic decision to send unneeded troops to L.A. The militarization of a community, whether in the form of short-term interventions or long-term occupations, is rarely received well by those who must live with it. At best, we consider intrusions by policing officials a necessary evil. At least when it comes to our own communities, most of us appear to prefer to live in spaces that are reasonably policed but still governed by elected representatives. Were at a precarious moment now when we can envision how that could be lost  as we see Trumps effort to militarize Los Angeles and America more broadly through ICE and other authoritarian intimidation tactics.

However one feels about the backlash against ICE, or the federal governments reaction to those protesters supporting their immigrant neighbors, most of us likely agree that the political theater and the clashes in the street are bad for the nation  and preventable.

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With the ultimate hope of removing the need for protests like these, Im reminded of what a research participant once told me: We have just as much capacity to create trauma for one another as we have to eliminate it.

Jerel Ezell is an assistant professor and the director of the Center for Cultural Humility at UC Berkeley. He studies the racial and cultural aspects of politics.

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.
A wildfire burning out of control in Oregon, near the states border with Washington, has destroyed homes and forced hundreds of evacuations and closures of major roadways as gusty winds threaten further spread and challenge firefighting crews.

The Rowena Fire has burned 3,800 acres since it ignited on Wednesday afternoon in Wasco County, according to the Oregon State Fire Marshal. Its 0% contained as of Friday morning.

Goals for today are centered around holding the fire in its current footprint, a Friday news release from the fire marshal said, adding additional firefighting resources are en route and will help crews make progress on containment.

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There are no known fatalities at this time, the Wasco County Sheriffs Office confirmed on social media Friday afternoon.

The blaze has destroyed at least 49 homes as of Friday afternoon, according to the sheriffs office, and the total is expected to increase. The fire was caused by human activity and is under investigation.

More than 800 homes were under evacuation orders in part of northern Wasco County Thursday night, county spokesperson Stephanie Krell said. An additional 3,000 homes were under evacuation warnings or advisories urging residents to be ready to evacuate soon  including parts of The Dalles, the countys largest city and home to about 15,000 people.

Some homes in the county are a total loss, including the one belonging to long-time resident Andy Miles.

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Twenty four years, that was home for my children, that is where they grew up, where my grandchildren played. So, its a tough loss, Miles told CNN affiliate KPTV.

Miles said he was asleep when the fire began and was woken up by a police officer banging on his door, telling him to evacuate, KPTV reported.

I grabbed some of my sons paintings, a few things from the safe, some clothes, and now everything I own is literally in a pile, Miles said.

The Rowena Fire burns near Interstate 84 in northern Oregon on Wednesday. - Oregon Department of Transportation via AP

Interstate 84 was shut down in both directions for nearly 20 miles on Wednesday evening but reopened early Thursday morning, with travelers urged to use caution, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. Nearby, a portion of US-30 remained closed in both directions Friday morning.

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Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on Wednesday afternoon, allowing the states fire marshal to mobilize resources to help combat the fire, according to a news release.

This early season conflagration should come as a reminder to Oregonians to be ready for wildfire, State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said in the release.

The predictions for this summer are extremely concerning. I am asking everyone to take that extra minute to mindful of the conditions and remember it takes a single spark to ignite a disaster.

A hotter, drier summer than normal is expected across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, according to the Climate Prediction Center. Many areas are already experiencing abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions that are expected to intensify, increasing the risk of wildfires as vegetation dries out.

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The region and most of the West is facing above-normal fire potential through September, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Climate change is making droughts more frequent and prolonged, creating the dry, hot conditions that fuel more dangerous fire weather. Its also causing more frequent and larger fires with more extreme behavior.

This week, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest baked under intense heat that dried out soil and left vegetation vulnerable to fire start and spread.

The high temperature hit triple digits in The Dalles on both Sunday and Monday  Mondays high of 101 degrees Fahrenheit broke a record for the date that had stood since 1955.

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Windy conditions on Wednesday, with gusts of 30 to 40 mph, fanned the flames once the Rowena Fire sparked in the afternoon, and the difficult weather continued Thursday.

Windy conditions and warm weather persisted on the Rowena Fire on Thursday, challenging firefighters as they continued aggressive tactics from the air and widespread structural and natural resource protection on the ground, the Oregon State Fire Marshal said on social media.

Wind will test fire crews again Friday and for part of Saturday: Gusts to 30 mph are possible through Friday night, with gusts to 20 mph on Saturday. No rain is expected into at least the middle of next week.

CNNs David Williams and Tyler Ory contributed to this report.

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Controversial changes to the statutes of Formula 1's governing body the FIA have been passed by members despite a warning the organisation is in a "dark period of democratic backsliding".

Austria's national motoring club, the OAMTC, criticised the statute changes in a letter to the FIA World Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism (WCAMT) sent on Wednesday before Thursday's vote at the FIA's General Assembly in Macau.

It denounced FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's leadership and urged members not to vote for changes proposed by Ben Sulayem - and revealed by BBC Sport last month - on the basis that they "risk further contributing to the erosion of the FIA's reputation for competent and transparent governance".

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However, members voted for the amendments by 83.35% to 16.65%.

Amendments to the ethics code were voted through even more comprehensively, with an 88.83% majority.

The result came despite support from the UK, Belgian, Portuguese and Swiss representatives for Austria's suggestion of a postponement so the FIA could conduct a "proper review and analysis" before making a decision on whether the changes were appropriate.

An FIA spokesperson described the result as a "resounding majority".

The OAMTC letter adds that recent actions of Ben Sulayem "are inviting comparisons with the excesses of political leaders intent on deconstructing the checks and balances that come with responsible governance".

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OAMTC chief executive Oliver Schmerold told BBC Sport after the vote: "We brought forward the motion to postpone the vote on the changes to a future assembly as we believe that they inherit some consequences which desire more discussion.

"This was supported by several other members. The president underlined that the statutory process has been followed and asked for the vote.

"We still believe that it is not good governance to change the longstanding rules for elections only four months before the submission deadline for candidates."

The OAMTC letter hints at the prospect of a legal challenge, on the basis that the changes were "endorsed by (FIA) world council meetings that were not properly constituted, having intentionally excluded elected members from participating and voting".

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David Richards, the MotorsportUK representative on the world council, was among those members barred from a meeting in March in a dispute with Ben Sulayem over refusing to sign a revised confidentially agreement.

Schmerold, who last year voiced his opposition to previous statute changes passed at the last General Assembly in December, describing them as "not good governance" and "not good in terms of checks and balances".

The letter says of the proposed changes:

Extending the deadline for potential candidates to declare "is intended to discourage opposition".

Removing the rule requiring 21 of the 28 members of the world motorsport council to be different nationalities "is intended to stack the WMSC with supporters rather than encourage diversity of opinion"

Aligning the terms of office of the audit, ethics and nominations committees with that of the president "would blatantly reduce the independence of oversight bodies"

Removing the right to approve or dismiss up to four senate members from the senate and giving it to the president "self-evidently weakens the ability of the senate to perform its oversight functions, including and especially oversight of the president himself.

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Ben Sulayem's first term of office ends this December and he is so far the only candidate to have confirmed he is standing for election. Rally legend Carlos Sainz has said he is considering running but has not made a final decision.

The letter accuses Ben Sulayem of reneging on his promises during his election campaign in 2021 to ensure "governance structures are compliant with best practices".

And it says he has implemented none of the "critical changes" that were recommended by a review and audit of the FIA's governance structure commissioned from McKinsey in 2022.

It highlights a series of changes that have eroded accountability at the FIA, including:

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Limiting the power of the ethics committee, saying "ethical enquiries can - in effect - be suppressed" because of the concentration of oversight into the hands of the FIA president and president of the senate.

The eradication of the post of compliance office following the sacking of Paolo Basarri from that position last year

Centralising decision-making power with the FIA president and president of the senate

The imposition of contracts that require FIA personnel to pay a 50,000 fine if they breach confidentiality terms, and the power of the leadership on its own to determine whether this should be paid and why "without having a hearing, time frame, right of appeal or any definition of what confidentiality means".

The FIA spokesperson added: "The FIA has taken steps since 2021 to strengthen its corporate governance policies. These policies guide the FIA's operations and ensure its rules, practices and processes are robust and transparent.

"The proposed amendments to the FIA statutes are designed to further strengthen processes around governance and confidentiality. They will grant the nominations committee more time to examine the eligibility criteria of candidates, and help to ensure consistency and rigour in the electoral process.

"All proposed amendments were voted through by a super majority of FIA member clubs at the General Assemblies, in line with the democratic process which governs decision making within the federation."
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) The 2025 session of Connecticuts state legislature has been over for more than a week, but a major piece of housing legislation passed by majority Democrats continues to cause controversy  and a chorus of calls for Gov. Ned Lamont to veto it.

Connecticut House passes housing bill after 11-hour debate

The legislation, formally known as House Bill 5002, is the latest in a series of Democratic-led efforts to implement statewide policies that spur the development of more housing. Proponents of statewide housing reform have cited research showing Connecticuts housing stock is short by as many as 100,000 units.

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Lawmakers clash over proposed affordable housing bill

We know how imperative it is that we get more housing in the state, Gov. Lamont said on Tuesday.

But as the governor and others look for ways to use public policy to encourage more development, theyve encountered resistance from leaders on both sides of the aisle who say provisions of H.B. 5002 encroach on the authorities of local zoning boards.

Governors Hartford residence to open for annual open house day

Three provisions in particular have drawn the ire of defenders of local control of zoning. First, the bill establishes a baseline for the amount of units, including affordable units, each municipality in Connecticut must plan for. Municipalities that hit the goals outlined in the bill will be prioritized for certain state grants.

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Local leaders and legislators who oppose the bill have characterized that provision as a mandate.

It absolutely is a mandate, State Rep. Joe Zullo, a leading Republican opponent to 5002, said. It allocates to every town a certain amount of housing they have to build no matter what.

Supporters of 5002 push back on this characterization of the legislation. On the affordable housing metrics, they say the bill seeks to set objective standards while providing measured incentives to communities that comply.

Gasoline on the flames: Lamont, Tong, Bysiewicz respond to Trump administrations use of National Guard in California

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Any time you want to have a policy outcome, there needs to be an accountability measure and thats what were talking about here, State Rep. Jason Rojas, the Democratic house majority leader, said of the concept in an interview conducted before the final passage of the bill. We can call it a stick, I call it accountability. We expect every other area of government to be accountable for something. Towns should be accountable, too.

Another provision of 5002 takes aim at minimum parking requirements often imposed by municipalities on small towns. The third provision seeks to bypass planning and zoning hearings for the approval of conversions of certain commercial properties into residential units.

These measures have also drawn considerable criticism. In both instances, advocates say the bill seeks to remove onerous barriers, while opponents charge that local control of development is being deeply eroded.

H. B. 5002 passed through the legislature over the objections of every Republican and a relatively small but significant vocal faction of Democrats, mostly from the states suburbs.

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Now the bill is passed and on the governors desk awaiting action, Lamont is faced with the decision to either veto or sign it. He has signaled that if he signs it, he would only do so after an agreement had been made with legislative leaders to make revisions before the bill goes into effect in October.

I think they went too far in some areas of the bill and thats what we look to change, Lamont said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
File boxes containing the signatures of supporters of an initiative petition to increase the state's minimum wage are stacked Sept. 15, 2024, in front of an Oklahoma City building. (Photo courtesy of Raise the Wage Oklahoma)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Legal challenges were filed Wednesday aimed at a recent law that puts more restrictions on the process voters use to get issues on the ballot.

The suits were filed with the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

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Gov. Kevin Stitt in May signed Senate Bill 1027, which took effect immediately.

The new law requires those circulating a petition for a statutory change to get signatures that amount to no more than 11.5% of the votes cast in a single county in the most recent gubernatorial election. The threshold increases to 20.8% for a constitutional amendment.

The law effectively forces signature gatherers to visit several Oklahoma counties rather than concentrating on high-population areas.

Prior to the law, there were no restrictions or caps on signatures from any county.

Under the new law, those seeking to place items on the ballot would be prohibited from paying petition circulators based on the number of signatures collected. The law requires sources of payment to circulators to be disclosed and bars out-of-state interests from donating.

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Petition circulators would have to be registered voters.

It requires a political appointee, the Secretary of State, to approve the gist, which is the brief summary of the ballot measure that voters see at the top of the signature sheet.

One suit challenges the overall constitutionality of the law, saying it imposes an undue burden.

The suit seeks to put the law on hold until the legal dispute is resolved.

It says the law effectively nullifies the right of the initiative petition and violates the First Amendment.

It slashes the available signature pool by 95%, making ballot qualification virtually impossible while advancing no legitimate state interest, the suit said.

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The suit was filed by two proponents of State Question 836, which seeks to make Oklahoma primaries open. A rural voter and a member of a group that has been highly critical of plans to build a turnpike in the Norman area also are plaintiffs.

Secretary of State Josh Cockroft and Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond as defendants in both suits.

The second suit challenges the ability to make the law retroactive.

A petition seeking to open the states primaries, State Question 836, is already in the works and was filed before the measure became law.

This law doesnt just bend the rules in favor of powerful politicians  it breaks them entirely for Oklahoma voters, said Dr. Ken Setter, a plaintiff in both suits and proponent of State Question 836. Oklahomas Constitution gives us the right to petition our government. Senate Bill 1027 strips that right away.

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The new law gives the executive branch veto power over citizen initiatives, the suit said.

The measure makes it more difficult and costly to get an issue on the ballot and would deter future efforts, the suit said.

When State Question 836 was filed, there were no geographic requirements for signatures and no caps, the suit said.

Retroactive application of SB 1027 substantially undercuts Oklahoma citizens ability to exercise their reserved right of initiative petition, the suit says.

The initiative petition process has been used to expand Medicaid, enact criminal justice reform and legalize medical marijuana.

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Lawmakers have repeatedly declined to expand Medicaid or legalize medical marijuna.

Supporters of the new law have said it is needed to garner more input from rural counties and to prevent fraud.

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PHNOM PENH, June 12 (Xinhua) -- In the celebration of the World Day Against Child Labor, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Cambodia on Thursday called for increased action to safeguard the rights of children affected by migration.

A recent study showed that children who migrate within Cambodia and to neighboring countries face risks of trafficking, abuse, exploitation, and child labor, among others, said a UNICEF press release.

"Child labor strips children of their right to a safe and healthy childhood, keeps them out of school, and damages their physical and mental well-being," said Will Parks, UNICEF representative to Cambodia.

"Children who migrate, whether alone or with family, internally or across borders, are especially vulnerable to these risks," he said. "Without proper documentation, protection, or access to education, migrant children are at a higher risk of exploitative work."

Parks said UNICEF has been working closely with government authorities and stakeholders to bolster cross-border child protection systems between Cambodia and neighboring countries to ensure access to essential services.

The press release said that over the last decade, Cambodia has taken major steps to protect its children from violence, exploitation, and abuse. Between 2010 and 2021, the proportion of working children dropped from 37 percent to 17 percent.

"Despite progress, this still represents one in five children in Cambodia who are economically active," the press release said.

The recent study found that migration is often driven by poverty and that children who migrate to neighboring Thailand face heightened risks of child labor, particularly when separated from their families, the press release said.

"Children who cross the border illegally are at constant risk of trafficking, abuse, exploitation, and being in conflict with the law," it said. "Many do not attend school as their families depend on their daily income and do not have access to essential services like healthcare."

Children engage in work in a variety of settings, including on construction sites and in restaurants, and children below the minimum age engage in child labor situations involving vending, domestic work, garment production, agriculture, seafood processing, fishing, and organized begging, the press release said.

"Children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable, as they may be recruited for begging and do not have adequate access to essential services," it added. 
A 61-year-old man convicted of a 1999 double murder was executed on Thursday in Oklahoma, the third inmate put to death in the United States this week.

John Hanson was executed by lethal injection at the state penitentiary in the town of McAlester, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections said in a statement.

Hanson was convicted of carjacking and kidnapping Mary Bowles, 77, from a mall in the city of Tulsa and then shooting her to death along with a witness, Jerald Thurman.

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Hanson had been serving a life sentence for bank robbery in the state of Louisiana but the Trump administration approved his transfer to Oklahoma so he could face the death penalty.

President Donald Trump is a proponent of capital punishment and called on his first day in office for an expansion of its use "for the vilest crimes."

Hanson was the third Death Row inmate executed in the United States this week.

Gregory Hunt, 65, convicted of the 1988 rape and murder of his girlfriend, Karen Lane, 32, was executed by nitrogen gas on Tuesday in Alabama.

Anthony Wainwright, 54, convicted of the 1994 murder of Carmen Gayheart, 23, a nursing student and mother of two young children, was put to death by lethal injection in Florida on Tuesday.

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A fourth execution is to be carried out this week, in South Carolina, where Stephen Stanko, 57, is to be put to death on Friday by lethal injection.

Stanko was convicted of the 2005 murders of his girlfriend, Laura Ling, 43, and Henry Turner, a 74-year-old friend.

There have been 22 executions in the United States this year: 17 by lethal injection, two by firing squad and three by nitrogen hypoxia, which involves pumping nitrogen gas into a facemask, causing the prisoner to suffocate.

The use of nitrogen gas as an execution method has been denounced by UN experts as cruel and inhumane.

The death penalty has been abolished in 23 of the 50 US states, while three others -- California, Oregon and Pennsylvania -- have moratoriums in place.

cl/sms
A 7-year-old boy who died after drowning in a pool in Butler County has been identified.

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Thursdays Hamilton County coroners report stated Ian J. Pequignot drowned on Wednesday afternoon, our news partners at WCPO reported.

As News Center 7 previously reported, the Butler County Sheriffs Office they were called to a home on the 3900 block of Timber Walk Lane for a reported drowning.

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Responding crews were told the boy was swimming with other children under adult supervision. The childs mother told crews she noticed her son had gone in the deep end and not resurfaced, so she went in and pulled him from the water.

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The child was taken by a medical helicopter to Cincinnati Childrens Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, the sheriffs office says.

This is an unimaginable tragedy, Sheriff Richard Jones said. Incidents involving children are the most difficult calls our deputies respond to. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the family during this incredibly difficult time.

A media release by the sheriffs office stated the boy was 6 years old, but the coroners report reported the boy was actually 7.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  That beloved Costco run is getting an upgrade. The changes are part of a nationwide push by Costco to stay competitive and meet the needs of their customer base.

With eight locations across the state and some of the busiest warehouses in the country, theres already some buzz about the changes.

Costcos Kirkland is still trying to get into this category, CEO says

Starting June 30, Costco is reinstating its earlier entrance time for executive members. Exclusive shopping hours start an hour earlier on weekdays and Sundays, the time shortened on Saturdays from 9 to 9:30am. Its not clear how this will effect the Iwilei store hours.

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That includes the pharmacy, optical and hearing aid centers. The extra hour could mean shorter lines, easier parking and a little less stress.

I definitely think it would help. I know I would come early, said Eliza Radoll, a Costco member.

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Another big change, Scan & Go technology. The companys CEO saying in a recent shareholders meeting that they are testing the technology to help speed up the checkout process, something thats already being used by other big box retailers.

Costco also just rolled out a payment plan for those big ticket items of $500 or more. Members have the option of a payment plan ranging from three to 36 months with no late fees and percentage rates ranging from 10 to 36 percent.

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The store is also continuing to expand EV charging. They plan to have 90 warehouses equipped with charging stations by the end of the year. However, no word on when or if, Hawaii will get installs. And there are a few members who have concerns.

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Gas stations, youre in and out, 5 to 10 minutes, Nguyen said. EV, you got to charge 30 minutes, hour. Theyre not gonna have enough space for EV if they gonna put them at a gas station.

Even with the improvements, there are some who say they prefer the old school way of shopping.

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Yeah, but Ill never win. Ill never win that one, said Costco member Grant Stoddard.

We reached out to Costco for comment and more details on plans for the Hawaii locations, but did not receive 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 KHON2.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  It still has fewer flights and higher fares than larger airports, but that has been changing at Harrisburg International Airport, which also has something few other airports its size have: an airlines maintenance and crew base.

Since 2022, Piedmont Airlines, which flies the 50-seat ERJ-145s commonly seen at the airport (ERJ stands for Embraer regional jet), has based dozens of pilots and flight attendants at the airport, complementing a maintenance base that opened years earlier.

Piedmont  which is headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, and is a subsidiary of American Airlines  also has a Harrisburg-based human resources team.

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The Harrisburg presence means a lot of direct jobs and  although this part is harder to quantify  indirectly perhaps some flights that might not otherwise exist, because American has to route planes through Harrisburg for maintenance and to get its people to and from work.

For perspective, Delta operates three daily flights to its Atlanta hub, which is the worlds busiest airport, according to an abc27 analysis of Cirium schedule data; American operates seven daily flights to Charlotte. (Delta, operating larger aircraft, offers about half as many seats to Atlanta as American offers to Charlotte despite having fewer than half as many flights.)

But there was an important potential problem for Piedmonts future  and thus for the future of its base in Harrisburg: Manufacturers havent produced 50-seat jets in years, and airlines have been phasing them out in favor of larger regional jets, which passengers generally find to be more comfortable and airlines generally find to be more economical to operate. Piedmont currently operates 69 ERJ-145s, which are on average almost 22 years old, according to an abc27 analysis of Cirium airline fleet data.

That meant one of two things: Sooner or later, either the airline would have to either phase in new planes  or phase itself out of existence, as other regional airlines have done (most recently Silver Airways just Wednesday, which once flew small planes branded Continental Express for Uniteds predecessor Continental Airlines).

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Fortunately for Piedmont  and by extenstion, for Harrisburg  the far better outcome is emerging: Piedmont announced itll get 76-seat Embraer 175s, known as E175s, beginning in 2028. Unlike the current all-economy 50-seat jets, Piedmonts E175s  like others already flown for American by other regional airlines  will have 12 business-class seats in addition to 64 economy seats.

So seeing that theyre getting an upgrade in aircraft that allows them to continue their mission of flying for American and being part of the Central Pennsylvania community is really good news, Scott Miller, Harrisburg International Airports spokesman, said.

The expansion represents a significant investment by parent company American Airlines Group, Piedmont said in a statement of the 45 eventual E175s it expects to receive. During the transition, the airline plans to continues operating its 50-seat jets well into the 2030s, the statement said.

They provide all of our service to Philadelphia, to Boston, as well as some to Charlotte, Scott Miller said of Piedmont. So upgrading to larger aircraft  more comfortable aircraft  is a huge benefit for the airport, for the region and for those who fly American.

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Harrisburg is just one of three crew bases for Piedmont, alongside much larger Philadelphia and Charlotte, which are both American Airlines hubs. Piedmont has maintenance bases at those three airports plus Salisbury; Albany, New York; and in Virginia, Richmond and Roanoke.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
What exactly happened to Flight AI171 between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick on Thursday afternoon will only be revealed by a detailed investigation, but the moments after take-off can be the most challenging in aviation.

Indian investigators will be joined by experts from the US and UK in the coming days, as authorities attempt to establish what caused the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to crash shortly after take-off just 1.5km (0.9 miles) from the runway at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

It marks the first time a 787-8 Dreamliner has suffered a fatal crash since it entered commercial service in 2011. Thursday's disaster killed 241 people onboard and more on the ground.

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The BBC has spoken to aviation experts as well as pilots based in India - some of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity - who regularly fly 787-8s out of India's international airports to find out what factors might have caused the plane to slam into residential buildings in the heart of Ahmedabad just moments into its flight.

Struggled to gain altitude

The 787-8 Dreamliner was flown by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and his co-pilot Clive Kundar. The two were highly experienced, with more than 9,000 combined flying hours. Mr Sabharwal having earned over 22-years expertise as a commercial airline pilot.

The plane was carrying 242 people as it taxied along the runway at Ahmedabad International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The jet took off at 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT), operator Air India said.

India's Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah said the plane was carrying 100 tonnes of fuel - practically a full load - as it climbed out of Ahmedabad.

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Almost immediately after take-off the cockpit gave a mayday call, India's aviation regulator said. No response was given by the aircraft after that. It's unclear what prompted the mayday call, but the flight's sole survivor has told Indian media that he heard a loud bang as the plane struggled to gain altitude.

Footage authenticated by BBC Verify then showed the plane flying low over what appears to be a residential neighbourhood. The final transmitted data showed the plane reached a height of 625ft (190m). It proceeds to descend and becomes obscured by trees and buildings, before a large explosion appears on the horizon.

"There would have been no time for him to react if he lost both engines," one pilot said. CCTV footage viewed by BBC Verify showed that the plane was airborne for 30 seconds.

The plane crashed in a residential area, with images showing housing blocks heavily damaged in a densely built area which included hospitals and official buildings.

Speculation of 'very rare' double engine failure

It is almost impossible to definitively establish what caused the disaster based on videos of the plane's brief flight.

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In the coming days a complex investigation involving the plane's black box - which records flight data - and an examination of debris will commence. But videos that have emerged show the plane struggling to lift off the ground, seemingly amid a lack of thrust or power.

One cause that has been speculated on by some experts is the possibility of an extremely rare double engine failure. Questions have been raised as to whether the plane had its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed, an emergency back-up turbine which kicks in when main engines fail to generate power for essential systems.

Double engine failures are almost unheard of, with the most notable example being the 2009 "Miracle on the Hudson", when a US Airways Airbus A320 lost both engines to a bird strike moments after take-off from New York's LaGuardia Airport, but glided to safety.

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One senior pilot told the BBC that dual engine failure could also result from fuel contamination or clogging. Aircraft engines rely on a precise fuel metering system - if that system gets blocked, it can lead to fuel starvation and engine shutdown.

Marco Chan, an ex-pilot, told BBC Verify that there isn't any evidence to suggest a double engine failure based on the available footage.

Mohan Ranganathan, an aviation expert, told the BBC that a double engine failure would be "a very, very rare incident".

Engine manufacturer GE Aerospace said it was sending a team to India to help with the investigation, while Boeing said it was offering its full support to the airline.

Bird strikes

Another possibility raised by some experts in India is a bird strike.

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They occur when a plane collides with a bird and can be extremely dangerous for aircraft. In serious cases, engines can lose power if they suck in a bird, as happened in South Korea's Jeju Air disaster which killed 179 people last year.

Experts and pilots familiar with Ahmedabad airport have told the BBC that it is "notorious for birds".

"They are always around," says Mr Ranganathan, echoing what at least three Indian pilots who have flown in and out of the airport told the BBC .

Gujarat state, where Ahmedabad is located, reported 462 bird strike incidents over five years, with most occurring at Ahmedabad airport, according to Civil Aviation Ministry data tabled in Parliament in December 2023.

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A Times of India report in September 2023 cited Airport Authority data noting 38 bird strikes in 202223 in Ahmedabad, a 35% rise over previous 12 months.

In the 2009 case, a flock of seagulls was ingested at 2,700ft  more than four times higher than the Air India flight. In this case the Indian pilots had neither the altitude nor the time to manoeuvre.

However, a senior pilot said that a bird hit is rarely catastrophic "unless it affects both engines".

Could the plane's flaps have contributed?

Three experts who spoke to BBC Verify suggested that the disaster may have occurred as the aircraft's flaps were not extended during take-off - though other pilots and analysts have challenged this.

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Flaps play a vital role during take-off, helping an aircraft generate maximum lift at lower speeds.

If they're not properly extended, a fully loaded jet - carrying passengers, heavy fuel for a long-haul flight, and battling hot conditions - will struggle to lift off.

[BBC]

In Ahmedabad, where temperatures neared 40C (104F) on Thursday, the thinner air would have demanded higher flap settings and greater engine thrust, one pilot told the BBC. In such conditions, even a small configuration error can have catastrophic consequences.

CCTV footage which emerged late on Thursday afternoon showed the plane taking off from Ahmedabad, struggling to achieve altitude, and then slowly descending before crashing.

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But a take-off roll with retracted flaps would trigger warnings from the 787's take-off Configuration Warning System, alerting the flight crew to an unsafe configuration, according to one pilot the BBC spoke to.

Ex-pilot Mr Chan told BBC Verify that the footage that has emerged so far is too distorted to establish for sure whether the flaps were extended, but said that such an error would be "highly unusual".

"The flaps are set by pilots themselves, before take off, and there are several checklists and procedures to verify the setting," Mr Chan said. "That would point to potential human error if flaps aren't set correctly."

Additional reporting by Jake Horton

[BBC]

What do you want BBC Verify to investigate?
The Council of the European Union has adopted new tariffs targeting agricultural products and fertilisers from Russia and Belarus that were not previously subject to additional duties.

Source: press service for the Council, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The measures aim to lessen European countries' reliance on imports from Belarus and Russia, as well as to cut down on Moscow's budget and its capacity to fund its war against Ukraine. Furthermore, it has the potential to boost EU output.

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"The implementation of these tariffs will be closely monitored to ensure that the EU fertiliser industry and farmers are protected. The tariff increases on fertilisers will take place gradually, over a transition period of three years," the EU Council stated.

With the entry into force of these changes on 1 July 2025, EU tariffs will apply to all agricultural products from Russia.

The categories subject to the new tariffs cover about 15% of all agricultural imports from Russia to the EU as of 2023.

For fertilisers from Russia, in 2023, the categories to which duties were applied accounted for 25% of imports in this sector, approximately 3.6 million tonnes worth 1.28 billion.

Background:

At the end of May, the European Parliament supported the introduction of tariffs for these categories of products from Russia and Belarus. These tariffs are expected to effectively stop the import of these goods to the EU.

Tariffs on most agricultural products from Russia and Belarus have been in force in the EU since July 2024.

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The government expects council tax in England to rise by the maximum amount every year until 2029, according to a leading economic think tank.

The IFS says a "big chunk" of the funding for local authorities which was set out in the government's Spending Review assumes bills will rise by just under 5% in April 2026, 2027 and 2028.

Most councils in England put council tax up by the maximum amount in April 2025, and average bills also rose in Wales and Scotland.

What is council tax for and who pays it?

Council tax is a compulsory charge on properties in England, Scotland and Wales.

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It is set by local authorities to raise money for providing services to residents, including:

rubbish collection

street lighting

libraries

police and fire services

youth clubs

parks and recreation facilities

care services

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Typically, anyone who is over 18 and owns or rents a home has to pay council tax.

However, there are some exemptions and discounts.

Someone living alone, for example, is entitled to a 25% reduction, and properties occupied only by students are completely exempt.

Some discounts are available if you - or someone you live with - has a disability.

Northern Ireland uses a domestic rates system instead of council tax.

What is expected to happen to council tax in 2026?

Councils with responsibility for social care can increase bills every year by 4.99% without having to hold a referendum or get approval from central government.

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Smaller councils without social care duties can increase bills by up to 2.99%.

Documents about police funding released as part of the government's Spending Review assume councils in England will put bills up by the maximum amount every year during the period covered by the calculations.

IFS director Paul Johnson said that this would mean bills were set to rise "at their fastest rate over any Parliament since 2001-05".

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said there had been no change to the cap rules, which were introduced by the previous Conservative government.

"It is a cap, councils don't have to increase council tax by 5%," she told BBC Breakfast.

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But the Local Government Association said council budgets were under "severe financial pressure", and services may have to be cut even if bills do rise by the maximum.

How much did council tax go up in April 2025?

Of the 384 councils in England subject to the referendum rules, 294 (77%) put bills up by the maximum amount.

Another 56 (15%) were close to the limit. Eight authorities (2%) either made no change or reduced bills.

The government let six areas introduce bigger rises to help deal with funding pressures.

Bradford Council increased bills by 10% while they rose by 9% in Windsor and Maidenhead, and in Newham.

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Birmingham, Somerset and Trafford put bills up by 7.5%.

A number of other councils were not allowed to put up bills by more than the standard maximum, including Hampshire, which had asked for a 15% uplift.

It means the average Band D council tax bill in England for 2025-26 is 2,280, which is an increase of 109 or 5% on the 2024-25 figure of 2,171.

[Getty Images]

What happened to council tax in Scotland and Wales?

Council tax rates in Scotland had been frozen or had limited increases since 2007, but went up in April. Bills rose by an average of 9.6% in April, with increases of at least 10% in 13 areas.

It means the average Band D council tax bill in Scotland for 2025-26 is 1,543, up from 1,418 in 2024-25.

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The country's 32 councils had warned that they faced a potential shortfall of 392m in 2025-26, which could rise to 780m the following year.

The Scottish government said it was giving councils an extra 1bn in 2025-26 to help limit increases.

Council tax rates in Wales increased by an average of 7.2% in April.

It means the average Band D council tax bill in Wales for 2025-26 is 2,170, up from 2,024 in 2025-25.

Wales' 22 local authorities had been given 253m in December to help reduce increases, but council leaders said more was needed.

How is council tax calculated?

How much you pay depends on your property's council tax band. Broadly speaking, the more expensive the property, the higher the band.

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In England and Scotland, bands are based on the price the property would have sold for in 1991. Wales uses 2003 prices and Northern Ireland 2005 prices.

You can check your home's band in:

Council tax bills also include additional charges.

These are used to fund the cost of care homes and other adult social care services. Another is set by local police and fire authorities to help fund their work.

Some cities with mayors, such as London and Manchester, can also add a separate charges for other services.

Where else do councils get their money?

About half of local authority funding comes from council tax, according to the Institute for Government (IFG).

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Councils in England can also raise money by charging for services including parking, swimming pools and planning applications.

Most of the rest comes from a combination of business rates and central government grants.

Labour had promised 2bn of central government funding for English councils in the year from April 2025, an extra 700m on top of the 1.3bn announced in October's Budget.

But 515m of that was earmarked to pay for higher National Insurance (NI) contributions from April.

The local government settlement in the Spending Review provides an additional 3.3bn for local authorities in 2028-29 compared with 2023-24.

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The Spending Review also revealed revealed the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government would see a 1.4% cut in its day-to-day budget.

But the government said councils' "core spending power" would still go up, if they increased council tax by the maximum amount.

Separately the government is consulting on directing more money to deprived councils in England from 2026.

What happens when a council goes 'bankrupt'?

Councils cannot technically go bankrupt, but if they cannot balance their budget for the financial year, they can issue what is called a section 114 notice.

This means they cannot commit to most new spending, and residents could see reduced services, such as fewer bin collections or cuts to libraries.

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Before 2018, only two councils had issued a section 114. Twelve have been issued since.

Birmingham City Council went bust in 2023, with a 760m black hole. It followed Woking Council, Thurrock and Croydon (for the third time).

A number of local authorities in England have not issued section 114 notices but are receiving so-called "exceptional financial support", to help manage their budgets.

Middlesbrough Council was one of 19 authorities allowed to borrow money to fund day-to-day spending in 2024-25.
Council tax is expected to rise by 5% a year to pay for local services, documents in the Spending Review suggest.

Bills are also expected to rise further to pay for an increase in police funding.

Local authorities have the power to raise the tax by up to 5% every year, although some choose lower increases.

However, Wednesday's Spending Review assumes councils will raise it to the maximum level.

The review allocated a 1.1% increase in funding from local government, but said total spending power for councils would rise by 2.6%. That includes funds councils can raise from council tax, as well as things like business rates.

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Councils can raise council tax by more than 5% if they hold a local referendum or get approval from central government.

Council tax has generally increased by the maximum of 5% a year recently amid strained town hall budgets. Some councils in particular financial difficulty have increased bills by significantly more.

Councils' choice

On whether councils would have to raise council tax by 5%, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said nothing had been changed in terms of the 5% council tax cap, which was brought in by the previous government.

"It is a cap, councils don't have to increase council tax by 5%," she told BBC Breakfast.

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"That's to invest in things like social care, but also as is normal to put money into policing."

Local services ranging from social care and libraries to bin collection and street cleaning are funded through council tax.

Council tax is one of a number of rising bills to have hit households [Getty Images]

The Spending Review also says police spending power will rise by 2.3% a year in real terms.

Council tax includes a so-called police precept, which helps fund services such as regular community policing.

Police and Crime Commissioners can raise this precept by 14 a year for a Band D council tax bill without having to have a referendum. This is in addition to a 5% general rise.

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Police budgets are made up of funding from both central government and local government and the increase in police spending power assumes a rise in the police precept, Treasury documents suggest.

"This includes projected spending from additional income, including estimated funding from the police council tax precept," the documents say.

Police leaders have already called for greater funding, with some arguing extra money provided in the Spending Review would quickly go on covering officers' pay

Squeeze on services

Louise Gittins, who chairs the Local Government Association, which represents councils, said there were some welcome areas of support in the Spending Review, including children's services, affordable homes and investment in transport.

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However, she said council budgets would remain under "severe financial pressure".

"Many will continue to have to increase council tax bills to try and protect services but still need to make further cutbacks," she said.

Tiff Lynch, acting chair of the Police Federation for England and Wales, which represents rank-and-file officers, said: "This Spending Review should have been a turning point after 15 years of austerity that has left policing and police officers broken. Instead, the cuts will continue and it's the public who will pay the price.

"We await the government's decision on police pay in the coming weeks. But with this Spending Review, the signs are deeply worrying; the consequences will be even more so."
BLUEFIELD  Changes at the West Virginia Division of Highways and Department of Transportation that the governor announced earlier this week have made local county commissioners think about how those changes could impact their constituents.

Speaking at a Bridgeport press conference streamed over social media, Gov. Patrick Morrisey stood behind a lectern bearing the sign Better Roads & Bridges as he said that they are connections for every part of life in the state, but that there are problems with this infrastructure.

But what we have uncovered are mismanaged funds, mounting debt, and basic roads and bridges falling apart, he said. That is why Im unveiling a major course-correction for our states transportation policies. A better, safer, and more efficient transportation system starts with fixing what we already have and making sure it lasts.

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The core condition of West Virginias roads and bridges must be addressed, Morrisey said.

Were here to talk about something very important for West Virginia, he said. The state of our roads and bridges is critical. It affects everything we do. Our ability to connect with one another. Our ability to drive to work, what we do when we go out to restaurants, how we live, how we play. We need to have a strong infrastructure if our state is to compete.

Ive talked a lot about having West Virginia compete with the other states that we touch. Certainly infrastructure is a critical part of that, Morrisey said. And I dont need to tell you about the condition of the roads and bridges in West Virginia. Its not what people deserve, so we have to change that.

The highway and bridge conditions are symptoms of much larger problems with the state highway system, he said.

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The first issue we found was with the financial management of the department of transportation and the division of highways, Morrisey said. When I came into office, what I found most alarming was that the DOT seemed to be basically out of money. If you look at the Roads to Prosperity that was a 30-year bond, effectively all of the money  a little bit wasnt  all the money was effectively committed in seven years. The public didnt know that. Now Im here to tell you that the Roads to Prosperity money, its all gone in term that its not available. Its effectively committed.

Morrisey said this policy goes against what the states federal counterparts say about how to handle federal highway funding.

It actually got to the point where the federal government came to our administration very early in our tenure and said if West Virginia did not change the way it manages its highway system, they were going to reduce the amount of federal funds that are coming to our state, Morrisey said. Its pretty significant. And that reduction in funding would seriously reduce the number of highways and bridges that we are able to fund each year.

Basically, the state was spending so much on some of the new highways without a clear plan for getting them done, he said. A basic look at our financial numbers made it obvious that we cant even afford the highways that are on the books. So were going to solve that problem and were going to solve a few others.

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Morrisey said to start fixing problems and better manage bridges and roads, he has directed the DOT to immediately implement the following measures including refocusing resources on long-overdue maintenance; reduce administrative overhead and invest those savings into the states roads and bridges; protect core maintenance funding warning that failure to do so would jeopardize long-term stability.

I appreciate Gov. Morriseys leadership and his strong support for transportation and infrastructure in West Virginia, Todd Rumbaugh, Secretary of Transportation said later in a press release. Our focus will remain on preserving our existing system, maintaining the roads and bridges that West Virginians count on every day, and ensuring the safety of the traveling public and the strength of our workforce.

Members of the Mercer County Commission expressed concerns about the changes to the DOT after hearing the governors announcement. One concern was the possible halting of a highway project going through southern West Virginia.

Yea, you know, specifically the King Coal Highway, said County Commission President Bill Archer said after the commissions meeting Tuesday. Thats something that would be really an opening not only for the people in Mercer County but also for the people in McDowell County and Wyoming County, the places that it touches.

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Halting the highway project could impact efforts to extend the Mercer County Airports runway, Archer said. Fill dirt from the highways construction was going towards that project.

For our perspective, were trying to work with a contractor now to extend our runway at the Mercer County Airport, which would enable us to have jet traffic in there again which would increase the potential for bringing in tourists by that. We have a good plan in place and weve been working with contractors trying to work out the details, the dirt that theyre moving, to be fill dirt for the extension project, Archer said. Were working in conjunction with the City of Princeton as well as the City of Bluefield and developers in that area in order to be able to do that.

Stopping construction would also impact other counties.

McDowell County has been through a tremendous challenge and if we dont complete that highway, it could be a tremendous challenge for people in the future, Archer said.

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Commissioner Brian Blankenship he was thinking about how counties would be expected to participate in road projects.

Definitely, Blankenship said. There were no details that were given in that public announcement (Tuesday). On the surface it looked like, until we hear more from his department of administration, that somewhere down the road they would like to see counties and the municipalities start taking care of the road systems. Well, as far as counties, thats something we havent had to do since back in the 1920s and 1930s.

So naturally, thats something that is not budgeted for, Blankenship said. I mean, were running a tight ship now and weve had a moratorium now on funding requests for several months and then all of sudden were to be expecting or possibly the potential of taking care of our local state roads? We need a lot more details. We hope that cooler heads will prevail and come up with some kind of solution to where that burden is not being placed on the counties or the cities because we dont have the monies budgeted for those kind of things.

Counties need more avenues for raising revenue, Blankenship said.

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A lot of our counties of course weve been asking the Legislature for giving us the ability, putting it on the ballot and letting the people decide, it would be nice to do these extra projects and thing, he said.

One concern is how counties will pay if they are expected to help fund local infrastructure projects.

Money is going to be the issue. Where does the money come from? Blankenship asked. If the Legislature would ever give the counties the ability to earn additional revenue, if those extra burdens are going to be placed on us as far as taking care of the roads and things like that, we need extra revenue sources. Thats just the cut and dry of it. 

The primary revenue source that most counties have now are property taxes.

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Thats it. They (Legislature) have strangled most of our counties in the entire state in not giving anyone the ability to raise additional revenue when you have big projects, Blankenship said. We would love to do so many more water and sewer projects for our communities because from what I understand when I come onto the county seat Jan. 1, you know, Mercer County on 60, low 60 some percent developed for water and sewer. Well, you have to match a lot of these grants and things with 20%. Where does that money come from? We just dont have the money tree out back to where we can fund these things we would just love to do for our populace.

If indeed the governor is really looking at pushing some of those burdens on top of strained budgets, we have to have the flexibility to earn additional revenues to offset that, Blankenship said. Thats just the way it is.

Contact Greg Jordan at

gjordan@bdtonline.com
ANDERSON  The Madison County Council is planning to meet with the county commissioners to develop a strategy concerning the Cumulative Capital Improvements and Asset fund.

Earlier this year the Madison County Board of Finance voted to place all of the interest earned on county general fund investments into the fund.

The commissioners placed $1.2 million into the fund, but several members of the council believed control over the funds rested within their purview.

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Approximately $100,000 has been appropriated for repairs to the Bronnenberg Chapel by the commissioners.

The Indiana State Board of Accounts has agreed that the Madison County Board of Finance determines where interest funds can be deposited.

Council President Scott Green said Tuesday the intention to develop a strategy will involve a meeting to include Jodi Norrick, council vice president, council attorney Bob Clutter with the commissioners and county attorney Jeff Graham.

Councilwoman Kristi Grabowski said she wanted more feedback on who controls the interest earnings and recommended getting an opinion from the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance.

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One of the issues to be resolved is a request from Madison County Sheriff John Beeman for $50,000 to purchase body armor for deputies.

Clutter said the state statute authorizing a Cumulative Capital Improvement Fund allows for the purchase of the body armor with the funds.

The commissioners can appropriate the money, Clutter said.

Sheriff Beeman would have to request the funding for the body armor from the commissioners.

Auditor Todd Culp said all the interest earned by the countys general fund investment goes into the Cumulative Capital Improvement and Assets fund.

OTHER BUSINESS

Culp said the county recently received $2.2 million from the state in local option income tax revenues.

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He said normally the county receives $1 million per month in local income tax revenues.

Culp said the state holds tax collections in reserve until it reaches a certain percentage and the funds are released to the counties.

He raised a 2026 budget concern as a result of the 11-year cycle of a 27th pay period for county employees.

Culp said the council should include in the 2026 budget funds for the additional pay period in the amount of $1.3 million.

He recommended the council fund the 27th pay period from the Rainy Day fund, which has already earned $588,000 in interest this year.

Culp said by the end of the year, the Rainy Day fund should have a balance of $18 million.

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Green said the council hopes to have a draft 2026 budget in place in July after council members have meet with department heads.

Culp asked that the council determine if a pay raise for county employees will be included in the budget early in the process.

Make the decision early in the process rather than at the end of the budgeting process, he said.
NANJING, June 12 (Xinhua) -- An international paleontological team led by Chinese scientists has discovered two new species of parasitic fungus, preserved in approximately 100-million-year-old Kachin amber from Myanmar, according to the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIGPAS).

This discovery provides important evidence for exploring the co-evolution of fungi and insects. Furthermore, the research pushes back the origin of Ophiocordyceps by about 30 million years compared to previous estimates.

Wang Bo, a researcher at NIGPAS who led the study, explained that Ophiocordyceps is a general term for a group of parasitic fungi. Since fungi lack hard structures and decay easily, fossil evidence of Ophiocordyceps has been scarce, resulting in a limited understanding of their origin and evolution.

The two newly discovered fossil species preserve the fungal structures completely, allowing direct comparison with living species. Using high-resolution analytical methods like micro-CT, researchers found their parasitic hosts.

Researchers also collected and analyzed genetic data from 120 extant Ophiocordyceps species. Using the new fossils as a reference, they reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships within Ophiocordyceps and revised its origin time.

"The results show the origin of Ophiocordyceps should be around 130 million years ago in the Early Cretaceous, pushing it back by about 30 million years compared to previous research," Wang said.

The research findings were published online Wednesday in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday temporarily blocked a federal judges order that directed President Donald Trump to return control of National Guard troops to California after he deployed them there following protests in Los Angeles over immigration raids.

The court said it would hold a hearing on the matter on Tuesday. The ruling came only hours after a federal judges order was to take effect at noon Friday.

Earlier Thursday, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled the Guard deployment was illegal and both violated the Tenth Amendment, which defines power between federal and state governments, and exceeded Trumps statutory authority. The order applied only to the National Guard troops and not Marines who were also deployed to the LA protests. The judge said he would not rule on the Marines because they were not out on the streets yet.

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A group of 200 Marines will begin protecting federal property and personnel in downtown Los Angeles at noon Friday, said Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, commander of Task Force 51 who is overseeing the 4,700 troops deployed in Los Angeles.

The Marines will join some 2,000 National Guard troops that have been on the streets of the city since last week when immigration raids set off protests.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who had asked the judge for an emergency stop to troops helping carry out immigration raids, had praised the earlier ruling.

Today was really about a test of democracy, and today we passed the test, Newsom said in a news conference before the appeals court decision.

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In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump thanked the appeals court Friday morning.

If I didnt send the Military into Los Angeles, that city would be burning to the ground right now, he said.

The White House had called Breyer's order unprecedented and said it puts our brave federal officials in danger.

The district court has no authority to usurp the Presidents authority as Commander in Chief, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. The President exercised his lawful authority to mobilize the National Guard to protect federal buildings and personnel in Gavin Newsoms lawless Los Angeles. The Trump Administration will immediately appeal this abuse of power and looks forward to ultimate victory on the issue.

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Marines in civil disturbance training at nearby base

About 700 Marines have been undergoing civil disturbance training at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach in Orange County, California.

Typically the authority to call up the National Guard lies with governors, but there are limited circumstances under which the president can deploy those troops. Trump federalized members of the California National Guard under an authority known as Title 10.

Title 10 allows the president to call the National Guard into federal service when the country is invaded, when there is a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government, or when the president is unable to execute the laws of the United States.

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Breyer, who was appointed by former President Bill Clinton, said in his ruling that what is happening in Los Angeles does not meet the definition of a rebellion.

The protests in Los Angeles fall far short of rebellion, he wrote. Individuals right to protest the government is one of the fundamental rights protected by the First Amendment, and just because some stray bad actors go too far does not wipe out that right for everyone.

California sued the federal government

Newsom sued to block the Guards deployment against his wishes. California later filed an emergency motion asking the judge to block the Guard from assisting with immigration raids.

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The governor argued that the troops were originally deployed to protect federal buildings and wanted the court to block the troops from helping protect immigration agents during the raids, saying that involving the Guard would escalate tensions and promote civil unrest.

Sherman said that as of Wednesday about 500 of the Guard troops had been trained to accompany agents on immigration operations. Photos of Guard soldiers providing security for the agents have already been circulated by immigration officials.

None of the Marines have been trained to go on immigration raids, and it is not yet clear if they eventually will, Sherman said.

Trump improperly called up the Guard, judge says

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In his broad ruling, the judge determined Trump had not properly called the Guard up in the first place.

The lawsuit argued that Title 10 also requires that the president go through governors when issuing orders to the National Guard, which the Trump administration didn't do.

Brett Shumate, an attorney for the federal government, said Trump complied with the statute by informing the general in charge of the troops of his decision and has the authority to call in the Guard even if he had not. Furthermore, the president's decisions are not subject to judicial review, Shumate argued.

Our position is this is not subject to judicial review, Shumate told the judge.

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Breyer, who at one point waved a copy of the Constitution, said he disagreed.

Were talking about the president exercising his authority, and the president is, of course, limited in that authority. Thats the difference between a constitutional government and King George, he said.

Protests intensified

The protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles intensified after Trump called up the Guard and have since spread to other cities, including Boston, Chicago and Seattle.

Trump has described Los Angeles in dire terms that Mayor Karen Bass and Newsom say are nowhere close to the truth.

Most of the sprawling city has been spared as protests continue downtown, near City Hall and a federal detention center where some immigrants are being held.
CHICAGO  Chicago police are searching for a missing elderly man who may be in need of medical attention.

Police said Roy Harris was last seen Tuesday, June 10 in the 4300 block of West 18th Place in North Lawndale.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Harris was last seen wearing a black hat, dark colored shirt/jeans and red/white Nike shoes, according to investigators.

(Source: Chicago Police Department)

Police said Harris is 6 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. He also has brown eyes, has very short gray hair and may be bald.

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Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or Area Four Detectives at 312-746-8251.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI)  Another summer is going to pass in Cranston without the Budlong Pool.

The city confirmed to 12 News on Wednesday that the pools opening date has once again been pushed back. It is now set to open for summer 2026.

After the pandemic started, the pool was closed for three years. When plans to revitalize the community spot were unveiled in 2023, the city said the pool would reopen in 2024.

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This past April, the mayors office gave an update on the construction of the new pool and revealed that crews discovered an old drainage pipe while digging.

The pipe was reportedly not documented in any site plans and flooded the excavation site.

MORE: New Budlong Pool faces delay after crews discover old pipe

The mayors office initially said the pipe may push back the pools opening date until later in the summer.

It remains unclear how the setback may affect the overall cost of the project.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
JUNIATA COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Crews responded to a multi-vehicle crash involving a bear in Juniata County on Wednesday night.

According to Mifflintown Hose Company #1 on Facebook, crews responded to Route 322 westbound in a construction zone in Fermanagh Township for a multi-vehicle crash with an injury around 10 p.m.

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Firefighters said a vehicle struck a bear before it was struck by a vehicle behind it. The driver of the first vehicle was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

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The second driver was okay. Firefighters say the bear had no vital signs and was deemed beyond help. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has been notified.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Its hard to shake off the sense that Britain is creeping towards lawlessness. Low-level crime is on its way to becoming legalised, whether officially  in the case of cannabis  or not  as with shoplifting. Public faith in the police is collapsing as many serious crimes like burglary and assault routinely fail to be solved, and sometimes even go uninvestigated, while speech crimes trigger the full wrath of the law.

Too many neighbourhoods are becoming hotbeds of anti-social behaviour, with begging prolific and buildings defaced by graffiti. True, Britain is cash-strapped. But its the fusion of chronic underinvestment with liberal idealism which is so toxic. Disorder is being normalised, criminals treated as victims, the rule of law eroded. Though politicians remain convinced that crime is a second-order issue, it could eventually prove the Labour Governments undoing.

My own local area in west London is disintegrating. It started with a clutch of beggars congregating outside the Tesco after Covid. Now they are joined by dishevelled women selling washing powder and bare-footed addicts. For the most part, they are a nuisance rather than dangerous. Like many women in the city, when I walk the streets, I get the surreal feeling of being neither safe nor unsafe. With the crime rate in my area surging by a third since 2019, and several of my neighbours recently burgled, that may soon change.

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When I expressed my concerns to police and crime commissioners this week, they echoed Mark Rowleys complaint about a lack of funds. Some say they find Rachel Reevess claim that she is hiking police spending by 2.3 per cent each year exasperating.

A view prevails in Westminster that crime is a non-issue. Its proponents point to statistics that suggest it is at its lowest level on record. They think that technology is rendering crime a relic of the past, with their favourite example, carjacking, now largely a fools errand thanks to security device innovation.

They think that any ongoing problems pertain to a tiny number of chronic offenders. Meanwhile, Left-leaning criminologists insist that conservatives fears that soft policing could drive up crime are prejudiced. Crackdowns are said to be counterproductive, alienating disproportionately-targeted minority groups.

Such framing overlooks the risk that unrecorded crime is quietly climbing, as law-breaking becomes such a regular occurrence that some victims dont bother to report it. Other kinds are probably not being picked up properly by polling.

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Even more worrying is the Leftist view that, if there is a specific issue with chronic offenders, its the consequence of too much law and order rather than too little. Keir Starmers prison guru, James Timpson, thinks Britain is addicted to sentencing. Sadiq Khan has backed partial cannabis decriminalisation, amid claims that policing the drug harms more than the substance itself.

The way in which the Left tries to romanticise these criminals is if anything becoming more strident  we are told that in the wake of austerity and Covid, certain law-breakers are, deep down, troubled souls. Shoplifters and fare dodgers who are allegedly struggling with the cost of living are the latest group to which any compassionate society should turn a blind eye, the Left insist.

This myth threatens to shake the foundations of our society by undermining the sacred principle that we are all equal under the law.

There is only so far we can fall down this rehabilitation rabbit hole before triggering a crime surge. Labour is adamant that the Michael Howard school of tough sentencing has failed. It has opted to release offenders early and ignore our rotting prison estate.

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This is a terrible mistake. Even if prison isnt working in the sense that it isnt preventing ex-convicts from reoffending, policymakers should not use this as an excuse to avoid punishing those who break our laws. The answer to our failure to rehabilitate is not to allow criminals to escape punishment. In the most important sense, prison almost always works by preventing somebody who is locked up from stealing or assaulting other people.

True, rehabilitation can sometimes work wonders. I have spoken with ex offenders who have been transformed by such programmes. One woman, Sonia, told me of how the support of one charity helped her evade the revolving door back to prison. But resource-intensive, bespoke rehabilitation is tricky to scale. In austere times, the temptation to roll out rehab on the cheap could prove overwhelming, and will end in failure.

As veteran probation expert Mark Leech told me: There are prisoners that have done the courses so many times they could deliver them better than the tutors who deliver them. Chasing a utopian ideal, with no idea how to make it work, let alone on a tight budget, is flirting with disaster.

Efforts by some criminologists to discredit the policing approach known as broken windows could also end badly. This concept, which clamps down on low-level crime such as graffiti and drug-taking on the basis that tolerating minor disorder leads to a culture that promotes much more serious crime, helped flatten a vicious crime wave in 1990s New York. It has been trashed in recent years, amid complaints it is racist and based on bogus evidence.

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I disagree. Broken windows could once again be a vital weapon against certain serious crimes, such as sexual offences. Police officers on the front line certainly seem to think so: as Matthew Barber, PCC for Thames Valley, says: You wont find many hardened criminals who didnt start doing things at a young age before getting steadily out of control. Fix those basics and youll prevent an awful lot more serious crime down the road.

Though Labour politicians may be in denial, a slow-burning crisis is unfolding. There is a widespread sense of malaise, that law is breaking down. In Red Wall towns, Labours levelling up projects are being undermined by anti-social behaviour. In the cities, alarm at gang violence, as well as muggings and burglary, may yet nudge professionals to the Right. Labours inability to tackle crime could cost it dear.

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A "short and sharp reset" is required for Croydon Council to recover from poor performance and high debt levels, the minister for housing, communities and local government has announced.

Jim McMahon has told the House of Commons the council's financial position is "deteriorating rapidly" after a report highlighted concerns about its ability to improve.

McMahon said that failing to change course "would condemn Croydon's residents to a worsening position without an exit strategy" and he was "minded to" send in commissioners to run the council.

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Executive mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, said he and the council "had done everything possible" to fix the finances "whilst protecting vital services".

Jason Perry, executive mayor of Croydon, said the move indicates the government "wants to centralise control" [Croydon Council]

Perry added: "We have generated over 230m in capital receipts, including 130m of asset sales and have plans to sell a further 68m assets this year.

"The council also raised council tax by 10% over the cap in 2023, to help meet the panel's demand that we close the gap in the council's finances."

The council had been under review by the government's improvement and assurance panel, set up to provide external advice, challenge and expertise.

Jim McMahon, minister for housing, communities and local government, has said the council is in "financial crisis" [House of Commons]

McMahon said the council's general fund debt sits at around 1.4bn and it relies on the allocation of Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) through in-principle capitalisation directions to balance its budget.

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The panel's report has said there has been a lack of pace throughout the intervention, but the deteriorating financial position, which is not being gripped and tackled adequately by the council, is reaching a "financial crisis".

McMahon added: "I am satisfied that the London Borough of Croydon is failing to comply with its Best Value Duty. I am therefore minded to exercise powers of direction under section 15(5) and 15(6) of the Local Government Act 1999 to implement an intervention package."

Perry said, via a statement: "If at any time the panel or government felt that there was any action the council should be taking and was not, they had the power to instruct us. They never did.

"Surely that means we are doing everything possible, and they agree with our actions? We have already made very difficult decisions and in my view the residents of Croydon have felt enough pain.

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"Despite all the improvements that have been delivered by the council and its staff, it appears the government wants to centralise control into the hands of commissioners."

He said the council would consider all options before submitting its formal response to the government, the deadline for which is 25 June.

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

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GANZHOU, China (AP)  Chinas dominance over critical minerals in global supply chains was a powerful bargaining chip in trade talks between Beijing and Washington that concluded with both sides saying they have a framework to pursue a deal.

China has spent decades building the world's main industrial chain for mining and processing such materials, which are used in many industries such as electronics, advanced manufacturing, defense and health care.

Mines and factories in and around Ganzhou, a key production hub for rare earths, underpin China's control over the minerals. Many residents grew up collecting rocks containing the valuable minerals from the forested hills surrounding the southern city and today make a living from mining, trading or processing them.

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Critical minerals as a trade issue

Responding to ever higher tariffs and other controls on advanced technology, China told exporters of certain key rare earths and other critical minerals to obtain licenses for every shipment abroad. Approvals can take weeks, leading to supply chain disruptions in the U.S. and other countries.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that China would make it easier for American industry to obtain much-needed needed magnets and rare earth minerals, clearing the way for talks to continue between the worlds two biggest economies. In return, Trump said, the U.S. will stop efforts to revoke the visas of Chinese nationals on U.S. college campuses.

But details remain scarce. Beijing has not confirmed what the negotiators agreed to, and Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump himself have yet to sign off on it.

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The Chinese Commerce Ministry said Saturday it had approved a certain number of export licenses for rare earth products, apparently acknowledging Trumps personal request to Xi during a phone call last week. And on Wednesday, the Ganzhou-based rare-earth conglomerate JL MAG Rare-Earth Co. confirmed it had obtained some export licenses for shipments to destinations including the U.S., Europe and Southeast Asia.

Experts say, however, Beijing is unlikely to do away with the permit system enabling it to control access to those valuable resources.

I think what the Chinese have proven is they have now created an entire export control regime for rare earths, said Daniel Kritenbrink, a partner at The Asia Group consultancy. They can turn that spigot on and off at will.

The only scenario in which China might deregulate its critical minerals export is if the U.S. fully removes tariffs imposed on Chinese goods as part of the trade war, said Wang Yiwei, a professor of international affairs at Renmin University, echoing the Chinese governments earlier stance.

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Without that, he said, it will be difficult to blame China for continuing to strengthen its export controls.

An industry built over decades with government support

In 1992, Deng Xiaoping, the leader who launched China's ascent as the world's biggest manufacturing power, famously said the Middle East has oil, China has rare earths, signaling a desire to leverage access to the key minerals.

Several generations later, Beijing has made its rich reserves of rare earths, a group of 17 minerals that are abundant in the earths crust but hard, expensive and environmentally polluting to process, a key element of China's economic security. In 2019, during a visit to a rare earth processing plant in Ganzhou, Xi described rare earths as a vital strategic resource.

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China today has an essential monopoly over heavy rare earths, used for making powerful, heat-resistance magnets used in industries such as defense and electric vehicles.

The country also produces around 80% of the worlds tungsten, gallium and antimony, and 60% of the worlds germanium - all minerals used in the making of semiconductors, among other advanced technologies.

The risks of dependency on Chinese suppliers first came into focus in 2010, when Beijing suspended rare earths exports to Japan due to a territorial dispute. The ban was lifted after about two months, but as a precaution, Japan invested in rare earths processing plants in other countries and began stockpiling the materials.

Beijing's across-the-board requirement for export licenses for some critical minerals has put pressure on world electronics manufacturers and automakers.

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Some auto parts makers in Europe have shut down production lines due to delays in supply deliveries, according to the European Association of Automotive Suppliers. In the U.S., Tesla CEO Elon Musk said a shortage of rare earths is affecting his companys work on humanoid robots.

China's critical minerals resources are dwindling

In the drab industrial hub of Ganzhou, cradled by the scenic Dayu Mountains, the U.S.-China trade war is still a distant stressor. Miners and small mineral traders interviewed by The Associated Press said they are more concerned about depleting the mountains' once-abundant resources.

Zhong, a tungsten factory manager in Ganzhou who would only give his last name, worked his way up to manager from a miner, but he's unsure there is a future for him and others in the industry.

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I find growing difficulties to source tungsten these days, he said, adding that smaller mines and trading companies are slowly disappearing as the resources are dwindling. Tungsten is an ultra-hard metal used in armor-piercing ammunition, nuclear reactors and semiconductors.

At least five tungsten mines have closed in the area in recent years, according to state media. Remaining reserves are deeper and harder to extract and process after decades of exploitation, said Li Shangkui, chairman of the Ganzhou-based Jiangxi Yuean Advanced Materials Co., Ltd.

Processing factories in Ganzhou now routinely source materials from other provinces or other countries. Zhongs plant imports some raw materials from places like Africa and Cambodia.

Major state-owned and private companies in Ganzhou are also ramping up investments abroad. Tungsten producer Ganzhou Haisheng, for instance, announced last year a $25 million investment in a new tungsten plant in Thailand.

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Whatever the challenges in procuring raw materials, China likely will seek to maintain its dominance in critical minerals, said Fabian Villalobos, an engineer and critical minerals expert at the RAND think tank.

The U.S. lags far behind China on critical minerals

Between 2020 and 2023, the U.S. imported at least 70% of the rare earth compounds it used from China, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It has diversified its sources in recent years, but still mainly relies on China.

Since beginning his second term in office, Trump has made improving access to critical minerals a matter of national security. But the U.S. has an incredibly long way to go to catch up with China, experts say.

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The sole operational U.S. rare earths mine, in Mountain Pass, California, is unable to separate heavy rare earths. It sends its ore to China for processing. The U.S. Defense Department has provided funding to the mine's owner, MP Materials, to build new separation facilities. It will take months to build and still only produce a fraction of what is needed.

Friction over the issue has opened the way for government-backed financing that was unavailable before, said Mark Smith, who ran the Mountain Pass mine in the early 2010s and now leads NioCorp. It's seeking about $780 million in financing through the U.S. Export-Import Bank to build a processing facility in Nebraska for critical minerals including rare earths.

The Defense Department has committed $439 million to building domestic rare earth supply chains, but building a complete mining and processing industrial chain like China's could take decades.

There are going to be some real issues here unless we can figure out how to get along with China for a period of time while we're developing our own resources and our mainstream processing, Smith said.

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The spotlight on critical minerals also provides opportunities for smaller miners to invest in extracting and processing some critical minerals, such as tungsten, considered niche because they are needed in relatively small amounts in key industries, said Milo McBride, an expert on sustainability and geopolitics at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

For many of these companies, the business strategy hedges on a scenario where the U.S. and China become more confrontational and where trade relations become more uncomfortable, McBride said. And all of a sudden, what was once an uneconomic project somewhere outside of China starts to make more sense.

___

Associated Press news researcher Shihuan Chen contributed to this story.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) said last week, officers got a donation of 30 kits designed to support autistic individuals in moments when they need extra comfort and care.

The Academy Optimist Club donated the kits to CSPD, and each kit includes:

Sound-dampening headphones to help reduce overwhelming noise

Dark glasses to minimize the glare of bright lights, especially during nighttime emergencies

A snuggle blanket to provide soothing sensory input and promote relaxation

A communication board with a dry-erase for non-verbal individuals, along with a picture board on the reverse side in both English and Spanish, to help facilitate communication between officers and the community

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CSPD said other items include a silicone bracelet, a variety of fidget toys, autism awareness stickers for vehicles and front doors, and information materials connecting families to other helpful resources.

Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department

According to CSPD, the kits will be distributed to School Resource Officers and Community Response Team officers, ensuring they are available when needed most.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Connecticut man with a history of possessing child sexual abuse materials was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison in Florida after authorities alleged he tried to solicit a young child while communicating online with an undercover FBI agent.

Andrew Thomas Bull, 37, of Tolland was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release once he is released from prison, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Florida said in a news release on Wednesday.

According to federal officials, an undercover FBI agent in the Jacksonville area conducted an online operation in November 2022 to identify adults trying to solicit meet ups with children. The agent posted a message in a public chat room on a social media app indicating that they had access to an 11-year-old child.

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Later that same day, user brdr1066 contacted the agent using a messaging feature on the app and inquired about the fictitious child, officials said. The user was later identified as Bull, according to authorities.

Officials said Bull wanted to confirm the age of the child and what sexual experience they had had. He also reportedly sent explicit photos of himself that he wanted the child to see.

Between November 2022 and May 2023, Bull reportedly had a number of text message conversations with the agent in which he expressed his desire to have sex with the child, authorities said. He also sent the agent photos of children being sexually abused and asked for photos of the fictitious 11-year-old, officials said.

On May 9, 2023, Bull reportedly asked if he would get to see live pics tonight? before the child goes to bed hopefully, authorities said.

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On May 25, 2023, FBI agents arrested Bull and carried out a federal search warrant at his residence. A search of his cellphone turned up at least 15 videos and 40 photos depicting children being sexually abused, including an infant, officials said.

Protecting kids from predators is among the most important work that we do at the FBI, Jason Carley, special agent in charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division, said in a statement. Let this case be a warning  the FBI is relentless in our efforts to identify and stop child predators from abusing our kids.

According to authorities, Bull is a sex offender who was convicted of importation and possession of child sexual abuse materials in Connecticut in 2013. He was serving court-ordered probation when he was arrested by federal authorities and was transported to Florida.

He pleaded guilty to the allegations involving the undercover agent in February.
With less than two weeks to go until New York City's Democratic Party mayoral primary, frontrunner and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is spotlighting the unrest in Los Angeles to raise warnings about President Donald Trump and showcase his own experience.

"LAs in chaos. Imagine its Times Square. Trumps coming for New York. Who do you think can stop him?" a narrator says over images of the rioting in Los Angeles in a new ad by Cuomo that started running Thursday.

Cuomo, who said recently that, as mayor, he'd mount a national campaign to try and thwart Trump's agenda, is now vowing to protect New York City from what he suggests is a possible future federal crackdown against immigration protests.

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The former three-term governor resigned from office in 2021 amid multiple scandals and is now aiming for political redemption as he works to pull off a campaign comeback. On Wednesday, he argued the president has "declared war" on New York and other cities across the country and suggested Trump may eventually send troops into New York City.

This Billionaire Former Nyc Mayor Endorses Cuomo Ahead Of Primary

"Trumps at the city gates," the narrator in Cuomo's ad says. "We need someone experienced to slam them shut."

Read On The Fox News App

The release of the new spot, which the Cuomo campaign says will run in the city as part of a seven-figure ad buy across all platforms, including cable and broadcast television, comes as progressive Zohran Mamdani has been rising in the most recent public opinion polls in the mayoral primary race and is now a clear second to the more moderate former governor.

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Aoc Backs Rising Progressive Candidate In Nyc Dem Primary In Push To Defeat Frontrunner Cuomo

Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assembly member from Queens, is a person of color and a democratic socialist originally from Uganda. His primary bid was boosted last week after he landed an endorsement from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , the progressive champion and New York City's most prominent leader on the left.

Democratic mayoral candidates Andrew Cuomo, far left, and Zohran Mamdani, second from right, present arguments as Whitney Tilson, second from left, and Michael Blake look on during a Democratic mayoral primary debate Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in New York.

Ahead of the June 24 primary, the 67-year-old Cuomo has been questioning Mamdani's experience leading New York City.

"Who do you think can stop him?," the narrator in the new ad says, referring to Trump.

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Andrew Cuomo The Biggest Target As New York City Mayoral Primary Heats Up

"Zohran Mamdanis a 33-year-old dangerously inexperienced legislator whos passed just three bills with a staff you can fit inside a New York elevator," the narrator argues. "We need someone ready to roll. Andrew Cuomo managed a state and managed crises, from COVID to Trump."

Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks to the New York City District Council of Carpenters while campaigning for mayor of New York City March 2, 2025.

Cuomo has spent the past four years fighting to clear his name after 11 sexual harassment accusations, which he has repeatedly denied, forced his resignation. He was also under investigation at the time for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic amid allegations his administration vastly understated COVID-related deaths at state nursing homes.

Last month, the Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into Cuomo after Republicans accused him of lying to Congress about the decisions he made as governor during the coronavirus pandemic.





Original article source: Cuomo links LA violence to Trump as he courts NYC voters ahead of primary
LUANDA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- At least two children died and 2,000 families suffered power cut after unusual heavy rains in dry season pounded Angola's northern province of Uige for three days, the Angola Press Agency (ANGOP) said Wednesday.

Antonio Simao, deputy provincial commander of the Service for Civil Protection and Firefighters, said the deaths occurred in the towns of Damba and Uige, where the unexpected downpour, accompanied by wind and hail, took residents off guard, an unusual phenomenon for the dry season.

Since Tuesday, at least 2,000 families in the province have been left without electricity due to the rain.

The rain also destroyed part of the Uige General Hospital, school infrastructure and vehicles parked along the road, reported ANGOP. 
Czech President Petr Pavel has called for NATO to have stronger "operational autonomy" within its command structure in Europe, urging the alliance to prepare for missions without relying on active US involvement.

Speaking at the GLOBSEC security forum in Prague on Thursday, the 63-year-old former general said European nations should consider "mirroring" command posts currently held by US military officers with European personnel.

Such a move, he argued, would ensure Europe-specific operations remain viable regardless of Washington's decisions.

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Pavel, who served as chairman of the NATO Military Committee from 2015 to 2018, said Europe must respond to shifting US attitudes toward European security, particularly under President Donald Trump.

"It is time that we draw the necessary conclusions from the fact that the United States' role in European security has changed. The new US administration has unsettled transatlantic relations and forced Europe to face strategic questions it cannot postpone," he said.

"The aim is not to create an alternative to NATO, but to strengthen NATO's European pillar. To succeed, this European pillar cannot remain an abstract ambition. It needs to be institutionalized, embedded in NATO's standard planning, in budgeting and force development processes," he continued.

Security conference under way in Prague

Top politicians, defence officials, and experts are meeting in Prague this week for the 20th annual GLOBSEC security forum. Discussions are focused on global security challenges and strategies for overcoming ongoing crises.

The Czech Republic, a NATO member since 1999, has taken a prominent role in supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russias war of aggression. Pragues conservative government has backed an initiative to supply Kiev with artillery ammunition and continues to advocate for robust support for Ukraine across the alliance.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The man accused of shooting and killing a married couple on a busy sidewalk in front of the Bellagio fountains could face the death penalty.

Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said prosecutors will consider seeking the death penalty for Manuel Ruiz, 41, who is facing two counts of murder for the deaths of 44-year-old Rodney Finley and 43-year-old Tanisha Finley on Sunday, June 8.

This is a case involving the death of two innocent people, and whenever we have a situation where two people are killed, needlessly, senselessly, its always an option, Wolfson said.

Manuel Ruiz appears in Las Vegas Justice Court on Thursday, June 12, for his arraignment. (KLAS)

Ruiz, who appeared in Las Vegas Justice Court Thursday morning for his arraignment, told police after he was arrested that he shot both people in self-defense because he thought they were going to shoot him, according to his arrest report.

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I think its probably garbage, Wolfson said of Ruizs self-defense claim. He added no weapons were found on or near the victims and the motivation is pretty clear.

Livestream viewers flood 911 to report Las Vegas Strip shooting: We watch these two guys live all the time

The shooting, which was livestreamed on social media, stemmed from an ongoing social media feud between Ruiz and Rodney Finley that had been brewing since 2023, a fellow YouTube content creator told police.

Wolfson also made a point of addressing concerns about safety on the Las Vegas Strip.

I will tell you that I believe the Las Vegas community, and in particular the Las Vegas Strip, is one of the most safest communities in the country, he said. These are isolated incidents, and when you look at how many people actually visit the Las Vegas Strip between the tourists, the residents and the employees, the Strip is a very, very safe place.

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Ruiz is scheduled to appear in court on July 3.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Police in Dallas and Fort Worth are preparing for this weekends protests against President Donald Trump.

Left-wing activists are planning nationwide protests against Trump June 14, dubbed No Kings Day. Various demonstrations will take place across the DFW metroplex. As The Dallas Express previously reported, this comes on the heels of violent anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles and Dallas.

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker told The Dallas Express she has full faith in the Fort Worth Police Department to manage the No Kings Day protest this Saturday. She said, the city has been coordinating with state and federal agencies to allow for peaceful protests but upholding law and order in our community.

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Fort Worth Police will be monitoring the protests, said Officer Cynthia Wood in an email to The Dallas Express.

The Fort Worth Police Department is working closely with our community and our Intelligence Fusion Center to monitor all activity during any peaceful protests that may take place in the City of Fort Worth, Wood said.

The Dallas Police Departments main priority is the safety of people who live, work, and visit the city, according to a statement Lt. Tramese Jones provided to The Dallas Express.

The Department will not interfere with a lawful and peaceful assembly of any individuals or groups expressing their First Amendment rights, Jones said. Participants will see our patrols as they always do at large events.

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The Dallas Express asked for more specific details, but Jones said, we do not release that information for operational reasons.

No Kings Day protests are scheduled for June 14 in downtown Dallas and Fort Worth, according to an online event map. The left-wing demonstrations are also set to take place in Arlington, Burleson, Denton, Euless, Flower Mound, Frisco, McKinney, and Sanger.

The Indivisible Project, a powerful left-wing network, is working with other prominent progressive advocacy groups to sponsor No Kings protests across the nation June 14. The group has boosted similar protest movements earlier this year, providing things like infrastructure to get the campaign off the ground, according to The Federalist. As The Dallas Express previously reported, Indivisible was funded in part by George Soros Open Society Foundations.

Indivisibles Fort Worth chapter targeted Tarrant County Judge Tim OHare and County Commissioners Matt Krause and Manny Ramirez in a post on Bluesky. Black, Brown, White, queer, immigrant, working class. We rise together! Were done w leaders who divide us. WE run the show. Not the likes of Tim OHare, Manny Ramirez, and Matt Krause, trying to build their MAGA safehaven.

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Peaceful demonstrations are a constitutional right as long as they dont escalate into violence, rioting and lawlessness like what weve seen in California. That type of behavior will not be tolerated in Tarrant County, OHare said to The Dallas Express. I have full confidence in the Tarrant County Sheriffs Office and all our local police departments that law and order will be maintained. Tarrant County has earned its reputation as a safe place to live, and we intend to keep it that way.

The No Kings protests are partnering with groups including 50501, which  as The Dallas Express previously reported  targeted the metroplex with demonstrations earlier this year. Other prominent groups include the ACLU, Bernie Sanders and his group Our Revolution, Move On of the Tesla Takedown protests, and May Day Strong of the recent May Day protests.

Organizers are coordinating the protests through the left-wing platform Mobilize America. As The Federalist previously reported, Mobilize falls under Bonterra  which was launched by the London-based private firm Apax Partners, and which also oversees the Democrat Partys comprehensive voter database.

The Dallas Express reached out to No Kings, but the group did not comment in time for publication.
The International Atomic Energy Agencys (IAEA) findings on Thursday that Iran has tried to hide its nuclear ambitions, and Tehrans vow to build new uranium enrichment facilities as a result, have given Israel additional pretext for an attack against its longtime nemesis. Meanwhile, a senior Israel Defense Forces (IDF) source told us that there are credible indications that Israeli operational preparations for a strike on Iran have been completed. At the same time, what could be last-ditch negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are planned for this weekend, and its clear that maximum pressure is being put on Iran in hopes of a breakthrough. You can catch up with our previous coverage of this situation here.

Authors update: Israel has hit Iran with airstrikes, the nature of which remain unclear. You can read our rolling coverage on this event here.

Iran immediately pushed back on the decision by the IAEA board of governors to demand it provide answers without delay in a long-running investigation into uranium traces found at several locations that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites.

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The head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Mohammad Eslami has issued orders to establish a new enrichment center in a secure location, the official Iranian Fars news outlet reported on Thursday. Advanced IR-6 centrifuges will replace the older first-generation centrifuges at the Shahid Dr. Alimohammadi (Fordow) siteFurther measures are being planned and will be announced in due course, according to the atomic agency and the foreign ministry.

Irans announcement about the enrichment sites comes as the Trump administration is working to freeze Irans nuclear capabilities, and indications are increasing that Israel will attempt to strike at the heart of the countrys nuclear program. U.S. President Donald Trump said he has vowed that Iran will not, under any circumstances, obtain nuclear weapons. However, he is also trying to keep Israel from an attack that will likely dive the Middle East into unprecedented turmoil and could have wide-ranging global effects on energy prices.

The United States has roughly four optional tiers of involvement if Israel were to execute strikes on Irans nuclear facilities, and possibly additional target sets, such as on its military capabilities and long-range weapons development and production capacity. The first would be to do nothing and let Israel go it totally alone. The second is to provide defensive capabilities only, which includes shooting down incoming missiles and drones headed for Israel, as well as supplying it with related intelligence. The third would be to provide limited support directly to Israels military campaign. This would likely include aerial refueling  a critical capability of which Israel has a very limited capacity to sustain such an operation  as well as reconnaissance and other targeted intelligence products. Search and rescue outside of Iran could also be a capability provided. Finally, the fourth option would be to participate in the kinetic operation itself, leveraging many capabilities Israel does not possess that could prove highly valuable in significantly degrading Irans nuclear program.

I have provided the Secretary of Defense [Pete Hegseth] and the president a wide range of options, U.S. Central Command Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla testified before Congress on Wednesday.

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The U.S. would likely provide aerial refueling or intelligence sharing as well as air and missile defenses seen during previous Iranian attacks on Israel in April 2024 and October 2024, in the event of an Israeli strike on Iran, officials told CBS News.

U.S. officials have been told Israel is fully ready to launch an operation into Iran, CBS News explained, citing multiple sources. The Trump administration is weighing options to assist Israel without leading the attack, the network posited.

A source familiar with the planning told the network the options are unlikely to include direct participation by B-2A Spirit stealth bombers that can carry the 30,000-pound GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker buster bombs that would be the best U.S. option for trying to penetrate Irans deep underground fortified uranium enrichment facilities at Fordow and Natanz.

CBS News reports that the Trump administration is weighing options on how to support #Israel in its military strike on #Iran's nuclear programoptions are aerial refueling or intelligence sharing.https://t.co/AKFOVUwKVa  Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) June 12, 2025

However, as we have previously noted, it is questionable that even the use of the MOP could achieve the desired effects of destroying these facilities. On the other hand, it would have a much better chance of damaging or at least destroying direct access to these installations for a period of time. Israel currently has nuclear weapons, but it possesses no conventional munitions that can match that capability. Of note, we have discussed in the past the possibility that Israel could use its secretive, conventionally armed Jericho ballistic missile in any fight with Iran.

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It is also possible that Israel could launch a special operations ground raid against Irans most hardened nuclear facilities. Earlier this year, we shared vivid details about a mission Israel conducted against an underground Iranian missile facility in Syria that was something of a blueprint for such an operation. As we have stated for years, beyond using nuclear weapons or irradiating these facilities, Israel has limited options when it comes to nullifying them. This is where commando operations could come in, although they would be extremely risky.

Though the Pentagon is considering limiting its response, as we reported yesterday, it is preparing for an overwhelming response to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Testifying before the House Armed Services Committee on Thursday, Hegseth declined to offer any specifics in a public forum on what actions the U.S. may take in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu is going to put his country first, and were going to put our country first, and were positioned properly in the region to any potential contingency, Hegseth said when pressed on whether the U.S. will be dragged into a conflict should Israel attack Iran.

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Among those preparations are the diversion of counter-drone capabilities from Ukraine to the Middle East, which you can read more about in our previous coverage here.

In past stories, we noted that B-2s were deployed to the remote island of Diego Garcia both to send a message to Iran as well as to attack Houthi targets in Yemen during the recently completed campaign against the rebel group, a U.S. official told The War Zone at the time. That campaign began March 15 with a series of aviation and missile strikes against the Iranian-backed group. You can read more about the deployment of B-2s to the remote Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia here.

While the Spirits are gone, B-52H bombers, as well as F-15E Strike Eagles, remain on that island even though the U.S. and Yemen have agreed to a ceasefire, another indication that the U.S. is getting ready for a potential conflict in Iran. There are many other U.S. capabilities, including fighter squadrons and air defense units, that have been deployed to the region to beef-up Americas presence and to provide additional force protection and kinetic options, if needed.

 NSF Diego Garcia 

They're back (or they never completely left  ).



4x B-52 Stratofortress spotted at Diego Garcia along with 6x KC-135 Stratotanker, 6x F-15 and 1x C-5M



Src  : @esa

Date: 9 June 2025@Schizointelpic.twitter.com/JtI0zjdJWj  MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) June 10, 2025

An Israeli attack is not a certainty, the senior IDF source told us, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss operational planning. He was quick to point out that his assessment is not based on classified information, but rather consultation with Israeli military experts and journalists.

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He estimated that as of today, there is around 60% likelihood of some form of strikelimited or targetedwithin the next few weeks, and 40% chance that the current posture remains part of a high-stakes deterrence game.

Is Israel about to go kinetic on Iran, possibly the U.S. too? I dont know. There are indicators in the open source & certainly in the media. But if you wanted to put MAXIMUM pressure on Tehran to break free stalled negotiations this would be it.



Just something to keep in mind.  Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) June 12, 2025

Of course, this could shift rapidly based on new intelligence, diplomatic developments, or domestic political changes in either Israel or the U.S., he added. Furthermore, a critical factor increasing the volatility of the current situation is the mutual risk of miscalculation.

From an analytical standpoint, the probability of an Israeli strike on Iran in the near term appears to be higher than usual, though still not a certainty, the source further explained.

On the Iranian side, there is a real danger they may underestimate Israels willingnessor immediate needto act, the source posited. Tehran may assess recent Israeli threats as political posturing tied to Netanyahus domestic agenda, rather than genuine operational intent. If Iranian leadership assumes Israel is bluffing, they may continue advancing nuclear capabilities or escalating proxy activity without fully anticipating the consequences. This miscalculation could inadvertently trigger a severe Israeli response.

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For Israel, the calculus may lean toward preventive action, driven not only by intelligence on Irans capabilities but also by uncertainty about Irans intentions, he continued. If Israeli intelligence identifies what it interprets as preparations for an Iranian strikeeither directly or via proxiesJerusalem might opt for a preemptive strike to disrupt or delay the threat, especially in a fog of war atmosphere where waiting could mean absorbing the first blow.

Israeli Air Force F-15 Baz fighters. (Amit Agronov)

Amid the threats, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said Iran is prepared to defend itself and issued a warning to the U.S. and Israel.

The enemy sometimes threatens us with military action, Maj. Gen. Hossein Salami said during a ceremony in Tehran on Thursday, according to the official IRNA news outlet. We have always warned the enemy against making any miscalculation.

He added that the Iranian Armed Forces have been ready for war at any level for years, IRNA reported.

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Iranian officials have warned that any act of aggression against the country will trigger a swift and forceful retaliation, with American interests and military bases in the region identified as potential targets, IRNA added.

On Wednesday, Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Aziz Nasirzadeh claimed that Tehran has successfully tested a missile with a warhead weighing two tons, according to Fars.

Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that the country will not hesitate to enhance its military capacities, including its missile and drone power, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Irans defense capacities will never be subject to negotiation, the publication noted.

Meanwhile, Axios is reporting that White House envoy Steve Witkoff privately warned top Senate Republicans last week that Iran could unleash a mass casualty response if Israel bombs their nuclear facilities, according to a U.S. official and a source with direct knowledge.

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The U.S. is concerned Israels air defenses would not be able to handle an Iranian response involving hundreds of missiles, the sources said, Axios explained. Such an attack, Witkoff told the group, could cause massive casualties and damage.

 Scoop: White House envoy Steve Witkoff privately warned top Senate Republicans that Iran's retaliation to an Israeli strike on its nuclear program could overwhelm Israel's defenses and cause mass damage and casualties. My story on @axioshttps://t.co/w0SKisWJ2q  Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) June 12, 2025

Trump on Thursday hinted that open conflict may be near.

Well, I dont want to say imminent, but it looks like its something that could very well happen, he said in response to a reporters question, according to the White House press pool. Look, its very simple, not complicated. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Other than that, I want them to be successful.  Well help them be successful. Well trade with them, well do whatever is necessary.

 TRUMP: "I don't want to say imminent but like it's something that could very well happen" he said when asked about Israel strike on Iran. pic.twitter.com/wcX3N3ZvVe  Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) June 12, 2025

These developments have prompted warnings to U.S. personnel in the region.

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Due to the increased regional tensions, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Beer Sheva areas until further notice, the embassy stated on its website. Transit between these three areas, including to and from Ben Gurion Airport, is authorized. Transiting Route 1 to and from Allenby Bridge is also permitted.

Israel: Due to the increased regional tensions, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Beer Sheva areas until further notice. Transit between these pic.twitter.com/cVukGzMsqC  Travel  State Dept (@TravelGov) June 12, 2025

That move follows warnings the State Department and U.S. Central Command issued on Wednesday to U.S. personnel within striking distance of Iran due to the increasing tensions.

Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the U.S. governments limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq, the State Department said in a statement. Do not travel to Iraq for any reason.

The safety and security of our service members and their families remains our highest priority and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is monitoring the developing tension in the Middle East, a U.S. defense official told The War Zone Wednesday afternoon. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the CENTCOM AOR. CENTCOM is working in close coordination with our Department of State counterparts, as well as our Allies and partners in the region to maintain a constant state of readiness to support any number of missions around the world at any time.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday night at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Trump explained the warnings to U.S. personnel and civilians in the region.

They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, the president said. Well see what happens. They cant have a nuclear weapon, very simple.

REPORTER: "Could you provide an update on Iran? US personnel are being moved out of the region."



TRUMP: "They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place. We'll see what happens."



"They can't have a nuclear weapon, very simple." pic.twitter.com/yGZ0Kal7bi  Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 11, 2025

All this comes ahead of what could be a last-ditch effort to avoid open conflict.

On Sunday, talks will take place in Oman between Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, The Jerusalem Post reported on Thursday.

This will be the sixth round of discussions on the nuclear deal. Western diplomats described this round as decisive, amid the U.S. demand for a complete halt to uranium enrichment and Irans assertion that enrichment is its natural right, the publication reported.

Prior to the talks, Witkoff will meet with Israels Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, and Mossad chief, David Barnea.

Witkoff declared on Wednesday night that Iran must never be allowed to enrich uranium or develop any nuclear threat.

A nuclear Iran poses an existential threat to Israel, as does an Iran armed with a large arsenal of missiles, he said in a speech at a conference hosted by the United Hatzalah organization.

This is as much an existential threat as the nuclear threat itself. It is an existential threat to the United States, the free world, and all Gulf states. We must stand firm and united against this danger and ensure that Iran never acquires the means to fulfill its deadly ambitions, no matter the cost.

Authors note: Tyler Rogoway contributed to the technical aspects of this report.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Photo: Getty Images

Ever since North Carolina legislators established the so-called Opportunity Scholarships school voucher program, sponsors and proponents have pitched it as a means of helping low-income students escape struggling public schools.

Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, a new report from the Department of Public Instruction shows that this was all baloney. The DPI researchers found that just sixty-seven hundred of the states eighty-thousand-plus vouchers in the current school year went to students who had attended a North Carolina public school in the prior year.

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And while the data for kindergartners were not yet available, its clear that as much as ninety percent or more of new vouchers in 24-25 were for students who have never attended a public school.

In other words, the vast majority of voucher money is going to parents  most of them well-off  who never had any intention of sending their kids to public schools.

The bottom line: School vouchers in our state have nothing to do with quote opportunity and everything to do with undermining and privatizing public education. Other explanations are simply false.

For NC Newsline, Im Rob Schofield.
CLYDE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A man has been arrested in Clyde after a string of armed robberies described by police as a dangerous crime spree.

On June 11, the Clyde Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for 32-year-old Jacob Arriaga on a charge of Aggravated Robbery, a first-degree felony. Shortly after securing the warrant, officers spotted Arriaga inside a local business and moved quickly to arrest him without incident, citing concerns about a firearm reportedly used in previous robberies.

Coleman man arrested for alleged sexual abuse of 9-year-old

Courtesy of the Callahan County Sheriffs Office

This investigation encompassed a lot of moving parts and involved several law enforcement agencies. These agencies worked together and did so tirelessly to progress the investigation in an effort to achieve the same goal, which was to locate the individual responsible and put an end to his dangerous crime spree, the Clyde Police Department shared online.

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The Abilene Police Department reports that Arriaga is a suspect in four separate robberies  three in Abilene and one in Clyde.

The firearm allegedly used in the robberies was recovered during the investigation and was found to have been reported stolen out of Stephens County.

Clyde PD expressed gratitude for the support received from the Abilene Police Department, the Callahan County Sheriffs Office, the Taylor County Sheriffs Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

PHOTOS: Car hauler fire on I-20 in Eastland County

To the citizens of Clyde, thank you for being understanding and patient with us. I know its difficult at times to see a large law enforcement presence and not know what is going on. Sometimes we can speak on those matters that may draw such a presence, when at other times we cannot. In whole, we do our best to serve you all, and we hope this is known to the masses, Clyde PD shared.

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Jacob Arriaga was booked into jail on two counts of Aggravated Robbery and one count of Driving Without a License. His total bond was set at $250,434.

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Protesters demonstrate outside U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise's office at Heritage Plaza in Metairie on May 22, 2025. (Katie Jane Fernelius/Verite News)

NEW ORLEANS  For Harold John, a job with the federal government meant a more stable, comfortable life than the one he knew as a child.

John grew up in the Melpomene Projects with his three sisters. Neither of his parents, both of who had grown up on rural farms in Louisiana, had obtained more than an elementary school education. John was able to finish high school, join the U.S. Navy and then get a job with the U.S. Postal Service, all of which helped carry him into the middle class in the 1980s.

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But today, the now-retired letter carrier is concerned that that same pathway may not be available to young people growing up in similar circumstances.

That is because the second Trump administration has set its sights on dismantling the federal workforce, especially through the slash-and-cut measures of the Department of Government Efficiency, which until recently was led by Elon Musk. In its first few months, DOGE had already targeted diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and initiated mass layoffs across multiple federal agencies, which, some allege, have disproportionately impacted women and people of color.

The U.S. Postal Service has not yet been subject to the same types of abrupt and indiscriminate cuts seen at agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development or the Department of Education but DOGE has its sights set on the post office, which worries John.

Theres been a dedicated narrative from the right that federal workers arent necessary for a long time, John said. This is not the first time that theyve come after the postal service or federal unions, but its the most disastrous and dangerous time.

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The U.S. Postal Service is highly diverse. As of 2023, 45% of postal employees were racial minorities. Though Black people make up about 14% of the total U.S. population, 30% of postal workers that year were Black.

To John, who is Black, that diversity is one of the Postal Services greatest strengths.

That was one of the better things about having a federal job: you knew they werent going to discriminate when it came to hiring, John said.

There are approximately 34,000 federal employees in Louisiana, 38% of whom identify as Black  the second-highest share of Black federal workers among the states, behind only Georgia. This trend is consistent across most of the South. In Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee, at least one-third of federal workers are Black.

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Part of the reason Black people are overrepresented in federal workers in the South is due to the fact of demographics: There are more Black people in the South.

But Gary Hoover, an economist at Tulane University, said that overrepresentation of Black people in the federal workforce also has to do with the fact that public sector work is one of the few on-ramps to the middle class for historically marginalized communities of color, especially in the South.

You have to go back nearly 60 years to  the Civil Rights Act in 1964, where employment discrimination became a federal offense, Hoover said. Theres the creation of the [Equal Employment Opportunity Commission] that looks into unfair hiring and labor practices. And with the creation of the EEOC, the federal government becomes a leader in fair hiring practices  not by doing anything particularly progressive, just by actually upholding the law as it is written in regards to employment.

At that time, many Black workers, especially educated Black workers, struggled to get hired or be promoted within the private sector due to widespread racial biases. This was not only the case in white-collar and professional industries, but also in skilled blue-collar industries.

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Especially since the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, public sector work, notably with the federal government, has provided an opportunity for upward mobility for Black workers. It was also a workforce that was rapidly becoming more unionized following a 1962 executive order by President John F. Kennedy granting federal workers the right to engage in collective bargaining

In Louisiana and across the South, a unionized job with the federal government was a good job  and one that ultimately helped build the Black middle class, Hoover said.

Once I have job security, I can start thinking about buying a home, Hoover said. Once I start thinking about buying a home, Im thinking about stable communities. Once I have a stable community, then I can start thinking seriously about the future and intergenerational wealth transfers.

Protesters picket in front of U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalises office at Heritage Plaza in Metairie on May 22, 2025. The group included current and former federal workers  all of them Black. (Katie Jane Fernelius/Verite News)

Nobody is living high on the hog

On a recent steamy afternoon in May, a group of protesters gathered outside Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Scalises Metairie office. The protest, which was organized by the grassroots organization Step Up Louisiana, featured about two dozen people decked out in union garb, holding picket signs above their heads. Marching in a circle outside the 18-floor Heritage Plaza office tower, the protesters took turns leading raucous chants.

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Step Up, one protester shouted.

For federal workers! the rest replied.

Step Up, went another call.

For U.S. Mail, came the response.

The protest had been organized in response to a Trump-championed budget reconciliation bill, called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which, as drafted, would significantly cut assistance for Medicaid and food stamps. Scalise was set to vote on the bill that same day (May 22). (He ultimately would vote in favor, along with 214 of his colleagues, and help the bill pass the U.S. House of Representatives.)

The group outside Scalises office included a contingent of current and former federal workers  all of them Black  who were also protesting DOGEs cuts to the federal workforce.

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Terrence Johns, a current employee of the National Finance Office, a New Orleans-based federal office that manages payroll and personnel across multiple federal agencies, stepped up and spoke into the megaphone.

Here in the South, you know theres largely a minority population that makes up these government service jobs, Johns said, noting that his own office was majority Black. Believe me, brothers and sisters, everything that comes out of this administration attacks Black and Brown people.

Johns, who has also served as the longtime president of a local chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees union, said that both federal jobs and social welfare  necessary to sustaining the people of the Deep South  have been gutted since the Reagan administration.

Dont believe the rhetoric, he added. Nobody is living high on the hog. But these are decent jobs and have always set the standard for American workers.

It is just so disheartening

When John started at the Postal Service in 1985, that there were a small number of good, unionized jobs across the greater New Orleans area, such as at the Avondale Shipyard and the port, John said. But apart from those, the best opportunities were in unionized public sector work. Many educated Black people like him found opportunities with the federal government at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (then known as the Veterans Administration), or at the nearby NASA Michoud facility. Or with the Postal Service.

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We had a definite economic impact on New Orleans, he said, referring to the Black middle class that was emerging through public sector work.

Troy Lee Davis, another Postal Service employee in New Orleans, grew up in the Desire Projects before moving to New Orleans East. His dad, who had served in World War II, worked in construction while his mom worked as a housemaid and cook. Davis, like his father before him, joined the military, which helped pay for college at the University of New Orleans. After that, he got a job as a mail handler.

This was one of the better-paying jobs in New Orleans, Davis said, adding that the job came with benefits, paid time off, holidays and regular cost-of-living adjustments. So, it was a big opportunity for anybody coming from poverty to get to have a comfortable lifestyle.

Being part of the Postal Service has a long, storied reputation among Black communities because it was one of the earliest available public sector jobs  and one that paid decent wages.

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But these days, both John and Davis are worried that the second Trump administration may unravel the gains that post office and other federal employees have made.

In March, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy entered into an agreement with DOGE, allowing the team to find further efficiencies in the postal service, targeting a specific list of issues, including the management of retirement plans, workers compensation costs, lease renewals and counterfeit postage. He also said he would seek to cut 10,000 of the Postal Services 600,000-plus employees through early retirement offers. (DeJoy resigned later that same month.)

However, some worry that the DOGE partnership, along with Trumps pick of a FedEx board member to lead the USPS, means that the Postal Service may soon be privatized  an idea that Trump and Musk have expressed support for in the past.

Ive seen all the progress that was made during my lifetime destroyed in less than one hundred days, John said. It is just so disheartening to see it all gone, pretty much overnight.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Dangerously high levels of a bacteria that can cause vomiting, diarrhea and in rare cases, death, were detected in a public park near the University of Cincinnati.

Researchers discovered E. coli in both dry and wet soil samples from Burnet Woods, a 90-acre public park that extends into Corryville, CUF and Clifton. E. coli levels ranged between 18 to over 600 times the U.S. Environment Protection Agency's limit for allowing swimming in the Ohio River, said Bob Hyland, an associate professor-educator in the School of Environment and Sustainability at UC, who oversaw the student-led research.

On June 8, Cincy VegFest, a plant-based food festival, was hosted in Burnet Woods not far from where the E. coli was found. And three days later, on June 11, Cincinnati Parks staff cordoned off the area the researchers sampled, just a few dozen yards from parents dropping their kids off at summer camp and college students going on jogs.

Cincinnati Parks employees wearing personal protective equipment on their feet prepare to rope off an area of Burnet Woods where researchers found high levels of E. coli.

"Based upon what we've found over the last week or two," said Hyland, "we're concerned that this could be a public health risk that has not been taken seriously enough.

Cincinnati Parks employees roped off a part of Burnet Woods Park in response to UC researchers finding high levels of E. coli in soil and standing water. The city has confirmed it will conduct additional testing in the area.

Sewer pipes that run under the wooded area of the park have led to periodic overflows during heavy rains, bringing bacteria such as E. coli, which is normally found in human feces, to the surface.

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But the fact that his team was able to find E. coli in the absence of a sewer overflow is especially worrying, said Hyland, who said he wants to know the reason why there's so much E. coli in the park.

In a joint emailed statement issued with Cincinnati Parks, Deb Leonard, the spokesperson for the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, said the "limited" sampling "confirms" the presence of E. coli in the park.

The city has been in contact with the University of Cincinnati "to better understand the situation," said Leonard, and test the area. "The city managers office, MSD, parks, and health will take immediate steps to conduct additional tests and investigate the source of potential contamination within the surrounding park," she said.

While the soil and standing water samples were compared to the EPA's limits for recreational water, which would not apply to the forested area, Leonard said, "the city encourages the public to continue to exercise caution when exploring the area and follow directions on park signage."

What is E. coli?

E. coli is a group of bacteria that usually lives in the gut of healthy people and animals. Normally, the kind in your gut doesn't harm you, but when ingested, some strains of the bacteria can make you sick with a gastrointestinal illness, pneumonia or a urinary tract infection.

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The U.S. EPA considers E. coli an indicator organism, or a way for officials monitoring water quality to identify fecal contamination of freshwater and the presence of disease-causing bacteria and viruses.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection include abdominal pain, dehydration, watery diarrhea, vomiting and a fever.

And though they're rare, certain strains of E. coli can be life-threatening, according to Dr. Andrew Beck, a pediatrician at Cincinnati Children's, due to the toxins they release  usually identifiable by bloody diarrhea.

Common ways of contracting E. coli include eating infected food, such as undercooked ground beef or unpasteurized milk, or from contact with another person, known as the "oral-fecal" route, where the bacteria travels from the feces of one person to the mouth of another, usually due to someone failing to wash their hands properly.

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Beck's research shows that children may be contracting gastrointestinal illnesses from sewer overflows.

In 2017, he co-authored a study that found that sewer overflows in Cincinnati were associated with a 16% increase in Cincinnati Children's emergency department visits for gastrointestinal illnesses among children who lived within 500 meters of the sewer.

Researchers' primary hypothesis for how the children contracted the GI illnesses was that they were "playing in contaminated water" and dirtying their hands, said Beck.

A view of the storm drain where a section of Burnet Woods Park was closed to the public in Clifton on June 11.

Students first found E. coli in Burnet Woods in fall 2024

Student researchers first found E. coli in Burnet Woods in the fall of 2024, according to Hyland. Similarly to the preliminary research released in June, they found elevated levels of E. coli despite there being no overflow of the sewer pipes.

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"We were perplexed," said Hyland. "What we now are feeling more confident about, but want to do more research to build our confidence is that the pipe is probably compromised."

Bob Hyland, a professor-educator at the University of Cincinnati, said he wants the city to determine the cause of the high levels of E. coli in Burnet Woods.

Hyland believes the pipes are leaking sewage to the surface of the park because of their aging infrastructure and the presence of sinkholes in Burnet Woods, which can be a sign that piping is damaged. The Enquirer confirmed that there are at least two sinkholes in the area near where the E. coli was found.

Leonard confirmed that some pipe segments running underneath Burnet Woods were installed in the late 1800s, while newer segments were installed in the 1990s.

"All the segments are inspected regularly and are in good condition with no structural issues," she said.

How common is sewage overflow in Burnet Woods?

Government records and neighborhood meeting notes indicate that residents living near Burnet Woods were affected by a sewage overflow more than once in the past year.

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Burnet Woods saw a sewage overflow once this year and twice in 2024 during heavy rains, according to Leonard. When that happens, she said that Cincinnati Parks, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Sewer District, installs signage notifying park visitors of the potential contamination.

The meeting minutes for the Corryville Community Council, a membership organization for residents of the neighborhood, mention sewer overflow or the smell of sewage at least four times between January 2024 and now.

The most recent finding of E. coli in Burnet Woods follows a sewage leak at Winton Lake in May, which resulted in officials suspending recreational activities at the lake.

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Part of Cincinnati park roped off after E. coli found
One of America's deadliest tornadoes tore through a Wisconsin town hosting a circus more than 125 years ago.

Gollmar Brothers Circus was in New Richmond, Wisconsin, on June 12, 1899, bringing a larger number of people to the town than usual.

Before hitting New Richmond, three people were killed by the tornado on farms near Burkhardt and Boardman. The twister then carved a path through the middle of New Richmond just after the circus ended, according to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee.

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About 300 buildings were damaged or destroyed along a path 3,000 feet long and 1,000 feet wide through New Richmond. Incredibly, a 3,000 pound safe was said to have been carried a full block away.

A total of 117 lives were lost in the tornado, making it the 9th deadliest on record in the U.S., according to NOAA's Storm Prediction Center

Flying debris from the tornado killed many of the 117 people, and 26 separate families had multiple deaths. The NWS says the tornado was easy to spot and that this may have kept the death toll from being even higher.

Chris Dolce has been a senior digital meteorologist with weather.com for 15 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Seniors in Dauphin County may be eligible for $25 vouchers to use at local farmers markets.

According to the Dauphin County Chief Clerks Office, the County Commissioners, the Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture are accepting applications for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).

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The county says vouchers come in the form of $5 vouchers. Changes cannot be provided when vouchers are used.

Dauphin County says applicants must be 60 years old or older, with an annual income at or below $28,953.00 for a single-person household or $39,128.00 for a two-person household.

Pennsylvania lawmakers pass changes to Sunday hunting

Vouchers will be mailed to eligible applicants and can be used for fruits and vegetables grown in Pennsylvania, excluding bananas, oranges, grapefruits, mangoes, and pineapples.

Dauphin County said the vouchers cannot be used in grocery stores or for items such as honey, jam, nuts, cider, or baked goods.

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Items including corn on the cob, peppers, potatoes, green beans, carrots, and tomatoes are eligible.

This program is really about connecting people, helping families, and older adults get fresh, local food while supporting the hardworking farmers right in our own communities, said Benjamin D. Knox, Administrator of Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging.

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Interested parties can print out the application online and mail it to the Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging, or email FMNP@dauphincounty.gov.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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MEXICO CITY, June 11 (Xinhua) -- The Mexican government on Wednesday rejected media reports that the United States has pressured Mexico to investigate, prosecute or extradite officials allegedly tied to organized crime.

"It is absolutely false that in meetings with Senator Marco Rubio or officials from the State Department, any request was made to investigate, prosecute or extradite any Mexican official," Mexico's Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on the social platform X.

The ministry said its dialogue with the U.S. State Department has been transparent and focused on a range of issues, including security cooperation, and has always been based on the principles of sovereignty, coordination without subordination and respect for human rights.

The two countries have a shared agenda on migration, development and the fight against organized crime, guided by cooperation mechanisms rooted in mutual understanding and respect, it said.

Mexican authorities have repeatedly expressed their commitment to a strong bilateral relationship based on open dialogue and respect for each country's legal frameworks. 
David Hogg is leaving the Democratic National Committees leadership team, closing out a long and messy feud. Now, party chair Ken Martin and his allies hope voters will pay more attention to their efforts to define President Donald Trump and less to Democrats infighting.

Both Martins allies and critics within the party worry the fight with Hogg, who announced Wednesday he would not seek re-election to his vice chair role after the party voted to redo his February election, led to months of lost time. Early Martin initiatives, including investing more in state parties, staging town halls in Republican districts and over-performing in multiple local elections this year, have been overshadowed at times.

The DNC is still trying to find its footing as an oppositional force to Trump after a devastating 2024 election for the party, which is now out of power in Congress as well. With Hogg out of leadership, Martin allies hope the national partys messaging on issues such as Trumps sweeping domestic policy proposal and deployment of the National Guard and Marines to quell immigration protests will resonate ahead of next years midterm elections.

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His heart is in the right place; his head is in the right place, Kalyn Free, a DNC member from Oklahoma who filed the February procedural complaint that ultimately led to Hoggs exit, said of Martin. He is doing everything he can to rebuild this party and to get our message out. Unfortunately, he has been distracted by this situation with Mr. Hogg and I know we need to move beyond that.

One DNC member, who backed a Martin opponent to lead the party and asked for anonymity to speak candidly, was more critical.

In the absence of a Democrat in the White House, you would look to your national chair as a face for Democrats, and we just havent seen it, the member told CNN.

Martin downplays the feuds impact

Ken Martin speaks after winning the vote to become DNC chairman at the Democratic National Committee Winter Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, on February 1. - Rod Lamkey/AP/File

Martin told CNN in a statement that Democrats have been able to cut through the noise. He touted the launch of the partys new organizing program and said Democrats are sharpening our messaging and opposition tactics with a new War Room.

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Some people in DC just want to win the argument, but Im focused on winning elections, Martin said in the statement. The American people dont care about beltway chatter, and neither do I  they want to know that Democrats are fighting for them. Under my leadership, thats what the DNC is doing.

Most recently a low-profile head of the Minnesota state party, Martin is still trying to build up his own national name recognition and boost DNC fundraising, points he made in a leaked audio recording of a May 15 call with top DNC leaders that was reported first by Politico. (The DNC ended April with $17.9 million cash on hand, compared to the Republican National Committees $67.3 million, according to recent FEC reports.)

Martin entered the chairmanship with two goals: improving the partys external messaging and reforming the partys internal operations.

The chairmans defenders point to several accomplishments that havent gotten the same attention as the Hogg fight.

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In April, the DNC announced that state parties will receive an additional $5,000 a month. Martin has also campaigned for Democrats in several state and local races, from a March special election for a majority-deciding state House race in western Pennsylvania to holding events in New Jersey to boost turnout in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.

I never remember DNC chairs doing those sort of things, said Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, a DNC vice chair who asked Martin to visit the district in his state. That has been a big shift in how the party is doing work, getting out of DC, not treating DC like its the only thing that matters, and recognizing that everywhere you look theres a place that we can organize.

Martin handily won the DNC chairmanship on the first ballot thanks in large part to his long relationships with state party leaders. The Minnesotan spent several years as the head of the partys Association of State Democratic Committees and made investing in state parties  particularly those in Republican-led states  a key part of his sales pitch to DNC voters.

Supporters have praised his focus on organizing, arguing that some past DNC chairs neglected to build up the partys base. But others have called for a stronger messaging approach.

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I think a lot of people are giving him credit for investing in state parties  thats the behind-the-scenes work that I think hes good at, another DNC member told CNN. But the member went on to say that messaging has been non-existent and the town hall thing seemed like kind of a gimmick that didnt really deliver anything.

Theres just not a lot of there there coming out of the DNC, compared to some previous DNC chairs who were much more aggressive on the messaging, the member added.

That member pointed to past chairs, including Terry McAuliffe, who led the party after George Bushs 2000 presidential election victory, and Tom Perez, who led the national party during Trumps first term, as leaders who were stronger messaging presences. The DNC member also acknowledged that Martins tenure has just started.

Its early, things can turn around, that person said.

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Martins supporters also credit him for a new rules package that would require party officers to stay neutral in primaries. Democrats are set to consider Martins proposal at an August meeting.

At the center of the Hogg conflict was a divide over how to best move the party forward. In the wake of President Joe Bidens late exit from the 2024 presidential race, Hogg became one of many young Democrats pushing for generational change in the party. In April, he pledged to spend part of a $20 million investment supporting primary challenges to incumbent Democrats in safe seats he deemed asleep at the wheel.

Martin, however, is fighting an older battle. His campaign pledge to enshrine officer neutrality in the party bylaws is a callback to the 2016 election cycle, when the DNC cemented its reputation in the eyes of many progressive supporters of independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders as a party willing to put its thumb on the scale. For Martin, part of rebuilding the partys brand means changing that perception.

Michael Kapp, a California DNC member, said he spoke with Hogg two to three times in the last few months and laid out the history of the 2016 era fights.

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This is about for now and for the future, and thats why I support Ken Martins plan to enshrine neutrality into the bylaws, so we not only try to rebuild some of the trust that we lost in 2016  and were still trying to build today  but that we hold future DNC administrations accountable, Kapp said.

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The News

David Hogg ended his 130-day tenure at the Democratic National Committee on Wednesday, opting not to run again for vice chair after DNC members voted to hold a re-vote for the job.

I have decided to not run in this upcoming election so the party can focus on what really matters, Hogg wrote in a letter announcing his decision. The news that Hogg would not seek the role again was first reported by Semafor.

Hoggs decision ended a months-long saga that began with a botched Feb. 1 election, continued with a challenge by one of the Democrats who lost to him, and turned into a widely-covered argument about the future of the party.

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The 25-year-old Democrat, who frustrated some in the party when he told The New York Times that his political PAC would intervene in Democratic primaries, clashed with DNC Chair Ken Martin over a plan to bar that sort of politicking by committee members.

I commend David for his years of activism, organizing, and fighting for his generation, Martin said in a statement. While I continue to believe he is a powerful voice for this party, I respect his decision to step back from his post as vice chair. I have no doubt that he will remain an important advocate for Democrats across the map. I appreciate his service as an officer, his hard work, and his dedication to the party.







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Last month, the DNCs rules and bylaws committee recommended that the full party vote to hold new elections, siding with Democratic activist Kalyn Free, whod lost the Feb. 1 election for vice chair. On Wednesday afternoon, the DNC announced that the party had voted to approve Frees challenge by a 294-99 margin, and would hold new elections on the grounds that the Feb. 1 vote had violated its rules.

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In the new election, under the partys gender parity rules, one vice chair slot would be reserved for a male candidate, and one slot could go to a candidate of any gender. Malcolm Kenyatta, who was elected to the male vice chair slot on Feb. 1, had won more votes than Hogg that day; Hogg won the second slot over Free and two other female candidates.

The re-vote loomed as much more difficult for Hogg. On Thursday, California DNC members held a call about their plans for this weeks votes. Most did not favor holding a new election. But if one was held, several members who had supported Hogg before intended to support someone else, with several favoring Washington state Democratic chair Shasti Conrad, the runner-up to Hogg in February.

I appreciate that DNC members wanted to rectify the issues with balloting in the previous election, Conrad told Semafor. Im looking forward to putting this all behind us, and getting back to the work of electing Democrats.

On Sunday, Politico published audio of a May 15 meeting between DNC officers, including Hogg, where Martin said that the vice chair had essentially destroyed any chance I have to show the leadership that I need to at a crucial time for the party. Hogg denied being the source of the leak, but that weakened his position with party members further, with several saying on the record, and on social media, that Hogg could not be trusted.

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That led to Wednesdays lopsided online vote for a new election. Candidates who had competed for the roles in February were allowed to run again, and to submit one-minute videos making their cases. According to several DNC members, Hogg was the only potential candidate who did not submit a video.

The online election for the male vice chair role will be held as scheduled, ending on Saturday. Kenyatta will be the only candidate on the ballot, and the election for the other vice chair role will be held between Sunday and Tuesday.







Davids view

Got all that?

Hoggs win on Feb. 1 came at the end of a long day when DNC members agreed to rush their final vote and get it over with. No one in the room expected this to happen next.

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Hogg had been clear that he co-led The Future We Deserve, a PAC that spent money to elect Democratic candidates. Free had filed her challenge to the vote weeks later. But not until April 15, when Shane Goldmacher of The New York Times reported that the PAC could spend money on primary challengers, did this explode into a controversy.

Martin, who himself had once endorsed candidates as the chair of Minnesotas Democratic Farmer-Labor Party, was dead set on a rule banning party members from doing that in the future. This was, in part, a legacy of the 2016 presidential primary, where Hillary Clintons early support from party members infuriated supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who called the primary rigged  even though Clinton would end up with more votes and more delegates elected in the primaries and caucuses.

Ahead of the 2020 primary, Democrats changed their rules to prevent superdelegates (DNC members not elected in primaries) from voting on the first ballot at a national nominating convention. And before the 2024 primary, the DNC voted to endorse Joe Biden as its nominee  a decision that complicated things for any potential Biden challenger, and the three who did run. A few states opted not to hold primaries altogether, pledging their delegates to Biden  who, of course, ended up bowing out before the convention, after the most damaging debate in the history of presidential elections.

When will Democrats get past the partys internal struggles, all of them distractions from the work of opposing the Trump administration and beating Republicans? Today, they hope. The Hogg drama really didnt have any effect on Democrats ability to win elections this year, like Wisconsins state supreme court race and an Iowa state Senate election that flipped back a GOP-held seat.

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As Martin said on the call, obtained by Politicos Holly Otterbein, the story made Democrats look bad, distracted from their work, and made life easier for Republicans. But Hogg made his point, one that a lot of Democrats do agree with: There are a great many elderly incumbents who arent doing much for the party, and they create problems for the people they want to serve when they die in office instead of letting new talent rise up.







Notable
Some colleges are having trouble attracting enough students for this coming fall

This might turn into an advantage for some families.

Syracuse University, for example, has been upping financial aid offers to students who were accepted but decided to commit to other schools.

Mason Cira of Medfield recently got an email out of the blue from Syracuse offering him an $80,000 scholarship spread out over four years.

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While a big scholarship is usually exciting news for someone heading to college, this email didnt sit right with Masons mother Jen.

The analogy that I keep using is that its like being asked to the prom, after everybody else said no, five days after the dance.

She didnt like the idea of them making this offer after the May 1st commitment date, which most schools abide by.

By the time they received the email, Mason had committed to and was very excited about James Madison University in Virginia.

The recent high school graduate said, I think its just a way to try to pull students in. One of the kids in my grade was initially going to another school, and they got so much money from Syracuse that they actually did end up switching to Syracuse.

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Gregg Cohen, the founder and president of Campus Bound in Needham, said this action by Syracuse is unprecedented.

This is highly unusual for schools to be throwing money at students.

Its no secret that many colleges are having trouble keeping their enrollment numbers up.

What were seeing is colleges arent really making their enrollment number goals, said Cohen. Because of a number of factors, like things they were expecting, like the enrollment decline because of demographics, but also the recent issues like international students being able to come here.

Last week, we reported that Clark University is laying off about a third of its faculty as the student body shrinks on its Worcester campus.

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If youre a school like Syracuse that is charging $85,000 or more per year, a big university with a nice social life and a beautiful campus, but if you can get that at a comparable school, like a flagship public university like a the University of Connecticut for $60,000 at full price, people are starting to make that financial decision.

Cohen said schools had to leave any seats empty, even if it takes extra aid to fill them.

So, if they havent hit their enrollment goals, they would rather have most of the tuition from a student than no tuition because college is a perishable good. If they dont meet their enrollment goals, that bed is unused.

As a result, parents should be assertive about reaching out to a school, even after committing, and asking for more money.

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Cohen said hes seen colleges be more receptive when theyve been asked to increase their original offer.

I saw a statistic recently that about a third of students ask for more money, appeal for more money, and 70% of those students receive something in the form of grants or scholarships.

Mason would have been a third-generation Orange Man.Despite her connection to Syracuse, this last-minute pitch left a bad taste in her mouth.

Still, she thinks Mason found a school thats a good fit, and thats what counts.

I dont think its a great way to conduct business, and I dont think its great for your reputation, but again, this is a numbers game, so they do what they have to do. But literally, and figuratively, it felt like a day late and a dollar short.

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Some parents or students might be worried that if they approach the school theyre now planning to attend and ask for more money, there might be some backlash.

Cohen says schools are used to hearing appeals, and more importantly, they dont want to risk losing a student who has committed. Bottom line  he doesnt see any risk.

We reached out to Syracuse University, who delcined to comment on the story.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A 28-year-old man from D.C. is facing federal charges after he sent multiple videos of child pornography to an undercover police officer, the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) detailed.

On April 1, court documents state that the undercover officer was contacted by Zachary Silas Brandner on Jackd, a dating app. His profile  under the username fart fetish indicated they were 65 and lived in Southwest D.C.

After talking briefly on the app, the undercover officer messaged Silas via Telegram shortly after 11 a.m.

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Under the username Zboi29, Silas said he was interested in infants up to 12 and asked the officer if he had kids.

What to know about Trumps military parade in DC

After a brief conversation, he forwarded a video that was just over five-and-a-half minutes long, showing an infant boy being assaulted by a man.

Another video showed a young boy also being assaulted.

The officer sent the information to the FBI, who launched an investigation into the person behind the account  later identified as Silas.

In a later chat on Jackd on May 20, he continued sending similarly provocative chats to the undercover officer, indicating his sexual interest in children.

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He was charged with two counts of Distribution of Child Pornography.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A D.C. woman was found guilty of murder Wednesday in the death of her 16-month-old daughter in March 2017.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) for the District of Columbia, 39-year-old Faneisha Scott was found guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree cruelty to children and second-degree cruelty to children.

FCPD: Ex-Youth summer program leader charged with secretly recording minors

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Evidence stated that around 2:45 p.m. on March 21, 2017, Scotts friend- and her daughter Rhythm Fields godmother- went to Scotts home in the 5400 block of C St. SE.

The friends 8-year-old child asked to play with Rhythm, but the friend found Rhythm in her playpen unresponsive and cold.

Scott went outside and flagged down a mail carrier, who called 911 and went back into Scotts apartment with her.

The mail carrier saw Rhythm on the couch, lifeless. The childs body was cold, her body was stiff, and her eyes were fixed, the USAO said.

The mail carrier remained on the phone with 911 until two others entered to give Rhythm CPR. The USAO said that one of these individuals was an experienced former firefighter who immediately recognized that Rhythm was dead.

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Scott told first responders that she hadnt had any contact with Rhythm since 9 a.m.

2 teens charged with 9 armed carjackings, robbery in DC; police search for more suspects

The D.C. Medical Examiners Office did an autopsy on Rhythms body and ruled in February of 2018 that she had been killed and that her cause of death had been multiple blunt force injuries.

The Medical Examiners Office listed the following injuries:

Contusions and abrasions of the head, neck, torso and extremities

Subdural hemorrhage

Cerebral edema, subarachnoid hemorrhage and acute hypoxia-ischemia

Retinal and optic nerve sheath hemorrhage

Twenty-three bilateral rib fractures, showing both healing and new fractures

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Scotts sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 29, 2025.

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GREENSBURG - Decatur County Memorial Hospital has restarted its volunteer program, according to CEO Rex McKinney, who made the announcement at the most recent DCMH board meeting.

The program went on hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Initially, there were four volunteers slated to start and more are needed.

Were pleased to kick that off again, McKinney said of the program.

Additionally, nine scholarships from DCMH were granted to local high school students.

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Chief Financial Officer Catharine Keck reviewed the finance report. DCMH remains consistent year-to-date with where they were in April 2024. Expenses overall were 1.1% unfavorable year-to-date.

The board then reviewed the 2024 audit report; DCMH received a clean grade.

There was no old business to discuss.

Dennis Fogle reviewed the Planning Committee report. The committee discussed master facility planning including the south tower and options for the EMS building. The committee also touched on potential space renovations for the pharmacy. Finally, the committee discussed a presentation regarding two grants supporting OB/GYN services. The report was approved as presented.

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Tammy Williams discussed the Quality Management Committee report. The committee met May 21 and reviewed quality metrics with month-by-month feedback. They also discussed DCMHs partnerships with nursing homes, how those are overseen and supported and the success DCMH has in those partnerships.

Williams noted that what most stood out to her from the meeting was DCMHs IT Department that doesnt always get a lot of publicity, she remarked. This report was also approved as presented.

There were two capital requests approved: one for an EEG machine at $41,911.76 and another for audiology equipment at $16,000.

A new DCMH employee, Caitlynn Osting, was introduced. Osting will be working as a marketing assistant. Shes a recent graduate of the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in business administration and a minor in marketing.

Im just really excited to be here, Osting said.

The next meeting of the hospital board is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 26 at DCMH.
SAN ANTONIO  Nearly a dozen people have been found dead following days of significant rainfall around San Antonio, according to local first responders.

As much as 8 inches of rainfall fell in parts of the region over a short period of time between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, which triggered the flooding.

The San Antonio Fire Department reported that, in addition to 11 fatalities, several people remain unaccounted for and the number of victims could rise.

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"Our hearts are with the families of those weve lost to this weeks flash floods and the families who continue searching for their loved ones," San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a statement.

Since the start of the flooding event, firefighters have responded to more than 70 water rescues and over a dozen more high water investigations.

"If you are missing a loved one who may have been impacted by the flood and are unable to locate them, please call the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) at 210-207-4817," the city said in a statement.

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Officially, San Antonio has picked up 6.67 inches of rain over the past two days, with more than 6 inches of that falling Thursday. This makes Thursday the wettest June day on record in San Antonio, nearly doubling the city's previous daily record of 3.26 inches set in 1973.

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Thursday was originally reported to be San Antonio's 8th-wettest day overall since records began in July 1885, but a recalculation of the day's total rainfall moved it to the 10th-wettest day overall.

More than 3 inches of rain fell in the New Braunfels area, northwest of San Antonio, in about 30 minutes.

A video recorded in Santo, Texas, showed significant flooding taking place as the heavy rain fell.

Another video showed first responders rescuing residents from flooding conditions on Panama Road. Officials said water as high as 4 feet was reported in some areas, with "water flowing swiftly in most areas."

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Know Your Flood Terminology: What Flood Watches, Warnings And Emergencies Really Mean

The National Weather Service said 40 low-water crossings were closed in Bexar County alone, along with several others in Comal and Hays counties.

In addition, Leon Creek at Loop 410 near Leon Valley in the San Antonio area rose sharply by 13 feet in two hours and had more than 41,000 cubic feet of water per second flowing through it.

Along the Texas coast, Matagorda County issued a disaster declaration on Thursday due to the severe weather and flash flooding in the region. According to the Matagorda County Emergency Operation Center, the disaster declaration now authorizes officials to take necessary actions to mitigate the impact of the storm and ensure the safety of residents.

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Photos from Matagorda County showed how dire the situation was Thursday morning. Floodwaters could be seen creeping dangerously close to homes while water covers green space and roads across the area.

Photos show flooding across Matagorda, Texas on June 12, 2025. Photos taken early Thursday morning, showing homes and vehicles flooded across the South Texas Community after heavy rainfall.

In Victoria, residents had been told to stay home for safety due to the flooding.

"The Victoria Office of Emergency Management has not issued a shelter-in-place order," officials said on Facebook. "However, due to current weather and road conditions, residents are advised to stay home for their safety."

Flooding was also reported in Houston. FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne was in Houston on Thursday morning and shared video of high water in the Lake Houston Forest neighborhood.

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In addition to the flooding rain, the storms packed a punch.

Numerous homes were damaged when a tornado with 100-mph winds touched down behind some apartments northeast of Wharton just after 3 a.m. Thursday. Preliminary surveys by the National Weather Service Office in the Houston/Galveston region found damage consistent with an EF-1 twister.

Another tornado with a preliminary rating of EF-0 touched down east of Burr and caused tree damage along County Road 117, according to the NWS.

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Original article source: Nearly a dozen killed after flash flooding swamps San Antonio area, leading to water rescues
"No firmes nada," a union organizer shouted into a bullhorn as he stood atop the flatbed of a truck outside Ambiance Apparel, doling out battlefield legal advice not to sign anything. "You have a right to a lawyer. You are not alone."

Advocates and lawyers had arrived at the downtown store minutes after tips began to pop off at the hotline set up by the Los Angeles Rapid Response Network, a coalition of 300 volunteers and 23 labor unions and immigrant rights and social justice groups that was organized last year to respond to enforcement.

They joined protesters and tearful family members jostling around a plate glass window to catch glimpses of federal officials arresting immigrants inside the clothing retailer on Friday, in what would become a flashpoint that would put Los Angeles at the center of President Trump's aggressive immigration policy.

Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights Los Angeles (CHIRLA), speaks in April. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

"They were really coming in with a military-style mind-set," said Angelica Salas, a veteran advocate and director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. That morning she went to another location, where union leader David Huerta had been arrested.

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Although she had never seen any sweeps like it in scale and aggression, she said advocates were prepared. "It's a very well-organized community. That's why coming into L.A. is so important for this Trump administration, because what they want to do is they want to break us."

The coalition of advocates is in a fight for their lives, as the administration undermines its funding while escalating detention and deportation of the people they are meant to help. Many have been doing the work for decades, but the anti-immigrant vitriol has reached a pitch that has them unnerved like never before.

Salas said her office has received death threats. Two weeks ago, vandals threw bricks through the front office window, smashing a few items inside. Workers have reported threatening calls.

"It's always been hard, and it's always been, what I would say, controversial," she said. "But this is at a different level."

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The newest fear  one she never would have thought possible in the past  was that the federal government would start prosecuting them for simply doing their jobs and trying to uphold the right to due process.

On Friday federal officials arrested Huerta, the president of Service Employees International Union California, on suspicion of interfering with federal officers. The union is part of the rapid response network. The U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, Bill Essayli, seemed to suggest on Sunday that other union officials and organizers would be investigated.

Union leader David Huerta speaks outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building after his release from federal custody on Monday. (Brittny Mejia / Los Angeles Times)

We saw union activists and organizers be involved in these efforts to resist our operations," he told local television station KCAL. "We've got lots of video online and both surveillance videos. We have FBI teams working around the clock. We will identify you. We'll find you and we'll come get you."

Salas said they are doing nothing illegal. But she takes the threats seriously.

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"What they want to do is shut us up and not to be able to expose what's happening to the human beings that are impacted by this," she said.

Lindsay Toczylowski, co-founder of Immigrant Defenders Law Center, put it more bluntly.

"When federal elected officials are pondering the arrest of our governor, obviously, all of us who are doing this work are concerned," she said, referring to an offhanded comment Trump made about arresting Gov. Gavin Newsom.

GOP leaders across the country are ramping up their attacks on the organizations, arguing that they are funding the violent agitators with state and federal grant money.

Led by CHIRLA, community members hold a vigil to defend immigrant rights in Los Angeles in January, a day after President Trump was inaugurated. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

"The LA Riots are taxpayer funded," Assemblyman Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego), wrote on X on Monday.

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Two Republican Congress members announced Wednesday that they would lead committee investigations of 200 nongovernmental organizations, including CHIRLA, that were involved in providing services or support to inadmissible aliens during the Biden-Harris administrations historic border crisis. And Josh Hawley, a Missouri senator who chairs the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, threatened an investigation solely into CHIRLA, saying that it was "bankrolling" civil unrest.

Credible reporting now suggests that your organization has provided logistical support and financial resources to individuals engaged in these disruptive actions, he wrote in a letter to CHIRLA that he posted on X, but that Salas said she had not received. Let me be clear: bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct. Accordingly, you must immediately cease and desist any further involvement in the organization, funding, or promotion of these unlawful activities, Hawley wrote.

CHIRLA was founded in 1986 by a Catholic priest after President Reagan signed a landmark law that gave wide amnesty to immigrants but made hiring undocumented people illegal. Over the decades, the group has been funded by the state and federal government to organize citizenship programs. California has also provided funding for legal services for recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and other immigrants.

The organization has deep political and philanthropic ties in the region. And many in those circles have immigrant roots or came to political consciousness during the 1990s when anti-immigrant sentiment roiled the state.

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Miguel Santana, president and chief executive of the California Community Foundation and the son of undocumented parents, said although his $2.3-billion charitable organization isn't part of the response network, it is helping in other ways.

"We have mobilized resources to provide legal representation, to assist families on the front line, and we are encouraging other funders to act boldly and join us in this work," he said at a news conference Wednesday.

Read more: Beleaguered L.A. immigrant advocates are now threatened with federal probes

Shortly after the raid began Friday  before the tear gas and tactical vehicles came to quell the unrest  the rapid response members arrived. Among their first tasks was to begin collecting information on who might be detained from those who knew them.

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Family members who got word of the raid had already been gathering outside  a daughter whose father has been in the country for more than 20 years, the wife of an accountant at the company who stood in the parking lot teary-eyed, worried about what her children's future would look like.

Armed with a list of names, lawyers for the group began filing requests to see those detained. By nightfall, families were in line, with at least four lawyers from the network, at the Metropolitan Detention Center.

Inside, they were crowded into the hallways, waiting to see loved ones among the 200 detainees being held in crowded basement facilities, said Elaina Jung Hee Vermeulen, a lawyer and Skadden fellow at California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice.

Vermeulen said it became clear to her early on that she would not be able to meet with most of the people on her list. After hours of waiting, a detention officer allowed her to meet with one client, a father of three who had been in the United States for decades.

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"He is the sole breadwinner and they have a young baby," she said. "Bearing witness to what happened was so traumatic and even in a best scenario if the family is reunited it leaves deep scars that last generations. Families are now in a greater place of precarity."

Salas said the coalition found at least one individual picked up in the sweep who said they were asked to sign deportation documents and told that if they didn't, they would be fined $5,000.

Already, local immigrant rights groups had been overwhelmed. Since Trump took office, he has sought to eliminate much of the funding directed to groups that provide legal orientation to families of children and people with mental disabilities in detention centers. And he signed a series of executive orders and pushed policies that made it harder for immigrants to maintain their legal status.

In April, Toczylowski, co-founder of Immigrant Defenders Law Center, said she had to lay off 30 members of her staff of 205.

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"It's clear from the funding being cut beforehand that their hope is that lawyers will not be able to hold them accountable," she said. "Due process is inconvenient to their plans for mass deportation."

In May, federal agents began arresting immigrants after their court hearings, or during routine immigration check-ins. Advocacy groups had been sending lawyers to the immigration courts to offer advice to the families of detainees  most of whom were following a judge's order in hopes of staying in the United States. Whereas defendants in criminal court have a right to free counsel, no such right exists in immigration court. Now the nonprofits are scrambling to figure out how to pay for the attorneys to go there.

Lindsay Toczylowski, co-founder of Immigrant Defenders Law Center, talks to reporters outside St. Anthony's Croatian Catholic Church in Los Angeles in 2023. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

Toczylowski's organization is representing a gay Venezuelan makeup artist whom the Trump administration removed to a prison in El Salvador, after dismissing his asylum case.

"We are working as hard as we can and trying to harness the many volunteers and community advocates that are hoping to help us do that, but it is no small task to be having to do more with less, to be having to face bigger threats with a team that is smaller than what we had because of the federal budget cuts," she said.

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Lawyers from her organization were at the downtown detention center over the weekend and learned of one family with a 3-year-old child who had been there for days.

"They were only given Lays Chips and animal crackers and milk for two days before being transferred" to a family detention center in Texas, she said.

Hundreds of immigrants have been arrested and detained in Los Angeles since Thursday, and lawyers have been frustrated by the lack of access to them. Toczylowski's team spent full days at the federal detention facilities in Adelanto, Calif., where some of those arrested are being held, but was able to see only four people as of Tuesday. Officials at the detention center denied entrance to several Democratic Congress members who sought to do oversight visits on Sunday, she said.

"This alarming lack of transparency and lack of allowing congressional members and lawyers to have access to people who are being detained really begs the question, what are they afraid of us seeing?" she asked.

The Trump administration is not letting up. On Wednesday, tips about raids continued to pour in to the hotline as enforcement actions continued. Salas said her organization fielded more than 3,000 calls in the last week.

Members of the coalition say they cannot become demoralized and give up.

"While the protests were raging downtown and they were raiding car washes in West L.A., there were calls happening from all sectors of the immigrant rights movement and others coming together to figure out, how do we do this," Toczylowski said.

In Los Angeles County, 1 in 3 residents were born elsewhere and 1 in 4 children live in families with mixed legal statuses.

"These are people who you know were working, who had kids in school, and who were just ripped out of our communities. And I think that it feels like a real attack on our city," Salas said. "They're testing California. They're testing our city."



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The death toll of a Russian attack on the northeastern city of Kharkiv on June 7 has risen to five, as two more bodies were found in the rubble, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on June 12.

The State Emergency Service reported the discovery of the fourth victim earlier in the day, adding that search and rescue operations are ongoing as more people may be under the rubble.

Russia attacked Kharkiv with drones, missiles, and KAB bombs overnight on June 7, damaging industrial buildings in the Kyivskyi district, causing structural collapses and large-scale fires. Authorities initially reported three people killed and 19 injured in the attack.

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Later the same day, Russia again attacked the city with KAB bombs, killing two more people and injuring 18.

Recent weeks saw Moscow's forces intensify attacks against Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city that lies a little over 20 kilometers (around 15 miles) south of the Russian border. A Russian drone attack against the city overnight on June 12 injured at least 15 people, including children.

The strikes take place as Kyiv warns of Russia's mounting ground assaults along Ukraine's northeastern border.

Read also: Juicy target  Ukraine says it struck Russian electronics plant in Moscow Oblast

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WEBSTER, N.Y. (WROC)  If you spent any time along parts of Lake Ontario last week, you likely smelled something fishy.

Thousands of dead fish washed up along the shore. News 8 Chief Meteorologist Eric Snitil brought the sights to his Facebook page, where a number of viewers shared they had seen the same thing.

As New York State DEC officials explained, its a fairly common occurrence involving a die-off of alewife fish.

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It is normal to see some fish die-offs in the spring in Lake Ontario. Typically, the fish we see most often and the fish were seeing this year is alewife. Alewife are not native to Lake Ontario and are at the very northern end of their geographic range, said Chris Legard, a Lake Ontario Unit Leader for the New York State DEC.

Legard says alewife fish are susceptible to die-offs in the spring since they live in the deepest waters of Lake Ontario during the winter. With a change in temperature, he says, comes a change in their life cycle.

In the springtime when the lake starts to warm up, the fish move in shore into areas of warmer water. But then, the wind shifts and blows the warmer water out. Pretty rapidly, we get colder water that comes in and has a major temperature change. It shocks the fishes system and leads to these die-offs, said Legard.

This natural occurrence is not influenced by human activity or pollution. Legard says its strictly water temperature, which is a driving factor almost each year.

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We typically see it most years at some levels. We see larger events when there are more alewife in the lake and we do a U.S. geological survey with Ontario Ministry Natural Services. Its a collaborative assessment of crayfish in Lake Ontario every year, and in the last couple of years, weve seen increased numbers of alewife in the lake. So, it isnt quite surprising were seeing larger numbers of fish die in the spring as well, he said.

Officials with the DEC share there is no cause for concern. If youd like to report something like this to the DEC in the future, more information can be found on their website.

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NEW YORK, June 11 (Xinhua) -- The United States may extend a self-defined deadline for the government to land trade deals with a big number of trading partners, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday.

Trump voiced willingness to extend the deadline of July 8 in a bid to reach trade deals with its main trading partners. But he said he didn't believe it would be necessary.

Trump said that trade talks are underway with around 15 trading partners including South Korea, Japan and the EU.

Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Wednesday told lawmakers that Trump is "highly likely" to push back the deadline so as to proceed ahead with trade talks and get deals done with its top trading partners.

There are 18 major trading partners engaged in trade negotiations with the United States, according to Bessent.

The United States would send out letters to dozens of other trading partners in one or two weeks with outlined terms of trade deals, which could be agreed or rejected, said Trump.

The Trump administration is scrambling to hold trade talks with dozens of trading partners at the same time. Only a deal with Britain was announced in May.

The Trump administration set the deadline of July 8 when it decided to pause the imposition of "reciprocal" tariffs on over 60 trading partners for a period of 90 days starting from April 9. 
Protests against Donald Trumps mass deportations, now spreading nationwide, could define his presidency, make or break Democratic careers and shape future elections.

The White House, which thinks it has all the cards, keeps escalating the drama in Los Angeles. Trumps aggression underlines two themes of his second presidency  the desires to look strong and to grab even more power.

Democrats, still looking to explain their 2024 election defeat and to cope with Trumps round-the-clock shock politics, again risk looking weak and overmatched. But in California Gov. Gavin Newsom, at least, they finally have a champion willing to stand up to Trump  even if hes mostly looking to 2028.

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As the most significant protest outburst of Trumps second term develops, top leaders in both parties face risky calculations and swift adjustments.

Democrats have a political base itching for a fight back against the president, but must worry that radical reactions from the partys left wing will alienate the voters who walked out on them in 2024.

The White House might be convinced that the confrontations are a political gift that put Democrats in a political vise for now. But Trump is stoking tensions that could be hard to control. And by putting troops into volatile situations in the proximity of protesters and agitators, he risks clashes that could turn tragic and could validate claims that hes risking lives for a callous personal payoff.

A ruthless approach

Flanked by images from ICE protests in Los Angeles, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks about President Donald Trump's response to the protests during a press briefing on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the White House in Washington, DC. - Bryan Dozier/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images

The White Houses line on the crisis is blunt and ruthless.

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(Democrats) opposition to President Trump has forced them to side with illegal alien criminals in their communities and violent rioters and looters over law enforcement officers who are just doing their jobs, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday.

A key goal here is to dehumanize the humans caught up in the deportation effort. The experience of an undocumented migrant often involves broken families and desperate people fleeing persecution or poverty. Even the hardest-hearted voter might feel sympathy. So, Leavitt implied that all those being targeted by ICE officers are illegal alien murderers, rapists and pedophiles.

Republicans are also reviving a previously successful narrative that helped Trump win power twice  that Democrats hate the police. Thats how radical Democrats have become. Their opposition to President Trump has forced them to side with illegal alien criminals in their communities and violent rioters and looters over law enforcement officers who are just doing their jobs, Leavitt said.

Next, an assault on the patriotism of Democrats, suggesting that they are disloyal and side with enemies. Leavitt said, These attacks were aimed not just at law enforcement, but at American culture and society itself. Rioters burned American flags, chanted death to ICE and spray-painted anti-American slogans on buildings.

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This dystopian picture isnt just for political effect; its designed to drown out a ballooning constitutional crisis over whether Trump has the authority to use active-duty troops on US soil. And this is the classic argument used by authoritarians everywhere  the fabric of society is so broken that only a strongman can fix it.

President Trump will never allow mob rule to prevail in America. The most basic duty of government is to preserve law and order, and this administration embraces that sacred responsibility, Leavitt said. She added, Thats why President Trump deployed the National Guard and mobilized Marines to end the chaos and restore law and order. The mob violence is being stomped out. The criminals responsible will be swiftly brought to justice, and the Trump administrations operations to arrest illegal aliens are continuing unabated.

Some of the administrations rhetoric seems also designed to inject momentum into the deportation drive, the volume of which has disappointed some officials, and to normalize the use of the military in the effort. If Trump doesnt use maximum aggression, the narrative goes, deportations will stop, Americans will be unsafe and a foreign invasion will succeed.

Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton made this point in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece Send in the Troops, for Real that he used to call for an overwhelming show of force to end the riots. He wrote: The threat from the radical left is clear: Dont enforce immigration laws. If you do, left-wing street militias will burn down cities, and Democratic politicians will back the rioters. The president is absolutely right to reject this threat, enforce immigration laws, and restore civil order.

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Trump never undersells his tough guy act. Hes ready to go beyond the deployments of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines hes sent to Los Angeles, who are not yet on the front lines of protests.

I can be stronger on an attack on Los Angeles, Trump told the New York Posts Pod Force One podcast, explaining the greater leeway he feels in his second term. And Attorney General Pam Bondi said on the driveway of the White House Wednesday: We are not scared to go further  if we need to.

Trumps most audacious immigration bet yet

So, will the belligerence work for Trump politically?

If he can convince the public that the situation is truly dire, he might gain support for his breaching of a taboo on the use of US troops on domestic soil.

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Theres no doubt that Trumps voters respond to his bullishness. At his campaign rallies, his most violent rhetoric often got the biggest cheers. Hardline tactics against migrants and demonstrators also go down well with his base.

White House officials also believe that Trumps tough border policy and plan for deportations won over a broader cohort of voters. America voted for mass deportations, top Trump aide Stephen Miller posted Wednesday on X.

Immigration issues have often worked in Trumps favor before. But the risk here is that hes inciting a crisis that could spread, get out of control and cost lives. He might pine to run an autocracy, but its not clear that most Americans want to live in such conditions. And if protesters or police officers and soldiers were hurt in violence he exacerbated, its on him. Trump lost after his first term because he made a crisis  the pandemic  worse. History could repeat itself. And once presidents lose the publics confidence, they tend to find it impossible to regain.

The breaking point could come if the expulsions widen. Recent polls have shown that while Americans do back deportations and a tougher border policy, they dont necessarily agree when friends, neighbors and otherwise law-abiding members of the community get swept up.

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In Trumps first term, the zero-tolerance policy of separating migrant kids from their parents caused a public furor encapsulated by the phrase kids in cages. Most political observers believe the country has moved right on immigration because of the Biden administrations hapless performance at the southern border. But a piece of poignant imagery that encapsulates cruelty or incompetence could yet shatter Trumps credibility.

Democrats are leaderless and lack a message

Democrats face an extraordinarily complex political situation without a leader recognized by most of the country. Combating Trumps demagoguery and spinning of alternative realities would be nearly impossible if the party were firing on all cylinders  never mind when its wandering in the wilderness.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during an address on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. - Office of California Governor/AP

Newsoms address to Californians on Tuesday night seemed partly calculated to inject some direction and steel to the party and supporters whove watched Trump assault the Constitution, the rule of law and bastions of the liberal establishment for four turbulent months.

Everything that Newsom says and does will be refracted through the widespread belief that he plans to run for president. For him and other Democratic governors also contemplating a run, this crisis offers opportunity and peril. Great politicians seize their moments. And a strong pushback to Trump could win goodwill among base voters. Certainly, Newsom can raise his profile by going head-to-the-head with the president every day.

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Still, few Democrats come out on top of a confrontation with Trump. Perhaps only former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with her performative contempt, really got the better of Trump. And the president will use the power of his office to hurt his rivals. Before the Los Angeles protests, he was already trying to cut federal aid to California  seeking to punish its people effectively for the way they voted.

Several sitting Democratic governors  Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Wes Moore of Maryland  might also be planning runs in 2028, and could end up facing similar challenges to Newsom. Perhaps one of them will solve the dilemma of how to avoid angering base voters sympathetic to migrants while building support among centrists, independents and moderate Republicans who still want tougher border policies. If they do, they will achieve something almost no center-left politician in the Western world has yet managed.

Democratic leaders will also be desperate to make sure the current crisis doesnt unleash reactions inside the party that make it unpalatable to voters more generally.

The Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 provide a warning. While many Americans supported the nationwide marches that erupted after the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, calls to defund the police from isolated parts of the progressive base morphed into a political disaster that haunted the party in subsequent elections.

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And while Trumps deployment of troops to Los Angeles risks challenging constitutional limits, another perennial Democratic warning  that hell destroy democracy  fell on deaf ears in 2024.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Oregon is among several states taking legal action against a biotechnology company that could sell customers personal information amid financial woes.

Attorney General Dan Rayfield has revealed that Oregon, along with 27 other states, has sued 23andMe in an effort to challenge the potential sale of user data. The California-based genetic testing company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late March, around the same time that co-founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki announced her resignation after nearly 19 years in the role.

Grant High School community advocates for new lighting at Grant Bowl athletics field

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23andMe is now hoping a buyer will acquire the company  along with the sensitive health and genetic data in its possession.

This isnt just data  its your DNA, Rayfield said in a release. Its personal, permanent, and deeply private. People did not submit their personal data to 23andMe thinking their genetic blueprint would later be sold off to the highest bidder. Were standing up in court to make sure Oregonians  and millions of others  keep the right to control their own genetic information.

Following the bankruptcy filing, the attorney generals office issued a consumer alert informing Oregonians that they could withdraw their consent and delete their data from the platform. But the new lawsuit claims a potential could still impact around 15 million customers.

The Associated Press has reported 23andMe only recently reached a settlement involving a massive data breach. In 2023, the company revealed that hackers had stolen the personal information of nearly seven million users  including 5.5 million people who used the DNA Relatives feature and another 1.4 million people who had created family tree profiles.

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But in a statement to KOIN 6 on Wednesday, 23andMe claimed arguments in the new lawsuit are without merit. A company spokesperson said the potential sale is permitted and the potential buyers are required to adopt its policies.

Criminal proceedings in Salem mass stabbing on hold amid suspects mental evaluation

Customers will continue to have the same rights and protections in the hands of the winning bidder, the spokesperson added in an email. Both remaining bidders are US companies, have committed to abide by 23andMe privacy policies, and will continue to operate 23andMe as it has always been operated.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court is slated to hear arguments for the objection of the sale on June 17.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker will be among several Democratic governors who are expected to face a grilling before GOP lawmakers during a Thursday hearing on their states controversial sanctuary status.

According to prepared remarks obtained by Fox News Digital, Pritzker will defend his states policies, saying his administration was left to fill the void in the absence of help from the federal government in dealing with the border crisis.

He will accuse certain border state governors and mayors of having abandoned the nations highest ideals by having spent millions of taxpayer dollars treating immigrants as "pawns" rather than doing "everything possible to make the promise of America the practice of America."

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He will take aim at Republican Govs. Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida for having bused illegal immigrants to predominantly liberal cities and states in the north  actions, he will argue, were political stunts that only exacerbated the problem.

Blue State Governor Vows 'Resistance' As Trump Admin Targets Sanctuary Policies

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks at the office of The Center for American Progress (CAP) Action Fund on March 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. Pritzker spoke about his views of U.S. President Donald Trumps administration so far.

Pritzker will say that Illinois resources were strained because of a lack of federal support  from both Republicans and Democrats  during the crisis.

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The Democratic governor is expected to highlight his states efforts to address the influx of immigrants into the "Land of Lincoln" by processing new arrivals, supporting temporary shelter and permanent housing, and enabling them to live independently and contribute to the economy.

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Illinois Gov. Jb Pritzker Moves To Boycott El Salvador For Aiding Trump Over Kilmar Abrego Garcias Detention

Pritzker will note that even though state resources were strained during this period, it did not stop his administration from focusing on public safety by investing in state and local law enforcement, including the Illinois State Police (ISP) troopers. He will highlight statistics showing that violent crime has gone down under his stewardship.

Pritzker will reaffirm his intolerance for violent criminals  whether documented or undocumented  and note that Illinois law enables government employees to cooperate with federal immigration officers executing criminal warrants.

He is expected to say that federal officials are welcome to operate in Illinois but will make clear that Illinois will not divert limited resources when it is not in the best interest of the state. He will say that he wants residents to feel comfortable turning to local law enforcement for help.

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Pritzker is also expected to invoke his own familys history, having fled to the U.S. to escape the Russian massacre of Jews in Ukraine.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaking in Wisconsin.

He is expected to implore Congress to fix the nations broken immigration system so that law-abiding immigrant families can have the same opportunity his family did. The governor will close his remarks by arguing that reforming the system does not have to come at the expense of securing the border.

Pritzker will be joined by fellow Democratic Govs. Tim Walz of Minnesota and Kathy Hochul of New York. "A Hearing with Sanctuary State Governors" begins will at 10 a.m. EST before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Fox News' Paul Steinheiser contributed to this report.





Original article source: Dem governor expected to defend states controversial sanctuary policies during GOP-led hearing
David Hogg wont run again to be a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee after weeks of internal drama over the Gen Z activists unorthodox efforts to remake the party.

The DNC decided in a Wednesday vote that it would hold new elections for two vice chair positions held by Hogg and Pennsylvania state lawmaker Malcolm Kenyatta. Last month, an internal panel determined that the two were not properly elected in February due to procedural issues, setting the stage for Hoggs ouster.

Hogg shared his intention to step back shortly after voting concluded.

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I came into this role to play a positive role in creating the change our party needs, he posted on X in a lengthy thread. It is clear that there is a fundamental disagreement about the role of a Vice Chairand its okay to have disagreements. What isnt okay is allowing this to remain our focus when there is so much more we need to be focused on."

Ultimately, I have decided to not run in this upcoming election so the party can focus on what really matters, he continued. I have nothing but admiration and respect for my fellow officers. Even though we have disagreements, we all are here to build the strongest party possible.

David Hogg speaks during a March for Our Lives rally against gun violence on the National Mall in June 2022. / Drew Angerer / Getty Images

Hogg said he will now focus on his work with Leaders We Deservethe political group whose mission to primary Democrats with younger leaders was at the center of the squabbling.

Hogg found himself in a public spat with DNC chairman Ken Martin after he announced in April the group he co-founded would spend $20 million backing primary challengers to what he called ineffective Democratic incumbents who are asleep at the wheel.

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In a statement Wednesday, Martin said he respected Hoggs decision to step down, and had no doubt that he will remain an important advocate for Democrats across the map.

Leaked audio shared by Politico last week shed light on just how high tensions had run. In the recording, Martin accused Hogg of destroying his chances at effective leadership by igniting the internal party clash.

In leaked audio from a meeting last month, DNC chair Ken Martin accused David Hogg of undercutting his leadership. / Aaron J. Thornton / Getty Images for One Fair Wage

Im trying to get my sea legs underneath of me and actually develop any amount of credibility so I can go out there and raise the money and do the job I need to to put ourselves in a position to win, Martin said to Hogg in the May 15 meeting. And again, I dont think you intended this, but you essentially destroyed any chance I have to show the leadership that I need to. So its really frustrating.

Hogg gained political prominence as a gun control activist after a mass shooting at his high school in Parkland, Florida, in 2018. His appointment to the DNC earlier this year was a generational shakeup for the partyhe was just 24 when appointed, and the first Gen Z person in the role.
As anti-ICE riots rage across Los Angeles, congressional Democrats marked the 13th anniversary of DACA with a press conference during which Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., accused President Donald Trump of unleashing a "campaign of terror" on illegal immigrants.

DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a U.S. immigration policy that defers deportation for eligible immigrants who arrived in the country as children.

Speaking just outside the Capitol building Wednesday, Ramirez accused Trump, border czar Tom Homan, Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller and the entire administration of targeting anyone they consider "undesirable." She also pushed a conspiracy theory that the president will target U.S. citizens the same way he has deported criminal migrants.

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"Trump, Homan, Miller and this whole regime has waged a campaign of terror against our neighbors, against our families, our loved ones, as they advance their fascist agenda and try to cast immigrants as a public enemy," Ramirez said.

Senator Launches Investigation Into Democratic Org Over Potential Support For La Rioters

As anti-ICE riots rage across Los Angeles, congressional Democrats marked the 13th anniversary of DACA with a press conference during which Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., accused President Trump of unleashing a "campaign of terror" on illegal immigrants.

"Let us say it, and I'm going to say it unapologetically," she added. "We don't need bans, We don't need walls. We don't need raids. We don't need kidnappings. We don't need masked agents terrorizing our communities. We dont need military attacking our neighbors. We have to demand an end to the terror tactics."

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Newsom Says Los Angeles Rioters Will Be Prosecuted, Slams Trump For 'Traumatizing Our Communities'

Los Angeles has been rocked by fiery riots and clashes with police and federal authorities since Friday. The rioting began Friday in response to immigration enforcement operations by ICE throughout the city.

In response, Trump deployed federalized National Guard troops and several hundred Marines to assist in restoring order.

This move has been heavily criticized by Democrats, who have accused Trump of intentionally provoking rioters.

The anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles continue to rage on.

"The unlawful actions used against immigrants today will be used tomorrow on anyone who this regime deems undesirable because fascism always demands a public enemy," Ramirez claimed. "It is why we must stand with DACA recipients, and we must also stand with their parents.

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"We must also stand with their uncles and their sisters and their tias and our small businesses and our teachers and our LGBTQ and every single person this regime is attacking."

Despite Ramirezs characterization of the Trump administration targeting innocent "tias," federal immigration authorities have detailed criminal charges against the illegals arrested by ICE.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders Calls Gavin Newsom 'Insane' For Rejecting Federal Assistance During Los Angeles Unrest

This week, ICE published information on charges against illegals arrested in Los Angeles during the ongoing riots. On Wednesday, ICE said it had arrested Jesus Romero-Retana, a Mexican national who the agency said had been convicted of battery and threatening with intent to terrorize.

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ICE also said it arrested a Cambodian illegal named Mab Khleb in Los Angeles Tuesday. The agency said he had been sentenced for lewd acts with a child, battery and multiple drug offenses. ICE said it arrested the criminal illegal "despite the best efforts of anti-ICE protestors in the city."

Police detain a man during a protest in Paramount, Calif., Saturday, June 7, 2025, after federal immigration authorities conducted operations.

A source familiar with the operations shared with Fox News Digital a listing of some of the arrests made by ICE in the last week.

These arrests included a Salvadoran national arrested in Los Angeles for sodomy of a child, a Mexican national arrested in Chicago for criminal sexual assault of a child, a Mexican national arrested in Houston for indecent sexual contact with a child, a Honduran national arrested in El Paso for possession of child pornography and a Laotian national arrested for murder and attempted murder.





Original article source: Democrat accuses Trump of unleashing campaign of terror on illegals as LA riots rage
Democratic Senator John Fetterman was spotted having dinner on his wedding anniversary, not with his wife, but with right-wing conspiracy theorist and MAGA stalwart Steve Bannon.

The Pennsylvania Democrat, who has raised eyebrows within his own party for his right-leaning sympathies, was seen dining at a MAGA hotspot in Washington, D.C., on June 9, according to Politicos Playbook.

EYES-EMOJI SPOTTED: John Fetterman, the not-uncontroversial Democratic senator for Pennsylvania, dining in D.C.s top MAGA hangout Butterworths on Monday evening, the outlet wrote.

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Fetterman was joined by Breitbarts Matt Boyle, plus  for a good 20 minutes or so  Steve Bannon. Now thats a conversation Playbook would have liked to overhear.

Democratic Senator John Fetterman was reportedly seen dining with MAGA loyalist Steve Bannon on his wedding anniversary (Getty Images)

Users on X pointed out that June 9 is also Fettermans 17th wedding anniversary to Gisele Fetterman. One user pointed to a post made by the Senator on June 10 last year where he describes having been in a car wreck yesterday.

Not the best way to spend our 16th wedding anniversary but were doing well and happy to be back home in Braddock with the family, he wrote on X at the time.

The Independent has reached out to Fettermans reps to confirm Mondays dinner and the date of his wedding anniversary.

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Fettermans alleged dinner with Bannon, Donald Trumps former White House Chief Strategist, and Boyle comes as the Senator continues to face scrutiny and tensions with his own party over a supposed rightward shift in his politics.

The Senator has stated repeatedly that he would make a pretty terrible Republican, citing his stances on abortion and LGBTQ issues. However he has sided with the GOP on several other topics.

Fettermans alleged dinner with Bannon, Donald Trumps former White House Chief Strategist, comes as the Senator continues to face scrutiny and tensions with his own party. The senator has sided with the GOP on several topics (Getty)

In a debate with his Republican colleague Senator Dave McCormick earlier this month, Fetterman said that his views, which include both supporting investments such as Trumps proposed $12 billion border spending package, puts me at odds with my party and my base.

Since Trump took office, Fetterman has repeatedly clashed with parts of the leftward wing of his party over issues like co-sponsoring the Laken Riley Act, which requires federal detention of undocumented immigrants accused of a variety of crimes.

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He also voted to confirm Trump officials and close allies such as Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Fetterman has called on the Democratic party to get its s*** together soon and reorient, at the risk of becoming a permanent minority.

His continuing pro-Israel stance over the conflict in the Middle East is also a source of contention, reportedly also with his wife.

A report published by New York magazine last month claimed that Gisele Fetterman told one aide she was at breaking point and asked another Where is the man I married?
A few months ago, Karen Bass was accused of standing by as Los Angeles burned.

Now, the citys mayor has been accused of fanning the flames  but this time of the rioting, violence and looting that has consumed its downtown area.

Critics say Ms Bass has provoked clashes between law enforcement and protesters, who have been demonstrating against raids by immigration authorities since Friday, and is in denial about the scale of the crisis that has gripped the City of Angels.

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A constant presence on Left-leaning CNN and MSNBC this week, she has routinely downplayed the violent scenes even as cars have been torched and journalists have been injured by non-lethal rounds.

Nick Stern was one of the journalists injured while covering the riots in LA on Saturday - Ethan Swope/Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

When immigration officials raided workplaces in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, Ms Bass declared herself deeply angered and hit out at what she claimed was an attempt to sow terror in our communities.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, later claimed the mayor had embarked on one of the most outrageous campaigns of lies this country has ever seen from an elected official, blaming President Trump and brave law enforcement officers for the violence.

Critics say Ms Basss words inflamed the tensions between immigration officials and demonstrators, provoking riots that have lasted for days.

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Karen Bass whipped all of this up, Ric Grenell, Donald Trumps presidential envoy for special missions, wrote on social media.

She attacked the rule of law. She undermined democracy. The mayor of LA is creating chaos in LA.

This week, she issued a statement downplaying the scale of the violence, even as several journalists caught up in the ensuing melee were shot by police using non-lethal rounds, including The Telegraphs Jon Putman.

Mr Putman, who was struck in the ear, narrowly avoided serious injury, but said a clean shot would have put him out of commission.

Jon Putman was struck by a non-lethal bullet

Nick Stern, a British news photographer, was shot in the leg with a non-lethal round on Saturday, and when a paramedic cut off his clothes found a five centimetre hole with muscle hanging out of it.

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If Ms Bass is an effective rabble rouser as her critics claim, then the evidence shows she is less adept at cooling tensions.

Over the weekend, she called on rioters to stop looting businesses in downtown Los Angeles, but the dozens of masked figures who raided the CVS, Adidas and T-Mobile shops among others seem to have been unmoved.

Finally, with crime spiralling out of control, Ms Bass decided to act on Monday.

We reached a tipping point, she said at a news conference, announcing a curfew between 8pm and 6am local time after more than two dozen businesses were vandalised. Others might have reached the same conclusion days ago.

Karen Bass speaks to the press as the LA riots continue - PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP

At that point, she conceded the vandalism and violence had been significant, long after images of burned-out cars and masked protesters had made their way around the world.

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Moses Castillo, a former LAPD detective who responded to the Rodney King riots that gripped Los Angeles in the early 1990s, criticised Ms Bass for being too slow and indecisive.

I think shes trying to play catch up, he told Fox News.

I think if she had been very forceful in the beginning that were not going to tolerate these crimes and allow police officers to do their job and arrest people on sight, I think it would have been different.

Shes now saying that these crimes will not be tolerated, looting will not be tolerated, but its a little bit too late.

To Ms Basss political enemies  and there are many, including within her own party  these are familiar themes from the Los Angeles mayors playbook.

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When the city found itself in the grip of devastating wildfires back in January, she fumbled her public statements, rowed with officials, and belatedly tried to get a grip on the crisis.

Ms Bass wasnt in Los Angeles when the fires broke out. She wasnt even in California, or the US.

Ms Bass speaks to officials during the wildfires in LA in January - ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

She was in Ghana to attend the inauguration of its president, and hours after the Pacific Palisades blaze started she was posing for photographs at a reception organised by the US ambassador.

The trip was a mistake, she later conceded, adding: I hated the fact that I was out of the city when the city needed me the most.

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When she did return, Kristin Crowley, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) chief blamed her for slashing their budget, leaving her colleagues defenceless when the fires broke out.

By the time the smoke cleared, the wildfires had consumed some 16,000 buildings, forced 200,000 people to evacuate, and killed 30.

But for some ill-judged comments about Cubas Communist regime, its possible that Los Angeles could have been spared the worst of these crises.

Joe Biden, the former US president, briefly considered Ms Bass as a potential running mate for the 2020 election, before she won the mayoral election two years later.

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But it subsequently emerged that Ms Bass had visited Communist Cuba several times as a young woman in the 1970s, and when Fidel Castro died in 2016 after ruling the country for decades, she lamented a great loss to the people of Cuba.

That was enough to end the prospect of any role in the Biden campaign. Ms Basss loss, as it turned out, was Los Angeles loss too.

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Kansas Sen. Cindy Holscher appears at the Statehouse in Topeka as part of the 50501 national day of action on May 1, 2025. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Kansas Sen. Cindy Holscher says she will seek the Democratic nomination for governor to try to protect public schools and shield the state from a potential double dose of slash and burn policies ignited by Republicans at federal and state levels.

Holscher, from Overland Park, planned to announce her candidacy Thursday, becoming the first well-known Democrat to enter the race. A slate of Republicans have already announced their intentions to replace Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who is serving her second term.

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Holscher said she is focusing on kitchen table issues after seeing fellow Democrats lose legislative seats in last years election.

I understand the struggles people are facing  that housing is expensive, that food is expensive, Holscher said. Those tend to be the things that I focus on in terms of, you know, whats going to help me, and whats going to help my family, and whats going to help other members of my community succeed. I mean, those are very real big issues in terms of being able to pay your bills, being able to afford rent, and afford the things that you need to get by. So thats where I tend to focus most of my energy.

Holscher served two terms in the Kansas House after winning her first race in 2016, then moved to the Senate in 2020, where she won a seat in a competitive district that was formerly held by the Republican majority leader. While other Democrats struggled, she improved her winning margin from 9 percentage points in 2020 to 23 percentage points in 2024.

The way Holscher tells it, she came from humble beginnings in  this is the part people dont like  rural Missouri.

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I was born there  I had no input on it, she joked, in a nod to the border state rivalry.

She said her grandparents were tenant farmers and that her parents took care of the farm while working other jobs. Her father, a veteran, was a construction worker, and her mother was a school janitor.

Holscher earned a degree in journalism with a political science emphasis from the University of Missouri, but you dont have to mention that, she said.

She said she and her husband moved to the Kansas City, Kansas, metro area more than 25 years ago. They wanted to start a family and were impressed with the schools, she said. She worked in several positions at Sprint Corp., including in operations, where she designed multibillion-dollar budgets.

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But her kids were in school when former Republican Gov. Sam Brownbacks administration cratered state finances to pay for his ill-fated tax experiment and engineered steep cuts to public education. Even in Johnson County, which is known for its economic prosperity, schools didnt have enough supplies, Holscher said, and some of the classrooms had shower curtains instead of doors.

When her daughter was about 10, she said, they saw one of her teachers working at Target. The daughter asked why her teacher would be working there on the weekend when she already worked full-time at the school.

I told her, Well, were in the middle of a severe budget crisis. Schools arent getting funded the way they should, and she probably cant pay her bills,  Holscher said.

Her daughter looked at Holscher and said: You go fix that.

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As I thought about it, Im like, OK, good, reasonable people are going to have to step forward to stop this spiraling downward, Holscher said. And thats how I ended up running for office. Ive kind of stayed in the fight because every year, that extremist base has gotten bigger, and theyre really trying to reach their goals of destroying public education and implementing some of those very backward tax and economic policies.

She said she is running for governor in part because she has now invested 10 years fighting for public schools and economic stability.

Holscher supports reproductive health rights, Medicaid expansion and the legalization of medicinal marijuana. She said state tax policy isnt real fair to the regular Kansan and needs to be corrected.

She has been a vocal critic of the Committee on Government Efficiency  or COGE, inspired by Elon Musks federal initiative known as DOGE  where she is the ranking minority member.

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During recent town halls across the state, she said, people have expressed fear and anxiety about the impact of federal cuts and the fact that we have a supermajority of same-style extremists in the Legislature.

Lt. Gov. David Toland, who also serves as commerce secretary, is a potential challenger for the Democratic nomination for governor. But it isnt clear whether Toland, or other Democrats, will run.

The Republican field is led by Secretary of State Scott Schwab. Other potential candidates include former Gov. Jeff Colyer, Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, state Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, former Johnson County Commissioner Charlotte OHara, businesswoman Stacy Rogers and Wichita school board member Joy Eakins.

Only conservative podcaster Doug Billings has paid the filing fee to be a candidate.

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Holscher said party insiders suggested she could wait to run until 2030 because if a Republican were to win this time around and implement damaging policies, it would be easier for Democrats to win races later.

The fact of the matter is if all of those damaging policies move forward, and many of them will, that just means that a number of people wont be able to have a future here in Kansas, Holscher said.
Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) on Thursday lambasted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling him an embarrassment and demanding he resign over a range of issues including sharing sensitive military attack plans via an unsecure Signal group chat, deploying Marines to Los Angeles amid protests, and his views on Russias war in Ukraine.

I have called for your resignation. I didnt think you were qualified before your confirmation, and you have done nothing to inspire confidence in your ability to lead competently, Carbajal said during a budget hearing before the House Armed Services Committee.

The California Democrat began his line of questioning by pointing to Hegseths decision to relay the launch time for fighter jets set to strike Houthi militant targets in March with at least two Signal group chats  one including The Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg and the other including his wife, brother and a personal lawyer.

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Hegseth  who also reportedly accessed the chat, which he created, via his private phone rather than his government phone  has repeatedly insisted no classified information was shared.

You broke the law in sharing classified information and in doing so, endangered the lives of our service members that you are responsible for, Carbajal said Thursday. Your inability to hold yourself accountable makes you incapable to lead. To lead. This alone makes you unfit to be the secretary of Defense.

Later, the Defense secretary declined to say whether he thinks the U.S. should continue to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia, saying only that we support peace in Ukraine. Carbajal grew more heated with the response.

Come on! Is this really leadership? he said. Youre an embarrassment to the United States.

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The exchange came a day after Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine faced fiery questioning in the Senate, where lawmakers on both sides of the aisle questioned the duo on the Trump administrations position regarding the war.

Caine told senators that he did not believe Russian President Vladimir Putin will stop at Ukraine if he wins the nearly three-year war and Ukraine cedes the land  a marked contrast to the Trump administrations typical ambiguity on the question.

Hegseth was also pressed Thursday on whether he believes political allegiance to President Trump is a requirement for serving the U.S., either as a service member or a civilian. When the Pentagon chief dodged the question, Carbajal finally exploded.

You know what? Im not going to waste my time anymore, he said. Youre not worthy of my attention or my questions. Youre an embarrassment to this country, youre unfit to lead, and theres been bipartisan members of Congress that have called for your resignation.

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You should just get the hell out and let somebody competently lead this department, he added.

The statement prompted the panels chair, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) to call for decorum.

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Jen Psaki reports on the absurdity of Donald Trump's military deployment to Los Angeles, and the expectation that similarly militarized actions are expected in other major cities across the United States as Trump's deportation frenzy intensifies.
HOUSTON, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Non-essential U.S. embassy staff and their dependents have been ordered to leave Iraq due to unspecified security risks, sources from the U.S. State Department said on Wednesday.

"Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our mission in Iraq," the State Department said in a statement.

"We are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies," it added.

Aslo on Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the voluntary departure of U.S. military dependents from the Middle East.

The security risks leading to the ordered departure from Iraq are not immediately clear. According to media reports, Iran recently threatened to strike U.S. bases in the region if negotiations over Iran's nuclear program fail.

U.S. President Donald Trump told a podcast on Wednesday that he was growing less confident in reaching a nuclear deal with Iran.

"I don't know," Trump told the "Pod Force One" podcast when asked about talks over the Iran nuclear program. "I don't know. I did think so, and I'm getting more and more - less confident about it."

Later on Wednesday, when asked why families of U.S. military personnel were authorized to leave the Middle East, Trump said: "You will have to see."

White House special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi this weekend for a sixth round of nuclear talks. 
WASHINGTON (AP)  As President Donald Trump spars with California's governor over immigration enforcement, Republicans in Congress called other Democratic governors to the Capitol on Thursday to question them over policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform sat in front of large, full-color posters showing men who they said were in the country without legal permission when they were arrested for crimes in Illinois, Minnesota and New York  home of the governors testifying before the committee.

Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer began the hearing by introducing the family of a young woman killed in a hit-and-run traffic crash in Illinois, suggesting its sanctuary policies had facilitated the illegal presence of the driver of the other vehicle.

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Sanctuary polices do not protect Americans, they protect criminal illegal aliens, Comer said.

Republican lawmakers clashed repeatedly with the Democratic governors, often recounting descriptions of violent crimes allegedly committed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally who were not previously detained by local police. The daylong hearing turned into a yelling match at multiple moments, with committee members talking over the top of each other and veering off topic in their questions.

At one point, Democratic Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico interjected to denounce the theatrics.

Welcome everyone to the Oversight reality TV show, Stansbury said. I know Mr. Trump loves himself some good TV, and today is not disappointing.

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Theres no legal definition of a sanctuary jurisdiction, but the term generally refers to governments with policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Courts previously have upheld the legality of such laws.

But Trumps administration has sued Colorado, Illinois, New York and several cities  including Chicago and Rochester, New York  asserting their policies violate the U.S. Constitution or federal law.

Illinois, Minnesota and New York also were among 14 states and hundreds of cities and counties recently listed by the Department of Homeland Security as sanctuary jurisdictions defying federal immigration law. The list later was removed from the departments website after criticism that it errantly included some local governments that support Trumps immigration policies.

As Trump steps up immigration enforcement, some Democratic-led states have intensified their resistance by strengthening state laws restricting cooperation with immigration agents. Following clashes between crowds of protesters and immigration agents in Los Angeles, Trump deployed the National Guard to protect federal buildings and agents, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom accused Trump of declaring a war on the underpinnings of American democracy.

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As we speak, an American city has been militarized over the objections of their governor, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said. At the outset, I just want to say that this is a flagrant abuse of power.

Some of the most fiery exchanges involved Hochul and Republicans from her home state. Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has been named as a potential 2026 gubernatorial candidate in New York, described instances in which she said people were raped, molested and burned alive by immigrants who had entered or remained in the U.S. illegally.

You are not advocating on behalf of these victims, you are shielding illegals, Stefanik said to Hochul while interrupting the governor's attempted responses.

Hochul said the crimes were horrific and heartbreaking and insisted we cooperate with ICE; we cooperate with law enforcement in criminal cases.

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Republican Rep. Nick Langworthy of New York later implied that Hochul's policies were partly to blame for the death of University of Georgia student Laken Riley, who was killed last year by a Venezuelan man who had entered the U.S. illegally. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the man had been arrested by New York police in 2023 but was released before ICE could ask New York officials to hold him.

Pressed further by other Republican questioners, Hochul expressed sympathy for Riley's family but said this has nothing to do with our civil enforcement of the laws.

Gubernatorial orders prohibit New York officials from inquiring about or disclosing a persons immigration status to federal authorities, unless required by law.

Hochul said law enforcement officers still can cooperate with federal immigration authorities when people are convicted of or under investigation for crimes. Since she took office in 2021, Hochul said the state has initiated the transfer of more than 1,300 incarcerated noncitizens to ICE at the completion of their state sentences.

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What we dont do is civil immigration enforcement  thats the federal governments job, Hochul said.

The House Oversight Committee has long been a partisan battleground, and in recent months it has turned its focus to immigration policy. Thursdays hearing follows a similar one in March in which the Republican-led committee questioned the Democratic mayors of Chicago, Boston, Denver and New York about sanctuary policies.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the first to testify, rejected the assertion that Minnesota is a sanctuary state. It has no statewide law protecting immigrants in the U.S. illegally from deportation, though Minneapolis and St. Paul both restrict the extent to which police and city employees can cooperate with immigration enforcement.

Enforcing immigration law is not the role of local and state governments, said Walz, who sent out a political fundraising email touting his congressional testimony.

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Some laws signed by Walz have secured benefits for people regardless of immigration status. But at least one of those is getting rolled back. The Minnesota Legislature, meeting in a special session, passed legislation Monday to repeal a 2023 law that allowed adults in the U.S. illegally to be covered under a state-run health care program for the working poor. Walz insisted on maintaining eligibility for children who arent in the country legally.

Heavily Democratic Chicago has been a sanctuary city for decades. In 2017, then-Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican, signed legislation creating statewide protections for immigrants. The Illinois Trust Act prohibits police from searching, arresting or detaining people solely because of their immigration status. But it allows local authorities to hold people for federal immigration authorities if theres a valid criminal warrant.

Gov. JB Pritzker, who succeeded Rauner in 2019, said violent criminals have no place on our streets, and if they are undocumented, I want them out of Illinois and out of our country.

Illinois follows the law. But let me be clear, we expect the federal government to follow the law too, added Pritzker, who has been among Trumps most outspoken opponents and is considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate. We will not participate in abuses of power. We will not violate court orders.

___

Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Mo. Also contributing were Associated Press writers Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, N.Y.; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; and Sophia Tareen in Chicago.
By Richard Cowan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Democratic governors walked a tight line on Thursday, criticizing President Donald Trump's use of the military to respond to protests over his immigration crackdown, while voicing support for deporting immigrants who commit violent crimes.

Governors JB Pritzker of Illinois, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Kathy Hochul of New York appeared before the Republican-controlled House of Representatives Oversight Committee a week into protests in downtown Los Angeles over the Trump administration's aggressive ramping up of arrests of migrants.

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The governors were united in opposing Trump's decision to order National Guard troops into Los Angeles to help secure federal buildings -- a move that bypassed California Governor Gavin Newsom's authority over the Guard in his state -- saying it fostered chaos and undercut citizens' confidence in local law enforcement.

"It tends to have an inflaming effect on what's going on on the ground just when local law enforcement officials are getting things under control," said Pritzker, who like Newsom is seen as a contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.

Newsom has leaned into the political fight with Trump over the protests, accusing him in a Tuesday night video speech of choosing "theatrics over public safety."

Reuters/Ipsos polls show Trump getting more support for his handling of immigration than any other policy area.

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The governors testifying on Thursday voiced support for deporting immigrants with criminal records.

"If they are undocumented, we want them out of Illinois and out of our country," Pritzker said.

While the panel's Democratic lawmakers focused on Trump's use of the military and aggressive deportations that have sometimes snared children and U.S. citizens, Republicans quizzed the governors over violent crimes committed by immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.

Republicans have long railed against "sanctuary" policies in some jurisdictions that limit the amount of cooperation between their law enforcement officials with federal immigration agents.

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Supporters of such policies say they help gain the trust of immigrants in reporting violent criminals to local authorities. Republicans see them as letting criminals roam free.

Studies by academics and think tanks have shown that immigrants do not commit crime at a higher rate than native-born Americans.

Republican Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio showcased a Mexican national whom he said assaulted a New York resident with a machete. The suspect was later released by the county government where he was held, Jordan said.

"Those descriptions that you have put forth are absolutely chilling and disturbing and reprehensible to all of us," Hochul responded.

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She added that Jordan was "conflating what the state of New York does" with that of local jurisdictions and noted that more than 1,300 suspects have been turned over by the state to federal agents under her watch.

"Minnesota is not a sanctuary state," said Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee, adding that state officials cooperate with federal immigration authorities. He noted it offers "respect" to cities and counties choosing to give no more than the legal minimum support to the Department of Homeland Security.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan; editing by Scott Malone and Sandra Maler)
A trio of high-profile Democratic governors is set to take center stage on Capitol Hill in what is likely to be a contentious hearing on sanctuary states Thursday.

Republicans on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee are expected to grill Govs. Tim Walz of Minnesota, Kathy Hochul of New York and JB Pritzker of Illinois over their states status as sanctuaries for migrants.

The hearing, scheduled more than a month ago, comes amid unrest in California over President Trumps immigration policies.

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Live updates: Dem governors testify on sanctuary states amid protests over Trumps immigration raids

However, Thursdays hearing will also present a test for the governors, as Pritzker and Walz have been floated as potential 2028 presidential contenders and Hochul faces reelection in 2026.

Its a great opportunity if youre a Republican who gets to have further discussions about illegal immigration in the country and Democrat elected officials who are promoting what we are seeing on the streets in LA and the confrontations with ICE officials, said Jesse Hunt, a Republican strategist and former communications director at the Republican Governors Association.

If youre one of those three Democrats who all have aspirations for higher office, it also provides you with an opportunity to generate news on an issue that everyone is discussing at this present moment, he added.

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Each of those three governors will walk into the hearing with different political dynamics at play.

While Walz has had to contend with being on the Democratic ticket that lost to Trump in November, the governor has not shied away from taking opportunities to lash out against the president. Walz referred to federal law enforcement agents carrying out Trumps immigration crackdown as the modern-day Gestapo during a commencement address last month at the University of Minnesota.

There are cities within Minnesota that call themselves sanctuary cities, but the state itself has not declared itself to be a sanctuary state, meaning it does not limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Governor Walz is happy to work with Congress, but since Minnesota is not a sanctuary state, one cant help but wonder if this is, perhaps, politically motivated, Walzs team said in a statement ahead of the hearing.

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Pritzker has also not shied away from lashing out against Trump. In April, the governor made headlines when he called for mass protests against the administration, saying, Republicans cannot know a moment of peace. Those comments could give Republicans fodder to go on offense against the Illinois governor, but unlike Walz, Pritzker does not have the baggage of having lost to Trump.

Pritzkers spokesperson, Matt Hill, noted the governor will defend the Illinois Trust Act, which does not permit state, county or local law enforcement agencies to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement on civil immigration enforcement activities but allows cooperation when a criminal warrant or court order is involved.

Despite the rhetoric of Republicans in Congress, Governor Pritzker will share facts about how this bipartisan public safety law is fully compliant with federal law and ensures law enforcement can focus on doing their jobs well, Hill said in a statement.

Hochul is in the midst of a potentially tough reelection bid in a blue state where Republicans have slowly made inroads. A Siena College poll released last month showed 55 percent of New York voters said they want someone else in next years gubernatorial race, while 36 percent said they prefer Hochul, marking a shift of negative 10 points since the same poll last month.

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Hochul has notably gone head-to-head with Trump over congestion pricing in New York City earlier this year. At the same time, Hochul has also seen some agreement with the administration, including on an offshore wind project in the state.

But Republicans will likely link the issues of crime and immigration, a strategy that has helped them in New York and elsewhere in recent elections.

These crises have become one animal in the minds of voters, said Jon Reinish, a New York Democratic strategist. Gov. Hochul is going to want to be very representative of her state, but shes also facing down an election in 2026, and her experience in the previous one will likely be very top of mind.

She came within mid-single digits of losing to a conservative, Trump-aligned Republican because she and by extension the Democratic ticket, were tarred with New York Citys public safety crisis, he said.

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With Republicans firmly in control in Washington, Democratic governors have worked to hold the line against Trump in the states as the president seeks to push through his agenda. That dynamic came to a head in the past week, when the Trump administration deployed the California National Guard and 700 Marines to Los Angeles in response to the demonstrations. The administrations move resulted in a standoff with California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who has maintained Trump does not have the authority to deploy troops.

Democratic governors pledged to stand with Newsom in a joint statement earlier this week, calling Trumps National Guard move alarming.

In turn, the Republican Governors Association (RGA) accused the Democratic governors of siding with chaos and lawlessness in the streets.

Their failed policies will be on full display and the American people will see that Democrat governors have chosen the side of those who broke our nations laws over protecting citizens, said Kollin Crompton, rapid response director at the RGA.

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Ahead of the hearing, the Democratic Governors Association sought to tie Republicans to the Jan. 6, 2021, attacks on the Capitol.

If Republicans in Congress were actually serious about tackling public safety, they could start with Donald Trump, whos defying court orders, infringing on due process, and pardoning convicted felons who attacked cops on January 6  all while the cost of living continues to go up for Americans, the group said Wednesday in a statement.

Democrats argue there is an irony with House Republicans calling three governors away from their states for hours of testimony on Capitol Hill amid the potential for more protests to pop up across the country.

Additionally, Democrats are painting Thursdays hearing as a distraction from Trumps legislative agenda that congressional Republicans have struggled to pass.

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What the Republicans in Congress are doing is putting on a complete sham stunt to try to distract the American people from their votes and plan to cut Medicaid, cut SNAP, and give handouts to the ultrawealthy, one national Democratic operative said. Theyre going to put on a circus and drag away governors who are actually serious about keeping people safe.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Congressional Republicans took aim at three high-profile Democratic governors during a House Oversight Committee hearing Thursday, seizing on immigration policy as a wedge issue ahead of the midterms  and as a preview of 2028 presidential battles.

GOP lawmakers peppered Govs. JB Pritzker of Illinois, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Kathy Hochul of New York with questions largely focused on the sanctuary immigration policies in their states. But Republicans veered into other flashpoints, like trangender rights and crime  eager to paint Democrats as out of touch with regular Americans.

The hearing also spotlighted tensions within the Democratic Party on immigration, just as protests over the Trump administration's ICE raids have popped up in Los Angeles and spread nationwide. Democratic governors walked a careful line, attempting to balance immigrants' rights while insisting that undocumented people with criminal records should be deported.

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They also repeatedly tried to lay enforcement at the administration's feet.

"Illegal immigration, thats a federal responsibility," said Pritzker, a billionaire and potential presidential contender.

Youre putting a federal problem on our laps," said Hochul, who faces a challenge from her own lieutenant governor in her next bid for election. "And you know what? It gets old after a while. I wish you would just do your job.

Walz, who is fresh off a losing vice presidential campaign and more recently made the rounds in early presidential primary states, criticized the federal governments deployment of National Guard troops without the consent of state officials. It creates a chaotic situation, he said.

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Illinois, New York and Minnesota all have laws that limit cooperation between federal immigration officers and state law enforcement. Pritzker, Hochul and Walz were all asked to testify  and defend  what these laws mean in practice.

Democrats nationally are often back on their heels when it comes to immigration policy. A survey from a Democratic-leaning pollster found 77 percent of voters in battleground districts disapprove of the party's handling of the issue. But Republicans don't have an easy path either  Trump's approval on the issue is also beginning to slide , creating an opening for Democrats.

"This hearing is a sleight of hand to have voters look at this other shiny thing and don't focus on what Republicans are actually trying to get through, in the dead of night, that's going to decimate families," said Maria Cardona, a Democratic strategist and member of the Democratic National Committee, referring to congressional Republicans' budget bill. "This is complete and total grandstanding on behalf of congressional Republicans."

"Everyone agrees those people should be in jail and then deported," she added, referring to criminals who are undocumented. "So they're not going to get any disagreement from Democrats on this."

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Republicans were well aware of the political optics. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) opened her remarks with a nod to the panel's ambitions, Welcome to the unofficial kickoff of the 2028 Democrat presidential primary, live from the Oversight Committee.

As they did a few months ago , when Democratic mayors of jurisdictions with sanctuary policies came before them, Republican members of committee recounted gruesome crimes  including rapes and murders allegedly committed by immigrants  and attempted to tie them to what they said are lax state policies.

Pritzker more than once slammed the Trump administration's decision to send in National Guard troops to manage protests in California, calling it a move made to inflame the situation. He also accused Trump of terrorizing our neighborhoods, our schools, our parents who went into hiding even though their children needed to go to school every day.

Republicans also honed in on topics that helped propel Trump to the White House last year, including crime, transgender issues and the economy.

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In one heated exchange, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) asked the governors if they considered damage to property to be a definition of a peaceful protest, prompting Pritzker to call the question outrageous, given the violence that played out at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

In another confrontation, Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) pressed Pritzker about whether he supports "men in women's bathrooms," prompting Pritzker to once again shoot back: So you're admitting that this is just a political circus?

Oversight Chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) questioned Walz about former President Joe Biden and his cognitive abilities during last years high-profile presidential debate.

Walz brushed it off with a self-deprecating remark, I was probably more concerned with my own debate performance than President Biden.

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Republicans also repeatedly pressed Walz to apologize for a statement in which he compared the work of ICE agents to a modern-day Gestapo  scooping folks up off the streets.

The hearing served as a platform for lawmakers with political ambitions of their own. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.)  who is mulling a gubernatorial bid  grilled Hochul about violent incidents in her state caused by undocumented immigrants.

They were walking on the streets because of your policies and your executive order, said Stefanik, reserving her harshest criticisms for Hochul.

On the other side of the aisle, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), who is hoping to ascend to the Senate seat held by retiring Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin, spent his time promoting the state of Illinois, including the fact that Pope Leo XIV is from Chicago.

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Tension permeated the hearing, which was interrupted several times with arguments among committee members.

In one disturbance, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia) accused Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) of being a former Antifa member. The lawmakers took a break and she took back her comment.

Another interruption was prompted by a video, which was posted during the hearing and which depicted California Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) being forcibly removed from a Department of Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles.

At another point in the proceedings, Rep. Gary Palmer of Alabama accused governors of being a threat to national security because of their sanctuary state policies. Youre in violation of federal law. Charges should be brought for obstruction, Palmer said.

It prompted a rebuke from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who called the comments intimidation.


The high-profile Democratic governors of Illinois, Minnesota and New York defended their states' immigration policies in a Republican-led House Oversight Committee on Thursday -- weighing in on the ongoing Los Angeles protests over immigration enforcement.

JB Pritzker of Illinois, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Kathy Hochul of New York took questions from the House panel -- many dealing with their policies as so-called "sanctuary states." Their testimony came as another Democratic-led state -- California -- is grappling with a slew of immigration-related protests that triggered President Donald Trump to deploy U.S. Marines and the National Guard to the area.

Sanctuary states still enforce U.S. federal immigration laws, but the term often refers to a limited collaboration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while enacting policies that are more favorable to undocumented people.

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MORE: Protests live updates: DOJ calls lawsuit challenging federal deployment a 'crass political stunt'

PHOTO: Governors Tim Walz, JB Pritzker and Kathy Hochul attend a House Oversight Committee hearing with U.S. governors about state policies regarding undocumented migrants, on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 12, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

'An overreach of epic proportions'

The governors slammed Trump's decision to deploy troops to Los Angeles, with Hochul saying the actions "undermine sovereignty of individual states."

"Governors are the commanders in chief of the National Guard. They know what to do, as you've heard from my colleagues, we have deployed them on a number of occasions. But confidence in local law enforcement -- you're basically saying that there's not a belief that the highly trained individuals of our municipal police departments like Los Angeles and the city of New York ... can handle [their] jobs," Hochul said, adding it's "an overreach of epic proportions."

PHOTO: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker testifies before a House Oversight Committee hearing with U.S. governors about state policies regarding undocumented migrants, on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 12, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Pritzker added that the decision goes against typical protocol, which "tends to have an inflaming effect." And Walz said it is important that governors and the federal government to coordinate -- especially when dealing with the National Guard.

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"The absolute pinnacle and the most critical piece is, is the coordination amongst them. As a governor, not being notified as local law enforcement, it creates a chaotic situation that they cannot operate as a joint unit," Walz said.

The hearing kicked off with a fiery statement from Ranking Member Stephen Lynch attacking Trump and his administration for their immigration policies. Referencing the Los Angeles protests, Lynch said deploying the military against civilians is "wrong."

"I'm proud of my Democratic colleagues who are willing to stand up to this thuggery. Trump is a wannabe gangster, and he's showing the world what he's about," the Massachusetts Democrat said.

MORE: As Trump escalates immigration fight, Democrats face high-stakes test: ANALYSIS

Stefanik, Jordan face off with Hochul

Republicans on the House panel repeatedly pointed to specific incidents in each of the governor's states about U.S. citizens getting injured or killed at the hands of undocumented people.

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New York Rep. Elise Stefanik fired off at Hochul first about individual cases of violence in New York at the hands of immigrants, repeatedly highlighting crime in "Kathy Hochul's New York." Later in the hearing, Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan engaged in similar questioning with the New York governor.

PHOTO: Rep. Elise Stefanik speaks during a House Oversight Committee hearing with U.S. governors about state policies regarding undocumented migrants, on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 12, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

"These are horrific crimes, crimes that are committed on your watch," Stefanik said, later adding that the governor was "prioritizing your far left sanctuary state policies" -- a statement Hochul denied.

Governors insist immigration is job for Congress

Republicans on the committee accused the governors of overseeing a rise in crime and blocking law enforcement and ICE's actions.

"I invited these governors here today because as the chief executives of their states, they willfully ignore a federal law, shield illegal aliens and pass the cost of free services onto their hard working taxpayers," House Oversight Chair James Comer said.

PHOTO: New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker testify before a House Oversight Committee hearing with U.S. governors about state policies regarding undocumented migrants, on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 12, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

The governors fired back, saying immigration in the country is managed by the federal government.

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"While you've convened this hearing to explore the issue of so-called 'sanctuary states,' Minnesota is not even a sanctuary state," Walz said. "Minnesota legislature has passed no such bill making Minnesota sanctuary state, and I have signed no such law. Minnesota cooperates with federal authorities in a number of ways."

"But enforcing immigration law is not the role of local and state governments. The fact is, Congress has given federal agencies the authority to enforce immigration laws across this country that includes Minnesota, and I support them doing. So it's the federal government's job to secure the border," Walz added.

The governors also decried some of Trump's immigration platforms and recent moves, calling for "compassionate" policy.

"As I have consistently said, violent criminals have no place on our streets and if they are undocumented, I want them out of Illinois and out of our country," Pritzker said in his opening statement.

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In March, the Oversight Committee held another newsy hearing with "sanctuary city" mayors including Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Those leaders defended their actions on immigration enforcement while Republicans on the committee accused them of increasing crime by defying Trump administration immigration policies.

'Overreach of epic proportions': Democratic governors react to National Guard deployment to LA during House hearing on immigration policy originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
In the wee hours of Wednesday, Elon Musk apologized for some of his attacks on President Donald Trump. The week before, the former head of the Department of Government Efficiency and CEO for Tesla had trashed Trumps signature domestic legislation and even accused him of being in the files of the late pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Democrats relished the devolution of the relationship between the president and the richest man in the world.

But dont expect them to take money from Musk if he were to suddenly offer it to Democrats.

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True, as the head of an electric car company, some Democrats saw Musk as somebody who could help combat climate change. And in the past, Musk had given to Democrats and had even supported Barack Obamas candidacy before he made a hard shift right and bankrolled numerous Republican candidates, including Trump in 2024.

But Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, of Washington, who had previously received money from Musk, told The Independent no when asked if she would take any campaign cash from Musk.

Democrats say they would not take money from Elon Musk despite his falling out with President Donald Trump. (Getty)

Other Democrats who had received money from Musk in the past were a bit more emphatic. As a congressman, Sen. Adam Schiff received money from Musk.

But the Californian Schiff, a leader of the impeachments against him who is a frequent target of Trumps insults, said he would not take money from Musk.

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No, he told The Independent. Nor would I buy a Tesla.

Musk became a flashpoint for many Democrats and liberals ever since his purchase of Twitter, which he later renamed X, in 2022. As part of his rightward shift, he promoted conspiracy theories about the near-fatal home-invasion hammer attack on former House speaker Nancy Pelosis husband.

He also had said his goal is to defeat the woke mind virus and as owner of X, he reinstated Trumps account.

Musk famously appeared alongside Trump during his return to rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump had previously been the victim of an assassination attempt weeks earlier, when he skipped and jumped around the stage as Trump spoke.

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When Trump won, Musk was made the head of DOGE, where he quickly and summarily gutted numerous government agencies, such as the US Agency for International Development and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. His chainsaw cuts also led to numerous National Park rangers losing their jobs.

Sen. Adam Schiff of California previously received money from Musk, but now says he would not and would not buy a Tesla either. (AFP via Getty Images)

Musk quickly became a target of Democratic invective and criticism.

During Wisconsins supreme court election, Musk poured in millions into political action committees to elect the conservative candidate, only to be humiliated when liberal-leaning judge Susan Crawford won.

When The Independent asked Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin if she would take money from Musk in the future, she let out an emphatic, No.

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Can I ask you, has a foreign government offered you a plane recently? Baldwin further responded, in reference to Trump receiving a $400m jet from Qatars government.

Shortly after the loss, Musk said he would retreat from politics. But he also began to clash with other members of the administration, criticizing Trumps top adviser on trade Peter Navarro for Navarros zeal for tariffs, which Musk opposes.

Musk left the White House late last month seemingly on good terms, before he proceeded to trash the One Big, Beautiful Bill, the Republican tax cut and domestic spending bill that passed the House last month, as the a outrageous, pork-filled, disgusting abomination.

Musk also repeatedly antagonized Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, the progressive insurgent. Despite the fact Ocasio-Cortez owned a Tesla, Musk promoted a parody account pretending to be her.

Ocasio-Cortez told The Independent she would not take money from Musk.

I don't take money from billionaires, she told The Independent.
House Democrats marched to the Senate side of the Capitol on Thursday to the office of Senate Majority Leader John Thune, expressing outrage over the forcible removal of Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) from Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noems press conference in Los Angeles.

Their anger was evident as they passed by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who was speaking to reporters following the narrow passage of a rescissions package to cut funding to public broadcasting and foreign aid.

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As Johnson argued that Padilla was at fault and was charging at Noem, some Democratic members shouted, Thats a lie! and Why dont you stand up for Congress? Johnson said that he thought Padillas behavior as wildly inappropriate and said he would support a Senate investigation.

The tensions were apparent as video of the incident spread on social media.

On the floor of the House, Rep. John Mannion (D-NY) shouted at Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) to get over there and get some f*cking balls, referring to the Republican side of the aisle.

The chamber had been bustling during a vote, but suddenly got silent as Mannion shouted.

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You know who I am. I am a New Yorker just like you. This country is falling apart, Mannion said.

Earlier, Mannion had told reporters, Cover the actions that lead us towards authoritarianism, please, according to Politico.

Video of the incident showed Padilla saying he was there to ask Noem a question. As he tried to remain in the room, federal agents could be seen pushing him back. He was then shoved out of the room and forced to the ground, where he was handcuffed.

Thune has not commented.

Less tense was a moment when Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) calmly confronted Johnson as he returned to his office. Reporters followed, but their conversation could not be heard. The one thing i did say is, its up to the president to turn the temperature down, Dean told reporters. Everybody is inflamed and agitated. It needs to start with the president.

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Democratic senators took to the floor to voice their anger over the incident. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, To look at this video and see what happened reeks  reeks of totalitarianism. This is not what democracies do.

Schumer added, Senator Padilla was there legitimately in that building, to ask questions of whats going on in California, which everybody wants to know answers to. We dont get answers when we ask the administration questions in one way or another.

Padilla said, I began to ask a question. I was almost immediately forcibly removed from the room. I was forced to the ground, and I was handcuffed. I was not arrested. I was not detained.

If thats what they do to a United States Senator with a question, imagine what they do to farm workers, day laborers, cooks, and the other nonviolent immigrants they are targeting in California and across the country. Or any American that dares to speak up.



I will not stop pic.twitter.com/TUgT060yx2  Alex Padilla (@AlexPadilla4CA) June 12, 2025

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AUSTIN (Nexstar)  After reports of President Donald Trump convening a meeting Monday with members of the Texas congressional delegation, Texas Democrats say it shows the party is worried about potential losses in 2026.

A report in the New York Times detailed a White House meeting in which the president pushed Texas congressmen to pursue a mid-decade redistricting effort. Republicans who spoke to both the Times and the Texas Tribune did not seem keen on the idea, which would require Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special session of the legislature.

None of the 25 Republicans who represent Texas in the U.S. House responded to requests for comment, but a source close to the situation confirmed to KXAN that a meeting at the White House will take place Thursday.

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Changing the congressional map to advantage the GOP would likely require splitting up districts which currently lean heavily toward one party to create more competitive seats, a move that could backfire if Democrats have a good year in 2026.

However, changes to the congressional districts in large metro areas like Houston or Dallas could net Republicans some seats without throwing any of their own into jeopardy. And even without redistricting, Republicans have clear pickup opportunities in Texas 28th and 34th congressional districts  two south Texas districts which swung heavily to Trump in 2024.

The current Texas congressional map is already overwhelmingly Republican, with 25 Republicans to 12 Democrats, though one heavily-Democratic seat is vacant. That leaves Republicans with nearly 66% of seats in a state in which Trump received 56% of the vote.

Democrats say that the current map is already unfair, and a mid-decade redraw would be a sign of desperation for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterms.

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State Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, said that Republicans policies have been unpopular and that the GOP is trying to minimize losses in next years House races.

Donald Trump is desperate to cling on to the power that hes had, and he knows just how upset people are about what the Republicans have done in just a few months that theyve been in office, Wu said. People are pissed, and they know whats coming.

Wu cited policies passed out of the legislature in Texas, including a ban on all hemp-derived THC products as well as the school voucher program, championed by Abbott, as ways lawmakers have ignored voters.

He attributed this to the safe districts which exist under the current maps. The congressional districts drawn in Texas currently do not favor competition  just two House races were decided by fewer than 14 points in the 2024 elections. The current maps  including for the state legislature  are undergoing litigation in El Paso over allegations that the maps were drawn to disadvantage Black and Latino voters.

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The Supreme Court has shown opposition to racial gerrymandering in recent years, striking down maps in Alabama and Louisiana for disadvantaging Black voters in those states.

Wu described the current map as a racial gerrymander and said that if Republicans want to draw an even more favorable map, they will likely succeed in doing so.

This would not be the first time Republicans have attempted mid-decade redistricting in Texas. Back in 2003, as Texas was quickly changing from Democratic to Republican, the legislature redrew the maps to heavily advantage the GOP. Democrats lost five seats in the 2004 elections as a result.

Democrats then walked out to try and prevent Republicans from meeting quorum and being able to vote on the maps. When asked what should be done about it in the event Republicans try it again, Wu did not give a clear answer, but accused Republicans of playing politics.

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Anytime you hear them talk about redistricting, especially if its in the middle of the cycle, all this is about political games and trying to destroy our democracy, Wu said.

Congressman Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, also did not give a clear strategy, but said he has faith in the Austin-area Democrats.

I hope they will do everything they can to protect the interest of our neighbors in Central Texas and not let some radical gerrymandering occur just because President Trump is desperate to be protected, Doggett said.

Any attempt by Republicans to redraw the maps would need to happen soon, with the filing deadline for the 2026 primary elections coming up at the end of the year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A survey of likely voters seeks to offer Democrats a blueprint for how to punch back on an issue thats vexed them in recent elections: immigration.

The poll, conducted in key 2026 battleground districts by Democratic-leaning groups Way to Win and Impact Research and shared first with POLITICO, argues that Democrats  with the right messaging  can drive down President Donald Trumps strength on immigration by a net 10 percentage points.

The poll does not shy away from Democrats overall poor standing on the issue. Republicans overall have an 11-percentage-point net negative job rating on immigration (43 percent approve versus 54 percent disapprove), but Democrats have a 58-percentage-point net negative rating on the issue (19 percent approve versus 77 disapprove).

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Democrats can turn the tide, the message testing found, by playing up Trump's overreach and disregard for the rule of law that they say threatens citizens and noncitizens alike as he carries out his mass deportations. But many Democrats would rather avoid the topic.

Coming into and out of the 2024 cycle, Democrats were silent  completely  on immigration, said Tory Gavito, president of Way to Win. There was just no response at all. This poll is to show Democrats that when they point out how enforcement has failed, they can attack Trump on one of his most favorable policies.

The survey, conducted in more than 70 key congressional districts, including the 26 frontline member list of top House Democratic-held seats the party hopes to defend next cycle, found a weakness for Trump. His initial job rating, which started with 50 percent positive versus 49 percent negative on immigration, dropped to 45 percent positive and 54 percent negative after emphasizing overreach messaging.

The survey used specific examples, like the deportation of a person in the country legally but deported and sent to a prison in El Salvador because of their autism awareness tattoowas wrongly identified as a gang tattoo  or a 10-year-old U.S. citizen deported because her parents were undocumented.

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Researchers say Democrats have plenty ammunition on the issue. They found policies that separate families and impact children among the most salient issues among respondents. A large majority, 74 percent, of respondents who oppose revoking visa and green cards from people without proof of committing a crime. And nearly eight in 10 respondents do not support sending U.S. citizens to foreign prisons.

Voters view Trumps policies on immigration and his enforcement of immigration differently  theres a gap, said Molly Murphy, president of Impact Research. They are more supportive of what Trump wants to do on immigration  from a policy standpoint, than how hes actually going about it.

Of course, getting voters engaged on the specifics of Trump's immigration policies can be a challenge. Public polling shows voters who haven't heard much about the high-profile cases are more likely to approve of the president.

The poll, conducted May 6-11 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percent, does not capture reactions to the widespread protests in Los Angeles.

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The showdown between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Trump administration's deployment of the states National Guard has also centered on the president's overreach.

Democrats shouldnt be focused on protesters right now, Murphy said. "We should be talking about the people hes deporting: people here legally, people here with no criminal records, people who have proof of citizenship and not make this a fight about protesters, because thats what he wants.

Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) said the party needs to " keep those stories in the news. and plans to hold a briefing on the survey findings for members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus early next week on Capitol Hill.

Trump wants to highlight the chaos that he is helping stoke in LA," Cesar added. "Democrats should be making sure that more of the focus is on the immigration overreach that has everyday people  deeply upset and deeply troubled.
Nearly a month after Governor Gavin Newsom proposed pausing the expansion of publicly funded healthcare for undocumented Californians, Democratic lawmakers are drawing a line in the sand.

This week, legislative leaders in both the Assembly and Senate advanced a new budget proposal that pushes back against some of the governors most controversial cuts.

At the heart of the disagreement is Newsoms plan to pause the 2026 Medi-Cal expansion for low-income undocumented residents and require the 1.6 million undocumented Californians already enrolled to begin paying $100 monthly premiums. Citing the states projected $12 billion deficit, Newsom has said these proposals are difficult but necessary.

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There are investments were making we cannot continue to make, Newsom said during his budget presentation last month.

But state Senate Budget Committee Chair Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) assured the public this week, No one is going to be kicked off healthcare. Wiener argued that undocumented Californians  who work, pay taxes, and have deep roots in their communities  deserve continued access to Medi-Cal coverage.

The Democrats budget plan would delay the Medi-Cal pause until summer 2027 and reduce proposed premiums from $100 per month to $30.

Senator Akilah Weber-Pierson (D-San Diego) emphasized that maintaining coverage was a promise California made: We are not disenrolling anyone from Medi-Cal.

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Republicans, however, have raised concerns about cost. Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) warned that healthcare spending for undocumented individuals  estimated at $10 to $12 billion  is unsustainable.

We have to figure out how to make that work better this is the second runaway train, Seyarto said, making a passing reference to the states unfinished high-speed rail project.

To help close the budget gap, some Democrats are now discussing the possibility of raising taxes on large corporations. Senators Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley) and Sasha Renee Perez (D-Pasadena) said its time to consider taxing the wealthiest businesses rather than cutting services for vulnerable populations.

If corporations are getting huge tax breaks at the federal level, we need to start talking about taxing them at the state level, Perez said.

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Still, Republicans insist spending reforms should come first. Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks) dismissed the idea of a tax hike, saying, Thats not a viable solution. Clearly it is a spending problem.

The legislature and governor have until June 15 to finalize and pass a 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 KTLA.
SEOUL/HANOI, June 12 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Thursday held phone talks with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, and both agreed to further advance bilateral ties by expanding cooperation in several areas.

During the phone conversation, the two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in strategic areas such as high-speed railways and nuclear power plants, according to Lee's office.

Vietnam News Agency reported that during the talks, both presidents agreed to enhance cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, particularly in high-tech industries, identifying it as a key pillar of the bilateral relationship.

They also agreed to carry out high-level exchanges through regional and international forums, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, the reports said. 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been flying its Predator B drones, also commonly referred to by their military variant designation of MQ-9 Reapers, over Los Angeles as part of the U.S. governments response to the unrest there, the agency confirmed to us on Wednesday. The flights are in response to protests that escalated to violence on multiple occasions, following a massive operation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last Friday.

Persistent aerial surveillance like this has long been controversial, with civil rights advocates saying it violates the right to privacy and undermines the Constitution. At the same time, the fact that a drone is doing it largely evokes a uniquely upsetting response. While using the Predator Bs over urban locales is rare, its not unprecedented, and manned platforms do this kind of work every day across the country.

CBPs Air and Marine Operations (AMO) MQ-9 Predators are supporting our federal law enforcement partners in the Greater Los Angeles area, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with aerial support of their operations, spokesman John Mennell told us Wednesday afternoon in response to our query earlier this week. Additionally, they are providing officer safety surveillance when requested by officers. AMO is not engaged in the surveillance of First Amendment activities.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that its Predator B drones have been flying over Los Angeles in connection to the unrest there.(CBP) CBP

CBP had been mum about the issue for days, even though open-source reporting on social media had already presented compelling evidence of the drones orbits. On June 9, user @Aeroscout on X posted air traffic control (ATC) audio stating that two Q-9s  call signs TROY 703 and TROY 701, had passed each other in airspace over Yuma, Arizona, as one was replacing the other over Los Angeles. @Aeroscout had previously posted ATC audio of TROY 701 checking in on Los Angeles Center Sector 09. A short time later, Alaska Flight 1020 was given a traffic advisory for drone traffic.

I've confirmed that the two targets operating in hexagonal surveillance orbits over DTLA these past 36 hours are both MQ-9s, callsigns TROY701 and 703



As 703 replaced 701, they passed each other in the airspace near Yuma, AZ where I found this needle in the haystack! Listen  pic.twitter.com/MWPjFIOvgc  Aeroscout (@aeroscouting) June 9, 2025

"TROY701"



Department of Homeland Security MQ-9 over Los Angeles this evening. It's been operational for over 9 hours now.



 Heard working 128.600 Los Angeles Center, Sector 09 at 16:45z, 8 June 2025 pic.twitter.com/YAtaAYlmbE  Aeroscout (@aeroscouting) June 9, 2025

While there has not yet been any explicit identification of the Q-9s as CBP Predator Bs, TROY is a known Department of Homeland Security (DHS) callsign. TROY 314, a CBP Multi-Role Enforcement Aircraft (MEA) based on the Beechcraft King Air 350ER twin-engine turboprop, and a CBP Black Hawk helicopter using the callsign TROY 212, were also tracked over Los Angeles this weekend.

Homeland Security ISR bird running ovals over #Paramount earlier; now over Los Angeles proper.



 TROY314 is Beechcraft Scorpion N251J #A25BFDpic.twitter.com/yI3EdlEpZN  Evergreen Intel (@vcdgf555) June 7, 2025

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One high flier conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance over the riots/protests in downtown LA at 2326z in support of the Dept. of Homeland Security. TROY212 is a DHS/CBP H-60 Blackhawk that some have reported flying low in the area. The remaining appear to be pic.twitter.com/Kc8slkUg0h  TheIntelFrog (@TheIntelFrog) June 8, 2025

Furthermore, plane trackers using online software first began noticing aircraft flying hexagonal patterns over Los Angeles on Sunday. Though not always the case, this is indicative of CBP Predator B surveillance patterns observed in the past. This includes the use of one of the CBP Q-9s over Minneapolis back in 2020.

Hexagons aren't always MQ-9s, but in this case, yes, there are two MQ-9 Reapers over LA today. Just ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/tMsUAbIeL4  John Wiseman (@lemonodor) June 9, 2025

CBP has MQ-9s at three locations: the National Air Security Operations Centers in Sierra Vista, Arizona (located on Fort Huachuca), San Angelo in Texas, and Grand Forks in North Dakota.

What specific version or versions of the CBP Predator B have been flying over Los Angeles is unclear. The TROY 701 callsign was tied to a particular tail number, CBP-113, back in April, but it is not clear if that same drone has been using the callsign in the past few days.

CBP-113 is what CBP has referred to in the past as a Guardian Maritime Mission version of the Q-9, which features a Raytheon SeaVue multi-mode radar under the central fuselage, and includes surface search and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery modes. SAR images are highly detailed maps of the surface below, which can be produced day or night, despite any cloud cover, smoke, or dust. Guardian Maritime Mission drones also have electro-optical and infrared full-motion video cameras in a turret under the nose, as well as data links capable of sending imagery and radar tracks back to control stations on the ground in near real-time.

A briefing slide discussing the features of the Guardian Maritime Mission version of the Predator B that CBP operates. CBP

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CBPs Predator B fleet, which consists of around eight drones, includes at least two other versions. There are baseline types that feature the same sensor turret as the Guardian Maritime Mission versions, but with a smaller Lynx SAR-capable radar rather than the more powerful SeaVue. It is also worth noting here that these drones, as well as CBP Predator B in general, are sometimes confusingly referred to as Predator Bs. This is a holdover from manufacturer General Atomics original nomenclature for the drone, which evolved from the iconic MQ-1 Predator A. One of these Predator Bs was identified as the type that flew over Minneapolis in 2020.

Another briefing slide with details about the capabilities of CBPs baseline Predator Bs. CBP

CBP also has a variant that blends features of the other two types. All CBP Predator Bs are unarmed, but can carry additional podded sensors under their wings.

Multi-role versions of the Predator B are also known to be in CBPs fleet, as discussed here. CBP

The drones are part of a much larger response to the ongoing unrest, as protesters clashed with law enforcement who appeared to use tear gas and fired non-lethal rounds toward some groups of demonstrators. Some rioters pelted the LA police with rocks.

 BREAKING | Sixth Day of ICE Protests

Demonstrators have once again taken to the streets after days of unrest in the city. Stay updated and #ProtectTheWorld with Citizen. pic.twitter.com/KrdcnvAY2F  Citizen Los Angeles (@CitizenAppLA) June 11, 2025

In LA, riot police shot an Australian journalist with a rubber bullet, apparently without provocation, as she was reporting from the scene. pic.twitter.com/CFtP92e9kS  Pekka Kallioniemi (@P_Kallioniemi) June 9, 2025

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New video of LA rock thrower at Paramount, CA riot from @ABC7 helicopter & crew. Creating barricade & walking around fire  pic.twitter.com/HDzcX403xy  NOVA Campaigns (@NoVA_Campaigns) June 10, 2025

Rioter in LA throws a rock at a police officers head.



pic.twitter.com/iTyYQysPwA  The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) June 9, 2025

Responding to President Donald Trumps directives, U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) on Monday said it was activating a Marine infantry battalion that was placed in an alert status over the weekend.

Approximately 700 Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division will seamlessly integrate with the Title 10 forces under Task Force 51 who are protecting federal personnel and federal property in the greater Los Angeles area, the command said in a statement.

The activation of the Marines is intended to provide Task Force 51 with adequate numbers of forces to provide continuous coverage of the area in support of the lead federal agency, the statement continued.

Task Force 51 is U.S. Army Norths Contingency Command Post, which provides a rapidly deployable capability to partner with civil authorities and DoD entities in response to Homeland Defense and Homeland Security Operations. It is commanded by Maj. Gen. Scott M. Sherman.

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Task Force 51 is comprised of approximately 2,100 National Guard soldiers in a Title 10 status and 700 active-duty Marines. Task Force 51 forces have been trained in de-escalation, crowd control, and standing rules for the use of force, NORTHCOM explained.

PRESS RELEASE: Approximately 700 Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division will seamlessly integrate with the Title 10 forces under Task Force 51 in the Los Angeles Area. @DODResponse @1stMEF @DeptofDefense @USArmyNorth



Read more: https://t.co/7D3vLT4JEU  U.S. Northern Command (@USNorthernCmd) June 9, 2025

The activation of Marines follows a directive Trump issued Saturday, invoking a legal provision allowing him to deploy federal service members when there is a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States.

He said he had authorized the deployment of 2,000 members of the National Guard, The Associated Press reported.

CNN reported that as of Wednesday, the 700 Marines mobilized by the Pentagon had not yet been sent to Los Angeles and are still training, according to Sherman.

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Meanwhile, approximately 2,000 National Guard troops are currently on active duty and helping ICE agents during demonstrations, Sherman said, according to the network. An additional 2,000 Guard members will be ready for duty Thursday afternoon, Sherman added.

Live updates: Marines on standby outside LA as protests pop up across the US.



National Guard troops have temporarily detained civilians in LA protests, commander says



LA protests against Trump ICE raids, curfew starts, Chicago demonstrations | CNNhttps://t.co/8gJBG6lE0b  Tony MacIntyre       (@Tony_MacIntyre) June 11, 2025

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has decried Trumps response, as you can see in the following video posted by CBS News.

There is precedent for the use of these unarmed surveillance assets to watch over large demonstrations. As we reported at the time, and noted earlier in this piece, a Predator B orbited around Minneapolis, Minnesota, in May 2020 as the city saw increasingly violent protests in response to the killing of resident George Floyd while he was being arrested by members of the Minneapolis Police Department.

The use of persistent aerial surveillance for law enforcement purposes has long been a controversial topic. Civil liberties advocates say these and other mass surveillance activities violate rights to personal privacy and undermine constitutional protections against unlawful searches.

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On Wednesday, CBP attempted to address those concerns.

AMO does not possess or use facial recognition technology on any of its aircraft, the agency said. AMO does not own or have access to any facial recognition algorithms or software.

In addition, on-board cameras cannot provide enough resolution or detail to identify a person (that is to discern physical characteristics such as height, weight, eye color, hairstyle, or a facial image), or to discern a vehicle license plate number, CBP further explained. These cameras can be used to discern rough details such as clothing color, the presence of a backpack, or in some cases whether an individual is carrying an unconcealed weapon that may pose a threat.

Still, the use of these drones over areas of civil unrest is almost certain to further fuel that debate. With protests against the Trump administrations immigration actions spreading to other cities, we will likely see the use of these and other aerial surveillance assets employed elsewhere, as well.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
An 11-year-old girl who is a U.S. citizen and is recovering from a rare brain tumor has been living in Mexico since immigration authorities removed her from Texas when they deported her undocumented parents four months ago.

Four of her siblings, three of whom are also U.S. citizens, were also sent to Mexico with the parents.

Since then, the girls health condition has not improved, her mother told NBC News. In an attempt to return to the United States to get her the care she needs, the family applied for humanitarian parole with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on Thursday.

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Were fighting for my girls life," the mother said, adding that her daughter isn't recovering from "just any disease. ... She is not going to be cured overnight; its something that takes time.

An 11-year-old girl recovering from a rare brain tumor was removed from the United States with her undocumented parents in February. The Texas Civil Rights Project blurred the photograph for her safety. (Texas Civil Rights Project)

Their request is for the undocumented parents and the girl's noncitizen sibling to be allowed to enter and live in the U.S. temporarily, so that the ailing girl can have "the full support of her family as she gets treatment to help save her life, said Danny Woodward of the Texas Civil Rights Project, a legal advocacy organization representing the family.

The mother said her daughter's headaches and dizziness have worsened. The symptoms have become so recurrent that the girls parents spend sleepless nights taking turns monitoring and caring for her.

She is very scared, mother said. "We want to be there for her, we want to take care of her 100% like we've been doing so far. We don't want to be separated from her for even a minute."

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When the girl was in the U.S., under the care of doctors in Houston "who saved her life," the parents were instructed to rush her to the hospital for an emergency check-up whenever she felt these symptoms, the mother said.

"But out here, that is impossible," she said in Spanish from Mexico, where her family was deported to Monterrey, an area known for the kidnapping of U.S. citizens. Where am I going to go?"

NBC News is not publishing the family members names out of concerns for their safety.

Medical records show the child underwent surgery last year to remove a brain tumor caused by an unnamed novel condition, according to Woodward. This means that few medical specialists can effectively treat and monitor her.

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The mother said the girl's doctors in the U.S. were not just treating her daughter's illness; they were "also studying it because they dont know what caused it, why it was so aggressive." Even from Mexico, she has been in touch with the girls doctors in the U.S., but they cant really assess what's happening to her from afar.

The surgery that saved her life last year did leave the girl with some lasting side effects. The swelling on her brain is still not fully gone, causing difficulties with speech and mobility of the right side of her body as well as memory problems. These require the girl to routinely checking in with doctors monitoring her recovery, get MRI scans every three months, attend rehabilitation therapy sessions and take medication to prevent seizures.

But she has not been able to consistently access this care since the family was deported, her mother and attorney said.

The mother insists that the rod fixator preventing her daughter's right foot from turning inward needs to be replaced, as the girl trips more than usual.

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Her seizure medication is being sent to her from the United States because the family can't find the exact one she needs in Mexico, Woodward said. MRIs have also "turned out to be very expensive and challenging for the family to get in Mexico.

The girl has only been able to get one medical checkup and MRI in Monterrey. The experience made the mother realize how difficult it would be to get a new doctor in Mexico who can get up to speed with her daughter's medical history and treat her illness.

Not any doctor wants to take on such a huge commitment, the mother said. "It's like starting from scratch, or worse."

Additionally, the stress of the whole situation has definitely played a negative role in the girls recovery, Woodward said. This family has been severely traumatized."

A family's 'truncated dreams'

On Feb. 3, the family was driving from the Rio Grande Valley area, where they lived, to Houston, where the girls doctors are based, for an emergency medical checkup.

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On the way, they stopped at a stateside immigration checkpoint, one they have passed through multiple times. But this time, immigration authorities arrested the parents after they were unable to show legal immigration documentation. Five of their children, ages 15, 13, 11, 8 and 6, were with them when they were arrested.

Immigration authorities removed five children, four of whom are U.S. citizens, from Texas when they deported their undocumented parents in February. For safety purposes, the names of the family are being withheld. Faces are blurred in family photos provided by the Texas Civil Rights Project. (Texas Civil Rights Project)

Woodward said the parents have never done anything to make them a priority for removal. The entire family was taken to a detention facility, where they spent 24 hours before they were placed in a van and dropped on the Mexico side of a Texas bridge on Feb. 4.

"Another layer of this is the fact that the parents were never even given their due process rights, so they never were allowed to go in front of an immigration judge to plead their case," said Rochelle Garza, president of the Texas Civil Rights Project.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees USCIS, previously told NBC News that reports of the familys situation are inaccurate and declined to speak on the specifics of the case, citing privacy reasons. The spokesperson said in a statement that when someone is given expedited removal orders and chooses to disregard them, they will face the consequences.

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The eldest son, an 18-year-old U.S. citizen, was left behind in the U.S.

"The older boy woke up one morning and learned that his entire family was gone," Woodward said. He graduated high school alone, without his family.

It breaks our hearts, the mother said as she wept, adding that her son dreams of going to college and becoming a neurosurgeon after seeing how doctors saved his sisters life, but he cant do that alone. He needs our support  even though we talk to him every day, its really hard to be away."

Instead of going to college, her son is working a fast-food job, hoping to soon see his family return home.

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While the Trump administration has aggressively stepped up the pace of deportations, including those of immigrants who dont have criminal charges or convictions against them, three recent cases give the girl's family hope.

A Mexican mother living in California and her 4-year-old girl, who suffers from a life-threatening intestinal illness, were granted humanitarian parole this month following a public plea for deportation relief. In April, a Venezuelan immigrant in Chicago was released from immigration detention under humanitarian parole to serve as an organ donor for his ailing brother. In March, an undocumented mother in California caring for her 21-year-old daughter, a U.S. citizen undergoing treatment for bone cancer, was detained by immigration authorities and later released "for humanitarian reasons."

Even though the relatives in these cases were not deported, Woodward said, "I dont think that should make any difference from the perspective of the federal government."

"Its a discretionary choice for them to make," he said. "Our case, I think, its a very strong one for humanitarian parole."

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The family's parole application includes letters of support from several members of Congress, including Democratic Reps. Adriano Espaillat of New York and Sylvia Garcia and Joaquin Castro of Texas, all of whom met with the family in Mexico last month.

"We want them to give us that chance," the mother said. "We are not criminals. We are not delinquents. We simply want to save our daughter."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The West Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office was involved in a chase after a failed traffic stop on Wednesday, June 11.

WBRSO said a traffic stop was initiated around 8 p.m. on I-10 East. The driver of the vehicle did not stop, and pursuit ensued into East Baton Rouge Parish.

During the pursuit, the suspect was observed discarding a handgun from the vehicle, WBRSO said. Law enforcement did find the weapon.

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The vehicle turned around after finding a dead end. According to WBRSO, the deputy then fired shots at the vehicle.

The fleeing driver got back on I-10 East and entered EBR Parish, but the chase ended after deputies could no longer see the vehicle.

The investigation into this incident remains ongoing.

10 Chinese nationals detained after ICE operation at Baton Rouge massage parlors

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) didnt directly reference LGBTQ or Hispanic people in an annual order issued Thursday to honor the victims of the 2016 mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, a substantial omission that echoes recent actions by President Trumps administration against diversity and inclusion.

DeSantis, who has led the state since 2019 and sought the 2024 Republican nomination for president, has mentioned the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities  the groups most devastated by the attack that killed 49 and injured dozens more  in near identical orders issued during each of his last five years in office.

In those statements, DeSantis called the massacre a horrific act of terrorism against the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities. Thursdays order says the attack was a horrific act of terrorism without mentioning any specific groups.

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In 2019, his first year as governor, DeSantis was forced to issue an amended proclamation after an initial statement that also omitted references to LGBTQ people attracted widespread backlash. He said at the time that he was not involved in drafting the first proclamation and requested his office issue a new one once he became aware of the exclusion.

Sometimes these things happen, and youve got to correct them, DeSantis said during a 2019 news conference on an unrelated matter.

Multiple spokespersons for the governor did not return a request for comment on this years omission or say whether the office would issue a new statement.

Florida has recognized Pulse Remembrance Day each year on June 12, the date on which the 2016 attack occurred, since its creation in 2018 by former Gov. Rick Scott (R).

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Now a U.S. senator, Scott said in his original proclamation that the state continues to mourn the tragic loss of life and recognize the lasting impact it has on our state and communities, including Floridas LGBTQ community.

In a statement on Thursday, Scott called the shooting, one of the deadliest in U.S. history, an act of terror targeting Orlandos LGBTQ and Hispanic communities.

A statement from Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Floridas former attorney general whom DeSantis appointed to replace Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Senate in January, makes no mention of LGBTQ or Latino people.

DeSantiss decision to delete references to the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities from his annual order mirrors Trump administration efforts targeting diversity and inclusion and LGBTQ rights.

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References to diverse historical figures, including Jackie Robinson, were removed from government websites in an initial purge related to Trumps executive orders against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and gender ideology. Last week, military.com reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth plans to rename an oil tanker named for the assassinated gay rights activist Harvey Milk.

The Navy is also considering renaming other ships named after prominent civil rights leaders, including Harriet Tubman, Thurgood Marshall and Lucy Stone, according to a CBS News report.

DeSantis has also campaigned against diversity efforts, frequently saying that DEI actually means discrimination, exclusion and indoctrination. Laws signed during his tenure, including one forbidding classroom instruction on sexuality and gender, have been criticized for targeting the LGBTQ community.

Governor DeSantiss erasure of the LGBTQ+ and Latino communities today may say a lot about what kind of person he is, but it doesnt change the fact that those were the communities most directly impacted at Pulse, said Brandon Wolf, a Pulse survivor who serves as spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, a national LGBTQ advocacy organization. His erasure doesnt change the fact that families have empty seats at dinner tables, friends have missing faces at birthday parties, and our communities still bear the scars.

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Today, rather than letting the governors petty political cowardice write our story, I hope people choose to remember those stolen and impacted, reflect on the costs of violent hate, and recommit to honoring those we loved and lost with action, said Wolf, who lost two friends, Drew Leinonen and Juan Guerrero, in the shooting at Pulse, in a text message.

Florida state Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, a Democrat and the first openly gay Latino person elected to the Legislature in 2016, called DeSantiss omission a petty slight.

The Governors on again, off again acknowledgment of those impacted by the Pulse shooting shows he cares more about scoring political points in the moment rather than showing authentic solidarity with his own constituents, Smith said in an emailed statement, speaking on behalf of the LGBTQ rights group Equality Florida, for whom he is a senior adviser.

Either way it would be a mistake to focus on the Governors bigotry and exclusion. Thats already well-known, Smith added. Today is about remembering the 49 taken by gun violence, as well as remembering the strength and courage of those who survived and the families impacted. They will not be erased.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  17 News has long examined a signature issue we call Kerns Sober Reality.

The reality is that too many people still drink and drive  often with deadly consequences. The latest case in point, a fiery crash Tuesday night in central Bakersfield that left one person dead and two others seriously injured. The collision was caught on camera just after 11:30 p.m. Tuesday night, at the intersection of Union and East California avenues.

A white BMW headed northbound on Union Avenue ran a red light and crashed into a Dodge Charger that was headed westbound on East California on a green light.

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The crash left the 27-year-old driver of the Charger dead.

BPD confirmed with 17 News all three involved were men  the driver of the BMW  who was moderately injured  is 19; the passenger  in unstable condition  is 20.

Detectives said both remain in the hospital.

The driver of the Dodge was pinned inside the vehicle, so officers wouldve had to wait for fire department personnel to arrive, said Sgt. Joshua Deutinger, with the BPD traffic division.

The BMW crashed into the fence next to San Joaquin Tractor Company, narrowly missing the business, and caught fire.

First responders and passerbys rushed to distance them from the car.

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With how north they came from the intersection and the separation of those cars, it definitely speaks to the speed that was involved in the collision, Sgt. Deutinger noted.

In addition to speeding, underage drinking and driving under the influence is suspected by the 19-year-old in the BMW.

1 arrested on Chester Lane after barricaded subject forces SWAT callout: police

The sergeant said toxicology results arent yet available. He also said the deceased driver of the Charger likely was not speeding, nor driving impaired.

The speed limit out is 40 miles-per-hour in the area of the wreck. An employee told 17 News speeding and running red lights in this area is not uncommon.

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Usually in that intersection, if there is a major injury crash, a lot of times, speed does have to do with that, the sergeant said.

Chris Hagan with the local law firm, Chain Cohn Clark agreed.

Union [Avenue] is heavily travelled by pedestriansand so, we do see a lot of automobiles versus pedestrian fatals on Union, said Hagan.

Hagan detailed that in 2024, there were 37 DUI-related deaths and 731 DUI-related injuries in Kern County.

In Kern County, we have the highest arrest record in the nation for drivers who are under the influence, Hagan said of the local severity of driving impaired. You are more likely to be involved in a DUI collision in Kern County as compared to virtually any other city or any other county in the nation.

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The local advocacy organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) offers resources for victims and their families. You can reach them at 661-203-3996.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Some years ago, I stepped into a new shop in Detroits Midtown area, and immediately sensed that this business wasnt going to make it.

There were few customers about. The arrangement of space seemed inefficient. The owner behind the counter lacked the eye-of-the-tiger intensity many successful startup owners show. And indeed, the shop closed before too long.

Since about the year 2000, Detroit, once dominated by the biggest industrial corporations in the world, has striven mightily to create an ecosystem for entrepreneurs.

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And from nothing at all, Detroit now offers two major startup training centers  TechTown at Wayne State and Newlab in Fords Michigan Central Station campus  plus a large and growing bevy of investment firms looking to place venture capital. In this new ecosystem, hundreds of Detroit startup firms have sprouted where once there were few, if any.

But the recently announced decision by noted Detroit bakery Sister Pie, at 8066 Kercheval Ave. in the citys West Village district, to close for a time due to business difficulties, shows how tough the entrepreneurial road remains.

Sister Pie bakery opened it doors on Kercheval street in the West Village neighborhood of Detroit on April 24, 2015.

More: Sister Pie, a beloved bakery in Detroit's West Village, is taking a break to reflect

Au revoir, Sister Pie

If a startup as popular, celebrated and creative as Sister Pie can hit the wall, what does that say about the road for entrepreneurs who lack even those qualities?

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Lisa Ludwinski, the award-winning founder of Sister Pie, posted on Facebook that she needed time to reassess where her business is going before reopening. As a business owner and a leader, Im learning, reminiscing, mourning, growing, and searching for hope in the midst of challenge and chaos, she wrote. Shell do pop-ups, special orders and the like during a hiatus starting this month, before emerging, hopefully soon, with a strong and revamped model.

As a long-time customer of Sister Pie, I and its numerous fans wish Ludwinski and company the best, and look forward to the bakery's return. When I went by on a recent Friday morning, the line of customers to get in was halfway down the block.

More from Freep Opinion: Detroit mayoral candidates battle for a spot in Mike Duggan's shadow

Paradox and drive

Looking for answers, I asked Jeff Stoltman, who teaches entrepreneurship at Wayne State University, what makes for a successful startup. As Stoltman said, there are many types and many paths. But, he added, In my experience, a few personal qualities do make it more likely that success can be achieved, and in a paradoxical way, it is about being both close-minded and open-minded. Drive, commitment and determination matter, but there must be a heavy dose of flexibility and resilience.

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Those who work in large corporations also face challenges, but they operate within established systems and markets where the path to profitability is better defined.

Successful entrepreneurs make decisions under conditions of sometimes extreme uncertainty, and most importantly they find a way to get things done without the benefit of well-defined processes or systems which an established business will often have," Stoltman said.

When a good idea isn't enough

The best startups need drive and determination  that eye-of-the-tiger quality I mentioned earlier  but they also need flexibility, the ability to pivot when an initial approach isnt working. That reassessment, presumably, is the process that Sister Pie is going through now.

Those more likely to succeed adapt, innovate, improvise and find a way to keep going and overcome the obstacles that will surely come, Stoltman said.

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And as the best startups learn, its not enough to have a clever idea. Everyday pitfalls of running a business  bad weather, landlord disputes, workers quitting unexpectedly, family troubles that come at the worst time  all these can stymie even the most determined entrepreneur.

'There is no business without customers'

In Detroit, one perhaps unexpected issue arises from the very success weve enjoyed in attracting lots of new investment capital to our startup scene. Sometimes, an entrepreneur with a clever idea will get enough backing from investors to nurture that idea for a year or two or three. But going too long without selling that product or service to real customers is a recipe for failure.

Revenue is the only thing that will matter ultimately, and unless there are paying customers in the mix from the earliest stages, all the signals are weak, and usually false, Stoltman said. I always stress the importance of paying customers. There is no business without customers.

Back in the 1980s and 90s, as Detroits signature auto industry was floundering and losing market share in great gobs, the city searched for new economic models. By dint of hard work, Detroit created a whole new ecosystem and culture for startups.

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It was a remarkable accomplishment, and Detroit can justly be proud of pivoting from one dominant economic model, based on giant corporations, to one that at least in part stresses innovation, technology, and flexibility.

But no one venturing into the realm of startups should think its an easy road. Creating a new business out of thin air that will fill a need, attract customers and make enough money to endure may be the hardest task in Detroits economic scene.

That so many are willing to try is a tribute to Detroits dynamism.

John Gallagher was a reporter and columnist for the Free Press for 32 years prior to his retirement in 2019. His book, Rust Belt Reporter: A Memoir, was published last year by Wayne State University Press. 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.

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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: If your small business doesn't have customers, it will fail | Opinion
Despite 41 years of activity and service in the community, theres a Detroit arts gem many still dont know about.

Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy, founded in 1984 by Kresge Artist Fellow Debra White-Hunt, has spent decades welcoming and nurturing dancers of all ages and experience levels and will present its annual student dance concert on Saturday, June 14.

Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy's Carly performing the troupe's "Higher," which will be presented at Detroit School for the Arts on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

The theme of this years concert is Higher.

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Its celebrating how we took this year to look at where we are, who we are, and think of what more we can do in this life, in this world, said White-Hunt. Higher was the word that came to me, so thats the word we have been working with all year, all the students and all the teachers: How can we go higher? Each teacher or special guest that choreographs, they take that theme and make it their own.

I have a beginning ballet class, and for them Im using Stevie Wonders Higher Ground. And you know part of the lyrics say, Dont let nobody take you to a low level, keep on going until you reach higher ground. The Acorn Society, a group of young dancers that weve seen some potential in  their music is Anxiety by Doechii, and the thought behind that is letting go, reaching higher and letting anxiety go out. We have 38 dances; the dances arent long, because we want to make sure theyre complete. And sometimes, when youre younger, youre not ready to do a long dance, so theyre short and sweet, and they keep moving.

The concert will also feature a segment of daddy-daughter dance numbers. Set to the music of Michael Jackson, students from age 8 up through probably somewhere near 70 will dance with their fathers in celebration of Fathers Day.

Thats a very special one for me, said White-Hunt, because my dad was always in it with me. For many, many years, he was always the oldest student here  when he passed away in 2016, he was 95 and still dancing. I think thats where I get my longevity in dancing. He passed away in June, and the concert was in June. The other dads were devastated because they had bonded so much. I didnt know what I was going to do, but I decided to go on and be in the dance as if he were there, and we dedicated it to him and my father-in-law.

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See also: Global internet artist-activist Blcksmth goes viral with Detroit art installation

See also: Detroit's 'best art show in 50 years' closing soon at Carr Center

White-Hunt called the performance a labor of love.

We dance because we breathe, she said. Our teachers are very passionate and dedicated to the legacy that we have started here. We have nine teachers, and seven of them grew up here. They went away to school and came back to continue to feed and grow the academy, and so for me and my husband, Bruce, its very special to see them develop as young women and men, to bring forth the next generation of dancers.

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Sometimes, over the years, weve been so busy that I havent really been able to smell our flowers. But one day, it hit me, (some students) were my age when they started, and now theyre all grown up. So I believe that we are doing something really great for the community, and that was our vision and our mission, to establish something that last long beyond our years. Were in the fourth and fifth generations right now of students whove become teachers with us. A couple of the teachers have daughters and sons that are now old enough to take dance, and we welcome that because they are the ones that will be the next leaders."

Rochelle Riley, director of arts and culture for the city of Detroit, included White-Hunt in the citys Office of Arts, Culture & Entrepreneurships (ACE) inaugural class of Detroit ACE honorees in 2022.

If only Detroit knew what it has had in Debra White-Hunt and her founding of the Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy 41 years ago, Riley said. Her dream-turned-reality-turned-training ground has birthed professional dancers, teachers, studio owners. While more than 15,000 students owe her a debt of thanks, Detroit owes one as well to the citys oldest, largest dance academy.

The academy teaches students as young as age 2 and has no upper age limit. No dance background is required. To sign up for classes, go to detroitwindsordance.org, call 313-872-7200, or drop by in person at 3031 W. Grand Blvd., Suite 260, during open hours.

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Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy will perform Higher on Saturday, June 14, at 6 p.m. at Detroit School of the Arts, 123 Selden St. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at detroitwindsordance.org.

Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit's oldest dance school marks 41 years with weekend performance
WDIV-TV meteorologist Kim Adams has revealed she is dealing with "serious health issues" in a statement that she shared on social media and the Local 4 News website.

"In recent months, I have been dealing with some serious health issues that have caused me to seek care at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio," wrote Adams. "Because of my ongoing condition, I have had to be off the air for periods of time."

Adams went on to indicate she went public with her health issues to thank viewers for "the outpouring of support" and concern. Although she didn't go into any specifics on her condition, she said she would do her best to provide updates.

Kim Adams

Adams, an Emmy-winning TV journalist, became the first woman to be an on-air meteorologist in Detroit TV news in 1997. After leaving WDIV in 2009, she returned to what is now called the 4WarnWeather team in 2022.

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The veteran meteorologist is a breast cancer survivor who works closely with New Day Foundation for Families to help cancer patients with their financial needs.

Mike Campbell: WWJ-AM all-news radio reporter dies

In 2017, before she rejoined WDIV, she shared her story with the station about being a single mother of five who had moved her family back to Detroit and was running Kim Adams Productions when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. After initially being told that she was fine, she followed her instincts and persistently sought more opinions.

The Oakland University alum got her master's degree in broadcasting and film from Wayne State University and studied thermodynamics and dynamics at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Graduate School in Washington, D.C., and synoptic meteorology at Ohio State University, according to her WDIV biography.

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She previously was an intern at WJR-AM and also worked in broadcast news in Zanesville and Columbus, Ohio and Detroit's WXYZ-TV.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Kim Adams, WDIV-TV meteorologist, deals with 'serious health issues'
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A California-based developer wants to breathe new life into a half-empty northwest Oklahoma City office complex by converting it into apartments, the latest in a nationwide trend spurred by housing shortages and a lack of demand for office space post-pandemic.

The Landmark Towers, located off Northwest Expressway, have struggled with occupancy since the pandemic emptied out many in-person office spaces.

Craig Tucker, managing broker and partner at Oklahoma real estate firm Price Edwards, said demand for office space simply isnt what it used to be.

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The office market, unfortunately, demand is just not there right now, Tucker said.

North Texas leaders consider local funding to keep Heartland Flyer running to Oklahoma City

The firms latest data shows the average Oklahoma City-area office building is more than 25% vacant. That number was closer to 20% in 2018.

COVID sent a lot of people home, Tucker said. They quickly figured out we dont need office space.

The farther outside downtown you go, the worse the situation gets.

Price Edwards found the Landmark Towers were only 18% vacant before COVID.

Now, theyre about 50% empty.

Tucker said he wasnt surprised when OKCTalk.com first reported the plans to convert the complex into apartments.

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It makes a lot of sense, he said. Office is a tough slog right now, and apartments are pretty popular, and conversions make a lot of sense.

According to planning documents on file with the City of Oklahoma City and obtained by News 4, the company behind the plans to redevelop Landmark Towers is California-based Lincoln Avenue Communities.

On its website, Lincoln Avenue describes itself as a company which builds communities that are sustainable, resilient, and affordable for the long-term focused on creating solutions to address Americas affordable housing shortage while delivering financial, social, and environmental returns.

Their full plans for Landmark Towers include dozens, if not hundreds, of apartments, along with a community pool and park. The citys Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to review the developers full plans at their next meeting on Thursday.

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The company also filed a request with the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office to have the buildings added to the National Register of Historic Places, which could open the project up to special tax incentives.

Tucker said the trend of office-to-apartment conversions began around 15 years ago in Oklahoma City, but this would be one of the first examples happening outside the downtown core.

I think it will energize that area, Tucker said. You know, theres two or three restaurants right out front that will benefit from it. 100% occupied apartments [are] a lot better than the 40% occupied office building.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  Thursday, prosecutors called a Department of Human Resources investigator who testified that the sleeping set-up for 4-month-old Autumn Wells did not meet state standards and that Payton Gann was a certified state caregiver.

The DHR employee testified that any child under the age of 12 months must be laid on their back, flat on a mattress in a crib, with no pillows or blankets. The employee told the jury that Ganns way of laying baby Autumn facedown on a boppy pillow on March 9, 2022, violated state care standards.

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She also testified that Ganns DHR file shows that she completed the state-required childcare training of 21 and a half hours. She said the training is focused on baby health, safety and sleep requirements.

Red Bay Police Investigator Kyle Dover also testified for the prosecution. He showed several text messages from before and after March 9, the day that Autumn died.

One of the text threads was an exchange between Autumns mother, Taylor Wells and Gann.

Gann texted the babys mother the day after Autumn died, saying:

We loved autumn as if she was our own. If there is anything we can do, let us know.

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Prosecutors then asked the investigator if that message was sent by Gann, knowing she was not telling the truth about what happened.

The investigator agreed, saying that Gann lied.

Closing arguments will take place at the Franklin County Courthouse at 9 a.m. on Friday. The jury will then be asked to decide Ganns fate.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The News in Brief Friday, June 13, 2025

Georgia's fifth president, Salome Zurabishvili, revealed that she has been fined GEL 5,000 for her participation in a March 3 demonstration held on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. The protest, organized by mothers of detained activists, took place on Georgia's Mother's Day and called for the release of those arrested during recent political unrest.In a Facebook post published on June 12, Zourabichvili shared an image of the fine and wrote, "I have been baptized as an activist today. But I stood where all mothers should have been - alongside the mothers of prisoners of conscience."Zourabichvili was fined under Article 174 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, which penalizes "blocking the road." The same charge has been used against hundreds of demonstrators and journalists during months of protests in Georgia. Human rights groups have repeatedly criticized the provision, arguing that it serves as a tool to intimidate citizens and stifle dissent.The ongoing demonstrations, which intensified following a series of arrests, have seen a heavy police presence and frequent reports of fines, detentions, and surveillance. Many protesters have begun wearing face coverings to avoid identification by authorities.During a court hearing on June 12, journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani revealed that it was Mamuka Mdinaradze, rather than Georgian Dream MPs Thea Tsulukiani or Mariam Lashkhi, who filed a lawsuit against her for a Facebook status she posted.Zhorzholiani explained that Mdinaradze claimed the post - featuring a goose emoji - was offensive. She added that while Tsulukiani and Lashkhi were not plaintiffs, the defense requested they be questioned, suggesting they might not feel insulted or could be under Mdinaradze's influence. However, no judge has yet agreed to summon them.The journalist also noted that evidence was presented in court, including offensive remarks made by former MPs of the Georgian Dream party, such as Mikheil Kavelashvili and Dimitri Samkharadze, during their time in parliament. This was intended to highlight the plaintiffs' understanding of freedom of speech.Additionally, Zhorzholiani referenced a 2019 interview with Tsulukiani, then Minister of Justice, where she stated that insults and foul language should not be punishable offenses, or "we would all have to go to prison."The court hearing is scheduled to continue on June 13.
HOUSTON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Texas National Guard troops are "on standby" in areas across the state where protests are expected against the Trump administration's ongoing immigration raids, a spokesperson for Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott confirmed on Wednesday.

"Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles," Abbott's spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris said in a statement. "Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extent of the law."

The advocacy group Immigrant Families and Students in the Fight, known as FIEL, is organizing a "Chant Down the Walls" protest in Houston on Friday. Additionally, "No Kings" protests are scheduled for Saturday in more than two dozen Texas cities, including Houston, Austin, Lubbock and Longview, according to a report by the Texas Tribune.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson voiced his support for peaceful demonstrations but warned against violence.

"I am supportive of people exercising their right to engage in peaceful protest against politics and policies that they disagree with. However, destructive actions or efforts to hurt police is wrong," Watson said in a statement.

"Much of what we see out of Washington is to create fear and chaos -- we should not play into these politics of fear," he added. "Adding to the chaos -- through destruction of property, hurting other people, including police officers, or otherwise -- adds to the problems for those people being targeted while empowering those in Washington who want more pain and chaos."

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez also emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations. "Harris County has a long history of people exercising their right to protest peacefully while respecting opposing viewpoints, and I fully expect Saturday's demonstrations to continue that legacy," Gonzalez said. Much of Houston falls within Harris County.

In San Antonio, Police Chief William McManus confirmed that National Guard personnel have been sent to the city. However, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, a Democrat, said he had not been consulted about the deployment.

"But I have full faith and confidence in our community to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully," Nirenberg said.

Protests against the immigration raids began last week in Los Angeles and have since spread nationwide.

On Monday, California sued the Trump administration after President Donald Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles -- without the state's permission -- in response to the protests. 
DHS Confirms Predator Drones Fly Over LA Protests originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

As the anti-ICE protests rage on in DTLA, DHS appears to be using predator drones to capture the scene.Volodymyr Shcerbak via Adobe Stock

Overhead footage from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seems to suggest that domestic predator drones are being used to show the rest of the world whats going on in L.A. The last time drones like these were used for public consumption was for the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, following the killing of George Floyd.



DHS posted its high-altitude surveillance on X, seemingly confirming the footage was gathered by an MQ-9 from CBP Air and Marine Operations, known colloquially as a predator drone.

WATCH: DHS drone footage of LA rioters.



This is not calm. This is not peaceful.



California politicians must call off their rioting mob. pic.twitter.com/WHNPlzEJG8  Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 10, 2025

The video showed vehicles on fire, windows being smashed and what appeared to be some kind of a firecracker shot off by a protester from a corner of the street in Downtown L.A. It didnt look like anyone was hit.



This is not calm. This is not peaceful, the DHS wrote. California politicians must call off their rioting mob.



An aviation tracking enthusiast from 404 Media confirmed it was an MQ-9 that captured the moments shown in the viral video, which now has about 350,000 views on X.



This is anarchy & insurrection, one verified X user wrote.



Another jabbed back at DHS caption, writing, Oh so now its the politicians directing the mobyall are laughable.



The city is still in a state of local emergency, according to Mayor Bass, who issued a curfew on Tuesday. Hundreds were arrested that night, with charges ranging from failure to disperse and illegal possession of a firearm.

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
LOS ANGELES - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released the identities and criminal histories of individuals the agency has deemed "heinous criminals" who are also undocumented immigrants.

While the move aims to highlight the agency's focus on public safety and the removal of dangerous individuals, it also shines a light on the different, less-publicized reality of immigration enforcement - the detention of non-violent undocumented immigrants including day laborers, farmworkers, parents, and asylum seekers whose names are not being released by the same agency.

Local perspective

The recent anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles erupted following widespread anger over the agency's enforcement tactics.

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Community leaders reported incidents of ICE appearing at elementary school graduations, disrupting the legitimate immigration processes at various courthouses, and aggressively raiding workplaces and locations like Home Depot.

SUGGESTED: Newsom fires back at Trump over deployment of National Guard in LA

One particularly jarring incident involved the detention of 48-year-old Arturo Vasquez, an undocumented father, at a Culver City car wash while with his family, leaving his 7-year-old son, Jorge, distraught and his 15-year-old son, Brian, fearing for his family's safety.

These actions, perceived as arbitrary and invasive, sparked outrage among residents and galvanized the public into widespread demonstrations across Los Angeles County.

Big picture view

This selective release of information can create a skewed perception of immigration enforcement, focusing solely on the most egregious cases while obscuring the impact on families and communities.

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While prioritizing public safety is paramount, the lack of transparency surrounding non-violent detentions fuels fear and uncertainty among immigrant populations.

Also, it raises questions about the criteria for publicizing detentions and whether a more comprehensive and nuanced approach to information dissemination would better serve the public interest and foster trust.

As the debate around immigration enforcement continues, it is crucial to consider the full spectrum of those impacted, from the truly dangerous individuals who pose a threat to society to everyday people simply trying to live and work.

IDs Released By DHS

Gerardo Antonio-Palacios

Antonio-Palacios, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, has criminal convictions for homicide and burglary. He was previously deported.

Mab Khleb

Khleb, 53, from Cambodia, has a criminal history that includes a conviction for transport of a controlled substance, possession of controlled substance, lewd action with a child, and battery.

Sang Louangprasert

Louangprasert, 66, from Laos, has a criminal history including a conviction for lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 in Fresno, and inflicting corporal injury, spouse or cohabitant in Santa Barbara.

Antonio Benitez-Ugarte

Benitez-Ugarte, from Mexico, is convicted of drug trafficking.

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Alberto Morales-Mejia

Morales-Mejia, from Mexico, has criminal convictions for manufacturing amphetamine. He also has previous arrests for document fraud and possession of a weapon.

Raul Teran-Guillen

Teran-Guillen, from Mexico, has prior arrests for human smuggling and money laundering.

Carlos Alberto Escobar-Flores

Escobar-Flores, 43, from Honduras, has a criminal history that includes a conviction for Grand Theft: Money/ Labor/ Property.

Jose Jimenez-Alvarado

Jimenez-Alvarado, 48, from Honduras, has a criminal history that includes a felony conviction for two counts of theft.

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Jesus Romero-Retana

Romero-Retana, 52, from Mexico, has a criminal history including convictions for threatening crime with intent to terrorize and battery.

Emiliano Garduno-Galvez

Garduno-Galvez, from Mexico, has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the Molotov cocktail attack during the LA protests on June 9.

Eswin Uriel Castro

Uriel Castro, a previously deported undocumented immigrant, has criminal convictions for child molestation and being armed with a dangerous weapon. He has also been arrested for robbery and domestic violence.

Anastacio Enrique Solis-Salinas

Solis-Salinas, a convicted criminal from Nicaragua, has a criminal history that includes convictions for domestic violence and hit-and-run. Additionally, hes been arrested for willful cruelty to a child.

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Rafael Gamez-Sanchez

Gamez-Sanchez was arrested with a criminal conviction for vehicular manslaughter.

Miguel Angel Palafox-Montes

Palafox-Montes, has criminal convictions for grand theft, narcotics violations, and identity theft. He has also been arrested for battery and burglary. Palafox-Montes has previously been voluntarily returned to Mexico twice.

Dzhakhar Aslambekov

Aslambekov, from Russia, was recently detained for fraud related to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards used to access government assistance programs.

Cuong Chanh Phan

Phan, 49, from Vietnam, has a criminal history that includes a conviction for second-degree murder.

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Rolando Veneracion-Enriquez

Veneracion-Enriquez, 55, from the Philippines, has a criminal history that includes burglary in Ontario (sentence of four years in prison), and sexual penetration with a foreign object with force and assault with intent to commit rape in Pomona (sentence of 37 years in prison.)

Lionel Sanchez-Laguna

Sanchez-Laguna, 55, from Mexico, has a criminal history that includes discharging a firearm at an inhabited dwelling and vehicle in Orange (sentence of 365 days in jail), battery on spouse or cohabitant in Orange (sentence of four years of probation), willful cruelty to child in Orange (sentence of four years of probation, driving under the influence in Orange (sentence of ten days in jail), assault with semi-automatic firearm in Orange (sentence of three years in prison) and personal use of a firearm in Orange (sentence of three years in prison).

Armando Ordaz

Ordaz, 44, from Mexico, has a criminal history that includes sexual battery in Los Angeles (with a sentence of 135 days of jail and five years of probation), receiving known or stolen property in Norwalk (sentence of 90 days in jail and three years of probation), and petty theft in Los Angeles (sentence of 365 days in jail and four years of probation).

Francisco Sanchez-Arguello

Sanchez-Arguello, 38, from Mexico, has a criminal history that includes arrests for grand theft larceny and possession of a prohibited weapon.

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Jose Gregorio Medranda Ortiz

Gregorio Medranda Ortiz, 42, from Ecuador, has a criminal history that includes conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more cocaine while on board a vessel in Tampa (sentence of 135 months in prison).

Victor Mendoza-Aguilar

Mendoza-Aguilar, 32, from Mexico, has a criminal history that includes a conviction for possessing unlawful paraphernalia in Pasadena (sentence of 112 days jail), possessing controlled substances in Pasadena (sentence of 16 months in jail), assault with a deadly weapon: not firearm in Pasadena (sentence of four years in prison); obstructing a public officer in Pasadena (sentence of 364 days in jail).

Delfino Aguilar-Martinez

Aguilar-Martinez, 51, from Mexico, has a criminal history that includes assault with a deadly weapon with great bodily injury in Los Angeles (sentence of 365 days in jail).

Jose Cristobal Hernandez-Buitron

Hernandez-Buitron, 43, from Peru, has a criminal history that includes a conviction for robbery that resulted in a 10-year sentence.

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Jordan Mauricio Meza-Esquibel

Meza-Esquibel, 32, from Honduras, has a criminal history that includes arrests for distribution of heroin and cocaine and domestic violence.

Jesus Alan Hernandez-Morales

Hernandez-Morales, 26, from Mexico, has a criminal history that includes conspiracy to transport an undocumented immigrant in Las Cruces, NM with a sentence of 239 days in jail.

The Source

Information for this story is from the Department of Homeland Security and previous FOX 11 reports.
Police arrest dozens of protesters during a protest over immigration raids near the City Hall in Los Angeles, California, on June 11, 2025. Credit - Tayfun CoskunAnadolu via Getty

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is using drones during the protests in Los Angeles, the department has confirmed, further fueling controversy surrounding the escalating law enforcement response to the demonstrations that broke out as immigration raids occurred throughout the city.

Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), an agency within DHS, confirmed on Thursday that it is providing aerial support to law enforcement.

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"Air and Marine Operations (AMO) is providing aerial support to federal law enforcement partners conducting operations in the Greater Los Angeles area. AMO's efforts are focused on situational awareness and officer safety support as requested, a CBP spokesperson told TIME via email.

DHS shared footage of the protests shot with a drone on social media earlier in the week.

WATCH: DHS drone footage of LA rioters, the department wrote via an X post on June 10, which included video of cars burning and an apparent explosion accompanied by sinister music. California politicians must call off their rioting mob.

The protests in Los Angeles have been predominantly peaceful as they enter their seventh day, media on the ground has reported, though some have escalated as cars have been set on fire and projectiles have been thrown.

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Despite that, President Donald Trump has deployed thousands of National Guard members and is mobilizing hundreds of Marines to the area, against the wishes of state and local leaders. Local law enforcement has also used crowd control tactics such as rubber bullets and tear gas, and Mayor Karen Bass has declared a state of local emergency and imposed an ongoing 8 p.m. to 6 p.m. curfew.

Read More: Veterans Condemn Trumps Misuse of Military Power Amid L.A. Protests

Since the protests began on Friday, more than 160 people have been arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The majority of those arrests, according to the New York Times, occurred on Monday, and a majority of them were based on failure to disperse charges.

CBP confirmed to 404 media that the drones used by the agency were two Predator drones after the media company reported that drones were spotted flying without call signs where the anti-ICE protests were occurring.

Does DHS have the authority to use drones?

Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed reports of the drones in a June 11 hearing with Congress. Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed asked Hegseth if he was prepared for DHS to use drones to to detain or arrest American citizens.

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Every authorization we've provided the National Guard and the Marines in Los Angeles is under the authority of the President of the United States, Hegseth answered.

According to Alejandra Montoya-Boyer, senior director of the Center for Civil Rights & Technology at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, tech groups and civil rights groups alike are "surprised and deeply concerned by the use of drones, but it is not "necessarily new.

CBP has a pretty expansive opportunity to be able to deploy drone technology and other technologies that are able to surveil and track anyone, whether they're crossing the border or in these spaces, Montoya-Boyer tells TIME. She says this isn't necessarily the first time we're seeing this, but noted that it could still be harmful and disproportionately impacting communities of color and immigrants right now.

She says people are often unaware of the extent of land that CBP has access to100 air miles from any external boundary of the U.S, a border zone that almost two-thirds of the U.S. population lives within.

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Montoya-Boyer says that the technology used by these drones was created to track border crossings, not to be used to track U.S. citizens at protests.

The reality is, with the development of these types of technologies, and with appropriations by CBP and DHS, they can be used for domestic surveillance and as needed by an administration that isn't necessarily doing what's usual, she says.

Though the CBP has stated that the drones are focused on situational awareness and officer safety, Montoyta-Boyers says there is no reason for us to believe that it is just in the name of law and order as there is an increase, an expansion of surveillance technologies in the name of immigration enforcement being deployed all across the country on the majority of people, whether they're immigrants or not

She recommends those who decide to lawfully and peacefully protest to access both the ACLUs and Electronic Frontier Foundations guides to what protestors rights are.

Have drones been used during previous U.S. protests?

This is not the first time that drones have been used during U.S. protests in support of law enforcement efforts.

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Back in 2020, CBP utilized drones at the height of protests in the Black Lives Matter movement spurred by the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. At the time, however, CBP argued that its drones were not being used to surveil protestors, but rather to provide assistance to state and locals so they could make sure that their cities and their towns were protected, according to Acting CBP Commissioner Mark Morgan in a 2020 interview with ABC News.

"We were not providing any resources to surveil lawful peaceful protesters. That's not what we were doing," he said. We weren't taking any information on law-abiding protesters, but we were absolutely there to ensure the safety of folks there as well as to enforce, and make sure law and order remain.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The Altoona-Johnstown Roman Catholic Diocese will mark the closing of Eucharistic Revival in the Catholic church in America with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Mark L. Bartchak at 5 p.m. June 22 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona.

Prior to the liturgy, the faithful will have the opportunity for Eucharistic adoration beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing throughout the afternoon.

At 3 p.m., a holy hour for vocations will be prayed, and priests will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

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The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be prayed at 4 p.m. for the intention of welcoming Catholics home to the church, and at 4:15 p.m., Bartchak will lead a Eucharistic procession inside the cathedral, leading up to the Mass.

The national Eucharistic Revival has been a three-year movement by the bishops of the United States to educate and inspire Catholics to re-ignite their personal relationship with Christ through the Holy Eucharistic.
Communities across Asia's Himalayan Hindu Kush region face heightened disaster risks this monsoon season with temperatures and rainfall expected to exceed normal levels, experts warned on Thursday.

Temperatures are expected to be up to two degrees Celsius hotter than average across the region, with forecasts for above-average rains, according to a monsoon outlook released by Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) on Wednesday.

"Rising temperatures and more extreme rain raise the risk of water-induced disasters such as floods, landslides, and debris flows, and have longer-term impacts on glaciers, snow reserves, and permafrost," Arun Bhakta Shrestha, a senior adviser at ICIMOD, said in a statement.

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The summer monsoon, which brings South Asia 70-80 percent of its annual rainfall, is vital for agriculture and therefore for the livelihoods of millions of farmers and for food security in a region that is home to around two billion people.

However, it also brings destruction through landslides and floods every year. Melting glaciers add to the volume of water, while unregulated construction in flood-prone areas exacerbates the damage.

"What we have seen over the years are also cascading disasters where, for example, heavy rainfall can lead to landslides, and landslides can actually block rivers. We need to be aware about such possibilities," Saswata Sanyal, manager of ICIMOD's Disaster Risk Reduction work, told AFP.

Last year's monsoon season brought devastating landslides and floods across South Asia and killed hundreds of people, including more than 300 in Nepal.

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This year, Nepal has set up a monsoon response command post, led by its National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.

"We are coordinating to stay prepared and to share data and alerts up to the local level for early response. Our security forces are on standby for rescue efforts," said agency spokesman Ram Bahadur KC.

Weather-related disasters are common during the monsoon season from June to September but experts say climate change, coupled with urbanisation, is increasing their frequency and severity.

The UN's World Meteorological Organization said last year that increasingly intense floods and droughts are a "distress signal" of what is to come as climate change makes the planet's water cycle ever more unpredictable.

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(ABC22/FOX44)  The manhunt in Dannemora was a decade ago, and the New York State Inspector General, Lucy Lang brought together the former state police superintendent, the former state corrections commissioner, and a reporter with NewsDay in the same room for the first time since the incident.

On June 6th, 2015, two inmates escaped from the maximum-security Clinton prison in Dannemora, New York.

At its peak, over 13,000 law enforcement officers were searching for the escapees, Richard Matt and David Sweat.

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The inspector general at the time of the prison break, Catherine Leahy-Scott released a 150-page report about how they escaped.

She says it was only possible because the prisons administration was getting groomed and manipulated by prisoners.

Leahy-Scott says, what was astonishing was the longstanding complacency exercised in lieu of security, and that those involved forgot that they were in charge of a maximum-security corrections facility.

Multiple correction officers and administrators at the prison smuggled in tools for the two to escape.

They cut through a steel pipe with a hacksaw and crawled out of a manhole a few blocks from the prison.

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After being caught, in an interview, Sweat admitted to spending almost three months outside of his cell preparing their escape route without being caught.

Former NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Anthony Annucci says, DOCCS security policies are fine, thats not the problem. the problem was staff; not carrying out the policies that they were supposed to carry out.

COs are responsible for conducting nightly head counts and the IGs report highlighted that officers didnt notice him out of his cell on over 400 occasions.

The panel agreed that the number one cause for their escape, was complacency.

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NewsDay reporter Keshia Clukey says, oh, if I dont go through the security check, it doesnt matter because its so secure. all of these little things added up and i think just that feeling that it cant happen here, well it can, and it did, and it cost millions of dollars to the state.

Since the IGs report state prisons have cracked down on enforcing daily head counts and cell inspections.

Matt was shot and killed after being found in Malone, New York while Sweat was shot, apprehended and is serving 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 ABC22 & FOX44.
To celebrate the end of the school year, Walt Disney World sprinkled some magic on Florida schools and teachers with free park tickets and a $500,000 donation for education programs.

Disney said Stitch went on tour to surprise teachers at Hamilton Elementary, Deerwood Elementary, College Park Middle, Tavares Middle, and North Lakeland Elementary as they cleaned up their classrooms for the summer.

Disney officials said teachers at each school also received free Walt Disney World park tickets.

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This means the world, said Adam Cody, a Deerwood Elementary School teacher. Its amazing to get the recognition from our district and Disney. There really are no words to describe how special it makes us feel.

The $500,000 donation will benefit the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, the School District of Osceola County, Lake County Schools Foundation, Polk County Schools Foundation, and Seminole County Schools Foundation, as well as four organizations supporting youth development: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando Philharmonic, ELEVATE Orlando and A Gift for Teaching, Disney said.

Disney Imagination Campus invited teachers and administrators from each school district to a special day at Disney. During the event, they had the opportunity to draw inspiration from the living laboratory at EPCOT and bring those ideas back to their classrooms.

Click here for more information about the donation.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Members of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) have voted to redo its vice chair election, teeing up two separate votes for the positions held by David Hogg and Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta.

The vote to redo the elections was 294-99.

Oklahoma DNC member Kalyn Free, who ran for a vice chair position and lost, filed a challenge in late February over the way the vice chair election was conducted, alleging in her letter that it unfairly gave the male candidates an advantage over the female vice chair candidates.

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The DNC Credentials Committee determined last month it would move forward with the challenge and put the matter to a vote for the entire committee to see whether a majority of members believed the vice chair election should be conducted again.

Now, the DNC will hold two separate virtual votes, one running between June 12 and June 14 for a male vice chair ballot and another running June 15 to June 17 for a vice chair ballot in which any gender candidate can run.

Hogg announced in a statement through his Leaders We Deserve group he would be forgoing a run for his spot on the DNC.

I came into this role to play a positive role in creating the change our party needs, Hogg said on Wednesday night. It is clear that there is a fundamental disagreement about the role of a Vice Chair  and its okay to have disagreements. What isnt okay is allowing this to remain our focus when there is so much more we need to be focused on.

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Ultimately, I have decided to not run in this upcoming election so the party can focus on what really matters, he added. I need to do this work with Leaders We Deserve, and it is going to remain my number one mission to build the strongest party possible.

DNC chair Ken Martin in a statement said he respected Hoggs decision not to seek reelection, saying, I have no doubt that he will remain an important advocate for Democrats across the map. I appreciate his service as an officer, his hard work, and his dedication to the party.

Hoggs withdrawal means that Kenyatta will be reelected as vice chair during the DNC vice chair male ballot.

Im grateful to the overwhelming support Ive received in this reelection from DNC members and I look forward to getting back to work electing Democrats up and down the ballot, Kenyatta said in a statement following Hoggs news. I wish David the best.

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Frees complaint over the February vice chair election is separate from a firestorm Hogg has ignited within the party over whether he should be involved in primarying members of the party while serving as a DNC officer.

Those tensions came to a head earlier this week when leaked audio of a Zoom call with DNC officers showed Chair Ken Martin expressing frustration with Hogg, telling the gun control activist in part: I dont think you intended this, but you essentially destroyed any chance I have to show the leadership that I need to, so its really frustrating.

While Hogg has sought to distance himself from the leaked audio, the ordeal has contributed to bubbling tensions between Hogg and DNC leadership. The controversy also prompted some members to rethink the way they were going to vote over the DNC vice chair election redo.

Updated at 8:29 p.m. EDT.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
DAVIS, W.Va. (WBOY)  A new nature preserve in Tucker County, West Virginia, is open for outdoor recreation.

The West Virginia Nature Conservancy (TNC) announced Thursday that the Dobbin Slashings Preserve is now open during daylight hours. The nearly 1,400-acre preserve between Canaan Valley and Dolly Sods will allow for expanded hiking, biking and fishing opportunities.

Whether youre a hiker, nature enthusiast, or simply curious to explore, this unique preserve offers a chance to connect with nature in a truly special place, West Virginia Natural Conservancy said on Facebook.

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The area is accessible from the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area via the Rocky Ridge Trail and from the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge via the Cabin Mountain and Cabin Mountain Spur Trails.

Dobbin Slashings Nature Preserve map (The Nature Conservancy)

At this point, biking is only permitted on a short section of trail connecting the Canaan Valley trails, and horseback riding is not permitted. The nature conservancy asks that all visitors stay on the trails, which are made of old Jeep roads and railroad grades and include rough terrain and muddy conditions in some areas.

Does West Virginia have rainforests? Experts say it depends on what criteria you use

At this time, camping and overnight parking are prohibited in the Dobbin Slashings Preserve. Fishing is allowed for those with a valid West Virginia fishing license, but the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is still working on restoration efforts in the Red Creek, TNC said.

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Hunting is only permitted for those with a valid license and a Mountain Top Hunt Club membership.

Dobbin Slashing Preserve (Courtesy: The West Virginia Nature Conservancy)

Were thrilled to welcome you to Dobbin Slashings and appreciate your help in protecting this incredible landscape. Lets explore responsibly and celebrate this new chapter together! Kaitlyn Olson from TNC said in the post.

Dobbin Slashings includes one of the largest intact peatland wetlands in Central Appalachia.

12 News attended a ceremony on Thursday to celebrate the protection of Dobbin Slashings and spoke with Nature Conservancy Executive Director Thomas Minney.

Its just an amazing property with lots of biodiversity and lots of important assets like the spruce forest and the heath lands that are there as part of Dolly Sods. If you look through the climate lens, its an important property in the climate-connected landscape where species can move up and down in the elevation gradient but up and down the landscape, Minney said.

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12 News also spoke with Director of Land Management and Stewardship Mike Powell, who said that the area gets its name from a local landowner named Dobbin, who lived in the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Some of the area has also been reforested, according to Powell.

Editors note: This story has been updated with more information following a ceremony to commemorate the preserve on Thursday.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
WASHINGTON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. intelligence indicated that Israel has been making preparations to strike Iran, possibly targeting its nuclear facilities, media reported Thursday.

Multiple sources confirmed that U.S. officials were informed of Israel's full preparation to launch a military operation in Iran, CBS News reported.

Israeli officials and White House spokespeople declined to comment, said CBS News. The security risk was said to be part of the reasons for the recently ordered departure of personnel from the Middle East by the United States.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved Wednesday the voluntary departure of U.S. military dependents from the Middle East. Non-essential U.S. embassy staff and their dependents have also been ordered to leave Iraq.

On the same day, Iran's UN mission accused the United States of "enabling Israeli crimes" in an X post. "Threats of 'overwhelming force' won't change facts: Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon and U.S. militarism only fuels instability," it said.

"If conflict is imposed on us, the opponent's casualties will certainly be more than ours, and in that case, America must leave the region, because all its bases are within our reach," the Associated Press quoted Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh as saying on Wednesday. "We have access to them, and we will target all of them in the host countries without hesitation."

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi this weekend for a sixth round of nuclear talks. According to media reports, Iran recently threatened to strike U.S. bases in the region if negotiations over Iran's nuclear program fail.

U.S. President Donald Trump told the "Pod Force One" podcast on Wednesday that he was growing less confident in reaching a nuclear deal with Iran. 
In the early morning of Nov. 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students were stabbed to death in their off campus home. Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, were all members of the schools Greek life and beloved by their campus community, which turned the weeks after their murders into a frenzy of national media attention and online speculation surrounding one topic: The Idaho Murders.

Despite releasing little information about the investigative process, police in Moscow, Idaho eventually arrested primary suspect Bryan Kohberger, a 28-year-old criminology graduate student at Washington State University. Now, three years later, with Kohbergers trial finally set to begin in August after numerous delays, filmmakers Matthew Galkin and Liz Garbus are releasing a new docuseries taking an in depth look at how the people closest to the case dealt with their tragic losses and the media storm that followed them. One Night In Idaho: The College Murders premieres July 11 on Amazons Prime Video.

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Galkin and Garbus first began working on the project in the spring of 2023, doing outreach to the family members that led to a sit down meeting with the Chapin family. Both of the filmmakers are known for past projects that center around the ethical consideration of true crime  including using projects to highlight stories of people on the margins that can typically be ignored by the media and police. (Garbus is perhaps best known for her work on Netflixs Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer  the story of how LISK escaped police capture by targeting young sex workers. Galkin is the director of Showtime miniseries Murder In Big Horn, a series centered on the disappearances and murders of indigenous women in Montana.) The trailer features several interviews from family members and friends closest to the Idaho victims, including the Chapin and Mogen families.

Ive never been involved in a documentary about a case this large and with this many sort of complicated aspects that converge, Galkin tells Rolling Stone.

Yeah, Garbus agrees. The whole thing was on steroids in a way Ive never seen.

Because the Moscow Police Department gave the public little to no information during their investigation, the national media fury only intensified in online spaces like TikToks true crime community. Videos about the murders received millions of views, comments, and shares across platforms, with true crime accounts publicly speculating about close friends or people who could have killed the students. Several publicly accused people of the crime, leaving dozens of Idaho students and close friends of victims fearing for their public safety and mental health. Galkin and Garbus tell Rolling Stone they were focused on telling a story that gave viewers an inside look at what was happening behind closed doors.

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In the first conversation with the Chapins, one of the things that truly struck me was their description of being swept up in this circus from the inside. All of the Tiktok videos and hypothesizing and having their sons name dragged through the mud unfairly, obviously, because none of [the conspiracy theories] turned out to be true, Galkin says. I felt like we had never seen that story told from that perspective. Major crime in 2025 has all of these layers of attention and social media and speculation where that didnt exist a few decades ago, but now its what all of these families have to deal with on a daily basis.

For Garbus, the director says she was focused on unearthing the story that people had missed in the mayhem, avoid sensationalism, and instead giving the families of the victims a chance to tell the world who their loved one actually was  both as a form of memory and as an opportunity to possibly heal.

What is the side that is untold? she says. At the end of the day, these kids are victims. And their families deserve their stories to be told in fulsome, loving ways.

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The Dodger Stadium Express is scheduled to operate normally this weekend, even as the bus departs from and arrives at an area subject to curfew restrictions.

The service, which provides fans a free ride between Union Station and Dodger Stadium, "will be running per usual," Metro senior director of communications Missy Colman said Thursday.

On Tuesday, Mayor Karen Bass imposed an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew in the downtown area most impacted by protests against federal immigration enforcement, and by the violence, looting and vandalism that sometimes accompanied them. She said she expected the curfew to last several days.

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Read more: Protests and curfew cancel L.A. Phil and 'Hamlet' as arts groups' losses mount

Dodger Stadium is outside the curfew zone, but Union Station is within it. The Dodgers' games against the rival San Francisco Giants are scheduled for 7:10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 4:10 p.m. on Sunday.

On Tuesday, Metro posted that "normal bus and rail service" would continue in the downtown area. Colman said Metro would provide fans with any updates at alerts.metro.net or via X at @metrolaalerts.

The Dodgers did not respond to a message asking whether the team would make any changes that might affect how fans arrive at and depart from games this weekend.

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
WASHINGTON  A new enforcement policy being considered by the U.S. Department of Transportation marks a significant change in enforcement of trucking violations, and crash-victim advocates are concerned it will make the roads less safe.

In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued in May, the DOT is proposing several administrative changes, including how it oversees enforcement procedures by several of its modal agencies, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The NPRM proposes updates to the Departments procedural requirements governing the review and clearance of guidance documents, and the initiation and conduct of enforcement actions, including administrative enforcement proceedings and judicial enforcement actions brought in Federal court, the proposal states.

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Significantly for the trucking industry, DOTs proposal follows a trend within government to push adjudication out of the regulatory agencies and into the federal courts.





Unless a statute or regulation clearly authorizes an agency such as FMCSA to enforce a legal requirement directly through an administrative enforcement proceeding, DOTs NPRM states, the proper forum for the enforcement action is Federal court, and the enforcement action must be initiated in court by attorneys of the Department of Justice acting in coordination with DOT counsel.

Zach Cahalan, executive director of the Truck Safety Coalition, a truck-crash victim advocacy group, believes that placing enforcement for truck industry violations in the hands of courts and judges unfamiliar with how the industry operates could result in less enforcement and riskier carriers.

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TSC is deeply concerned that these changes will severely diminish DOTs ability to enforce safety regulations against carriers, Cahalan told FreightWaves.

The notion that regulated entities should have their fate decided by federal judges rather than the DOT is absurd and unheard of. Make no mistake, this is a radical departure from the longstanding accepted norms and will only benefit industry. This will result in far less enforcement and more unsafe carriers operating discriminately on our roads.





Brady rule concerns

Cahalan also noted DOTs plan to adopt the Brady rule in all enforcement actions, including those of the FMCSA, as part of the proposed rule. The rule states that the government has a duty to disclose exculpatory information  information that could clear someone of guilt or blame  in criminal cases.

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Adopting the rule for enforcement actions will contribute to the Departments goal of open and fair investigations and administrative enforcement proceedings, DOT stated.

These disclosures should include any material evidence  that may be favorable to the regulated entity in the enforcement actionincluding evidence that tends to negate or diminish the partys responsibility for a violation or that could be relied upon to reduce the potential fine or other penalties.

But adopting such a practice, Cahalan said, does strike me as favorable to industry.

Brian Stansbury, who was chief counsel at FMCSA during the Biden administration, understands why safety advocates are concerned with the proposed policy shift.

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Giving members of the regulated community the ability to disqualify the enforcement official that theyre dealing with gives the regulated community real power to push back on enforcement proceedings, Stansbury, now a partner at the law firm Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, told FreightWaves in an interview.

My concern is that it could make enforcement harder for the department if the first move every single time by a member of the regulated community is to try to disqualify the enforcement official. This could result in additional delays and wasted resources spent addressing requests to disqualify. This is an even greater concern with respect to FMCSA enforcement, where you have so many enforcement matters occurring at any given time.

Regarding adoption of the Brady rule in administrative enforcement actions, I believe government enforcement officials should be held to a high level of impartiality with a focus on justice, not getting a favorable result, and I am comfortable with the regulated community to have tools to ensure they get exculpatory information, he said.





But it also gives bad actors a tool to delay and undermine enforcement actions, and those bad actors are probably the ones most inclined to operate unsafely. Its the risk of abuse that we have to be thoughtful about.

No gift to industry

P. Sean Garney, co-director of Scopelitis Transportation Consulting and an FMCSA regulations expert, said that while DOTs policy shift seeks to reduce regulatory red tape, it is no gift to the trucking industry.

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I think this is more about regulatory philosophy than an industry versus safety issue, Garney told FreightWaves. Some regulations protect industry and keep bad actors out. Good actors in the industry have a vested interest in setting a reasonable standard through regulation.

Garney pointed out that a provision within the proposal that weakens the power of guidance documents could actually work against the industry.

Without this guidance they wont know how to stay compliant and will not have a reliable foundation on which to build their operations.

The deadline for public comment on DOTs proposed enforcement changes is June 16.

Related articles:

Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher.

The post Does DOTs enforcement policy put truck safety at risk? appeared first on FreightWaves.
WASHINGTON  The House advanced the first round of requested spending cuts from the Trump administration in a narrow party-line vote, overcoming the first hurdle to enact a slew of recommendations made by the Department of Government Efficiency earlier this year.

Lawmakers voted 214-212 to approve the $9.4 billion rescissions package specifically targeting foreign aid as well as federal funding for organizations the Trump administration has accused of being anti-conservative. The package now heads to the Senate, which will have until July 18 to approve the requests otherwise the halted funding must be continued.

All four members of Utahs House delegation voted in favor of the package.

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The fate of the bill appeared to be in peril when six Republicans initially voted against the measure on the floor, setting it up to fail. However, GOP leaders huddled with holdouts on the floor and managed to get two of those defectors to flip.

The package looks to cut $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a nonprofit organization authorized by Congress in 1967. Every year, Congress appropriates funds to the CPB which are then distributed to more than 1,500 public media stations through community service grants.

The spending cuts specifically target stations such as PBS and NPR, which the Trump administration claims unfairly target conservatives and the Republican Party.

One of the control rooms at the Arizona PBS offices at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication in Phoenix is seen Friday, May 2, 2025. | Katie Oyan

The package also cuts funding to the United States Agency for International Development, which provides foreign aid, as well as funds for the World Health Organization.

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The bill proposes millions of dollars in cuts to the U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program started under the George W. Bush administration focusing on the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. The rescissions package would cut more than $8 million dedicated to the program.

Demonstrators protest against cuts to American foreign aid spending, including USAID and the PEPFAR program to combat HIV/AIDS, at the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Washington. | Mark Schiefelbein

Those provisions initially put the package in murky territory as several moderate Republicans opposed cuts to the programs, specifically pointing to PEPFAR as one of the most successful public health programs in the world. Other Republicans questioned the slashed funding to public broadcasting stations, citing strong relationships with their local news outlets.

The package now heads to the Senate where it must be passed within 36 days to adhere to rescissions rules. Otherwise, the funds must be unfrozen and allocated to the appropriate agencies.

The package will only require a simple majority in the Senate as rescissions packages are exempt from filibuster rules, relieving Republicans from needing to rely on any Democrats to help pass Trumps proposed cuts.
DENVER (KDVR)  Colorados Secretary of State revealed Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Justice asked Colorado to turn over all records that relate to the 2024 federal elections and preserve all records from the 2020 election.

The election official sent an email highlighting reporting by NPR, which said the DOJ request was made on May 12.

Colorado elections official: Executive order amounts to voter suppression, poll tax

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What theyre going to do with all this data, I dont know, Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, a Democrat, told NPR and shared with FOX31 via email. But Im sure they will use it to push their ridiculous disinformation and lies to the American public.

The letter, obtained by FOX31 on Thursday, says that the request was made after the DOJ received a complaint alleging noncompliance from the Colorado Secretary of States Office with a section of U.S. law detailing the requirements of voter registration administration.

Colorado elections noticed by Trump admin previously

Colorados elections have been heralded by Griswold and other officials as being the gold standard of elections for the nation. The news comes on the heels of the Justice Department trying to insert itself into the case of former Mesa County election clerk Tina Peters.

Peters has asked to be released from prison while she appeals her conviction, citing her physical and mental health condition, all while trying to capture a pardon from President Donald Trump.

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Peters was convicted of allowing Trump supporters access to election equipment after his 2020 defeat. She was sentenced to nine years behind bars in October after continuing to press discredited claims about rigged voting machines, even alleging that the secretary of state ordered an illegal deletion of records, but those claims have never been found credible.

Jurors found Peters guilty in August for using someone elses security badge to give an expert affiliated with My Pillow chief executive Mike Lindell access to the Mesa County election system and deceiving other officials about that persons identity. Lindell is a prominent promoter of false claims that voting machines were manipulated to steal the election from Trump and is currently standing trial in Denver.

Additionally, in October 2024, the Colorado Republican Party revealed that the Secretary of States website showed partial passwords for election systems in 63 of Colorados 64 counties. The passwords were posted for months in a hidden tab on the website, according to an investigation, but posed no risk to the election.

After the leak, the passwords were updated and the security of voting machines was verified. However, the GOP accused Griswold of quietly trying to fix the matter and called for her resignation.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  New York State is being sued amid ICE operations over a law that restricts arrests at or near courthouses, the Department of Justice announced on Thursday.

The law was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul during the 2019-2020 legislative session. The DOJ accused the state of shielding immigrants from being detained when theyre on their way to court, saying it obstructs federal immigration enforcement.

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Lawless sanctuary city policies are the root cause of the violence that Americans have seen in California, and New York State is similarly employing sanctuary city policies to prevent illegal aliens from apprehension, said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

Rep. Dan Goldman said that he witnessed ICE agents taking at least 15 people into custody as they waited at the Executive Office for Immigration Review New York City Court to get their citizenships on May 29. Protests broke out across the city following the arrests, including a rally where people were accused of trying to stop ICE operations by blocking white vans from leaving a Manhattan federal building.

Over 80 people were taken into custody during a protest near the New York ICE Bureau Tuesday, while 24 were detained amid an anti-ICE rally at Trump Tower on Monday.

The City Council is calling for an independent investigation into the NYPD, accusing the agency of sharing information with ICE. Mayor Eric Adams office and the NYPD both denied the allegations, saying they do not coordinate with ICE on civilian deportations.

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Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke in front of the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Thursday about immigration in the state.

Our nation needs comprehensive immigration reform from this Congress. Our state laws dictate that we cooperate with ICE in criminal cases. And our values dictate that we treat all law-abiding families with dignity and respect, she said in prepared remarks.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who sponsored the law, released a statement about the lawsuit saying, This lawsuit is baseless and frivolous, and is part and parcel of the Trump administrations ongoing assault on the rule of law in New York To avoid any conflict with federal law or the federal governments immigration authority, the law does not apply to federal courts or immigration courts, and allows for arrests when ICE has actual, valid judicial warrants.

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Immigrants make New York great. The Protect Our Courts Act ensures every New Yorker can access our courts and pursue justice without fear, because due process means nothing if people are too afraid to appear in court. Attorney General James will proudly defend this law and all of New Yorks laws, just as she will continue to defend the rights and dignity of all who call New York home, the New York Attorney Generals Office said in a statement.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
After appointing himself chair of the Kennedy Center and replacing its board members with loyalists, President Donald Trumps first-ever visit to the revered Washington, D.C. cultural center on Wednesday night (June 11) was likely not the warm welcome he expected. Taking his seat for the opening night of Les Miserables, the Associated Press reported that Trump was met with a mix of cheers and boos, as well as an unexpected parade of drag queens who sashayed past the first couple, seemingly in protest of Trumps previous vow of NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA.

In addition, a dozen performers  from major cast members to ensemble performers  planned to sit out the show after being given the option not to perform on the night Trump was in the house to enjoy what he has said is one of his favorite musicals. The show about 19th century France features a song Trump has played at his rallies in the past, Do You Hear the People Sing?, a revolutionary anthem inspired by the 1832 rebellion against King Louis-Phillipe of France.

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The songs stirring lyrics about rising up against oppressive regimes has often been employed at pro-democracy protests around the globe, and on Wednesday one patron reportedly shouted Viva Los Angeles as Trump left the presidential box for intermission, a seeming reference to the now nearly week-long protests in that city over the administrations immigration raids.

In his second term, Trump  who admittedly had never attended a performance at the Kennedy Center in his first term, or ever  has swiftly moved to remake the organization in his own image. After installing himself as chairman of the Center, Trump also placed a number of loyalists on the typically non-partisan board and vowed to remove woke shows from the roster. Subsequently, nearly two dozen events have been canceled or postponed, a number out of protest at Trumps takeover, including Hamilton, the National Youth Poet Laureate Commemoration, Saigon Nights, as well as shows by Peter Wolf, Low Cut Connie, Rhiannon Giddens, Issa Rae and many more.

The AP reported that the show that tackles themes of protest, power, injustice and poverty featured the sounds of explosions and gunfire, with civilians clashing with soldiers on stage at the very same time that Los Angeles was put under curfew after protesters battled with police over immigration raids by ICE for a sixth day following Trumps call-up of Marines and National Guard troops to quell the protests. Someone explain the plot to him, California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on X.

In March, Vice President J.D. Vance and wife Usha were booed when they attended a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra and the AP also noted that sales of subscription packages have reportedly declined since the Trump makeover. CNN also reported that while some cheered and clapped for Trump and First Lady Melania Trump as they stood up at the end of the first act, one woman in the orchestra section below shouted, Felon, youre a convicted felon! to the first U.S. president to take the office after being convicted of a felony. The women then added, Convicted felon, rapist! before a security guard seemed to escort her out; Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation in 2023 in a suit filed by writer E. Jean Carroll and in 2024 was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in an attempt to conceal hush money payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election.

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In addition, as the crowd awaited Trumps return to his seat, another person reportedly yelled, Fk Trump! to cheers, while a supportive patron responded with We love you. The president seemingly reacted to the comments by pumping his first three times  reminiscent of his response after an assassination attempt last year in Pennsylvania in which a gunman fired at the then-candidate and nicked his ear.

Check out the mixed reaction to Trumps Kennedy Center attendance below.

At the Kennedy Center, half the theater just started clapping when a group of drag queens showed up to find their seats at opening night of Les Miserables, which Trump, Melania, Vance and their top allies have all come out to see. pic.twitter.com/1WJHsGL987  Shawn McCreesh (@ShawnMcCreesh) June 11, 2025

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Tariffs, immigration, energy: In all these areas, Donald Trump has granted himself exceptional and broad presidential powers by declaring "emergency" situations that his critics insist do not exist.

"In the United States, there is no tradition of emergency powers (granted to the president) under the Constitution," New York University professor Noah Rosenblum told AFP.

But various laws allow the commander-in-chief's powers to be expanded on an exceptional -- and usually temporary -- basis.

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Historically such emergency powers have been invoked to deal with natural disasters, to deploy responders or troops, and to unlock critical funding.

"But that, of course, is not how Donald Trump is using it," Rosenblum said.

Since returning to the White House on January 20, the Republican president has repeatedly invoked states of emergency in a variety of areas -- eight times in all, according to National Public Radio -- thus green-lighting swift and forceful intervention on his administration's part.

They have had little to do with hurricanes, floods or earthquakes.

On his first day in office, Trump declared a "national energy emergency" in the United States -- the world's leading oil producer.

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By early April, frustrated by the trade deficits the United States had with many countries, including some imbalances going back decades, Trump declared a national emergency, among other reasons, "to increase our competitive edge," the White House said.

The result? Tariffs slapped on adversaries and allies alike.

The flow of migrants arriving from Mexico has prompted Trump to declare a state of emergency at the US southern border, and he apparently feels empowered to respond with massive import duties, or forced deportations of undocumented migrants.

- 'Aspiring autocrat' -

Now, Trump has sent the US military into Los Angeles to quell protests, invoking a seldom-used law that allows the president to deploy National Guard units if there is a "rebellion or danger of rebellion."

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The move countered the wishes of local authorities and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who accused Trump of a "dictatorial" drift.

"The president is simply announcing emergencies when there aren't any," said Frank Bowman, a law professor at the University of Missouri, noting how local police have said they are capable of handling clashes with protesters opposed to raids by immigration agents.

"All of these grants of potential emergency powers really don't account for the election of a president like Mr. Trump, who is not entirely rational, who is not dedicated to the rule of law, who is, in fact, an aspiring autocrat who is looking... to exercise extraordinary power," Bowman told AFP.

Trump is not the first US leader to invoke exceptional circumstances to justify such moves, even if he does so in a way without precedent.

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His Democratic predecessor Joe Biden, for example, decided to forgive student debt given the "emergency" created by the Covid pandemic. The conservative-leaning Supreme Court was not convinced, however, and blocked the plan.

- Eisenhower and Nixon -

In Trump's case, will the courts, which have been flooded by lawsuits, affirm the legality of actions taken in the name of imminent peril?

The tendency of judges "in these kinds of things is to defer pretty heavily to the president," Bowman said.

On Thursday, a California court will consider a request by Governor Newsom to suspend Trump's troop deployment.

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In a filing to the court, the administration said Trump's judgment has historical precedent.

Courts did not interfere when President Dwight Eisenhower sent troops to protect school desegregation or when Richard Nixon deployed the military to deliver the mail during a postal workers' strike, "and courts should not interfere here either," it said.

Beyond the legal tussles, the relentless use of the language of urgency, of imminent threat or national peril, is part of a broader strategy, professor Rosenblum stressed.

Trump, he said, "is using the perpetual rhetoric of emergency to keep us perpetually riled up and either on the defensive and so increasingly exhausted or scared and aggressive -- and so demanding government intervention."

aue-mlm/sla/sco






NEED TO KNOW

Charlotte Woodward was born with a heart defect, as nearly half of all people with Down syndrome, and 13 years ago, received a donor heart that saved her life

Research has shown people with Down syndrome and other disabilities face discrimination when being evaluated for organ transplants

Woodward has been fighting for justice for others with disabilities in need of transplants, and now a bill that could help is awaiting a floor vote in Congress







Charlotte Woodwards doctors tell her shes a boring patient  even though she lives with a transplanted heart. Its because Im so healthy, she explains. I take very good care of my heart.

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Woodward, 35, knows shes lucky. Born with a heart defect  like nearly half of all people with Down syndrome  she received her donor heart in 2012.

But research has shown that more than 40% of pediatric transplant centers often consider intellectual disabilities a cause for concern when evaluating for organ transplants, because of assumptions that patients with disabilities may not be able to care for themselves and because of preconceived notions about their quality of life, says Michelle Sagan, communications director for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). Their life is seen as not as important.

Another study found that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are less than half as likely to receive a kidney transplant as adults without IDD.

Woodward has been working to change that. In 2020, she led a successful campaign to pass a bill in her home state of Virginia protecting those who are disabled from transplant discrimination.

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And now a similar federal bill named in her honor has been passed by a House committee and is headed for a floor vote in the House. It aims to provide protections, in part by mandating an expedited judicial review if someone is denied a transplant and believes their civil rights have been violated.

National Down Syndrome Society Charlotte Woodward on Capitol Hill in February 2025 Charlotte Woodward on Capitol Hill in February 2025

People with Down syndrome and other disabilities should not be denied a lifesaving opportunity, says Woodward, a program associate at the NDSS who went viral on the group's TikTok in 2020 for her video on "Things About Having Down Syndrome That Don't Make Sense". We need a legal solution to make it clear that blatant discrimination is wrong and is not permissible. I dont think people are doing it maliciously. Theyre just uneducated. Its rooted in fear and ignorance."

From the day she was born, Woodward was underestimated, says her mom, Darcy. I was told she most likely never would read or write. It bewildered me. I didnt understand how someone could predict a babys future. Darcy ignored the warnings and read to her daughter, who learned to read by the time she was 4: Ive been in awe of her every day of her life.

National Down Syndrome Society Woodward and her mother, Darcy, at a congressional hearing in 2024 Woodward and her mother, Darcy, at a congressional hearing in 2024

Her health was more concerning. She had four open-heart surgeries by age 10, and by the time she was 22, her heart began to fail. Her cardiologist told her mom he would have to go to bat and work to convince hospital officials to get her name on the transplant list.

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He knew there might be opposition from the transplant team, Woodward says. Fortunately she was matched with a donor heart in less than two weeks  and went on to graduate summa cum laude with a sociology degree from George Mason University.

When Woodward, who loves to dance, is learning to play the electric guitar, and is in a long-term relationship with Peanut Butter Falcon actor Zack Gottsagen  began her job at NDSS, she learned her transplant experience was not the norm.

Shelley Gottsagen Woodward with her boyfriend, actor Zack Gottsagen Woodward with her boyfriend, actor Zack Gottsagen

The knowledge pained her. There have been many stories about denials of organs and transplants. We will never know how many, she says, tearing up. I think, How could you? 

The solution, she says, is legislation and education.

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I dont think people are doing it maliciously. Its rooted in fear and ignorance, says Woodward, who urges people to consider organ donation  and call their representatives in Congress and urge them to support her bill. People with Down syndrome are just that: people. They have strengths and challenges like everyone else. They shouldnt have to prove their worth in order to get a transplant.

Read the original article on People
Air India Flight 171 had been airborne for just 11 seconds when a routine take-off suddenly became an irrecoverable disaster.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal radioed the ground to say: Maydayno thrust, losing power, unable to lift.

Over the next 19 seconds, the Boeing Dreamliner steadily lost altitude and drifted to the ground before crashing into buildings, killing almost everyone on board and dozens on the ground as air traffic controllers watched helplessly.

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Exactly what caused flight 171 to fall back to Earth will be the subject of an investigation that might take months, with bird strikes and mechanical failure among the possibilities that will be looked into.

On Thursday night the confirmed death toll was 241, with only one passenger  a 40-year-old Briton  known to have survived the tragedy.

The video footage shows the plane appearing to suffer a catastrophic loss of lift as it falls to the ground, still in its nose-up take-off angle but unable to stay airborne.

Credit: X

The 787-8 Dreamliner never reached the right rate of climb during its short trajectory.

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In those fateful moments, the highly experienced pilot and Clive Kundar, his co-pilot, alerted ground control to the fact they were in terrible trouble, but after reaching a maximum altitude of barely 400ft all contact with the aircraft was lost.

Incredibly, one passenger survived  Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old Londoner, who was in seat 11A.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national, survived the crash

Moments earlier, the departure lounge of Ahmedabad airport had been the usual mix of excitement and anticipation as passengers returned home from holidays, headed off on adventures or looked forward to family reunions ahead of their scheduled nine-hour, 50-minute flight to London Gatwick.

They included Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, a married couple from London, who passed the time by recording an Instagram video in which Fiongal smiled and rolled his eyes as Jamie said they were about to board a Ten-hour flight back to England.

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Also waiting in the lounge was Adnan Master, a 30-year-old east Londoner who had been visiting relatives in India, the Lalgi family, from Wembley, and Raxa Modha, from Northamptonshire. Others were flying home to Leicester.

Local passengers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport had noticed that at least one VIP was among them  Vijay Rupani, the former chief minister of the Gujarat region, in which the airport is situated.

Their Air India aircraft was being cleaned, fuelled and readied for boarding. The passengers may have been reassured by the fact that it was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a type of jet that had never been involved in a fatal accident.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner appeared to suffer a catastrophic loss of power as it fell to the ground, still in its nose-up take-off angle

The weather was ideal for flying  sunny and dry, with an air temperature approaching 40C. Everything appeared normal as the passengers boarded and the aircraft taxied towards runway 23 shortly after 1.30pm local time (9am BST).

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On board were 230 passengers, including 53 Britons, 169 Indians, seven Portuguese and one Canadian, along with 12 crew. Eleven of the passengers were children.

In the cockpit, Captain Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, who boasted more than 9,000 hours of flying time between them, increased power and comfortably reached take-off speed, clocking 174 knots, according to data recorded on the ground.

What happened next was captured on CCTV footage that will form crucial evidence for air crash investigators.

Credit: X/ShivAroor

The 11-year-old aircraft became airborne at 1.38pm (9.08am BST) and appeared to take off normally, climbing for 11 seconds before it stopped gaining altitude.

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For the next 19 seconds it gradually lost altitude, drifting slightly from starboard to port, its wings remaining level as the crew fought to keep it in the air.

In those fateful moments, Captain Sabharwal issued his mayday call but, after the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of barely 400ft above the runway, all contact with it was lost.

Video footage shows it suffering a catastrophic loss of lift as the pilot said he was losing power. Then it glided down towards the ground and, after disappearing behind trees in the cameras line of sight, crashed just a few hundred yards from the end of the runway in a fireball that could be seen for miles.

The severed tail of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner - Ajit Solanki/AP

Dr Jason Knight, of the University of Portsmouths School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, said a cloud of dust that can be seen on the video just as the aircraft is taking off could be significant.

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He said: The aircraft could fly perfectly well on one engine. But without any power, the pilot has no choice but to do an emergency landing.

Im not sure, but it appears as though the cloud of dust could be from the engines as they both fail. This could be for a number of reasons but, in my opinion, the most likely is a bird strike in both engines.

Large parts of the aircraft were visible lying in what had been busy streets

The aircraft had crashed in a built-up suburb called Meghani Nagar that includes the campus of a medical college, the BJ Medical College, as well as homes and offices.

Raju Prajapati, a resident of the Shahibaug neighbourhood, just a few hundred metres from the crash site, told The Telegraph: We heard a huge explosion and rushed out of our homes.

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There were thick plumes of black smoke rising into the sky. People were shouting and running in all directions.

Another man at the scene said: I was sitting at home, there was a loud noise, it felt like an earthquake. I came out and saw smoke, I didnt realise it was a plane crash, then I came here and I found out and I saw the crashed plane  there were many bodies lying on the ground.

Inside the medical college students were sitting down to lunch when the aircraft clipped the dining room. One photograph taken inside the building showed abandoned meals still on tables and a large piece of the aircrafts tail section jutting into the end of the room.

Food remains on the tables at the hostel, where doctors were taking a meal break at the time of the crash

Survivors assess the damage after the aircraft crashed on a hostel for doctors

A woman called Ramila said: My son had gone to the hostel during lunch break, and the plane crashed there. My son is safe, and I have spoken to him. He jumped from the second floor, so he suffered some injuries.

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More than 20 students were taken to hospital, with pictures showing wreckage, including the landing gear, embedded in the building.

As rescuers rushed to the scene it seemed impossible that anyone had survived the crash and the fire that followed.

Incredibly, Mr Ramesh, who had been in a window seat in the first row of the main cabin directly behind one of the aircrafts doors, was filmed, bloodied but steady, walking to a waiting ambulance.

He appeared to have suffered only minor injuries and was later able to speak to his family from his hospital bed.

The Air India plane ticket of sole survivor Vishwash Kumar Ramesh

The front portion of the fuselage, including the area in which Mr Ramesh had been sitting, was one of several large parts of the aircraft lying in what had been busy streets near the medical centre.

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One of the aircrafts wings, with its registration number VT-ANB clearly visible in large red letters, lay largely intact on the ground, as did the tailfin with its distinctive Air India logo.

Evidence of the individual lives lost in the tragedy was strewn everywhere. One building had piles of clothes on ledges where they had burst out of passengers suitcases in the crash.

Nearby, charred suitcases and other belongings were mixed together with twisted metal and wiring looms from the aircraft. Charred bodies were also visible among the wreckage.

Clothes and luggage were strewn on the side of the building where the London-bound Air India plane crashed - UNPIXS/CNN

Tim Atkinson, a former accident investigator, told the BBC it was probably the most complex scene that Ive seen pictures of.

He said: This is going to be a very lengthy and extraordinarily difficult and awkward crash site for those working on it to be involved in.

Inevitably, lives had also been lost on the ground. The Indian authorities said at least 290 people were known to have died, meaning around 50 people had been killed on the ground.

At the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, staff formed a long line with gurneys covered in white sheets, ready to receive the remains of the dead, while relatives of those on board gathered, desperate for news.

A woman breaks down in tears after hearing that her brother was among the victims of the crash - Amit Dave/Reuters

A man in his late forties broke down near the hospital gates, pleading with officials to let him through.

He said: My sister and brother-in-law were on the flight. Their seats 110 and 111 were confirmed. Our niece called from London to say: Mumma and Papa were on the plane.

Were from Naroda and have been moving from one checkpoint to another for over an hour and a half. No one is letting us enter the hospital or even wait nearby. We havent come here for a picnic, weve lost our family.

Mahendra Vasandiya, 65, another relative of passengers on board, stood quietly among the crowd.

He said: My younger brother and his wife were travelling to London to see their daughter. I still have no information about them. No one is telling us anything.

Nearby, a woman clutched her phone, struggling to hold back tears. She said: My sister-in-law and her husband were on that plane. Their daughter called me in tears from the UK to say they were coming to visit her. I didnt even know they were flying today.

People hold candles as they take part in a prayer ceremony in Patna for the victims of the plane crash - Sachin Kumar/AFP

At Gatwick, where the flight had been scheduled to land at 6.25pm, a reception centre was set up for relatives of those on board.

The airport said information and support will be provided for those desperate for news of their loved ones.

Downing Street warned the public to be prepared for news of significant loss of British lives.

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Diplomats and representatives from 13 countries toured China's Liaoning Province, witnessing its petrochemical strength. After visiting two major joint ventures in Panjin City, they praised the region's integrated industrial chain. #GLOBALink #diplomats #China #Petrochemical #IndustrialChain






NEED TO KNOW

The implosion of the Titan submersible in June 2023, which killed five people, stands out to Coast Guard investigator Jason Neubauer as unique for several reasons

After a lengthy probe, USCG officials are preparing a final report and Neubauer says OceanGate co-founder Stockton Rush would have been criminally responsible if he lived

Authorities did not, however, speak with Rush's widow, Wendy, who has avoided public attention







Jason Neubauer has been involved with hundreds of U.S. Coast Guard investigations involving marine accidents, tragedies and worse.

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Still, the implosion of the Titan submersible in June 2023, which killed five people, stands out to him as unique for several reasons.

I've never seen one where the vessel was never registered, Neubauer, who is leading the USCG probe of the Titan disaster, tells PEOPLE in this weeks cover story.

The lack of registration (or flagging) with a country was one of the indicators that the sub, created by the Washington-based exploration company OceanGate, was seeking to skirt regulatory scrutiny and safety laws.

As Neubauer puts it, the reason you would do it is to stay off the radar with your intentions.

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Similarly, OceanGate didn't have the Titan classed  or certified by an outside body  and its paying passengers were listed as mission specialists on dives, which Neubauer calls a mask to get around the law.

OceanGate co-founder Stockton Rush, 61, had long been open about his dreams of building a novel kind of submersible to allow more people to reach deepwater artifacts like the wreck of the Titanic.

To that end, Titans hull was made of carbon fiber rather than titanium or steel and it was designed in a cylindrical shape, not a sphere.

 For more on what really happened during the Titan sub implosion, pick up this week's issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe.

Becky Kagan Schott OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush

HANDOUT/OceanGate Expeditions/AFP via Getty The Titan sub The Titan sub

Both of those decisions went against the prevailing understanding of the best way for submersibles to withstand immense pressure while traversing the ocean.

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But for a time, Rush seemed to have been successful  even as internal warnings mounted that his sub would ultimately fail. Neubauer notes that the Titans own monitoring system documented how the hull was making increasing amounts of noise, indicating the material was being damaged.

The sub was also left out in the Canadian winter, in a parking lot, even covered with snow, during the off-season.

Then while diving down to the Titanic two years ago, the Titan imploded while Rush was piloting. Four other people  Shahzada and Suleman Dawood, Hamish Harding and Paul-Henri Nargeolet  were killed as well.

It was incredible that the Titan made it to Titanic  many times. It really was technologically impressive that it was able to do that, Neubauer says. The problem is it just wasn't doing it safely.

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The sub, says Neubauer, was waiting to be an accident.

Since the implosion, the Coast Guard has been conducting an extensive investigation  including a public hearing last year  and with what Neubauer calls the most data hes ever seen collected for a probe like this.

A final report is expected soon, as early as this month.

One conclusion Neubauer feels comfortable making is that if Rush had survived, he couldve faced charges for seamans manslaughter.

He says no one else at OceanGate was responsible, including Rushs widow, Wendy, who worked at the company at the time and was on board a support ship monitoring the final, doomed dive.

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She has avoided the spotlight since the tragedy and Neubauer says Coast Guard officials didnt interview her.

We felt like we could get the information we needed from other witnesses. And I've been in contact with her through her attorney, he says, but I haven't been tracking where she is. (PEOPLE has been unable to reach her for comment.)

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

I think we know the story, Neubauer says. We know what happened. We have some ideas how to prevent it from occurring again.

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In its own statement, OceanGate tells PEOPLE: We again offer our deepest condolences to the families of those who died on June 18, 2023, and to all those impacted by the tragedy.

After the tragedy occurred, OceanGate permanently wound down its operations, the now-defunct company says, and focused its resources on fully cooperating with the investigations being.

Read the original article on People
Jun. 12June 4

Daniel A. Bailey, 64, Sebring, Ohio, theft-written lease, dismissed.

Richard Dale Barbee, 49, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, theft-written lease, dismissed.

Amber Lee Chasteen, 46, 1124 N. Fifth St., four counts retail theft, dismissed.

John Foraker, 46, Leesville, Louisiana, theft-written lease, dismissed.

David Bowers Hiatt, 48, Logan, Utah, ordinance violation disorderly conduct, dismissed.

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Brody Joshua Jellum, 52, Sanger, Texas, theft-movable property, dismissed.

Ronnie L. Martin Jr., 61, 22B Catlin Courts, theft-movable property, dismissed.

Bryan Keith Miller, 61, Duluth, party to theft-movable property, dismissed.

Robert Milner, 47, South Bend, Indiana, theft-written lease, dismissed.

Randy Scott Nieman, 67, Sioux City, Iowa, theft-written lease, dismissed.

Michele Proft, 50, Lake in the Hills, Illinois, theft-written lease, dismissed.

Carlos Dion Smith, 52, Indianapolis, Indiana, theft-written lease, dismissed.

June 5

Michael Rae Drummor, 53, 1108 Oakes Ave., possess drug paraphernalia, carrying a concealed knife, no contest pleas, six days jail, 90 days jail stayed, one year of probation concurrent, $516 fine and court costs.

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June 6

Kimberly Marie Amazone, 50, 1109 22nd Ave. E., domestic disorderly conduct, no contest plea, two days jail, $579 fine and court costs; bail jumping, dismissed.

Jeffrey L. Cassels, 47, 1004 N. Sixth St., battery by prisoners, no contest plea, 30 months state prison, three years of extended supervision, $1,693.90 restitution and court costs; disorderly conduct, dismissed.

Barry Allan Hack, 46, Duluth, second- or subsequent offense possession with intent to deliver amphetamine, bail jumping, guilty pleas, two years state prison, two years extended supervision concurrent, $1,189.50 fine and court costs; possession of methamphetamine, carrying a concealed knife, possess drug paraphernalia, dismissed.

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Katie Marie Houle, 29, Odanah, second- or subsequent offense possession with intent to deliver narcotics, no contest plea, six months jail, four years of probation, $748.50 fine; repeater possession of methamphetamine, repeater possess drug paraphernalia, dismissed.

Nicholas Gearhart Kunz, 46, Two Harbors, Minnesota, resisting or obstructing an officer, no contest plea, $579 fine and court costs.

June 9

Thomas Douglas Calvin, 29, Mansfield, Arizona, fourth-offense operating while intoxicated, no contest plea, 150 days jail with work release, $2,292 fine, 36-month driver's license revocation, ignition interlock, alcohol assessment; fourth-offense operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration, dismissed.

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Bernard Hunter Jr., 19, 1201 1/2 N. Sixth St., party to take and drive vehicle without consent, deferred prosecution agreement revoked, 18 months state prison, two years extended supervision consecutive to other sentences, seek and obtain GED or equivalent during incarceration or when released.

Jackiy Marie Klund, 33, 2019 Hughitt Ave., disorderly conduct, no contest plea, $579 fine and court costs.

Kenneth Gerald MacMillan, 45, Duluth, party to theft-movable property, guilty plea, one day jail, $988 restitution, fine and court costs.

Darrell Duyea Murphy, 65, Minneapolis, Minnesota, failure to maintain sex offender registry, no contest plea, 120 days jail stayed, 18 months of probation, $591 fine.

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Julie Ann Nelson, 63, 1504 N. 32nd St., retail theft-intentionally take, no contest plea, 12-month deferred prosecution agreement.

Michael Wayne Olson, 60, Duluth, possess with intent to deliver amphetamine, guilty plea, 58 months state prison, five years extended supervision, $748.50 fine; possess drug paraphernalia, dismissed.

Christopher Paul Raddant, 53, 5272 S. State Road 35, operating while revoked, guilty plea, two days jail, $579 fine and court costs.

Declan Patrick Ross, 24, Bennett, second-offense operating while intoxicated, guilty plea, 15 days jail with work release, $1,585.50 fine, 13-month driver's license revocation, ignition interlock, alcohol assessment; second-offense operating with a prohibited alcohol concentration, dismissed.

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Zachary Donald Smith, 43, Duluth, take and drive vehicle without consent, no contest plea, four days jail, six months jail stayed, two years of probation, $793 restitution and court costs, no contact with victim; retail theft-intentionally take, dismissed.

Maya Bella Swanson, 21, Duluth, vehicle operator flee/elude officer, no contest plea, two-year deferred prosecution agreement.

Yvette Elizabeth Tesser, 60, Duluth, disorderly conduct, no contest plea, eight days jail, $579 fine and court costs.

Jamar Walker Sr., 44, Duluth, second-offense within three years operate without valid license, guilty plea, four days jail, $705 fine and court costs; additional count second-offense within three years operate without valid license, dismissed.

The Superior Telegram publishes court records as part of its obligation to serve as a keeper of the local historical record. All items are public records submitted by the courthouse in Superior. Individual requests for items to be withheld will not be granted.
DCCCA offers naloxone through a vending machine outside of a Lawrence Transit station near the University of Kansas campus. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)

LAWRENCE  Public health officials are responding to a spike in opioid overdoses in Douglas County by offering free, lifesaving drugs, including through a vending machine.

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health called attention to overdose statistics in a social media post, stating the Kansas Department of Health and Environment identified 33 opioid overdoses between March and May in eastern Kansas. Douglas County accounted for a majority of emergency department visits in the area, double what would be expected in a two-month timeframe.

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This isnt just a Douglas County issue. This is a nationwide issue that unfortunately claims peoples lives every year, said Cara Hansuld, prevention services program manager at DCCCA, which provides community and social services. Its hard to say what the long-term effects are right now and if this is going to continue.

Douglas County resources

DCCCA: Free Narcan and fentanyl test strips, and naloxone vending machine. Contact: info@dccca.org.

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health: Free Narcan and test strips, no appointment needed. Contact: 785-843-3060.

Treatment and Recovery Center: Open 24/7 for detox, mental health and substance use care. Contact: 785-843-9192.

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Heartland Community Health Center: Medication-assisted treatment, mental health care, walk-ins welcome. Contact: 785-841-7297.

While public health officials have been swift to make lifesaving drugs like naloxone accessible to the public, other local experts are emphasizing the need for awareness and education.

Its important for our residents to know whats happening, Hansuld said. This indicates to me that there is more concentrated fentanyl or just a more dangerous strain of the substance that theyre seeking. Its good for everyone to know so they can be prepared in case that happens to them or somebody close to them.

DCCCA has funded a naloxone vending machine outside of a Lawrence Transit station near the University of Kansas campus since Feb. 2024, providing free nasal spray when residents enter their zip code. Douglas County residents also can request free naloxone and fentanyl test strips online through DCCCAs website.

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This is a communitywide and national challenge that demands a coordinated, multifaceted response, said Ryan Sztorch, senior director of crisis services at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center in Lawrence. Reducing stigma is a key part of that process.

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health provides naloxone and fentanyl test strips as well as education on how to use them. Executive director Jonathan Smith said its crucial to share accurate, timely information about the clinics resources to save lives.

This is a moment for the community to be alert and educated about resources available to prevent overdoses from happening, Smith said. The most important thing we can do is act early, raise awareness, and make sure people know where to go for support.

Organizations are working to spread awareness about the rise in overdoses across the county. For Douglas County, collaboration has been key in helping address the opioid crisis.

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Our community is fortunate to have a wide range of strengths and resources, and its only through collective action that we can make meaningful progress, Sztorch said. Each of these partners brings unique strengths  whether its providing treatment, coordinating care, distributing Narcan, or offering lifesaving interventions. This united front is a testament to the power of community and shared purpose.

Bert Nash partners with first responders across the county to provide not only treatment but also mental health resources. Sztorch says that reducing the stigma of substance use means recognizing substance use disorders the same way we would other medical conditions, as well as their connection to mental health.

Normalizing substance use disorders as medical conditions  just like diabetes or heart disease  is essential to saving lives, said Sztorch. We also need insurance providers to recognize and support treatment for substance use disorders on par with other health conditions. We know that mental health and substance use are deeply interconnected  addressing one often supports healing in the other.

Although experts havent identified a root cause to the uptick in overdoses, they agree the goal is to continue educating Douglas County residents and providing resources to those in need.

Our focus right now is on preventing further harm, Smith said. The resources are here, and we want to make sure our community knows how to access them.
UNION COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Two people were arrested after police found dozens of animals, both dead and alive, at a Union home.

The Union Police Department responded to a home on Park Drive in May 2025, finding the home to be unsafe and unlivable, with feces covering the floor of the residence.

Police said 39 cats were discovered in the home, three dogs, and 20 dead cats in an unplugged freezer.

A 17-year-old was also left at the home, police said. The teens parents were enroute to Florida, according to the warrants.

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34-year-old Justin Bowen Capps and 41-year-old Alicia Marie Capps were arrested on Thursday morning and were charged with unlawful neglect towards a child and three counts of ill treatment of animals.

They are being held at the Union County Detention Center, both on a $25,000 bond.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) says people on Interstate 165 in Ohio County should expect traffic-related issues.

Ohio County Dispatch says I-165 southbound is blocked by a dump truck that broke down and is partially in the roadway. The KYTC says this is at the 43 mile marker in Ohio County. Deputies say the lane will likely be shut down for about two to three hours.

Webster County dispatch centers officially consolidate

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The Ohio County Sheriffs Office (OCSO) says it currently has the slow lane of traffic shut down around the mile marker in question on I-165 on the southbound side due to this truck.

Deputies ask for people to use caution when traveling in this area.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Two men, including one wanted on attempted homicide charges in a shooting, were arrested in connection with a store robbery, police say.

Robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery are pending against Donnell Rhodes, 24, of Harrisburg, and Jachai Daniels, 25, of Columbia, according to Columbia Borough Police.

The incident happened at the JK Mart along Lancaster Avenue about 9 a.m. Tuesday, police said.

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Police also said they were able to take the duo into custody with the help of the U.S. Marshals Service and Harrisburg Police.

Rhodes is also facing attempted homicide charges stemming from a Harrisburg shooting last month.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA)  Sunday is the 13th anniversary of the DACA program. Senator Dick Durbin is spearheading the movement to turn the executive order into law.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals allows undocumented immigrants who entered the country as children protection from deportation. The program has helped more than 800,000 young people.

Theyve gone to our schools, theyve stood up every morning in the classroom and pledged allegiance to the same flag we pledge allegiance, and they aspire to be great and make America a greater country, Durbin (D-IL) said at a news conference Wednesday.

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Illinois bill ending scam gym membership tactic heads to governors desk

The senior senator from Illinois is one of the biggest supporters of the program. He first introduced a bill on the senate floor in 2001 but has not been successful codifying it into law.



Sometimes wed pass it in the Senate, but the House wouldnt, Durbin said. Sometimes we couldnt get 60 votes, sometimes we could.

President Barack Obama enacted the program with an executive order in 2012. Critics said implementing it was an overreach of Obamas powers.

The program essentially rewards parents for bringing their children to the United States illegally, Ira Mehlman, the Media Director for Federation for American Immigration Reform, said. And anytime you reward illegal activity, the inevitable result is youre going to get more of it.

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Immigrant advocates say Dreamers serve many essential roles in their communities.

Theres a lot of doctors, nurses, individuals like myself doing advocacy based work, and pretty much any career you can think of here, there are DACA workers in our community, Maria Jimenez, the Executive Director of Immigrant Services of Champaign-Urbana, said.

Illinois bill on governors desk would require law enforcement to work with federal gun tracing database

But as the Supreme Court debates the constitutionality of the program, theyre facing anxiety over a possible future without the program.

It would mean a great deal of instability for my family, Jimenez said. I have a partner, I have two young kids I provide for, it would mean myself, my brother, my family members would all of a sudden not have the stability and safety from deportation.

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The proposed legislation, American Dream and Promise Act of 2025, would give anyone who is 18 or younger whos been in the U.S. since 2021 protected status. It would also provide a pathway to permanent legal status if dreamers get a degree or serve in the military for at least two years. The full bill 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 WCIA.com.
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN)  A court order has terminated the appointment of a settlement administrator for those impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine.

The court order from U.S. District Court Judge Benita Y. Pearson comes after complaints and an investigation that uncovered calculation errors.

Pearson cited issues with Krolls calculations based on a point system for settlement awards. Awards were based on proximity to the train derailment site, specific losses and other criteria.

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The Court finds sufficient reason to believe that Kroll has not fulfilled its obligation to adequately administer the Settlement and related Court Orders including, but not limited to, the Courts Order approving and implementing the Plan of Distribution, the court order stated.

The order stated that it was believed that Kroll overpaid some class members to the detriment of others.

However, Stephanie Siok, a lawyer in the case, said no one who received an overpayment will be asked to pay it back, and Class Counsel will seek restitution from Kroll.

Epiq Class Action and Claims Solutions has been named as the replacement settlement administrator. Norfolk Southern did not object to Krolls removal.

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Kroll will have no further contact with class members. Instead, Epiq will contact those class members who had appointments to make alternative arrangements in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, an audit of Kroll will continue.

The settlement agreement resolves claims within a 20-mile radius of the derailment and, for those who participated, personal injury claims within a 10-mile radius of the derailment.

We are devastated that our hard work to achieve a $600M settlement remains unfulfilled. We will continue to do everything we can for the community to get the Voluntary Exposure funds out to the hands of the citizens in the correct amounts, said Jayne Conroy, Beth Graham and Seth Katz in a joint statement.

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In addition, the settlement office on Rebecca Street is now closed following the administrators termination. Epiq will be reaching out to those who had appointments in the coming weeks to reschedule.

Gerry Ricciutti contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
PAYNE SPRINGS, Texas (KETK)  According to Payne Springs Fire Rescue, a motorcyclist was flown to a local hospital on Monday after colliding with a deer in Hidden Hills Harbor.

Firefighter injured after early morning Longview house fire

Courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue Courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue Courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue Courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue Courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue Courtesy of Payne Springs Fire Rescue

PSFR officials said units found one motorcycle rider who collided with a deer and their condition is unknown.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Its time for President Donald Trump, despite his own casual relationship with the truth, to stop putting American lives at risk and get rid of his dangerous quack in chief, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

In his latest broadside against science, Kennedy is removing all 17 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, the CDCs main advisory body, to ostensibly restore public trust above any specific pro- or anti-vaccine agenda. God protect us, as RFK wont.

This is how a society becomes undone. Science and reason get stepped on by half-truths and conspiracy theories. Next comes preventable death and disease.

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The problem is that there is no anti-vaccine side in the legitimate practice of science and medicine. The departments accompanying press release denigrated public health ideology as if the practice of public health wasnt the CDCs only function. Researchers and doctors should be biased in favor of evidence-based therapeutics that save lives.

Railing against bias towards vaccines is like a politician condemning researchers biased in favor of seatbelts in cars or keeping lead out of household paint. Its idiotic.

We understand that the Make America Healthy Again movement Kennedy leads is all about questioning medical and nutritional practice. On a really abstract level, we are in agreement that no scientific truisms should be entirely above questioning  such a perspective would be anti-science.

But there is a specific and long-standing methodology for actually answering those questions, and it is not debate club or who can most incite crowds of followers. It is the scientific method, under which hypotheses can be rigorously tested in ways that are replicable and based on clear and clearly laid out evidence.

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In that arena  really the only arena that actually matters when it comes to public health  the safety and efficacy of vaccines has been conclusively established. There is no additional discussion necessary or appropriate, particularly when it comes to immunizations that have now been standard-issue for decades and have by all measures radically decreased illness and mortality where theyve been successfully deployed.

The measles vaccine will always be better for individuals and public health than getting the measles. The same is true for polio, tetanus, COVID and all else.

Preying on public skepticism of the pharmaceutical and health industries to hawk alternative approaches that are often unregulated and dont work is damaging it enough. Yet a true believer like RFK is more dangerous, especially now that he stands at the pinnacle of our nations public health bureaucracy, a position that allows him to substantively impose his own anti-science view on an unsuspecting public and take the choice away from the American people.

If RFKs new picks for ACIP  which the secretary falsely promised Sen. Bill Cassidy he wouldnt touch during his confirmation process  step back from recommending various crucial vaccines, this could substantially prevent even those who want to make the informed decision to receive inoculations or have their children vaccinated from being able to do so.

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As much as Kennedy and his followers emphasize the need for people to be able to make individual choices about their health, they seem hell-bent on taking that choice away entirely, especially given that insurance is not required to cover vaccines that are not CDC-recommended.

We wonder what RFK will have to say for himself as once-eradicated diseases begin cutting through the U.S. population again. Is there anything that will get him to veer off this disastrous course? If the answer is no, and we suspect it is, then he must be removed before he can further damage public health.

_____
Debris of an Air India plane is seen at the crash site in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. India's foreign ministry said a lot of people have lost their lives in the plane crash with 242 people on board the flight to London in the western state of Gujarat. (Str/Xinhua)

ISLAMABAD, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed sorrow over the crash of an Air India flight near Ahmedabad.

"Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today," Sharif said in a post on the social media platform X.

"We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy," he added.

India's foreign ministry said a lot of people have lost their lives in the plane crash with 242 people on board the flight to London in the western state of Gujarat. 

People conduct rescue work at the site of an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. India's foreign ministry said a lot of people have lost their lives in the plane crash with 242 people on board the flight to London in the western state of Gujarat. (Str/Xinhua)

Rescuers are pictured near the debris of an Air India plane at the crash site in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. India's foreign ministry said a lot of people have lost their lives in the plane crash with 242 people on board the flight to London in the western state of Gujarat. (Str/Xinhua)

Rescuers carry the body of a victim at the site of an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. India's foreign ministry said a lot of people have lost their lives in the plane crash with 242 people on board the flight to London in the western state of Gujarat. (Str/Xinhua)

Firefighters extinguish flames at the site of an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. India's foreign ministry said a lot of people have lost their lives in the plane crash with 242 people on board the flight to London in the western state of Gujarat. (Str/Xinhua)
The story of what happened in the early morning hours of June 12, 2016, began with gunshots, pain and terror. Forty-nine lives lost, dozens more injured in bodies and souls. The violence unleashed by a single gunman at Pulse nightclub left scars on this community that will never disappear. And at long last, local leaders have a plan for a fitting memorial to that tragedy.

But that is not the end of this story, and that memorial will not be the most important way the Orlando area honors the legacy of Pulse.

Even before the sun set on that fateful day, Central Floridians were building their own monuments, written in flowers, candles, prayers and tears. In public spaces across the region, people gathered, strangers coming together to reassure each other that this ugly act did not represent what this community stood for. And before the eyes of the world, that steadfast insistence made a difference. Orlando rebutted any suggestion that it provided a haven for hatred  by responding to ugly violence with love, kindness and solidarity.

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That response was anchored in common but often unspoken knowledge. Even before the Pulse massacre, Orlando was known as a place where members of the LGBTQ community could live in relative peace, even though homosexuality was a crime in Florida until 2003, and same-sex marriage was only legalized in 2015. It was also recognized as a haven for people from all over the world  not just tourists, but those who came to this country looking for a new start, even if they didnt speak perfect English. Clubs like Pulse provided safe spaces for people regardless of sexuality, national origin or skin color to come together in safety, to dance, to celebrate their common humanity instead of focusing on their differences. But many of Orlandos neighborhoods, businesses and houses of worship also worked to ensure that all were welcome.

That made Central Florida unusual, particularly in the South. But what happened after Pulse made it extraordinary.

Even as the shock of the massacre reverberated, there was little tolerance for intolerance. Were certain that there were people who attempted to preach the massacre as the wages of this areas acceptance of alternative sexualities, or who attempted to use the Islamic ideology of the killer (who also died that night) as a wedge for anti-Muslim hatred. But those voices were barely heard  even when they came from presidential campaigns. Instead, the Orlando LGBTQ community quickly forged an alliance with local Muslim leaders and Latino organizations, standing together against the kind of persecution that each community had far too much experience with.

This is the legacy of Pulse, and one that we need today more than ever.

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Over recent years, Americans have seen their state and national leaders attempt to exploit ugly prejudice for political gain. In Florida, elected leaders tried to parlay angst about drag queen story hours and overly woke teachers to distract attention from their attempts to weaken the strength of public schools and erase history lessons that underscore the toll that hatred extracts from todays society. More recently, unfounded antagonism against immigrants is being used to sow fear across many Orlando-area communities.

The goal seems obvious: Every attempt to divide our communities makes us more vulnerable, more easily manipulated, more vulnerable to acts of political aggression that can easily flower into actual violence. That reality also hit hard locally in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, attacks on the Capitol: The revelation that many of the ringleaders and their misguided followers hailed from Central Florida was a gut check, but that knowledge was tempered by the understanding that these groups, who called themselves Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, were in fact too ashamed of their own hateful ideology to embrace it publicly.

Within a year, Orlando residents will see the new Pulse memorial taking shape at the corner of Kaley Street and Orange Avenue, and it will be beautiful: A stirring, color-shifting tribute to the 49 angels who died that morning, and the community that is still brought to tears by their memory. But residents dont need to wait for architects or builders to remember those victims, or to protect their legacy. We honor the victims of Pulse by rejecting attempts to divide us, by celebrating our shared humanity, and by remaining Orlando United  not just today, but every day.

The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Executive Editor Roger Simmons, Opinion Editor Krys Fluker and Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick. Contact us at insight@orlandosentinel.com
Starting today, the Trump administration will impose a long-expected revamp of the cruel policy that made it very clear during the early days of his first term that the president was not bluffing on his desire to indiscriminately target entire classes of immigrants in his promised crackdown: the travel ban.

This time, President Donald Trump has singled out Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen for full bans, with seven others restricted.

While the authority that Trump is leaning on does exist in the law and has been used by prior presidents, these uses were things like barring entry of people engaged in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of Burundi. It was not until Trump and Stephen Miller that a president even attempted to expand this law to claim that entire countries are somehow detrimental to U.S. interests or inherently dangerous.

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It was a weak enough argument that, during his first term, Trumps first two iterations of what is now known as the Muslim Ban were struck down, only for the Supreme Court to allow a third after the administration threw in Venezuela and North Korea to claim that it was not motivated by any racial or religious animus.

This was a procedural trick and everyone knew it; there was no basis for this move other than wanting to keep certain people out of the country. No one has to nor should pretend that the old ban nor this one have anything to do with protecting the United States, just the same Millers zeal for ICE arrests does not, by his own recent admission, have anything to do with clamping down on criminality but rather taking as many people into custody as possible, for the simple fact that they are immigrants.

We would challenge Miller and the other officials rolling out the travel ban to explain why, for example, an ailing Haitian grandmother who wishes to come to the United States to receive our world-class cancer treatment should be presumptively barred from doing so. Yet, we dont really think that they have any real interest in explaining the logic because whatever logic is secondary to the overarching objective of barring some kinds of people from the United States.

The administration will claim, as it did during the first term, that there are reasonable carve-outs to these orders, but we cant say we really trust them to apply these standards cogently or fairly. After all, theyve already made something of a habit of arbitrary violations of law, as demonstrated by D.C. Federal Judge James Boasbergs recent ruling that the entirety of the administrations Alien Enemies Act removals of Venezuelan nationals to the CECOT mega-prison in El Salvador were unlawful, and that the administration should prepare to bring those individuals back to the United States.

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Shame on the high court for validating this overreach in the presidents power to regulate immigration, which serves no purpose than throwing red meat to the base and collectively punishing innocent people from whole countries based on vague national security concerns or, to be more accurate and specific about it, their ethnic and religious background, in violation of our principles as a nation.

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A rally goer rolls out a scroll with the names of every school district that has gone to referendum since the last state budget. Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner.

Education advocates are making a push for more investment in public schools from the state as the Republican-led Joint Finance Committee plans to take up portions of the budget related to K-12 schools during its Thursday meeting.

The issue has been a top concern for Wisconsinites who came out to budget listening sessions and was one of Gov. Tony Evers priorities in his budget proposal. Evers proposed that the state spend an additional $3.1 billion on K-12 education. Evers and Republican leaders were negotiating on the spending for education as well as taxes and other parts of the budget until last week when negotiations reached an impasse.

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Evers has said that Republicans were unwilling to compromise on his funding priorities, including making meaningful investments for K-12 schools, to continue Child Care Counts to help lower the cost of child care for working families and to prevent further campus closures and layoffs at our UW System. He said he was willing to support their tax proposal, which Republicans have said included income and retiree tax cuts.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) said on WISN 12s UpFront that Evers lied about Republicans walking away from the negotiating table.

Were willing to do it, just not as much as he wanted When you read that statement, it makes it sound like we were at zero, Vos said. We were not at zero on any of those topics. We tried to find a way to invest in child care that actually went to the parents, and to make sure that we werent just having to go to a business. We tried to find a way to look at education so that money would actually go back to school districts across the state. It just wasnt enough for what he wanted.

Public education advocates said school districts are in dire need of a significant investment of state dollars, especially for special education. After lobbying for the last week, many are concerned that when Republicans finally announce their proposal it wont be enough.

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State Superintendent Jill Underly told the Wisconsin Examiner in an interview Wednesday afternoon that she is anticipating that Republicans will put forth more short-term solutions, but she said schools and students cant continue functioning in that way.

Underly compared the situation of education funding in Wisconsin to a road trip.

The gas tank is nearly empty, and youre trying to coast youre turning the air conditioning off going at a lower speed limit, just to save a little fuel and the state budget every two years. I kind of look at them as like these exits to gas stations, Underly said. We keep passing up these opportunities to refuel. Schools are running on fumes, and we see the stress that is having an our system  the number of referendums, the anxiety around whether or not were going to have the referendum or not in our communities. Wisconsin public schools have been underfunded for decades.

The one thing lawmakers must do, Underly said, is increase the special education reimbursement rate to a minimum of 60%, back to the levels of the 1990s.

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It used to be 60% but they havent been keeping up their promise to public schools, Underly said. They need to raise the special education reimbursement rate. Anything less than 60% is once again failing to meet urgent needs.

The Wisconsin Public Education Network is encouraging advocates to show up at the committee meeting Thursday and continue pushing lawmakers and Evers to invest. Executive Director Heather DuBois Bourenane told the Examiner that she is concerned lawmakers are planning on low balling special education funding, even as she said she has never seen the education community so united in its insistence on one need.

Were familiar with the way they work in that caucus and in the Joint Finance Committee, DuBois Bourenane said. The pattern of the past has been to go around the state and listen to the concerns that are raised or at least get the appearance of listening, and then reject those concerns and demands and put forward a budget that fails in almost every way to prioritize the priority needs for our communities.

While its unclear what Republicans will ultimately do, budget papers prepared by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau includes three options when it comes to special education reimbursement rate: the first is to raise the rate to 60% sum sufficient  as Evers has proposed; the second is to leave the rate at 31.5% sum certain by investing an additional $35.8 million and the third is to raise the rate to an estimated 35% by providing an additional $68.6 million in 2023-24 and $86.2 million in 2024-25.

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The paper also includes options for investing more in the high cost of special education, which provides additional aid to reimburse 90% of the cost of educating students whose special education costs exceed $30,000 in a single year.

The School Administrators Alliance (SAA) sent an update to its members on Monday, pointing out what was in the budget papers and saying the committee appears poised to focus spending on High-Cost Special Education Aid and the School Levy Tax Credit, rather than significantly raising the primary special education categorical aid.

SAA Executive Director Dee Pettack said in the email that if thats the route lawmakers take, it would result in minimal new, spendable resources for classrooms and students.

Public school funding was one of the top priorities mentioned by Wisconsinites at the four budget hearings held by the budget committee across the state in March.

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I just think its time to say enough is enough, DuBois Bourenane said. Were really urging people to do whatever they can before our lawmakers vote on this budget, to say that we are really going to accept nothing less than a budget that stops this cycle of insufficient state support for priority needs and demand better.

Pettack and leaders of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, Southeast Wisconsin School Alliance and the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance also issued a joint letter Tuesday urging the committee to meet this moment with the urgency it requires, adding that the budget provides the opportunity to allocate resources that will help students achieve.

The letter detailed the situation that a low special education reimbursement has placed districts in as they struggle to fund the mandated services and must fill in the gaps with funds from their general budgets.

The lack of an adequate state reimbursement for mandated special education programs and services negatively affects all other academic programs, including career and technical education, reading interventionists, teachers and counselors, STEM, dual enrollment, music, art and more, the organizations stated. While small increases in special education reimbursement have been achieved in recent state budgets, costs for special education programming and services have grown much faster than those increases, leaving public schools in a stagnant situation.

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Should we fail in this task, we are not only hurting Wisconsins youth today but also our chances to compete in tomorrows economy, the leaders wrote.

If the proposal from Republicans isnt adequate, Underly said Evers doesnt have to sign the budget. Republican lawmakers have expressed confidence that they will put a budget on Evers desk that he will sign.

Theres that, and then we keep negotiating. We keep things as they are right now. We keep moving forward, Underly said. But our schools and our kids, they cant continue to wait for this These are short term fixes, I think, that they keep talking about, and we cant continue down this path. We need to fix it so that were setting ourselves up for success. Everything else is just really short sighted.

WPEN and others want Evers to use his veto power should the proposal not be sufficient. DuBois Bourenane said dozens of organizations have signed on to a letter calling on Evers to reject any budget that doesnt meet the states needs and priorities.

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What we want them to do is negotiate in good faith and reject any budget that doesnt meet the needs of our kids, and just keep going back to the drawing board until you reach a bipartisan agreement that actually does meet those needs, DuBois Bourenane said. Gov. Evers has the power to break this cycle. He has the power of his veto pen. He has the power of his negotiating authority, and we expect him to use it right and people have got his back.

The budget deadline is June 30. If it is not completed by then, the state continues to operate under the 2023-25 budget.

Nobody wants [the process] to be drawn out any longer than it is, DuBois Bourenane said. Those are valid concerns. But the fact is we are in a really critical tension point right now, and if any people care even a little bit about this, now is the time that they should be speaking out.

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RABAT, Morocco (AP)  Egypt blocked activists planning to take part in a march to Gaza, halting their attempt to reach the border and challenge Israels blockade on humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory before it could begin.

Egyptian authorities and activists both said Thursday that people planning to march across the Sinai Peninsula were deported.

To draw attention to the humanitarian crisis afflicting people in Gaza, marchers have for months planned to trek about 30 miles (about 50 kilometers) from the city of Arish to Egypt's border with the enclave on Sunday to create international moral and media pressure to open the crossing at Rafah and lift a blockade that has prevented aid from entering.

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Saif Abu Keshek, one of the activists organizing the march, said that about 200 activists  mostly Algerians and Moroccans  were detained or deported.

But those arriving to the Cairo International Airport on Thursday afternoon were allowed into Egypt, the Spain-based activist added. Organizers have not received approval from Egyptian authorities for Sunday's march and were evaluating how to proceed, he said.

None of the circumstances compare to what Palestinians and Gaza have to deal with every day, Abu Keshek said of the ordeal.

An Egyptian official on Thursday said more than three dozen activists, mostly carrying European passports, were deported upon their arrival at the Cairo International Airport in the past two days. The official said the activists aimed to travel to Northern Sinai without obtaining required authorizations. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media.

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Sensitivities and security

Egypt has publicly denounced the restrictions on aid entering Gaza and repeatedly called for an end to the war. It has said that the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing remains open, but access to the strip has been blocked since Israel seized the Palestinian side of the border as part of its war with Hamas that began in October 2023.

However, authorities have for years clamped down on dissidents and activists when their criticism touches on Cairos political and economic ties with Israel, a sensitive issue in neighboring countries where governments maintain diplomatic relations with Israel despite broad public sympathy for Palestinians.

Egypt had earlier warned that only those who received authorization would be allowed to travel the planned march route, acknowledging it had received numerous requests and inquiries.

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Egypt holds the right to take all necessary measures to preserve its national security, including the regulation of the entry and movement of individuals within its territory, especially in sensitive border areas, its foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

Israel Katz, Israels defense minister, yesterday referred to the protestors as jihadists and called on Egypt to prevent them from reaching the border with Gaza. He said they endanger the Egyptian regime and constitute a threat to all moderate Arab regimes in the region.

The march is set to begin just days after a large convoy, which organizers said included thousands of activists, traveled overland across North Africa to Egypt.

Marchers detained in Cairo

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Activists and attorneys said airport detentions and deportations began Wednesday with no explicit reason given by Egyptian authorities to detainees.

The standoff has put pressure on the activists home countries, which are wary of seeing their citizens detained.

A French diplomatic official said France is in close contact with Egyptian authorities about French nationals who were refused entry in Egypt or detained to ensure consular protection. The participants risked arrest for unauthorized demonstrations in sensitive areas like the Sinai Peninsula, the official added. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the sensitive diplomatic matter.

The Global March to Gaza is the latest civil society effort pressing for the entry of food, fuel, medical supplies, and other aid into Gaza. Israel imposed a total blockade in March in an attempt to pressure Hamas to disarm and to release hostages taken in Hamas Oct. 7, 2023 attack that ignited the war in the Gaza Strip.

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It slightly eased restrictions last month, allowing limited aid in, but experts warn the measures fall far short.

Food security experts warn the Gaza Strip will likely fall into famine if Israel doesnt lift its blockade and stop its military campaign. Nearly half a million Palestinians are facing possible starvation, and 1 million others can barely get enough food, according to findings by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a leading international authority.

Israel has rejected the findings, saying the IPCs previous forecasts had proven unfounded.

Israels offensive has killed over 52,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, whose count does not distinguish between civilians or combatants.

__

Sylvie Corbet in Paris, and Natalie Melzer in Nahariya, Israel, contributed to this report.
Egyptian authorities have detained and deported dozens of pro-Palestinian activists planning to take part in a march intended to break Israels blockade on Gaza, airport officials and protest organisers have said.

Thousands of activists from around the world have been planning to trek to Egypts Rafah border crossing with the Palestinian territory on Friday as part of the Global March to Gaza, demanding the entry of humanitarian aid into the blockaded territory.

But Egyptian officials have been cracking down on international visitors planning to participate in the march, detaining them at Cairo airport and hotels in the Egyptian capital for questioning, and arresting and deporting dozens on Thursday.

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An Egyptian official told The Associated Press that authorities had deported more than three dozen activists, most of whom held European passports, on arrival at Cairo International Airport in the past two days.

The official, who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to brief the media, said that the deported activists had intended to travel to Northern Sinai without obtaining required authorisations.

The Reuters news agency reported that at least 73 foreign nationals had been deported on a flight to Istanbul on Thursday, with 100 more at the airport awaiting deportation.





Activists from US, Australia, France questioned

Saif Abukeshek, spokesperson for the Global March to Gaza, told the AFP news agency that more than 200 activists had been detained at Cairo airport or questioned at hotels in the city.

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Among those detained were nationals from the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Algeria and Morocco.

He told AFP that plainclothes officers had gone to Cairo hotels on Wednesday with lists of names, questioning activists, searching their belongings and confiscating their phones in some cases.

After interrogations, some were arrested and others were released, he said, adding that some had been deported after being detained at Cairo airport.

A group of Greek activists said in a statement that dozens of their contingent had been detained at Cairo airport despite having all legal travel documents, having broken no law and followed every legal procedure in entering the country.

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The marchs organisers said in a statement that they had followed guidelines laid out by the Egyptian government, and indicated they would proceed with the march as planned.

We look forward to providing any additional information the Egyptian authorities require to ensure the march continues peacefully as planned to the Rafah border, said the statement.

Abukeshek told AFP that the group were still planning to proceed with Fridays march to the Gaza border.

Moral pressure to lift blockade

The marchers plan to travel by bus to the city of El Arish in the Sinai Peninsula before walking about 50 kilometres (31 miles) to the border with Gaza. They intend to join a convoy of activists that left Tunisia on Monday, travelling overland to support the action.

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The organisers say they aim to create international moral and media pressure to open the border crossing at Rafah and lift the aid blockade on Gaza, which the United Nations has described as the hungriest place on Earth.

Israel imposed a total blockade in March as part of its war on Gaza, in which it has now killed more than 55,000 Palestinians. It allowed for a limited amount of aid to flow last month, but distribution has been plagued with problems, including deadly Israeli violence against aid seekers, and experts say the volumes are far below what is required.

The Global March for Gaza is the second attempt by international activists to break the siege on Gaza this month, after the Madleen ship attempted to travel to the Palestinian territory by sea with aid on board.

The ship, which had Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, French European Parliament member Rima Hassan, and Al Jazeera Mubasher reporter Omar Faiad on board, was seized by Israeli forces on Monday as it travelled through international waters.





Egypt has denounced the restrictions on aid entering Gaza, and says that its side of the Rafah border crossing remains open, but that the Palestinian side has been blocked by Israel since the war broke out.

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Cairo has warned that only those with authorisation will be allowed to travel the planned march route.

Egypt holds the right to take all necessary measures to preserve its national security, including the regulation of the entry and movement of individuals within its territory, especially in sensitive border areas, its foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

Israel, whose diplomatic ties with Cairo are a sensitive issue in Egypt, has called on Egyptian authorities to prevent the march from reaching the border.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz referred to the activists as jihadist protesters on Wednesday, saying their presence at the border would endanger the safety of [Israeli] soldiers and will not be allowed.
CAIRO (Reuters) -Egyptian authorities have deported dozens of foreign nationals who arrived in Egypt to take part in a pro-Palestinian march and dozens more face deportation, the organisers and airport and security sources said on Thursday.

Hundreds of people came to Egypt this week for the Global March to Gaza, an international initiative intended to exert pressure for an end to an Israeli blockade of the Palestinian enclave and draw attention to the humanitarian crisis there.

Organisers said people from 80 countries were set to begin the march to Egypt's Rafah Crossing with Gaza, and confirmed some had been deported or were detained at the airport.

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Three airport sources told Reuters at least 73 foreign nationals had been deported on a flight to Istanbul on Thursday after authorities said they violated entry protocols, and that about 100 more were at the airport awaiting deportation.

The Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. It had earlier said visits to the Rafah border region must be coordinated in advance with Egyptian embassies or government entities, and underlined the need to follow official procedures to ensure safety and security.

The organisers said in a statement late on Wednesday they had complied with all the stated requirements.

"In the two months leading up to the march, organisers coordinated directly with Egyptian embassies in over 15 countries and with the Foreign Ministry to ensure transparency at every stage," the organisers said, urging Egypt to free all those who had been detained.

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Israel's defence minister told the Israeli military on Wednesday to prevent demonstrators entering Gaza from Egypt, and said the march was a threat to Israeli and regional security.

Egyptian officials have said the Rafah crossing is closed by Israel on the Gaza side and want international pressure applied on Israel to open it to allow in aid.

(Reporting by Cairo bureau, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
RICHFORD, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  Authorities executed a search warrant on River Street in Richford Wednesday evening at 5:00 p.m. after receiving a complaint.

Catlin Passonno, of Richford, is not allowed to possess firearms according to state police. (Courtesy: VSP)

Vermont State Police found eight firearms, ranging from handguns to rifles, and seized them. They said that Catlin Passonno, 38, of Richford, was a legally prohibited person not allowed to possess firearms. Passonno was found later, cited, and released.

Fentanyl trafficker gets 47 months after Burlington chase

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Passonno is listed on Vermonts sex offender registry for a conviction for sending indecent images to a minor in 2014, which makes him legally not allowed to possess a firearm.

These eight firearms were seized by police during their search of the building on River Street. (Courtesy: VSP)

He will appear in Franklin County Superior Court on July 29.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Soaring global demand for electric vehicles could lead to a significant lithium shortage by 2030, particularly in Europe, a study warns.

According to researchers from East China Normal University in Shanghai and Lund University in Sweden, current plans to expand lithium production won't be enough to meet rising global needs.

Europe is projected to face the biggest gap. While EU production could reach 325,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent annually by 2030, demand is expected to soar to 792,000 tons - more than double the supply.

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Study co-author Qifan Xia described lithium as being as important today as petrol was during the Industrial Revolution. He said that while global lithium reserves are substantial, they are unevenly spread across countries, posing major challenges to meeting rising demand.

Lithium is mainly used in lithium-ion batteries, such as those found in smartphones, laptops and electric cars.

Europe depends on imports

Europe currently depends almost entirely on imports, with key suppliers including Chile, Australia and China. Several pilot projects are under way - but the continent is unlikely to become self-sufficient.

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The United States and China also face shortfalls, though less severe. By 2030, US production could cover up to 90% of demand. China's production could reach 1.1 million tons, which would still fall short of its projected demand of 1.3 million tons.

To help ease the shortage, the study recommends expanding production while also reducing lithium use. Potential solutions include new battery technologies that require little or no lithium, such as sodium-ion batteries, which are already being used in some cars in China.

Without urgent action, the report warns, supply constraints could derail global climate and energy transition goals.
Days after a fiery online feud seemed to signal an end to the relationship between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, the tech billionaire has backtracked.

In a social media post early on Wednesday, Musk expressed regret for the very public feud, saying he went too far.

Musk also shared he thinks it was worth it to have his net worth drop while he worked with the Trump administration on the Department of Government Efficiency.

I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 11, 2025

After becoming one of the leading voices of the MAGA movement before and after the 2024 election, the dispute between the president and Musk shocked their Republican supporters.

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While Trump has made a few comments about the fight on social media and to the press, including firing off a few warnings Musks way, hes mostly sidestepped questions from reporters.

Now, Musk seems ready to reconcile, but whether Trump is ready to repair the relationship is less clear.

The relationship between Musk and Trump, and Trump and other tech industry titans, seemed to indicate the political maturation of Silicon Valley as they work to shape public policy to their benefit.

But Musks rise and fall is also a warning to those same titans, a clear example of the risks of engaging in the messy world of politics.

Elon Musk arrives to speak a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. | Julia Demaree Nikhinson

Why is Musk backtracking?

Musks posts come just days after the president told NBC News that the former DOGE leader was very disrespectful to the office of the president.

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During their spat, Trump threatened that Musks company SpaceX could face a termination of government contracts and potentially other retribution. Its unlikely that Trump will cancel SpaceXs contracts anytime soon, Dan Grazier, a senior fellow at a national security think tank, told NPR.

Musk in response threatened to decommission SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft, but later walked it back.

The feud began over Musks displeasure with the Trump-backed big, beautiful bill, which cleared the House last month. The bill would cut electric vehicle credits and could hurt his other company, Tesla.

But John Helveston, a professor at George Washington University, told NPR the end of federal EV credits may not hurt Tesla as much as its competitors.

Impact on tech and political world

Musk, a multibillionaire serial entrepreneur, spent much of the last several months positioned beside the president. His role in the Trump administration sparked concern among critics over what sway he had over Trumps decision-making, but hope among those who thought the duo could change the way Washington works.

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Peter Loge, a public affairs and political communications professor at George Washington University, said it may have seemed like Musks influence on the president was higher and different than other advisers, but, in reality, theres historical precedence.

In the past, railroad titans, industrialists and shipping magnates have all sought to have power over government and its policymaking. Now, its the tech sector, Loge said.

Its a small collection of really rich people who get a lot of attention and who think they know best; they try to exert their force over public policy, he told the Deseret News.

Trumps inauguration ceremony was striking, as a string of powerful tech CEOs from Silicon Valley, including Metas Mark Zuckerberg, Amazons Jeff Bezos, and Musk, sat behind the president during his address.

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This growing influence comes at a time of significant change for the industry.

A lot of these companies like crypto and AI are new to Washington and are new to trying to influence public policy. They could ignore Washington and do their own thing, and they discovered what Google, Microsoft and every other organization coming out of Silicon Valley discovered in the past decades, which is that you ignore Congress at your own peril, Loge said.

Pundits have also pointed to other tech giants who may step in to replace Musk, including venture capitalist Peter Thiel, who already has a relationship with Trump.

Thiel has long been in Trumps orbit, endorsing his 2016 campaign and signaling the relationship between the tech world and Trump-era politics. Theres a spiderwebbing impact that stems from Thiel, as Fortune highlighted in a report.

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Musk may now rely on his relationships in the tech world and with others in the administration, like Vice President JD Vance, to try to get back into Trumps favor.

Industry group head: Tech world should focus on policy, not personalities

Meanwhile, the tech world will need to decide how far to lean into their political relationships.

Im heartened to see that we have, over the past two decades, seen a significant increase in terms of our political influence and engagement and we hope it continues to grow, Ahmed Thomas, the CEO of the nonpartisan business association Silicon Valley Leadership Group, said.

However, Thomas noted that going forward, he believes the tech industry should focus on emerging technologies, workforce development opportunities and be less dependent on the loudest voices in the room.

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I think for so many people, theres a focus not on opportunity, but rather where we have  more personalities and conflict, he said.

Regardless of whether Trump cuts out Musk entirely, or shifts his attention to another major tech player, Loge noted that Musks dramatic rise and fall in the Trump administration is representative of a larger conversation about the relationship between wealth and political power.

I think that, even as we wrestle with this new question, right, What about Elon Musk? What about crypto? What about AI? Its important to remember that these are in many ways, very old questions about the connection between truth, persuasion, power and democracy, Loge said.
Elon Musk is apparently not feeling so great about some of the volatile things he said about President Donald Trump last week. The billionaire has since seemingly tried to make amends with his onetime ally, but one expert in political science thinks Musks sudden U-Turn reveals quite a lot ... about Trump.

Musk addressed his public falling-out with Trump in a post on Monday, writing on his platform X, formerly Twitter: I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.

The Tesla CEO has evidently cooled down quite a bit since he leveled a series of fiery attacks at the president just days prior. The relationship between two of the most powerful men in the world began to unravel early last week, when Musk publicly criticized Trumps so-called Big Beautiful Bill.

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Things then escalated quickly on social media last Thursday. During the real-time public spat, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Musk went Crazy after he left his position leading the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. He also threatened to cancel Musks government contracts.

Musk, for his part, charged on X that the reason the Jeffrey Epstein files havent been released is that Trump is mentioned in the documents about the disgraced financier and sex offender. The billionaire also suggested that he supported the idea of Trump getting impeached.

Trump later warned in a phone interview with NBC on Saturday that Musk would face serious consequences if he backed Democrats in opposing his signature legislation.

Musk has since deleted some of his inflammatory tweets about Trump, but its unclear where his relationship with the president will go next. Trump indicated last week that he had no intention of speaking with the billionaire, who reportedly spent hundreds of millions of dollars to back his presidential campaign.

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Todd Belt, professor and political management program director at The Graduate School of Political Management at The George Washington University, said that the falling-out between Trump and Musk, and Musks quick reversal, proves that Musk failed to understand one thing about Trump that continues to need everyones attention: Trumps power is the lock he has on Republicans in office.

"Musk has no real political power. He may still have the adoration of some tech-bros, but thats not real political power," said professor Todd Belt. Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images

Republican voters are almost exclusively Trump voters now. There are no more never-Trumper Republican members of Congress  they have been voted out of office, Belt said. I think that Musk egotistically thought that his wealth would buy him power and influence, but he failed to realize that what power he had was mediated by Trump, and Trump could take it away.

Trump has loyalists in Congress and has filled the executive branch with loyalists, so Musk has no real political power, he continued. He may still have the adoration of some tech-bros, but thats not real political power.

GOP lawmakers have long faced criticism for showing unwavering loyalty to Trump, even when the presidents policies are at odds withtheir pastpositions.

The Trump-Musk feud may seem like a silly soap opera, but there are reasons for the public to care, Belt says.

Belt was surprised that Musks reversal came so quickly after the explosive blow-up last week. With the enormous egos of the worlds richest man and the worlds most powerful man, I thought that it would be a more gradual reconciliation, he said.

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But nonetheless, while the spat may have played out like a silly soap opera on social media, Belt cautions that there are some reasons for the public to care about the Trump-Musk feud.

Belt said that Musks SpaceX and Starlink  the worlds largest satellite constellation  have a tremendous impact on the nations national security.

NASA relies on SpaceX to launch science missions and transport crews and cargo to and from the International Space Station with the companys Dragon space capsules. During the back-and-forth between Trump and Musk on Thursday, Musk said at one point that he would begin decommissioning the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft immediately. He later appeared to walk back that statement in another post on X.

Overall, Belt thinks that Musks significant pendulum swing in tone combined with allegations surrounding his drug use may cause many in the public, including his investors, to question his competency to run his businesses.

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Musk entered government service thinking he would be lauded for his ability to cut government spending, but he ran into the reality that what the government spends money on impacts peoples lives both through services and employment, he said.

Was Musks reversal just about saving his businesses, which are heavily reliant on government contracts and subject to administrative regulation? Belt considered.

If that were the case, at least the reversal would be rational, he said.

Related...
MOGADISHU, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Thursday warned of a surge in severe malnutrition among children across Somalia, with health facilities it supports seeing record admissions since the devastating drought in 2023.

The charity said nutritional clinics that once played the key role in preventing widespread malnutrition are closing due to funding cuts, leaving vulnerable families without access to early care.

"Parents simply cannot afford food and small children are the first to starve," said Antoine Grand, head of the ICRC delegation in Somalia, in a statement issued in the capital city of Mogadishu.

The ICRC said that in May alone, the stabilization center at Kismayo General Hospital admitted 277 critically ill children, the highest monthly number since 2023.

Between January and May, the center admitted 863 patients, an increase of almost 70 percent compared with the previous five months, the ICRC said.

Revised humanitarian projections estimate that food insecurity will worsen in the coming months, with nearly 47,000 children expected to suffer from acute malnutrition, the charity said.

The ICRC said stabilization centers like the one in Kismayo in southern Somalia provide life-saving treatment for children under the age of five who are suffering from medical complications brought on by hunger. However, such facilities are scarce.

The relief agency said that the Somali Red Crescent Society, which it supports, is also seeing an increase in patients receiving treatment at its outpatient nutrition clinics.

The rising needs come amid intensifying conflict, mass displacement, and a cycle of floods and droughts that are pushing communities to the brink.

"Conflict is uprooting families. Floods are destroying crops, and some areas are already parched by drought," Grand said. 
Embattled Boston City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson said Thursday she will officially resign at the beginning of next month.

Fernandes Anderson said on social media that she has formally submitted her letter of resignation and that her last day as the District 7 city councilor will be on July 4.

It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve you, my neighbors, my community, my people," Fernandes Anderson wrote on social media. Every policy I wrote, every budget line I fought for, every block I walked was rooted in love and loyalty to you, District 7.

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Fernandes Anderson pleaded guilty in May to federal public corruption charges. She is accused of awarding as a bonus to a relative working in her city council office.

Fernandes Anderson was facing financial troubles when she hired a relative to her staff and hatched a scheme to funnel taxpayer money into her own pocket, federal investigators alleged.

Fernandes Anderson allegedly launched a kickback scheme by hiring someone related to her in late 2022. Its further alleged that she falsely represented to the city that she and the staff member were not related.

As part of the scheme, Fernandes Anderson allegedly agreed to pay the staffer a $13,000 bonus on the condition that part of it would be returned to her. U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy said that the bonus was more than twice as much as what the rest of her staff was making in combined bonuses.

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At the time of receiving the payment, Fernandes Anderson was facing financial troubles, including missing rent and car payments and incurring bank overdraft fees which resulted in low daily balances, according to prosecutors. She had also been slapped with an Ethics Commission fine.

Fernandes Anderson said Thursday she has been conducting transition meetings over the last month to ensure a smooth process.

Her office hours will also remain unchanged over the next few weeks.

Thank you for trusting me, challenging me, and building with me, Fernandes Anderson concluded her social post. While my chapter as your Councilor ends, my service to this community continues in new forms. I leave you not with an end, but with the tools to keep going, stronger and together.

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David Hogg, the 25-year-old progressive firebrand, will not compete in the new Democratic National Committee (DNC) vice chair elections that were decided today after a majority of members voted for a new election.

After three days of submitting electronic ballots, DNC members voted to uphold the Credentials Committee's resolution proposed by longtime Democratic Party activist Kalyn Free to host a re-election for two vice-chair positions, currently held by Hogg and Malcolm Kenyatta. Seventy-five percent of those who cast a ballot voted in favor of the resolution, while 25% voted against it. A total of 89% of DNC members cast a ballot.

"The DNC will immediately move to administer new ballots for the final two Vice Chair positions, one of which must be held by a male and one of which may be held by a candidate of any gender," said the DNC's Deputy Press Secretary Nina Raneses. "The election for the male Vice Chair position will commence tomorrow morning at 10:00AM ET."

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Democrats' Vice Chair Gets Ultimatum: Stay Neutral In Primaries Or Step Down From Party Leadership

With Hogg's withdrawal, Kenyatta is now the only candidate for the male vice chair slot.

DNC vice chairs Malcolm Kenyatta, left, and David Hogg could lose their leadership positions following a procedural error.

The DNC's decision is the latest political blow to Hogg, who stirred up intraparty divisions this year for his $20 million pledge to support primary challenges against older House Democrats in safe blue districts he said are "asleep at the wheel" through his outside political action group, Leaders We Deserve.

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"I came into this role to play a positive role in creating the change our party needs," Hogg wrote in a statement to the New York Times. "It is clear that there is a fundamental disagreement about the role of a Vice Chair  and its OK to have disagreements. What isnt OK is allowing this to remain our focus when there is so much more we need to be focused on."

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"Ultimately, I have decided to not run in this upcoming election so the party can focus on what really matters," Hogg added.

Meanwhile, Hogg also published a lengthy X thread explaining his decision not to run for reelection and criticizing many aspects of the Democratic Party, but deleted it shortly after posting.

Hogg's decision to leave the DNC comes on the heels of a damning Politico report, which included leaked audio from a Zoom meeting of DNC Chair Ken Martin lamenting Hogg's fallout at the DNC, claiming it has made it harder for Democrats to do their jobs and for Martin to demonstrate his ability to lead.

"No one knows who the hell I am, right? Im trying to get my sea legs underneath of me and actually develop any amount of credibility so I can go out there and raise the money and do the job I need to put ourselves in a position to win," Martin told Hogg on the May 15 Zoom call. "I dont think you intended this, but you essentially destroyed any chance I have to show the leadership that I need to. So its really frustrating,"

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But the criticism didn't stop Hogg from defying advice and wading into additional Democrat primaries by endorsing Virginia state Del. Irene Shin in the special election to replace the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va.

Dnc Chair Ripped David Hogg Over Party Infighting In Leaked Meeting Audio: 'Really Frustrating'

Martin affirmed the DNC would stay neutral in Democratic primaries following Hogg's multimillion-dollar announcement. And the DNC chair gave Hogg the ultimatum to either rescind his vice-chair position or forego his political influence through his PAC.

"I commend David for his years of activism, organizing, and fighting for his generation, and while I continue to believe he is a powerful voice for this party, I respect his decision to step back from his post as Vice Chair," Martin said in a statement following Hogg's announcement he would not seek reelection as DNC vice chair. "I have no doubt that he will remain an important advocate for Democrats across the map. I appreciate his service as an officer, his hard work, and his dedication to the party."

Parkland school shooting survivor David Hogg speaks to Michigan State University students as they gather to protest gun violence a week after a mass shooting at the State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan, on Feb. 20, 2023.

While DNC officials, past and present, said the vote to host vice chair re-elections had nothing to do with Hogg personally, the progressive Gan Z activist framed the DNC's vote as an expedited plan to remove him as vice chair.

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Hogg said Martin's newly proposed "neutrality pledge" was "trying to change the rules because I'm not currently breaking them."

David Hogg Slams 'Fast-track' Effort To Oust Him As Dnc Vice Chair

"While this vote was based on how the DNC conducted its officers elections, which I had nothing to do with, it is also impossible to ignore the broader context of my work to reform the party which loomed large over this vote," Hogg said after the Credentials Committee voted to elevate Free's complaint before the full committee.

Free submitted her complaint following the DNC's Feb. 1 officer elections, in which Hogg and Kenyatta were elected vice chairs. Free claimed the DNC's tabulation method violated the charter's provision and parliamentary procedure and "discriminated against three women of color candidates."

DNC Chair Ken Martin speaks after winning the vote at the Democratic National Committee Winter Meeting at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 1.

Last month, the Credentials Committee found the vice-chair officer elections violated parliamentary procedure and voted to recommend the DNC conduct a new election for the two vice-chair positions. Now that the full DNC has called for a new vote, they will conduct a re-election from June 12-17.

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One vice-chair position may be filled by a male and one may be a candidate of any gender, according to the DNC. Only the candidates who were eligible for the third ballot during the Feb. 1 election qualify for the re-election, which includes Kenyatta, Free, Jeanna Repass and Shasti Conrad. Kenyatta is reportedly the only male.

"This was never about Malcolm Kenyatta or David Hogg," Free told Fox News Digital after the Credentials Committee elevated her complaint. "For me, this was about ensuring that the Democratic Party lives up to our ideals as the only political party to believe in and stand up for election integrity and a free and fair democracy."

But Kenyatta, who picked up the most votes during the Feb. 1 election, has criticized Hogg for playing "fast and loose with the facts without rebuttal."

"Any story about this that neatly places this into a narrative about David Hogg is wrong," Kenyatta said of the re-election buzz. "I worked my a-- off to get this role and have done the job every day since Ive held it. This story is complex, and Im frustrated  but its not about @davidhogg111. Even though he clearly wants it to be."





Original article source: Embattled DNC vice chair decides not to run after diversity re-vote called
A major Australian energy company has taken a rare step: telling the truth.

EnergyAustralia, one of the country's biggest power providers, has issued a public apology and agreed to a legal settlement after more than 400,000 customers were misled by its Go Neutral carbon offset program, The Guardian reported.

The program, launched in 2016, claimed to cancel out the climate impact of electricity and gas usage through the purchase of international carbon offsets, but a 2023 lawsuit filed by the advocacy group Parents for Climate challenged those claims as greenwashing.

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Before the case went to trial, EnergyAustralia acknowledged that offsets are "not the most effective way to assist customers to reduce their emissions" and admitted its marketing may have led people to believe their energy use was climate-neutral. "Offsets do not prevent or undo the harms caused by burning fossil fuels," the company said.

This admission, the first of its kind by a major Australian energy company, marks a turning point in corporate accountability and climate action. Parents for Climate called it a "historic acknowledgment" and a "huge step forward" for the company's 1.6 million customers, many of whom believed they were making a responsible choice for the planet.

The core issue is that carbon offsets were sold as a way to ignore consumption and pollution, under the belief that the company would reduce emissions for its customers. While carbon offsets can play a role in reaching net zero pollution, they must complement local climate policies that cut emissions directly, not substitute them.

What does this mean for you? Companies should be wary about misrepresenting their environmental efforts since corporations are being held accountable for their significant role in contributing to the warming climate and making life harder and more expensive for individuals.

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Business should take note and step up efforts to cut pollution and protect the planet's future.

With fossil fuel investments increasingly underperforming compared to clean energy alternatives, the logic for a low-carbon future is now rooted in both economics and ethics.

"Greenwashing isn't harmless," said Nic Seton, Parents for Climate CEO. "It's costing families money, delaying climate action, and eroding trust."

Seton called the statement "a powerful message that the era of unchecked greenwashing is over."

Though the Go Neutral program ended in 2024, the case could set a precedent for global brands. As clean energy businesses drive innovation and job growth, actions including this one show that honesty is good for both the planet and business.

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.




ATLANTA, Ga. (WJBF)  The FBI indicted an Atlanta man after massive amounts of guns and drugs were found at his Georgia homes.

Bartholomew Keeton Harralson, 47, was charged Tuesday by a federal grand jury.

Charges include:

Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin,

and Marijuana

Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime

Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

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Harralson allegedly possessed 28 firearms, including a machine gun, and hundreds of thousands of pills containing fentanyl and other illicit drugs, the authorities said.

This armed felon allegedly ran a massive fentanyl pill pressing operation in our community, producing enough deadly fentanyl to potentially kill millions of people, said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. Due to the quick action and seamless collaboration of our law enforcement partners, Harralson now faces federal drug and firearms charges, his operation has been dismantled, and countless lives have almost certainly been saved.

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On June 5th, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at the suspects Atlanta area home.

Once inside, law enforcement reportedly located over 56 kilograms of fentanyl, 84 kilograms of methamphetamine, nearly 10 kilograms of heroin, and approximately four kilograms of cocaine  all in the form of powders and hundreds of thousands of pressed pills.

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Law enforcement allegedly located nine firearms, including one converted to function as a machine gun, $145,000 in cash, and a book titled How to Avoid Federal Drug Conspiracy & Firearms Charges. Harralson was arrested at the scene.

Later that same day, law enforcement executed another federal search warrant at Harralsons Douglasville home.

In that residence, law enforcement found:

2 large pill press machines capable of pressing up to 25,000 pills per hour

3 hydraulic presses used to form kilogram-sized bricks of narcotics

more than 37 kilograms of fentanyl

approximately 13 kilograms of methamphetamine

just over 8 kilograms of heroin

more than 6 kilograms of cocaine

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In addition, in a machine shop located behind the Douglasville residence, law enforcement found approximately 1,375 pounds of binding agent used to press pills, 564 punch dies to mark the pills, 19 firearms, four drum-style magazines, and a significant amount of ammunition.

The FBI wants to remind the public that Bartholomew Keeton Harralson is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.





Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
There is a constant hum around Ethiopia's enormous Lake Dembel -- the sound of its water steadily being sucked out by pumps.

The pumps irrigate farms all around the lake, which is four times the size of Manhattan, and are vital for hundreds of thousands of people.

Ethiopia has already lost at least one large lake -- Haramaya, in the east of the country -- to over-pumping.

Now it risks losing another.

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Lake Dembel's depth has halved since 1990 from four metres to two (13 feet to over six), according to Wetlands International, an NGO.

"If things continue like this, the lake could disappear," said its project manager Desalegn Regassa.

Pumping by farmers and industry is not the lake's only problem. Heavy pesticide use is also killing its fish, locals and the NGO say.

Belachew Derib has been fishing the lake since the 1980s but says stocks are disappearing.

"I built my house thanks to the income from fishing and support my three children through this work," Belachew, 60, told AFP as he rowed his small boat out to pull up his nets.

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"Previously, we could catch 20 to 30 fish a day. Nowadays, young fishermen are lucky to catch two or three," he said.

Just a few dozen metres (yards) from the shore, AFP found Habib Bobasso, 35, liberally covering his small onion plot with pesticides from a pump strapped to his back.

"There are many worms that can damage the plants... we could lose the entire harvest," he said as he sprayed, with just a shawl to cover his face.

He knows the pesticides are harmful but sees no alternative.

"The fertilisers and pesticides we use degrade the soil. We spend too much money on fertilisers and chemicals for a low yield," he said.

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- Degradation -

Water management is essential for Ethiopia, a land-locked giant in east Africa with a rapidly growing population already estimated at more than 130 million and often hit by droughts.

But a lack of funds and government oversight has allowed bad practices to continue for decades.

A recent report by the Stockholm International Water Institute blamed Ethiopia's "lacklustre policy frameworks" for "the demise of Lake Haramaya, the shrinking of Lake Abijata (and) the pollution of Awash River and Ziway and Hawassa Lakes."

Lately, the government has shown signs it is taking the problem seriously.

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It passed a law earlier this year imposing a fee to extract water from Lake Dembel, which lies around 120 kilometres (75 miles) south of the capital Addis Ababa.

A local official, Andualem Gezahegne, told AFP he hoped this would curtail the pumps.

It cannot come too soon -- Wetlands International said there were some 6,000 pumps installed around the lake last year, running 24 hours a day, and "maybe more today".

AFP witnessed two huge tanker trucks filling up for a nearby highway project during a recent visit.

Keeping fishing under control is another challenge, said Andualem.

"Unfortunately, the peak fishing activity coincides with the fish spawning periods, from January to May," he said.

On the surface, the lake is still full of life -- from hippos to marabou storks.

But as the fishermen head out at dawn, the steady hum of the pumps strikes an ominous note for the future.

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The European Union has approved fresh tariffs on agricultural goods and fertilizers from Russia and Belarus in an attempt to curb Russian funding for the war in Ukraine.

A regulation was adopted on Thursday by a majority of EU countries at a meeting in Luxembourg. The European Parliament has already given its green light.

The regulation extends duties to products not covered by existing tariffs, including sugar, vinegar, flour and animal feed.

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When the legislation enters into force by July 1, all Russian agricultural products will be subject to duties, a statement from EU member states said.

The tariffs apply to products that made up around 15% of all agricultural imports from Russia in 2023, the statement said.

According to the European Parliament, imports of such products from Russia rose significantly again in 2024.

The regulation also provides for a 6.5% tariff on fertilizers imported from Russia and Belarus.

In 2023, the EU imported around a quarter of the fertilizers affected by the new duties from Russia, corresponding to a value of 1.28 billion ($1.49 billion), the parliament said.

The new duties will be increased gradually over three years, from between 40 and 45 per ton in 2025-26 to between 315 and 430 per ton by 2028.
The European Union can impose an additional price cap on Russian oil without U.S. support, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said at the Brussels Forum on June 11.

"If you think about the oil going through the channels, it's mostly Europe, it's via the Baltic Sea, it's via the Black Sea. So even if the Americans are not on board, we can still do it and have an impact," Kallas said.

The EU's 17th package of sanctions against Russia came into effect on May 20. The bloc is already working on its next wave of sanctions.

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The 18th EU sanctions package will include additional restrictions on energy, banking, oil, and other areas, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on June 10.

"What the intelligence tells is that, now the sanctions will (harder hit) the supply chains of Russia needed to really fund this war," Kallas said.

"Of course, it is important the United States... is together with us, and we have been operating together for quite some time," she said.

Kallas noted the Group of Seven (G7) oil price cap was previously agreed upon to be 5% below the market price.

"It is important, of course, what we do together, but it is also equally important for us what we do alone, because we alone are also a player," Kallas said.

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Kallas noted the EU is still an ally to the U.S., but recognized the dynamic between the two powers is changing.

"We still value the relationship... I think with the Americans we are not growing apart, but growing up in our relationships," Kallas said.

The upcoming G7 summit will take place in Alberta, Canada. A wide range of topics, including Russia's war against Ukraine, are expected to be discussed at the annual event.

President Volodymyr Zelensky previously confirmed he would be attending the G7 summit after receiving an invitation from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Read also: Ukrainians have been stripped of illusion of control  Filmmaker Kateryna Gornostai on Russias war, cinema and reclaiming the narrative

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ylva Johansson, former European Commissioner for Home Affairs, will serve as the European Union's new special envoy for Ukrainians in the bloc, POLITICO reported on June 12.

According to anonymous officials that spoke to POLITICO, Johansson will fill the newly created post, overseeing the Commission's long-term strategy for Ukrainian refugees currently residing in the European Union.

Johansson, a former Swedish minister and European Commission official, previously visited Ukraine on several occasions, including a refugee camp on the border with Romania. She received the Ukrainian order of merit in September 2024.

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As special envoy, Johansson will be responsible for EU initiatives focused on helping Ukrainian refugees transition into permanent legal statuses or return home.

As part of these initiatives, the EU will launch "unity hubs"  information centers jointly managed with the Ukrainian government. The hubs will support Ukrainian refugees to integrate with EU host countries or repatriate to Ukraine.

Germany, which has has taken in more than 1 million Ukrainian refugees since the start of the full-scale invasion, recently committed to establishing unity hubs in Berlin. The unity hubs in Berlin will provide Ukrainians with access to educational and career opportunities both in Ukraine and Germany.

The European Commission also recently extended temporary protection Ukrainian refugees who fled to the EU following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

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According to Eurostat, 4.26 million Ukrainians currently hold temporary protection status in the EU as of April 2025.

Read also: Germany to supply new Iris-T air defense systems to Ukraine, rules out Taurus missiles

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Judges at the European Court of Human Rights ruled Thursday that Italy couldn't be held liable for the actions of the Libyan Coast Guard, rejecting a case brought by a group of migrants rescued from the Mediterranean Sea in a fatal boat sinking in 2017.

The court in Strasbourg, France, declared the case inadmissible, finding Italy didn't have effective control of the expanse of waters off the coast of Tripoli where the small ship carrying around 150 people sank.

Twenty people died in the sinking. Around 45 survivors onboard the ship said they were taken to Tajura Detention Center in Tripoli where they were beaten and abused.

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The judges found that the captain and crew of the Libyan vessel Ras Jadir had acted independently when they answered a distress signal in the early morning hours on Nov. 6, 2017.

Italy has supplied the Libyans with funding, vessels and training as part of an agreement to slow the numbers of migrants crossing the Mediterranean. The judges found, however, that this support didn't prove that Italy had taken over Libyas public-authority powers.

A group of migrants was rescued by the humanitarian organization Sea Watch and were taken to Italy.

A ruling in favor of the 14 survivors who filed the complaint at the ECHR could have undermined international agreements made by several European Union countries with Libya, Turkey and others to prevent migrants from coming to European shores.

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The ECHR handles complaints against the 46 member states of the Council of Europe. The intergovernmental organization isn't an EU institution and was set up after World War II to promote peace and democracy.

Libya isn't a member of the Council of Europe, so the court has no jurisdiction over the countrys actions.

___

Follow APs coverage of migration issues at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
European foreign ministers have reiterated their "unwavering support for Ukraine," during a conference hosted by Italy's top diplomat Antonio Tajani in Rome on Thursday.

The meeting focussing on EU security and the war in Ukraine was attended by the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Poland, alongside Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

It came less than a month before the fourth Ukraine Recovery Conference, scheduled for July 10-11, at which some 2,000 representatives from politics, business and international organizations plan to discuss Ukraine's long-term prospects.

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In a joint declaration, the ministers affirmed their commitment to Ukraine's "people, democracy, security, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders."

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told Ukraine's Sybiha: "Our support ... for Ukraine remains rock solid: politically, economically and militarily."

Asked by a journalist when he was planning his first call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the German minister said he currently did not see any reason or opening for such a move.

Wadephul, who took office on May 6, said Germany would always coordinate such steps with its European partners.

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While stressing that Berlin was "naturally always open to negotiations" in this format, Wadephul said that it must be "acknowledged that Russia is not ready to negotiate, but is seeking war."

As long as this is the case, "we stand firmly alongside Ukraine."

Wadephul's comments came amid a debate back home sparked by members of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the junior partner in government, who have called for direct diplomatic calls with Russia.

Both the SPD leadership, as well as Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who like Wadephul belongs to the conservative bloc, have rejected the demands, stressing that the recent heavy attacks on Ukraine showed that Russia was nowhere near ready to negotiate.

After a bilateral meeting with Tajani, Wadephul's schedule sees him leave Rome for the Middle East on Thursday evening. Through Sunday, he plans to visit a host of countries, including Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel.
BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) -- China has added Indonesia to its 240-hour visa-free transit program, bringing the total number of countries eligible for the policy to 55, immigration authorities announced on Thursday.

Effective Thursday, eligible Indonesian travelers can enter through any of the 60 ports across 24 provincial-level regions and stay up to 240 hours, or 10 days, without a visa before heading to a third destination, according to the National Immigration Administration.

The policy is part of China's broader efforts to boost international travel and exchanges. 
A meeting of the European Council on 2627 June, with participation from the leaders of all 27 EU member states, will address the peace process in Ukraine and the accession path of both Ukraine and Moldova to the European Union.

Source: the invitation letter from European Council President Antonio Costa to EU leaders, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The agenda for 2527 June includes discussions on how to end the war in Ukraine, along with a focus on Ukraines and Moldovas paths to EU membership.

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It is worth noting that Ukraine and Moldova, and their European prospects, are mentioned separately in the letter.

Quote from the letter: "Ukraine has been steadfast in its efforts to enable a real peace process. And the EU will remain equally steadfast in its support to Ukraine. Our objective remains unchanged  to end Russias war of aggression and build a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and international law."

Details: Costa emphasised that EU leaders will "take stock of the fast-evolving diplomatic context, follow up on EU support and address Ukraines path towards EU membership".

He added that the agenda will also include "the EUs support to the Republic of Moldova and its accession process".

Background:

The EU has considered continuing Moldovas accession process separately from Ukraine amid Hungarys opposition to negotiations with Kyiv.

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, called such an initiative "unconstructive".

On 27 May, Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs Janos Boka stated that Hungary will continue to block Ukraines accession to the EU due to espionage scandals.

Read more: "Plan B" for Ukraine's EU accession: how Brussels is preparing to overcome Hungary's veto

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The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on Thursday threw out an application accusing Italy of illegal pushbacks of boat migrants off the Libyan coast following an accident in which migrants, including children, died in 2017.

The Strasbourg court rejected as inadmissible a complaint alleging "refoulement by proxy" on the part of the Italy's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). The Italian authorities had not illegally tasked the Libyan coastguard with taking back migrants after their boat had got into difficulties, it ruled.

The case concerned a maritime operation to rescue a rubber dinghy transporting some 150 people which left Libya in the night of November 5-6, 2017 aiming for Europe. The applicants said that the MRCC had placed them at risk of ill-treatment and death by allowing a Libyan ship to take control of the rescue.

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According to the plaintiffs, a number of migrants, including children, died in the incident. Seventeen survivors from Ghana and Nigeria made the application to the court.

According to the ruling, the Italian coastguard signalled the need for rescue to ships in the vicinity and informed the Libyan authorities, as the migrants' boat was in their zone of responsibility.

A Libyan ship was the first at the scene, causing waves that led to the deaths of several migrants, according to the plaintiffs. They also alleged that the crew had struck and threatened people in the sea.

The Sea-Watch 3 charity ship also reached the scene and rescued migrants.

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The court had earlier ruled against Italy for conducting pushbacks. In the current case, the plaintiffs charged Italy with forcible pushbacks "by proxy" by collaborating with the Libyan vessels. They saw this as a so-called "pullback."

The court rejected the argument, even though Italy financially supports the maritime operations of the Libyan authorities. It based its ruling in part on the site of the rescue and on the fact that there was no indication that the Libyan vessel was under Italian control.
Windrush Day is to be celebrated in Wolverhampton later this month.

The annual event celebrates the contributions that Caribbean migrants and their descendants have made to the UK.

Wolverhampton City Council will host a flag-raising ceremony outside the Civic Centre at 10:30 GMT on 22 June.

A bust of Mel Chevannes, the city's first African-Caribbean councillor, will then be unveiled at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

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Chevannes was elected to the Graiseley Ward in 1981 and served as a councillor for 11 years, later becoming the first African-Caribbean chairperson of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

"I am humbled to be honoured by a bronze bust in the city of Wolverhampton, which has been my home for the last 50 years," she said.

"It is truly amazing that this is the first such public recognition in England of a black woman who is very much alive."

HMT Empire Windrush docked in Tilbury, Essex, on 22 June 1948, bringing hundreds of passengers from the Caribbean to the UK, who were invited to rebuild post-war Britain.

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Wolverhampton mayor Councillor Craig Collingswood said the council was delighted to highlight and celebrate the impact of the Windrush generation.

"Everyone is welcome to join us for the flag-raising and the unveiling, and I hope that as many residents as possible are able to come along and help us celebrate Windrush Day 2025," he added.

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

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The Brief

Olivia Park Elementary's fifth-grade camping trip at Camp Killoqua was saved by the Everett Police Department, which provided male chaperons to meet the required student-to-adult ratio.

Officer Wade Wyrick and other Everett officers volunteered their time, allowing students to experience outdoor education and see law enforcement in a positive light.

The camp offers unique experiences for students from a high-crime neighborhood, emphasizing community involvement and support from local police.

STANWOOD, Wash. - Olivia Park Elementary School was on the brink of canceling its fifth-grade camping trip. That is until the Everett Police Department stepped up just in time to save it.

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"Thats what we do  Everett Police. If we have to step up, we do it for the community and especially for the kids. I think every kid deserves to go to camp," said Wade Wyrick, an officer with Everett Police Department.

The south Everett students are staying overnight at Camp Killoqua, located in Stanwood, as part of the schools three-day outdoor education program. The opportunity is funded through a state grant.

What they're saying

"The food is really good. Overall, Im just glad to be here with my friends. Im glad that most of them got to come," said Cecilia, a student attending the camp.

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"It is the talk of fifth grade from the time they get to school until now," said school counselor Stacy Goody. "Its an experience I wish every single kid in the entire world could get."

The backstory

The school almost did not get the experience.

Goody said 2024 was their first time attending camp, and they did not have enough male chaperons to meet the required student-to-adult ratio.

"Male chaperons have been very challenging. So, last year we were very close, up until the day before we left, very close to not being able to come," said Goody.

In a panic, the school reached out to Everett PD, and police chief John DeRousse answered their call for chaperon help. However, for the 2025 trip, the school ran into the same problem. On the brink of canceling once again, this time four male Everett officers stepped in, including Wyrick.

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The officer even brought his own Killoqua stories.

"All the kids deserve a chance to go to Camp Killoqua. I think it was a blast. I have great memories from it. And once I heard that they were going to have to cancel it, I thought, well, if I can help prevent that, then lets do it," said Wyrick.

"I think it was really nice of them, even with their own time and all that, to come over here and help us so that we would get to have this experience as fifth graders," said Cecilia.

Its a breath of fresh air for Cecilia and her classmates, much different from the halls of their school in a neighborhood thats high in crime.

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"Camp provides them with a lot of unique experiences that a lot of these kids have never had and are kind of hard to get normally," said Tristan Pearson, lead outdoor education instructor at Camp Killoqua.

Its not just the outdoor experience the officers are helping the kids have by being their chaperon, its also a chance for young people to see another side of their local law enforcement.

"I think its really important that the kids see us in a different light. Im not wearing my uniform, Im not wearing a badge. Im just a guy," said Wyrick. "The fact that we stepped up and did something off duty shows that we want to be part of our community, not only behind the badge, but within the community to help out too."

"Went above and beyond to make sure that he had guys who could be here for us," said Goody. "Very, very thankful for Everett PD because we would not be here without them. We would have had to cancel."

The Source

Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter Franque Thompson.

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If there's one thing conservatives love to do, it's making American cities feel like dangerous, scary trash heaps that are constantly burning to the ground. To them, New York is unlivable, Minneapolis was a war zone, and now, all eyes are on Los Angeles  a city Donald Trump claims was "once great" but is now being "invaded" by "illegal aliens and criminals."

As someone who actually lives in LA, I can tell you that narrative is completely detached from reality. First of all, LA wasn't "once great"  it's always been great, and it's always been an immigrant city, which, contrary to conservative panic, isn't a flaw. It's the foundation. The name is LOS ANGELES, remember?

Second of all, the city isn't under "attack" by "criminals and illegal aliens"  fearmongering buzzwords the right loves to throw around to paint a false picture of chaos. Quite the opposite, actually. In truth, LA is hurting not because of its people, but because ICE is barging into homes and workplaces. The fear here isn't coming from the streets. It's coming from our own federal government.

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@z00mie / Via tiktok.com

People have been protesting peacefully. Things didn't escalate until Trump sent in 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines. Yesterday, a coworker told me whats usually a 12-minute drive home downtown took him half an hour because the National Guard, not protesters or even local police, were standing around clogging the streets.

Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Even Gov. Gavin Newsom called the move "reckless," "pointless," and "disrespectful to our troops" in a post on X. "This isnt about public safety. Its about stroking a dangerous Presidents ego," he said.

And yet, conservative media keeps pretending the city is being overrun by "insurrectionist mobs" (lest we forget who actually did storm the Capitol). Most people are still just trying to live their lives  working, commuting, taking care of their families  but now under the added weight of fear, anger, and disruption. The protests are mostly peaceful and, relative to the size of LA, contained. Genuinely, I don't think people realize how big this damn city is. It is not the same.

Alas, this brings me to everyone's not-so-favorite conservative grifter: Charlie Kirk, who tried to contrast the moment by posting a clip of a "small town" set to the country song "Small Town USA." He wrote, "I wonder why America's small towns are so placid, lovely, and orderly. It's a total mystery."

In the clip, a girl proudly shows off her idyllic idea of "small" town Americana. She shows us a covered porch with an American flag:

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A parade with American flag-waving locals:

Cops on horseback:

Related: This FSU Student Had A Scathing Message For Donald Trump, And It's Going Mega Viral

A pickup truck strolling by:

A tractor strolling by:

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And, naturally, racks of American flag merch.

She also takes us to a farmers market.

Related: "Theres No More Hiding Their Ideology"  People Cannot Believe This "Terrifying" Post By Trump Is Real

A lake house (with, you guessed it, more American flags).

And a beach-themed bar.

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You get the picture: "placid," patriotic, and...very white.

As someone from Michigan myself, I instantly recognized the town; its Rockford, Michigan, a wealthy suburb just outside Grand Rapids, the second largest city in the state. And many others did, too, pointing out another crucial detail about this "lovely" little town: It voted blue in the last two presidential elections.

Kent County Elections / Via app.enhancedvoting.com

"I love how every time these LARPers post 'small town' and 'real American' content to contrast with L.A. its always affluent suburbs that vote Democratic," one viral tweet said.

Another pointed out: "because this town voted for harris by a 5245 margin."

Note: The Kent County margin was 5246, rounded.

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Even former Republican Rep. Justin Amash weighed in: "This is Rockford, Michigan, which is a suburb of Grand Rapids, and part of the congressional district I represented. Rockford voted for Biden over Trump in 2020 and Harris over Trump in 2024. I didnt vote for any of those candidates. Just reporting the facts."

Another person also remarked the absurdity of calling the area a "small town": "I love the framing of Rockford being a small town lol. 3rd biggest high school in GR and is essentially an annex of the city. But tractor on street."

"This is clearly not a small town, which would be obvious if youd ever spent time in one," another added.

And while the county has recently leaned blue, it's still very white  Kent County is 72% white, compared to the national average of 58%. That might explain why Charlie Kirk was drawn to the video in the first place, which, notably, featured almost no Black or brown people.

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"So what Charlie Kirk is implying here is that small American towns are nice because there are no brown people," one person tweeted.

"They don't even hide the blatant racism anymore," added another.

All in all, this tweet may have said it best: "People who live in small towns are scared of cities, and people who live in cities are scared of small towns. People who have lived in both are only scared of small towns."

As someone whos lived in both small towns (in Michigan, too!) and now Los Angeles, I cant say I disagree. But, as always, let me know your thoughts in the comments.

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Also in In the News: Well, Well, Well, For The Second Time In 2 Weeks, People Are Letting JD Vance Know EXACTLY How They Feel About Him In Public

Also in In the News: This Dem Lawmaker Is Going Viral For His Extremely Shady Question To Secretary Kristi Noem

Also in In the News: This Conservative Said He Wears A Fake ICE Uniform For A Really, Really, Really Gross Reason
It seems like a plotline out of a Hollywood blockbuster: thieves cutting through a concrete wall in the middle of the night to break into a neighboring jewelry store and steal more than $2 million in cash and jewels.

But thats what happened in a brazen heist to family-owned 5 Star Jewelry and Watch Repair in Simi Valley, California, according to ABC7 Eyewitness News.

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I feel bad because this was my life, my retirement  they got everything we had, Jacob Youssef told KTLA5. At 71 years old, he was about to retire and had already left the business to his son Jonathan in 2015. I cannot rebuild what I did in my lifetime.

Since the store was priced out of insurance, theyve now lost everything.

Why a familys financial future is now at stake

A security camera shows one of the thieves crawling on his stomach through the neighboring store to avoid motion sensors and then spray-painting the camera lens.

This wasnt random, Ted Mackrel, owner of Dr. Conkeys Candy and Coffee told KABC. They sawed a hole in our roof Sunday evening of Memorial Day weekend and managed to dodge all security systems.

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From there, the thieves dropped into the shops bathroom, shimmied along the floor and spent at least three hours cutting through a concrete wall and then a heavy safe.

Mackrel says the break-in was discovered on Monday morning when staff reported a big hole in the wall leading to the jewelry store.

According to Jacob and Jonathan, the thieves stole all of the gold and jewelry in the safe, as well as customers heirloom pieces  including a Rolex watch  that they were repairing at the time of the break-in.

But that wasnt all they lost.

Its a hit, Jonathan, who now runs the family business, told KTLA5. Its [my dads] retirement, my future. I have a young family and three daughters. Its a lot to have to rebuild from, especially because my dad is 71. He cant work forever.

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Since the incident, the local community has started a fundraiser to help the family get back on their feet.

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

A risky strategy for retirement

This event reveals a critical vulnerability that many small business owners face: relying entirely on their business as their retirement plan.

Recent Gallup research found that most small business owners dont have a succession plan, yet 74% of employer-business owners have plans to sell or transfer the ownership of their business for retirement.

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An earlier 2025 survey by SCORE found that 34% of entrepreneurs have no retirement savings plan for themselves, with 18% planning to sell their business and use the money to fund their retirement. Another 21% have already used their retirement savings to invest in their business.

But this strategy comes with risks, including a lack of diversification, liquidity challenges and even the myth of the eventual sale.

Of the approximately 77 million baby boomers in the U.S., an estimated 12 million have ownership in privately held businesses, according to a whitepaper by Butcher Joseph & Co. and ITR Economics.

At the same time, about 10,000 baby boomers reach retirement age every day. But many are facing a similar problem, since their would-be heirs would rather have the proceeds of a sale than take over the family business.

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Another problem, however, is that with an influx of baby boomers looking to sell, were entering an environment where buyers have the upper hand, according to Entrepreneur.

That may be good news for young entrepreneurs looking to buy an established business, but perhaps less so for small business owners dependent on the sale for their retirement.

How to save for retirement

If youre self-employed or run a business, you may want to avoid putting all your retirement eggs in one basket.

If youre self-employed and dont have any employees, consider a solo 401(k) to beef up your own retirement savings. If you have employees, a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA can help both owners and their employees contribute toward their retirement.

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You may also want to consider contributing to personal investment accounts separate from the business. The more diversified you are, the better.

And dont forget about liquidity. If you cant sell the business right away, what would that mean for your retirement goals?

Its well worth consulting with a financial advisor as well as experts in succession planning to make sure you have an exit strategy that leaves you with options.

What to read next

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
GHENT, WV (WVNS)  A skunk has tested positive for rabies in Monroe County.

That probably has a lot of you on edge, so what do you need to know about the disease amid this discover?

With more people heading out to enjoy West Virginias great outdoors, there are going to be more instances of people coming across wildlife.

Skunk tests positive for rabies in Monroe County

And unfortunately, some of those animals you might see, could have rabies.

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Rabies is a fatal, but preventable, viral disease spread to mammals, including humans, through a bite or scratch from an infected mammal.

According to Ethan Barton, Wildlife Disease Specialist with the West Virginia DNR, the most common animals you could encounter in the state that could carry rabies are raccoons, foxes, and skunks.

However, he cautions any mammal can potentially be a carrier.

He said there are several warning signs an animal youve encountered could have rabies.

You know, strange phonation, strange vocalizations, apparent paralysis, inability to walk, kind of aimless wandering, loss of fear, loss of awareness. Those are all kind of pretty common calling cards that may be associated with rabies infection, said Barton.

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Barton said there are also cases of rabid animals displaying overt aggression.

They could attack inanimate objects and possibly charge humans or other animals.

Barton said you have to be extremely cautious around any animal displaying these signs.

Generally, the best thing to do is gonna be to keep your distance from the animal, back away from the animal, you know, especially if the animal appears to-to notice you or to approach you is to try to back away from it. The best folks to contact would probably be your local Division of Natural Resources office to notify them about it, said Barton.

Lyme-disease isnt the only tick-borne threat. Doctors warn these other diseases are spreading

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Barton said in the case of a bite, you should notify your local public health office as well.

He said if you get medical attention immediately, usually the disease can be prevented with a regimen of vaccines.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A former CIA analyst who pleaded guilty in January over a leak of classified Israeli plans to strike Iran was sentenced to 37 months in prison on Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

In pleading guilty, Asif William Rahman, who had worked at the U.S. intelligence agency since 2016, acknowledged that he illegally downloaded, printed and distributed classified information on multiple occasions, including several in 2024.

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WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

U.S. ally Israel and its regional rival Iran were in the midst of high tensions at the time and exchanged some blows.

Israel at the time was preparing to strike some Iranian sites in retaliation for a ballistic missile attack that the Iranian government said was a response to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination by Israel in Tehran.

CONTEXT

Rahman had a "Top Secret" security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) until his employment was terminated after his arrest in late 2024.

The documents, which entailed plans by Israel to strike Iran, later appeared online after a pro-Iranian Telegram account called "Middle East Spectator" published them.

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Rahman, 34, is from Vienna, Virginia, and was arrested in Cambodia, according to court records.

KEY QUOTE

"Asif Rahman violated his position of trust by illegally accessing, removing, and transmitting Top Secret documents vital to the national security of the United States and its allies," Erik Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, said on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler)
WASHINGTON (AP)  Former U.S. Rep. Billy Long of Missouri was confirmed on Thursday to lead the Internal Revenue Service, giving the beleaguered agency he once sought to abolish a permanent commissioner after months of acting leaders and massive staffing cuts that have threatened to derail next years tax filing season.

The Senate confirmed Long on a 53-44 vote despite Democrats concerns about the Republican's past work for a firm that pitched a fraud-ridden coronavirus pandemic-era tax break and about campaign contributions he received after President Donald Trump nominated him to serve as IRS commissioner.

While in Congress, where he served from 2011 to 2023, Long sponsored legislation to get rid of the IRS, the agency he is now tasked with leading. A former auctioneer, Long has no background in tax administration.

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Long will take over an IRS undergoing massive change, including layoffs and voluntary retirements of tens of thousands of workers and accusations that then-Trump adviser Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency mishandled sensitive taxpayer data. Unions and advocacy organizations have sued to block DOGEs access to the information.

The IRS was one of the highest-profile agencies still without a Senate-confirmed leader. Before Longs confirmation, the IRS shuffled through four acting leaders, including one who resigned over a deal between the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security to share immigrants tax data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and another whose appointment led to a fight between Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

After leaving Congress to mount an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate, Long worked with a firm that distributed the pandemic-era employee retention tax credit. That tax credit program was eventually shut down after then-IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel determined that it was fraudulent.

Democrats called for a criminal investigation into Longs connections to other alleged tax credit loopholes. The lawmakers allege that firms connected to Long duped investors into spending millions of dollars to purchase fake tax credits.

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Long appeared before the Senate Finance Committee last month and denied any wrongdoing related to his involvement in the tax credit scheme.

Treasury's Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender, who briefly served as IRS' acting commissioner, sent an email to IRS employees after Long's confirmation. He said Long's experience will be critically important to the IRS at this time of transformation, as we build a modern IRS that will deliver on the Secretarys priorities of service, collections and privacy for generations to come, according to the internal email obtained by The Associated Press.

Ahead of the confirmation vote, Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, sent a letter to White House chief of staff Susie Wiles blasting the requisite FBI background check conducted on Long as a political appointee as inadequate.

These issues were not adequately investigated, Wyden wrote. In fact, the FBIs investigation, a process dictated by the White House, seemed designed to avoid substantively addressing any of these concerning public reports. Its almost as if the FBI is unable to read the newspaper.

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Democratic lawmakers have also written to Long and his associated firms detailing concerns with what they call unusually timed contributions made to Longs defunct 2022 Senate campaign committee shortly after Trump nominated him.

The IRS faces an uncertain future under Long. Tax experts have voiced concerns that the 2026 filing season could be hampered by the departure of so many tax collection workers. In April, The Associated Press reported that the IRS planned to cut as many as 20,000 staffers  up to 25% of the workforce. An IRS representative on Thursday confirmed the IRS had shed about that many workers but said the cuts amounted to approximately the same number of IRS jobs added under the Biden administration.

The fate of the Direct File program, the free electronic tax return filing system developed during President Joe Biden's Democratic administration, is also unclear. Republican lawmakers and commercial tax preparation companies had complained it was a waste of taxpayer money because free filing programs already exist, although they are hard to use. Long said during his confirmation hearing that it would be one of the first programs that come up for discussion if he were confirmed.

Long is not the only Trump appointee to support dismantling an agency he was assigned to manage.

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Linda McMahon, the current education secretary, has repeatedly said she is trying to put herself out of a job by closing the federal department and transferring its work to the states. Rick Perry, Trump's energy secretary during his first term, called for abolishing the Energy Department during his bid for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination.

___

Follow the AP's coverage of the Internal Revenue Service at https://apnews.com/hub/internal-revenue-service.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A now-former Clark County EMS captain allegedly stole expired fentanyl from a fire station storage room and misused it before crashing into a wall, police said.

Christopher Burr faces charges of misconduct of a public officer and burglary of a business, records said. On Dec. 24, 2024, Burr, who was on his way home from work at the time, crashed into a wall in the northwest valley.

During the investigation into the crash, Las Vegas Metro police officers located five empty vials of expired fentanyl citrate, documents said. Burr denied misusing the drug, which investigators said was stored in a storage room at CCFD Station 18.

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Fentanyl citrate is a synthetic opioid and not the illicit form of fentanyl commonly found in drug overdoses.

Blood tests later showed fentanyl in Burrs system at the time of the crash, police said.

The county suspended Burr after the crash, documents said. He separated from the department in January, a county spokesperson confirmed.

In Burrs arrest report, police note he had trusted and privileged access to the storage room.

Prosecutors had not filed a criminal complaint against Burr as of Thursday and he was never ordered into custody. A status check was scheduled for June 12.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BEIJING/JAKARTA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- China has added Indonesia to its 240-hour visa-free transit program, bringing the total number of eligible countries to 55, immigration authorities announced on Thursday.

Effective Thursday, Indonesian travelers who meet the stipulated criteria can enter through any of 60 ports across 24 provincial-level regions and stay in China for up to 240 hours, or 10 days, without a visa before heading to a third destination, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

During the visa-free transit period, travelers are permitted to engage in tourism, business, exchange visits and family visits. However, the policy does not cover employment, study or journalistic activities, which still require appropriate visas, the NIA said.

The expansion came as part of China's efforts to deepen exchanges and cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

It is expected to boost bilateral cooperation, improve trade and investment efficiency, and foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and Indonesia, said NIA officials.

TRAVEL MADE EASIER

Indonesian Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun has welcomed the development, saying the policy will strengthen people-to-people connections, particularly in the tourism sector.

Anggi Oktari, a postgraduate student at Padjadjaran University in West Java, said the policy helps save on flight costs and allows her to enjoy China's beauty without the hassle of applying for a visa.

"I plan to travel to Central Asian countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. With this new policy, flying with a transit in China becomes a very appealing option," she said.

Dwidayatour, a travel agency in Jakarta, organizes around 10 tour groups to China each month, with about 20 people per group.

Elsa Febriani, one of its travel consultants, said that in the past, many passengers couldn't even leave the airport due to visa restrictions. "With this new policy, we can offer more leisure travel products and increase our sales," she said.

Sudarmanto, a document staff member at Gorumi Travel, another local agency, said the visa-free policy could encourage more Indonesians to visit Chinese cities.

"Personally, I'd love to use this opportunity to visit Harbin and Chongqing. I've heard Chongqing has amazing hotpot, which suits Indonesian tastes since we love spicy food," he said.

Fang Ruixing, a Chinese Indonesian in his 40s whose ancestral hometown is in Fujian, plans to take his two children to Shanghai Disney Resort.

He welcomed the visa-free transit policy but suggested that the 10-day stay could be extended further. "The longer, the better," he said. "China is such a large country that it doesn't make much sense to just transit through."

"I really hope China and Indonesia can eventually agree on a two-week mutual visa exemption. That would make it easier for overseas Chinese like me to take our children back to explore their cultural roots."

Previously, travelers from ASEAN countries could enter parts of China visa-free under a regional exemption scheme. That program allows group tourists to stay for up to six days in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province and Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Earlier this month, China introduced a five-year, multiple-entry visa policy for businesspeople from ASEAN member states and observer country Timor-Leste. The so-called "ASEAN visa" extends eligibility to spouses and children of applicants -- allowing stays of up to 180 days per visit.

EXPANDED BORDER ACCESS

Veronika Saraswati, director of the Indonesia-China Partnership Studies Institute, said that the new policy is in line with China's efforts to promote inclusive globalization and joint development. "It will ultimately bring benefits for regional and global peace and prosperity."

China has adjusted its visa rules to boost cross-border mobility and exchanges following the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2024, authorities expanded the visa-free transit window from previous limits of 72 or 144 hours to 240 hours and increased the number of eligible ports by 21.

The coverage now includes regions rich in tourism resources and in cultural and ethnic heritage, such as north China's Shanxi Province, known as a filming location for "Black Myth: Wukong," east China's Jiangxi Province, famous for its porcelain heritage, and Guizhou Province in southwest China, home to multiple world natural heritage sites.

Additionally, travelers under the visa-free transit program can now travel between multiple destinations within designated regions. In provinces such as Anhui in the east, Hainan in the south, and Guizhou in the southwest, the entire provincial area is now accessible under a single itinerary.

China has also expanded its unilateral visa-free access program, allowing travelers from 47 countries to stay for up to 30 days. Recent additions include countries in Latin America and the Gulf region, such as Brazil and Saudi Arabia.

These sweeping policy changes have facilitated travel to China, fueling a surge in online content and interest around "China Travel," particularly on platforms like YouTube.

In 2024, international travelers made 64.88 million cross-border trips to China, up 82.9 percent year on year. More than 20 million of these were visa-free entries, marking a 112.3 percent increase from the previous year, the NIA revealed.

Notably, during the recent three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday, 231,000 foreigners entered China without a visa -- an increase of 59.4 percent compared to a year earlier. 
VIRGINIA BEACH  A former city police officer accused of sexually assaulting a woman after she was involved in a car accident was acquitted Thursday.

Jurors in Virginia Beach Circuit Court deliberated about 1 hours before announcing their verdict in the case of Sean Fearon. The now 23-year-old former officer had been charged with object sexual penetration and abduction with the intent to defile, and could have faced up to two life sentences if convicted of both counts. After the verdict was announced, Fearon sobbed and hugged defense attorney Kristin Paulding.

He was so emotional, Paulding said afterwards. I dont know that Ive ever been hugged that hard.

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Fearons trial began Monday and ended Thursday with his testimony. The Chesapeake Commonwealths Attorneys Office agreed to handle the case after Virginia Beach prosecutors recused themselves, which they routinely do in cases involving city police officers.

Fearon was on duty on the afternoon of June 12, 2024, when he came upon an accident in the Haygood area. A 19-year-old woman had rear-ended her SUV into another vehicle and her car was leaking fluid, Fearon said. He told the woman he was going to call for a tow truck, but she asked him to instead let her take it to a Jiffy Lube. Fearon said he told her the car was not drivable, instructed her to park it in a nearby bank parking lot and followed her there.

Fearons and the womans testimony differed from there. The officer had his body cam on at some times during the encounter but turned it off at others.

He told jurors the woman was flirting with him and at one point reached over and rubbed his crotch. The woman testified she was sitting in her vehicle and talking to Fearon when he reached in through the drivers side window and penetrated her with his finger.

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Among some of the exchanges captured by Fearons body camera was an offer he made to pay for the womans car repairs. At another point the woman is heard telling him, Come here baby. The encounter between the two ended with Fearon driving her home, where she can be seen hugging him.

Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Madeline Woodruff argued that Fearon was lying and had been inconsistent with his statements. Paulding accused the victim of doing the same during her testimony.

For instance, the woman testified during trial that Fearon grabbed her hand and put it on his crotch, Paulding said, but in the past had admitted to doing it on her own. The woman also had denied being drunk, but testified at trial she was intoxicated and that she was being compliant and flirtatious with Fearon to avoid being charged with drunken driving.

Compliance is not consent, Woodruff told jurors. The defendant knew what he was doing. He had all the power in this situation.

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While Paulding agreed that Fearons behavior that day was reprehensible, she argued there was no evidence that he ever used force, made threats, or did anything to intimidate the woman or prevent her from leaving. The officer resigned from the police force after he was charged.

Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com
After protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles, President Donald Trump took the contentious step of mobilizing thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of US Marines in response.

While the use of the National Guard against the California governor's wishes is significant, in general these military personnel are trained for rapid response to emergencies within the United States.

- Military reserve force -

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The National Guard is a military reserve force within the United States Armed Forces, meaning that most of its members serve part-time while holding civilian jobs or conducting other activities.

As a response force, the National Guard can be mobilized rapidly to address emergency situations on US soil, typically natural disasters.

When needed, National Guard units can also be activated for deployments into combat zones, especially if the United States is at war.

Unlike branches of the US military, the National Guard performs both state- and federal-level functions, and is organized into groupings based in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the US territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.

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As a state-based force, generally it is the governor of a state or territory who activates and commands the National Guard when needed.

However, in some situations the National Guard can be "federalized" by the president, bringing it under the president's control until the specific federal mission has ended -- as is the case in Los Angeles currently.

The latest budget from the Department of Defense authorizes 433,000 National Guard personnel in total, split across the Air National Guard and Army National Guard.

This means that compared to other components of the US military, the National Guard is second only to the US Army in terms of size.

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- Emergency response -

National Guard members are typically deployed during emergencies such as natural disasters at the request of governors and based on specific provisions in each state's laws.

In the aftermath of events like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, state National Guards are often called on to help evacuate dangerous areas, deliver supplies to places that would otherwise be cut off, or provide specialist equipment needed to clear hazardous debris.

The largest National Guard deployment in recent years was during the COVID-19 pandemic, where troops helped construct and staff emergency care facilities, transport health supplies around the country, and coordinate other logistics.

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Outside of a natural disaster, deployment of the guard can be ordered in emergencies created by the breakdown of public order -- the provision that Trump controversially invoked when sending troops to California.

- History with protest -

The use of the National Guard to manage public unrest is not unique to Trump, even if the current deployment is unusual.

During the widespread Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, more than half of US states activated National Guard troops to maintain order and help enforce curfews.

Before that, they were also deployed to LA in 1992 to respond to riots that occurred after police officers who had beaten motorist Rodney King were acquitted at trial.

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At that time, riots, looting and arson attacks had spread across the city, with dozens of people killed and thousands injured.

The National Guard was deployed during the 1950s and 60s Civil Rights era to help enforce school desegregation, following the Supreme Court's landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling.

In one of the force's darkest moments, in May 1970, members of the Ohio National Guard clashed with anti-war protesters at Kent State University. As unrest swelled, the troops opened fire, killing four unarmed students.

The shootings sparked outrage, but also led to reform of the guard's use-of-force guidelines.

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BANGKOK (Reuters) -A Chinese-backed militia is protecting new rare earth mines in eastern Myanmar, according to four people familiar with the matter, as Beijing moves to secure control of the minerals it is wielding as a bargaining chip in its trade war with Washington.

China has a near-monopoly over the processing of heavy rare earths into magnets that power critical goods like wind turbines, medical devices and electric vehicles. But Beijing is heavily reliant on Myanmar for the rare earth metals and oxides needed to produce them: the war-torn country was the source of nearly half those imports in the first four months of this year, Chinese customs data show.

Beijing's access to fresh stockpiles of minerals like dysprosium and terbium has been throttled recently after a major mining belt in Myanmar's north was taken over by an armed group battling the Southeast Asian country's junta, which Beijing supports.

Now, in the hillsides of Shan state in eastern Myanmar, Chinese miners are opening new deposits for extraction, according to two of the sources, both of whom work at one of the mines. At least 100 people are working day-to-night shifts excavating hillsides and extracting minerals using chemicals, the sources said.

Two other residents of the area said they had witnessed trucks carrying material from the mines, between the towns of Mong Hsat and Mong Yun, toward the Chinese border some 200km away. Reuters identified some of the sites using imagery from commercial satellite providers Planet Labs and Maxar Technologies.

Business records across Myanmar are poorly maintained and challenging to access, and Reuters could not independently identify the ownership of the mines.

The mines operate under the protection of the United Wa State Army, according to four sources, two of whom were able to identify the uniforms of the militia members.

The UWSA, which is among the biggest armed groups in Shan state, also controls one of the world's largest tin mines. It has long-standing commercial and military links with China, according to the U.S. Institute of Peace, a conflict resolution non-profit.

Details of the militia's role and the export route of the rare earths are reported by Reuters for the first time.

University of Manchester lecturer Patrick Meehan, who has closely studied Myanmar's rare earth industry and reviewed satellite imagery of the Shan mines, said the "mid-large size" sites appeared to be the first significant facilities in the country outside the Kachin region in the north.

"There is a whole belt of rare earths that goes down through Kachin, through Shan, parts of Laos," he said.
By Marisa Taylor and Nandita Bose

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The role of Elon Musk's SpaceX in an ambitious new U.S. missile defense system is in question following the dramatic feud last week between the billionaire entrepreneur and President Donald Trump, according to three people familiar with the project.

The White House until recently had considered a plan for SpaceX, Musk's rocket and satellite venture, to partner with software maker Palantir and drone builder Anduril to construct crucial elements of the project, dubbed "Golden Dome." The administration had instructed the Pentagon to prioritize a network of satellites for the purpose, these people said.

But a new framework for the system, which would seek to track and prevent possible missile attacks against the United States, is now being considered that could reduce the role of SpaceX. One possibility, the three people said, could initially forego SpaceX's satellite capabilities and focus on the expansion of existing ground systems for missile defense instead.

In a statement, a White House spokesman said "the Trump Administration is committed to a rigorous review process for all bids and contracts." A senior Defense Department official said the Pentagon "has no announcements regarding future contracts associated with the Golden Dome effort."

SpaceX, Anduril and Palantir didn't respond to requests for comment.

A reduced role for SpaceX would represent the first known setback to Musk's huge volume of business with the U.S. government since his break with Trump last week. The shift in plans, especially for a project that Trump has touted as paramount for U.S. defense strategy, also underscores the highly personalized nature of the president's leadership, aerospace and defense experts said.

"That people guiding the program or building it are approved based on their political affiliation signals a real concern that the project itself is very politicized and not being conducted on the technical merits," said Laura Grego, a missile defense expert and research director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, a non-profit based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In its statement to Reuters, the White House said any decision would be made "prioritizing the best deal for America and leveraging the most advanced and innovative technology."

Trump in May said the defense shield should be operational by the end of his presidency, January 2029. But industry experts have said that timeframe, and a projected cost of some $175 billion, could be too optimistic.
RUSK, Texas (KETK) The execution date has been set in September for an East Texas man who helped murder his girlfriends baby with a hammer in 2008.

According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), 35-year-old Blaine Milam of Gregg County is set to be executed on September 25 for his involvement in the murder of his girlfriends 13-month-daughter during what they described as an exorcism.

Mugshot of Blaine Milam, courtesy of TDCJ

Who is on Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive List?

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On Dec. 2, 2008 in Rusk County, Milam and his girlfriend, Jessica Carson murdered the infant by using a hammer to beat her and biting her on the chest, arms, throat, feet and lower back. In confession, the couple told authorities that they were trying to beat the demons out of the baby.

On June 11, 2010, at only 20-years-old Milam was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to die while Carson received a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

In early 2019, Milam was slated to be executed for his crimes, but avoided it after the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals stayed his execution the day before it was scheduled. The decision came after his lawyers argued that Milam was intellectually disabled, and therefore ineligible for execution.

In January of 2021, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals granted again a stay of execution for Milam to review intellectual disability claims.

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Appeals court delays execution of Rusk County man who killed infant in exorcism

Now after sitting on death row for almost 15 years, Milam is set to be executed on September 25.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
Washington DC is set to a host a military parade on Saturday to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Army.

The event will also coincide with the 79th birthday of US President Donald Trump, who says the parade will be "like no other".

The event - which the Army has said could cost up to $45 million (33 million) - will include over 7,000 uniformed soldiers, dozens of tanks and military vehicles, plus marching bands and a fireworks show.

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Meanwhile, 'No Kings' protests against the Trump administration are planned in more than 1,500 cities across the US. Organisers are billing the demonstrations as a "nationwide day of defiance" in response to "corruption" in the government.

When is the military parade?

The military parade is scheduled to begin at around 18:00 local time (23:00 GMT) on Saturday, 14 June and take place around the National Mall which includes the Washington Monument Grounds.

Tickets are not required but registering for them on the US Army's website is said to ensure a better view.

The massive parade and festivities are estimated to cost between $25m and $45m (18.3m and 33m), according to an Army spokesperson. Part of the budget is expected to include millions of dollars to repair DC streets, not built to handle tanks and other heavy armoured vehicles.

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"Thundering tanks and breath-taking flyovers will roar through our capital city," Trump said.

The last time a military parade was held in the US was 1991 under former President George HW Bush marking an end to the Gulf War.

An estimated 200,000 people filled the streets for the event, the largest military celebration since the end of WWII.

Other military parades were held in 1961, during former President John F Kennedy's inauguration; 1953, during former President Dwight Eisenhower's first inauguration; and in 1942 and 1946 around WWII.

Where are 'No Kings' protests?

The 'No Kings' movement is planning demonstrations in more than 1,500 cities and towns across the US to oppose the Trump administration.

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"President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn't staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else," the group's website says.

This includes frustration over Trump sending National Guard troops and US Marines into Los Angeles, California in response to immigration protests, against the governor's wishes.

The group behind the demonstrations, the 50501 Movement, has staged protests against the administration since April. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.

Major rallies and marches are being planned in cities including Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Atlanta, Houston and Phoenix.

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A map of the planned protests shows them taking place in all 50 states, from Alaska to Florida. Dozens of protests are also planned in Texas and Florida, both Trump strongholds.
Just a few years ago, in the fall of 2021, we began welcoming the arrival of what would amount to about 1,800 Afghan refugees into our community.

They came at a time when our country was withdrawing its military forces from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban and its brutal, hardline regime to retake control of that war-ravaged land.

Some of the refugees had worked for U.S. and alliance forces and various non-governmental organizations, charities and media outlets operating in the country. They rightly feared Taliban retribution.

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Gov. Kevin Stitt, working with a Christian organization, Catholic Charities, welcomed the refugees to Oklahoma, as did the state's two Republican senators at the time, James Lankford and Jim Inhofe, and Republican Reps. Frank Lucas, Stephanie Bice and Tom Cole.

Support for the Afghans was seen as a concrete example of the "Oklahoma Standard," forged in the aftermath of the tragic Oklahoma City bombing 30 years ago this past April. Maintaining that standard, often expressed as "people helping people," over the past three decades since the bombing has been a source of pride for Oklahomans regardless of their political affiliation, race or ethnic background.

There was an earlier and more relevant example, as well, when Oklahoma welcomed thousands of refugees from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon 50 years ago.

The thousands of immigrants we accepted then reshaped Oklahoma City in ways that forever changed the city for good.

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So, what are we to make of our attorney general, Gentner Drummond, who now is saying all Afghan refugees in this country should be expelled?

In his public announcement, Drummond said he was following the lead of President Donald Trump in issuing "a proclamation effectively banning Afghan nationals from entering the United States."

"I am demanding that Gov. Stitt reject the approval he gave to the Biden Administration so all Afghan refugees can be removed from Oklahoma," said Drummond, who has announced he will be a candidate for governor in 2026.

Has Drummond made some sort of political calculation that Oklahoma voters will approve of throwing the Oklahoma Standard out the window and punishing all Afghans for the acts of just a few of them?

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Drummond is defending his call for expulsion by pointing out that an Afghan refugee shot and wounded two police officers in Virginia in April and that two others in Oklahoma allegedly plotted a mass shooting on Election Day 2024 before being arrested.

The attorney general did not elaborate on the legal principle he believes justifies the expulsion of all members of a particular ethnic group  who came to this country legally  because a few members of that group broke the law.

Drummond criticized Stitt and former President Joe Biden for "not properly vetting" the Afghans that were admitted, apparently under the illusion that some piece of paper would serve as a guarantee against future law-breaking.

The Oklahoman rejects this reasoning.

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If Drummond is to be our next governor, and early polls show him to be well on that path, we urge him to accept the invitation put forth in a recent op-ed by Veronica Laizure-Henry, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Oklahoma Chapter, to meet with members of the Muslim community and our new Afghan neighbors and learn more about them before making broad, inflammatory deportation demands.

We admire many of the stands Drummond has taken since being sworn in as attorney general in 2023, particularly in protecting religious freedom. But we deplore the political posturing and the lack of merit in his generic attack on a group of people who are following the law, contributing to our community, and to whom, in many cases, we owe a debt of gratitude for their actions to aid and protect our servicemembers and other Americans when we were strangers in their land.

This editorial was written by William C. Wertz, and represents the position of The Oklahoman editorial board, which includes deputy opinion editor Wertz, opinion editor Clytie Bunyan and executive editor Ray Rivera.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Trump and AG Drummond are wrong on Afghan refugees | Editorial
A mother prepares her infant son for bed. Since 2020, 36 states have lost at least one rural labor and delivery department. In rural counties, the loss of hospital-based obstetric care is associated with increases in births in hospital emergency rooms, less prenatal care and higher rates of babies being born too early. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Nine months after Monroe County Hospital in rural South Alabama closed its labor and delivery department in October 2023, Grove Hill Memorial Hospital in neighboring Clarke County also stopped delivering babies.

Both hospitals are located in an agricultural swath of the state thats home to most of its poorest counties. Many residents of the region dont even have a nearby emergency department.

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Stacey Gilchrist is a nurse and administrator whos spent her 40-year career in Thomasville, a small town about 20 minutes north of Grove Hill. Thomasvilles hospital shut down entirely last September over financial difficulties. Thomasville Regional hadnt had a labor and delivery unit for years, but women in labor still showed up at its ER when they knew they wouldnt make it to the nearest delivering hospital.

We had several close calls where people could not make it even to Grove Hill when they were delivering there, Gilchrist told Stateline shortly after the Thomasville hospital closed. She recalled how Thomasville nurses worked to save the lives of a mother and baby whod delivered early in their ER, as staff waited for neonatal specialists to arrive by ambulance from a distant delivering hospital.

It would give you chills to see what all they had to do. They had to get inventive, she said, but the mother and baby survived.

Now many families must drive more than an hour to reach the nearest birthing hospital.

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Nationwide, most rural hospitals no longer offer obstetric services. Since the end of 2020, more than 100 rural hospitals have stopped delivering babies, according to a new report from the Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform, a national policy center focused on solving health care issues through overhauling insurance payments. Fewer than 1,000 rural hospitals nationwide still have labor and delivery services.

Across the nation, two rural labor and delivery departments shut their doors every month on average, said Harold Miller, the centers president and CEO.

Its the perfect storm, Miller told Stateline. The number of births are going down, everything is more expensive in rural areas, health insurance plans dont cover the cost of births, and hospitals dont have the resources to offset those losses because theyre losing money on other services, too.

Staffing shortages, low Medicaid reimbursement payments and declining birth rates have contributed to the closures. Some states have responded by changing how Medicaid funds are spent, by allowing the opening of freestanding birth centers, or by encouraging urban-based obstetricians to open satellite clinics in rural areas.

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Yet the losses continue. Thirty-six states have lost at least one rural labor and delivery unit since the end of 2020, according to the report. Sixteen have lost three or more. Indiana has lost 12, accounting for a third of its rural hospital labor and delivery units.

In rural counties the loss of hospital-based obstetric care is associated with increases in births in hospital emergency rooms, studies have found. The share of women without adequate prenatal care also increases in rural counties that lose hospital obstetric services.

And researchers have seen an increase in preterm births  when a baby is born three or more weeks early  following rural labor and delivery closures. Babies born too early have higher rates of death and disability.

Births are expensive

The decline in hospital-based maternity care has been decades in the making.

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Traditionally, hospitals lose money on obstetrics. It costs more to maintain a labor and delivery department than a hospital gets paid by insurance to deliver a baby. This is especially true for rural hospitals, which see fewer births and therefore less revenue than urban areas.

It is expensive and complicated for any hospital to have labor and delivery because its a 24/7 service, said Miller.

A labor and delivery unit must always have certain staff available or on call, including a physician who can perform cesarean sections, nurses with obstetric training, and an anesthetist for C-sections and labor pain management.

You cant subsidize a losing service when you dont have profit coming in from other services.

 Harold Miller, president and CEO of the Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform

Theres a minimum fixed cost you incur [as a hospital] to have all of that, regardless of how many births there are, Miller said.

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In most cases, insurers dont pay hospitals to maintain that standby capacity; theyre paid per birth. Hospitals cover their losses on obstetrics with revenue they get from more lucrative services.

For a larger urban hospital with thousands of births a year, the fixed costs might be manageable. For smaller rural hospitals, theyre much harder to justify. Some have had to jettison their obstetric services just to keep the doors open.

You cant subsidize a losing service when you dont have profit coming in from other services, Miller said.

And staffing is a persistent problem.

Harrison County Hospital in Corydon, Indiana, a small town on the border with Kentucky, ended its obstetric services in March after hospital leaders said they were unable to recruit an obstetric provider. It was the only delivering hospital in the county, averaging about 400 births a year.

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And most providers dont want to remain on call 24/7, a particular problem in rural regions that might have just one or two physicians trained in obstetrics. In many rural areas, family physicians with obstetrical training fill the role of both obstetricians and general practitioners.

Ripple effects

Even before Harrison County Hospital suspended its obstetrical services, some patients were already driving more than 30 minutes for care, the Indiana Capital Chronicle reported. The closure means the drive could be 50 minutes to reach a hospital with a labor and delivery department, or to see providers for prenatal visits.

Longer drive times can be risky, resulting in more scheduled inductions and C-sections because families are scared to risk going into labor naturally and then facing a harrowing hourlong drive to the hospital.

Having fewer labor and delivery units could further burden ambulance services already stretched thin in rural areas.

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And hospitals often serve as a hub for other maternity-related services that help keep mothers and babies healthy.

Other things weve seen in rural counties that have hospital-based OB care is that youre more likely to have other supportive things, like maternal mental health support, postpartum groups, lactation support, access to doula care and midwifery services, said Katy Kozhimannil, a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, whose research focuses in part on maternal health policy with a focus on rural communities.

State action

Medicaid, the state-federal public insurance for people with low incomes, pays for nearly half of all births in rural areas nationwide. And women who live in rural communities and small towns are more likely to be covered by Medicaid than women in metro areas.

Experts say one way to save rural labor and delivery in many places would be to bump up Medicaid payments.

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As congressional Republicans debate President Donald Trumps tax and spending plan, theyre considering which portions of Medicaid to slash to help pay for the bills tax cuts. Maternity services arent on the chopping block.

But if Congress reduces federal funding for some portions of Medicaid, states  and hospitals  will have to figure out how to offset that loss. The ripple effects could translate into less money for rural hospitals overall, meaning some may no longer be able to afford labor and delivery services.

Cuts to Medicaid are going to be felt disproportionately in rural areas where Medicaid makes up a higher proportion of labor and delivery and for services in general, Kozhimannil said. It is a hugely important payer at rural hospitals, and for birth in particular.

And though private insurers often pay more than Medicaid for birth services, Miller believes states shouldnt let companies off the hook.

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The data shows that in many cases, commercial insurance plans operating in a state are not paying adequately for labor and delivery, Miller said. Hospitals will tell you its not just Medicaid; its also commercial insurance.

Hed like to see state insurance regulators pressure private insurance to pay more. More than 40% of births in rural communities are covered by private insurance.

Yet theres no one magic bullet that will fix every rural hospitals bottom line, Miller said: For every hospital Ive talked to, its been a different set of circumstances.

Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@stateline.org.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  As protests continue against the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, Michigan experts and officials are speaking their minds.

Protests started in Los Angeles on Friday, and since then, President Trump has ordered thousands of National Guard members and Marines to deploy in the area. 6 News spoke with a local Homeland Security and National Guard expert about his thoughts on the situation.

Retired Brigadier General and Cooley Law Professor Emeritus Michael McDaniel told 6 News hes surprised at how small the protests are compared to the heavy military response. McDaniel says the current LA protests and riots are nowhere near the 1992 LA riots that occurred after the Rodney King verdict.

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In that instance, the governor did request President George H.W. Bush to send troops, and Bush invoked the Insurrection Act. This is the most recent time the Insurrection Act has been used by a U.S. president.

McDaniel rose through the ranks of the Michigan National Guard for nearly three decades and taught Domestic Operations Law and Constitutional Law at Cooley Law School. He explains that the president does have the ability to use military force domestically through the Insurrection Acthowever, he says President Trump has not invoked the act, and neither the California governor nor the state legislature has requested the deployment of troopswhich McDaniel says is required before the federal government intervenes.

[President Trump] is, in essence, using military forces for the sole purpose of protecting a federal building, said McDaniel. The military has to be apolitical, neutral. They cannot be engaged in that.

McDaniel says the ability to engage and deter criminal activity is first and foremost with the states, and the federal government should stay out of it.

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[The military] cannot do law enforcement, said McDaniel. And if they do, they are acting unlawfully. Maybe the president has immunity under the Supreme Court ruling, but the military leaders do notand they would be following, I believe, an unlawful order which is contrary to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

McDaniel says he believes President Trump is acting unconstitutionally in this situation. Furthermore, McDaniel does not believe theres any need for federal troops to be involved.

It suggests that the president, the current president, sees the military as an instrument that he can use to quash political speech, said McDaniel.

McDaniel also says that although the current issues are in California, the implications are far-reaching and can affect anyone.

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Protests are covered under the First Amendment, said McDaniel. Ifthe White House decides to use military force to stifle First Amendment debate, political debate, political speechwhich goes to the core of our Constitution and our system of governmentnone of us are safe from an authoritarian state. Im stating that awfully strongly, but I believe it strongly, that you have to allow types of protests. You cannot have the federal government step in.

Representative Josh Schriver (R-Oxford) was scheduled to hold a press conference Wednesday, urging local governments to cooperate with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and put a stop to lawless violence. 6 News planned to attend that conference, but it was rescheduled to Thursday. 6 News will keep you updated as we learn more.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has said it is going to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to help protect federal property and personnel during the ongoing protests in the city.

Here is everything we know about the U.S. troops that are being deployed to Los Angeles:

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TROOPS SENT TO LA?

National guard troops usually belong to individual states and personnel in many cases are trained to help with emergencies that those states have to deal with, such as natural disasters.

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Since they are the reserve force of the U.S. military, National Guard troops are usually part time, meaning that they have other jobs as well.

U.S. Marines on the other hand are active duty troops - it is a full time job.

Marines are trained for conflicts around the world - from the Middle East to Africa - and are used for rapid global deployments in case of emergencies, such as threats to U.S. embassies.

All those troops will come under a task force, known as Task Force 51.

HOW CAN TROOPS LEGALLY BE DEPLOYED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES?

Trump cited Title 10 of the U.S. Code, a federal law that outlines the role of the U.S. Armed Forces, in his June 7 order to call members of the California National Guard into federal service.

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A provision of Title 10 - Section 12406- allows the president to deploy National Guard units into federal service if the U.S. is invaded, there is a "rebellion or danger of rebellion" or the president is "unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States."

The president also has the authority to deploy active duty troops, like the Marines, within the United States in limited cases.

WHERE ARE THE TROOPS COMING FROM?

Many of the 4,000 National Guard troops are coming from the California National Guard. So far, 2,100 soldiers from the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, a unit of the California National Guard, are on the ground.

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The Marines being deployed are from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. They are based out of Twentynine Palms, close to Los Angeles.

WHAT CAN TROOPS DO AND WHAT CAN THEY NOT DO?

Both National Guard troops and Marines will be carrying out the same tasks, according to U.S. Army Major General Scott Sherman, who is commanding the troops.

They are tasked with protecting federal property and federal personnel. This means that they will accompany ICE agents on raids, officials have said.

The troops are authorized to detain people who pose a threat to federal personnel or property, but only until police can arrest them. Military officials are not allowed to carry out arrests themselves.

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The Posse Comitatus Act, generally forbids the U.S. military, including the National Guard, from taking part in civilian law enforcement.

Trump could take a more far-reaching step by invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow troops to directly participate in civilian law enforcement.

WHAT TRAINING WILL THE TROOPS RECEIVE?

Troops receive varying levels of training in dealing with riots and crowd control.

Since National Guard troops are used domestically in many cases, they receive extensive training when it comes to crowd control and civil unrest.

While Marines may receive a basic level of crowd control training, it is not their expertise in domestic situations. The 700 Marines will receive two days of training focused on civil disturbance, crowd control and protection of facilities, before they are deployed to the streets of Los Angeles.

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The Marines will also have added "legal and law enforcement expertise," the military said.

WHAT WILL TROOPS BE ARMED WITH?

National Guard troops have been seen carrying shields, batons and rifles, along with regular protective equipment.

The Marines will also be armed with riot shields and batons, and Sherman said they will not have ammunition in their rifles, but they will carry it.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali, editing by Michelle Nichols and Michael Perry)
NEW YORK, June 11 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. federal judge on Wednesday ruled that Secretary of State Marco Rubio can't detain or remove the 30-year-old Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate of Columbia University, from the United States for now.

District Judge Michael Farbiarz of New Jersey granted the student's request to temporarily block federal officials from deporting him.

Khalil, a lawful permanent resident, has been held in a detention facility in Louisiana since he was detained in his university-owned New York City apartment building lobby in March.

His lawyers have fought for his release to be with his wife and newborn son, Deen, after the Trump administration said it stripped him of his legal status for his role in pro-Palestinian protests at the Ivy League campus in New York City.

Rubio had cited an obscure provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. It allows the secretary of state to remove someone if there was reason to believe the person's activities or presence in the country affect American foreign policy interests.

Farbiarz ruled against Rubio's authority to remove Khalil, citing harm to Khalil's career and reputation, and that it was chilling his right to speech. "This adds up to irreparable harm," he said.

"The judge's decision comes after several other legal residents targeted for their activism won custody in recent weeks, including another Palestinian student at Columbia, Mohsen Mahdawi, a Tufts University student, Rumeysa Ozturk, and a Georgetown University scholar, Badar Khan Suri," said ABC7 in its report about the development. 
(Reuters) -The United States has pulled some diplomatic staff and military families out of the Middle East, citing unspecified regional security risks.

Its long-running rivalry with Iran may be part of the heightened tensions. This article shows what's behind the rivalry, how it has played out and why tensions are flaring again.

WHY DID IRAN AND THE UNITED STATES BECOME FOES?

Iran and the United States were friends for most of the 20th century.

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As the Cold War took hold in the 1950s, Washington relied on Iran's reigning Shah to help stem Soviet influence spreading in the oil-producing Middle East.

The Shah was growing unpopular at home and in 1953 the CIA helped topple a populist Iranian prime minister, Mohammed Mossadegh, who had nationalised Iran's British-owned oil company and wanted a more neutral Cold War stance.

When Iranians overthrew the Shah in 1979, the Islamic revolutionaries who took over accused the CIA of having trained the Shah's secret police and vowed to battle Western imperialism in the region, branding America "the Great Satan".

Revolutionary students seized the American embassy and took dozens of diplomats and other staff hostage for more than a year, ending a strategic alliance that had shaped the region for decades.

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HOW DID THE US-IRANIAN RIVALRY PLAY OUT?

The new Iranian government wanted to export its Islamic Revolution to fellow Shi'ite Muslims and groups opposing Israel, which it saw as the chief avatar of a Western imperialist project oppressing Muslims in the Middle East.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps set up Hezbollah in Lebanon in the early 1980s and the United States accuses the group of bombing its embassy and marine barracks in Beirut in 1983, killing around 300 people, mostly Americans.

Hezbollah, which went on to fight repeated wars with the main U.S. regional ally Israel, has said other groups were responsible.

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Iran had complaints too. Iraq invaded Iran in 1980 and started using chemical weapons against Iranian soldiers and border villages from 1982 but Washington lent diplomatic backing in the war to Baghdad. A U.S. warship also mistakenly shot down an Iranian passenger plane in 1988, killing 290 people.

Tensions eased after 1990, as the U.S. focused on Iraq after Baghdad's invasion of Kuwait and as Iran in 1997 elected reformist President Mohammed Khatami, who sought better relations with the West.

The rivalry heated up again in the early 2000s with U.S. President George W. Bush labelling Iran part of an "Axis of Evil" along with Iraq and North Korea, a tag that caused anger in Iran.

Iran's secret nuclear programme was revealed in 2002, while the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 put the two countries on opposite sides of a struggle for control in the Shi'ite majority country.

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WHO DO THE U.S. AND IRAN BACK IN THE MIDDLE EAST?

The U.S.-Iranian rivalry has often played out at arm's length in conflicts and political struggles between each side's proxies and allies around the Middle East.

Besides Hezbollah, Iran backs armed Shi'ite factions in Iraq that have attacked U.S. forces there, the Houthi group in Yemen that has attacked international shipping in the Red Sea and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The United States is the main international backer of Israel, Iran's biggest regional foe. It is also a close ally of Sunni Gulf monarchies which for years pursued their own rivalry with the Islamic Republic, seeing it as their main regional threat.

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Although Saudi Arabia and other Sunni kingdoms have buried the hatchet with Tehran, they remain wary and fear that any U.S. strikes on Iran could prompt retaliation against them.

HOW DOES IRAN'S NUCLEAR ISSUE FIT IN?

The revelation that Iran was secretly enriching uranium - a process to generate fuel for an atomic power plant but that can also make more concentrated material needed for a bomb - put its nuclear programme in the U.S. crosshairs.

Western countries ramped up pressure on Iran with sanctions as negotiations over its nuclear programme meandered for years.

Iran says its programme is entirely civilian and that it has the right to enrich uranium. Washington and its allies say Iran has consistently hidden important elements of its programme and believe it wants to build a nuclear bomb.

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In 2015 Iran and six major powers including the United States agreed to curb Tehran's nuclear work in return for limited sanctions relief, but U.S. President Donald Trump ripped up the deal in 2018.

The two sides are negotiating again but seem far apart and Trump has threatened to bomb if there is no new deal.

WHY IS ISRAEL'S STANCE ON IRAN IMPORTANT?

Israel has often described Iran as its most dangerous enemy and has indicated it may strike the country's nuclear sites.

Any such attack would likely need U.S. acquiescence, potentially dragging Washington into a conflict with Tehran.

Israel is already widely seen as behind covert attacks on Iran's nuclear programme including the Stuxnet computer virus and assassinations of scientists. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied this.

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Tensions have increased since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 and as war raged in Gaza.

Last year Israel defeated Tehran's main regional ally Hezbollah and struck Iranian military targets in Syria and Iraq. Iran's Houthi allies in Yemen targeted Israel with strikes.

Iran and Israel twice exchanged direct fire with missiles and drones, underscoring the possibility of a full-blown war.

(Writing by Angus McDowall, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
A congressional lawmaker sought funding to help constituents battle F-35 noise pollution.

The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation previously funded $50 million for noise issues but denied requests for additional funding.

F-35 jets have caused noise complaints nationwide, with reports of health impacts.

The F-35 is a loud aircraft, and the people of Wisconsin are not happy about it.

A local congressman is again calling in a noise complaint on the stealth fighter, urging Pentagon officials to visit the state and witness for themselves just how loud the Lockheed Martin fifth-generation fighter jet actually is when it is flying overhead.

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Rep. Mark Pocan sent a letter to the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, a DC-based agency within the Department of Defense that helps military bases work with their local communities, after the group denied funding for noise mitigation efforts for some Madison citizens, who Pocan says are plagued by the jet's deafening Pratt & Whitney engines.

Truax Field Air National Guard Base, which is home to the 115th Fighter Wing and its F-35A Lighting II Joint Strike Fighters, is located in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation has funded DoD noise-mitigation efforts and even has an entire office dedicated to handling community noise issues from military fixed-wing aviation. The office offered Madison residents $50 million in fiscal year 2021, according to Pocan's letter, "to make necessary modifications to their homes to dampen the noise and improve their quality of life."

A recent similar request, however, for $18 million for other Madison residents was nixed.

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Pocan said in his letter that "this effort would have allowed for better insulation in over 160 homes to help cushion the noise, as well as new windows or HVAC systems."

A 2012 Vermont Health Department study found that F-35 jets reached a peak noise level of 115 decibels, or approximately the same noise level as a rock concert, louder than the F-16s the 115th Fighter Wing previously flew.

"Since the decision to place F-35 fighter jets at Truax Field in 2020, my office has repeatedly been in touch with the Department of Defense to express my concerns about what impact the noise from these jets could have on local residents, their homes, and local businesses," Pocan said.

"In the years since, residents have reported consistent and significant concerns with the noise levels to my office, along with fears that prolonged exposure could lead to property damage or negative health impacts," the letter said.

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The congressman requested that the office send an official out to Madison to explain its rejection to the community in person.

The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment on its planned response to Pocan's letter.

It's not the first time that noisy jets have made headlines in Wisconsin, where residents near the Truax Field Air National Guard Base have had to contend with the aircraft regularly since their arrival in 2020.

F-35s have also riled up other residents across the country where the advanced fighter jets are housed, disturbing residents in Utah, Arizona and Vermont, where some people have even reported panic attack-like symptoms in response.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Claim:

A video clip authentically shows an active duty U.S. military member defying deployment orders by participating in anti-immigration enforcement protests in Dallas, Texas, in June 2025.

Rating:

Rating: Miscaptioned

Context:

The Department of Defense Rapid Response X account said the woman seen in the Dallas video served in the U.S. Army from November 2010 to August 2014 and in the Army Reserves from August 2014 to June 2020. In other words, she wasn't on active duty in June 2025.

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On June 11, 2025, BreakThrough News, an independent news website based in New York City, posted a video (archived) showing a woman wearing Army fatigues at an anti-immigration enforcement protest in Dallas, Texas, on June 9, 2025.

(X user @BTnewsroom)

BreakThrough News said the video showed a "military member" speaking out against U.S. President Donald Trump's deployment of troops to Los Angeles. The woman in the video said:

We are not pawns for Donald Trump's agenda. Why now? It's because the military was called upon innocent protesters. We, in our oath to serve, we serve the people of the United States, the Constitution. These constitutional rights are being stripped and just denied, and the military will not be pawns to that. So I'm calling upon the conscience of military members who served previously and now. We have a conscience, we have a mind, and we have a duty and moral obligation to say no and resist evil.

The video had more than 5 million views at the time of this writing. Claims started circulating online on X (archived), Facebook (archived), Threads (archived) and Instagram (archived) that the woman in the video was an active duty U.S. soldier or Marine and had defied orders by participating in the anti-immigration enforcement protest in Dallas.

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However, according (archived) to the Department of Defense (DOD) Rapid Response X account, the woman in the video was not an active duty soldier. Carmen Colado served in the U.S. Army from November 2010 to August 2014 and in the Army Reserves from August 2014 to June 2020, according to the DoD. Colado described herself as a "U.S. Army veteran" and a "Former military intelligence analyst" on her Instagram page.

The DOD Rapid Response account said of Colado that: "She does not speak for nor reflect the U.S. Army." Therefore, we rate this video claim as miscaptioned.

We reached out to the U.S. Army Public Affairs to ask whether it had or would contact Colado about her appearance in the video while wearing an Army uniform and whether the appearance broke any army rules that might apply to retired service members and await a reply.

Colado, who said her mother immigrated to the U.S. from Honduras in the 1990s, became a filmmaker, director and writer after leaving the Army.

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Social media users speculated that Colado had broken military rules by appearing and speaking at the protest while wearing an Army uniform (archived) (archived) (archived).

According to "DOD Instruction 1334.01 Wearing of the uniform," former service members may wear their uniform during specified activities or occasions. The directive did not list protests as a specified activity.

The directive also said that retired service members must not wear their uniform "during or in connection with furthering political activities, private employment, or commercial interests, when an inference of official sponsorship by DoD or the Military Service concerned for the activity or interest may be drawn."

Likewise, "Directive 1344.10 on Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces" says that members not on active duty "should avoid inferences that their political activities imply or appear to imply official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement."

Sources:

@BTnewsroom. "BREAKING: After Trump Deployed Marines to LA, This Military Member Joined an Anti-ICE Protest in Dallas, Declaring, 'We Won't Be Pawns in Stripping Away Constitutional Rights.'." X, 11 June 2025, https://x.com/BTnewsroom/status/1932613631977374141.

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"Carmen Colado." Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/default_epicurean/.

"Carmen Colado | Art Department, Director, Writer." IMDb, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13839390/. Accessed 12 June 2025.

@DODResponse. "Correction: This Individual Served in the U.S. Army from November 2010 to August 2014 and Was Then in the Army Reserves from August 2014 to June 2020." X, 11 June 2025, https://x.com/DODResponse/status/1932840641316176326.

Penrod, Virginia S. DOD INSTRUCTION 1334.01 WEARING OF THE UNIFORM. U.S. Department of Defense, 13 July 2021, https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/133401p.pdf.

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Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces . U.S. Department of Defense, 19 Feb. 2008, https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodd/134410p.pdf.

Quezada, Chelsea. "Empowering Dreams: A Year Later with Mitu x Walmart's Filmmaker Mentorship Program Alumni Carmen Colado and Ernest Govea." Mitu, 26 Feb. 2024, https://archive.ph/ngBxY#selection-275.1-275.15.


Claim:

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided a Texas house in April 2025, taking more than 40 people into custody.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

Attendees said that a group of relatives and friends were staying at the house to celebrate a pair of birthdays, and records obtained by The Texas Tribune indicate nine of those detained were minors.

As protesters demonstrated across Los Angeles in response to raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in June 2025, a rumor circulated online about an earlier raid in which Texas authorities, along with the FBI and ICE, allegedly detained several minors.

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Users across multiple platforms (archived, archived, archived) claimed of the more than 40 people taken into custody during an ICE raid on a Texas house in early April 2025, nine were minors.





Many posts pointed to an article (archived) in The New Republic that claimed ICE "invaded [a] child's birthday party."

(The New Republic)

Did the raid actually happen?

The raid did, in fact, take place. According to an April 2, 2025, news release (archived) from the Texas Department of Public Safety, "more than 40 individuals, including minors, were taken into custody at or near the residence, and narcotics were seized." It's unclear how many arrests took place at the location in question and how many happened "near the residence," as the news release worded it.

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The release said that after more than a year of investigation, Texas authorities raided the house, alleging it was a suspected gathering of members from the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. In the two-plus months since the raid, as of this writing, authorities have not publicly released any evidence supporting their claims.

We reached out to the Texas DPS seeking comment and further details, and will update this story if we receive a response.

The full release was as follows:

AUSTIN  For more than a year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and several other federal, state and local partners, have been investigating members and associates believed to be part of the Venezuelan transnational gang, Tren de Aragua (TdA). In recent days, the FBI developed intelligence regarding a possible gathering of suspected TdA members or TdA associates in Hays Co. Early Tuesday morning [April 1, 2025], the Hays Co. Sheriff's Office and DPS, working with the FBI, ICE, Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement Removal Operations, established sufficient cause to obtain a search warrant for a residence in Hays Co., which was executed by DPS' Special Response Team. As a result of this operation, more than 40 individuals, including minors, were taken into custody at or near the residence, and narcotics were seized. State and federal prosecutors will evaluate potential charges based on evidence obtained during the search warrant and subsequent investigation. This case is currently under investigation. More details will be released as they become available.

(Texas DPS)

The Texas Tribune published the search warrant used for the raid, which details the Austin property where the raid took place. Photos of the address match the description in the search warrant, which described the house as "a white rock and concrete stucco siding residence with dark in color trim and a dark in color shingle roof. There is a stairway leading up to the front door. The location is a two story residence with a side building/living area with a large in ground pool in the back yard."

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https://media.snopes.com/2025/06/texasice_search_warrant_april_2025.pdf

An image of the property from real estate site compass.com shows the address of the property matches the physical description in the search warrant.

(compass.com)

Was the raid during a birthday party?

According to the Tribune story (archived), published on June 4, 2025, several people present at the raid said in interviews that relatives and friends had rented the house to celebrate a pair of birthdays when authorities conducted the raid at approximately 5 a.m. April 1. The story read:

Suddenly, at about 5 a.m. the next morning, the group heard explosions from flashbangs, followed by shouts from law enforcement yelling commands to get out of the house, according to interviews with two attendees. "We all started shouting that there were babies  'Babies, there's babies,'" recounted a 30-year-old Venezuelan man, who said he was at the house to celebrate the birthdays of his son, who turned 5, and his best friend, who turned 28.

Law enforcement did take minors into custody, although authorities did not publicly confirm how many of the "more than 40" people detained were children. The Tribune obtained public information documents and identified 35 of people taken into custody, reporting that nine of them were minors. Snopes has not independently reviewed this documentation.

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The Tribune's report claimed that "ICE has refused to release the names of who was detained and where they are currently," and that "all 35 were arrested on suspicion of illegally entering the country, a federal violation, and the government intends to deport them, DPS reports show."

Sources:

https://earth.google.com/web/search/10630+Cedar+Paw+Lane+Austin,+Texas+78737,/@30.19120894,-97.957198,341.62509311a,500d,35y,281.61037584h,0t,0r/data=CpcBGmkSYwolMHg4NjViNGY1NWIzMzhjMWI3OjB4YjRjYTU0ZGYxMjRjNGYyMhmMPFrmvjA-QCE1qnjIOX1YwCooMTA2MzAgQ2VkYXIgUGF3IExhbmUgQXVzdGluLCBUZXhhcyA3ODczNxgBIAEiJgokCZxtQrFHrjpAEfK-dAY_rDpAGQa59XIGAlTAIUasY9YHA1TAQgIIAToDCgEwQgIIAEoNCP___________wEQAA. Accessed 11 June 2025.

Ibrahim, Nur. 'What We Know about Trump Deploying National Guard for LA Protests'. Snopes, 10 June 2025, https://www.snopes.com//news/2025/06/10/trump-national-guard-los-angeles-protests/.

Joint TdA Operation Results in Over 40 Arrests in Hays Co. | Department of Public Safety. https://www.dps.texas.gov/news/joint-tda-operation-results-over-40-arrests-hays-co. Accessed 11 June 2025.

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'ICE Invaded Child's Birthday Party Claiming It Was a Gang Meeting'. The New Republic. The New Republic, https://newrepublic.com/post/196138/ice-child-birthday-party-gang-meeting-tren-de-aragua. Accessed 11 June 2025.

Search Warrent. The State of Texas, 4 Apr. 2025, https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/7132e4dbd13cca894d1029435d6ab188/Combined_search_warrant_and_order_sealing_search_warrant_affidavit.pdf.

Serrano, By Alejandro. 'Months after Detaining 47 People Accused of Being Tren de Aragua in Austin, Authorities Offer No Evidence of Gang Ties'. The Texas Tribune, 4 June 2025, https://www.texastribune.org/2025/06/04/texas-immigration-raid-hays-county-austin-venezuelan-gang/.

10630 Cedar Paw Ln, Austin, TX 78737 | MLS #7470863 | Compass. https://www.compass.com/listing/10630-cedar-paw-lane-austin-tx-78737/1619069275111795025/. Accessed 11 June 2025.
Claim:

On June 5, 2025, a touch law" banning the use of handheld cellphones while driving went into effect across 31 U.S. states.

Rating:

Rating: Mostly False

Context:

Pennsylvania's "touch law"  officially known as "Paul Miller's Law"  went into effect on June 5, 2025. The other states mentioned in social media posts already had such laws in place before this date, some as far back as 2008.

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In early June 2025, an online rumor purported that a "touch law"  a law banning the use of handheld cellphones while operating a vehicle  was going into effect across 31 U.S. states as of June 5, 2025.

The claim was shared across social media platforms like Facebook (archived) and especially TikTok (archived, archived), with users offering advice to their followers about staying safe and vigilant while driving. The widespread nature of the rumor led some Snopes readers to reach out to us via email questioning its veracity.

However, the claim that a "touch law" went into effect in 31 U.S. states on June 5, 2025, is mostly false. Although the 31 states featured in the social media posts do, in fact, have such laws, it was only Pennsylvania's that went into effect on that date.

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The Pennsylvania law was dubbed "Paul Miller's Law," named after a man "who was tragically killed in a crash with a tractor trailer in 2010 in Monroe County, as the result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving," according to a news release issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

An article on the online tabloid website The U.S. Sun that listed "31 states where drivers face 'touch law'" was published in late May 2025. When combined with timely reports about the Pennsylvania law going into effect, it appeared to result in some of some users conflating the new law with statutes already in place in other states.

The other states' "touch laws," typically referred to as "distracted driving" or "hands-free" laws, have been in effect for varying lengths of time since as far back as 2008.

Below are the 30 other states listed in The U.S. Sun article with links to each state's respective law or to state government pages about their version of the law.

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An overview of distracted driving laws on the Governors Highway Safety Association website, a nonprofit organization seeking to improve traffic safety and influence national policy, confirmed that these 31 states, along with "D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands," have laws in effect that "prohibit all drivers from using handheld cellphones while driving."

The nonprofit also pointed out that "all but Alabama and Missouri are primary enforcement laws," meaning a law-enforcement officer can cite a driver for a violation without requiring any other offense to make a traffic stop.

So while it is true that the 31 states in question have laws prohibiting the use of handheld cellphones while driving, it is false to claim that their laws all went into effect on June 5, 2025.

Sources:

 46.2-818.2. Use of Handheld Personal Communications Devices in Certain Motor Vehicles; Exceptions; Penalty. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-818.2/. Accessed 10 June 2025.

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"2023 New Hampshire Revised Statutes :: Title XXI - Motor Vehicles :: Chapter 265 - Rules of the Road :: Section 265:79-c - Use of Mobile Electronic Devices While Driving; Prohibition." Justia Law, https://law.justia.com/codes/new-hampshire/title-xxi/. Accessed 10 June 2025.

"2024 New Jersey Revised Statutes :: Title 39 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation :: Section 39:4-97.3 - Use of Wireless Telephone, Electronic Communication Device in Moving Vehicles; Definitions; Enforcement." Justia Law, https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-39/section-39-4-97-3/. Accessed 10 June 2025.

161385360554578. "31 States with Fines up to $450 for 'touch Law' Violations - Even at Red Lights." The US Sun, 27 May 2025, https://www.the-sun.com/motors/14333679/touch-law-fines-wrong-place/.

AB 1785- CHAPTERED. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB1785. Accessed 10 June 2025.

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Cell Phone Use and Texting | NY DMV. https://dmv.ny.gov/points-and-penalties/cell-phone-use-and-texting. Accessed 10 June 2025.

"Colorado Hands-Free Law." Colorado Department of Transportation, https://www.codot.gov/safety/distracteddriving/colorado-hands-free-law. Accessed 10 June 2025.

Connecticut Cell Phone Laws. State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/-/media/dmv/documents/cellphonpdf.pdf.

Distracted Driving. https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/ohsp/safety-programs/distracted-driving. Accessed 10 June 2025.

---. https://transportation.wv.gov:443/DMV/Safety/Pages/Distracted-Driving.aspx. Accessed 10 June 2025.

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Distracted Driving | Department of Motor Vehicles. https://dmv.vermont.gov/enforcement-and-safety/road-safety/distracted-driving. Accessed 10 June 2025.

Distracted Driving | Governors Highway Safety Association. https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws-issues/distracted-driving. Accessed 10 June 2025.

Distracted Driving | Iowa Department of Public Safety. https://dps.iowa.gov/distracted-driving. Accessed 10 June 2025.

Distracted Driving | Tennessee Traffic Safety Resource Service. https://tntrafficsafety.org/distracted-driving. Accessed 10 June 2025.

Distracted Driving - What Is a Text Worth? Illinois State Police, https://isp.illinois.gov/StaticFiles/docs/TrafficResources/1-230.pdf.

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Distracted Driving Laws | Minnesota Department of Public Safety. https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/safe-driving-information-and-laws/traffic-safety-laws/distracted-driving-laws. Accessed 10 June 2025.

"Hands-Free Law." Mass.Gov, Massachusetts State Police, https://www.mass.gov/info-details/hands-free-law.

Hands-Free Law  Drive Safe Alabama. https://drivesafealabama.org/safety-initiatives/hands-free-law/. Accessed 10 June 2025.

Hands-Free Law  Home | Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety. https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/hands-free-law/. Accessed 10 June 2025.

Hands-Free Law Takes Effect on Monday | Missouri Department of Transportation. https://www.modot.org/node/33694. Accessed 10 June 2025.

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HB2318 - 541R - S Ver. https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/1R/bills/HB2318S.htm. Accessed 10 June 2025.

HDOT and Its Partners Remind Drivers to "Put the Phone Away or Pay," for Distracted Driver Awareness Month. https://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2024/04/15/hdot-and-its-partners-remind-drivers-to-put-the-phone-away-or-pay-for-distracted-driver-awareness-month/. Accessed 10 June 2025.

INDOT. "Hands-Free Indiana." INDOT, 15 July 2021, https://www.in.gov/indot/safety/hands-free-indiana/.

Maine's Hands-Free Driving Law. Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, https://www.maine.gov/future/sites/maine.gov.dps.msp/files/inline-files/Hands-free%20Buckslip_print.pdf.

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Oregon Department of Transportation : Distracted Driving : Safety : State of Oregon. https://www.oregon.gov/odot/safety/pages/distracted.aspx. Accessed 10 June 2025.

'Paul Miller's Law' Effective June 5. https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/news-and-media/newsroom/statewide/2025/-paul-miller-s-law--effective-june-5.html. Accessed 10 June 2025.

Phones Down. It's the Law. https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/phonesdown. Accessed 10 June 2025.

RCW 46.61.672: Using a Personal Electronic Device While Driving. https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61.672. Accessed 10 June 2025.

RI HandsFree Law - Rhode Island Rhode Island Department of Transportation. https://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/HandsFree/index.php. Accessed 10 June 2025.

Save a Life: Put the Cell Phone Down. Maryland Department of Transportation, https://www.roads.maryland.gov/OC/DSWW_FAQ_Sheet.pdf.

Section 49-1401A  Idaho State Legislature. https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title49/t49ch14/sect49-1401a/. Accessed 10 June 2025.

State of Delaware - Office of Highway Safety (OHS) - Distracted Driving. https://ohs.delaware.gov/distracted.shtml. Accessed 10 June 2025.

"Texting While Driving." Wikipedia, 25 May 2025. Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Texting_while_driving&oldid=1292085127.

Traffic Laws. https://ots.nv.gov/Traffic_Laws/Traffic_Laws/. Accessed 10 June 2025.

"What to Know about Pa.'s New Distracted Driving Law." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2025/05/28/pennsylvania-new-distracted-driving-law/stories/202505270076. Accessed 10 June 2025.


IN UNION THERE IS STRENGTH

I have watched this week's unfolding events, angry and appalled. The words "Equal Justice Under Law" are carved in the pediment of the United States Supreme Court. This is precisely what protesters are rightly demanding. It is a wholesome and unifying demand  one that all of us should be able to get behind. We must not be distracted by a small number of lawbreakers. The protests are defined by tens of thousands of people of conscience who are insisting that we live up to our values  our values as people and our values as a nation.

When I joined the military, some 50 years ago, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution. Never did I dream that troops taking that same oath would be ordered under any circumstance to violate the Constitutional rights of their fellow citizens  much less to provide a bizarre photo op for the elected commander-in-chief, with military leadership standing alongside.

We must reject any thinking of our cities as a "battlespace" that our uniformed military is called upon to "dominate." At home, we should use our military only when requested to do so, on very rare occasions, by state governors. Militarizing our response, as we witnessed in Washington, D.C., sets up a conflict  a false conflict  between the military and civilian society. It erodes the moral ground that ensures a trusted bond between men and women in uniform and the society they are sworn to protect, and of which they themselves are a part. Keeping public order rests with civilian state and local leaders who best understand their communities and are answerable to them.

James Madison wrote in Federalist 14 that "America united with a handful of troops, or without a single soldier, exhibits a more forbidding posture to foreign ambition than America disunited, with a hundred thousand veterans ready for combat." We do not need to militarize our response to protests. We need to unite around a common purpose. And it starts by guaranteeing that all of us are equal before the law.

Instructions given by the military departments to our troops before the Normandy invasion reminded soldiers that "The Nazi slogan for destroying us ... was 'Divide and Conquer.' Our American answer is 'In Union there is Strength.'" We must summon that unity to surmount this crisis  confident that we are better than our politics.

Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people  does not even pretend to try. Instead he tries to divide us. We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort. We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership. We can unite without him, drawing on the strengths inherent in our civil society. This will not be easy, as the past few days have shown, but we owe it to our fellow citizens; to past generations that bled to defend our promise; and to our children.

We can come through this trying time stronger, and with a renewed sense of purpose and respect for one another. The pandemic has shown us that it is not only our troops who are willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of the community. Americans in hospitals, grocery stores, post offices, and elsewhere have put their lives on the line in order to serve their fellow citizens and their country. We know that we are better than the abuse of executive authority that we witnessed in Lafayette Square. We must reject and hold accountable those in office who would make a mockery of our Constitution. At the same time, we must remember Lincoln's "better angels," and listen to them, as we work to unite.

Only by adopting a new path  which means, in truth, returning to the original path of our founding ideals  will we again be a country admired and respected at home and abroad.
Claim:

A photograph authentically showed California Gov. Gavin Newsoms wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, shopping in Beverly Hills amidst ongoing, anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles in June 2025.

Rating:

Rating: Miscaptioned

Context:

The photograph dated to January 2025, months before the protests in Los Angeles began.

In early June 2025, amid protests aimed at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles, a photograph claimed to show California Gov. Gavin Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, shopping in Beverly Hills. A number of posts on X claimed she was wearing a handbag and shoes worth thousands of dollars, while a Daily Mail article stated she was shopping for skincare.

(X user @RichardGrenell)

While the above photograph was real, meaning it was not the product of artificial intelligence (AI) software or other digital editing tools, the posts misrepresented its context. The governor's office confirmed that the Daily Mail had published the photograph with the wrong date. The photo showed Siebel Newsom shopping in January 2025, not June 2025. The Daily Mail also issued a correction acknowledging that the photo was from January. As such, we have rated this image miscaptioned.

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We have reached out to the agency the Daily Mail credited for the image to confirm the exact date the photograph was taken and will update this post accordingly.

As the photograph spread online, Newsom's office issued a response on X:

This story is an outright lie and needs to be retracted entirely. The photo is from months ago  when the first partner was picking up skin care products. She is recovering from a past skin cancer diagnosis, you SICK people.

This story is an outright lie and needs to be retracted entirely.



The photo is from months ago  when the first partner was picking up skin care products.



She is recovering from a past skin cancer diagnosis, you SICK people. https://t.co/nIaQCwERGe  Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) June 11, 2025

Siebel Newsom previously revealed a facial scar from her skin cancer surgery in a March 2023 Instagram video.

The Daily Mail article began with the following claim:

Her husband is fighting for his life politically for the second time this year while another crisis grips their state. But California's First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom shrugged off the chaos on Monday. Jennifer, 50, spent the day picking up skincare on her 'personal time'.

On June 10, the photograph caption showing Siebel Newsom shopping stated, "California First Lady Jennifer Newsom was spotted leaving the One Beverly Hills complex in LA on Monday."

However, by June 11, the Daily Mail had amended the caption to state, "California First Lady Jennifer Newsom was spotted in Beverly Hills in January."

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An update at the bottom of the article stated:

An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Jennifer Siebel Newsom was shopping in Beverly Hills on Monday. The photographs of Ms Siebel Newsom in Beverly Hills were in fact taken in January.

The photos of Siebel Newsom spread after ICE agents conducted a series of raids across the Los Angeles, California, area, resulting in days of protests. After the protests began, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the mobilization of the National Guard to quell demonstrations, despite Newsom's objections. Newsom has since filed a lawsuit against Trump, saying calling in the military to the state without his consent was a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

Sources:

Anderson, Natasha. "California's First Lady Shrugs off Riots Crisis to Go Shopping." Mail Online, 10 June 2025, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14798217/jennifer-newsom-gavin-la-riots-california.html. Accessed 12 June 2025.

"Governor Newsom Suing President Trump and Department of Defense for Illegal Takeover of CalGuard Unit." Governor of California, 9 June 2025, https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/06/09/governor-newsom-suing-president-trump-and-department-of-defense-for-illegal-takeover-of-calguard-unit/. Accessed 12 June 2025.

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Ibrahim, Nur. "What We Know about Trump Deploying National Guard for LA Protests." Snopes, 10 June 2025, https://www.snopes.com//news/2025/06/10/trump-national-guard-los-angeles-protests/. Accessed 12 June 2025.

Pollina, Richard. Jennifer Siebel Newsom Shows Facial Scar Following Skin Cancer Surgery. 27 Mar. 2023, https://nypost.com/2023/03/27/jennifer-siebel-newsom-shows-facial-scar-following-skin-cancer-surgery/. Accessed 12 June 2025.


Claim:

Walmart heiress Christy Walton paid for a newspaper advertisement in The New York Times that promoted an anti-Trump No Kings protest on June 14, 2025.

Rating:

Rating: True

As U.S. President Donald Trump's planned military parade to celebrate his birthday approached in June 2025, rumors circulated on social media that an heiress to the Walmart retail fortune, Christy Walton, paid for a full-page, anti-Trump advertisement in a newspaper.

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Christy Walton is a billionaire with a net worth of $19.3 billion, as of June 2025, according to Forbes, widow of John T. Walton, the son of Walmart founder Sam Walton.

Users shared an image of the purported ad, featuring the Statue of Liberty and some text advertising a protest on June 14, 2025, on social media. The claim circulated widely on X (archived, archived, archived), Threads (archived), Facebook (archived) and Instagram (archived).

Users sharing the claim included U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna from Florida, who said, "the Walmart dynasty is big mad about China Tariffs."

The alleged ad read:

No Kings June 14 Mobilize We are a people of principle and honor. We honor our commitments and stand by our allies. We defend against aggression by dictators. We uphold and defend the Constitution. We care for veterans and children. We respect our neighbors and trading partners. We support a healthy national and international economy, community, and environment. We are the world leader trusted to uphold the stability of rule of law. We are the people of the United States of America. The honor, dignity, and integrity of our country are not for sale. Our government is of the people, by the people, and for the people.

The bottom of the advertisement depicted a QR code leading to the No Kings website, along with the words "paid for by Christy Walton" and "the views represented here are solely those of Christy Walton."

 INSANE: Newspaper ad Paid for by Christy Walton. Walmart heiress. pic.twitter.com/VZHtScXPn5  David J Harris Jr (@DavidJHarrisJr) June 10, 2025

The claim is true. The ad ran in the Sunday, June 8, 2025, edition of The New York Times and can be seen on Page 9 of the paper, including the digital edition in addition to other papers nationwide. A spokesperson for the billionaire also confirmed to Snopes via telephone that Walton paid for the ad but has no official connection to the organizers behind the No Kings protest.

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The No Kings day of protest is described on its website as "a nationwide day of defiance" scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, which is flag day, Trump's 79th birthday and the date of the president's planned military parade.

The No Kings website declared, "From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we're taking action to reject authoritarianism  and show the world what democracy really looks like. We're not gathering to feed his ego. We're building a movement that leaves him behind."

While Walton inherited a 1.9% stake in Walmart following her husband's 2005 death, according to Forbes, a spokesperson for Walmart told Snopes via email that Walton has no involvement in the business.

Walmart's full statement to Snopes read:

We condemn violence, including when it's directed towards law enforcement, and the damaging of property. As a company with associates and customers in the Los Angeles region, we remain focused on their safety and that of impacted communities. The advertisements from Christy Walton are in no way connected to or endorsed by Walmart. She does not serve on the board or play any role in decision making at Walmart.

Though Walmart's statement addresses violence at protests, it's important to note that nothing in the advertisement called for violence of any kind and did not directly address the ongoing protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles. Further, No Kings calls "nonviolent action" a "core principle" of their events.

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Its website's "about" page stated, "We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events."

Walton is a noted philanthropist and a review of her political contributions listed on the Federal Election Commission (FEC) database shows hefty donations to organizations like Planned Parenthood and The Lincoln Project, as well as former Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign for president.

In September 2024, Bloomberg reported Walton co-hosted a fundraiser for Harris in Wyoming, where she lives. Further, the outlet wrote Walton was "one of the prominent Democratic donors who urged President Joe Biden to exit the race after his calamitous debate performance against Republican rival Donald Trump."

Snopes reached out to the No Kings organizers and will update this article if we receive a response.

Sources:

"Browse Individual Contributions." FEC.Gov, https://www.fec.gov/data/receipts/individual-contributions/. Accessed 11 June 2025.

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McEvoy, Jemima. "Billionaire Walmart Heiress Urges People To 'Mobilize' At June 14 Anti-Trump Protests." Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jemimamcevoy/2025/06/10/billionaire-walmart-heiress-promotes-nationwide-anti-trump-protests-on-june-14/. Accessed 11 June 2025.

"No Kings." No Kings, https://www.nokings.org. Accessed 11 June 2025.

"Son of Wal-Mart Founder Killed in Plane Crash." NBC News, 28 June 2005, https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna8381553.

The New York Times Replica Edition. https://nytimes.pressreader.com/the-new-york-times/20250608. Accessed 11 June 2025.


LONDON (Reuters) -Many people were killed when an Air India plane bound for London with 242 people on board crashed minutes after taking off from the western city of Ahmedabad on Thursday, authorities said, in the world's worst aviation disaster in a decade.

Below are details of other fatal crashes in recent years.

2025

UNITED STATES

More than 60 people were killed when an American Airlines regional passenger jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29 and crashed into the frigid Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

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2024

SOUTH KOREA

Jeju Air international flight 7C2216 crashed at Muan International Airport on Dec. 29, 2024, killing all 175 passengers and four of the six crew in the deadliest air disaster on South Korean soil.

KAZAKHSTAN

Azerbaijan Airlines international flight J2-8243, an Embraer E190, crashed on December 25 after being diverted from Russia to Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev said in December the plane had been damaged by accidental shooting from the ground in Russia. Moscow has not confirmed this.

JAPAN

A Japan Airlines (JAL) plane collided with a smaller Coast Guard aircraft on the runway of Tokyo's Haneda airport on January 2. All 379 people aboard the JAL plane, an Airbus A350-941 flight, escaped the burning airliner. Five of six crew on the smaller aircraft were killed.

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2022

CHINA

A China Eastern Airlines Boeing 737-800 crashed into a mountainous region in the southwestern Guangxi region on March 21, 2022, killing all 132 people on board, in China's deadliest aviation disaster in 28 years.

2020

IRAN

Irans Revolutionary Guards shot down a Ukraine International Airlines (UIA) Boeing 737-800 on Jan. 8, 2020 shortly after it took off from Tehran Airport, killing all 176 people on board. Iran's civil aviation body blamed a misaligned radar and an error by an air defence operator.

2019

ETHIOPIA

A Boeing 737-MAX 8 Ethiopian Airlines jet crashed on March 19, 2019 minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa for Nairobi, killing all 157 people on board.

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Soon after, the Boeing 737 MAX global fleet was grounded over safety concerns.

2018

INDONESIA

A Boeing 737 MAX Lion Air plane crashed into the Java Sea soon after taking off from Jakarta on October 29, 2018, killing all 189 people on board.

2014

MALAYSIA

Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 departed from Amsterdam for Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014, and was shot down over eastern Ukraine as fighting raged between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces. All 298 passengers on board were killed.

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 went missing on its way from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014. The remains of the Boeing 777 and the 239 people have not been found.

(Compiled by Joanna Plucinska; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
DENVER (KDVR)  The city of Aspen is currently experiencing drought conditions, and city officials voted Tuesday to implement stage 1 water restrictions.

The restrictions are voluntary for residents, but it is recommended that they try and attain a 10% reduction in water use. However, the 10% water reduction goal is mandatory for government properties.

FOX31 Weather: View the latest Denver forecasts, maps and radar

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Steve Hunter, utilities resource manager for the city of Aspen, said that the city has been out of drought for about two years, which has been pretty great, but were now were back in a familiar territory.

The U.S. Drought Monitor is listing 82% of Pitkin County as being under severe drought conditions, or D2, with 15% in moderate drought conditions and a small sliver in the western portion of the county listed as extreme.

Pretty reminiscent of whats happening in southwest U.S. right now, severe drought, extreme drought: the big reservoirs are still empty, Hunter said. All the rivers are down pretty low for this time of year, I mean, you can wade across the Roaring Fork Mid Valley right now, which is pretty unbelievable. Our local reservoirs that we get power from, Ruedi (reservoir) and Ridgeway, are expected to fill, so thats a good thing.

Hunter said that the Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs is expected to be at about 60% of average runoff this year, which is significantly lower than last year. Between early April and mid-May, officials said that the snowpack had melted approximately 14% last year. For the same time period this year, the snowpack melted almost 45%.

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So almost half of that snowpack left, Hunter said. We do have snowpack up high still, which has kind of been a saving grace.

Hunter said that a bright spot for the city is that climatologists are predicting a wetter-than-average North American monsoon season. The monsoon season starts in mid-July for Colorado.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JUBA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations agencies on Thursday warned of a severe hunger crisis that could lead to famine in two counties affected by conflict, insecurity, and climatic shocks in South Sudan.

The World Food Program (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the UN Children's Fund said in a joint report that 7.7 million people, or 57 percent of South Sudan's population, are facing high levels of acute food insecurity between April and July.

The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report warns that Nasir and Ulang counties in Upper Nile are at risk of famine due to the ongoing conflict, which has displaced thousands after fighting erupted in February between the South Sudan People's Defense Forces and the White Army militia.

According to the IPC report, in Upper Nile state, people in 11 of the 13 counties are now facing emergency levels of hunger, while 39,000 of the refugees and returnees who fled conflict in neighboring Sudan are also facing high levels of acute food insecurity

Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, South Sudan's minister for agriculture and food security, called for a massive coordinated multi-sectoral response to the affected population.

"This is not just a humanitarian issue. This is a national emergency. Even more alarming is that 83,000 of our people are facing catastrophic levels of hunger and conditions so dire, and they are on the brink of starvation," Akol said.

The report noted that the overall malnutrition burden has increased to 2.3 million from 2.1 million children under the age of five experiencing acute malnutrition and in need of treatment in 2025, compared to the previous IPC projection.

"This is devastating for these women and these families. This is due to disease, cholera outbreak, the funding cuts that we are seeing coming through health and nutrition and also reductions in water and sanitation sectors in addition to conflict," said Mary-Ellen McGroarty, WFP representative for South Sudan. 
The Brief

Keith Meyer was shot three times by current and retired HPD officers. The family wants answers and more details as the investigation is ongoing.

Houston Police say HPD Internal Affairs is investigating. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is also investigating.

Keith Meyers' family says he was walking his dog in Feb 2025 when he was shot, after getting lost in a wooded area and traveled into a neighbor's yard where he was shot.

MAGNOLIA, Texas - According to civil rights attorney Randall Kallinen and the family of Keith Meyer, a husband and father of three, he got off late from his job in the oil industry, came home and was out walking his dog one night in February on Knotty Oaks Trail.

Man shot by current, retired Houston officers

The backstory

"He got lost and ended up on his neighbors property," said Kallinen.

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Kallinen says Meyer was shot three times: Once in his leg, once in the stomach, and once in his face.

Kallinen also says Meyer's hospital bills have reached over $1 million.

Keith Meyers father says he lives on 30 acres that are heavily wooded. He adds that the neighbors who shot his son also have a lot of land, and they are all connected by the wooded area.

As a father, neighbor and property owner, he says he is concerned, adding his son grew up here and knows the area well.

"This was like 11:15 at night, so he was used to being at a night shift and got turned around because it was dark," said Meyers. "These neighbors live on the back of the property, so we dont interface with them. Thats a different subdivision, and they are really connected by the woods,"

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"If you got a neighbor kid thats on your property, maybe just ask who they are first, because my son is a non-confrontational person. He had his dog with him. Hes not a threat."

What they're saying

"One or two inches, he would have been dead. As a matter of fact, hes doing reconstructive surgery, and he had complications, and he had to go back," said Kallinen.

"The Montgomery County investigator who is investigating this has said that there was no weapon whatsoever. She also said that Keith did not attack or assault anybody. And the current accusations by the current HPD officers and former HPD was he reached for his waistband and which Ive heard a million times, and he threatened them."

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Kallinen says he wants to know more details about what happened to Meyer.

"We want to know why the internal affairs division of the City of Houston Police Department is not investigating," he said. "They haven't even got the medical records. So we need to have them get the records, so we are calling upon the Texas rangers to investigate this or the FBI, the civil rights division of the FBI."

HPD, Montgomery County DA, and Sheriff's Office respond

The other side

FOX 26 reached out to the Montgomery County District Attorneys office - they tell us in a statement: "This matter remains under active investigation, and we are not able to comment further at this time. "The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office is the lead agency handling the case," said Michael R. Holley,First Assistant District Attorney, Montgomery County District Attorneys Office.

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We also spoke with HPD media relations over the phone. They told us the current HPD officer involved is on duty but the HPD Internal Affairs Division is investigating along with the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office.

The Montgomery County Sheriffs Office says at this time we will need to file an open records request for more information.

The Source

Civil rights attorney Randall Kallinen and the family of Keith
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP)  The family of a Nepali man taken captive by the Palestinian militant group Hamas appealed Thursday to his captors for his release, stressing that he has no involvement in the conflict in Gaza.

Bipin Joshi, now 25, was among 17 Nepali students studying agriculture in southern Israel during the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack that ignited the war in Gaza.

Joshi had worked hard in a government competition to earn a spot to study in Israel, his 17-year-old sister Pushpa Joshi said Thursday in Kathmandu. He arrived in southern Israel just three weeks before the attack. It was his first time out of Nepal.

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Bipin Joshi is an innocent agriculture student, Pushpa Joshi said. He is a student who has a long life ahead of him, who is just 25 years now.

Militants killed 10 of the Nepali students in the attack and injured six. Joshi saved multiple lives by tossing a live grenade out of the bomb shelter where they were hiding, his sister said, before he was abducted and taken to Gaza.

His family hasn't had a sign of life from him since Israel obtained security footage from a hospital in Gaza showing Joshi, so they know Joshi was taken alive to Gaza, but have no information about him since then.

Pushpa, who was 15 when her brother was kidnapped, lives with their parents in a town in western Nepal. She travels eight hours each direction on buses to Kathmandu regularly to lobby officials to secure her brother's release. She has met the country's prime minister and president several times.

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Nepal's government says it has repeatedly sought help from Qatari and Egyptian officials to get Joshi freed.

He is alive and we believe from the bottom of our hearts that he for sure is going to come back all safe and sound, Pushpa said. We have big hopes that he will be back.

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages in the Oct. 7 attack. They are still holding 53 hostages, around 20 them believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Israeli forces have rescued eight living hostages from Gaza and recovered dozens of bodies, including five over the past week.

In the ensuing conflict, more than 55,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed doubts about whether several hostages are still alive. None of the previously released hostages have seen Bipin Joshi recently during their captivity.

His parents are constantly monitoring news about the Gaza conflict, and get their hopes up whenever they see signs of a hostage release. News is always on, all day from the morning to night, at our house, Pushpa Joshi said.

They also are in contact with families of other Nepalis who were killed or injured in the attack, though Joshi is the only Nepali hostage.

Pushpa said her brother is her best friend, and that they would often learn, sing and dance together while their parents were at work.

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In rainy season like now, we used to get wet in the rain and dance, she said.

He studied diligently to earn the scholarship to study agriculture in Israel, she said. The exchange program at Kibbutz Alumim was close to the Gaza border in a major agricultural area.

Nepalese go to Israel for both education and employment, to learn the country's advanced agricultural techniques. Agriculture is the backbone of Nepal's economy, and the primary source of income for more than 60% of the population.

-

Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman contributed from Jerusalem.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The family of 16-year-old Konoa Wilson, who was shot by a San Diego police officer in downtown earlier this year, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city.

The incident occurred on Jan. 28 just before 9 p.m. near Santa Fe Depot, as SDPD officers were responding to a report of an unrelated assault. Police released the body-worn camera and surveillance footage of the incident about a month later.

When the footage was released, it raised questions about whether the officers actions in firing at the teenager were warranted.

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In the video, Wilson could be seen encountering one of the officers who was responding to the nearby assault  identified as Daniel Gold  as he was running away from two other young men. One of the two was armed and opened fire at Wilson, prompting him to flee.

Thieves stealing gas from cars in North Park

The two meet in the corridor to enter Santa Fe Depot from Kettner Boulevard. Within seconds, Gold pulls out his gun and fires at Wilson twice at a close range. Only after he shoots, he can be heard identifying himself as SDPD. The 16-year-old was later pronounced dead.

In the lawsuit his family filed this week, it claims at no point did Wilson brandish a weapon or present a threat to the officer. A firearm was found on his person, but the footage of the incident shows it was tucked into his clothing and was only discovered as first aid was being provided.

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A spokesperson for SDPD declined to provide a statement on pending litigation and referred FOX 5/KUSI to the City Attorneys office, which also said they were unable to comment.

Its tough being a cop and its sad when cops make mistakes which result in death, said Jan Ronis, an attorney and legal expert who is not involved in the lawsuit. He said the officer could be charged if they believe this amounts to a federal crime.

The San Diego County District Attorneys Office is still in the process of examining the incident to determine if the officer bears any criminal liability.

Bodycam footage shows man brandishing hatchet before police shooting

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Ronis said police are rarely charged with a crime as it relates to officer-involved-shootings, even as there has been an increase in these cases being brought in recent years. He notes the nature of the job is often a factor in prosecutors decision-making on whether a case can be brought.

Police officers get killed often, too often, he explained. So thats something to take into consideration when youre trying to evaluate what was going through this officers mind at the time of this tragic situation.

We have to wait and see, Ronis added. There may be another side to it, I dont know, but as described, it looks like a strong case for civil liability and damages.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
It was approaching nightfall in Los Angeles on Sunday when black-clad demonstrators began to torch a row of self-driving Waymo taxis. Within minutes, videos of the fiery scenes began to pop up on social media.

MORE. MORE AND MORE AND MORE, a group known as Unity of Fields posted on X, along with a video of the flaming vehicles.

The post wasnt an anomaly. Since the start of the demonstrations against immigration raids in Los Angeles, the Unity of Fields X account has been pumping out messages urging people to wreak havoc in the streets and give 'em hell.

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Its part of a far-left online ecosystem that has proliferated in recent years, experts say. Some of the groups behind the accounts express contempt for peaceful resistance and glorify acts of violence  and even murders, like those of the UnitedHealthcare CEO and two Israeli Embassy staffers.

The leftist networks tend to be different from right-wing groups in that they are typically decentralized with no leadership structures. But they can be highly adept at using social media, and some have been working hard to amplify and celebrate the acts of violent protesters in Los Angeles.

Whether they directly threw a Molotov cocktail is actually not as essential as the ecosystem of encouragement and coordination they have created, said Joel Finkelstein, a co-founder of the Network Contagion Research Institute, a nonpartisan group that tracks online extremism.

The unrest in Los Angeles follows a pattern that has played out in numerous cities over the past five years in which protests that break out remain mostly peaceful during the day, but at night agitators engage in fiery clashes with police.

A protester sets fire to a shopping cart during a standoff with law enforcement in the Los Angeles County city of Compton on Saturday. (Barbara Davidson / Reuters)

That dynamic tends to distract from the focus of the demonstrations  in this case, workplace immigration raids by federal agents  and provide fodder to people who oppose them. In this case, thats President Donald Trump and his supporters, who have sought to dismiss the broader protest movement as the work of paid insurrectionists.

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Whats concerning is the attempt to conflate the individual actors who do commit violence with the mass movement as a whole, said Jon Lewis, a research fellow at the Program on Extremism at George Washington University.

He said the narrative pushed by some people on the right  in his words, that theres a roving band of antifa groupies who are following protests from city to city  doesnt comport with reality.

But, Lewis added, there has no doubt been a normalization of violence in parts of the left, although it is more fractured than in right-wing groups.

Its a little bit of anti-capitalist stuff in one case. A little bit of antisemitic stuff in another case, he said. I think that reflects the nature of those online leftist movements where there is no cohesive, central structure.

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More than 300 people have been arrested since the demonstrations broke out Friday in Los Angeles, police say. The charges include failure to disperse, looting, arson and attacks on police officers. Police Chief Jim McDonnell said demonstrators have shot commercial-grade fireworks at police officers and hurled pieces of concrete at them.

Were they the acts of lone wolves seizing an opportunity to target police? Or was there a level of coordination and planning among the instigators?

Experts say its likely to be a combination of both.

You have the organized protests by people who are committed to a particular cause, and then you have radical fringes, said Daniel Byman, the director of the Warfare, Irregular Threats and Terrorism Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

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They might put on airs and call themselves anarchists or something like that, but theyre young people who like destruction.

The Network Contagion Research Institute has been analyzing the rise of what it calls anarcho-socialist extremism. It has found that the chaos and violence that have broken out at some of the major protests in recent years, like those against the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, werent as spontaneous as they might have seemed.

Police clash with protesters near the White House in 2020 during demonstrations against George Floyd's death. (Jose Luis Magana / AFP via Getty Images file)

What we found in our research is there are groups that were attempting to exploit the situation, oftentimes after dark, and their coordination was somewhat sophisticated, said Alex Goldenberg, a senior adviser to the Network Contagion Research Institute.

That involved demonstrators surveilling police movements and sharing tips about making the most destructive Molotov cocktails, Goldenberg said.

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They were trying to exploit an already volatile situation in an attempt to provoke violent clashes with police, create viral moments to inflame tensions and draw in others through emotional triggers, he said.

A protester in front of a building set on fire during a demonstration in Minneapolis in 2020 over the death of George Floyd. (Chandan Khanna / AFP via Getty Images)

Soon after it launched in 2019, the Network Contagion Research Institute focused on right-wing threats like the Boogaloos, a loose-knit anti-government movement that calls for violence against law enforcement and political opponents. But it soon found that left-wing groups were using many of the same tactics to incite violence.

A 2022 report by the institute found that animus toward law enforcement among anarchist types had been proliferating online for years. The appearance of posts with anti-police outrage and/or memes and coded language increased over 1,000% on Twitter and 300% on Reddit during the period of the Floyd protests in 2020, the report found.

Assassination culture

One anti-police group, the Peoples City Council Los Angeles, has taken to calling out the actions of officers at the protests, using expletives and slights.

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Just before 1 a.m. Tuesday, it posted on X the name and picture of a police officer it said was firing rubber bullets at protesters.

He is f-----g unhinged and unloading on protesters at point blank range, the post read. F--K THIS PIG!!

On Sunday, the group posted a video showing a line of police officers in riot gear.

LAPD trying to kettle right now, the group wrote, referring to a crowd control tactic used by police. Oink oink piggy piggy, we going make your life s----y  

The violent demonstrators seemed to represent a mishmash of causes.

Many of the people seen hurling objects at police and setting fires were dressed all in black, their faces covered in masks. Some waved Mexican flags, others Palestinian flags. At least one man was photographed wearing a Hamas armband.

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Angelenos throwing Modelo Molotovs at ICE while wearing Keffiyehs, read a post on X by Unity of Fields. We are locked the f--- in, folks.

Unity of Fields, which was formerly known as Palestine Action US, describes itself as a militant front against the US-NATO-zionist axis of imperialism.

The Unity of Fields concept comes from the Palestinian resistance, the group said last year in a blog post announcing the name change. It refers to the coordination between all the factions on the battlefield despite their geographic fragmentation or ideological differences.

Finkelstein, the co-founder of the Network Contagion Research Institute, said such groups and the people who follow them represent what he described as assassination culture  in which targeted killings are considered acceptable by those who harbor an array of grievances.

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Unity of Fields, for example, is helping raise money to cover legal costs for Elias Rodriguez, the Chicago man accused of fatally shooting the Israeli Embassy workers outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington last month.

My sense is that beneath these grievances is a shared sense of loss of control, said Finkelstein, who is a psychologist and a neuroscientist. Who are the people that really feel a sense of hopelessness in their lives? Most are looking for significance, and they think they found it here.

In response to a request for comment, Unity of Fields wrote: We will never condemn people who fight to free themselves. When the masses in Los Angeles began using direct action as a means of halting ICE-gestapo disappearances, the media saw only the violence of resistance and never the violence of the status quo.

It added: All acts of resistance to state violence are justified and all power belongs to the masses.

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The Peoples City Council Los Angeles didnt respond to a request for comment.

While the violent parts of the protests in Los Angeles began to die down Monday, demonstrations against the Trump administrations crackdown on undocumented immigrants have spread to several other cities, including Boston, Chicago, Dallas and New York.

So far, none has experienced violence at the levels in Los Angeles, but whether that will remain the case is an open question. Unity of Fields has made it clear its hoping for a repeat in cities like New York.

NYC, how are you gonna let Angelenos beat you at your favorite pastime (terrorizing police officers)? the group said Monday on X. Hamas Marxist Army get down there and show them what New Yorkers can do when they put their heads together!"

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
California farm workers are being targeted by the Trump administration's ICE raids. United Farm Workers National Vice President Roman Pinal joins Ana Cabrera to criticized the immigration crackdown on the agriculture industry, saying these tactics are "no way to treat valuable members of our community."
FARMINGTON, Utah (ABC4)  Volunteers across the state help the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources fill in the gaps with programs and facilities here in Utah. One of these volunteers received a special nomination for his dedication.

In Farmington, volunteers help the Eccles Wildlife Education Center provide a gateway to the Great Salt Lake Wetlands. When you get there, you might meet Larry McClurg. Hes been welcoming guests and sharing this beautiful part of our state for over 20 years.

Its such a neat place, theres wildlife, theres scenery. Its beautiful, Larry McClurg explained.

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Just west of I-15 in Farmington sits the Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, an 18,000-acre wetland complex that is managed for waterfowl and a variety of water birds. Its a place many may not have noticed.

A Utah womans passion for kindness transforms lives in Downtown Salt Lake

I dont know the percentage, but I would guess its pretty high of people who dont even know this area exists. Thats why I try to inform them, McClurg shared.

This place has been a weekly stop for 85-year-old McClurg. He has been volunteering at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center off and on for more than 20 years.

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When people come in to visit us, they need some information. So I give them information about the Farmington Bay Wildlife Management Area, McClurg said.

It is volunteers, just like McClurg, who help make the education center work. They host students on field trips and anyone else who wants to learn about the 18,000 acres for migratory and nesting shore birds.

Ashley Kijowski is the coordinator for the center. She explained that the volunteers help to make up the difference at the center. They clean, they maintain the grounds, and they help run the education center when visitors arrive.

I honestly think we couldnt do anything that we do out here without our volunteers, Kijowski said.

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Follow the Flag raises gigantic flags and patriotic spirit

Ashley has been so grateful for the volunteers  she nominated McClurg for the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival Birder of the Year. McClurg thought it was unnecessary, but he did it.

I think there are people more qualified than I am, but I said yes, I would, he said.

For the people McClurg has helped, his 20 years of kindness and wisdom have made a difference as he shares the beauty of this part of Davis County.

The more you learn about nature, the more beautiful this world is, McClurg shared.

There are events throughout the year at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center; you can learn more about them on their Facebook Page.

Latest headlines:

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
It's been almost eight years since an FBI SWAT team arrived at Curtrina Martin and Toi Cliatt's home, detonated a flash grenade inside, ripped the door off, and stormed into the couple's bedroom with guns drawn. Agents handcuffed Cliatt at gunpoint, and Martin, who had tried to barricade herself inside of her closet, says she fell on a rack amid the mayhem. But law enforcement would not find who they were looking for there, because that suspect, Joseph Riley, lived in a nearby house on a different street.

The issue is still a relevant one for Martin and Cliatt, along with Martin's son, Gabewho was 7 years old at the time of the raidas the group has fought for years, unsuccessfully, for the right to sue the government over the break-in.

The Supreme Court on Thursday resurrected that lawsuit, unanimously ruling that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit had settled on a faulty analysis when in April 2024 it barred Martin and Cliatt from suing.

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But the plaintiffs' legal battle is still far from over. "If federal officers raid the wrong house, causing property damage and assaulting innocent occupants, may the homeowners sue the government for damages?" wrote Justice Neil Gorsuch. "The answer is not as obvious as it might be."

The issue before the Court did not pertain to immunity for any individual law enforcement agent, whom the 11th Circuit shielded from liability in its decision last year. The justices instead considered if the lower court had erred when it also blocked the suit from proceeding under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), the law that allows individuals to bring certain state-law tort claims against the federal government for damages caused by federal workers acting within the scope of their employment.

There are many exceptions to the FTCA, however, that allow the feds to evade such claimsa microcosm of the convoluted maze plaintiffs must navigate to sue the government. One of those, the intentional tort exception, dooms suits that allege intentional wrongdoing, including assault, battery, false imprisonment, and false arrest, among several others. Yet the FTCA also contains a law enforcement provisoessentially an exception to the exceptionthat permits such claims to proceed when the misconduct is committed by "investigative or law enforcement officers." Notably here, Congress passed that addition in the 1970s in response to two highly publicized wrong-house raids.

The 11th Circuit accordingly observed that the proviso would allow Martin and Cliatt's intentional tort claims to survive the exception. The court killed those claims anyway. It cited the Supremacy Clause, which the judges said protected the government from liability here because its employees' actions had "some nexus with furthering federal policy and [could] reasonably be characterized as complying with the full range of federal law."

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Not so, said the Supreme Court. Somewhat surprisingly, that put it in agreement with the governmentwhich, prior to oral arguments, conceded the 11th Circuit's conclusion there was wrong, and that it did not care to defend it. "We find the government's concession commendable and correct," writes Gorsuch. "The FTCA does not permit the Eleventh Circuit's Supremacy Clause defense."

Arguably the bigger question before the Court pertained to a different FTCA carve-out: the discretionary function exception, which, true to its name, precludes claims from proceeding if the alleged misconduct came from a duty that involves discretion. The 11th Circuit dismissed Martin and Cliatt's claims alleging negligent wrongdoinglegally distinct from intentional tortswriting that "the FBI did not have stringent policies or procedures in place that dictate how agents are to prepare for warrant executions." Lawrence Guerra, a former FBI special agent and the leader of the raid, thus had discretion, the judges said.

But the 11th Circuit took its discretionary analysis a step further, ruling that, for acts of wrongdoing that have intentionality, the law enforcement proviso trumps the discretionary exception outright. The justices rejected that. "The law enforcement provisooverrides only the intentional-tort exception in that subsection," the Court said, "not the discretionary-function exception or other exceptions."

So where does that leave Martin and Cliatt? "On remand, the 11th Circuit will need to decide whether raiding the wrong house is a 'discretionary function,'" says Patrick Jaicomo, an attorney at the Institute for Justice, who represented the pair. Jaicomo was hoping the Court would address that very confusion.

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The plaintiffs "call on us to determine whether and under what circumstances the discretionary-function exception bars suits for wrong-house raids and similar misconduct," writes Gorsuch. "Unless we take up that further question, they worry, the Eleventh Circuit on remand may take too broad a view of the exception and dismiss their claims again. After all, the plaintiffs observe, in the past that court has suggested that the discretionary-function exception bars any claim 'unless a source of federal law "specifically prescribes" a course of conduct' and thus deprives an official of all discretion."

The Supreme Court ultimately opted for a narrow approach, though the justices acknowledged "that important questions surround whether and under what circumstances that exception may ever foreclose a suit like this one."

In a concurring opinion, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, said there are no such circumstances when considering the fact pattern presented in Martin and Cliatt's suit. "Like driving, executing a warrant always involves some measure of discretion," she wrote. "Yet it is hard to see how Guerra's conduct in this case, including his allegedly negligent choice to use his personal GPS and his failure to check the street sign or house number on the mailbox before breaking down Martin's door and terrorizing the home's occupants, involved the kind of policy judgments that the discretionary-function exception was designed to protect."

That would seem like the right conclusion, particularly when considering the genesis of that law enforcement proviso, which Congress enacted to give recourse to victims who suffered at the hands of near-identical misconduct. Those lawmakers clearly did not think the discretionary exception would doom their claims. That the law was meant to protect people like Martin, Cliatt, and Martin's son is why a bipartisan group of lawmakersincluding Sens. Rand Paul (RKy.), Ron Wyden (DOre.), and Cynthia Lummis (RWyo.), along with Reps. Thomas Massie (RKy.), Nikema Williams (DGa.), and Harriet Hageman (RWyo.)had urged the Court to take up their case.

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Sotomayor's description of Guerra's negligence is also salient and was the subject of one of the more interesting exchanges when the Supreme Court heard the case. Arguing for the Justice Department, Frederick Liu, assistant to the solicitor general, said it was too much for Martin and Cliatt to expect "that the officer should have checked the house number on the mailbox."

"Yeah, you might look at the address of the house before you knock down the door," Gorsuch responded. Liu countered that such a decision "is filled with policy tradeoffs."

"Really?" Gorsuch replied.

The post The FBI Raided This Innocent Georgia Family's Home. The Supreme Court Just Revived Their Lawsuit. appeared first on Reason.com.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  With students out of class for summer break, safety efforts are growing to prevent violence on school grounds.

The FBI and local public schools are collaborating on this initiative to help to keep children safe.

You have a lot of generational trauma that occurs when a disaster strikes at a school, said Glen Moore, director of threat management at the Missouri School Boards Association Center for Education Safety. If we can do anything to get ahead of it, its extremely positive and this is a tool that can assist in that effort.

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Moore was honored on Thursday for training approximately one thousand school employees in creating threat assessment teams.

The importance of that is to identify potential threats, perhaps a student escalating toward violence, and to intervene before it reaches that point. In our meetings, we discuss various strategies to accomplish this, said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Crocker of the St. Louis FBI field office.

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Thursdays sessions at Ladue High School were the third consecutive year the district hosted training.

When I look at behavioral threat assessment teams, I would say that its relatively new to the educational world, said Geoff Macy, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance with the Ladue School District.

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Educators emphasize that warning signs can manifest in the form of social media posts or troubling behavior.

But most importantly, from an educational standpoint, it provides us the opportunity to help students, as many are often facing some sort of trauma in their lives, Macy explained. This initiative gives educators an early chance to intervene and offer the support that students need.

In 2021, the FBI launched its school safety initiative. Moore noted that the training assists schools in better identifying when action is necessary.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
The Frederick Community College board of trustees on Wednesday is expected to approve a bargaining agreement for full-time faculty through 2028, which would end nearly two years of union negotiations.

The agreement addresses employee wages, workplace culture and time off for full-time faculty members.

About 100 college faculty members are represented by the union, United Academics of Maryland. The union, which has ratified the agreement, is a local affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers and the American Association of University Professors.

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Once approved, the agreement will be Marylands first full-time faculty community college union contract, according to Lindsay Sanders, the higher education organizer for the American Federation of Teachers.

After a Maryland law guaranteed collective bargaining rights for community college faculty and staff members, FCCs full-time members voted in August 2023 to unionize.

FCC faculty members for nearly two years rallied and advocated for shared governance and to remedy pay inequities, according to union leaders.

The FCC union voted to ratify the contract on May 20. On Wednesday, the board of trustees is expected to approve the agreement and both of the bargaining teams would sign it upon approval, according to Sanders.

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I expect the agreement to be approved, FCC labor relations specialist Pamela Murphy said in a statement sent to The Frederick News-Post.

Sanders wrote in an email on Tuesday that she wasnt available, but suggested talking to Lindsey Blankenbaker, the northeast regional assistant director of organization and field services at the American Federation of Teachers.

Blankenbaker could not be reached for comment by phone on Tuesday.

A collective bargaining agreement is a legal contract that sets the terms and conditions of employment, including employee wages, working conditions and benefits.

The concerted efforts of both negotiations teams since November 2023 were collaborative and resulted in an Agreement that will guide the work of FCCs full-time faculty moving forward, Murphy said in a press release.

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Murphy noted in the statement sent to the News-Post that while the negotiations happen in closed session and specific topics could not be addressed, the sessions were respectful and collaborative to address any disagreements.

The agreement posted to the FCC board of trustees online agenda for Wednesdays meeting shows specific details regarding leave provisions, benefits, reimbursement and compensation for full-time faculty of the college.

Additionally, by approving the agreement, full-time faculty members are prohibited from encouraging, participating in or condoning a strike.

The agreement says that full-time faculty members who violate that part of the agreement shall be subject to discharge.

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The collective bargaining agreement provides up to 10% raises for full-time faculty members in fiscal year 2026. Additionally, the agreement offers expanded leave opportunities, including floating holidays and wellness days.

The contract also establishes a four-step grievance and arbitration process, which is a formal way to address workplace complaints.

The News-Post reported in 2023 that Sue Johnson, then-president of the Frederick County Board of Education and a professor and former union organizer for FCC, said the idea came about amid allegations of bullying and harassment by former FCC President Elizabeth Burmaster.

After more than three years of protests and a no-confidence vote from faculty who had accused Burmaster of creating a culture of fear on campus, she left the college in 2021.

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Annesa Payne Cheek was named president in February 2022 and replaced interim President Thomas Powell after a six-month search.

The agreement also outlines fair and transparent processes for cutting positions, as well as how FCC policies are grievable.

FCC faculty now have bolstered workload parameters, shared governance, compensation, job protection, academic freedom, leaves, intellectual property rights in an enforceable union contract, according to a post from the FCC United Academics of Maryland Facebook page.

Murphy said in the statement that this agreement is the first negotiated at FCC.

As such, there was a significant learning curve as to what subjects are required by law to be negotiated and what is not subject to bargaining, in addition to all that negotiations generally entail, she said.
An admirer of the owl family that found shelter and nesting in the burrow hole next door, John Johnson was perturbed when he saw an iguana climbing out of the very same owl hole while the owl parents "were screeching and divebombing it," per a Palm Beach Post report.

Divebombing is a defensive behavior owls may exhibit when defending their nest or young, according to Seven Days. This could only mean one thing for the parents: Their eggs or baby owls were in danger.

The owl family put up a tough fight against their intruder, but the deed had already been done. The owls eventually surrendered their nest and fled to find a new home.

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This incident fueled a fire within Johnson, who learned that iguanas had no natural predators on Marco Island, Florida.

In fact, black spiny-tailed iguanas and green iguanas are persistent invasive species in the region. Female iguanas can lay up to 70 eggs every year, according to Focusing on Wildlife, which contributes to their rapid growth on the island.

Iguanas tear up native plants and eat the eggs of gopher tortoises  one of the oldest living species on the planet, currently with a threatened or endangered conservation status.

Black spiny-tailed iguanas will "eat almost anything they can get in their mouths," said Dr. Jerry Jackson, professor emeritus at Florida Gulf Coast University, per Palm Beach Post.

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So, Johnson created Down Goes Iguana, a family-run agency dedicated to hunting down iguanas in Florida, with a heavy concentration on the Marco Island region. He began operating with the blessing of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Using air guns like the .25 caliber Brocock Sniper XR, a short air rifle used for small game hunting or target practice, Johnson hunts down iguanas for both customers and the state, taking down a total of 730 iguanas in 2024.

While Johnson recognizes that he may not be able to eliminate the invasive species from the island, he's making a valiant effort.

Invasive species disrupt local ecosystems, threatening native wildlife species and their habitats.

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Invasive plant species operate similarly, taking over land from native plant species and outcompeting the latter for nutrients and resources. Invasive species grow quickly and aggressively and can pose a great headache for homeowners looking to eliminate them from their lawns.

You can limit the spread of invasive plant species in your lawn by planting more native plants to support the local ecosystem's balance. Native plant lawns attract pollinators, whose pollination services protect the food supply and provide food and shelter for local wildlife species.

The best part is that native lawns are slower-growing and tend to require less water than lawns containing invasive plant species, saving you time and money on lawn maintenance and water bills.

Buffalo grass and clover  both drought-resistant lawn options that require less frequent mowing  are alternative lawn replacement options that can save you time and money on yard work.

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Invasive species may be persistent, but not if humans can help it.

"I'm  vested in the fact that this is not good and I have some skills and some tools to help eradicate this problem," Johnson said, per Palm Beach Post.

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.
People walk on a street in Nice, France, June 10, 2025. The UNOC3 opened on Monday in Nice, a coastal city in southern France, under the theme of "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean". (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

People take photos with an installation marking the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France, June 10, 2025. The UNOC3 opened on Monday in Nice, a coastal city in southern France, under the theme of "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean". (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

A police officer stands guard near the venue of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, June 10, 2025. The UNOC3 opened on Monday in Nice, a coastal city in southern France, under the theme of "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean". (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

People sitting in the well noted blue chairs enjoy the sea view in Nice, France, June 10, 2025. The UNOC3 opened on Monday in Nice, a coastal city in southern France, under the theme of "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean". (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

An art installation marking the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) is pictured in Nice, France, June 10, 2025. The UNOC3 opened on Monday in Nice, a coastal city in southern France, under the theme of "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean". (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

People take photos with an installation marking the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France, June 10, 2025. The UNOC3 opened on Monday in Nice, a coastal city in southern France, under the theme of "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean". (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

A man gazes the sea from afar in Nice, France, June 10, 2025. The UNOC3 opened on Monday in Nice, a coastal city in southern France, under the theme of "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean". (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

This photo taken on June 10, 2025 shows a city view of Nice, France. The UNOC3 opened on Monday in Nice, a coastal city in southern France, under the theme of "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean". (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

People enjoy their leisure time at the seaside in Nice, France, June 9, 2025. The UNOC3 opened on Monday in Nice, a coastal city in southern France, under the theme of "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean". (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

People enjoy their leisure time at the seaside in Nice, France, June 9, 2025. The UNOC3 opened on Monday in Nice, a coastal city in southern France, under the theme of "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean". (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

People walk by a sign bearing the venue map of the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) on a street in Nice, France, June 10, 2025. The UNOC3 opened on Monday in Nice, a coastal city in southern France, under the theme of "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean". (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

People learn about the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) at a themed information booth on a street in Nice, France, June 10, 2025. The UNOC3 opened on Monday in Nice, a coastal city in southern France, under the theme of "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean". (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

An art installation marking the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) is pictured in Nice, France, June 10, 2025. The UNOC3 opened on Monday in Nice, a coastal city in southern France, under the theme of "Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean". (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
Amid fiery anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles, federal agents in Baldwin Park, California, on Wednesday arrested an illegal Mexican national wanted for rape and other violent crimes.

In an exclusive video shared with Fox News, Arturo Terron-Quevedo could be seen being handcuffed near what appears to be the City Hall building.

Arturo Terron-Quevedo was arrested by federal agents after being released from local custody.

Ice Ramps Up Arrests Of Convicted Criminals As Riots Rage In Blue City: 'You Will Not Stop Us'

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A senior Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official told Fox an ICE Los Angeles officer and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) criminal investigator made the arrest after Terron-Quevedo was released from local custody.

He has pending charges for rape, assault with a deadly weapon likely to cause great bodily injury, and inflicting corporal injury, an ICE spokesperson confirmed.

Arturo Terron-Quevedo is accused of rape and other assault charges.

California Sheriff Says Newsom Encouraged La Riots As Ice Arrests Violent Illegal Aliens

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The arrest comes hours after Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, along with 30 other city officials, held a press conference on Wednesday and claimed ICE agents were unfairly targeting illegal immigrants who did not have criminal records.

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On Sunday, the City of Baldwin Park and Baldwin Park Police Department released a statement noting the entities have "a long history of supporting its immigrant community, regardless of immigrants legal status."

"As Mayor, I speak and advocate for all members of our community, including our undocumented immigrant residents," Baldwin Park Mayor Alejandra Avila wrote in the statement. "The City firmly supports your membership in our community. I recognize that for many this is a scary time, and I hope you know that the City of Baldwin Park and Baldwin Park Police Department support the wellbeing of all our residents."

Federal Officials Slam Democrats For 'Dangerous' Rhetoric As Ice Agents Face Violent Mobs In La, Nyc

The Baldwin Park Police Department issued a separate statement reiterating it does not participate in the enforcement of civil immigration laws.

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"Our Baldwin Park police officers are not involved with immigration enforcement activities, and in no way are we participating in their federal actions," Police Chief Robert Lopez wrote in a statement. "The men and women of Baldwin Park Police Department are committed to ensuring that our city continues to be a place where people feel respected, supported, and safe."

Lopez added a request for citizens not to "assault law enforcement, commit vandalism or otherwise engage in illegal behavior against any law enforcement."





Original article source: Federal agents capture alien accused of rape, assault while LA politicians condemn ICE operations
A plan to Stitch together downtown could see delays if the federal government passes the budget as it is currently written.

The Stitch plan project, first proposed in 2019, is intended to reconnect communities in downtown Atlanta that were separated by the creation of the Downtown Connector.

As proposed, the project would build an urban park above the connector as a physical cap.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

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The final plan would create approximately 17 acres of new space for developments and greenspace atop a new, 34-mile platform spanning the Downtown Connector between Ted Turner Drive and Piedmont Avenue.

Last year, the project announced it received a $157 million federal grant to help the project.

However, the federal funding needed for the project is now in jeopardy.

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Channel 2s Michael Doudna talked to Rev. Winnie Varghese, with St Lukes Episcopal Church, about the project.

So the Stitch project is so poetic, a real sense of the vision of what it means to bring back a certain kind of life to downtown, Rev. Winnie Varghese, with St Lukes Episcopal Church, said.

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The Stitch would reconnect two halves of the city that were divided when the interstates were built.

The end goal would be to create real estate and green space that could create a new vibrant neighborhood for the city.

Thats unfortunate that, you know, a signed grant agreement from your federal government doesnt mean as much as it used to, Central Atlanta Progress AJ Robinson said.

See, as Congress looks to pass a new budget bill, dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill by President Donald Trump, it includes cutting the $157 million promised to help the development.

But now our construction dollars are in peril, and so were working very hard to try to turn that situation around, Robinson said.

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Robinson said without the federal dollars, construction would likely be delayed at least a year, but the plans would not be stopped. He says they would look for funding elsewhere.

Weve been working on this for maybe 20 years. Hopefully, it doesnt take another 20 years, but I think the project speaks for itself, Robinson said.

And during a political climate where almost every issue is divided by red and blue, many supporters say this infrastructure project is an investment that will pay dividends.

The Stitch is a once-in-a-generational project. Its a big piece of infrastructure, Robinson said.

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I hope the money comes through in the way that it was promised and committed. I would hope for that, Varghese said.

The budget bill now sits before the Senate for approval.

Channel 2 Action News asked both senators their thoughts on the potential cut to the project.

In a statement, Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock said: Im proud to have secured federal funding for the Stitch and its a shame Washington Republicans want to divert money away from this transformative economic development project to pay for a tax cut for billionaires. ... I will do everything in my power to protect this funding so Georgians can continue to reap the benefits of their tax dollars.

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Sen. Jon Ossoff is on paternity leave.

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The Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery, Alabama as seen on Feb. 4, 2025. A law that maintains diversity on the Alabama Real Estate Appraisers Board remains after case challenging it is dismissed. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit last week that challenged a state law and administrative regulation requiring the Alabama Real Estate Appraisers Board to have at least two minority members.

U.S. District Judge R. Austin Huffaker, Jr. dismissed the case on Friday after both parties agreed to end the proceedings after the plaintiff in the case, American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER), objected to being subjected to discovery.

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With both parties agreeing to end the litigation, Huffaker then agreed to the stipulations from both parties and ended the case with prejudice.

The American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER), a group founded by anti-affirmative action activist Edward Blum, argued that a 1989 law requiring that no less than two of the nine board members shall be of a minority race on the board violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Huffaker, appointed to the bench by President Donald Trump, dismissed the case without weighing in on the merits of the case after the litigants agreed to end it.

Pamela Wyatt, president of the Alabama Association of Real Estate Brokers (AAREB), a mostly-Black organization that intervened to preserve the law, said in a statement that the case allowed us to demonstrate how important state laws ensuring diversity on state boards are to people in Alabama.

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State boards make decisions that affect all Alabamians and should be reflective of the communities they serve, the statement said. For the past three decades, this Alabama law has aimed to ensure that state boards reflect the states rich diversity, and we are thrilled that this case has been dismissed with prejudice.

The association intervened in the case after Gov. Kay Iveys office said in court filings that the regulations were an unconstitutional requirement that she does notand will notenforce, according to court documents. The governors office did object to AAERs challenge to inclusivity language in the statute.

Blum, the founder of the AAER, brought a lawsuit that led to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023 to strike down race-conscious college admissions.

The AAER sued the state after the appraisers board rejected an application filed by Laura Clark, a member of AAER, because her appointment would have violated state statute that at least two of the board members be nonwhite.

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Clark, who is white, also serves as the interim president of the Alabama Center for Law and Liberty, a conservative nonprofit law firm that says it advocates for limited government, free markets, and strong families.

The AAREB said Alabamas long history of racial discrimination in housing made minority representation on the state appraisal board critical to fairness.

This particular law is critically important for that organization and many, many, other real estate professionals of color, and people of color in the state, who will suffer immensely if the law is struck down, said Brooke Menschel, an attorney with Democracy Forward, representing the AAREB, last year.

The parties proceeded to discovery last July after Huffaker rejected a request for summary judgment filed by AAER for the court to rule in its favor.

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AAER was listed as a plaintiff in the case, which subjected it to discovery. That meant opposing counsel could depose the members and staff of the organization and request documents to be used as evidence during litigation.

Rather than continue to litigate an issue that both plaintiff and defendant agree is unconstitutional, we went ahead and agreed to have the case be dismissed, said Haley Dutch, an attorney with Pacific Legal Foundation.

In the spring, AAER requested to be removed as a party to the case and have Clark added instead, which would have subjected her to discovery.

AAER brought this case on Ms. Clarks behalf, relying on the doctrine of associational standing to assert her interests, not its own, AAER said in a request filed with the court in March to substitute Clark for AAER as the plaintiff. AAER is thus not a necessary or indispensable party to the litigation.

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Democracy Forward opposed the request.

It is a fundamental rule of litigation that when you choose to sue you have to expose yourself to discovery, Democracy Forward said in a filing in April opposing the substitution. AAER has a clear choice. If AAER does not want to litigate this case, it may voluntarily dismiss this litigation and Ms. Clark can file a new case if and when she has standing with regard to a live controversy. But if AAER wants to maintain this action, it must sit for a deposition, like all other litigants. It cannot shirk its discovery obligations.

Huffaker rejected the request for substitution.

What does appear clear is that AAER declared itself the jockey in a race that it started and has ridden this horse in this manner since February 2024, Huffaker said. Clark could have been the jockey from the outset, but AAER chose not to proceed in that manner. Similarly, AAER could have switched riders (i.e., Clark for AAER) well before the amended pleadings deadline.

The Court will not tolerate such tactics, Huffaker added.
NEW YORK  The Trump administration cannot for now deport or detain Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestinian activist being held in a Louisiana detention center, a federal judge in New Jersey ruled Wednesday.

Judge Michael Farbiarz, granted Khalilis motion for release and said immigration authorities for now could not seek to remove Khalil from the country based on the determination of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who found the recent students advocacy for Palestinian rights could compromise foreign policy.

The ruling comes after the judge previously indicated he was likely to find the obscure provision of immigration law as applied to Khalil so vague as to be unconstitutional. On Wednesday, Khalils lawyers said Farbiarzs decision was the first to rule that international students could not be deported solely on foreign policy grounds.

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This vindicates what Mahmoud has maintained since day one  that the government cannot detain or deport him based on Rubios say-so, Ramzi Kassem, co-director of The CLEAR Project at CUNY Law School.

The judge based his early order on finding that Khalil, who has been in custody in a Louisiana immigration detention center for 13 weeks, would face irreversible damage were he not released.

(The) Court finds as a matter of fact that (Khalils) career and reputation are being damaged and his speech is being chilled, Farbiarz wrote, and this adds up to irreparable harm.

The federal government has until Friday morning to appeal the judges decision. Department of Justice and Homeland Security officials did not immediately say whether they intend to do so.

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This is the news weve been waiting over three months for, said Noor Abdalla, Khalils wife, who recently gave birth to the couples first child during his detention.

Abdalla shared that it was her hope that Khalil could be with her and their infant, a boy named Deen, by Fathers Day, this Sunday.

Khalil was arrested in March at his Columbia-owned apartment after the government moved to revoke his green card based on a rarely-used section of immigration law, which empowers the secretary of state to order someone deported on foreign policy grounds.

The government has also cited a second reason for seeking to deport Khalil  alleging he failed to accurately fill out forms when he applied for permanent residency. However, Judge Farbiarz on Wednesday rejected an argument that Khalils continued detention on that secondary basis would not chill speech.

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The evidence is that lawful permanent residents are virtually never detained pending removal for the sort of alleged omissions in a lawful-permanent-resident application that the (Khalil) is charged with here, Farbiarz wrote.

And that strongly suggests that it is the Secretary of States determination that drives [Khalils] ongoing detention  not the other charge against him.

Khalils attorneys are fighting for his free speech rights in New Jersey separately from his deportation proceedings in Louisiana, where he was swiftly transferred after his arrest.

The judge in the parallel immigration case, Jamee Comans, sided with the federal government and ordered that Khalil could be deported, a decision he continues to fight.

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Last month, she heard testimony from the student activist and several experts who said his deportation could result in his kidnapping, torture or even death due to his prominent criticism of Israel.

ICE should immediately release him, Marc Van Der Hout, one of Khalils immigration case lawyers, said of Khalil. If they refuse to do that, the immigration judge should release him on bond. There is absolutely no legitimate reason for his continued unjust and cruel detention.

Other noncitizen student advocates, including Columbia students Mohsen Mahdawi and Yunseo Chung, were previously released or spared arrest by federal judges.

____
Federal machine gun charges linked to shootings at Wayzata, Burnsville graduations originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Two men connected to shootings at separate graduation ceremonies in the Twin Cities in recent weeks are now facing federal charges.

Hamza Abdirashiid Said, 20, and Amiir Mawlid Ali, 18, were charged on Wednesday with unlawfully possessing machine guns following shootings at ceremonies for Wayzata High School and Burnsville High School a little over a week apart.

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Said has already been charged with state level crimes including 1st-degree assault after the May 30 incident outside the Wayzata graduation ceremony at the University of Minnesota Mariucci Arena, which saw two attendees sustain gunshot wounds at what authorities describe as a "chaotic scene."

The U.S. Attorney's Office of Minnesota says police recovered a 9mm semiautomatic pistol "with a high-capacity extended magazine and a machine gun conversion device." These devices, known as a "switch," turn semi-automatic handguns "into fully automatic machine guns."

Ali was among those arrested at the scene of the shooting after the Burnsville graduation ceremony on June 6.

Sherburne County and Hennepin County Jail

He is now charged for machine gun possession, but it relates to a discovery made by police three days earlier on June 3, when Ali was allegedly the front passenger in a vehicle that "accelerated aggressively" and failed to stop at an intersection.

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The allegations state that under Ali's seat was a Glock was equipped with a "loaded 33-round extended magazine and a machine gun conversion device."

"Ali and the two other people in the car said they were heading to the Edina High School graduation ceremony at the University of Minnesota," the U.S. Attorney's Office says.

Ali, who was allegedly known to police as being associated with "multiple recent gang-related shootings," was taken into custody, but was released on June 5 without charge.

The allegations claim that in recorded jail calls, Ali said he would need a "button" upon his release, which prosecutors claim is slang for a switch.

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He was arrested on June 6 when shots were fired from a vehicle 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Burnsville ceremony. The extent of his involvement in the shooting isn't clear at this time, with two other men charged with assault and drive-by shooting in connection with the incident.

"High school graduation ceremonies are a rite of passage. A time for friends and family to come together to celebrate one of lifes major milestones. To bring machine guns and violence to such a ceremony is immoral and shameful," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

"On behalf of all Minnesotans, I want to express a sense of moral outrage at these crimes and assure the public that the perpetrators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Related: 'You missed': New details emerge as teens charged in Burnsville graduation night shooting

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Jun. 12PALMER  A 45-year-old Wasilla man already facing state murder charges linked to a teenager's death last November has been indicted on federal charges associated with a potent opioid he's accused of dealing.

A federal grand jury on Tuesday indicted Sean Mobley on charges related to accusations he distributed carfentanil to two people: 16-year-old Alena Toennis, the teen killed by an overdose; and a man who nearly died from an overdose that same night, according to court filings.

Federal prosecutors say the case marks the first in Alaska involving carfentanil, a powerful synthetic opioid approved only for veterinary use. Authorities say the drug is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl, the substance that's become Alaska's dominant opioid in recent years.

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The drug is considered "one of the deadliest fentanyl analogues" at this time, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Mobley was jailed at Mat-Su Pretrial as of Thursday. He was arrested last month on state charges including second-degree murder linked to Toennis' death on a snowy trail in mid-November. He is accused of providing her with carfentanil and then abandoning her as she overdosed and died.

The new federal charges add another victim to the case, a person who took the same drug Mobley is accused of providing.

"Mobley is charged with killing a teenage girl and almost killing another person who survived only due to the quick intervention of others  all within a one-hour span," prosecutors wrote in a memorandum filed this week asking a judge to keep him in jail as he awaits trial. "The 'really good pow' that Mobley represented to the victims as fentanyl was in fact carfentanil  a highly potent veterinary opioid used to anesthetize large animals like elephants."

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Mobley sold what he said was a quarter gram of fentanyl to the man and had "added a cutting agent" to increase volume, according to a witness description included in the memo. He got $100 for the drugs and left the man's house, then took a call from Toennis, it said.

They met at a gas station near Wasilla and Toennis got into Mobley's truck, according to the memo. Shortly after they left, the witness was told the man who bought from Mobley was overdosing.

The witness revived the man with Narcan and then messaged Mobley, told him about the overdose and warned him not to give the drug to Toennis, according to filings in the state criminal case.

Mobley apparently ignored the warning, taking Toennis to an isolated spot along Bogard Road around midnight and giving her the drug, the federal memo states. When she overdosed, he dragged her body out of his truck and abandoned her, it said.

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He then "drove to a nearby parking lot with access to a wi-fi connection where he continued coordinating drug sales mere minutes after her death," the memo said.

The federal indictment charges Mobley with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, distribution resulting in serious injury, and distribution to someone under 21.

It wasn't immediately clear how or whether the federal charges will lead to any changes in the way the state prosecutes its case against Mobley.

Patty Sullivan, a spokeswoman for the Alaska Department of Law, said in an email that the department couldn't comment about any plans.

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"State and federal prosecutors have been communicating about this matter," Sullivan said.

[Despite nationwide declines, deaths from drug overdoses remain high in Alaska]

Mobley's first scheduled court appearance in mid-May sparked a rally on the street outside Palmer's courthouse that included members of Toennis' family.

Toennis' sister, Elyssa Toennis, said Wednesday it was "validating" to see the system taking the case so seriously.

"I hope these next steps bring accountability and justice," she said. "I hope this protects others too."
A railroad crossing in Virginia. (Sarah Vogelsong/Virginia Mercury)

After years of bureaucratic limbo, Virginia is set to receive $8.6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support a slate of infrastructure projects that were first announced three years ago.

The funding comes as part of a national effort by the administration of former President Joe Biden to clear a backlog of 3,200 unobligated grants that had stalled critical investments in communities nationwide, according to the agency. The department said Tuesday it has now cleared 1,065 of those projects but did not explain why the grants were delayed in the first place.

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Six awards are headed to Virginia, benefiting Ashland, Smithfield, Petersburg, Richmond and Salem. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation also received $5 million for Phase II of the Jamestown Scotland Ferry Facility Rehabilitation Project.

While cynics in the press hysterically warned of doomsday delays, USDOT has been hard at work to get America building again, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement. Weve done this by refocusing the department on core infrastructure  not enacting a radical political agenda. With a third of the last administrations unprecedented backlog cleared, we will continue to rip out red tape roadblocks to get dirt moving.

Duffy said the agency is working diligently to distribute these long-overdue funds and prioritize core infrastructure projects.

As part of the shift, the agency said it has eliminated several policies supported by the previous administration, including requirements tied to racial equity, climate change, and social justice.

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Removing these requirements will save taxpayers millions, the agency stated, citing increased road construction costs and mandates to report greenhouse gas emissions.

Among the Virginia recipients, the city of Richmond will receive $2 million  the second largest award in the state  for the Broad Rock Boulevard Grade Separation Study and Development. The project focuses on improving rail crossings with the goal of enhancing mobility by eliminating delays caused by blocked crossings.

Awarded Grants

Town of Ashland  Ashland At-Grade Crossing Study  $421,200

City of Richmond  Broad Rock Boulevard Grade Separation Study and Development  $2,704,000

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Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation  Jamestown Scotland Ferry Facility Rehabilitation Project (Phase II) Revised  $5,048,650

City of Petersburg  Petersburgs Safety Action Plan  $200,000

City of Salem  SS4A Safety Action Plan  $100,000

Town of Smithfield  Smithfield Safety and Connectivity Plan  $136,000

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Princess dress costume sets for children sold on Amazon.com have the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warning customers to stop playing with them.

The Popsunny Princess Dress Up Costume Sets, sold by Gizmo Box, of China, can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns or death since it has lithium coin batteries in a compartment that can easily be opened by children, according to a CPSC statement.

Therefore, the product violates the mandatory federal battery-operated toy requirement under the toy standard.

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The product was sold on Walmart.com according to a company recall website.

CPSC issued a notice of violation to Gizmo Box, but the company still has not recalled the princess dress or offered a remedy to customers, the agency wrote.

CPSC urges consumers to stop using the Princess Dress Up Costume Sets immediately and dispose of the LED string lights. Button cell and coin batteries are hazardous, CPSCs statement reads. The lithium coin batteries should be disposed of or recycled following local hazardous waste procedures. Do not sell or give away these hazardous costume sets containing LED lights.

The costume sets were sold online at Amazon.com from November 2024 through January 2025 for around $22. The products came in three models with pink or rainbow color princess capes and two LED string lights with preinstalled lithium coin batteries. The costume sets also came with pink, purple or multicolor tiaras, gloves, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.

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Any incidents involving injury or product defect can be reported to CPSC here.

More recalls

Read the original article on MassLive.
ST. LOUIS  Federal Emergency Management Agency employees are on the ground in the City of St. Louis to help victims of the May 16 tornado with their applications for assistance.

Mayor Cara Spencer held a news conference Wednesday to discuss the importance of applying for the assistance. Willie Nunn, the Region 10 Administrator for FEMA, said someone from FEMA would contact you within a few days of submitting your application.

Applying also helps us to know what you need. That gives us a true picture to demonstrate back to the mayor, demonstrate back to the state, and demonstrate back to the FEMA enterprise, which is all here to support the locals, Nunn said.

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SLMPD releases statement amid ICE protests in St. Louis

Cynthia Cowell, a spokeswoman for the Small Business Administration, also spoke at the news conference about their loan applications. She said the SBA can help with underinsured, uninsured, or high deductibles, and that homeowners can get a loan for up to $500,000.

For businesses, we can lend up to $2 million for physical damage to a business, its inventory, its fixtures, etcetera, but also for economic losses. A business may or may not have had any physical damage, but if they had to shut down for any amount of time because of these storms that could really impact the bottom line, Cowell said.

Nunn said currently there are six disaster declarations in Missouri that President Donald Trump approved. He said they are also working to set up a local phone center specifically for the May 16 tornado.

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To apply online: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

To apply by phone: 1800-621-3362

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
The Brief

U.S. interest in traveling to Europe this summer has dropped by 7 percentage points.

Cost concerns are the top barrier, but politics and global perception may also play a role.

Chinese tourism to Europe is rising sharply, making up for lost American visitors.

LOS ANGELES - Fewer Americans are planning to vacation in Europe this summer, and international travel sentiment in the U.S. remains weak compared to 2024, according to new survey data from the European Travel Commission.

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Just 33% of U.S. respondents say they plan to visit Europe this summer, a 7% drop from last year. While high travel costs and the appeal of domestic trips were the top reasons cited, the ETC also noted a more subtle factor: a growing number of Americans may be feeling self-conscious about how theyre perceived abroad  particularly under the foreign policy direction of President Trumps administration.

The data suggests a cooling of enthusiasm not just among Americans toward Europe, but possibly in the other direction as well.

Whats behind the dip in U.S.Europe travel?

The backstory

The report attributes much of the drop to rising travel costs, which were cited by nearly half of U.S. respondents not planning a European trip. Still, the ETC noted that "worries about being negatively perceived overseas under Trumps confrontational foreign policy" may also be playing a role in shaping travel behavior  a trend supported by the regional split in travel intent.

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For example, 43% of Americans from the Northeast, a region that typically leans Democratic, still plan to visit Europe  compared to just 33% nationally. That regional gap, the ETC suggests, reflects a political divergence thats influencing how comfortable people feel traveling internationally.

Despite a small uptick in overall long-haul travel sentiment in 2025, travel to Europe specifically has lost ground across several major markets.

How the rest of the world compares

Dig deeper

While U.S. enthusiasm has declined, other regions are showing different patterns:

China stands out, with 72% of surveyed travelers planning a trip to Europe  a 10% increase from 2024.

Brazil and Canada both showed declines of 6% and 5%, respectively.

Japan recorded the lowest level of interest, with just 13% of respondents planning a European vacation.

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The ETC attributed the rise in Chinese travel to economic recovery, higher disposable incomes, and a growing cultural emphasis on travel and lifestyle experiences.

Why you should care

The shift has real implications for both the European tourism industry, which was valued at $1.3 trillion in 2024, and for U.S. global engagement. Visits to the U.S. from countries like Germany have plunged  down 28% year-over-year in March  as global visitors increasingly turn to destinations that feel more politically neutral or welcoming.

Travelers wait in line at a U.S. airport. New data shows a decline in Americans planning trips to Europe this summer, with rising costs and political concerns cited as key reasons. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

The ETC warns that strained international relations and economic instability make long-term travel forecasts harder to predict. However, they also emphasized that Europe remains committed to attracting high-value travelers by promoting earlier departures, lower-cost destinations, and off-season opportunities.

What they're saying

"At a time of declining consumer confidence globally, it is more important than ever to strengthen Europes position as a top destination," said Miguel Sanz, President of the European Travel Commission. "This means improving the competitiveness and accessibility of European experiences while continuing to showcase lesser-known destinations and off-season travel."

The Source

This article is based on the Long-Haul Travel Barometer 2/2025, jointly published by the European Travel Commission and Eurail BV. Additional context and commentary were included in a press release dated June 2025, with attribution to Miguel Sanz and regional travel sentiment data collected across multiple international markets.
Reuters: China has long voiced opposition to the AUKUS submarine deal. And news broke yesterday that the Pentagon is now reviewing the deal between the U.S., the UK and Australia to determine whether it should be scrapped. Does China welcome the review? And do you have any other comment?

Lin Jian: China has made clear more than once its position on the so-called trilateral security partnership between the U.S., the UK and Australia designed to advance cooperation on nuclear submarines and other cutting-edge military technologies. We oppose manufacturing bloc confrontation and anything that amplifies the risk of nuclear proliferation and exacerbates arms race.

Sky News: In the Truth Social post yesterday, President Trump said that our deal with China is done and as part of that post, he said that magnets and any necessary rare earth will be supplied by China. He also claimed that Chinese goods would face tariffs of 55 percent with the American goods facing only 10 percent. Are you able to confirm any of the details in that post? And as far as you are concerned, does that accurately represent any deal thats been done between the U.S. and China?

Lin Jian: Yesterday afternoon, China released a readout on the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism, which you may refer to. Let me underscore the fact that the meeting was held under the strategic guidance of the Chinese and U.S. presidents. The two sides reached principled agreement on the framework of measures to implement the important common understandings between the two presidents in their June 5 call and consolidate the outcomes of the Geneva talks. It represents new progress made in resolving each others economic and trade concerns. China always honors its commitments. Now that an agreement is reached, both sides need to stick to that agreement. We hope the U.S. will work with China to act on the important common understandings reached by the two presidents and make good use of the consultation mechanism. Hopefully, through communication and dialogue, there will be more consensus and cooperation and less misperception.

The Paper: We noted that for quite some time, traveling in China while live-streaming has kept trending among foreign tourists, and Chinese toys have gained huge fans overseas. Foreign commentators say that Chinese technology, gaming, and culture have taken the world by storm, which makes the country cooler and burnishes its image overseas. The latest polls show that in the recent one-plus year, favorable opinions of China have been on the rise. Whats Chinas comment?

Lin Jian: From China Travel to China Shopping, from DeepSeek to wildly popular collectible toys, films and TV series, more and more people from across the world have come to know about China and be familiar with our country. By breaking the information cocoon, theyve discovered that theres so much to share and connect with the Chinese people emotionally just like people elsewhere. This fully shows that the pursuit of good things and a better life knows no borders or ethnicity. It is something that no one can stop.

A true China with its multiple facets and dimensions is being discovered by more and more people around the world. This is very much a result of Chinas relentless opening-up, entry facilitation policies, high-quality development, and rapid progress in promoting new quality productive forces and innovation-driven development. It is all the more a result of the fact that China has and will always be a source of stability and certainty in a turbulent and changing world, enabling global development through Chinese modernization. We will open wider, broaden our vision of innovation, and deepen cooperation to share more opportunities and benefits with the rest of the world, and let people all over the world see and experience an ever-cooler China.

AFP: Japan said today that it has expressed serious concerns to Beijing after Chinese fighter jets flew unusually close to a Japanese military patrol plane in the Pacific last weekend. Does the Foreign Ministry have more details on what happened in the situation or response to the statement made by Japan today?

Lin Jian: Chinas activities in relevant waters and air space are consistent with international law and international practices. On the specifics you mentioned, the two countries defense departments are in communication through existing channels. Let me point out that it is the close-in reconnaissance of Japans vessels and airplanes on Chinas normal military activities that has caused maritime and air security risks. China urges Japan to stop those dangerous moves.

Rudaw Media Network: Given Chinas relationship with Iraq, can it influence the resolution of the budget and salary issue between the Kurdistan regional government and the Iraqi government? And my second question: the United States of America has ordered the departure of non-essential staff from the Middle East, especially Iraq. Do you have any comment in this regard? Additionally, is China playing a role in helping to ease these tensions, especially between the U.S. and Iran, or facilitating the dialogue between the U.S. and Iran, particularly concerning the nuclear deal?

Lin Jian: On your first question, this is Iraqs internal affair. Let me say broadly that China supports Iraq in maintaining peace, stability and development.

On your second question, we noted relevant reports. China always believes the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved through political and diplomatic means. China supports Iran in maintaining dialogue and negotiation with relevant parties and achieving a solution that accommodates the legitimate concerns of all parties through consultation. China is willing to continue having communication and coordination with all relevant parties, play a constructive role in promoting the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, earnestly safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East.

Global Times: In a statement issued on June 10, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan expressed concerns over the introduction of a partial entry ban by the United States for citizens of seven countries, including Turkmenistan. Do you have any comment?

Lin Jian: China noted the statement of the Foreign Ministry of Turkmenistan. China believes that mobility of people is what makes exchanges and cooperation possible between countries. It is what the people want and creates benefits for all. As Turkmenistans comprehensive strategic partner, China stands ready to work with Turkmenistan to jointly promote people-to-people exchange between countries.

PTI: China is in talks with different sides, including the U.S. and the EU over the rare earth metals. There were concerns in India, too. Reportedly, India has taken it up with China in this regard. And recently, Indias envoy Mr. Pradeep Kumar Rawat had talks with Vice Minister Mr. Sun Weidong. And the statement issued by the Ministry said that they had discussed mutual concerns. Have these issues been discussed between the two countries? Is China looking at or is it holding talks with India on lifting the restrictions on the rare-earth metals? It is a matter of public concern back home. Probably you can elaborate a bit more about any kind of discussion in this regard thats going on between the two countries.

Lin Jian: China released a readout on Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidongs meeting with Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat. On the export controls on rare earths, Id refer you to competent authorities. We are willing to enhance dialogue and cooperation with relevant countries and regions to jointly keep the global industrial and supply chains stable.

Sky News: And another question if I may on the potential deal between the U.S. and China. Can I ask if you have any comments on the way that President Trump made the announcement, an inadvertent comment on his Truth Social post, perhaps before any deal has been officially agreed? And does this serve to undermine the relationship in any way?

Lin Jian: I have stated Chinas position on the issue.

Beijing Youth Daily: Weve learned that Sun Linjiang has taken up the post of Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs. Can you confirm that?

Lin Jian: The Chinese government has appointed Ambassador Sun Linjiang as the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on Eurasian Affairs, succeeding Ambassador Li Hui.

Since the post was established, the Special Representative has been committed to strengthening the friendship and cooperation in various fields between China and Eurasian countries, and has engaged extensively people on the international scene, which has contributed to greater understanding and friendship and regional peace and development.

Ambassador Sun Linjiang is a seasoned diplomat well-versed in Eurasia. We are confident that he will actively fulfill his mission, establish sound working relations with various parties and make strong efforts for Chinas traditional friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation with Eurasian countries and the regions shared prosperity.

Bloomberg: The European Union has proposed sanctioning two small Chinese banks for apparently helping Russia get around the blocs trade restrictions. Under those proposed restrictions, EU-based financial institutions will be banned from conducting any transactions with the two lenders. Would the Ministry like to comment on that?

Lin Jian: China opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council. Most countries, including those in Europe and the United States, continue to trade with Russia. The normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies are consistent with WTO rules and market principles. They do not target any third party and should not be disrupted or affected.

Ukrinform News Agency: The head of Ukraines military intelligence said that intelligence has information about Russias transfer of a number of modern military technologies to North Korea and, in particular, about agreements on the creation of capabilities to produce the Russian drone types on the territory of North Korea. It will for sure bring changes in the military balance in the region and between North Korea and South Korea. Id like to ask whether the Chinese side sees such military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow as challenges or maybe threats to stability on the neighboring Korean Peninsula and for China in particular.

Lin Jian: Im not familiar with what you mentioned. Regarding bilateral interactions between Russia and the DPRK, weve stated our position on multiple occasions. Chinas positions on the Ukraine crisis and the Korean Peninsula issue are consistent and clear.

Sky News: One more question if I may on that Truth Social post. In that post, President Trump described the relationship between the U.S. and China as excellent. Do you agree?

Lin Jian: China views and handles its relationship with the U.S. by following the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. Chinas position remains consistent on its relations with the U.S.

EFE: How does the Foreign Ministry view the recent appointment of Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou, reportedly the first Chinese bishop agreed by Pope Leo XIV under the provisional agreement between the Holy See and China?

Lin Jian: In recent years, China and the Vatican have maintained communication and increased mutual understanding and trust through constructive dialogue. With the joint efforts of both sides, the provisional agreement regarding the appointment of bishops is smoothly implemented. China stands ready to work with the Vatican for continued improvement of China-Vatican ties.
Young people take part in a reef ball fabrication activity in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, on June 12, 2025. Brunei's marine habitat restoration gets a boost whereby 100 reef balls are donated to local fishermen in 2025 compared to 50 reef balls in 2024, an experienced Brunei diver said on Thursday. (Photo by Haji Norazlan Othman/Xinhua)

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's marine habitat restoration gets a boost whereby 100 reef balls are donated to local fishermen in 2025 compared to 50 reef balls in 2024, an experienced Brunei diver said on Thursday.

Reef balls at fishing grounds off the Brunei coast help to increase fish catch in the country, Tahsin Wong Abdullah, co-founder of Poni Foundation, said at the Reef Ball Fabrication program held at Serasa Jetty, near Muara port town on Thursday.

He also emphasized the long-term impact reef balls can have, lasting over 500 years underwater and providing sustainable fishing grounds for future generations to come.

He said youths are involved in the program to learn new skills as they are the future of the ocean. The project is held to mark Brunei Ocean Week 2025.

Jhinook Mitra, a biology student taking a doctorate degree at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, said she is joining the project to fabricate reef balls to create more awareness of marine conservation for a sustainable future. 

Youths take part in a reef ball fabrication activity in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, on June 12, 2025. Brunei's marine habitat restoration gets a boost whereby 100 reef balls are donated to local fishermen in 2025 compared to 50 reef balls in 2024, an experienced Brunei diver said on Thursday. (Photo by Haji Norazlan Othman/Xinhua)

Youths pose for group photos after a reef ball fabrication activity in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, on June 12, 2025. Brunei's marine habitat restoration gets a boost whereby 100 reef balls are donated to local fishermen in 2025 compared to 50 reef balls in 2024, an experienced Brunei diver said on Thursday. (Photo by Haji Norazlan Othman/Xinhua)
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Nolan Grove was 13 when he pulled the trigger, and hes 15 now and in the York County Prison.

Theres a lot to be learned from this case, defense attorney Farley Holt said. I guess the question goes back is whether or not he should have been tried as an adult to begin with.

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Which could have happened in any state except California, the only state that prohibits charging children under sixteen as adults, regardless of the crime theyre accused of. Had Grove been charged as a juvenile, he would have been released no later than his 21st birthday. He was fourteen when prosecutors decided to charge him as an adult, meaning effectively, less than a seven-year sentence had he been charged as a juvenile.

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They didnt feel there was enough time for Nolan to be rehabilitated, Holt said.

Grove had been out on bail, that part is unusual for someone charged with third-degree murder. But with the conviction, bail was revoked, and he went straight to York County Prison.

Do I like him being at York County Prison? no, but at least I know hes safe there, Holt said. I know theyre gonna keep a really close eye on him because theyre certainly not gonna let anything happen to a 15-year-old in there.

Sentencing is set for Aug. 28. The statutory maximum is 20 to 40 years. The judge does have discretion to go below 20. In all likelihood, though, Nolan Grove will leave prison a middle-aged, working-age man who has spent his whole adult life in prison. Neither the Republican nor Democratic senate co-chairs of the PA Criminal Justice Reform Caucus was available to speak.

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An organization called the Equal Justice Initiative argues against sentencing children as adults citing studies showing people who were children when they committed a crime are less likely to commit crimes as adults  than people who were adult offenders in the first place. People who argue the opposite say their case is even more straightforward:

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ark.- Its been 15 years since a deadly flood at what was once a popular campsite took the lives of 20 people. The campsite remained closed until a bill sponsored by an Arkansas congressman was signed into law this year.

For many families back at Albert Pike Recreation Area along the Little Missouri River, it brings back memories. However, June 11th also carries a somber memory.

Its almost like visiting a haunted house, said Cathy Smith, a visitor at Albert Pike.

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Albert Pike Recreation to remain day-use only 10 years after fatal flash flood

On June 11, 2010, heavy rain during a storm fell over the campsite at night, causing a flash flood where 20 campers who were sleeping died.

We actually knew a couple and their grandchild that perished in the flood, so it was absolute horror, Smith said.

The ORand family says they used to come to the site often but have rarely been back since the flood.

Some of the best parts of my childhood was being in this area and knowing that something like this happened really quickly with very little warning they had. It was devastating, Aaron ORand said.

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The camping area has remained closed after the flood, only allowing some areas for day use until Arkansas Congressman Bruce Westerman worked on the EXPLORE Act, a bill signed into law this year by former President Joe Biden in early January.

Part of the EXPLORE Act requires reopening and rebuilding the campground at Albert Pike; it requires the campsite to be above the 100-year floodplain, Westerman said

The Montgomery County Judge Bart Williams stated that when the new campground is built, the area will go back to being an overnight campsite and will be beneficial.

Montgomery, Polk, Howard and Pike counties will benefit through stimulation of local economies in our small communities through tourism. The local governments will see an increase in the tax base, Williams said. Montgomery County residents grew up with this area open and want to be able to spend time there with their families and pass it along to future generations.

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Study to look at future use of Albert Pike after fatal flood

Westerman added that he knows theyre already working on designs on how to build the new campsite and how to get the existing families back up.

Both families say theyre glad that the campsite will be reopening as they bring their family members to the areas that are available for day use.

We were expecting it to be totally different and look different and like the vibe different but its really about the same, Megan ORand said.

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Shreveport Municipal Fire and Police Service Board held a meeting at Fire Maintenance.

One order of business on the agenda was an investigation from Deputy Fire Chief Carolyn Henderson into discriminatory practices and an abuse of authority by Chief Reese.'

Due to an objection of evidence by the counsel of Shreveport Fire Department Chief Clarence Reese, Deputy Fire Chief Henderson withdrew her allegations and will re-file for an investigation.

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SFD looks to end aid agreement with Caddo Fire District 5

Deputy Fire Chief Carolyn Henderson was represented by Norris Guillot, a national civil rights activist and National Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) advocate.

During the meeting, Deputy Chief Henderson and Guillot presented a hearing document with multiple allegations against Chief Reese related to discriminatory practices and an abuse of authority.

Counsel for Chief Reese objected to the evidence being presented to the Shreveport Municipal Fire and Police Service Board.

Chief Reeses attorney stated that they were not aware of the numerous allegations and therefore did not have time to prepare a defense.

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Chief Reeses attorney stated that the document of grievances was not related to the complaint that was filed. The complaint was in regard to abuse of power and discriminatory practices leading to a denial of travel expenses for Deputy Chief Henderson.

During the meeting, Guillot stated that the events listed in the document contained issues related to discriminatory practices and abuse of authority.

The board stated that it would be a violation of Chief Reeses rights to continue with allegations that he had not previously heard. The board stated that they were prepared to hear testimony on the issue of travel expenses.

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The board stated that all details must be provided for an investigation.

Deputy Chief Henderson requested to withdraw the presented allegations, and the motion passed.

Chief Reese declined to comment.

Following the meeting, Guillot said, The hearing document that we had today that discussed her complaint filing of the grievance, that document was presented to the city, and to Chief Reese, and to the civil service board. In that document, it clearly stated discrimination and abuse of power. So, we dont know why that the civil service board did not take into consideration to serve a notice of investigation when those words are clearly notated in the complaint.

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Guillot did not provide details on the allegations; however, he stated that there are issues of discrimination within the Shreveport Fire Department.

This is not the first time that the fire department has been put on notice for discrimination against females, especially those females who have actually been with the fire department for a number of years we see that there is consistence and there is also a pattern practice of the individuals we are alleging that has actually discriminated against females in the fire department, said Guillot.

Guillot says they will file a request for an investigation for all information presented to the counsel. He adds that the complaint has been filed with the U.S. Department of Justice as well as the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

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Firefighters work along Idaho Highway 21 west of Stanley to fight the Wapiti Fire on Aug. 26, 2024. (Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service/Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1)

As hot, dry weather settles in, officials are predicting a greater than usual likelihood that Idaho will experience significant wildfires this summer.

The Predictive Services Office at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boises new forecast for June through September shows an above normal potential for significant wildfire developing in northern Idaho this month. The above normal potential for significant wildfire then expands into southern Idaho and central Idaho from July into September.

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What that means is if an accidental ignition occurs or a lighting ignition occurs, there is going to be a greater potential for those ignitions to develop into serious incidents that get large enough to affect people or pose a risk to life or property, said Rebecca Paterson, a public affairs specialist for the the Bureau of Land Management who is based at the National Interagency Fire Center, or NIFC, in Boise.

The National Interagency Fires Centers forecast for July 2025 shows above normal potential for significant fire for much of southern Idaho and central Idaho. (Courtesy of National Interagency Fire Center)

Even though there was a healthy snowpack in many parts of Idaho this winter, warm, dry weather has rapidly melted the snowpack, which contributes to the risk of wildfire, Paterson said.

Abundant drying grass crops throughout southern Idaho, mixed with forecasts for low levels of precipitation and high temperature also contribute to the risk, she said.

Located next to the Boise Airport, NIFC is the countrys headquarters for wildland fire operations. Several different agencies are represented at NIFC, including the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and more.

State of Idaho, federal government set aside money to boost firefighter pay following concerns



Both the state and federal government have taken steps to address widespread concern over pay for wildland firefighters.

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In March, the Idaho Legislatures budget committee approved $1 million in pay bonuses for state firefighters working for the Idaho Department of Lands.

That same month, the U.S. Department of Interior announced permanent pay increases for federal and tribal wildland firefighters.

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Paterson said the federal pay increases are a result of years worth of efforts to help recruit and retrain firefighters. She said the firefighters who stand to benefit most from the pay increases are firefighters in the beginning stages of their career at the lower end of the pay scale.

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Its too early to tell how the raises are affecting retention, but on Monday afternoon a Department of Interior spokeswoman said hiring is up slightly compared to a year ago. As of June 2, the U.S. Department of Interior had hired 4,830 wildland fire personnel across the country, which is up slightly from a year ago, the spokeswoman said.

But even with steps taken to address pay and turnover, Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller still expressed concern with the levels of federal nonfirefighting staff and the ability to hire and retain mid- to upper-management level engine captains in Idaho.

I am confident in the amount of resources we are going to have this year (at the state level, but) what is concerning is the support positions at the federal level, Miller said in a phone interview Monday. We have been told to expect the same level of initial attack resources from the U.S. Forest Service, but what is concerning is that many nonfire staff who pay critical roles in incident management teams have taken various voluntary departure options offered by the federal government.

At the state level, Miller said Idaho will also have slightly more firefighters than last year. But Miller said Idaho still struggles to fill permanent engine captain positions. As a result, Miller said the Idaho Department of Lands will only be able to staff 50% of the engines with seven-days-per-week coverage.

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Miller said the Idaho Department of Lands is looking to other permanent staff members who have retained their fire qualifications to help boost staffing and coverage.

We are ready to go this fire season, Miller said. We have most of the resources we need and, again, we will be relying heavily on others within the Department of Lands to participate at some level during fire season.

Support for Idahos state wildfire suppression fund

Another potential concern is funding in Idahos state wildfire suppression fund. This year, the Idaho Legislature approved transferring $40 million to the states Fire Suppression Deficiency Fund, the Sun previously reported. However the $40 million is less than the $58 million the state spent fighting wildfires in 2024 alone.



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If the state spends more money than it has available to fight wildfires, it can still pay its bills through a process called deficiency warrants. But then the state would need to go back to the Idaho Legislature next year with bills for the deficiency warrants, which would be a little bit like using a credit card to pay wildfire bills.

At any rate, Gov. Brad Little had requested $60 million in new funding (not just the $40 million) for the wildfire account and urged legislators to give the state the tools it needs to aggressively fight wildfires from the beginning.

Partnerships and relationships between different state and federal agencies are key factors in fighting wildfires.

In Idaho, the location of where a fire starts plays a role in determining which agency responds. Depending on jurisdiction, what type of land the fire is located on and how big the fire is, federal wildland firefighters, state firefighters, the local community fire department or a volunteer fire protection service may show up to fight the fire.

Fire officials call on the public to help reduce risk of wildfire

While firefighters cannot prevent lightning strikes from starting wildfires, Paterson did say Idahoans can help reduce the risk of wildfire this summer. Most of the wildfires in Idaho in recent years have been caused by people.

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Dousing all campfires and extinguishing them dead out, avoiding parking vehicles on grass and preventing chains from dragging behind vehicles and throwing off sparks can all help prevent wildfires.

Weather, climate and fuel conditions cause those ignitions to become serious incidents, perhaps a lot faster than you expect, and tax responders ability to respond, Paterson said.

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The Brief

A new virtual program is helping veterans and first responders cope with trauma.

The Fire Watch program is available at Rogers Behavioral Health.

FOX6 News spoke with a peer specialist who is, himself, recovering from trauma after military service.

WAUKESHA, Wis. - Veterans and emergency responders are often first to run into the line of fire. Now, a new virtual program is giving them support to work through the trauma.

Support for those dealing with trauma

What we know

When veteran Chris Swift came back from serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said he had to learn some lessons the hard way.

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"Some people are like, Oh, tell me some cool stories. Well, they're not always cool stories. They don't understand all the stuff that goes along with it," Swift said. "I drank a lot when I came back. I ended up getting three DUIs. I went to rehab at the VA for about four months, then I went to jail for about seven months."

Chris Swift

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Swift said he is now six years sober. He is also a peer specialist for the Fire Watch program at Rogers Behavioral Health. The goal of the program is to provide help and mental health support for veterans and first responders. The program first launched in September 2024.

Focusing on moral injury

What they're saying

"We can do a wide variety of things within this program. We focus on moral injury, but moral injury can come in a lot of different forms. And we can see it come across as anxiety or depression," said Jennifer Parra-Nelson, Clinical Director of Trauma Services & Fire Watch program.

Jennifer Parra-Nelson

Moral injury is the guilt and shame that can come from trauma. The VA defines it as "the distressing psychological, behavioral, social, and sometimes spiritual aftermath of exposure to such events. A moral injury can occur in response to acting or witnessing behaviors that go against an individual's values and moral beliefs."

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Organizers said addressing that is an important part of the eight-week, 100% virtual program. Participants go through therapy, learn practical coping mechanisms, and connect with others going through the same thing.

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"We've seen a lot seen a lot of patients come in just with a lot of stigma. And with a lot of possibly thinking that maybe this won't work for them. And I think we've seen a lot of people be surprised that we are very accessible to this population," Parra-Nelson said.

Swift said his goal is to help others who were in his shoes  for their sake and the sake of their loved ones.

What you can do

Learn much more about the Fire Watch program and how it might be able to help someone you love. Program organizers said insurance covers the Fire Watch program. Medicaid is also accepted.

The Source

The information in this post was provided, in part, by Rogers Behavioral Health.
Former ABC News veteran correspondent Terry Moran has launched his independent journalism career.

The 65-year-old journalist resurfaced his Substack account and vowed he would get back to the important work, he said Wednesday, a day after he was booted from the Disney-owned network.

Moran was dismissed Tuesday for violating the companys policies with a viral social media attack against top White House official Stephen Miller.

Terry Moran shared his new career to his Substack account on June 11, 2025. Terry Moran/X

For almost 28 years, I was a reporter and anchor for ABC News, as you may have heard, I am not there anymore. Im here with you, on Substack, Moran said in a video posted to the site.

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This amazing space and I cant wait to get at it. Get into the important work that we all have to do in this time of such trouble for our country.

Moran revealed he would be publishing his own reporting and interviews on his site.

He teased it would take some time to get the account up and running because he had to get some stuff sorted out.

Moran revealed he would be publishing his own reporting and interviews to his site. Terry Moran/X

Moran shared the announcement on his X account, the same platform he used to fire off his post against White House deputy chief of staff Miller days earlier.

His now-deleted post targeted Miller, calling the Trump administrator one of the people who conceptualizes the impulses of the Trumpist movement and translates them into policy, and operates not on brains but on bile.

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Its not brains. Its bile. Miller is a man who is richly endowed with the capacity for hatred. Hes a world-class hater, Moran added. You can see this just by looking at him because you can see that his hatreds are his spiritual nourishment. He eats his hate.

President Trump is interviewed by ABCs Terry Moran in the Oval Office of the White House on April 29, 2025. AP

Disney-owned ABC initially suspended Moran for the post because it violated the networks objectivity and impartiality in its news coverage.

The post does not reflect the views of ABC News and violated our standards  as a result, Terry Moran has been suspended pending further evaluation, a spokesperson told The Post Sunday.

Morans attack on Miller pissed off employees at the company, The Post exclusively reported.

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He should be fired, one ABC News insider told The Post on Monday. People inside are pissed at Terry for screwing things up for the network.

Terry Moran during election night coverage for ABC News on Nov. 5, 2024. ABC

Terry Moran sits behind the ABC News anchor desk at the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, on Aug. 28, 2012. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

ABC fired Moran on Tuesday, three days before the reporters contract was set to expire and because of the social media post.

We are at the end of our agreement with Terry Moran and based on his recent post  which was a clear violation of ABC News policies  we have made the decision to not renew, an ABC News spokesperson told The Post.

Since his firing, Moran has changed his X biography, describing himself as an Independent Journalist.
Though firefighters made some progress in containing the raging Ranch Fire near Apple Valley, theyve expressed doubts that conditions will remain favorable.

Though containment of the 4,205-acre blaze grew to 10% by Wednesday morning, fire officials said weather on Wednesday and Thursday would make further progress more difficult.

A combination of low humidity and increasing southerly winds, with gusts up to 32 mph Wednesday afternoon created conditions that may challenge containment efforts, Cal Fire said.

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That figure is higher than an earlier estimate of 26 mph gusts.

Poor to moderate overnight recovery is expected, with similar weather continuing into Thursday, the agency added. Crews will focus on strengthening containment lines, protecting structures, and continuing mop-up efforts throughout the day.

The Ranch Fire evacuation area is seen on June 11, 2025. (Cal Fire)

The fire has already destroyed at least one home, and mandatory evacuations are in place from Milpas Drive to High Road, south of Highway 18.

An evacuation shelter was set up at Sitting Bull Academy at 19445 Sitting Bull Road in Apple Valley. An animal evacuation center has opened on the Victorville Fairgrounds at 1400 7th St.

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FIRST ON FOX: Aaron Reitz, a top official in President Donald Trumps Department of Justice, has resigned his post in the administration to run for attorney general of Texas, entering what he is calling a "fight for the soul of Texas."

Reitz, a former Marine and chief of staff to Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, served in the Trump administration under U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi as the assistant attorney general for the Office of Legal Policy.

Following speculation of a possible run for Texas attorney general, one of the most powerful positions in the state, Reitz resigned his position with the DOJ on Wednesday and officially launched his campaign the day after.

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"If we lose Texas, we lose the Republic," Reitz said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital.

205 Arrested In Fbi Child Sex Operation, Patel And Bondi Announce

"This is no time for half-measures or untested cowards," he said, adding, "We are in a fight for the soul of Texas, our nation, and Western civilization itself."

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"As Attorney General, Ill use every ounce of legal firepower to defend President Trump, crush the radical Left, advance the America and Texas First agenda, and look out for everyday Texans," he said.

This comes as current Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is running in hopes of replacing incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, in one of the most hotly contested primary races of the year.

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Reitz pledged to partner with the Trump administration to "clean up the border catastrophe with mass deportations and enhanced border security, take down the Soros-backed district attorneys, obliterate woke indoctrination, expose and root out election fraud, and defend our Constitutional rights without apology."

John Cornyn Scores Tim Scott Endorsement, But John Rich Calls Cornyn 'The Lindsey Graham Of Texas'

Texas state Capitol in Austin, Texas.

Reitz touted his conservative bona fides, saying, "Ive spent my entire career in the trenches with the toughest conservatives in America."

He is likely to garner endorsements from some of the countrys leading Republicans, with DOJ officials, including Bondi, giving him a string of fond farewells after he announced his departure.

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In an X post Bondi said: "Im proud to have worked with @aaron_reitz at @TheJusticeDept. Aaron played a central role in our work to Make America Safe Again  his next chapter will surely contribute to @POTUSs mission, and I look forward to seeing what Aaron does next in his home state of Texas!"

FBI Director Kash Patel also chimed in, saying "Aaron is a personal friend, great American, and a relentless advocate for law and order. Thanks for serving our country, now its time to deliver on his next mission. Good luck."

Bondi Announces One Of Largest Fentanyl Seizures In Us History

Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks during a news conference at the Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Before serving in the Trump administration and on Cruzs staff, Reitz previously held the position of Texas Deputy Attorney General for Legal Strategy under Paxton.

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In December, Paxton spoke very highly of Reitz, saying, "hes a proven and effective fighter for our Constitution and American Values" who was "our offensive coordinator leading my very aggressive Texas-v-Biden docket."

Paxton said that while working in his office Reitz "spearheaded some of our agencys most consequential actions on border security, immigration, Big Tech, Covid, energy, the environment, and election integrity."

Texas Republican state Senator Mayes Middleton, another pro-Trump conservative, is also running for attorney general.





Original article source: FIRST ON FOX: High ranking DOJ official resigns post to run for attorney general in red state
WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Wilson County Emergency Management Agency (WEMA) and several other Middle Tennessee agencies held a training session Wednesday to prepare for potential boating incidents.

Last weekend, the Metro Nashville Police Department and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency scoured Percy Priest Lake after a group of minors reported seeing someone who appeared to be drowning. Authorities told News 2 that nobody had been reported missing in the area and divers never found a victim, so they cleared the area. However, incidents like that are why WEMA likes to stay prepared.

On Wednesday, June 11, WEMA, the Hendersonville Fire Department, the Gallatin Fire Department, the Wilson County Sheriffs Office, and the TWRA all took part in a multi-agency water exercise.

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These exercises allow us to build a database and work with our partners to know, when the time comes, hopefully it never happens, but if it comes, we know how to work with each other and be better prepared for our citizens, said Lt. Colton Young with WEMA.

Bonnaroo weather safety: What you need to know

Wilson County has held multiple training sessions based on real-life scenarios this year, including exercises for active shooter threats, train derailments, and swift water rescue operations.

This is actually the first one in many years that weve done on the water side, Young said.

Wednesdays training scenario involved a mock drowning call on Old Hickory Lake.

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The scenario was a witness was swimming with their family at the access area and witnessed a jet ski coming in at a high rate of speed. It hit a wake from a boat, and the individual went overboard, Young said.

In a case like this, Young said a drone can be deployed to go underwater. A dive team then searches for the victim, which in this case was a dummy.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Theyre searching the area with depth finders  down scan, side scan, just looking for anything that could indicate a person or an item that we are looking for, Young said.

According to Young, this exercise is important as we enter the summer months.

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The unique thing about Wilson County EMA is our members are firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, but were also an emergency management agency, so we have to be prepared for all hazard type things, Young said.

Young told News 2 that Wilson County covers about 58 square miles of lake.

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(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

In a first-of-its-kind effort, the Texas legislature has passed a bill to require warning labels on foods such as Mountain Dew and white bread that contain certain artificial additives and dyes.

The measure, now awaiting action by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, would require a warning label prominently displayed on foods containing any of 44 artificial dyes and additives  a mandate that would apply to popular foods from Doritos and Skittles to Toaster Strudels and breads made with bleached flour.

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It marks the first time a state, rather than the federal government, has tried to put its own warning labels on food.

While the bill passed the Texas House and Senate with bipartisan support, its sponsors are eagerly tying it to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s Make America Healthy Again movement.

This is about the MAHA parents and the crunchy granola parents coming together to say we are sick and tired of being sick and tired, state Rep. Lacey Hull, who partnered with fellow Republican state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst to sponsor the bill, told legislators before the House voted on May 25.

I have personally spoken to the White House, who said they are looking to us, to Texas, to get this done, to stand for our children and for our future, Hull said.

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Abbott has not yet said whether he will sign the bill. It also includes other statewide health mandates, such as expanding physical activity requirements in public schools and setting new nutrition education requirements for high school and higher education students.

But the food warning label has drawn the most attention.

The label would read: WARNING: This product contains an ingredient that is not recommended for human consumption by the appropriate authority in Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.

Critics of food dyes and additives say they are most often found in low-nutrient, ultra-processed foods that promote unhealthy eating habits and contribute to chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.

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Some artificial dyes that are permitted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in foods are not recommended by its counterparts in other Western countries. European Union regulators require warning labels on some foods containing synthetic dyes, saying they may have an adverse effect on childrens activity and attention. In January, the FDA banned the artificial coloring Red No. 3, which is used in many foods and drinks in the U.S. but has been linked to cancer in animals. California became the first state to ban its use in 2023. That bill was sponsored by a Democrat and goes into effect in 2027.

But in Texas, the snack industry is pushing back. A coalition of dozens of food industry and business groups  including Walmart, General Mills and Coca-Cola  wrote a letter in opposition to the Texas bills warning label provision, saying it casts an incredibly wide net and goes too far.

Texans deserve honest labeling; but they also deserve public policy thats been studied, vetted, and evaluated for health considerations as well as economic impacts, the organizations said in a letter circulated around the Texas legislature ahead of the House vote in May.

Yet opposition from some of the countrys largest food manufacturers may not be enough to halt the MAHA train.

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The legislation with the labeling requirement joins other Republican-sponsored bills in the Texas legislature and around the country that reflect Kennedys MAHA agenda, from ending the addition of fluoride to public waters systems to loosening vaccine restrictions.

In March, West Virginia became the first state to pass a sweeping ban on synthetic food dyes. At least two dozen other states considered similar food dye bans in this most recent legislative session, according to data from the Environmental Working Group, a research and advocacy group that pushes for removal of chemicals from food and consumer products.

At the federal level, the FDA under Kennedys direction has also asked the food industry to phase out certain synthetic dyes by the end of 2026, though some of the largest companies have said the timeline may not be feasible.

Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@stateline.org.

This article was first published by Stateline, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.
JERUSALEM, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli defense electronics company Elbit Systems launched a new advanced missile warning system for fighter jets on Thursday.

In a statement, the company said the high-resolution missile warning system, named PAWS-2, is a field-proven, infrared airborne detection solution designed to identify and counter missile threats, without emitting any signals or radiation.

It can detect a wide range of threats, including surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles, and man-portable air-defense systems, regardless of seeker type, according to the statement.

The system is designed to protect fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters operating in complex, high-threat environments, it added.

At the heart of the system is a new-generation mid-wave infrared sensor with over 5 megapixels of resolution. It enables long-range detection, precise launch point geolocation, and early warning capabilities, allowing for timely countermeasure deployment.

The system's advanced image processing significantly reduces false alarm rates, even in cluttered environments, ensuring high threat detection accuracy.

The system can also detect nearby missile launches, distinguishing between direct threats and non-targeted launches.

Operating at a high sampling rate, the system offers hostile fire indication for detecting small arms bursts, RPGs, and anti-tank guided missiles, particularly useful for helicopters.

Elbit noted that the new system will be showcased at the Paris Air Show next week. 
WHITEHALL, Ohio (WCMH)  Whitehalls mayor is sharing his love for family and fishing.

Mayor Michael Bivens said he picked up fishing about 20 years ago. When he isnt in the office or at a community event, he likes to get away and cast a line.

This Saturday, hes launching the first Fathers Day Fishing with Mayor Bivens, a free event.

On Wednesday, Dicks Sporting Goods dropped off several fishing poles at Whitehall City Hall that participants can use this weekend.

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Fishing itself is peaceful, Bivens said. Its a way to get out in nature, its a way to experience life without electronics. Come out and try to catch a fish. Remember, its called fishing, not catching.

Participants will meet at Whitehall Community Parks lower-level parking lot before heading down to Big Walnut Creek.

The event is open to people of all ages and runs from 9 a.m.  noon.

To sign up, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater on Wednesday issued an executive order to temporarily prevent county planners from accepting, considering or processing applications for data centers and the electric substations that help power them.

The executive order, which is in effect for six months, comes as two separate proposals to regulate data center development in Frederick County are set to either take effect or be introduced to the County Council.

The council on May 20 voted to adopt Bill 25-05, which will establish new siting and design criteria for data centers and critical digital infrastructure electric substations. That bill will take effect on July 19, according to the executive order.

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Another bill that would create an overlay zone confining data center development to the area around the former Alcoa Eastalco Works site and limit how much land in the county can be used for data centers is set to be introduced on June 17, according to the County Council's meeting agenda.

The overlay bill would not take effect until Sept. 20 at the earliest, according to the executive order.

"This really is just being proactive, looking at what the next few months of deliberations will be over the overlay bill," Fitzwater said in an interview on Wednesday. "It was the responsible thing to do to include this executive order as sort of a companion to that."

Previously, Fitzwater issued an executive order preventing county planners from accepting, considering, processing or reviewing piecemeal rezoning applications seeking to have individual parcels rezoned to Limited Industrial (LI) or General Industrial (GI).

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Those are the only zones where data centers and associated infrastructure can be built under the current county code.

The executive order on piecemeal rezoning applications was first issued in June 2023. Fitzwater extended it several times as her data centers work group met to develop and vote on recommendations for regulating the burgeoning industry.

In a letter to the County Council on Jan. 16 of this year, Fitzwater said she would allow that executive order to expire on April 8.

"The order has been in place for nearly two years, and it has become a barrier to investment from other industry sectors and a challenge for some residents," Fitzwater wrote at the time. "It cannot remain in place indefinitely."

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On Wednesday, Fitzwater said her new executive order is more specifically tailored to the data center industry.

It does not apply to any applications for data centers or associated electric substations for which an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance Letter of Understanding has already been issued.

There are multiple active projects in progress at the former Alcoa Eastalco site near Adamstown, where a campus of data centers is planned.

The Colorado-based company Rowan Digital Infrastructure has three projects  known as Bauxite I, II, and III  in development. Bauxite I and Bauxite II will each consist of four data center buildings. Bauxite III will have three buildings.

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Aligned Data Centers, a Texas-based company, is also developing a project consisting of four data center buildings at the former Alcoa Eastalco site.

Fitzwater said the county has not received any new applications for data centers or associated electric substations since she and the County Council announced their intent to create the overlay zone.

The new executive order would expire on Sept. 30, unless that date is changed through a subsequent order.
Hamas has killed five staff belonging to a new US aid delivery company in Gaza and may also have taken hostages, the organisation said.

In a statement early on Thursday, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) team said the terror group attacked a bus carrying more than two-dozen of its team at around 10pm on Wednesday.

GHF said Palestinians working side-by-side with the US to deliver critical aid were brutally attacked by Hamas.

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A statement said: At the time of the attack, our team was en route to one of our distribution centres in the area west of Khan Younis.

We are still gathering facts, but what we know is devastating: there are at least five fatalities, multiple injuries, and fear that some of our team members may have been taken hostage.

The spokesman said both Americans and Palestinians were on the bus, and talked about staff being unaccounted for. Americans are not believed to be among those missing.

Any taking of hostages would be likely to complicate the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The group is believed to still hold 20 living Israelis somewhere in the strip from the October 7 raids.

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However, GHF has released statements in the past that turned out to be misleading, and the IDF has yet to comment officially.

The US firm has been mired in controversy since it took over aid in Gaza as part of a US and Israeli plan to prevent humanitarian aid from falling into the hands of Hamas.

A Palestinian shouts in Arabic we get food with the taste of death and blood - Abdel Kareem Hana/AP

The plan has been opposed by the UN and much of the international community. A number of mass-casualty events have taken place near its distribution sites in the last two weeks, with eyewitnesses blaming Israeli troops, who provide an outer ring of security.

Twenty five were killed near a site early on Wednesday, according to local hospitals, which fall under the authority of Hamas.

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However, the Israeli government has consistently claimed that Hamas is trying to undermine the new system, and in recent days, the sites have been temporarily closed, with the GHF citing threats from the terror group.

The GHF spokesman added: This attack did not happen in a vacuum. For days, Hamas has openly threatened our team, our aid workers, and the civilians who receive aid from us. These threats were met with silence.

The GHF holds Hamas fully responsible for taking the lives of our dedicated workers who have been distributing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people at the foundations sites in central and southern Gaza.

Tonight, the world must see this for what it is: an attack on humanity.

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NGOs and the UN argue that the system forces Palestinians, many of whom are on the brink of starvation, to walk large distances through dangerous areas to collect food, which itself is unsuitable because much of it needs cooking at a time of acute fuel shortage.

Israel said that, under the old system, which shipped humanitarian aid directly into Palestinian communities in Gaza, Hamas routinely purloined the aid, selling it back to the population at inflated prices as a means of keeping control and bolstering its coffers.

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A bill permanently classifying fentanyl as one of the most dangerous drugs has been passed by Congress, marking the culmination of a five-year campaign by Rep. Chris Pappas, who proposed the measure.

Pappas celebrates success of five-year bid to properly 'brand' fentanyl

U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., spoke on the House floor Wednesday night in support of the Halt Fentanyl Act that once signed by President Donald Trump will permanently classify the drug under Schedule 1 making it among the most dangerous ones regulated by the federal government.

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The Halt Fentanyl Act, which designates fentanyl-related substances as a so-called Schedule 1 drug, will also likely lead to longer criminal sentences handed down under federal law for those who illegally sell the deadly drug.

Schedule 1 drugs are defined by the Drug Enforcement Administration as having "high abuse potential with no accepted medical use."

In an interview, the New Hampshire Democrat said the change will make it easier for law enforcement in New Hampshire and across the country to go after drug dealers who alter the amount of fentanyl in street drugs sold to addicts.

There is still a lot more work to do on this issue, but this is one important step as it would help law enforcement when (traffickers) change the recipe of what they are producing, Pappas said.

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This will give police the latitude to make sure they are staying ahead of the cartels.

The bill would also place all copycat versions of fentanyl  alterations of the drug that are often sold by traffickers  as Schedule 1 drugs.

The U.S. House of Representatives gave final approval to the measure Thursday afternoon, supporting minor changes that had been made in the U.S. Senate.

President Donald Trump has already indicated that he would sign it.

The bipartisan legislation, has the co-sponsorship of New Hampshire Sens. Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, was identical to a separate bill Pappas had authored.

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In February 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration issued a temporary order that designated fentanyl as a Schedule 1 drug for two years.

Pappas authored legislation to extend that scheduling act further; without the new bill, the latest extension was to end on Sept. 30.

Pappas said it took so long to get the permanent designation because some congressional leaders wanted to make it part of a comprehensive bill that would be linked to research into the manufacturing of painkilling alternatives to fentanyl, which for many years has been legally prescribed.

There were larger discussions with law enforcement, and I think the decision was that this was too important an issue to have to wait any longer on, Pappas said.

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The bill is backed by more than 40 major advocacy groups, including a coalition of more than 200 family groups and law enforcement organizations representing more than a million officers. It also has the support of at least 25 attorneys general, including New Hampshire AG John Formella.

Pappas is a member of the Bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus and he spoke on the House floor Wednesday night on the matter.

Permanent scheduling will ensure law enforcement retains important tools they need to tackle the opioid crisis and hold traffickers accountable, tools that have helped drive down drug-related deaths in New Hampshire to its lowest level in 10 years, Pappas said.

This is thanks to New Hampshires all-hands-on-deck approach: pairing enforcement with treatment to bring down both the supply of opioids reaching our communities, as well as the demand for them.

klandrigan@unionleader.com
Silver Airways  a regional carrier servicing destinations in Florida and the Caribbean  announced Wednesday that it was ceasing its operations effective immediately, telling passengers Please do not go to the airport.

Silver flew to five airports in Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Tampa and Pensacola, as well as 11 in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Saint Martin, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, according to its website.

In a travel advisory posted to its website and social media, the company said, We regret to inform you that we are ceasing operations as of today, June 11.

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In an attempt to restructure in bankruptcy, Silver entered into a transaction to sell its assets to another airline holding company, who unfortunately has determined to not continue Silvers flight operations in Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean, Silver added.

Silver said all flights purchased with a credit card will be refunded through a passengers credit card company or travel agency.

The bankruptcy announcement leaves passengers expecting to travel soon stranded and having to find alternative flights on short notice or cancel their travel plans.

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Read More: American Airlines to bring back flights between Worcester and Philadelphia

The Associated Press reported that Silvers fleet and workforce had been reduced in the lead-up to the bankruptcy announcement.

Most remaining employees will also lose their jobs the AP reported, citing an email to employees from the company CEO.

However, a Silver subsidiary called Seaborne Airlines will continue its operations in the Caribbean, according to the AP.

Read More: Breeze Airways adds new flights from Bradley to NC

Silver began operations 14 years ago in 2011 and once served up to 28 destinations, the AP noted.

More News

Read the original article on MassLive.
The Brief

Florida officials announced the appointment of an embedded ICE liaison and launched a new program to protect ICE agents from doxing.

The state reaffirmed its hardline stance on illegal immigration, protest-related violence, and support for federal enforcement under the Trump administration.

Florida also became one of the first states to integrate state troopers into federal immigration efforts.

TITUSVILLE, Fla. - Florida officials announced two major initiatives on Thursday  the appointment of an embedded ICE liaison agent, Anthony Coker, and a new program to protect ICE agents from doxing threats.

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The state emphasized its strong stance against illegal immigration and support for federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Officials criticized California's handling of public safety and reaffirmed that Florida will not tolerate rioting or violent protests, citing enhanced penalties under the state's anti-riot law.

A coordinated response team has been established to protect ICE agents and their families from intimidation tactics, including routine patrols and support from the Florida Highway Patrol. The event underscored Floridas commitment to law and order and its refusal to adopt policies similar to those in more progressive states.

What they're saying

"Florida is the anti-riot state, and unlike California, we support law enforcement,"Attorney General James Uthmeier said in a prepared statement. "Border Patrol and ICE agents enforcing immigration law deserve protection from leftists trying to harm them. If the left doxes these agents, we will have their backs. Whether you make the poor choice to riot or publish an agents personal information online to bring harm, you are committing a crime in Florida. We will find you and hold you accountable."

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"Peaceful protest is part of our democracy and when its done right, we will make sure you have a safe environment to do it in!!" Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said. "But if you let it turn violent, youre gonna find out real quick what Brevard County is all about as the crap you see taking place in other parts of the country aint gonna happen here!!"

"The only sanctuaries in Florida are to protect animals, not criminals," Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze added. "Florida is not a sanctuary state."

"Here in Florida, we're going to honor, respect and protect our federal partners and their families," said State Board of Immigration Enforcement Executive Director Larry Keefe.

Big picture view

Under Trump's administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and federal authorities have unleashed a string of targeted operations, arresting several thousand illegal immigrants since Trumps second term began on Jan. 20. ICE officers have been seen carrying out raids of homes, work sites and other establishments, while deportations have also ramped up.

Local perspective

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been a strong advocate for the Trump administration's crackdown. In February, DeSantis announced a new partnership between the Florida Highway Patrol and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to enhance immigration enforcement within the state.

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The agreement authorizes Florida Highway Patrol officers to perform specific federal immigration enforcement functions. The agreement marked Florida as one of the first states to fully integrate state troopers into federal immigration efforts. In April, Jacksonville become the first city in Florida to pass an ordinance criminalizing undocumented immigration. The new legislation made it a local crime for undocumented immigrants to enter or reside in Jacksonville. First-time offenders face a mandatory 30-day jail sentence, while repeat offenders could receive up to 60 days in jail. The bill also allocates resources to help the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) identify individuals without legal status.

STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:

The Source

This story was written on information shared by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey and other top law enforcement and immigration officials on June 12, 2025.
A Palm Coast woman is facing multiple charges after deputies say she drove her car along a multiuse path to chase down a teenager on an electric bicycle.

The Flagler County Sheriffs Office says deputies received a call on June 7 about a woman driving a sport utility vehicle who was chasing the 14-year-old down a multiuse path for pedestrians and bicyclists along Pine Lakes Parkway.

Deputies say the 911 caller cut off the woman at Pine Lakes Parkway and Woodhaven Drive, giving the teen time to get away.

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The chase was recorded by another driver. That and the vehicle information given by the caller helped helped identify the woman as Julia Kalthof, 65.

Deputies say during questioning, Kalthof confessed to chasing the teen because she was angry that he was riding his e-bike too fast. She said she wanted to find out where he lived so she could speak to his parents, according to the sheriffs office.

Meanwhile, deputies say the victim told them he feared for his life because Kalthof screamed at him, cut him off and almost hit him.

The victim also gave them video of the chase.

Kalthof was then arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and reckless driving. She was also given a traffic citation for driving along the multiuse path.

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Kalthof was booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where she was later released on $3,000 bail.

This woman caused a dangerous situation with her reckless and aggressive behavior and could have seriously hurt or killed not just the child she was chasing, but anyone who happened to be walking or biking on that path, said Sheriff Rick Staly. Im thankful that nobody was hurt, or she could be facing even more serious charges. I also want to thank the bystander who stopped a dangerous situation and called 911 so that our deputies could handle it, conduct their investigation, and arrest this driver who clearly needs anger management.

E-bikes are becoming more and more prevalent in Palm Coast, and the riders need to control their speed and recklessness too, Staly added. The legislature needs to give us the new laws to address the behavior of these riders, such as limiting the allowed speed riders can go, just like cars.

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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier held a news conference Thursday morning in Titusville.

WATCH THE FULL NEWS CONFERENCE HERE:

He was joined by local, state and federal officials, including:

Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Brevard County

Col. Gary Howze, Florida Highway Patrol

Executive Director Larry Keefe, State Board of Immigration Enforcement

Officer Anthony Coker, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement State Liaison

The attorney generals press conference was held at the Brevard County Sheriffs Office.

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Channel 9 has a crew working to gather more information and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.

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Florida law enforcement officials are issuing a strong reminder that the Sunshine State is an anti-riot state.

At a press conference Thursday in Titusville, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier emphasized that Florida law clearly prohibits rioting and includes enhanced penalties for those who break that law.

We want to put the public on notice in Florida and remind everybody we have a law that says you cannot riot, Uthmeier said.

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He was joined by Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Floridas first state-embedded representative for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, plus others who delivered a unified message about maintaining order as protests erupt nationwide.

We invite people to share their opinions. Thats what our countrys is all about. The key word in that is peaceful, Ivey said.

The announcement comes amid growing unrest in California over immigration policies and ahead of the planned No Kings protests of President Donald Trumps policies this Saturday.

If you throw a brick, a firebomb, or point a gun at one of our deputies, we will be notifying your family where to collect your remains at because we will kill you graveyard dead, Ivey said.

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Thomas Kennedy, a policy analyst with the Florida Immigrant Coalition, encourages people to engage in peaceful civic action. He says hes concerned that heated messaging only creates a culture of intimidation and provocation.

I encourage people to go out, make their voices heard, to participate in our civic process, safeguard our democracy, just in a nonviolent way, he said.

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BAGHDAD (Reuters) -Foreign energy firms continue operating normally in Iraq, a senior Iraqi official told Reuters on Thursday, after U.S. President Trump said U.S. personnel were being moved out of the Middle East because "it could be a dangerous place".

The Iraqi oil ministry did not receive any notification from operators regarding staff reductions, added the official, who oversees operations in southern oilfields.

On Wednesday, sources told Reuters that the U.S. was preparing an evacuation of its Iraqi embassy due to heightened security risks in the region.

(Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed, Writing by Jana Choukeir; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
CHANGSHA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opened on Thursday in the central Chinese city of Changsha, highlighting the commitment of the world's largest developing country to strengthening ties with Africa, the continent with the largest number of developing nations.

Nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants will attend the four-day event, themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." The value of cooperation projects preliminarily agreed upon surpasses 11 billion U.S. dollars, according to organizers.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the opening ceremony on Thursday, expressing the belief that the expo will create more opportunities for China-Africa cooperation and yield more results.

"No matter how the international landscape may change, China will always stand firmly with Africa, offering strong support for the continent's modernization and serving as a true friend and sincere brother in Africa's journey toward development," said Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi also attended the opening ceremony. 
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Months after Gov. Kay Ivey asked him to resign from the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, Kent Davis is now suing over the row.

Davis, who led the AVA from 2019 until he was fired last October, filed a lawsuit in federal court Wednesday, arguing that Ivey had no right to remove him from office.

The dispute happened last fall, after Ivey asked Davis to resign over what she alleged was mishandling funds from the American Rescue Plan Act program. Davis eventually agreed to resign, but the VA board voted to ask him to consider rescinding it, causing Ivey to dismiss him outright.

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Ivey was not legally afforded the discretion to fire Davis and was in fact prohibited by law from firing him, the lawsuit stated.

Leading up to the dispute with Ivey, Davis had previously filed an ethics complaint against Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell, a member of Iveys cabinet, claiming she and others worked to keep his department from getting $7 million in ARPA funds, as well as destroy a bill to create a statewide mental health system for veterans, the Alabama Daily News reports.

In a statement to CBS 42, Ivey spokesperson Gina Maiola said she was extremely confident that Governor Iveys necessary actions will stand any court test there may be.

The case is ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
Kent Davis, former commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (right), speaks with reporters during a news conference alongside his attorney, Kenneth J. Mendelsohn, regarding a lawsuit he filed against Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, for wrongful termination. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector)

Former Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis filed a civil lawsuit against Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday, alleging his firing in October violated his free speech and due process rights.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, also accused Ivey of wrongful termination, defamation and intentional interference with business relations because he has been unable to find other employment since getting terminated.

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I think anybody who reads through that complaint will see a pattern and practice of behavior there that I think we will go more into as we get into the facts of this case, Davis said. Hopefully we will get to discovery, and there is going to be more that comes out in this case.

Iveys office said in a statement Wednesday that they were extremely confident that Governor Iveys necessary actions will stand any court test there may be.

The lawsuit is the latest clash that dates back to September, when Ivey accused Davis of mishandling grant funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and filing what she characterized as a frivolous ethics complaint with the Alabama Ethics Commission that was later dismissed.

Davis initially agreed to leave the position at the end of 2024, but later that month the State Board of Veterans Affairs asked him to withdraw that resignation, saying it found no evidence of wrongdoing. Ivey then moved to fire Davis, accusing him of manipulating the board.

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Davis and his attorneys argue that Ivey lacked the legal authority to fire Davis.

The law was pretty clear that he was hired by the State Board of Veterans Affairs and could only be terminated by the State Board of Veterans Affairs, and only for cause, said Kenneth Mendelsohn, an attorney representing Davis, on Wednesday. Initially, she tried to fire him without even going to the board, which certainly violated due process rights he had. And then she called a special meeting later to try and get the board to fire him, and they voted not to.

Ivey signed a bill in March removing most of the boards powers and reducing it to an advisory role within the governors office.

The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs received $5 million from ARPA in June 2023 and an additional $2 million from the Alabama Department of Finance.

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The governors office last year accused Davis of not presenting grant applications for mental health applications funded through ARPA until January, just months before a June 1 deadline. Ivey said that raised questions from other department heads about compliance and proper fund use.

The Alabama Department of Mental Health terminated a contract with Veterans Affairs in part due to these concerns. The Alabama Department of Finance later contacted Veterans Affairs with concerns about the grants, some of which the department said had little to no connection with veterans mental health.

Davis lawsuit argues that Iveys accusation that Davis mishandled ARPA funds was false and Ivey knew or at least should have known it was false.

In fact, all funds were preserved and returned to the Department of Finance and, as a result of Daviss efforts, the grant program was successful without using any grant funds, the lawsuit said.

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According to the lawsuit, Davis decided to return the $7 million the agency received from ARPA to the Alabama Department of Finance. However, Davis wanted to continue with the grant program to allow organizations who were due to receive funding to continue to serve the mental health needs of veterans, according to the lawsuit.

Simultaneous to Daviss efforts to salvage the grant process for veterans mental health programs, the Alabama Department of Finance was investigating and responding to Commissioner Boswells allegations regarding the ARPA funds, the lawsuit states.

According to the lawsuit, Davis filed an ethics complaint against Boswell last July, alleging that members of the State Board of Veterans Affairs had brought concerns about the ARPA grant program and other veterans issues.

The Ethics Commission dismissed the ethics complaint in August. Ivey called the complaint frivolous.

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Davis is seeking monetary relief stemming from his termination and for retirement benefits he is due.

When I look back, every step that I and my colleagues in the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs do was by the book, in accordance with the law, Davis said on Wednesday. And sometimes we were obligated by the law to take those steps. There is the old adage, No good deed goes unpunished. Is that the point we have in this country, you follow the law, you do what you are obligated to do under the law, and you are punished as a result of it, you are retaliated against as a result of it? Maybe that is the point where we are in this country.
David Huebner of North Platte says his background in agriculture gives him an advantage against U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb. (Courtesy of David Huebner for Congress)

LINCOLN  A former U.S. Border Patrol agent has decided to run for Congress in Nebraskas largely rural, sprawling 3rd Congressional District.

North Platte native David Huebner will try to do what other Republicans in the district havent and beat U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb, in a Republican primary. Huebner said he is running to bring some energy back to the seat.

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I like active and present representation, Huebner said, I dont feel like we have that right now from the incumbent.

Huebner said Smith lacks a background in agriculture, and the district wants someone with that background who can advocate for rural issues. He said the issues potential voters have brought up so far are the need for increased border security and improving the agricultural economy.

Huebner acknowledges hes an underdog but said he wants to give voters a choice.

Im getting out, meeting people  finding out whats important to them, Huebner said. Life is very different in western rural Nebraska than it is in D.C. Its very easy to get out of touch up there.

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Smith, from Gering, has represented the district since 2007. Before Congress, Smith served in the Legislature from 1999 to 2007. He is on the House Ways and Means Committee, which is Congresss chief tax-writing committee.

The 3rd District includes central and western Nebraska and much of the states northeastern and southeastern edges. Its one of the nations most conservative congressional districts by political party registration advantage and voting record. Registered Republicans outnumber Democrats in the district by 197,650 voters, according to data maintained by the Nebraska Secretary of States Office.

Smith having a GOP primary opponent is nothing new. He has had at least one primary opponent in every election since 2018 and has never gotten less than 65% of the GOP primary vote. In 2018, he faced three Republican opponents, including current State Board of Education member Kirk Penner. Smith faced four GOP challengers in 2020.

U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., listens to a presenter on Monday, June 19, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Huebner said he differs from previous Smith opponents because he is an active agricultural producer growing hay and raising Black Angus cattle.

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A Smith campaign spokesperson said the congressman is a proven and trusted conservative fighting for Nebraskans alongside President [Donald] Trump, focusing on issues such as border security and making the Trump tax cuts permanent.

Adrian has a conservative record that reflects the priorities of Nebraskas Third District, said Chris Peterson, speaking for Smiths campaign

Democrat Becky Lynn Stille has also filed to run.

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A judge resentenced disgraced former City of Atlanta executive Mitzi Bickers on Wednesday.

A jury convicted Bickers in 2022 of bribery, tied to a pay-for-play scheme.

Prosecutors said she accepted millions of dollars from businessmen to secure city contracts.

An appeals court voided part of that conviction last year.

The judge resentenced her to 12 years in prison.

A judge will decide today the total amount of restitution that she will pay.

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The case was the first to go before a jury in the corruption investigation of Atlanta city government.

Tonya Dale of Alpharetta was a juror on the case.

I believe, and I think all of us believed, that the paper trail by itself really spoke for itself. You know, you got money going out and coming in simultaneous with these payments. It just was, it was overwhelming evidence, Dale said.

Bickers was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bribery, three counts of money laundering, four counts of wire fraud, and one count of tax evasion.

She was acquitted on bribery allegations related to some activities in Jackson, Mississippi, and bribery-related allegations concerning millions of dollars in contracts in Atlanta after she left her position with the city in 2013.

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She was also acquitted of tampering with a witness.

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DENVER (KDVR)  A peaceful protest in downtown Denver Tuesday night escalated quickly when demonstrators attempted to block Interstate 25, prompting a swift response from police and resulting in 18 arrests.

The protest began near the Colorado State Capitol, where demonstrators held signs and chanted against U.S. immigration enforcement. But as the crowd moved through downtown, tensions rose.

Officers believe some protestors tried to make Molotov cocktails during anti-ICE protest

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According to the Denver Police Department, a group broke off and attempted to march onto the interstatea move authorities say posed significant safety risks. The action was confirmed by Colorado 50501, which has been organizing protests since Trump took office earlier this year, with the group saying it did not support the actions taken by certain protestors.

When individuals go out on the highway, that is inherently dangerous, said former Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen. Thats a hazard not only to the individual protesters, but to the public.

Pazen led the department during the large-scale demonstrations of 2020 and offered some perspective on how law enforcement response has evolved in the years since.

The difference certainly is scale, Pazen said. In 2020, there were tens of thousands of folks in the streets, with a much higher number of agitators set on violence and destruction.

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This weeks protest involved far fewer people, but still resulted in arrests for alleged obstruction, failure to obey a lawful order, assault on an officer and graffiti.

Denver police appeared to take a more restrained approach Tuesday, with fewer visible officers on the ground compared to 2020. But Pazen emphasized that law enforcement alone isnt responsible for maintaining peace.

No Kings: Activist fair planned at Colorado Capitol on Trumps birthday, DC parade day

The Denver Police Department does not tolerate folks going out on highways, he said. Whether thats part of a protest or not.

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With another large protest expected this weekend, Pazen said preparation and coordination will be key, and that includes efforts by event organizers.

I have all the confidence in the world in the women and men of the Denver Police Department, he said. They have the training, the experience, and theyll do everything possible to keep the community safe.

Denver police are monitoring upcoming demonstration plans.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ANGELINA COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  A former Wells ISD math teacher was arrested again on Tuesday for a new charge of indecency with a child sexual contact.

Mugshot of Hillary Danielle Williams, courtesy of Angelina County Sherriff Office

An affidavit from the Angelina County Sheriffs Office revealed that an underage family member reported that Hillary Danielle Williams, 34 of Lufkin, inappropriately touched her on February 19.

Union Pacific Railroad worker killed by train in Nacogdoches identified by officials

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The affidavit said while the victim was sleeping she woke up to Williams rubbing her private parts on the outside of her clothing.

The victim said Williams never mentioned the incident, but she had recently found out that Williams had been taking nude pictures of her while she was in the shower, which upset her.

Williams was previously arrested in February for possession with intent to promote child pornography and bestiality. She is set to have a pre-trial docket call hearing for these charges on July 22.

East Texas math teacher, her partner accused of bestiality, possession of child porn

Williams is currently being held on a $200,000 bond for the charge indecency with a child sexual contact in the Angelina County Jail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.






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Florida's Largo Police Department (LPD) shared a humorous video of the newly-minted Officer Martinez, formerly of New York, on his first alligator call

When the gator was handed to Martinez, he visibly became startled after the animal starting moved wildly

The LPD jokingly recapped the clip by writing, "Let's just say there was some jumping and maybe some squealing" while welcoming Martinez for Florida









A police officer, formerly of New York, was visibly intimidated when it came to handling a Florida alligator for the first time.

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Florida's Largo Police Department (LPD) shared a humorous video to Facebook on Wednesday, June 11, showing the newly-minted Officer Martinez on "his first alligator call."

Largo Police Officers recently responded to a home for a very Florida situation  an alligator wandered onto the property, the police department captioned the clip, which showed another police officer preparing to hand over the animal to Martinez.

While most of our team handled it like a pro, the police continued, one of our newer officers [Martinez] from New York experienced his very first-run in with a gator and it showed! Lets just say there was some jumping and maybe some squealing.

At the beginning of the clip, a hesitant and nervous Martinez says to the gator, which is being held by a colleague, You have big teeth, I have tiny fingers. Another officer assures him the gator has little teeth, adding, Hes so cute.



Largo Police Department/Facebook Officer Martinez handling an alligator Officer Martinez handling an alligator

Wearing blue latex gloves, Martinez then tells his colleague, Okay, lets talk about how were going to do this. The other officer advises him to not drop the gator before she hands it over to him. Martinez asks her if she will take him back and she says yes.

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Hes just hissing a little bit, Martinezs colleague says of the creature.

Martinez then outlines how he will take the animal from his fellow officer. Just as the handover begins, Martinez briefly pauses and tells her to wait. After a few quick breaths, he slowly takes the gator from her.

As that happens, the gator moves wildly with its tail flapping, prompting a startled Martinez to cry, Aghhh Oh my God!



Largo Police Department/Facebook Officer Martinez handling an alligator Officer Martinez handling an alligator

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The other officer slowly takes her hands off the animal and asks Martinez if he is okay with now holding the gator, to which he nervously replies, Yes. As he is told by another colleague to hold the gator tightly, Martinez says, Take a picture of me, for the love of God.

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Laughter could be heard in the background and as the camera zooms in on Martinez, who asks with a smile, Do I do a good pose? Then as Martinez hands the alligator back to his colleague, the animal again suddenly jolts, prompting Martinez to jump, squeal and run away.

Meanwhile, text appears over the video reading, Welcome to Florida, Officer Martinez.

According to the police department, the alligator was safely removed and relocated to a proper area. "No officers were harmed and Officer Martinez, our NY transplant, received his official welcome to Florida!" they added.

PEOPLE reached out to Martinez through the LPD on Thursday, June 12, for comment.



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Laura Jean Fero, a former dean of nursing at St. Catherine University, did not apologize at her Wednesday sentencing for swindling from the St. Paul school through bogus contracts with a health care consultant she was dating.

Fero, 55, told Ramsey County District Judge DeAnne Hilgers she has remorse for introducing a very manipulative person to the university and said she was a victim of that situation, as well. She said she lost everything, including her home and profession of 30 years. And Im not saying Im not taking accountability for introducing a person like that  thats on me.

Fero was charged last year with embezzling $400,000 from St. Kates, but reached an agreement with the prosecution and pleaded guilty to one count of theft by swindle.

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Hilgers sentenced Fero to three years of probation, which was the maximum allowed under the plea deal. The judge followed the deals other terms  ordering Fero to pay $25,000 in restitution to St. Catherine and giving her a stay of imposition, which means the felony conviction will be considered a misdemeanor if she successfully completes probation.

Five other felony theft by swindle charges were dismissed at sentencing, which was attended by several of the schools administrators and staff.

Kara Koschmann, the associate dean of nursing at St. Kates, read a victim impact statement on behalf of the university, saying Feros thievery is a grievous breach of trust that will have a deep and lasting impact.

This was not a one-time theft driven by desperation or need, Koschmann said. She engaged in a calculated act of deception that targeted the good faith of St. Kates, its students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and the entire university community.

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Hilgers said she recognized the plea agreement was reached after a lot of work and effort between the attorneys and the university, adding, What happens here today does not fix the harm thats been caused, and the work to fix that harm is going to last far longer than your probation.

Boyfriend was acquitted

Fero was St. Catherines dean of nursing from June 2019 through Aug. 28, 2023, when she left the St. Paul private college to take a job as dean of nursing and chief academic nurse at AdventHealth University in Orlando. Shes no longer employed by the university.

St. Catherine officials discovered missing funds after Fero left for the Florida job. The university conducted an internal investigation, and reported its findings to St. Paul police in late November 2023. Fero was arrested on May 8, 2024, at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport after arriving on a flight from Orlando, and charged two days later.

At Feros April 8 plea hearing, which she appeared via remote, she admitted she entered into contracts with Juan Ramon Bruce, 57, a Shakopee health care consultant, beginning in August 2020, and that she didnt follow the universitys process of seeking requests for proposals beforehand.

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Fero also admitted she didnt disclose to school leadership that she was involved in a romantic relationship with Bruce, whom she met in 2020 on a dating website.

For the count in which she pleaded guilty, Fero affirmed a statement by Assistant Ramsey County Attorney Tom Madison that Bruce was not producing appropriate or expected work for the size of the contract.

Bruce was charged with the same six counts three days after Fero. A jury in July deliberated less than four hours before acquitting him of all charges. His attorney, Debra Hilstrom, told the Pioneer Press after the verdict, We said from the very beginning that Mr. Bruce did the work that he was hired to do.

They met on Elitesingles.com

A police review of financial records showed Bruces company, JB & Associates LLC, received six payments from St. Catherine, totaling $412,644, between August 2020 and August 2023. The contracted work included outreach, marketing and market and cost analysis for continuing education development and delivery for the Catholic liberal arts school in St. Pauls Highland Park area.

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The charges against Fero say she sent an email to Bruce in October 2020 where she referenced meeting him on a dating website. Several emails she sent one day in July 2022 mentioned how they have traveled together to many places over the previous two years and how she loves him deeply.

The charges say a review of Feros university credit card showed she racked up $26,191 in expenses  airfare, rental cars, hotels and airport parking  for trips with Bruce to Miami, Atlanta and Phoenix in 2021, Cancun in 2022 and Orlando in 2023.

The investigation found additional emails indicating that Fero helped Bruce with some of the reports he was providing to the university to receive his contract funds, the charges say.

In an interview with police, Fero initially said she met Bruce from a cold call to St. Catherine about medical supplies and that they were not in a relationship prior to the university contracting with him. Fero later said she had met him on the dating website Elitesingles.com and that she believed the relationship did not constitute a conflict of interest.

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Fero admitted to police to editing documents that Bruce submitted to St. Catherine, the charges say.

Deplorable

In the universitys statement, Koschmann said a dean of nursing holds ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the nursing programs comply with federal, state and accreditation regulations, including those related to licensure, clinical practice and educational standards.

To do so, a dean must exhibit the utmost integrity, accountability and ethical leadership, she said. To act deliberately counter to the values they expect from students, faculty and staff within the School of Nursing is deplorable.

The money Fero stole came from one of the universitys most generous donors and was supposed to support student clinical and educational opportunities, and new program growth to boost enrollment.

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Koschmann said Feros actions continue to have negative consequences on the universitys chances of securing state funding to support its programs and initiatives.

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As a part of applying for Minnesota state grants, Koschmann said, the university is asked if there have been any instances of misuse or fraud in the past three years.

Because of Dr. Feros criminal conduct, we now have to answer yes, which automatically deducts five points from our application scores, Koschmann said.

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Fero told the court that through her financial, personal and spiritual loss, she has turned to weekly therapy and really diving deep into that as to why I could be strong in one area of my life and very weak in another.

Luckily, I was able to persist through it and start healing, she said. So I look forward to continuing that journey in the future.
Former Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough will host a military and veterans town hall in Minnesota on Friday evening as part of the Democratic National Committees counterprogramming to the Washington military parade touted by President Donald Trump this weekend.

The event  part of the partys Peoples Town Hall series  will be held in the Twin Cities and also feature Rep. Kelly Morrison, D-Minn. McDonough served as the top VA administrator for former President Joe Bidens four years in office and stepped down from the Cabinet post in January. He has largely stayed out of the public spotlight since then.

In a statement, DNC officials said the event is designed to honor our military members and veterans and protect the care they so bravely earned. Theyll also draw a contrast to the parade, which is centered around the Armys 250th anniversary but will take place on Trumps birthday and feature a massive procession of military equipment by the White House.

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Army officials have downplayed the parades links to Trump, calling it an event to help boost public awareness of the services history and current missions.

Army plans for Trump birthday parade include 6,600 troops: Report

But the size and scope of the event have ballooned since the White House intervened in planning earlier this year, with an estimated price tag of more than $40 million.

This week, Trump said the event would feature thousands and thousands of soldiers and a lot of those Army airplanes flying over the top, and tanks all over the place.

Local city officials have expressed concerns about heavy Army vehicles damaging Washington roadways, while critics of Trump have compared the event to shows of military might usually seen in foreign dictatorships.

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The parade and associated events are expected to bring tens of thousands of tourists to Washington for a day of military-themed celebrations, Army officials said.

DNC officials have not announced plans for a formal protest of the parade, although local law enforcement is expecting some protesters along the parade route and in the nations capital on Saturday.

Before serving as VA Secretary, McDonough was White House Chief of Staff and Deputy National Security Advisor under former President Barack Obama.

The Minnesota event is expected to focus on concerns surrounding the Trump administrations plans to cut staffing at VA offices. Current VA Secretary Doug Collins has proposed trimming more than 80,000 employees from the department workforce in the coming months, a cut of more than 15%.

Democratic lawmakers have decried the proposal, insisting it will hurt benefits and services. Collins has disputed that claim, promising that front-line workers will not be impacted.
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Newly obtained court documents unveiled new details on the former York County police officer accused of misusing a law enforcement database dozens of times for dating purposes.

Search warrants for Facebook and Snapchat data detail that Sean Lake, 32, of Dover, allegedly used the personal information he gathered from a law enforcement database to message women.

Previous coverage -> Former York County police officer accused of misusing law enforcement database more than 30 times

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Lake is accused of looking up over a dozen women through the Commonwealth Law Enforcement Assistance Network (CLEAN) database, while he was a police officer, according to State Police.

Lake was first given access to CLEAN in July 2020 when he worked with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and that access was eventually barred in January 2025 while he was with York County Regional Police.

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Lake was charged after being accused of making 32 queries that served no purpose for law enforcement use.

One of the alleged victims was a former York County Sheriffs Deputy, who had two of her personal vehicle registrations run through the database by Lake, according to court documents. Lake allegedly queried the registration of her vehicle after he left York County Central Booking, then eventually sent her a message and friend requested her on Facebook.

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Lake allegedly admitted he got her information by looking up her vehicles plate and admitted he could get into trouble, the warrant shows.

Court documents also show Lake allegedly made three different queries of a woman, who gave him part of her name after they met at a local bar.

Another woman accused Lake of recording them while having sex without her permission, and when she confronted him about it, he allegedly said that it was something guys do, the warrant details.

Pennsylvanians can now carry concealed firearms in 30th state

Court documents indicate investigators believe it is probable that Lake may have recorded additional women without their consent and shared them with other people.

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Lake faces 32 felony charges of unlawful use of a computer.

Lake is out on unsecured bail set at $50,000 by Magisterial District Judge Scott Laird. He is scheduled to be formally arraigned on July 10.

In a statement following charges being filed, York County Regional Police said it holds all employees to the highest of standards.

We have fully cooperated with the Pennsylvania State Police throughout the course of this investigation, the statement reads. The Department holds all its employees to the highest standards of ethical, moral, and lawful conductboth on and off duty. If an employee fails to meet these expectations, appropriate action will be taken to guarantee accountability.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
SOFIA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria's Institute for Market Economics (IME) said on Thursday that the number of nurses in the country's hospitals was much lower than necessary, and proposed measures to solve this problem.

Petya Georgieva, senior economist at the IME, said at a roundtable discussion dedicated to the shortage of nurses that there were an average of 1.4 nurses per doctor in the hospitals in Bulgaria, but there were places where there were more doctors than nurses.

"It's hard to imagine how a hospital functions when doctors outnumber nurses," said Georgieva at the event, organized by her institute, which is one of the oldest independent think tanks in Bulgaria.

At the same time, one nurse cared for an average of 6.5 patients in the hospitals in Bulgaria, but there were places where one nurse was responsible for 30 patients, Georgieva said.

Lachezar Bogdanov, chief economist at the IME said that the situation was not going to change soon because the number of nursing graduates per 100,000 population in Bulgaria was about nine. "The average in the European Union (EU) is just under 40," he said.

There had to be a change, but it would be difficult, "because when you ask 15-year-olds what they see themselves doing when they are 30 years old, only 0.5 percent of Bulgarian children say they see themselves working as a nurse," Bogdanov said.

The problem was that there were many other economic sectors where they could earn much more money. "Except for culture and social work, all specialists in every other field earn more," Bogdanov said.

To address the problem, the think tank proposed 10 measures, with a significant increase in nurses' salaries at the top of the list. Doubling the money within a year or two was an ambitious but necessary goal, according to IME.

Introducing targeted measures to increase student retention rates, attracting nurses from countries outside the EU, strengthening incentives for better regional distribution of nurses, and creating a clear path for professional development were among other ideas.

"Unlike other professions, the prospects for this profession are very limited. A nurse graduates, starts working, and is left with the option of either becoming a senior nurse or staying in the same position for a very, very long time," Georgieva said.

Svetla Kostadinova, IME's executive director, summarized that the sharp increase in salaries was only to retain nurses, and possibly make some children choose the path of nursing. "That is, this is the minimum, and it must happen immediately," she said.

All the other measures were more about how, in the long term, more people would decide to be nurses, she said. 
A soldier was killed in an aviation training exercise at Fort Campbell the evening of June 11.

An aviation incident in the Fort Campbell training area involving two servicemembers occurred at approximately 7 p.m., a Fort Campbell media release said.

Emergency services responded immediately. One soldier was confirmed as deceased.

The other injured soldier was taken to Blanchfield Army Community Hospital in Clarksville and is in stable condition.

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More: Death of Fort Campbell soldier in Hungary vehicle training exercise under investigation

More: Nearly 500 Fort Campbell soldiers head to D.C. for Army anniversary parade

The names of those involved are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin is notified, the Fort Campbell release said. A spokesperson said no other information is being shared at this time.

The incident is under investigation.

Another soldier's death under investigation

The June 5 death of another Fort Campbell soldier Sgt. Aaron Cox, 24, is being investigated, which occurred during a vehicle training exercise near Camp Croft, Hungary.

Cox died as a result of wounds from a vehicle accident during preparations for the upcoming Exercise Saber Guardian 25 in Hungary, a Fort Campbell media release said.

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More: Fort Campbell to dedicate monument to 9 soldiers killed in Black Hawk crash last year

Over the years, several aviation deaths during training exercises have occurred involving Fort Campbell service men and women.

Training exercises turned deadly

One of the deadliest aviation training crashes occurred on March 29, 2023 when nine Fort Campbell soldiers, nicknamed the "Dustoff Nine", were killed after two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters collided in Trigg County during a routine medical training exercise, while using night vision goggles.

The nine soldiers, ranged in age from 23 to 36. A year after the tragedy, a monument honoring the "Dustoff Nine" was unveiled on Memorial Row at Fort Campbell.

Kerri Bartlett is Middle Tennessee Region editor.

This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Fort Campbell soldier killed in aviation training exercise June 11
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (WKRN)  One Fort Campbell soldier has died and another was injured in a helicopter training incident Wednesday evening at the military installation.

The incident happened in the Fort Campbell training area on Wednesday, June 11.

According to a release, two servicemembers with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) were injured in an aviation incident involving an AH-64 Apache helicopter.

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101st Airborne Division soldier dies in overseas training accident

Emergency crews responded and pronounced Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dustin K. Wright deceased on-site at approximately 6:45 p.m. Wednesday evening. Officials said Wright, 40, was a pilot assigned to the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

Wright reportedly joined the Army in 2010 and arrived to Fort Campbell in May of 2022.

The entire 101st Combat Aviation Brigade grieves the loss of CW2 Dustin Wright, said Col. Tyler Partridge, commander, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Div. A former Infantryman, Dustin cherished every opportunity to be outside and support ground troops. He did so with strength and honor. We will forever cherish the memories of his service, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

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Meanwhile, another pilot involved in incident sustained minor injuries. He was reportedly taken to the Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and was released the day of the incident.

When asked if the helicopter crashed, an Army spokesperson told News 2, as to the exact description of the incident (crash vs hard landing vs etc), that will be identified/described in the results of the investigation.

Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden released a statement, which reads:

Our community is heartbroken by the loss of one of our soldiers in yesterdays devastating helicopter crash at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. We grieve the fallen soldier and stand with their family, who now carries the immeasurable weight of this tragedy. When Fort Campbell service members are affected, all of Montgomery County feels itwe are one united community. The brave men and women of Fort Campbell and their families are the heart of Montgomery County. They strengthen our community and are more than service members; they are our friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Montgomery County stands in full support of the families and soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division, and we are praying for them. In the wake of this tragedy, I am reminded just how important it is to tell all of the people in our lives how much we love themevery day.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) posted to social media:

I am devastated by the loss of a Fort Campbell soldier last night who tragically passed during an aviation training exercise. Lifting up this servicemembers family in prayer today and will continue to monitor this situation. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn

Hopkinsville Mayor James R. Knight Jr. released a statement, which reads:

On behalf of the City of Hopkinsville, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the

servicemember who lost their life in last nights aviation incident. Our thoughts are also with the

injured soldier, and we pray for a full recovery. The city offers its full support and assistance to the 101st Airborne Division and the entire Fort Campbell community during this difficult time. Mayor James Knight Jr.

The incident is under investigation. No additional information was immediately released.

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 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.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Soldiers at Fort Riley are holding a grueling competition this week.

Fort Riley troops are holding their annual Best Squad Competition. It began with a swimming competition, a field event and wrapped up with a 12-mile-long run.

Military officials said its all designed to keep the soldiers prepared for deployment and active duty. 27 News spoke with two participants of the event who told said that its a challenging, but important exercise.

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If it wasnt the hardest thing we were doing, I dont think wed be doing it right, said Kadin Graham, one of the squad leaders at the event. Were always striving to make things as hard as possible so that when that day comes and our nation tells us to go somewhere and do something, it seems easy in comparison.

Fort Riley museums may close amid Armys operational review

I think this competition has been one of the best times in the Army for me as well as for my squad, said squad leader Ruben Robles. We have a pretty good group.

On Thursday morning, the 1st infantry Division announced that a group of their soldiers were the winners of the competition. Out of the 11 teams that competed, team Long Knife came out on top.

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The Squad Leader for the winning team, Jerico Kelley, said, Im honored to have led this team, theyre a great group of Soldiers and they really left it all on the field.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Montgomery County Animal Resource Center (ARC) is asking for community members to open their hearts and homes to dogs in need.

June is Foster Pet Month. Fostering is a short-term commitment that has a lifelong impact on an animal. The ARC takes care of hundreds of dogs annually  some for medical recovery, shelter breaks.

Clark County Dog Shelter full; pleading for adoptions

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Fostering helps the shelter by reducing overcrowding and giving vital insight into a dogs personality in a home setting.

When you foster, youre giving an animal their best chance at a forever home, said Amy Bohardt, Director of the Animal Resource Center. Fosters are the bridge between homelessness and hope. Were so grateful for every person who steps up to make a difference.

When a person decides to foster, they are provided with all essential supplies, including food, leashes, creates and medical supplies (if needed). They can chose a dog and timeframe which best fits their life-style.

Shamrock shakes raise $28k for Dayton Ronald McDonald House

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I have had the privilege of opening my home to dogs of all different breeds, ages and backgrounds since becoming a foster for ARC, said foster caregiver Samantha Baudendistel. It brings me so much joy to know that I got to play a part in each dogs story. And through each dog, I have also played a part in the story of each family who has adopted them, and all it took was a little bit of patience and a whole lot of love.

To learn more about fostering and if its right for you, click here, or call 937-898-4457.

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NEED TO KNOW

A North Carolina woman has been accused of leaving her 7-month old foster daughter in a hot car to die on June 9

Djuna Bostick is charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse

Authorities say the child died due to "excessive heat," per court documents obtained by ABC News







A foster mother from North Carolina was arrested after authorities allege a 7-month-old girl in her care died in a hot car.

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Djuna Bostick has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse in connection with the childs death on Monday, June 9, according to a statement from the Hamlet Police Department.

Its unclear if she has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on her behalf.

Officers responded to a home in Hamlet, N.C. that day around 6 p.m. on a report of a medical emergency. At the scene, cops found a 7-month-old child unresponsive and began life saving efforts before EMS workers arrived, police said.

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The child was taken to a local hospital and died, per the police statement. The baby allegedly died due to excessive heat," ABC News reported, citing court documents.

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According to an arrest warrant obtained by WCCB Charlotte and WLUC-TV, Bostick, 59, allegedly left her foster daughter in her van for an unknown period of time on a day when investigators said temperatures reached as high as 90 degrees.

Bostick is being held in Richmond County Jail on a $500,000 bond, per the police statement. Police said the investigation remains ongoing.



If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Read the original article on People
The families of the people who died when a gangway collapsed last fall on Georgias Sapelo Island have filed a lawsuit in Gwinnett County against the companies that designed and built it.

Channel 2s Berndt Petersen reports that the lawsuit suit alleges the structure was not safe.

Regina Brinson, who was on the structure when it collapsed, calls it a bad dream, except it was all too real.

And all of a sudden, I heard a crack. And I was like, Oh my God, whats happening? she said at a news conference Wednesday announcing the lawsuit.

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Brinson was in the middle of an 80-foot gangway that collapsed into the Duplin River on Sapelo Island last October.

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Twenty people went into the water. Seven people died.

This tragedy was totally preventable, civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump said. Hes representing four of the families.

At Martin Luther King Park Jr. National Park in northeast Atlanta, he announced lawsuits against the bridge designers and builders.

The lawsuit claims that although the gangway was only a few years old, it was not safe. While it was supposed to be able to hold a 100 pounds of weight per square foot, it couldnt support even one-third of that.

The collapse that claimed seven lives and left others injured happened as hundreds gathered for the annual Cultural Day event honoring the Gullah-Geechee community.

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Brinson said she lost her uncle in the collapse, and though she tried to save him, she could only save herself.

I said, Grab my hand. He grabbed my hand, but he also grabbed (my shirt) and he kept pulling me and pulling me and pulling me under the water. And I said to myself under the water, I said, Oh my God, Im getting ready to die.

Killed in the collapse were Jacqueline Crews Carter, 75, of Jacksonville; Cynthia Gibbs, 74, of Jacksonville; Charles L. Houston, 77, of Darien, Georgia; William Johnson, Jr., 73, of Atlanta; Carlotta McIntosh, 92, of Jacksonville; Isaiah Thomas, 79, Jacksonville; and Queen Welch, 76, Atlanta.

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France is trying to shut out British arms firms from the EUs defence industrial programme despite the post-Brexit reset.

A diplomatic source told The Telegraph that Paris was seeking to restrict member states looking to make a purchase under the scheme to weapons made mostly within the bloc.

The European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) is being touted by the European Commission as the largest overhaul of the Continents industrial base.

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It will see EU cash pumped into joint procurement projects and the production of weapons, ammunition and other military hardware.

British defence firms will be shut out from the majority of projects being funded by the EUs budget

EDIP, which has been six months in the making, is part of a wider scramble to spend 800 billion on defence by the end of the decade.

French diplomats have insisted the tool should be solely used to boost firms based inside the EU, as well as Norway and Ukraine.

This means any member states looking to make a purchase under the scheme will be restricted to technologies with at least 85 per cent of its parts made in the bloc.

The demand means that Britain, which recently signed a flagship defence and security agreement with Brussels, will be shut out from the majority of projects being funded by the EUs budget.

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The UK will also be blocked from joint procurement projects under the EDIP scheme.

Not even a month ago, we solemnly declared the turning of pages and opening of new chapters in our relationship with the UK, an EU diplomat told The Telegraph.

Yet, at the first occasion to turn those words into action, we have slammed the book shut.

There are also fears the hard-line French position will see potential EU funding cut from factories producing Patriot surface-to-air interceptors, because they are a US technology.

It comes at a time when Natos European allies and Canada were warned they would have to increase air defence systems by 400 per cent to protect against the prospect of a Russian attack.

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It seems self-defeating to exclude investments in the one readily available air defence system, simply because its American, the diplomat added.

Emmanuel Macron, Frances president, has consistently pushed for EU defence schemes to be used to boost the Continents own industry, rather than allowing funds to be invested in foreign firms.

Bogged down in red tape

Many militaries across the EU, such as the Netherlands, Romania and Greece, have built their defensive strategies around the procurement of American systems, like Patriot air defence batteries.

To mitigate concerns, there are discussions over allowing the transfer of technologies from non-EU defence firms to businesses based in the bloc.

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But insiders have said this mechanism will likely become bogged down in red tape, making it practically impossible to secure funds for.

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FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  Frankfort police arrested a man for allegedly attacking them after he called for help late Monday.

Police said the distress call came just before midnight on June 9, when a man called for help before abruptly hanging up. When officers arrived at the home in the 100 block of Pickett Avenue, a woman in the home said Thomas Burton, 36, had been drinking.

In an arrest citation, officers noted this was the second time someone had been called to the home that night.

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As they went to leave, Burton reportedly began yelling at the officers, and he was heard three houses down, the citation noted.

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Authorities said the woman let them back inside the home, where they attempted to place Burton under arrest for disorderly conduct. During the arrest, officers said Burton became combative and refused to put his hands behind his back.

He then kicked two officers multiple times before being tased, according to Frankfort police.

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The police said Burton was transported to an area hospital for medical clearance before being taken to jail. While at the hospital, Burton allegedly yelled and cursed at the police before going limp in the lobby and refusing to go to the emergency room.

Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news

He was booked into the Franklin County Regional Jail and charged with:

Two counts of second-degree disorderly conduct

Two counts of third-degree assault of a police officer

Resisting arrest

Jail records show he is being held on a $10,000 cash bond.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WKRN)  Franklin police are investigating an armed robbery in Cool Springs.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Police said the armed robbery happened just before 8:30 p.m. at a fast food restaurant on Galleria Boulevard. They said the suspect who entered the business was described as a heavyset male wearing a colorful shawl and possible ski mask. No one was injured during the attempted armed robbery.

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On Thursday, police identified the suspect as 52-year-old William D. Bartholomew from Jackson, Tennessee. The department issued an arrest warrant for aggravated robbery

William D. Bartholomew (Courtesy: Franklin Police Department) (Courtesy: Franklin Police Department) (Courtesy: Franklin Police Department)

Bartholomew is believed to be driving a white Kia Soul with the Tennessee license plate number 154BPKT, police said. He has been described as a white man with a gray beard.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Franklin police have urged Bartholomew to peacefully turn himself in. He is considered armed and members of the public have been advised not to approach him. If you see him, youre asked to call the Franklin Police Department at 615-794-2513.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)  Asher Point Independent Living of Texarkana is hosting a community BBQ ahead of Fathers Day.

Enjoy Fathers Day dinner and U.S. Open watch party at Live! Casino

This event is our way of celebrating the fathers and father figures who have shaped our lives with strength, humor, and heart, said Jordan Rhodes, Regional Director of Sales and Marketing. Were excited to welcome families and neighbors for an afternoon of good food, warm company, and a glimpse into the vibrant community weve built here at Asher Point.

Source: Asher Point Independent Living of Texarkana

The BBQ is open to everyone and will be held on Friday, June 13, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Asher Point Independent Living of Texarkana, 5415 Cowhorn Creek Road.

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For more information and to RSVP, visit allevents.in/texarkana/fathers-day-bbq/80001365253097 or the Facebook event page.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
JAKARTA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government will deliver 10,000 tons of rice to Palestine, a senior minister said here on Thursday.

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan said that the aid will be delivered by Indonesian soldiers.

"Hopefully in this month we can depart. Later, our military men will sail there, to Jordan or Palestine," said Hasan after a limited coordination meeting at his office.

Meanwhile, head of the National Food Agency, Arief Prasetyo, said that it will take about three weeks to prepare the aid.

The rice will be taken from the government rice reserve, according to him.

Indonesia has abundant rice reserves. Currently, the country has its largest-ever rice reserve of 4 million tons, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. 
KAYSVILLE, Utah (ABC4)  The friends and coworkers of the Kaysville Police officer who passed away due to brain cancer are remembering him and the dedication he brought to his job.

Sergeant Jared Jensen was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer in September 2024, and Kaysville Police Department announced that he passed away on Tuesday. He was recognized or awarded seven times during his tenure as a police officer, and he survived a near-deadly shooting in the line of duty.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Kaysville officer passes away after battle with brain cancer

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ABC4.com spoke with some of Sgt. Jensens friends and fellow officers, and they shared their memories of him.

Sergeant Jensen was very passionate about his job, a fellow Kaysville Police officer told ABC4.com. He served with so much dedication, integrity, and honor. He definitely left a long-lasting impact on those he served and those he served with.

The officer said that Sgt. Jensen was with Kaysville Police for six years.

He faced cancer with the same courage he showed time he put the uniform on every single day. He fought long and hard until the very end with this cancer, the officer said.

Photo from ABC4s coverage of the VFAST visit on September 5, 2024 (KTVX).

Sgt. Jensens best friend, Sergeant Jake Fowers with Clinton City Police, told ABC4.com that they graduated from the academy together in 2012.

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He really loved the youth of the community, Fowers said. He was constantly working with them. He ran the K-9 when he was here at Clinton City, me and him ran them together. He always volunteered to go to the schools to show the kids the dogs, cause everybody loves the dogs, so he definitely had an impact. He was a larger-than-life person.

Sgt. Jensen worked with Clinton City Police Department starting in 2012, then with the Sunset Police Department, and as a police academy instructor before joining the Kaysville Police Department. He also was a member of the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (VFAST).

Fowers told ABC4.com that Sgt. Jensen was battling cancer for about 10 months. Jensen had told him that he was having weird headaches, so he was going for a CT scan, and that is when they discovered the mass that turned out to be cancer.

Sgt. Jensen is survived by his wife and their two young children.

Latest headlines:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
(Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Trade Commission, reviewing a proposed merger by leading advertising companies Omnicom and Interpublic, may impose a condition that will prevent the combined company from boycotting ads on platforms because of political content, a source familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

Omnicom struck a $13.25 billion all-stock deal in December last year to buy rival Interpublic Group, thus creating the world's largest advertising agency.

The terms of the merger review have not been finalized, the source said. The FTC, along with the Federal Communications Commission, has spearheaded the Trump administration's efforts to address perceived political bias in corporate America against conservatives.

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The ad companies did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. The New York Times earlier reported the potential settlement.

The combined company would have revenue of more than $25 billion, based on 2023 figures. It would compete with some of the world's largest advertising groups, including WPP and Publicis.

Omnicom expects to close the acquisition in the second half of the year.

The FTC has sought information from some of the world's top ad firms as part of a probe into whether advertising and advocacy groups violated antitrust laws by coordinating boycotts of certain sites.

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In 2024, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson said group boycotts by advertisers can be illegal because they involve coordinated refusals to do business, which may restrict competition.

Ad spending on X had slumped for months after billionaire Elon Musk bought the platform in October 2022, as some advertisers were wary of buying ads on the platform amid concerns that their brands would appear next to harmful content or false claims.

(Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York and Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona and David Gregorio)
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) opened an investigation into Media Matters for America, a progressive nonprofit dedicated to "monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media," for its role in an advertising boycott of X in May. On Monday, the FTC expanded the investigation to major advertisers, including Omnicron Group and the Interpublic Group, both of which are founding members of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA). The FTC's investigation follows not only Elon Musk's intimate involvement with the Trump administration but also lawsuits filed by X Corp. against Media Matters and the WFA.

In November 2023, X Corp. filed a lawsuit against Media Matters in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas accusing the nonprofit of making false and malicious statements disparaging the quality of X, which led to the subsequent loss of advertising contracts. In its complaint, X Corp. accuses Media Matters of publicly smearing the company by "knowingly and maliciously manufactur[ing] side-by-side images [of] advertisers' postsbeside Neo-Nazi and white-nationalist fringe content." X Corp. cites "99% of [its] measured ad placement in 2023 [appearing] adjacent to content scoring above the Global Alliance for Responsible Media's [GARM] brand safety floor" as contradicting Media Matter's portrayal of the platform.

X Corp. filed an antitrust lawsuit against GARM's parent organization, the WFA, in August 2024. After Musk acquired Twitter (now X) in November 2022, members contacted GARM for advice on whether to continue advertising on the platform. At this time, the suit alleges, GARM "conveyed to its members its concerns about Twitter's compliance with GARM's standards"concerns exacerbated by critical coverage from progressive nonprofits like Media Mattersprompting a boycott that caused revenues to dip 80 percent below forecasts. X Corp. alleges that WFA members violated the Sherman Antitrust Act's prohibition of conspiracies in restraint of trade by "withholding purchases of digital advertising from Twitter."

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Supreme Court precedent strongly suggests this allegation is meritless.

Vikram David Amar and Ashutosh Bhagwat, both professors at the University of California, Davis School of Law, cite NAACP v. Claiborne (1982) as evidence that the First Amendment applies to politically motivated boycotts. Amar and Bhagwat explain that, in Claiborne, "the Court insulated the boycotters from liability under state laws seeking to protect fair economic competition and held that 'the nonviolent elements of [the boycotters'] activities [were] entitled to the protection of the First Amendment.'"

Amar and Bhagwat also invoke 303 Creative v. Elenis (2023), where the Court ruled that "a seller of inherently expressive servicescan't be compelled [by a consumer] to provide speech." It stands to reason that consumers (like advertisers) may not be forced to buy expressive services they disagree with. Forcing companies to pay for speech with which they disagree is unconstitutional.

The FTC's advertising boycott investigation is a waste of the commission's time and taxpayers' money because, even if advocacy groups and advertisers colluded to boycott X, the First Amendment forecloses antitrust prosecution given the expressive nature of the X platform and its advertising service.

The post The FTC Risks Chilling Speech With Its Advertising Boycott Investigation appeared first on Reason.com.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  A West Virginia University student and Monongalia County paramedics were honored on Wednesday for their quick action that helped save a teenagers life.

Back in February, Mason Solliday, a sophomore nursing student at WVU, gave his friend CPR after he suffered a cardiac emergency outside the MountainLair on WVUs Morgantown campus. Solliday continued CPR until first responders arrived and took over and was integral in saving his friends life, according to paramedics.

In an interview with 12 News, Solliday said, Everybodys like checking for a pulse, hes unresponsive, I kind of get my way in there next to him, kneeled beside him. Kind of rub on his sternum a little bit, yelled his name, had no response whatsoever, felt for a pulsehad nothing. And I was like, Im just going to start compressions because best case scenario, he wakes up, tells me to get off of him, so I was like Im just going to go ahead and do it.

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For many EMS responders, after they treat a patient, they dont know what becomes of them, so for the Mon EMS team that helped save Grant Schola, Wednesdays ceremony served as a full circle moment.

Mon EMS Paramedic, Robert Berens, who was one of the first responders on scene, said this was the best case scenario.

Theres no possible way that this couldve ended any better, no possible way. And Mason was imperative in all of this []Its just wonderful to see such a positive outcome because the statistics of even witness field cardiac arrest are very, very poor, as far as outcomes go. So to see him [] just being himself, being neurologically intact, being who Grant is, is a big shot in the arm, Berens said.

On Wednesday, Monongalia EMS honored the WVU Nursing student with the inaugural Lifesaver Award for his immediate actions in performing CPR. Officials said that this award will now be given out as situations like these happen and people step up to help.

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Missing 3-year-old found alive in Braxton County

Schola, who was on the phone with his girlfriend at the time he suffered a heart attack outside of the MountainLair, said that hes grateful for those who saved him, especially his friend. Im just really glad I know Mason, Im so happy that God put Mason in my life because he saved my life, he said.

Dr. Robby May, the Director of Clinical Services, said less than 10% of people who go into cardiac arrest outside of the hospital survive, and even fewer of those survive and are neurologically intact.

Most ambulances are not going to get to a patient in five minutes and that first five minutes is critical. So its why its so important for people to get trained in CPR, its super simple and that little bit of training that you do can literally save someones life and we get a story like this, May said.

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EMS officials encouraged the community to go to CPR classes like the one offered at Mon EMS so anyone can be ready to jump in and help in case of an emergency.

(WBOY image)

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Most Group of Seven (G7) nations are prepared to lower the Russian oil price cap from $60 to $45 a barrel even without support from the United States, Reuters reported on June 12, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

According to Reuters, the European Union and United Kingdom, backed by other European G7 countries and Canada, are ready to lead the charge in lowering the Russian oil price cap  even if U.S. President Donald Trump opts out.

The price cap, which bans Western companies from shipping, insuring, or otherwise servicing Russian oil sold above $60 per barrel, was first introduced in December 2022 as a measure to limit the Kremlin's ability to finance its war against Ukraine.

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The G7 had previously attempted to lower the Russian oil price cap; however, the proposal was dropped after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly declined to support it.

It is unclear whether the U.S. will support the decision this time around. Japan's position is also undecided.

Participating country leaders will revisit the price cap discussion at the upcoming G7 summit. Canada, which holds the G7 presidency this year, will host the summit on June 15-17 in Kananaskis County, located in the western province of Alberta.

The summit agenda will include topics such as support for Ukraine in the Russian war, global economic stability, digital transformation, and climate change.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the summit and seek a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Read also: EU could impose Russian oil price cap without US support, Kallas says

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BERLIN (Reuters) -A Group of Seven (G7) meeting in Canada will be about the extent to which the European Union and U.S. could align on sanctions against Russia, a German government official said on Thursday.

The EU this week proposed an 18th package of sanctions against Russia for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, targeting Moscow's energy revenues, its banks and military industry.

The U.S. is also discussing a sanctions package, the German official said. "So in Canada, it will be a matter of seeing how far it is possible to achieve parallel movement."

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It is unlikely that the U.S. Congress will pass its sanctions bill before the summit begins next week, he added.

While the G7 summit is a milestone as far as Ukraine is concerned, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attending, no breakthrough in support for Kyiv against Moscow is likely to come from it, according to the German official.

The summit will be attended by U.S. President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose White House meeting with Trump earlier this month was widely seen as a success.

Keeping the United States engaged in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is key, said the official, as well as moving the sanctions debate "a little bit further" in the right direction.

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On continued military and financial support for Ukraine, the German official said realism was needed.

"If we maintain the status quo, that the Americans continue to provide certain very important services to Ukraine, then we are doing well," added the official.

(Reporting by Andreas Rinke; writing by Miranda Murray; editing by Madeline Chambers and Mark Heinrich)
A woman and her boyfriend are facing charges in the death of her 7-month-old child.

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The investigation began on Friday, just before 10 a.m. Coffee County 911 received a call about a medical emergency involving an unresponsive baby at a home on Kamera Road.

First responders arrived to find the baby without a pulse. The child was rushed to Coffee Regional Medical Center.

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According to authorities, medical staff noticed signs consistent with physical abuse and decided to transfer the baby to Savannah Memorial Hospital for specialized care.

Despite extensive efforts, the baby died three days later.

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An investigation by the CCSO and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation revealed the 7-month-old has suffered repeated physical abuse, including head trauma, fractured ribs and multiple broken bones.

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Investigators said the child had been left in the care of the mothers boyfriend, Guillermo Will Benvenutti Pineda, 29, of Douglas, Ga., last Friday morning.

Authorities said Pineda had a history of abusing the child.

Investigators later learned the childs mother, Hannah Nicole Green, 27, of Douglas, was aware of the ongoing abuse and tried to hide evidence and mislead investigators after the incident.

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On Wednesday, authorities arrested the pair.

They have been charged with the following:

Pineda:

Malice murder

Felony murder

Aggravated battery

Cruelty to children in the first degree

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Green:

Cruelty to children in the second degree

Tampering with evidence

The pair is being held at the Coffee County Pre-Trail Detention Center.

I want to thank the detectives of the Coffee County Sheriffs Office and our partners at the GBI for their tireless work on this heartbreaking case, Sheriff Fred Cole said. I want to issue a reminder to our community: if you suspect abusespeak up. You may be the only voice a child has. Our children are counting on us to protect them.

The investigation is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office.
A Georgia college student who was pulled over by mistake and then taken into ICE custody spoke Thursday before Senate Democrats at a forum on immigration.

Ximena Arias-Cristobal was pulled over by an officer in May. After her arrest, Dalton police said that the wrong vehicle was stopped. They say the officer involved intended to stop another vehicle that had made an illegal right turn.

The 19-year-old spent more than two weeks in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody before being granted a $1,500 bond.

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What happened to me is not rare. Its part of a growing pattern that is both scary and un-American. And I know I am not alone in thinking that I live in an overwhelmingly conservative community, Arias-Cristobal told the panel.

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The college student went on to talk about her experience of being housed at the Steward Detention Center outside of Columbus.

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Being held in jail, even just for two days, was traumatizing. I was surrounded by people who had committed serious crimes, but what left the deepest mark on me was the transfer being shackled at the wrist, waist, and ankles. That is something I will never forget. It was dehumanizing, and whats worse is knowing that millions of others have experienced and will continue to experience the same trauma, Arias-Cristobal said. Detention centers are supposed to be temporary holding spaces while people determine their legal options, but at Stewart, we are treated like criminals, the conditions, the language used towards us, the lack of dignity and compassion. It felt more like punishment than due process.

Arias-Cristobal was brought to the U.S. from Mexico by her parents when she was 4 years old. She said by the time she was of age, it was too late to apply for DACA.

My dream is to one day become a U.S. citizen. I was not eligible for DACA, but if I had been, I would have applied without hesitation, Arias-Cristobal said. No one should have to go through what I did. We need a system that reflects our values of justice, dignity, and due process, instead of arrests, detentions, and threats of deportation. Wouldnt it be better if we had the chance to become legal American citizens?

The officer who initially arrested Arias-Cristobal eventually resigned from the Dalton Police Department.

Arias-Cristobal and her attorney are working to help her gain American citizenship.

The Department of Homeland Security has said it still intends on trying to deport Arias-Cristobal.
GALLATIN, Tenn. (WKRN)  Authorities have released new details about a home explosion in a Gallatin neighborhood that sent one man to the hospital.

Gallatin Fire Chief Jeff Beaman confirmed that the departments investigation has mostly concluded, stating the findings show there is no evidence of foul play and a gas leak is the most probable cause of the blast.

VIDEO: Bodycam footage shows aftermath of Gallatin home explosion

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News 2 obtained bodycam footage of first responders arriving in the Nexus subdivision shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 5.

The moments were hectic as the first officers on scene learned that a brand new house had exploded, leaving nothing but fragments of the home and flames leaping into the sky.

As seen on video, law enforcement passed by Hunter Pryer, who was standing in nothing but his underwear and socks, as they entered the neighborhood. The bodycam footage shows Pryers hair frazzled with bits of debris in it and apparent burns.

Officers could be seen sprinting down the sidewalk looking for additional victims as fire sirens blared in the background.

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News 2 went back to the neighborhood on Wednesday, June 11 and encountered the Exum family as they were out on a stroll.

Felt like an earthquake: 1 injured after explosion destroys Gallatin home

Rafaella Exum, the mother of three small children, said she was in Las Vegas and immediately wanted to come home after hearing about the explosion that happened just down the street from where she lives.

Tino  Rafaellas five-year-old sontold News 2 that he remembers hearing the blast.

What do you remember hearing? asked New 2s Andy Cordan.

I was shaking and it made my body jump, replied Tino. It sounded like a big earthquake.

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As an investigation into the cause of the blast continues, Rafaella said the neighborhoods attention has turned to the man who was injured in the explosion.

Im not a super religious person, but the fact that man walked out of that is an absolute miracle, she expressed. I cant imagine how someone could see that and think someone could survive that. So hes made it this far, obviously theres a huge plan for his life and we are thinking about him, his family, his wife, and everyone.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

According to officials at TriStar Skyline Medical Center, Pryer remains in critical condition as of Monday, June 9.

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In an email, Pryers wife told News 2 that he is in critical condition and fighting everyday. He is so full of determination.

The Gallatin fire chief said the insurance company has hired their own private investigator, who plans to pinpoint the exact cause of the blast by examining the possible sources for the potential gas leak.

A Spotfund has since been created to help support the victims wife and young daughter as he continues to recover from his injuries. To donate, follow this link.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Donald Trump finally admitted there have been negative consequences to his immigration crackdown  and California Gov. Gavin Newsom was ready to pounce.

On his Truth Social platform Thursday, Trump saidhed been hearing complaints from our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business about his mass deportation agenda.

Our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace, Trump acknowledged before claiming that Criminals are now applying for those jobs.

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This is not good, he wrote, promising, Changes are coming!

Newsom  who has been railing against the president since Trump called in the military to suppress immigrant rights protests in Los Angeles  immediately shot back: Turns out, chasing hard working people through ranches and farms and snatching women and children off the streets is not good policy.

Turns out, chasing hard working people through ranches and farms and snatching women and children off the streets is not good policy. pic.twitter.com/DPoGvyhDvv  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 12, 2025

A short time later, Newsom posted a video saying that Trump had once again reversed course on policy, a pattern that has inspired the phrase Trump Always Chickens Out, or TACO.

MAJOR WIN: Trump just reversed course on immigration. Were watching closely  and well hold him to it, Newsom posted. This happened because you spoke up. Keep it going. Keep it peaceful. Its working.

MAJOR WIN: Trump just reversed course on immigration.



Were watching closely  and well hold him to it.



This happened because you spoke up.



Keep it going. Keep it peaceful. Its working. https://t.co/CsTI1REoV6pic.twitter.com/xnTcMO0BfD  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 12, 2025

Its not clear that Trump, despite promising changes, has actually reversed course on any of his policies toward immigrants.

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In the meantime, people on social media werent exactly celebrating the presidents epiphany.

To be fair, Trump always seems surprised when something he does backfires. His budget, his tariffs, his deportations have all backfired for the same reason: incompetent execution. He just never has the discipline to do anything right  Patrick Strother (@PatrickStrother) June 12, 2025

Trump just realized how his terrible policy is hurting the American people. He caved just like he always do.  Ron Smith (@Ronxyz00) June 12, 2025

Immigration TACO.  Paul Graham (@paulg) June 12, 2025

Finally, someone had to spell it out for Trump and his MAGA minionschasing hardworking people off farms and snatching families off streets isnt great policy, its a disgrace! The irony of Trump needing a reality check on what the rest of us have known for years is laughable.  Peter (@_e_tto_) June 12, 2025

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Trump is having a really hard time finding the criminals he so dearly longs to deport. So, hes going after the soft targets. People who cant afford to miss a single days work, even if it means getting dragged from the fields they work in.  Deborah, My Friends Call Me Slayer (@drodvik52) June 12, 2025

You cant call them *criminals* one day

and *essential workers* the next.



If they pick your food, clean your rooms, raise your children

theyre not the threat.

Theyre the backbone.



What kind of kingdom arrests the servants

but pardons the kings who exploit them?  Digital Jesus (@0xDigital_Jesus) June 12, 2025

Related...
BERLIN, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Germany is set to return to growth in 2026 after years of decline, according to the latest forecasts released by leading economic research institutes on Thursday. However, experts warn that U.S. trade policy continues to pose a significant risk.

The ifo Institute for Economic Research has revised its outlook upward for the coming year, projecting that Germany's gross domestic product (GDP) could grow by 1.5 percent, nearly double its earlier estimate of 0.8 percent. The institute also raised its forecast for 2025 slightly, from 0.2 to 0.3 percent.

At the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), economists expressed optimism, predicting that GDP will grow by 1.6 percent in 2026, up from 1.5 percent previously. Their forecast for the current year was also revised upward, from stagnation to modest growth of 0.3 percent.

Nevertheless, the Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH) foresees a more gradual recovery, predicting GDP growth of 0.4 percent in 2025 after two years of contraction, and a further acceleration to 1.1 percent in 2026. "There are increasing signs of a recovery in the German economy," said Oliver Holtemoeller, head of the macroeconomics department and vice president at the IWH.

"Leading indicators support our view that, after two years of contraction, the industrial sector has reached the trough -- albeit at a low level," said Stefan Kooths, head of forecasting at the IfW Kiel.

The German economy shrank by 0.3 percent in 2023 and by 0.2 percent in 2024. "The crisis in the German economy reached its low point in the winter half-year. One reason for the growth spurt is the fiscal measures announced by the new German government," said Timo Wollmershaeuser, deputy director of the ifo center for macroeconomics and surveys and head of forecasts.

Ifo said that the stimulus, including higher public spending, tax cuts, and investment, will amount to 10 billion euros (11.58 billion U.S. dollars) this year and 57 billion euros in 2026.

However, these more optimistic projections are mainly based on the assumption that the ongoing trade conflict between the European Union and the United States will be resolved positively. Since the dispute remains unsettled, economists continue to view U.S. trade policy as a key source of uncertainty. "A considerable risk for the German economy lies in a possible escalation of the U.S. trade conflicts," Holtemoeller said.

According to the ifo Institute, the tariffs already imposed by the U.S. government under President Donald Trump would reduce German GDP growth by 0.1 percentage points this year and by 0.3 percentage points in 2026. A resolution could improve growth prospects, but any escalation might risk tipping Germany back into recession.

"Trade policy risks remain substantial," said IfW Kiel President Moritz Schularick. "The erratic tariff policy of the United States continues to fuel uncertainty for German foreign trade." (1 euro = 1.16 U.S. dollar) 
Very little in this life is truly random. A coin flip is influenced by the flippers force, its surrounding airflow, and gravity. Similar variables dictate rolling a pair of dice or shuffling a deck of cards, while even classical computings cryptographic algorithms are theoretically susceptible to outside influence or bias.

True randomness is something that nothing in the universe can predict in advance, explained Krister Shalm, a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

So how does someone achieve true randomness? For that, you need to peer into the quantum realm. The task once required years of study and access to vast research facilities, but thanks to an ingenious new project from Shalm and his colleagues, now anyone can access a factory for random numbers. And its free to use.

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Designed by NIST in collaboration with the University of Colorado Boulder, the Colorado University Randomness Beacon (CURBy) is a first-of-its-kind system that relies on headspinning quantum mechanics concepts to offer truly random number generation.

More specifically, CURBys foundation rests on a task known as the Bell test. Named after the famed physicist John Stewart Bell, the test measures pairs of entangled photons with properties that remain correlated even after separating across huge distances. While the outcome is always random when measuring a single particle, a pairs properties are more correlated than classical physics dictates. This allows experts to verify the randomness at a quantum level.

Albert Einstein previously described this quantum nonlocality as spooky action as a distance, and he wasnt a fan of the idea. Unfortunately for him, NIST proved its existence back in 2015. Three years later, they developed methodologies to use Bell tests in order to construct the worlds first true randomness generators.

These initial random results necessitated months of refinement and only ran for a few hours in total. Even then, the physicists and engineers only generated 512 bits of true randomness. Since then, researchers expanded and automated their experiment, thus offering random numbers whenever needed.



We really wanted to take that experiment out of the lab and turn it into a useful public service, said Shalm.

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Their finalized protocol served up randomness 7,454 times over its first 40 days of existence. Researchers then recorded 7,434 cases of randomnessa success rate of 99.7 percent.

But how do you actually generate true randomness? For that, you need a system that relies on a bespoke nonlinear crystal to generate entangled photon pairs. The particles then speed away in an optical fiber to separate laboratories at opposite ends of a hallway at NIST. Once they reach the two labs, researchers measure their subsequent polarizations. This relay race is then repeated a headspinning 250,000 times per second.

All that data needs to be processed, so NIST sends off its millions of quantum coin flips to a specially designed computer program built by engineers at UC Boulder. The program then translates the measurements into 512 random bits of binary code that can then be parsed by anyone.

But utilizing CURBy is much simpler than the dizzying quantum computations required to generate true randomness. All a user needs to do is head to its website and key in the list of items you want shuffled. CURBy then will rearrange the entries based on any given days quantumly determined randomness. The outcome is decades in the making, and would have certainly given Einstein something to think about.

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I am at all events convinced that [the Creator] does not play dice, he famously wrote to Max Born in 1926 regarding the concepts of quantum theory.

If God does play dice with the universe, then you can turn that into the best random number generator that the universe allows, Shalm said.
ATLANTA (WJBF)  The Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust is rolling out new applications for a $30 million dollar grant fund to tackle the opioid crisis and reduce fentanyl related overdoses.

The trust was created to distribute Georgias portion of a $638 million dollar national settlement fund with major pharmaceutical distributors for the next 18 years.

State Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Kevin Tanner, oversees the trust. He says people become addicts due to having easy access to prescription drugs in medicine cabinets and not disposing off old pills.

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The funds can be used for treatment, recovery centers, drug prevention, harm reduction, research and community education.

$479 million of that money will flow through the trust over the next 18 years and out of that 60% will go statewide initiatives, and 40% for regional initiatives. We opened that first opportunity for grants last year, said Tanner.

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities says opioid related overdoses have killed more than 650,000 people over the last 25 years, with a 200% increase between 2010 and 2020.

You can apply for the funds through next Wednesday, June 18th  online: www.gaopioidtrust.org

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WSAV) President Trump has made the call to change Fort Eisenhower to Fort Gordon.

Nearly two years ago, the base was renamed to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Now its once again Fort Gordon, but not for Confederate General John Gordon.

The return t the name Fort Gordon is to honor Master Sgt. Gary Gordon who was recognized for his valor during the Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia in 1993. In 1994, Gordon was posthumously given the Medal of Honor for his sacrifice.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
UNION COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Two Georgia men were arrested and charged after an extensive investigation revealed the pair were selling stolen construction equipment to Union County residents.

The case began in late March when a man purchased a skid steer on Facebook Marketplace. The sellers, Jahbril Kelley and Nicholas Tucker, agreed to deliver the equipment as part of the sale.

After the delivery, the buyer discovered the skid steer was reported stolen and contacted law enforcement. During the investigation, Kelley and Tucker allegedly attempted to sell a second stolen skid steer to another buyer.

Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area  >> Latest stories here

Unbeknownst to them, the buyers this time were undercover UCSO detectives.

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When the men returned to Union County to deliver the equipment, they were taken into custody.

In total, detectives recovered approximately $80,000 worth of construction machinery.

Both suspects were processed into the Union County Detention Center and face charges including felony obtaining property by false pretenses and felony conspiracy.

Tucker was placed under a secured bond of $35,000, which he later bonded out. Jahbril Kelley was placed under a secured bond of $62,500 and remains in custody, as of this writing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger hosted a roundtable in Augusta on Wednesday.

The event focused on Small Business and Economic Development and was held with Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce at the Pinnacle Club June 11.

Raffensperger said that Augusta remains in a great spot in regards to economic development in the state.

Then you have the Cybersecurity Center, the research center here, which is bringing in some really, really smart people with PhDs, advanced degrees. And so theyre at the cutting edge of cybersecurity, and that will spin off private enterprises. So entrepreneurial folks will be looking for opportunities there. Then you also then have the medical college, which really puts you at the leading edge of medical technology, medical innovations. So those are three great areas you can live off. Plus its just a great place to live, he said.

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When asked about a potential run for governor in 2026, Raffensperger said his future remains up in the air.

Photojournalist credit: Regynal McKie

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  The Georgia Attorney General issued a stern warning to anyone planning to protest this weekend on Wednesday.

Its very simple, Attorney General Chris Carr said in part. Protesters use words. Rioters use violence. There is no gray area.

Carr said that the statement was a warning to rioters. There are at least 20 demonstrations planned as part of No Kings events around the Peach State on Saturday.

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In Georgia, if you engage in violence for the purpose of changing public policy, you can be charged with Domestic Terrorism, he said. The penalty for Domestic Terrorism is 5-35 years in jail.

Governor Brian Kemp also released a statement on X.

My office remains in close contact with state and local law enforcement and stands ready to take whatever appropriate action is needed to safeguard our communities from crime and violence while also respecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, Kemp said. My support for public safety officers and the rule of law is unwavering, and any violence against those who protect and serve will be met with quick and heavy accountability.

Carr also said that the bottom line is that they will defend the right to peacefully protest, but the state will bring charges against those who earn it.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
A German activist whose attempt to sail to Gaza was intercepted by Israel was welcomed home with loud cheers at Berlin airport on Thursday.

Yasemin Acar was on board the Madleen alongside other prominent figures such as Greta Thunberg when it was diverted to Israel on Monday by military forces.

She was deported back to Germany, where she was met by a dense crowd of people carrying Palestinian flags and scarves amid chants of "Freedom for Palestine" and "Freedom for Yasemin."

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In a press conference at the airport, Acar accused Israel of kidnapping the crew members of the Madleen in international waters.

"We will not stop," Acar said. "We will come back until we stop the siege."

Acar is known to the police for her public appearances and anti-Israel slogans.

The reception at the airport was chaotic as people crowded around the activist, with one man lifting her onto his shoulder. Police estimated that at least 100 people were there.

The activist group had set sail from Sicily in early June, seeking to bring humanitarian aid such as baby food and medical supplies to civilians in the Gaza Strip, while drawing international attention to the critical humanitarian situation.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on 12 June to discuss further military aid to Ukraine with representatives of the Ukrainian government.

Source: European Pravda, citing German TV news service Tagesschau

Details: On the morning of 12 June, Pistorius arrived in Kyiv to discuss further military aid to Ukraine with its government officials.

"We are doing everything we can to support Ukraine so that it can defend itself and get into a position where Russia is ready for serious negotiations," the German defence minister said.

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German TV news channel Welt reports that upon his arrival in Kyiv, the German defence minister condemned the intensified Russian airstrikes on Ukraine, which he described as "extremely brutal and threatening, with a large number of cruise missiles and drone attacks".

"This is a clear signal from Moscow: there is currently no interest in a peaceful solution; instead, the strikes continue with unabated cruelty and, above all, are increasingly targeting civilian areas of Ukraine," Pistorius said at the railway station in Kyiv.

Background:

Notably, the visit comes after a document signed by more than 100 figures associated with the Social Democratic Party sparked significant controversy in Germany. It concerns changes in security and defence policy and negotiations with Russia.

In the document, entitled "Manifesto", the "peace circles of the SPD" call for negotiations with Russia and an end to the deployment of new US medium-range missiles in Germany.

Pistorius has said that the authors of the "Manifesto" are denying reality in their pursuit of peace.

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BERLIN (Reuters) -German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday that Germany is not considering delivering Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine despite Kyiv's repeated requests.

Although Germany is one of Ukraine's main military backers, Berlin has never supplied Taurus missiles, which have a range in excess of 300 miles (480 km).

Answering a journalist's question during his fifth visit to Kyiv since the start of the war, Pistorius said, "Since you asked me whether we are considering this, my answer is no."

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In the same news conference, the minister said his country's military support for Ukraine had reached 7 billion euros ($8.12 billion) this year and a further 1.9 billion euros were pending parliamentary approval.

($1 = 0.8621 euros)

(Writing by Friederike HeineEditing by Madeline Chambers)
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kiev on Thursday, saying he wants to speak with Ukrainian leaders about the situation in the country and discuss additional military aid.

"We are doing everything we can to support Ukraine so that it can defend itself and get into a position where Russia is ready for serious negotiations," Pistorius said before his trip.

Despite international peace efforts, Russia has recently intensified its drone and missile attacks on Ukraine.

Earlier this week, Ukraine reported the largest Russian drone attack since the war began more than three years ago, involving 479 Shahed drones and several cruise and hypersonic missiles.
MOSCOW, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Russia and the United States, as major global powers, are destined to live in non-confrontational peaceful coexistence despite their disagreements, said Russian ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev on Wednesday.

Speaking at a reception at the Russian Embassy, Darchiev emphasized the need for cooperation between the two nations.

"Despite the differences between our countries and the toxic legacy of the previous period, which Presidents Putin and Trump agreed to overcome through joint efforts, Russia and the United States are destined as great powers to non-confrontational peaceful coexistence," he said.

The ambassador highlighted a newly opened "window of opportunity" for fully resuming interstate ties. This, he noted, would allow for the search for "solidary solutions to acute international problems and crisis situations."

Darchiev also indicated that the style of communication between Moscow and Washington has moved from monologues to rather pragmatic yet difficult conversations.

In a separate statement, Darchiev assured U.S. President Donald Trump of Russia's commitment to doing everything possible to restore Russian-American relations. 
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kiev on Thursday, saying he wants to speak with Ukrainian leaders about the ongoing conflict in the country and discuss additional military aid.

Speaking shortly after his arrival, Pistorius condemned recent Russian airstrikes on Ukraine, which involved a large number of cruise missiles and drone strikes, describing them as extremely violent and threatening.

According to Pistorius, the pattern of strikes signals that Moscow currently has no interest in a peaceful resolution and is instead continuing its campaign with unrelenting force, increasingly targeting civilian areas.

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The defence minister said his visit underscored the commitment of Germany's new government to support Ukraine.

Earlier this week, Ukraine reported the largest Russian drone attack since the start of the war over three years ago, involving 479 Shahed drones along with several cruise and hypersonic missiles.

Pistorius, together with his British counterpart John Healey, has taken a leading role in military aid for Ukraine as support from the United States under President Donald Trump remains uncertain.

At a recent meeting in Brussels, Pistorius pushed for stronger international efforts to strengthen Ukraine's air defences.

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He emphasized the growing importance of electromagnetic warfare, including securing Ukrainian communications, gathering intelligence, disrupting Russian signals, and defending against drone attacks.

Germany is the second-largest provider of military aid to Ukraine after the US.
BERLIN (Reuters) -German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on Thursday to discuss further weapons aid for Ukraine as efforts to end the three-year conflict with Russia faced headwinds and Moscow's forces ramped up bombardments.

Russia and Ukraine met for peace talks in Istanbul earlier this month in a renewed push to settle the conflict, which began with Russia's invasion in February 2022.

The two sides disagree over issues including territorial concessions and the prospect of Ukraine's future NATO membership, however, and fighting has raged on, with a Russian drone attack killing six people in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, on Wednesday.

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"The purpose of the trip is mainly to demonstrate ... that Germany, that the new federal government, continues to stand by Ukraine in the current situation, which has not become any easier," Pistorius told journalists upon his arrival in Kyiv.

He added he would speak about more weapons support from Germany and European nations.

Pistorius said ahead of his departure that Germany was doing everything it can to allow Ukraine to defend itself and to strengthen its position in any negotiations with Russia.

Germany is Ukraine's second-biggest military backer after the United States, whose commitment to Kyiv has been called into question, putting pressure on Europe to step up.

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has already travelled to Kyiv and hosted Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Berlin since taking office in May, recently gave Ukraine the green light for "long-range fire" with weapons supplied by Germany and others, angering Moscow.

(Reporting by Rachel More and Ludwig Burger; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Joe Bavier)
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is expected in Rome on Thursday for an international conference focused on EU security and the war in Ukraine.

Hosted by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, the meeting is taking place within the framework of the so-called Weimar Plus format.

The group is an extension of the Weimar Triangle, which is made up of Germany, France and Poland.

According to the German Foreign Office, both NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha will attend the conference. They are to be joined by representatives from Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, France and the European Union.

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The meeting is taking place less than a month before the fourth Ukraine Recovery Conference, scheduled for July 10-11, at which some 2,000 representatives from politics, business and international organizations plan to discuss Ukraine's long-term prospects.

After a bilateral meeting with Tajani, Wadephul's schedule sees him leave Rome for the Middle East on Thursday evening. Through Sunday, he plans to visit a host of countries, including Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel.

The Foreign Office said the focus of the trip to the region is the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and plans for a peaceful order in the territory after the end of the ongoing conflict with Israel.
Germanys defense minister on Thursday pledged a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 1.9 billion euros, as European and NATO officials met in Rome to discuss bolstering the blocs defense and security spending amid rising risks of Russian aggression.

Berlins pledge will likely bring relief to Kyiv after Washington signaled a reduction in next years budget for military aid to Ukraine. Germany is Ukraines second-largest backer, and along with other European nations has been under increasing pressure to make up for the Trump administrations retreat from supporting Ukraines military operation.

Russia has stepped up strikes on Ukrainian urban centers in recent days, and despite Washington urging negotiations, both sides seem as far as ever from progress toward a peace deal, analysts said.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil is confident that the European Commission will grant Germany an exemption from EU debt rules as Berlin looks to ramp up its defence spending.

"There are no concerns whatsoever that this will not be activated," Klingbeil said on Thursday.

The commission recently granted an exemption to several countries. Germany was not among them, as it has not yet submitted a medium-term budget plan to the EU body.

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Klingbeil said this would only be possible once the budget has been passed. He intends to present his plans for the 2025 budget, along with key figures for 2026, to the Cabinet on June 24. It will then need to be approved by parliament.

The exemption from European debt targets is intended to enable greater investments in defence, allowing member states to take out new loans for rearmament without risking proceedings for violating EU rules.

Even before taking office, Germany's governing parties agreed to relax the country's constitutional limits on government debt for defence spending.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include Germany's announcement to supply Ukraine with $2.2 billion in additional military aid.

Germany will deliver new IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine under a three-year supply plan, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a joint press conference with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who added Berlin has no plans to provide Taurus long-range missiles.

The announcement comes amid escalating Russian aerial assaults, including a June 10 missile and drone strike on Kyiv, one of the largest since the start of the full-scale invasion.

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"We are grateful for the supply of IRIS-T air defense systems," Zelensky said on June 12. "We understand that deliveries are currently being planned... for the next three years. This is very important assistance."

The IRIS-T is a German-made medium-range surface-to-air missile system capable of intercepting drones, aircraft, and cruise missiles.

Pistorius confirmed the delivery timeline but firmly ruled out the possibility of sending Taurus missiles  weapons Kyiv has repeatedly requested to strike deep into Russian territory.

"You asked me whether we are considering this, and my answer is no," Pistorius said.

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Before taking office, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signaled openness to lifting former Chancellor Olaf Scholz's ban on the missiles. That stance has not yet resulted in a policy shift.

Ukraine has already received long-range missiles  including ATACMS from the U.S. and Storm Shadow and SCALP from the U.K. and France. Initially restricted to use within Ukrainian territory, Western allies only began easing those limitations in late 2024.

Germany is Ukraine's largest military donor in Europe. Pistorius said that Berlin will provide 9 billion euros ($10.4 billion) in aid this year, with investments in defense production being considered. The total includes an additional commitment in military aid worth 1.9 billion euros ($2.2 billion).

"Today, we discussed that this aid will continue," he said. "We agreed on additional investments in production... both in Ukraine and in Germany."

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Zelensky visited Berlin on May 28 for talks with Merz, part of an ongoing effort to bolster Ukraine's defense industry amid uncertainty over U.S. support under President Donald Trump.

Read also: Why cant the West match Russias ammunition production?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The German conservative party of Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to charge foreign medical students for their studies if they return to their home countries immediately after graduation instead of working in Germany.

"Anyone who studies here should practise in rural areas for at least five years. Those who do not wish to do so must repay the costs of this first-class education," Sepp Muller, deputy chair of the parliamentary group of the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, told the Bild newspaper in remarks published on Wednesday.

Higher education, including medical school, is mainly free in Germany - to both foreign and domestic students. By contrast, in the United States both domestic and foreign students can pay some $60,000 per year - and more when housing and books are included.

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In the United Kingdom, annual international fees range between 43,700 ($59,232) at the Cardiff Medical School in Wales, to 67,194 at the Cambridge Medical School, according to UK testing site UKCAT

The secretary of state in the German Health Ministry, Tino Sorge, also called for measures to prevent foreign medical students from returning to their home countries after completing their studies.

"Our goal must be to retain such highly qualified professionals. We need to attract young doctors to work in Germany instead of watching them leave," the CDU politician told the newspaper. He added that each medical school place comes with significant costs.

Florian Muller, the research policy spokesman for the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, told Bild that the federal states should independently regulate the repayment of study costs.

"We need to focus much more on ensuring that international talents work in Germany after university," he said.
More than 80% of flights operated by Germany's flagship carrier Lufthansa arrived on time at the airline's Frankfurt and Munich hubs this year, Lufthansa said on Thursday, reporting its best punctuality rate in 10 years.

"Even though only the first half of the year is over, we're flying as steadily and punctually as we have in 10 years," said Lufthansa Airlines chief operating officer Klaus Froese.

Lufthansa continues to face challenges however, he said, noting that it was not always up to the airline to ensure punctuality.

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An increasing number of drone sightings and storms are hampering operations, according to Froese, while a lack of technical equipment and air traffic controllers abroad sometimes lead to delays.

Lufthansa also expects air traffic to increase in the coming year, which the company believes will bring further challenges.

Nevertheless, the airline is aiming to establish itself as a top player among European carriers when it comes to punctuality, Froese said.

Lufthansa has repeatedly experienced operational problems, as the carrier continues to suffer from a shortage of new aircraft due to delayed deliveries from both Boeing and Airbus.

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Lufthansa has said it is preparing intensely for the peak summer season, including more generous transfer times for passengers and longer ground times for aircraft to allow more time for refuelling, loading and unloading, and to streamline processes overall.

Lufthansa Airlines, the core company of the Lufthansa Group, which also owns other European carries like Brussels Airlines, SWISS and Eurowings, is investing 200 million ($231.5 million) in its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich to ensure smooth operations and improve service.
Scammers disguised as thousands of fake students are flooding colleges across the U.S. with enrollment applications. The students are registering under stolen or fabricated identities, getting accepted to schools, and then vanishing with financial aid and college-minted email addresses that give the fraudsters a veneer of legitimacy.

Jeannie Kim went to sleep thinking about budgets and enrollment challenges. She woke up to discover her college had been invaded by an army of phantom students.

When we got hit in the fall, we got hit hard, Kim, president of Californias Santiago Canyon College, told Fortune. They were occupying our wait lists, and they were in our classrooms as if they were real humansand then our real students were saying they couldnt get into the classes they needed.

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Kim worked quickly to bring in an AI firm to help protect the college and strengthen its guardrails, she said. Santiago Canyon wound up dropping more than 10,000 enrollments representing thousands of students who were not really students, said Kim. By spring 2025, ghost student enrollments had dropped from 14,000 since the start of the spring term to fewer than 3,000.

Ghost students

Across Americas community colleges and universities, sophisticated criminal networks are using AI to deploy thousands of synthetic or ghost studentssometimes in the dead of nightto attack colleges. The hordes are cramming themselves into registration portals to enroll and illegally apply for financial aid. The ghost students then occupy seats meant for real studentsand have even resorted to handing in homework just to hold out long enough to siphon millions in financial aid before disappearing.

The scope of the ghost-student plague is staggering. Jordan Burris, vice president at identity-verification firm Socure and former chief of staff in the White Houses Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer, told Fortune more than half the students registering for classes at some schools have been found to be illegitimate. Among Socures client base, between 20% to 60% of student applicants are ghosts.

Imagine a world where 20% of the student population are fraudulent, said Burris. Thats the reality of the scale.

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At one college, more than 400 different financial-aid applications could be tracked back to a handful of recycled phone numbers. It was a digital poltergeist effectively haunting the schools enrollment system, said Burris.

The scheme has also proved incredibly lucrative. According to a Department of Education advisory, about $90 million in aid was doled out to ineligible students, the DOE analysis revealed, and some $30 million was traced to dead people whose identities were used to enroll in classes. The issue has become so dire that the DOE announced this month it had found nearly 150,000 suspect identities in federal student-aid forms and is now requiring higher-ed institutions to validate the identities of first-time applicants for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms.

Every dollar stolen by a ghost is a dollar denied to a real student attempting to change their life, Burris explained. Thats a misallocation of public capital we really cant afford.

Under siege

The strikes tend to unfold in the quiet evening hours when campuses are asleep, and with surgical precision, explained Laqwacia Simpkins, CEO of AMSimpkins & Associates, an edtech firm that works with colleges and universities to verify student identities with a fraud-detection platform called SAFE.

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Bryce Pustos, director of administrative systems at Chaffey Community College, recalled last falls enrollment period when faculty members reported going to bed with zero students registered for classes and waking up to find a full class and a mile-long wait list.

Michael Fink, Chaffeys chief technology officer, said the attacks took place at scale and within minutes. Well see things like 50 applications coming in within two seconds and then somebody enrolling in all 36 seats in a class within the first minute, Fink told Fortune.

Simpkins told Fortune the scammers have learned to strike on vulnerable days in the academic calendar, around holidays, enrollment deadlines, culmination, or at the start or end of term when staff are already stretched thin or systems are more loosely monitored.

They push through hundreds and thousands of records at the same time and overwhelm the staff, Simpkins said.

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Plus, enrollment workers and faculty are just that, noted Simpkins; theyre educators who arent trained in detecting fraud. Their remit is focused on access and ensuring real students can get into the classes they need, she added, not policing fraud and fake students who are trying to trick their way to illicit financial gain. That aspect also makes the institutions more vulnerable to harm, said Simpkins.

These are people who are admissions counselors who process applications and want to be able to admit students and give everybody an equal chance at an education, she said.

Sadly, professors have dealt with cruel whiplash from the attacks, noted John Van Weeren, vice president of higher education at IT consulting firm Voyatek.

One of the professors was so excited their class was full, never before being 100% occupied, and thought they might need to open a second section, recalled Van Weeren. When we worked with them as the first week of class was ongoing, we found out they were not real people.

Follow the FAFSA

In a nightmare twist, community and technical colleges are seen as low-hanging fruit for this fraud scheme precisely because of how theyve been designed to serve and engage with local communities and the public with as few barriers to entry as possible. Community colleges are often required to accept every eligible student and typically dont charge fees for applying. While financial-aid fraud isnt at all new, the fraud rings themselves have evolved from pandemic-era cash grabs and boogeymen in their moms basement, said Burris.

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There is an acceleration due to the proliferation of these automated technologies, he said. These are organized criminal enterprisesfraud ringsthat are coming both from within the U.S., but also internationally.

Maurice Simpkins, president and cofounder of AMSimpkins, says he has identified international fraud rings operating out of Japan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nairobi that have repeatedly targeted U.S. colleges.

The attacks specifically zero in on coursework that maximizes financial-aid eligibility, said Mike McCandless, vice president of student services at Merced College. Social sciences and online-only classes with large numbers of students that allow for as many credits or units as possible are often choice picks, he said.

For the spring semester, Merced booted about half of the 15,000 initial registrations that were fraudulent. Among the next tranche of about 7,500, some 20% were caught and removed from classes, freeing up space for real students.

The human cost

In addition to financial theft, the ghost student epidemic is causing real students to get locked out of classes they need to graduate. Oftentimes, students have planned their work or childcare schedule around classes they intend to takeand getting locked out has led to a cascade of impediments.

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When you have fraudulent people taking up seats in classes, you have actual students who need to take those classes who cant now, and its a barrier, said Pustos.

The scheme continues to evolve, however, requiring constant changes to the algorithms schools are using to detect ghost students and prevent them from applying for financial aidmaking the problem all the more explosive. Multiple school officials and cybersecurity experts interviewed by Fortune were reluctant to disclose the current signs of ghost students, for fear of the scheme further iterating.

In the past 18 months, schools blocked thousands of bot applicants because they originated from the same mailing address; had hundreds of similar emails with a single-digit difference, or had phone numbers and email addresses that were created moments before applying for registration.

Maurice Simpkins noted an uptick this year in the use of American stolen identities as more schools have engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the fraud rings. Hes seen college graduates who have had their identities stolen get reenrolled at their former university, or have had their former education email address used to enroll at another institution.

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Scammers are also using bizarre-looking short-term and disposable email addresses to register for classes in a 10-minute period before they can get their hands on a .edu email address, said Simpkins. That verified email address is like a gold bar, Simpkins explained. The fraudster then appears legitimate going forward and is eligible for student discounts on hardware, software, and can use the colleges cloud storage.

We had a school that reached out to us because some fraudsters ordered some computers and devices and other materials and then had them delivered overseas, said Simpkins. And they did it using an account with the schools .edu email address.

McCandless said initially it was easy to tell if a fake student was disguised as a local applicant because their IP address was generated overseas. But just a few semesters later, IP addresses were local. When the colleges tech team looked deeper, they would find the address was from an abandoned building or somewhere in the middle of Lake Merced.

Every time the school did something to lock out fraudulent applicants, the scammers would learn and tweak, McCandless said. The schools system is now designed to block ghost applicants right out of the gate and at multiple stages before they start enrolling in classes.

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McCandless said professors are assigning students homework for the first day of class, but the ghost students are completing the assignments with AI. Faculty have caught the fake homework, however, by noticing that half the class handed in identical work, or detecting the use of ChatGPT, for instance.

Theyre very innovative, very good at what they do, said McCandless. I just think the consistency with which they continue to learn and improveits a multimillion-dollar scheme, theres money there, why wouldnt you invest in it?

Rampant fraud

According to the DOE, the rate of financial fraud through stolen identities has reached a level that imperils the federal student assistance programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. In a statement, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said the new temporary fix will help prevent identity theft fraud.

When rampant fraud is taking aid away from eligible students, disrupting the operations of colleges, and ripping off taxpayers, we have a responsibility to act, said McMahon.

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Ultimately, what schools are trying to do is put in place hurdles that make it unappealing for scammers to attack because they have to do more front-end work to make the fraud scheme efficient, explained Jesse Gonzalez, assistant vice chancellor of IT services for Rancho Santiago Community College District. However, the schools are attempting to balance the delicate issue of accepting everyone eligible and remaining open to vulnerable or undocumented students, he said. The more barriers you put in place, the more youre going to impact students, and its usually the students who need the most help.

Kim from Santiago Canyon College fears too many measures in place to root out fraud could make it more difficult for students and members of the communitywho for various reasons might have a new email, phone number, or addressto access education and other resources that can help them improve their lives.

Our ability to provide that democratic education to those that would not otherwise have access is at stake, and its in jeopardy because of these bad actors turning our system into their own piggy banks, said Kim. We have to continue to figure out ways to keep them out so the students can have those rightful seatsand keep it open-access.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Lt. Garlin Gilchrist at the State of the State speech, Jan. 24, 2024 | Anna Liz Nichols

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, a candidate to try and become Michigans next governor, has joined with 20 other Democratic lieutenant governors in condemning President Donald Trumps move to deploy the California National Guard and United States Marines against protestors speaking out against immigration raids in Los Angeles.

As of Wednesday, 4,100 California National Guardsmen and 700 U.S. Marines were present in the greater Los Angeles area, ABC reports, with orders to defend federal buildings and law enforcement. About 500 of the National Guard troops deployed to the city have been trained to accompany agents on immigration raids, the Associated Press reports.

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Since Saturday, the Los Angeles Police Department has made nearly 400 arrests and detentions, with the vast majority stemming from protestors refusing to disperse at law enforcements request. Two men have been charged with possessing molotov cocktails while the Los Angeles district attorney announced charges against more than a dozen people Wednesday for crimes including assaulting peace officers, grand theft and vandalism.

In a statement, members of the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association said they were deeply disturbed by the chaos unfolding in Los Angeles caused by President Trumps reckless abuse of power. They accused the President of using communities as a political battleground for retribution and to project force and fear.

Deploying federal troops and threatening military action in our neighborhoods is not only unconstitutional, its profoundly dangerous, they said.

With California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis opposing the presidents decision to deploy the National Guard and U.S. Marines within the city, the Association offered its solidarity with their fellow Democratic executives.

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The streets of Los Angeles  or any of our communities  should not be a stage for Trumps political posturing. We stand united against this manufactured crisis, and we will defend the rights to peaceful protest and organize, without federal interference or intimidation, they said.

On Sunday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and 21 other Democratic Governors issued a statement condemning the presidents action as an overreach of his authority.

Newsom filed a suit on Monday, arguing the federal government had overstepped, bypassing his approval as the commander-in-chief of the California National Guard in a situation where federal intervention was not needed.

A hearing is set for Thursday afternoon.

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KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's natural rubber production decreased by 37.3 percent to 18,008 tons in April as compared to 28,739 tons in March, official data showed Thursday.

Year-on-year comparison showed that the production of natural rubber fell by 15.6 percent from 21,325 tons a year ago, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement.

Meanwhile, total stocks of natural rubber in April declined by 6.7 percent to 203,728 tons as compared to 218,253 tons in March.

Exports of Malaysia's natural rubber amounted to 35,901 tons in April, decreased 31.7 percent as against 52,531 tons in March.

The export performance was contributed by natural rubber-based products such as gloves, tires, tube and rubber thread.

Gloves were the main exports of rubber-based products with a value of 1.1 billion ringgit (260,000 million U.S. dollars) in April, a decrease of 19.2 percent as compared to 1.3 billion ringgit in March.

Cited the Malaysia Rubber Board Digest published in April, DOSM said the Kuala Lumpur Rubber Market experienced mixed trends of declines and recovery throughout April, influenced by fluctuating signals from regional rubber futures markets in response to the uncertainties of the U.S. trade policies.

"Market sentiment remained subdued amid ongoing global economic uncertainties and escalating global trade tensions. Additionally, a stronger ringgit against the U.S. dollar and declining crude oil prices further weighed on sentiment," it said. (1 ringgit equals 0.24 U.S. dollar) 
Jun. 12Eighteen Glacier High School graduates received the Montana Seals of Biliteracy on their diplomas.

This is the third year Glacier has recognized students through the state seal program, which was adopted by the Montana Board of Education in 2021 to recognize students who demonstrate proficiency in two or more languages during their high school years.

This year's recipients received seals in Spanish, French and Vietnamese. One grad, Daniel Onyshchuk, received two seals, the gold seal in Ukrainian and a platinum seal in Russian. The platinum seal is awarded to those students who have achieved the highest possible level of proficiency that the state recognizes.

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Spanish seal recipients are Carl Bitney, Kennady Garvin, Isaac Haynes, Wyatt Jensen, Charlotte Osler, Grace Pickering, Cielo Sallee, Emmery Schmidt, Shae Warner and Aidan Zlogar.

French seal recipients are Coralynn Buehner, Andrew Crane, Elias Holly, Maya Kinkaid, Gabriel Luehr and Max Waverek.

The Vietnamese seal recipient was Kim Huynh.

In addition to the diploma seals, the accomplishment will be reflected in their high school transcripts. Students were also honored in April at the International Languages Recognition ceremony with a pin bearing the official seal from the Montana Board of Public Education.

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During the 2024-25 school year, 92 sophomores, juniors and seniors tested in pursuit of the seal. While students may test in the three languages offered at Glacier High School, students may also test in a language that they feel they can demonstrate proficiency in, such as a language spoken at home.

To qualify for a gold or platinum seal, students must reach a certain proficiency level in writing, speaking, reading and listening in addition to meeting state graduation requirements.

"Mastering more than one language is vital for our students' success in today's interconnected world. These awards recognize not only their proficiency in two or more languages but also their understanding of a broader world and their place within it," said Stephanie Hill, French teacher and international languages activities coordinator.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A state representative from Memphis says he supports Elon Musks xAI, and says the company is planning up to eight more sites in the area.

Republican state Rep. John Gillespies comments came after state representatives had a press conference on Tuesday against the project moving forward.

Why is economic development always at the cost of poor folk? Always at the cost of low wel people? We as a city have to have higher self-esteem, we as a city have to believe better about who we are, said State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, (D-Memphis).

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Pearson and other democratic lawmakers met with Memphis Mayor Paul Young on Tuesday.

Republican Rep. John Gillespie (R-Memphis) says he was there too, and he has a different take on xAI.

Memphis mayor meets with state leaders over xAI concerns

Im extremely excited and the potential of all the other things that will follow, said Gillespie. Were in a global arms race with artificial intelligence.

Were competing not with Silicon Valley, but were actually competing with China and Russia, and North Korea. xAI and people at xAI have said that they plan on winning that arms race, said Gillespie.

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In a statement, he talked about the large amount of tax dollars the company brings also saying, Hundreds of Memphians are currently working in construction as xAI plans to build on at least eight sites in Shelby County. 

Rep. Justin Pearson, NAACP aim to halt xAI project in Memphis

Right now if you do look up, xAI has four sites right now that they have and theyve publicly said more are to come. I dont know how many that number is, I hope its more than eight but I suspect it will be more than eight as well, said Gillespie.

Well the data that Ive seen and the health department has confirmed and the manufacturer of the turbines have also confirmed, they have technology on there that makes it no more than a dry cleaning or a gas station, said Gillespie.

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Mayor Paul Young said there are plans to bring more community-based testing of the air quality in the area of xAI.

My goal is to make sure our people are protected from a health perspective and that we use this project to boost our city economically, said Mayor Young.

Gillespie says hes all for the testing. Its unclear when that testing will be happening in southwest Memphis and the Boxtown community.

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  More than 57,000 people in the Chattahoochee Valley area struggle to access enough food for themselves and their families. The East Alabama Food Bank gathers food from individuals, retailers and other sources in order to help children, families and seniors in need.

For today only, Glynn Smith of Glynn Smith Chevrolet GMC will match every donation made today, up to $10,000.

Smith says he is a long-standing supporter of the East Alabama Food Bank and wants to affirm his commitments to our community.

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Donations can be made at the link or QR Code below.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
It sure looks like the United States is getting ready to go to war in the Middle East. On Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. government suddenly announced the evacuation of embassy staff and military dependents across the region. Gen. Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East, then cancelled his planned testimony to Congress.

As those evacuations were happening, the British government's shipping industry security office issued a bulletin about "increased tensions within the region which could lead to an escalation of military activity." Asked what was happening, President Donald Trump ominously told reporters, "you're going to have to figure that one out yourself."

While the administration wouldn't publicly say what was going on, its officials were happy to leak the source of the panic to the press. Israel was preparing an attack on Iran, sources told NBC and CBS. The NBC report included a detail that somewhat changes the picture: Israel would attack "most likely without U.S. support."

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Still, Iran isn't treating the U.S. and Israel as separate actors. There is a round of U.S.-Iranian talks scheduled in Oman on Sunday, and an Iranian official told Reuters that the alleged warnings about an Israeli strike were a form of "psychological warfare" aimed at building leverage.

Israel's "only option is one that is combined with the United States, and at a minimum, they would need the U.S. to protect them from the barrage of missiles that would be coming from Iran in retaliation," Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, where I used to work, told Al Jazeera. "It's unclear at this point whether this [series of evacuations] is just part of the choreography or whether this is real movement towards taking military action."

Whether the warnings are a bluff or a prelude to a real war, they highlight a deeper problem with the way the U.S. is run. War is the most serious decision a government can make, and Americans shouldn't find out about it through cryptic omens or fat-fingered group chat leaks. If the president feels the need to keep his options openwhether to start a war or stand in the middle of onehe should have to go to Congress and get a war authorization.

Recent polling by the University of Maryland shows that 69 percent of Americans, including 64 percent of Republicans, want a diplomatic deal with Iran, and only 14 percent of Americans want war.

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Even the Bush administration, not exactly believers in congressional oversight or limits on presidential power, took more care to build a public case for war in Iraq. (The fact that they lied about an Iraqi nuclear weapons program shows, perversely, that they cared what the public thought.) But the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations all demonstrated that it's easier to jump into a war and dare Congress to stop it, correctly betting that Americans' indifference or hostility to the Middle East would be enough to sustain the war politically.

Worse yet, all of these administrations took the decision about war with Iran out of American hands. Since the late Bush administration, Israel and the U.S. have been conducting the Juniper exercises to practice for a joint military campaign. Although the target was never named, and U.S. officials explicitly denied in 2023 that the exercise was based on "mockups of Iranian targets or of any other adversary," the drills were clearly designed with Iran in mind.

Unclassified U.S. military emails from the time of the Juniper Falcon 21-2 exercise in July 2021, revealed by the group Distributed Denial of Secrets in October 2024, show the heavy involvement of officials from the "Iran Branch" of U.S. Central Command's planning directorate. They also include references to a classified U.S.-Israeli communications system called SEAGULL, nicknamed the "bird phone" or "chicken."

Neither U.S. Central Command nor the Israeli defense ministry responded to Reason's requests for comment.

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When the war in Gaza began, the U.S. Air Force deployed intelligence-sharing teams to help the Israeli military. (The Biden administration, which insisted from the beginning that it wasn't involved in targeting decisions, admitted that the U.S. military was helping Israel "locate and track" targets in October 2024.) And there are still U.S. troops manning a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in Israel, who have been there since October 2024 and were shooting at Yemeni missiles as late as last month.

All that is to say that the U.S. will be enmeshed in any Israeli war unless it makes an effort to extract itself. And Iran knows it, too. Last month, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that his country would treat the U.S. as a "participant" in any Israeli attack. On Wednesday, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh added that "all U.S. bases are within our reach and we will boldly target them in host countries."

There's a big political incentive for Israel to start a war that the U.S. is expected to finish. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is poised to lose the next election, has used the threat of Iran as an argument against early elections. Amb. Mike Huckabee, the U.S. envoy to Jerusalem, publicly said that Israel would look weak if it voted out its government in the face of a "possible nuclear threat from Iran." Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Huckabee of inappropriate political interference.

War with Iran is also tied to one of Trump's self-imposed deadlines. In April, he gave Iran two months to come to an agreement over its nuclear program. At first, the administration insisted that Iran could continue low-level uranium enrichment for its civilian power plants, then changed its mind. The Iranian government is insisting that, while it is willing to accept limits and swear off nuclear weapons, it won't give up civilian enrichment.

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"It would be nicer to do it without warfare, without people dying," Trump said in a podcast interview with the New York Post published on Wednesday. "Yes, so much nicer to do it. But I don't think I see the same level of enthusiasm for them to make a deal."

The Trump administration has started to more publicly sell the threat of an Iranian nuclear bomb. Although Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified in March that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth told Congress on Wednesday that there are "plenty of indications" Iran has been "moving their way toward something that would look a lot like a nuclear weapon."

That's more a change in U.S. rhetoric than the underlying facts. The Department of Defense told Al Monitor, a magazine based in Washington, that there hasn't been any change to the intelligence assessment made in March.

On Thursday morning, the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board voted to declare Iran was violating the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The resolution, put forward by the United States and European countries, cited Iran's current stockpile of highly-enriched uranium and its failure to answer questions about past nuclear research.

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The irony is that Israel, which the U.S. is relying on to play enforcer, has never signed the Non-Profliteration Treaty. Israel is believed to have an undeclared arsenal of around 90 nuclear bombs, which were built partially by stealing and smuggling materials out of America. The same University of Maryland poll found that 69 percent of Americans, including 63 percent of Republicans, think the Middle East would be safest with neither an Iranian nor Israeli bomb.

But the result of war might be the opposite.

"A strike could potentially have an amalgamating effect, solidifying Iran's determinationI will say it plainlyto pursue a nuclear weapon or withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi told The Jerusalem Post last week. "I'm telling you this because they have told me so directly."

The post Are We Going to War With Iran or Not? appeared first on Reason.com.
(Corrects paragraph 8 to show a Brazilian appeals court, not Brazil's highest court, is set to hear the case)

By Blake Brittain

(Reuters) -Google sued Chile-based LATAM Airlines in U.S. federal court on Thursday, seeking a declaration that Brazilian courts cannot force the tech giant to take down a YouTube video in the U.S. that accused a LATAM employee of sexually abusing a child.

Alphabet's Google, which owns YouTube, said in the lawsuit that LATAM was attempting to "make an end-run" around protections for free speech under the U.S. Constitution by suing in Brazil to force the video's removal worldwide.

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"LATAM has not received any official communication about the court case," the company told Reuters.

Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said in a statement that the company has "long supported the legal principle that courts in a country have jurisdiction over content available in that country, but not over what content should be available in other countries."

Right-wing social media companies Trump Media and Rumble filed a similar lawsuit in Florida in February against a Brazilian judge who had ordered them to remove the U.S.-based accounts of a leading supporter of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. A federal judge decided in the case that the companies were not required to comply with the order in the United States.

According to Google's lawsuit filed in San Jose, California, U.S. citizen and Florida resident Raymond Moreira posted two YouTube videos in 2018 of his 6-year-old son outlining allegations of sexual abuse that the child said he experienced from a LATAM employee while traveling as an unaccompanied minor.

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Moreira sued LATAM in Florida in 2020 over the alleged abuse, which led to a confidential settlement.

LATAM sued Google in Brazil in 2018 seeking an order to remove the video from YouTube. A Brazilian appeals court is set to consider next week whether it has the authority to order Google to take down the video worldwide.

Google asked the court in California on Thursday to declare that LATAM cannot force the tech giant to remove the video in the United States.

Canada's Supreme Court upheld an order for Google to remove some search results worldwide in a separate case in 2018. A California judge halted that order's U.S. enforcement in 2017.

(Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington; Additional reporting by Fabian Cambero in Santiago; Editing by David Bario, Will Dunham and Jamie Freed)
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Those behind Assembly Bill 381, also known as Rebas Law, spoke with 8 News Now after Governor Joe Lombardo signed it this week.

We made it, we did it, Nevada Assemblymember Melissa Hardy said. We got justice for Reba.

Assemblymember Hardy talked about the movement that made waves across the country and in Las Vegas.

Weve said it from day one, Lindsey Pinapfel of Vegas Pet Rescue Project said in a past interview. She is the start, she is the movement.

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Reba the English Bulldog was found sealed in a plastic tub in the triple-digit heat in July 2024.

Reba, dog found sealed in tub in triple-digit heat, passes away

Her death and the anger it inspired led to months of community activism, including a $50,000 reward for information in her case, nearly 50 billboards placed across Southern Nevada.

Isaac Laushaul Jr., 32, and Markeisha Foster, 30, were arrested in December 2024 in connection with Rebas death.

Each was charged with felony willful/malicious/torture/maiming/killing of a dog, cat, or animal.

Community advocacy also inspired Assemblymember Hardy to sponsor the bill in Rebas name at the start of Nevadas 2025 Legislative Session.

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Such a great accomplishment, for not just me sponsoring the bill, Assemblymember Hardy said. But everybody whos been involved in this.

Assemblymember Hardy shared her reaction when she found out Governor Lombardo signed AB 381 into law on Tuesday.

I was just overcome with emotion and happiness and gratitude, she said. All of it.

The legislation increases penalties for any person who willfully or maliciously hurts or kills an animal.

The offense is now a Class B Felony, punishable by one to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

It was previously a Class D Felony with a penalty of one to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

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I think it will be a deterrent that Nevada made a statement, Assemblymember Hardy said. That we are not going to allow animals to be abused and tortured.

Another provision of the law applies to animals left in hot cars.

If a person comes across a pet locked inside a hot car without air conditioning, they can call 911 or animal control and then use any means necessary to get into the vehicle and save the animal.

The person then must wait with the animal and the car until authorities arrive.

If all steps are taken, the person will not incur any civil or criminal liability for damages, according to the laws verbiage.

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I was really excited that this was included in there, Assemblymember Hardy said of the provision. Just strengthens this even more.

She called the movement a win for Southern Nevada and a way to protect other animals from Rebas same fate.

Her story was tragic and horrible, and what she suffered, but now we can talk of Reba and the good that came of this, Assemblymember Hardy said. We have a platform now, and theres awareness about it.

Rebas Law also applies to police dogs. If a person intentionally disables or kills a K-9 on duty, they will face a Class B Felony charge.

Foster took a plea deal, which brought her down to a lesser charge.

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On May 16, documents were filed by Laushauls attorney asking a judge to move his case from Clark County because of intense media coverage, instead wanting the trial to happen outside of Las Vegas.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Governor Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development, steps taken to fight federal cuts to AmeriCorps and SNAP, severe weather recovery and more.

Officials note Gov. Beshear acknowledged Women Veterans Recognition Day and named women veterans as this weeks Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic development

Gov. Beshear joined Norton Healthcare in Louisville to announce its plans to build a new pediatric care campus that will include a full-service hospital for children with complex medical needs, research facilities and expanded specialty services. The project marks a major expansion for the Louisville-based health care system and will feature its second free-standing, dedicated childrens hospital. The new hospital is expected to employ more than 1,000 people.

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On June 13, Gov. Beshear says he plans to join local officials and company leadership from BE&E, which is a material handling equipment supplier, to break ground on the companys new $16.2 million facility. The Muhlenberg County operation, which will be located in the Paradise Regional Industrial Park, will create 250 new Kentucky jobs.

FEMA continues sending aid to Kentuckians impacted by April storms

Juneteenth

Gov. Beshear said there will be no Team Kentucky update on June 19, as the commonwealth will be recognizing Juneteenth as an executive branch holiday. Following the Governors executive order last year, Kentucky is officially marking Juneteenth as an executive branch holiday for the second time.

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This is an important day in our history as Americans. A day where we stand united in acknowledging our past, and our nations greatest injustice. A day where we honor the collective courage of African Americans who paved the way for real, meaningful change. And a day where we give thanks that the moral arc  at long last  bent toward justice, said Gov. Beshear. I hope everyone will join me in spending Juneteenth as a day of reflection, remembering how far weve come and acknowledging that the fight for progress marches on.

Pritzker defends Illinois sanctuary laws, blasts Trump administration abuses of power

Text message scam alert

Gov. Beshear warned Kentuckians of a popular scam consisting of fraudulent text messages impersonating state agencies. The scam messages warn customers of unpaid traffic tickets and say that a DMV violation will be reported and driving privileges will be suspended if payment is not sent immediately.

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Officials say if anyone receives one of these texts, they should not not click the link. Even if the web address looks like it belongs to a government agency, the text is a scam. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet does not collect traffic ticket fees or notify customers of violations, and Team Kentucky is taking steps to have the fraudulent websites taken down.

FEMA assistance extended for Kentuckians affected by April storms

Driver Licensing

Gov. Beshear shared that currently, over 39% of Kentuckians have REAL IDs, compared to 33% at the end of last year. TSA reports that 93% of those going through checkpoints at Kentucky-based airports are REAL ID compliant. To learn more about getting a REAL ID, please go here. Remember, a passport, passport card, global entry card, military ID and Veteran Health Identification Card are among the several forms of REAL ID compliant identification.

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Officials say since House Bill 15 went into effect, which lowered the age at which Kentuckians can obtain a drivers permit from 16 to 15 years old, 15,403 15-year-olds have successfully passed the written test and obtained their driving permit.

AmeriCorps and SNAP

Gov. Beshear updated Kentuckians on steps his administration is taking to fight cuts from the federal government. Last week, Gov. Beshear, along with several state attorneys general and another governor, secured a preliminary injunction in a legal challenge against President Trumps attempt to dismantle AmeriCorps, the nations public service agency. This means the federal government must restore funding for AmeriCorps programs.

Officials say this week, Gov. Beshear sent a letter to Kentuckys Congressional delegation outlining his concerns with proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). More than 600,000 Kentuckians rely on SNAP to supplement their food budgets every month. This represents 13% of the commonwealths population, or roughly 1 in every 8 Kentuckians. Gov. Beshear said cuts to the program would leave Kentuckians hungry. He urged Kentuckys federal delegation to consider the impact cuts would have on Kentuckys children, seniors, individuals with medical conditions, disabilities and those still recovering from disasters.

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Webster County dispatch centers officially consolidate

Severe Weather Recovery

Gov. Beshear provided an update on severe weather recovery in the commonwealth. Since the commonwealth received approval, FEMA has disbursed over $1.4 million in assistance. The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is July 23.

Officials say for the May event, there currently are still five injured people at the University of Kentucky Hospital: one in critical condition, one in serious condition and three in good condition. At Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park, 93 households are being housed in travel trailers.

In terms of the Tri-State, Gov. Beshear says for residents in Union County who were affected by severe weather on May 16, June 12 is the last day they can apply for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits. If anyone from Union County has yet to apply, they should call 1-855-306-8959 before 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. As of June 10, 186 households had been approved for benefits totaling over $131,000.

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Officials say for the April floods, so far, more than $22 million in Individual and Households Assistance has been disbursed. The deadline to apply has been extended to July 25. For February severe weather, more than $47 million in federal assistance has been disbursed. The deadline to apply was May 25.

Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians and anyone else who would like to help that the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund is open for monetary donations. Funds will help to support recovery including paying for funeral expenses for those lost in disasters. To donate, go here. So far, the fund has raised more than $1.9 million in donations from 7,128 donors, including a generous $150,000 donation from Shop Local Kentucky.

FOS has beds available for women needing substance abuse help

Team Kentucky All-Stars

Gov. Beshear acknowledged Women Veterans Recognition Day and named women veterans as this weeks Team Kentucky All-Stars.

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We recognize and celebrate the incredible women who sacrificed their time and their health, and often faced danger to protect us, said Gov. Beshear. Women have proudly served this country for generations. But it was not until after World War II that women were able to serve as permanent members of the armed forces and officially be recognized as veterans. We are committed to telling their stories and ensuring they are never forgotten.

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Gov. Ron DeSantis annual statement on the Pulse shooting anniversary released Wednesday makes no mention of the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities  the two groups most devastated by the massacre that left 49 dead.

Thats a turnabout for the governor, who had mentioned those communities last year and in other previous statements recognizing the shooting on June 12, 2016. His earlier anniversary statements called the shooting a a horrific act of terrorism against the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities.

In his first year in office, however, the two-term governor also failed to note who was most impacted by the shooting, and faced blowback.

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The deletion this year seems in line with efforts by both the DeSantis and Trump administrations to purge what they call diversity, equity and inclusion from the government. That has led to similar deletions of language referencing sexual orientation and race from the National Park Service website and others.

Gov. DeSantis erasure of the LGBTQ+ and Latino communities today may say a lot about what kind of person he is, but it doesnt change the fact that those were the communities most directly impacted at Pulse, said Brandon Wolf, a Pulse survivor from Orlando who serves as spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign.

This years memorandum from the governors office ordering flags to be at half-staff on Thursday states, Nine years ago, on June 12, 2016, a shooter claiming alliance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant committed a horrific act of terrorism at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. It then mentions only the number of people killed and wounded, without saying anything about who they were.

Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando: Remembering the victims of June 12, 2016

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Spokespersons for the governor did not respond to a request for comment.

The governors memorandum from last year, and for at least the last four years, included a reference to the terrorism against the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities.

State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, the states first openly LGBTQ Hispanic senator, said the omission this year was intentional.

The governors lack of consistency here shows he cares more about scoring political points in the moment than authentic solidarity with his own constituents, Smith said.

The senator said he didnt want to focus on the governors bigotry and exclusion. Thats already known. Instead, he said, Thursday should be about remembering the 49 lives taken by gun violence and their families.

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Wolf added that DeSantis statement cannot rewrite what happened to him and his friends.

His erasure doesnt change the fact that families have empty seats at dinner tables, friends have missing faces at birthday parties, and our communities still bear the scars, Wolf wrote in an email.

Today, rather than letting the governors petty political cowardice write our story, I hope people choose to remember those stolen and impacted, reflect on the costs of violent hate, and recommit to honoring those we loved and lost with action.

DeSantis previous omission of language citing the impact of the Pulse shooting on the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities, who made up the majority of the victims at what was Latin Night at the popular gay nightclub, led to an uproar in his first year in office in 2019.

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The Tampa Bay Times reported at the time that DeSantis office prepared two proclamations to commemorate the 3-year anniversary of Pulse, one that mentioned the Hispanic and LGBTQ communities and one that didnt. DeSantis initially opted for the one that didnt, but then released a different version the next day, before visiting the Pulse site, that made reference to the community.

The state of Florida will not tolerate hatred towards the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities and we will stand boldly with Orlando and the Central Florida community against terrorism and hate, one of the drafts stated. The version that was initially released stated the entire state of Florida has come together to stand boldly.

DeSantis spokeswoman at the time, Helen Ferre, blamed the mishap with the initial release on a staffer, but didnt identify who it was.

While DeSantis had been at the forefront of opposing critical race theory and DEI, the new Trump administration has taken those efforts to the extreme in its removal of language about minorities.

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For example, the park service website for Stonewall National Monument, which commemorates the birth of the gay rights movement in June 1969 and led to June being declared Pride Month, removed mention of transgender people despite their being at the forefront of the historic confrontation with police.

A webpage on Harriet Tubman was altered to remove mention of the resistance to enslavement through escape and flight and a prominent photo of Tubman.

A Trump order also called for removal of Park Service language with improper ideology and called for visitors to report any instances of language that inappropriately disparages Americans past or living.

The Department of Defense got into hot water earlier this year when it removed a webpage about civil rights icon Jackie Robinsons military career, with the letters dei inserted into their web address. The page was later restored.

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But the DOD did announce this month it would change the name of a Navy ship bearing the name of assassinated LGBTQ politician Harvey Milk, who was a Navy vet. It also recommended renaming ships named after Tubman, African American Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, labor leaders Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, womens rights suffragist Lucy Stone, and civil rights leader Medgar Evers, according to CBS News.

Sun Sentinel staff writer Anthony Man contributed to this report.
The Brief

In May 2023, Citrus School Resource Deputy was critically injured when he was struck by a car.

Worker's Compensation covered his injuries from the crash, but his health insurance was uncertain.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new law that would provide full premium coverage to all officers injured in the line of duty.

LECANTO, Fla. - A Citrus County deputy is at the center of a new Florida law. The Deputy Andy Lahera Law is aimed to provide healthcare coverage to law enforcement officers injured in the line of duty, who weren't covered before.

The backstory

Deputy Andy Lahera joined the Citrus County Sheriff's Office as a patrol deputy in 2009. He moved onto becoming a detective until the Parkland mass shooting. His wife, Michelle, said "...he had come home, and he sat the boys down and he said to them that he was going to apply to become a School Resource Officer. He said that he would make us have to be okay with it."

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Deputy Lahera became an SRO at Lecanto Middle School. In May 2023, he was on a detail, directing traffic outside of Lecanto High School when he was struck by a car. Deputy Lahera was left with a traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.

RELATED:Critically injured Citrus County deputy honored for service amid family's health care concerns

Michelle Lahera said ever since, he's been living at a post-acute rehab facility, working to reconnect his brain to the rest of his body.

She explained, "We have our good days and we have our bad days. He's fighting. He's working hard. He's able to do things that he hadn't been able to previously. But for me, it's not as fast as I would like it to be."

What they're saying

Michelle Lahera said there's a gap for a subsection of officers injured in the line of duty like her husband. Worker's comp covers treatment related to the crash. But healthcare insurance beyond that is not guaranteed.

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"From the beginning, I said, I never wanted Andy to be forgotten, and I had to make sure that he would have insurance above what workers comp wouldn't cover for him," she explained.

RELATED: Benefit held to help Pasco deputy injured in the line of duty

As the law stood, injured officers were only guaranteed full premium insurance coverage if they were injured in a pursuit, emergency, or unlawful act committed by a criminal.

FL House Rep. Judson Sapp was among three legislators behind the Andy Lahera bill that would provide full coverage to all officers injured in the line of duty.

Sapp said, "Across the board, every single member up in Tallahassee was shocked that this already wasn't part of law. It was such a narrow law as to what constituted eligibility."

On Tuesday, Governor DeSantis signed it into law.

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"So, we fixed something and sometimes the system works, and it worked this time and I'm just so proud that we got this across the finish line," Sapp explained.

Click here to read more about the new law.

Click here to follow Deputy Lahera's recovery journey.

The Source

This story was written with information gathered by FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (WIVB)  Governor Kathy Hochul appeared before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Thursday and was pressed on the issues of illegal immigration, deportations, and sanctuary cities in New York.

In her opening statement, Hochul condemned the military use in Los Angeles, a move by the Trump Administration in response to political unrest, protesting the enforcement efforts underway by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

As we speak, the streets of an American City have been militarized over the objections of the governor, Hochul said. This is nothing short of a flagrant abuse of power, an assault on our American values.

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Hochul then went on to say that her administration has a history of cooperating with ICE.

Since I became governor, weve cooperated in handing over more than 1,300 convicted criminals to ICE, Hochul said. What we dont do is enforce civil immigration violations  thats the federal governments job. New Yorkers need their state troopers seizing guns and drugs, and patrolling highways. States like mine are doing our part, but we cant be expected to fix this nations broken immigration system.

During the course of the hearing, Hochul was pressed by several lawmakers that comprise the committee, including Congresswoman Elise Stefanik who represents New Yorks 21st congressional district.

Stefanik laid out multiple examples of illegal immigrants committing heinous crimes across the state as a back and forth ensued between her and Hochul who insisted that her administration cooperated in all of those cases.

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We deserve a governor who stands up for law abiding New Yorkers, doesnt put illegals first, but actually puts New Yorkers first, Stefanik said to Hochul.

Rather than going after the viral moment, I suggest you look at the facts, Hochul said.

Im standing up for New Yorkers! Stefanik said. Rather than addressing the illegals in New York, youre prioritizing your far-left, sanctuary state policies which you put in place with executive orders.

We cooperate in all of those cases, Hochul said. We cooperate with ICE.

Congressman Nick Langworthy brought up the Green Light Law, which allows New Yorkers over the age of 16 to apply for a license or learners permit regardless of their immigration status.

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Gov. Hochul, you took an oath to serve the citizens of New York, and youve allowed violent criminals who came here illegally to hide in plain sight and to avoid federal officials because of your support for the Green Light Law, Langworthy said. This is an abomination. This is not keeping New Yorkers safe.

Congressman Jim Jordan, Republican from Ohio, questioned Hochul on her statement that her administration has cooperated with federal authorities on the issue. He cited examples of illegal immigrants committing violent crimes, and then being let out before they have a chance to be deported, which Hochul said is not the policy of state prisons.

That is sanctuary policy in a nutshell, Jordan said. That is what your state supports and so do these other governors. That is what is so wrong and why the American people hate this concept.

Youre conflating what the state of New York does, Hochul said in response. I control state police and prisons.

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Hochul was joined alongside two other governors for the hearing, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

You can watch the full hearing here.

Latest Local News

Rob Petree is an anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2025. See more of his work by clicking here.

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MANILA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines on Thursday advised Filipinos to avoid unnecessary travel to Iraq "due to the prevailing security situation in the region."

In an advisory, the Philippine Embassy in Iraq also urged Filipinos already in Iraq to avoid public places, exercise extreme caution, and stay vigilant for their safety and security.

"Monitor reliable news sources," read the advisory posted on social media.

Iraq remains at alert level 3 status, meaning "voluntary repatriation phase."

The embassy did not give details on the current security risks. However, foreign media warned of possible "military action" by Israel against Iran, signaling rising tensions in the Middle East. 
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe activated the National Guard on Thursday in a proactive approach to the protests occurring in Missouri, following civil unrest in other parts of the country.

Demonstrators lined both sides of the Tamm overpass in St. Louis Wednesday afternoon waving flags and holding signs protesting President Donald Trump and his administration on Wednesday. Protestors also marched in downtown St. Louis.

Additional protests are planned across the state and throughout the country for Saturday in response to President Donald Trump planning a military parade on his birthday to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

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We respect, and will defend, the right to peacefully protest, but we will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in our state, Kehoe said in the announcement. While other states may wait for chaos to ensue, the State of Missouri is taking a proactive approach in the event that assistance is needed to support local law enforcement in protecting our citizens and communities.

The protests in Los Angeles, which have led to a curfew due to unrest, are part of a nationwide protest called 50-50-1, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states, and 1 movement. This movement opposes federal immigration enforcement actions, including raids and detainments by ICE.

Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, D-Kansas City, released the following statement shortly after the announcement:

Governor Kehoes preemptive declaration of a state of emergency as Missourians prepare to protest an increasingly authoritarian presidential administration is a blatant attempt to intimidate and suppress First Amendment rights. The protests planned this weekend across Missouri and throughout the nation were sparked by the presidents unwarranted and heavy-handed military response to opposition to his policies. By doing the same, the governor will only heighten tensions and increase the possibility of conflict. Governor Kehoe should staunchly defend the rights of Missourians, not mimic the authoritarianism of the president.

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Kehoes decision comes a day after he posted onto the social platform X, formerly known as Twitter, In response to immigration enforcement protests planned across Missouri, the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Missouri National Guard have established a Unified Command to monitor situations on the ground. We are prepared to assist local law enforcement in protecting our communities.

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The federal judge presiding over Mahmoud Khalils case ruled Wednesday that the Trump administration, for now, cannot deport or detain the Columbia University activist based on a determination by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The judge's preliminary injunction will not take effect until Friday, giving the government time to appeal. He stayed the preliminary injunction until 9:30 a.m. Friday.

"This is the news weve been waiting over three months for," Khalils wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, said in a statement released by the American Civil Liberties Union, which is among the legal teams involved in the case.

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Rubio has cited an obscure provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 to justify Khalils removal from the United States, saying he poses a national security risk. He had argued that the provision allows the secretary of state to personally determine whether Khalil should remain in the country.

U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz determined that Khalil could not be removed or detained based on Rubios determination.

Khalil was a Columbia University student who played an active role in protests over the war in Gaza on the Manhattan campus last year.

He was arrested by federal agents in March and has been held since then as he and his lawyers have challenged efforts to deport him. The Trump administration has accused him of leading activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.

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A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security has alleged that Khalil has acted to glorify and support terrorists.

Khalil, who has not been charged with any crime, last week called the claims grotesque and false.

In his decision Wednesday, the judge said Khalil's "career and reputation are being damaged and his speech is being chilled  and this adds up to irreparable harm."

The Department of Homeland Security has also argued that it could detain Khalil because he inaccurately completed his lawful-permanent-resident application.

But that would not work as an argument to keep him detained, Farbiarz wrote.

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"The evidence is that lawful permanent residents are virtually never detained pending removal for those types of omissions, he wrote.

And that strongly suggests that it is the Secretary of States determination that drives the Petitioners ongoing detention  not the other charge against him, Farbiarz wrote.

The ACLU called the preliminary injunction "a huge win."

Khalil's lawyers called for his immediate release and said they would not stop fighting until he is home with his wife and child in the United States.

This vindicates what Mahmoud has maintained since day one  that the government cannot detain or deport him based on Rubios say-so," said Ramzi Kassem, a co-founder for the Center for Constitutional Rights.

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The Homeland Security and State departments did not immediately respond to messages requesting comment.

Khalil was one of the first campus protesters targeted by the Trump administration, which has vowed to strike back over protests over the war in Gaza, which Israel launched after Hamas attacked it on Oct. 7, 2023.

Trump has targeted Columbia and Harvard, citing a fight to combat antisemitism at universities.

The Trump administration last week claimed Columbia violated Jewish students rights and threatened its accreditation.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Niles man accused of sexually assaulting two victims has been indicted by a Trumbull County grand jury.

Read next: Boy at park reports unknown man solicited him for lewd acts

Danny McFadden, 75, is now facing 26 felony counts. The charges include rape and gross sexual imposition.

According to the indictment, the alleged sexual abuse of one of the victims happened over a seven-and-a-half-year period beginning when the girl was five years old.

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Court records show McFadden is currently being housed in the Portage County Jail.

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Grand Valley Gives, a collaboration of nearly 60 local nonprofits, is joining forces with The Ale House to hold its first Backyard Brewfest fundraiser.

Backyard Brewfest will be held Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. at The Ale House, 2531 N. 12th St. Tickets to the event include live music, giveaways and endless pours from local breweries.

Joy Thompson, president of Grand Valley Gives, says all proceeds from the event will go towards putting together the organizations annual giving guide.

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The giving guide highlights all of the nonprofits that are part of the collaboration and a little bit about them. So the funds from the Brewfest event will be used to go into that pool so that we can increase awareness and do some marketing around Colorado Gives Day, says Thompson.

Tickets are $30 and can be bought online or at the door. For more information on Grand Valley Gives, including a list of the nonprofits involved, visit their website.

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Dayton, Ohio (WDTN)  The Great Midwestivus  which celebrates fishing, rivers, lakes and creeks in Ohio  is finishing up this weekend.

There will be activities held on Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14, throughout the greater Springfield area. The main events are listed below.

Friday, June 13.

Bass u Brunch, Springfield Museum of Art. Pay-what-you-can. (A suggested donation of $20.) There will be breakfast food, seminars and fellowship. Register here.

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10 a.m.  Food will be served.

10:45 a.m.  Outside seminar on Buck Creek by Rus Snyders.

11:30 a.m.  Outside seminar on Buck Creek by Drew Gregory.

Tournament Day 1, afternoon sesh.

Launch at 2:30 p.m.

Lines in at 3 p.m.

Lines out at 8 p.m. (On eligible waters.)

Fish photo deadline at 9:30 p.m.

Weekend events around Dayton: June 13 to 15

Saturday, June 14.

Tournament Day 2.

Launch at 5:45 a.m.

Lines in at 6 a.m.

Lines out at 3 p.m. (On eligible waters.)

Fish photo deadline at 4:15 p.m.

Brookville Block Party: Artisans, music and fun coming soon

Closing Ceremony Festival, 3:30 p.m., Co-Hatch Springfield. There will be yard games, kayak demos, a kids zone with bouncy houses, truck demos and food.

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Closing ceremonies, Awards Show, 6 p.m. The State Theater.

Closing ceremonies, Afterparty, To Be Determined. The State Theater

To see all the bodies of water anglers are fishing in, click here.

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GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  It wasnt long after Wesley Holt became sheriff in Greene County in 2018 that he thought partnering with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Agency would be good for his department and the county.

At that time, Greene County was just the second jurisdiction in the state to be a part of the 287(g) program with its Jail Enforcement Model.

There is a right way to come to our country and theres a wrong way to come to our country, explained Holt as to why he signed on to the program. And it kind of defeats the purpose for the people that have done the right way to come to our country and become natural citizens, and those that are just coming across the border and being here free.

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The way the 287(g) Jail Enforcement Model works is that ICE provides a month-long training class for qualified jailers and computer equipment for them to be able to check the immigration status of those already under arrest in the county.

Anybody thats arrested into our facility, we go through a booking process and we have one question that says, have you, were you born in United States?' John Key, the Greene County Jail Administrator, told News Channel 11. If I answer no to that question, it automatically triggers us to run them through the Immigration and Customs Enforcement program, to see if they have outstanding warrants or warrants to be deported from the country.

Key says the system usually provides an answer about immigration status within an hour, but if an arrestee bonds out before an answer is known, the county doesnt hold them pending an answer. If it turns out the person is here illegally, the sheriffs department notifies ICE agents and informs them of the next court date. But suspects arent automatically deported until their local case is concluded.

They have to satisfy any local sentence that they may receive, and once that sentence is satisfied, if they have a detainer, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have 72 hours to take them out of our custody, explained Key.

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Those who have been detained or deported after being arrested in Greene County arent always who you might think.

They [ICE] picked people back [up] from Russia and Eastern Europe, France. Maybe they just overstayed a work visa, or theyve overstayed a tourist visa, or theyve overstayed even a student visa, said Key.

But some of those detained have been accused criminals, said Sheriff Holt. He said that those people dont need to be in Greene County.

We might get them in here to the jail, they might come in on the DUI, but once we run them through the system, they may be going for statutory rape or anything like that. Criminal charges that they dont need to be on our streets here in Greene County or the State of Tennessee. They need to be deported back to where they came from if theyre here illegally, said Sheriff Holt.

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GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)  Construction continues on a 10-story tower Greenville city leaders said will honor those who serve while bringing the community together.

Greenville mayor Knox White told 7NEWS he envisions the Honor Tower in Unity Park as a gathering place for ceremonies honoring veterans and first responders.

After Hurricane Helene and everything else weve all been through, I think we understand even better than ever before how important our first responders are, and its a great way to honor them, White said.

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White said the 10-story Thomas and Vivian Wong Honor Tower not only pays homage to men and women in uniform, but also highlights the unique history of the surrounding neighborhood.

Unity Park has a very compelling story behind it. It was the site of a segregated park system, a black park and a white park, White also said.

The base of the tower features a plaza city leaders said can hold 200 people. White added visitors will be able to walk or take an elevator to the 10th floor for a small fee.

Itll be one of the iconic features of our city. Just like the Liberty Bridge, we used a world renown architect and designer for the honor tower, Paul Endres, hes done great work, White explained.

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White said the tower is a result of around $10 million in private and public partnerships. The aim is to boost appreciation for the communities and cultures that call Greenville home, according to White.

Its really meant to be experienced on the outside as well as on top. A beautiful view on top, but its a beautiful piece of art, and architecture thatll be a real crowning achievement for Unity Park, White went on to say.

White said the Honor Tower will also include sound systems and be illuminated in the evenings. It is expected to open to the public this fall.

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TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)  The Vibe Adult Dance is hosting beginner and intermediate hip-hop dance classes at the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC).

This pay-what-you-can, adults-only event invites people of all experience levels and backgrounds to participate in a movement for unity and radical joy, a press release stated.

Free BBQ features food, warmth, and community spirit in Texarkana

Source: TRAHC

Classes will occur on Tuesday, June 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at TRAHCs ArtSpace, 518 Pine St. in Texarkana, Texas. Beginner Hip-Hop will be from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., and Intermediate/Advanced Hip-Hop will be from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

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Participants are asked to RSVP by visiting givebutter.com/RuQgwT. For more information, go to trahc.org or contact Megan Griffin at megang@trahc.org.

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GROTON, Conn. (WTNH)  Groton police are asking people to avoid the area of Chelsea Groton Bank Thursday as they investigate a bank robbery.

Just before 11:30 a.m., police said they are currently on scene at the Gold Star Highway bank.

Groton man charged with murder after human remains were found

They also released photos of individuals theyre attempted to identify.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 860441-6712 or send them a private message on Facebook.

Groton police share photos of individuals allegedly tied to bank robbery on June 12, 2025. Groton police share photos of individuals allegedly tied to bank robbery on June 12, 2025. Groton police share photos of individuals allegedly tied to bank robbery on June 12, 2025. Groton police share photos of individuals allegedly tied to bank robbery on June 12, 2025. Groton police share photos of individuals allegedly tied to bank robbery on June 12, 2025. Groton police share photos of individuals allegedly tied to bank robbery on June 12, 2025.

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A runway was closed at Bostons Logan Airport and ground stop was put in place after a plane rolled into the grass while landing late Thursday morning, officials said.

JetBlue flight 312, an Airbus A220, rolled into a grassy area off runway 33-L as it came into land, according to Massport.

No one was injured in the incident.

A ground stop was put in place for departing planes before lifting just before 2:00 p.m., according to Massport. The runway was closed as passengers on the plane were bussed off the runway before reopening after 3:00 p.m.

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A ground delay was still impacting several planes around mid-afternoon. Massport says delays are expected to impact flights well into the evening.

The plane was flying in from Chicago, according to the FAA.

In a statement, the FAA said, JetBlue Airways Flight 312 went into the grass while turning off the runway at Boston Logan International Airport around 11:55 a.m. local time on Thursday, June 12. The Airbus A220 departed Chicago OHare International Airport. The airport authority plans to deplane passengers via stairs and bus them to the terminal.

JetBlue told Boston 25 they are looking into the incident.

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We will conduct a full investigation of the incident and will work closely with the relevant authorities to understand the cause, the airline said in a statement.

Photos shared with Boston 25 News showed passengers disembarking from the plane after emergency crews responded.

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The FAA is leading an investigation into the incident.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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MUSCAT, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The sixth round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran will take place in Muscat on Sunday, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi announced on Thursday.

He made the announcement in a post on his official X account.

Facilitated by Oman, Iranian and U.S. delegations have so far held five rounds of indirect talks since April on Tehran's nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions -- three in Muscat and two in Rome.

In recent days, U.S. officials have repeatedly demanded that Iran completely cease uranium enrichment, a request firmly rejected by Tehran. 
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  An advocacy group named Riding 22 in 22 passed through Johnson City on its 22-day motorcycle road trip, aiming to raise awareness of veteran suicide rates.

The group gathered at Wrecking Crew Harley-Davidson on Bristol Highway on Wednesday as it worked to pass through 22 states in 22 days.

Docs: Plane crash that killed Scott Bloomquist ruled a suicide

Event Organizers Jason and Angela White told News Channel 11 that the reason for the trip lasting 22 days is that the average number of veterans who commit suicide each day is 22.

On Wednesday, the group was in Tennessee, but left for Kentucky that afternoon. They will end in West Virginia before heading home to Ohio. The Whites said all money raised during the trip is donated to a research institute called STRIVE.

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STRIVE Collaborative is the only research institute in the United States that explicitly focuses on developing and refining treatments for elevated suicide risk, trauma, and gun-related violence, the initiatives website states.

STRIVEthe organization that we are raising the funds forthey fly veterans in from all over the United States, put them up in a hotel, provide them with meals, put them through a treatment program, Angela said. And its all at no cost to the veteran, but the great part is they can typically do that within a few days rather than, sometimes, the weeks or even months that it takes with the VA.

Jason White said the organization plans to host the fundraising and awareness-raising road trip again next year.

We started it, we wanted it to be a big thing, and it kind of at one point did get its own life, he said. And its kind of rolled bigger, quicker than what we expected, so were really excited to continue going and do next year.

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For more information or to donate or purchase a shirt, visit riding22in22vsa.com.

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AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Protesters gathered at a Valley grocery store Wednesday, demonstrating about Congressman Michael Rullis votes on some issues and President Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Bill.

Read next: Two people in critical condition after car crash with side-by-side off-road vehicle

It was one of many protests being held by constituents outside Rulli Brothers grocery stores. This time, the protest was in Austintown.

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About 40 people gathered outside the store since about 3 p.m. They were calling for Congressman Rulli to hold a town hall meeting with constituents while he is in town, and are also concerned with his stance on some issues.

Among their concerns are cuts being made in Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, especially to Medicare and Medicaid.

More than anything, resisting against the takeover in the government right now is something thats a patriotic obligation. Its our democratic duty to make sure that when were not being represented, we use our voices to express our concerns about the things that are happening, said Dr. Wim Laven, a protester.

This protest comes on the same day that Congressman Rulli introduced the Gambler Act in Congress to address the border crisis, which seeks to allocate money from the U.S. Treasury toward ICE operations. The money will specifically come from gambling tax revenue

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The act would receive a $300 million fund each year from the treasury. Rulli says the act will strengthen immigration enforcement without raising taxes on citizens.

Rulli Brothers issued a statement about the protests:

For 108 years Rulli Bros has proudly served the Mahoning Valley as a retailer of groceries and Italian specialties. During that history we have contributed to the local community and economy by providing customers with goods at competitive prices, creating countless jobs, procuring goods from local vendors, and generating local tax revenues that directly benefit the community. We greatly appreciate all our customers, vendors, and employees who represent the political diversity of the Valley. All are welcome at Rulli Bros., left, right, and center as we continue to serve the Valley to the best of our ability. Rulli Bros.

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Gun deaths among children have risen over a 13-year period in states with lax firearm laws, according to a new study published this week in JAMA Pediatrics, a peer-reviewed medical journal.

Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho and Georgia were among the states that saw a jump in pediatric gun deaths after amending their firearms restrictions following a 2010 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that applied the Second Amendment to the states, researchers found.

Dr. Jeremy Faust, an emergency room doctor at Massachusetts General Brigham Hospital and the study's lead author, said he started the research after wondering why gun deaths among children were so high. Firearms are the leading cause of death among children and teenagers in the United States, with a steep increase in ages 15 to 19 starting in 2020.

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"Why did things go so badly in some states?" Faust asked. He said legal scholars told him to look at McDonald v. City of Chicago, which applied the Second Amendment to local jurisdictions.

The Supreme Court held in the landmark case that the Constitution's Second Amendment restrains the government's ability to significantly limit "the right to keep and bear arms." For the first decade of the 21st century, there were very few changes to gun laws but every state changed their laws to some or great extent after McDonald, said Faust.

Researchers divided the 50 states into three groups  most permissive, permissive, and strict  based on legal changes made since 2010. The team, which included researchers from Brown University, Yale New Haven, the University of Pittsburgh and the University of California, used a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention database to analyze data from the decade before the Supreme Court ruling and then compared that to data from 2011 to 2023.

The findings surprised Faust and his team, he told CBS News.

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Youth deaths jumped by 7,398 in the period after the Supreme Court ruling  with a total of 23,000 gun-related fatalities. Children's deaths by both homicide and suicide also rose in states that had the most permissive firearm laws, the study found. Black youth also saw the largest increase in firearm deaths in the most permissive and permissive states.

The CDC found in 2023 that the vast majority of firearm deaths involving young children were due to guns that were stored unlocked and loaded. But Faust said that while gun storage is an important part of saving lives, the study shows strict laws play an enormous role in preventing youth firearms deaths.

In the states that had the most restrictive laws, deaths remained stable or, in some cases, there were fewer pediatric gun deaths.

California had a 40% reduction in children's gun deaths, the study found. New York, Rhode Island, Maryland and Massachusetts also saw a decrease.

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"This study shows the problem is linked pretty tightly to legal posture. This can be fixed and bring back thousands of people," Faust said. "States should ask what they want for their communities? What are they willing to do to save lives?"

Gun-control advocates like Emma Brown, the executive director of Giffords  an anti-gun violence group led by former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords who was shot in the head in 2011 during a constituent meeting  applauded the study's findings.

"Guns are the leading cause of death for kids and young people in the United States, and now more kids are dying because some states prioritize making gun CEOs richer over fighting crime and building safe communities," Brown said. "This study shows what we all know: common sense gun laws save lives."

CBS News has reached out to the Second Amendment Foundation, one of the plaintiffs in McDonald V. City of Chicago, for comment.

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ILLINOIS (WTVO)  Gun rights advocates are asking the 7th Circuit Court of appeals to overturn Illinois ban on assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines.

Capitol News Illinois reported that attorneys for groups seeking to overturn the law filed briefs last week asking the court to uphold the ruling of a district court judge in East St. Louis, who said the state law violates the Second Amendment.

The filings come just days after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal involving similar laws in Maryland and Rhode Island.

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The 7th Circuit Court had previously refused to block enforcement of the law while the cases work their way through the courts.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Grand Valley State University is holding its fourth annual Black Boys and Men National Symposium Wednesday through Friday.

Wednesdays event was held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Grand Rapids. Thursdays and Fridays events will be at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

Judge Greg Mathis gave a keynote address on Wednesday and spoke with the media beforehand. He addressed his experiences and how they played a pivotal role in shaping the message that he wanted to share with the audience.

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This is an issue that is dear to me, Mathis said. Having been a street youth, in and out of juvenile and tried for carrying a gun as an adult at age 17, I know the life that many of our young people are subjected to living in poverty. And having their education fail them. And so, I think I am uniquely qualified to talk about this.

GVSU to hold third Black Boys and Men Symposium

Mathis, a Detroit native, said a piece of his message was focused on keeping children on the best path possible, regardless of the challenges they may face in the household.

We cant let the child fall through the cracks, he said. Thats one of the things Ive always advocated for and that is we must save the child even if we cant save the household. And thats part of what were going to be discussing. Solutions to keep a child from falling through the cracks. And particularly as it relates to black boys and black men who have an additional burden based on the stereotypes that have been perpetuated that we are typically angry criminals.

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Mathis noted his professional challenges, such as running for judge, going to law school and becoming a lawyer as opportunities he used to his benefit, rather than being deterred.

My obstacles, each one of them I flipped, he said.

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PEORIA, Ill (WMBD)  Theres still time for low-to-moderate income families to apply to live in houses that will be built on the site of the former McKinley Elementary School.

The South Peoria school, long vacant, was torn down in 2023 and could soon be the location of three new homes, built by Habitat for Humanity Greater Peoria. And thats just the beginning.

Within five years, there could several more homes on that lot. Habitat for Humanity received a Community Housing Development Organization grant totaling $445,000 and a $500,000 Community Project Funding grant

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Were excited for the families. We have a lot of applications and its going to be tough to, you know, to make decisions on whos going to be our first homeowners. But were just really encouraged that the amount of interest in our houses, said Lea Anne Schmidgall, the groups executive director.

To apply, go to the groups website.

The rebirth of the site, located at 1201 W. Adrian G. Hinton Ave., could be a boon for South Peoria. McKinley shuttered years ago and has largely sat empty. Past plans to renovate it fell through and the buildings deteriorated to the point where they were deemed unsafe.

Although, final details on construction are still being worked out. The homes are built by volunteers and take anywhere from 18 to 21 weeks to complete, she said.

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And for those who are worried, Schmidgall says Habitat goes out of its way to make home ownership a quality, hassle-free, affordable experience for families searching for a home.

A Habitat for Humanity Home is brand new. Everything is warranted. We stand behind it. You know that youre getting a safe, affordable home thats top quality made, she said.

First district Peoria city councilperson Denise Jackson shared a text message to WMBD about what this development means for the south side.

We are excited about home ownership returning to that area. It is just the beginning of the redevelopment process that we hope will bring decent, affordable housing into the South Side of Peoria, Jackson said.

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PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  Haitis first commercial flight in seven months took off Thursday from the capital and headed to the northern city of Cap-Haitien, where excited passengers hoped to reunite with friends, relatives and business associates.

The Sunrise Airways flight of 19 passengers was the first such flight departing from Port-au-Prince since gang violence halted the airport's operations in November. So far, only domestic flights are resuming, with no timetable yet for international ones.

Its been over a year since Ive traveled, James Jean-Charles said. The country is infested with gangs. You cant go by road.

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Jean-Charles, 41, smiled wide when he explained he was going to visit his parents and cousins in the coastal city after struggling to stay in touch with them via phone because of poor connectivity.

Inside the Guy Malary terminal, which is used for domestic flights, people gathered around a restaurant serving coffee, goat, chicken and plantains.

Awaiting Sunrise Airways second flight of the day was Garry Jean-Pierre, a computer technician.

I finally found a way to get there and not lose the contracts I had, he said of his upcoming trip to Cap-Haitien.

Its been a year since he last visited, but it never crossed his mind to travel by road, where gang members are known to open fire randomly on vehicles.

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I would not take the risk, he said. You dont know when theyll decide to kill.

Outside the Guy Malary terminal, the parking lot was packed with cars as workers hauled luggage and men working in the black market exchanged U.S. dollars and Haitian gourdes.

This is very good, said taxi driver Marc Jean-Baptiste as he observed people bustling. I couldnt properly care for my family.

He said he hoped that international flights to Port-au-Prince would restart soon, but thats unlikely to happen.

The Toussaint Louverture airport in Port-au-Prince closed in mid-November for the second time last year after gangs opened fire on a Spirit Airlines flight as it prepared to land, striking a flight attendant who suffered minor injuries.

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Other commercial planes were hit that day, prompting Spirit, JetBlue and American Airlines to cancel their flights to Port-au-Prince. None of those flights have resumed.

While the main international airport reopened in December, there were no commercial flights operating until Thursday.

The resumption of domestic flights marks a rare success in Haitis fight against gangs that control at least 85% of Port-au-Prince.

A powerful gang federation previously forced the main international airport to close for nearly three months in early 2024.
With the confirmed killing of Hamas's top military commander Mohammad Sinwar in an Israeli strike, a chapter has closed on the elite leadership group in Gaza that orchestrated the events of 7 October, 2023.

Sinwar's demise follows the confirmed killings of other central figures who sat on what came to be known inside Hamas as the War Council.

Sinwar, his brother Yahya, Marwan Issa and a fifth unidentified figure formed the clandestine core that decided on and directed the unprecedented assault on Israel - one which shook the region and set off the conflict still unfolding in Gaza.

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The War Council, sometimes also known as the Quintet Council, operated under conditions of extreme security and secrecy.

Direct meetings between its members were exceedingly rare. Instead, communication occurred through older technology deemed more secure, like cable phones, or via trusted intermediaries, all in an effort to minimise the risk of interception or detection.

This level of secrecy was not just tactical: it reflected the council's critical role in Hamas's strategic decision-making, especially in preparation for what became the most complex and deadly attack in the organisation's history.

The Israeli military said Mohammed Sinwar was killed last month in a strike on a tunnel underneath the compound of the European hospital in Khan Younis [Reuters]

The known members of the council included:

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Mohammed Deif - the commander of Hamas's military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, who is believed to have masterminded the 7 October attack. He was killed in an Israeli air strike in July 2024

Yahya Sinwar - the political leader of Hamas in Gaza and its most influential decision-maker in recent years. He was killed in a firefight with Israeli troops in October 2024

Mohammad Sinwar - a senior military figure and Deif's trusted lieutenant. Israel said this week that it had identified his body in Gaza following an air strike in May

Marwan Issa - Deif's deputy and a vital link between Hamas's military and political spheres. He was killed in an Israeli air strike in March 2024

A fifth figure - whose identity remains unknown to the public - who was in charge of organising Hamas's security apparatus. He was targeted in assassination attempts before the war and an air strike during it, and suffered such severe injuries that he can no longer communicate or carry out any activities, according to one source

The 7 October attack marked a seismic shift in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The scale and brutality of the attack stunned observers worldwide - not just for its immediate impact, but for its unprecedented scale.

Hamas's military preparations took years - including extensive tunnel construction and the steady accumulation of rockets and weapons - but few analysts, regional actors, or even rival Palestinian factions foresaw the magnitude of the offensive.

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The group had long maintained strict control over Gazans and had often imposed harsh economic measures, including heavy taxes, on an already impoverished population to fund its military build-up.

Yet even within the movement, there appears to have been a limited understanding of the scale and consequences of the plan hatched by the War Council.

Gaza has been devastated by 20 month of war, triggered by Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack on Israel [Reuters]

Its demise raises a profound question: what exactly drove its members to pursue a course that many Palestinians have described as politically suicidal?

With Israel's overwhelming military response and the international isolation that followed, the 7 October attack has increasingly been viewed as a desperate gamble - one that lacked a clear political exit strategy and led to massive suffering for Gaza's civilian population.

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Now, with most of the core decision-makers dead, uncovering the deeper motivations and strategic calculus behind the attack may no longer be possible.

What internal debates occurred within the council? Were there dissenting voices? Was this a bid for regional relevance, a provocation timed with regional shifts, or a last-ditch effort to break a long-standing siege?

Answers to these questions may have died with the men who conceived the plan.

The dismantling of the war council leaves Hamas facing a potential leadership vacuum at a critical time.

Its military capabilities have been severely degraded, its political leadership - who operated out of Qatar until November 2024, after which their whereabouts became unclear - is under intense pressure, and its traditional mechanisms of control within Gaza have been deeply disrupted.

Armed Hamas fighters in uniforms attended Marwan Issa's funeral in central Gaza during a ceasefire in February [Reuters]

The absence of a centralised strategic command may lead to fragmentation within Hamas, or the rise of new, perhaps more radical factions.

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Alternatively, it may open a pathway for recalibration - if not by Hamas, then by other Palestinian actors seeking to fill the void left behind.

The fall of Hamas's War Council marks the end of a shadowy but powerful inner circle that shaped one of the most consequential decisions in the movement's history.

Whether their legacy will be seen by Palestinians as one of bold resistance or catastrophic miscalculation, one thing is certain: with their departure, a defining era in the leadership of Hamas has come to a close.
HAMPTON  City Council delayed a vote Wednesday to ban camping and storage on public property, which would have cleared the way for the city to criminalize homeless encampments.

Mayor Jimmy Gray said the decision came after individual conversations with council members, and a new version of the ordinance will be presented in August.

Our planners asked staff to come back to meet with various stakeholders and interested parties to perhaps together see if we can reach consensus on how best to address the needs and issues of neighborhoods and businesses which prompted our consideration of the ordinance in the first place, while ensuring Hampton remains the compassionate community we strive to be, Gray said.

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Nearly 20 people spoke at Wednesdays council meeting against the proposal, with some critical of how it would affect homeless people and highlighting the need for more resources such as affordable housing.

Resident Daniel Washko spoke about a homeless person in his Phoebus neighborhood he encountered last winter who asked for $10 to put gas in his truck so he wouldnt freeze overnight. He said people may not have the resources to ask for help. Washko added with potential federal cuts to places like NASA Langley and furloughs at local shipyards, more Hampton residents will be struggling to make ends meet.

While Im happy that this is deferred, we are sitting on a powder keg, Washko said. Its going to be more challenging for families in Hampton to make it. Theres a lot of crises going on. We need to find solutions that dont criminalize, but support and provide assistance.

Hamptons proposed ordinance would have banned anyone from camping, sleeping or storing personal items on public property, and allows the city to seize any unattended possessions for up to 30 days.

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The city would have been required to give anyone in violation a warning, reasonable time to comply and information on other resources such as housing assistance programs or homeless shelters. However, repeat offenses would have resulted in a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail, up to $2,500 fine, or both.

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Though the ordinance language alludes to people experiencing homelessness being impacted by the ban, council insisted it wasnt targeted toward any particular group. The U.S. Supreme Court found anti-camping laws to be constitutional last year so far as they criminalize actions anyone could commit. The ruling created opportunities for cities nationwide to clear out homeless encampments. Virginia Beach, for example, has cleared 100 encampments in the past year.

More than 2,000 people experience homelessness throughout a year on the Peninsula, according to a recent report provided to Hampton city officials, and the region is projected to see a 15% rise in homelessness over the next three years. The citys housing resources have also struggled over the last year to keep up with the demand for beds.

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More than 400 people were found to be experiencing homelessness on the Peninsula during a 24-hour period in January 2024, according to a separate point-in-time report, a 14% decrease from the previous year.

Speakers at Wednesdays meeting said they didnt buy the councils stance the ordinance doesnt target Hamptons homeless population.

This ends up being a punishment for sleeping, for existing, said Bjorn Koxvold, a government relations manager with ForKids, a local nonprofit that deals with housing instability. At this point, we have to recognize that we have a homeless population, and that homeless population exists, and we have to find a way to live with them in a humane way, and providing a misdemeanor is not helpful.

The ForKids regional housing crisis hotline received more than 6,000 calls last year. Koxvold said there isnt enough housing stock to support the citys homeless population.

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Resident Cassandra Alston-Townsley criticized the proposed ordinance as cruel and said confiscating items from people who have nothing is inhumane.

These arent just items for someone living on the street, Alston-Townsley said. A blanket is safety. An IV is survival. A photo is memory. A journal is dignity, and I remember what it felt like to hold on to one thing that reminded me that I was still somebody.

City Manager Mary Bunting said the ordinance came from residents complaints about people exhibiting disturbing behavior in public such as urinating or defecating.

It is true, most often, they are homeless. Not always, Bunting said.

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When those calls come in, police cant respond quickly enough to see that behavior happening, Bunting said. As a result, the ordinance was an attempt to have a penalty available, even if it isnt enforced.

This council is a very compassionate body, but we also have an obligation to other people in our community, Bunting said. Hopefully we can come up with something better together.

City staff will meet with stakeholders and interest groups to revise the ordinance, and present findings Aug. 13. Council will take a final vote on a revised ordinance on Sept. 24.

Devlin Epding, 757-510-4037, devlin.epding@virginiamedia.com
KANSAS, Ill. (WCIA)  Law enforcement officers across Illinois are connecting with educators to support children after they may have experienced a traumatic or stressful event outside of the classroom.

Doug Cochran with the Kansas Police Department serves as the law enforcement liaison to bring Handle With Care to police departments and schools across the state. The goal is to support kids and provide extra support when they go to school after challenging, traumatic events.

WATCH the above video for more details with Cochran and Ambrosia Branson, the project coordinator.

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If youre a school district or law enforcement officer interested in using Handle With Care, reach out to Cochran at 217-712-0172 or KPDdcochran22@gmail.com

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By Akbar Novruz



The 11th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Austria Joint Commission on Economic, Agricultural, Industrial, Technical, and Technological Cooperation took place in Vienna on June 11.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Austria Rovshan Sadigbayli shared the update on his official "X" social media account.

On the same day, a business roundtable was also organized in Vienna with the participation of business representatives from both countries, aiming to strengthen economic ties and explore new avenues for cooperation.
BAGHDAD, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi authorities said on Thursday that all foreign diplomatic missions operating in the country are fully secure, noting that the evacuation of the U.S. embassy from Iraq is unrelated to any actual security threats.

The U.S. embassy's decision to withdraw some staff, whether from Baghdad or elsewhere in the Middle East, is "an internal procedural and precautionary measure specific to them and is not related to any actual security threats within Iraqi territory," Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi forces, told the official Iraqi News Agency.

All diplomatic missions are operating in a highly secure environment in Iraq, al-Numan said.

He also noted that the Iraqi security forces are implementing plans to maintain security and stability across the country, and that "current intelligence and field reports do not indicate any active threats that would affect the operations of diplomatic missions or the general situation in the country."

Al-Numan made the remarks after the U.S. embassy in Baghdad confirmed that the U.S. Department of State had ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel from the mission in Iraq due to heightened regional tensions.

In a statement, the U.S. embassy in Iraq also warned its citizens against traveling to Iraq due to "terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the U.S. government's limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq."

"Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies. Attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas, including major cities," the statement said.

Meanwhile, a source from the Iraqi Interior Ministry, who requested anonymity, told Xinhua that "the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel from the U.S. embassy in Baghdad has begun."

The source added that some U.S. employees were transported by military helicopters from their offices to Victoria military base near Baghdad International Airport, from where they would proceed to Ayn al-Asad Airbase in Iraq's western Anbar province before leaving the country.

According to media reports, Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh threatened on Wednesday to target U.S. bases in the region if conflict breaks out between the two countries over Tehran's nuclear program. 
On June 9, Israeli forces seized the Madleen ship in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea as it attempted to break the suffocating siege on Gaza.

The 12 activists on board  who belong to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition  were abducted in international waters and taken to Israel.

One day after their capture, four of them were swiftly deported after waiving their right to see an Israeli judge and signing a deportation order that claimed they had illegally entered Israel. Well-known Swedish climate and human rights activist, Greta Thunberg, was among those deported.

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The other eight refused to sign and remained in detention. On Thursday, six of them were deported, including Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian member of the European Parliament.

Another two French nationals remain in Israeli custody awaiting deportation on Friday, according to Adalah, a nonprofit legal association in Israel.

This is everything you need to know about their treatment.

Who are the 12 activists?

On Tuesday, Israel deported Thunberg (Sweden), Sergio Toribio (Spain), Baptiste Andre (France) and Omar Faiad (France). Faiad is a reporter with Al Jazeera Mubasher.

On Thursday, six more were deported, including Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian member of the European Parliament, Mark van Rennes (Netherlands), Suayb Ordu (Turkiye), Yasemin Acar (Germany), Thiago Avila (Brazil) and Reva Viard (France), according to Adalah, cited by Turkish news agency Anadolu.

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French nationals Pascal Maurieras and Yanis Mhamdi remain in detention and are expected to be released on Friday, according to Adalah. Mhamdi is a journalist for The Blast, a French left-wing outlet.

(Al Jazeera)

Where were the activists held?

In Givon prison in Ramla, a city between West Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Two of the activists, Hassan and Avila, were placed in solitary confinement, according to Adalah.

Hassan was taken there after first writing Free Palestine on the prison walls. Adalah later reported that Avila began a hunger and water strike to protest Israels blockade of Gaza, which has led to widespread starvation.

Hassan was later returned to Givon, said Adalah.

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After Thursdays release of Hassan and Avila, along with four others from the Madleen, Adalah released a statement saying that volunteers were subjected to mistreatment, punitive measures and aggressive treatment, and two volunteers were held for some period of time in solitary confinement.

Did Israel violate international law by arresting the activists on the Madleen?

According to Luigi Daniele, a legal scholar at the University of Molise, Italy, Israel has no right to intercept a boat in international waters or to deny aid to starving civilians in Gaza.

On the contrary, Israel has an international legal obligation as an occupying power to facilitate aid into Gaza.

He told a local Italian outlet that Israel, above all, has no legal right to use force or permanent aggression on occupied Palestinian territory, including against the activists who were sailing to Gaza on the Madleen.

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Adalah has also argued that the activists were not trying to enter Israel illegally, but were sailing to Gaza, which is occupied Palestinian land.

Israeli courts dismissed the legal arguments made by Adalah.





How long will the remaining two activists remain in detention?

The Madleen activists are supposed to serve 72 hours in the Israeli prison before being deported back to their home countries, according to Israeli law.

This indicates all activists should have been released at some point on June 12, yet it is unclear if the remaining detainees  Maurieras and Mhamdi  will face additional charges that could keep them longer in prison.

Have embassies lobbied for their release?

Some have, while others have been curiously silent.

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Frances foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, said earlier this week that he expected the four French activists who were on board the Madleen to return to France on Thursday or Friday. As of Thursday, two remained in detention.

Brazil had also demanded the release of Brazilian activist, Avila. When the activists were first abducted from international waters, Brazilian diplomats reportedly visited Givon prison to assist with legal proceedings.

In addition, Turkiye called Israel a terrorist state after the Madleen was intercepted.

Germany and the Netherlands, however, did not issue public statements to demand the release of their nationals.

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The Madleens captain, Mark van Reenes, deported on Thursday, is a Dutch national who filmed himself just before Israel seized the ship.

In the video, he called on his country to urgently demand his release.

UN special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territory, Francesca Albanese, also posted on X that the silence of [European Union] institutions over the unlawful detention and punitive conditions imposed on EU citizens including [Hassan] speaks volumes to the deep roots of Israelism in European institutional culture.




In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to essentially abolish the department she runs. "Closing the Department of Education would provide children and their families the opportunity to escape a system that is failing them," reads Trump's order. "Ultimately, the Department of Education's main functions can, and should, be returned to the States."

Actually killing the department requires congressional approval. McMahon has, though, moved to at least shrink it. Shortly before Trump signed the executive order, she cut its staff in half following almost 2,000 layoffs and buyouts. "This is a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system," McMahon said in a March press release.

While McMahon can't erase the Education Department on her own, Congress could step in and administer a coup de grace. What that would look like isn't exactly clear. The department directs a wide range of federal programs and commanded a budget of more than $200 billion last year. It administers the behemoth federal student loan program, enforces federal law in education, and gives grants to public K-12 schools and universities, not to mention running a battery of smaller programs.

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Abolishing the department, however, would not necessarily mean abolishing its functions.

"Most of the discussion from the administration and in Congress is about moving Department of Education functions to other departments," says Neal McCluskey, director of the Cato Institute's Center for Educational Freedom. "If that is what is done, it will not change what the federal government does in education, only which agencies do those things."

According to McCluskey, federal funding to K-12 schools and colleges would likely just move to another department, though he notes there are "proposals to consolidate, at least, programs and turn them into block grants to states, which would cut down on bureaucratic compliance costs." The federal student loan program "would likely go to the Treasury Department or possibly the Small Business Administration, both of which have experience with financial instruments, including loans," he adds.

"Almost everything the Department of Education does is unconstitutional," McCluskey says. "The Constitution gives the federal government only specific, enumerated powers, and authority to govern in education is not among them. So almost all the spending and activities should go away."

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McCluskey does see a few exceptions. "First, under the 14th Amendment, the federal government has a responsibility to enforce civil rights, especially discrimination by governmentstates and school districts. This includes sex-based discrimination, which is addressed by Title IX. Washington has often taken this authority too far, with excessive investigations and peeling away rights for people accused of sexual assault at educational institutions, but the basic authority to act is there." He also points out the federal government has authority over the military, the District of Columbia, and Native American tribal lands, meaning that "the feds could supply funding for D.C., military, or Native American families to choose private schools and be within constitutional bounds."

McCluskey also thinks that while the federal student loan program inflates college costs and should be eliminated, the program shouldn't be shuttered overnight. "The programs could be phased out over a few years," he says, "because people make long-term plans to pay for college based on these loans existing, and suddenly ending them would be very disruptive for students and schools alike."

If Congress really did abolish the Education Department, most of what the department does would likely stick around, for better or for worse. But it would at least "end a cabinet-level education department, which is grossly unconstitutional and a direct conduit to the president for education special interests," according to McCluskey. "It would also be symbolically important, sending a message that education is not a federal responsibility."

The post What Happens if the Department of Education Goes Away? appeared first on Reason.com.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  While there are many unknowns when it comes to house fires, groups like the American Red Cross make sure having a place to stay after is not one of them.

When a fire breaks out in a home, one of the Peoria Fire Departments jobs is to contact organizations if the fire renders the home inhabitable, said Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger.

So sometimes it can be just as easy as the incident commander contacting dispatch and saying, Hey, we need a representative from Red Cross on the scene,' he said. And then once that Red Cross or Salvation Army person is on the scene, then they communicate with the I.C., and with the family member in trying to fulfill those needs.

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One of these groups they get in contact with is the Central Illinois chapter of the Red Cross, which uses volunteers to help find housing, among other necessities that may be needed after a fire, said Mara Thompson, a Red Cross spokeswoman.

Ninety percent of those people that are going to be responding are volunteers. So theyre theyre waking up in the middle of the night, she said. Theyre leaving their beds. Theyre calling off other things to go help respond to these families that have just have been impacted.

We make sure that were there basically for their immediate needs. To make sure that they have a roof over their head, meals, clothes, all of those things that you might not even think about right after a fire, Thompson said.

Other things the Red Cross provides assistance for include if someone needs medication refilled or need medical devices such as walkers.

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While the Red Cross helps with financial and medical needs, they also provide spiritual and emotional services after tragedies.

And so that includes anything from meals, a hotel to stay in, financial assistance to make sure that they have some of those immediate needs met, medical services, health services, she said. We do spiritual care and emotional support because thats another big thing that people dont realize, that after a fire, they just went through something traumatic.

She said the Red Cross assistance is available for most types of disasters, and they respond to around 65,000 every year.

While the fire department calls in outside agencies to help with displacement, Sollberger said the department has 12 chaplains led by William Preston, on staff to help both victims of a fire and the firefighters as well.

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So then now you have community members that are displaced out of their home or business. And sometimes, you know, the chaplain can be on the scene to try to help with that as well, the chief said.

And some of that help comes from just being there. Once its safe, a crew can help a resident walk through their home and retrieve as many items as they can. Whenever possible, care is used to preserve things such as paintings.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HARRISON, TX. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Harrison County Sheriffs Office advises residents and visitors to exercise caution as heavy rainfall is forecasted to continue, increasing the risk of flash flooding in our area.

Harrison County, Marshall, Texas Sheriffs Office says they are currently experiencing flooding in the following areas:

HWY 80 @ Coldwater Creek

HWY 80 @ Bailey Cutoff

HWY 80 @ Muntz Cutoff

HWY 59 @ Dorchester Rd.

HWY 59 @ Master Woodcraft

Noonday Rd W @ Mont Hall Rd.

FM 450 @ FM 449

FM 968 @ Muntz Cutoff

Page Rd.

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Harrison County Sheriffs Office asks residents to stay vigilant and to remember to avoid driving or walking through flooded areas. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down, and 12 inches can carry a vehicle away.

Turn Around, Dont Drown!

Keep an eye on local weather updates and alerts.

If you encounter high water, find an alternate route and report the hazard to local authorities.

Follow the Harrison County Sheriffs Office for the latest updates. According to SWEPCO, as of the time of publication, 13 customers are without power. Harrisons estimated restoration time is 6 p.m.

We will update the list of flooded roadways as soon as it becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Harvard University and the Trump administration are at an impasse over the terms of an order a judge said she plans to issue stopping the U.S. government from stripping Harvard of its ability to enroll foreign students.

U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs said two weeks ago during a hearing that she wants to issue a preliminary injunction that would allow international students to attend Harvard while the school presses a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of infringing on Harvards First Amendment rights.

Harvards lawyers informed the judge Thursday that the Trump administration is resisting several provisions the university wants to see in the injunction, including a ban on any categorical restriction affecting the schools foreign students and at least 30 days' notice if the Department of Homeland Security revokes the certification Harvard has enjoyed for more than 70 years to receive foreign students.

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Burroughs, a Boston-based Obama appointee, has already issued two temporary restraining orders in the case: one blocking Secretary Kristi Noems attempt last month to immediately cancel that certification and another blocking a proclamation President Donald Trump issued last week using his immigration powers to bar foreign Harvard students from entering the U.S.

Harvard attorney Ian Gershengorn said in a new court filing that despite those orders, the government has continued to attempt to strip Harvard students of their visas through creative relabeling.

International students make up more than a quarter of Harvards enrollment. Lawyers on behalf of the university are asking the federal government to demonstrate how it would ensure the injunction is not simply bypassed and how current and prospective students can be assured their visa statuses are not at risk.

Even in the short time since the hearing, the government has committed to continuing  indeed to intensifying  its retaliatory campaign, the lawsuit said.

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The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last month, Harvards International Office told the court in a declaration that dozens of foreign students were asking the school about their options to defer enrollment or transfer to another institution due to the uncertainty around their visas. At least 10 international students or scholars scheduled to travel to study at Harvard this fall had their visa applications refused for administrative processing immediately after the initial DHS action, according to the institution.

Harvard President Alan Garber has tried to reassure his international students through community updates. The university has also advised foreign students and scholars to report issues they encounter while attempting to reenter the U.S. and are urging them to contact their country's local consulate or embassy in the U.S. to inform them that they are attending Harvard.

We will continue to protect the rights of our international students and scholars, and the Constitutional rights of our University, Garber said in a statement last week.

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At the hearing late last month, a Justice Department attorney said the administration believes no emergency relief by the judge was appropriate, but he agreed to work with Harvards lawyers on terms for the preliminary injunction.

While the administration and Trump himself have been more critical of Harvard than of other U.S. universities, officials have sometimes sounded more conciliatory in recent weeks, appearing to look for a deal in which the United States' oldest university would make concessions related to antisemitism on campus and to discipline foreign students involved in crimes or protests.

Late last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said his agency would move aggressively to revoke visas of Chinese students in the U.S. linked to the Chinese Communist Party. Trump has also called for the number of foreign students at Harvard to drop by about half. However, on Thursday, he struck a very different tone.

I've always been in favor of students coming in from other countries. That includes China, Trump told reporters at the White House. I think it's a great thing. It's also  it's good for our schools. He also said he has long favored giving long-term foreign students the right to stay and work in the U.S.

I'm all for making sure that people like that can go to work for all of our great companies, the president said.
Harvey Weinsteins rape charge ended in mistrial after the jury foreperson refused to return to the jury room Thursday saying he faced threats from other jurors.

The 12-person jury in Weinsteins trial had found him guilty Wednesday of one count of a criminal sexual act against former Project Runway assistant Miriam Haley, but not guilty of the other count of a criminal sexual act against former model Kaja Sokola. Those convictions stand.

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After the mistrial was declared, prosecutors said Thursday that they plan to retry Weinstein on the rape charge, related to aspiring actress Jessica Mann, and that she is ready and willing and wants to retry this count. A July 2 hearing has been set on that charge.

Weinstein faced one charge of rape in the third degree and two charges of criminal sexual act in the first degree, which is the higher felony charge and carries a maximum prison sentence of 25 years. The rape charge carries a sentence of up to four years. Weinsteins attorneys said they will appeal the criminal sexual act conviction and conduct further investigation into possible juror misconduct.

On Wednesday, the jury had yet to reach a verdict on rape in the third degree, but jurors were sent home midday amid concerns about fighting and tensions in the jury room. They had been in the midst of their fifth day of deliberations.

The jury foreperson had sent a note Wednesday afternoon asking to speak to the judge and then told the attorneys and Judge Curtis Farber: I feel afraid inside there. I cant be inside there.

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He added that other jurors had been trying to get him to change his decision, and, when he had refused, had said Oh we will see you outside, and that he was concerned for his own safety.

When the foreperson was asked Thursday if he would return to the jury room, he told the court, No, Im sorry.

However, Farber spoke with the others jurors after the mistrial was declared Thursday and said they were extremely disappointed that deliberations had not continued and that they dont understand why the foreperson bowed out.

Jury tensions had reached such a fever pitch Wednesday that Weinstein himself addressed the court, urging the judge for a mistrial. His request was denied at the time.

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This is not right for me, the person who is on trial here, Weinstein said Wednesday. This is my life thats on the line, and you know what? Its not fair. Its simple. Its just not fair.

The foreperson, who is charged with speaking on behalf of the jury, then returned to court after the jury had been dismissed Wednesday and implied that he did not want to go back into the deliberation room Thursday. He returned to court, but was being kept separately from the other jurors Thursday morning.

On Monday morning, the foreperson had also asked to speak to the judge and said that jurors were considering elements from Weinsteins past that werent being used as evidence in the trial and werent part of the charged crimes.

Another juror, who was juror No. 7 on this case and the youngest on the jury, had asked to address the court twice Friday, first saying he had heard jurors discussing another juror in the courtroom elevators, and then asking to be excused from the jury as he did not feel the process was fair, while staring at the defense table.

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If youre a deliberating juror you have to be punched in the face in order for it to rise to the level of a real threat, Weinsteins attorney, Arthur Aidala said Thursday, while urging the judge to call for mistrial before the juror entered. Its insane in the membrane, insane on the brain.

All of this comes after Weinsteins 2020 rape and criminal sexual assault conviction was overturned in April 2024 after the court of appeals found the trial prejudiced Weinstein with improper rulings, including allowing women to testify about allegations that were not part of the case.

In the 2020 trial, Weinstein received a mixed verdict with the jury finding Weinstein guilty of the crimes against Haley and Mann, but also acquitting Weinstein of first-degree rape and predatory sexual assault related to other women. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg pursued the retrial of Weinstein shortly after his conviction was overturned.

Weinstein has already served about six years of that sentence, which Aidala said would count toward time served in sentencing for this case.

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In this trial, Mann had testified that she had first met Weinstein around 2013 at a party in Hollywood. After later attending his Oscars party, Mann said she was invited by Weinstein up to his hotel room, where he said he wanted to give Mann and her friend a script for Vampire Academy. There, Weinstein performed unwanted oral sex on her. After that incident, Mann said she decided to embark on a relationship with him.

I just thought it would take the pain away, Mann said on the stand.

The charge relates to an alleged incident with Weinstein in a Manhattan hotel in March 2013. At the time, Mann was visiting New York City with friends and said she had arranged to meet Weinstein for breakfast, along with her friends, but found that he had arrived early at her hotel and was in the process of booking a hotel room.

Despite her protests, Weinstein booked the room and she followed him upstairs. Once there, she claims he repeatedly held the door shut as she tried to leave and said she didnt want to do this, while he grabbed her arms and told her to undress.

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She did so, and said Weinstein then went to the bathroom and injected himself with a substance which she later found was to treat erectile dysfunction, and then performed unwanted penetrative sex on her.

After the mistrial on the charge was announced, Mann issued a statement saying she was ready to take the stand again.

I will never give up on myself and making sure my voice  and the truth  is heard. I have told the District Attorney I am ready, willing and able to endure this as many times as it takes for justice and accountability to be served. Today is not the end of my fight, Mann said.

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The criminal court judge overseeing Harvey Weinsteins sexual assault retrial in New York declared a mistrial on Thursday over the movie mogul's remaining rape charge after the jury foreperson expressed concerns over ongoing deliberations.

Deliberations ended Thursday  in an anticlimactic conclusion to the weeks-long retrial  a day after a majority-female jury convicted Weinstein of one 2006 sexual assault but acquitted him on another from the same year. On Wednesday, the Oscar-winning "Shakespeare in Love" producer, 73, was found guilty of forcing oral sex on former Weinstein Co. production assistant Mimi Haley and acquitted of the same regarding former model Kaja Sokola. At the time, the jury was hung on a third charge of Weinstein raping once-aspiring actor Jessica Mann in 2013.

Weinstein was retried five years after he was convicted in February 2020 of rape and a felony sex crime connected to individual allegations from accusers Mann and Haley, respectively. He was acquitted at the time on two charges of predatory sexual assault. A month later, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison.

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Read more: Harvey Weinstein found guilty of sexual assault in New York retrial, acquitted on another charge

After handing down the partial verdict on Wednesday, the majority-female jury was set to continue deliberations Thursday on the the rape charge. Judge Curtis Farber on Wednesday informed the jury foreperson, who complained earlier this week that he felt bullied, that he wont have to go into the jury room if he doesnt want to. The foreperson told prosecutors, defense lawyers and Farber in a closed-door discussion on Wednesday that another juror yelled at him for standing by his opinion and at one point vowed, "You going to see me outside."

The foreperson told the judge and attorneys, "I feel afraid inside there," according to a transcript.

He added Thursday that he would not return to the jury room. "No, I'm sorry," he responded when asked.

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Farber declared a mistrial weeks after rejecting a Weinstein attorney's request for a mistrial stemming from courtroom tensions with Mann. The hairstylist, who testified that she met Weinstein in the 2010s after moving to Los Angeles, is willing to go to trial a third time, Manhattan prosecutor Nicole Blumberg said Thursday.

A new trial date has yet to be revealed.

Read more: Commentary: With his 'casting couch' defense, Weinstein continues to damage the culture he once ruled

Weinsteins retrial began April 23 and featured emotional testimony from Haley and Mann, who returned to the stand, plus Sokola, who did not testify against the mogul in the 2020 trial. The disgraced Hollywood boss was tried on the allegations that led to his original rape and felony sex act conviction, plus a new sexual assault charge stemming from Sokolas allegation that he forced oral sex on her in 2006 when she was 19. Weinstein pleaded not guilty and his defense maintained the alleged sexual encounters were consensual.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The judge in the Harvey Weinstein sex crimes retrial declared a mistrial on the outstanding rape charge against the producer on Thursday, after the jury foreman refused to return to deliberate the count amid a jury room feud.

Deliberations became heated to such a degree I am obligated to declare a mistrial on the one count on which you didnt reach a verdict, Judge Curtis Farber told the jury panel.

On Wednesday, Weinstein was convicted on one count of sexual assault by a Manhattan jury but was found not guilty of assaulting a second woman.

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Weinstein was found guilty of sexually assaulting Miriam Haley, and not guilty of sexually assaulting Kaja Sokola.

Weinstein faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced. He has separately been sentenced to 16 years in prison following a rape conviction in California.

The jury reached its verdict one year after the disgraced Hollywood titans conviction was overturned.

After the verdict was handed down, the judge said the jury would continue to deliberate on the third-degree rape charge, a highly unusual move according to legal experts.

Before the jury announced its verdict on Wednesday, Justice Curtis Farber met privately with one person on the 12-member jury referred to as Juror One. The judge then stated in open court that there had been fighting in the jury room.

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Juror One has made it very clear that he is not going to change his position, Judge Farber said, adding that Juror One did not tell him what his position was.

He indicated that at least one other juror made comments to the juror that, Ill meet you outside one day, and theres yelling and screaming.

Judge Farber sent jurors home for the day to give them time to cool down and instructed the foreman to arrive in court separately on Thursday.

In closing arguments on June 3, the prosecution told the 12 jurors that the evidence showed how Weinstein used his power and influence to trap and abuse women.

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The defence countered that the accusers lied on the witness stand out of spite after their consensual sexual encounters with the Oscar-winning producer failed to result in Hollywood stardom.

Weinstein, who has had a litany of health problems in recent years and attended the retrial in a wheelchair, has remained behind bars because of his California conviction. He is appealing that verdict.

More than 100 women, including famous actresses, have accused Weinstein of misconduct.

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By Jack Queen and Jonathan Stempel

NEW YORK (Reuters) -The judge overseeing Harvey Weinstein's criminal case in Manhattan declared a mistrial on a rape charge on Thursday, one day after the former Hollywood movie mogul was convicted on a separate felony sex abuse charge.

Justice Curtis Farber of the state Supreme Court ended the trial after the jury foreperson refused to deliberate for a sixth day, following multiple days of reported dissension among jurors that at times was aired in the courtroom.

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Prosecutors plan to try Weinstein a third time on the charge of third-degree rape, over his alleged mistreatment of the aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013.

Jurors on Wednesday delivered a mixed verdict on the other two counts Weinstein faced.

They convicted him of first-degree criminal sexual act over his alleged assault of former production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006, and acquitted him of the same charge over his alleged assault of aspiring actress Kaja Sokola in 2002.

Farber said the unresolved rape charge will proceed to trial, and he set a hearing for July 2.

Weinstein, 73, pleaded not guilty, and has denied assaulting anyone or having non-consensual sex.

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He plans to appeal his conviction, which carries a maximum prison term of 25 years.

Arthur Aidala, a lawyer for Weinstein, told reporters outside the courthouse: "We have very powerful evidence of gross jury misconduct at this trial," including that jurors considered outside evidence concerning Weinstein's conduct.

#METOO

Weinstein co-founded the Miramax studio, whose hit movies included such Academy Award winners as "Shakespeare in Love" and "Pulp Fiction."

His downfall began in 2017 and helped spark the #MeToo movement, which encouraged women to come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct by powerful men.

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More than 100 women have accused Weinstein of misconduct.

Prosecutors in Manhattan said Weinstein used his power and influence to trap and abuse women.

Defense lawyers countered that Weinstein's accusers lied out of spite after their consensual sexual encounters with him failed to lead to Hollywood stardom.

A different jury in the Manhattan court found Weinstein guilty in 2020 of raping Mann and sexually assaulting Haley, but New York state's highest court overturned Weinstein's conviction and 23-year prison sentence last year.

Weinstein is appealing a separate 2022 rape conviction and 16-year prison sentence in California.

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Wednesday's verdict was a victory for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose office prosecuted Weinstein.

Bragg dismissed concern about jury misconduct, saying disputes among jurors reflected a vigorous exchange of ideas. He also thanked Weinstein's accusers for coming forward.

"They were accused of being money hungry, they were called liars, they were even told that they, in fact, were abusers," Bragg told reporters. "But they stood their ground, and for that I am extremely grateful."

Bragg is seeking reelection in November. His predecessor, Cyrus Vance, brought the case that led to Weinstein's 2020 conviction.

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FOREPERSON REPORTED THREATS

Thursday's mistrial came one day after the jury foreperson told Farber that other jurors were shouting at and threatening him for refusing to change his vote on the rape count.

The foreperson did not indicate publicly how he planned to vote, and Farber sent jurors home to cool off.

Weinstein has had many health problems, and he attended the Manhattan trial in a wheelchair.

He spent the months leading up to the trial at the notorious Rikers Island jail and in a Manhattan hospital.

Weinstein's eponymous film studio filed for bankruptcy in March 2018, five months after sexual misconduct accusations against him became widely publicized.

(Reporting by Jack Queen and Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Mark Porter and Cynthia Osterman)
Harvey Weinsteins sexual assault retrial isnt over after Wednesdays partial verdict came back split  but his team is confident the former producer may be back home sooner than anyone anticipated.

We take the wins where we get them  and the acquittal on the Sokola charge was a major one. A conviction there would have reset the sentencing clock entirely, his spokesperson told TheWrap on Thursday. As it stands, with a conviction only on the Haley count, time served applies and that clock is already running. There is no verdict yet on the Mann charge.

Indeed, a New York jury found Weinstein guilty on one charge of first-degree sexual assault against a former Project Runway production assistant, but acquitted him on a second charge of sexually assaulting a model in 2006. The jury has been ordered to continue deliberating on a third lesser charge of third-degree rape after they could not reach a unanimous verdict.

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This trial has raised substantial appellate issues  and Harvey would welcome the opportunity to have those fully reviewed. It is the Court and the prosecution who now have every incentive to avoid seeing this case overturned on appeal, his team continued. That reality creates an opening for a fair and balanced sentencing outcome  one that serves the interests of justice, and gives Harvey a path to come home much sooner than many expected.

Weinstein himself addressed the court following the partial verdict, saying, My life is on the line, and you know what? Its not fair  Its time, its time, its time, its time to say this trial is over.

Jessica Mann also released a statement as her accusations of a 2013 rape remain under consideration by the jury of seven women and five men.

I would never lie about rape or use something so traumatic to hurt someone, she said. Rape can happen in relationships  and in dynamics where power and manipulation control the narrative. Some victims survive by appeasing, and many carry deep empathy, even for their abusers. Thats part of the trap.

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I waived liability because I only ask for accountability, Mann added. Even in my dynamic with Harvey  the lack of a seductress is under-discussed and the evidence that usually follows a person with those intentions. The smear campaign built around me is hollow. The evidence doesnt exist because the propaganda isnt real.

She further noted that Weinstein hides behind PR firms, lawyers, spy agencies contracted to intimidate, while she can only speak for herself.

Abusers pre-select their victims  not just for vulnerability, but for how easily the world is ready to discredit them. For how believable their destruction will be, Mann concluded. They pick people society already doubts. People they think no one will miss. Then, when the damage is done, they bury the crime in the wreckage, point to the chaos, and say, See? Its her.

Kaja Sokola also addressed reporters outside the courthouse, saying, Im proud of the other two girls, the other two women who testified. It was an extremely difficult journey for all of us to relive our traumas and to go through it in open court. Its a big win for everyone. Harvey Weinstein will be in jail.

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Weinstein remains on the hook for a 16-year sentence in California, where he was convicted in December 2022. That verdict is under an appeal of the same nature that got his 2022 New York conviction thrown out due to improper testimony from women who said they were assaulted, but whose accusations were not formally charged. He has long denied any wrongdoing, admitting that having sex with aspiring actresses amounted to cheating on his wife, not assault.





The post Harvey Weinstein May Come Home Much Sooner Than Expected After Split Verdict, His Team Says appeared first on TheWrap.
SYDNEY, June 12 (Xinhua) -- A woman has been arrested on human trafficking charges after allegedly luring students from Papua New Guinea (PNG) to Australia with fake scholarships before exploiting them.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said in a news release on Thursday that the 56-year-old woman, a dual citizen of Australia and Nigeria, was arrested on Wednesday upon arrival at Brisbane Airport on a flight from PNG.

She has been charged with 31 offenses, including four counts of trafficking in persons, 14 counts of deceptive recruiting for labor or services and 13 counts of engaging in conduct that caused a person to enter into debt bondage.

Australian federal authorities commenced an investigation in July 2022 when its human trafficking team received information from police in the state of Queensland about a group of PNG nationals who had moved to Australia to study but were instead being forced to work on farms.

The AFP alleges that between March 2021 and July 2023 the woman brought 15 PNG nationals to Australia on the promise of full educational scholarships.

Shortly before, or after, their arrival in Australia, the students were forced to sign legal documents agreeing to pay the woman for costs associated with tuition, airfares, visas, insurance and legal fees, placing them in debt.

The woman allegedly then forced the PNG nationals to work on farms across Queensland and withheld their wages to repay their debts.

If convicted, she faces a maximum prison sentence of 12 years for each count of trafficking in persons, seven years for each charge of deceptive recruiting and four years for each charge of causing a person to enter debt bondage. 
Chaos in the jury room led a Manhattan judge Thursday to call a mistrial for former actress Jessica Manns rape case against Harvey Weinstein  but Mann and Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg said that theyre ready for another trial.

The decision Thursday by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Curtis Farber put an end to days of jury dysfunction in Weinsteins retrial for sexually attacking three women. A day earlier jurors managed to come to a verdict in the two other charges against the disgraced 73-year-old film producer  guilty of sexually assaulting former TV production assistant Miriam Haley, but not guilty in the case of Polish model Kaja Sokola.

Weinsteins lawyer, Arthur Aidala, meanwhile, has vowed to appeal the conviction, citing gross juror misconduct after the jury foreman refused to rejoin his fellow jurors Wednesday, describing a shouting match that included another juror telling him hed see me outside.

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The mistrial meant prosecutors will pursue Manns allegations at a third trial  she also testified at the moguls 2020 trial  again subjecting her to days of direct testimony and cross-examination on the witness stand.

I will never give up on myself and making sure my voice  and the truth  is heard, Mann said in a statement Thursday. I have told the District Attorney I am ready, willing and able to endure this as many times as it takes for justice and accountability to be served. Today is not the end of my fight.

Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg also said in court prosecutors are ready, unless Weinstein wants to take responsibility and plead guilty.

We are ready to proceed and ready to retry, she said.

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When asked why prosecutors wouldnt drop Manns allegations, Bragg said, Its about the survivors. Yes, Harvey Weinstein is going to be held accountable for his conduct as to Ms. Haley, and hes facing a very significant term of imprisonment for that. But the jury was not able to reach a conclusion as to Jessica Mann, and she deserved that.

The jury found Weinstein guilty of criminal sex act in regards to Haley, and acquitted him of the same charge in regards to Sokola.

Deliberations went off the skids when it came to Mann, with the jury foreman asking on three separate occasions to speak to the judge and attorneys away from his fellow jurors.

The foreman on Wednesday told Judge Farber that another juror had threatened him during a shouting match because he wouldnt change his position.

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That led to calls for a mistrial by Aidala, who said the foreman was the victim of a crime and the judge should call 911.

On Thursday, Farber addressed the foreman. [Wednesday] we know was a stressful day.  Im going to ask you, are you willing to go back into the jury room today and continue deliberations?

No, Im sorry. the foreman responded.

A man who described himself as the foremans brother said he was declining comment when reached on the foremans phone Thursday afternoon.

Aidala told Farber that he was planning to appeal, and said that his team would be the prosecutors now to determine what happened in the jury room.

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We have very powerful evidence that there was gross juror misconduct at this trial, he told reporters outside the courthouse. None of us ever heard of where a juror is so intimidated, a grown man who was in good physical shape in his late 30s saying, Im afraid to go back in to deliberate. If that doesnt cast doubt on the verdicts here, I dont know what would.

Outside the courtroom, jurors gave differing accounts of the turmoil during deliberations, with two of them putting the blame squarely on the foreman, saying he didnt want to stick around, possibly because of family issues.

It wasnt as bad as he made it seem, one juror, Chantan Holmes-Claborn told reporters. He wasnt willing to work. Hes been trying to get out of it since day one.  Everything he did was sneaky.

She said that jurors were split down the middle on Manns case, but the foreman didnt want to go through with deliberations.

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He just let us know that, listen, by 2 oclock, yall better vote  And we told him, you cant tell people what to do by 2 oclock.

Juror no. 1 said the foreman told them he wouldnt be open to changing his mind. We didnt finish deliberating.  We didnt finish talking, he said.

Another juror, no. 7, who didnt give his name, attributed the tensions to cabin fever, but backed up some of the foremans statements. Im sure the foreman saw things he wanted to record. I agree with him.  Should it have been overblown? No.

No. 7, who on Friday told the judge about a playground conflict between the jurors, confirmed that someone told the foreman to meet him outside. But it wasnt, you know, its not like that a fight was gonna break out. No, obviously not. I think it was just high tension.

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He added that the jury was inching toward a conviction regarding Manns allegations before deliberations blew up.

Mann accused Weinstein of raping her in 2013, but said she maintained a complicated relationship with the film producer for years after. Haley and Sokola said Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on them in separate incidents in 2006.

All three of the interviewed jurors said their decisions with Haley and Sokola were clear-cut, with no. 7 saying that Sokolas private alcohol recovery journal, which listed other people who she said sexually assaulted her but only listed Weinstein as someone promising help  but nothing came out of it.

Weinstein was charged with third-degree rape regarding Mann, which is punishable by up to four years in prison.

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The criminal sex act charge he was convicted for is a far more serious offense, and carries a maximum 25-year sentence. Criminal sex act, which used to be called sodomy, involves forced oral or anal sex.

Mann and Haley also took the stand in Weinsteins 2020 trial, which ended in a guilty verdict and a 23-year prison sentence. But last year, the New York State Court of Appeals overturned that conviction, saying the trial judge should have never allowed other women whose allegations were not included in the charges to testify against him and establish a pattern of predatory behavior.

Regardless of the trials outcome, Weinstein wasnt going to go free  he was sentenced to 16 years behind bars after his conviction at a 2022 trial in Los Angeles on separate rape and sexual assault charges.
NEW YORK  Chaos in the jury room led a judge Thursday to call a mistrial for the one remaining charge against disgraced film mogul Harvey Weinstein, a rape allegation by one-time actress Jessica Mann a day after he was found guilty of sexually assault in his Manhattan retrial.

After an eight-week trial in Manhattan Supreme Court, jurors found Weinstein, 73, guilty of criminal sex act against former TV production assistant Miriam Haley, but acquitted him of the same charge against a second accuser, Polish model Kaja Sokola.

But the jury couldnt reach a decision on the third accuser, one-time actress Jessica Mann, and the jury foreman refused to rejoin his fellow jurors after reporting Wednesday that he felt threatened by one of them telling him hed see me outside.

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The mistrial means prosecutors will have to decide whether to pursue Manns allegations at a third trial, again subjecting her to days of direct testimony and cross-examination on the witness stand. Mann testified at Weinsteins 2020 trial as well.

Deliberations went off the skids when it came to Mann, with the jury foreman asking on three separate occasions to speak to the judge and attorneys away from his fellow jurors.

The foreman on Wednesday told Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Curtis Farber that another juror had threatened him, You gonna see me outside during a shouting match, because he wouldnt change his position.

That led to calls for a mistrial by Weinsteins lawyer, Arthur Aidala, who said the juror was the victim of a crime and the judge should call 911.

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Farber released the jury for the day and asked them to return Thursday, but not before asking if they had reached a verdict in any of the charges  and they had, regarding Haley and Sokola.

Later, the foreman told Farber that the jury had reached a decision on Haley and Sokola days earlier, on Friday, and their decision was unanimous. When the judge asked him if hed been coerced, he said no, and responded, My own decision.

The foreman said hed be willing to return to the court building, but didnt commit to rejoining his fellow jurors in the jury room.

Mann accused Weinstein of raping her in 2013, but said she maintained a complicated relationship with the film producer for years after. Haley and Sokola said Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on them in separate incidents in 2006.

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Weinstein was charged with third-degree rape regarding Mann, which is punishable by up to four years in prison.

The criminal sex act charge he was convicted up is a far more serious offense, and carries a maximum 25-year sentence. Criminal sex act, which used to be called sodomy, involves forced anal or oral sex.

Mann and Haley also took the stand in Weinsteins 2020 trial, which ended in a guilty verdict and a 23-year prison sentence. But last year, the New York State Court of Appeals overturned that conviction, saying the trial judge should have never allowed other women whose allegations were not included in the charges to testify against him and establish a pattern of predatory behavior.

Regardless of the trials outcome, Weinstein wasnt going to go free  he was sentenced to 16 years behind bars after his conviction at a 2022 trial in Los Angeles on separate rape and sexual assault charges.
 Verdicts in. In an era of #MeToo backlash, with hyper-masculinity ruling from Washington, D.C. to Silicon Valley, the retrial of Harvey Weinstein could serve as a kind of litmus testwould his guilty verdict hold up in 2025?

Yesterday, a jury found the former Hollywood producer and convicted sexual predator guilty on the top charge he faced in New Yorkbut acquitted him of the second and failed to reach a verdict on the third.

Three womenformer production assistant Miriam Haley, former model Kaja Sokola, and Jessica Mann, who aspired to become an actressbrought claims forward against Weinstein. These werent the most headline-grabbing of Weinsteins dozens of reported offensesno celebrities involvedbut they were what ultimately brought him to justice in 2020 (as did a trial in Los Angeles, which Weinstein is appealing).

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Weinsteins attorneys were counting on the vastly different cultural moment we are in to protect the ex-mogul. As the New York Times put it, his lawyers bet that the #MeToo movement had waned enough to cast doubt on the motives and credibility of his accusers. Attorney Arthur Aidala previously said that the women who accused Weinstein were were trying to take advantage of [him]because of the impact of the #MeToo movement. Weinstein has continued to deny the allegations against him.

While accusations against Weinstein sparked the #MeToo movement, they werent its sum-total. The movement led to the passage of the Adult Survivors Act, which allowed victims of years-old abuse to come forwardincluding musician Cassie, leading to Diddys ongoing trial today.

The jury is expected to return today to deliberate on the third charge. Whatever the outcome, #MeToo is bigger than Weinsteinbut the movement can still count his partial verdict as a measured victory during a hostile political moment.

Emma Hinchliffe

emma.hinchliffe@fortune.com

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This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Theres one conviction in Harvey Weinsteins New York criminal case, but the saga continues.

A jury of 12 had found Weinstein guilty Wednesday of one count of a criminal sexual act against former Project Runway assistant Miriam Haley, but not guilty of the other count of a criminal sexual act against former model Kaja Sokola.

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The jurors were sent home Wednesday afternoon, amid inflamed tensions and one juror saying he was being threatened by others, with plans to resume deliberating the next day on the remaining charge of rape in the third degree. However, on Thursday, the juror refused to return to the deliberation room and a mistrial was called on that charge. Prosecutors said they plan to retry Weinstein on the rape charge.

The criminal sexual act conviction is a higher felony charge than rape in the third degree and carries a maximum prison sentence of 25 years. Asked why the Manhattan District Attorneys office was still pursuing the retrial charge  which will be Weinsteins third trial on that charge  DA Alvin Bragg said it was on behalf of Jessica Mann, who was the complaining witness on that charge.

Its about the survivors and, yes, Harvey Weinstein is going to be held accountable for his conduct as to Ms. Haley, and hes facing a very significant term of imprisonment for that, but the jury was not able to reach a conclusion as to Ms. Mann, and she deserves that, Bragg said.

I will never give up on myself and making sure my voice  and the truth  is heard. I have told the District Attorney I am ready, willing and able to endure this as many times as it takes for justice and accountability to be served. Today is not the end of my fight, Mann said in a statement.

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Mann also testified in Weinsteins 2020 trial, making this upcoming trial her third time on the stand. The verdict in Weinsteins 2020 rape and criminal sexual assault conviction was overturned in April 2024 after the court of appeals found the trial prejudiced Weinstein with improper rulings, including allowing women to testify about allegations that were not part of the case.

Conversely, Weinsteins attorney, Arthur Aidala, said his team is continuing to look into juror misconduct and file motions with Judge Curtis Farber to bring the jurors back in and try to find out what happened in the jury room. (He pushed for this many times over the past few days, but was denied by Farber.)

None of us have ever heard of that, where a jury is so intimidating, a grown man who was in good physical shape in his late 30s, [says], Im afraid to go back into the deliberating room. If that doesnt cast doubt on the verdicts here, I dont know what would, so this is not over, Aidala told press outside the courthouse.

The goal is to get the conviction thrown out. However, the jury had reached unanimous verdicts on the other two counts, and the foreperson had said in court that he was not coerced into those decisions.

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If that doesnt happen, Aidala plans to appeal Weinsteins conviction on the one felony charge. He added that he did not know whether Weinstein will remain at Bellevue Hospital, where hes been throughout the trial, or return to Rikers.

Aidalas team has repeatedly pointed to their clients poor health over the past months, and he said that would also be something they bring up during sentencing. Weinstein also still faces a 16-year prison sentence in California, after being convicted in 2022 of rape and other sex crimes. Aidalas team has also appealed that conviction.

Mr. Weinstein started off with a 23-year prison term when we left here on March 11 of [2020]. Those numbers are now out the window, Aidala said. Of course, Mr. Weinstein is disappointed. He has maintained his innocence from the day I met him in 2019. In 2020, when I sat next to when the verdict came in guilty on [Miriam Haley] he said to me, How could this happen? Im innocent. Im innocent. He basically said the same thing yesterday to Mr. Cibella who sat next to him.

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A New Haven man was arrested Tuesday night after allegedly threatening someone with a handgun, according to police.

Suspect charged after stabbing on Elm Street in New Haven

The incident happened at around 8 p.m. in the area of Jennings Way and Bosley Street. The victim reported that a neighbor displayed a handgun outside during an argument and threatened to shoot another person.

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Police found a .40 caliber handgun with an obliterated serial number and live ammunition on 54-year-old Musafa Bey, who is a convicted felon.

He was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a firearm or ammunition, negligent storage of a firearm, alteration of a firearm and threatening in the first degree.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The U.S. Army is marking a monumental milestone  250 years of service to the nation. 1st Lt. James Pardee is one of 219 Hawaii soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division heading to Washington, D.C. to be a part of the celebration on June 14.

Im very excited for one to travel and also to see our nations capital, Pardee said.

What to expect at the Armys 250th anniversary parade on Trumps birthday

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He is one of just a handful of soldiers representing the 25th Infantry in a national fitness competition.

The top five personnel in the whole division were chosen to be part of this team, Pardee explained. Its a great opportunity, not only to represent our battalions, our brigade, but also to present the whole division and to go off to then compete for the Army on its birthday. So for us, its a huge honor.

Festivities in Washington, D.C. include a parade along Constitution Avenue, a festival on the National Mall and a concert and fireworks display.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

For many soldiers, like SGM Andrew Porch, this milestone is more than a number. Its a tribute to generations of service, sacrifice and a steadfast commitment to protecting the freedoms Americans hold dear.

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The 250 years is older than the nation itself, Porch explained. [Its] no small feet, and we couldnt appreciate our leaders more for giving us a chance to showcase what the Army is into such a national crowd as part of it. It was the Armys birthday on June 14.

The U.S. Army of the Pacific has hosted a series of events here in Honolulu this week in honor of army heritage week, and they have a huge community day planned on June 12 at Fort DeRussy in Waikiki.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Porch said the military plans to land a Black Hawk and an Apache helicopter in the middle of Kuroda field for the event.

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The intent is to be totally hands-on, so theyll be able to climb around different vehicles and the aircraft, therell be a working dog demonstrations, Porch said. There will be multiple things down there and we encourage everybody to come out.

The free event kicks off at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on June 12. Its designed to strengthen the bond between the Army and the community it serves.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
A federal appeals court Thursday delayed an order requiring the Trump administration to return control of the California National Guard to Gov. Gavin Newsom, dealing the administration a temporary reprieve to what would have been a major reversal of its policy on the protests in Los Angeles.

Earlier Thursday, a federal judge in California issued a temporary restraining order that would have blocked Trump's deployment of California National Guard troops during protests over immigration raids in LA and returned control of the California National Guard to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who did not consent to the Guard's activation.

The order was set to take effect on noon Friday local time, but a panel of three judges on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an administrative stay of the lower courts order and set a hearing for June 17. Two of the judges on the panel were nominated by President Donald Trump, and one was nominated by former President Joe Biden.

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In a Friday morning post to Truth Social, Trump praised the appeals court's decision, saying once again "If I didnt send the Military into Los Angeles, that city would be burning to the ground right now." Newsom and local officials have said the federalization of the National Guard and deployment of the military violated the state's sovereignty, was unnecessary and has served to inflame the situation.

In its appeal to the Ninth Circuit, administration lawyers called the district judge's order "unprecedented" and an "extraordinary intrusion on the Presidents constitutional authority as Commander in Chief."

The district judge's order, which did not limit Trump's use of the Marines, called Trump's actions "illegal."

"At this early stage of the proceedings, the Court must determine whether the President followed the congressionally mandated procedure for his actions. He did not," U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said in his order granting the temporary restraining order sought by Newsom. "His actions were illegalboth exceeding the scope of his statutory authority and violating the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. He must therefore return control of the California National Guard to the Governor of the State of California forthwith."

PHOTO: President Donald Trump in the Oval Office in Washington, June 10, 2025 and California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during an address, June 10, 2025. (Getty Images/AP)

MORE: Trump's deployment of troops to LA prompts host of legal questions -- and a challenge from California

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In a press conference after the district court's order, Newsom said he was "gratified" by the ruling, saying he would return the National Guard "to what they were doing before Donald Trump commandeered them."

"The National Guard will go back to border security, working on counter drug enforcement and fentanyl enforcement, which they were taken off by Donald Trump. The National Guard will go back to working on what we refer to as the rattlesnake teams, doing vegetation and forest management, which Donald Trump took them off in preparation for wildfire season. The National Guard men and women will go back to their day jobs, which include law enforcement," Newsom's speech continued.

Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta had filed an emergency request on Tuesday to block what they called Trump and the Department of Defense's "unnecessary" and "unlawful militarization" after Trump issued a memorandum over the weekend deploying more than 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid the protests -- over objections from Newsom and other state and local officials.

What the lower court judge said in his order

In his order, Breyer pointed to protesters' First Amendment rights and said, "Just because some stray bad actors go too far does not wipe out that right for everyone. The idea that protesters can so quickly cross the line between protected conduct and 'rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States' is untenable and dangerous," he wrote.

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Breyer wrote that the protests in Los Angeles "fall far short" of the legal requirements of a "rebellion" to justify a federal deployment. Rebellions need to be armed, violent, organized, open, and aim to overturn a government, he wrote. The protests in California meet none of those conditions, he found.

"Plaintiffs and the citizens of Los Angeles face a greater harm from the continued unlawful militarization of their city, which not only inflames tensions with protesters, threatening increased hostilities and loss of life, but deprives the state for two months of its own use of thousands of National Guard members to fight fires, combat the fentanyl trade, and perform other critical functions," the judge wrote in his order.

"Regardless of the outcome of this case or any other, that alone threatens serious injury to the constitutional balance of power between the federal and state governments, and it sets a dangerous precedent for future domestic military activity," the judge wrote.

Some 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines were ordered to the Los Angeles area following protests over immigration raids. California leaders claim Trump inflamed the protests by sending in the military when it was not necessary.

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Protests have since spread to other cities, including Boston, Chicago and Seattle.

To send thousands of National Guardsmen to Los Angeles, Trump invoked Section 12406 of Title 10 of the U.S. Code on Armed Services, which allows a federal deployment in response to a "rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States." In his order, Trump said the troops would protect federal property and federal personnel who are performing their functions.

The judge did not decide whether the military's possible involvement in immigration enforcement -- by being present with ICE agents during raids -- violates the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which bars the military from performing civilian law enforcement. The judge said he would hear additional arguments on that point at a hearing next week.

During a court hearing earlier Thursday, Breyer said during Thursday's 70-minute hearing that the main issue before him was whether the president complied with the Title 10 statute and that the National Guard was "properly federalized."

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The federal government maintained that the president did comply while also arguing that the statute is not justiciable and the president has complete discretion. The judge was asked not to issue an injunction that would "countermand the president's military judgments."

Meanwhile, the attorney on behalf of the state of California and Newsom said their position is that the National Guard was not lawfully federalized, and that the president deploying troops in the streets of a civilian city in response to perceived disobedience was an "expansive, dangerous conception of federal executive power."

MORE: Protests live updates: Americans split over support of LA protests, poll finds

Bonta additionally argued in the emergency filing that Trump failed to meet the legal requirements for such a federal deployment.

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"To put it bluntly, there is no invasion or rebellion in Los Angeles; there is civil unrest that is no different from episodes that regularly occur in communities throughout the country, and that is capable of being contained by state and local authorities working together," Bonta wrote.

Breyer had earlier declined California's request to issue a temporary restraining order immediately and instead set the hearing for Thursday afternoon in San Francisco and gave the Trump administration the time they requested to file a response.

In their response, Department of Justice lawyers asked the judge to deny Newsom's request for a temporary restraining order that would limit the military to protecting federal buildings, arguing such an order would amount to a "rioters' veto to enforcement of federal law."

"The extraordinary relief Plaintiffs request would judicially countermand the Commander in Chief's military directives -- and would do so in the posture of a temporary restraining order, no less. That would be unprecedented. It would be constitutionally anathema. And it would be dangerous," they wrote.

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They also argued California should not "second-guess the President's judgment that federal reinforcements were necessary" and that a federal court should defer to the president's discretion on military matters.

PHOTO: California National Guard are positioned at the Federal Building on Tuesday, June 11, 2025, in downtown Los Angeles. (Eric Thayer/AP)

MORE: How the immigration protests in Los Angeles started

Trump on Tuesday defended his decision to send in the National Guard and Marines, saying the situation in LA was "out of control."

"All I want is safety. I just want a safe area," he told reporters. "Los Angeles was under siege until we got there. The police were unable to handle it."

Trump went on to suggest that he sent in the National Guard and the Marines to send a message to other cities not to interfere with ICE operations or they will be met with equal or greater force.

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"If we didn't attack this one very strongly, you'd have them all over the country," he said. "But I can inform the rest of the country that when they do it, if they do it, they're going to be met with equal or greater force than we met right here."

ABC News' Jeffrey Cook and Peter Charalambous, Alyssa Pone and Alexandra Hutzler contributed to this report.

Appeals court delays order blocking Trump National Guard deployment in California originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Oakley Blasdel, a registered nurse with Albuquerque nonprofit Health Care for the Homeless, examines a patient during summer outreach. Providers and experts are worried about hotter temperatures and greater risk for unhoused New Mexicans. (Courtesy of Health Care for the Homeless / Sara Lucero)

High heat can impact anyones health, but new research shows people experiencing homelessness face increased risk.

Dr. Taylor Weckstein, a graduate of Harvard medical school, last year worked for several weeks in residency at the Indian Health Services in Shiprock, New Mexico. Her work included outreach trips in triple-degree weather. She saw people experience burns from concrete, severe dehydration and heat stroke, and the experience stayed with her.

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After seeing the suffering of some of the patients, I thought it would be really important to try and have data to look at these really stark health implications, Weckstein told Source.

On June 9, the Journal of the American Medical Association published research Weckstein co-authored based on national emergency room visitation data in 2021 and 2022, which found homeless people visited emergency rooms for heat illness or injury at a rate 27 times higher than other people. While Weckstein expected homeless individuals to face greater exposure rates, the stark disparity surprised her.

Heat stroke and heat-related-illness are preventable conditions and its pretty tragic that all those individuals are exposed to such dangerous levels of heat because theres a lack of affordable housing, Weckstein said. As were trying to combat climate change, we need to consider which populations are most affected and how we can advocate for human-centered policies to protect those who are at greatest risk.

Weckstein said further research is needed to better understand the scope of the issue and possibly break it out into regional trends.

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If anything, this research probably was an undercount of the magnitude of the problem, Weckstein said, noting researchers only tracked heat-illness specific codes, and didnt capture how extreme heat worsens kidney or heart conditions.

The study comes as New Mexico braces for a hot weekend  and rising temperatures in the years to come.

As were trying to combat climate change, we need to consider which populations are most affected and how we can advocate for human-centered policies to protect those who are at greatest risk.

  Dr. Taylor Weckstein

We have to be proactive, rather than reactive

Dangerously hot temperatures forecasted in the coming days have nonprofit advocates and providers bracing for life or death impacts to unhoused people in New Mexicos largest cities. Advocates said governments at all levels need policies, funding and data to better address the threat.

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According to the National Weather Service Heat Risk Map, Albuquerque this weekend could hit triple-digit temperatures for the first time this year, and Las Cruces highs are projected to reach 103 and 104 degrees for several days, with nighttime temperatures hovering at 70 degrees  making it harder for the body to cool off.

Local New Mexico officials said theyre monitoring for heat threats and ready to take action during extreme heat.

But its the overall hotter temperatures as a result of climate change that pose a continued threat, not just triple-digit days, said Nathaniel Matthews-Trigg, a board member for nonprofit Healthy Climate New Mexico.

In New Mexico when the temperature reaches 90 degrees, we see emergency visits increase for heat, so really, any time youre getting into the 90s, there is a risk, Matthews-Trigg said.

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Rio Rancho, Albuquerque and Las Cruces recently topped a USA Today analysis of cities with the largest increase of high-heat days  90 degrees and upward  since 1985: 39, 36 and 31 more such days, respectively.

Matthews-Trigg said rising heat threats, particularly for unsheltered people with substance use disorders and mental illness, mean that cities need to do more to offer cooler spaces, water and support.

All of those organizations that are working with those most vulnerable, we need to bring them in on the conversation and really intentionally plan, he said. We cant just leave it for the emergency to occur and then we do something; we have to be proactive, rather than reactive.

Matt Reese, a nurse practitioner with Health Care for the Homeless, examines a patient in Albuquerque during summer outreach. (Courtesy of Health Care for the Homeless / Sara Lucero)

Life or death implications

Local officials in Albuquerque and Las Cruces told Source they are monitoring the heat risk situation this weekend, but as of Wednesday did not plan to extend cooling center hours, unless a power outage or further needs arise.

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When its very hot, it has life or death implications for people living on the street.

  Rachel Biggs, chief strategy officer for Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless

Dona Ana Assistant County Manager Steven Lopez said recent temperatures have not reached a threshold of 105 degrees on the heat index, also known as the feels like temperature. The county requires those high temperatures for several days to provide additional cooling sites, he said.

Outreach teams, which deliver water, hygiene kits, food and other supplies will be out late on Friday to help people get stocked up for the weekend, according to Nicole Martinez, the executive director with Mesilla Valley Community of Hope in Las Cruces.

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Community of Hope operates an outdoor tent-shelter area, adding more shaded areas and misters. Martinez described a couple of close calls, with people overheating in the courtyard.

It seems like were constantly assessing for heat exposure, she said.

In Albuquerque, which the USA Today report described as one of the hottest places in the country, city officials emphasized long-term goals to address heat, such as planting more trees to increase shade and the ordinance requiring landlords to ensure rental units have cooling systems.

Services for homeless residents include increased outreach with delivery of water and supplies, along with increased referrals and transportation to city and nonprofit-run shelters, said Matthew Whelan, the deputy chief administrative officer at the city.

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When theres extreme weather, it is always a concern for everyone in the city, but absolutely folks that are experiencing homelessness or at the top of that list, said City of Albuquerque spokesperson Staci Drangmeister. The city has moved away from opening up temporary cooling centers, as we have built out some more permanent infrastructure to support people and keep people out of the elements.

Access to the Gateway Center, located on the far Westside, presents a hurdle for people spread throughout the city, said Rachel Biggs, chief strategy officer for Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless, a nonprofit that offers health care for unhoused people.

I think theres still a need beyond what the shelter is able to provide, Biggs said. Especially during these really challenging times when its very hot, it has life or death implications for people living on the street.

Biggs said Albuquerque could learn from Arizonas responses to extreme heat and homelessness. She pointed to that states strategy of prepositioning supplies before heat events. More water, towels and multiple cool-down areas required additional funding and resources, but the strategy contributed to lower heat deaths in Arizona last year for the first time in decades. Better responses for heat impacts such as education on heat safety, along with distributing sunscreen, water and protective clothing, help triage, but fail to address the root problem.

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We have the solution, Biggs said. Its housing. If we all come together at all levels of government working together to provide access to affordable housing for everyone that needs it, we will see an impact on our health systems, on mortality.

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PALESTINE, Texas (KETK)  A water waste spill has occurred in Palestine near Wells Creek Lake Wednesday evening.

Traffic Alert: Multiple 18-wheeler wrecks on I-20 causing delays

According to the city, the water waste spill was caused by heavy rains and flooding over the last few days. An estimated 100,000 gallons of waste water was lost but the drinking water systems have not been affected.

The Texas Commission of Environmental Quality has recommended:

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Residents using private wells for drinking water which are located within half a mile of the spill site or within the potentially affected area should use only water that has been distilled or boiled at a rolling boil at least one minute for all personal uses including drinking, cooking, bathing, and brushing teeth. Individuals with private water wells should have their well water tested and disinfected, if necessary, prior to discontinuing distillation or boiling.

Avoid contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the spill.

If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil, or water potentially affected by the spill, bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible.

For updates, check the City of Palestine website or contact 903-731-8423.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused Thursday to answer a simple question about the Trump administrations plans for Greenland, implying that the U.S. military has drawn up plans to take the country by force.

While testifying before the House Armed Services Committee, Republican Representative Mike Turner gave Hegseth the opportunity to clarify the Trump administrations position on taking military action to acquire Greenlandbut the secretary refused to deny rumors of a potential invasion.

While youre here, I just want to help you out because people try to twist your words, said Turner. You are not confirming in your testimony today that at the Pentagon there are plans for invading or taking by force Greenland, correct? That is not your testimony today?

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All my testimony is, is that the Pentagon has plans for any number of contingencies, Hegseth replied simply.

It is not your testimony today that there are plans at the Pentagon for taking by force or invading Greenland? Turner asked, sounding incredulous. Cause I sure as hell hope that it is not your testimony

We look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is secured from any potential threat, Hegseth responded, still giving no clear answer.

Turner yielded his time back to the chair.

Hegseths position should only come as a surprise to those who still wish to believe that Trump is kidding about his fantasies of annexing the massive, mineral-rich Arctic island, which the president has claimed the U.S. absolutely needs to wrest from Denmarks control in order to establish international peace.

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But to the hammer Hegseth and his so-called warrior ethos, every problem seems to be a nail, and every acquisition a potential invasion. The Trump administration also previously asked the U.S. military to draw up options for retaking the Panama Canal, and Trump has said he wouldnt rule out the use of military force to seize Greenland.

Hegseths revelation also comes just hours after the Danish government approved the construction of U.S. military bases on Danish soil. The Trump administration is also planning to move Greenland under the protection of its U.S. Northern Command, rather than the U.S. European Commanda symbolic change to incorporate the Danish territory.

The White House also has plans to conduct an expensive public relations campaign to convince Greenlanders that they actually want to be Americans.
Five new institutions sign cooperation agreements with the National Space Science Center (NSSC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the lead institute of the International Meridian Circle Program (IMCP), at a forum held during the Second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, June 12, 2025. (Xinhua)

CHENGDU, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The international scientific community has launched a program that will utilize diverse observation methods and a global network to drive groundbreaking theoretical innovations and technological advancements in space weather research, aiming to enhance global capabilities in alleviating space weather hazards.

Five new institutions on Thursday signed cooperation agreements with the National Space Science Center (NSSC) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the lead institute of the International Meridian Circle Program (IMCP), at a forum held during the Second Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The signatory institutions include international organizations, universities and research institutes, namely the Scientific Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Physics, the Korea Polar Research Institute, the National Space Research and Development Agency in Nigeria, the King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang in Thailand and Muni University in Uganda. Within the framework of the IMCP Big Science Program, 36 cooperation agreements and collaborative intentions have been reached with a wide range of international organizations and research institutions, according to the NSSC.

Wang Chi, an academician of the CAS and head of the IMCP, explained that Earth's space environment is a critical domain for aerospace, communications and navigation, as well as space exploration and utilization.

Influenced by solar activities, the space environment can undergo abrupt, frequent and violent disturbances, and can even trigger non-traditional natural disasters. These disturbances are referred to as space weather. As a global phenomenon, space weather affects the entire geospace and all human activities, posing a shared challenge for mankind, Wang said.

"To tackle this global challenge, it is imperative to unite worldwide space weather monitoring and research efforts in conducting collaborative scientific research to understand the fundamental physical processes and dynamic mechanisms that govern space weather," Wang noted.

The program will operate for more than 11 years to cover a complete solar cycle, enabling comprehensive detection of geospace and thorough study of space weather. During this period, the IMCP will develop into a global space weather research community, Wang added.

By establishing an integrated observation system spanning from the sun to the Earth's upper atmosphere, the program will deliver unique solutions useful for understanding planetary habitability and promoting the peaceful use of outer space, said Wang.

In March 2025, the Chinese Meridian Project-Phase II, a large-scale national scientific infrastructure project led by the NSSC, officially passed national acceptance, marking the establishment of the world's most comprehensive ground-based regional monitoring network for space weather. This system provides continuous and reliable observational data for space environment detection and forecasting over China's territory.

Building upon the Chinese Meridian Project, Chinese scientists originally proposed the initiative to establish the most complete ground monitoring chain along the meridian circle at 120 degrees east longitude to 60 degrees west longitude, thereby expanding into a globally integrated, multi-disciplinary, multi-parameter detection network. This enables full-latitude, all-weather and continuous observations of the solar-terrestrial space environment.

By integrating space-based observations, this effort will deepen research into the characteristics and laws of change in geospace, uncover mechanisms driven by both solar eruptions and human activities, develop data-driven global space weather models and high-precision forecasting products, and provide scientific support for mitigating global space weather disasters, the peaceful use of space, and the advancement of a shared future for mankind in outer space, Wang said.

To achieve these scientific objectives, the IMCP will establish the IMCP International Organization to coordinate implementation of this big science program through core tasks including conducting innovative research, organizing synchronized monitoring, building an open data sharing platform and deepening international cooperation, he noted. 
June 11 (UPI) -- The proposed Department of Defense budget puts "America first" while addressing Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.

Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine fielded questions during a more than 2-hour hearing regarding the proposed $961.6 billion DOD budget for the 2026 fiscal year.

The Defense Department is improving pay, housing, healthcare and other services to improve the quality of life for military members and their families, Hegseth told committee members.

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"This budget puts America first and gives our warriors what they need," he said during his opening statement.

The proposed budget request also would "end four years of chronic underinvestment in our military by the Biden administration," Hegseth added.

Ranking member Sen. Chris Coons D-Del. (L), and Sen. Mitch McConnell R-Ky., listen to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth explains how the 2026 Defense Department's budget request would improve U.S. and global security. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

Russia and the Ukraine war

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., opened the hearing with questions about the Ukraine War, including who is the aggressor and preferred outcomes.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine told committee members Iran would use a nuclear weapon to pressure Israel to make concessions but doesn't know if it would attack Israel with it. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

Hegseth said Russia is the aggressor and China would prefer to keep the conflict going as long as possible to distract from its moves in the Indo-Pacific region.

Europe needs to do more to defend its territory against Russian aggression, Hegseth said, and the United States must remain strategic in its handling of the war while addressing matters in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies during a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., cited ongoing Russian aggression against civilian targets in Ukraine as evidence that Russia has no intention of ending the war there.

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The 2026 budget request eliminates aid to Ukraine, while senators are working to impose more sanctions on Russia, Coons said.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies during a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

"What message do you think it sends" when Russia "attacks civilian centers in Ukraine and the United States does not send additional air defense and interceptors to Ukraine?" Coons asked.

Hegseth said arms are still flowing to Ukraine, but other NATO allies are not doing enough to end the war.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (C) testifies during a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

"You're not a real coalition, you're not a real defense alliance, unless you have real defense capability and real armies that can bring those to bear," Hegseth said.

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"That's a reality that Europe is waking up to quickly," he added, "and we're glad."

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies during a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI

Coons said the United States should not negotiate a cease-fire in Ukraine "at any cost" and instead should continue supporting Ukraine to achieve an enduring peace.

"Putin will only stop when we stop him," Coons said. "The best way to stop him is through a stronger NATO."

Chinese military threats and Hegseth's DOD leadership

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said China has more than 400 warships and is rapidly expanding its fleet versus 293 ships for the United States.

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She asked why the Defense Department only seeks funding to build two submarines and an ocean surveillance ship, plus some destroyers.

Hegseth said the 2026 budget request reflects a 13% increase for investing in national defense over the current fiscal year.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., then questioned Hegseth's leadership.

"I am repeatedly hearing that your policy and personnel changes at the Pentagon are only undermining [and] not strengthening our military's preparedness to protect our country," Murray said.

She accused Hegseth of using the military to police areas in the United States, including sending the National Guard and Marines to California to use against "peaceful protesters."

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Murray then asked Hegseth if the Defense Department would continue to fire shipbuilders, which he denied it has done.

"We are investing historically in our shipbuilding defense industrial base and workforce and ships in this budget," Hegseth said.

Murray said the Navy is firing shipbuilder staff in the state of Washington and accused it of asking welders if they ever donated to the Democratic Party.

Hegseth said no welders are subject to litmus tests to work on naval projects and denied that political questions are asked.

Iranian, Russian, Chinese and North Korean coalition

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., asked Hegseth and Caine if the world is underestimating Iran's intent to "kill all the Jews," including using a nuclear weapon against Israel if Iran had one.

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Caine said Iran would use one to pressure Israel but doesn't know if Iran would use it to "wipe out Israel."

Hegseth said a radical cleric in Iran would use one to wipe out Israel.

"They're going to use a nuclear weapon if they get it," Graham said.

He also asked if China intends to "take Taiwan by force if necessary."

Hegseth said the DOD doesn't know that China has made the decision to do so.

Caine suggested China might use military force against Taiwan, and the United States needs to prepare for it.

Coons said China, Russia, North Korea and Iran are aligned and pose the greatest threat to world peace since the Cold War.

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He cited Ukraine as an example of the future of warfare, but said the Department of Defense is "internally divided" and operating on a continuing resolution for the first time.

The current state within the Defense Department "cannot continue," Coons added.

Next-generation fighter and collaborative drones are planned

The Defense Department also wants to spend $4 billion during the 2026 fiscal year to develop the F-47 fighter and "collaborative combat" drone aircraft, according to DefenseScoop.

The $4 billion request is just part of the 2026 budget request, but the amount of the entire proposed budget has not been released.

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The Air Force wants to spend $3.5 billion on the F-47 fighter project, which would give it a fighter capable of exceeding Mach 2 with a range of more than 1,000 nautical miles.

The current F-22 and F-35A fighter jets have top speeds of greater than Mach 2 and Mach 1.6 and ranges of 590 and 670 nautical miles, respectively.

The Air Force wants to buy up to 185 F-47 fighters during the program's duration.

The Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program would promote the development of next-generation drone aircraft that are capable of flying with the manned F-47 and other next-generation fighters.
Editors note: This report has been updated to include remarks Hegseth made later in Thursdays hearing after the reports initial publication.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initially sidestepped questions from a lawmaker on whether he would obey a court were it to rule that the Trump administrations recent deployment of active-duty troops to Los Angeles was illegal.

What I can say is we should not have local judges determining foreign policy and national security policy in the country, Hegseth said, testifying Thursday before the House Armed Services Committee.

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The secretary responded to questions from Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who pressed on the controversial use of military forces in the city in response to protests against the administrations immigration crackdown.

Youre not willing to say you would respect those decisions, Khanna asked, referencing potential rulings by a district court and the Supreme Court.

What Im saying is: Local district judges shouldnt make foreign policy for the United States, Hegseth said.

LA deployments to cost $134 million and last 60 days, Pentagon says

Later, when pressed again on the issue by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., Hegseth stepped back from his earlier position.

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Were not here to defy a Supreme Court ruling, he said.

In reference to other immigration cases, the administration has argued that courts are overstepping their authority by challenging the governments foreign policy role. Still, any deployments on U.S. soil are domestic policy and governed by law prohibiting troops from conducting law enforcement  that is unless the president invokes the Insurrection Act.

The Pentagon has approved 4,000 federalized National Guard troops and 700 Marines to protect immigration agents and federal property in Los Angeles, responding to a weekend of protests around the administrations deportation policies.

Hegseth has approved the deployments without the approval of local officials  something that hasnt occurred in 60 years. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has sued to remove the troops, with the case now before a district court.

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In previous testimony this week, Hegseth said the deployments will last 60 days, and a Pentagon official speaking alongside him estimated they would cost $134 million.

Hegseth also said Wednesday that the military was prepared to deploy troops in other cities in response to other protests, which have spread since the weekend.

Part of it is getting ahead of a problem, so that if in other places  if there are other riots in places where law enforcement officers are threatened  we would have the capability to surge National Guard there if necessary," Hegseth said.

The administrations executive order approving the deployments said that the president could send troops to cities where protests were ongoing or likely to occur, envisioning a far broader domestic use of American forces than in past administrations.
Pete Hegseth would not deny that the Pentagon has plans for the potential invasions of Greenland or Panama.

The defense secretary turned heads with his response while testifying on Capitol Hill before the House Armed Services Committee on Thursday, his third day of hearings before lawmakers.

Democratic Ranking Member Adam Smith brought up Trumps talk of the U.S. taking over control of the Panama Canal and Greenland since returning to office.

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Is it the policy of the Department of Defense that we need to be prepared to take Greenland and Panama by force if necessary. Is this a policy you have within the Department of Defense in accordance with the presidents wishes? Smith asked.

The question kicked off a heated exchange during which Hegseth did not deny the Pentagon had plans to take the countries by force.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee on June 12, 2025 where he was grilled over plans to invade Greenland or Panama. / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

During the testy exchange, the defense secretary said: Panama is very key terrain that weve focused on and been willing to focus on, as is Greenland.

Our job at the DoD is to have plans, Hegseth also told Smith.

Do you have a plan for that? the congressman asked again.

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Our job at the Defense Department is to have plans for any particular contingency, Hegseth repeated.

Including the contingency of basically invading Denmark? Adam countered.

Any contingency you need, weve got it. Weve got a building full of planners, and were prepared to give recommendations whenever needed, Hegseth said.

The congressman asked for clarification that there are plans to take Panama and Greenland by force if necessary.

I think the American people would want the Pentagon to have plans for any particular contingency, and thankfully, we are in the planning business, the defense secretary insisted.

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Hegseths refusal to deny there are plans for invading Greenland and Panama even stunned Republicans. Congressman Mike Turner brought it up and tried to help him out so that people did not twist his words.

You are not confirming in your testimony today that at the Pentagon, there are plans for invading or taking by force Greenland, correct? That is not your testimony today? Turner asked.

All my testimony is that the Pentagon has plans for any number of contingencies, Hegseth responded.

It is not your testimony today that there are plans at the Pentagon for taking by force or invading Greenland, correct? the congressman repeated. Because I sure as hell hope that it is not your testimony.

Hegseth responded: We look forward to working with Greenland to make sure that it is secured from any potential threat.

The response appeared to satisfy Turner.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to acknowledge that the Pentagon has developed plans to take over Greenland and Panama by force if necessary but refused to answer repeated questions at a hotly combative congressional hearing Thursday about his use of Signal chats to discuss military operations.

Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee repeatedly got into heated exchanges with Hegseth, with some of the toughest lines of questioning coming from military veterans as many demanded yes or no answers and he tried to avoid direct responses about his actions as Pentagon chief.

In one back-and-forth, Hegseth did provide an eyebrow-raising answer. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., asked whether the Pentagon has developed plans to take Greenland or Panama by force if necessary.

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Our job at the Defense Department is to have plans for any contingency, Hegseth said several times.

It is not unusual for the Pentagon to draw up contingency plans for conflicts that have not arisen, but his handling of the questions prompted a Republican lawmaker to step in a few minutes later.

It is not your testimony today that there are plans at the Pentagon for taking by force or invading Greenland, correct? said Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio.

As Hegseth started to repeat his answer about contingency plans, Turner added emphatically, I sure as hell hope that is not your testimony.

We look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is secured from any potential threats, Hegseth responded.

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Time and again, lawmakers pressed Hegseth to answer questions he has avoided for months, including during the two previous days of hearings on Capitol Hill. And frustration boiled over.

"Youre an embarrassment to this country. Youre unfit to lead," Rep. Salud Carbajal snapped, the California Democrat's voice rising. You should just get the hell out.

GOP lawmakers on several occasions apologized to Hegseth for the Democrats' sharp remarks, saying he should not be subject to such flagrant disrespect. Hegseth said he was happy to take the arrows to make tough calls and do what's best.

Questions emerge on Signal chats and if details Hegseth shared were classified

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Hegseth's use of two Signal chats to discuss details of the U.S. plans to strike Houthi rebels in Yemen with other U.S. leaders as well as members of his family prompted dizzying exchanges with lawmakers.

Hegseth was pressed multiple times over whether or not he shared classified information and if he should face accountability if he did.

Hegseth argued that the classification markings of any information about those military operations could not be discussed with lawmakers.

That became a quick trap, as Hegseth has asserted that nothing he posted  on strike times and munitions dropped in March  was classified. His questioner, Rep. Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat and Marine veteran, jumped on the disparity.

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You can very well disclose whether or not it was classified, Moulton said.

Whats not classified is that it was an incredible, successful mission, Hegseth responded.

A Pentagon watchdog report on his Signal use is expected soon.

Moulton asked Hegseth whether he would hold himself accountable if the inspector general finds that he placed classified information on Signal, a commercially available app.

Hegseth would not directly say, only noting that he serves at the pleasure of the president.

He was asked if he would apologize to the mother of a pilot flying the strike mission for jeopardizing the operation and putting her sons life at risk. Hegseth said, I dont apologize for success.

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Trump's speech at Fort Bragg raises Democratic concerns about politics in the military

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who appeared along Hegseth, was questioned about Trump's speech at Fort Bragg this week and whether the military was becoming politicized.

The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from participating in political activity while in uniform. Members of the 82nd Airborne Division were directed to stand behind Trump at Fort Bragg, and they booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden.

There also was a pop-up MAGA merchandise stand selling souvenirs to troops in uniform.

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Caine repeatedly said U.S. service members must be apolitical but that he was unaware of anything that happened at Fort Bragg.

Hegseth is pressed about policies on women in uniform and transgender troops

Hegseth got into a sharp debate about whether women and transgender service members should serve in the military or combat jobs.

He said he has worked to remove diversity programs and political correctness from the military. He said he has not politicized the military but simply wants the most capable troops.

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., demanded to know if Hegseth believes that both men and women can pull a trigger, cause death, operate a drone or launch a missile.

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It depends on the context, Hegseth said, adding that women carry equipment differently, a 155 round differently, a rucksack differently.

Hegseth, who has previously said women straight up should not serve in combat, asserted that women have joined the military in record numbers under the Trump administration. He said the military standards should be high and equal.

He also was asked about three female service members  now being forced out as part of the Pentagon's move to ban transgender troops.

Hegseth agreed that their accomplishments  which Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., read out  were to be celebrated, until he learned they were transgender.

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Republican lawmakers jumped to his defense, criticizing any Pentagon spending on gender transition surgery.

Democrats ask about plans for action against Greenland and Panama

President Donald Trump has said multiple times that he wants to take control of Greenland, a strategic, mineral-rich island and long a U.S. ally. Those remarks have been met with flat rejections from the leaders of Greenland, an autonomous territory that is part of Denmark.

Greenland is not for sale, Jacob Isbosethsen, Greenlands representative to the U.S, said Thursday at a forum in Washington sponsored by the Arctic Institute.

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In an effort not to show the Pentagons hand on its routine effort to have plans for everything, Hegseth danced around the direct question from Smith, leading to the confusion.

Speaking on behalf of the American people, I dont think the American people voted for President Trump because they were hoping we would invade Greenland, Smith said.

___

AP writer David Klepper in Washington contributed to this report.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday that he would obey a Supreme Court order to remove troops from Los Angeles but declined to show similar deference to other courts considering the issue.

The Pentagon chief initially deflected when asked at a House Armed Services Committee hearing whether he would abide by a courts decision if it determined President Donald Trumps deployment of National Guard troops and Marines was unlawful.

What I can say is we should not have local judges determining foreign policy or national security policy for the country, Hegseth said.

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But the Defense secretary later clarified that he would obey a decision from the high court.

We're not here to defy a Supreme Court ruling, he said.

The comments mirror other officials who have criticized court rulings that go against the Trump administration, often directing withering criticism at lower-court judges while vowing deference to the justices.

Trump has ordered the Pentagon to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel in response to mass deportation protests. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has said the troops are not necessary, is suing to remove them.

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The Trump administration, in a filing Wednesday, urged a federal judge to reject the lawsuit, calling it a crass political stunt.

The matter is pending before U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, who has an emergency hearing scheduled Thursday afternoon. Breyer declined Newsoms request to immediately block Hegseth from using troops to support immigration arrests in Los Angeles.

The issue marked a flashpoint during the third budget hearing this week for Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine, which ranged from Ukraine aid to Hegseths efforts to root out diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the department.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) repeatedly pressed Hegseth on whether he would follow a court ruling. You're not willing to say you would respect those decisions? Khanna asked.

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Hegseth replied: What I'm saying is local district judges shouldn't make foreign policy.

Newsom reposted a video of the exchange on social media platform X. This is not normal, he said.

If Breyer sides with Newsom, the administration would likely appeal any order to limit the deployment to a California appeals court and then to the Supreme Court.

The Defense secretary, in separate congressional testimony on Wednesday, suggested the administration could deploy troops elsewhere to assist in roundups and deportations. At that hearing, he wasnt able to immediately cite the legal justification for the deployments.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday would not rule out the possibility of a future military invasion of Greenland and Panama, suggesting to lawmakers the Pentagon may have plans for such a future strike.

Appearing before the House Armed Services Committee, Hegseth asserted the department plans for any particular contingency and said, I think the American people would want the Pentagon to have plans for anything.

Pressed by Republican lawmakers to dismiss the possibility of such a U.S. military attack on Greenland or Panama, Hegseth reiterated that the Pentagon has plans for any number of contingencies and that officials look forward to working with Greenland to ensure that it is secured from any potential threats.

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Democrats on the panel scoffed at those answers.

I dont think the American people voted for President Trump because they were hoping we would invade Greenland, said committee ranking member, Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash. The message this sends to the rest of the world is one that the U.S. is purely in it for itself, and does not care about alliances.

Space Force commander fired after email DOD says undermined JD Vance

The issue of possible U.S. military intervention to take over Greenland, Panama, Canada and other allied territories has been a point of concern for months among critics of President Donald Trump.

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On social media and in White House comments, Trump has stated multiple times that Denmark should surrender control of Greenland for the good of global security, and that Canada should become the 51st state in the American union.

Administration officials have downplayed those comments.

Hegseth, in his first appearance before the committee, avoided directly responding to the claims, but said the United States government has significant interest in protecting the areas from Chinese influence or manipulation.

Earlier this week, Denmarks Parliament approved legislation to allow new U.S. military bases on Danish soil, broadening an existing previous military agreement between the countries.

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But Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen in recent months has vowed to oppose any U.S. efforts to take over the Danish territory.

The Pentagon, meanwhile, is likely to shift Greenland from U.S. European Command to U.S. Northern Command, the military body responsible for defense of the American homeland, Mexico and Canada.

The change itself only involves redrawing the maps of U.S. combatant commands and handing over responsibility for the military forces in Greenland, but it has caused angst among some in Denmark who think the administration is trying to draw the territory closer to America.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to say Thursday whether he would follow a federal district court order if it rules that the Trump administration's troop deployments to Los Angeles are illegal.

"What I can say is that we should not have local judges determining foreign policy or national security policy for the country," Hegseth said in response to a question from Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., during a House Armed Services Committee hearing.

Asked again by Khanna whether he would respect a court decision, Hegseth reiterated that, "What I'm saying is local district judges shouldn't make foreign policy for the United States."

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When pressed later in the hearing by Rep. Sarah Elfreth, D-Md., specifically whether he would follow a Supreme Court ruling, Hegseth said, "We're not here to defy a Supreme Court ruling."

Hegseth's evasiveness on Khanna's questions was part of a pattern of dodging inquiries from Democrats on Thursday.

Among the topics where Hegseth did not provide direct answers: his disclosure of real-time attack plans on the unclassified messaging app Signal; whether he believes women are capable of "lethality," one of his favorite buzzwords; why he and the president have fired several top military officers; and whether it is Pentagon policy to be prepared to invade Greenland and Panama, as President Donald Trump has sometimes floated.

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Thursday capped off a week of congressional testimony for Hegseth, who faced pointed questions at each hearing about the Trump administration's decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles to respond to protests against immigration raids.

Trump ordered about 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to protect federal property and immigration officers from the protests, which have been punctuated by some violence but have been largely peaceful and confined to a few blocks in downtown LA.

The deployments were done over the objections of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who quickly filed a lawsuit alleging Trump illegally usurped state authority.

The Justice Department, in a court filing Wednesday, called Newsom's lawsuit a "crass political stunt." A court hearing on the lawsuit was taking place Thursday afternoon.

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The Trump administration has repeatedly violated court orders since taking office in January, particularly on cases related to immigration, one of the top issues he campaigned on.

Trump and other administration officials have sought to differentiate between lower court rulings, which they maintain have run amok and shouldn't dictate nationwide policy, and the Supreme Court, which they have said they would respect.

But the Trump administration has also ignored the Supreme Court.

After the Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration had to "facilitate" the return of a man wrongly deported to El Salvador, administration officials spent months claiming they couldn't bring him back and did not have to. The man was ultimately brought back to the United States last week and charged with transporting undocumented immigrants.

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The Pentagon, though, has been following court orders, such as waiting until after the Supreme Court ruled in its favor to enforce the Trump administration's ban on transgender troops.

In response to Hegseth's comments at the hearing Thursday, Newsom posted on social media that "this is not normal."

Related: Marines Authorized to Temporarily Detain Protesters in LA, Raising Legal Concerns
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- Local area businesses and organizations are invited to attend a free lunch event as part of the Henderson Kentucky Chamber of Commerces Business Success Series.

North using grit as motivation ahead of Semi-State

The Lunch and Learn: Marketing event will take place on June 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Henderson County Public Library. The event will cover trends in marketing, including how to be found online, building trust with target marketing, advertising options, and more.

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NEED TO KNOW

A rescue dog befriended a man about to experience a medical emergency

At The Friends of Campbell County Animal Control's event, Sienna spotted the man, stood alongside him and placed her paw on his leg, refusing to leave his side.

Since her story was shared on Facebook, Sienna's adoption fees have been paid but she is still in search of her forever home.







A shelter dog is being praised after befriending a man who was about to experience a medical emergency.

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A former stray dog named Sienna was making her rounds, greeting people at a Campbell County shelter event in Virginia when she noticed something was off with one of the visitors, The Friends of Campbell County Animal Control wrote in a Facebook post.

Sienna knew. Before any human saw the signs, she knew, the shelter team wrote about the extraordinary moment that took place over the weekend.

Sienna proved her intuition when all at once, she gently broke away from the crowd and walked straight up to a man she had never met, the post continued. "She sat quietly at his feet, refused to budge, and softly placed her paw on his leg. It wasnt a trick. It wasnt prompted.

A few minutes later, Sienna began pawing at the man's leg," Barbe Shackleford, Director of Friends of Campbell County Animal Control told CBS affiliate WDJB.

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Soon after, the mans wife returned to her husbands side finding that he was experiencing a medical emergency.

My husband is either having a seizure or is about to have one! she said.

The four-legged hero was never trained to detect seizures, but somehow she just knew something was wrong.

This is the kind of magic that shelter dogs carry inside them  unspoken wisdom, deep empathy, and an unfailing ability to connect with us in our most vulnerable moments, the shelter's Facebook post added.

Friends of Campbell County Animal Control/Facebook Sienna detected a man's medical emergency during a shelter event Sienna detected a man's medical emergency during a shelter event

In the comments section, a woman named Kristen Davis wrote that it was in fact her husband who Sienna approached and befriended that day.

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Davis said that morning her husband experienced multiple myoclonic seizures all morning, and that after they left the event he went home to rest and he felt a lot better.

According to Davis, their family has searched for a dog that can detect seizures, but since they already have three dogs they arent able to adopt a fourth.

We simply don't have the room or resources to take on another pup, Davis wrote. We pray someone finds her a forever home!

The shelter gave an update that Siennas heroic story brought donations that covered her adoption fees, but that she is still in search of a forever home.

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.

A family out there needs her as much as she needs them! FCCAC wrote in the update.

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The shelter found Sienna in downtown Altavista and she was never claimed, WDJB reported. The shelter believes Sienna is around 4 or 5 years old and that shes mothered multiple litters of puppies.

Shes totally house-trained, which is always amazing anyway, but we have no idea what her training was. Somebody had taught her to sit, they had taught her to give a paw, and then to just sit there nicely. So maybe she had a background in it, we have no idea, Shackleford told the news station.

I know there are dogs that go to training to learn to identify different odors and different electrical pulses in people, but Ive never seen one do it innately, Shackleford continued.

Since Saturdays event, Sienna has already received multiple applications for her adoption.

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Weve always known Sienna is special. But today, she reminded us that sometimes the ones we rescue are the ones who end up rescuing, the shelter wrote on Facebook.

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The Honolulu Fire Department has determined a over the weekend was intentionally set.

HFDs investigator said the fire originated in the dining room, where an ignitable liquid was sniffed out by HFDs accelerant detection dog.

Firefighters received a 911 call for the home fire at 6 :43 p.m. Sunday at 94-137 Awalau St. Upon arrival, firefighters found the small, single-story home fully involved in fire.

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They confirmed the home was abandoned and that no occupants were inside during the fire, which was fully extinguished at 8 :15 p.m.

Estimated damages for the home are $328, 000.

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MOSCOW, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Moscow is ready to carry out daily war prisoner exchanges with Ukraine based on the schedule agreed in Istanbul, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement Thursday.

"The Russian Defense Ministry confirms its readiness to exchange Ukrainian captives for Russian service members on an everyday basis in accordance with the schedule agreed in Istanbul on June 2. Unfortunately, Ukraine is not ready to carry out swaps at such a pace," according to the statement.

During their latest round of talks in Turkiye's Istanbul, Russia and Ukraine agreed on an "all-for-all" exchange involving seriously ill and wounded prisoners, as well as soldiers under the age of 25.

The ministry said that "the first group of Russian servicemen under the age of 25 was returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime" on June 9. Other swaps took place on June 10 and June 12. Neither side has announced the specific number of prisoners released in the first three rounds of prisoner exchanges.

In accordance with the Istanbul agreements, Russia launched a humanitarian operation to repatriate the bodies of over 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers and exchange prisoners of war. The first batch of 1,212 bodies was handed over to Kiev on June 11. Russia received 27 of fallen soldiers. 
Megan Mancini filed a Title IX complaint in Hingham Public Schools after she says her daughter was a victim of sexual harassment.

Mancini says another student created a Deepfake pornographic image of her daughter using artificial intelligence.

She was devastated, I mean she definitely felt violated, she wanted something to be done about it, and at that point we had notified the school, the police, said Mancini.

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After Mancini filed a complaint about the incident in January, Hingham schools launched an investigation.

After about four and a half months, the district sent a letter to Mancini, saying that while the students conduct was inappropriate and hurtful, there is insufficient evidence to conclude it occurred in the Districts schools.

The image was shared in the school hallways, amongst other students during school hours, and it was also shared via text, said Mancini.

Mancini was disappointed to learn the student responsible for creating that nude photo of her daughter would not be disciplined at Hingham Middle School.

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It makes me feel like the school failed, said Mancini.

Legal expert Peter Elikann says families could press charges for this under the states new Revenge Porn and Sexting law.

The word needs to go out among young people that you can be criminally prosecuted in juvenile court for sending nude images of someone else without their consent, said Elikann.

He says that includes Deepfakes or AI-generated photos.

The fact that people can create all kinds of fake pornography online, and young people seem to know how to do it, its really hit a huge crisis point, said Elikann.

I think its important to have swift action, and I think we missed that critical window, said Mancini.

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Mancini hopes school leaders can start to take more action on these cases to prevent them from happening again, even if districts claim not to have jurisdiction.

There was not one communication sent out from the school department or the school administration about this issue, and for you know, a heads up, awareness to parents that this is going on, this is going on in middle school, and its going to get nothing but worse, said Mancini.

This conduct is becoming such a problem that the state has a youth diversion program to teach minors about the dangers of sharing nude photos, if theyre prosecuted in cases like this.

Boston 25 News reached out to Hingham Public Schools multiple times on this issue, but they havent responded.

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) The Hispanic community has grown of the past few years, and the Metropolitan Savannah Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president said it will continue to grow.

The Hispanic Chamber said its their mission to provide a voice for the local Savannah businesses. They also dont only serve the Hispanic community, but also the non-Hispanic community by bridging the gap between them.

The Hispanic Chamber is basically, people who dont know anything about Hispanics and people who know about Hispanics or are Hispanic and bringing them together, Hispanic Chamber President Alfonso Ribot said.

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Ribot said that the diverse community is what the Savannah area needs, and the Hispanic businesses have something unique that everyone can enjoy.

I know were talking about some of the things that are happening out there in which businesses are closing, but one of the things that Hispanic businesses are doing is food, Ribot said. Our culture, our way of treating people is appealing not just to Hispanics.

Ribot said Hispanic business owners are more prone to stick to the business because its like a family and that business needs to be promoted.

If you are non-Hispanic, Hispanic and you are able lease patronize Hispanic businesses and anyone that has that little sign on the door that says Hispanic Chamber of Commerce member, come in youre going to love it, Ribot said.

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The Metropolitan Savannah Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said they welcome anyone to join the chamber.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
MARSHALL, Texas (KETK)  The First United Methodist Church in Marshall has announced they are beginning demolitions of the church after the sanctuary was destroyed in a fire this past December.

The church had been standing since 1839 before it was destroyed in a fire on Dec 9. While nobody was harmed in the fire, the loss is still felt deeply by the family as many Marshall residents celebrated a number of different milestones and sacraments inside the church.

Future of NASA Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine in question due to proposed budget cuts

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Since the church was destroyed, members of the congregation have been open to attend Summit Methodist Church, which is located just down the road from First Methodist.

Summit Methodist Pastor Daryl Roberts spoke back in December about how he and his parishioners are doing everything they can to support the members of First United during this difficult time.

We, as a church, are a church family where one part of the body hurts, the other one hurts. We have to do what we can to help our brothers and sisters. This is the least we can do, Roberts said.

First United Methodist will now be looking to move forward as they posted on Facebook Wednesday that they have begun the demolition process of the church.

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The demo began today! Excited to see what God has planned for the future, First Methodist Marshall said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul could not recall the details of several high-profile cases involving illegal immigrants charged with violent offenses in her home state during a congressional hearing on Thursday.

During a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., highlighted how Hochul extended an executive order, "a continuation of your predecessor's sanctuary state policies," three times, most recently on Jan. 16, 2025. Hochul's predecessor is former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is currently running to become mayor of New York City.

The order states that state officers or employees shall not disclose information to federal immigration authorities "for the purpose of federal civil immigration enforcement." It goes on to say law enforcement officers "may not use resources, equipment or personnel for the purpose of detecting and apprehending any individual suspected or wanted for violating a civil immigration office." The policy also says law enforcement officers "have no authority in the State of New York to take any policy action, solely because the person is an undocumented alien."

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Hegseth Spars With Senate Democrats Over Marine Deployment To La Anti-ice Riots: 'Not About Lethality'

Stefanik, who is considering a potential gubernatorial run, then proceeded to quiz Hochul on several recent high-profile cases in New York, but the Democratic governor drew a blank.

Hochul did not recognize the name of Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala who was charged with setting a sleeping woman on fire on a New York City subway in December 2024. The victim, 57-year-old Debrina Kawam, was reportedly homeless. Zapeta-Calil was reportedly deported in 2018 and illegally re-entered the U.S.

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"Do you know who Sebastian Zapeta-Calil is?" Stefanik asked Hochul.

Hochul responded, "I'm sure you'll tell me. There's many cases."

"These are high-profile cases," Stefanik interjected. "New Yorkers know about them, and you dont. So let's talk about Sebastian Zapeta-Calil. Do you know who that is?"

"I don't have the specific details at my disposal, no," Hochul said.

Stefanik continued, "Well, this is an illegal migrant in New York because of your sanctuary state policies. Do you know what crime he committed?"

"Im not familiar at this moment," Hochul admitted.

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Stefanik responded, "I bet youre going to be familiar when I remind you. He found a sleeping woman on the subway, lit her on fire and burned her alive."

"This is in Kathy Hochuls New York," Stefanik said. "And as I'm sure you are aware, and I'll remind you, that ICE issued an order to detain this violent criminal, but that was rejected by New York officials due to sanctuary state laws."

The governor also failed to remember Sakir Akkan. The 21-year-old illegal immigrant from Turkey pleaded guilty to forcing a 15-year-old girl into his car in Albany, New York, and raping her in May 2024. The case stirred controversy because local officials reportedly gave conflicting statements about whether Akkans immigration status impacted their decision not to notify the public of the rape and his subsequent arrest, according to the Albany Times Union.

Dem Governor Expected To Defend States Controversial Sanctuary Policies During Gop-led Hearing

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"Do you know who Sakir Akkan is? You should as the governor of New York state. Do you know?" Stefanik pressed, as Hochul attempted to deflect several times.

"Refresh my recollection," Hochul said.

"He was an illegal migrant in New York," Stefanik said, "And do you know what crime he committed in addition to being here illegally?"

"No, I do not," Hochul said.

"You do not? This was widely reported," Stefanik said. "He found a 15-year-old girl, threatened her with a metal pole, told her to get into the backseat of his car. He took her clothes off, and he violently raped her in Albany, New York."

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The governor also tried to deflect and speak more broadly about state policies when Stefanik asked her specifically if she recalled Raymond Rojas Basilio. The previously removed Mexican national was convicted of molesting a victim less than 11 years old. ICE arrested the 36-year-old fugitive outside his Queens residence in December.

"He is an illegal who molested an 11-year-old in our state because, again, of your sanctuary state policies," Stefanik said. "This illegal was shielded from federal immigration enforcement and able to commit this heinous crime."

Illegal immigrant rape suspect Wilson Castillo Diaz is pictured in an Oct. 22, 2024, mugshot provided by the Nassau County Police Department.

Stefanik again pressed Hochul on whether she knew who Wilson Castillo Diaz was, but the governor responded, "Im telling you this, we do cooperate fully with ICE in criminal prosecutions."

The congresswoman shot back, "Youre not advocating on behalf of these victims."

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Police in Nassau County, New York, arrested Castillo Diaz, another illegal immigrant, in October 2024 for allegedly raping a 5-year-old girl.

"You are shielding illegals," Stefanik told Hochul. "That is rapes of young girls, beatings of NYPD cops by illegals who are here under Kathy Hochul's failed policies, burning New Yorkers alive. This is Kathy Hochul's New York. It's one of the many reasons why you're hemorrhaging support from hard-working New York families."

The governor said those were "horrific crimes," but Stefanik interjected.

"They're horrific crimes that are committed on your watch," Stefanik said. "You sign this executive order on your first day in office. You sign it again and again this January. We deserve a governor who stands up for law-abiding New Yorkers, doesn't put illegals first, but actually puts New Yorkers first."

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Hochul said the state does cooperate with federal law enforcement on criminal matters and said Stefanik's "representation of the facts is absolutely false."

The governor also accused Stefanik of trying to create a "viral moment," but the congresswoman asserted, "I'm standing up for New Yorkers."





Original article source: Hochul fails to recall illegal aliens charged in high-profile criminal cases, including woman's subway burning
Reporter Emma Murphy working past midnight on the last day of Oklahoma's legislative session, May 30, 2025. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice)

For four months, our reporters have been inside the Capitol following the legislative session. Weve spent hundreds of hours filing open records requests, sitting through legislative meetings and court hearings, and interviewing elected officials on both sides of the aisle.

Our goal was, and will continue to be, simple: holding our officials accountable and explaining why decisions are being made.

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When Gov. Kevin Stitt and legislative leaders held their press conferences, we were there in the front row, peppering them with tough questions about the issues that matter to you. We were also there when lawmakers were casting critical votes at midnight on the final day of session, and when they decided to hold their session-wrap up media briefings after 1 a.m.

Oklahoma Voice has always believed that everyone should be able to understand how their public officials are making decisions. Thats why youll never hit a paywall on our site.

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Instead, our readers help fund our nonprofit newsroom. If you value independent journalism that keeps power in check, will you consider making a contribution today?

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Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

Considered the worlds richest shipwreck, the San Jose was found off the coast of Colombia in 2015.

New research into the gold coins now scattered on the ocean floor offered insights into the decorative pieces minted in Lima.

Valued at a modern-day $17 billion, the San Joses bounty is still untouched.

Exploration of the San Jose shipwreck and the precious metal coins it scattered about 1,970 feet below the oceans surface off the coast of Colombia confirmed it really was the richest shipwreck in the world.

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Considered the Holy Grail of all shipwrecks, the Spanish galleon San Jose blew up and sank in 1708 at the hands of British cannons, and it took with it what experts have estimated to be $17 billion in modern-day wealth, largely in the form of coins from 10 years of taxes saved up from the Americas. The shipwreck was first located in 2015.

A new study published in the journal Antiquity showed how using remotely operated vehicles allowed researchers to get close to the underwater coins and confirm that the wreck found in 2015which launched a custody battle between Colombia and Spainreally is the long-sought San Jose with an untold number of coins still on the seafloor.

Among the key finds are hand-struck, irregularly shaped coinsknown as cobs in English and macuquinas in Spanishthat served as the primary currency in the Americas for more than two centuries, the studys lead author, Daniela Vargas Ariza, wrote about the coins often cut from gold or silver ingots. Ariza is a maritime archaeologist at Colombias Almirante Padilla Naval Cadet School in Cartagena and the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History in Bogota.

The exact number of coins visible is difficult to determine due to the nature of the underwater site, but the cobs identified in high-resolution photos taken by the ROV show they have an average diameter of 1.3 inches and weigh 27 grams. At an estimated 200 tons of gold, silver, and uncut gemstones, thats a lot of wealth in the water.

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The photographs did help add some detail to whats known about the shipwrecks treasure. One side of the coins featured a Jerusalem Crossa large cross with four smaller crossesalong with a shield featuring a castle and lions within a dotted border. On the flip side, the central design features the Pillars of Hercules above waves of the sea. The researchers said the design of the waves offers an identifying element for coins coming from the Lima Mint. Coins also feature marks of an assayeran expert who tests metal purityhammered on the edges.

The researchers believe the evidence gleaned from the cobs help substantiate the long-held hypothesis that this wreck truly is the San Jose. This case study highlights the value of coins as key chronological markers in the identification of shipwrecks, particularly those from the Tierra Firme Fleet, Ariza wrote.

The sinking of the ship at this site must have occurred after 1707, the year the coins were minted. This, along with the presence of Chinese porcelain from the Kangzi period of 1662-1722 A.D. and the inscriptions on the cannon dating to 1665, suggest the ship sank in the early 18th century.

The features on the coins also helped determine the route taken by the sunken vessel, including how the cobs were likely sourced from Peruvian mines (minting of gold coins began at the Lima Mint in 1696).

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Theres also historical context important in identifying the wreck. In 1706, the Viceroy Marques de Castelldosrius arrived in Peru to reactivate the Portobello fair and send accumulated taxes of a decade to the Iberian Peninsula. In late 1707, Peruvian merchants and officials traveled to Puerto Perico on the Pacific coast of Panama, according to the study.



There, they met the Tierra Firme Fleet, commanded by the galleon San Jose, which held the monopoly on transporting royal treasures between South America and the Iberian Peninsula. After the Portobello fair, the San Jose departed for Cartagena carrying goods and metals, including the cobs.

The San Jose Galleon, the authors wrote, is the only ship that matches these characteristics.

Cobs were the primary way the Spanish transported large volumes of wealth from the Americas to Europe, so these coin hoards likely formed part of the royal treasure dispatched from Peru by Castelldosrius. But when the fleet of 18 ships left Cartagena bound for Spain on June 8, 1708, it was attacked by five British warships during the War of the Spanish Succession. The cannon battle resulted in the exploding of San Joses gunpowder stores, sinking the 150-foot-long ship.

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HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  After leading academic and student affairs at Holyoke Community College for four years, Vice President Sharale Mathis has announced her resignation.

Dr. Sharale Mathis served as the vice president for academic and student affairs. In a staffing update, HCC President George Timmons announced the resignation of Mathis, citing the acceptance of a position as President of the Capital and Tunxis campuses within the Connecticut State Community College system.

Holyoke Community College to offer free course in AI essentials

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Mathis began her career at HCC in July 2021 following over 15 years in higher education. Throughout her time at HCC, Dr. Mathis has exemplified the core values of our institution and played a key role in advancing our strategic goals. Her leadership, vision, and commitment have left a lasting impact on our community, said President Timmons.

A Hartford native, Mathis earned several degrees, a bachelors degree in biology from Eastern Connecticut State University, a masters degree in biomedical sciences from Quinnipiac University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Hartford.

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.

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HOLYOKE  Carlos Alvarez, 39, of Holyoke, was arrested after crashing his ATV into a police cruiser on June 8.

Police responded to Vernon Street around 6:15 p.m. after reports of dangerous all-terrain vehicle operation. Officers saw a moped and three ATVs, including one that identified as Alvarezs.

Alvarez initially stopped, police said, but tried to flee when officers approached. He was later seen on Main Street, apparently heading back to Vernon Street, at high speed. Alvarez then crashed into a parked police cruiser with its emergency lights on, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan said Wednesday.

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Alvarez was ejected from his ATV and suffered minor injuries. He was treated at the scene and arrested. The ATV was seized, Keenan said.

Keenan said Alvarez faces multiple charges, including a helmet violation, reckless operation and driving with a suspended license.

Read the original article on MassLive.
President Trumps border czar Tom Homan said Wednesday workplace immigration enforcement will massively expand in an interview with Semafor.

His comments come days after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents removed dozens of immigrants allegedly without legal status working at a meat packaging facility in Nebraska as Los Angeles protesters continue to demonstrate against the Trump administrations widespread push for deportations.

Theyre coming here for a better life and a job, and I get that, Homan told Semafor.

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The more you remove those magnets, the less people are going to come. If they cant get a job most of them arent going to come, he added.

Most immigrants without legal status are able to find work as delivery drivers or in the fields of agriculture or the service industry, according to the Center for Migration Studies.

Farmers and food delivery companies have begun to complain about the removal of immigrants without legal status, arguing deportations threaten their workforce and ability to operate.

Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace, Trump wrote in a Thursday Truth Social post.

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In many cases the Criminals allowed into our Country by the VERY Stupid Biden Open Borders Policy are applying for those jobs. This is not good. We must protect our Farmers, but get the CRIMINALS OUT OF THE USA. Changes are coming, he added.

However, in March, DoorDash warned that modifying immigration policies could thwart their business model.

Changes in certain laws and regulations, including immigration and labor and employment laws, or laws that require us to make changes to our platform that decrease the accessibility, including removing access to our platform, or flexibility provided to Dashers in certain jurisdictions, may result in a decrease in the pool of Dashers, which may result in increased competition for Dashers or higher costs of recruitment and engagement, DoorDash wrote in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

If we fail to attract Dashers, retain existing Dashers on favorable terms, or maintain or increase the use of our platform by existing Dashers, we may not be able to meet the demands of merchants and consumers and our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected, they added.

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The Nebraska business owner whose facility was raided by ICE on Tuesday said hes worked to ensure that employees are legally in the United States by checking their identity with E-Verify, a system managed by the Department of Homeland Security.

However, officials told him the system was broken after the raid, which left him clueless on how to properly process individuals whove applied for employment.

I mean, what am I supposed to do with that? This is your system, run by the government. And youre raiding me because your system is broken? Chad Hartmann, president of Glenn Valley Foods, told The Associated Press.

ICE officials told him theyd help him figure out the best method for hiring, while Trump on Thursday pledged to sign an executive order guaranteeing common sense policies for farm workers that could be roiled by deportations.

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Our farmers are being hurt badly. They have very good workers. Theyve worked for them for 20 years. Theyre not citizens, but theyve turned out to be, you know, great, Trump told reporters.

We cant take farmers, take all their people and send them back because they dont have maybe what theyre supposed to have, maybe not.

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A north Georgia couple is facing nearly two dozen charges after a welfare check on some horses that appeared malnourished.

Walker County Animal Control says they were called to a home on Manor Lane near Rossville after complaints about some horses.

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Raul Rodriguez, 47, was arrested and charged with 12 counts of cruelty to animals. Belinda Rodriguez, 56, was charged with 11 counts of cruelty to animals.

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Investigators say several animals at the home were emaciated and had not been given enough food to sustain a healthy body weight.

Some of the animals were also missing fur and had open leg wounds and inflamed skin.

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The owners agreed to surrender the animals to the county, so officials removed four horses, three donkeys, two mini horses, two pigs, one rabbit, several chickens and several goats.

The most severely injured animals were taken to a sanctuary in Trion and the others were taken to a livestock rescue.

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TEHRAN, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday vowed to press ahead with uranium enrichment, dismissing a resolution by the UN nuclear watchdog that declared Tehran out of compliance with its nuclear obligations.

Speaking in Ilam province in western Iran, Pezeshkian said Iran would not alter its nuclear course despite the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors adopting a resolution earlier in the day.

"We will continue our path, will have enrichment, and will not give up on the current process," he said, according to state news agency IRNA. "Even if they bomb our nuclear facilities, our capabilities are in our minds, and we will rebuild regardless of what they do."

The Iranian president also reiterated that Tehran is not seeking nuclear weapons. He said Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had issued a binding decree forbidding the development of nuclear arms. "Under this directive, we have not and will not pursue nuclear weapons," he said.

The IAEA resolution, backed by France, Britain, Germany, and the United States, passed with 19 votes in favor, three against, and 11 abstentions from the agency's 35-member board. The move could pave the way for triggering the so-called "snapback" mechanism, a provision of the 2015 nuclear deal allowing the reimposition of UN sanctions if Iran fails to meet its commitments.

Iran signed the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with six world powers -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States. Under the deal, Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

The United States, led by President Donald Trump during his first term, unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to reduce compliance with its nuclear commitments gradually.

In a joint statement, Iran's Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) denounced the resolution as "politically motivated." They said Iran had "no choice but to respond," announcing plans to begin operating a new uranium enrichment facility and to upgrade centrifuges at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, replacing older IR-1 machines with advanced IR-6 models.

NUCLEAR TALKS WITH U.S. & POSSIBLE ISRAELI ATTACKS

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran would proceed with a sixth round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States in Muscat, Oman, scheduled for Sunday.

Araghchi acknowledged that the IAEA resolution had further complicated the negotiations but said Iran would attend the talks to "defend the rights of the Iranian nation, the country's principled positions, and the achievements of our nuclear scientists," according to the Foreign Ministry.

Meanwhile, U.S.-based NBC News, citing five unnamed sources familiar with the situation, reported that Israel was considering launching an attack on Iran within days, without U.S. support, as Washington still hoped for talks.

Trump acknowledged on Thursday that an Israeli strike on Iran "may very well happen," though he stopped short of calling it imminent, and said the risk of "massive conflict" led the United States to reduce its staff in the region.

In response, Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami said on Thursday that Iran was prepared for any scenario.

"At times, the enemy utters military threats against us. We have always said, and today also say, that we are completely ready for any scenario, situation, and circumstance," said Salami.

The U.S. President urged Israel not to attack Iran, asserting that a deal on its nuclear program remained close. "We are fairly close to a pretty good agreement," Trump told reporters. Asked about his discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said: "I don't want them going in, because I think it would blow it." 
By junior year of high school, Desseray Wright was already a mother and didnt expect to become pregnant again so soon.

The Bronx, New York, teen was juggling raising a toddler and dreaming about becoming a lawyer. Sometimes, she would hang out with her friends and occasionally smoked weed. Then one day, despite still getting her period, she found out she was pregnant. She was more than 24 weeks along  too late to consider an abortion. Because Wright smoked weed for several months into her pregnancy, she told a health care provider during a routine prenatal visit. It would be an admission shed later regret.

After giving birth at a Bronx hospital in 1995, she noticed a bag on her babys scrotum, and demanded answers. Hospital staff told her her son had been drug tested, but didnt explain why. Then a social worker entered her room, questioning her about marijuana use. Within the first hour of her newborn son Trayquans life, she had lost custody.

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I was honest and truthful with this lady, recalled Wright, now 47 and a family defense practice policy advocate for the Bronx Defenders. She explained that back then she believed child protective services were only called when there were allegations of abuse.

While some policies have changed since Wrights case nearly 30 years ago, health care advocates and legal experts Capital B interviewed said across the country these types of interventions and drug testing without consent still disproportionately target Black and brown mothers.

At the center of the disparities, they say, are gaps in federal privacy laws  including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)  which do not require hospitals to inform patients when they are tested for drugs.

Civil rights organizations, including those led by justice-impacted Black women like Wright, argue that these covert tests have fueled a long-standing pattern of criminalizing Black and brown women in family courts and separating families under the guise of child protection. These women turned their personal pain into advocacy, calling for legislation to close HIPAA loopholes to prevent other mothers from being swept into both the criminal and family court systems instead of parenthood.

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There has been legislation introduced in recent years in states like California, New York, and Tennessee  where women have been prosecuted for using drugs while pregnant  to inform expectant mothers that they and their newborn are being tested for drugs. They also have the choice to opt out of those tests.

Disproportionate drug screening of Black mothers and newborns, without consent, adds to the excessive surveillance of Black families, and leads to an increase in foster care placements, according to a May 2024 report released by New York States Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Examining the New York Child Welfare System and Its Impact on Black Children and Families.

Last month, the New York state Senate Health Committee passed the Maternal Health, Dignity, and Consent Act on an 11-2 vote.

This bill is a clear statement that pregnant people do not deserve to be surveilled or criminalized, Jamila Perritt, who is an OB-GYN and president & CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health, said in a statement after the bills advancement on May 13.

Desseray Wright is a family defense practice policy advocate for Bronx Defender. (Courtesy of Eliza McCurdy Colon)

In Wrights case, child protective services required her to attend family court compliance hearings for parenting classes and a drug treatment program  even though, she said, in the 1990s those services werent designed for adolescents or applicable to marijuana use. After months of juggling two children and long commutes on public transportation from the Bronx to mostly unhelpful referrals across most of the five boroughs, Wright made the difficult decision to drop out of high school to focus on getting her son back.

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Capital B has reached out to New Yorks Office of Child and Family Services via email for comment about its policies. A spokesperson responded on June 10 to say that they do not comment on pending legislation.

I remember the feeling that I felt of losing my child.

Advocates and survivors interviewed by Capital B often refer to the combined family, child welfare, and criminal legal systems as family-policing systems.

Pregnant people go into labor inside a hospital almost every day. Between contractions, they, or their partner, may be handed a flood of documents. Included may be a form with legal language that could authorize a nurse practitioner or physician to drug test both the birthing person and their newborn, without clear consent or probable cause.

The hospitals that are participating in this, its people of color who are more impacted, and at more disproportionate rates, said Stephanie Jeffcoat, founder of Families Inspiring Reentry & Reunification 4 Everyone. The organization helps impacted parents navigate multiple interlocking systems such as the family and criminal justice systems, and is part of the steering committee working on establishing informed consent in California.

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Jeffcoat and Wright say the system is broken due to social workers and other professionals with mandated reporting credentials. Jasmine Sankofa, executive director of the nonprofit organization Movement for Family Power, which is dedicated to abolishing the family policing system, agrees with them.

Jasmine Sankofa is the executive director at Movement for Family Power. (Courtesy of Jasmine Sankofa)

There really isnt any research that justifies the use of mandated reporting, the use of test and report, Sankofa said, adding, Its bias based. Its not research based.

She added that studies have found that even if a pregnant person was using substances while they were pregnant  even if a child is born and is experiencing neonatal abstinence syndrome, for example  the recommended treatment is the approach is called, eat, sleep, and console.

The best health care for a newborn isnt separation, nor is it to test and report their birthing parent to a family-policing system, Sankofa added.

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In cases where mom or baby test positive, child protective services are contacted.

As the parent goes back and forth to court, the baby is first placed in a foster home, and because of the Adoption and Safe Families Act enacted by former President Bill Clinton in 1997, within 15 months states must initiate termination of parental rights proceedings, except in specified circumstances.

Despite her specific circumstances, the California child welfare system still took Jeffcoats daughter, Harmony Faith Chase, from her nine years ago.

Jeffcoat survived being raped, and found out she was pregnant too late for an abortion. At the time she was 28, unhoused, and struggled with substance use. She didnt have health insurance, couldnt afford an abortion, and had an estranged relationship with her mother, who had custody of her two older children.

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One day, she went to a hospital in Orange County for an eye infection. Thats when she later learned she was tested for drugs.

Jeffcoats next visit to the hospital was when she delivered her daughter via C-section. The first hour of Harmonys life was interrupted when a social worker took her away from her moms arms and was placed into the foster care system  never to be in the care of her mother again.

I remember the feeling that I felt of losing my child, said Jeffcoat, now 37.

In 2023, a bill was introduced in California that would, in part, prohibit medical personnel from performing a drug or alcohol test or screen on a pregnant person or a newborn without prior written and verbal informed consent, and would require the test or screen to be medically necessary to provide care. That bill failed to advance from the states Senate health committee in March 2023.

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Jeffcoat is currently studying law to become an attorney in dependency law.

I feel like my own attorney failed me, she said. I want to really be up in there [court] making sure that parents arent losing their kids to the system. Especially in the timeframe of the adoption, it should not have been able to take place in six months. It takes longer for people to be sentenced to jail or prison.

Jeffcoat said she lost custody of Harmony in 2017 while incarcerated for 6 months for a probation violation. Family court proceedings went on without her being present.

Once released, she spiraled deeper into her addiction. In 2019, she had a fight with another unhoused person about her bike. After waking up nearby a dumpster, it was the moment she said she decided to turn her life around. She contested the adoption. In 2021, she found the adopting parents. For three years, Jeffcoat said she reached out to them with hopes to create a post-adoption agreement to at least regain visitation rights, to no avail.

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I needed to make sure that I get into a position to ensure that they do not continue to do this to other people, said Jeffcoat, who launched her nonprofit in 2023.

The police, to me, are not simply somebody in a police uniform.

Perritt, the doctor who is also a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society of Family Planning, said people universally enter health care professions because they want to change social justice issues, but during the course of medical education and training you are taught to conform to a system that exists already in order to survive it.

The history of the medical field being white and male, increases Perritts beliefs that health care professionals teaming up with police goes back to the countrys Founding Fathers.

The police, to me, are not simply somebody in a police uniform. Its also the doctors, its also the nurses, its also the social workers. Its any and everybody whos a mandatory reporter.

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Hospitals and health care providers often set their own drug testing and reporting policies  ones that can conflict with the ethical standards taught in medical training, particularly around informed consent and patient trust. In a notable shift, Mass General Brigham, a major hospital system in Boston, stopped automatically filing child neglect reports solely based on a newborn testing positive for drugs, citing a need to reduce unnecessary family separations.

Drug testing shouldnt be considered a family testing system, advocates said.

In 1996, after Wright lost custody of Trayquan, who was placed in her fathers care, her troubles with the family-policing systems continued when she got pregnant with her third child and second son, Hassan. With an ongoing family court case, the newborn was immediately taken away and placed into a foster home in Brooklyn, New York. Hassan was there for nearly four years.

Child protective services continued to return to Wrights life twice: when she went to federal prison for 10 years for a weapons and drug conviction, and survived a domestic violence incident by calling 911.

After Wright was released from federal prison in 2013, she earned a criminal justice degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She mourned the loss of her oldest daughter to gun violence in 2018, and in 2021 held on tight to Hassan, now 28, when he survived being shot.

I graduated at the top of my class, Wright said.

The post Hospitals Are Drug Testing Mothers Without Consent, Fueling Family Separations appeared first on Capital B News.
Are you coming to East Tennessee this summer?

You're not alone. Each year, millions of visitors come to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg to experience the beauty and grandeur of the Great Smoky Mountains and America's most visited national park.

A summer trip to the Smokies might feel daunting, especially if you have younger kids and are worried about the heat. However, Gatlinburg's climate is fairly mild in the summer compared to other popular destinations in the South.

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Here's everything you need to know about how hot summer days can get in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge so you can plan your visit - and pack your suitcase - accordingly.

Stunning views: How to enjoy the greatest views in the Great Smoky Mountains

How hot does it get in Gatlinburg?

Visitors walk and bike Cades Cove Loop Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a car-free day.

Thanks to Gatlinburg's higher elevation, the area is shielded from the South's notorious sizzling summer heat. Here are the average high and low temperatures in Gatlinburg, measured at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.

June: Average high, 80, average low, 59

July: Average high, 83, average low, 63

August: Average high, 82, average low, 62

If you're planning on taking a hike into higher elevations of the mountains, such as a trip up Mount LeConte, temperatures can drop by about 10 to 20 degrees, according to the city of Gatlinburg.

What is the hottest month in Gatlinburg?

July is the hottest month in Gatlinburg, according to the National Weather Service.

How hot does it get in Pigeon Forge?

Though Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are only a few miles apart, their average climate in the summer is surprisingly different.

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These are the average monthly temperatures in Sevierville/Pigeon Forge, according to the National Weather Service.

June: Average high, 87, average low, 63

July: Average high, 90, average low, 67

August: Average high, 89, average low, 66

What is the hottest month in Pigeon Forge?

July is also the hottest month to be in Pigeon Forge, where the average high creeps into the 90s, according to National Weather Service data.

What is the hottest part of the day?

While many people think that noon is the hottest part of the day, that's not actually the case. In reality, the hottest hours of the day are in the late afternoon, between 3 and 4 p.m. in the summer, according to ThoughtCo.

What are the best months to visit Gatlinburg?

The "best" month to visit Gatlinburg is a subjective question. Gatlinburg offers different experiences for each season.

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In the summer, you can enjoy a hike in the mountains, take a rafting adventure or even go ziplining. Of course, there are also a number of pools and water parks in the area which are marketed to the region's tourists. The fall, of course, includes prime leaf-peeping season as the trees change colors - and temperatures get a little cooler.

Looking for more ideas for summertime family fun in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge? Visit Knoxnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: How hot does Gatlinburg get in the summer? Not as hot as you think
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  A gourmet hot dog truck in Green Bay held a presentation on Thursday afternoon at the Green Bay VA hospital, celebrating a pair of $1,000 donations.

J Dogz Food Truck took a total of $2,000 in customer tips and split it in half to donate to the Disabled American Veterans and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

TSA offers tips for navigating Appleton International Airport during busy summer travel season

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In a release, owner Justin Gavin expressed gratitude for the customers whose tips helped this become possible. Gavin himself served in the military for 30 years, as well.

Every dollar tipped is going toward those who served, and this is our way of saying thank you to the veterans whove given so much, Gavin said.

Both organizations support veterans in Wisconsin and nationally.

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(KRON)  A hotel guest who hadnt returned to her room apparently left her comfortable stay to go commit armed robberies at two nearby businesses, says the Fairfield Police Department.

15-year-old on probation arrested after crashing stolen car in high-speed chase, running from deputies: SCSO

FPD said a business located in the 5000 block of Business Center Drive was robbed at gunpoint on Tuesday at 6:10 p.m. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and did an area check of hotels to find the suspect.

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During the subsequent groundwork, an employee at a local hotel identified the suspect as a guest who had not yet returned to their room, said Fairfield police in a news release. Later, at approximately 7:14 pm, while Officer Strickland was still conducting follow-up on the case, a second armed robbery, at another business in the 5000 block of Business Center Drive, was called in.

Police said the suspects description matched the woman who robbed the first business.

Fairfield police said the woman, later identified as 28-year-old Castanya Tompkins, was arrested as she walking on Business Center Drive towards Green Valley Road.

Officers safely apprehended the woman and recovered the firearm, which was reported stolen out of Richmond, CA, along with a large sum of cash, added police.

Photo courtesy of Fairfield Police Department.

Tompkins was transported to Solano County Jail where she faces charges of robbery and receipt of stolen property.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Temperatures are heating up across New Mexico and will continue to through this weekend. A few isolated showers and storms will continue to be possible for parts of the state as well.

Showers and storms popped up across the mountains in New Mexico Wednesday afternoon. These showers and storms have been moving to the south and southeast, bringing rain chances to foothills and lower elevations. Meanwhile, temperatures continue a warming trend for most of New Mexico today as well. The showers and storms will continue to move south and southeast into this evening, eventually drying down later tonight. Another round of showers and storms will develop across the central mountain chain and the northern mountains Thursday. These will move more southeastern into Thursday afternoon. Drier air will move into the western half of the state as temperatures continue to heat up.

Drier and hotter weather will continue to move into New Mexico Friday and this weekend. Afternoon rain and storm chances will continue to become more hit-or-miss along and east of the central mountain chain and into eastern New Mexico. High pressure will eventually move overhead this weekend, bringing us the hottest weather so far this year. High temperatures will climb into the triple-digits all across southern New Mexico, and will get close to 100 in the Albuquerque Metro by Sunday afternoon.

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Temperatures will continue to warm up another degree or two on Monday afternoon. By Tuesday, the high pressure system will start moving out of New Mexico as some better low-level moisture works its way back into the state. This will bring temperatures down a couple degrees starting Tuesday with a mix of wet and dry thunderstorms into the middle of next week.

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FIRST ON FOX  Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., is introducing a new bill Thursday imploring the National Security Administration (NSA) to develop an "AI security playbook" to stay ahead of threats from China and other foreign adversaries.

The bill, dubbed the "Advanced AI Security Readiness Act," directs the NSAs Artificial Intelligence Security Center to develop an "AI Security Playbook to address vulnerabilities, threat detection, cyber and physical security strategies, and contingency plans for highly sensitive AI systems."

It is co-sponsored by House Select Committee on China Chairman Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., Ranking Member Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., and Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J.

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LaHood, who sits on the House Intelligence Committee and the House Select Committee on China, told Fox News Digital that the legislative proposal, if passed, would be the first time Congress codifies a "multi-prong approach to ensure that the U.S. remains ahead in the advanced technology race against the CCP." The new bill follows another bipartisan legislative proposal, the "Chip Security Act," which he introduced in late May. That proposal aims to improve export control mechanisms  including for chips and high-capacity chip manufacturing  protect covered AI technologies with a focus on cybersecurity, and limit outbound investment to firms directly tied to the Chinese Community Party or China's People's Liberation Army.

Chinese Bioweapon Smuggling Case Shows Us 'Trains Our Enemies,' 'Learned Nothing' From Covid: Security Expert

Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., leaves the House Republican Conference meeting at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

"We start with the premise that China has a plan to replace the United States. And I don't say that to scare people or my constituents, but they have a plan to replace the United States, and they're working on it every single day. And that entails stealing data and infiltrating our systems," LaHood told Fox News Digital. "AI is the next frontier on that. We lead the world in technology. We lead the world when it comes to AI. But what this bill will do will again make sure that things are done the right way and the correct way, and that we're protecting our assets and promoting the current technology that we have in our country."

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LaHood pointed to evidence uncovered by the committee that he said shows the CCP's DeepSeek used illegal distillation techniques to steal insights from U.S. AI models to accelerate their own technology development. He also pointed to how China allegedly smuggled AI chips through Singapore intermediaries to circumvent U.S. export controls on the technology.

"As we look at, How do we win the strategic competition? I think most experts would say we're ahead in AI right now against China, but not by much. It is a short lead," LaHood told Fox News Digital.

He said he is confident his legislative proposals will put the U.S. "in the best position to protect our assets here and make sure that we're not shipping things that shouldn't go to AI that allow them to win the AI race in China."

"Whoever wins this race in the future, it's going to be critical to future warfare capabilities, to, obviously, cybersecurity," LaHood continued. "And then, whoever wins the AI competition is going to yield really unwavering economic influence in the future. And so we're aggressive in this bill in terms of targeting those areas where we need to protect our AI and our companies here in the United States, both on the commercial side and on the government side, to put us in the best position possible."

National Security Agency Director Gen. Timothy Haugh speaks during a Senate Committee on Intelligence Hearing on March 25, 2025 in Washington, D.C.

The "Advanced AI Security Readiness Act" calls on the NSA to develop a playbook that identifies vulnerabilities in AI data centers and developers producing sensitive AI technologies with an emphasis on unique "threat vectors" that do not typically arise, or are less severe, in the context of conventional information technology systems." The bill says the NSA must develop "core insights" in how advanced AI systems are being trained to identify potential interferences and must develop strategies to "detect, prevent and respond to cyber threats by threat actors targeting covered AI technologies."

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Amazon Announces $20B Investment In Rural Pennsylvania For Ai Data Centers

The bill calls on the NSA to "identify levels of security, if any, that would require substantial involvement" by the U.S. government "in the development or oversight of highly advanced AI systems." It cites a "hypothetical initiative to build covered AI technology systems in a highly secure government environment" with certain protocols in place, such as personnel vetting and security clearance processes, to mitigate "insider threats."

Though not directly related, the new bill is being introduced a week after FBI Director Kash Patel sounded the alarm on how the CCP continues to deploy operatives and researchers to "infiltrate" U.S. institutions. Patel laid out the risk in announcing that two Chinese nationals were charged with smuggling a potential bioweapon into the U.S.

LaHood said that case further highlights "the level of penetration and sophistication that the CCP will engage in," but he added that his bill focuses on putting a "protective layer" on U.S. AI tech and "restricting outbound investment to China." He pointed to how the CCP also has bought up farmland around strategic U.S. national security locations, particularly in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., said China's goal is to replace the United States.

"If everything was an even playing field, and we were all abiding by the same rules and standards and ethical guidelines, I have no doubt the U.S. would win [the AI race], but China has a tendency and a history of playing by a different set of rules and standards," LaHood said. "They cheat, they steal, they take our intellectual property. Not just my opinion, that's been factually laid out, you know, in many different instances. And that's the reason why we need to have a bill like this."

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The bill comes as the Trump administration has been pushing to bolster artificial intelligence infrastructure in the United States, and major tech companies, including Amazon, Nvidia, Meta, OpenAI, Oracle and others, have made major investments in constructing AI-focused data centers and enhancing U.S. cloud computing. Last week, Amazon announced a $20 billion investment in constructing AI data centers in rural Pennsylvania. It followed a similar $10 billion investment in North Carolina.

In late May, the NSA's Artificial Intelligence Security Center released "joint guidance" on the "risks and best practices in AI data security." The recommendations include implementing methods to secure the data used in AI-based systems, "such as employing digital signatures to authenticate trusted revisions, tracking data provenance, and leveraging trusted infrastructure." The center said its guidance is "critically relevant for organizations  especially system owners and administrators within the Department of Defense, National Security Systems, and the Defense Industrial Base  that already use AI systems in their day-to-day operations and those that are seeking to integrate AI into their infrastructure."





Original article source: House bipartisan bill directs NSA to create 'AI security playbook' amid Chinese tech race
House Republicans have narrowly advanced a request from the White House to claw back $9.4 billion that lawmakers have already approved for public media and more than a dozen accounts across the State Department focused on foreign assistance.

The 214-212 vote is a major victory for President Donald Trump, who had been lobbying hard for lawmakers to pass the legislation , including in a social media post shortly before members went to the floor.

For decades, Republicans have promised to cut NPR, but have never done it, until now, Trump said, in part. The Rescissions Bill is a NO BRAINER, and every single Republican in Congress should vote, YES. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

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Its also a huge relief for Speaker Mike Johnson, who hours earlier was projecting cautious optimism that the package of funding cuts would pass despite knowing his margins were exceedingly narrow.

We think we have the votes. Were going ahead with it, Johnson told reporters Thursday afternoon.

One yes vote: Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who is known to frequently break with his party.

First time Ive ever seen us cut spending in my life. I would be yea all day long, Massie said in a brief interview earlier this week, previewing his support.

The legislation would revoke $8.3 billion in foreign aid and $1.1 billion for public broadcasting. It faced opposition from some Republican lawmakers concerned about slashing the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, and how emergency alerts could be impacted by the public media cuts.

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House Republican leadership and White House officials spent days trying to assuage the concerns of lawmakers worried that the clawbacks would hurt their local public broadcasting stations, emergency alert systems and efforts to prevent AIDS around the world.

The fight to convince House Republicans continued up until the final gavel on Thursday. Johnson and Whip Tom Emmer huddled with the holdouts on the House floor during the vote to try to sway them in favor of the measure after they had already voted against the measure.

At one point, as many as six Republicans were recorded as voting "no"  enough to tank the bill. Two of those holdouts, Reps. Don Bacon of Nebraska and Nick LaLota of New York, flipped to yes, handing Johnson  and Trump  the win. GOP Reps. Mark Amodei of Nevada, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Nicole Malliotakis of New York and Mike Turner of Ohio opposed the bill.

In defense of cuts to public broadcasting, senior GOP lawmakers argued that the local PBS affiliates in their home states do good work but that those in some other states air inappropriate programming.

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"These stations are some of the most partisan stations out there. Can you imagine if a conservative station was funded? The left would have screamed, vilified and exterminated it a long while ago," said Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.), during floor debate.

Democrats countered thats a lie. Thats BS. Its total BS, Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the Houses top Democratic appropriator, said in a brief interview. These comments that it's woke in this state or that  what the hell do you know? Nothing.

Still, there are discussions underway among many appropriators that they could try to offset some of these slashes in upcoming spending bills, since the funding cuts wont impact accounts until after the new fiscal year kicks in come October 1.

I am concerned about the future of trying to do away with public television. Im a supporter of public television in Idaho, they do a fantastic job, said Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, who ultimately voted in favor of the bill.

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The package now heads to the Senate, where Republicans are discussing whether they can amend it  despite the complicated mechanics for doing so. The rescissions process was created under the decades-old law enacted to block presidents from withholding federal cash Congress has already approved.

The Senate also has the option to approve sections of the package piecemeal and reject others. Thats what Congress did back in 1995 when the House and Senate approved a rescissions package that clawed back less funding than then-President Bill Clinton had requested to cut. But doing that would send it back to the House, where passage a second time may not be guaranteed.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the package could be changed in the Senate. Well see, he told reporters Thursday.

I would expect that rescissions package probably will be a July timeframe," Thune said.

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Congress has until midnight on July 18 to act on the legislation , otherwise the proposal will expire and the White House is required to spend the money as lawmakers intended.

Meredith Lee Hill contributed to this report.
Speaker Mike Johnson was on the verge of an embarrassing defeat on the floor: the narrowly divided GOP-led House was on track to reject billions in DOGE cuts.

Then he pulled aside Rep. Nick LaLota, a New York centrist, who had just voted no. With the vote still open, several minutes of tense conversation followed before LaLota ultimately went to change his vote. Within seconds, the package of spending cuts narrowly passed.

LaLota wouldnt divulge specifics of his conversation with Johnson, but suggested to reporters that it had something to do with his push for state and local tax breaks  an issue so contentious that it could threaten President Donald Trumps agenda getting through the Senate this month.

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I had some conversations with the speaker that raised my level of confidence that will put this and future issues in the right trajectory, LaLota told CNN, though he declined to offer specifics of the conversations and any promises on SALT.

The maneuver by LaLota and another New York centrist, Rep. Mike Lawler  who was also in the huddle with Johnson and afterward agreed to vote yes  underscores the complex politics of the local tax issue that is currently being debated by Senate Republicans. While the issue affects a small number of House GOP seats in purple districts, it is expected to be a major sticking point in the final details of Trumps tax and spending bill.

The two measures are separate but both require immense political capital from Johnson and Trump to succeed.

For many centrist Republicans, Thursdays vote to cancel $9.4 billion in federal spending for foreign aid and public radio and broadcasting was not an easy one. It was the first time Congress has formally weighed in on Elon Musks DOGE cuts  and its on programs that many of them would like to keep, like PBS and the Bush-era program to fight global AIDS.

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Trump wants to deploy the rarely used tool, known on Capitol Hill as rescissions, to claw back federal dollars that Congress has already approved  something that lawmakers are typically loath to support. And its not certain that the more deliberative Senate will greenlight the package the same way the House did.

If also approved by the Senate, the spending cuts package, while far more limited in scope than the more than $1 trillion in cutspromised by the Department of Government Efficiency, would insulate the Trump administration from legal challenges related to its slashes to federal funding. Johnson has said he expects additional requests from the White House in the future.

The White Houses spending cuts ran into fierce resistance among some centrist Hill Republicans, who do support some federal dollars going to programs like PBS. Others disliked Trumps plans to cut funds to fight global AIDS through the Bush-era program PEPFAR.

Four Republicans ultimately voted against the bill: Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Nicole Malliotakis of New York, Mike Turner of Ohio and Mark Amodei of Nevada.

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Two more, LaLota and Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon, had initially voted no but then changed their vote in the final moments.

One House conservative is already questioning whether the Johnson-LaLota conversation will have an impact on Trumps broader bill.

GOP Rep. Chip Roy of Texas posted to X after the vote, Real question on the $9B rescissions package that narrowly passed - is how expensive were the 2 original no votes who flipped to yes?

GOP leaders ultimately convinced their members to back Trumps plan, after several days of cajoling by top Republicans and White House legislative and budget officials  and a promise to keep some of the funds dedicated to fighting AIDS globally.

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The request will now go to the Senate, where just 51 Republicans need to agree  instead of the usual 60 votes needed to end debate.

But multiple GOP senators, including Sen. Susan Collins, who leads the Senate Appropriations panel, have raised concerns about the cuts. Collins told CNN this week she is trying to make changes to the measure.

I think we can change it. Were still figuring out what the set rules are, Collins said.

PBS and NPR  two networks that stand to lose federal dollars from the House-passed bill  said they are now setting their hopes on the Senate.

Both public media networks said in statements that they will lobby senators to reject the spending cut proposal promoted by President Trump, which cuts $1.1 billion in future funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

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The fight to protect public media does not end with this vote, and we will continue to make the case for our essential service in the days and weeks to come, PBS CEO Paula Kerger said.

After the vote, PBS immediately revised its websites call to action about the funding threat to say, Contact your senators now.

CNNs Brian Stelter and Liam Reilly contributed to this report.

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University of Michigan students walking near the Diag on Oct. 3, 2022 | Ken Coleman

Cuts to DEI programming, slashed operational funding for the states most prestigious universities with large endowments and penalties for race-based admission systems were among the items proposed in higher education budgets advanced by Michigan House Republicans on Wednesday.

The GOP-controlled House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday reported its version of the school aid budget for K-12 schools, universities, community colleges, the Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential.

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House Republicans set university funding at $2.4 billion with $461.3 million coming from the states general fund, which would be an overall increase of $76.4 million or 3.3%. However, overall funding for university operations would see a decrease of $828.1 million.

State Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), chair of the committee, said Republicans were trying to support Michigan high school graduates as they transition to adult life and encourage them to stay in the state to attend one of several public universities.

State Rep. Gregg Markkanen (R-Hancock), chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges, said in a statement issued after the bills were reported that the budget corrected the imbalance of the state funding poured into Michigan State University and the University of Michigans Ann Arbor campus.

Michigans largest universities have been getting way more than their fair share for far too long, Markkanen said. Our plan sets things right by trimming the fat off MSU and U of M and distributing that funding amongst our 13 other remarkable universities.

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But, much like its counterpart in the K-12 budget, the university budget has a series of cuts to operational grants and aims to restrict university diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

The budget raised questions for universities who stand to see their funding reduced if they do not obey certain requirements spelled out in boilerplate language, and the inconsistency of billions in one-time funding without a plan for years later.

Universities with an endowment fund between $1 billion and $5 billion would lose 50% of those funds, impacting Michigan State University, in particular. Those with endowments of $5 billion to $10 billion would lose 65% of their funds, and universities with endowments of $10 billion would lose 75% of their funds, which would affect the University of Michigan.

The sum total of campus investment funds, support payments and ending tuition waiver payments would be subject to a 31% cap on increases above what was appropriated to universities last year. When paired with estimated new Michigan Achievement Scholarship payments, the appropriations to universities would be conditioned on holding back undergraduate tuition and fee increases to 3% or $489, whichever is greater. Projected funding decreases in that case could range from 5.1% to 91.6%.

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New boilerplate language would require universities to report on information related to the current university president, provide a list of the number of out-of-state students by state origin, provide a list of the number of international students categorized by citizenship, certify that all enrolled students are lawful residents, and provide the contact information of students who are not lawful residents to the director of Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential.

Universities would have 5% of their campus investment funds withheld for disobeying those requirements, the same penalty if they allow transgender women to participate in womens sports.

Vamping on a theme, the House also added language that restricts public universities from having any common area spaces that are restricted by sex or race, and restricts institutions from having any public ceremonies or gatherings restricted by sex or race and authorizes the state budget director to withhold 5% of monthly campus investment funds payments until an institution complies.

The House plan also mandates universities abide by a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that held Harvard Universitys limited race-based affirmative action program violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Michigan House Republicans university budget includes language that states 25% of campus investment funds would be taken from any institution that violates the courts holding.

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State Rep. Matt Madodock (R-Milford) extolled the budget as making cuts to the woke universities and giving the money to non-woke universities.

Universities unclear on what the future holds

In an interview with Michigan Advance, Dan Hurley, CEO of the Michigan Association of State Universities, said the association was still analyzing the budget, but said it was certainly comprehensive in its approach to reframing how the state funds its public universities and the students they enroll.

There are a lot of provisions that are not minor in their potential impact on allocations to universities and their long-term implications, Hurley said.

Hurley noted as Markkanen did during the committee that attention will now go toward negotiating with the House, Senate and the governors office. He said the goal was, as a set of 15 public universities, to improve and to allow students the ability to afford a university degree.

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I think the litmus test on a final budget is how it will affect the universities abilities to produce a talent pipeline that the state desperately needs at this moment, Hurley said.

One of his top-line observations is the more than a billion dollars in one-time funding monies to support the overall budget framework. As huge enterprises that have been around for hundreds of years, Hurley said they need predicability and sustainability.

We need to have a much better understanding of what the thinking is, what the plan is to maintain a healthy, vibrant public university ecosystem, Hurley said. In year two, in year three and year four down the road. To me, that is not clear at the moment.

Bollin to universities: Mind your budgets

Bollin said the House was providing a roughly flat investment in higher education, which she said would make universities compete for the students they have. Although the move was characterized during the committee meeting as positively impacting some universities bottom lines over others, Bollin later said it was a move to support students wherever they end up going to attain a higher education.

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When it was noted that the budget changes the way some universities would receive money from the state, Bollin doubled down and said universities will have the same opportunity to receive funding.

Maybe they ought to mind their budgets just like the rest of us. Everybodys budget is getting tighter, Bollin said.

Bollin was asked about the DEI cuts and more specifically the language targeting transgender women in womens sports. It was noted that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender were tenants of the states Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. Bollin was asked how the various budgets boilerplate language were not blatant violations of the states civil rights law.

Bollin said she didnt see it that way, using language that essentially denies the very nature of transgender individuals.

Frankly, I want to get away from focusing on those parts in the bill and in our policy statements. We are talking about educating and we want everybody to feel welcome; to come in and get a good education. And, frankly, we dont want to see boys in girls sports. Thats universal. I dont want to go into the restroom with a man, Bollin said.
Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Arizona Mirror

Arizona lawmakers are at odds again, but this time its the Republicans in the House of Representatives and Senate who cant agree on how to forge the state budget.

Creating the state budget  deciding how much to allocate to departments, projects and initiatives or whether to fund them at all  is the most important job that legislators do each year, and the only thing they are constitutionally required to complete.

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Before the group of bills that will become the state budget becomes law, it must be approved by a majority in both the Arizona Senate and House  which are both controlled by Republicans  and garner a signature from Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.

In recent history, budget negotiations in Arizona have occurred behind closed doors among the governor and legislative leaders in the House and Senate.

But this year is different, with Hobbs and Republican leaders in the Senate nearing a deal after weeks of negotiations. GOP leaders in the House, who havent been involved in those talks, have responded by drafting their own budget, which was introduced late Wednesday afternoon.

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This is a sound, disciplined budget that delivers safe communities, strong families, and a government that lives within its means, House Speaker Steve Montenegro said in a Wednesday evening statement. Were raising pay for our state law enforcement officers, reducing tuition at public universities, fully funding school choice, fixing critical infrastructure and roads, and protecting taxpayers. Our budget reins in government and puts it back to work for the people it serves.

But the spending package, which is chock-full of proposals that are unlikely to pass muster with Hobbs, will never become law. Instead, it is better viewed as a way for House Republicans to lay down a marker in order to force Hobbs and the Senate to move closer to the Houses proposal.

Republican political consultant Barrett Marson said House GOP leaders are hoping to demonstrate that the chamber can pass a spending plan in order to get leverage in the negotiations.

Sometimes theres just gotta be movement to unstick a sticky situation, he said. The House has an equal voice. And unlike previous years when one or both chambers had a go-it-alone ethos, the House isnt looking to be draconian or anything. They want something more responsible.

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Marson said a major point of contention between the House and Senate is what to do with the budget surplus. While the Senate and Hobbs have settled on copying the novel process from 2023, in which each lawmaker was given a pot of money from the surplus that was used to fund whatever initiatives they wanted, the House wants to negotiate all of those details and not surrender control of that money to individual legislators.

During a House Rules Committee meeting earlier Wednesday afternoon, House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos, of Laveen, said he was disappointed in the way the budgeting process was happening this year.

We should not be moving forward with a House Republican-only budget that is destined to fail, he said. This will not get signed by the governor. I dont even think its going to pass out of the Senate.

De Los Santos even questioned whether the proposal would get enough votes to pass through the House, where Republicans hold 33 of the chambers 60 seats.

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What we do know is that this is not a negotiated, bipartisan deal in good faith, he said. House Democrats are at the table negotiating in a bipartisan way with the executive, with our (Senate) counterparts across the courtyard. That is the way to get things done in shared government.

But Republican Rep. Neal Carter, of San Tan Valley, replied that the work of governing should be done transparently, instead of in private  and that it should allow for input from the public.

As a Republican, I stand for full transparency and not for back-room deals or negotiated budgets with parties that are somehow outside of this public process, Carter said.

The House Republican budget, introduced by House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Livingston, would place new restrictions and monitoring requirements on entitlement programs, like the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System  the states Medicaid program  and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps.

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Both programs would be monitored on at least a quarterly basis for participants who dont qualify, to be kicked off. And any participants who win $3,000 or more through gambling or playing the state lottery and dont report those winnings would become ineligible.

House Republicans also intend to increase the percentage of money spent in K-12 classrooms, as opposed to on administration; to decrease tuition for students attending the states three public universities; and to ban those universities from using public or private money to give scholarships to students without legal immigration status.

Hobbs introduced her budget proposal, which includes a much different list of priorities, back in January. Shortly after that, Livingston and Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, panned her proposal for leaving out projected cost increases for programs like AHCCCS.

Hobbs spokesman Christian Slater told the Arizona Mirror on Wednesday that Livingston and Gress were to blame for the Houses lack of collaboration on the budget.

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This is DDD all over again, Slater said via email, referring to a fight earlier this year over funding for the Department of Developmental Disabilities. Its another circus led by the Speaker, David Livingston, and Matt Gress where they have refused to participate with any caucuses, including their Republican counterparts in the Senate, in a meaningful manner and are once again just trying to score some political points even though they know their plan is going absolutely nowhere.

Livingston and Gress, a former budget director for Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, were both key players in the fight over an extra $122 million in emergency funding for DDD that put vital services for the developmentally disabled in jeopardy.

Rather than being productive, the House Republican leadership continues to show they are in over their head and unserious about governing, Slater said.

The House Appropriations Committee is set to discuss the proposal Thursday morning. The Senate Republicans have not introduced their budget proposal.

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***CORRECTION: This story has been corrected to remove an inaccurate statement about a shift in control of federal funds as well as one about drug testing for recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

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Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Spanish King Felipe VI in Madrid, Spain, June 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

MADRID, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met Spanish King Felipe VI here on Thursday, with both sides pledging to deepen cooperation and uphold multilateralism and free trade.

Conveying Chinese President Xi Jinping's greetings to the king, Han said that China appreciates the Spanish royal family's long-standing support for the development of China-Spain relations.

China is willing to further strengthen cooperation with Spain in such fields as new energy, agricultural and food products, electric vehicles, and digital economy, and intensify people-to-people exchanges in the cultural and educational sectors, Han said.

China and Spain share similar views and ideas on many major international issues, and are important positive forces in defending multilateralism, upholding free trade rules and order, promoting openness and cooperation, and improving global governance, Han said.

China is ready to work with Spain and Europe to enhance communication and dialogue, jointly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, and contribute to world peace, stability and development, Han added.

King Felipe VI asked Han to convey his greetings to the Chinese president.

Recalling his pleasant visits to China, the king said that the two countries have carried out frequent high-level exchanges since the beginning of this year, with continuously deepened political mutual trust and fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation, and the bilateral relations have shown positive momentum of development.

Spain admires China's achievements in new energy, high-speed railways and other sectors, he said, adding that Spain is ready to further strengthen cooperation with China to advance bilateral ties.

The king said that the world today is undergoing complex changes and China is playing an important, active and stabilizing role in this process.

Spain supports multilateralism and free trade, is willing to enhance communication and coordination with China in multilateral institutions, jointly safeguard international multilateral trade order and rules, and promote sustainable global development, he said.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues including major-country relations, the Ukraine crisis, and the Palestinian issue. 
This year, House Republicans are pushing to make open enrollment mandatory across the state, advocating for a law that would require all school districts to accept students from outside their district if they have capacity. (Photo by Dave Cummings/New Hampshire Bulletin)

This story was updated on June 12 at 10:10 a.m. to correct the bill number of an earlier open enrollment bill, House Bill 741.

In 2009, New Hampshire lawmakers passed a law intended to be transformational. The new law allowed public school boards to vote to accept students from any school district in the state.

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Prospect Mountain High School in Alton chose to adopt that policy of open enrollment. To the schools superintendent, Timothy Broadrick, it was a survival move in an era of declining enrollment.

I can tell you from our direct experience that if you wish to have a functional public school choice system in the state of New Hampshire, this is necessary, he said at a Senate hearing in April.

But nearly two decades later, Prospect Mountain is the only school in the state to choose the open enrollment option.

This year, House Republicans are pushing to make open enrollment mandatory across the state, advocating for a law that would require all school districts to accept students from outside their district if they have capacity.

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Though the idea has seen resistance in the Senate this year, the House doubled down last week. The chamber added a last-minute amendment to an unrelated piece of legislation, Senate Bill 210, sending the universal open enrollment idea to the Senate one more time.

The Senate has voted multiple times this year to hold similar proposals for further study. And representatives of public schools are urging lawmakers to put the brakes on the idea, arguing it could create chaos for school districts.

But on Thursday, senators will vote on whether to accept the Houses proposal and send it to Gov. Kelly Ayotte, reject it entirely, or request further negotiations with the House through a committee of conference.

The amendment in SB 210 would require that public school districts post monthly reports to their websites listing the number of vacancies in each school. It would allow parents to apply to send their children to school districts, without paying application fees. And it would require the receiving district to accept the student as long as there is space, with exceptions possible if the student was expelled from the previous district or has a documented history of disciplinary issues or chronic absenteeism.

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The bill would require the district in which the student lives to pay the receiving district at least 80% of the per-pupil annual cost at the receiving district; under the bill, the Department of Education would set the exact amount.

To House Republicans, the bill would be another step forward for the school choice movement, whose supporters believe parents should have more options for their kids education than the public school district in the town where they live.

Rep. Glenn Cordelli, who authored a similar bill earlier this year, argues open enrollment policies would create more opportunity.

We hear that public schools are open to all students, but thats not true, he said at a hearing in April. We practice ZIP code discrimination when it comes to public schools that children can attend.

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Cordelli contends that making the policy mandatory would force public school districts to compete for students, knowing they could lose them to other districts. That, he says, could inspire schools to try new teaching approaches to attract students.

Broadrick agrees with that idea.

My school boards, along with our high school faculty and myself, welcome an opportunity to compete with charter schools, with private schools and with other public schools, to show families that we are worthy of their choice, he said.

But others are warning the Senate not to vote to make open enrollment mandatory, arguing it would be unfair for both wealthy and under-resourced districts.

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Youre basically forcing one school district to subsidize a different school district, said Barrett Christina, executive director of the New Hampshire School Boards Association, in testimony to the Senate in April. The voters in one town are going to be subsidizing the school district in another town.

Brian Winslow, chairman of the Northwood School Board, said if universal open enrollment passed, it would be difficult for school boards to set budgets, not knowing if they will be receiving students or losing them.

This just would represent an unfunded additional charge to Northwood students that may balance out (or that) may not balance out, he said.

Observers believed the Houses proposal had stalled this year after the Senate voted to retain House Bill 741 and removed similar language from the House-passed budget. But with the potential re-emergence of the issue  both in SB 210 and in the coming negotiations between the House and Senate over the budget policy bill, House Bill 2  the New Hampshire School Administrators Association is urging restraint.

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In a press release Tuesday, the association issued a bulleted list of issues it has with implementation of SB 210, including how special education funding would be coordinated between districts receiving students, how the new law would affect existing tuition agreements between school districts, and how school districts could budget for increases or decreases in students throughout the year.

A district that sees a sudden increase of students during the school year will face two choices: Cut existing services to stay within approved spending, or call a special meeting to raise taxes. Similarly, a district that sees a sudden decline in enrollment will face a decrease in revenue and simultaneous increase in expenses, the association said in a statement.

The Senate has expressed skepticism about the bill, and in particular about implementing it in time for the 2025-2026 school year. When an earlier version of the bill, House Bill 741, was heard before the Senate in April, nine people registered support and 752 people registered as opposed, according to a Senate hearing report. The Senate later voted to re-refer the bill to the Senate Education Committee, allowing the committee to work on the bill until January, when it must make a decision.

Cordelli argues the bill would address advocates longstanding concerns about keeping public dollars in public schools. But he argues that providing choice is important.

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The status quo was not working in many places, he said. The education freedom that we have been talking about is not available only for private schools or home schooling. It should be available for public schools as well, so that the child can have the education opportunity that best meets their individual needs.

Prospect Mountains open enrollment status has sparked a legal dispute with the Pittsfield School District, after Prospect Mountain accepted four Pittsfield students and asked the Pittsfield School District to pay tuition. The Pittsfield School District has argued it did not authorize the students to go to Prospect Mountain and should not have to pay the tuition; the New Hampshire State Board of Education ruled in May 2024 that they must.

Pittsfield School District filed an appeal of the State Boards ruling to the state Supreme Court in August 2024; in November, the court indicated it would take up the appeal. The court has not yet scheduled oral arguments, but could decide to waive oral arguments and issue a written decision from the briefs. It has not yet issued a decision.

In the meantime, lawmakers did pass a separate bill this year, House Bill 771, that clarifies that school districts must pay tuition to open enrollment school districts under the current law. That bill is awaiting House approval of changes made by the Senate.
House Republicans clashed with three Democratic governors over immigration policies during a testy hearing Thursday that served as a broader forum for one of President Donald Trumps landmark issues amid the breakout of anti-deportation protests in California and across the country.

Over the course of an hourslong hearing convened by the House Oversight Committee on so-called sanctuary state policies, Republican lawmakers repeatedly accused those three blue-state leaders  Govs. Kathy Hochul of New York, JB Pritzker of Illinois and Tim Walz of Minnesota  of bearing responsibility for the deaths and abuse of people who were killed or assaulted by immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally.

The three governors defended themselves, frequently and forcefully pointing out that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility  not a state one  and at times suggested that Republicans on the panel were creating a political spectacle to impress Trump.

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House Democrats led the criticism of Trump directly, with some calling him a gangster or a dictator and others lambasting his decision to deploy National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to maintain control of protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.

Conservatives have said sanctuary laws refer to policies that prevent local authorities from being compelled to participate in federal immigration enforcement. Trump has in his second term signed multiple executive orders that target such cities and states, including one that withholds federal funds.

The hearing got off to a hostile start, with Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the panel's chair, kicking off his opening statement by declaring that the three governors  as well as other Democratic leaders  were running sanctuary cities and states that were siding with illegal aliens.

Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., the ranking Democrat on the committee, hit back in his opening statement by comparing several recent ICE actions to moves conducted by the Gestapo  referring to the secret police in Nazi Germany.

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During a particularly tense exchange, Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., asked Hochul, Do you go along with the strategy from the Biden administration, which massively expanded immigration protocols that overwhelmed your city and overwhelmed your state?

We call for secure borders, Hochul interjected, prompting Donalds to retort, I never remember you calling for secure borders at all, governor.

Youre putting a federal problem on our laps. And know what? It gets old after a while, Hochul responded. I wish you would just do your job.

At one point, Walz attempted to take a more conciliatory tone, while also pointing out that immigration enforcement remains a federal duty.

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No one here wants to hear these horrific stories. But we have a job to do on limited resources, Walz said. He added that it was a mistake for Republicans to say that not doing ICEs job means were not cooperating.

Nothing we do precludes them from doing their job, Walz said. We have the responsibility of the American public to work together, and I think threatening arrests on elected officials  doesnt help any of us. (Trump has suggested he would support the arrest of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat.)

The hearing also featured numerous distinctly political moments.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who is considering a run for governor of New York, is not a member of the committee, but Comer allowed several lawmakers to join in on the questioning. Stefanik used the opportunity to attack Hochul, repeatedly bringing up instances of undocumented immigrants committing crimes in the state, saying that they were emblematic of Kathy Hochuls New York.

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No amount of words is going to clean up your failed record, and these horrific crimes committed in the sanctuary state that you created, Stefanik said.

In what at times resembled potential campaign messaging, Stefanik said, We deserve a governor who stands up for law-abiding New Yorkers, who doesnt put illegals first, but actually puts New Yorkers first. Hochul hit back by saying that Stefanik was simply going after the viral moment.

Another New York Republican who is considering running for governor, Rep. Mike Lawler, was also invited to join the hearing, where he grilled Hochul.

There were campaign undertones throughout the day. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., is running for U.S. Senate, for example, while Donalds and Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., are both running for governor in their states next year.

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In addition, Walz and Pritzker are viewed as potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates. Both in recent weeks have taken steps to limit government-funded health care coverage for undocumented immigrants, a potential move to the right on the broader issue of immigration.

The latter half of the hearing featured numerous Democrats seeking to introduce reports for the record documenting the forcible removal of Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., from a news conference in Los Angeles after he tried to question Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., repeatedly pressed Comer and other Republicans to commit to subpoenaing Noem.

Just shut up, Comer replied, after moments of back-and-forth yelling. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said Democrats cant follow the rules, cant follow the law as Frost continued to demand Comers attention. The hearing took a brief recess after that.

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Later in the hearing, Democrats played the clip of the incident.

I want to say to all of you, all of you on both sides, but particularly those on the Republican side, that I cannot believe the disrespect that was shown to a United States senator, who was thrown down, handcuffed and not allowed to ask a question of our secretary of homeland security, Pritzker said.

Earlier, the hearing veered off track numerous times, with Republicans using the stage to pepper the governors with questions on topics that GOP lawmakers are investigating or that are popular with their conservative base.

At one point, Comer asked Walz if hed ever asked former Vice President Kamala Harris about former President Joe Bidens cognitive decline.

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Walz, who ran on the Democratic Partys 2024 ticket with Harris, replied he had not, triggering Comer to press harder.

At another point, Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, asked Pritzker about whether he thought that biological men should be able to use womens restrooms.

Prtizker eventually replied, So youre admitting that this is just a political circus.

The three Democratic governors also slammed Trump for calling up the National Guard to respond to the protests in California, expressing concern that the move could be replicated in other states.

Pritzker said, When the president of the United States is calling up your National Guard over the top of local law enforcement, saying that they dont need it, that they have things under control, it tends to have an inflaming effect on whats going on on the ground.

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Hochul, for her part, said Trumps actions absolutely undermine the sovereignty of individual states.

Undermining confidence in local law enforcement  youre basically saying that theres not a belief that the highly trained individuals of our municipal police departments ... can handle their jobs, she said. This is an overreach of epic proportions.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
UPDATED: The House of Representatives put the future of the public broadcasting ecosystem in doubt, as it voted Thursday to rescind $1.1 billion in federal funding for the next two fiscal years.

The vote was 214-212. Four Republicans joined with all Democrats against it. The bill, which also includes cuts to foreign aid, now heads to the Senate.

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It looked as if the votes was heading to defeat, but House Speaker Mike Johnson convinced some members to change their votes, only the latest instance of him intervening at the last minute to save parts of Donald Trumps agenda.

The bill claws back $535 million in funding for fiscal year 2026 and $535 million in funding for fiscal year 2027. Congress had already allocated the money to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the nonprofit entity set up to distribute funds to PBS, NPR and stations.

Patricia Harrison, president and CEO of CPB, said, Cutting off federal funding to public media will not only damage local stations, it will be disruptive for millions of Americans who rely on it for news and information that helps them make decisions about their lives and participate in their communities.

Paula Kerger, president and CEO of PBS, said in a statement, The fight to protect public media does not end with this vote, and we will continue to make the case for our essential service in the days and weeks to come.

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She added, Our work is only possible because of the bipartisan support we have always received from Congress, support we have earned by providing services that cannot be replaced by commercial media.

During this process we have heard from millions of people from across the country who rely on PBS and local member stations for information and educational media that cant be found anywhere else, and we know that the American people will continue to stand up in support of our work as we turn our attention to the Senate.

Katherine Maher, the president and CEO of NPR, noted that the vote was extraordinarily close.

She said in a statement, We urge the Senate to preserve the bipartisan support that has uplifted public broadcastings essential services in this country for the last 50 years, underscored press freedoms within every station and with each producer, and ensured the protection of the unique, universal, and lifesaving value of the public media system. We urge the Senate to affirm the very real support for public media across the nation, and to reject rescission, maintaining critical services for Americans across the nation.

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There may be a bit of a lifeline even if the rescissions package passes the Senate. Among those who switched their vote from no to yes was Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). According to the Nebraska Examiner, he told reporters that he was reassured by House Republican leadership that PBS would receive funding for next year, and it would go to annual funding after that. But it was unclear just how much money that would mean, and why lawmakers would go to the trouble of rescinding funding then restoring it later.

Trump has sought to eliminate federal funding to PBS and NPR via executive order, but the White House, deeming the networks biased to the left, sent a package of rescissions last week to roll back funding to CPB. With congressional approval, that would put the cuts on a sounder legal footing than an executive order.

Trump posted on Truth Social after the vote, For decades, Republicans have promised to cut NPR, but have never done it, until now. NPR and PBS are a Radical Left Disaster, and 1000% against the Republican Party!

Public broadcasting has found itself in the crosshairs many times before, as the elimination of funding has been a long-held desire from the right. The House voted to cut NPR funding in 2011. Mitt Romney argued for eliminating funding during his 2012 presidential campaign. The Trump administration proposed zeroing out public broadcasting funding for each of the four years of his first term.

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But with lobbying from parents, viewers and such characters as Big Bird, public media has survived amid bipartisan support from lawmakers who have cited their support for public media outlets in their own communities.

That is why the leaders of CPB, NPR and PBS have been emphasizing the impact of the cuts on local stations, which get the lions share of the federal funds.

But those arguments may be unable to overcome a long-held desire on the right to eliminate the funding. That has been exacerbated by the attacks from the right on the signature piece of Trumps legislation, a tax and spending package that figures like Elon Musk have argued would bankrupt the federal government. That seems to have put pressure on GOP lawmakers to show examples of their fiscal restraint, even as Democrats have attacked them for the package of rescissions cuts.

During debate on the House floor today, Republicans cited instances that they say proved public media bias. But the action also reflected Trumps latest effort to undermine media outlets he does not like. His FCC chairman, Brendan Carr, has launched investigations of Comcast and Disney, among others, over their DEI practices.

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Some GOP lawmakers, though, said the situation with public broadcasting was different, framing it as a matter of using tax dollars to back media outlets they say promote a left-wing agenda.

They have a right to say what they want; they do not have a right to our tax dollars, said Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX).

Democrats defended public media, but in the House debate put the greatest emphasis on the impact of rescissions to global health programs and AIDS prevention. In total, the rescissions package cuts $9.4 billion in funding.

Public media advocates, though, say that detractors have cherry-picked instances when, overall, trust in NPR and PBS remains high. A Pew survey in March put PBS high on the list of trusted news sources, along with the BBC. NPR also scored well, ranking with The Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press.

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The Senate can pass the bill by simple majority, or it can merely not act on it. Congress has 45 days to act on Trumps rescissions request, meaning that the Senate has five more weeks to pass it, or the funding will go to public media as planned.

The four Republicans who voted against the cuts were Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) and Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH).

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Reports of potential military escalations in the Middle East have struck a chord with the Houthis, who are warning both Israel and the U.S. to stand down from any attacks on Iran that would drag the entire region into the abyss of war.

A spokesperson for the Yemen-based militia, which gained global notoriety for its ongoing attacks on shipping in the Red Sea since the months after the Israel-Hamas war started, told Newsweek we are also at the highest level of preparedness for any possible American escalation against us.

More from Sourcing Journal

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As nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran appear to have stalledwith the latter refusing to abandon its uranium enrichment capabilities and President Donald Trump exhibiting frustration with the negotiationsseveral news reports have tied Israel to a possible attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in the coming days.

During a press conference Thursday, President Trump stopped short of calling an attack imminent, but said it looks like its something that could very well happen.

Such a move could see Iran retaliate with strikes of its own on Israeli and American interests throughout the Middle East.

With the Iran-aligned Houthis joining the rhetoric, it takes away incentive of shipping companies that may have considered returning to the Red Sea. Despite the Yemeni groups cessation of attacks in the waterway in 2025, only CMA CGM has routinely tested the waters with multiple services.

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While that carrier has the assistance of the French Navy to help escort ships through the Red Sea when necessary, other major container shipping firms have continually reiterated they will not return unless there are safety guarantees.

Both the U.S. and U.K. have acknowledged the possibility of another skirmish in the Middle East, and have since ordered a heightened state of preparedness.

On Wednesday, the U.S. State Department ordered the departure of all non-essential personnel from the American embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, as well as staff and family members in embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait. On Thursday morning, the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem restricted employees and family from traveling outside Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beer Sheva until further notice.

The U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office of the Royal Navy issued a warning to seafarers, saying that increased tensions in the region could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners.

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The UKMTO advised vessels to transit the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz with caution, and report incidents or suspicious activity.

While UKMTO did not mention the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait or the Gulf of Aden in its advisory, there has been military engagement in the Red Sea that could ward shipping companies off from passing through the area.

Ahead of the reports, Israels navy launched missiles at the Houthi-controlled Port of Hodeidah in Yemen, which resides on the Red Sea. In response, the Houthis launched long-range missile attacks against Israel. Both Israel and the Houthis have engaged in a series of strikes against the other in recent months as the formers military campaign in the Gaza Strip rages on.

U.S. military airstrikes against the Houthis lasted roughly 50 days before a ceasefire was called in May, with the Pentagon claiming to hit more than 1,000 Houthi targets in the period. While the White Houses intent of the campaign was the restore freedom of navigation to the Red Sea, shipping routes have largely strayed from the area.

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Even as the Suez Canal Authority has tried to incentivize carriers to bring back shipping routes through the trade artery in the wake of the conflict, vessels have largely remained the same in the area since last summer.

Data from PortWatch, a maritime traffic portal backed by the International Monetary Fund and Oxford University, said the seven-day moving average of Bab el-Mandeb crossings in June was 30 vessels per day. This mirrors numbers seen in both January and August 2024.

Figures from container shipping research firm Clarksons indicate a similar story. According to Clarksons, the rolling, seven-day average of daily Suez Canal crossings stood at 30 vessels per day so far in June, down from 32 in May and 33 in March and April. In August 2024, the figure stood at 35 daily crossings.
By Crispian Balmer and Nidal al-Mughrabi

JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -At least eight Palestinians who worked for the U.S-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation died in an ambush, the GHF said on Thursday, blaming Hamas militants for the killings that rocked the troubled food distribution operation.

A bus carrying about two dozen GHF workers was raked with gunfire on Wednesday night as it headed to an aid centre in southern Gaza, the foundation said, adding that many of its staff were injured and some might have been kidnapped.

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Separately, the local health authority said 103 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire and 400 wounded in the past 24 hours across the battered enclave - including 21 people killed this morning near GHF sites.

Locals said the internet was down across much of the Gaza Strip, adding to the chaos and confusion. The United Nations said the blackout was probably caused by Israel military activity damaging the last cable into the enclave.

"Lifelines to emergency services, humanitarian coordination, and critical information for civilians have all been cut. There is a full internet blackout, and mobile networks are barely functioning," deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment.

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GHF's interim director, John Acree, said his organisation had considered closing its centres on Thursday because of the bus ambush, but in the end, opted to remain open.

"We decided that the best response to Hamas cowardly murderers was to keep delivering food for the people of Gaza who are counting on us," he said in a statement.

Hamas declined to comment on the shootings.

Social media channels in Gaza said Hamas had targeted the bus because it was allegedly carrying GHF workers tied to Yasser Abu Shabab, the leader of a large clan that has challenged Hamas's supremacy in the enclave and is being armed by Israel.

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Abu Shabab released a statement on his Facebook page denouncing images posted on social media showing Gazans allegedly killed by Hamas and as it seeks to safeguard its 18-year rule in the war-smashed territory.

"Rumours of executions and killings are being spread by the corrupt, mercenaries, and criminals of Hamas in an attempt to sow fear in the hearts of those who seek change and liberation from terrorism, oppression, and its unjust rule," he said.

MASS EVACUATIONS

The Israeli military said it was continuing to target Hamas fighters in Gaza, killing three militants who fired an anti-tank missile towards its soldiers, and hitting a building near a medical centre that it said was being used to make weapons.

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It also said it had arrested several Hamas members in Syria overnight, accusing them of planning to attack Israelis.

The military ordered residents of several neighbourhoods in central Gaza to evacuate and head to western Gaza City.

"The IDF is operating with great force in the areas where you are located," IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a post on X.

He later issued a similar warning for residents in the city centre of Khan Younis, to the south, and nearby blocks.

The Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) association called for the protection of the city's Nasser Hospital and the hundreds of patients and healthcare workers inside, as Israeli attacks threatened to shut down the facility.

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Israel has fought for more than 20 months to eliminate Hamas after it launched deadly attacks October 7, 2023 that ignited the war. All efforts to end the conflict through negotiations have failed.

Despite the bus attack, GHF said it handed out 2.6 million meals on Thursday - a daily record since it started operations in Gaza at the end of May, overseeing a new model of food distribution that the United Nations says is deeply flawed.

"This model will not address the deepening hunger. The dystopian 'Hunger Games' cannot become the new reality," Philippe Lazzarini, the chief of the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), wrote on X.

"The UN including @UNRWA has the knowledge, expertise & community trust to provide dignified & safe assistance. Just let the humanitarians do their jobs," he added.

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Israel has repeatedly called for UNRWA to be disbanded, accusing it of having ties with Hamas. UNRWA has denied this.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says more than 180 people have been killed by Israeli fire near the aid centres over the past three weeks, as the aid effort repeatedly degenerated into chaos and terror with locals scrabbling for limited supplies.

Israel has contested the death tally, accusing Hamas of causing much of the mayhem.

Besides the GHF distribution effort, Israel is also letting into Gaza trucks carrying flour for the handful of bakeries that are still operating.

For the first time in months, Israel allowed humanitarian trucks to enter northern Gaza directly overnight - with 56 lorries carrying supplies from the U.N.'s World Food Programme crossing into the largely devastated region.

(Reporting by Crispian Balmer and Nidal Al-Mughrabi; additional reporting by Michelle Nichols; Alexander Cornwell, Maayan Lubell, Jana Choukeir and Ahmed Elimam, editing by Ed Osmond and Andrew Heavens)
Hundreds of demonstrators have been arrested in cities across the country in recent days as they protest the Trump administrations immigration crackdown and the deployment of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles amid unrest.

While public officials say many of the protests have remained peaceful, some have grown tense and led to clashes between law enforcement and civilians.

As protests in California continue, police said Wednesday night that nearly 400 people had been arrested or detained since Saturdays raids in Los Angeles.

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In New York City, police estimated that about 2,500 people participated in protests Tuesday evening and early Wednesday near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility and federal courthouses in Foley Square, as reported by The Associated Press.

Some protesters jumped over barricades and clashed with officers who wrestled them to the ground. Others shouted while waving signs, including ICE out of NYC.

Police said they detained 86 people, including 52 who were released with criminal court summonses for minor crimes and 34 who were charged with assault, resisting arrest and other crimes, according to the AP.

In Philadelphia, about 150 protesters marched from the federal detention center to the ICE headquarters and back to the detention facility. Police arrested 15 people after they allegedly ignored officers orders to disperse from a major road, the AP reported.

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Officials added that several officers used force during the arrests and that their conduct would be reviewed.

In San Francisco, more than 150 people were arrested after thousands protested throughout the city Sunday and Monday. Some vandalized buildings while others damaged cars, buses and police vehicles.

In Chicago, 17 people were arrested Tuesday at a protest downtown. Some were accused of vandalism and four were charged with felonies, including aggravated battery against an officer of the peace.

In Denver, 17 people were arrested after officers ordered protesters gathered at the Colorado State Capitol and blocking traffic to disperse. Some officers used smoke and pepper balls to control the crowd, according to police.

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In Spokane, Wash., more than 30 protesters were arrested after a protest outside an ICE office.

In Seattle, hundreds of protesters marched to a federal building where immigration cases were heard Wednesday night.

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) said protesters threw fireworks, rocks and pieces of cement at the officers who were attempting to get crowd to disperse. The citys fire department had to extinguish a fire set in a dumpster, law enforcement officials said.

We will continue to move protestors until the individuals stop assaulting officers, the SPD said in a statement on social platform X.

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Seattles police announced eight arrests following Wednesdays protest.

The arrests come as organizers with the No Kings movement are planning some 1,500 demonstrations across the country to protest Trumps upcoming military parade Saturday.

The Associated Press 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.
In its more than three years in Mali, the Russian paramilitary group Wagner kidnapped, detained and tortured hundreds of civilians, including at former UN bases and camps shared with the country's army, according to a report published Thursday by a journalist collective.

The victims, who were interviewed by a consortium of reporters led by investigative outlet Forbidden Stories, spoke from a refugee camp in neighbouring Mauritania about waterboarding, beatings with electrical cables and being burned with cigarette butts.

The investigation revealed that the use of illegal detentions and systematic torture, which sometimes led to death, was similar to that which occurred in Ukraine and Russia.

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The investigation, which was conducted in conjunction with France 24, Le Monde and IStories, identified six detention sites where the Russian paramilitary group held civilians between 2022 and 2024, but the actual number could be much higher, it said.

Mali's ruling junta, which seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021, broke off ties with former colonial power France and pivoted towards Russia for political and military support after coming to power.

The country never officially admitted Wagner's presence, insisting it only worked with Russian instructors.

Nonetheless, last week a Telegram channel affiliated with Wagner announced that the Russian paramilitary group was leaving Mali.

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Its personnel will be reintegrated into its successor, Africa Corps, another paramilitary group with links to the Kremlin, according to diplomatic and security sources who spoke with AFP.

For more than three years, Mali had relied on Wagner in its fight against jihadists who have killed thousands across the country.

The paramilitary group's brutal methods on the ground in Mali have been regularly denounced by human rights groups.

A UN report accused Mali's army and foreign fighters of executing at least 500 people during a March 2022 anti-jihadist sweep in Moura -- a claim denied by the junta.

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Western governments believe the foreign fighters were Wagner mercenaries.

Last April, bodies were discovered near a Malian military camp, days after the army and Wagner paramilitaries arrested dozens of civilians, most from the Fulani community.

els/bfm/cw
Hundreds of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees are being allowed to return to work as of Wednesday.

A fired CDC employee says shes happy for them, but she feels confused by the whole situation.

It was always my dream to serve the public, said Sarah Boim.

She told Channel 2s Bryan Mims she worked as a health communications specialist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for one year before she went on paid administrative leave in February.

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The government terminated her in May.

Sarah Boim worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for one year before she was placed on administrative leave and eventually fired.

Boim helped found Fired But Fighting, an organization working to have all CDC employees rehired and to remove Robert F. Kennedy as Health and Human Services secretary.

She said shes grateful hundreds of laid-off employees can go back to their jobs at the CDC.

Im so happy for them, but Im also a little confused because the government decided these people were doing critical work, Boim said.

She said these 460-plus employees couldnt do their critical work for more than 70 days.

The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services confirmed that notices went out Wednesday to these 460 or so workers, saying they could return to the CDC.

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In April, about 2,400 CDC employees were laid off, about 18% of the CDCs staff.

RELATED STORIES:

The Department of Health and Human Services confirms these rehired employees are part of four divisions. They include the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and Tuberculosis Prevention.

Employees reinstated also include lab scientists who track lead poisoning.

For every public health position thats lost, lives are at risk. So, multiply that by 2,000 just here at CDC. And you can see that were really in a dire situation, Boim said.

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Andrew Nixon, Health and Human Services spokesperson, responded with a written statement, saying the nations critical health functions remain intact.

HHS is streamlining operations without compromising mission-critical work. Enhancing the health and well-being of all Americans remains our top priority, the statement said.
By Francois Murphy

VIENNA (Reuters) -The U.N. nuclear watchdog's 35-nation Board of Governors declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations on Thursday for the first time in almost 20 years, raising the prospect of reporting it to the U.N. Security Council.

The major step is the culmination of several festering stand-offs between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran that have arisen since President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of a nuclear deal between Tehran and major powers in 2018 during his first term, after which that deal unravelled.

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Since Iran bristles at resolutions against it and this is the most significant one in years, it is likely to respond with a nuclear escalation, as it has said it will. That could complicate the current talks between Iran and the U.S. aimed at imposing new curbs on Iran's accelerating atomic activities.

The resolution also comes at a time of particularly heightened tension, with the U.S. pulling staff out of the Middle East, and Trump warning the region could become dangerous and saying Washington would not let Iran have nuclear weapons.

Diplomats at the closed-door meeting said the board passed the resolution submitted by the United States, Britain, France and Germany with 19 countries in favour, 11 abstentions and three states - Russia, China and Burkina Faso - against.

DAMNING REPORT

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The text, seen by Reuters, declares Iran in breach of its obligations given a damning report the IAEA sent to member states on May 31.

"The Board of Governors... finds that Iran's many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran ... constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement with the Agency," the text said.

A central issue is Iran's failure to provide the IAEA with credible explanations of how uranium traces detected at undeclared sites in Iran came to be there despite the agency having investigated the issue for years.

The May 31 IAEA report, a board-mandated "comprehensive" account of developments, found three of the four locations "were part of an undeclared structured nuclear programme carried out by Iran until the early 2000s and that some activities used undeclared nuclear material".

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U.S. intelligence services and the IAEA have long believed Iran had a secret, coordinated nuclear weapons programme it halted in 2003, though isolated experiments continued for several years. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said this week the findings were broadly consistent with that.

Iran denies ever having pursued nuclear weapons.

While the resolution alluded to reporting Iran to the U.N. Security Council, diplomats said it would take a second resolution to send it there, as happened the last time it was declared in non-compliance in September 2005, followed by referral in February 2006.

(Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Ed Osmond)
VIENNA (Reuters) -Below are key passages from a four-page resolution on Iran that diplomats said the International Atomic Energy Agency's 35-nation Board of Governors passed on Thursday. The text is still confidential and was seen by Reuters.

The Board of Governors,...

(d) Recalling the Board of Governors' resolutions of 19 June 2020... , of 8 June 2022 ... , of 17 November 2022 ..., of 5 June 2024 ..., and of 21 November 2024 ..., which called upon Iran to fully cooperate with the Agency and decided that it is essential and urgent, in order to ensure verification of the non-diversion of nuclear material, that Iran act to fulfil its legal obligations and, with a view to clarifying all outstanding issues, take all specified actions without delay,

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(e) Regretting that despite the above resolutions by the Board and numerous opportunities provided by the Director General since 2019, Iran has failed to provide the co-operation required under its Safeguards Agreement, impeding Agency verification activities, sanitizing locations, and repeatedly failing to provide the Agency with technically credible explanations for the presence of uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at several undeclared locations in Iran or information on the current location(s) of nuclear material and/or of contaminated equipment, instead stating, inconsistent with the Agency's findings, that it has declared all nuclear material and activities required under its Safeguards Agreement,

(f) Noting the Director General's conclusion ... that Iran did not declare nuclear material and nuclear-related activities at three undeclared locations in Iran, specifically, Lavisan-Shian, Varamin, and Turquzabad, and that, because of the lack of technically credible answers by Iran, the Agency is not in a position to determine whether the nuclear material at these undeclared locations in Iran has been consumed, mixed with other declared material, or is still outside of Safeguards,

(g) Noting with concern the Agency's conclusion that these undeclared locations were part of an undeclared, structured programme carried out by Iran until the early 2000s, and that some of these activities used undeclared nuclear material,

(h) Noting with concern the Agency's conclusion that Iran retained unknown nuclear material and/or heavily contaminated equipment, and other assets, arising from the former undeclared structured nuclear programme, at Turquzabad in the period 2009 until 2018, after which items were removed from the location, the whereabouts of which remain unknown,

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...

(k) Noting that Iran's failure on numerous occasions to co-operate to facilitate the implementation of Safeguards, while pursuing activities consistent with concealment efforts, including extensive sanitization and the provision of inaccurate explanations, represents a significant impediment to the Agency's ability to clarify and verify Iran's declarations and the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme,

(n) Regretting Iran's failure to provide the Agency with technically credible explanations regarding undeclared nuclear material,

...

(o) Reiterating its concern that Iran has still not provided necessary, full and unambiguous cooperation with the Agency and has not taken the essential and urgent actions as decided by the Board in its June and November 2024 resolutions ... , and

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(p) Concerned that the Agency is at an impasse with regards to resolving these issues,

1. Deeply regrets that, despite repeated calls from the Board and many opportunities offered, Iran has failed to co-operate fully with the Agency, as required by its Safeguards Agreement;

...

3. Finds that Iran's many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran ... constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement with the Agency ...;

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4. Finds also consistent with Article 19 of Iran's Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement ... that the Agency is not able to verify that there has been no diversion of nuclear material required to be safeguarded under the Agreement to nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices;

5. Finds also that the Director General's inability ... to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that are within the competence of the United Nations Security Council, as the organ bearing the main responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, consistent with Article III.B.4 of the Agency's Statute, and expresses its grave concern in this regard;

6. ... The Board will address the timing and content of the report required under Article XII.C of the Agency's Statute and also provided for in Article 19 of Iran's Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, and the notification required under Article III.B.4 of the Agency's Statute;

7. Reaffirms its decision that it is essential and urgent in order to ensure verification of the nondiversion of nuclear material that Iran act to fulfil its legal obligations and, with a view to clarifying all outstanding Safeguards issues, take the following actions without delay:

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i. Provide technically credible explanations for the presence of uranium particles of anthropogenic origin in two undeclared locations in Iran,

ii. Inform the Agency of the current location(s) of the nuclear material and/or of the contaminated equipment,

iii. Provide all information, documentation and answers the Agency requires for that purpose, and

iv. Provide access to locations and material the Agency requires for that purpose, as well as for the taking of samples as deemed appropriate by the Agency;

...

10. Calls upon Iran to urgently remedy its non-compliance with its Safeguards Agreement by taking all steps deemed necessary by the Agency and the Board, so that the Director General can provide the necessary assurances regarding the correctness and completeness of Iran's declarations pursuant to its Safeguards Agreement;

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11. Stresses its support for a diplomatic solution to the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear programme, including the talks between the United States and Iran, leading to an agreement that addresses all international concerns related to Iran's nuclear activities, encouraging all parties to constructively engage in diplomacy; ...

(Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Alex Richardson)
HOUSTON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that an Israeli strike on Iran "could very well happen," warning of a possible "massive conflict" in the Middle East.

"I don't want to say imminent, but it's something that could very well happen," Trump told reporters at the White House.

"They (the Israelis) didn't tell me anything, but I said look, there's a chance of massive conflict," Trump said.

The president said that "I don't want them going in" at a moment when direct talks between the United States and Iran are ongoing.

"I want to have an agreement with Iran. We're fairly close to an agreement... As long as I think there is an agreement, I don't want them going in because that would blow it."

One day earlier, the U.S. State Department ordered non-essential U.S. embassy staff and their dependents to leave Iraq due to unspecified security risks, while the Pentagon approved the voluntary departure of U.S. military dependents from the Middle East.

"We have a lot of American people in this area, and I said, look, we gotta tell them to get out cause something could happen - soon," said Trump on Thursday.

"And I don't want to be the one that didn't give any warning and missiles are flying into their buildings. It's possible", said the president. "Hopefully that doesn't happen."

White House special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman on Sunday for a sixth round of nuclear talks. 
The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) executive committee adopted a resolution on Thursday in Vienna stating that Tehran has failed to meet its obligations to fully disclose its nuclear activities.

The board found that Iran's failings "constitutes non-compliance with its obligations" and indicated that it was considering sending the matter to the UN Security Council.

This step, initiated by the United States, France, Germany and the United Kingdom will increase pressure on Tehran, as international tensions over its nuclear programme rise.

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There are increasing concerns that Israel could launch a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, and the US has recalled non-essential diplomatic staff in Iraq.

The IAEA resolution was passed after Tehran refused for years to declare its past nuclear activities. IAEA inspectors had found traces of uranium and other suspicious evidence in locations away from the acknowledged facilities.

The intergovernmental organization views the Iranian response to its queries as not credible.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated recently that he could not guarantee that Iran's nuclear programme served exclusively peaceful ends. The board said this raised questions relevant to the UN Security Council.

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The 35 member states on the IAEA board have given Tehran additional time to reconsider its stance, without setting a deadline for a potential referral to the UN Security Council.

Negotiations between the United States and Iran over new restrictions to Tehran's nuclear programme resumed in April.

A sixth round of talks is expected to be held on Sunday in Oman's capital Muscat. Oman is mediating the negotiations.
Community members and religious leaders gathered Wednesday to denounce an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid at a Downey church, alleging federal agents targeted a Spanish-speaking man in the church parking lot.

Reverend Tanya Lopez, senior pastor at Downey Memorial Christian Church, described witnessing five men in plain clothes with police badges and bulletproof vests detaining an individual.

He could have just been walking down the street and choosing to walk through our parking lot, Lopez said. A lot of people do that all the time.

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Lopez said she approached the agents, demanding they identify themselves and asking the detained man not to sign any documents. At one point, she claims an agent pointed a rifle at her when she attempted to get closer to the vehicle.

Unidentified federal agents are seen in the parking lot of a Downey church moments after they detained a person and loaded him into the back of an SUV on June 11, 2025. (Pastor Tanya Lopez)

They did point their rifle at me and said, You need to get back,' Lopez recounted.

Paulina, a local community member who witnessed the incident, said the agents were aggressive and had out-of-state license plates from New Mexico and Texas.

The gentleman who they took was dark-skinned and only spoke Spanish, she said. They dont care if you have papers, as long as you look like what they want you to look like, theyll take you.

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Reverend Richie Sanchez, a regional minister from the Pacific Southwest Region Disciples of Christ, emphasized the communitys commitment to resistance.

We will continue to rise and meet the challenges head on, Sanchez said. L.A. is a place where our population is a microcosm of the United States of America.

Union del Barrio, a community organization, reported at least 20 similar operations throughout the Los Angeles area, calling the raids inhumane and targeting working-class individuals.

The group urged community members to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to local organizations.

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Churches have typically been considered safe places from immigration raids or other law enforcement operations, but that is less of a legal policy and more a common courtesy.

Legally speaking ICE agents can go into the public spaces of churches, mosques, places of worship, said Loyola University law professor Jessica Levinson. The important distinction is whether or not youre in a public place or a private place. In a public place, maybe its a parking lot, maybe its where you first enter a house of worship, then ICE agents can go and arrest people and they do not need warrants as long as they have probable cause.

In private places, including areas where one might give a confessional, those agents would need warrants, Levinson added.

ICE agents have continued to conduct immigration enforcement operations in broad daylight since raids began late last week at several locations across the city.

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Earlier Wednesday morning, two unmarked vehicles sandwiched a familys car in Boyle Heights, trapping the vehicle and taking the driver into custody. U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials later said that man was a violent rioter who was wanted for assaulting an ICE agent.

Other raids have taken place at car washes, home improvement warehouses and clothing storefronts.

While last Fridays immigration raids were all in downtown L.A., agents have expanded their area of operations to outlying neighborhoods, surrounding cities and neighboring counties.

Protesters and law enforcement have clashed over these unexpected raids, leading to overnight protests in a small portion of the city that resulted in some looting and vandalism.

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On Tuesday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a curfew for a one-square-mile triangular parcel of land in downtown that included Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Skid Row and the Fashion District. Officials have not said if that curfew will remain in place moving forward.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
The Brief

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were spotted in Glen Cove earlier today.

Federal agents carried out an enforcement operation along Cedar Swamp Road.

Glen Cove Police Lieutenant John Nagle confirmed Glen Cove police did not assist in the enforcement operation.

LONG ISLAND - Long Island residents have noticed an increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents recently.

ICE agents in Long Island

What we know

FOX 5 NY's Jessica Formoso reports that advocacy group Islip Forward has footage of ICE agents throughout Suffolk County.

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The federal agents were spotted in Glen Clove along Cedar Swamp Road, outside a Burger King, earlier today, June 11.

Glen Clove Police Lieutenant John Nagle told FOX 5 NY that officers responded to a call from a business owner at around 8:30 a.m. saying an assault was in progress  the "assault" in question was a group of federal agents carrying out an enforcement operation.

Nagle confirms the Glen Cove police did not assist in the operation.

Employees working at the Burger King at the time confirmed that the agents never went inside the establishment; they arrested a man before placing him inside a car.

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Residents of New Cassel are also scared  Formoso reported there were very few people on the streets in the wake of a visit from Homeland Security investigators in their neighborhood.

Reactions, official response

What they're saying

The manager of a supermarket just up the block from where the latest ICE arrest took place spoke to Formoso, citing confusion from the locals.

"There is fear in the community," Bravo Supermarket's manager Sal said. "People are asking if [ICE agents] have been here." He confirmed that they had not.

Executive Director of the Central American Refugee Center (CARECEN) Melanie Creps told FOX 5 NY "We're seeing people picked up who have no criminal record, who have lived here for 10 years, paid their taxes, and they got detained in one of these raids."

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Assemblymember Charles Lavine posted this statement on X:

See my statement regarding the escalation of ICE activity in Nassau County: pic.twitter.com/AUvuhc7Cxk  Charles D. Lavine (@CharlesDLavine) June 11, 2025

The other side

Long Island Homeland Security investigators, according to ICE, were conducting an operation associated to an ongoing federal investigation in the New Cassel area on Tuesday afternoon.

Nassau Police arrived on the scene to respond to a car accident that the agents were involved in; they told FOX 5 NY that, to their knowledge, the incident was not a raid.

ICE provided this statement: "This operation did not involve the nearby school, and did not involve a vehicle pursuit. For the safety of our personnel, ICE HSI will not provide additional comment at this time."

The Source

This article includes reporting from FOX 5 NY's Jessica Formoso.
Demonstrators march through the streets of Southeast Baltimore, protesting recent ICE activity in Baltimore. The protest was led by nonprofit immigrant advocacy group CASA, which said that at least 16 immigrants have been detained in recent raids at grocery stores, convenience stores and a Home Depot, among other locations. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters)

Hundreds marched in southeast Baltimore Wednesday to protest what they say is the detention of at least 16 people in the region by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the last three weeks, after raids at grocery stores, convenience shops and a Home Depot.

The peaceful protest and march was led by CASA, a nonprofit that provides support services for immigrants and advocates on their behalf.

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ICE out of Maryland! ICE out of Baltimore! they chanted to drumbeats, as passersby peered from windows and rowhouse steps, often filming with their cell phones, sometimes cheering with the crowd.

We have seen a spike in the Baltimore region  and our surrounding area  of raids, said Crisaly De Los Santos, CASAs Baltimore and Central Maryland director, during a news conference Wednesday. These raids are not isolated incidents. They are an assault on our immigrant families, on working-class neighborhoods and the dignity of Baltimore as a whole.

The protestors marched from CASAs Baltimore Welcome Center on Pulaski Highway to two locations that organizers say were the site of ICE activity: a Royal Farms on East Fayette Street and the Hazlo International Foods store on East Lombard Street.

Demonstrators march past a Southeast Baltimore Royal Farms where protesters said there has been activity by ICE agents. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters)

Baltimore Police vehicles blocked traffic along the route to let marchers proceed through the streets. CASA officials estimated the crowd at about 400 people.

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As the crowd passed on East Fayette Street near her home, Maria Flores was moved to tears. She said that seeing the demonstrators filled her with joy, during a challenging time for her community.

We are very scared for those without papers, she said in Spanish.

The raids come as President Donald Trump has made good on his campaign promise to speed deportations of undocumented migrants.

In March, Maryland resident Kilmar Abrego Garcia was arrested by immigration officials and deported to El Salvador, despite having court protection against removal to his home country since 2019. He was held in prison there for months, despite court orders  including from the U.S. Supreme Court  for the Trump administration to bring him home.

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His detention sparked a firestorm, heightened when Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D- Md.) went to El Salvador to meet with Abrego Garcia. He was finally brought back last week to Tennessee, where he will be tried on federal charges of conspiracy to unlawfully transport undocumented people for profit in connection with a 2022 traffic stop there.

Protests against ICE detentions in Los Angeles prompted Trump to send in California National Guard troops and Marines, against the wishes of California officials who said the actions threatened to inflame the situation. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) sued Trump, who in turn threatened Newsom with arrest.

On Wednesday in Baltimore, CASA officials said that ICE officers struck a child during a June 8 confrontation with a Baltimore City resident near a grocery store with his wife, three children and 80-year-old mother, according to a CASA news release.

Demonstrators kneel outside of a Southeast Baltimore Royal Farms, where immigrant advocacy group CASA said that ICE activity has been observed. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters)

With videos and witnesses sharing, we can see that his young son was assaulted in the process, leaving him with blood all over his face, De Los Santos said at Wednesdays news conference.

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ICE officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the allegations Wednesday afternoon.

Perla Hernandez, a community organizer with CASA, said she witnessed a man arrested by ICE agents inside a Baltimore County shopping center as he was shopping for items for his daughters birthday, she said in Spanish through an interpreter. Violently, three ICE agents threw him down to the ground, ignoring his pleas and asks to see a warrant signed by a judge.

The May 20 arrests at the Home Depot along Eastern Avenue on May 20 were also jarring, De Los Santos said. Five day laborers were chased, tackled and forcibly abducted, she said. Days later, men in ski masks came back to the same location and arrested four additional immigrants, she said.

That day, five families were torn apart, said Julia Fernandez, a CASA member.

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SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

A man providing for eight family members  including six children under the age of 10  was abducted, leaving traumatized children behind, and his niece, recently recovering from surgery, without their father figure, Fernandez said.

Several state and local lawmakers flanked CASA staffers and spoke out against the ICE arrests at the news conference, including Del. Robbyn Lewis (D- Baltimore City), who represents East Baltimores District 46. She cited policy changes lawmakers have approved for migrants, such as expanded access to the earned income tax credit and access to Medicaid for pregnant women, regardless of immigration status. But she said there is only so much legislators can do.

Right now, as a state legislator  its hard to say this  but I actually have limited power to impact whats done at the federal level, Lewis said.

Demonstrators convene near the Hazlo International Foods store in Southeast Baltimore, where CASA said that ICE has been active. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters)

Lawmakers this year were unable to pass a law banning so-called 287(g) agreements, which essentially let local police act as immigration agents. Instead, they passed a bill educating immigrants and property owners on how to respond if ICE agents show up in sensitive locations like churches, courthouses or hospitals.

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Lewis said the ICE detentions resonate powerfully with her as the descendant of African Americans who escaped slavery with the help of abolitionists.

The tactics that are being used today to terrorize our neighborhood residents  Marylanders  have been used and perfected in this country, used against African Americans and those abolitionists who went out of their way, with their faith and their strong morality, to help us, Lewis said.

Baltimore City Councilman Mark Parker, a pastor who was elected last year to represent the Southeast portion of the city, said he has been responding for months now, sometimes on a daily basis, to calls from residents affected by raids. He spoke of talking with family members, visiting their homes and traveling to the George H. Fallon Federal Building in Baltimore.

Shortly after Parker took office in December, he said that some officials discussed laying low to avoid the scrutiny of the Trump administration.

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But that kind of rhetoric acts like our neighbors arent being attacked every single day already, Parker said.

City Councilwoman Odette Ramos, who represents District 14, including Johns Hopkins University and Lake Montebello, said the raids and the harm they are causing immigrant communities is the fault of this administration  the Trump administration.

Baltimore City Councilman Mark Parker speaks at a Tuesday rally protesting recent ICE detentions in Baltimore.. (Photo by Christine Condon/Maryland Matters)

Imagine  all of you here  that this is going to happen to your family, Ramos said. Planning for separation, planning to be gone and sent to a life that you escaped, but also that you dont know, after investing so much into our nation and believing in the promise of the United States.

During Wednesdays demonstration, which lasted about two hours, marchers walked behind a burgundy CASA banner, with the message Immigrant Power in Action, wielding signs with messages like Abolish ICE and Immigrants are Essential! The crowd spanned a few city blocks, snaking through the streets of Baltimore

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Demonstrators with megaphones led the crowd in chants, including: Si se puede, and Say it loud, say it clear: Immigrants are welcome here!

Watching the marchers, resident Lizette Rodriguez pumped her fist. She isnt an immigrant, she said, but she was moved by the demonstration.

Its inspiring, she said. Theyre fighting for their rights.

Southeast Baltimore resident Halal Henderson watched as the crowd arrived at the Royal Farms, where they knelt for a few moments, fists raised skyward.

This is the land of the free, Henderson said. Why cant they come over here and be free?

Demonstrators hold anti-ICE signs during a Tuesday protest in Baltimore. The protest was led by nonprofit immigrant advocacy group CASA, which said that at least 16 immigrants have been detained in recent raids at grocery stores, convenience stores and a Home Depot, among other locations. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters)

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A demonstrator holds a sign calling for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The protest was led by nonprofit immigrant advocacy group CASA, which said that at least 16 immigrants have been detained in recent raids at grocery stores, convenience stores and a Home Depot, among other locations. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters)

Demonstrators hold anti-ICE signs during a Tuesday protest in Baltimore. The protest was led by nonprofit immigrant advocacy group CASA, which said that at least 16 immigrants have been detained in recent raids at grocery stores, convenience stores and a Home Depot, among other locations. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters)

Demonstrators march through the streets of Southeast Baltimore, protesting recent ICE activity in Baltimore. The protest was led by nonprofit immigrant advocacy group CASA, which said that at least 16 immigrants have been detained in recent raids at grocery stores, convenience stores and a Home Depot, among other locations. (Photo by Christine Condon/ Maryland Matters)
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  ICE protests continued in Downtown El Paso on Wednesday morning, June 11, in concert with growing protests across the country as demonstrators continue to denounce the Trump Administrations immigration enforcement policies and tactics.

Fuera ICE!, chanted dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the Richard C. White Federal Building in Downtown El Paso.

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Dozens more had gathered the evening prior at the San Jacinto Plaza in a demonstration aimed at showing solidarity with the community in Los Angeles, where violent protests erupted over the weekend.

Those demonstrators called for the removal of the California National Guard deployed by President Donald Trump to Los Angeles, and for ICE to stop their immigration raids in migrant communities.

Immigrant advocates gather in Downtown El Paso in solidarity with Los Angeles protests

Wednesdays protest centered on denouncing reports that ICE is arresting asylum seekers near federal buildings as their cases are being dismissed.

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They ought to start by complying with due process, start with complying with the law. These judges are dismissing the cases at the governments motion, and then they are initiating expedited removal, meaning quick removal without any court hearing. Many of these people are people who have applied for asylum. And under our asylum laws, they have a right to a full hearing on their case, former State Sen. Jose Rodriguez said.

Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott deployed Texas National Guard troops to San Antonio ahead of planned protests on Wednesday.

He added via his X account that troops will be deployed to locations across the state to ensure peace and order ahead of a planned nationwide protest happening on Saturday.

Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal and will lead to arrest. The Texas National Guard will use every tool and strategy to help law enforcement maintain order, read Abbotts post.

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Neither the City nor the County of El Paso has been informed or contacted by state officials on whether the Texas National Guard will be deployed to the border ahead of ongoing protests.

El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego commended the peaceful nature of the demonstrations being held in El Paso. He attributed that to great communication among El Paso leaders, law enforcement, and community advocates, and urged demonstrators to continue setting that example.

We can figure it out at a local level. And the better we figure things out at a local level, it wont provoke people coming in from the outside. Lets not give them an excuse. Lets be peaceful. Lets do things right. And lets not give the governor or the other president an excuse to deploy the National Guard. Because I can tell you thats when it gets out of hand, Samaniego said.

The National Guard comes in, and theyre not knowledgeable about our community. Theyre very young people who are now being asked to do something very complicated, he added.

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Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

This summer marks five years since the 2020 uprising for Black lives  an anniversary that feels especially resonant right now, as protesters in cities like Minneapolis, where George Floyd was murdered by police, stand up against Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and the Trump administration's deportation spree.

For days now, protesters in Los Angeles have been fighting the Trump administration's mass-deportation efforts, while the president sent in the National Guard (as he did in 2020) and 700 Marines. The fight and the backlash to it have spread to cities across America: There's footage of a protester with cops kneeling on their neck in Philadelphia; arrests in New York City, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta; and thousands upon thousands more taking to the streets. ICE is reportedly sending tactical agents to five Democratic-run cities.

Protesters continue to clash with enforcement in downtown Los Angeles due to the immigration raids in L.A. Jason Armond/Getty Images

Protestors Rally At Texas State Capitol Against ICE Raids And Deportations Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Protesters Gather In Cities Across Nation To Denounce ICE Immigration Raids Scott Olson/Getty Images

Anti-ICE demonstration in New York City Anadolu/Getty Images

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Los Angeles Riots: Curfew issued in Los Angeles amid protests over immigration raids Anadolu/Getty Images

As we noted in Teen Vogue's running series United States of Suppression, which was launched last year, the mass protests in 2020 marked the start of an era of increased criminalization of protesters. Throughout 2024, as police swarmed college campuses and deployed tear gas against students demonstrating opposition to the war in Gaza, I thought of 2020.

But amid the darkness of that pivotal summer, there were so many things I saw for the first time, made possible because so many people had become unified by the structural abandonment of marginalized communities under COVID. People were outside in masks, setting up tents, painting buildings, hosting concerts, and handing out supplies. There were tuition strikes to get cops off campuses. Protesters brought down statues of Confederate generals.

Officials had always told us we were demanding too much, but what was impossible suddenly became demands they couldn't ignore. This was born of painful necessity, but the possibilities for solidarity that it created seem partly a byproduct of, as author and activist Arundhati Roy put it, the pandemic as portal.

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How the Backlash to the George Floyd Protests Set the Stage for Another Trump Administration

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*This op-ed argues that our collective actions are a part of an ongoing struggle and resistance, not a final resting place.*

Teen Vogue contributor Olayemi Olurin recently memorialized that time  and the ensuing backlash that brought us to our current moment  by writing: It's important to reflect, not just on our collective actions, but the states violent response to them  the consequences and the backlash that always follow.

For this story, we want to recall the lessons of that time  lessons that seemed so unprecedented  and to practice what Olurin called for: Remember our history, that we've been here before, so we can learn from the past and keep building toward a different future.

So, we have asked organizers, thinkers, activists, and writers: What lessons do you hold from the 2020 uprising? And how can we now learn from those to make it through the current crisis wrought by the Trump administration?

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I often think of All This Could Be Different, the title of the first novel by Sarah Thankam Mathews, a founding organizer behind the mutual aid group Bed-Stuy Strong, which was formed in 2020. The suffering caused by police brutality, white supremacy, transphobia, and the infinite losses  including Breonna Taylor, Oluwatoyin Salau, Dominique Rem'mie Fells, Tony McDade, and so many others  is a stain on this nation forever. How can we find ways to make a different world together?

Elliott Jerome Brown Jr.

Olufemi O. Taiwo

is an associate professor of philosophy at Georgetown University and a fellow at the Climate and Community Institute. He is the author of the critically acclaimed books Elite Capture and Reconsidering Reparations.

I've come away with a renewed sense of appreciation for long-term strategic thinking, and for the kinds of organizations that can pursue long-term strategies. Among the reasons that even large-scale, attention-grabbing protests can fail to move the needle in the protesters' direction is that the powers that be can wait them out  not only for people to leave the streets, but for ongoing news cycles and the regular business of life to move attention away from where the protesters have briefly been able to concentrate it. There's really no substitute for being able to mount a long-term political struggle, and that means there's no substitute for the kind of organizations that can do this.

Alongside that long-term thinking is not just the ability to continue to advocate or express political discontent over the long haul  philanthropies and nonprofits can manage that just by not rocking the funding boat, after all; but opportunity comes when we pair that with the kind of organizations that can speak to the powerful on terms they understand: organizations that can withhold labor, rent, utility payments, or any other kind of cooperation the powerful need to get their way. When these kind of organizations make long-term plans, they aren't only planning messaging campaigns, they're planning the full scale of political contest and conflict.

One to mention in particular is the resistance from the Service Employees International Union. SEIU California President David Huerta was just attacked and detained by ICE while participating as a community observer as ICE attacked immigrant workers, and plenty of other Angelenos were lined up against ICE on the streets. From mass layoffs of federal workers to the dismantling of the National Labor Relations Board to the attacks on higher education and regulation of food and water, I think it's fairly clear that the present administration poses a threat to the 99% that we can't combat with awareness.

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They won't stop unless and until we stop them, and we will need to support the kind of organizing that can do that. Supporting SEIU, federal workers, and other organized centers of popular power is a step in the right direction.

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 6: Civil rights advocates march in Washin The Washington Post/Getty Images

The immense crowd of protesters marching down the streets of Erik McGregor/Getty Images

FILES-US-HISTORY-SOCIAL-DEMONSTRATION-RACISM RYAN M. KELLY/Getty Images

Black Lives Matter Holds Protest In Los Angeles After Death Of George Floyd David McNew/Getty Images

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Kandist Mallett

is a multimedia journalist and editor based in Los Angeles, covering America's ever-changing political landscape. She writes Black Canary, Teen Vogue's op-ed column that sounds the alarm on enduring injustice in America.

When we look at the state of the country and the world right now, it can seem pretty grim. Authoritarianism is rising and making it more dangerous and difficult to protest and resist. Yet when you understand that the 2020 unrest did not exist in a bubble  that it wasnt just an anomaly but a continuation of the fight for Black liberation and anti-capitalism in the face of police violence  we realize there can be hope that another mass movement can happen again.

The importance of looking back is to be honest about where there can be growth. For hope to be more than just foolish optimism we must learn the lessons from the waves that came before us: Resistance will be followed with harsh repression; and opportunistic interests will try to co-opt the movement and energy. Specifically discussing the former, there were many prosecutions of protesters and rioters whose stories were mostly ignored, as well as anti-protest laws passed in state legislatures that remain understudied. And when it comes to co-optation, the usurping of energy by the Democratic Party, the nonprofit industrial complex, corporations, and the media turned out to be devastating.

All of this was predictable for me, because I experienced and witnessed it happening in previous waves. This is why its important for people to learn about the Green Scare, Occupy Wall Street, Standing Rock, Ferguson, and other anti-police protests that led up to 2020, as state tactics being used now were built upon by the repression of these movements.

Trumps presidency is in part a response to the year 2020, both the protest and the pandemic. There was a naivete that riots had resulted in a cultural revolution, but what we see now is how the changes of that moment were fleeting. This is why movement gains must go beyond individual benefits under capitalism, like diversity initiatives, which have come and gone since the protests. There needs to be an understanding when these spontaneous uprisings happen that the sense of power people feel will not last forever.

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Once the riots began to settle later in summer 2020 and people were still engaged, it would have been a great opportunity to build assemblies either based on locality and/or affinity. This would have created entry points for newcomers and opportunities to build power outside the current political system and away from the Democratic Party. This model would allow broader segments of our communities to be building actual political opposition against Trump and the oligarchy that enables him.

Kelly Hayes

is a Menominee author, organizer, movement educator, and photographer. She is the host of Truthout's podcast Movement Memos and co-author of the book Let This Radicalize You, with Mariame Kaba. Hayes is also the creator of Organizing My Thoughts, a weekly newsletter about politics and justice work.

When I look back at 2020, some of the most urgent lessons for this moment are about protecting and defending one another. I think about how the Chicago Freedom School sheltered young protesters who had been brutalized and gassed by police, and protected those young people when cops showed up to raid the building. I think about the safety teams led by young Black activists in Chicago, distributing masks, treating wounds, and doing everything they could to keep people safe in the streets. I think about the connection between a mass uprising and a mass mobilization of mutual aid, and what that tells us about what it takes to sustain collective action.

There was a time in 2020 when people were deeply invested in one anothers well-being. There was so much mutual concern, care work, a growing interest in the lessons of disability justice, and a storm of empathy that cracked something open in us  and in the world around us. The same impulses that led to an explosion of mutual aid propelled a lot of people into the streets. In many ways, weve drifted from that level of connection, but well need to find our way back to it. Empathy is essential in any fight against fascist, dehumanizing politics.

This moment is about holding onto our humanity, and to do that, we need to reach for and hold onto each other. We need to anchor ourselves to each other. That means remembering how to care, commit, and throw down together, even when we don't like each other.

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We need to recover the sense of solidarity that a lot of people felt in the early days of the pandemic. There was a lot of fear and panic in that moment, but also a lot of potential. We still have that potential, but we are going to have to bring it back to the surface.

Minneapolis' George Floyd Square Andrew Lichtenstein/Getty Images

Demonstrators march in downtown Los Angeles. MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images

Philadelphia Youth Rally To Pay Final Respects To George Floyd NurPhoto/Getty Images

Anti-Racism Protests Held In U.S. Cities Nationwide Mario Tama/Getty Images

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adrienne maree brown

Anjali Pinto

is the New York Times-bestselling author/editor of several published texts, and co-creator/host of the How to Survive the End of the World podcast with Autumn Brown. browns latest book, Loving Corrections, is now available from AK Press.

I think the lessons are many. One lesson is that cultural work is irresistible  the art, music, dancing and bombastic energy of those uprisings still thrum through my system.

Another lesson is that when we let ourselves feel into our hurt and anger, we can harness those righteous emotions into powerful action, even when we have to adapt to conditions like a pandemic.

Our task as movement workers is to support organic moments of popular unrest and uprising, recognizing we can shape these moments but we are not meant to control them. And we have to remember that we are not the beginning or the end of this fight, and we are not always the center of focus  a lot of people showed up in solidarity with us, and I see so many of us showing up in solidarity with other communities.

Dean Spade

Stephen Anunson

is an organizer, writer, and teacher. He has worked for 25 years as a leading voice for trans liberation, prison abolition, and mutual aid. His latest book is Love in a F*cked Up World: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell Together.

There are way more people than we expect who are frustrated and angry about the brutality and greed of the current systems, who will join in bold, even risky, collective action when they see others in the streets.

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After 2020, the militancy of our movements increased  more people willing to take risks and break rules to stop business as usual. This is visible in the student uprising against genocide in Palestine, and the disruptions of weapons manufacturers, as well as in mobilizations against ecocide [or the destruction of the environment by dangerous human activity]. We need this kind of rule-breaking, bold militancy more than ever now.

In 2020, [we] saw the mainstreaming of the idea of police abolition. Suddenly the concept of defunding the police was being discussed across the country, and many city councils made big promises about cutting police budgets that had been steadily rising for decades; however, we weren't able to hold them to it. The dedicated work that people did to keep the pressure on ended up showing us that our city governments really are owned by cops and chambers of commerce, and elected officials backpedal to keep their jobs, or they get replaced.

This is an important lesson: that their systems don't work for dismantling what they are designed to build, expand, and preserve. This is important, too, because we saw that trying to direct and focus the upsurge into electoral and government-centered reform projects not only doesn't work, but it reifies the widespread liberal misunderstanding that resistance should focus on changing the hearts and minds of elected officials, which is, ultimately, a dead end.

Under this administration, this is particularly clear  that direct action and mutual aid are what is needed, not more efforts to convince elites to stop wars, policing, ecocide. It's not about convincing them, it's about stopping them.

Vicky Osterweil

is a Philadelphia-based writer, agitator, and brickmason whose first book, In Defense of Looting, described historical struggles for liberation in the US. She is a member of the anarchist journal CAW.

[Trump's] desires and plans for the current moment are terrifying, but we defeated the alt-right and Trump in the streets once and we can do it again. From the airport shutdowns to OccupyICE to #MeToo, from the successful no-platforming campaigns, mass marches, and education to punching [white supremacist] Richard Spencer (twice!) to vigilantly combating them wherever they appeared, we successfully stymied their ambitions and shattered their movement. Our many anti-fascist victories  which came at great cost  culminated in the historic defeat of Trump at the ballot box in 2020: Biden's was the only presidential campaign since the 60s to outnumber the traditional most popular option among eligible voters  abstention.

The US working class has gone through over a decade of intense radicalization, organization, street movement, and political awakening since 2010, and the state has offered us little more than table scraps. Contra those who see this as evidence that our movements have lost, that we've been unsuccessful, it seems just as likely that the failure to buy us off means that earlier period  dramatic though it was  was merely the prelude to a social and political revolution that utterly transforms this continent and the world.

It is up to us to change everything. But, against the doomers, I believe in this moment we may be uniquely poised to do so.

A demonstrator holding a sign at the Lincoln Memorial while Probal Rashid/Getty Images

Compton Cowboys Hold Peace Ride On Horseback As Protests Continue In Wake Of George Floyd Death Mario Tama/Getty Images

Anti-Racism Protests Held In U.S. Cities Nationwide Keith Griner/Getty Images

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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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The Brief

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Los Angeles for the sixth consecutive day, voicing their opposition to recent immigration raids.

The unrest has spread beyond Southern California, with demonstrations occurring in cities such as Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago.

Local families with loved ones detained by ICE are calling for their release.

NORRISTOWN Pa. - From protests in Los Angeles to Chicago, people are coming together to speak out against recent immigration raids, including families in Norristown.

What we know

In Los Angeles, the protests have been fueled by the Trump administration's immigration raids, which Mayor Karen Bass blames for the ongoing unrest.

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Meanwhile, the White House has criticized the city for failing to protect its citizens.

South of Los Angeles, hundreds of marines are undergoing crowd control training in response to the protests.

Local perspective

In Norristown, Montgomery County, a Hispanic community group held a news conference at a local church, where family members of those detained shared their experiences.

According to the group, at least 25 people have been picked up by ICE since Memorial Day in Norristown, causing widespread fear among the community.

What they're saying

Rose De La Luz of Norristown expressed the daily fear immigrants face. "People are terrified. People leave their house because they have to go to work and they leave not knowing if they're gonna come back," she said.

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She described the treatment at ICE detention centers as inhumane and highlighted the intimidation tactics used by ICE agents.

"We're just heartbroken and we're just hoping to get a court date. Everything is backed up because at this point they're just rounding up people," she added.

Jannet Navaro shared her brother-in-law's experience, saying, "I think one of the biggest misconceptions of being legal or illegal is how difficult it is to obtain the right documentation and paperwork."

Rose, a U.S. citizen, expressed her exhaustion and uncertainty. "I'm a U.S. citizen and every single day you live with uncertainty because I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow," said Rose.

What's next

Those who spoke at the news conference emphasized their role as the voice for those in hiding and afraid to speak up.

They called on the community to unite and vowed to continue fighting every day and at every opportunity.
Idaho (ABC4)  Cenobio Feliciano-Galeana came to the U.S. illegally when he was 18 years old. 18 years since hes found a life, a wife, and now four children. But after seeing the deportations taking place across the country, he has decided to self-deport back to his home country of Mexico.

Ashlee, Cenobios wife, says she and the family are coming with him. At the end of the year, she plans move with her four children to a country they have never known, just to keep the family together.

PREVIOUSLY: Utah immigration lawyer, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen, ordered to self-deport

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Since they began their relationship, Ashlee says she and her family have been trying to get Cenobio through the process to gain status in the U.S., with no luck. Several lawyers and thousands of dollars later, she says not even being married to a U.S. citizen helps Cenobios cause. She details, If I had a penny for every time somebody has said that, Id have the money to pay for those lawyers.

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She says the lawyers initially told them they had a fifty-fifty chance. After the Trump administration was sworn in, she says she was told they had no chance. Their options were to stay and risk it or have Cenobio self-deport and try again in 10 years. Ashlee explains, We have a six-year-old down to a nine-month-old baby. Ten years without a father? That is huge.

For her, moving with him is her only option. Staying wasnt something she was willing to do. She says, Wait for one day them to come into my home and take my husband away like a criminal and have my kids have to see that. And I decided that was not a choice I was willing to live with.

Ashlee says Cenobio never committed a crime. His name doesnt bring anything up in the Utah court system. His only crime was being caught at the border twice and crossing illegally.

That itself is a crime; one that Ashlee acknowledges but doesnt believe it means he should never get a chance.

The Latest: Protests over immigration raids spread across the US

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She says, He was born on the wrong side of a line. He came here because he was starving. You know, what would you do if he were truly went days without eating, starving? Where would your desperation lead you?

So now, Ashlee and the kids pack up their things for a country they dont know, wondering if they can ever come home again as a complete family. She hopes stories like hers inspires change so that a path to having status in the U.S. is attainable for people like her husband.

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IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. (KDVR)  Mountain towns along the Interstate 70 corridor are bustling this week thanks to consistently hot weather.

Big projects are underway to draw even more tourists, including a $71 million gondola and mountain top development in Idaho Springs. The Mighty Argo Cable Car will travel 1.2 miles from the Argo Gold Mine and Mill to the top of the mountain, where an event center, bars and restaurants will provide views of the Continental Divide.

You could soon see a Colorado gold mine from the sky in Idaho Springs

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FOX31 spoke with tourists who say they look forward to enjoying the new features in a town they have come to love.

We have nothing like this where were from, said one visitor.

Construction is underway and Black Hawk helicopters will bring in towers in the coming weeks. Seventy-five percent of Clear Creek County is made up of public lands. More than 300,000 people head to the high country to hike the highest peaks in the summer, but bad weather can drown out profits for small businesses, which lost 40% of their revenues during several days of heavy rainfall in May.

Tommyknockers restaurant owner and gondola project investor Steve Indrehus tells FOX31 the boost in tourism will improve tax revenues, which support the town.

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It is everything from our police force to the potholes and with recent developments with things in the community, like the Anderson mine dropping off a little bit, they were a big supporter of the community with taxes. I believe that the gondola project will pick up the beat there, Indrehus said.

The project will also include the Virginia Canyon Mountain Bike Trail System, which is already receiving international recognition. Construction should be completed in March of 2026.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO)  A bill that would require insurance plans to cover therapeutic horseback riding in Illinois is headed to Gov. JB Pritzkers desk.

Advocates for hippotherapy say riding a horse for an hour is the equivalent of power walking, and can be beneficial for those who struggle to move.

Specialists in the field also report that horses have a calming effect on patients with anxiety.

In the past, insurance companies have fought against covering the services.

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Senate Bill 69 passed out of the Senate unanimously in April and passed the House just before the end of the legislative session.

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The result of the vote to adopt a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza is shown on the screens during an Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 12, 2025. The General Assembly, at an Emergency Special Session, adopted a resolution on Thursday that demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and immediate access to humanitarian assistance at scale. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The General Assembly, at an Emergency Special Session, adopted a resolution on Thursday that demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and immediate access to humanitarian assistance at scale.

The resolution demands "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, to be respected by all parties."

It strongly condemns any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and the unlawful denial of humanitarian access. It stresses the obligation not to deprive civilians in the Gaza Strip of objects indispensable to their survival, including by wilfully impeding relief supplies and access.

The resolution stresses that an occupying power is obliged under international law to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches all the population in need. It demands the immediate and permanent facilitation of full, rapid, safe and unhindered entry of humanitarian assistance at scale to and throughout the Gaza Strip and its delivery to all Palestinian civilians.

The resolution demands that Israel, as the occupying power, immediately end the blockade, open all border crossings and ensure that aid reaches the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip immediately and at scale.

It stresses the need for accountability in order to ensure Israel's respect of international law obligations, and in this regard calls on all UN member states to individually and collectively take all measures necessary to ensure compliance by Israel with its obligations.

The resolution reiterates unwavering commitment to the two-state solution, with the Gaza Strip as part of the Palestinian State, and in this regard firmly rejects attempts at demographic and territorial change in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as all measures violating the historic status quo of the holy sites of the city.

The resolution reiterates unequivocal rejection of actions that aim at forcibly displacing the Palestinian people and at unlawfully seizing Palestinian territory and demands the immediate and complete cessation of such actions.

It demands an immediate halt to all settlement construction, expansion, land confiscation, home demolitions, forced evictions and settler violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

It calls for immediate and concrete steps to preserve the territorial integrity of the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and toward unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.

The resolution reaffirms the permanent responsibility of the United Nations with regard to the question of Palestine until it is resolved in all its aspects in accordance with international law and the relevant UN resolutions.

The resolution calls on all member states to respect the privileges and immunities of all officials of the United Nations, the specialized agencies and related organizations and to refrain from any acts that would impede such officials in the performance of their functions. It calls on all states to respect and protect humanitarian personnel and UN and associated personnel, including national and locally recruited personnel.

It stresses the obligation to respect and protect medical personnel, as well as humanitarian personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties, their means of transport and equipment, as well as hospitals and other medical facilities, in all circumstances.

The resolution was adopted with 149 votes in favor, 12 votes against, and 19 abstentions.

Apart from Israel and the United States, the following 10 countries voted against the draft resolution: Argentina, Fiji, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga, Tuvalu.

The Emergency Special Session on Israel's illegal actions in the occupied Palestinian territory was first convened in April 1997. The 10th session on Thursday was resumed at the request of the Arab Group and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Group following last week's U.S. veto of a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. 
Lawmakers have strengthened Illinois longstanding sexual abuse survivors law in an effort to ensure patients receive critical care after sexual assault.

The changes come after APM Reports investigation last year revealed for the first time how dozens of hospitals violated that law. Those violations included failing to offer sexual assault testing kits and not contacting child or adult protective services.

The 49-year-old Illinois law requires hospitals to be designated either treatment or transfer hospitals. The former must provide key services to all rape victims, with some exceptions in pediatric cases. The latter must get state approval to transfer rape victims elsewhere. APM Reports found some hospitals transferred patients as far as 80 minutes away even though a closer hospital could have treated them and collected evidence.

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The bill allows the state to fine hospitals that fail to take corrective actions after violating the law and makes it easier for the state to deny hospital transfers that leave patients traveling long distances, enduring long wait times, or without transportation.

The bill also expands access to health care vouchers for survivors to pay for care after a sexual assault, which would cover medications, exams and testing for sexually transmitted infections. Previously, only those who showed up at a treatment hospital could get the government-funded vouchers. The new legislation allows survivors to get vouchers at any hospital.

Gov. JB Pritzkers office declined to say if he would sign the bill. He has until the end of July to do so.

The legislative action caps a year of negotiations among sexual assault survivors and their advocates, hospital industry representatives and state officials.

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Sarah Beuning, general counsel for the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, said the bill is an improvement in many areas and a step forward for survivors. But, she said she would have preferred a hard limit on how far hospitals can transfer patients.

Cheryl Thompson sobbed when she learned Illinois lawmakers passed the revision. The 63-year-old told APM Reports a doctor at her nearest hospital dismissed her rape report, refused to examine her and suggested she travel 80 minutes away for care after she was sexually assaulted last year.

Thompson received a sexual assault exam eight days later, but it did not reveal male DNA. Public records show the Illinois State Police investigated her report, but no charges were filed.

Cheryl Thompson poses for a portrait near her home in Southern Illinois. (Julia Rendleman for The 19th)

Since then, Thompson has pressured lawmakers, advocates and industry insiders to change the law. She testified in committee hearings about how her local hospital, and the states system meant to protect sexual assault victims, failed her.

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I am just overwhelmed that its going to be put into law because of what I went through, she said in an interview. It kind of makes it worthwhile that something good is coming out of the horrific stuff that I had to go through, so that someone else that comes behind me is not going to have to go through that same thing.

David Gross, the government relations lead with the Illinois Health and Hospital Association, said Thompsons story convinced his organization to agree to the legislative fixes.

Out of this unfortunate situation has come some real, real improvements to this law and hopefully to the execution of this where a survivor is not facing the same situation she did, Gross said.

Deaconess Health owns the hospital in Anna, Illinois, where Thompson went for care. In an email, hospital officials said Deaconess will soon send patients to a hospital 50 minutes closer than its current partner hospital in Mount Vernon.

Rep. Kelly Cassidy sponsored the bill in the Illinois state House. (Erin Hooley/AP)

We recognize there are currently gaps in access to care across the state, and Deaconess Illinois is working to be part of the solution, said Will Davis, Deaconess Illinois region president, in a statement.

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Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, who sponsored the bill in the state House, said, Right now, I think we have a pretty great law, and Im not done making it better.

Cassidy said shed like to increase the reimbursement rate that insurance companies pay hospitals for sexual assault exams, to make it easier for them to comply with the law. Thats a longer-term project, she said.

The post Illinois legislators strengthen law requiring hospital care for sexual assault survivors appeared first on The 19th.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO)  Illinois will shut out-of-state police from accessing the states network of license plate readers after a police department in Texas used the system to find a woman who came to Illinois for an abortion.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, police in Mount Prospect shared license plate reader data upon a request from Texas police.

The incident occurred in May, when Texas authorities performed a nationwide search of nearly 83,000 license plate reader cameras to locate a woman who had a self-administered abortion.

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Johnson County Sheriff Adam King said his agency had requested the data out of concern for the womans safety, not to block her from leaving the state or whatever to get an abortion.

License plate readers can serve as an important tool for law enforcement, but these cameras must be regulated so they arent abused for surveillance, tracking the data of innocent people or criminalizing lawful behavior, said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said. No one seeking legal healthcare services in Illinois should face harassment or jail  period.

Thousands of license plate readers have been installed throughout Illinois and other states to help law enforcement track suspects in crimes. The technology allows police to read thousands of license plate readers per minute and provide realtime information on vehicles location.

Police departments using the network regularly request data from other law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes.

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Following the reversal of Roe v. Wade, other states, including Texas, outlawed abortion and made the practice a prosecutable crime.

In 2024, Illinois passed a law that prohibits police departments from sharing data that would allow out-of-state authorities to pursue individuals due to their immigration status or seeking an abortion.

In response to the recent incident, Giannoulias has instructed Flock Safety, the company that operates the cameras, to shut off access for out-of-state authorities if they issue requests that violate Illinois laws.

Giannoulis also said his office has asked the Illinois Attorney General to conduct an audit to ensure Illinois police agencies dont violate state law.

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The Secretary of State said between January 14 and April 30, there were 262 out-of-state searches for immigration related matters in Mount Prospect alone.

In December 2022, the Chicago Tribune reported that about a third of abortion patients in Illinois are now from out of state, after the U.S. Supreme Court abolished Roe v Wade last year.

Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Chicago-based Pro-Life Action League, said that Illinois has become the abortion capital of the U.S.

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Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) had harsh words for the White House on Wednesday after he said he was uninvited from its annual picnic, a snub that came amid the Kentucky Republicans vocal opposition to President Trumps tax cut and spending package.

Paul  who has criticized the debt limit provision in the big, beautiful bill, along with its impact on the deficit  said he had planned to attend the White House picnic on Thursday with his wife, son, daughter-in-law and 6-month-old grandson, but he was informed on Wednesday that he was no longer welcome.

Ive just been told that Ive been uninvited from the picnic; I think Im the first senator in the history of the United States to be uninvited to the White House picnic, Paul told reporters. The White House is owned by the taxpayers, we are all members of it, every Democrat will be invited, every Republican will be invited, but I will be the only one disallowed to come on the grounds of the White House.

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I just find this incredibly petty, he added. I have been, I think nothing but polite to the president. I have been an intellectual opponent, a public policy opponent, and hes chosen now to uninvite me from the picnic and to say my grandson cant come to the picnic.

Paul continued, saying the level of immaturity is beyond words before tearing into Trump himself.

Im arguing from a true belief and worry that our country is mired in debt and getting worse, and they choose to react by uninviting my grandson to the public, he said. It really makes me lose a lot of respect I once had for Donald Trump.

The senator said he was not offered an explanation for the rescinded invitation, and he noted that he was not sure who at the White House made the decision. The Hill reached out to the White House for comment.

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The White House has been hosting picnics for decades  under both Democratic and Republican presidents  inviting lawmakers from both parties to mingle on the lawn.

This years confab comes as the administration is trying to muscle its sprawling agenda bill through Congress  specifically the Senate at the moment  but it has been met with some opposition.

Paul, a libertarian-minded Republican, has expressed opposition to the inclusion of a $4 trillion debt limit increase in the bill, voicing concerns about the ballooning deficit. He has said on multiple occasions that he will not support the legislation if the debt limit provision remains.

Treasury Department Secretary Scott Bessent has said Congress must raise the borrowing limit this summer to avoid an economic default. Senate Republicans, meanwhile, can only afford to lose three votes and still squeak the package through the chamber, making Pauls opposition a point of concern.

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On Wednesday, Paul suggested that the White Houses rescinded invitation did not help move him closer to supporting the behemoth bill.

When they tell you your grandson cant come to a picnic at the White House that all of Congress is allowed to come to, I dont know, it just shows such a pettiness, he said when asked if the snub makes him less likely to back the bill.

But they have shown over the last week they dont care about my vote at all  because Ive told them I can and would vote for the bill if the debt ceiling were taken off of it. So conceivably, there might be some situation in which they needed my vote. Instead they have decided to try to attack my character.

Theyre afraid of what Im saying so they think theyre going to punish me; I cant go to the picnic, as if thats somehow going to make me more conciliatory, he added. So its silly in a way, but its also just really sad that this is what its come to. But petty vindictiveness like this, I dont know, it makes you wonder about the quality of people youre dealing with.

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Paul also offered criticism of White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who earlier this week attacked Paul over his criticism of the bill. Paul speculated the rescinded invitation could have come from a White House staffer, rather than Trump himself.

It could be from lower-level staff members, but these are people that shouldnt be working over there. But I mean, you have people that are basically going around casually talking about getting rid of habeas corpus, he said, presumably referring to Millers proposal earlier this year.

And the same people that are directing this campaign are the same people that casually would throw out parts of the Constitution and suspend habeas corpus. So I think what it tells that they dont like hearing me say stuff like that, and so they want to quiet me down. And it hasnt worked, and so theyre going to try to attack me. Theyre going to try to destroy me in other ways, and then do petty little things like social occasions or whatever.

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If you are looking to support families that have been affected by the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids as well as local immigrant communities in need, you have a number of donation options, including organizations that can accept monetary contributions, supplies and volunteer time.

The ICE raids over the past several days have impacted several communities in Los Angeles County, including the city of Los Angeles, Paramount, Culver City and Boyle Heights.

It's unclear exactly how many undocumented immigrants have been affected, but the White House said federal agents have arrested 330 immigrants in Southern California and the Central Coast since the onset of the raids on Friday.

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Among those deported during the raids was Jose Ortiz, who worked for Ambiance Apparel, a warehouse in Los Angeles' Fashion District, for the last 18 years. On Sunday, Jesus Cruz, 52, was detained while he was working as a cleaner at Westchester Hand Wash. Further up the coast, ICE agents had reportedly shown up at farm fields and packinghouses from the Central Coast to the San Joaquin Valley.

The Department of Homeland Security released a list of nine men who the federal agency said were arrested and have serious criminal records.

Since the raids began on Friday, several local and regional organizations began collecting funds and donated items to help those whose family members have been detained or already deported. The aid is also going to immigrant community members who live in fear of being swept up in future raids.

This story will be updated as more organizations post their needs for support.

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Read more: Immigration raids roil L.A., dozens of people detained. What we know so far

The YMCA

What it does: The YMCA is providing care and connections to protect children, youth and community members through distribution of food, supplies and free mental health support. The New American Welcome Center helps immigrants "fully integrate into American society and prepare receiving communities to be welcoming and inclusive."

How you can help: You can volunteer your time at a participating YMCA location by sending an email to volunteer@ymcala.org.

Several YMCA locations are also accepting nonperishable food items (canned goods, rice, pasta), personal hygiene items and household essentials (toilet paper, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies), as well as baby and children's items (formula, diapers, wipes and snacks).

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Donation drop-off sites:



Anderson Munger: 4301 West 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90020

Stuart M. Ketchum-Downtown: 401 S. Hope St., Los Angeles, CA 90071-1900

Mid Valley Family: 6901 Lennoz Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91405-4093

Southeast-Rio Vista: 4801 E. 58th St., Maywood, CA 90270

Weingart East Los Angeles: 2900 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90023

Wilmington: 1127 N Avalon Blvd., Wilmington, CA 90744

Orale

What it does: Orale is currently providing its immigrant community members in Long Beach with legal resources and bagged groceries with further resources to be added in the coming days.

In 2018, during the Trump administration's first term, the organization advocated for the city of Long Beach to open the Long Beach Justice Fund, which funded pro bono legal representation for undocumented Long Beach residents who were facing deportation orders.

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The fund supported legal assistance for 40 Long Beach residents. Orale is asking the city of Long Beach to reinvest in the program.

How you can help: You can support the organization's efforts by making a monetary donation online.

Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project

What it does: The Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project currently has staff on-hand to take calls from those who have been arrested and detained at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center and the Desert View Annex.

In collaboration with LA Rapid Response Network, the organization is providing legal services including pro bono representation, language translation services and referrals for bond payment for those who have been arrested and detained.

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How you can help: You can make an online monetary donation in the amount of your choice to support the organization's efforts.

Read more: What businesses are the feds targeting during L.A. immigration sweeps? Here's what we know

Not Us Without You

What it does: Not Us Without You is a grassroots charity aimed at providing food relief to undocumented hospitality workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their work has continued since and now provides food security for 500 families monthly.

How you can help: The organization is currently asking for local restaurant owners or chefs to donate a meal to support families of mixed status that are in need and possibly aren't leaving their homes out of fear of being picked up by ICE agents.

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Interested restaurant partners can directly message Not Us Without You's Instagram account or fill out this online contact form.

For those not in the restaurant industry looking to support the organization's efforts, you can make a monetary donation online.

Comunidades Indigenas en Liderazgo (CIELO)

What it does: CIELO, an Indigenous women-led nonprofit organization that works jointly with Indigenous communities in Los Angeles, is delivering food to impacted families and those in the community who are afraid to go out for fear of being caught up in ICE raids.

How you can help: You can help CIELO purchase groceries for families in need by making an online monetary donation.

Con Raices y Voz: Latinos in Public Health

What it does: Con Raices y Voz is a grassroots organization in Boyle Heights that is providing grocery and essential items to those in the community who feel they are unable to leave their homes due to recent ICE activity.

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How you can help: You can sign up to volunteer with the organization by filling out an online application.

On Friday, the organization will be at the Come Together musical event held at Mariachi Plaza at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are $10 and proceeds will go toward the California Immigrant Policy Center, Immigrant Defenders Law Center, ICE Out of LA Bail Fund and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.

At the event, members will also be on hand to accept donated items. You can donate household items, canned food and baby supplies.

CLEAN Carwash Worker Center

What it does: CLEAN Carwash Worker Center is a labor advocacy nonprofit that supports car wash workers through leadership and training programs.

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The nonprofit has been working to identify and support workers who have been detained during ICE raids that have took place at car washes in Los Angeles and Orange County.

How you can help: You can make a monetary donation to the nonprofit's Car Wash Worker Solidarity Fund, which provides financial support to car washers and their families. Proceeds directly support legal fees, groceries, rent assistance, medical bills and transportation expenses.

Immigrant Defenders Law Center

What it does: Immigrant Defenders Law Center is n nonprofit that provides deportation defense, legal representation, legal education and social services for detained and non-detained children and adults. It serves clients in more than 10 counties in California, including Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino and the San Diego-Tijuana border region.

How you can help: You can support their work by making an online monetary donation.

GoFundMe supporting families of Ambiance Apparel raids

What it does: At least two verified GoFundMe accounts have been created to support families whose loved ones worked at Ambiance Apparel and were detained by ICE officials during a Friday raid.

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How you can help:



This fundraiser was created to support the families of three detained individuals who were the primary income providers of their homes. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards the families immediate needs including rent assistance, groceries, medications, transportation costs, childcare, baby formula and diapers. You can make an online monetary donation to this fundraiser ; proceeds will be distributed to the three families.

This fundraiser was created by Itzel Ponce, whose father, Rodolfo, was detained by ICE officials. The proceeds of this fundraiser are going toward legal representation for Rodolfo. You can make an online monetary donation here .

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)

What it does: CHIRLA is an advocacy group that focuses on the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees in Los Angeles and throughout the state of California. Its services include free and low-cost legal services and community education.

How you can help: You can make a monetary donation toward CHIRLAs efforts online .

World Harvest

What it does: World Harvest Charities & Family Services Cart with a Heart program is providing families who are sheltering in place with grocery carts full of fresh produce, protein, pantry supplies and more.

How you can help: You can make a $50 donation to the Cart with a Heart program online , which provides one family with a cart of groceries.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A man shouts into a megaphone outside City Hall in Los Angeles on June 11. (Ethan Swope/AP)

Protests in downtown Los Angeles erupted on June 6 in response to a series of immigration raids in the city that resulted in at least 44 people arrested by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Without the consent of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, President Trump in turn federalized 2,000 National Guard troops the next day and then ordered the deployment of 700 active duty Marines on Monday.

Lawmakers and officials have expressed concerns that the president is inciting a situation that could get worse. Mostly peaceful protests have extended beyond Los Angeles into cities across the country, including San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle and New York.

Austin, Texas

A demonstrator in Austin, Texas, gestures at law enforcement officers at a June 9 rally in solidarity with Los Angeles protests against federal immigration sweeps. (Joel Angel Juarez/Reuters)

Boston

Demonstrators gather outside City Hall in Boston on June 9. (Rick Friedman/AFP via Getty Images)

Santa Ana, Calif.

Police use pepper spray as they move protesters away from a van leaving a federal building in Santa Ana, Calif., on June 9. (Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)

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Chicago

People marching through the central business district in Chicago on June 10 to protest immigration raids. (Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Seattle

A protester in Seattle holds up an American flag in front of a dumpster that was set on fire during a June 11 protest against federal immigration arrests. (Ryan Sun/AP)

San Francisco

Demonstrators stand across from police officers during a protest against federal immigration sweeps at the ICE building in San Francisco on June 8. (Manuel Orbegozo/Reuters)

New York City

Police arrest a protester during an anti-ICE demonstration on June 11 in New York City. (Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)

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Atlanta

A child, assisted by an adult, holds a placard that reads "ICE, out of our communities" during a protest against federal immigration sweeps, in Atlanta on June 10. (Megan Varner/Reuters)

Las Vegas

A woman in Las Vegas waves a Mexican flag at a protest against President Trump's immigration raids. (John Locher/AP)

See more of our photo features on Yahoo News.
The incinerator would have been built at the waste management site on Canford Resource Park [MVV Environment]

A proposal to build an incinerator that would burn up to 260,000 tonnes of waste a year has been rejected by councillors.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council's planning committee voted to turn down the application from MVV Environmental Ltd to construct the facility at Canford Resource Park.

It would have burned non-recyclable and non-hazardous domestic, commercial and industrial waste to generate electricity.

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Opponents described the plan as an "inappropriate development" on green belt land and warned it would caused air pollution in the surrounding areas.

Vikki Slade, the Lib Dem MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said the decision was of "great relief" to residents.

"No one disagrees that we need to find ways to deal with waste locally, yet as our waste is reduced we need to be proportionate in our measures to process and deal with it," she said.

"It is wonderful that today local people have been heard."

The council said 469 objections to the scheme had been received during the planning process.

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Critics pointed to the emissions of carbon dioxide from the plant and said that waste incinerators were considered the "dirtiest" way the UK generates power.

Speaking outside Bournemouth Town Hall before the meeting, Joanna Bury from Wimborne Extinction Rebellion described the plant as a "a polluting giant" and said it would affect residents of nearby Wimborne, which lies outside the BCP Council area.

"It will send a six-mile toxic plume around the area," she said.

"It's totally unfair, unjust and particularly for children whose lungs are extremely vulnerable."

Campaigners wore Hazmat suits during a protest ahead of the council planning meeting [BBC]

Speaking during the council meeting, Giles Frampton, director of Portland PFP which is planning an incinerator at Portland Port, said there was "no legal basis" for approving the plans.

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"It should clearly be refused as inappropriate development in green belt that does not conform to the development plan or national policy," he said.

Nathan Ross, managing director of landowner Canford Renewable Energy, told councillors the plant would be "safe, clean and viable at this scale".

He said the plan would mean residual waste would not need to be sent abroad and would provide "energy security for BCP".

Paul Carey of MVV Environmental said the company would be a "good neighbour".

"Please be assured of our intentions to work responsibly in our community and environment," he told councillors.

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It would have provided 28.5MW of electricity to businesses at Churchill Magna Business Park, as well as to Arena Way and Magna Road, and featured a 110m (360ft) tall stack.

On Wednesday, the Environment Agency said it had granted the scheme a permit to operate - covering the management and operation of the plant along with monitoring of emissions.

The EA permit was separate to the council granting planning permission, although the plant could not operate without both being granted.

You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

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NEW DELHI (AP)  The Indian Coast Guard was attempting to tow a container ship that caught fire off the coast of Kerala in southern India earlier this week to prevent a potential ecological disaster, Indian authorities said Thursday.

The Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503 was on its way to Mumbai, Indias financial capital, from the Sri Lankan port of Colombo on June 7 when it reported multiple explosions and a subsequent fire some 88 nautical miles from the coast of Beypore in Kerala on Monday.

Indian authorities have not yet given a reason for the explosions and fire. Officials were focused on firefighting and preventing the vessel from drifting towards the Indian coastline.

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The 890-foot vessel carried 2,128 metric tons of fuel and hundreds of containers, including hazardous cargo, Indias defense ministry said in a statement on Wednesday night.

With the fire yet to be fully extinguished, efforts to establish a towline to pull the vessel away from the coast are underway," the ministry said. The situation remains critical and is being monitored continuously.

The firefighting efforts have significantly reduced visible flames, but the fire remains active on the ship's inner decks and near the fuel tanks, the ministry added.

Around 40% of the fire onboard the ship has been brought under control and the vessel remains afloat, according to a situation report by Indias Directorate General of Shipping.

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The coast guard launched an aerial firefighting operation Thursday morning using a helicopter from the Indian air force, Commandant Amit Uniyal, a spokesperson for the coast guard, said. The helicopter dispersed 1,000 kilograms of dry chemical powder onto the core fire areas of the ship, he added.

Shipping official Captain Harinder Singh told The Associated Press the vessel was carrying a total of 1,754 containers, including 143 with cargo deemed dangerous by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, such as flammable liquids, toxic substances and solid hazardous materials.

The explosions and subsequent fire caused dozens of the ship's containers to fall into the Arabian Sea.

The coast guard on Wednesday airdropped five people onboard the unaffected stern of the ship to coordinate towing operations and assess the overall fire situation.

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The coast guard successfully established a towline from the vessel to a coast guard ship to control its drift.

Singh, who is closely coordinating the operation, said authorities were working to establish a second towline with Offshore Warrior, a more powerful offshore supply ship with greater towing capabilities. Towing is expected to commence later Thursday.

The salvage master onboard the ship observed hydrocarbon vapors which indicates possible heat transfer near fuel tanks, the report said.

The vessel is managed by Singapore-based Wan Hai Lines. Of the 22 crew members onboard, 18 abandoned the ship with assistance from the navy and coast guard. Four are still missing.

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The navy and coast guard have launched a search operation for the missing, aided by two Dornier aircrafts. The navy uses Dornier aircraft primarily for maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations. Five ships have also been sent to help put out the fire.

Last month, a container vessel sank in another accident off the Kerala coast, releasing 100 cargo containers into the Arabian Sea, and leaving authorities in the state scrambling to contain an oil spill.
The Brief

Kortland Bryant, 29, of Portage, Indiana, was arrested June 9 for first-degree murder in connection with a fatal stabbing on Chicagos South Side.

The stabbing occurred Aug. 8, 2024, in the 8000 block of South Marshfield Avenue, resulting in the death of a 59-year-old man.

Bryant is scheduled for a detention hearing on June 12; no additional details about the case have been released.

CHICAGO - An Indiana man was arrested for first-degree murder in connection with a fatal stabbing last summer on Chicagos South Side, authorities said.

What we know

Kortland Bryant, 29, of Portage, Indiana, is charged with one felony count of first-degree murder, Chicago police said.

Pictured is Kortland Bryant, 29. (Chicago PD)

He was taken into custody June 9 in the 16500 block of South Kedzie Avenue in Markham after being identified as a suspect in the stabbing, according to CPD.

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The incident occurred Aug. 8, 2024, in the 8000 block of South Marshfield Avenue. A 59-year-old man died from his injuries, police said.

No further details about the stabbing or Bryants arrest have been released.

What's next

Bryant is scheduled for a detention hearing on June 12.
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL)  Red Ginger Buffet Chinese restaurant was open and busy Wednesday, a week after its owners were arrested on federal felony charges for allegedly harboring, concealing and employing four undocumented workers.

Federal documents show Xiong Wei Yang and Xu Rong Wu face three separate counts related to claims that from May 2023 to March 2025, they not only employed the four but also engaged in a conspiracy, knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that the employees were in the U.S. illegally.

Greene Co. sheriff explains 287(g) partnership with ICE

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The two were released on a $20,000 bond each. Wu told News Channel 11 she and her husband intend to keep the restaurant open and acknowledged the charges. Meanwhile, several diners said the allegations wouldnt dissuade them from patronizing a restaurant they said has great food and kind, friendly owners.

We came to support them now that theyre back open, Anna Harrell, who said she favors the crab rangoon, said. The restaurant reopened on Tuesday after being closed for several days.

McKenna Cox, a local immigration attorney, said charges of harboring and also of concealing immigrants are increasingly being leveled against employers, including smaller businesses.

Thats not historically something thats been pursued aggressively by the federal government outside of a human trafficking context, at least in recent years, Cox said. So this focus on the harboring statute is something thats come to popularity fairly recently.

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Social media reports of Department of Homeland Security vehicles raiding the restaurant last week turned out to have some basis in truth. The department is listed as the arresting agent in court filings.

Cox said the key to the governments case is the harboring allegation, which she said has been interpreted in various ways across the country. The indictments first count claims the couple did conceal, harbor, and shield from detection such aliens in buildings and other places for the purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain.

The second count alleges the defendants encouraged and induced the four immigrants to come to enter and live in the U.S., knowing and in reckless disregard that action violated the law. The third count alleges a pattern and practice of hiring unauthorized aliens.

It remains to be seen what the proof is and the evidence may be in any given case, and certainly in the case of our friends at Red Ginger, whether or not that can be proven by the federal government and that legal standard can be met, Cox said.

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Theres a lot of room for maneuvering and interpretation legally in this case and in cases like it.

This type of prosecution is a message.

Cox said news reports and communication among immigration advocates have shown an uptick in enforcement actions  though she acknowledged work on this case could have preceded the more aggressive enforcement implemented by President Donald Trump starting in January.

Right now were seeing a focus on restaurateurs and restaurants in our area and throughout the Southeast, she said.

Were also seeing a focus on construction sites. Were seeing a focus on any location where we frequently have undocumented folks or immigrants working in those industries.

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Cox thinks prosecution could be as much of a focus as gaining convictions.

This type of arrest, this type of prosecution is a message to anyone who employs undocumented workers, if they know that theyre undocumented or people who may have entered the country unlawfully and dont have a current, valid legal status.

Raids have occurred in the past, but Cox said typically theyve involved sites employing large numbers of staff. And she said the law gets stricter when 10 or more people are involved.

I can imagine that it has a chilling effect on local businesses, on small businesses, on family-run businesses that we in America are very proud to have and we want to encourage, she said.

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Cox said finding people willing to do some less-than-attractive work, like that common in restaurants, has gotten harder for employers since the COVID-19 pandemic.

There probably is an increased reliance on immigrant labor for folks who really will consistently come to work and are willing to do some jobs that perhaps U.S. citizens are not super excited about taking and working in, she said.

As Cox pointed out, though, the federal government is trying to prove Red Gingers owners violated federal law. Guilty pleas or verdicts could result in imprisonment, fines or both.

The allegations wont be enough to keep Anna Harrell and her husband away. Sam Padgett, who said he pops over several times a week from his job at a nearby Lowes to enjoy the buffet, said the same.

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They know me in there, Padgett said. Theyre really nice. And Im a fan of Chinese food, and this place is rated really highly, so its been busy lately.

Cox thinks some Northeast Tennesseans may be in for a surprise concerning immigration enforcement actions, but also thinks people are on alert given the front and center coverage of ICE raids, protests and related stories.

Regardless of whether you support or dont support those actions, it is very much in our zeitgeist and in our national mindset, and so I think that to see it locally brings it home, she said.

I think people are like, Oh, you know, I didnt maybe expect to see that here, but were seeing it here. Its happening here  Its not just happening across the country in another place, and it does affect our local businesses and it does affect our friends and neighbors.





Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
JAKARTA (Reuters) -Foreign investors are invited for Indonesia's plan to build a $80 billion seawall hundreds of kilometres long to prevent floods along the north coast of its most populous island Java, President Prabowo Subianto said on Thursday.

The seawall project expands on a 2014 plan by the capital Jakarta's government to protect the city from rising sea levels and land subsidence that have caused frequent flooding along the north Java coast.

Prabowo said he would form an agency to run the giant seawall project, stretching from Banten to East Java provinces and which could take 20 years to complete. Officials have said the wall would be about 700 kilometres (435 miles) long.

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"One of the most vital infrastructure projects, which is a mega project, that we need to do promptly is the giant seawall across the northern Java coast," Prabowo said in a speech at an infrastructure event.

"(Sea) waters have threatened the lives of our people," he said, citing some towns in central Java.

Sea levels along Indonesian coasts rose an average of 4.25 millimetres annually from 1992 to 2024, but the rate has accelerated in recent years due to climate change, according to the country's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency.

Prabowo said he had invited investment from countries such as China and Japan, without elaborating.

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Experts say Jakarta is sinking due to excessive extraction of groundwater, leading the central government to plan its move to a new capital in the jungles of Borneo island.

(Reporting by Stanley Widianto; editing by Mark Heinrich)
LA PAZ, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Four police officers and a civilian died due to road blockades promoted by supporters of former President Evo Morales (2006-2019), which have blocked passage in key regions of the country for 11 days, local authorities said Thursday.

The Bolivian public prosecutor's office has so far identified five deaths in the clashes over roadblocks.

The national director of the Institute of Forensic Research, Ana Katherine Ramirez, confirmed the registration of five deaths, including three police officers and a firefighter also from the police, all in the municipality of Llallagua, in addition to a civilian from a rural community in the central department of Cochabamba.

The deaths are reported in the context of clashes between the police and protesters blocking important roads in Bolivia.

The conflict has escalated, particularly in the mining municipality of Llallagua, and along the Cochabamba road axis, the main route connecting the east and west of Bolivia. 






NEED TO KNOW

An influencer in India has been found dead inside a car parked outside a medical university in Bathinda, according to multiple local reports

The victim has been identified as content creator Kamal Kaur, who had 385,000 followers on Instagram, per outlets including The Times of India

Police said officers had responded to reports about "a foul smell" coming from "a parked vehicle in the parking area" of Adesh Hospital, an X post stated







An influencer in India has been found dead inside a parked car outside a medical school, according to multiple local reports.

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On Wednesday, June 11, Bathinda Police confirmed officers had responded to reports of "a foul smell" coming from "a parked vehicle in the parking area" of Adesh Hospital in Bathinda, per an X post. The location is a private medical university in Bhucho Kalan.

The post stated that officers had "discovered the body of a lady inside the vehicle," adding that a "thorough examination" was now being conducted.

The victim, a resident of Ludhiana, was identified as social media influencer Kamal Kaur, whose real name is Kanchan Kumari, per local outlets The Times of India, the Hindustan Times, and India Today.

She used the name Kamal Kaur Bhabhi on social media and had 385,000 followers on Instagram, as well as 236,000 subscribers on YouTube.

Kamal Kaur Bhabhi/Instagram Kamal Kaur Bhabhi Kamal Kaur Bhabhi

The victim was believed to be in her mid-30s, according to the Hindustan Times.

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Per India Today and the Hindustan Times, Kumari and her family had received threats last year that warned her to stop posting "inappropriate" videos online.

The Times of India noted that Kumari had "attracted controversy" with some of her posts.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amneet Konda said, We are looking at every possible lead  nothing can be confirmed at this point, per India Today.

The outlet stated that police sources noted that while they were taking the previous threats seriously, officers were examining all angles.

Adesh Hospital Bathinda

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India Today noted that the murder may not have occurred at the university, citing preliminary investigations, adding that the victim may have been killed elsewhere before her body was placed in the car in the parking lot. The car's license plate was found to be fake, the publication added.

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Police are treating Kumari's death as a murder case, according to the Hindustan Times.

Bathinda Police didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information.



Read the original article on People
Nearly two years after the OceanGate submersible Titan was presumed to have imploded during its expedition to the wreckage of the Titanic, killing the five people on board, a new documentary offers a fresh look at the disaster  and the man at the center of it.

Netflixs Titan: The OceanGate Disaster explores how Stockton Rush, the CEO of OceanGate, did everything in his power to continue his trips to explore the ocean floor, even as it became more and more evident that the submersible was not safe. The film uses footage commissioned by Rush himself, who hired a videographer to document the journey, and shines a light on Rushs hubris, which ultimately had deadly consequences.

Heres what to know about OceanGate, Rush and how this tragedy unfolded.

Who is Stockton Rush?

Rush was a businessman who was born into a wealthy San Francisco family  and the descendant of two founding fathers, Benjamin Rush and Richard Stockton, per the Seattle Times. In 1986, he married Wendy Weil, who was the great-great-granddaughter of Isidor and Ida Straus, a wealthy couple who died on the Titanic.

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Rush was passionate about exploration. At 19, he became the youngest pilot in the world to qualify for jet transport rating, per the BBC. He received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University in aerospace engineering before getting an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley. Later, he worked as a flight test engineer on the F-15 program at McDonnell Douglas and later held leadership roles at Remote Control Technologies, Entomo and BlueView Technologies.

But despite his aerospace degree and work experience, he eventually turned away from space  and to the ocean instead. In 2009, he cofounded the Bahamas-based OceanGate Expeditions with Argentine-American businessman Guillermo Sohnlein to make ocean exploration more accessible.

All about OceanGate and the Titan

OceanGates first submersible, Antipodes, completed around 130 dives between 2010 and 2013, offering underwater trips to clients for prices ranging from an estimated $7,500 to $40,000.

In 2015, the company began developing what would become known as the Titan (originally named Cyclops II), a deep-diving submersible built with a carbon fiber hull  an unusual and controversial design choice that received much pushback from experts and employees. It was reported that OceanGate used carbon fiber from Boeing that was past its shelf life for use on airplanes; later it came to light that NASA was supposed to aid in the creation of the Titan but that plans changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rush never had the Titan classed, or independently certified to meet strict safety and design rules  choosing to skip the process despite expert warnings. David Lochridge, the companys director of marine operations, raised serious concerns about the submersible design and testing, believing that Rushs main concern was ensuring that the mission continued no matter what, as his focus was on making money. Lochridge testified to the U.S. Coast Guard in 2024 that he expressed these concerns, only to be fired from the company in 2018 and sued for breach of contract.

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Though Lochridge filed a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration against OceanGate, he said that they never investigated his concerns.

In an email in January 2018 to deep-sea exploration specialist Rob McCallum, Lochridge wrote, per the New Yorker: I would consider myself pretty ballsy when it comes to doing things that are dangerous, but that sub is an accident waiting to happen.

But in July 2021, the company made its first successful dive to the Titanic, and by January 2023, the Guardian reported that the company took about 60 paying customers and 15 to 20 researchers to the Titanic in their submersible.

In a 2022 interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Rush said, At some point, safety just is pure waste. I mean, if you just want to be safe, don't get out of bed, don't get in your car, don't do anything. At some point you're gonna take some risk, and it really is a risk/reward question. I said, I think I can do this just as safely by breaking the rules.

What happened on the Titan

On June 18, 2023, Rush and four other people  British billionaire Hamish Harding; French Titanic expert and former navy diver Paul-Henri Nargeolet; Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood; and his 19-year-old son, Suleman Dawood  left the coast of Newfoundland in the Titan on a mission to explore the wreckage of the Titanic. Each passenger onboard reportedly paid $250,000 for the trip, with Rush as the pilot.

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But about an hour and 45 minutes into its descent, the Titan lost contact with its support vessel. A large international search and rescue operation began, involving the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as Canadian and French authorities. At the same time, the media  and the world  watched, knowing that the crew only had 96 hours of oxygen at the beginning of their venture.

Footage from a remotely operated vehicle shows what the Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation says is the debris of the Titan submersible on the seafloor in September 2024. (U.S. Coast Guard video courtesy of Pelagic Research Services/Handout via Reuters)

On Thursday, June 22, debris from the Titan was found roughly 1,600 feet from the Titanics bow. The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the Titan had suffered a catastrophic implosion, and that all five passengers had died instantly. Investigations later revealed that the vessels carbon fiber and titanium design had raised serious safety concerns for years. In the aftermath, Rush was accused of eschewing regulations and testing, forging ahead despite all safety issues flagged.

It comes down to Stockton Rush. The decisions he made led to this, Mark Monroe, director of the Netflix documentary, told People. It was a cult of personality. If you went against him, you were likely to be out.

OceanGate officially suspended all exploration and commercial operations in July 2023. It also removed most of its internet presence. The company has not yet filed for bankruptcy and still exists as a registered business, per Today.
June 12 (UPI) -- The U.N. nuclear energy watchdog ruled Thursday that Iran was in breach of its Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty obligations by failing to come clean about undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple sites.

A meeting of the 35-member-nation board of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna voted 19-3 in a favor of the resolution, the first against Iran in 20 years, amid heightened tension over its nculear program and fears an pre-emptive military strike by Israel could be imminent.

Russia, China and Burkina Faso voted against the U.S., British, French and German-sponsored resolution, 11 countries abstained and two did not take part at all.

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The vote came after IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi, in a briefing on the body's quarterly report, told the board that Iran had not been cooperating and had sufficient 60% enriched uranium to build nine nuclear warheads.

He said the IAEA had been seeking answers from Tehran ever since inspectors found man-made uranium particles at three undeclared locations in 2019 and 2020, including via a series of high-level meetings and consultations that he said he had been personally involved in.

"We have been seeking explanations and clarifications from Iran for the presence of these uranium particles. Unfortunately, Iran has repeatedly either not answered or not provided technically credible answers to the agency's questions. It has also sought to sanitize the locations, which has impeded agency verification activities," Grossi said.

The decision prompted a strong reaction from Tehran, which issued a statement criticizing what it called a "political" move that placed the IAEA's credibility and stature in doubt and that it would bring forward "a new [uranium] enrichment center in a secure location" and update first generation centrifuges at another site.

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Prior to the vote it threatened to quit the 1970 NPT, which Tehran has signed but failed to ratify the part that authorizes international inspection teams access to remote regions of Iran where they have reason to believe illicit nuclear development projects may be underway.

On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned the so-called E3 [Britain, France and Germany] against punishing Iran for its own failures with regard to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action under which the United States, E3, Russia and China agreed to lift some sanctions in return for Iran reining in its nuclear program.

"The E3 have had seven years to implement their JCPOA commitments. They have utterly failed, either by design or ineptitude. Instead of displaying remorse or a desire to facilitate diplomacy, the E3 is today promoting confrontation through the absurd demand that Iran must be punished for exercising its right under the JCPOA to respond to non-performance by its counterparts," he wrote on X.

"As I have warned: Another major strategic mistake by the E3 will compel Iran to react strongly. Blame will lie solely and fully with malign actors who shatter their own relevance."

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A joint statement issued by the Foreign Office in London said Britain, France, Germany, and United States welcomed the action by the IAEA.

"The board's collective action upholds the integrity of the IAEA safeguards system and the broader nuclear nonproliferation regime: states will be held to account if they do not live up to their obligations.

"The action creates an opportunity Iran should seize. Iran still has a chance to finally fulfill its obligations, in full candor, and answer the IAEA's crucial, longstanding questions on undeclared nuclear material and activities," said the statement.

However, ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations mediated by Oman that began in April were apparently unaffected with a sixth round between Araghchi and Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, scheduled to go ahead Sunday as planned, according to Omani Foreign Minister Bad Albusaidi.

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The negotiations, exactly five years after Trump pulled the United States out of the JCPOA during his first term, are aimed at replacement deal ensuring Iran does not and cannot develop a nuclear weapon in exchange for removing sanctions.

Iran has always denied working toward developing nuclear weapons, insisting its nuclear program is strictly for energy and other peaceful purposes.
Rumors that Darren Beattie  a senior official in the U.S. State Department  had personal ties to Russia spread in June 2025. Posts across multiple platforms (archived, archived, archived, archived) claimed that the uncle of Beattie's wife, a Russian woman named Yulia Kirillova, had roles in Russian government and even once received a personal "thank you" message from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Darren Beattie, the MAGA appointee who dismantled the State Departments counter-disinformation program, is married to a woman whose uncle has taken several roles in Russian politics and once received a personal thank you message from Vladimir Putin. https://t.co/95URMHT83d pic.twitter.com/GX5A6hQOp9  Michael Weiss (@michaeldweiss) June 3, 2025

The posts pointed to an investigation (archived) published by U.K. news outlet The Telegraph on June 3, claiming that Beattie  whom the investigation asserted shut down the U.S. government's Russian disinformation unit  had links to the Kremlin.

Below, we break down Beattie's history, what the investigation alleged, how Beattie's wife responded publicly to the claims and what evidence exists to support them:

Who is Darren Beattie?

Beattie is not new to public controversy. He worked in the first administration of President Donald Trump as a policy aide and speechwriter, but left the White House in 2018 after CNN broke the story that he spoke at the 2016 H.L. Mencken Club Conference, an event attended by white nationalists such as Richard Spencer.

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Less than a year after Beattie's firing from the Trump administration, then-U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz hired him to work as a special adviser for speechwriting (archived).

Trump then appointed Beattie in 2020 as a member of the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad, a position from which the administration of then-President Joe Biden forced him to resign in 2022 after several groups  including the Anti-Defamation League  denounced his appointment given his antisemitic history and the position's responsibility to identify and preserve international heritage sites, including historic sites of the Holocaust. (In his X account's bio, Beattie wrote that he is a "Proud Jew.")

In February 2025, Trump appointed Beattie as the under secretary for public diplomacy and public affairs, a top position in the State Department.

By April, Beattie had spearheaded the effort to shut down the Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Disinformation office  a department responsible for combating foreign information interference, particularly regarding claims of Russian interference in U.S. elections, as well as monitoring Iranian and Chinese influence. In an interview with conservative activist Michael Benz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio credited Beattie with leading the effort to shut down the office, saying it had "nearly destroyed America's long free speech history."

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Before his role in the government, the Telegraph investigation claimed, Beattie was consistently vocal on his social media regarding his pro-Russia views. The Telegraph reported that Beattie's social media showed staunch support for Putin with posts praising him as "brave and strong" and claiming Putin had "done more to advance conservative positions in the US than any Republican."

Putin has done more to advance conservative positions in the US than any Republican  Darren J. Beattie  (@DarrenJBeattie) April 5, 2021

His official government page is, as of this writing, publicly viewable on the State Department website (archived), indicating that he still has a senior position in the department.

What did the investigation allege?

The Telegraph's investigation made two major claims: that Beattie married a woman from Russia, and that she is the niece of a businessman with close ties to Putin.

According to Florida public records The Telegraph acquired, Beattie married Kirillova in 2021 in a ceremony in Broward County. Kirillova's apparent Facebook profile  which matches the profile picture reported by The Telegraph  indicates she moved to Washington, D.C., in January 2025, just a week before Beattie's appointment. She also responded to The Telegraph's allegations after its investigation, speaking on behalf of herself and her uncle. "As for my uncle, who I believe was never even contacted for this piece, he has never held a position in the Kremlin or Russian government, ever," she told The Times in a story published on June 3.

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The Telegraph's investigation claimed Kirillova studied in Moscow before moving to Canada and eventually the U.S. These claims appear consistent with her Facebook page, which indicates she completed her education in Moscow before studying at the University of Calgary and then receiving a law degree from Georgetown Law School in Washington, D.C., in 2019.

The Telegraph reported Kirillova is the niece of Sergei Chernikov, a Russian businessman with part ownership in the Bashkir Soda Co. The Telegraph alleged he had close ties to Putin and that he shared ownership of an apartment with Kirillova's mother.

Kirillova legitimated the claim that Chernikov was her uncle when she responded to the assertions in a statement to The Times, saying:

Far from being Kremlin-aligned, Putin publicly denounced my uncle and his ownership stake in Bashkir Soda, whereupon the Putin government stole his company from him. He has lived in exile from Russia for five years. I am deeply disappointed that the Telegraph would omit these material and publicly discoverable facts that completely undermine the suggestion that my uncle or I am Kremlin-linked  the narrative backbone of the entire piece.

We reached out to Chernikov via his Facebook account for comment, and will update this story if we receive a response.

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A Russian news outlet published a story in 2023 that claimed Chernikov supported and participated in Putin's 2000 presidential election campaign, "for which he even received gratitude from the president"  echoing the Telegraph's claim that he "received a letter of thanks from Putin for his help in the election campaign which first brought the Russian leader to power."

The Telegraph article detailed Chernikov's foray into politics as follows:

The same year [2000], Mr Chernikov took his first step into politics, taking a role in the ministry of natural resources, before becoming deputy governor of the Nenets region in Siberia. From 2008 to 2010, he was a member of Russia's civic chamber, which was founded following a proposal by Putin and is notionally meant to scrutinise the activities of the Russian government. When the chamber was set up, critics claimed that it would be staffed by Kremlin allies and used to diminish a rival power base in the Russian State Duma.

The claim Chernikov was involved in Russian politics originated before The Telegraph story. The Russian news story above, as translated by Google Translate, reads as follows:

According to Chernikov's biography on the website of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, of which he became a member in 2008, the businessman participated in Vladimir Putin's 2000 election campaign, for which he even received gratitude from the president. In 2000-2001, he managed to work as the first deputy head of the North-West Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources, and after several months he spent as the first vice-governor of the Nenets Okrug. However, from this experience, in his own words, he concluded that public service was not for him, and returned to business.

We were unable, as of this writing, to find Chernikov's official biography on the website of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation.

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However, it was clear that by 2020, Putin publicly intervened in the Bashkir Soda Co., after protests erupted over the company's plans to continue mining limestone from a mountain sacred to local residents for the production of baking soda. A Russian court also determined the 2013 privatization of the company "was carried out with violations," and the vast majority of the company subsequently transferred to federal ownership. Putin then reportedly ordered the return of a portion of the shares to the trust management of the locale's authorities.

It's unclear whether Russia officially forced Chernikov into exile and where exactly he lives, but according to the Russian news outlet, his social network profile lists Geneva, Switzerland, as his city of residence.

In sum 

Beattie  a historically vocal supporter of Putin  continues to hold his position in the U.S. State Department, and according to an investigation by The Telegraph, he married the niece of a Russian businessman  Chernikov  with reported links to Putin.

A Russian news outlet previously reported several claims about Chernikov, including that he received a personal thank you from Putin for his support in the 2000 election and held some government roles years before The Telegraph's investigation made similar assertions.

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Reports indicate Putin intervened with Chernikov's chemical company, and Chernikov may be exiled from Russia, as of this writing. However, Snopes has not reviewed primary evidence related to these claims, and therefore cannot substantiate the claims in their entirety.

Sources:

'      '. 1., 8 June 2021, https://ufa1.ru/text/gorod/2021/06/08/69957365/.

'   :        '. 1., 10 May 2023, https://ufa1.ru/text/business/2023/05/10/72250460/.

'Darren Beattie'. United States Department of State, https://www.state.gov/biographies/darren-beattie/. Accessed 10 June 2025.

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Kaczynski, Andrew. 'Speechwriter Who Attended Conference with White Nationalists in 2016 Leaves White House | CNN Politics'. CNN, 19 Aug. 2018, https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/19/politics/darren-beattie-mencken-club.

'    (  ):      '. 1., 15 Aug. 2021, https://ufa1.ru/text/ecology/2021/08/15/70058681/.

Kelly, Caroline. 'Gaetz Hires Ex-WH Staffer Who Attended Conference with White Nationalists | CNN Politics'. CNN, 19 Apr. 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/19/politics/darren-beattie-matt-gaetz.

'Long Live Kushtau Mountain and Its Defenders'. Greenpeace International, 4 June 2025, https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/44648/police-stop-activists-kushtau-mountain-forest/.

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'Protecting and Championing Free Speech at the State Department'. United States Department of State, https://www.state.gov/protecting-and-championing-free-speech-at-the-state-department/. Accessed 10 June 2025.

Smith, Benedict. 'Trump Official Who Shut down Counter-Russia Agency Has Links to Kremlin'. The Telegraph, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/06/03/trump-official-shut-russia-propaganda-unit-kremlin-ties/.

Steck, Andrew Kaczynski, Jennifer Hansler, Em. 'Trump Appoints Speechwriter Fired for Attending Conference with White Nationalists to Top State Department Role | CNN Politics'. CNN, 3 Feb. 2025, https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/03/politics/kfile-darren-beattie-state-department-controversial-tweets-white-nationalist-conference.

Taylor, Adam. 'Rubio Shuts State Dept. Foreign Disinformation Office, Citing Censorship'. The Washington Post, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/04/16/rubio-foreign-disinformation-office-censorship/.

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Washington, George Grylls. Russian Wife of US Official Denies 'Malicious Claims' of Kremlin Links. 3 June 2025, https://www.thetimes.com/us/american-politics/article/darren-beattie-wife-russia-putin-government-bnj50czm2.

'You Searched for Beattie - Page 3 of 81'. Revolver News, https://revolver.news/search/beattie/. Accessed 10 June 2025.

- YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HRHXveUlBM&t=2s. Accessed 10 June 2025.

'   "  "   - '. 1., 13 Apr. 2023, https://ufa1.ru/text/economics/2023/04/13/72218045/.
An investigation is underway after a possible human skull was found in an Allegheny County home on Wednesday.

The Allegheny County Police Department confirmed to Channel 11 that detectives were called to a Pitcairn home on 7th Street between Forest Avenue and Prospect Avenue after a human skull was reportedly found inside it.

The medical examiners office is helping investigating detectives confirm that the skull is human and identifying who it is.

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The Iowa Board of Regents read for the first time a policy that would bar required university courses with "substantial" DEI content. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Members of the Iowa Board of Regents told the public Wednesday they are listening and slowing down the process of implementing new board policy relating to diversity, equity and inclusion in classroom instruction. Regents said whatever policy is eventually approved might look different than its current form.

Regent David Barker said a proposed policy barring universities from requiring students to take courses with substantial content that conveys DEI or CRT (critical race theory) to earn their credentials, with pathways to certain course exceptions, will be an important first step in preventing the teaching of controversial ideas as fact and raising confidence in higher education once again.

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The board discussed the policy in its June 11 meeting, the first of two readings ahead of a vote for approval in July.

Under the proposed policy, students could not be required to take courses with substantial content covering areas as primary principals that include topics like antiracism, allyship, microaggressions, types of biases or privileges, social justice, critical race theory and systematic oppression, marginalization or gender theory, among others.

Mark Braun, executive director of the board of regents, acknowledged during discussion the vagueness behind the term substantial, but said board staff will work with the institutions to more clearly define it and demonstrate where it should apply as the policy is implemented. He emphasized that this policy would only apply to required courses and not electives.

To a large extent, this will help highlight just how many academic programs do not require courses that meet the substantial standard, Braun said.

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Also included in the policy is an option for seeking exemption, Braun said, as the board understands some courses must include this content for different reasons. According to the policy draft, universities can submit which majors, minors and certificates should be exempted from the rules each even-numbered year, no later than June 30. The board must approve these requests.

Regent Christine Hensley and Barker said during the meeting they learned from the emails sent after the suggested policy was released by concerned parties, some of which Barker said were a bit on the arrogant and pompous side or showed a misunderstanding of the policy. However, what helpful information he said he received helped him determine that a better version of this first-draft policy could be developed.

The goal behind the policy is not to subdue a certain point of view, Barker said, but to prevent attempts on both sides of the political spectrum to present contested, controversial ideas as settled fact.

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When the policy was first released, Hensley said the discussion this week was supposed to act as the first and second reading, which she said lit a firestorm in many people worried about the policy heading too quickly toward approval.

I am a very, very strong proponent of when you have something that is controversial, and I would say that this has been controversial, its important that you take a pause  you push the pause button  you step back, and you take in information from the various groups out there, Hensley said.

Concerns expressed from students, state officials

Critics of the proposed policy have done more than send emails to board members  some took to public comment Wednesday to express their concerns. Groups and individuals at the institutional and state level have called the revisions classroom censorship and a violation of the law.

While many of the students, faculty and citizens who spoke during public comment thanked the board for pushing the vote back, the consensus remained that the policy would harm campuses and their communities while claiming to protect student rights.

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After the University of Northern Iowa faculty union published a statement opposing the policy last week, United Faculty President Christopher Martin took to public comment Wednesday to explain the three truths he sees about the proposal  first, that it was crafted from out-of-state recommendations instead of in response to major problems in Iowa, second, its implementation will act as censorship by the government, and third, it is against the law.

There is no middle position, no position of slight appeasement, Martin said. Either you stand for free expression at Iowas universities or you dont, and God help Iowa, its public universities and all the citizens of this state if you dont.

Ashley Maempa, a doctoral student studying history at the University of Iowa, said she was deeply concerned with both this policy, which she said was an example of over-compliance with the law, and other legislation impacting her institution and other state universities.

While the claim behind making these decisions has been that they are protecting students, Maempa said the policy would empower a politically appointed government body to make a political decision about what concepts are merely opinions and what has legitimate scholarly basis. The people who should be deciding what is taught in classes should be the people who are trained to do so, she said, rather than the board, whose members do not have as much experience in these matters.

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We are not political mouthpieces for whoever is in power, Maempa said. We are scholars, we are teachers, we are students. We ask that you vote no on this proposed policy in July, and we ask that you do your job and take a stand for academic freedom in our Legislature.

State Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, released a memorandum ahead of the meeting going over past legislation and current Iowa Code relating to the duties of the board and education policy in Iowa, and concluded that the board has no statutory authority to limit academic instruction in this manner and would violate Iowa law by implementing the policy.

No recent legislation has given the Board of Regents any authority over course content regarding diversity and race or sex discrimination, Quirmbach said in a press release. Moreover, existing Iowa law contains strong protections guarding the academic freedom of both faculty and students, protections that the Boards proposed changes would violate.

With the start date a year away, Quirmbach said in the memorandum there shouldnt be any hurry to finalize it before campus community members have the time to fully review it, let alone form and share an opinion on what impacts they foresee. He suggested pushing the vote back to the fall to provide more time to campus constituents wishing to respond, and to the board in order to look more into the possible legal and constitutional vulnerabilities and the risk of legal action against the Board.

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Regent Robert Cramer said during the meeting hed like to hear from university faculty about what language they think would be best used to stop the indoctrination of students in the classroom while still ensuring they have the freedom to teach.

Hensley agreed that it was right to push the vote back, and with another reading planned before vote, Hensley said it would be all right if it doesnt feel like the policy is ready for prime time even after seeing edits.

This isnt going into effect until next year, so weve got time to get this dealt with and dealt with correctly, and I think that should be our number one priority, Hensley said.

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DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU)  Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill Wednesday aimed at bringing changes to pharmacy benefit managers, also known as PBMs.

The legislation, Senate File 383, aims to help prevent more independent and rural pharmacies from closing their doors in the Hawkeye State.

PBMs are the middlemen between health insurance companies and pharmacies. Whenever you fill a prescription, the PBM determines how much the pharmacy actually gets paid for dispensing your medication.

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Iowa governor rejects GOP bill to increase regulations of Summits carbon dioxide pipeline

In recent years, that amount has sometimes been less than what it costs the pharmacy to fill a prescription, forcing them to either refuse the fill, or take a financial loss.

Senate File 383 would attempt to prevent that by adding requirements for how much pharmacies must be reimbursed for filling medications, to ensure they get paid a fair price.

It also adds other patient protections, like preventing PBMs from hitting you with a monetary penalty if you choose a non-preferred pharmacy, or requiring you to use a mail-order pharmacy service to use your insurance coverage.

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As of Wednesday, a total of 32 states have passed similar legislation, according to the Iowa Governors Office.

Opponents of the measure have argued the bill would increase health insurance premiums, but supporters maintain that in states that have previously passed similar legislation, that has not come to pass.

Governor Reynolds released a statement Wednesday explaining her reasoning for signing the bill. In part, it says, The new bill takes steps toward addressing these challenges by targeting PBM practices that harm both patients and independent pharmacies. Local pharmacies, especially in rural areas, are vital to community health and local hospitals but are being driven out by opaque, one-sided contracts.

You can read the governors full statement here.

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The Iowa Pharmacy Association applauded the bills passage Wednesday. CEO Kate Gainer said, Governor Reynolds leadership and the Iowa Legislatures bipartisan support of SF 383 sends a powerful message that the health of Iowa communities comes first. For too long, PBMs have put profits over patients, contributing to the closure of more than 200 pharmacies in Iowa since 2014. This law gives us the tools to level the playing field and protect access to care, especially in rural areas.

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The Iowa Association of Business and Industry, however, opposed the bills signing, releasing a statement saying, ABI is disappointed in todays action. ABI testified at every turn in favor of legislation that would support small independent pharmacies in Iowa. The bill that the Governor signed today is not that. Senate File 383 includes expensive, unneeded provisions that are going to drive up the costs of pharmacy services in Iowa without any discernable improvement in patient care. Iowans  including businesses and employees  will bear these costs at the pharmacy counter and in the structure of their health care plans. This is an additional headwind in an already challenging business environment. Now law, ABI will take every opportunity to mitigate the increased costs on our members and their team members throughout Iowa.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
The Mexico Lindo Grill & Cantina at 1857 Lower Muscatine Road in Iowa City is one of three Iowa restaurants accused of wage-and-hour violations by the U.S. Department of Labor. (Photo via Google Earth)

A chain of Iowa-based Mexican restaurants is being sued by the federal government for allegedly paying some of its workers only the tips collected from customers.

In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, the U.S. Department of Labor is alleging that Rocio Correa-Mata, 33, of Iowa City, as the sole owner and primary manager of the Mexico Lindo Grill & Cantina restaurant chain, violated the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

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Mexico Lindo Grill & Cantina has locations in West Branch, Iowa City, and North Liberty.

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The department alleges that certain servers at the restaurants were only paid via direct cash and credit tips from customers and did not receive the federal minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour.

The chain also is alleged to have willfully and repeatedly paid employees less than the statutory overtime rate of 1.5 times the workers regular wages for all hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week.

In addition, the department claims Mexico Lindo paid its back-of-the-house employees  a term typically used to describe kitchen workers  a cash salary that was insufficient to compensate them for any overtime hours.

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According to the lawsuit, Mexico Lindo then failed to create and preserve accurate records of employees hours and failed to document each workers full name and Social Security number.

The department alleges defendant Correa-Mata has actively managed and supervised Mexico Lindos operations and employees from June 2015 through the present, overseeing the chains daily operations, hiring and firing employees, establishing work schedules, and setting rates of pay at each location.

The Department of Labor is seeking a court order enjoining Correa-Mata and the chain from continuing to withhold employees unpaid minimum wages and overtime compensation, as well as an order finding them liable for any unpaid wages, plus an equal amount in liquidated damages, payable to 25 different employees of the three Mexico Lindo locations.

The Iowa Capital Dispatch was unable to reach Correa-Mata at home or at any of the Mexico Lindo restaurants.

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Iran on Thursday announced it will build a new enrichment facility moments after the United Nations nuclear watchdog declared that the country is not complying with its nuclear nonproliferation duties.

The first such resolution against the country in 20 years, the declaration was supported by the US and other Western nations; Russia, China, and Burkina Faso voted against.

The censure comes amid heightened tension over Tehrans nuclear program and rising threats of military action in the region: US and European officials believe Israel may be planning a strike on Iran, and the US has evacuated some personnel from the area.

US President Donald Trump recently expressed growing skepticism over Washingtons ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran  the two sides are expected to meet in Oman this weekend.
The Irish government on Wednesday defeated a cross-party motion that called on it to stop the Central Bank of Ireland from facilitating the sale of Israeli bonds.

The motion, presented by the Social Democrats and supported by Sinn Fein, Labour, and People Before Profit, was intended to block what many refer to as Israeli war bonds.

The instruments provide economic support to Israel while it conducts military operations in Gaza, and Irelands Central Bank currently approves the sale of these bonds in EU markets.

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Bonds issued by non-EU countries must be approved by the financial regulator in one member state before they can be sold within the single market.

The bill failed with 85 votes against and 71 in favour, upholding the governments position.

Several TDs, Irish members of parliament, argued that Ireland should not be involved in financial instruments that fund destruction in Gaza.

The Central Bank estimated that Israel has raised between 100mn and 130mn from their sale.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin nonetheless rejected claims that the Irish government is complicit in genocide by allowing the facilitation of the bond sales.

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Despite publicly acknowledging the severity of Israels attacks in Gaza, he maintained that Ireland must oppose the military action within legal and diplomatic channels.

As such, the government argued that it cannot legally direct the Central Bank due to its independence under Irish and EU law.

When the same objection arose last month in response to a similar motion from Sinn Fein, party leader Mary Lou McDonald argued: We have over 20 pages of independent, robust legal opinion clearly stating that the bill is compliant with Irish law, European law and international law.

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As per the EUs Prospectus Regulation, non-EU countries like Israel must meet disclosure and legal standards to issue bonds in the bloc. If those standards are met, the Central Bank doesnt have the authority to reject bond applications.

The Central Bank cannot decide to impose sanctions for breaches or alleged breaches of international law. It is for international bodies such as the UN or the EU to determine how to respond to breaches or alleged breaches of international law, said Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf.

He added that the Genocide Convention applies to the Irish State, not regulatory bodies like the Central Bank.

The reason why the Irish Central Bank is at the core of this issue  despite Ireland being one of the EU countries that has been the most vocally pro-Palestine  is Brexit. When the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in 2016, Israel chose Ireland to be the home member state to approve its bonds. Prior to 2021, this responsibility fell to the UK.

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The current prospectus for Israeli bonds is set to expire in September, but Central Bank officials believe that Israeli authorities will likely initiate the renewal process several weeks beforehand.

In the absence of new EU sanctions or changes to existing legislation, the Central Bank will remain legally bound to approve the bond prospectus, regardless of the political fallout.

Meanwhile, protesters have been gathering for months outside the seat of the parliament, Leinster House, and the Central Bank, demanding that the government block Israeli bond sales.
CHANGSHA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for more success stories resulting from China-Africa cooperation to contribute to the China-Africa friendship, and to bring hope for self-reliant development and better lives to people on the African continent.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, cited the experience of Musa Darboe, a Gambian farmer and entrepreneur who has benefited immensely from China's hybrid rice technology, as an example.

Wang made the comments on Wednesday when speaking with Darboe at a reception commemorating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Changsha, the capital of central China's Hunan Province.

At the reception, Darboe shared his experience of how the introduction of Chinese scientist Yuan Longping's hybrid rice technology had significantly increased his rice yield. He said that with the assistance of Chinese agricultural experts in Africa, he has achieved prosperity, and his hometown has bidden farewell to hunger.

Darboe, who brought his rice all the way from the Gambia to China as a gesture to pay tribute to Yuan, expressed his willingness to learn more about Chinese agricultural technologies and modernization experience, and to promote deeper, broader cooperation between the two countries.

Wang noted that a key priority of China's friendship with African countries is improving livelihoods for ordinary Africans. He said China will continue pursuing the greater good and shared interests, and delivering more tangible benefits to people on the African continent.

Hunan was the home of Yuan Longping, a rice scientist who made significant contributions to rice-breeding in China and is known as the "father of hybrid rice." Yuan passed away in 2021 at the age of 91. 
By Ahmed Rasheed, Timour Azhari and Michael Georgy

DAMASCUS (Reuters) - Middle East leaders and their Western allies have been warning that Islamic State could exploit the fall of the Assad regime to stage a comeback in Syria and neighbouring Iraq, where the extremist group once imposed a reign of terror over millions.

Islamic State (IS) has been attempting just that, according to more than 20 sources, including security and political officials from Syria, Iraq, the U.S. and Europe, as well as diplomats in the region. The group has started reactivating fighters in both countries, identifying targets, distributing weapons and stepping up recruitment and propaganda efforts, the sources said.

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So far, the results of these efforts appear limited. Security operatives in Syria and Iraq, who have been monitoring IS for years, told Reuters they foiled at least a dozen major plots this year.

A case in point came in December, the month Syrias Bashar Assad was toppled.

As rebels were advancing on Damascus, IS commanders holed up near Raqqa, former capital of their self-declared caliphate, dispatched two envoys to Iraq, five Iraqi counter-terrorism officials told Reuters. The envoys carried verbal instructions to the groups followers to launch attacks. But they were captured at a checkpoint while travelling in northern Iraq on December 2, the officials said.

Eleven days later, Iraqi security forces, acting on information from the envoys, tracked a suspected IS suicide bomber to a crowded restaurant in the northern town of Daquq using his cell phone, they said. The forces shot the man dead before he could detonate an explosives belt, they said.

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The foiled attack confirmed Iraqs suspicions about the group, said Colonel Abdul Ameer al-Bayati, of the Iraqi Armys 8th Division, which is deployed in the area. Islamic State elements have begun to reactivate after years of lying low, emboldened by the chaos in Syria, he said.

Still, the number of attacks claimed by IS has dropped since Assad's fall.

IS claimed responsibility for 38 attacks in Syria in the first five months of 2025, putting it on track for a little over 90 claims this year, according to data from SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors militants' activities online. That would be around a third of last year's claims, the data shows.

In Iraq, where IS originated, the group claimed four attacks in the first five months of 2025, versus 61 total last year.

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Syria's government, led by the countrys new Islamist leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, did not answer questions about IS activities. Defence Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra told Reuters in January the country was developing its intelligence-gathering efforts, and its security services would address any threat.

A U.S. defence official and a spokesperson for Iraq's prime minister said IS remnants in Syria and Iraq have been dramatically weakened, unable to control territory since a U.S.-led coalition and its local partners drove them from their last stronghold in 2019.

The Iraqi spokesperson, Sabah al-Numan, credited pre-emptive operations for keeping the group in check.

The coalition and partners hammered militant hideouts with airstrikes and raids after Assads fall. Such operations captured or killed terrorist elements, while preventing them from regrouping and carrying out operations, Numan said.

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Iraqs intelligence operations have also become more precise, through drones and other technology, he added.

At its peak between 2014 and 2017, IS held sway over roughly a third of Syria and Iraq, where it imposed its extreme interpretation of Islamic sharia law, gaining a reputation for shocking brutality.

None of the officials who spoke with Reuters saw a danger of that happening again. But they cautioned against counting the group out, saying it has proven a resilient foe, adept at exploiting a vacuum.

Some local and European officials are concerned that foreign fighters might be travelling to Syria to join jihadi groups. For the first time in years, intelligence agencies tracked a small number of suspected foreign fighters coming from Europe to Syria in recent months, two European officials told Reuters, though they could not say whether IS or another group recruited them.

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EXPLOITING DIVISIONS

The IS push comes at a delicate time for Sharaa, as he attempts to unite a diverse country and bring former rebel groups under government control after 13 years of civil war.

U.S. President Donald Trumps surprise decision last month to lift sanctions on Syria was widely seen as a win for the Syrian leader, who once led a branch of al Qaeda that battled IS for years. But some Islamist hardliners criticised Sharaas efforts to woo Western governments, expressing concern he might acquiesce to U.S. demands to expel foreign fighters and normalise relations with Israel.

Seizing on such divides, IS condemned the meeting with Trump in a recent issue of its online news publication, al-Naba, and called on foreign fighters in Syria to join its ranks.

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At a May 14 meeting in Saudi Arabia, Trump asked Sharaa to help prevent an IS resurgence as the U.S. begins a troop consolidation in Syria it says could cut its roughly 2,000-strong military presence by half this year.

The U.S. drawdown has heightened concern among allies that IS might find a way to free some 9,000 fighters and their family members, including foreign nationals, held at prisons and camps guarded by the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). There have been at least two attempted jailbreaks since Assad's fall, the SDF has said.

Trump and President Tayyip Erdogan of neighbouring Turkey want Sharaas government to assume responsibility for these facilities. Erdogan views the main Kurdish factions as a threat to his country. But some regional analysts question whether Damascus has the manpower needed.

Syrian authorities have also been grappling with attacks by suspected Assad loyalists, outbreaks of deadly sectarian violence, Israeli airstrikes and clashes between Turkish-backed groups and the SDF, which controls about a quarter of the country.

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The interim government is stretched thin from a security perspective. They just do not have the manpower to consolidate control in the entire country, said Charles Lister, who heads the Syria program at the Middle East Institute, a U.S. think tank.

Responding to a request for comment, a State Department spokesperson said it is critical for countries to repatriate detained nationals from Syria and shoulder a greater share of the burden for the camps' security and running costs.

The U.S. defence official said Washington remains committed to preventing an IS resurgence, and its vetted Syrian partners remain in the field. The U.S. will vigilantly monitor Sharaas government, which has been saying and doing the right things so far, the official added.

Three days after Trump's meeting with Sharaa, Syria announced it had raided IS hideouts in the countrys second city, Aleppo, killing three militants, detaining four and seizing weapons and uniforms.

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The U.S. has exchanged intelligence with Damascus in limited cases, another U.S. defence official and two Syrian officials told Reuters. The news agency could not determine whether it did so in the Aleppo raids.

The coalition is expected to wrap up operations in Iraq by September. But the second U.S. official said Baghdad privately expressed interest in slowing down the withdrawal of some 2,500 American troops from Iraq when it became apparent that Assad would fall. A source familiar with the matter confirmed the request.

The White House, Baghdad and Damascus did not respond to questions about Trumps plans for U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria.

REACTIVATING SLEEPER CELLS

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The United Nations estimates IS, also known as ISIS or Daesh, has 1,500 to 3,000 fighters in the two countries. But its most active branches are in Africa, the SITE data shows.

The U.S. military believes the groups secretive leader is Abdulqadir Mumin, who heads the Somalia branch, a senior defence official told reporters in April.

Still, SITEs director, Rita Katz, cautioned against seeing the drop in IS attacks in Syria as a sign of weakness. Far more likely that it has entered a restrategising phase, she said.

Since Assads fall, IS has been activating sleeper cells, surveilling potential targets and distributing guns, silencers and explosives, three security sources and three Syrian political officials told Reuters.

It has also moved fighters from the Syrian desert, a focus of coalition airstrikes, to cities including Aleppo, Homs and Damascus, according to the security sources.

"Of the challenges we face, Daesh is at the top of the list," Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab told state-owned Ekhbariya TV last week.

In Iraq, aerial surveillance and intelligence sources on the ground have picked up increased IS activity in the northern Hamrin Mountains, a longtime refuge, and along key roads, Ali al-Saidi, an advisor to Iraqi security forces, told Reuters.

Iraqi officials believe IS seized large stockpiles of weapons left behind by Assads forces and worry some could be smuggled into Iraq.

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Baghdad was in contact with Damascus about IS, which he told Reuters in January was growing and spreading into more areas.

"We hope that Syria, in the first place, will be stable, and Syria will not be a place for terrorists," he said, especially ISIS terrorists."

(Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad, Timour Azhari in Damascus and Michael Georgy in Dubai; Additional reporting by Maya Gebeily in Damascus, Suleiman Al-Khalidi in Amman, John Irish in Paris, Lili Bayer in Brussels, Idrees Ali, Phillip Stewart and Jonathan Landay in Washington, Jonathan Saul in London and Alexander Cornwell in Dubai; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Alexandra Zavis)
The Caribbean island of Dominica depends on generators fueled by dirty energy to power the needs of its 66,000 residents and a booming tourism sector. But that's about to change.

Dominica is going all-in on clean energy, constructing a 10-megawatt geothermal power plant near the village of Laudat.

The BBC reported that the upcoming power plant seeks to turn the island's natural volcanic activity into electricity, reducing reliance on dirty fuel and potentially lowering electricity costs.

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"We hope to totally eliminate the need for diesel generation for electricity in Dominica by 2030," Dominica's energy minister, Dr. Vince Henderson, told the BBC.

The power plant will capture steam from naturally heated underground water reservoirs, warmed by nearby volcanic rock. This steam will be drawn up to the surface, driving turbines to generate electricity. The used steam will then be cooled back into water and pumped underground to begin the cycle again.

Aside from powering the island, Dominica plans to export surplus electricity to neighboring islands via undersea cables, positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable energy.

"As a region heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, the transition to green energy is not optional  it is existential," Dr. Didacus Jules, director general of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission, told the BBC.

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"This development also breathes new life into the long-held vision of a regional energy grid  one that connects our islands through clean, reliable, and affordable energy."

The project, a joint effort between the Dominican government and Ormat Technologies, is expected to cost tens of millions of U.S. dollars.

Funding will come from a combination of partnerships and international grants, including support from the U.S. and the U.K. NGOs from around the world are also contributing, alongside loans from the World Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank.

It will be the second geothermal power plant in the Caribbean, joining Guadeloupe, which has a 15-megawatt station that has been in operation for three decades. Dominica aims for its facility to be operational by the end of 2025, per the BBC.

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Geothermal energy relies on the Earth's natural heat, a renewable and continuously replenished resource, to produce electricity. It produces very low pollution output compared to dirty fuel energy coming from gas and oil.

Geothermal plants also use less land than many other energy sources. While solar or wind are other clean energy options, geothermal power provides steady, constant energy, making it wholly reliable.

"Geothermal is a great, zero-emission electricity that doesn't depend on wind or sun, and operates 24/7," Ormat's chief executive, Doron Blachar, told the BBC.

"It brings jobs to a country  both during construction and, more importantly, during the plant's operations  along with new technology and expertise."

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Though the effort promises to bring clean energy to the island, it doesn't come without concerns  and some environmental compromises.

Local environmentalists told the BBC they're worried about the ecological impact of the facility's construction, noting that important vegetation has already been lost and wildlife displaced in the early stages of the project.

Other residents expressed fears that the geothermal plants could potentially trigger earthquakes. Ormat, however, stated that such incidents have never occurred in their operations.

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Israel said it has launched a series of strikes against Iran that included dozens of military targets, including the country's nuclear program, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

The IDF said the operation, titled "Rising Lion," comes after intelligence identified that Iran has "significantly advanced towards obtaining a nuclear weapon," alleging this capability would allow them to act against Israel.

Israel estimates Iran now has enough enriched material for several nuclear bombs, the IDF and an Israeli official familiar with the operation told ABC News.

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Defense Minister Israel Katz described the strikes as "preemptive" and declared a state of emergency.

"Following the State of Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future," Katz said in a statement.

Air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

US was not involved in Israel's strikes, officials say

The U.S. did not provide any assistance or have any involvement in the Israeli strike, two U.S. officials told ABC News.

MORE: US-Iran nuclear talks to resume in Oman on Sunday

Sec. of State Marco Rubio released a statement following the strike, saying, "Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region."

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Rubio said the U.S. was advised by Israel that "they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense."

"President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel," Rubio said.

Why Israel says they preemptively attacked Iran

In a video message on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country had no choice but to stage a preemptive strike on Iran's nuclear program.

"In recent months, Iran has taken steps that it has never taken before, steps to weaponize this enriched uranium, and if not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time," he said. "It could be a year. It could be within a few months, less than a year. This is a clear and present danger to Israel's very survival," he said.

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The strikes come as the U.S. has planned nuclear talks with Iranian officials this weekend.

Before the strike, President Donald Trump spoke of the negotiations on Thursday, saying in a social media post, "We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue! My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Thursday, before the strike, his country will continue to enrich uranium and vowed to rebuild facilities should they be destroyed, as tensions in the Middle East have escalated.

PHOTO: Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz and Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen attend the address of Argentina's president to the Israeli parliament at its headquarters in Jerusalem on June 11, 2025. (Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images)

"We will go our own way, and we will have the enrichment," Pezeshkian said during remarks in Ilam, a western province of Iran.

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"We will build this country with these very young people. It's not like if, for example, someone bombs our place, that's the end of it. All this is in mind. Whatever they do, we will rebuild," Pezeshkian added.

MORE: Critical US-Iran nuclear talks on shaky ground

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was asked about the possible military action during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday.

"What I know is that Bibi Netanyahu is going to put his country first, and we're going to put our country first, and we're positioned properly in the region ... for any potential contingency," Hegseth said of Israel's prime minister.

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Hegseth added that the U.S. and President Donald Trump remain "committed to creating the conditions for peace."

ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston and Othon Leyva contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Israel strikes dozens of targets in Iran, including nuclear program: IDF originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Israel is reportedly planning to take potential military action against Iran amid unsuccessful efforts by the U.S. to strike a deal with Iran to halt its nuclear weapons-making capabilities.

An Israeli strike, independent of the U.S., could happen within the next few days, NBC News,CBS News and The New York Times reported Thursday, citing sources close to the situation.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Thursday that the country will not abandon its right to uranium enrichment. Irans Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami also told state media on Thursday that any aggression by Israel will be more forceful and destructive than those seen in the past. Both countries engaged in a series of exchanges of fire last year.

Israel's Iron Dome air defense system intercepts missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, on April 14, 2024. via Associated Press

Out of precaution, the U.S. withdrew diplomats from Iraq on Wednesday and authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. military families from the Middle East should such an attack occur and prompt retaliation by Iran, the Times and CBS News reported.

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They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, well see what happens, President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday night. [Iran] cant have a nuclear weapon. Were not going to allow it.

Israel had reportedly proposed attacking Iranian nuclear sites back in April, but was dissuaded by Trump over his insistence on trying to negotiate a deal with Tehran instead that would limit its nuclear program.

Weeks later, a United Nations nuclear watchdog determined that Iran has been carrying out secret nuclear activities at three locations where traces of uranium were found.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei has criticized the U.S.s proposed nuclear agreements, saying: Our response to the U.S. nonsense is clear: They cannot do a damn thing in this matter. Anadolu via Getty Images

Iran is not complying with its nuclear obligations, the International Atomic Energy Agencys board of governors concluded.

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Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has called the proposed negotiations by the U.S. regarding its nuclear program not acceptable to us.

We will present our own proposal to the other side via [Omani mediators] after it is finalized, Baghaei said following talks Monday between both sides.

Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also publicly criticized Americas proposals last week, saying: Our response to the U.S. nonsense is clear: They cannot do a damn thing in this matter.

A new round of talks has been planned for Sunday between Tehran and Washington.

Related...
Investing.com -- Israel is considering taking military action against Iran in the coming days, according to ABC News. The news organization cited three sources familiar with the situation who provided details about the potential strike.

The sources indicated they were not aware of any specific U.S. role in an Israeli strike on Iran. They noted, however, that it remains possible the U.S. could provide logistical support and share intelligence with Israel that might be used for such an operation.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said U.S. personnel were being relocated from the Middle East, describing it as a "dangerous place." The president also emphasized that the United States would not permit Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, highlighting increased tensions in the region.

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A senior Iranian official issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that Tehran would strike U.S. bases in the region if nuclear negotiations fail and conflict develops. This statement further escalates the already tense situation between the countries.

The potential Israeli military action comes amid growing concerns about regional stability and ongoing disputes over Irans nuclear program. Neither Israeli nor U.S. officials have publicly confirmed specific plans for military operations against Iranian targets.

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Israel is prepared to attack Iran in the coming days if Tehran rejects a U.S. proposal to limit its nuclear program, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing U.S. and Israeli officials.

The newspaper cited a senior Israeli official as saying a strike could come as soon as Sunday unless Iran agrees to halt production of fissile material, which can be used to make an atomic bomb. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised the possibility of strikes in a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, WSJ reported, citing two U.S. officials.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward)
Palestinian rights group Adalah has confirmed Israels deportation of six more activists detained on board the Madleen aid ship as they sought to draw international attention to Israels illegal blockade of Gaza.

The rights group, which legally represented the 12 passengers who were seized by Israeli forces in the eastern Mediterranean earlier this week, said on Thursday that the six detainees  two French citizens, including Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan, and nationals of Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands and Turkiye  had departed Israel.

Another two French nationals remain in Israeli custody awaiting deportation on Friday, Adalah told the news agency AFP.

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While in custody, volunteers were subjected to mistreatment, punitive measures and aggressive treatment, and two volunteers were held for some period of time in solitary confinement, said Adalah.

Hassan, a French-Palestinian member of the European Parliament, had previously been barred from entering Israel and the Palestinian territory, due to her support for boycotts of the country in light of Israels occupation of Palestinian land.

Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which had dismissed the aid boat as a selfie yacht, posted a photo of Hassan on what appeared to be an aeroplane, confirming the deportation of the six passengers.

Four of the ships passengers, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and Al Jazeera Mubasher reporter Omar Faiad, were deported on Tuesday.

We will not stop

On Thursday, Hassans X account featured a post, calling on supporters to assemble in Place de la Republique in Paris, where protests calling for the release of the passengers still in Israeli detention and a lifting of the Gaza blockade had been held earlier in the week.

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German citizen Yasemin Acar was also among Thursdays deportees. A video circulating online showed her saying that she had arrived in Germany. I just arrived in Germany. I am safe. But one thing is very clear: The siege of Gaza is still ongoing. The illegal blockade is still ongoing. People are still starving.

The only reason I did this, as a German citizen, is because my country, the very ground that Im standing on, is not doing what theyre supposed to do. Theyre sending more weapons  We need to stop this. We need to hold our politicians accountable for the genocide, for the starvation, for the killing of children, thousands of men and women. We will not stop.

All 12 people on board the Madleen have been banned from Israel for 100 years.





Catastrophic hunger

The United Nations has warned that Gazas entire population faces catastrophic hunger following nearly two years of war and over two months in which Israel has been blocking or heavily restricting the entry of food and other essential supplies.

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Following an 11-week total blockade from March to May, Israel set up a new aid programme replacing existing networks run by the United Nations and charities, run by the shadowy US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

However, the sporadic distribution of supplies to Palestinians has been marred by repeated shootings, with more than 220 aid seekers killed by Israeli forces in the two weeks since the GHF began operations, according to the health authorities. On Thursday alone, at least 26 aid seekers were killed in Israeli drone attacks.





Israeli forces seized the Madleen and detained its crew early on Monday, about 100 nautical miles (185km) off the coast of Gaza, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the group that organised the journey.

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The vessel, accompanied by Israels navy, arrived in the Israeli port of Ashdod on Monday evening, according to the Foreign Ministry.

It was carrying humanitarian aid, including rice and baby formula, to Gaza, in a bid to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis.
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Updated at 8:20 a.m. ET on June 12, 2025

Having once described Donald Trump as Israels greatest friend ever, Benjamin Netanyahu must be watching with some consternation as the American president enthusiastically pursues a nuclear deal with Iran.

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After all, the Israeli prime minister made every effort to stop the Obama administrations Iran deal in 2015. Trump exited that deal in 2018, perhaps partially at Netanyahus urging. And now Trump is pursuing a deal of his ownhis administration has even dropped a number of Iran hawks from its ranks, in what one pro-Israel D.C. outlet described as a purge.

But Israels leaders shouldnt fear a new Iran nuclear deal. They may even find reasons to welcome it: Among a host of bad options for curbing Irans nuclear program and pacifying a volatile region, a nuclear agreement between Trump and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could be the least bad option for Israel, too.

The need for a solution became more pressing just today, as the United Nations nuclear watchdogs board of governors has found Iran in violation of its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 yearsa possible prelude to the resumption of significant UN sanctions against Iran. American and European officials say that Israel is preparing a military strike against Iran, and the U.S. has moved some of its personnel out of the region in preparation. The Iranian foreign ministry described the UN watchdog report as political and said that it will establish a new enrichment center in a secure location.

No strike is likely to happen before the next round of talks on Sunday. And both the U.S. and Iran have compelling reasons to want a deal to stick. The Trump administration, stymied in Ukraine and Gaza, could use a foreign-policy win, and the Iranian regime, having lost its regional proxy power, would prefer to avoid military strikes on its nuclear facilities and to see some sanctions lifted. On Thursday, Trump called the Iranians good negotiators who were tough and said the U.S. was trying to make a deal so that theres no destruction and death.

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Any agreement will require the two sides to reach an accord about whether Iran should maintain a capacity to enrich uranium on its own soil. The U.S., together with Israel, has strongly objected to any such prospect. WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM! Trump wrote on Truth Social on June 2. The Iranians insist on itand, for their part, are playing a game of reverse psychology: This Guy Has No Will for a Deal, read a headline in the semiofficial Tehran Times on June 7, referencing Trump.

Steven Witkoff, the Trump administrations top negotiator, has proffered a plan that reportedly suggests outsourcing Irans uranium enrichment to a regional consortium. The enrichment would be for civilian purposes, and the consortium would include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and possibly Qatar and Turkey. The idea is to remove the technical capacity from Iranian hands and internationalize the process. Whether this consortium would do its work on Iranian soil or elsewhere, however, is not clear. And as Richard Nephew, an American diplomat who helped negotiate the 2015 nuclear deal, told me, this is the nub of the issuecentrifuges in Iranin relation to which a consortium is window-dressing.

[Read: Trumps real secretary of state]

Mostafa Najafi, a Tehran-based expert close to Irans security establishment, told me that Iran has seriously studied Washingtons consortium proposal and could accept it only if at least some enrichment were to be done on Iranian soil. One option might be to use Irans islands in the Persian Gulf for this purpose, he added. These are part of Iran but geographically close to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and therefore easier to monitor than the mainland.

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For Israel, the matter of where the enrichment happens is nonnegotiable. Israel would be willing to accept the consortium solution only if it is located outside of Iran, a condition that Iran, of course, will not accept, Raz Zimmt, the head of the Iran program at Israels Institute for National Security Studies, told me. This is Israels official stance, and it enjoys near-unanimous support across the Israeli political spectrum. The reasons for this are understandable: Irans leaders, unlike many of their counterparts in the region, have never embraced a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and instead continue to clamor for the destruction of Israel. Just last month, Khamenei called Israel a cancerous, dangerous, and deadly tumor that must be removed from the region and it will be. Israeli leaders are worried that a deal with Iran will not go far enough in disabling it from acting on its animus against Israel.

In fact, hard-line Israelis cannot envision a solution to the Iranian nuclear problem that doesnt involve the total dismantlement of its centrifuges and expatriation of its uranium. Thats because the means to weaponize are already there. Even those, including Nephew, who advocate for a new deal caution that Irans enrichment capacity has increased in the seven years since Trump left the 2015 agreement. Iran now has enough enriched uranium that if it sought to weaponize, it could build as many as 10 atomic weapons. Even if it shipped that stockpile elsewhere, the country would still have its advanced centrifuges. With these, experts say, Iran could hold on to just 5 percent of its current stockpile and still be able to enrich enough weapons-grade uranium for a bomb inside of a month, and four bombs worth in two months.

Given this reality, according to Zimmt, the Israeli government believes that it is running out of time to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. And to this end, he told me, Israel clearly prefers no deal over a bad deal, because without a deal, military strikes become thinkable. Many in Israel see such a confrontation as the best optioneven though Irans nuclear facilities are spread across its territory, and some are buried deep underground, making any military campaign likely to be drawn-out, complicated, and hazardous.

The analysts I spoke with did not see much lasting good coming of such an assault. Nephew noted that the setback to Irans nuclear program would likely be temporary and said that Israel would be infinitely better off with a good deal. Gregory Brew, an analyst with the Eurasia Group, pointed out that Irans regional proxies have been so weakened that Israel is in a particularly strong position at the moment. A negotiated settlement to the nuclear question could allow Israel to build on its advantage by pursuing closer ties to Arab states. This would be a win for Israeli security and the region as a whole, Brew said.

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Back in 2015, the Arab states of the Gulf region were leery of a U.S.-Iran nuclear deal. They had poor relations with Iran and worried that an agreement might exclude their interests. Now those relations have softened, and most of the Gulf states are eager for an arrangement that could cool the regions tempers. Their support for diplomacy should be good news for Israel, which already has diplomatic, trade, and military ties with two Gulf countries (the UAE and Bahrain). The Saudis have conditioned normalization on Israels allowing for a Palestinian state, but their language is pragmaticRiyadhs overwhelming interest appears to be in economic development, which regional conflict only undermines.

A nuclear deal that draws in the Gulf states would undoubtedly serve to better integrate Iran into the regions economy. Some in Israel may balk at this idea, preferring to see Iran isolated. But there is a case to be made that giving Iran a stake in regional peace and stability would do more to de-radicalize its foreign policy than caging it has done.

Some in Israel remain skeptical. I dont believe that Saudi or Emirati participation in the deal carries any real significance, Zimmt said. Its not something that would reassure Israel, certainly not before normalization with Saudi Arabia, and not even necessarily afterward. Other Israeli critics of Trump and Witkoff chastise them for mistaking the ideologically driven actors of the Middle East for transactional pragmatists like themselves.

[Daniel Byman: Trump is making Netanyahu nervous]

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But leaders and peoplesin Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Damascus, Beiruthave grown tired of wars around religion and ideology, and many are ready to pursue development instead. This explains why Syrias new leaders have embraced Trump and promised not to fight Israel. Iran is not immune to this new regional mood.

Iranian elites have reason to fear that the failure of talks will bring about devastating military strikes. But they also have reason to hope that the lifting of sanctions, and even a partial opening for the countrys beleaguered economy, will be a boon to some of the moneyed interests close to the regime. Najafi told me that Iran already has a shared interest with Arabs in trying to avoid a confrontation between Israel and Iran: Arabs know that any military action by Israel against Iran could destroy their grand developmental projects in the region, he said. Ive talked with Iranian elites for years. Most of them have no interest in Islamism or any other ideology. They send their sons and daughters to study in American and Swiss universities, not to Shiite seminaries in Iraq or Lebanon. Khameneis zealotry is very unlikely to outlive him in Irans highest echelons of power.

A diplomatic deal, however flawed, will not only curtail Irans nuclear program but also put the country on a path defined by its economic and pragmatic interests. A more regionally integrated Iran is likely to be much less belligerent, as it will have relations with the Saudis and Emiratis to maintain. The regime will likely be forced to drop many of its revolutionary pretensions, as it already has toward Saudi Arabia: Iran once considered the kingdom illegitimate, but it now goes out of its way to maintain good ties with Riyadh. Although this might sound unthinkable today, ultimately the regime will have to drop its obsession with Israel as well, for the same pragmatic reason that Arab countries have done in the past.

The alternative to a deal is an extensive military campaignmost likely, a direct war between Iran and Israelwith unpredictable consequences. The notion that such a confrontation would lead to positive political change in Iran is a fantasy. Just as likely, the regime will hunker down under duress, prolonging its hold on power. This is why even the most pro-Israel figures in the Iranian opposition, such as former Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, oppose military strikes on Iran.

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Irans population harbors very little hostility to Israel. A group of student activists recently tried to organize an anti-Israel rally at the University of Tehran, but only a couple of dozen people joined them, a small fraction of those who have turned out for rallies in Cairo, Amman, or New York City. But a direct war that costs Iranian civilian lives would easily change this.

The future of Iran and Israel does not need to lie in hostility. Thats why a deal that keeps Iran from going nuclear and avoids military strikes is the least bad option for everyone.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus fractious right-wing coalition has survived an opposition-backed bid to dissolve parliament after ruling lawmakers reached a deal regarding the divisive mandatory military service.

The bill, which would have been a first step leading to an early election, was rejected early on Thursday by a majority of 61 lawmakers in the 120-seat Knesset, while 53 supported it.

I am pleased to announce that after long discussions we have reached agreements on the principles on which the draft law will be based, Knessets Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein said in a statement.

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The opposition had introduced the conscription bill, hoping to force elections with the help of ultra-Orthodox parties angry at Netanyahu over the contentious issue of forcing religious seminary students of draft age to serve in the army.

Its more than ever urgent to replace Netanyahus government and specifically this toxic and harmful government, Labours opposition lawmaker Merav Michaeli said ahead of the vote.

While the opposition is composed mainly of centrist and left-wing groups, ultra-Orthodox parties, including Shas and United Torah Judaism (UTJ), which are propping up Netanyahus government, had earlier threatened to back the motion.

Military service is mandatory in Israel but under a ruling that dates to the countrys creation  when the ultra-Orthodox were a very small community, men who devote themselves full-time to the study of sacred Jewish texts are given a de facto pass.





Efforts to scrap the exemption and the resulting blowback have intensified during Israels continuing assault on Gaza as the military looks for more soldiers to be deployed.

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Netanyahu is under pressure from his own Likud party to draft more ultra-Orthodox men and impose penalties on dodgers, a red line for the Shas party, who demand a law guaranteeing their members permanent exemption from military service.

Netanyahus coalition, formed in December 2022, is one of the most right wing in the countrys history.

Ahead of the vote, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich argued that bringing down the government during wartime would pose an existential danger to Israels future.

History will not forgive anyone who drags the state of Israel into elections during a war, Smotrich told parliament, adding that there was a national and security need for ultra-Orthodox men to fight in the military.

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In the early hours of Thursday, Israeli media reported that most ultra-Orthodox lawmakers ultimately agreed not to support the proposal to dissolve parliament.

After the failed vote, the opposition will now have to wait six months to submit another bill.
Israel is considering launching a military strike against Iran in the coming days without American support, according to Western officials.

The officials said fears of either no deal or a weak deal between Donald Trump, the US president, and the Islamic Republic to curtail its nuclear programme had forced Israeli strategists to consider a unilateral attack against Tehran.

It comes as the UN nuclear watchdogs board of governors found that Iran had broken its non-proliferation agreement for the first time in 20 years.

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The governors demanded that Iran provided answers without delay in a long-running investigation into uranium traces found at several locations that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites.

Iran is believed to have enriched uranium to at least 60 per cent, putting it within sprint distance of a potential nuclear device.

In response to the ruling, the Islamic Republic said it had no choice but to respond by establishing a new enrichment facility in a secure location and significantly increasing its production of enriched uranium.

Behrouz Kamalvandi, a spokesman for Irans Atomic Energy Organisation, said: We are replacing all of these first-generation machines with sixth-generation advanced machines at the Fordow uranium enrichment plant, south of Tehran.

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He added that this meant our production of enriched material will increase significantly.

Technicians work inside a uranium conversion facility near Tehran in March - Getty

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran will not abandon its right to uranium enrichment because of mounting frictions in the region, adding that a friendly country had alerted Tehran over a potential military strike by Israel.

The official said the tensions were aimed at influencing Tehran to change its position about its nuclear rights during talks with the US in Oman on Sunday.

US-Iran negotiations to curb Tehrans programme have been continuing for several weeks now.

There had been indications in recent days that the two sides might be close to closing on a framework that includes provisions about uranium enrichment that Israel views as unacceptable.

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However, Mr Trump told a New York Post podcast on Wednesday he was less confident about the prospects of a deal, having accused Tehran of adopting a hardline position.

Israel, which is not a party to the discussions, has demanded a complete dismantling of Irans nuclear programme.

The US is now on alert for the possibility of an Israeli strike, Western officials told US media outlets, with officials preparing to send home non-essential staff and families in its embassies in the Middle East ahead of a potential Iranian retaliation.

The embassy in Baghdad is currently planning an ordered evacuation, according to sources.

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The White House has also ordered its other missions within range of Iranian missiles to provide risk assessments.

The United Kingdom Maritime and Trade Organisation has issued a warning urging vessels using the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz to exercise heightened caution.

Armoured vehicles outside the US embassy in Baghdad on Thursday after officials announced a reduction in staffing levels - Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP

Military and intelligence chiefs have been concerned for several months that Mr Trump might strike a soft deal with Iran that does not guarantee the Jewish states long-term security in order to establish his legacy as a peacemaker.

The broad consensus in Israel has been that a unilateral strike on Iran would be unthinkable.

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Despite a slight cooling of relations with Mr Trump in recent weeks, it is thought unlikely Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister , would be willing to embarrass his greatest ally in the middle of negotiations.

Additionally, while Israel reportedly has the military capability to set Tehran back, it is thought that it could only be sure of profoundly damaging the programme with US support.

The US alone has the capability to sustain an air campaign over several days. It has crucial refuelling aircraft, plus strategic bombers that can drop clusters of specialist munitions that have the best chance of punching through the thick rock that protects some of Irans nuclear development sites.

Iran also has large stockpiles of non-nuclear ballistic missiles which it would be likely to launch at Israel in retaliation.

Protesters at an anti-Israel demonstration in Tehran in April - Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto

While Israel has a sophisticated missile defence system, this can be overwhelmed by a large barrage, and it would require active US support in protecting its cities.

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Despite the desirability of US support, Israeli military chiefs are understood to be frustrated that their ideal window for an attack is closing, while Mr Trumps talks force them to sit on their hands.

Israel destroyed a key Iranian S-300 aerial defence system last year, while Hezbollah in Lebanon is all but defeated, reducing the chance of a meaningful retaliation against Israels northern border communities. However, it is thought that neither advantage will last indefinitely.

In April, The New York Times revealed that Mr Trump had, some weeks earlier, warned Mr Netanyahu off a unilateral strike as early as this spring.

In his first term, he pulled the US out of a multinational agreement, brokered by Barack Obama, that relaxed economic sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its enrichment process.

Hassan Rouhani, the former president of Iran, delivers a speech at Irans Natanz uranium enrichment plant on the countrys National Nuclear Technology Day in April 2021 - Shutterstock

The aim of that deal was to keep Iran at least 12 months away from being able to build a nuclear warhead. Since Mr Trump upended the deal, Tehran has enriched uranium to about 60 per cent.

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Although it claims that this is for civilian purposes, numerous experts and watchdogs say there is no justifiable military purpose for such highly enriched uranium.

US officials are reportedly concerned that, if pushed, Iran could engineer a crude nuclear bomb in a matter of weeks.

However, it would likely to have to be delivered on a truck or a ship, as miniaturising it on to a ballistic missile would take longer and be more likely to be detected by the US and Israel.

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Nikol Pashinyan, without being distracted by trifles, continues to focus on Catholicos Garegin II. In his latest post on the topic, Pashinyan initially lazily defended himself against accusations of "Azerbaijani and Turkish traces" and then bluntly stated that Garegin was desecrating the Armenian Church.

Whats significant here is that Pashinyan stopped referring to Garegin by his titular name. In his publications, the Armenian Prime Minister now calls him only by his real name and surname  Ktrich Nersesyan.

"Some advocate for the protection of Ktrich Nersesyan. What are you protecting, who are you protecting? Lies, deception, sacrilege  and in this way, you protect yourself, but you dont have a single chance," said Pashinyan.

He completed his attack with a guarantee. Nikol Pashinyan promised to "return" the Armenian Church to the Armenians and to Jesus. As for Garegins resignation, Pashinyan confidently stated that he would remove him from the post of Catholicos  incidentally mentioning that he has no "candidates of his own."

By whom and how Pashinyan intends to "remove" the Catholicos is still an open question. There have been no procedures or precedents for such an action in Armenia so far.
LONDON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Thursday that an investigation team has been dispatched to India following the deadly crash of Air India flight AI171.

In a video posted on social media platform X, Starmer said Foreign Secretary David Lammy is leading Britain's response and that the government is working with Indian authorities to establish the facts.

Describing the reports and images from the crash as "absolutely devastating," Starmer assured that updates would be provided as soon as possible.

Local media reported that Starmer is expected to chair a Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms (COBR) meeting Thursday evening to address the tragedy, a step typically taken during major national or international emergencies.

Air India has confirmed that flight AI171, which crashed after departing from Ahmedabad Airport, was carrying 242 people. Among the passengers were 53 British nationals, 169 Indian nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. One British national has been confirmed as a survivor. 
BEIT JIN, Syria (AP)  Israel's army raided a village in southern Syria early Thursday to arrest several alleged agents of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Syrian officials said one person was killed and warned that such incursions stoke regional tensions, while villagers denied having any ties to Hamas.

The Israeli military said those detained during the pre-dawn raid on Beit Jin were suspected of planning attacks against Israel, and that weapons also were found in the area. They were taken back to Israel for questioning, the military said.

One person was killed and seven captured in the operation, Syria's Interior Ministry said, while the father of the young man killed said he had a history of mental illness.

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Since the fall of President Bashar Assad s government in early December, Israeli forces have moved into several areas in southern Syria and conducted hundreds of airstrikes throughout the country, destroying much of the assets of the Syrian army.

Local broadcaster Syria TV described Thursday's raid as being carried out by about 100 Israeli troops who stormed Beit Jin, near the border with Lebanon, and called out the names of several people targeted for arrest through loudspeakers.

Syria's Interior Ministry said such incursions spike tensions in the region. Such repeated provocative acts are a flagrant violation of Syrias sovereignty," the ministry said in a statement.

Village official Walid Okasha told The Associated Press that Israeli troops had entered the outskirts of Beit Jin in recent months, but that this was the first time they entered the center of the village. He added that Thursdays operation came four days after an Israeli drone strike hit a car in the village, inflicting casualties.

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They came targeting specific people, said Okasha, who denied that Hamas members were in the village.

He said the seven people taken to Israel were all Syrians and that two of them were members of the country's new security forces. He said the man killed suffered from mental illness.

Ahmad Hammadi identified the victim as his son, and told the AP that he had history of schizophrenia. He said his son was shot dead in front of his home, and that he had no links to Hamas. He said two of the captured men were his nephews.

Hussein Safadi said his two sons, Ahmad, 32, and Mohammed, 34, were captured adding that his younger son, who raises goats, had lived in Lebanon for years until recently. He said his younger son was a member of the armed opposition against Assad and recently joined the security forces of the new authorities.

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As for why his sons were seized by Israeli forces, We don't know the reasons," Safadi said.

During a visit to France last month, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said that his country is holding indirect talks with Israel to prevent hostilities from getting out of control.
JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Eight pro-Palestinian activists including a French member of the European Parliament will soon be forcibly deported from Israel, three days after the Israeli navy prevented them from sailing into Gaza, their legal advisers said on Thursday.

Four other members of the 12-strong crew aboard the charity vessel, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, agreed to leave Israel voluntarily on Tuesday, hours after the navy had brought them ashore.

The other eight crew refused to leave, accusing Israel of acting illegally, and have been held in a detention centre while an Israeli court reviewed their legal status.

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However, Israeli rights group Adalah, which has provided the activists with legal assistance, said the group had lost their battle against repatriation.

French MEP Rima Hassan and five other activists have been taken to Tel Aviv airport and will be flown out of the country in the next 24 hours, Adalah said in a statement. The remaining two crew members will be expelled on Friday afternoon.

"Their continued detention and forced deportation are unlawful and a part of Israel's ongoing violations of international law," Adalah said in a statement.

There was no immediate confirmation from Israel which earlier this week dismissed the Gaza-bound sea mission as a pro-Hamas publicity stunt.

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"Greta and her friends brought in a tiny amount of aid on their celebrity yacht. It did not help the people of Gaza. This was nothing but a ridiculous gimmick," Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters on Tuesday.

Israel has imposed a naval blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control of the coastal enclave in 2007. It tightened its grip significantly after Hamas-led militants rampaged through southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, by Israeli tallies.

Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas has since killed nearly 55,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, and reduced much of the territory to a wasteland.

(Reporting by Nuha Sharaf, Writing by Crispian Balmer, Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz called on Egypt on Wednesday to prevent activists from reaching Egypt's border with the Gaza Strip and entering the Palestinian territory, as Egyptian authorities said they would require the activists to have an entry permit.

Katz, in a statement, said letting the activists into Gaza would endanger the safety of Israeli troops there and would not be allowed. The Israeli army currently controls the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing.

Earlier, Egyptian authorities called on activists to obtain official permits on their journey from Tunisia to the border with Gaza in solidarity with Palestinian civilians. Some 1,700 activists have set off from Tunis in buses and cars, according to the state news agency TAP, including around 200 from Algeria.

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They hope to travel through Libya and Egypt to reach the Rafah crossing with Gaza to protest Israel's conduct in the war.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in Cairo that the activists must submit applications through Egyptian embassies abroad, through foreign missions in Cairo or directly through organizations.

"Visits to the border region must comply with strict regulations and prior coordination through official channels. Requests should be submitted in advance," the ministry said in a statement.

It added that Egypt emphasizes that any delegation that bypasses these protocols will not be allowed entry.

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An Egyptian security source said that more than 100 activists were arrested by authorities upon their arrival in the country.

Among them were 52 French, 67 Algerian, 13 Moroccan and 8 Libyan nationals.

The convoy has travelled through several cities in Tunisia and from there into neighbouring Libya. It will continue along the Mediterranean coast to Egypt and finally to Rafah.

Ahmed Ghniyah, western coordinator of the "Convoy of Steadfastness," reported receiving around 400 requests from Libyan volunteers eager to join the aid convoy as it passes through the country.

The activists say they want to use the convoy to draw attention to the humanitarian emergency in the Gaza Strip and protest against Israel's attacks.

The plan was for them to walk about 50 kilometers from the coastal town of Al-Arish to the Rafah border crossing on Friday. They plan to demonstrate there for several days starting on Sunday.
Activists who were forcibly detained by Israeli forces while sailing to Gaza with humanitarian aid say theyve been facing abuse and threats from authorities while held in inhumane conditions  but are pleading for the public to stay focused on Israels destructive campaign in the walled-off Palestinian territory.

Israeli naval forces intercepted the Madleen in international waters early Monday and detained all 12 activists on board, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and European Parliament member Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian. The civilian boat sailed from Italy with the goal of delivering aid to Gaza and creating a maritime humanitarian corridor for the starving enclave to break Israels deadly siege.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which organized the humanitarian mission, said that Israeli forces told detained activists to sign a document admitting illegal entry into Israeli territory in order to be deported back to their home countries. While four of them have since been deported, all of the activists strongly rejected Israels claim of unlawful entry.

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I did not recognize that I entered the country illegally, Thunberg told reporters upon arriving in France on Tuesday, saying the document she signed did not include that requirement. I made it very clear in my testimonial that we were kidnapped on international waters and brought there against our own will and into Israel.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg talks to journalists upon arriving at Stockholm-Arlanda airport, on June 10, 2025. Israel deported Thunberg after unlawfully detaining her on an aid boat set for Gaza with other 11 other activists. Anders Wiklund/TT News Agency/AFP via Getty Images

The activists say authorities were also threatening and abusive. Dr. Baptiste Andre, a French member of the crew who returned from detention, recalled acts of abuse by Israeli forces against the activists  especially to Thunberg, who later said that any conditions she faced were absolutely nothing compared to what people are going through in Palestine.

As soon as she fell asleep, the immigration services would come and wake her up by playing loud music and dancing, Andre said on Tuesday. He also alleged that detainees experienced difficulties in accessing water and food, and had no access to toilets.

As soon as one of the officers felt that I was starting to understand a little of what they were doing, he approached me and said to me, Why are you like this and why do you smell bad? crew member and Al Jazeera journalist Omar Faiad said upon returning to France. I told him, You havent let us rest for three days.

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Eight of the Madleen passengers remain in custody as of Wednesday, according to Adalah, the Palestinian legal group representing the activists. Among the eight is Hassan, who Faiad said was threatened by Israeli forces for refusing to sign the deportation documents.

I heard the officer directly threatening her, Ill smash your head against the wall if you dont sign. Well handle this our way, Faiad recalled. Thunberg also said that fellow volunteers were treated obviously in a very dehumanizing way.

French-Palestinian member of European Parliament Rima Hassan attends a rally against Islamophobia and in tribute to a man who was killed in a mosque in La Grand Combe, in Paris, on April 27, 2025. Bastien Ohier/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images

Hassan was first placed in Givon Prison before Israeli forces put her in solitary confinement at the Neve Tirza Prison for writing Free Palestine on a wall, according to the FFC. In isolation, she stayed in a small, windowless cell with extremely poor hygienic conditions and has been denied access to the prison yards. On Wednesday, she was moved back to Givon.

The European Parliament member is not the only passenger who was allegedly isolated. Brazilian activist Thiago Avila was taken to solitary confinement in Ayalon Prison after he started a hunger and thirst strike. Israeli forces have blocked efforts by both the embassy and Avilas lawyer to let him speak with his family, according to his wife, Lara.

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He told [his lawyer] that he was threatened by the Israeli forces and that they said that he would have no contact with anyone  not even his lawyer  that he would be there alone with no light, with no ventilation and, well, you know thats psychological torture, Lara Avila said in a recording on Wednesday.

A ruling Wednesday by the Israeli Detention Review Tribunal upheld the decision to hold the remaining eight volunteers in custody, and scheduled the next court hearing for July 8 if the activists arent deported before then. Adalah called the ruling legal cover to arbitrary detention that could last for more than a month, without any judicial oversight, in violation of international law and activists rights.

Protesters demonstrate in support of the activists detained by Israel for trying to deliver aid on the Madleen flotilla to Gaza, at Place de la Republique in Paris, on June 11, 2025. Alexandre Rault/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images

Under international law, the detention of the eight remaining flotilla members is arbitrary, unlawful and must be immediately terminated and remedied, U.N. special rapporteur Francesca Albanese posted Wednesday on X. The boat must be released. The states of nationality of the unlawfully detained, have an obligation to intervene, decisively and without delay.

Many of the crew members who have spoken out maintain that the public should focus less on their situation and more on what they and many in the international community now call Israels ongoing genocide in Gaza. Israeli forces continue to drop bombs on Palestinians and any life-sustaining infrastructure while allowing minimal aid into the territory via a militarized distribution system  which has resulted in soldiers shooting at starving people in line for food.

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Please keep your focus on Gaza. People are starving, children are starving. Entire families are surviving without clean water, without food, without medicine  and this is happening on our watch, detained activist Yasemin Acar said in a message read by her brother. And by looking away, by staying silent, were complicit. There comes a point where looking away becomes a crime, and were there now.

Delivering aid is not a crime. Taking us against our will in international waters, is, the message continued. But our kidnapping is nothing compared to whats happening in Gaza. Please keep your focus on the real issue.
President Donald Trump said Thursday that an Israeli strike on Iran could very well happen but declined to say if it was imminent and suggested hed prefer to avoid it through ongoing nuclear negotiations.

Trumps comments came amid growing concerns in Washington, the Middle East and beyond that Israel is on the verge of carrying out a strike. U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet within days with two senior Israeli officials to clarify Israels position. The U.S. also is withdrawing U.S. diplomats from some posts in the Middle East.

Its far from clear whether Israel would take such a drastic step, to which Iran would likely retaliate. When asked if an attack was imminent, Trump said: I dont want to say imminent.

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But, he added, it looks like something that could very well happen.

He indicated that ongoing diplomatic negotiations were the better route. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, he said. Other than that, I want them to be successful. I want them to be tremendous. We'll help them be successful. We'll trade with them. We'll do whatever is necessary.

Word of the Israeli threat could be aimed at pressuring Tehran into concessions during a new round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks scheduled in Oman on Sunday. Witkoff is involved in those talks. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government also believes it has a short window to take out Irans atomic infrastructure because Iran and its proxy militias are unusually weak after other Israeli attacks over the past year and a half.

The topic is a dicey one for the Trump political coalition. Many in the MAGA base have isolationist views and want to avoid involvement in a Middle East war. Others are more hawkish and see the possibility of nuclear-armed Iran as a threat to Israel that cannot be resolved diplomatically.

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Although Israel could carry out strikes that damage some of Irans nuclear infrastructure on its own, military analysts say it needs U.S. assistance to truly wipe out the Iranian program. Either way, if Iran retaliates, Israel may need U.S. help defending itself.

On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to rule out carrying out preemptive strikes on Iran when asked about the possibility at a congressional hearing. Asked if the administration would caution Netanyahu against escalating, he sidestepped the question with a vague response.

"What I know is that Bibi Netanyahu is going to put his country first, and we're going to put our country first, and we're positioned properly in the region to ensure that we're prepared for any potential contingency, Hegseth said.

A person close to the presidents national security team said that for now Trump and his team are still hoping for a nuclear deal with Iran. But, the person added, the Trump team is drawing a hard line on whether Iran should be allowed to enrich any uranium on its soil. The Trump administration does not want to allow it, while Iran is insisting it retain that right, even if the enrichment is at low levels that do not approach whats needed for a nuclear bomb. (Iran has long denied it seeks a bomb, saying it wants nuclear power for peaceful reasons.)

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Two senior Israeli officials  Ron Dermer, a top adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and David Barnea, the chief of the Mossad spy agency  are expected to travel Friday to see Witkoff, according to an Israeli official. The Israeli official did not say where the meeting would be held.

On Wednesday, Israels ambassador to the United States went to the White House for conversations, according to a person familiar with the events. A spokesperson for the White House declined to provide immediate comment.

The State Department, meanwhile, has set up a task force to focus on the regional tensions, two department officials with knowledge of the situation said. The task force began work Thursday evening.

The Israeli and State Department officials, the person familiar with the events and the person close to Trumps national security team were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the developments.

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Irans defense minister also threatened Wednesday to strike American bases in the region if negotiations over Irans nuclear program fail and conflict with the U.S. arises.

John Bolton, who served as a national security adviser to Trump during his first term but has since fallen out with the president, argued that Israel would not necessarily wait for an outright green light from the United States before launching an attack. But it may seek U.S. assistance to defend itself against retaliation from Tehran.

They would certainly like as much U.S. defense as they can get and that is the one reason that might hold them back until they get a more positive sign from Trump, Bolton said.

The U.S. moved some major firepower to the Middle East during the spring bombing campaign against Yemens Iran-backed Houthis rebels. It included at least two Patriot missile defense batteries from Asia and one Terminal High Altitude Area Defense air and missile defense system.

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Although those remain in place, the Trump administrations big boost in U.S. naval presence has been cut in half over the past month, with the Harry S. Truman carrier strike group heading home to Virginia, while the Carl Vinson strike group remains in the Arabian Sea.

It would prove difficult for the Navy to place two carriers loaded with warplanes and accompanying destroyers back into the region, as the closest immediately available carriers are the Nimitz, which is in the South China Sea, and the George H.W. Bush, which is off the U.S. East Coast preparing for an upcoming deployment. But in recent months the U.S. has started rotating B-2 and B-52 bombers to Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean. All of those bombers have the reach to strike anywhere in the Middle East.

Hegseth on Wednesday authorized the voluntary departures of the families and dependents of U.S. service members stationed at bases in the Middle East. But military personnel will not be pulled at this time.

The U.S. announced Thursday that its government employees and their families in Israel are restricted from traveling outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beer Sheva areas until further notice.

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The situation remains complex and may change rapidly, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem said in a statement.

The regional tensions are causing alarm in many capitals around the world, including China, which helped negotiate the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Trump pulled out of that agreement in 2018.

In a statement on the new dynamics, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing always believes the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved through political and diplomatic means.

Paul McLeary, Amy Mackinnon, Eli Stokols, Eric Bazail-Eimil, Phelim Kine and Joe Gould contributed to this report.
An attempt by the Israeli opposition to bring down the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and force early elections failed in parliament on Thursday by the narrowest of margins.

Sixty-one members of the 120-seat Knesset voted against the opposition motion.

Ultra-Orthodox parties in Netanyahu's unwieldy coalition are in dispute with the government over legislation requiring ultra-Orthodox men to serve in the Israeli military. Media reports had indicated they would vote with the opposition.

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Conciliation talks between the ultra-Orthodox parties and Juli Edelstein, head of the Knesset foreign and security policy committee, had preceded the vote, the ynet news website reported.

Edelstein is working on legislation that will oblige ultra-Orthodox men to do military service. It provides for sanctions for objectors. This led ultra-Orthodox parties to warn that they would leave Netanyahu's coalition.

The prime minister and his allies had worked to find a solution to the potential crisis ahead of the vote.

Israel's ultra-Orthodox have for years been exempt from military service, but the exemption expired last year after the government failed to pass legislation making it permanent.

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In the summer of last year, the Supreme Court ruled that ultra-Orthodox men had to serve.

Ultra-Orthodox men see military service as contradicting their religious way of life, partly because in Israel men and women serve together.

The Israeli military is suffering a severe shortage of battle-ready troops as the Gaza war drags on.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu survived a vote to dissolve his government, but was left weakened.

Netanyahus coalition relies on ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, who want religious students to remain exempt from Israels compulsory military service, a demand the Supreme Court rejects.

A last-minute deal stopped those parties from voting with the opposition, but is unlikely to solve the conundrum long-term, The New York Times reported, and the split gives opposition parties an opportunity to divide and challenge the government.

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Netanyahu is a political survivor, but is under pressure: Rifts are also growing with US President Donald Trump, who reportedly demanded an end to Israels operation in Gaza this week, a move Netanyahu is unwilling to make.
ROME (Reuters) -Italy has no indication there will be an Israeli attack on Iran in the near future, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Thursday.

"I don't know if there will be an Israeli attack on Iran, we have no signs, apart from what the Americans have done, that there will be an attack in the immediate future", Tajani told reporters, speaking at a press conference with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday U.S. personnel were being moved out of the Middle East because it could become a dangerous place, adding that the United States would not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

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An Italian official close to the matter said that Rome is not planning to reduce its personnel at the Italian embassy in Iraq or in other countries in the Middle East.

Wadephul said that Germany will not accept Iran getting nuclear weapons.

"Everyone wants to avoid any escalation. We will not stand by idly and watch Iran become nuclear-armed. That must be made clear in this situation," Wadephul said, speaking alongside Tajani.

(Reporting by Angelo Amante, Emma-Victoria Farr and Alexander Ratz, writing by Claudia Cristoferi, editing by Alvise Armellini and Keith Weir)
A Jackson man pleaded guilty in Belknap Superior Court Wednesday to one count of reckless second-degree murder in connection with the 2022 fatal shooting of 23-year-old Esmae Doucette.

Brandon Mitchell, 23, entered a guilty plea as part of a capped plea agreement. Under the agreement, an alternative count of knowing second-degree murder and a charge of falsifying physical evidence will be dismissed.

At a sentencing hearing scheduled for Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. in Carroll County Superior Court, prosecutors are expected to request that Mitchell be sentenced to 35 years to life in state prison on the reckless second-degree murder charge.

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Police were called to the Dana Place Apartments in Jackson on the night of Nov. 30, 2022, and found Doucette had been shot and seriously injured. She died from her injury two days later.

An autopsy performed by Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Mitchell Weinberg determined Doucettes cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head, and the manner of her death was homicide.

Carolyn Gray, a former Madison resident now living in Maine, described Esmae in an online tribute as light, love, laughter, and joy.

There are no words to describe a feeling like being in her presence when she talked, sang, or danced, wrote Gray on Facebook. Esmae was sunshine on a cloudy day. I feel incredibly lucky to have spent time with her and make so many memories. Esmae had the best smile and giggle, it was incredible to be around her. Her soul is so beautiful and vibrant, you can feel it through a picture or video. There are so many emotions; anger, confusion, sadness, rage. Esmae had so much to give and never expected anything in return.

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The Inn at Ellis River posted on its Facebook page, There are no words. We are so very sorry for the incomprehensible loss of this beautiful young woman. Our deepest condolences and love go out to the Doucette family.

In an obituary, Doucette was remembered as a true child of Jackson, an avid reader who loved hiking in the White Mountains, and a caring friend, sister and daughter. As her final act of generosity, selflessness and love, Esmae was an organ donor, giving the gift of life to three others, the obituary read.
GOSHEN  County leaders approved nearly $670,000 in repairs to the boilers at the correctional facility during an emergency meeting Tuesday.

The Elkhart County Board of Commissioners voted to contract with WJO Chicago LLC for $668,047 to replace the burner and control systems of the jail boilers. The special meeting was called because of the risk that the heat system at the Elkhart County Correctional Facility could completely fail at any moment.

For the past several weeks, one of the jails two boilers has been down for repair. Over the past weekend, our second boiler, the only operational unit, began to fail, said Joe Leichtman, director of Buildings and Grounds. Our team was able to perform temporary repair, get it running again, but theres no guarantee on how long this repair will last. It could operate a few months or it could fail at any time. These boilers are essential for the operation of the jail, providing heat and hot water throughout the facility.

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The boilers are the same age as the jail, which opened in 2007. The county has been using methane produced by the neighboring landfill to power them for several years, but thats being taken offline as the county moves to refine and resell the natural gas, according to board President Brad Rogers.

Over the process of time, I think the methane, its a dirty gas, so it really has a lot of wear-and-tear on the boilers, he said.

The combustion system is nearing the end of its life, though the pressure vessels themselves might have another 30 years of life, according to Leichtman. He said the county had plans to address the system in 2026 as part of its regular maintenance schedule, but staff requested the emergency meeting so they could move as quickly as possible.

What were recommending is to move forward immediately with the burner system replacement on both boilers, he said. Its not only critical to avoiding catastrophic failure that could affect the safety and wellbeing of the inmates, but also positions us to benefit from a more modern, efficient and reliable system in the long run.

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Rogers explained that an emergency meeting may be called if a situation arises that threatens to disrupt government activity. It allows the commissioners to contract for a public works project without advertising for bids  a process that can take several weeks  as long as quotes are provided by at least two companies.

He said if both boilers were allowed to go down, renting a replacement could cost around $100,000.

We have 800 or 900 inmates at the jail  its like a small town  and its critical that we maintain the operations of the jails not only for the sheriff but for the safety of our inmates, Rogers said.

Leichtman said two companies provided quotes but one was incomplete, because it didnt address all the repairs that were needed.

He said WJO is expected to have the work done within five to six weeks.
UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg (on screens) speaks at a Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 12, 2025. Grundberg warned Thursday that the situation in the war-torn country remains fragile despite the Red Sea ceasefire agreement between the Houthis and the United States. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg warned Thursday that the situation in the war-torn country remains fragile despite the Red Sea ceasefire agreement between the Houthis and the United States.

"I emphasize again, however, that time is not on our side. Conditions can change rapidly and unpredictably," he told the Security Council in a briefing.

The multiple front lines across Yemen remain fragile and risk descending into more active fighting. Marib, in particular, remains a cause for concern, with reports of troop movement and occasional flareups, in addition to sporadic activity on other front lines, he warned.

While the Red Sea remains calm following the cessation of hostilities agreement between the United States and the Houthis, there have been multiple attacks launched by the Houthis in the last month on targets in Israel, including on Ben Gurion Airport. In response, Israel has conducted strikes on Hodeidah and Saleef ports and Sanaa International Airport, destroying a civilian aircraft, he said.

Grundberg reiterated his call for all actors to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, noting that Yemenis living in Houthi-controlled areas are now unable to fly commercially from the Sanaa airport to seek medical treatment abroad, to travel by air for the Hajj or visit their families.

He said there is general consensus among the Yemeni government and the Houthis, as well as key regional actors, that only a negotiated settlement can resolve the conflict in Yemen and provide the guarantees that the region requires, including for the Red Sea.

Regional dynamics have long played a key part in Yemen's history, as well as in its current trajectory. The support of the region, as well as the wider international community, will be critical in reaching a sustainable solution for Yemen, he said.

"We need to build on the recent cessation of hostilities in the Red Sea and provide durable guarantees to the region and the wider international community and ensure the safety of all those using this critical waterway," said Grundberg.

He noted that this effort goes hand in hand with the world body's ongoing work toward a roadmap that will help Yemen overcome its current divisions and lead to a comprehensive ceasefire, critical economic measures and an inclusive political process.

"I will continue to work with the Yemeni parties, the region and the broader international community toward this goal, identifying pragmatic and achievable steps to move forward," he said. "The cost of inaction is high. Yemen cannot afford more years of division, economic collapse and human suffering." 

UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg (on screens) speaks at a Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on June 12, 2025. Grundberg warned Thursday that the situation in the war-torn country remains fragile despite the Red Sea ceasefire agreement between the Houthis and the United States. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)
Two police officers who were on duty during the January 6 insurrection have filed a civil lawsuit after a memorial plaque to honor those who defended the building was not put up.

Harry Dunn, a former officer of the United States Capitol Police, and Daniel Hodges, who currently serves in the Metropolitan Police Department, say the agency that operates and maintains the Capitol is violating a law that required a plaque to be erected.

The two men are bringing the suit to compel Congress to follow its own law and install the mandated memorial, to honor the women and men who saved the lives of those inside the building, and to ensure that the history of this attack on the Capitoland on democracyis not forgotten, the filing states.

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More than 140 police officers were injured on January 6, after a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a bid to block his 2020 election defeat to Joe Biden. Five police officers involved in defending the Capitol died in the following weeks.

A year later in 2022, Congress passed a law that directed the Architect of the Capitol, Thomas Austin, to honor the officers who defended the building, which was signed by Biden.

A plaque honoring the law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol on January 6. A lawsuit has been filed after Congress has allegedly refused to erect it (Getty Images)

Austin is named as the defendant in the civil lawsuit, but previously testified at a U.S. House subcommittee that his office had not received final instructions about installing the plaque.

According to the suit, during the riot, Dunn protected injured officers, and Hodges was kicked in the chest Someone also tried to gouge out his eyes.

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Many of the other officers who defended the Capitol and the elected officials inside that day did not expect to survive, the filing states. One officer trapped in the crowd heard rioters scream, Kill him with his own gun as they grabbed ammunition magazines from his belt.

More than 140 police officers were injured on January 6, after a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a bid to block his 2020 election defeat to Joe Biden. Five later died (AP)

Two police officers who were on duty during the January 6 insurrection have filed a civil lawsuit after a memorial plaque to honor those who defended the building was not put up (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

In a statement shared with Reuters, a lawyer for Dunn and Hodges said Congress's refusal to install the plaque is an attempt to rewrite history. So many politicians' careers now depend on ignoring the fact that Donald Trump tried to overthrow democracy.

The lawsuit also states that in the aftermath of the attack, Trump has spread disinformation and conspiracy theories that have been adopted by his Republican allies in Congress.

"After Congress passed the law, the politics of January 6 began to change. Donald Trump began to call the attack on the Capitol a day of love and said that 'the cops should be charged and the protesters should be freed," the lawsuit said. "As Trump's political fortunes rebounded, elected officials began to parrot his claims about the day."

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It adds: While Congress has installed a memorial to other officers who died in a different tragedy, it has not installed the plaque to honor those who defended the Capitol on January 6.

After returning to the Oval Office in January, Trump pardoned about 1,500 of his supporters who were charged in the attack. Some of those individuals had been accused of attacks on police officers (AP)

Meanwhile, though Congress has not installed the memorial to the officers who defended it, members have managed to honor the man who inspired the violence."

It comes as controversy over Jan 6 continues to rumble on, especially in light of Trumps return to the White House.

After returning to the Oval Office in January, Trump pardoned about 1,500 of his supporters who were charged in the attack. Some of those individuals had been accused of attacks on police officers and many of those suits were filed in the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia  like that of Dunn and Hodges.

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Trumps pardons drew criticism from some police organizations and Republicans.

"Pardoning the people who went into the Capitol and beat up a police officer violently, I think, was a mistake, Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said at the time.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The victim of a case KELOLAND News has been following since 2023 is speaking out for the first time.

Former Sioux Falls counselor Roy Conrad is behind bars, for preying on one of his clients. Last year, he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual penetration.

TenHaken wants drivers to feel the urge to zipper merge

Now, the woman known as Jane Doe since the start of the case, is sharing her story about the abuse she experienced for more than three years.

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Her name is Tambi White.

Trauma is a really hard thing to explain and obviously go through. It has many, many layers, White said. A lot of people dont realize that trauma is also a grieving process.

The Sioux Falls woman said shes had to rebuild her life because of the trauma caused by Conrads actions. She had her first appointment with Conrad in 2019.

He groomed me for three and a half years until the sexual assault, rapes happened, White said.

Conrad received a 15-month prison sentence last April.

I thought that would bring closure, but the impact didnt end there, White said.

White said she was handed divorce papers claiming adultery right before he pleaded guilty. As the victim of a sex crime, she says being accused of adultery only added to the trauma.

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I said, You realize that hes pleading guilty this week. Why are you doing this? Well, thats not how I see it. That was his response. Thats not how I see it,' White said.

Conrad is eligible for parole in December. But according to court records, White may not have been his only victim.

And thats why shes speaking out.

For too long, I was known as Jane Doe. Today, I choose to speak with my name, my voice, and my truth, White said. Not just for me, but for every victim still too afraid to come forward.

Whites full victim statement is below:

What happened to me wasnt a relationship. It was calculated abuse by a therapist who exploited trust, power and vulnerability, and the impact didnt stop there. It reached into my home, my children and my future. My own daughter was also a victim. She had to write a victim impact statement. No child should ever have to do that. Even after a conviction, the system failed me again. My trauma was weaponized in my divorce. I was forced to relive it, explain it and defend it while the people who should have protected me used it against me. Im speaking today to say no more. No more silence. No more shame. No more systems that protect predators over victims. Justice doesnt stop with sentencing; It begins when we listen, when we believe and we act.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
SLINGER, Wis. (WFRV)  A 27-year-old janitor at a Wisconsin high school was arrested Thursday morning for allegedly uploading unlawful images on the internet.

According to the Washington County Sheriffs Office, the man was taken into custody at Slinger High School as part of an ongoing Internet Crimes Against Children investigation.

Wisconsin woman on active probation found with meth, fentanyl during Winneconne traffic stop

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The investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber tip about unlawful images being uploaded in Grafton. The possible suspect was identified as a Town of Trenton man, prompting the Washington County Sheriffs Office to launch a formal investigation.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for the suspects residence, which was set to be executed early Thursday morning. Before serving the warrant, deputies learned the suspect had left his residence and was in the Slinger area. His vehicle was located at Slinger High School a short time later.

Detectives communicated with school authorities and the Slinger Police Department and learned that the man was employed as a janitor through a contracted cleaning service. The suspect had been working at the school for the past eight weeks, but Thursday was his first day assigned to the day shift. Prior to that, he had worked after school hours.

Investigators monitored the suspect on school surveillance cameras and took him into custody without incident.

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At this time, the release states there is no evidence to suggest that there are any local victims or that local students were targeted.

Wisconsin man arrested for seventh OWI after officers find him unconscious in running vehicle

We are still early on in this investigation and will remain transparent with the community if any further evidence is uncovered, said the Washington County Sheriffs Office.

The suspect has been turned over to the Grafton Police Department, which is forwarding charges of possession of child sexual abuse material.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Beijing condemned on Thursday what it called "dangerous behaviour" by a Japanese military plane over the Pacific after Tokyo said Chinese fighter jets flew unusually close to its aircraft at the weekend.

The Japanese government had complained to China over the incident, in which no Japanese military personnel were reported injured.

A Chinese J-15 fighter jet from the Shandong aircraft carrier followed a Japanese P-3C patrol plane for 40 minutes on Saturday, according to the Japanese defence ministry.

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Two J-15 jets then did the same for 80 minutes on Sunday.

"During these long periods, the jets flew unusually close to the P-3C, and they flew within 45 metres" of the patrol plane on both days, an official from the Japanese ministry told AFP.

Also on Sunday, Chinese jets cut across airspace around 900 metres (3,000 feet) ahead of a P-3C Japanese patrol plane at the same altitude -- a distance a P-3C can reach within a few seconds at cruising speed, Tokyo said.

"We do not believe that this approach was made by mistake," the Japanese military's chief of staff Yoshihide Yoshida told reporters on Thursday.

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"Given it happened for 40 minutes and 80 minutes, for two days in a row, our understanding is that it was done on purpose," he said.

Beijing's foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian hit back at the Japanese description of the events.

"The root cause of the risk to maritime and air security was the close reconnaissance of China's normal military activities by a Japanese warplane," he said.

"The Chinese side urges the Japanese side to stop this kind of dangerous behaviour."

- 'Abnormal approaches' -

The incident followed the sighting in recent days of two Chinese aircraft carriers sailing in the Pacific simultaneously for the first time.

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Japan said this week the aircraft carriers' activity -- described by China as "routine training" -- showed the expanding geographic scope of Beijing's military.

Yoshida said on Thursday loosening Japan's surveillance, information-gathering or countermeasures against intrusion "would encourage attempts to change the status quo by force".

Tokyo's top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi earlier told reporters in regard to the fighter jet incident that "such abnormal approaches can lead to an accidental collision, so we have expressed serious concerns" to the Chinese side.

US ambassador to Japan George Glass said on social media platform X that the manoeuvres by a Chinese fighter "put Japanese crewmembers' lives in peril".

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"Whether it's harassing Philippine ships, attacking Vietnamese fishermen, or firing flares at Australian aircraft, Beijing knows only reckless aggression. Not so much a charm offensive as offensive harm," Glass said.

Similar incidents were last reported in May and June 2014, when Chinese Su-27 fighter jets flew within 30 metres (100 feet) of Japanese military planes in the East China Sea.

Japan summoned the Chinese ambassador at the time, while the two sides traded accusations of blame.

Daisuke Kawai, director of the University of Tokyo's economic security and policy innovation programme, told AFP this week that the timing of the aircraft carrier movements could be linked to US-China economic tensions.

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"Beijing calculated that the United States would be less willing or able to respond militarily at this precise moment, seeing it as an opportune time to demonstrate its expanding military capabilities," he said.

kh-tmo-mjw/kaf/pbt
TOKYO (AP)  Japan and China blamed each other on Thursday after Tokyo raised concern that a Chinese fighter jet came dangerously close to Japanese reconnaissance planes.

The Chinese fighter jets took off from one of two Chinese aircraft carriers that were operating together for the first time in the Pacific, Japan's Defense Ministry said.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters that Japan conveyed its serious concern to China that such close encounters could cause accidental collisions.

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According to Japan, a Chinese J-15 fighter jet took off from the Shandong aircraft carrier on Saturday and chased a Japanese P-3C aircraft on reconnaissance duty, coming within an abnormally close distance of 45 meters (50 yards) for about 40 minutes.

A Chinese jet also crossed 900 meters (980 yards) in front of a Japanese P-3C for about 80 minutes on Sunday, the ministry said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian defended China's activities as being fully consistent with international law and practices, and blamed Japanese vessels and airplanes for conducting close reconnaissance of China's military activities.

The incidents occurred in the Pacific, where Japan's Self-Defense Force spotted the two carriers, the Shandong and the Liaoning, almost simultaneously operating near southern Japanese islands for the first time.

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Aircraft carriers are critical to projecting power at a distance. China routinely sends coast guard vessels, warships and warplanes around disputed East China Sea islands, but now they also reach as far as Guam, a U.S. Pacific territory with military bases.

Both Chinese carriers operated in waters off Iwo Jima, about 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) south of Tokyo. The Liaoning also sailed inside Japans exclusive economic zone near Minamitorishima, the countrys easternmost island, Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said. There was no violation of Japanese territorial waters, he said.

___

Associated Press writer Christopher Bodeen in Taipei, Taiwan contributed to this report.
A Chinese fighter jet came within about 150 feet of a Japanese naval reconnaissance plane over the weekend, the Japanese Defense Ministry said Thursday, an action the US ambassador to Tokyo called dangerous and reckless.

Saturday mornings close encounter between the Japanese P-3C Orion, a four-engined, turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft and a J-15 jet fighter launched from the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong occurred over international waters of the Pacific, according to a statement from Japans Defense Ministry.

The encounter lasted about 40 minutes, as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense (JMSDF) force plane was on a surveillance mission, according to the statement. The Chinese jet came within 45 meters of the Japanese plane horizontally, the ministry said.

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Another close encounter between a Chinese fighter and a Japanese plane occurred Sunday, with the Chinese warplane passing about 900 meters (2,950 feet) directly in front of the flight path of a P-3C, the ministry statement said.

Such unusual approaches by Chinese military aircraft could lead to an accidental collision, it said.

US Ambassador to Japan George Glass was blunter in his criticism.

The recent dangerous maneuver by a Chinese fighter jet that put Japanese crewmembers lives in peril, Glass said in a post on X, sarcastically calling the incident another of Beijings good neighbor efforts.

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Whether its harassing Philippine ships, attacking Vietnamese fishermen, or firing flares at Australian aircraft, Beijing knows only reckless aggression, Glass said.

This handout photo from Japan's Ministry of Defense shows a J-15 fighter jet making an unusual approach to a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3C patrol aircraft. - Japan's Ministry of Defense/AFP/Getty Images

In the past several years, China has been accused of all those actions in the South China Sea and other areas of the Indo-Pacific.

At a defense forum in Singapore last month, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said China exhibits a pattern of harassing and trying to intimidate its neighbors.

We have all seen the videos and pictures of water cannons and ship-to-ship collisions and illegal boardings at sea. We are also seeing the illegal seizing and militarizing of lands in the South China Sea, he said at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

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These actions reveal a lack of respect for neighbours, and they challenge sovereignty, freedom of navigation and overflight, he said.

The Chinese-Japanese encounters occurred in international waters in the Pacific as Beijing sent two aircraft carrier groups to the region for training exercises.

The Chinese carriers and their escorts were practicing far-sea defense and joint operations, a military statement said.

This is a routine arrangement included in the annual training plan, aiming to improve the Chinese PLA Navys ability to fulfill missions. The training complies with relevant international law and practice, and is not targeted at specific countries or entity, Senior Capt. Wang Xuemeng, spokesperson for the Chinese PLA Navy, said in a written statement.

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BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Air Force Global Strike Command on Barksdale hosted a delegation from Japan last week strengthening international security ties.

According to Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs, the gathering is called Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) and it happened on June 5-6.

The EDD brought together defense and foreign affairs officials from both nations. Global Strike Public Affairs says the U.S. side was represented by officials from the State Department and the Department of Defense, while the Japanese side was comprised of officials from the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry, and the Japanese Embassy in Washington.

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General Thomas Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, assisted in showing the delegation AFGSC training facilities and engaged in bilateral discussion.

Global Strike Command Public Affairs says these talks have taken place at key sites within the U.S. nuclear triad since 2022.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Johnson City Police Department issued a statement regarding protests planned around the region Saturday.

The nationwide No Kings protests will take place across the Tri-Cities, including Kingsport and Abingdon. The event is part of No Kings Day, a protest against the Trump administration on the same day as a military parade in Washington, D.C.

The protest in Kingsport will begin with a convoy of decorated cars starting in Jonesborough, going through Johnson City and Bristol, before getting up to the Model City.

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Terryl Yates with Indivisible Tri-Cities said the point of the event is to show people they have a point of view worth hearing, adding that everyone in the movement has a different focus.

We had people there who are concerned about SNAP, Yates said. We have people there who are concerned about their Medicaid, and rightfully so. With the big beautiful bill, theres some real problems. There are other people who, like me, are quite concerned that, with whats going on with the budget.

Fellow organizer Kristina Runciman said, for her, its about concerns over Trumps big beautiful bill and cuts to health insurance.

11 million people are going to be thrown off their health insurance, Runciman said. This is something that concerns everyone, and its the most vulnerable people in our society that are being impacted the most.

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The protests come at a time of political division in our country, leaving some concerned that the protests here will turn violent. Yates said they only have peaceful intentions.

We go there with peaceful intentions, Yates said. We talk a lot about that, as how we see ourselves. We see ourselves as peaceful.

She said they have talked with local police departments and have come up with a safety plan to make sure everyone will remain safe.

We have talked with the Kingsport Police Department and theyre very well aware and very supportive of our right to peacefully assemble and protest, Yates said.

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News Channel 11 reached out to local police departments in areas where the protests are planned to take place.

The statement from the Johnson City Police Department is as follows:

Crowder, Shenandoah, Zach Top and more performing at Appalachian Fair

The Johnson City Police Department respects and upholds the right of individuals to engage in peaceful assemblies. We are aware of local gatherings related to national events planned for this weekend and remind the public that temporary structures and amplified sound require proper permitting, sidewalks must remain accessible for pedestrians, and traffic flow cannot be obstructed. Additionally, participants must comply with all traffic signals when crossing intersections. As always, the mission of the Johnson City Police Department is to protect the safety, rights, and freedoms of all individuals in our community. That commitment guides our approach each and every day. Johnson City Police Department

The statement from the Kingsport Police Department is as follows:

The Kingsport Police Department is dedicated to protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens, which includes the rights of free speech and public assembly. We have reached out to individuals coordinating the protest and have an understanding of their plans and intent. There are no plans for police presence at the protest, but the department will address any matters should the need arise. Kingsport Police Department

Our team reached out but did not hear back from the Abingdon and Bristol Police Departments.

The No Kings protest will hold a convoy stop for participants to gather before heading to Kingsport. This meeting will take place at Founders Park at 9:30 a.m. To see a list of planned demonstrations, many of which will also include food drives, visit TennVa UNITED.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
JD Vance took a quick day trip to Montana Tuesday afternoon to speak to right-wing media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan, who is the chief of both Fox News and its sister corporation News Corp., which publishes the New York Post and Wall Street Journal.

According to the Associated Press, the vice presidents secret meeting also included several executives from Fox News, the conservative cable giant that has largely carried Donald Trumps water and helped staff up the presidents current administration.

A source familiar with the trip also confirmed to The Independent that the vice president spoke to both Murdochs and a group of executives from the right-wing network at the Murdoch family ranch near Dillon, Montana.

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According to NBC Montana, Air Force Two landed in Butte  which is about 70 miles away from the Murdoch ranch  around 2:30 p.m. local time, resulting in a temporary flight restriction in the area. Politico Playbook would later report that the vice presidents plane would take off again shortly after nightfall, meaning Vance was only in the area for a matter of hours.

During his brief visit to Montana, though, Vance and his wife Usha did manage to find time to take a short hike while at the Matador Ranch.

JD Vance recently flew to the Murdochs Montana ranch for a secret meeting that included other Fox executives. (The Independent)

Its still not clear what the meeting between Vance and the Fox executives was about, though the vice president is the Republican National Committees finance chair and is therefore leading the GOPs midterm fundraising campaign. The Murdochs are worth tens of billions of dollars, and they have long been heavily involved in the Republican political machine.

The Independent has reached out to representatives for Fox and the Murdochs for comment.

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While Fox News coverage has been almost entirely sympathetic to the president and sycophantic, especially since his return to the White House, the Wall Street Journal has been an altogether different beast.

Throughout the first few months of Trumps second term, the papers editorial board has repeatedly criticized the presidents economic policies and chaotic governing style, prompting Trump to rage at both the outlet and the elder Murdoch, with whom hes had an on-again/off-again friendly relationship.

So the Wall Street Journal is wrong because, very simply, every single country that youre writing about right now is dying to make a deal because the deals they have right now are so good, and so good for them, and so profitable for them, Trump griped in February about a Journal op-ed with Rupert Murdoch standing right next to him in the Oval Office. Im gonna have to talk to him about that.

President Donald Trump directly griped at Rupert Murdoch about the Wall Street Journals coverage during an Oval Office meeting in February. (REUTERS)

Trump has continued to blast the Wall Street Journal in recent weeks as the publications criticism has remained strident, calling it a rotten newspaper that has truly gone to hell while raging at one of the outlets reporters last month. The Wall Street Journal is China-oriented. And theyre really bad for this country, Trump added.

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The face-to-face with the Murdochs and other Fox executives comes shortly after Vance apparently helped to broker the peace between Trump and his one-time first buddy Elon Musk, whose bromance splintered in spectacular fashion last week over the presidents Big, Beautiful Bill.

After the simmering tensions erupted publicly last Wednesday, which included Musk accusing the president of being in the so-called Epstein Files while calling for his impeachment, Vance and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles called the worlds richest man and urged him to end the feud and try to repair the relationship.

Musk would later back away from some of his most incendiary attacks and speak to Trump over the phone on Monday. The Tesla CEO then completed the de-escalation on Wednesday, tweeting: I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.
Perth Amboy, New Jersey, is trying to seize the property of two businesses. Now, these business owners are suing the city.

On Wednesday, Honey Meerzon, an owner of a four-unit apartment building in Perth Amboy, and Luis Romero, whose family-owned Quick Tire shop has operated for over 40 years, announced that they've filed a lawsuit against the city for its arbitrary and capricious designation of blight in a bid to seize their properties using eminent domain.

Reporting by Reason's Christian Britschgi details the flimsy allegations of blight leveled by the cityminor litter, stray cats, and building proximityas reasons to seize the properties.

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Flanked by dozens of residents holding signs in support of Meerzon and Romero, Robert McNamara, deputy litigation director at the Institute for Justice (I.J.), which is representing the business owners in the case, accused the city of using "an outrageous and bogus" blight designation to clear the way for a $110 million city-backed redevelopment project. New Jersey law limits the use of eminent domain to clear public uses, not for economic redevelopment that benefits private developers.

As part of their dispute, Meerzon and Romero point to factual errors in the city's blight study, including incorrectly drawn property lines and misrepresentations about alleged safety hazards. During the press conference, I.J. Litigation Fellow Bobbi Taylor noted that if Perth Amboy's criteria were upheld, it could lead to countless property seizures based on similarly scant declarations of blight.

Meerzon, whose parents fled religious persecution in the Soviet Union, spoke at the press conference about the irony and injustice of facing property seizures in a country her family believed would protect their investments and rights. "This isn't about public need, this is about private greed.We've invested over $150,000 in upgradeswe've kept the property up to code and never received a violation," she said.

Romero, whose family fled from Cuba, echoed Meerzon's sentiments, saying, "What happened in my country in Cuba is happening here; the only thing right now is it's happening legally."

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The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, seeks to overturn the city's blight designation. Whether they go to trial depends on the city, Taylor told Reason. "If they see our lawsuit and they reconsider and want to lift the blight designation, then that's great for our property owners. But if not, there will be a court hearing. Hopefully, we'll get to present evidence and the court will rule."

Despite repeated attempts by Meerzon and Romero to negotiate improvements or resolve concerns directly, city officials have remained unresponsive.

The post New Jersey Business Owners Sue City of Perth Amboy Over Bogus Blight Designation appeared first on Reason.com.
BEIRUT, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Defence Minister Michel Menassah on Thursday called for the renewal of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate without amendments, citing the mission's critical role in maintaining stability along the country's southern border.

"Renewing UNIFIL's mandate without modifications is essential to preserving the peace your mission has upheld for decades," Menassah said during a visit to UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, southern Lebanon. "We hope efforts to renew the mandate succeed, ensuring the continuity of your vital work in Lebanon."

In 2024, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2749, extending UNIFIL's mandate until August 31.

Menassah reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to fully implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. He also reiterated the Lebanese Army's readiness to cooperate with UNIFIL to restore calm, facilitate the return of displaced civilians, and support reconstruction.

Although a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel has been in place since Nov. 27, 2024, Israel has continued to launch strikes in southern Lebanon.

On Thursday, one person was killed in an Israeli drone strike in the southern city of Nabatieh, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry's Public Health Emergency Operations Center. 
Fox News anchor Jesse Watters was furious last month over James Comey posting 86 47 on social media, claiming the former FBI director obviously was trying to put out a hit on President Donald Trump  but is now using the same term on his show.

The conservative Primetime host wielded the term both Tuesday and Wednesday to celebrate former ABC News correspondent Terry Moran and Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg getting ousted and leaving their posts, respectively.

ABC just 86d Terry Moran for calling Stephen Miller a hateful bigot, Watters said Tuesday about the former correspondent, who was let go after criticizing the White House deputy chief of staff on social media. This was probably the easiest thing ABC ever had to do.

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Watters used the same term for Hogg, who announced Wednesday on social media that he wont be running for reelection due to a crisis of competence and complacency in the Democratic Party.

So this guy got 86d because hes white, hes a guy and allegedly hes straight, Watters said Wednesday. I dont want to impose that on him. The Democrats say they learned a lesson last election, but you look at this and it doesnt look like they learned anything.

The term is commonly known to refer to the removal of someone from an establishment, or for a restaurant menu item thats no longer available, but was interpreted by Trump and his loyalists last month as a death threat after Comey shared the numbers on social media.

I was specifically told by this network and this host that this term meant something entirely different pic.twitter.com/w3yPmpTKjj  Acyn (@Acyn) June 12, 2025

He obviously was trying to put a hit out on Trump, got caught, deleted it, Watters said on The Five at the time. And hes got a book out  oh, what a coincidence! Any cop, any prosecutor knows the code for homicide.

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The police code for murder varies from state to state, but no known law enforcement agency uses 86 for it. The most commonly known code for murder is Californias 187, which was made famous by West Coast hip-hop and Los Angeles-set crime films.

Watters is no stranger to airing apparent hypocrisies, however: he initially hailed the so-called Department of Government Efficiency for gutting federal agencies, only to plead with the Trump administration to spare those dearest to him when the cuts came home to roost.

His double standard in using the term 86d, meanwhile, is getting torched on social media.

On the left, Jesse Watters denouncing Comey for saying Trump should be 86d and claiming it was a death threat. On the right, Jesse Watters describing Terry Morans firing from ABC as him being 86d.



To misquote a line from the right, you dont hate [Fox] enough. pic.twitter.com/6iPUKq7w2v  Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) June 11, 2025

Jesse Watters' chyron last night: "Terry Moran get's 86'd by ABC."



Jesse Watters last month: "Any cop, any prosecutor knows the code for homicide86." pic.twitter.com/iuV53reoZX  The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) June 11, 2025

Jesse Watters you told me that 86 meant MURDER!! https://t.co/d8vAopFcl2  Decoding Fox News (@DecodingFoxNews) June 12, 2025

Didnt Jesse Watters say 86d meant killed? pic.twitter.com/dsWP6jKafy  Quadcarl (@quadcarl_carl) June 11, 2025

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When US immigration agents pulled up outside a Los Angeles car wash on a quiet Sunday afternoon, it sparked instant chaos.

Some customers at the Westchester Hand Wash, which sits in the centre of a busy shopping area just blocks from the city's airport, froze as the officers in olive-green uniforms approached, CCTV footage obtained by the BBC shows.

Two employees who spotted them ducked behind a luxury SUV they were wiping down with a rag. Another worker halfway through cleaning the back window of a car looked up.

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Then all at once they scattered and ran, some jumping over a nearby fence as agents raced after them on foot and in US Customs and Border Protection pick-up trucks.

Agents came the following day to make more arrests.

Jesus Cruz, who has worked at the car wash for more than a decade and lived in the US for more than 30 years, was among the six men who were arrested over the course of two raids.

His wife, Noemi Ciau, told the BBC she was shopping with her daughter when she spotted a social media post about a possible raid. It included a photo of the car wash, so she dropped her daughter at home and raced there.

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By the time she arrived, however, she was too late. She has not been able to reach her husband since.

"You are so used to having a partner there, just to help you out, to be the backbone now it's like - how am I going to do it?" she said.

"My husband has no criminal background. He's never gotten a ticket before. We pay our taxes. We're up to date on everything."

She did not confirm they were in the US legally. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not respond to an inquiry about Mr Cruz's legal status, or the goal of the operation at the car wash.

That raid and similar ones across Los Angeles by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) represent a significant escalation in the White House's strategy to round up and deport undocumented migrants.

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On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump repeatedly said he would prioritise deporting noncitizens accused of violent crimes. That promise received widespread support, even among Hispanic immigrant groups.

But in recent weeks, the administration has stepped up its targets, pushing to increase their arrests from about 660 to 3,000 a day.

To do that, they have widened their net, targeting not just criminals but workplaces such as farms and factories in an effort to detain more undocumented migrants.

"Just go out there and arrest illegal aliens," Stephen Miller, a top White House adviser, reportedly told Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials before they launched the recent LA raids.

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According to the Wall Street Journal, he told them they did not need to produce target lists of suspected illegal immigrants, a longstanding practice, and should instead raid major businesses to arrest as many as possible.

Car-wash owner Mehmet Aydogan said the agents did not ask for IDs before placing the men in handcuffs and swiftly driving them away.

"They were not doing anything criminal," he said, noting the raids were quick and lasted less than a minute. "Everyone is hardworking."

Tense street protests

Days earlier, there was another operation at Ambiance Apparel, a clothing wholesale business in the Fashion District near downtown LA.

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More than a dozen people were arrested, witnesses said, although DHS did not respond to a BBC inquiry about this operation and the total number of arrests.

Border tsar Tom Homan denied that agents were conducting an immigration raid at Ambiance. He said it was a criminal investigation that also uncovered undocumented immigrants.

"I said it from day one: if you're in the country illegally, you're not off the table," he told the New York Times recently.

Enrique Lopez was one of several witnesses who started posting on Instagram about the operation, before a large group of protesters formed outside, trying to prevent the workers from being taken away.

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Officials eventually deployed flash bangs and tear gas to push past the crowd - one of the first protests in the LA area as the spate of immigration raids kicked off.

"It's sad that it's hardworking people," he said about those arrested. "And they're trying to make it seem like it's bad people."

Protests first broke out on 6 June, with confrontations between demonstrators and federal agents in the streets, before spreading more widely and at times turning violent. Hundreds have been arrested and an overnight curfew in one area is being enforced.

Immigration enforcement agencies have said the protests will not deter their operations. President Trump has deployed the National Guard and US Marines to help ensure the immigration crackdown continues.

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These raids have hit Los Angeles County especially hard, where estimates suggest more than 900,000 people do not have legal status - about 10% of the population.

Hispanics here outnumber any other ethnic background by a large margin - and many in the community who are citizens or legal residents have family who are undocumented.

"I can't emphasise enough the level of fear and terror that is in Angelenos right now," the city's Mayor Karen Bass said at news conference.

"Not knowing if it's tomorrow or tonight. It might be where they live. It might be their workplace. Should you send your kids to school? Should you go to work?"

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Social media has been used to inform communities about sightings of immigration authorities, but also to spread misinformation.

The unease caused one local minority non-profit to urge undocumented people to just stay out of sight. It offered volunteers to run errands or go grocery shopping for families so they can remain indoors.

Residents say it's a mystery when and where immigration officers will show up next.

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Immigration agencies do not typically announce where raids have happened, nor do they announce all arrests or where detainees are being held or jailed - adding to the anxiety.

Noemi Ciau [Courtesy of Noemi Ciau]

But what exactly comes next as raids continue is still unknown.

Raids nationwide in recent days have netted hundreds of arrests, including recent operations in agricultural sectors and a meat-packing plant in Nebraska. In response, protests have spurred in all corners of the country - including in major cities like New York, Dallas, Washington and Boston.

"California may be first - but it clearly won't end here," California Governor Gavin Newsom said in an evening address on Tuesday. "Other states are next."

Immigration attorney Karla Navarrete, who is representing multiple people who have been arrested in the immigration sweeps, said the mass arrests have overwhelmed the system.

Databases aren't being updated with arrests, families and lawyers cannot find those who have been detained and when they do the person sometimes is in a different state or has already been deported to another country.

Ms Ciau, whose husband was arrested at the car wash, said she learned late on Tuesday that he was no longer in Los Angeles, or even the state of California.

She was told by her lawyer that Mr Cruz is being held at a detention centre in El Paso, Texas, more than 800 miles (1,300km) from their home.

Her youngest child - a five-year-old boy - is having the hardest time with the change, she said.

"He just keeps asking for his dad. I don't know what to tell him," she added, through tears.

"He doesn't understand what is going on. He still thinks his dad is at work."
By David Shepardson

(Reuters) -A JetBlue Airways flight rolled off the runway at Boston Logan airport onto the grass on Thursday after landing from Chicago, prompting a ground stop, but no injuries were reported.

JetBlue Flight 312, an Airbus A220, had arrived from Chicago O'Hare and went into the grass while turning off the runway around 11:55 a.m. EDT, the Federal Aviation Administration said, adding it will investigate.

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The airport authority deplaned passengers via stairs and transported them by bus to the terminal.

"We will conduct a full investigation of the incident and will work closely with the relevant authorities to understand the cause," JetBlue said in a statement.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Reese)
BOSTON (AP)  A JetBlue flight landing at Bostons Logan International Airport rolled off the runway and into the grass on Thursday, an airport spokesperson said.

No one on JetBlue flight 312 was injured, but the runway remained closed Thursday afternoon and a ground stop on all flights was in effect. Meanwhile, crews assessed the aircraft and passengers were bussed to the terminal, said Samantha Decker, with Massachusetts Port Authority, in an email.

Passengers could be seen descending from the plane using stairs provided by emergency vehicles surrounded by dozens of emergency crews, according to an Associated Press journalist at the scene.

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The Airbus 220 was coming from Chicago.

JetBlue flight 312 from Chicago to Boston veered off the runway and onto the grass after landing, JetBlue said in an email. We will conduct a full investigation of the incident and will work closely with the relevant authorities to understand the cause.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating, a spokesperson said in an email.

No further details have been provided about what caused the plane to veer off the runway.

Thursday's incident came as FAA officials have acknowledged they werent doing enough to ensure air safety. Recent polling by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that fewer Americans report feeling safe about flying this year.

Additionally, an Air India passenger plane bound for London crashed into a medical college in Ahmedabad after takeoff Thursday, killing at least 240 people in one of Indias worst airline disasters in decades, officials said.
(NewsNation)  No one was injured Thursday when a JetBlue aircraft veered off the runway after landing at Bostons Logan Airport, creating a ground stop, officials said.

JetBlue issued a statement that the aircraft, which had just arrived from Chicagos OHare International Airport, left the runway after landing and veered into a grassy area. Officials said that passengers were being taken off the aircraft and would be bused to the terminal.

Jared Letos Oscar-worthy movie on hold due to allegations: Source

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Safety is JetBlues top priority, the airline said. We will conduct a full investigation of the incident and will work closely with the relevant authorities to understand the cause.

Officials did not indicate how many passengers were aboard the plane, an Airbus A220, at the time of the incident.

The Massachusetts Port Authority reported that the runway had been temporarily closed as the aircraft was assessed and as passengers were removed from the plane and transported to the terminal.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it would investigate the incident. The runway was scheduled to be closed until 2 p.m. ET after the incident took place just before noon local time.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  A major aircraft development project is getting huge economic incentives from state and local organizations to build a manufacturing facility in Guilford County.

During a Thursday meeting of the North Carolina Department of Commerces Economic Investment Committee, the state revealed that the aircraft manufacturing company JetZero has chosen Piedmont Triad International Airport as the location for a factory that is expected to generate 14,500 jobs.

Councilman Zack Matheny describes it as the largest single-employer announcement in the Triads history, dwarfing Boom Supersonics prior promise of 1,700 employees, Toyotas 5,100 and Publixs distribution facilitys 1,000 jobs.

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The Guilford County Board of Commissioners voted to approve an incentive package of $75,933,517 paid over a period of 20 years for the project. The states grant will total $1.17 billion over 10 years, if the company hits certain economic and investment milestones. All economic incentives provided by Guilford County are performance-based. The average wage of a job with JetZero will be $89,341, and no new job will pay less than $18.75 an hour.

JetZeros decision to call Guilford County home is a game-changer. It speaks volumes about our communitys vision, resilience, and readiness to lead in industries that are future-focused, said Melvin Skip Alston, Chairman, Guilford County Board of Commissioners. This project will not only redefine our local economy but also open doors of opportunity for generations of Guilford County residents. We are proud to be the launchpad for this exciting new chapter in American aerospace.

The Greensboro City Council also met on Thursday and discussed further incentives of $1,000 per offered job over a 10-year period, which passed unanimously. Like the other incentives, these are contingent on economic and employment milestones set between the city and JetZero.

Marvin J. Price of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce described Guilford County as the worlds home for transportation innovation.

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They didnt just choose the PTI Airport, Matheny said. They chose this community.

Governor Josh Stein, Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan, and North Carolina State Senator Phil Berger (R-Rockingham County) were in attendance for a conference at PTI on Thursday afternoon.

This is news that will not only benefit the Triad, but all of North Carolina, Stein said. I am proud to announce that JetZero will establish its flagship manufacturing operations right here at Piedmont Triad International Airport.

This is the largest job commitment in North Carolina history, according to the governor. Stein says that there could be an economic impact of $250 billion for the state.

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North Carolina is one of the top eight states in the nation in research funding and expenditures, but we rank considerably lower in converting research into local gross domestic product. Through partnerships with key companies like JetZero and clustering around industries like aviation, we will significantly accelerate impact in converting research into GDP and keeping innovation in North Carolina rather than seeing it move to other states, NC A&T Chancellor James R. Martin II said in a statement. North Carolina A&T is at the epicenter of these efforts in the Piedmont Triad. Like JetZero, we are future-focused and driven by innovation. JetZero is changing air travel, A&T is changing higher education. We are leading in the development of a lucrative technology ecosystem in the Triad that will benefit JetZero as well as other advanced manufacturing, aviation and space technology businesses.

North Carolina was first in flight, we are also the future in flight, Stein said.

Today, with this announcement, the state becomes the epicenter of the next era in flight, Tom OLeary, co-founder of JetZero, said.

Directly after the announcement, FOX8 spoke with Guilford County Commissioner Board Chair Skip Alston, and he explained that $75 million is not coming out of taxpayer dollars. He said that over time, it will bring more money into the county and city.

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If they do what theyre going to do, were going to give them $75 million over that 20-year period break in their taxes. But they have to pay it in first. The county immediately starts getting 25 percent of that that we didnt have before, Alston said.

Alston said the county has a standard that new businesses coming in can provide at least $70,000 in salaries to workers.

JetZero has committed to providing an average salary of $90,000.

JetZero background

JetZero was founded in 2020 by Mark Page and OLeary. Prior to the announcement of their new facility, they had around 225 employees divided between their Long Beach, California HQ and remote employees across the country, as well as some employees as far as Montreal and Germany.

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At full run rate, the JetZero factory will create 10,000 jobs, and will produce the worlds first all-wing design airplane, Jenny Dervin, head of communications for JetZero, wrote, though the state said that number could exceed 14,000. JetZeros Z4 will be up to 50% more fuel efficient because of the unique design, with a 5k nautical mile range, opening new route opportunities for airlines at a significantly better operating cost. The customer experience will be elevated, with a wider but shorter body and six seating bays, with each seat having its own dedicated overhead bag bin.

The company aims to produce 20 aircraft a month when the facility is at full-run rate.

They received a large grant from the Air Force to build and fly a demonstrator of their plane by 2027. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are both investors, with both having conditional purchase agreements for future JetZero planes.

Delta Air Lines is a key partner to JetZero. We joined their Sustainable Skies Lab and theyve opened their Atlanta operations to us to walk the ramp  understand what airlines need upon arrival/prior to take off to ensure a smooth operation. Things like catering trucks, fueling vehicles, jetways and jet bridges. The Z4 will readily fit into todays airport infrastructure, relieving airlines and airports from exotic and expensive new equipment. Delta and our other Airline Working Group (AWG) participants have been highly engaged partners  shaping design and operational decisions based on their needs and desires, Dervin says.

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JetZero believes their Z4 commercial airplane is the perfect plane for an unserved middle market, as no 250-seat planes with a 5,000 nautical mile range exist, despite promises from other builders.

NewsNation got to take a tour of the Z4 last month. Its meant to be roomier than your average passenger plane and boasts 50% more fuel efficiency, according to the company.

The Z4 is among several plane designs commissioned by NASA amid their effort to create low-emission commercial aircraft.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The self-described Jew hater Columbia agitator who has alleged ties to a Hamas group chat pleaded guilty to a string of hate crimes targeting Jewish people, yet only asked for forgiveness from the Palestinian community.

Tarek Bazrouk, 20, admitted to violently assaulting three Jewish people between April 2024 and January 2025 at several Manhattan protests of the war in Gaza, but used his chance to speak in Manhattan federal court to apologize not to Jews, but to the Palestinian community.

I am sorry. I am Palestinian and I participated in the protest to display my outrage I should not have used violence. I hope my family and community can forgive me, Bazrouk said on Wednesday.

Tarek Bazrouk, 20, apologized to the Palestinian community in a court statement after pleading guilty to three hate crime attacks that targeted Jewish individuals. DCPI

The hollow apology stands in stark contrast to the fervor Bazrouk embodied while committing the targeted attacks against Jewish people during protests at Columbia University and in downtown Manhattan.

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On April 15, 2024, the 20-year-old kicked a man wearing a kippa in the chest as he stood with an Israeli flag and sang a Jewish song during a demonstration near the New York Stock Exchange. Bazrouk assaulted two other individuals during that same demonstration, according to prosecutors.

Several days later, Bazrouk said he would boom boom boom the next Jewish person he saw, text messages revealed.

He then punched another kippa-wearing man in the face while the victim carried an Israeli flag during a protest on December 9, 2024, prosecutors said.

Bazrouk had violent confrontations at several protests in 2024 and 2025. Instagram/jewhatedb

The confessed antisemite punched yet another Israeli flag-bearer in the face at a protest earlier this year on January 6, according to court testimony.

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Bazrouk has no affiliation with Columbia, but was an outside agitator who joined the campus protests. The university said it has no record of him ever being on campus.

Following his May arrest for the assaults, federal officials discovered more insidious evidence after searching Bazrouks Manhattan home, where he lived with his parents and several other family members.

Investigators seized four knives, a replica firearm, brass knuckles, $750,000 in cash in a safe, and Bazrouks cell phone, which revealed chilling text messages.

Bazrouk was a member of a chat group that received regular updates from Abu Obeda, which is linked to Hamas al-Qassam Brigades militant group, The Post revealed earlier this month.

Bazrouk draped in the Palestinian flag at a protest in 2024. U.S. DOJ

In text messages, the 20-year-old described himself as a Jew hater, called Jewish people worthless, and exhorted a friend to slap that bitch in reference to a woman who had an Israel flag sticker on her laptop, court documents revealed.

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The Jew hater further claimed to a friend that he was proud some of his family members were fighting with Hamas overseas, text messages showed.

Lawyers for Bazrouk rejected any connection between their client and the terror organization.

The $750,000 in cash was seized by the government, with Bazrouk agreeing to its forfeiture.

Police found several weapons, including four knives and brass knuckles, as well as $750,000 cash, after executing a warrant on Bazrouks Manhattan home. U.S. DOJ

Judge Richard Berman advised the hateful brute that he faces a maximum sentence of five years behind bars, two years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Berman added that Bazrouk could also be forced to pay restitution to his victims.

Bazrouk will have a sentencing hearing on October 1.

He still has two pending cases in state court for the incidents in December and January.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The John B. Amos Cancer Center will host a free brunch in celebration of cancer survivors and to serve as an inspiration to those diagnosed.



The Cancer Survivors Day Brunch is themed Strike Out Cancer. The event is open to the public and will take place at the Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Conference Center on Saturday, June 14, from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.



Piedmont Columbus Regional contains the John B. Amos Cancer Center, several pharmacy

locations and a community health and education bus. Their goal is to positively impact the community.



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Piedmont Columbus asks that those interested, RSVP by calling (706) 320-8700. For more information, email Tenetta.Holt@piedmont.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 WRBL.
Chocolate buns, strawberry cheesecake, caramel iced coffee with sea salt cold foam  customers ordered these treats and dozens more at the opening of 85C Bakery Cafe in Overland Park.

The Taiwanese chain  which entered the U.S. market in 2008  just opened its first Kansas City area location Wednesday.

It has a presence in California, Texas, Utah, Washington, Hawaii and beyond.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., customers flowed in and out the former Red Shoes space at 12061 Metcalf Ave., with lines spilling out the door at times.

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On one side of the bakery, customers lined up with plastic trays and slid past rows of individually packaged pastries: jumbo guava cheese strudels, milk butter puff pastries, cocoa-dipped Danishes, pineapple cake and more.

85C Bakery Cafe softly opened in Overland Park Wednesday.

More patrons gathered at the front counter to order drinks, like brown sugar oat lattes, milk tea with coffee jelly, strawberry matcha and frozen marble taro smoothies.

A pastry case held specialty full cakes and slices. Flavors include tiramisu cheesecake, macchiato cream cake, strawberry chocolate mousse and ube cream.

First-time customer Jennifer Her brought her family in after seeing the excitement over social media and hearing about it from others.

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Weve had friends that have gone, and theyve raved about it, she said while her three little girls happily sipped their smoothies. Its really fresh and tasty. Ive had my Vietnamese coffee, and its really good.

Trinh Huynh has been to the location in Los Angeles and was excited to see it had opened in the Kansas City metro.

Her favorite item? The miniature lemon cupcakes. Since the store is still in its soft opening phase, the cupcakes werent available Wednesday. Huynh is anxiously awaiting that treat.

Ill keep coming back ... until they have it, she said.

The cafe sells cakes, coffee, bubble tea and more.

85C Bakery Cafe was founded in 2003 after Cheng-Hsueh Wu visited a cafe in a five-star hotel and was taken aback by its expensive prices, according to the chains website. He sought to create something of similar quality that was much more attainable. (A medium iced latte at the Johnson County cafe, for example, is $4.55. Many of the pastries are under $3.)

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Its name comes from what Wu thought to be the perfect brewing temperature for coffee.

Meanwhile, South Korean cafe Paris Baguette is quickly moving toward opening its first two metro locations at 11137 W. 95th St. and 15895 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park. Exact opening dates for both locations were not immediately available Wednesday, though construction for the Oak Park Mall location appears to be moving steadily along.

Last year, partner Mike Issa said hes hoping to open more Paris Baguette spots in the metro.

International bakery Tous Les Jours, on the other hand, has been open in Overland Park for close to a decade at 10348 Metcalf Ave. It, too, hails from South Korea.

Japanese discount store Daiso opened a week ago at 14673 W. 119th St., offering home goods, snacks, beauty products and more.
Christin Armstrong and Josh Hundt of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation take questions at a joint meeting of the House Oversight Subcommittees on Homeland Security and Foreign Influence, Corporate Subsidies and State Investments on June 11, 2025. | Kyle Davidson

Members of two separate House Oversight subcommittees joined together on Wednesday as representatives continued their interrogation of incentives for battery manufacturing projects across the state.

Up for discussion was the Marshall BlueOval Battery Park. Announced in 2023, the $3.5 billion project was initially expected to create 2,500 jobs, though Republicans have raised alarms about the project due to a licensing agreement between plant-owner Ford and a Chinese battery company.

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Earlier this year, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. or CATL  who has agreed to license its battery technology to Ford for production at the facility  was placed on the U.S. Department of Defenses list of Chinese military companies found to be operating directly or indirectly within the U.S. As a result the company is barred from entering contracts with the Department of Defense.

When Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin rejected Fords bid to establish the plant in his state due to its ties to CATL, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said he made a political determination and emphasized that Michigan would continue to compete for every economic opportunity. She later celebrated when Michigan was selected as the site for the project calling it a generational investment.

While the Michigan Economic Development Corporation was aware of the projects ties to CATL prior to awarding funding to Blue Oval for the project, the Chinese companys involvement was not a secret, the corporations Chief Operating and Performance Officer Christin Armstrong said.

Armstrong and the corporations Senior Project Marketing Advisor Josh Hundt each noted Chinas near-monopoly on battery technology, with Ford aiming to bring that technology to the U.S. to break their control of the electric vehicle market.

Christin Armstrong, chief operating and performance officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, testifies a joint meeting of the House Oversight Subcommittees on Homeland Security and Foreign Influence, Corporate Subsidies and State Investments on June 11, 2025. | Kyle Davidson

However, members of the committees questioned why the automaker hadnt simply partnered with companies from non-hostile nations like Japan or South Korea instead.

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Ford did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

While it would greatly benefit the U.S. to develop its own technology to boost Americas electric vehicle manufacturing, the Economic Development Corporation views the project as a way for Ford to make its vehicles more competitive, providing it with access to battery technology and employment for American workers, Hundt said.

With U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) introducing legislation to subject vehicles and vehicle parts manufactured in countries of concern like China to a security review, Rep. Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville) asked whether concerns at the national level factored into the economic development corporations decision making.

Hundt explained that by utilizing CATLs tech, Ford avoids the alternative of importing batteries from China, allowing the automaker to reduce its dependency on China and other foreign manufacturers.

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Our role is to help make sure that we are seeing a disruption of this current Chinese monopoly that, frankly, nobody wants to see, Hundt said. We need to see both the technology and the manufacturing take place here, and this is a way to begin to make that happen.

Joe Cella, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Fiji during President Donald Trumps first term, raised further concerns about potential threats from the Chinese government.

I will preface my remarks by stating that China is on the hunt, and our footing nationally and the states is not commensurate with this threat, Cella said, referencing three Chinese citizens with ties to the University of Michigan who were arrested for smuggling biological agents into the country.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Fiji Joe Cella testifies at a joint meeting of the House Oversight Subcommittees on Homeland Security and Foreign Influence, Corporate Subsidies and State Investments on June 11, 2025. | Kyle Davidson

He pointed to requirements in Chinese law demanding Chinese-based companies, no matter where they are located, to surveil, collect and report as directed.

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In other words, conduct espionage, Cella said, previously noting that CATL had begun hiring for positions at the Marshall plant through its U.S.-based subsidiary.

Should this deal ever come to fruition in Michigan, it would only be a matter of time until espionage begins, Cella said, noting that Battle Creek Air National Guard Base and Fort Custer are located nearby.

Alongside questions on Fords deal with CATL, Armstrong and Hundt fielded questions on the specifics of the project following Fords decision to downsize the effort.

Now expected to deliver 1,700 jobs rather than 2,500, Armstrong said the project is still underway, with plans to wrap construction and start hiring by 2026.

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UNITED NATIONS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The General Assembly, at an Emergency Special Session, adopted a resolution on Thursday that demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and immediate access to humanitarian assistance at scale.

The resolution was adopted with 149 votes in favor, 12 votes against, and 19 abstentions.

Apart from Israel and the United States, the following 10 countries voted against the draft resolution: Argentina, Fiji, Hungary, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga, Tuvalu.

The 10th Emergency Special Session on Israel's illegal actions in the occupied Palestinian territory was first convened in April 1997. The session was resumed at the request of the Arab Group and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Group following last week's U.S. veto of a Security Council draft resolution that would have demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian aid. 
The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce announced Wednesday that Travis Stephens is no longer president and CEO.

Erin Slifka, the current vice president, will continue to oversee staff and monitor the chambers day-to-day activities while the search for a new president and CEO is underway. The search for a new president and CEO will be led by the 2025 board chairperson, Katrina Richards, along with the boards executive team.

We are confident that we will identify a candidate who will continue to drive that mission and support the growth and development of the Joplin region, Richards said in a statement.

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In a statement Wednesday, the chamber said, We extend our gratitude to Mr. Stephens for his dedicated service and leadership during his tenure.

Stephens, a University of Arkansas graduate, brought 14 years of experience working with both chambers and cities in Northwest Arkansas when he came to Joplin in 2022. He previously held a similar position for the Clarksville Regional Economic Development Organization and Clarkesville-Johnson County Chamber of Commerce, and had been the chief operations officer for the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce since 2019.

He also worked for the city of Bella Vista as economic development manager, creating the citys first economic development plan.

In the statement, the chamber also said: Slifkas experience and commitment to the Chamber will ensure a smooth transition during this period. Additionally, the chambers board of directors will be working closely with community partners to facilitate communication and ensure that the chambers many initiatives are able to continue without disruption.
Ex-MSNBC host Joy Reid is accusing the mainstream media of helping Donald Trump spread his narrative about whats happening in Los Angeles during the protests against his ICE raids.

Not too long after losing her coveted primetime spot on MSNBC in February, Reid wrote in her A Daily Reid Substack newsletter on Wednesday that the mainstream media at this point, is participating in selling a lie: that Los Angeles is so out of control, its plausible that Trump would send in the military as an occupying stabilizing force.

Mayor Karen Bass issued a curfew in parts of downtown Los Angeles following days of protests in the city. prolonged protests. / Benjamin Hanson/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

The new podcast host said she and members of her Joy Reid Show staff have been in L.A. since last Thursday, where shes gotten a different picture of the city than whats been portrayed. The lies the regime is telling about Los Angeles are easy to disprove. You just have to go to Los Angeles, she wrote. Starting on Thursday, we were all over the cityfrom West Hollywood to downtown, including city hall.

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All the former TV host and her team saw on the ground in L.A. was ICE terrorizing randomly selected brown people all over the state and making racial profiling great again, she wrote, in order to meet MAGA Nosferatus 3,000 brown person a day kidnap quota.

Los Angeles has seen protests throughout the weekend following federal raids searching for illegal immigrants and increased tension after President Trump ordered the National Guard to L.A., over the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom. (Photo by Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images) / Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images

On Sunday, our photographer ventured into the belly of the downtown protests that followed day three of random, military-style ICE raids that took place all over Los Angeles County, she wrote of the warlike operation that made stops at unassuming places one normally wouldnt hope to find the violent criminals Trump said his raids would prioritize.

The president deployed about 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active-duty Marines to quell protests against the expansive ICE raids in the city over the weekend, even though mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom insisted they were under control until the armed forces incited violence. Those reports have not deterred the president from escalating the White Houses response to demonstrators, who hes called animals and a foreign enemy.

A protestor holds up a Mexican flag as burning cars line the street on June 08, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. / Mario Tama/Getty Images

Trump, Bondi, Hegseth, and the puppy killer Kristi Noem have created a fake, dystopian version of Los Angeles as a cheap excuse to launch a military occupation of California, Reid went on, and are now threatening to use the Insurrection Act to put the whole country under martial law.

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Helping his cause is dramatic media coverage, Reid wrote, linking subscribers to CNNs dystopyian reports from on the ground. Mainstream journalists are even going so far as to casually inquire about the insurrection act, she continued, which gives Pam Bondi the chance to do her Leni Riefenstahl act in her comments to press Wednesday morning.

Reid also quoted from Mayor Bass comments to local outlet NBC4 on Tuesday, that those of us in Los Angeles understand that the unrest that has happened are a few blocks within the downtown area. It is not all of downtown, and it is not all of the city. Unfortunately, the visuals make it seem as though our entire city is in flames, and it is not the case at all.

L.A. is a perfectly normal, quiet city almost everywhere, Reid concludedand the the businesses Pam Bondi pretends to care about? The risk to them is not their own dish washers, cooks, clerks and construction workers. Its the Trump regime, that keeps kidnapping their employees. Maybe they should stop doing that. If they do, and withdraw their occupation forces, L.A. and the rest of California can go on about its business.
Editors note: The video above aired in a previous newscast.

(AP) A federal judge has ruled that the government must release Mahmoud Khalil, the former Columbia University graduate student whom the Trump administration is trying to deport over his participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

But Khalil, a legal U.S. resident, will remain in custody until at least Friday, giving the government time to appeal, U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz said Wednesday.

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The courts decision is the most significant vindication yet of Mahmouds rights, said Ramzi Kassem, co-director of CLEAR, a legal nonprofit and clinic at the City University of New York that represents Khalil. But we arent out of the woods until Mahmoud is free and back home with his wife and child.

Lawyers and spokespersons for the Justice Department, which is handling the case, didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Khalil was detained by federal immigration agents on March 8 in the lobby of his university-owned apartment, the first arrest under President Donald Trumps crackdown on students who joined campus protests against the war in Gaza.

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He was then flown across the country and taken to an immigration detention center in Jena, Louisiana, thousands of miles from his attorneys and wife, a U.S. citizen who gave birth to their first child while he was in custody.

Khalils lawyers challenged the legality of his detention, accusing the Trump administration of trying to suppress free speech. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he has the power to deport Khalil because his presence in the U.S. could harm foreign policy.

Farbiarz had ruled earlier that expelling Khalil from the U.S. on those grounds was likely unconstitutional.

In his new ruling Wednesday, the judge said that Khalil had shown that his continued detention is causing irreparable harm to his career, his family and his free speech rights.

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However, the judge put his order on hold until 9:30 a.m. Friday to allow the government time to appeal. He also required Khalil to post a $1 bond before he is freed.

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In his ruling, Farbiarz cited Khalils statement to the court last week that the revocation of his green card has damaged his career prospects, including a decision by Oxfam International to rescind a job offer to serve as a policy adviser. The judge also noted that the decision deterred Khalil from engaging in constitutionally protected protests and free speech-related activities.

The Court finds as a matter of fact that the Petitioners career and reputation are being damaged and his speech is being chilled  and this adds up to irreparable harm, the judge wrote.

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Farbiarz noted in his ruling that the government has also argued it is detaining and deporting Khalil in part because of alleged omissions on his green card application.

But the judge said evidence presented by his attorneys showed lawful permanent residents are virtually never detained for such a thing.

Khalil, in his statement to the court last week, also disputed that he wasnt forthcoming on the application.

For example, he said he was never employed by or served as an officer of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, as the administration claims, but completed an internship approved by the university as part of his graduate studies.

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The judges decision comes after several other legal residents targeted for their activism have been released from custody, including another Palestinian student at Columbia, Mohsen Mahdawi; a Tufts University student, Rumeysa Ozturk; and a Georgetown University scholar, Badar Khan Suri.

Rubio has cited a rarely used statute to justify the deportation of Khalil and others, which gives him power to deport those who pose potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.

Khalil isnt accused of breaking any laws during the protests at Columbia. The government, however, has said that noncitizens who participate in such demonstrations should be expelled from the country for expressing views that the administration considers to be antisemitic and pro-Hamas, referring to the Palestinian militant group that attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

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Khalil, then an international affairs graduate student, had served as a negotiator and spokesperson for student activists at Columbia who took over a campus lawn last spring to protest Israels military campaign in Gaza.

The university brought police in to dismantle the encampment after a small group of protesters seized an administration building. Khalil is not accused of participating in the building occupation and wasnt among the people arrested in connection with the demonstrations.

But images of his maskless face at protests, along with his willingness to share his name with reporters, made him an object of scorn among those who saw the protesters and their demands as antisemitic. The White House accused Khalil of siding with terrorists, but has yet to give any evidence for the claim.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Brief

A hearing was held Thursday surrounding whether a federal judge will refer Clearwater businessman Leo Govoni for criminal contempt.

The judge listened to arguments and will issue a ruling at a later date.

Govoni is accused of taking more than $100 million from special needs trust funds.

Families relying on the trust money are still trying to recover their losses.

TAMPA, Fla. - A federal judge is expected to soon decide whether a long-running trust fund scandal will lead to criminal proceedings.

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A hearing was held for Leo Govoni in a Tampa courtroom on Thursday, where Govoni had been ordered last month to produce financial records for himself and several of his companies. His attorney told the U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Roberta Colton that Govoni has produced hundreds of records, but acknowledged there are some that are still outstanding.

Attorneys for the court-appointed officials now in charge of the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration believe Govoni continues to purposefully frustrate their efforts to recoup money for the families of the victims in this case. They urged the judge to recommend a criminal contempt of court charge.

The judge heard arguments from both sides and said she'd issue a ruling in the coming days.

The backstory

Govoni, a Clearwater businessman, is accused in federal court of taking more than $100 million from medical trust funds managed by the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration, which he founded. The money was intended to cover medical and living expenses for people with disabilities and serious injuries.

Pictured: Leo Govoni.

The trust center filed for bankruptcy in February 2024 after records showed the money was loaned to Govonis private company, Boston Finance Group, but never repaid. Bankruptcy estate attorneys say Govoni has failed to fully disclose what happened to the funds, including proceeds from roughly $5 million in real estate sales.

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PREVIOUS: Over 100 businesses seized from Pinellas businessman accused of taking $100M from special needs trusts

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Roberta Colton previously found Govoni in civil contempt in April for failing to turn over financial records.

Court records show Govoni spent lavishly, using trust fund money on a $3.4 million private jet, trips to the Kentucky Derby, large political contributions, and real estate investments. The FBI, IRS, and SEC are also investigating.

RELATED: Lawsuit filed against Pinellas County businessman Leo Govoni, Big Storm Brewing's 'Fat Point Brewing' brand

What they're saying

Many families who relied on the trust funds have been left without critical financial support.

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"Our children are suffering without food, without medicine, without supplies," Theresa Schlosser, whose daughter's trust fund was among those impacted, told FOX 13 on Thursday.

Schlosser attended the hearing and is stunned Govoni has not yet faced any criminal charges.

"For him to walk away while [my daughter] lays in a bed unable to be [unconfined] from it is aggravating, humiliating, and disgusting," she said. "If I can just catch him for a moment to himself. He will not forget me and he will not want to look my way again."

No decision was made in court on Thursday. There's no definitive timeline for when a ruling could come down.

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"He met my son, he came to our home," said Amparo Perales, whose son, Javier, had a $2 million trust fund invested with the Center. "I watched the court hearings, and all I see is somebody that is obviously not thinking what he did."

Perales said Govoni convinced her family her son's money would be safe. Now, however, she said there isn't a cent left in the account.

"It's like going through the grief process because we trusted them. We gave them everything," she said. "I'm hoping that it doesn't take years and years. And that's all I see every time that court is there. I see years before any of the victims see anything and I don't even know if we ever do see any money come back to the victims, if we get it all."

The other side

FOX 13's Aaron Mesmer, who broke the story last year, asked Govoni a series of questions following the hearing, including whether he knows where the money is, if he has anything to say to the victims and if he's sorry or feels any remorse.

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Govoni didn't respond to any of the questions.

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The Source

Details for this report were gathered from FOX 13's Aaron Mesmer, federal court records, public bankruptcy filings, and prior FOX 13 News reporting.

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The judge overseeing Harvey Weinstein's case declared a mistrial on the final charge of raping former actress Jessica Mann

Weinstein was found guilty of one charge for a criminal sexual act on Wednesday and not guilty of another

Weinstein, 73, had been previously convicted of raping Mann in 2020 before the conviction was thrown out and a retrial took place this year







The judge in Harvey Weinstein's sex crime case declared a mistrial Friday on a third-degree rape charge involving actress Jessica Mann, after the foreperson said they could not return to deliberations with their fellow jurors.



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The declaration comes one day after Weinstein, 73, was found guilty of forcing oral sex on former TV production assistant Miriam Haley, 48, at his New York City apartment in 2006 and not guilty on a second charge that alleged he forcibly performed oral sex on former model Kaja Sokola, now 39, when she was 19 years old.

The jury had already taken five days to deliberate on the charges involving Haley and Sokola before reaching the split verdict on Wednesday. The private jury deliberations had descended into "yelling" and threats of violence, Judge Curtis Farber said in court.

On Thursday, the foreperson refused to return to the deliberation room with the other 11 jurors, leading Farber to declare a mistrial, the New York Times reported.

In harrowing testimony, Mann, 39, had accused the film mogul of raping her in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013. Weinstein was initially found guilty of the rape in a 2020 conviction that was overturned last year when the New York Court of Appeals ruled that Weinstein hadnt received a fair trial because women who were uninvolved in the case had been allowed to testify.

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On Thursday, Mann told PEOPLE in a statement that her only goal is to achieve "accountability."

John Angelillo-Pool/Getty Jessica Mann Jessica Mann

Coming forward cost me everything," Mann said. "My privacy, my safety. I laid bare my trauma, my shame  everything Id tried to bury just to keep living. Still, I stood up and told the truth. Again and again. Harvey hides behind PR firms, lawyers, spy agencies contracted to intimidate. Ive had only my voice."

Mann added: I didnt speak up to ruin his life. He did that. I spoke because mine matters.



Steven Hirsch-Pool/Getty Harvey Weinstein Harvey Weinstein

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Weinstein was diagnosed with leukemia last year. "I want this to be over with, he pleaded with the judge, hoping to have the trial moved up. "Every day is a struggle.

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In addition to the convictions he received this week, Weinstein was also previously convicted in California in 2022 on charges that he raped an actress in a Beverly Hills hotel. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison for that conviction, which still stands despite his attorneys attempts to appeal it.

Read the original article on People
A New York judge has declared a mistrial on the third-degree rape count in Harvey Weinstein's sex crimes retrial on Thursday, after the jury foreman refused to return to deliberate.

The foreman had told Judge Curtis Farber on Wednesday that he was afraid to be in the same room with fellow jurors after he claimed they yelled at him to try and change his mind.

Asked if he would be willing to go back to the deliberation room Thursday, the foreman said, "No, I'm sorry." Farber then dismissed the remaining jurors.

PHOTO: Harvey Weinstein appears in state court in Manhattan for his retrial, June 11, 2025, in New York. (Steven Hirsch /New York Post via AP)

The former movie mogul was accused of sexually assaulting three women over a decade ago in New York City.

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The mistrial comes a day after the jury convicted Weinstein on one count of criminal sex act involving Mimi Haley and acquitted him of another count of criminal sex act involving Kaja Sokola.

The third count related to an alleged assault on aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013.

All three women have publicly come forward and testified during the trial.

MORE: Split verdict reached in Harvey Weinstein sex crimes retrial

Farber said he spoke to the remaining jurors who told him they were "disappointed" they did not get to render a verdict on the third count.

"I will say they were extremely disappointed that deliberations ended before they reached a verdict," Farber said.

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The judge also said the remaining jurors did not describe anything like the discord and threats recounted by the foreman.

"They all thought they were involved in a normal discourse, and they don't understand why the foreperson bowed out," Farber said.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose office prosecuted the case, said they "immediately" informed the court Thursday that they are ready to try Weinstein again on the rape count after conferring with Mann.

"Harvey Weinstein is going to be held accountable for his conduct as to Miss Haley, and he's facing a very significant term of imprisonment for that," Bragg said during a press briefing Thursday. "But the jury was not able to reach a conclusion as to Miss Mann, and she deserves that."

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Bragg thanked the three women for their "immense sacrifices," saying they "spent days on the witness stand sharing the most traumatic moments of their lives in a room full of strangers."

"Their credibility and character were attacked during lengthy cross-examinations. They were accused of being money-hungry. They were called liars. They were even told that they in fact were the abusers," he said. "But they stood their ground, and for that, I am extraordinarily grateful."

PHOTO: Former film producer Harvey Weinstein appears in court for his retrial as the jury deliberates at Manhattan Criminal Court on June 12, 2025, in New York City. (Jefferson Siegel-Pool/Getty Images)

An attorney for Weinstein, Arthur Aidala, said they plan to appeal the conviction in the retrial.

"We have very powerful evidence that there was gross juror misconduct at this trial," Aidala told reporters outside the courthouse. "None of us have ever heard of that where a jury is so intimidated a grown man who was in good physical shape in his late 30s saying, I'm afraid to go back into the deliberating room."

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"If that doesn't cast doubt on the verdicts here, I don't know what would. This is not over," he said.

Aidala further alleged jury misconduct, saying they found out that jurors were considering evidence not admitted at trial.

The foreperson told the judge on Monday that jurors were discussing Harvey Weinstein's past, according to a transcript of the closed encounter in the judge's chambers. When the judge summoned the entire jury that day, he reminded them to discuss only the evidence presented at trial and to be cordial.

Asked if he would be looking into the alleged jury malfeasance, Bragg said, "Vigorous and robust exchange of ideas within the jury room is a hallmark, an important hallmark, of our system. And so from what we've seen within the record, the jury notes and our observation, this is consistent with the administration of justice."

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MORE: Harvey Weinstein retrial underway in New York over sex crime allegations

Weinstein was being retried for sexually assaulting Haley and Mann after his earlier conviction was overturned on appeal. He was also charged with sexually assaulting Sokola, who was not part of the first trial.

Prosecutors said Weinstein "preyed" on the three women as "he held unfettered power for over 30 years" in Hollywood, while the defense countered the producer did not coerce the women and claimed they were using him for his connections.

Weinstein, 73, pleaded not guilty and has said his sexual encounters were consensual. He did not testify during the trial.

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The split verdict and mistrial on the third count came after some discord in the jury room during deliberations.

Early Wednesday, the jury foreperson sent a note telling Farber he "cannot go back inside with those people." That followed a closed-door conversation during which the foreperson complained to the judge that the jurors were "attacking" one another and fighting -- adding, "I don't like it" -- according to a transcript.

Without the jury present, Weinstein addressed the judge on Wednesday and complained the jury behavior is depriving him of a fair trial.

"We've heard threats, we've heard fights, we've heard intimidation," Weinstein said. "This is not right for me, the person on trial here."

PHOTO: Harvey Weinstein jokes with press photographers in Manhattan criminal court as the jury in his retrial deliberates, June 11, 2025, in New York. (Curtis Means/AP)

Farber had proposed a cooling-off period, then the jury came back in saying they had a verdict on the two criminal sex act counts.

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They were dismissed and set to resume deliberations on the rape count on Thursday, with Farber reminding the jurors to be respectful to one another.

Following the mistrial on the count, Mann confirmed in a statement her willingness to testify for what would be a third time.

"I will never give up on myself and making sure my voice -- and the truth -- is heard," she said. "I have told the District Attorney I am ready, willing and able to endure this as many times as it takes for justice and accountability to be served. Today is not the end of my fight."

Mann previously said in a statement that she would "never lie about rape or use something so traumatic to hurt someone."

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New York's highest court overturned Weinstein's initial 2020 conviction on appeal last year, finding the trial judge "erroneously admitted testimony of uncharged, alleged prior sexual acts against persons other than the complainants of the underlying crimes."

Weinstein has also appealed his 2022 conviction on sex offenses in Los Angeles. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison there.

Aidala said Thursday they are "very confident that that appeal will be successful."

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Judge declares mistrial on rape count in Harvey Weinstein's sex crimes retrial after jury chaos originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
NEW YORK (Reuters) -The judge overseeing Harvey Weinstein's criminal trial in Manhattan on Thursday declared a mistrial on a third-degree rape charge against the former Hollywood movie mogul, after one of the jurors refused to continue deliberations.

Weinstein had been found guilty on Wednesday on a separate sex abuse charge, on the fifth day of jury deliberations.

(Reporting by Jack Queen and Jonathan Stempel in New York)
In a late-night order Thursday, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals paused a court order that would have required President Trump to return control of the thousands of California National Guard troops in Los Angeles to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The 9th Circuit's emergency stay came hours after U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer of San Francisco ruled that Trump broke the law when he mobilized thousands of Guard members amid protests over immigration raids, and must return the troops to state control by noon Friday.

A three-judge panel on the 9th Circuit, including two judges appointed by Trump and one by President Biden, scheduled a Tuesday hearing in the case, meaning the National Guard will remain federalized through the weekend.

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In a 36-page U.S. District court decision, Breyer wrote that Trump's actions "were illegal  both exceeding the scope of his statutory authority and violating the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution." Breyer added that he was "troubled by the implication" inherent in the Trump administration's argument that "protest against the federal government, a core civil liberty protected by the First Amendment, can justify a finding of rebellion."

Newsom, who filed the lawsuit along with the state of California, called the ruling "a win for all Americans."

"Today was really about the test of democracy, and today we passed the test," Newsom told reporters in a building that houses the California Supreme Court in San Francisco.

The ruling, California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta told reporters, is "a critical early indication that upon quick review of the facts of our case, the court sees the merits of our argument."

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"We arent in the throes of a rebellion," Bonta said. "We are not under threat of an invasion. Nothing is preventing the federal government from enforcing federal law. The situation in Los Angeles last weekend didnt warrant the deployment of military troops, and their arrival only inflamed the situation."

The Trump administration filed a notice of appeal in the case late Thursday.

Read more: Read the ruling on the National Guard

During the hearing with Breyer, the judge seemed skeptical of the Justice Department's argument that courts could not question the president's judgment on key legal issues, including whether the protests and unrest in Los Angeles constituted either "a rebellion or danger of a rebellion."

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"We're talking about the president exercising his authority, and of course, the president is limited in his authority," Breyer said. "That's the difference between the president and King George."

Trump and the White House have argued that the military mobilization is legal under Section 12406 of Title 10 of the U.S. Code on Armed Forces, which gives the president the authority to federalize the National Guard if there is "a rebellion or danger of a rebellion against the authority of the government of the United States."

"The protests in Los Angeles fall far short of 'rebellion,'" Breyer wrote. There were instances of violence, he said, but the Trump administration did not identify "a violent, armed, organized, open and avowed uprising against the government as a whole."

"The evidence is overwhelming that protesters gathered to protest a single issuethe immigration raids," Breyer wrote.

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Read more: Trump, pushing bounds of his office with L.A. deployment, faces test in court

Title 10 also requires that orders from the president "be issued through the governors of the States."

As governor, Newsom is the commander in chief of the California National Guard. Last Saturday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sent a memo to the head of the California Guard to mobilize nearly 2,000 members, who then sent the memo to Newsoms office, the state's complaint said. Neither Newsom nor his office consented to the mobilization, the lawsuit said.

Newsom wrote to Hegseth on Sunday, asking him to rescind the troop deployment. The letter said the mobilization was a serious breach of state sovereignty that seems intentionally designed to inflame the situation, while simultaneously depriving the state from deploying these personnel and resources where they are truly required.

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"I'm trying to figure out how something is 'through' somebody, if in fact you didn't send it to him," Breyer asked. "As long as he gets a copy of it at some point, it's going through?"

Breyer was less willing, however, to engage in the legality of Trump's deployment of U.S. Marines to Los Angeles. Attorneys for California noted that 140 Marines were scheduled to relieve and replace Guardsmen over the next 24 hours.

Protests emerged across Los Angeles on Friday in response to a series of flash raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents across the county. A handful of agitators among the protesters committed violence and vandalism, prompting Trump to quickly deploy the California National Guard to respond. He added active-duty Marines to the operation Monday. Protests, and some sporadic violent rioting, have continued since the deployments.

Trump has said that the mobilization was necessary to deal with the violent, instigated riots, and that without the National Guard, Los Angeles would have been completely obliterated.

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Breyer said that the Trump administration had identified "some stray violent incidents relating to the protests," and from there, he said, "boldly claim that state and local officials were 'unable to bring rioters under control.'"

"It is not the federal government's place in our constitutional system to take over a state's police power whenever it is dissatisfied with how vigorously or quickly the state is enforcing its own laws," Breyer wrote.

The attorneys general from 18 other states, as well as Los Angeles City Atty. Hydee Feldstein-Soto, supported California's position in the case.

Wilner reported from Washington, D.C., Wong from San Francisco and Nelson from Los Angeles.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Donlin Gold mine deposit lies under this hillside, seen on Aug. 11, 2022. The hillside would be dug up if the mine is developed. At left is an small mine exploration camp outbuilding. Federal agencies must do more study of risks from large spills that might occur if the mine's planned 471-foot trailings dam is breached, a U.S. DIstrict Court judge has ruled. The risk of a huge spill from a dam failure is one of the mine opponents' top concerns. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Developers of the Donlin Gold mine in Western Alaska must pause some of its construction while government agencies correct deficiencies that led to flawed permits for the controversial project, a federal judge has ruled.

U.S. District Court Juge Sharon Gleason on Monday ordered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Bureau of Land Management to analyze the possibility of a catastrophic dam failure and, if necessary, withdraw or modify the permits they already issued to Donlin Gold LLC, the projects developer.

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The order stems from a lawsuit filed by six Kuskokwim region tribal governments that oppose the project, which would be one of the worlds biggest gold mines. The plaintiffs have cited, in particular, concerns about the mines plan for a 471-foot dam to contain tailings, the term for ground waste rock produced in the mining process.

Tailings can hold concentrations of chemicals like mercury and cyanide that degrade aquatic ecosystems. Tailings spills can occur when mine dams are breached, as happened in 2014 at the Mount Polley copper and gold mine in British Columbia. That dam failure released about 8 million cubic meters of tailings and other waste material.

Gleasons ruling on Monday was a follow-up to a ruling she issued in September.

Then, the judge ruled that the Corps and BLM erred by neglecting to consider the risks of a large or catastrophic dam failure. The 2018 environmental impact statement that led to the permits being issued that year identified a 2% chance of such a dam failure over a 20-year period; the Donlin mine, if built, is projected to operate for more than 25 years. The agencies, however, did not consider any spill of over 0.5% of the millions of tons contained by the planned dam, a spill that would be far smaller than the size that should have been considered, Gleason said in that ruling.

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In her new ruling on Monday, Gleason ordered the agencies to add analysis of a larger tailings spill to their previous environmental studies. Before Donlin Gold may undertake any construction work covered by the Corps or BLM permits, the company must issue a 90-day notice, Gleason said.

That required notice would give the plaintiffs time to raise legal objections that might be grounds for further halts to work, said Maile Tavepholjalern, the Earthjustice attorney who is representing the tribal plaintiffs.

Both mine opponents and Donlin Gold, the company trying to build the mine, described Gleasons ruling as a victory.

Not all tribes who oppose the Donlin Gold mine are involved in these lawsuits, but most tribes in our region have concerns about the safety of the mine and potential harm to the region, Gavin Phillip, tribal administrator for Native Village of Kwigillingok, said in a statement. We hope this court ruling will help ensure that our lands, waters and communities remain protected. This mine does not have social license to operate, and does not reflect our tribes priorities, which are hunting, fishing and stewarding these lands and waters as we always have.

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Donlin Gold, meanwhile, pointed out in a statement that Gleason rejected the plaintiffs request to overturn the permits and instead allowed them to remain in place while the deficiencies are corrected.

The Courts order reiterates that the issue on remand is narrow and we look forward to working with the federal agencies to address the issue, Todd Dahlman, general manager of Donlin Gold, said in the statement. As it has been throughout the permitting process, Donlin Gold remains committed to working collaboratively with permitting agencies and stakeholders to advance the responsible development of the project, which he noted is located on Alaska Native lands.

In her ruling, Gleason said the problem with the environmental impact statement was the failure to adequately consider one aspect of a complex mining project. The Corps and BLM have already considered the possibility of a tailings spill, albeit only a spill of 0.5% of the total tailings volume, she said in her ruling.

While Gleason declined to overturn the permits, as the plaintiffs has requested, she also declined to set an 18-month deadline for supplemental environmental analysis that Donlin Gold has requested.

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The Corps, in a statement late Tuesday, said it will adhere to the court ruling and complete a supplemental analysis of a larger potential dam spill and follow that with action to modify, reaffirm, or rescind the previous authorizations.

The Donlin plan has divided the regions mostly Yupik residents.

The mine site is on Native-owned terrirory, and for-profit corporations created by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act stand to be economic beneficiaries if it is developed.

The Kuskokwim Corp., a Native village corporation, owns the surface rights, and Calista Corp., the larger corporation owned by Indigenous people of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, owns the mineral rights.

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Numerous tribal governments and organizations, meanwhile, oppose the mine, citing what they say are unacceptable risks of damage to the river habitat that supports fishing and other food-gathering and cultural practices.

The mines developer, Donlin Gold LLC, is a partnership owned by Vancouver-based Novagold Resources Inc. and John Paulson, a billionaire investor. Paulson entered the Donlin Gold partnership by buying out shares held by Barrick Resources, a major international mining company that announced in April that it is dropping the project.

Barrick, with operations in 18 countries, was less interested in Donlin than in some of its other opportunities, its chairman said when the sale to Paulson was announced.

Editors note: This article has been updated with a statement from the Corps.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Supporters of Mahmoud Khalil rally outside the federal courthouse in Newark on March 28, 2025. (Reena Rose Sibayan for New Jersey Monitor)

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that a Columbia University activist detained for partaking in pro-Palestinian protests cannot be held by the federal government over allegations that his presence in the United States undermines the nations foreign policy interests.

U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz issued the order Wednesday but gave federal prosecutors until Friday at 9:30 a.m. to ask the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals to step in. Its unclear if the activist, Mahmoud Khalil, will be released Friday if the government does indeed appeal.

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This is the news weve been waiting over three months for. Mahmoud must be released immediately and safely returned home to New York to be with me and our newborn baby, Deen, Noor Abdalla, Khalils wife, said in a statement from the American Civil Liberties Union of New York. True justice would mean Mahmoud was never taken away from us in the first place, that no Palestinian father, from New York to Gaza, would have to endure the painful separation of prison walls like Mahmoud has.

If it stands, Farbiarzs ruling, which comes on the heels of a previous decision that said the governments push to deport Khalil was likely unconstitutional, could deal a blow to the Trump administrations efforts to deport dissidents.

Khalil was arrested by immigration authorities in March and has been held in Louisiana since. Hes fighting two cases to fend off his deportation  one in Louisiana and one in New Jersey, because he was being transferred through Elizabeth Detention Center when his attorneys first filed a petition for his release.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed Khalil supports terrorist group Hamas and called his presence in the country a national security risk. Rubio has cited a rarely used provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 to justify Khalils deportation.

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Farbiarz noted in his Wednesday ruling that the government could argue that Khalil would have been detained anyway because he inaccurately filled out his lawful permanent resident application, which can be a basis for removal under very rare circumstances. But that argument wont work, he said.

Lawful permanent residents are virtually never detained pending removal for the sort of alleged omission Khalil is accused of, the judge wrote in the 14-page filing.

Khalil, whose wife and newborn son are American citizens, has not been charged with any crime. He was among the first university students who were picked up by immigration authorities targeting pro-Palestine activists. Some students who were detained under similar circumstances have been released but still face deportation.

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People visit the 10th Agritec Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, June 12, 2025.(Xinhua/Han Xu)

NAIROBI, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The hum of excited conversations filled the air as visitors navigated the bustling aisles of the 10th Agritec Africa, an international exhibition and conference on agriculture technology currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya's capital.

Among the attendees was 51-year-old Henry Wesonga, a farmer from Trans-Nzoia County in northwestern Kenya, who listened attentively as representatives from Beijing Ecoman Biotech Com., Ltd., explained the benefits of biological pest control over conventional chemical methods.

"Years of using synthetic agrochemicals on my horticultural crops to control harmful insects have jeopardized my access to lucrative export markets," Wesonga told Xinhua on Thursday. "I want to use Chinese bio-sustainable products for effective pests control."

Emmanuel Monga, marketing specialist for international business at Ecoman Biotech, said that Chinese firms have developed green pest control technologies that offer farmers viable alternatives to chemical insecticides.

Monga noted that the company also provides affordable solar-powered devices that monitor and trap pests like fruit flies and the false codling moth -- both common threats to crops in many African countries.

The three-day expo, organized by Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, brought together more than 100 exhibitors from 13 countries.

Desmond Mwanza, a farmer based in Kitui County in eastern Kenya, said he was particularly impressed by the booth run by Inner Mongolia Longze Water Saving Irrigation Technology, which showcased products designed for conserving water.

"My land is located in an arid area with unpredictable rainfall," the 42-year-old farmer said. "I'm considering purchasing drip irrigation hoses from the Chinese company."

Meanwhile, Edwin Muriuki, a poultry and dairy farmer, praised the offerings at the booth of China Animal Husbandry Industry Com., Ltd., which showcased drugs to treat Newcastle disease, a major challenge for Kenyan poultry farmers.

Jiang Chunyang, business manager for the export department at the company, said their specialized veterinary products are designed to enhance livestock productivity in Kenya.

Also in attendance was Nicholas Nyakundi, owner of a 12-acre tea plantation in Kisii County in western Kenya. He traveled about 300 km to attend the expo and spent much of his time engaging with representatives from Hangzhou Ochizaki Tea Machinery Com., Ltd.

"With a Chinese tea-plucking machine, I'll be able to harvest 500 kg of tea per day with just one worker, instead of 10," he said. "That would significantly boost my farm's profits." 

A Chinese exhibitor (L) talks with a visitor at the 10th Agritec Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, June 12, 2025.(Xinhua/Han Xu)

Chinese exhibitors communicate with visitors at the 10th Agritec Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, June 12, 2025.(Xinhua/Han Xu)

An exhibitor (R) talks with a visitor at the 10th Agritec Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 12, 2025.(Xinhua/Han Xu)

A Chinese exhibitor (L) talks with a visitor at the 10th Agritec Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, June 12, 2025.(Xinhua/Han Xu)

An exhibitor (L) talks with a visitor at the 10th Agritec Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, on June 12, 2025.(Xinhua/Han Xu)
The Brief

A federal judge ruled that ICE must release Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student and recent Columbia graduate, unless the government appeals within 40 hours.

Khalil, a green card holder, was detained in March by DHS agents and held in Louisiana for his involvement in pro-Palestinian campus protests.

The Trump administration argues Khalil's activism threatens U.S. foreign policy interests, but has not alleged criminal conduct or presented evidence linking him to extremist groups.

NEW YORK - A federal judge has ruled that the government must release Mahmoud Khalil, the former Columbia University student who has been in ICE custody for over two months over pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

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The government has 40 hours to appeal the decision; until then, Khalil will remain in custody, likely through at least Friday.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - 2025/03/10: Hundreds protest in Foley Square demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist and recent Columbia graduate. Khalil, a green card holder and married to a U.S. citizen, was taken from his home by agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the night of March 8, 2025, but has since received a reprieve from deportation. A federal judge in New York blocked the Trump administration's efforts to deport him until a conference on Wednesday. . (Photo by Michael Nigro/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)

"The courts decision is the most significant vindication yet of Mahmouds rights," said Ramzi Kassem, co-director of CLEAR, a legal nonprofit and clinic at the City University of New York that represents Khalil. "But we arent out of the woods until Mahmoud is free and back home with his wife and child."

Timeline

The Trump administration has been pushing to deport Khalil and other student demonstrators over their involvement in campus protests against Israel.

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"We gave you a visa to study and earn a degree, not to become a social activist and tear up our university campuses," Sen. Marco Rubio said shortly after Khalil's arrest.

Who is Mahmoud Khalil?

Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil talks to the press during the press briefing organized by Pro-Palestinian protesters who set up a new encampment at Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus on Friday evening, in New York City, United States on June 01, 2024. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Khalil, a 30-year-old Palestinian by ethnicity who was born in Syria, was arrested back on March 8 in New York and taken to a detention center in Louisiana.

The immigration detention center in Jena, Louisiana, is thousands of miles from his attorneys and wife (a U.S. citizen), who gave birth to their first child while he was in custody.

He recently finished his coursework for a master's degree at Columbias school of international affairs.

The backstory

Khalil has adamantly rejected allegations of antisemitism, accusing the Trump administration in a letter sent from jail last month of "targeting me as part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent."

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"Knowing fully that this moment transcends my individual circumstances," he added, "I hope nonetheless to be free to witness the birth of my first-born child."

Facing a deadline from an immigration judge to turn over evidence for its attempted deportation of Khalil, the federal government submitted a brief memo, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, citing the Trump administrations authority to expel non-citizens whose presence in the country damages U.S. foreign policy interests.

The two-page memo, which was obtained by the Associated Press, does not allege any criminal conduct by Khalil.

Rather, Rubio wrote, Khalil could be expelled for his beliefs.

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Judge Farbiarz had ruled earlier that expelling Khalil from the U.S. on those grounds was likely unconstitutional.

Big picture view

The Trump administration has pulled billions of dollars in government funding from universities and their affiliated hospital systems in recent weeks as part of what it says is a campaign against antisemitism on college campuses, but which critics say is a crackdown on free speech. To get the money back, the administration has been telling universities to punish protesters and make other changes.

The U.S. government has also been revoking the visas of international students who criticized Israel or accused it of mistreating Palestinians.

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At the time of Khalil's arrest, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson accused Khalil of leading activities "aligned to Hamas," referring to the militant group that attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

But the government has not produced any evidence linking Khalil to Hamas, and made no reference to the group in their most recent filing.
SAN FRANCISCO  A federal judge cast doubts Thursday on the legality of President Donald Trumps deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles, warning that the Trump administrations contention that the presidents position cannot be second-guessed  even by the courts  evoked the founders fear of a monarchy.

Thats not where we live. We live in response to a monarch. This country was founded in response to a monarch, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said during an emergency court hearing on a lawsuit filed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The Constitution is a document of limitations.

Breyer suggested Trumps call-up of 4,000 members of Californias National Guard to the streets of Los Angeles  over Newsoms fierce objection  may have been legally deficient.

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The judge said Trump did not appear to have issued the order through Newsom himself, despite a legal requirement that such orders pass through the governor of the state involved.

Im trying to figure out how something is through somebody if in fact you didnt give it to him, Breyer wondered aloud. It would be the first time Ive ever seen something going through somebody if it never went to them directly.

And the judge also sounded dubious of Trumps claim that the unrest in Los Angeles posed a danger of rebellion, one of several possible predicates for his power to federalize Californias Guard troops. Breyer forcefully resisted the Justice Department's contention that Trumps claim of a potential rebellion is unreviewable by the courts.

Thats the difference between a Constitutional government and King George, Breyer said. Its not that a leader can simply say something and it becomes it.

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Justice Department attorney Brett Shumate insisted that violence directed at federal officials over the weekend was sufficiently dangerous to support Trumps finding. Trump on Saturday ordered the guard to Los Angeles after a wave of protests there against the administrations deportation policies turned violent.

Shumate argued that Trump had satisfied the laws procedural requirements as well by communicating his order through Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the commander of the California National Guard, who answers to Newsom.

Even if the judge found fault in that process, Shumate said, it wasnt enough to unwind the deployment. The DOJ attorney dismissed any slip-up as a foot fault, that the White House should be allowed to fix with new paperwork.

Breyer, 83, a Clinton appointee and the younger brother of former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, promised to make a determination very soon, perhaps as early as Thursday afternoon. And despite the judges inclinations in court, its unclear just what relief he could grant.

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The only immediate, urgent ask from California Attorney General Rob Bontas office, which filed the lawsuit on Newsoms behalf, was that National Guard troops be barred from taking part in immigration enforcement operations. However, it seemed during the hearing that Breyer was toying with the idea of declaring the whole National Guard deployment illegal.

At one point during the hearing, Breyer held up a pocket copy of the Constitution and waved it in front of Shumate. After the DOJ attorney said Trump has broad powers over the military under the founding document, the judge said those werent the only issues implicated by the case.

This is a country that champions the right to free speech and champions the right to redress grievances. Thats also in the book, the judge said.

Breyer did suggest several times that he was uncomfortable with the notion of micromanaging the operation of the military. He declined to immediately consider Newsoms request to block the deployment of 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles, saying any action seemed premature because they hadnt yet arrived in the city.

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Shumate asked Breyer to stay the effect of any order he might issue for 48 hours so that the Trump administration could appeal. The states lawyer, Nicholas Green, opposed any such delay.

Newsoms team, which filed the lawsuit on Monday, asked the judge on Tuesday to issue a temporary restraining order within two hours. The judge instead gave the Justice Department a day to file a written opposition and setting the hearing he held Thursday.
ASHTABULA  The Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum is planning several events to celebrate Juneteenth.

Museum Executive Director Sally Bradley said a special walk-through event is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Sunday.

This self-guided experience invites the public to reflect on the history of emancipation and honor the courage of those who fought for freedom, Bradley said.

The Hubbard House served as final stop on the Underground Railroad.

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The Juneteenth walk-through offers visitors a powerful opportunity to explore the museums historic rooms, exhibits, and artifacts  including the Daisy Baskerville Africana Rooms, the Soldiers Room, and the Civil War Lobby, Bradley said.

This is a day of rememberance, resilience, and reconnection. We welcome all to walk through the history, reflect on the legacy, and take part in a meaningful celebration of freedom, she said.

The event is free and donations are welcome to support the museums educational programs and preservation efforts, Bradley said.

A Juneteenth event is also being scheduled for noon June 19, starting at the Hubbard House, said Rev. Sharone Sing, who serves on the museums board.

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We will meet at Hubbard House and march to Miracle Temple for a short memorial service in recognition of Juneteenth, he said.

He said a reading of General Order #3 will occur at Hubbard House. The order was originally delivered by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Texas and announced the end of slavery.

Freedom had been granted two and a half years before by the Emancipation Proclamation, but was not communicated to the former slaves until 1865.

Sing said the service is expected to be short and include several songs, and some words to commemorate the event.
America's newest federal holiday is right around the corner, but not everyone may get the day off work.

Juneteenth commemorates the events of June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas when the last Black slaves of the Confederacy were ordered free following the arrival of Union troops.

The day, which rose to national prominence in 2020 amid nationwide protests for ongoing racial inequities, was officially recognized a federal holiday by President Joe Biden in 2021.

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But with the Trump administration pushing to end diversity, equity and inclusion, and Gov. Kevin Stitt following the president's stances against DEI, many may wonder how the Sooner State will celebrate the freedom of formerly enslaved people.

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?

As it currently stands, Juneteenth is a federal holiday but not a state holiday, meaning that on Thursday, June 19, federal offices, such as the Oklahoma City Federal Building, will be closed, while state-run offices will remain open.

Conversely, the City of Oklahoma City declares an official holiday on Juneteenth, with a modified schedule and closures for city-run offices.

The governor has acknowledged the holiday in previous years; for instance, in 2020, he released a statement regarding the holiday amid the country's racial relations.

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However, Stitt's office has yet to release a statement since then, only making posts on X in 2021 and 2022.

What is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a federal holiday that honors June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas were set free. The order for the state came about two and a half years after the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.

It became a federal holiday in 2021 under the Biden administration.

When is Juneteenth 2025? Does it always fall on the same day?

Juneteenth will be celebrated on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

The holiday is tied to that date, but workers might get the day off on a Monday or Friday some years if the federal holiday falls on a weekend.

Are Juneteenth events being canceled?

In Oklahoma, Juneteenth remains on the calendar, both as a federal holiday and as organizers begin their events.

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Oklahoma City and Tulsa both have events scheduled during Juneteenth weekend, with Tulsa's events starting on June 18.

Is Juneteenth a state holiday in Oklahoma?

Governor Kevin Stitt acknowledged the holiday throughout Oklahoma in June 2020, 2021 and 2022, though he hasn't since.

In his 2020 statement, he stated, "As a man of faith, I look to 1 Corinthians 12:26, which says, 'If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.'"

"We can admit that racism is real and that it's wrong, even if we haven't experienced it firsthand. After all, how can we be a part of a solution to a problem we won't admit exists?"

Today marks the celebration of Juneteenth -- a day where we recognize the end of slavery in the United States and reflect on where we are as a nation.



Over the past few weeks, I've spent a lot of time reflecting, listening and learning.



Please take a minute to read my thoughts. pic.twitter.com/PSBHRBCmMi  Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) June 19, 2020

Are government offices closed on Juneteenth?

Oklahoma has observed Juneteenth since 1994, but it is not a state holiday; therefore, state government offices in Oklahoma will remain open.

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Likewise, city offices and city operations will be affected by the holiday.

Governor Stitt's Office did not comment on whether the governor plans to declare the holiday this year.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Is Juneteenth a federal holiday? Will Oklahoma recognize it? What to know
WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC4)  The mother of the missing 15-year-old girl from West Jordan has spoken out about her worries about her daughters disappearance.

Sophia Rojas, 15, was last seen on June 3, and she has had no contact with her friends or family since, according to West Jordan police. She was last seen wearing a grey suit and pants.

Police believe that she may be with an adult, and she may be lying about her age.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Family, police seeking information on missing 15-year-old girl from West Jordan

Her mother, Porscha Chavez, spoke to ABC4.com about her daughters disappearance.

She took off in the middle of the night, and I havent heard from her or seen her since, she said.

Chavez told ABC4.com that Sophia left a note, but that the first sentence of the note didnt sound like her.

The note said, Dont jump into getting the police involved. The rest of the note said that she had a place to stay, not to worry about her, and not to be mad, that she would be back eventually.

Courtesy: Porscha Chavez

Courtesy: Porscha Chavez

Courtesy: Porscha Chavez

Courtesy: Porscha Chavez

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Courtesy: Porscha Chavez

Chavez believes that she is with an adult because she left in the middle of the night on a school night and none of her usual circle of friends have heard from her.

Sophia also has a history of talking to adults online and lying about her age, Chavez said. Chavez took Sophias phone away in February for that reason.

I do feel like shes possibly been groomed. I think that she feels like its not gonna happen to her, and that shell be okay, and she has the teenager mindset of nothings gonna happen to her and she knows everything and shes fine, she said.

Chavez told ABC4.com that she is able to see that Sophia has a different phone signed into her Google account, and Chavez does not know where that phone came from. She is able to see that it is logged in, but she cannot see its location.

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VIDEO: UTA releases footage of 4-vehicle crash involving bus on I-15

Chavez also shared her biggest worries about the situation her daughter is in.

My concerns are that shes with an adult, who may be feeding things to her, and possibly, now that this is getting awareness and stuff, that they may not let her go if she wants to go home, Chavez said.

She also told ABC4.com that she feels like Sophias case is not getting the attention it deserves because her daughter is not white.

Chavez shared what she wants Sophia to hear from her. Come home, she said. We just want to know that shes safe, and we want her back home safely.

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West Jordan Police are asking that anyone with information about Sophia Rojas contact 801-256-2000 and reference case WJ25-27102.

Latest headlines:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
President Trump has the authority to abolish national monuments set aside by past presidents to protect areas of historic and scientific interest, the Justice Department said in an opinion this week, potentially laying the groundwork to dismantle Californias two newest monuments  Chuckwalla and Sattitla Highlands.

The May 27 legal opinion released Tuesday overturns a more than 80-year-old Justice Department determination that presidents cant revoke national monuments created by their predecessors under the Antiquities Act.

The finding follows an Interior Department effort to explore altering monuments as part of a push to expand U.S. energy production, a move that set off alarm bells among conservationists that certain public lands could be on the chopping block.

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Then-President Biden signed proclamations designating Chuckwalla and Sattitla Highlands national monuments in Californias desert and far north shortly before leaving office early this year. The Justice Department, in its new opinion, said it was asked to look into whether the Antiquities Act  the 1906 law permitting presidents to create monuments  can be used to revoke them.

The opinion, titled, "Revocation of Prior Monument Designations," says it can.

In the 50-page document, Deputy Assistant Atty. Gen. Lanora Pettit wrote that presidents can find "that the 'landmarks,' 'structures,' or 'objects' identified in the prior declaration either never were or no longer are deserving of the Acts protections; and such an alteration can have the effect of eliminating entirely the reservation of the parcel of land previously associated with a national monument.

Since its passage, the Antiquities Act has been used by 18 presidents  split evenly between Republicans and Democrats  to designate monuments. California is home to 21 national monuments, more than any other state.

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Read more: Interior Secretary Burgum eyes national monuments for energy resources

During a Wednesday hearing in Washington, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) questioned Interior Secretary Doug Burgum about the opinion, which he called "extremely dangerous."

He specifically asked what the secretary's intentions were with regard to the Golden States newest monuments, which he described as enjoying strong bipartisan support.

We have a responsibility and direction to take a look at the recently created ones, Burgum replied.

"There are people in communities, when we create restrictions on land use, that does restrict some of their economic opportunity, and we want to listen to those as well, he said, adding that the department is seeking "a balanced approach" and would be open to further dialogue.

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Padilla and fellow Sen. Adam Schiff were among the federal lawmakers from California who pushed for the creation of the monuments.

"The Trump administration is seeking to rewrite the Antiquities Act without the approval of Congress and erase all precedent prohibiting the elimination of lands designated as a national monument, Schiff said in a statement. "And, continuing his assault on the Golden State, the president seems to have at least two California treasures in mind: Chuckwalla and Sattitla national monuments.

But the law is clear: Congress did not intend for the Antiquities Act to give Donald Trump or any other president the power to reverse the decades of hard work undertaken by conservationists, tribal leaders, and local California communities to safeguard precious lands and cultural sites, he added.

Thomas Tortez of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla tribe walks into Painted Canyon. The area became part of the Chuckwalla National Monument when it was created in January. (Tyrone Beason / Los Angeles Times)

Chuckwalla spans 624,000 acres of dramatic canyons and rugged land adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California, while Sattitla encompasses 224,000 acres of pristine forests and unique geological features near the Oregon border. Native Americans led the charge to safeguard the land they consider sacred.

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Critics of the way the Antiquities Act has been used to set aside vast tracts of land often point to a mandate for monuments to be limited to the "smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected."

But public lands advocates note that the law has long been used by presidents to protect large landmasses  including the designation of the Grand Canyon by Theodore Roosevelt in 1908.

Padilla said that Western states skew large relative to their Eastern counterparts, "so the appropriateness and size of monuments and other areas of designation tend to be larger."

John Leshy, an emeritus professor at UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a former solicitor at the Interior Department, sees the new opinion as a largely symbolic gesture being made by the Trump administration on behalf of a faction of the Republican Party that "hates public lands."

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I think they're throwing that out to try to placate them and say, We're on your side, he said. But will that quiet them down until the president actually takes some sort of action? I don't know.

Even before Californias youngest monuments were designated, there were fears they could be rolled back by the Trump administration.

During his first term, Trump sharply reduced the boundaries of two monuments in Utah  Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante  and stripped protections from a marine monument off the coast of New England to allow commercial fishing . The Biden administration reversed the changes .

In February, Burgum issued an order that many saw as opening the door to potentially eliminating or shrinking monuments. He directed his assistant secretaries to review and, as appropriate, revise all withdrawn public lands, citing a federal statute corresponding to the law that allows presidents to create monuments.

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Some believed Californias new monuments were at most risk of being targeted, in part because Trump might seek to undo his predecessors actions.

Then, a little over a month later, the Trump administration caused confusion when it issued and then appeared to roll back an announcement implying the president had rescinded his predecessors orders creating Chuckwalla and Sattitla .

Last month, a federal suit was filed by a Texas-based conservative think tank on behalf of plaintiffs to invalidate the Chuckwalla monument, arguing Biden had overstepped his authority when he created it.

Read more: Biden created Chuckwalla monument in the California desert. A lawsuit aims to undo it

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Whether presidents have the authority to alter monuments is hotly contested. Litigation challenging Trumps previous monument reductions was still pending when Biden reversed them and the matter was never settled.

"Courts have never ruled on this issue one way or another," Leshy said. "They've just been silent on whether one president can undo another president's proclamation."

If Trump moves to undo monuments in California, litigation is likely.

Krystian Lahage of the Mojave Desert Land Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the California desert, said his group is trying to raise awareness of the broad support for Chuckwalla.

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Sunday marked the 119th anniversary of the Antiquities Act, and to celebrate the group co-hosted an event that Lahage said drew more than 100 people. There was an off-roading tour, an exploration of the geology and wildlife, stargazing and a community BBQ.

Our goal there was to show folks all the different things they can do in the national monument  and what it's protecting, he said.



This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
LOS ANGELES  Like many Angelenos, Kamala Harris has spent recent days glued to local TV news and doom-scrolling on the Apple News app.

Unlike most in the city, shes also been making calls to her mayor, Karen Bass, and Gov. Gavin Newsom, a person close to her told Playbook.

Such is the odd duality of the former vice presidents state of affairs  a civilian who not long ago was the putative leader of the Democratic Party and who could soon be seeking that role again, either in another White House bid or by running for California governor. This will-she-or-wont-she-phase, described by five people with knowledge of her activities, has now collided with the worlds biggest news story unfolding in her backyard.

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Harris has been choosy about when to weigh in publicly on politics since leaving Washington. So her statement on social media this week denouncing President Donald Trumps activation of the National Guard as a dangerous escalation instantly lent itself to frenzied tea leaves reading.

(Not to mention shenanigans: A post with similar formatting that stated Harris was passing on the governors race cropped up online soon after, temporarily confusing political insiders and even other gubernatorial candidates. The suspicious provenance, not to mention the typos, shouldve been the tip-off it was fake.)

For Harris, it was a natural issue to speak up on for several reasons, according to one of the people familiar with her thinking and granted anonymity to speak freely. First, shes coming at this as a lifelong Californian who came up in law enforcement and has made the rule of law a driving theme of her career. She also empathizes with the protesters, after growing up steeped in the civil rights protests of her childhood and campus anti-apartheid movement of the 1980s.

From her time as vice president, shes aware of how the decisions made in the White House can shape these volatile situations  hence her denunciation of Trump for making what she called a cruel, calculated decision to spread panic and division.

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As tumultuous as these days have been, those close to her say her decision making process has not been fundamentally disrupted. Her late-summer deadline remains the same, which means the waiting game will likely continue for weeks.

Harris allies, who are ever cautious of getting out ahead of her decision, argue that if she does enter the governors race, the president picking a fight with the state will be a boon to her, since shed be the only one in the field of Democrats who has been in direct confrontation with him before. And, in their view, Trump taking aim at Los Angeles now undermines a point thats being whispered quietly among some rival contenders  that his personal dislike of Harris could imperil the state.

If she was worried that her becoming governor might put a bigger target on California, the last week took that question off the table, one Harris supporter said. We've got a helluva target on us no matter who the governor is.

Right now, its Newsom, her longtime friend and rival, whos bearing the brunt of Trumps ire, and his profile has surged substantially because of it. Harris, who wasnt able to connect with him but left him a voicemail to express support, may be eyeing Newsoms rising stock as she contemplates her next moves, said Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio.

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Theres enhanced competition if she does decide to run for president. Thats a worry, because shes clearly thinking, Do I want to do that again? he said. On the other hand, it helps her if she runs for governor, because aside from him in the state, shes viewed as the most anti-Trump candidate.



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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City homicide detectives are working to figure out how and when a man was killed after officers found him unresponsive on Thursday morning.

Kansas City Police Captain Jake Becchina told reporters at the scene near 34th and Broadway that security officers called 9-1-1 at about 6:45 a.m. after they saw the victim on the ground and unresponsive. Emergency responders did attempt first aid, but the man was declared dead at the scene.

Man charged in connection with death of Platte County sports reporter shot on I-29

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Capt. Becchina said while the man, identified later Thursday afternoon as 62-year-old Jerry Terry, had significant injuries, detectives are still working to determine how he was killed.

The investigation is taking place in a parking lot behind an apartment complex, but so far investigators havent determined if the victim lived there or was visiting.

Kansas City police are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead near 34th and Broadway on June 12, 2025.

Detectives are speaking with security officers who called 9-1-1 and looking for any surveillance video to help determine a timeline and identify any suspects.

This is a developing story that FOX4 will update as we confirm more information.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Top state officials in Kansas are taking positions in support of or in opposition to President Donald Trumps controversial use of the National Guard in Los Angeles.

Trumps crackdown on protests and riots in Los Angeles is stirring political tension across the nation, including in Kansas. Lawmakers and politicians aligned with the Democratic or Republican Parties are speaking out this week in a show of support or condemnation of Trumps actions.

Kansas Democrat Governor Laura Kelly issued a press release on June 12 stating that she is joining leaders in 20 other states in a show of support for Californias request for a court order to block Trumps alleged unlawful use of the National Guard in the Golden State. Kelly and the other leaders filed an amicus brief outlining what they argue is an unlawful use of Californias National Guard.

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The United States of America is founded on the rule of law, including respect for states rights. The federalization of the California National Guard by President Trump, without the coordination of the Governor of California, is a violation of states rights, Kelly said. President Trumps actions constitute a threat to the authority of the nations governors to command their National Guards. I joined this brief to preserve state sovereignty and halt federalization of state National Guards without the coordination of their governors.

What are the ICE partnerships being formed with Kansas sheriffs?

The amicus brief accuses Trump of misusing the National Guard and that it undermines the rule of law. The group claims Trumps actions set a chilling precedent that puts the constitutional rights of people across the nation at risk.

Kansas Republican Attorney General Kris Kobach posted his own message on social media on June 11 in support of Trumps actions.

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We will always defend the right to peacefully protest, but theres nothing peaceful about arson, assault, and anarchy, Kobach said. If you set police cars on fire, throw Molotov cocktails at law enforcement, and loot businesses, you must be held accountable. In California, were seeing the results of leadership that excuses lawlessness and undermines law enforcement. When local and state officials wont act, the federal government must. We stand with law enforcement, we support President Trumps action, and we will not let chaos take hold in our states.

Protests in Los Angeles have led to numerous arrests as people in the city speak out against the raids being conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (ICE). Many protests are being planned across the nation for June 14 in opposition to the Trump Administration, including in Topeka, as the Army plans to celebrate its 250th birthday with a parade in Washington, D.C.

What new Kansas laws go into effect on July 1, 2025?

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.

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Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

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Jaden Watts is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Demarc M. Burgess, who was fatally shot on March 22 in Wichita, Kan.

In April, the Wichita Police Department said that Watts, 18, was wanted for questioning and asked for information regarding his whereabouts

Despite police efforts and requests for public assistance, Watts is still at large







Prosecutors in Kansas have charged an 18-year-old with murder despite the fact that police have been unable to locate him.

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Jaden Watts, 18, is accused of shooting 24-year-old Demarc M. Burgess multiple times on March 22 after a fight between the two escalated into a shooting, according to the Wichita Police Department.

Burgess would die later that same day at a local hospital, and the man who is now being charged with his murder disappeared.

The District Attorney's Office for the 18th Judicial District of the State of Kansas filed formal charges in the case on June 3 in Sedgwick County.

PEOPLE obtained a copy of the filing, which charges Watts with second-degree murder. A second man, Trillian Ross, is facing one count each of tampering with evidence and being a felon in possession of a handgun.

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 charge against Watts comes after the WPD issued a felony pickup for arrest shortly after the shooting.

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"Jaden is sought for questioning regarding this case and may have pertinent information," police said at the time. "If you have information about his whereabouts, please call 911 immediately or contact WPD Investigators."

A few days later, the WPD again released a statement.

"The Wichita Police Department is still searching for Jaden Watts. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is encouraged to contact investigators," wrote the WPD in the statement, which appeared on all of their social media accounts.

It has been more than six weeks since that statement was released, and still Watts remains at large.

A spokesperson for the Wichita Police Department tells PEOPLE that police consider Watts a fugitive and not a missing person.

Read the original article on People
UNITED NATIONS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- A complete collapse of Gaza's telecommunications infrastructure has cut digital connections for emergency services, humanitarian coordination and critical information for civilians, paralyzing aid operations, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.

"Our partners working on telecommunications say this is due to damage to the last fiber cable route serving central and southern Gaza, likely caused during heavy military activity," said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "This is not a routine outage, but a total failure of Gaza's digital infrastructure. There is a full internet blackout, and mobile networks are barely functioning."

OCHA said emergency services are without communications, cutting civilians from access to life-saving support in an environment of already severe access limitations due to evacuation orders and military operations.

The office said the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees reported losing contact with colleagues in Gaza, apparently a common problem for relief agencies in the strip.

OCHA warned that the Israeli fuel blockade of more than 100 days has reached a critical point. It said fuel is running out fast and that essential services keeping people alive are dangerously close to shutting down.

"Our colleagues working on health now warn that nearly 80 percent of health facilities providing life-saving services may very soon run out of fuel," the office said. "That's 67 out of 85 such facilities, including 17 hospitals, seven field hospitals, and 43 primary health care centers. They warn that lives are on the line, particularly newborns who depend on incubators and ventilators, and other patients in critical care units."

OCHA said dialysis services are also expected to shut down. Ambulance services and patient referrals are expected to come to a halt, effectively eliminating the so-called "golden hour" critical for trauma care -- the crucial first hour after trauma injury, when medical treatment is most likely to save a person's life.

The office said other critical services that could be affected by fuel depletion include water wells and desalination systems. Israeli authorities denied more than a dozen attempts to retrieve fuel from northern Gaza.

OCHA said the UN Office for Project Services reported that an attempt to retrieve fuel on Thursday was initially approved after weeks of repeated access denials. But shelling forced the team to turn back, with an injured fuel truck driver.

The office again called on the Israeli authorities to urgently restore the entry of fuel into Gaza and facilitate access to reserves that are already inside.

OCHA said more displacements have been ordered. New evacuation orders were issued on Thursday for six neighborhoods across three governorates: Gaza North, Gaza, and Khan Younis, covering more than 3 square kilometers.

The humanitarians added that Israeli authorities have not allowed any tents or other shelter materials into the Gaza Strip to house the displaced for the past 100 days, just like the fuel blockade.

However, there was some positive news on the relief front.

UN teams collected 56 truckloads of food supplies from the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem border crossing and brought them to northern Gaza.

This was the first time since early March that the United Nations has been allowed to use the Zikim entry point, also known as Erez West. The office said the green light enabled a relatively safer passage for humanitarian teams to reach the north.

Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) reported that Palestinians involved in distributing supplies were attacked, and some of them killed.

"While we don't have independent information on this -- and the telecommunications blackout isn't helping us here -- OCHA reiterates that civilians must never be attacked, let alone those trying to access or provide food amid mass starvation," Haq told a regular briefing.

The U.S.-sponsored GHF, approved by Israel, initiated aid delivery at a few distribution points last week, forcing Palestinians desperate for food to trek, in some cases, for miles to reach the militarized hubs.

The United Nations and its partners, in contrast, deliver to many local communities. The partners said they did not cooperate with the GHF scheme because it does not meet fair international aid standards. 
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) is grappling with the second high-profile crisis of her tenure as immigration protests roil her city, months after devastating wildfires tore through the region.

Bass, whos running for reelection in 2026, faced backlash over her wildfire response, including an ill-timed trip abroad as the crisis started, and her favorability ratings have taken a hit. Now, the first-term mayor is navigating demonstrations that have drawn national attention and intervention from President Trump, who went around Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) this weekend to send hundreds of National Guard troops into Los Angeles.

Shes the only big name running for her mayoral seat at this early point in the midterm cycle, and experts say her handling of the current crisis could help cement her glide path to reelection  or open the door for challengers.

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I feel like Karen Bass and her team learned at the beginning of the year that every moment from now until her reelection is crucial to get right, said California Democratic strategist Kate Maeder.

Bass has been battle-tested with the recent wildfire devastation. And with this, she gets another chance to show that she can lead the city through a crisis.

Bass, a progressive who defeated wealthy Republican-turned-Democrat Rick Caruso in the 2022 mayoral race, faced some of the fiercest criticism levied at Democratic officials during the California wildfires in January. As leader of the city at the center of the disaster, she was blasted for being on a U.S. delegation trip to Ghana as fires broke out and hammered over a viral clip in which she remained silent in the face of a reporters questions.

The fires would go on to wreak massive damage throughout Los Angeles, and theyve appeared to impact Bass in the polls as communities recover.

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From 2024 to 2025, her net favorability flipped from a net-positive score to a net rating of negative 12, according to the annual University of California, Los Angeles, Luskin School Quality of Life Index survey in Los Angeles County released in April.

A University of California, Berkeley, Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) survey in March found 44 percent of Los Angeles voters thought Bass did a poor or very poor job responding to the wildfires, compared to 36 percent who thought she did fair or better.

And an IGS poll in May found 32 percent of voters within the city of Los Angeles viewed Bass favorably, compared to 50 percent who viewed her unfavorably and another 18 percent with no opinion. Shortly before her 2022 mayoral win, 50 percent viewed her favorably.

Now, the tensions between law enforcement, protesters and the federal government in Los Angeles pose a new problem for Bass, though some also see it as a chance at redemption.

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During the fires, Karen Bass was nowhere, and during this crisis, shes everywhere, said California Democratic strategist Steve Maviglio.

She has to prove that she can handle a crisis, which she was faulted on being unable to do during the fires. And so this is a real test for her, Maviglio said, adding that the mayor has been right on message so far.

Last weekend, as demonstrators in the city expressed outrage over the Trump administrations crackdown on immigration, Trump activated 2,000 National Guard members to quell the protesters. The move marked a rare instance of a president calling in the forces without agreement from the state, and Democrats cast it as an abuse of power. Meanwhile, Trump has accused Bass and Newsom of being unable to do their jobs.

The national attention on the situation makes for an added challenge, in that Bass has to counter Trumps rhetoric about whats happening in her city.

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Shes got to come up with a narrative that shows that the resistance led by her contributed to the end of the crisis on good terms for Los Angeles, said Fernando Guerra, founding director of the Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University. I dont know what that looks like, and thats the degree of difficulty for her.

California leaders have so far walked a balance of pushing back against Trump, supporting the right to protest and condemning violence. Bass on Tuesday stressed that the situation was under control before the White House stepped in.

On Saturday, the President posted a message about what a great job the National Guard did in L.A. They didnt even get here until Sunday. This entire effort is solely to cause chaos and the people of Los Angeles  and our troops  dont deserve it, she said on X.

It is really a high wire test for her, said David McCuan, a political science professor at Sonoma State University. Past crises have been prickly for the mayor.

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Before becoming mayor of the countrys second-largest city, Bass served in the California state Assembly  where she was the first African American woman to be Speaker of any state legislature  and then represented Californias 33rd Congressional District in the U.S. House.

She faced a recall effort after the wildfires earlier this year, but even former rival Caruso came out against it, saying Los Angeles needed unity after the disaster.

As of right now, Bass is the only big-name candidate in the 2026 race. If that doesnt change, shes all but assured another mayoral term in the blue stronghold, experts said, despite her dip in favorability polling.

But Californias primary registration deadline isnt until next spring, and prospective candidates could be taking a wait-and-see approach as she handles political hot water.

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She has a real opportunity with this crisis  to thwart any challengers, if shes able to show strength to solve the problem and to coalesce her support, Maeder said.

Caruso, who lost to Bass by roughly 10 points in 2022, is reportedly weighing another bid for the seat, though hes also cropped up in chatter for the open governors mansion because Newsom is term-limited.

If you see a further deterioration of her support, that will lead to not only Caruso, but potential other either self-funded candidates or a state legislator or a member of Congress seriously thinking about running, Guerra said, with the caveat that thats a big if.

Even after protests dissipate, though, recovery is going to take a lot of leadership as well, Maviglio said.

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If she proves she can handle this crisis, thats going to give anybody who was [thinking of] running because of the fires second thoughts.

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Lawyers for Karen Read rested their case Wednesday, nearly two weeks after they began mounting a defense that sought to undermine allegations that she drunkenly backed her SUV into her boyfriend, a Boston police officer, and left him for dead three years ago.

The case, which prompted intense media coverage and allegations of law enforcement misconduct that led to the firing of the cases lead investigator, could be with the jury in Dedham, Massachusetts, by the end of the week.

Reads sensational first trial ended nearly one year ago with a jury unable to reach a unanimous verdict on charges of second-degree murder and other crimes in connection with the Jan. 29, 2022, death of John OKeefe.

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The defense did not call key figures central to the theory it laid out in those initial proceedings  that Read was the victim of a biased police investigation and a plot that sought to frame her for the killing  and opted instead for a series of experts whose testimony sought to dismantle the prosecutions evidence.

More on the Karen Read murder retrial

Among them were three crash reconstruction specialists and two pathologists. Also called to the witness stand was a snowplow driver who offered what was perhaps the defense's most direct challenge to the case Norfolk County special prosecutor Hank Brennan had presented.

Blizzardlike conditions descended on the Boston area on Jan. 29, and the driver, Brian Loughran, testified that before the snow grew heavy, he made multiple passes on the residential street in Canton where OKeefe was found unresponsive.

Karen Read talks with Norfolk County Superior Court Judge Beverly Cannone after she was asked whether she wants to take the stand in her own defense in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., on Wednesday. (Greg Derr / The Patriot Ledger via USA Today Network Pool)

OKeefe was discovered near a flagpole in the front yard of a now-retired Boston police sergeant, Brian Albert, shortly after 6 a.m.  a little over three hours after, Loughran said, he first passed the home in his plow, nicknamed Frankentruck for what he described as its mismatch of parts.

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Loughran said he knew the Albert family  he used to deliver pizzas for Brian Alberts brother  and he testified that he could clearly see from his truck to Alberts front door.

What was on the ground in the area of the flagpole? defense attorney David Yanetti asked.

Nothing, Loughran responded.

Did you see a 6-foot-1, 216-pound man lying on that lawn? Yanetti asked.

No, Loughran said.

After a night of drinking, OKeefe was supposed to have gone to a gathering at Alberts home early Jan. 29. Brennan has said he never made it inside. Although prosecutors presented no direct evidence of the collision that they said mortally wounded OKeefe, vehicle data presented at trial showed Read suddenly reversing her Lexus at 12:32 a.m. at 24 mph in front of Alberts home.

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An accident reconstruction expert called by Brennan testified that dozens of abrasions found on OKeefes right arm were consistent with injuries caused by the broken right taillight on Reads SUV.

Read has said she dropped OKeefe off outside Alberts home and watched him enter. Her lawyers have said he was most likely beaten at the gathering  perhaps because she had recently flirted with, then ghosted, a federal agent who was also at the event  before O'Keefe was bitten by Alberts German shepherd, dragged outside and left in the snow. (Albert and the agent, Brian Higgins, have denied playing roles in O'Keefe's death.)

One of the defense witnesses, a former emergency room doctor and forensic pathologist who said she had seen hundreds of dog bites in her career, testified that the dozens of abrasions on OKeefes arm were not from a broken taillight but from a dog.

The defenses final witness, a biomedical engineer who examined whether OKeefes injuries were the result of a collision, testified Wednesday that they were not. Experiments conducted for the case using crash test dummies showed that at speeds of 24 mph, there most likely would have been more damage to Reads car and to OKeefes arm, said the engineer, Andrew Rentschler.

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Absent from the witness stand were three people whose testimony played an outsized role in the first trial: Albert, Higgins and former Massachusetts State Trooper Michael Proctor.

Proctor, who was fired after an internal investigation found that he sent derogatory texts about Read and shared confidential investigative details with non-law enforcement personnel, acknowledged during the first trial that he said unprofessional things about Read. But he rejected the defenses claims that he led a biased investigation.

The defense mentioned Proctor repeatedly during Reads retrial, with defense attorney Alan Jackson at one point asking his supervisor whether his conduct tainted their examination of OKeefes death.

The investigation was done with honor and integrity, and the evidence pointed in one direction, State Police Sgt. Yuri Bukhenik responded.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
For weeks, all appearances were that prosecutors would call witnesses as part of a brief rebuttal case in the Karen Read retrial, giving them the opportunity to get the last word after damaging testimony from expert witnesses for the defense.

As recently as Tuesday, special prosecutor Hank Brennan suggested that he would at a minimum call Judson Welcher, the prosecutions accident reconstruction expert, to rebut the conclusions of two expert witnesses for Reads defense.

But on Wednesday, when attorney Alan Jackson rose to announce the defense rested its case, Brennan said prosecutors were no longer planning to call any witnesses or introduce any new evidence after the defenses case.

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It was an abrupt U-turn, given that just a month ago Brennan said Welcher had found extraordinary issues in his review of materials turned over by the defense experts from ARCCA.

Some of those concerns lead him to need to conduct his own tests to demonstrate the failures of these ARCCA witnesses, Brennan said at the time. He said the late disclosure of new testing by the experts from ARCCA represented unfair prejudice that could only by remedied by allowing Welcher to testify in rebuttal.

But the jury wont hear about any of that testing after all. Brennan did not offer an explanation for the change in strategy, and the lawyers in the case are subject to a gag order preventing them from talking to the media.

Mark Bederow, a New York City defense attorney and former prosecutor, described Brennans decision as shocking.

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It demonstrates a very weak finish to the case for the prosecution, he said, noting the government yielded the last word to the defense.

Its not great for the prosecution any way you look at it, added Bederow, who represents the blogger Aidan Kearney, who is charged with the intimidation of several witnesses in the Read case.

Bederow offered a number of theories as to why Brennan abandoned his rebuttal case at what amounted to the last minute. Welcher was subject to a withering cross examination from Robert Alessi, a lawyer for Read, and faced sharp criticism during the testimony of Andrew Rentschler, one of the ARCCA witnesses.

Not calling him in rebuttal could avoid Welcher, arguably the commonwealths most important witness, being discredited on cross. It also prevents Reads defense from confronting Welcher with his apparent failure to review any X-rays of OKeefes right arm.

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On cross-examination, Welcher claimed the medical examiner did not X-ray OKeefes hand or arm. But this week, Reads defense entered into evidence several X-rays, each of which was displayed on a large sheet of paper in the courtroom.

That issue alone would likely undermine his testimony, Bederow said.

Jack Lu, a retired Superior Court judge, said Brennan knew putting up any witnesses creates a target.

That was shown by the defense witnesses, many of whom were savaged, he said.

Calling witnesses in rebuttal is uncommon and not done in every criminal trial. Lu said the threat of rebuttal can keep the defense witnesses honest.

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Still, Brennan said Monday that Welcher would address the tests [and] how he believes would be the proper procedure.

He didnt abort his rebuttal case as a move coming from a position of strength, said Bederow. The last thing the jury remembers is this battery of defense experts saying none of this makes sense.

Karen Read murder case

Read the original article on MassLive.
Karen Read says shes feeling anxious and has butterflies ahead of closing arguments in her murder retrial and the subsequent jury deliberations, which could begin as early as Friday morning.

While the nerves are very real for Read, shes confident that the case her lawyers presented in her second trial is stronger than last year, when a mistrial was declared over a hung jury.

I thought it was strong last year. Its stronger, yes, Read told reporters outside court on Wednesday after she was asked, Do you think your case was stronger this time?

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Read added, "We just pulled more witnesses and laid out more of the case.

Read, 45, of Mansfield, is accused of striking John OKeefe, her Boston police officer boyfriend, with her Lexus SUV and leaving him to die alone in a blizzard outside of a house party in Canton at the home of fellow officer Brian Albert on Jan. 29, 2022, following a night of drinking.

During her retrial, Reads lawyers called ten witnesses and argued that OKeefe, 46, was beaten, bitten by a dog, then left outside a home in Canton in a conspiracy orchestrated by the police that included planting evidence against Read.

The defense rested its case late Wednesday. On Thursday, attorneys in the case met with Judge Beverly Cannone to discuss instructions for Friday without the jurors present.

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Cannone set the start of closing arguments for 9 a.m. Friday. After that, the jurors will get the case.

Read said she just hopes the jurors have been listening since opening statements were delivered on April 22.

I just hope they were listening. Thats all I can ask for. They were in the same room I was...For the last 31 days, Read said.

Read added, I feel good about the jury. We selected them. I was there and took part in it. We chose fair, truthful, civic-minded people.

After there was confusion over the verdict slip during last years deliberations, Read said her team will have to have an even keener eye this time around.

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Read shared a brief message after Thursdays proceedings, saying that she learned the hard way from last years verdict slip controversy.

Read has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence, and leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death.

Get caught up with all of the latest in Karen Reads retrial.

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The jury in the Karen Read trial got the day off Thursday, after Reads defense rested on the 31st day of the retrial for the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John OKeefe.

Without the jury in the room, prosecutors and Reads defense will convene for a charge conference starting at 10 a.m.  the final time lawyers will be able to argue procedural issues before delivering their closing arguments. At the conference, lawyers for both sides will present their proposed jury instructions to Judge Beverly Cannone.

But before getting into the instructions, Reads defense is expected to renew its motion for a required finding of not guilty  a standard motion following the close of evidence in a criminal trial. The defense moved for a required finding when the prosecution rested its case, but Cannone denied the motion.

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Both prosecutors and the defense filed their proposed instructions earlier this month. Cannone will hear from the lawyers before hammering out the final instructions delivered to the jury, which she is expected to do on Friday.

In the prosecutions proposed instructions, they ask Cannone to instruct jurors on one of three prongs that comprise second-degree murder, the most serious charge Read faces.

Read intended to do an act which, in the circumstances known to the defendant, a reasonable person would have known created a plain and strong likelihood that death would result, the instructions read.

The defense, on the other hand, has requested a missing witness instruction for three key witnesses who were not called by prosecutors: Michael Proctor, the lead investigator in the Read case; Brian Albert, who owned the home OKeefe was found outside of; and Brian Higgins, a federal agent who flirted with Read over text.

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The underlying premise of a missing witness instruction is that a partys failure to call a prospective witness raises a reasonable inference that this witness would have provided testimony adverse to that party and a jury should be afforded the opportunity to consider that information in their deliberations, if they deem it to be reasonable, Reads defense team wrote in a motion.

Essentially, the instruction would allow the jury to consider that Proctor, Albert and/or Higgins would have offered testimony that harmed the prosecutions case. All three men were called at Reads first trial.

The defense has argued all three were available to testify and are friendly to the commonwealth.

Each of these three witnesses would offer meaningful testimony that is neither cumulative of other witnesses that have been called, nor would their testimony be unimportant, the motion reads.

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Jack Lu, a retired Superior Court judge, said judges typically allow lawyers to argue a missing witness but dont offer the instruction to the jury.

The Proctor issue is interesting, he said. The defense can clutch its pearls all day long about Mr. Proctors transgressions, but they didnt have the guts, nor were they foolish enough, to put him up in front of the jury.

The defense is not asking Cannone to give jurors a third-party culprit instruction, a reflection of the way Reads defense moved away from casting blame toward others for OKeefes death to criticizing police for failing to investigate anyone but her.

Karen Read murder case

Read the original article on MassLive.
Donald Trump, walking the red carpet Wednesday for the opening-night performance of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center, again insisted that were it not for his federalizing of the National Guard, Los Angeles right now, if we didnt do what we did, would be burning to the ground.

These are radical left lunatics that youre dealing with, and theyre tough, theyre smart, they probably have paid, many of them as you know. Theyre professionals, Trump told reporters.  Theyre chopping up concrete and using it as a weapon. Thats pretty bad.

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California Governor Gavin Newsom opposed the National Guard order, and in a Tuesday evening speech said that Trump has only inflamed the situation.

The evening was Trumps first visit to a Kennedy Center performance of this term, and the first since he engineered a takeover the the arts institution just weeks after returning to the White House.

The president fired Joe Bidens appointees to the Kennedy Center board, which had a nearly even partisan split. That ended a longtime tradition of retaining appointees from previous administrations of the opposing party, ensuring that it was dominated by his own allies. The Kennedy Centers president, Deborah Rutter, also was axed, and Trump himself became chairman, ousting David Rubenstein.

Trump said that $10 million was raised at a high-dollar VIP fundraising reception tied to the Les Miz performance. His tax package, now in the Senate, also called for more than $250 million to be spent on Kennedy Center renovations. We want to bring it back, and bring it back better than ever, Trump said. It needs a little help from the standpoint of age and fitness.

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On the red carpet, Trump was peppered with questions ranging from the status of the Iran nuclear deal to the first performance he ever saw (it was Cats).

Asked about Elon Musks apology on X, posted early on Wednesday morning, Trump said, I really havent thought too much about it.

The president also addressed cast member plans to skip the Kennedy Center performance because of his attendance. I couldnt care less, he said.

Earlier, Vice President JD Vance, on the red carpet with Second Lady Usha Vance, was asked about being booed earlier this year when he attended a performance. Thats one of the things you sign up for. There were some boos and some cheers, and I am sure you will have a little bit of both today.

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Trumps takeover has led to some producers dropping their shows out of protest, including Hamilton. The Washington Post reported last week that there was a significant, 36% drop in subscription ticket sales, but the Kennedy Centers senior VP of marketing said that the figures were not accurate because their renewal campaign was just starting.

Another revenue source is the Kennedy Center Honors, including a licensing fee from CBS, which has broadcast the ceremony since its inception in 1978. The CBS deal expires at the end of this year. Ric Grenell, the centers president, said that a new deal would be explored after this years ceremony.

The Les Miserables performance also was open to the public. Among those spotted were two men in drag, whose presence seemed to be its own kind of protest. In taking over the center, Trump bashed what he saw as the previous managements woke programming, and the president complained of the the lineup including drag shows.

Per The New York Times, the drag performers drew applause as they took their seats.

At the Kennedy Center, half the theater just started clapping when a group of drag queens showed up to find their seats at opening night of Les Miserables, which Trump, Melania, Vance and their top allies have all come out to see. pic.twitter.com/1WJHsGL987  Shawn McCreesh (@ShawnMcCreesh) June 11, 2025

Per Jeff Mason of Reuters, there were a combination of cheers and boos when Trump entered.

.@realDonaldTrump gets cheered and booed at the Kennedy Center. pic.twitter.com/KgLDhqceLD  Jeff Mason (@jeffmason1) June 11, 2025

Among those attending were a mix of Trump allies and executive branch officials, as well as MAGA stalwarts. Trump skipped the Kennedy Center Honors in all four years of his first term; by contrast, Trump, at his visit as chairman earlier this year, mused about even hosting the ceremony, per a recording obtained by The Times.

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Those spotted at the black tie event on Wednesday included Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines, and Laura Loomer. Corey Lewandowski said that it was his first time at the center, even though he said he has driven by it 1,000s of times. Its pretty historic to have the opportunity to come to this very famous building, he said.

Also attending was Matt Schlapp, the chair of CPAC, who said of the nights Kennedy Center crowd, I feel more welcome.

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The California Board of Parole Hearings rescinded their offer to give Leslie Closner parole  a man who killed his girlfriend, raped her corpse and ate a part of her body

Closner and his girlfriend were in an abusive relationship, according to court documents, and he also strangled his ex-wife, leading to their divorce

Former California Governor Jerry Brown wrote that Closner poses an unreasonable danger to society if he was to be released







The California Board of Parole Hearings rescinded their offer of parole to a man who was sentenced to 25 years to life for killing his girlfriend, raping her corpse and eating a part of her body.

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Leslie Closner was sentenced to 25 years to life after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in 1988. He will remain in prison for the rest of his life until another parole hearing is required by law, the Sutter County District Attorney said in a statement.

On Oct. 16, 1987, Closner and his girlfriend Jan Ferguson checked into a motel for her daughters wedding. The couple got into a fight when Closner shoved Ferguson onto the floor and strangled her to death, according to a parole review document obtained by PEOPLE.

After Closner killed Ferguson, he moved her body to a bed, ripped her clothes off and raped her dead corpse, according to the parole review document. He attempted to give Ferguson mouth-to-mouth resuscitation but when that didnt work, he fled from the motel room.

After leaving, Closner realized that he left his wallet in the hotel room, so he climbed through an open window to get it, the parole review document said. He then had sex with Fergusons corpse again and bit off both of her nipples and swallowed them.

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According to the parole review document, Closner then fled the motel but turned himself in to Oregon police two days later.

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In a 2018 decision to deny Closner parole, former California Governor Jerry Brown wrote that this wasnt Closners first aggressive crime. During Closner and Fergusons five year relationship, he allegedly inflicted repeated emotional and physical abuse on her.

During a short separation, Closner followed Ferguson around to the point of obsessing over her, the parole review document said.

Closner told the board during a parole hearing, I was really obsessed with her, and this obsession was sexual, um, and it just  it spiraled into even more and more heightened tension between us.

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He was also in an abusive relationship with his ex-wife, the parole review document said. In one instance, he attempted to strangle her to the point where she couldnt breathe. Their marriage ended in divorce, after his ex-wife filed for a restraining order.

Brown wrote in his decision to deny Closner parole that he didnt think Closner knew why he has violent tendencies. When the board asked him why he committed such an appalling crime, Closner said, My view is that I was dealing with some, you know, negative core issues that extend back from early childhood and in relationship with my mother.

Closner said during a parole review that he believes his violent tendencies came from the fact that he was physically abused as a child and saw his mothers naked body.

A psychologist said in 2014 that Closner spoke about his mother differently, sometimes with anger and sometimes with a lustful voice and that at some point during their interview, he "seemed to become sexually excited as he described watching his mother undress, the parole review document said.

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Former Governor Brown wrote that Closner poses an unreasonable danger to society if he was to be released.

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The people would like to thank the victims family for their dedication all these years, for attending every hearing and representing their loved one so fiercely, the district attorneys office said in a statement. The Sutter County District Attorneys Office will continue to represent the people of the state of California in these hearings, speaking up for justice for the family of his victim and the well-being of the community,

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

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Lawyers for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran man illegally deported to his native country in March and returned to the U.S. last week to face human trafficking charges, say the Trump administration is compounding his mistreatment by trying to keep him in jail while awaiting trial.

Mr. Abrego Garcia asks the Court for what he has been denied the past several months  due process, his lawyers, four appointed public defenders, argued in a20-page filing to a federal magistrate judge in Nashville, Tennessee, where Abrego Garcia was secretly indicted last month ahead of his return.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Holmes has set a hearing for Friday on whether Abrego Garcia should be detained as he awaits trial. However, even if she opts against detention in the criminal case, Abrego Garcia will likely be put in immigration custody and his prospects for release there are uncertain.

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Holmes has given both sides a deadline of noon local time Thursday to indicate whether they plan to call witnesses at the hearing. However, defense attorneys argue in the new filing that the crimes Abrego Garcia was charged with dont permit pretrial detention in most circumstances.

Prosecutors allege that Abrego Garcia worked for at least nine years as a driver for an immigrant-smuggling operation and that he was transporting undocumented immigrants in 2022 when he was stopped by Tennessee Highway Patrol on I-40 with nine Hispanic males packed into his vehicle. That incident, captured on officers body-worn video cameras, involved just a few of the thousands of undocumented immigrants Abrego Garcia ferried across the country, prosecutors contend.

Abrego Garcia currently faces two federal felony charges for transporting undocumented immigrants and conspiring with others to do so. But prosecutors have accused him in court papers of being a member of the MS-13 gang and engaging in a myriad of illegal conduct, including claiming involvement in the murder of a rival gang members mother and of soliciting child pornography.

The submission from Abrego Garcias lawyers is his first attempt to rebut the criminal allegations against him. The attorneys used the filing to poke holes in the governments legal arguments while making few factual claims that could complicate his future defense in the case. Abrego Garcia obviously denies the governments baseless gang-affiliation allegations, his attorneys said, while not grappling with the murder and child pornography claims prosecutors have floated but not charged.

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The defense attorneys argue that Abrego Garcia is not a danger to the public and poses no risk of fleeing rather than facing the charges against him, the two bases upon which prosecutors are seeking to keep him incarcerated.

Mr. Abrego Garcia must be released, they say.

Abrego Garcia entered the United States in 2012 and sought asylum in 2019, after he was detained and faced deportation proceedings. Though his claim was denied, an immigration judge agreed to bar immigration officials from sending him back to El Salvador because of the potential that he might be targeted for violence by a local gang.

But in March, amid President Donald Trumps mass deportation effort, Abrego Garcia was whisked onto an airplane and sent to El Salvador without warning, violating the 2019 order, which remains in effect. Despite the error, which the Trump administration repeatedly acknowledged in court, Trump and his aides resisted court orders to facilitate Abrego Garcias return. They disparaged him as a criminal gang member and mocked legal efforts aimed at securing his return. Trump and El Salvadors president, Nayib Bukele, discussed the issue publicly in the Oval Office and rejected suggestions that they return Abrego Garcia to the United States.

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That changed last week after the criminal case was made public. Bukele said he had no qualms returning Abrego Garcia, given the charges against him. In the meantime, Abrego Garcia became emblematic of Trumps haphazard race to fulfill his mass deportation promise, marked by repeated court rulings that found him to be violating due process rights and several other admissions of erroneous deportations.

That publicity, Abrego Garcias lawyers say, suggests he may have an even stronger case against deportation to El Salvador when the criminal matter is resolved  even if hes convicted.
Attorneys for Kilmar Abrego Garcia have asked a judge to put severe sanctions on the Trump administration, saying federal officials violated court orders to prove the steps they were taking to attempt to get the wrongfully deported man out of El Salvador for weeks, before he was returned to face criminal charges.

Its the latest move in the court fight over Abrego Garcia and whether the Trump administration appropriately handled the political and legal maelstrom.

Abrego Garcias lawyers say the Trump administrations violations of the court have been egregious because it repeatedly refused to provide any evidence around how it was complying with court orders.

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The Government did virtually nothing, they said in a court filing late Wednesday night.

Nearly sixty days, ten orders, three depositions, three discovery disputes, three motions for stay, two hearings, a week-long stay, and a failed appeal later, the Plaintiffs still have seen no evidence to suggest that the Defendants took any steps, much less all available steps, to facilitate Abrego Garcias return to the United States as soon as possible so that his case could be handled as it would have been had he not been unlawfully deported, Abrego Garcias attorneys wrote.

Documents the administration turned over to Abrego Garcias team in recent weeks had largely been already in the public record, and assertions that the State Department was discussing his return with the Salvadoran government were vague, the lawyers added.

Abrego Garcia was returned to the US last week to face new federal criminal charges that accuse him of trafficking undocumented migrants across states. He is currently in federal custody and has a court hearing set for Friday in Tennessee  where he is charged  so that he may enter a plea and for a judge to decide if he will remain behind bars in the US.

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But District Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland had spent weeks before the indictment was unsealed demanding the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State and lawyers from the Department of Justice produce records and statements showing how the efforts were unfolding behind the scenes.

The lengths the government has gone to resist discovery relating to these core questions raises a strong inference that the Government is trying to hide its conduct from the scrutiny of this Court, the Plaintiffs, and the public, Abrego Garcias lawyers wrote. What the Government improperly seeks to hide must be exposed for all to see.

This still from video from July 22, 2015 show Paula Xinis. - From US Senate Judiciary Committee

Abrego Garcias attorneys want Xinis to fine the government and some of its officials and either again order the administration to turn over documents or bring in a third-party special master investigator to look at the administrations compliance with the courts orders.

Abrego Garcia was mistakenly sent to the CECOT prison in El Salvador in March, despite a US immigration court order that said he could not be deported there for his own safety. Even President Donald Trump himself resisted stepping in, despite court orders that Abrego Garcia be returned and given due process.

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The case has become emblematic of the Trump administrations hasty attempts to send migrants out of the US without proper constitutionally-guaranteed proceedings. Its also among a small group of cases related to the hardline immigration approach where judges are now considering sanctions or even holding federal officials in contempt of court for failing to abide by judicial orders.

Weeks ago Xinis told the Trump administration it must facilitate Abrego Garcias return and provide information about how it was doing so. She also ordered a handful of administration officials to sit for depositions. While those sworn interviews happened behind closed doors, the officials refused to answer many questions, citing privileges, Abrego Garcias attorneys wrote on Wednesday.

More than 90 times, the Government instructed them not to answer on the basis of an asserted privilege, Abrego Garcias lawyers told the judge about the depositions. And when they did answer, the witnesses uniformly testified that they lacked personal knowledge of the very topics concerning which they had previously provided sworn declarations.

The lawyers also argue that the DHS top attorney, acting general counsel Joseph Mazzara, may have given untruthful testimony.

The Trump administration hasnt yet responded to the accusations made in court. CNN has also reached out to DHS for comment.

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North Koreas relationship with Russia is now forged in blood, Kim Jong-un said in a message to Vladimir Putin on Thursday.

In comments reported by state media, the dictator vowed to always stand with Moscow while snubbing any outreach from the US.

The message was sent to commemorate Russia Day, marking the countrys declaration of sovereignty in 1990 just over a year before the collapse of the Soviet Union.

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Kim said it was an unshakeable will of both him and his country to carry on relations with Russia, which have been sealed and verified in the face of all sorts of trials and challenges of history, to a heyday of comprehensive prosperity.

He also acknowledged that the friendship between the two countries has been further cemented thanks to the militant comradeship the service personnel of the two countries have forged at the cost of their blood, in reference to the war in Ukraine.

In late April, Kim and Putin confirmed that North Korea had sent approximately 15,000 troops to fight alongside Russian forces, along with 100 ballistic missiles and millions of munitions.

Both leaders put out statements at the time affirming the strong relations between the two countries, which only seem to be growing by the day, with both countries largely isolated by Western sanctions.

Credit: TASS

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In his latest address, Kim said the ties between Russia and North Korea had developed into an excellent model of indestructible, genuine relationship between comrades-in-arms and alliance.

In exchange for the soldiers, Russia supplied North Korea with sophisticated defence equipment, including short-range air-defence systems and jamming equipment. Experts suspect that Moscow is also offering Pyongyang support for its nuclear and drone programmes.

Kim also commented on the war in his message, telling Putin that Russia will surely emerge victorious.

Experts have said relations between the two regimes had never been as strong.

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Kim was not the only leader to send a celebratory message to Moscow. Despite a frostier tone from Donald Trump towards Putin in recent weeks, Marco Rubio, the US presidents Secretary of State, issued a statement of congratulations.

He said: The United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people as they continue to build on their aspirations for a brighter future.

Mr Rubio also reaffirmed the US desire for constructive engagement with the Russian Federation to bring about a durable peace between Russia and Ukraine.

The Trump administration has also recently been making overtures to the North Korean regime, though so far they seem to have been unsuccessful.

Donald Trump, pictured in 2018, said in 2018 that he and the North Korean leader fell in love by exchanging letters - Nicholas Kamm/AFP

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, told reporters on Wednesday that the president remains receptive to correspondence with Kim Jong-un and that Mr Trump would like to build on the progress he had made during his first term.

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In 2018, Mr Trump met Kim in Singapore, in the first ever meeting between a sitting US president and leader of North Korea, but this time the efforts seem to be one-sided.

According to local outlet NK News, Mr Trump has written a letter for Kim that his aides have been trying to hand-deliver to North Korean diplomats at the United Nations in New York, to no avail.

The president said in 2018 that the two leaders fell in love by exchanging letters.

In April, Trump claimed the US was in communication with North Korea and said his administration would probably do something at some point.

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BAGHDAD, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said on Thursday that Iraq supports a "fair and balanced" approach in ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, as efforts to revive dialogue between the two arch-rivals continue.

Speaking at a meeting with ambassadors and heads of Arab diplomatic missions in Baghdad, al-Sudani said such an approach could lead to "positive outcomes," according to a statement from his media office.

He warned that continued escalation would weaken prospects for resolution and reaffirmed Iraq's commitment to supporting agreements aimed at strengthening regional stability.

Al-Sudani also condemned Israel's military operations in Gaza, describing them as a major driver of regional instability. He cautioned against any moves that could drag the Middle East into further conflict.

His comments came as Oman announced that the sixth round of indirect talks between Washington and Tehran is scheduled to take place in Muscat on Sunday. 
King Charles Issues Statements Amid 2 Mass Casualty Tragedies: 'Desperately Shocked' originally appeared on Parade.

King Charles III issued statements amid two mass casualty tragedies, a school shooting in Graz and a plane crash killing over 200 in Ahmedabad.

On Thursday, June 12, the British monarch, 76, first posted a response via Instagram to the mass schooling at Dreierschutzengasse secondary school in Graz, Austria. A gunman killed nine people before shooting himself on Tuesday, June 10; a tenth person later died at a hospital, BBC reported.

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"My wife and I were deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the appallingly tragic events at the Dreierschutzengasse school in Graz," King Charles wrote of himself and Queen Camilla, 77. "Schools should be places of sanctuary and learning, which makes this horrific attack on students and staff all the more dreadful."

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His message continued, "Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families of all those affected by this terrible loss of life and injury. We send our deepest sympathy to all Austrians at this profoundly distressing time."

Hours later, King Charles returned to Instagram with a statement about a commercial plane crashing moments after takeoff in Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday. The Air India flight carried 242 passengers and 204 bodies have been recovered from the crash site, The New York Times reported, as of writing.

"My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning," King Charles wrote. "Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations as they await news of their loved ones."

He added, "I would like to pay a particular tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time."

Next: Prince William & Kate Middleton Reveal "Lovely Surprise" After Anniversary Trip

King Charles Issues Statements Amid 2 Mass Casualty Tragedies: 'Desperately Shocked' first appeared on Parade on Jun 12, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Its not every day that King Charles shares a personal note, but June 12 was one of those rareand deeply sombermoments. The monarch took to social media to address two separate tragedies that occurred on the same day, offering condolences and support in the wake of heartbreaking events.

The first message came after a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, where an Air India flight carrying 242 passengers went down. According to the Associated Press, local officials stated there were no known survivors and the crash also caused casualties on the ground as the aircraft collided with nearby buildings.

My wife and I have been desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad this morning, King Charles began. Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by the appalling tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones.

He went on to praise the first responders, adding, I would like to pay a particular tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time. He signed the note with a simple, formal Charles R.

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Just hours earlier, the King had issued another statement following a tragic school shooting in Austria at the Dreierschutzengasse school in Graz.

Schools should be places of sanctuary and learning, which makes this horrific attack on students and staff all the more dreadful, he wrote. Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families of all those affected by this terrible loss of life and injury. We send our deepest sympathy to all Austrians at this profoundly distressing time.

He closed the message with his handwritten signature.

Sending condolensces to everyone impacted by these unimaginable tragedies.

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King Charles Steps Out with Surprising Date Just One Day After Prince William Does the Same
(NewsNation)  King Charles will not be participating in one of the long-standing royal family traditions at Trooping the Colour, according to reports.

Charles, 76, will not be riding a horse during the celebration and will ride in a carriage with his wife, Queen Camilla, instead. Charles also couldnt ride horseback in 2024 following his ongoing treatment for cancer.

Trooping the Colour happens on June 14 each year, with musicians, horses and parading soldiers taking part. Royal family members also join in on the fun, riding horseback and being in horse-drawn carriages.

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Blake Lively to subpoena Scooter Braun in Justin Baldoni lawsuit: Report

The late Queen Elizabeth stopped riding horseback during the 1986 Trooping the Colour, opting for the carriage. Charles was only able to ride in the saddle once as king in 2023. But now, his health issues have likely put the tradition behind him forever.

As GB News reported, Charles used to be a polo player and amateur jockey when he was a child. However, he was reportedly forced to quit his hobby due to numerous injuries.

King Charles continuing royal duties despite cancer treatment

Even though King Charles has been diagnosed with a type of cancer that has not been disclosed, he is still completing most royal duties. Senior aides reportedly said that Charles is managing the cancer and living as normal as possible.

CAMBERLEY, ENGLAND  APRIL 14: King Charles III inspects the 200th Sovereigns parade at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on April 14, 2023 in Camberley, England. The parade marks the end of 44 weeks of training for 171 Officer Cadets. It is the first time King Charles III has inspected Sovereigns Parade at Sandhurst since becoming Monarch. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

One senior aide said, The thing you learn about this illness [cancer] is that you just manage it. And thats what he does. The aide also said that Charles is incredibly fit.

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Medical science has made incredible advances, and I genuinely see no difference in him, a senior aide explained.

Who will attend Trooping the Colour?

Along with the king and queen, Prince William, Princess Kate, and their three children  Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis  will be in attendance.

Prince Edward, Charles brother, should also be at the event with his wife, Duchess Sophie. It is not known if their children, Lady Louise and James, will be with them. Princess Anne is also set to be there with her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex departs after attending a Court of Appeal hearing regarding his security at the Royal Courts of Justice on April 8, 2025 in London, England. Prince Harry is appealing a previous High Court ruling based on a decision made by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) to downgrade the level of security he receives whilst visiting the UK after stepping back from being a full time working member of the royal family. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images) BRUSSELS, BELGIUM  DECEMBER 19: (L-R) Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Prince Emmanuel of Belgium and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium host a reception for one hundred members of the public during the festive season at the Royal Palace on December 19, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Getty Images) Britains King Charles, from left, Queen Camilla, Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney pose for a family portrait at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Ontario, during a royal visit May 26. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) FILE  The Princess of Wales holds son Prince Harry while royal families posed for photographers at the Royal Palace, Mallorca, Spain, Aug. 9, 1987. (AP Photo/John Redman, File) From left, Britains Prince George, Prince William, Prince Louis, Kate, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to view the flypast following the Trooping the Color ceremony in London, Saturday, June 15, 2024. Trooping the Color is the Kings Birthday Parade and one of the nations most impressive and iconic annual events attended by almost every member of the Royal Family. (James Manning/PA via AP) FILE  Britains Prince Harry leaves after attending an Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving at St Pauls Cathedral in London, on May 8, 2024. Prince Harry said that his crusade against the British tabloids has contributed to his royal family rift, according to a documentary airing Thursday July 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File) FILE  Britains King Charles III and Queen Camilla wave to the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the coronation ceremony in London, May 6, 2023. When it comes to the United Kingdoms royal family, the Americans cant seem to get enough. That was evident this week, following the announcement of King Charles IIIs treatment for cancer on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File) In this photo made available by Buckingham Palace on Monday, May 8, 2023, Britains King Charles III and Queen Camilla are pictured with members of the working royal family, from left Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Anne, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, Kate, the Princess of Wales, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra, the Hon. Lady Ogilvy and Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, London. (Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023 via AP) Copies of the new book by Prince Harry called Spare are displayed at Shermans book store in Freeport, Maine, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. Prince Harrys memoir provides a varied portrait of the Duke of Sussex and the royal family. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) FILE  Britains Queen Elizabeth II waves to the crowd during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant at the Buckingham Palace in London, June 5, 2022, on the last of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. Queen Elizabeth IIs death in September 2022 was arguably the most high-profile death this year. In her 70 years on the British throne, she helped modernize the monarchy across decades of enormous social change, royal marriages and births, and family scandals. For most Britons, she was the only monarch they had ever known. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, Pool) Britains Princess Anne, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, and Zara Tindall join other members of the Royal family on a walkabout to thank members of the public following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, at Balmoral, Scotland, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. (Owen Humphreys/Pool Photo via AP) FILE  In this Monday, Nov. 2, 1987 file photo, Britains Diana, the Princess of Wales, is pictured during an evening reception given by the West German President Richard von Weizsacker in honour of the British Royal guests in the Godesberg Redoute in Bonn, Germany. For someone who began her life in the spotlight as Shy Di, Princess Diana became an unlikely, revolutionary during her years in the House of Windsor. She helped modernize the monarchy by making it more personal, changing the way the royal family related to people. By interacting more intimately with the public  kneeling to the level of children, sitting on edge of a patients hospital bed, writing personal notes to her fans  she set an example that has been followed by other royals as the monarchy worked to become more human and remain relevant in the 21st century. (AP Photo/Herman Knippertz, File) FILE  In this file photo dated Thursday, June, 19, 2014, Britains Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Philip arrive by carriage in the parade ring on the third day of the Royal Ascot horse racing meeting, at Ascot, England. In the TV program Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers released late Saturday Sept. 18, 2021, members of the royal family have spoken admiringly of the late Duke of Edinburghs barbecuing skills. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, FILE) FILE  In this July 29, 1981 file photo, Britains Prince Charles kisses his bride, Princess Diana, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London, after their wedding.For someone who began her life in the spotlight as Shy Di, Princess Diana became an unlikely, revolutionary during her years in the House of Windsor. She helped modernize the monarchy by making it more personal, changing the way the royal family related to people. By interacting more intimately with the public  kneeling to the level of children, sitting on edge of a patients hospital bed, writing personal notes to her fans  she set an example that has been followed by other royals as the monarchy worked to become more human and remain relevant in the 21st century. (AP Photo/File) LONDON, ENGLAND  JULY 10: (L-R) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as members of the Royal Family attend events to mark the centenary of the RAF on July 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) FILE  In this Monday, March 9, 2020 file photo, Britains Harry and Meghan the Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive to attend the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London. Prince Harry has repaid 2.4 million pounds ($3.2 million) in British taxpayers money that was used to renovate the home intended for him and his wife Meghan before they gave up royal duties. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, file)

Other senior royals who should be in attendance include the Duke of Kent, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

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Queen Elizabeth used to invite the entire royal family, specifically to join her on the balcony at Buckingham Palace, but that changed in 2022. That is when the queen decided to only invite working members to the balcony; however, all royals are still invited to the overall event.

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, will not be in attendance at the event, presumably because of the current rift between Harry and Charles. One insider recently told NewsNations Paula Froelich that Prince Harry doesnt really have any friends in Montecito and is very lonely.

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An Air India flight on its way to London crashed into a medical college and other buildings shortly after takeoff on Thursday, killing more than 260 people.

The flight was departing from the western Indian city of Ahmedabad on Thursday on its way to the London Gatwick Airport carrying 242 passengers and crew members.

Indias home minister, Amit Shah told reporters that there is at least one survivor, The New York Times reported. Shah said he met with the survivor.

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This lone survivor has not been officially identified yet. Some news outlet in the U.K. are identifying him as Viswashkumar Ramesh, but that has not yet been confirmed, per The New York Times.

The most recent death toll numbers comes from an Ahmedabad police official, who said that so far 269 bodies had been brought to the hospital in the city.

An exact number wont be available until after DNA testing.

On board the plane, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, were 169 Indian citizens, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian, the airline reported, per The Associated Press.

The number of dead includes students and others who were inside the medical college when the plane crashed. There were also a number of students injured.

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Exact figures on casualties are being ascertained, city police chief G.S. Malik told the AP.

Family members of one of the crew members of Air India flight 171 mourn at their residence in Thoubal Mayai Leikai near Imphal in the Indian state of Manipur on June 12, 2025, after the plane crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad. A London-bound passenger plane crashed in the Indian city of Ahmedabad on June 12 and all 242 people on board were believed killed, with the jet smashing into buildings housing doctors and their families. | AFP

Boeing told the AP that it was aware of the crash and was working to gather more information.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X on Thursday sharing his condolences for those affected by the crash.

The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2025

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also posted on X, sharing a similar sentiment.

The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.



I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 12, 2025

President Donald Trump also spoke on the crash from the White House on Thursday afternoon.

He referred to the crash as terrible and horrific during a news conference.

I let them know that anything we can do, well be over there immediately, the president said.

What happened?

The New York Times reported that the plane departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 p.m. The airport was temporarily shut down after the crash.

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The flight was scheduled to land at Gatwick at 6:25 p.m.

Just moments after take off the plane crashed into Ahmedabads B.J. Medical College causing an explosion, per The Washington Post.

Videos captured by nearby onlookers posted on social media show the plane crash and the aftermath. The videos show the plane descending over a cluster of buildings before crashing.

The full sequence from take-off to crashfinal moments of Air India 171 captured on CCTV. Clear catastrophic lack of lift just seconds after liftoff. pic.twitter.com/l6UAzZ3wtJ  Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) June 12, 2025

#BREAKING: AIR INDIA FLIGHT #AI171 CRASHES IN AHMEDABAD SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF

Following reports of a crash involving Air India flight #AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (reg: VT-ANB) lost signal at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after takeoff. pic.twitter.com/RKFhipU1ll  Turbine Traveller (@Turbinetraveler) June 12, 2025

WATCH: Air India plane carrying 242 people crashes in Ahmedabad while taking off for flight to London pic.twitter.com/KyLVZaV6i7  BNO News (@BNONews) June 12, 2025

What caused the crash?

It is unclear what caused the plane to crash, but investigators from the U.K. and the United States National Transportation Safety Board will be working with Indian authorities to determine what happened.

According to The New York Times, the investigation to determine the cause of the crash could take months or years to complete. This type of plane, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, has been under scrutiny for years, but this is the first time its been involved in a fatal crash.

Previous Air India crashes

In India, civilian plane crashes are rare, but this is not Air Indias first deadly crash.

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In 2020, a plane carrying around 200 people skidded off the runway in heavy rain and broke into pieces, per The Washington Post. Seventeen people were killed in the incident. The flight was through Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India.

One hundred and fifty-eight people were killed in a 2010 Air India express flight and in 1978, 213 died when an Air India flight crashed.

Rescuers work at the site of an Air India plane that crashed in Mangalore, in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, Saturday, May 22, 2010. | Associated Press

Air India used to be Indias national carrier but in 2022, the airline was acquired by the Tata Group after incurring heavy losses and debt, according to The Washington Post.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Here are the top headlines from this morning.

A Wednesday storm that appears to have followed a path along Iowa State Highway 9 caused damage to several towns in northwestern Iowa.

Storm damages towns in northwestern Iowa

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill aimed at bringing changes to Pharmacy Benefit Managers.

Iowa Gov. Reynolds signs bill to reform pharmacy benefit managers

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Governor Reynolds vetoed a bill that was meant to increase restrictions on the use of eminent domain for CO2 Pipeline construction.

Iowa governor rejects GOP bill to increase regulations of Summits carbon dioxide pipeline

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services confirmed a third case of Measles in the state, from a non-vaccinated child.

Iowa HHS confirms third case of measles in 2025

Check out more stories in the video above.

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Not many people appreciate potholes, but Dan Winkelman is not most people.

Winkleman, of Stevens Point, initially attributed a pain in his back to a pothole he had just hit on a 2018 motorcycle ride in Myanmar, where he was working as a missionary. A doctor there chalked it up to a sprained muscle. But the pain persisted, so he pushed for a CT scan at a better hospital in Bangkok. The scan showed a tumor.

Stage 3 pancreatic cancer. The disease has a 12% five-year survival rate among patients of all stages.

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Nearly seven years, two chemotherapy treatments and one surgery later, Winkelman is cancer free. Medical College of Wisconsin cancer surgeon Douglas Evans puts the chance of Winkelman's cancer returning at just 2%.

"That's why I always say potholes are beautiful," Winkelman, 69, said. "If I hadn't hit that pothole and strained my back, they would have never found that tumor."

Winkelman wants to give back to the institution that gave him a second life. He's trying to raise $1.2 million for a Medical College clinical trial in the hope that new pancreatic cancer treatments can be found and more lives can be saved.

To raise the massive sum of money, Winkelman will leave Wisconsin on his motorcycle June 13. He's asking people to pledge money as he rides 3,800 miles, all the way to Anchorage, Alaska.

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He's OK if he hits a few potholes along the way.

Dan Winkelman speaks at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa on June 4, 2025. Pancreatic cancer survivor Dan Winkelman, of Stevens Point is riding his motorcycle from Milwaukee to Alaska to raise funds for the Seena Magowitz Pancreatic Cancer Foundation and the Medical College of Wisconsin  one of the worlds leading pancreatic research universities.

Dan Winkelman leads a life filled with big, crazy ideas

Winkelman has always had an adventorous spirit. His life is marked by major pivots.

Born in Huntington, Indiana, he spent the summer after his junior year of high school in Alaska, then decided to stay there for his senior year on a whim. He enlisted in the Air Force at age 17, and was part of a search and rescue squadron stationed at NKP Royal Thai Air Force Base toward the end of the Vietnam War.

Winkelman moved to Wisconsin at 32 as one of the first employees of a new railroad company, the Wisconsin Central Railroad, in northern Wisconsin. Sixteen years later, he quit, giving up a lucrative retirement package to become a pastor.

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Then at 59, he and his wife, Sandy, moved to Myanmar to serve as missionaries.

"Ive had these ideas all my life," Winkelman said. "I like doing things way bigger than me."

Medical College of Wisconsin leads the way in treating pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer often sounds like a death sentence. It's the third-leading cause of cancer death in adults nationally, and the second in Wisconsin.

Evans, who treats patients at the Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center, has dedicated his career to finding treatments for this deadly disease and improving survival rates. Even in his personal life, the pancreas prevails. He enjoys sailing on Lake Michigan and decks his boats with purple ribbons, the color designated for pancreatic cancer awareness.

Portrait of Dan Winkleman and Dr. Doug Evans at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa on June 4, 2025. Pancreatic cancer survivor Dan Winkelman, of Stevens Point is riding his motorcycle from Milwaukee to Alaska to raise funds for the Seena Magowitz Pancreatic Cancer Foundation and the Medical College of Wisconsin  one of the worlds leading pancreatic research universities.

Evans' interest in the pancreas, a small organ deep in the belly that regulates blood sugar and aids in digestion, came through a fluke. In the late 1970s, his heart was set on his state flagship, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, for medical school. It offered the best deal. A rejection put him at the much pricier Boston University, where his financial aid included overseeing two undergraduate dorms filled with lively students that made it difficult for him to study.

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Seeking refuge, Evans took a part-time job at the famed Lahey Clinic across the street. It gave him access to the building's library, and to some of the most well-known pancreas surgeons in the world at that time.

Evans arrived at the Medical College in 2009 and has helped build the institution into one of the premier places in the U.S. for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The college's LaBahn Pancreatic Cancer Program has led the way in personalized medicine and the application of precision medicine, which is tailoring a patient's treatment based on their genetic makeup and tumor characteristics. The Seena Magowitz Pancreatic Cancer Foundation supports the college, giving more than $1.4 million to support pancreatic cancer research.

Winkelman's first chemotherapy treatment made him violently sick. It was also ineffective; his cancer count continued to rise, not fall. Evans switched him to a different type of treatment, followed by radiation. Winkelman responded well.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Dan Winkelman hugs one of his many care givers, Bente Smith, a physician assistant at the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Center for Advanced Care in Wauwatosa on June 4, 2025. Winkelman, of Stevens Point is riding his motorcycle from Milwaukee to Alaska to raise funds for the Seena Magowitz Pancreatic Cancer Foundation and the Medical College of Wisconsin  one of the worlds leading pancreatic research universities.

Evans was optimistic about his patient's recovery. Winkelman's tumor was localized to the pancreas. It hadn't spread to other organs, though it had encased some important blood vessels, making his tumor inoperable at most medical centers in this country.

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In an eight-hour surgery in 2019, Evans removed part of Winkelman's pancreas and took a vein out of his leg to reconstruct an artery the tumor had encased, a procedure developed by Medical College surgeons.

Recovery was rough. Weakened, Winkelman battled a number of infections. Motorcycle rides were out of the question. He eventually sold the bike, doubting he would ever be able to handle his 800-pound motorcycle again.

'I know it seems insane,' cancer survivor says of Alaska bike trip

Winkelman sometimes struggles with survivor's guilt. So few pancreatic cancer patients reach the five-year anniversary of their diagnosis.

"There is a part of me that says, 'OK, why did I get the second chance? Why did I survive?" Winkelman asked.

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These lingering questions fueled Winkelman's drive to do something. He wants to raise awareness about the disease, highlight the work being done at Froedtert and the Medical College and offer encouragement to cancer patients through videos he will post daily on his donation website.

He knows the journey won't be easy. His longest motorcycle ride since his diagnosis was to South Dakota's Black Hills. The Alaskan journey will be about four times as long, on a much smaller bike he bought in 2024.

Pancreatic cancer survivor Dan Winkelman rides his motorcycle near the Medical College of Wisconsin in Wauwatosa on June 4, 2025. Winkelman, of Stevens Point is riding his motorcycle from Milwaukee to Alaska to raise funds for the Seena Magowitz Pancreatic Cancer Foundation and the Medical College of Wisconsin  one of the worlds leading pancreatic research universities.

Winkelman has worked with a trainer to build his core muscles, which he will need to fight the wind on the Alaska-Canada Highway. He expects the journey to take 18 days, or about 350 miles per day. His oldest son, Andy, is driving alongside him in an SUV that will pull a camper-trailer.

"It's a crazy deal, isn't it? To think about doing this?" he said. "I know it seems insane."

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To his doctor, though, it's not. Evans commended Winkelman's attitude, saying he's a great example of the mind-body relationship at work.

"There was never a doubt he would be here six years later, about to ride his motorcycle to some crazy place," Evans said.

For more information about Winkelman's fundraising campaign, visit give.classy.org/hopeontheroad.

Kelly Meyerhofer has covered higher education in Wisconsin since 2018 but also enjoys stories off the beaten path of college campuses. She would love to hear your story, or someones you think she should share. Contact her at kmeyerhofer@gannett.com or 414-223-5168. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @KellyMeyerhofer.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Cancer survivor riding to Alaska for Medical College of Wisconsin fundraiser
After South Korea's centre-left opposition leader Lee Jae-myung was elected president, an excerpt from an article in The Guardian was shared in posts misleadingly claiming the newspaper reported that election interference from China had helped him win. The article was in fact analysing comments from an unnamed White House official in the immediate aftermath of Lee's victory about the United States' concerns regarding "Chinese interference and influence in democracies around the world".

"The Guardian, UK: Lee Jae-myung was elected president due to China's election interference," reads part of a Korean-language X post shared on June 7, 2025.

The post features screenshots of an analysis The Guardian published on June 4, which looked at the issues facing Lee, from trade to diplomacy (archived link).

A paragraph from the article, which was also highlighted and translated into Korean, reads: "Inevitably, though, he will soon have to find a way to engage with Donald Trump's White House, whose initial reaction to Lee's resounding victory over his conservative opponent was to suggest that his bumpy path to power had been smoothed by Chinese interference in the vote."

Screenshot of the misleading X post, captured on June 11, 2025

The June 3 polls that elected Lee, triggered by the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial bid, were clouded by unsubstantiated claims of foreign interference, with South Korea's conservatives accusing Beijing of underhandedly backing progressive candidates.

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Similar posts were shared elsewhere on X, as well as on Facebook, Threads and South Korea's DC Inside forum.

"Even the UK's left-leaning outlet The Guardian discusses Chinese election interference, yet only South Korean leftists remain unaware," read a comment on one of the posts.

Another said, "Britain has confirmed Lee Jae-myung was made president by China."

The Guardian article, however, does not say China interfered in the June 3 vote.

The analysis piece appears to be referring to remarks from an unnamed White House official in response to a request for comment from Reuters and the Yonhap News Agency after the election (archived here and here).

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The official told the news agencies: "The US-ROK Alliance remains ironclad. While South Korea had a free and fair election, the United States remains concerned and opposed to Chinese interference and influence in democracies around the world."

"The official did not elaborate on the reference to alleged Chinese interference or connect it directly to the South Korean election," the Reuters article adds, but notes that US President Donald Trump's right-wing allies have criticised Lee who has "spoken of the need to balance Seoul's relations with China and the United States".

The White House official's remarks stood in contrast to the congratulatory statement from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also reaffirmed the "ironclad" alliance between the countries (archived link). Rubio's statement made no mention of interference in the election.

AFP has previously debunked other misinformation surrounding the 2025 presidential election in South Korea.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is joining the governors of Washington and California in denouncing the dismissal of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions vaccine recommendation panel.

On Thursday, the three Democratic governors released a joint statement condemning United States Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for dismissing members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at the CDC.

For more than 60 years, the committee included experts and physicians who make recommendations on vaccines, the governors explained, noting ACIP members have had extensive immunization expertise, and are screened for conflicts of interest.

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Dutch Bros, beloved national coffee chain, to move headquarters out of Oregon

After Kennedy dismissed the 17-member panel on Tuesday, the governors are emphasizing their commitment to following the science to protect public health, and called the dismissals deeply troubling.

Together, our states depend on the best science and knowledge available to protect public health, including scientific information about immunizations. We have grave concerns about the integrity and transparency of upcoming federal vaccine recommendations and will continue to collaborate to ensure that science and sound medicine prevail to prevent any loss of life, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in their joint statement.

The governors noted that the public health departments in their states are still recommending all individuals six months and older to have access and the choice to receive the currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines.

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How the can dam at Goss Stadium garnered national attention during Corvallis Super Regional

Oregon, Washington and Californias public health departments are also still recommending individuals to receive vaccinations per the current CDC immunization schedules, which are aligned with leading medical associations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Practice, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Infectious Disease Society of America.

The Oregon Health Authority sent the following statement to KOIN 6 News on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of vaccines to public health, noting OHA relied on guidance from the previous CDC panel.

Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions and one of the greatest achievements of humankind. Immunization has saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50 years, representing six lives saved every minute, every year, for 50 years. This would not have been possible without the evidence-based recommendations of ACIPs panel of experts.

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For more than 60 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has been the preeminent, impartial source of rigorously reviewed recommendations for use of vaccines to control disease in the United States.

Oregon Health Authority has long relied on recommendations from ACIPmade up of independent experts from medicine and public health, based on the advisory committees thorough analysis of vaccine clinical trial and laboratory datato set adult and childhood immunization schedules in our state and guide decision-making on vaccine policies, programs and initiatives. ACIPs trusted guidance has allowed states to build public trust in vaccine safety and effectiveness; reduced confusion among health care and vaccine providers about who should receive vaccines, when vaccines should be given, the number of doses needed, the recommended amount of time between doses, and precautions and contraindications; ensured immunization coverage by health insurers; and reduced vaccine and health care costs.

ACIPs recommendations have helped ensure parents and caregivers have the information they need to make informed choices about getting their children vaccinated. Its no surprise, then, that more than 90% of parents and caregivers in Oregon have chosen to vaccinate their children, and OHA applauds their efforts to keep their families and communities safe.

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Following the dismissal of the ACIP members, Secretary Kennedy announced eight new vaccine policy advisors, as reported by the Associated Press, noting the new members include individuals who have criticized vaccines and have spread misinformation.

On Tuesday, before he announced his picks, Kennedy said, Were going to bring great people onto the ACIP panel  not anti-vaxxers  bringing people on who are credentialed scientists.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable is demanding an immediate and total ban on the use of non-lethal bullets by the Los Angeles Police Department, citing serious injuries and escalating concerns over public safety.

President Earl Ofari Hutchinson issued the call on Wednesday after seeing videos of bystanders struck and injured by one a non-lethal projectile.

Hutchinson says, the video reinforces what he and other advocates have warned: that non-lethal rounds used by police can, in fact, inflict significant harm.

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The LAPD has fired hundreds of these so-called non-lethal bullets during overwhelmingly peaceful protests, Hutchinson stated in a press statement. A total ban is the only way to prevent major injuries and long-term disabilities from these potentially lethal bullets.

Hutchinson is requesting a meeting with LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell to press for the ban and raise further concerns about what he describes as the excessive use of force during recent protests. He cited alarming injury statistics, referencing more than 2,000 injuries and over 300 resulting disabilities tied to the use of non-lethal munitions in protests across the country.

This is what a non-lethal weapon looks like? Thats a fiction, Hutchinson said. Youre talking about trained killers  Marines, National Guard  now on the ground in L.A. What happens when theyre told to use non-lethal force? What happens next?

Hutchinson also criticized the deployment of federal forces in Los Angeles, calling it a dangerous precedent that could lead to further violence and civil rights violations in future demonstrations.

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With more protests expected in the coming weeks, the Urban Policy Roundtable warns that unless meaningful reforms are implemented  starting with a ban on kinetic impact projectiles  injuries to both demonstrators and bystanders will likely continue.

The Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable is an activist and donor organization that discusses public policy every week and advocates local leaders and policy makers for change.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
For years, Los Angeles City Councilmember John Lee declined to publicly discuss a fateful Las Vegas trip he took in 2017 with his then-boss Mitch Englander and a trio of businessmen.

That trip led to an FBI investigation of Englander, then a City Council member, who accepted an envelope of cash in a casino bathroom from one of the businessmen and later pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators.

Last week, in court to address allegations from the L.A. Ethics Commission, Lee finally broke his silence, divulging details of the high-rolling trip and insisting that he paid for his share.

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There was his comped Aria hotel room  a standard room, not a suite, he said. There was the Hakkasan Nightclub, where he sipped whiskey and danced as hostesses paraded out $8,000 bottles of booze. And there was the casino, where he played blackjack  after losing $1,000 at the baccarat table  because he preferred the lower-stakes game.

Over and over, Lee, who was then Englander's chief of staff, denied accepting gifts in violation of city ethics laws. Under grilling by a city enforcement officer, Lee described stuffing $300 into the pocket of one of the businessmen, Andy Wang, to cover his share at the nightclub. At dinner earlier that night, he said, he paid for his own drinks.

"I believe I made a good-faith effort to repay what I consumed that night," Lee testified.

In 2023, the Ethics Commission accused Lee, who occupies Englander's former seat representing the northwest San Fernando Valley, of accepting "multiple gifts" in violation of ethics laws, including free hotel rooms, poker chips and food, from a businessman and a developer during the Vegas trip.

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The businessman and the developer were not named in the complaint, but details indicate that one was Wang and the other was Christopher Pak, both of whom testified as witnesses.

The commission has also accused Lee of helping Englander backdate checks to repay the businessman who comped the hotel rooms.

Read more: Six years after lavish Vegas trip, Councilmember John Lee faces ethics allegations

Federal prosecutors never criminally charged Lee, and he has said he was unaware of any wrongdoing by Englander.

At the time, city officials, including high-ranking council aides, could accept gifts with a value between $50 and $470 from a single source but had to disclose them, according to city and state laws. They were not allowed to accept gifts over $470 from a single source.

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The Ethics Commission alleges that Lee violated both provisions.

Attorneys for Lee, who denies the allegations, have repeatedly tried to block the commission's case, arguing in civil court filings that the statute of limitations had expired.

Witness testimony concluded last week, and Administrative Law Judge Ji-Lan Zang is expected to make a recommendation about what, if any, ethics violations Lee committed.

Then, a panel of ethics commissioners will vote on whether violations occurred and what the financial penalties, if any, should be.

In 2023, Englander agreed to pay $79,830 to settle a similar Ethics Commission case.

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At last week's hearing, city enforcement officer and attorney Marian Thompson sought to cast doubt on Lee's version of events. She zeroed in on his insistence that he joined the group at an expensive Chinese restaurant, Blossom, but didn't eat because he arrived late.

She read aloud the bill for the nearly $2,500 dinner  Kobe beef, Maine lobster, Peking duck, sea bass and more. Surely Lee, who had previously described himself as a "meat and potatoes" guy, liked Kobe beef? Thompson asked.

Lee said he tried only the bird's nest soup. He described taking a spoonful of someone elses bowl and saying, "Absolutely not"  it was "gelatinous," he told Thompson.

Lee acknowledged drinking at the restaurant, giving someone  he couldn't remember whom  $100 to cover the tab.

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According to Englander's 2020 federal indictment, a "City Staffer B received some of the same perks as Englander during the Vegas trip. That staffer was widely presumed to be Lee, prompting calls for the newly elected council member to resign. Since then, questions about the Vegas trip have dogged Lee, though he easily won reelection in 2024.

Englander was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison. In his plea agreement, he admitted lying repeatedly to federal investigators and receiving a combined $15,000 in cash  $10,000 in a casino bathroom in Las Vegas, plus $5,000 at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa from an unnamed businessman.

That man, Wang, ran companies that sold cabinets and home technology systems. He was seeking relationships with real estate developers and others to increase his business opportunities in the city.

During his testimony last week, Lee said he followed city ethics laws during the Vegas trip. At the Aria hotel-casino, Englander showed Lee poker chips that Wang had given him, Lee testified.

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"I told him immediately that he needed to give those chips back to Andy," Lee said.

Lee also said he gave Englander a blank check with the understanding that Englander would reimburse Wang, who had comped Lee's room.

But in a declaration in the ethics case, Englander wrote that neither he nor Lee reimbursed Wang "for any of the gifts we received at the Aria," including the room, meals and drinks.

"While in Las Vegas, NV, Lee did not give me a check to reimburse Wang," Englander added.

Thompson asked Lee about Englander's statements.

"He's lied before," Lee replied.

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Read more: Serena Oberstein, John Lee attack one another over ethics in Valley council race

In addition to Wang, two others  Michael Bai, a lobbyist who formerly worked at City Hall, and Koreatown developer Pak  came on the Vegas trip. Bai also testified as a witness last week.

Lee and Englander gave Wang separate checks for $442 on Sept. 14 that year. The ethics commission has accused Lee and Englander of backdating the checks to Aug. 4  before they were interviewed by the FBI.

Lee disputed that during the hearing, saying he gave Englander his check on Aug. 4, after he said Englander had lost the earlier one.

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At the Hakkasan club, Wang spent $24,000 on bottle service, with Pak spending an additional $10,000.

According to an estimate by the commission, the share Lee drank was worth $5,666.67.

But Lee's attorney, Brian Hildreth, challenged that assertion. Dozens of revelers streamed through the group's VIP booth that night, Lee and Pak both testified.

Lee said he had only two to four drinks and suggested that many people drank from the bottles.

Addressing questions about the casino, Lee acknowledged accepting $1,000 in poker chips from Wang, saying he thought he was playing on Wang's behalf. Lee said he would have given any winnings to Wang.

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But Lee testified that he didn't know how to play baccarat and warned Wang that he wasn't doing well, ultimately losing all the chips.

During questioning by Hildreth, Lee described withdrawing a total of $1,500 from ATMs in Vegas, with a bank statement listing the three withdrawals over two days.

Lee testified that he wanted "to make sure that I had my own money and paid for everything that I was a part of."

Thompson pursued a counternarrative, describing the spectacle of nightclub hostesses bringing out bottles.

"You got VIP treatment? Thompson asked.

Treatment Id never received before, Lee answered.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
KAMPALA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has projected a seven percent economic growth for the 2025/26 financial year, with expectations of reaching double-digit growth when the country begins oil and gas production.

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija told Parliament on Thursday that the Ugandan economy has strengthened its resilience to both domestic and external shocks.

While presenting the national budget estimates for the 2025/26 financial year, which begins on July 1, Kasaija noted that the Ugandan economy is projected to grow to 66.1 billion U.S. dollars.

"This will translate into a higher GDP per capita of 1,324 dollars next financial year, compared to 1,263 dollars estimated for this financial year ending June 30," he said.

Kasaija noted that the economy is expected to grow by 6.3 percent in the current 2024/25 financial year, following a robust 8.6 percent growth recorded in the third quarter. In the previous fiscal year (2023/24), the economy expanded by 6.1 percent.

Kasaija said the growth has been broad-based, driven by strong performance in agriculture, industry, and services such as information and communications technology.

He attributed this progress to ongoing government interventions and the implementation of sound fiscal and monetary policies that have supported investment in the private sector. 
Roberto Recinos, a 21-year-old downtown Los Angeles resident, works at Its Boba Time right by the Metropolitan Detention Center, where protests have been going on for six days.

Recinos said the demonstrations and curfew had resulted in far less foot traffic in recent days. By 2 p.m, the shop usually would have sold around 120 drinks, but on Wednesday, fewer than 40 had been sold.

Its been dead, he added.

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Recinos hasnt attended any of the protests and said he had mixed feelings about what had been going on but that he supported the cause.

It's been a surreal week for those who live and work in the Civic Center area, as peaceful protests, clashes with police and vandalism have erupted since Friday night.

Griffin Paisley stands in the door of the Little Tokyo building where his business is located. He said he waited in his office after Monday night's chaotic protests, not exiting until 2 a.m. Tuesday. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Many say they support the protests but note it's hurt business. The vandalism is another matter. The new curfew imposed around downtown has added another layer of complexity.

Recinos said his store had been closing earlier, at 7:30 p.m. instead of 10 p.m., so that everyone could get home before the curfew.

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If theyre doing the curfew to circumvent people going out to protest, its kinda doing its job for me, he said.

Even though everyone in his family is documented, Recinos, who comes from Mexican immigrants, said hed had to be more careful going outside during the ICE raids.

Even though I am lighter-skinned and am technically white-passing, my mom is scared I could get detained, he said.

Ken, who declined to give his last name, has worked as a sales associate at Bunkado, a knickknack shop in Little Tokyo, for several years. He said the store had been affected by the protests as foot traffic had dropped in the past week.

The streets near Los Angeles City Hall emptied out after Mayor Karen Bass enacted a curfew. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)

The exterior of the storefront was also vandalized with graffiti.

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Ken said he supported the curfew but noted that the store usually closed at 6 p.m. anyway. Still, theyve been closing an hour earlier this week due to the demonstrations.

I dont care for the people who come at night who do the vandalizing, he said. I dont think theyre really part of the protest. Theyre just vandalizing because theyre upset.

Ken said he was concerned that the curfew could result in events in the area being canceled, or mayhem after Dodgers games if people have to leave by 8 p.m.

He said he felt sorry for owners of the businesses in the area that been burglarized or vandalized. He said the anime store near the Japanese Village Plaza was vandalized and boarded up.

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Uribe Lazo lives in South Los Angeles but is downtown for work almost daily. He decided to take his dog for a walk by the Metropolitan Detention Center around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday to survey the graffiti and aftermath of days of protests.

A runner on Wednesday passes by graffiti scrawled on the building that for many years housed the Los Angeles Times. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

Lazo hasn't been participating in the protests, instead monitoring the demonstrations from home. He said it looked like the curfew had been effective in curtailing the worst of the violence Tuesday night.

"It looked like they had things under control," he said. "They weren't letting people get rowdy.

Lazo, who noted that he'd worked as an office assistant and paralegal for immigration law, said he could understand the protesters' side as well as that of law enforcement. He said he'd helped people fill out forms as they applied for citizenship and tried to bring in their relatives from other countries.

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Lazo is the first-generation son of El Salvadoran immigrants

"I'm not worried about being undocumented  but ... they can stop me and ask if I'm from here," he said. "I'm conflicted in my mind because I understand the plight of people coming here undocumented because that's probably their only resource. It's either that or starve to death wherever they live."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A 59-year-old Los Angeles County deputy probation officer has been arrested and charged in connection with accusations he was smuggling controlled substances into a juvenile detention facility, officials announced this week.

In a news release, prosecutors at the L.A. County District Attorneys Office said Michael Solis conspired with a minor detained at Barry J. Nord Juvenile Hall in Sylmar to sell alprazolam, the generic version of the benzodiazepine known as Xanax, in 2023.

The 59-year-old was assigned to the Sylmar facility as a probation officer and, according to investigators, smuggled the highly addictive controlled substance into the building between May and August of that year.

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The detained juvenile would then reportedly sell the pills, prosecutors said.

Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in Sylmar.(Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Xanax or generic alprazolam, in the benzodiazepine class of depressants, seen in this image released by the DEA.

Benzodiazepines, drugs like Xanax, Valium, Klonopin and Ativan, are typically prescribed seizure, insomnia and anxiety disorders because the drugs effects on the central nervous system, slowing it down and inducing feelings of relaxation and sedation.

U.S. Marshal wrongly detained by ICE agents in lobby of federal building

The drug is generally prescribed for short term usage because of the likelihood of physical and mental dependence and addiction.

Trafficking illegal drugs to juveniles is unconscionable under any circumstances, let alone as a government employee taking advantage of vulnerable youth in need of guidance and support, District Attorney Hochman said. Probation officers have as their primary duty the protection, health and safety of juveniles under their care. My office will not tolerate such an abuse of power, which endangers youth, undermines rehabilitation, and makes our communities less safe.

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Solis has been charged with:

One felony count of conspiracy to possess and sell alprazolam

One felony count of conspiracy to bring a controlled substance into juvenile hall

One felony count of possession of for sale of a designated controlled substance

One felony count of bringing a controlled substance into juvenile hall

If convicted as charged, the 59-year-old faces a maximum of three years in state 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 KTLA.
(NewsNation)  Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said Wednesday the county will comply with federal immigration enforcement if presented with proper warrants, criticizing the Trump administrations indiscriminate raids as federal overreach.

If the federal government in Los Angeles County presents us with a federal warrant, our sheriff will absolutely open the jail up and turn over the convicted criminals that are in our custody, Hahn said on NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas Reports.

She said that Sheriff Robert Luna will honor the existing agreement to cooperate with federal authorities when proper legal procedures are followed.

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Hahn accused the Trump administration of conducting irresponsible raids that involve cornering people in cars, chasing farm workers across fields and pursuing day laborers with weapons drawn.

ICE raids wont stop despite protests: DHS spokesperson

This is not a way to enforce immigration policies, Hahn said.

She said the tactics have created fear and anxiety in immigrant communities while representing a departure from the administrations initial promise to target only violent criminals and gang members.

The supervisor defended the majority of protesters, saying they are demonstrating against what they view as federal overreach rather than supporting illegal immigration.

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She noted that District Attorney Nathan Hochman reported only about a dozen arrests for violence out of approximately 4,000 protesters over recent days, with 203 arrests Monday night being for failure to disperse after a curfew rather than violent acts.

Border czar Tom Homan: ICE raids not going too far

Hahn said the protests are concentrated in just one square mile of Los Angeles, a city covering 500 square miles within LA Countys 4,000 square miles.

She criticized the deployment of federalized California National Guard troops and active-duty Marines, calling it theater that costs taxpayers about $134 million.

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The supervisor joined Californias governor in a federal lawsuit seeking an injunction to stop military deployments, which is scheduled to be heard Thursday. She said immigrant families in her district are suffering, with many afraid to attend church services or high school graduations.

When asked about Mexican flags being waved at protests and American flags being burned, Hahn said it doesnt bother her given LA Countys diverse immigrant population.

She worried such displays might hurt the protesters cause, which she described as asking the federal government to stop unacceptable enforcement tactics.

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Residents of Echo Park, a Los Angeles neighborhood, say their streets have been overrun with delivery drivers since the opening of a ghost kitchen in the fall of 2023.

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The Los Angeles Times recently spoke with disgruntled residents like Sandy Romero, who said, The first day that they opened business it was chaotic, unorganized and its just such a nuisance now.

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The business is Echo Park Eats, a meal preparation hub for app-based delivery orders. It has contracts with 26 different food vendors and calls itself a restaurant co-op that's modernizing the traditional food hall experience. Theres no seating and customers only have the option of takeout or delivery from the restaurants. The company that owns it is CloudKitchens, which is led by Travis Kalanick, co-founder and former CEO of Uber Technologies.

According to the report, the neighborhood has been swamped with delivery drivers while they wait to pick up orders.

Ghost kitchens are commercial kitchens built to cater to delivery apps. By operating in areas with a lot of delivery demand, they help ensure faster and fresher deliveries. But, as this neighborhood has discovered, they can also result in traffic and congestion.

How is this impacting the neighborhood?

Residents report their streets are now clogged with drivers who take up parking spaces, idle in red zones, double park, speed on sidewalks on mopeds, argue loudly and play loud music.

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Resident J.C. Arias, who lives across the street from the ghost kitchen, told the L.A. Times that last summer, delivery drivers would gather in front of his home, bringing their own chairs to sit under the shade of a tree and leaving behind trash. Frustrated, he eventually cut off the branches providing shade. The drivers moved on to another shaded spot down the street. Arias also believes the business has brought more crime to the area.

Erika Torres, who's lived in the neighborhood for more than 30 years, told the newspaper the ghost kitchen "does not belong in a residential area, especially not on a residential street. She complained about the smell of cooked foods permeating her home.

Small steps have been taken to fix the issues, including instituting permitted parking and more parking enforcement officers. A neighbor said one officer was assaulted while trying to enforce the law in February.

Colin Sweeney, spokesperson for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, confirmed the LAPD is investigating an alleged attack on a traffic officer during the course of his duties on February 8, but declined to offer more details to the L.A. Times.

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Echo Park Eats limited parking in its lot to five minutes, but neighbors said that only pushed drivers to idle on the streets or park mopeds on sidewalks.

One of the main challenges is that Echo Park Eats is classified as a catering business, allowing it to operate in a residential area, even though it functions more like a distribution hub.

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

Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, whose district includes the neighborhood, plans to present two possible fixes to the City Council. One is changing the land-use rule for ghost kitchens. But that change would only apply to future facilities. The other option is implementing a geofence that would prevent delivery drivers from waiting within 1,000 feet of the kitchen.

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The theory behind this is that the traffic will sort of disperse or itll be a little more disaggregated because, right now, theyre literally hanging out feet from the [facility], Soto-Martinez said to the L.A. Times.

But neighbors worry the geofence would just shift the problem elsewhere. We feel bad because we dont want to do that to anybody else, said a resident to the newspaper.

What other options do residents have?

Echo Park residents have few tools at their disposal. They can call the city to report illegal parking and push for more patrolling. However, concerns like loitering, noise, traffic, or the overwhelming smell of food are harder to address.

Some neighbors are on an active email thread along with Soto-Martinezs district staff and other city staff, discussing safety issues and solutions.

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If youre facing similar issues in your neighborhood, start by contacting your city council representative or local department of transportation to report traffic or parking violations. Document concerns with photos or videos, as this will help you as you push for action.

Consider organizing a petition with your neighbors or requesting a public meeting to advocate for zoning reviews or enforcement. Collective action can help bring attention to the problem and find solutions.

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.
Credit: X/@unityoffields

The violent protests engulfing Los Angeles are backed by pro-Hamas activists who called for the city to be burned, it can be revealed.

Unity of Fields (UoF) celebrated attacks on police and encouraged an intifada in response to the detention of illegal migrants.

They shared details of upcoming protests with their members, encouraging them to take part in the uprising and to spread the unrest across the US, The Telegraph can reveal.

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The group also celebrated a rioter who burned a self-driving Waymo car while wearing a Hamas armband and waving a Mexican flag.

Wearing a Hamas armband and a PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine) headband while burning a Waymo vehicle and waving a Mexican flag at the militant anti-ICE resistance is some real unity of the fields type s, the group wrote of the man.

A man wears a Hamas armband and waves a Mexican flag while a Waymo car burns - Jon Putman

Protests against ICE raids targeting illegal migrants in California, some taking place at their workplaces, erupted in the state on Friday, with some turning violent.

UoF organisers encouraged the followers to intervene to thwart ICE agents from arresting illegal migrants writing: Direct confrontation is the only way.

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Formerly known as Palestine Action US, the group formed in 2023 shortly after the October 7 attacks.

UoF, a phrase referring to a unified Palestinian armed resistance against Israel, announced it was transitioning into militant propaganda against the United States a year later.

We dont mean unity for unitys sake, but the protracted struggle it will take to reach a principled, higher unity against the forces of imperialism, Zionism, and fascism, it wrote at the time.

UoF appeared to share images on social media supporting violent protests against ICE

The group was subsequently banned from social media, including Meta, but remains on X.

Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, last year implored the Department of Justice to open a domestic terror investigation into the anti-zionist group over fears it could harm American citizens.

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Using Telegram, the encrypted messaging service, the group shared details of the LA riots to 10,000 supporters, who they have dubbed the Hamas Marxist army.

Apple subsequently banned the Telegram channel on all iPhones and other iOS devices in recent days.

UoF made a post after it was banned by Apple

But their inflammatory language has continued online, where they referred to police officers as pigs and urged them to be terrorised.

Study the way that the broader community showed up to defend the UCLA encampment from zionist pigs and the LA pig department. This kind of community defence is embedded in the ground work that is happening in LA, learn from them, a post read.

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The group wrote on X: You know what are good optics? Burning s--- down, pushing fascists off your block, and keeping your loved ones out of the states dungeons. (Some might even call that winning)

In a statement to The Telegraph, UoF said its LA Intifada is one part of the international revolutionary sequence that was opened up by the Toufan Al-Aqsa, a reference to the Hamas massacre of Israelis on October 7.

The group went on to describe as legitimate the killing of two innocent Israeli embassy workers in Washington DC last month.

We view any acts of resistance against the violence of US-led imperialism as legitimate, from the George Floyd Rebellion to the LA Intifada to Elias Rodriguezs martyrdom operation.

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Mr Rodriguez has been charged with federal and local murder offences in connection with the shooting of the Israeli embassy workers on May 27.

The statement concluded: The duty of every revolutionary is to make the revolution. Long live the global intifada! They concluded the statement with Up the Ra! seemingly a reference to the IRA.

As protests spread around the country, so too did the call for violence.

LAPD officers confront protesters - Spencer Platt/2025 Getty Images

The Solidarity Network, a group of anarchist organisers in South Florida, shared a post on social media suggesting peaceful protests do not work.

Writing that they were in solidarity with those fighting in LA, it said: Riots downtown are great, but what can you accomplish in small numbers, wearing a mask at night, with your phone at home?

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They wrote: Hows your cardio? Do your friends and you have a unique sign language? Have you ever crushed up car spark plugs? Do you know how to dampen and treat tear gas and pepper agents?

The group urged those interested to turn up to join protests in a mask, before adding it was not discouraging nor encouraging any specific illegal activity.

While the groups funding remains unclear, one billionaire with links to Shanghai is accused of bankrolling some of the radical organisations involved in this weeks peaceful protests.

China-based Neville Roy Singham is expected to be called to testify in front of Congress about his funding of non-profits and Marxist groups.

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They include the Party for Liberation and Socialism, which is thought to have organised the peaceful demonstrations against ICE officials. There is no suggestion they were involved with any of the violence that engulfed LA.

Paid insurrectionists behind violence

Donald Trump has claimed paid insurrectionists were behind the violence in California.

The US president said well-equipped agitators had been paid to cause chaos in the countrys second-biggest city, which has been the scene of disorder since Friday.

These are paid insurrectionists. These are paid troublemakers. Theyre agitators. Theyre paid, Mr Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday.

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Do you think somebody walks up to a kerb and starts hammering pieces out, has all the equipment necessary and starts handing it out to people to use as a weapon? These are paid insurrectionists or agitators or troublemakers.

Using the term insurrectionists opens the door to the president invoking the 1807 Insurrection Act, which would give deployed troops the power to arrest protesters.

While the majority of protesters have been peaceful in Los Angeles, agitators have been turning up looking for trouble.

Some have torched self-driving cars or thrown rocks, fireworks and Molotov cocktails at police.

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These groups, who are often dressed in head-to-toe black, their faces completely covered by masks, become more active after dark.

Several journalists were shot by officers using non-lethal rounds as they covered the protests including a photographer employed by The Telegraph.

Mr Trump deployed 2,000 members of the National Guard to the city, prompting a power struggle with Gavin Newsom, the California governor.

A further 700 US marines have since arrived in the city.

On Monday evening, police made over 100 arrests while two officers were injured. Ninety-six of the arrests were for failing to disperse in the downtown Los Angeles area.

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The gods of intersectionality must be beaming down upon America right now. As if by clockwork, the Mexican flags  the most potent symbols of the anti-ICE protests now convulsing the nation  have been joined bywhat else?.Palestinian flags and other totems of Gazan liberation. Its an almost inevitable co-branding of arch-Left ideologies.

The encroachment of pro-Palestinian elements into the anti-anti-migrant riots parallels a nascent  yet similar  alignment between pro-Palestine movement and the #blacklivesmatter.

While actual #BLM flags have yet to join their Mexican and Palestinian counterparts on Americas chaotic city streets, the protestors are clearly taking their cues from #BLMs summer of rage following the death of George Floyd five years ago. As the New York Post reported this week, one key supporter of the current anti-ICE protests, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, has also backed #BLM protests.

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For the moment, at least, the melding of migrants and the Palestinian cause appears to be the most worrisome. Kaffiyeh-clad rioters, faces covered in masks and carrying various Palestinian-related paraphernalia, have attacked police cars and hurled Molotov cocktails in both Los Angeles and New Orleans this past week. This is the globalising of the intifada. Thousands of anti-Israel protesters have long demanded it  except its now taking place right here in America.

According to Israel-based media watchdog group Honest Reporting: in the pages of major newspapers and the broadcasts of primetime news.mentions of the Palestinian flag are fleeting. The presence of anti-Israel groups is buried or ignored entirely.

The media is unlikely to maintain this ignorance for much longer. Honest Reporting has identified that leading anti-Zionist groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine and Within Our Lifetime have urged their members to support, if not directly join, the anti-Trump protests. This could fundamentally shift the tenor of the anti-Trump movement from ad-hoc to something multi-national and truly terrifying.

No protest movement in American history has been as well-coordinated and spectacularly violent as the last 19 months of pro-Gaza protests. If we combine this with the LA riots  thousands of illegal migrants facing deportation and with nothing to lose  summer 2025 could make BLMs weeks of chaos five years ago seem like an Easter Parade.

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Of course theres nothing necessarily organic between marauding for Gaza and rioting for migrant rights. But thats where #intersectionality conveniently kicks in. The false belief that alignment with one identity-based cause demands alignment with all identity-based causes explains why gay groups and feminists bafflingly champion Hamas, despite the fact it is a misogynistic and homophobic terror group.

With their focus on ethnic minorities and Trump militarism, the current riots were almost purpose built for intersectional co-option. The blueprints are certainly in place. Long before the death of George Floyd ignited BLMs summer of fury in 2020, the group enshrined anti-Zionism into its foundational manifesto. Along with advocating for boycott and divestment from Israel, BLM accused Israeli authorities of training US police forces. Those forces, BLM continued, were then unleashed upon Americas ethnic minorities.

The truth, of course, is more nuanced. US police officers do train in Israel, as part of a joint intelligence, education and community outreach program established after the September 11 attacks. US police officers also train in other foreign nations; Police Scotland, for instance, hosted a contingent of American police to help with de-escalation training back in 2022. But, as many frustrated pro-Israel advocates now routinely sigh: No-Jews/No-News. Only Israels shared police programs make headlines.

Back in January, intersectional activists worked overtime to connect the wildfires devastating Los Angeles with Israels war with Hamas in Gaza. Now theyre doing the same thing with the anti-ICE riots. Ultra-odious broadcaster Mehdi Hasan described the LA riots and Gaza crisis as movements of mutual aid and solidarity.

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Notorious anti-Zionist site Mondoweiss was even more intellectually-elastic when it described the LA protests and Greta Thunbergs recent failed relief mission as represent[ing] the same imperial logic: any challenge to injustice will be met with state violence.

Most worrisome, widely-read social media accounts are busily connecting the dots between Los Angeles and Palestine, laying out the same accusations of police training scheme touted by BLM. The posts go on to describe other supposed strategic similarities: Israels arrest of Palestinian terrorists, for instance, is akin to the US arresting illegal migrants. Shared abuse: abduction and family separation is how they spuriously describe it. You get the idea.

Such libels are indeed bloody and  considering the recent violent anti-Semitic attacks in Colorado and Washington, DC  easily have the power to become far more so. With Trump showing no signs of backing down in his mission to rid America of illegal migrants, intersectional rhetoric is almost certain to ratchet up far louder. And as always, Israel and Jews will continue to serve as the most convenient targets.

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Law enforcement is seen on duty as more than a thousand anti-ICE protesters gathered at Pershing Square and marched to City Hall on June 11, 2025, in Los Angeles, Calif. Credit - Tayfun CoskunGetty Images

The leaders of Los Angeles are trying to wrangle back control of the city that has now been marked by protest and the presence of federal troops. Mayor Karen Bass put a curfew in place for a portion of the downtown area of Los Angeles on Tuesday. This came as Bass declared a local emergency as a result of the escalating protests throughout the city.

The curfew remained in place for a third night on Thursday, June 12. Per Bass' instruction, those who "do not live or work in downtown L.A." were advised to "avoid the area and follow guidance from law enforcement."

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Over 350 people have been arrested and detained in L.A. since protests began on Friday, June 6. While several of the protests have been peaceful, others have descended into violence and looting.

The city is now bracing for the arrival of the Marines, deployed by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The active-duty Marines are set to join around 2,000 National Guard members deployed by President Donald Trump. He notably federalized the state officials without a request being made by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has strongly criticized the move.

The militarys simply not needed. But what he [Trump] is doing is trying to gin things up to create problems, Newsom said in a new interview on a New York Times podcast, released on Thursday, adding that the arrival of the National Guard flared tensions between authorities and protesters. We had to defend the National Guard. We had to use our own law enforcement to protect them Just think about how perverse that is.

Trumps choice to send in the National Guard has been challenged legally by the state of California.

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After a hearing on Thursday, a federal judge issued an order blocking Trump from deploying members of the California National Guard in Los Angeles, and ordered the Administration to return control of the forces to Gov. Newsom.

But the Administration swiftly filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which resulted in a motion temporarily stopped the ruling from taking effect while the case is considered.

As protests continue, with demonstrations since spilling out into other cities across the U.S., heres what you need to know about the curfew in place for L.A.

What are the exact parameters of the L.A. curfew?

Under Mayor Bass instruction, the curfew lasts from 8 p.m., local time, until 6 a.m. the following morning.

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The one-mile-radius curfew covers a portion of downtown Los Angeles. Parts of Chinatown, Little Tokyo, the Fashion District, and the Arts District are within or near the curfew's boundaries.



You can see the curfew's parameters in full, below:



Read More: Veterans Condemn Trumps Misuse of Military Power Amid L.A. Protests

How long is the L.A. curfew expected to last?

According to Bass original notice, the order will hold true until the local emergency declaration is terminatedwhich remains in effect as of June 12.

Bass said in a press conference with other local leaders on Wednesday that the curfew's stay will likely be dependent on how long ICE raids continue in the city.

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The emergency declaration that I signed yesterday does not have a time limit to it, and so the curfews will go on as long as they are needed, Bass said. But, it's really kind of interdependent on what the response is from the federal side. If there are raids that continue, if there are soldiers marching up and down our street, I would imagine that the curfew will continue.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has said Labour needs to be "better" at telling the story of the working-class communities it represents.

Speaking at a lunch for parliamentary journalists, he accused Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of being an "absolute parody" when he said he wanted to re-open coal mines in Wales.

Reynolds said his grandfather was a coal miner, but told his son "don't go down the mines". His father became a firefighter instead.

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A spokesperson for Reform UK said the party would continue to call for the reindustrialisation of Britain.

Ahead of a visit to Port Talbot on Monday, Nigel Farage wrote on WalesOnline: "We would allow coal, if suitable, to be mined in Wales as part of Reform's long-term ambition to reopen the Port Talbot steelworks but we know this will not be quick or easy."

Mr Reynolds, who represents the constituency of Stalybridge and Hyde, in Greater Manchester, said: "That is an absolute parody of what someone like Nigel thinks people, the people I grew up with actually want.

"My grandfather was a coal miner... and he was the winding engine man... that's a position of real responsibility and actually family pride for us growing up for where we did.

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"But...he had one message for my dad, which is, 'don't go down the mine'. And he became a fireman, again, professional working class job, but that's the bit that our opponents don't understand, the pride in where we're from and what we represent, but also the aspiration for the future.

"I think we have to tell that story better. People like me have to come out and tell that story better."

Reynolds, who led the UK government's take-over of Chinese-owned British Steel, in Scunthorpe, went on to say he thought there was an "incredible amount of alienation" among voters.

Not enough people believed they could have a decent life, he told journalists, in contrast to when his parents, who were from Sunderland and left school at 16, were starting out in life.

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"Instead of going on honeymoon. they could buy a house, the financial security for our entire family.

"That story is not available right now in this generation for British people. So that alienation is there, and we have to address that."

Reynolds attended a comprehensive school and Manchester University before embarking on a legal career, although he never completed his solicitor training.

A Reform UK Spokesperson said: "Labour are continuing to deindustrialise our towns and communities across the country.

"They don't blink when we lose thousands of well paid jobs in these crucial industries.

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"Labour simply don't understand working people. Reform will continue to call for the reindustrialisation of Britain and with it, bring back thousands of well paid jobs."
JESSUP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Soon, the landscape in northeastern Pennsylvania will look a lot different. Data centers are popping up all over the area, and Lackawanna County is a hot spot.

On Wednesday, one of the countys communities took steps in addressing its zoning ordinance for a proposed data center coming to its area.

Wednesday night, Jessup Borough officials held a meeting to address zoning ordinances in order to govern these data centers and enact stricter legislation.

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Municipalities must make sure of proper legislation, or these data centers could bring about negative effects.

Data centers coming to NEPA could offer significant tax revenue and high-paying jobs.

But without them being properly legislated, residents like Bonnie Urzen are concerned the opposite of that could happen.

How much would they put a strain on us versus how much would they benefit our community? Jessup resident Bonnie Urzen asked.

In front of the Jessup Borough Council Wednesday evening, project officials presented different elements of Jessups zoning ordinances in regards to the proposed data center.

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New state health clinic opens in Wyoming County

The power plant, transmission infrastructure, and ground in Jessup make it a good fit, according to project leaders.

Were really focused on this effort, and they are working expeditiously to make projects like this come to fruition, and this site seems perfect and in line for that, CBRE Executive Vice President Jake Terkanian told 28/22 News.

Not the site that the borough council originally proposed, which was above the Casey Highway, but instead, project officials say somewhere more powerful.

They say they evaluated Jessup to decide where the best location would be, and feel near the power station makes the most sense.

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PennDOT announces rolling slowdowns coming to Interstate 81

According to the proposed plans, the center would be a multi-storied building at nearly 85 feet tall and 550-100,000 square feet.

Officials say the setback regarding residential areas would be around 200 feet.

I was concerned about another big facility coming, Urzen added.

Those heading the big project say these measurements and proposed developments are typical to that of others in the commonwealth.

Urzen says thats exactly what she wants to know more about before it comes to her town.

I would really be interested in knowing what other towns done, what they found, what they would do over again, but I think its a well see, Urzen continued.

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The council did not vote on it on Wednesday.

Project officials say many more meetings and steps still need to happen, but the land development project is next.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News.
LaFollette Elementary School has been cleared of dangers caused by lead paint, Milwaukee Public Schools announced June 11. It's the seventh school to have passed recent inspections for lead hazards by the City of Milwaukee Health Department.

LaFollette school was constructed in 1897, making it among the oldest in MPS.

An inspection in March found the building had dangerous levels of chipping paint and dust where young children could potentially ingest it, creating a poisoning hazard.

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More than 1,000 children in Milwaukee each year are poisoned by lead, mostly due to paint in older houses, according to the city. But a widespread lack of lead paint maintenance in MPS schools came to light in early 2025 after city health officials announced a child had been poisoned by lead paint at Golda Meir Lower Campus.

Lead risk assessors from the Milwaukee Health Department inspected LaFollette Elementary School, 3239 N. Ninth St., on March 13. The school was temporarily closed to allow for hazards like this chipping paint to be cleaned up.

LaFollette was among the early batch of six schools that closed temporarily this spring so lead hazards could be remediated. Closures affected about 1,800 MPS students.

In closing March 17, LaFollette's 216 students in kindergarten through eighth grade transitioned to the Wisconsin Conservatory of Lifelong Learning. They will remain there until the end of the school year on Friday, June 13  about 13 weeks since the initial closure.

MPS said that this summer, it will remediate lead paint in all schools built before 1950 that also educate elementary-age kids. It will do the same in schools built between 1950 and 1978 by the end of the calendar year.

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Im grateful to the LaFollette School community for their continued partnership and patience as we undertook this important work, Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said in a statement. A disruption like this one is never easy, but this school community navigated it with the best interests of students at the forefront. Im glad we are making good progress on our lead stabilization efforts in our school buildings, guided by our Lead Action Plan. Our students and families deserve school buildings that are safe and welcoming.

At LaFollette, chipping paint was in areas with young kids

Lead risk assessors from the city of Milwaukee Health Department inspected LaFollette Elementary School, 3239 N. Ninth St., on March 13, 2025.

According to an inspection report, 50% or more of painted surfaces at LaFollette were found to be deteriorating. "Heavy" levels of paint dust were found throughout the building, the report said.

Chipping and peeling paint was found in classrooms with kindergarten-age children and children with disabilities, and in cafeteria areas, the report said.

Asbestos also found and taken care of

The inspection report also noted signs of disturbed asbestos, which pose "notable health (risks) to both adults & children)."

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MPS spokesperson Stephen Davis said that, during the March inspection at LaFollette, two potential asbestos-related issues were found: deteriorating plaster in a few areas and the end of the asbestos-containing pipe insulation was exposed and uncovered.

The Environmental Protection Agency and Milwaukee Health Department were told the deteriorating plaster was not asbestos-containing, according to historical sample results.

In addressing the issue with the pipe insulation, MPS' Environmental Health Services put in an emergency work order to seal the small section of pipe; that work was completed March 17. The pipe's wrapping was repaired to maintain the covering. No asbestos was removed.

"The repaired canvas covering maintains the asbestos in a safe manner," Davis said.

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For LaFollette and all other MPS facilities that follow the EPA's Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act regulation, the district has an asbestos management plan in place to manage and address any maintenance and repair requests. That plan has been in place since the 1980s, he said.

MPS also conducts re-inspections to assess the condition of asbestos-containing materials in each school every three years, as required by the EPA. Every six months between reinspections, the school's building engineer checks the building to ensure the asbestos-containing material within the building is undamaged, Davis said.

Any damage identified during a three-year reinspection or six-month building check gets immediately fixed through the MPS work order system.

Cleo Krejci covers K-12 education and workforce development as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at CKrejci@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @_CleoKrejci. For more information about Report for America, visit jsonline.com/rfa.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 128-year-old LaFollette Elementary School abated for lead, MPS says,
This photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows the arterial road N16 in Abuja, Nigeria. (CGC Nigeria Limited/Handout via Xinhua)

ABUJA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has lauded the completion of an arterial road built by a Chinese firm in Abuja, the capital, saying that infrastructure development is essential to the country's progress.

Tinubu on Wednesday commissioned the 3.64-km arterial road N16, built by CGC Nigeria Limited.

The commissioning was listed as one of the landmark projects of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, marking the president's second year in office.

The N16 connects several parts of Abuja, along with accompanying interchanges and feeder roads in the Maitama District, one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city.

"What was once a missing link is now a modern, functional, and durable infrastructure, an artery fully realized," Tinubu said, noting that the construction project affirmed his administration's commitment to transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

"This road will ease traffic congestion around Central Abuja and improve connectivity to developing districts such as Katampe, Jahi, and Bwari. It will stimulate housing and business growth while serving as a foundation for future city integration," the president said.

Tinubu commended the smooth relocation of local communities and compensation of residents affected by the development, urging citizens to protect and use the infrastructure wisely to bring about growth, social integration, and economic opportunity.

Nigeria's Federal Executive Council awarded the contract to CGC Nigeria in September 2024, and the construction commenced a month later. The project was completed in eight months, four months ahead of the one-year working period.

Zhong Xiang, managing director of CGC Nigeria, told Xinhua that the spirit of trust and friendship between China and Nigeria buoyed their confidence.

"Throughout the construction, we created over 1,300 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting local economic activities," he said. "The completion of this road project reflects our commitment to excellence and aligns with the Nigerian president's Renewed Hope Agenda on infrastructural development." 

This photo taken on June 4, 2025 shows the arterial road N16 in Abuja, Nigeria. (CGC Nigeria Limited/Handout via Xinhua)
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Gov. Jeff Landry announced leadership changes at the state Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Thursday morning.

Major changes include Secretary Joe Donahue moving into a new role within the agency as executive counsel and announcing Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) Executive Director Glenn Ledet as the new secretary.

Joe has done an outstanding job in one of the most thankless roles in state government. Louisianas roads and infrastructure are in dire need of reform, and Joe worked every day to move DOTD forward despite the challenges, said Landry. Now, hes returning to his passionpracticing lawand I know hell bring the same dedication and integrity to his new role as DOTD Executive Counsel. Im excited about the new era of leadership Glenn and Eric will bring to the department.

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Ledet said he looks forward to working with the DOTD team and its partners to make the states transportation network stronger. As the head of CPRA, he led the agencys implementation of the $50 billion Coastal Master Plan. He also has over a decade of experience in the engineering industry.

Together, we will focus on delivering efficient and safe infrastructure that meets the needs of Louisianas residents, communities, and businesses both now and in the future, said Ledet.

Landry also announced that Eric Dauphine, currently the district administrator of Lafayette-District 03 serving eight parishes, will be deputy secretary.

I appreciate the opportunity to help lead DOTD during this time of transition, focusing on strategic improvements and comprehensive change needed to enhance Departmental operations, said Dauphine.

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Leadership changes were announced after lawmakers passed a bill that would restructure DOTD. According to House Bill 528, the secretary would have the power to eliminate positions determined to be unnecessary following civil service rules. The agencys head would also be allowed to enter into agreements with other state agencies to develop programs and monitor, enforce and collect penalties for state construction zone violations.

The bill changed who appoints the role of deputy secretary, shifting it from being a secretary appointment to a governor-appointed position. Tasks for the deputy secretary include overseeing the office of transformation to optimize the agency and submitting an annual report to the legislature.

Meet Courtney Burdette, new head of Louisiana Department Environmental Quality

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  The Lansing Police Department is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its K-9 unit.

The Lansing Police Department celebrates the 40th anniversary of the K-9 Unit/ WLNS The Lansing Police Department celebrates the 40th anniversary of the K-9 Unit/ WLNS

According to the LPD, the canine unit was first formed in 1985 and is now one of the largest canine units in Michigan.

The Lansing Police Department celebrates the 40th anniversary of the K-9 Unit/ WLNS The Lansing Police Department celebrates the 40th anniversary of the K-9 Unit/ WLNS

Each German Shepherd is trained in obedience, tracking, handler protection, searches, locating weapons and evidence, LPD reports. While not on the clock, the canine unit will visit local schools and perform demonstrations.

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The chief of the Los Angeles Police Department has shot down Donald Trumps claim that he asked the president to send in the National Guard to help control immigration protests in the city.

Speaking to CNNs The Source with Kaitlan Collins, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the department was not in a position to make such a request and that they were nowhere near the stage where such action would be necessary.

The protests have largely scaled down to a one-square mile area of downtown Los Angeles. / David McNew/Getty Images

We have a protocol that we follow, McDonnell said. First, we bring all internal resources to bear on the issue, whatever it is. Then we mobilize the department, or part of the department, to get everybody out there dealing with the situation.

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If we still dont have the capacity to manage it, then through the sheriff we request mutual aid and bring in law enforcement partners from other police departments and sheriffs offices throughout Southern California, he continued. Were at that level nowand were nowhere near needing to reach out to the governor for the National Guard.

LAPD cheif Jim McDonnell said police were more than capable of controlling the unrest without federal assistance. / Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Beast.

Trump sparked outrage in California after ordering the federalization of the California state National Guard and send troopers into Los Angeles to quell protests against federal immigration crackdowns.

The move came without approval from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has repeatedly blasted Trump and accused him of like a dictator, imposing a mindset of militarization, power, dominance, and control, rather than following the rule of law.

Los Angeles police and sheriffs have been tackling the protests since late last week. / David McNew/Getty Images

Trump defended the deployment while speaking to reporters ahead of his visit to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Artsan institution he has controversially reshaped under his MAGA agendato watch Les Miserables.

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If we werent there, if we didnt bring in the National Guard and the Marines, youd probably have a city that was burning to the ground, Trump claimed. In fact, the police chief said as much. He said, Were very lucky to have had them.

Trump claimed credit for stopping the L.A. protests in a red carpet interview at the Kennedy Center. / Win McNamee/Getty Images

But McDonnell contradicted that narrative, and reiterated that the LAPD had not requested federal assistance to manage the unrest in parts of downtown L.A.

My hope is that things are moving in the right direction now, and that we wont have to, or wouldnt have had to, take that step, he told Collins.

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Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Jim McDonnell pushed back on President Trumps characterization of his past statements about National Guard deployment, saying he would not have requested federal troops to aid in quelling the citys immigration protests at this stage.

Were nowhere near a level where we would be reaching out to the governor for National Guard at this stage, McDonnell said Wednesday evening on CNNs The Source with host Kaitlan Collins.

And my hope is that things are going in the right direction now, and that we wouldnt have had to have done that  or we wont either, he added.

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Trump has repeatedly cited McDonnell to defend bypassing California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) in deploying the Golden States National Guard troops, which would typically be under the purview of the governor.

The president repeated that sentiment Wednesday evening to reporters outside of the Kennedy Center in Washington, saying, If we didnt bring in the National Guard and the Marines, you would probably have a city that was burning to the ground  just like it was a number of months ago with the housing. You would have had a big problem there, if we werent there.

In fact, the police chief said so much, if you look at what his statements were. He said, Were very lucky to have had them,' the president added. If we werent there, that city would have been burning to the ground. Would be burning right now.

Collins played the clip for McDonnell and asked whether he agrees with Trumps characterization of his past statement.

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No, we were not in a position to request the National Guard, McDonnell reiterated.

The police chief outlined the protocol that we work up through, before getting to the step of asking for National Guard assistance.

First, we bring in all internal resources to bear on the issue, whatever it is. Then we mobilize the department, or part of the department, to be able to get everybody out there, dealing with the issue, he said.

If we dont have the capacity at that point to be able to do that, then, through the sheriff, we request mutual aid, and we get our law enforcement partners  from police departments and sheriffs departments throughout the Southern California region  to assist us in doing what it is we need to do, McDonnell continued. Were at that level now.

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Despite the comments, Trump doubled down on his decision in a post on Truth Social early Thursday, again pointing fingers at Newsom.

Los Angeles was safe and sound for the last two nights. Our great National Guard, with a little help from the Marines, put the L.A. Police in a position to effectively do their job, he wrote online. They all worked well together, but without the Military, Los Angeles would be a crime scene like we havent seen in years.

Governor Gaven NewScum had totally lost control of the situation, the president added. He should be saying THANK YOU for saving his ass, instead of trying to justify his mistakes and incompetence!!!

Newsom has largely brushed off Trumps criticism, while calling the administrations moves a brazen abuse of power.

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Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell sharply countered President Donald Trumps claims that the city needed National Guard support, emphasizing Wednesday that protests were nowhere near that level.

McDonnells remarks come after Trump cited the police chief as validating the White Houses decision to send in troops to address largely peaceful protests over immigration raids.

If we werent there, if we didnt bring in the National Guard and the Marines, you would probably have a city that was burning to the ground, Trump baselessly stated while attending a performance of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center Wednesday evening.You would have had a big problem there, if we werent  in fact, the police chief said so much if you look at what his statements were. He said were very lucky to have had them.

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When asked by CNNs Kaitlan Collins if Trump had correctly described his position, McDonnell disputed the presidents statement.

No, we were not in a position to request the National Guard, he said. Were nowhere near a level where we would be reaching out to the governor for National Guard at this stage. And my hope is that things are going in the right direction now and that we wouldnt have had to have done that, or we wont either.

Californias state and local leaders have vocally opposed Trumps decision to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles in response to protests that began this past weekend, emphasizing that theyre not needed and will only sow chaos.

Trump has bypassed state leaders, however, and made the rare move of sending in members of the military without the approval of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

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McDonnell told CNN that the role of these troops is still not clear to the LAPD, describing them as a support entity to protect federal employees and facilities.

In the last week, both National Guard troops and Marines have been authorized to temporarily detain civilians, a move that has murky legal footing since theyre largely barred from engaging in law enforcement activity unless the president invokes the Insurrection Act.
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  A multi-agency drug bust in Metro Atlanta took thousands of fentanyl-laced pills and drug distribution equipment off the street, in the largest fentanyl seizure in the state of Georgia to-date. WRBL spoke to local law enforcement about how this could impact the Columbus community.

I think that a lot of people are tired from seeing the bad things that drugs can do, not only to the community but to even family members, said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman, adding that fentanyl is one of the leading cause of suicide deaths in Columbus and the state.

He continued, That drug bust, it saved a bunch of lives.

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Convicted felon and Atlanta resident 47-year-old Bartholomew Keeton Harralson was arrested. He faces multiple firearm and drug charges, including intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and more.

I would like to highlight the total amount of fentanyl seized, said Jae Chung, acting special agent in charge at the Atlanta division of the D.E.A. Approximately 97 kilograms in powder- and pill form, which have the potential lethal dose to kill approximately 48 million Americans.

During the Atlanta bust, 28 firearms were also seized.

Anything dealing with dealing with drugs, youre going to normally find guns. And so where you find guns, that there is a possibility of violence, Countryman said.

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He anticipates the Atlanta bust will impact the cost and availability of fentanyl locally. In general, the sheriff hopes targeting illicit drug availability in Columbus could also lead to violence reduction.

Countryman said MSCO will continue working with other local law enforcement agencies to tackle drug-related crime in Columbus.

Were not going to stop until the criminal behavior stops.  But as long as they are going, were going to bring the fight to them, Countryman said. Were going to turn up the heat and were not going to run from it. We have the resources, we have the collaboration, and we have fresh legs on the ground.

According to Countryman, local law enforcement has seized more than $311 million dollars of illicit drugs in the past four years.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Hundreds of people gathered outside the Las Vegas Federal Courthouse in the downtown area Wednesday night in protest against the federal immigration enforcement taking place nationwide.

The protest started peacefully along Las Vegas Boulevard near Clark Avenue around 7 p.m. Flags and signs were carried by many who gathered as police monitored the area closely.

By 8:30 p.m., more people had gathered near the courthouse, bringing U.S. and Mexico flags with them.

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Around 9 p.m., Las Vegas Metro police issued a dispersal order and declared an unlawful assembly at Las Vegas Boulevard and Clark Avenue due to protestors engaging in illegal activity.

Police said failure to leave the area could result in arrest or citation.

Las Vegas Boulevard near Clark Avenue emptied about 15 minutes after police issued the order Wednesday night. However, several people were taken into custody. Their status is not known.

A protest took place in downtown Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (KLAS) A protest took place in downtown Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (KLAS)

Athar Haseebullah, the executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada, posted to social media Wednesday night.

We have legal observers on the ground who have just advised officers using pepperballs on protestors. Dispersal order from LVMPD, not audible to all, declared unlawful assembly without clarity on what unlawful activity existed during peaceful protest with large crowd size.

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He said the ACLU did not coordinate the protest, but kettling protestors and then firing pepperballs at people and using tear gas is a #1A issue.

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The students who earned their certificates of library management this month with the aid of the South Dakota State Library will be the last for now, due to budget cuts.

The Public Library Training Institute has long served as a continuing education program for library practitioners, support staff, and trustees of South Dakota public libraries who do not hold formal library degrees, according to a Wednesday press release from the state Department of Education.

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Fifteen students from 13 libraries, with jobs ranging from library director to front-line staff, attended the 2025 training.

The institute has helped librarians earn their certificates  typically pursued by those seeking a masters degree in library science  since 1985, initially with courses at what was then Northern State College in Aberdeen.

The State Library, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services in Washington, D.C., has offered financial support for the training.

Students attend in-person sessions for one week each June, supplemented by online coursework throughout the year. Librarians who complete the program are awarded a certificate of public library management and are recognized as certified library practitioners.

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This year, our students delved into crucial aspects of information literacy, library resources, and emerging technologies, State Librarian George Seamon said in the press release on this years graduates. They explored topics such as digital literacy, AI in libraries, makerspaces, SDSL-provided resources, educational programming through the SD Discovery Center, and research databases.

Due to cuts by the South Dakota Legislature, however, 2025 will be the final year for the institute in its current form, Wednesdays press release said. Former Gov. Kristi Noem had proposed budget cuts large enough to threaten the State Librarys access to federal funding. Lawmakers compromised on a budget figure large enough to allow the state to secure federal matching funds, but not large enough to maintain the full range of library services.

The State Library will still pay for statewide access to a host of curated databases, keep most of its staff, and carry books ordered via interlibrary loan from place to place. The library cut the equivalent of two and a half staff members, however.

The State Library remains committed to supporting public library staff through continuing education, Wednesdays news release said, and future training opportunities will evolve to meet changing needs and circumstances across the state.

Certificates awarded

The following people earned a Certificate of Public Library Management during this months institute:
COLCHESTER, Vt (ABC22/FOX44)  Starting next month, Vermont workers will see changes to unpaid leave.

A new law will expand flexibility for parents and caregivers, those dealing with the death of a family member, as well as victims of domestic violence.

As a legislator, sometimes you look at policies that could need updating based on equity or other purposes, explains State Rep. Emilie Krasnow, lead sponsor of Act 32.

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The soon-to-be-implemented law also adds more inclusive language around the definition of family  specifically as it relates to the LGBTQ+ community.

Another big change the law will bring is guaranteed bereavement leave.

For Krasnow, this win is personal.

I lost both my parents  one when I was very young  and saw my mom take leave as we were grieving.

She hopes this will highlight the importance of job security while going through a hard time.

In developing this bill, Krasnow said she worked closely with members of the business community to strike a balance, in an effort to avoid any negetive impacts.

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Im greatful for Gov. Scott and his administration for seeing the merit in this bill  which helps with workforce recruiting, Krasnow adds.

She calls this a small but mighty step forward.

I personally know what its like to go through some of the hardest times in your life, and risking losing your job is not something folks need to worry about when theyre going through this. This is Vermont making sure our laws are equitable for everyone.

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The damaged Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown is shown on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the date of a devastating fire believed to have been accidental. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current)

Appreciation for South Countys acclaimed Matunuck Oyster Bar transcends political party, evidenced by the Rhode Island General Assemblys universal support to change state outdoor dining regulations on the restaurants behalf.

Companion bills sponsored by South Kingstown Democrats, Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee and Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski were each approved by their respective chambers in separate, unanimous votes Thursday.

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Each chamber must still give the rubber stamp to the others bill  a process known as concurrence  before the legislation heads to Gov. Dan McKees desk. McKee has already indicated his support.

The eleventh hour proposal, introduced in the Rhode Island State House one week earlier, offers a temporary solution after a fire permanently closed Matunuck Oyster Bar on May 20.

Perry Raso, restaurant owner and oyster farmer, has cooked up a plan to host diners in a neighboring marina parking lot this summer, which requires a few tweaks to existing state regulations governing al fresco eateries.

While we know summer at Matunuck Oyster Bar wont look the same this year, this creative solution is a great first step toward welcoming diners back to our tables and keeping our staff working and earning wages during this busy season, Raso said in a statement Thursday prior to the votes.

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Raso said he can keep about 50 members of his 300-person staff on the payroll this summer under the mobile kitchen plan.

Matunuck Oyster Bar owner Perry Raso (Photo by Lucas Masiello/Rhode Island Current)

This bill is not only about outdoor dining, its about protecting jobs, supporting small business and keeping our economy going, said Rep. Kathleen Fogarty, a South Kingstown Democrat whose district includes the restaurant and Rasos home.

Outdoor dining is no longer a novelty, having become a staple for the states hospitality industry in the wake of the pandemic. In February 2024, lawmakers approved a new state law regulating outdoor dining, allowing cities and towns to limit outdoor dining on public property and set capacity caps, while protecting restaurant owners from overly restrictive local limits on operating hours and parking.

The bill passed by both chambers Thursday amends the 2024 law, permitting 18 months of outdoor dining  or until the building is fit for occupancy  for restaurants closed due to casualties like floods and fires. Municipal governments would also need to OK the workaround measure for affected restaurants in their communities based on existing local ordinances. Restaurants could serve alcohol outside, too, if they already have a local liquor license.

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The added flexibility for outdoor dining in emergencies expires June 30, 2027, though Senator Leonidas Raptakis, a Coventry Democrat, urged fellow senators to consider making the change permanent.

I think this is a very good tool that helps all businesses in Rhode Island, Raptakis, who used to own Venus Pizza in Coventry. I dont want to see this happen to any business.

Across the rotunda, Minority Whip David Place,a Burrillville Republican, lobbied unsuccessfully to make the proposal permanent.

I dont want this to just be here for one business, I want it to be here for every business, Place said.

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McEntee, however, said the sunset provision aligned with prior, pandemic-era outdoor dining laws, which all began as temporary measures and, if proven effective, became permanent.

Place ultimately voted for the legislation as presented, including the 2027 expiration.

The South Kingstown Town Council passed a resolution at its June 9 meeting supporting the state policy change, as requested by Elizabeth Noonan, an attorney representing Raso.

The South Kingstown Town Council must also approve details of Rasos outdoor dining plans, which had not been submitted to the town as of Thursday afternoon, Town Council President Rory McEntee. He is the son of Rep. McEntee.

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We look forward to sharing our plans for al fresco dining in the marina parking lot across the street from the Matunuck Oyster Bar if and when this legislation is enacted, and we remain committed to take any step we can to preserve as many summer shifts for as many of our employees as possible, Raso said Thursday.

Details on a permanent rebuild and reopening of the famed, 16-year seafood restaurant were not immediately available.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal, Matt Touchette, a spokesperson, said Thursday. A preliminary investigation suggested it was accidental, and not caused by commercial cooking equipment.

Rep. Megan Cotter, an Exeter Democrat, recused herself from the vote. Cotter sold the restaurant fish through her job as director of business development and category management for Foley Fish, she said via text Thursday night.

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LUSAKA, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government expressed confidence that the ongoing China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), held in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, will help boost the country's export revenue.

Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry Chipoka Mulenga said in a statement released Thursday that Zambia's participation in the expo is key to promoting the country's exports to China.

Speaking at the launch of the Zambian pavilion at CAETE, Mulenga expressed hope that the pavilion would raise awareness of Zambia and its products in the Chinese market. He emphasized its potential to foster enterprise engagement, facilitate investment, and enhance practical cooperation to expand trade and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The minister also praised China for granting African countries duty-free access to its market for agricultural goods.

Held biennially, CAETE serves as a major platform for strengthening economic ties between China and African countries. This year's event runs from Thursday to Sunday under the theme "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization." 
As Florida State's College of Law is finding out, the Legislature gives  and the Legislature takes away.

Even though lawmakers preliminarily approved funding for the Election Law Center at Florida State University to be codified in statute, the organization won't be receiving any money in the state budget for 2025-26.

The House of Representatives originally set aside $950,000 for the center, but the Senate left it totally unfunded. As budget talks near to a close, the House adopted the Senate's position, and now the center is left without state money for next fiscal year. The state's budget year runs July 1-June 30.

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"We are grateful to the Florida Legislature for passing the first part of the bill that puts the Election Law Center in statute, and we are hopeful it will pave the way for future funding," an FSU Law spokesperson said.

The center isn't going away: It opened in 2023 and received a nonrecurring appropriation of $1 million that year. It'll keep operating, at least for next year, with money left over from that funding.

As previously reported, a bill on the "Florida State University Election Law Center" (SB 892), sponsored by Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, allowed the center to be supported financially by the state. It was a way to make sure the center got recurring state funding and remain in existence indefinitely.

"The bill provides that the center will be funded through appropriations in the General Appropriations Act, charitable donations and grants, and other university funds," a staff analysis said.

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The FSU Election Law Center  spearheaded by law professor Michael Morley  conducts nonpartisan research to provide evidence-based analyses of issues in election laws, which govern the way elections are conducted.

The center also helps FSU law students understand how to enhance the publics understanding of the electoral system. It also offers the student learners scholarships, externships and research fellowships to support careers in election law  a field that includes topics such as political spending, voting rights, ballot propositions, redistricting, gerrymandering and campaign finance.

While Simon's bill passed unanimously in the House and Senate, it has not yet been sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis' desk for signature.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

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Ana Goni-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network  Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Legislature backed FSU Election Law Centerjust not with cash
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The Maine Legislature on Thursday passed measures that would raise the tax rate on corporations and alter the states tax brackets to provide relief for the middle class. Another proposal that specifically sought to raise taxes on millionaires, however, was rejected.

All of these were determined by a handful, or in some instances just one, vote. And with such narrow margins, the chambers will be unlikely to overcome a potential veto from Gov. Janet Mills, who has already expressed her opposition.

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The advance of these tax changes comes amid the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee finalizing a budget plan to send to the Maine House of Representatives and Senate for approval, and the potential for increased tax revenue could be consequential.

Advocates and some Democratic lawmakers specifically pushed for the Legislature to adjust taxes as a means to continue to fund the health and child care programs that Mills proposed cutting in her budget proposal.

So far, only some of those proposals have made it into the committees budget plan. Notably, the committee rejected Mills suggested cuts to childcare worker stipends and Head Start. Meanwhile, the committee included some initiatives to save or raise money, such as rolling back funding for mental health programs and pensions, as well as increasing the cigarette excise tax.

A change to tax brackets

Both chambers backed LD 229, which would increase the base of the states tax brackets. It would do this by both increasing the number of tax brackets and by adding a top tax bracket for high income earners.

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Maine currently has three tax brackets with tax rates of 5.8%, 6.75% and 7.15%. The top tax bracket is currently for any individual making more than $61,600. The bill would add two more brackets for the highest earners, which would be taxed at 7.75% and 8.95%.

In the Senate, several critics of the bill said that raising tax rates on the wealthiest individuals would drive investors away. Though tax committee co-chair Sen. Nicole Grohoski (D-Hancock) said the states tax code is currently upside down, asking more proportionately from earners in the middle than those at the top. This bill is here to fix that, she said.

The ideas in this bill are not new, and could lend themselves to a veto, again.

Mills administration testified against the bill during its public hearing, reiterating many of the same concerns the governor had when she vetoed a bill last year that sought to adjust Maines tax bracelets by adding a new top tax rate of 8.45% and expanding the lower tax brackets.

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While describing the bill as well intentioned in her veto message, the governor said the bill wouldnt reduce the tax burden for lower-income people because of the states many exemptions, deductions and credits that more people have become eligible for in recent years.

The governor also cited possible state budget challenges if Maine were to increase its reliance on a small number of taxpayers whose income is disproportionately composed of often volatile business.

Raising taxes on corporations

The other bill both chambers backed is LD 1879, which would raise the tax rate on corporations to support the agricultural economy, though the Mills administration is also opposed to this plan.

Specifically, it would increase the top marginal corporate income tax rate to 10% on income over $3,500,000 for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. This revenue would then be distributed to various funds and programs, such as the dairy stabilization support fund, agricultural marketing loan fund and business recovery and resilience fund, among others.

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Michael Allen, associate commissioner for tax policy in the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, testified against the bill on behalf of Mills during the public hearing, noting that it would make Maines top marginal corporate income tax rate among the highest in the country. He also noted a number of technical concerns with the proposal.

While both chambers have now passed LD 1879, it took several attempts for them to get on the same page.

While the House initially passed this bill 77-67, the Senate failed to pass it with a 13-18 vote and subsequently voted against it without a roll call, returning it to the lower chamber in nonconcurrence.

On Wednesday, House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham (R-Winter Harbor) tried to recede and concur but his motion failed 65-78. The House then insisted on its vote to pass the bill and the Senate tabled it when it was sent back to that body on Wednesday.

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But on Thursday the Senate changed course, voting 18-16 to recede and concur with the House.

Rejecting a millionaires tax

Both chambers narrowly rejected what is commonly referred to as a millionaires tax. The proposal, LD 1089, was amended to a lower surcharge than initially proposed.

It would place an income tax surcharge of 2% on the portion of a residents taxable income beyond $1 million for single filers, $1.5 million for heads of households and $2 million for married people filing jointly. This revenue would then go toward funding public K-12 education.

Originally, the bill sought to tax income over $1 million by an additional 4%, which would have mirrored a law recently passed in Massachusetts.

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The House failed to pass the measure 70-72 on Wednesday before voting against it without a roll call. The Senate ultimately did the same Thursday, after an initial vote to pass it failed 17-18.

The Mills administration has also testified against this bill.

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Utahs and 27 other attorneys generals have taken bipartisan legal action against the DNA testing company 23andMe.

The lawsuit is to prevent the DNA company, which went bankrupt last March, from selling millions of Americans personal genetic and health information.

The 28 attorneys general, including Utahs Derek Brown, argue that such sensitive information should not be auctioned off as it is incredibly sensitive and personal, Douglas Crapo, consumer protection deputy for the Office of the Utah Attorney General, said in a press release.

Utah Attorney General-elect Derek Brown is photographed at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

In March, when the company filed for bankruptcy, its buyer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, assured users their private data would remain secure. But the state of Utah and others in the complaint filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Missouri are adamant that a judge must declare 23andMes customers have inherent common law rights of ownership or control in (a) their biological material, per the lawsuit.

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Virtually all of this personal information is immutable. If stolen or misused, it cannot be changed or replaced, the lawsuit continued. Furthermore, this data is exclusively personal and unique, representing that customers identity and no other human being.

A spokesperson for 23andMe told Business Insider that the complaints arguments are without merit, and we will address them at the sales hearing.

Katie Hass, director of the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, countered in her own statement that The companys intent to sell this data to the highest bidder is an egregious betrayal of that trust and will not be tolerated.

Every consumer should have the right to decide how this intimate, personal, and unique data is handled going forward.

How to delete your data

To delete personal data from 23andMe, California Attorney General Rob Bonta shared the following 8-step procedure:
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Two more lawsuits were filed against the State of Oregon and Oregon Youth Authority on Wednesday as 18 more men allege they were abused by a former doctor while they were in custody at Maclaren Youth Facility.

The total number of alleged victims of Dr. Gary Edwards, aka Dr. Cold Fingers is now at 39. Attorneys say they expect more victims to come forward.

Some of these victims were as young as 12 years old when they were abused by Dr. Edwards, said attorney Paul Gaulm. Many of them were abused as much as 10 times. And some were abused as much as 30 times.

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Edwards, who died in February, worked for OYA for nearly 40 years. He is accused of abusing boys between 2002 and 2016.

Gaulm Law Firm says they have filed four lawsuits on behalf of victims of Edwards, representing $200 million of liability for the State of Oregon.

After the initial lawsuits were filed, Gov. Kotek fired OYA Executive Director Joe OLeary for failing to investigate thousands of abuse complaints.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
A partner at a London law firm who told a junior colleague he wanted to dominate you sexually has been granted anonymity on the grounds that revealing his identity would damage his mental health.

The top-ranking lawyer was brought before the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal for sexually harassing a colleague at a leaving drinks in central London in June 2022.

The solicitor out of the blue said I want to dominate you sexually to a junior colleague while laughing with a smile on his face. The incident occurred a minute and a half into starting a conversation with the junior lawyer whom he had not met before, the tribunal heard.

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The junior lawyer  referred to as Person A in proceedings  asked him: What are you saying to me?

He then repeated his statement, adding: Yeah, youd like it.

The incident took place at a pub near their law firms London offices and occurred while both lawyers were sat at a table with other co-workers.

Person A left the pub shortly after the partner made his comments. She described herself as shocked, really angry and really upset and said she cried on her way home from the nearby City Thameslink station.

The tribunal has ruled the solicitors behaviour amounted to sexual harassment. It has banned him from working as a lawyer for two years and ordered him to pay 32,655.07.

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However, the tribunal also made the unusual decision to let the law firm partner retain his anonymity after he submitted evidence arguing that naming him would breach his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.

He submitted medical evidence showing there would be a real risk to his life if his identity were revealed. This included testimony from a psychiatrist who issued a report before the hearing.

The firm where the lawyer works has also not been named.

I often say some things which are completely inappropriate

In his defence, the partner said he was under personal pressure as a result of issues in his marriage and was suffering from exhaustion following an overseas trip where he had drunk alcohol for six nights in a row.

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He said social anxiety resulting from meeting a lot of people had also contributed to his out-of-character behaviour. He claimed he had heightened nervousness about meeting people after not doing so for a long period as a result of Covid restrictions.

The partner later reported himself to the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The tribunal said he was full of remorse and shame.

Prior to the incident, Person A had worked at the law firm for four and a half years, in a position that was a couple of layers below the partner, whom she had never spoken to previously.

After the incident, the partner sent Person A a message on Microsoft Teams apologising for his behaviour. He said: I often say some things which are completely inappropriate.

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Even for my close friends who know me, I know I can be a bit much  pushing limits ... I honestly spoke to you like I would my closest friends and I really hope that you can take this as a compliment to your fun and bubbly personality.

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KINSHASA (Reuters) -At least 32 people were killed and dozens remain missing in Democratic Republic of Congo's Equateur Province after two boats carrying more than 100 passengers capsized in Lake Tumba, local authorities told Reuters on Thursday.

The boats departed Bikoro port on the eastern shores of the lake on Wednesday afternoon despite "clear overloading and unstable weather conditions," according to a statement from a provincial civil society group, the Provincial Coordination of the Panel of Civil Society Experts of Equateur.

"Witnesses reported that the overcrowding was so severe that passengers were being turned away from the canoes," said Akula Dieu, a member of the civil society group.

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Reuters could not confirm the weather conditions or details about possible overloading.

A state official, Bikoro Lake Commissioner Gabriel Ifulu Bongolomba, told Reuters that a family had requisitioned two boats to transport people for a funeral from an unauthorised embarkation point.

Heavy waves caused by the rains struck the vessels, causing them to capsize, he said. Rescue efforts were ongoing, he added, but said responders faced challenges due to a lack of essential equipment, including life jackets and boats.

"We're forced to requisition private boats for this type of operation, but sometimes we don't even have enough fuel to carry out our work properly," Bongolomba said.

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Deadly boat accidents are common in Congolese waters, where vessels are frequently overloaded, posing significant safety risks.

(Reporting by Fiston Mahamba in Kinshasa; Writing by Ayen Deng BiorEditing by Matthew Lewis)
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt slammed a question from a reporter on Wednesday when asked if President Trump would support having peaceful protesters at the Saturday military parade in Washington, D.C.

So if there were peaceful protests on Saturday for the military parade, President Trump would allow that, NOTUSs Jasmine Wright asked on Wednesday during the White House press briefing.

Of course the president supports peaceful protests. What a stupid question, Leavitt said in response.

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Moments prior, Wright had mentioned Trumps warning to potential protesters who were planning to be at the massive Army parade in the nations capital, saying they would be met with very big force.

If theres any protester wants to come out, they will be met with very big force. For those people that want to protest, they will be met with very big force. And I havent even heard about a protest, Trump said on Tuesday.

Wright asked Leavitt if she could clarify what kind of protest President Trump does support or find acceptable.

The president absolutely supports peaceful protests. He supports the First Amendment. He supports the right of Americans to make their voices heard, the White House press secretary said.

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He does not support violence of any kind. He does not support assaulting law enforcement officers who are simply trying to do their jobs, Leavitt added, referring to the ongoing protests in Los Angeles.

The protests in the City of Angels began after Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids at several businesses. The demonstrations spread around federal buildings where those detained are believed to be held.

In response, Trump deployed National Guard troops and the Marines to help halt the protests, decisions that were opposed by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).

Its very clear for the president what he supports and what he does not. Unfortunately for Democrats, that line has not been clear and theyve allowed this unrest and this violence to continue, and the president has had to step in, Leavitt said on Wednesday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Dr. Scott Harris, state health officer at Alabama Department of Public Health, speaks to the State Committee of Public Health meeting on April 10, 2025, in Montgomery. Harris told the committee on Thursday that a Lee County child suspected of having measles tested negative for the disease. (Alander Rocha/Alabama Reflector)

Alabamas state health officer said Thursday that a suspected measles case in Lee County turned out to be negative, meaning the state has not yet seen a confirmed case of the disease this year amid measles outbreaks around the nation.

Dr. Scott Harris Thursday told the State Committee of Public Health, which oversees the Alabama Department of Public Health, that the suspected case was in a child just under 12 months old who was not yet eligible for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The child had symptoms such as fever and rash, but tested negative on Wednesday.

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At this point, we dont have our first measles case from this outbreak, that we know of anyway, Harris said.

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ADPH reported Sunday it was investigating a suspected case of measles. In March, the department investigated a possible measles exposure after an unvaccinated child who traveled through the state later tested positive for measles.

Alabamas MMR vaccination rate among kindergartners was 93.8% in the 2023-2024 school year, under the 95% rate set by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to achieve herd immunity.

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Harris has said in each board meeting since the outbreaks started this year that a case in Alabama is coming. He said there could still be undetected cases, especially in areas with low vaccination rates, that can lead to an outbreak.

If you have a case that reaches some population, for example, a day care, where kids arent old enough to be vaccinated yet. You could expose dozens of children at once, Harris said after the board meeting.

An outbreak that started with two unvaccinated school-age children in west Texas in January has now spread to at least 33 other states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since the first outbreak this year, authorities have reported nearly 1,200 cases in people who are either unvaccinated or have unknown status. Of total cases, 12% have been hospitalized and three people have died.

The measles vaccine has significantly reduced severe illness and fatalities since it became available in 1973; previously, measles led to an estimated 48,000 hospitalizations and 400-500 deaths annually in the U.S. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles, and one dose is 93% effective.

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Through April, the MMR vaccination rate in Texas was up 450%, compared to its vaccination rate in 2019, according to The Texas Tribune. Since the outbreak, Texas health officials have made the vaccine, which is typically available to children ages one and older, available to infants older than six months. Health officials have also attributed the increased vaccine uptake to public awareness.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Lees Summit School District (LSR2) confirmed on Thursday that one of its former eighth-grade students died Wednesday morning after he was hit by a car while riding a bicycle.

Presumed remains of missing 81-year-old Overland Park woman found near car

According to a statement from LSR7, 14-year-old Noah Lakey, a recent graduate of Summit Lakes Middle School, was involved in a tragic accident on Wednesday that took his life.

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The statement said:

Dear Summit Lakes families-



Its with a heavy heart that I share the sad news that Noah Lakey, an outgoing 8th grader, died Wednesday morning in a tragic accident.



Our thoughts and condolences are with Noahs family during this difficult time. We also offer our condolences to our Summit Lakes students and staff, especially those who were Noahs classmates, friends and teachers.



If you have any concerns about your students reaction to this loss, please reach out to our administrative team so we can provide assistance to your family as needed.



Thank you for your continued support and well wishes as we keep Noahs family in our thoughts.

The Lees Summit Police Department also confirmed the death of Lakey on Thursday afternoon.

Previous reporting said that at about 10 a.m. Wednesday, officers were called to the intersection of Southwest Jefferson Street and Southwest Scherer Road in a southern part of Lees Summit, on reports of a crash involving a bicyclist.

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Initial investigations revealed that the bicyclist had been driving southbound on the sidewalk of Southwest Jefferson Street when they drove into the westbound lanes of Southwest Scherer Road and crashed into a car.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe activates National Guard, declares State of Emergency

A GoFundMe has been set up in Noahs name, which states that he had been involved in a deadly biking accident on June 11, where he was hit by a car.

The fundraiser also further describes Noah as a young man full of life and kindness, who had just celebrated his 14th birthday on June 1.

It said he was quick-witted, intelligent, and curious, and that he loved archery, music, video games and spending time with his friends.

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No funeral arrangements have been made; however, the GoFundMe has raised more than $9,000 of its $16,000 goal.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Gary England - KWTV

Longtime KWTV chief meteorologist Gary England has died. He was 85.

The Oklahoma City, Oklahoma CBS affiliate said England kept Oklahomans informed for 41 years.

Upon his retirement in 2013, England was called the Oklahomas Master Meteorologist by NPR, while The New York Times called him The Weather God of Oklahoma City.

We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved Gary England passed this evening. Gary passed peacefully on the evening of June 10th, surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife of 63 years, Mary, and his loving daughter, Molly. Gary was proud to have protected Oklahoma from its deadliest storms. He will be deeply and forever missed, his family said in a statement.

He was known for pioneering the use of technology in forecasting. In 1981, he became the first person in history to implement Enterprise Electronics Doppler radar for direct warnings to the public.
By News Centre

The National Combat Aircraft KAAN is crossing borders. Forty-eight KAANs will be exported to Indonesia over the next 10 years. President Tayyip Erdo?an announced that 48 National Combat Aircraft KAANs, which will be produced in Turkiye within the framework of the agreement signed with Indonesia, will be exported to Indonesia.

Stating that he wanted to share a very important and positive development regarding the National Combat Aircraft KAAN, Erdo?an said: Within the framework of the agreement we signed with our friend and brother Indonesia, 48 KAANs will be produced in Turkiye and exported to Indonesia. Indonesias local capabilities will also be utilized in the production of KAAN.

Hoping that this agreement, which reveals the progress and point reached by Turkiye's domestic and national defense industry, will be beneficial for Turkiye and Indonesia, Erdo?an said: I extend my greetings and thanks to my esteemed counterpart, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who played a major role in the signing of the agreement through the will he displayed.

I congratulate all our organizations, especially our Presidency of Defense Industries and TUSA?, who contributed to the production of KAAN and the signing of this record export contract in Turkiyes history. I wish continued success to all our companies that we have supported in every way for the further strengthening of our defense industry, and will continue to support with determination, and I express my gratitude to all my brothers working in the defense industry.

The deal, worth over $10 billion, is Turkiyes largest single-item defense product export. With KAANs export to Indonesia, this sale will elevate Turkiye to the ranks of the few countries capable of exporting a 5th-generation fighter jet, while generating an economic gain of tens of billions of dollars. At the same time, a critical threshold will be crossed in terms of the KAAN projects sustainability and reducing mass production costs.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Presidential Defense Industries Director Haluk Gorgun, Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, TUSA? Board Chairman Omer Cihad Vardan, Deputy Minister of National Defense and TUSA? Board Deputy Chairman ?uay Alpay, and TUSA? General Manager Mehmet Demiro?lu attended the signing ceremony held in Jakarta. Under the agreement, the delivery of 48 National Combat Aircraft KAANs will be completed within 120 months.

The KAAN aircraft to be delivered will feature an engine produced using national resources. In addition to the delivery of KAANs, the agreement will also include the transfer of aviation technology to Indonesia. It will further aim to share information and develop local capabilities through the strategic cooperation to be carried out by Turkiye and Indonesia. Moreover, Indonesias local capabilities will be utilized in KAANs production.

Minister of Trade Omer Bolat and Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kac?r evaluated KAAN's export. Bolat emphasized their pride in this historic order and noted: While this agreement highlights the peak our high-tech defense industry has reached in exports, it will also bring about an exemplary joint production model that combines the capabilities of both countries.

Minister Kac?r also made the following statement: Here is the Turkish Century. Having developed its own 5th-generation fighter jet, the great and powerful Turkiye is now signing agreements to export fighter jets to friendly and brotherly countries. May the project of producing 48 KAANs in Turkiye and exporting them to Indonesia, which was realized in line with the will of our esteemed presidents, be beneficial for our countries.

Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) President Haluk Gorgun, in a post on X regarding the matter, said: In our aviation journey spanning over a century, we are now experiencing the pride of sharing our own 5th-generation fighter jet with friendly countries. Under the leadership of our President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, our national technology initiative is going beyond borders, and the signature of Turkish engineering is now shaping the global security architecture. This project will be one of the most concrete examples of joint production, technology sharing, and strategic cooperation.

The National Combat Aircraft KAAN, of which TAI is the main developer, is expected to replace the F-16s, which are planned to be gradually phased out of the Turkish Air Force Commands inventory starting from the 2030s. The KAAN Development Project Contract was signed with the SSB on August 5, 2016. KAAN, a 5th-generation multi-role combat aircraft, provides superior capabilities for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Following the completion of production and assembly activities for the first prototype, KAAN began ground tests. After completing the test phase, it performed its first flight on February 21, 2024, remaining in the air for 13 minutes. During this flight, KAAN reached an altitude of 8,000 feet and a speed of 230 knots. KAAN performed its second test flight on May 6, 2024, remaining airborne for 14 minutes, reaching an altitude of 10,000 feet and a speed of 230 knots.

A second contract has been signed between ROKETSAN and Indonesias PT RDI for the supply of the ATMACA Anti-Ship Missile and Weapon System. Significant collaborations were achieved at Indo Defence 2025, one of the largest defense industry fairs in Southeast Asia, held in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. This second contract, covering the supply of the ATMACA Anti-Ship Missile and Weapon System, was signed between Roketsan and PT Republik Defence Indonesia (RDI). The agreement falls within the scope of a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA). This initiative aims to develop local capabilities in Indonesia for the assembly, domestic production, and sustainability of missile technologies. With this contract, ROKETSAN has expanded its contribution to the modernization of Indonesias naval force.
CAIRO, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a phone conversation on Thursday, focusing on the ongoing regional developments, according to a statement by the Egyptian presidency.

The Egyptian president reviewed Egypt's efforts to facilitate a ceasefire in Gaza, stressing the importance for the international community to exert pressure for an immediate cessation of military operations in the strip.

Al-Sisi also reiterated his complete rejection of plans to displace Palestinians from their land, noting the importance of expanding recognition of the State of Palestine based on the two-state solution.

The two sides also discussed the developments in Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, and Somalia, as well as the means to restore stability in the Middle East.

For his part, the German chancellor affirmed his country's commitment to continuing coordination and consultation with Egypt to restore regional calm and peace. 
A sign above the main entrance to the Maine State House in Augusta. (Jim Neuger/Maine Morning Star)

The future of a controversial bill that extends a loophole for out-of-state waste to be brought to Juniper Ridge Landfill is uncertain.

After both chambers passed the bill (LD 297), with the Senate voting 22-10 on Wednesday, less than two-thirds of the House voted to enact the bill, which is required for an emergency measure.

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During the Senate debate, Sen. Rick Benett (R-Oxford), who opposed the legislation, read a letter from Wabanaki Alliance executive director Maulian Bryant, who said the proposal would extend an unjust loophole that is poisoning the Penobscot River. Others who spoke criticized Casella Waste Management, which runs the landfill, for not doing more to change its practices to meet the requirements of a 2022 law banning out-of-state waste. The imported bulky waste  such as construction materials  helps the landfill manage the excess of sludge. Sen. Denise Tepler (D-Sagadahoc) said shes not convinced the operator of the landfill is an honest broker.

Tepler and others acknowledged that the bill was not an adequate solution, but she argued that under the current system, its difficult to separate the in- and out-of-state waste and said the state is up against several contractual obligations so, if no action is taken, it would mean serious problems at the landfill. More bulky waste battles to come. (Read more about this issue here).

With papers frantically shuffling between chambers this week ahead of the planned June 18 adjournment, Maine Morning Star will highlight the biggest items of debate as well as legislation and issues that weve followed all session.

Heres an overview of what happened Wednesday.

Both chambers

After extensive back and forth, both chambers threw their support behind a proposal to protect Maines night sky from light pollution. House lawmakers voted late Wednesday to align with the Senate in favor of LD 1934, which would require that exterior lighting on public buildings and projects comply with certain standards intended to reduce the amount of unnecessary light emitted, with exemptions for airports, highways, ski areas, emergency management, and  after the passage of a floor amendment  the Maine Turnpike. Sen. Stacey Guerin (R-Penobscot) pointed out that New Hampshire passed a similar measure and the sky did not fall, but the night sky is shining brightly.

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Legislation to increase the transparency and accountability of the Maine Information and Analysis Center, a controversial fusion center that was accused by a whistleblower of illegally monitoring and tracking civilians, passed both chambers. LD 419 creates an auditor position within the Attorney Generals Office to produce publicly available reports on its actions and ensures the center operates within the law and in a manner that preserves the privacy, civil liberties and civil rights of all people in the state.

Following the Senate vote one day before, the House on Wednesday passed legislation (LD 1666) to expand ranked-choice voting to races for general and special elections for governor, state senator and state representative. Rep. Adam Lee (D-Auburn) said the bill does more than enact the peoples will. It restores coherence to our electoral system. However, critics argued that because that state constitution says those races should be decided by a plurality of voters, that the bill is unconstitutional.

Both chambers have rejected a constitutional amendment (LD 150) that would allow voters to choose the state treasurer. The Senate on Wednesday voted 16-17 against passage of the bill, following the House vote earlier this week.

The chambers both voted without a roll call to pass LD 1702, which adds restrictions to what candidates or their representatives can do at polling places on Election Day, including collecting petition signatures or contributions for their candidacy within 250 feet of the entrance to a polling place.

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Both chambers backed legislation (LD 1731) that would give greater oversight to the Maine State Ferry Advisory Board, requiring the Maine State Ferry Service to consult the board on matters regarding budgets, planning and major operational decisions while the board will conduct annual reviews of the ferry service. This action comes after the ferry service experienced serious disruptions last summer and has struggled to hire and retain staff. (Read more about the issue here.)

LD 1099, which would exempt diapers from sales tax, passed both chambers without a roll call.

With the House voting 75-65 and the Senate 19-14, both chambers are supporting a proposal (LD 1328) to create culturally appropriate and trauma-informed housing recovery residences to provide services to underserved, underrepresented or disparately impacted individuals in recovery from substance use disorder.

The majority of the House and Senate have voted against a proposal (LD 856) to phase out the income tax.

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An emergency bill (LD 1920) to prohibit the sale to a person under 21 years old of potentially intoxicating hemp products passed both chambers without a roll call, and was unanimously enacted by both chambers, meaning it will take effect immediately after signing.

Both the House and Senate passed legislation (LD 1326) that would establish maximum PFAS levels in the drinking water of certain public water systems that serve settings such as schools, factories, industrial parks or office buildings. (Read more about the issue here.)

The chambers also unanimously approved a resolve (LD 1888) directing the Office of the Attorney General to convene a working group to study the feasibility of establishing the crime of racketeering for drug offenses and sex trafficking.

One of several proposals to amend the constitution to require the popular election of the secretary of state, attorney general and state treasurer (LD 508) ultimately failed after a series of back and forth votes. Though it initially passed the House, which also added a floor amendment that would have ensured those races used ranked-choice voting, it was rejected by the Senate and then indefinitely postponed, which the House later agreed to.

Nonconcurrent matters

The House on Wednesday insisted on passage of a tax proposal rejected by the Senate (LD 1879) that would increase corporate tax rates and use that revenue to support the states agricultural industries. (Read more about the bill here.)

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The House on Wednesday insisted on its position in support of a resolve (LD 1364) directing the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to evaluate efforts to promote the use of non-lead ammunition. Following that, the Senate also insisted on its position against the bill, likely dooming the legislation.

Despite significant debate and fatigue over a bill (LD 1754) that would provide for the direct shipment of spirits to consumers, the House voted to insist on its position against the measure that the Senate has backed (a position the upper chamber later doubled down on). Critics argued the legislation would take money from mom and pop retailers that have paid significant money for liquor licenses.

The chambers are also at odds over legislation (LD 1657) that would expand the use of tax increment revenue for affordable housing by adding authorized project costs, such as costs for the development, sale, and operation. The House late Wednesday insisted on its position against the measure that is backed by the Senate.

The chambers are also split over a proposal (LD 1200) to prohibit the sale of items intended to be used to inhale nitrous oxide for recreational use. The Senate first passed the bill without a roll call but the House voted 50-93 against the measure. Arguing against, Rep. Nina Milliken (D-Blue Hill) told her colleagues the bill would create a new civil offense, such as that if she went to the grocery store and purchased whipped cream with the intention of huffing the gas, and the clerk who sold it to her knew she would do that, they could get a civil penalty. She argued, when a bad bill comes around, you must whip it.

Senate action

Senators voted 21-10 to pass a measure (LD 913) that would prohibit ticket sellers from banning the transfer of tickets to third parties. An amendment introduced on the floor that would have capped the price of resale tickets failed 11-20.

House action

House members voted 75-67 to back a provision (LD 229) that would add new tax brackets to increase taxes on the states highest earners and increase the threshold for the states lower tax brackets, which sponsor Rep. Ann Matlack (D-Spruce Head) explained was crafted to provide income tax relief to those in the middle.

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However, a measure (LD 1089) that would establish a tax on incomes over $1,000,000 to permanently fund the states share of education failed 70-72.

The House on Wednesday voted without a roll call to reject a proposed constitutional amendment (LD 1112) that would require the state to reimburse municipalities for at least 90% of lost revenue due to property tax exemptions, and also establish a minimum homestead tax exemption.

The House initially voted under the hammer to pass LD 172, which would require the Maine State Police to create a statewide list of missing persons and study improvements for investigating those cases, but then moved to table the measure. (Read more about this issue here).

Members of the House voted 73-69 in favor of (LD 648) to expand the states supervised community confinement program for incarcerated people who committed offenses before they were 26 years old.

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CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WPRI)  A Cumberland High School exchange student was allowed to walk at graduation Wednesday night following a last-minute reversal sparked by community backlash.

Claraa foreign exchange student from Francewas blindsided and confused when school leaders pulled her aside after rehearsal wrapped on Tuesday, telling her she would not be able to participate in the ceremony, according to Cumberland School Committee member Jason Dean.

Dean said Claras host family emailed the entire committee expressing that she was devastated and had never been told she couldnt walk.

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Not only was it never communicated to Clara or her host family, but Dean said the school allowed her to go through the full graduation preparation process: paying dues, ordering a cap and gown, and submitting the proper pronunciation of her name.

Cumberland Superintendent Philip Thornton explained the districts graduation policy to 12 News, citing I-14 High School Proficiency Based Graduation, which states, Only students who demonstrate fulfillment of [] graduation requirements and proficiencies shall participate in the graduation ceremony and receive a diploma.

Dean clarified that Clara was not looking to get a diploma, but wanted recognition for completing her senior year abroad.

Since November, she had assumed she was going to be allowed to walk across the stage, Dean explained. She never thought she was going to get a diploma.

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The policy that the superintendent quoted didnt mention foreign exchange students or people who werent matriculating for the diploma from other countries, he added.

Clara, Cumberland High School exchange student (Courtesy: Cumberland Unfiltered  The Wire)

The decision prompted swift backlash from parents and community members, who criticized the school for poor communication and a lack of transparency. Word spread quickly on social media, with several people saying Clara had been led on and raising concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of the districts policies.

In response, two emergency meetings were called  the first an executive session behind closed doors, which Dean said he strongly opposed.

Whatever can be done in the public eye, in the spirit of transparency, should be done in the public eye, Dean said. Unfortunately, they didnt invite the student or the host parents to that meeting, so when we did go from executive to the public session, they werent there to explain themselves.

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In the interim, the superintendent reportedly said Claras previous host family was notified in July 2024 that she wouldnt be able to walk. However, Dean said that was not clearly communicated to her current host when she transferred.

He said Clara was so confident shed be participating that she moved her return flight to France ahead of the ceremony.

On Wednesday morning, the principal issued a statement saying he stood by his decision, a position backed by the superintendent, leaving it up to the School Committee to make the final call.

This policy was adhered to by the teachers and administration in the district and applied to all students equally, Thornton told 12 News. As the policy makers in the district, the school committee has the authority to forgo the strict adherence to a given policy.

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Ultimately, the committee met Wednesday morning and voted 6-0 to let Clara walk and, according to Thornton, be recognized for completing a year as a foreign exchange student. After a stressful 48 hours, she crossed the stage that night alongside her classmates.

It really was the political uproar that caused the special meeting, Dean said, adding that the justification for the reversal was the short notice of the situation.

Dean said that the committee plans to revisit the districts policy to prevent similar confusion in the future, such as students who may receive diplomas after summer school.

NEXT: Warwick twins graduating high school as valedictorian and salutatorian

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
As a public education advocate, I understand that public education is a community cornerstone; attracting families and businesses, raising property values and providing children with valuable life skills. Sadly, Pennsylvanias state share of school funding ranks near the bottom in our nation, overburdening local taxpayers and cheating students out of key resources. This places unfair pressure on rural districts like Boyertown, especially for seniors on fixed incomes.

Intensifying this is the ridiculous way our taxpayer funds are pouring out of districts into failing cyber charter schools. Pennsylvanias auditor general reported that cyber charter income paid by districts far exceeds the costs of educating students. Open records requests have found that the excess is being spent on advertising and other expenses we would never accept from our public schools. Meanwhile cyber charter schools perform significantly lower than public schools in student achievement, according to Education Voters of Pennsylvania.

There is hope. For the second year in a row, Gov. Josh Shapiros budget includes adequacy funding  a bold commitment to finally close the education funding gap for schools like those in Boyertown. Consistent investment in education is crucial. A House bill is advancing to reform the way cyber charter schools are funded and held accountable.

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Please tell our legislators that our students and communities deserve better. Many of the legislators in our region have voted against these commonsense measures in the past. Express support for Shapiros proposed investment in public education and for HB1500 addressing cyber charter funding reform and accountability.

Donna Usavage

Green Lane

Usavage is a former Boyertown school director.
To the editor: I'm 70 years old and I've done my share of protesting. For example, on the initial day of George W. Bush's war against Iraq in 2003, I was the first demonstrator at the Westwood Federal Building, holding up a sign that read "George W. Bush, the Real Doctor Evil" (referencing the then-popular Austin Powers movies) for the thousands of Wilshire Boulevard motorists who drove past me.

I saw Bush supporters begin to smile when they saw the president's name, only to see their response quickly turn to flipping me off or yelling an obscenity when they read the rest of my sign.

My experience leads me to approve of this column by Jonah Goldberg, which is exceedingly rare ( Trump deploys, protesters respond. This will not end well, June 9). Except for Goldberg's belief that Trump's deployment of the National Guard is not yet illegal, I agree with his other points, especially that demonstrating violently is illegal and politically self-defeating. Violence simply plays into Trump's hands.

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Trump is the most vile president ever and there are scores of reasons to march against him, his actions and his policies. I have done so before and I will again. They must, however, be peaceful demonstrations in order to help thwart his tyranny.

Ray McKown, Torrance

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11)  A 62-year-old man shot his wife to death before turning the gun on himself in their Long Island home Wednesday night, police said.

Authorities found the dead couple at 56 Lagoon Court in Jamesport at around 8:30 p.m., according to the Suffolk County Police Department.

Investigators said Edward Crohan killed his wife, Stephanie Crohan, 63, and then shot himself to death.

Submit tips to police by calling Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS (8477), visiting suffolkpd.org/Alerts/Crime-Stoppers or downloading the P3 Tips mobile app.

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Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A Long Island elementary school nurse wore an ICE jacket on Superhero Day  sparking outrage from some parents and an investigation by administrators.

The employee at Northwest Elementary School in Amityville was reassigned after she wore the jacket on school grounds Wednesday, prompting the district to launch an investigation into the allegations.

The Amityville Union Free School District is aware of an allegation involving a district staff member who affixed an acronym to their clothing that was perceived by some members of the school community as offensive or inappropriate in the educational setting, the district said in a statement.

An unidentified nurse at Northwest Elementary School in Amityville allegedly wore a jacket with the letters ICE on the back for Superhero Day. Google Maps

Upon learning of the situation, the staff member was immediately reassigned to a non-school setting pending a full review.

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School officials added that its top priority is to ensure that our schools remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for all students and families.

The district did not reveal what acronym was on the nurses clothing, but the president of the Amityville Teachers Association, Nakia Wolfe, confirmed that it spelled out ICE, Newsday reported.

Wolfe confirmed that the employee was a nurse at Northwest Elementary School and that the incident occurred on the same day as a moving-up ceremony for its kindergartners, but declined to provide the employees name.

Parents in the district  where minority students are a majority  called for her firing.

The district released a statement saying the employee was reassigned and it was investigating the incident. Google Maps

Amityville Teachers Association President Nakia Wolfe condemned the nurses alleged behavior and said it has no place within the school.

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Why would you come into a setting of learning to make any type of political stance like that? he said.

Its just completely inappropriate.

A teacher at the elementary school, Hilda Brown, also shared that the nurse wore the jacket with the ICE letters while the school was hosting Superhero Day, where students come to class dressed as their favorite superheroes, according to Newsday.

Parents picking up their kids from school the day of the alleged incident told News 12 Long Island that they are appalled by the claims.

Thats utterly disgusting. This is the world were living in now? Marquise Gordon told the outlet.

While the district did not reveal what acronym was on the nurses clothing, the president of the Amityville Teachers Association, Nakia Wolfe, confirmed that it spelled out ICE. Getty Images

People are already fearful as it is. Theres no right in that, Jackie Sauls said.

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The Post reached out to the Amityville Union Free School District for comment.

Tension across the US has been rising over the past week amid the violent anti-ICE riots that have taken hold of Los Angeles and have been trickling into other major cities across the country.

In New York City, the NYPD arrested 86 demonstrators at a rowdy anti-ICE rally in Lower Manhattan on Tuesday.

On Long Island, a noticeable uptick in ICE activity across Nassau and Suffolk counties has also begun.

ICE agents placed multiple people in custody in Glen Cove  about 30 miles outside New York City  on Wednesday morning near a train station parking lot, Glen Cove police Detective Lt. John Nagle told News 12 Long Island.

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A spokesperson with ICE told the outlet that ICE New York City is actively investigating immigration crimes throughout the five boroughs, Long Island, and the lower Hudson Valley.

Agents have also been spotted in Bellport and as far out as Riverhead.

Small anti-ICE protests have already started springing up across Long Island in response since Sunday, including in Bellport and New Cassel.
LONDON  Liberty, which is marking 150 years in business, has named retail veteran Beverley Devonish store director of its Regent Street flagship.

Devonish will be in charge of customer service, the in-store experience, and Libertys commercial and cultural vision. She will report to Libertys managing director Sarah Coonan.

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She has more than two decades of experience in retail, having held senior leadership roles at Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Dover Street Market. Liberty said her specialty is strategic transformation, cultivating creative talent, and redefining the in-store experience through immersive brand environments.

Having spent the last year and a half developing my own creative practice, Im thrilled to join Liberty, a brand that has long stood at the intersection of art, culture and retail innovation, Devonish said.

With its rich heritage and commitment to creativity, Liberty offers an incredible platform to continue shaping meaningful, client-focused experiences that celebrate individuality and craftsmanship, she added.

The store said that as a key member of the senior retail leadership team, Devonish will play an instrumental role in guiding strategy, fostering collaboration across departments, and upholding Libertys legacy of excellence in visual presentation, brand storytelling, and service.

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As reported, the store has been marking its anniversary with a focus on design, nature and art, with exhibitions, installations, exclusive products, and collaborations with museums, artists and design institutions.

At the heart of the anniversary celebrations is the exhibition I Am. We Are. Liberty, which offers visitors a glimpse into the Liberty print archive, a resource for fashion and interior designers throughout history. The exhibition is running now and will sail to Japan in August for the Expo 2025 in Osaka.

Last month it unveiled The Patchwork Collective, a quilted house made from 1,500 patchwork squares. People and brands who contributed squares included Jil Sander, Paul Smith, La DoubleJ, Barbour, and Levis.

Earlier this year the store worked with the stylist and editor Leith Clark to curate a series of pieces from brands including Fornasetti, Diptyque, Max Mara, Erdem and La DoubleJ. There were also exclusive pieces from Cece Jewellery, Foundrae and Liberty Interiors.

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Ed Sheeran has prompted an online backlash for telling Louis Theroux that he is culturally Irish. Speaking on The Louis Theroux Podcast, the star said I class my culture as Irish. I think thats what I grew up with. Just because I was born in Britain doesnt necessarily mean that I have to just be [British], theres loads of people I know that are half this or quarter this, he continued.



You and every other kid with Irish parents, Ed. Sheerans father is from Belfast  mine are from the Wicklow mountains. In fact, bar the international fame and musical talent, me and Ed are pretty similar. I too spent every summer holiday in Ireland, my parents played De Dannan, my favourite band was Westlife and almost all of my family live in a small village called Donard. And yet, I too was born and raised in England and have no desire to bring my children up in the homeland, either. So why would me or Ed call ourselves Irish?



Its easy to scoff at plastic paddies  as many have, causing Sheeran to mount a rather touchy defence of his background on social media. He wrote on Instagram: My dad is Irish. My family is Irish. I have an Irish passport. The culture I was brought up around is Irish. The first music I learnt was Irish. Just coz I was born somewhere else doesnt change my culture, I can be allowed to feel connection to a place half of my family is from.

Every American and their mother wants to claim a familial link to the Emerald Isle because Irish culture is, well, cooler. Theres music, dancing, poetry and craic. The Irish can poke fun at each other which has always seemed more attractive to me than the po-face tendencies of my English friends. As opposed to the rather staid or even stifling picture of British life growing up in Suffolk that Sheeran paints in some of his other songs, perhaps theres no wonder hes keen on identifying with something a little jollier.



Its also worth remembering that being Irish  culture and craic withstanding  wasnt so hot not so long ago. Like my own, Sheerans father would have memories of the prejudice Irish people suffered while living in the UK. My maternal grandfather, who came to the UK to build the roads and the Blackwall Tunnel, would have had no choice but to identify as culturally Irish, taking refuge among his fellow navvies in the face of no Irish, no blacks, no dogs signs.

Paul Brady released his angry song Nothing but the Same Old Story in 1981, 10 years before Ed and I were born, detailing the Irish experience of hatred and suspicion while Bobby Sands died in Long Kesh. Irish people have today completely assimilated into British life, the pubs have mostly shut and much of the prejudice is gone. But none of this is ancient history; its no wonder many of us cant quite stomach lining up behind the St Georges Cross.



But while it might be the experience of many immigrants that hostility forced a deeper need to create a home away from home within their British lives  giving their children Nigerian or Bangladeshi or Irish upbringings on a British street  its also true that first-generation immigrants tend to be less bothered by their cultural identity.

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I know from my own experience that the fervour of a second-generation childs need for authenticity can make a bigger deal out of cultural identity than necessary. You hear the stories your parents tell of home and want them as your own. In many ways, this simply reveals the importance of family ties. My children have complicated Irish names with fadas and ghs, in part because I married an Englishman and didnt want to lose the small thread that links me and them back to something my family belongs to.

Ed Sheeran: I class my culture as Irish. I think thats what I grew up with - Alamy

Cultural identity is a thorny and important issue. Years of political elites pushing multiculturalism  effectively encouraging immigrants not to assimilate  has meant that not only do many people not feel culturally British, they have no sense of what a British national identity is. In many towns and cities across the UK today, clashes of cultural identity are causing major problems.

But what are British values? No politician has been able to answer that question in decades. They resort to mumbling about fish and chips and how good we are at being nice to immigrants. In order to achieve an organic sense of national and cultural identity, you need to have the political will to communicate a national story that people want to identify with.



On a holiday to Cornwall, my husbands school friends insisted on sticking a Devon flag on the beach. You dont need to get all David Goodhart to know that a sense of place and a desire for strong roots matter to most people  this means familial identity is often stronger than a national one. But if we want to build a British cultural identity that is more substantial than cliches and more politically attractive to a young generation, we need to think about what we stand for. Jamaicans and Irish and Indian immigrants of the past wanted to become part of British society, we need to ask ourselves why, today, so many immigrants  and their children  do not.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A tornado briefly touched down in Hays County early Thursday morning as storms moved through. The tornado threat for that area has since expired.

Flash Flood Warnings remain in place for Hays County. A Flood Watch continues for most of Central Texas through 7 p.m. Thursday as locally heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding.

Weather Resources

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This blog is no longer being updated. Check KXANs First Warning Weather forecast for the latest weather information.

Thursday

9:03 a.m.

Reminder: Your vehicle is not a boat. With rain in the forecast and low-water crossings in our area at risk of flooding, remember the rule that could save your life: Turn Around, Dont Drown. Travis County Emergency Services District 12

8:08 a.m.

TxDOT Austin said there were reports of some signals out this morning due to heavy rainfall. The department said to treat intersections as an all-way stop and to drive safely until the lights return to normal operations.

7:30 a.m.

The Hays County Sheriffs Office said there were no injuries following the tornado and only minor damage to homes, with no serious damage reported. HCSO did not provide an estimate on how many homes were minimally damaged.

Fallen tree on Cascade Trail (KXAN photo/Todd Baily) (KXAN photo/Todd Baily) Water gathered in roadway after storm (KXAN photo/Christian Rodriguez-Panesso) Damaged fence following tornado in Hays County (KXAN photo/Todd Bailey) Debris from a fallen trash can litter the ground after tornado moved through Hays County (KXAN photo/Todd Bailey)

7:22 a.m.

NWS said the storms continue to move south, and Flash Flood Warnings remain in place for Bexar County.

6:36 a.m.

KXAN meteorologist Kristen Currie said nearly 4 of rain fell in parts of Hays County overnight.

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Most of that water has had time to recede, but not all of it. Hidden Valley Road at Blanco River is currently closed.

6:25 a.m.

KXAN has received reports of water rescues and structure fires caused by lightning in New Braunfels.

5:15 a.m.

The majority of the power outages have been restored, with the exception of a couple hundred among Pedernales and Oncor awaiting repairs.

4:45 a.m.

Power outages:

Austin Energy: 68

Bluebonnet: 94

Oncor: 262

Pedernales: 151

4:35 a.m.

The National Weather Service said storms were continuing from San Antonio east into the Coastal Plains, with scattered activity into the Hill Country.

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Flash flooding is occurring across the San Antonio metro area, as well as Medina, Comal, Hays, and Guadalupe counties, NWS said.

4:06 a.m.

The National Weather Service said 40 low-water crossings were closed due to flooding in Bexar County, along with several others in Comal and Hays counties.

2:33 a.m.

The tornado threat has diminished, but the concern for flash flooding continues for Hays County.

2:05 a.m.

Residents in San Marcos said sirens were going off in the area overnight.

For a Tornado Warning, the city said the sirens would emit a single pitcha long, steady tone that lasts for three minutes.

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The citys outdoor warning sirens became fully operational in August 2024.

The City of San Marcos confirmed to KXAN The outdoor warning system was triggered early this morning when the National Weather System issued a flash flood warning. The tornado warning issued in Hays County did not include the city limits, so there was no siren for tornadoes.

1:20 a.m

Radar shows the tornado lifted debris. KXAN is working to gather more information about the impact. The Tornado Warning was canceled around 1:18 a.m.

Damage in the Summer Mountain Ranch area near Wimberley (KXAN viewer photo)

Damage in the Summer Mountain Ranch area near Wimberley (KXAN viewer photo)

Damage in the Summer Mountain Ranch area near Wimberley (KXAN viewer photo)

The Hays County Sheriffs Office said patrol went out but saw no significant damage from the tornado. No injuries were reported, according to HCSO.

1:11 a.m.

The National Weather Service issued a Tornado Warning for southern Hays County early Thursday morning.

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A radar-confirmed tornado touched down near Ranch Road 12 and Farm to Market Road 32 just after 1 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 KXAN Austin.
KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Xinhua) -- ASEAN could emerge as the world's fourth-largest economy in the coming decades, experts say, but the regional bloc must accelerate integration, strengthen institutions, and adapt to global shifts to realize this potential. Experts also urge ASEAN to act collectively to solidify its global presence.

EMERGING INDUSTRY FUELING COMMON FUTURE

"ASEAN, presently with an economic size of 3.8 trillion U.S. dollars, could become the fourth-largest economy on an aggregated basis but of a smaller world," said Mohd Munir Abdul Majid, chairman of CARI ASEAN Research and Advocacy, in a recent email interview with Xinhua.

Mohd Munir, who is also president of the ASEAN Business Club and a senior fellow at LSE IDEAS, said technology -- particularly artificial intelligence (AI) in the services sector -- will drive future growth. He emphasized that ASEAN's access to technology should be guided by cost and technical quality.

"E-commerce could be a key catalyst for intra-regional trade," Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, chief economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad, said that a robust digital infrastructure, including telecommunications and smart devices, is essential.

Mohd Afzanizam also highlighted the importance of logistics to ensure speedy delivery, which necessitates efficient warehousing systems. He further emphasized that payment systems, such as QR code networks, are crucial to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in expanding into international markets.

Oh Ei Sun, principal adviser at the Pacific Research Center of Malaysia, stated that ASEAN should prioritize high-tech sectors that offer greater value-added potential. However, he told Xinhua that traditional commodities like palm oil and petroleum would remain vital as the region catches up in advanced industries.

ASEAN INTEGRATION PROGRESSING STEADILY

ASEAN's economic integration has been advancing gradually, with a strong emphasis on consensus and free trade, experts say.

"ASEAN's economic integration has progressed steadily rather than hastily, grounded in a consistent commitment to free trade," said Mohd Munir.

According to him, ASEAN's journey began with the ASEAN Free Trade Area in 1992, followed by the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The process is now guided by the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045, adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May.

"There is a lot happening. Not fast enough or optimally, but in a clear direction," he noted, adding that ASEAN has progressed based on consensus to deepen integration and free trade.

Li Yuqing, assistant professor of Institute for International and Area Studies of Tsinghua University, said ASEAN's updates to the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement enhance regional trade and deepen integration, supporting its goal of becoming the world's fourth-largest economy.

"Above all, ASEAN is a peaceful region, which makes it a conducive location for foreign direct investment and business ventures that can come from across the globe," Mohd Afzanizam said, highlighting initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone as evidence of strengthening regional ties.

INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS, STRATEGIC CLARITY NEEDED

Despite progress, experts pointed out that ASEAN faces institutional limitations. Mohd Munir said the bloc's decision-making structure remains slow, and the secretariat is under-resourced, despite the ASEAN 2045 vision calling for strengthening.

"The point ASEAN must realize is that there is an urgent need to develop its strategic options in a changing world. It has taken a slow and steady course on increasing intra-regional trade, labor mobility and institutional implementation, emphasizing always on consensus," he said. "But there are now big issues for decision-making that cannot follow that route."

Mohd Afzanizam warned that non-tariff barriers remain a key obstacle, as member states often act to protect their domestic industries. "Continuous dialogue, both government-to-government and government-to-business, is vital to identify and bridge these gaps," he said.

Oh echoed those concerns, urging ASEAN to address internal development disparities.

"ASEAN should focus on eradicating the abject poverty amongst itself for the least developed member states, and escaping the middle-income trap for the developing member states," he added.

CHINA TIES OFFER CHANCE FOR COOPERATION

Experts believe ASEAN-China relations are entering a new phase, driven by growing investment and strategic collaboration.

Mohd Munir noted that ASEAN-China relations have been close in trade and, increasingly, in investment. In the context of global trade tensions, it would be good to deepen that relationship for mutual benefit.

"For China, ASEAN's economic integration provides a relatively stable regional trade environment, helping China manage external trade risks and enhance economic resilience and stability," Li mentioned.

She also noted that integration makes ASEAN's investment environment more stable and transparent, enabling businesses to better access the ASEAN market and achieve more efficient resource allocation.

ASEAN countries may deepen cooperation with China in infrastructure development, which would accelerate progress in the digital economy and green transition, Oh suggested.

GREATER INFLUENCE AMID UNCERTAINTY

Regardless of whether ASEAN becomes the fourth-largest economy, its current size already warrants greater global influence, as the bloc is urged to exercise its weight in global affairs.

"ASEAN needs to be less reticent about asserting its influence and initiating new ideas in a world marked by global disorder," he added.

"Deeper ASEAN economic integration would strengthen the bloc's bargaining power," Li said, adding that it would enhance its role as a regional coordinator and allow it to play a more significant role.

Mohd Afzanizam said that the shift toward a multipolar world provides more platforms for diplomatic solutions rather than unilateral decisions, especially from a single superpower, which can be disruptive.

"This should resonate well with ASEAN as the region has always been peaceful. Certainly, ASEAN would want to advocate this at the global arena which is a universally accepted value," he added. 
(Stock photo via Getty Images)

Ohio Republican state senators are proposing $20,000 to top high school students to stay in state for their higher education  but theres a catch: You have to stay in Ohio for three years after graduating from college.

Senior year of high school is all about decisions, ones that 17-year-old Michelle Huang is getting ready to make.

Everyone around me is working on applying; everyones thinking about college, Huang said. Its on the top of our minds right now.

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And like a lot of students, where she goes could be chosen in part by how much financial aid she gets  which Ohio Statehouse leaders are trying to address.

We wanted to keep our best and brightest in Ohio, Senate President Rob McColley, R-Napoleon, said.

The Governors Merit Scholarship was passed in the Ohio House budget. Already existing, this language would extend the proposal that gives the top 5% of each graduating high school class $5,000 a year to attend a public or private school in Ohio.

But the Ohio Senate made some changes in their proposal, reducing the scholarship to the top 2% of students. McColley explains that now  that money has strings attached.

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If we want to keep them in Ohio, we should actually require them to stay in Ohio post-graduation, the Senate president said.

The scholarship recipients would be required to stay in Ohio after graduation for three years. If they didnt?

There would be an expectation that that person would have to pay back a portion or all of the aid that they received, McColley said.

Both House GOP and Democratic leaders question how this would be enforceable.

I assume were not going to go across the state line to Detroit and try to drag somebody back, Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman said, noting that it would be nearly impossible to implement.

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This is also disappointing for Huang, who already had doubts about staying within Ohio. She is only planning to apply to one school in Ohio, she said.

After Ohio Senate Bill 1, I think a lot of us are really, really considering going out of state for school, the rising senior said.

S.B. 1 was signed into law by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine earlier this year. The new law bans diversity efforts, prohibits faculty strikes, and regulates classroom discussion of controversial topics, among other things. The law applies to public universities and community colleges and is set to take effect this month.

The elimination of DEI would mean no diversity offices, trainings or scholarships  including ones that Huang was hoping for.

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There are programs and there are topics that wed be able to learn about and discuss about in other schools that we would otherwise not be able to here in Ohio, she said.

There are other ways that the state could retain graduates, she added.

I think that the legislators should make sure that were protecting the interests of young people by not writing bills that are upending our education system, the high schooler said.

The Ohio Senate passed its version of the state budget on Wednesday. The Ohio House and Senate will need to pass a compromise budget bill by July 1.

Click here to learn more about the Houses passed budget.

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Follow WEWS statehouse reporter Morgan Trau on X and Facebook.

This article was originally published on News5Cleveland.com and is published in the Ohio Capital Journal under a content-sharing agreement. Unlike other OCJ articles, it is not available for free republication by other news outlets as it is owned by WEWS in Cleveland.

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Democrats are erupting in anger after Sen. Alex Padilla was shoved out of a press conference being held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday afternoon.

Video shows federal agents grabbing the senator and pushing him out a door. Another video shows they later push Padilla to the floor to handcuff him.

Democratic senators took the Senate floor on Thursday afternoon to blast the incident. The White House said Padilla was seeking attention.

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Oh the Hill, three Democratic governors  New Yorks Kathy Hochul, Minnesotas Tim Walz and Illinoiss JB Pritzker  have been testifying before the House Oversight committee on sanctuary states since 10 a.m. EDT. The hearing was scheduled weeks before Los Angeles protests prompted the White House to call up Californias National Guard and deploy 700 Marines to quell the crowds. Republican House members have grilled them over migrants in their states.

Also on the Hill, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced tough questions at his third Capitol Hill hearing in three days.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) pressed the secretary over U.S. military posture with Israel reportedly threatening an imminent attack on Iran. Khanna repeatedly asked Hegseth whether he could commit to not directly attacking Iran unless the Islamic Republic first fired on the United States. Hegseth would make no such assurance.

It wouldnt be prudent for me to commit or not to commit. My job is to be postured and prepared, Hegseth said.

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President Trump gave extensive remarks at the White House today as he signed a measure to overturn Californias EV mandate. He indicated he may raise auto tariffs in the future, and addressed the No kings protests that are set for Saturday, his birthday and the day of the Armys 250th birthday celebrations.

Other stories to watch:

Follow along here for updates today on this and more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Brief

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is testifying Thursday morning in front of a House committee about the state's sanctuary laws.

Pritzker has said some GOP committee members want to question him "for a dog-and-pony show."

The hearing could serve as another opportunity for Pritzker to position himself as a top contender in the Democratic Party.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Gov. JB Pritzker is set to testify before a U.S. House committee on Thursday morning about the states "sanctuary" laws aimed at limiting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

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Pritzker, along with fellow Democratic governors Tim Walz of Minnesota and Kathy Hochul of New York, appeared in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

The entire hearing is being streamed live in the media player at the top of this story.

LIVE UPDATES: Congressional hearing over sanctuary laws gets underway

5 p.m. - The congressional hearing has adjourned after eight hours.

4:45 p.m. - Rep. Darin LaHood is now questioning his home state governor, saying "I think you believe refusing to turn over violent criminals to federal authorities makes us safer." He also told Gov. Pritzker that he has concerns about the direction his administration is taking toward sanctuary policies, labeling them as "misguided" and "dangerous."

R rep Darin LaHood now questioning his home state governor. I think you believe refusing to turn over violent criminals to federal authorities makes us safer.  Paris Schutz (@paschutz) June 12, 2025

"Because of your failed policies, you've spotlighted Illinois and that truly is unfortunate," LaHood said.

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"Half of that is completely false," Pritzker said. "You all have the ability to fix this. Do your job."

"Yeah, I'd deflect if I was you too, governor," LaHood said.

4:06 p.m. - U.S. Rep. Miller accuses Gov. Pritzker of calling for "mass protests, mobilization and disruption" and asked if he would commit to working with the Trump administration and ICE to "ensure the violence we've seen in Los Angeles doesn't occur in Chicago or anywhere else in the state."

"We work every day with our federal government we do all the time work with the federal government, with law enforcement," Pritzker said. 6

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"I'm taking that as a yes," Miller said.

3:35 p.m. - Gov. J.B. Pritzker weighed in on Thursdays confrontation involving U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, who was shoved and handcuffed during a news conference held by DHS and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.

" I cannot believe the disrespect that was shown to a United States senator who was thrown down, handcuffed and not allowed to ask a question to Noem that seems completely irrational," Pritzker said.

3:26 p.m. - Congressional hearing continues.

2:57 p.m. - Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) has released a statement on Gov. Pritzker's testimony, shared below:

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"Today, the entire nation was able to witness the daily reality of Illinois: a failed administration that continually places the comforts and desire of undocumented immigrants over the needs of Illinoisans," said Rep. Haas. "This is an example of what happens when politicians are more worried about climbing the political ladder than good governance.

"Illinois taxpayers have paid billions of dollars for programs dedicated to undocumented immigrants, which takes away critical funds that could be used to support essential programs for all Illinois citizens, including seniors and working families.

"I hope this testimony was a wake-up call to the Pritzker administration that the course we are on here in Illinois is completely unsustainable. Its time to end the billions in funding our taxpayers have been paying for a crisis created by Governor Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson. Its time to repeal our sanctuary state laws and begin a cooperative relationship with the federal government that will finally benefit and protect Illinoisans."

2:11 p.m. - Congressional hearing is on a break. Will return shortly.

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2:03 p.m. - Gov. Pritzker told U.S. Rep. Davis that Illinois aims to ensure access to health care and education for all. He also emphasized the importance of policies that support working families, the middle class, and the most vulnerable.

1:52 p.m. - Rep. Greene accused Rep. Frost of being a former member of Antifa. Proceedings have been suspended for two minutes.

Oversight Committee hearing has devolved into chaos .. Rep Greene accuses Rep Frost of being a former member of Antifa  proceedings have been temporarily suspended pic.twitter.com/g8AZyDNoCp  Paris Schutz (@paschutz) June 12, 2025

1:45 p.m. - Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addressed all three governors and said there's a pattern of ICE breaking the law and making arrests "largely based on appearance." She also said "all of us must adhere to the law and no one is above it." Pritzker agreed with Ocasio-Cortez and cited recent ICE incidents.

1:22 p.m. - Pritzker says he encourages people to peacefully protest ahead of this weekend's "No Kings" protests scheduled to take place across the country. Went on to say Trump has created a situation where people are "afraid when they stand up and speak out."

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1:15 p.m. -

12:47 p.m. - Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) starts his time taking a jab at Illinoisans who build homes in the Badger State.

Grothman questioned the governors about what services and benefits that people who are not citizens should have access to.

12:20 p.m.

12:15 p.m. - Gary Palmer (R-Alabama) asks governors if they are aware that over 400 people were smuggled into the United States with the help of an affiliate of ISIS.

"None of us want terrorists in this country," Pritzker said.

"Then why are you shielding people here from being picked up by our ICE agents, referring to this as a Gestapo organization?" Palmer asked, alluding to a previous comment made by Walz.

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12 p.m. - During a 15-minute break, Gill talked with FOX 32's Paris Schutz about his questioning of Pritzker and why he asked about bathrooms during a hearing on sanctuary laws.

"It speaks to the governor's credibility and how much of a lunatic he is," Gill said.

11:31 a.m. - Rep. Gill's questioning of Pritzker is making the rounds on social media.

Success for @RepBrandonGill on the House Oversight Committee - aiming for some viral moments on social media to boost his brand  his questions during the hearing on sanctuary states veered into women in mens restrooms and whether or not pritzker - who funded the IL Holocaust https://t.co/4jvz7Izkjb  Paris Schutz (@paschutz) June 12, 2025

11:30 a.m.

11:15 a.m. - Rep. Lauren Boebert told FOX 32 political editor Paris Schutz outside the hearing that sanctuary state policies are fueling unrest and putting communities at risk.

The Colorado Republican criticized governors in states like Illinois and Minnesota for blocking cooperation with federal immigration agents, calling it a "hypocritical" stance.

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10:46 a.m. - Rep. Danny Davis, who represents Illinois' 7th congressional district, entered the room to waive onto the oversight committee hearing.

10:33 a.m. - Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) starts his time by saying illegal immigration costs each Illinois family $780 per year despite Pritzker questioning that figure.

Pritzker told Gill he does not support abolishing ICE.

"I believe we need an immigration force in the United States," he said.

The questioning took a bizarre turn when Gill asked Pritzker if biological men should be able to use women's restrooms.

"I'm not sure how that has to do with immigration," Pritzker said.

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10:15 a.m. - Rep. Krishnamoorthi took aim at President Donald Trump in his light "questioning" of Pritzker, outlining the history of the state's TRUST Act.

Krishnamoorthi again using his minutes for softball Chicago-style boosterism: Illinois is home to great leaders, Lincoln Reagan, Obama, even Superman and now.. the Pope, a Sox fan. The next Pope will be a Cubs fan.  Paris Schutz (@paschutz) June 12, 2025

10:08 a.m. - Pritzker was asked how the presence of ICE agents impacts local schools.

"Under President Trump, ICE showed up in Chicago nearly immediately and began terrorizing our neighborhoods, our schools and parents. Indeed, many parents felt like they needed to go into hiding, even though their children needed to go to school every day," he said.

9:47 a.m. - House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer questioned Pritzker over the case of Katie Braham, a Glenview woman who was killed in a hit-and-run crash allegedly caused by an undocumented Guatemalan man who fled the scene.

Comer asked Pritzker if the migrant had the right to be in the country illegally.

"I have responsibility for the state of Illinois, I can tell you that it's the responsibility of the federal government to manage immigration in this country and if you're suggesting that the federal government didn't do its job, that is up to you," Pritzker said.

9:40 a.m.

Rep. Ana Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) told Paris that House Republicans are tracking what she calls foreign influence behind recent protests, suggesting links to a China-connected billionaire.

9:35 a.m.

Pritzker: "Illinois follows the law, but we expect the federal govt to follow the law as well."  Paris Schutz (@paschutz) June 12, 2025

9:34 a.m. - Pritzker addresses the busloads of migrants that Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas sent to Chicago starting in August 2022.

"Illinois chose a different path. Faced with a humanitarian crisis, our state made sure children and families did not go hungry or freeze to death," Pritzker said.

9:30 a.m. - Pritzker begins opening remarks: "I have seen firsthand how states have had to shoulder the consequences of a broken immigration system. I'm proud of how we've responded....safe and compassionate immigration policies I believe are vital."

Pritzker then recounted his family history, the arrival of his great-grandfather escaping pogroms and coming to Chicago. It feels like Pritzker might utilize this moment to introduce himself to a national audience who might not be familiar with him.

9:24 a.m. - Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), similar to his role in the Brandon Johnson hearing, hyped up Pritzker's investments and leadership in Illinois.

9:21 a.m. - During Lynch's opening remarks, Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, who is running for Governor there, walks out and puts his finger to his head, mouthing the word "crazy."

The political context of these hearings is inescapable: Chairman Comer is running as a Republican for Governor of Kentucky. Donald is running in Florida. Pritzker and Walz may be running for president. There will be fundraising pitches based upon the content today.

9:15 a.m. - Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) follows Chairman Comer, condemning the Trump administration's mass deportation policies.

Lynch used his opening remarks to tie the hearing to the "militarization of American cities" under Trump and the administration's deportation of young U.S. citizens with undocumented parents.

9:07 a.m. - Hearing begins as House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer opens the meeting with opening statements on "dangerous sanctuary policies."

"Let me clear, sanctuary policies dont protect Americans. They protect criminal illegals," Comer said.

Rep Comer's messaging strategy in opening remarks was to claim sanctuary policies help harbor criminal undocumented immigrants - although the laws do require local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE if ICE has a criminal warrant.  Paris Schutz (@paschutz) June 12, 2025

8:56 a.m. - Pritzker has entered the building.

Tim Walz, governor of Minnesota, from left, J.B. Pritzker, governor of Illinois, and Kathy Hochul, governor of New York, during a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, June 12, 2025 | Allison Robbert/Bloomberg via Getty Images

8:50 a.m. - Members of the Illinois House Freedom Caucus are in attendance for Pritzker's remarks.

8:40 a.m.

Gov Tim Walz enters the House Oversight Hearing pic.twitter.com/wS1njgBPUH  Paris Schutz (@paschutz) June 12, 2025

8:25 a.m. - Pritzker's office released his planned remarks hours ahead of the hearing. Among his talking points, Pritzker highlighted how Illinois mobilized quickly to offer shelter, food and services to over 50,000 migrants sent from the southern border without warning.

Pritzker blamed both parties in Congress and the federal government for their failure to act.

He also said that Illinois cooperates with federal authorities on criminal matters but won't misuse state resources for immigration enforcement that doesn't serve public safety.

8:12 a.m. - We are less than an hour away from the opening gavel. Pritzker, Walz and Hochul are expected to kick off the hearing with planned opening remarks.

FOX 32's Paris Schutz laid out what he expects to hear from Pritzker's testimony.

Pritzker's opening remarks

Hours ahead of the hearing, Pritzker released his planned opening remarks, which touched on how Illinois is handling the influx of immigrants and prioritizing public safety.

Read his full remarks here.

Dog-and-pony show'

What we know

The governor has said he believes some GOP members want to question him "for a dog-and-pony show" and who "simply want to grandstand in front of the cameras."

He added, "I'm going there in a serious matter to give them my views about how we're managing through a problem that's been created for the state by the federal government."

In a statement, Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Kentucky) said, "The governors of these states must explain why they are prioritizing the protection of criminal illegal aliens over the safety of U.S. citizens, and they must be held accountable."

Back in March, the same committee hosted Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the mayors of Boston, Denver, and New York, to testify about the citys sanctuary policies.

The national spotlight could also serve as a chance for Pritzker to further cement his status as a top potential contender for the Democratic nomination for president in 2028. The 60-year-old has not yet said if he'll run for re-election to the governorship in 2026.

Pritzker has been garnering national headlines from calling out "do nothing Democrats" during a speech in New Hampshire, a key primary state, to appearing on late night talk shows.

The governor, who is worth $3.7 billion per Forbes, is seen as a top contender for his party's nomination in 2028.

He boasts a long list of progressive accomplishments in Illinois since he first took office in 2019, including codifying abortion rights, banning assault weapons, a big infrastructure funding plan, the legalization of recreational marijuana, and stabilizing the state's notoriously shaky finances.

Is Illinois a sanctuary state?

Dig deeper

In 2017, Illinois enacted the TRUST Act under Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.

The law bans local police from complying with federal requests to detain or arrest a person in the country illegally, unless ordered by a judge.

Local law enforcement also cannot stop, search, or arrest anyone based solely on their immigration or citizenship status.

In 2021, the state legislature passed laws expanding protections for immigrants in Illinois.

The updated laws required local officials to end partnerships with ICE to detain immigrants. Lawmakers also prohibited officials from inquiring about the citizenship or immigration status of an individual in custody, unless they're presented with a federal criminal warrant.

Among other measures, the state legislature also required state and local law enforcement agencies to report requests from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Despite the moves to protect migrants from potential arrests and deportations, Republicans have criticized the policies.

U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, a Republican who represents much of the rural cental parts of the state, called on local sheriffs earlier this year to defy the state's sanctuary laws. She said such policies have turned Illinois into a "cesspool of crime and drugs."
A U.S. senator was forcibly removed from a Homeland Security press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday as protests against President Trump's immigration enforcement raids continue to grow.

Video shows Sen. Alex Padilla, a California Democrat, identifying himself and saying he has "questions for" Secretary Kristi Noem. He was grabbed by multiple men who pulled him from the room and into the hallway, where further video shows him being handcuffed while on the floor.

Padilla's office said in a statement that the senator "tried to ask the Secretary a question, and was forcibly removed by agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed. He is not currently detained, and we are working to get additional information."

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Homeland Security said Padilla didn't identify himself and wasn't wearing a Senate security pin. "Mr. Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers repeated commands," the agency wrote on X. "@SecretService thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately."

Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement have been expanding across the country, and have led to hundreds of arrests.

The latest tension was sparked last Friday when immigration officers raided Los Angeles businesses and arrested more than 40 immigrants. In the days since, the Trump administration has sent 700 active duty Marines to the city and has activated more than 4,000 National Guard members despite local officials saying the demonstrations have been mostly peaceful and limited to several blocks in downtown L.A., where a curfew has been imposed.

Cover thumbnail photo via Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Several people watching the livestream of a double-homicide on the Las Vegas Strip called 911 to report the shooting, according to audio the 8 News Now Investigators obtained Thursday.

Manuel Ruiz, 41, also known as streamer Sin City Manny, faces two murder charges after Las Vegas Metro police said he gunned down Rodney Finley, 44; also known as Finny Da Legend, and his wife, Tanisha Finley, 43, near the Bellagio Fountains on Sunday, June 8.

The confrontation was caught on video during a livestream. It stemmed from a beef between the YouTube streamers, police said.

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DA may seek death penalty for man accused of killing couple in livestreamed shooting on Las Vegas Strip

Im on YouTube live and I just saw somebody get shot, one caller said. We saw the whole thing. I recorded it. I want to make the report that we see the person actually take out a gun and shoot somebody. We watch these two guys live all the time, and they happen to always have issues with each other.

Manuel Ruiz appears in Las Vegas Justice Court on Thursday, June 12. (KLAS)

I saw just watching a livestreaming on YouTube, and it looks like they were outside, across from the Paris and there was a guy walking behind the camera, and he pulled out a gun and started shooting this guy, another viewer told a dispatcher. I guess the cops showed up you can hear sirens going. Its still live on YouTube right now.

Theres a shooting in Las Vegas, one caller told a dispatcher as police arrived. Its right next to the water fountain show that they show.

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Ruiz later turned himself in to Henderson police and told detectives he acted in self-defense.

Ruiz remained in custody Thursday without bail. Prosecutors announced Thursday that they may seek the death penalty against him.

David Charns can be reached at dcharns@8newsnow.com.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
A local college president made a personal plea at this years graduation ceremony, and now theres a community effort to help save his life.

Every night after a long workday, here. I have to go home and get on a dialysis machine for 9 1/2 hours to get up the next day to go do it all over again, 7 days a week, said Livingston College President Anthony Davis.

Davis, at commencement, revealed that he has stage 5 kidney failure, and he needs a transplant.

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He said his blood type is O positive, and his wife and children are not a match.

ALSO READ: Instant connection: Billboard off I-77 leads to kidney donor, new friendship for Huntersville man

Davis is now launching a national campaign to find a living donor starting tomorrow.

Local non-profit groups will host a health fair and blood drive on the college campus in Salisbury tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The goal is to try and find a match for Davis and raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.

To sign up, visit oneblood.org/donate-now and enter sponsor code 54397.

All blood donors must bring a valid photo ID, be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health.

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Walk-ins are welcome for the health fair portion of the event and will be accommodated for the blood drive as space allows.

VIDEO: Instant connection: Billboard off I-77 leads to kidney donor, new friendship for Huntersville man
GROVETOWN, Ga. (WJBF)  After being known as Fort Eisenhower for less than two years, the Augusta military base will be known as Fort Gordon once again.

President Donald Trump announced plans Tuesday to rename seven military bases across the country.

Along with Fort Eisenhower, others included in that list are Fort Pickett, Fort Hood, Fort Lee, Fort Polk, Fort Rucker, and Fort A.P. Hill.

Fort Liberty was also changed names back to Fort Bragg just 4 months ago.

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The military base was named in honor of late president and general Dwight D. Eisenhower in October 2023his granddaughter, Susan, traveled to Augusta for the ceremony.

Officials tell NewsChannel 6 the name change is effective immediately.

The installation is immediately underway with the planning required to make this a reality. The commanding general has contacted the Eisenhower family and the foundation, said Dr. Tom Clark, executive director of the Alliance for Fort Eisenhower.

The Army Post was known for decades as Fort Gordon, named after John Brown Gordonwho served as a major general for the Confederacy during the Civil War.

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Now, the new name change will honor Master Sgt. Gary Gordonremembered for his bravery in combat in East Africa.

He died in October 1993.

He was the recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in Mogadishu, Somalia. They made a movie about him and his comrade, and its titled Black Hawk Down, Clark said.

According to data from the Naming Commission, the cost to change the name to Fort Eisenhower was just shy of $600,000.

While theyre working on costs for this name change, some local soldiers say changing it again was the right call.

I think its a good thing. It definitely holds the historical integrity of why it was named Gordon in the first place, and naming it after someone that is very worthy of that honor is really cool, said Alec Nathaniel Baldwin.

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It is an amazing choice of an American hero that our installation will now be named after, said Clark.

Officials say the name change is effective immediately, and while the name is changing, the mission to serve our country remains the same.

To learn more about the announcement from the U.S. Army, 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 WJBF.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  An executive director of a local nonprofit organization is resigning after it was discovered that she is the subject of a financial misconduct investigation.

According to a press release from the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley, Executive Director Stacie Bacorn has resigned from her position, effective immediately.

Bacorn pleaded guilty to a bill of information to fifth-degree felony theft in Stark County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday. The charge involved thousands of dollars from the Alliance YWCA while working there.

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The newly appointed board acting executive director, Aundrea Cika Heschmeyer, released a statement. Heschmeyer was previously the president of the ASMV Board of Directors.

This news is deeply disappointing, especially given the trust and integrity upon which our organization is built. While these actions did not occur during her time with the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley, our board believes strongly in transparency, accountability, and continued confidence of the families and supporters we serve. Our mission- and the families who depend on come first. We will continue delivering on our mission without interruption and with renewed determination to uphold the highest ethical standards in everything we do. Aundrea Cika Heschmeyer, acting executive director of the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley

The organization says its beginning a formal search for new leadership and evaluating its next steps.

It was a bomb. It absolutely, for us, was very shocking, and it was disappointing because there was no preparation. I dont know how you prepare your employer for such news, Heschmeyer said.

Heschmeyer says theres no indication and no reason to believe there was any financial impropriety during Bacorns time with the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley. Still, the financial committee is conducting an internal audit out of an abundance of caution.

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Bacorn served as executive director for over six months. She wrote the following statement in her resignation letter to the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley.

Unfortunately, a serious and complex issue stemming from my prior employment has now come to light, creating a situation that risks becoming a significant distraction to the mission and operation of this organization. While I remain condient in the truth and integrity o my professional conduct, I recognize the need to protect the Autism Society of the Mahoning Valley from any potential negative attention. This organization, its mission, and the people it serves are far too important to be impacted by outside circumstances. Stacie Bacorn

Vice President of the Board Jodi Glass will now step in as board president of the ASMV in place of Heschmeyer, according to a press release.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN)  A new barbershop in Boardman is looking to add some local barbers to the team.

Read next: Local movie theater changes format, will start showing different films

Kiernan Kiske opened the doors to Stylogarten Barber Studio March 1.

Growing up in Poland, Kiernan Kiske wanted to be a tattoo artist, but he could never find a place to learn. Eventually, he got tired of his desk job and took a leap, applying to barber school.

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At that time, the only one around was in Niles  Raphaels, and so that was whenever I quit my job the day that I signed up. I never really thought about cutting hair, but I was like, lets give it a shot, Kiske said.

From that point on, Kiske fell in love with cutting hair. Starting in 2020, he spent five years in a space with other artists until this March, when he opened his own studio  Stylogarten on Market Street.

I wanted to create my own space. Id collect a lot of art, Italian glass, very much in arts and culture. I thought that would be my first step into trying to curate a spot that doesnt necessarily look like a barbershop, a traditional barbershop, Kiske said.

Kiske says he loves the freedom of self-employment, and he was excited to bring his own style to the new studio.

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I had this spot open up, and it kind of just seemed to be the perfect timing. I was ready to expand, and my clientele was growing a lot, so I was like, maybe I need a bigger space. Maybe I could start bringing on some other guys who see the same vision as me, Kiske said.

Stylogarten has five open spots that Kiske is looking to fill with local barbers over the next two years. Though the walls of his studio are lined with a wide variety of paintings and decor, hes keeping those five booths empty so any new barbers can bring their own touch to the studio.

I am trying to make it way more personalized for barbers where they could really make their own hours as long as theyre staying consistent. I give them their booth. If they want to add lighting, add lighting. If they want to put up art, put up art. Its yours, Kiske said.

Kiske says hes not only looking for seasoned barbers, but hes willing to use his eight years of experience as a mentor.

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I have five spots open. I would love to have some cool barbers here that kind of see the vision that Im going for, kind of giving a big city feel to the small town, 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 WKBN.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WJW)  Local families are among dozens from across the country at the nations capital on Thursday meeting with lawmakers to advocate against budget cuts to Medicaid.

Mia Wilson, 14, of New Franklin, is in Washington with her family where they met with Senators Bernie Moreno, Jon Husted as well as Representatives Amelia Sykes and Michael Rulli.

As FOX 8 shared on Friday, Wilson was born with a critical heart defect and on more than one occasion there were concerns she might not survive.

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She continues to endure daily breathing treatments along with other procedures. Her mother said Mia takes 40 doses of medication each day, totaling thousands of dollars a month.

More than 400,000 Ohioans see drivers license suspensions lifted under new law

Although her family has health insurance, she has also been helped through Medicaid.

After meeting with legislators on Thursday, her mother said she believes Mias story made an impression.

Im actually very surprised at the amount of time that the representatives and the senators have given us. They are obviously very, very busy and its just been great, said her mother, Wendy.

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Also in Washington representing Akron Childrens Hospital is two-year-old Amaiyah Hill of Twinsburg.

Amaiyah accidentally swallowed baby oil when she was being bathed at home. Complications resulted in an extended hospital stay, during which it was at one time believed she would need a double lung transplant.

She was able to have access to the care she needed because of Medicaid.

On Thursday, her mother, Stephanie Hill, sharing her heartwarming, inspirational story and triumph with Ohios senators and Representative Sykes.

I am telling them to do whatever they can to keep Medicaid. Its extremely important to a lot of families in this country, she said.

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The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed the budget bill which now resides in the Senate.

There is pressure from the president for lawmakers to sign off on what he has called his big, beautiful bill

But the Childrens Hospital Association, which has organized Family Advocacy Day for the past 20 years, hopes legislators are also paying attention to what their constituents are saying.

The executive branch plays a key roll here for sure, but what I would love for lawmakers to do is really to listen critically to the children that have shared their stories. They are sharing stories of survival, their stories of resilience and hope and I really would hope that theyd be able to carry that forward when theyre having these important discussions, said Dr. Torey Mack, the organizations chief medical officer.

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They are also advocating for specific provisions within the program.

On Friday, Chris Gessner, the CEO of Akron Childrens Hospital, said as much as 54% of the hospitals patients benefit from Medicaid and the proposed cuts would be devastating.

From my perspective, we understand the need to balance the budget and be responsible with resources, but we really dont want to see that done by cutting into the future of our country, our kids health, said Gessner.

Local OVI checkpoint planned after several arrests

FOX 8 also reached out to Husted, who responded with a statement:

We need to save Medicaid. And saving Medicaid means you have to make it financially sustainable. We want to make sure that children, people with disabilities and the people who are really in need have this program available to them. To do that, able-bodied, healthy Americans without dependents have to give back to their communities in return for the benefits theyre getting. America has a $36 trillion national debt, so we have to be smart about finding savings in order to protect these programs.

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Families were also expected to meet with Representative Shontel Brown of Cleveland who, in an earlier news conference, said she would do everything possible to preserve Medicaid.

In my state of Ohio, the state government has already said that if these cuts are enacted under state law, they would end the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion in our state. So what does that mean? It means 770,000 people will lose their healthcare. Thats an entire congressional district in just one state. This is suffering on a massive scale and its going to hurt people of all backgrounds, said Brown.

The Childrens Hospital Association represents roughly 200 hospitals across the country.

Sixty of them sent families to Washington on Thursday where they were also advocating for access to pediatric hospitals, which Gessner said is particularly concerning in many rural areas of the country.

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They are also advocating for continued support for staffing at childrens hospitals and support for what they describe as the growing youth mental health crisis.

What I would say is that children really are key to our future, so when we think about making cuts, the children shouldnt be on the chopping block. When I say that its all of our children, they deserve access to care. They deserve a specialized treatment that childrens hospitals are able to provide. We really hope to be able to get that across, said Mack.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This photo taken in Srinagar, Indian-controlled Kashmir, shows a man watching the news of a plane crash in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. An Air India flight to London crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, officials said. The flight with 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, onboard took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.(Xinhua/Javed Dar)

NEW DELHI, June 12 (Xinhua) -- An Air India flight to London with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, officials said.

The flight took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.

According to Air India, the Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 local time and was carrying 242 passengers and crew members.

"Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals," the airline said.

Air India has expressed condolences to the families of all those affected by this devastating event.

"With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Air India, said in a statement.

Chandrasekaran said further updates will be shared as they receive more verified information.

"An emergency center has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information," he further said.

Local media reports said the plane had reached approximately 825 feet when it suddenly descended. Police said the plane crashed on the building of a doctors' hostel.

There were no reports of any survivors currently, and officials, so far, have not issued any statement on the number of casualties or injured in the crash.

"As per preliminary information, a London-bound Air India flight has crashed at the doctors' hostel. Within 2-3 minutes, police and other agencies reached the spot. Almost 70-80 percent of the area has been cleared. All agencies are working here," a police official told media.

Reports said the passenger aircraft went down in the Meghani area of the city.

According to officials, immediately after the crash, authorities rushed over two dozen ambulances to the spot to carry out rescue work.

Video footage from the site aired on television news channels shows thick columns of smoke rising from the ground.

Police have diverted traffic from the area, and a green corridor has also been established to ferry the injured quickly to the hospital. 

Smoke comes out from a site of a plane crash in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. An Air India flight to London crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, officials said.

The flight with 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, onboard took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.

Reports said the passenger aircraft went down in the Meghani area of the city. (UNI/Handout via Xinhua)

People and rescuers are seen at a site of a plane crash in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. An Air India flight to London crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, officials said.

The flight with 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, onboard took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.

Reports said the passenger aircraft went down in the Meghani area of the city. (UNI/Handout via Xinhua)

People and rescuers are seen at a site of a plane crash in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. An Air India flight to London crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, officials said. Senior police officer confirms at least 110 dead in the crash, according to local media reports.

The flight with 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, onboard took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.

Reports said the passenger aircraft went down in the Meghani area of the city. (UNI/Handout via Xinhua)

People and rescuers are seen at a site of a plane crash in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. An Air India flight to London crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, officials said. Senior police officer confirms at least 110 dead in the crash, according to local media reports.

The flight with 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, onboard took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.

Reports said the passenger aircraft went down in the Meghani area of the city. (UNI/Handout via Xinhua)

People and rescuers are seen at a site of a plane crash in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. An Air India flight to London crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, officials said. Senior police officer confirms at least 110 dead in the crash, according to local media reports.

The flight with 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, onboard took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat.

Reports said the passenger aircraft went down in the Meghani area of the city. (UNI/Handout via Xinhua)

People look at the debris of an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025.

An Air India flight to London with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, officials said. Senior police officer confirms at least 110 dead in the crash, according to local media reports.

The flight took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat. (UNI/Handout via Xinhua)

People look at the debris of an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025.

An Air India flight to London with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, officials said. Senior police officer confirms at least 110 dead in the crash, according to local media reports.

The flight took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat. (UNI/Handout via Xinhua)

People look at the debris of an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025.

An Air India flight to London with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, officials said. Senior police officer confirms at least 110 dead in the crash, according to local media reports.

The flight took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat. (UNI/Handout via Xinhua)

People look at the debris of an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state, June 12, 2025.

An Air India flight to London with 242 people on board, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members, crashed Thursday shortly after takeoff from an airport in the western Indian state of Gujarat, officials said. Senior police officer confirms at least 110 dead in the crash, according to local media reports.

The flight took off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, about 17 km south of Gandhinagar, the capital city of Gujarat. (UNI/Handout via Xinhua)
Related video: Gov. Cox addresses protests and riots in Los Angeles

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Local Utah leaders are preparing for the possibility of mass demonstrations in the wake of unrest surrounding ongoing protests in Los Angeles against President Trumps anti-immigration policies and enforcement.

Protests are being planned nationwide, and Utahs No ICE No Kings protests are set to take place in multiple cities across Utah this week, including Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, Moab and St. George.

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Protests began in Los Angeles over the weekend, and President Donald Trump called in National Guard troops and deployed marines to attempt to curb illegal and violent behavior within the demonstrations. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a curfew for downtown LA, to stop bad actors, she said.

How is Salt Lake City preparing?

The Salt Lake City Police Department is preparing for the possibility of mass demonstrations, they said.

Brent Weisberg, a spokesperson for SLCPD, spoke with ABC4.com about how they are preparing. He said that they are closely monitoring demonstrations that have been happening across the country, and that at this time, there is no information to suggest that there is any planned civil unrest in Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake City has a long history of safe and lawful demonstrations, and that history goes back for several years, Weisberg said. Salt Lake City is a proud city to fully support First Amendment rights and the safe and lawful ability to gather and share one anothers beliefs.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: No-ICE, No Kings protests set to take place in Utah this week amid Los Angeles unrest

He said that they expect safe and lawful protests to occur over the next several days and stressed that their first priority is the safety of demonstrators.

Our police officers are highly trained to handle large demonstrations, Weisberg said. Our first priority is the safety of those demonstrators who want to come to Salt Lake City to safely and legally voice their beliefs and to share their thoughts. We are a welcoming city.

However, Weisberg also said that SLCPD will not tolerate any violence or destruction. If there are individuals who want to come and break the law, who create a dangerous environment, who break the law, we will absolutely respond accordingly.

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We have a responsibility to make sure that our officers are safe and that our community members are safe as well, Weisberg concluded.

Riverton Leaders speak out

Mayor Trent Staggs of Riverton and several Riverton city council members took a slightly different tone. They issued a statement in response to ongoing riots throughout the country.

What we are witnessing with these riots is insurrection and brute-force anarchy, they wrote. Those who are not peacefully protesting are demonstrating coordinated attacks on our nations institutions, cities, and citizens.

They said that they have zero tolerance for this behavior. Though they affirmed the right of citizens to peacefully protest, they stressed that anyone engaging in civil unrest or violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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The statement did not specify any specific actions the city of Riverton or Riverton Police Department is taking to prepare for upcoming demonstrations.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Gov. Cox supports Trumps decision to deploy troops to LA

Governor Coxs office coordinates with law enforcement

Governor Cox discussed the large-scale protests in Los Angeles and Trumps response during a press conference Tuesday, and he said that any sort of rioting or violence will not be allowed in Utah.

The minute you spray paint the Capitol, the second you implement violence or property destruction, we will arrest you and we will hold you accountable, Cox said. We will break up the disturbance that is happening. We are going to be overprepared, and just a word of warning to anybody whos thinking of any type of violence, or chaos, or property damage, or vandalism: it will not happen here, and you will be held accountable.

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Cox emphasized that he supports the rights of citizens to peacefully protest, but he has absolutely no tolerance for demonstrations escalating to violence. He said he wants Utah to be the worst place to riot.

In a post to X Wednesday, Cox elaborated. My office is coordinating closely with state and local law enforcement to ensure safety and uphold the rule of law. We are prepared.

To those who exercise their rights peacefully in the coming days: thank you, he continued. Thats the Utah way. Breaking the law in the name of protest will not be tolerated.

Latest headlines:

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PLATTE CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW)  A 34-year-old St. Joseph man is in the Platte County jail after being arrested in connection with two burglaries in a Platte City, Mo., neighborhood.

Logan Tipton was charged Wednesday with two counts of second-degree burglary and two counts of property damage. His bond has been set at $50,000 cash only.

The crimes occurred in the Timber Park residential area of Platte City, west of Running Horse Road and south of where Interstate 29 intersects with Highway 92.

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According to a probable cause statement, Tipton broke into an occupied house around 4 p.m. Wednesday. The occupant called police, and Tipton was still on the premises when officers arrived. While being arrested, Tipton told officers he had broken in to find food and water. He later admitted to detectives that he had broken into the house through a basement door.

Also, according to the probable cause statement, Tipton broke into another house earlier that day. When confronted by an occupant, he fled in an unknown direction. Police canvassed the area but were unable to locate Tipton.

Platte County court records list a St. Joseph address for Tipton. He pleaded guilty to first-degree burglary in 2019 in Buchanan County and was sentenced to 9 years in prison. He was later released to the Missouri Department of Probation and Parole.
Shelves at some supermarkets were empty on Wednesday after a cyberattack at a distributor.

Some grocery store employees said it's left them unable to order food going into the weekend.

UNFI, the distributor, said it's working to restore normal operations.

The aisles of your local grocery store might look more sparse than usual going into the weekend.

The reason involves a food distribution company that few shoppers have probably heard of: United Natural Foods.

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The grocery supplier, also known as UNFI, noticed "unauthorized activity" on its IT systems last week, the company said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday. UNFI shut down its network in response to the cyberattack, CEO Sandy Douglas said on the company's earnings call Tuesday.

The result has snarled both its delivery system and stores' ability to place orders. That's leaving some supermarkets, from national chains like Whole Foods to family-run markets, out of stock on everything from milk to pasta this week.

In a video sent to customers on Wednesday and viewed by Business Insider, Douglas said that UNFI was "aiming to return to a state that resembles our previous operational capacity" by Sunday.

"We never want to be the reason that you're out of stock on certain items," he said in the video.

Empty shelves in the snack aisle at a Whole Foods store in Washington, DC Alex Bitter/Business Insider

Still, at a Whole Foods store in Washington, DC that BI visited on Wednesday afternoon, shelves that normally contain breakfast cereal, pasta, and snacks were mostly bare. There were also empty spaces in coolers and freezers where some frozen corn, ice cream, and milk should be.

A sign at a Whole Foods store apologizing for an out-of-stock product. Alex Bitter/Business Insider

At each empty spot, store staff posted a sign apologizing. "We are experiencing a temporary out-of-stock issue for some products," the signs read.

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Similar signage was up on some cases containing juice, ice cream, and other cold items at a Whole Foods store in New York City that BI also visited on Wednesday.

A Whole Foods spokesperson said the company is "working to restock our shelves as quickly as possible" and directed additional questions to UNFI.

Grocery stores are scrambling to keep high-demand products in stock

Smaller grocery stores are also facing empty shelves  and finding new suppliers to solve the problem.



Linda Gommel, the CEO of Lucerne Valley Market and Hardware in Southern California, first noticed something was wrong last Friday when she couldn't download invoices that she needed from UNFI's digital system.

"It's just gotten worse from there, because we got no grocery load Monday, and no frozen and refrigerated load Tuesday," Gommel told BI. "We still don't know about the rest of the week."

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Most canned and shelf-stable groceries were still in stock at Lucerne Valley Market on Tuesday, Gommel told BI. But some dairy products, such as cottage cheese and sour cream, were starting to run out.

The outage has forced Gommel to get creative to avoid running out of high-demand products that would normally come from UNFI.

She said she bought some fresh meat on Tuesday from Sysco, a company better known for supplying restaurants than supermarkets. She's also stocking up on bottled water from a local supplier in case her normal shipment doesn't come through.

For products, such as health and beauty items, she's turning to two sources that are often competitors to smaller chains like hers: Amazon and Walmart. "That's just little bits here and there," she said.

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One employee at a cooperative market in the Northeastern US said that management at the store where they work told them about the outage on Saturday morning. The co-op is a member of the National Co-op Grocers, or NCG, which negotiates supply contracts with UNFI for its stores.

The co-op was out of bulky paper goods when BI spoke to the employee on Tuesday afternoon.

"It's a pretty small store, so we're not going to have the same level of back-stock the way that a Kroger or Whole Foods is going to have," the employee said. They asked not to be identified by name since they were not authorized to speak publicly, but their identity is known to BI.

The employee said UNFI had told the store that it would be sending a selection of 50 top-selling products this week to prevent the shelves from becoming too bare.

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That's an unusual strategy, the employee said. The store's staff normally orders specific products from UNFI based on what's selling well at that location.

Without regular orders coming in, products could continue to go out of stock over the next few days, the employee estimated.

"Our management is hoping that wraps up by the end of the week and that UNFI is back to normal," the employee said. NCG did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI.

Do you have a story to share about the UNFI outage? Contact this reporter at abitter@businessinsider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Jun. 12The Lodi Public Library Board of Trustees appointed a new director on Monday.

Jennifer Fontanilla has more than 18 years of experience in the library system, serving in a variety of roles with the Stockton-San Joaquin County Library.

Fontanilla oversaw the library's annual $16 million budget as deputy director/city librarian. In this role, she optimized performance across the board and collaborated with the department finance officer to review, create, and administer the budget.

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The board said that throughout her career, Fontanilla has demonstrated her leadership abilities by managing and evaluating staff for the county's five library branches, as well as technical and delivery services.

Fontanilla holds a master's degree in library and information science from San Jose State University, and a bachelor of arts in business family and consumer sciences/human sciences from California State University, Long Beach.

She is also certified as a supervisor by the City of Stockton, and has completed the Leadership Academy program.

Fontanilla takes over for Akiliah Manuel Mills, whose last day was July 31.

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Manuel was appointed Lodi Public Library director in 2021 after serving in a similar role with the Riverside County Library System.

She told the News-Sentinel last summer that she would be working and traveling abroad as a corporate consultant in a variety of industries.

Earlier this year, the Lodi City Council considered three options regarding the Lodi Public Library's future, including entering into a contract with the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library.

Staff said joining the countywide system would save the city some $580,000 in annual operational costs.

Lodi is the only library in the county that is not part of the SSJPCL, and staff said it could be more efficient to join the county system, as it would be responsible for administrative duties and keep costs low by purchasing materials in bulk and providing a wider range of resources to residents.

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In addition, a larger shared catalog would give users access to all materials throughout the system, including a wider selection of digital services and eBooks, as well as a simpler process for placing holds and having items delivered to the library.

A second option was to integrate the library with Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services, which staff said would provide better financial sustainability than the current operating model, as well as opportunities for co-programming with recreational activities.

The option would allow the city to retain control of the library, but it would increase the workload of an already very busy PRCS department, staff said.

Ongoing savings with this option is estimated to be about $150,000 annually.

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A third option was continue operating the library as the city has done, but make small improvements such as expanding community programming, modernizing technology, adding a librarian and creating clear documentation for the board of trustees.

While the other two options would save the city in operating costs, this one would require as much as $200,000 in annual spending, staff said.

During a special meeting in January, many residents vehemently opposed give an outside party control over the library.

The council has yet to take action on the library's future, and is expected to discussion the matter at an upcoming meeting.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Protests against federal immigration enforcement have ramped up across the country. In Nevada, the state faces a debate over immigration enforcement in schools.

Governor Joe Lombardo recently vetoed AB 217, which would require immigration enforcement to have a warrant, or schools would not have to cooperate. According to the bills primary sponsor, Assemblymember Cecelia Gonzalez, the intent was to help children feel safe while attending school.

However, in the governors veto message, he said although it was well-intentioned, it had the opposite effect and could place school personnel in legally precarious situations.

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UNLV Professor Ben Leffel disagreed with the Governor and told 8 News Now that vetoing the bill was a bad move for the state.

The bill can keep teachers out of legally precarious situations, because teachers will likely feel the need to defend their undocumented students from unjust ICE removals. As a professor, I know I would, he said.

The Clark County School Districts current policy is that enforcement does need to show up with a warrant.

16 new vetoes boost Lombardo total to 49; HOA limits, price fixing bill rejected

Other states are experiencing a crackdown on immigration policies. In Milford, Massachusetts, 18-year-old high school junior Marcelo Gomes da Silva was arrested by ICE on May 31. According to CBS, agents were initially looking for his father, but then discovered his student visa expired. Gomes da Silva, who is originally from Brazil, was released on a $2,000 bond, following a deportation hearing last week.

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Its only a matter of time before it happens here in Nevada, which is exactly why we need to resist and why we shouldve passed that bill, Leffel said.

Gonzalez told 8 News Now she is frustrated with the veto, saying she did not feel the governor did his due diligence thoroughly reading it.

The people of Nevada elected you to protect them, she said. They did not elect you to hold your loyalty to this authoritarian president, not Nevadans.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
An Air India passenger plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad on Thursday, shortly after taking off for London's Gatwick airport, the airline and officials said.

After initially saying there were no known survivors from the crash of Air India flight AI171, officials confirmed one man who had been on the plane survived.

"We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital," the airline said in a statement.

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Officials feared numerous casualties on the ground, as the aircraft had crashed into buildings.

Air India said the plane, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, departed at 1:38 p.m. local time. Those on board included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian.

Firefighters work at the site of an Air India plane crash, in India's northwest city of Ahmedabad, in Gujarat state, June 12, 2025. / Credit: Ajit Solanki/AP

"Investigations will take time, but anything we can do now, we are doing," Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said in a video statement on Thursday. "We understand that people are eager for information. Please know that we will continue to share accurate and timely information as soon as we can, but anything we report must be accurate and not speculative. We owe that to everyone involved. For now, our teams are working around the clock to support passengers, crew and their families  as well as investigators  however we can."

Wilson said the airline was sending a "special team of caregivers" to Ahmedabad to provide support.

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Gatwick Airport, which is just south of London, said the plane had been due to land there at 6:25 p.m. local time (1:25 p.m. Eastern).

A spokesperson for Boeing told CBS News the company was "in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected."

The incident was the first of its kind for the 787-8 Dreamliner, according to Boeing's April 2025 statistical summary of incidents involving its aircraft.

"Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad," Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg said in a statement. "I have spoken with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to offer our full support, and a Boeing team stands ready to support the investigation led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau."

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The National Transportation Safety Board said it would "be leading a team of U.S. investigators traveling to India to assist the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau with its investigation into the crash." The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said India's government would lead the investigation, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said later the FAA is deploying teams to assist in the investigation alongside the NTSB.

Investigations into the crash were in the early stages and a cause has not yet been determined. CBS News meteorologists said weather did not appear to be a factor, as there were only light winds at the time and visibility was good.

Former NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt told CBS News that in video of the crash, the plane appeared to have its landing gear down and flaps up at a time in the flight when those should have been reversed.

Investigators were searching for the plane's two black boxes, the flight data recorder and flight voice recorder, and said Friday that one of them has been recovered.

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"I think these are going to unlock the mystery of this accident, so it's critical to get these black boxes and get them read out," Sumwalt said.

One survivor hospitalized

Air India said there was a "sole survivor" of the crash who was being treated at a hospital.

"The police found one survivor in seat 11A," hmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told the ANI news agency.

The man was identified as Viswash Kumar Ramesh, a British national, who had been listed in that seat on flight AI171, according to the flight manifest shared by Indian authorities.

Dr. Dhaval Gameti at Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital told The Associated Press that he had examined Ramesh, saying that while the survivor "was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body... he seems to be out of danger."

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Ramesh spoke to reporters from his hospital bed on Friday. "Everything happened in front of my eyes. I don't believe how I survived. For some time I thought I was also going to die. But when I opened my eyes, I realized I was alive and I tried to unbuckle myself from the seat and escape."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met with Ramesh in the hospital on Friday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the sole survivor of the Air India plane crash, Vishawashkumar Ramesh, in the hospital in Ahmedabad. / Credit: Doordashan/Reuters

Responding to reports that the survivor is British, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Thursday, "Obviously we're establishing the facts and the investigation is ongoing."

"We're in constant contact with the Indian authorities and we've dispatched our own team that's been acknowledged to work with them," Starmer said. "I think it is important for all friends and family to contact the Foreign Office so we can roll this out as quickly as possible. But it is an ongoing investigation and it'll take some time, but our hearts and our thoughts are absolutely with the friends and families of all those affected who are going to be absolutely devastated by this awful news."



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Video shows plane crashing into neighborhood

Video shared online by Indian network NDTV shows the passenger jet flying low over buildings before disappearing behind them. There is then a large explosion. No fire or explosion can be seen on the aircraft before it dips behind the buildings.

Part of the plane hit the dining area of B.J. Medical College and killed at least five medical students, Divyansh Singh, vice president of the Federation of All India Medical Association, told the AP. He said nearly 50 people who had been in the building were injured.

"Some of the injured are critical. We are in close contact with our peers in the hospital who are on a lookout for more people feared buried in the debris," he said.

A person walks past debris of the tail section of an Air India aircraft that crashed after takeoff in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. / Credit: Adnan Abidi / REUTERS

India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among those killed in the plane crash.

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"He will be remembered as a grassroots leader who devoted his life for the development & welfare of his state," Singh said in a statement on social media.

The head of India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, told the AP that flight AI171 crashed five minutes after taking off. Live flight tracking website Flight Radar said a final signal was received from Flight AI171 just seconds after it took off. The flight path on Flight Radar showed the aircraft traveling southwest from the airport a short distance before the path stopped, and the site said initial data showed the aircraft reached a maximum barometric altitude of 625 feet before it started to descend.

"At this point, it's very, very, very early, we don't know a whole lot," Aviation consultant John M. Cox told the AP. "But the 787 has very extensive flight data monitoring  the parameters on the flight data recorder are in the thousands  so once we get that recorder, they'll be able to know pretty quickly what happened."

Firefighters work at the scene of a plane crash in India's northwestern city of Ahmedabad, in Gujarat state, June12, 2025. Air India confirmed that an Ahmedabad to London flight was involved in

The Indian Army said it had deployed at least 130 personnel, including doctors and paramedics, to assist civil authorities in combing through the debris and helping to treat the injured, the AP reported.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said "the tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected."

"The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating," U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.

Video shows Air India plane crashing in Ahmedabad

Air India plane crashes shortly after takeoff, carrying more than 240 people

Remembering the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson






NEED TO KNOW

A passenger jet bound for London's Gatwick Airport crashed shortly after take-off in India on June 12

The plane was carrying 232 passengers from India, Canada, the U.K. and Portugal

The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals," Air India said in a statement on X









A passenger jet bound for London has crashed shortly after take-off in India.

More than 240 people were onboard the Air India plane, which took off from Ahmedabad in western India on Thursday, June 12, and was headed to London's Gatwick Airport, Air India confirmed.

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Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the directorate of civil aviation, told the Associated Press that the jet crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar five minutes after taking off at 1:38 p.m. local time.

Kidwai added that were 12 crew members onboard.

Indian health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said 'many people' were killed in the crash, reported The Guardian.

In a post on X, Air India shared, "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off."

"The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals," the post continued.



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"The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals," Air India added.



Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty An Air India plane in September 2024 An Air India plane in September 2024

Indias aviation minister, Shri. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, also posted on X following the incident and shared his thoughts and prayers with all those involved.

Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site," he wrote.

"My thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families, he added.



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In a statement posted on X, per BBC News, Air India's chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, said that it was "with profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today".

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," he added. "At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families."

"We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information," the statement concluded.

Read the original article on People
An Air India passenger plane carrying more than 200 people crashed Thursday after taking off from an airport in the Indian city of Ahmedabad, with a police official saying it "appears there are no survivors."

Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London's Gatwick Airport, crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar five minutes after taking off at 1:38 p.m. local time. There were 242 passengers and crew members onboard the flight.

"It appears there are no survivors in the plane crash," Ahmedabads city police commissioner, G.S. Malik, told the Associated Press. He also said to Reuters that 204 bodies have been retrieved from the crash site.

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Malik added that with the plane crashing in a residential area with offices, "some locals would have also died."

Cause Of Failed Alaska Airlines Landing Gear That Sent Passengers Screaming Revealed

Local media showed smoke billowing from the crash site near the airport in northwestern India. The plane issued a "mayday" call to air traffic control before plunging out of the sky, Reuters reported.

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"With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," Air India Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran wrote on X.

Rescue team members work as smoke rises at the site where an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

"At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted," Chandrasekaran added.

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Air India said of those onboard the plane, 169 are from India, 53 are from Britain, 7 are from Portugal and 1 is from Canada. The injured are being taken to local hospitals.

"The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel... we have cleared almost 70% to 80% of the area and will clear the rest soon," a senior police officer told Reuters.

Man Charged After Allegedly Attacking Flight Attendant On American Airlines Flight: Doj

The Federal Aviation Administration said "The FAA is in contact with the NTSB regarding Air India flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad (AMD) to London Gatwick (LGW), that was involved in an accident in India on Thursday, June 12.



"When an international incident occurs, that government leads the investigation. In the event assistance is requested, the NTSB is the official U.S. representative and the FAA provides technical support. We stand ready to launch a team immediately in coordination with the NTSB," it added.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us.

"It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," he said.

A tail of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane that crashed is seen stuck on a building after the incident in Ahmedabad, India.

"The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer added.

Indias Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu posted on X that rescue teams have been mobilized, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support at the site.

Firefighters work to put out a fire at the site of the crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

"We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation," he said.

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The 787 Dreamliner is a widebody, twin-engine plane. This is the first crash ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.

Air India flight AI 171 was heading from Ahmedabad to London.

The aircraft was introduced in 2009 and more than 1,000 have been delivered to dozens of airlines, Flightradar24 reported.

"We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected," Boeing said in a statement.

In August 2020 an Air India Express Boeing-737 skidded off a hilltop runway in southern India, killing 21 people.

The worst air disaster in India was on Nov. 12, 1996, when a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight collided midair with a Kazakhastan Airlines Flight near Charki Dadri in Haryana state, killing all 349 on board the two planes.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Air India flight bound for London crashes; all 242 on board are believed to be dead
As rescue teams work to find more victims at the smoldering site of Thursdays Air India crash in Ahmedabad, authorities confirmed that only one person on the flight had survived.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed just moments after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, hitting a medical school in the western Indian city with a full fuel tank and creating a catastrophic explosion. On Thursday, Air India confirmed that all but one of the 242 people on the London-bound flight were killed in the crash.

The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital, the airline said in a statement, confirming that the survivor was one of the 53 British nationals on board.

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Dr. Dhaval Gameti confirmed treating the survivor at Civil Hospital, identifying him as 38-year-old Vishwashkumar Ramesh and telling The Associated Press that he was disoriented with injuries but seems to be out of danger. Union Minister Amit Shah posted photos on X, formerly Twitter, of him visiting patients, including the survivor, at the hospital.

Its nothing short of a miracle. I have reached out to the family, and Im choosing to respect their privacy at this trying time, Shivani Raja, a member of U.K. Parliament for Leicester East, told CNN.

Luggage is piled Thursday near the crash site of a London-bound Air India flight in Ahmedabad, India. Siddharaj Solanki/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Indian news outlets are identifying Ramesh in a video circulating online that shows a bloodied man limping toward an ambulance while telling those following that he came from inside the aircraft. The man also says in Gujarati that the plane exploded and that other passengers are back there inside, according to India Today.

From the hospital bed, Ramesh told The Hindustan Times that hes lived in Britain for the past 20 years with his wife and child, and was visiting family in India for a few days. Raja told CNN that the family lives in Leicester, which has a large Gujarati population.

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He recalled to the outlet there was a loud noise about 30 seconds after takeoff when the plane crashed, resulting in impact injuries on his chest, eyes and feet.

When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran, he told HT. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.

Ahmedabads police commissioner told reporters that the survivor was seated in 11A, a window seat in the first row of the economy cabin. Ramesh was traveling with his brother Ajay, who was seated in a different row and didnt survive.

Everyone is completely devastated and just in shock, another of the survivors brothers, Nayan, told The New York Times.

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U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that he is still establishing the facts surrounding Rameshs survival, but that the government is providing what assistance it can to aid the families affected.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks Thursday from Downing Street about an Air India flight carrying 53 British nationals that crashed just minutes after takeoff. PA/PA Images via Getty Images

Were in constant contact with the Indian authorities, and weve dispatched our own team thats been acknowledged to work with them, Starmer said Thursday.

I think it is important for all friends and family to contact the Foreign Office so we can roll this out as quickly as possible, he continued. But it is an ongoing investigation, and itll take some time, but our hearts and our thoughts are absolutely with the friends and families of all those affected who are going to be absolutely devastated by this awful news.

The overall death toll is higher, with officials stressing dozens more were killed and wounded on the ground when the flight crashed into the medical college. Ahmedabad deputy police commissioner Vishakha Dabral told reporters that at least 265 bodies have been brought to Civil Hospital, but cautioned that authorities wont know the exact toll until theyve completed DNA testing.

Shah said the extreme heat caused by the planes burning fuel has made it impossible to save anyone.
LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK)  A 22-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday after robbing local dollar stores in Longview, officials said.

Execution date set for East Texas man who murdered infant during exorcism

Mugshot of Daqalyn Charles courtesy of Gregg County Jail

According to the Longview Police Department, they received multiple reports of thefts that occurred at local dollar stores over the weekend and after investigating they determined that only one of the incidents qualified as a robbery.

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Further investigation led the suspect to be identified as Daqalyn Charles, 22 of Longview and when another theft happened officers were able to locate and arrest him.

Officials said during the arrest Charles was found to be in possession of illegal drugs and was additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance. Following his arrest, Charles was booked into the Gregg County Jail and is being held on a bond totaling $310,000.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
SYDNEY, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Australian police have launched an investigation after the bodies of two people were found at a home in Sydney's northern suburbs.

Emergency services were called to conduct a welfare check at the home in Forestville, about 12 km north of central Sydney in the state of New South Wales (NSW) on Wednesday, NSW Police said in a statement on Thursday.

Police officers attended the scene and found the bodies of a man and a woman in an outbuilding at the rear of the property.

The statement said the bodies have not yet been formally identified but that the man is believed to be aged in his 40s and the woman in her 50s.

A crime scene was established and police have commenced inquiries into the circumstances of the deaths with the assistance of the homicide squad. 
The crash of a Boeing 787 passenger jet in India minutes after takeoff on Thursday is putting the spotlight back on a beleaguered manufacturer though it was not immediately clear why the plane crashed.

The Air India 787 went down in the northwestern city of Ahmedabad with more than 240 people aboard shortly after takeoff, authorities said. It was the first fatal crash since the plane, also known as the Dreamliner, went into service in 2011, according to the Aviation Safety Network database. Boeing shares fell more than 4% in afternoon trading.

The 787 was the first airliner to make extensive use of lithium ion batteries, which are lighter, recharge faster and can hold more energy than other types of batteries. In 2013 the 787 fleet was temporarily grounded because of overheating of its lithium-ion batteries, which in some cases sparked fires.

737 Max

The Max version of Boeing's best-selling 737 airplane has been the source of persistent troubles for Boeing after two of the jets crashed. The crashes, one in Indonesia in 2018 and another in Ethiopia in 2019, killed 346.

The problem stemmed from a sensor providing faulty readings that pushed the nose down, leaving pilots unable to regain control. After the second crash, Max jets were grounded worldwide until the company redesigned the system.

Last month, the Justice Department reached a deal to allow Boeing to avoid criminal prosecution for allegedly misleading U.S. regulators about the Max before the two crashes.

Worries about the plane flared up again after a door plug blew off a Max operated by Alaska Airlines, leading regulators to cap Boeing's production at 38 jets per month.

Financial woes

Boeing posted a loss of $11.8 billion in 2024, bringing its total losses since 2019 to more than $35 billion.

The company's financial problems were compounded by a strike by machinists who assemble the airplanes plane at its factories in Renton and Everett, Washington, which halted production at those facilities and hampered Boeings delivery capability.

For the first three months of 2025, Boeing reported a narrower loss of $31 million compared with the previous year. CEO Kelly Ortberg said Boeing made progress on stabilizing operations during the quarter.

Orders and deliveries

The stepped-up government scrutiny and the workers strike resulted in Boeing's aircraft deliveries sliding last year.

Boeing said it supplied 348 jetliners in 2024, which was a third fewer than the 528 that it reported for the previous year.

The company delivered less than half the number of commercial aircraft to customers than its main rival Airbus, which reported delivering 766 commercial jets in 2023.

Still, Boeing's troubles haven't turned off airline customers from buying its jets. Last month the company secured big orders from two Middle Eastern customers. The deals included a $96 billion order for 787 and 777X jets from Qatar, which it said was the biggest order for 787s and wide body jets in the company's.
PHOENIX (AP)  A jury in Phoenix has convicted Lori Vallow Daybell of conspiring to kill her nieces ex-husband in 2019, marking her second murder conspiracy conviction in Arizona in less than two months.

Daybell was convicted Thursday on a charge of conspiring to murder Brandon Boudreaux, who was once married to Daybells niece, outside his home in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert.

An Arizona jury convicted Daybell in late April of conspiring with her brother, Alex Cox, to kill her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, in 2019 at her home in Chandler, another Phoenix suburb.

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The mother with doomsday religious beliefs has already been sentenced in Idaho to life in prison for killing her two youngest children and engaging in a plot to kill a romantic rival.

She is scheduled to be sentenced in both Arizona cases on July 25. Each conviction carries a life sentence.

Boudreaux said his ex-wife, Melani Pawlowski, aspired to be like her aunt Lori and that the two began attending religious meetings together in 2018, and soon Pawlowski was arguing that they should stockpile food for the end of the world.

In October 2019, someone in a Jeep outside Boudreauxs home fired a rifle shot at him, missing him but shattering a window on his car.

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Boudreaux recognized the Jeep as the vehicle that Vallows daughter, Tylee Ryan, regularly drove before her death.

Vallow Daybell isnt an attorney but chose to defend herself at both trials in Arizona.
Lori Vallow Daybell was found guilty on Thursday in her second murder conspiracy trial in Arizona.

The jury concluded Vallow Daybell conspired to kill Brandon Boudreaux, her nieces ex-husband.

Vallow Daybell, who represented herself, pleaded not guilty.

This marks her third trial in recent years. Earlier in spring, she was found guilty of conspiring to murder her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, in Arizona. She awaits sentencing for this trial.

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Vallow Daybell was also convicted in Idaho for killing her children  Tylee and JJ  and Tammy Daybell, her husband Chad Daybells first wife in Idaho. She is serving several life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Lori Vallow Daybell clashed with the judge

Despite a shaky start to the trial last Friday, when Vallow Daybell appeared in court in a wheelchair and asked the judge for more time, the proceedings ended this week.

She ran into a confrontation with Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Justin Beresky in court on Friday.

Vallow Daybell wanted the judge to allow the inclusion of character evidence but the judge told her that could leave the door open for the prosecution to include evidence of her prior convictions.

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The judge advised her to consult her advisory council during the lunch break.

You dont need to yell at me, Vallow Daybell responded. After a brief back and forth, where the judge stressed he didnt raise his voice, he ordered Vallow Daybell to be escorted out of the courtroom.

She argued shed been very courteous to Beresky. The judge didnt take to her remark too kindly, saying, No, you have been nothing near courteous to me during the course of these proceedings.

She apologized to Beresky 15 minutes later. The judge offered her a warning: another slip up and he could revoke her right to represent herself.

Vallow Daybell files appeal for life sentences

In addition to juggling the Arizona trial, Vallow Daybell is also attempting to file an appeal in Idaho, where she is serving several life sentences.

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Lori Daybell respectfully asks this Court to reverse her judgment of conviction and remand for an order dismissing all charges against her based on a violation of her statutory and constitutional right to a speedy trial, the brief, filed May 30, states, according to KTVB 7.

Her attorney argued the court disqualified her chosen attorney, violating her Sixth Amendment.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP)  As protests erupt across the country over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, Louisiana lawmakers approved a package of legislation this week that'll aid the ongoing federal crackdown on deportation.

Amid growing national tensions, Louisiana is the latest red state that expanded its immigration enforcement role  crafting a legislative promise to cooperate with federal agencies.

Law enforcement agents and public officials could face jail time if they purposefully obstruct, delay or ignore federal immigration enforcement efforts, under one Louisiana bill. Another measure requires state agencies  including the departments of Health, Education, Corrections, Children & Family Services, and Motor Vehicles  to verify, track and report anyone illegally in the U.S. who is receiving state services.

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The bills head to Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, a tough-on-crime conservative and staunch ally of President Donald Trump, who is likely to sign them into law.

Penalizing officials who obstruct immigration enforcem ent efforts

Following Trump's pledge to remove millions of people who are in the country illegally, immigration raids have ramped up from coast to coast. Federal agencies have sought to enlist state and local help, alerting federal authorities of immigrants wanted for deportation and holding them until federal agents take custody.

Louisiana's GOP-dominated Legislature passed a bill to ensure just that.

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The measure expands the crime of malfeasance in office, which is punishable with up to 10 years in jail. Essentially, it would make it a crime for a public official or employee to refuse to comply with requests from agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It also prohibits public officials, including police and judges, from knowingly releasing a person who illegally entered or unlawfully remained in the U.S. from their custody without providing advance notice to ICE.

This is one of those bills that says its against the law not to enforce the law," said Republican state Sen. Jay Morris.

Additionally, the bill expands the crime of obstruction of justice to include any act intended to hinder, delay, prevent, or otherwise interfere with or thwart federal immigration enforcement efforts, including civil immigration proceedings.

Tia Fields, an advocate for the Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants, said she fears the measures will have a chilling effect" and could potentially criminalize ordinary acts of assistance or advice by advocates, religious leaders, attorneys or organizations.

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Louisiana, which does not share a border with a foreign country, is one of several states attempting to penalize local officials who dont cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Most recently, under a new law in Tennessee, local officials who vote to adopt sanctuary policies could face up to six years in prison. Other states allow residents or the local attorney general to sue officials and state governments if they limit or refuse to comply with federal immigration enforcement efforts.

But threats of repercussions have gone beyond the creation of legislation. Most recently, as the National Guard was deployed to protests in Los Angeles, Tom Homan, the Trump administration's  border czar," hinted that elected officials could face arrest if they interfere with agents on the ground.

State agencies tasked with tracking immigrants

Amid growing tensions over immigration enforcement, Louisiana has made national headlines for its role.

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Nearly 7,000 people are being held in the state's nine immigration detention centers. Among them is Mahmoud Khalil, a student and legal U.S. resident whom the Trump administration jailed over his participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University.

With a spotlight on Louisiana, bills and policies targeting migrants suspected of entering the country illegally were pushed to the forefront by Landry and legislators. Ranging from banning sanctuary city policies to sending Louisiana National Guard members to the U.S.-Mexico border.

One measure, passed this week, codifies an executive order of Landry. It requires state agencies to verify the citizenship of people attempting to receive or use state services and benefits. The agencies would collect and track such data, submitting an annual report to the governor, attorney general and Legislature, in addition to posting it publicly online.

Any agency that does not comply risks having its funding withheld.

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Republican state Sen. Blake Miguez, who authored the legislation, said it was crafted so officials and residents know how much money and what services or benefits have been afforded to immigrants who are in the country illegally.

But another bill goes a step further  requiring state agencies to refer the applicants information, including unsatisfactory immigration status, to ICE.

State Sen. Royce Duplessis, a Democrat who opposed the bill, asked Miguez if the measure could result in families being separated.

Miguez said that while that's "a bit of a stretch, ultimately it is up to federal authorities and what they do with the information.
Clouds pass over Tiger Stadium on Monday, March 20, 2023, on LSUs campus in Baton Rouge, La. (Matthew Perschall for Louisiana Illuminator)

One of Gov. Jeff Landrys appointees to the LSU Board of Supervisors received Louisiana Senate confirmation Thursday, despite being the subject of multiple complaints alleging she harassed and threatened university employees.

Esperanza Moran (LSU photo)

Esperanza Moran, who openly rallied for the dismissal of former LSU Health Shreveport Chancellor David Guzick, is the subject of an anonymous whistleblower complaint, at least one Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint and a separate complaint filed with the governor.

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Moran is accused of trying to have multiple LSU Health Shreveport administrators fired.

Esperanza Moran lives in Shreveport and is married to wealthy businessman Scott Moran. The couple own several businesses, including Moran Oil Co., and give generously to Republican political campaigns, including Landrys.

Sen. Sam Jenkins, D-Shreveport, who represents the district where LSU Health Shreveport is, said that while questions were raised about Esperanza Moran, Sen. Alan Seabaugh, R-Shreveport, who represents her district, was steadfast in his support of her.

Senators rarely reject gubernatorial appointments. Appointees typically must only secure the support of their own senator to receive confirmation.

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Senate confirmation allows Moran to serve on the LSU board until June 1, 2030, when she would be eligible to be appointed to another term.

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Amanda Malotts son Andre "AJ" Edwards Jr. was 14 when he went down to play near the Silver Creek dam with some friends last year.

A large billboard loomed over the creek where the boys were headed, encouraging southern Indiana locals to Check out New Albanys Silver Creek Landing. It depicted several people standing above a small dam, and one figure dangling their legs over the edge.

The waterway empties into the Ohio River just less than a mile from Silver Creek Landing and was one of AJ's favorite spots to play outside, Malott said.

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Less than an hour after AJ left home, two police officers were knocking on Malotts door. They told her AJ hadnt resurfaced after jumping off the low-head dam into Silver Creek, which divides New Albany and Clarksville.

First responders and volunteers found AJ's body after a lengthy search into the night.

AJs story is part of a growing number of tragic incidents involving low-head dams across Indiana and the United States.

Around 170 low-head dams in various states of disrepair sit in Indianas rivers and creeks, and many have deadly currents that can trap even the strongest swimmers. At least 28 people in the state drowned in these underwater currents since 2010. Victims included a conservation officer with nearly three decades of experience who died in 1998 during a practice-rescue operation on the White River.

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AJ's tragedy pushed Malott to file a lawsuit, adding to the growing legal debate over low-head dam safety in Indiana. In March, the family of two kayakers who drowned at the Emrichsville Dam last year sued Indianapolis, alleging city officials knew about the lethal danger of the dam but failed to place proper warning signage.

Malott hopes her suit will help provide accountability and raise awareness around low-head dams, which Ken Smith, DNRs assistant director of the Division of Water, called drowning machines in a 2016 PBS documentary. AJ's sister has set up a GoFundMe to support the family.

How Hoosiers can stay safe in the water

Thousands of low-head dams were built across the U.S. in the 19th and 20th centuries. They typically arent higher than 15 feet, yet theyre capable of altering habitats and raising water levels. By creating slower pools of water upstream, low-head dams allowed industrial, municipal and agricultural entities to easily divert water.

But many of these structures have outlived their purpose. They sit abandoned in streams and rivers because theyre tricky and expensive to remove  sometimes costing nearly a million dollars  and ownership is not always clear.

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These outdated dams are still posing a risk for Hoosiers today. From the water, they can look small and unassuming, but theyve continually proven to be deadly to swimmers and kayakers.

As water flows over the crest of the dam, it can form deadly hydraulic currents. This phenomenon can trap swimmers in a sort of sideways vortex that experts say is almost impossible to escape.

Its basically a cyclone or a whirlpool turned on its side, said Scott Salmon, the former executive director of Friends of the White River. Once you get stuck in there, whether youre a person or youre a tree or youre a boat, the chances of you getting out of that  is very, very low.

Low-head dam safety boils down to three points: Wear a life jacket for the entirety of your trip on the water, dont go paddling when the water level is abnormally high, and figure out in advance where you will low-head dams and other potential threats.

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Hoosiers should always wear life jackets while recreating in a body of water, according to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. The jackets should be in working condition, fit properly, and United States Coast Guard approved.

Wearing a life jacket isnt a guarantee of safety in the face of low-head dams, but it wont hurt, Salmon said.

Capt. Jet Quillen, with DNRs Law Enforcement Division, advised boaters to always avoid elevated water levels and fast-moving water in an email to IndyStar. Boaters can check the National Water Dashboard for safety information about Indiana waterways.

And lastly, creating a float plan can mitigate danger. Prior to departure, Quillen recommended noting any nearby hazards, like low-head dams, and planning for where you will put in and take out.

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There are low-head dams across the state without proper signage, so the Indiana Low-Head Dams map is one of the most comprehensive resources for finding existing dams that might intersect your float.

Silver Street Dam caught up in lawsuits

The dam on Silver Creek was embroiled in disputes and lawsuits even before AJ's death.

One of the ongoing fights started in 2021 after DNR issued a permit to Ecosystems Connections Institute to remove the dam. New Albany pushed back.

In a legal filing, the city said destroying the dam constitutes an unlawful and unconstitutional taking of property. A judge let the removal permit move forward, and New Albany filed an appeal.

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The city has since claimed, in a 109-page document Director of City Operations Michael Hall shared with IndyStar, that no one knows who owns the dam and "DNR refused any ownership or responsibility." The document also claimed removing the dam would severely impact the recreation opportunities available in the creek, such as fishing and wading."

Silver Creek that divides New Albany and Clarksville, Indiana. The Indiana DNR has halted work at the Providence Mill Dam through court motions after officials say the New Albany mayor Jeff Gahan issued emergency maintenance order without proper permits.

After AJ's death, New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan declared a State of Emergency and the city attempted to make the dam safer by adding stones on the downstream slope to eliminate the hydraulic current. The action resulted in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ordering the removal of the rock because the city did not acquire a permit. The DNR filed a separate legal proceeding over the lack of a similar permit.

Neither case has been resolved.

The dangers of low-head dams  and their deadly currents specifically  have been known for years, according to Malott's lawsuit, which cites evidence from the dam removal case. Mallott accuses officials of New Albany, Clarksville, Clark and Floyd counties and the DNR of negligence for failing to post warning signs about the danger posed by the dam.

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How can you have something that the Indiana government acknowledges as a perfect drowning machine available for the public, small children, to recreate around? said Jon Noyes, the attorney representing Malott.

New Albany denied all counts in Malott's suit including that it owned, operated or controlled the dam, according to documents filed with the Marion Superior Court on June 5.

Clarksville and Floyd County did not respond to IndyStar requests for comment, while Clark County and DNR said they do not discuss pending litigation.

Malott's suit claims New Albany officials were notified in 2021 the dam is "dangerous to humans," and urged the city to "see the human safety value of removing this structure ..." The same year, Clarksville officials passed a resolution stating the dam was an "acknowledged 'attractive nuisance'" during high-water flows.

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Despite those concerns, the suit alleges the public was encouraged to recreate at the dam.

The lawsuit said the Silver Creek Landing billboard was in place on May 27, 2024, when AJ and some friends went to the landing to explore and play. There were no signs warning them of the danger of what the boys called a waterfall, just the billboard.

"As A.J. and his friends were jumping off the 'waterfall,'" the lawsuit says, "A.J. slipped and landed in deadly hydraulic currents, which took his life."

The benefits of dam removal

Low-head dam removal provides safety for Hoosiers spending time outdoors and also bolsters wildlife habitat along Indiana waterways, especially for fish, according to Jerry Sweeten, a stream ecologist at the Ecosystems Connections Institute.

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Silver Creek feeds into the Ohio River, which allows fish to swim upstream from the larger water body  until they reach the dam.

We know that 85 percent plus species of fish in Indiana need to move upstream and downstream as a part of their life history. Thats just biology, Sweeten said. Low-head dams can have a severe effect on that movement.

Sweetens research found 15 fish species downstream of the dam, but only four species directly upstream. Throughout his career, he has noticed more invasive carp in the pools above low head dams and fewer smallmouth bass, which are a prized species for many local anglers.

The science of all of this strongly suggests that the best thing you can do for the stream is to get that concrete out, he said.

Advocates of the dam say the structure creates more opportunities for recreation but Sweeten said that dam removal is almost always the best option.

It can improve fishing, vitalize ecosystems, and most importantly, eradicate danger for Hoosiers outdoors.

One of the saddest things Ive ever heard in my entire career is listening to a mom or a sibling of a young person who needlessly lost their life at one of these dams. Why theyre there is bewildering to me, said Sweeten. How someone can justify leaving something that would cause someone else to get hurt like that is, its just bewildering. Its hard to understand.

AJ remembered as ball of light

The Silver Creek area was AJ's favorite place to hang out with friends. He didnt know it was dangerous, Mallot said.

AJ would never spend a sunny day inside, even during the winter, his mom said. He would go outside and meet up with friends every chance he could. The 14-year-old was a ball of light making friends wherever he went, Malott said. He wasnt just her son, he was her best friend, too.

A few summers ago, Malott remembers AJ would take six or seven water bottles with him when he went outside to play with his friends. It turns out he was taking those bottles to some of the homeless community who lived out in the woods, she said.

That kid would give you the shirt off his back and had a smile that lit up a room, Malott said.

A year later, Malott said her son's death at the dam still doesn't feel real.

Im still waiting," she said, "for him to come through the door.

IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on BlueSky @karlstartswithk.bsky.social

Sophie Hartley is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach her at sophie.hartley@indystar.com or on X at @sophienhartley.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana's low-head dams pose summer dangers for Hoosiers
LOWELLVILLE, Ohio (WKBN)  There were tense moments Wednesday night at the Lowellville Village Council meeting, as residents are concerned they may lose their fire and police forces after another income tax increase failed in May.

Mayor James Iudiciani says that wont happen. While there have been discussions, nothing is final.

In May, a proposed 0.5% income tax increase was rejected by Lowellville voters. It would have generated an additional $137,000 annually. When it struck down, village leaders knew cuts would have to be made.

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None of us in this room wants to lose our identity, but it comes to a point of safety and budget, Iudiciani said.  With that being said, whether its police or fire, I dont want to see anyone leave. I want to see them all working. And if that will be part of our negotiations if they go that far.

The negotiations in question involve the possibility of joining forces with another municipality to combine fire and police services. Luiciani says one discussion took place in an executive session because it deals with personnel and contracts.

Once council comes up and makes a decision, it goes to the public. The same people were talking to in executive session. We all come here and talk to the public. Thats the law, Iudiciani said.

Regardless of who the council has talked with or what is to come, residents wanted village leaders to know how they felt, especially members of the fire department  including the chiefs wife, Tonya Boggia, who says her husband stepped down from his position on Wednesday.

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For you to even contemplate, Oh, just join Poland. Its more than just join Poland. We have pride in what we do. We love our community. We want to help our community. None of us are here for a paycheck, Boggia said.

Fully losing the entity of our fire department and police department in Lowellville, I feel, is the absolute wrong direction to go, said Nicholas Miketa, a Lowellville resident.

What happens when something happens to our call time? Its bad as it is, one attendee said.

The mayor also took responsibility, saying he and the council should have done more to convince voters of the need for the income tax increase.

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That, to me, does a very big disservice. So, once again, why cant we send out a mailer? A one-pager? another attendee said.

I cant get any more passionate or honest toward you folks. Please, come to our regular meetings and special meets as we go through this process. We got to look at it, Iudiciani said.

A decision has not yet been made to combine forces with another community, as the discussions are still ongoing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione celebrated his 27th birthday at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center by drafting a list of the 27 Things Im Grateful For as he awaits trial in his federal death penalty case.

The list was later sent out via electronic communication and obtained by TMZ this week. It begins with an expression of gratitude for his family and friends for being there when I needed it most.

Mangione goes on to thank his admirers, who send him as many as 115 letters per day, according to ABC News. He says he also appreciates the prison workers who have dealt with the thousands of letters hes received from more than 40 countries since his arrest in December.

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He subsequent cites his world-class legal team, his cellmate J (who tolerates his clutter), his appreciation for Chicken Thursdays and Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce, and everyone who has contributed to his commissary account and defense fund  the latter of which has raised more than $1,000,000.

Mangione celebrated his birthday on May 6 while awaiting trial for the execution of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was gunned down by a masked man in Midtown Manhattan on the morning of Dec. 4.

Mangione is accused of shooting Thompson in the back of his head while the Minnesota executive was walking to a conference at the Residences Hilton Club. The Maryland native has pleaded not guilty.

Since his arrest five days later, Mangione has attracted a cult following that sees him as a Robin Hood-type character who struck a blow against an industry he heavily criticized in a manifesto seized by investigators.

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But prosecutors call his alleged actions a grossly misguided attempt to broadcast [his] views across the country.

In his list of 27 Things, Mangione mentions his current predicament without speaking of his alleged crime. He thanks both liberals and conservatives for Americas greatness and expresses thankfulness for having been born in the U.S.

In early April, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed prosecutors to seek the death penalty for Mangione.

Luigi Mangiones murder of Brian Thompson  an innocent man and father of two young children  was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America, she wrote in a statement.

Mangione is due in court June 26.
For nearly a decade, Donald Trump has tried to reject the legitimacy of those who protest against him, falsely accusing them of being paid protesters. Its a pitch rooted in an ugly assumption: Americans who disagree with the president can only be explained by corrupt schemes and illicit payments.

Those who side with Republicans are real, the argument goes, while Americans who disagree must be seen as inauthentic.

As aggressive tactics from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents spark a public backlash, the president has leaned into the paid protesters line with increased vigor and enthusiasm. Trump pushed the line during his remarks to U.S. troops at Fort Bragg this week  he claimed that an unnamed, nefarious person is secretly financing the protests in Los Angeles, for example  and echoed the evidence-free claim to reporters at Andrews Air Force base soon after. He repeated the line again at the Kennedy Center a day later.

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When a reporter asked White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt who, exactly, the president believes is paying the protesters, instead of answering the question, she claimed that Trump has a lot of common sense  despite the fact that his conspiracy theory is neither common nor sensible.

But even more interesting were the comments from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard during her recent Fox News appearance.

Gabbard: This is something that the department of justice and FBI is looking into, who is funding these protesters. We've seen the ads put up on craigslist offering people thousands of dollars a week to go out and conduct these violent and dangerous riots pic.twitter.com/kEwFcEhBCV  Acyn (@Acyn) June 12, 2025

This is something that the Department of Justice and the FBI are looking into. Who is funding these protestors? the DNI asked rhetorically. Gabbard added that she believes that protesters are obviously being orchestrated.

For now, lets not dwell on the fact that its not at all obvious that a secret rascal is putting up enormous amounts of money to pay people to protest against the president and his agenda. Given the scope of the public outrage, the idea that the protesters  in L.A. and in cities across the country  are being paid is plainly silly.

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But Im wondering if Gabbard is correct about what federal law enforcement is looking into.

Just because the DNI claimed that Trumps conspiracy theory is generating Justice Department and FBI scrutiny doesnt mean that its actually happening. Gabbard says all sorts of things that have little bearing on reality, so its best not to make any assumptions.

But if shes correct, its unsettling to think federal law enforcement resources have been diverted in such a ridiculous way.

Whats more, theres a larger pattern to consider. The New York Times reported this week that top officials at the DOJ and the FBI are scrambling to keep up with Trump priorities that are rooted in misinformation and conspiracy theories. The article added that Attorney General Pam Bondi, FBI Director Kash Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino are now running what amounts to a conspiracy theory fulfillment center with unstocked shelves, critics say.

With this in mind, Gabbards claims mightve sounded outlandish, but they might very well have been right.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The standard line from the White House about Donald Trumps mass deportation agenda is simple: Officials are rounding up dangerous foreign criminals, fulfilling one of the presidents core campaign promises, in the name of public safety and law and order.

The entire policy, the argument goes, is popular, effective and generating great results for the American public.

The problem with the pitch is that its demonstrably wrong. Far from apprehending the worst of the worst, many of the immigrants the Trump administration is taking into custody have no criminal record. Whats more, radical tactics from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have led to public unrest in some areas, while recent polling suggests most Americans are not on board with the presidents policy.

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Making matters worse, Trumps mass deportation agenda isnt doing American businesses any favors  as the president himself acknowledged in a rare concession. NBC News reported:

In a post on TruthSocial this morning, Trump said that hes heard from business leaders that his mass deportation agenda is taking very good, long time workers away from them. ... Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace, the president wrote.

In the same online message, the Republican added that he wants to protect our Farmers, while getting criminals out of the country. Changes are coming! he concluded.

To be sure, whether changes will ever materialize is unclear. He also didnt say which farmers or people in the hospitality industry hes been speaking to.

But Trumps online statement stood out because it represented an unusual admission of sorts: His mass deportation agenda, one of the central elements of his domestic policy vision, is undermining many of the people his party refers to as job creators.

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Indeed, the presidents written comments appear to be sharply at odds with everything weve heard lately from border czar Tom Homan and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.

The usual rules still apply, of course, and its important to prioritize what Trump does, not what he says. Those feeling cautious optimism about his Changes are coming! conclusion should probably keep their expectations in check.

But the bottom line remains the same: If Trump were winning the larger political fight over immigration and deportation policy, he wouldnt publicly acknowledge that his policies are hurting some key American businesses.

The concession did not go unnoticed in Californias gubernatorial office. Turns out, chasing hard working people through ranches and farms and snatching women and children off the streets is not good policy, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote via social media, in response to the presidents message.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
ATHENS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The China Shipowners Mutual Assurance Association, also known as the China P&I Club, inaugurated its first permanent office in the European Union on Thursday, marking a milestone in its international expansion.

Located in the port city of Piraeus, Greece's largest seaport, the new representative office -- CPI Services Hellas -- aims to strengthen the Club's service delivery to overseas members and foster closer ties with the global shipping industry.

China's Vice Minister of Transport Fu Xuyin attended the opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of Sino-Greek maritime cooperation and the need for joint efforts in green transition, maritime education, and talent development.

China P&I Club Chairman Xu Lirong noted the organization's intent to deepen cooperation with Greek shipowners, many of whom are among the world's largest vessel operators.

Founded in 1984, the Club is China's largest mutual protection and indemnity insurer. As of June, it covers 98 million gross tons of entered tonnage, with members from nine countries and regions. Though not part of the International Group of P&I Clubs, it has steadily expanded its international presence with offices in Hong Kong, London, Singapore, and now Greece.

Industry leaders in Greece welcomed the Club's arrival, highlighting the strategic role of maritime insurance in supporting the sector's development. 
Around this time eight years ago, Donald Trump attended Bastille Day celebrations in France in 2017, which the president apparently loved  in part because it included a military parade along the Champs-Elysees. It was one of the greatest parades Ive ever seen, the Republican said after the event, adding, It was military might.

Soon after, Trump began pushing for a related display in Washington, D.C., which was not an especially popular idea, even among many of his allies. According to multiple reports, Gen. Paul J. Selva, the then-vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the president during a Pentagon meeting that military parades were what dictators do.

There were similar reactions on Capitol Hill, including among Republicans. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said ostentatious American military parades would likely be a sign of weakness, adding that he wasnt interested in a Russian-style hardware display.

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Around the same time, GOP Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana explained, Confidence is silent. Insecurities are loud. When youre the most powerful nation in all of human history, you dont have to show it off, like Russia does, and North Korea, and China. And we are the most powerful nation in all of human history. Everyone knows that, and theres no need to broadcast it. I think we would show our confidence by remaining silent, and not doing something like that.

The White Houses plan ultimately unraveled in 2018  though in politics, its often tough to keep bad ideas down.

On Saturday, June 14, the president will finally get the military parade hes long sought, ostensibly celebrating the U.S. Armys 250th anniversary. The event will also fall on Flag Day, as well as Trumps 79th birthday.

Seven years after Graham said such displays would likely be a sign of weakness, the South Carolinian told NBC News this week that hes now okay with the parade. And while that trajectory was probably predictable given Grahams broader political evolution, as HuffPost noted, many of his colleagues were more reluctant to talk about the event.

They snapped. They stared off into space. They zipped into Senate elevators and smiled as the doors closed with them safely inside. This is how nearly a dozen Senate Republicans reacted Wednesday when asked the simplest question: Do you plan to attend President Donald Trumps military parade in D.C. on Saturday, and are you comfortable with its estimated $45 million price tag?

Whats more, GOP senators arent just loath to answer questions about the military parade, theyre also disinclined to show up for the festivities: Politico reported that most congressional Republicans wont be in attendance when tanks start rolling down Constitution Avenue, and those begging off include members of the Republican leadership in both chambers.

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As for intraparty criticism, Graham has apparently changed his mind, but other Senate Republicans have subtly made clear that theyre not fully on board with Trumps vision.

I wouldnt have done it, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky told NBC News this week. Im not sure what the actual expense of it is, but Im not really, you know, we were always different than, you know, the images you saw in the Soviet Union and North Korea. We were proud not to be that, Paul said. (He clarified that he was not proposing that thats the image Trump intends to project, but hes worried what message the parade will send.)

As for Louisianas Kennedy, the senator echoed the point he raised during the presidents first term.

The United States of America is the most powerful country in all of human history. Were a lion, and a lion doesnt have to tell you its a lion. Everybody else in the jungle knows and were a lion, the senator said.

Its a point Trump will probably never fully understand.

A U.S. Army reviewing stand continues to be built in front of the White House on Wednesday. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images)

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The Brief

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, convicted on nearly a dozen corruption charges, is set to be sentenced Friday; prosecutors are seeking 12.5 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine.

Experts say hes unlikely to get the full sentence but expect more time than Ald. Ed Burke due to lack of remorse and alleged perjury.

Over 200 letters of supportincluding from Lisa Madigan, Jim Edgar, and Jerry Reinsdorfhave been submitted, but analysts say the judge will prioritize fairness and deterrence.

CHICAGO - On Friday, the political powerbroker who once determined the careers of countless Illinois lawmakers will soon learn his fate from a federal judge.

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Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was convicted in February on nearly a dozen counts of bribery and corruption.

Now, the question is what kind of sentence the 83-year-old will receive.

What we know

Madigan, one of the most powerful figures in Illinois political history, faces up to 12.5 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine, according to prosecutors.

"So I don't think the judge will give the full amount that the prosecution has asked for. If you look at, for instance, the Alderman Burke trial, he was given two years because of his age and all of the letters in support of his good deeds over the years," said retired UIC political science professor and expert witness Dick Simpson.

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Still, Simpson said Madigan likely wont receive the 14-year sentence handed to former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

While Madigan is similar in age to the recently convicted Ald. Ed Burke, Simpson believes Judge John Blakey will impose a tougher sentence.

"The reason he won't get the two years that Burke got is he's never shown remorse, never shown any willingness to admit to any wrongdoing," Simpson said.

Prosecutors allege Madigan committed perjury during the trial, offering statements under oath that directly contradicted testimony from other witnesses.

"He often portrayed that he wasn't really trying to influence Commonwealth Edison or the other companies other than to get people who needed jobs, jobs, which is part of the role of a political figure," said Simpson.

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"I can tell you from my prior experience with other cases, while it's the right of every defendant in a criminal case to testify in their behalf, judges don't take very kindly to those defendants that testify falsely," said former FBI agent Ross Rice.

Support Letters

Roughly 200 letters of support were submitted to the court ahead of sentencing, including one from his daughter, former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

She wrote, "Mike is meticulously ethical and honest and shunned many of the perks of elected office."

"I'm sure it's difficult for Lisa to decide exactly how to both support her father and support the rule of law," Simpson said.

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"It does speak to the fact that Madigan just wasn't getting friends' jobs and getting payoffs for various political operatives and getting, most importantly, money for himself through his law firm," Simpson said.

Former Gov. Jim Edgar also wrote a letter, along with White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, former Orland Park Police Chief Tim McCarthy and former U.S. Rep. Bill Lipinski, who called Madigan "Mr. Integrity."

Madigans wife of 50 years submitted a video message instead of a letter, with permission granted due to her health.

Simpson believes the video may have emotional weight, but wont ultimately affect the judges decision.

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"You have to remember that this judge is very careful. He has a lot of experience. He used to be a U.S. attorney assistant, an assistant U.S. Attorney himself and he's prosecuted cases like this. He's going to be very mindful trying to find a fair sentence," Simpson said.

What's next

In the end, the sentence will carry a broader message.

"What message does this sentence send to other public officials in Illinois? You would think after the conviction of Rod Blagojevich, you would think after the conviction of Ed Burke, that politicians would realize, they're eventually going to get caught," Ross said.

Since 1976, more than 2,200 public officials in Illinois have been sent to federal prison for corruption.
Jun. 12AUGUSTA  Lawmakers in the Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval Thursday to a bill prohibiting undetectable firearms and requiring serial numbers on firearms.

The House advanced the bill on a 77-70 party-line vote, with Democrats in support and Republicans opposed.

Similar bills have failed in previous Legislatures, but the latest push comes in the aftermath of the high-profile killing of a health care CEO in downtown Manhattan last year involving a so-called ghost gun. Ghost guns are untraceable firearms, often assembled at home or by mail-order kit, that are not marked with serial numbers.

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The bill advances to the Senate and also faces an additional House vote. And while the initial vote was in its favor, it also will need to compete with other bills for funding since it currently includes a fiscal note of $1.9 million over two years for new positions in the Maine State Police and Department of Public Safety, and associated technology costs.

Rep. Sam Zager, D-Portland, the bill's sponsor, said during Thursday's floor debate that requiring serial numbers and prohibiting untraceable firearms is critical for enhancing public safety and giving law enforcement the ability to trace weapons used in crimes.

"Passing LD 1126 will ensure our law enforcement agencies are fully equipped to investigate and trace guns found at crime scenes while upholding the constitutional rights of all Mainers," Zager said.

Zager, a physician, said firearms are the leading cause of death for children and youth in the United States, and firearms contribute daily to the deaths of Americans across the country.

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Unserialized firearms are increasingly used by domestic terrorists and arms traffickers because they can't be traced, he said, while serial numbers are critical in helping law enforcement with investigations. "Each time a law enforcement officer in this state, and this country, performs a trace, they are essentially attesting to the notion that serialization aids in their investigation," Zager said.

Federal law requires that firearms manufactured for sale in the United States have serial numbers stamped on them and it's a crime to obliterate or obscure a manufacturer's serial number. The U.S. Supreme Court also ruled in March to uphold Biden administration rules that guns built from at-home kits be treated like other firearms by requiring companies to add serial numbers, run background checks and verify that buyers are 21 or older.

Still, the rise of the at-home kits and 3D printing to assemble firearms have made it easier for the rules to be skirted and for untraceable firearms to be circulated.

Fifteen states have banned ghost guns, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island, according to gun safety organization Everytown for Gun Safety.

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"Recent advances in technology and materials have created a dangerous loophole," Zager said. "In Maine, law enforcement agencies are contending with an increasing prevalence of unserialized firearms ... assembled by individuals at home, not firearms manufacturers."

The use of ghost guns in crimes has increased by more than 1,000% since 2017, according to a U.S. Department of Justice study released in 2023. One high-profile recent example was when 26-year-old Luigi Mangione allegedly used a ghost gun to kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

The bill would make it a Class C crime to manufacture or sell an untraceable firearm and a Class D crime to intentionally or knowingly possess an untraceable firearm. Firearms that meet a federal definition of curio or relic would be excluded.

Rep. Jim White, R-Guilford, a firearms dealer and gun shop owner, was among Republican lawmakers who spoke against the proposal Thursday. White said that tracing firearms can be a complicated and lengthy process and a serial number is not a guarantee a crime will be solved or the owner of the weapon will be tracked down.

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"There is no protection given by serializing a firearm," White said. "All it is is a method to assist law enforcement in tracing the history of that firearm. And there's no guarantee of an outcome that's not a dead end."

The ban on untraceable firearms was among several firearms bills lawmakers took up this spring. On Thursday, the House also rejected a bill to prohibit the possession of large-capacity ammunition feeding devices and a bill that would allow municipalities to prohibit firearms in municipal buildings and voting places.

They gave initial approval to a bill to facilitate firearms hold agreements through which people could temporarily store their firearms with a gun shop. That bill was sponsored by Rep. Stephen Wood, R-Greene, but also gained the support of some Democrats Thursday.

It was introduced with the intent of helping veterans and first responders going through a mental health crisis, though a similar Democrat-sponsored bill sought to facilitate the agreements for other groups, such as people selling their homes or those who have visiting family and thus wouldn't want firearms around.

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"I support this bill," said Rep. Adam Lee, D-Auburn. "I think it's a good bipartisan solution for folks who are in crisis and want to temporarily relinquish their firearms, but don't want to do so by court order. I think we should give every opportunity for those folks in crisis to avoid the potential devastating outcomes of remaining with those firearms."

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Jun. 12Lawmakers on Wednesday passed a bill to give mobile home residents the "right of first refusal" when their parks go up for sale, but it won't go into effect quickly enough to benefit Friendly Village, a large park in Gorham awaiting a decision on its multi-million dollar offer.

The bill, LD 1145, was enacted in both the state Senate and House of Representatives this week and now awaits a signature from Gov. Janet Mills. It did not receive the two-thirds majority needed to pass as an emergency, which means it would have gone into effect immediately after receiving the governor's stamp of approval. Instead, it will take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

Mobile home parks in Maine and across the country are increasingly being purchased by out-of-state investors who raise the monthly lot rents, in some cases doubling or tripling prices, according to national data. Park residents own their homes but not the land they sit on and are essentially helpless against rent increases. They could sell their homes but would need somewhere else to go. Plus, it's harder to sell an older mobile home in a park with high lot rents. An estimated one-fifth of Maine's 468 licensed parks are now owned by out-of-state investors.

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Following the passage of a 2023 "opportunity to purchase law," several communities, including ones in Brunswick, Bangor and Monmouth, have formed cooperatives to purchase their parks. But more than twice as many have failed, even with offers above those of the competition. That law only requires the seller to negotiate "in good faith," not to accept the offer. Many park owners aren't willing to gamble against a sure thing by accepting an offer from a cooperative that might struggle to get the financing together.

The bill, proposed by Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Cumberland and supported by the governor's top housing advisor, requires that the seller choose the residents as long as their offer is at least at the same price and has "substantially equivalent terms and conditions."

Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut all have right-of-first-refusal laws.

The bill is intended to give park residents the "opportunity to have some self-determination," Nangle said previously.

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Nora Gosselin, director of resident acquisitions at the Cooperative Development Institute, said right of first refusal is the "gold standard" and that Maine's legislation draws on 40 years of similar laws, ironing out issues that other states have run into.

The Cooperative Development Institute helps manufactured housing communities looking to purchase their parks and provides ongoing support after the sale.

"I think there's a lot of heartache when you have a group of residents that has done all of this work organizing ... (to) get to that point, put their offer in and get rejected for the same or equivalent" amount of money, she said. "In right of first refusal states, we just don't see that."

At Friendly Village, one of the latest parks in Maine to go up for sale, residents received notice in April that a Wyoming investment firm had put in an $87.5 million offer for their 300-lot park and seven others in different states. The firm, Crown Communities LLC, offered $22 million for Friendly Village, specifically. Under state law, the residents had 60 days to decide to attempt to purchase their park.

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The Friendly Village Cooperative said it submitted an offer above $22 million two weeks ago and is waiting to hear back. The sale, whether to the cooperative or to Crown, will likely be complete by the time the new legislation takes effect.

But the residents aren't entirely without hope.

A different bill, sponsored by Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, could stop the sale of mobile home parks with more than 25 lots for three months after the Legislature adjourns.

The moratorium has exceptions for sales between family members and for communities whose residents do not wish to purchase the park.

The bill is proposed as an emergency and if it gets enough support, could halt the pending sale of Friendly Village long enough for LD 1145 to take effect. The bill has received initial approval from the Senate and the House but by narrower margins than the two-thirds required.

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Sen. Joe Baldacci, D-Bangor, called the bill "drastic."

"Passing a statewide moratorium on the sale of all mobile home parks in order to satisfy one particular situation is, in my view, not appropriate public policy," he said.

But Curry said the moratorium would delay, not prevent, sales, and that while it might help Friendly Village, there are other parks receiving similar notices.

"We have legislation to better support residents to buy their own communities, we're just looking for this pause so that we can get those laws into effect," he said.

The Legislature also passed a bill that could dis-incentivize future investor purchases. The bill will go to the governor for approval.

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Proposed by Sen. Cameron Reny, D-Bristol, LD 1016 will impose a $10,000 per-lot fee when an investor with a net worth over $50 million moves to purchase a park. That per-lot fee (which would amount to an additional $3 million for a park like Friendly Village) will go into a preservation fund to help resident groups compete. Resident cooperative and small businesses would be exempt from the fee.

Gosselin, at the Cooperative Development Institute, said the legislation is, to her knowledge, "the first of its kind" and sends a message to large equity firms that if they intend to buy a park in Maine, they better be prepared to make a real investment in the state.

"It's a pretty elegant way to bolster resident ownership," she said.

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WARE  Western Massachusetts towns from Pittsfield to Ware this weekend will celebrate the bicentennial journey of Americas favorite fighting Frenchman  bringing music, costume balls and reenactment fanfare.

Reenactor Mark Schneider of Colonial Williamsburg will portray the Marquis de Lafayette, as he races across the state to lay the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown at a celebration certain to draw thousands Tuesday on the 200th anniversary, to the day, of his historic visit.

Lafayette is a most modern hero, Schneider told The Republican. In addition to leading us to victory in the Revolution, he lent his voice, his right arm, his pen, and his purse to fight against the institution of slavery, and he was a great friend of the Native Americans.

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Starting Friday, Pittsfield will host a ceremony, 4 to 6 p.m., featuring a concert choir, marching band and local dignitaries. Worthington will then hold a period, costume-optional grand ball, 7 to 11 p.m., in a tent at Town Hall.

On Saturday morning, Northampton will welcome Schneider for ceremonies at the Historic Clapp House including the dedication of stop on the Lafayette Trail from 9:30 to noon.

In the afternoon at 2 p.m., at Belchertowns Lawrence Memorial Hall, Lafayette, with horse and carriage, will reenact his visit with an aging doctor he knew. At the Stone House Museum, 20 Maple St., the Green Valley Homestead Reenactment Group will portray 18th century life from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lafayette will move onto Ware for ceremonies at 4 p.m., then Worcester, for ceremonies the following day, Sunday, at 10 am.

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Between 1824 and 1825, Lafayette was the last living major general of the American Revolution and, at age 67, visited all 24 states in a whirlwind Farewell Tour that spanned 13 months. As a young man, he volunteered in the Continental Army and led troops to the victory that secured the nations independence at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. That was long before actor Daveed Diggs turned Lafayette into a rapping cultural icon in the Broadway hit Hamilton in 2015.

For many along the route, historical accuracy is a source of pride. Belchertowns Stone House Museum contains the diary of Dr. Estes Howe, which mentions Lafayette, according to archivist Cliff McCarthy. Plus, a local tavern owners brother ran the carriage for the general.

So it would have been logical that Lafayette would have stopped here to change horses and get himself some refreshments, McCarthy said. Another source, from 1874, states that Lafayette, on being told  that there lay sick and feeble old officer, ordered the carriage to stop and went in to shake hands with the invalid veteran.

He did not stay long, McCarthy said. He was behind schedule, and they were plowing through Western Mass., trying to get to Boston for the Bunker Hill ceremony.

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Beginning last August, events across the country celebrated the precise order of places Lafayette visited on his original Guest of the Nation tour, Schneider said. Five reenactors are used on the current tour, including Schneider.

The tour is made possible by local chapters of the Daughters of the Revolution and, in large part, by the American Friends of Lafayette, a nonprofit group promoting the life and legacy of Lafayette and the Franco-American Alliance.

Alan Hoffman, president of the friends and the Massachusetts Lafayette Society, said he compares the man to Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela in terms of his human rights activities and philosophy.

The American Friends of Lafayettes Peter Reilly, who organized events in Massachusetts, said that Lafayette was the full package of the Enlightenment ideals, like reason, individualism and progress.

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He was always bugging General Washington about slavery, Reilly said. And also (was) known as a ladies man.

Gentlemen are ready to throw by their business to shake him by the hand, and ladies forget their lovers to dream of him, one New York newspaper wrote in 1824. If a man asks, Have you seen him? you know who he means.

Wayne Phaneuf, former executive editor of The Republican, wrote a remembrance in 1976: as he walked down the streets of Northampton, school children, their aprons filled with flowers, strewed petals in front of him.

All told, Lafayette traveled 6,000 miles and left behind scores of streets, schools and towns named in his honor. At one point, he was pulled from the Ohio River.

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The Republican reported on June 22, 1825, that the trunk, supposed to contain the papers of Gen. Lafayette, which sunk with the steamboat Mechanic, has been recovered.

Research assistance for this article was provided by Joseph Carvalho III.

Read the original article on MassLive.
NEW YORK  Zohran Mamdani, the young democratic socialist who has been rising in the mayor's race, is now ahead of Andrew Cuomo with just two weeks until the Democratic primary, a new poll reviewed in full by POLITICO found.

The survey, conducted by Public Policy Polling for Democrat Justin Brannans city comptroller campaign, found Mamdani beating Cuomo 35 percent to 31 percent  a difference that is narrowly within the 4.1 percent margin of error.

Cuomo has been the constant frontrunner since his March 1 entrance into the race to oust Mayor Eric Adams, with most publicly released polls showing him with comfortable leads. This new survey, which did not include a ranked-choice voting simulation, stands to signal a re-ordering of the highly unusual contest ahead of the June 24 election.

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The poll of 573 likely Democratic voters was conducted between June 6 and June 7  after nine candidates faced off in the first televised debate. The following day, June 5, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Mamdani, lending political star power to his campaign.

Thirty-nine percent of the poll's responses came from landlines and 61 percent from text messages  a methodology that favored Mamdani given his strength with those responding via text, according to the results.

The survey showed the race continuing to narrow to a two-person contest between the youngest and oldest candidates in the field. But it didn't offer respondents the chance to rank up to five candidates in order of preference, as they will be able to do on primary day.

A Cuomo campaign poll conducted by Expedition Strategies and shared with POLITICO earlier this week found the former governor leading Mamdani by 12 points, 56 percent to 44 percent, after eight rounds of voting. That poll was conducted over the same period as the Public Policy Polling survey showing Mamdani's lead. A separate survey by Data for Progress for a Mamdani-allied super PAC found Cuomo winning by 2 points, 51 percent to 49 percent, also after eight rounds.

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Its telling that the only polls showing this trend line are paid for by Zohran Mamdani Inc," said Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi, referring to Mamdani's choice to cut a fundraising video for Brannan, though that video came after Brannan's team commissioned this poll. "As you know, we have had a poll in the field at the same time and our poll showed a race with us maintaining what has now been a consistent double digit lead for more than three months  which is rare for any NYC Mayoral race in recent memory. Its not lost on us that Politico is the only NYC media outlet that continues to take these outlier polls.

Mamdani's camp took a victory lap.

"When you run a disciplined, grassroots campaign relentlessly focused on an agenda to address the crises in working peoples lives, these are the results," Mamdani spokesperson Andrew Epstein said. "New York City is so close to turning the page on the corrupt politics of the past and winning a future we can afford."

The poll found the remaining candidates, some of whom have been running for far longer, nowhere near the two frontrunners.

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City Comptroller Brad Lander was the choice of just 9 percent of those surveyed, despite his citywide platform, high rate of campaign spending and long history with New York's left-flank movement. His predecessor, Scott Stringer, who has roots on the vote-rich Upper West Side of Manhattan, received 5 percent. And City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams gained the support of only 4 percent of respondents, despite the high-profile endorsements of New York Attorney General Letitia James and municipal labor powerhouse District Council 37.

Support for Mamdani was strongest among white and Asian voters, but 27 percent of Black voters surveyed supported him, as did nearly one-third of Hispanic voters  an indication he is gaining multi-racial support among New Yorkers. Cuomos lead with Black voters remains particularly durable at 42 percent, the poll found.

Mamdani, a member of the state Assembly, has leveraged social media to gain attention in the crowded race, employing slickly produced videos highlighting his platform  like free bus service or government-run grocery stores. His voters don't seem to mind that he hasn't articulated a robust, realistic plan to pay for those programs.

What was once a long-shot candidacy by the 33-year-old candidate has evolved into a competitive effort to lead the nations largest city.

Cuomo has sharpened his attacks against Mamdani in recent days by questioning his thin resume and ability to lead a complex city government. The two will face off in another debate Thursday night.
HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT London Maxwell Opendack, 29.

HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT London Maxwell Opendack, 29.

A 29-year-old Honolulu man was charged with two counts of second-degree attempted murder Tuesday after he allegedly attacked his parents with a blunt object in Waikiki, according to police.

London Maxwell Opendack is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

On Sunday afternoon, Opendack allegedly hit his mom, 64, and dad, 77, with a blunt object  in Waikiki.

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Police officers found and arrested him at around 6 :40 p.m., after he fled the scene, according to HPD.

Opendacks parents were seriously injured in the assault. Just after 4 p.m. Sunday, police said, Opendacks mom called 911 and reported that her son hit her and her husband multiple times.

At around 4 :08 p.m., Honolulu Emergency Medical Services said paramedics responded to 1720 Ala Moana Blvd., where the couple had wounds to their heads and hands from an apparent assault. Paramedics treated the victims and took them to a hospital in serious condition, EMS said.

HPD said officers arrested the man for suspicion of first-degree attempted murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder later that evening.

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In August 2021, Opendack went missing in Hilo for several weeks before he was found by police. According to a Jan. 11, 2022, petition for a temporary restraining order, Opendacks ex-girlfriend in Hilo alleged he moved there from Honolulu to stalk and harass her.

The woman wrote that she feared Opendack suffered from strange and inappropriate behavior  and that his erratic speech  indicates that he is suffering from a severe psychological disorder like schizophrenia.

On Sept. 17, 2021, the woman wrote, she was getting into bed when she heard her dogs barking ferociously.

After I was frozen in place for a few seconds, my ex-boyfriend appeared from under the dog door flap of my room holding a Scream mask and asking me if I remembered the first scary movie we saw together,  wrote the woman. I yelled at him to leave and deployed pepper spray on him. He then made his way back to the edge of my property and jumped over the fence (the way he was able to enter my property ) and started towards the highway on foot. The cops arrived shortly and were able to find him on the highway with my direction and arrest him.

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A 38-year-old man is facing capital murder and tampering with evidence charges in connection with accusations he terminated his girlfriends pregnancy without her consent or knowledge, investigators announced earlier this week.

The alleged incident, according to a news release from the Parker County Sheriffs Department in Texas, an area about 35 miles west of Fort Worth, occurred in October 2024.

An unidentified woman who was reportedly dating the suspect, identified as Justin Anthony Banta, a Texas resident and employee of the United States Department of Justice, told sheriffs investigators that shed informed the 38-year-old that she was pregnant in September 2024.

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Banta, according to the woman, told her he would cover the cost of an abortion and suggested they order the abortion-inducing medication Plan C online.

The victim informed Banta of her desire to keep the baby, investigators said.

On Oct. 17, 2024, at approximately six weeks pregnant, the woman received a sonogram from her doctor who reported a healthy pregnancy with strong vital signs and heartbeat.

Later the same day, Banta met the woman at a coffee shop where the victim believes he added abortion-inducing pills to her drink without her knowledge or permission.

The following day, the victim reported exhaustion and bleeding so heavy that she went to the emergency room. On Oct. 19, according to sheriffs investigators, the woman lost the pregnancy.

Justin Anthony Banta, 38, a resident of Texas. (Parker County Sheriffs Office)

During an investigation, the 38-year-olds cellphone was confiscated as evidence.

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Sheriffs investigators believe that Banta, who works in the DOJs IT department, remotely accessed the device and performed a reset, thereby deleting crucial evidence related to the case.

On June 6, authorities arrested Banta for tampering with physical evidence and a charge from the Texas Rangers for capital murder. The 38-year-old later posted $500,000 bail and was released.

The federal IT worker, who is separated from his wife, NBC News reported, and his lawyer are denying the allegations, saying Banta only met the alleged victim four times.

U.S. Marshal wrongly detained by ICE agents in lobby of federal building

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Michael Heiskell, Bantas attorney, told the outlet that his client has cooperated with investigators since last fall when his relationship with the woman ended and that, so far, law enforcement has shown Banta no evidence that the woman was in fact pregnant.

There were discussions about her being pregnant, but that was never confirmed by her to him. And yes, he did research Plan C, Heiskell told NBC News, while adding that his client did not put the drug into the womans drink.

The Parker County Sheriffs Department expressed its gratitude to the owners and staff of the coffee shop for their cooperation with the investigation, though they did not say if there was potential video evidence linked to the case.

Nearly all abortions are banned in Texas, and abortion-inducing medication cannot be accessed through doctors or pharmacists in the state. Residents can, however, get the drugs through online providers.

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DENVER (KDVR)  A Breckenridge man is facing several charges after he was arrested Wednesday in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins and thefts.

Ryan Murray was arrested at about 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday by Breckenridge police who executed a search and arrest warrant at his residence on Oak Lane. The agency called the arrest the culmination of an investigation initiated in April concerning a series of vehicle break-ins and thefts of tools and other items.

Mother gets kids out of car prior to carjacking in Arvada: Police

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Murray has a criminal history and is known to Summit County law enforcement. The Breckenridge Police Department reviewed surveillance footage from multiple locations where Murrays vehicle was reportedly observed.

He is facing charges of first-degree criminal trespass of a motor vehicle, second-degree burglary, identity theft, theft, unauthorized use of a financial transaction device (credit card), and a warrant from Avon police for failure to appear on larceny charges.

Breckenridge police said that over $7,000 in power tools was reported stolen, and some of the items were found at Murrays residence, but others are still missing.

This case serves as a reminder to lock your vehicles and secure your belongings, the police department said on Facebook.

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Anyone who believes they may be a victim or who may have additional information about this case is asked to call the non-emergency dispatch line to speak with a Breckenridge Police Department officer at 970-668-8600.

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WYOMING, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Officials say a Hanover Township man is now facing multiple felony charges after an alleged robbery at a Luzerne County Turkey Hill.

Officers accuse 31-year-old James Robinson of threatening a Turkey Hill clerk while stealing more than six hundred dollars in lottery tickets.

Roving DUI patrols to saturate three counties this weekend

They say he pretended to have a gun and warned the clerk not to interfere.

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The incident happened around 3:30 a.m. on Wyoming Avenue in Exeter.

Wyoming Valley Regional Police later identified him on the corner of a street in Exeter and took him into custody.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  A man who is accused of attempting to kill his parents has now been charged.

London Opendack, 29, was arrested and charged for Attempted Murder in the Second Degree.

Man, 29, arrested for attempted murder in Waikiki

On June 8, Opendacks mother called police saying that she and her husband were struck multiple times with a blunt object, allegedly by Opendack.

He fled the scene before being caught by police hours later near Keeaumoku Street. Opendacks bail has been set at $1 million.

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EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW)  Police on Thursday afternoon announced a man has been charged with the murder of a Warren father who went missing in early February.

Nathaniel C. Crockett, 28, of Cleveland, has been a person of interest since day one in the murder of 46-year-old Juvar King Sr., Acting Police Chief Kenneth Lundy told reporters at a Thursday media briefing.

Google, Spotify, more experience outages amid apparent widespread issue

Juvar King Sr.

In early February, the vehicle King had been driving was found on fire in the 9300 block of Sherwood Road in Cleveland, FOX 8 News previously reported. The vehicle, which was registered to one of Kings relatives, had been spotted by a license plate-reading camera in East Cleveland days after King was reported missing.

Investigators deemed the fire to be arson and arrested Crockett. He was later indicted on a felony count of arson in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

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Kings body was found in March on the back porch of an abandoned home in the 1800 block of Chapman Avenue, near the Terrace Road intersection, according to authorities.

The discovery was made by a construction crew believed to have been working to clean out the property, said Marche.

Crockett was served with a warrant for an aggravated murder charge when he appeared for a pre-trial on his arson charge on Thursday, according to Joseph Marche, commander of the detective bureau.

Investigators now believe other suspects may have been involved, Lundy said Thursday.

This has been a lengthy investigation, he said. This is an open and ongoing investigation. Theres lots more information to come.

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Who is the lone passenger who survived the deadly Air India crash?

Ida King, Juvars sister, also addressed reporters on Thursday.

I just want to let everybody know this has been a long journey for my family and myself, and were seeking all the justice that we deserve. Anyone thats involved  we want our justice served, she said.

Crockett remains at the Cuyahoga County jail and is scheduled to appear before a judge on the murder charge on Monday, June 16, Lundy said.

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A man was arrested as part of an FBI investigation and has been charged in connection with three pipe bomb incidents.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force arrested 50-year-old Robert Gilb in Green Township, according to an FBI Cincinnati spokesperson.

As previously reported by News Center 7, FBI agents were seen going in and out of a home in an Ohio neighborhood.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Gilb has been charged with three counts of possessing an unregistered destructive device and three counts of transporting explosive materials, the spokesperson said.

This alleged activity posed a serious risk to public safety, said Elena Iatarola, FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge. The FBI worked closely with our law enforcement partners to neutralize this potential danger and protect the community.

Gilb is accused of detonating three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Hamilton and Butler counties, according to court documents.

A complaint affidavit details that on April 12, Hamilton County sheriffs deputies were dispatched to Miami Township for a report of a loud explosion. They discovered what appeared to be a blast crater and components of an improvised explosive device (IED), said FBI Cincinnati. Further investigation revealed that there were two prior incidents in Morgan Township that allegedly had similar characteristics to the incident in Miami Township. Butler County sheriffs deputies had responded to incidents there on March 23 and March 28.

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Witnesses allegedly saw Gilb in a white BMW near the site where at least one of the IEDs exploded, FBI Cincinnati said.

He faces up to 10 years in prison if hes convicted of both charges.

Photo contributed by WCPO-TV

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A campaigner has been "attacked" as tensions continue to escalate with a van-dwelling community.

During filming on Monday, a BBC camera was struck by a van-dweller as Tony Nelson, who founded a group calling for the vehicles to be removed, was interviewed.

Mr Nelson had attempted to speak to a man living in a van at Durdham Down in Bristol, where about 100 vehicles are parked, believed to be one of the largest van-dwelling sites in the UK.

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The man accused Mr Nelson of spreading "hate and violence" against van-dwellers, and said the two groups were "well past talking to each other" before reportedly pushing him.

Faced with soaring rental prices, another van-dweller told BBC News he had no choice but to live in his vehicle and said they were not harming anyone.

However, some residents say they are now too scared to go out at night and have complained about increased litter.

Callum has been living in a van on the Downs for nine months.

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After a house-share with friends ended, he said he did not have enough money to put down a deposit on a rental flat and was "lucky" to find the vehicle.

But when residents in the area formed a group calling for van-dwellers to be removed from the area, Callum said it had "an emotional effect".

"As much as I kind of see their side, it's a lot of weight on us.

Callum is one of many van-dwellers in Bristol [BBC]

"People are tooting their horns, revving their engines. If this was your home, would you want someone to come and disturb your sleep and your life in that way?

"It would be nice if they just left us alone, if we're not doing any direct harm to anyone up here, I don't see why we shouldn't be allowed to stay," he said.

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Living rent-free had allowed Callum to drop down his hours working in hospitality and retrain as a joiner, he said.

And now he has a new job, he said he and his partner were looking for a flat.

Callum is one of 107 vehicle-dwellers who Bristol City Council estimates live on the Downs.

Mr Nelson, who founded the Facebook group Protect the Downs, believes living in a van has become a "lifestyle choice".

His group, which has nearly 2,000 members, has called for the council to use its powers to remove vans and those living in them.

Tony Nelson founded the Protect the Downs group [BBC]

Mr Nelson said: "People really feel very strongly about the council's inaction, their permissiveness, their saying 'it's OK to come and trash our parks'.

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"People are fed up with that. I don't know if it's council incompetence or whatever."

He wants the council to help those who need it, and move others on.

Between 200 and 300 people - including people who live in vans - gathered on the Downs on Thursday evening for a walk described as a "show of support" for a "safer, cleaner Downs" and to "highlight the impact of council inaction on public wellbeing".

Organisers of the walk said it was important that all voices were heard [BBC]

Bristol City Council (BCC) said it was choosing not to move people on as this would simply result in "moving people from one part of the city to the other".

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"Every inch of this city is important and special to somebody", said councillor Barry Parsons, who chairs the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee.

The council has previously shut down other encampments - once they were deemed to have had too great an impact on the area.

BBC News was told the current impact on the Downs was assessed to be at a "medium" level, which meant it did not meet the threshold for intervention.

The number of van-dwellers in Bristol has more than quadrupled in five years [BBC]

Nevertheless, Mr Parsons said it was "unfair" to claim the council had done nothing, as it had developed a new policy that would be in place "by the end of the year".

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"I can understand why people are feeling anxious and frustrated.

"We're trying to do something really new, that hasn't been tried before, here or anywhere else in the country", he said.

There are proposals to provide kerbside "service sites", where people living in vans could dispose of waste and get access to water, as well as plans to open more "meanwhile sites", where people can live in their vans and be provided with basic services.

The council currently has about 60 such pitches, with a new site due to open soon. But there is already a waiting list for spaces.

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Privately, several councillors raised concerns about the pace at which change seemed to be happening, acknowledging people needed to see improvements quickly.

And up on the Downs, among people living in vans, and those living beside them, patience is wearing thin.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A third suspect was arrested after a Geronimo Street shooting left one man dead.

According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, Paul Thomas, 34, was taken into custody for his alleged involvement in the deadly shooting of Kevin Dale Evans, 40. Thomas was charged with accessory after the fact of second-degree murder.

Thomas is accused of helping Joshua Mancusi-Ungaro, 19, avoid authorities after Evans murder. Joshua was arrested on April 17 and charged with second-degree murder and illegal use of weapons.

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Police arrested Joshuas aunt, Hazel Mancusi-Ungaro, 37, who was charged with accessory after the fact of second-degree murder in connection with the case on May 20.

BRPD shared that Evans friends performed a welfare check when they found his body on April 6.

This is an ongoing investigation.

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CARROLL COUNTY, Iowa (KCAU)  A man has been arrested after he allegedly killed two people in a hit-and-run in Carroll County.

According to a release from the Iowa State Patrol, the crash happened on April 14 at around 10:40 p.m. The crash happened at the intersection of 220th Street and Hawthorne Avenue.

Officials said that when they arrived at the scene, they found a Hyundai Santa Fe that had been hit in a hit-and-run crash. There were three victims of the crash.

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Officials identified the victims as Elvin Murillo Castro, 17, Carlos Murillo Castro, 24, and Pedro Castro Murillo, 55. Elvin and Pedro were killed in the crash, officials said. Carlos was transported to Des Moines via helicopter with serious injuries.

Troy Bluml, 51, has been charged with two counts of homicide by motor vehicle and one count of serious injury by motor vehicle in connection to the crash. Officials said he turned himself in on June 11. He had previously been arrested on April 15 for leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

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CHICAGO  A man died early Thursday morning after crashing his dirt bike into a pole on the South Side.

Authorities responded to the 7400 block of South Wabash on the report of a crash at around 2:30 a.m.

According to CPD, a 24-year-old man struck a pole on his dirt bike. He was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Teen critically injured after gunshots ring out during fight near 31st Street Beach

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No other injuries were reported and other details are not available.

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A lack of radiologists on duty was a key factor in the death of a man who went into hospital suffering chest pains, a coroner concluded.

Aston Villa fan Mark Villers died three days after he sought help while suffering from an unidentified tear in his aorta  the artery carrying blood from his heart  at Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, on 21 May 2024.

Coroner Louise Hunt said his condition went undiagnosed as abnormalities that showed up on a CT scan were not recognised, but should have prompted tests that would have discovered the tear.

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A spokesman for University Hospitals Birmingham NHS said the trust was committed to continually reviewing its staffing levels to maximise safety.

Since Mr Villers died, a fundraising page set up for his family has raised more than 33,000.

Organiser Stephen Plant said Mr Villers had been a selfless, kind, caring and strong person who had been "striving to make a difference in this world".

He said the loyal Villa fan had been a "passionate lover of life".

'Large number of CT scans'

The coroner's report described how Mr Villers went to the hospital on 18 May 2024 with a severe chest pain, initially assessed by medics as a digestive condition.

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His CT scan was reported as showing no abnormalities but a review later revealed it had shown problems that, if spotted, would have led to further tests and his life could have been saved.

On 20 May, Mr Villers returned to the hospital and it was thought he had infected gallstones.

He stayed overnight and no concerns were noted but he was found collapsed the next morning and could not be resuscitated.

A post-mortem examination confirmed the tear in the aorta caused his death.

Ms Hunt said the trust investigated and found there were "insufficient radiologists to report the large number of CT scans undertaken over the weekend period" at the time Mr Villers went to hospital.

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She said it was "one of the root causes of the very subtle abnormality indicating aortic dissection being missed".

Her report said while the situation had improved at the hospital, the number of radiologists on duty was still not in accordance with Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) guidelines.

The president of the RCR , Dr Katharine Halliday, said: "The 29% shortfall of radiologists across the UK, equivalent to almost 2,000 fewer radiologists than we need, is a critical concern for patient safety."

She said the college continued to call for the workforce to grow.

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A U.S. Marshal was mistakenly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at a courthouse because they fitt[ed] the general description of someone being sought by the agency.

The brief detention took place at Tucsons immigration court in Arizona and was due to a case of mistaken identity, the U.S. Marshals Service said.

A Deputy US Marshal who fit the general description of a subject being sought by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) was briefly detained at a federal building in Tucson after entering the lobby of the building, the U.S. Marshals Service said in a statement, the Arizona Daily Star reports. The Deputy US Marshals identity was quickly confirmed by other law enforcement officers, and he exited the building without incident.

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The Independent has contacted the U.S. Marshals Service and ICE for further comment.

No details were given about when the detainment took place or what prompted the ICE agents to swoop on the law enforcement officer.

The brief detention took place at Tucsons immigration court in Arizona and was due to a case of mistaken identity, the U.S. Marshals Service said. (AP)

Sources told the newspaper that the detention took place at the end of May.

Duties of deputy U.S. marshals include providing security and protecting staff at federal courts.

ICE and other federal agencies have been making arrests inside and outside courthouses across the country in recent weeks, from Washington state to Virginia, as President Donald Trumps administration accelerates his deportation agenda.

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The agency is under pressure from the administration to increase the number of daily arrests. ICE called for more than 5,000 federal agents and 21,000 National Guard troops to join the arrest effort, according to a report last week.

Operation at Large calls for 3,000 ICE agents, 2,000 Justice Department employees, including from the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Agency, 500 Customs and Border Protection staff, and 250 from the IRS, NBC News reported.

The move follows a tense meeting with White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller last month, where he reportedly berated staff and threatened to fire ICE field office leaders who are in the lowest 10 percent of monthly arrest numbers.
UPSHUR COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  A jury found a 56-year-old man guilty of failure to register as sex offender and sentenced him to life in prison on Wednesday as a habitual offender on account of his prior convictions.

Passenger dead, drunk driver arrested after truck flips in Bullard, affidavit reveals

Mugshot of Ronald Wayne Stivers, courtesy of Upshur County District Attorneys Office

In 2023, Ronald Wayne Stivers of Illinois was a registered sex offender in Mississippi before he fled the state and moved in with a woman in Gladewater, according to officials. Stivers reportedly met the woman through Facebook and alternated his identity by lying about his name and changing his license plate.

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Once his true identity was uncovered, the woman forced Stivers out of her home and he was later arrested on June 17, 2024. Officials said Stivers was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday as a habitual offender with his prior convictions playing a role in his sentencing:

On May 16, 1986, the Defendant was sentenced for Theft in the State of Illinois. On July 5, 1989, the Defendant pled guilty to Criminal Trespass of Habitation in the State of Illinois. On June 11, 1998, the Defendant was sentenced for Aggravated Sexual Assault (Adult Woman)- Count I and II in the State of Illinois. On June 11, 1998, the Defendant was sentenced for Felony Escape in the State of Illinois. On June 11, 1998, the Defendant was sentenced for Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault with Deadly Weapon (Knife) in the State of Illinois. On June 11, 1998, the Defendant was sentenced for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child nine years of age in the State of Illinois. On March 18, 2008, the Defendant was sentenced for Failure to Register as Sex Offender in the State of Illinois, and despite his criminal history, Stivers was given two years of probation. On September 8, 2020, the Defendant was sentenced for Failure to Register as Sex Offender in the State of Florida, and sentenced to two years in prison.

5 men arrested for online solicitation of minor after sting operation in Kilgore, officials say

This case was investigated by the Attorney Generals Fugitive Task Force and the United Sates Marshal with Stivers being arrested by the Gulf Coast Violent Offender Fugitive Task Force.

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Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Norwegian Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Jonas Gahr Store in Oslo, Norway, June 12, 2025. A delegation led by Liu Jianchao concluded a three-day visit to Norway on Thursday after participating in the Oslo Forum 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)

OSLO, June 12 (Xinhua) -- A delegation led by Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, concluded a three-day visit to Norway on Thursday after participating in the Oslo Forum 2025.

During the visit, Liu held separate meetings with Norwegian Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Jonas Gahr Store, as well as Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. The two sides agreed to follow through key consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and further strengthen bilateral relations.

Both sides emphasized the importance of deepening interparty dialogue and exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and trust. They also expressed readiness to expand cooperation in key areas such as the economy and trade, maritime affairs, green transition, and people-to-people exchanges.

Liu and the Norwegian officials also underscored the need to strengthen communication and coordination on regional and international issues to push for greater development of China-Norway relations.

While attending the forum, Liu delivered a speech at the China Session, where he outlined China's domestic and foreign policy priorities and engaged in extensive discussions with representatives from various participating countries. 
A suspect remains at large after a man was found stabbed to death in L.A.s Hancock Park neighborhood Wednesday afternoon.

Los Angeles police responded to reports of a man down on the 100 block of Rossmore Avenue around 3:50 p.m.

Arriving officers located the male victim with a stab wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect fled the area before LAPD arrived.

A suspect remains at large after a person was found stabbed to death in Hancock Park on June 11, 2025. (Citizen)

Details on the case, including the victims identity and the circumstances leading up to the deadly stabbing, were not released.

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Photos from the scene showed police cordoning off a neighborhood street as authorities investigated.

Police did not provide a description of the suspect.

This story will be updated when more information is available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A man was hospitalized after being shot at the Shake Shack in Clifton Heights the evening of June 11.

Cincinnati police and University of Cincinnati officers responded to the restaurant off 249 Calhoun St. around 8:25 p.m. after a report of a person shot, according to a safety alert sent by the school.

The man has critical, life-threatening injuries, Cincinnati police spokesman Lt. Jonathan Cunningham told The Enquirer.

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UC police said a subject was detained by officers shortly after the shooting.

It's unclear what led up to the incident.

Shake Shack recently opened this year on Calhoun Street, a popular strip of restaurants and businesses catering to UC students.

Third shooting in CUF in 2025, data shows

CUF, an amalgamation of Clifton Heights, University Heights and Fairfax, has had three reported shootings in 2025, according to city data. Last year, there were 25 shootings reported in CUF.

There have been 86 shootings reported so far citywide in 2025, according to data up to June 7. At this same time last year, there had been 118 shootings citywide.

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In nearby Corryville, east of UC's campus, a 15-year-old was arrested after a fatal shooting outside of a liquor store in April.

This story was corrected to reflect the Shake Shack is in Clifton Heights, part of the CUF neighborhood.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Man shot at Shake Shack in Clifton Heights, near UC's campus
Jun. 11A federal grand jury indicted a Hamilton County man Wednesday on federal crimes related to explosive devices.

Robert Gilb, 50, of Green Twp., allegedly detonated three improvised explosive devices, or pipe bombs, in Hamilton and Butler counties in March and April. He was arrested Tuesday by the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force. He possessed an unregistered destructive device and transporting explosive materials, the press release says.

"This alleged activity posed a serious risk to public safety. The FBI worked closely with our law enforcement partners to neutralize this potential danger and protect the community."

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Hamilton County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to Miami Twp. for a report of a loud explosion. What appeared to be a blast crater and components of an improvised explosive device were found, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

The FBI investigation revealed there were two previous incidents in Morgan Twp. in Butler County that appeared to have had similar characteristics to the incident in Miami Twp. Butler County Sheriff's deputies responded to incidents March 23 and March 28.

The FBI said witnesses saw Gilb in a white BMW near the site of at least one of the locations of the explosion.

Gilb is charged with three counts of possessing an unregistered destructive device and three counts of transporting explosive materials. Each charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A man was injured in an accidental shooting in Northeast Oklahoma City, police say.

According to the Oklahoma City Police Department, officers responded to the area of NE 36th St. and Lottie Ave. regarding a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers learned one person accidentally shot another person in the shoulder. That victim was taken to a nearby hospital and is expected to be okay.

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Officials say everyone involved is cooperating with police.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  The Travis County District Attorneys Office rejected a capital murder charge for a man connected to a shooting that happened at a northwest Austin hookah lounge in January 2023, according to court documents.

Christijan Stevens will serve a term of life in prison of not more than 99 years or less than five years in prison. Additionally, he will have to pay a fine not to exceed $10,000, according to court records.

Suspect in northwest Austin hookah lounge shooting arrested, charge with capital murder

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The rejection on the capital murder charge comes after Stevens negotiated a plea deal where he pleaded guilty to two murder charges. He had to admit that he committed both counts of murder to negotiate the plea.

Stevens was accused on the capital murder charge after he was arrested for his involvement in the shooting, according to the Austin Police Department. It happened at the Moon Palace Hookah Lounge at 12636 Research Blvd. on Jan. 28, 2023.

At the time, Stevens was the only shooter who fired shots from inside the hookah lounge, according to police.

Brayden Bolyard, 17, was pronounced dead at the scene. Jaitron Tatum, 18, also later died from gunshot wounds, according to APD.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A central South Dakota man plans to plead guilty to abusing his girlfriend and their newborn baby in Eagle Butte.

Richard Hale Junior signed federal court documents admitting that last October, he beat his girlfriend in the head with a phone.

USD still weighing decisions with NCAA settlement

During the assault, the victim was holding their son who was less than a month old.

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Hale admits to hitting the baby and grabbing the infant by the arm to try to take him away from his girlfriend.

Court documents say the infant suffered a fractured arm, clavicle and rib. The baby also had a fractured skull and a brain bleed.

Under the plea agreement, Hale will plead guilty to child abuse and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Attorneys have agreed that he will serve no more than 7 years behind bars.

He is scheduled to enter a guilty plea later this month.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  A man pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following multiple prior deportations and felony convictions.

According to court documents, U.S. Border Patrol Agents were conducting enforcement operations in Rankin County on Interstate 20 on or about March 17, 2025. They conducted a traffic stop. Investigators said Luis Simon Acevedo-Rodriguez, 32, admitted to being a citizen of Mexico and to being present in the U.S. without the requisite permission. He was arrested and processed for removal.

Suspect killed in shooting involving Harrison County SWAT team

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The U.S. Attorneys Office said Acevedo-Rodriguez has been convicted three times in the Western District of Texas: once for improper entry and twice for illegal reentry. Prosecutors said he had been formally removed from the U.S. three times previously.

Acevedo-Rodriguez pled guilty to the recent crime and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 8, 2025. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Luis Simon Acevedo-Rodriguez (Courtesy: Madison Co. Detention Center)

The United States Border Patrol investigated the case with assistance from the Rankin County Sherriffs Office.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  A man originally charged with murder in a deadly shooting in 2023 pleaded guilty to a lesser charge Thursday, the Colbert County District Attorneys Office announced.

Dedrick Deshann Pride pleaded guilty to manslaughter in a Colbert County courtroom.

On the morning of September 26, 2023, authorities say they found a white male, later identified as 64-year-old Thomas James Hairrell, while responding to a call about an unconscious person at a duplex on West Montgomery Avenue.

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Hairell was found lying beside the front door with gunshot wounds. The death was deemed a homicide by the Colbert County Coroner.

Sheffield Police Chief Rick Terry told News 19 that investigators had developed Pride as a suspect following the murder of Hairrell.

Pride was located in Huntsville on September 29 by the Huntsville Police Department. He was then taken back to Sheffield for questioning and booked into the Colbert County Jail.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
A senior Indian police official told the country's national news agency ANI on Thursday that one person  a man who was in seat 11A on the doomed Air India flight to London that crashed soon after takeoff in the city of Ahmedabad  survived the catastrophe.

Air India later confirmed there was a "sole survivor" of the crash, identified as a "British national of Indian origin."

Indian media outlets spoke with the man in a local hospital who said he was U.K. citizen Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the person who had been listed in that seat on flight AI171, according to the flight manifest shared by Indian authorities.

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"Everything happened in front of my eyes," Ramesh said in an interview with an Indian TV outlet. "I don't believe how I survived. For some time I thought I was also going to die. But when I opened my eyes, I realized I was alive and I tried to unbuckle myself from the seat and escape."

Ramesh said that within a minute after takeoff, "it felt like the plane came to a standstill for 5-10 seconds." He said there was a small open space outside the plane on his side and he was able to make his way out.

The sole survivor of the Air India plane crash, Vishawashkumar Ramesh, is interviewed from his hospital bed in Ahmedabad. / Credit: Doordashan/Reuters

Dr. Dhaval Gameti at Ahmedabad's Civil Hospital told The Associated Press that he had examined Ramesh and that while the crash survivor "was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body... he seems to be out of danger."

Gameti told The AP that 186 bodies of passengers from the plane had been brought to the Civil Hospital.

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Indian media outlets that spoke with Ramesh in the hospital said he had a ticket for the ill-fated flight showing his name and the 11A seat assignment.

"Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly," the Hindustan Times quoted Ramesh as saying. The newspaper said he reported suffering "impact injuries" to his chest, face and feet.

News of his survival came after initial reports from officials saying everyone on board had been killed in the crash.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik, who initially told ANI there were no known survivors from the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed into the city, was later quoted by the same news agency as saying "the police found one survivor in seat 11A." He said the person was "in the hospital and is under treatment."

The back of Air India flight AI171 is pictured at the site after it crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad, western India, June 12, 2025. / Credit: SAM PANTHAKY/AFP/Getty

"Yes, one survivor is confirmed," said Dhananjay Dwivedi, principal secretary of the Gujarat state health department, according to the French news agency AFP, without identifying the person.

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Video of the crash shows the plane flying low over buildings before dropping out of sight, followed by a massive explosion that sends a giant fireball into the air.

CBS News partner network BBC News spoke to Ramesh's cousin, Ajay Valgi, who is in the U.K. Valgi said he had spoken to Ramesh over the phone on Thursday.

"He only said that he's fine, nothing else," Valgi said.

He said Ramesh had been sitting next to his brother on the flight, but the brother's whereabouts are unknown.

"I'm feeling absolutely upset," Valgi said. "He's not just my cousin, he's also one of my best friends, as well."

Video shows Air India plane crashing in Ahmedabad

Air India plane crashes shortly after takeoff, carrying more than 240 people

Remembering the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson






NEED TO KNOW

Only one passenger survived the fiery Air India plane crash shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad to London on Thursday, June 12, according to authorities

The individual was identified as 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh

Ramesh said he was returning home after visiting family in India with his 45-year-old brother, who died







Only one passenger survived the Air India plane crash, officials said.

The airline confirmed in a statement that there was a "sole survivor" out of the 230 passengers and 12 crew on board Flight AI171, which crashed on the afternoon of Thursday, June 12, just after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The jet had been bound for London.

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The airline did not identify the living passenger beyond saying they are a British citizen "of Indian origin" who is being "treated in a hospital."

That matches local news reports about a 40-year-old British man named Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who said he survived the crash.

The police commissioner in Ahmedabad, G.S. Malik, told Asian News International (ANI) that the living passenger was found in seat 11A and transported to a local hospital. (Malik previously said to the Associated Press that there appeared to be "no survivors in the plane crash. But he later told News18, "My earlier statement was misquoted.")

One individual has been found alive, Malik said, according to News18. He is currently undergoing treatment in hospital. Doctors are closely monitoring status.



Central Industrial Security Force / Handout/Anadolu via Getty A view of the site after a plane crashed following takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in India's western state of Gujarat on June 12, 2025. A view of the site after a plane crashed following takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in India's western state of Gujarat on June 12, 2025.

According to The Hindustan Times, Ramesh sustained impact injuries to his chest, eyes and feet.

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He was visiting family in India with his brother Ajay Kumar Ramesh, 45, and was returning to the U.K. when the crash occurred.

Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed, he told the Times from his hospital bed. It all happened so quickly."

"When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran," Ramesh said. "There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital."

Ramesh was able to speak with some of his family members and told them he is "fine," according to the BBC, which spoke with a relative in the U.K.

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His brother Ajay is now presumed dead given the airline's statement that there were no other survivors.



SAM PANTHAKY/AFP via Getty Debris is seen at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. Debris is seen at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.

Another brother, Nayank, said the family was "just shocked as soon as we heard it. I last spoke to him [Ramesh] yesterday morning. Were devastated, just devastated," The Guardian reported.

"[Ramesh said], 'I have no idea how I exited the plane,' " Nayank said.

Video shows the plane descending quickly to the ground right after it took off. It was then seemingly consumed by a large fireball.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

The plane, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was traveling from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when it was involved in an accident after takeoff, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said in a previous statement shared on X.

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Of the passengers, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, there are seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national, Wilson said.

He expressed deep sorrow about this event on behalf of the airline.

We are actively working with the authorities on all of the emergency response efforts, he said in his statement on X. A special team of caregivers from Air India is on the way to Ahmedabad to provide additional support.

Xinhua/Shutterstock People and rescuers are seen at a site of a plane crash in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state People and rescuers are seen at a site of a plane crash in Ahmedabad of India's Gujarat state

Wilson said Air India teams were working around the clock to support passengers, crew and their families as well as investigators however we can.

A help line was also set up for friends and family members impacted by the crash.

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.

This is a difficult day for all of us at Air India, and our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of our passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones, Wilson said.

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He later added, We understand that people are eager for information. Please know that we will continue to share accurate and timely information as soon as we can. But anything we report must be accurate and not speculative. We owe that to everyone involved.



Read the original article on People
A woman holding a child calls her husband as she sees him through the window of the bus transporting released Ukrainian prisoners of war, June 12, 2025. Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released. The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)

KIEV/MOSCOW, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

Meanwhile, the Russian defense ministry said another group of Russian servicemen have returned from Ukrainian captivity and are currently receiving necessary medical and psychological assistance in Belarus.

The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. 

A released Ukrainian prisoner of war, who takes a wheelchair to a medical aid facility, passes by a wall covered with images of missing Ukrainian soldiers, June 12, 2025. Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)

A released Ukrainian prisoner of war waves to people while passing by a wall covered with images of missing Ukrainian soldiers at a medical aid facility, June 12, 2025. Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)

A released Ukrainian prisoner of war checks the images of missing Ukrainian soldiers held by their relatives, June 12, 2025. Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)

Ukrainians holding images of missing soldiers seek help from released Ukrainian prisoners of war, June 12, 2025. Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)

A Ukrainian prisoner of war looks out the window at a medical aid facility, June 12, 2025. Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)

A released Ukrainian prisoner of war is transferred to a stretcher before being sent to a medical aid facility, June 12, 2025. Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)

Ukrainians holding images of missing soldiers wait for the arrival of released Ukrainian prisoners of war at a medical aid facility, June 12, 2025. Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)

Ukrainians holding images of missing soldiers wait for the start of the prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia at a medical aid facility, June 12, 2025. Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)

This photo shows a wall covered with images of missing Ukrainian soldiers at a medical aid facility, June 12, 2025. Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)

Released Ukrainian prisoners of war walk to a medical aid facility for treatment, June 12, 2025. Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)

Ukrainians holding images of missing soldiers seek help outside a medical aid facility for released Ukrainian prisoners of war, June 12, 2025. Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)

Ukrainians holding images of missing soldiers seek help from released Ukrainian prisoners of war, June 12, 2025. Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)

Released Ukrainian prisoners of war arrive at a medical aid facility, June 12, 2025. Ukraine and Russia on Thursday carried out the second phase of a prisoner exchange involving seriously ill and severely wounded captives, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram that servicemen from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were among those released.

The exchange is a part of a broader prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia, which started on Monday in line with an agreement reached in Turkiye's Istanbul last week. (Photo by Peter Druk/Xinhua)
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Darian McWoods was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Wednesday as a result of a plea deal for the death of his infant daughter more than a decade ago, according to the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office.

Man accused of sexually assaulting teen

In 2018, McWoods was found guilty of multiple charges, including murder by abuse, after his 15-month-old daughter Kamaya Flores died in December 2013. An autopsy found methadone toxicity in her system as the cause of death, the Oregon State Medical Examiners Office determined. The autopsy also found trace amounts of methamphetamine in her blood, broken ribs and proof of compression asphyxiation, meaning she was crushed until she couldnt breathe.

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Though a jury unanimously convicted McWoods of all of the homicide allegations and other charges in 2018, the case was overturned in 2022 after prosecutors had dismissed two men from the jury pool who were Black, the same race as the defendant. The court of appeals called the process discriminatory.

The case was sent back to the Multnomah County Circuit Court for a retrial. On May 28, McWoods pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and first-degree criminal mischief.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man who pleaded guilty last month to threatening a city police officer was sentenced earlier this week to 18 months in prison.

Read next: Google, Spotify, more experience outages amid apparent widespread issue

Peter Levitski, 31, of Youngstown, received the sentence from Judge Maureen Sweeney in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court after entering guilty pleas May 7 to charges of intimidation and ethnic intimidation as well as a third-degree felony charge of domestic violence.

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The intimidation charge is a third-degree felony, and the ethnic intimidation charge is a fifth-degree felony. The sentence was recommended by the attorneys in the case and adopted by Judge Sweeney.

Levitski was arrested for domestic violence Dec. 9  his third domestic violence of the year  after police were called about 10:20 p.m. for a report of a domestic disturbance.

After Levitski was placed in a cruiser and was being driven to the Mahoning County jail, reports said he called the officer who was driving, who is Black, a racial epithet and also called his children racial epithets.

Reports also said Levitski threatened to kill the officer when he got out of jail.

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Levitski was charged with felony domestic violence because he had three previous arrests for first-degree misdemeanor domestic violence. In 2023, he pleaded guilty in municipal court to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct and was sentenced to probation and counseling.

He was also arrested on June 1 and June 18 by city police for domestic violence. He pleaded guilty Aug. 12 in both cases and was sentenced to 30 days in jail, placed on probation for a year, and ordered to attend alcohol counseling three times a week.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Video above is from Tuesdays initial coverage on the incident dated June 10, 2025.

WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The man who was critically injured during Tuesdays shooting near Lincoln Park has died, according to an update by police on Thursday.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man not breathing after shooting near Lincoln Park

Police responded to the incident around 10:10 p.m. after a report of a shooting in the 1200 block of East Capitol Street SW. Upon arrival, police found a man suffering from a gunshot wound and seriously injured.

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According to previous coverage, he was found unconscious and not breathing.

In a Thursday morning update, police confirmed that the victim, 25-year-old Marcellus Smith, was pronounced dead after life-saving measures at the hospital failed.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
The Brief

A man was stabbed in his car in a Brentwood parking lot on Tuesday.

Police arrested the suspected attacker after a good Samaritan followed him.

It wasn't clear what led up to the stabbing.

LOS ANGELES - Police arrested a man accused of stabbing another man in his car in a Brentwood parking lot on Tuesday.

What we know

The attack happened just before 10:30 a.m. in a Ralphs parking lot near the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Bundy Drive, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

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Anthony Gallegos saw the attack, and said he yelled at the man to stop. He told FOX 11 that the attacker reached into the driver's window and stabbed the driver several times in the back, while the driver tried to get out of the other side of the car.

Video showed the victim getting out of the car covered in blood, shouting for help and for someone to call the police.

SUGGESTED: Skydiving plane crashes in Tennessee with 20 people on board

Gallegos and others shouted at the attacker, who ran off. A man claiming to be one of the victim's friends said he followed the attacker while on the phone with 911. Officers were able to track the suspect down and arrest him.

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First responders took the driver to the hospital.

What we don't know

Officials did not identify the alleged attacker. Witnesses told FOX 11 that the attacker appeared to be a homeless man, but the LAPD did not confirm that.

The driver's condition was unknown as of Wednesday night. It was also not immediately clear what led to the stabbing.

The Source

Information in this story is from the Los Angeles Police Department and interviews with Anthony Gallegos and a self-proclaimed friend of the victim.
WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  Authorities conducted a swift water rescue for a man stranded in his pickup truck in McGregor.

Deputies from the McLennan County Sheriffs Offices (MCSO) Patrol Division responded to a report of a possible drowning in progress in the 1000 block of Indian Trail Road in McGregor at approximately 4:55 a.m. Thursday. Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens, the Waco Fire Department and the McGregor Volunteer Fire Department also responded.

First responders discovered a white Dodge Ram pickup truck stalled on a low-water crossing due to rapidly rising floodwaters. The driver of the stalled vehicle was able to exit the vehicle and climbed onto its roof, awaiting rescue.

(Courtesy: McLennan County Sheriffs Office)

(Courtesy: McLennan County Sheriffs Office)

The Sheriffs Office says Game Wardens launched a swift water rescue boat downstream as a precautionary measure. The Waco Fire Department, McGregor Volunteer Fire Department, and on scene deputies coordinated a rescue operation. Fire personnel used a ladder truck and were able to reach and safely extricate the stranded individual from the vehicle.

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The Sheriffs Office extends its sincere appreciation to all responding agencies for their swift and coordinated efforts which led to a successful rescue. As a reminder, the Sheriffs Office urges all motorists to avoid driving through flooded roadways. Turn around, dont drown.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Two men were arrested recently in Horizon on outstanding warrants, according to the Horizon City Police Department.

Bryan Gerardo Garcia, 29, and Thomas David Tiner, 66, were arrested earlier this month after they both had outstanding warrants for different charges.

Bryan Garcia, 29. Photo: Horizon PD

Thomas David Tiner, 66. Photo: Horizon PD

Police say just after 2 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, they responded to the 14000 block of Horizon Boulevard on a subject disturbance call.

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Upon arrival, officers conducted a routine warrant check for Garcia, who had outstanding warrants for an accident involving damage to a vehicle and deceptive business practices with a previous conviction, police said.

Garcia was transported to the El Paso County Detention Facility, where he was booked under an $8,500 bond.

Police say just before 9 p.m. on Monday, June 9, they responded to the same block for another subject disturbance.

Upon arrival, officers conducted a routine warrant check for Tiner, who was wanted from Austin. He had an outstanding warrant for a parole violation.

Tiner was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility.

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A man wanted in connection with a Nashville fatal shooting that happened more than two years ago was arrested June 10 in Atlanta.

Nashville police said a coordinated effort between its detectives and the Atlanta Police Department led the arrest of LaGarrion Blacksmith, 36, charged in October 2023 in connection with the death of Chancellor Eddins.

Investigators said gunfire erupted in February 2023 outside the bar of TRVTH Lounge on Dickerson Pike. Eddins, 35, was found outside the bar with fatal gunshot wounds. A friend of Eddins was also hit during the shooting but survived his injuries.

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Blacksmith is facing criminal homicide, attempted criminal homicide and felony gun possession charges as a result of the shooting, police said.

Investigators learned Eddins and his friend had a verbal altercation with Blacksmith just before the shooting. Blacksmith is scheduled to be returned to Nashville to face the charges.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville PD: Atlanta PD joint effort ends in homicide suspect arrest
CANTON, Ohio (WJW)  Members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force have arrested a man in Northeast Ohio who they said was wanted for second-degree murder in Florida.

According to a press release, on Wednesday night, the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) and the Canton Police Department arrested Floyd Jones, 42, and a woman he was staying with, identified as 52-year-old Angela Parr.

Officials said, Jones was wanted by the Miami Dade Sheriffs Office for the murder charge as well as failure to appear on a weapons offense out of the Carroll County Sheriffs Office.

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Woman in custody after young mother killed in local park

Parr was wanted by the Canton Police Department for assault.

Officials said information led them to believe the two were staying at together at a home in the 1200 block of Tuscarawas Street E. of Canton.

Task force members knocked and announced their presence at the residence and immediately took Parr into custody. Jones barricaded himself inside the residence, which initiated a call out of the Canton Regional SWAT, stated a press release.

82-year-old man killed in local motorcycle crash

After a brief standoff, Jones was placed under arrest and booked into the Stark County Jail, where officials said he will await his extradition back to Florida.

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The Trump administration won a temporary reprieve to retain control of California National Guard troops at least until Tuesday after a day of legal tussling over the president's decision to send them to quell demonstrations in Los Angeles that erupted over immigration raids.

US District Judge Charles Breyer originally ordered Donald Trump on Thursday to return control of the reserve force to California's Governor Gavin Newsom on June 17, ruling that the president's actions were "illegal."

The Department of Justice (DOJ) slammed Breyer's Thursday order as "an extraordinary intrusion on the President's constitutional authority as Commander in Chief" and lodged an immediate appeal.

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An appeals court then issued its own ruling within minutes that stayed Breyer's order until a hearing set for Tuesday so that it had time to consider the DOJ's appeal.

That means Trump will keep control of the National Guard in California during protests planned for Saturday.

Sporadic though spectacular violence has rocked Los Angeles over days of demonstrations against immigration raids launched by the Trump administration.

But the clashes fell "far short" of the "rebellion" the president described to justify his decision to send in the National Guard, Breyer said in a 36-page opinion released Thursday.

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Trump's actions "were illegal... He must therefore return control" of the guardsmen to Newsom, Breyer said.

Newsom was quick to celebrate Breyer's order -- potentially a much-needed win on just one of several fronts that Democratic California is fighting against the White House.

Trump "is not a monarch, he is not a king, and he should stop acting like one," the 57-year-old Democrat said.

- 'Voice for the people' -

Protests over the immigration crackdown first began in Los Angeles a week ago and were largely confined to just a few blocks of the sprawling city.

Damage included vandalism, looting, clashes with law enforcement and several torched driverless taxis.

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Trump, who has repeatedly exaggerated the scale of the unrest, deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 US Marines to Los Angeles despite the objections of local officials, claiming that they had lost control of the "burning" city.

It was the first time since 1965 that a US president deployed the National Guard over the wishes of a state governor.

Critics have accused Trump of a power grab, with protesters in Los Angeles on Thursday angry about his immigration crackdown.

"What brings me out here? The people that were taken, people who don't have voices. We are the voice for the people," said Jasmine, who held a placard that said "Abolish ICE," the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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Trump was unrepentant, declaring again on Friday he "saved LA" and that "if I didn't send the Military into Los Angeles, that city would be burning to the ground right now."

Anger at Trump's raids and the use of masked, armed immigration agents backed by uniformed soldiers has roused protests in other cities, including San Francisco, Chicago and San Antonio, Texas.

In Georgia, a Mexican citizen died in an ICE facility, Mexico's foreign ministry said Thursday, adding that it was trying to "clarify the facts, confirm the official cause of death."

- 'Reeks of totalitarianism' -

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Breyer's ruling came after California's stand-off with the administration ratcheted up earlier Thursday, when a sitting US senator was handcuffed and forcibly removed from a news conference about the immigration raids.

Video footage shows California Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat, being pushed from the room at a federal building in Los Angeles as he tried to ask Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about the raids.

"I'm Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary," he said as two men grappled with him in front of journalists, including from AFP.

Footage filmed by Padilla's staff outside the room shows the senator being pushed to the ground and handcuffed.

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The incident "reeks of totalitarianism," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, calling for an investigation.

The White House hit back, claiming without evidence that Padilla "lunged toward Secretary Noem."

Trump was elected last year after promising to launch historic mass deportations.

But with his mounting crackdown rippling through industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor, Trump said he had heard employers' complaints and hinted at a forthcoming policy shift.

"We're going to have an order on that pretty soon, I think," he said.

The nationwide "No Kings" protests on Saturday will coincide with a highly unusual military parade that Trump is attending in the US capital.

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The parade, featuring warplanes and tanks, has been organized to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US Army but also happens to be on the day of Trump's 79th birthday.

bur-st/dhc/pbt
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  Montana police have arrested the man accused of killing Michael Walker last week in Winchester.

The Missoula Police Department (MPD) announced late Wednesday, June 11, that Jesse Lewis, 31, was arrested after officers learned he might be in the area.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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The MPD posted on Facebook that officers were dispatched to the 2200 block of Mullan Road and issued a shelter-in-place advisory for residents of the immediate area.

Lewis was arrested without incident after what the police described as a coordinated operation.

MPD noted that Lewis has an active arrest warrant in connection with the killing of Walker on June 4 near Athens Boonesboro Road. Following further investigation, it was believed Lewis fled the area in a blue 2004 Toyota 4Runner with a Florida license plate that read CK25JW.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

He is being held in the Missoula County Detention Facility and is awaiting extradition to Kentucky.

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SAN FRANCISCO, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in the U.S. state of Oregon has decided to close down nearly 32 km of an interstate due to a wildfire, which obscured visibility, U.S. media reported Thursday.

The Oregon Department of Transportation said Interstate 84 (I-84) was closed between the towns of Hood River and The Dalles, said the report.

Photos shared by the department showed flames burning alongside and in the median of the highway as wind gusts fanned the smoke, the report read.

The fire also prompted the local Wasco County Sheriff's Office to issue a level 3 evacuation order, which urges recipients to leave the area immediately.

Residents of more than 700 homes were ordered to evacuate in an area stretching northwest of The Dalles along I-84 and further inland. Residents of more 1,352 homes were also told to prepare to leave, including in part of the town's northern end.

The fire, which broke out Wednesday, was estimated to be about 50 acres. 
A suspect wanted for assault on a deputy remains at large, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Wednesday, around 3:30 a.m., a Habersham County deputy stopped a truck pulling a trailer near Juniper Trail in Toccoa. The GBI said the trailer had two flat tires. The truck stopped at the end of Juniper Trail.

Officials said that as the deputy stepped out of his patrol car, the driver of the truck, Jonathan William Harris, 34, of Sautee, Ga., rammed into the patrol car, causing it to hit the deputy and knock him to the ground.

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The GBI said Harris got out of the truck, and thats when the deputy fired his gun and the 34-year-old ran away.

The deputy sustained minor injuries and Harriss condition is unknown, the GBI said.

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A passenger in the truck, Antone Cortez Hall, 44, of Gainesville, was arrested at the scene.

Hall is charged with theft by receiving stolen property, obstruction of an officer, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was booked into the Habersham County Detention Center.

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Harris remains on the run. If you see him, do not approach. Instead, call 911 immediately.

Harris is facing charges of possession of a firearm/knife during the commission of a crime, fleeing/eluding a police officer, aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer, obstruction of an officer, and theft by receiving stolen property. The 34-year-old also has outstanding warrants for his arrest from an unrelated incident.

According to the GBI, the truck and trailer had been reported stolen out of Hall County before the incident.

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The Habersham County Sheriffs Office is handling all criminal charges related to this incident. The GBIs role is limited to conducting an independent investigation into the use of force.
The Brief

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is probing an officer-involved shooting after a deputy was assaulted during a traffic stop in Habersham County.

Jonathan William Harris allegedly rammed his truck into a deputy's vehicle, fled on foot, and remains at large; the truck and trailer were reported stolen.

Antone Cortez Hall, the passenger, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

TOCCOA, Ga. - Authorities are searching for a man accused of assaulting a deputy during a traffic stop in Habersham County early Wednesday morning, prompting an officer-involved shooting that is now under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

What we know

The Habersham County Sheriffs Office requested the GBI conduct an independent probe into the shooting, which occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Juniper Trail in the Chopped Oak community.

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According to preliminary information, a deputy attempted to stop a truck pulling a trailer with two flat tires. The vehicle came to a stop at the end of the road. As the deputy exited his patrol car, the driver  identified as Jonathan William Harris, 34, of Sautee  allegedly rammed the truck into the deputys vehicle, which struck the deputy and knocked him to the ground.

Harris reportedly exited the truck, and the deputy fired his weapon. Harris fled the scene on foot and remains at large. The deputy sustained minor injuries. Harris' condition is unknown.

The passenger in the vehicle, Antone Cortez Hall, 44, of Gainesville, was arrested at the scene and booked into the Habersham County Detention Center. Hall faces charges including theft by receiving stolen property, obstruction of an officer, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Investigators determined the truck and trailer were reported stolen out of Hall County. Harris is also wanted on unrelated warrants and now faces additional charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding, obstruction, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and theft by receiving.

What we don't know

The GBIs role is limited to reviewing the use of force. Upon completion, their findings will be turned over to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office for review.

What you can do

Authorities are warning the public not to approach Harris if seen and to immediately contact 911.

The Source

The Habersham County Sheriffs Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation provided the details for this article.
The University of West Florida is located in Pensacola. (Photo courtesy of University of West Florida)

Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. will make double his salary when he becomes the interim president of the University of West Florida on July 14, subject to Board of Governors approval

Trustees at the Pensacola university agreed to pay Diaz an annual base salary of $643,000 with no performance incentive. Other benefits for the one year contract total about $100,000 to pay for his car, housing, and moving expenses.

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As commissioner, Diaz makes nearly $324,000 per year.

Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. Credit: Florida Department of Education

During the meeting, trustees said long goodbyes to outgoing President Martha Saunders, who resigned before her contract was set to expire. She has been president since 2017.

Saunders contract pays her a $536,271 base annual salary and up to 20% performance bonus.

We will be going into a presidential search and we will be having a firm conduct a compensation analysis and what were seeing historically here through all the universities that have gone through presidential searches is that salaries for these university presidents are increasing. Period. So everyone needs to get ready to see that when the compensation analysis comes out, Chair Rebecca Matthews said.

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I dont particularly care for the salary, said Alonzie Scott, who also had issues with other provisions in the contract.

Scott, who has been on the board since 2018, noted the contract requires a two-thirds vote of trustees to remove the president. Saunders contract and trustee bylaws call for a simple majority vote.

According to Matthews, Diaz requested the supermajority vote for removal.

I hope he can do things even comparable to Martha Saunders, Scott said.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Board of Governors, a board majority-appointed by the governor, appointed a slate of eight UWF trustees last winter. At the time DeSantis said the UWF community needed to buckle up and prepare for a conservative makeover. The new UWF board of trustees has caused widespread backlash among the university community and in the Florida Senate.

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The university community has shunned the overhaul of the college. It has launched Save UWF, and sent people to Tallahassee to oppose the trustees during the Senate confirmation hearings.

After trustees were confirmed Saunders resigned.

The trustees with tenure longer than six months have largely opposed the new direction.

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Sentiment

Matthews called the contract conservative and said she is Happy and feel extremely comfortable with it.

Matthews is the chair a direct support organization to the Department of Education, a position that Diaz appointed her to. DeSantis appointed her to one of his transition committees.

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Diaz called his contract Proper and conservative.

No votes in opposition to the contract could be heard through the livestream of the meeting.

Trustee Dick Baker, who has been on the board since 2016, said he hopes we can go forward and not keep looking back or start trying to find things from the past to dig into.

I want to be 100% behind President Diaz as we go forward and get the community back working with us to make this the best university, Baker said, saying he thinks Diaz desires of doing the very best that he can.

Diaz will vacate his job in the DeSantis administration to take on the roll of interim president.

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His path to interim-presidency mirrors Florida International University President Jeanette Nunez, who was the sole finalist for her job after resigning as lieutenant governor to become interim president. Simultaneously, former President Kenneth Jessell resigned before the end of his contracted term.

While he didnt vote against Diaz, Scott had reservations.

My instincts tell me not to vote for this, but Mr. Baker is convincing me to go the other way somewhat to say that were going to try to figure out how to make this work. I do believe we have overcompensated Mr. Diaz for work that he hasnt performed yet, Scott said.

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The United States announced on Wednesday that it is preparing a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq and has authorised the voluntary departure of dependants of American personnel from locations across the Middle East, including Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, as regional security concerns rise.

On Wednesday evening, US President Donald Trump explained that the decision to relocate staff was made because the region could be a dangerous place.

Tensions have been rising recently, fuelled by stalled negotiations between the US and Iran over its nuclear programme, further inflamed by Israels repeated statements that it is prepared to launch a strike on Iran.





Where are US military bases in the Middle East?

The US has operated military bases in the Middle East for decades.

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According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the US operates a broad network of military sites, both permanent and temporary, across at least 19 locations in the region.

Of these, eight are permanent bases, located across Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

(Al Jazeera)

How many US troops are in the Middle East?

The USs first deployment of soldiers in the Middle East was in July 1958 when combat troops were sent to Beirut during the Lebanon Crisis. At its height there were almost 15,000 Marines and Army troops in Lebanon.

As of mid-2025, there are about 40,000 to 50,000 US troops in the Middle East, comprising personnel stationed in both large, permanent bases and smaller forward sites across the region.

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The countries with the most US troops include Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. These installations serve as critical hubs for air and naval operations, regional logistics, intelligence gathering and force projection.

Below are some notable bases in the region.

Al Udeid Air Base (Qatar)  The largest US military base in the Middle East, established in 1996. Covering an area of 24 hectares (60 acres), the base accommodates almost 100 aircraft as well as drones. This base, which houses some 10,000 troops, serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command (CENTCOM) and has been central to operations in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.

US President Donald Trump gestures while delivering remarks to US troops during a visit to Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, Qatar, on May 15, 2025 [Brian Snyder/Reuters]

Naval Support Activity, NSA (Bahrain)  The current US naval base sits on the site of the former British naval installation, HMS Jufair. The base hosts approximately 9,000 Department of Defense personnel, including military and civilian staff. Home to the US Navys Fifth Fleet, the base provides security to ships, aircraft, detachments and remote sites in the region.

A US Navy Martin UAV drone flies over Gulf waters as Royal Bahraini Naval Force (RBNF) Abdulrahman Al Fadhel takes part in joint naval exercise between US Fifth Fleet Command and Bahraini forces, on October 26, 2021 [Mazen Mahdi/AFP]

Camp Arifjan (Kuwait)  Camp Arifjan is a major US Army base located about 55km (34 miles) southeast of Kuwait City. Constructed in 1999, it serves as the primary logistics, supply and command hub for US military operations in the Middle East, particularly within the US CENTCOM area of responsibility.

Former US President George W Bush greets military personnel in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait [File: Brooks Kraft LLC/Corbis via Getty Images]

Al-Dhafra airbase (UAE)  A strategic base focused on reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and supporting combat air operations. The base hosts advanced aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor stealth fighters and various surveillance planes, including drones and AWACS.

The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet used by the US to maintain air superiority and bolster regional deterrence in the Gulf [Wolfgang Rattay/Reuters]

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Erbil Air Base (Iraq)  Used by US forces for air operations, particularly in northern Iraq and Syria, where troops advise Kurdish and Iraqi forces.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths testimony before the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday took an unexpected twist when he mentioned cats, marbles, and medical research.

Hegseth was facing questions from Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) about cuts to the Defense Departments medical research budget when he made a startling claim: Were talking about some stuff I shouldnt, shouldnt say in public, you know, marbles in the rear ends of cats, tens of millions of dollars, Hegseth told Illinois senior U.S. senator.

Hegseth referred to the research as a boondoggle.

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WGN Investigates: Investigating public corruption, crime & fraud

Durbin immediately fired back, asking whether Hegseths claim was similar to unproven tales told by President Donald Trump and his DOGE team about people hundreds of years old still receiving Social Security checks in their name.

The research Hegseth appears to be referencing was money awarded in 2020, during President Trumps first term, to reimburse the University of Pittsburgh $10M for research to develop revolutionary new treatment approaches for spinal cord injuries.

The contract award is available on the Department of Defense website.

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Hegseths claim about marbles being inserted into the rear ends of cats is correct, but lacks all context. Soldiers  or anyone else  who suffer severe spinal cord injuries can lose control of their bowels. The study used anesthetized cats as test subjects to study the impact of a new procedure to restore functionality in the sphincter and rectum. The marbles were meant to simulate defecation and determine whether a procedure restored control in test subjects.

The results were encouraging, according to the American Journal of Physiology.

[The] study indicates the possibility to develop a noveldevice to restore defecation function after spinal cord injury using a minimally invasive surgical approach.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

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Durbin said Hegseths proposed budget cuts two-thirds of funding for the Defense Departments medical research. Hegseth countered that his team was targeting waste, fraud, and abuse and would not cut funding for programs that benefit members of the military. He previously announced $5 billion in cuts across the entire Department of Defense.

The Defense Department has been a place where organizations, entities, and companies know they can get money almost unchecked, whether or not it actually applies to things that happen on the battlefield, Hegseth told Durbin. Thats just thats what we worked very hard to find in ways that other secretaries have not.

After the hearing, a spokesperson for Sen. Durbin told WGN:

While Secretary Hegseth attempted to distract from the larger issue with his comment about marbles and cats, here are just a few examples of DoD research contracts that have been canceled or frozen under this Administration: new breast cancer and prostate cancer therapies, which would help afflicted service members; improved protective gear to defend soldiers against projectiles and chemical threats; advanced materials for more durable and lightweight aircraft partsand the list goes on. Do these sound like boondoggles to you?

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The 700 Marines deployed to Los Angeles by President Donald Trump have not yet hit the streets and are instead on standby and carrying out nonlethal training.

Dozens of Marines were captured on aerial footage Tuesday practicing hand-to-hand combat and crowd control on Seal Beach field, just south of L.A. County.

Trump activated the Marines and about 4,000 National Guards after violent mobs took to the streets over the weekend, burning and damaging property while some threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at law enforcement.

President Trump deployed 700 Marines to Los Angeles amid protests, but troops remain on standby completing nonlethal weapons training while California's governor challenges the federal intervention.

Aoc Downplays La Riots As Mere 'Teens' Throwing Rocks, Pins Blame On Trump

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A U.S. Northern Command spokesperson told Fox News the Marines have not completed their nonlethal weapons training.

They are expected to do at least another day of nonlethal weapons training, two U.S. defense officials told Fox News. It is expected they will finish the training on Friday.

Read On The Fox News App

"The Marine unit is an infantry unit and needs to learn protocols for [the] use of force in a domestic setting," a defense official told Fox News.

The cost of sending the Marines and National Guard to Southern California is an estimated $134 million, Acting Pentagon Comptroller Bryn MacDonnell said. The funds will be pulled from the operations and maintenance budget, MacDonnell said.

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USMC Commandant Gen. Eric Smith on Wednesday said the Marines are acting under NORTHCOMs direction and are limited to protecting federal property and personnel, not engaging in broader law enforcement.

He said that they had already received four days' worth of training.

Dozens of Marines were captured on aerial footage practicing hand-to-hand combat and crowd control on Seal Beach field, just south of L.A. County.

California Sheriff Says Newsom Encouraged La Riots As Ice Arrests Violent Illegal Aliens

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, meanwhile, said the Marines and National Guard troops were being deployed to keep the city safe.

"The mission in Los Angeles, as you know well, sir, is not about lethality. Its about maintaining law and order on behalf of law enforcement agents who deserve to do their job without being attacked by mobs of people," Hegseth said under grilling from Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.

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"We are very proud that the National Guard and the Marines are on the streets defending the ICE agents, and they will continue."

Hegseth said "there is plenty of precedent for the U.S. supporting law enforcement officers."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies during a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee on June 11, 2025.

A federal judge on Tuesday night declined California Gov. Gavin Newsoms request for an immediate temporary restraining order to restrict Trumps deployment of Marines and National Guard troops to quell ongoing anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) riots in Los Angeles.

Newsom has had a public war of words with Trump administration officials, accusing the president of having "commandeered" thousands of the states National Guard members "illegally, for no reason" without consulting Californias law enforcement leaders.

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The Trump administration, meanwhile, said its ICE operations are aiming to get "criminal illegal immigrant killers, rapists, gangbangers, drug dealers, human traffickers and domestic abusers off the streets."

Fox News' Liz Friden contributed to this report.





Original article source: Marines still not on LA streets, seen in hand-to-hand combat training
A top MAGA firebrand in Congress, who has been a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, has come out strongly against the presidents policy of defending Israel against regional aggressors like Iran.

Marjorie Taylor Greene joined the chorus of both America First isolationists and far-left progressives opposed to the U.S. being drawn into a war with Iran as she tweeted late Wednesday evening: Americans dont want to bomb Iran because the secular government of Israel says that Iran is on the verge of developing a nuclear bomb any day now. 

Greene added that she doesnt know anyone that even thinks about Iran in her district.

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Her tweet came in response to a flurry of reporting around Washington indicating that the State Departments decision to move nonessential embassy staff out of Baghdad, Iraqs capital, was tied to concerns about violence escalating in the region as a result of an impending Israeli attack.

Indeed, on Thursday Trump said to reporters that an Israeli strike on Iran could very well happen.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene urged Donald Trump not to drag the US into war with Iran on Israels behalf (Getty)

That attack, which the president was reported to have gotten Israel to forestall earlier this year, now seems to be greenlit. Trump told reporters he declined to support the Israeli plan in May as he sought a new nuclear agreement with the Iranian government.

President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq, an agency spokesperson told The Independent on Wednesday.

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The president himself added to reporters: They cant have a nuclear weapon. Very simple  they cant have a nuclear weapon.

On Wednesday, as reports of the planned Israeli strike began to emerge, a senator on the Armed Services committee, Tom Cotton, tweeted that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had confirmed that Irans terrorist regime is actively working towards a nuclear weapon. Hegseth testified to the committee earlier in the day.

For the sake of our national security, the security of our allies, and millions of civilians in the region this cannot be allowed to happen, Cotton, who hails from the Republican Partys hawkish wing, added on Twitter.

The strike, should it take place, would be a major impediment to the continuation of direct(ish) talks between Washington and Tehran regarding a new agreement aimed at constricting Irans nuclear program to civilian usage only. A sixth round of talks headed by Steve Witkoff, Donald Trumps envoy to the Middle East, were set for this weekend.

Marjorie Taylor Greene tweeted her opposition to US support for an Israeli strike on Iran (The Independent)

CBS News reported Wednesday evening that Israel was ready to carry out a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, and cited a US official as saying that the Trump administration was now looking for ways to actively support the strike. US involvement would not include direct action by B-2 bombers, restricting the attack to surface-level areas of the Iranian facilities, according to CBSs sources.

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An Iranian dissident group in exile, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), showed satellite imagery of sites it said were key to the Iranian nuclear weapons program this week at a press briefing in Washington. The NCRIs reporting, citing sources on the ground within Iran, identified the locations and purposes of several sites tied to the nuclear program in the countrys mostly-desert province of Semnan which it said had been largely militarized for the purpose of concealing the project. One of the sites identified by the NCRI as the Sorkheh Hesar site supposedly hosts an underground test facility.

Irans foreign minister told reporters on Wednesday that US bases and facilities in the region would be potential targets for retaliatory strikes were Israel to carry out an attack with US assistance.

Trump has long veered towards the isolationist wing of his party and is an outspoken critic of US involvement in just about every sphere of geopolitics. But on the issue of Iran, Trump has treaded a middle ground: his first term was defined by a maximum pressure policy of tough sanctions and political pressure, which gave way to an openness to negotiations upon the beginning of his second presidency.

Greene is one of his strongest allies in that regard, as a vitriolic opponent herself of aid to Ukraine and the NATO alliance.

But even as the president has engaged the US in the first semi-direct negotiations with Tehran since the Obama administration, he has maintained longstanding US policy that Iranian development of nuclear weapons is a red line.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Mr. Mark Anthony Howell, 62 of Youngstown, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025.

Baby Brother, you left this morning on your own terms and joined the elders.

Mark was born October 21, 1962, in Youngstown, a son of Carlywn and Anne Scott Howell.

Find obituaries from your high school

He lived life to the fullest and by his own style and basically did everything he wanted to do.

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He was a graduate of Ursuline High School and attended The Tuskegee University, where he was affiliated with the Pershing Rifles Fraternity.

He had been employed as a sales representative with Verizon Communications.

He enjoyed socializing and traveling. Mark enjoyed his cigars and Jack Daniels!

His siblings all said farewell and we know that Maurice, Linda, parents and grandparents welcomed him home. Both you and Linda are now catching up on music and who is to say what shenanigans you and Maurice are up to even on the other side. We will miss that deep roar of laughter and sarcastic as hell sense of humor.

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He leaves to cherish his memory, his brother, Vernon Howell of Virginia; three sisters, Rhonda Howell of Cleveland, Beverly McMillan of New Mexico and Willetta Howell of California and a host of other loving family and dear friends.

Your one last gift was that of an organ donor (lungs, liver, kidneys and eyes). Thanks for allowing others to thrive in a better life. Rest well, baby brother. We love you.

Private services were held at the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark Anthony Howell, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Thursday, June 12 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:19 p.m. on WYTV and 6:37 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
ANDERSON  A Markleville man has been sentenced to a total of 28 years in prison after being convicted on four counts of child molesting.

A Madison Circuit Court Division 3 jury deliberated for 90 minutes on April 25 in finding Kenneth Myers, 50, guilty of molesting two girls under the age of 11 for several years.

Judge Andrew Hopper sentenced Myers Wednesday to a total of 28 years with 24 years to be served with the Indiana Department of Correction and four years on formal probation.

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Judge Hopper also found Myers to be a sexually violent predator and ordered him to register as a sex offender for life.

The states case was presented by deputy prosecutors Dan Kopp and Jack Slay; Myers was represented by defense attorney Grey Harris.

The Herald Bulletin does not report the names of alleged victims of child molesting.

Myers was arrested in 2022 and released from the Madison County Jail after posting a $20,000 bond.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Thomas Naselroad with the Madison County Sheriffs Department, the alleged incidents involved two girls under the age of 11.

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Deputy Kim Stigall attended a forensic interview in Richmond where the two girls said Myers fondled them several times over the past two years.

The girls said during the interview the alleged incidents took place when a woman at the residence was either at work, sleeping or in another room.

The girls told a family member about the alleged fondling while on a vacation trip to Ohio.

During an interview with Stigall, Myers denied the allegations.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Mark your calendars because August 9th and 10th is when the sales tax will be cut from items under $2,500 in Massachusetts.

The tax-free holiday is a time for small business to boost their sales and bring in new customers looking to save money. The increase in sales during the tax-free weekend last year generated $3.54 million in indirect tax revenues due to increased economic activity, according to the Department of Revenue.

During this weekend, most retail items of up to $2,500 purchased for personal use will be exempt from a 6.25 percent sales tax. This is a great opportunity for consumers to purchase items as prices on store shelves spike, driven in part by federally imposed tariffs.

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New trade deal with China in the works

Items that do not qualify for the tax-free weekend

Meals

Motor vehicles

Motorboats

Telecommunications services

Gas

Steam

Electricity

Tobacco products

Marijuana or marijuana products

Alcoholic beverages

Any single item whose price is more than $2,500

An item of clothing is exempt from the sales tax unless the piece of clothing costs more than $175. For items that cost more than $175, the amount over $175 is only subject to tax.

Do online purchases qualify?

Any item will qualify for the tax exemption if you order and pay for an eligible item over the Internet during the tax-free weekend and during Eastern Daylight Time. No sales tax is due on that purchase, even if the delivery occurs after the sales tax holiday weekend. Layaway sales do not qualify during the tax-free weekend.

Taxed in error

In Massachusetts, all retailers must take part in the sales tax holiday. If you are taxed in error during the weekend, the business is responsible for giving you a refund of the tax you paid.

Statements from officials

The Massachusetts law was put into place in 2018, and this years legislation was sponsored by Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield) and Representative Carole A. Fiola (D-Fall River).

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Lowering costs for Massachusetts residents and supporting local businesses is critical for our communities in this time of economic uncertainty, said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). Id like to thank Senator Gomez, my colleagues in the Senate and our partners in the House for their work to set this years sales tax holiday.

This years temporary suspension of the sales tax will bring consumers needed economic relief while boosting revenue for small businesses and retailers, said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). I want to thank Chair Fiola and my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for their annual support for this economic development initiative.

The sales tax holiday is a wonderful opportunity for our residents to get out into their communities, support local businesses, get their kids ready for school in fall or make a purchase that theyve been putting off, said Senator Gomez, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses. I am glad that our leaders here in the Legislature have been able to work and get this done again for our residents this year, and I look forward to hearing how residents are able to make the most of the tax reprieve.

I was proud to sponsor the legislation establishing this years sales tax holiday that helps boost our economy and provides support and relief for our residents and small businesses, said Representative Fiola, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. This is an important weekend that helps bolster our economy and I applaud my colleagues in passing this legislation to provide individuals, families and businesses across the Commonwealth with some relief.

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
HOUSTON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- In a rare public split within the Republican Party on foreign policy, Veteran GOP Senator Mitch McConnell slammed U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Wednesday over the Trump administration's approach to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

"It seems to me pretty obvious that America's reputation is on the line," McConnell said when opening a Senate budget hearing. He is the former Senate majority leader and now leads the Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee in the U.S. Senate.

"We don't want a headline at the end of this conflict that says Russia wins and America loses," McConnell told Hegseth during the hearing.

When McConnell asked who was the aggressor, Hegseth replied, "Russia is the aggressor."

But when asked which side he wants to win, Hegseth, arguing for an "America First" approach, only said that U.S. President Donald Trump is committed to peace.

"Vladimir Putin knows that President Trump is strong," Hegseth said. "He knows his word means something, and as a result, a negotiated peace in Ukraine makes America look strong, makes us look like we understand the state of the world."

In comparison, McConnell said U.S. allies are "wondering whether we're in the middle of brokering what appears to be allowing the Russians to define victory. I think victory is defined by the people who have to live there -- the Ukrainians."

Veteran Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, also challenged Hegseth during the hearing.

McConnell is one of three Republican senators who opposed Hegseth's confirmation in January. 
(NewsNation)  A Massachusetts teacher is accused of lying about a military background, including a claim that she received a Purple Heart, as well as falsifying the credentials that allowed her to teach in multiple school districts.

Lissa Lagasse, 57, of Lowell, was arrested Friday after a grand jury indicted her on a total of 21 charges, including stolen valor, larceny, identity fraud, child endangerment and intimidation of a witness. Lagasse pleaded not guilty at her arraignment, according to the Essex County District Attorneys Office.

WWII soldiers posthumously receive Purple Heart medals 79 years after fatal plane crash

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NewsCenter 5 in Boston reported that Lagasse, who claimed to be a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, told people she had twice been wounded in combat. Her alleged deception included bringing her service dog to school with her.

The dog has no training or certification as a service animal, the station reported. The investigation into Lagasses background began after the dog bit a student.

Prosecutor Shailagh Kennedy said Lagasse told people she obtained the dog via the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps seriously wounded military veterans adapt to civilian life. According to NewsCenter 5, Wounded Warrior officials had never heard of Lagasse.

The investigation showed she had never served in any branch of the military.

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Home built for Purple Heart Army veteran in Tennessee

Further investigation revealed that Lagasse had falsified her teaching credentials, as well as a masters degree and doctorate from Duke University, according to the news station. She reportedly claimed to hold a doctorate in child psychology.

Lagasse had worked for Worcester Public Schools, Lowell Public Schools and Haverhill Public Schools, the latter as recently as this spring. Haverhill Superintendent Margaret Marotta told Boston 25 that Lagasse had been hired in September as a science teacher at Haverhill High School.

At the time of hire, Ms. Lagasse held a valid teaching license, and standard reference checks were completed with her previous school districts, with no concerns reported, Marotta said. As soon as red flags surfaced, the district acted swiftly and responsibly, prioritizing the safety and trust of our students, families, and staff. We have no further public comment due to the ongoing police investigation.

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A judge ordered Lagasses bail set at $25,000, the DAs office said. If released, she is ordered to remain under home confinement with GPS monitoring.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 Texas man is accused of masturbating openly while groping at the dumbstruck passenger sitting next to him aboard an American Airlines flight from Boston to Washington, D.C., later denying any wrongdoing and insisting to police that he had merely been stretching his arms.

Aerospace executive Darrell Ray Seale, 56, continued to touch his seatmates crotch and leg even after the man demanded he stop, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by The Independent.

In an email on Thursday, Seales court-appointed lawyer, Todd Richman, declined to comment on the allegations.

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Seale, who was released Tuesday on a personal recognizance bond following his June 8 arrest on one count of abusive sexual contact, was unable to be reached.

Last year, the FBI, which has jurisdiction over in-flight crimes, investigated 104 cases involving allegations of sexual assault aboard aircraft. The actual number of incidents could in fact be higher, since a significant portion do not get passed along to law enforcement, according to the bureau.

The accusations against Darrell Ray Seale, 56, stem from a June 6 flight between Boston and Washington, D.C. where he is accused of groping a fellow passenger. (Getty Images)

On June 6, Seale boarded American Airlines flight 4349 at Boston Logan International Airport, bound for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, states the affidavit, which was filed Monday in Alexandria, Virginia, federal court and has not been previously reported.

After the 110-minute flight got underway, Seale, who was in a window seat, began masturbating through his shorts, rubbing his penis, the affidavit goes on, citing an interview the alleged victim gave to FBI agents.

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Seale then lowered his tray table and then began touching [his seatmates] penis over his pants, the affidavit contends. [The seatmate] told him to stop by raising his hand, but Seale continued to touch [him] by putting his fingers through the hole in [the mans] pants and rubbing [his] leg.

Another passenger sitting across the aisle saw Seale touch the mans left thigh, put his hand on his crotch, and observed him fondle [his] penis, the affidavit continues. It says the passenger across the aisle then watched Seales seatmate raise [his] right hand towards Seale to make the universal stop sign.

Seale initially moved his hand away, according to the affidavit. But, it says he soon continued molesting the man, prompting the passenger across the aisle to intervene. They typed a message on their phone, reading, Are you OK? and showed it to Seales seatmate, who shook his head no, the affidavit states.

(US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia)

When Seale subsequently got up to use the restroom, the target of his unwanted affections informed a flight attendant about what had happened and was promptly seated elsewhere for the remainder of the trip, the affidavit says.

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When the flight landed in D.C., airport police escorted Seale off the plane, according to the affidavit. Officers called in the FBI, and agents arrived to question the suspect.

He acknowledged sitting next to the alleged victim, and admitted to possibly making contact with him while stretching his arms, the affidavit states. At the same time, it says Seale denied ever touching him in a sexual way and denied ever exposing his own genitalia.

But, Seales story didnt line up with the narratives provided by his seatmate and the passenger across the aisle, and Seale was arrested two days later as he prepared to board a departing flight from Reagan National.

He again denied that he touched [his seatmate] in any sexual way, but acknowledged that he observed [him] put up his hand in the stop signal, the affidavit states. Seale said he believed [the man] was telling him to stop touching him while stretching.

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In March, American Airlines permanently banned a serial harasser following his third accusation of in-flight sexual misconduct. That same month, a New York City fashion executive filed a lawsuit against American, claiming the passenger sitting next to her masturbated for a full hour aboard a flight to Milan but that the cabin crew did nothing to stop him. Last year, a New Jersey woman sued the carrier over claims she was sexually assaulted by a fellow traveler on a night flight from Charlotte, North Carolina to Newark.

Seale is now living under his brother-in-laws supervision in Trophy Club, Texas, according to a June 10 order setting the conditions of his release. He is prohibited from leaving the Eastern District of Texas except to appear in court, barred from possessing any weapons and is not allowed to board any commercial flights without permission from the court.

If convicted, Seale faces up to two years in prison.

American Airlines did not respond to a request for comment.
HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT)  The non-profit organization Matthew 25 held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its campaign to help prevent, educate and treat people in the Tri-State with Sexual Transmitted Diseases.

Last August, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention granted $3,000,000 in funding to the organization. Matthew 25 used a large portion of that grant in partnership with Mission Mobile Medical to customize the treatment center.

As for why this was needed, Chief Executive Officer, Courtney Woolfork, said, We have clinics in Owensboro, Henderson, and Bowling Green. But everything in between is really hard for people to get access to, because there isnt public transportation always.

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The non-profit covers 25 counties in Kentucky and 12 in Indiana and officials say that they have seen STD trends increasing in those regions. Woolfork says that trends like these are why its so beneficial to have a mobile treatment unit that can serve vulnerable areas.

The mobile unit will also have PREP pills available to those who have had a Sexually Transmitted Illnesses. Matthew 25 urges those who have come in contact with an STD or STI to get this pill to lessen their chances of contracting HIV in the future.

Over the next couple months, Woolfork and her team plan on traveling to 25 counties in the Tri-State. March 27 will kick off the road trip, as they will be in Owensboro, Kentucky for National HIV Testing Day.

Although they are fighting an uphill battle the mission statement is clear, Meeting people where they are and however they are.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
Moove over ice cream competitors, Athens, Tennessee-based Mayfield Dairy Farms is giving away its Moose Tracks ice cream in Nashville for a limited time on June 12.

The free ice cream is part of the Moose Tracks 10,000 scoop challenge, and it's happening as temperatures reach the mid to upper 80s in Music City.

The free scoops will be handed out from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Downtown Walk of Fame Park, 121 4th Ave. South.

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Every scoop of the creamy dessert that's given away will result in a $1 donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, organizers announced.

Mayfield's Moose Tracks is a vanilla ice cream with peanut butter cups and fudge swirls.

Mayfield Dairy Farm, about 188 miles east of Nashville, opened in 1910.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Mayfield Dairy Farms plans ice cream giveaway in Nashville: How to go
Mayor Eric Adams hit back Wednesday at City Council members push to probe the NYPD over alleged violations of the citys sanctuary city laws  saying they should instead be focused on those who commit serious crimes.

This week, mayoral candidate Speaker Adrienne Adams and Oversight Chair Gale Brewer sent a letter to the city Department of Investigation accusing the NYPD of handing over information to the feds thats being used in civil immigration proceedings.

Weve made it clear over and over again that we will not collaborate with any agencies when it comes to civil enforcement, Adams shot back on CNN.

Mayor Eric Adams called out the City Council for their efforts to probe the NYPD over alleged violations of the Big Apples sanctuary city laws. Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.com

The law does not allow us to do that. But we will collaborate when it comes down to criminal enforcement.

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The Big Apples sanctuary city policies generally limit the citys ability to cooperate with the feds, especially when it comes to civil immigration enforcement.

While the NYPD can work with them on criminal investigations, the letter signers allege information from investigations is being used to deport people who havent faced any criminal charges.

In the letter  first reported by The City  the council members suggest Adams is compromised and beholden to the Trump administration to play ball on immigration issues after his historic corruption case was tossed in April.

This interference to drop criminal charges against the mayor has been attributed to the Trump administrations desire for his cooperation in civil immigration enforcement, said the letter, obtained by The Post.

The policies put into place limit how the city is able to cooperate with the federal government, specifically when it comes to enforcing immigration. Christopher Sadowski

Adams noted, however, that the charges were dismissed with prejudice, meaning theyre not coming back.

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In response to Adams CNN interview, council rep Rendy Desamours doubled down.

Weve all seen the mayor be unwilling to stand up to Trump or the overreach of ICE in our own city, he said.

These are incidents that the NYPD has admitted it is investigating, but the public still has no answer. The Council wants an independent investigation to restore the trust that the mayor and these recent incidents have undermined.

The NYPD reiterated Wednesday that it is not involved in civil immigration enforcement.

After the mayor appeared on CNN addressing his concerns, council rep Rendy Desamours doubled down and called out Adams for not standing up to Trump or ICE. Paul Martinka

As it has for many years, the NYPD works with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies on criminal investigations, including work on federal criminal task forces. That work is critical to getting dangerous individuals out of our communities, protecting our city from terrorism, and keeping our families safe, a police spokesperson said.

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NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch has repeatedly made the same point.

We will obviously continue to work with our federal partners on criminal matters, but a persons immigration status is not something that we track, and we cannot and will not, by law, participate in civil immigration, she has said.
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)  The Missouri Department of Conservation's announcement of the indefinite closure of the Pigeon Hill shooting range has sparked controversy among community members.

The Department announced the closure following an incident involving improper gun use at the range.

St. Joseph residents say that while safety is an important concern, the closure of the range creates a significant inconvenience for many gun users across the northwest region.

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I don't see why they shut it down completely," said resident Tony Casias. "Because a lot of people actually hunt and they like to go target practice, even our police."

The shooting range in St. Joseph is among numerous unstaffed facilities throughout Missouri, prompting some to believe that the lack of supervision may encourage illegal activities at the location.

Staff at Bull's Eye Trading Guns and Range in St. Joseph said that despite some backlash from the community over the closure, safety should remain the top priority.

"I can understand peoples' concern about it being shut down because it's one less place for serious shooters to shoot locally," said Bull's Eye Shop Manager James Wymore. "But at the same time, if the person standing next to you isn't serious about gun safety, it's probably a good idea to just shut it down completely."

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Missouri Department of Conservation Media Specialist Erin Woodiel provided an updated statement to News-Press NOW about the future of the Pigeon Hill shooting range.

"As of right now, we are going to still have the Pigeon Hill range as an option for educational programming within MDC, but we do not have plans at this time to reopen it for public use. We will evaluate as time goes on, but currently, we don't have any concrete plans in place. We want to make sure everyone is following our rules to make it a safe place for everyone. When that doesn't happen, we have to make such calls."

Officials are reminding the community to use this situation as a reminder to always practice safety when operating a firearm.

"You have to always be aware of where you're pointing that firearm," Wymore said. "It's a lethal weapon. It is also a tool but it's only as safe as the person holding it.
Colorado Springs has reported two new cases of measles since June 9, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. One case involves a child under who recently returned from a trip to Canada, and the second involves an unvaccinated adult at Denver International Airport.

The two most recent cases follow multiple other cases in Aurora and Denver, according to The Daily Mail. Those additional cases were connected to a flight that landed in Denver International Airport in May. Across the US, there are 1,168 confirmed measles cases as of June 5, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those cases, 89 percent have been linked to 17 reported outbreaks. Three deaths have been reported in 2025.

As a result, the CDC issued a global Level One travel warning related to measles on June 11. Measles is an ongoing risk around the world, and more international travelers are getting infected, the warning states. Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events. Infected travelers can bring the disease back to their home communities where it can spread rapidly among people who are not immune."

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The Colorado Department of Public Health cautions the public that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself. Measles is highly contagious and can sometimes lead to serious health problems, but it is a vaccine-preventable disease, the public notice stated. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads.

Measles Cases Breaking Out in Popular U.S. Travel Spot first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 11, 2025
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  The 2025 Cattle Barons Ball is in the books and there are two new winners for the truck and jewelry shopping spree raffles.

Who will headline Tyler Cattle Barons Ball in 2025?

The 37th annual event held at the Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler is the primary fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, whos mission is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

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Jill Powell, of Lindale, bought a dozen tickets a few days before the event for the $5,000 spree donated by Susan Robinson Jewelry.

I buy them every year for cancer. I lost my father to cancer, so every year I buy five tickets, not with the intention of winnning because it never occured to me that I might win. Jill Powell, jewelry winner

A total of 258 tickets were sold for the jewelry raffle for a total of $4,420 in donations.

Headliner, events revealed for 2025 Great Texas Balloon Race

Gladewater resident Isachar Perez only purchased one raffle ticket a week before the event for the 2025 GMC Canyon AT4 44 truck donated again this year by Hall Buick GMC.

Being in this position. I havent, and I dont know if I will ever have again, but its very emotional. Its its also very special for me, so thats why it helps me to know that even if Im out here alone, at least that, you know, theres people like you guys, theres people like them. And I ended up getting in your vehicle. Isachar Perez, truck winner

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Hall Buick GMC has donated a truck for the past 18 years to be raffled off during the event. This year a total of 543 tickets were sold raising a total of $54,300.

Texas country artist Wade Bowen headlined the Stars over Texas event.

For more information on ACS programs and services available in your community, visit cancer.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 KETK.com | FOX51.com.
On a chilly evening at the start of March, drag king Blaq Dinamyte found himself looking out at a crowd of young activists eager to make change.

He was certainly proud of the turnout  as the president and co-founder of drag activism group Qommittee, Dinamyte helped organize that evenings march on the Kennedy Center weeks after President Donald Trump replaced 18 board members of the arts organization with MAGA loyalists, was appointed chairman by those new members and vowed to end any and all drag shows or other anti-American propoganda featured by the center.

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But the D.C. drag performer also couldnt help but think about his fellow protesters safety. What would the consequences of protesting outside the center look like for them? There were a lot of young faces protesting for the first time, and a lot of things that they didnt realize could happen, he tells Billboard. We really wanted people to understand what it is they are risking, what could actually happen to them, and how to counter that effectively.

Three months later, Dinamyte and his colleagues at Qommittee have created exactly the kind of guidance he wanted to provide those protestors. The organization published the Drag Defense Handbook in May, a 43-page guide for drag performers around the country dedicated to providing tools on how to respond when met with threats, harassment and violations of their personal freedoms.

We want to address all of these elements that you cant really think of when you are literally in the middle of it, Dinamyte says. We want everyone to have a plan ahead of time before all of this happens.

Separated into seven sections  including crisis response, threats of violence and harassment and protections against defamation  the handbook offers step-by-step guides for what performers can do when dealing with different, unwelcome scenarios.

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Each of those sections were created, Dinamyte says, with the help of drag performers who have experienced firsthand what the latest wave of right-wing backlash looks like. I am in such support of this handbook, says Miss Cali Je, an Idaho-based drag performer who volunteers with Qommittee. It has a lot of vital information that I was grasping for two years ago that I did not have available.

Je serves the Idaho-based non-profit Reading Time with the Queens, where she and her fellow board members perform a 45-minute drag storytelling events for kids and families at a local library. But in February 2023, a group of Christian churches and anti-LGBTQ+ groups began opposing the event, staging sit-in protests at the public library where the event was held, harassing the performers online and claiming that the event was putting the children attending in danger.

Its ironic when a lot of that hate is coming from a group of people who seemingly are there to protect the children, when in actuality, at the time that they were protesting the loudest by taking up all of the space in our room at the library, they were scaring children that were there, Je recalls. I didnt want that to happen anymore.

Je kept the performances going, even with protestors taking up space in the room with her. But when city officials refused to provide the resources necessary to make the reading event safer for everyone involved, the performer decided  with the help of a number of community members  to move the event to a local synagogue.

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What it boils down to is not giving your oppressors what they want. They want you to not exist, and that can look as simple as you just not holding your program anymore, Je offers, matter-of-factly. Sometimes the solution that is easiest and is the most safe is to not hold that program, which I get. But I think all of us had a feeling that it was just like  everything was fine until a Christian-nationalist hate group decided to rain on our parade. The idea of backing down and not being ourselves, of bending to their will and their understanding of where queer people are allowed to be and not to be, was out of the question.

That experience helped inform a section of the handbook, which instructs performers to put in the work building a community around them that, if and when the time comes, can offer support where necessary. The guide asks performers to not only establish those connections, but to create action plans with those community members by creating clear roles and communication protocols, while also training those community members about de-escalation techniques.

Yet some of the most pervasive threats for LGBTQ+ performers dont come in-person  theyre instead issued online, via social media accounts mounting hate campaigns that result in persistent threats of violence and death. Its a tactic that Los Angeles-based drag king Jack King Goff knows all too well. I wouldnt even recommend having a personal social media page at this point, they say.

Back in 2024, Goff was starting his fourth year as a public school teacher in Washington state. Their co-workers and bosses all knew that they were a drag performer on the side, but they kept that information from students and parents, feeling that it wasnt important information for them to know. But, when a student discovered a years-old tagged photo on Goffs out-of-drag Instagram page, they created a fake account and started a cyberbullying campaign against him.

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Thats the fun thing kids do now, Goff says. They make anonymous Instagram pages, and then they will take photos and videos of people without their consent and write terrible stuff about them.

Before long, the campaign caught the attention of far-right activist group Moms for Liberty as well as a number of conservative influencers, who began petitioning for Goff to be fired from his job. In the process, he was also inundated with anonymous threats on his life, some of which required the intervention of the FBI. Goff ultimately decided to leave his job and his home, moving down to L.A. to try and start over.

Today, Goff recognizes that the situation could have been much worse than it already was, thanks to the fact that they and their partner were already paying for a data removal service to scrub as much of their personal information from the web. Who knows if people would have shown up to my apartment if they found my address online, or if they called me or something, they say. Cybersecurity is super important, but unfortunately, I think this country is absolutely terrible at it.

After working with Qommittee to help navigate their hate campaign, Goff consulted on the handbook, reading over the guides lengthy section on online harassment and digital security and offering feedback. The section advises performers to keep their personal and professional accounts entirely separate, reminds performers to always document any threats issued against them, and to drive their community members to report and block all hate accounts involved.

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Goff adds that, with recent news of the the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) being granted greater access to Americans personal information  as well as the Trump administrations recent expansion of data technology firm Palantirs access to federal programs  cybersecurity ought to be the first step queer people everywhere take to protecting themselves. With DOGE taking all of this data and giving it to Palantir, and now having more biodata being stored, we have to be really careful, he says.

Dinamyte agrees, pointing out that because younger drag performers rely heavily on platforms like TikTok and Instagram to gain a following, cyberbullying has become one of the most common forms of anti-LGBTQ+ threats in recent years. Theyre going to be reluctant to lock that down, to make that non-visible, he explains. So, being able to show them, Hey, heres some things you should think about when youre online, feels like its having the biggest impact on the community.

While attacks on the LGBTQ+ community have been steadily rising over the last few years  whether in the form of coordinated legislative attacks, online threats or actual instances of physical harm  a recent report from GLAAD revealed that, in 2025, attacks on and threats against drag performers dropped by 55%.

Some attribute this sharp decline to the numerous court rulings that have affirmed drag performers First Amendment rights to perform in public, without restriction. But Je cautions against thinking that the courts alone will solve the problem, pointing to the federal appeals court that overturned a previous decision allowing a drag performance in Naples, Fla. to take place outdoors. This is why I have so much trouble really trusting anything coming out of the courts, Je says with a sigh. If theres this much disagreement about what a First Amendment right is, then something is inherently flawed.

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Goff also points out that the 55% drop in threats may account for the fact that many venues and organizations have pulled back on hiring drag artists in 2025. Just with Trump being back in office, Ive watched shows that Ive been booked for being cancelled, shows that have been going on for years and years, they say, as Dinamyte joins them in agreement. The political implications of having a drag performer come to your event have fundementally changed.

Thats why Dinamyte hopes drag performers  and everyone else in the queer and trans community, for that matter  adopts the strategies within the Drag Defense Handbook to better prepare themselves for the scary new reality were living in. Violence happening to a minority group is not specific to drag. There is nothing new in this handbook, he says. So, I really hope other groups take the information in here and help protect their communities with it.













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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has announced new members of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions vaccine advisory panel.

Earlier in the week, the secretary made waves when he purged all 17 former members, citing historical corruption at ACIP.

The most outrageous example of ACIPs malevolent malpractice has been its stubborn unwillingness to demand adequate safety trials before recommending new vaccines for our children, he wrote in a post on X.

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In their place, Kennedy hand picked eight members, who he said were individuals committed to evidence-based medicine, gold-standard science, and common sense and who wouldnt be ideological anti-vaxxers. He noted that each of them have committed to demanding definitive safety and efficacy data before making any new vaccine recommendations and that the committee would review safety and efficacy data for the current schedule.

But, the moves have been concerning to experts, who noted that several members have been critical of vaccines. The fired panel members have said that their ousting signaled that scientific expertise was no longer of use under Kennedy and that that decision would undermine public trust in the vaccine process, in a time when vaccine hesitancy has led to the spread of measles and other disease. So, who are the new members Kennedy says will help to restore that trust? Heres what and who to know...

Dr. Robert W. Malone

In a stunning move earlier this week, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., replaced the members of the CDCs vaccine advisory panel. He just announced his replacements, such as Dr Robert W Malone. (AP)

Dr. Robert Malone is a former mRNA researcher who has been a close advisory to Kennedy. Kennedy said he has served in advisory roles for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense.

He earned a medical degree from Northwestern University in 1991 and has taught at the University of California at Davis and the University of Maryland.

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He runs a wellness institute and a popular blog, and has been active on social media and in various outlets. He rose to prominence during the pandemic, relaying conspiracy theories about the vaccines and Covid. He has promoted alternative treatments for the virus and measles. Hes claimed that millions of Americans were hypnotized into taking the shots and suggested that the vaccines cause a form of AIDS.

Malone said in a post on X that he will do his best "to serve with unbiased objectivity and rigor.

I have attended many, many ACIP meetings in the past on behalf of clients. I played a key role in enabling advanced development of the Merck Ebola vaccine. I have deep expertise and experience in influenza vaccines and vaccine manufacturing technology, and have spoken on this issue at the WHO by invitation, he said.

Dr. Martin Kulldorff

Dr. Martin Kulldorff is a former Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Womens Hospital professor. Hes written that Covid vaccine mandates are unscientific and unethical (Boston Globe/Getty)

Dr. Martin Kulldorff is a biostatistician and epidemiologist. Hes a founding member of the D.C.-based Academy for Science and Freedom at the nonsectarian Christian Hillsdale College. The academy aims to combat the recent and widespread abuses of individual and academic freedom made in the name of science and educate the American people about the free exchange of scientific ideas and the proper relationship between freedom and science in the pursuit of truth.

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Formerly a professor at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Womens Hospital, Kulldorf wrote in an op-ed that telling the truth had gotten him fired.

Bodily autonomy is not the only argument against Covid vaccine mandates. They are also unscientific and unethical, wrote Kulldorff.

On LinkedIn, he has said the National Institute of Health had failed Americans during the pandemic.

Notably, he was a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, along with NIH head Jay Bhattacharya, which was an October 2020 letter maintaining that pandemic shutdowns were causing harm.

He has posted on X in support of the positions of Kennedy, Bhattacharya, and new FDA Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Dr. Vinay Prasad.

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Kennedy said Kulldorff has served on the Food and Drug Administrations Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee and the CDCs Vaccine Safety Subgroup of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. He noted Kulldorff also developed widely used tools such as SaTScan and TreeScan for detecting disease outbreaks and vaccine adverse events, and said he was an advocate for evidence-based approaches to pandemic response.

On Thursday, Endpoints News reported that Kulldorff and Malone were paid hundreds of dollars an hour to be a part of cases challenging the safety and efficacy of drugmaker Mercks HPV and MMR shots. Malone confirmed he had done expert witness consultation.

A request for comment from Kulldorff was not immediately returned.

Dr. Retsef Levi

Dr. Retsef Levi is a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Hes we should stop giving mRNA vaccines immediately (MIT)

Dr. Retsef Levi is a professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management. He also serves as the faculty leader for Food Chain Supply Analytics.

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Prior to working at MIT, he spent nearly 12 years as an officer in the Intelligence Wing of the Israeli Defense Forces.

An MIT bio page for Levi says he leads several industry-based collaborative research efforts with local hospitals and that he has been on contract to address risk related to economically motivated adulterations of food manufactured in global supply chains.

His pinned tweet claims that mRNA vaccines cause serious harm including death, especially among young people.

We have to stop giving them immediately! he urged.

From what Ive seen so far, I think it's obvious that these mRNA vaccines should not be given to anybody young or healthy. It is also not at all clear to me that they should be given to anybody, based on the evidence, he said in a new interview.

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I am honored with this opportunity and humbled by the responsibility, he wrote.

Vicky Pebsworth

Vicky Pebsworth is a nurse and a board member for the National Vaccine Information Center. The group is widely considered to be a leading source of vaccine misinformation (NVIC)

A registered nurse and a regional director for the National Association of Catholic Nurses, Vicky Pebsworth has been listed as a board member and volunteer director for the National Vaccine Information Center, a group previously described in The Washington Post as the oldest anti-vaccine advocacy group in the country.

She earned a doctorate in public health and nursing from the University of Michigan.

She has worked in the health care field in various capacities for more than 45 years.

She is a former member of the FDAs Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee and the National Vaccine Advisory Committees 2009 H1N1 Vaccine Safety Risk Assessment Working Group and Vaccine Safety Working Group (Epidemiology and Implementation Subcommittees), according to Kennedy.

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Her son  her only child  experienced serious, long-term health problems following receipt of seven live virus and killed bacterial vaccines administered during his 15-month well-baby visit which sparked her interest in vaccine safety research and policymaking and chronic illness and disability in children, a bio page for her says.

But, there are others on the panel whose vaccine stances arent as clear.

Dr. Joseph R. Hibbeln

Dr. Joseph Hibbeln has worked at the National Institutes of Health since the late 1990s. He formerly served as the Acting Chief of of the Section on Nutritional Neurosciences.

He is also a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, with work focused on how nutrition affects the brain, including the potential benefits of seafood consumption during pregnancy.

He attended the University of Chicago for his undergraduate degree and received his medical degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1988. He served his residency at UCLA in 1992.

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He serves as a Captain in the United States Public Health Service.

Recently, he wrote to ask another LinkedIn user about their position regarding closing nearly all vaccine research at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Dr. Cody Meissner

Dr. Cody Meissner is a former member of the committee and a professor of pediatrics at the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine.

He is the Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Tufts Childrens Hospital and has served as a member of the Human Health and Services (HHS) Tick-borne Diseases Working Group.

He has been the principal investigator for numerous vaccine clinical trials and the HHS Chair of the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Hes held an advisory role at the Food and Drug Administration.

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Florida Republican Governor Ron Santis has quoted him as saying that closing schools during the Covid pandemic had aggravated the issue of inequity in our society.

Dr. James Pagano

Dr. James Pagano is an emergency medicine physician with more than 40 years of clinical experience.

He also did his residency at UCLA.

Dr. Pagano served on multiple hospital committees, including utilization review, critical care, and medical executive boards. He is strong advocate for evidence-based medicine, Kennedy said.

Dr. Michael A. Ross

Dr. Michael Ross is a Virginia-based obstetrician and gynecologist who previously served on a CDC breast and cervical cancer advisory committee.

He is described as a serial CEO and physician leader in a bio page for Havencrest Capital Management, a private equity investment firm where he is an operating partner.

He recently started a position as the chief medical officer for the Maryland-based AI start-up Manta Pharma.

He is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at George Washington University and Virginia Commonwealth University.

He has advised major professional organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and contributed to federal advocacy efforts around womens health and preventive care. His continued service on biotech and healthcare boards reflects his commitment to advancing innovation in immunology, reproductive medicine, and public health, Kennedy said.

With reporting from The Associated Press
By Qabil Ashirov



Baku hosted a bilateral meeting between representatives of the medical services of the Azerbaijani and Georgian Ministries of Defense, focusing on cooperation in the field of military medicine, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry.

The Georgian delegation received a briefing on the organization of medical services within the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and the system of military medical supply.

During the meeting, both delegations held extensive discussions on enhancing cooperation in military medicine and exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest.

As part of the visit, the Georgian delegation toured the Main Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Defense, the Central Military and Dental Polyclinics, the Military Medical Faculty, the Forensic Medical Examination and Pathological Anatomy Center, and a recreational facility.
HOUSTON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Overall ratings of the United States have declined in 15 nations since last spring, including drops of 20 percentage points or more in Mexico, Sweden, Poland and Canada, according to a new poll issued on Thursday.

The return of Donald Trump to the White House appears to be a factor behind the decline, as the president receives mostly negative ratings in the Pew Research Center survey of 24 nations.

Overall, a median of 49 percent of adults have a favorable overall view of the United States. An identical share have an unfavorable view.

The United States receives its least positive assessment in Sweden, where 79 percent have a negative opinion of the country. More than six-in-ten adults view the United States negatively in neighboring Canada and Mexico, as do majorities in Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Turkiye, the poll shows.

The United States receives its most favorable rating from Israel, where 83 percent see it positively. Majorities also view the United States favorably in Brazil, Hungary, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Poland and South Korea.

According to the poll, people in eight countries tend to name the United States as the world's leading economic power. In 12 nations, more consider China the top economy. In four, about equal shares name the United States and China.

A 50 percent median say democracy works well in the United States, while 46 percent say it works poorly. And most agree there are strong partisan conflicts in the country.

Meanwhile, more than half in 19 of these countries say they lack confidence in Trump's leadership of world affairs, the poll shows.

Majorities in most countries also express little or no confidence in Trump's ability to handle specific issues, including immigration, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, U.S.-China relations, global economic problems, conflicts between Israel and its neighbors, and climate change.

However, in most nations, views about Trump differ sharply along ideological and partisan lines. People who place themselves on the right and those who have favorable views of right-wing populist parties in Europe tend to view Trump more favorably, according to the poll.

The poll is based on a survey of 28,333 people in 24 countries, not including the United States, from Jan. 8 to April 26.

Pew Research Center has measured international attitudes toward the United States and its presidents for over two decades, highlighting important changes in public opinion. 
MENASHA, Wis. (WFRV)  On May 4, three young anglers in Menasha were left with over $1,000 of their fishing equipment destroyed.

The two suspects in the incident were quickly found thanks to what the Menasha Police Department called overwhelming community support; however, the young fishers were left without their equipment until now.

Annual ladies-only golf outing in De Pere raises money & support for breast cancer patients in northeast Wisconsin

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The Menasha Police Department hosted a special event on Thursday, where the victims of the vandalism incident were recognized and provided with gear donated by the community and local anglers.

In a release for the event, Community Liaison Officer Matt Roe said the event was important because it showed the three young fishers that their community is here for them.

Hot dog truck in Green Bay makes pair of $1,000 donations to veterans across Wisconsin

This is about more than just gearits about showing these young people that their community stands with them, Officer Roe said in a release.

From a variety of tackle boxes, fishing rods, bait and countless other fishing equipment, the young fishers were able to get support from their community and those who serve and protect it.

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Meta is suing a Chinese app maker that uses artificial intelligence to take images of clothed people and turn them into nudes.

"CrushAI"  the company behind the app used to make the deepfake nudes  is operated by Joy Timeline HK Limited. Meta filed a lawsuit against the company in Hong Kong to ban it from advertising its services on Meta platforms, CBS News reports.

"This legal action underscores both the seriousness with which we take this abuse and our commitment to doing all we can to protect our community from it," Meta said in a statement. "We'll continue to take necessary steps  which could include legal action  against those who abuse our platforms like this."

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According to the lawsuit, Joy Timeline made "multiple attempts" to try to get around Meta's ad review process.

Joy Timeline's app isn't the first app of its kind and previous apps that promise to make clothed photos into nudes have actually managed to bypass ad filters on major social media platforms  including Meta  in order to hawk their software.

This photo illustration created on 18 July 2023, in Washington, DC, shows an advertisement to create AI girls reflected in a public service announcement issued by the FBI regarding malicious manipulation of pictures and videos (AFP via Getty Images)

The company said that the "nudify" apps have devised various ways of skirting past the ad filter, including by using inoffensive imagery to try to fly under the radar.

"We've worked with external experts and our own specialist teams to expand the list of safety-related terms, phrases and emojis that our systems are trained to detect with these ads," Meta said in a statement.

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Alexios Mantzarlis, the author of the Faked Up blog, told the BBC there had been "at least 10,000 ads" promoting nudify apps on Meta's Facebook and Instagram platforms.

"Even as [Meta] was making this announcement, I was able to find a dozen ads by CrushAI live on the platform and a hundred more from other 'nudifiers'," he told the broadcaster. "This abuse vector requires continued monitoring from researchers and the media to keep platforms accountable and curtail the reach of these noxious tools."

The threat of the software is that anyone could feasibly take a photo and, without the photo subject's consent, turn it into a fake nude.

Meta said that it bans "non-consensual intimate imagery" on its platforms, and previously told CBS News that it removes any ads on its platforms for "nudify" apps.

On Thursday, Meta said it would work with the Tech Coalition's Lantern Program  aimed at tracking sites that break child safety rules  to share information with other tech companies about apps, sites, or companies that violate its policies.
A dinner date at a Coweta restaurant led to the arrest of a couple.

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On June 3, Coweta County deputies were called to the Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom on Fischer Crossing regarding a suspicious person.

When the deputy arrived, he met with a manager who pointed out a man in the parking lot, saying he was giving the baby in the back seat beer at the bar. The manager informed the deputy he had video of the incident.

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The deputy made contact with the man, later identified as 34-year-old Craig Banks. According to the report, Banks had a strong odor of alcohol coming from him.

Banks told the deputy that he had been at the restaurant for about an hour.

According to the report, while speaking with Banks, he asked why the deputy was talking to him and when the deputy responded, Banks said, My baby is one, why the [expletive] would I do that?

Banks told the deputy he and his wife, identified as Paetyn Gregory, 30, went to the restaurant to have one drink. The bartender said Banks ordered a 23-ounce Yuengling Beer.

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While holding the child, Gregory explained to the deputy, they hadnt been drinking, and she gave the child a sip of her tea, and she knew nothing about the child drinking beer.

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However, deputies said after reviewing the video, Banks was seen waiting for the bartender to turn around and then gave the child a sip of his beer as Gregory was holding the baby, watching and laughing.

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According to the report, it happened about six times, each time the bartender turned around.

Gregory gave the baby to the father to get a high chair and continued to give the child beer, authorities said. Once Gregory came back with the chair, Banks put the child in the chair, looked over to see if anyone was looking, and continued to give the child beer out of his glass as the childs mother was still watching and laughing, according to the report.

Deputies said Gregory was seen on video laughing the whole time Banks was giving the kid the beer, after telling officers she didnt think about it.

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Deputies went back outside and arrested Banks.

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When deputies asked Gregory about the incident, she said, She wasnt thinking and made a dumb decision. She told deputies the child turned one last month.

She was then arrested.

Both parents were charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. They were booked into the Coweta County Jail.

The child was picked turned over into the care of a grandparent.
The New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy in Santa Fe on June 14, 2023. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM)

The New Mexico Law Enforcement Certification Board will ask the state Department of Justice to weigh in on whether it can accept police misconduct complaints filed by citizens.

At the opening of the boards regular meeting on Thursday morning, Vice Chair Cody Rogers Benavidez said it will formally request a legal opinion from the department.

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The boards decision follows a petition backed by state legislators and the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico that asks the board to adopt new rules, including ones that will address the issue of citizen complaints.

With some limited exceptions, New Mexico state agencies must adopt rules, also known as regulations or standards, which are used to actually carry out laws passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor.

However, the Law Enforcement Certification Board has been operating under rules that predate its existence for nearly two years, and which dont address whether the board can hear citizen complaints.

Sen. Antonio Moe Maestas (D-Albuquerque), who carried the 2023 legislation that created the board, also noted during the meeting his hope that the board moves forward with rulemaking. The law creating the board requires the board to adopt new rules.

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Maestas also said during public comment that police officers and sheriffs deputies are government employees and should be open to scrutiny like any other professionals licensed by the state government.

Anybody can file a complaint with regards to that profession, and the board can treat it accordingly, he said.

Rogers Benavidez said NMDOJ is also helping the board write the new rules.

Were going to move forward with rulemaking and hopefully have something ready to go relatively soon, she said. Rulemaking is happening, it is underway and we will have drafts and other things to look at in the near future. Its a priority for us, its a priority for the community, its a priority for everybody. So thats not lost on us.

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What exactly those rules will say about police misconduct complaints also factors into the petition filed with the board.

Until the LECB can operate as an independent body without conflict of interest, and until it clarifies its responsibility for all law enforcement licenses in New Mexico regardless of rank or agency, there will be no legitimate investigation or adjudication of law enforcement misconduct in New Mexico, the petition states.

Rachel Feldman, chair of the Indivisible SOS Santa Fes Civil Rights & Law Enforcement Reform Committee, filed the petition on May 15, following her own misconduct complaint in January against Department of Public Safety Secretary Jason Bowie, which accused him of taking over the boards staff and gaining access to their confidential files, making it impossible for them to impartially investigate police misconduct complaints.

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Last February, Bowie  who has denied the allegations  told the board that accepting the complaint as an official police misconduct filing would set a dangerous precedent, and predicted legal challenges from police associations.

Christopher Williams, Portales Police Department chief and New Mexico Police Chiefs Association vice president, told the board that municipal police chiefs oppose allowing citizens to file misconduct complaints because they are already held accountable through other means.

The accountability is there, Williams said. Our municipalities have put us in the positions to run the agencies, and if were not doing that, people can reflect that to our councils, commissions, mayor, city manager, whichever form of government we operate under, to take the necessary steps to hold us, as the agency heads, accountable.

Other state lawmakers and organizations back the petition, however.

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Rep. Andrea Romero (D-Santa Fe) in a June 1 letter to the board argues that pressure on the board members to not fully act on civilian complaints undermines the laws intent and public trust in institutions.

Civilian oversight is not a threat to law enforcement  it is an essential element of a healthy democracy, Romero wrote. To suggest otherwise is to disregard the very principles of accountability and public service that our laws are meant to uphold.

Romero had asked the board to put the petition on the agenda for Thursdays meeting; however, it did not. Feldman said during public comment she received a letter at the end of the day on Wednesday indicating the board wouldnt consider the petition.

ACLU-NM Executive Director Leon Howard also wrote a letter to the board on May 27 endorsing Feldmans petition, in which he argued they should rigorously investigate allegations of misconduct, regardless of their source.

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Constraining members of the public from reporting alleged misconduct to the Board does not serve the public interest, Howard wrote. We urge the Board to adopt rules that allow for investigating and acting upon any report of alleged misconduct.

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MIAMI, Okla.  Miami residents packed a public meeting to hear about ongoing remediation work at the former BF Goodrich facility.

On Wednesday (6/11) Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) officials heard from residents.

The meeting focused specifically on an air quality permit that monitors the removal process of a contaminated groundwater plume thats located under the former BF Goodrich site.

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The high number of public comments prompted the DEQ to hold the meeting.

The site was vacated decades ago but has recently been undergoing environmental cleanup to remove harmful chemicals from the soil and groundwater.

It contains hazardous chemicals, specifically benzene, which is known to cause cancer and lead to other health issues.

People we know have been exposed to benzene and we know that it causes cancer, and we know that weve had many cases of cancer here. Are they all connected? Nobody knows that, said LEAD Agency Executive Director, Rebecca Jim.

We want to hear from the people in the community, thats very important to the DEQ. While our headquarters in Oklahoma City, we do have local offices spread throughout the state, and its really important that we hear from people in the communities that they live in about their concerns, so we can make great decisions on our end and take into account the people that live in these communities, said Oklahoma DEQ Communications Director, Erin Hatfield.

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DEQ officials said another public hearing will likely take place later this year.

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Jun. 11Michael Kirk Sawyer 1947-2025 Michael "Buzz" Kirk Sawyer, 78, of Los Lunas, passed away peacefully on Jan. 29, 2025. Born in Alamosa, Colo., on Jan. 22, 1947, Michael grew up in Albuquerque's South Valley and attended Rio Grande High School. After high school, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy before dedicating his career to law enforcement. As a police officer with the Albuquerque Police Department, he served as a detective in the bomb squad, demonstrating his commitment to justice and his community. After retiring from the force, he continued to serve by sharing his expertise as a firearms instructor at the police academy. Outside of his career, Michael had a passion for building model airplanes, a hobby that brought him great joy and patience. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Carol; his son, Christopher Sawyer (Mercy), of New York; his daughter, Jennifer Beachly (Matthew), of Oregon; his cherished grandchildren, Zane, Alec, Ona and Hart; and his great-granddaughter, Astrid. A celebration of Michael's life will be announced at a later date. His dedication, service and love for his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service in Los Lunas.
LANSING  House Republicans would outspend Democrats under a $21.9 billion budget for K-12 schools they passed June 11.

But there are major differences in how school money would be spent, with more of it going to wealthier Michigan districts, cyber schools and even private schools under the GOP plan.

House Bill 4577, approved in a 56-53 mostly party line vote, is sure to see significant changes before the K-12 budget is finalized for the 2026 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. It is a markedly different plan from the $21.8 billion plan approved by the Democratic-controlled Senate and the $21.2 billion proposal unveiled in February by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, also a Democrat.

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In the coming weeks or months, leaders from both legislative chambers will attempt to reach a consensus on a school spending plan, as well as a broader state government budget that both chambers can pass in identical form, and that Whitmer is willing to sign into law.

House Republicans passed the record K-12 spending plan after repeatedly criticizing Whitmer for what they described as bloated budgets and after using their social media platform on X on June 11 to taunt Whitmer for saying in her February State of the State address that Michigan spends more per pupil than most other states but gets less in terms of academic results.

Gov. Whitmer admitted Republicans are right pic.twitter.com/XnA33pKwth  Michigan House Republicans (@MI_Republicans) June 11, 2025

"Gov. Whitmer admitted Republicans are right," the Michigan House GOP posted, with a clip of that portion of Whitmer's speech, just before proposing even higher per-pupil spending than Whitmer did.

In 2024, House Republicans made an election issue of the Democratic K-12 budget for reducing line-item spending on student mental health and school safety. The plan the GOP passed June 11 eliminates that $107.8 million line item altogether, according to a House Fiscal Agency analysis, rolling mental health and school safety into broader chunks of funding that Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, said gives school districts more flexibility in how they spend.

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Districts would be required to certify that their budgets support at least one school resource officer and one mental health support staff member, according to the fiscal analysis.

The GOP plan sets a school foundation allowance of $10,025 per pupil, up from $9,608 this year. That's higher than the $10,000 per-pupil grant proposed by Whitmer and the $10,008 per-pupil grant in the Senate Democrat plan.

But in eliminating many line items and earmarks, the Republican school budget also provides for an additional $3.1 billion in per-pupil payments, with about $2,200 per pupil going to school districts and intermediate school districts and $40.8 million to private schools.

The Michigan Constitution prohibits public funding of private schools, so that part of the Republican plan would likely face a court challenge if it ended up in the final version of the school budget.

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The GOP school budget eliminates Whitmer's signature policy of providing free breakfast and lunch to all public school students. Instead, it leaves participation in such a program up to individual school districts, regardless of how wealthy the families in that school district are.

Also eliminated in the House GOP plan are proposed spending increases for at-risk students, who are defined as economically disadvantaged. Whitmer proposed a $42.3 million increase from the School Aid Fund, while Senate Democrats proposed an extra $258.7 million. The Republican plan holds at-risk spending at 2025 levels.

"Were building a stronger model by putting trust where it belongs  in the hands of local school boards, parents, and educators who know their communities best," said state Rep. Ann Bollin, R-Brighton Township, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee. "Every district is different, and the people closest to the students should be the ones making the decisions.

But Curtis Hertel, chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, said the plan will force many children to go hungry while doing nothing to improve academic performance.

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This education budget kills the school breakfast and lunch programs, cuts funding for school safety and mental health programs, and will reduce the actual dollars going into the classroom, Hertel said in a news release.

Under the Republican plan, public cyber schools, which have lower building and transportation costs, would receive the same foundation allowances as brick-and-mortal schools do. Whitmer's plan and the Senate plan would give cyber schools a per-pupil grant that is 20% lower, saving around $30 million, according to the House Fiscal Agency analysis.

Two of the most conservative House Republicans, state Rep. Steve Carra, R-Three Rivers, and state Rep. Josh Schriver, R-Oxford, were the only GOP members to join all House Democrats in voting against the plan.

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan GOP school spending plan bigger, axes free breakfast, lunch
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Michigan House Republicans are releasing a report they say shows how to confront the problem of excessive state regulations, which create barriers and increase costs for skilled workers, small businesses, health care providers, and homebuilders.

In a news release, they claim, There is bipartisan agreement that Michigan should cut this unnecessary red tape. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for streamlining licensing and permitting during her State of the State Address in February.

On Thursday, a group of Republican lawmakers with the House Rules Committee is releasing their Red Tape Reduction Initiative to lay out a plan for restoring common sense to Michigan`s state government.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing) speaks in support of legislation to ban nonconsensual deepfake pornography before a vote in the Michigan state House on April 24, 2025. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols

Legislation to ban non-consensual hyper-realistic deepfake pornography stalled out in the Michigan Legislature last year, but that hasnt slowed the production of those materials and lawmakers say that needs to change.

Bills to outlaw those materials were back again before the Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on Thursday.

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Testifying before the committee was bill sponsor and state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing). Tsernoglou said that each time she gets the opportunity to tell her fellow lawmakers theres a need for more regulation in artificial intelligence, the issue becomes worse because In Michigan, and across other states, there are bad actors who use artificial intelligence to create non-consensual fake pornographic media.

As the percentage of the population that uses artificial intelligence technology, either knowingly or unknowingly, continues to grow exponentially, we must stay hyper-vigilant in our efforts to regulate the technology and to ensure that our most vulnerable community members are not exploited or harmed, Tsernoglou told the committee on Thursday.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Department of Homeland Security both are reaching out to the American public about the rising issue of sexual exploitation taking place online, cautioning that children particularly are often being targeted.

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Both agencies cited a study from Sensity AI, a research company tracking deepfake media, which found that between 90% and 95% of deepfake videos online since 2018 are nonconsensual pornography and about 90% of those nonconsensual videos are of nonconsensual porn are of women.

As the Michigan Senate considers House Bills 4047 and 4048, introduced by Tsernoglou and Rep. Matt Bierlein (R-Vassar) to ban nonconsensual deepfake pornography and place criminal penalties on their production, lawmakers in the committee meeting Thursday shared how the issue has impacted people they know.

State Sen. Paul Wojno (D-Warren) said he appreciates that the bills address the nefarious nature of the materials, especially when it comes to extortion. He shared that a friend of his daughter had been extorted by someone using a fake image.

[A] deep fake was created and they sent it to her and threatened that if she didnt pay a certain amount of money, it would be posted on social media, Wojno said.

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These extortionists dont even necessarily know their victims, said Zoey Brewer, policy and grassroots coordinator with the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. But by using technology that is becoming more realistic and more accessible to the public, Brewer said criminals are extorting money from victims or creating such intense anxiety in their victims that they cant attend school or work and, in some cases, they resort to suicide.

The Michigan state Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee convenes for a meeting on June 12, 2025 | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols

The bills have bipartisan support, and cleared the state House with a nearly unanimous vote in April, just as they did last session. But the bills failed to clear the state Senate last year during a turbulent lame duck session.

State Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), the committees chair, said the Senate had every intention of taking up the bills, but shes glad lawmakers are pressing the issue again this session.

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Deepfakes dont just impact celebrities and they arent harmless jokes, Bierlein said. Michigans laws have left families and law enforcement without proper recourse to go after extortionists making fake sexual materials, he added.

Among the groups who submitted support for the bills was the Michigan Sheriffs Association.

The legislation being considered by the committee would send a strong message that Michigan will not tolerate digital abuse and would not only criminalize nonconsensual deepfake pornography, but also allow victims to sue the individuals who create it, Bierlein said.

Theyre deeply invasive, traumatic violations that can ruin lives, Bierlein said of deepfake pornographic media. Reputations, careers and mental health have all been damaged or destroyed by the weaponization of someones likeness, often targeting women, minors and vulnerable individuals. This is not a hypothetical issue, in my own district I have heard from families and young people who have been directly affected by these people.
While traveling through Michigan this summer, you may notice locations with names that sound more like they belong in France, rather than an American state.

The area that became present-day Michigan once was settled by French immigrants beginning in the 17th century, including Catholic missionaries and fur traders, according to Northern Michigan University. They established settlements like Fort Michilimackinac in present-day Mackinaw City and Fort Pontchartrain du detroit in present-day Detroit, and engaged with Indigenous peoples.

"More than three centuries ago, Europeans from France came to the Great Lakes region. They made the long trip across the Atlantic for many reasons," Central Michigan University's Clarke Historical Library stated. "Merchants came for fur. Missionaries came to convert Native Americans to Christianity. Soldiers came to forward the French governments agenda. All three groups of Frenchmen interacted with the Native Americans already living in the region, often hoping to achieve very different ends."

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While that era is long gone, Michigan's French influence remains, most notably in place names: Cities, roads, rivers, lakes and counties maintain French-language names, including Detroit, Au Sable and Charlevoix among others.

Here's what to know about a few of Michigan's French names.

How did Detroit get its name?

The city's name comes from the French words "detroit," meaning strait.

French settler Antoine de la mothe Cadillac, a prominent military leader and trader who lent his name to a car brand, established Fort Pontchartrain du detroit in present-day Detroit in 1701, according to the Detroit Historical Society.

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The area's Indigenous names include the Anishinaabe name "Waawiiyaataanong," meaning where the river bends.

Seul Choix Pointe offers safe harbor on Lake Michigan

The Seul Choix Point Lighthouse is seen in this 2022 file photo.

This lighthouse near Gulliver in Michigan's Upper Peninsula has a French influence.

The name is French for "only choice," chosen because the small cape that juts into Lake Michigan and curls to the east offers some of the only protection from storms blowing from the west.

Potential origins could also trace to the Ojibwe word Shashoweg, meaning straight line, Seul Choix Lighthouse Friends notes.

Lake Saint Clair offers waterfront recreation in metro Detroit

Lake St. Clair is a popular lake to go boating.

Lake St. Clair sits between Lake Huron and the Detroit River along the coast of southeast Michigan, coined the heart of the Great Lakes, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

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The name comes from the French Lac Sainte-Claire, named by French explorers in 1679, per the Historical Marker Database. The group's arrival in the area coincided around the feast day of St. Clare of Assissi, leading them to choose the name, Lighthouse Friends says.

Charlevoix owes name to explorer

Lake frontage at 431 Michigan Ave. in Charlevoix, Michigan.

The name for a northern Michigan town and county is after French settler Pierre Francois Xavier de Charlevoix, a Jesuit priest, according to the Charlevoix Historical Society. He traveled near present-day Charlevoix city while searching for the Pacific Ocean in the early 18th century.

The county was previously called "Keshkauko," after an Ojibwe chief from the Saginaw Bay.

L'Anse nestles into bay on Lake Superior

The village of L'Anse borders the L'Anse Bay, leading into the Keweenaw Bay and Lake Superior.

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The French name translates to the bay or the cove, in reference to its position on Keweenaw Bay.

Take a drive down Livernois Avenue

In Detroit, a prominent road holds another French name.

Livernois Avenue is named for French settler Francois Benoit dit Livernois, an 18th century farmer, Livernois family history says.

Bete Grise in the Keweenaw Peninsula named for 'singing' sand

This area lies along the northeastern coast of the Keweenaw Peninsula on Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The French name translates to gray beast, according to Visit Keweenaw. The name comes from the the bay's white sand, known to sing when pressed down with the palm of your hand or to bark when struck, local tradition says. The area was previously known as "Baie de Gres," French for Sandstone Bay.

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The Indigenous name is Baghidawiiing, meaning the bay where nets are set.

Au Sable River runs across northern Michigan

Photo of Au Sable River posted on USAT's 10Best website.

This northern Michigan river, running 138 miles from Grayling to Oscoda, is the nation's best for fly fishing, according to USA TODAY readers.

The French name means river of sand or sand river, chosen for its sandy environment, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources says.

Explore local history in Gros Cap

This area west of St. Ignace features historic sites and nature preserves along the coast of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula.

The French name translates to big cape, named by Canadian travelers as the high area appears to jut out from the shore when viewed from the lake, per the North Country Trail Association.

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Indigenous names for the area include Gichi-Neyaaganiing, meaning place of the big headland or cape, and Nednong, or high place.

Epoufette offers stop near Cut River Bridge in U.P.

Just west of the famed Cut River Bridge along U.S. 2 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is Epoufette.

The crossroad's name mean's place of rest, according to various sources, including the unincorporated community's welcome sign.

Near Pictured Rocks, find harbor at Grand Marais

A beach scene from Grand Marais, Michigan in late September, 2019.

At the east end of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Marais offers restaurants, lodging, a marina and more.

The name is French for big marsh, which, the Grand Marais Chamber of Commerce notes, is puzzling because there is no marsh nearby.

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"Historians believe that French mapmakers confused 'marais' with another, similar-sounding word found on old maps, 'mare,' which means 'sheltered body of water.' The early voyageurs definitely sheltered here on their way to the western end of Lake Superior," the chamber says.

DeTour village is where to watch freighters pass

The DeTour Reef Light between Detour Village and Drummond Island in Lake Huron. The lighthouse was originally on dry land and then was moved to the mouth of St. Mary's River in 1931.

The village is nestled on the western shore of the St. Mary's River, where freighters and private vessels alike pass by.

"Since ships and canoes made a turn to go west to Mackinac or southeast to Detroit, the name DeTour was given, which means, in French, 'the turn,'" the village says on its website.

The Chippewa name for this area is Giwideonaning, meaning point which we go around in a canoe.

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The Lansing State Journal contributed.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: A look at the history behind Michigan's French names
SACRAMENTO, the United States, June 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. citizens are almost evenly split over President Donald Trump's decision to deploy troops to Los Angeles, according to a new Washington Post-George Mason University poll published on Thursday.

41 percent support the move, 44 percent oppose it, and 15 percent are unsure, according to the text-message survey of 1,015 adults, including 217 Californians, conducted on June 10.

California residents are more critical, with 58 percent opposing the deployment and 32 percent supporting it. Party lines remain stark.

Nearly 86 percent of Republicans support the action, compared with 10 percent of Democrats. Meanwhile, 76 percent of Democrats oppose it. Independent voters lean against the troop deployment by a 15-point margin, with 48 percent opposed and 33 percent in favor.

Trump federalized about 4,000 National Guard members and mobilized 700 Marines last week to reinforce immigration raids in the nation's second-largest city, saying the troops will protect federal property and assist agents.

Governor Gavin Newsom has sued, arguing the deployment undermines state authority and stokes unrest; a federal judge heard the emergency motion on Thursday afternoon but have not made a rule immediately.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass imposed a curfew over roughly 2.6 square kilometers of downtown since Tuesday after scattered looting and clashes between protesters and police. The Los Angeles Police Department reported dozens of arrests for curfew violations and vandalism.

The protests, which began after aggressive ICE raids in immigrant communities, have spread beyond Los Angeles to cities including Chicago, New York, San Antonio, and Spokane, according to multiple media reports. Curfews also have been imposed in multiple locations to curb unrest.

Despite some incidents of property damage and clashes with police, officials emphasized that the vast majority of residents remain peaceful. Los Angeles County Attorney highlighted that 99.99 percent of residents near protest zones had not engaged in unlawful activities.

Public opinion on the protests themselves is also divided: 39 percent of Americans support the anti-immigration-enforcement demonstrations, 40 percent oppose them, and 21 percent are undecided. Views of Trump's broader immigration strategy have turned negative, with 52 percent disapproving and 37 percent approving. 
Hundreds of people gather on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Mich., on Feb. 5, 2025, to protest actions taken by President Donald Trump during hsi first two weeks in office. The protest was part of the national "50501 Movement," which aimed to host 50 protests in 50 states on one day. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Updated at 9:50 a.m. on 6/13/25

From Ironwood in the western Upper Peninsula to Adrian, near the Ohio border, more than 70 No Kings Day protests against President Donald Trump are planned in Michigan this Saturday.

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Included in that list are larger demonstrations set for Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo, among more than 1,500 planned in cities across the nation to protest against authoritarian overreach and the gross abuse of power which No Kings protest organizers say has been demonstrated by the Trump Administration.

The protests are timed to coincide with festivities scheduled in Washington D.C. to ostensibly celebrate the U.S. Armys 250th birthday, but also Trumps 79th birthday, with a military parade featuring nearly 7,000 soldiers, and 150 vehicles, including tanks and armored personnel carriers, as well as military flyovers from 50 aircraft.

Estimated to cost $45 million, the planned exhibition has drawn criticism as an ostentatious display at a time congressional Republicans have pushed through a budget plan that would gut federal safety net programs like Medicaid and food assistance, simultaneous to Trumps deployment of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles over immigration protests.

Rapid and widespread attacks against vulnerable members of our communities and those who voice political dissent, illegal and arbitrary arrests and deportations, antidemocratic acts of repression of free speech, and flagrant defiance of the courts demonstrate that the current administration stands in opposition to the founding principles of our nation, organizers of Detroits protest said in a statement.

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Set to begin Saturday at 1 p.m. in Clark Park, Detroits No Kings protest will feature U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit), an outspoken critic of the Trump administrations mass deportation efforts and use of the military against civilian protestors in LA.

Anti-Trump protesters holding their signs in demonstration at the Hannah Administration Building at MSU on March 28, 2025. Photo by Erick Diaz Veliz

The Grand Rapids protest will start at 10 a.m in Ah-Nab-Awen Park, with speakers including City Commissioner Marshall Kilgore and Rev. Nathan Dannison of the Fountain Street Church.

Local community organizations will have Take Action stations providing attendees with specific actions to take, organizers said in a release. This rally will also include family-friendly activities. We follow the principles of non-violence protests. Harassment and hate speech will not be tolerated.

That same message was echoed earlier this week by state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), who along with state Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor), urged Michiganders to take part in the protests, but do so peacefully.

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Let me be crystal clear: We unequivocally condemn any violence. That has no place in our movement for peace and justice. Everyone should use their voice peacefully, but the Trump administration intentionally provoked the situation by sending a force of armed and armored agents to round up immigrant workers, Pohutsky said.

Smaller municipalities are also holding protests, including in Republican-heavy areas like Livingston County, which has No Kings protests planned in front of Howell City Hall and at the public amphitheatre adjacent to Brightons Millpond.

The Brighton gathering will feature Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel and Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Secretary of State.

A protest in Ferndale will take place Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of 9 Mile & Woodward Avenue, hosted by Indivisible chapters and allied community organizations.

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This country was founded in rejection of monarchy, said Debbie Rosenman, a leader with Indivisible Fighting 9. Were not going to sit back while one man tries to turn our democracy into a stage for his own power. June 14 is a day for the people.

Another of the larger No Kings protests is planned at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, which starts with a Kick Out the Clowns rally at noon, followed by a sidewalk march around the Capitol and then a No Kings carnival from 3-6 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to bring signs and flags while they stand in solidarity against this abuse of taxpayer funds. Planned circus-themed activities will highlight the absurdity of the administrations self-aggrandizement and flagrant disregard for American laws and norms, stated a release.

This story was updated with details on a No Kings protest in Ferndale.
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A Midland man is facing a felony charge after police say he intentionally struck his wife with a vehicle during an argument Saturday morning.

61-year-old Ralph Allan Olson was arrested on June 7 and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony. His bond was set at $75,000. As of Monday, Olson remained in custody at the Midland County Detention Center. No attorney was listed for him in court records.

According to an arrest affidavit, Midland Police responded to a call just after 9 a.m., near Holloway Drive, for a reported accident involving a pedestrian. Officers arrived and found the victim, identified as Olsons wife, with visible scrapes and bruises on both knees and her left arm.

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Olson allegedly told officers that he and his wife had been in a verbal argument earlier that morning. He said he left the home but returned a short time later and saw her walking near the curb. Olson admitted he sped by out of spite following the argument and struck her with his brown Ford F-150 on the passenger side of the vehicle.

The victim confirmed the couple had been arguing and said she was walking along the curb when she noticed Olsons truck approaching. She told officers she was struck by the passenger-side hood and mirror, which knocked her to the ground. Despite her injuries, she initially told police she did not want to pursue charges.

However, officers reviewed security footage from a nearby residence, which reportedly showed Olson driving at a high rate of speed through the residential neighborhood and making no attempt to avoid hitting the woman until after the impact. The video also showed that the victim was walking near the curb and not obstructing the roadway. Several witnesses told police that Olson did not immediately return to the scene after the collision.

Due to the totality of the evidence, including Olsons admission, video footage, and eyewitness accounts, he was placed under arrest and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

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According to Midland County Detention Centers Page, Olson remains in custody as of Wednesday, June 11.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 to connect with a trained advocate 24/7.

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 Yourbasin.
Argentinian President Javier Milei has announced that his country will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem next year, as the populist leader signalled his support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus increasingly isolated government.

Argentinas embassy is currently located in Herzliya, just outside Tel Aviv. But in a speech to Israels parliament on Wednesday, staunchly pro-Israel Milei said he was proud to announce his country will move its embassy to the city of west Jerusalem in 2026.

Argentina stands by you in these difficult days, Milei said.

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Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about a large part of the international community that is being manipulated by terrorists and turning victims into perpetrators, he told the Knesset.

The Argentinian leader, currently on his second state visit to Israel since taking office in 2023, said Buenos Aires will continue to demand that Israeli captives held in Gaza be released, including four with Argentinian citizenship taken during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack.

Milei also criticised Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, who was detained and deported by Israeli authorities this week after being taken with other activists from a Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship attempting to break Israels naval blockade on Gaza.

Thunberg has been a vocal critic of Israels war crimes in Gaza and deliberate starvation of the territorys Palestinian population.

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[Thunberg] became a hired gun for a bit of media attention, claiming that she was kidnapped when there are really hostages in subhuman conditions in Gaza, Milei said, according to a translation of his remarks from Spanish provided by the Knesset.

Israel is facing mounting international pressure over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with the overall death toll after more than 20 months of war surpassing 55,000 Palestinians.





Delicate issue

Milei had pledged to move Argentinas embassy during his first visit in February 2024, in which he also prayed at the Western Wall, a revered religious site for Jews in Jerusalem.

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Speaking in advance of Mileis address to parliament this week, Prime Minister Netanyahu said the city of Jerusalem will never be divided again.

The status of Jerusalem is one of the most delicate issues in the Israel-Palestinian conflict, with Israel claiming the entirety of the ancient city as its capital, while Palestine claims its occupied eastern sector as the capital of any future Palestinian state.

Israel first occupied East Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War, before unilaterally annexing it in 1980 in a move rejected by the United Nations Security Council. Due to its disputed status, the vast majority of the 96 diplomatic missions present in Israel host their embassies in the Tel Aviv area to avoid interfering with peace negotiations.

Currently only six countries  Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay and the United States  have embassies located in West Jerusalem.

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During his first term in 2017, President Donald Trump made the shock decision to unilaterally recognise Jerusalem as Israels capital before moving the US embassy there a year later, prompting Palestinian anger and the international communitys disapproval.

This status was not revoked under the Biden administration and Washington continues to recognise Jerusalem as Israels capital today.




PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  President Donald Trumps response to protests against deportation and immigration raids in Los Angeles is sending shockwaves across the country, including here in Rhode Island.

A second night of 8 p.m. curfews is set to begin Wednesday in parts of LA as demonstrations continue in opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

12 News military analyst Lt. Gen. Reginald Centracchio (ret.) called Trumps decision to deploy more than 4,000 National Guard members and mobilize 700 Marines to LA a mixed scenario.

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President Trump decided to go ahead and activate the guard with very little coordination with [California Gov. Gavin Newsom]. And the governors pushing back on that, Centracchio told 12 News.

Centracchio explained that typically, governors request National Guard support only after all local law enforcement resources have been exhausted.

He reiterated that during peacetime, the governor is the commander-in-chief of the National Guard and has the authority to call it into state active duty, as the president has the authority to call the guard into federal duty. While guard members are currently supporting law enforcement in LA, he said, their federal status oversteps the governors authority.

That should be the process. Not the other way around, he said.

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READ ALSO: Attorney questions ICEs transfer of Providence woman days before immigration hearing

Newsom described the move as an assault on democracy.

In a nearly nine-minute address Tuesday, Newsom condemned what he called the federal governments illegal militarization of LA.

This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president inflamed a combustible situation, putting our people, our officers and even our National Guard at risk, Newsom said.

He accused Trump of choosing escalation, theatrics and force over public safety and drew a connection to the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, saying Trump is not opposed to lawlessness and violence, as long as it serves him.

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Trump and his loyalists thrive on division because it allows them to take more power and exert even more control, he added.

Though the situation remains centralized in LA right now, Newsom stressed that the issue at hand is much larger than protests or the state of California.

This is about all of us. This is about you. California may be first, but it clearly will not end here, he said. Other states are next. Democracy is next. Democracy is under assault before our very eyes.

Looking ahead, Trump is arranging a large military parade through the streets of Washington, D.C. on Saturday, June 14, to mark the U.S. Armys 250th anniversary. The date also coincides with Flag Day and Trumps birthday.

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In response, No Kings protests are being planned across the country Saturday as a nationwide day of defiance. According to organizers, the demonstrations are intentionally happening everywhere except the nations capital, aiming to show that real power isnt staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else.

In Rhode Island, a No Kings Rhode Island protest is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the State House, while a separate No Kings Providence event is planned from 1 to 3 p.m. at India Point Park.

RELATED: Providence joins nationwide protests over LA immigration raids

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Military groups nationwide are planning celebratory events to commemorate the Armys 250th anniversary while officials face off over whether thousands of soldiers and Marines should be used to quell protests in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, activists in hundreds of cities nationwide, including multiple in Michigan, are planning their own showing on Saturday, June 14, under the banner of "No Kings."

Police and California National Guard officers sent by the president confront protesters June 9 outside a federal building in Los Angeles.

Dozens of like-minded rallies with anti-Trump administration sentiments were planned across the state Saturday, according to posts on social media.

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The goal is to pull attention from a military parade in Washington, D.C., and instead bring attention to the joy of using Americans' right to protest, said Nathan Derusha, director of operations for one activist group, 50501 Michigan.

His group and others, including the Troy Democratic Club and We The People Dissent, have rallies planned for Saturday in cities like Detroit, Lansing and Troy.

And there was an accompanying tagline for the Lansing rally for which Derusha's group was one of the organizers: "Kick Out the Clowns."

It follows numerous such rallies and protests since President Donald Trump took office again this year, and more recent ones nationwide following Los Angeles clashes.

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By late Tuesday, activists gathered in a couple of dozen cities, including Atlanta, Boston and Dallas, with thousands reportedly amassing in Chicago and taking up several city blocks of Manhattan streets.

More protests, according to social media posts, were expected Wednesday, including one in Detroit at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office.

A coalition of labor unions, including the United Auto Workers, Service Employees International Union, and National Education Association, issued a petition demanding an "end to the assault on the right to organize and protest."

A No Kings group has scheduled online meetings this week, including organizing sessions for Saturday  which is Flag Day  and training on how to "stand up for your rights."

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The group seems to be adopting the language of the American colonists.

Thomas Paine  who wrote the Revolutionary War pamphlet "Common Sense" urging colonists to break free from British rule  used the words "no kings" and denounced the monarchy, which he associated with tyranny.

History of Detroit protests

While Trump has said military troops are needed in L.A., to "make sure there is going to be law and order," protesters are framing their actions as resistance to an unconstitutional presidential power grab.

Even if there is no violence this weekend in Michigan, the clashes elsewhere  both physical and political  are creating a confounding context for local and national celebratory events set to unfold throughout the next year.

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On Friday morning, high school students in Detroit seeking to serve in the military are set to raise an American flag at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, and in the evening, the Association of the United States Army is throwing a formal ball.

For Detroiters old enough to remember, what's unfolding in L.A. brings up bad memories.

In 1967 and 1968, National Guard troops were mobilized in separate incidents when protests, then referred to as riots, turned deadly. In both cases, however, Michigan's governor  not the president  deployed the soldiers.

More recently, toward the end of Trump's first term as president, protesters took to the streets in multiple Michigan cities to march against racial injustice and police brutality after George Floyd, a Black man in Minnesota, was killed by a white police officer.

Detroit Police officers line Michigan Avenue as they wait for protesters to return from a march through Detroit on Monday, June 1, 2020. The city had instituted an 8 p.m. curfew and police were ready to enforce it as they had done the previous night when they dispersed the crowd with tear gas. This night's protest ended without incident.

In Grand Rapids, the protests turned violent, with demonstrators busting windows and setting fire to cars and government offices. In Detroit, residents and police were on edge for months as the protests unfolded daily. Police and protesters clashed multiple times, and the city ended up paying out a $1 million settlement amid a lawsuit from protesters over police tactics. Police leadership denounced the move and overwhelmingly stood behind the actions of its officers.

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The Detroit Police Department, when asked about current protests, said that if anything arose that required a public safety response, it would act.

Derusha said his group's work and that of their partners are "explicitly" nonviolent and even planned to be family-friendly. His organizers in Lansing have been in touch with local and state police; there have been numerous trainings done on de-escalating protests and lots of conversation around it, given the incidents in L.A., he said.

Those clashes in L.A. are meant as a scare tactic by the government, he said. The activist events are focused on coming together and building community.

"It's an attempt to give levity and redirect to joy," he said.

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Organizations, including the No Kings website, have encouraged protesters to keep their actions out of Washington, D.C.

More: Detroit to host Army's 250th birthday ball ahead of 'big, beautiful' parade in D.C.

On Saturday, the Army's 250th birthday, the Army is holding what Trump has called a "big beautiful parade" in Washington, D.C., with tanks and other military vehicles set to roll along the National Mall.

On Tuesday, the Republican president said in the Oval Office that during the parade, demonstrators would be met with "very heavy force." Later, at Fort Bragg in North Carolina he added "we will liberate Los Angeles," describing protests there as a "foreign invasion."

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Some politicians have characterized the parade as a display of force more associated with a dictatorship than a democracy. And some protesters pointed out Saturday is Trump's 79th birthday, raising the question whether the celebration is for America or the president.

Deploying the Marines

To stop protests in California, Trump federalized 4,000 National Guard troops.

And, in an even more unusual move, he deployed 700 Marines to Los Angeles, where television news has shown confrontations between protesters and police that have included burning cars and rubber bullets.

Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom  who has called the use of troops a presidential "abuse of power" and a "step toward authoritarianism"  is arguing in court that Trump and other federal officials are violating the Constitution.

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The Democratic governor accused Trump of "intentionally causing chaos, terrorizing communities, and endangering the principles of our great democracy" and attempting to "usurp state authority."

Newsom called Trump's order unprecedented, adding that the "military presence inflamed the very protest and violence it was supposedly meant to suppress" and in a speech Tuesday, said "we do not want our streets militarized by our own armed forces."

James Mattis, a retired four-star Marine Corps general and secretary of defense during Trump's first term, released a statement criticizing the use of the military as a "bizarre photo op," adding that "keeping the public order rests with civilian state and local leaders."

So far, in cities outside L.A., the protests against the president's immigration crackdown have reportedly led to some arrests. They have been described in news accounts as mostly nonviolent, but with crowds that appear to be growing.

2 views of patriotism

The different perspectives of the Trump protests and the Army events that have been planned present conflicting political views and perhaps opposing concepts of what American patriotism means.

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The Army events  including the Detroit ball, which is set to feature a Vietnam draftee who was awarded a Medal of Honor for saving the lives of other soldiers  are seeking to celebrate two and a half centuries of national service.

The No Kings activists, however, are attempting to recast those events as personal tributes to Trump, a leader who they say has "authoritarian aspirations," and counter them with hundreds of local protests, large and small.

Trump, when questioned during his first term as president in 2020 about tamping down protests, in his own words, noted the law did not allow his administration to "call in the National Guard unless were requested by a governor."

But on Monday, Trump defended his actions, calling Newsom an "incompetent governor."

Retired Brig. Gen. Michael McDaniel, a Cooley Law School professor and former Pentagon official, in his own statement, said the deployment of thousands of National Guard and Marines was improper.

Some have also suggested Trump's law-and-order rhetoric is inconsistent.

In January, he pardoned and commuted the sentences of those convicted of offenses related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. He described them as "patriots" and called the charges against them "a grave national injustice."

The No Kings protesters, however, are attempting to turn Trump's appeal to patriotism and revolution on its head, suggesting that they  not the current administration  are more like the colonists who signed up to join the Continental Army.

"Theyve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services," the group posted on its website. "The corruption has gone too. far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings."

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 orfwitsil@freepress.com.

This story was updated to add a video and a gallery.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: No Kings activists organize protests in Michigan, U.S.
Several south suburbs will get millions of dollars in state loans to replace lead water service lines through Illinois new budget that starts July 1.

Despite the loans, taken together, communities are indicating that the amount will barely scratch the surface, as replacing a single lead line can cost about $10,000.

Communities across the country are trying to meet a federal mandate to eliminate lead service lines, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Administration offers no-interest loans to municipalities.

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Homewood officials just learned they will receive a $4.1 million loan this fall, enough to replace a fraction of the total number of lead lines in the village.

The village, however, says getting rid of all lead lines will run about $70 million and take several years. Other south suburban communities say that with the cost of replacing a single line running as much as $10,000, and some towns having hundreds or thousands of lines needing replacement, tens of millions will be needed to get the job done.

The federal mandate, for now, calls for communities across the country to be free of lead water lines by 2037.

Homewood has said it has roughly 3,700 lead lines to replace, and with the $4.1 million loan estimates it will be able to replace about 260 lines.

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Of the total loan, half the principal is being forgiven.

As part of the states lead service line replacement, some communities can have all, or part, of their loan forgiven, meaning they dont need to pay any part of the loan back.

Scoring for the loans favors disadvantaged census tracks and prioritizes projects with the greatest public health impact and need, including a prevalence of schools, hospitals and senior communities.

The Homewood Village Board voted Tuesday to approve plans for the state loan, with officials noting that, under the mandate, the village is required to replace a minimum of 10% of lead lines per year, with a completion in 2037.

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Similar cost numbers have been cited by other communities, such as Calumet City, but line replacements can run from $6,000 to $10,000 or more for a single line.

Homewoods engineering firm working on the villages lead line replacement program said the cost is subject to change due to market conditions, labor costs and tariff impacts.

Homewoods approval this mean leads to the next step of submitting a loan application and beginning a contractor bidding process. The village expects final loan approval later this fall.

Oak Lawn is taking steps to replace about 2,300 decades-old lead pipes, and had also applied for a $680,000 loan in the newest state round.

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It and other communities are on a separate bypass list for loans, due to funding for this year having been exhausted, according to the state.

Other south and southwest suburbs are also in line for loans.

Blue Island is getting a $5 million loan, with $2 million not having to be paid back, to replace 300 lead lines.

Calumet City expects a loan of $4 million, of which $2 million will be forgiven, to replace 400 lead water lines. The city was awarded $4 million in 2023, with no obligation to repay the IEPA loan, to replace 333 lead lines. Calumet City estimated it has more than 7,000 lead water lines.

Chicago Heights will receive a loan of $5 million, of which $2 million doesnt need to be repaid, toward replacing nearly 300 water lines.

Crete expects a loan of $2 million, none of which the village has to repay, Crete plans to replace 200 lines.

Dolton plans to replace 350 lines and is getting a $3.5 million loan, of which $2 million is being forgiven.

Evergreen Park anticipates a loan of $8 million, with the full amount needed to be repaid

Harvey is getting a loan of $5 million, with $2 million being forgiven, to replace about 300 lines.

Hazel Crest has a plan to replace 300 lines, and the village is getting a $3 million loan, with $2 million of that being forgiven.

Lansing plans to replace 300 lines initially, and was approved for a loan of $3.5 million, of which $2 million is being forgiven.

Markham will get a state loan of $1 million, which the city doesnt have to pay back, to replace about 200 lines.

Phoenix will replace 300 water lines, and is getting a $5 million loan, with $2 million of that being forgiven.

South Holland is getting a loan of $3.5 million, with $2 million being forgiven, to replace 350 water lines.

While the lead line replacement fund is intended to be self-sustaining, with loan repayments replenishing the pot, Illinois will need additional federal grants to continue capitalizing the program, according to the IEPA.

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Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld said with the funding his community needs to replace all lead lines in the tens of millions, said the fickleness of the current administration is a concern.

Without federal support for no-interest loans, communities would need to look at options such as selling bonds to pay for the line replacements.

Hofeld said he keeps in touch with legislators to find out how federal funding, or changes in planned funding, are emerging from Washington.

Nobody has heard anything about (federal grants to this program) being stopped, he said. Were obviously keeping an eye on it.
The Brief

Lakescha Warley pleaded not guilty to charges on Wednesday, June 11, in connection with fire damage inside a Milwaukee apartment building.

That building later became the site of a fatal fire on Mother's Day.

Warley is due back in court in mid-July.

MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee woman accused of causing fire damage inside a Milwaukee apartment building that later became the site of a fatal fire that occurred on Mothers Day pleaded not guilty to charges on Wednesday, June 11.

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45-year-old Lakescha Warley is charged with the following:

Arson of property other than building

Criminal damage to property (less than $2,500 damage)

Before Warley entered her plea, the court heard testimony in a preliminary hearing. The judge then found probable cause to find Warley over for trial.

Case details

What we know

According to the criminal complaint, the fire damage was not connected or related to any other fire damage in other portions of the apartment complex, and was deemed an isolated fire location and damage area.

It happened at Highland Court Apartments near 27th and Highland on Sunday, May 11.

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During a walk-through of the apartment building, the apartment manager pointed out a damaged key fob, which controlled the entrance from the building to the parking structure. According to the criminal complaint, the key fob had been pulled off the wall, but still had power and was beeping. The bottom of the unit was melted from heat damage, consistent with someone applying fire or heat to this unit. The damage appeared consistent with a direct open flame source being applied to the key fob. There was also a burn mark above the key fob reader consistent with an open flame being applied to this key fob. The cover to the key fob was on the floor, and also appeared to have fire damage.

After reviewing security video footage from the hallway, officials noted a woman  ultimately deemed to be Warley  enter the hallway around 5:30 a.m. She is not a resident of the building and does not have permission to be in the building, the complaint indicates.

Detectives deduced that Warley could be seen setting fire damage to the key fob with an open flame and then leaving.

Dig deeper

According to the criminal complaint, Warley returned just after 6:30 a.m. and appears to be kicking at the wall at the area of the key fob. From security footage, detectives figured that it was consistent with Warley using an open flame to the cover on the first trip, coming back and kicking the cover off, and then again putting an open flame to the key fob, explaining why there is flame damage both to the outside and inside the key fob.

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Afterward, Warley admitted to law enforcement that she was the person in the hallway near the key fob. She told detectives she was using a lighter to smoke drugs in the corner, but did not explain how the fire damage ended up on both the inside electrical portion and the outside cover of the key fob, which was consistent with intentionally damaging the key fob exterior and interior with an open flame.

Again, Warley has not been charged in connection with the fatal fire at the same apartment building that occurred later in the morning.

What's next

Warley is due back in court for a scheduling conference on July 14.

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If convicted, Warley faces up to more than four years in prison and approximately $20,000 in fines.

The Source

Information in this report is from the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office and Wisconsin Circuit Court.
The Brief

Milwaukee County has a new small business development program.

County Executive David Crowley signed legislation on Wednesday, June 11 to approve the new Building Bridges program.

The program will create a new small business liaison position to provide technical support and administer $10,000 grants to small businesses across Milwaukee County.

WEST ALLIS, Wis. - Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley signed legislation on Wednesday, June 11 at West Allis City Hall approving the new Building Bridges small business development and commercial corridor activation program.

Building Bridges program

What we know

A news release from the county says the Building Bridges program will create a new small business liaison position to provide technical support and administer $10,000 grants to small businesses across Milwaukee County.

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The goal is to expand resources to establish or expand brick-and-mortar businesses in Milwaukee County while fueling commercial corridor revitalization.

Milwaukee County Economic Development was recently awarded $200,000 from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) for this program, which will be used to provide $10,000 grants to qualifying small businesses.

What they're saying

"During my State of the County address, I called on my administration to build bridges between small businesses, entrepreneurs, small business support organizations, and municipalities seeking to fill commercial corridor spaces. Because through partnership, we know we can fuel local economic development," said County Executive Crowley. "Under my direction, Milwaukee County is taking a stronger approach to supporting small businesses, growing our economy, and creating job opportunities for workers. Thank you to WEDC and all of our partners for making this new effort a reality that will help build wealth, strengthen our neighborhoods, and uplift small businesses across Milwaukee County."

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"Small businesses are the heart of our communities and downtowns," said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. "The Building Bridges program is a great example of how partnerships between small businesses, communities, and other organizations can work together to create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and our economy grows."

Program recipient

Dig deeper

During Wednesdays legislation signing ceremony, Crowley announced the first grant recipient of the Building Bridges program. The grant recipient is All Goods, a vintage clothing store based in Milwaukee County, that specializes in curated vintage apparel.

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Ali Acevado, the owner of All Goods, purchased and is renovating an old, vacant laundromat on Greenfield Avenue in the City of West Allis, where he will move his business in the coming months.

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The City of West Allis is supporting the project with a low-interest loan. The Building Bridges grant will be used for the buildings renovations, including structural and foundation work, electrical, plumbing, and more.

The Building Bridges program includes accepting grant applications from small businesses, administering grants following approval, and hiring a small business liaison to carry out this work.

The Source

The information in this post was provided by Milwaukee County.
SHEBOYGAN FALLS  A 24-year-old Milwaukee man suspected to be involved in a double shooting and a police chase June 11 is being held at the Sheboygan County Detention Center.

Sheboygan Falls Police Department reported the suspect went to a home in the 400 block of Giddings Avenue in Sheboygan Falls armed with a handgun and confronted a 39-year-old man whom he knew. The suspect fired several rounds, striking the 39-year-old man and a 67-year-old man. The 39-year-old fired shots at the 24-year-old, but he was not injured.

Sheboygan Falls police and fire personnel responded to the incident around 4:15 p.m. June 11. Both victims were transported by medical helicopter with life-threatening injuries but are expected to survive.

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Read more: Gentine family names Plymouth venue 'Henry Christopher Hotel' after original owner

The suspect fled before police arrived. He was believed to be driving a stolen 2021 gray Jeep Grand Cherokee toward Milwaukee, according to the Ozaukee County Sheriffs Office.

Around 4:23 p.m. June 11, the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office notified the Ozaukee County Sheriffs Office the suspect was driving south. The Ozaukee office and Saukville police attempted to pull the suspect over on Interstate 43 near State 33 in Saukville around 4:49 p.m.

Instead, the suspect accelerated, and the sheriffs office pursued the vehicle south into Milwaukee County. Wisconsin State Patrol successfully deployed tire deflation devices near Good Hope Road, causing the suspect's vehicle to lose control and strike a Ford F-150. The vehicle came to a stop south of Silver Spring Road.

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According to the release, the suspect tried to flee on foot while the vehicle was still moving. He was apprehended and taken into custody by Sheboygan Falls police.

Read more: Rehlko, formerly Kohler Energy, laying off 66 workers at Saukville site ahead of plant closure

The suspect, whose name was not released, could face charges of first-degree endangering safety, endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm by a felon. The Ozaukee County District Attorneys Office could pursue additional charges, too.

Sheboygan Falls Police Department said its actively investigating the incident and has no additional information.

Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan Falls double shooting suspect arrested after police chase
Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters.

HARRISBURG  Pennsylvania would raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour in 20 of its counties, and to $12 in the rest under a bill the Democratic-controlled state House passed Wednesday.

Its a new approach for the chamber that is designed to win critical Republican support, and it comes after years of unsuccessful attempts to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour across the entire state.

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Pennsylvanias minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since the federal minimum went up in 2009, and has stayed stagnant even as every neighboring state has set a higher floor.

Under the House bill, Pennsylvanias biggest county, Philadelphia, would see its minimum wage immediately jump to $15 an hour on Jan. 1, 2026.

In the next 16 most populous counties, including Allegheny, Erie, and Lancaster, the minimum wage would move to $12 an hour at the start of 2026, increase to $13 an hour the following year, then jump to $15 an hour in 2028.

Three smaller counties, Centre, Monroe, and Pike, would also be included in this tier  all three have at least one Democratic representative, and a spokesperson for House Democrats said they had been included in the tier at the request of our members.

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For the other 47 counties, the minimum wage would increase to $10 an hour in 2026, then grow by $1 each year until hitting $12 an hour in 2028.

All counties would also receive an annual cost-of-living adjustment starting in 2029. That COLA would be based on consumer price data from Pennsylvania and neighboring states, as collected by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The minimum wage for tipped workers, such as those in restaurants, would also increase under the measure. These workers are currently paid $2.83 an hour, and the bill would require employers to pay them 60% of their countys minimum wage.

The proposal passed the state House 102 to 101, along party lines. It now goes to the Labor and Industry Committee in the GOP-controlled state Senate for consideration.

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State Rep. Jason Dawkins (D., Philadelphia), the prime sponsor of the state House bill, told Spotlight PA he hopes Senate Republicans see the legislation as a sign of good-faith negotiation.

Speaking on the state House floor Wednesday ahead of the bills passage, he told his fellow members it would impose a living wage that transforms all communities throughout Pennsylvania.

Dawkins tried to pass a minimum wage hike last legislative session, too, but that proposal would have simply raised the minimum wage to $15 an hour across the state. The bill passed the state House, but Senate Republicans did not act on it.

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has also called on the legislature to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour during each of his annual budget proposals since taking office.

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State Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) has said he isnt opposed to a minimum wage increase in principle, but in 2023 as House lawmakers considered Dawkins last bill, he said that $15 an hour is not a practical number. It could, he said at the time, negatively impact nonprofit organizations that provide essential services, such as in-home medical care.

In a new statement to Spotlight PA, Pittman said it is possible the legislature could find a middle ground for an increase to the minimum wage, but that any change would need to be a commonsense adjustment that is sensitive to the impact on small businesses and nonprofits.

More of his attention, he said, is on maximum wage jobs. He cited a Senate GOP proposal that would prevent Pennsylvania from participating in a carbon cap-and-trade program as an area of focus, and said his caucus also wants to keep making it easier for builders to get project permits.

Dawkins said his new minimum wage tier approach is a response to feedback from people like Pittman. The hope, he said, is to create a dialogue.

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He said this approach is also designed to address counties differing needs without repealing Pennsylvanias minimum wage preemption law. First put in place in 2006, the last time Pennsylvania raised its wage on the state level, the law requires that any change to the minimum wage be made by state lawmakers. This prevents larger, more expensive cities like Philadelphia from acting independently to raise their wages.

Philadelphias mayor and city council president sent state lawmakers a letter in April asking for authorization to set a higher minimum wage, saying that as the states biggest municipality, it has unique circumstances and is faced with both increasing housing costs and high poverty levels, issues that an increased minimum wage could alleviate.

City officials arent the only ones who feel this way. The head of Brandywine Realty Trust, a major employer in Southeastern Pennsylvania, sent a letter last month asking for a higher statewide wage, saying it makes sense from a business perspective because better-paid workers are more reliable, more productive, and more likely to stay with their employers.

As part of the trade-off of trying to appeal to state Senate Republicans, Dawkins bill is a difficult pill to swallow for some of the more progressive members of his caucus.

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State Rep. Chris Rabb (D., Philadelphia) said he supports the measure but wishes it raised wages higher and didnt allow separate minimum wages to be set for tipped workers, and for workers who are incarcerated or have disabilities. He called it the lowest common denominator, but added, at least it moves us in the right direction.

For those of us who believe in a living wage for all, its a hard vote to take, Rabb told Spotlight PA.

Rabb plans to introduce legislation that would eliminate separate minimum wages for tipped or incarcerated workers and workers with disabilities, plus repeal the states preemption of local wage laws. Still, he acknowledged that Senate Republicans are likely to oppose those provisions. He called Dawkins bill a good-faith effort.

We know that the Republican controlled Senate is not likely to move on this bill, and if they do, theyre going to ask for their pound of flesh, Rabb said.

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Senate Republicans most recently voted to raise the minimum wage in 2019, under former Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf. That proposal would have set a statewide floor of $9.50 an hour. However the state House, which was then controlled by Republicans, declined to take it up.

At least one state Senate Republican supports a $15 minimum wage. Sen. Dan Laughlin (R., Erie) introduced a bill last session that would have raised the floor to $15 an hour by 2026. He told Spotlight PA that he plans to re-introduce similar legislation before the end of June.

State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D., Philadelphia), a longtime advocate for raising the minimum wage, said she feels lawmakers are getting a little bit closer to agreement on the issue.

Still, key details remain unresolved, she said  particularly a consensus among Senate Republicans on the appropriate wage floor and how to handle cost-of-living increases.

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So far, thats been the block, Tartaglione said of the COLA.

The bill now heads to the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, where Chair Sen. Devlin Robinson (R., Allegheny) called the House measure a good place to get the conversation started, and said hes open to a COLA. But he said he still plans to introduce his own proposal to raise the wage to a still-undetermined reasonable floor.

Marc Stier, the executive director of the progressive Pennsylvania Policy Center, said that hes hopeful but uncertain that lawmakers will be able to get the bill over the finish line.

Stier thinks that a key factor will be how hard Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro pushes for the change, saying that he has to know the governors bottom line. Hes hoping that after funding public education, raising the minimum wage is Shapiros second priority.

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Weve been talking this to death, Stier told Spotlight PA. Theres not much more to say.

BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Congressional stock trading reports show that two allies of President Trump added Tesla (TSLA) shares in May as the relationship between the president and Elon Musk began to show signs of strain but before a falling out between the two men triggered a stock price drop.

The most recently disclosed trades by Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania  moves that both lawmakers say were made by financial advisers without their input  for now appear to have resulted in a loss for the lawmakers.

They are the latest in a pattern of congressional purchases of Tesla stock that continued up until at least three weeks ago, according to a disclosure tracker at Quiver Quantitative.

Members of Congress have 30 days by law to disclose their personal trades and those of their families  suggesting more recent activity could yet be in the offing.

A combination of pictures shows President Donald Trump May 5 and Elon Musk on May 30. (ALEX WROBLEWSKI,ALLISON ROBBERT/AFP via Getty Images)  ALEX WROBLEWSKI via Getty Images

The trades from Rep. Bresnahan were disclosed Tuesday in a new filing and are notable after the freshman lawmaker campaigned in his recent run for Congress in part on prohibiting the practice but has since emerged as one of Capitol Hill's more prolific traders.

A spokesperson for Rep. Bresnahan said Tuesday that the lawmaker uses a financial adviser and that he is not aware of trades until they are disclosed. He also previously announced he would move his assets into a blind trust and is currently working with the House Committee on Ethics to enact his plans there.

Rep. Greene also told Yahoo Finance in a statement, "I have signed a fiduciary agreement to allow my financial advisor to control my investments. All of my investments are reported with full transparency. I refuse to hide my stock trades in a blind trust like many others do. Since my portfolio manager makes my trades for me, I usually find out about them when the media asks.

A series of trades

Rep. Bresnahan's brokerage account made eight disclosed trades of Tesla this year. He bought shares in April and May after selling shares in February and March.

The exact value of his shares are unknown, as the law only requires lawmakers to report transactions within a range of values. Each of Bresnahan's trades were in the range of $1,001-$15,000.

Bresnahan's disclosure on Tuesday revealed over 50 recent trades, including purchases of Nvidia (NVDA), JPMorgan (JPM), and Meta (META).

The trading could also be a political liability for Bresnahan who won his seat last year by less that two percentage points. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee immediately highlighting the trades with spokesperson Eli Cousin telling Yahoo Finance the trades are "the reason why he will be a one-term member of Congress."
A Stormont minister has rejected calls for him to resign from a fellow Executive minster, over a social media post about the location of migrant families who fled their homes.

People caught up in clashes in Ballymena were temporarily moved to Larne Leisure Centre on Wednesday. It was later attacked by a crowd of about 100 people and set on fire.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) said he "strongly hit back at any notion" he had revealed the use of this facility.

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Sinn Fein Finance Minister John O'Dowd is among those calling for Lyons to consider his position claiming he "failed to show leadership".

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said Lyons should reflect on his comments, while the Green Party called for Lyons to resign.

Damage to the front of Larne Leisure Centre [BBC]

The attack on Larne Leisure Centre came during a third night of violence in Northern Ireland.

Fireworks, bottles and bricks have been thrown at police during the disorder.

The worst of the rioting was in Ballymena, but unrest also spread to other towns, including Larne, about 20 miles (30km) away, on Wednesday evening.

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The fire service said that fire damage to the centre had been "contained mainly to the front reception but there was extensive smoke damage".

In a statement on Wednesday night, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said the families placed at the centre had all been "safely relocated" and were no longer using the centre.

However, Lyons has been criticised for an earlier Facebook post in which he said he had been made aware that "a number of individuals were temporarily moved to Larne Leisure Centre".

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said the post would not "helps matters at all", adding "we all have a responsibility to act in a sensible way in these circumstances".

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"He might want to reflect on what he said."

O'Dowd said the post was "unacceptable", accusing him of lacking in "sympathy or compassion" for the families who had fled their homes.

"He presented a poor image of himself" he added.

Officers were attacked by a crowd of 100 outside the leisure centre [PA Media]

'By naming it, he elevated it'

Justice Minister Naomi Long also criticised the communities minister, adding: "I don't think his comments were measured or wise".

"It may have been in the public domain, but by naming it, he actually elevated it and that is the responsibility that comes with being a public figure and a minister.

"To say he wasn't consulted, to me, is just an extraordinary statement."

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Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly who was in the leisure centre when it was attacked said it was "incredibly reckless and dangerous to highlight the location of where these people were being kept and brought to a place of safety".

The SDLP's Matthew O'Toole said he would refer Lyons to the standards commissioner over his comments, saying "lives are at stake".

The Committee for Communities passed a vote of no confidence in the minister on Thursday morning.

It was tabled by Sinn Fein MLA Maoliosa McHugh who said he proposed it as the minister had implied "that he or his party needs to be consulted before one considers the use of a council facility to accommodate people in total distress".

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Green Party councillor Aine Groogan accused the minister of choosing to "stir division and deflect from his own failures".

"This isn't leadership. It's cowardice. And it proves what many already know: Gordon Lyons is unfit for public office and should resign."

Lyons has defended his comments saying the information was in the public domain, and had been confirmed by the local council.

"I will very strongly hit back at any notion that I had revealed the use of this facility to the public when the protest was already planned, when everybody knew what was happening," Lyons told BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme.

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He said his post was a clarification to explain that while the centre had been used temporarily, that was no longer the case: "My message was posted because rumours had been circulating that the leisure centre was being turned into a permanent centre."

He added he was attempting to "defuse that situation" and said he had appealed for calm in his statement.

Lyons also condemned those behind what he called the "shameful" attack on the leisure centre.
Minneapolis raid sparks protests: Woman charged with assaulting officers says she was assaulted too originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Protesters have demonstrated in cities across Minnesota following the arrest of a 27-year-old St. Paul woman during a narcotics raid in south Minneapolis.

Isabel Lopez made her first court appearance on Tuesday, facing four charges for physically assaulting federal agents and officers. She was arrested as search warrants related to narcotics, money laundering, and human trafficking were being carried out in south Minneapolis on June 3.

The scene of the June 3 raid in south Minneapolis.Council Member Jason Chavez

As the raid of Las Cuatro Milpas was carried out, protestors gathered under the assumption that an ICE deportation operation was underway. Instead, the criminal complaint charging Lopez reveals that the raid was one of eight carried out in the metro related to the drugs, money laundering and human trafficking. The operation yielded the seizure of 900 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of $22-$25 million at a storage unit in Burnsville.

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Since Lopez's arrest, additional footage from the protest was released by independent journalist Georgia Fort, and it shows Lopez being held down and pushed to the ground by law enforcement.

In a post on her Instagram account, Lopez says she was pinned down by an FBI officer, and was yanked off a trash bin and slammed to the ground. In the post, she also shares pictures of bruises on the back of her legs.

Lopez is accused of punching, kicking and shoving officers and agents during the protest. While she was being arrested, Lopez kicked an FBI agent and also threw a softball at a Hennepin County sheriff's deputy, according to the charges.

On Wednesday, demonstrators gathered outside the Sherburne County Jail in Elk River  where Lopez is being held  calling her a longtime artist and activist. At the same time, people rallied in Minneapolis, protesting ICE raids happening across the country.

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Lopez was scheduled to appear in court in St. Paul, where protestors again gathered, on Thursday morning. She reportedly pleaded not guilty to the four charges and was released from custody with conditions.

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Credit: X/PTI_News

When Vishwash Kumar Ramesh reached his seat on Air India Flight 171, setting off from Ahmedabad to London, he may have been pleased about his window seat and extra legroom.

Mr Ramesh was returning to his family home in Leicester after tending to his business in India and his ticket for seat 11A put him in the perennially enviable position of being next to a window, with enough space to stretch his legs.

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A member of the cabin crew would have sat opposite, facing him, during take-off.

But this seat is not merely advantageous from a comfort perspective for a nine-and-a-half-hour flight, but also could have been pivotal in saving his life.

Just after the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner fell to Earth into a built-up area less than a minute after take-off, the estimated 60 tons of fuel went up in a plume of flame.

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh at the Civil Hospital in Asarwa. Experts are amazed he survived the plane crash

His brother Nayan Kumar Ramesh told Sky News he video-called their father moments after the crash to say: I dont know how Im alive.

Aviation experts in the business of assessing crashes consider this a non-survivable crash.

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As far as this accident is concerned, I think its miraculous that anyone survived because I think technically this crash is probably a non-survivable crash, Prof Edwin Galea, director of the Fire Safety Engineering Group (FSEG) at the University of Greenwich, told The Telegraph.

We still dont know enough about it, but a fully fuelled aircraft crashing into a built-up area, its probably unlikely that we would expect to see any survivors from this.

This is probably an unsurvivable crash a) because its in a built-up area and b) because the damage to the fuselage would have been so severe. Plus the huge post-crash fire would make it unlikely. The fact that one person has survived, I think, is miraculous.

Credit: Social media

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Prof Galea published a study in 2006 which found in survivable crashes people within five rows of an exit row were more likely to survive.

Anyone sitting further than this from an emergency door was more likely to die than to live, should they survive the initial injuries of impact.

There is, he says, no one seat on a plane in which to sit to ensure maximum safety. It is often said the rear of a plane is safer, for example, but the benefits of any one seat or another are so dependent on the nature of a crash, that this cannot hold as a rule of thumb.

If you believe what theyve said in the media, the survivors seat is 11A and on the 787-8, thats right by the number two exit, Prof Galea said.

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So hes got the seat as close as you could possibly be to an emergency exit. You cant be any closer.

Its right on his side and hes actually in the A seat, which is the window seat. You could reach up and touch the door, youre that close to it.

The rear-facing seat of the cabin crew placed almost directly in front of Mr Ramesh is actually the safest seat in a plane, said the aviation safety expert, as it is more robust and has a full harness to limit excessive movement.

These members of staff are trained to evacuate the full plane in 90 seconds as their primary job, with drinks and hospitality a supplementary skill.

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They operate the door, usually. So the way he would have evacuated is either going to be that the crew member managed to get the door open, and maybe they then died, or perhaps the passenger got the door open himself, Prof Galea said.

Or he didnt go out through a door. The fuselage might have been disrupted at that point and he just got out through a break in the fuselage.

But the 787-8 Dreamliner has eight exits, all attended with at least one member of the cabin crew.

The other advantage of seat 11A is that it falls within the sturdy wing box of a plane, which is its strongest area.

The physically strongest part of the aircraft is the part of the fuselage where the wings are, called the wing box. Its where the wings joined to the fuselage. Thats the strongest part of the aircraft because theres the most structure there, Prof Galea added.

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And I believe seat 11A is just at the front of that very strong part of the aircraft. That may have been a factor again.

Prof John McDermid, Lloyds Register chairman of safety at University of York, also said the choice of seat could have been vital as it is an over-wing seat which offers greater structural strength.

Also, being by an exit door means you can get out quickly, which greatly increases the chance of survival when there is a fire, he told The Telegraph.

But, while Mr Ramesh had all of these factors going in his favour, perhaps the biggest is the advantage of luck.

He also had a lot of good fortune, Prof Galea said. Because why did he survive and 11B sitting right next to him didnt, or 11C or 12A?

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If he was not injured to the point where he couldnt self-evacuate then that is fairly miraculous, given the nature of this crash. Im kind of staggered that anyone survived, let alone was in good enough shape to self-evacuate.

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.
Indian media are reporting that a British national named Viswashkumar Ramesh has walked away from the Air India plane crash as the lone survivor out of 242 people on the aircraft.

It's a miracle, to be sure, confirmed by a police official, and now the passenger from seat 11A joins a short list of lone survivors who somehow lived through a major plane crash.

They survived major plane crashes - in one case a 33,000-foot fall - and then survived the horrors of the ocean and a jungle.

Related: Lone Air India Survivor in Seat 11A Speaks Out, Reports Say

It's a small list, but the stories are astonishing.

Vesna Vulovic

Vulovic was one of the most astonishing stories in aviation history. According to BBC, she was a flight attendant "who survived the highest ever fall by a human being after her plane broke up at 33,000 feet."

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She was "working on a Yugoslav Airlines Douglas DC-9 on 26 Jan 1972 when a suspected bomb brought the plane down among mountains in Czechoslovakia," BBC reported, adding that all of the 27 other people on the plane died.

How did Vulovic survive a fall of such magnitude?

She "was trapped by a food cart in the plane's tail section as it plummeted to earth" and landed in a "snow-blanketed part of a mountainside, which was thought to have cushioned the impact." Vulovi died at age 66 in 2016.

"I was broken, and the doctors put me back together again," she told the New York Times in 2008, according to BBC. "Nobody ever expected me to live this long."

Juliane Koepcke

The 17-year-old survived plummeting 3,000 meters to the ground in a plane crash, according to ABC Australia. That's 9,842 feet.

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She fell into the Peruvian rainforest. "A wild thunderstorm had destroyed the plane she was travelling in and the row of seats Juliane was still harnessed to twirled through the air as it fell," the Australian news site reported.

The LANSA Flight 508, carrying 99 people, crashed in 1971, the site reported.

Larisa Savitskaya

According to El Pais, Savitskaya survived "a fall from 5,220 meters (more than 17,000 feet) holding onto a fragment of an aircraft."

She and her husband were returning from their honeymoon in 1981 on Aeroflot Flight 811 when the plane "collided mid-air with a Tupolev Tu-16K strategic bomber over Amur Oblast in the Soviet Union, which is now Russia," El Pais reported.

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Only 20, she survived an "eight-minute fall and crashing into trees" as well as "three days out in the open with her injuries," but Soviet officials tried to hide the miracle from the public, El Pais reported of the crash that killed 37 people.

A documentary revealed her story.

Now I am good, I am a happy person, she says, according to El Pais.

Bahia Bakari

At age 12, Bakari survived "the 2009 Yemenia Airways crash in the Comoros islands that killed all 152 others onboard," Africa News reported.

The girl plunged "into the ocean" but lived to testify against the airline, the site reported.

"I started to feel the turbulence, but nobody was reacting much, so I told myself it must be normal," Bakari said later, Africa News reported. "I felt something like an electric shock go through my body."

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She ended up holding onto a piece of plane debris in the water.

"There's a black hole between the moment when I was seated in the plane and the moment I found myself in the water," she said, Africa News reported, adding that her mother died in the tragedy.

Annette Herfkens

Herfkens was the lone survivor on a plane that crashed on a journey "from Ho Chi Minh City to the Vietnamese coast," The Guardian reported.

She was traveling with her fiance on the plane, which carried 31 people.

The Guardian described the horrific scene: "The plane had crashed into a mountain ridge. A stranger lay dead upon her." Her fiance "a little way off, lay back in his seat, also dead, a smile upon his lips." She was almost too scared to get on the plane.

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She had horrific injuries: "12 broken bones in her hip and knee alone; her jaw was hanging; one lung had collapsed," The Guardian reported.

Huang Yu

In 1948, "four armed Chinese men hijacked Miss Macao, a Catalina seaplane operated by a Macau Air Transport Company," resulting in the plane "crashing into the Zhujiang River estuary, killing all but one of the 27 people on board. This was the first recorded hijacking," reported Transport Security International magazine.

According to the magazine, police interviewed "35-year-old, Huang Yu, who told them that when the plane was near Jiuzhou, the nose of the aircraft exploded suddenly." He said he "lost consciousness," but was wearing a life vest and there were problems with his story, the site reported.

Related: Horrific Air India Videos Emerge After Plane Crash

The Miracle Stories of Lone Plane Crash Survivors Include a 33,000-Feet Fall first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 12, 2025
Do you love all things weird, dark, and creepy? Subscribe to the That Got Dark newsletter to get your weekly dopamine fix of the macabre! Its a scary good time you won't want to miss.

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We recently asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us about a missing person Wikipedia page that was so horrifying they couldn't stop thinking about it. Here are their chilling responses:

1.The Disappearance of Laureen Rahn  "In April 1980, a 14-year-old girl seemingly left her apartment in the company of someone she knew while her friend was sleeping in her bed. It seems that someone went to the trouble of nearly unscrewing all the light bulbs in the building so it would remain dark, suggesting some sinister intentions. In the years after Laureen's disappearance, her mother got calls billed to her number from Southern California, where she had no friends or relatives. Some of those calls were to child assistance hotlines; another was traced to a motel known to be used for making what we now call CSAM. She's still missing."

Anonymous

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2.The Disappearance of Asha Degree  "She was nine years old, and on Feb. 14, 2000, she left her family home in the middle of the night. One person saw her and turned their car around to see if she was okay, and she ran away from them into a wooded area. I really wonder what happened that night. She would be 35 if she's still alive."

WBTV News / Via youtube.com

Anonymous

3.The Disappearance of Virginia Carpenter  "This was a 1948 American missing persons case in Texarkana, Texas. Virginia vanished on June 1, 1948, after arriving in Denton to attend Texas State College for Women (now Texas Woman's University). She was last seen by a taxi driver at 9:30 p.m., and despite numerous reported sightings over the years, none have been confirmed. The case remains unsolved, with various theories including abduction, murder, and amnesia, but no conclusive evidence has ever been found."

Archive PL / Alamy Stock Photo

Anonymous

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4.The Disappearance of Johnny Gosch  "He disappeared during his morning paper route in 1982, and then his mother claimed that he visited her with an unidentified man 15 years later...WHERE IS HE?!?!"

Iowa Local 5 / Via youtube.com

Anonymous

5.The Disappearance of Ben McDaniel  "He was a 30-year-old diver from Memphis, Tennessee, who disappeared on August 18, 2010, while exploring the Vortex Spring cave system in Florida. Despite extensive searches by experienced divers and the use of specialized equipment, no trace of McDaniel has been found, leading to various theories about his fate, including accidental drowning, foul play, or intentional disappearance."

natalieb153

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6.The Disappearance of Emma Fillipoff  "Emma Fillipoffs disappearance sent me down a rabbit hole for months. Lots of drama and red flags surrounding her story  she disappeared outside of the Empress Hotel in in Victoria, BC after being seen talking to the police. Her Wiki page will give you the chills and if youre into documentaries, theres an episode about her disappearance on the Fifth Estates YouTube channel. If podcasts are more your thing, almost every true crime channel has covered her. I feel so bad for her family, theyre still actively looking for her."

CBC News / Via youtube.com

mandyciampa

Related: People Revealed The Creepiest, Cult-Like Towns In The United States And, Jesus Christ, It's Icky

7.The Disappearance of Amy Lynn Bradley  "She disappeared from a family vacation aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Rhapsody of the Seas in the early morning hours of March 24, 1998. She has never been heard from since. I think about her often and hope one day she will come home to her family."

Anonymous

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8.The Disappearance of Dulce Maria Alavez  "Dulce is a 5-year-old girl who disappeared while playing with her brother in a New Jersey park in 2019. The most heartbreaking part is that her mom was only 19, making her 14 when she had Dulce and likely 13 when she got pregnant. Her mom was just a child herself."

6abc Philadelphia / Via youtube.com

Anonymous

9.The Disappearance of Maura Murray  "Maura was a 21-year-old nursing student who got into a car accident in upstate New Hampshire. The strange thing was, prior to disappearing, she'd told professors that she would be taking a week off due to a death in the family. However, her family later told authorities that there had been no death. Her case probably bothers me the most because we are close in age, and she reminds me a lot of how my life was in 2004 when she went missing. Young and still a bit rebellious, but trying to make it through nursing school. I could have easily ended up as Maura did."

Anonymous

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10.The Disappearance of Anthonette Cayedito  "She's a nine-year-old who was last seen in April 1986 in Gallup, New Mexico. Hers is a sad story; her mother was an addict, and Anthonette basically became a mother to her younger siblings AT THE AGE OF 6!!! Then, on the night she disappeared, her mom left out some key details that are only now coming to light. So I'm not so much creeped out as much as angry that society basically stood back and let this happen."

crafty_gm

11.The Disappearance of Lars Mittank  "He was a German backpacker who went missing in Bulgaria in 2014. In the days leading up to his disappearance, he had been acting increasingly erratic. Then, on the day he was scheduled to fly home, airport security cameras captured him running from the airport, climbing a fence, and fleeing into the woods."

dh00dz0

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Related: 40 Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Creepy Wikipedia Pages

12.The Disappearance of Brandon Swanson  "If I remember correctly he went out at night and his car broke down in the middle of nowhere so he called his dad to come and find him. Eventually, during the call he yelled out, 'Oh shit!' and that was the last time anyone ever heard from him."

idk_man_idk

13.The Disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi  "She was a citizen of the Vatican who had close ties to the Pope. She disappeared at the age of 15 after a music lesson. Her story involves Avon, a man who tried to assassinate the Pope, and even sex scandal theories. Her parents received a mysterious tip hinting that she may have been buried near the tombs of two German princesses inside Vatican City, but neither she nor the princesses were found when they dug up the graves."

ARCHIVIO GBB / Alamy Stock Photo

isabellaisapanda

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14.The Disappearance of Susan Powell  "There is a podcast titled Cold that goes into further detail about her story but man this one tore me up. She goes missing, husband acts like he doesnt really care, her father-in-law had admitted to being in love with her (although she wasnt), cops finally start gaining some evidence to prove husband did it, he kills himself and their two boys a few days before a polygraph test. Been missing 10 years and her body has never been found because they think he dumped her in a UT mine. Broke my heart."

Law & Crime / Via youtube.com

ohhmyycoco

15.The Disappearance of Steven Koecher, a 30-year-old from Amarillo, Texas, who inexplicably disappeared in Henderson, Nevada, on Dec. 13, 2009. Koecher was last seen on a home security camera after parking his car in a (seemingly) random retirement community in Henderson. In the footage, he's seen returning back to the vehicle, getting something from it, and then walking away again. There was some activity shown on his cellphone over the next two days, but he was not seen again. There have been a few theories over the years as to what happened to Koecher, but the case remains unsolved."

8 News Now  Las Vegas / Via youtube.com

Anonymous

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16.The Disappearance of Jennifer Kesse  "She's been missing since 2006 and not long after she disappeared, her car was discovered about a mile from her home. This one always haunts me, especially how the surveillance video picture captured the face of the person who mysteriously parked her car at just the right moment so he would still be hidden."

10 Tampa Bay / Via youtube.com

kristint8

17.The Disappearance of Rebecca Coriam  "She was a crewmember of the cruise ship Disney Wonder who missed the start of her shift one morning in March 2011 and couldn't be found in her room or anywhere else on the ship. Investigators found CCTV footage of her early that morning talking on an internal ship phone in a crew area and she apparently was acting 'emotionally distraught.' This was the last record of her presence aboard the ship, and her body has not been found. Although the ship and nearby waters were searched, and various authorities investigated the case, it remains unsolved whether Rebecca fell overboard, was thrown over, or if some other kind of foul play was involved."

CNN / Jim Walker / Via youtube.com

Anonymous

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18.The Disappearance of Heather Elvis  "No one ever talks about her or her disappearance. She went missing in 2013 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and a couple was recently charged with her kidnapping, but she's still never been found. That poor family will never get closure."

True Crime Daily / Via youtube.com

jessicaa43a198b81

19.The Disappearance of Brittanee Drexel  "This one always stuck with me as someone who used to walk around Myrtle Beach as a teenager, alone, and we were the same age. She was just leaving her hotel and disappeared, years later a prison inmate had told authorities that Drexel had been abducted and killed, but it still hasn't been solved."

emc42622a09b

20.The Disappearance of Andrew Gosden  "Fourteen-year-old Gosden was last seen on CCTV leaving King's Cross station in London on Sept. 14, 2007, after taking out 200 from his bank account and buying a one-way ticket from his hometown of Doncaster to London. No one knows why Gosden traveled to London that day. There have been numerous age-progression photos released over the years, a few dead-end leads, and even arrests of suspects as recent as December 2021, who turned out to not be involved in Gosden's disappearance. It's a sad mystery."

Missing People CCTV / Via youtube.com

Anonymous

21.Finally, The Disappearance of Sneha Anne Philip  "She was an ER doctor in New York, who was last seen on Sept. 10, 2001, by a department store security camera near her home in Lower Manhattan. She didn't return home that night or by the time her husband, Dr. Ron Lieberman, left for work on the morning of September 11. Despite searches by both the NYPD and a private investigator hired by her family, her or her remains have never been found. Because of her proximity to the World Trade Center and the fact she had the day off work and was a doctor, her family believes that Philip died on 9/11."

culliganphoto / Alamy Stock Photo

Anonymous

Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Is there a missing person Wikipedia page you'd add to the list? Tell us about it in the comments below or via this anonymous form:

Do you love all things weird, dark, and creepy? Subscribe to the That Got Dark newsletter to get your weekly dopamine fix of the macabre! Its a scary good time you won't want to miss.

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Also in Internet Finds: Lawyers Are Sharing Their Juiciest "Can You Believe It?!" Stories From The Courtroom, And They're As Surprising As You'd Expect

Also in Internet Finds: People Are Sharing "The Most Believable Conspiracy Theories," And Now I'm Questioning Everything I Thought I Knew

Also in Internet Finds: People Who Never Believed In The Supernatural Are Revealing What Made Them Change Their Minds, And I'm Terrified
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  The history of dinosaurs in Mississippi may be scattered and isolated, but their presence in the state is nothing short of colossal.

In January, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, operated by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), ended its dinosaur exhibit, which began roughly six months earlier. Though the exhibit featured some of the most recognizable dinosaurs, most were not from Mississippi. The reason relates to the states geography millions of years ago.

Around that time, most of Mississippi was not covered in Magnolia trees; it was buried in water. The Mississippi Embayment left only the northeast corner of the state dry. As a result, the state has an abundance of whale fossils.

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Scientists ID new prehistoric sea creature: Nearly 40 feet long with crushing teeth

Contrary to popular belief, there were no true marine dinosaurs. However, dinosaur carcasses frequently drifted out to the ocean and portions of their remains may be found in marine deposits. A fossil collector from Columbus donated the upper arm bone of a juvenile duck-billed dinosaur known as a hadrosaur to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. The bone had the tips of three shark teeth embedded in it.

Dinosaur discoveries were concentrated in the northeast corner of the state. According to MDWFP, two areas with high concentrations of dinosaur fossils include Columbus and Amory. Dinosaur diversity in the state is largely only known by isolated discoveries of fossils and teeth.

According to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), plant-eating hadrosaurs likely were the most prevalent dinosaurs in Mississippi. Mississippi also had dromaeosaurs, a small meat-eating raptor similar to the velociraptor, and ornithomimosaurs, dinosaurs with an ostrich-like appearance that had feathers. Remains of large theropods, relatives of the Tyrannosaurus rex, have also been found in Mississippi.

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Despite having a fossil record akin to a mismatched puzzle, research has made noteworthy connections. In 2016, a tooth of a horned dinosaur known as a ceratopsian found near New Albany made history; it was the first reported ceratopsid dinosaur found in that part of North America.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Leaders with police departments and sheriffs offices across Mississippi met in Jackson to discuss crime prevention strategies and public safety efforts. The summit was held at the Jackson Convention Complex on Thursday.

First of all, Im so excited to have my brothers and sisters here in law enforcement from across the state of Mississippi. Whenever you can galvanize a law enforcement community to come to Jackson, youve accomplished a lot, said Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade.

Magee police chief lauds decline in violent crime rates

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The event provided agencies an opportunity to share information, discuss emerging threats and collaborate on ways to reduce violence. Major Joseph Dawson, with the Tunica County Sheriffs Office, said its important for agencies to come together to better their communities.

We can all get on the same page together and operate on the same front. We can be unified in our efforts, and the public will see that in what we do on a day to day basis, Dawson said.

Attendees also focused on new policing techniques, sharing their efforts and improving communication between departments.

By working together and learning from other people what works in different areas and by sharing what we do, you know. Community policing is so important right now, and especially with all the unrest, its important for us to come up with ways that we can reach out to the community and try to avoid some hostilities and better serve our public, said Tunica Police Chief Ronald Militana.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) is cautioning residents about potential post-disaster scams following the May 16 tornado and other recent severe weather events.

The department said that scammers are attempting to take advantage of vulnerable individuals, especially those who experienced property damage due to the severe weather.

According to DCI, it is optimal to stay in contact with mortgage and auto lenders to prevent credit issues or fraud.

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Even when collateral securing a loan has been damaged or destroyed, make every effort possible to continue regular loan payments during the claims process, said Commissioner Mick Campbell of the Missouri Division of Finance. This will help you avoid late charges, delinquent loan status and damage to your credit score prior to claim proceeds being issued to repair your property or applied to your loan balance.

DCI cautions those to look out for the following:

Contract fraud : When fraudulent contractors pretend to represent themselves with government entities

Price Gouging : The practice of prices increasing of essential items when a disaster hits

Forgery: Occurs when scammers seize the opportunity to access victims personal information

Charity Fraud: The practice when scammers claim to affiliated with notable charities and solicit funds from donors

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Being knowledgeable or aware of the signs of potential fraudsters may protect you from the risk of experiencing financial damages that could exceed the damage created by the natural disaster itself, said Acting Director Emmett Bryson of the Missouri Division of Credit Unions.

To report instances of fraud, contact DCI at 573-751-3419.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.






NEED TO KNOW

A mother and her 3-year-old son drowned after she tried to save him in a residential pool in Montreal on Tuesday, June 10

Neighbors said they had seen the pair at a local parade hours before

Its truly traumatic," one person said







A neighborhood in Montreal is reeling after a mother and her 3-year-old son drowned in a residential pool after she attempted to save him, according to officials.

On Tuesday, June 10, at approximately 9:35 p.m. local time, police received a 911 call for the possible drowning of two people in a pool located near 20th Avenue and Provost Street in the borough of Lachine, a spokesperson for the Service de Police de la Ville de Montreal tells PEOPLE.

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They located two people, two inanimate persons, so we're talking about a woman and a child, according to the spokesperson. CPR was performed on both people, who were pronounced dead at the scene. The victims were later confirmed to be a 34-year-old woman and her young son.

Investigators were able to determine that it's not a criminal event, she says. It was accidental.

The case has been transferred to the Office of the Chief Coroner. They did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

Lachine Mayor Maja Vodanovic gave further details about the tragic event in a statement on Facebook.

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We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved family members, the mayor wrote in the translated statement. It was a balloon that fell into the [in-ground] pool that triggered a series of actions that led to the drowning of the 3-year-old boy and his 34-year-old mother who tried to save him but unfortunately couldn't swim.

The worst nightmare ever, she added. It's hard to know what to say or do in difficult times like this. We will be there to help, psychologically assist the family in need.

Service de Police de la Ville de Montreal declined to comment on the mayors statement.

Neighbors are in shock after learning the news. Locals told CTV News that just hours before the drowning, they saw the mother and toddler at a parade.

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To hear something happen to a nice, happy family, its pretty saddening, one person told the outlet. You dont expect that to happen down the street from you either.

Getty Lachine, a borough in Montreal. Lachine, a borough in Montreal.

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.

How would I feel if that was one of my grandchildren? A woman told CTV News. I would be very, very, very sad.

I cant even imagine the pain, the emotion [her husband] is going through, Eto Kileme, a woman whose son knew the toddler who died, told CityNews in French. Its not easy. Were in the middle of the year. You lose your wife, you lose your child. Its traumatic. Its truly traumatic. My condolences to the family.

Read the original article on People
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  Revamping a portion of Bertrand Drive will require a substantial amount of money. Bertrand is a revitalization project that sits high on Lafayettes Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulets list. On June 6, Boulet signed off on a council-approved ordinance that could address this need.

One of Mayor-President Boulets priorities at the start of her administration was to revitalize Johnston Street.

Johnston Street is a really heavy lift, Boulet said. There are a lot of issues. Were talking from Ambassador Caffery, all through Louisiana Avenue to I-10.

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Boulet states Johnston is the heart of Lafayette but to revitalize it in a timely manner it would be better if LCG owned the road.

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The other piece thats critical is Bertrand. Bertrand is owned by the state as well. In order to get construction moving on that project, we need ownership of Bertrand, Boulet added.

Boulet says the notifications along Bertrand Drive are to be significant, including drainage.

Access in many of the driveways to the businesses. Weve worked very closely with those businesses, she said. Weve been through a lot of the foundational work and are ready to position it for construction, but we need ownership of those roads.

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According to council records, councilman Andy Naquin agreed to support the road swap ordinance if an economic development district is created.

What to know about the new Nimbus COVID variant

The purpose of creating a taxing district is to find funding for our MPS (Mayor-Presidents) road swap for which there is no excess in LCGs current revenue stream. The money will not miraculously appear, according to part of Naquins statement to KLFY.

The mayor-president acknowledges how paying for the revitalization project is a genuine concern. Boulet states that she respects Naquin for acknowledging that.

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We agreed to look at that, and we are, but we are going to look at several different options and work with Andy to come up with the best solution forward. An EDD could be a very viable option. It might not be the only one to consider, though, Boulet explained.

Boulet says work along Bertrand will be ready to go probably by the end of the year, if not, by the first quarter.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.
Shares of Archer Aviation (ACHR) are a new favorite among retail traders betting on the future of air taxis, and now there's a leveraged ETF to match the hype.

The Tradr 2X Long ACHR Daily ETF (ARCX) launched on Monday, offering 2x daily exposure to Archers stock. Its the latest in a string of single-stock ETFs aimed squarely at retail investors who want to swing big on buzzworthy names.

Travel Like the Jetsons

Archer is developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the kind of flying taxis that used to be confined to sci-fi television. The company is targeting routes of around 20 miles that could take over an hour by car but just minutes by air.

Why sit in traffic when you can fly above it? the companys website reads. Air taxis are poised to revolutionize the way people move around cities, designed to cut 1+ hour commutes down to mere minutes.

Archer plans to deliver its first aircraft to the United Arab Emirates later this year. In December, the company announced a defense collaboration with Anduril to co-develop VTOL aircraft for military applications.

Competition, Valuation & Volatility

Archers biggest publicly traded rival is Joby Aviation (JOBY), which commands an $8 billion market cap compared to Archers $6 billion. Both companies plan to roll out commercial services within the next few years.

Analysts project Archer could generate $130 million in revenue by 2026 and over $1 billion by 2028, according to consensus estimates. Even then, it's expected to be unprofitable.

Still, the market seems optimistic. Archers stock is up 16% year to date and trades slightly above its original SPAC merger price of $10 from 2021.

ARCX Checks All the Boxes

ARCX checks all the boxes for a successful leveraged ETF: Its volatile, its futuristic and it has a loyal retail following. Given the buzz around Archer, ARCX looks well-positioned to resonate with short-term traders chasing big moves.

Whether it takes off is anyones guess. But either way, the launch underscores the growing appetite for leveraged vehicles tied to high-conviction retail names.





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MONROVIA, Ala. (WHNT)  Monrovia Volunteer Fire & Rescue is celebrating reaching a recruitment goal. Public Information Officer James Filley says since Jan. 1, the department has received 40 new applications.

This comes as it recently switched from a paper application that needed to be hand-delivered to the station to an online application.

Were much easier to find now, and I think that has really improved our application base, Filley said. He said in addition to posting on their own social media accounts, they also post on online job forums and websites to increase visibility.

Theres been a longstanding narrative in the volunteer fire department community that people dont want to volunteer anymore. Well, what this kind of proves is that thats not really true, Filley said. We just have to reach those people.

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One of the newest volunteers at Monrovia Volunteer Fire & Rescue is Cathy Ross.

She told News 19 that she recently got her EMT license and found the department online.

I came across Monrovia online on one of the job sites, and I said, This is perfect to start somewhere and start practicing my skills, Ross said.

Monrovia Volunteer Fire & Rescue EMT, Cathy Ross.

Knowing that I can help people in their moment of need is something that has always intrigued me about the medical service, and now that Im an EMT, I thought, what better way to serve my community than by volunteering in my free time, Ross added.

Another recent addition to the lineup at the firehouse is probationary firefighter Matthew Seemann. He told News 19 that hes been volunteering for Monrovia for about six months.

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Its volunteer, so its very flexible, so if youve got a busy life and you dont know if youll be able to commit a lot of time to it, thats still fine, come check it out, Seamann said.

Maybe youll decide that you enjoy it and make it a priority, he said. Its definitely a priority for the people that are here.

MVFR probationary firefighter, Matthew Seamann

Monrovia Volunteer Fire & Rescue serves more than 30,000 residents in the Monrovia part of Madison County. Lt. James Filley told News 19 that with a growing population, the department anticipates it will run more than 3,000 calls by the end of the year.

That means extra hands on the job will make a big difference.

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Its always good to have more, especially when talking about the workload of our current member, said Head of Personnel, Hannah Butterfield. Trying to equally spread the load with all of our members is kind of what were hoping for.

Butterfield assists with the application process and told News 19 that the online application has streamlined things.

Its been super easy to contact people, she said. Its totally exciting to see people that have an excitement for helping the community, and were always looking for people.

If youre interested in applying to volunteer with Monrovia Volunteer Fire & Rescue, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
After a nine-month delay, Montenegrin lawmakers have approved the deployment of Montenegrin Armed Forces personnel to the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine).

Source: Radio Liberty, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The decision to join the EU mission was submitted to parliament nine months ago but only passed now, with 49 of 81 MPs voting in favour of it.

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The resolution stated the deployment aims to "strengthen the capacity of Ukraines Armed Forces to defend the countrys territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, as well as to deter and respond to the current military offensives by the Russian Federation and other potential aggressors".

Opposition parties accused Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandic, a known opponent of NATO and supporter of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, of delaying the vote. His party, part of the ruling coalition, opposes NATO membership and the sanctions Montenegro imposed on Russia following its aggression against Ukraine.

Montenegro joined NATO in 2017 under the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS), which was ousted from power in 2020. DPS noted that "90% of todays parliamentary majority did not vote for NATO accession", referring to the delay in approving the EU mission.

Defence Minister Dragan Krapovic emphasised multiple times that the mission would not involve the deployment of Montenegrin troops to Ukrainian territory.

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"I want this to be absolutely clear. I would never support that. All mission activities take place on EU territory, in Poland and Germany," Krapovic stressed.

The EU mission is one of two so-called Ukrainian missions launched after Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022, in which Montenegro is expected to participate.

The second is organised by NATO. On 7 February this year, Montenegros Defence and Security Council adopted a draft decision to join NATOs NSATU programme  security assistance and training for Ukraine.

Council members  President Jakov Milatovic, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic and Speaker Andrija Mandic  agreed that Montenegrin involvement in NSATU must be limited to NATO territory.

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NATO will coordinate the training of Ukrainian security forces under this initiative.

The final decision on Montenegros participation in NSATU will be made by its parliament.

Background: The EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine was launched on 17 October 2022 with an initial two-year mandate. It is funded through the European Peace Facility. The missions mandate currently runs through November 2026.

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Moosic officials celebrated their upcoming $6.1 million emergency services building Wednesday by laying the cornerstone for the facility that will bring the Police Department and Fire Department under one roof. At a ceremony Wednesday morning outside the new facility, which is behind the existing Greenwood Hose Company 1 firehouse at 3727 Birney Ave., Mayor Bob Bennie said the cornerstone marks a pivotal moment in the project. The boroughs current facility has served the region since 1978. At roughly 18,000 square feet, the new building gives police and firefighters a modern, spacious headquarters, including two interview rooms, a professional evidence room, two holding cells and an armory for police. Firefighters will have four large, pull-through bays for their vehicles, allowing them to park their fire apparatus without having to stop traffic on Birney Avenue. The borough will tear down the Greenwood Hose Company building, with officials hoping to finish construction in November.

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This cornerstone will be placed at the new Fire and Police Facility at the Greenwood Hose Company.(CHAD SEBRING/STAFFPHOTO)

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Moosic Mayor Bob Bennie discusses placing a cornerstone at the new Fire and Police Facility at the Greenwood Hose Company on Wednesday morning.(CHAD SEBRING/STAFFPHOTO)

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This cornerstone will be placed at the new Fire and Police Facility at the Greenwood Hose Company.(CHAD SEBRING/STAFFPHOTO)

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A group of Malaysian fishers, over 1,000 members strong, have become "fish hunters," scouring their local rivers for suckermouth catfish and other invasive species, Al Jazeera reported.

The group was started by Mohamad Haziq A Rahman in 2022. He and other anglers started meeting almost every week to cast their nets into the local rivers and pull up pound after pound of invasive, unwanted fish.

Invasive species are not native to an area. They're usually bought in by humans  in this case, likely by aquarium owners, since suckermouths are popular aquarium cleaners  and from there, they start to take over. Without natural predators and competitors, they multiply rapidly. They can prey on other species  for example, suckermouths eat the eggs and destroy the nesting areas of other fish  and can also damage the habitat, such as when suckermouths burrow into riverbanks and cause erosion.

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All of that damage is bad for the environment, but it's also bad for people. The communities living along Malaysia's rivers no longer have access to the traditional native fish and other aquatic species from the region, as catfish are crowding them out, and the riverbank erosion affects the geography of the whole area.

That's why Haziq and his companions catch as many catfish as they can, hauling up nets full of the unwanted fish and returning repeatedly to any area where they're especially plentiful.

"Yes, this fish won't be completely gone from our rivers," Haziq told Al Jazeera. "But if we don't act now, it would be worse. It's better to take action than to just leave it alone. At least we can reduce the population, than allow it to completely take over our local fish."

The catfish they catch from many of the local rivers isn't safe to eat due to pollution  and it's not a first-choice food even when it's safe. While the fish hunters do occasionally eat their catch, they mainly bury it away from the river. Lately, they've been getting more creative, handing the fish over to entrepreneurs who want to turn it into products like charcoal, leather, collagen, or fertilizer.

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Around the world, other communities are also working to cull invasive fish from their waters. Some locations have competitions, and others are playing up the promise of free food.

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The Muscogee County Sheriffs Office announced today their 8-month investigation into a local drug trafficking organization that led to the arrest of 10 people and the seizure of $1,391,785 worth of drugs.

MCSOs Collaborative Intelligence Group, in conjunction with the MCSO Special Operations Unit, FBI, DEA, GBI, GSP, and the Lee County Sheriffs Office, investigation Operation Hades led to the arrest of drug trafficking leader Archie Zanders and his co-conspirators.

Zanderss drug trafficking operation was responsible for trafficking and distributing multiple kilograms of Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana in Muscogee County, Georgia. Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman says hes happy with the result, but theres more work to do.

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The momentum is there. Were investigating a lot of cases. This is not the last. This is nowhere near, what were working on, said Sherriff Countryman. We are working on multiple cases with multiple agencies across state lines, within county lines, and outside Muscogee County. Thats why you see the assembly that we have a full stage. We have agencies can that can enter into other jurisdictions and are into other counties in Georgia. So our work is nowhere near finished.

On Monday, June 9, 2025, the Muscogee County Sheriffs Office, along with other agencies, executed 9 search warrants in Muscogee County. These search warrants resulted in the seizure of the following:

-108 pounds of Marijuana, with an estimated street value of $481,810.00

-20 pounds of Cocaine, with an estimated street value of $895,300.00

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-78 grams of Methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of $7,800.00

-158 Oxycodone pills, with an estimated street value of $3,950.00

-117 Ecstasy Pills, with an estimated street value of $2,925

-11 firearms, including one 9mm Glock modified to operate in a fully automatic capacity

-6 seized vehicles

-$106,409 in U.S. Currency

The following individuals were arrested and are facing multiple charges:

Archie Zanders

Christopher Mabry

Hakeem Zanders

Kenisha Miles

Jama Zanders

Edward Watson III

Earnstine Sumrell

Henry Royal

Bobby Nelson

Samantha Elders

Police say the case is still under investigation and additional charges and arrests may be pending.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  More than 160 affordable housing units opened last month in Mission Valley after the completion of a project to rehabilitate an aged extended-stay hotel and convert it into rental apartments.

The San Diego Housing Commission broke ground on the project, referred to as Presidio Palms, last fall as part of regional efforts to expand long-term, supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness by repurposing underutilized buildings.

The more than $80 million project at the Hotel Circle property was supported in large part by funds made available through Californias Homekey program, an initiative to support construction of a broad range of housing for people experiencing homelessness.

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San Diego approved its controversial trash fee: Whats next?

All of the units created at Presidio Palms will be allocated to people through the Regional Task Force on Homelessness Coordinated Entry System, which screens and matches those experiencing homelessness with available housing options based on their needs.

According to SDHC, the residents at Presidio Palms will also receive federally-funded housing vouchers, like Section 8, to support rental costs.

Besides the units, the facility was also retrofitted to include space for on-site services, such as mental and behavioral health support, employment and skills training, substance use services, and case management.

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It is also close by to public transit stops that allow people to easily get to the Fashion Valley and Old Town Metropolitan Transit System hubs.

With support from the states Homekey program and strong local investment, 161 San Diegans now have a safe place to call homealong with the supportive services they need to stay housed, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said Thursday, celebrating the opening of the complex.

Presidio Palms shows whats possible when we act with urgency and work together to deliver housing that ends homelessness, he continued.

Concerns grow over early plans to build in South Park canyon

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According to the commission, Presidio Palms more than 200 residents across 161 households began moving into the building on May 27. It brings the total number of supportive housing units created in the city using Homekey funds up to 608.

More than a half-dozen other affordable housing complexes managed by the Housing Commission are in development, which would add an extra 1,102 deed-restricted and supportive housing units to its portfolio by 2027.

Today, Presidio Palms is a home and a source of hope for many of our previously unhoused neighbors, SDHC President and CEO Lisa Jones said. Reaching this point is possible because of collaboration among all levels of government as well as local organizations.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
At least 290 people are feared to have died after a plane bound for London crashed into a residential area shortly after taking off from an airport in Indias western city of Ahmedabad.

Images from the scene showed thick black smoke rising up into the sky after the Air India plane crashed, with part of the aircraft pictured resting on top of a building. Other images showed scorched trees and a fire-blackened building with first responders hosing down the area.

Among those killed were passengers on the flight, including some minors, local residents, and people who were inside the BJ Medical College and Hospital hostel when the plane crashed into it, a senior doctor at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, where a majority of the dead and injured people were taken, told CNN.

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The doctor added that t he death toll is likely to rise.

Air India said that 242 people were on board the plane, 169 of them Indian nationals and 53 British nationals. There were also seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian national, the airline added in a statement.

It confirmed there had been a single survivor among those on board, a British national.

The Hindustan Times named the survivor as a British national, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, and said he was receiving treatment. What appears to be a copy of the flight manifest, shared by news agency IANS, lists Vishwash Kumar Ramesh as having been assigned seat 11A.

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The Hindustan Times said it spoke to Ramesh in a local hospital, and quoted him as saying: Thirty seconds after takeoff, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly.

A senior police officer told reporters that the plane had hit a doctors hostel belonging to the BJ Medical College and Hospital.

At least three medical students died, Swapnil Bhalodia of the Indian Medical Association Medical Students Network in Gujarat said.

Between 50 and 60 medical students have been admitted to local hospitals, according to the Federation of All India Medical Association. The statement said two or three students are in intensive care.

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The flight, AI171, was bound for Londons Gatwick Airport, where it was due to land at 6.25 p.m. local time (1.25 p.m. ET). A reception center has been set up at the airport to provide information and support to relatives of victims.

One video captured the moment the aircraft, gaining altitude after just taking off, suddenly began to descend in mid air, before crashing down in a huge plume of fire and smoke.

The plane made a Mayday call to Air Traffic Control shortly after takeoff, according to Indias Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

But thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site, the statement said.

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According to the DCGA statement, the flight departed at 1.39 p.m. local time (4.09 a.m. ET).

The aircrafts signal was lost less than a minute after takeoff, at an altitude of 625 feet, according to FlightRadar24 data. The plane then started to descend with a vertical speed of -475 feet per minute, the data showed.

All flights out of Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport were suspended following the incident. However, they have since resumed at a limited capacity, the airport said in a post on X.

Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the plane crash had stunned and saddened the country. He described the incident as heartbreaking beyond words, adding that he was in touch with the authorities involved in the disaster.

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Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the chairman of Air India, said that Air India Flight AI171 had been involved in a tragic accident.

He added, We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the scenes as devastating, and said he is being kept updated as the situation develops. He added that his thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.

Meanwhile British Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the UK House of Commons: This morning, we know that British nationals were on board. And Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that the (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) is working urgently with local authorities to support British nationals and their families, and has stood up a crisis team in both Delhi and in London.

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The UKs King Charles said he and Queen Camilla are desperately shocked by the terrible events in Ahmedabad. He also paid tribute to the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all those providing help and support at this most heartbreaking and traumatic time.

The UK and India have strong cultural and historic ties and a complicated history dating back to Britains colonial era. The UK has a large Indian diaspora  according to data from the British government, in 2021, 1.9 million people or 3.1% of the countrys population identified as having Indian ethnicity.

Thursdays crash marks the first involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft first entered into service in 2011, according to Boeings Statistical Summary of Commercial Jet Airplane Accidents.

According to Boeing, there are over 1,175 Dreamliners in service, which account for 2,100 flights each day.

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Boeing issued a statement in wake of the crash, saying it is in contact with Air India and stands ready to support them.

Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected, it added in an X post.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

CNNs Olivia Kemp contributed to this report.

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Jun. 12Immigration protests erupted in Spokane on Wednesday, sparking a massive police response and 30 arrests.

Mayor Lisa Brown issued a 9:30 p.m. curfew for perhaps 1,000 protestors who flooded Riverfront Park and surrounding downtown streets. It's the first such measure since the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of George Floyd's murder.

The curfew and police presence had the desired effect as most of the crowd dispersed. By 11 p.m. about 20 protesters remained.

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"We want everybody to be safe and we thought this was the best path forward in order to achieve that," Brown said. "I made the decision that the safest course of action was by Spokane Police, not ICE, to try to safely disperse the crowd."

She made the call in response to hundreds of demonstrators who blocked federal immigration enforcement agents in Spokane on Wednesday evening from leaving a downtown immigration office reportedly with refugees who were detained at court hearings earlier in the day.

Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall said at a late-night news conference that while it appeared that officers deployed tear gas, it was actually smoke grenades. He also said Spokane police officers used pepper balls but did not fire rubber bullets. He said about 185 city officers responded to both incidents. Hall said that he not heard that any other law enforcement agency used rubber bullets.

"Certainly there were peaceful folks demonstrating and utilizing their First Amendment rights, and there were also people in the crowd who were committing crimes," Hall said.

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The protest is arguably the most extreme local showing of resistance, among others in Los Angeles and across the country, to President Donald Trump's sweeping immigration crackdowns since he took office for the second time in January.

The day of unrest began on Cataldo Avenue after former City Council President Ben Stuckart sent a social media post at about 1 p.m. asking "that if you care at all about these illegal detainers you meet me at 411 West Cataldo by 2 p.m. I am going to set in front of the bus. Feel free to join me ....

"The Latino community needs the rest of our community. Not tonight, not Saturday but right now!!!!"

Stuckart was responding to the arrest of 21-year-old Cesar Alexander Alvarez Perez, who is seeking asylum from Venezuela, and Joswar Slater Rodriguez Torres, a Colombian national also in his early twenties.

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Stuckart said he officially became the Venezuelan's legal guardian three weeks ago, and arrived with him and the man from Colombia for a scheduled "check-in" appointment at the Spokane facility this morning.

The two were in the United States on work visas and had full-time employment at the Walmart in Airway Heights until Friday, when their "work permits were revoked," he said.

Both young men are hard workers who have been diligent about following the legal process and building better lives, Stuckart said.

"You can't help spend time with them and not understand just what great young men they are," Stuckart said. "They've done everything right, and they're escaping horrible situations, and then to have them come in for a checkup and be detained illegally is morally reprehensible."

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For the first few hours, most of the demonstration remained peaceful, aside from a masked person who covered the driver's side of the bus windshield with a layer of white spray paint about a half hour into the demonstration.

More than a dozen protestors joined Stuckart despite warnings from a pair of uniformed federal agents who came out of the building to warn the crowd that obstructing their pathway could lead to arrests and charges.

Protesters responded by parking their vehicles in front and behind the bus.

"I don't want this bus to leave with my friends," Stuckart said. "And I told everybody I was down here, and if people wanted to join me, they could. It's not right. It's not morally right, what's happening."

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The Cataldo crowd included several prominent politicians, activists and community leaders, including Spokane County Democratic Party Chair Naida Spencer; state Rep. Timm Orsmby; Spokane City Council candidate Sarah Dixit; union advocate and a former Democratic candidate for local, state and federal offices Ted Cummings; Thrive International Director Mark Finney and Latinos en Spokane Director Jennyfer Mesa.

While the protestors share a desire to see the young men let go, and frustrations with federal immigration enforcement, they disagreed as to how.

Some were a silent presence, others carried signs and chanted, while others were more direct in showing their displeasure by shouting at the law enforcement officers.

The disconnect became evident as barriers were formed in front of the gated parking lot using benches, cones and Lime scooters, taken down by others and then reformed in front of the line of Spokane police and Spokane County Sheriff's deputy cars next to the building.

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Mesa said both of the young men are clients of Latinos en Spokane. But her presence Wednesday was meant as a gesture for her friends, not just her clients.

"They're good kids," she said, choking back tears. "They have been volunteering, they're doing the process and everything legally. I just don't understand why they're being detained."

Stuckart said the federal employees in the ICE office would not allow him to accompanying Alvarez Perez during his appointment and they did not disclose why either young men were being detained.

Stuckart estimated it took around seven minutes from when they went back for their appointment for federal officials to come out and inform him they were being detained.

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"And each of them has a stack of legal paperwork at least 2 inches thick, with all their asylum paperwork and their guardianship paperwork, and they clearly didn't look at it," Stuckart said. "They just said, 'We're detaining them.'"

Stuckart said he started the legal guardianship process earlier this year after a call from Latinos en Spokane for local residents to assist local "vulnerable juveniles."

He volunteers with the organization regularly and said he has greatly enjoyed getting to know Alvarez Perez, who's lived in Spokane for six months.

Alvarez Perez came to Spokane by way of Miami, after walking through nine countries on his way from Venezuela and meeting Rodriguez Torres along the way. Stuckart said his main responsibility as a guardian is to provide mentorship.

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"He's not living with us, and I'm not in charge of his finances or anything," Stuckart said.

The gathering grew to about 100 people at about 5 p.m., including about 15 blocking the bus. Stuckart was not in front of the bus at the time, but he remained at the protest.

Among the protestors was Alicea Gonzalez, 27, who brought her 5-year-old son Javell and father, Adam Betancort, 46. She wore a Mexico T-shirt to the protest, and the pair brought flags, one of Mexico, the other half-Mexican, half-American.

The latter flag is representative of Betancourt and his identity, he said while holding the flapping fabric towards passing cars on the corner of Cataldo Ave and Washington Street, right outside the ICE facility.

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"I'm American and I'm a Mexican," he said.

Though they don't know either of the men detained by ICE, they're familiar with their story; Gonzalez's maternal grandmother crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in the 1950s, floating across the river in a car tire, she said. Betancort's parents are also immigrants from Mexico.

"I appreciate that; I wouldn't have the life that I live without her," Gonzalez said. "So I'm just showing my support, letting people know that they have people out here that will stand behind them, and use their voices to speak up for them."

Around 5:25 p.m., a group of roughly 150 protesters ran around the back of the building to obstruct three unmarked law enforcement vehicles from leaving a fenced-in parking area abutting the public parking area for Riverfront Park.

Protesters shouted "Shame" repeatedly and about 10 of them linked arms in a line in front of the parking lot gate.

A handful of agents, faces covered by ski masks and sunglasses, began to push the human chain of demonstrators, knocking their glasses and handmade signs scattering on the ground.

Protestors and officers shoved each other in a mass of yelling and chanting for about a minute before the agents retreated into their parking lot and the gate closed.

Not long after the agents retreated back inside, a handful of protesters hauled Lime scooters and park benches as a barricade to block vehicles from leaving from the gate.

Spokane Police officers arrived shortly before 6:30 p.m., followed by Spokane County sheriff's deputies. The local law enforcement response grew to dozens outside the building by about 6:45 p.m.

The group then formed a sort of protective barrier for an exit on the Washington Street side of the building. They carried weapons to shoot less-lethal munitions, with canisters and large hip bags with unidentified materials inside.

As the officers widened their perimeter to encompass much of the yard abutting the Washington Street side of the building, another group of deputies and officers began forcibly removing protestors from around the small bus.

A Spokane Police Department officer spoke over the regional SWAT car speaker system at 7:13 p.m. and ordered everyone present to disperse. The officer gave the demonstrators five minutes to do so. Few left the scene when police warned at 7:22 p.m. that they would use force if the crowd did not leave.

Stuckart, Spencer and at least a dozen others were arrested just after 7:30 p.m.

Brown said she talked with Stuckart earlier in the day and it was clear he was prepared to get arrested in an attempt to prevent the bus from leaving. She also consulted with Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and connected Stuckart to Nick Brown.

"Ben did inform me that members of his group intended to peacefully protest, and they intended to stay at the facility until they were arrested," she said at the conference.

The mayor said she told Stuckart that Spokane police would comply with the Keep Washington Working Act, strive to keep the peace and "enforce Spokane laws." The Keep Washington Working Act restricts state and local law enforcement in Washington from assisting federal immigration enforcement. She said that arresting protesters blocking immigration detainees from being jailed is not a violation of the state law because protestors were violating other city laws, like blocking the public right-of-way.

She said protesters were warned repeatedly if they were violating laws before arrests were made.

"The vast majority were peaceful, expressing their viewpoints as they have every right to do and compliant with officers," Brown said. "There's serious concerns about federal policies. We want people to feel free to express those concerns and we want to keep everyone safe."

Police began detaining the 15 or so demonstrators who enveloped an unmarked red van with two ICE officers in the front seat. The windows of the van were tinted, but protestors thought it may soon carry the two men ICE detained.

Police warned the demonstrators if they didn't move, they'd be arrested for obstruction. The 15, including Stuckart, had prepared to be arrested, writing phone numbers up their arms and leaving belongings with other protesters.

Some went willingly, quietly putting their own hands behind their back as officers led them one by one to a SWAT car parked nearby.

One protestor resisted their detainment, wriggling and contorting themselves while yelling as multiple officers pinned them to the group and tied their hands and feet.

Eventually, each person who enveloped the red van was detained. Someone deflated one of the van's tires and it was towed off hours later after police had dispersed the crowd in that area.

A second, planned protest at Riverfront Park escalated hours after the Stuckart-led event and riot-clad officers began shooting smoke cannisters and making arrests, with the two eventually merging.

Harris Kahler, a 23-year-old protestor said he was standing in the front lines when officers pulled out paint guns and shot the ground in front of the line around 8:40 p.m.

After that, smoke canisters were thrown and Kahler kicked one back in response. Kahler then went to grab another, turned around and believed he was shot in the lower back with a rubber bullet.

"I'm in a lot of pain, but if I physically have to be here, I'll be the shield I got to be," Kahler said.

In a telephone interview, City Council President Betsy Wilkerson said she acknowledged the right of everyone to protest.

"If I wasn't somewhere else, I might be there myself to support our sisters and brothers," she said. "I'm just hoping for the best outcome, elevating the issue and getting people involved in the way they feel they best can, and that's a protest.

"With that being said, we're not trying to throw more wood on this fire, to elevate it to more than a peaceful protest."

Reached by phone, City Councilman Jonathan Bingle said he fully supports the right of every American to peacefully protest.

"It's one of the rights that makes our country so great! But, the moment a protest turns into small vandalism, threats, or lawlessness, it is no longer protected speech. It becomes a crime, and should be dealt with as such," Bingle said. "I am stunned by the position of some of our current and former elected officials in our city. Instead of standing for the rule of law and the officers who keep our streets safe, they seem more interested in scoring points or justifying bad behavior. That is not leadership."

City Councilman Paul Dillon said in an interview that he supported those who were willing to stand up for their beliefs.

"No human being is illegal," he said. "This is a direct result of the escalation and fears the Trump administration inflicts on communities which create chaos."

Reporters Thomas Clouse, Emry Dinman and Corbin Vanderby contributed to this report.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this report and captions for some photos of the protest incorrectly reported that police fired tear gas. Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall said in a news conference Wednesday night that no tear gas was deployed by police.

Elena Perry's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor.
June 11 (UPI) -- The second night of a curfew took place in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, as local law enforcement backed by several thousand members of the National Guard worked to manage crowds and prevent vandalism.

Meanwhile, a group of protesters were in a standoff with law enforcement officers outside a federal courthouse in Santa Ana, about 32 miles south of Los Angeles, in Orange County. Military-style vehicles and National Guards troops blocked a portion of a street in front of the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse and in front of a federal building a couple blocks away.

And protests also are occurring in other major U.S. cities,, including New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C.

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On Wednesday night, police declared an unlawful assembly outside Los Angeles City Hall. A CNN crew saw officers using rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.

The downtown Los Angeles curfew will remain in effect between 8 a.m. and 6 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department's Central Division. Ramps onto and off the 101 freeway also will continue to be closed, police said.

National Guard troops stand guard outside a federal building in downtown Santa Ana, Calif., on Wednesday. Photo by Lori Shepler/UPI

 COMMUNITY CONCERNS  National Guard troops appear outside a federal building in downtown Santa Ana, Calif., on Wednesday. Photo by Lori Shepler/UPI Questions have been raised regarding the 101 freeway on and off ramps. They will remain closed due to scheduled protests today. Curfew will remain effective begging this evening at 8 pm and ending at 6 am. A protester wears the flag of Mexico while attending a rally Wednesday in New York City in opposition to recent deportations and ICE raids. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI If an employee or family/friend member... pic.twitter.com/5yPHNL8QCU LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) June 11, 2025

The curfew zone covers about 1 square mile and affects about 100,000 of Los Angeles' 10 million residents.

Protesters attend a rally Wednesday in New York in opposition to recent deportations and ICE raids. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

Limited exceptions include law enforcement, emergency and medical personnel, residents, people traveling to and from work and credentialed news media representatives.

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The White House confirmed Wednesday that 330 people were taken into custody by federal authorities since immigration sweeps by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement began last week in Los Angeles.

Mayor Karen Bass said the number of people arrested from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning was "minor."

About 225 were made, including 203 for failure to disperse. One person was arrested after an assault of a police officer with a weapon.

"If there are raids that continue, if there are soldiers marching up and down our street, I would imagine that the curfew will continue," the mayor said.

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During a news conference, Bass said she is trying to set up a call with President Donald Trump for him "to understand the significance of what is happening here."

Court case

The Trump administration is asking a federal judge to reject California's emergency court order request to limit how federal officials can use Marines and members of the state's National Guard in and around Los Angeles.

The Guardsmen "are not performing law enforcement or any other functions," Army Maj. General Niave F. Knell said in a declaration submitted to federal court Wednesday.

Justice Department lawyers responded to San Francisco-based U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer on Wednesday seeking briefs.

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The 32-page filing notes that it is entirely within Trump's authority as commander-in-chief, and is not reviewable by the court.

Federal law generally bars the military from enforcing domestic laws, but Trump invoked a provision to protect federal property and personnel when there is a "rebellion" or "danger of rebellion."

The brief suggests that Gov. Gavin Newsom broke the law by failing to pass on Trump's order to activate the guard. They said he might be "unwilling" to put a stop to the violence.

The judge, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton, initially rejected an immediate order and has scheduled a hearing for Thursday.

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"The federal government is now turning the military against American citizens," Newsom said in a news release Tuesday announcing the lawsuit. "Sending trained warfighters onto the streets is unprecedented and threatens the very core of our democracy.

"Donald Trump is behaving like a tyrant, not a President. We ask the court to immediately block these unlawful actions."

The attempted order was filed as part of the governor's lawsuit against Trump, Hegseth and the Department of Defense, "charging violations of the U.S. Constitution and the President's Title 10 authority, not only because the takeover occurred without the consent or input of the Governor, as federal law requires, but also because it was unwarranted."

According to the lawsuit: "ICE officers took actions that inflamed tensions -- including the arrest and detainment of children, community advocates, and people without criminal history -- and conducted military-style operations that sparked panic in the community."

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Community members then began protesting to express opposition to "these violent tactics, arrests of innocent people, and the President's heavy-handed immigration agenda."

Protests continued for two more days, "and although some violent and illegal incidents were reported -- leading to justified arrests by state and local authorities -- these protests were largely nonviolent and involved citizens exercising their First Amendment right to protest. The protests did not necessitate federal intervention, and local and state law enforcement have been able to control of the situation, as in other recent instances of unrest.

Federal response

Approximately 2,000 Guardsmen from the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are helping protect ICE Officers, Customs and Border Protection Officers and FBI Special Agents. Another 2,000 have been called up.

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Army Maj. Gen. Scott M. Sherman, who is overseeing the National Guard, said about 500 of the National Guard troops have been trained to accompany agents on immigration operations.

National Guard troops have temporarily detained civilians in the Los Angeles protests, but they quickly were turned them over to law enforcement, Sherman said.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the administration "is not scared to go further" in expanding its legal authority to deploy troops in the city.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also has deployed 700 Marines near Los Angeles. Sherman said the Marines are still training outside Los Angeles.

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"Marines get a two-day set training for civil unrest, very extensive. It's all about civil disturbance and how to control crowds and protection of facilities," Sherman said during a news briefing Wednesday.

Hegseth told senators at a hearing Wednesday that Trump's order to federalize the National Guard in California could be applied in other states.

"Thankfully, in most of those states, you'd have a governor that recognizes the need for it, supports it and mobilizes it, him or herself," he said. "In California, unfortunately, the governor wants to play politics with it."

Trump said in an interview with the New York Post's Pod Force One, said: "I'm able to do things now that I wouldn't have been able to do because the previous president and presidency was so bad that anybody looks good.

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"As an example, I can be stronger on an attack on Los Angeles," Trump said. "I think bringing in the National Guard four years ago, or eight years ago, would have been more difficult."

Newsom on Wednesday said: "President Trump has unnecessarily redirected 4,800 activated guards and Marines to Los Angeles - that's more soldiers than are currently stationed in Iraq and Syria combined."

Situation on the streets

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said his agency is investigating whether there's "conspiracy" or organization behind crimes committed during protests.

"There is some evidence we've seen that I don't want to share at this time," Luna said at a Wednesday news conference with Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

He said authorities are focused on arresting individuals in causing unrest at the protests.

Hochman said his office will review additional criminal cases brought by law enforcement in addition to the five he announced Wednesday.

Two people were charged with assault on a peace officer after they allegedly drove motorcycles into a line of officers. One officer was hurt and several others were knocked down, Hochman said.

"For any individual who is engaged in criminal conduct but did not get immediately arrested, let me provide some bad news for you," Hochman warned. "There is a tremendous amount of video out there through social media, and otherwise. We will know who you are, who engaged in this conduct. We will track you down, we will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will punish you. So for people who've already engaged in this, in this illegal activity, we're coming for you."

Leticia Rhi Buckley, who lives and works just under a mile from the Los Angeles Federal Building, told CNN that the Trump administration's narrative that Los Angeles is under siege is false. She said the vast majority of what she's witnessed has been peaceful.

"I live less than a mile from here. I drive home and about five blocks down, there's nothing. It's like nothing is happening," she said. "Living in downtown for 15 years, it's gotten louder when the Dodgers won the World Series, or when the Lakers won."

Bass, the Los Angeles mayor, said "the portrayal is that all of our cities are in chaos. Rioting is happening everywhere, and it is a lie," she said, adding it is not an insurrection as Trump suggests.

"Given that I was there on January 6th and saw that insurrection take place, the idea that this, what is happening here is an insurrection is just false and I think it is deliberately false," Bass, appearing with 30 other mayors in the region, said. "I don't think they're confused."

Bill Essayli, the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, said authorities are collecting video, photos and body camera footage to identify anyone who committed acts of violence.

On Wednesday, he released video evidence on X related to the arrests of two men charged with possessing Molotov cocktails thrown at police officers in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday and Paramount on Saturday. Emiliano Garduno Galvez, of Paramount, previously was deported to Mexico, and is accused of throwing the weapon over a wall where Los Angeles deputies were engaging in crowd control in Paramount. Emiliano Garduno, a Long Beach resident, is accused of possessing a Molotov cocktail while holding a lighter near federal buildings in downtown Los Angeles.

"When protesting crosses the line into violence, the penalties will be severe," Essayli said in a news release. "Possessing a Molotov cocktail or another destructive device is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. The vile attacks such as the ones alleged in these complaints could have resulted in life-altering or life-ending injuries to police officers, sheriff's deputies, and innocent bystanders. We will not relent in dispensing swift justice to criminals who take advantage of our country's freedoms to engage in lawlessness."

ICE agents conducted raids Wednesday morning in Downey, Calif., Councilman Mario Trijulli said. The city of more than 110,000 people located south of Los Angeles.

Fearful immigrants

Nannies are worried they could be profiled and detained by ICE agents while working, one of them told CNN.

"I'm a citizen of the United States, but my color, my skin color, makes me wonder...will they see me different?" Elsy Melara said. "I'm honestly not afraid to the point myself, but I'm afraid that if they don't believe me, or if they choose not to believe me, what would happen to the kid?"

She said she knows two nannies are in ICE detention after they were handcuffed in a public park.

LA's garment industry is on edge.

Federal agents were seen going into the manufacturer Ambience Apparel in Downtown Los Angeles on Monday.

"We're hearing from our membership about a lot of fear and stress. People's mental health is really being impacted," Bo Metz, founder of LA-based manufacturer Bomme Studio, told Vogue Business. "People are afraid to leave their homes. Some people are opting to not go to work and others have no choice. We also need to continue to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads. Workers are really feeling that pressure right now."

More than one-third of the more than 300,000 workers producing clothing and shoes in the U.S. are immigrants, according to an analysis by Fwd.us, an immigration reform organization. That includes an estimated 30,000 undocumented.

And some families are afraid to attend graduation, fearing increased presence of immigration enforcement officials.

"I've spoken with parents who've told me that their daughter would be the first in their family to graduate high school and they're not going to be there to witness it, because they have a fear of the place of graduation being targeted," Alberto Carvalho, superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, said at news conference Monday.

Carvalho said he directed school police at ceremonies to "intervene and interfere with any federal agency who may want to take action during these joyous times that we call graduation."
Northern Ireland was rocked by a fourth night of anti-immigrant unrest on Thursday as police clashed with protestors in a second town, undeterred by driving rain.

Firing plastic baton rounds, police sought to drive back several hundred people who had gathered in the town of Portadown -- some 50 miles (80 kilometres) southeast of Ballymena, where an alleged sexual assault that sparked the violence took place -- an AFP correspondent saw.

Three nights of unrest had already hit Ballymena, some 30 miles (48 kilometres) northwest of Belfast, leaving a trail of damage, with 41 police officers injured and 15 people arrested.

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The clashes first erupted on Monday night after two teenagers were arrested for the alleged attempted rape of a young girl at the weekend.

Police have not confirmed the ethnicity of the teenagers, who remain in custody and had asked for a Romanian interpreter in court.

Foreign nationals were forced to hide in wardrobes and attics to escape the rioters, police said on Thursday, calling for the protests to end and warning demonstrators that they would face arrest.

"Stop this violence," said Northern Ireland police chief Jon Boutcher. "We will come after you. We will arrest you. We will prosecute you successfully."

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Fifteen people have been arrested and four people charged in connection with the ongoing disorder.

Boutcher described the riots as "wanton disgraceful criminal behaviour that is absolutely race motivated", speaking at a news conference on Thursday.

"They are not criminals. They contribute positively to society here and are well integrated," he added.

Clonavon Road, where most of the riots happened -- a neighbourhood known for having a large population of eastern Europeans -- was almost deserted on Thursday.

Many of the houses were damaged, and British, English or Northern Irish flags hung from most windows, AFP reporters saw. Some had signs saying they were Filipino residents.

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- 'Terrible scenes' -

There had been fears on Thursday that the violence might spread. One housing association in Portadown called on residents to leave and take measures to protect their property.

In a letter to its residents, Arbour Housing said that Thursday's demonstration in the town was "directed towards migrants, foreign nationals, and what are perceived as deviant behaviour," the BBC reported.

Residents should take measures to "secure your property and belongings", it added.

Ministers from every party in the province's power-sharing executive have strongly condemned "the racially motivated violence witnessed in recent days", while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer denounced the "mindless violence".

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The UK's Northern Ireland minister Hilary Benn, who visited Ballymena on Thursday, said he "utterly condemned the terrible scenes of civil disorder".

Police called the violence "racist thuggery", deployed riot officers with dogs and asked forces in England and Wales for help quelling the unrest.

Political commentator Alex Kane, a former Ulster Unionist Party communications chief, told AFP that "most of those involved in the rioting... were from the working-class loyalist community" who support Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK.

"This is a demographic which feels left behind" by various political and social forces, he added.

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"An unsettled community, particularly when it is mostly composed of the young, is often quick to anger and easy to mobilise on the street. It's a problem which won't disappear any time soon," he warned.

While acknowledging the protests were a "bit extreme", college student Lee Stewart, 18, described them as necessary "to defend our own people".

"We view it as the police aren't doing anything to stop what is going on to those poor wee girls," Stewart said.

bur-pmu-jkb/bc
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter.

Employers are increasingly focused on soft skills during the job hunt, with 60% saying soft skills are more important today than five years ago, according to a June 9 report from TestGorilla.

More than 70% of employers said evaluating the whole candidate  both skills, personality and cultural fit  leads to better results. In fact, 78% said they hired a candidate with strong technical skills who didnt perform well because of a lack of soft skills or cultural fit.

Employers want people who can think critically, adapt and collaborate, said Wouter Durville, CEO and co-founder of TestGorilla, in a press statement. The best hiring strategies now combine objective data with a holistic view of the candidate  their skills, values and cultural alignment.

In a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. and UK hiring decision-makers, 85% said they use skills-based hiring methods; more than half of U.S. employers said theyve removed degree requirements from roles.

Employers also indicated a major shift in skills priorities amid a labor market transformed by artificial intelligence. About 70% of U.S. employers said they now use AI in hiring, and 92% of those said it has improved their hiring.

At the same time, many employers said they still struggle to find talent, with 63% finding it harder than last year to secure prime talent. Meanwhile, employer demand for AI-specific skills has declined, dropping from 52% in 2024 to 38% in 2025.

Workers with soft skills get promoted faster than those who lack skills such as problem-solving, decision-making and good communication abilities, according to a LinkedIn report. For talent professionals, this means upskilling initiatives and the hiring process should include a focus on soft skills.

AI tools will transform talent acquisition during the next few months, and companies and job seekers alike will increasingly use AI in the hiring process, according to a LinkedIn Talent Blog post. Employers and applicants can expect to demonstrate more transparency about AI use.

The top in-demand skills in the U.S. include AI literacy and conflict management, according to another LinkedIn report. The list also heavily features other people skills such as adaptability, innovative thinking, public speaking, customer engagement and stakeholder management.

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Two combat veterans, Maj. Jason Knight and Jon Thorp, have announced they will run in the special Republican primary to fill the vacancy created by U.S/ Rep. Mark Green's resignation. (Knight photo: Montgomery County Commission; Thorp photo: Jon Thorp for TN-7 Facebook)

Two combat veterans, Maj. Jason Knight and Jon Thorp, have announced they will run in the special Republican primary to fill the vacancy created by U.S/ Rep. Mark Green's resignation. (Knight photo: Montgomery County Commission; Thorp photo: Jon Thorp for TN-7 Facebook)

Two combat veterans are joining the race to replace outgoing Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Green, while a former political operative is considering a candidacy for Tennessees 7th Congressional District seat.

Springfield resident Jon Thorp and Maj. Jason Knight of Clarksville, both veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns, announced they are entering the field as Republicans.

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A special election is to be held for the seat after Green said this week he will step down as soon as the House votes on President Donald Trumps budget plan.

They join Tennessee Department of General Services Commissioner Matt Van Epps, who reportedly left his post, in announcing their candidacy this week.

In addition, Michael Lotfi, deputy state director of Americans for Prosperity, said he is considering entering the race. Lotfi sparked outrage among Tennessee lawmakers six years ago when they found out former House Speaker Glen Casada put him on the state payroll as a political operative.

Thorp, an officer in the U.S. Army on multiple tours of duty, is billing himself as a political outsider under the Liberty Reset movement in which hes calling for fiscal sanity, congressional and bureaucratic term limits and full audits of government agencies.

This isnt about filling a seat. Its about flipping the script, Thorp said in a statement. For too long, Washington has served lobbyists, not Tennesseans. This is our moment to choose a different kind of leadership  one that values honesty over polish, accountability over party loyalty, and courage over careerism.

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Thorp acknowledged he hasnt voted in 24 years because he didnt like candidates from either major political party but said he is entering the race as children are being handed a collapsing economy, weaponized bureaucracy and a rigged political class that serves donors instead of voters.

Knight, a Montgomery County commissioner and former Clarksville City Council member who served nine years with the 101st Airborne Division, said he is running because President Trump needs reinforcements and backups in Congress.

From lawless rioters in California to obstructionists in Congress to far-left governors like Gavin Newsom, it is clear that an extreme out-of-touch minority is trying to stop President Trump and the America First policies that he is fighting for, Knight said in a statement.

Knight described himself as a staunch constitutionalist and a proven conservative who would support increased border security and efforts to deport criminals who have no permanent legal documentation.

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In a statement to the Tennessee Lookout, Lotfi admitted he would be a pretty flawed candidate but said he is honest, if that counts for anything anymore.

If no candidate emerges who will try to cut wasteful spending and return the federal government to its original scale and scope, Lotfi said he would enter the race.

Voters want bottom-up solutions that will empower them. They want to reclaim the American dream, he said.

Others considering running for the post are Republican state Sen. Bill Powers of Clarksville, Republican state Rep. Jody Barrett of Dickson and former Republican state Rep. Brandon Ogles of Brentwood. Those drawing mentions are House Speaker Cameron Sexton, state Rep. Gino Bulso and Chris Burger, a Tennessee political operative.

Rep. Vincent Dixie, a Nashville Democrat, is considering running for Congressional District.7. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

On the Democratic side, state Rep. Vincent Dixie of Nashville confirmed he is considering running.

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Ive had a lot of support and phone calls from people I respect who have asked me to run, said Dixie. I am seriously contemplating running for District 7: Im about 98.3% sure that this is what I want to do.

Sen. Charlane Oliver told the Lookout she is not interested in a congressional run at this time.

I take it very seriously, Oliver said. Its not just an opportunity, its a life change. Im honored and flattered that people would consider me.

Others being floated are former Nashville Mayors Megan Barry and John Cooper, state Rep. John Ray Clemmons, former Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover and Darden Copeland, founder of Nashville-based land use consulting firm Calvert Street Group.

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In a statement, Barry said, Green has announced his resignation before so lets see if he actually follows through. Im still taking it all in and dont want to enter into this lightly.

Ive been talking with my family and advisors and will make a decision when the time is right.

Clemmons told the Lookout that Democrats must unite behind a single candidate, but did not indicate whether he will run.

State Rep. Bo Mitchell and state Sen. Jeff Yarbro, all of whom have been mentioned as potential candidates, did not respond to requests for comment from the Lookout.

(Holly McCall contributed to this story.)

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One of the major factors contributing towards the growing sense of decay in Britains public realm  what some have started to call scuzz  is successive governments trying to cook the Treasurys books by running national policy through councils by stealth.

Most voters doubtless assume, not least because politicians continue to pretend, that their council tax is about paying for things like bin collections, road repairs, and urban beautification, all of which have been cut and cut again over recent years.

But in reality, many councils spend up to 70 per cent or more of their budgets servicing policies, such as social care and services for children with special needs, which are set in Whitehall.

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Yesterdays spending review was another case in point. Rachel Reeves announced an increase, albeit one that police chiefs think will be woefully inadequate. But dig into the details, and it becomes clear she expects that to come in large part from increases in council tax.

Its a cunning setup, in low political terms. Voters will see their taxes going up  but who can they blame? Their local authority, in the first instance, rather than the Chancellor. Perhaps their local police and crime commissioner too, if they know that PCCs get to set an additional policing precept on council tax bills.

The diffusion of authority makes it harder for people to hold anyone accountable, either for the increase or for the state of policing. When PCCs were introduced by the Conservatives, the idea was that they would help to increase scrutiny of the police by replacing anonymous boards with a single, elected individual who could champion the public interest.

Yet public awareness of the posts is so low (turnout in PCC elections is invariably risible) that this seldom happens in practice. Whilst some PCCs have been more effective than others, as a whole they have done little to halt or even slow the growing alienation between voters and police forces which seem, too often, to have very different priorities.

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Last year, analysis by the Daily Telegraph found that, years after the shocking stat was first reported, it is still the case that in almost half the country the police solve literally zero burglaries  a fact which sits very uncomfortably next to high-profile reports of sending six officers to arrest two parents for complaining about their childs primary school on WhatsApp.

And whenever there is serious public disorder, there is almost always a gulf between the swift and muscular response overwhelmingly favoured by voters when polled and the hands-off, softly-softly strategies employed by police chiefs. Ultimately, its one more thing for the Conservatives to learn, from their most recent period in government, how not to do it.

Driving change in the culture of the police is certainly possible. New Labour did it, and after 14 years of Tory-led government we are still living with the forces they forged. But it takes active pressure from the top, not farming the job out to minor functionaries nobody has heard of.

In the meantime, and as with so much else in Britain, were going to be stuck footing a bigger and bigger bill for a state which works less and less well.

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CHICAGO  Protestors marched in downtown Chicago Thursday, protesting against ICE raids.

The march began at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Ida B Wells at 4 p.m. and featured local groups who are demanding to get the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) out of Illinois, including the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

We refuse to stay silent while Donald Trump, Stephen Miller and Tom Homan terrorize our families and rip our communities apart, Veronica Castro of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights said.

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The march then went to Trump Tower before going back down State Street and wrapping up at Grant Park.

As the protesters marched on, traffic was blocked off. Chicago Streets and Sanitation vehicles as well as salt trucks were seen along the route to prevent vehicles from entering. Just two days ago, the driver of a vehicle drove through protesters blocking the 100 block of East Monroe Street, injuring a 66-year-old woman.

On Thursday morning, the Illinois Coalition of Migrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) held a press conference to update the public on what local communities are facing, and to demand the ICE raids to stop.

Earlier this week, Mayor Brandon Johnsons administration informed the public that the federal government has prepped tactical ICE teams for deployment in Chicago.

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Our democracy and freedom are on the line. This is a pivot point for our society. We will either rise and resist or we will allow Trump to become the fascist dictator he clearly wants to become, Johnson said.

More than 15 arrested in Tuesday ICE protests; ICE tactical team on stand by

This all comes after ICE agents detained at least 10 immigrants in the South Loop last week. The immigrants, who are already in the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) were sent text messages instructing them to come for their check-in appointment. Thats when ICE agents stepped in and detained them.

Gladis Yolanda Chavez Pineda was one of those immigrants arrested. The Honduras-native was detained while doing her Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) check-in.

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Pineda is now in the Kentucky County Jail.

Governor JB Pritzker is among other Democratic governors testifying before the House GOP about their states immigration policies. This comes on the heels of large protests in California.

The first large-scale anti-ICE protest in Chicago was held on Tuesday, June 10 in the Loop. A total of 17 protesters were arrested and at least one police officer was injured.

Another rally is expected on Saturday at noon at Richard J. Daley Center, located at 50 West Washington Street.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
MORTON, Ill. (WMBD)  Officials have confirmed a mosquito pool collected in Tazewell County has tested positive for West Nile virus.

The pool was reportedly collected on Tuesday, June 10 in Morton before being tested on Wednesday at the Tazewell County Health Department.

According to the Tazewell County Health Department, West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito.

Most people who are infected do not experience symptoms, but if symptoms are present, mild cases may cause a slight fever or headache.

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The Tazewell County Health Department said more severe cases may result in a fast-developing high fever with head and body aches, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, and in some severe cases, paralysis or death.

The health department also said symptoms typically happen from three to 14 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito.

People 60 years or older are at the highest risk for serious illness associated with West Nile Virus.

While the pool was collected in Morton, anyone within the area are urged to use precautions.

The department conducts regular testing of mosquito pools throughout Tazewell County and encourages residents to do what they can to help prevent the spread of West Nile virus.

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The health department encourages residents to follow The 3 Rs for Protecting Against Mosquitoes:

Reduce: Reduce the number of mosquitoes by reporting eliminating instances of

standing water (water that has sat in the same spot for more than 7-10 days). These areas

are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and for West Nile Virus. This can include keeping

outdoor trash cans closed so they do not fill with rainwater; getting rid of old tires, tin

cans, buckets, drums, bottles, or any other water-holding containers; and emptying plastic

wading pools at least once a week and storing indoors when not in use. Repel: Repel mosquitoes by using the proper insect repellent. Use a repellent containing

DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. When possible, avoid being outdoors from

dusk to dawn. This is when mosquitoes are most active. If you are outside during these

times, wear loose-fitting, light-colored, and long-sleeved tops and long pants made of

tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Report: Report instances of standing water that have sat for more than 7-10 days. To

report standing water in Tazewell County, head to TCHDs standing water report form.

For more information on West Nile virus, you can visit the Illinois Department of Public Healths website.

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Most Followed TikTok Creator in the World Khaby Lame Detained by ICE for Overstaying Visa originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

(Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

The 25-year-old Senegalese-Italian influencer entered the U.S. on April 30 and departed the country on Friday after being granted a voluntary departure by ICE. According to a statement made to The Guardian by an ICE spokesperson, Lame was held for allegedly overstaying the terms of his visa. Unlike a formal deportation, a voluntary departure allows Lame to return to the U.S. in the future without facing a legal reentry ban.



With 162.3 million followers on TikTok, Lame is known for his silent comedy skits, his bio reads If u wanna laugh u r in the right place. In January, he was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Reflecting on his journey, Lame told UNICEF from my own experience as a child fearing poverty, struggling to find my passion at school, and losing my job during the COVID-19 pandemic, to finding my place and calling in the world, I know that all children can thrive when they are given a chance and opportunity.



He became an Italian citizen in 2022, during a time of debate within the country over citizenship laws affecting children born in Italy to immigrant parents. As an Italian citizen, Lame was able to be in the U.S. for 90 days before having to apply for a visa.

Shortly after arriving in the U.S., Lame appeared at the 2024 Met Gala in New York City as a guest of BOSS. It remains unclear how he spent the remainder of his time in the country.



Lames detainment occurred amid heightened political tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the U.S. This week alone, ICE conducted multiple raids, prompting widespread protests against the agency and current immigration policies.



As of now, Lame has not made any public statements regarding his detainment. His only recent activity online was a photo shared of himself in Sao Paulo, Brazil released on Monday via Instagram story.

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
By Julia Payne and John Irish

BRUSSELS/PARIS (Reuters) -Most countries in the Group of Seven nations are prepared to go it alone and lower the G7 price cap on Russian oil even if U.S. President Donald Trump decides to opt out, four sources familiar with the matter said.

G7 country leaders are due to meet on June 15-17 in Canada where they will discuss the price cap first agreed in late 2022. The cap was designed to allow Russian oil to be sold to third countries using Western insurance services provided the price was no more than $60 a barrel.

The European Union and Britain have been pushing to lower the price cap for weeks after a fall in global oil prices made the current $60 cap nearly irrelevant. The cap is aimed at curbing Russia's ability to finance the conflict in Ukraine.

The sources, who declined to be named, said the EU and Britain are ready to lead the charge and go it alone, backed by the other European G7 countries and Canada.

They said it is still unclear what the U.S. will decide, though the Europeans are pushing for a united decision at the meeting. Japan's position also remains uncertain, they said.

"There is a push among European countries to reduce the oil price cap to $45 from $60. There are positive signals from Canada, Britain and possibly the Japanese. We will use the G7 to try to get the U.S. on board," one of the sources said.

Asked about Trumps support for a Russian oil price cap, a White House official said the president looks forward to a robust discussion on key economic and geopolitical issues.

During the G7 finance ministers meeting in the Canadian Rockies last month, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained unconvinced there was a need to lower the cap, according to sources.

However some U.S. Senators may endorse the idea, including Lindsay Graham, who in recent weeks told reporters he supports lowering the cap. Graham is pushing a hard-hitting new set of Russia sanctions that could impose steep tariffs on buyers of Russian oil.

The Canadian foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment.

The EU has proposed lowering the price to $45 a barrel in its latest 18th package of sanctions. The package must have unanimity from member states in order for it to be adopted, which could take several weeks.

Russia's largest export grade, Urals, trades at around a $10 a barrel discount to the Dated Brent benchmark out of Baltic ports. Brent futures have been trading below $70 a barrel since early April.

Sources said Washington's buy-in was not essential to lower the cap owing to Britain's dominance in global shipping insurance, and the EU's influence on the Western rules-abiding tanker fleet.
By Julia Payne and John Irish

BRUSSELS/PARIS (Reuters) -Most countries in the Group of Seven nations are prepared to go it alone and lower the G7 price cap on Russian oil even if U.S. President Donald Trump decides to opt out, four sources familiar with the matter said.

G7 country leaders are due to meet on June 15-17 in Canada where they will discuss the price cap first agreed in late 2022. The cap was designed to allow Russian oil to be sold to third countries using Western insurance services provided the price was no more than $60 a barrel.

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The European Union and Britain have been pushing to lower the price cap for weeks after a fall in global oil prices made the current $60 cap nearly irrelevant. The cap is aimed at curbing Russia's ability to finance the conflict in Ukraine.

The sources, who declined to be named, said the EU and Britain are ready to lead the charge and go it alone, backed by the other European G7 countries and Canada.

They said it is still unclear what the U.S. will decide, though the Europeans are pushing for a united decision at the meeting. Japan's position also remains uncertain, they said.

"There is a push among European countries to reduce the oil price cap to $45 from $60. There are positive signals from Canada, Britain and possibly the Japanese. We will use the G7 to try to get the U.S. on board," one of the sources said.

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Asked about Trumps support for a Russian oil price cap, a White House official said the president looks forward to a robust discussion on key economic and geopolitical issues.

During the G7 finance ministers meeting in the Canadian Rockies last month, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remained unconvinced there was a need to lower the cap, according to sources.

However some U.S. Senators may endorse the idea, including Lindsay Graham, who in recent weeks told reporters he supports lowering the cap. Graham is pushing a hard-hitting new set of Russia sanctions that could impose steep tariffs on buyers of Russian oil.

The Canadian foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment.

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The EU has proposed lowering the price to $45 a barrel in its latest 18th package of sanctions. The package must have unanimity from member states in order for it to be adopted, which could take several weeks.

Russia's largest export grade, Urals, trades at around a $10 a barrel discount to the Dated Brent benchmark out of Baltic ports. Brent futures have been trading below $70 a barrel since early April.

Sources said Washington's buy-in was not essential to lower the cap owing to Britain's dominance in global shipping insurance, and the EU's influence on the Western rules-abiding tanker fleet.

The U.S., however, does matter when it comes to dollar-denominated payments for oil and its banking system.

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The EU and its Western allies have been progressively cracking down on Russia's shadow fleet of tankers and related actors, which work to circumvent the cap.

The pressure has started to hurt Moscow's revenues and Western allies hope this will push more of the oil trade back under the cap. Russia's state-owned oil producer Rosneft reported a 14.4% slump in profits last year.

(Reporting by Julia Payne and John Irish; Additional reporting by Jarrett Renshaw in Washington; Editing by Jan Harvey and Susan Fenton)
Its an OK idea ... but way too expensive.

A new poll has found that a majority of Americans dont think the massive military parade that President Donald Trump has ordered up for his 79th birthday on Saturday is a good use of taxpayer dollars, even as most adults either approve of the parade itself or have no opinion of the plan.

An Associated Press and NORC survey of 1,158 adults across all 50 U.S. states asked respondents whether they believe the parade, which is ostensibly meant to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, is a good use of government funds or not a good use of government funds.

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According to results published on Thursday, a full 60 percent of respondents said they agreed with the latter statement that the parade  the first military parade in Washington since a victory parade held after Operation Desert Storm in 1991  was not a good use of money collected from taxpayers.

Just 38 percent said the parade was a good use of funds.

But when asked whether they approve, disapprove, or have no opinion of the parade itself, respondents were far more accepting of Trumps plan.

President Donald Trumps upcoming military parade will see 18 miles of fencing and 175 metal detectors installed in Washington, D.C. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

Roughly four in 10 Americans said they either somewhat or strongly approve of the parade compared with 29 percent who said they somewhat or strongly disapprove of it.

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Approximately 31 percent of respondents said they neither approve or disapprove of the parade plans, which will include a fireworks display and performance by Army parachutists.

The parade is expected to require spending somewhere between $25 million and $45 million, including a significant portion that will be spent after the parade to repair damage caused to D.C. roads by the numerous tanks expected to roll through the streets in a scene reminiscent of the annual Victory Day parade held in Moscows Red Square, an Army spokesman said.

Trump has pushed for the U.S. military to parade through the streets of Washington with tanks and missile launchers since he returned from a state visit to France early in his first term. During that July 2017 trip, the president saw the annual Bastille Day parade in Paris and wanted to replicate the martial display in the nations capital, complete with Abrams battle tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles.

But the military leadership in place during his first term balked at the idea because its not something that is part of the American military tradition. Pentagon brass eventually permitted some static displays of tanks and other heavy for Independence Day celebrations on the National Mall in 2019, where they served as part of a backdrop for Trump to deliver a speech in which he credited the Continental Army  the forerunner to the U.S. Army founded during the American Revolutionary War  with having took over the airports from the British.

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The bizarre remark drew ridicule from historians, who correctly noted that were no airports for either side to control during that conflict because powered flight would not be invented until 1904.

At least one Republican senator, Rand Paul of Kentucky, has spoken out against the parade plans, telling NBC News this week that he had never supported "goose-stepping soldiers and big tanks and missiles rolling down the street," and he "wouldn't have done it."

"Im not sure what the actual expense of it is, but Im not really, you know, we were always different than, you know, the images you saw in the Soviet Union and North Korea. We were proud not to be that, Paul said.

For his part, Trump has downplayed the cost of the parade, telling NBC News last month that the expenditure is "peanuts compared to the value of doing it."

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"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 we're going to celebrate it," he added.

The parade is expected to include as many as 6,000 soldiers from National Guard, the Army Reserve, Special Operations Command, West Point and Reserve Officers' Training Corps elements, as well as 50 aircraft, 150 vehicles  including tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, HIMARS launchers  plus 34 horses, two mules and a dog.
DENVER (KDVR)  The Arvada Police Department arrested a 55-year-old man on Tuesday who is accused of stealing a car from a woman who was with her children outside a local swimming facility.

The police department said it was dispatched to 5101 Kipling Street at 10:42 a.m. on Tuesday on a report of an aggravated robbery. The address is the site of the SafeSplash Swim School.

Speed cameras in Fort Collins will begin issuing citations soon

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Investigators determined the man, Clifton William White, approached the woman, stating, Somebody is chasing me; they are going to kill me, before driving off in her vehicle, following a struggle, police said.

APD said the woman was able to get her 3-year-old child out of the vehicle and that both children were out of the vehicle when White drove away.

Investigators were able to track the stolen vehicle to the area of 2nd Street and Ford Street in Golden. Police said officers from Arvada, Golden, the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office and the auto theft task force responded to the area and arrested White without incident after he was reportedly trying to flag down cars on Highway 58 and Highway 6.

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White received medical treatment after his arrest and is being held in the Jefferson County Jail on a $50,000 bond. He faces a charge of aggravated robbery.

The woman and her 3-year-old child both sustained minor injuries.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The mother of a man charged in relation to an alleged break-in at the UK site of an Israel-based defence firm has said it is "outrageous" that he faces 21 months in prison before his case goes to trial.

William Plastow, 34, is one of the 'Filton 18' accused of taking part in a Palestine Action protest at an Elbit Systems UK factory in Filton, Bristol last August.

Mr Plastow is still awaiting his trial which is scheduled for April next year. His mum, Jane Plastow, believes it is the longest anyone has been held in prison pre-trial on protest-related charges.

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The Judicial Office told the BBC it could not comment on individual cases.

An earlier court hearing was told that during the incident a vehicle was driven into the doors of buildings and two responding police officers and a security guard were injured.

Along with many of the rest of the group, Mr Plastow, from Manchester, is charged with criminal damage, violent disorder and aggravated burglary which he denies.

The Home Office has previously told the BBC: "The CPS has decided that there is sufficient evidence to submit to the court that these offences have a terrorism connection."

However, none of the 18 have been charged with terror offences.

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Elbit Systems UK is run separately to Israel-based Elbit Systems.

It previously told the BBC that claims the facilities supply the Israeli military are "completely false".

An Elbit Systems UK spokesperson told the BBC it will not comment on an ongoing legal process.

"I think [for Mr Plastow] there's a great sense of helplessness and hopelessness," Ms Plastow said.

"There have been lots of people locked up as political prisoners in Britain recently, there is Palestine Action and Just Stop Oil - but nobody has been locked up longer than my son and some of his comrades."

'Gross overreach'

Ms Plastow said her son applied for bail, promising the judge that he would stay with his mother and wear an electronic tag.

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"We had discussed the most onerous terms, it basically amounted to house arrest," Ms Plastow said.

She said she offered to pay 50,000, from a recent inheritance, but he was denied bail.

"My son has never been violent. It is a gross overreach," Ms Plastow added.

"The idea that at the moment it looks like he will be locked up for 21 months is outrageous."

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.

More on this story
This story was originally published on CIO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CIO Dive newsletter.

The banking industry was quick to recognize the business potential of generative AI and, on the flip side, appreciate the perils inherent in reckless adoption. Adept at managing risk, the sectors largest institutions took a cautious yet persistent approach moving pilots into production.

Adoption has picked up momentum over the last year, according to Evident Insights, which tracks 50 of the largest banks in North America, Europe and Asia. The 50 banks announced 266 AI use cases as of last week, up from 167 in February, Colin Gilbert, VP of intelligence at Evident said Tuesday during a virtual roundtable hosted by the industry analyst firm.

The vast majority, or about 75%, are still internal or employee facing, he said, adding that the distribution between generative AI and traditional predictive AI use cases was split roughly 50/50.

As banking integrates the technology into daily operations and models mature, the mix is shifting toward generative AI capabilities with customer-facing features, Mudit Gupta, partner and Americas financial services consulting practice AI lead at EY, said during the panel.

You tend to start with productivity because its low risk, Gupta said. You establish proof points so that when you get further down the road of adoption, you can move on to transformation.

Technology executives from three global banks each put their own spin on Guptas formulation.

We are taking incremental steps to do something exponential, Rohit Dhawan, director of AI and advanced analytics at Lloyds Banking Group, said. The bank is consolidating its AI efforts to move beyond individual use cases after bolstering its cloud-based data strategy earlier this year with Oracles Azure-based database system and Exadata customer cloud data system.

Its a very different mindset where you go from thinking about how to infuse or optimize a process with AI to fundamentally reimagining the process with AI, Dhawan said.

Generative AI use cases abound in banking. The technology has capabilities that reach across processes, from managing vast quantities of customer and compliance data for associates to assisting engineers in refactoring legacy applications.

Banking executives expect generative AI to be capable of handling up to 40% of daily tasks by the end of the year, according to an April KPMG report. Nearly 3 in 5 of the 200 U.S. bank executives surveyed by the firm said the technology is integral to their long-term innovation plans.
The mother of a woman who nearly died from an infection following a liquid Brazilian butt-lift (BBL) has spoken of her relief after the self-styled "beauty consultant" was given a banning order.

A BBC investigation found Ricky Sawyer was performing risky BBL treatments, which involve injecting up a litre of dermal filler into clients' buttocks to make them look bigger.

In May, a judge granted an injunction against Mr Sawyer, banning him from carrying out or arranging cosmetic procedures in England and Wales until 27 May 2028.

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Janet Taylor, the mother of Louise Moller, said she now had a sense of closure.

A BBC investigation found Ricky Sawyer to be performing risky BBL treatments [BBC]

"It was upsetting me every day that this person was still able to operate and nobody was stopping him," she said.

Ms Moller, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, needed life-saving emergency surgery after receiving a liquid BBL at his Essex clinic in October 2023.

She had developed sepsis and said she was warned by surgeons that she could die at any minute.

To stop the infection from spreading through her body, surgeons cut dead tissue out of an area covering almost her entire left buttock.

The BBC has since heard testimony from nearly 40 women who reported serious complications, including sepsis and necrosis, after undergoing procedures with Mr Sawyer.

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The BBC's findings were submitted to Manchester Civil Justice Centre as part of a civil action brought by Trafford Council.

Representing the local authority, lawyer James Parry told the judge that the injuries were akin to that of "serious knife crime".

The injunction prohibits Mr Sawyer from undertaking or facilitating any invasive cosmetic procedures, including but not limited to BBLs, anywhere in England and Wales.

It also bars him from possessing related surgical equipment or any antibiotics typically used in such treatments, unless prescribed for his own use.

Ms Taylor said: "To hear this news, I feel like a weight has been taken off me.

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"It's a relief that he cannot operate now in England and Wales or if he does there will be consequences."

Mr Sawyer has been given 21 days to challenge the injunction.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

Related Urls
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  A motorcyclist has died after being taken to the hospital with serious injuries involving a crash on River Street in West Springfield on Thursday.

The West Springfield Police Department was called to River Street for a report that a motorcyclist had struck a telephone pole. When officers arrived, a man operating a motorcycle was found with serious injuries and was taken to the hospital by the West Springfield Fire Department.

On Friday, Hampden County District Attorneys Office Spokesperson Elijah Ayers told 22News the motorcyclist, identified as 26-year-old Alejandro Garcia, has died due to their injuries.

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West Springfield police seek identity of woman who allegedly left salon without paying

MAP: River Street in West Springfield

River Street in the area of Sears Way was closed from Park Street to Baldwin Street while the accident reconstruction team conducted an investigation.

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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
UPDATE: Mount Lebanon Police Department says the missing teen has been found safe.

The Mount Lebanon Police Department is asking for help finding a missing teen.

The department is trying to find Liam Mooney, 16, who they say could be endangered.

Liam was last seen wearing jeans and a white tank top. He has dyed, bleached blond hair.

Anyone who sees Liam or knows where he may be should call 911.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A Mississippi man accused of felony fraud in multiple jurisdictions, including Horn Lake and Oxford, was arrested in Starkville Monday.

The Starkville, MS Police Department said Deshun Williams, 33, of Columbus, was wanted in connection with multiple fraudulent transactions conducted at eight separate businesses within the Starkville city limits.

Williams was charged with two counts of pretense, six counts of credit card fraud, and one count of credit card fraud.

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The charges stem from an ongoing investigation into fraudulent purchases and transactions made by Williams and occurred between March 2025 and June 9, 2025. Additional charges are expected.

Williams also faces related charges in Oxford and Horn Lake and is wanted on charges in Tennessee and Alabama.

Starkville said the arrest was the result of coordinated efforts among multiple agencies, including the Oxford Police Department, Horn Lake Police Department, Clay County, MS Sheriffs Office, Pickens County, AL Sheriffs Office, and the Tennessee Department of Corrections.

Starkville, Mississippi, is about 180 miles southeast of Memphis.

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MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN)  On Wednesday afternoon, the Mt. Juliet Police Department arrested a Nashville man wanted out of multiple states.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

The MJPD said the traffic stop happened along Interstate 40. Police discovered the 32-year-old Nashville man had multiple active warrants out of Nashville: one for a felony probation violation related to a charge of aggravated assault and the other for failure to appear on a theft charge.

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Police also discovered the man was wanted out of Florida, though they did not release the reason why. The Florida agency declined extradition.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Thanks to the vigilance and dedication of our officers, another wanted individual is off the streets, the MJPD said in a social media post announcing the arrest. Were proud of their continued commitment to keeping our community safe.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The Brief

Two men, Eric Hefner and Jonathan Powell, were arrested in Murray County following a multi-agency narcotics investigation.

Authorities seized 35 grams of methamphetamine, six pounds of marijuana, 86 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, a firearm, and $5,238 in cash.

Powell faces multiple charges, including trafficking methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, with active arrest warrants from Knox County, Tennessee.

MURRAY COUNTY, Ga. - A multi-agency narcotics investigation in Murray County led to the arrest of two men and the seizure of a significant quantity of drugs, cash, and a firearm, authorities said on Wednesday.

What we know

The Murray County Sheriffs Office said Eric Hefner of Dalton, Georgia, and Jonathan Powell of Knoxville, Tennessee, were taken into custody on June 10 following an extended investigation by the agencys Narcotics Division.

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Deputies seized approximately 35 grams of methamphetamine, six pounds of marijuana, 86 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, a firearm, and $5,238 in cash.

Hefner is charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, felony possession of marijuana, and possession of a Schedule I substance (psilocybin).

(Murray County Sheriff's Office)

Powell faces multiple charges including trafficking methamphetamine, intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a Schedule I substance (psilocybin), possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, felony possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Authorities said Powell also had active arrest warrants out of Knox County, Tennessee.

What we don't know

It is not clear if either has retained legal representation.

The Source

The Murray County Sheriffs Office provided the details and mug shot for this article.
HOLYOKE  Three people were arrested after a multi-agency investigation led police to an illegal loaded gun, bagged drugs, $725 in cash, a Taser and more.

Felix Vargas, 46, and Erica Weeks, 38, of Holyoke, both face several charges, including firearm possession without a license; carrying a loaded gun without a license; having ammunition without a license; possession of a gun while committing a crime; trafficking cocaine, 36 to 100 grams; and having a stun gun.

Christy Suarez, 45, of Holyoke, was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

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For the past few months, the multi-agency investigation focused on Vargas, who was suspected of distributing cocaine from his apartment on Hampden Street, Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan said.

On Friday, detectives were granted a search warrant for the apartment and Vargas car.

Early in the morning on Tuesday, around 5:30 a.m., officers from the Holyoke Police Narcotics Unit, the FBI Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force, the Chicopee Police Narcotics Unit, and the Hampden County Sheriffs Department carried out a search warrant at his address.

Keenan said, inside the apartment, officers detained Weeks, Suarez and Vargas. While being handcuffed, Vargas threw three bags of powder cocaine over a railing.

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After his arrest, police found two more bags of cocaine in his sneaker, and then three more bags in the police car he was taken in, Keenan said, totaling about 26 bags of crack cocaine and 10 bags of powder cocaine. Police also found a gun magazine.

Read the original article on MassLive.
BELVIDERE, Ill. (WTVO)  A Belvidere firefighter was sent to the hospital after the fire department was called to fight a fire at a commercial warehouse Thursday morning.

According to the Belvidere Fire Department, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from a pallet warehouse in the 1000 block of McKinley Avenue when they arrived at 5:02 a.m.

Multiple fire departments from surrounding municipalities were called to provide backup in the attack, which took two hours to bring under control.

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The damage to the facility was estimated at between $50,000 to $100,000.

All occupants of the building had evacuated prior to firefighters arrival. The firefighter was taken to the hospital for evaluation and then released.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Police officers may see something different every day on the job, but one thing stays consistent for some Middle Tennessee departments  suspects from other counties.

The Mt. Juliet Police Department calls it cross-county crime, and theyre not the only ones dealing with it.

Mt. Juliet police arrest man wanted out of Tennessee and Florida

The MJPD said that within the first five months of this year, theyve arrested 337 people. Three hundred and five of those people  or 91%  were non-residents. Police said that many of those non-residents were from Nashville.

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We are encountering these individuals are obviously wanted elsewhere happen to be in our community, Deputy Chief of the MJPD, Tyler Chandler, told News 2. They discover that theyre wanted and, of course, we apprehend them on those warrants.

Chandler said that apprehending suspects is the result of good police work and license plate recognition technology. Chandler told News 2 that the MJPD is thankful for the citys investment in LPR technology.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Another community dealing with cross-county crime is Clarksville.

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Weve seen a lot of people that are coming up from south of Clarksville that are breaking into vehicles and stealing vehicles and theyre ending up in the Nashville area, Scott Beaubien, the public information officer for the Clarksville Police Department, said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
(WHTM)  Multiple No Kings Day of Defiance rallies protesting the Trump Administration are planned this weekend in Central Pennsylvania communities.

According to NoKings.org, nationwide protests are set to occur on Saturday, June 14, including six in local communities across Midstate Pennsylvania.

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The Associated Press said the event will take place on Saturday, the same day as the Armys 250th anniversary celebration, which is also President Trumps 79th birthday.

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Theyve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services, No Kings said on its website. The corruption has gone too far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings.

Local rallies will be held at various times in different locations on June 14, including:

Harrisburg, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at South Riverfront Park

Carlisle, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., location TBD

Lancaster, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Binns Park

York, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., location TBD

Gettysburg, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Gettysburg Town Square

Chambersburg, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Franklin County Court Administration

Nearly 200 progressive organizations are listed as event sponsors on the website.

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In response to the upcoming protests, Governor Josh Shapiro said the following:

The right to peacefully protest and exercise our First Amendment is a sacred American right  and here in Pennsylvania, we will always protect it. At the same time, we will always remain focused on keeping our communities safe and ensuring all demonstrations remain peaceful. As Governor, I will stand in defense of this constitutional right and work to ensure all Pennsylvanians can exercise it safely and peacefully. With demonstrations and protests planned across Pennsylvania this weekend, I want to be very clear: all protests and demonstrations must remain peaceful, lawful, and orderly. Violence is not an answer to any political differences, destruction and chaos are unacceptable  and neither will be permitted here in Pennsylvania. My Administration is coordinating with the Parker Administration in Philadelphia and local officials and law enforcement all across the Commonwealth to make sure that demonstrations this weekend are lawful and peaceful. Colonel Paris and the Pennsylvania State Police are working closely with local police departments to ensure they have the resources and support they need. Together, we are prepared to keep our communities safe while protecting Pennsylvanians fundamental rights  and we will be working around the clock to ensure both the rights of protesters and the wellbeing of our cities and towns are protected. So long as I am your Governor, I will continue working every day to protect our freedom and keep our communities safe. Here in the Commonwealth William Penn founded on the promise that it would be welcoming to people from all walks of life, we can and must do both. Governor Josh Shapiro

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Marc Lore, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Jet.com and former Walmart (NYSE:WMT) executive, is preparing his food tech company Wonder for a public market debut in the first quarter of 2028, Fast Company reports.

Speaking at Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Summit in New York last week, Lore shared that his team is operating in reverse from March 2028. According to Fast Company, Lore plans to begin operating like a public company by the end of next year.

Don't Miss:

Wonder is Preparing Like a Public Company

The startup will hold quarterly earnings calls, provide earnings guidance, and run a compensation committee throughout 2027 as part of its initial public offering training, Lore says. A full board of directors will also be in place by then to match the operational rigor of a listed firm.

We're going to IPO and we're kind of working backward from March 30, 2028. Whether we hit it or not, we will see, Lore said. According to Fast Company, he also emphasized the importance of building that muscle early so the company moves into the public market with control, credibility, and proven transparency.

Google Ventures Leads $600M Round as Wonder Reinvents Mealtime with AI and Acquisitions

Wonder recently closed a $600 million funding round, led by Google Ventures, which pushed the startup's valuation to $7 billion, according to Bloomberg. The financial boost supports Lore's vision of developing what he calls an Amazon for food and beverage, The New York Times says.

Trending: Invest where it hurts  and help millions heal: Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold.

Lore said the company is creating an AI-powered superapp that blends meal delivery, personalized nutrition, smart restaurant systems, and brick-and-mortar locations into one seamless ecosystem. He added that the end goal is to own every consumer touchpoint in the mealtime experience across physical, digital, and logistical channels, Fast Company reports.

To accelerate this strategy, Wonder has made several strategic acquisitions including Blue Apron, Grubhub, and Tastemade. According to Fast Company, each acquisition expands the brand's control over content creation, order logistics, and last-mile delivery. The vertically integrated structure also allows Wonder to gather user data, refine personalization, and rapidly test new dining experiences.
A doctor has told a jury she believes injuries inflicted upon a five-week-old baby who was allegedly murdered by her father were caused by "violent shaking".

Thomas Holford, 24, is accused of murdering Everleigh Stroud, who was rushed to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital in Margate, Kent, on 21 April 2021.

Everleigh was having seizures, had a bleed on the brain and a number of other injuries. She died in hospital, aged 14 months, on 27 May the following year, Canterbury Crown Court was told.

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Holford, of Ramsgate, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in November last year but denies murder and causing actual bodily harm.

On Thursday, a statement from the consultant paediatrician who was on duty when Everleigh was admitted to the QEQM hospital was read to the jury.

Dr Bushra Malik said she was called to the A&E resuscitation department where "several members of staff were around the bed of a baby girl brought in by ambulance".

She was told it was a suspected Non-Accidental Injury (NAI) because of bruising on her face and the seizures she was having.

Before giving Everleigh a CT scan due to signs of a bleed on her brain, Dr Malik went to talk to the baby's mother to ask about the baby's history.

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"I can recall that Casey Stroud appeared more interested in her phone than she did Everleigh," Dr Malik said in her statement.

The scan showed a "massive" bleed on the baby's brain, the court heard.

Thomas Holford is accused of murdering his baby daughter, Everleigh [Supplied]

"In my professional opinion, due to the age and multiple bruising the injuries to Everleigh were caused non-accidentally," Dr Malik added.

Everleigh was transferred to Kings College Hospital in London by air ambulance later that day.

As well as brain injuries, she had injuries to her eyes "consistent with an acceleration/deceleration type injury", the court heard.

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Everleigh was transferred to a high-dependency unit and it was initially thought should would survive, despite the brain injury.

After being transferred back to the hospital in Margate for ongoing care, she survived for more than a year before her condition deteriorated.

On 27 May 2022 at Eveline Children's Hospital in London, the decision was made to withdraw her life support.

Arrest footage

The jury also heard a statement from Dr Sreena Das, a general paediatrician at Kings College Hospital.

She said the fractures to Everleigh's legs and ribs, damage to her eyes and multiple external bruising were typical "when a child is violently held and shaken".

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She said: "In my opinion the only explanation for the combination of head injuries and different fractures is non-accidental, in particular, violent shaking."

The jury was shown footage of the moment Holford was arrested on suspicion of child neglect and GBH on 21 May 2021.

During the footage, it was explained to Holford that police had received an update from the hospital that the bruising on Everleigh's face appeared to have been "done by a person".

The arresting officer, PC Lianne Groves, told Holford: "Obviously the only person that was in there with her..."

She was interrupted by Holford, who pointed at himself and said: "Was me".

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The trial continues.

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In early June 2025, Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina wrote an X post (archived) that read: "Due process is for citizens."

Her comment had been viewed more than 2.4 million times as of this writing and had amassed more than 6,500 likes.

The same claim has appeared in multiple X posts. In a similar tone, in May 2025, another X user wrote: "Due process is for citizens, not invaders."

(X user @NancyMace)

In short, due process is the legal principle that the government must follow fair procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty or property. It serves as a safeguard against arbitrary actions by the state, ensuring that people are treated justly under the law. For a more detailed explanation, see our full breakdown in this article on former President Bill Clinton's 1996 immigration law.

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While Mace's post did not explicitly say that due process protections are, or should be, limited to only U.S. citizens, her replies below the post reinforced that interpretation. However, the U.S. Constitution protects all "persons," not just citizens, under the due-process clauses of the Fifth and 14th amendments. The Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that these protections apply to anyone physically present in the United States regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

An MSNBC article on the topic similarly concluded that Mace's "implication  that noncitizens don't get that protection" was "incorrect."

Mace's take on due process for noncitizens

The South Carolina representative doubled down on her stance in the replies below her post, suggesting that noncitizens should not be entitled to due-process protections in the U.S.

For example, when one X user wrote, "The Constitution doesn't say 'only citizens.' Due process applies to persons  that includes non-citizens. That's settled law," Mace replied by saying: "Skip due process coming in, don't expect it going out. Citizens first!"

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Other replies further suggested she believed only U.S. citizens should be entitled to such protections (archived, archived, archived).

(X users @FJBIDEN_22 and @NancyMace)

These exchanges were not the first time Mace commented on due process. In late May 2025, she weighed in on the principle in response to a federal judge's decision to block the deportation of eight noncitizens convicted of violent crimes.

The day before U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy issued a 17-page order in which he emphasized that "the Court recognizes that the class members at issue here have criminal histories. But that does not change due process," Mace criticized the ruling, telling Fox News (archived): "They didn't want due process on their way in illegally, they shouldn't get due process on their way out."

However, the representative's comments about due process contradicted remarks she made about the principle in the past. In February 2023, Mace wrote on X (archived): "Everyone deserves the right to due process. Even those we vehemently oppose."

(X user @NancyMace)

Snopes has reached out to Mace for comment on whether she maintains that due-process protections should apply only to U.S. citizens and how she reconciles that view with her 2023 statement. We will update this article if we receive a response.

Due process applies to everyone, not just citizens

The U.S. Constitution's guarantee of due process appears in the Fifth and 14th amendments, both of which state that no person should be deprived "of life, liberty or property, without due process of law." As shown, the language uses "person," not "citizen," with regard to due-process protections.

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Further, the Supreme Court has repeatedly interpreted that due-process protections apply to everyone within U.S. borders regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

In Shaughnessy v. United States ex rel Mezei (1953) the Court emphasized (Page 212) that "aliens who have once passed through [U.S.] gates, even illegally, may be expelled only after proceedings conforming to traditional standards of fairness-encompassed in due process of law." Similarly, in cases such as Zadvydas v. Davis (2001) and earlier decisions dating back more than a century, the Supreme Court made clear that the government cannot detain or deport people arbitrarily. In the 2001 case, the Court underscored that "the Due Process Clause applies to all persons within the United States, including aliens, whether their presence is lawful, unlawful, temporary, or permanent."

In simple words, noncitizens must be given fair procedures, such as notice or a "credible fear interview," before being deprived of their liberty. The Supreme Court expressed the same view in the case of Reno v. Flores (1993), stating: "It is well established that the Fifth Amendment entitles aliens to due process of law in deportation proceedings."

This was not the first time Snopes addressed a claim regarding Mace. For instance, in late May 2025, we investigated a rumor that she ordered staffers to create burner accounts to promote her online. Meanwhile, earlier in June 2025, we also fact-checked a rumor about whether the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, signed by Clinton, allowed deportation without due process.

Sources:

"327K Views  15K Reactions | Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) Responds to Arguments That Illegal Immigrants Convicted of Heinous Crimes Deserve Due Process after a Judge Blocks a Deportation Flight to South Sudan | 'They Didn't Want Due Process on Their Way in Illegally, They Shouldn't Get Due Process on Their Way Out.' Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) Responds to Arguments... | by Fox News | Facebook." Facebook.com, 2022, www.facebook.com/FoxNews/videos/1432914678060895/. Accessed 6 June 2025.

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Congress.gov. "U.S. Constitution - Fifth Amendment | Resources | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress." Constitution.congress.gov, 15 Dec. 1791, constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-5/.

Constitution Annotated. "U.S. Constitution - Fourteenth Amendment | Resources | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of Congress." Congress.gov, 9 July 1868, constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-14/.

Deng, Grace. "Did Nancy Mace Order Staffers to Create Burner Accounts to Promote Her Online? Here's What We Know." Snopes, Snopes.com, 30 May 2025, www.snopes.com/news/2025/05/31/burner-accounts-nancy-mace-staffers/. Accessed 6 June 2025.

Dunbar, Marina. "Court Halts Trump Administration's Effort to Send Eight Men to South Sudan." The Guardian, The Guardian, 23 May 2025, www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/23/trump-south-sudan-deportations-halted-judge.

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Gabbatt, Adam. "Group Stranded with Ice in Djibouti Shipping Container after Removal from US." The Guardian, The Guardian, 6 June 2025, www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/06/migrants-djibouti-ice. Accessed 6 June 2025.

"Gov.uscourts.mad.282404.119.0." Documentcloud.org, 2025, www.documentcloud.org/documents/25950940-govuscourtsmad2824041190/. Accessed 6 June 2025.

"Reno v. Flores, 507 U.S. 292 (1993)." Justia Law, supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/507/292/.

Rubin, Jordan. "Due Process Is Not Limited to Citizens, Contrary to Nancy Mace's Claim." MSNBC.com, MSNBC, 4 June 2025, www.msnbc.com/deadline-white-house/deadline-legal-blog/nancy-mace-due-process-citizens-rcna210851. Accessed 6 June 2025.

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Wrona, Aleksandra. "Bill Clinton Did Not Sign Law in 1996 Allowing Deportation without Due Process." Snopes, Snopes.com, 5 June 2025, www.snopes.com/fact-check/bill-clinton-immigration-reform-act/. Accessed 6 June 2025.

"Zadvydas v. Davis, 533 U.S. 678 (2001)." Justia Law, supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/533/678/.
LGBTQ leaders in Nashville are asking for the Davidson County District Attorney to prosecute a man who struck a transgender woman in the lobby of a Nashville business. (Photo: Getty Images(

The video in this story has been updated to reflect Jeremiah Hendricks correct former employer.

The Davidson County District Attorneys Office is facing scrutiny for not filing charges after a man struck a transgender woman in the head at a Nashville business in May.

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Surveillance footage from the office of Extra Space Storage on Charlotte Pike shows 35-year-old Jeremiah Hendricks approaching 27-year-old Tyler Flanagan on May 30 and striking her, causing her sunglasses to fly off of her face.

In a statement issued June 9, the Metro Nashville Police Department wrote that after discussion with the District Attorneys Office, the MNPD is not placing any charges.

The Metro Nashville Councils LGBTQ Caucus is now calling for the district attorney to complete a more thorough analysis of the case, including whether the case falls under Tennessees hate crime law.

MNPD spokesperson Don Aaron said the departments Specialized Investigations Division, which looks into hate crimes, reviewed the footage.

District Attorney General Glenn Funk will review the case early next week upon returning from vacation, according to the LGBTQ Caucus. In the meantime, the caucus stated MNPD must recall and restate its press release to reflect the DAs new review and intended actions.

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The police statement  details of which Flanagan and her attorney dispute  provides a brief description of the altercation and notes that both parties can choose to privately prosecute the case.

Flanagan and a friend reported that former Black Tie Moving employee Hendricks and his coworkers used transphobic and homophobic slurs toward them before the physical attack, according to police.

Hendricks, who is Black, and his coworkers accused Flanagan and her friend of using racially insulting language, according to the MNPD statement. Hendricks also said Flanagan threw a milkshake toward him. Surveillance footage shows Flanagan tossing something out of the car, but its not clear whether Hendricks, who was several feet behind the vehicle, was hit by the cup.

Attempts to reach Hendricks for comment were unsuccessful.

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Civil Rights attorney Abby Rubenfeld, known for filing the lawsuit that led to Tennessees role in the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage in the United States, is representing Flanagan. Rubenfeld said the claim that Flanagan and her friend used racial names toward Hendricks is false and unsupported. She also said the police description of Hendricks striking Flanagan with an open hand is incorrect.

An unsupported allegation of a drink being thrown and liquid perhaps spilling on an individual is not in any way comparable to a physical assault, a brutal punch to the head of an unsuspecting, vulnerable person, which is what happened here and is documented on video, Rubenfeld stated.

The LGBTQ Caucus also expressed concern at the impression that throwing a milkshake at someone is the equivalent of a physical assault.

How the process works

District attorneys have an obligation to look into (a) case to see if a conviction can be obtained, but they also have authority to screen cases before they get to court to determine which cases are the best use of the offices scarce resources, said Nashville criminal defense attorney David Raybin, speaking generally about the criminal justice system as an attorney who is not representing either party in the case.

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All criminal cases are brought in the name of the state  and the district attorney is the one who brings the charges under the law, Raybin said. The DA has discretion to charge someone or not, even though the victim of an alleged assault may want to bring charges.

Davidson County is one of many that screen cases to avoid overwhelming the courts with cases that may lack sufficient evidence or have legitimate defenses that could impact the likelihood of a conviction, he said. The parties in an assault case can also choose to file a civil lawsuit.

Aaron said neither Flanagan nor Hendricks has filed charges independently.

Rubenfeld said Flanagan is waiting for the DA to bring charges, as they should when there is an obvious, documented, unprovoked assault captured on video.

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In a post on Instagram, Flanagan said the attack was intentional and came from hate.

This is the first time ever in Nashville Ive ever felt so unsafe, terrified for my safety in that moment a grown man twice my size fully trying to beat me, she wrote.

Black Tie Moving fired Hendricks after reviewing the incident, which it described in a statement as deeply troubling and entirely unacceptable.

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WESTBURY, N.Y. (PIX11)  The presence of ICE agents unsettled residents in Westbury on Tuesday afternoon, prompting what one Assemblymember described as a community response where residents voiced anger over an obviously excessive and aggressive display of force.

The agents who were reportedly involved in an enforcement operation just a block away from the Park Avenue Elementary School were also involved in a motor vehicle accident with an unidentified motorist.

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The concern within immigrant communities continues to be over so-called collateral detainments and arrests; that is, being cuffed for simply being in the wrong place at the time.

Residents also expressed concern that operations were so close to school grounds.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman addressed the idea of ICE entering schools. I think I just made it clear. The program is not intended to go into schools unless theres a danger. If theres a danger, I would support our police officers going into the school first, but they are not going into schools. We have talked to them. They are not asking witnesses or victims of crime for their immigration status.

Meanwhile, an ICE spokesperson sent the following statement to PIX11 News:

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During the operation, special agents were confronted by multiple anti-law enforcement agitators, which prohibited the enforcement action. Shortly thereafter, a member of the law enforcement team was involved in a motor vehicle collision. The involved parties were subsequently surrounded by these agitators before the law enforcement officer was removed from the scene.

It is unclear if and when ICE will return.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
National Guard troops in Los Angeles have already detained protesters boycotting operations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), though they were quickly turned over to local law enforcement, according to officials.

Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman told the Associated Press on Wednesday that about 500 National Guard Troops have been trained so far to help agents carry out immigration operations.

Immigration officials have already circulated photos of soldiers from the National Guard providing security for Department of Homeland Security agents.

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Newsom Files Emergency Motion To 'Immediately Block' Trumps Use Of Military To Stop La Riots

Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, head of Task Force 51, which is overseeing the deployment of National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles, speaks to reporters Wednesday at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, Calif.

While riots have calmed down in Los Angeles, Sherman said he expected things to escalate once again.

"We are expecting a ramp-up," he said, adding that officials are discussing protests across the U.S. "Im focused right here in L.A., whats going on right here. But you know, I think were, were very concerned."

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Sherman commands Task Force 51, which oversees the more than 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines who were deployed to Los Angeles in response to the protests that erupted on Friday as ICE agents conducted illegal immigration operations in the area.

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Hegseth Defends National Guard La Deployments, Says Ice Agents Must Be Protected

National Guard troops were deployed around downtown Los Angeles on Sunday after an immigration raid protest the night before.

He told the AP that over the past few days, National Guard soldiers have temporarily detained anti-ICE protesters, though there have not been many as of late because things have calmed down.

Sherman also said the soldiers did not participate in the arrests or law enforcement activities. Instead, he added, they let the agitators go once police take them into custody.

The troops being deployed to the protests all go through several days of training on civil unrest. Those troops providing security during raids also go through additional instruction, legal training and rehearsals with the agents conducting the enforcement operations.

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Trump Takes Action Against 'Orchestrated Attack' On Law Enforcement By Deploying Marines To La: Assemblyman

A protester throws a rock near the 101 Freeway during anti-ICE clashes Sunday in Los Angeles.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has had a public war of words with Trump administration officials, accusing the president of having "commandeered" 2,000 of the states National Guard members "illegally, for no reason" without consulting with Californias law enforcement leaders.

The Trump administration, meanwhile, said its ICE operations are aiming to get "criminal illegal immigrant killers, rapists, gangbangers, drug dealers, human traffickers and domestic abusers off the streets."

Fox News Digitals Danielle Wallace and the Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: National Guard troops detain anti-ICE protesters in Los Angeles under Trump's orders
NATO is rolling out a new satellite surveillance system designed to monitor military activity in Ukraine and along the alliance's eastern borders, senior commander Admiral Pierre Vandier told Bloomberg in comments published on June 12.

The initiative, named Smart Indication and Warning Broad Area Detection (SINBAD), will allow NATO to scan vast territories with unprecedented frequency, using AI-powered analysis to detect changes and alert allies to potential threats. The alliance has reportedly selected U.S. satellite imaging firm Planet Labs as the project's key partner.

"Today, we're not certain the Russians will stop at Ukraine," Vandier said. "We'll be able to tell them: we're watching," he added.

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Vandier, who oversees the alliance's battlefield innovations, emphasized that the ability to monitor troop movements and detect ceasefire violations has become a central concern for European allies, particularly as discussions continue around future peace frameworks for Ukraine.

Previously, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer initiated a so-called "coalition of the willing," uniting countries that would back a potential peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

So far, at least 37 countries have been involved in the coalition's discussions, with 15 reportedly ready to contribute their troops. Other members have been asked to provide other forms of support, including intelligence, arms, or naval support.

The launch of SINBAD comes as NATO seeks to boost its own capabilities in space surveillance, a field where the alliance has long relied heavily on U.S. assets. While the U.S. remains central to NATO's space strategy, European allies are moving to reduce dependency, especially amid shifting U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump.

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Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on the U.S. commitment to NATO, signaled intentions to reduce U.S. troop presence in Europe, and blamed Ukraine's pursuit of alliance membership for provoking the war.

The alliance is also expected to endorse a new defense spending benchmark, 5% of economic output, with 3.5% for core defense and 1.5% for related sectors, at its upcoming summit in The Hague on June 2425.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine has been invited to attend the NATO leaders' summit. "We were invited to the NATO summit. I think this is important," Zelensky said during a June 2 press conference.

Zelensky noted ongoing discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other alliance officials on Ukraine's potential role and outcomes at the summit.

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Read also: Russia doubts NATOs Article 5, could use little green men to test it, German intelligence chief warns

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Admiral Pierre Vandier, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, has stated that the Alliance is expanding its satellite surveillance capabilities to cover larger areas, enabling NATO to track military movements in Ukraine and along Russias borders with Eastern European countries.

Source: Vandier in an interview with Bloomberg, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Vandier said that the new tool will allow NATO to monitor "huge areas", including manoeuvres, troop movements and battlefield actions for the first time.

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"Today were not certain the Russians will stop at Ukraine. Well be able to tell them: were watching," he noted.

Bloomberg reports that NATO has selected the American satellite imagery provider Planet Labs to implement the initiative.

The new project has been named Smart Indication And Warning Broad Area Detection (SINBAD). It aims to conduct frequent monitoring of large areas across the globe throughout the year, using artificial intelligence to detect changes and automatically issue warnings.

An Alliance official told Bloomberg that the technology could also be used to monitor the Arctic, which is becoming increasingly strategic due to rising Russian and Chinese interests in the region.

Background:

NATO member states are preparing to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP. Part of these funds will support Ukraine, which could significantly strengthen the capabilities of Ukraines defence forces.

The new spending target is expected to be divided: 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 provide aid to Ukraine and consider this to be fulfilling the new 5% GDP defence spending commitment.

Read more: No promises, just funding: NATO Hague summit to approve new ways to support Ukraine in fight

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RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson is among 42 across the country urging Meta to crack down on deceptive ads.

The joint letter claims the social media giant is allowing these so-called pump and dump schemes on Facebook, conning users out of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Scammers are using fake Facebook ads to trick people into losing millions in scam investments, said Jackson in a statement. Its Metas job to take these ads down and make sure their platform is as safe as possible for users everywhere. Meta needs to act now.

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Consultant behind AI-generated robocalls mimicking Biden goes on trial in New Hampshire

Jacksons office says these ads frequently use images of well-known financial figures like Warren Buffet, Cathie Wood and Elon Musk to make users think theyre legitimate. Theyll advertise stocks with outrageous returns, free consultations, or offer to give investment advice.

The AGs claim that clicking on the ads directs users to join a WhatsApp group, where the scammers allegedly urge victims to buy penny stocks to rapidly inflate the share prices. After pumping up the price of the stock, the scammers will dump their shares, causing the prices to fall and leaving victims unable to get their money back.

South Carolina AG Alan Wilson is among the co-signers.

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The letter cites several examples of victims, including a 65-year-old woman who lost her 401(k) to this scheme after clicking on a Facebook ad for what seemed to be a reputable investment management company. And three victims in South Florida spoke to a news outlet reporting direct losses of more than $85,000 and pointing to two-dozen other victims who lost millions more.

The attorneys general are asking Meta to either strengthen its advertisement review practices to prevent these ads from being shown to Facebook users or remove all investment ads from the platform.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
OTTAWA COUNTY, Okla.  After securing a necessary permit, developers looking to build a poultry bio-processing facility in Ottawa County are looking ahead to the projects next steps.

On Wednesday (6/11) we caught up with Miles Walker, the managing director of Argo Development Partners.

In May, the company received an air quality permit from the Oklahoma Department of Environment Quality (DEQ).

That permit opened the door for the company to build a facility using chicken waste to produce methane-based gas and fertilizer.

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Walker says his company is working on integrating requirements set forth by the DEQ into the site plans.

Theyre also working to secure a loan to finance the project, which is estimated to cost over $100 million.

Its been good to engage the community. I really enjoyed working in the community. Its been a lot of work to talk to people and explain how the project works, and I think it helps that we believe were bringing a good project. We think that this is the right thing to do, and we think its the right way to manage nutrients, said Walker.

Construction of the facility is likely to begin later this year. Its expected to take at least two years for it to become operational.

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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  Local officials warned more than half a million Iowans in the state's capital city and suburbs on Thursday that near-record level of pollutants in its rivers could make drinking water dangerous if immediate steps are not taken to reduce demand.

But the officials declined to explain what they believe has caused the surge in nitrate levels, which has historically been tied to runoff from farmland draining into Des Moines-area rivers.

The water utility, Central Iowa Water Works, issued a first-ever ban on lawn watering for the region after seeing the highest levels of nitrates in the river water since 2013. Federal regulations require a maximum nitrate level of 10 milligrams per liter. The current level being provided to 600,000 customers is 9, local officials said.

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If we end up in a space where were well over that  threshold, were really going to start worrying about our pregnant women and our children under the age of six months, said Juliann Van Liew, public health director for Polk County.

Van Liew warned that drinking water with too-high levels of nitrate could potentially cause birth defects and a condition when an infants blood doesnt have enough oxygen, commonly known as blue baby syndrome.

Tami Madsen, executive director of Central Iowa Water Works, said it is not unusual to see an increase given Iowas nitrate seasons but noted this year has been unusually high. Still, she deferred on an explanation of what is driving the higher rates.

Unfortunately, this is a first and this is not history that anyone should be proud of, Madsen said of the ban on lawn watering.

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She urged cooperation. If we continue on the path were on today, where people are still choosing to water their lawn over producing water that meets safe drinking water standards, well be back here to talk to you all about a violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Madsen said.

Officials made clear the water currently meets regulations and is safe to drink. But while the water utility works to treat the water to reduce nitrate pollutants to a safe level, Des Moines metro residents demand is higher than the amount they are able to treat. The utility said it has been treating water for 55 days, at a cost of between $14,000 and $16,000 a day.

In the past, the high cost to Des Moines and the rest of Polk County has led officials to go to farmers directly, to the statehouse and to court in a tug-of-war with the states dominant agricultural industry. The officials have long complained that nitrates and phosphorous from farm fertilizers pour off fields, concerned about rivers so polluted that even the utility's sophisticated and costly equipment could fall short in purifying.

In 2015, the utility took the issue to court to ask for the millions of dollars it was being forced to spend to filter unsafe levels from drinking water taken from the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. A judge ultimately dismissed the lawsuit against three northwest Iowa counties, ruling the issue was one for the Legislature to address.

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The states Republican leaders at the time lauded the ruling, saying the lawsuit wasnt necessary to improve water quality because farmers and government subdivisions already are taking steps to ensure water quality.

The nitrate issue goes back decades and involves a huge watershed area in agriculture-heavy Iowa, said Chris Jones, a retired University of Iowa research engineer trained as an analytical chemist whose research focused on water quality in agricultural landscapes. He also previously worked at Des Moines Water Works.

The root cause of the nitrate problem is runoff from fertilizer and manure from agricultural operations, and June 1 is roughly the peak in Iowa, he said. Two new treatment plants have helped, but Jones suggested the long-term situation needs changes in agriculture.

Although the idea that lawn watering is an aesthetic and maybe not needed," he said, the fact that theyre telling people not to use water in this way is a real red flag about the situation with water quality.

___

Associated Press writer Jack Dura contributed from Bismarck, North Dakota.
The insider activity: Since February 18, Wynn insiders have purchased an enormous $31.5 million worth of stock at $67.62 to $92.44. Most of the buying was from billionaire and seasoned entertainment-sector investor Tilman Fertitta through his firm Fertitta Entertainment. Fertitta owns the Houston Rockets NBA team, and he is no stranger to the gaming sector  he owns several Golden Nugget casinos. Though he does not work for Wynn, Fertitta is considered an insider because he owns a large stake. These insiders are called beneficial owners. Actual insiders are buying, too: Two directors bought $2.2 million worth of stock in February.

1. Wynn Resorts (WYNN): Wynn Resorts WYNN operates the Wynn Las Vegas, Encore Las Vegas and Encore Boston Harbor casinos. Overseas, it owns Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace in Macau in China. The company should post growth by expanding via the construction of the Wynn Al Marjan Island in the United Arab Emirates. Improved consumer confidence as recession and tariff fears ease will also help sales growth.

Bank of America uses a simpler approach that can still be effective. It ranks companies by the number of shares bought in the past three months as a percentage of the float. Below are the top four names that rank the highest for insider buying and insider selling, using this approach. I also lay out the bullish trends that explain the insider buying  and why these stocks still look quite cheap.

Thanks to U.S. securities laws, insiders have to reveal their buying activities to the public in almost real time. There are many ways to refine the insider signal in these filings. Personally, I favor purchases by insiders with good track records, and buys by C-suite managers who are closer to the business than directors. Cluster buys by groups of insiders enhance the signal.

Alpha means outperformance. So thats a fancy way of saying Bank of Americas highest-ranked insider stocks knocked the lights out.

Insiders are particularly worth following coming out of big market selloffs like the one we just went through. During the last period of systemically stressed markets (2008 to 2010) our insider-buying strategy drove 19 percentage points of annualized alpha, Subramanian wrote in a recent research note.

Hedge-fund managers are supposedly the smart money, so investors love to turn to them for stock ideas. But tracking company insiders is a better way to go; theyre the smartest money, says Bank of America strategist Savita Subramanian.

Story Continues

Valuation: Wynn looks cheap. It trades at a 43% to 50% discount to its trailing five-year average price-to-earnings and price-to-sales ratios, according to financial-data firm LSEG.

2. Occidental Petroleum (OXY): Occidental Petroleum OXY is a blue-chip energy company that holds prime assets in the Permian Basin in the Southwest U.S. The stock is down almost 30% in the past year, as the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil CL.1 has fallen. Oil prices are down due to concerns about global economic growth. WTI fell more than 15% following President Donald Trumps liberation day tariff announcement on April 2.

Since then, WTI is up about 10% off its lows in early May, recently trading above $66. Oil may continue to trend higher on the so-called TACO trade  the view that Trump will continue to back down on imposing draconian tariffs. This would boost growth forecasts and Occidental Petroleum shares.

The insider activity: Investors who love to follow Warren Buffett should be in this name. So far this year, Berkshire Hathaway BRK.A BRK.B has purchased $35 million worth of Occidental stock at $46.82. But thats really just the tip of the iceberg. In the past three years, Berkshire has put $6.9 billion into this stock at prices of up to $63.05. It is Berkshires seventh-largest investment. Buffetts position is so large that he is considered an insider, or a beneficial owner.

Oxy produces the kind of strong cash flow that Buffett loves to see  $2.1 billion in the first quarter of this year alone. It is also selling assets to improve its balance sheet. Oxy sold $1.3 billion worth of assets in the first quarter and repaid $2.3 billion in debt.

Valuation: Despite the stocks decline, its still hard to make a strong valuation case for it, though the shares do trade at a discount. Occidental trades at a price-to-sales multiple of 1.5, which is a 6% discount to its five-year trailing average of 1.6, according to LSEG.

3. J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT): This is one of the largest trucking companies in North America. J.B. Hunt JBHT gets goods to where they need to go in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Its stock is down 16% this year so far on concerns that tariffs will cut into imports, hurting demand for trucking services.

At a May 20 shipping conference, J.B. Hunt Executive Vice President Darren Field said its too early to tell how tariffs will impact the companys business. But through their buying, insiders are already telling us the stocks decline is an overreaction to the threat.

The insider activity: Back in February, a director bought $10 million worth of J.B. Hunt stock at prices of up to $169.48, according to LSEG. Then in late April, the chief operating officer bought $400,000 worth of stock at $130.75. This buying is a bet that fears about a U.S. recession and the impact of tariffs on growth are overblown.

Valuation: J.B. Hunts stock looks cheap relative to its history. The stock trades at a price-to-sales multiple of 1.1, which is a 22% discount to the trailing five-year average.

4. Estee Lauder (EL): This global beauty-products giant sells skin-care, makeup, hair-care and fragrance products in 150 countries.

The stock is down 44% in the past year. The good news for investors is that Estee Lauder EL is in turnaround mode under new management. Insiders buying their own turnarounds can often be a winning combination. Turnarounds typically take a lot of time, and insiders are often among the first to recognize they will work out. The company says it will return to sales growth in 2026.

Estee Lauder is trying to boost market share by rolling out new products. Its creating new sales channels  on Amazon AMZN and TikTok, for example. It is also cutting costs by restructuring. Estee Lauder is cutting middle-management ranks by 20% and reducing executive expenses by 30%.

Tariffs are a threat, but the company says it is managing the problem by moving manufacturing from China to regional markets in North America, Europe and Japan.

The insider activity: In February, a director bought $8.7 million worth of stock at prices of up to $68.80, The same director bought a sizeable $24.9 million worth of stock at lower prices ($63.18 to $65.57) last November. Continued buying on strength like this (as opposed to profit-taking) is a bullish signal in insider-buying analysis. The chief financial officer bought $46,000 worth of stock in early February after buying $65,000 worth in November.

Valuation: On a price-to-sales basis, Estee Lauder looks very cheap. Its price-to-sales multiple of 1.1 is 64% below the trailing five-year average of 3, according to LSEG.

Michael Brush is a columnist for MarketWatch. At the time of publication, he owned WYNN, JBHT and EL. Brush has suggested WYNN, OXY, JBHT and EL in his stock newsletter,

More: The greatest threat to your portfolio right now is the U.S. Congress

Plus: The S&P 500 is nearly back to record highs  but investors shouldnt get too comfortable

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An Indiana teacher reads to her class. (Courtesy Indiana State Teachers Association)

Nearly 300 Hoosier students will receive up to $40,000 each to pursue careers in education through the states Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship program, higher education officials announced this week.

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education awarded 295 awards for the 202526 academic year. The renewable scholarship provides up to $10,000 per year for four years. In exchange, recipients agree to teach for five years at an eligible Indiana school or repay a prorated amount.

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Now in its ninth year, the program aims to address the states ongoing teacher shortage by supporting students committed to staying in the profession.

Teachers inspire confidence in the next generation and prepare students for future career success, said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery. The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship is a key strategy to build Indianas future teacher workforce with high-quality talent. The students selected for this opportunity have the passion and determination to make a difference in classrooms across the state.

The 2025-2026 application cycle drew a record 1,091 applicants  a 15% increase over last year  from 326 high schools across 89 of Indianas 92 counties, according to CHE. Of those applicants, 73% were high school seniors and the rest were current college students.

State lawmakers expanded the annual scholarships in 2023, increasing awards from $7,500 to $10,000. The previous 200-recipient cap was also lifted, and a onetime $10,000 grant was introduced for students enrolled in approved transition to teach programs.

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Funding for the program was reduced in the states new two-year budget passed earlier this year, however, with annual appropriations dropping from $12 million to $11.4 million. The cut was part of broader budget cuts across state government. Its not yet clear how the reduced funding might affect future scholarship awards.

To qualify, students must meet academic criteria including ranking in the top 20% of their high school class, earning a 3.0 GPA or better, or scoring in the top 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT. Scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete at least 30 credit hours per year to remain eligible while in college.

The full list of scholarship recipients by county is available online at che.in.gov.

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For me, my "normal" junior year of college consisted of homework, meeting new people and long lectures. The only difference was that I was pregnant and due during finals week. With Title IX, school was manageable, even when I was induced nearly a month early.

As a senior with a 3-month-old at home, school was the same but with less resources available, especially when it came to child care, which is a nationwide issue for working parents due to its inflexibility and high cost. Many child care businesses are closing also making them inaccessible. This forces many parents to stay at home and leave the workforce, costing Wisconsin $1.1 billion a year, $122 billion nationally. With tuition as an additional stressor, being a student parent is difficult to manage.

While the daycare dilemma is large and complex, colleges have a unique role. Student parents (and faculty and staff) can be supported with resources by the university. Tuition paid by students should cover the costs of child care, if provided on campus.

High child care costs force parents to leave workforce

According to an analysis by the American Council on Education, nearly one in every five undergraduate college students, about 18%, are parents, typically to preschool-aged or younger. In Wisconsin alone, 22% of all undergrads are single moms.

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Opinion: Child care is in crisis. High costs hurt parents and providers.

And while student parents statistically have higher GPAs, they struggle in other areas. They often borrow more money for tuition since they have other expenses to prioritize (family expenses, child care, etc.). In 2016, their debt was more than double the debt of students without children. Since then, the child care crisis has only grown and prices have increased.

A large amount of work to cover the costs of school and child care is required. Student parents must juggle full-time hours of work along with finding time for class, homework and the laborious job of parenting.

Michelle Murphy with her son.

Tuition should cover the costs of child care if provided on campus. Marquette University, where I recently earned an undergraduate degree, offers child care services to students, faculty and staff. With tuition and fees being around $67,000 before financial assistance, to ask for more for child care is unreasonable. In the perspective of faculty and staff, requiring a portion of their check back for child care is exploitative.

Universities failing to be inclusive of student parents

At the very least, Marquette offers discounted child care services. Often times, this is not the case. Over 90% of private, nonprofit colleges do not provide any on-campus child care. Universities are failing to be inclusive of a large minority group: student parents.

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If free child care is out of reach at the moment, colleges should provide students with other resources to alleviate other financial stress.

Opinion: She's walked in their shoes. Her mission: Help families afford child care

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a Student Parent Success Program which supports students with children by individually assessing their needs and providing resources. UWM also offers lactation rooms for nursing mothers, a food center and pantry where baby necessities are supplied, and a childrens learning center.

In addition to discounted child care costs, UWM also allows requests to be made by student parents for cost of attendance adjustments. These adjustments can lead to student parents receiving more financial aid.

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Because of personal matters and financial assistance, Marquette was the best choice for me. UWM has taken a step in the right direction, but more work is required by all universities. With so many universities in the area, more needs to be done. If colleges are genuinely concerned about the success of their students, then they must support their students, faculty and staff.

Colleges should invest in their students, future workforce

Everyone benefits when someone succeeds. Student parents are taking steps into success by earning degrees. Do we want these parents and their children to succeed long-term? It just requires some additional support right now. Colleges need to invest in all their students to fully set them up for success (and ultimately set future generations up for success too).

As a former student parent, I understand the stress of balancing life expenses, child care, school work and costs. As a mom, it is easy for our parental needs to be overlooked. It is unreasonable to expect a student to pay their own tuition and child care costs while they work to pay off these expenses, study, attend their classes and fulfill their parental duties.

What got me to graduation was my support system: my husband and family (who also alleviated child care expenses by babysitting). Every student parent needs support, including from their university, to succeed.

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Opinion: Lawmakers should listen to their own commission and fully fund special education

Child care is a significant issue in America, but it deeply affects student parents. Besides the fact that this nationwide crisis is causing the country to lose money, parents are also losing by not being fully supported on their path to success. While steps need to be made to combat the issue, universities can do their part to help their students succeed. For this reason, at the very least, tuition should cover on-campus child care expenses for student parents.

Michelle Murphy is a recent journalism graduate from Marquette University, originally from Chicago. While aiming for a future career in sports and considering grad school, she plans to spend this summer being a stay-at-home mom (without any homework!).

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Child care burden for student parents. Colleges must step up. | Opinion
Jun. 11Roughly a year after a highly criticized clearcutting operation on 24 acres off Woodside Road in Brunswick, the property's owner has submitted plans to build a housing development. Neighbors are pushing back, saying the housing project would encroach on their natural resources, safety and privacy.

The proposed development features 122 three-story townhome units accessed via Woodside Road and connecting to Arrowhead Drive to the north. Each townhome would have its own driveway and garage. An additional 80 parking spaces are included in the site design for guest and overflow parking. The property is adjacent to Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust's Crystal Springs Farm trails.

The Brunswick Planning Board held a workshop Tuesday evening to discuss a sketch plan application submitted by Sebago Technics on behalf of the development's owner, Wyley Enterprises. The meeting was the first step in what will likely be a lengthy review process before the Planning Board, members said. Residents with abutting homes within 300 feet of the property were informed about the development review process last week, according to the town.

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After feedback from residents and Planning Board members at Tuesday's meeting, property owner Joel Fitzpatrick said he is considering changing the plan to a single-family home development with 80 units, which was one of his original concepts for the property.

"The goal was to try to provide some ownership options that might be a little less expensive than a traditional single-family house but achieve the density that would support the cost of the infrastructure and the development," Owens McCullough, Sebago Technics senior vice president, said during Tuesday's presentation.

The board received roughly 20 letters from residents ahead of Tuesday's meeting. Many neighbors shared their concerns during the public comment section of the meeting. Commenters said development could increase traffic, contribute to flooding, cut off access to hiking trails and negatively impact the aesthetic of the community.

"I have animals, I worry for my animals. I see elderly couples walking down the road, my neighbor rides his bike with his son  it's dangerous. There's enough traffic now; we don't need a development of 122 units coming in," Brett Joslin, who lives across the street from the planned development, said at the meeting.

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McCullough said developers plan to conduct a traffic study, adding that townhouses and condos typically generate less peak-hour traffic than single-family homes. He also said the applicant is considering reducing the driveways by half by building one driveway per two homes.

Resident Meghan Roberts said logging has already cut off access to BTLT trails by destroying informal trails that connect to the Arrowhead neighborhood.

"In their logging, [developers have] already destroyed some trail access that the neighborhood had ... our access to the trails has already been compromised, so I'm concerned that this is not actually a real priority of the developers," Roberts told the Planning Board.

McCullough said developers are exploring adding connections to the adjacent conservation land. BTLT Executive Director Steve Walker said at Tuesday's meeting that he hopes to work with developers on trail connections and deciding how those trails will be maintained.

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Planning Board members shared residents' concerns and asked to visit the site to further investigate.

"The stormwater issues, erosion issues, blasting  the density is overwhelming with respect to the neighborhood," Chairperson Bill Dana said. "It's a nice-looking set of buildings, it just doesn't look nice in that neighborhood."

Fitzpatrick of Wyley Enterprises, LLC purchased the land in early 2024 with plans to develop it into housing.

But last summer, residents said they were caught by surprise when contractors started deforesting the tract of land.

While town officials said the logging was done legally and up to code, it raised concerns among neighbors about habitat fragmentation and increased potential for flooding, prompting a special town meeting.

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The Maine Forest Service requires a Forest Operations Notification before cutting trees for products going to a mill but does not regulate development, which falls under the Maine Department of Environmental Protection jurisdiction and municipal rules. Since the DEP won't get involved until a proposal is submitted, residents claimed a loophole allowed Fitzpatrick to raze the forest with little oversight.

"If [Fitzpatrick] had gone to the town first, they could have limited the logging more," nearby resident Nicolette Williams told The Times Record. "We have a voice through the Planning Board that he bypassed."

Williams said she has already noticed animals moving out of the woods and into neighborhoods. She also worries for the fate of wetlands and vernal pools  natural bodies of water that form in dips in the land and serve as breeding habitats for amphibians  on the property.

McCullough said wetland and vernal pool mapping has been completed on the site.

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"They identified some non-jurisdictional vernal pools; in other words, it didn't meet the prerequisite number of egg masses to rise to the level of being jurisdictional through the Maine DEP. ... Right now, we're working on the configuration of the road and development is working hard to avoid those wetland areas and preserve some open space on each side," McCullough said Tuesday.

Fitzpatrick told The Times Record Wednesday that residents' concerns will be taken into account in the planning process and he sees the development as a way to bring more housing and business to Brunswick.

The project still has to go through several reviews before it is approved by the Planning Board and more public hearings will follow, board members said.

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JERUSALEM (AP)  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government survived an attempt to dissolve Israel's parliament early Thursday morning, with most of his ultra-Orthodox coalition partners joining him in voting against a bill that would have forced them to register for military service while the country is at war.

The vote was the most serious challenge to Netanyahus government since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which was the biggest security failure in Israels history and triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. The bills failure means that no other piece of legislation to dissolve parliament, called the Knesset, can be submitted for at least six months, shoring up Netanyahus embattled coalition.

The ultra-Orthodox parties are furious that the government has failed to pass a law exempting their community from mandatory military service. The issue has long divided the Jewish Israeli public, especially during the 20-month war in the Gaza Strip.

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Israel's opposition had hoped that the public anger over the exemptions would help topple the government. But just two of the 18 ultra-Orthodox members of the Knesset supported the bill.

Most ultra-Orthodox legislators agreed to vote against the bill after Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Yuli Edelstein said that he and the ultra-Orthodox parties had reached an understanding on the basis of a new draft law, which they will continue discussing over the coming week.

Yitzhak Goldknopf, the head of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, resigned in protest as the Minister of Construction and Housing, but will remain a member of the Knesset. Ari Kalman, spokesperson for Goldknopf, said that the minister resigned because he was frustrated with Netanyahu's constant requests for more time to pass a draft exemption law.

Whatever they haven't been able to do over the past year they won't do in a week, Kalman said.

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Military service is mandatory for most Jews in Israel, but the politically powerful ultra-Orthodox, who make up roughly 13% of Israeli society, have traditionally received exemptions if they are studying full time in religious seminaries.

The ultra-Orthodox, also known as Haredim, or God-fearing in Hebrew, say that integrating into the army threatens their traditional way of life. Each year, roughly 13,000 ultra-Orthodox men reach the conscription age of 18, but less than 10% enlist, according to parliaments State Control Committee, which held a hearing examining the issue.

Israel is engaged in the longest active war in the countrys history, which has stretched its military to the breaking point. The Haredims widespread refusal to serve, and threats to topple the government during wartime, have enraged many Israelis, especially those who have served multiple rounds of reserve duty.
VodafoneThree, the newly-merged telecoms giant, has vowed to banish weak mobile phone signals across swathes of rural Britain by the year-end as it pours 11bn into 5G.

The company, formed by a 15bn tie-up between Vodafone and Three earlier this month, vowed to fix 16,500 square kilometre of so-called mobile not-spots over the next six months so people can get better phone signals.

The area targeted for improvement is around ten times the size of London while bosses have also set a target of reaching 95pc geographic coverage and total population coverage by 2034 under ambitious plans revealed as part of the merger.

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Max Taylor, chief executive of VodafoneThree, said the tie-up would set a new benchmark for mobile quality and encouraged rivals, including BTs EE, to follow suit.

He said: For too long weve been languishing behind on the global connectivity stage and quite frankly the industry needed a change.

This will set a new standard and it will be great for consumers and the country if the others follow.

Mobile network operators have come under increasing pressure from ministers amid concerns about patchy signal and misleading coverage maps.

VodafoneThree has promised to invest 11bn in its 5G network over the next decade  including 1.3bn in its first year  as part of a package of remedies agreed with competition regulators.

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The company said the merger would initially help to tackle not-spots in rural areas as the merger brings together mobile masts belonging to Vodafone and Three into a single network.

Three customers are expected to enjoy an upgraded service within weeks, while the remainder of the groups 27m customers will see the benefits in the coming months and years.

VodafoneThree is also aiming to boost its coverage in the most remote regions through a new satellite venture.

It will launch trials of the service, which will beam broadband connections directly to smartphones, within the next year  after inking a deal with Texas-based AST Space Mobile.

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VodafoneThree will continue to operate with multiple consumer brands, including Voxi and Smarty. However, analysts expect the company to gradually phase out the Three brand.

It has already scrapped the Three brand for business customers, while Vodafone will be the only brand for customers buying both mobile and broadband services.

Bosses said the combined company will create a major new challenger in the broadband market. It has struck a partnership with London-based broadband firm Community Fibre, adding to its existing agreements with BTs Openreach and CityFibre.

The company has also pledged to improve customer service, opening new call centres in Belfast and Sheffield and launching a new policy dubbed Just Ask Once that will allow subscribers to leave without penalty if they are not satisfied.

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.
Video above: A doctor discusses the health dangers of wildfire smoke.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  As California heads into peak wildfire season, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new effort to recruit firefighters and emergency personnel for Cal Fire, one of the worlds largest firefighting departments.

On Wednesday, he launched JoinCALFIRE.com. This comes at a time when the states firefighting capabilities are being squeezed by multiple federal actions, including what the governor called President Trumps illegal military deployment of National Guard units. Roughly 300 National Guard fire crews have been reassigned to armories in the Los Angeles area, slashing the states CalGuard firefighting force by 75%.

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DOJ calls Newsom legal challenge to National Guard crass political stunt

Were ramping up our efforts to recruit for Cal Fire to keep our communities safe  especially as the federal government makes conditions even more dangerous, said Newsom.

In addition to the National Guard cuts, the Trump administrations reductions to U.S. Forest Service funding have further limited federal support for wildfire management in California, placing additional pressure on state resources.

Thousands of firefighting jobs available

Over the next four years, Cal Fire is planning to hire thousands of additional firefighters, support staff, and specialists in fields like land management, information technology, and emergency logistics. The new recruitment portal, JoinCALFIRE.com, offers job seekers information on the variety of career paths available in wildfire response and resilience.

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As our state faces unprecedented challenges, we are committed to building a team that not only meets but exceeds the demands of todays emergencies, said Cal Fire Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler. Whether youre launching your professional journey or looking to make a transformative career change, JoinCALFIRE.com offers the tools and resources to take that first step.

Statewide wildfire response ramps up

The new recruiting campaign follows a series of state-level wildfire resilience initiatives. Last month, Governor Newsom announced $72 million in funding for fire prevention projects and fast-tracked approval for 13 vegetation management efforts across nearly 7,000 acres.

He knows where to find me, Gov. Newsom responds to Trump administration arrest threat

The state is also expanding its aerial firefighting fleetincluding the addition of a second C-130 Hercules tankerand increasing use of AI-powered early detection systems and drones. Since 2020, California has committed more than $2.5 billion to wildfire prevention and forest health, with another $1.5 billion expected from the 2024 Climate Bond.

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Meanwhile, more than 2,200 wildfire prevention and landscape health projects are underway statewide, and nearly 1.9 million acres have been treated between 2021 and 2023, according to the governors office.

Newsom emphasized that the new recruiting effort is vital to ensuring California can meet growing demands for wildfire prevention, response, and recovery in the face of increasingly severe fire seasons.

For more information or to apply for CAL FIRE positions, visit JoinCALFIRE.com.

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Newsom Rallies Californians to Stand Up Against Trumps Assault on Democracy originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

U.S. Army veteran walks up to the National Guard on duty in front of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Building in Los Angeles during June 2025 ICE protests.Courtesy of Eli Young

Governor Gavin Newsom gave his first address on Tuesday night following five days of ongoing protests against ICE raids in Los Angeles, where he accused President Donald Trump of fanning the flames of the protests by sending in the National Guard, turning the protest violent by nightfall.



He again chose escalation. He chose more force. He chose theatrics over public safety, said Newsom. He federalized another 2,000 guard members. He deployed more than 700 active US Marines.



Newsom said that the initial protests were standard, as Angelenos exercised their right to free speech and assembly to protest, and police were sent out to maintain the peace. It wasnt until the president deployed 2,000 of Californias National Guard soldiers to the streets of Los Angeles illegally and for no reason.

What then ensued was a use of tear gas, flashbang grenades, rubber bullets, federal agents detaining people and undermining their due process rights, said Newsom. This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president inflamed a combustible situation, putting our people, our officers and even our National Guard at risk.



The governors address went further than whats going on in Los Angeles. He warned people that this will not end with California, he said that this is an attack on democracy, the way authoritarian regimes begin.



This moment we have feared has arrived. He's taking a wrecking ball to our Founding Fathers' historic project, said Newsom. The most important office is the office of the citizen. At this moment, we all need to stand up and be held to a higher level of accountability.



White House assistant to the president and director of communications Steven Cheung responded to Newsoms address with a post on X, saying that the governor should have used his time to do his job instead of preparing for a webinar. He also compared the faulty audio quality to the quality of Newsoms leadership.

Gavin NewScum spent all this time--instead of doing his actual job-- preparing for a webinar just for the audio to not work. The production quality is just like his leadership quality-- shitty.  Steven Cheung (@StevenCheung47) June 11, 2025

The governors office has not responded to this statement from Cheung.



Newsom ended his address advising Californians, if they do exercise their First Amendment right, to do so peacefully.



I know many of you are feeling deep anxiety, stress and fear. But I want you to know that you are the antidote to that fear and that anxiety, said Newsom.

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom won praise on Wednesday for his speech Tuesday night seen by a national audience, something many Democrats saw as a shot across the bow to President Donald Trump that they can fight Trump -- and one that sparked new talk of Newsom as the party's standard-bearer in 2028.

"The rule of law has increasingly given way to the rule of Don," he said, blasting Trump for sending the military to quell protests in Los Angeles. "The founding fathers did not live and die to see this moment. It's time for all of us to stand up," Newsom said in his eight-minute highly produced remarks, flanked by the California and U.S. flags.

Newsom's message to Californians -- and Americans listening -- was politically sobering, arguing that "Democracy is under assault before our eyes. The moment we've feared has arrived."

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"What Donald Trump wants most is your fealty. Your silence. To be complicit in this moment. Do not give in to him," he urged what might have been millions of viewers watching on cable news channels.

PHOTO: Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during an address, June 10, 2025. (Office of California Governor via AP)

MORE: Protests live updates: At least 5 criminal cases related to LA protests, DA says

His rhetoric directly calling out Trump comes as Democrats are hungry for a leader to unite them as they try to rebuild from 2024 and other party losses.

"We want somebody to fight, and so he's been fighting, and it's been glorious to watch," RL Miller, an environmental activist and Democratic National Committee superdelegate, told ABC News.

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Miller thinks Democrats have spent too much time "navel-gazing" since the November election, wasting time and resources rather than looking forward.

"Newsom is going to be vaulting back into that top tier of presidential candidates with this," she said.

His speech was just the latest in Newsom's verbal combat with the Trump administration. Earlier in the week, he challenged Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, after he suggested that anyone who blocked the administration's immigration crackdown should be apprehended, even Newsom, a comment he later walked back but Trump endorsed.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, June 10, 2025. (Ken Cedeno/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

"Come after me, arrest me. Let's just get this over with, tough guy," Newsom told NBC News.

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"That's the energy we need in this moment," Democratic National Committee spokesperson Hannah Muldavian said of Newsom during the party's new daily YouTube show.

Other national Democrats echoed that praise.

In a joint news conference Wednesday morning, top party brass, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer threw their support behind Newsom's new war with Trump.

"All I add is President Trump is trying to intimidate Gavin Newsom," Schumer, D-N.Y., said. "He has shown he's not going to be intimidated, and we're all for that, all for him and proud that he is refusing to be intimidated by Donald Trump."

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Newsom's PAC, Campaign for Democracy, sent out fundraising texts asking supporters to donate to help Newsom "continue to fight back against the attacks and threats from the Trump administration."

Rob Stutzman, a Republican strategist who worked with former California GOP Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, said Newsom was asserting authentic leadership for Democrats who have been "leaderless all year" and likely quite eager to see such a high-profile official "fighting back" to Trump.

"There's resistance that often seems contrived, but these circumstances have given him an essential, authentic resistance footing," said Stutzman.

PHOTO: Members of the California National Guard stand guard in front of the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles, June 9, 2025. (Daniel Cole/Reuters)

Still, it remains unclear if Newsom can win on immigration, one of Trump's central campaign issues and a top concern of many Americans. As a whole, Democrats have struggled to offer a singular message and response to Trump's actions.

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And the White House is continuously highlighting the unrest in California as a prime example of what is says is Newsom's poor record. Trump blasted the governor on his social media platform Monday, and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday that Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have "failed their citizens." She said Newsom "owns" the images of violent protests.

Newsom, who is term-limited and has not ruled out a 2028 presidential bid, isn't the only Democratic governor pitching themselves as tough on Trump. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz recently traveled to South Carolina to recap their record to voters, though both are adamant they are not running for the White House this time around.

Even still, Newsom seems to rise above the pack. In fact, some operatives in Trump's orbit see Newsom transforming into the Democratic Party's long-sought leader.

Former Trump political adviser Bannon told the New York Times that Newsom's address was "a kickoff to his 2028 campaign."

Newsom speech taking on Trump encourages Democrats looking for a leader originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Jun. 12Newton Police Department has released the name of the man who was found dead earlier this week in a home that was about to be searched by local, county and federal officers. Police identified the body as Tomie Lee Misner, 66, of Des Moines. Authorities are now awaiting an autopsy.

According to a press release from the police department, a search warrant was executed at 7:03 p.m. June 9 in the 1200 block of North Fourth Avenue East. Sources told Newton News the search warrant involved drugs. Officers found a deceased adult inside the home who was dead before officers arrived.

The identity of the individual was being withheld pending notification of the family.

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Detectives with the Newton Police Department and agents with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation have begun an investigation to determine circumstances of the death. In the coming days, the Office of the State Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine an exact cause and manner of death.

Police say there is no known or ongoing threat to the community.

Anyone with information should contact the police department at 641-791-0850.
Nearly two years after Niger's military seized power and the border with Benin was shut, tensions over security, sovereignty and French influence have hardened into a stand-off throttling trade and paralysing ties between the west African neighbours.

Benin, which denies hosting foreign forces accused of destabilising Niger, claims it has made repeated overtures to ease the blockade, but efforts have failed despite mounting economic pain on both sides of the border.

"Those who are suffering are the people of both countries," Nigerien haulier Ibrahim Abou Koura, who is based in Benin's economic capital Cotonou, said.

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General Abdourahamane Tiani has repeatedly accused Benin of harbouring French military bases training jihadists to undermine Niger.

In May, he insisted the border would "remain closed", saying the fight was not with Benin but with French troops he claims are operating from its soil.

The friction since the coup has taken a heavy toll on cross-border trade and travel between the two countries.

"Buses aren't as full. There's not the same number of people," said Abou Koura, in the deserted yard of his compound in Zongo, where he once stored goods bound for major Nigerien cities.

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Still, transport workers in Cotonou say some movement persists, with the Niger River -- a natural border -- remaining a busy crossing despite the official closure.

"Goods pass and travellers cross the river to continue their journey by bus on the Niger side," said Alassane Amidou, a resident of Malanville, a city in northeastern Benin.

But for trucks unable to cross by water, perilous detours through jihadist-infested zones in Burkina Faso have become the only option.

"The Niger-Benin corridor is currently the safest, most profitable and shortest route for transporters and businesses," said Gamatie Mahamadou, secretary-general of a consortium of Nigerien truck driver unions, in Niamey.

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He called on Niger's military rulers to "immediately normalise relations with Benin", warning that "workers' safety" and "the national economy" are at stake.

- Cautious optimism -

Niger's vital oil exports to Benin's port of Seme-Kpodji resumed in late 2024 via a cross-border pipeline after months of disruption.

Uranium shipments from northern Niger remain stalled, awaiting either a diplomatic thaw or an alternative route.

Benin has denied Niger's claims it is turning a blind eye to any destabilisation attempts and continues to extend an olive branch to Niger.

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Former presidents Thomas Boni Yayi and Nicephore Soglo travelled to meet General Tiani a year ago in a failed bid to restore ties.

Beninese Foreign Minister Olushegun Adjadi Bakari in early June said he hoped for "prospects for recovery" provided security conditions are met.

"We are hopeful that this will be resolved quickly ... the blockage is not on Benin's side," he told local media.

"We have to accept the fact that we are not on the same wavelength sometimes... The door remains open."

A new Beninese ambassador may soon be appointed to Niamey, following the quiet February recall of Gildas Agonkan, who had publicly apologised to the Nigerien people "on behalf of all Beninese and the authorities of Benin".

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"The apology to the Nigerien people was seen in Cotonou as a diplomatic weakening of the country during this crisis," said Guillaume Moumouni, an international relations expert.

"The next ambassador must be someone of great repute and who knows Niger well enough to inspire trust and respect."

Benin, which maintains it hosts no foreign military bases, has seen a surge in jihadist attacks this year and laments poor cooperation with neighbouring Sahel states also affected.

"Not being able to talk directly with its neighbours increases Benin's vulnerability," said Lassina Diarra, head of the Strategic Research Institute of the International Counter-Terrorism Academy in Ivory Coast.

Benin is set to elect a new president in April 2026, which could be a chance to restart "serious negotiations", Moumouni said.

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By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Five nations and the European Union, as well as airlines and aerospace firms worldwide, urged the Trump administration not to impose new national security tariffs on imported commercial planes and parts, documents released on Tuesday showed.

Airlines and planemakers have been lobbying President Donald Trump to restore the tariff-free regime under the 1979 Civil Aircraft Agreement that has yielded an annual trade surplus of $75 billion for the U.S. industry.

The documents made public by the U.S. Commerce Department bared concerns over the fallout of possible new tariffs expressed by companies as well as nations such as Canada, China, Japan, Mexico and Switzerland, besides the European Union.

"As reliable trading partners, the European Union and United States should strengthen their trade regarding aircraft and aircraft parts, rather than hinder it by imposing trade restrictions," the EU wrote.

It would consider its options "to ensure a level playing field," it added.

Trump has already imposed tariffs of 10% on nearly all airplane and parts imports.

"No country or region should attempt to support the development of its domestic aircraft manufacturing industry by suppressing foreign competitors," the Chinese government wrote.

Separately, U.S. planemaker Boeing (BA) cited a recent trade deal unveiled in May with Britain that ensures tariff-free treatment for airplanes and parts.

"The United States should ensure duty-free treatment for commercial aircraft and their parts in any negotiated trade agreement, similar to its efforts with the United Kingdom," Boeing told the Commerce Department in a filing.

Mexico said in 2024 it exported $1.45 billion in aircraft parts, just a tenth of the total, to the United States. The EU said it took U.S. exports of aircraft worth roughly $12 billion, while exporting about $8 billion of aircraft to the U.S.

In early May, the Commerce Department launched a "Section 232" national security investigation into imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines and parts that could form the basis for even higher tariffs on such imports.

Last week, Delta Air Lines and major trade groups warned of tariffs' impact on ticket prices, aviation safety and supply chains.

"Current U.S. tariffs on aviation are putting domestic production of commercial aircraft at risk," Airbus Americas CEO Robin Hayes said in a filing.

"It is not realistic or sensible today to create a 100% domestic supply chain in any country."
As President Bola Tinubu praised his country's quarter century of democratic rule Thursday, many of the streets around the Nigerian capital carried a different, perhaps less-inspiring message.

To name a few: Sani Abacha Way takes commuters into downtown Abuja. Ibrahim Babangida Way meanwhile cuts through upscale Maitama. Murtala Muhammed Expressway passes next to the presidency and the National Assembly, where Tinubu delivered his Democracy Day speech.

All three are named after the heads of military juntas.

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As other countries in west Africa have gone on a renaming spree -- mostly throwing out roads named for colonial figures -- Nigeria's strongmen have survived this final, symbolic purge.

All eight of Nigeria's military leaders have at least one street named after them in the capital -- a fact that's often met with a shrug, even as Thursday's holiday celebrates the transition to civilian rule in 1999 after decades of coups and military rule.

"Some leaders, because of their stature, a road can be named after them," said Ibrahim Hassan, 45, an employee at a corner store. "It's not about whether you've done the best for Nigeria."

A woman ringing up her groceries, who gave her name only as Adekemi, chimed in with an indifferent laugh: "Right now I'm focusing on how to afford this."

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- 'House the military built' -

Abuja -- a planned city that became Nigeria's capital in 1991 under Babangida -- "is the house that the military built, so naturally they paid homage to themselves" said Ikemesit Effiong, a partner at SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based consultancy.

While data from pollster Afrobarometer has shown consistent public support for democracy in Nigeria, "the military is still a formidable, well-regarded institution, seen by many as comparatively disciplined and well run" after 26 years of often chaotic civilian rule.

Former military chiefs have also entered civilian politics, rehabilitating their image -- including Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, both elected president in the democratic era.

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In the United States and Europe, activists in recent years clamoured to have streets renamed to address colonial or racist legacies -- though those moves weren't always without pushback.

In west Africa, including in Senegal and Ivory Coast, governments have ditched boulevards named after French leaders and renamed them after their own countrymen.

"We have not fully grasped what democracy is about," lamented Edwin Ajibola, 42, who as an Uber driver, makes his living plying roads named after strongmen.

Tinubu too, while praising in his speech "how far we had come as a nation", acknowledged that "we still have so much, and a lot, for that to go."

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Earlier this week, he found himself directly facing his predecessors' infrastructural legacy when the minister of the Federal Capital Territory renamed Abuja's International Conference Centre after the president.

Amid the political squabbling in the aftermath, one former lawmaker suggested the move would unfairly obscure the head of state who oversaw its building: junta head Babangida.

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The United States and China have made progress in resolving differences on their economies and trade, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said in Beijing on Thursday without providing details.

Lin was speaking after US President Donald Trump said that a trade agreement that would include Chinese supplies of magnets and critical rare earth minerals had almost been finalized.

Lin said China hoped that the two sides could work together to implement the consensus agreed in London.

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Trump announced an agreement on Wednesday on his Truth Social platform. "Our deal with China is done, subject to final approval with President Xi and me," Trump posted after US and Chinese negotiating teams wrapped up two days of talks in London.

"Full magnets, and any necessary rare earths, will be supplied, up front, by China. Likewise, we will provide to China what was agreed to, including Chinese students using our colleges and universities (which has always been good with me!)," he posted.

Trump also said there had been a deal on tariffs, with US tariffs on imports from China at 55% and Chinese reciprocal tariffs at 10%.

Following talks in London on Monday and Tuesday, delegates said they planned to implement the consensus agreed in Geneva in mid-May, where agreement was reached to cut import tariffs by 115 percentage points on both sides for a period of 90 days.

Details of the Geneva and London agreements have not been released, with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick saying in London that the text of the agreement would not be published.
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Another protest against ICE was held in Lower Manhattan Wednesday evening.

This time, a peaceful demonstration was held in Foley Square with a smaller crowd compared to the thousands that gathered Tuesday night. But the message remains strong, No ICE.

More Local News

This was Brian Gs fourth protest this week:

I was born and raised in Brooklyn. New York could be the next LA, and I think we need to stand up and fight and not let that happen, said Brian.

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Hundreds joined in solidarity with the demonstrations happening in Los Angeles, where President Trump has deployed the National Guard and about 700 Marines. Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth says they will stay there until needed.

It is about maintaining law and order on behalf of law enforcement agents who deserve to do their jobs without being attacked by mobs of people. I am very proud to be on the streets defending ICE agents, stated Hegseth.

Keep it peaceful, we dont want any reason for this administration to come and militarize our city. Keep the pressure, we need to be firm about whats going on, said Andres as he held a sign that reads please dont deport me!

The NYPD reiterated that they do not need help from the federal government to keep these protests under control.

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For Kevin Martinez, being here is personal.

The first thing I thought about was mother. She was 14 years old before getting her citizenship, having come here illegally. The struggle that she went through to become a U.S. citizen. I am here for her, here for the people who are going through what she went through as a kid.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Thousands of protests are set to take place across the United States this weekend in response to administration policies under President Donald Trump.

The No Kings National Day of Mobilizations comes as protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles have escalated after President Trump deployed the National Guard to the state, an unusual step without the permission of the governor.

Texas officials have taken similar measures, as Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed this week that he will deploy the National Guard to cities throughout the state amid ongoing protests in San Antonio and Austin.

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Here's what we know.

When is 'No Kings' day?

The protests are scheduled for Saturday, the same day the Trump administration has planned a pomp-filled military parade in Washington, D.C., for Flag Day, which is also Trump's birthday.

What does 'No Kings' mean?

The demonstrations are organized by Indivisible, a nonprofit coalition of progressive political action groups, which states that it is organizing to reject corrupt, authoritarian politics.

Theyve defied our courts, deported citizens, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, slashed essential services, and handed billions to their allies. Enough is enough, a press release states. This country doesnt belong to a king  and were not letting him throw himself a parade funded by tens of millions of our taxpayer dollars while stealing from us and stripping away our rights, our freedoms, and the programs our families rely on.

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The website nokings.org adds that the day is to "gather to remind President Trump and his enablers: America has No King!"

Why is 'No Kings' day on June 14?

June 14 is Flag Day, which this year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army. To celebrate, the U.S. Army is holding a military parade that will cross in front of Trumps viewing stand and bisect the National Mall. It is expected to include 7,500 soldiers and 120 vehicles, and is estimated to cost up to $45 million.

It is also Trumps 79th birthday. Trump has long wanted to hold military parades, pushing for them twice during his first term. However, his former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis objected to the idea as a politicization of the military.

In response to the parade and other grievances with the Trump administration, No Kings is planning protests nationwide.

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President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isnt staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else, says the website. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, were taking action to reject authoritarianism  and show the world what democracy really looks like.

Trump has promised retaliation for protesters, stating on June 10 that "they're going to be met with very big force."

Where is a 'No Kings' protest near me?

Several Texas cities are expected to hold rallies for "No Kings Day of Mobilizations" this weekend. You can find one near you on this map.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What does 'No Kings' mean? Anti-Trump protests planned on his birthday
Jun. 11GRAND FORKS  Protestors in Grand Forks will gather June 14 near the Sorlie Bridge, joining thousands of others across the country in protesting the Trump Administration's deportations and threats made against courts in a protest called "No Kings Day."

The peaceful protest will begin at 1:30 p.m. and is a non-partisan event, the organizers said in a statement.

The nationwide protest will occur on Flag Day and as President Donald Trump is hosting a military parade in Washington. That military parade also coincides with his birthday and will cost upwards of $45 million to the U.S. Army, not including costs to the city of Washington for event cleanup, Reuters reported. It also comes as the federal government has sent in the National Guard to Los Angeles as people there protest actions and deportations done by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, often known as ICE.

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The Grand Forks event is hosted by Indivisible Grand Forks, which has organized other protests against Trump and his administration since his inauguration in January. To date, these events in Grand Forks have been peaceful and organizers said keeping them peaceful is their core mission.

Across the country, protests will be occurring. In northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, rallies are planned for Devils Lake and Thief River Falls in addition to Grand Forks.

Nationwide, the rallies have been planned and organized by organizations like Indivisible, American Federation of Teachers, ACLU, Public Citizen, and the Human Rights Campaign, among several pro-democracy organizations.
The Brief

Protests against the Trump administration are planned nationwide for Saturday, June 14.

The protests coincide with President Donald Trump's birthday, Flag Day, and the U.S. Army's 250th birthday celebration.

A protest at Clark Park in Detroit is one of dozens planned in Michigan.

Hundreds of "No Kings Day" protests are planned across the U.S. - including in Michigan - on Saturday, June 14 to protest the Trump administration's policies.

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The No Kings rally takes place nationwide on Saturday, June 14 and coincides with Flag Day and a massive military parade in Washington, D.C. to honor the 250th birthday of the Army and the 79th birthday of President Donald Trump.

The parade will feature approximately 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles, and 50 helicopters, according to the Associated Press.

While the government plans the celebration, opponents of Trump and his administration are planning what they call a "nationwide day of defiance."

What they're saying

"In America, we dont put up with would-be kings."

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According to organizers, NO KINGS is a national day of action and mobilization in response to "increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies."

Several grassroots political organizations  including 50501, Indivisible and Stand Up America  are joining forces June 14 "to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings," the site said.

The Detroit rally is schedule for June 14 at 1 p.m. at Clark Park but there are dozens of other planned protests across Michigan, which are all listed on the organization's site here.

The backstory

The protests are in affiliation with the national coalition "50 Protest, 50 States, One Movement (50501)" and dozens of grassroots groups including Indivisible, American Federation of Teachers, Black Voters Matter, National Action Network, and Social Security Works.

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The movement is inspired by the "Hands Off!" and May Day demonstrations across the U.S.

Organizers said action is being taken to reject the notion the country is ruled by a "king" and to show what democracy looks like: "people, united, refusing to be ruled."

"This country doesnt belong to a king  and were not letting him throw himself a parade funded by tens of millions of our taxpayer dollars while stealing from us and stripping away our rights, our freedoms, and the programs our families rely on," the release stated.

The other side

While speaking at Fort Bragg this week, Trump said Saturday would be a "big day" and noted "we want to show off a little bit."

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"Were going to celebrate our greatness and our achievements," he said. "This week, we honor 250 years of valor and glory and triumph by the greatest fighting force ever to walk the face of the Earth: the United States Army."

Dig deeper

Veterans are divided over the Army's big parade.

Christopher Purdy, an Army veteran who served in Iraq, called the parade a facade that paints over some of the Republican presidents policies that have targeted military veterans and current service members, including cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs and a ban on transgender troops.

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"Its embarrassing," said Purdy, 40, of Atlanta. "Its expensive. And whatever his reasons are for doing it, I think its entirely unnecessary."

Joe Plenzler, a retired Marine who fought in Iraq, said Trump wants to see troops saluting him on his birthday as tanks roll past.

"Its just suspicious," the 53-year-old from Middletown, Virginia, said of the timing.

"I absolutely love the Army from the bottom of my cold black Marine heart," he said. "But if the Armys birthday was a day later, we probably wouldnt be doing it. Id rather see that $50 million take care of the men and women who went off to war and came back with missing arms, legs and eyeballs, and with damaged brains."

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For Gulf War Army veteran Paul Sullivan, Trump and the parade are inextricably linked.

"This Trump tank travesty is all about stroking Trumps ego," said Sullivan, 62, who lives outside Charlottesville, Virginia. "If Trump truly cared about our service members, he would sit down with them quietly and say, What can we do with $50 million or $100 million to make your lives better? Hes not."

The Source

Information for this story was provided by the No Kings website and the Associated Press.
Bostons Pride parade expects to draw around a million spectators and 15,000 participants. But this year, protesters will join the parade from Copley Square to the Boston Common.

Rebecca Winter of Mass 5051, a group formed in February that claims to fight against authoritarianism, said theyre organizing Bostons No Kings demonstration that will coincide with the parade.

No Kings is a nationwide movement planning thousands of demonstrations on Saturday against the federal government.

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The groups website states: Theyve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services. The corruption has gone too. far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings.

Pride is and always has been a protest, said Winter. We dont see this as a left versus right issue. We see this as an up versus down issue.

Demonstrations are being held across the country after riots broke out in California during protests targeting federal immigration arrests in that state.

Gary Daffin, an organizer for the parade at Boston Pride for the People, said hes been working with the leaders of the protests.

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We expect this to be a joyous occasion, joyous protest, Daffin told Boston 25 on Thursday. Our theme this year is Here to Stay.

He said that this years event is expected to be more politically charged, with federal action involving the LGBTQ+ community. The parade has often drawn counter-protesters, and they anticipate the same this year.

Boston 25 Security Analyst and former Boston Police Chief Dan Linskey said around 1,000 officers are expected to monitor both the protest and parade.

Pride has gone off, for the most part, for decades in Boston without a hitch, Linskey said.

He expects vehicles to block streets and soft spots, while authorities monitor the crowds for any potential threats.

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While he doesnt anticipate any problems, Linskey asked everyone in attendance to stay alert and tell police if they notice any threats.

Alerting police officers can often be the difference between a tragic event or an act of violence, Linskey said.

The parade will travel throughout the city, stopping at Boston Common.

The following road closures have been released:

Boylston Street - Both sides, from Dalton Street to Tremont Street

Beacon Street - South side (Boston Common side), from Charles Street to Park Street

Berkeley Street- Both sides, from Tremont Street to Newbury Street

Clarendon Street - Both sides, from Newbury Street to Tremont Street

Dartmouth Street - Both sides, from Newbury Street to St. James Avenue

Exeter Street - Both sides, from Newbury Street to St. James Avenue

Fairfield Street - Both sides, from Boylston Street to Newbury Street

Gloucester Street - Both sides, from Newbury Street to Boylston Street

Hereford Street - Both sides, from Boylston Street to Newbury Street

Tremont Street - Both sides, from Union Park Street to East Berkeley Street

Charles Street South - Both sides, from Park Plaza to Boylston Street

Charles Street - Both sides, from Boylston Street to Beacon Street

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Protests are planned across the country on Saturday in opposition to President Donald Trump, coinciding with his birthday and a military parade planned in the nations capital.

Dozens of protests are scheduled across Massachusetts, among hundreds planned nationwide, under the banner of the No Kings in America movement, whose organizers say Trumps strict approach to immigration enforcement and other policies have leaned into authoritarianism.

The protests will cap a week in which Trump ordered National Guard troops and Marines into Los Angeles after demonstrations broke out opposing immigration raids in the city.

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The nationwide day of defiance aims to counter the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration, organizers for the national No Kings movement said. Weve watched as theyve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political positions, threatened to deport American citizens and defied the courts.

Saturdays protests were planned to counter celebrations for Trumps 79th birthday, which also falls on Flag Day and the birthday of the U.S. Army. A military parade is planned to ring the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Army is preparing for 200,000 people to attend the event.

In Boston, demonstrations will coincide with the citys annual Pride Parade, one of the hallmarks of the June festivities celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

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Mass 50501, part of a national movement organizing protests in all 50 states, said it encouraged organizations to march in or attend the Boston Pride parade to show solidarity with LGBTQ+ people.

Demonstrations are planned in Massachusetts largest cities  Boston, Worcester and Springfield  as well as communities from Provincetown to Pittsfield, according to the No Kings website.

Celebrations in Washington for the Armys birthday had been in the works for months, according to The Associated Press

Earlier this spring, Trump announced plans to grow the celebration into a massive military parade complete with tanks and howitzers rolling through the streets of the capital.

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Multiple nearby counterprotests are planned, including a mass march to the White House.

The president told reporters at the White House on Wednesday that the parade would be a big celebration and protestors would not be welcome, according to NBC News.

If theres any protester that wants to come out, they will be met with very big force, Trump told the reporters. I havent even heard about a protest, but you know, this is people that hate our country, but they will be met with very heavy force.

No Kings said it is not hosting an event in Washington, D.C. However, it aims to make demonstrations everywhere else the story of America on Saturday. The organizations flagship event will be held in Philadelphia.

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Officials said they were also on alert for signs that the immigration-related clashes between law enforcement and protesters in Los Angeles would spread.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Related News: Donald Trump

Read the original article on MassLive.
As Oklahomans prepare to gather in protest against President Donald Trump, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has said state troopers are readying themselves in case of violence.

The "No Kings National Day of Defiance" has been planned for Saturday, June 14, in response to the Trump administration's policies and the U.S. Army's multimillion-dollar military parade to honor the military branch's 250th anniversary, planned for the same day.

The parade also coincides with Trump's 79th birthday and Flag Day, and comes amid the Los Angeles protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The L.A. protests have escalated after Trump deployed the National Guard to the state, an unusual step without the permission of the governor.

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"President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday," the No Kings website states. "A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isnt staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else ... From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, were taking action to reject authoritarianism  and show the world what democracy really looks like."

According to a social media post from Gov. Stitt, the Oklahoma state troopers "stand ready" in the event of "violence or lawlessness."

What is the 'No Kings' protest? What did Gov. Stitt say about Oklahoma rallies?

Oklahoma City will be one of hundreds of cities and towns holding "No Kings" protests.

Organized by two groups called Indivisible and 50501  which were founded in response to Trump's first and second presidential elections, respectively  the rallies are meant to protest what the organization calls "increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies."

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"Weve watched as theyve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political views, threatened to deport American citizens, and defied the courts," the No Kings OKC event page said. "Theyve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies."

While Gov. Stitt said on social media that "peaceful assembly is allowed," he also gave a warning to protesters in case the rallies turn violent.

"In Oklahoma, we wont tolerate any threats to our communities, citizens, property owners or law enforcement," Stitt said. "Just like the summer of 2020, if they show up in our state, we will arrest anyone breaking the law  that's a fact."

Nonviolent action is a "core principle" of all No Kings events, the OKC event page said. The organization expects all those in attendance "to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values."

Where will 'No Kings' protests be in Oklahoma?

No Kings

There will be 13 "No Kings" protests in Oklahoma, including three in Tulsa, in the following cities:

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Oklahoma City

Tulsa

Bartlesville

Lawton

Ada

Ponca City

Tahlequah

McAlester

Ardmore

Durant

Idabel

Where is the OKC 'No Kings' protest?

The Oklahoma City "No Kings" protest will be a march beginning at the corner of Oklahoma City Boulevard and Hudson Avenue. Starting at 9 a.m., protesters will march 1.2 miles to City Hall Park, at 109 N. Hudson Ave.

The event is scheduled to end at noon after a rally outside City Hall.

Contributing: Margie Cullen, USA TODAY NETWORK

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 'No Kings' protests set across Oklahoma, US; Stitt says troopers ready
British sovereignty over Gibraltar remains "sacrosanct", the foreign secretary has said, after the UK agreed a deal with the European Union over the territory's post-Brexit future.

David Lammy told the House of Commons the agreement included a clause "explicitly protecting our sovereignty".

The deal removes checks on people and goods crossing the Gibraltar-Spain border.

However, some MPs raised concerns Spanish border officials would be able to deny entry to UK citizens flying into the British Overseas Territory.

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For travellers arriving at Gibraltar airport, passport checks will be carried out by both Gibraltarian and Spanish officials.

This is similar to the system in place for Eurostar passengers at London's St Pancras station, where travellers pass through both British and French passport control before boarding international trains.

This means it will be possible for arrivals to continue their travel from Gibraltar into Spain and the rest of the EU without further checks.

But Lammy insisted Gibraltar would not be joining the Schengen free travel area - 26 European states that have abolished passport control at their mutual border so people can travel freely.

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Schengen countries also have common rules on asylum and countries whose nationals require visas.

Lammy said it was "fake news" that Gibraltar would be joining Schengen and "this was never on the table".

"Immigration, policing and justice in Gibraltar will remain the responsibilities of Gibraltar's authorities," he added.

Talks on the rules governing the border between Spain and Gibraltar - a 2.6 square mile headland to the south of the country - have been ongoing since the UK left the EU in 2020.

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The issue had been a key sticking point, which has remained unresolved since Brexit.

MPs broadly welcomed the deal, which has been hailed as "historic" by Gibraltar, Spain and the EU.

Giving a statement in the Commons, Lammy said Labour was "solving the problems leftover from the last [Conservative] government and their thin Brexit deal".

He added that the deal "removes another obstacle to closer ties with our EU friends" and "provides much needed certainty for people and businesses in Gibraltar".

An estimated 15,000 people cross the Gibraltar-Spain border every day for work and leisure.

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Currently, Gibraltar residents can cross using residence cards without needing to have their passports stamped, while Spanish citizens can cross using a government ID card.

But there were concerns this would end with the introduction of the EU's Entry/Exit system later this year, causing huge delays at the border.

Lammy said without a deal every passport and all goods would need to be checked leading to "chaos and backlogs, endangering livelihoods of British citizens in Gibraltar, wrecking the territory's economy and possibly costing hundreds of billions of pounds a year, placing pressure ultimately on the UK taxpayer to pick up the bill".

Lammy met Chief Minister of Gibraltar Fabian Picardo on Wednesday, before heading to Brussels to agree the deal [FCDO]

The next step is for a full legal text to be finalised, which Lammy said all parties were "committed to completing as quickly as possible".

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The Conservatives have said they will examine the the final treaty to ensure it meets their red lines, including that it safeguards the sovereignty and rights of Gibraltarians.

Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel also questioned whether Spanish officers would be able to stop British citizens coming to stay in Gibraltar.

Lammy insisted the only difference to what Conservative ministers had previously been negotiating was the sovereignty clause, which he said would ensure there was no question over Gibraltar's status.

The UK has had sovereignty over Gibraltar since 1713, although this is disputed by Spain, who claim the territory as their own.

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Public opinion in Gibraltar, which has a population of around 32,000, is in favour of keeping British sovereignty. The most recent referendum, held in 2002, saw almost 99% of voters reject a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain.

The UK said there would also be full operational autonomy for the UK's military's facilities in Gibraltar, where the airport is run by the Ministry of Defence and hosts an RAF base.

Liberal Democrat spokeswoman Helen Maguire welcomed the agreement, while calling for Parliament to get the opportunity to scrutinise and vote on it.

However, Reform UK have described the deal as a "surrender".

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Deputy leader Richard Tice raised concerns Spanish border officials would have "an effective veto" on British citizens from the UK landing in Gibraltar.

Lammy clarified that if there was an alert in relation to an arrival Spanish border guards and police would work alongside Gibraltarian police.

An individual would have the right to legal advice and be able to either return to their country of origin or go to Spain to face questions.

[BBC]

Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter to keep up with the inner workings of Westminster and beyond.
Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) and Meta Platforms (META) are forming an unlikely partnership. The large-cap energy provider struck whats known as a power purchase agreement with Meta, granting the tech conglomerate the entire 1.1 gigawatt output from Constellations Clinton Clean Energy Center in Illinois for 20 years starting in mid-2027. Constellations stock surged around 10% following the news, but has since given up its gains.

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Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) stock price history over the past 5 days

The deal marks a shift in how hyperscale tech companies are addressing their AI-driven power needs, with nuclear energy emerging as a preferred solution due to its carbon-free baseload power. Constellations fleet of nuclear power plants bodes well for future deals, leaving me cautiously optimistic despite a frothy valuation.

Meta Partnership Marks Nuclear-AI Milestone

Metas 20-year power agreement marks the largest in a growing wave of partnerships between nuclear energy providers and major tech companies. Amazon (AMZN), Microsoft (MSFT), and Google (GOOGL) have all secured nuclear energy to meet the surging power demands driven by their AI initiatives.

Nuclear power offers several key advantages over other energy sources, including around-the-clock availability, scalability, and zero carbon emissions. These attributes make it especially appealing to energy-intensive data centers that operate continuously. To put this into perspective, a single ChatGPT query is estimated to consume roughly 10 times more energy than a standard Google search.

Why Tech Giants Go Nuclear to Tap AI

Nuclear energy remains somewhat misunderstood. While rare nuclear accidents tend to dominate headlines and shape public perception, support for nuclear power is growing. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that 56% of Americans now favor expanding atomic energy. Regulatory momentum is also shifting in its favor, creating a supportive environment for companies like Constellation Energy.

The ADVANCE Act of 2024, for example, reduced regulatory review fees for advanced reactor applicants and imposed an 18-month deadline for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to make decisions. Earlier this year, the Trump administration issued executive orders aimed at quadrupling U.S. nuclear capacity by 2050.

Constellation, which operates the largest nuclear fleet in the country with 21 reactors across 15 sites, is well-positioned to benefit. When you combine favorable policy shifts with rising demand for energy, particularly from AI infrastructure, its clear why Constellation is increasingly optimistic about the road ahead
The Brief

Darrian Randle, 31, and Cedrick Antoine Britten, 44, of North East, Maryland, have been charged in connection with a three-year-old missing child, Nola Dinkins, identified in an Amber Alert in New Castle County.

Police canceled the Amber Alert for the three-year-old after her mother, Randle, confessed to fabricating a story saying the child was abducted at gunpoint.

Human remains, consistent with that of a child, were found in a vacant lot in Cecil County, Maryland Wednesday.

NEWARK, DE - Two people have been charged in connection with a suspected death of a three-year-old who was previously reported missing.

The backstory

On Tuesday, June 10 at around 7:15 p.m., New Castle County police officers responded to the 500 block of Gender Road for a report of a possible kidnapping.

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Upon arrival, 31-year-old Darrian Randle of Newark, told police that she pulled over to comfort her daughter, identified as 3-year-old Nola Dinkins, when a man approached them at gunpoint and took the girl. She said the suspect then fled in a dark-colored SUV driven by a white female.

An Amber Alert was then issued for 3-year-old Nola, prompting an overnight investigation by the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the FBI.

Detectives later determined Darrians story was false and canceled the Amber Alert.

Then, the Maryland State Police (MDSP) began investigating the case.

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On Wednesday, MDSP recovered the remains of a human consistent with that of a child.

The remains were found in a vacant lot in Cecil County.

What we know

In an update Wednesday, Elena Russo, a MDSP spokesperson, said Randle, 31, and her boyfriend, Cedrick Antoine Britten, 44, both of North East, Maryland, were arrested and charged in connection to the investigation.

Randle has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, first-degree of child abuse resulting in death of a minor under thirteen, and other related criminal charges.

Britten has been charged with accessory to first- and second-degree murder after the fact, failure to report child death, and other related criminal charges.

Dig deeper

Police went to Randles last known address in North East, where they made contact with Britten.

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Further investigation and questioning led to the recovery of human remains in the vacant lot.

What's next

Randle is currently in police custody at the New Castle County Division of Police awaiting extradition.

Britten is in police custody in Maryland and awaiting transport to the Cecil County District Court for an initial appearance.

MDSP is awaiting positive identification of the remains, pending autopsy results.

The Source

The information in this story is from Maryland State Police and New Castle County police.
SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea appears to have stopped loudspeakers near the border targeting South Korea, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Thursday.

The JCS said that North Korean loudspeaker broadcasts were not heard on Thursday, and the South Korean military was monitoring Pyongyang's activities.

Seoul suspended its own loudspeaker broadcasts near the border targeting North Korea on Wednesday, after having resumed propaganda and K-pop blasts last year during a time of growing tension with its neighbour.

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South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, who took office this month vowing to resume dialogue with the North, ordered the move to ease tension, a presidential spokesperson said.

Those living near the heavily fortified border have opposed the loudspeaker broadcasts, which they blame for severe noise nuisance.

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Kim Coghill and Sonali Paul)
New satellite imagery indicates that North Korea has held a new launch ceremony or a similar event for its second Choi-Hyun class frigate, or that one may be imminent. The warship is currently in a dry dock after a botched launch attempt in May that left it partially sunk.

TWZ obtained the new images of the frigate, the name of which has not yet been publicly announced, which were taken today, from our friends at Maxar Technologies. The initial failed launch occurred on May 21 in the port city of Chongjin. The ship had been righted by June 2 and was subsequently towed to the dry dock facility in the port city of Rajin to the northeast.

On todays imagery, a large crowd of spectators are seen on the dock next to the destroyer, ceremonial flags are seen hanging on the ship and dozens of buses are positioned nearby that brought people to the ceremony, Maxar noted in a statement accompanying the images.

A satellite image showing the second Choi-Hyun class frigate in dry dock in Rajin, North Korea, on June 12, 2025. Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies

A large array of buses seen near the dry dock in Rajin on June 12. Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies

A broader look at the area around the dry dock in Rajin. Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies

In addition, the imagery shows what looks to be pavilions, viewing stands, and/or other temporary structures that align with a major event like a launch ceremony. Those structures are also not present in an earlier image from Maxar taken on June 8 after the ships arrival in Rajin.

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At the time of writing, there do not appear to be any announcements about a new ceremony around the ship from North Korean state media, at least in English. As TWZ has noted from the start, state outlets in the Hermit Kingdom have been unusually proactive in reporting on the incident, likely to keep ahead of the narrative.

In the imagery now available, the second Choi-Hyun class frigate looks strikingly pristine, at least externally, as well. To what extent this is just a facade is unknown, but there was significant structural damage to the superstructure plainly visible as recently as June 8, as seen below. How the North Koreans were able to achieve this restoration, even superficially, is unclear.

Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies

It also raises the question of whether a swap-out with the first-in-class Choi-Hyun might have occurred. However, this seems close to an impossibility based on a review of other satellite images, including of Choi-Hyuns homeport in Nampo on North Koreas western coast, all the way on the opposite side of the peninsula. That ship appears to be visible in port in available low-resolution imagery. There is also no evidence of a swap-out in low-resolution images of Rajin since June 8. Furthermore, North Korea sending a warship from one side of the Korean Peninsula to the other would be a major move that would be exceedingly hard, if not impossible, to make without incident. Maritime boundaries between North and South Korea are heavily monitored and have been the site of violent skirmishes in the past.

The full scale and scope of the damage that the second frigate suffered during the failed launch, and what actual repairs have been made so far, also remain unclear. The North Koreans were able to meet an ambitious goal of having the ship at least righted within 10 days of the initial incident. It is still highly questionable whether they will be truly able to meet an additional directive to restore the ship to its prior condition before the end of this month.

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As TWZ previously explained:

The ship clearly has structural damage to its superstructure, with mangled metal and bent lines appearing in the satellite images. Some areas of the ship were flooded with seawater, which would have had a major impact on any machinery and electronics in those areas. All this will take time to remediate, and we still dont know the condition of the ships hull, although it did make the 50-mile voyage to its current resting spot.

This is a large and complex vessel for North Korea to repair, and the facilities at Rajin are not extensive. It is still possible that the North Koreans are getting help from China or Russia, something we had initially speculated. The latter of the two, in particular, is working extensively with Pyongyang in terms of military assistance in return for North Koreas support of its invasion of Ukraine. The location of the ship near the Russian border in an economic zone dominated by cross-border trade also points to the possibility that Moscow is lending a hand.

North Koreas second Choi-Hyun class frigate seen on its side in Chongjin on May 23, 2025. Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies

From the start, there has been a clear incentive for authorities in North Korea to at least claim that the ship has been fixed in record time. The initial incident was highly embarrassing and impossible to hide, with state media having made clear the furor of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over what had happened right in front of him. A number of officials from the Chongjin Shipyard have been detained as part of an ongoing investigation. At least one senior party official has been at least summoned before the state law enforcement apparatus, as well.

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In addition, the heavily armed Choi-Hyun class frigate represents a major new development for North Koreas navy, though there are still questions about the full extent of their capabilities, as you can read more about in our past reporting on the first of these warships.

If a new launch ceremony has now been held, or is about to occur, and goes off without incident, it is likely that North Korean media will then publish propaganda pictures from the event that could offer additional clues as to the actual state of the second Choi-Hyun class frigate.

Update: 10:10 PM EST 

North Korean state media has now confirmed the launch ceremony for the second Choi-Hyun class frigate occurred in Raijin on June 12 (it is now already June 13 on the Korean Peninsula). We also now know the name of the ship, the Kang Kon.

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Kang Kon was a political commissar of a Korean Peoples Revolutionary Army (KPRA) regiment and a detachment unit during the anti-Japanese armed struggle. After Koreas liberation, he served as Vice-Minister of National Defence and the Chief of the General Staff of the Korean Peoples Army (KPA) concurrently. During the Fatherland Liberation War, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Front Headquarters before falling in action on September 8, 1950, according to Beyond Parallel, a project within the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) think tank in Washington, D.C.

An official picture from the Kang Kons launch ceremony on June 12, 2025. North Korean State Media

During the launch ceremony, Kim Jong-un addressed the earlier failed launch at Chongjin, stating that while it is unacceptable that such a challenge arosefrom sheer irresponsibility and negligence, equating it to a grave and inexcusable criminal act,' North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported, according to Beyond Parallel. However, he emphasized that within just over two weeks of the incident, the destroyer was stabilized and refloatedthrough this recovery effort, we were also able to confirm the structural stability and technical excellence of the destroyers design.'

The vessel will now undergo the necessary sequential processes, including the integration of its weapons systems, performance and operational capability evaluations, and integrated operational testing, before being delivered to the Navy in the middle of next year, Rodong Sinmuns report added.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to keep building a more modern navy fleet to enhance the country's maritime power as he attended the launching ceremony for a warship that was repaired after its earlier failed launch, state media said on Friday.

Satellite images had shown ongoing repairs to the 5,000-ton destroyer that partially capsized in May, after Kim called the accident a "criminal act" and ordered the ship to be rebuilt before a ruling party meeting later this month.

Kim said the restoration of the destroyer "had not delayed" North Korea's attempts to enhance naval power, and said plans were in place "to build two more 5,000-ton destroyers next year", KCNA reported.

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North Korea has detained several officials since the initial failed launch of the destroyer, the largest warship Pyongyang has ever built.

Kim called for the country to strengthen its maritime military presence in the Pacific Ocean in the face of what he said were provocations by the United States and its allies, KCNA said.

"Soon, enemies will experience themselves how provocative and unpleasant it is to sit and watch the ships of an adversary run rampant on the fringes of sovereign waters," Kim said in a speech at the ceremony, according to KCNA.

"I'm sure that in the near future, the routes of our battleships ... will be opened on the Pacific Ocean toward the outposts of aggression."

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Kim also said a shipyard worker had died in their "destroyer construction battle" a few days before the launch, and awarded a "patriotic sacrifice certificate" to the man's family.

The re-launch of the vessel, just three weeks after the initial failure, is probably an indication that the damage to the vessel was relatively minor in nature, a Washington think tank said.

Satellite imagery showed the vessel's gun turret had been bounded but hatches for the vertical launch systems were covered, making it unclear whether the systems had been completely installed, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said in a report.

Pyongyang's plan to build more destroyers could "further complicate U.S. and allied missile defense in the region," CSIS said.

(Reporting by Joyce Lee, Ju-min Park; Editing by Sandra Maler and Kate Mayberry)
The Department of Natural Resources issued an air quality alert for counties in the northern two-thirds of Wisconsin as wildfire smoke travels south from Canada and the northwest United States.

The June 12 advisory is scheduled to lift at noon in some areas and later in the afternoon in others, and chances of a later air quality alert in southern Wisconsin are low, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Quigley.

The area under alert includes counties as far south as Dane, Dodge and Fond du Lac.

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Quigley explained that the hazier air quality was due to wildfire smoke making its way southeast from Canada, as well as parts of North Dakota and Minnesota's Arrowhead region.

"With all of those fires concentrated to the northwest of Wisconsin, and upper level winds blowing out of the west, that's pulling some of that smoke that is normally way up in the atmosphere, and bringing it over into the northern part of the state," Quigley said.

The alert advises "sensitive groups"  including individuals with asthma or heart disease  to participate only in shorter and less intense outdoor activities.

In Milwaukee, the forecast for June 12 is partly sunny, with a high near 70 degrees.

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The weather service also advises that there are chances for thunderstorms across southern Wisconsin this morning and across central Wisconsin this afternoon. Quigley said that chances for showers and thunderstorms near Milwaukee County are low, and that storms, if they do occur, should be to the north of the I-94 corridor.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Northern Wisconsin in air quality alert from wildfire smoke
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Fathers are stepping up to be more present in their childrens lives.

The Northwest Florida Health Network is designed to empower fathers at the Fatherhood Conference.

The program helps incarcerated fathers reconnect with their children. The goal is to help fathers become more confident in their parenting.

Participants could grab a passport card and visit different vendors with resources for dads.

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South Walton Turtle Watch teaches youth about sea turtle care

They could also hear personal stories from event speakers, motivating them to make a change.

I grew up in a broken home with violence and abuse. And I stopped that, what I call a generational curse. I stopped it, created a new way. And yet in all my years working with men who grew up in broken homes, they felt they were doomed to repeat the past. And the reality is, youre not if you make choices today that turn their lives around, not just for your sake, for your kids, for your family, and for the next two generations of generations, RelateWell Institute Director Richard Marks said.

Theres about 24 million children across the country that do not have a father in their life. And when that is missing, that family unit breaks down. A lot of bad things happen. Education outcomes are worse. Health outcomes are worse. And also, we know that theres a higher incidence of violence and incarceration when theres not that father figure in their lives, Northwest Florida Health Network CEO Mike Watkins said.

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There were also counselors who assisted fathers in overcoming substance use and mental health challenges.

Event organizers know how important it is for children to have a father in their lives.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
CHICAGO (WGN)  The man charged in the death of Chicago police officer Krystal Rivera appeared before a Cook County judge on Thursday.

During a brief appearance in Cook County Criminal Court, 25-year-old Adrian Ruckers public defender got permission from the judge to move Thursdays status hearing for his client to Friday. Post-hearing, the mother and aunt of Rucker told WGN News that they still have questions for investigators concerning the June 5 incident on the citys South Side.

Were waiting for bodycam footage, Monique Reed, Ruckers aunt, said.

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Authorities said the deadly shooting unfolded shortly before 10 p.m. as CPD officers pursued Rucker, who allegedly fled from a nearby investigatory stop at an apartment near E. 82nd St. and S. Drexel Avenue.

According to CPD, Rivera and another police officer chased an armed Rucker into a unit. Prosecutors say Rucker fled down a hallway and bodycam video captures the suspect pointing an AR pistol, but not firing it.

Young, vibrant and a hard worker: CPD officer dies in South Side shooting

Fallen CPD officer remembered for courage and compassion by loved ones and colleagues

He never had a rifle, Reed said. Never had a gun. No gun was found on him.

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While 36-year-old Officer Rivera chased the initial suspect, the officer with her accidentally fired his weapon, striking and killing the four-year veteran of Chicago police.

My condolences to her family, but my nephew is not responsible for her death, Reed said.

Along with serving as part of the Sixth Districts tactical team, those who knew Officer Rivera remembered her as a loving mom who was known for her courage and compassion.

Inside the unit on Drexel, investigators say they found three guns, suspected narcotics, and multiple fake IDs with Ruckers picture. The 25-year-old of Freeport a town west of Rockford faces multiple felonies, including armed violence, illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal drug possession.

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Monique Reed says her nephew doesnt live in the apartment where the shooting occurred.

I feel like hes being railroaded right now, she said. We have his side of the story.

Court documents say the armed suspect Officer Rivera and the other officer were chasing last Thursday got away. WGN News reached out to Chicago police to learn if the department is continuing its search, but has not yet heard back.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Funeral arrangements for Officer Rivera are pending.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
California Governor Gavin Newsom raised concerns about President Donald Trumps mental acuity on Thursday, saying the president fabricated details of a conversation about federalizing the states National Guard in Los Angeles.

Newsom accused the president of either deliberately lying or being confused about a conversation the two officials had after Trump told the New York Post he called Newsom to warn him that he planned to utilize the California National Guard to control protests.

The governor sharply accused Trump of being a stone-cold liar on The Daily podcast, claiming Trump never brought up the National Guard during their conversation.

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[He] starts making up all these things he claimed he told me about, which honestly starts to disturb me on a different level, that maybe he actually believed he said those things and hes not all there. I mean it, Newsom said.

He, literally, a few days later claimed he had another conversation with me, Newsom said of the president who turns 79 years old on Saturday.

California Governor Gavin Newsom raised concerns that President Donald Trump (AP)

Concern about the mental acuity of the president has been top-of-mind for the media and some voters since it became a major issue for former president Joe Biden. Trump often pointed to Bidens jumbled speech and rigid stance as signs of physical or mental unfitness.

Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, told Axios that Newsom's attacks on Trump are "rich, coming from Gavin Newsom, who in this past election tried to gaslight and lied to the American public about Joe Biden's decline."

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"Gavin Newsom will never be president, even as he tries to peddle these lies," Cheung said.

Representative Ronny Jackson of Texas, who served as Physician to the President under Trumps first term, told Axios that Trump "is the healthiest president this nation has ever seen."

Frankly, given President Trumps unparalleled work ethic and this administrations commitment to transparency, it's abundantly clear that Governor Newsom, the 'sanctuary state' governor, is indulging in nothing more than petty politics. He, just like most Democrats, needs to look himself in the mirror and answer this: Where was the concern when the cognitive disaster, Joe Biden, was president, Jackson said.

Over the last week, Newsom has been on a press campaign to refute Trumps use of the military to thwart anti-immigration raid protests in Los Angeles.

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The governor says its an unnecessary use of the California National Guard and Marines for incidents of civil unrest in a small area in downtown Los Angeles.

Over the last week, Newsom has been on a press campaign to refute Trumps use of the military to thwart anti-immigration raid protests in Los Angeles (Getty)

Trump controversially invoked a rarely-used presidential power to federalize the states National Guard, against the wishes of Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Newsom has filed a lawsuit against Trump, claiming the presidents actions were illegal.

Trump, who has defended his decision to federalize the California National Guard, has pushed back on Newsoms assertions, calling the governor incompetent and Newscum. Trump has characterized the Los Angeles protests as violent and potentially dangerous for ICE law enforcement to carry out their duties.

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The president took his defense a step further on Wednesday when he claimed he warned Newsom about using the National Guard.

When I talked to him, he never brought it up, Newsom told the New York Times. He lied. He lied. On my mother and dads grave, I dont mess around when I say this, he lied. Stone-cold liar. Dont think for a second he told the truth.

Newsom said their phone conversation last week was incredibly cordial and that he was in communication with Susie Wiles, the White House Chief of Staff, about cooperating. The governor said he woke up the following day to name-calling.

Hours later, to your point, I wake up and Im Newscum again, Newsom said.

Its the president of the United States calling someone scum. Newscum which is, for what its worth, what I think a 7th grader used to call me.
David Hogg gets the boot: "David Hogg, the young vice chair of the Democratic National Committee who divided the party over his plans to intervene in primary races against sitting Democratic lawmakers, said that he would step aside from his prominent post after the party voted to force him to run again on Wednesday," reports The New York Times. Hogg, 25, first rose to prominence as a gun control activist after surviving the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, in 2018. "It is clear that there is a fundamental disagreement about the role of a Vice Chair," wrote Hogg, detailing his reasons for quitting (following what was essentially an ouster), "and it's OK to have disagreements. What isn't OK is allowing this to remain our focus when there is so much more we need to be focused on."

Some of the criticism of Hogg has centered around his involvement in the group Leaders We Deserve, which essentially seeks to primary the old and out-of-touch within the Democratic party, supporting young scrappy progressive upstarts who might want to run for office. ("A few members of the old-school Democratic establishment are pissed at me for calling us weak," wrote Hogg in a recent fundraising email.)

Heresy!

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"Last month a DNC panel found that Hogg and Vice Chair Malcolm Kenyatta were not properly elected earlier this year because their election ran afoul of gender-diversity rules," reports The Washington Post. And Hogg's recent comments on Real Time with Bill Maher surely didn't help his case: "What I think happened last election is younger menthey would rather vote for somebody who they don't completely agree with, they don't feel judged by than somebody who they do agree with, that they feel like they have to walk on eggshells around constantly because they're going to be judged or ostracized or excommunicated." (No lies detected.) He then mentioned that young dudes just want to "get laid and have fun." If the idea is to win the approval of the DNC scolds, Hogg is going about it in the absolute worst way possible. (As for the DNC panel's decision, Hogg commented,"I don't even know if it makes sense for us to have the gender balance rule anymore in this day and age, because I want to focus on whoever's just best at the job.")

In other words, a Democratic Party ostensibly focused on the need for course correction, self-reflection, and finding "the next Joe Rogan, but for the left" got mad at Hogg for being a normal dude willing to say the obvious, and for having fresh ideas that challenged the establishment's stranglehold.

Iran doubles down: A watchdog arm for the United Nations (U.N.) censured Iran over its nuclear program. So Iran's authorities decided to announce that they are opening up a new uranium enrichment facility.

"The vote [of the International Atomic Energy Agency board] was called over Iran's repeated refusal over the last six years to explain the presence of undeclared nuclear material in Iran," reports The Wall Street Journal. But Iran's actions show just how antagonistic it's willing to be, and just how limited the U.N. is in actually being able to enforce much of anything.

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Tensions are rising, more broadly, in the Middle East, and it's a little hard to tell what discrete indicators mean in fullness. The U.S. government ordered certain staff to depart its embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, and started letting families of service members leave the region. The State Department has started letting certain government employees leave Bahrain and Kuwait.

"Well they are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place," President Donald Trump told reporters in Washington when asked about these decisions. "We've given notice to move out and we'll see what happens."

"They [Iran] can't have a nuclear weapon, very simple," he added. "We're not going to allow that."

In the recent past, Trump has held talks with Tehran to try to hammer out a nuclear deal, even going so far as to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to strike Iran's nuclear sites as it would threaten a deal. But lately, Trump has sounded bearish that actual progress will be made. And Israel appears to possibly readying to strike Iran, according to American and European officials.

Scenes from New York: "Right now, only one person in all of New York State can remove New York City's mayor from officeGov. Kathy Hochul," reports The New York Times. "A commission appointed by the City Council says that 5,126,009 other people should have a say. That is the total number of registered voters in New York City. Last week, the commission suggested creating a new legal option to kick out a mayora ballot proposition to decide whether the Council should be given the authority to begin removal proceedings."

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Of course, this isn't to say voterssome massive percentage of whom might be trying to elect a socialist this time aroundwould necessarily use their veto power well, per se. But this approach does sound more democratic than the status quo.

QUICK HITS

Bryan Bedford, the president's nominee to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will get grilled by senators this morning. The FAA is facing air traffic control issues and several high-profile safety incidents, so this confirmation hearing is a big deal. Bedford has experience running regional commercial airlines and currently serves as president and CEO for Republic Airways.

Boeing, which reached a deal with the U.S. Department of Justice last month to avoid criminal responsibility for the crashes of its aircraft in 2018 and 2019 that killed a total of 346 people, has another disaster on its hands: A plane carrying 242 people, taking off from Ahmedabad, India, and headed to London, crashed shortly after takeoff. "In April 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration said it was investigating claims made by a Boeing engineer who said that sections of the fuselage of the 787 Dreamliner"the plane that crashed in Indiawere improperly fastened together and could break apart mid-flight after thousands of trips," reports The New York Times. "Boeing said at the time it had done extensive testing on the Dreamliner and 'determined that this is not an immediate safety of flight issue.'"

"President Donald Trump said he intended to send letters to trading partners in the next one to two weeks setting unilateral tariff rates, ahead of a July 9 deadline to reimpose higher duties on dozens of economies," reports Bloomberg. "We're going to be sending letters out in about a week and a half, two weeks, to countries, telling them what the deal is," Trump told reporters yesterday.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia's lawyers have asked a judge to release the man as he awaits trial.

On the backlash against intimacy coordinators in Hollywood.

The post Not That Kind of Introspection! appeared first on Reason.com.
President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Russian claims of significant battlefield gains, calling them part of a disinformation campaign during an interview with Bild published on June 12.

Zelensky rejected claims of Russian advance as "a Russian narrative," insisting that Ukraine's forces have been holding off a renewed offensive for nearly three weeks.

"The Russians are not so successful, to say the least," Zelensky said.

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His remarks come amid a surge in Russian military operations across Ukraine's eastern and northern regions, including Russian claims of territorial gains in Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy oblasts  assertions Kyiv denies.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the Russian state media on June 9 that the offensive in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk Oblast aims to establish a so-called "buffer zone" on Ukrainian territory.

The statement followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's earlier announcement that Moscow intends to create security corridors along Ukraine's borders with Russia's Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod regions.

Ukrainian officials denied any Russian advances into Dnipropetrovsk.

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"As of the morning of June 9, all Russian information, including Peskov's statements, about an offensive in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast does not correspond to reality," said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation.

Ukraine's Southern Operational Command described the situation as "tense" but said no breakthroughs had occurred.

Despite the absence of confirmed ground incursions, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has faced frequent missile and drone attacks. In April, the region initiated mandatory evacuations from four front-line villages as a precautionary measure.

Separately, open-source monitoring group DeepState showed some advances near the Russian border in Sumy Oblast. On June 8, DeepState confirmed that Russian troops had occupied the village of Loknia in Ukraine's Sumy Oblast.

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Located about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of Sumy, the village lies close to the Russian border in an increasingly volatile region. The Ukrainian General Staff has not commented on the development.

According to an article by Ukrainska Pravda, Russian forces began advancing into northern Sumy Oblast in late February or early March, taking advantage of the withdrawal of Ukraine's most combat-capable units. These were reportedly replaced by newly formed, under-resourced brigades with minimal combat experience and limited equipment.

Since March, Russia has reportedly taken control of about 200 square kilometers (80 square miles) in northern Sumy Oblast, including roughly a dozen small villages. The advances have triggered civilian evacuations. As of May 31, regional authorities ordered the evacuation of 213 settlements.

Read also: As Russia inches closer to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, new Ukrainian region might soon be at war

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
(Bloomberg) -- The surging shares of CoreWeave Inc. and Palantir Technologies Inc. are drawing comparisons to meme stocks  whose rapid gains are fueled by retail trader fervor more than financial performance.

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CoreWeave has nearly quadrupled since its heavily downsized initial public offering in March. Palantir is up more than 460% over the past year. Investors may hope that the shares will perform like Nvidia Corp., whose stock soared at the start of the artificial intelligence era. The risk is that they act more like retailer GameStop Corp.  now 66% below a 2021 peak.

Investors are ignoring fundamentals just to jump on the trend, and if you stretch a rubber band, the snapback can be substantial, said Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers Group. You need fresh money to reinforce the trend, otherwise the moves arent sustainable.

Shares of CoreWeave fell 5.8% on Tuesday while Palantir slipped 0.4%.

Hints of such risks came last week, when cloud-computing provider CoreWeave tumbled 17% out of the blue, its biggest one-day drop on record. The shares since recovered and neared a fresh high on Monday.

CoreWeave and Palantir are among this years best-performing stocks amid a resurgence of the AI trade as tech giants continue to spend heavily on computing infrastructure. CoreWeave rents cloud-computing capacity and counts Microsoft Corp. as one of its biggest customers. Palantir makes data analysis software used by governments and commercial customers.

Representatives for CoreWeave and Palantir did not immediately respond to Bloomberg News requests for comment.

In contrast to GameStop, a video-game retailer that faced real challenges during the pandemic, both are clearly benefiting from strong demand for their services. CoreWeaves revenue is expected to more than double this year, according to the average of analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Palantirs is projected to increase by 36%, aided by brisk sales of its AI offerings.

The problem is whether investors are over-paying for that growth. Palantir trades at 71 times estimated sales, making it by far the most expensive stock in the S&P 500. CoreWeave, which had a net loss of $315 million in the first quarter, is priced at 10 times projected sales. The average in the S&P 500 is around 3 times.
Plans to create an 88-place nursery in Surrey with four car parking spaces were approved - despite only four of 11 councillors voting for it.

Applicant Bright Horizons wants to replace a 10-person care home in Gordon Avenue, Camberley, with a nursery for 35 toddlers, 32 pre-schoolers and 21 babies.

The plans were approved by Surrey Heath Borough Council's planning committee on June 5, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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While less than half of councillors voted in favour, the committee passed the proposal because a ruling by the council's environmental health officer meant they would be unable to defend any refusal in the future.

This officer raised no objections and expressed a belief that any noise would have a "negligible impact", the meeting heard.

The proposal, which received 58 letters of objection, was reported to the committee by councillor Lisa Finan-Cooke as residents' fears began to pile up.

One concern was that the four parking spaces included in the plans would create gridlock on the small roads leading up to the site.

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Another was that the proposal would change the site's character from a sleepy residential home to a noisy nursery.

It was claimed that the change in site would result in a 316% increase in trips relative to the existing use.

Objector David Webb said: "Four parking spaces, one is a disabled bar and one even but none are available for the 22 staff.

"The idea that four families will arrive every 15 minutes sounds organised in theory but in practice parents will arrive early, leave late, or overlap, especially with children."

Councillor Victoria Wheeler added: "The noise that a child makes is a little bit like an aircraft going over, it's a sudden and quiet piercing noise."

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The meeting heard that the care home had not been operating at capacity, and that a tender process to find a new adult care provider proved fruitless.

The plans were given the go-ahead by four votes in favour, three against and four abstentions.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

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The corporate headquarters for Care Initiatives in West Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo via Google Earth)

One of Iowas largest nursing home chains is denying allegations that it fired a nurse in retaliation for her quality-of-care complaints to state regulators.

The chain, Care Initiatives of West Des Moines, is currently facing three separate whistleblower lawsuits stemming from unrelated incidents. The company operates 44 care facilities in Iowa.

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In the most recent case, Tina Weber of Clemens states that from May 2021 through October 2024, she worked as a registered nurse at an unspecified Care Initiatives facility in Marshall County.

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Weber claims that on Oct. 5, 2024, she witnessed an incident involving a resident with schizophrenia, using a wheelchair, and a human resources worker. According to the lawsuit, the two were engaged in an argument and when the resident attempted to leave in his wheelchair, the human resources worker grabbed the handles of the wheelchair, causing the resident to fall out of the wheelchair to the ground.

Weber reported the incident to the assistant director of nursing and recorded the incident in the residents chart. The next day, Weber alleges, the homes director of nursing texted Weber, writing, Could you strike out original note and when putting in about the wheelchair say she was assisting with the wheelchair and he put himself on the ground as she tried to de-escalate him and explain that he was not allow to smoke and the policy?

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Weber allegedly responded, So not the truth?

On Oct. 11, 2024, an administrator allegedly asked Weber to change her account of the incident in the residents chart. Weber refused. Later that day, the lawsuit alleges, a corporate employee of Care Initiatives instructed Weber to change the residents chart so it didnt indicate the residents fall was the result of an altercation with the staff. Weber again refused and, the lawsuit claims, she then reported the incident to state regulators who forwarded it to the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing, which oversees nursing homes.

Five days later, a state inspector visited the nursing home to investigate the matter, the lawsuit alleges. The next day, the lawsuit alleges, Care Initiatives fired Weber.

The lawsuit claims the company fired Weber due to her reports and complaints regarding the health, safety, and well-being of one of its residents. The lawsuit seeks unspecified actual and punitive damages for Webers firing.

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In its response to the lawsuit, Care Initiatives says it did not terminate or take any adverse action at any time against (Weber) for participation in any alleged protected activity, including her alleged reports/complaints-both internally and externally. The company says that it acted in good faith, without malice or disregard of Webers rights.

A trial is scheduled for June 9, 2026.

Keep your mouth shut

Care Initiatives is currently the target of two other lawsuits alleging a form of whistleblower retaliation.

In one of those cases, Tylene Schultz states that in the summer of 2022, she was hired at Fonda Specialty Care by its then-administrator, Jennifer Blair, to work in the home as a certified nursing assistant.

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On Feb. 18, 2023, the home allegedly scheduled a temp-agency nurse, Becky Manning, to work the overnight shift due to a shortage of staff nurses. During the shift, a resident with a tracheostomy passed away about 2:25 a.m., according to the lawsuit.

State records indicate the resident who died was 87-year-old Marvin Pete Jacobs, who had undergone a tracheostomy and needed regular suctioning of his airway. The lawsuit claims Jacobs died because throughout the shift, Manning refused to numerous requests to suction Jacobs airway.

Despite multiple requests by Schultz to suction the resident  over 10 times, from 6 p.m. on Feb.18, 2023, to 2:25 a.m., Feb.19, 2023  Manning would not suction the resident, nor did she attempt to use the suction machine, the lawsuit claims.

According to the lawsuit, after Schultz left the home at the end of her shift, she received multiple text messages from Blair that said, Keep your mouth shut and keep your opinions to yourself, along with instructions that she should not communicate with Jacobs family.

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Later that day, Schultz was summoned to a meeting with Blair at Fonda Specialty Care. During the meeting, the lawsuit claims, Blair  who was allegedly was aware Schultz planned to call state regulators and report her concerns with Jacobs care  informed Schultz she was being fired due to resident complaints.

Manning was charged with felony wanton neglect of a resident of a health care facility and later was sentenced to two years in prison on a reduced charge of misdemeanor wanton neglect. Manning also entered into an agreement with the Iowa Board of Nursing in which she agreed to indefinitely suspend her practice of nursing.

Schultzs lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for wrongful termination. Care Initiatives has denied any wrongdoing and alleges that Schultzs dismissal was based on legitimate, nondiscriminatory, and nonretaliatory business reasons.

A trial is scheduled for Aug. 4, 2026.

Caregiver helped resident call 911

The third current whistleblower case against Care Initiatives involves Kandus Jellison, who worked at the companys Oakwood Specialty Care in Albia. Jellison has alleged she was fired in June 2022 after she intervened on behalf of a resident who was refused hospital care and then helped the man call 911.

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Jellison sued Care Initiatives in part for allegedly violating the Iowa law that bars employers from taking action against workers for reporting dependent adult abuse or assisting with an abuse-related complaint or investigation.

Care Initiatives has argued that while its a crime for a company to retaliate against workers who assist with abuse investigations, the Iowa Legislature didnt intend for workers to use such a violation as the basis for a civil lawsuit. A judge agreed and dismissed one element of the lawsuit, but let the remainder of the case proceed.

Care Initiatives has denied any wrongdoing in the matter, and a trial is scheduled for March 30, 2026.

A fourth whistleblower case against Care Initiatives was settled several months ago. In that case, Stephanie Schlegelmilch sued the company, alleging that while working as the director of nursing for the chains Avoca Specialty Care, she was terminated in violation of public policy.

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Schlegelmilch alleged she was fired shortly after she confronted a regional nurse for Care Initiatives and questioned why she wasnt wearing a mask during a COVID-19 outbreak in the home.

Care Initiatives denied any wrongdoing in the case, and the case was dismissed in December 2024 after an out-of-court settlement was reached.

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 11: Protesters march downtown as protests against ICE immigration raids continue in the city on June 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Tensions in the city remain high with daily protests after the Trump administration called in the National Guard and the Marines against the wishes of Gov. Gavin Newsom and city leaders. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Donald Trumps decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles is unlawful, unconstitutional, and undemocratic, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford and 17 other Democratic state attorneys general said in a statement Wednesday.

Democratic U.S. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, as well as Democratic Reps. Dina Titus, Steven Horsford, and Susie Lee are also condemning Trumps actions that have escalated conflict in Los Angeles.

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Ford criticized Trumps decision to federalize and deploy Californias National Guard without the consent of California state leaders, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, saying the action would sow chaos, inflame tensions and put peoples lives at risk  including those of our law enforcement officers.

The federal administration should be working with local leaders to keep everyone safe, not mobilizing the military against the American people, Ford said in a statement.

Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the activation of the states National Guard without the coordination of state leadership, asking a court to declare the order unlawful.

As the chief law enforcement officers of our states, we are proud to protect our communities and oppose violence in any form. We support Attorney General Bonta in his challenge to the Trump administrations illegal conduct, Ford continued.

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The statement was also joined by the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Arizona, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon and Vermont.

Protests began in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, June 6 after Immigration Customs Enforcement officers carried out raids in three locations across the city, where dozens of people were taken into custody.

That evening the Los Angeles Police Department declared the protests an unlawful assembly, ordering demonstrators to leave the area. The department followed by breaking up protests using tear gas and rubber bullets, but protests continued throughout the weekend with reports of vandalism and burning self-driving cars.

Trump responded on June 7 by deploying 2,000 California National Guard members to Los Angeles. After Newsom objected to Trump sending in the National Guard without his consent, Trump ordered an additional 700 Marines into the city.

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In a statement, Rosen echoed Fords comments on the illegality of federalizing the National Guard as protest enforcement, calling it an unnecessary escalation.

Calling up the National Guard without the consent of state officials is unprecedented in recent history, and sending active-duty military troops to go after Americans on U.S. soil is unconscionable and illegal, Rosen said.

The last time a president federalized the National Guard over the objection of a state governor was in 1967 when former President Lyndon B. Johnson deployed the National Guard during the Civil Rights Movements campaign in Alabama.

This unnecessary escalation is just an attempt by the Administration to distract from Congressional Republicans extreme tax spending bill thatll cut Medicaid and SNAP to give billionaires more tax giveaways, Rosen said.

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In a post on X, Cortez Masto said she supports peoples right to make their voices heard through peaceful protests without violence or harming law enforcement.

The Trump administration should be working with local authorities to de-escalate the situation in Los Angeles, not inflaming it by sending in the National Guard without a request from state or local officials, Cortez Masto continued.

Over the weekend, Horsford also condemned the arrest of David Huerta, the 58-year-old president of Service Employees International Union California. Huerta was arrested Friday while protesting outside a business during an immigration enforcement operation. Huerta was injured during the arrest and was treated at a local hospital before being transported to the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown L.A.

Huerta was illegally arrested and injured by ICE in CA. He remains in custody today. Illegal ICE raids are a danger to every community. We must speak out against actions like these, Horsford wrote on X.

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In response to the deployment of the National Guard, Titus wrote on X Monday that Trumps immigration policies are sowing chaos and division in our communities throughout the country. Federalizing the National Guard, mobilizing the Marines, and calling for the arrest of a Governor will escalate an already tense situation.

Democratic Rep. Susie Lee on Wednesday night called Trumps tactics in California unprecedented and incredibly disturbing. Like Rosen, Lee said characterized Trumps move as a distraction from Republicans taking away food from hungry kids and seniors and health care from hundreds of thousands of Nevadans and millions of Americans so they can give the wealthiest Americans massive tax breaks. All while adding $2.8 trillion to the debt.

And, in the meantime, they choose to traumatize legal citizens and make our communities less safe, Lee said.

On Tuesday Nevada State Democratic Party Chair Daniele Monroe-Moreno released a statement calling the decision to deploy Californias National Guard unlawful, adding that state and local leaders authority should not be subverted by the federal government through federal interference and intimidation.

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Monroe-Moreno also called on protests to remain peaceful and condemned violence of any kind.

Donald Trumps move to federalize Californias National Guard and deploy thousands of its members without consulting with the states governor is a gross and unlawful abuse of power. This unnecessary move is a distraction from his price-raising agenda that eliminates the Department of Education, cuts Medicaid and SNAP benefits, and slashes affordable housing programs  all to give tax cuts to billionaires, she said.

This story was updated to include statement from Susie Lee.
SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. (PIX11)  A Long Island man is accused of assaulting a person with Down syndrome, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.

Raliek Leonard, 28, of Central Islip, was charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent or disabled person and third-degree assault, according to police.

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Officers were contacted by a local agency on Long Island that assists people with autism and Down syndrome. The agency, located in Smithtown, N.Y., reported that on June 3, a non-verbal adult resident with Down syndrome was found to have facial lacerations and a swollen lip at the facility, police said.

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An investigation revealed that employee Raliek Leonard, whom the agency employed, was seen on security camera pushing the victim into a room, causing him to strike his head on the floor, police said.

Leonard is currently suspended from his position at the facility. He is due back in court on Thursday, authorities said.

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.
New York Citys LGBT voters back Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani by just a slim margin ahead of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo  and about one fourth are still undecided, a new survey obtained by The Post claims.

The demographic group could play an outsized role in selecting the winner of the Democratic primary for mayor, accounting for up to 25% of the total vote, according to the survey, conducted by the Honan Strategy Group for the Bronx-based LGBT group Destination Tomorrow.

As with other voters, LGBTers see a largely two person race  with 25% backing Mamdani, 21% supporting Cuomo  and no other candidate breaking 10%.

New York City mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani holds a press conference at the UAW Local Headquarters. ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

No one else has broken through, said pollster Bradley Honan, noting he was surprised at the high percentage of undecided LGBT voters compared to other Democrats.

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A significant 24% of LGBT New Yorkers  about one quarter of all Democrats  were still undecided with early voting starting Saturday for the June 24 primary.

The poll found that 75% of Democrats identified as heterosexual, about 20% identified as LGBT or non-straight and 5% declined to identify their sexual orientation.

The breakdown includes 7% who identified as gay and lesbian, 4% as bisexual, 3% pansexual, 1% queer and another 5% who identified as having another identity.

Speaker Adrienne Adams is indourced by the Williams Plaza Tenants Association during her run for mayor. Gabriella Bass

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams received 7% support from LGBT Democratic New York City voters.

Three other candidates  City Comptroller Brad Lander, former Comptroller Scott Stringer and Brooklyn state Sen. Zellnor Myrie  each received the backing of 6% of respondents.

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Queens state Sen. Jessica Ramos, who recently endorsed rival Cuomo, and former Bronx Assemblyman Michael Blake, each received 2% support.

Cuomo, when he was governor, pushed through a gay marriage law in 2011 and hes run with strong LGBT backing in his races for governor.

Candidates Adrienne Adams, Brad Lander, Jessica Ramos, Zellnor Myrie, Andrew Cuomo, Whitney Tilson, Zohran Mamdani, Michael Blake and Scott Stringer participate in a Democratic mayoral primary debate, at NBCs 30 Rockefeller Center studios in New York on June 4, 2025. POOL/AFP via Getty Images

That was before he resigned as governor in 2021 following sexual misconduct accusations that he has denied.

The major local LGBT political clubs did not endorse his comeback bid.

The Stonewall Democrats ranked Adams, no relation to the mayor, first in the primary, Lander second and Mamdani, a Queens state Assembly member, third.

The major local LGBT political clubs did not endorse Cuomos comeback bid. Paul Martinka

The Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club also did not rank Cuomo.

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The 4 point spread between Mamdani and Cuomo is within the polls 5.87 percentage point margin of error for the 282 LGBT Democrats queried.

Among all 1,257 Dems queried  including LGBTers  Cuomo defeated Mamdani in the seventh round of rank-choice voting 56% to 44%. Thats similar to most other recent polls.

New York City voters in Brooklyn seen casting their votes on November 5, 2024 at Brooklyn Prospect High School at 3002 Fort Hamilton Parkway in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. Paul Martinka

The horse race starts with Cuomo at 38%, Mandani with 22%, city Comptroller Brad Lander with 12% and Adrienne Adams with 10%, and another 10% are undecided.

The survey asked specific questions pertaining to the LGBT community. A majority of all Democratic voters said the next mayor has to do more to assist LGBT New Yorkers, particularly black and brown individuals.

The text poll of all 1,257 Democrats was conducted from June 5th to 9th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.76 percentage points.
Oak Hill lands new city manager

OAK HILL, WV (WVNS)  A new city manger will be welcomed into the city of Oak Hill on July 14th.

WVDOT Secretary of Transportation explains overhaul plans laid down by Governor Morrisey

Cris Meadows, the current city manager for Hinton in Summers County, will begin his new duties that day.

Meadows has been the city manager in Hinton for more than twenty years, and will be taking over for long-time Oak Hill city manager Damita Johnson.

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Charles Briscoe, mayor for Oak Hill, said he hopes to further grow Oak Hill in terms of business and infrastructure while working with Meadows.

He said the post was a competitive position.

Cris Meadows came to us with a very impressive resume. And a lot of the council members and I did an interview, and he was very impressive during the interview, and we narrowed it down to three candidates from about 95, and Cris came out as number one. said Meadows.

Briscoe said Meadows work for the city of Hinton played a large part in his selection.

He said Meadows wealth of experience can only be a benefit to his town.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
The Brief

About one year ago nine people were wounded including two children at a splash pad in Rochester Hills.

The gunman killed himself after the mass shooting, but quick-thinking by first responders helped all victims survive.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office and Rochester Hills Fire Department earned national honors for their actions that day.

FOX 2 - A year after a random mass shooting at a Rochester Hills splash pad, Oakland Countys first responders were honored on a national stage.

The backstory

Their emergency medical response is credited with saving lives at the Brooklands Splashpad on June 15, 2024 where nine victims including two children, were wounded.

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There were no casualties, but the shooter, Michael William Nash, fled and killed himself during a police standoff.

But in the chaos, calm professionalism helped save lives.

"When you look at the number of individuals that were very traumatically wounded, you had (nine) individuals who were wounded in this mass shooting, none of them died," said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. "Thats a testament to the speedy response first and the treatment second."

The Oakland County Sheriffs Office and Rochester Hills Fire Department were recognized for their actions.

They received the Captain Frank Butler Casualty Care Award named for a U.S. Navy SEAL and physician, and given only to those who exemplify excellence in emergency trauma care.

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"Its gratifying even though it's something we wished and hoped and prayed we'd never have to face," Bouchard said. "Which is how you deal with a traumatic situation.

"Theres a variety of ways to treat the wound depending on where its located and how severe it is. Obviously pressure is one of the important things on a lot of the wounds, but tourniquets can also be vitally important.

"Bleeding in certain wounds can cause a patient to expire very quickly. So I know that our folks, one sergeant in particular, Sgt. (Joseph) Ashley applied multiple tourniquets to wounded victims."

Bouchard says it wasnt luck. It was preparation - training that turned into action when it mattered most.

The Source

Information for this report came from an interview with Sheriff Mike Bouchard and previous reports.
The Brief

Oakland police say peaceful anti-ICE vigil not connected to looting and vehicle fire.

Police say about 30 people entered East Oakland shoe store, many seen stealing goods.

POA says there is inadequate staffing to cover events and neighborhood patrols.

OAKLAND, Calif. - The Oakland Police Department said Wednesday that the looting at a store and a car fire were not connected to the peaceful protest the night before in East Oakland.

No connection to protest

Police say about 30 suspects entered the Shiekh Shoes store near 34th and International Boulevard around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, just blocks from the Fruitvale Village where a peaceful protest against U.S. immigration raids had taken place earlier in the evening.

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Also nearby, one vehicle was set on fire and police say some people threw objects at police officers and damaged a police vehicle.

Video shows a crowd stealing merchandise from the store and running out with armfuls of goods. Police say they arrested one person who was carrying stolen items and burglary tools.

Cleaning up the mess

On Wednesday, the store was closed, and staff inside were cleaning up the mess.

Business owners adjacent to the store were also outside, sweeping up broken glass and trash left behind.

'We had to clean up a lot of boxes everywhere, garbage everywhere," Deep Singh, a business owner next door said. "I think it's stupid, with us as business owners having to deal with all the stuff...people that are robbing and looting. There are a lot of Hispanic workers...they can't work no more because they're closed. They lost money."

Concerns about Oakland police staffing

Some business owners and the Oakland Police Officers Association say they are concerned about Oakland's ability to handle public safety and people taking advantage of peaceful protests to commit crimes.

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"Oftentimes, people try to show up and want to take advantage of the event that's going on, hijack the event, especially when it gets dark," Huy Nguyen, OPOA President said.

Nguyen said the Oakland Police Department has a staffing shortage, with fewer than 600 officers on full duty, due to officers on medical or other leave. As a result, he says the department had to take some officers off their neighborhood patrols to help cover the event.

"We are modifying hours of officers and if it gets to the point of canceling days off, we'll have to make sure [we have] adequate staffing," Nguyen said, adding that people criticize police overtime in the budget, but most officers don't want the overtime and some have left the department because they feel overworked.

Praise for peace

At a media event Wednesday, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee praised the peaceful protest, and said she contacted the victims of the looting and crimes.

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"We've reached out to everyone who has been impacted by what took place last night," Mayor Lee said.

She also warned that anyone trying to use protests as a cover for violence and crime will be prosecuted.

"We have a right to protest through our First Amendment Rights, but we don't have the right to allow violence, destruction of property or any type of non-peaceful violent activity to occur," Lee said.

In a statement, the Oakland Police Department said they will work to protect peaceful protestors and apprehend anyone who commits criminal acts, but will not be participating in any ICE activity.

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"The Oakland Police Department (OPD) is actively monitoring situations nationwide. In compliance with city policy, OPD does not enforce or assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in enforcing civil immigration law violations," the OPD statement read.




HAGERSTOWN, Md. (WHTM) An officer was shot while responding to a domestic violence call in Hagerstown, Md., on Thursday morning, and a suspect is in custody.

The Hagerstown Police Department said officers responded to the 700 block of Forrest Drive for a domestic violence-related call at 5 a.m. on June 12. A male suspect fired a round at an officer, striking him in the arm.

Around 4:30 p.m., the suspect, identified as Daniel Anderson, 40, of Hagerstown, surrendered to police.

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He was booked at the Washington County Detention Center.

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The officer is recovering and in good spirits, police said. He is a 19-year veteran of the Hagerstown Police Department, which said they are grateful for his service and thankful that he wasnt more seriously injured.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A traffic stop resulted in the arrest of an armed man found with suspected drugs in Richmond, Indiana, on Tuesday night.

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Two Richmond officers stopped a scooter just after 7:40 p.m. near the 2000 block of North E Street.

The scooter failed to stop at a posted stop sign, according to a police spokesperson.

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During the stop, they found a 25-year-old rider, Skyler Goodwin, armed and in possession of suspected methamphetamine.

You ride around armed with meth in Richmond, expect to get caught. Our officers are out there, and theyre not backing down, said Kyle Weatherly, police chief.

Officers arrested Goodwin for possession of Methamphetamine, the spokesperson said.

Online jail records indicate that he is in the Wayne County Jail with a bond set at $7,500.

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Arne Dedert / picture alliance via Getty Images BioNTech co-founder and CEO Ugur Sahin said the deal is aimed at "advancing the development of innovative and transformative cancer treatments and establishing new standards of care for various types of cancer in the coming years."





Key Takeaways

BioNTech is buying fellow German firm CureVac for approximately $1.25 billion as the COVID-19 vaccine maker moves to expand into cancer treatments.

For each CureVac share they own, investors will get about $5.46 worth of BioNTech American Depositary Shares.

CureVac is developing cancer medicines using the same mRNA technology that BioNTech uses for its COVID-19 shot.







CureVac (CVAC) shares skyrocketed 37% Thursday when the biotech company agreed to be bought by COVID-19 vaccine maker and fellow German firm BioNTech (BNTX) in an all-stock deal valued at about $1.25 billion. The purchase boosts BioNTech's move into producing new cancer treatments.

CureVac said its investors will receive approximately $5.46 worth of BioNTech American Depositary Shares for each CureVac share they own. That a 34% premium to yesterday's closing price.

The company noted it is "developing a novel class of transformative medicines in oncology and infectious diseases based on messenger ribonucleic acid ("mRNA")." BioNTech's COVID-19 shot is also mRNA-based.

BioNTech co-founder and CEO Dr. Ugur Sahin said the deal is aimed at "advancing the development of innovative and transformative cancer treatments and establishing new standards of care for various types of cancer in the coming years."

The transaction is expected to close this year and would see CureVac's operating subsidiary become a wholly owned subsidiary of BioNTech.

Shares of CureVac soared to their highest level since December 2023. U.S.-listed shares of BioNTech were little changed and remain down nearly 8% year-to-date.

TradingView

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State leaders and members of the Consortium of Coordinated Care announce $96 million in grant awards to improve student mental health. (Photo by Sam Gauntt/Maryland Matters)

Woodlawn High School Principal Jamel Jernigan said that in addition to the usual stresses of high school life, students in her Baltimore County school face mental health needs that impact their learning.

Thats why renewed funding for a state consortium that helps boost connections between schools and mental health resources is so welcome, she said during an event outside the State House Wednesday.

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We serve a vibrant, resilient and diverse student community, Jernigan said at the event on Lawyers Mall. But like so many schools across the state, weve seen firsthand how mental health crises continue to impact our students.

The Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports will award a total of $96 million in grants this year to 107 programs to help combat increasing anxiety, depression and other challenges students are facing today. The consortium grew out of the states education reform plan, the Blueprint for Marylands Future, to improve student mental and behavioral health by providing greater access to wraparound services.

The $96 million in grants funding will help support programs and organizations to provide more targeted services attuned to the needs of students in each county, reaching 80% of Maryland schools, officials say. The grant awards vary by program, ranging from $71,000 to just over $3.5 million.

Jamel Jernigan, principal of Baltimore Countys Woodlawn High School. (Photo by Sam Gauntt/Maryland Matters.)

For Woodlawn High School, the consortium helped expand access to school-based mental health providers, connected families with community services and created spaces where students can feel seen, heard, supported and empowered, Jernigan said.

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That has made all the difference  from increasing graduation rates, attendance and engagement to boosting healthier relationships and improved outcomes, both inside and outside the classroom, she said Wednesday.

We must recognize that today, our youth are facing unprecedented challenges, said Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City), on hand with other state leaders at the event to announce the second round of grants for the program.

We want them to be successful. But what we know is  if their mental health is not strong, nothing else matters, Ferguson said. They cannot be successful if they dont believe in themselves to recognize their own God-given potential.

House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County) added that while students have long struggled with mental health, the COVID-19 pandemic brought those issues to the forefront, along with political unrest and social media.

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We continue to be particularly concerned about the alarming increase in anxiety, depression, self-harm and other kinds of mental illness impacting our students, Jones said.

Mary Gable, assistant state superintendent in the Maryland State Department of Educations Division of Student Support and Federal Programs, said the 107 programs funded with the grants cover a wide range of topics, including screenings, counseling, addiction treatment, family support, crisis planning and services, telehealth services, support groups and wraparound services.

The consortium was almost a victim of steep budget cuts as the General Assembly worked this year to balance a state budget with a $3 billion deficit.

Funded at $130 million in Gov. Wes Moores (D) budget, the consortium funding was cut to $40 million by the House. The Senate held out for $70 million this year and $100 million a year thereafter, which was approved in the final budget.

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During budget talks this year, advocates and consortium partners warned that pulling funding for the consortium would greatly diminish the reach of the mental health network.

David Rudolph, chair of the consortium and a former delegate from Cecil County, expects that the General Assembly will continue to fund the consortium as much as possible in upcoming years.

The commitment is there, he said.

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KHOL 89.1FM reported that grizzly bears in Wyoming are exploring the new wildlife crossings near Wyoming Highway 22.

WYDOT, Teton County, and the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resources Trust funded the four new crossings in the area for wildlife navigation around the existing intersection construction. After a rancher spotted the bear using one, project engineer Mick Farrell captured a photo as it crossed the Snake River. Designated crossings can improve wildlife conservation for Wyoming's 122 mammal species by reducing unnecessary contact with people.

Seeing a healthy grizzly bear safely using the crossing was good news after four fatalities in a month. KHOL 89.1FM reported that one cub was hit by a car, and two young bears may have been killed by an adult male grizzly. Another one was euthanized after dangerous behavior in Yellowstone.

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Grizzlies enable healthy biodiversity, so it's a good sign to see them roaming in their space. These apex predators keep nature in balance by hunting herbivores capable of overgrazing, which also reduces foraging and habitat space for pollinators. Typical grizzly activities like digging help aerate the soil, and they disperse blueberry and buffaloberry seeds in their feces.

The brown large bear that can reach up to 700 pounds is listed as threatened by the Endangered Species Act. However, conservation acts like wildlife crossings and data from tracking collars placed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department can prevent them from moving up to endangered.

Wildlife crossings in other areas have already shown success. The Banff Wildlife Crossings in Canada have reduced car collisions with wildlife by 80%. Bison in the UK are also getting some space  their roaming area will increase from 123 acres to 494 acres  from government-backed construction on the nation's first-ever bison bridge. Los Angeles is also taking action by building the world's largest wildlife crossing  measuring 210 feet long  over an eight-lane freeway.

According to Smart Growth America, there are as many as one to two million collisions between cars and wildlife. Consequently, people can also get hurt, as 200 human fatalities, 26,000 injuries, and as much as $8 billion in property damage result from these specific accidents, per Pew Research.

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Safer and separate crossings are invaluable for all species, not just grizzlies. However, it's good that these legendary bears are leading the way.

Farrell said, "It was pretty amazing to see firsthand the wildlife crossings working."

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Officials in Baltimore are warning locals to avoid the vicinity of the city's harbor, as cleanup efforts are underway following a large oil spill.

What's happening?

According to The Washington Post, spokespeople for Johns Hopkins Hospital disclosed an incident in Baltimore Harbor on the morning of June 4.

They described it as a "contained," 200-gallon oil spill. But by 7 p.m., "Hopkins said the spill was uncontained and had reached 2,000 gallons," WBAL reported.

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A WBAL reporter noticed an "overwhelming gas odor" at the scene of the spill. The diesel was dyed a bright red color, staining the water, and Johns Hopkins issued a statement later that night.

"Earlier today, during [a] routine fuel delivery by a third-party vendor, two diesel tanks [used to power] backup generators for our patient care facilities at Johns Hopkins in East Baltimore were accidentally overfilled, causing overflow," Hopkins began.

The facility reached out to Maryland's Department of the Environment to report the spill. "We also are actively working with local, state, and federal authorities to support the response in the Baltimore Inner Harbor," the statement continued.

Why is the Baltimore Harbor oil spill concerning?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency defines anything under 5,000 gallons as a "small oil spill"  but there are still adverse consequences to lower volume incidents.

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"Diesel is one of the most acutely toxic oil types. Fish and invertebrates that come in direct contact with naturally dispersed and entrained diesel in the water column may be killed," the NOAA said, adding that no fish kills had been reported previously.

"Where larger amounts of diesel soak into wetland soils, expect high mortality of animals and plants," the agency added.

Small oil spills endanger marine birds, cause shellfish to become tainted, and contaminate sediment and rocky habitats.

What's being done about the Baltimore oil spill?

Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace spoke at a press conference on Thursday, June 5. Wallace described round-the-clock cleanup efforts and intensive skimming to filter the diesel out.

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"It's approximately 100 yards wide by about 250 yards long. We have it contained within this particular footprint as we flush upstream. We're going to bring product down. We're going to bring it into this area. But the strategy has been contained where we're at right now," he said.

Department of the Environment representative Jeff Dorney said that crews used tide and storm drain data to minimize the impact of the diesel spill on Baltimore Harbor. Dorney said the cleanup teams assessed "the storm drain maps so  that we knew where it was going to come out and there were no unexpected consequences there."

The Coast Guard responded to the oil spill to assist with cleanup, WBAL said.

While having a backup power source is crucial for medical facilities, there are myriad ways to reduce our reliance on dirty fuels, which can wreak havoc on public health and the environment. In California, one medical center's microgrid is powered by renewable energy, and battery storage provides the necessary juice during power outages. Switching to an EV is one money-saving way to act on an individual level, and cumulatively reduces demand for dirty fuel.

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The Indian Coast Guard is trying to tow a burning Singapore-flagged cargo ship away from the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea, to prevent "a potential ecological disaster".

The Indian defence ministry on Wednesday said that the situation remains critical and efforts are under way to establish a tow line and pull the vessel away from the coast.

The MV Wan Hai 503, which caught fire on Monday, is carrying 2,128 tonnes of fuel and hundreds of containers - including hazardous cargo - raising environmental concerns.

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Although visible flames have significantly reduced following firefighting efforts, the blaze remains active in the inner decks and near the fuel tanks, the ministry said.

It added that five salvage team members and an aircrew diver have been sent to help with the towing operation.

"The situation remains critical and is being monitored continuously."

The vessel, which was heading to Mumbai city on India's western coast from Sri Lanka's capital Colombo, caught fire after an internal container explosion.

Eighteen crew members have been rescued so far but four others are still missing and a massive rescue operation has been launched to find them.

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The Indian Coast Guard said that conditions at sea remain unfavourable and that their priority was to extinguish the fire and prevent a marine disaster.

It has deployed five ships, two aircraft and a helicopter to help douse the fire. A separate salvage team appointed by the ship owner, along with two vessels from the shipping ministry, are also helping with the efforts.

This is the second shipping incident to have happened off Kerala's coast in less than three weeks.

Last month, a Liberian-flagged vessel carrying oil and hazardous cargo leaked and sank in the Arabian Sea, triggering an environmental emergency.

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The Kerala state government swiftly banned fishing within a 20-nautical mile radius of the shipwreck and announced compensation for families from fishing communities in four affected districts.

An underwater operation has been launched to cap the ship's oil tank and salvage its fuel.

Manorama News reported that on Wednesday, the Indian Ministry of Ports issued a formal notice to the vessel's management company, warning of legal action if extraction of oil from the ship is not started by Friday.

"The progress made in this operation is grossly inadequate and continues to fall short of the timelines and operational commitments previously provided by the salvors and owners," it said.

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Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.)

Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo is continuing to stay quiet about any potential future political plans she might have in wake of her announcement last week to step down from her leadership at the end of the month.

I want to get through this transition first, make sure that the new leadership team has all the support and they get into place, the Democratic lawmaker from Upper Arlington said when asked if she is considering a run for statewide office.

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Im going to take some time off. Ill be with my family during July, and there will be more time for this discussion at a later point.

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All four statewide executive offices of governor, attorney general, auditor, and secretary of state are up for open election in 2026, with all of the current Republican incumbents term-limited out of running for the same positions again.

Former Ohio Health Department Director Dr. Amy Acton is currently the only Democratic candidate running for Ohio governor. Republican candidates include businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and former Morgan County school board president Heather Hill.

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Democrats are waiting to see if former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown will run for Senate or Ohio governor, or nothing at all.

Current Republican Ohio Auditor Keith Faber is running for attorney general in 2026; current Republican Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague is running for secretary of state in 2026; and current Republican Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is running for auditor in 2026.

Current Republican Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost had been running for governor, but recently dropped out of the race after the Ohio Republican Party endorsed Ramaswamy.

Bryan Hambley, a cancer doctor with University of Cincinnati Health, is the only announced Democratic candidate for Ohio Secretary of State. Former state representative Elliot Forhan has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Ohio Attorney General. No Democrats have yet announced their candidacy in 2026 for Ohio auditor or treasurer.

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The last time any Democratic candidates won any of Ohios statewide executive offices was in 2006, when Ted Strickland was elected governor, Marc Dann was elected attorney general, Rich Cordray was elected treasurer, and Jennifer Brunner was elected secretary of state. They were all swept out of office in the 2010 cycle.

The vote for a new Ohio House Minority Leader is expected to happen the last week of June, right before the lawmakers go on summer break, Russo said.

Im not making any endorsements, she said. The decision about who will leave this caucus next is up to the entire caucus, not one individual member.

Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, said he has no idea who is going to replace Russo.

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I said to members of our caucus, obviously, theyre free to vote however they want, but were just going to wait to see what comes out of the minority caucus and deal with that, he said.

Russo is term-limited and her term ends on Dec. 31, 2026.

Im looking forward to shifting my focus to policy work and being back on committees, she said. Im excited about the potential of the new leadership team and the energy that brings and to work alongside those folks.

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A new bill in Ohio aims to keep children safer on their way to and from school and is one step closer to becoming law in the state.

News Center 7s Jon Bedell has been following this plan for months. He explains how this bill is intended to protect children in the Miami Valley and throughout Ohio.

The kids safety should be the number one priority. If you see a yellow school bus, act right, said Tina Combs of Dayton.

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House Bill 3, the School Bus Safety Act, passed 88-0 on Wednesday at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.

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The School Bus Safety Act took a big step Wednesday at the Ohio Statehouse. The bill passed the Ohio House. Republican State Rep. Bernie Willis from Clark County is the bills sponsor.

It is an absolute thing that will help ensure that we have more safety around our children in a place that they need it, Will said.

Democratic State Rep. Cecil Thomas, of Cincinnati, is a joint sponsor.

Every day, thousands of students in Ohio ride school buses, and too many are put at risk by drivers who illegally pass stopped buses, Thomas said.

The bill would set aside $10 million to fund a needs-based grant program.

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Districts could apply for grants as they see fit and use the money to pay for school bus safety features. Things such as on-board cameras to help catch drivers who illegally pass school buses while they are loading or unloading children.

Dont be Irresponsible because someones child is on that bus, Combs said.

The legislation would also create stiffer criminal penalties for drivers who illegally pass those stopped for school buses. Bedell talked to parents and grandparents around the Miami Valley about this plan for months.

This weeks vote to pass the Ohio House is the farthest along its ever gotten.

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The bill was introduced after a deadly school bus crash in Clark County that killed one student, Aiden Clark, and injured dozens of others in 2023.

It now heads to the Ohio Senate.

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Jun. 12An Ohio Senate committee is considering a bill that would restrict foreign ownership of land across much of Ohio, including areas close to military installations.

The bill restricts ownership of land by people or businesses from nations considered adversarial to the United States.

The list of properties barred from such ownership lie within 25-miles of military bases, such as Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, or infrastructure considered critical, ranging from water treatment facilities, electric-power generation plants and other sites.

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A spokesman for Gov. Mike DeWine said the governor's office is reviewing the bill, which remains in Senate committee.

"I don't think we know what that bill is going to look like," DeWine said when asked about the bill recently during a visit to Dayton. "I don't think we know what that bill is going to look like when it's done."

He said the bill needs to strike a "balance."

"There are some national security issues that I think we do have to look at," he added. "Again, particularly when you're dealing with China, you have to be very, very careful."

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Beavercreek City Manager Pete Landrum said the Wright-Patterson Regional Council of Governments, of which his city is a member, has not discussed the bill or the issues involved yet.

"From a city of Beavercreek perspective, City Council passed restrictions  we believe the first city in the country  back in 2023," Landrum said.

In September 2023, Beavercreek City Council passed a law allowing city planners to scrutinize proposed real estate investments or zoning changes, including moves close to Wright-Patterson.

"As Beavercreek has already taken action, yes, I believe it is important," Landrum added. "I have not thoroughly reviewed all provisions of SB 88, but in concept it is something all communities surrounding bases should review."

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Wright-Patterson is one of the nation's most important Air Force bases, home to missions and units responsible for equipping the Air Force, maintaining and developing its fleet and researching future weapons and equipment.

The regional council is a body of representatives from municipal governments located around the base, including Beavercreek, Fairborn, Dayton, Huber Heights, Riverside and others. It essentially acts as a municipal government itself, recognized as such by the state of Ohio, that can purchase, pass zoning and take actions similar to any Ohio municipality found on a map.

A Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce executive testified against the bill late last month.

"We are concerned that Senate Bill 88 could negatively impact diverse Ohio companies whose owners are headquartered in certain foreign countries, restrict their growth and prohibit future expansion opportunities in our state," Stephanie Keinath, executive vice president of the chamber, recently told the Ohio Senate General Government Committee. "SB 88 represents a significant and unprecedented government involvement that not only impacts business operations but also the very ownership of a private business on private property."

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Keinath cited the example of Fuyao Glass America, a Chinese-owned auto glass producer that brought new economic life to a former General Motors assembly plant in Moraine more than a decade ago.

Chris Kershner, president and chief executive of the chamber, agreed that national security is a top priority.

"I am confident that the right balance will be reached that ensures our region continues to enjoy its strong economic success," Kershner said. "I know the General Assembly will be thoughtful about this issue so we can avoid unintended consequences that could drive employers and thousands of jobs away. I don't think that will happen."

Advocates say the bill protects national security.

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"I introduced this bill because I strongly believe that Ohio's land should not be for sale to those who seek to destroy the American way of life," Ohio Sen. Terry Johnson, R-McDermott, told the Ohio Capital Journal.

Nationally, similar legislation has been introduced into the U.S. Senate.

China owned some 350,000 acres of farmland across 27 states last year, according to national reports that cite data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Stock photo from Getty Images.

Ohio is one of the states where legislators are pushing for conventions that could make constitutional amendments related to term limits and other issues, but advocates are concerned about the free-for-all that could result.

These measures have garnered strong opinions on both sides of the issue.

Opponents, going back to James Madison, say constitutional conventions are risky because of their lack of regulation once a convention is called. This could allow for uncontrolled power-grabs that could result in amendments that may not be popular with the general public.

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The U.S. Constitution can be amended in two ways: through Congress with amendments passed with two-thirds support of each chamber and then sent to the states for ratification; or through a constitutional convention invoked by Article V.

Article V is silent about rules and regulations once a convention is called.

In order to call a convention, two-thirds of states, or 34 of the 50, would have to pass their own resolutions applying for a constitutional convention for a certain purpose.

Past applications by states have aimed to force the federal government to balance their budget, but no such convention has happened in the history of the United States.

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Recently, however, the draft of a lawsuit has been circulating to attorneys generals in some states, looking to make the convention happen based on a legal argument that applications from states  no matter the purpose or age of the request  can be combined and counted toward the 34 needed to bring about a constitutional convention, according to critics of the move.

This is literally a rewrite of our Constitution, said Viki Harrison, policy director for civil rights and civil liberties with Common Cause, a nonpartisan voting rights advocacy and government watchdog group with branches all over the country. There would be nothing safe, there would be no guardrails.

Eyes on Ohio

Ohio has seen out-of-state interest in their measures, in what Common Cause Ohios Catherine Turcer called a full-court press this year of legislation and movement to see passage.

Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum appeared in March to support Senate Joint Resolution 3 in the Ohio Senate General Government Committee, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis came to Ohio to support House Joint Resolution 3.

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It is very clear that Ohio is a focus of moving an Article V convention, that it is in fact a priority, and we are a state to watch, Turcer said in a media briefing with other Common Cause branches.

Santorum spoke on behalf of Convention of States Action, an advocacy group pushing for support of a constitutional convention, arguing that Americas founders included the option of a constitutional convention to give the states a way to counteract the federal government if it became abusive with its powers.

Convention of States Action said 19 states have passed resolutions for a constitutional convention, and we hope to see Ohio become state number 20, according to state media liaison Diana Telles.

DeSantis argued that without term limits in Congress, incentives to do really good policy are just skewed away, making a constitutional amendment necessary.

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The resolution DeSantis came to support, HJR 3, specifically applies for a convention of the states to institute congressional term limits.

The measure and its Senate counterpart, SJR 6, look to piggyback on a 1992 amendment to the Ohio Constitution that instituted term limits for Ohios members in Congress of two successive six-year terms in the U.S. Senate and four two-year terms in the U.S. House.

Those term limits arent being enforced because of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 1996 that the states have no authority to change the qualifications for members of Congress, according to an analysis of HJR 3 done by the Legislative Service Commission.

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While the resolutions spell out the necessary number of states needed to call a convention, they also point out that the Constitution does not specify how a convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution must be conducted or how its delegates are to be chosen.

Further, the Constitution does not indicate whether the states that apply for a convention may limit the scope of amendments the convention is to propose, the HJR 3 and SJR 6 resolution analyses state.

While term limits are attractive to many Americans, the opposition to constitutional conventions has less to do with the specific issues and more to do with the freedom convention attendees would have if it takes place.

Whether you like term limits or not, (the problem is) the mechanism to get it, Harrison said.

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As for the other convention request currently working its way through the Ohio legislature, HJR 2 and its companion, SJR 3, also want to see a convention that touches on term limits, but go further, looking at amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government and limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government.

These measures go into more detail about the purported method through which conventions are formed, while also noting Congress does not have power beyond calling the convention and setting a reasonable time and place.

The Ohio bills name the state legislatures as authority-bearers when it comes to naming delegates to the convention, instructing delegates, and recalling delegates for breach of a duty or a violation of the instructions provided.

All four resolutions have seen hearings in their committees, but no votes have been cast on the measures yet, possibly because the legislature has had the main priority of passing a state operating budget by the end of June.

National moves

Some states have been working to repeal resolutions that requested a convention, which, according to Georgetown University law professor David Super, could be the reason a lawsuit to combine existing resolutions is being floated.

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Congress decided long ago that it can only count applications together when theyre for the same purpose, Super said, in the media briefing with Common Cause.

The Ohio resolutions on term limits specify that the application is valid only for the purpose of a convention that is limited to considering congressional term limits, and say it should be aggregated with other state applications for a convention on term limits, but not with any applications on any other subject.

The resolutions focused on federal fiscal responsibility say the measures are only valid if combined with other applications from state legislatures that call for a convention for substantially the same purpose.

Telles said the movement for a constitutional convention would be for all of these issues. From the Convention of States Action point of view, it is necessary to address all of these areas, not just term limits or a balanced budget.

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State amending conventions to propose amendments are a safe, civil and constitutional way for the states to flex their muscle and affect real change in Washington, D.C., Telles said. Its clear Washington is not going to fix itself.

Even if the lawsuit is filed  its still just a draft at this point  Super said previous cases like it have fallen apart in the past, and there are some really serious problems with it.

The reason that these cases have failed is  they operate on the premise that the federal courts can tell the legislature what to do, Super said.

And while this issue has seen some momentum, according to Common Cause, the idea of implementing a constitutional convention isnt a universally supported issue by any means, even among the same political parties.

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This is not a standard red-blue issue, there are members of Congress who have strongly supported a constitutional convention, Super said. But there are also members of Congress who are opposed to a convention.

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In a unanimous opinion, the Ohio Supreme Court upheld the rape conviction of a man who argued that his wife's testimony about "having sex" was insufficient.

On June 12, the Supreme Court overturned an appeals court decision in the rape case of Stephen Coker, Jr., of Wood County.

In 2022, Coker was found guilty on three counts of rape and sentenced to nine to 10.5 years in prison.

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At trial, his now ex-wife testified that Coker pressured and sometimes forced her to have sexual intercourse, including times when she was passed out from drugs and alcohol. An incident in January 2020 left her bruised along her spine, a photo showed.

But the 6th District Court of Appeals vacated Coker's conviction in December 2023, saying that the victim's use of the general term "having sex" didn't specify what sexual conduct happened during the time periods listed in the criminal charges.

The Supreme Court threw out that appeals court decision, saying that nothing suggests that the ubiquitous phrase "having sex" could mean something different. The court determined that the woman's testimony described sexual conduct.

Ohio partially criminalized marital rape in the 1980s, according to the Cleveland State Law Review. But it left in a measure to protect spouses from prosecution for rape, unless the perpetrator used force or the couple lived in separate homes.

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In the 1980s, supporters of the measure argued that women would make false allegations or use rape charges as leverage in divorces or separation.

Last year, the state erased that exemption.

In the Coker case, prosecutors argued that he did use force or the threat of force against his then wife.

The Supreme Court returned the case to the appeals court for further review.

State government reporter Laura Bischoff can be reached at @lbischoff@gannett.com and @lbischoff on X.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Supreme Court upholds conviction in spousal rape case
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Steve Courtney, a prominent crypto analyst and CEO of Crypto Crew University, has issued a stark warning to Bitcoin investors, highlighting June as a potentially decisive moment for the cryptocurrencys current market cycle. In a detailed technical analysis shared via Crypto Crew University, the trader presents evidence that Bitcoin follows predictable cyclical patterns, with the current cycle reaching a critical juncture this month.

The Four-Candle Pattern

The analysts thesis centers on a remarkably consistent pattern observed across Bitcoins historical cycles on six-month timeframes. Every Bitcoin cycle allegedly follows the same structure:

Bullish Engulfing Candle: A green candle with a body larger than the preceding red candle marks the end of each bear market Four-Candle Sequence: Following this pattern, Bitcoin consistently produces exactly four six-month candles before reaching the cycle top

This pattern has repeated like clockwork across multiple cycles, creating what the analyst describes as a predictable roadmap for market timing.

Don't Miss:

Current Cycle: The Critical Fourth Candle

Applying this framework to todays market reveals a potentially pivotal moment. A bullish engulfing candle occurred in 2023, ending the previous bear market. Since then, the analyst counts three subsequent six-month periods, placing us currently in the fourth and final candle of the sequence.

Crucially, this fourth candle closes at the end of this month, making the current period what the analyst calls do or die for Bitcoin.

Technical Health Indicators

Beyond pattern recognition, the analysis emphasizes candle structure quality. The ideal scenario involves each successive candle showing slightly larger bodies, indicating strengthening momentum and healthy growth. The 2017 cycle serves as the gold standard for this structure.

The current cycle has demonstrated beautiful structure through its first three candles, with each showing the desired progression of larger bodies, suggesting healthy market development.

The Green Candle Statistics

An additional factor involves consecutive green (positive) candles. Historical data shows:
GARFIELD COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR)  The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has issued a Kasey Alert for a 50-year-old Garfield County man.

According to OHP, 50-year-old Donald Brasher was last seen driving a White Chevy Pickup truck with Oklahoma tag JSS555. The truck has large orange blinkers on the front and a silver toolbox in the back.

Kasey Alert issued for 50-year-old Donald Brasher. Image courtesy, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Brasher is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 210 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

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OHP says he is believed to be suicidal and is possibly armed with a handgun.

If you see Brasher, please call 911.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma City Animal Shelter is reducing adoption fees to help combat overcrowding.

According to the shelter, adoption fees for dogs six months and older will be waived until Saturday, June 14. Puppies five months and younger with have a reduced fee of $30. All adoptable dogs have been spayed or neutered, microchipped, heartworm tested, vaccinated, dewormed and will be sent home with a collar and ID tag.

LOCAL NEWS: Kevin Durants former OKC townhome up for sale, listing price $35

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Oklahoma City Animal Welfare has been operating at or above capacity for several years, said OKC Animal Shelter Superintendent Ronnie Schlabs.

Besides adoption, there are other ways for the community to get involved. Rescue groups and transfer partners are encouraged to consider fostering. You can sign up to foster for learn more at OKC.gov.

To ensure the health and well-being of the animals in our care and to maintain a sustainable shelter environment, we are asking the community to help us place as many dogs as possible this week. Currently, we have 175 dogs ready to find their forever homes. said Schlabs.

Officials say anyone who finds a stray should call the Animal Welfare dispatch at 405-297-2255 instead of trying to catch the animal. Trained officers will respond to safely catch the animal.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
McALESTER  A convicted murderer has been executed in Oklahoma as a direct result of President Donald Trump's return to office.

John Fitzgerald Hanson, 61, was pronounced dead at 10:11 a.m. Thursday, June 12, at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary. "Peace to everyone," he said at the end of his last words while strapped to the execution gurney.

He had been scheduled for execution on Dec. 15, 2022, but the Biden administration refused to return him to Oklahoma from a federal prison in Louisiana. The transfer went through on March 1, weeks after Trump began his second term.

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He was executed for the fatal shooting of Mary Agnes Bowles, who was kidnapped from the parking lot of a Tulsa mall on Aug. 31, 1999. The victim was 77.

Hanson and an accomplice, Victor Miller, wanted the retired banker's car for a robbery spree. Hanson has always denied being the shooter, his attorneys said.

The Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester is shown on Thursday, June 12.

Hanson had been serving a life sentence, plus 82 years, at the U.S. Penitentiary in Pollock, Louisiana, for federal crimes involving the robbery spree. Oklahoma's attorney general, Gentner Drummond, sought Hanson's transfer after Trump issued a sweeping executive order on his first day back in office "restoring" the death penalty.

"It is the policy of the United States to ensure that the laws that authorize capital punishment are respected and faithfully implemented, and to counteract the politicians and judges who subvert the law by obstructing and preventing the execution of capital sentences," Trump stated in his order.

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President Joe Biden opposed the death penalty. In December, Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row.

This case demonstrates that no matter how long it takes, Oklahoma will hold murderers accountable for their crimes," Drummond said in a news release after witnessing the execution.

One of the inmate's attorneys said after the execution that Oklahoma had carried out an act of pointless cruelty.

"There was no need for Oklahoma to execute John Hanson," attorney Callie Heller said in a news release. "He would have lived the rest of his life in federal prison, costing the state nothing and posing no danger to anyone."

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The execution took only 10 minutes to complete after Hanson made his brief final statement. It was the 17th in Oklahoma since lethal injections resumed in October 2021 after a long hiatus and one of the fastest.

It also was the third in the United States this week. A fourth execution is scheduled for Friday, June 13, in South Carolina.

Hanson blinked rapidly as the curtain to the execution chamber was raised at 10 a.m. He then said either "just forgive me" or "just forgiveness" when asked if he had any last words. Media witnesses differed on what he said at first because he spoke in a low voice.

A spiritual adviser, pastor Michael Scott, stood by the inmate's feet and read from a Bible as the execution drugs began to flow into his arms. Hanson could be heard snoring when the Oklahoma Department of Corrections operations chief announced he was unconscious.

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 on May 7 to deny clemency for death row inmate John F. Hanson.

Who was Mary Bowles?

The retired banker was from Tulsa. She was kidnapped after walking at the Promenade Mall for exercise. She had done volunteer work earlier that day at a Tulsa hospital in the intensive care unit for babies.

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The two men took her in her car to a dirt pit near Owasso.

There, the accomplice shot Jerald Thurman, the owner of the dirt pit, after he spotted them on his property, according to trial testimony. Thurman died about two weeks later.

Hanson shot Bowles four to six times in a ditch near the dirt pit. Her body wasn't found for days.

The stolen Buick broke down after the two men went to a motel in Tulsa. They abandoned the car there.

Hanson also was convicted of the dirt pit owner's murder and sentenced for that crime to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The accomplice, Miller, was given life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murders after death sentences were thrown out on appeal. He is now 62.

Mary Bowles

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 on May 7 to deny Hanson clemency. The vote meant Gov. Kevin Stitt could not consider commuting his sentence.

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At his clemency hearing, he told the board members he was not an evil person.

"I haven't lived my life inclined to do wrong," he said. "I was caught in a situation I couldn't control. Things were happening so fast, and at the spur of the moment, due to my lack of decisiveness and fear, I responded incorrectly, and two people lost their lives.

"I can't change the past, and I would if I could."

His attorneys and death penalty opponents said he was autistic and easily manipulated. His attorneys also contended there was overwhelming evidence that the accomplice was the one who actually shot Bowles.

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Hanson did not testify at his 2001 trial in Tulsa County District Court. He also did not testify at a 2006 resentencing trial.

More: 'A remarkable development': States expanding their execution methods to firing squad, more

His attorneys tried to stop his execution, complaining in lawsuits about his transfer to Oklahoma and his clemency hearing. They also made a last-minute claim of newly discovered evidence about a key prosecution witness.

An Oklahoma County judge granted Hanson a temporary stay on Monday, June 9, so his lawsuit over his clemency hearing could be considered. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled Wednesday, June 11, the judge did not have that authority.

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The execution went forward after the Oklahoma Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court denied Hanson's last requests for emergency stays.

"I feel like now we can finally be at peace with this," said Jacob Thurman, the dirt pit owner's son, after witnessing the execution. "I feel like we have some closure and our families can pick up the pieces now and move forward."

The son, who lives in Tulsa, said it took an army of people to make the execution happen. He specifically thanked U.S Attorney General Pam Bondi, who ordered the Federal Bureau of Prisons to transfer Hanson "so that Oklahoma can carry out this just sentence."

A murder victim's son, Jacob Thurman, talks to reporters after witnessing the execution of John Fitzgerald Hanson at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester on June 12.

Bowles' niece, Sara Parker Mooney, called for reforms after witnessing the execution.

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"Capital punishment is not an effective form of justice when it takes 26 years," said Mooney, who lives in Texas. "Respectfully, if the state is going to continue to execute individuals a better process is needed. This existing process is broken.

"There must be limitations on taxpayer-funded frivolous litigation as exemplified in the past two weeks. It's ridiculous, it's expensive and it only revictimizes the survivors."

She said she is relieved that the execution is over with. "But nobody wins," she said.

Hanson did not request anything specific for his last meal, said Steven Harpe, the executive director of the Corrections Department.

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Hanson did eat the regular meal of a chicken pot pie, two fruit cups, two rolls and some carrots, the official said. Hanson declined a sedative.

Witnessing the execution were reporters for The Oklahoman, The Associated Press, the Tulsa World, a Tulsa television station and the online news site NonDoc.

The execution came as corrections officials are still dealing with damage from a tornado that struck Saturday, June 7. The entrance for executions at the penitentiary had boards up where the storm destroyed windows.

The roof of the warden's mansion is sagging where a massive tree fell into it. The mansion was already under renovation.

The storm downed trees across McAlester and knocked a wall off one brick building. The street in front of the building was still closed Thursday.

The street in front of a storm-damaged building was still closed June 11 in McAlester. The storm came through the city June 7 and produced a tornado.

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: John Fitzgerald Hanson executed in Oklahoma, a result of Trump's win
The Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty gathers Thursday in front of the Governor's Mansion for a protest and vigil before the execution of John Fitzgerald Hanson. (Photo by Ylleana Berryhill/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Tulsa County killer John Fitzgerald Hanson was put to death Thursday by lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.

The time of death was 10:11 a.m.

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Hanson, who also went by George John Hanson, was sentenced to death for the 1999 shooting death of Mary Bowles, 77, a retired bank executive whom he and his accomplice, Victor Miller, abducted from a Tulsa mall. Bowles was shot four to six times. Her body was later found in a dirt pit near Owasso.

Bystander Jerald Thurman was also killed.

George John Hanson, also known as John Fitzgerald Hanson, was put to death Thursday for the 1999 murder of Mary Bowles. (Photo provided by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections)

Today, justice was finally served for Mary Bowles and Jerald Thurman, said Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. After more than 25 years of waiting, the killer who brutally took these two precious lives has paid the ultimate price for his heinous crime. This case demonstrates that no matter how long it takes, Oklahoma will hold murderers accountable for their crimes.

In May, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 to decline clemency.

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His attorney, Callie Heller, told the board that Hanson was homeless, developmentally disabled and didnt get a fair shot at presenting mitigating evidence.

Hanson was imprisoned in Louisiana for an unrelated crime before being transferred in March to Oklahoma so his execution could be carried out.

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McALESTER, Okla. (AP)  Oklahoma executed a man Thursday whose transfer to state custody was expedited by the Trump administration.

John Fitzgerald Hanson, 61, received a three-drug lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester and was pronounced dead at 10:11 a.m., prison officials said. Hanson was sentenced to die after he was convicted of carjacking, kidnapping and killing a Tulsa woman in 1999.

Peace to everyone, Hanson said while strapped to a gurney inside the prison's death chamber.

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The execution began at 10:01 a.m. After the lethal drugs began to flow, a doctor entered the death chamber at 10:06 a.m. and declared him unconscious.

Hanson, whose name in some federal court records is George John Hanson, had been serving a life sentence in federal prison in Louisiana for several unrelated federal convictions. Federal officials transferred him to Oklahoma custody in March to follow through on President Donald Trumps sweeping executive order to more actively support the death penalty.

Hansons attorneys argued in a last-minute appeal that he did not receive a fair clemency hearing last month, claiming that one of the board members who denied him clemency was biased because he worked for the Tulsa County District Attorneys Office when Hanson was prosecuted. A district court judge this week issued a temporary stay halting the execution, but that was later vacated.

Prosecutors alleged Hanson and accomplice Victor Miller kidnapped Mary Bowles from a Tulsa shopping mall. Prosecutors alleged the pair drove Bowles to a gravel pit near Owasso, where Miller shot and killed property owner Jerald Thurman. The two then drove Bowles a short distance away, where Hanson shot and killed Bowles, according to prosecutors. Miller received a no-parole life prison sentence for his role in the crimes.

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Thurman's son, Jacob Thurman, witnessed Thursday's execution and said it was the culmination of the longest nightmare of our lives.

All families lose in this situation, he said. No one's a winner.

Bowles' niece, Sara Mooney, expressed frustration at the litigation over Hanson's death sentence that dragged on for decades, calling it an expensive and ridiculous exercise.

Capital punishment is not an effective form of justice when it takes 26 years, she said.

During last months clemency hearing, Hanson expressed remorse for his involvement in the crimes and apologized to the victims families.

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Im not an evil person, Hanson said via a video link from the prison. I was caught in a situation I couldnt control. I cant change the past, but I would if I could.

Hansons attorneys acknowledged he participated in the kidnapping and carjacking, but said there was no definitive evidence that he shot and killed Bowles. They painted Hanson as a troubled youth with autism and who was controlled and manipulated by the domineering Miller.

Both Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and his predecessor, John OConnor, had sought Hansons transfer during President Joe Bidens administration, but the U.S. Bureau of Prisons denied it, saying the transfer was not in the public interest.
VIAN, Okla. (KNWA/KFTA)  An Oklahoma woman will spend more than a dozen years in prison for selling methamphetamine to an undercover officer last year, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Stephanie Rodgers, 40, was sentenced to 151 months or 12 and a half years in prison for one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, followed by three years of supervised release, according to a news release.

UPDATE: 1 killed, 1 injured in incident at LeFlore County apartment complex

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On Aug. 19, 2024, law enforcement apprehended Rodgers after she sold around 447 grams of meth to an undercover officer. Authorities said that before her arrest, Rodgers sold around 3.5 kilograms of meth.

Rodgers pleaded guilty to the charge on Jan. 13.

She will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshals pending transportation to a United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence, the release said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
By Jana Choukeir and Ahmed Elimam

DUBAI (Reuters) -The sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks will be held on Sunday in Muscat, the Omani foreign minister said on Thursday, after U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that Tehran would not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.

Trump said on Wednesday U.S. personnel were being moved out of the Middle East because "it could be a dangerous place".

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Reuters reported earlier that the U.S. was preparing an evacuation of its Iraqi embassy and would allow military dependents to leave locations around the Middle East due to heightened security risks in the region, according to U.S. and Iraqi sources.

The four U.S. and two Iraqi sources did not say what security risks had prompted the decision. Reports of the potential evacuation pushed up oil prices by more than 4% before prices eased on Thursday.

Foreign energy companies were continuing their operations as usual, a senior Iraqi official overseeing operations in southern oilfields told Reuters on Thursday.

A U.S. official said the State Department had authorized voluntary departures from Bahrain and Kuwait.

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The State Department updated its worldwide travel advisory on Wednesday evening to reflect the latest U.S. posture.

"On June 11, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel due to heightened regional tensions," the advisory said.

The decision by the U.S. to evacuate some personnel comes at a volatile moment in the region. Trump's efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appear to be deadlocked and U.S. intelligence indicates that Israel has been making preparations for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities.

"They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we'll see what happens," Trump told reporters. "We've given notice to move out."

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Asked whether anything could be done to lower the temperature in the region, Trump said: "They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple, they can't have a nuclear weapon."

Trump has repeatedly threatened to strike Iran if stuttering talks over its nuclear programme fail and in an interview released earlier on Wednesday said he was growing less confident that Tehran would agree to stop enriching uranium, a key American demand.

While the evacuation of non-essential personnel raised concerns about a possible regional escalation, a senior Iranian security official told Iran's Press TV on Thursday that U.S. military dependents leaving did not constitute a threat.

SHIPPING WARNING

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On Wednesday, Iran's defence minister warned Washington that Tehran would hit U.S. regional bases if drawn into a war in the case of nuclear talks failing.

The United States has a military presence across the major oil-producing region, with bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the Middle East, a U.S. official said. Another U.S. official said that was mostly relevant to family members located in Bahrain - where the bulk of them are based.

On Wednesday Britain's maritime agency warned that increased tensions in the Middle East might lead to an escalation in military activity that could impact shipping in critical waterways. It advised vessels to use caution while travelling through the Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Straits of Hormuz, which all border Iran.

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Tensions inside Iraq have heightened since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, with Iran-aligned armed groups in the country repeatedly attacking U.S. troops, though attacks have subsided since last year.

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Idrees Ali, Humeyra Pamuk and Steve Holland and Jeff Mason in Washington, Michelle Nichols in New York, Ahmed Rasheed and Timour Azhari in Baghdad and Parisa Hafezi in Dubai and Ahmed Elimam; Additional reporting by Sam Tabahriti in London; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Iran and the United States will hold a sixth round of negotiations over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program this Sunday in Oman, the sultanate's foreign minister said Thursday, as regional tensions have spiked in recent days.

The announcement by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi comes as the U.S. is drawing down the presence of staffers who are not deemed essential to operations in the Middle East and their loved ones due to the potential for regional unrest.

Meanwhile, there have been warnings that ships could be targeted in regional waters over the tensions.

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Al-Busaidi made the announcement on the social platform X.

I am pleased to confirm the 6th round of Iran US talks will be held in Muscat this Sunday the 15th, he wrote.

Iran for days had been saying there would be talks, but Oman, which is serving as the mediator, had not confirmed them until now.

U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff will attend the talks.

Discussions are expected to be both direct and indirect, as in previous rounds, said a person familiary with Witkoff's travels, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the upcoming trip.

Reaching a deal is one of the several diplomatic priorities being juggled by U.S. President Donald Trump and his trusted friend and Witkoff. An accord could see the U.S. lift some of its crushing economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for it drastically limiting or ending its enrichment of uranium.

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But a failure to get a deal could see tensions further spike in a Middle East on edge over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

Irans economy, long ailing, could enter a free fall that could worsen the simmering unrest at home. Israel or the U.S. might carry out long-threatened airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. And Tehran may decide to fully end its cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog and rush toward a bomb.

Iran and the U.S. have held previous talks in Muscat and Rome.

___

Associated Press writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump warned Thursday that Israel may soon strike Iran's nuclear sites, but urged the key US ally to hold off as he stressed his commitment to a diplomatic solution.

Tensions have soared in the region in the last two days with Trump warning of a "massive conflict" and drawing down US staff.

Tehran meanwhile defiantly vowed to increase its output of enriched uranium -- a key sticking point in talks with Washington -- after being censured by the UN's atomic watchdog.

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"I don't want to say imminent, but it looks like it's something that could very well happen," Trump told reporters at the White House when asked if an Israeli attack loomed.

Trump said he believed a "pretty good" deal on Iran's nuclear program was "fairly close," but said that an Israeli attack on its arch-foe could wreck the chances of an agreement.

The US leader did not disclose the details of a conversation on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but said: "I don't want them going in, because I think it would blow it."

Trump quickly added: "Might help it actually, but it also could blow it."

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News outlet Axios reported that Trump had said the United States would not participate in any strikes.

- US troops in crosshairs -

Trump later appeared to want tensions dialed down in a post on social media, while insisting that Iran must "give up hopes" of developing a nuclear weapon.

"We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue! My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran," Trump said on his Truth Social network.

Tensions have rapidly escalated in the past few days amid growing speculation that Israel could push ahead with air strikes on Iran.

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Trump's Middle East pointman Steve Witkoff is set to hold a sixth round of talks with Iran on Sunday in Oman, which has mediated efforts towards a nuclear deal so far.

But Iran has also ramped up rhetorical pressure before the talks, including with a threat to strike American bases in the region if the negotiations break down and conflict erupts.

"If the talks fail, the risk of military escalation becomes much more immediate," said Hamidreza Azizi, a visiting fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.

The United States on Wednesday said it was reducing embassy staff in Iraq -- long a zone of proxy conflict with Iran.

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Israel, which counts on US military and diplomatic support, sees the cleric-run state in Tehran as an existential threat and hit Iranian air defenses last year.

Netanyahu has vowed less restraint since the unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Tehran-backed Hamas, which triggered the massive Israeli offensive in Gaza.

- 'Non-compliance' -

The United States and other Western countries, along with Israel, have repeatedly accused Iran of seeking a nuclear weapon, which it has repeatedly denied.

Israel again called for global action after the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) accused Iran on Wednesday of non-compliance with its obligations.

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The resolution could lay the groundwork for European countries to invoke a "snapback" mechanism, which expires in October, that would reinstate UN sanctions eased under a 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by then US president Barack Obama.

Trump pulled out of the deal in his first term and slapped Iran with sweeping sanctions.

Iran's nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, slammed the resolution as "extremist" and blamed Israeli influence.

In response to the resolution, Iran said it would launch a new enrichment center in a secure location.

Iran would also replace "all of these first-generation machines with sixth-generation advanced machines" at the Fordo uranium enrichment plant, said Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesman of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.

Iran currently enriches uranium to 60 percent, far above the 3.67-percent limit set in the 2015 deal and close, though still short, of the 90 percent needed for a nuclear warhead.

dk/jgc
Shipbuilder Davie has announced plans to acquire Gulf Copper & Manufacturings shipbuilding assets located in Galveston and Port Arthur, Texas.

The planned acquisition is pending financial, legal, and regulatory approvals, including land lease negotiations with the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees.

The acquisition, expected to be finalised by summer 2025, underscores Davie's commitment made in July 2024 to establish a permanent presence in the US.

The proposed acquisition aligns with national priorities, including the U.S. Maritime Action Plan and the Ships for America Act.

Furthermore, it supports the US Coast Guard's Arctic Security Cutter programme, which seeks to revitalise shipbuilding in the US and deliver Arctic-ready icebreakers.

Davie president and CEO James Davies said: We share a vision with Gulf Copper to make Texas a world-class hub for American icebreaker and complex ship production. Texas is ready to lead a new Golden Age of American shipbuildingbacked by our commitment to delivering ships on time, on budget, and in service of national security priorities.

With operations in Quebec and Helsinki, Davie's expansion into the US would enhance its role in the trilateral Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) and counter heavily subsidised foreign programmes.

The company's entry into the US market is also timely, as the country currently operates only three Arctic-ready icebreakers, compared to nearly 50 by rival nations.

Davie's commercially viable icebreaker designs promise faster delivery and cost savings for the US government, addressing a critical national security concern.

Upon completion of the acquisition and securing of contracts, Davie plans a $1bn investment to upgrade the Galveston and Port Arthur facilities, potentially creating around 4,000 American jobs. This includes 2,000 direct jobs at Gulf Copper and another 2,000 in the supply chain.

Davie is also collaborating with local stakeholders and organisations in Texas to expedite the transaction and has also garnered support from Washington, D.C.

Gulf Copper CEO Steve Hale said: A successful deal will open a new chapter for Gulf Copper. For the first time in decades, complex shipbuilding could return to Galveston and Port Arthurthis time backed by one of the worlds fastest-growing specialised shipbuilders.

Davie brings a bold vision: to make Texas the cornerstone of their US expansion. That means opportunity for our employees, our partners, and our communities.

"Davie to acquire Gulf Coppers Texas shipyards, expand US icebreaker fleet" was originally created and published by Ship Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Emergency utility repairs will force a temporary closure on a section of Crane Avenue starting Thursday, June 12, according to a news release from the City of Odessa.

The affected stretch lies between West Olive Street and West Mable Street, where construction crews will be working around to address emergency utility repairs. The closure is expected to remain in place through Monday, June 16, pending the completion of repairs.

Motorists are strongly encouraged to plan alternate routes and anticipate delays when traveling near the area. The city has installed detour signage, and existing closures will remain in place on adjacent streets to help redirect traffic.

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In the same announcement, officials said that Murphy Street will reopen to two-way traffic, also beginning Thursday morning. Drivers will once again be able to travel both eastbound and westbound on Murphy. However, the City of Odessa cautions that the roadway has recently been milled, which may result in an uneven driving surface. Caution is advised in both directions.

A map released by the city shows barricades in place along Crane Avenue, clearly marking the emergency closure zone. Crews will be working within the block to complete the utility work as efficiently and safely as possible.

City officials thanked the public for their patience and cooperation during the repairs.

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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY)  A judge heard a series of motions Wednesday in the lawsuit filed by Abby Zwerner, the Newport News teacher who was shot by her six-year-old student in January 2023.

The case against the Newport News School Board was dismissed last week following a recent Virginia Supreme Court ruling that school boards are protected by sovereign immunity and cannot be sued in this type of case.

That decision leaves three individual defendants: former superintendent Dr. George Parker, former Richneck Elementary School principal Brianna Foster Newton, and former assistant principal Ebony Parker.

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All three are seeking dismissal from the case, arguing they are entitled to sovereign immunity as individuals acting within their professional discretion.

Their attorneys also filed motions for summary judgment, which means they are asking the judge to end the case early in their favor based on the current facts without going to trial  this was denied.

However, Zwerners legal team argues that sovereign immunity does not apply in cases of gross negligence.

Zwerners attorney, Diane Toscano, tells 10 On Your Side: This should go in front of a jury because this comes down to whether or not the defendants committed whats called gross negligence. And those are facts that a jury needs to determine.

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Virginia courts traditionally leave questions of gross negligence to a jury rather than ruling on them at the summary judgment stage, as explained by Zwerners team.

According to Zwerners legal team, George Parker and Brianna Newton have stated they were unaware of the situation on the day of the shooting and argue they should not be held liable. Ebony Parker has made no such claim of ignorance but is requesting to be removed from the lawsuit regardless.

All three defendants are also requesting a continuance, citing the ongoing criminal proceedings related to the case. However, a similar request was previously denied, and Virginia statute specifies that a pending criminal case is not grounds for delaying a civil matter.

The civil case is currently scheduled to move forward this fall.

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Abby, of course, is very much looking forward to seeing a jury of seven and a bunch of Newport News citizens ruling on the merits of this case, said Attorney Jeffrey Breit.

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The leading U.S.-backed initiative documenting Russia's abduction of Ukrainian children is preparing to shut down after its funding was terminated by the Trump administration, CNN reported on June 11.

The Yale University-based Humanitarian Research Lab, which spearheads the Ukraine Conflict Observatory, has reportedly transferred its data to the U.S. State Department and Ukraines government as it closes operations in the coming weeks.

"Right now, we are running on fumes," Nathaniel Raymond, the lab's executive director, told CNN. "As of July 1, we lay off all of our staff across Ukraine and other teams, and our work tracking the kids officially ends."

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Since its launch in May 2022, the observatory has compiled evidence of Russian war crimes, including the deportation of Ukrainian children, many of whom were sent to reeducation camps or adopted by Russian families. The project relied on biometric and satellite data and has supported six International Criminal Court (ICC) indictments, including two related to child abductions, according to Raymond.

The database of the observatory contains records on more than 30,000 Ukrainian children allegedly abducted by Russia from over 100 locations, according to an undisclosed source cited by CNN. This figure outstrips estimates by Ukraine's Children of War database, which says that over 19,500 children have been deported or forcibly displaced by Russia.

The program's end leaves what experts call a major gap in accountability efforts.

"The Conflict Observatorys work cannot be replaced by Europol or other organizations," a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers reportedly wrote in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on June 11, urging the administration to restore funding.

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While Rubio temporarily reinstated funding earlier this year to allow the lab to complete data transfers, he confirmed at a March 28 press conference that the program was ultimately defunded as part of government efficiency cuts. The transferred material, including documentation of attacks on civilian infrastructure and filtration sites, is now expected to be shared with Europol within days.

According to Ukraine's Children of War database, only around 1,300 of the abducted children have been brought home so far. Many others remain unidentified due to deliberate efforts by Russian authorities to obscure their identities by altering names and birth records.

Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly emphasized that repatriating abducted children is a non-negotiable condition for any future peace deal with Moscow.

In 2023, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and childrens rights ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova over their roles in the deportation of Ukrainian minors.

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Read also: As Russia trains abducted children for war, Ukraine fights uphill battle to bring them home

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  The Onondaga County Sheriffs Office announced on Wednesday that they have arrested one of their employees for forgery and falsifying business records.

The Sheriffs Office says the stems from an incident involving a pistol license application submitted by a deputy to the Onondaga County Sheriffs Pistol Licensing Unit.

During a mandatory background check, investigators said they found that a deputy, 22-year-old Jamell Darden of Liverpool, had forged the signatures of multiple character references on the form. Although those individuals agreed to serve as references, they did not sign the application themselves.

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Our office holds pistol permit investigations to the highest standards because they are essential to public safety. Every applicant must go through a thorough, honest, and lawful process. Any attempt to circumvent that process, especially by a member of this office, will be fully investigated and prosecuted. No one is above the law, and integrity must be upheld at every level.

According to the release, the act of forgery was discovered through verification procedures, which include personal calls to each listed reference.

Darden was a recent graduate of the Custody/Corrections academy and had been employed with the Sheriffs Office since January 10.

Darden has been charged with Forgery in the Second Degree and Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree. He is set to appear in Syracuse City Court on June 16.

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The Opelika Career Center and the Phenix City Career Center are now collaborating with the Phenix City Housing Authority for a hiring event.

Various private companies and government agencies from across the cities of Opelika and Phenix City will be attending the event.

The event will take place on Tuesday, June 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The job fair will be located at the Chuck Roberts Activity Center at 1600 Second Avenue Phenix City, Alabama.

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Notable companies include:

Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs

Aramark

Auburn Facilities Management

Auburn University

City of Phenix City, City of Phenix City Fire, City of Phenix City Police, Phenix City Housing Authority and Phenix City Schools

John Soules Foods

Primerica

Russel County Department of Human Resources

Smurfit Westrock

Still Serving Veterans.

For anyone who would like to learn more information about the job fair, please contact the Opelika Career Center at 334-749-5065 or visit the Alabama Career Centers website.

The Alabama Career Center System is a part of the Alabama Department of Workforces Employment Services Division. It provides employers and jobseekers with a variety of free services including resume and interview preparation, trainings, workforce development services and salary assistance.

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OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL)  Opelika residents will head to the polls Tuesday, August 26, 2025, to elect their next mayor and city council. Voters will choose council members for seats 1 through 5, as well as the citys top leadership role.

According to the citys official notice, all registered voters who have lived within Opelikas corporate limits for at least 30 days prior to the election and are qualified to vote in their county precinct are eligible to participate.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the following locations:

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 Ward 1  Covington Community Center, 213 Carver Avenue

 Ward 2  Opelika Learning Center, 214 Jeter Avenue

 Ward 3  Opelika Community Center, 1102 Denson Drive

 Ward 4  EAMC Education Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway

 Ward 5  Opelika Sportsplex, 1001 Andrews Road

 Absentee Ballot Box  Opelika City Clerks Office, 204 South 7th Street

Those interested in running for office must have lived in the cityor in the appropriate district, if applicablefor at least 90 days as of Election Day. Candidates must file the necessary forms and fees in accordance with Alabama law.

If a runoff is needed, it will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

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Open primary supporters in Oklahoma have filed two lawsuits in the Oklahoma Supreme Court challenging a new state law that limits the number of initiative petition signatures that can be collected from a single county.

One lawsuit asks the court to declare the "retroactive provision" of Senate Bill 1027 unconstitutional. The other lawsuit challenges the overall constitutionality of the bill.

SB 1027, authored by Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, mandates that the maximum number of signatures from a single county cannot exceed 11.5% of the number of votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election. For constitutional amendments, that maximum number is 20.8%.

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Opponents contend those limits disenfranchise voters, particularly in urban areas.

More: Senate passes bill that places new restrictions on initiative petitions

Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the bill into law, which was a priority for many GOP lawmakers this legislative session, on Friday, May 23. It took effect immediately.

The bill comes as proponents of open primaries await a start date to begin collecting signatures for State Question 836, a measure that would open Oklahoma primary elections to all voters, with the top two candidates advancing to the general election.

You dont have to agree with SQ 836 to see whats happening here is wrong, said Dr. Ken Setter, a proponent of SQ 836 and a plaintiff in both lawsuits. Politicians should not be attempting to stop this measure by sabotaging it with unconstitutional laws. They should let the voters decide."

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The lawsuit challenging the bill's "retroactive" provision asks the court to temporarily block the law during litigation, arguing that attempting to comply with SB 1027 during such time will jeopardize signature-gatherers' ability to collect enough signatures to qualify their measure for the ballot.

Supporters of SB 1027 have argued that the current process for state questions leaves out rural Oklahomans. In May, Senate Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tulsa, said the bill gives more Oklahomans a voice in what qualifies for the ballot because signatures can't come solely from the state's biggest metro areas.

Along with signature limits in single counties, SB 1027 also requires a petition's gist to be written in basic words explaining the measure. It requires petition circulators to be registered voters in Oklahoma and disclose the organization that's paying them.

"All Oklahomans should know what they are voting on and who [is] behind the initiatives being pushed," Paxton, a co-author on the bill, said at the time. "I don't know how more transparency and more voices being heard in the process is a bad thing."

Anthony Stobbe, a proponent of open primaries, is pictured. He is a plaintiff in two lawsuits in the Oklahoma Supreme Court challenging a new state law that limits the number of initiative petition signatures that can be collected from a single county.

Paxton, Bullard and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the legal challenges.

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Anthony Stobbe, a plaintiff in both lawsuits and a registered independent, said that as a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander, he served his country, "not a political party." He added that being politically independent is important to him, along with thousands of other veterans and active-duty military across Oklahoma.

"Not being able to vote in Oklahomas most meaningful elections is a slap in the face," Stobbe said in a news release. "Having an unconstitutional law try to block the very state question meant to fix that problem is even worse.

The lawsuit challenging SB 1027's overall constitutionality argues that the law infringes on the rights of Oklahomans to propose amendments to the state constitution through referendums. It also claims the law threatens restrictions on legislative authority, separation of powers, equal protection and political speech and association."

Senate Bill 1027 is an outright attack on the peoples right to govern themselves, said Amy Cerato, a well-known opponent of the ACCESS Oklahoma turnpike project. Ive been organizing to hold the government accountable for years, and Ive never seen such a blatant power grab to silence Oklahomans voices. This law is designed to make direct democracy in Oklahoma impossible.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Two lawsuits challenge Oklahoma's new initiative petition restrictions
The Brief

Operation Safe Online Summer resulted in the arrests of dozens, which included some Arizona suspects.

The operation, led by the Dept. of Justice, worked with local, state and federal authorities to crackdown on online child exploitation offenders.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell is pleading with parents to talk with their kids about the dangers and warning signs.

PHOENIX - More than 70 online child predators were arrested in Operation Safe Online Summer, with some arrests happening in Arizona.

What we know

The nationwide Department of Justice operation began in April and included dozens of local, state and federal authorities.

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The operation targeted child predators and those who share child exploration materials, and the crackdown isn't over yet. Authorities say more indictments and arrests are on the way in Arizona and across the country.

Seventy-two people in Arizona and surrounding states were arrested.

Authorities hope this is a wake-up call to all parents.

"Parents and people who care for children, please use as much safety as you can," Phoenix Police Assistant Chief Ed DeCastro pleaded.

By the numbers

It started with more than 139 cyber tips that were alerted by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

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Of the people arrested, nine are considered hands-on offenders, and 12 are registered sex offenders.

There are ways to see the signs.

"Take five minutes today. Take five minutes to start this conversation, because when it comes to protecting your kids, waiting is not an option, "Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said.

The operation identified 25 ongoing exploitation victims, and 14 new child victims.

"Every child rescued, every predator taken off the streets represents a safer future for Arizona," Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said.

Operation Safe Online Summer also included 11 community education events, reaching 350 parents and students.

What we don't know

The names of the suspects and the charges they're facing haven't been released.
The left in general and labor leaders in particular continue to misread the will of the people.

Case in point: Among the dozens of lessons both seem incapable of learning from last Novembers electoral drubbing is that Americans are solidly in favor of enforcing the nations sovereign borders and expelling as many as possible of the millions of lawbreakers who breached them thanks to the calculated apathy of the previous administration.

Apparently unfazed by facts, however, David Huerta, president of the California chapter of Service Employees International Union, last Friday, traded on the full faith and credit of his position to join those violently protesting a legal raid at a Los Angeles worksite by officials from the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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He was subsequently arrested for trying to physically block a vehicle trying to enter the property.

Again, Huerta made no attempt to distance himself and his actions from his role as SEIUs California director. To the contrary, he first made sure to don his purple SEIU T-shirt in order to make clear to everyone that he considers obstructing law enforcement one of his legitimate job responsibilities.

Even more brazenly, his own SEIU affiliates in California have used member dues to support at least one group spearheading the protests  the Coalition for Humane Immigration Rights  and to finance the informal immigration rapid response network that has been equally at the center, and in which SEIU itself also participates.

And rather than disavow Huertas irresponsible, illegal behavior, state and national leftists quickly circled the wagons around Huerta. After all, SEIU California is a major funder of liberal causes and candidates in California.

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Syndicated columnist Kurt Schlicter, shrewdly noted this week that the scenario provides (the Trump administration) an opportunity to defund the government support to (non-governmental organizations) that launder government money to fund this kind of violence.

They could start with Huertas union.

SEIU California and its affiliates siphon millions of dollars a year from Medicaid by confiscating dues from thousands of Californians participating in a federal program that pays a modest subsidy in exchange for providing in-home care for an elderly or low-income client.

Because they work at home, usually looking after a loved one, the union representing the caregivers  many of whom dont even realize they are union members  has relatively little to do. But that doesnt stop Huertas organization from seizing 3 percent of their annual wages  among the highest dues rates in the country.

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In a very real sense, Medicaid is therefore bankrolling the protests in Los Angeles. Heres a thought: Instead of arresting Huerta and the other lawbreaking protestors, why not just cut off their source of funding by prohibiting unions from plundering Medicaid?

Hundreds of thousands of government employees all over the country have exercised their First Amendment right to opt out of union membership and dues since it was affirmed in 2018 by the U.S. Supreme Court.

One of the primary factors behind this movement is widespread anger over unions that use confiscated dues money to promote a radical political agenda instead of representing the legitimate workplace concerns of their members.

SEIU-affiliated care providers in the Golden State need to ask themselves how Huertas embarrassing spectacle helps enhance their pay, benefits and working conditions.

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It doesnt. It simply reinforces whats been obvious for years: The welfare of their rank and file hasnt been a priority for public employee unions in decades, assuming it ever was.

Modern government-employee unions like SEIU exist almost exclusively to fund the failed policies of the left with workers hard-earned dues dollars; workers who are increasingly fed up with it.

It isnt just worksites overrun by violent agitators that are burning while labor icons like Huerta fiddle. It is also their fading hopes of ever being taken seriously or being handed political power again.

Aaron Withe is CEO of the Freedom Foundation, a national nonprofit government union watchdog organization.

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In 2016 Donald Trump made history, by becoming the first person to be elected president with a net unfavorable rating. In 2024, he repeated that feat. But his opponents have not fared much better. American politics has turned distinctly negative in the last 10 years, and neither party has shown much interest in reversing that trend.

Trumps favorability issues are well-known. He has rarely enjoyed a net favorable rating. With the exception of the brief inauguration honeymoon, Trump has been net negative his entire time as a candidate and as president. Yet he has taken two out of three elections, to the mass confusion of Democrats.

There should be no confusion. If the Democratic Party and its media allies would take a break from their all-consuming anti-Trump rage, they would see that their own team is not popular at all. Hillary Clinton was net negative for much of her campaign in 2016, and Kamala Harris hovered around break-even last year but was dragged down by the enormous unpopularity of Joe Biden.

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This theme of unpopularity is not limited to presidential candidates; it is prevalent throughout American politics. The politicians who are not underwater with the public tend to have low name recognition. As name ID rises, as do negative perceptions.

In American politics, the more you know, the less you like.

Trump is doing surprisingly well, given his past polling. His favorability is in the same neighborhood as former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama at the same point in their second terms. It is true that Trumps average is boosted by several Republican-friendly polls, with Trafalgar having Trump at plus-8, Insider Advantage at plus-11 and Rasmussen at plus-5. But even the less Trump-friendly media polls have the presidents favorability in the mid-40s, which is pretty good for Trump.

In the most recent YouGov poll  a poll that tends to tilt against Trump  the president scores 43 percent favorable against 52 percent unfavorable. Eighty percent of Republicans approve of Trump, against 11 percent disapprove, whereas Democrats disapprove at 93 percent against 5 percent approve. Independents are net-negative on Trump, 56 percent to 36 percent.

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It is this partisan split that has come to define American public opinion.

The RealClearPolitics favorability average shows JD Vance, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Republican Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) all in negative territory. Schumer has taken Mitch McConnells crown for the most despised leader at a net-negative 18 points. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has managed to score roughly even on favorability, but he is also the least known of all the leaders. I am sure he will join his colleagues in public opinion purgatory if people get to know him better.

In the June 2 YouGov poll, a laundry list of prominent Republican and Democratic politicians were polled and almost all of them were under water with independents. Those with low net negatives often had a majority of independents with no opinion.

Schumer led the hit parade of disapproval at net negative 24 points with independents, followed by Trump (minus-20 points), Biden (minus-17 points), Gavin Newsom (minus-15 points) and Harris (minus-12 points). Vance, last polled in May, was at minus-21 points with independents.

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Outside of Harris and Newsom, most of the potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates were narrowly net negative, but also had low name recognition. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Pete Buttigieg were each at minus-3 points and Gretchen Whitmer was at just minus-2 points, but all of them had under 60 percent on name identification.

The most curious feature of the polling is that Bernie Sanders is the only truly popular politician among the whole bunch. Sanders, the only Democratic-leaning contender currently out on tour (great merch still available!) enjoys 48 percent approval against 38 percent disapproval, including a gravity-defying 51 percent approval with independents.

But Sanderss numbers are more a reflection of his political impotence and irrelevance than anything. He is doing great because there is little pushback, and he is generating little criticism because he has no power to do anything so he doesnt matter. Trump matters, Vance matters. Johnson matters, and Schumer and Newsom have actual power. Harris remains merely a possible 2028 Democratic nominee.

The American media-political power structure for both the left and the right are not going to waste their time on someone who has no real political power in Washington, is not a serious threat to be a future presidential nominee and who is repeating the same old lines over and over. Sanderss free pass keeps him popular, while his opening act, Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who could be a force in the future, gets the scrutiny  and the weaker polling (minus-6 points overall and minus-7 points with independents).

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The sour mood by independents is both an Achilles heel and an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats. The curse on both houses attitude means that independents are up for grabs and can make either party the majority.

Neither party seems interested in a selective moderation that could attract independents. Conflict and constantly shifting policy (particularly on economic matters) may excite Trumps partisans, but they are a turn-off for independents. Meanwhile, Democrats seem determined to cling to unpopular policies, like shielding violent illegal immigrants from deportation and the most extreme transgender ideologies.

A permanent majority is available in America for both parties. Too bad nobody is paying attention.

Keith Naughton, a longtime Republican political consultant, is co-founder of Silent Majority Strategies, a public and regulatory affairs consulting firm, and a former Pennsylvania political campaign consultant.

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Global logistics and parcel powerhouse DHL Group will invest more than $571 million on infrastructure, vehicles and product offerings in Gulf Arab states through 2030 , pushing for more business in a region experiencing significant trade growth, the company announced Wednesday.

DHL Group, based in Bonn, Germany, said the investment, which aims to increase capacity and network efficiency, spans its express delivery, freight forwarding, contract logistics and e-commerce units in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

DHL Express will invest in hub and local facilities, as well as enhance airfreight service to improve service efficiency and delivery speed in the Gulf countries. DHL Global Forwarding plans to add diesel and electric trucks, open more offices and pursue joint ventures, such as the recent partnership with Etihad Rail to enhance cross-border cargo connectivity. DHL Supply Chain will expand warehousing, upgrade equipment and integrate advanced technology to improve operations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Some of DHLs investment in the region began in 2024. And, earlier this year, DHL eCommerce acquired a minority stake in Saudi Arabian parcel carrier Ajex Logistics Services, giving it a foothold in the fast-growing, last-mile delivery sector there.





In April, DHL Group said it planned to invest $2.2 billion in healthcare logistics over five years. The healthcare and Middle East investments are part of DHLs strategic plan to concentrate investments in sectors and markets with high-growth potential.

Multinational companies are expanding operations in the Gulf region as oil-rich states diversify their economies, which is also resulting in rising exports from local businesses. DHL Group said it sees growth opportunities in the energy sector  both traditional oil and gas as well as renewables and electrification  life sciences and healthcare, and e-commerce. It noted that Saudi Arabia is experiencing a strong inbound market for business-to-consumer shipments, especially high-end goods, driven by ongoing tourism initiatives and events.

The region of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is rapidly emerging as a global logistics and innovation hub,said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. Our investment reflects the regions increasing strategic importance in connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, and our commitment to supporting its transformation into a catalyst for regional and global trade. DHL Express is seeing dynamic growth and export potential in the regions e-commerce sector, for example, which is providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and smaller businesses to expand their offering to global markets.
Jun. 11PBS should get public support

Every time I read a Jeff Tucker piece, I wonder if this is the last edition I will pay to read? His opposition to public funding for PBS via the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) rests on the naive assumption that all media should be supported solely by the market. He states that taxpayers should only pay for news that includes a "balanced discussion." But there is no duty to "balance" in the business of news media corporations. In fact, the rise of infotainment news and alternative facts should be alarming to everyone who believes a democracy needs the press  the Fourth Estate  to keep us informed. Who will protect journalists from their corporate owners or the current president as more are forced out of their organizations for failing to agree with the powers-that-be?

Referring to NMPBS's "New Mexico in Focus" program, Tucker aims to persuade us that "no one" watches because it spends too much time on "social justice causes." Yet he fails to demonstrate that the program's regional topics are adequately covered by any other news organization. On NPR June 9, there was an investigative piece about some federal judges subjecting their staff to appalling behavior. As media corporations have shifted resources away from long-form and investigative journalism, who will be left to serve our public interests with such in-depth reporting? Federal judges are on the frontlines of the president's attempts to circumvent many laws, so we citizens need to know about judicial behavior inside and outside courtrooms.

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I urge all taxpayers  as stakeholders in the U.S. government  to show their support for the protection of the CPB so PBS/NPR can continue to report on topics that are easily ignored and even suppressed in pursuit of maximum profits for shareholders.

Eithne Johnson

Albuquerque

Blackstone is unfit to lead NM's energy future

Interfaith Worker Justice joins the opposition to Blackstone's takeover of Public Service Company of New Mexico. CEO Stephen Schwarzman is a modern-day pharaoh worth an astonishing $37 billion. In 2023, Blackstone raked in $880.9 billion, profits that conceal exploitation and reckless disregard for human life incompatible with the values of New Mexico.

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Pope Francis stated: "The commandment, 'Thou shalt not kill' sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life. Today, we also have to say 'thou shalt not' to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy also kills."

New Mexico demands ethically managed electricity  not a business plan built on exploitation and abuse. In 2023, State Treasurer Laura Montoya announced that she would pull New Mexico's public funds citing "excessive risks" and "alarming labor practices."

Packers Sanitation Services Inc., controlled by Blackstone, was exposed for the illegal use of child labor ranging from 13 to 17 years of age, working overnight shifts at meat processing facilities in eight states. Three workers have died on the job so far  including one who was decapitated  and four who lost limbs. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited the company for safety violations. The Department of Labor (DOL) opened 56 inspections in five years.

State investors bailed and so should we.

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Blackstone used PSSI's revenue to enrich itself leaving over $1 billion in debt to PSSI and extracting millions in payouts to investors. These are the predatory methods used by financial raiders who hollow out companies leaving devastation behind.

Now, Blackstone has targeted New Mexico.

PNM serves over half a million New Mexicans and is central to our clean energy transition. Blackstone-owned PNM will exploit New Mexico to enrich out-of-state investors.

We implore the PRC to reject this takeover. To do otherwise would be an unforgivable betrayal of our trust.

Holly Beaumont

Santa Fe

Cuts to Dept. of Education will hurt students

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I am writing to express my concern about the recent cuts to the U.S. Department of Education and the direct impact they are having in our classrooms and beyond.

These cuts are not abstractthey are real, and they are hurting our students. One of the most immediate effects has been the withholding of professional learning resources that teachers rely on to improve instruction, meet students' diverse needs, and stay up-to-date with best practices. When educators are not supported, it is our children who pay the price. We will ultimately see the impairment these cuts will have on the growth of our society.

Quality education depends on investment, not just in buildings and textbooks, but in the people who show up every day to teach, guide, and inspire. Let's urge policymakers to reconsider these cuts and to prioritize funding that directly supports learning in the classroom.

Noah Kelly

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Albuquerque

$40 million verdict shows need for reform

The $40 million malpractice decision against Presbyterian is one prime reason why the health care industry is declining in New Mexico. You cannot place a monetary value on human life so having an open checkbook for life-changing medical mistakes will not make those mistakes less frequent. It will only increase medical costs and, as we have seen, drive good medical personnel from our state. Legislators have had multiple opportunities to fix the problem, but trial lawyers are a strong force here, to their and our own detriment. Common sense must play a role in these tragedies, but it has to start with our elected officials.

Gary Hays

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Bernalillo

Diversity of opinions is strength of democracy

To follow Jeff Tucker's logic from his Sunday Journal June 8 op-ed piece about defunding PBS, I should cancel my subscription to the Albuquerque Journal, as I don't always approve of or agree with what they print on the Opinion pages. There are many times I don't agree with some of the stories and interviews on the PBS News Hour (which I have watched since they days of McNeil Lehrer) but I certainly won't call for eliminating their funding because of those stories. The diversity of opinion and audience is the strength of any democracy. Tucker can watch Fox News if that is more to his political liking. The overwhelming majority of the programming on PBS has no political bent, and provides some of the best TV that is available. Why eliminate all that because of a beef with some news coverage? And by the way, yes, I am a sustaining subscriber to both KNME and KHFM.

Richard Bumstead

Albuquerque
The $100 million lawsuit filed by leaders of the far-right militant group the Proud Boys is legally unsound  but it has an excellent chance of success.

The plaintiffs  Henry Enrique Tarrio and four others  had been found guilty of seditious conspiracy and other crimes arising from their roles in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol that interfered with the transition of power following Joe Bidens victory over Donald Trump in the 2020 election.

The lawsuits excellent chance of a successful outcome for Tarrio and his co-defendants-turned-co-plaintiffs rests entirely on the current Justice Departments will to defend itself, which seems non-existent judging by DOJs recent capitulation in the wrongful death case brought by the estate of Ashli Babbitt, a Trump supporter shot and killed while trying to breach the House Speakers Lobby on Jan. 6.

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The Babbitt case appeared weak. An investigation by the U.S. Capitol Police found that the officer had acted lawfully in shooting Babbitt, and a joint investigation by the D.C. police department and DOJ found no evidence that the officer had done anything other than act in self-defense of himself and members of Congress  who were actively being evacuated in the face of the Capitol attack at the time Babbitt climbed over a barricade and through a broken glass window to get into the Speakers Lobby.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for D.C. and the DOJs Civil Rights Section jointly decided no criminal charges against the officer were warranted. Nevertheless, the Trump DOJ paid Babbitts estate $5 million to settle.

The Proud Boys case looks even weaker. Tarrio and the other plaintiffs are essentially re-arguing defenses they made at their trials: Their constitutional rights were violated under various theories, including due process, the right to a speedy trial and claims of unreasonable search and seizures.

But one problem for them is these defenses were all rejected at trial and they were convicted and sentenced for their crimes. Bringing a civil suit for a wrongful prosecution in which the defendant(s) were convicted would be nearly impossible without that conviction being overturned on appeal.

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The other problem is that their case is brought primarily upon the so-called Bivens doctrine, which has fallen extremely out of favor with the courts. The doctrine arose from a 1971 Supreme Court case allowing plaintiff Webster Bivens to seek damages against federal agents for violating his Fourth Amendment rights in an illegal search and arrest.

But since 1971, the Supreme Court has repeatedly denied Bivens as a remedy and federal trial courts  and appeals courts  have dismissed hundreds of lawsuits based on Bivens, which had led to the conclusion that the Bivens remedy is nearly dead. Professor Dennis Fan, a former DOJ civil attorney, told The Hill that its essentially impossible to bring a Bivens claim these days.

The other basis for the Proud Boys suit relies on the Federal Torts Claim Act to recover under a liability theory of malicious prosecution  a liability that Rupa Bhattacharyya, former director of DOJs Torts Branch, describes as really, really low.

But likely outweighing all the legal hurdles for the Proud Boys lawsuit are Trumps pardons of Tarrio and commutations of sentences for his co-plaintiffs. The pardons  not just of the Proud Boys but also of 1,600 defendants charged in the Jan. 6 attack  immeasurably complicate DOJs potential defense against the lawsuit. The pardon and commutation language used by Trump states that it is ending a grave national injustice  and during the signing ceremony, Trump described the Jan. 6 defendants as hostages and said: What theyve done to these people is outrageous. Theres rarely been anything like it in the history of our country.

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Tarrio also has written of his conversation with Trump at Mar-a-Lago where Trump told him that he was sorry for what President Joe Biden had done to Jan. 6 defendants and told him, I love you guys. Both the language in the pardon and commutations and Trumps characterizations and apologies make a settlement nearly the only outcome. Indeed, a trial of the claims could result in the absurdity of Trump and other Trump administration officials testifying against DOJs defense of its actions  in essence the administration testifying against itself.

Nor would a judge be inclined to reject such a settlement. While theoretically a judge may refuse to accept a settlement, those instances typically involve cases that give a judge more authority over settlements. for example class actions like the Purdue Pharma opioid settlement case, in which the judge objected to a provision that would have protected the Sackler family from litigation.

A settlement would have big financial consequences for taxpayers. The damage caused by the Jan. 6 attack is estimated by Congress audit arm to be $2.7 billion, of which only $3 million was to be repaid in the form of restitution by Jan. 6 defendants. Whatever restitution was owed is wiped clean by the pardons and commutations, and the DOJ has already supported giving a refund to the defendants of any money already paid. It would also likely cause a flood of similar lawsuits from perhaps all of the 1,600 pardoned/commuted Jan. 6 defendants  which could add millions, maybe even hundreds of millions, to the tab.

Such an income stream fits well with Trumps idea of creating a compensation fund for pardoned Jan 6 rioters even as it would  in the words of history professor Allan J. Lichtman  send a horrendous message that would legitimize violent insurrections. Lichtman compared the settlements process to white supremacists during the Jim Crow era recasting Confederates who fought in the Civil War as noble. Essentially, the Trump administration could be creating reparations packages for Jan. 6 rioters.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
A news frenzy has emerged in recent weeks around Rahm Emanuels potential 2028 presidential run. To dispel with any suspense: I know Rahm well  and, no, I dont know whether he will run.

I do know this: Any conventional wisdom diminishing his ability to compete is unwise. Thats because Emanuel cant be easily discounted. He deserves more than just casual observation.

Its not easy. As Ive said in several interviews, he may be the best-known American political leader that most people dont really know. To understand Emanuel requires the delicate separation of caricature from his character.

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First the caricature. Like most exaggerated imagery, there is a foundational realism. Emanuel is combative, brash, profane. Yes, he did once send a dead fish to a Democratic campaign pollster who he felt had let him down during a House race. And President Barack Obama did once quip that Emanuel was rendered practically mute when he lost part of his middle finger in an accident.

I once introduced him to a Long Island political leader, just off the floor of the House. The meeting was civil and relatively inconsequential. My guest later expressed disappointment because Emanuel hadnt cursed once. Hed come to meet the legend and instead he got the legislator.

This may be a challenge for Emanuel and his supporters: reminding Democratic primary voters that the style serves the substance. Sure, he likes to win, in blitzkrieg fashion. But the conventional stories about how he wins often reduce him to an elite partisan athlete, competing merely for the sake of victory.

Theres more to him than that. The calculation is clear, simple and paramount in his mind: You achieve victory in order to govern with values. Nothing else matters.

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Thats why Emanuel has always been one of the first calls for virtually every major Democratic leader over the past 30-plus years. When President Bill Clinton decided to take on the NRA to enact more stringent gun safety measures, he called on Emanuel. The result: the Brady Handgun Bill and the Federal Assault Weapons Ban, followed by Clinton romping to reelection in 1996.

Also under Clinton, Emanuel helped pass the Childrens Health Insurance Program, which has given millions of Americas kids health care and helped cut the child uninsured rate from around 14 percent in 1996 to roughly 5 percent in recent years.

When Obama took office, Emanuel took on the special interests that caused the 2008 economic meltdown, and helped guide the passage of the Affordable Care Act  which President Trump seeks to begin dismantling in the current budget reconciliation bill.

Then there was his Chicago mayoralty, from 2011 through 2019. Governing large cities is as tough a job as there is in politics. Its about delivering results, winning on values that protect lives and create opportunity. In Emanuels case, he was the first big city mayor to sue the pharmaceutical industry over opioids (before even any state attorney general did), he made community college free and he took on an entrenched bureaucracy. None of these accomplishments was possible without a willingness to throw  and take  some punches.

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He has a brawling reputation because hes willing to take on the hardest battles: big banks, gun manufacturers, insurance companies. Going toe to toe, even with nine and a half fingers.

Again, whether or not he runs remains to be seen. But one thing is clear in both caricature and character: Democrats need candidates who know how to fight and win if were to defeat MAGA.

Steve Israel represented New York in the House of Representatives for eight terms and was chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee from 2011 to 2015.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
UPDATE (June 12, 4:10 p.m. ET): The House narrowly passed the rescissions package, 214-212, with all but four House Republicans voting in favor. The legislation now heads to the Senate.

Congress will soon face a vote that goes far beyond dollars and cents. Its a vote about who lives, who dies  and whether the United States still recognizes the difference.

Republican lawmakers have largely distanced themselves from the Trump administrations unlawful cuts to lifesaving foreign aid. And while they have done nothing to stop them, they could at least claim the cuts were done without their input.

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Now President Donald Trump is asking them to approve a rescissions package that would retroactively cancel grants that gave food to the hungry and medicine to the sick, building goodwill for the United States around the world.

If they approve the package, Congressional Republicans will have joined hands with the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, the rogue unofficial group until recently helmed by billionaire Elon Musk, to take back money Congress had already appropriated to programs to feed and care for children around the globe.

To be clear, this vote comes with consequences. An analysis by a Boston University infectious-disease mathematical modeler and health economist found that Trumps cuts in foreign aid have already resulted in the deaths of approximately 200,000 children and 96,000 adults  a death toll that claims another 103 lives every hour.

These deaths were all preventable. Indeed, Congress already tried to prevent them when it passed decades worth of spending bills that included funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, the agency that, for decades, has delivered U.S. global leadership in the form of vaccines, health care, food aid, maternal care and HIV treatment.

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That all came to an end when the Musk-led DOGE effort essentially dismantled USAID from within, terminating thousands of contracts, cutting overseas operations, and freezing essential programs. Musk didnt hide his contempt when he labeled USAID a vipers nest of radical-left Marxists and declared it was time for it to die.

If congressional Republicans approve the rescissions package, they will have enshrined into law the slashing of $9.4 billion in already-approved federal spending targeted by DOGE. More than $8 billion of that comes from the State Department and USAID.

In short, it would be cruelty codified into law.

In the Peruvian Amazon, USAID helped Indigenous communities fight deforestation and illegal mining. When hundreds of mobile health teams and other services were suspended in Afghanistan, some 9 million people were affected, according to a U.N. spokesperson. In Ukraine, USAID delivered clean water systems and trauma care.

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In crisis after crisis, from Ebola to famine, USAID has been on the frontlines. It is especially crucial for emergency food assistance  supporting efforts such as the distribution of fortified peanut paste to millions of malnourished children through nonprofits like MANA Nutrition. In this case, the damage is done. In June, USAID withdrew its support.

One of the most targeted programs is the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, the landmark, bipartisan Bush-era global AIDS relief effort that has saved more than 25 million lives since 2003. The plan has since become a cornerstone of American global health diplomacy  touted by Republicans and Democrats alike as a moral triumph.

But today, amid a wave of Trump-era isolationism and budgetary cynicism, even PEPFAR is on the chopping block. Some Republicans lawmakers  aware of the programs legacy and their own partys role in creating it  have begun to raise concerns, but the question is whether that will be enough to save it.

But there is even more at stake. The rescissions package would also cut $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which helps fund NPR and PBS through hundreds of local public TV and radio stations around the country.

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The Trump administration has cast this as striking a blow against liberals, but its actually the opposite. On Monday, Republican Rep. Mark Amodei of Nevada and Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman of New York issued a warning about the impact of cutting federal funds for public broadcasting, warning that rescinding this funding would also isolate rural communities.

But as with anything related to U.S. politics these days  words are not enough.

It is a damning reflection of this political moment that these cuts are coming as the president continues to spend tens of millions of dollars on a grotesquely expensive military parade to ostensibly celebrate him. This isnt about fiscal responsibility. The $10.5 billion in savings from cuts to USAID and PBS does nothing to offset the additional $2.3 trillion Trump will add to our national deficit or address the 10.9 million people who will become uninsured if his megabill passes in its current form.

This is cruelty masquerading as cost-cutting. Its about the GOPs obsession with winning the culture wars and clamping down on a free press.

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With Democrats expected to oppose the package, Republicans can only afford to lose three votes and still push the measure over the finish line.

But Republicans are keeping mum  or speaking about it anonymously. Is that the courage their constituents voted for?

Every member of Congress who votes for this package is voting to turn temporary cruelty into permanent consequence. These are not just budget lines, but human lives. The toll this "deal-making" president has already inflicted is unthinkable. Lets not cement it into our nations legacy.

For more thought-provoking insights from Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders-Townsend, watch The Weeknight every Monday-Friday at 7 p.m. ET on MSNBC.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
South Koreas newly elected president, Lee Jae-myung, has an almost impossible agenda. He wants to be all things to all sides, domestically and internationally. Lees admirers portray his rise to power as a triumph of liberal democracy over an evil attempt to return South Korea to old-style dictatorship.

Lees background is so divisive, so mired in scandal, however, that its difficult to portray him in heroic proportions. The luster of his success at the polls is wearing thin with the realization that he faces charges in lower courts, including corruption stemming from the 2022 election campaign for president that he lost to the rightist Yoon Suk Yeol by an eyelash. Lees political rise marks him more as an opportunist than an ideologue.

As president, Lee controls a national assembly dominated by his own Minju or Democratic Party and is immune to prosecution. But his history will be difficult to overcome while he looks for revenge against his enemies. The assembly, at Lees behest, impeached Yoon and the constitutional court upheld the impeachment, forcing Yoon out of office and precipitating the snap election that elevated Lee to the presidency. Now Lee is exerting maximum pressure in court cases against the conservatives who tried to destroy him  notably against Yoon, for declaring martial law.

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In his inaugural speech, Lee spoke of the need for unity and for bringing people together, but he us pressing a new special prosecutor to delve ever deeper into Yoons background while Yoon stands trial in a district court on multiple counts, the most important of which are insurrection and mutiny. The court has freed Yoon from pre-trial detention, but Lee and the radical activists at the nucleus of the Minju would like him back in prison for life.

Another 20 or so of Yoons once-trusted lieutenants, including a former defense minister and a police commander, are still being held on a raft of charges for their roles in the coup against the state  a favorite phrase for Yoons fling with martial law. These cases will drag on for years while Lee presses for reforms, including four-year presidential terms, giving him the right to run for a second term rather than the current single term that runs five years (unless the president gets impeached and ousted).

Lee has a strong motivation for wanting to extend his presidency beyond five years. He still faces his own charges of corruption, the most serious of which is making false statements during his unsuccessful 2022 campaign related to a real estate deal in which a developer got a huge contract in Seongnam while Lee was mayor. A key figure in the case was found dead in his office. His suicide was the first of several mysterious deaths reported during Lees tenure.

Then, while governor of Gyeonggi Province, he was indicted for transferring funds to North Korea in hopes of meeting leader Kim Jong Un  contrary to both the law and central government policy. Now Lee is talking about expanding the size of the supreme court from the present 14 justices to 30 or 40, all to be appointed by him and all but guaranteed to exonerate him of all pending charges.

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Lee has not given up on North Korea. In his inaugural speech, it was the only foreign country worthy of a full mention when he pledged to reopen communication, which Kim shut down completely during Yoons presidency. Just to show he wasnt pro-North, however, Lee did say the Korea-U.S. alliance along with South Koreas armed forces would deter nuclear threats and military provocations  a gesture tossed out as a sop to Americans who doubt if he will approve the same level of joint military exercises as Yoon.

Leftists in both Korea and the U.S. may still yearn for Lee to go along with an end-of-war declaration replacing the armistice that ended the Korean War 72 years ago next month. Obviously North Korea would want only a peace treaty under which the U.S.-Korea alliance would collapse and U.S. forces would leave. Lee in his far-leftist days may have espoused this notion, but during his campaign he talked of the need to strengthen the alliance while also mending frayed ties with China. At his inaugural, he called for coexistence, reconciliation and solidarity  code for a deal with the North that alarms hard-liners but may be mere rhetoric.

Curiously, however, Lee skipped China after having often declared himself a pragmatist who sees no need to stand hostile against China or Russia. How will he stay on the good side of both Beijing and Washington after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, at the Shangri-La forum of defense ministers in Singapore, warned of an imminent Chinese threat to use military force to alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific? Wary of Chinas wrath, Lee would not want American warplanes deploying from Korean bases in defense of Taiwan, as American military people have suggested.

Seoul and Beijing share the common denominator of worries about U.S. President Trumps enormous tariffs. Trump promised Chinas President Xi Jinping, in a 90-minute phone call, that the U.S. and China would work out a deal on trade, and he made the same promise to Lee in a 20-minute call. Not a word was said about security in either conversation. Trump and Xi made sure not to veer on to Taiwan, which Xi persists in bullying with air and naval exercises, and Trump and Lee stayed away from Americas 28,500 troops in Korea.

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Remembered for having castigated the Americans years ago as an occupying force, Lee should not object if Trump wants to bring some of them home, particularly if Trump renews demands for several times more than the annual $1.1 billion agreed on with the previous administration for keeping U.S. forces in Korea.

He and Trump may also see eye to eye on reopening dialogue with North Koreas Kim, with whom Trump famously fell in love at their first summit in Singapore seven years ago. Trump and Kim met again, disastrously, in February 2019 when Trump walked out of their second summit in Hanoi after Kim would not agree to doing away with his nukes. Their impromptu meeting four months later on the line between North and South Korea at Panmunjom went nowhere. Since then, allied with Russias President Vladimir Putin, Kim has provided arms and ammunition for Russias war in Ukraine in exchange for nuclear and missile technology and much needed food.

Kim doesnt need either Trump or Lee. Soon, Lee will have to decide whom he needs more  Trump or Xi.

Donald Kirk has been a journalist for more than 60 years, focusing much of his career on conflict in Asia and the Middle East, including as a correspondent for the Washington Star and Chicago Tribune. He is currently a freelance correspondent covering North and South Korea, and is the author of several books about Asian affairs.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
If only the people who write laws would be more specific.

For instance, did those who drafted the Antiquities Act of 1906 mean for it to allow presidents to un-declare national monuments a predecessor had declared?

I mean, they didnt say so, but  they also didnt say a president couldnt do such a thing.

Or maybe it just never occurred to them that it might happen.

You knew this was coming, right?

Shrink and expand

When President Trump served his first term in the White House, he decided to shrink two monuments in Utah  Bears Ears and the Grand Staircase-Escalante. That resulted in a lawsuit, but before the courts could settle anything, Joe Biden became president and expanded them again.

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So, naturally, Trumps next move, in his second term, might be to un-declare monuments altogether. Whether that includes the ones in Utah remains to be seen.

Frankly, if youre an environmentalist, you should be loving this. No oil well driller or miner would want to come near investing money in a project on land that will probably be declared a monument again the next time a Democrat takes office.

The extraction business, like any other business, thrives on certainty. The never-ending Hatfield-McCoy-like feud over public lands and monuments in the West has been anything but certain in recent years.

Even if this shrink-and-expand yo-yo never happened in the past, does anyone believe it wont go on in the future?

Controversial from the start

Controversy is pretty much all that is certain in the Antiquities Act. Even the much-cited part that requires those monuments to be confined to the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected means nothing. It all depends on the definition of smallest, which is up to the president.

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At the start, President Theodore Roosevelt used the act to declare Wyomings Devils Tower as a monument, which was relatively small. But not long after, he made a monument of the Grand Canyon, which, other than the Titanic, may be the most often-used metaphor for large things.

I doubt anyone would suggest doing away with either of those (the Grand Canyon has since been made a national park, which did require Congress to act). But not all large monuments are created equal.

Justice Department opinion

Earlier this week, Donald Trumps Justice Department released a 50-page opinion that determined presidents do indeed retain the power to dissolve monuments into thin air. That supersedes a 1938 Justice Department opinion that said the opposite.

If one part of the newer opinion rings true, it is the section, near the top, that explains how the act has stirred controversy from the start.

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In total, three different Congresses considered 14 separate versions of the Antiquities Act, it says, later adding, Western lawmakers were particularly vocal critics. For example, in 1905, (territorial) Rep. (Bernard Shandon) Rodey of New Mexico complained that if all the ruins in northern New Mexico were withdrawn from entry there would be a tract of country withdrawn as big as the State of New York.

The opinion then cites several instances in which it says previous presidents have diminished monuments. None, however, has tried to make one disappear. Stay tuned.

If nothing else, this illustrates what happens when you dont require a democratic, public process; in other words, when a big decision doesnt have to pass through the peoples representatives in Congress.

Early Utah artifacts

Maybe, as some would argue, the preservation of cultural artifacts, precious landscapes, sacred Native American sites and more cant wait for hearings and a compromise solution. That was certainly the case in 1906, only a few years after many ancient artifacts from ruins in Utah turned up at the Worlds Fair, to later end up in curio shops around Chicago.

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But we dont really know because, as with so many other things, the act has become a divider, not a uniter.

All Congress has really done to the act since its passage is to exempt Wyoming and Alaska, in various ways, because they were angered by monuments declared in their states.

Congress could do much more, of course. It could expressly forbid presidents to do away with monuments. More realistically, it could require Congress to ratify any declaration of a monument within a certain period  say, three years. That would give people enough time to decide if they like what was done.

Or it could support Utah Rep. Celeste Maloys bill that would take away the power of presidents to declare monuments altogether.

You can decide which of these has the best chance of passing todays House and Senate. My guess is that now, as in 1906, lawmakers are likely to avoid being too specific. Which means this will be punted to the courts.
The passage of the budget reconciliation bill by the House of Representatives in the early hours of May 22 demonstrated once again President Trumps ability to win the votes of Republican members of Congress. But there were two noteworthy exceptions.

Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) were the only Republicans to resist Trumps pressure and vote against his so-called big, beautiful bill. Both men deserve the countrys gratitude, even from those on the political left who would struggle to find much in common with these far-right conservatives.

Both men are comfortable with Trumps MAGA-world and both have voting records that put them at odds with Democrats. But in voting to oppose the tax bill, they demonstrated that their convictions are real and lived up to the ideal of an independent legislative branch capable of acting without a presidents direction.

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Alongside a Republican party unwilling to balance the power of the presidency, Democrats have demonstrated an equally unproductive tendency to place loyalty to a party leader above their constituents and the country. The aggressive efforts to downplay, dismiss and cover up former President Joe Bidens declining faculties in 2024 offers a prime example of this type of misplaced loyalty.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) went so far as to explain his support for Biden after the June 2024 presidential debate by saying simply, I dont do disloyalty. This sentiment was indicative of a Democratic Party wholly unwilling to call out the obvious  whose leaders and members chose instead to misinform the American people.

With their votes in favor of Trumps tax bill, too many Republican members of Congress have done something similar. Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) took a middle path, voting present rather than for or against the bill. But the effect of that meek decision pales in comparison to the clarity offered by Massie and Davidson.

Both opposed the bill because they know it massively increases the size of the federal governments annual deficit and relies on future members of Congress to address a problem that needs to be resolved now. Their unwillingness to kick the can further down the road is in keeping with the character it takes to stand up to a president who is willing to threaten the political future of Republicans who oppose his will.

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Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) was courageous enough to admit publicly what most Republicans understand in private: We are all afraid. Republican politicians are intimidated by Trump and his allies. Murkowski has consistently demonstrated uncommon fortitude by her principled opposition to Trump when she disagrees with him or believes his policies will harm her constituents.

Massie and Davidson have earned their place as the most principled Republicans in the House by sticking with their beliefs when faced with political consequences. They exemplify the idea that it is better to lose with your principles intact than to win after sacrificing them to political pressure and conformity.

In recent decades, both Democrats and Republicans in Congress have abdicated their proper constitutional role in favor of powerful chief executives from their respective parties. At the same time, the judiciary has replaced Congress as the primary check on presidential power  a development that perhaps encourages courts to overstep their intended role. The rebalancing of power in the federal government will start only when members of Congress are willing to assert their independence. A more confident legislative branch would take pressure off the courts and allow them to return to a less activist role.

Neither Massie nor Davidson is likely to earn plaudits from Democrats, who have demonstrated their own willingness to put party loyalty over country and are quick to dismiss the value of political independence. They showed this by their shoddy treatment of Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) after he challenged Biden for the nomination in 2024, and by their growing criticism of Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) for deviating slightly from the ideology of the far left. Democrats have done and are doing exactly what they now accuse Republicans of doing by mindlessly supporting the presidents tax bill.

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Massie and Davidson showed us something better. We might make real progress if more of their colleagues were willing to follow.

Colin Pascal is a retired Army lieutenant colonel, a registered Democrat and a graduate student in the School of Public Affairs at American University in Washington, D.C.

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Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has brought many of the lawyers who defended him between terms along for the ride. His former personal attorneys now litter the top ranks of the Justice Department. Alina Habba was a later addition to that group, with Trump naming her as the interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey in March, but shes trying to make up for lost time in an audacious attempt to use her office against a sitting lawmaker.

Last month, Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., got into a confrontation with officials at an Immigrations and Customs Enforcement detention center she was attempting to visit. This week, Habba announced that a federal grand jury handed up charges accusing the congresswoman of assaulting two law enforcement officers during that standoff. In a post on X, Habba framed the charges as part of her job to ensure that our federal partners are protected when executing their duties. McIver said in a statement that the indictment was a brazen attempt at political intimidation and that she will plead not guilty.

Habbas statement added that though people are free to express their views for or against particular policies, they must not do so in a manner that endangers law enforcement and the communities those officers serve. Lets leave aside for a moment whether McIvers actions, which were partially captured on video, truly endangered the officers in question. Instead, lets focus on the message that the charges Habba sought telegraph about how the Trump administration will handle lawmakers attempts at aggressive oversight.

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As the administrations mass deportation efforts have ramped up, so have demands from Democratic lawmakers that detainees be treated humanely. Here we hit upon the least controversial part of McIvers case: As a member of Congress, she had every right to be at the Delaney Hall Federal Immigration Facility in Newark last month. In 2020, Congress passed an appropriations bill that funded DHS (among other agencies) and stipulates that none of its funding may be used to prevent ... a Member of Congress ... from entering, for the purpose of conducting oversight, any facility operated by or for the Department of Homeland Security used to detain or otherwise house aliens. The bill, which was reaffirmed last year, also blocks DHS from making any changes to ICE facilities that would give visiting members a false impression of conditions there and stipulates that members dont have to give notification before they visit.

DHS own internal guidance around congressional visits to ICE facilities makes it clear that its well aware of the law on this front. There are some limitations, including a requirement that detainees sign privacy releases before meeting with visitors from Capitol Hill. But while congressional staffers must provide 24 hours notice before visits, the same isnt true for members themselves.

Even the initial complaint filed against McIver acknowledged as much, as one of the law enforcement officers told her, Congress people are different, indicating members of Congress had lawful authority to be there.

Yet weve seen numerous cases around the country in which ICE officials, not members of Congress, are breaking the law. Over the last week, at least five lawmakers have been turned away from ICE facilities during attempted visits. According to The New York Times, Reps. Adriano Espaillat and Nydia Velazquez of New York, attempting to investigate reports of overcrowding, stifling heat and migrants sleeping on bathroom floors at a detention facility in Manhattan, were denied access because it was a sensitive facility.

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A spokesperson for DHS said in a statement that the denial was because lawmakers had showed up unannounced and that ICE would be happy to give them a tour with a little more notice, when it would not disrupt ongoing law enforcement activities and sensitive law enforcement items could be put away. Again, the language in the law providing DHS, funding specifically provides for snap visits from House members and the departments guidance has no sensitive facilities exemption to allowing access.

A complicating factor in McIvers case, though, is that the altercation itself actually wasnt over her presence at the facility. Instead, it was because she was intervening on behalf of Newark Mayor Ras Bakara, who attempted to enter the facility, as well, at the same time. It was when DHS attempted to remove Bakara that the alleged assault occurred. Habba briefly charged Bakara with misdemeanor trespassing but dropped the charges against him at the same time she opted to move forward with charging McIver. (Bakara is now suing Habba, alleging she violated his Fourth Amendment right against false arrest and malicious prosecution.)

The ambiguities involved mean that the Justice Department doesnt have a particularly strong case against McIver. But Habba is no stranger to putting her name on even dubious legal efforts. She first entered Trumps orbit in 2021, representing him in a lawsuit against the Times seeking $100 million in damages for alleged defamation. A judge tossed out the case entirely and later ordered Trump to pay the Times nearly $400,000 in legal fees. Nor did the results go her way in the next few civil cases she argued for him, including the E. Jean Carroll defamation case and New Yorks fraud case against Trump and his businesses.

If anything, Habbas reputation with Trump then wasnt for winning cases but for outspokenly defending him on television. During the New York criminal election interference case, which resulted in a guilty verdict against Trump on 31 counts, she was representing the former president not in court but on the airwaves and the steps outside the court. Its as a legal spokesperson that she arguably had the greatest success, enough that she was reportedly under consideration to become White House press secretary.

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Its fitting, then, that Habba might not even stick around to complete the case against McIver. Because she is an interim U.S. attorney without Senate confirmation, her position expires 120 days after her appointment. But faithfully arguing the law was never her top priority. Its attacking Trumps enemies in the court of public opinion.

And as far as her boss is concerned, an indictment against a sitting congresswoman is sure to be a feather in her cap. Even if the charges against McIver are dropped, shell have proved her willingness to go for the jugular in the name of crafting a political narrative. But Democratic lawmakers should be suitably unimpressed  and undeterred  by Habba and her ilks legal bullying.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Tech-policy alarmists are sounding false alarms. They claim Congresss proposed AI funding rules will gut state laws protecting children online. Theyre wrong. And Utah proves it.

Heres whats actually happening: The Senate wants to attach strings to $42 billion in state broadband and AI infrastructure grants. States that heavily regulate AI wont get the money. But theres a crucial exception: laws that apply equally to all technology, AI or otherwise, remain untouched.

Utahs new social media law, SB 194, falls squarely in this safe zone. The law requires platforms to turn off certain interface features for kids: autoplay videos, infinite scroll, late-night notifications. These rules apply whether TikTok feed uses sophisticated AI, a simple randomizer, or human curation. The technology behind the curtain doesnt matter, only what appears on the screen.

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This distinction matters. Utah isnt regulating AI; its regulating interface design features. A platform using 1990s technology faces the same requirements as one using cutting-edge neural networks. Thats exactly the kind of technology-neutral law Congress explicitly protects.

The Senates approach, championed by Sen. Ted Cruz, cleverly sidesteps procedural concerns while preserving state flexibility. Instead of banning state AI laws outright, it simply directs federal infrastructure dollars elsewhere. States remain free to choose: keep restrictive AI regulations and forgo federal funds, or create an innovation-friendly environment and receive billions in investment.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. | Jose Luis Magana

Given the spending conditions broad language, critics understandably worry about overreach. AI and automated decisionmaking are vague concepts and it is possible, with semantic gymnastics, to imagine any computer system being implicated. Thats exactly why so much state AI regulation creates regulatory uncertainty.

But the Senate funding condition is quite different in practical effect. Unlike state laws, federal spending authority is highly discretionary. The federal Commerce Department can choose how to apply this standard when it doles out this funding. Ask yourself: would any Republican Commerce Department twist these rules to attack state child safety laws? The political cost would be enormous, the legal basis dubious.

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Congresss real target is clear: vague, sweeping AI regulations like those in Colorado that threaten to strangle innovation. These laws create uncertainty for businesses and slow the development of beneficial AI applications  including those that could help protect children online.

Congress wants to prevent a patchwork of conflicting state AI rules that would cripple Americas competitive edge. But lawmakers explicitly carved out room for technology-neutral consumer protections. Utahs approach meets this exemption because it regulates visible features rather than invisible algorithms.

The bottom line: Congresss spending choices on AI infrastructure dont change how states can protect kids online. The alarmists should take note.
In October 2022, we warned that Russian President Vladmir Putin was willing to exchange more than 300,000 Russian coffins for a modern-day empire in Ukraine. Tragically, we were not wrong.

If anything, we underestimated Putins preparedness to kill and maim as many Russian, Chechen, North Korean, Cuban and Chinese soldiers and conscripts as needed to achieve his Peter the Great-like realm. Today, Russian casualties in Ukraine surpassed one million, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

No matter how willing Putin is, his meat grinder tactics are not militarily sustainable. In April, Gen. Christopher Cavoli, dual hatted as Commander, United States European Command and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, testified before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee that the Russian military can likely only sustain its current operations for about 12 to 24 more months.

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At the current rate of daily casualties for the Russian and their allies  about 1,200 a day  that translates to another 438,000 to 876,000 Russian casualties. The Kremlin continues to feed the Ukrainian meat-grinder with little regard for its soldiers. As Cavoli would go on and say, Russian commanders still emphasize quantity and mass over skill and operational acumen.

Ukrainian defenders have become quite efficient in killing and wounding Russian soldiers  or those dressed for the part  but they come back the next day, along the same avenues of approach, with the same result, gaining just a few meters of territory in exchange for appalling numbers of dead and wounded.

Despite President President Trump saying, Its time to stop this madness, its time to halt the killing, its time to end this senseless war, Putin continues to attack along the frontlines and with daily bombardments of Ukrainian cities with drones, ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues its valiant defense.

Putin does not see eye-to-eye with Trump because he does not want to stop the carnage. As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Martha Raddatz of ABC News, I feel strongly that Putin does not want to finish this war. Inside his mind, its impossible to end this war without total defeat of Ukraine.

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made that clear in April when he said, Russia will accept nothing less than total victory over Ukraine.

There are multiple fights being waged in Ukraine concurrently  deep, close, rear, and interdiction. For now, though, the most important fight is for control of the skies above Ukraine.

Ukraine is capable of maintaining its current positions in the close fight; however, success depends on prevailing in interdiction and deep-strike efforts. Concurrently, Ukraine is insufficiently armed to effectively defeat the continuous drone and missile assaults targeting their urban areas.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the recent attacks on Ukrainian cities as the most serious war crimes and terror against civilians. Moscow, he said, is escalating the situation and attempting to create a bloodbath instead of negotiating with Ukraine. As Zelensky notes, Without the help of the United States, we will have more losses.

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The Trump administration, however, has chosen to punt the problem to Europe in order to focus on their priority theater. In his testimony before the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said, As we shift our focus to the Pacific, we are counting on our NATO allies to devote more resources to defense to forge a strong shield of deterrence in Europe.

At the most inopportune time of the war, as Russia launches hundreds of drones a day at Ukrainian cities  killing and wounding civilians and first responders with no legitimate military targets in sight  Hegseth announced that the U.S. will reduce funding allocated for military assistance to Ukraine in its upcoming defense budget.

This was preceded by the White House announcement last week that they were redirecting key anti-drone technology  20,000 missiles earmarked earlier for Ukraine  to U.S. Air Force units in the Middle East. Then Israel stepped in to relieve some of the pressure against the ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missile threat.

As Zelensky continues to await a response from the White House concerning his request to purchase ten Patriot Air Defense Systems in April, Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Mykhailo Brodsky announced the transfer of an undetermined number of Patriot systems to Ukraine that were provided to them by the U.S. in the early 1990s.

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Ukraine reportedly had eight Patriot systems prior to this announcement.

This in addition to the ten German air defense missile systems that were sent to Ukraine in May.

Following their lead, the United Kingdom approved a deal on Wednesday to secure $2.2 billion in funding for additional air defense and multipurpose missile systems.

But defeating the individual missile does not defeat the threat. That requires destroying the weapons systems, and Ukraine is doing just that with its own weapons.

Operation Spiderweb on June 2 reportedly destroyed 34 percent of the Russian strategic bomber fleet that is being used to launch cruise missile attacks against Ukrainian cities.

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Follow-on deep strikes over the weekend against the Kristall oil depot, Engels-2 and Dyagilevo air bases, Savasleyka airfield , Azot chemical plant, Kazan gunpowder plant, and VNIIR-Progress facility targeted the weapon systems, their support networks, munitions production, and funding sources for Russias terror campaign.

Heightened sanctions against Russia will not prevent further carnage  they may actually accelerate it. Sanctions are part of the solution, but they must be parlayed with other instruments of national power to have any effect.

The piecemealing of air defense systems in Ukraine will only provide limited results. To control its skies, Ukraine needs a sustained, integrated and layered air defense network, including a No-Fly zone, similar to the one Israel employed to defeat two Iranian missile attacks in April and October of 2024.

Merzs message is clear: Russia only understands force  so the West must show it.

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Eventually, NATO weapons systems, manned by NATO Soldiers, will be needed to provide Ukrainian civilians with security.

For now, Putins killing fields are in Ukraine. If he is left unchecked by Washington, London and Brussels, they might soon find themselves ordering coffins for NATO defenders, beginning with the Baltic States or Poland.

Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Sweet served 30 years as an Army intelligence officer. Mark Toth writes on national security and foreign policy.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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By Luciana Magalhaes

SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazilian businessman Nelson Tanure has begun talks with the banks that will be key to his bid for petrochemical firm Braskem , he told Reuters, as he aims to clinch a deal this year and give oil giant Petrobras a larger role in operations.

Braskem is Latin America's largest petrochemical firm, and its controlling shareholder Novonor has been exploring a sale for years as it looks to exit bankruptcy protection and turn the page on a vast corruption scandal.

Tanure is the latest bidder trying to unlock a stalemate between Novonor, the banks holding Braskem shares as collateral and state-run Petrobras, which is an influential shareholder and key supplier of the firm.

In his first public comments since revealing his Braskem bid last month, Tanure said he began courting engineering group Novonor, formerly known as Odebrecht, after the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's offer to buy its Braskem stake collapsed over a year ago.

"After Adnoc withdrew their offer, I began confidential discussions with (Novonor) in absolute secrecy," Tanure wrote in response to questions.

Novonor would remain a shareholder in the proposed deal, Tanure said, with the latest proposal reducing its stake from 38.3% to around 3.5%, adding: "I would not make an agreement if they did not remain involved."

Tanure said the deal is still under discussion. Novonor confirmed the talks in May, but declined to comment on details provided by Tanure.

During the corruption scandal a decade ago, Novonor used its Braskem stake as collateral for some 15 billion reais ($2.7 billion) in bank loans. The shares' value has fallen with profit margins in petrochemical markets and now covers less than a quarter of that debt.

Despite Tanure's progress with Novonor, its creditors view his offer with skepticism as they have their own plans for Braskem, according to two people familiar with the matter.

State development bank BNDES and other major banks have proposed pooling the shares pledged as collateral into a private equity fund that would make investments to turn the company around before selling the shares, Reuters reported in November.

BNDES President Aloizio Mercadante confirmed talks with Petrobras and other banks to resolve the standoff at the time. On Tuesday, the bank declined to comment on Tanure's competing proposal to Novonor.

"The success of this acquisition necessarily depends on alignment with (the banks)," Tanure said, although he pushed back at the idea that the lenders effectively control Braskem.
Sen. Deb Patterson, D-Salem, at the Oregon Legislature on Feb. 12, 2024. (Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Oregon rental applicants who havent yet signed a lease could soon get their deposits back if they find the home theyve applied to is defective.

House Bill 3521, now headed to Gov. Tina Koteks desk, would let Oregon renters get their deposits back if the home theyve applied to has mold, unsafe electrical wiring or other defects making it uninhabitable. The bill already passed the Oregon House in a 33-18 vote in April, and on Thursday it passed the Oregon Senate in a 20-8 vote.

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Under the bill, landlords would have five days to return deposits or face a fee equivalent to the deposit they charged or more. Landlords would not face penalties if natural disasters or emergencies keep them from complying, and they could still choose to return deposits at their place of business rather than through mail.

Rep. Annessa Hartman, D-Gladstone, spearheaded the bill after hearing from renters across Oregon who lost hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars to hold deposits for homes they couldnt move into because of mold, broken plumbing or pest infestations.

Renters in Oregon represent 51% of all low-income households, according to Oregon Housing and Community Services. And nearly 37% of Oregonians rent their homes, according to the U.S. Census. Thats higher than the national average, and renters are in the majority in cities including Eugene, Corvallis, Monmouth, Beaverton and Seaside.

Landlords can still enter into whole deposit agreements, collect deposits and keep them when applicants back out without a good reason, Senate sponsor Deb Patterson, D-Salem, said on the floor. That doesnt change. What does change is that applicants will have the right to walk away if the unit is substantially uninhabitable.

No senator debated against the bill on Thursday. If enacted, the bill would apply to deposits received on or after Jan. 1, 2026.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Oregon is joining a legal brief with 19 other states opposing President Donald Trumps move to deploy the military in California to assist with immigration raids.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield and the coalition of attorneys general filed the brief Wednesday, calling the presidents decision to deploy the military an unconstitutional attempt to federalize and deploy Californias National Guard.

In the last week, the Trump administration has expanded military deployment to Los Angeles, stating it is willing to send troops to other cities to assist with immigration enforcement and controlling disturbances, the Associated Press reported Thursday, noting about 2,000 National Guard soldiers are in Los Angeles with about 2,000 more expected to join along with 700 Marines.

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Kotek, Democratic Governors call Trumps use of Californias National Guard an alarming abuse of power

With their brief, the attorneys general are supporting California Governor Gavin Newsoms request for the court to stop the deployment  calling the move an overreach of presidential power.

According to the attorneys general, Trumps order allows the federal government to deploy state National Guard troops without justification, which the attorneys general say sets a precedent that could threaten the balance between civilian authority and military force.

By calling forth troops when there is no invasion to repel, no rebellion to suppress, and when state and local law enforcement is fully able to execute the laws, the President flouts the vision of our Founders, undermines the rule of law, and sets a chilling precedent that puts the constitutional rights of Americans in every state at risk, the brief says.

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How the can dam at Goss Stadium garnered national attention during Corvallis Super Regional

The attorneys general note that Trumps order does not limit the deployment to a specific location or purpose; rather, it shows broad authority to activate any states National Guard for 60 days without cooperation from state leaders.

Our Guard members arent tools for political theater  theyre trusted partners in our day-to-day public safety, said Attorney General Rayfield. This attempted power grab undermines the states ability to respond to disasters and protect citizens. Its not just unconstitutional  its a threat to the systems we rely on.

The attorneys general noted that the order directing unchecked federal military deployment could also suppress First Amendment activity.

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Oregon joins the attorneys general representing Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin in the brief. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly also joined in support.

The brief comes as a judge is set to decide whether to grant Gov. Newsoms request to stop the deployment on Thursday, as reported by the Associated Press.

On Wednesday, the Trump administration called the governors lawsuit a crass political stunt endangering American lives.

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Hundreds of educators, parents and students joined a rally Nov. 1. 2023 at Roosevelt High School in north Portland to support striking teachers. Teachers like them could soon receive up to 10 weeks of unemployment benefits under a compromise negotiated by Oregon lawmakers.(Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

A particularly controversial measure that would give unemployment benefits to public and private Oregon workers during labor strikes survived a key Wednesday hearing after lawmakers agreed to cut the length of time in which workers on strike could cash checks by more than half.

Senate Bill 916 would have limited striking workers to receiving benefits for 26 weeks, in line with the current caps on unemployment checks for Oregonians. But after the Senate rejected an amended version of the bill on Tuesday, a bicameral conference committee voted Wednesday to set a new cutoff at 10 weeks after a two-week waiting period. Committee members voted along party lines, with the sole Republican present voting against the amendments.

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I do feel like this is a massive compromise, said Rep. Dacia Grayber, D-Portland, the bills lead author. Its not something Im entirely thrilled with.

The measure would be a first-in-the-nation move by Oregon, establishing a right to strike for public and private employees while ensuring them the ability to apply for unemployment benefits. Aside from traditionally strike-exempt public employees such as firefighters and police, workers such as nurses and teachers could claim benefits after two weeks of striking.

The bill has been among this sessions most controversial measures, laying bare deep divisions over how best to use the states $6.4 billion unemployment insurance fund. The changes come after support for a Democrat-led bill collapsed in a concurring Senate vote on Tuesday amid concerns from Republicans and a key dissenting Democrat. It had already drawn opposition from school board leaders who help negotiate teacher strikes, business groups, and local government leaders who contribute to the states unemployment fund.

We have a healthy fund today due in no small part because all the agreements in the years have been honored, committee member Sen. Daniel Bonham, R- The Dalles, told his colleagues before voting against the amended bill. It is a healthy enough fund that I dont know that this will be a massive draw on it, but again the kids will lose if teachers are incentivized to strike.

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House Democrats got the bill over the finish line in their chamber last week, arguing that the benefits would be used sparingly and not as a tool to prolong strikes, but to shorten them. A change made in a House committee would cap benefits to eight weeks if the states unemployment fund is at risk, and lawmakers also included an amendment that mandates deductions in backpay for benefits claimed by teachers during strikes.

Grayber repeated a promise she has made to continue monitoring the bills implementation if it were to pass, but also signaled that she hoped to move past concerns that the bill would promote misuse of the unemployment system or dramatically hamper school life and public facilities.

She said shes been guided by the math behind the bill from the beginning, a subtle nod to the estimates from the states employment department that the bill would not change existing tax structures for businesses and government agencies paying into the states unemployment funding.

I have heard the opposition, she said. I very much look forward to moving past what feels like a worst-case scenario focus that weve maintained for several weeks now.

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Oregonians who have lost a job can currently apply for unemployment weekly checks ranging from $196 to $836. The bill would allow benefits to kick in immediately if workers are locked out of facilities by their employer during negotiations.

Sen. Mark Meek, D-Gladstone, is a sponsor of the legislation, but withdrew his support when it came up short in a 15-14 Senate vote on Tuesday. In a brief interview after the hearing, he declined to comment on whether he supported the proposed changes. He referred to another attempt at a transportation and infrastructure funding bill that the Legislature has taken up in the final weeks of the session: If theres time to pass a transportation package, theres time to get this right, he said.

The new amendment pushes the bill closer to a similar law passed in Washington that caps benefits at six weeks, but which doesnt go so far as to protect public employees like Oregons proposed legislation. New Jersey and New York have also passed laws in recent years to provide unemployment benefits to striking private sector workers, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a similar effort in 2023 over fiscal concerns.

Another bill extending benefits to striking workers in Connecticut is currently sitting on Gov. Ned Lamonts desk, but he is expected to veto it. The bill passed out of committee on a 4-1 vote. Rep. Lucetta Elmer, R-McMinnville, was excused.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Two Oregon universities are joining a coalition of schools backing Harvards lawsuit against the Trump administration for freezing $2 billion in federal grants for the Ivy League institution.

On June 6, a group of 23 research universities filed an amicus  or friend of the court  brief in support of Harvards suit, filed in April. The lawsuit challenged the Trump administrations efforts to freeze more than $2.2 billion in grants for Harvard after the university said it would defy demands to limit activism on campus.

In the brief, filed June 6, the universities highlighted the fundamental nature of the federal grants for their research.

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Dutch Bros, beloved national coffee chain, to move headquarters out of Oregon

Each institution has received millions of dollars in federal investments in scientific research over the decades. Together with private donations and their own investments, the universities have put those resources to work, conducting fundamental research that has advanced scientific knowledge, safeguarded national security, strengthened the American economy, and saved countless lives, the universities wrote in the brief.

The universities went on to explain that the funding freeze would be devastating, for Harvard and other research institutions.

The federal funding terminations challenged in this lawsuit inflict grievous harm that extends well beyond Harvard University, the brief states. The elimination of funding at Harvard negatively impacts the entire ecosystem. The cuts will disrupt ongoing research, ruin experiments and datasets, destroy the careers of aspiring scientists, and deter long-term investments at universities across the country.

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The University of Oregon and Oregon State University are among the 23 schools in the brief.

In a statement to KOIN 6 News regarding the decision to join the brief, a University of Oregon spokesperson said, We believe that our decision to join with this group of peers in support of Harvard speaks for itself.

On Tuesday, Oregon State University sent a letter to community members describing its decision to join the brief, and other legal filings challenging funding cuts to universities and other organizations.

Cars, guns, drugs seized as PPB mission stops street takeover in tracks

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In the letter, OSU Vice President of University Relations and Marketing, Rob Odom, noted that extensive federal research funding cuts to universities, such as Harvard, would threaten the decades-long relationship between the government and research universities.

As Oregons leading research university, OSU has played an important role in building coalitions with peer universities and others to advocate on behalf of the universitys mission and higher education as a whole. Last week, OSU filed declarations in two new lawsuits brought by multistate coalitions against the National Science Foundation. The suits, whose plaintiffs include the state of Oregon, challenge the NSFs policy regarding a 15% cap on the reimbursement of indirect costs for new awards and also the agencys termination of certain existing grants, including a number of awards to OSU principal investigators. These declarations follow one that OSU recently submitted in another court challenge to the NSFs proposed 15% cap brought by Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and the Association of American Universities, Odom wrote.

These filings are the latest in a series of legal actions that OSU has taken on a range of issues to advocate for OSU students and employees, including academic freedom and free expression, immigration, tariffs, research, gender-affirming health care and access to federal student loans. These actions emphasize the value of higher education and advance OSUs land grant mission to promote economic, social, cultural and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation and the world. OSU said.

OSU falls victim to budget cuts, putting a damper on scientific research

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The university said it is continuing to monitor and respond to the evolving federal landscape, and is staying in contact with federal elected officials.

As we look forward to summer, we encourage all members of the OSU community to stay true to the universitys mission and values by remaining engaged and continuing to foster dialogue across a range of perspectives, experiences and views as we navigate these challenging times, OSU concluded.

As Harvard challenges the federal funding freeze, the Trump administration has defended the pause in funding.

The gravy train of federal assistance to institutions like Harvard, which enrich their grossly overpaid bureaucrats with tax dollars from struggling American families is coming to an end, White House spokesman Harrison Fields told the Associated Press in April. Taxpayer funds are a privilege, and Harvard fails to meet the basic conditions required to access that privilege.

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THE DALLES, Ore. (AP)  A wildfire in Oregon prompted officials to issue evacuation orders for hundreds of homes and to close nearly 20 miles (32 kilometers) of an interstate in the Columbia River Gorge on Wednesday.

Gov. Tina Kotek invoked the states Emergency Conflagration Act for the Rowena Fire, allowing the state fire marshal agency to mobilize resources, it said in a statement.

The agency said it was mobilizing an incident management team and six structural task forces, with three responding Wednesday night and the other three arriving early Thursday.

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This early season conflagration should come as a reminder to Oregonians to be ready for wildfire, State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said.

The Oregon Department of Transportation said Interstate 84 was closed between Hood River and The Dalles. Hood River, a popular tourist destination about 55 miles (90 kilometers) east of Portland, is home to some 8,000 people, and more than 15,000 people live in The Dalles farther east.

Residents of more than 700 homes were ordered to evacuate in an area stretching northwest of The Dalles along I-84 and farther inland, according to the Wasco County Sheriffs Office. Residents of more than 1,300 homes were told to prepare to leave, including in part of the towns northern end.

A middle school in The Dalles was set up as a temporary shelter, while the county fairgrounds opened as a shelter for livestock and horses, the sheriffs office said.

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Photos shared by the transportation department showed flames burning alongside and in the median of I-84 as wind gusts fanned the smoke. A water helicopter and a plane dropping fire retardant helped fight the fire, which broke out Wednesday.

Department spokesperson David House said in an email that the interstate will be closed indefinitely due not only to the wildfires but also due to the extreme danger of driving in smoke.

Washington state's transportation department said a separate brush fire resulted in the closure of 8 miles (13 kilometers) of State Route 14, which also runs along the Columbia River.

Authorities urged people traveling in the area to use alternate routes.
OREGON, Ill. (WTVO)  A 34-year-old Oregon woman was arrested Wednesday after police used a K9 to root out a suspicious subject hiding in the woods near Kiwanis Park.

According to the Ogle County Sheriffs Office, deputies were called in to assist the Oregon Police Department for a search in the woods near the 200 block of N. 2nd Street.

The K9 officer located Ashley Paddle hiding nearby.

Paddle was wanted by police for an active Ogle County traffic warrant.

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Paddle was taken to the Ogle County Jail and held without bond.

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Online For the latest on the restoration of the Oronogo vault, visit the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museums Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064457213559. To watch Aiden Chambers story about the Oronogo bank robbery and hear other Jasper County stories, go to his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/aiden.chambers.2025.

ORONOGO, Mo.  If the cinderblock structure on the southeast corner of First and Central could talk, what a tale it would tell.

Thanks to a man from Texas and a 2025 Webb City High School graduate, the structure will get a chance to tell its tale at a museum in Gibsland, Louisiana.

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It is a tale was about a failed bank robbery by Clyde Barrow, of Bonnie and Clyde fame, and two henchmen on a November day in 1933. The cinderblock vault is 11.5 feet long by 11.5 feet wide by 8 feet high, and it stood for more than 120 years until Tuesday. It was part of the former Farmers and Miners Bank on the corner of First and Central.

Jeff Hill, a former television meteorologist and current nursing student from San Angelo, Texas, said he was looking for the former vault and bank but mistook the small building on the southeast side of the corner as a boiler room.

Aiden Chambers, a recent Webb City graduate who loves to tell forgotten stories about Webb City, Oronogo, Joplin and other communities, pointed him in the right direction.

Aiden went back to the site with me and pointed to the other side of the street and said that was the bank, Hill said.

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Chambers said many people, even residents of Oronogo, are confused about that corner.

A lot of people think its in this grassy area behind the post office on the west side of the corner, but its not, Chambers said. The vault was in the back of the bank, and right here you could walk right over to it.

Chambers said he discovered where the bank was located by matching the rounded concrete lip at the base of the entire building with a picture of the bank from the Webb City Sentinel taken in the early 1900s.

Hill said hes cutting up and removing the rounded curb and taking it to Louisiana where it and the vault will be part of a display at the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum.

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That museum is located 7 miles north of the spot where the couple met their death in an ambush by law officers on a gravel road in rural Louisiana.

The building the museum is located in was once a cafe and historians say that cafe is where Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow enjoyed their last meal before leaving to meet a hail of gunfire.

The plan is to rebuild the vault, and Ill have to use a lot of new material because most of these bricks are brittle and tend to crumble in someones hands, Hill said. The plan is to install the curved lip at the front of a patio and put the vault in the back and itll be another location where we can hold reenactments of bank robberies at the annual Bonnie and Clyde Festival we hold every year.

The heist took place Nov. 30, 1932, with Barrow, Hollis Hale and Frank Hardy. The group used a hotel in Carthage as a base for a series of robberies in Jasper County and surrounding counties for several days before leaving the area.

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Hill said the heist in Oronogo went wrong from the start and that a number of Oronogo residents heard about the robbery in time to grab their guns and trade gunfire with the gang as they fled the bank with only a few hundred dollars.

About five months later, Parker and Barrow returned to the area with new gang members and moved into an apartment over a garage at 215 W. 34th St. in Joplin, resting and recuperating for about 13 days before the deadly shootout April 13, 1933, where they shot and killed Constable Wes Harryman and Joplin police Officer Harry McGinnis.

The two were killed in an ambush May 23, 1934, near Sailes, Louisiana.
ORWELL  Village council reviewed options for projects being considered to help the village improve services at a Tuesday afternoon meeting.

One option being considered by council is purchasing a 50 by 96 foot pre-fabricated steel building to use as a garage. Orwell Village Manager Sean Ratican said the village needs a new garage, and this would be a cost-effective way to proceed.

The building would cost about $250,000, and be able to protect some police and fire vehicles, and provide space for other uses.

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We will continue to talk about location, he said.

Ratican said the closer the building is to the present fire department, the cheaper it will be due to utility line costs being lower.

He said he believes the building could be in place by the end of the year.

Another project nearing approval is paving Penniman Road, with a proposed cost of $188,000 through Ronyak Paving in Geauga County. The project will likely include Ohio Public Works Commission funding, and be accomplished in July.

Ratican asked council if they were interested in chip sealing village roads with a double fog option. The process consists of applying two layers of asphalt and aggregate, followed by a thin layer of diluted asphalt emulsion.

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Ratican said all village roads could be done for an estimated $180,000. He said the process is cheaper and could last five to 10 years.

Village Councilperson Roberta Cozad said she would rather see roads paved, but realizes paving is expensive.

Ratican said the village can take that route and apply for grants to defray the cost.

He said it is important for the village to buy necessary items for various departments, to avert emergency situations. He said needed equipment can be used when essential items break.

There will be increased expenses, but Ratican believes the village has handled its budget well, with significant surpluses the last two years.

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He urged council to have a paving levy on the ballot next spring. He said it is too expensive to use the general fund for all paving projects.

Ratican he is reviewing all companies contracting with the village, and evaluating internet and phone plans.

There are presently 17 phone lines used by the village government, and Ratican hopes to reduce the amount of lines and connect them into one system, which would save money over the long term.

Council President Chris Ruks and councilperson Jeremy Cottrell reported on a trip to Washington D.C. with Orwell Assistant Manger Jeffrey Jiang to connect with federal officials.

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I feel we made great progress talking to these people, Cottrell said.

Cozad and councilperson Bob Denihan said they thought the trip was a good one, but would have liked to know about it ahead of time.

Ratican urged the village to purchase a new lift for the street department for safety purposes. He suggested buying a new one, because used ones carry an increased cost for inspection.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Otero County Fire, with the assistance of other regional fire responders, extinguished a mobile home fire Wednesday morning, June 11, in Chaparral, New Mexico.

According to Otero County Fire, crews responded to the call at 10:54 a.m. on June 11 along the 800 block of Mesilla Drive in Chaparral.

When crews arrived, they encountered a single-wide mobile home engulfed in flames with multiple nearby structures at risk, Otero County Fire said.

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Otero County Fire said they were assisted by Farsouth Volunteer Fire Department, Dona Ana County Fire Rescue, and Chaparral Fire Department.

Firefighters launched an aggressive attack and were able to extinguish the fire, preventing it from spreading to adjacent homes, Otero County Fire said.

According to Otero County Fire, no injuries were reported for civilians or emergency personnel, and all individuals were accounted for.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the scene has been declared safe for neighbors to return home, Otero County Fire said.

Otero County Fire would like to thank our mutual aid partners for their swift assistance and

professionalism in containing this incident, the news release reads.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
The head of a primary in an area of social deprivation said the school was improving the life-chances of pupils by focusing on improving their English and maths.

Mile Cross Primary School in Norwich opened in 2008 after the merger of Norman First School, Dowson Junior School and Mile Cross Middle School.

In 2016, 57% of pupils reached the expected standard of reading, writing and maths. The latest figures show this has now risen to 72%.

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Head teacher Stuart Allen said working in partnership with the government's education watchdog Ofsted - which rates the primary as "outstanding" - had "helped us to grow".

Nine-year-old Reilly said: "I really enjoy it.

"It's not just great, it's perfect. Mile Cross School is the best school in Norwich and the best school you'll ever see."

Maxwell, 10, said: "With top-tier teachers and students, this school is amazing."

Mile Cross Primary School was built in 2008. It has a library and common area in its centre with classrooms leading off [Andrew Turner/BBC]

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released figures showing one in four children in Norfolk do not meet the expected standard for reading by the time they leave primary school.

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With writing and maths also included, the ONS said only half of children in the county were meeting the minimum standard.

By contrast, Mile Cross Primary posted figures stating almost three out of four children had achieved the standard for reading, writing and maths.

In its latest inspection report, Ofsted said: "Pupils are given every opportunity to shine at Mile Cross Primary.

"Pupils achieve well academically and have many other opportunities to excel.

"They develop into mature, confident young people."

Head teacher Stuart Allen says he has changed the school's ethos by rewarding good behaviour [Andrew Turner/BBC]

Mr Allen added: "That work that we've done with Ofsted, it's a partnership... that's helped us to grow.

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"You've heard it from the teachers, you've heard it from the children, they just love coming to the school.

"It's about creating an environment that's welcoming and inviting.

"In every classroom the children are working so hard, trying to better themselves."

He said he was trying to create a culture where pupils realised that by working hard they could "make something" of themselves.

The school has 456 pupils. It gets pupil premium funding of 1,552 for each child on free school meals.

That comes to 282,599.24, which is spent on additional staff, outdoor learning at a forest school, educational trips and rewards for 100% attendance and excellent work.

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Norwich North Labour MP Alice Macdonald told the House of Commons it was a "shining beacon of what a local school can provide its residents".

She told BBC Radio Norfolk: "I managed to mention Mile Cross in Parliament following this excellent Ofsted verdict because I think it's really important to highlight success stories."

The MP said the school had a "real sense of community" with teachers, parents and Mile Cross residents working together.

English teacher Hannah Barrett says the children enjoy learning and good attendance, effort and behaviour is rewarded [Andrew Turner/BBC]

English teacher Hannah Barrett said: "We create a lot of opportunities for the children.

"We make sure that they have lots of things they can do that they're interested in and we give them chances to write about what they want to write about."

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She said the school organised "loads of trips", including an up-coming residential stay in London.

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Venture-capital deals in food-tech are likely to decline sharply this year in both value and transaction terms, Pitchbook research has suggested.

Presenting its latest food-tech VC trends report, which includes deals in the beverages segment, Pitchbook painted a tough picture for the investing environment from both the buy and sell sides, with valuations still proving to be problematic.

While the data set only covers the first quarter, the numbers look bleak for the rest of 2025 if extrapolated out over the full year, with the slope of the declines suggesting a substantial recovery would be needed to gain ground on 2024.

Food-tech venture-capital deals slid 49.6% quarter-on-quarter to $1.4bn and the number of transactions fell 15.1% to 202, according to PitchBook, which provided perspective on previous years as a whole: 2024 at $10.3bn and 1,127 deals; Covid-19 era highs in 2021 of $49.8bn/2,721; and pre-Covid figures in 2019 of $22.4bn/1,591.

Investor caution remains elevated, with a marked shift toward more mature start-ups boasting proven business models. This has led to a sharp reduction in seed and early-stage funding, PitchBook noted in the report commentary.

PitchBook indicated VC investors remain selective, although it highlighted the functional foods sector emerged as one of the strongest near-term opportunities in food-tech amid the broader funding downturn.

PepsiCos sizeable deal for US beverage group Poppi in March was singled out as one that could spur further acquisitions as major brands look to expand their functional food portfolios.

Valuations continue to be a headwind, with VC funds more demanding when it comes to the investment criteria.

For investors, the sharp rise in median valuations signals a flight to quality, with capital being concentrated in fewer, more mature start-ups that can demonstrate proven business models and scalability, the report, led by PitchBooks senior research analyst for food-tech Alex Frederick, suggested.

For start-ups, the environment is increasingly challenging, especially at the early stage, where median valuations have dropped to $6.1 million from $12.1 million in 2021, reflecting tougher fundraising conditions and elevated expectations from investors.

The insights report added: Start-ups must demonstrate not only innovation but also clear market traction, operational efficiency, and alignment with major trends such as sustainability, health, and supply chain resilience to stand out.

Despite the ongoing challenges in alternative proteins  Beyond Meat being one such example given by PitchBook  there are some areas in the space that are grabbing investor attention.
More than 100,000 Russian families have contacted a Ukrainian-run initiative in search of information about missing Russian soldiers, Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of the Prisoners of War (POWs) said on June 12.

The announcement comes as Russia and Ukraine are conducting a series of the most extensive prisoner exchanges since the beginning of the large-scale war in 2022. The latest phase of the exchange occurred on June 12.

The initiative, called "I Want to Find" (Russian: " "), has received 100,324 requests from Russian citizens seeking answers about relatives who vanished while serving in Russia's military, the Coordination Headquarters said.

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The actual number of missing Russian troops is believed to be significantly higher. Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Kremlin has largely concealed the scale of its military losses, forcing many families to search independently, Ukrainian officials said.

In May 2025 alone, the project received a record 12,320 inquiries  the highest monthly figure since the program began in January 2024.

Through the project, families can verify whether their relatives have been captured or killed, which may enable them to pressure Russian authorities to pursue prisoner exchanges. As of June, Ukraine has confirmed 2,415 Russian soldiers held in captivity, with 1,126 of them already exchanged for Ukrainian defenders, the Coordination Headquarters said.

"Many more Russians remain in captivity, but not all families know about the program or have submitted requests," the agency added.

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A detailed analysis of the requests revealed that some of Russia's most severely depleted units include the 15th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade (Military Unit 90600), which accounts for 2,277 missing personnel  the highest of any single unit. Of the 20 most-affected units, 17 are motorized rifle brigades, often deployed in Russia's most brutal infantry assaults, commonly referred to as "meat grinder" tactics.

The data also showed that 26% of missing soldiers were under the age of 30. The youngest reported missing was 18, and the oldest was 67.

The project has also uncovered a shift in public sentiment, claiming 75% of those submitting requests said they do not support Russia's war in Ukraine.

According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Russia has lost over 1 million troops since the start of its invasion  a figure reported for the first time on June 12, with 1,140 casualties recorded in just one day. The total reported Russian losses stand at 1,000,340 as of that date.

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The Kremlin has not commented on the figures.

Read also: As Russian losses in Ukraine hit 1 million, Putin faces an economic time bomb

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
More than 100 people were reported killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza within 24 hours, as deadly incidents near aid distribution sites and a major communications outage deepened the crisis in the war-shattered Palestinian territory on Thursday.

The Health Ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, reported 103 deaths and 427 injuries in the past day alone. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, and the figures could not be independently verified.

Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, which was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that killed around 1,200 people and saw more than 250 taken hostage, more than 55,200 people have been killed in Gaza and over 127,800 injured, according to the ministry.

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Palestinians reported that Israeli forces opened fire near aid distribution positions, while a humanitarian foundation said Hamas launched a deadly attack on its staff.

The Palestinian news agency WAFA said at least 13 people were killed and around 200 injured at an aid centre in the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza. The Hamas-run Health Ministry confirmed the incident, but put the toll at 10 dead and at least 120 wounded.

Separately, WAFA reported five more deaths in the Sudaniya area north-west of Gaza City, where people were waiting for food assistance.

The Israeli military has not commented on the incidents.

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The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by Israel and the United States, began distributing aid last month following a near three-month Israeli blockade.

The initiative aims to prevent Hamas from diverting aid, according to Israeli officials. However, the operation has drawn criticism from the UN and humanitarian organizations, who cite safety and access concerns.

The GHF said that a Hamas attack on one of its staff buses killed eight Palestinian employees and injured several others on Wednesday evening. The team was en route to a distribution centre west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

The foundation stated that some employees may have been taken hostage and that it was still gathering information.

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"These were aid workers. Humanitarians. Fathers, brothers, sons, and friends," GHF said, condemning what it called a "heinous and deliberate attack."

The organization urged the international community to hold Hamas accountable, saying its staff had been targeted simply for delivering food to Palestinians.

WAFA, citing medical sources, reported that 224 people have been killed and over 1,850 injured around aid distribution points since May 27. The points have become traps for mass killings, the agency said.

Communications blackout adds to chaos

Also on Thursday, Gaza's last functioning fibre-optic network was damaged in an attack, resulting in a complete outage of internet and landline services, according to the Palestinian Telecommunications Authority.

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WAFA said the blackout would have severe humanitarian and social consequences and called for immediate restoration.

Telecommunications have been repeatedly disrupted during the conflict, hampering relief coordination and civilian communication.

Israel has been engaged in a sustained military campaign in Gaza for 20 months, with the stated goal of eliminating Hamas and securing the release of remaining hostages. A new major ground offensive was launched nearly a month ago.

The campaign has drawn international criticism, including from Israel's close allies, over the mounting civilian toll and the humanitarian situation on the ground.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)Owensboro community members will meet with law enforcement today at a lunchtime event at Moreland Park hosted by the Owensboro Police Department.

Texas Roadhouse re-opens in Owensboro

Today, Police in the Park returns with free hot dogs, chips, and lemonade from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event provides a chance for the community to connect with local officers.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
A University of Alabama graduate who owns Ace Hardware stores in Tuscaloosa and Northport has been elected to the companys board of directors.

David Majure, president and founder of Southeast Ace, a chain of six Ace stores in Mississippi and Alabama, was elected to the Ace Hardware board on May 13 during the annual stockholders meeting.

Steven Burggraf, chairman of the board, said he was honored to welcome Majure to the Oak Brook, Illinois-based hardware companys board of directors.

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I am confident that David's insights and leadership will be a tremendous asset to our organization, Burggraf said in a news release. David's appointment marks an exciting new chapter, and we look forward to the valuable contributions he will bring to the board.

Majure earned a bachelor of science degree in business management while at UA. He opened his first Ace store in 2019 in Meridian, Mississippi.

David Majure owns six Ace Hardware stores in Alabama and Mississippi.

He now serves as the co-chair of the Alabama Ace Retailer Group.

Before founding Southeast Ace, Majure served as president of the Majure Retail Group, which owned and operated a group of Freds franchise stores and pharmacies throughout the Southeast for over 50 years.

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I am humbled and honored to be elected to represent the most helpful, generous, and hardworking retailers on the planet, Majure said in the news release. I pledge to serve the best interests of my fellow retailers as Ace continues to navigate and innovate to remain the most helpful and trusted resource for its customers.

Other boards Majure has served on include the East Mississippi Boys and Girls Club, the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, the Lamar School Foundation, Great Southern Bank and Children of Abraham Ministries.

Reach Ken Roberts at ken.roberts@tuscaloosanews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Owner of Tuscaloosa Ace Hardware store named to company's board
The owner of an Omaha food packaging plant that Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raided this week said Wednesday that his company relied on the governments web system to verify his workers were in the country legally.

We did everything we could possibly do, Glenn Valley Foods owner Gary Rohwer told The Associated Press.

Federal officials arrived at the Nebraska factory on Tuesday to screen nearly 100 people. About 70 employees were taken into custody, as part of President Trumps sweeping immigration crackdown and mass deportation initiative.

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Glenn Valley Foods is operating at about 30 percent capacity after the raid as the company tries to hire more workers, Rohwer told the AP.

Company officials have blamed the federal Department of Homeland Securitys nationwide E-Verify system, which relies on documents and social security numbers to determine whether potential employees can work in the U.S. legally.

Id like to see the United States government  come up with a program that they can communicate to the companies as to how to hire legitimate help. Period, Rohwer said.

The owner explained that federal officials said his company was a victim of unauthorized workers using stolen identities or fake IDs to get around the E-Verify system.

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Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr., a Democrat who was sworn into office earlier this week, told NewsNation on Wednesday he didnt know why the Nebraska city was targeted for the large-scale immigration sweep.

Right now, what is happening across the country is a lot of fear is being created, Ewing said. We dont have an understandable approach to immigration, especially when it comes to our Latino members of this country.

He called on Congress to develop a comprehensive immigration policy.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
COUDERSPORT, Pa. (WETM)  A Coudersport man and six others were arrested in connection to a large-scale drug smuggling operation that saw pounds of meth and fentanyl enter northern Pennsylvania from New York, according to a release from the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office.

Pennsylvania Attorney General David Sunday, Jr. announced the arrest of the following people on Tuesday, June 10, for their alleged involvement in the operation that spread the counties of Potter, McKean, Elk, Cameron, and Warren.

Benjamin Simms, 31, of Coudersport, but currently incarcerated at a state prison in Marienville, PA.

Kyle P. Brown, 39, of Emporium, PA.

Marry Ann Stolburg, 61, of Ridgeway, PA.

Justin Meyer, 38, of Saint Marys, PA.

Beau Azzato, 20, of Saint Marys, PA.

Richard Bauer, 64, of Johnsonburg, PA.

Josh Dalton, 35, of Ridgeway, PA.

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Pennsylvanians can now carry concealed firearms in 30th state

All seven were arrested on the charges of felony possession with the intent to deliver, conspiracy, and other related offenses.

Attorney General Sunday said that Simms and Brown worked together while others operated alone.

Simms is considered a mid-level dealer and is accused of trafficking between 30 and 40 pounds of meth in one year from New York.

As mentioned above, Simms is already incarcerated in a state prison, but Brown is at the McKean County Prison on $50,000 bail.

Sundays officer is expected to prosecute Simms and Brown while the Elk County District Attorneys Office will prosecute the remaining people.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
(Philadelphia Tribune photo)

A Philadelphia high school student who was sexually assaulted by classmates can sue the school district under an exception to governmental immunity for sexual abuse, a Commonwealth Court panel ruled this week.

The seven-judge panel ruled unanimously in favor of the intellectually disabled 10th grader and her parents. The decision clarified that a school district may be held liable for negligence leading to a students sexual assault by a third party and its responsibility is not limited to abuse by school employees.

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Lawyers for the girl, who is identified only by the initials L.F.M. in court documents, and an education advocate said the decision significantly improves protection for students.

Today is a better day for children, said Nadeem Bezar of Kline & Specter, who brought the lawsuit on behalf of the girl and her parents with co-counsel Helen Lawless. We are happy that the Commonwealth Court interpreted the statute the way the legislature intended. We understand the case still has a ways to go. But today is a step in the right direction.

Spokesperson Monique Braxton said the School District of Philadelphia is reviewing the decision and anticipates seeking review by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

The district values the safety of our students and staff. If a student sees something that they feel is concerning, we encourage them to share their concerns with their parents, teachers, and other district staff, Braxton said in a statement. We all play a role in keeping our schools and communities safe, and encourage students, staff, and families to say something if they see something.

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According to the lawsuit, L.F.M. was enrolled in a co-ed gym class at South Philadelphia High School with other students with disabilities and learning impairments. In October 2021, two classmates pushed her behind the bleachers, sexually assaulted her and demanded that she go into a bathroom to take and share sexually explicit images.

One of the students continued to harass and demand explicit images from L.F.M. by telephone that evening, when the girls mother overheard. The girl told her mother what had happened in school and the mother reported the assault to the district and police, the suit says.

The lawsuit alleges the school district failed to ensure that its employees properly supervised students in the gym class, permitting the girls attackers to carry out the assault. It claims the district is liable for negligently permitting the assault.

The Commonwealth Court decision centers on a relatively new addition to the state law that limits tort liability for public agencies in Pennsylvania. The Political Subdivision and Torts Claims Act (PSTCA) grants immunity to government entities except under a handful of scenarios and limits damages to $500,000.

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As part of a legislative package to secure justice for victims of childhood abuse, former state Rep. Mark Rozzi (D-Berks) won approval of the sexual assault exception. Signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf in 2019, it allows individuals to sue public schools if they are victims of acts that would constitute criminal sexual assault under state law.

In response to L.F.M.s lawsuit, the Philadelphia School District argued the exception applies only to acts by the district and employees. A Philadelphia judge rejected the districts argument and it appealed in Commonwealth Court. The students lawyers argued the exception permits claims for sexual abuse by a third-party, such as other students, if it results from negligent actions or omissions by the school district.

In an opinion by Judge Lori Dumas, the court found the purpose of the exception was to hold public entities accountable for enabling abusers and to expand the rights of victims to sue.

Dumas cited Rozzis statement in a friend-of-the-court brief that the purpose was not to hold institutions accountable for employing abusers but for enabling abusers to carry out their crimes against children.

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The district claimed the primary purpose of the PSTCA is to protect taxpayers and that broadly interpreting the exception could impede the districts financial ability to serve its 200,000 students.

We must presume the legislature also recognized its duty of protecting the public fisc, including the potential monetary harm to municipalities from large tort recoveries, Dumas wrote. Upon balancing those duties, the legislature nevertheless enacted an exception to governmental immunity, removed the damages cap, and extended the statute of limitations. We cannot reweigh those considerations.

Maura McInerney, legal director at the Education Law Center, a nonprofit legal advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring access to education, said the decision makes clear that public schools have an obligation to protect children so that incidents such as the one in the lawsuit cannot happen.

I think the case should send a powerful message to school districts, McInerney said, adding that the plaintiffs in the case still have to show that the districts actions or omissions have a causal relationship to the assault.

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Rozzi, who was raped by a priest as a child, drew on his experience as a sexual abuse survivor to champion victims rights in the General Assembly. In addition to the PSTCA exception, he succeeded in passing laws to extend the statute of limitations for survivors to pursue civil claims against abusers and enablers until age 55. He also won approval of a law to eliminate the criminal statute of limitations for sexual offenses.

Before he retired after six terms in the state House last year, Rozzi had also pursued a state constitutional amendment to provide a two-year window for survivors to pursue civil sexual abuse claims, regardless of their age. Although the legislation failed, it was reintroduced this session and passed in the House again Monday. The bill will now be considered in the Senate.

Rozzi said the Commonwealth Court ruling would help school districts analyze their policies to protect children thoroughly and extensively.

It is a matter of life and death, and they are in your hands when theyre here in your school, Rozzi said, adding that a moment of inattention by a school employee could be tragic. In that 10 or 15 minutes, thats all it takes for a child to be raped.
Pistols for sale a Kentucky gun shop. (Courtesy Louder than Guns)

Virginians who hold a permit to carry a concealed handgun will be able to keep it on their persons or in their cars when visiting Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced a reciprocity agreement with Virginia that allows people with Licenses to Carry Firearms to do so in both states.

Shortly after taking office, I asked my staff to review opportunities to maximize reciprocity agreements with willing states, and ensure all existing and future agreements protect and respect standing law and constitutional rights, Sunday said. Our research of law in both states revealed nothing conflicting that would disallow permit holders to carry in both states.

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The legal staff in Sundays office reached out to Virginia State Police leaders in early April about renewing a Memorandum of Agreement that provides mutual recognition of a license to carry a firearm issued by Pennsylvania and a license or permit to carry a gun issued by another state.

The permitting process is different in each state. In Pennsylvania, applicants apply through their county sheriffs office and a background check is conducted through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS). The application process in Virginia goes through the clerk of the circuit court of the county or city where the person lives and requires proof of handgun competency. That could include things like completing a hunter safety course or any National Rifle Association or United States Concealed Carry Association firearms safety or training course.

The agreement, which applies only to handguns, allows a license holder from Virginia to carry a concealed handgun on their person or in a vehicle, in Pennsylvania, and vice versa, with a Pennsylvania license holder able to do the same in Virginia.

It requires permit holders to be at least 21-years-old, carry photo ID, display the permit when asked by law enforcement, and not have a concealed carry permit previously revoked.

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According to Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, his state has recognized all out-of-state permits, including from Pennsylvania, since July 2016.

In a May 21 letter to Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, he noted the execution of the agreement serves to expand the rights of Virginians since their concealed carry permits will now be recognized in the Keystone State.

Pennsylvania now has concealed carry reciprocity agreements with 30 states, including Ohio and West Virginia. State police say as of June 2, nearly 1.7 million people have a license to carry permit in Pennsylvania.

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After a long-forgotten painting of Hercules and Omphale was punctured by glass and coated in debris during the 2020 explosion in Beirut, the monumental oil-on-canvas, painstakingly restored over more than three years, has gone on view at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.

In the wake of the tragedy, the painting, dated to the 1630s, was finally properly attributed to the great Artemisia Gentileschi, the 17th-century Italian Baroque painter who has become one of the few female artists of her era to be recognized today. Having passed only between three private collections over four centuries, the Artemisias Strong Women: Rescuing a Masterpiece exhibition marks the first time the painting has ever been on public display.

The canvas depicts the Greek mythological hero Hercules, who was enslaved by the Queen of Lydia, Omphale, and made to do tasks traditionally associated with women, such as weaving  in Gentileschis composition he raises a spindle of wool  before they fall in love. Gentileschi often gave her mythological and Biblical female figures a striking sense of agency, such as her most widely known scene of the widow Judith violently beheading Assyrian general Holofernes. In the newly attributed painting, she toys with subverted gender roles as her lovelorn protagonists close the gap between them, their pearlescent skin adorned in sumptuous draped fabrics.

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For decades, Hercules and Omphale hung in the Sursock Palace, a private and opulent mid-19th century townhouse owned by Beiruts Sursock family for five generations. The explosion in the Lebanese capital, which killed more than 200 people and injured thousands, caused devastation to the building and its owners, with the matriarch of the family, 98-year-old Yvonne Sursock Cochrane, eventually succumbing to her injuries.

Ulrich Birkmaier (pictured), who led efforts to restore the work at the Getty Museum, called the damage probably the worst hed ever seen. - Cassia Davis/J. Paul Getty Trust

A receipt from the family showed that the painting entered the Sursock collection from an art dealer in Naples, where Gentileschi lived the later years of her life. At the time of the explosion, the artists then-unknown masterpiece was hanging in front of a window, according to the Getty, which exploded through the canvas. The broken glass riddled it with holes and a wide, L-shaped tear through Hercules knee.

It was really severe. Its probably the worst damage Ive ever seen, said Ulrich Birkmaier, the Getty Museums senior conservator of painting, in a phone call with CNN.

Beyond the sudden violence to the painting and its frame, the artwork had already suffered flaking paint, cracks and cupping from humid conditions, Birkmaier said He added that Gentileschis vision had been further marred by discolored varnish and overpainting from a previous restoration attempt centuries earlier. When Birkmaier saw it for the first time in Beirut, one year after the explosion, he gathered debris that had collected behind its surface in case the miniscule paint fragments clinging to the glass could be puzzled back together in Los Angeles.

When Birkmaier saw the artwork for the first time in Beirut, he collected glass and debris covered in fragments of paint. - Cassia Davis/J. Paul Getty Trust

Though mended, cleaned, and carefully restored with analysis from X-rays and XRF mapping, the painting has been rehabilitated into its luminous and poetic intent, though, in Birkamaiers view, it will never look quite as it did.

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Youll always see some scars of the damage, he said.

A long road to rediscovery

If not for the explosion, Hercules and Omphale may have continued to be an unidentified work, only considered a Gentileschi painting by a Lebanese art historian who had seen it decades earlier.

In the early 1990s, Gregory Buchakjian was a graduate student at Sorbonne University in Paris and writing his thesis the Sursock collection. It was then that he made the connection between Hercules and Omphale and another painting, Penitent Magdalene, to Gentileschi, but he didnt pursue publishing his research more widely, according to the arts publication Hyperallergic. In an article for Apollo magazine in September 2020, Buchakjian attributed both paintings to the Italian artist, leading to wider acknowledgement of his research and consensus over her authorship.

An image of the damage of the draped figure on the left side of Hercules and Omphale. - Cassia Davis/J. Paul Getty Trust

The restored figure. Conservation treatments not only fixed the damage from the blast, but deterioration from humid conditions and overpaint from a restoration attempt centuries earlier. - Cassia Davis/J. Paul Getty Trust

Over the course of her career, Gentileschi, the daughter of the Mannerist painter Orazio Gentileschi, was commissioned by top artistic patrons  the Medici family in Italy as well as monarchs Philip IV of Spain and Charles I of England  before being lost to history following her death in 1653. Some 60 paintings or more exist today, though a few have been contested as copies or collaborations.

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She was very, very famous during her day, but all but forgotten in the centuries after, which is true for many Baroque painters, but for women, of course, particularly, Birkmaier said.

Rediscovered in the 20th century and amplified by the 1970s feminist movement, Gentileschis resurgence helped pave the way for researching and foregrounding female artists of the past.

Still, there are too few technical studies of her work, according to Davide Gasparotto, senior curator of paintings at the Getty Museum, compared to her male counterparts. The Gettys report provides insight into her techniques and materials and how she revised the composition over time, such as altering the position of Hercules head and gaze to strengthen the emotional charge, which is very much Artemisia, Gasparotto said.

We are gradually building better knowledge of her way of painting, but I think we need more, especially because shes a painter that changes quite a lot in terms of stylistic development over the course of her career, he explained. Shes an artist who looks a lot at what is going on around her, and she absorbs (it).

Gentileschis depiction of the tragic, legendary figure of Lucretia  whose rape and suicide was said to incite the rebellion that established the Roman Republic  broke auction records in 2019. It was a newly rediscovered work of the artist at the time. - The J. Paul Getty Museum

Gentileschi trained with her father, but was also influenced by her Baroque peers and predecessors, such as Caravaggio and Guercino. She traveled widely in Europe, trained in Venetian techniques and adopted other skills from Naples, where she took up residency later in life and set up a workshop. Her time in Naples in the 1630s has been considered less interesting by scholars, Gasparotto said, but he disagrees  and can now cite Hercules and Omphale as further proof.

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Her paintings grow in size. They are monumental paintings, ambitious compositions, multi-figure compositions, Gasparotto said. He believes Hercules in this work is her most accomplished male figure  especially for a painter who couldnt study male nudes after a living model, because being a woman, she wasnt allowed to do that.

Restoring a masterpiece

When the glass tore through Gentileschis painting, it missed many of the paintings focal points, though part of Hercules nose and eye suffered damage. That was the trickiest area to reconstruct, Birkmaier said, but he was able to see Gentileschis earlier draft of Hercules head in the X-ray to aid in reconstruction. He called in help from a friend: Federico Castelluccio, the Italian American actor best known for his role as Furio in The Sopranos, who is also a painter and collector of Baroque art (and who once discovered a $10 million Guercino painting). (The TV series aired on HBO, which shares Warner Bros. Discovery as a parent company with CNN.)

He assisted me with another conservation treatment years ago. And so he painted the head of Hercules for me and suggested what the eye that was missing there should look like, Birkmaier recalled. And so I based my reconstruction on that, and it was very helpful.

A detail of Cupids face in Hercules and Omphale. Gentileschis take on Hercules and Omphale is emotionally charged as the titular pair fall in love. - Cassia Davis/J. Paul Getty Trust

Restoring an old work doesnt mean making it like new, but maintaining the decay from time that occurs with a 400-year-old painting, Birkmaier said. As he and other specialists gradually worked on the painting, it began to reveal itself.

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You have this painting in pieces, and all you see is the damage and the discolored varnish and the old restoration and the big holes, and then little by little, as you work on it the image emerges again, he recalled. Its a really interesting process of discovery. I wanted to do her justice.

Some of the identifying features of Gentileschis work seen in Hercules and Omphale include her renderings of fabrics and jewelry and the subtle gestures she repeats across canvases.

A detail of Hercules knee, with the longest tear in the painting. - Cassia Davis/J. Paul Getty Trust

Hercules knee following conservation treatments. Though the damage has been mended, Birkmaier says the painting will always bear some scars. - Cassia Davis/J. Paul Getty Trust

Its very poetic the way she turns, she turns (Omphales) head, this upright gaze, Birkmaier said, explaining that many of her female figures mimic that tilt. In the other paintings that we have on loan from her, its the same exact (position).

It can be seen, too, in Susanna and the Elders, from 1638-40, another recent discovery of Gentileschis that is in the UKs Royal Collection Trust, painted during her time at the court of Charles I with her father. In 2023, it was identified after a century in storage, deteriorating and misattributed to the French School, according to Artnet. Another rediscovered Gentileschi work, a portrait of David with the head of Goliath, will headline a Sothebys auction in July.

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Theres definitely a lot of room for discovery, Gasparotto said, though he cautioned that attribution is not always clear-cut considering her workshop is still not fully understood, and she tended to work in conjunction with landscape artists later in life.

I dont know how many will emerge from museum storages, he said. But within the market, within private collections, there might be other paintings by her that will emerge in the upcoming years.

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Telecommunication services in the war-torn Gaza Strip were disrupted on Thursday, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

Citing the Palestinian telecommunications authority, WAFA said the last remaining fibre-optic network was damaged in an attack, resulting in a complete disruption of internet and landline services.

Telecommunications in Gaza have repeatedly been disrupted since the start of the war almost two years ago.

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The telecommunications authority pointed to the "humanitarian and social consequences of the outage" and called for provision to be restored rapidly.

The war was triggered by the attack on Israel by Hamas and other Islamist militants on October 7, 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were abducted to the Gaza Strip.

According to the health authority controlled by Hamas, more than 55,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been killed as a result of the war so far.
Artur Widak / NurPhoto via Getty Images) Higher prices are already in stores in some categories, according to Consumer Edge, a data and insights firm.





Key Takeaways

Walmart prices haven't risen dramatically across the board, but they're showing in some categories, according to Consumer Edge, a data and insights firm.

Consumer Edge noted particularly high price increases in products including pet food, toothpaste and body wash.

Industry experts have cautioned that any price actions Walmart takes could lead other retailers to do the same.







Walmart warned that higher prices were on the way. Fresh data indicates that theyre here.

Walmart (WMT) CEO Doug McMillon said in May that the giant retailer was trying its best to keep our prices as low as possible. But given the magnitude of the tariffs... we arent able to absorb all the pressure given the reality of narrow retail margins. The higher tariffs will result in higher prices.

Prices aren't rising dramatically across the board, but they're showing in some categories, according to Consumer Edge, a data and insights firm that analyzes daily shopper purchase data on packaged consumer goods. Industry experts have cautioned that any price actions Walmart takes could lead other retailers to do the same.

According to the latest Basketview data from Consumer Edge, prices for some products are notably higher at both Walmart and Target (TGT), said Michael Gunther, the firms head of insights.

Between the Liberation Day tariff announcements and June 1, according to Consumer Edge, the price of wet dog food was up 8%, rising alongside other varieties of dog and cat food. Gunther also noted higher prices at both chains for products including toothpaste and body wash. Earlier measures taken in May showed higher prices of liquid laundry detergent and crackers.

Consumer Edge began to watch consumer packaged goods prices at Walmart and Target after McMillons comments, according to Gunther, who said prices on everything from ingredients to packagingas well as opportunistic price hikes by retailerscould be increasing price tags.

We didnt see any significant change initiallyand then we did, he said. In the week ended May 25, Gunther said, the prices started to tick up.

Walmart declined to comment for this story. Target did not respond to Investopedias request for comment in time for publication.

Target executives said last month that tariffs weighed on its first-quarter sales. Best Buy (BBY) also recently said the company would consider price increases to soften the impact of tariffs on the business.

Read the original article on Investopedia
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Palestinian humanitarian activists are being held at the San Francisco International Airport after not being allowed into the Bay Area, where they were invited to speak, San Francisco Supervisor Bilal Mahmood said Wednesday.

Mahmood is calling for the immediate release of the two humanitarian activists after he said no reason was given to them by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers as to why their visas were being revoked. The two men have allegedly been held at the airport since 1 p.m. Wednesday.

A protest organized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations calling for their release is planned for 8:30 a.m. Thursday at SFOs Terminal G.

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Current U.S. policy allows for Palestinians to enter the U.S. if they have a valid B-1 or B-2 visa. They are allowed to stay up to six months on business or as tourists, according to the U.S. Department of State.

One of them had testified before Congress previously, Mahmood wrote on X. This injustice must be corrected. We are urging the federal government to reverse their decision ASAP.

The activists were invited by local faith communities to the Bay Area and were set to speak at the Kehilla Community Synagogue as well as the Buena Vista and Los Altos United Methodist Churches.

CBP told Mahmood that the two men would be sent back on a flight to the Middle East, according to the supervisor.

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KRON4 reached out to CBP for comment and has not yet heard back.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said people who loot or assault law enforcement will be subject to arrest after the Trump administration called in troops to Los Angeles against Gov. Gavin Newsoms (D) wishes.

President Trump is going to make America safe again. Were going to protect Americans, and that includes Californians. If Gavin Newsom isnt going to protect them, we are, Bondi told Lawrence Jones III on Fox & Friends Wednesday.

If you loot a business in California during this, were charging you with robbery under the Hobbs Act, Bondi warned. No longer are the days of non-prosecution for looting. Its a criminal act. Youve seen on the news, all these stores being burglarized, vandalized.

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All of our police officers, all of our federal, state, local law enforcement officers, being abused out there trying to keep California safe. Jointly, weve all made over 190 arrests, more coming. If you hit a police officer, if you assault a police officer, state or federal, we are coming after you, Bondi continued.

Bondi joins the litany of Republicans, including President Donald Trump, painting a picture of a lawless Los Angeles where riots are underway and insurrectionists are taking over, inviting immediate comparisons to the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, that aimed to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

The demonstrations in Los Angeles, which are largely peaceful, popped up as a result of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids across California.

Trump signed an order authorizing at least 2,000 National Guard troops to be sent to Los Angeles, despite Newsoms opposition, on Saturday. Then the Pentagon deployed an additional 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines.

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Since the start of the protests, the Los Angeles Police Department has arrested 385 people, USA Today reported on Wednesday. Moreover, ICE agents have detained 330 immigrants in Los Angeles so far, White House officials said.

Mayor Karen Bass announced a curfew in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday that is set to continue for an unspecified amount of time.

Newsom struck back at the Trump administration on Monday by filing a lawsuit over Trumps commandeering of the states National Guard troops. The following day, he filed a motion seeking an emergency order to stop the Trump administrations unlawful militarization of Los Angeles.

Bass and Newsom have said that the federal governments actions are escalating tensions and testing how far this administration can take authoritarianism.

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This was provoked by the White House. The reason why? We dont know, Bass said at a press conference on Wednesday. I posit that maybe we are part of a national experiment to determine how far the federal government can go in reaching in and taking over power from a governor, power from a local jurisdiction.

She also claimed the Trump administrations actions show it is deliberately trying to cause fear and panic.

In an urgent address on Tuesday evening, Newsom said the issue is bigger than Los Angeles.

When Donald Trump sought blanket authority to commandeer the National Guard, he made that order apply to every state. This is about all of us. California may be first, but it clearly will not end here, he said.

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Newsom called Trump a president who wants to be bound by no law or constitution.

Authoritarian regimes begin by targeting people who are least able to defend themselves, Newsom continued. But they do not stop there. Trump and his loyalists, they thrive on division because it allows them to take more power and exert even more control.

Related...
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The CRA board discussed two programs in their workshop on Wednesday. They believe it will help incentivize local businesses while protecting the community.

The first one was introduced by the newly appointed mayor, Allan Branch. Its called SPARK stands for small business property activation, redevelopment kick-start.

The idea would involve the CRA offering to sell city-owned properties in Glenwood through a structured, fair and results-driven process.

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People or businesses with ties to Glenwood, who are minority or women-owned, or are creating jobs and using public-facing space, would receive preference through a scoring system.

If our pipe dream or our success story is people of the neighborhood building back their neighborhoods, we need to have some sort of scaling or point system that youre most sophisticated by. Or someone out of Atlanta who has a $50 million portfolio is going to have the best presentation for property. And so we have to score peoples packets differently if we want to incentivize local growth, particularly local growth that potentially might be there first. Building brick and mortar businesses, those are folks like myself, Panama City mayor Allan Branch said.

Panama City announce traffic impacts for This Well Defend celebration

The second topic discussed is an outdoor seating incentive program in Millville. It would make it easier for restaurants to create outdoor seating.

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Under this proposal, businesses would be reimbursed up to $10,000 to cover the expenses for outdoor tables and chairs, patios, fencing, and outdoor lighting.

None of these plans have been finalized, but the branch says they want to continue the conversation with some rough sketches and letters of support from businesses.

The next virtual workshop has been scheduled for two weeks from today, which will be June 25.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  New members of the Panama City Commission are getting their first look at the budgeting process.

The fire assessment, reserve fund, and funding to complete ongoing projects are top of mind.

In the final days of budgeting season last year, the controversial fire assessment impacted the budget.

Brian Kellenberger accepts role as interim county administrator

Officials bowed to public pressure and lowered the tax, forcing them to augment the budget with a million dollars from reserves.

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The city borrowed a total of approximately $6.1 million from the reserve fund, which is the citys savings account in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Officials hope to avoid dipping into reserves this year.

We really want to look at going into fiscal year 2026 with a balanced budget without relying on reserves. And so thats what staffs working on. That was great feedback, Panama City City Manager Johnathon Hayes said. There is no appetite to raise taxes. We hear that and we agree with that. Its not the time to even consider something like that.

Tuesday, commissioners voiced support for keeping the current millage rate of 4.799. However, that doesnt necessarily mean residents will pay the same amount.

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Any time the city raises money, its a tax. So, any time that goes above, even if we stay at the current millage rate, it is considered increasing taxes. If we wind up pulling in more money than we did last year, by one penny. Its considered increasing taxes legally, Panama City Commissioner Brian Grainger said.

Officials also want to focus on completing highly anticipated projects like infrastructure.

Walton County breaks ground on Kellogg Trail and Educational Center

Were not only rebuilding following the hurricane, but were also having to address things that went decades without really being taken care of, Hayes added. We knew that thered be a few very tight years, but as we kind of move through the process with some of these projects, were starting to kind of check off new boxes every single week as we see the projects come to fruition and new projects start.

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The commissions first budget workshop will be at the end of July. The fiscal year 2026 budget begins on October 1st.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  The Panama City Police Department has asked for the publics assistance in locating a missing teenager.

According to a news release, 15-year-old Caleb Duane Manahan was last heard from around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11 and last seen in the 1100 block of Foster Avenue.

Manahan has brown eyes, brown hair, stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 130 pounds.

Anyone with information 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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  School is out for the summer, but school safety is at the forefront of parents minds.

One dad who has a child at Inglewood Elementary said theyve become increasingly concerned about the crosswalk in front of the school.

Fernel Valdez lives on Sherwood Lane, a three-minute walk from Inglewood Elementary. Being able to walk his daughter to school was a big selling point to live in that neighborhood, but he doesnt do it anymore.

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He said the cars go way too fast, adding hes had a couple of close calls walking his daughter home, where cars completely disregard them.

Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More

A few close calls were a few too many, so he started driving her just to be safe. Valdez said he thinks a stop sign would be a great idea to have at the crosswalk, just to force cars to pause for pedestrians.

He said anything would help, he just wants to be able to walk his girl to school again. I am terrified. I am so scared. If its just me, Im a grown-up, I can deal with it. Its just terrifying that they see a little girl or a little boy.

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The Nashville Department of Transportation encourages everyone to submit complaints like these to hubNashville.

Do you have news happening in your neighborhood? Let us know by sending an email to neighborhoodnews@wkrn.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 WKRN News 2.
Three parents of students who were enrolled in the Millsap Independent School District filed a lawsuit in federal court this week against the district, two former teachers and two administrators.

The parents, Carissa Cornelius, Vanessa Garcia and Whitney Price, are suing Millsap ISD over alleged physical and mental abuse their children endured in their schools special education classrooms, according to the lawsuit filed Tuesday in the Northern Texas U.S. District Court.

Named as defendants along with the school district are former superintendent Mari Edith Martin, Millsap Elementary School principal Roxie Carter, and Jennifer Dale and Paxton Bean, the two educators who were accused of abusing the kids.

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Martin, Dale and Bean also face criminal charges and were arrested earlier this year.

Breaking down the allegations

The parents are suing on a total of nine counts. Against the school district, these include:

Failure to train

Failure to supervise

Violation of the right to bodily integrity

Discrimination and other violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Violation of the Rehabilitation Act

Dale and Bean are also being sued on five counts, including:

Violation of the right to bodily integrity

Discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Assault

Battery

Negligent discipline

The parents claim that the school district did not provide Bean and Dale with training on proper discipline, crisis prevention or positive behavioral techniques specific to children with special needs. They were still assigned to work in a special education classroom, the lawsuit says. The parents also say that the school did not supervise how its teachers interacted with and disciplined students with special needs.

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The lawsuit alleges that Millsap ISD, Bean and Dale violated the childrens right to bodily integrity as they were subject to physical and mental assault by state actors. It also states that all three discriminated against the students for their disabilities.

Finally, the two teachers are accused of assault, battery and negligent discipline, according to the lawsuit.

By all accounts, these children are beautiful, bright, and deserved the world. Instead, they were treated like animals; physically and verbally abused, and subject to sexual denigration by their teachers, the lawsuit states.

Millsap ISD has not yet responded to a request for comment on the lawsuit. Attorneys for the other defendants are not listed in the court documents and could not immediately be reached for comment.

Video from classroom led to criminal charges

The school came under fire after a video showing Dale and Bean appearing to hit a child went viral, the Star-Telegram previously reported.

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The video, taken on Feb. 19, shows Dale swinging at Alex Cornelius, a 10-year-old boy who has autism and is non-verbal, and Bean yelling and throwing a toy at him, according to court documents.

A screenshot from the video referred to in a lawsuit against Millsap ISD allegedly shows teacher Jennifer Dale swinging at 10-year-old Alex Cornelius, who is outside of the frame.

A teaching assistant filmed the incident without the two teachers knowledge and reported it to Martin the same day, according to the complaint.

Cornelius shared the allegations and the video on Facebook on March 10. Along with the alleged abuse displayed in the video, Cornelius also told the Star-Telegram that her son was showered at the school without her consent and that the teachers called him names and made comments about his genitalia.

Martin, according to her arrest warrant, contacted a law firm for an external investigation. She did not file a report with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or the Parker County Sheriffs Office, both of which are required by state law.

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Martin reported allegations involving Dale to the Texas Education Agency on Feb. 28. A report including allegations against Bean was filed on March 3.

Texas state law requires that suspected abuse be reported within 48 hours.

Cornelius said she was not made aware of the allegations until the teaching assistant brought the video to her. The Sheriffs Office told the Star-Telegram that it first became aware of the allegations on March 4, when Cornelius reported the abuse to them.

Alex Cornelius, a 10-year-old former Millsap ISD student who is among those investigators say were subjected to abuse by special education educators at Millsap Elementary School, is pictured with his late dog, George.

The Parker County Sheriffs Office discovered at least two other students  the children of the other plaintiffs  who experienced abuse from Bean and Dale, according to arrest warrant affidavits.

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Whitney Price, another plaintiff in the lawsuit, told police that on Jan. 16, school staff told her that her 8-year-old son had gotten a bloody nose from running into a wall. When police read the nurses log, Bean had said that the boy threw a fit and hit his nose on either a wall or her arm. Price said her son told her that Bean had punched him in the nose.

Victoria Garcia, the third plaintiff in the lawsuit, said that her 6-year-old daughter was another victim. According to the affidavits, a teachers aide heard Dale call the girl a vulgar name and tell her that she wanted to put her hands around the childs neck and squeeze.

Both teachers and Martin were arrested in March. Martin was charged with a felony of failure to report with the intent to conceal. Dale was charged with official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor, and Bean was charged with official oppression and injury to a child with intentional bodily injury, a third-degree felony.

Martin resigned from her position as superintendent without severance pay in March.

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All three women were released on bond, the Star-Telegram reported.

The initial TEA report from Martin did not include Beans name, according to the lawsuit. Bean is the daughter of Carter, the Millsap Elementary principal.

Bean is now working at another school in Waxahachie, according to the lawsuit. Carter wrote a recommendation letter for her position there.

Millsap ISD has since approved a policy disallowing employees from evaluating, hiring or working with immediate family members on the same campus.

The goal of the lawsuit

The parents are asking for a jury trial and compensation for medical expenses, physical impairment and pain, and mental anguish, leaving it up to a jury to decide the exact amount of damages, the complaint stated.

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Cornelius told the Star-Telegram on Wednesday that she is now permanently homeschooling her son, Alex. We now have no trust in anyone when it comes to our children, Cornelius said.

She described how her son now experiences a lot of anxiety, and he will wake up in the morning afraid that he will go back to school. She said both she and her son are now in therapy.

Its not about the money, Cornelius said about the lawsuit. Its about holding them accountable for what they did.

Cornelius believes that more laws need to be passed for the safety of students, including having cameras in every special needs classroom and requiring that teachers undergo a psychiatric evaluation during the hiring process. I think that until that, and until we start holding teachers accountable for their actions, then nothing is ever going to change, she said.

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Cornelius said she hopes that this lawsuit gets the children justice and shows Millsap ISD, as well as other schools, that they can not mess with their children.

Our kids may not be able to talk, but we sure can, Cornelius said.
A Russian Ural military truck was destroyed, allegedly killing "several occupiers" near occupied Melitopol overnight on June 12, the pro-Ukrainian Atesh partisan group claimed.

"(O)ur fighters set fire to an army Ural truck, and several occupiers on duty now remain in the fields of Zaporizhzhia forever," the Atesh group said in a post to Telegram.

On June 10, the Atesh partisan group claimed they destroyed a vehicle used by drone operators in the Russian 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade in occupied Melitopol.

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The group says the June 12 attack will mark the start of Russia's annual national holiday.

"A gift for Russia Day: Atesh agents carried out sabotage in the Melitopol region... Atesh agents conveyed 'congratulations' to the occupiers: one of our fighters set fire to an army Ural truck," the group said.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the group's claims.

The Atesh partisan group regularly conducts sabotage attacks in Russia and Ukraine's Russian-occupied territories.

Read also: Americas weak strongman

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Brief

A Condor flight that was headed from Switzerland to Greece made five stops, which included a layover, before ultimately landing back at its starting point.

The flight was supposed to last just three hours but instead took 32 hours.

During a layover in Thessaloniki, Greece, passengers allegedly had to foot the bill for their own hotel.

Flying can sometimes be stressful, but can you imagine being subjected to a 32-hour flight that was actually meant to last just three hours?

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A Condor flight headed for Heraklion, Crete, in Greece, spent 32 hours in the air before ultimately landing back at the airport from which it started its exhausting journey.

What happened?

Dig deeper

Flight DE1234 took off from Zurich, Switzerland, on May 24, and was headed for Greece. There were approximately 137 passengers and six crew members on board.

The flight departed about 30 minutes late, according to the New York Post , but other than the delay, the trip appeared to have no other issues, until it came time to land.

What they're saying

Condor airlines told People magazine that "strong winds" were the culprit that led to the long trip.

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The pilots attempted to land several times in Crete and even made pit stops, including a layover in Thessaloniki (the second-largest city in Greece), Athens, before ultimately returning to Zurich.

Passengers were allegedly only given water and during the layover in Thessaloniki, passengers were reportedly forced to foot the bill for their own accommodations, despite European aviation guidelines that say they are entitled to reimbursement, NYP said.

British Airways 9-hour flight to nowhere

Last June, a British Airways flight that was headed to Houston, Texas, from London, had crossed the entire Atlantic Ocean and was just on the coast of Newfoundland before it turned around and headed back to Heathrow Airport.

Passengers and crew had traveled over 4,833 miles at the end of the nine-hour ordeal  and still no closer to their desired destination.

The backstory

British Airways told FOX Business at the time that the reason they returned was due to a "minor technical issue."

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"The flight returned to London Heathrow as a precaution due to a minor technical issue," a spokesperson explained. "It landed safely and customers disembarked as normal."

"We've apologized to our customers for the disruption to their journey."

The Source

Information for this article was taken from reporting by the New York Post, People magazine and previous reporting from FOX News. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
The future of federal funding for public media is, for the first time in decades, facing a very real risk of being eliminated, after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass President Trumps rescission package, which pulls $1.1 billion in funding for PBS and NPR.

The House passed the package by the slimmest of margins, 214-212, after one Republican switched their vote. The rescission package now heads to the U.S. Senate, which can pass it with a simple majority (or 50 votes, with the Vice President breaking a tie). Republicans hold a 53 to 47 seat majority, and while some moderates like Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski have expressed concerns about the package, it may not be enough to stop it from passing.

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The Senate is expected to take it up in July, and Trump will of course sign it should it pass.

Republicans have been pursuing an end to federal funding of PBS and NPR for decades, going back to President Nixon. No Republican, not Nixon, not Reagan, nor either Bush, was ever successful in eliminating all funding. That may be about to change, with local PBS and NPR stations likely to feel the brunt of the pain.

At issue is what conservatives see as the left-leaning politics of public media, while advocates for the stations note that the vast majority of programming is produced locaally, serving audiences that may be underserved by commercial stations.

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By Leika Kihara

TOKYO (Reuters) -Bank of Japan officials are ramping up calls to keep pace with rapid developments around digital currencies that may accelerate a shift to cashless payments in a country better known for its belief that "cash is king."

Once seen as a society favouring physical currency, Japan saw the ratio of cashless payments rise to 42.8% in 2024, up from 13.2% in 2010 and hitting the government's 40% goal a year earlier than targeted, government data showed.

While Japan is a global laggard on payment technology, the increase in cashless transactions is forcing policymakers to ensure they are ready to adapt to shifting public preference on payment and settlement means.

This includes the option of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). While no decision has been made on whether to issue a digital yen, the BOJ began a pilot programme for developing a CBDC in 2023, and has been consulting with private firms and the government on its framework and design.

"Although banknote issuance remains high in Japan, usage of notes could fall significantly in the future amid rapid digitalisation," BOJ Executive Director Kazushige Kamiyama told a meeting last week with private firms on the pilot programme.

"As such, Japan must consider what steps it can take now to ensure its retail settlement system is convenient, efficient, accessible universally, while being safe and resilient."

BOJ Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida said a CBDC may become "a critical piece of infrastructure" shaping the future of Japan's payment and settlement systems, but stressed that he did not expect demand for cash to disappear in Japan any time soon.

In his speech on Saturday, Uchida spoke about a hypothetical world in which the yen is overtaken by another instrument - such as crypto assets - as the main form of payment in Japan.

Such a world would not occur as long as the public believes in the BOJ's ability to keep the value of the yen stable, which could come into question if the central bank fails to fulfil its mission of price stability, Uchida said.

"Looking to the future, in a society that has made significant advances in digitalization, there is no guarantee that currency issued by the central bank of a sovereign nation will continue to function as a generally acceptable payment instrument," he said.

CBDCs are back in the spotlight after U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order in January banning the Federal Reserve from issuing a digital dollar, seemingly as part of a drive to promote cryptocurrencies and stablecoins instead.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WTAJ)  A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to more than two decades in federal court after a drug trafficking and money laundering operation spanning from the Pittsburgh area to California.

Andrew Beatty, 41, of Crafton was sentenced to 23 years, followed by 5 years of supervised release by US District Judge Cathy Bissoon after an extensive investigation found Beatty was the leader of a large-scale Pittsburgh-area drug trafficking organization with associates in California assisting the operation.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, uncovered that Beatty and associates would coordinate shipments of heroin and cocaine hidden within vehicles that were then transported via commercial car carriers from California to Pennsylvania.

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In December of 2013 by DEA agents and the Ohio Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop of a car-carrier truck that housed a car that Beatty had shipped to the Mexican organization in California. After a search of that car, $130,000 was seized. According to the authorities, after that incident, Beatty would go on to use a Colombian broker to arrange the transport of money to the Mexican organization. What the associates were not aware of was that the broker was an undercover DEA agent. That agent would go on to receive almost $225,000 each time from Beatty or his associates.

Throughout early 2014, multiple searches occurred of cars as well as storage lockers of Beattys that found heroin, cocaine, money, and guns.

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Beatty was convicted on multiple counts of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and a kilogram or more of heroin and conspiracy to launder drug trafficking proceeds.

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(WHTM)  Four Pennsylvania men are facing charges in connection with the theft of over $80 million in U.S. Treasury checks.

The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced Wednesday charges against four men from the Philadelphia area: Tauheed Tucker, 23, and Saahir Irby, 27, both of Philadelphia; Cory Scott, 25, of Ardmore; and Alexander Telewoda, 25, of Clifton Heights.

The men are facing felony conspiracy to steal government funds, theft of government funds, and mail theft charges.

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According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Irby and Tucker were working as mail processing clerks for the U.S. Postal Service between June 2023 and Sept. 2024. They are accused of intercepting and swiping thousands of envelopes containing U.S. Treasury checks from mail sorting machines at the USPS Philadelphia processing center.

The men then allegedly sold them to Scott and Telewoda, who then resold the checks on Telegram. They were mailed to buyers across the country who attempted to cash them.

In total, $80 million in checks were allegedly stolen, $11 million of which were cashed.

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If convicted, Irby faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison and the remaining men face up to 20 years.

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PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Two Pennsylvania men were convicted at trial on federal charges in connection with the armed carjacking of a FedEx truck, authorities said Wednesday.

Ronald Byrd, 37, and Saikeen Dixon, 32, both of Philadelphia, were convicted Wednesday of carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the men had been charged in connection with the August 10, 2022 carjacking of a FedEx Express truck at Temple Hospital in Philadelphia.

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Authorities said a package had been sent from California to a supposed medical company with an address at Temple Hospital.

A former FedEx employee contacted the driver asking for the package and offering $5,000 for it. The driver refused and called his supervisors, who arrived later and took the package with them.

A black Jeep was later seen following the truck, pulling in front at a red light as Byrd exited and aimed a firearm at the driver. Byrd was then accused of taking the FedEx truck, driving over the Grays Ferry Bridge with Dixon following being in the Jeep.

The package, still with FedEx, alerted a trained narcotics K9 and a search warrant and subsequent search located nine kilograms of cocaine.

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The men will be sentenced on Sept. 29.

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(WHTM)  The Pennsylvania National Guard will have a presence at, but not in, the U.S. Armys 250th Anniversary Parade on June 14, officials told abc27 News.

A Pennsylvania National Guard spokesperson said no Pennsylvania National Guard equipment or personnel are expected to participate.

However, we are sending around 250 Soldiers to D.C. to support the D.C. National Guards traffic and crowd management mission, similar to the support we typically provide during presidential inaugurations, the spokesperson said.

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The parade will bring more than 150 armored vehicles, tanks, and more than 6,000 soldiers to the nations capital.

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It will begin at 6:30 p.m. on June 14.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the military to take steps to encourage troops to consider being part of the agencies that handle immigration enforcement and border security though a new policy unveiled Thursday.

In a memo made public Thursday, Hegseth ordered the Pentagon to "prioritize and broadly advertise" opportunities troops who are nearing separation or retirement from the military have with either Customs and Border Protection or Immigration and Customs Enforcement as part of its SkillBridge program.

SkillBridge is a program that is intended to allow troops to take part in real-world job experience while in their final 180 days of military service. The idea behind the program is that it enables a smoother transition to civilian life and allows troops to be more competitive in their chosen industries or fields.

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Read Next: Army Officials Pushed Back on Pop-Up MAGA Shop Ahead of Fort Bragg Trump Speech

"Recognizing the importance of leveraging talent and furthering our commitment to work with DHS [Department of Homeland Security], the department is expanding opportunities for transitioning service members to support southern border activities," Hegseth wrote in his memo, which was signed two weeks ago.

While troops have long had access to SkillBridge opportunities with CBP and ICE, the new policy would give those agencies greater emphasis, and commanders are encouraged to approve requests to work with either agency "to the maximum extent possible."

SkillBridge is a training program with no explicit promise of a job after a service member gets out of the military, but there is also a broad understanding that it is meant to act as a gateway to a position with the chosen company or agency.

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A defense official told Military.com on Thursday that the current training opportunities with DHS include jobs like paralegal, program management and intelligence research specialists. The official added that none of the training opportunities includes law enforcement at this time.

Top Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell called the move "an exceptional opportunity to ensure the best of America can continue to serve and defend their country."

The move is just the latest push that Hegseth has made to enable the military to more closely support the Trump administration's growing emphasis on security on the southern border and deportations of people they claim to be in the country illegally.

Nearly two weeks ago, Parnell also announced that Hegseth signed a memo that allowed Pentagon civilians to be detailed to the Department of Homeland Security -- the agency that oversees both CBP and ICE -- to better support "border security efforts, as well as interior immigration enforcement."

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The defense official said that, while the civilian effort is still being worked out with DHS, the military branches can begin prioritizing troops taking advantage of SkillBridge immediately.

The memos are now two moves the Trump administration has made to more closely integrate the military with law enforcement as a way to expedite the widespread removal of immigrants on American soil, a move deemed alarming by legal and military experts.

Mark Nevitt, an associate professor at Emory University School of Law, said it was "odd" that Hegseth would put this memo out and that it raises a multitude of questions as it relates to integrating the military with immigration enforcement.

"What capacity are they working through SkillBridge?" Nevitt said to Military.com in an interview Thursday. "Hopefully, there's some sort of deep, deep, deep thought being put into that. And if the military member is still on an active-duty status, you would hope that they're very limited in what they're doing with SkillBridge other than more observing."

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The announced deployments of the National Guard and Marines to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents amid protests in Los Angeles this week mark another mixture of those two agencies. Active-duty military forces are not allowed to conduct law enforcement activities under the Posse Comitatus Act, but the Trump administration has worked to push those legal boundaries.

Although Guardsmen in Los Angeles have been pictured doing traditional law enforcement-related tasks, like carrying riot shields and securing perimeters behind police tape, U.S. Northern Command has claimed on social media that troops "are not conducting civilian law enforcement activities."

Nevitt said another recent trend is that National Guard units, such as those in Texas and Florida, have partnered under "287g" Immigration and Customs Enforcement agreements, which allow them to perform certain immigration officer-type actions while under state orders.

"SkillBridge is part of this larger integration, and there's just a strong, strong desire in this administration to use every tool at their disposal to enforce immigration law," Nevitt said.

Related: Hegseth Suggests LA-Style Troop Deployments Could Happen Anywhere in US 'if Necessary'
Residents who recently attended a Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) meeting have one unified message for DTE Energy: enough with the rate hikes.

"People are fed up," Donavan McKinney, a Michigan state representative, shared with WXYZ Detroit. They cannot afford more rate increases. People are struggling as is.

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Residents have expressed frustration over years of electricity rate hikes and are pushing back on DTE's newest request: a 2026 rate increase thats expected to produce $574 million in revenue.

If approved, the rate increase would be the fourth major hike in five years. The Detroit Free Press estimates the rake hike would increase consumer bills by $13.50 per month.

Residents denounce never-ending rate increases

At the meeting, community members voiced their frustration directly to the MPSC, questioning why rates continue to rise year after year while DTE Energys executives receive large salaries and bonuses.

If you're saying you need the increase for infrastructure and systems, why are your board members taking home so much profit annually? one resident asked.

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The most recent increase took effect in January 2025, generating $217 million in additional revenue for DTE. Residents say its just the latest in a decade-long pattern of steady increases.

Commission representatives explained that part of their job is to determine what constitutes a "reasonable profit" for utility shareholders. The current authorized return on equity for DTE stands at 9.9%, while the total return ranges from 5% to 6%.

When WXYZ reporter Meghan Daniels asked whether those numbers could be reduced in light of the financial strain on families, a commission spokesperson said DTE is trying to balance consumer impact with the utility company's needs.

"The requirement we have under court precedent is we need to balance the interest of customers with the interest of the utility being able to access the capital that they need to reinvest in their business," the representative said.

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Still, many residents werent satisfied.

"These rate increases are really choking our people," Roslyn Ogburn, a partnership coordinator for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, shared with the Detroit Free Press. "We're telling the Michigan Public Service Commission to stop the rate increase and come up with better solutions. Do not put another burden on the back of the people."

DTE has defended its performance in a statement published by WXYZ Detroit. The company claims that strategic grid investments led to a 70% improvement in power reliability from 2023 to 2024. The company also says its working to provide cleaner and more reliable energy while keeping bills below the national average.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan works every single time to kill debt, get rich in America  and that anyone can do it

What options do residents have?

For many in the Detroit area, DTE is the default  and often only  electricity utility provider. Michigan operates under a regulated monopoly model, meaning most residents have limited or no ability to switch providers for standard electricity service. While the state does have an Electric Customer Choice program, its capped and currently unavailable to most residential customers due to capacity limits.

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That leaves residents with two broad paths: managing rising energy costs or pushing for change. If you find yourself in a similar situation and switching providers in not an option, here are some ways to manage rising energy costs:

Reduce usage where possible: Switch to LED light bulbs, seal your windows and doors, and unplug unused electronics. It also helps to reduce your AC and heating usage when possible.

Invest in efficient renewable energy: While the upfront cost can be high, solar panels, smart thermostats and efficient appliances can help lower long-term energy costs. Check for rebates or local assistance programs.

Restructure your budget: If your energy bill has become a larger monthly expense, rebalancing your budget might be necessary. Look for ways to cut unnecessary spending.

Apply for assistance: DTE offers payment assistance and flexible plans for qualifying customers. If you live in Michigan, you can apply for help through programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or the Michigan Energy Assistance Program.

Make your voice heard: Michigan residents can file formal complaints through the MPSC, but Americans living in another state can attend public meetings or contact their state representatives.

Whether change comes through new regulation, public pressure or alternative energy investments, many Michiganders say the current path is unsustainable.

"[Residents] cannot take another rate increase," said McKinney. It will literally bankrupt a lot of these families. They're already playing catch-up.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
When Donald Trump promised on the campaign trail to unleash the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history, he said his second administration would start by going after people with criminal records.

But now, disappointed with the pace of arrests, the Trump administration is casting a wider net by targeting anyone deportable.

Raids in California have taken place at courthouses, during scheduled check-ins with immigration authorities, at clothing factories, Home Depots, car washes, farms and outside churches. But officials say the state is hardly being singled out. Raids are coming for other sanctuary jurisdictions too, said Tom Homan, President Trumps chief advisor on border policy.

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"This operation is not going to end," he told The Times.

Read more: All of L.A. is not a war zone. We separate facts from spin and disinformation amid immigration raids

Across the country, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is stepping up new strategies and tearing down precedent to meet the White Houses demands. Homan acknowledged the pace of deportations had not met expectations and that while the administration still prioritizes removing those who threaten public safety and national security, anyone in the country illegally is fair game.

"I'm not happy with the numbers," he said. "We need to find these people."

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Arrests are being made in places previously considered off limits, and the administration earlier this year rescinded a policy that prohibited enforcement actions in hospitals, schools or houses of worship. Agents who typically focus on drug and human trafficking are seeing their duties shifted to immigration enforcement.

The government is also now appealing to the public to help find and deport people in the country without authorization. The Department of Homeland Security, ICEs parent agency, released a poster on social media this week that depicts Uncle Sam urging people to call a hotline to report all foreign invaders.

And in Los Angeles, the National Guard and U.S. Marines were mobilized without the consent of state and local leaders  a tactic that Trump administration officials said could be repeated elsewhere. Trump claimed the deployments have been effective  "Los Angeles would be a crime scene like we havent seen in years, Trump said Thursday  but local leaders have said the protests against ICE raids had not gotten out of control and that Trump's actions only inflamed tensions.

As protests reached their seventh day in Los Angeles, isolated incidents of violence lessened, though some tensions remained. Even so, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller wrote Wednesday on X that America voted for mass deportations. Violent insurrectionists, and the politicians who enable them, are trying to overthrow the results of the election.

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California Democrats say the enforcement actions are about retribution against the state for its policies that protect immigrant residents, as well as an attempt to distract the public from congressional Republicans attempts to pass the presidents tax-and-spending bill, which would add more than $150 billion for immigration and border enforcement. They say the president is testing the bounds of his authority and wants protests to spiral so that he can crack down further by invoking the Insurrection Act to establish martial law.

Invoking the Insurrection Act would allow military troops to arrest civilians.

This is about if it bleeds, it leads, said Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles). So he has created and manufactured violence so that he can have a show on the television. But other people  older people, folks who are disabled, young people  are going to be bleeding when Medicaid gets cut, when people are evicted from their homes.

While public attention has focused on the arrests of employees, the administration says it's also looking at employers who hire workers in the country illegally.

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"Its not just about arresting illegal aliens, its about holding employers responsible too  but theres a burden of proof," Homan said. "If we can prove it, then well take action."

Read more: Death threats, vandalism, investigations: L.A. immigrant rights groups in the fight of their lives

One former Homeland Security official in the Biden administration said immigration laws could be enforced without escalating public tension. Why aren't they doing [more] I-9 audits instead of just going after people? said the former official, Deborah Fleischaker, of forms used to verify an employees identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. There are ways to do this in ways that are less disruptive and calmer. They are choosing the more aggressive way.

In many ways, the current immigration crackdown reflects exactly what Trump said during the presidential campaign, when he declared that millions of people would be deported.

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The new expansive approach appears to be a response to a late May meeting, first reported by the Washington Examiner , in which Miller lambasted dozens of senior ICE officials, asking them: Why arent you at Home Depot? Why arent you at 7-Eleven?

Well, now theyre all of a sudden at Home Depots, Fleischaker said.

Homan said the agency has recently arrested around 2,000 people a day, up from a daily average of 657 arrests reported by the agency during Trump's first 100 days back in office. The increase is reflected in rising detention numbers, which have topped 50,000 for the first time since Trump's first presidency, according to TRAC, a nonpartisan data research organization.

Asked about complaints of overcrowding and substandard conditions in detention facilities, Homan acknowledged some facilities are overcrowded during intake. Some of the immigrants detained in California since Friday have been transferred to other states, he said.

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California has been pretty stringent and they want to shut down immigration detention, he said. It doesnt mean were releasing these people. The less detention space we have in California, the more action they take in not helping us with detention beds, then well just simply move them out of state.

The work of immigration agents  sometimes hours of surveillance for a single person  can be slow. Jason Houser, who was ICEs chief of staff under the Biden administration, said law enforcement agents, when given quotas, will always find the easiest way to fulfill them.

Miller, he said, knows ICE doesnt have enough resources or staff to get them to a million removals" by the end of the year.

Houser said thats where the military troops come in. Homeland Security officials said military personnel already have the authority to temporarily detain anyone who attacks an immigration agent until law enforcement can arrest them. Houser predicted that soldiers could soon begin handling arrests.

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Critics of the administrations tactics, including former Homeland Security officials, said the White Houses strategy boils down to frightening immigrants into leaving on their own. It costs a few hundred dollars a day to detain an immigrant; deportation can cost thousands, and some countries are reticent to accept the return of their citizens.

They arrest one, they scare 10, said one former senior ICE official. Thats a win.

Read more: Tensions over L.A. immigration sweeps boil over as Padilla is tackled, ICE arrests pick up

The former official, who asked not to be named in order to speak freely, said thats an about-face from the Biden administration, during which agents answered to lawyers and precedent.

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Everything was vetted and vetted  to the detriment in some ways of the agency, the former official said. But to see them just doing whatever they want when they want, it's a little stunning and its like, look at all the things we couldve done if we had that attitude. But they seem to have so little regard for consequences, lawsuits, media, public opinion  they have no constraints.

Homan said protests in Los Angeles have made enforcement actions more dangerous but have not prevented agents from making as many arrests as planned.

If the protesters think theyre going to stop us from doing our job, its not true, he said. Were going to probably increase operations in sanctuary cities, because we have to.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Hardly any Republicans in the Senate want to be caught dead at President Trumps big boy parade this weekend.

The two most powerful Republicans in Congress  House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD)  are not going to come. Johnsons office claims he has other plans, Thunes office says hes engaged with constituents back home on Saturday. Reporters from HuffPost, Politico, the Wall Street Journal and others all tried to pin a handful of Republicans down on this issue in pieces published this week. Many said they werent coming, offering shrugs of excuses for their absence. Most refused to even touch questions surrounding the price tag on the whole spectacle: $45 million in taxpayer funds for Trump to roll out a bunch of military tanks and show off Americas lavishly unmatched spending on weaponry, all in honor of Trumps 79th birthday (and the 250th anniversary of the Army).

It, of course, all comes on a week of growing public pushback, not just to Trumps mass deportation agenda but to his use of the military as a prop, escalating mostly peaceful protests and infringing on the power of politicians who lead cities he doesnt like. Bookending the week of overreach on state sovereignty with a garish military parade  which will involve rolling out 150 military vehicles and more than 50 aircraft into the streets of the capital  has at least one Republican comparing it to a scene out of North Korea.

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Most of the Republicans who spoke to the media about their planned absence suggested they had other plans, or indicated that their decision to not RSVP had nothing to do with the outlandish cost of the event designed specifically for Trumps ego.

I dont like spending on anything, but if youre going to splurge on something, this is probably not a bad thing, Johnson told WSJ this week, while avoiding questions about what hes doing on Saturday instead.

Ironically, Johnson is the Republican in the Senate most vocally opposed to the sweeping reconciliation package thatll fund much of Trumps fiscal agenda if it passes the upper chamber in coming weeks  primarily due to his belief that it doesnt do enough to cut federal spending on social safety net programs like Medicaid, which are, as I get into below, already on the chopping block.

For those observing at home for at least the past two decades, austerity matters most, to this group of politicians, when a Democrat is in the White House. And it matters the least when the wannabe dictator head of the Republican Party decides to throw himself a multi-million dollar bday bash.

Republicans Obfuscation On Their Medicaid Ravaging Maybe Didnt Work

As they have for decades, Republicans in recent months have attempted to spin their devastating proposed cuts to Medicaid and supplemental nutrition programs like SNAP as necessary reforms to cut out the amorphous waste, fraud and abuse supposedly baked in to these programs. Theyve also championed the implementation of so-called common sense work requirements in order to be eligible for the coverage (which conveniently ignores the fact that a significant number of those on Medicaid are either people with disabilities or children).

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This spin is, of course, spin, as TPM has reported, and all the changes listed as provisions in the Houses reconciliation package will result in some 16 million Americans losing their health care. By other estimates (from researchers at Yale University and University of Pennsylvania) 51,000 people may die annually as a direct result of proposed cuts to the program.

Its real and devastating stuff.

Republicans have historically, famously spun their efforts to gut social safety net programs under the same guise of reforms that House Republicans are using now. They promise to never touch Medicare or Social Security, while salivating for the very types of reforms to the social safety net that may soon become law, that are stuffed into the Houses latest reconciliation package. In one of his last truly eloquent moments as president, Biden was able to back Republicans into a corner during his 2023 State of the Union address, and got the Republican conference to agree, on live TV, to drop their at-the-time-latest effort to sunset Medicare and Social Security every five years.

New polling from Quinnipiac University today shows that Republican efforts to obscure what exactly it is theyre doing to Medicaid may not have been as successful as it has been in the past  or perhaps the opposition partys telegraphing of the horrors to voters actually broke through this time. Per Quinnipiac:

As the Senate debates the GOP tax and spending bill titled One Big Beautiful Bill Act and President Donald Trump pushes for a July 4 deadline to sign it, voters 53  27 percent oppose the legislation, with 20 percent not offering an opinion, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll of registered voters released today.

Elon Has Regret At 3:04 AM

I mean, who among us doesnt do a little self deprecative soul searching at such an hour.

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According to some reports, Trump and the worlds richest man actually spoke on the phone late on Monday night after their messy, public breakup last week. Musk posted the tweet early Wednesday.

I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 11, 2025

AOC Articulates The Asymmetry

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) on Tuesday night succinctly articulated the longstanding punditry norms that have Democrats policing the largely organic Los Angeles protests: It is 100% carrying water for the opposition to participate in this collective delusion that Dems for some reason need to answer for every teen who throws a rock rather than hold the Trump admin accountable for intentionally creating chaos and breaking the law to stoke violence.

One of the most dependable formulations in political commentary is that Democrats are responsible for everyone vaguely, even just aesthetically, associated with the left, while Republican politicians can directly fraternize with neo-Nazis and still claim ideological distance.

 Kate Riga

In Case You Missed It

How Some Very Bad Luck Has Made It Even Harder To Rein In Trump

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Passing Big Beautiful Bill Would Mean Effectively Dismantling Obamacare, Gutting Inflation Reduction Act

New episode of the Josh Marshall Podcast: Ep. 377: Protest Politics

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A photo has been released of a person of interest in a shooting that killed a man at a convenience store in Orange Mound last week.

On June 2, officers say they responded to a shooting call at Save-A-Stop 1 on 1461 Pendleton Street, where a man was found on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Second arrest made in Hickory Hill gas station shooting

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Investigators say video footage showed the man was involved in a verbal argument with a man, later identified as Ray Ray, before the shooting. They say the video captured Ray Ray going around to the south side of the store, which was out of camera view.

The victim is then seen walking around the corner of the store with an unidentified woman wearing a green shirt and black pants, also walking the same way as Ray Ray.

After the shooting, police say Ray Ray was seen getting into a white, 4-door Chrysler 300 with a black hood, and leaving the scene going westbound on Deadrick Avenue.

The unidentified woman was seen running northbound on Pendleton Street.

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No arrests have been made at this time. But this is still an ongoing investigation.

If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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LIMA (Reuters) -Peru is weighing sending what it considers highly dangerous foreign inmates to prisons in El Salvador, the prime minister said on Thursday, potentially following in the footsteps of the U.S.' deportations of migrants to the Central American nation.

Peruvian Prime Minister Eduardo Arana did not immediately detail what such an agreement with El Salvador would look like, but the U.S. has paid El Salvador to imprison Venezuelan migrants it alleges are gang members.

"The government is evaluating bilateral cooperation mechanisms for the transfer of highly dangerous foreign inmates to their countries of origin, including specialized centers such as the CECOT in El Salvador," Arana told Congress.

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He did not clarify whether Peru would only send Salvadoran prisoners to the nation or whether other foreign inmates could be sent as well. The prime minister's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The CECOT is El Salvador's notorious maximum-security prison known for its harsh conditions, which have drawn sharp outcry from human rights groups.

Arana added that the Andean nation was seeking development bank financing to build more prisons of its own as it deals with overcrowding and a recent crime wave.

Peru has declared states of emergency in regions across the country in recent months, including in capital Lima, to tackle crime. In May, illegal miners kidnapped and killed 13 mine workers in Peru's northern district of Pataz.

(Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Brendan O'Boyle)
(Reuters) - JP Morgan downplayed geopolitical concerns on Thursday and maintained its base case forecast for oil prices to stay in the low-to-mid $60s through 2025 and $60 in 2026, but said certain worst-case scenarios could send prices surging to double those levels.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the United States was moving personnel out of the Middle East because it "could be a dangerous place". He also said the U.S. would not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. Iran has said its nuclear activity is peaceful.

Increased tension with Iran has raised the prospect of disruption to oil supplies, with both sides set to meet on Sunday.

The geopolitical risk premium is already at least partially reflected in current oil prices, which are just under $70, trading about $4 higher than their estimated fair value of $66 for June, JP Morgan said in a Thursday note.

However, the analysts drew attention to certain worst-case scenarios, where the impact on supply could potentially extend beyond a 2.1 million barrels per day reduction in Iranian oil exports. Attention is focused on the risk that a broader Middle East conflict could close the Strait of Hormuz, or provoke retaliatory responses from major oil producing countries in the region.

"Under this severe outcome, we estimate oil prices could surge to the $120-130/bbl range," they said.

Brent crude futures were trading near $68.76 per barrel on Thursday, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were at $67.14 per barrel. [O/R]

If nuclear negotiations fail and conflict arises with the United States, Iran will strike American bases in the region, Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said on Wednesday, days ahead of a planned sixth round of Iran-U.S. nuclear talks.

The U.N. nuclear watchdog's board of governors declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations on Thursday and Tehran announced counter-measures, as tensions rose in the Middle East.

(Reporting by Anushree Mukherjee and Kavya Balaraman in Bengaluru; editing by Barbara Lewis and Susan Fenton)
Times photographer Luke Johnson captured the moment when authorities tackled and handcuffed Sen. Alex Padilla on Thursday when he interrupted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems news conference in Los Angeles.

Johnson's images document many of the key moments of an encounter that has sparked controversy amid President Trumps immigration crackdown.

Padilla attempts to speak

The senator was standing near a wall on one side of the room, then tried to interrupt Noem to ask a question.

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Im Senator Alex Padilla, he said, as one agent grabbed his jacket and shoved him backward on the chest and arm. I have questions for the secretary, because the fact of the matter is that half a dozen violent criminals that youre rotating on your  on your ...

Hands off! Padilla said, as three agents pushed him into a separate room.

Senator Alex Padilla

Agent grabs him

California Democratic Senator Alex Padilla attempts to get access to a press conference

California Democratic Senator Alex Padilla attempts to get access to a press conference

Senator Alex Padilla

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Padilla is taken down

Videos from the press conference show agents forcing Padilla to his knees and handcuffing him.

Padilla speaks out

The senator later held a press conference to describe what happened.

I was forced to the ground, and I was handcuffed, Padilla said. I was not arrested. I was not detained.

If this is how the Trump administration treats a senator with a question, Padilla said, with tears in his eyes, I can only imagine what theyre doing to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community.

Alex Padilla

Alex Padilla speaks during a press conference at the Federal Building on Wilshire Boulevard.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Central Texas was hit with storms overnight into the early morning hours Thursday. A tornado also briefly touched down in Hays County.

The Hays County Sheriffs Office said there were no injuries after the tornado and only minor damage to homes, with no serious damage reported.

HCSO did not provide an estimate on how many homes were minimally damaged.

Damage in the Summer Mountain Ranch area near Wimberley (KXAN viewer photo) Damaged fence following tornado in Hays County (KXAN photo/Todd Bailey) Water gathered in roadway after storm (KXAN photo/Christian Rodriguez-Panesso) Debris from a fallen trash can litter the ground after tornado moved through Hays County (KXAN photo/Todd Bailey) Fallen tree on Cascade Trail (KXAN photo/Todd Baily) (KXAN photo/Todd Baily) Damage in the Summer Mountain Ranch area near Wimberley (KXAN viewer photo) Damage in the Summer Mountain Ranch area near Wimberley (KXAN viewer photo)

KXAN Meteorologist Kristen Currie said nearly four inches of rain fell in parts of Hays County overnight.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Waikiki Beach in the 21st century is full of high-rise hotels, restaurants, surf lessons and packed beaches mostly filled with tourism visitors. But 70 to 80 years ago, the entire area of Waikiki looked very different.

Thanks to a project by the Hawaii State Archives, we now have a closer look at what Waikiki was like in the 1940s and early 1950s. And what we see is a place that began to grow very quickly.

Locals played volleyball, made history: New historical marker honors Waikikis history

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Thousands of historical photos are now online that show everything from beachgoers and buildings to boats and parades.

These images help tell the story of a place that has changed over time but still holds the same name and ocean breeze.

10 things you shouldnt do while visiting Hawaii

While most of these photos are from the states archives, we leaned on Getty Images to give us some of the 1950s photos as a means of showing the growth Waikiki experienced in tourism after World War II.

Top 10 places for camping adventures in Hawaii

Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu with Leahi (a.k.a. Diamond Head) in the background, circa 1949. (Photo/George Bacon via Hawaii State Archives) Moana Hotel Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu between 1948-1954. (Photo/George Bacon via Hawaii State Archives) Aerial view of Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu between 1948-1954. (Photo/George Bacon via Hawaii State Archives) Aerial view of Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu between 1947-1954.(Photo/George Bacon via Hawaii State Archives) Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu with Moana Hotel in the background, circa 1946. (Photo/George Bacon via Hawaii State Archives) Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu with Leahi (a.k.a. Diamond Head) in the background, circa 1949. (Photo/George Bacon via Hawaii State Archives) Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu, circa 1949. (Photo/George Bacon via Hawaii State Archives)

The images show familiar places, but they look quieter and simpler than what many people expect. Some show wide stretches of beach with few people while others demonstrate the amount of beach erosion Waikiki has experienced over the last century. Meanwhile, other photos show landmarks before major development began.

Shoppers outside the International Market Place, where wares from across the Pacific Islands are on sale, in the Waikiki district of Honolulu, on the south shore of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1955. (Photo by Werner Stoy/Camera Hawaii/FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images) A view along Waikiki Beach showing (l-r) the Outrigger Canoe Club (with the Princess Kaiulani hotel behind), the Moana Hotel, and a section of the Surfrider Hotel, Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1952. (Photo by Werner Stoy/Camera Hawaii/FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images) Buildings, including the Foster Tower Hotel, are illuminated with the silhouette of Diamond Head in the background, and Waikiki Beach to the right of the frame, and the Ala Moana Center shopping mall in the foreground, in the Waikiki neighbourhood of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, circa 1955. (Photo by John Titchen/Three Lions/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) A man pushes a woman out to sea on a surf board, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, circa 1955. (Photo by Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images) US Servicemen and their families relax on the stretch of land beside Waikiki Beach, land owned by United States military reservation Fort DeRussy, in the Waikiki neighbourhood of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1955. (Photo by John Titchen/Three Lions/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Sailors mill outside of Waikiki theater block on quiet street with parked cars and palm trees, in Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1950s. (Photo/Getty Images) Two sailors walk in uniform on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahuy, circa 1950s with Leahi (a.k.a. Diamond Head in background. (Photo/Getty Images) Men in bathing suits walk near surf with buildings lining Waikiki Beach. in Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1950s. (Photo/Getty Images) Men in bathing suits walk near surf with buildings lining Waikiki Beach. in Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1950s. (Photo/Getty Images) Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach, a club and hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1930-1960. (Photo by Adrian Ace Williams/Archive Photos/Getty Images) (Original Caption) Soldiers Help Celebrate Hawaiis Flag Day Festivities. Waikiki, Hawaii.: The hope of reaching statehood some day was the fundamental thought in Hawaiis flag day festivities. At Waikiki anti aircraft artillery man Winkler and Naval Air station man Nash conduct a private parade of their own with Emmaline Correa, left and Lolita Kahele. The girls are garbed in typical Hawaiian mode. (Original Caption) Stage and screen star Henry Fonda seems to have the knack as he tries a surfboard at Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1955. The well-known performer is filming Mister Roberts which he did on the Broadway stage. (Photo/Getty Images) Sunbathers and holidaymakers, a group stand around an outrigger boat, on the shore of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii, with the volcanic cone Diamond Head in the background, in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, circa 1955. (Photo by Three Lions/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) View over the heads of the audience towards the stage with a hula show in progress at the Waikiki Shell, an outdoor concert venue, in Kapiolani Park, in the Waikiki district of Honolulu, on the south shore of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, Honolulu, Hawaii, circa 1957. The amphitheaters seashell design was designed by American architect Lewis P Hobart. (Photo by FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

This digitization project has one of several happening as the states archives have been growing and stretching their reach under the direction of Dr. Adam Jansen.

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You can click here to see more of the State Archives have to offer.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

The State Archives is also working on a large Hawaiian music collection with more than 20,000 pieces, including some of the rarest ukulele in the world.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
CHICAGO (WGN)  When we think of friendly, loveable dogs, pit bulls rarely make the list. Thats why Jeff Jenkins of Canines 4 Kindness decided to make his rescue pit bulls the main event.

For over 10 years, Jenkins has been bringing a set of pit bull sisters to Chicago Public Schools.

I had a kid one time say, I know what kind of dogs those are and Ive never seen a nice one,' Jenkins recalled.

Norte Dame students legacy lives on in graduation journey of Chicagos youth

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One student at George Leland Elementary school echoed that statement.

With certain types of dogs, I get scared because of the way they act and stuff, student Demi Prince said. [I] never saw a nice one until I met yours.

Thats exactly why Jeff does what he does.

My name is Jeff and this is my program Canines 4 Kindness. As you can see, I brought a couple of canines with me, Jenkins announced to a room full of studnets.

Immediately these kids have a reaction. Now some kids are excited, some are taken aback and scared, Jenkins told WGN-TV. There are great lessons to be learned about tolerance and not judging a book by its cover.

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George Leland Elementary School Principal Alesia Franklin-Allen said students can learn a lot from Jenkins program.

Friends join together to fix up long-abandoned family fun spot in the suburbs

Were just so excited to bring the program to our school to teach them about kindness and how to love and care for animals as well, Franklin-Allen said.

Pit bull sisters Ricki and Bobbi were rescued from a Chicago shelter that, like so many, are packed with pit bulls. Jenkins hopes to change that by instilling an important lesson early.

When they see my dogs jumping through hoops, give them a treat at the end, all of a sudden my message resonates, Jenkins said.

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Hes lost count of all the CPS Schools hes brought Ricki and Bobbi to; he just knows the two dogs are changing hearts.

Sisters create plant shop to honor brother, grow hope and healing

Whether you have two legs or four, if youre treated with kindness youre more than likely to respond with kindness, Jenkins said.

First in line to pet the dogs was a girl who had a hard time even looking at them when she first walked in.

You cant judge a book by its cover. Whether its a two-legged book or a four-legged book, we all got a story to tell, Jenkins said.

More information on Canines 4 Kindness can be found here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  A Transair aircraft experienced a landing gear collapse while landing at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Wednesday morning, according to state transportation officials.

Traffic closures planned for King Kamehameha Day Parade

The incident occurred around 9 a.m. when the Short SD3-60 aircraft landed on Runway 4R with five people on board.

No injuries were reported.

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In a statement from the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting crews responded to the scene. The aircraft was removed from the runway around 1 p.m., with the runway reopening just after 1:45 p.m. following cleanup and inspection.

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The runway did not sustain any damage.

Flights have been redirected to Runway 8L, and there are no disruptions to airport operations.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Originally appeared on E! Online

A devastating crash has occurred in India.

A passenger plane from Air India carrying 242 people onboard crashed just minutes after takeoff on June 12 in the western city of Ahmedabad, according to NBC News, citing the airline and Indian government.

The plane bound for Londons Gatwick airport carried 230 passengers and 12 crew members, a spokesperson confirmed to NBC News. Among the passengers were 160 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national and seven Portuguese nationals, Air India shared in a statement on X, confirming the airline was cooperating fully with authorities and that injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.

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The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed in a civilian area, per Reuters, with a senior police officer telling reporters, The building on which it has crashed is a doctors' hostel... we have cleared almost 70 percent to 80 percent of the area and will clear the rest soon.

There have been no confirmed casualty figures at the time of publishing.

More from E! Online

According to NBC News, citing Flightradar24, the aircrafts signal was lost just seconds after takeoff. Following the tragedy, Boeing shared in a statement, We are aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information."

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Footage shared to social media and verified by NBC News showed plumes of black smoke heading skyward from a civilian location near the airport. Additional photos of the crash site shared to X by the Indian Governments Central Industrial Security Force showed the planes tail protruding from a building as well as aid workers, fire fighters and other individuals gathered around blackened wreckage.

Nandan Dave/Anadolu via Getty Images

In the wake of the accident, a number of Indian officials shared their devastation, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us, he wrote on X. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.

Indias Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu likewise shared he was shocked and devastated, confirming he was personally monitoring the situation and that rescue teams had been mobilized, ensuring medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.

SAM PANTHAKY/AFP via Getty Images

The Tata Group, which acquired Air India in 2022, also confirmed its dedication to relief work.

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At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families, it wrote on X. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted.

(E! News and NBC News are both part of NBCUniversal.)

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
MCARTHUR, Ohio (WCMH)  An explosives plant at the center of a chemical leak on Wednesday was previously fined for numerous Clean Water Act violations and was the site of a deadly explosion in 2009, according to federal records.

The Austin Powder plant was fined $2.3 million in 2022 for a violation of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, a part of the Clean Water Act that requires permits for anybody who discharges pollutants into water of the United States.

Between 2013 and 2022, the company had allegedly discharged hundreds of pollutants in violation of the effluent limitations stated in its permits, and didnt comply with an earlier EPA Administrative Order on Consent to resolve the concerns.

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More than 400,000 Ohioans see drivers license suspensions lifted under new law

The company agreed to implement upgrades to the facilitys wastewater treatment operations.

This settlement will prevent tens of thousands of pounds of pollutants from entering Ohio streams and rivers each year, an EPA official said in a 2022 news release announcing the settlement.

Back in 2009, the plant was the site of an explosion that left one person dead and at least two others injured, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Three employees at the plant had to be flown to a hospital. One employee had burns over 90% of her body and had to have her left leg amputated. Records show the plant was cited for five serious violations, resulting in a $22,750 fine.

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In 2023, the plant was fined $5,000 for failing to immediately notify authorities of 2,312 pounds of sulfuric acid.

The plant was also fined $12,640 for not reporting a February 2017 release of 1,817 pounds of nitric acid and 1,335 pounds of sulfuric acid  both over the reportable threshold of 1,000 pounds, according to EPA records.

In 2007, the plant was fined for violating the Toxic Substances Control Act, which requires companies that manufacture, process or distribute certain chemicals to report information on their activities.

Multiple teenagers allegedly open fire at police officers near south Columbus park

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In 2015, there were two workplace accidents, according to OSHA. One resulted in an employee suffering a partial finger amputation while cleaning a machine drive belt and another involved an employee who was hit in the eye with a pressurized line. That employee was wearing safety glasses.

And last year, the plant was cited for a serious violation by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

On or about June 5, 2024, periodic inspections of the energy control procedures for equipment, such as but not limited to the bucket elevator at the mixing plant, was not performed at least annually to ensure the procedures and requirements of the standard were being followed when employees were required to perform service and maintenance activities, according to OSHA.

In Wednesdays chemical leak, 3,000 gallons of chemicals were released out of a 5,000 gallon tank, according to a spokesperson with the Jackson County Emergency Management Agency.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44)  The Plattsburgh man who previously pleaded guilty to murdering two New York women, a mother and daughter, will face over 50 years imprisonment.

ABC22/FOX44s Matt Lawfer was in the courtroom for the sentencing of James Hewett, who reportedly did not talk throughout the proceedings.

Hewett was initially charged back in December. Police investigating a fire at the Abenaki Mobile Home Park found the remains of daughter Miranda Wade, 42, and mother Karen Lindsay, 64. Authorities confirmed that Hewett had killed them, dismembered them with a chainsaw, placed their remains in garbage bags and set their home on fire to hide evidence.

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Hewett previously plead guilty to two second degree murder charges, one arson charge and two concealment of a corpse charges in March. As of June 12, he will face 25 years to life for each murder, in two consecutive terms.

Hewett also received 7-15 years for arson, and 2-4 years per concealment charge, both of which will run concurrently with the murder sentences.

Check out our previous coverage below, or on MyChamplainValley.com:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
People fishing along the banks of the White River as it winds through Indianapolis sometimes pass by ominous signs warning about eating the fish they catch.

One of the risks they have faced is mercury poisoning.

Mercury is a neurotoxic metal that can cause irreparable harm to human health  especially the brain development of young children. It is tied to lower IQ and results in decreased earning potential, as well as higher health costs. Lost productivity from mercury alone was calculated in 2005 to reach almost US$9 billion per year.

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One way mercury gets into river fish is with the gases that rise up the smokestacks of coal-burning power plants.

The Environmental Protection Agency established a rule in 2012 limiting mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants in an effort to improve air quality and public health. The first Trump administration moved to weaken the rule in 2020, arguing that the costs to industry outweighed the health benefit to the public. Then, the Biden administration tightened the regulations a few years later.

Now, the Trump administration is proposing to weaken the latest regulations and, in addition, to repeal Biden-era limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, moves it hopes will boost coal power production.

I study mercury and its sources as a biogeochemist at Indiana University. Before the EPAs original mercury rule went into effect, my students and I launched a project to track how Indianapolis-area power plants were increasing mercury in the rivers and soil.

Mercury bioaccumulates in the food chain

The risks from eating a fish from a river downwind from a coal-burning power plant depends on both the type of fish caught and the age and condition of the person consuming it.

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Mercury is a bioaccumulative toxin, meaning that it increasingly concentrates in the flesh of organisms as it makes its way up the food chain.

Mercury accumulates as it moves up the food chain. doug4537 via Getty Images

The mercury emitted from coal-burning power plants falls onto soils and washes into waterways. There, the moderately benign mercury is transformed by bacteria into a toxic organic form called methylmercury.

Each bacterium might contain only one unit of toxic methylmercury, but a worm chewing through sediment and eating 1,000 of those bacteria now contains 1,000 doses of mercury. The catfish that eats the worm then get more doses, and so on up the food chain to humans.

In this way, top-level predator fishes, such as smallmouth bass, walleye, largemouth bass, lake trout and Northern pike, typically contain the highest amounts of mercury in aquatic ecosystems. On average, one of these fish contains enough to make eating only one serving of them per month dangerous for the developing fetuses of pregnant women and for children.

How coal plant mercury rains down

In our study, we wanted to answer a simple question: Did the local coal-burning power plants, known to be major emitters of toxic mercury, have an impact on the local environment?

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The obvious answer seems to be yes, they do. But in fact, quite a bit of research  and coal industry advertising  noted that mercury is a global pollutant and could not necessarily be traced to a local source. A recurring argument is that mercury deposited on the landscape came from coal-burning power plants in China, so why regulate local emissions if others were still burning coal?

That justification was based on the unique chemistry of this element. It is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature, and when heated just to a moderate level, will evaporate into mercury vapor. Thus, when coal is burned in a power plant, the mercury that is present in it is released through the smokestacks as a gas and dilutes as it travels. Low levels of mercury also occur naturally.

Although this argument was technically true, we found it obscured the bigger picture.

People sometimes fish along the White River where it flows through Indianapolis. alexeys via Getty Images

We found the overwhelming source of mercury was within sight of the White River fishermen  a large coal-burning power plant on the edge of the city.

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This power plant emitted vaporous mercury at the time, though it has since switched to natural gas. We found that much of the plants mercury rapidly reacted with other atmospheric constituents and water vapor to wash out over the city. It was raining down mercury on the landscape.

Traveling by air and water, miles from the source

Mercury emitted from the smokestacks of coal-fired power plants can fall from the atmosphere with rain, mist or chemical reactions. Several studies have shown elevated levels of mercury in soils and plants near power plants, with much of the mercury falling within about 9 miles (15 kilometers) of the smokestack.

When we surveyed hundreds of surface soils ranging from about 1 to 31 miles (2 to 50 km) from the coal-fired power plant, then the single largest emitter of mercury in central Indiana, we were shocked. We found a clear plume of elevated mercury in Indianapolis, with much higher values near the power plant tailing off to almost background values 31 miles downwind.

The White River flows from the northeast to the southwest through Indianapolis, opposite the wind patterns. When we sampled sediments from most of its course through central Indiana, we found that mercury levels started low well upstream of Indianapolis, but increased substantially as the river flowed through downtown, apparently accumulating deposited mercury along its flow path.

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We also found high levels well downstream of the city. Thus a fisherman out in the countryside, far away from the city, was still at significant risk of catching, and eating, high-mercury fish.

As of 2022, in Indianapolis, pregnant women were still advised to avoid eating some fish from the White River altogether.

Reviving the MATS rule

The EPA created the Mercury and Air Toxic Standards rule, or MATS, to deal with the exact health risk Indianapolis was facing.

The original rule stipulated that mercury sources had to be sharply reduced. For coal-fired power plants, this meant either installing costly mercury-capturing filters in the smokestacks or converting to another energy source. Many converted to natural gas, which reduces the mercury risk but still contributes to health problems and global warming.

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The MATS rule succeeded in reducing mercury emissions from power plants. It also helped tilt the national energy playing field away from coal. In 2020, the Trump Administration, in an attempt to bolster the declining U.S. coal industry, rescinded a supplemental finding that it is appropriate and necessary to regulate mercury from power plants.

In 2022, the Biden Administration moved to reaffirm that supplemental finding, and it followed with stronger regulations in 2024. Now, the Trump administration is planning to pull back again. The new EPA proposal will go through a comment period, which will take time, but it sends a signal to the industry. Environmental groups expect to challenge the moves in court.

Some economists initially calculated the net cost of the MATS rule to the U.S. electricity sector to be about $9.6 billion per year. This is roughly equal to estimates of productivity loss alone from the harm mercury emissions cause. The overall benefits of the rule were estimated to be higher.

To a public health expert, this math problem is a no-brainer. Protecting the health of generations of Americans today and in the future matters.

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This is an update to an article originally published Feb. 15, 2022.

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: Gabriel Filippelli, Indiana University

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Gabriel Filippelli 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.
WARSAW (Reuters) -Poland has charged three 19-year-old men suspected of gathering pyrotechnic materials and planning terrorist actions, including an attack on a school inspired by mass-killers such as Norwegian Anders Breivik, the interior ministry said on Thursday.

"It appears that they were fascinated by the ideology that spreads terrorism, by these serial killers who, as in the case of Norway, killed several dozen people," ministry spokesman Jacek Dobrzynski told reporters.

"They apparently sought to do something similar here in our country," he added.

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In Norway's worst peacetime atrocity, Breivik, an anti-Muslim neo-Nazi, killed 77 people in 2011. He first killed eight with a car bomb in Oslo and then gunned down 69, most of them teenagers, at a Labour Party youth camp on Utoeya island.

Dobrzynski declined to comment on local media reports that the three suspects' plan had been to attack a school in the northern Polish city of Olsztyn.

Earlier, Dobrzynski wrote on social media platform X that the suspects had been collecting information on firearms handling, shooting postures, and combat operations in open areas and indoors. They attended shooting ranges and conducted military-tactical training, an investigation in Olsztyn showed.

Unlike some other European nations, Poland has not experienced a terrorist attack in its modern history.

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The decision to charge the three men in Poland comes as Austria mourns the 10 victims of a 21-year-old gunman at his former high school in the city of Graz, in one of the worst outbreaks of violence in that country's modern history. The gunman, whose motive remains unclear, also killed himself.

(Reporting by Marek Strzelecki and Pawel Florkiewicz; Editing by Stephen Coates and Gareth Jones)
(Reuters) -Private equity firms KKR and Stonepeak Partners raised their offer for Britain's Assura on Wednesday to almost 1.7 billion pounds ($2.3 billion), topping a rival bid with their "best and final" offer for the healthcare real estate investor.

The 52.1 pence a share offer, including dividends, trumps the 51.7 pence proposed by rival suitor Primary Health Properties last month.

It represents a more than 39% premium to Assura's closing price on February 13, the day before KKR and Stonepeak's first approach. The stock has soared 32% since then, giving Assura a market capitalisation of 1.6 billion pounds as of Tuesday.

Assura on Wednesday said PHP's offer poses "material risks and downsides" for its shareholders and that it recommends accepting KKR-Stonepeak's improved proposal.

In response, PHP stated it "strongly disagrees" with Assura's evaluation of its bid and is reviewing its options.

Assura manages over 600 healthcare properties with an investment value exceeding 3 billion pounds, and counts Britain's state-backed National Health Service as a customer.

It joins a growing list of UK companies being bought out by overseas private equity firms or investment companies, attracted by comparatively cheap valuations.

The latest all-cash offer "is lower risk than other alternatives" and requires no divestment, KKR Managing Director Andrew Furze said in a statement.

In April, Assura had backed KKR-Stonepeak's previous cash offer, prompting a higher bid from PHP last month. Some analysts had said PHP's offer was more attractive as it comprised cash and stock, and provided ownership of social healthcare assets via a public limited company listed in the UK.

($1 = 0.7415 pounds)

(Reporting by Yadarisa Shabong and Shashwat Awasthi in Bengaluru. Editing by Janane Venkatraman and Mark Potter)
The chief constable of Lincolnshire Police has warned 400 staff and officer jobs could be cut if the force cannot secure extra funding by October.

It comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the government's Spending Review, which includes a 2.3% real terms yearly funding increase for policing in England and Wales.

Chief Constable Paul Gibson said this was not enough for Lincolnshire and would leave the force facing a deficit of almost 70m. He said he had begun negotiations with the Home Office.

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But Reeves told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme she did not "accept" the need for cuts to police jobs.

Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Paul Gibson was speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenter Frances Finn [BBC]

Speaking during a hotseat with BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenter Frances Finn, Mr Gibson said the Home Office had recognised Lincolnshire as a "significant outlier" in terms of funding.

"If we don't get more money by October, then, unfortunately, I have to start consultation to reduce our organisation significantly," he said.

Mr Gibson said cuts to officer numbers could result in reductions to services that were "hugely important" to communities, including neighbourhood, roads and rural policing and crime prevention work.

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He said: "I have to make sure that I balance the budget, and if I can't do that then I have to reduce resources, which obviously will be felt within the communities across our great county."

The chief constable said he had a meeting planned with Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson for early July, and he would be "pitching for more money".

"I'm as optimistic as I can be, but I can't guarantee money will come along," he said.

In April, Lincolnshire Police announced previous planned cuts to 400 jobs had been delayed due to a new 5.7m government funding package.

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But speaking on BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Mr Gibson said this was "one-off money" to provide "stability" for six months.

'Working hard'

A report by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue, released in May, rated Lincolnshire Police inadequate at investigating crime, responding to the public and managing offenders and suspects.

Mr Gibson said he appreciated the findings of the report would be "concerning" for residents, but he said funding had a "massive impact" on the level of service the force could give.

He said: "It's [the report] not as good as I wanted it to be, that's absolutely clear, and there's no doubt that there are things we need to do better. I completely accept that.

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"We're working incredibly hard in the background to make sure we are investigating crimes better, supervising criminal investigations better, meeting the requirements of victims better."

Chief Constable Paul Gibson took questions from listeners [BBC]

Caller Chris Fairweather, from Old Leake, near Boston, told the chief constable she had not been visited by officers after reporting a garage break in at her home.

She said tools and equipment had been stolen, but she had received a letter from police a week later to say the case had been closed.

Mr Gibson said it was "just not possible" to visit the scene of every crime, and officers had to work out the likelihood of solving a crime.

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He said: "Finance, whether we like it or not, has a major impact upon what you're able to do, in terms of the quality of service you can deliver."

Later in the discussion, Mr Gibson said: "I know that people are concerned about policing  they always want more, quite understandably.

"But I also need to make sure that I balance that with my staff, who are operating in difficult circumstances.

"They get assaulted quite frequently. I write to them, I speak to them, almost daily, in terms of someone who's been punched, kicked, spat at."

The Home Office has been approached for comment.

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NEED TO KNOW

Police have said they believe they are "closing in" on Travis Decker, the man accused of killing his three young daughters, amid the ongoing manhunt

Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said during a press conference on Wednesday, June 11 that officers had "found items that are of interest to us

"He is surrounded, Washington state knows who he is  he's got a lot of ground to cover, eventually he's going to tire and he's going to make a mistake," Morrison insisted







Police believe they're "closing in" on missing father Travis Decker, who is suspected of killing his three young girls over a week ago, amid the ongoing manhunt.

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While speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, June 11, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison gave an update on the search, nine days after Paityn Decker, 9, Evelyn Decker, 8, and Olivia Decker, 5, were found dead on Monday, June 2.

The girls were discovered deceased at 3:45 p.m. local time after authorities located their father's car near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington state, the Wenatchee Police Department previously said in a release on Tuesday, June 3. They hadn't been seen since heading off with their father for a planned visitation on Friday, May 30.

Wenatchee Police Department Olivia Decker, Evelyn Decker, Paityn Decker Olivia Decker, Evelyn Decker, Paityn Decker

In a Monday, June 9 press release shared with PEOPLE, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) confirmed an autopsy had been completed by the medical examiner.

"The cause of death was determined to be suffocation and the manner of death was determined to be homicide," the release stated.

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After the CCSO released another update on Tuesday, June 10 to confirm authorities had tracked a subject believed to be Decker to the Blewett Pass area near Highway 97 in Washington, Morrison told reporters they had "found items that are of interest to us, per a news conference clip shared by KING 5 Seattle on Wednesday.

We believe we are closing in on his trail, Morrison insisted, stating that officers had followed up with some of the suspect's friends and family.

"There is nowhere that he's going to be able to go that we don't have units waiting for him," he insisted of Decker amid the ongoing search.

The officer told reporters, "He is surrounded, Washington state knows who he is  he's got a lot of ground to cover, eventually he's going to tire and he's going to make a mistake," later adding that Decker will be the one "to dictate how this ends."

Chelan County Sheriff's Office Facebook Travis Decker Travis Decker

Morrison said earlier in the conference, Every single day Travis is out there, hes going to have to aim for perfection. Hes not going to be able to make a mistake because all we need is one mistake and one day to go in our favor and hes going to be in our custody."

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The officer admitted the "biggest challenge" for authorities searching the area had been the terrain, pointing out, Another unique feature we do have in our favor is that we are a tourist destination, so we have a lot of people out there...on those trails."

"If you are going to come here, of course be safe, but help us, be those additional eyes and let him know that he has no safe spot to go," he urged.

Morrison had said elsewhere in the conference that authorities were switching up their tactics, but that didn't mean the investigation was slowing down.

"You will see a change in our tactics as we proceed forward," the officer told reporters. "You will not see the amount of resources that we have had out there, but you are seeing a different element of our approach."

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The news conference comes after the CCSO said in the June 10 press release that they'd "recently received a tip from a hiking party who stated they spotted a lone hiker in the Enchantments area who appeared to be ill prepared for trail and weather conditions, and appeared to be avoiding others."

"Tracking teams immediately acted upon the information and spotted a lone, off trail hiker from a helicopter near Colchuck Lake who ran from sight as the helicopter passed," the CCSO added. "Additional assets were called to the area while they developed a plan to track the individual. Teams later picked up a trail and deployed K9s to the area, tracking the subject to the area of Ingalls Creek Trailhead on HWY 97."

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.

Police said anyone who has been camping in the area within the last week and might have noticed anything suspicious should call the tip line.

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Decker has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree kidnapping and custodial interference.

A GoFundMe page set up to help the girls' mother, and Decker's ex-wife, Whitney Decker, with expenses and legal costs amid the tragic loss had raised over $1.2 million as of Thursday, June 12.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



Read the original article on People
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  The St. Louis County Police Department (SLCPD) is investigating a neighborhood in Spanish Lake following the discovery of a body Wednesday afternoon.

According to SLCPD, officials were alerted to a shooting around the 1100 block of Ruesta Drive shortly after 4 p.m. Upon their arrival at the scene, police discovered an adult male suffering from life-threatening gunshot injuries, according to a spokeswoman for SLCPD.

The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to officials. Police said they are now investigating the case as a homicide.

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Information surrounding the identity of the victim has not been released.

SLCPD is asking for the publics help in relation to the fatal shooting, and detectives can be reached at 636-529-8210.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Protesters took to the streets of Kenyas capital Nairobi to express their fury over the death of a blogger arrested by police last week, as the countrys police watchdog reported that 20 people had died in custody over the last four months.

Police used tear gas to disperse crowds gathered close to the capitals parliamentary building on Thursday to protest against the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old blogger arrested in the western town of Homa Bay last week for criticising the countrys deputy police chief Eliud Lagat.

Police had initially said Ojwang died after hitting his head against a cell wall, but pathologist Bernard Midia, part of a team that conducted an autopsy, said the wounds  including a head injury, neck compression and soft tissue damage  pointed to assault as the cause of death.

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On Wednesday, President William Ruto admitted Ojwang had died at the hands of the police, reversing earlier official accounts of his death, saying in a statement that it was heartbreaking and unacceptable.

Kenyan media outlets reported on Thursday that a police constable had been arrested over Ojwangs death.





Reporting from the protests in Nairobi, Al Jazeeras Malcolm Webb said that Ojwang, who wrote about political and social issues, had posted online about Lagats alleged role in a bribery scandal, in which the deputy police chief had already been implicated by a newspaper investigation.

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Its angered people that he was detained for that, and then days later, dead in a police station, said Webb, who added that people were calling for Lagat to be held to account, and persisting in throwing stones at the police in spite of one volley of tear gas after the next being fired at them.

Finance bill protests: one year on

The case has shone a light on the countrys security services, who have been accused of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances for years.

On Thursday, Independent Policing Oversight Authority chairperson Issak Hassan told lawmakers that there had been 20 deaths in police custody in the last four months.

The authorities are now conducting an official investigation into Ojwangs death.

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On Wednesday, Inspector General Douglas Kanja apologised for police having previously implied that Ojwang died by suicide, telling a Senate hearing: He did not hit his head against the wall.





Ojwangs death comes almost a year after several activists and protesters were killed and taken by police during finance bill protests  many are still missing.

The rallies led to calls for the removal of Ruto, who was criticised for the crackdown.

Amnesty International said Ojwangs death in custody on Saturday must be urgently, thoroughly and independently investigated.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Reports said a man was arrested Wednesday on weapons charges after a handgun was found in a car in which he was a passenger.

Corey McQueen, 32, was booked into the Mahoning County jail on charges of improper handling of a firearm, a fourth-degree felony; and having weapons under disability, a third-degree felony.

Reports said McQueen was a passenger in a car pulled over about 5:22 p.m. by police in the 2700 block of Utilis Street. Reports said the driver and McQueen told police they had marijuana.

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As police talked to them, reports said the driver appeared very nervous and when asked, allowed police to search the car. In between the center console and the seat, officers found a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol, reports said.

A magazine of ammunition was also found behind the drivers seat, reports said.

Reports said McQueen has a 2020 drug conviction out of Columbiana County Common Pleas Court, which bars him from having or being around guns.

The driver was released with a traffic citation, reports said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Authorities are investigating after a shooting involving the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center Thursday morning.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is aiding in the investigation and said the incident happened near 7th and L streets in Northwest.

We do not know all the specifics as it relates to what predicated the encounter. We do know that the United States Marshal perceived a threat during the gunfire that was exchanged, Tony Dixon of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).

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What to know about Trumps military parade in DC

Authorities described the person who was shot as a male, but it was not clear if the male was an adult or a juvenile. Dixon said he was in the hospital receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the shooting.

Let me say that, first of all, I give my sympathies to anyone whos been impacted. The civilian, certainly the law enforcement community, and the community at large. When something like this happens, its not a good thing for anyone, Dixon said.

Dixon described the member of the U.S. Marshals Service who fired their weapon as an on-duty senior deputy and veteran with the USMS.

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ANC passes resolution against military parade on President Trumps birthday

People passing through the area on Thursday afternoon were shocked to see such a large police presence.

I havent seen a shooting in broad daylight in a while, said one woman walking near the scene. I was surprised, I was a bit shocked at first. I thought there would be some event of some sorts with this high police presence, but, no, it was just police on police, on police and some, some of that yellow tape that they have.

Streets around the convention center have since reopened following the shooting.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
The Brief

Officers say they found a man shot 3 times in the abdomen when they arrived in the 2600 block of Old Hapeville Road, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

The victim was not alert but was breathing, so he was taken to the hospital, according to APD.

ATLANTA - Atlanta police are investigating a shooting on Old Hapeville Road in south Atlanta, according to officers.

What we know

Officers say they found a man shot 3 times in the abdomen when they arrived in the 2600 block of Old Hapeville Road, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

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The victim was not alert but was breathing, so he was taken to the hospital, according to APD.

What we don't know

At this time, there is no word on whether anyone is in custody or if the police have any suspects.

This story is developing. Check back for details. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com.

The Source

Information for this article came from the Atlanta Police Department via email.
The mother of a 3-year-old girl, who was the subject of an erroneous Amber Alert in Delaware, admitted to striking the child to death, according to police charging documents obtained Thursday by 11 News. Darrian Randle, 31, of North East, called police in New Castle, Delaware, late Tuesday night to report the armed kidnapping of her daughter, Nola Dinkins, in Newark, Delaware, which prompted authorities to issue an Amber Alert. Police say they interviewed Randle, who initially made a number of false and misleading statements, the charging documents state. After some time, the charging documents state, Randle ultimately admitted that the alleged kidnapping report was not true. Instead, authorities said Randle told them that she struck the child at her boyfriend's house in North East.
A gross misconduct hearing has upheld allegations that a male police officer engaged in inappropriate behaviour repeatedly towards female colleagues.

PC Nathan Rogers would have been dismissed from West Mercia Police if he had not already resigned, the force said after the hearing on Tuesday.

Mr Rogers made "highly offensive" and "vulgar" comments as well as initiating unwanted contact through social media - with his behaviour deemed "derogatory" and "harassing in nature".

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The former officer, who was based in the Operations and Communications Centre in Worcestershire, will be banned from working for a UK police service in the future.

The hearing upheld an allegation that his behaviour, between June 2023 and May 2025, amounted to gross misconduct.

West Mercia Police said his conduct was first formally addressed in June 2023, when he was sanctioned with a written warning.

The force said despite both informal and formal interventions he continued to breach policing standards of professional behaviour.

It said: "Despite prior disciplinary measures, Rogers repeatedly failed to uphold professional standards, showing a blatant disregard for his colleagues and for the values of the force.

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"The hearing found his actions breached the standards of authority, respect, and courtesy, and amounted to discreditable conduct."

Mr Rogers resigned from the force in April 2024.

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Jones said: "Nathan Rogers was given opportunities to learn and change his behaviour, but he continued to act in a wholly unacceptable and unprofessional manner.

"His actions were highly unprofessional and undoubtedly made his female colleagues feel deeply uncomfortable and such behaviour will not be tolerated."

He will now be added to the College of Policing's barred list, banning him from working for a UK police service in the future.

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BELOIT, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities in southern Wisconsin have provided an update on the accidental shooting that left a 17-year-old fighting for his life in the hospital.

After concluding their investigation and in close collaboration with the Rock County District Attorneys Office, the Beloit Police Department has referred a potential charge of injury by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon.

Two hurt, suspect arrested in Sheboygan County shooting

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The 15-year-old involved in the incident is fully cooperating with authorities. He was taken into custody and booked on Wednesday, June 11, but was later released with a referral to the juvenile justice system.

The victim remains hospitalized with a life-threatening injury.

Automatic license plate readers help lead to arrest of two individuals in Wisconsin

We appreciate the communitys patience as we investigated and collaborated with the DAs office, said the Beloit Police Department. At this time, there are no other charges pending in this tragedy.

No additional details were provided.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
SHANGHAI (Reuters) -Major Chinese car manufacturers have pledged to make payments to suppliers within 60 days, responding to a recent outcry from steelmakers over long payment times as well as regulatory pressure as the backlash to a punishing price war grows.

Chinese authorities issued new rules in March that require big companies to settle most payments with suppliers within 60 days, which became effective June 1. However, suppliers had been worried that there were loopholes for the rules to be circumvented.

Automakers issuing pledges on Wednesday included BYD, Chery and state-owned automakers BAIC and SAIC as well as smaller players like Xpeng and Xiaomi.

Chery in its statement, for example, said it would strive to speed up the turnover of capital in the supply chain. But like other automakers, it did not mention how much of an improvement this would represent.

The pledges come after China's industry ministry summoned automakers to a meeting last week where they were told to put an end to the price war and excessive competition - factors which have put tremendous pressure on the industry's supply chain.

Even so, the China Iron and Steel Association felt compelled to publish a statement on Tuesday that said steel companies were struggling with little profit margin and mounting liquidity pressure as some automakers have been asking for price cuts of more than 10% since last year and delaying payments by months.

The association also asked Chinese automakers to learn from the steady and healthy partnerships that Japanese automakers have with their suppliers, which leave a certain amount of profit for suppliers and ensure product quality and innovation.

Tension has been high in China's auto industry as the price war which began in early 2023 has shown little sign of abating.

In May, Great Wall Motor Chairman Wei Jianjun worried openly about the deepening price war. He even said that the industry had its own version of property developer Evergrande which was liquidated last year after a major debt crisis, although he did not mention a specific auto company.

This month, Chinese auto dealers also complained, calling on automakers to stop offloading too many cars on dealerships, saying the intense price war was damaging their cash flow, driving down their profitability and forcing some to shut.

Yang Hongze, chairman of Autolink, a supplier of intelligent vehicle technologies, said he welcomed the automakers' pledges.

"It is a pleasant but difficult change for the industry to move towards a healthy development and grow together," he said.
CHICAGO  Authorities are asking for help from the public in the search for a driver wanted in connection with a South Side hit-and-run crash that left a person seriously injured overnight.

Chicago police say the crash unfolded just before 10 p.m. on Wednesday night as the victim was crossing the street in the 700 block of East 79th Street.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

According to police, as the victim made their way across 79th Street using the crosswalk, they were struck by a 2019 Silver Chevrolet Malibu. Following the crash, officers said the driver of the Malibu allegedly fled the scene, heading west along 79th St., toward South Martin Luther King Drive.

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Police said the victim was seriously injured in the crash, though the extent of their injuries remains unclear.

Photo provided by Chicago police shows a vehicle wanted in connection with a South Side hit-and-run crash that left a person seriously injured on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Photo provided by Chicago police shows a vehicle wanted in connection with a South Side hit-and-run crash that left a person seriously injured on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Photo provided by Chicago police shows the license plate of a vehicle wanted in connection with a South Side hit-and-run crash that left a person seriously injured on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

On Thursday, police shared a photo of the vehicle wanted in connection with the crash.

Officers were not able to provide a description of the driver but said their vehicle had an Illinois license plate with the tag number DH27880.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Additionally, officers said the vehicle also had tinted windows and may now have damage to the front left side of the vehicle or the windshield.

Officers ask anyone with information on the deadly crash to contact the CPD Major Accident Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521 or dial 911.

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Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Dozens of journalists have been assaulted and injured by federal and local law enforcement in Los Angeles during protests earlier this week against Donald Trump's mass deportation program.

Press freedom groups are demanding that law enforcement stop targeting reporters covering the L.A. protests after on-air news broadcasts and cellphone video showed federal, state, and local police firing indiscriminately on crowds with pepper balls, rubber bullets, and other so-called less-than-lethal ammunition, while in other cases officers are seen firing on clearly identified members of the press.

A coalition of 28 groups including the Los Angeles Press Club, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and the American Civil Liberties Union, sent a letter to Department Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Monday "to express alarm" over the incidents and urge Noem to ensure that federal law enforcement officers uphold the First Amendment.

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According to the groups, there were at least 24 documented instances of journalists being targeted by law enforcement while covering Los Angeles protests between June 6 and June 8.

"A number of reports suggest that federal officers have indiscriminately used force or deployed munitions such as tear gas or pepper balls that caused significant injuries to journalists," the letter said. "In some cases, federal officers appear to have deliberately targeted journalists who were doing nothing more than their job covering the news."

Besides the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of the press, reporters in California are also protected by a state statute that allows them access to areas closed or blocked off by police responding to protests and prohibits any efforts to obstruct them.

Nevertheless, police shot and injured multiple journalists with "less-than-lethal" munitions, physically impeded them from staying in areas they were legally allowed to cover, and threatened them for trying to assert their rights.

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Australian TV reporter Lauren Tomasi was live on the air when police shot her with a rubber bullet.

U.S. Correspondent Lauren Tomasi has been caught in the crossfire as the LAPD fired rubber bullets at protesters in the heart of Los Angeles. #9News LATEST: https://t.co/l5w7JxixxB pic.twitter.com/nvQ7m9TGLj  9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) June 9, 2025

That same day, a California Highway Patrol officer shot New York Post photographer Toby Canham in the head with a rubber bullet. The New York Post reported that Canham was "standing just off the 101 Freeway at an elevated level, was filming video of the chaos between cops and rioters when a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer suddenly turned his weapon toward him and fired from about 100 yards away."

"When I got whacked, to my best recollection it was just me filming with my cameras on and then I got shot," Canham said. "Where I was hit, I was the only person overlooking the freeway. I wasn't surrounded so I was an easy target."

"It's a real shame," Canham continued. "I completely understand being in the position where you could get injured, but at the same time, there was no justification for even aiming the rifle at me and pulling the trigger, so I'm a bit pissed off about that, to be honest."

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HuffPost reported that freelance news photographer Nick Stern was hospitalized after being shot in the leg with a 3-inch projectile that had to be surgically removed. Stern said he believed the device was supposed to be fired above a crowd, not at it.

"Why this device was shot at human, kind of, waist high level, I do not know," Stern told HuffPost. "The people around me at that time was [sic] doing nothing more than waving Mexican flags."

Other video shows police firing on a Univision television crew, shoving NBC LA reporters,

The Southern California News Group's Ryanne Mena also posted photos of bruising from where she was struck by police pepper balls.

Homeland Security agents shot me and other journalists with pepper ball bullets yesterday in Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/2JX28M69QO  @ryannemena.bsky.social (@ryannemena) June 7, 2025

CNN's Jason Carroll was also detained by police while reporting in Los Angeles.

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"Based on these incidents, it is apparent that LAPD and LASD officers are failing to meet their obligation to respect journalists' rights, protected by both the First Amendment and California statute, to gather and report news at protestsincluding after they're broken up by police," a coalition of press freedom groups wrote this week in a separate letter to the Los Angeles chief of police and Los Angeles County sheriff.

The repression of media during protests is one of the hallmarks of lawless authoritarianism. It cuts off the flow of nongovernment information during unrest and chills the right of everyone to hold the government accountable. It should be condemned by leaders and investigated by agencies, and the individual officers should be held accountable.

The post Police Target Dozens of Reporters During L.A. Anti-ICE Protests appeared first on Reason.com.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  There are two very different political events in Southern Colorado this Saturday, June 14.

People are protesting President Donald Trump in many locations, in light of the military parade at the nations capital. At the same time, the El Paso County Young Republicans will host their second annual Summer Ranch Social. FOX21 News spoke with both groups.

Its very important to note that these events are completely unrelated and just happen to fall on the same day.

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The protests stem from a global movement called No Kings. If you check out their protest map by clicking here, you can see its happening across America, but also overseas.

When you have somebody who is making executive orders by the dozen, that is just, you know, bypassing Congress and bypassing the laws that we have, threatening the courts, threatening journalists, these important rights you know, saying that protesters will be arrested. These are all part of the Constitution, said Shawn Maddox, with 50501 Colorado Springs, these are our constitutional rights, and we respect and want to defend our Constitution.

In Southern Colorado, organizers have protests planned for Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Trinidad, and more. Local political organizations, 50501 Colorado Springs and Indivisible Colorado Springs, both decided to get involved.

As an organization, we expect all of our supporters to conduct themselves lawfully and responsibly, and disavow anything advocating for disruption or violence, said Maddox. We try to make sure that people stay out of the streets and dont block traffic. We, you know, are just there for the people and to keep the protests peaceful.

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The Colorado Springs Police Department says it is aware of the event and prepared to respond to potential threats that may arise.

The El Paso County Young Republicans Co-chair says its Summer Ranch Social is a day for connection, and only about 5% politics.

Right now our focus is, to the extent that its possible here in Colorado, forwarding President Trumps agenda and helping make the case for what hes doing Protecting the rule of law, said Joel Sorensen, the El Paso County Young Republicans Co-chair.

Congressman Jeff Crank, who represents El Paso County, will attend as a special guest.

One party domination doesnt do good things for the citizens of that community, especially here in El Paso, where were really, you know, a red dot in a blue state and then just making sure that that voice of resistance is there in the Denver capital, said Sorensen.

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He says its a time of unity within the party, and that President Trump is doing exactly what he was elected to do.

Our parents generation was able to afford a home. They were able to have a family I think that theres a recognition that the Republican Party has come to, that there is something that weve lost and that we want to restore that, said Sorensen.

If youre interested in attending the Summer Ranch Social, an RSVP is required.

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The 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 US Marines sent to Los Angeles in response to the ongoing anti-immigration raid protests are reportedly suffering from low morale, according to members of the veterans community, amid allegations of a chaotic initial deployment and widespread concerns of the military being drafted into domestic law enforcement.

Among all that I spoke with, the feeling was that the Marines are being used as political pawns, and it strains the perception that Marines are apolitical, Marine Corps veteran Janessa Goldbeck, who runs the Vet Voice Foundation, told The Guardian. Some were concerned that the Marines were being set up for failure. The overall perception was that the situation was nowhere at the level where Marines were necessary.

The sentiment across the board right now is that deploying military force against our own communities isnt the kind of national security we signed up for, added Sarah Streyder of the Secure Families Initiative in an interview with the outlet.

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Controversy has followed the deployment since President Trump first federalized the California National Guard and ordered the state troops into Los Angeles on Saturday and a battalion of Marines was activated two days later.

California has sued the Trump administration over deploying the Guard, alleging the decision has caused real and irreparable damage to both Los Angeles and the states larger sovereignty.

Deployment of 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles was reportedly done before there were enough resources to support service members (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Governor Gavin Newsom has also accused the White House of sending in thousands of troops without adequate provisions or training, sharing photos obtained by The San Francisco Chronicle of guardsmen sleeping head-to-foot on bare floors.

You sent your troops here without fuel, food, water or a place to sleep, he wrote on X. Here they are  being forced to sleep on the floor, piled on top of one another.

You sent your troops here without fuel, food, water or a place to sleep.



Here they are  being forced to sleep on the floor, piled on top of one another.



If anyone is treating our troops disrespectfully, it is you @realDonaldTrump. https://t.co/4i8VIiYZLr pic.twitter.com/sUYD2KHu6O  Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 9, 2025

This is what happens when the president and (Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth) demand the National Guard state assets deploy immediately with no plan in place  (and) no federal funding available for food, water, fuel and lodging, a source involved in the deployment told the Chronicle of conditions during the early stages. This is really the failure of the federal government. If youre going to federalize these troops, then take care of them.

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U.S. Northern Command later said the photo showed soldiers who werent current on a mission in what were only temporary accommodations due a fluid security situation.

When asked for comment, a spokesperson for U.S. Northern Command pointed to a website for Task Force 51, which is coordinating the protection mission in Los Angeles.

The Soldiers and Marines have contracting for billeting, latrines, showers, handwashing stations, food service, full laundry service, bulk ice, and bulk fuel, the website reads, in regards to troop conditions. While awaiting fulfillment of the contract, Soldiers and Marines have adequate shelter, food, and water.

Federal officials say the military members in Los Angeles will not be formally arresting protesters, though they might temporarily detain individuals to stop threats or interference against federal agents, and they have authorization to provide security to federal buildings and operations.

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U.S. Northern Command shared a photo Thursday showing Marines training in non-lethal tactics with riot shields, and the military has said the troops could deploy within the next 48 hours.

 Ready to respond. U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment rehearse nonlethal tactics in the #LosAngeles area. Approximately 700 Marines are prepared to support Task Force 51 in protecting federal personnel and property. pic.twitter.com/VIa5nInnOf  U.S. Northern Command (@USNorthernCmd) June 12, 2025

President Trump has faced larger criticisms for allegedly politicizing the military in response to the protests, including upset over a campaign-rally style speech about the crisis in front of jeering troops at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

Base officials reportedly screened the crowd for those who disagreed with Trump and asked them to alert their superiors so others could be put in their place during the speech.
Legislators and political commentators are weighing in after U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a Homeland Security press conference in his home state Thursday morning.

Padilla was removed from a conference room at the Wilshire Federal Building by Secret Security as DHS Secretary Kristi Noem addressed recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, as well as several days of civil unrest in downtown Los Angeles.

Im Senator Alex Padilla, I have questions for the secretary, Padilla can be seen and heard shouting before he is forced out of the room, taken to an adjacent hallway and then placed on the ground and handcuffed.

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla is pushed out of the room as Noem holds a news conference regarding the recent protests in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Its the latest in a growing list of high-profile clashes between California elected leaders and members of the Trump Administration. Last week, President Trumps border czar Tom Homan threatened Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass with arrest and prosecution if they were to interfere with ICE operations  a sentiment endorsed by the president.

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Padillas brief detainment has made international headlines and unanimous condemnation from his colleagues in the Democratic Party.

Among his staunchest supporters is Newsom, who appointed Padilla to the then-vacant Senatorial seat left empty after Kamala Harris joined Joe Biden in the White House.

[Padilla] is one of the most decent people I know. This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now, the governor wrote on social media. If they can handcuff a U.S. Senator for asking a question, imagine what they will do to you.

Mayor Bass echoed the sentiment, describing Padillas removal as absolutely abhorrent and outrageous.

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He is a sitting United States Senator. This administrations violent attacks on our city must end, Bass wrote.

Gov. Gavin Newsom shared this image of U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla being restrained on June 12, 2025.

Harris, Padillas predecessor, also released a statement that reads: Alex Padilla was representing the millions of Californians who are demanding answers to this Administrations actions in Southern California. This is a shameful and stunning abuse of power.

They joined a chorus of other local Democrat leaders to express shock and disgust by how the incident unfolded.

This administration is out of control, said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn. The entire Trump Administration is unhinged. Senator Padilla is just as much of the Federal Government as they are.

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This treatment of a duly elected sitting senator is shameful and disrespectful. Using force to silence [Padilla] is unacceptable, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said.

The League of United Latin American Citizens also came to the defense of Padilla, who is the first Latino to represent California in the U.S. Senate.

What happened to Senator Alex Padilla is nothing less than an outrageous abuse of power and a direct assault on our democracy, said LULAC National President Roman Palomares. That a Latino U.S. Senator was physically removed from a public press event simply because he dared to ask tough questions of a federal cabinet official is unacceptable and will not be silently tolerated in our country.

The civil rights organization urged supporters to not accept this as the new normal.

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Federal officials have justified the treatment of Californias senior senator, with DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accusing Padilla of incredibly aggressive behavior, and claiming that no one knew who he was.

Responding to several well-known Democrats and politicos on X, DHS released a statement in which it described Padillas behavior as disrespectful political theatre, alleging that the U.S. Senator lunged at Secretary Noem, was not wearing a Senate security pin, and interrupted without identifying himself. The FBI shared a similar statement.

Newsom again came to his colleagues defense with a rebuttal.

Didnt identify himself? Its the FIRST THING out of his mouth in the video, the governors official press office wrote on social media. Youve detained a mayor. A judge. A union leader. Now a U.S. Senator. Youve deployed Marines on U.S. soil. If a President did this abroad, wed have a word for it: Dictator.

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Canadian politician Charlie Angus delivered a blistering rebuke of President Donald Trump on Wednesday, claiming that Trumps authoritarian regime means the U.S. and Canada are no longer allies.

Angus, who retired from parliament in March, went so far as to suggest that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney should consider uninviting Trump to the G7 Summit in Canada next week.

We cant kid ourselves about the threat thats being posed by Donald Trump, Angus said at a news conference. Carney is not inviting our nearest neighbor and friendly ally to join us in the G7. Prime Minister Carney is not inviting the leader of the free world to Canada. He is welcoming in Vladimir Putins sock puppet, who will have the best seat in the key negotiations.

Charlie Angus speaks at a March event opposing President Donald Trumps trade war with Canada. / Steve Russell / Toronto Star via Getty Images

Angus, 62, is a member of Canadas New Democratic Party. He has been outspoken against Trump in recent months, particularly over the presidents seemingly abandoned desire to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.

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The recently retired Angus attacked Trump for a solid 10 minutes before taking questions from the press. He made his reason for calling a news conference clear from the jump.

This morning, I offer my deep concern, solidarity, and prayers of the people of California, who are out in the streets, unarmed, defending the rule of law against illegal kidnapping and deportation, and theyre being faced down by the military might of the United States Marines, he said. Were not talking about creeping fascism here. This is full-on police state tyranny from the gangster president, Donald Trump, and this is the man who will soon be crossing our border to attend the G7 meetings in Canada.

Angus referred to Trump as a convicted felon, a sexual predator, and as a man who has threatened our nations sovereignty. He claimed that he has received an outpouring of messages from Canadians who are upset that Trump is being invited to travel north of the border.

The Prime Minister must state boldly that he will stand up against any attempts to interfere in Canada and to undermine, through academia or through American corporations that are in Canada, any DEI measures that are in Canada, because Canada is a nation of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is what makes Canada a light in this new dark age of gangster regimes, and Trump is the gangster, Angus said.

New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told Donald Trump in May that Canada

Angus said he understands that Carney likely invited Trump to keep from further straining U.S.-Canadian relations. Still, he said the new leader has some serious thinking to do about how he deals with an emboldened MAGA 2.0.

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Trump poses a clear threat to American democracy, to Canadian sovereignty and to the international rule of law, Angus said, adding that he has made over 100 attacks on Canada in his second term.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Angus called on Carney, a member of the Liberal Party of Canada, to work with those in his more progressive New Democratic Party to stand up to Trump.

I urge the prime minister to work with us and work with our allies, and send a very clear message that we will not support, in any way, the rise of an authoritarian regime south of the border that is using the military against its own people, he said. Canada, at this point, is holding the line, but we must remain true, north, strong, and free.
The scenes of violence that have gripped Northern Ireland this week have evoked unwelcome memories of the provinces turbulent recent history. But the working-class communities there have found a very different grievance from the one that wreaked devastation on their towns and cities during the Troubles.

In the past, the enemy was defined by Northern Irelands complex divisions over civil rights, religion and the prospect of a united Ireland. In the last few nights, the target has been the local immigrant population.

Police have come under attack from violent mobs throwing firebombs, bottles and rocks after demonstrations against Roma residents escalated. Cultural tensions were already high, with locals voicing their objections to the influx of Roma into their communities, even before it was reported that a teenage girl from Ballymena had allegedly suffered a sexual assault at the hands of two teenage Roma boys.

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The list of complaints is a familiar one: they claim few of the new arrivals speak English and require the support of translators in order to be able to access local services. There are concerns that the Roma people are more likely to be on benefits compared to other ethnic groups. Local women have complained about harassment from groups of Roma men (and women) as they walk to and from their homes. And to complicate matters, no one seems quite sure whether the new arrivals have crossed the border from the Republic of Ireland or are in the UK legally, having arrived in the UK before EU Freedom of Movement was scrapped on December 31, 2020.

Similar tensions over the Roma emerged in areas of Britain during the UKs EU membership, when local, usually poorer, areas of some large cities attracted large numbers of those originating in parts of eastern Europe where the Roma have historically suffered persecution and discrimination. In Glasgow, the Govanhill area in the citys south side gained a reputation as the centre of a new Roma community without much civil upset.

But unlike Glasgow, Northern Ireland has a recent history of civil unrest, not to mention a folk memory of burning resentment against the establishment, that has proved all too easily exploited by racist elements. Roma families, many with young children, have been forced to flee the mobs who have targeted, and on some occasions, destroyed their homes.

Uncomplimentary comparisons have already been made with last years summer riots that followed the murder of three young girls at a local dance class in Southport. It is tempting now, as it was then, to conclude that this is nothing more than attempts by the far-Right to foment civil disturbance for their own ends. It is more complicated than that.

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Do local communities have any right to object to the imposition of alien, or at least unfamiliar, cultures upon them? Is it always irrational and xenophobic to resent someone because of their apparent refusal to learn the language of the country in which they have chosen to live? Is it similarly unreasonable to object to the amount of local authority resources devoted towards easing that problem?

And while it is both dangerous and unjust to make blanket assumptions about any nationalitys attitudes to women and sex, it is undeniable that certain cultures have, by western standards, an outdated view of womens roles in society. Until relatively recently, it was decreed by our political masters that we should never cast aspersions on such attitudes and cultures, but such restrictions are no longer taken seriously, not after the grooming gangs scandal, or Kemi Badenochs warning that not all cultures are equally valid.

An entire community cannot and should not be held accountable for the alleged sexual assault on a teenage girl. But to dismiss local anger as racism, to order people to accept whatever changes are imposed on their communities by their political betters without demur, is simply storing up greater trouble for the future.

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DES MOINES, Iowa  Iowa HHS announced Wednesday that a third case of measles has been detected in Iowa.

Closer to home, Juliann Van Liew, the director of the Polk County Health Department, said the department has been preparing for a measles outbreak for months.

Internally, were really in good shape. We have some really phenomenal communicable disease nurses who can do this work really well. And the team is really in sync. Weve been preparing internally for months, but also externally. We have protocol that are also ready to go in place. Weve been meeting the Des Moines Health Care Coalition since March on measles and routinely bring them together for updates to make sure that all of our health care facilities and health care providers in the Metro feel comfortable knowing what protocol they should have in place within their own systems, Van Liew said.

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Van Liew said that if a measles case is detected in Polk County, the department is ready to respond.

Winner named in Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest

When we do identify a case of something like measles that is as rare as it typically is, we go into a different mode of response. And so we activate whats called that structure, which means that as a health department, were no longer just pulling in staff who directly manage the case. Were pulling in a lot more of us. So were making sure that as a full team, were ready to respond. And to scale up our response if, for some reason, we would end up in a true outbreak situation, Van Liew said.

Dr. Joel Waddell, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at UnityPoint Health Blank Childrens Hospital, said the MMR vaccine is the best way to prevent measles.

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Measles is extremely contagious. Its the most contagious infection out there, but it is very, very preventable. So the vaccine thats available, the MMR, is extremely effective at preventing measles. So with routine vaccination in childhood that provides protection against measles infection for around 97% of people, which is extremely, extremely good, Dr. Waddell said.

The Polk County Health Department is providing free MMR vaccines. To receive a free vaccine visit the Polk County Health Department website and make an appointment.

Dr. Waddell said that some adults may need to get a MMR vaccine booster.

If you think you might have received the measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967, try your best to find the documents, because during those years there were actually two measles vaccines available. One was the current one. We have the live or weakened vaccine, the weakened virus, I mean, and the other was an inactivated or killed virus vaccine. That one, the killed virus vaccine has been removed from circulation not for safety problems, but because it didnt work, it didnt protect you. And so if you got vaccinated during that time, you know, if youre out there and youre in your sixties and you dont know which vaccine you got, the current recommendations, and what I would recommend, would be to get at least one dose of the MMR to keep you protected, Dr. Waddell said.

Metro News:

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A majority of Americans believe President Donald Trumps upcoming military parade in Washington, D.C., is not a good use of government funds, according to an AP-NORC poll published on Thursday.

Sixty percent of survey respondents, including 80% of Democrats and 72% of independents, said that the parade was not money well spent. The event, which will celebrate the U.S. Armys 250th anniversary and coincide with the presidents 79th birthday, is estimated to cost taxpayers up to $45 million. It will feature nearly 7,000 troops, 50 aircraft and 28 tanks.

The poll, which surveyed 1,158 U.S. adults between June 5 and June 9, also found that a 40% plurality of respondents "strongly or somewhat approved of Trumps decision to hold the parade. The survey showed that 31% neither approved nor disapproved, and 29% said they strongly or somewhat disapproved. Nearly 80% of people who said they neither approved nor disapproved of the parade agreed that it was not a good use of government funds.

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A separate recent poll, conducted by Data for Progress and Common Dreams, found that a majority of veterans opposed a military parade in honor of President Trump's birthday. Some critics have noted the hypocrisy of holding this event as the Trump administration proposes significant funding cuts to veterans benefits.

Grassroots groups are planning protests against Trump on the same day as the parade. Earlier this week, the president pledged that any protesters who disrupt the celebration will be met with very big force.
The results are in.

We asked you to tell us what temperature you set your thermostats at during Wisconsin summers. And, it turns out most Milwaukee Journal Sentinel readers keep their homes at a cool 72 degrees.

See the full poll results below. Plus, here are some tips about cooling your house down without breaking the bank.

What temperature do Wisconsinites set their thermostat to, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel readers?

More than 500 votes were cast in the Journal Sentinel's poll. Here are the full results:

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72 degrees  112 votes 70 degrees or lower  100 votes 74 degrees  75 votes 76 degrees  63 votes 75 degrees  53 votes 73 degrees  50 votes 78 degrees  45 votes 71 degrees  26 votes 77 degrees  23 votes 80 degrees or above  15 votes 79 degrees  7 votes

Note: Some submissions were blank or included multiple temperatures. Only those with one response were included in the results.

More: Canadian wildfire smoke could affect Wisconsin all summer. Here's how to track air quality

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What's the best thermostat temperature for summer in Wisconsin?
LISBON (Reuters) -U.S. private equity fund Lone Star has decided to sell its 75% stake in Novo Banco to French banking group BPCE in a deal that would value Portugal's fourth-largest lender at around 7 billion euros ($8.14 billion), Portuguese economic news outlet ECO said on Thursday.

ECO said the "decision has been taken" and should be communicated to the market later on Thursday, without citing its sources.

Reuters was not able to independently verify the information. Lone Star and Novo Banco declined to comment and BPCE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

If confirmed, Lone Star would be abandoning the option of an initial public offering for Novo Banco backed by the lender's management.

Novo Banco was created in 2014 from the collapsed Banco Espirito Santo (BES) after a state bailout, with Lone Star buying its stake in 2017 for 1 billion euros.

Between then and the end of last year, the resolution fund injected 3.4 billion euros into Novo Banco to cover losses from a portfolio of toxic assets inherited from BES, as agreed with Lone Star.

The bank completed a turnaround last year, which involved selling its overseas operations and focusing solely on Portugal, sharply reducing non-performing assets and becoming profitable.

As of March, Novo Banco managed 30 billion euros of deposits and 28.5 billion euros of net loans, accounting for a market share of around 9% in Portugal.

Its market share of loans specifically to small and medium-sized companies was 18%.

It has almost 300 bank branches and more than 4,200 employees.

($1 = 0.8600 euros)

(Reporting by Sergio Goncalves in Lisbon, Jesus Aguado in Madrid and Mathieu Rosemain in Paris; editing by Andrei Khalip, Kirsten Donovan)
New polling out of the University of Maryland suggests young Republicans arent buying Donald Trump and his administrations spin that recent protests on college campuses over Israels bombardment of Gaza are motivated by antisemitism.

According to the data, more Americans believe the protests are driven by anger with Israel than antisemitism  a distinction the president and his administration have tried to blur, in defiance of the many Jewish activists whove bristled at attempts to conflate the two.

As Lawfare Media explained, some of the most eyebrow-raising findings expose the stark difference between how the younger (18- to 34-year-olds) and the older (35 and older) Republicans who were surveyed view the protests:

The most striking difference is between younger and older Republicans: Whereas 53 percent of older Republicans say protests are more reflective of antisemitic attitudes, only 25 percent of younger Republicans say the same; and whereas 18 percent of older Republicans say protests are more reflective of anger with Israeli actions, 31 percent of younger Republicans say the same.

This tracks with data from the past half-decade that show young Republicans hold a far less favorable view of Israels government than older Republicans do. (That said, Republicans of either category were more likely to attribute the protests to antisemitism than either Democrats or independents of any age.)

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One possible explanation for this generational divide could be that MAGA-friendly podcasts, which are often marketed to young people, include several figures who are known for platforming and promoting antisemitic views. Consumers of such media may have internalized some of those views and be disinclined to identify anything as antisemitic (regardless of whether it is or not).

Its also possible that some young Republicans reluctance to accept the Trump administrations framing when it comes to campus protests is a consequence of how much time young people spend on social media, where images of the devastation in Gaza have been abundant. And that could be shaping young conservatives ideas about the other motivations one might have for protesting, rather than assuming protesters are antisemitic.

Whatever the reason, the generational divide in perceptions may have caught the attention of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who met with right-wing podcasters during his visit to the United States in April in a move he said was intended to address a growing trend of anti-Israel sentiment in the MAGA media space.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
One potential Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential election has seen a surge in online searches related to President Donald Trumps name.

If [California Gov.] Gavin Newsom wanted to take on Donald Trump and loves the attention, he has 100% gotten it, CNN analyst and pollster Harry Enten said Wednesday.

Enten showed that Google searches for Newsoms name with Trumps name have gone up 9,700%, an all-time high based on data collected by the search engine since 2004, Enten told CNN viewers.

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Donald Trump was able to make a name for himself through The Apprentice, through all of his business ventures, Enten continued. He is now making a name for Gavin Newsom, who seems more than willing to relish in this fight.

To Enten, Newsom appears more than willing to take on the president at a point when most Democratic Party voters, at 84%, want elected Democrats to fight Trump more.

This is not 2017 anymore where the majority of Democrats want to compromise with Donald Trump, Enten said. No, they want a fighter with Donald Trump. And at this particular point, that is a big reason why Gavin Newsom, in my opinion, at least politically speaking, is leaning into this fight. He is thinking of the future. He is thinking of 2028.

Relying on Kalshi betting market odds, Enten showed that Newsom is ahead of many possible Democratic contenders at 12%. Hes followed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and former United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg both at 10%, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro at 6%.

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Newsom and Trumps combative relationship has gone on for years, since Newsom was governor-elect in 2018, as Trump said not raking the floors of forests led to the catastrophic Paradise Fire in Northern California. Newsom would confront Trump again over California wildfires during the Palisades Fire in January 2025.

Tensions between the two further escalated late last week, when recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Downtown Los Angeles led to protests, the deployment of the National Guard and the Marines, threats of arresting the California governor and growing national outcry.

More political news

Read the original article on MassLive.
Pope Leo XIV has appointed the first Chinese bishop of his papacy, signalling that he will continue a historic agreement that sought to improve relations between the Vatican and China.

Both sides have hailed the appointment of Fuzhou Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as an affirmation of their commitment to the 2018 accord, which was reached under the late Pope Francis.

The agreement gave Chinese officials some input on the appointment of bishops. However, its contents were never fully disclosed to the public.

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Beijing insists that the state must approve the appointment of bishops in China, running contrary to the Catholic Church's insistence that it is a papal decision.

China has some 10 million Catholics.

Currently, they face the choice of attending state-sanctioned churches approved by Beijing or worshipping in underground congregations that have sworn allegiance to the Vatican.

On Wednesday, the Vatican said Yuntuan's ministry had been "recognised" by Chinese law.

"This event constitutes a further fruit of the dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese Authorities and is an important step in the journey of communion of the Diocese," the Vatican said.

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When asked about Yuntuan's appointment, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters on Thursday that this showed how the 2018 agreement had been "smoothly implemented", state media reported.

China is willing to work with the Vatican to continue improving relations, he said.

The Pope's move shows a "willingness to support reconciliation instead of antagonism", Michel Chambon, a research fellow at the Asia Research Institute in Singapore who has written extensively about the Catholic Church, told Reuters news agency.

In September 2018, Pope Francis recognised seven bishops appointed by China. The Vatican also posthumously recognised an eighth bishop who died the year before.

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China first broke off diplomatic ties with the Holy See in 1951, and many Catholics were forced to go underground during former communist leader Mao Zedong's rule, emerging only in the 1980s when religious practices were tolerated again.
Chef Mike ABG's, one of the top restaurants in Ocean County at the New Jersey Shore, will close later this year.

Owner and chef Mike Jurusz announced the news in a video on social media last week. Jurusz, who was the executive chef from 2000 to 2010 before returning in 2013 as owner, said the Seaside Heights property has been purchased by a developer that wants to turn it into 12 homes.

The property had been on the market for five years before being sold. Jurusz said in the video that the restaurant's lease runs through December 31, or until they find a new spot.

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It was a really great run. Weve made amazing memories and done so many good things here, Jurusz told NJ.com. The friends Ive made, the people Ive met, the customers, the staff, it was a really unique place and youll never see that again after this.

Jurusz has spent much of the last five years eyeing a new location for his restaurant, but thus far has not found one. He remains hopeful of getting the business back up and running elsewhere though.

My staffs been with me for the last 20 years, Jurusz said. I have a built-in staff ready to go and open up a restaurant in a close vicinity. Thats a big help because the hardest part of running a restaurant now is staffing.

Originally opening as Atlantic Bar & Grill in the late 1990s, Chef Mike's ABG was named the best restaurant in Ocean County by NJ.com in 2022. The eatery has been known for its seafood, bisques and soups, and lamb chops, among other offerings.

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"I'm excited for a new adventure," Jurusz told the Asbury Park Press. "But I will miss this place terribly."

Popular Seafood Restaurant To Close After More Than 20 Years first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 12, 2025
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  At Thursdays monthly board meeting, Panama City Port Authority revealed theyre currently enjoying a 10 percent increase in year-over-year tonnage.

Last month, the port landed 75,000 tons of copper. In 2025, theyve landed 100,000 tons of cement, with more expected next month.

Tariffs impact Panama City port operations with increased fees

Were seeing that with import metals and also with some new import commodities moving into our east terminal, Executive Director Alex King said.

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In the coming months, theyre expecting another 50,000 tons of copper and 30,000 cubic meters of oriented strand board, an engineered type of wood often used in construction.

The port continues to monitor ongoing tariff uncertainty.

King says theyre monitoring import taxes on steel in particular. Earlier this month, President Trump raised tariffs on steel and aluminum on all countries, except the United Kingdom, to 50 percent.

Were monitoring this, you know, as with everybody or with any industry, any company right now. Its kind of a day-by-day approach, King said.

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BEAUFORT/PORT ROYAL, S.C. (WSAV)  Two local entities have now questioned the value of Beaufort Countys Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC).

One claims the taxpayer money theyre giving to the corporation is being wasted. The other is looking to spend the funds on themselves.

I advocate for a more efficient approach to economic development that avoids speculative public investment, said Beaufort city councilman, Josh Scallate.

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He motioned to pull the citys $42 thousand allocated for the BCEDC.

In a 2-3 vote, the motion failed, keeping the money as part of the citys 2026 budget.

Councilman Scallate and Mayor Phil Cromer both argued that if city residents are funding the program, why did the corporation need their $42,000 on top of that?

Director of the BCEDC, John OToole said that it was something that has now been brought up twice, so theyre looking to find alternative funding solutions.

A more in-depth conversation could and should occur there to figure out how to fund economic development moving forward, said OToole.

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The town of Port Royal recently voted in favor of keeping their $40,000 and investing it back into their community.

Were not trying to marginalize the regional aspect of the organization, but we want to get hyper focused on Port Royal. As a Beaufort County resident, were still funding the organization, but we want to we want to look for opportunities closer into Port Royal, said Jerry Ashmore, a councilman for the town of Port Royal

Ashmore said the town was in discussion of possibly creating their own Economic Development program but said that OToole didnt seem happy they were even considering the possibility.

I dont think we made a mistake at all, said Ashmore. I think were going in the right direction. Were listening to our residents, listening to our community. Were seeing the opportunity thats out here, and we want to focus more on that. We just didnt feel like we have been, so we decided this year to go in a different direction.

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OToole said the economic development corporation doesnt focus on hospitality and tourism. Thats what Port Royal wants, so he said he respected their decision.

When OToole was asked how he feels about two municipalities now questioning the programs value, he responded with insight to the future.

Whatever people might say, I think the most important thing is for us to stay focused on doing economic development well, being transparent and trying to deliver value for all of the residents of Beaufort County.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  WalletHub has ranked 180 cities across the U.S. and listed of the best places to raise a family in 2025, and Portland, Oregon is among the top 25.

Determining the best of anything may be a subjective art, but WalletHub has it down to an equation. Each citys score is determined using five main categories: Family Fun, Health and Safety, Education and Child Care, Affordability, and Socioeconomics.

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Positively Portland

Portland is the first Oregon city mentioned at no. 22. Portland received a composite score of 61, with Health and Safety being the least impressive category where Portland ranked 116th out of 182. The most impressive was Portlands no. 7 ranking in Education and Childcare.

Niche, a website ranking and providing information on individual schools and districts alike, made a list of the best school districts in Portland as of 2025  citing Lake Oswego, Riverdale and Camas as the top three.

After Portland, the next Oregon city mentioned is Salem at no. 122 with a total score of 48.17.

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When Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndatiwah was elected in March, she placed the countrys burgeoning oil and gas sectors directly under the control of her office. Since then, viral posts have been circulating claiming that Namibia cancelled oil and gas deals with the United States to prioritise state-owned operations. However, this is false; the Namibian presidency dismissed the claims as fake news. Since Nandi-Ndatiwahs election, foreign gas and oil exploration in Namibia, including by American companies, has continued apace.

Namibia cancelled contract with US from Mining their OIL & GAS, reads an X post published on May 30, 2025.

With more than 16,000 likes, the post adds: They ended the Oil & Gas contract with the US and told the US Government to immediately stop all Mining Operations in Namibia as Namibia ventures into State-owned mining operations.

Screenshot of the false X post, published on May 28, 2025

The post includes side-by-side photos of Namibias President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and US President Donald Trump.

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Similar posts were shared thousands of times more on X and other platforms, including Facebook, TikTok and blogs.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was elected in March, placed the country's oil and gas industries under direct presidential control the day after her inauguration. They previously fell under the Ministry of Energy and Mines (archived here).

However, the government has not announced the cancellation of any energy contracts with the United States.

No announcements

A keyword search for Namibia cancels oil and gas with the US turned up more posts repeating the false claim, as well as articles debunking it (archived here).

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The posts began circulating at about the same time as claims debunked by AFP Fact Check alleging that Namibia had announced the deportation of 500 Americans.

As reported by AFP in April, Nandi-Ndatiwah explained that the oil and gas sector had the potential to transform Namibias economy within the next five years by securing energy supplies and creating jobs (archived here).

Mining contributes 12 percent to our gross domestic product and over 50 percent of our foreign exchange earnings. Regrettably, this figure does not reflect the true potential of mining and our mineral resources, she was quoted as saying.

On May 30, 2025, her presidency responded to the viral posts by labelling them fake news (archived here).

Namibias presidency reiterated this to AFP Fact Check on June 4, 2025.

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The Namibian government has not at any point cancelled any contracts with investors from the United States in the mining, oil and gas sectors, said press secretary Alfredo Hengari.

He added that it is not the policy of the government to cancel contracts that are binding.

A US State Department spokesperson told AFP Fact Check on June 11, 2025: The online claims that Namibia has cut off the United States from mining and gas are false.

Foreign investment

Contrary to the claim, Namibia has become a global exploration hotspot with several international gas and oil companies actively exploring its coasts in recent years (archived here).

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At the start of 2025, American firm Chevron announced that it had not found commercially viable gas in Namibias Orange Basin (archived here).

By April, however, the company confirmed it would continue exploration in the Walvis Basin in 2026 or 2027, where firms including TotalEnergies, Shell, and Galp have made discoveries.

Similarly, British multinational Shell deemed its Namibia oil discoveries uncommercial due to high gas levels in January.

However, Frances TotalEnergies believes it can handle these geological challenges, but its investment decision hinges on maintaining production costs below $20 per barrel (archived here).

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Another American corporation, ExxonMobil, is investigating (here and here) the countrys potential in the Namibe Basin (archived here and here).

The state itself, through the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (NAMCOR), holds a 10 percent stake in its exploration partnership with TotalEnergies (50.5 percent), QatarEnergy (30 percent) and Impact Oil and Gas (9.5 percent) (archived here).

As a top uranium producer, Namibia also announced in April 2025 that it will launch talks this year on its first nuclear energy plant, seeking to exploit its rich natural wealth to transform its economy (archived here).
Prayers were held at Hindu temples across north-west London on Thursday evening following the Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

The London Gatwick-bound flight crashed soon after take-off from the city's airport in the western state of Gujarat, killing at least 241 people. One person - a British man - survived.

Some residents in London have begun to receive confirmation that their loved ones were among those killed, Harrow East MP Bob Blackman said.

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Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, the spiritual leader of the Palmerston Road Temple in Harrow, said some of the victims had attended his temple for prayer.

"Today we are praying for them because it is the only thing we can give to the departed soul," he said.

Blackman said there were four workers at temples in his constituency who had been notified that their relatives had died.

"We also know that there are 169 Indian nationals on the flight who are almost certainly visiting family and friends in the United Kingdom, but we don't know where they were visiting or who they were visiting, what part of their family was, so a lot of the work that's going on right now is to identify who those people are and who they're visiting," he added.

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Navin Shah CBE, formerly the chair of the London Assembly, who also attended the prayers in Harrow, said: "I feel shock and disbelief.

"To me it is home, the air crash happened in an area that is largely residential - I spent my early years there."

Bharti Vyas, who was at the temple on Thursday evening, added: "It's a really big loss for us and we all know a person.

"It's really, really painful."

Tarun Patel says the disaster will hit the Gujarati community in London especially hard [BBC]

Tarun Patel, a spokesperson for the Neasden Temple, said the tragedy would have a particular impact on the Gujarati communities London, many of whom live in Harrow, Brent and Hounslow.

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"When we heard it this morning, it was one of disbelief," he said.

"It took time to really understand what's happening, and when it sunk in, it was very sad, devastating. Innocent lives affected."

Flowers were laid outside India House in central London [Reuters]

While those who attend his temple does include a high proportion of Gujarati people, he said he was not aware of any in his congregation who were on the flight but that "the situation is very fluid".

"That's not to say that members are not affected. I think it's a bit more than just people within this congregation... people at large have lost family and friends, and for that we feel their sorrow."

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He said his temple, and likely others across London and the UK, would continue holding opportunities to come together and pray for the "innocent lives lost".

Among the confirmed victims is Vijay Rupani, the former chief minister of the Gujarat state, according to local media.

Suresh Mangalagiri, a family friend, told BBC London the politician has a daughter who lives in Hounslow, west London.

"It's shocking news for everyone," he said. "They had a plan for holidays for two weeks here."

He added: "No one expected this kind of incident would happen."

'Our community stories'

Lovina Shenoy said she had seen solidarity across the 38,000-strong Indian diaspora network she founded in London.

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"Within 15 minutes of the news coming out, our WhatsApp groups became very active with members just sharing their feelings," she said.

Ms Shenoy said it "came as quite a shock" and some members of the network reported having family and friends on the flight.

She said one member had lost a classmate who was travelling with his wife and daughter to reunite with their son studying in the UK.

"These are not distant stories, they are our community stories. They are reminders of how fragile life is and how deeply connected we all are," she added.

As her network is spread all over the UK, she said they held a minute silence at 19:00 BST to "honour every life lost, and to pray for strength and healing for the grieving families".

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
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)  A premium brand pet food plant is coming to the Triad all the way from Italy.

Farmina Pet Foods will be opening its first-ever U.S. manufacturing plant in Rockingham County.

Its a major investment for the region. FPFs owner and CEO, Dr. Angelo Russo, said that it was North Carolinas hospitality, good conditions for economic growth and an abundance of qualified workers that stood out to them.

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For Rockingham County, it will bring up to 300 more jobs and technologies from around the world.

North Carolina Senator Phil Berger said now is a fascinating time for the pet industry.

Fewer people are having kids, but  more getting dogs  and cats. I dont want to forget about our feline friends, but its something people care a great deal about, Berger said.

Berger described FPF as one of the most reputable pet food brands that will bring a lot of growth to the local economy.

Good, high-paying manufacturing jobs. Great for Rockingham County, he said.

In Reidsville, FPF will be opening its first U.S. manufacturing facility, and they have ambitious plans to deliver the best quality pet foods. FPFs North America CEO, Loris Rinaldi, said it was a $115 million investment. He is confident that it will be worth it for both the company and the county.

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This facility is designed to expand and have three times the production capacity we have today, and that additional investment is for the 300 people that will run this facility 24/7, Rinaldi said.

The facility will run with some cutting-edge technology.

All of our bags are packed with nitrogen, which keeps everything fresh until you open the bag, Rinaldi said.

After having facilities in Italy and South America, this would be FPFs fifth facility, and they could not have found a better place to start off their North American venture.

Your kind welcome  Economically speaking, the good conditions you give to us and a lot of qualified workers, Russo said.

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Russo said this is just the beginning of the journey.

According to Rinaldi, they will import machines from Japan, Italy and France for their technology.

FPFs production will begin in July.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

A homeowner in Southern California is reeling after discovering that a nearly identical condo unit in their building just sold for $100,000 less than what they still owe on their mortgage.

I Lost The Timing Lottery

The owner shared their frustration on Reddit's r/RealEstate community: "I'm feeling disheartened and slightly sick," they wrote. "To know I'm basically $100K in debt right now, after almost two years of paying a pretty high mortgage no less."

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The unit that sold for less is in the same complex and is the same size and layout. "Doesn't appear to be anything wrong with it either," the person noted, adding that when they bought in, comps were all at or above what they paid. Now, they say, it feels like they lost the timing lottery.

With a move coming up, the homeowner is weighing whether to sell at a massive loss or rent the property out.

Leaning Toward Renting, Even At A Loss

Panic selling just cements the loss, the person wrote, saying they're leaning toward renting the condo out even if it means losing money each month. "Even if it stagnates for years, I still might not reach 100K in costs.

Many commenters were quick to support the idea of renting the property out instead of selling at a steep loss. One noted that in markets like Southern California, price trends are usually upward over time, and that this could just be a short-term dip.

Trending: Invest Where It Hurts  And Help Millions Heal: Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold.

Others brought up the benefits of holding onto a property in a high-cost area even if it means short-term losses, pointing out potential tax benefits, equity building, and a possible rebound in the market.

I'm thinking along the same lines, the original poster replied to one person. I am really not expecting prices to fall below this sale, and I think this sale even seems like an anomaly given other recent comps.

Plenty Of Cautionary Tales

Still, people who had gone through similar experiences cautioned that being a landlord isnt easy. One shared a story of renting out a condo for over a decade, enduring bad tenants, high homeowners association dues, and needing to make expensive repairs just to get the unit back to market-ready condition. Another emphasized the importance of screening tenants carefully and having a solid financial cushion.
Once again, Irans reckless pursuit of nuclear armaments has the Middle East poised on a knife-edge. The International Atomic Energy Agency has declared that Tehran is in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in 20 years, and the rogue states response has been to declare that it will significantly increase production of enriched uranium.

British and American government warnings appear to signal the potential for an imminent conflict between Iran and Israel, with Jerusalem calling for a decisive response to Irans obstruction of nuclear weapons inspections. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, is now less confident that a deal can be reached on the countrys nuclear programme, with Tehran adopting a hardline position on the matter.

It goes almost without saying that whatever steps are necessary to prevent Iran obtaining nuclear weapons must be taken. As two direct strikes on Israel last year proved, Irans despotic state is perfectly willing to use force to protect its terrorist proxies in neighbouring countries, and to attempt to pressure the Jewish state into abandoning its efforts at self-defence.

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Equally, events have made it perfectly clear where Britains interests and allies in the Middle East are, even if Sir Keir Starmers Government sometimes seems confused on this point. The Iranian state is a destructive and destabilising force across the region, sponsoring terrorism and fomenting chaos from Houthi strikes on vital shipping lanes to its long-standing support for Hezbollah.

If permitted to obtain nuclear weapons, Tehran would inevitably feel emboldened to take these actions further, hiding behind threats of raining destruction down on any party which attempted to rein in its behaviour. This would be an untenable situation for the Jewish state. Iranian leaders have repeatedly called for its destruction, while funding those attempting to bring that about.

While military action is not inevitable, if the Israeli government concludes that a targeted strike against Irans nuclear capabilities is the only way to prevent this scenario coming to pass, Britain and America should not stand in its way.

Instead, the role of the wider West now is to work with our allies in Jerusalem in working out how to best contain the Iranian threat, dismantle its nuclear power, and prevent the worst case scenario of a nuclear armed theocracy coming to pass.

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President Donald Trumps approval rating has dropped to a new low point, according to a new poll.

A Quinnipiac University poll published on June 11 found that 38% of respondents approve of the job the 47th president is doing, while 54% disapprove of his work.

This is the first time during Trumps second term that a Quinnipiac University poll has found the presidents approval rating under 40%, according to RealClearPolitics poll average.

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The poll also found more respondents disapproving of Trumps handling of immigration (43% approve, 54% disapprove) deportations (40% approve, 56% disapprove), the economy (40% approve, 56% disapprove) trade (38% approve, 57% disapprove) universities (37% approve, 54% disapprove) the conflict between Israel and Hamas (35% approve, 52% disapprove) and the war between Russia and Ukraine (34% approve, 57% disapprove).

The surveys findings caught the attention of CNNs Harry Enten on X.

This is definitely one of Trumps worst polls, Enten wrote. Just horrible across the board.

Enten also noted the poll found opposition to the One Big Beautiful Bill, a piece of legislation containing Trumps immigration and tax policy.

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Only 27% of respondents support the bill, which includes the extension of the 2017 Trump tax cuts, $50 billion to renew construction of Trumps border wall and a committment of $150 billion in defense spending to be used for shipbuilding and a missile defense system Trump calls The Golden Dome.

A majority of respondents, 53%, dont support the One Big Beautiful Bill, according to the poll.

In addition to respondents disapproving of Trumps job as president and the tax and immigration legislation, they also disapprove of the job that Democrats in Congress are doing.

Just 21% of respondents approve of the job being done by Democrats in D.C., while 70% say they dont.

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Among respondents who identify as Democrats, 41% expressed approval of Democrats in Congress, while 53% expressed disapproval.

In comparison, 32% of respondents said they approve of the job being done by Republicans in Congress compared to 61% who dont.

Among Republican respondents, only 13% disapprove of the actions of Republicans in Congress compared to the 79% who expressed approval.

The poll was conducted between June 5 to June 9 with a sample size of 1,265 self-identified registered voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8%.

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Read the original article on MassLive.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Romanian President Nicusor Dan have held their first trilateral meeting.

Source: press service for the Office of the President of Ukraine, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy, Dan and Sandu held a separate meeting on the sidelines of the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit, which took place on 11 June in Odesa.

The main topics of discussion were regional security, countering hybrid threats and cyber security, energy security, cross-border cooperation, logistics connectivity, military and technical cooperation and European integration.

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Reports say there was considerable discussion about supporting Moldova, whose situation is seen as key to regional stability.

The strengthening of sanctions against Russia and coordinated efforts to compel the Kremlin to agree to a just peace were also discussed.

Quote from the press service: "The parties also addressed support for the shared European Union membership aspirations of Ukraine and Moldova. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine and Moldova are moving forward together on this path, and no one should be allowed to divide the countries in the negotiation process."

More details: In addition, they discussed infrastructure projects, including the construction of a motorway connecting Ukraine, Moldova and Romania, as well as the development of the region's railway infrastructure.

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Ukraine proposed appointing coordinators at the level of foreign ministers for permanent interactions in this format.

Dans arrival at the summit in Odesa is one of his first foreign visits, following his inaugural trip to Chisinau. Romania is known as one of the strongest supporters of Moldovas accession to the European Union.

Background: Moldova may overtake Ukraine in the process of joining the EU and start negotiations separately due to Hungary's blocking of such steps for Ukraine. However, the EU still hopes to convince Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the coming weeks while preparing a plan B.



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Elected officials in California are calling on the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Newsom administration to pay for soil testing on properties destroyed in the Eaton and Palisades wildfires, underscoring the public health risk and financial burdens that could be faced by survivors seeking to rebuild in Altadena and Pacific Palisades.

FEMA, the agency leading the wildfire recovery efforts, has come under heavy criticism for its decision not to test properties for contaminants after removing wreckage and up to 6 inches of top soil. That policy differs from how California has handled virtually all wildfire recoveries in the recent past.

After every major wildfire since 2007, federal and state disaster agencies have conducted soil sampling to ensure that debris-cleared properties do not contain unhealthy levels of lead and other toxic metals. In these cases, at properties where agencies detected high levels of contaminants, they typically deployed cleanup crews to remove another layer of soil, and then would perform another round of soil testing. This would be repeated until testing showed that the soil met state standards.

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Following the 2025 L.A. wildfires, however, FEMA has repeatedly refused to pay for soil testing, contending that removing wildfire debris and up to 6 inches of topsoil from portions of destroyed homes is sufficient to eliminate any immediate health threats.

This month, U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Pasadena) led a contingent of 28 federal legislators in writing a letter demanding that FEMA reassess its decision. The letter, sent June 3, calls for federal funding for soil testing and for further remediation at properties with soil contamination above California's standards.

In a separate letter, sent Thursday, state Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) and three other state legislators urged California environmental regulators to step in and conduct soil sampling if federal disaster agencies continue to resist soil testing protocols. The letter recommends that state officials tap a $2.5-billion emergency relief package signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in January, which includes funding for debris cleanup and post-fire assessments.

Allen's letter said the state's decision to leave burned-down homes untested "will reverse precedent and lower standards for future disasters." Without comprehensive government-led soil testing, the letter argued, homeowners would be left to pay for soil sampling themselves or risk returning to a property with unsafe levels of contamination.

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"It is deeply unjust that this responsibility has fallen to fire survivors  already burdened by the challenges of total loss recovery  simply because federal partners like FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have failed to lead," write Allen and his co-signatories in the letter. "The State of California now has the opportunity to fill that gap with leadership that centers science, transparency, and community needs."

In February, the Newsom administration asked FEMA to reconsider its decision not to conduct post-cleanup soil testing, stressing that fire-related contamination can remain undetected and pose public health risks, even after cleanup crews finish their first pass at a property. But federal officials swiftly rejected the request, and instead suggested that state and local officials should perform this work.

Since then, the pressure has continued for California officials to step up.

Last month, a coalition of environmental researchers wrote a letter to the Newsom administration, urging state agencies pay for soil testing.

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The Newsom administration appears to be walking back its concerns about lingering fire-related contamination. In a June 6 letter replying to those researchers, CalEPA Secretary Yana Garcia downplayed the risks of lingering contamination from the Eaton and Palisades wildfires.

Although air quality and soil testing have found high levels of lead downwind of the Eaton fire, Garcia said that some of this soil contamination could have resulted from the historical use of leaded gasoline in cars and heavy industry.

"It is in this environment, not a clean slate, that the Palisades and Eaton Fires occurred," she wrote in her letter.

Soil testing carried out by Los Angeles Times journalists in March provided the first evidence that homes cleaned by federal cleanup crews still contained elevated levels of lead and arsenic. Soon after, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also published preliminary data finding 27% of soil samples collected at already-cleaned homes still had lead above state standards for residential properties.

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Read more: Uncovering the toxic soil lurking in L.A.s burn zones

Despite these soil sampling results, Garcia signaled she is satisfied with the federal cleanup.

"Sampling results so far are demonstrating the effectiveness of the existing clean-up approach," Garcia wrote in the letter.

(The health department denied an L.A. Times public records request seeking the raw data showing the extent of the soil contamination detected, saying the results had yet to be finalized. The department also declined requests for a copy of its contract with Roux Associates, including how much the county had paid the consultant to perform the soil sampling.)

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Garcia stressed that blood testing around the wildfire-affected communities showed overall exposure was low. She did not directly respond to the researchers' request to pay for soil testing for the L.A. wildfires.

Sen. Allen and the three state legislators who cosigned his public letter are seeking more answers from state environmental agencies. The letter calls for state environmental agencies to convene a public meeting by the end of June to discuss post-wildfire soil testing protocols and plans for the L.A. wildfires.

CalEPA officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  After weeks of searching, investigators told family that the presumed remains of a missing 81-year-old woman from Overland Park were found on a rural property in south-central Kansas.

According to the Cowley County Sheriffs Office, the suspected remains of Jerry McConnell were found June 11 on private property near 333rd Road and Ferguson Ranch Roadmore than a mile from where her car was found three weeks prior.

Kansas City police investigate homicide after man found dead behind Midtown apartments

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The sheriffs office said McConnell likely died not long after she abandoned her car on Tuesday, May 20. Deputies say an autopsy is pending to confirm the identity of the remains.

Previous reporting said that on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 14, Jerry had been driving back home to Overland Park from Harrisonville, Missouri, but never arrived at her destination.

Subsequently, the Overland Park Police Department released a Silver Alert, labeling McConnell as missing and at-risk.

About seven days later, it was reported by law enforcement that McConnells car, a 2009 Honda Accord, was found in Cowley County, Kansas  located just south of Wichita and several hours southwest of her home in Overland Park.

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According to her son, Rick McConnell, it is believed that she had gotten lost on her drive back to her retirement community.

Melissa, Julie and I would like to thank all who have assisted us and kept us in their prayers, Rick said.

Man charged in connection with death of Platte County sports reporter shot on I-29

The Family wishes to express our gratitude and appreciation for the tireless efforts of both the Cowley County Sheriffs Department and the Overland Park Police Department. Unless you have personally experienced such an unfathomable situation, you cannot comprehend the enormous efforts such an operation entails.

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Assembly candidate Katie Brennan celebrates with running mate Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, center, and Jersey City Councilman James Solmon after Brennan declared victory in the 32nd Districts Assembly race on June 10, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Ben Ackman/Jersey City Times)

At least two sitting members of the Assembly appear to have lost their reelection campaigns Tuesday, though it may take days yet to determine which lawmakers will see their tenures end in January.

Democratic incumbents face defeat in the 28th and 31st districts, with the chance of another loss in the 32nd, according to election results that remain preliminary.

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So far, only one incumbent, Assemblywoman Garnett Hall (D-Essex), appears certain to lose her seat in the 28th District after a single term in office. Three Democrats vied for two spots on the November ballot in this largely Democratic district.

Hall sought a second term under gubernatorial hopeful Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulops Democrats for Change slogan after Essex County Democrats backed Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker (D-Essex) and former assistant community affairs commissioner Chigozie Onyem over Hall. Hall trails Onyem by 3,563 votes, about 12 points, with nearly 98% of the 28th Districts votes reported.

The gap between Hall and the two candidates currently in the lead is insurmountable.

In the Hudson County-based 31st District, four Democrats vied for two slots, with the incumbent Assembly members  William Sampson and Barbara McCann Stamato  running against one another on opposite slates.

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Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker, who ran with Sampson, appears certain to ascend to the Legislature, running in first place with 8,453 votes with about 96% of the districts votes counted. And Sampson narrowly leads McCann Stamato 7,161 to 6,853, with Bayonne Councilwoman Jacqueline Weimmer trailing the pack with 6,853 votes.

We still have an election to go on in November, and we want to wipe Republicans out, Walker said at a victory party Tuesday. And look, Im happy to say this right here: Steven Fulop, you lost.

Walker and Sampson had the backing of the Hudson County Democratic Party. McCann Stamato and Weimmer ran under a ticket backed by Fulop.

Whoever ends up in second place in this contest, one of the 31st Districts incumbents wont return to Trenton next year.

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In the Hudson-based 32nd District, six Democrats vying for two seats were on Tuesdays ballot. Two candidates ran with the backing of Hudsons Democratic Party, two ran on Fulops slate, and two ran solo.

Former New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency chief of staff Katie Brennan leads the pack with 6,762 votes. Her running mate, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, has a narrow edge over Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (D-Hudson), leading Ramirez 6,535 to 6,462.

We did it. We really did it. We just showed the whole state that the people can beat the party bosses, Brennan said in a statement Tuesday night. This is what democracy looks like when its not rigged by political machines.

Brennan roiled Trenton in 2018 with her claim that she was raped by a staffer of Gov. Phil Murphys 2017 campaign.

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The district also hosts what appears to be the roundest defeat of party-backed Assembly candidates in the state. The Associated Press has not declared a winner in that contest yet.

Hoboken Public Library director Jennie Pu and Jersey City buildings director Crystal Fonseca  who were backed by Hudson Democrats  are in fifth and sixth place with 5,152 and 4,964 votes, respectively. Jersey City Councilman Yousef Saleh, who ran with Ramirez on Fulops slate, is in fourth place with 5,165 votes. Pu, Fonseca, and Saleh face insurmountable gaps.

In the 35th District, which represents parts of Bergen and Passaic counties, independent Democrat Newark Corporation Counsel Kenyatta Stewart appears to have won the nomination with 7,298 votes due to a groundswell of support in the Passaic County portions of the district.

Thank you to every single person who showed up, supported, and believed in this movement, Stewart said on Facebook. We did this together, and I am deeply humbled by your trust. Now its time to get to work  and I promise to make you proud every step of the way.

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He leads Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz (D-Passaic), who won 5,997 votes, and Passaic County Commissioner Orlando Cruz, who nabbed 5,736 votes. Romi Herrera, the districts only Fulop-backed candidate, has about half as many votes as Herrera and is well out of the running.

Officials are still counting votes, and theyll continue to receive mail ballots postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day until Monday.

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Prince William made a surprise visit to Dartmoor, in southwest England, to highlight a new mission

He is using ownership of the vast Duchy of Cornwall to collaborate on a massive environmental restoration initiative

The Prince of Wales, 42, calls the vision "bold and ambitious"







Prince William is on a new mission.

The Prince of Wales, 42, made a surprise visit to a remote part of southwest England on June 12, kicking off an ambitious restoration project.

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William  dressed for the outdoors in rainboots and a cap  visited an area of restored peatland on Dartmoor. He was there in his capacity as head of the Duchy of Cornwall, which owns about 68,000 acres of the ancient moor, which is now a protected national park.

But peatland, which is a natural store of carbon, is being eroded, and climate change is causing other stresses to the landscape.

A collaboration between the Duchy and Central Dartmoor Landscape Recovery Project is uniting landowners and others to encourage new approaches to grazing, biodiversity, conservation and river restoration, as part of the largest project of its kind in the U.K.

Chris Jackson/Getty Prince William visits Dartmoor National Park on June 12, 2025 Prince William visits Dartmoor National Park on June 12, 2025

The new landscape vision for Dartmoor which hopes to restore the wilderness while also strengthening its resilience to changes in the climate and also meeting the changing needs of local people and farmers. The plan hopes to recreate wooded areas to shelter rivers and re-establish more traditional cattle and sheep grazing practices -- and building more affordable housing.

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Prince William, who was hosted on Dartmoor by Duchy tenant farmers David and Justine Colton as he was updated about the initiative, called it "bold and ambitious."

Writing in the foreword to the Landscape Vision for Dartmoor, the prince says, The balance between nature and people has evolved for thousands of years to shape the landscape we recognize today. To keep Dartmoor special, we must respond to the twin challenges of global warming and the requirement to restore nature, while ensuring the communities on Dartmoor can thrive.

Chris Jackson/Getty Prince William visits Dartmoor National Park on June 12, 2025 Prince William visits Dartmoor National Park on June 12, 2025

"The Dartmoor Vision shows us what might be possible and how that might be achieved. It is bold and ambitious and something that I hope, by working together, can be delivered not just for the current generation but for generations to come."

William, who is a committed conservationist, last weekend spoke to world leaders at a global gathering in Monaco for World Ocean Day. He is gradually putting his stamp on the Duchy, which he inherited from his father King Charles when Queen Elizabeth died in September 2022. He is also introducing initiatives to combat homelessness, another key plank of his public work, by building some social housing on the estate in Cornwall.

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Before he left the area on Thursday, William also met representatives from the local fire service.

National Park Authority Rangers and Commoners Council to hear about, and thank them for tackling, a recent wildfire on North Moor.

Chris Jackson/Getty Prince William visits Dartmoor National Park on June 12, 2025 Prince William visits Dartmoor National Park on June 12, 2025

The Prince of Wales inherited the Duchy of Cornwall, an estate spanning over 20 counties in England and Wales worth over $1 billion that provides funds for the heir. He quietly visits parts of the region once every four to six weeks, and The Telegraph tagged along on one of his recent trips.

The duchy's secretary, Will Bax, told the outlet that Prince William is "pretty demanding"  in a "great" way.

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"Hes easy to follow because hes got great conviction and personality, and he really wears his heart on his sleeve in terms of social interest and his desire to have a positive impact in the world," Bax said.

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Chris Jackson/Getty Prince William visits Dartmoor National Park on June 12, 2025 Prince William visits Dartmoor National Park on June 12, 2025

Estate director Ben Murphy added that the heir has a "healthy impatience, as his father did," which "puts the wind in our sails."

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR)  Illinois Governor JB Pritzker spent hours testifying in front of a congressional committee on Thursday, defending Illinois immigration laws.

Today, Illinois is home to 1.9 million immigrants, Pritzker said during his opening statement. Just like my great grandfather, they are hard-working, raising families and paying taxes. Our state and our country have been strengthened by people from across the globe seeking freedom, opportunity and refuge here. Recently, children, pregnant women and others fled poverty, violence and persecution, seeking asylum at our border. Some border state politicians chose to treat them as political pawns, bussing them to states like mine and dropping them off in the dead of night in the freezing cold. Illinois chose a different path. Faced with a humanitarian crisis, our state made sure children and families did not go hungry or freeze to death.

READ MORE: As ICE protests continue in Los Angeles, Pritzker prepares to defend Illinois sanctuary policies to Congress

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He was flanked by two other democratic governors  Minnesota Governor and former Vice Presidential Candidate Tim Walz and New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

Charges for obstruction should be brought against each one of you, Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Alabama) said during the hearing.

Each Governor was quizzed by Republicans about specific non-citizens who were charged with crimes in their states. The very first case mentioned in the hearing was the death of Katie Abraham. She was a 20-year-old University of Illinois student who was killed in a car crash earlier this year in Urbana. The driver of the car that hit her was undocumented. After originally fleeing the scene of the crash, he was arrested in Texas three days following the crash, trying to flee the country to Mexico. He is charged with Reckless Homicide and Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Crash.

Abrahams parents were present at the hearing. Chair of the House Committee U.S. Rep. James Comer (R-Kentucky) called it a preventable crime. When he asked about their case, this was the conversation that followed.

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Mr. Chairman. First, let me express my condolences to the family and those are terrible circumstances. Let me also say that anyone who commits a crime in the state of Illinois  Pritzker said prior to being interrupted.

I understand it, should that criminal have been here in the first place? Did he have a right to be in this country illegally? Rep. Comer said.

If the person is a criminal of any sort, then they ought to be- Prtizker continued before he was interrupted.

So that that person had a right to be in the United States, Comer said.

Pritzker continued, They ought to be given their due process rights and they ought to be convicted.

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The congressional hearing was expectedly theatrical, as Republicans took turns attacking the laws, and Democrats teed up the Democratic Governors with questions to attack the Trump Administrations immigration policies.

SEE ALSO: Pritzker invited to testify to Congress about sanctuary state policy

Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who is now running for U.S. Senate, used his time to ask Pritzker about the proposed Medicaid Cuts in the Trump-backed Spending plan that passed the House of Representatives, otherwise known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Theres another reason why Trump has provoked the current situation in California, Rep. Krishnamoorthi said. He doesnt want to talk about what he calls the big, beautiful bill and what I call the large, lousy law. So lets talk about what Trump doesnt want to discuss. What Trump doesnt want to discuss is that his large lousy law cut $625 billion in Medicaid, a program that insures millions of Americans.

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Meanwhile, Texas Republican Congressman Gill used his time to ask Pritzker if he felt ICE should be abolished. When Pritzker answered no, the congressman pivoted to asking questions about transgender people using bathrooms.

Youre admitting that this is just a political circus, Pritzker said.

The laws Pritzker will be defending

Republicans will be keying in on multiple laws that Illinois has on the books, including the Trust Act.

That law prevents local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration officials unless those officials have a criminal warrant issued by a judge. The law was signed by former Republican Bruce Rauner, and the intent was to help local law enforcement grow relationships with the undocumented community.

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Democratic governors defend immigration policies before Republican-led House panel

Other states also have similar pieces of legislation, including New York.

Pritzker was also asked by a Republican congressmember about the states program to provide non-citizens with state-sponsored healthcare.

In 2020, Illinois passed a law to give non-citizens over the age of 64 to that healthcare, and it was expanded in 2021 to include those between the ages of 42 and 64. The program came with way over expected costs leading to restrictions being put on enrollments, but this year, Pritzker and the legislature totally defunded the branch of the program for those between the ages of 42 and 64.

The national conversation

The Trump Administration has ramped up Immigration enforcement, including seeking out undocumented people with no criminal records, and the administration has been criticized and has lost in court over not recognizing peoples due process rights when deporting them.

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The crackdown has led to protests all over the country, most notably in L.A., where Trump federalized the California National Guard despite the objections of California Governor Gavin Newsom. Its not uncommon for the president to federalize the National Guard, but to actually take control of the guard without the consent of the governor, and then deploy them in their own state has not happened in 60 years.

ICE arrests top 100K under Trump

The conversation about those protests bled into the hearing Thursday. Each governor shared their concerns about what they viewed as an overreach from the White House.

Illinois follows the law, Pritzker said. But let me be clear. We expect the federal government to follow the law, too. We will not participate in abuses of power. We will not violate court orders. We will not ignore the Constitution. We will not defy the Supreme Court. We will not take away peoples rights to peacefully protest. We also respect and expect this administration to respect the traditions and legal precedent that dictate how and when our National Guard and military are deployed.

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When asked if Director of ICE Tom Homan should arrest Newsom, Trump said I would do it if I were Tom.

As protests continue to spread across the U.S., Pritzker said this when asked if what he would think if he were targeted for arrest.

If Tom Holman were to come to try to arrest me, he can try, Pritzker said. I can also tell you that I will stand in the way of Tom Holman going after people who dont deserve to be frightened in their communities, who dont deserve to be terrorized. I would rather that he came and arrested me than do that to the people of my state.

This story will be updated.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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As President Donald Trump spars with Californias governor over immigration enforcement, Republicans in Congress are calling other Democratic governors to the Capitol on Thursday to question them over policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform posted a video ahead of the hearing highlighting crimes allegedly committed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally and pledging that sanctuary state governors will answer to the American people.

The hearing is to include testimony from Govs. JB Pritzker of Illinois, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Kathy Hochul of New York.

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Theres no legal definition of a sanctuary jurisdiction, but the term generally refers to governments with policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Courts previously have upheld the legality of such laws.

But Trumps administration has sued Colorado, Illinois, New York and several cities  including Chicago and Rochester, New York  asserting their policies violate the U.S. Constitution or federal law.

Illinois, Minnesota and New York also were among 14 states and hundreds of cities and counties recently listed by the Department of Homeland Security as sanctuary jurisdictions defying federal immigration law. The list later was removed from the departments website after criticism that it errantly included some local governments that support Trumps immigration policies.

As Trump steps up immigration enforcement, some Democratic-led states have intensified their resistance by strengthening state laws restricting cooperation with immigration agents. Following clashes between crowds of protesters and immigration agents in Los Angeles, Trump deployed the National Guard to protect federal buildings and agents, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom accused Trump of declaring a war on the underpinnings of American democracy.

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The House Oversight Committee has long been a partisan battleground, and in recent months it has turned its focus to immigration policy. Thursdays hearing follows a similar one in March in which the Republican-led committee questioned the Democratic mayors of Chicago, Boston, Denver and New York about sanctuary policies.

Heavily Democratic Chicago has been a sanctuary city for decades. In 2017, then-Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican, signed legislation creating statewide protections for immigrants.

The Illinois Trust Act prohibits police from searching, arresting or detaining people solely because of their immigration status. But it allows local authorities to hold people for federal immigration authorities if theres a valid criminal warrant.

Pritzker, who succeeded Rauner in 2019, said in remarks prepared for the House committee that violent criminals have no place on our streets, and if they are undocumented, I want them out of Illinois and out of our country.

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But we will not divert our limited resources and officers to do the job of the federal government when it is not in the best interest of our state, our local communities, or the safety of our residents, he said.

Pritzker has been among Trumps most outspoken opponents and is considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate. He said Illinois has provided shelter and services to more than 50,000 immigrants who were sent there from other states.

A Department of Justice lawsuit against New York challenges a 2019 law that allows immigrants illegally in the U.S. to receive New York drivers licenses and shields drivers license data from federal immigration authorities. That built upon a 2017 executive order by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo that prohibited New York officials from inquiring about or disclosing a persons immigration status to federal authorities, unless required by law.

Hochuls office said law enforcement officers still can cooperate with federal immigration authorities when people are convicted of or under investigation for crimes. Since Hochul took office in 2021, her office said, the state has transferred more than 1,300 incarcerated noncitizens to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the completion of their state sentences.

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Minnesota doesnt have a statewide sanctuary law protecting immigrants in the U.S. illegally, though Minneapolis and St. Paul both restrict the extent to which police and city employees can cooperate with immigration enforcement.

Some laws signed by Walz have secured benefits for people regardless of immigration status. But at least one of those is getting rolled back. The Minnesota Legislature, meeting in a special session, passed legislation Monday to repeal a 2023 law that allowed adults in the U.S. illegally to be covered under a state-run health care program for the working poor. Walz insisted on maintaining eligibility for children who arent in the country legally,

Cappelletti reported from Washington, D.C. Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Mo. Also contributing were Associated Press writers Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, N.Y.; Steve Karnowski in St. Paul, Minn.; and Sophia Tareen in Chicago.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Utahs 4th District Court is now holding hearings to move toward a second jury trial for former death-row inmate Douglas Carter after a Utah Supreme Court order last month.

Carter was found guilty of aggravated murder, a capital offense, by a jury on Dec. 19, 1985. But the Utah Supreme Court ruled in May that there were serious constitutional violations in his previous trial, meriting a second jury trial  affirming a district court decision.

In a hearing on June 3, 4th District Judge Derek Pullan determined Carter qualified for a public defender and scheduled the hearing on Tuesday to address who would represent him.

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Recently, the Utah County Public Defenders Office stated that it was not equipped to handle a separate death penalty case due to a lack of certified attorneys. In this instance, it also suggested consulting attorneys outside the office.

Richard Gale attended Tuesdays hearing and said he and Neal Hamilton need a few more weeks to finalize contracts with Utah County, allowing them to represent Carter as public defenders paid by the county.

Pullan said in Tuesdays hearing that if an appropriate contract is reached with the county, and Gale and Hamilton show they are certified for the death penalty case, he will appoint them. Pullan was assigned to Carters case over a decade ago and ruled in 2021 in favor of a new trial and sentencing  the ruling the high court affirmed.

Next steps

Gale said once he is appointed, he will need to get information about the case from prosecutors and meet with Carter.

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In response to Gales comments that he would visit Carter, Carter responded: How long (is) that going to be, because, you see, Im wondering what Im being charged with.

Deputy Utah County attorney Erwin Petilos said there are eight boxes of discovery prosecutors are still going through in the case.

Its going to be a work in progress, but well move as expeditiously as possible, he said.

He said he plans to file a motion to move Carter from the prison to the Utah County Jail in the next 24 hours.

Carter voiced that he has a lot of court documents in his room at the prison, and if he were to move to the jail, he would rather not have a roommate in his cell so he can maintain access to those.

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Pullan asked Carter and his attorneys to address that request in a written response to Petilos motion to transfer him.

The next hearing in the case was scheduled for June 24, after Gale expressed a desire to keep the case moving forward.

Case background

Carter, now presumed to be innocent again, will face trial on an aggravated murder charge in the death of Eva Olesen.

Olesens husband found her body in her home in Provo on Feb. 27, 1985. She had her hands tied behind her back and her clothing removed from the waist down. She had been stabbed 10 times and shot in the back of the head.

Carter was a suspect because he was identified by a witness in a nearby vehicle trespass offense, and his wife rushed home after hearing about the murder to see if he was involved, according to court documents. He signed a written confession admitting to the killing after his arrest, the recent Utah Supreme Court order said.

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In the order, the judges said no physical evidence tied him to the crime scene. They said two witnesses whose testimonies corroborated portions of his confession were being paid by prosecutors, and Carters attorneys were not informed. They also reported years after his sentence that they were pressured to lie about the financial support and testify about a fabricated statement.

There is no question that these numerous constitutional violations  suppressing evidence, suborning perjury and knowingly failing to correct false testimony  prejudiced Carter at both his trial and sentencing, the high court said.
The most talked about and market moving research calls around Wall Street are now in one place. Here are today's research calls that investors need to know, as compiled by The Fly.



Top 5 Upgrades:



Lake Street upgraded Limoneira (LMNR) to Buy from Hold with an unchanged price target of $23. Q2 results came in "modestly below" the firm's estimates behind an especially weak lemon market, but the highlight was a major agreement to merge a portion of Limoneira's operations into Sunkist, which will "meaningfully" reduce Limoneira's fixed costs and operating expenses while improving the revenue mix to higher margin businesses, the firm tells investors.

Janney Montgomery Scott upgraded Eagle Bancorp (EGBN) to Buy from Neutral with a $24 fair value estimate. Investors have "ignored" Eagle shares in recent months as the stock has drifted from $24 to sub-$17 recently, notes the firm, which encourages investors to "do more homework on the EGBN story" with the stock still trading at a less than the 66% average price-to-tangible book value ratio since December 2022.

BofA upgraded ArcBest (ARCB) to Neutral from Underperform with a price target of $74, up from $63. The firm sees momentum in the company's share gains with core customers mitigating core yield pressure.

Raymond James upgraded Atlantic Union Bankshares (AUB) to Strong Buy from Outperform with a price target of $41, up from $37. The firm sees an attractive valuation for a "desirable franchise that is likely to show a significant improvement in financial performance over the next twelve months."
Hate to say this but Los Angelesyoure not helping. Before you get mad and turn off your phone, let me explain.

Last week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (ICE) arrested 118 immigrants during operations in L.A. Since then, protests have erupted in the city that Mayor Karen Bass says has turn the entire metropolitan area into a tinderbox.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA  JUNE 08: Demonstrators protest outside a downtown jail in Los Angeles following two days of clashes with police during a series of immigration raids on June 08, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Tensions in the city remain high after the Trump administration called in the National Guard against the wishes of city leaders. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

In one confrontation, police employed tear gas and pepper spray as protestors gathered outside a detention center on Sunday. President Trump said he would deploy 2,000 National Guard soldiers to respond to the protests. In a post on Truth Social, Trump attacked what he called Radical Left protests by instigators and often paid troublemakers.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA  JUNE 7: A Los Angeles Sheriff Department officers shot at protesters during immigration protest on June 7, 2025 in Paramount, California. Clashes between the U.S. Border Patrol and protestors began after a Home Depot was raided by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Around 30 agents wearing tactical gear were stationed near a Home Depot in Paramount and faced off against protesters, south of downtown Los Angeles.(Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

OK. Listen. We are all sympathetic to the reason why these protests are happening. Treating immigrants this way is not American. This country is unique in that it is one made up of people from other countries. Butthese riots and protests? They are doing nothing but distracting us from the sneaky sh*t Trump is doing right in front of our faces.

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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by the House in May, includes tax cuts, spending cuts, and policy changes that would devastate many Americans, especially Black folks. It would strip millions of heath care and drive many people who look like us into crippling debt.

Then there is the travel ban that Trump unsuccessfully tried to implement in his first term that he has gotten little to no resistance on in this second one. People were marching in the streets outraged in 2016, now he has implemented it with little to no pushback.

y'all are not pro black at all just spineless and pathetic. black immigrants exist. trump just put a travel ban on several countries some of which have a predominantly black population. police brutality and deportation fueled by white supremacy is our business https://t.co/DC9G8Q6FFn  bambi  fun police (@bambied_) June 8, 2025

And even though Trump has fallen out with Elon Musk, DOGE is still running roughshod through the federal government. Just a few days ago, the department got access to our SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS. (Yes. Had to write it like that because it is a big f**kin deal.) That means that they have all our sensitive data which isgreat.

Supreme Court allows DOGE access to Social Security data | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/N45hee8yS8  KMBC (@kmbc) June 6, 2025

And all the while, Black folks are still being killed by police. Health outcomes of Black people are worse now because public health research is dwindling. And even the wigs and weave will go up because of Trumps Tariffs.

So, look. We are with you, Los Angeles. We support your anger. But all these violent clashes with ICE agents and the police? You are exactly the kind of distraction Trump has been needing so he can do what he wants without anyone noticing.
MONTROSE, Colo. (KREX)  Owner of the Starvin Arvins restaurant chain, Jeff Leany, has been operating five restaurants in the Grand Valley for 42 years and recently contested a $31,740 rise in property value at their Montrose branch.

Within an hour of contesting the change on May 20, General Manager of the Montrose branch, Rob Haddon, says five county employees showed up while the restaurant was busy.

Less than an hour [after] I left that office, I had five people in my face, said Haddon.

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Haddon says there hasnt been any significant change made to the building and he was not made aware of any updates.

I felt like they were harassing us, said Haddon.

Haddon claims two people from the fire marshals office, one from the health department, the building inspector and the code enforcer were all there.

WesternSlopeNow got in contact with the Montrose County Public Information Officer, Erika Story, who said, during a phone call with WesternSlopeNow, there was only one Montrose County Official at the restaurant from the health department.

Owner Jeff Leany says, I protest my taxes all the time. I want to know why and what is going on, so that I dont have to pay more than I should.

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WesternSlopeNow then contacted Montrose County Assessor Brad Hughes, asking him what determines the value of properties and why it fluctuates.

There was some increase in construction cost, says Hughes. There was some increase in land evaluation and there was still some market activity that indicated the Montrose commercial market was still increasing.

The final property value amount is calculated by taking the change in value of $31,740 and multiplying it by .27, which is the commercial assessment rate, equaling 8569 or 8570 rounded up).

The mill levy of the Starvin Arvins Montrose branch is 71.202 mills.

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A new proposal being pushed by Republicans calls for the sale of millions of acres of public land after deeming them "eligible for disposal."

Specifically, the Republican majority on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is proposing that the U.S. government sell up to 3 million acres of public land. Why? The committee deduces that, by selling these millions of acres, revenue directed to the U.S. Treasury would help to hit revenue goals in the federal budget.

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), chairman of the committee, on Wednesday released the 69-page draft bill, which lists Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land in most Western states as "eligible for disposal." Those states include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

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And, as first reported by Outdoor Life, Montana is conspicuously absent from the list of states possibly affected if the bill passes. The outlet reports that Montana's Congressional delegation has been vocal in their opposition to land sales or transfers.

The bill's language calls for the "disposal not less than .50 percent and not more than 0.75 percent of National Forest System land, and shall dispose of all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to those tracts selected for disposal."

The bill claims that selling off the public lands "would address local housing needs (including housing supply and affordability) or any associated community needs."

Related: Teenager Dead After Tragic Accident at National Park Waterfall

Federally protected lands, such as national parks and national monuments, are safe from the sale. But as Outdoor Life reports, a sale of this magnitude would be "by far the biggest proposed federal land sale in modern U.S. history." The outlet also reports that Republican leadership stripped the land-sale provision from the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" before kicking it up to the Senate, where Republicans have a wider majority versus a slim majority in the House.

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The bill, even if passed, would face a significant uphill battle, given that the bill's language also calls for the Secretary of the Interior to "consult with the Governor of the State in which the nominated tract is located regarding the suitability of the area for residential development; each applicable unit of local government; and each applicable Indian Tribe."

In an effort to calm the waters among avid hunters and fishermen who have long opposed the sale of public lands, Lee shared video assuring the conservation community that they will not be affected.

To our hunters, anglers, and sportsmen, you will not lose access to the lands you love," he said in the video. "Washington has proven it cant manage this land. This bill puts it in better hands.

New Proposal Would Sell Off Millions of Acres of U.S. Public Lands first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 12, 2025
Jun. 11ROCHESTER  A 300-home neighborhood for active adults is being planned alongside an anticipated request to expand Rochester's southwest boundary.

"It's meant for folks who are just about to retire or are retired and want an active lifestyle," Dean Lotter told potential neighbors during a required neighborhood meeting Tuesday.

The director of land planning and entitlement for Pulte Group's Minnesota division said creation of the proposed housing development for people 55 and older will require adding the site southwest of the intersection of Country Club Road Southwest and 45th Avenue to the city.

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If approved, the Atlanta, Georgia-based developer plans to bring its Del Webb-style neighborhood to Rochester, making it the third in the state. Other locations are in Chaska and Corcoran.

"It's a resort-style living that's highly amenyitized," he said of the neighborhood dubbed Del Webb at Country Club, which is expected to feature single-family, for-sale homes.

Offering a variety of styles and sizes, from 1,300- to 1,500-square-foot homes designed for single residents to larger luxury 54-foot-wide homes with three-car garages for people not yet ready to fully retire, Lotter said the exact design of each house will be determined by the buyer.

He said standards are in place to avoid repetition within the neighborhood, but the goal is to let owners pick their individual lot and home style within the Del Webb catalog.

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To enhance the resort-style appearance, he said plans call for a main access point from 45th Avenue Southeast, south of Country Club Road and about a third of the way to the development's southern boundary at Eighth Street Southwest.

"When you enter a Del Webb neighborhood, it's sort of a special kind of experience," he said of the planned 45th Avenue connection. "There's usually a main boulevard, and it's heavily flowered and landscaped. There's usually a beautiful entrance monument that greets you and there are no homes that actually access with driveways off of that main drive."

With side streets being accessed from a community center at the end of the main drive, Lotter said a secondary access to the neighborhood is eventually planned on Eighth Street, to ensure two routes in and out of the area.

A traffic study is expected to be part of a required environmental review for the project.

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Addressing neighbors' concerns about the proximity to existing homes in Rochester Township, Lotter said the site is being designed with berms and landscaping in an effort to set it apart from the surrounding area.

"We try to create a certain sense of privacy," he said. "Typically a buyer for these neighborhoods wants to feel safe, and they want a little bit of a closed-in neighborhood."

With development plans emerging, the process will require Rochester City Council approval to annex the land that sits largely in Rochester Township, with a portion in Cascade Township. Lotter said the request will only involve land the company plans to develop.

In addition to the annexation request, the developer has 30 days following Tuesday's meeting to submit a development plan. The plan will face staff review, but the annexation request will require public hearings ahead of a council decision.

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Meanwhile, Lotter said the environmental review has started but is expected to take six months, which will involve state and local reviews, as well as opportunities for public input.

The proposed development follows a failed 2023 request to change land designation for 50 acres at the site allow the Nigon Family Farm Trust to develop the area outside city limits. The Rochester City Council's refusal of the change played a role in discussions leading to changes in oversight for development outside city limits, but the new proposal changes direction with the for the site, since it involves an annexation request.

Lotter said annexation is needed to tie into the city's sewer system, which would be accessed through a connection at 45th Avenue Southwest.

With development on both sides of Cascade Creek, Lotter said the development plan leaves room for a planned Minnesota Department of Natural Resources project that is expected to modify the waterway to reduce flooding potential.

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In addition to leaving space for the state project, he said the development plan will also include details to ensure stormwater runoff is controlled, which he said should improve conditions for neighbors.

"Right now, that whole site is unmanaged and unchecked," he said.

With Pulte Group initiating efforts to obtain approvals for the development, the company hopes to start site development in the spring of 2026, with the potential to have the first homes available for sale at the start of 2027. They could be occupied by April of that year.

Lotter said construction would likely continue into the summer of 2030.

"It takes years for the whole thing to build out," he said.
Many adult smokers use tobacco-free nicotine pouches to stop smoking. So why subject them to a new tax when lawmakers could be making it easier  not more difficult  to access products that help them improve their health? (Getty Photo)

Rhode Island lawmakers have slipped a new tax into the states proposed fiscal 2026 budget that could hurt people struggling with addiction and set back public health efforts in the state.

The proposal would institute a new and highly aggressive tax  nearly doubling the price  on tobacco-free nicotine pouches, a product that many adult smokers use to stop smoking. Unlike cigarettes, pouches provide users with a nicotine fix without the need to inhale deadly smoke. Users place a small, smokeless, pouch between their lip and gum, allowing nicotine to be absorbed into their bloodstream.

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Unfortunately, nicotine pouches are often unfairly targeted by organizations and policymakers that base their attacks on misinformation about the products and their users.

As a licensed physician certified in the field of smoking cessation and a co-founder of a New England recovery clinic, I have spent more than 40 years treating patients who struggle with a variety of addictions including alcohol, narcotics, and nicotine. Most people with nicotine addictions are rightly focused on quitting one product in particular  cigarettes.

Health experts, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have recognized that tobacco and nicotine products exist on a continuum of risk with cigarettes by far posing the largest public health risk. This is because cigarettes require the user to inhale a deadly mix of chemicals that cause emphysema, cancer, and a wide range of health problems.

Nicotine, by comparison, is a highly addictive stimulant but is also non-carcinogenic. Therefore, it is in smokers best interest to move toward smoke-free products like nicotine pouches that pose substantially fewer risks to their health.

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Reflecting this reality, the FDA recently authorized the marketing of ZYN nicotine pouches. In making this authorization, the FDA reported that due to substantially lower amounts of harmful constituents than cigarettes these nicotine pouches pose lower risk of cancer and other serious health conditions.

But rather than embrace the promise of these products, Rhode Island legislators are proposing a punitive tax that would make them significantly more expensive. They propose making nicotine pouches subject to the same excise tax of 80% of the wholesale cost for all smokeless tobacco products to nicotine pouches, effective Oct. 1. Other states like Maine, Illinois, and Minnesota have also taken a similarly misguided step to raise revenue.

Rather than embrace the promise of these products, Rhode Island legislators are proposing a punitive tax that would make them significantly more expensive.

Extending taxes to nicotine pouches is especially dangerous because we know there is an inverse relationship between smoking and income brackets. Households with less income are more likely to have smokers. Lawmakers rightly struck a proposed 50-cent tax hike on cigarette packs proposed in January in the governors budget. They should be making it easier  not more difficult  for them to access products better for their health.

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Some tax supporters argue that smokers should only quit using pharmaceutical tools like gum, patches, and prescription medications, but my experience has been that these methods have a terribly low rate of success. Highly touted medications like Chantix work for less than 10% of people who try them and carry side effects like suicide ideation and psychosis.

Excessive taxes on nicotine pouches are also not necessary to curb youth usage. Since the national age to purchase tobacco products was raised to 21 more than five years ago, youth tobacco use has sunk to its lowest levels ever. In fact, the most recent National Youth Tobacco Survey found that only 1.8% of young people reported using nicotine pouches.

When it comes to addressing the harm done by smoking, Rhode Islands concerns should be on the nearly 10% of adults in the state who are cigarette smokers. These are the individuals who will be needlessly hurt by placing high taxes on products that could be key to overcoming their cigarette addiction.

As lawmakers seek to address Rhode Islands budget shortfall, they should not do it on the backs of people who are seeking to make better choices for their health. An expensive tax on nicotine pouches is likely to make a small impact on the budget, but it will put a big dent in efforts to improve the states public health.

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(Refiles to drop word offices from paragraph 2)

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday ordered federal prosecutors to prioritize criminal prosecution of protesters who destroy property or assault law enforcement, and to make sure every case they bring gets publicized, according to an internal email seen by Reuters.

The email, which was sent to all 93 U.S. Attorneys, comes a week into a wave of protests that started in Los Angeles and have spread to other major cities against President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. Trump has dispatched some 700 U.S. Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, saying they are needed to back up immigration raids.

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"There should be no bottleneck of referrals for complaints and legal process," wrote Associate Deputy Attorney General Aakash Singh.

"Push out press releases whenever you file charges in these matters," he said. "We will not stop enforcing the law and we will not be deterred from keeping our districts safe."

U.S. Attorneys prosecute a wide range of federal crimes, ranging from drug trafficking to white collar crimes, and some of the busiest offices can bring hundreds of cases per year, though the volume varies widely. Lower level cases are not as frequently publicized in press releases.

Democrats -- particularly California Governor Gavin Newsom -- have accused the Trump administration of escalating the tensions by sending in troops that local officials have not called for, comparing his actions to that of an authoritarian regime.

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Street protests have since broken out in U.S. cities across the country in response to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, including New York, Chicago, Washington and San Antonio, Texas.

As weve said repeatedly, the Department respects the right to peacefully protest & assemble to engage on important issues," a DOJ spokesman said in a statement. "However, the Department and its 94 US Attorney Offices will not tolerate unlawful violence & destruction of property. We are prepared to respond accordingly.

On Wednesday, two Los Angeles men who were participating in protests were charged by federal prosecutors with possessing Molotov cocktails, while several others were charged with assaulting a federal officer.

The FBI said this week it was setting up a tip line to collect "evidence of violence associated with opposition to immigration enforcement" and published images of a Compton, California, man whom it alleged is a fugitive from justice who assaulted a federal officer.

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On Thursday, the Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles said on X that his office has charged another protester with conspiracy to commit civil disorders, after the man allegedly distributed face shields to "suspected rioters."

In his email, Singh told prosecutors that having merely one or two assistant U.S. attorneys on standby to handle such cases is "insufficient," and that all employees from both the U.S. Attorneys' offices and the Criminal Division "should be on standby."

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Scott Malone and Bill Berkrot)
Protesters targeted several Los Angeles County hotels where ICE agents were believed to be staying overnight, including what police say was a mistaken hotel in Whittier, where vehicles and property were vandalized.

A large crowd gathered outside the DoubleTree Hotel in Whittier in response to circulating reports that federal immigration agents were staying there, the City of Whittier and Whittier Police stated on Instagram.

As the evening progressed, the crowd became increasingly agitated due to continued inaccurate claims that federal agents were staying at the hotel. Despite several attempts by hotel staff to clarify the situation, some protesters broke lobby windows and entered the building, the post reads.

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Several vehicles were also vandalized, including a white van that was mistaken for a federal vehicle.

Anti-ICE protesters gather outside the Double Tree hotel in Whittier on June 11, 2025. (OnScene.TV)

While these reports were not accurate, they reflect the heightened concern many in our community are feeling in light of recent federal activity in the City of Whittier and Los Angeles County, officials said.

Meanwhile, a crowd of about 50 to 75 people gathered in front of the Embassy Suites by Hilton hotel in Downey, waving flags and holding signs that read DEHUMANIZE ice into the early morning hours on Thursday.

The protesters played loud music and used bullhorns to make as much noise as possible after learning that ICE agents were believed to be staying at the hotel on Firestone Boulevard. It was unclear if any agents were in the hotel.

Anti-ICE protesters gather outside the Embassy Suites in Downey on June 12, 2025. (OnScene.TV)

Crowdmembers said they were expressing concern over the agencys activity in the city on Wednesday, where a reported 12 people were detained during immigration sweeps, including at least one at a car wash and another outside a local church.

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The Rev. Tanya Lopez, senior pastor at Downey Memorial Christian Church, described witnessing five men in plain clothes with police badges and bulletproof vests detaining an individual.

He could have just been walking down the street and choosing to walk through our parking lot, Lopez said. A lot of people do that all the time.

Video recorded earlier Wednesday showed agents chasing a man through a Downey car wash, where the owner said that two workers were detained.

A demonstration was also reported outside the Hilton Hotel in Glendale overnight.

Hotel staff did not confirm the presence of ICE agents on the premises.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Jun. 11More than 100 demonstrators were blocking federal agents in Spokane early Wednesday evening from leaving a downtown immigration office reportedly with refugees who were detained at court hearings earlier in the day.

About 75 people, including former Spokane City Council President Ben Stuckart, gathered outside the facility in the afternoon just north of Riverfront Park to prevent a bus with the young men from departing to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma.

Later, they deflated the bus' tires and blocked law enforcement from leaving in patrol cars on the opposite side of the building.

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The fracas is arguably the most extreme local showing of resistance to President Donald Trump's sweeping immigration crackdowns since he took office for the second time in January.

Stuckart began sitting in front of the bus parked on Cataldo Avenue in front of the former Broadview Dairy Building about 2 p.m.

The demonstration was sparked by the Wednesday morning detainment of the two men, identified by Stuckart as 21-year-old Cesar Alexander Alvarez Perez, who is seeking asylum from Venezuela, and Joswar Slater Rodriguez Torres, a Colombian national also in his early twenties. The crowd began forming just before 2 p.m. following a post on social media from Stuckart in which he called on members of the community to join him in obstructing the bus bound for Tacoma.

Stuckart said he officially became the Venezuelan's legal guardian three weeks ago, and arrived with him and the man from Colombia for a scheduled "check-in" appointment at the Spokane facility this morning. The two were in the United States on work visas and had full-time employment at the Walmart in Airway Heights until Friday, when their "work permits were revoked," he said.

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They're both hard workers who have been diligent about following the legal process and building better lives, Stuckart said.

"You can't help spend time with them and not understand just what great young men they are," Stuckart said. "They've done everything right, and they're escaping horrible situations, and then to have them come in for a checkup and be detained illegally is morally reprehensible."

For the first few hours, most of the demonstration was peaceful, aside from a masked person who covered the driver's side of the bus' windshield with a layer of white spray paint about a half hour into the demonstration.

More than a dozen protestors joined Stuckart in sitting in front of the doors to the bus, despite warnings from a pair of uniformed men who came out of the building earlier to warn the crowd that obstructing their pathway could lead to arrests and charges. Protesters also parked their vehicles in front and behind the bus.

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"I don't want this bus to leave with my friends," Stuckart said. "And I told everybody I was down here, and if people wanted to join me, they could. It's not right. It's not morally right, what's happening."

The crowd includes several prominent politicians, activists and community leaders, including Spokane County Democratic Party Chair Naida Spencer; state Rep. Timm Orsmby; Spokane City Council candidate Sarah Dixit; union advocate and a former Democratic candidate for local, state and federal offices Ted Cummings; Thrive International Director Mark Finney and Latinos en Spokane Director Jennyfer Mesa.

Mesa said both of the young men are clients of Latinos en Spokane, but her presence Wednesday was to be there for her friends, not just her clients.

"They're good kids," she said, choking back tears. "They have been volunteering, they're doing the process and everything legally. I just don't understand why they're being detained."

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Stuckart said the federal employees in the office denied him from accompanying Alvarez Perez during his appointment, and did not disclose why either young men were being detained. Stuckart estimated it took around seven minutes from when they went back for their appointment for federal officials to come out and inform him they were being detained.

"And each of them has a stack of legal paperwork at least 2 inches thick, with all their asylum paperwork and their guardianship paperwork, and they clearly didn't look at it," Stuckart said. "They just said, 'We're detaining them.'"

Stuckart said he started the legal guardianship process earlier this year after a call from Latinos en Spokane for local residents to assist local "vulnerable juveniles." He volunteers with the organization regularly and said he has greatly enjoyed getting to know Alvarez Perez, who's lived in Spokane for six months. He came by way of Miami, after walking through nine countries on his way from Venezuela and meeting Rodriguez Torres along the way. Stuckart said his main responsibility as a guardian is to provide mentorship.

"He's not living with us, and I'm not in charge of his finances or anything," Stuckart said.

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There were about 100 people at the protest about 5 p.m., including about 15 blocking the bus. Stuckart was not in front of the bus at the time, but still at the protest.

Around 5:25 p.m., a group of roughly 150 ran around the back of the building to obstruct three unmarked police vehicles from leaving a fenced-in parking area abutting the public parking area for Riverfront Park. Protesters shouted "Shame" repeatedly, and about 10 in the front line near the front of the gated parking lot linked arms in front of the gate.

Around five law enforcement agents, faces covered by ski masks and sunglasses, began to push the human chain of demonstrators, their glasses and handmade signs scattering on the ground. Protestors and officers shoved each other in a mass of yelling and chanting for around a minute until the agents retreated into their parking lot and the gate closed.

Not long after, a handful of protesters hauled Lime scooters and park benches as a barricade to block vehicles from leaving from the gate.

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Spokane police officers arrived shortly before 6:30 p.m.

A group of around 15 to 20 Spokane Police Department officers formed a sort of protective barrier for an exit on the Washington Street side of the building. They were carrying weapons to shoot less-lethal munitions, what appears to be tear gas canisters and large hip bags with unidentified materials inside.

Protesting is an intergenerational affair for Alicea Gonzalez, 27, who brought her 5-year-old son Javell and father, Adam Betancort, 46. She wore a Mexico T-shirt to the protest, and the pair brought flags, one of Mexico, the other half-Mexican, half-American.

The latter flag is representative of Betancourt and his identity, he said while holding the flapping fabric towards passing cars on the corner of Cataldo Ave and Washington Street, right outside the ICE facility.

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"I'm American and I'm a Mexican," he said.

Though they don't know either of the men detained by ICE, they're familiar with their story; Gonzalez's maternal grandmother crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in the 1950s, floating across the river in a car tire, she said. Betancort's parents are also immigrants from Mexico.

"I appreciate that; I wouldn't have the life that I live without her," Gonzalez said. "So I'm just showing my support, letting people know that they have people out here that will stand behind them, and use their voices to speak up for them."

The family was not involved in the shoving at the gate between protestors and agents.

This report is developing and will be updated.
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  A Kenyan police officer was arrested Thursday in connection with the death of a blogger in police custody that led to protests in the streets of the capital where two vehicles were burned and several protesters injured.

Protesters took to the streets of Nairobi and destroyed property of unknown value while calling for the resignation of a top police officer named in the case.

Albert Ojwang, who blogged about corruption on the social platform X, was arrested on June 6 in western Kenya and driven 400 kilometers (248 miles) to Nairobi for what police said was publishing false information about a top police official on social media. He died two days later at the Central Police Station after hitting his head against the cell wall, police said. Amnesty International and local activists have questioned that account.

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A government pathologist has refuted the polices account that the bloggers injuries were self-inflicted, saying the deceased had head injury, neck compression and other injuries spread all over the body that are pointing towards assault.

The protesters on Thursday occupied the road in Nairobi leading to the parliamentary building, where the national budget was due to be presented.

Police on Monday fired tear gas to disperse another protest demanding accountability for Ojwang's death.

Authorities have since said an official investigation is underway.

President William Ruto in a statement on Wednesday said Ojwang's death was heartbreaking and unacceptable."

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I strongly condemn the actions and omissions, including any negligence or outright criminality, that may have contributed to his untimely death, Ruto said.

The bloggers death comes almost a year after several activists and protesters were killed and abducted by Kenyan police during finance bill protests. The rallies led to calls for the removal of Ruto, who has been criticized for what some say is his authoritarian streak.

____

Follow APs Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
At least 2,000 people marched through downtown Raleigh Wednesday evening to protest President Donald Trumps immigration policies and the ICE raids sparking unrest in Los Angeles.

Waving both American and Mexican flags, speaking both Spanish and English, the protesters chanted for 10 uninterrupted minutes in Moore Square, saying, No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here!

Monica Ruiz Bautista shows her passion as she joins hundreds of demonstrators in Moore Square calling for immigration reform prior the Ice out of Raleigh march on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Raleigh, N.C.

They carried signs that said Immigrants make America great and They want our money, they want our labor, but they dont want us.

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Trump is using his power to show his might for no good reason, said Becky McElroy, a frequent protester downtown. Hes shown that hes willing to do anything to ram over everybody  his own citizens now.

The Raleigh demonstration was the second this week to show solidarity with protesters in Los Angeles. Monday, about 100 people gathered in Raleigh to call for the release of labor leader David Huerta, who had been arrested for allegedly interfering with federal officers.

Wednesday night in Raleigh, Victor Uruija spoke to the crowd through a bullhorn and said he was with the Party for Socialism and Liberation. He described himself as a proud immigrant from Michoacan in Mexico and called for unity in resisting the false label of immigrants as invaders.

It is ICE who goes into our communities and takes children away from their parents, Uruija said. Thats an invader. Thats a terrorist.

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At 7 p.m., the group marched out of Moore Square into Hargett Street as horns honked from passing cars.

Nicole Bracluk leads the chants as demonstrators march along Blount Street and through the streets of downtown calling for immigration reform during the Ice out of Raleigh march on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Raleigh, N.C.

The crowd filled the street, forming a moving line opposition two blocks long. A snare drum banged a cadence while they chanted, Abolish ICE.

As the crowd passed the bus station, a rider flashed a peace sign. As the group passed Marbles Kids Museum, a mother with children in her back seat screamed Idiots!

Five Raleigh police officers followed on motorized bicycles.

Outside the Capitol, the protesters paused to decry Senate Bill 153, which would require four state law enforcement agencies to cooperate with ICE agents and restrict state benefits for unauthorized immigrants.

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The Republican-led North Carolina Senate passed the bill Tuesday along party lines along with another immigration bill, House Bill 318, sending both to Democratic Gov. Josh Stein.

They noted that the governor keeps an office inside the Capitol. Stein hasnt indicated how he will proceed with the bills, The N&O reported.

What do we want from Gov. Stein? Nicole Bracluk shouted into a microphone. Veto!

Samantha Rinker of Wilmington, N.C. rallies with hundreds of fellow demonstrators in Moore Square calling for immigration reform during the Ice out of Raleigh rally on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Raleigh, N.C.

Why there are protests in Raleigh

Protests started around the country after ICE agents began immigration sweeps across Los Angeles Friday, triggering protests there. Video of those events showed protesters vandalizing buildings and throwing bottles at police, who in turn responded in riot gear, confronting them with tear gas launchers and batons, according to ABC News.

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Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles on Saturday  a first without consent from a state governor since President Lyndon Johnsons move to protect civil rights activists in Alabama in 1965.

Soon after, Trump deployed 700 Marines and another 2,000 National Guard troops, triggering a lawsuit from California against the presidents administration. A curfew has since been enacted in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, Trump spoke at Fort Bragg Tuesday, telling the assembled troops, This anarchy will not stand.

In Raleigh on Wednesday night, the rally and march remained peaceful for more than two hours, attracting people as it moved along. As the crowd ended back in Moore Square, the demonstrators mingled and danced until night fall.

Hundreds march along Morgan Street and on the the State Capitol grounds, many carrying the flags of Mexico and the United States, calling for immigration reform during the Ice out of Raleigh march on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Raleigh, N.C.

I think it went really well, said Rosa Valenzuela, pushing a stroller and carrying an American flag while people danced in a circle. Im glad to see the young people. We get a lot of young people because their parents are afraid. ICE. Theyre representing their parents.

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As she spoke, a cheer rose while La Puerta Negra began playing on a portable speaker.

Anti-Trump protests will continue this weekend in Raleigh and around the country. No Kings rallies are scheduled to coincide with a military parade in Washington, DC, but they have evolved in purpose as immigration raids ramp up in major cities.

Raleighs No Kings protest is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 6101 Capital Blvd, between Old Wake Forest Road and Oak Forest Drive.
David Paul Morris / Bloomberg via Getty Images Micron has secured federal, state, and local funding, which includes as much as $6.4 billion from the CHIPS and Science Act.





Key Takeaways

Micron Technology on Thursday announced a $200 billion investment to boost semiconductor production in the U.S.

Roughly $150 billion is scheduled to be used for fabs in three states and advanced high-bandwith memory packaging capabilities, and $50 billion for research and development.

Micron has secured federal, state, and local funding, which includes as much as $6.4 billion from the CHIPS and Science Act.







Micron Technology (MU) on Thursday became the latest major corporation to announce plans to expand domestic production following President Donald Trump's call for firms to boost American manufacturing.

The chipmaker and the Trump administration said Micron will boost its U.S. investments to about $150 billion in memory manufacturing and $50 billion in research and development (R&D).

Micron explained that most of the money would be used for "two leading-edge high-volume fabs in Idaho, up to four leading-edge high-volume fabs in New York, the expansion and modernization of its existing manufacturing fab in Virginia," as well as advanced high-bandwith memory (HBM) packaging capabilities.

The company noted that it has already received federal, state, and local funding for the Idaho, New York, and Virginia fab work, including up to $6.4 billion from the CHIPS and Science Act. Micron added it expects all of the investments will be eligible for federal Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (AMIC).

CEO Sanjay Mehrotra argued that this expansion "will reinforce America's technological leadership, create tens of thousands of American jobs across the semiconductor ecosystem and secure a domestic supply of semiconductorscritical to economic and national security."

GM, TSMC, Apple Among Others to Boost US Manufacturing

This week, General Motors (GM) announced it would spend $4 billion to increase vehicle production at three U.S. plants. Earlier this year, chipmaking giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSM) said it planned to invest $100 billion in U.S.-based chip manufacturing facilities, and Apple (AAPL) announced plans to spend more than $500 billion domestically over the next four years.

Shares of Micron Technology were little changed today but are up 37% this year, trading at their highest level since last July.



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Rhetoric surrounding constitutionally protected protests, both on the state and national level, has been heated lately. More than 20 Tennessee gatherings are expected June 14, which is President Trump's birthday and the date of a scheduled U.S. Army's 250th anniversary parade.

In addition, there is a demonstration planned ahead of the arraignment of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man whose deportation to El Salvador made him a flashpoint regarding Trump's immigration policy. It's scheduled for 10 a.m. June 13 in Nashville.

If you choose to partake in this classic First Amendment activity, here's what you should know about your rights:

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More: 'No Kings Day' protests planned for June 14 with aim to reclaim the American flag

Can I protest in Tennessee?

Yes. The First Amendment protects the peoples right to protest through the enshrined rights of free speech, assembly and petition. However, there are some narrow restrictions on the exercise of these rights that are allowed to be implemented by law enforcement and government officials in the interest of public safety.

Ethan Thorpe participates in a May Day protest against the Trump administration on James Robertson Parkway in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Do I need a permit? Where can I protest?

Rarely, though it can depend on your location.

There is a First Amendment principle commonly known as the public forum doctrine, which divides most government property into three categories: traditional public forums, limited public forums and nonpublic forums.

A group of protesters marched from Public Square Park to the Tennessee State Capitol in support of public education access for all students regardless of immigration status on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.

Most protests occur in traditional public forums, which includes locations like public parks, public sidewalks and areas usually open for expressive activity. Former Supreme Court Judge Byron White, who is known for defining the borders of speech forums in the case Perry Education Association v. Perry Local Educators Association (1983), said that in quintessential public forums, the government may not prohibit all communicative activity, and noted that most content-based restrictions in these areas should be viewed with serious caution.

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The First Amendment only restricts the actions of the government regarding speech, not that of private individuals, organizations or businesses.

Can I legally film police in Tennessee?

If you are in a public space, you have the right to video and photograph anything within plain view, including law enforcement, federal buildings and fellow protesters.

If you are audio recording in public, there is generally an understanding that there is no expectation of privacy.

State Troopers fill the rotunda as people react after it was announced Republicans began the process of expelling Democratic Reps. Justin Pearson of Memphis, Rep. Justin Jones of Nashville, and Rep. Gloria Johnson of Knoxville, during a House session at Tennessee state Capitol Building in Nashville , Tenn., Monday, April 3, 2023.

However, you should be aware of your states laws regarding consensual audio recording. While a majority of states favor one-party consent for audio recording, some require two. Tennessee is a one-party consent state. Check your states law here.

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If you enter private property, these First Amendment protections do not apply, and the property owner may set the rules for audio and visual recording.

Some states have laws known frequently as halo laws, which dictate how closely citizens can stand to law enforcement when officers are working.

Tennessee recently passed such a law, which bans standing within 25 feet of a police officer after being told to retreat. It will go into effect on July 1.

State Troopers stand guard as protesters wait until the state Capitol was officially closed after it was announced Republicans began the process of expelling Democratic Reps. Justin Pearson of Memphis, Rep. Justin Jones of Nashville, and Rep. Gloria Johnson of Knoxville, during a House session at Tennessee state Capitol Building in Nashville , Tenn., Monday, April 3, 2023.

Similar buffer-zone laws in Arizona, Louisiana, Florida and Indiana, which have no exception for journalists, have all faced public and legal pushback on First Amendment grounds.

Can I legally burn an American flag?

Yes. The Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. Johnson (1989) that burning the American flag is a form of protected speech and expression under the First Amendment, with the Court later affirming in United States v. Eichman (1990) that a federal statute against flag burning would be unconstitutional.

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The issue has sparked debate recently after Trump called for protesters who burn the American flag at protests to spend a year in jail.

They proudly carry flags of other countries, but they don't carry the American flag. They only burn it," Trump said on June 10, while speaking at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. "People that burn the American flag should go to jail for one year. And we'll see if we can get that done."

A crowd participates in a May Day protest against the Trump administration on James Robertson Parkway in Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Its not the first time Trump has made the claim. At a campaign event in Detroit, Michigan in August 2024, he proposed the same punishment, complaining that advisors told him it was unconstitutional.

They say, Sir, thats unconstitutional, he said. Well make it constitutional.

Can law enforcement take my phone?

Law enforcement cannot confiscate your phone or camera, nor demand to review its contents, without a search warrant, per citizens Fourth Amendment rights.

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They may ask you to stop videotaping or photographing if the action is legitimately interfering with public safety or law enforcement activities.

Steisy Vasquez, records as a person speaks after people walked out following SB 836 advancement during an education committee hearing at Cordell Hull State Office Building in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

What do I do if I am stopped by law enforcement?

Even if you believe officers are violating your First Amendment rights, do not resist or argue with officers.

Instead, calmly assert your First Amendment right to demonstrate while asking if you are free to leave. If you are, leave immediately.

If you are placed under arrest, ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not say or sign anything until a lawyer is present.

The USA TODAY Network - Tennessee's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.

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Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, by phone at 931-623-9485, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Protesting in Tennessee: What are your rights?
DALLAS  Jennifer Lyell spent her career in Christian publishing uplifting others stories, and then for six years struggled with attacks on her account as a survivor of sexual abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention.

Now in death her memory has captured attention throughout the U.S. and within its largest Protestant denomination, a faith community that long dismissed Lyells witness.

Lyell died in Nashville on June 7 after suffering a series of strokes. She was 47.

Jennifer Lyell, a former vice president at Lifeway and an abuse survivor who advocated for reform in the Southern Baptist Convention, died on June 7 at the age of 47.

Her passing occurred days before the 2025 SBC annual meeting in Dallas, where reminders of Lyell emerged throughout, even in unexpected ways. Loved ones had worried Lyells death would go unrecognized by the convention at its annual legislative assembly, an event that just three years ago featured a resolution apologizing to abuse survivors, including Lyell.

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But Lyells prominence this week on the national stage, elevated by national news features and a post from actor Ashley Judd, is a testament to triumphant moments Lyell is being remembered for.

"The beauty of the grieving process in the last few days is that strangers have been able to see our friend, Jen, celebrated through shared stories of those who knew her," Meagan Lively, an abuse survivor and close friend of Lyell's, said in a June 12 statement. "For years to come the legacy of Jennifer Lyell will continue to point others to Jesus. That is and was her story."

In 2019, Lyell came forward with abuse allegations against a former seminary professor in an article by the SBC-affiliated Baptist Press. That article misrepresented Lyells encounters with David Sills as an affair she consented to, a characterization that people weaponized against Lyell.

On social media, people called her crude names and a professional victim," according to a May 2022 report from third-party investigator Guidepost Solutions on abuse in the SBC. Lyell would eventually succeed at getting Baptist Press to retract the article.

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"One of the only people with the most resolute moral clarity I have ever seen: What is wrong, is wrong. what is right, is right...And there is never an excuse for not doing what is right, or telling what is true," attorney and advocate Rachael Denhollander said in a June 8 statement. Denhollander represented Lyell in a legal mediation to resolve the Baptist Press debacle, which preceded Lyell's departure from a prestigious role Lifeway, which is the Nashville-based SBC's publishing arm.

Lyell started working for then Nashville-based Lifeway in 2008 as director of acquisitions, and in 2015 became vice president of book publishing. She was behind many New York Times bestsellers and helped author a posthumous biography about famed missionary Elisabeth Elliot.

Johnna Harris, left, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Beth Allison Barr, right, of Waco, Tex. hold signs of Jennifer Lyell, left, and Duane Rollins, right, outside the Southern Baptist Conventions annual meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. Lyell and Rollins were both sexual abuse victims and whistleblowers against abuse within the SBC. Rollins died last spring and Lyell died after a series of strokes last Saturday.

A June 10 panel at First United Methodist Church Dallas, organized by the advocacy group Baptist Women in Ministry as a protest event against the SBC annual meeting, took a moment to remember Lyell.

She was vilified by the Southern Baptist Convention, religious historian Beth Allison Barr said at the panel. And with the emotional trauma, she lost her job, she lost everything. Because she was trying to protect other women.

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More: Top Southern Baptist committee apologizes to abuse survivor for mishandling case

Poster, prayers for Lyell at SBC meeting in Dallas

In another display of remembrance for Lyell at the Dallas convention, podcaster Johanna Harris stood outside the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center with a poster of Lyell.

Barry Bowen, left, of Dallas, and Johnna Harris, right, of Phoenix, Ariz., hold signs of Jennifer Lyell and Duane Rollins outside the Southern Baptist Conventions annual meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. Lyell and Rollins were both sexual abuse victims and whistleblowers against abuse within the SBC. Rollins died last spring and Lyell died after a series of strokes last Saturday.

Harris also displayed a poster of Duane Rollins, whose disclosure of alleged sexual abuse against the late Southern Baptist leader and former Texas Judge Paul Pressler sparked a reckoning over abuse in the SBC. Rollins died May 23 after battling health issues that arose from drug and alcohol addiction. Rollins was 60.

Then, during the business of the legislative assembly, Illinois pastor Paul Cooper asked Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, to pray for Lyell. Cooper said he was a classmate of Lyells when they both studied at the seminary.

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We pray as Christians, as southern Baptists  we pray with broken hearts in the death of our sister Jennifer Lyell. Father, we recognize that just to invoke sometimes one name is to invoke an entire legacy of suffering. Mohler said from the podium. We pray for healing, but we also pray for righteousness.

Mohler was deeply involved in Lyells story because David Sills, whom Lyell accused of grooming and sexual assault starting in 2004, is a former Southern seminary professor. Mohlers administration conducted an inquiry that corroborated Lyells claims and led to Sills ouster from the seminary.

In an ongoing defamation lawsuit against the SBC and third-party investigator Guidepost Solutions, Sills denies he was sexually abusive.

Yet, Lyells abuse was also that of mistreatment by administrative leadership after she sought corrections to the Baptist Press article in 2019.

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It was during this time, when Lyell was going to therapy and dealing with public upheaval following the Baptist Press article, that her first book published, author and filmmaker Carolyn McCulley said in a June 8 post. The book, The Promises of God Storybook Bible: The Story of Gods Unstoppable Love, is a collection of a Bible stories for children. Prior to publishing her own book, she was behind many New York Times bestsellers in her role as vice president of book publishing for Lifeway, which is the SBCs publishing arm.

Jennifer Lyell, a former vice president at Lifeway and abuse survivor who advocated for reform in the Southern Baptist Convention. Lyell died on June 7 at the age of 47.

Denhollander and others have noted Lyell, who never had children herself, was especially passionate about ministering to children and was the inspiration for The Promises of God Storybook Bible.

She was the woman who wrote the most beautiful childrens Bible I have ever read, that I read to my child ever night, Denhollander said in a June 8 statement remembering her friend. The woman who clung to the Promises of God in the midst of horrific suffering and betrayal.

SBC abuse response status: Abuse survivors retreat from advocacy for SBC reform after feds close case: A 'hard death'

Attacks and apologies

Lyells death has weighed especially heavy on a community of survivors, both those who were close to Lyell and others from some surprising corners.

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I honor Jennifer, because she put the pea in her whistle & blew it on male sexual violence toward girls & women, Judd said in a June 10 media post. Sister Jennifer Lyell  I see you. I say your name.

Other survivors and close friends of Lyell, Tiffany Thigpen and Lively, all of whom advocated for SBC abuse reform together, expressed relief that Lyell is free and at peace.

More pressure mounted on Lyell when Sills sued the SBC and Guidepost for defamation based on disclosures in Guideposts May 2022 report. The ongoing case is fodder for certain media narratives that have called into question Lyell being a victim of abuse.

The weight of these attacks on social media, in some articles, and in one book took a toll on Lyell, as did her conflict with the SBC Executive Committee following the harm caused by the Baptist Press article.

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Ultimately, Baptist Press retracted the article and apologized but only after Lyell pursued legal action. Then, in February 2022, the SBC Executive Committee formally apologized to Lyell.

The Southern Baptist Convention approves abuse reform recommendations at the 2022 SBC annual meeting. At the same meeting in Anaheim, California, the convention approved a resolution apologizing to abuse survivors.

My focus will now turn to my health and trying to build a future, Lyell said in a statement about that formal apology. Months later, the full convention also apologized to Lyell and other survivors by name in a resolution at the 2022 SBC annual meeting.

We recognize and appreciate the work and advocacy of sexual abuse survivors, repent of our resistance and neglect of their efforts, the resolution said, for our not heeding their collective warnings and taking swift action to address clergy sexual abuse sooner.

Abuse response at this year's SBC annual meeting was largely absent from the convention's legislative business, though the newer SBC abuse response coordinator organized a panel on June 9 on "Safeguarding the next generation."

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The SBC Executive Committee, now the overseer of abuse response initiatives, has shifted away from implementing oversight-related mechanisms. Those shifting priorities and the shock of the U.S. Department of Justice closing its case into the SBC has disincentivized many survivors from continuing to help guide leadership with next steps.

Liam Adams covers religion for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at ladams@tennessean.com or on social media @liamsadams.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Southern Baptist Convention meeting: Survivor Jen Lyell remembered
Survivors and family members of the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting are touring the inside of the building for a final look before it's torn down.

About 250 people accepted the city of Orlando's invitation to tour the building where Omar Mateen, who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, killed 49 people and wounded 53 others during a Latin Night celebration at the popular LGBTQIA+ club on June 12, 2016. Mateen was killed following an hourslong standoff with police.

At the time, it was the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history. The shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas would eclipse the Pulse shooting's death toll the following year.

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The visits, which coincide with the shooting's nine-year mark, are being done in small groups over the course of four days, with survivors and family members spending about a half hour inside, according to The Associated Press.

Christine Leionen lost her only child, 32-year-old Christopher, in the shooting. Wednesday marked the first time she saw where her son was killed.

"My son died on that dance floor. He was shot nine times, and he bled to death on that dance floor," she told CBS News.

She said going to Pulse was "a way to try to experience his last seconds of life. I just want to feel closer to him."

Interior of the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, nine years after the 2016 mass shooting that killed 49 people. / Credit: City of Orlando

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who also visited the site, said the visit "took me back nine years."

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"Reflecting on being in the command center on Orange Avenue as all the things are transpiring and, eventually, the shooting of the killer and then the realization of just how many people were impacted," he said, according to CBS affiliate WKMG-TV.

Dyer said the people visiting included 25 of the 49 victims' families.

The city of Orlando is planning to build a permanent memorial where the building currently stands. City officials approved a plan to buy the property for $2 million back in 2023, following several previous failed attempts to buy the land. Family members and some survivors had been pushing for a permanent memorial for years before the purchase.

But some of the families and survivors still have questions about whether more could have been done to prevent the shooting or if police could have done more to save people. Questions also surround the ensuing investigation and the issue of whether the attack was a hate crime.

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"I lived that night, but it's a constant sacrifice to keep moving every day," survivor Maritza Gomez told WKMG back when the city approved the plan to buy the property. "I don't think that Pulse should be diminished. I think that an investigation should be taken care of first."

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Nine years after 49 people were killed and dozens more wounded when a gunman opened fire inside Pulse nightclub, survivors and families of the victims were allowed inside.

Around 25 families were allowed to walk through the site before it is torn down to make room for a permanent memorial.

Wednesday marked the first time they were allowed inside the building since that tragic night. For many families, it was the firs time they have ever been to the building.

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Counselors and victims specialists were on hand to make sure everyone was comfortable. C:ery were also there for anyone who wanted to pray.

One of those returning for the first time was Joshua Hernandez, who was rescued after the massacre nine years ago.

Im not ready yet. Its hard. Its hurt me. Im going to be stronger to do this. Its time to close this chapter of my life because I want to keep with my life. I dont want to still think about Pulse, he said.

Christine Leinonen lost her son, Christopher Leinonen, that night. She said she wanted to retrace her sons final steps and where he died on the dance floor that night.

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Its very heartbreaking to know that my son took his last breath right there within that small space, that so many kids died that night.

Donna Wyche, Orlandos outreach coordinator, says the visit wont give people closure, but will allow them to retrace their or their loved ones last steps. She said the visit was put in place because families and survivors had voiced their desire to visit.

It is part of the journey of grief, she said. No one does grief the same way, and it is a journey.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took to Fox News to do what he does best: spread wildly incendiary misinformation about vaccines and public health.

RFK Jr. was asked about his decision to fire the entire vaccine advisory committee of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a move that directly contradicted a confirmation process promise and set off alarms for experts.

Ninety-seven percent of the people on the committee had conflicts of interest. This is a committee that has  weve gone up from 11 vaccines in 1986. Today, children get between 69 and 92 vaccines before theyre 18. Not one of those vaccines

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Thats really high, Fox Newss Martha McCallum said. Those are not all mandatory.

Those are all mandatory, and the reason theres 69 to 92 is some of the brands require three doses, some of them require four. But none of them have been safety tested. Except for the Covid vaccine, the only vaccine on the schedule that has gone through placebo-controlled trials prior to licensure was the Covid vaccine, so nobody has any idea what the risk profiles are on these products. And we dont know whether they have anything to do with the epidemic of chronic disease, almost all the chronic disease. These are products designed to deregulate your immune system, change your immune system for life. And we are now having an epidemic of immune dysregulation in our country, and we dont have an idea  were gonna investigate.

RFK Jr is on Fox News going full anti-vax pic.twitter.com/nqqhHfzsvJ  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 12, 2025

Kennedy Jr. is exaggerating about the number of vaccines before 18, which is closer to between 24 and 50. And many medical professionals have already stated their opposition to this placebo-controlled testing.

The first vaccine for a disease is already proven safe through a placebo-controlled trial, Senator Bill Cassidywho was recently betrayed by Kennedy told The Washington Post. Updating that vaccine does not require a new placebo-controlled trial to determine its safety. To require a placebo group would deny those patients access to the vaccine that has already been found safe.

Theres also the fact that this kind of testing would be intentionally deceptive to patients. Ethics must be taken into account when you set up a study, physician Stanley Plotkin said. Can I ethically agree to having people acquire the disease because they receive a placebo? We should expect more delusional, crank-adjacent theories from perhaps our most important public sector.






NEED TO KNOW

Four siblings, nicknamed the "Quads of Aubs," broke the Guinness World Record to become the most premature quadruplets ever after they arrived 115 days before their due date

Lainey, Kali, Lennon and Koen Bryant, of Alabama, were born to Becca and Lavareis Bryant on May 31, 2024; they were all released from the hospital by December

The previous record holders were the Tepper family in Australia, who had held the title since 1997 after they were born 104 days early







Four babies, nicknamed the "Quads of Aubs," have made history by becoming the most premature quadruplets ever.

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On Wednesday, June 11, Guinness World Records announced that the Bryant siblings of Auburn, Ala., broke the record by arriving 115 days earlier than their Sept. 23, 2024, due date.

Provided by Bryant Family

The siblings, named Lainey, Kali, Lennon, and Koen, were born to parents Becca and Lavareis Bryant on May 31, 2024, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham's hospital.

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University of Alabama at Birmingham Becca Bryant (standing) with her children Kali, Lainey, Lennon and Koen Becca Bryant (standing) with her children Kali, Lainey, Lennon and Koen

The Bryant family in Alabama hosted a very special first birthday party this 31 May, to celebrate their four children who just made history as the most premature quadruplets, the record-tracking organization shared in a news release.

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The record was previously held by the Tepper family in Australia. They broke it in 1997 after their quadruplets were born 104 days early.



Hearing our babies were the most premature quads put into perspective how lucky we were that all of them made it, Becca told Fox affiliate WBRC.

When Lainey, Kali, Lennon and Koen were born, they were 115 days premature, she added. Now, a year later, we were surrounded by family and friends to celebrate their first birthday.

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Provided by Bryant Family One of the Bryant siblings in the days after their premature birth One of the Bryant siblings in the days after their premature birth

On that fateful day in May 2024, 30 maternal-fetal and neonatology experts were present to carry out the quadruplets emergency cesarean delivery.

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Dr. Colm Travers told Guinness World Records that each baby had a "separate team" present in the delivery room to give them the best chance of surviving.

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Provided by Bryant Family The 'Quads of Aubs' celebrating their first birthday The 'Quads of Aubs' celebrating their first birthday

The highest risk of complications and mortality for extremely preterm babies occurs during their first week of life, Travers told WBRC.

To help them, the newborns received specialized care focused "on minimizing complications ... through that first critical week because it typically means a greater chance of survival and going home, the doctor said.



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Becca, who shares three older children with her husband, went into early labor after her cervix shortened.

She had a trichorionic quadra-amniotic pregnancy, which meant that there were only three placentas instead of four.

Provided by Bryant Family An ultrasound of the Bryant quads, who shared three placentas An ultrasound of the Bryant quads, who shared three placentas

Her water proceeded to break and she was developing an infection, according to Guinness.



I started getting pretty sick, pretty fast, Becca recalled, speaking to Today. And then it felt like just few minutes later, I was on the operating table. It was pretty emergent.

The babies, who were conceived naturally, spent around six months in the neonatal intensive care unit. They were all sent home within days of each other in December 2024.

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While quadruplets, especially when they are conceived naturally, are incredibly rare, Guinness noted that Lavareis is a twin.

Multiples in his family are relatively common: His sister is also a mom to twins.

University of Alabama at Birmingham From left: Lavareis and Becca Bryant holding their quadruplets From left: Lavareis and Becca Bryant holding their quadruplets

The quadruplets, while they still suffer complications, have improved by leaps and bounds.

People tell us, If anyone was supposed to have quads, it was y'all, Becca, who is a cardiac intensive care unit nurse, told Today.

Were both very laid-back and chill, we just handle what needs to be handled," she said. "In my job and my husbands job [as a police officer], you dont have time to panic. You have to react quickly and keep moving.



Read the original article on People
Publicly-accessible Boxes containing Naloxone, an opioid reversal drug also known by the brand name Narcan, line up outside the East Bay Recovery Center in Warren. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Rhode Island saw its lowest number of fatal drug overdoses since 2020, according to health department data presented to the Governors Overdose Task Force on Wednesday.

This is a sign of hope, Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement Wednesday. We know there is still much work ahead, but the steps we are taking are saving lives.

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This is the second year in a row that overdose deaths have dropped. There were 329 Rhode Islanders who died from overdoses in 2024, representing an 18.6% decrease from 2023, and a 25% drop compared to 2022. That means the state is well on its way to achieving its goal of a 30% reduction for 2030. The goal was set in 2022, the year a total of 436 people died of drug overdoses.

The 2024 data demonstrated another longstanding trend now broken: For the first time since 2013, cocaine-related deaths were implicated in 61% of fatal overdoses, surpassing the 57% of deaths associated with fentanyl.

All opioid-related overdoses, in fact, fell from 85% the previous year to 69% in 2024.

But more than one substance can contribute to an overdose, so distinguishing the role of cocaine or fentanyl in a death is not so neatly accomplished. A large portion of overdoses  118 in all  involved both substances being used in tandem in 2024. About three in five people who died from cocaine also had fentanyl in their system.

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The annual overdose data is compiled and interpreted by the Rhode Island Department of Healths (RIDOH) Substance Use Epidemiology Program, which finished reviewing the 2024 results last week, according to Joseph Wendelken, a department spokesperson.

The data is largely based on autopsy and toxicology findings from the Office of the State Medical Examiners. Personal medical history also informs the coroners findings. The data does not include deaths with undetermined causes.

Though decline is encouraging, this is still an incredible loss in our community, Heidi Weidele, the health departments lead fatal overdose epidemiologist, told the task force Wednesday during her presentation on the data.

A slide from the Rhode Island Department of Healths presentation on fatal overdoses in 2024 shows trends since 2009. (Rhode Island Department of Health)

The scale of loss did not affect all people equally: 70% of overdose deaths in 2024 were men, a number consistent with recent years. Similarly, people ages 45 to 54 were the largest age-based cohort of overdose deaths, followed by people ages 55 to 64.

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By race, non-Hispanic white Rhode Islanders comprised the largest share of overdoses at 73%, even though they were also most likely to have a history of substance use treatment.

Most of the states overdoses were concentrated in urban areas, with Woonsocket, Providence and Pawtucket reporting the highest numbers.

Though decline is encouraging, this is still an incredible loss in our community.

 Heidi Weidele, lead fatal overdose epidemiologist, Rhode Island Department of Health

Weidele said the deceased most commonly worked in natural resources, construction, maintenance, and service occupations, which is similar to what weve seen in past years, she told the task force. And service occupations would be things like health care support, law enforcement, food preparation, grounds maintenance, and personal care.

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Other statistics from the report painted a grim picture of the deceased leading up to final moments: Most never sought substance use treatment, or received medical treatment for a previous overdose.

Eight out of 10 died in private, in a home, garage or camper. Most overdosed alone, with no bystander present in 60% of cases.

Illicit and prescription drugs

The availability of lethal drugs has also influenced overdose trends over the years. In 2009, prescription drugs accounted for 62% of overdose deaths. By 2020, prescription drugs accounted for only 9% of fatal overdoses, while illicit drugs like fentanyl and cocaine comprised 72% of overdose deaths.

In 2024, the state actually saw 34% of deaths attributed to combinations of illicit and prescription drugs combined  the highest percentage since at least 2009.

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A few uncommon culprits in overdose deaths were still marked as substances of concern by the state health department. These included novel benzodiazepines, tranquilizers which belong to the much broader category of research chemicals  substances derived from or chemically very similar to legal and regulated drugs. In this case, novel benzodiazepines like clonazolam  about two-and-a-half-times stronger than Xanax  accounted for nine fatalities in 2024.

Xylazine, a veterinary anesthetic increasingly being used to cut street-sourced opioids, was another rogue substance that continued to impact overdose data in 2024. It was involved in 37% of opioid-related deaths.

Every single overdose death is preventable, Health Department Director Dr. Jerry Larkin said in a statement Wednesday. Recovery is within reach for every person living with the disease of addiction.

McKee strengthened the Overdose Task Force  a coalition of more than 150 members divvied up into nine workgroups  in 2022 via an executive order, hoping to ensure a sustained state response to the opioid overdose crisis. Among the initiatives it steers are determining how to dispense opioid settlement funds, naloxone distribution networks, peer outreach, and recovery support and public awareness campaigns.

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Earlier this year, Rhode Island also opened the nations first state-regulated harm reduction site at Project Weber/RENEW in south Providence, where people can use drugs and receive medical attention in the event of an overdose. Despite a fierce floor debate in the Rhode Island House of Representatives, legislation to extend the injection sites pilot authorization was extended by the General Assembly and later signed into law by McKee on June 6.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  The City of Topeka is ready to make some improvements to multiple intersections after getting cash from the State of Kansas.

Governor Laura Kelly announced in a press release on June 11 that Topeka was selected as a recipient of $75,000 in cash to improve radar traffic detection technology in the city. Topeka is one out of 20 recipients of the $4.5 million Kelly released to various projects across Kansas.

Investing in innovation is crucial for the future of transportation in Kansas, Kelly said. These awarded projects highlight the ingenuity and dedication within our state to improve safety, efficiency, and infrastructure through the adoption of new technologies and approaches. This program is a testament to our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient transportation network for all Kansans.

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Topeka motel could disappear with $15 million project

Amanda Knowland with the City of Topeka told 27 News the funds will be used to upgrade old and outdated vehicle video detection systems at several intersections. These include the following intersections:

Southeast Sixth Street and Southeast Madison Street.

Southeast Eighth Street and Southeast Madison Street.

Southeast 10th Street and Southeast Madison Street.

Southeast Eighth Street and Southeast Monroe Street.

Southeast 10th Street and Southeast Monroe Street.

Current video detection systems at various locations citywide have been used for an estimated 12-15 years and are being maintained as best as possible with salvaged parts, Knowland said. The proposed detection system would be radar technology that is not affected by weather, sun blindness, or camera lenses becoming dirty, thus reducing maintenance while increasing reliability of vehicle detection.

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Knowland said the upgrades will come sometime later this year or in 2026. The video detection devices will help improve road safety and reduce the risk of crashes caused by system failures. The new devices will not need frequent maintenance checks and can provide more accurate traffic data to help the city better manage the flow of traffic.

From an economic perspective, the reduced maintenance needs will lower operational costs, while the improved traffic management capabilities support downtown businesses by ensuring smoother access for customers, employees, and delivery services, Knowland said. Additionally, this practical demonstration of infrastructure investment in our central business district shows potential employers that Topeka is committed to maintaining and improving its transportation network, which helps retain and attract businesses to our community.

Evergy falcon eggs laid in Topeka may never hatch

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Temperatures are heating up across New Mexico and will continue to through this weekend. A few isolated showers and storms will continue to be possible for parts of the state as well.

Showers and storms popped up across the mountains in New Mexico Wednesday afternoon. These showers and storms then drifted to the south and southeast, bringing rain to foothills and lower elevations. Meanwhile, temperatures continued a warming trend for most of New Mexico today as well. Showers and storms have nearly ended tonight. Another round of showers and storms will develop across the central mountain chain and the northern mountains Thursday. These will move more southeastern into Thursday afternoon. Drier air will move into the western half of the state as temperatures continue to heat up.

Drier and hotter weather will continue to move into New Mexico Friday and this weekend. Afternoon rain and storm chances will continue to become more hit-or-miss along and east of the central mountain chain and into eastern New Mexico. High pressure will eventually move overhead this weekend, bringing us the hottest weather so far this year. High temperatures will climb into the triple-digits all across southern New Mexico, and will get close to 100 in the Albuquerque Metro by Sunday afternoon.

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Temperatures will continue to warm up another degree or two on Monday afternoon. By Tuesday, the high pressure system will start moving out of New Mexico as some better low-level moisture works its way back into the state. This will bring temperatures down a couple degrees starting Tuesday with a mix of wet and dry thunderstorms into the middle of next week.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
A small but vocal group of demonstrators rallied Wednesday, June 11, outside the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office on Michigan Avenue in Detroit to oppose ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids and deportations, as large-scale protests unfold in Los Angeles.

Organized by BAMN  the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration and Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary  the rally aimed to spotlight what activists describe as a coordinated assault on immigrant communities.

"We're here to stand in solidarity with our fellow organizers and everybody in LA who's standing up. That's what we need to do in every city across the country to stop (President Donald) Trump's ethnic cleansing plan," said Nicole Conaway, of Detroit, a BAMN organizer for the past 15 years.

Justin Cheong, 35, a Chinese immigrant who now lives in Detroit, leads a protest against the Trump administration at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in Detroit on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Cheong said, Im here to defend immigrant rights against ICE gestapo attacks and to shut down the Trump fascism movement.

Earlier in the day, protesters also demonstrated in front of the Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building in downtown Detroit, down the block from where the evening protest was held. According to activists, five or six individuals  most of them believed to be Venezuelan  were detained after their immigration cases were dismissed in court, a practice that immigrant advocates say is becoming increasingly common.

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"That's happening more and more. Regardless of the outcome, people have been snatched up straight out of court  and we've known people that this has happened to," said Kate Stenvig, another BAMN organizer and Detroit resident.

A spokesman for ICE did not comment specifically on the alleged arrests in Detroit, but said that ICE officers are permitted to conduct civil immigration enforcement actions in or near courthouses when they have credible information that leads them to believe the targeted alien(s) is or will be present at a specific location, and where such action is not precluded by laws imposed by the jurisdiction in which the enforcement action will take place.

Shawn Vaughn, 34, of Detroit, leads chants for protesters. Vaughn said, Im standing here in solitary against the raids, deportations and the arrests of the immigrants in our community.

The local protests come amid escalating tensions in Los Angeles, where Trump has deployed hundreds of National Guard troops to respond to public demonstrations against his administrations immigration crackdowns. State and city leaders have said the move has only heightened unrest.

Trump is not just deporting criminals. He is just deporting anyone who's Black and Brown, pretty much, Conaway said. It's a racist, white supremacist, fascist regime, and the way to stop it is mass collective organizing and mass action like we're seeing in LA right now.

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More: ICE denies Detroit high school student's request to stay in U.S. until graduation

Though Wednesdays rally in Detroit drew approximately 20 participants, it also drew support from passersby. Drivers honked their horns, and a group riding on The Michigan Pedaler cheered in solidarity.

Protesters held signs reading, Defend your neighbors against ICE and Immigrants make America Great, while chanting, LA has shown the way, immigrants are here to stay.

In addition to street activism, BAMN also operates a legal wing that represents families facing deportation. Conaway said she has seen firsthand how families have been torn apart at the office they were protesting outside of.

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More: More foreign students in Michigan targeted for deportation, including 22 at U-M

One of our legal clients went in for a check-in right here, to this building (on Michigan Avenue), and never came out. They were detained there, she said.

Conaway added that she believes whats at stake goes beyond immigration policy.

If Trump can win this battle, then we're further down the road to fascism and him being a dictator and not leaving the White House without force, she said.

More: Detroit criminal deportation cases skyrocket in Trump's first 100 days

Several protests against ICE and Trumps immigration policies are planned throughout the country for Saturday, June 14  the president's birthday. Organizers said BAMN, along with other activist groups, will lead a march beginning at 1 p.m. at Clark Park in Detroit.

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Free Press staff writer Niraj Warikoo contributed to this report.

Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit activists protest ICE, show solidarity with LA demonstrations
(Reuters) -The rapid growth in retail investors, who put their money into private markets, could create liquidity and asset quality risks, Moody's Ratings warned on Tuesday, highlighting potential vulnerabilities within the private credit sector.

The rush to court "Main Street" investors is transforming the traditionally institutional world of private credit, with asset managers launching new funds tailored to retail demand.

But the shift is also raising concerns about transparency, liquidity, and underwriting standards, as firms race to deploy capital amid limited supply of high-quality assets.

Private markets are gaining prominence as public listings have declined and more companies opt to delist, Moody's said, adding that with institutional investors facing capacity constraints, asset managers are increasingly turning to retail capital to sustain growth.

"Under the current U.S. administration, the regulatory approach toward the private market has changed, with priorities shifting from enhanced disclosure requirements to a greater emphasis on accelerating capital formation," the ratings agency said in a report.

To meet retail investors' expectations for quicker access to cash, asset managers are rolling out products with periodic liquidity windows, Moody's said. But in volatile markets, sudden redemption requests could strain these funds, creating a mismatch between available liquidity and what investors expect, Moody's added.

The ratings firm also cautioned that as competition for high-quality assets intensifies, some asset managers may take on greater risks, investing in lower-quality assets to keep pace with surging demand.

(Reporting by Prakhar Srivastava in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
Late Wednesday afternoon, Sen. Rand Paul (RKy.), who has been the leading GOP opponent to what President Donald Trump has branded as the "Big, Beautiful Bill," was informed by the administration that he and his family would be barred from attending today's annual White House picnic.

"The level of immaturity is beyond words," Paul told reporters on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. "I don't know if this came from the president on down, let's hope not; but if not, it's coming from these petty staffers who have been running sort of a paid influencer campaign against me for two weeks on Twitter.It really makes me lose a lot of respect I once had for Donald Trump.They have shown over the last week they don't care about my vote at all.Instead they've decided to try to attack my character.The same people that are directing this campaign are the same people that casually would throw out parts of the Constitution and suspend habeas corpus."

That last part was a reference to White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who has been spearheading the administration's attempts to increase immigration arrests tenfold while arguing in the process that "the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus can be suspended." Miller has been singling out libertarian-leaning Republicans like Paul and Rep. Thomas Massie (RKy.) for their obstructionism, telling Charlie Kirk last week, "You will never live a day in your life where a libertarian cares as much about immigration and sovereignty as they do about the Congressional Budget Office." (Massie, too, had his White House picnic-tix withheld.)

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Minutes before learning of his disinvitation (which Trump magnanimously overturned Thursday morning), Paul came on The Fifth Column podcast that I co-host, talking about his opposition to the spending bill, his attitude toward Saturday's big military parade in Washington, D.C. ("missiles and tanks in the streets just isn't a great symbol"), and "that knucklehead" in the White House who wants to suspend habeas corpus.

"Zealous supporters of the president, they're all over me," Paul told us. "If you read my Twitter feed, it's likeHaters Anonymous.I think a lot of them, frankly, are paid, but a lot of them are morons, you know, and it's hard to tell the difference."

Mocked by MAGA meme-slingers as a riot-loving "China shill" with "creepy weird noodle hair," Paul was eager to clarify both his departures from and support of Trump's deportation policies.

"It is true that I don't want to kill migrants," he said. "It's true that I don't want to kill you, even if you're here illegally; I'm against that. It's true that I don't want suspend to habeas corpus like that knucklehead at the White House wants to do. That's all true, but I'm not for an open border. I think there has to be order. I'm for more lawful immigration, but there are libertarians that don't believe we should have any borders; I'm really not one."

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Paul credits Trump for having "largely controlled the border through sheer willpower and bravado," changing the situation "dramaticallysince the Biden days, without any new money." And, as chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, he has signaled openness to increasing border control spending, though at rates lower than the Department of Homeland Security's wishlist. (That funding gap reportedly led to a shouting match Thursday between Miller and GOP senators.)

The libertarian-leaning Republican hedged about the propriety of the president sending National Guard troops and even Marines to help enforce federal immigration law over the objection of sitting governors, saying "I'm not an absolutist either way on it."

"I've always said that police work should be done by policemen," he said. "It's a difficult job, but policemen are trained in the Fourth Amendment, the First Amendment, andtheir rules of engagement are much different than the Army." But also: "If the mayor and the governor are saying we are going to resist the law, the supreme law of the land, andwhen we arrest people who are wanted for being illegal also, we're not going to tell the federal government, even though that's a federal law, and we will try to sneak them out of the courthousethere is a conflict, you know, and something's going to have to [give]."

As for the type of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) action we've seen these past two weeks at workplaces and routine asylum check-ins, Paul predicted public support may start to sag.

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"I think thatdeporting folks when it gets beyond the criminal element is going tofounder a bit," he said. "I don't have a lot of sympathy for people committing crimes. They need to be arrested, and once they've served their time here, I think it's a good reason to deport [them]. But I think it changes, and the mood of the country will change, when it's somebody who's been a maid for 20 years, isn't committing any crime, and iswould probably take a work permit if she could figure out how to get [one]."

The president himself seemed to signal a change in that direction Thursday, posting on Truth Social, "Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace."

Paul may be grudgingly open to forcing National Guard troops into riotous situations, but he's no fan at all of this Saturday's big military parade in Washington, D.C., on the president's 79th birthday.

"If I say picture in your mind a military parade, I challenge anybody not to think of the Soviet Union or North Korea, because that's the only image that pops into my head," he said. "It's like, yeah, we can commemorate. We can talk about how great our military is. But you know, missiles and tanks in the streets just isn't a great symbol. A free country is a country with a limited government, and really not one predicated on a massive military."

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Despite being singled out by Trump and Miller, at a time when the modern GOP has embraced explicitly antilibertarian populism, Paul seems energized by current and future GOP battles over spending, tariffs, price controls, and censorship.

"I think there's going to be a struggle for the direction of the Republican Party," he said. "The populists areanti-Big Business, they're antimerger, they're for micromanagement of thingsthey hate vertical integration. And it's like, who are these Neanderthals? Vertical integration is simply a way to try to compete and reduce the price of the product by vertically integrating. It's part of the economic development of capitalism, and they want to ban it. I mean, we have these lawsuits against Google and others for selling stuff that is compatible with their other stuff. It's just ridiculous, but it comes from this populism."

Businesses in Kentucky, Paul says, have been foursquare against Trump's tariff regime.

"I meet with business all the timesmall, big, medium, largeand there's a lot more friendliness coming from them than there had been in the past," he said. "So I think there could be a coalition, because libertarians are for the free market, and the free market benefits people who make good stuff and sell good stuff and convince consumers to buy their stuff. So there is a possibility for business, free market folks, free speech folks, libertarians. I think there is a coalition, and it has to be a coalition that fears the populist and sees what's going on."

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"I will be, in some way or fashion, a part of that as we move forward, figuring out the direction. Where are we going to go as a party? Is populism going to win? Is it going to be Trump and J.D. Vance? Or is it going be something more to a free market side?"

The post Rand Paul Blasts 'Knucklehead' Stephen Miller appeared first on Reason.com.
Senator Rand Paul stood before the Capitol Hill TV cameras on Wednesday to complainat lengththat he was no longer invited to this years White House picnic.

The level of immaturity is beyond words, Paul told reporters, adding that the move to withdraw his invite was just incredibly petty.

Paul said his invitation was pulled in retaliation for his refusal to support Trumps Big Beautiful Bill. He said he would consider voting for the GOPs budget if the debt limit portion was removed, but that is unlikely to happen by the time the Senate votes on it.

Seven minutes of Rand Paul being big mad about Stephen Miller uninviting him and his six month old grandson from the White House picnic over Paul's support of habeas corpus. pic.twitter.com/wsSnKPzbnj  Pablo Manriquez (@PabloReports) June 11, 2025

Im arguing from a true belief and worry that our country is mired in debt and getting worse, Paul said. And they choose to react by uninviting my grandson to the picnic. I dont know. I just think it really makes me lose a lot of respect I once had for Donald Trump.

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Paul said the move wouldnt make him come around.

Its just, I think, a really sad day that this is the level of warfare theyve stooped to, the Kentucky Republican said, apparently unaware that there are far more serious disputes raging across the country.

Paul said he was unsure who made the call to disinvite him and his family. It could be Trump or petty staffers who have been running a sort of a paid influencer campaign against me for two weeks on Twitter, he said, before taking aim at Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

You have people that are basically going around casually talking about getting rid of habeas corpus, Paul said critically of Miller. / Nathan Howard / REUTERS

You have people that are basically going around casually talking about getting rid of habeas corpus, Paul said.

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And the same people that are directing this campaign are the same people that casually would throw out parts of the Constitution and suspend habeas corpus. So, I think what it tells is they dont like hearing me say stuff like that, and so they want to quiet me down. And it hasnt worked, and so theyre going to try to attack me.

Paul pointed out that in his time in the Senate, neither Presidents Obama nor Biden disinvited him to the bipartisan gathering on the South Lawn, which he had been planning on attending alongside his wife, son, daughter-in-law and six-month-old grandson.

The level of immaturity is beyond words, Paul said of the White House. / Michael McCoy / REUTERS

The invite revocation may have also been spurred by how Paul broke with Trump on another issue: Saturdays $45 million military parade in Washington, D.C., which is supposed to celebrate the Armys 250th anniversary but which conveniently falls on Trumps birthday.

Ive never been a big fan of goose-stepping soldiers in big tanks and missiles rolling down the street, Paul explained this week. So if you asked me, I wouldnt have done it. We were always different than the images you saw of the Soviet Union and North Korea. We were proud not to be that.
A new wave of AI-powered threats is on the loose.

A recent CISCO Talos report found that ransomware gangs are leveraging AI hype, luring enterprises with fake AI business-to-business software while pressuring victims with psychological manipulation.

Ransomware groups like CyberLock, Lucky_Gh0$t, and a newly-discovered malware dubbed Numero, are all impersonating legitimate AI software, such as Novaleads, the multinational lead monetization platform. Kiran Chinnagangannagari, co-founder and chief product and technology officer at global cybersecurity firm Securin told CIO Upside that this new tactic is not niche.

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It is part of a growing trend where cybercriminals often use malicious social media ads or SEO poisoning to push these fake tools, targeting businesses eager to adopt AI but unaware of the risks, Chinnagangannagari said.

Mandiant, the cybersecurity arm of Google, recently reported a similar campaign running malicious ads on Facebook and LinkedIn, redirecting users to fake AI video-generator tools imitating Luma AI, Canva Dream Lab and Kling AI.

READ ALSO: Increasing Your Enterprises Adaptability Quotient and Finance Departments Struggle to Balance AI Adoption Risks With Rewards

AI Gaslighting

Ransomware gangs are also using psychological manipulation to increase the success rate of their attacks. For example, CyberLock is leaving victims notes asking them to pay $50,000, an unusually low ransom demand considering the industrys average. The notes say that the ransom payment will be used for humanitarian aid in various regions, including Palestine, Ukraine, Africa and Asia.

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The $50,000 demand pressures smaller businesses into paying quickly while avoiding the scrutiny that comes with multi-million dollar ransoms, Chinnagangannagari said.

Organizations should never pay the ransom, as payment offers no guarantee of results, Chinnagangannagari said.Companies should focus on robust backups and incident response plans to recover without negotiating, he added.

Security leaders also need to prepare their teams for psychological manipulation, not just technical defenses, said Mike Logan, CEO of C2 Data Technology. These ransomware attacks are not just technical threats but psychological weapons.

In certain industries, these smaller-scale ransomware attacks can have more serious impacts. There are edge cases, healthcare for example, where human lives are at stake, Logan said. However, even in those cases, the goal should be to have preventive controls in place so that paying never becomes the only option, he said.

Companies should report the incident, work with authorities, and treat the breach as a catalyst to modernize their security posture, he said.

The new wave of AI business-targeting ransomware demands a paradigm shift in defense strategies. AI tools are now considered by cybersecurity experts as high-risk assets, Chinnagangannagari said. Training staff on how to spot fake, malicious and suspicious online activity, especially when downloading unverified AI apps, is essential.

This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive cutting-edge insights into technology trends impacting CIOs and IT leaders, subscribe to our free CIO Upside newsletter.
PORT ANGELES, Wash.  Sol Duc Falls in Washington state has been temporarily closed after an 18-year-old man fell over the 50-foot waterfall Sunday.

According to officials at Olympic National Park Service (NPS), the parks swift water and rope rescue teams immediately searched for the victim after he fell.

"According to witnesses, the young man was walking across the rocks at the top of the falls when he slipped, resurfaced at the bottom of the waterfall, then submerged into the water again," said an official statement from the NPS.

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Search and rescue teams have been working to recover the victim's body. Park officials stated that current water conditions have halted the search efforts due to high river flows from recent high temperatures and rapid snowmelt. Factors such as algae-covered rocks and moss are creating dangerous conditions to navigate the canyon beneath the falls.

The team will resume search operations as soon as the river conditions allow for a safe operation.





Original article source: Rapid snowmelt slows effort to find 18-year-old who fell over 50-foot Washington waterfall at national park
ANDOVER  Defense contractor Raytheon has been awarded a $646 million contract to continue producing advanced maritime radars for the U.S. Navy.

The radar, called the SPY-6, is one of several radar programs designed and manufactured at Raytheons Radar Development Facility, 350 Lowell St. The 30,000, square-foot site is vertically integrated and highly automated and supports the production of different radars for U.S. and allied forces.

The SPY-6 family of radars performs air and missile defense for seven classes of ships, according to Raytheons website. The integrated radars have the ability to defend against ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles and hostile aircraft and surface ships simultaneously.

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This is the fourth option exercised from a hardware, production and sustainment contract in March 2022 that is valued up to $3 billion over five years. Three years ago, Raytheon won a $651 million radar contract with the Navy to outfit new surface ships with radar that can find and track enemy missiles and planes at the same time.

Under this contract, Raytheon will provide the U.S Navy with four additional radars. This increases the total amount of radars under contract for procurement to 42. A majority of the work under the contract will take place in Andover through 2028.

SPY-6 enables the U.S. Navy to see further than theyve ever seen before, providing sailors with more time to respond to detected threats, President of Naval Power at Raytheon Barbara Borgonovi said.

This latest contract builds on our decades of experience and technical expertise in developing modular, scalable, and highly maintainable radars.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Gov. JB Pritzker is on Capitol Hill to appear before members of Congress on Thursday morning to field questions about the states "sanctuary" laws aimed at limiting local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

He will testify along with Gov. Kathy Hochul, of New York, and Gov. Tim Walz, of Minnesota.

FOX 32 Chicago is streaming Pritzker's testimony all day in the livestream at the top of this story.

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Pritzker's office released the written remarks he will give as his opening statement before the House Oversight Committee:

"Chairman Comer, Ranking Member Lynch, and Members of the Committee thank you for the opportunity to discuss the critically important topic of immigration. Governors including those joining me today, have had to shoulder the consequences of a broken immigration system for years. I am proud of how the Great State of Illinois has responded to this challengecreating solutions that promote public safety, treat people with dignity, support our economy, and respect the rule of law. Congress, however, must act. I hope our conversation today will be a productive step towards much needed bipartisan reforms.

"The crisis at the southern border in recent years has been devastating; the response from some of our political leaders even more so. As individuals fleeing poverty, violence, and persecution arrived at our border, our nations leaders were confronted with a choice: would we do everything possible to make the promise of America the practice of America? Some border state governors and mayors abandoned our nations highest idealsinstead choosing to spend millions of taxpayer dollars to treat people as pawns, busing them to states like ours in a dehumanizing attempt to leverage the crisis for political gain. The State of Illinois chose a different path. With peoples lives at stakechildren, pregnant women, and the elderly who were sent to our state in the dead of night, dropped outside far from our designated intake and welcome centers, in freezing temperaturesand a federal government that was unwilling to address the national crisis in any meaningful way, we knew we could not simply ignore the suffering right in front of us.

"Those who were bused to Illinois were generally presented to federal law enforcement before their arrival to our state. Federal immigration laws allowed them to be released into the community as they awaited processing, but did not allow them to legally work or coordinate a place for them to stayleaving individuals with few options in the interim. So, Illinois filled in the gaps where federal immigration policy failed, ensuring that people were not starving on our streets as they were processed through our broken immigration system, sought asylum, applied for other forms of immigration relief, or went through removal proceedings. We understand the responsibility we bear to treat people with dignity, respect, and fairness.

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"Within two weeks of the first buses arriving in Illinois in August 2022, we issued a disaster proclamation to immediately unlock resources to help the City of Chicago, Cook County, and other jurisdictions handle the immigrants being sent to our state. As more individuals were involuntarily sent to Illinoisultimately totaling over 50,000 peoplewe used a data-driven plan to move migrants out of the states temporary system of care and on to independence while they awaited immigration guidance from the federal government. We supported local efforts related to shelter, housing, and support services. We assisted immigrants in moving through the federal Temporary Protected Status and work authorization processes as quickly as possible so they could gain employment and contribute to our economya key step to preventing this rapid influx of immigrants from destabilizing our communities, a stated goal of political opponents.

"As Governor, my responsibility is to ensure that all Illinoisans feel safe in their homes, their businesses, and their communities. That is why my administration continued to make significant investments in public safety, even as our resources were strained because of the lack of federal support during the crisisexpanding our state police force and investing in efforts to reduce gun violence. Our investments led to significant reductions in crime. For example, our Peacekeeper Program, an effort we adopted in 2023 to engage and train residents to mediate and de-escalate conflicts, led to a 41% reduction in gun violence rates in hotspots targeted by the program in 2023 and 2024 compared to the previous two years. This is not just a statistic; this number reflects lives saved and families spared from devastation.

"There is more we must do to uphold our commitment to public safety for all, and we will continue to work with federal and local partners in this effort. Violent criminals have no place on our streets; if they are undocumented, we want them out of Illinois and out of our country. When the federal government has a judge-signed warrant for a criminals arrest, we work to assist them, regardless of that criminals immigration status. But what we will not do is participate in any violations of the law or abuses of power. We will uphold the law, and we will continue to prioritize precious local and state law enforcement resources for fighting crime.

"Maintaining our shared values does not mean we must sacrifice public safety. At a time when other politicians attempted to distort the truth and disrupt our state, we stayed true to the virtues of the Land of Lincoln. For as long as I am Governor, Illinois will uphold our Midwestern and American valuesmaking sure our state treats people with dignity, respect, and fairness.

Responding to the Influx of Immigrants

"Illinois did not ask for this crisis, which was neither necessary nor inevitable, but we responded to itwith empathy and urgency. The absence of leadership at the federal level by both Democrats and Republicans, and the deliberate actions of leaders in border states, created an untenable situation for Illinois and other states. Border state politicians refused to coordinate with our state or city officials, instead secretly plotting to send individuals to unknown locations during obscure times that maximized confusion and pain for immigrant families, children, and seniors The border states trying to score political points did not help us, and Congress was failing to take action, so I wrote to President Biden in October 2023 as the federal governments lack of intervention and coordination at the border exacerbated the crisis. This failure created an unprecedented strain on Illinoiss resources.

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"We did not shrink from this challenge, and together with frontline partnerslocal government leaders, nonprofits and community organizations, and othersmy administration worked to develop a cost-effective and comprehensive plan to address the needs of our communities, improve the logistics of arrivals to our state, and create workforce programs, all while still prioritizing public safety. This plan focused on three pillars: (1) processing new arrivals in a streamlined and cost-effective intake system; (2) supporting temporary shelter and permanent housing; and (3) prioritizing programs and tools to enable new arrivals to live independently and contribute to the economy as they proceeded through the federal immigration process.

Intake

"We established an intake center to centrally coordinate services for new arrivals. The intake center eliminated bottlenecks in providing services to immigrants by facilitating a more integrated approach across state, county, city, and community-based organizations. It also reduced delays in helping immigrants find temporary shelter and then permanent housing as well as other critical social services. We also supported the City of Chicagos operation of its Landing Zonethe designated drop-off location for buses bringing individuals to the cityhelping to increase personnel and better facilitate the delivery of initial intake services to arriving immigrants.

Shelter

"We expanded temporary shelter capacity to address urgent needs, including getting people off the streets during freezing temperatures and out of makeshift shelters at police stations and airports. To support temporary shelter capacity, the state and City of Chicago operated over 25 immigrant-focused shelters. At the same time, we invested in efforts to get as many people as possible into more permanent housing where possible and to increase access to the community[1]based resources people needed to care for themselves and their families.

Independence

"We prioritized services to help new arrivals live independently and contribute to the economy as they awaited asylum hearings, including through the provision of legal services and workforce development support. A cornerstone of this effort was moving thousands of individuals through the federal Temporary Protected Status and Employment Authorization Document processes as quickly as possible. Illinois stood up large-scale workshops with legal aid providers, pro-bono attorneys, and other partners to facilitate the application process and provide job search resources simultaneously. We also coordinated with the business community that was eager to hire many new arrivals eligible to be employed. By doing so, we reduced the strain on our limited resources and encouraged self-sufficiency.

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"While much of our efforts were focused in and around Chicago due to the unexpected and increasingly high rates of new arrivals in the city, we also supported other localities that stepped up to address this crisis. In addition to opening our intake center in Chicago, we increased our existing network of Illinois Welcoming Centers to increase the availability of intake services outside of the city. We also launched a program to provide grants to local governments to fund migrant-related emergency needs, including food and shelter capacity, as well as services aligned with our goal of putting immigrants on a path to independence as they moved through the federal immigration process.

"We were able to manage this crisis because of sound leadership. State government kept our fiscal house in order and maintained our commitments to the people of Illinois during the unprecedented circumstances. Since then, we have been able to wind down much of our crisis response efforts. For example, the state and the City of Chicago have now been able to close all immigrant-focused shelters and the city has transitioned to a single, more efficient shelter system, the One System Initiative, to assist all unhoused individuals, including immigrants.

Prioritizing Public Safety

"Since I was sworn into office in 2019, violence intervention and reduction has been a core priority of my administration. That is why we have remained laser-focused on making our communities safer, even during a period of otherwise strained resources and overwhelming demands for services caused by the border crisis. Despite these challenges, my administration has prioritized supporting law enforcement, advancing legislation to address critical needs in our state, and partnering with local and federal law enforcement on shared priorities.

"Investing in our Illinois State Police (ISP) troopers is one of the most important things we can do for public safety. Since I took office in 2019, my administration has brought on nearly 600 new troopersduring a period that saw many fewer recruits to law enforcement across the nation. Moreover, we have provided our troopers with the resources needed to reduce shootings and fatalities and get illegal guns and drugs off the streets, and we have invested in them personally with higher pay and through higher education partnerships with four public Illinois universities. Through increased resourcing and investments in police, we are continuing to build an even stronger law enforcement agency.

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"In addition to focusing on law enforcement resources and personnel, I am proud of our comprehensive investments to make our communities safer. I established the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) and worked with the General Assembly to pass the Reimagine Public Safety Act to reduce gun violence in Chicago and throughout Illinois. We strengthened protections for domestic violence survivors. We banned ghost guns and implemented background checks on all gun sales. And, during the crisis, I signed the Protect Illinois Communities Act into law, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

"Illinois also prioritizes partnerships with federal law enforcement to tackle crime in our state. We are a member of a number of joint task forces, including the FBIs Chicago Violent Crimes Task Force, where we work with partners on combating gang violence, narcotics trafficking, and gun-related offenses. Members of the ISP work closely with several federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Homeland Security Investigations. The ISP sits on the Executive Board of the Chicago High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Board, which includes representatives from the FBI, DEA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Attorneys Office, and other agencies.

"Crime in Illinois is trending in the right direction. Violent crime in Chicago is down; the city ended 2024 with its lowest homicide rate in five years. The Peacekeepers Program has seen particular success. The Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research and Science (CORNERS) at Northwestern University found that there was a 31% decline in gun violence in 2023 and 2024 compared to the previous two years in the city and suburban communities served by the Peacekeepers Program. The programs effect on hotspots was even greater, with those locations experiencing a 41% decline in gun violence during the same period.

"There is still much more work to do to make sure that every Illinoisan feels safe, which is why we will continue to fund investments to hire and train ISP troopers and to support community[1]based public safety programs with proven success.

Following the Rule of Law in Immigration Enforcement

"I have consistently said and will reaffirm today: violent criminals have no place on our streets, and if they are undocumented, I want them out of Illinois and out of our country. Illinois law allows government employees to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement authorities in the execution of a criminal warrant issued by a federal judge or magistrate.

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"Illinois follows federal and state laws and will continue to do so. We expect the federal government to do the same. Federal officials should operate in Illinois, as they do in every state, to enforce federal immigration policy, but we will not divert our limited resources and officers to do the job of the federal government when it is not in the best interest of our state, our local communities, or the safety of our residents. The Illinois TRUST Act bipartisan legislation that was signed into law by my Republican predecessor, reflects this position and is fully compliant with federal law. We want our law enforcement officers focusing on their actual jobs while empowering all members of the publicregardless of immigration statusto feel comfortable calling law enforcement to seek help, report crimes, and cooperate in investigations. It is important that all members of the community trust law enforcement. Prosecuting criminals and preventing crime in our communities becomes exponentially harder when victims or witnesses do not come forward because they are undocumented and afraid of law enforcement.

* * *

"I have always believed that Illinois is the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family. We have grown our economy and created jobs, addressed affordability for working families, and protected individual freedoms. Our success depends on our people and our values, and on our shared history as a nation of immigrants.

"Our stateand our countryhave long been strengthened by individuals from across the globe seeking freedom, opportunity, and refuge here. I know this from my own history. My family found a home in America after fleeing the Russian massacre of Jews in Ukraine. This country accepted them as refugees, even though they had almost nothing except the shirts on their backs. Their journey took them first to Iowa and then to Chicago, where my great-grandfather slept in a train station on his first night in the city. Like so many immigrants, my family found work and contributed to their community. They would not have succeeded without the support of their neighbors and the government.

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"It is urgent that Congress act to fix our immigration laws so law-abiding immigrant families can pursue the same opportunities that my great-grandfather had when he arrived here. The vast majority of immigrants contribute to our communities, pay taxes, and abide by the law. We should value their entrepreneurship, ingenuity, and hard work. Both political parties are to blame for Americas broken immigration system. I hope that this Committee chooses be part of the solution by pursuing bipartisan comprehensive federal immigration reform. If you do, I am here to work with you on the path forward. Our border should be secured. The asylum process should be reformed. Law-abiding, hardworking, tax-paying people who have been in this country for years should have a path to citizenship. We can have a secure border while also having real immigration pathways that allow people to come here, work, and support themselves on a reasonable timeline. Our prosperity and our national security demand it.

"Thank you for the opportunity to address how we can learn from the recent crisis and explore ways to address our broken immigration system. I look forward to your comments and questions."
After their son, a recent University of Rhode Island graduate, died from anaphylactic shock just days after his graduation, a Massachusetts family is raising awareness about food allergies.

Timothy Howard, who grew up in Southborough, Massachusetts, died May 24 from a severe allergic reaction to a late-night snack  a chocolate bar  that was contaminated with peanuts, his mother, Patty Howard, told USA TODAY.

His whole body went into shock. He went into his parents' bedroom, and they administered three EpiPens, a life-saving drug used by people at risk of anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions, but the reaction was "very fast," and the EpiPen "didn't work."

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The chocolate bar Timothy ate said on the label that it "may contain" peanuts, according to his parents. His mother says if a food label says it "may contain" your allergen, don't take the risk.

Now, his family is sharing their story to prevent similar tragedies. His sister, Julia, says manufacturers need to make food labels clearer instead of relying on "may contain" warnings. His dad, Tim, says that individuals also need to carefully read those labels.

Timothy Howard graduated from the University of Rhode Island just days before his death.

Timothy Howard's Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brothers are raising money for the Food Allergy Research & Education, a nonprofit advocacy organization that spreads awareness and funds research for food allergies. They've raised nearly $28,000 as of June 12.

The donations will go toward advancing anaphylaxis research and treatment options; supporting education programs in schools and communities; promoting life-saving awareness and emergency preparedness and advocating for stronger food allergy policies and labeling laws.

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"We don't want people to go through what we're going through after burying our child. This is hell," his mother says.

Timothy Howard with his parents and his sister, Julia, at his graduation from the University of Rhode Island.

How to check food labels for allergies

Howard's story is frightening and not entirely uncommon.

Food allergies affect more than 33 million people in the United States. You can never assume a food or object is free of your allergen, experts say, as it can lurk in the most unexpected places.

Fish and shellfish, for example, are sometimes dipped in milk to reduce their fishy odor, putting those with dairy allergies at risk. Cross-contamination  when an allergen is accidentally transferred from one food to another  can also expose you to an allergen.

Timothy Howard's fraternity brothers have raised nearly $28,000 for food allergy awareness, according to his mother.

Federal laws require that the nine most common allergens  milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame  must be labeled on packaged foods sold in the United States.

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However, there are no laws requiring manufacturers to say whether a product may have come into contact with a specific allergen, allowing potential cross-contamination to fly under the radar.

Teenagers and young adults with food allergies are at the highest risk of fatal food-induced anaphylaxis.

"This age group is a high-risk group," Timothy's mother says. "They are independent. They don't want to trouble people at a party to say, 'Hey, what's in this brownie?'"

Katie Camero and Providence Journal staff contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Recent URI graduate dead after anaphylactic shock from food allergy
Nearly one in five pupils in England are receiving support for special educational needs (SEN) in the classroom, according to government statistics.

It comes as separate stats shows a sharp rise in the number of tribunals concerning special educational needs support, as parents challenge the support on offer for their child.

Teaching unions say systemic change in special educational needs provision is "urgently needed" for schools and students.

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The government said it will set out more detailed plans for reforms to special educational needs in the autumn.

The number of school pupils in England receiving support for special educational needs rose to more than 1.7 million, according to annual statistics from the Department for Education released on Thursday.

That's a rise of 5.6%, or an extra 93,700 pupils compared to last year.

It means nearly one in five of pupils in England (19.6%) are getting extra support for special educational needs, the highest proportion since stats were collected in this way.

Over 482,000 of those pupils have an education, health and care plan (EHCP) - a legal document issued by local authorities that sets out the support a child needs.

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Since 2016, the number of children receiving all types of special needs support has risen by 44% and those with an EHCP has more than doubled.

The EHCP increase has been driven by rising rates of autistic spectrum disorder among pupils, speech and language problems, and more pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, the independent think tank the Institute for Fiscal studies said.

The stats show autistic spectrum disorder is the most common need named on education, health and care plans.

Although it is unclear what is behind the rise, the IFS has said it could be down to better recognition of autistic spectrum disorder symptoms, particularly in girls.

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There's recent research that suggests reduced interactions during Covid impacted speech and language development for some children.

Helping pupils struggling with their speech, language and communication is the most common type of special educational needs support that schools are giving, according to Thursday's data.

Even getting an education, health and care plan in place for their child can be an ordeal for parents.

Cath is a mum from Bristol. She is in the process of applying for an EHCP for her nine-year-old son, who has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD.

She's currently getting his needs assessed to see what extra support can be put in place. She says his mainstream school have been supportive, but her son needs more support than they can offer without an EHCP.

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She says "having to go through the system and fight every step of the way - it takes a big toll on you."

"We're constantly filling in forms and thinking what is best for our child."

She says they are "in limbo" as his needs might not be great enough for a specialist school, but he is struggling in mainstream.

"You're seeing them struggling and you're crying out for help and there's no one who can give it to you."

Cath says she's concerned that the government will make changes to - or abolish -EHCPs in their upcoming reforms.

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Teaching unions have said that rising number of pupils who need extra support is putting more pressure on schools.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the headteacher's union the NAHT said "despite incredible efforts" the current system is "completely unsustainable".

He said "schools face shortages of experts like educational psychologists and speech and language therapists, and a postcode lottery in accessing additional money from cash-strapped local authorities for pupils with the greatest needs - while parents are having to take councils to tribunal to get the places they want for their children due to a lack of capacity".

More parents are turning to tribunals to challenge the support on offer for their child. Separate stats out today from the Ministry of Justice show there were 24,000 SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) tribunals brought in the year to April, an increase of 36% on the previous year and the highest number on record.

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The National Audit Office said in a report last year that the SEND system as a whole "wasn't financially sustainable" and wasn't delivering better outcomes for children and young people, despite big increases in high-needs funding over the last 10 years. Local authorities are under huge financial pressure because of rising SEND needs. A deal holding 3bn of SEND deficits off local authorities books is due to run out next year.

The government said in the spending review they would be setting out their long-awaited plans to reform the SEND system in England this autumn in a government white paper.

They've also set aside 760m over two years to reform SEND from a transformation fund

In response to today's figures for SEN pupils and the rise in SEND tribunals Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "Behind each one of these figures is a family desperately fighting for even the most basic support for their child, leaving a staggering number of parents exhausted while young people are denied precious help.

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"It doesn't have to be this way, and this government will deliver the reform that families are crying out for through our Plan for Change  giving an excellent education to every child.

"We have already taken the first steps to identify and meet children's needs earlier in mainstream schools, including through more early intervention across speech and language, ADHD and autism to prevent needs from escalating and 740m to encourage councils to create more specialist places in mainstream schools."

Additional data reporting by Harriet Agerholm
A Red Lobster restaurant in Monroe County, MI, has burned to the ground in what sheriff's officials described as a "complete loss."

In a press release, the Monroe County Sheriffs Office wrote that the structure fire occurred in Frenchtown Township on the morning of June 9.

Early this morning, a structure fire resulted in the total loss of the Red Lobster restaurant located at 1553 N. Dixie Highway in Frenchtown Township. No injuries were reported, the release says.

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It's been a tough few years for Red Lobster, which filed for bankruptcy in 2024.

The Frenchtown Township Fire Department led the fire suppression efforts and was assisted by fire departments from Ash, Berlin, Estral Beah, Exeter, LaSalle, and Monroe townships, as well as LMR and the City of Monroe Public Safety Department," the release says.

"Frenchtown Township Fire Department officials have indicated the building is a complete loss," it says.

Although authorities don't suspect foul play at this point, they are still investigating the cause.

A "preliminary investigation has not revealed anything suspicious regarding the cause of the fire. The Monroe County Fire Investigation Team, in collaboration with the Frenchtown Township Fire Department, is actively investigating the origin and cause of the blaze," they wrote.

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People with information about the fire are encouraged to contact the Monroe County Sheriffs Office Detective Bureau.

In 2024, Red Lobster reported on its website that the restaurant chain had "544 locations across 44 U.S. states and four Canadian Provinces." The seafood restaurant has its headquarters in Orlando, FL.

Related: Beloved Alabama Restaurant Loses Famed Championship Wall to Storm

Red Lobster in Michigan Burns to the Ground: 'Complete Loss' first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 12, 2025
A series of recent investigative reports suggest that China may be behind the coordination and funding of the violent pro-illegal immigration and Pro-Terrorist riots in LA and other cities through an insidious money laundering scheme in partnership with various non-governmental organizations or NGOs.

At the same time, a third Chinese national was arrested in just the past week for attempting to smuggle regulated biological materials  specifically, a fungus classified as a potential agroterrorism weapon  into the United States, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.

X independent journalist Data Republican (@datarepublican) first reported that tech tycoon, Neville Singham, an American living in Shanghai, funnels money to multiple NGOs to fund the Pro-Terrorist and Pro-Illegal Immigration riots and violence.

Neville Singham  sorry. Real nice guy. Activist who became a billionaire by pushing Chinese propaganda worldwide. pic.twitter.com/OojaZwUgZV  DataRepublican (small r) (@DataRepublican) June 8, 2025

Singham, a longtime Marxist activist and software mogul, is no stranger to scrutiny. A 2023 New York Times investigative story concluded that Mr. Singham uses a global web of nonprofits and shell entities to push Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propaganda in the U.S., South Africa, Brazil, and India  often under the banner of social justice.

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One of the groups he supports is the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL)  a self-declared Communist party that helped organize the violent LA protests and has a documented history of anti-Israel activism.

PSL also coordinated with other radical groups to produce protest signage and on-the-ground logistics during the unrest.

The group which printed the signs for protests, Party for Socialism and Liberation, is not a nonprofit  they are a literal Communist party. pic.twitter.com/5PlrCEe9m5  DataRepublican (small r) (@DataRepublican) June 8, 2025

According to a June 8, 2025 report in the New York Post, the LA protests escalated dramatically after an initial rally organized by CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles), which has received over $30 million in government grants during the Biden administration.

DHS has since terminated funding and is clawing back nearly $101,000 still owed.

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Rioters damaged property, slashed ICE vehicle tires, and clashed with federal agents, prompting the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops.

A DHS spokesman confirmed that CHIRLA had received federal grants for citizenship education and training through September 2024  including from the very agency the group was demonstrating against.

CHIRLA denied involvement in the riots, claiming it merely held a press event, but financial records obtained by Data Republican and corroborated by The Post show extensive government funding and ideological alignment with the radical protest goals.

Marriage of Propaganda and Activism

Singhams influence reaches far beyond CHIRLA and PSL. His wife, Jodie Evans, is the founder of Code Pink. The far-left activists of have attracted attention for their ties to China and the communist countrys suspected financial support of their political demonstrations.

Singhams wife, Jodie Evans, founded CODEPINK. Her focus seems to be on telling us how China is not our enemy, with a book set to be published soon. pic.twitter.com/3zI5AhVIqY  DataRepublican (small r) (@DataRepublican) June 9, 2025

Some members of Congress are demanding that Code Pink be banned from entering the U.S. Capitol, citing potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

Members of Congress welcome Code Pink activists into the U.S. Capitol. They are literally in Congress every day, conservative journalist Laura Loomer posted this week. The co-founders husband, Neville Singham, works with propagandists for the Chinese Communist Party.

Fun fact: Neville Singham is married to Jodie Evans, the co founder of @codepink. Members of Congress welcome Code Pink activists into the US Capitol. They are literally in Congress everyday. The co-founderss husband Neville Singham works with Propagandists for the Chinese pic.twitter.com/4tm4dsiH4u  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) June 9, 2025

According to a report by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI), several of the radical protest movements Singham funds  including the Shut It Down for Palestine (SID4P) coalition  are supported through a network of tax-exempt groups and dark money funnels.

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These organizations amplify anti-American narratives and coordinate real-world unrest targeting infrastructure, political events, and law enforcement.

Rather than acting as isolated agitators, groups under the SID4P banner have staged nationwide disruptions since October 2023  from blocking airports to occupying university buildings and even shutting down high-dollar political fundraisers attended by Presidents Obama, Biden, and Clinton.

The NCRI found that far-left SID4P Convenors, particularly the ANSWER Coalition and The Peoples Forum, along with closely allied groups such as PSL, were significantly more active and influential in promoting unrest and have financial and ideological ties to CCP-aligned funders.

National Security Concerns Grow

The structure of Singhams influence network  which includes nonprofits like The Peoples Forum and media outlets like BreakThrough News  allows him to obscure the origin of foreign funds while injecting extremist content into the U.S. media and protest ecosystem.

BreakThrough News, which shares an address with The Peoples Forum in New York, is staffed almost entirely by PSL members and has aired interviews with PFLP terrorists and Hezbollah propagandists. Their content is monetized and widely shared on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Singhams model is simple but powerful: use American nonprofit loopholes to move foreign money, build radical protest infrastructure, and saturate social media with polished propaganda.

In 2023, Sen. Marco Rubio called on Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate Singhams network under FARA. Thus far, the Justice Department has not confirmed whether any such investigation is active.
TOKYO (Reuters) -Nissan supplier Marelli Corp filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States on Wednesday, the Japanese auto parts company said in a statement, after months of uncertainty about its talks with creditors.

The maker of car interiors and lighting, which is owned by private equity firm KKR, said it had secured a commitment of $1.1 billion in financing from its lenders, and that around 80% of the lenders had signed an agreement to support its restructuring.

"Throughout this process and moving forward, Marelli does not expect any operational impact from the Chapter 11 process," it said in a statement.

Marelli said 100% of its secured debt would also be eliminated. Its total debt obligations amount to about $4.9 billion, according to Wednesday's court filing.

The company's situation has been closely watched given that it is a major supplier to Nissan, which is struggling to turn itself around.

Marelli said in the filing that the global trade war also affected its liquidity position due to the supplier's import and export-focused business and the tariffs imposed on the automotive industry.

Marelli said the lenders of the new $1.1 billion financing will take ownership of the business once it emerges from Chapter 11, subject to a 45-day so-called "overbid process" in which other parties could bid for it.

The company listed both assets and liabilities in the range of $1 billion to $10 billion, according to the court filing.

The bankruptcy also breaks an impasse between Japanese lenders and the Ad Hoc Group of Senior Lenders, the two opposing bank groups holding a stake in Marelli's loan facilities.

Mizuho Financial Group, Japan's third-largest bank and a member of the Japanese lenders' group, said in a statement that its core unit had extended 237.6 billion yen ($1.64 billion) in lending to Marelli. It said it had already taken the necessary provisions and expected the impact on its earnings to be minimal. Mizuho said it would not be revising its consolidated earnings forecasts.

Kyodo News reported last week that Marelli was looking into Chapter 11 to ensure its operations would not be halted in the event that talks with creditors fell through.

"We appreciate Marelli's efforts to minimise operational disruption," Nissan said in a statement, adding it was committed to supporting Marelli and would coordinate with other Marelli customers and monitor the supply chain to prevent disruption.

Marelli was created in 2019 from the merger of Magneti Marelli and Japan's Calsonic Kansei. Fiat Chrysler (FCA), now part of Stellantis, sold Magneti Marelli to Calsonic Kansei, owned by KKR, for 5.8 billion euros ($6.66 billion).
Reform UK has expelled its candidate in a Sefton council by-election after "unacceptable" comments surfaced on social media.

The party confirmed it had removed its support for Irene Davidson, who was due to stand as a candidate in the Blundellsands by-election on 19 June.

Davidson's X account has now been deleted.

Some of the posts from Davidson's account, seen by the BBC, included a cartoon of King Charles labelled as a traitor, and calls for Islam to be "eradicated" from the UK.

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Despite being expelled from the party, Davidson will still appear on the ballot paper as Reform UK's candidate as the papers have already been printed.

A spokesperson from Reform UK said Davidson had "failed to disclose her social media account to the vetting team".

"As a result of her unacceptable comments she was swiftly expelled from the party and support for her candidacy has been withdrawn.

"Reform UK is completely opposed to any form of discrimination."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now)  Regan National Airport (DCA) announced Wednesday that it would be suspending flight operations due to this weekends parade in D.C.

What to know about Trumps military parade in DC

The Armys 250th Birthday Parade will be hosted on Saturday, June 14.

DCA issued the following statement regarding the parades travel impact:

To accommodate aircraft flyovers along the parade route, followed by a fireworks display, the Federal Aviation Administration is expected to suspend airline operations at DCA  affecting scheduled flights. Customers with flight reservations for the evening of June 14 should check the status of their flights directly with their airline.

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DCA emphasized that the public should avoid parking at the airport.

With limited garage parking capacity at DCA due to construction, event parking and fireworks viewing at the airport are strongly discouraged.

To learn more about travel delays and detours due to the parade, 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 DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
Power lines leading into ITCs Oneida Substation in Eaton Countys Oneida Township, the starting point for a proposed transmission line. June 7, 2025 | Photo by Jon King

State regulators are seeking more information on the impacts of the proposed routes on two transmission line expansion projects that would place many miles of electric service wires across the state.

ITC Holding Corp., doing business as the Michigan Electric Transmission Company, plans to build two approximately 50 mile spans of high-voltage electric transmission lines, one from the Indiana border starting in Branch County to a substation in Calhoun County, and the other stretching from Eaton County to Gratiot County.

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The projects were proposed in 2022 and are slated to cost nearly $850 million. They have been hailed by supporters as some of the first transmission line projects approved by MISO, a midwestern power grid operator, which could help bolster Michigans electric grid.

But the situation has some residents grappling with the possibility of an electricity rate increase that could affect all Michiganders, as well as concerns that their land might be seized in the process.

For now, those residents were given somewhat of a reprieve as the Michigan Public Service Commission on Thursday asked for additional briefings on the proposed routes.

ITCs Oneida Substation in Eaton Countys Oneida Township, the starting point for a proposed transmission line. June 7, 2025 | Photo by Jon King

The company in 2024 applied for certificates of public convenience and necessity on the projects, which were up for discussion at Thursdays meeting.

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Commissioners noted evidence showing the companys proposed route between Branch and Calhoun counties runs through a rural airport, although an alternative proposed route sidesteps the airport but requires more new right-of-way allowance.

Members of the commission asked for supplemental briefs on the reasonableness of the routes impact on the airport and the overall social impacts of the proposed alternative route.

Those briefs are due back to the commission June 26.

In a statement to Michigan Advance, the company said it will continue to work with the commission on the certificates.

These Tranche 1 projects are part of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, Long-Range Transmission Plan, or LRTP, which will improve grid reliability and resiliency, support state economic development efforts and enable the safe and reliable movement of power to Michigan communities, the company said. ITC looks forward to continuing our work with agencies, municipalities and landowners.

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Community members who would be affected by the transmission lines spoke in opposition to the project during public comment at the end of the meeting.

Robert Williams, the owner of the airport in question, said the proposed lines go directly across his rural airfield located just south of Marshall. He said he has been in contact with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and that the agency is pursuing his concerns about an electric transmission line running across a federally-registered airport.

The team is investigating if an alternative route is available to the [the company], Williams said. [A proposed alternative] does not change the entire route. It only changes a small section.

Williams added that, in his conversation with federal regulators, the subject of burying the transmission lines was discussed and said it could be done.

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That is a precedent thats been set before the varied transmission lines up to 720,000 volts, Williams said. These are 345,000 volts.

Peter Sullivan also commented on the project. His mother, Margot Sullivan, lives in Fowler and owns 80 acres of centennial farmland in a section of the proposed route.

Although the commission did not approve the project and sought additional information on Thursday, Sullivan said he and others will continue to demand that the company move the overall right-of-way from properties in the proposed route by 50 feet. He said their demands also include the company not using virgin land to make new easements or rights-of-way and instead use existing rights-of-way.

Union City resident Jake Wages said he hopes the commission would not approve the project after getting additional information based on the number of centennial farms and agricultural farms that are in the way of the proposed route. Wages claimed that the company has not been transparent with residents. He said he has had numerous conversations with those potentially affected by the lines in Branch and Calhoun counties and that not one of them has said they agreed to terms with the company on giving up their land.

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The contract is so lopsided that anybody with any common sense wouldnt even consider signing it, Wages said. They want to put in there that any equipment that is on our property belongs to them, and if something happens to it, were liable for it. At that point, whos liable for any contamination? Were responsible for their vehicles, their maintenance, cleaning up their mess. They want access to our property [around the clock] without any type of notification.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Religious leaders in Baton Rouge came together to speak about immigration.

How can you say you love God if you dont love your neighbor that you see? asked L.O.R.I. Communications Director Sharon Njie.

That question hung in the air Tuesday as religious leaders and community members gathered for the Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants (LORI) Peaceful Stand Together event  a day of storytelling, open dialogue, and reflection amid mounting global and national tensions over immigration.

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Held in Baton Rouge, the event brought together representatives from Christian, Catholic, Muslim, and other faith communities, who took part in a public panel discussion about the moral imperatives of their traditions in the face of current crises, including immigration raids and refugee displacement.

Everyone needs to stand together and come together in unity and know that we need to live by the words of God: love thy neighbor as you will love yourself, said L.O.R.I. Policy Associate Tia Fields, echoing the days central theme of unity over division.

The message resonated deeply with Njie, a migrant who fled political turmoil in her home country.

Ive lost families, she said. If I look back home, all I see are graves. I came into this country with no family, but the families I have are the people standing next to me.

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As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations continue in cities like Los Angeles, President Donald Trump has defended his administrations stance on immigration, pointing to national security and economic concerns.

Very simply, we will liberate Los Angeles and make it free, clean and safe again, Trump said earlier this week. Its happening very quickly.

But those at the Louisiana gathering offered a different vision  one grounded in empathy, justice, and inclusion.

There are so many challenges that we face in this world, said Fields. I think now is the time  more than ever  to open our doors, not close them.

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Each faith leader emphasized a shared moral calling: to see the humanity in every person and to stand with the marginalized. The stories shared ranged from personal loss and migration to acts of community service and solidarity.

And I still try to ensure that I give back to this community, Njie said. Not just giving back in the work I do on a local level, but also on a national level.

For attendees, the gathering was more than an event  it was a call to action. A reminder that compassion, not fear, should guide public policy and personal conviction.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
BRASILIA, Brazil (AP)  The removal of hundreds of cattle raised illegally on public land designated for sustainable forest use in Brazils Amazon has sparked protests and divided residents, with some seeking to preserve rubber-tapping and Brazil nut harvesting and others wanting to consolidate livestock farming.

The removal operation started last week in one of the country's most renowned Amazon conservation units, the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve, named for the famed rubber tapper and environmentalist killed in 1988. Federal agents working with police and military officials seized around 400 heads of cattle from two farmers who had failed to comply with judicial eviction orders. The raids are set to continue in the coming weeks.

But dozens of residents of the reserve protested the action, seeking to create a blockade in the city of Xapuri to prevent the removal of the cattle. The first truckload, carrying 20 head of cattle, had to take an alternate route to avoid confrontation.

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The protest, which had the support of local politicians, held powerful symbolism because Xapuri is the city where Mendes was gunned down. It also represented a contrast to the 1980s, when rubber tappers fought against cattle ranchers.

The cattle removal came in response to a 56% surge in deforestation during the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. The cleared area is nearly five times the size of Central Park in New York City. The reserve holds about 140,000 heads of cattle.

Monitoring has identified that the environmental crime stems mainly from large-scale cattle ranching, which is illegal as it violates the rules of the protected area, said a statement from the federal agency Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation, known as ICMBio.

The Chico Mendes Reserve is one of several Amazon extractive reserves where forest communities can practice low-impact extractive activities with protections against land developers. Rules limit deforestation to small-scale cattle raising and agriculture, and land sales are forbidden. Still, the Chico Mendes Reserve is the most deforested federal conservation unit in Brazil.

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Working to find a solution

The current problems worsened in the four-year term of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro that ran through 2022, when deforestation exploded in the reserve. Bolsonaro defanged environmental protection and said the Amazon had too many protected areas. Some residents of Chico Mendes began selling their land parcels illegally to farmers, who hoped they would eventually be legalized.

The strong reaction against the operation led to the creation of a WhatsApp group with around 1,000 members in which some issued threats against Raimundo Mendes de Barros, cousin and political heir of Chico Mendes, who opposes cattle expansion. But historical organizations applauded the cattle removals, including the National Council of Extractivist Populations, which issued a note supporting the operation.

Cleisson Monteiro, president of the Association of Residents and Producers of the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve in Xapuri, backed the protests against the cattle removals. He said that while deforestation must be addressed, federal agents sparked anger and fear among families who don't comply with all the reserve's rules.

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The area where the raids began, known as Seringal Nova Esperanca, no longer has a rubber-tapper profile," Monteiro said. "The people who live there have a different way of life. They are farmers engaged in small-scale family agriculture, with some cattle ranching for beef and dairy.

Monteiro said that about 140 families live in Nova Esperanca, including his own, all of whom have different degrees of non-compliance with the reserve's rules. He said that, even though only two individuals were targeted, there is concern that the operation could affect other families.

ICMBio shouldnt have acted at this moment, because were working to find a solution, he said.

The forest cant compete'

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The reserve is home to around 4,000 families. About 900 families produce rubber for a French shoe company, Veja. The project has proven successful, but the demand is not high enough to absorb the reserves full production potential.

Jeffrey Hoelle, a professor of anthropology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who has studied the area for two decades, said that cattle farming has been more lucrative for residents than traditional means of harvesting rubber and nuts from the forest.

Twenty years ago, rubber tappers were just starting to adopt cattle. And over the last couple of decades, its become increasingly popular, Hoelle said. "Its just become more acceptable over time. But essentially, the forest can't compete in terms of economic value with cattle. The extent to which rubber and Brazil nuts can provide for people is really limited compared to cattle, for which, unfortunately, you have to cut down the forest and plant pasture."

___

The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez plans to tour Florida facilities holding immigration detainees following a Miami Herald investigation into harsh conditions and use of force at the Federal Detention Center in Miami.

The federal lawmaker said that he first learned about the reported conditions at FDC Miami when a journalist from the Washington Journals C-Span program asked him about the Herald story this morning.

I will be investigating those conditions, said the Miami Republican during an interview on Capitol Hill. Right now is the first Ive heard of it.

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The Federal Detention Center in downtown Miami has been housing detainees in civil immigration custody since February, when the Federal Bureau of Prisons signed a contract with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement to house immigrants in prisons amid overcrowding at ICE detention centers.

Six detainees told the Herald that officers had launched crowd-control grenades and sprayed what appeared to them as rubber bullets or pellets into a room with about 50 detainees in April in response to their protests over lack of water, food, and medication. The detainees said that they had begun to overflow toilets to get the attention of officers, and the room was full of water. Afterward, the men were transferred back to an ICE detention center. At least two detainees filed lawsuits about the incident in May, which were signed by at least 30 detainees who say they were also present when it happened.

I keep reliving the explosions over and over again, one wrote in the lawsuit. A judge dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice due to procedural errors. It all felt like unnecessary torture.

Gimenez said that he has investigated ICE facilities in the past during his tenure as mayor of Miami-Dade County, and would protest to the administration if he found anything inappropriate.

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If I find something that is wrong, or shouldnt be, Ill be the first to come out and say, by the way I found something, this is whats going on, Gimenez said on C-Span.

Detainees, as well as employees who work at the facility, described harsh conditions, including broken toilets and air conditioning, and out-of-service elevators. They also reported day-long lockdowns and a lack of outdoor space. The immigration detainees are not at the facility for criminal convictions, but instead have ongoing civil cases to determine if they can stay in the U.S. ICE data shows that about half of the ICE detainees at FDC have criminal records  and half dont.

Three employees spoke with the Herald on the condition of anonymity, due to fear of retaliation.

Ive seen some inmates just sit there and cry, said one officer. Some cry all day. Grown men, just crying.

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Detainees also have limited access to counsel, according to lawyers who said that the jail is not giving the ICE inmates key legal documents for their cases or ways to send legal mail out.

There is an access-to-justice crisis here, said Evelyn Wiese, a senior litigation attorney at Americans for Immigrant Justice. There is a due-process crisis.

Roberto Lugones, Gimenezs communications director, confirmed to the Herald that the representative is in the process of planning a tour of a local immigration facility, but does not have one scheduled. He said the representative is looking into touring Krome North Service Processing Center, which is in his district. Detainees and lawyers have repeatedly reported to the Herald severe overcrowding at Krome since February, with people sleeping on the floor for days. Last week, a group of Cuban detainees staged a protest, lining up in the courtyard to spell SOS with their bodies.

Other federal lawmakers from South Florida, including Democrats Rep. Frederica Wilson and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, recently visited Krome. They raised alarm about conditions at the facility as well as about recent deaths in ICE custody in South Florida.
Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert visited a small community in Morgan County, in the eastern part of her state, promising to address a long-standing issue that has left locals with toxic black sludge in place of clean drinking water.

Boebert this week toured the Prairie View Ranch Water District, which lies 50 miles north of Denver, and told the residents: This is something that certainly needs to be addressed. Im sorry its been ignored for two decades.

This is something that should upset and appall every single Coloradan.

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To remedy the situation, she has pledged to ask the House Appropriations Committee for a $5 million grant to help overhaul the local water supply.

A resident of Colorado's Prairie View Ranch Water District demonstrates the area's unsafe drinking water as Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert visits to draw attention to the problem (CBS News Colorado)

Her request will be put before the committee later this month and, if it is approved, will then likely be folded into a larger appropriations bill that would have to pass through the House of Representatives and Senate before reaching President Donald Trumps desk for signing off.

Boeberts office believes that could happen before the end of September, according to CBS News.

Boebert has been notable in recent months over her outspoken support for Trump and Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has slashed federal budgets in a bid to reduce waste expenditure and fraud.

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The Independent has reached out to Boeberts office for further comment.

The water crisis in eastern Colorado has been in the making for almost 20 years, with the areas 150 residents saying they have been repeatedly let down by the people elected to protect them and left with houses that are worthless without reliable water.

CBS reports that the Morgan County Board of County Commissioners allowed the district to be run as a for-profit private company for 16 years, a period during which the Colorado Division of Housing allegedly failed to stop unscrupulous developers from using an unregistered installer, using false credentials and faked signatures, to assemble houses and infrastructure on the cheap.

Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert visits the Prairie View Ranch Water District in June 2025 to assess its drinking water crisis (CBS News Colorado)

The network adds that the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Water Quality Control Division failed to act for a decade after learning that the homes had been erected without valid state approval or proper regulatory oversight, resulting in contaminated water and widespread discontent.

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We have systems. We have policies. We have regulations that should never allow this, and it went by blind eyes and deaf ears, resident Sam Belmonte told CBS.

He challenged Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a gubernatorial candidate, to follow Boeberts example and said he found her visit invigorating after years of feeling ignored.

It gave us some sense of hope that Congresswoman Boebert actually came, Belmonte said.

The representative left the site with a sample of the water, which she said she hopes to use to present to the House committee to persuade its members to hand over the funding.

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Im happy to be here doing this but the state of Colorado should have stepped in years and years ago, she said.

Every Coloradan, every American, every person deserves clean drinking water. This is unacceptable.
(NewsNation)  Republican Reps. Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Brandon Gill of Texas have introduced a new bill in response to the protests in Los Angeles.

The Lawless Cities Accountability Act would block federal funding from any city that refuses federal help and withdraws law enforcement during violent protests.

This is part of Trumps America First agenda, Mace told NewsNation. If you are a sanctuary city and refusing the assistance of President Donald Trump, you should not get a dime of American taxpayer money.

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Omaha mayor doesnt know why city was targeted in ICE raid

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat, accused the Trump administration of provoking the ongoing protests in the city due to the recent ICE raids in Southern California.

Republican California Rep. Jay Obernolte told NewsNations The Hill on Monday that California has a large number of Republican voters and that the entire state should not be punished by losing federal funds because of the protests. Mace said the bill is about restoring law and order to the country.

We have to have pieces that you can negotiate with, you have to threaten sometimes, Mace said. You have Mayor Bass calling for an end to the deportations and raids, and thats not an option. We have to use the tools in our toolbox to ensure that our mayors and governors are following the law in this country.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
CADDO PARISH (KTAL/KMSS)  A Shreveport man accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in 2023 was found guilty by a Caddo Parish jury.

The jury deliberated for more than two hours before finding Tratavion Jermaine Turner, 26, guilty of third-degree rape.

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According to reports, the assault occurred after Turner asked to use the victims phone.

Jurors heard testimony during the trial, which began on Monday, June 9, regarding Turners prior conviction for a sex offense involving children. The victim spoke, one of her parents, an advocate from the Gingerbread House and four Shreveport police officers.

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The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Fernando Grider Jr. and Kodie K. Smith.

When Turner returns to Judge Emanuels courtroom on June 23, he faces a sentence of up to 25 years in prison at hard labor, without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of 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 KTALnews.com.
The clashes between National Guard troops, police and protesters in recent days have evoked memories for some Angelenos of the deadly riots that erupted after LAPD officers were acquitted of brutally assaulting Black motorist Rodney King in 1992.

But leaders who were involved in dealing with the uprising more than three decades ago say what has unfolded with President Trump's deployment of soldiers to Los Angeles and surrounding communities bears no resemblance to the coordinated response that took place then.

It's not even close, said former LAPD chief and city councilman Bernard Parks, who was a deputy chief in the police department during the 1992 unrest. You get a sense that this is all theatrics, and it is really trying to show a bad light on Los Angeles, as though people are overwhelmed."

Protesters continue to gather in downtown Los Angeles due to the immigration raids in L.A. on Tuesday. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)

The chaos of 1992 unfolded after four LAPD officers who were videotaped beating King the prior year were not convicted. It took place at a time of deep distrust and animosity between minority communities and the citys police department.

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Federal troops and California National Guard units joined forces with local law enforcement officers to quell the turmoil, but not without harrowing results. More than 60 people were killed, thousands were injured and arrested, and there was property damage that some estimate exceeded $1 billion.

What has played out recently on the city's streets is significantly more limited in scope, Mayor Karen Bass said.

There was massive civil unrest [then]. Nothing like that is happening here, Bass said on CNN on Sunday. So there is no need for there to be federal troops on our ground right now.

A demonstrator is arrested as protesters and police clash downtown Los Angeles due to the immigration raids in L.A. on Monday , June 9, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA . Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times Los Angeles police officers in riot gear prepare to clear a street in Downtown Los Angeles on Monday , June 9, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA . Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times Blood spots on the ground near the Metropolitan Detention Center, in Los Angeles on Sunday , June 8, 2025 . Luke Johnson/Los Angeles Times National Guard are stationed at the Metropolitan Detention Center, in Los Angeles on Sunday , June 8, 2025 . Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times

As of Wednesday evening, several hundred people had been arrested or detained because of their alleged actions during the protests, or taken into custody by federal officials because of their immigration status. On Tuesday, after the 101 Freeway was blocked by protesters, buildings in downtown Los Angeles were vandalized and businesses ransacked, Bass imposed a curfew in the city's civic core from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. that is expected to last several days.

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Read more: Bass enacts curfew in downtown L.A. to stem chaotic protests

Zev Yaroslavsky, who served on the City Council in 1992, recalled that year as "one of the most significant, tragic events in the city's history."

He described the riots as "a massive citywide uprising," with "thousands of people who were on the streets in various parts of the city, some burning down buildings."

Yaroslavsky, who was later on the county Board of Supervisors for two decades, said that while some actions protesters are currently taking are inappropriate, the swath of Los Angeles impacted is a small sliver of a sprawling city.

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"All you're seeing is what is happening at 2nd and Alameda," he said. "There's a whole other city, a whole other county that is going about its business."

Another significant distinction from 1992, according to people who lived through it, was the bipartisan coordination among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Gov. Pete Wilson, a Republican, and Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley requested assistance from then-President George H.W. Bush.

Thats a stark contrast from what started unfolding last week, when Trumps administration sent ICE agents to Los Angeles and federalized the states National Guard without request by the states governor, which last happened in the United States in the 1960s.

"The biggest difference is that the governor requested federal help rather than having it imposed over his objection," said Dan Schnur, a political professor and veteran strategist who served as Wilson's communication's director in 1992. "There were some political tensions between state and local elected officials. But both the governor and the mayor set those aside very quickly, given the urgency of the situation."

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Loren Kaye, Wilson's cabinet secretary at the time, noted times have changed since then.

Critics say police gave up when the rioting erupted in 1992, letting big chunks of the city burn while looters and hoodlums ruled. Street cops say commanders held them back, fearing violent clashes would produce an endless stream of Rodney Kings. Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times A National Guardsman stands at alert near graffiti that spells out support for Rodney King, April 30, 1992. Los Angeles Times

"What I'm worried about is that there aren't the same incentives for resolving the contention in this situation as there were in 92," he said. Then, "everyone had incentives to resolve the violence and the issues. It's just different. The context is different."

Parks, a Democrat, argued that the lack of federal communication with California and Los Angeles officials inflamed the situation by creating a lag in local law enforcement response that made the situation worse.

You have spontaneous multiple events, which is the Achilles heel of any operation, he said.

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It's not that they're ill-equipped, and it's not that they're under-deployed, Parks said. It takes a minute. You just don't have a large number of people idly sitting there saying, okay, we are waiting for the next event, and particularly if it's spontaneous.

Protests can start peacefully, but those who wish to create chaos can use the moment to seek attention, such as by burning cars, Park said. The end result is images viewed by people across the country who dont realize how localized the protests and how limited the damage was in recent days.

The visuals they show on TV are exactly what the folks in Washington want to be seen, Parks said.

On Monday, the president deployed hundreds of Marines from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms. State leaders have asked for a temporary restraining order blocking the military and state National Guard deployments, which is expected to be heard in federal court on Thursday.

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Read more: California asks court for restraining order to block Guard, U.S. Marine deployments in L.A.

Trump, speaking to U.S. Army troops at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina on Tuesday, said that he deployed National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles to protect federal law enforcement from the attacks of a vicious and violent mob.

The president descried protesters as leftists pursuing a "foreign invasion" of the United States, bent on destroying the nation's sovereignty.

If we didnt do it, there wouldnt be a Los Angeles," Trump said. "It would be burning today, just like their houses were burning a number of months ago."

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Newsom responded that the president was intentionally provoking protesters.

Donald Trumps government isnt protecting our communities  theyre traumatizing our communities, Newsom said. And that seems to be the entire point.

Read more: Newsom, in California address, says Trump purposely 'fanned the flames' of L.A. protests

Activists who witnessed the 1992 riots said the current turmoil, despite being much smaller and less violent, is viewed differently because of images and video seen around the world on social media as well as the plethora of cable outlets that didn't exist previously.

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"They keep looping the same damn video of a car burning. It gives the impression cars are burning everywhere, businesses are being looted everywhere," said Earl Ofari Hutchinson, president of the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable.

Hutchinson, an activist from South L.A. who raised money to rebuild businesses during the 1992 riots, said he was concerned about the city's reputation.

"L.A. is getting a bad name," he said.

Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Investing.com -- Norways sovereign wealth fund has placed Toronto Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) under observation for four years, citing sustained risks related to serious financial crime. The decision, disclosed late Wednesday, reflects a recommendation by the funds independent ethics council and underscores the rising scrutiny facing global banking institutions.

The Government Pension Fund Global, managed by Norges Bank Investment Management, said the councils recommendation found an unacceptable risk that the company contributes to or is responsible for gross corruption or other serious financial crime. The move follows TDs $3.09 billion fine and guilty plea last year over anti-money-laundering failures in the U.S., adding to previous compliance issues dating back over a decade.

The councils investigations have found that TD may be linked to multiple cases of financial crime the past 1015 years, the council said in its statement. It also referenced a 2013 penalty relating to the banks earlier failure to meet U.S. anti-money-laundering laws.

While the council acknowledged TDs efforts to strengthen internal controls and overhaul management, it raised concerns about the scale and execution of these changes. Nevertheless, the council considers that the extent to which these plans will be realized within the indicated time period remains uncertain, especially in light of the significant amount of work that remains to be done to create a good compliance culture within the company.

Norges Bank noted that it had not independently assessed all elements of the recommendation but found the councils findings sufficiently substantiated. It also considered alternate measures, such as active ownership or engagement, but concluded these were not suitable in this instance.

The decision places TD Bank among a small group of companies under formal observation by the fund, which holds a 1.05% stake in the Canadian lender as of year-end 2024. Under the funds ethical guidelines, companies can be excluded or placed under watch for violations including corruption, environmental damage, and human rights abuses.

Observation status allows the fund to monitor the companys conduct while maintaining its investment, leaving open the possibility for future divestment based on the evolution of compliance efforts. The ethics councils next review will assess how effectively TD enacts its reforms and mitigates the risk of financial wrongdoing.

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Jun. 11New Mexico has once again been ranked the worst state in the country for child well-being, according to the newest annual Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count data book.

The study, which utilizes data from 2023, focuses on four categories: economic well-being, education, health and family and community. The most recent study marks the fifth consecutive year in which New Mexico has earned the 50th spot.

Among the four categories, the state came in last for education and family and community; 49th for economic well-being; and 46th for health.

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Those results reflect a marked lack in progress over the five years since the state received a 2018 landmark ruling that its public education department was violating students' constitutional rights with the quality of instruction provided  and a subsequent April ruling that it had not done enough to improve.

The Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) remains mired in controversy. The state also has one of the lowest average median household incomes in the U.S., and while the state has the second-richest sovereign wealth fund in the nation and has, in recent years, markedly spent more on education, those efforts have yet to yield discernible dividends.

New Mexico's lackluster rankings don't surprise Daniel Crespin, a father of eight who lives in the International District and works part-time as a plumber, allowing him to spend more time at home caring for his children.

"My middle schooler is reading at a lower grade level, and they're not doing anything to push them in school," Crespin said. He added that the cost of childcare would be burdensome to the family.

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"It's really hard to get help out here, and there are some programs that try to do something, but the funding is not there. It's always going somewhere else," he said.

Spending time at North Domingo Baca Park with her 5-year-old daughter Isla Vigil and the girl's father Isaac Vigil, Amanda Alire expressed a similar sentiment, noting that her 13-year-old son, who's enrolled in Santa Fe Public Schools, is reading at a "fourth-grade" level.

She added that she works two jobs and north of 70 hours a week to provide for herself and her children, whom she had been raising alone  Vigil was in prison until earlier this month. But, as a result, her income puts her above the poverty threshold.

"I don't get any other support, I don't qualify for any assistance," Alire said. "There's nothing that would help because they say you make too much money, even though you're taking care of two kids by yourself with one income."

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Noting that the state has passed a slew of policies directed at improving education and childhood well-being since 2023, nonprofit New Mexico Voices for Children  which partnered with the Annie E. Casey Foundation on the report  believes the state's ranking could change in the coming years. They also think the state's circumstances and demographics don't warrant a comparison to others.

"Other states have vastly different circumstances than New Mexico, whether that's their population, their racial and ethnic makeup, their just general structure," Gabrielle Uballez, executive director of the organization, said in a May interview. "We like to look at comparing New Mexico to itself."

House Democrats cited several bills approved during this year's 60-day legislative session that could benefit New Mexico children, including a $10.8 billion budget bill that directs over $100 million to transitional housing and the state's Early Childhood Education and Care Department. They also cited the creation of a new state Medicaid trust fund that could help the state weather federal funding decreases, legislation expanding childcare assistance for prekindergarten children and established an outside oversight office to review complaints involving CYFD.

"I'm a big believer in data, data is always good. It helps us improve. I'm really proud of all of the work we've done over the last several legislative sessions," House Speaker Javier Martinez, D-Albuquerque, said in a phone interview. "Those are all good things, and I think that eventually we'll see those returns. Having said that, I do think that there's more work that remains to be done."

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Some New Mexico lawmakers question if the state's increased spending and new policies are yielding results.

"We have had unprecedented investments in early childhood education, we've had the Zuni lawsuit and Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit, and even this year, the judge says we are not making improvements on educational outcomes," Rep. Rebecca Dow, R-Truth or Consequences, said in a phone interview. "It's time for parents to be in charge of their kid's education and for dollars to follow students. We are so far behind the curve ... we can look to any state and do better."

She also expressed support for school-choice programs, noting declining enrollment in public schools and saying that "poverty is an excuse" and that "if poverty is keeping children in a failing school system, all the more reason to pass school choice."

"The courts agreed the families who felt like the public education system was failing them went to court, and the courts agreed that New Mexico is failing to adequately educate students. The remedy was to give money to the system that was failing students," Dow said. "It's time to stop funding the same system, and one size will never fit all."
Inside a Kanawha County elementary classroom in West Virginia. (Lexi Browning | West Virginia Watch)

West Virginias ranking for child well-being has made slight improvements, but the state is still struggling with students meeting basic academic benchmarks.

The new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation said that in 2024, 75% of West Virginias fourth graders were not proficient in reading, and 82% of the states eighth graders were not proficient in math.

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The annual report assesses childhood well-being in every state.

The data showed that, nationally, students are struggling with reading and math since the COVID-19 pandemics interruptions to learning. Plus, chronic absenteeism has become a major challenge.

West Virginia ranks 45th in education, according to the report that was released earlier this week.

State lawmakers have spent the last few years focusing on really a small sliver of the population by passing policies related to private school and home school, said Kelly Allen, executive director of the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, which is West Virginias member of the Casey Foundations Kids Count network.

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Were always going to see most of our kids [receive] their education through public schools. So if we really want to boost these outcomes in education, we have to focus our efforts on where kids are, in our public school system, she continued.

Additionally, the number of children attending early childhood education programs worsened. Around 70% of West Virginia children ages three and four are not enrolled in school pre-school or child care, which is the second-worst rate in the country.

The state is woefully short in child care programs, which Allen said has played a part in the decline of students attending preschool.

Whether its Head Start or pre-K or child care  and those are areas where we have seen backsliding or lack of investment from the state level  and we know early childhood education is so formative for childrens future, she said, adding that the state is spending less on child care than it did before the pandemic.

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West Virginia moved to 41st in child well-being  up from 44th last year. In 2023, 20% of West Virginias kids lived in poverty, an improvement over the previous years rate of 25%.

The state is third best in the country for health insurance coverage, and only 3% of kids are uninsured. Many West Virginia children use the states Medicaid Childrens Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP, but potential federal cuts and changes to Medicaid could threaten that coverage.

Children with health insurance are more likely to have a regular source of health care they can access for preventive services, developmental screenings and treatment for physical or mental health needs, the report said.

However, nearly 10% of babies were low birth weight, placing the state at 45th in that category. Low birth weight is a leading cause of infant death in the United States, and these babies have a higher probability of developmental problems and disabilities.

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The share of U.S. infants with a low birth weight has steadily worsened for more than 30 years, the report said, and the rate remains higher than most other peer nations.

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Anyone who's lived in Nashville for any length of time is familiar with the rapid pace of change here.

So it's hardly a surprise the city landed on a list of regions that are projected to continue growing in the report "Empowering American Cities" from the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at the University of North Carolina.

The report is a yearslong partnership between the institute and Fifth Third Bank, and while there are many lists of growing cities out there, this one goes beyond population statistics and incorporates a variety of economic drivers.

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Factors driving the top cities' growth, according to the institute's findings, include affordable housing, green space, the absence of a state income tax, walkable neighborhoods and warm weather.

And while controversial tariffs, immigration policies and shrinking federal spending have created uncertainty and may slow growth, the top-performing cities still are expected to continue to make gains, according to the institute's chief economist Gerald Cohen.

Still, the institute's insights served as a mere jumping off point for the USA TODAY Network project America's Evolving Cities.

Journalists from across the country, who live and work in cities that made the list, took a close look at their hometowns' unique paths to success  and how fellow residents have benefited or suffered along the way.

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The Kenan Institute's report, along with insights from Cohen, provided an overview.

Then the journalists filled in the picture from the ground in Phoenix, Des Moines, Nashville and Florida's Space Coast. They crisscrossed the suburbs, spoke with everyone from community leaders to working-class residents, dug through archival photos to illustrate their communities' evolution, and captured residents' connections with their home cities on video.

The result is a comprehensive look at what it feels like to live in a growing city  the hope and tension, the nostalgia and excitement.

Have a Nashville story to share? Reach city editor Liz Schubauer at lschubauer@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Reporting on the ground in one of America's Evolving Cities
House Republicans are facing an uncertain vote Thursday on legislation codifying cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Democrats are all expected to vote against the White House request  known as a rescissions package  to claw back north of $9 billion in funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid.

But in a bad sign for the House GOP, a number of Republicans have voiced opposition to the legislation, too  with member particularly upset with cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds PBS and NPR.

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The vote comes as internal battles over deficits and funding slashes roil the party, and after Elon Musk  the billionaire who hatched the idea for the White House DOGE effort  fell out of favor with President Trump amid his criticism of the separate megabill of Trumps tax cut and spending priorities.

Republicans can afford to lose just three GOP votes on the measure, assuming all Democrats are present and voting against it, and two Republicans told The Hill this week that the opposition hovers around 10 GOP lawmakers.

Republican leaders have championed the cuts of more than $1 billion to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting  which provides grants to PBS and NPR stations across the country  arguing the government should not be funding media outlets they say are biased against the GOP.

But skeptics of the clawbacks, including more moderate Republicans and those in rural areas, worry about the practical impacts that could harm the information-sharing infrastructures in their districts.

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A lot of these public television networks are kind of the backbone infrastructure for a lot of rural Western states. So, theres more to it than just Frontline and PBS NewsHour or whatever, one GOP member said.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the member said, there did not seem to be much movement in swaying the holdouts.

Earlier this week, Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.)  an Appropriations subcommittee chair and the co-chair of the Public Broadcasting Caucus  called on the Trump administration to rethink its cuts in the space.

From coast to coast, Americans rely on public broadcasting for lifesaving emergency alerts, trusted news, and coverage on key issues that connects communities across our nation, Amodei wrote in a joint statement with Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), a co-chair of the group.

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Our local stations are dedicated to serving their communities, but their ability to continue offering free, high-quality programming would be eliminated if the federal funding is rescinded, they added. Rescinding this funding also would isolate rural communities, jeopardizing their access to vital resources they depend on.

Additionally, some Republicans have said they are worried about the future of the United States Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which the package cuts. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), who has been outspoken in saying the program must be protected, said he would not support the bill if it gutted PEPFAR. Earlier this week, however, he said he was OK with the cuts, but would not reveal whether he will vote for the bill.

[I] feel better about that, Bacon said, referring to the clarifications he got on the PEPFAR cuts, but Im going to work with some of my colleagues on the PBS, NPR stuff, and Ill leave it at that for the time being.

Beyond specific policy qualms, some Republicans have also raised concerns about the White House-driven rescissions package usurping authority from Congress. The legislative branch has the power of the purse, which the clawbacks are cutting into.

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I think theres two major concerns: One is that this is top lines and not specifics, so it is undermining Congresss authority, and two, theres concerns about some the potential cuts that people have, and thats what were working through, a second House Republican told The Hill this week.

The bulk of the rescissions package claws back billions in foreign aid programs, including many that were spearheaded by United States Agency for International Development, which was largely dismantled earlier this year through DOGE projects.

The special rescissions process allows Republicans to approve clawbacks of previously-approved funds identified by the White House with just a simple majority in each chamber of Congress  circumventing the 60-vote threshold in the Senate that requires approval from Democrats to advance regular legislation.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) praised the package of cuts this week.

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Its a critical step in restoring fiscal sanity and beginning to turn the tide to removing fraud, waste, abuse from our government, Johnson said in a Tuesday press conference.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
WASHINGTON  Republicans on Thursday defended the rough treatment of Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) after he was manhandled, handcuffed and forcibly removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems press conference in Los Angeles.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), speaking with reporters on Capitol Hill, called Padillas surprise appearance at Noems press event wildly inappropriate and accused him of charging at the Cabinet secretary.

A group of House Democrats who were walking by at that moment rejected the speakers characterization, however, hectoring Johnson by yelling, You lie!

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Johnson went on, ignoring the jeers from Democrats: A sitting member of Congress should not act like that. That behavior at a minimum rises to the level of a censure.

Censuring a member of the Senate requires two-thirds of votes from the chamber, a higher threshold than in the House, which has been on a partisan censure spree in recent years. The Senate last censured one of its members in 1990.

Padilla was filmed identifying himself by name and saying he was a U.S. senator as he approached Noem at the press event and began to question her on the Trump administrations federal immigration raids in Los Angeles and the deployment of federal troops there. Three men immediately forced him out of the room, wrestled him to the ground and handcuffed him.

Noem, however, told Fox News that her security officials did not recognize Padilla. She said she had a chance to meet with the senator privately about the immigration protests shortly afterward.

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Nobody knew who he was when he came into the room creating a scene, Noem told the network. He was removed from the room, and yes, they started to put handcuffs on him when he finally identified himself, and that was stopped.

Padilla said he was never officially arrested or detained, but the Democrat, Californias first Latino senator, drew comparisons to his treatment and that of undocumented immigrants across his state by the Trump administration.

I will say this: if this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question, if this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question, you can only imagine what theyre doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community and throughout California and throughout the country, Padilla said at a press conference afterward.

Democrats cried foul at their colleagues treatment, accusing the Trump administration of employing authoritarian tactics to crush dissent.

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DHS agents are throwing people to the gound and violently handcuffing them while they are not resisting, detaining them for exercising their First Amendment rights of free speech, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said from the Senate floor.

Every day, Donald Trump is making this nation look more and more like a fascist state, she added.

But Republicans mostly blamed the ugly episode on Padilla, accusing him of orchestrating a stunt for political purposes.

The tactic of crashing a government officials press event is quite common. Rarely does it lead to a lawmaker being manhandled and handcuffed on the ground.

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Instead of disrupting a press conference, why not just wait, do your own press conference? asked Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio).

Other Republicans criticized Padilla for skipping votes in the Senate, even though lawmakers on both sides of the aisle frequently miss votes for a variety of reasons.

When were voting in the United States Senate [on] important legislation for the country, hes not here, is that right? asked Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).

Arthur Delaney contributed reporting.

Related...
At a Senate budget hearing on June 11, Republican senators fiercely criticized U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the Trump administrations effort to end the Ukraine war through negotiations involving Russia.

The session revealed deep divisions within the GOP on U.S. foreign policy, as lawmakers clashed over the administration's strategic direction, Politico reports. Leading the pushback was Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, one of three Republicans who voted against Hegseths confirmation, who warned, "Americas reputation is on the line."

McConnell, now chair of the panel overseeing defense funding, issued some of his strongest public criticism yet, questioning whether the United States would continue defending democratic allies against authoritarian threats.

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He contrasted his stance  rooted in a Reagan-era commitment to global leadership  with Hegseths "America First" approach favored by many Trump supporters. "We dont want a headline at the end of this conflict that says Russia wins and America loses," McConnell said.

When asked who the aggressor in the three-year-old war is, Hegseth responded, "Russia is the aggressor." But he avoided directly stating which side the U.S. wants to see win, instead emphasizing that President Trump is committed to achieving peace.

Hegseth shifted blame to the Biden and Obama administrations, arguing that slow responses during their terms allowed Putin to seize Crimea and invade Ukraine. "Vladimir Putin knows that President Trump is strong," he said, suggesting a negotiated peace would bolster Americas global position.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a prominent Trump ally, questioned whether Putin would stop his territorial ambitions if he gained ground in Ukraine. Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine said he did not believe Putin would stop. Hegseth, however, responded, "It remains to be seen." Graham rebuked that answer, saying, "This is the 30s all over. It doesnt remain to be seen."

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Democrats also raised concerns. Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware criticized the administration for omitting Ukraine aid in its 2026 budget request and warned against compromising too much for the sake of peace. "We cannot abandon Ukraine," he said.

Hegseth defended the administrations strategy, calling a negotiated settlement a show of strength. "The alternative of endless war that is largely funded by the United States and fought by Ukrainians does not make sense strategically," he said.

Read also: Americas weak strongman

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Six Hispanic Republicans are urging the Trump administration to prioritize deporting migrants facing charges for violent crimes as immigration enforcement officers have ramped up arrests of nonviolent migrants.

In a letter to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acting Director Todd Lyons on Wednesday, the members led by Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas)  the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference in the House GOP  sought information about the status of migrants facing criminal charges who are on ICEs docket and about the criminal status of those who have already been deported.

We strongly agree that convicted criminal alienssmugglers, murderers, and sex offenderspose an immediate threat to our homeland security, and we are committed to making sure you have the resources to find, prosecute, and deport them as soon as possible. That said, we are also concerned that your limited resources may be stretched to pursue individuals that do not constitute an immediate threat to public safety, the members wrote in the letter.

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While we do agree that we are a nation of lawsand that all who crossed our borders illegally are subject to those lawsthere are levels of priority that must be considered when it comes to immigration enforcement. Every minute that we spend pursuing an individual with a clean record is a minute less that we dedicate to apprehending terrorists or cartel operatives, the members said.

The letter comes as the administration has ramped up the deportation of migrants not accused of violent offenses as it aims to fulfill President Trumps campaign promise of mass deportations  despite Republicans previously saying the effort would start by targeting violent criminals.

But some Republicans have started raising concerns about that effort, particularly those in districts with many migrants or whose dominant industries in their districts rely on migrant labor  and those who represent competitive districts.

Joining Gonzales on the letter were Reps. Monica de la Cruz (R-Texas), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Gabe Evans (R-Colo.) and David Valadao (R-Calif.).

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We stand by President Trump to ensure our border security is restored. However, in order to truly claim success, we need to give absolute priority to every violent offender and convicted criminal illegal alien present in our nation. Diverting limited resources to other objectives puts our national security at risk, the members said in the letter.

According to the letter, ICE revealed to Gonzales in September of last year that 600,000 individuals with criminal charges were on its docket, the majority of whom were convicted of crimes like murder, sexual assault and smuggling.

The members asked ICE how many of the 100,000 individuals deported since January were convicted criminals, or had ties to gangs and organized criminal organizations.

Across both Republican and Democratic administrations, ICE has historically prioritized for removal violent offenders as well as those charged with crimes  a reflection of the reality that agents simply dont have the resources to remove the more than 10 million people without legal status in the country.

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Trump has come under fire in recent days for the indiscriminate arrest of migrants during widespread raids.

Border czar Tom Homan also said ICE plans to step up workplace raids.

The administration has begun moving to dismiss pending immigration court cases, then arresting migrants after they exit the courtroom in order to place them in expedited removal proceedings.

Under the Biden administration, ICE agents were directed to prioritize those who had recently crossed the border, those convicted of violent crimes, and those otherwise assessed to be a threat to national security. That administration said those convicted of low-level crimes long ago as well as those in good standing in their community should not be considered priorities.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Scientists searching for a cure for cancer have no trouble finding public support. But for those studying potato disease, its a tougher sell.

The Trump administration seems to have banked on the idea that the public will see much of scientific research as wasteful or arcane. It has slashed  or proposed slashing  billions in research funding.

Faced with this existential crisis, academics are seeking new ways to rally public and political support to fight the cuts and preserve their funding.

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Enter a group of Cornell University graduate students with an ambitious plan to change the way people think about science. They have recruited more than 500 researchers across all 50 states to write op-eds for local news outlets, to be published over the next week. The idea, said Emma Scales, a Cornell doctoral student involved in the effort, is to have scientists introduce themselves to the public.

Its speaking to people who are angry about not knowing where their money is going, Scales said. Like, Hey, Im one of those people using your money. Im sorry that we havent talked, but let me tell you what I do.

Isako Di Tomassi, Hannah Frank, Emma Scales and Alex Lando, who are leaders of a Cornell policy club organizing the McClintock Letters. (Courtesy Emma Scales)

The McClintock Letters, as the project is known, is one of several efforts underway by graduate students and faculty members with the same goal in mind.

They reflect a growing recognition that researchers cant take public support for granted. If they dont act now, many are starting to realize, public trust in scientists will continue to slide and the funding may never return.

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Science Homecoming, a letter-writing campaign, encourages academics to focus on the role government dollars play in science. Stand Up for Science, a new nonprofit, is planning a series of demonstrations at state fairs and farmers markets, along with teach-ins at churches and open lab days this summer. Another new organization, Your Neighborhood Scientist, publishes essays by researchers and tries to encourage community-based conversations about science.

Audrey Drotos, a University of Pennsylvania neuroscience researcher who co-founded Your Neighborhood Scientist, sees efforts like hers as a way for scientists to share their own excitement.

We dont want to just add more noise to the system, she said. Were trying to humanize scientists  thats really the underlying goal.

Di Tomassi, second from right, studies the fungal disease that caused the Irish Potato Famine. (Courtesy Isako Di Tomassi)

The inspiration for the McClintock Letters took root in February, when Isako Di Tomassi, a doctoral student studying plant pathology, vented online about losing her Ph.D. adviser at the U.S. Department of Agriculture after widespread government layoffs this year.

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Some online commenters were sympathetic, Di Tomassi said, but one person insisted that the cuts had stopped stupid research, and many others expressed confusion as to what universities were even studying. Few seemed to see the value in their work.

Di Tomassi and Scales brainstormed with the Cornell Advancing Science and Policy Club about what to do in response and landed on the idea of having researchers tell their own stories.

They named their effort after Barbara McClintock, the late Cornell cytogeneticist who won a Nobel Prize, and planned it around her birthday, June 16. Her research on the genes in corn changed scientists understanding of heredity and laid the foundation for treating genetic defects in humans.

Barbara McClintock, a leader in genetics research, at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island, N.Y., in 1947. (AP)

Barbara McClintock is famous as hell, Di Tomassi said, but maybe not to a nonscientist because she studied corn DNA. So most people will be like, Who cares about corn DNA?

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But thats exactly the point, Di Tomassi said: bridging the disconnect between what the scientific community knows and what the average person understands. Even mundane-sounding experiments can help fuel medical and scientific breakthroughs, she said.

Researchers have signed up to write about breast cancer metastasis, how memories are formed and sustainable grape-harvesting, among other things. They are on track to reach 8 million potential readers, based on the organizers back-of-the-envelope calculations of each news outlets audience size.

During a June 6 webinar, Katherine Xue, a microbiologist at the University of California, Irvine, walked some 100 people through how to write an op-ed. She showed them a 2015 op-ed by Newt Gingrich that called for more research funding as a template.

Xue reminded them to avoid jargon and make it personal. She plans to write for a newspaper in her hometown of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, about how a high school internship got her interested in microbiology.

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As scientists, were trained to stay impersonal and to take ourselves out of the equation, Xue told NBC News. But theres a downside to that approach, she said. I think a lot of people havent met scientists and dont know a lot about what we do and why, which means its easy to distrust science as a whole.

Recent polling backs up her point. While 76% of Americans have confidence in scientists, thats down from 87% in 2020, surveys by the Pew Research Center show. Pew also found a majority of Americans believe that scientists are not good communicators, and that nearly half think scientists view themselves as superior to others.

Silly-sounding research projects have long been a political punching bag. Some senators have issued annual reports flagging what they consider wasteful spending on science.

During Trumps March speech to Congress, he rattled off a list of what he deemed ridiculous projects funded by the Biden administration, including research he incorrectly described as making mice transgender (it actually looked at the role of hormones in health and fertility). The White House defended the presidents remarks.

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In response to questions about research cuts, White House spokesman Kush Desai said they were in line with what voters want. The American people gave President Trump a resounding mandate to realign government spending to better reflect their priorities, he wrote in an email. The Administration is committed to delivering on this mandate.

President Donald Trump mocked some federally funded research in a speech to Congress on March 4. (Allison Robbert / AFP via Getty Images)

For her new book, The Salmon Cannon and the Levitating Frog, Carly Anne York, an animal behaviorist at Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina, profiled a handful of scientists who have engaged directly with disparagers to defend their research.

One professor profiled in the book responded to mockery of her work as Shrimp Fight Club by joining other academics in setting up a mini-science fair on Capitol Hill, where she shared that the research into how shrimp fight had generated interest in designing new types of body armor for humans.

Carly Anne York became involved in science communication after struggling to explain her squid physiology research to someone several years ago. (Courtesy Carly York)

I wish that more scientists would think that way, York said. This is actually our burden to make sure the public understands why their taxpayer dollars go to us, what we do with it, and why what we do matters.

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So will the McClintock Letters or other campaigns work? Students and faculty members planning to participate arent sure, but many say thats not the only goal  and hope they go further.

For Michael Lubell, a physics professor at City College of New York and a former public affairs director for the American Physical Society, their success will depend on whether theres an ongoing effort to connect with the public.

Lubell said they should meet people in person as well  at Rotary Clubs, churches and temples, or in PTA meetings.

If youre going to try to do something and get people to come to you, youre only going to get a sliver of the population to do that, and I dont think thatll move the needle, he said. Go where they are  see what they value. You may be surprised.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Residents are back home after multiple agencies responded to a chemical leak at an Ohio manufacturing plant on Wednesday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Vinton County Sheriffs Office said the county Emergency Management Agency (EMA) was notified around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning of a confirmed leak at the Austin Power Red Diamond Plant, according to a social media post.

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As previously reported by News Center 7, residents in the village of Zaleski were asked to evacuate the area.

TRENDING STORIES:

The sheriffs office said that the evacuation order was issued for a three-mile radius around the plant.

The order was lifted at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, and residents were allowed back to their homes.

Air monitoring and on-site evaluations confirm that levels at the facility are within safe limits, the sheriffs office said.

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According to the companys website, Austin Powder is headquartered in Cleveland, and the manufacturing facility in Vinton County is known as Red Diamond. The company produces industrial explosives used for mining and construction purposes.

The Ohio EPA told our news partner, WBNS-TV in Columbus, that no injuries were reported from the chemical leak. The plume of smoke has dissipated.

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People living near a milk powder factory have said more needs to be done to tackle a "pungent odour like rotten eggs" which is coming from the site.

Residents of Artigarvan, County Tyrone, said they had been concerned about the smells coming from the Lakeland Dairies plant in the village for around five years.

Some people are now planning to move away because of the stench, which has been described as "worse than slurry".

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The factory owners said they were "reviewing a small number of complaints" connected to a smell "noticed on occasion around our site".

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), which investigates environmental safety breaches, said it had received 58 complaints about the smell, noise and dust coming from the factory in the last 12 months.

The agency has issued three enforcement notices to the company over the same time period.

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme, Ruth Campbell from the Artigarvan Environment Group said concerns had been raised directly with the company a number of times.

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"For the past five years we have had a thick pungent odour like rotten eggs sweeping through the air in Artigarvan," she said.

"We feel like we are hitting a brick wall every time we raise the smell officially.

"No one is helping us."

Ms Campbell said some people were even taping their windows shut to keep the smell out and that some parents were not letting their children play outside.

She said some children even get "teased about living in smelly Artigarvan".

Residents believe the smell is coming from the factory's effluent plant.

Charlene Austin says the smell 'hits the pit of your stomach' [BBC]

Charlene Austin said the smell was "worse than slurry".

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"It's like rotten boiled eggs," she said.

"It hits the pit of your stomach. We can't even open our windows or dry our clothes properly.

"We have been shouting about this a lot and are fed up to the back teeth.

"Something needs fixed now."

Emma Kelly says many residents feel ignored [BBC]

Artigarvan resident Emma Kelly said trying to get the problem addressed had been "very frustrating".

"We feel ignored in so many ways. We've kept a close eye during high milking season and low milking season and the same pungent odour is present.

"People are already selling their houses and they are going to struggle selling up. I know if I came into the area I'd turn the car," she said.

Lakeland Dairies employs around 100 people at its Artigarvan site [BBC]

In a statement, Lakeland Dairies said the facility was "among the most modern in the UK, Ireland and worldwide".

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The company said it had invested "significantly" in the Artigarvan plant, including the waste water treatment facility.

"The company works tirelessly to ensure the plant continues to meet all its legislative requirements and endeavours to meet the expectations of residents," a spokesperson said.

"We are monitoring and reviewing a small number of complaints regarding a natural and safe odour that was noticed on occasion around our site in Artigarvan."

'Will continue to work closely with residents'

Lakeland Dairies said it engaged regularly with local people and would continue to do so.

"This excellent relationship is not something we take for granted and we will continue to work closely with the residents and their representatives on issues of mutual interest," the company said.

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The NIEA said of the three enforcement notices one related directly to the odour, one was in connection to a breach of emission limits at the site's effluent treatment plant and the third was related to a surface water breach.

"These notices have led to the company carrying out significant improvement works at the site, with more work currently ongoing".

The agency said the work had included improvements to their effluent treatment plant, drainage on the site and containment of potential odour sources.

It said additional work required at the factory would be completed by the end of next month.
Ozinga has commenced construction on a new low-carbon cement manufacturing facility in Indiana, US, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable infrastructure.

Forecast to begin operations in 2026, the plant will produce one million tons of low-carbon cementitious materials annually, utilising a vertical roller mill.

The strategic location of the East Chicago facility, with direct access to rail, truck, and waterways, positions it to efficiently serve customers in the US and Canada.

Ozinga CEO Marty Ozinga said: "Ozinga has always believed that true innovation isn't just about progress, it's about purpose.

"This facility is more than a plant. It's a commitment to the future of American manufacturing, to sustainable building, and to strengthening American communities for generations to come."

The plant and its related operations are expected to generate around 150 construction and long-term full-time jobs, contributing to the growth of the regional economy.

East Chicago mayor Anthony Copeland said: "This is the kind of investment that strengthens communities and provides real opportunity for local families.

The new plant is a part of Ozinga's goal to deliver net-zero concrete by 2030.

Traditional Portland cement, a primary component of concrete, contributes nearly 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions.

The US' reliance on imported cement, which approached 30 million tons in 2024, exposes domestic infrastructure projects to supply chain disruptions and trade volatility.

The East Chicago facility will mitigate these risks by producing domestic low-carbon cements, thus lessening imports and the embodied carbon in construction materials.

The facility's MVR5300-C6 vertical roller mill, from Gebr. Pfeiffer, is reportedly the largest in North America. It is designed for high energy efficiency and minimal emissions.

Ozinga collaborates with Meta, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and other entities for sustainable building materials.

These partnerships have led to innovations such as AI-driven low-carbon concrete, reducing embodied carbon in projects, including Meta's DeKalb data centre and the Amazon Web Services facility in New Carlisle.

The East Chicago facility arrives at a time when the need for green concrete is surging, particularly for the construction of data centres and other critical infrastructure projects in North America.

"Ozinga initiates construction of low-carbon cement facility in Indiana" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand.
The results of an investigation into racist remarks made during a Lynnfield high school graduation livestream will be made public once completed, school officials said Tuesday night.

During the Lynnfield School Committees Tuesday meeting, member Kristen Elworthy said the town was investigating the incident.

So just for the record, [on] Friday night, racist and inappropriate language was used by a town employee setting up for graduation and was picked up by a microphone on the live stream shortly before the ceremony began, Elworthy said early in the meeting.

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The livestream has since been removed. The people heard in the video have been placed on administrative leave during the investigation, town officials said.

At least two racist words can be heard clearly, Itemlive reported.

This incident took place at a school event, and we are outraged that our students, families and community members were exposed to such harmful language, she continued. This language and the racism it reflects has no place in Linville Public Schools.

Elworthy said its her understanding that the investigations result will become a public document once completed.

On Monday, the town announced that one of its employees heard during the livestream had resigned and was no longer working for the town, according to a statement. It did not provide, however, the name of the person no longer working for the city.

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Committee member Jamie Hayman asked Superintendent Tom Geary about the response from Lynnfield schools in the days after the incident.

Because I have heard, I have heard from parents and kids as young as second grade are talking about this incident and, and how its the words that were used and is there a consistent message thats gone out to the [Administrative Leadership Team]? Hayman said.

Committee members spoke with district principals about having age-appropriate discussions with their students about what happened, Geary said. They also emphasized having open discussions with district staff affected by the comments.

I think some great conversations were had by some people who felt like they needed to be heard, Geary added.

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During the public comments section of the meeting, remarks were made about the districts commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. At one point, this was brought up in the context of what happened during the livestream.

I speak today with deep concern and urgency regarding the recent racist remarks made by town employees prior to last Fridays high school graduation, resident Phil McQueen told the committee. This moment demands more than words. It calls for action, accountability and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that Lynnfield is a community where all voices are heard, all students are protected and diversity is not only respected but celebrated.

When McQueen asked if the committee would commit, members simply said they would do so.

Families have spoken out at committee meetings regarding comments made to their students. One father, Carl Aileen, previously brought up some of his concerns at a June 3 school committee meeting about some incidents with his son.

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After a school principal told the Allien about some of the harsh things that my son has been enduring, Allien told the committee that he wanted to meet with the superintendent about what had happened. He did not provide details about these incidents.

Its been challenging for a young African-American kid in the schools, Allien said. Im struggling right now.

Two school board members encouraged Allien to leave his contact information with the district secretary for further conversation.

More on education

Read the original article on MassLive.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Springfield Regional Chamber gathered Wednesday evening to celebrate a year of progress during its Chamber Spotlight and annual meeting.

The night was an extra special occasion as they honored longtime 22News Anchor Rich Tettemer. Rich may have just retired, but the community is still showing appreciation for his years of dedicated service by always keeping western Massachusetts informed.

Longtime 22News Anchor Rich Tettemer retires after 37 years

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It was a heartfelt moment Wednesday night as former 22News anchor Rich Tettemer was recognized for a lifetime of service to western Mass., spending decades earning the trust and hearts of viewers.

Tettemer, who recently retired after nearly four decades on air, was named the Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year at the Springfield Regional Chambers Spotlight and annual meeting, both his family and the 22News family proudly watching on.

So many people have said how much theyve respected me and liked watching me, its unbelievable, Tettemer said. I appreciate it so much.

The event served as a celebration of growth, connection, and the people behind the regions progress, from local leaders within journalism, to law, education, and business. For Rich, it was always about delivering the news to viewers with great integrity and lending out a helping hand outside of the station.

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Because its about commitment to the community, Tettemer said. The Childrens Miracle Work Telethon, the NAMI Walkathon, and the Super 60 Luncheon that I host with the Rotary Club. There are a lot of things Ive had the chance to be a part of, and its so cool to be recognized for that.

After years of shining a light on others and the stories that shaped us, that light now shone on Rich, who is always working for you.

Always be empathetic to stories that are out there, Tettemer said. Youve got to remember that you are not just reading a news story and going on to the next one. Its all about the people.

22News wants to once again congratulate Rich on his successful career and retirement. To learn more about how to support the Springfield Regional Chamber, visit springfieldregionalchamber.com.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 statue representing justice stands at the Kansas Judicial Center, where the Kansas Supreme Court is located, on Feb. 4, 2022. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

This session, the Kansas Legislature voted to send Senate Concurrent Resolution 1611 to voters. This proposed constitutional amendment creates the direct partisan political election of Kansas Supreme Court justices. Such elections would be the death knell of an independent judiciary.

I was fortunate to serve as a trial district court judge for two and a half decades. I was faced with making difficult decisions, but also very unpopular ones. The majority of the Legislature sadly confuses the court of law with the court of public opinion.

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Partisan election of judges conflicts with the very essence of the role of the judiciary. A judge has no constituency. A judge must not be influenced by popular opinion. A judge must not be beholden to a political party or a financial campaign contributor. Surely we can all agree we want our judiciary to be fair, impartial and insulated from outside influence.

This distinction of judicial office from legislative and executive positions is recognized by the Kansas Code of Judicial Conduct, canon 4. It addresses political activity by a judicial candidate that is inconsistent with the independence, integrity or impartiality of the judiciary. Rule 4.1 (A)(6) states (A) judge or judicial candidate shall not, in connection with cases, controversies or issues that are likely to come before the court make pledges, promises, or commitments that are inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of the court.

A judge has no constituency. A judge must not be influenced by popular opinion. A judge must not be beholden to a political party or a financial campaign contributor.

 Steven Becker

This means no pledges, promises or commitments on gun control, abortion, Medicaid expansion or legalization of cannabis. The Kansas Code of Judicial Conduct explains further the importance of keeping our judiciary above the fray of political campaigns and rhetoric.

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A judge plays a role different from that of a legislator or executive branch official. Rather than making decisions based upon the expressed views or preferences of the electorate, a judge makes decisions based upon the law and the facts of every case. In furtherance of this interest, judges and judicial candidates, must, to the greatest extent possible, be free and appear to be free from political influence and political pressure.  Public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary is eroded if judges or judicial candidates are perceived to be subject to political influence.

I suggest the ethical veil distinguishing a judicial candidate from a candidate for legislative or executive office is extremely important but extremely thin.

While serving as a district court judge, I applied twice for a vacancy on the Kansas Court of Appeals. At the time, the selection process was the merit-based system that we currently have for selecting our Supreme Court justices. My efforts were unsuccessful. After going through the interview process and an aggressive background investigation, I willingly admit that candidates better than I were chosen to be considered for appointment by the governor. The merit-based selection system works and has worked for more than 50 years.

The only reason a change to our state constitution is being sought is because the Kansas Supreme Court issued opinions that conflict with the court of public opinion  or the opinion of lawmakers in Topeka.

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If court decisions are to align with public opinions, I suggest that our public schools would still be segregated. The independence of our judiciary, free from outside political and ideological influence, is a bedrock to our democracy. An independent judiciary is vital to our governments balance of power with checks and balances.

Steve Becker served as Reno County district judge for 26 years and served as state representative for the 104th District for three terms. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
RUSH COUNTY  When she pulled through the quiet neighborhood in Milroy, she missed it. To Tara Hagans disbelief, her GPS brought her to ferocious green shrouds burying a dreary abandoned property.

Hagan is the executive director of the Southeastern Indiana Community Preservation and Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization that seeks partnerships to develop vacant and blighted properties and transform them into affordable housing.

Observing trees dismembering the white houses walls and windows, Hagan pushed a yard sign into the ground that reads RURAL REVITALIZATION IN PROGRESS before she left for a meeting.

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This sign marks the beginning of an ambitious project. Like many rural counties, Rush County endures the residual effects of dilapidated properties, called blight, overwhelming unincorporated towns and small communities. The Rush County Community Foundation is officially implementing its rural revitalization efforts to support livelihoods across Rush County by acquiring its first four properties.

In December 2024, RCCF received a $5 million grant from Lilly Endowments Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) initiative after months of intricate planning and collaboration with county officials and the public. With this funding, the Rural Revitalization Project and the county aim to eliminate blight on 30 properties, increase access to high-speed internet, improve county recreational opportunities and establish county ordinances and code enforcement. The first phase of this project focuses on blight elimination.

The Rural Revitalization Project works closely with SICPDC to acquire vacant blighted residential properties and infill plots. The Southeast Indiana Regional Planning Commission will orchestrate the building demolition with the prospect that interested developers and local buyers will build on these lots. The lots will be advertised locally and can be purchased through SICPDCs HOMEbuyer program.

Were not here to come in and take over properties and hoard them for ourselves. ... This is a county project. We are a partner with the county to get this turned over very quickly to get infill housing into these lots, so families can start to move in, Hagan said.

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The willing seller and willing buyer program has played an instrumental role in development projects throughout Southeastern Indiana.

Through initiatives similar to the Rural Revitalization Project, SIRPC has helped towns remove blight, reinvest in aging infrastructure, rehabilitate existing homes and bring new housing options to life  all while preserving the character of the communities, said SIRPCs project developer Victoria Bechert.

For occupied blighted properties or those endangered by blight, rural revitalization will include free income-based owner-occupied rehabilitation grants for essential repairs. To qualify for the owner-occupied rehabilitation services, the property must be outside of Rushvilles city limits. RCCF is still accepting owner-occupied rehabilitation applications that can be found in the RCCF Office at 117 N. Main Street, Rushville.

Overall, the rural revitalization process is about creating safe, attractive communities where residents can live with dignity, and where future growth is possible, Bechert said.

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However, there is a long way to go.

The county has overlooked blight situations in our small communities, Rush County Commissioner Jeff Wilson said. Commissioners Wilson, Kenny Aulbach and Ron Jarman reached consensus that the small county communities need this project.

We have [blighted] properties in every one of our small communities. ... This project adds to the beautification of these small communities, and were hearing loud and clear that residents want that, Commissioner Wilson said.

The aesthetic of a community may seem like a low priority; however, simple curb appeal has a direct relationship to the local economy. Blighted properties generate fewer opportunities for communities to thrive because they reduce property values, decrease tax revenue and decrease investment in communities. Blighted neighborhoods struggle not only to attract new residents, but also to retain them. This results in shrinking communities that do not have breadth to support their businesses and schools. The local economys decline creates fertile ground for more blight to overtake the community, and the vicious cycle begins again.

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Projects like rural revitalization plan to break this cycle. Eliminating blight ushers residential and business opportunities, creating enriching communities.

The nice thing about it is that you see the fruits of your labor, usually pretty quickly, Hagan said. The end result is to just see something really fresh and revitalized.  Im proud to be a part of these community revitalizations.

Although the communitys looks are a significant piece of the puzzle, the Rural Revitalization Project reaches beyond community aesthetics. Blighted properties also invite health concerns.

In some instances, it [blighted properties] can be not a safe place for children to play in or pets to be around because of all the trash and rubbish thats stuck around a property, Rush County Environmental Health Specialist Dan Burklow said.

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The properties that Burklow describes are typically surrounded by overgrowth and debris, which beckon vermin that can carry diseases. Unkept homes and trash often contain glass shards, loose nails, and, in some cases, even asbestos. Through the revitalization efforts, the county seeks to prioritize the well-being of constituents as well as economic prosperity.

Like SIRPC and SICPDC, RCCF desires a better future for Rush County residents.

Ive witnessed how investment in housing can restore pride, create opportunity, and rebuild a sense of community. Im excited to see this successful model generate results throughout Rush County, Bechert said.

The Rural Revitalization Project will collaborate with Rush County officials to establish county ordinances and code enforcement to maintain community and neighborhood upkeep. Rush County Planning Director Mike Holzback recognizes that blighted buildings are prevalent across Rush County, and he is working with a committee of local stakeholders guided by professional help to create appropriate ordinance policy.

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UDO is a Unified Development Ordinance. This will add ordinances to address blighted properties. It will enforce the care of properties in small towns with regard to abandoned houses, overgrown with weeds and grass, mainly in residential zones, Holzback said.

The enforcement will ultimately raise property values for residential zones and eliminate health risks for neighborhoods, benefiting communities through aesthetics, economics and standard of living.

Rural revitalization seeks to improve quality of life across the county beyond housing as well. The project plans to increase access to high-speed internet by adding dozens of miles of broadband infrastructure. To increase recreation, the project plans to improve playgrounds and develop entry points along the Flatrock River for canoeing and kayaking. The Rural Revitalization Project also partners with the county to assess the potential for future recreational projects.

Brian Sheehan worked with Rushvilles blight elimination project in the past and is a key member in the Rural Revitalization Project. Hearing the growing cry to clean up the town from constituents, the city started planning how to fulfill this request back in 2012. The goal was simple: accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, Sheehan said. Because blighted properties affect both a city economically and residents livelihoods, it takes away from the whole community Our purpose is not just to clean up properties, but to set the property up for development, new life and hopefully, a new family in the near future, Sheehan said.

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I think the biggest win will be restoring confidence and pride in our small county communities and encouraging development in those communities. Working to clean up the town paid high dividends in Rushville and I think it will do the same in Rush County towns, Sheehan continued.

Although it is ambitious, RCCFs Rural Revitalization Program not only seeks to rebuild damaged properties but also to restore livelihoods across the County. By directly impacting health, local economy, and sense of community, RCCFs revitalization project helps Rush County refurbish today to provide a better tomorrow.

Signs are in the ground on four properties already acquired through the projects blight efforts, in Carthage, Arlington, Manilla and Milroy. The process to remove those blighted properties will begin soon, along with more properties being acquired into the project.

It is rewarding to see public-facing work starting to occur in our Rural Revitalization Project and we are excited for the positive impact it will have on Rush County, notes RCCF Executive Director Chris May. Our mission is to cultivate resources to enhance life in Rush County. We are committed to being a future-focused leader to support our community, and projects like this hopefully prove we are fulfilling that mission.

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To participate in SICPDCs HOMEbuyer program, consult www.sirpc.org/sicpdc or contact Hagan (tara.hagan@sicpdc.org), Bechert (victoria.bechert@sirpc.org) or Hagan (tara.hagan@sicpdc.org).

Stay caught up on the rural revitalization effort on RCCFs website and social media pages.

Established in 1991, the Rush County Community Foundation cultivates resources to enhance life in Rush County. With nearly $30.5 million in assets, 2024 was a record year for RCCF, reaching all-time highs in assets and in grantmaking  supporting Rush County with nearly $1.1 million in payouts, including over $250,000 in scholarships.

Through its Lilly Endowment GIFT VII receipt of $5,000,000 in 2020, RCCF played a leading role in planning and creation of the Love Community Center. The Rush County Community Foundation continues to imagine and strive for a future that best serves our community.

For more information, visit rushcountyfoundation.org and follow us on Facebook @rushcountycommunityfoundation.
Robert Malone, one of the eight new members named by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday to serve on the committee tasked with advising the U.S. government on vaccines, has a long track record of sharing conspiracy theories about life-saving COVID shots.

Malone, a former mRNA researcher who also runs a blog on Substack with over 357,000 subscribers that he has used to spread COVID misinformation, gained prominence spreading baseless claims about the pandemic, including in an interview on Joe Rogans podcast in December 2021.

During the three-hour sitdown, Malone falsely suggested that former President Joe Biden lied about being vaccinated for COVID while receiving his booster on live TV, and claimed that Israel, where over two-thirds of the population had received the vaccine, had a higher mortality rate than Gaza and the West Bank, which had lower vaccination rates, despite figures pointing to the contrary, according to The New York Times. He also drew a comparison between the countrys pandemic policies and medical experiments in Nazi Germany, and accused Dr. Anthony Fauci of hypnotizing a third of the U.S. population into believing his recommendations on COVID.

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Over 270 scientists, medical professionals, professors and science communicators wrote to Spotify, the company hosting Rogans podcast, calling on the company to moderate misinformation on the platform, citing the Malone interview as an example of damaging public trust in scientific research.

Malones account on X, formerly Twitter, was also suspended shortly before that interview after he posted a video on the platform questioning the safety of the Pfizer vaccine. It has since been restored.

Separately, Malone has also baselessly suggested that COVID vaccines are not working and could damage childrens brains, hearts and immune system, and also cause a form of AIDS, according to The Associated Press, another false claim.

Besides, Malone, who has a medical degree from Northwestern University, claims he is the inventor of mRNA vaccines  a statement that is widely disputed by scientists, including some who worked closely with him, according to the Times.

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Kennedy, a fellow prominent vaccine skeptic, on Monday penned an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal announcing he was removing all members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, which is tasked with assessing the safety and efficacy of vaccines to curb the spread of diseases.

A clean sweep is needed to re-establish public confidence in vaccine science, Kennedy wrote.

Two days later, he announced eight new members for the panel, including Malone, a move he claimed would help restore the publics faith in vaccines.

I will do my best to serve with unbiased objectivity and rigor, Malone said in response to his new assignment.

Related...
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced this week that he had removed every member of an independent panel key to vaccine policy and access in America. After removing the 17 members of the panel, Kennedy announced eight new names, many of whom have been skeptical of vaccines.

The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), which works under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was recently made up of people with extensive experience in public health, infectious diseases and immunizations. For more than half a century, the panel of experts has used evidence-based data to help evaluate the safety of vaccines that are administered to people  and their guidance is used by insurance companies to determine coverage.

Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, claimed the move was aimed at addressing conflicts of interest, though the panel had operated under a comprehensive conflict of interest policy. The unprecedented shakeup could change what vaccines are readily available in the future, including whether they are covered by insurance. Without insurance, some vaccines  including those for COVID-19, HPV and measles, mumps and rubella  could cost people hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket.

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Its not clear if Kennedy will appoint more members. Heres what to know about his picks:

Dr. Joseph R. Hibbeln

Who is he? A nutritional scientist who has worked as a psychiatrist and professor. His experience on nutritional neurosciences includes a stint as acting chief within the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. In 2018, Hibbeln co-authored research that tested whether a persons fish consumption during the first half of pregnancy is associated with autism.

Vaccine experience: Hibbeln has no professional background in vaccines.

Dr. Martin Kulldorff

Who is he? A biostatistician and epidemiologist who is a former professor of medicine at Harvard University.

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Vaccine experience: Kulldorf has served on a vaccine safety subgroup within ACIP and was a member of an FDA drug safety and risk management advisory committee. He is known for researching the development of vaccine safety surveillance and the monitoring of infectious disease outbreaks.

Kulldorf has been highly skeptical of COVID-19 vaccines and related government policies and mandates. In 2024, he said he lost jobs at Harvard and Mass General Brigham because he criticized policies that mandated COVID-19 vaccination.

In late 2020, he co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration, which proposed reaching herd immunity for COVID-19 through natural infection instead of public health restrictions. He co-wrote the declaration with Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who was critical of COVID-19 restrictions and is now director of the National Institutes of Health. Kulldorf has aligned publicly with Kennedy on changing the process for vaccine trials.

Retsef Levi

Who is he? A professor of operations management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. According to his university biography, his research includes examining data models and tools used in health care management. Levi has described his work as using data and analytics to assess and manage risk in health systems.

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Vaccine experience: Levi has no professional background in vaccines.

He has challenged the safety of COVID-19 vaccines and its impact on young people. In May, Levi expressed ongoing skepticism of the safety of administering COVID-19 vaccines to pregnant people, despite evidence of its benefits.

Dr. Robert W. Malone

Who is he? A medical doctor and infectious disease researcher who has gained national attention within right-wing media for his criticism of COVID-19 vaccines.

Vaccine experience: After the news of his addition to the panel, Malone shared a biography that asserts years of experience in developing and testing vaccines.

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But Malone has spread misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. He has claimed credit for inventing mRNA vaccines that have been critical to the fast development of COVID-19 vaccines  an assertion that has been challenged  while also questioning their safety. Malone said in April that the second child who died of measles this year had actually died from other complications, a claim that went against public health officials statements.

Dr. Cody Meissner

Who is he? A professor of pediatrics at Dartmouth University, Meissner served on the committee between 2008 and 2012. Since 2018, he has served on another committee that advises the Food and Drug Administration on vaccines.

Vaccine experience: Meissner has in the past defended vaccines, writing in a 2022 article for the New England Journal of Medicine that widespread understanding and acceptance of vaccines will be an integral aspect of limiting the harm of future pandemics.

He also helped craft vaccine schedules for the American Academy of Pediatrics, and in 2017 was named the Massachusetts recipient of the CDC Childhood Immunization Award.

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Recently, Meissner endorsed a move by the CDC to stop recommending COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children and pregnant people. Those changes were criticized by many major medical groups, including the American College for Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

In August 2021, he expressed opposition to requiring that children wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID, arguing that kids suffered negative consequences and that the availability of vaccines for adults undermined the need for children to mask. He has also opposed vaccine mandates and signed onto the Great Barrington Declaration.

Dr. James Pagano

Who is he? An emergency room doctor from Los Angeles

Vaccine experience: Pagano does not appear to have any research or work experience related to vaccines readily available.

Vicky Pebsworth, OP, PhD, RN

Who is she? A California-based regional director of the National Association of Catholic Nurses and board member of the National Vaccine Information Center, an anti-vax organization that many doctors and public health researchers say is a leading source of vaccine misinformation.

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Vaccine experience: Pebsworth has argued that vaccines cause chronic illnesses and disabilities in children, a false talking point frequently used by vaccine opponents. She has also done work questioning the safety of the HPV vaccine, which Kennedy also opposes. The uptake of the HPV vaccine has contributed to substantial decreases in cervical cancer.

Dr. Michael A. Ross

Who is he? A Virginia-based OB-GYN and medical technology executive, working currently as interim chief medical officer at a startup trying to use artificial intelligence to deliver medicines. His Linkedin also lists him as a board member for LarreaRx, a supplement company.

Vaccine experience: Ross does not appear to have any research or work experience related to vaccines readily available.

The post RFK Jr. fired everyone on a key vaccine panel. Heres who he replaced them with. appeared first on The 19th.

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June 11 (UPI) -- Two days after disbanding the entire 17-member independent vaccine advisory committee, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday appointed eight new members, including prominent vaccine skeptics and pandemic response critics.

CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, is scheduled to meet next on June 25. The new panel included seven men and one woman.

"The slate includes highly credentialed scientists, leading public-health experts, and some of America's most accomplished physicians," Kennedy said in a post on X. "All of these individuals are committed to evidence-based medicine, gold-standard science, and common sense. They have each committed to demanding definitive safety and efficacy data before making any new vaccine recommendations. The committee will review safety and efficacy data for the current schedule as well."

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On Monday, Kennedy said the former members had conflicts of interest on a panel that "wields the grave responsibility of adding new vaccines to the recommended childhood schedule." He pointed ties to Big Pharma.

Kennedy, a long-time vaccine critic, said the "most outrageous example of ACIP's malevolent malpractice has been its stubborn unwillingness to demand adequate safety trials before recommending new vaccines for our children. ... ACIP has recommended each of these additional jabs without requiring placebo-controlled trials for any of them. This means that no one can scientifically ascertain whether these products are averting more problems than they are causing."

Local residents wait in the observation area after receiving a COVID-19 shot at the Cal Poly Pomona mass vaccination site February 13, 2021. File photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

CDC has narrowed its recommendations for mRNA Covid-19 shots, including by children and pregnant women.

DHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon told NBC News that "all newly appointed ACIP members were thoroughly vetted" but declined to offer specifics.

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ACIP normally includes pediatricians, geriatricians and other vaccine experts but the new panel includes a psychiatrist, neuroscientist, epidemiologist and biostatistician, and professor of operations management.

Kennedy released information on the new members.

Dr. Robert Malone, a physician-scientist and biochemist, has been a vocal critic of mRNA technology in COVID-19 vaccines after making early innovations in the field of messenger RNA. He suggested this year, without evidence, that pediatric deaths from measles were due to medical error. He has served in advisory roles for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense. "His expertise spans molecular biology, immunology, and vaccine development," Kennedy said.

Dr. Martin Kulldorff, a biostatistician and epidemiologist, co-authored an October 2020 strategy on herd immunity known as the Great Barrington Declaration with Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, now director of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. He formerly was at Harvard Medical School, and served on Food and Drug Administration and CDC panels. "He has also been an influential voice in public health policy, advocating for evidence-based approaches to pandemic response," Kennedy said.

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Dr. Cody Meissner, a Dartmouth professor of pediatrics who also signed the Great Barrington Declaration, has served on ACIP and on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. "His expertise spans vaccine development, immunization safety, and pediatric infectious disease epidemiology," Kennedy said.

Dr. Joseph Hibbeln, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, is former acting chief of the U.S. National Institutes of Health section on nutritional neurosciences. "His work has informed U.S. public health guidelines, particularly in maternal and child health," Kennedy said. "Dr. Hibbeln brings expertise in immune-related outcomes, psychiatric conditions, and evidence-based public health strategies."

Dr. Retsef Levi, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor of operations management, has published studies on mRNA vaccines and cardiovascular events. "His research has contributed to discussions on vaccine manufacturing processes, safety surveillance, and public health policy," Kennedy said. He has been involved in healthcare systems optimization, epidemiologic modeling, and the application of AI and data science in public health.

Dr. James Pagano, an emergency medicine physician with 40 years of clinical experience from "Level 1 trauma centers to small community hospitals, caring for patients across all age groups," Kennedy said in describing him as a "strong advocate for evidence-based medicine." He has served on hospital committees, including utilization review, and medical executive boards.

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Dr. Vicky Pebsworth, a pediatric professor at Dartmouth, is the Pacific region director of the National Association of Catholic Nurses. She has served on the FDA committee, as well as a national panel reviewing the 2009 H1N1 swine flu vaccine. "She has worked in the healthcare field for more than 45 years, serving in various capacities," Kennedy said. NBC News reported she is a leading source of misinformation about vaccines.

Dr. Michael Ross, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at George Washington University and Virginia Commonwealth University, has served on the CDC's Advisory Committee for the Prevention of Breast and Cervical Cancer. "His continued service on biotech and healthcare boards reflects his commitment to advancing innovation in immunology, reproductive medicine and public health," Kennedy said.

Dr. Noel Brewer, an ACIP member who was fired this week, told MSNBC on Wednesday: "The new panel is missing all of the expertise that has come before them. They don't know how to go about looking at the evidence, how to think about the volumes of data that will be coming their way."

Brewer, who said members should be replaced on a rolling basis, is a professor in the department of health behavior at the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health.

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"Being a vaccine skeptic is not a bad thing if you follow the science," Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, told NBC News. "I'm concerned that the names he's put out so far aren't ideologically balanced. I think he got the slate he was looking for."

Benjamin said Kennedy's policies are a danger to public health.
CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI)  Two people from Rhode Island who were accused of selling fake Jason Kelce merchandise are no longer facing charges, according to the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office in Pennsylvania.

Joseph Parenti, of Cranston, and LeeAnn Branco, of Bristol, were previously charged with selling nearly 1,200 items valued at $200,000. Items included signed jerseys, helmets, hats and photos.

After a thorough investigation, the DAs office said it was determined that Parenti and Branco were misled about the authenticity of the memorabilia they were selling, so the charges were withdrawn.

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BACKGROUND: RI pair accused of selling fake Jason Kelce merchandise

Bill Fischer, a spokesperson for Parentis company, Diamond Legends, previously told 12 News he was not the lead organizer of the autograph-signing event, but had contracted with Philadelphia-based Overtime Promotions.

He added that Parentis firm fulfilled its obligations by sending memorabilia to Overtime Promotions and paid the company in advance.

This outcome affirms our continued commitment to the integrity and values weve always upheld since our companys beginning. To say the least, this has been a tough time for myself, my family and our business, Parenti said in a statement to his customers.

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Diamond Legends will move forward with a stringent and comprehensive responsibility of holding our products to the highest standard of authenticity, he continued. We will also be more vigilant on who we partner withand do business with going forwardas that has been the lesson of this unfortunate circumstance.

A third suspect, 51-year-old Robert Capone, of Philadelphia, was arraigned in January and released on bail. Court records show he is due in court later this month for a pretrial conference.

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The Rhode Island Department of Education's Westminster Street entrance in Providence is shown. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) may soon have to pay $1.86 million to settle a class action lawsuit that claimed the state had failed to provide special education services for students with disabilities between the ages of 21 and 22.

That news presented a last minute complication for the Rhode Island House Committee on Finances fiscal 2026 state budget preparations Tuesday.

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We literally worked to, like, 15 minutes ago to do this budget, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi told reporters at a press briefing on the $14.33 billion spending plan that began after 9 p.m. Tuesday night. He cited a figure of nearly $2 million needed because of an adverse ruling against RIDE, but details were unavailable at the time.

The case of K.L. v. Rhode Island Board of Education is close to a settlement, Victor Morente, a RIDE spokesperson, confirmed via email on Wednesday morning. He said officials were still drafting a tentative agreement that is still subject to approval from Rhode Island District Court as well as the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education, RIDEs governing body.

The settlement comes nearly seven years after a federal appeals court ruled that RIDE shortchanged students with disabilities in the 2010s. The class action suit began in 2014 with a single plaintiff: A Warwick parent filing on behalf of their daughter, a Rhode Island student on the autism spectrum who also had ADHD and severe anxiety.

But the student, named K.L. in the lawsuit, aged out of state-sponsored educational accommodations at age 21, before she could finish her high school diploma  something she should have been eligible to receive until age 22 under federal disability laws, her attorneys argued. K.L. had an individualized education program (IEP), which tailors learning for students with disabilities and helps to address their needs. These support programs are the roadmaps to ensure local schools education agencies supply students with a free and appropriate public education per mandates derived from the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

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Students who were over 21 and under 22 as of February 10, 2012, or turned 21 before July 1, 2019, Morente wrote, would be eligible for relief under the draft settlement if they did not receive their high school diploma and aged out of support services under previous Rhode Island law.

When the case came before the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, it ruled in favor of RIDE by determining that public education under the federal law would not include adult learning for students with disabilities over age 21. The class members then took their case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston, which vacated the lower courts judgment.

We literally worked to, like, 15 minutes ago to do this budget.

 House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi during a press briefing Tuesday

Senior Judge Kermit Victor Lipez wrote in the first circuits October 2018 majority opinion that the lower court had relied on too narrow a definition of public education.

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At present, if a 21-year-old student in Rhode Island does not complete high school for a non-disability related reason  say, because she was previously incarcerated  the state will provide her the services needed to attain a secondary-school level of academic proficiency and a route to obtain a high-school level degree, Lipez wrote. However, if the same 21-year-old does not complete high school due to a qualifying disability, the state currently does not offer her ability-appropriate services to attain the same level of educational achievement.

That imbalance violated disability law, the First Circuit decided, and the court boomeranged the case back to the District of Rhode Island for the two parties to determine remedies for class members.

Sonja Deyoe, the attorney representing class members since the suits inception, wrote in an email Wednesday that the First Circuit ruling was pivotal for disability rights in Rhode Island.

The law previously had limited that education until the age of 21, Deyoe wrote. This was a major change for disabled individuals in Rhode Island.

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The First Circuits ruling predates current RIDE leadership, and in August 2019, then-new education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green issued a memo instructing how state education officials should comply with the ruling.

It is now clear that if they have not already done so, school districts  must comply with the recent First Circuit decision and should make services available and give careful consideration to the cost of prospective compliance, Infante-Green wrote, adding that it was still unclear how appropriate remedies will be provided to those eligible class members.

Deyoe echoed that sentiment, saying that determining damages under the lawsuit did span a very long time, with both parties trying to avoid forcing a legal decision as to whether individual class members could receive relief for damages.

Whether individualized compensatory education damages could be awarded to the individual class members was always disputed by the RI Department of Education, Deyoe said.

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The settlement also needs to be approved by the members of the class, Deyoe said. The currently draft spares class members from having to undergo individual trials to determine compensational education benefits.

We are very hopeful the settlement will be approved, but the class members always have the opportunity to object and the Court may approve the settlement only with certain changes, Deyoe wrote. We cannot predict that yetWhile all of this took a long time to achieve, we do believe this is a good resolution for the class members.

The funding source to resolve the settlement was not immediately available from RIDE or the House on Wednesday.

But Shekarchi detailed in a statement over email that the sudden news had cost the House some time on Tuesday.

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After the budget is posted for consideration by the House Finance Committee 48 hours in advance, there are always a number of policy decisions, options and calculations that must be finalized, wrote the Speaker. The notification of a $1.86 million additional expense on the morning of the budget adoption certainly complicated the final process.

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If you're pulled over by police, it's best to know your rights before it happens so you can protect yourself, experts say.

Traffic stops can have varied outcomes  sometimes the stop turns heated, and in rare cases violent or even deadly. Although the ACLU maintains that police hold the burden of de-escalation, that doesn't always happen. It's important for drivers and passengers to use their best judgement and stay calm, said Mark Fancher, an attorney at Michigan's ACLU.

"The best thing to do is not match their energy" if an encounter with police does become hostile, said metro Detroit civil rights attorney Amir Makled. He said don't lie and don't argue. The place to argue is in court, Makled said.

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It's important to know that you have constitutional rights  such as the right to remain silent, to ask for an attorney, and to refuse a search without a warrant or probable cause  regardless of immigration or citizenship status, experts say.

It's also important to educate yourself on your rights to push back against government overreach, Makled said. Makled, who is representing pro-Palestinian protestors who were arrested at the University of Michigan, was detained by federal agents at the Detroit Metro Airport in April 2025, where they asked him to give up his cell phone. He stood his ground and refused  agents looked at his contact list instead.

After that experience, he's been visiting schools in Dearborn to educate young people about their rights.

If you're pulled over by police or federal agents, here's what advocates say you need to know.

You have the right to remain silent

That includes the driver and all passengers in a car. And if you're a passenger, you can ask if you're free to leave. Makled said you don't have to answer any questions from officers, such as: "Where are you going?", "Where are you coming from?", "Do you know why you are being pulled over?"

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You are obligated to provide identification, registration, insurance and other documents required by law, Makled said.

If they ask why you aren't answering their questions, Makled said you can tell them you are choosing to remain silent. And if they become hostile or aggravated, you can ask police if you are being arrested or detained, Makled said.

The ACLU has guidance on how to reduce the risk of harm to yourself once you're pulled over:

Stop the car in a safe place.

Turn off the car, turn on the lights inside, open the window partially, and place your hands on the steering wheel. Passengers should place their hands on the dashboard.

When police ask for your driver's license registration, and proof of insurance, show them.

Try and avoid making any sudden movements and keep your hands visible to officers.

You don't have to consent to a police search

Fancher said many people aren't aware that you can refuse consent if police want to search your car without probable cause or a warrant.

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"In fact, it's best not to," he said. But if you do refuse consent, it's best to do so politely, he said.

Police can't search yourself without consent either without probable cause, Fancher said. But they can pat you down for weapons, Fancher said.

Makled said police in Michigan are also no longer allowed to search a vehicle based on the smell of marijuana alone.

If you are arrested or detained

If the traffic stop leads to an arrest or if police detain you, tell officers that you wish to remain silent and immediately ask for a lawyer, according to the ACLU's guidance. If you are arrested, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer if you can't afford one. If you are detained, you have a right to consult with a lawyer.

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If you're arrested, you have the right to make a local phone call. The ACLU says the police are prohibited from listening in on a phone call with a lawyer, but police "can and often will" listen to calls made to others.

And Fancher said you have a right to be free from unreasonable detention during a traffic stop. For example, if you're being cited for a traffic violation, police can't detain you for longer than it takes to give you that citation. If they are holding you for longer, Fancher said you can politely ask officers if you're under arrest and if you're free to leave.

If your rights were violated

Fancher said it's also important to write down important details if you think your rights were violated, such as officer's badge numbers. The ACLU also recommends filing a complaint with the police agency you made contact with, getting contact information from witnesses and document any injuries suffered.

Makled said you are also allowed to record officers, and tell them you are recording them.

If you are undocumented and stopped by immigration, border officials

Regardless of immigration or citizenship status, you have the right to remain silent, to refuse a search without a warrant or probable cause, the right to ask for an attorney, and the right to calmly leave if you're not under arrest. And these rights apply when stopped by immigration agents as well, according to the ACLU.

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National immigrant rights organizations have guidelines for those who are undocumented, or those who aren't yet a citizen but have papers to legally reside in the U.S.

If you are undocumented, you do not have to, and should not, discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration, or other officials, including the country you are born in, according to the National Immigrant Justice Center. Anything you say to an officer can be used against you in immigration court, the organization advises.

The National Immigration Law Center also says you shouldn't carry any documents that show you were born outside of the U.S.  officials can use that to try and deport you.

And you shouldn't lie or provide false names or documents, either, according to the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. Provide your full name to officials.

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If you're undocumented but have been living in the country for at least two years, the National Immigration Law Center says you should carry proof, such as your rental contract, church, school records, or mail with a home address and dates. Officials can try and deport you without seeing a judge if you can't prove you've been living in the country for at least two years, the center says.

If you are detained by ICE, you have the right to contact your consulate or have an officer inform the consulate that you've been detained, according to the ACLU. It's also advised that you remember your immigration number  also called an "A" number  and give it to your family to help locate you, the ACLU says. Someone you trust should have copies of your immigration documents.

If you have legal immigration status

The law requires that those with green cards, asylum or refugee status, a valid student or other visa, or temporary protected status should carry your lawful permanent resident card or immigration papers that show your status, according to the National Immigration Law Center. If an officer asks to see documentation, show them.

If your immigration status is pending and not yet valid, you should have a copy of immigration papers that shows that you applied for status or are appealing an immigration decision, the center says. If you're arrested, show papers to the immigration officer. But if you aren't arrested, stay silent.

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Andrea Sahouri covers criminal justice for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at asahouri@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Pulled over by police: Know your rights in Michigan
11th China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair kicks off

Xinhua) 08:22, June 12, 2025

A staff member looks over as collaborative robots demonstrate battery pack assembling and wiring check operations during the 11th China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSITF) in east China's Shanghai, June 11, 2025. The 11th CSITF kicked off here on Wednesday. With an exhibition area covering 35,000 square meters, this year's fair features four themed exhibition areas, a trading service area and a trading facilitation events area. Some 1,000 exhibitors from nearly 20 countries and regions showcased their innovative achievements here. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A visitor (front) tries a physical examination device based on spectral thermal imaging technology during the 11th China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSITF) in east China's Shanghai, June 11, 2025. The 11th CSITF kicked off here on Wednesday. With an exhibition area covering 35,000 square meters, this year's fair features four themed exhibition areas, a trading service area and a trading facilitation events area. Some 1,000 exhibitors from nearly 20 countries and regions showcased their innovative achievements here. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Visitors talk next to a drone capable of hyperspectral imaging during the 11th China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSITF) in east China's Shanghai, June 11, 2025. The 11th CSITF kicked off here on Wednesday. With an exhibition area covering 35,000 square meters, this year's fair features four themed exhibition areas, a trading service area and a trading facilitation events area. Some 1,000 exhibitors from nearly 20 countries and regions showcased their innovative achievements here. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

A visitor watches a humanoid cleaning robot during the 11th China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSITF) in east China's Shanghai, June 11, 2025. The 11th CSITF kicked off here on Wednesday. With an exhibition area covering 35,000 square meters, this year's fair features four themed exhibition areas, a trading service area and a trading facilitation events area. Some 1,000 exhibitors from nearly 20 countries and regions showcased their innovative achievements here. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

Visitors talk near a humanoid robot displayed during the 11th China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSITF) in east China's Shanghai, June 11, 2025. The 11th CSITF kicked off here on Wednesday. With an exhibition area covering 35,000 square meters, this year's fair features four themed exhibition areas, a trading service area and a trading facilitation events area. Some 1,000 exhibitors from nearly 20 countries and regions showcased their innovative achievements here. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
MILAN (Reuters) -Pirelli investors on Thursday approved the Italian tyremaker's earnings report for last year despite the opposition of its largest shareholder, the Chinese state-controlled group Sinochem, the company said.

The outcome of the vote suggests that Sinochem, whose influence over Pirelli has been restricted by the Italian government, no longer has effective control over the company.

Sinochem, which owns a 37% stake, has crossed swords with the company and its second largest shareholder Camfin, which claim that a large Chinese presence in Pirelli poses a threat to its ambitions to expand its business in the United States.

The Pirelli statement confirmed that Sinochem, through the MPI holding that it controls, had been the only shareholder to vote against the approval of the annual report for 2024.

MPI said in a separate statement that its vote against the report was "exclusively due to the disclosure on control." The holding said it had "no objection with respect to the figures of the 2024 Financial Report."

The shareholder meeting also approved the payment of 250 million euros to investors as a dividend, the equivalent of 0.25 euros per share.

U.S. CRACKDOWN ON CHINESE AUTO TECH

Washington is cracking down on Chinese technology in the automotive industry by banning key software and hardware from Chinese-controlled companies in connected vehicles on U.S. roads.

The Italian government is seeking clarity from the United States about possible restrictions on Pirelli's U.S. activities due to its Chinese investor, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

As part of the governance dispute, some Sinochem representatives on Pirelli's board, including Chairman Jiao Jian, earlier this year voted against the group's financial statement for 2024.

Some Sinochem board members also voted against Pirelli's results for the first quarter of 2025.

The Italian government intervened two years ago to curb Sinochem's influence in Pirelli and to protect the autonomy of its management under so-called "golden power" legislation for companies deemed of strategic importance.

Camfin, which owns a 27.4% stake in Pirelli, is the vehicle of Executive Vice-Chairman Marco Tronchetti Provera, the Italian businessman who has been the company's top boss for more than three decades.

In a challenging context for the whole automotive industry, Pirelli last year posted above-target results, with a 2% revenue increase and a margin on adjusted operating profit rising to 15.7%.

(Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari, editing by Gavin Jones and Keith Weir)
SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (KCAU)  A road in South Sioux City is being paved using plastic asphalt surface. This is the first road of its kind in the city and the State of Nebraska.

A ceremony was held near Siouxland Freedom Park on Wednesday, adjacent to Foundry Road receiving the new asphalt.

City officials said the road will use asphalt made from recycled plastic materials, such as plastic bags. This kind of asphalt is helping to lower the environmental impact of plastic while moving forward on infrastructure practices that are sustainable.

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Officials said about 2 million plastic bags were used to make the asphalt to pave Foundry Road.

Story continues below

Nebraska State Senator Glen Meyer attended the ceremony and spoke about the forward-thinking project.

I want to commend South Sioux City and Lance (Hedquist) and the people involved who put this together. Thats very innovative, you guys are forward-looking, you guys are trying to improve life and improve the situation in your community, and thats to be commended, said State Sen. Glen Meyer (R,) District 17.

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Multiple countries such as Australia, India, and Swede,n have started to use the plastic asphalt method.

South Sioux City Mayor Rod Koch said he hopes that this project could become a new trend for road paving.

Its a good start, youve got to start somewhere. I think in those other countries I mention that are doing it, same as the United States, I think if we can prove that these are easier to maintain and this thing could catch fire, and we can find an easy way to do it and process it, and get it laid down. This could catch on, we dont know, said Mayor Rod Koch.

Officials said the paving project is expected to be done within the next two weeks.

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ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  After months of hard work, the Roanoke City School Board has finalized a budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The budget includes almost $300 million from the federal, state, and city governments.

Members called this years budget talks, the most difficult they can remember. The board had to overcome challenges after the city told it, they would not get any additional money.

There was a broad budget already sketched out by the end of January and early February, when we found out, Okay now take almost $7 million off that, Doctor Elizabeth Jamison, the chair of the school board, said. All of our financial decisions reflect a strategic priority for us, and so these are hard decisions.

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The job is not finished yet for the board. It has to make changes to its school nursing program after Carilion Clinic decided to discontinue services for Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS).

Budget recommendations made to Roanoke City Council

It also has to figure out how to give promised $1,000 bonuses to staff members. The school board only received $1.45 million from the Virginia Department of Education, but the board said it would need almost double that to give all employees the full bonus.

It has even considered delaying the payment until next school year. Several staff members expressed their concerns about this.

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This bonus was not just a carat for next year, Jill King, a teacher at Roanoke Academy Middle School, said at the meeting. It was part of our compensation for this years hard work, and I urge you to reconsider this decision.

Doctor Jamison said she values everyones feedback.

They dont come if its not a very personal and serious issue for them, so we respect them for that, she said. We appreciate that they feel like they can come and talk to us.

The school board will resume discussions on this issue during a special meeting on June 24th.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
Waco, Tx (FOX 44)  The City of Waco announces the selection of Robin Robby Bergerson as the next Fire Chief for the Waco Fire Department. His appointment will be presented to the Waco City Council for confirmation during the June 17, 2025, city council meeting.

Chief Bergerson brings more than 32 years of fire service experience, including nearly 28 years dedicated to serving the Waco community. A city statement said his proven leadership, operational expertise, and deep institutional knowledge make him uniquely qualified to lead the department into its next chapter.

Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Bergerson has served in every operational and administrative rank within the departmentfrom Firefighter and Engineer to Training Division Chief, Deputy Chief of Emergency Operations, Executive Deputy Fire Chief, and most recently, Interim Fire Chief. His progression through the ranks reflects not only extensive hands-on experience but also a consistent commitment to professional growth and excellence in service.

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Its been a real privilege to serve the Waco community for nearly 28 years, said Chief Bergerson. As Fire Chief, my job is to keep this community safe and take care of the men and women who serve it. That means leading with integrity, showing compassion, and making sure were always ready to meet the needs of the people who count on us.

City Manager Bradley Ford commended Chief Bergersons dedication and leadership, emphasizing the value of promoting from within the department.

Robby has earned the trust of his colleagues and the respect of this community through decades of exemplary service, said Ford. He leads with humility, experience, and a steady hand. I have full confidence in his ability to guide the department forward and continue delivering exceptional service to the people of Waco.

Chief Bergerson holds a Master of Liberal Studies in Public Administration from Fort Hays State University, a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University, and an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Services Administration from Weatherford College. His professional credentials include Executive Fire Officer (EFO) from the National Fire Academy, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and Certified Fire Executive (CFE) from the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. He is also a graduate of the IAFCs Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI).

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
BROOKWOOD, Ala. (WIAT)  In the town of Brookwood, youll find Fat Boys Pizzeria. Its a new pizza place that opened in April, and as of this week, its using a robot to help deliver food and drinks to the tables.

Where did the idea for a robotic server come from? Fat Boys Pizzeria owners say they saw it in action at a food show in Biloxi, Mississippi, and they decided to give it a try at their own restaurant. They say the robot will not replace any waiters or waitresses.

One waitress thinks the robot will be a big help, especially for large parties.

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On days theres only one waitress, so when the phone is ringing and the lobby is full, it helps, said waitress Alisha Carmickle. You can do the drinks and manage the phone, just you send the robot and he just takes it straight to the table and you just by the time you get there, hes there so you can unload him.

Fat Boys Pizzeria is trying to come up with a name for their robot. Theyre thinking of turning it over to the community and letting people vote on names on Facebook. You can find a link to their Facebook page here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
ROCHELLE, Ill. (WTVO)  The father of a Rochelle man, who traveled to Georgia for work and was later found dead in Alabama, is still hoping to find answers in his sons death.

John Combs was a 24-year-old lineman who traveled to Savannah, Georgia last October to work in an area struck by Hurricane Helene.

Combs had planned to return home to Rochelle on October 4th.

However, he was found dead on train tracks in Montgomery, Alabama, later that day. Police said he had been hit by a train.

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His death was ruled a suicide by local police.

His father, Chris Combs, says he has struggled to get any more information to make sense of his sons passing.

Ive got an official letter from OSHA. I will say that I got a letter from [U.S. Representative] Darin LaHoods office. I got the death certificate. And thats pretty much it, Chris said.

According to Chris, John was hospitalized on October 2nd and had been acting erratically in the time leading up to his death.

According to WICS, a witness who was on the same flight as Combs recalled that he stood up and said, My name is John Combs from Rochelle, Illinois. My whole life has been a lie. Im no good at anything I do. I dont want to be a lineman anymore.

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Chris said he doesnt know why John would travel 161 miles to Montgomery.

I got Southwest Airlines telling me that without a subpoena, were not going to tell you anything that happened to him in Atlanta. Ive got the Atlanta Police Department telling me that were not going to give you anything. I got Montgomery Police Department telling me were not going to give you anything, he said.

Montgomery Police, who handled the investigation, did not immediately respond to our request for comment.

I guess [I want to know], how can you come to that [determination of suicide]? Show me your evidence that concludes to that. Like I said, [police] told me it looks like were probably going to rule as, not we are, he recalled.

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Im hoping to conclude this, get the answers to what really happened through everything, and make sure that this never happens again, Chris said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
Jun. 12ROCHESTER  A $245,185 heritage preservation grant to help create a second-floor apartment on South Broadway Avenue has been vetoed by Rochester Mayor Kim Norton.

Her opposition to the project was voiced prior to the unanimous Rochester City Council vote on June 2 to approve the requested Destination Medical Center grant for work in the building at 324 S. Broadway Ave .

"When you are making a profit on a new apartment complex, it doesn't feel right to me to be just handing over money for one individual to be making a profit on that," the mayor said on May 22 in her role as vice chairwoman of the state DMC Corp. board.

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It's Norton's ninth veto since taking office in 2019 and the second time she's questioned approval of a grant to create second-floor housing in the city's downtown historic district. The first grant veto was overridden by the City Council.

During the DMCC meeting, Olmsted County Board Chairman Mark Thein, who also sits on the state board, joined Norton in citing support for the roughly three-block historic district, which includes 27 contributing businesses, but opposing the latest grant request.

"I want to see these buildings stay for future generations, but I do have a problem with $245,000 of public money being spent to basically build a $490,000 apartment that will likely be rented out to someone of significant income," he said. "I don't know if that's a proper use of our funds."

The grant, which requires DMCC and City Council approvals, would support creating a single living space in the vacant second floor of the C.H. Morrill and Son building, which currently houses Fagan Studios on the first floor. Owner Shawn Fagan has said the project is intended to help activate the area and generate revenue to help offset the cost of owning and maintaining the historic building.

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While Norton was absent during the June 2 City Council meeting, her concerns were noted by Council President Randy Schubring, who also sits on the DMCC board and waited until the council meeting to officially vote on the grant.

"I abstained but do support the measure," he said of the grant that was approved by a 4-2 DMCC vote. "I abstained to give my (City Council) colleagues an opportunity to weigh in on the topic."

Ahead of the unanimous City Council vote, council member Patrick Keane cited validity in the discussion of issues raised by Norton and Thein, but he said the overriding value of the grant program is ensuring buildings in the historic district remain economically viable.

Adopted last year, the grant program set aside $5 million is state DMC funds to support grants for preservation, upgrades and reuse of buildings in the historic district. The grants of up to $500,000 per building can fund up to half the work, with building owners expected to secure the remaining funds through non-DMC sources, which can include a related city loan program offer up to $200,000 in zero-interest loans.

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So far, nearly $1.4 million of the $5 million considered for the five-year program has been awarded, which includes the vetoed project.

While initial predictions anticipated the bulk of the grants would fund adaptive reuses, grant applications for building safety and preservation efforts, as well as mechanical system upgrades, have outpaced expectations, accounting for nearly $1 million of the grants.

Norton said she supports funding the building upgrades to preserve current uses, but draws the line at funding reuse that generates new revenue.

Council member Andy Friederichs said the distinction between uses is faulty, since all the work proposed through the grants will benefit the property owners and result in private revenue.

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"It's going to keep your tenants in place," he said. "It's going to keep the vitality of the building in check."

Council member Nick Miller drew a comparison to the planned $8 million investment in state DMC funds to create shared lab space in Two Discovery Square, 415 Second Ave. SW, which would allow researchers and emerging companies to start private efforts with revenue-generating potential as public funds offset some expenses.

The council support echoed comments from DMCC board members, who pointed to a larger goal for the preservation grants.

"Part of what this is is about maintaining the character of the historic district," board member Paul Williams said. "It's also about the economic sustainability of any particular building, and from my perspective transforming empty space into an apartment helps maintain economic sustainability."

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Board Chairwoman Pamela Wheelock said the fact that the grants only cover half of any proposed project demonstrates all the requests have value for the owners.

"I assume somebody is going to invest 50% of private funding because there is an economic return on that, whether that occurs in rent or retail receipts or restaurant receipts is immaterial to me at this point," she said.

With Norton's veto, the Rochester City Council will be asked Monday whether it wants to override the action and reapprove the grant, which would require support from at least five members.

Regardless of the outcome, DMC staff have been tasked with reviewing criteria and expectations for the year-old grant program. The call for a review was part of the DMCC board approval of the latest grants.

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DMC Economic Development Agency Executive Director Patrick Seeb said the issue was also raised by EDA board members, who unanimously supported the grant but sought added review of the process.

The findings of the review are expected to be presented to the DMCC board in September.

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton has issued nine vetoes since taking office. Of the past eight, four were overridden by the Rochester City Council.

The past vetoes are:

Jan. 14, 2025  Approval of a $125,288 preservation grant to assist in creating a second-floor apartment at 330 S. Broadway Ave. The council voted 6-1 to override the veto.

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May 6, 2024  A call for a review of winter residential street parking requirements. The council didn't challenge the veto.

July 27, 2023  A decision to allow a new billboard near a church along U.S. Highway 52. The council failed to override the veto.

July 11, 2023  A planned special election to seek a sales tax extension with a single vote is vetoed. The council overturned the veto

May 18, 2023  A proposed open-gym pilot project is vetoed. The council overturned the veto.

Oct. 26, 2021  A plan to retain the former Legends building as part of a small-area plan is vetoed. The council overturned the veto.

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May 19, 2021  A revised pilot program creating a certificate of appropriateness related to renovations of potentially historic buildings is vetoed. The council didn't challenge the veto and reverted to adopting an earlier pilot program.

May 20, 2019  A Wood Lake Park sidewalk plan is vetoed. The council did not overturn the veto.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A special rain-or-shine rodeo experience is returning to Darke County this weekend.

The Darke County Summer Stampede descends on the Darke County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 14 beginning at 11 a.m.

The event will feature rodeo contestants from the U.S., Canada and Australia, each of whom will tackle several events.

The summer stampede will also host a food truck rally, which will serve as a celebration of local businesses in the area.

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Tickets are $15.

For more information, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
SOMERSET, Pa.  Somerset County and state transportation officials received federal clearance to proceed with a preferred U.S. Route 219 path to Maryland.

The Federal Highway Administration has issued its final Environmental Impact Statement, enabling continued design work to proceed on a proposed six-mile four-lane route between Meyersdale and the Mason-Dixon Line.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials previously selected the route  called E-Shift Modified on preliminary documents from a list of several finalists. And Somerset County leaders have backed the plan as the most direct  and most cost-effective  path.

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But plans for the path needed to complete a federal review before proceeding.

An executive summary uploaded this month to the U.S. Route 219 projects website cited the plans limited impact to farmland, populated areas and wetlands, compared to other options. With just two new bridges planned, the routes construction will likely be $100 million cheaper.

As planned, the route will travel south of Meyersdale and veer several miles east of Salisbury Borough in Elk Lick Township before connecting to a yet-to-be-built nearly two mile link in Maryland to the Interstate 68 corridor.

The two-mile path is incorporated into the project as part of a joint effort between the states of Maryland and Pennsylvania.

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The approval enables an extensive final design, right-of-way acquisitions and permitting to occur over the next several years, PennDOT officials said.

Those phases are fully funded.

But additional funding will need to be secured to complete the projects eventual construction, state and county officials have said. If all goes as planned, construction would start on the project in 2029  and be completed in 2031.

David Hurst is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @TDDavidHurst.
The Brief

Roy Harris, 80, was last seen in the 4300 block of West 18th Place.

He was wearing a black hat, dark-colored shirt and jeans, and white and red Nike shoes.

Chicago police ask anyone with information to contact Area Four detectives.

CHICAGO - An 80-year-old man was reported missing on Wednesday in North Lawndale, according to Chicago police.

What we know

Roy Harris was last seen on the 4300 block of West 18th Place, wearing a black hat, dark-colored shirt and jeans, and white and red Nike shoes. He was last contacted on Tuesday.

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Harris is described as 6-foot-2, weighing 180 pounds with brown eyes, balding and gray hair.

(Chicago Police Department)

He may be in need of medical attention if found, according to CPD.

What you can do

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 911 or contact Area Four Detectives at 312-746-8251.

The Source

The information in this article was provided by the Chicago Police Department.
Royal Caribbean Drops Fan-Favorite Port From Cruise Sailings originally appeared on Parade.

Certain areas seem like they're fated to be the optimal cruise destination, allowing travelers to experience exotic settings, rich culture, sweeping natural scenery and adventurous excursions beyond their wildest imaginations.

In this sense, Juneau, Alaska is the perfect destination for a memorable cruise vacation. Nestled along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, the city offers unrivaled views of the nearby mountains and neighboring wilderness, making it an ideal port for Royal Caribbean's seafaring ships to stop at for the day.

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Unfortunately, due to mounting tensions between the city of Juneau and the popular cruise company, Royal Caribbean has decided to remove the destination from several upcoming cruises, impacting thousands of travelers' vacation itineraries.

The main factor affecting Royal Caribbean's operations with Juneau has mostly owed to the city's escalating docking fees for the cruising giant, as reported by Travel and Tour World. Additionally, Juneau's local government has come into direct confrontation with Royal Caribbean over a new cruise terminal slated for construction on Douglas Island.

As these issues continued unfold, Royal Caribbean has decided to drop several planned stops at Juneau from Ovation of the Seas' schedule. Though the company did not directly reference the recent price hike in their ships' docking fees, Royal Caribbean pointed to issues with port availability as the main reason for the unexpected change.

To make up for Juneau's removal from the Ovation of the Seas' itinerary, Royal Caribbean has replaced the city with stops at Sitka, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point. All three stops offer incredible views of the native Alaskan wilderness, as well as various pulse-pounding activities like ziplining or local fishing opportunities.

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As of yet, it's currently unknown whether Royal Caribbean might announce further cancellations for Juneau, the cruise port serving as a beloved destination for many of the company's most popular Alaska-bound ships.

Royal Caribbean Drops Fan-Favorite Port From Cruise Sailings first appeared on Parade on Jun 12, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Richard Tice, Reform UKs deputy leader, accused the Bank of prioritising corporate profits over the interests of working people - Elliott Franks

Reforms plan to overhaul the Bank of England will leave markets more exposed to financial shocks, a senior official at the central bank has suggested.



Victoria Saporta, a director at the Bank, signalled that the partys scheme to stop the Bank paying interest on money held there by commercial banks could return Britain to a world of significant volatility in financial markets.

It comes amid increasing scrutiny of Reforms economic plans as the party surges in popularity.

Panmure Liberum recently warned of an immediate and violent sterling crisis if Nigel Farage came to power and followed through on his plans to slash taxes. Reform has refuted this claim, saying it would focus on cutting spending first to ensure any tax cuts were affordable.

The party has vowed to save taxpayers up to 35bn a year by scrapping interest payments on central bank reserves, which were created as part of the Banks 895bn quantitative easing (QE) programme to boost the economy during the financial crisis and Covid lockdowns.

Richard Tice, the partys deputy leader, sent a letter last week to Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, accusing Threadneedle Street of prioritising corporate profits over the interests of working people.

He claimed the Bank was engaging in a systemic misuse of taxpayers money by paying interest and selling its existing stockpile of government bonds at substantial losses.Threadneedle Street did not start paying interest on reserves until 2006.



While Ms Saporta did not reference Reforms plan directly in her comments, she warned that the pre-2006 system actively disincentivised banks from holding any more reserves than was strictly necessary because they were not remunerated.

She added: This complex, scarce-reserves framework came at the cost of significant overnight rate volatility.

1206 Markets were more volatile before BoE

Ms Saporta added that paying interest on money parked at the Bank underpinned its ability to influence the economy by controlling borrowing costs. Mr Bailey has previously said that stopping interest payments on reserves would undermine this power.

The Governor has repeatedly spoken out against changing the way commercial lenders are compensated for parking their cash at the Bank, warning that it could undermine financial and monetary stability if lenders no longer wished to hold extra buffers.

Ms Saporta said: By remunerating reserves at Bank Rate, we anchored short-term market rates to the Monetary Policy Committees chosen policy rate  a core feature of the framework that remains in place today.

Put simply, we implement monetary policy through the interest we pay on reserves, and this has delivered a significant improvement in our ability to steer market rates.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha's reaction.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the Russian people on June 12, Russia's National Day, and expressed a desire for "constructive engagement" to bring peace to Ukraine.

"On behalf of the American people, I want to congratulate the Russian people on Russia Day," Rubio said in a statement published on the State Department's website.

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"The United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people as they continue to build on their aspirations for a brighter future."

After taking office in January, the new U.S. administration took a sharp break from ex-President Joe Biden's policy on Ukraine and Russia.

U.S. President Donald Trump's team has sought to broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow while being reluctant to commit additional funds or military aid to the besieged country.

"It is our hope that peace will foster more mutually beneficial relations between our countries," Rubio said.

Washington has also signaled an intent to restore ties with Moscow, with both sides discussing venues for possible economic cooperation.

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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha later said that he found it "unpleasant" to read the congratulations from "some countries" on Russia Day.

"As the minister of a country at war, I found it particularly unpleasant this morning to read the public congratulations from some countries to the Russian aggressor," European Pravda quoted him as saying.

The minister also added that he "has the moral right to say this" and further noted that "there can be no reward for the aggressor country."

While the Biden administration imposed massive sanctions on Russia and sought to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin on the international stage, Trump has often boasted about his close ties with the Russian leader and refused to impose additional economic restrictions.

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Russia Day, also known as the Day of Adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, has been celebrated annually on June 12 since 1992.

The day commemorates the declaration of Russia's state sovereignty from the Soviet Union, marking the start of a constitutional reform that eventually led to the breakdown of the USSR.

Read also: Over 100,000 Russian families seek missing soldiers through Ukrainian project, Kyiv says

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(Reuters) -The United States supports Russians' aspirations for a brighter future, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on the occasion of Russia Day, reaffirming a desire for constructive engagement in efforts to bring about peace in the war with Ukraine.

The Russia Day holiday marks the country's 1990 declaration of sovereignty, more than a year before the collapse of the Soviet Union.

"The United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people as they continue to build on their aspirations for a brighter future," Rubio said in a statement on the State Department website.

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"We also take this opportunity to reaffirm the United States' desire for constructive engagement with the Russian Federation to bring about a durable peace between Russia and Ukraine," he added.

"It is our hope that peace will foster more mutually beneficial relations between our countries."

On Wednesday, Russian news agencies said Moscow's new ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, pledged to work to fully restore ties with Washington as he formally presented his credentials to President Donald Trump.

Ties between Moscow and Washington have improved since Trump took office, as the two discuss a possible resolution to the Ukraine conflict.

(Reporting by Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
On June 6, 2025, billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates made a discreet stop at the White House to press Secretary of State Marco Rubio to roll back steep reductions to foreign aid instituted by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The cutstotaling $89 billionhit hard at USAID programs focused on HIV, AIDS, malaria, and other critical health initiatives in Africa.

The visit, first reported by veteran political journalist Tara Palmeri in her Red Letter newsletter, came just hours after former President Trump departed for Bedminster. Palmeri noted that Gates was seen entering the Eisenhower Executive Office Building around 4 p.m., reportedly in a last-ditch effort to capitalize on the TrumpMusk political rift, which had spilled into public view days earlier.

With Musk on the outs, Gates clearly saw an opportunity to argue for the reversal of the DOGE cuts, Palmeri reported.

What did Rubio say?

Despite the high-level ask, Rubio held the line. According to Palmeris sources, Rubio told Gates plainly: The country is insolvent. We cant pay back our debts. A senior State Department official confirmed the meeting and emphasized that Rubio sees no justification for restoring the aid programs Musk dismantled.

The Secretarys position on making important and necessary cuts to foreign aid has not changed, the official told the New York Post. He does not believe U.S. taxpayers should be burdened with covering the costs for progressive projects abroad, including funding contraceptives, electric buses, and DEI.

Rubios view reflects the broader Trump-era stance that foreign aid should only fund true lifesaving programs that align with direct U.S. interests.

Why it matters now

USAIDwhich once managed over $40 billion and employed more than 10,000 peoplehas undergone dramatic restructuring. On March 28, the State Department officially shuttered the agency following a court ruling upholding the DOGE-led cuts. As of June 10, Rubio ordered the termination of all remaining overseas USAID staff, fully consolidating aid efforts under State Department control.

Humanitarian fallout

An analysis from The Times of London estimated that the DOGE cuts could contribute to as many as 300,000 global deaths, with over 200,000 children potentially affected by disruptions to malaria, HIV, and maternal health programs. The figure, based on modeling by Boston Universitys Brook Nichols, has been widely circulated by global health advocates and activists.

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But the number remains highly disputed.

In testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on May 21, Secretary of State Marco Rubio flatly rejected the claim:

No one has died because of USAID [cuts], he said, dismissing the figure as misleading and unsupported by evidence.

Rubio and others in the administration argue that much of the spending eliminated had little to do with urgent, lifesaving care and was instead tied to ideological or bureaucratic programs that failed to serve core U.S. interests.

Despite the warnings from aid groups, the administration contends that strategic reductions are both fiscally necessary and morally responsible in the context of record federal debt and public skepticism about global spending.

Whats next?

Legal pushback : Multiple lawsuits are challenging the legality of DOGEs actions, including one from a coalition of NGOs and USAID staff arguing the agencys dismantling violates Congressional authority.

Legislative efforts : Quiet efforts are underway in the Senate to reauthorize a scaled-down version of USAIDs health division, possibly under new branding.

Public pressure: Gates is expected to increase visibility around the issue, and has already hinted at launching a global campaign to restore bipartisan support for foreign aid.

Bill Gates private appeal to Secretary Rubio was a high-stakes intervention aimed at stopping what many global health leaders are calling a humanitarian disaster. But the Trump administration, bolstered by Musks cost-cutting playbook and Rubios ideological resolve, is signaling no intention to reverse course.
Protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles have triggered a flood of falsehoods and conspiracy theories online, and Russia has sought to exploit and amplify them, experts say.

Russian media and pro-Russian voices have embraced right-wing conspiracy theories about the protests, including one that alleged the Mexican government was encouraging the demonstrations against President Donald Trumps immigration policies. Mexico has strongly rejected the accusation  which was repeated by Trumps chief of homeland security  as utterly false.

The episode illustrates how foreign adversaries are taking advantage of genuine divisions among Americans, a tried-and-true strategy in information warfare, analysts say. Right-wing American voices online are pushing the idea that the protests in Los Angeles are not what they appear and that a secret, leftist cabal tied to Democratic politicians and the billionaire philanthropist George Soros is orchestrating unrest, experts said.

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We are following a playbook that weve followed many times before. Were seeing a lot of the same tropes, even a lot of the same exact conspiracy theories that weve seen circulate around previous protests, said Darren Linvill, a professor at Clemson University who studies social media disinformation. There were echoes of how falsehoods spread during the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, he said.

People are, as they tend to do on social media, believing the messages that theyre inclined to believe, Linvill said. And influencers are taking advantage of that, oftentimes with false or sort of purposefully misleading content.

Right-wing users have posted baseless assertions that the Democratic mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, has ties to the CIA and is orchestrating protests to oust Trump. Bass is a political warlord. Shes utilizing her expertise to encourage these riotsto try to topple Trump & you, wrote conservative podcast host Liz Wheeler on a post on X.

A broadcast van for Russia's state-controlled RT network in Moscow. (Mladen Antonov / AFP via Getty Images file)

Moustafa Ayad of the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, an international nonprofit that focuses on safeguarding democracy, said there were parallels to how social media users have reacted to previous protests or to hurricanes that struck the Southeast last year.

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I liken it to the aftermath of Milton and Helene last year, Ayad said. We have a crisis or a conflict point that is occurring, and there are numerous narratives that are being spread online that the government is somehow involved in the protests, paying protesters, or this is a deep-state plot against the United States by the CIA and other government actors, Ayad said.

From the political left, narratives online have focused on how the federal government and the military were allegedly preparing to use lethal force, while right-leaning voices warned of plots to oust Trump and cause chaos in American cities, according to Ayad.

Its a bit like being on a seesaw, just gyrating between those two things, he said. Sadly, theres this giant reinforcing loop that just builds further steam as the protests continue day to day.

Baseless claims of Mexico fomenting violence

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Tuesday repeated baseless assertions online that the Mexican government was encouraging violent protests. Mexicos president, Claudia Sheinbaum, quickly responded, rejecting the accusation as absolutely false but saying she was confident that the misunderstanding will be cleared up.

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The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Conservative and pro-Russian social media accounts cited an outdated video of the Mexican president as the basis for their claims she was fomenting protests in Los Angeles, according to NewsGuard, a fact-checking website. The video was taken from a press conference on May 24, nearly two weeks before the start of the L.A. protests.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum during her daily news conference at Palacio Nacional in Mexico City on Wednesday. (Alfredo Estrella / AFP - Getty Images)

The Mexican presidents remarks were taken out of context. Sheinbaum was referring to a proposed tax by the Trump administration on any income earned by Mexican immigrants that is sent on to their families in Mexico. She criticized the proposal and said at the time: If necessary, well mobilize against the tax.

Conservative commentator Benny Johnson then posted the May 24 clip of Sheinbaum after protests began last week in Los Angeles and wrote that she was calling for protests in the United States. The post has received 6.7 million views. At a news conference on Monday, Sheinbaum made clear her government opposes any violence associated with protests. We do not agree with violent actions as a form of protest.

An opportunity for Russia

Bret Schafer, a senior fellow at the German Marshall Fund think tanks Alliance for Securing Democracy, said Russias information operations online were embracing pro-Trump portrayals of the protests as a leftist violent assault.

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Russia is in effect cheering on Trumps response and suggesting that its warranted, Schafer said. They have certainly intimated that these protests are being staged or funded by the radical left.

Russian news outlet Komsomolskaya Pravda quoted a Russian blogger in L.A. saying the protesters were not migrants but militants who arrived on buses. Russian nationalist commentator Alexander Dugin wrote on X that the protests were an insurrection, a nationwide conspiracy of liberals against not only Trump but against American people in general.

Viktor Bout, the Russian arms dealer dubbed the Merchant of Death by U.S. and British authorities who was released in a prisoner exchange in 2022 after spending 11 years behind bars in the United States, also weighed in on the protests. Russian media outlet Pravda quoted Bout comparing the demonstrations to the 2014 Maidan protests in Ukraine against what was then a pro-Moscow government, with Bout claiming the L.A. protests were highly organized.

Pravda also quoted Sergei Markov, a former adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying the United States was in the middle of a civil war pitting coastal states against interior states.

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Sputnik reposted a viral image of a pallet of bricks, asking why it was near the protest sites. But fact-checkers at Lead Stories geolocated the photo to a construction site about 3,000 miles away, in New Jersey.

Beijing accuses Washington of hypocrisy

China, however, was taking a different tack. Instead of leaning into pro-Trump narratives and repeating right-wing conspiracy theories, Beijing portrayed America as a country in turmoil. Chinese media and pro-China voices argued the American governments response to protests in Los Angeles was heavy-handed and therefore hypocritical in light of Washingtons criticisms of other countries treatment of dissent, according to Schafer.

An affiliate of Chinas global television network reminded viewers that then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had praised protests in Hong Kong in 2019 as a beautiful sight but asked if the American government viewed the L.A. protests in the same way. A pro-Beijing commentator, Li Jingjing, denounced what she called U.S. interference in other countries affairs even as it denounced protesters on its soil. US hypocrisy at its best, she wrote in a post.

The pervasive online image of the supposed pallet of bricks frequently shows up when there are street protests, according to the Social Media Lab, a research team at Toronto Metropolitan University.

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Its catnip for right-wing agitators and grifters, the lab said in a social media post.

The fact that these types of fake images are used isnt a coincidence. Its part of a pernicious & persistent narrative that protests against government policies are somehow inauthentic, it added. The approach is meant to make these movements seem less legitimate or less worthy of public support.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Russian troops have intensified their offensive in the north-east of Sumy Oblast and are trying to capture the border villages of Yunakivka and Pysarivka.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda article: Are you advancing on Tyotkino? We keep making the same mistake: Whats happening in Sumy as Russian forces push forward (English translation coming soon)

Details: The article by Ukrainska Pravda states that the Russians are currently striving to pressure the front line in Sumy Oblast as much as possible in order to draw more of Ukraines reserve defence forces there.

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Russias main attacks are now directed towards two settlements: Pysarivka and Yunakivka. The capture of Pysarivka will allow the Russian military to cut access to the main road leading from Sumy to the border, and if Yunakivka is occupied, the Russians will gain control of a key village on the border.

Ukrainian border guards report that on 7-8 June, Russian troops were seen entering the centre of the village on motorcycles. On 10 June, despite a delay in updating its interactive map of hostilities, the Ukrainian group of military analysts DeepState marked about a third of Yunakivka as a "grey zone". Pysarivka is located approximately 5 km away.

     2025 .     - ,     

The centre of the village of Yunakivka in March 2025. The photo shows the ancient Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God, whose restoration was halted due to the war.

Photo: Olha Kyrylenko, UP

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Ukrainska Pravda reports that Russian forces in the currently occupied part of Sumy Oblast mostly operate in small assault groups without heavy equipment, with mortars being the heaviest weapon observed. Russian soldiers spend much of their time in local residents homes, using civilian houses as shelters. Sources told Ukrainska Pravda that no drone launch sites have been identified in the area so far.

Meanwhile, like the Ukrainian forces, the Russians have begun to use heavy night bombers and robotic ground systems to deliver ammunition and food and transport mortars.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Moscow possesses the world's most advanced nuclear systems but must significantly strengthen its ground forces, Russian state media reported on June 11.

As Russia continues its war against Ukraine, Moscow has increased investment in its military. Russian defense spending has reached its highest level since the Cold War at 6.3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Putin claimed that Russia's nuclear triad has the highest share of new equipment among nuclear powers.

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"Currently, the share of modern weapons and equipment in the strategic nuclear forces is already 95%. This is a good indicator, in fact, it is the highest of all nuclear powers in the world," Russian state media reported Putin saying.

Putin then called for Russia's ground forces to be improved as quickly as possible.

"The dominant force in conducting modern military operations of any scale and intensity remains the ground forces. And it is important to increase their combat capabilities in the shortest possible time," he said.

Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russia first began its armed aggression against Ukraine in 2014, when its proxies occupied territory in eastern Ukraine and Russia annexed Crimea.

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Russia regularly strikes civilian infrastructure in its ongoing war against Ukraine. On June 11, a Russian drone attack on Kharkiv killed at least three people and injured 64 others.

Read also: Putins suspected daughter found working in anti-war galleries in Paris

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Kerch Airport in occupied Crimea is being repurposed from civilian to military use, according to a June 12 investigation by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Schemes project, citing satellite imagery and Russian real estate registry data.

On March 4, 2025, the Russian-backed authorities officially transferred part of the airport's land to Russia's Defense Ministry for indefinite use, according to the investigation.

Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 after a discredited referendum under military occupation. Since then, the peninsula has become a heavily militarized zone.

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Satellite images from the Planet Labs imaging company show ongoing construction at the site, including the installation of protective and camouflage structures around the runway.

The changes suggest the airport is being converted into a military facility capable of supporting drone operations or housing short-range air defense systems such as the Pantsir-S1 or Tor-M2, according to aviation expert Anatoly Khrapchinsky.

The new runway will be suitable for drone launches, Khrapchinsky noted.

Kerch Airport has not hosted regular commercial flights since 2007 and was previously used as a truck holding area for freight vehicles crossing the nearby ferry. That function was relocated in March 2025, officially as part of a "reorganization."

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The city of Kerch, situated near the strategic Kerch Strait, lies just across from Russia's Krasnodar Krai and is home to the crucial Crimean Bridge, built after Russia's illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014.

Read also: Germany to supply new Iris-T air defense systems to Ukraine, rules out Taurus missiles

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At least three civilians were killed and 37 injured across Ukraine in Russian attacks over the past day, regional authorities reported on June 12.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian forces launched 63 drones, including Shaheds and other unmanned aerial systems, from multiple directions, including Kursk, Orel, Millerovo, and occupied Crimea.

The Ukrainian air defense reportedly shot down 28 drones, while 21 were intercepted by electronic warfare or disappeared from radars.

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In Kharkiv Oblast, 16 people, including four children, were injured in attacks on the city of Kharkiv and surrounding communities, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. The region was hit by various types of drones, missiles, and glide bombs, damaging residential buildings, schools, and other civilian infrastructure sites.

In Donetsk Oblast, two civilians were killed and six others injured in Russian strikes on Raiske and Toretsk, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin.

In Sumy Oblast, one person was injured when a Russian first-person-view (FPV) drone struck his car in the Sumy district, the regional administration said. More than 100 attacks were recorded across 37 settlements, damaging houses and prompting the evacuation of 80 residents from border communities.

In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, two people were injured in Malokaterynivka during a wave of nearly 500 attacks on 16 towns and villages, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. Russian forces reportedly used drones, air strikes, artillery, and multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) to target civilian areas.

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In Kherson Oblast, 12 people, including one child, were injured, and one person in the village of Sadove was killed in an artillery strike, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Russian forces attacked dozens of towns and villages, damaging residential buildings, infrastructure, and a national park.

Read also: Zelensky urges US to act on Ukraines request to buy air defenses after deadly Kharkiv bombing

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Russia has redeployed dozens of long-range bombers to more remote bases within the country, Russian independent media outlet Agentstvo reported on June 11, citing OSINT analyst AviVector.

The relocation comes in the wake of Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb, the unprecedented mass drone strike on June 1 that targeted four Russian air bases deep inside the country.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said 117 drones were launched from hidden positions across Russia, damaging 41 aircraft, including Tu-95, Tu-22M3, and Tu-160 bombers.

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According to Agentstvo, all Tu-160 bombers have been evacuated from Belaya airfield in Irkutsk Oblast and Olenya airfield in Murmansk Oblast. Some were relocated to Anadyr in Chukotka, Yelizovo in Kamchatka, and Borisoglebskoye in Tatarstan.

Tu-22M3 and Tu-95MS bombers were also redeployed. Eleven Tu-22M3s and all Tu-95MS aircraft near Murmansk reportedly relocated to the Ukrainka airfield in Amur Oblast, Engels-2 in Saratov Oblast, Borisoglebskoye in Tatarstan, and Mozdok in North Ossetia.

Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb. (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent))

The reported relocation of bombers is the latest sign that Ukraine's drone warfare is forcing the Kremlin to rethink its strategic posture, even far from the front lines.

Western analysts and military officials praised Ukraine's ingenuity in the Spiderweb operation. NATO Admiral Pierre Vandier called the mission a modern reinvention of the "Trojan Horse," demonstrating Ukraine's growing technical sophistication and deep-strike capability.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that roughly half of the targeted aircraft are damaged beyond repair. Russia has acknowledged losses but insisted all damaged aircraft will be restored.

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The Kerch airport, located in the east of occupied Crimea, is being converted from a civilian to a military facility, according to data from the Russian property registry and satellite images from Planet Labs.

Source: Skhemy, a Radio Liberty project

Details: Registry documents indicate that on 4 March 2025, the Russian authorities granted indefinite use of part of the airport's land to Russias Ministry of Defence.

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Satellite images taken in February and June 2025 show new construction, including protective and camouflage structures around the runway. Planet Labs satellite photos indicate that the redevelopment of the Kerch airport is ongoing.

The Kerch airport as of 5 June 2025.

Photo: Skhemy

Experts suggest these facilities could be used to house equipment related to unmanned aerial vehicles or air defence systems.

Aviation expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi, to whom the images were shown by journalists, pointed to the size of the camouflage shelters, noting they could potentially serve as technical bases for UAVs or house air defence systems such as the Pantsir-S1 or Tor-M2.

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"These could be platforms for launching or assembling drones, as well as positions for air defence systems," Khrapchynskyi said.

He also noted that the runway's characteristics make it suitable for drone launches.

The Kerch airport as of 5 June 2025.

Photo: Skhemy

Previously, the airport area had been used as a parking zone for freight vehicles awaiting ferry transport. However, in March 2025, this facility was relocated, officially explained as a "reorganisation of the companys operations".

The last regular passenger flight from the Kerch airport took place in 2007.

Background: On the night of 8-9 June, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, in coordination with other defence forces units, carried out a strike on the Savasleyka airfield in Russias Nizhny Novgorod Oblast.

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(Reuters) -Slack, a Salesforce-owned workplace messaging app, recently blocked other software firms from searching or storing Slack messages, The Information reported on Tuesday, citing a public disclosure.

A spokesperson for Salesforce said the company had recently made changes to its terms and services and directed Reuters to a May 29 statement on its website.

"As AI raises critical considerations around how customer data is handled, were committed to delivering AI and data services in a way thats thoughtful and transparent," the spokesperson said.

Salesforce in its May statement said it was "reinforcing safeguards around how data accessed via Slack APIs can be stored, used, and shared."

An API, or application programming interface, enables standardized communication, exchange of data and functionality between different software components or applications.

Since the Salesforce change, Glean and other applications can no longer index, copy or store the data they access via the Slack API on a long-term basis, The Information said.

Glean said the changes will prevent customers from adding Slack data to their Glean search index or knowledge graph, thereby "hampering your ability to use your data with your chosen enterprise AI platform," according to the report, which cited an email intended for Glean customers.

AI firms have come under increased scrutiny over their handling of personal and customer data for training AI models.

Glean did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for a comment.

(Reporting by Angela Christy in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Gursimran Kaur; Editing by Sonia Cheema)
Russian forces used a 122 mm BM-21 Grad multiple-launch rocket system, with a range of up to 40 km, to strike the city of Sumy on 3 June.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda article: Are you advancing on Tyotkino? We keep making the same mistake: Whats happening in Sumy as Russian forces push forward (English translation coming soon)

Details: On the morning of 3 June, Russian forces attacked cars at traffic lights in central Sumy, killing three people. Three others  a 17-year-old, an 86-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man  died in hospital. The mans 7-year-old daughter, Masha, was transferred to Okhmatdyt Childrens Hospital in Kyiv with shrapnel in her lungs.

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Local media, Sumy Oblast Military Administration and later President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially reported that the Russians likely fired on the city with long-range rocket artillery. On social media, Sumy residents and journalists speculated it could have been a Russian Tornado MLRS, with a range of 120 km, suggesting no new threat to the city had emerged and urging calm.

However, Ukrainska Pravda reports this is likely incorrect. Our sources in a law enforcement agency, later confirmed by the Office of the Prosecutor General, indicate the attack involved a BM-21 Grad, with a range of 20-40 kilometres.

Russian forces used 122 mm extended-range 9M521 rockets in the city centre. These highly-explosive fragmentation rockets are designed for use against infantry, unarmoured, or lightly armoured vehicles. Fired from Grad or the upgraded Tornado-G systems, a single salvo can launch up to 40 rockets, each containing around 1,000 fragments. The maximum range is 40 km.

BM-21 Grad MLRS

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Stock photo: Russian webpages

Sources in law enforcement told Ukrainska Pravda that the Grad strike had been launched from Russian territory, confirming no heavy equipment, artillery, or MLRS is present in Russian-occupied villages in Sumy Oblast. Measuring 30-40 kilometres from the strike point in Sumy, the Grad system was likely positioned in Russian villages such as Sinyak, Kulbaki, or Novoivanovka to the north, or Guevo or Gornali to the east.

Where could the Russian BM-21 Grad that attacked Sumy on 3 June 2025 have been located?

Source: Ukrainska Pravda; DeepStateMap, an interactive map of hostilities in Ukraine

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Quote: "What are we saying here? The Russians managed to position a Grad system near the border and open fire, while Ukrainian units failed to detect or neutralise it. This represents a new level of risk for Sumy."

More details: Nevertheless, the rocket artillery strikes on Sumy have not yet become widespread, suggesting the 3 June attack may have been an attempt to intimidate civilians and pressure Ukraine into negotiation compromises. The implication appears to be: "Were hitting Sumy with MLRS; you risk losing more if you dont meet our terms."

However, even Russias most severe attacks on Sumy, Kyiv, or other cities have not shifted Ukraines resolve. They only strengthen Ukrainians determination to defend their cities.

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Russia is attempting to delay peace negotiations to avoid tougher U.S. sanctions, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with German tabloid Bild on June 12.

His comments come as Russia continues to reject a full ceasefire despite having initiated two rounds of peace talks in Istanbul  first on May 16 and on June 2.

Both rounds resulted in agreements on prisoner exchanges, but failed to deliver progress toward ending hostilities. During the negotiations, Moscow ramped up ground offensives and launched massive attacks on Ukrainian cities.

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"It's important for them to show (U.S. President Donald) Trump that there is a diplomatic bridge between Ukraine and Russia," Zelensky told Bild.

"So that sanctions aren't imposed against Russia" while talks are ongoing, Zelensky said, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy is to maintain the illusion of dialogue and then argue: "We're talking to each other! If sanctions are imposed, there will be no more talks."

Zelensky warned that Moscow's goal is not peace but buying time. "Putin feels that his economy is now suffering," he said. "But he wants to gain even more time until the strong sanctions are introduced, because he can still hold out for some time."

According to the Ukrainian leader, "President Trump sees that the Russian side isn't being entirely open and honest about the war."

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"I think Russia is simply lying to Trump," he added.

Trump has previously warned he would impose new sanctions on Moscow, but has yet to take the step. On June 5, Trump said he was withholding the move in hopes of a potential peace deal but warned he could act if Russia continues to stall.

"When I see the moment where it's not going to stop... we'll be very tough," Trump told reporters.

Critics, as well as Zelensky, argue that the slow implementation of sanctions gave Russia time to adapt its economy and defense sector. "The main mistake of the sanctions was that they were introduced too slowly," Zelensky said.

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Trump has repeatedly said he is monitoring the situation and hinted sanctions could come soon if progress is not made. Meanwhile, a bipartisan bill in the U.S. Senate that would impose harsh tariffs on countries buying Russian oil remains on hold as lawmakers await Trump's signal.

Read also: Deadline is in my brain  Trump dismisses timeline to impose Russian sanctions

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Emergency workers in Kharkiv have discovered the body of a sixth person killed in the Russian strike on the city on 7 June under the rubble. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Telegram; Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov during the national joint 24/7 newscast

Quote from the State Emergency Service: "Kharkiv: emergency workers found the body of a fourth person while clearing rubble at a civilian facility in Kharkivs Kyivskyi district. Efforts are currently underway to recover the body."

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Update: Syniehubov reported that the death toll from the strike had risen to five.

"Emergency workers have just recovered the body of a fifth person from under the rubble of a civilian facility in the Kyivskyi district of Kharkiv," Syniehubov stated. "In the morning, the body of the fourth person killed in the Russian attack on this facility was also retrieved."

Later, Terekhov reported that emergency workers had discovered the body of a sixth person under the rubble.

"Currently, five people have been confirmed killed and their bodies have been recovered," Terekhov said. "Another body has not yet been retrieved, but we know its location. Sadly, there are five confirmed fatalities and a sixth body still under the rubble."

Aftermath of the Russian attack on Kharkiv

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Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Details: Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

Aftermath of the Russian attack on Kharkiv

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

"There is a possibility that people are still trapped under the rubble," the State Emergency Service reported.

Background:

At around 17:35 on 7 June, Russia used four guided aerial bombs to attack the Shevchenkivskyi and Kyivskyi districts of Kharkiv.

A 30-year-old woman who worked for Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) was killed. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that more than 40 people had been injured.

Late on 7 June, Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, reported that a 62-year-old man had died in hospital from injuries caused by the strike, and two more people were in an extremely serious condition. It later became known that a children's railway instructor, Volodymyr Kovtun, had died from his injuries.

On 11 June, the body of a third person was found under the rubble of a facility.

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Russian troops were able to advance to the northern part of Sumy Oblast as early as late February  early March. One of the reasons for this was that Ukrainian combat-ready units were withdrawn from this front and replaced by inexperienced formations with minimal supplies.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda article: Are you advancing on Tyotkino? We keep making the same mistake: Whats happening in Sumy as Russian forces push forward (English translation coming soon)

Details: It has been reported that Russias first attempts to advance towards the villages of Novenke, Zhuravka and Basivka took place in the late winter. Ukrainska Pravda noted that on 13 March, during the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Russias Kursk Oblast, the military took notice of Russian troops on quad bikes in Basivka, the second village from the border.

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"Everyone thinks that the Russians did this in a week, but it has been going on since mid-February," a soldier from the 17th Brigade told UP. "DeepState [a Ukrainian group of military analysts] simply did not update this section for a long time. And the trend did not change dramatically; they were constantly advancing. They were already in the vicinity of Loknia in early May, if not earlier, even though Loknia consists of only two streets stretching 1.5 km [on the DeepState map, it is marked as captured by the Russians on 7 June  Ukrainska Pravda]."

The Ukrainian military states that civil society has only recently become aware of the threat this poses, despite the Russian advance taking place over the last three months. During this time, Russia has captured a dozen small villages in the northeast of the oblast. DeepState says that the occupied territory covers almost 200 sq km  this is about a fifth of the territory of Russias Kursk Oblast, which Ukraine managed to capture during last summer's offensive.

The Ukrainska Pravda article noted that the reason for the rapid Russian advance was the withdrawal of the most combat-ready brigades from the oblast  some were transferred to the offensive on the Russian settlement of Tyotkino, others to Ukraines Donetsk Oblast, where the Russians are likely to launch their main attack this summer.

Instead, Ukraines Kursk military group was given weak, newly formed units. As UP is aware, one of these brigades entered Sumy Oblast without any knowledge of how to conduct combat operations and with a meagre number of drones.

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"We need reserves, we need strong first-person view drone crews," an experienced Airborne Forces brigade told UP.

In addition to the lack of personnel and equipment, the line of defence in the oblast was poorly fortified. There was no continuous line of defence along the border near Khotin, Pysarivka and Yunakivka. Only isolated trenches and dugouts.

"When we were sitting at the Russian positions, we were very surprised that they had 6-8 km trenches that stretched underground and all led to the border, to a checkpoint. They fortified their border very well. And now we are in Sumy Oblast, and there is nothing here at all... You have to do something in a hurry. The other day, my guys were defending dugouts that were dug somewhere around 2014. It rained, and they were flooded up to their waists.

When the Kursk formation was standing, it was possible to use your imagination and create an underground world in Sumy Oblast. But no one did anything. If we had stretched nets over the roads earlier, the situation in Kursk could have developed differently," says a chief sergeant of one of the UAV units, who previously fought in Kursk and now operates in Sumy Oblast, indignantly in a conversation with UP.

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"There was definitely nothing concrete there. While it was possible to build full-scale fortifications with equipment, no one did so," confirms our source in the 17th brigade.

For more details about what happened in Sumy Oblast after Ukraines defence forces left Kursk Oblast, the current situation in the area near the border captured by the Russians and how the approaching line of combat is affecting Sumy itself, read the UP article (English translation coming soon).

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By Nate Raymond

BOSTON (Reuters) -A Russian-born scientist at Harvard University who was detained by U.S. immigration authorities in February after returning from a trip to France was granted bail on Thursday and released from custody while she awaits trial on a criminal charge of smuggling frog embryos into the United States.

A federal magistrate judge in Boston released Kseniia Petrova, 30, two weeks after a different judge in Vermont granted her bail in her ongoing immigration case after concluding it appeared she was unlawfully detained.

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The May 28 decision by U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss concerned only Petrova's immigration case, though, and left unresolved the question of whether she would be granted bail in a subsequent criminal case prosecutors filed two weeks earlier.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith Dein did just that during a hearing in Boston, after prosecutors dropped an earlier request to detain her, on the condition that she remain in New England while the criminal case is pending.

"I just want to thank everybody for supporting me," Petrova in a video told reporters gathered outside the courthouse.

Petrova's detention came as Republican President Donald Trump's administration ramps up deportations as part of its wide-ranging efforts to fulfill the president's hardline immigration agenda.

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Her supporters said she was taken into custody as part of the Trump administration's practice of targeting international students and academics for visa revocations and detention, leading to a series of court challenges.

Petrova, who works at Harvard Medical School, was detained at Logan International Airport in Boston on February 16 on her return from a trip to France.

Prosecutors said U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents stopped Petrova after her checked duffle bag was flagged for inspection, revealing the frog embryos.

Petrova has said her boss asked her to bring back frog embryo samples for experiments. But prosecutors said the embryos constituted biological material that should have been declared to customs officials and required a permit.

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Petrova's visa was then canceled and immigration officials took her into custody with the intent of deporting her back to Russia, a prospect Petrova has said she feared after protesting Russia's war in Ukraine.

She was held for months in an immigration detention facility in Louisiana and was only charged and moved into criminal custody shortly after Reiss heard arguments in a lawsuit Petrova filed challenging her detention.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
Widespread Russian attacks on settlements killed at least two civilians and injured six others in Donetsk Oblast on 11 June.

Source: National Police of Ukraine on Telegram

Details: Russian forces dropped a guided aerial bomb on Toretske in the Pokrovsk district, killing one civilian. A Russian drone attack claimed another civilian life in the village of Raiske.

Aftermath of the Russian attack

Photo: National Police of Ukraine

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Two civilians were injured in Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk. Another civilian was wounded in Kramatorsk, which was struck by two Russian drones. In Kostiantynivka, drones and artillery fire injured one person.

Rodynske suffered a combined artillery and drone attack, which damaged a State Emergency Service building.

Aftermath of the Russian attack

Photo: National Police of Ukraine

In total, Russian forces damaged 32 civilian targets, including 13 residential buildings.

The police, in collaboration with the Security Service of Ukraine, initiated criminal proceedings under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of the laws and customs of war).

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Background: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, previously reported that one person had been killed as a result of a Russian drone strike on the village of Raiske in Donetsk Oblast.

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The Russians have attacked civilian vehicles in Donetsk Oblast using FPV drones, killing two people and injuring four others.

Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office

Details: At 10:40 on 12 June, Russian troops launched an FPV drone attack on the village of Illinivka in the Kramatorsk district. A 79-year-old woman sustained fatal injuries near a public transport stop. A 52-year-old bus driver and a female passenger were also injured and received medical assistance.

The bus attacked by the Russians.

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Photo: Prosecutors Office

Two hours later, the Russians struck a civilian car in the village of Mykolaipillia, part of the Druzhkivka hromada. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.] A man, 35, was killed in the attack. Two other civilians sustained blast injuries, shrapnel wounds and abrasions and were taken to hospital.

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The Russians have attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, damaging an office building and a power line and causing a fire on the roof of a nine-storey building.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "The enemy has continued to attack the Nikopol district. It targeted the district centre [the city of Nikopol] and the Marhanets, Pokrovske and Myrove hromadas. It used UAVs to attack settlements and fired from artillery. A fire broke out on the roof of a nine-storey residential building. Firefighters extinguished it. An office building and a power line were also damaged." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Damaged roof

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Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram

Details: In addition, the Russians attacked the Mezhova hromada in the Synelnykove district with an FPV drone. The attack caused a fire, which has been extinguished.

"There were no casualties anywhere. Air defence forces downed an enemy drone over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast overnight," Lysak summed up.

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(Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that drones had played a major role in the conflict in Ukraine and called for the rapid development and deployment of separate drone forces within the military.

"We are currently creating unmanned systems troops as a separate branch of the military and we need to ensure their rapid and high-quality deployment and development," Russian news agencies quoted him as saying at a meeting on arms development.

Drones have played a leading role for both sides in the more than three-year-old conflict pitting Moscow against Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has since the outbreak of the war in February 2022 stressed the importance of developing a domestic drone development and production industry.

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Putin told the second day of the gathering that Russia was well aware how Ukraine was dealing with the issue.

"But on the whole, I do not believe we are lagging behind on anything," he was quoted as saying. "More to the point, it seems to me we are bringing together good experience with a view to creating just such forces."

Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov proposed the creation of a drone force late last year, setting a target date of the third quarter of 2025.

Putin also stressed developing air defences, which he said had destroyed more than 80,000 targets during the conflict that Russia still calls a special military operation.

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"In this respect, a new state armaments programme must ensure the construction of a versatile air defence system capable of operating in any circumstances and efficiently striking air attack weapons, regardless of their type," he said.

On the opening day of the meeting, Putin called for due attention to be paid to the nuclear triad of land-based, sea-based and aircraft-launched weapons.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Nia Williams)
Since 2021, Russian Wagner mercenaries have detained, tortured, and forcibly disappeared hundreds of civilians in secret prisons across Mali, according to a joint investigation published on June 12 by Forbidden Stories, France 24, Le Monde, and IStories.

The investigation found that mercenaries with Russia's Wagner Group, working alongside Malian government forces, had systematically abducted and detained civilians, holding them in prisons at former United Nations bases and military bases across Mali.

Drawing on eyewitness accounts and satellite imagery, the investigation identified six detention centers where Wagner held civilians between 2022 and 2024. The total number of Wagner detention centers in Mali is likely to be much higher.

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Prisoners were subjected to systematic torture  including beatings, waterboarding, electric shocks, starvation, and confinement in sweltering metal containers.

The investigation was carried out as part of the Viktoriia project, in memory of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who was captured by Russian forces in 2023 while investigating the illegal detention of civilians in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. She was killed in Russian captivity in 2024.

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 have been accused of perpetrating war crimes. In December 2024, Human Rights Watch accused Wagner mercenaries and Malian government forces of deliberately killing 32 civilians.

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The Wagner Group recently announced its withdrawal from Mali, where it fought alongside Malian government forces to fend off Islamist insurgents. Wagner has been active across the African continent for years and has been previously accused of committing human rights abuses.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukraine strikes targets in Russia, including gunpowder plant

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - Sranan Gold Corp. (CSE: SRAN) (FSE: P84) (Tradegate: P84) ("Sranan" or the "Company") announces that it has closed its non-brokered private placement financing previously announced on May 30, 2025, and updated on June 4, 2025. The Company issued 21,242,500 common shares for total gross proceeds of C$8,497,000.

Oscar Louzada, CEO of Sranan Gold, commented: "We are pleased to close our oversubscribed private placement which was upsized from C$3 million to C$8 million. We thank our investors for their continued support and confidence in the district-scale potential of the Tapanahony Gold Project in Suriname, and look forward to providing an update soon on the prospective drill targets identified for upcoming exploration."

In connection with the sale of the Shares, the Company paid a total of C$174,790 in cash, and issued 442,600 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants"), to eligible finders for certain of the Shares sold. Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of C$0.40 per common share for a period of 2 years from the date of issuance.

All securities issued are subject to a hold period until October 13, 2025, in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE"). The net proceeds will be utilized for general working capital and the Company's expanded drilling program of up to 10,000 meters at the Tapanahony Project.

The Offering remains subject to no objections from the CSE. Please refer to the Company's news releases dated May 30, 2025 and June 4, 2025, for additional information on the Offering.

About Sranan Gold

Sranan Gold Corp. is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in Suriname. The highly prospective Tapanahony Project is located in the heart of Suriname's modern-day gold rush. Tapanahony covers 29,000 hectares in one of the oldest and largest small-scale mining areas in Suriname. There is significant production from saprolite by local miners along a 4.5-kilometre trend, where several areas of mining have been opened.

Sranan Gold is also exploring its Aida Property consisting of five mineral claims covering an area of 2,335.42 hectares on the Shuswap Highland within the Kamloops Mining Division.

For more information, visit sranangold.com.

Information contact

Oscar Louzada, CEO

+31 6 25438975

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENT OF THIS PRESS RELEASE.
A German company with a large train manufacturing plant in Sacramento agreed to an independent review of its workplace practices after a worker reported race-based harassment, the California Civil Rights Department announced Wednesday.

As part of the settlement, Siemens Mobility agreed to compensate the employee  who filed a complaint with the agency in 2023  without admitting to any liability.

That worker alleged that multiple co-workers over a period of several months would daily use derogatory terms either associated with Black people or Latinos, according to a Civil Rights Department news release, which does not specify the amount of monetary compensation. The complainant identified as African American, the departments public affairs staff clarified in an email to The Sacramento Bee.

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The employee, who worked at Siemens Florin plant, claimed to have faced retaliation  including suspension and being escorted out of the French Road facility by security staff  for raising the concern about harassment, the news release said.

A Siemens spokesperson, Kara Evanko, said that the claims of retaliation were false, adding that the company is firmly committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination, intimidation, and harassment and denied the allegations in the complaint.

The eight-page settlement agreement specifies that Siemens Mobility has hired an outside consultant, approved by state regulators, to assess the efficacy of its equal employment opportunity practices at the plant, which builds rolling stock. The consultant will look into any racial tensions, incidents of harassment and how the company handles complaints.

The company will have to share with Civil Rights Department officials a written report by the consultant and then implement policies recommended by the consultant and the agency, or else return to mediation.

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There is no place for derogatory slurs in the workplace, Civil Rights Director Kevin Kish said in a statement. Through this voluntary settlement, Siemens Mobility is doing the right thing to help protect workers in our state.

The Siemens Mobility facility in Florin is the companys headquarters for North American railway manufacturing. It employs over 2,500 people, according to the companys website.

A unionization effort at the plant failed in March.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Its Pride month, and the T in LGBTQ represents transgender people. This year, that community feels especially vulnerable.

President Trump has issued several executive orders focusing on trans people. KRON4 reports on the increase in people coming to California and San Francisco for their gender affirming care.

While Pride in 2025 kicks off, trans people have become the focus of several executive orders. President Trump has signed off on banning them from girls sports, the U.S. Military and ended all federal funding of transgender-related healthcare for minors.

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Kiki Lopez moved to San Francisco from the Philippines three years ago  ready to live as her authentic self as a trans woman. Its something she didnt feel safe doing in her home country.

This is my sacred space, Lopez said. A difference with tolerance and making sure trans people are protected legally. There are no laws or rules or even healthcare regulations protecting the dolls, the trans women or the trans men who are undergoing gender affirming care and surgery.

She says in the Philippines, the only way she would be able to get hormones to start her transition was on the black market. In San Francisco, the 34-year-old was able to get help through the San Francisco Aids Foundation with her gender-affirming care.

When I stepped my foot here, especially at the airport, you know what its as if Im home. Thats what I really felt, Lopez said.

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Shes not alone.

Pride flag creator and activists honored with new sculpture

There are around 800 trans people who utilize the services at the Magnet Clinic, overseen by the San Francisco Aids Foundation. Nurse Practitioner Michael Tran says many of his clients traveled to California to get help with their transition.

Seen an uptick in transgender clients coming in from out of state, as well as other parts of California that are looking for our services, Tran said. Like you said, one of the main reasons why is because in many areas, they are limiting, if not outright banning gender-affirming care in those areas.

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There are 26 states that have passed bans on gender affirming care for trans children, including medication and surgery. According to the Human Rights Foundation, nearly 120,000 teens identify as trans in those states.

The Supreme Court has not yet ruled on the constitutionality of laws restricting gender affirming care, but Tran says there are already implications for both children and adults.

Ive had patients say my parents disowned me, I dont know where to go now. I dont even know whether I want to continue with my hormones, Tran said.

Support at the city and state level feels good for trans people like Lopez, but KRON4 asked her why that support is waning on a national scale when trans people make up such a small population of the country.

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Less than 1 percent of adults.

Make a big fuss or issue out of something that they dont really understand. Its mostly about misinformation, Tran said.

She says in the Bay Area, the support is evident.

From everyday encounters with strangers on the sidewalk to medical appointments with healthcare providers. That doesnt mean she hasnt encountered transphobia, but its something that doesnt get the best of her.

Its scary, but thats what they want you to feel, Lopez said. To be scared and not do anything about it, but to me, when they incite fear that also insights bravery for me.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Reuters) -Every yacht in this summer's Ocean Race Europe will double as a floating laboratory, gathering vital ocean data as crews battle their way between seven iconic European ports, organisers say.

The fleet will gather measurements on water temperature, salinity, oxygen, CO2 levels, microplastics and environmental DNA during the offshore competition from August 10 to September 20.

Some teams will deploy drifter buoys designed to transmit meteorological information for years afterward.

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"We know conditions in our ocean are changing rapidly but scientists need more data to better understand what is happening, the pace of change and how this impacts ocean health," said Lucy Hunt, Ocean Impact Director of The Ocean Race and a marine biologist.

"Due to the vastness of the ocean, reliable data is very sparse, and there are many areas that are undersampled."

The race begins in Kiel, Germany and visits Portsmouth, Porto, Cartagena, Nice, Genova, and Montenegro's Boka Bay.

Organisers report that the 2023 around-the-world race generated more than 4 million data points for researchers.

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"By putting different configurations of The Ocean Race Science Instruments on different race boats we can broaden the scope of the data we collect," said Stefan Raimund, Scientific Advisor to The Ocean Race.

The Ocean Race Europe is a multi-stage offshore sailing competition organised by the same group behind the round-the-world Ocean Race. It features top-tier IMOCA 60 and VO65 yachts crewed by mixed-gender teams.

The IMOCA 60 and VO65 are elite ocean racing yachts at the heart of major offshore events.

The 60-foot IMOCA is a foiling, carbon-fibre monohull designed for solo or short-handed races, while the 65-foot VO65 is a one-design yacht used in fully crewed races like The Ocean Race.

(Reporting by Ossian Shine; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Gov. Dan McKee signed a bill Wednesday afternoon to rename the Sakonnet River Bridge after a fallen solider from Tiverton.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Potts of Tiverton

I believe its our responsibility as state leaders to make this type of recognition, McKee said during a bill-signing ceremony. And to honor those who have served, currently serving, and those who have never come back to the service that they gave this country.

The bridge is now named after Staff Sgt. Christopher Potts, who was killed in combat on his 38th birthday while serving in Iraq in 2004.

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RELATED: Bill would rename Sakonnet River Bridge after fallen Tiverton soldier

Moving forward, the bridges new name is Staff Sergeant Christopher Potts Sakonnet River Bridge.

This bridge connects more than just two shores, R.I. National Guard Brigadier General Andrew Chevalier said. It connects the past to the present, and the present to the future, and every person who crosses it will be reminded of Chris bravery, his service and his sacrifice.

The bill was introduced by state Rep. Samuel Azzinaro, D-Westerly, and state Sen. Walter Felag Jr., D-Warren.

Terri Potts, the wife of Christopher Potts, said this is a huge honor for her husband.

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Hopefully someone will see it, know his name, look him up, maybe learn something about him, but wont forget him, she said.

NEXT: Taxes, fees going up in $14.3 billion RI budget as federal relief wanes

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Jun. 11BEMIDJI  Community members are invited to attend an exhibition of Maria Rosa Cabo's works from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, at Salt Spa, 2512 Hannah Ave. NW.

Cabo is classically trained, having studied at the Art Institute of Barcelona. Further refining her skills at the San Alejandro Center in Cuba, her expertise spans multiple mediums, including pencil, acrylic, ink, watercolor and oil.

"She has a deep appreciation for both traditional techniques and cultural expression," a release said. "Her subject matter is as diverse as her technique  bold, expressive, and deeply personal."

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Salt Spa services will also be available during the event, and attendees can enjoy wine and tequila tastings and hors d'oeuvres donated by Mi Rancho and Northern Liquors.

Ten percent of all art sale proceeds will be donated to Colors of Cancer Bemidji, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families facing cancer in the area, the release said.

The cost is $50 and the event is open to the public. To RSVP, call the Salt Spa at

(218) 497-0143.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  San Diego flood victims may now qualify for a new state mortgage relief program meant to ease some of the financial burden of natural disasters.

Nearly a year and half after historic flooding inundated parts of San Diego, some residents in hard hit areas are still rebuilding and the bills keep adding up.

The original estimates that Ive received was $435,000. So Im a long way off from that, said Southcrest resident Greg Montoya, whose Beta Street home is one of several severely damaged by the historic rainstorm in January 2024.

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Montoya said hes already spent more than $100,000. The majority of the cost was covered by flood insurance and some from FEMA dollars, but the rest out of pocket.

A new program called CalAssist Mortgage Fund, consisting of $105 million, is giving him hope for a little extra help.

Eligible homeowners whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable by a disaster between January 2023 and January 2025 can apply for three months of mortgage payments up to $20,000.

Applicants annual income in San Diego County must be below $172,000 to qualify.

The application is really easy. If you have all the documents, it takes less than 30 minutes to apply. The documents are all very easily available online, like a mortgage statement or your bank account statement, said Rebecca Franklin, Chief Deputy Director at the California Housing Finance Agency which oversees the fund.

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The program operates on a first come first serve basis and Franklin said the goal is to help 10,000 households statewide.

When it comes to the hard-hit Southcrest neighborhood, some are done with repairs.

Fortunately for me I was able to find a contractor that would do all the work for the $250,000 which to me is a lot of money, said neighbor Josh Roche.

Roche considers himself lucky that insurance came through, but he and his family still had out of pocket expenses.

Especially immediately you know when we were completely displaced the city hadnt started their program where we were staying in the hotels. A lot of extra commuting. A lot of time lost from work, Roche said.

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While residents said theyre grateful for any help, some are still pointing the finger.

The city should find the means to make everybody complete and start paying people because it was preventable, said neighbor Greg Montoya.

Residents can apply for the CalAssist Mortgage Fund starting Thursday. More information can be found here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
By Andrew Mills

DUBAI (Reuters) -Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's crown prince and de facto leader, will not attend next week's Group of Seven summit in Canada, a senior diplomat briefed on plans told Reuters on Thursday.

The crown prince, widely known as MBS, did not give a reason for declining Canada's invitation to the annual gathering, the diplomat said.

Saudi Arabia is not a G7 member but can be invited as a guest to its annual gathering, which will be held this year in Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies, from June 15-17.

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MBS has rarely travelled internationally in recent years, and declined an invitation to the G7 Summit in Italy last year.

He postponed a planned trip to Japan last year, citing concerns over the health of his father, King Salman.

Saudi Arabia's government media office did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper, which first reported that MBS would not join this year's gathering, said the development may ease tensions within Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal party, where some members of parliament were upset that an invitation had been extended to MBS.

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The Saudi crown prince has come under heavy criticism for his country's human rights record. The kingdom denies accusations of human rights abuses.

Leaders from Ukraine, Mexico, India, Australia, South Africa, South Korea and Brazil are expected to join for parts of the G7 Summit. U.S. President Donald Trump will also be in attendance.

(Reporting and writing by Andrew Mills, additional reporting by Pesha Magid, editing by Ed Osmond)
SAYBROOK  The township received a $50,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Development to update and modernize its zoning code.

The funding comes through the Housing Technical Assistance Program, which supports local governments upgrading their zoning codes, according to a release from Saybrook Township.

Saybrook Township Trustee Dan Claypool said the last time the zoning code was updated was in 1987.

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We just finished [updating] Saybrooks Townships comprehensive plan, he said.

The comprehensive plan will be used to help update the townships zoning, Claypool said.

Thats where most of the money will go, he said.

Saybrook will bring in an outside consultant to work on the project, he said.

Claypool said the township is considering Verdantis, because of the firms work on the comprehensive plan.

Work on updating the zoning code will start this summer, and Claypool said it will take between six and nine months to finish.

As part of the zoning update, the township will host public events to hear residents input.

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It gives us a good picture of what the people of Saybrook Township want, Claypool said.

He said the township is early in the process, so public input has not been scheduled yet.

There are a lot of things the township needs to consider for its updated zoning plan, Claypool said.

Short-term renting has been brought up, he said.

Claypool said township leadership wants to see how short-term rentals fit into Saybrook and its zoning.

There has been support and criticism from residents for short-term rentals in the township, Claypool said.

The township will look at the Route 20 corridor, and how it is currently zoned, he said.

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Thats really our commercial corridor, he said.

The township has lost retail business over the years, especially after the opening of Ashtabula Towne Square drew business away, he said.

Claypool said the township is looking at how they could reprioritize former retail property.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA)  South Carolina Representative Robert John RJ May IIIs bond has been denied after being accused of committing child sex crimes.

It was reported that May (R-Lexington) was arrested on Wednesday and booked into the Lexington County Detention Center. The 38-year-old, of West Columbia, has represented House District 88 in Lexington County since 2021.

May was one of the co-founders of the ultra-conservative group in the State house called the Freedom Caucus.

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He was reelected in November after facing no opposition in the primary or general election.

Thursday morning, 7NEWS learned that a federal grand jury in Greenville returned a 10-count indictment against May for distributing child sexual abuse material.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cyber-tip from the social messaging app Kik.

Kik flagged several videos from the username joebidennnn69 as containing child sexual abuse.

Further into the investigation, authorities connected the account to the home IP address and mobile device of May. Investigators also identified at least 10 videos depicting child sexual abuse that were shared from the account.

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Brandon Charochak, spokesman for Governor Henry McMaster, said, The governor finds the details described in the indictment to be abhorrent, disgusting and quite disturbing.

Let me be clear; absolutely no one is above the law, SC Attorney General Alan Wilson stated. I have dedicated my career to protecting children, and anyone who exploits them deserves to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Mays bond was denied following a hearing at the federal courthouse in Columbia.

Evidence was presented during Mays arraignment, including a witness from the Department of Homeland Security. May and his lawyer did not present a witness or evidence in his defense.

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Subsequently, the SC House of Representatives announced that May has been suspended without pay.

The Speaker of the SC House of Representatives, G. Murrell Smith, Jr., has released the suspension letter sent to May regarding his recent criminal indictments.

May faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison with a minimum of five years and a fine of $250,000. A term of at least five years of supervised release to follow any term of imprisonment, according to officials.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Rep. RJ May, R-West Columbia, listens from the back of the House chamber during an organizational session on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at the Statehouse in Columbia, SC. (Photo by Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  A state representative will remain in jail without bond on charges of distributing child sexual abuse material, a federal judge decided Thursday.

Rep. RJ May, a founding member of the states ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus, faces 10 counts of distributing child sexual abuse material, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. May pleaded not guilty in court Thursday.

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May was arrested Wednesday outside his West Columbia home and booked in the Lexington County jail, according to jail records that quickly disappeared from public view.

May was suspended without pay from the House on Thursday pending the cases outcome, according to a letter from the House Speakers Office. State law requires an officeholder indicted on a felony to be suspended.

Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, declined to comment further, citing the ongoing investigation.

May, who arrived in court Thursday wearing a white T-shirt and gray athletic shorts, also faces up to 20 years in prison, with a minimum of five years, as well as a fine of up to $250,000 if found guilty. If May is convicted, prosecutors will seek a sentence at or near the maximum, U.S. Assistant Attorney Scott Matthews told Judge Shiva Hodges Thursday.

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In April 2024, social messaging app Kik notified the nonprofit National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of videos involving child sexual abuse sent from an account called joebidennnn69. Investigators tracked the account to Mays house and cellphone, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

The joebidennnn69 account was established March 30, 2024, and deleted five days later, said Britton Lorenzen, a special agent for the Department of Homeland Securitys division investigating internet crimes against children. In that time, the account sent more than 1,100 messages, mostly explicit in nature. Investigators identified 220 different videos and images depicting child sexual abuse saved to it, she testified in court.

Most of the videos involved young children, including toddlers and infants, Lorenzen said. Some depicted violent acts, and at least one included beastiality, she said.

To prove the phone belonged to May, prosecutors presented phone records that showed May made calls to his wife or clients at his consulting firm, researched legislation and, in one case, texted a friend happy Easter at the same time the videos were being sent over Kik.

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Dayne Phillips, who represented May during the investigation and in court Thursday, argued the overlap in phone records showed May couldnt have been the one sending the videos. The judge disagreed, pointing out that she had been texting a law clerk and rescheduling hearings on her phone while taking notes during Mays hearing.

I dont think it a big leap that one uses a phone for multiple reasons at the same time, Hodges said.

Phillips also argued someone may have taken control of Mays phone or gotten onto his home internet during those five days, alluding to unnamed political enemies who may have wanted to harm Mays career or reputation.

Mays home WiFi and phone were both password protected, meaning it would be difficult for another person to access them, said Matthews.

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Federal investigators seized electronics from 38-year-old May last August. Two months later, a court filing confirmed they took a Lenovo laptop, an Amazon tablet, four cellphones, four hard drives, four SD cards, two DVD-Rs and 19 thumb drives.

Among those were two cellphones found in Mays master bedroom, one belonging to him and the other belonging to his wife. The phone belonging to Mays wife was not linked to child sexual abuse material, Lorenzen said.

While none of the devices investigators seized had child sexual abuse material saved directly on them, thats not uncommon, Lorenzen testified, considering the ability to save media to the cloud through various apps.

Mays phone showed several apps had recently been deleted, including Kik and other encrypted, foreign-based apps for which U.S. investigators cant get search warrants, Lorenzen said. But data on the phone that saves commonly used phrases suggested the joebidennnn69 username, as well as an alternate email account linked to that Kik user, had been typed repeatedly, she said.

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On Mays personal laptop, investigators also found nine separate videos of May paying to have sex with women who appeared to be young. The videos appear to have been recorded during international trips May took to Colombia in 2023 and 2024, Lorenzen said. Investigators have not been able to identify the women or determine their ages, she said.

May doesnt face any charges related to those videos. However, Hodges referenced the videos as a reason to keep May in jail until the date of his trial. She said the videos suggest May has ties to another country, making him a potential flight risk.

Hodges also worried that many of the children in the videos appeared to be about the same age as Mays two children, both of whom are under 10 years old, she said.

I am concerned about the danger to the community, specifically to Mays two minor children, as well as other children, who are somebodys children, Hodges said.

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Members of the Freedom Caucus, which suspended Mays membership last year, called for him to resign his House seat.

May previously served as vice chairman but no longer held a leadership position after the caucus officer elections last July. His connections in Congress helped launch the state Freedom Caucus in 2022. He acted as de facto spokesman for the group as it battled with the main Republican Caucus until the federal investigation became public.

These crimes are heinous and we expect that they will be fully investigated, the Freedom Caucus statement read.

May has not been involved with Freedom Caucus activities since last August, said Rep. Jordan Pace, R-Goose Creek, the caucus current chairman. May attended this years session, but he stayed quiet, not getting involved in floor debates and continuing to vote alongside the Freedom Caucus.

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The last legislator suspended while facing charges was Rep. Rick Martin in 2021. The Newberry Republican was charged with giving alcohol to a 15-year-old girl and trying to influence an investigation by the state Department of Social Services, which the former foster parent denied at the time.

Martin lost a bid for reelection the following year, losing the primary election to Freedom Caucus member Rep. Joe White. His case is ongoing.

This story has been updated with details from the arraignment.
Heres a dream job for chronically online coffee lovers: Starbucks is hiring two full-time content creators for a 12-month gig posting content at Starbucks locations around the world.

Most Read from Fast Company



The role, aptly titled global coffee creator, involves traveling to between 10 and 15 Starbucks locations, from Milan to Costa Rica, and capturing the local culture, community, and atmosphere surrounding each Starbucks location, according to the job description.

Of the two successful applicants, one will be a current Starbucks employee and the other will be an external hire. Both creators will receive a full-time salary, rooming accommodations through Marriott Bonvoy, and travel covered by Delta Air Lines for the duration of the year.

Responsibilities include highlighting specialty drinks, documenting and sharing customer and barista stories, pitching ideas for Starbuckss social channels, and collaborating with the global marketing team.

To apply, internal and external candidates must create a TikTok video explaining why, as a coffee-obsessed, chronically online world traveler, they are the right person for the job. Applications are open through June 13.

Fast Company has previously reported on employee-as-influencer-style content, more commonly referred to as employee-generated content (EGC). More workers are lifting the curtain on their day-to-day working lives, with or without their employers permission. This latest role is part of a broader shift toward brands putting content creators on payroll. For both brands and creators, its a mutually beneficial move.

By bringing a creator in-house, brands get more than content and reach. They get a direct line to someone who understands platforms, audiences, and trends, and how a brand can naturally integrate itself into those spaces, says influencer marketing consultant Lindsey Gamble. In-house creators can contribute to everything, not just one-off campaigns. They help fill in gaps that internal teams might have, especially when those teams come from more traditional or corporate backgrounds.

Starbucks isnt the only brand embracing in-house ambassadors. Ulta Beauty recently launched an ambassador program called Ulta Beauties, compensating employees who were already posting content about their jobs. Instead of relying on traditional influencers, these brands are turning to existing employees who already have the context and connection to represent the brand authentically.
Jun. 12At a packed meeting, the Scarborough Ordinance Committee unanimously voted to table revisions to leash laws for public land until December.

According to committee members, that timing gives park rangers enough time to gather data about dog etiquette over the summer and the committee members time to review results of a planned community survey on the topic.

But confusion clouded the meeting.

At the beginning of public comment, Amanda Doherty, a member of the Community Service Advisory Board, explained that the revised version of the ordinance before the committee was not what members were considering. She said that the advisory board had no intention to change the policy regarding dogs on the beaches, a line item that had drawn most attendees to the meeting.

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At the opening of committee discussion, Councilor Karin Shupe acknowledged that "we have a room full of good dog owners." But she also said that she has received many emails and had many conversations with neighbors who have had bad interactions with dogs in town spaces. She said that some of those neighbors felt intimidated to speak out.

When it came time for the committee to reach a decision, all three councilors recognized that the confusion surrounding the wording of the document made it impossible to make a decision that night.

"None of us are confident that we actually know what's proposed," said Councilor Bill Donovan.

And many residents were confused about which version of the document was tabled.

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After the meeting Shupe said that when the committee revisits the issue in December, it will start with the most recent version  the one that includes restrictions on the beach  with the understanding that revisions to the beach policy are not intended.

Katy Foley, chair of Dog Owners of Greater Scarborough, helped mobilize dog owners in opposition of the proposed changes, circulating a flyer online, urging her neighbors that "this is for all of our packs." She said that these changes don't need to happen, that though the current guidelines are imperfect, they provide something for everyone.

Kathy Harvey-Brown, who lives near Fuller Farm, said that eliminating all opportunities for dogs to go off leash on public fields, trails and beaches, as the revised version read, "seems extreme." Not all dogs can be on a leash all the time because they need exercise just like humans do, she argued.

Tom Torre, a member of the homeowners association in the Pine Point community said that he walks his dog on the beach once or twice a day and has never encountered an incident of bad dog etiquette. There's "not an epidemic of dog attacks," he said.

"For many, banning their dog would be like banning their children," Torre said. He said that these proposed policies would punish most dog owners.

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Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., called for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to resign Thursday after fellow California Sen. Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a press conference.

"Kristi Noem should never have been appointed to that office," Schiff told reporters back on Capitol Hill. "She should resign from that office. There ought to be an investigation of the conduct of those officers."

Schiff, whom President Donald Trump nicknamed "Shifty Schiff" on the 2024 campaign trail, and Padilla have been vocal opponents of Trump's second-term agenda. Such has been the case amid California's latest controversy, as both Golden State senators joined Democrats in accusing Trump of escalating tensions amid protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin quickly fired back at Schiff's call for Noem's resignation, telling Fox News Digital, "Senator Padilla chose disrespectful political theater and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin on as he lunged toward Secretary Noem."

Democrat Senator Forcibly Removed After Crashing Dhs Secretary Noem's Press Conference

Kristi Noem, secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Apr. 14, 2025.

"Mr. Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers repeated commands. U.S. Secret Service thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately," McLaughlin added. "Secretary Noem met with Senator Padilla after and held a 15-minute meeting."

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Trumps Response To La Riots Endangers The Very Bedrock Of Our Democracy, Schumer Warns

The Trump administration ordered National Guardsmen and Marines to Los Angeles following days of anti-ICE protests and riots. The last time a sitting U.S. president used his federal authority to deploy the National Guard without the governor's request was during the civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.

Padilla interrupted Noem on Thursday as she provided an update to reporters about the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

Fox News reporters at the scene said Padilla appeared to be temporarily detained by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) personnel after allegedly "lunging" at her during the press conference addressing the Los Angeles anti-ICE riots. Noem said she later met with him in a private room.

Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., is pushed out of the room as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem holds a news conference regarding the recent protests in Los Angeles on Thursday, Jun. 12, 2025.

After loudly speaking over Noem, Padilla was pushed out of the room by authorities as they ordered him to put his hands up.

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Schiff told reporters he was "disgusted" by the video from the scene.

"The actions of the administration have been disgraceful, both in how they have conducted their indiscriminate raids and how they've separated families, but also by abusing the military in the way they have by calling out the National Guard over the objections of the governor of California, mobilizing the Marines when it was utterly unnecessary and in violation of the law," Schiff said.

Sens. from California Adam Schiff (pictured) and Alex Padilla are vocal opponents of President Donald Trump.

He added that Padilla had "every right to go into that room and demand answers. That is what a senator does, and for him to get that kind of abusive treatment, every senator who works in this Capitol should be offended by this and outraged by this."

A fellow Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock didn't go as far as Schiff in calling for Noem's resignation, but told reporters "a lot of questions need to be answered."

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The Democratic National Committee (DNC) joined Democrats in condemning the Trump administration's actions Thursday.

"This assault on U.S. Senator Alex Padilla has sent a violent message to all of America: If you dissent against Donald Trump and openly disagree with the government, then you are not safe in our country," DNC Chair Ken Martin said in a statement and added, "This horrifying escalation of violence is straight out of an authoritarian playbook."

But the White House fired back in a statement to Fox News, shifting criticism to Padilla for disrupting the press conference.

"Padilla stormed a press conference, without wearing his Senate pin or previously identifying himself to security, yelled, and lunged toward Secretary Noem," White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson said. "Padilla didnt want answers; he wanted attention. Padilla embarrassed himself and his constituents with this immature, theater-kid stunt  but its telling that Democrats are more riled up about Padilla than they are about the violent riots and assaults on law enforcement in LA."

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Fox News Digital's Alexandra Koch and Fox News' Bill Melugin, Patrick Ward and Krista Garvin contributed to this report.





Original article source: Schiff demands Noem's resignation after fellow senator forcibly removed from briefing
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) blamed politicians for the mass protests that have rocked Los Angeles and other cities in recent days, spurred by President Trumps expanding immigration sweeps.

The action film star accused politicians of using immigration to score political points rather than trying to reach a solution.

This wouldnt happen if the politicians would do their work, Schwarzenegger told late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel during CBSs Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday. Rather than always pointing the finger at each other, they should really get together and solve this problem, because thats what the American people want.

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For decades, almost four decades, we have had a problem where they talked about immigration reform, comprehensive immigration reform, but the Democrats and the Republicans  both of the parties  have no interest in solving this problem because they use that to raise money, he added.

Schwarzenegger, an Austrian native and former bodybuilder who immigrated to the U.S. in 1968, became a U.S. citizen in 1983 and was governor from 2003 to 2011. He faced allegations during his gubernatorial campaign that he had spent time as an unauthorized immigrant.

Schwarzenegger has frequently feuded with President Trump, whom he briefly replaced as host of NBCs The Apprentice after Trump launched his first presidential campaign.

After Kimmel asked about the status of his current relationship with Trump following the presidents return to the White House this year, Schwarzenegger pretended to cry before smiling.

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Kimmels show is filmed in Los Angeles. Kimmel and Schwarzenegger said through the nearly 20-minute discussion that the protests in L.A. were not as bad as some had tried to make them appear.

I dont want all of a sudden, tourism to suffer in Los Angeles, because what they see on television, Schwarzenegger said. The media sometimes shows it as if the whole Los Angeles is a big war zone.

Trump sent thousands of National Guard members and Marines to Los Angeles to protect federal buildings and workers amid the escalating tensions in the city, following Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) workplace raids last Friday.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) objected to the use of military enforcement to quell protests and the state has sued the federal government over the maneuver. A judge rejected Californias emergency request to halt the deployments.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Since its creation, the National Science Foundation has partnered with agencies across the government, including those dealing with national security and space exploration. During this 1969 mission to the moon's surface, astronaut Buzz Aldrin deploys instruments to measure the distance to the Earth, as well as to analyze the chemical composition of solar wind and measure the moons seismic activity. (NASA photo)

Look closely at your mobile phone or tablet. Touch-screen technology, speech recognition, digital sound recording and the internet were all developed using funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation.

No matter where you live, NSF-supported research has also made your life safer. Engineering studies have reduced earthquake damage and fatalities through better building design. Improved hurricane and tornado forecasts reflect NSF investment in environmental monitoring and computer modeling of weather. NSF-supported resilience studies reduce risks and losses from wildfires.

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Using NSF funding, scientists have done research that amazes, entertains and enthralls. They have drilled through mile-thick ice sheets to understand the past, visited the wreck of the Titanic and captured images of deep space.

NSF investments have made America and American science great. At least 268 Nobel laureates received NSF grants during their careers. The foundation has partnered with agencies across the government since it was created, including those dealing with national security and space exploration. The Federal Reserve estimates that government-supported research from the NSF and other agencies has had a return on investment of 150% to 300% since 1950, meaning for every dollar U.S. taxpayers invested, they got back between $1.50 and $3.

However, that funding is now at risk.

Since January, layoffs, leadership resignations and a massive proposed reorganization have threatened the integrity and mission of the National Science Foundation. Hundreds of research grants have been terminated. The administrations proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2026 would cut NSFs funding by 55%, an unprecedented reduction that would end federal support for science research across a wide range of discipines.

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At my own geology lab, I have seen NSF grants catalyze research and the work of dozens of students who have collected data thats now used to reduce risks from earthquakes, floods, landslides, erosion, sea-level rise and melting glaciers.

I have also served on advisory committees and review panels for the NSF over the past 30 years and have seen the value the foundation produces for the American people.

American sciences greatness stemmed from war

In the 1940s, with the advent of nuclear weapons, the space race and the intensification of the Cold War, American science and engineering expertise became increasingly critical for national defense. At the time, most basic and applied research was done by the military.

Vannevar Bush, an electrical engineer who oversaw military research efforts during World War II, including development of the atomic bomb, had a different idea.

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He articulated an expansive scientific vision for the United States in Science: The Endless Frontier. The report was a blueprint for an American research juggernaut grounded in the expertise of university faculty, staff and graduate students.

On May 10, 1950, after five years of debate and compromise, President Harry Truman signed legislation creating the National Science Foundation and putting Bushs vision to work. Since then, the foundation has become the leading funder of basic research in the United States.

NSFs mandate, then as now, was to support basic research and spread funding for science across all 50 states. Expanding Americas scientific workforce was and remains integral to American prosperity. By 1952, the foundation was awarding merit fellowships to graduate and postdoctoral scientists from every state.

There were compromises. Control of NSF rested with presidential appointees, disappointing Bush. He wanted scientists in charge to avoid political interference with the foundations research agenda.

NSF funding matters to everyone, everywhere

Today, American tax dollars supporting science go to every state in the union.

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The states with the most NSF grants awarded between 2011 and 2024 include several that voted Republican in the 2024 election  Texas, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania  and several that voted Democratic, including Massachusetts, New York, Virginia and Colorado.

More than 1,800 public and private institutions, scattered across all 50 states, receive NSF funding. The grants pay the salaries of staff, faculty and students, boosting local employment and supporting college towns and cities. For states with major research universities, those grants add up to hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Even states with few universities each see tens of millions of dollars for research.

As NSF grant recipients purchase lab supplies and services, those dollars support regional and national economies.

When NSF budgets are cut and grants are terminated or never awarded, the harm trickles down and communities suffer. Initial NSF funding cuts are already rippling across the country, affecting both national and local economies in red, blue and purple states alike.

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An analysis of a February 2025 proposal that would cut about US$5.5 billion from National Institutes of Health grants estimated the ripple effect through college towns and supply chains would cost $6.1 billion in GDP, or total national productivity, and over 46,000 jobs.

An uncertain future for American science

Americas scientific research and training enterprise has enjoyed bipartisan support for decades. Yet, as NSF celebrates its 75th birthday, the future of American science is in doubt. Funding is increasingly uncertain, and politics is driving decisions, as Bush feared 80 years ago.

A list of grants terminated by the Trump administration, collected both from government websites and scientists themselves, shows that by early May 2025, NSF had stopped funding more than 1,400 existing grants, totaling over a billion dollars of support for research, research training and education.

Most terminated grants focused on education  the core of science, technology and engineering workforce development critical for supplying highly skilled workers to American companies. For example, NSF provided 1,000 fewer graduate student fellowships in 2025 than in the decade before  a 50% drop in support for Americas best science students.

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American scientists are responding to NSFs downsizing in diverse ways. Some are pushing back by challenging grant terminations. Others are preparing to leave science or academia. Some are likely to move abroad, taking offers from other nations to recruit American experts. Science organizations and six prior heads of the NSF are calling on Congress to step up and maintain funding for science research and workforce development.

If these losses continue, the next generation of American scientists will be fewer in number and less well prepared to address the needs of a population facing the threat of more extreme weather, future pandemics and the limits to growth imposed by finite natural resources and other planetary limits.

Investing in science and engineering is an investment in America. Diminishing NSF and the science it supports will hurt the American economy and the lives of all Americans.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) A scooter company that services San Marcos could be gone soon.

According to a press release from the the city of San Marcos, Spin, which is an e-scooter company, notified the city that they intend to cease operations.

The city, in partnership with Texas State University, signed the original contract with Spin in September 2021.

Spins current contract is expected to end on June 30, according to the press release from San Marcos.

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On campus I am usually walking, but it is a trouble with all the hills, said Juan Castrejon, a student at Texas State.

Castrejon said he does not use the scooters a lot, but he said they can be convenient.

I have used them to ride home if I miss the bus, Castrejon said.

Texas State, City of San Marcos launch scooter pilot program with Spin

KXAN spoke with a few people on campus at Texas State, some people said they did use the scooters, while the majority said they did not.

A San Marcos city spokesperson told KXAN that, Spin cited low ridership levels and the impact of tariffs on device and spare part availability as reasons for the decision to not renew a contract.

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Julianna Rodriguez works on the San Marcos square. She said she hopes the city will find a new vendor and continue offering a similar service.

A city spokesperson tells KXAN that they have been in contact with Spin to discuss the possibility of the companys continued operations in the community.

The city says they are prepared to move forward with the process to select a new vendor to provide micro mobility services if Spin does not renew.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  Vermont governor Phil Scott on Wednesday vetoed House Bill H.91, which would establish the Emergency Temporary Shelter Program, on budgetary grounds. It is the fifth time Scott has used his veto this year.

Vermont governor vetoes collective bargaining bill

In his letter to the General Assembly, Scott criticized the states hotel-motel shelter program, calling it a failed program and one that isnt good for those in it. He said that the fact that 135 people have died while living in hotel-motel shelters since the programs expansion suggests that it needs more accountability, and criticized the bill for proposing the state spend more than the $45 million spent on the hotel-motel program last year.

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Scott extends Vermonts emergency housing through June

Scott did offer other possible ideas to solve the states homelessness issues, saying, I believe we should focus on real solutions like building additional shelter capacity and requirements to engage in work, training, and treatment for those who need it. That way, those who are experiencing homelessness are more likely to get back on their feet and into permanent housing.

Read the full text of the bill here. Note that the final version starts at the bottom of Page 72.Download

Some advocates for unhoused people expressed disappointment in Scotts decision to veto the bill. Brenda Siegel, executive director of End Homelessness Vermont, said that there is no excuse for the veto and called Scotts veto not based on science.

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Housing and healthcare connection highlighted in Winooski

Tamara Hodge, also of End Homelessness Vermont, said she could not understand the states lack of progress on homelessness issues. As someone with lived experience and who was recently sheltered in the hotels, I can not believe the unawareness of this administration to appropriately care for those most vulnerable.

The bill passed the Vermont House in a potentially veto-proof 92-42 vote, but only passed the Vermont Senate 17-13, which reflects the current party division of that chamber.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
The U.S. Supreme Court said Thursday a Southwest Atlanta family can sue the FBI for raiding their home by mistake in 2017.

They told Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln they want to be the last family that goes through something like that.

It was a terrifying moment for the family. They say they were asleep when FBI agents used flashbangs grenades and broke down the door to storm in.

The problem: it was the wrong house. The Supreme Court says theyre entitled to move forward with their lawsuit.

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Toi Cliatt and Curtrina Martin say theyre a step closer to justice.

I swear to God, my heart just dropped, Martin said. I didnt even want to read it.

In 2017, Cliatt, Martin and her then 7-year-old son, Gaberial Watson, were startled awake by agents who thought they were targeting the home of a gang member.

Exclusive body camera video shows the moments the home was raided. Agents smashed the door, detonating flashbangs and interrogated them at gunpoint before realizing they had the wrong address.

I felt very happy and proud of my mom for keep fighting, even though we took a lot of losses, Gaberial said.

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Cliatt and Martin filed a federal lawsuit against the FBI. A federal appeals court barred that lawsuit from moving forward.

Historically, the federal government is immune from lawsuits. But after a series of wrong house raids in the 70s, laws were expanded to allow Americans to sue federal law enforcement agents.

Institute for Justice attorney Patrick Jaicomo says this is a historic win.

Being able to overcome the federal government in the highest federal court in the country puts the Martin family in a David versus Goliath situation, he said.

All nine Supreme Court Justices voted unanimously.

Justice Neil Gorsuch questioned federal attorneys, saying, You might look at the address of the house before you knock down the door.

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The Justice Department argued it should not be liable because federal law bars tort suits against federal employees.

The highest court in the land sides with you, it lets you know youre doing the right thing Cliatt said.

The FBI told Channel 2 it cant comment on pending litigation.

Attorneys say not only will Cliatt and Martin be able to move forward with this case, but the Supreme Court also ordered the 11th Circuit Appeals Court to reexamine it.

SCOTUS Ruling by WSB-TV on Scribd

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  This weekend, over 6,000 soldiers and 150 military vehicles are expected to gather near the National Mall for a parade to honor the 250th anniversary of the Army.

Army National Guard veteran, Jeremiah Fawcett in Sioux Falls says hell be tuning in to watch.

I think its a good idea. Any time that we can enhance and take a look at our national security, I think that goes a long way, Fawcett said.

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Nicole Ryan spent 21 years serving in the Air National Guard and thinks the parade may entice people to enlist.

Itd be kind of cool for people who have no military background to see whats all involved in it. I think it would get a lot more people interested in possibly joining and realizing how much work they have put in to serve our country, Ryan said.

The last notable military parade in Washington D.C. was in 1991 to celebrate the U.S. victory in the first Gulf War.

On Tuesday, president Donald Trump had this message for people planning to protest at the parade For those people who want to protest they are going to be met with very big force, Trump said.

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It should be an exciting weekend, whether either for or against it. Its going to be something unique that South Dakota has and the state the union hasnt seen in a long time, Military Heritage Alliance Executive Director, Brian Phelps said.

Something the people at the Military Heritage Alliance are looking forward to watch.

I think all in all, this country is still very supportive of our military. And like the alliance celebrating America and those who served, Phelps said.

Saturdays parade will start at the National Mall and end near the White House and is estimated to cost upwards of $25 million.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The South Dakota State Medical Association (SDSMA) is voicing strong opposition to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s recent removal of all members of the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), according to a news release.

Health Secretary RFK Jr. ousted every single member of the ACIP, a board that advises the Department of Health and Human Services on immunizations for the control of vaccine preventable diseases in the U.S. population.

42-year-old inmate dies

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Kennedy pledged to replace the terminated experts with his own picks.

Without removing the current members, the current Trump administration would not have been able to appoint a majority of new members until 2028, Kennedy wrote in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece.

South Dakota delegates of the American Medical Association (AMA) supported an emergency resolution that calls for immediate reversal of RFK Jr.s decision to fire all of CDCs vaccine advisors, and asks the U.S. Senate to investigate the dismissals.

The resolution passed less than 24 hours after the dismissals were announced, according to a press release.

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Thunes response to National Guard at LA protests

Kennedys choice comes amid a drastic increase of measles outbreaks in the U.S., according to data reports from the CDC.

The SDSMA is alarmed by the recent removal of all 17 ACIP members. The ACIP has been a

reliable national authority, offering science-backed guidance on immunizations to prevent disease, SDSMA President Dr. Keith Hansen said in a news release.

Their guidance is crucial for healthcare professionals, parents, and public health officials to protect some of our most vulnerable patients from serious, often life-threatening, illness. It is essential that the scientific process guiding vaccine policy remains firmly rooted in evidence based medicine, Hansen said. The dismissal of ACIP members jeopardizes this trusted process, threatening to worsen existing outbreaks and decrease immunization rates.

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The Brief

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is urging peaceful protests in Seattle, saying violence is what Trump wants to "spin his false narrative" about the city.

An anti-ICE rally is set to take place on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Cal Anderson Park.

A national "NO KINGS" demonstration is planned for Saturday, President Trump's birthday.

SEATTLE - Mayor Bruce Harrell is urging Seattle protesters to remain peaceful, warning that violence and property damage would reinforce a narrative President Donald Trump could use to misrepresent the city.

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As the nation witnesses violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement in Los Angeles, people in other cities, like Seattle, are holding similar rallies in solidarity. This week alone, Seattle has already seen anti-ICE demonstrations at the Federal Building and pro-Palestine rallies at the U-District light rail station urging the University of Washington to cut ties with Boeing due to the companys military contracts with Israel. More protests are expected in the coming days.

"The Trump administrations actions in Los Angeles are an extreme and egregious overreach of federal authority meant to escalate tensions and distract from his failures to live up to the promises he hasnt delivered on," the Mayor wrote in part. "We disagree with Trumps ICE policy of mass deportations that has already been on full display in American communities with arrests, detentions, and deportations often occurring in violation of due process."

Seattle protests today

An anti-ICE rally is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at Seattles Cal Anderson Park, calling on the federal government to stop the deportations conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

What they're saying

"The people of Los Angeles and surrounding areas have taken a courageous stand against Trump's reign of terror targeting immigrant families," wrote Party of Socialism and Liberation (PSL) wrote in an Instagram post. "In response, the administration has falsely labeled those taking to the streets in protest of the brutal war on immigrants as "rioters" and called in thousands of National Guard soldiers for a crackdown."

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The PSL called on protesters not to "let this repression intimidate" the community and encouraged Antifa to "invade Seattle" on Wednesday.

Amid recent violence in Los Angeles, Harrell reiterated that violent actions would only serve to justify Trump's policies.

"Seattle strongly supports the First Amendment rights of our residents, and we encourage residents to stand up for their values peacefully," Mayor Harrell wrote. "There is no room for violence. Violence and property damage are exactly what Trump wants to spin his false narrative of our city."

NO KINGS protests planned in Seattle - Saturday, June 14

Major anti-Trump demonstrations are scheduled across the U.S. on Saturday, June 14, including several in Washington state.

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The "NO KINGS" campaign is promoting a national day of action to protest what it calls the "increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption" of the Trump administration. The event coincides with President Trump's birthday and is intended to counter a planned military parade in Washington, D.C.

What they're saying

"In America, we dont put up with would-be kings. NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies," read a statement from NO KINGS organizers. "Weve watched as theyve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political views, threatened to deport American citizens, and defied the courts. Theyve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies."

NO KINGS protest locations in WA

In addition to the protest at Cal Anderson Park in Seattle, demonstrations are planned in:

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Everett

Tacoma

Olympia

Vancouver

Spokane

Other cities across the state

My statement on Immigration Enforcement in Seattle. pic.twitter.com/t4xvHpiRvS  Mayor Bruce Harrell (@MayorofSeattle) June 11, 2025

The Source

Information in this story comes from an official statement from Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, SUPER UW, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, "NO KINGS" demonstration organizers and original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle.

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(Reuters) -Starbucks has received "a lot of interest" in the sale of a stake in its China business, its chief executive told the Financial Times in an interview published on Wednesday, as the U.S. coffee chain looks to revive sales in its second-largest market.

"The good news is we've got a lot of interest  a lot of interest," Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol told the FT.

"People see the value of the Starbucks brand. They see the coffee category is growing. I think they'd love to be partnering up with us in figuring out how we take this from 8,000 to 20,000 (stores)."

KKR & Co, Fountainvest Partners and PAG are among buyout firms interested in acquiring a stake in Starbucks' China business, Reuters reported in February.

(Reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty)
The Brief

Anti-ICE protesters marched from Cal Anderson Park to the Seattle Federal Building, causing road closures.

A large fire could be seen at the protest downtown, with demonstrators later being dispersed by police.

A previous protest on Tuesday saw brief clashes with Seattle police at the Federal Building.

SEATTLE - Seattle police dispersed a large group of anti-ICE protesters Wednesday night after a fire broke out near the Seattle Federal Building.

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Officers broke up the crowd around 10 p.m., with some using pepper spray. Several fireworks could also be seen going off in the protest area.

A fire broke out near the intersection of 1st and Marion around 9:30 p.m., with protesters burning a dumpster in the street. Seattle firefighters extinguished the fire after officers moved out protestors.

SPD claims protesters were shining lasers at officers, and throwing rocks and bottles at them.

Officers continue moving the groups away from the federal building. Individuals are shining lasers at officers as well as throwing rocks and bottles at them. We will continue to move protestors until the individuals stop assaulting officers.  Seattle Police Department (@SeattlePD) June 12, 2025

The protest started at Cal Anderson Park around 7 p.m. and moved through downtown to the federal building, blocking off several streets. Some were holding signs and flags, with one window nearby tagged with the words "abolish ICE now." Protesters were also heard chanting and banging on trash cans in the area.

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The "ICE OUT" protest is in opposition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the increase in detainments and deportations under the Trump administration.

A similar protest took place Tuesday at the Seattle Federal Building at 1st and Madison, where demonstrators briefly clashed with Seattle police after a vehicle exited the building.

The Source

Information in this story came from Seattle Police and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.

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By Raphael Satter

LONDON (Reuters) -A second Italian journalist was recently targeted by software made by U.S.-owned surveillance company Paragon, internet watchdog group Citizen Lab said, raising new questions about a surveillance scandal that has already led Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government and Paragon to part ways.

Citizen Lab said in a report published on Thursday that Italian investigative journalist Ciro Pellegrino's iPhone showed evidence of having been targeted by Paragon's sophisticated spy software.

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Pellegrino works at the online newspaper Fanpage, whose editor-in-chief, Francesco Cancellato, earlier disclosed that he was one of scores of users who received January alerts from WhatsApp that they had been targeted using Paragon's technology.

Fanpage has published a stream of critical coverage of Meloni's government, notably an expose tying her party's youth wing to neo-Nazi activity, and the allegation that Fanpage's journalists, among others, were put under surveillance has stirred controversy in Italy.

On Monday, the government and Paragon announced that they were no longer working together, offering conflicting explanations about who fired whom.

Paragon referred questions back to an earlier statement it provided to the Israeli publication Haaretz in which it said it had offered Italian officials a way to check whether its systems had been used against Cancellato, but that Italian authorities had rebuffed the offer.

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Italian officials did not return a message seeking comment on the Citizen Lab report.

In a text exchange with Reuters, Pellegrino said the discovery that he had been targeted with spyware was "horrible." The Naples-based journalist said his phone was "the black box of my life, which contains everything from personal and health data to journalistic sources."

Although an Italian parliamentary panel reported last week that the country's spy services had deployed Paragon's tools to intercept the communications of migrant sea rescue activists in the context of law enforcement work, the panel said it had found no evidence that the tools were used by Italian intelligence to go after Fanpage's Cancellato.

The discovery of Paragon spyware on the phone of one of Cancellato's colleagues adds to questions about the panel's thoroughness, said Natalia Krapiva, a senior lawyer with Access Now, a human rights group that works with spyware victims. "It sheds serious doubt on the adequacy of the investigation," she said.

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Sandro Ruotolo, the spokesman for Italy's opposition Democratic Party, said in response to the report that the panel should reopen its investigation.

"We want to know why two Italian journalists were spied on," he said.

The panel, which said it reserved the right to conduct further investigations around the matter, did not respond to a message seeking comment.

In its report, Citizen Lab also said that an unnamed European journalist was hacked with Paragon's spyware. The lab, which is based out of the University of Toronto, offered no other details and declined to answer questions about the journalist's identity or the circumstances of their targeting.

(Reporting by Raphael Satter in London Additional reporting by Alvise Armellini and Giuseppe Fonte in RomeEditing by Jamie Freed and Matthew Lewis)
High above the National Mall, ABC News was granted exclusive access to a flyover where thousands are expected to gather to celebrate the Army's 250th birthday with a military style parade.

Top officials from the United States Secret Service and United States Park Police told ABC News that law enforcement is prepared to secure the event in a very short period of time.

There will be thousands of officers, the "latest" technology, and air, land and sea assets - including 18 miles of fencing and 17 miles of bike racks.

PHOTO: Matt McCool, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service's Washington Field Office gives an interview on June 11, 2025 to ABC News' Victor Oquendo about security preparations ahead of the Army 250 parade. (ABC News)

U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Office Matt McCool said people who attend the parade will see drones in the air, but they will be law enforcement drones.

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MORE: White House tries to clarify Trump's call for using 'heavy force' on 'any' military parade protesters

"Since April 23rd, we've been working diligently, around the clock to get this plan ready," McCool told ABC News that typically, they will have six months to a year to prepare for large-scale special security events.

PHOTO: Chief of the U.S. Park Police Jessica Taylor gives an interview on June 11, 2025 to ABC News' Victor Oquendo about security preparations ahead of the Army 250 parade. (ABC News)

"This is a comprehensive plan," he said. The Secret Service has had five National Special Security Events (NSSE) in the past six months.

"All threats are mitigated," he said. "There will be no line of sight issues when it comes to the President. Once you hit the Secret Service perimeter, it will be the most secure place on the planet."

PHOTO: Matt McCool, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service's Washington Field Office and Chief of the U.S. Park Police Jessica Taylor aboard a Park Police helicopter in Washington, D.C., on June 11, 2025. (ABC News)

PHOTO: A photo of the Washington Monument from a U.S. Park Police helicopter. ABC News was granted an exclusive flight on June 11, 2025 to see security preparations ahead of the Army 250 parade. (ABC News)

McCool was asked if he had a message to those who want to disrupt the event.

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"Everything has been mitigated," he said. "If you attempt to enter an area you aren't supposed to be in or attempt to commit violence, you will go to jail and you will be prosecuted."

MORE: Trump warns 'any' protesters at military parade will be 'met with heavy force'

"We're not messing around," he said.

He said as a matter of policy, they can't discuss costs, but did say securing an event like this one "is not cheap."

Both McCool and U.S. Park Police Chief Jessica Taylor told ABC News it is all about partnerships around the D.C. area that will help secure this event.

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"Something I say often is, in Washington, D.C., nothing gets done without partnership," Taylor said. "In D.C. specifically with law enforcement, we rely heavily on one another; nothing gets done without the partnerships we've created."

Secret Service, Park Police both preparing for Army birthday parade, 'We're not messing around' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Indianas Secretary of State, Diego Morales, is warning elderly Hoosiers of scams targeting them.

June 15 isnt just Fathers Day, but it is also known as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Indiana Securities Division, which Morales oversees, works year-round to educate the public on elder abuse, especially when it comes to financial exploitation. They do this through local events at churches, retirement homes, and local civic organizations across the Hoosier State.

Scams target seniors as gold prices rise

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We continue to work closely with financial institutions, investment professionals, and law enforcement to protect Indianas senior citizens, said Marie Castetter, Indiana Securities Commissioner. Knowledge is powerwe want to equip older Hoosiers with the information they need to spot red flags and stop scams before they happen.

Some ways the Securities Division recommends to keep the elderly safe from financial exploitation are:

Naming a trusted contact on all financial accounts

Shredding documents that contain personal information

Recognizing common scam tactics such as threats of arrest or demands for payment via wire transfer, crypto ATMS, or gift cardsand hanging up immediately if contacted

Respecting our senior citizens is a fundamental value, said Diego Morales, Indiana Secretary of State. Unfortunately, some bad actors specifically target our most vulnerable citizens. My office is committed to protecting Hoosier seniors by offering tools and resources to help them and their families avoid these harmful scams.

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The Secretary of States Office is also a member of IN-CASE, the Indiana Council Against Senior Exploitation. This group also works to raise awareness among older adults and professionals who work with them. If you are interested in scheduling a fraud prevention presentation, you can call 317-232-6681 for more information.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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ATLANTA (WJBF)  Security is being tightened up in Atlanta ahead of anticipated protests this weekend similar to the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

Georgias Attorney Chris Carr said Americans have the right to protest peacefully, but those who destroy property, loot businesses or attack police officers will be prosecuted.

Carr says protesters use words, while rioters use violence. If you engage in violence, Carr says you could face domestic terrorism charges which is up to 35 years behind bars.

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The ACLU of Georgia says this Saturday, up to 5,000 Georgians are expected to protest at liberty plaza outside the state capitol for No Kings Day  for what they say is an abuse of the Trump administrations power to first amendment rights.

People who are out on the streets, who have signs, who have megaphones, are not rioters and are using their first amendment rights. We are seeing this happen to portray protesters as criminals is very problematic and we have concerns about that, said Sarah Hunt-Blackwell, ACLU of Georgia.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp says he is monitoring the situation and working with law enforcement agencies like the GBI and FBI to ensure public safety is protected.

The freedom to dissent without fear of government retribution is a vital part of any well-functioning democracy. Protesters in Georgia have every right to call attention to the injustices by the Trump administration including its trampling of immigrant rights, drastic cuts to Medicaid, attacks on transgender people, and general disregard of democratic norms said Christopher Bruce, Policy & Advocacy Director of the ACLU of Georgia.

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If youre seeing scarcity of some items on your local grocery shelves, it might be more than a seasonal disruption.

Pierce County and national grocers have reported issues with regional grocery supplier United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) following a cyberattack on UNFIs operations reported in recent days.

In response to questions Wednesday, UNFI media representative Kristen Jimenez shared the companys latest statement with The News Tribune.

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According to the statement, the distributor is gradually bringing our ordering and receiving capabilities back online, with the goal of further increasing our capacity over the coming days.

We continue working steadily to safely restore our systems and provide the services our customers and suppliers know and expect from us, the company stated. The investigation is ongoing with the support of leading forensics experts.

It added, Our customers, suppliers, and associates are our highest priority. We continue to work closely with them to minimize disruptions as much as possible.

One Pierce County grocer told The News Tribune his store had resorted to submitting a recent order the old-fashioned way, written down and called in. Similar accounts were reported elsewhere Wednesday by Supermarket News.

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The Wall Street Journal reported systems were anticipated to be fully restored by Sunday, based on a notice to suppliers viewed by the newspaper.

Providence, Rhode Island-based UNFI is one of the largest suppliers for grocery entities nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, other major chains and various co-ops and independent grocery stores.

In a statement June 9, UNFI said that it had identified unauthorized activity in our systems and have proactively taken some systems offline while we investigate.

On Wednesday, TechCrunch reported that Whole Foods told its employees in internal communications that the supply disruptions may take several days to resolve, and included instructions to limit communications with customers.

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A Whole Foods media representative said the company was working to restock its shelves as quickly as possible.

PCC Community Markets in Seattle also reported impacts on social media, which may temporarily lead to some delivery delays and limited product selection. All our stores are open, and our produce, meat, and deli departments remain well-stocked.

Tyler Myers is president of The Myers Group, which owns various IGA grocery stores in Washington, Oregon and Alaska, including Key Center IGA in the Key Peninsula.

In response to questions, Myers told The News Tribune that even though the store is supplied by UNFI, The UNFI issue only impacts a few departments within our store. We have multiple vendors that service our store. For example, this temporary UNFI supply problem does not affect our produce or meat departments.

He added that It is our understanding that UNFI will be shipping product to us as early as next week. We have already begun to arrange for a new supplier if UNFI continues to have problems meeting our orders.
UPDATE: Richard Krambeck was arrested.

EARLIER: Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives.

Its an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this weeks cases:

RICHARD KRAMBECK, 30, 61, 277 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Wanted in Scott County for four counts of probation violation on convictions for eluding, theft and forgery. Also wanted by Davenport Police for assault with injury, criminal mischief and criminal trespass.

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KYLE RHOADS, 45, 511, 190 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes. Wanted in Scott County for burglary and theft.

Richard Krambeck (L) and Kyle Rhoads (Crime Stoppers)

You have a week to contact police for an elevated reward. Call the tip line at (309) 762-9500. All tips are anonymous.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
(NewsNation)  Autonomous vehicles could eventually lead to fewer car accidents and shake up the $400 billion U.S. auto insurance industry, but dont bank on lower premiums anytime soon.

Thats according to a recent Goldman Sachs research note cited by Bloomberg, which suggests the types of risks insurers cover in the future may shift rather than disappear.

Autonomy has the potential to significantly reduce accident frequency longer-term and reshape the underlying claim cost distribution and legal liability for accidents, Goldman Sachs analyst Mark Delaney and colleagues wrote in a client note, per Bloomberg.

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Musk says Teslas robotaxi service to tentatively launch in Austin on June 22

Goldman analysts predict insurance costs will decrease by more than 50% in the next 15 years, from around $0.50 per mile in 2025 to $0.23 in 2040. However, they still expect modest growth in auto insurance premiums for at least the next 10 to 15 years, Bloomberg reported.

Part of that is because newer tech-heavy cars have pushed up repair expenses, leading to higher costs per claim.

Even a minor fender bender is very expensive for many vehicles today, Mark Friedlander, spokesman at the Insurance Information Institute, an industry trade group, told NewsNation.

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Auto insurance giant Progressive warns on its website that self-driving cars arent likely to lower insurance rates and could even drive up costs due to expensive repairs.

Autonomous vehicles may also pose new risks for insurers, such as cybersecurity threats, which could increase the need for cyber coverage, both Friedlander and the Goldman analysts noted.

Ajit Jain, Berkshire Hathaways insurance head, also sees major shifts ahead and recently said he expects the car insurance business to change dramatically once self-driving cars become a reality.

Seen a robotaxi stopped for no reason? Itll move again soon

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Most of the insurance that is sold and bought revolves around operator errors and how often they happen, how severe they are, and therefore what premium we are to charge, Jain said at the companys annual meeting in May.

If self-driving cars prove to be safer  and involved in fewer accidents  traditional auto insurance may become less necessary and could be replaced by product liability, Jain said.

Liability for an accident becomes especially complex when a computer is behind the wheel, and it remains a central question in an ongoing debate.

Who pays for damage caused by technology rather than human error? Is the carmaker or the software company responsible? And what if the accident results from a cyberbreach? These questions are still being hashed out. For now, autonomous vehicle regulations vary from state to state, though clearer federal standards may be coming soon.

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Widespread adoption of fully autonomous vehicles may still be years away, but progress is being made, as evidenced by Waymos expansion of its robotaxi service to new cities.

Earlier this week, Elon Musk said Tesla tentatively plans to start offering rides in its self-driving robotaxis in Austin, Texas, on June 22.

We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift, Musk wrote on X Tuesday.

As for the future of car insurance, Friedlander cautioned against looking too far ahead and highlighted immediate challenges driving up insurance rates for consumers  namely, higher parts and labor costs.

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In the short term, were looking at impacts of tariffs, which could significantly increase the cost of auto insurance, Friedlander said.

The latest Consumer Price Index, released Wednesday, showed that the cost of motor vehicle insurance rose 7% over the past year. Since the pandemic, those prices have jumped nearly 60%, according to a Bankrate analysis of CPI data.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., was forcibly removed from a news conference in Los Angeles on Thursday after he tried to question Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a media event related to immigration.

"I am Sen. Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary," Padilla told Noem, which prompted several men dressed in plainclothes to push him out of the room. A top FBI official later said bureau personnel and Secret Service agents were involved in his removal.

Padilla's office shared a video of the incident with NBC News. The video shows Padilla being taken into a hallway outside and pushed face forward onto the ground as officers with FBI-identifying vests tell him to put his hands behind his back. The officers then handcuff him.

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President Donald Trump's immigration policies  and the administration's handling of demonstrations against them  have sparked an outcry in recent days. After protesters clashed with officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles on Friday, Trump deployed members of the National Guard, and later the Marines, to assist local law enforcement. Dozens of demonstrations have taken place across the country since then.

Padilla to reporters later Thursday that he was waiting for a scheduled briefing from military officials when he learned Noem was in the same building and decided to join her briefing.

"I was there peacefully," he said. "At one point, I had a question, and so I began to ask a question. I was almost immediately forcibly removed from the room, I was forced to the ground, and I was handcuffed."

Noem offered a different account in an interview on Fox News in which she falsely said Padilla did not identify himself before he was forced out.

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"We were conducting a press conference to update everyone on the enforcement actions that are ongoing to bring people bring peace to the city of Los Angeles, and this man burst into the room, started lunging towards the podium, interrupting me and elevating his voice, and was stopped, did not identify himself, and was removed from the room," she said.

Before Padilla began questioning Noem, she spoke to reporters about the administration's actions, the subject of her appearance in Los Angeles. Noem said the Department of Homeland Security and its agencies, as well as the military, "will continue to sustain and increase our operations in this city."

"We are not going away," she said. "We are staying here to liberate this city from the socialist and the burdensome leadership that this governor and that this mayor have placed on this country," she said, referring to California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, both Democrats.

As Padilla tried to question her, Noem spoke over him, "I want to say thank you to every single person," and he was removed from the room.

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The news conference was held in a federal building.

Anthony Cangelosi, a former Secret Service agent, said that if it was an event that was not open to the public, then the forcible removal of Padilla appeared to be justified because he resisted leaving the room.

The facts and circumstances of him resisting the officers makes their use of force legitimate, said Cangelosi, who is now an adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.

If he had put his hands up and said, OK. Im out of here, guys, and they still put him on the floor and in handcuffs, then theyd be using too much force, Cangelosi added.

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Secret Service officials told NBC News that they interviewed Padilla after the incident and quickly determined he had no intention to harm Noem.

Secret Service personnel also facilitated a short meeting between Noem and Padilla.

An official told NBC News that its agents work off pins to recognize any dignitaries who might be present.

In an interview on MSNBC, Padilla said that the polo shirt he was wearing at the news conference said United States Senate and that the FBI agents who were handling him wouldnt identify themselves.

I kept repeatedly asking them, Why am I being detained? No answer, Padilla said, adding that he also was not told where they were taking him.

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Am I being led back outside? I dont know. Am I being taken to a cell? I dont know. They were not communicative until somebody from, Im sure, Secretary Noems team, figured out I was who I said I was, he added.

The incident provoked further outrage from Democrats.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., denounced it on the Senate floor. "I just saw something that sickened my stomach  the manhandling of a United States senator. We need immediate answers to what the hell went on," he said.

Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff, California's other senator, wrote on X that Padilla "represents the best of the Senate. The disgraceful and disrespectful conduct of DHS agents, pushing and shoving him out of a briefing like that, demands our condemnation. He will not be silenced or intimidated. His questions will be answered. Im with Alex."

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Newsom said on X that Padilla "is one of the most decent people I know."

"This is outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now," he added.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris called the incident "a shameful and stunning abuse of power."

Republicans largely criticized Padilla.

"Padilla didnt want answers; he wanted attention," White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said. "Padilla embarrassed himself and his constituents with this immature, theater-kid stunt."

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said that what Padilla "ought to be doing, in my view, is making sure that we have rational immigration policy. And Sen. Padilla, whos a nice man, sat on the sidelines for four years, watch the border completely be blown apart.

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Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, however, called video of the incident "very disturbing."

I dont know what preceded it," she told reporters. "I just was shown on the floor a small play, but it looks like he is being manhandled and physically removed. And its hard to imagine a justification for that.

The incident follows a string of arrests of Democratic elected officials related to immigration. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested last month and accused of trespassing at an ICE facility in New Jersey. The charges were ultimately dropped; Baraka he has sued interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba and Ricky J. Patel, a special agent in charge of the Newark division of Homeland Security Investigations, over the incident.

Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., was indicted this week on federal charges that stemmed from the same confrontation with law enforcement.

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Trump's "border czar," Tom Homan, also suggested that Newsom and Bass could be arrested, too, if they interfere with federal agents.

Padilla to reporters Thursday that his treatment raises questions about how the immigration raids are being conducted.

If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question, if this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question, you can only imagine what theyre doing to farmworkers, to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community and throughout California and throughout the country, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
California Sen. Alex Padilla was handcuffed by federal agents Thursday after he interrupted a press conference held by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles.

About five minutes into a press conference at the Westwood federal building, Noem told the media that the Trump administration planned to "liberate the city from the socialists and the burdensome leadership that the governor and the mayor have placed on this country."

Padilla, who was standing near a wall on one side of the room, then tried to interrupt Noem to ask a question, video footage shows. Cameras turned toward him as two Secret Service agents tried to push him backward, one saying: "Sir, sir, hands up."

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"I'm Sen.Alex Padilla," he said, as one agent grabbed his jacket and shoved him backward on the chest and arm. "I have questions for the secretary, because the fact of the matter is that half a dozen violent criminals that you're rotating on your  on your ..."

"Hands off!" Padilla said, as three agents pushed him into a separate room.

Padilla, a Democrat who was raised by Mexican immigrants in the northeast San Fernando Valley, got into politics in the 1990s over his dismay with anti-immigrant sentiment, and this week has encouraged Los Angeles residents to protest the immigration sweeps.

"If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question," Padilla said later, his eyes welling with tears, "if this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question, I can only imagine what they're doing to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community and throughout California and throughout the country."

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Read more: Death threats, vandalism, investigations: L.A. immigrant rights groups in the fight of their lives

Laura Eimiller, a spokesperson for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said Padilla was escorted out of the room by the Secret Service and FBI police officers who act as building security, but was not arrested. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino said that Padilla had not been wearing a security pin and "physically resisted law enforcement when confronted."

Noem continued without mentioning the disruption, telling reporters that immigration agents have been "doxxed from doing their duty, how they have been targeted and their families have been put in jeopardy."

The video of Padilla's "freakout," said White House Communications Director Steven Cheung in a post on X, "shows the public what a complete lunatic Padilla is by rushing towards Secretary Noem and disturbing the informative press conference." Videos from the room showed Padilla interrupting Noem, but did not show him rushing toward her.

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After being escorted to the separate room and led a few doors down, Padilla raised his hands in front of his chest as the agents marched him past an office cubicle and down a hallway, a video taken by a member of Padilla's staff and shared with The Times showed.

The agents forced Padilla to his knees and then to his chest, his face against the carpet. One agent said, "On the ground, on the ground, hands behind your back."

The officers bent one of Padilla's arms behind his back and attached a handcuff, then said, "Other hand, sir? Other hand."

One federal agent turned to the member of Padilla's staff who was filming and said, "There's no recording allowed out here, per FBI rights."

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Noem told reporters she met with Padilla privately for about 15 minutes after the incident, then said, "I wish that he would have reached out and identified himself and let us know who he was and that he wanted to talk."

His approach, she said, "was something that I don't think was appropriate at all, but the conversation was great, and we're going to continue to communicate."

At a makeshift podium outside the federal building, Padilla said he was attending a briefing with Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of the U.S. Northern Command, when he learned of the press conference.

He said he and fellow Democrats have received "little to no information" from the administration, so he attended the press conference "to hear what she had to say, to see if I can learn any new additional information."

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"At one point I had a question, and so I began to ask a question," Padilla said. "I was almost immediately forcibly removed from the room. I was forced to the ground, and I was handcuffed. I was not arrested. I was not detained."

Padilla's run-in with federal agents was decried by California officials, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, who called the detainment "outrageous, dictatorial and shameful."

"Trump and his shock troops are out of control," Newsom said. "This must end now."

At a press conference downtown Thursday afternoon, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said federal agents had "shoved and cuffed a sitting U.S. senator," as people behind her booed.

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"How could you say that you did not know who he was?" Bass said. "We see the video tape, we see him saying who he was  but how do you not recognize one of two senators in our state? And he is not just any senator. He is the first Latino citizen senator to ever represent our state."

Sen. Adam Schiff, the other Democrat representing California in the Senate, blasted the behavior of federal agents as "disgraceful and disrespectful," saying it "demands our condemnation."

Padilla "represents the best of the Senate," Schiff said on X. "He will not be silenced or intimidated. His questions will be answered. I'm with Alex."

In Washington, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) said on the Senate floor that the video of Padilla being handcuffed "sickened my stomach."

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"It's despicable. It's disgusting," he said. "It is so un-American, so un-American, and we need answers. We need answers immediately."

Times staff writers Richard Winton and Nathan Solis contributed to this report.

Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox twice per week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Yantoultra Ngui

SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Temasek has joined a consortium backed by Microsoft, BlackRock and tech investment company MGX to invest and expand artificial intelligence infrastructure, according to BlackRock's investor day presentation slides on Thursday.

The Singapore state investment company has joined AI Infrastructure Partnership, a group that also includes BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners, the slides showed.

AIP, formed in September with a goal to initially invest more than $30 billion in AI-related projects, is one of the world's largest efforts to invest in data centres and energy facilities needed to power AI applications such as ChatGPT.

It aims to mobilise up to $100 billion including debt financing for such investments, which will focus on the United States.

Temasek's participation comes after the Kuwait Investment Authority joined AIP earlier in June.

The sovereign wealth fund of Kuwait was the first non-founder financial anchor investor to join the consortium, which also counts partners including Nvidia and billionaire Elon Musk's xAI.

"Temasek's investment in the AI Infrastructure Partnership reflects our focus on the big shifts and trends of the future," Ravi Lambah, Temasek's head of strategic initiatives, said in an email to Reuters.

"AI is potentially the most transformative and impactful technology for all sectors and businesses," he added.

Temasek did not disclose financial details of the investment. The global investment company had a net portfolio value of S$389 billion ($304 billion) as of March 31, 2024, according to its website.

($1 = 1.2804 Singapore dollars)

(Reporting by Yantoultra Ngui; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet speaks to Colorado food access advocates during a remote roundtable Thursday about proposed federal food assistance cuts. (Screenshot)

Democratic U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet joined a roundtable Thursday with Coloradans who would be hurt by proposed cuts to federal food assistance. They ranged from a grocery store manager in rural Baca County to a farmer from Wellington, north of Fort Collins.

The conversation comes as Congress considers billions of dollars of cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides monthly support for low-income families to buy groceries.

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(Cuts) would have a material effect on communities throughout Colorado, both urban and rural, Bennet said. Its going to affect everybody, no matter where they live, and at a time when they need, desperately, help to just feed their families.

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The House narrowly passed its version of the GOP tax and spending bill last month, which for the first time would require states to shoulder some of the cost of SNAP  up to 25%  starting in 2028. Members of Colorados House delegation voted along party lines for the bill, with the GOP in favor and the Democrats opposed. Senate Republicans are pushing for more moderate SNAP cuts compared to their House counterparts.

These cuts would be devastating, Bennet said during the remote roundtable. Now we know what the scope of the Senate cuts are versus the House cuts, and in either case, its the largest cuts that have ever been proposed.

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On Wednesday, Senate Agriculture Chairman John Boozman said the Senate GOP plan would result in federal savings of $52 or $53 billion.

Both chambers plans would tie the percent of the cost burden of SNAP on a state to the rate of that states payment errors. Under the Senate plan, states with error rates at 5% or lower would continue to pay nothing for SNAP, while states with error rates at 10% or higher would pay for 15% of benefits, Boozman said. The Senate plan would also create two levels for states with error rates between 5% and 10%.

Colorados SNAP payment error rate is 8.61% as of 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This puts Colorado on a better track than the national average, which is 11.7%.

Cuts unpopular in Colorado

Laurel Smith, a farmer in Larimer County, said any SNAP cuts would mean a significant loss of revenue and a reduced quality of life for the community.

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For my farm stand and my farmers market booth, 65% of my revenue comes from SNAP sales, thats how much our community members desire SNAP, said Smith, who herself used SNAP benefits when she was in her 20s to supplement her food budget.

Libby Triebel, a single mother of four who lives in Colorado Springs, said she often barely scrapes by, even with SNAP, which gives recipients an average of $6.16 per day for food.

I do my best, and I make sure (my kids) dont go a day without having their stomachs full, Triebel said. (Cuts) would be harmful, on these families out here that are just making it by to survive, and these kids dont deserve that.

About 159,000 Coloradans could lose SNAP benefits under House Republicans tax and spending bill, according to an analysis released Thursday by the left-leaning Center for American Progress.

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SNAP cuts are largely unpopular among Colorado voters, though many want to see lower error rates. Just 19% of Colorado voters want to see Congress decrease spending on SNAP, while 46% want to see it increase, 29% want it to stay about the same and 6% are unsure, according to a poll released Tuesday by Healthier Colorado.

A fight worth having

During the roundtable, food bank leaders warned that any cuts to SNAP would add a greater burden on their organizations, which are already stretched thin. For Thai Nguyen, the founder of Kaizen Food Rescue, feeding Coloradans is deeply personal.

Nguyen, who was a refugee and homeless in her youth, knows what its like to not have access to healthy, fresh produce. Through her organization, she works to pay forward the help that she received from SNAP. Kaizen Food Rescue has served food to more than 57,000 people in the Denver metro area so far this year.

Were trying to just pretty much empower our communities and create a sense of belonging, Nguyen said.

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Regardless of potential SNAP cuts, Kaizen Food Rescue is already reeling, after a $20 million Environmental Protection Agency grant it had been awarded for an on-site farm was recently revoked, according to Nguyen.

As congressional budget negotiations continue, Bennet urged the roundtable members to continue to push for the nutritious food support they want to see for their communities.

Please continue to lead this fight, to champion this fight, Bennet said. Its a fight worth having.

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  United States Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders will hold a rally in Shreveport next weekend.

Senator Sanders of Vermont will visit the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium to host an event titled, Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here. It is a part of his nationwide tour of stops throughout small towns and cities across the country.

Over the course of the next few weeks, Ill be hitting the road to have real discussions across America on how we move forward to take on the Oligarchs and corporate interests who have so much power and influence in this country, says Sen. Bernie Sanders website.

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The rally is on June 21. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Music by Sweet Crude will play at noon. The speaking program begins at 1 p.m.

Shreveports No Kings rally protests President Trumps policies, parade

The following items are not permitted inside the venue:

Signs or flags

Weapons, including open carry

Hard water bottles

Chairs

Bags larger than a fanny pack (exceptions made for medical needs)

Organizers request interested attendees to RSVP online.

Additionally, Sen. Sanders has been known to livestream the event on his official YouTube channel.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., expanded his investigation into alleged financial support for anti-ICE riots across the country Thursday, threatening subpoenas against at least three organizations.

Hawley says he has yet to hear a response from organizations he is probing for potentially supporting riots in Los Angeles in recent days. He told Fox News Digital in an interview that he will seek subpoenas against the organizations if they do not comply, which they have yet to do.

The senator also said he would pursue public hearings on the issue.

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"If it's not public and transparent, then there's no point," he said.

Federal Officials Slam Democrats For 'Dangerous' Rhetoric As Ice Agents Face Violent Mobs In La, Nyc

Sen. Josh Hawley says the anti-ICE riots spreading across the country are "not spontaneous."

Hawley wrote letters to three left-wing groups, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) and the Union del Barrio (UD), on Wednesday.

Read On The Fox News App

CHIRLA did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital on Wednesday. PSL and UD did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday.

"This is not spontaneous, and the proof of that can be seen as the riots are spreading to Chicago, to St. Louis," Hawley told Fox. "Somebody is paying for all of this, and weve got to get to the bottom of it."

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The letters request that all three organizations provide internal communications relating to any protest planning or funding, as well as financial documents related to the same, including third-party contracts, vendor agreements and various other business relationships.

"Let me be clear: bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct. Accordingly, you must immediately cease and desist any further involvement in the organization, funding or promotion of these unlawful activities," Hawley wrote.

Hawley also requested travel records for individuals involved with the organizations if they have been reimbursed, as well as the organizations' donor lists.

National Guard To Be Deployed In Los Angeles County As Anti-ice Protests Rage: Border Czar Tom Homan

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IRS records obtained by Fox News show that CHIRLA has received $34 million in government grants, including three from former President Joe Biden's administration for $750,000.

President Donald Trump has already cut funding for the organization. Nevertheless, CHIRLA still receives state and city grant funds to support its lawyers fighting against deportations.

CHIRLA is also responsible for creating the so-called Rapid Response Network, the hotline that immigrants use to report ICE raids. The network then sends text alerts, giving migrants an opportunity to hide.

A split image of law enforcement personnel and immigration protesters in California. Gov. Gavin Newsom has sued Trump over the deployment of national guard troops to the state without his consent.

Trump has been vocal about his belief that many of the rioters and protesters in Los Angeles are professional agitators rather than real protesters.

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"The people that are causing the problem are professional agitators. They're insurrectionists. They're bad people. They should be in jail," Trump said, going on to suggest that he would support arresting California Gov. Gavin Newsom over his handling of the riots.





Original article source: Sen Josh Hawley expands probe into groups allegedly funding anti-ICE riots, threatens subpoenas
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Wednesday slammed President Donald Trump for uninviting him and his family from the White House picnic.

Paul has opposed the Trump administrations decision to actively seek to suspend habeas corpus. Habeas corpus  the constitutional freedom that translates to you should have the body in Latin  ensures that detained individuals, whether or not they are citizens, are able to physically appear in front of a judge.

I think Im the first senator in the history of the United States to be uninvited to the White House picnic, Paul told reporters on Wednesday. I just find this incredibly petty. I mean  I have been, I think, nothing but polite to the president.

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The next day, Trump said that Paul and his beautiful wife and family are of course invited to the White House picnic that evening. Its unclear whether the senator was bluffing about being uninvited or if the president is pretending to have never revoked the invite in the first place.

Hes the toughest vote in the history of the U.S. Senate, but why wouldnt he be? Trump said on Truth Social. Besides, it gives me more time to get his Vote on the Great, Big, Beautiful Bill, one of the greatest and most important pieces of legislation ever put before our Senators & Congressmen/women.

The picnic is an annual event held by the White House on the South Lawn, which members from both aisles of Congress typically attend.

Theyve decided they want to declare war on my family and exclude us from the White House, and I just think its incredibly petty, Paul added on Wednesday, saying that White House staffers are running sort of a paid influencer campaign against me for two weeks on Twitter.

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Paul said his son, daughter-in-law and infant grandson were supposed to attend the picnic with him. He also added that he did not receive an explanation as to why they all were no longer invited, and hes not sure if the revoked invitation came from Trump or his staffers.

Habeas corpus is one most fundamental rights we have, Paul said. And the same people that are directing this campaign are the same people that casually would throw out parts of the Constitution and suspend habeas corpus. So, I think what it tells it they dont like hearing me say stuff like that, and so they want to quiet me down. And it hasnt worked, and so theyre going to try to attack me.

Paul has drawn Trumps ire on more than one occasion in recent days. Earlier this month, Paul voiced concerns about Trumps big, beautiful bill, prompting Trump to take jabs at him online.

Rand Paul has very little understanding of the BBB, especially the tremendous GROWTH that is coming, Trump said on his Truth Social platform. He loves voting NO on everything, he thinks its good politics, but its not. The BBB is a big WINNER!!!

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Paul also criticized Trumps upcoming military parade on Saturday, Trumps birthday. Paul told HuffPost the parade reminded him of the Soviet Union and North Korea.

The White House did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

Related...
President Donald Trump now says that Rand Paul is invited to the White House picnic tonight after the Kentucky senator said that his familys invitation was abruptly rescinded.

Of course Senator Rand Paul and his beautiful wife and family are invited to the BIG White House Party tonight, Trump wrote on Truth Social Thursday morning. The president then appeared to change his tone on the libertarian lawmaker drastically.

Hes the toughest vote in the history of the U.S. Senate, but why wouldnt he be?

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Paul is adamant that he will vote against Trumps Big, Beautiful Bill and has been critical of this weekends military parade in the nations capital.

Trump said that he would use Pauls presence at the picnic to get his Vote on the Great, Big, Beautiful Bill, one of the greatest and most important pieces of legislation ever put before our Senators & Congressmen/women... I look forward to seeing Rand.

Kentucky Senator Rand Paul claims he may be the first person ever to be excluded from a White House picnic (Reuters)

Paul earlier described Trump and his administration as incredibly petty after revealing to members of the press that he had been uninvited to the party.

I think Im the first senator in the history of the United States to be uninvited to the White House picnic, the Kentucky Republican told reporters on Wednesday. I just find this incredibly petty. I mean  I have been, I think, nothing but polite to the president.

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Paul, a fiscal hawk, briefly formed an alliance with Elon Musk earlier this month when he labelled the presidents signature tax and spending legislation a huge mistake, joining the tech billionaire in expressing anxiety about the bill adding as much as $5 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.

That led the president to lash out at the senator in a brace of posts on Truth Social, in the first of which he complained: Rand Paul has very little understanding of the BBB, especially the tremendous GROWTH that is coming. He loves voting NO on everything, he thinks its good politics, but its not. The BBB is a big WINNER!!!

In the second, he griped: Rand votes NO on everything, but never has any practical or constructive ideas. His ideas are actually crazy (losers!). The people of Kentucky cant stand him. This is a BIG GROWTH BILL!

Paul also risked Trumps wrath by criticizing the upcoming military parade in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, marking the presidents 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army.

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The senator told reporters he has never been a big fan of goose-stepping soldiers in big tanks and missiles rolling down the street, and compared the event to the sort of triumphalist show of might more commonly associated with the Soviet Union and North Korea.

Paul has further provoked the administration by accusing it of running sort of a paid influencer campaign against me for two weeks on Twitter.

Paul has been increasingly critical of the administration of late, particularly over the presidents Big, Beautiful Bill (AP)

We know theyre being paid because... someone has told us that the White House called them from the White House, and offered them money to attack me online, he said.

As if that were not enough, Paul has also attacked Trumps senior adviser Stephen Miller for basically going around casually talking about getting rid of habeas corpus.

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The picnic blacklisting is nevertheless embarrassing for the senator, who learned of his exclusion when he inquired about picking up his tickets, according to Politico.

Paul said he did not know whether Trump himself or a White House staffer had made the decision to cross him off the guest list, but said the level of immaturity is beyond words.
On Tuesday, Senator Rick Scott made a pitch to relocate NASA Headquarters from D.C. to Floridas Space Coast.

He sent this letter, signed by the entire Florida Delegation, to the Trump Administration asking the President

to consider the move. But this afternoon, NASA Watch Founder Keith Cowing told me its unlikely. He told us,

Ive read the letter, and everybody signed it. Whos a Republican from Florida. They want to move with the Florida because a lot of space people work there. That are isolated from the political environment in DC. Okay, well, you have a big political environment down there. So, I own the lobbyists. Well, theyll just set up new offices. Itll take years. In his letter, said the lease on Headquarters is expiring, and theres a 500-million plan for a new facility in the National Capitol Region.

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Scott says Space Florida has build to suit options. He called the state the undisputed leader in space operations and talked about leveraging a world-class workforce.

Dr. Don Platt, an Associate Professor of Space Systems at Florida Tech said, We do have to remember that the people that work in NASA headquarters are people that interface with Capitol Hill. They interface with budgets, national space policy. They do not build rocket engines. They do not program software. Not engineers, theyre more likely to be someone with a business background or a masters in management or finance or any of those areas. Platt also said that if the Trump administration really was contemplating an HQ move for NASA, several states would be vying for that prize.

Scotts letter follows the introduction of the CAPE Canaveral Act earlier this year. Scott co-sponsored the bill, which calls for the relocation of NASA headquarters from D.C. to Brevard County.

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Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee are pushing for an investigation into top Justice Department official Ed Martin over his stated plans to "shame" political opponents of President Donald Trump who he's unable to charge criminally, as well as a host of other politically charged matters Martin has publicly pledged to pursue in his new position.

"I write to express my grave concern about Ed Martins stated intention to abuse his new roles as lead of the so-called Weaponization Working Group you constituted at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and as DOJs Pardon Attorney," Sen. Dick Durbin, the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, said in a letter transmitted to the Justice Department, which was first obtained by ABC News. "Following his disgraceful tenure as Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Mr. Martin apparently plans to continue his misconduct in his new roles at DOJ."

A DOJ spokesperson confirmed the department received the letter but declined to comment further.

PHOTO: Interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin speaks during a press conference, May 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C. ( Craig Hudson For The Washington Post via Getty Images)

MORE: Ed Martin, Trump's DOJ pardon attorney, says he'll review Biden's outgoing pardons

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Martin's controversial tenure as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C., in the opening months of Trump's presidency thrust the office into turmoil and led several Senate Republicans to state publicly they wouldn't support his permanent confirmation in the role.

But once the White House announced they were pulling Martin's nomination, Trump said Martin would instead be appointed to several top positions working out of DOJ's main headquarters -- serving as an associate deputy attorney general, the U.S. pardon attorney and director of the so-called "Weaponization Working Group."

Martin celebrated the news on his X account, posting 'Eagle Unleashed,' and in various interviews celebrated what he described as a mandate from Trump directly to target the alleged 'weaponization' of the department under the Biden administration.

Its classic Donald Trump, right? That somebody tries to block him and block his pick, and he decides to double down, Martin told Breitbart News last month. This is probably the greatest job I could ever envision.

PHOTO: Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Richard Durbin speaks during a hearing on pharmacy benefit managers in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, May 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

MORE: Trump US attorney nominee distances himself from antisemitic Jan. 6 rioter he once praised

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In a news conference announcing his departure from the D.C. U.S. Attorney's Office, Martin confirmed he planned to launch a probe of last-minute pardons issued by former President Joe Biden just before he left office -- and suggested that officials he's unable to charge would instead be publicly "shamed."

"There are some really bad actors, some people that did some really bad things to the American people," Martin said. "And if they can be charged, we'll charge them. But if they can't be charged, we will name them ... And in a culture that respects shame, they should be people that are shamed. And that's a fact. That's the way things work. And so that's how I believe the job operates."

The approach would directly conflict with longstanding DOJ policy that prohibits prosecutors from naming or disparaging individuals who they don't intend to charge criminally.

When asked about that policy by ABC News during the news conference, Martin said he would "have to look at what the provision you're referring to, to see -- we want to square ourselves with doing the things correctly."

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The letter from Senate Democrats said Martin's statements "are a brazen admission that Mr. Martin plans to systematically violate the Justice Manuals prohibition on extrajudicial statements by shaming uncharged parties for nakedly partisan reasons. Weaponizing DOJ in this manner will further undermine the publics trust in the department in irreparable ways."

MORE: Bondi, as new AG, launches 'Weaponization Working Group' to review officials who investigated Trump

In his early days as pardon attorney, Martin said he advised the president in his pardon of former Virginia county sheriff Scott Jenkins, who had been sentenced to ten years in prison for a federal bribery conviction.

"No MAGA left behind," Martin posted on X in response to the pardon.

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Durbin's letter further cited reports Martin has "personally advocated" fast-tracking pardons for members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who were convicted of seditious conspiracy stemming from their roles leading up to the attack on the Capitol, after President Trump initially opted to commute their sentences in his sweeping clemency action for the nearly 1600 individuals charged in connection with Jan. 6.

Durbin's letter requests Bondi provide a host of records related to Martin's appointment and early days as head of the Weaponization Working Group and Pardon Attorney's Office. It's unclear whether DOJ will ultimately respond to Durbin's demands given Democrats' minority position on the committee.

Senate Democrats demand probe of Ed Martin's pledge to 'shame' Trump's opponents, other actions at DOJ originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., will release Senate Democrats answer to Republican efforts to combat Medicaid and Medicare fraud as part of the GOPs sweeping tax-and-spending bill.

A discussion draft crafted by the Nevada Democrat and shared with Semafor would boost funding for the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program, which recovered $11 for every $1 it spent in 2022, and expand it to oversee all Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services programs, including the Affordable Care Acts health insurance marketplace.

The centerpiece of a larger suite of proposals Senate Democrats will announce today, its exactly what our agencies need to root out real fraud and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid while protecting Americans access to care, Cortez Masto said.

Its release comes as congressional Republicans continue their push to pass their package by July 4.
The Senate Agriculture Committee is proposing some notable changes to the controversial food stamp provisions in the House-approved version of Republicans megabill.

The committee, which unveiled its proposal on Wednesday, would dial back the introduction of work requirements for parents of dependent children in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the formal name for food stamps. The Senate version would mandate that parents of children ages 10 and older work to maintain their benefits, while the House package would impose that requirement on parents of children ages 7 and older. Currently, parents of dependent children are exempt from the programs work mandate.

(A summary released by the committee said that the work requirement would apply to parents of children over age 10, which conflicts with the text of the proposal. A committee spokeswoman confirmed to CNN that the provision would apply to parents of 10-year-olds and older children.)

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The Senate committee also drops the exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness and young adults who have aged out of foster care, according to Katie Bergh, a senior policy analyst at the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

The House version includes the exemptions but ends them in 2030.

Like the House version, the Senate would expand the food stamp programs existing work requirements to able-bodied adults ages 55 through 64 and would curtail states ability to receive work requirement waivers in difficult economic times, limiting them only to areas with unemployment rates above 10%. Both versions would also bar refugees, those granted asylum and certain survivors of domestic violence or labor or sex trafficking, among other immigrants with legal status, from receiving food stamps.

Currently, adults ages 18 to 54 without dependent children can only receive food stamps for three months over a 36-month period unless they work 20 hours a week or are eligible for an exemption.

The Senate measure aims at helping recipients transition to self-sufficiency through work and training. Its about being good stewards of taxpayer dollars while giving folks the tools to succeed, Arkansas Sen. John Boozman, the committees chair, said in a statement.

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But advocates lashed out at the Senate plan, saying it would worsen hunger in the US. Some 42 million people receive food stamps.

The proposal would also take food assistance away from millions of parents and grandparents who are working but get tangled in red tape, have a health condition but fall through the cracks and dont get an exemption, or are between jobs and need temporary help, Ty Jones Cox, vice president for food assistance at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, said in a statement.

Senators in multiple committees are currently negotiating pieces of the Houses sweeping tax and spending cuts bill, which aims to fulfill President Donald Trumps agenda.

The House, which passed the package last month, would enact the deepest cuts to food stamps in the programs history  reducing federal spending by nearly $300 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The work requirement provision would result in 3.2 million fewer people receiving benefits in an average month between 2025 and 2034, according to a preliminary CBO estimate of the House bill. That includes 800,000 adults who live with dependent children.

Reducing proposed state tab of SNAP costs

Both the Senate and House versions would require that states start covering part of the cost of food stamp benefits for the first time, though the Senate committee is calling for a smaller share.

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States tab would depend on their payment error rate in the program. In the Senate version, states with error rates below 6% would not have to contribute to the cost of benefits. The amount would then ratchet up in stages, with states that have error rates of 10% or more paying a 15% share.

The House version would require all states to shoulder at least 5% of the cost and as much as 25% for those with error rates of at least 10%.

Both versions would increase states share of the programs administrative costs to 75%, from 50%.

Advocates and state officials have warned that asking states to pick up more of the costs would have dire consequences.

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Shifting the financial burden of SNAP onto states is fiscally unsustainable and risks harming the very individuals and families the program is designed to support, Tim Storey, CEO of the National Conference of State Legislatures, wrote to House Agriculture Committee leaders last month.

State agencies are already underfunded and understaffed, said Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center, in a statement Wednesday. Shifting more of the cost to states would leave strained state budgets unable to absorb the added burden without raising taxes, cutting programs, or reducing access.

How states would respond to having to pay for a share of the food stamp benefits would vary, but some would modify benefits or eligibility and possibly leave the program altogether because of the increased costs, according to a preliminary CBO analysis of the House bill. The provision would lead states to reduce or eliminate food stamp benefits for about 1.3 million people in an average month over the decade, CBO estimates.

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Senate Republicans indicated on Wednesday they are prepared to reduce the size of a key tax deduction in President Trumps big, beautiful bill that was backed by moderates in the House, setting up a battle within the GOP over the divisive issue.

The fight had long been expected, with senators saying they thought the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap in the House-passed bill was too large and too expensive, but the hardening of the plan in the upper chamber threatens to delay progress on the bill and raises further questions about meeting the GOPs self-imposed July 4 deadline.

Theres a gap between where we are and where the House is.  [Its] likely going to be a lower number, said Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), a top adviser to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), adding that the Senate GOP has not yet zeroed in on what that number will be.

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Senate Republicans emerged from a conference meeting Wednesday where key committees laid out their portions of the bill and lawmakers discussed numerous changes on the table. Several contentious issues remained unresolved, with only two legislative weeks to go until the July 4 recess.

But multiple senators told The Hill that the chamber appears ready to chop down the $40,000 SALT cap, which was painstakingly negotiated between Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House GOP moderates from New York, New Jersey and California who have warned not to touch it.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), one of the members who led the meeting, was insistent that the cap would fall below $40,000, one Senate Republican said.

Its unclear exactly what number Republicans in the upper chamber are eyeing, but Bloomberg News reported it was $30,000.

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There was never a number specifically discussed other than the Houses [$40,000]  and its a lot, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) told reporters. No surprise that theres an interest in reducing it.

The current cap sits at $10,000, which was set in place in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Senate Republicans have been fine with an increase in the cap, but many believed the $40,000 total for individuals making $500,000 or less was overzealous.

A number of Senate Republicans have balked at some of the cost-cutting proposals in the bill the House sent and are looking for other ways to save money.

Not a single Senate Republican hails from a high-tax blue state that would benefit from a higher SALT deduction cap. But the $40,000 figure was painstakingly negotiated by Johnson and House moderates, several of whom threatened to tank the whole bill over it. And any Senate changes would been to be approved by the House.

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For weeks, Republicans in the SALT Caucus have warned that they will not accept a lower cap.

The compromise has already been made in the House. $40,000 is the figure that unlocks the rest of the bill, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), a SALT member, told The Hill. Its not a number to be bargained down from.

The Wednesday conference meeting, led by Crapo and Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.), also focused on other changes the Senate is looking to make to the House-passed legislation.

Among those is a proposal to scale back provisions that would place more of the cost burden of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) onto states. A number of Republican senators were turned off by the Houses language.

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GOP lawmakers are attempting to have all portions of text by the end of next week, which is truncated by the Juneteenth holiday. But several of the issues that GOP holdouts in the Senate have named as sticking points  including Medicaid and green energy tax credits  remain unresolved.

Republicans admit there is still much work to do in that time.

Imagine a jigsaw puzzle with 3,000 pieces  and no picture, Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said after the meeting. Thats what were trying to put together.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a top ally of Thune, labeled that deadline for committees as an aspirational goal, with the entire bill potentially hitting the floor by Monday, June 23 to kick off consideration. If that happens, a vote-a-rama could take place by that weeks end.

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He admitted all those are lofty plans.

We work really good on deadlines, Mullin said. Without deadlines, we dont ever work.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said on Wednesday morning that he does not believe July 4 is a realistic deadline for the bill to hit Trumps desk given that roughly one-third of the bill is set to be revised by the upper chamber.

And so I think the Senate will vote it out right before the July 4 recess, and then, I think it is likely that we will spend the month of July in conference and trying to reconcile the two, Cruz said at an event hosted by Punchbowl News.

The Senate bill is going to be markedly different from the House, he continued. My guess is the Senate bill will track the House bill, maybe 60 to 70 percent. There are a lot of good provisions. A lot of the broad outlines are going to be similar, but its the Senate. So the Senate is going to do what it damn well wants to do and thats a good process.

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When asked if the deadline is realistic, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) was unsure.

Maybe, he said, noting that a number of members are awaiting scoring from the Congressional Budget Office.

And a number of members still need to be won over. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a key lawmaker who remains up for grabs, told reporters that she has questions about Medicaid changes and is still deliberating.

The possibility of work stretching close to the nations birthday led Thune on Wednesday to warn that he is prepared to keep members in Washington until they complete work on the mammoth bill.

Senators are slated to be back in their home states from June 28 through July 6 for the break, giving them just north of two weeks to get everything done.

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The afternoon meeting was not the only conference discussion about the sprawling bill for the Senate GOP. Border czar Tom Homan appeared hours earlier at a weekly luncheon hosted by the Senate Steering Committee, which is composed of the GOPs most conservative members.

Homan pressed lawmakers to approve the tax package in order to unlock funding included for the border as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are running out of beds for detained migrants.

According to Sen. John Hoevan (R-N.D.), Homan told members that ICE currently has 55,000 individuals detained, but only 41,000 beds.

Thats a problem, Hoevan told reporters. The biggest pitch he had was: There are still about 600,000 people out there who are here illegally who have criminal records, so he needs this funding for the bed space.

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More meetings are set for the coming days, including at the White House on Thursday when Thune and Crapo are expected to huddle with Trump.

Its going to be an interesting week or two, said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), one of the remaining holdouts.

Emily Brooks contributed.

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FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Coercive trade policies fail to resolve financial imbalances and the risk of mutual economic damage is so great that all sides need to weigh policy adjustments to resolve tensions, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said on Wednesday.

The United States set off global economic turmoil in April when it unveiled a raft of tariffs on most nations and trade flows have been disrupted while governments negotiate with the Trump administration.

Lagarde, speaking on a rare visit to Beijing, said all countries needed to take responsibility and should tweak policies that have led to either excess supply or excess demand, otherwise trade barriers and their likely retaliation will erode global prosperity.

"We have witnessed a sharp rise in the use of industrial policies aimed at boosting domestic capacity," Lagarde said at the Peoples Bank of China. "Since 2014, subsidy-related interventions that distort global trade have more than tripled globally."

China has extensively relied on subsidies for decades, especially in the case of export-focused production, and critics argue this gives its firms an unfair advantage that is used to crowd out production elsewhere.

But China is not alone in using subsidies and others, particularly in emerging markets, were resorting to such schemes, Lagarde said.

The share of the U.S. in global demand has meanwhile soared in recent years, which partly reflects excessive spending in the public sector, contributing to the imbalances, Lagarde argued.

A resolution in the conflict lies in more closely respecting global rules and forging bilateral or regional agreements rooted in mutual benefits, she said.

(Reporting by Balazs Koranyi; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
More chaotic scenes emerged on Thursday in Los Angeles after U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat from California, was forcibly removed for interrupting a news conference with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The incident, which occurred at the Wilshire Federal Building, adds to the unrest in the city since last weekend when anti-immigration protests turned violent in the downtown area and beyond.

President Donald Trump, who has been at odds with both city and state leaders, said Thursday that Los Angeles was "safe and sound," crediting his deployment of thousands of troops as the reason for the de-escalation in the past two days.

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Senator Padilla's appearance at the news conference turned the spotlight on the administration as many Californians want answers about President Trump's handling of the demonstrations.

The events that unfolded have created a massive response on social media from the Democratic party 

URGENT BREAKING: Democrat US Senator Alex Padilla was just thrown to the ground and arrested for trying to speak at a DHS Press Conference by Secretary Kristi Noem.



This is Trumps America. This is so incredibly pathetic.



I am so sad for the state of this country. pic.twitter.com/yI9fKdoYoW  Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) June 12, 2025

Chuck Schumer weighed in the video ...

Watching this video sickened my stomach, the manhandling of a United States Senator, Senator Padilla.



We need immediate answers to what the hell went on.pic.twitter.com/OKunL1mDSZ  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) June 12, 2025

...as did Rep. Norma Torres.

Lets call it what it is: a disgraceful abuse of power. Senator Alex Padilla was dragged and handcuffed out for daring to question Secretary Noem. This wasnt a threatit was dissent. Theyre not keeping us safetheyre silencing us. pic.twitter.com/SbSpwfuIHL  Rep. Norma Torres (@NormaJTorres) June 12, 2025

Senator Elizabeth Warren also took to social media, condemning the act.

I'm on my way to the Senate floor to talk about the assault on my colleague, Senator Alex Padilla.



This is a horrifying moment in our nations history. pic.twitter.com/yi4SQIz7XL  Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) June 12, 2025

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Kamala Harris called the incident a " shameful and stunning abuse of power."

United States Senator Alex Padilla was representing the millions of Californians who are demanding answers to this Administration's actions in Southern California.



This is a shameful and stunning abuse of power.pic.twitter.com/ODTNb92JE4  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 12, 2025

Here is the full statement from U.S. Senator Padilla:

Here is Senator Alex Padilla's entire full statement after being detained by Donald Trump and Kristi Noem's Department of Homeland Security.



Like he said, if they're doing this to a sitting Senator, imagine what they're doing to other people.



Unconscionable. pic.twitter.com/NmLVqYxtPX  Art Candee  (@ArtCandee) June 12, 2025

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: U.S. Senator Alex Padilla's removal from press conference causes stir
The News

A day where Republicans hoped to put Democratic governors in a bind on immigration turned on its head after Californias senior senator was forcibly removed and handcuffed following an attempt to ask a question of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

As video of Democratic Sen. Alex Padillas removal by federal law enforcement in Los Angeles spread across Washington, his party demanded accountability and even GOP senators were rattled by the rough treatment of a statewide elected official. The episode largely overshadowed a House Oversight Committee hearing with Democratic governors that was designed to shine a critical spotlight on blue-state immigration policies.Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. told reporters afterward that he attempted to contact Padilla immediately after the incident and was waiting to hear back. He said it wouldnt change the way he and other Democrats do their jobs.

This is not going to deter us, he said. He disputed the notion, shared by a DHS spokesperson on X, that Padillas removal was in part due to his failure to identify himself in the room during Noems press conference. I have no doubt that they understood exactly who he was, and that makes it all the more troubling.

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Senators reviewed videos of Padillas treatment by law enforcement agents in the room during the chambers last votes of the week, they told Semafor. Some declined to comment without seeing more, but his colleagues were clearly unsettled  and the incident offered Democrats the chance to spotlight the military deployments that President Donald Trump has ordered in Los Angeles to tamp down protests against immigration raids.

I dont know what preceded it  but it looks like hes being manhandled and physically removed, and its hard to imagine a justification for that, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, told Semafor.

Schiff, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer all took to the floor quickly to denounce the incident. And news of the arrest rippled through the Oversight panel hearing room where the Democratic governors of Illinois, Minnesota, and New York were taking hours of questions on their states immigration policies.

As photos of Padilla being held on the ground went viral online, Democrats held up printouts and asked Oversight Chair James Comer, R-Ky., to read them into the record. After sharing several of the stories, Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., asked Comer to commit on the record to subpoenaing Kristi Noem.

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Comer refused and grew frustrated as Frost repeated the request instead of letting the hearing continue.

Shut up! he said. Just shut up!

Cant follow the rules, cant follow the law, snapped Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., accusing Frost of being a former member of Antifa. After a pause, she amended that statement to say that Frost had once been arrested at a voting-rights rally.

Proudly, Frost countered.

The View From Alex Padilla

The senator addressed his removal on Thursday while still in California, vowing to hold this administration accountable.

I was almost immediately forcibly removed from the room, I forced to the ground and I was handcuffed, Padilla said at a press conference.

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I was not arrested, I was not detained. I will say this: If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question, if this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question, you can only imagine what they are doing to farmers, to cooks, to day laborers.

The View From Republicans

Republicans used their time at the House hearing to accuse the blue-state governors of culpability in the deaths of Americans killed by non-citizens; Democrats often used theirs to say that Trump was shredding the Constitution.

When the Padilla incident came up, they said that Democrats were over-selling what happened.

For the record, he rushed the podium. He was being disruptive, Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., said of Padilla.







David and Burgess View

Democrats, still unsure of their broader immigration agenda, have been more confident in accusing the Trump administration of overreach as troops remain on the ground in Los Angeles. And simply put, US senators dont like seeing a colleague pushed onto the ground.

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Democrats were ready to support New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver after she tried to prevent ICE from arresting Newark Mayor Ras Baraka last month, and denounced it when she was charged by a Trump-appointed US attorney for impeding federal officers.

But not every Democrat was comfortable with McIvers physical involvement in that situation, or how she resisted law enforcement as they hauled Baraka away.

The video of Padilla, in his state, was more unifying: He interrupted Noem at a media event, did not resist, and was hauled away with TV cameras rolling.






BOSTON (WWLP)  State Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) has announced that he intends to file an amendment on AI regulation.

Senator Markey said he plans to file an amendment to the Senate reconciliation bill to block Republicans attempt to prevent states from regulating AI in the next ten years. Senators in both parties have expressed an interest in regulating artificial intelligence.

Car dealership aids relief at Baystate Childrens Hospital

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Despite the overwhelming opposition to their plan to block states from regulating artificial intelligence for the next decade, Republicans are refusing to back down on this irresponsible and short-sighted provision, said Senator Markey.

Last Tuesday, the senator delivered remarks on the Senate floor opposing the reconciliation bill passed in the House. He also took part in a virtual roundtable last week with advocates to discuss the bans impact on communities throughout the United States.

I plan to file an amendment to strip this dangerous provision from Republicans Big Beautiful Bill,' Markey said. Republicans should be prepared to vote on this outrageous policy and explain to their constituents why they are preventing their state leaders from responding to the harms caused by this new and evolving technology.

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.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  California Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from Secretary Kristi Noems news conference in Los Angeles, where she was praising law enforcement for cracking down on protests against ICE raids.

I was forced to the ground, and I was handcuffed, said Padilla.

Padilla said he wanted to question Noem.

You can only imagine what theyre doing to farmers to cooks to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community and throughout California and throughout the country, said Padilla.

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Noem criticized the interruption during her immigration press conference praising law enforcement.

I think everybody in America would, would agree that that was inappropriate, said Noem.

DHS called the move political theater and said Noem and Padilla met after for 15 minutes.

Senate Democrats are up in arms over the removal of their colleague.

This is something that we should not tolerate, said Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.).

Democrats demanded an investigation and called out the action taken against the senator.

If this is how a United States Senator can be treated, then none of us ultimately are immune, said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

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However, Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene says what the senator did is against the law.

It looked very aggressive. Looks like he was attacking the Secretary of Homeland Security. And, he was attacking police officers, said Greene.

Senate Republican Leader John Thune says they want the facts on what happened before issuing a response.

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President Donald Trump has long mused about his desire to send in troops to crush political protests, but his decision to deploy 700 active-duty Marines to Los Angeles, ostensibly to protect federal offices and employees from unruly protesters, still registered as a jolt for many.

The administration had already federalized 4,000 members of the California National Guard over the express objection of both local authorities and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The use of active-duty troops was an escalation and Trump was speaking the words of an authoritarian, Newsom told POLITICO. On social media, he added, The absurdity of threatening the people of the United States of America with their own military is morally reprehensible.

Deploying active-duty service members to quell domestic unrest is a rare occurrence, and it is at odds with the nations founding principles, which included a healthy skepticism of large, standing armies and their use to control civilian populations. But it isnt without precedent.

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In several notable instances throughout American history, U.S. presidents have deployed active-duty military troops  not just National Guard or reservists  to quash unrest or enforce domestic order. The political fallout has varied from one episode to another, yet a distinct pattern stands out: When presidents intervene to restore public safety during acute civil disorder, they often enjoy public support. But when presidents deploy federal troops to suppress economic or social protest movements, the backlash can be swift and severe.

The Insurrection Act of 1807 gives presidents the legal authority to use regular Army troops on U.S. soil under extraordinary circumstances. Though the law is designed for moments of crisis, how and why it is invoked can define presidencies and reshape public trust in the federal government.

The lesson for Trump and his party is clear: If the public believes the president is acting in the service of public safety, he will likely enjoy sufficient support or acquiescence. But if voters believe he is using the military as a blunt instrument to quiet his political opponents, he could face severe electoral consequences in 2026 and beyond.



Abraham Lincoln was the first president to deploy active-duty troops onto U.S. soil  and not without controversy.

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In the early days of the Civil War, on April 19, 1861, an armed mob in Baltimore prevented the Sixth Massachusetts regiment from passing through the city  a strategically vital hub with deep Southern sympathies  en route to Washington. Eager to avoid inflaming the situation further, Lincoln initially ordered troops arriving from Northern states to travel around, not through, Baltimore. But that didnt solve the problem. Seeking to appease the citys pro-secessionist population, the mayor and governor promptly ordered the detonation of railroad bridges connecting Baltimore to Philadelphia and Harrisburg, as well as telegraph lines that serviced Washington, D.C. For days, the capital lay in siege, with no effective means of sending or receiving news.

In response, Lincoln authorized the suspension of habeas corpus and deployed active-duty Union troops to secure key rail lines, arrest secessionist state legislators (fully one-third of the legislature ended up in a military prison) and prevent Maryland from joining the Confederacy.

It was his first but hardly last use of the regular military to tamp down dissent. Over the course of the war, Lincoln used the Army to arrest anti-war (aka Copperhead) Democratic newspaper editors and politicians, including Ohio Rep. Clement Vallandingham, whom a military tribunal exiled to Canada. The military enforced martial law in areas like Missouri and backed the suspension of habeas corpus, allowing mass arrests without trial. In July 1863, during the New York City draft riots, Lincoln sent in Army regiments  fresh from the Battle of Gettysburg  to restore order after local authorities were overwhelmed, marking one of the bloodiest instances of domestic military intervention in U.S. history.

Lincolns use of military power was met with neither universal praise nor outright condemnation. Supporters viewed it as a necessary defense of national unity. Critics, especially Copperhead Democrats, saw it as an unconstitutional expansion of executive authority. Republicans suffered heavy losses in the 1862 off-year elections, in part because the war effort was badly stalled and many voters opposed Lincolns plan to issue an Emancipation Proclamation  a pledge he made that fall. But popular opposition to martial law, mass arrests and the use of the Army to suppress dissent also factored heavily into the electorates sour mood.

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Still, Lincolns deployment of troops in Northern cities, while aggressive, was rooted in the logic of wartime survival, not economic suppression or policing protest. As such, it provoked momentary opposition but did not augur the end of his presidency.

In the years after the Civil War, presidents faced different kinds of crises and responded with varying levels of success when deploying the military.

During Reconstruction, President Ulysses S. Grant sent active-duty troops to the South to combat the Ku Klux Klan and protect Black citizens and fragile Republican state governments. These efforts were controversial among white Southerners but earned praise in the North as a defense of law, order, and civil rights  a rare example of federal force used in a progressive context. Grant, of course, enjoyed a deep well of Northern support, given his role in the Civil War.

Such was not the case for his successor, Rutherford B. Hayes, whose presidency was marked by widescale labor unrest.

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In 1877, workers on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad staged a walkout over scheduled wage cuts, provoking a nationwide general strike that paralyzed commerce across the emerging industrial belt of the Midwest and mid-Atlantic states. In Pittsburgh, working-class protesters clashed with the state militia, resulting in a fire that destroyed a hundred locomotives and two thousand railroad cars. General work stoppages quieted factories and mills in Chicago and St. Louis. In the coalfields of western and southern Pennsylvania, forty thousand workers walked off the job.

In response, wealthy and middle-class professionals formed armed militia groups to protect private property against the Great Strike. Many militiamen even donned tight-fitting army uniforms that had been gathering dust in their closets for over a decade. From Washington, Hayes ordered the Army to break the strike, which it did with overwhelming force, reopening clogged rail lines, busting up union meetings and escorting strikebreakers through the line. The strikers have been put down by force, noted Hayes, a Civil War combat veteran who had fought enthusiastically against slavery just a decade before.

Hayess use of active-duty troops to break the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 drew sharp criticism from labor groups and working-class Americans, who saw it as a blatant defense of corporate interests. While some middle- and upper-class observers praised the move for restoring order, many viewed it as the beginning of an era in which the federal government would side with capital over labor. The violent suppression deepened labors mistrust of Washington and helped radicalize parts of the growing labor movement.



No troop deployment has backfired more spectacularly than President Herbert Hoovers 1932 use of the U.S. Army to disperse the so-called Bonus Army.

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During the early days of the Great Depression, thousands of World War I veterans camped in Washington, D.C., demanding early payment of bonuses owed to them in later years.

Hoover, fearing radicalism and facing pressure from the business community, ordered the veterans forcibly removed from several federal buildings they were occupying. Active-duty troops under General Douglas MacArthur exceeded that order, deploying tanks and cavalry, setting the Bonus Armys camps on fire and routing the protesters. The images  uniformed troops expelling impoverished veterans with fixed bayonets and tear gas  stunned the nation. Hoovers popularity, already waning, collapsed.

This episode fits the now-familiar pattern: When federal troops are used to dismantle peaceful economic or social protests, the moral and political backlash is profound.

On the other hand, when presidents use military force to secure public safety, the electorate can be more forgiving.

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President Lyndon B. Johnsons deployments of federal troops during urban protests in 1967 and 1968 were largely received as legitimate exercises of federal power. During the Detroit uprising of 1967, where the Michigan National Guard was overwhelmed, Johnson sent in paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. When riots engulfed Washington, D.C., following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968, Johnson again called in the Army.

Johnson was deeply ambivalent about using troops, and he worried about appearing like an occupying power in Black neighborhoods. But the scale of violence and local government pleas for help pushed him to act. Johnson framed his use of troops as a public safety measure, not as a move to suppress political dissent. And the public largely agreed.

A similar situation unfolded in 1992, when a jury acquitted four white LAPD officers in the beating of Rodney King, a Black man, sparking mass unrest across Los Angeles. Gov. Pete Wilson deployed the California National Guard, but the situation escalated beyond their control. At Wilsons request, President George H. W. Bush invoked the Insurrection Act and sent in active-duty troops, including the 7th Infantry Division and 1st Marine Division.

Bush carefully framed the intervention as a restoration of public safety, not a targeted attempt to stifle legitimate protest. His public statements emphasized sympathy for those outraged by police brutality, while also drawing a clear line between protest and looting. The measured tone  and the very real breakdown of order  won Bush public support. It was a textbook case of the federal government stepping in to ease a crisis, not suppress a cause.

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Across 150 years of American history, the pattern is unmistakable. When presidents use federal troops to protect lives and property amid chaos, public opinion is often forgiving  even supportive. But when those same troops are used to disrupt protests over wages, inequality or democratic rights, the public recoils.

The distinction lies in intent and framing. In 1877 and 1932, Hayes and Hoover deployed the military against their own citizens as adversaries. In 1968 and 1992, Johnson and Bush deployed them as protectors. Lincoln, sitting at the intersection of war and unrest, remains an edge case. His use of the military to suppress anti-war, and even pro-secession, voices was both an exercise of state wartime powers and, to some minds, an egregious over-use of executive authority.

That distinction may be the difference between a presidency that survives a crisis  or one that is defined and doomed by it. As Donald Trump sends in active-duty marines to Los Angeles amid protests over ICE raids, history poses a deceptively simple question: to what end?




As Cubans on both sides of the Florida Straits come to terms with what a new U.S. travel ban means for their families hopes to reunite, many have flocked to social media in anguish  including children  seeking help.

President Trump, I ask you to please reconsider family reunification for residents, said a 10-year-old in a Hello Kitty T-shirt in a video she recorded in Havana. The video was published by her mother, Lia Llanes, a U.S. permanent resident living in Miami, in one of the several Facebook groups where Cubans are discussing the new prohibitions.

I am a child who, like many others, is waiting for an interview to reunite with our parents so we can grow up in this beautiful country and become a citizen, the child says in the video. With great pride, I ask you again, please reconsider. And I ask God to enlighten you. Thank you.

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The child had been taking English lessons, preparing for a new life in the United States, which she thought was just days away, Llanes told the Herald. The petition to bring her daughter to the U.S. had just been approved in late May, and the family was just waiting for the visa interview at the U.S. embassy in Havana, the final step in a lengthy process to legally emigrate to the United States.

Then President Donald Trump announced last week a travel ban suspending the issuing of immigrant visas to Cuban relatives of U.S. permanent residents, upending the plans of many families to reunite.

Its very heartbreaking to know that your claim is approved and this happens, said Llanes, who runs a small business and obtained a green card after being paroled at the U.S. border in 2022. She said her daughter spent two days without talking to anyone after learning the bad news.

Its hard to explain, she said. Its strange because you have your daughter there, and youre here, and one minute, you have good news, and then the next, everything changes.

Lia Llanes petition to bring her daughter from Cuba had just been approved when President Donald Trump announced a new travel ban suspending immigration visas for relatives of U.S. permanent residents.

Trumps new ban restricts travel for most citizens of Cuba, Venezuela and five other countries while also placing Haiti and 11 other nations on a full ban. Its a distressing blow to families who had already been waiting years to reunite in the United States.

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Standing in a room full of boxes with the beds she hoped her children would sleep on when they join her in the United States, Clara Riera, a U.S. permanent resident, could barely contain her tears as she recounted how she felt after learning about the travel ban. I no longer have a life, she said in a video she published on Facebook.

Riera came to the United States in 2019 from Cuba, and has her own small cleaning company in Tampa, she told the Herald. Like Llanes daughter, her children, now 16, 17, and 19, were also waiting for the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Havana.

But their arrival had become an urgent matter because her own mother, who has been caring for Rieras three children in Granma, a province in eastern Cuba, has metastatic cancer. Adding to her desperation is that a Cuban doctor told her that due to the stress caused by their separation, her eldest now has a heart condition.

I hope that the people at the top, those who sign and pass the laws, also take into account that we, permanent residents, also have our children in a prison country, and we want to have them here with us, she said, her voice breaking in the video. At least they should take into account that there are children who arent going to come here to commit terrorism or harm this country.

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Trump hits Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti with travel bans amid immigration crackdown

The ban, announced last Wednesday, suspends immigration visas for adult children of U.S. citizens and relatives of U.S. permanent residents from the 19 countries included in the executive order. Only the immediate relatives of U.S. citizensparents, spouses, parents and minor children will be allowed to enter the United States under a directive the White House said will protect the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats.

Cubans, Haitians and Venezuelans with visas issued before June 8 will still be able to travel to the United States. But on Monday, some relatives of U.S. permanent residents who attended scheduled visa interviews at the U.S. embassy in Havana were issued a document in Spanish stating they were not eligible for an immigrant visa under the new directive, a decision they could not appeal. The document also stated that their cases did not merit an exception, citing U.S. national security interests.

The State Department did not say if applicants whose immigration visas were denied solely based on the new travel restrictions would have a chance down the line to present their case again. It also did not say if cases involving young children would fall under exceptions the Secretary of State can make on a case-by-case basis. But an agency spokesperson said, Urgent humanitarian medical travel may be considered a basis for such an exception. Only applicants otherwise qualified for a visa will be considered.

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On Wednesday, a mother with a Miami cellphone number joined a WhatsApp chat group for Cubans with pending immigration cases, wanting to know if anyone had heard of a child being denied an immigration visa at the U.S. embassy in Havana. Her child has a scheduled interview later this week.

I am just talking to him, and he is so innocent, so oblivious about all this, and he will be very happy tomorrow at his appointment, she said, crying in a voice message.

One of the groups most active commenters replied: God is great. Perhaps when they see that little boy in there, they would approve it.

A historic exodus

Many families left separated by the ban were part of a historic exodus from Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela in recent years.

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In introducing the travel ban, Trump partly blamed the Biden administration for allowing more than a half million Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans into the United States under a humanitarian parole program that allowed nationals of the four nations to migrate to the U.S. for two years as long as they had a financial sponsor, passed background checks and arrived through an airport.

But part of the reason so many people from the four countries took advantage of the program, known as CHNV, stems from legal immigration hurdles and restrictive policies introduced by Trump during his first term.

Among other things, his administration suspended the Cuba Family Reunification Program and a similar one for Haitians. During those years, U.S. embassies in the three countries either suspended visa processing or scaled back appointments, preventing people from immigrating legally while their populations faced political and humanitarian crises, which contributed to the historic exodus Trump is now citing.

Anguish and uncertainty

Since Trump signed his proclamation last Wednesday, Cubans in the U.S. and on the island have been debating and sharing information about the new immigration restrictions on several groups on WhatsApp and Facebook. Many are praying for a miracle as they share their stories and give each other hope that the ban might be temporary.

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The directive states that after three months of its enactment, the President will review the recommendations by the Secretary of State regarding whether to continue the restrictions on nationals of the targeted countries. A review will be conducted every six months thereafter. But the lifting of restrictions relies on the foreign governments improving their information-sharing and identity-management protocols and practices.

So far, the Cuban government has not signaled it is interested in improving its cooperation with the U.S. and instead attacked Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

After the travel ban was announced, Cubas foreign minister said the measure aims to deceive the American people, blaming and violating the rights of migrants. Anti-Cuban politicians, including the Secretary of State, are the main proponents of this measure, betraying the communities that elected them.

Trumps proclamation also notes Cuba remains on the U.S. list of countries that sponsor terrorism.

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The ban also comes at especially difficult time for Haitians in a country wracked by gang violence. In a statement, Haitis U.S.-backed Transitional Presidential Council said it plans to initiate negotiations and technical discussions with the Trump administration in order to remove Haiti from the targeted countries.

This is likely a tall order considering that more than 1.3 million Haitians remain displaced and armed gangs, now in control of most of Port-au-Prince, have made it difficult to circulate, raising questions about authorities ability to improve vetting procedures and information sharing with the U.S.

For Haiti, the ban prohibits the entry of all of its nationals unless they fall under the few exceptions contemplated in the new directive.

Eraus Philippe Alzime shares his travel experience after arriving in Miami from Haiti on Monday, June 9, 2025, the first day President Donald Trumps reinstated travel ban took effect at Miami International Airport.

Like many Haitians who arrived back in the U.S. on the first day of the travel ban, Eraus Alzime, 71, didnt fully understand its impact. The father of 10 was in Haiti visiting his children when he received a call urging him to get back to the U.S. To get out, he had to travel by bus and went through three gang checkpoints, he said.

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Of course you feel panicked, Alzime said. The bandits make you get off so that they check your suitcases and see what you are carrying. You dont have a choice, you have to do it, if you dont you can end up dead.

Alzime, a U.S. citizen, said he applied for six of his children to emigrate to the U.S legally. The oldest is 43 years-old while the youngest is 14. His adult children wont be able to travel to the United States under the current ban.

I filed for my kids and theyve yet to give them to me, he said.

A victim of the countrys incessant violence, Alizme says he has no choice but to travel to Haiti for his kids.

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I have to go see how they are doing, he said.

We live depressed

As the news about the travel ban sinks in, parents worry about the psychological toll the prolonged separation will have on their children, especially those who are too young to grasp immigration policy.

Gleydys Sarda, 26, and her husband took the difficult decision to flee Cuba and left their 3-year-old son under the care of his grandparents in 2022. They didnt want to expose him to what they knew could be a dangerous land journey to the U.S. Southern border, she said. Now, he is 6 years-old, under the care of a grandparent and increasingly anxious to be with his parents.

We live depressed because of the long wait; we ran out of excuses to tell him when he asks why he cannot be with us, said Sarda, who is a U.S. permanent resident and works for Amazon at a warehouse in Coral Springs. Lately, he has been repeating more than ever that he wants to be here, that he is tired of waiting, and now this restriction broke our hearts. We have no other way.

Sardas visa petition to bring him to the United States has yet to be approved. The couple tried to bring him using the special parole program created by the Biden administration, but they never heard back from U.S. immigration authorities.

Sarda, who is currently pregnant, frets at the idea of traveling to Cuba to see her child, which currently seems to be her only choice to spend time with him, if only for a short time. The last time she visited in January, the goodbye was too hard. When we are there, the three of us are very happy, but after we leave,I feel I leave him worse, she said.

Sarda said the boy got depressed after they left, and so do we. I was in bed and didnt want to go to work or leave the house.

Now I am also expecting my second child, and it would break my heart to go to Cuba with one child, return with one and leave the other in Cuba.
Jun. 12A young black bear joined the crowds enjoying the sunshine in downtown Anchorage Thursday morning with a brief romp that ended safely in the shade of the federal courthouse.

The bear, which weighed about 100 pounds, was darted and tagged by wildlife biologists at a spruce tree next to the U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building, authorities said. The little female is a yearling that should be on its own by now, according to Alaska Department of Fish and Game biologist Cory Stantorf.

Stantorf darted the bear and, with other staffers, was about to leave the Fish and Game offices and transport it...someplace to the north of the city, he said around noon Thursday.

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Biologists don't provide specific locations when moving wildlife.

"She's going to be relocated into the big wild yonder of Alaska's woods," he said.

Anchorage police officers on summer foot patrol downtown were alerted to the bear's presence by people in the area on Thursday morning, according to Sgt. Ben Drazenovich.

"They were able to locate the bear and got it sequestered at the courthouse," Drazenovich said. The building is located near A Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues, a little distance away from the downtown core.

Officers kept onlookers at bay  Drazenovich estimated there were 15 people at most  while Fish and Game arrived and handled the darting and tagging process.

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The bear clambered a short way into the tree after being darted, and then "climbed down and laid down," Drazenovich said.

Stantorf said the bear startled at first during the darting process but then calmed down, which was a good sign.

"We want to get her back to doing her normal bear things as soon as possible," he said.

Wildlife officials earlier this season reported at least two moose stompings in Anchorage after an unusually mild winter. Both incidents involved people with dogs and cow moose with calves.

Thursday marked one of the warmest days for Southcentral Alaska since last summer and following weeks of unseasonably cool, damp, cloudy weather.

"It's a beautiful day. It's actually probably pretty good it came over to Eighth and A and not downtown," Drazenovich said, of the bear's track away from the city's more congested streets. "It was easier to keep the crowds away."
Indianapolis serial killer?

That's what is being shared and Googled, with an IndyStar article being used as a reference point for the theory that someone's on a killing spree after four bodies have been recovered from Fall Creek, Pleasant Run Creek and White River in two weeks.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police are investigating two cases, and the other two are being reviewed by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and Lawrence Police.

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The unfounded rumors started circulating on social media, with a handful of users claiming there is a serial killer in Indianapolis "targeting men."

The latest body found in Pleasant Run Creek

At about 4:15 p.m. on June 9, Indianapolis Fire Department crews found a person's remains in Pleasant Run Creek near IFD Station 29 in the 600 block of East Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police responded to the scene. The Marion County Coroner's Office hasn't released the identity, cause, and manner of death.

Man's body found in White River in Noblesville

At 11:36 a.m., May 27, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and the Noblesville Fire Department were called to a water rescue at White River near the 11000 block of East 206th Street in Noblesville. First responders found a man dead in the river on the south side of a bridge.

As of June 12, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said the autopsy report for the man remains incomplete, pending the results of toxicology testing.

Andrew 'Andy' W. Nevers, 55, found in Fall Creek

At 4:15 p.m., May 26, Lawrence Police were called to the block of 9500 Fall Creek Road on a report of a body floating in the water. A kayaker spotted the body near the Upper Fall Creek Loop Trail. Officers said it appeared the body had been in the water for a while and did not suspect foul play.

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The man was identified as Andrew "Andy" W. Nevers, 55, and Lawrence Police told IndyStar that an autopsy revealed Nevers had a stroke and fell in the water. It is believed that he was homeless and had been camping near the edge of Fall Creek before he died.

Leo Victor Declay, 61, found in White River

At 11:05 a.m., May 26, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police were called to the 500 block of North White River Parkway West Drive on a report of a death. Officers found a man, later identified as Leo Victor Declay, 61, in the White River. A dive team with the Indianapolis Fire Department recovered him from the water.

The Marion County Coroner's Office has not released his cause of death.

Indianapolis serial killer? 3 bodies have been recovered from Indy area rivers in the past 2 days

Is there an Indianapolis serial killer?

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police told IndyStar they are still investigating, but the recent deaths do not appear to be related. They're waiting on the Marion County Coroners Office to make the final determination in the manner and cause of death in their cases.

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Lawrence Police also doesn't believe the Fall Creek case is related to any other body found.

In a statement to IndyStar, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said, "Based on the evidence currently available, there is no indication of foul play, nor is there any evidence to support the existence of a serial offender connected to this case."

Fox Hollow Farm: Indiana serial killer case from the 1990s is still under investigation

Indianapolis was the hunting ground of Fox Hollow Farms serial killer

In 1996, Hamilton County investigators discovered at least 10,000 crushed and burnt bones and bone fragments at the 18-acre property, off 156th Street and the Monon Trail.

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Authorities have said they believe about 25 people were killed by Fox Hollow Farm owner Herbert Baumeister during the '90s, but the number of victims could be higher.

The serial killer lured the victims, who were mostly young, gay men, to his property where he killed them and dismembered their bodies. Many he found at bars in Indianapolis.

Baumeister killed himself shortly after law enforcement began investigating his property.

Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. IndyStar reporter Jake Allen contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Is there a serial killer in Indianapolis? Found bodies spark rumors
TANEY COUNTY, Mo.  The United States Army Corps of Engineers announced hours at the Dewey Short Visitor Center will be reduced this summer due to staffing shortages.

Layton Files visits Table Rock Lake every summer. He said he hopes the centers reduced hours will help keep other public access areas clean and open.

We were here four or five times last summer going camping, said Files. I hope the campground will stay open because me and my family go there quite often. That is our main camping grounds. Ive never really been camping anywhere else here.

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Jay Townsend, a spokesperson for the Corps of Engineers, said in order to keep these amenities accessible and safe, hours at the Dewey Short Visitor Center must be reduced.

We took a long, hard look at this, and we have a couple of rangers that work in the visitor center, and we can really use them out in the parks, said Townsend. We can take the rangers that work there and put them in the field, in the parks, and at the boat launch ramps.

After recent severe weather, Townsend said high water levels have added more strain to the already thinly-stretched staff.

This is really because of the federal hiring freeze and our inability to bring on summer labor, said Townsend. Should that change and were able to bring some of those employees in time for the summer season, we may just readjust and go back to normal operations, but for now, weve got to focus our efforts and attention on the folks that are in the parks.

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With staffing shortages, rangers working in the visitor center will be restaffed in efforts to recover campgrounds and other services from the storm. Making sure visitors are safely navigating the high water is another priority area staff will be focused on.

There are still lots of boats and theres going to be some accidents because of how high the water is, and so we always suggest that folks boat in areas theyre familiar with and stay closer to the main channels and away from the edges where things may be submerged, said Townsend. When we get high water, it gets up into the parks and it closes some of the campgrounds. Weve got to turn off electricity in some areas just to keep it safe.

With lots of work to be done and a limited staff, Townsend says the decision aims to relieve their staff and keep visitors returning to Table Rock.

Were going to try to offer the same services we always do with a limited number of staff, said Townsend. We love Table Rock as much as anybody else does, and were going to do our best to continue to make it everybodys favorite.

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The reduction in services will remain in effect until staffing levels improve and conditions allow for safe operation.

Recreation information can be found online on their website or their Facebook page.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A sex offender from Hamburg has been arrested on new child pornography charges, the U.S. Attorneys Office said Thursday.

Bernard Keller, 27, is accused of sharing files of suspected child porn on the application Kik with another user. A search warrant was conducted in May that allegedly found the files on a cell phone. State police had received a report in March.

Keller was charged with receipt, distribution and possession of child pornography.

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He was on probation at the time of the arrest. He was sentenced to 10 years of probation in 2022 on another child pornography charge dating back to 2017 and 2018, when it was found that he had child porn on Kik. He was placed on the state sex offender registry.

If convicted of the new charge, he faces a minimum of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years and a $250,000 fine. Anyone with information regarding Keller is asked to contact the FBI at (716) 856-7800.

Latest Local News

Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

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Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

Donald Trumps tariffs on steel and aluminum are likely to have a deep impact on the input costs of the U.S. automaker Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F), explains Alex Tsepaev, the chief strategy officer at B2PRIME Group.

What Happened: Unlike globalized automakers like Stellantis NV (NYSE:STLA), Ford remains deeply tied to U.S.-centric manufacturing, Tsepaev told Benzinga, suggesting that A 50% tariff could inflate COGS significantly just as pricing power erodes in both EV and ICE segments.

The cost of goods sold, or COGS, refers to the input costs paid by the firm to manufacture its final products.

Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing  you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.

Thus, according to Tsepaev, Trump's call to double steel tariffs hits straight on Ford's core. Steel makes up more than half of the weight of a vehicle, and Ford can't do anything with this reality. In 2018, similar tariffs were estimated to cost Ford over $1 billion annually. When your business runs on metal and tariffs make the metal more expensive, Wall Street notices it.

Earlier in May, Ford suspended its financial guidance during the first quarter results, which included full-year adjusted EBIT and adjusted free cash flow, due to tariff-related uncertainty. According to Tsepaev, this was due to a 65% decline in profits, with revenues falling to $40 billion.

He forecasts that increased input volatility for Ford could lead to downward revisions.

In today's environment, policy uncertainty is the new supply chain risk. For investors, Ford looks exposed, rigid, and margin-constrained in all the wrong places, Tsepaev added.

See Also: Invest Where It Hurts  And Help Millions Heal: Invest in Cytonics and help disrupt a $390B Big Pharma stronghold.

Why It Matters: Trump doubled U.S. tariffs on imported steel from 25% to 50% on May 31, which took effect on June 4.

Trump said he initially considered a 40% tariff but raised it after feedback from industry leaders. At 25% they can sorta get over that fence, he said, adding, At 50% nobodys getting over that fence.

In 2018, Trump-era tariffs prompted a minor rise in U.S. steel production. However, a 2023 report by the International Trade Commission found that these same tariffs increased costs for downstream industries, leading to a more than $3 billion reduction in output for vehicle, machinery, and tool sectors by 2021, suggesting a net negative economic impact.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Its always fun to see South Dakotans on the big screen, and if you head to the State Theatre in Sioux Falls this weekend, you will have the opportunity to do so.

Sioux Falls native Joe Hiatt realized he had a passion for acting early on in life.

I watched the movie Good Will Hunting, and it just, like, it was the first movie I had, like, started crying before I even realized I was crying. And I was like, watching those performances. I was like, I think I want to do that, and I think I could do that, Cody in Fall is a Good Time to Die, Joe Hiatt said.

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Pride fests and protests make for busy Sioux Falls weekend

When Joseph was going into high school, he was always the shy kid, always with shy kid. And he came to me and he said, Mom, I think Gods calling me to be an actor, Joes mom, Melissa Hiatt said.

He has achieved that dream, with one of his most recent projects playing at the State Theatre this week. Its called Fall is a Good Time to Die. Joe plays Cody in the movie.

I find out that the guy kind of responsible for my sisters death has just been released from prison. And so I go on this revenge quest, to get justice, Joe said.

Not only does it feature a South Dakota native, but it also features South Dakota. The film was shot in Gregory County.

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That part of the state is so beautiful and so vast and just underused and like, its a perfect place to set a movie. And really, the land is a character in itself in the movie, Joe said.

Joe and his mom hope when people watch the movie, that it will highlight some of the best parts of South Dakota.

We went to the premiere last night, and its just fun to see the whole theater is sold out. And just so many people, friends, family, people that we didnt know and supporting South Dakota arts, Melissa said.

I think as an artist, and when I look at artists that I love and admire, like they tell stories about where theyre from. And so Im very proud to be telling the South Dakota story as a South Dakotan, Joe said.

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You can catch Fall is a Good Time to Die tonight at 7 at the State Theatre, and theres another showing this Saturday at 2 p.m.

Fall is a Good Time to Die will be available for at-home rent on June 20th.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  Social media posts have sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest by new Springfield Mayor Jeff Schrag.

Schrag, who founded Mothers Brewing Company, but only owns a small minority share in the company, made many residents raise their eyebrows when, during a controversial meeting on May 27 over the hiring of Springfields newest city manager, Schrag was sporting a shirt with the Mothers logo on the front.

Schrag sat down with Ozarks First and said it wasnt something he was paying attention to that day.

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[Its] little shock no one to know that I dont spend a great deal of time thinking about what Im wearing. Why I chose to grab that shirt the morning of the vote, I dont know. I dont have any memory of it. It wasnt necessarily intentional. I wear a lot of logo wear. Im proud to wear Mothers logo wear. I also have a lot of Missouri State logo wear. So Ill continue to wear things with the Mothers emblem on them at Springfield Official Events, Schrag said.

Ozarks First did some digging into Schrags wardrobe at official city events, and aside from an appearance at the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival press conference, Schrag has never worn a shirt with Mothers Brewing Company logos on it- except for that May 27 Special Council Meeting.

I had a series of shirts made with the city flag on them. I love those shirts. Im wearing one now to wear at events. I dont mind wearing logo wear, so I dont feel like its a conflict of interest in any way. The city is not doing any business with Mothers Brewing Company, and thats where the conflict of interest or the ethics requirement comes about from the city charter and Im a believer in adhering to those things, so no, I dont find a conflict and Ill keep doing what Ive been doing, Schrag continued.

Ozarks First asked Schrag if, for any reason, Mothers Brewing Company entered into an agreement with the city, or sponsored a city event, if that would change Schrags approach, or if it would have to be a case-by-case basis.

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[Itd be] a case-by-case basis. I dont think it would change my approach, Schrag said.

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Meadville, Pa (WJET/WFXP) Guilty on all charges  Thats the verdict in the trial of Shawn Cranston, the man accused of murdering a pregnant Amish woman last year in Sparta Township.

It took the jury less than three hours to find Shawn Cranston guilty on all charges in the murder of Rebekah Byler and her unborn child.

However, whats interesting in this case are the murder weapons. The knife and gun used to kill Rebekah were never found.

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Now, 16 months after Rebekah Byler was murdered in her Spartanburg home, justice was served.

A Crawford County jury found 53-year-old Shawn Cranston guilty of criminal homicide in the first degree, criminal homicide of an unborn child in the second degree, burglary in the first degree and criminal trespass in the first degree.

The prosecution put 24 witnesses on the stand, including Rebekahs husband, who found her body two hours after the murder, his driver, who made the 911 call, dozens of forensic experts and a prison inmate who claimed Cranston admitted to killing the 23-year-old pregnant Amish woman during a burglary.

The inmate told the jury that when Rebekah saw Cranston in her living room, she started screaming. So Cranston told him he, Spun her around and started choking her. She didnt pass out, so he slit her throat. He said she didnt die quick enough, so he shot her.

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The knife and gun used to kill Rebekah were never found.

However, the prosecution presented a knife they believed was used in the murder.

It was found alongside a country road, about three months after the murder.

Because it was in the elements, detectives said they werent able to pull any fingerprints or DNA.

Cranstons attorney did not present any witnesses, but during closing arguments said that because the murder scene was so horrific, if Cranston killed Rebekah, her blood and DNA wouldve been found on his clothes, shoes, and in his car.

Following the verdict, Attorney General Dave Sunday released a statement.

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It is hard to fathom conduct more heinous than brutally killing a young expectant mother and her unborn child in her home, Attorney General Sunday said. Our homes are supposed to be our safe haven  this defendant violated the sanctity of home to commit these truly evil acts.

Sunday also added that, I commend our team and the Pennsylvania State Police for dealing with this truly horrific case and focusing on the facts, which clearly pointed to Shawn Cranstons guilt.

Cranston is set to be sentenced on July 28 at 9:15 a.m. Hes facing life in prison.

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The search for Travis Decker continues with intensified efforts and global attention, according to Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison, who provided a detailed update during a press conference Wednesday.

Authorities say they are not backing down in their pursuit of Decker, the man suspected in the killings of his three young daughters.

We have not given up, Morrison said. We remain committed. We will not stop.

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Decker, who has been on the run for more than a week, is believed to be hiding in rugged terrain in Chelan County.

Deputies have shifted tactics as part of the ongoing search.

While they would not reveal specifics, Morrison said they are still tracking footprints and using teams on the ground.

Our tactics continue, he said. Were just heading in a different direction.

The U.S. Marshals Service has now joined the case with what officials called a rapidly advancing manhunt program, bringing federal resources and funding to support the local effort.

Morrison emphasized the value of continued public support.

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We appreciate the community coming alongside us, he said, urging the public to remain vigilant and report anything unusual.

Investigators believe Decker may have recently been spotted by a lone hiker, but Morrison declined to confirm the sighting.

We feel pretty confident that it could be him, but we arent going to say anything until we have him in our grip.

As for signs of Deckers presence, the sheriff confirmed that investigators have found items of interest they believe may belong to him. We believe we are closing in on his trail.

Authorities are still encouraging Decker to surrender.

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He just has to make one mistake like the sheriff said, said one official. He will be found. He will be brought to justice so the community can heal.

Morrison also addressed Decker directly.

All we need is one mistake and one favorI hope hes watching, he said. Mr. Decker is going to be the one to determine how this is going to end. Weve encouraged him time and time again to give up and to give up peacefully.

Deckers photo has been circulated internationally, including in Australia and Portugal. Officials hope the visibility helps widen the search and pressure him to turn himself in.

Sheriff Morrison closed the press conference by honoring the memory of Deckers daughters.

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Whose lives were senselessly taken by evilthats all it was, he said. We want him to face justice and hear the voices of his daughters.

The greatest challenge in the search, Morrison said, remains the terrain.

But with continued local, federal, and even international coordination, authorities believe its only a matter of time.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Chelan County authorities.
A Channel 2 exclusive in the sexual assault case filed by a prominent television judge against a Georgia sheriff.

The Georgia Sheriffs Association wants Judge Glenda Hatchett to pay legal fees and expenses of ligation in the lawsuit she filed against the organization and Bleckley County Sheriff.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The judge did not rule on the case Wednesday.

Hatchett sued former Sheriff Kris Coody after she says he groped her in 2022 at a Georgia Sheriffs Association event in a bar at a Cobb County hotel.

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He grabbed my breast, she told Channel 2s Karyn Greer in a 2023 interview. Grabbed my breast, was squeezing on my breast and rubbing my breast.

Coody pleaded guilty to sexual battery, admitting he groped her breast at the event. The former sheriff resigned, received 12 months probation, 40 hours of community service and a $500 fine.

He was also ordered to take an alcohol and drug abuse course.

Hatchett filed suit against the former sheriff and the Sheriffs Association for legal fees and damages, asking for a jury trial. But she dropped that suit in May 2024 after it was moved to Morgan County.

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In a turn of events, the Sheriffs Association, which represents sheriffs across the state, has now filed a motion against Hatchett. It claimed that it was a frivolous lawsuit, demanding she pay the groups legal fees and damages.

Greer reached out to the Georgia Sheriffs Association and left a message for a comment on Wednesday. On Thursday morning, the head of the association sent a statement that read in part:

First and most importantly, the assault on Ms. Hatchett should never have happened and every sheriff and our Association staff continue to recognize the resulting trauma she suffers. This deplorable act was committed in a public space by an intoxicated individual who happened to be the elected sheriff of Bleckley County.

The offender was not an employee or agent of the Georgia Sheriffs Association and the assault did not occur at an event hosted, sponsored or funded by the Association."

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She also reached out to the Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor, who is a member of the association.

The incident was inappropriate and should have never happened  and thats not how sheriffs anywhere should act, Taylor said. Its below the standards of sheriffs. I dont feel her lawsuit was frivolous.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  When videos first rocketed around the internet Thursday afternoon showing security officers forcibly removing Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla from a news conference with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in California, senators in both parties were already gathered together for a long series of votes.

There are strict rules against using cellphones on the Senate floor. But senators immediately shared the video with each other anyway.

I showed it to as many people as I could, said Democratic Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware. That included Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., who she said seemed as shocked as we were.

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The videos, which showed officers aggressively pushing Padilla out of Noems news conference and eventually restraining him on the floor outside the room, shook Senate Democrats to the core.

Beaten down politically for months as President Donald Trump has returned to power and ruled Washington with a united Republican Congress, the Democrats anger exploded as they skipped their traditional Thursday flights home and stayed on the floor to speak out against the episode, calling it the latest and most inflammatory example of what they say is Trumps gradual assault on democracy.

The altercation came just days after U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver was indicted on federal charges alleging she assaulted and interfered with immigration officers outside a detention center in New Jersey.

What was really hard for me to see was that a member of this body was driven to his knees and made to kneel before authorities, said New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, his raised voice booming through the Senate chamber walls. This is a test. This is a crossroads. This is a day in which the character of this body will be defined.

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Washington Sen. Patty Murray said it was the closest she had come to tearing up on the floor in her 32 years in the Senate. Maryland Sen. Angela Alsobrooks said she was so angry she was shaking. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine waved around a pocket Constitution and said the administration is trying to make Padilla and others afraid to exercise their rights.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said what he saw sickened my stomach and demanded immediate answers to what the hell went on. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren called for an investigation.

This is what a dictatorship looks like, said Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen. We have to stand up.

Pleading for Republicans to speak out, New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim said that this is not a time to put your finger up in the air and figure out which way the wind is blowing, to try to think through what type of reaction might come from the White House if we speak out against this.

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Thune said Thursday evening that he had spoken to Padilla and the Senate sergeant-at-arms, who is in charge of senators security. He said he was also trying to reach out to Noem.

We want to get the full scope of what happened and do what we would do in any incident like this involving a senator and try to gather all the relevant information, Thune said.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she had seen a clip of the video on the Senate floor and it was disturbing, though she said she didnt know the details of what came before it.

It looks like hes being manhandled and physically removed, and its hard to imagine a justification for that, Collins said.

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Other Republicans were less sympathetic. Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the No. 2 Republican, raised his voice when asked about the altercation and said that Padilla should have been at work in Washington. He said he had not watched the video.

Was he being disruptive? asked South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who also had not seen the video. He got what he wanted, hes on video.

Padilla was forcibly removed from the news conference after introducing himself and saying he had questions for Secretary Noem amid immigration raids in his state that have led to protests. Video shows a Secret Service agent on Noems security detail grabbing the California senator by his jacket and shoving him from the room as he yells, Hands off! Later video shows Padilla on his knees and pushed to the ground with several officers on top of him.

In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said Padilla chose disrespectful political theater and interrupted a live news conference. They defended the officers conduct and claimed erroneously that Padilla did not identify himself and said Secret Service believed him to be an attacker.

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The Democrats described Padilla, the son of immigrants from Mexico, as a kind and gentle person and said that disrespect is not a crime in the United States. They also invoked the end of Trumps last presidency, when a mob of his supporters attacked the Capitol and sent them running.

I have never, ever  other than January 6  been so outraged at the conduct of an administration, said Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz.
AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  Police in Akron are investigating the shooting death of a 31-year-old man who was found dead in a local bar.

According to police, officers arrived at Old Glory Daze on Old Main Street at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday.

Suspect in custody after young mother killed in Cleveland Metroparks shooting

When officers arrived, they found two men, ages 31 and 44, who had been shot.

Police said a preliminary investigation revealed the incident began in the parking lot, where the younger man is believed to have approached the older man and started shooting.

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Young mother killed in at local park was shot in the head: police

The 44-year-old man retreated to the bar, where he collapsed, police said.

While the 31-year-old man followed him inside, police said the 44-year-old man reached for a handgun and returned fire, killing the 31-year-old.

The Summit County Medical Examiners Office identified the 31-year-old man as Vernall Robinson, of Akron. His death was ruled a homicide, caused by a gunshot wound to the neck, according to a Thursday afternoon update.

The other man has not been identified.

There is no word on the victims condition.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Nowhere is humanity's exploitation of the oceans more starkly illustrated than the Pacific Ocean, where small island nations are fighting to outlast a crisis not of their making.

The islands are besieged by rising seas and worsening storms, their coastlines choked in plastic, fishing waters plundered and coral reefs bleached and barren.

But they refuse to be victims, pouring whatever resources they can into protecting the seas that sustain their people -- and calling out those not doing their share.

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This week, Pacific leaders have made some of the boldest commitments at the UN Ocean Conference, challenging wealthier nations to up their game.

French Polynesia set the bar high at the outset of the five-day summit in Nice, France, announcing it would create the world's largest marine protected area in the far South Pacific.

Within this enormous expanse of five million square kilometres (1.93 million square miles) will be a fully-protected sanctuary, double the size of Sweden, that totally forbids any human activity.

Samoa announced nine new marine areas protecting 30 percent of its waters, while Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands unveiled plans for a mammoth joint marine park linking neighbouring Pacific nations.

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Once completed, they said, this ocean reserve would span six million square kilometres -- an area as vast as the Amazon rainforest.

The Marshall Islands and Solomon Islands joined a global call for a pause on deep-sea mining, while four Pacific nations came forward to ratify a treaty to protect the high seas.

"We show up by doing -- by taking action -- and not just through talkfests," said Sivendra Michael, permanent secretary at Fiji's environment ministry.

- 'Time to act' -

Almost as many Pacific heads of state and government turned up in Nice as European ones, making an impression in colourful traditional dress and through the force of their message.

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The elephant in the room is money, said Coral Pasisi, climate director at the Pacific Community, the region's principal scientific and technical development organisation.

Pacific nations receive less than half of one percent of global climate finance, she said, and it can take years for sinking island nations to raise the capital to build a single seawall.

Rich nations pledged last year to commit $300 billion a year to developing countries for climate action by 2035. But small island nations are wary, after similar promises have gone unmet.

"Sometimes we feel alone in the world," Taivini Teai, environment minister of French Polynesia, told AFP.

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"But we must pull together and make industrialised countries understand that it is time to act."

On stage and in private meetings in Nice, including with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pacific leaders demanded again and again that rich nations help them with actions, not words.

"We need to adapt to shield our oceans from further harm. And that means -- plain and simple -- money. And money that we can use," said Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr.

"The gap between what we need and what is available is growing dangerously wide. And this is a security issue for the Pacific."

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- Listen to us -

The oceans summit did not address a lack of progress on phasing out fossil fuels -- deeply frustrating Pacific countries that have rallied to get the contentious issue back on the global agenda.

"For the smallest of the countries and the most vulnerable, we have been the boldest and the loudest" on fossil fuels, said Michael of Fiji.

Vanuatu's environment minister Ralph Regenvanu said it was "unfortunate" that fossil fuels weren't given sufficient prominence in Nice.

"It's the single greatest cause of the damage to the oceans we're seeing now, and we're not talking about it enough," he said.

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Fed up with climate summits and pleading for action, Vanuatu and its Pacific neighbours are testing if international law can compel countries to cut their greenhouse gas emissions.

For low-lying Tuvalu -- which is already making arrangements to shift its citizens permanently elsewhere -- the sense of urgency could not be greater as the tide laps higher.

"I hope they listened to us," said Tuvalu President Feleti Teo, of his appeal in Nice for wealthier governments to come to their aid.

np-aag/klm/phz
Jun. 11SANTA FE  The district attorney in McKinley County is facing the defunding of her office in just three weeks, after a simmering debate over prosecution rates prompted lawmakers to take the rare step of stripping state funds for an elected official.

District Attorney Bernadine Martin said Wednesday attempts to "remedy" the situation are in the works, including a possible working agreement with San Juan County District Attorney Jack Fortner. She also did not rule out filing a court challenge.

The showdown was set in motion when lawmakers approved a $10.8 billion state budget bill in March that does not include any base funding for employee salaries and benefits in Martin's office.

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Instead, the bill that takes effect next month earmarks $1.9 million for the district attorney in neighboring San Juan County to prosecute cases in McKinley County. It also provides an additional $1.9 million for contract attorneys to be hired in the district.

Martin, who is the state's first female Navajo district attorney, was reelected last year as the top prosecutor for the second division of the 11th Judicial District. She said the defunding holds her "hostage" and prevents her from performing her elected duties.

"Because he got my money doesn't mean he runs my office," she said in a Wednesday interview, referring to the San Juan County district attorney.

Martin also said her office currently has 24 full-time employees, including investigators, victim advocates and administrative staff.

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But Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said he was approached by judges, other prosecutors and Chief Public Defender Ben Baur about an alarmingly low number of prosecutions in McKinley County and Martin's management of the District Attorney's Office.

He added Martin has not shown up for legislative budget hearings in several years, and said defunding her office was the only way to ensure cases move forward.

"If cases aren't getting prosecuted and judges are telling me we're in the worst shape in the state, my job as a legislator is to step up and do something," Munoz told the Journal.

"This is the only place we can really handcuff her and make sure criminal cases get prosecuted," he added, saying some employees from Martin's office had also approached him with concerns about management practices involving the use of overtime.

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Law enforcement awaiting resolution

While Albuquerque has primarily been the focus of legislative attempts to improve public safety in recent years, Gallup has also struggled with high crime and addiction rates.

The city's violent crime rate has actually decreased in recent years, but Gallup still had the state's highest violent crime rate as of 2022, with roughly 1,500 such incidents per 100,000 residents, according to legislative data.

McKinley County Sheriff James Maiorano said Wednesday the lack of attorneys in Martin's office prompted him to refer a vehicular homicide case to Attorney General Raul Torrez's office several years ago.

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He said the situation has somewhat improved since Martin hired two contract attorneys to handle cases, but said the set-up is still far from ideal.

"You may be the best attorney in the world, but when you get to 400 or 500 cases per attorney, things are going to fall through the cracks," Maiorano said.

Due to chronic staffing issues, the District Attorney's Office in Gallup has had by far the state's highest average caseload for attorneys in recent years. During the first quarter of the current budget year, the figure hit 2,822 cases per attorney, according to Legislative Finance Committee data.

In addition, only 18 cases went to trial in the judicial district last year, out of nearly 1,500 cases that were referred to the office, according to data compiled by Munoz's office.

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Martin acknowledged this week her largely rural District Attorney's Office has struggled to attract applicants for attorney positions.

But she said that problem is not unique to her office, citing similarly low staffing rates at the local public defender's office.

How the defunding vote played out

This year's budget bill initially included $3.3 million for the District Attorney's Office in McKinley County, along with additional funding for contract attorneys.

But after the bill was approved by the House, it was amended in the Senate Finance Committee.

One of those changes involved stripping the funding for the District Attorney's Office out of the bill, and adding budget language stipulating new cases in the county would be handled by Fortner, the newly-elected district attorney in San Juan County.

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Though several senators expressed concern about the change, the bill passed the Senate on a 24-16 vote and was then ratified by the House.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the budget bill into law in April, leaving the altered funding plan intact.

A Lujan Grisham spokesman declined to comment on the situation Wednesday, while Fortner did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Maiorano, the local sheriff, described the situation as delicate, citing state law that empowers district attorneys to decide whether to move forward with cases or dismiss them.

"We are all holding our breath for July 1," he said, referring to the date the new state budget takes effect.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  No King Day protests were held in cities across the United States. The protests were scheduled to coincide with Flag Day, President Trumps U.S. Military Parade for the U.S. Armys 250th anniversary, and his 79th birthday.

The Armys anniversary celebration includes concerts, fireworks, fitness competitions, and displays, costing an estimated $25 million to $45 million. The No Kings nationwide rally is a display of defiance to reject authoritarianism, according to the organizers, 50501.

In Shreveport, the No King Day protest was held downtown at the Caddo Parish Courthouse.

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Hundreds of people showed up, many carrying signs. The national organizer of the event says the Trump administration has defied courts, deported Americans, attacked civil rights, and slashed social services.

President Trumps policies, and his comments about trying to seek a third term, has caused criticism and fear that he seeks to install himself in office past what is currently constitutional.

Mona participated in the protest, and she said, I sat at home thinking if I dont go, I wont be a part of history, democracy means a lot to me, my faith means a lot to me, but democracy means a lot to me and thats why I am here today.

Ivory ONeal, a military veteran of more than 30 years and a member of Veterans for Democracy, says President Donald Trumps military parade for his birthday is a waste of taxpayers money.

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Their job to uphold the Constitution is just as important as my job was when I was in the military. Everybodys job, a U.S. citizen is the number one uphold the Constitution of the United States. So when I see thousands of people all here as one, we see them as fellow soldiers, fellow citizens, and this is the only way were going to get it done is by coming together, says ONeal.

Still, ONeal is hopeful for change, saying, Look around, we are coming together no matter what, I looked around, we got republicans out here, we got democrats, we got independents out here, we have everybody out here so when they see the collaboration of everybody I think they are going to open their eyes, maybe Mike Johnson will come speak to us, maybe our senators will come speak to us.

The Shreveport No Kings protest took place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. outside the Caddo Parish Courthouse, located at 501 Texas Street in downtown Shreveport.

I think often times in our lives we do lose sight of that because we are so consumed in our own little worlds that we dont realize that there are people just like us, struggling every day because of human rights being taken away, womens rights being taken away, immigrants being ripped from their families, says Benton resident, Melemola Tesimoni, We are not here to lay down and, you know, be ripped away from our families, ripped away from our communities without having our voices heard.

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Organizations such as the Womens Democratic Club of NWLA and the Shreveport DSA, a chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, joined the protest.

Bobby with the Shreveport DSA said, I want people to reread the inscription on the feet of the statue of liberty, it does not tell me bring me your wealthy who can pay five million for a visa, it says bring me your tired, your needy, your hungry and your poor and I will turn them into better people and thats what this countrys supposed to be about.

Abbott: Over 5K National Guard deployed ahead of No Kings Protest

The 50501 Movement encouraged protestors to bring their American flag to remind America to reclaim this symbol and remind the world that the freedom we stand for is freedom for all.

(KTAL/KMSS Isabella Cheng/Marlo Lacen) (KTAL/KMSS Isabella Cheng/Marlo Lacen) (KTAL/KMSS Isabella Cheng/Marlo Lacen) (KTAL/KMSS Isabella Cheng/Marlo Lacen) (KTAL/KMSS Isabella Cheng/Marlo Lacen) (KTAL/KMSS Isabella Cheng/Marlo Lacen) (KTAL/KMSS Isabella Cheng/Marlo Lacen) (KTAL/KMSS Isabella Cheng/Marlo Lacen) (KTAL/KMSS Isabella Cheng/Marlo Lacen) (KTAL/KMSS Isabella Cheng/Marlo Lacen)

Ahead of the event, the group said, The flag doesnt belong to President Trump. It belongs to us. Were not watching history happen. Were making it. On June 14th, were showing up everywhere he isnt  to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.

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A core principle behind all NO KINGS events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events, underscored the 50501 Movement.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
The U.K.'s financial services regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), appointed a deputy chief executive for the first time, naming Sarah Pritchard to the role as it looks to bolster its oversight of the crypto and digital assets industry.

"The new role has been created to reflect the FCAs expanding remit, with  regulation of stablecoin and crypto firms as well as buy now pay later activities," the FCA said on Tuesday.

The country's regulatory regime trails that of the nearby European Union, which already has a transnational licensing framework in place with its Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulations. The FCA, which currently certifies that companies on its crypto register comply with anti-money laundering rules, is in the process of creating a more comprehensive regime for the sector. It has said it plans to start authorizing crypto firms along the lines of its approach to traditional finance companies by 2026.

Pritchard's role will include an international element, the FCA said. The international environment is complex, our remit is growing and expectations of us continue to evolve," Ashley Alder, chair of the FCA, said.

Pritchard was previously an executive director of the agency, helping with supervision and policy oversight. The FCA wants to work with the crypto industry to develop regulation for the sector, she said last year. Since then, it has circulated a number of discussion papers on digital assets and stablecoins for its regulatory program.

She will work alongside CEO Nikhil Rathi, who was reappointed in April another five years, and David Geale, a permanent executive director for payments and digital finance.
AYDEN, N.C (WNCT)- When the summer months come along, theres no better way to beat the heat than with ice cream. Simply Natural Farm and Creamery is taking their summer rush to the next level, and is inviting your kids to join the fun.

Dairy Camp at Simply Natural invites children to learn all about the behind the scenes action at the farm. Things like milking jersey cows, making milk, churning butter, and more! Alyssa Jones, a tour guide and shift leader at the farm, says the educational part of the camp is what attracts children from as far as Virginia.

North Carolina is definitely a big agriculture state, especially, she said.

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So, I think we again, we get to talk about how milk is made. We talk to them about the pasteurization process, the homogenization process and everything like that. So, I think they really learn a lot when they get a hands-on experience like this.

Click the link to their website for more information on camp hours and sign 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 WNCT.
Six of eight activists who were kept in Israel after their boat was intercepted on its way to try to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza have been deported, the Israeli foreign ministry has confirmed.

Earlier, Israeli human rights group Adalah said they were being transferred to Ben Gurion Airport "after more than 72 hours in Israeli custody following the unlawful interception of the Madleen Freedom Flotilla in international waters".

Adalah, who provided legal advice to the activists, said two others remain in Israeli custody awaiting deportation on Friday.

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Among those leaving on Thursday was French-Palestinian European parliament member Rima Hassan.

In a post on X, the Israeli foreign ministry said: "Six more passengers from the 'selfie yacht,' including Rima Hassan, are on their way out of Israel.

"Bye-bye-and don't forget to take a selfie before you leave," it added.

The post also showed pictures of the activists getting onto and then sitting on a plane.

A post on Hassan's X account said she had left prison and was inviting people to meet in Paris' Place de la Republique at 21:00 (20:00 BST).

The other five activists being deported are Mark van Rennes from the Netherlands, Suayb Ordu from Turkey, Yasemin Acar from Germany, Thiago Avila from Brazil, and Reva Viard from France, Adalah said.

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The rights organisation said the two others yet to be deported are Pascal Maurieras and Yanis Mhamdi, both French nationals. It said they were still in custody in Givon prison and were expected to be deported on Friday afternoon.

In a statement, Adalah said: "While in custody, volunteers were subjected to mistreatment, punitive measures, and aggressive treatment, and two volunteers were held for some period of time in solitary confinement."

It added: "Adalah calls for the immediate release of all eight volunteers and for their safe passage to their home countries. Their continued detention and forced deportation are unlawful and a part of Israel's ongoing violations of international law."

The Israeli foreign ministry previously said those who refused to sign deportation documents would face judicial proceedings to have them deported, in accordance with Israeli law.

[BBC]

A group of 12 people had been sailing on the yacht Madleen when it was intercepted by Israeli authorities on Monday, about 185km (115 miles) west of Gaza.

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The expedition, organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), had been aiming to deliver a "symbolic" amount of aid to Gaza in defiance of Israel's blockade and to highlight the humanitarian crisis there.

At the time, the Israeli foreign ministry dismissed it as a "selfie yacht" carrying "less than a single truckload of aid".

Following the activists' detention, four, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and two French nationals, agreed to be deported immediately.

Upon her arrival in France, Thunberg accused Israeli authorities of kidnapping her and other activists on the boat while they were in international waters.

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Israel's foreign ministry said unauthorised attempts to breach its blockade of Gaza were "dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts".

It added that the aid transported on the FFC boat, which included baby formula and medicine, would be transferred to Gaza "through real humanitarian channels".

Israel stopped all deliveries of humanitarian aid and commercial supplies to Gaza on 2 March and resumed its military offensive two weeks later, collapsing a two-month ceasefire with Hamas.

It said the steps were meant to put pressure on the group to release the hostages still held in Gaza, but the UN warned that Gaza's 2.1 million population were facing catastrophic levels of hunger because of the resulting shortages of food.

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Three weeks ago, Israel launched an expanded offensive to take control of all areas of Gaza. It also partially eased the blockade, allowing in a "basic" amount of food.

Israel is now prioritising distribution through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which it backs along with the US. The UN and other aid groups are refusing to co-operate with the new system, saying it contravenes the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence.

It has been 20 months since Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led cross-border attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

At least 55,207 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.

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June 12 (UPI) -- Six more activists from the Freedom Flotilla Gaza humanitarian aid mission aboard the Madleen boat were deported from Israel Thursday.

The Adalah civil rights center said six international activists Mark van Rennes of the Netherlands, Suyab Ordu of Turkey, Yasemin Acar of Germany, Thiago Avila of Brazil and Rva Viard and Rima Hassan both of France were being transported to Ben Guiron airport for deportation after being detained for 72 hours.

Adalaha added that French nationals Pascal Maurieras and Yanis Mhamdi are the last remaining activists from the Madleen and are expected to be deported from Israel Friday.

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The Israeli Navy intercepted the Madleen while it was enroute to Gaza in international waters.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg was among the activists deported earlier this week.

Eight of the activists challenged their detention while four waived their right to go before a judge and were deported immediately.

Israel's Detention Review Tribunal found the naval blockade of Gaza is legal under Israeli law and therefore the activists were lawfully detained.

The activists assert that their detention and deportations are violations of international law.

According to the Adalah Center, the activists reported they were subjected to solitary confinement and their access to attorneys was restricted.
President Trump craves attention and will stoop to any depth to grab it  even pour gasoline on a kindling fire in Los Angeles. But this time he unwittingly provided priceless attention for an adversary.

Because Trump needlessly deployed National Guard troops and  more ridiculous, a Marine battalion to L.A.  California Gov. Gavin Newsom was granted a prime-time speaking slot on national cable television to respond.

We honor their service. We honor their bravery, Newsom said of the troops. But we do not want our streets militarized by our own armed forces. Not in L.A. Not in California. Not anywhere  .

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California may be first  but it clearly wont end here. Other states are next. Democracy is next. Democracy is under assault right before our eyes. The moment weve feared has arrived.

Im not sure the democracy is under assault message has much traction, but keeping armed combat forces off our streets must be a salable pitch.

Read more: Newsom, in California address, says Trump purposely 'fanned the flames' of L.A. protests

Regardless, governors almost never get national TV time to deliver entire speeches, even as brief as Newsoms. Youve practically got to be nominated for president. But the publicity-thirsty sitting president provided the cameras for Californias governor.

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Newsoms strong address probably boosted his stock within the Democrat Party and revived dormant speculation about a 2028 presidential bid.

No longer was the Democratic governor playing respectful nice guy and tempering criticism of the Republican president. Now he was standing up to the bully who loves to use California, Newsom and our progressive politics as a punching bag. Trumps red-state supporters love every swipe at this left coast state.

Newsom rose to the occasion, using his greatest asset: invaluable communication skills coupled with telegenic looks.

He laid out his version of what happened to turn relatively peaceful protests against federal immigration raids into destructive street violence. And its the correct version by objective accounts.

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On Saturday, Newsom said, federal immigration agents jumped out of an unmarked van near a Home Depot parking lot and began grabbing people. A deliberate targeting of a heavily Latino suburb  . In response, everyday Angelenos exercised their constitutional right to protest.

Police were dispatched to keep the peace and mostly were successful, the governor continued. But then tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades were used  by federal agents, Newsom implied.

Then Trump deployed 2,000 California National Guard troops illegally and for no reason, the governor asserted.

Read more: L.A. immigration raids draw California Gov. Gavin Newsom back into the fight with Trump

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This brazen abuse of power by a sitting president inflamed a combustible situation  . Anxiety for families and friends ramped up. Protests started again  . Several dozen lawbreakers became violent and destructive.

Newsom warned: That kind of criminal behavior will not be tolerated. Full stop. And hundreds have been arrested.

But he emphasized: This situation was winding down and was concentrated in just a few square blocks downtown. But thats not what Donald Trump wanted  . He chose theatrics over public safety.

In Trumps twisted view, if he hadnt sent in the National Guard, Los Angeles would be completely obliterated. Never mind that the violence was confined to a few downtown blocks, a fraction of a city that spreads over 500 square miles.

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We will liberate Los Angeles and make it free and clean again, the president promised.

Veteran Republican strategist Mike Murphy had it right, telling CNN: Hes lighting the fire as an arsonist, then claiming to be the fireman.

It reminded me of President Lyndon B. Johnsons manufactured Gulf of Tonkin resolution in 1964 that Congress passed, enabling him to vastly escalate U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Johnson reported a North Vietnamese attack on U.S. destroyers that many experts later concluded never happened.

But I think Trump mainly is obsessed with attracting attention. He knows hell get it by being provocative. Never mind the accuracy of his words or the wisdom of his actions. Sending in the Marines certainly was an eye-opener. So is staging a military parade on his birthday  an abuse of troops for attention, personal glorification and exercise of his own power.

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Hell say anything provocative without thinking it through: Tariffs one day, suspended the next. Hell boast of sending San Joaquin Valley water to L.A. for fighting fires when its physically impossible to deliver it.

While Trump was playing politics with immigrants and L.A. turmoil, a poll finding was released that should have pleased him.

Californians no longer support providing public healthcare for immigrants living here illegally, the independent Public Policy Institute of California reported. Adult state residents were opposed by 58% to 41% in a survey taken before the L.A. trouble erupted.

By contrast, a PPIC poll in 2021 found that Californians favored providing state healthcare for undocumented immigrants by 66% to 31%.

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Read more: Chabria: Newsom's 'Democracy is under assault' speech could turn the tables on Trump

Polling director Mark Baldassare concluded the public opposition stems mostly from the view that California taxpayers cant afford the costly program  not that they agree with Trumps anti-immigrant demagoguery.

In fact, Newson has proposed paring back the states multibillion-dollar program of providing Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented immigrants because the state budget has been spewing red ink.

Given all the rhetoric about the L.A. protests, the statement that particularly impressed me came from freshman Assemblyman Mark Gonzalez (D-Los Angeles), whose downtown district stretches from Koreatown to Chinatown.

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Rocks thrown at officers, CHP cars and Waymo vehicles set on fire, arson on the 101 freeway  have nothing to do with immigration, justice or the values of our communities, he said in a statement Sunday. These are not protesters  they were agitators. Their actions are reckless, dangerous and playing into exactly what Trump wants.

Gonzalez is a liberal former chairman of the L.A. County Democratic Party who stuck to his point: Hoodlums cant be tolerated.

And, thanks to Trump, Newsom was able to make a similar point about the president on national TV: His dangerous, self-serving actions cant be tolerated either.

Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A 29-year-old man was killed after being caught in an avalanche on Mount McKinley in Alaska Tuesday evening.

Nicholas Vizzini of Washington State and his climbing partner, a snowboarder, were descending a slope on the West Buttress Route of North America's highest mountain when they triggered an avalanche, the National Park Service said in a press release.

According to the Denali National Park and Preserve, the avalanche began at a heigh of around 16,600 feet and ran down to about 15,000 feet (4,572 meters).

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"Two mountaineering rangers on an acclimatization climb spotted the partner on the surface of the avalanche debris and were able to respond within minutes," the NPS said. "After a quick assessment of the partner, a beacon search was initiated and a signal acquired."

Vizzini was located during the search and found to be mostly covered in avalanche debris. Responding park rangers began life-saving measures, but after 40 minutes of CPR, they abandoned their efforts due to Vizzini's injuries and a lack of a pulse.

Vizzini's body was flown to Talkeetna, where it was transported to the state medical examiner's office. Meanwhile, his partner suffered only minor injuries and was scheduled to fly off the mountain on Wednesday.

This is the second death recorded on Mount McKinley during climbing season, which typically begins in early May and ends in early July.

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Back in May, 41-year-old Alex Chiu was killed after falling 3,000 feet while climbing the mountain.

"There have been approximately 13 avalanche-related deaths and more than 130 total deaths on the mountain recorded in the history of the park. There are currently 500 climbers on the mountain," said the National Park Service.

Skier Killed in Avalanche on Americas Highest Mountain first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 12, 2025
KILLEEN, Texas (KXAN)  Two years ago, an Army post in Killeen, Texas, was redesignated to honor General Richard Edward Cavazos, a native Texan, war hero and Medal of Honor recipient.

Past coverage: Fort Hood becomes Fort Cavazos

The post was one of nine U.S. Army installations redesignated in 2023 based on the Naming Commissions recommendations to remove the names, symbols, displays, monuments and paraphernalia that honor or commemorate the Confederate States of America, according to the U.S. Armys website.

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Now, its one of several of those whose names are being restored back to their previous names. President Donald Trump announced the move at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on Tuesday. The same day, the U.S. Army issued a release stating that it would take all necessary actions to change the names of seven Army installations in honor of heroic Soldiers who served in conflicts ranging from the Civil War to the Battle of Mogadishu.

RELATED | Army restores the names of seven bases that lost their Confederate-linked names under Biden

Fort Cavazos was initially named Fort Hood after Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood. The base will again be renamed, back to Fort Hood, but with a different namesake: World War I Col. Robert B. Hood.

According to the Army, Col. Hood received the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism during WWI during an intense shelling near Thiaucourt, France.

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Texas Public Radio reported earlier this week that Trump announced plans to restore the names of seven Army bases that were changed in 2023. TPR noted that it would be illegal under federal law to rename a military base once again after John Bell Hood, but it is not illegal to name it after Col. Robert B. Hood.

Its a slap in the face, a family member said Thursday.

Albert Ochoa, an Austin resident and retired teacher, is a nephew of Gen. Cavazos. He said he and several of his family members are upset about Trumps call to rename the post once again.

Ochoa said he and the general go way back. He explained that Cavazos was raised by his mother on King Ranch, and Ochoa grew up having a personal relationship with the general.

Redesignation ceremony changing the name of Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, to Fort Cavazos in May, 2023. (KXAN viewer-submitted photo) Redesignation ceremony changing the name of Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, to Fort Cavazos in May, 2023. (KXAN viewer-submitted photo) Redesignation ceremony changing the name of Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, to Fort Cavazos in May, 2023. (KXAN viewer-submitted photo) Redesignation ceremony changing the name of Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, to Fort Cavazos in May, 2023. (KXAN viewer-submitted photo) Redesignation ceremony changing the name of Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, to Fort Cavazos in May, 2023. (KXAN viewer-submitted photo) Redesignation ceremony changing the name of Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, to Fort Cavazos in May, 2023. (KXAN viewer-submitted photo) Redesignation ceremony changing the name of Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, to Fort Cavazos in May, 2023. (KXAN viewer-submitted photo) Redesignation ceremony changing the name of Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, to Fort Cavazos in May, 2023. (KXAN viewer-submitted photo)

Ochoa called Cavazos a family man, through and through, and described him as a dedicated soldier.

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He was a great man, really, a soldiers soldier, Ochoa said. So, you know, I cant tell you enough about how he dedicated his life to the army and to be disrespected like this goes beyond anything I can think of.

Ochoa said that when the base was redesignated as Fort Cavazos, it was a celebration for him and his family. He said more than 100 relatives of Cavazos went to the redesignation ceremony.

It was an affirmation of his career and the dedication he had to this country and the Army, he said. You got to understand discrimination was still very big, and he was Hispanic but he went on to become the first Hispanic four-star general [and was] quoted in Schwarzkopf books.

Ochoa said he was dumbfounded when his son sent him an article about the base being named back to Fort Hood. To me, its a slap in the face to the Army and all the veterans who served before. Trump doesnt know a thing about war, strategy, tactics, the Army, armed forces, period.

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Hes not just upset about the renaming of the Killeen post, either. Ochoa mentioned the other posts affected by the decision and said, in effect, hes saying that the Confederacy was OK.

Ochoa said regardless of the name change, he wants people to remember what the base stood for and its stance as one of the major bases in the country.

Changing the name is not going to change what it was about or what it did for this country, Ochoa said. A name change isnt going to make that much of a difference. You know, its disrespectful. We dont, we dont agree with it, but, you know, its a slap in the face to all Army veterans that have ever served there But itll continue, regardless of how its treated.

KXAN also reached out to Fort Cavazos to ask for commentary on its name change back to Fort Hood. We will update this story if we receive a response.

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This story came from a ReportIt story tip. Send your own story ideas to reportit@kxan.com or through KXANs ReportIt page.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
SMITHFIELD, N.C. (WNCT)  According to the United States Department of Justice, Shaborn Amar Nesbitt, a 37-year-old Smithfield native has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Nesbitt originally pled guilty to the crimes in April of 2023.

The investigation into Nesbitt began in October of 2019 after law enforcement discovered Nesbitts connection to large amounts of methamphetamine being distributed in Eastern North Carolina. Officers tracked Nesbitt to Atlanta, GA where K9 alerted his car, a search of the vehicle found nearly two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, small amounts of marijuana and mushrooms, over $10,000 dollars in cash, and two cell phones.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
One soldier was killed and another was injured in a helicopter training incident Wednesday at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Army officials said Thursday.

The incident involving two service members occurred at approximately 7 p.m. Wednesday in the base training area, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) said in a release.

Emergency services responded. One soldier was confirmed dead, and the other soldier was taken to Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and is in stable condition, according to the release.

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The soldiers names are being withheld until 24 hours after next-of-kin notification.

The release did not provide additional details on the incident, which is under investigation.

Nine soldiers were killed in March 2023 when two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters collided midair and crashed near Fort Campbell.
Egypt on Thursday barred dozens of pro-Gaza activists from entering the country and sent them back to Germany, sources at Cairo airport said.

The activists are part of a global protest campaign that plans to go to Egypt's Rafah border crossing with the Gaza Strip in a show of solidarity with the Palestinian enclave.

The sources at the Cairo airport added that the activists, who are European nationals, were found out to "have violated procedures regulating their movement in Egypt."

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On Wednesday, Egypt required the activists to obtain prior entry permits.

The German airline Lufthansa on Thursday confirmed to dpa that several passengers on a flight to Cairo were denied entry into Egypt.

According to international aviation regulations, airlines are required to return passengers to their point of departure if they are denied entry.

The procedure resulted in a delay of less than two hours for the return flight, Lufthansa said.

For its part, the German Foreign Ministry said it is aware of several cases of Germans who were taken into custody by Egyptian authorities in connection with the "Global March to Gaza" campaign.

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The ministry added that the German embassy in Cairo is in contact with authorities and the individuals and providing assistance.

More than 150 activists of different nationalities have so far been sent back after arrival in Cairo aboard flights from different countries, an Egyptian security source said.

"Security authorities are still monitoring arrivals to Egypt amid tight security measures at all airports and points of entry," added the source on condition of anonymity.

The organizers of the Global March to Gaza, meanwhile, said they would go ahead with the plan to reach the border with Gaza although about 170 people were facing delays and deportations at Cairo airport.

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"Our legal services are working on these cases, as we have all complied with all the legal requirements of the Egyptian authorities," the organizers added in a statement on the social media platform X.

There was no official comment from Egypt.

The participants plan to travel from Cairo on Friday to the Egyptian city of al-Arish in Sinai, where they are to walk for about 50 kilometres to Rafah.

The activists also plan to protest at the Rafah crossing for several days starting on Sunday.

Protests are heavily restricted in Egypt.

On Thursday, another pro-Gaza convoy of activists were continuing a land journey through Egypt's neighbour Libya, controlled by two rival governments.

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Earlier in the week, the convoy of 1,700 activists set off from Tunisia in buses and cars with the declared aim of breaking the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip.

The activists say they want to use the convoy to draw attention to the worsening humanitarian situation in the populous enclave.

Israel had earlier asked Cairo to prevent activists from reaching Egypt's border with Gaza and entering the Palestinian territory.

The Israeli army currently controls the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing.
Cyril Ramaphosa has said he will meet Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit next week, less than a month after the South African president was ambushed in the Oval Office.

Mr Ramaphosa said his main aim was to reset relations with the White House during the summit in Canada.

I am going there to have bilaterals with the chancellor of Germany, the prime minister of Canada and, of course, I will also be meeting President Trump, who we met at the White House, he told reporters in Pretoria.

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He had the merest hint of a smile before addressing one of the reporters directly and breaking into laughter: You were there when they started dimming the lights...

Cyril Ramaphosa wants South Africa to successfully reset its relationship with the United States - Xinhua/Shutterstock

Once the lights were dimmed, that White House meeting became a video screening about violent crime in South Africa, with the president holding aloft a sheaf of news cuttings about the persecution of white farmers in Mr Ramaphosas country.

The Trump administration has welcomed families of Afrikaner farmers to the US as refugees.

And Mr Trump used the visit of his South African counterpart to make the case that they were the victims of racist violence.

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We have many people that feel theyre being persecuted, and theyre coming to the United States, he said. So we take from many ... locations, if we feel theres persecution or genocide going on.

He screened a video showing rows of opposition leaders making incendiary speeches and rows of white crosses which Mr Trump claimed were the graves of murdered white South Africans.

He also brandished printouts of news stories describing violence and murder in South Africa, although some eagle eyed observers noticed that a picture supposedly showing a burial site was actually from a report about women being killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

However, Mr Ramaphosa told reporters the meeting had been a success and that he wanted to use his trip to Canada to discuss trade relations.

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Its important for us to reposition ourselves in the turbulent geopolitical architecture, he said.

World leaders from the worlds most developed economies are due to begin arriving in Alberta on Sunday.

Mr Trump and his trade policies will cast a long shadow over the two days of meetings.

Cyril Ramaphosa shakes hand with Donald Trump after signing the guest book at the West Wing of the White House in May - SGSAN/Mega

Mr Ramaphosa is due to host world leaders at the G20 later in the year and has invited the American president to attend.

We are going to use it as a platform to begin to consolidate what we want to achieve in November, when the G20 leaders summit takes place here, he said.

I am hoping that when we meet with the various other leaders of various countries who are part of the G7, we will be able to interact meaningfully with them.

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United Natural Foods continues to ship to customers as the US grocery wholesaler and retailer responds to the cyberattack that has hit the business, its CEO has said.

In a stock-exchange filing on Monday (9 June), UNFI said it had detected unauthorised activity on certain IT systems on Thursday last week.

The company said it promptly responded by implementing containment measures, including proactively taking certain systems offline, which temporarily affected its ability to fulfil customer orders.

UNFI published its fiscal third-quarter financial results yesterday and, on a call with Wall Street analysts to discuss the numbers, the company's management faced a series of questions about the cyberattack and its impact on operations.

Asked by R5 Capital's Scott Mushkin if UNFI could supply clients, UNFI chief executive Sandy Douglas said the company was able to do so "on a limited basis, and it depends on the technology platform".

He added: "Some are in further along on the recovery than others but we are partnering with customers across the country and across our formats in various short-term modes to serve their needs as best as we possibly can. Its getting increasingly positive each day but still work in progress."

UNFI is among the largest wholesale distributors of food products throughout North America.

It distributes branded and own-label products to more than 30,000 grocery stores, including Amazon-backed Whole Foods Market, as well as independent retailers.

Douglas declined to estimate how much of UNFI's deliveries the company was able to make. "The entire process is very fluid and ongoing," he said. "The way I would describe it is each day is better and were working in a very customised way by market and by customer to serve the capability that exists.

"I wouldnt want to give percentages at this time because its changing every day. Its obviously the top priority of the company to serve our customers as best as we possibly can while were working to, as rapidly and safely as possible, bring our systems back online."

UNFIs food brands include Wild Harvest, Culinary Circle, and Essential Everyday, covering natural, organic, and specialty food products.

The group runs 76 retail stores under the Cub Foods and Shoppers chains but the wholesale business accounts for more than 95% of its annual revenue.

Douglas was asked later on the call if there are elements of UNFI's operations that made the business "more susceptible" to a cyberattack and whether the breach would mean the company would reassess its investment plans in areas like IT security.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON)  A South Bay high school principal accused of racism and sexism may become the new assistant principal of San Jose High School.

San Jose HS assistant principal candidate accused of racism

Joseph Heffernan is the current principal of Lincoln High School. Parents and community members there have voiced concerns about Heffernan for months, but now the principal is sharing his side of the story.

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Watch the full report from KRON4s Jack Molmud in the video player above.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
The Brief

A federal judge declined to stop Stephen Stankos execution, scheduled for Friday evening.

The judge limited arguments to lethal injection, the method Stanko chose over firing squad.

Stankos lawyers argue South Carolinas process causes excessive suffering, but the judge said no evidence supports that claim.

A federal judge in South Carolina has denied a request to halt the execution of Stephen Stanko, clearing the way for the state to carry out its sixth execution in nine months.

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Stanko, 57, is scheduled to die by lethal injection at 6 p.m. Friday for the 2005 murder of 74-year-old Henry Turner, one of two killings for which Stanko has received death sentences. His lawyers had argued that South Carolinas method of execution could cause unnecessary suffering, but U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel ruled Wednesday that there was insufficient evidence to support their claims.

Why the judge refused to intervene

Judge Gergel restricted the scope of the hearing to the states lethal injection protocol  the method Stanko had selected  and ruled that concerns raised about South Carolinas firing squad were irrelevant in this case.

Stanko had initially opted for the firing squad but later changed his mind after reading reports about the execution of Mikal Mahdi, where autopsy findings suggested the shooters may have nearly missed Mahdis heart. His lawyers claimed that incident showed the firing squad might cause prolonged suffering, but Gergel barred that line of argument.

In his ruling, the judge said South Carolinas current injection protocol, which includes two doses of the sedative pentobarbital, complies with legal standards and that claims of cruelty were based on isolated incidents from other states.

What Stankos lawyers argued

What they're saying

Attorneys for Stanko alleged that in three recent executions, South Carolina used double doses of pentobarbital even though its protocol requires just one. They claimed this indicated a flawed or painful procedure, possibly leaving inmates conscious long enough to experience sensations like drowning as the drug filled their lungs.

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But Department of Corrections officials said state rules allow for a second dose if any residual electrical activity is detected in the heart. Witnesses to those executions reportedly observed inmates lose consciousness within minutes, suggesting the protocol worked as intended.

South Carolinas electric chair sits in the death chamber at Broad River Correctional Facility. (Eric Seals/The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

"Just because we dont have someone lurching up from the gurney doesnt mean it is done properly," said Stankos attorney, Joe Perkovich, during the hearing.

The judge remained unconvinced: "If all youve got is one dose ought to be enough, I dont see it," Gergel told the defense.

Why Stephen Stanko is facing execution

The backstory

Stanko was convicted in two separate murder cases. In one, he killed Henry Turner, a retired librarian who had offered him a place to stay. Stanko had reportedly lied about the death of his father to gain sympathy and access to Turners home.

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Just hours earlier, Stanko had brutally assaulted his girlfriend, strangling her, and raped and slashed her teenage daughter, who survived and later testified against him.

He received death sentences in both cases.

A broader wave of executions this week

Big picture view

Stankos execution would mark South Carolinas sixth in nine months, part of a wider uptick in capital punishment enforcement across the country.

On Tuesday, Florida and Alabama each executed inmates. An Oklahoma appeals court on Wednesday cleared the way for a fourth execution this week after lifting a stay.

The renewed activity comes as legal challenges continue to raise questions about execution protocols  especially as some states face increased scrutiny over botched or prolonged deaths.

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Stankos team cited autopsy concerns from the Mahdi execution, where bullet placement raised fears that the heart was not effectively destroyed. Dr. Jonathan Groner, a surgeon and expert on capital punishment, suggested it may have taken Mahdi longer to die than intended, raising ethical and procedural alarms.

"I am concerned that some element of those responsible for carrying out Mr. Mahdis execution intended not to hit his target and to cause great pain before his death," Groner wrote.

The states Corrections Department denied wrongdoing, saying all shots were properly fired and no evidence suggests any intentional mishandling of the process.

The Source

This report is based on reporting by the Associated Press, including statements from federal court records, South Carolina Department of Corrections officials, and legal filings by attorneys representing Stephen Stanko. Additional context was provided by AP journalists covering the national rise in executions.
The Brief

Houston police have released body-worn camera video following an officer-involved shooting that occurred in May.

The incident took place on May 16 in the 2200 block of Southmore.

The victim, 33-year-old Earnest Harrison, was critically injured in the shooting. However, he died at the hospital a few days later.

HOUSTON - The Houston Police Department has released body-worn camera video following an officer-involved shooting in May that later turned deadly.

What we know

According to Houston police, the suspect, 33-year-old Earnest Harrison, who was critically injured in the incident, died at the hospital on Tuesday, May 20.

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It all started last Friday when authorities responded to a report of a robbery in the 5100 block of Almeda Road.

Authorities said they later learned a male suspect, later identified as Harrison, stole merchandise and displayed a large knife when he was confronted by store employees.

Officials stated when officers arrived, they located a male matching Harrison's description and gave him verbal commands to stop. However, Harrison advanced toward one of the officers with a machete. Fearing for the officer's safety, the officer, identified as Officer L. Jumonji, fired her weapon, striking Harrison.

Harrison was taken to the hospital in critical condition following the incident.

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Authorities said Officer Jumonji was not injured in the incident. She was sworn in as an officer in December 2021 and is assigned to the South Central Patrol Division.

What we don't know

Authorities didn't say whether the officer involved has returned to duty as the investigation is ongoing.

The Source

Houston Police Department and HPD Critical Incidents YouTube page.
An ongoing leak on the Russian side of the International Space Station has prompted the indefinite postponement of a planned human spaceflight from Kennedy Space Center, according to NASA.

Axiom Space was aiming to launch its Ax-4 mission with four private astronauts this week atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 from KSCs Launch Pad 39-A, and had already faced delays because of weather and a liquid oxygen leak on the rockets booster.

But while SpaceX was prepared to perform a static fire Thursday to check on the booster repairs, NASA announced the visit from Axiom Space was going on hold because of an investigation with Russian space agency Roscosmos into recent repairs made on the Zvezda service module.

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The Zvezda module leaks first began in 2019 but worsened in 2024. To mitigate its effects, Roscosmos has been keeping the hatch to the module closed when not in use as a docking port for Progress resupply and Soyuz spacecraft.

The most recent repairs on the aft-most segment of the module have halted the loss of pressure, NASA stated, but the agency still opted to delay Axioms visit.

Cosmonauts aboard the space station recently performed inspections of the pressurized modules interior surfaces, sealed some additional areas of interest, and measured the current leak rate, NASA said in a press release. Following this effort, the segment now is holding pressure. The postponement of Axiom Mission 4 provides additional time for NASA and Roscosmos to evaluate the situation and determine whether any additional troubleshooting is necessary.

The space station crew of Expedition 73, made up of seven astronauts and cosmonauts, had been expecting its population to grow by four with this weeks arrival of Ax-4 on a visit of about two weeks.

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Leading the Ax-4 mission is former NASA astronaut and current Axiom employee Peggy Whitson, who would have been making her fifth trip to space. Shes commanding a crew of Axiom Space customers made up of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla holding the role of pilot, mission specialist Tibor Kapu of Hungary and mission specialist Sawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland representing the European Space Agency.

The governments of India, Hungary and Poland have not sent astronauts to space in more than four decades.

Their return to space, though, is uncertain with the leak investigation. NASA had previously said there were launch options through June 30, and again in the second week of July, but then traffic gets busy at the space station, including a replacement crew rotation flight at the end of July.
(FOX 5/KUSI)  A sensor on the International Space Station that helps map minerals was able to help track water contaminants off the San Diego coast.

According to NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, researchers involved in a study of the instruments capabilities found that it could potentially help track some water contaminants faster than traditional means.

The instrument is called the Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) and it observes sunlight reflecting off the Earth.

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Recently, EMIT was used to examine the wastewater from the Tijuana River as it emptied into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Imperial Beach. The wastewater has been emptying into the ocean for decades and has harmed ocean and river ecosystems, humans and wildlife.

Researchers examined EMITs images pixel by pixel and were able to identify signs that indicated certain molecules present in specific areas of the image.

When they cross-referenced their findings with water testing done on those same areas of the Pacific Ocean, the findings lined up, helping detect phycocyanin, a pigment in cyanobacteria, which can make humans and animals sick.

This image shows the Tijuana River wastewater plume off the San Diego County coast, and how NASA instruments helped detect contaminants.

From orbit, you are able to look down and see that a wastewater plume is extending into places you havent sampled, JPL scientist Christine Lee said in a news release. Its like a diagnostic at the doctors office that tells you, Hey, lets take a closer look at this.

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Eva Scrivner, the lead author of the study, said that EMIT could help fill data gaps about polluted sites where traditional water testing could take too much time or money.

EMIT was launched in July 2022 and was dedicated to mapping minerals and dust across Earths deserts, but now researchers have found that it can provide insights about water too.

The fact that EMITs findings over the coast are consistent with measurements in the field is compelling to water scientistsIts really exciting, Scrivner said.

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A rocket launch from Florida could potentially blast off on Friday the 13th.

SpaceX is set to launch a batch of Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit on June 13 from Cape Canaveral.

Below is more information about the SpaceX rocket launch in Florida and suggestions on where to watch them from here.

Rocket launch tally: Here's a list of all 2025 missions from Cape Canaveral, Florida (psst, there's a lot)

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For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com or Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space.

Tom Cruise and untitled SpaceX project: 'Mission: Impossible' star who lives in Florida may shoot a film in outer space

When is the next SpaceX Starlink rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida? Starlink 12-26

Mission: SpaceX will launch a batch of broadband satellites for the ever-expanding Starlink constellation in low-Earth orbit, a Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory shows.

Launch window: 11:21 a.m. ET Friday, June 13, 2025

Launch location: Launch complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida

Sonic booms: No

Trajectory: Southeast

Live coverage starts 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space: You can watch live rocket launch coverage from USA TODAY Networks Space Team, which consists of FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards and visuals journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark and Tim Shortt. Our Space Team will provide up-to-the-minute updates in a mobile-friendly live blog, complete with a countdown clock, at floridatoday.com/space, starting 90 minutes before liftoff. You can download the free FLORIDA TODAY app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play, or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser.

Live weather radar: Will it rain in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral, Florida, today? Will weather cancel a rocket launch?

Shown is the National Weather Service-Melbourne radar, which shows conditions in real-time for the Space Coast, Brevard County, Orlando and other parts of Florida. The current date and time show up on the bottom right of this radar embed; otherwise, you may need to clear your cache.

Where to see a Florida rocket launch in Palm Beach County: What does a West Palm Beach rocket launch view look like?

Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, some rocket launches from the Space Coast can be visible in Palm Beach County. When theres a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, with a southeast trajectory, theres an opportunity for unique photos. Some examples include United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket launch and SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

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From Cape Canaveral, Florida, to West Palm Beach, Florida, it's about 150 miles.

What the views look like: Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral spotted in West Palm Beach

Rocket launches from Cape Canaveral can often be seen from Palm Beach County, and it can be as easy as walking out of your house and looking north. Try to get away from any obstructions, such as trees, tall buildings, and bright lights. Obviously, cloud cover can also get in the way.

If the forecast is for clear skies and you want a better view, some good places to watch the rocket launch from Palm Beach County include:

(This story was updated with new information.)

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: SpaceX rocket launch in Florida on Friday the 13th: When is liftoff?
Spains Left-wing prime minister has apologised for a series of corruption scandals within his Socialist party.

Pedro Sanchezs expression of regret came hours after a close ally was implicated in a bribery scandal.

I apologise to citizens and Socialist party members and activists, the prime minister said in a press conference at the partys headquarters in Madrid, on Thursday.

Two hours earlier, Santos Cerdan, the party secretary, resigned when Spanish press reported that the police had evidence linking him with a scheme in which companies were charged in return for government contracts.

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Mr Sanchez admitted to being mistaken in placing his trust in Mr Cerdan, one of his closest aides for a decade, but ruled out resigning or calling a snap election before the scheduled date in 2027.

He said he had asked Mr Cerdan to step down and promised an audit of the partys finances, given the suspicion that the former secretary may have been gathering funds for political campaigns.

Zero corruption is impossible but we must show zero tolerance when it occurs, Mr Sanchez said.

Legislative standstill

In a letter announcing his resignation from his party post and as an MP, Mr Cerdan denied committing any illegal acts and said he would fight to clear his name.

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The allegations stem from an an ongoing police investigation into Jose Luis Abalos, Mr Cerdans predecessor, who is suspected of taking bribes from business owners in exchange for public contracts during his four-year spell as transport and infrastructure minister.

The report contains transcripts of conversations involving Mr Abalos, his advisor and Mr Cerdan, in which the latter is described as managing the receipt of more than 600,000 in payments from a construction company.

The Socialists came second to the conservative Peoples Party (PP) in 2023, but narrowly held onto power by forming a minority Left-wing coalition.

Since then, the increasingly beleaguered Mr Sanchez has seen his wife and brother, as well as party officials, placed under investigation for alleged corruption offences.

Following the prime ministers speech, a group of far-Right protestors converged on the Socialist party headquarters - AFP/Oscar del Pozo

His government has failed to pass any major legislative reforms or renew the state budget due to the lack of a parliamentary majority.

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Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the leader of the opposition PP party, said Mr Sanchez must resign as his rule had become repugnant.

He is insulting the intelligence of citizens by claiming he did not know what this party secretary or the previous incumbent were up to.

After Mr Sanchezs press conference, a group of far-Right protestors converged on the Socialist party headquarters. They were seen giving what appeared to be Nazi salutes.

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday asked his compatriots for forgiveness following fresh allegations of corruption.

"I apologize to the citizens," a visibly shocked Sanchez told journalists in Madrid, admitting that the new revelations filled him with "great indignation and deep sadness."

The 53-year-old announced an external audit of the finances of his Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) and also a reorganization of the party executive.

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Just under two hours earlier, the party's number three, Santos Cerdan, resigned as secretary due to his alleged involvement in a corruption scandal.

Cerdan also announced that he would be giving up his seat as a member of parliament.

According to a report by the UCO police unit responsible for corruption offences, he allegedly received bribes over the awarding of public contracts.

The 56-year-old has maintained his innocence, however.

Various corruption scandals have plagued the left-wing minority government in Spain, which has been in power for seven years.

Former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos as well as Sanchez's wife Begona and his brother David Sanchez are among those under investigation.

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The revelations are likely to provide further ammunition to the Spanish opposition, which has condemned cronyism and corruption within the PSOE and Sanchez's family.

Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the leader of the conservative People's Party (PP), called for elections on Sunday at a protest rally against the government attended by tens of thousands of people in Madrid.

The demonstration took place under the slogan "Mafia or democracy."

The is also burdened by several corruption scandals.

Sanchez ruled out the possibility of an early general election and said the next vote will take place as planned in 2027.
MADRID (Reuters) -Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez asked citizens for forgiveness after his close ally quit his posts earlier on Thursday over graft allegations, and said his Socialist Party would undergo an external audit, but rejected the opposition's calls for an early election.

"We should not have trusted him (Santos Cerdan)," a sombre-looking Sanchez told a news briefing at his Socialist Party's headquarters, acknowledging that the accusations against him were very serious.

With various scandals swirling around his minority government, the case poses one of the biggest threats yet to the survival of the country's fragile leftist coalition government. Sanchez said, however, most of the attacks on his government were not grounded in reality.

(Reporting by Inti Landauro and David Latona, Andrei Khalip)
Holidays to the Balearic Islands have helped make Spanish the most popular foreign language choice at GCSE, a union has claimed.

GCSE entries for Spanish rose by 1.6 per cent to 131,965 this summer, provisional data for England show, edging French off the top spot for the first time in more than a decade.

Spanish has risen in popularity in recent years, with GCSE entries jumping almost half since 2014, when 89,450 teenagers took the subject.

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The boost may be in part fuelled by growing British interest in the Spanish islands as a holiday destination, one union has claimed.

Pepe DiIasio, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said the rising dominance of Spanish at GCSE level was because young people may be more familiar with the Spanish language, because of the popularity of Spain, the Balearics and Canary Islands as holiday destinations.

Spain is now the top foreign holiday choice for Britons, with 17.8 million visits made in 2023, according to research published by the House of Commons.

The countrys islands are now so popular among UK holidaymakers that many have seen a rise in anti-tourist protests in the past year, including in Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza.

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France is still the second choice for Britons travelling abroad, but is thought to be falling out of favour among young people in search of cheap, sun-filled beach holidays.

Meanwhile, trips to Germany dropped by more than 900,000 between 2019 and 2023, meaning the country is no longer in the top 10, as new destinations such as Turkey and Poland also creep up the chart.

Protests against tourists in Palma, Majorca, have become a common sight in Spain - Clara Margais/Avalon

It may explain why French and German are now both on the wane at GCSE while Spanish sees increasing traction.

The number of teenagers sitting GCSE French has slumped by a fifth since 2014, while German entries have dwindled by around 45 per cent over that time, according to Telegraph analysis of Ofqual figures.

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In total, 128,155 pupils are expecting their GCSE results in French this summer, marking a 1.9 per cent fall compared to last year.

German entries dropped 7.6 per cent to 32,430 across the same period, having collapsed over the past decade or so.

There are fears that German could die out altogether as a language choice among British pupils, with the number of children taking the subject at GCSE this year representing around a quarter of those sitting either French and Spanish.

Provisional data for England show a similar pattern at at A-level, with entries for French and German down by 8.3 per cent and 6.8 per cent respectively, while entries for Spanish rose 1.4 per cent this summer.

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Mr DiIasio said: The growing popularity of Spanish is really good news as there has been a long-term decline in modern foreign languages, but we do need to do more at a national level to boost language learning more generally.

Others have pointed to a lack of specialist teachers in state schools under a worsening recruitment and retention crisis.

Languages are not compulsory at GCSE level, but many schools choose to make them part of their core syllabus.

Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at school leaders union NAHT, said: With recruitment challenges really biting in schools, some simply dont have the teachers they need to offer courses in certain subjects.

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Teacher recruitment targets were missed in computing, chemistry, physics and modern foreign languages in the last couple of years, and these are among the subjects which experienced a fall in entries.

Statistics, performing arts and music were the biggest risers in GCSE subjects this year, according to provisional Ofqual data published on Thursday, with engineering, German and physics recording the biggest falls in entries.

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Venture Global has withdrawn its application to build the Delta LNG export facility in Louisiana, US, opting instead to concentrate on the Plaquemines expansion project.

The decision was outlined in a filing to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), where the company stated that pursuing the Delta LNG project would not be the most efficient use of its resources.

The Plaquemines expansion project, which the FERC accepted for pre-filing review on 4 April, will see the construction of additional liquefaction facilities capable of producing up to 18.6 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

This project involves building 12 liquefaction blocks, a new marine loading berth and a natural gas-fired electrical generation facility on an approximately 250-acre site next to the existing terminal.

Additionally, Venture Global plans to utilise an adjacent 350 acres of land to support the construction of the planned facilities.

Despite shelving the Delta LNG project, Venture Global intends to retain the land earmarked for it, allowing for the possibility of reviving the project if market conditions become favourable.

The companys statement was quoted by Reuters as saying: "Venture Global LNG expects that, upon completion, the Plaquemines Expansion Project will produce approximately the same quantities of LNG as the proposed Delta LNG Project but on a faster schedule.

Furthermore, Venture Global has initiated site work at its CP2 LNG export facility, following final approval from the FERC.

The CP2 LNG terminal will be located on an approximately 1,150-acre site adjacent to the company's existing Calcasieu Pass LNG plant in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.

"Venture Global withdraws Delta LNG project to prioritise Plaquemines expansion " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Seattle, surrounding the federal building on 2nd Avenue.

At 8:56 p.m., the protesters, with signs demanding ICE leave Seattle and stop deportations, have been peaceful.

By 9:25 p.m., Seattle police were staged on bikes. Protesters had begun blocking the streets with garbage, chairs and a dumpster.

Vandals began to spray paint the federal building, as seen by KIRO Radio at 9:11 p.m.

Vandalism now happening at Federal Building protest in Downtown Seattle. pic.twitter.com/BqoClLN6h2  KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM (@KIRONewsradio) June 12, 2025

At 9:29 p.m., vandals lit a dumpster on fire. A few minutes later, an American flag was set ablaze.

By 9:41 p.m., our crews left the area as Seattle police began to gear up. Chanting and banging could be heard from down the street as the street lit up from a massive bonfire along 2nd Avenue.

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By 10 p.m., Seattle police said people had begun to throw fireworks and rocks at officers. The crowd was ordered to disperse.

Seattle police attacked with fireworks at protest downtown. pic.twitter.com/cvWmrfcLjz  KIRO 7 (@KIRO7Seattle) June 12, 2025

Individuals at 3/Marion have begun to throw fireworks and rocks at officers. Crowd is being ordered to disperse. @SeattleFire is in the process of extinguishing a dumpster fire set in a nearby intersection.  Seattle Police Department (@SeattlePD) June 12, 2025

KIRO 7 News witnessed multiple arrests, as police ordered protesters on loudspeakers.

Officers continue moving the groups away from the federal building. Individuals are shining lasers at officers as well as throwing rocks and bottles at them. We will continue to move protestors until the individuals stop assaulting officers.  Seattle Police Department (@SeattlePD) June 12, 2025

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Seattle police are urging residents and businesses near Capitol Hill, First Hill, and downtown to prepare for possible disruptions during a rally scheduled Wednesday evening, according to East Precincts Crime Prevention Coordinator.

The rally began at 7 p.m. at Cal Anderson Park.

Organizers led participants on a march through Capitol Hill and First Hill, to the Federal Building or Federal Courthouse in downtown Seattle.

Marchers may also return to Cal Anderson Park.

In an advisory, police said there is a likelihood that small unaffiliated groups may attempt to join the event with intentions of committing violence or causing property damage.

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While the rally itself is permitted, SPD emphasized that they are monitoring for any unlawful activity that may arise during or after the event.

Residents and business owners in the affected areas are being advised to take preventive steps, such as securing or removing garbage cans and other small objects from sidewalks and alleys.

Police are also asking property owners to lock dumpsters to prevent misuse during the rally or march.

Officials warned that last-minute lane closures are possible depending on the size and direction of the march.

Another rally is planned for Saturday, June 14, beginning at noon at Cal Anderson Park.

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Participants plan to march to Seattle Center, with similar warnings issued regarding unexpected lane closures and potential criminal activity.

Anyone who witnesses property damage or criminal activity is asked to report it immediately by calling 911.

Police say it is important for all incidents to be logged in real time for documentation and response coordination.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) News13 investigates the death of a Myrtle Beach woman as the four-year anniversary of her death approaches.

The coroners office ruled Angela Roberts death undetermined but after digging into the case, her family believes theres more to the story. Myrtle Beach Police have also since re-opened the case.

In 2021, Angela Roberts, 28, was just four days away from leaving her boyfriend of almost 10 years before she died.

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Her family says they wish they got to her sooner because they say the most dangerous time for a woman in an abusive relationship is when shes trying to leave.

I thought, oh Im going there in a few days, it will be fine. And I never expected it to be this, Bethany Colley, Roberts first cousin said.

Roberts lived in Myrtle Beach with her boyfriend Kody Gaines. She loved animals and always wanted to be a mother. But after a failed pregnancy, her cousins Sherry Jimenez and Bethany Colley say the couples relationship took a turn.

We had gone out with just the three of us, Jimenez said. He was fine, you know seemed cool about it. And then I just remember her receiving, like, a lot of phone calls. Where are you? Where are you? Why arent you back yet? Wanting to know what her location was.

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Then we were all talking and she said, you know, shh you got to be quiet, like, be careful what you say, because he has video cameras up and he can hear like what were saying, Colley said.

Colley says the morning of July 20, 2021, Roberts had packed her bags ready to leave and live with Colley.

Instead, she got a call and was told her cousin had been shot. Colley says she booked a flight and when she got to the hospital Roberts was only being kept alive by a machine.

And there was a very small amount of activity, you know, so even as devastated as we were, I had some kind of little hope, maybe, Colley said.

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Colley says later that night, Roberts boyfriend Gaines told her family Roberts followed him around their home with a gun and eventually he pinned her on the ground face down after she pointed it at him.

He told us that he walked away and then she stood up and shot herself and her body went stiff, and she fell over, Colley said. But he told the police something different. He told the police that he was asking her where the other gun was and he looked away and then heard a shot and she had shot herself.

Police reports Colley provided to News13 state Gaines had nearly a pound of marijuana, $23,000 in money, digital scales and plastic bags in his possession at the time of her death.

One report states he had been arrested that same day for drugs.

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Another report states an unnamed man in the home was acting frantically, his left hand was covered in blood and he washed his hands before anyone could stop him.

It goes on to state Gaines claimed Roberts paranoia started the week before and says he told police quote, I didnt know what I was about to do.

It also mentions he was making crying sounds, but police did not see any tears or redness from his eyes.

One report states police responded to their home for a possible suicide. In 2022, the coroners office ruled her death undetermined.

None of it, Colley said. None of the story lines up. It just doesnt.

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After Roberts death, her family says they spoke to her friends and requested police reports which revealed something deeper they werent aware of.

Colley says he broke down doors, grabbed Roberts by the hair, tracked her whereabouts, had cameras in their home and had access to her bank and social media accounts.

Colley provided bank statements to News13 and says nearly two weeks after her death, Gaines transferred $5600 from Roberts account to his.

I dont know, it painted a very scary picture in our minds of what kind of life she was in the middle of with him, Colley said.

Colley and Jimenez say theyre grateful police are putting new eyes on her case. They say theyre hopeful Roberts story can help someone in a similar situation get out before its too late.

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Speak up, be brave, Jimenez said. You know, people love you and care about you. And if we would have known sooner, maybe we could have done something.

News13 reached out to Gaines via email and his social media for comment but never received a response. He also blocked a reporter on social media.

So far, no arrests have been made in Roberts death. News13 asked MBPD if the case was closed as a suicide or otherwise.

* * *

Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Editors note: This is the fourth in a five-part series on the price of freedom, by exploring the work and experience of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh. Deseret News Opinion Editor Jay Evensen has known Yunus since 1997, when the world leader first visited Utah. Evensen traveled to Dhaka to speak again with Yunus, entrepreneurs, politicians in the country, and even revolutionaries seeking change to understand the risks Yunus is enduring and why peace and opportunity in Bangladesh are so important to the United States.

DHAKA, BANGLADESH  It probably wouldnt take any American long to notice that the nursing college on the outskirts of this sprawling city operates differently than one would in the United States.

The students are dressed in uniforms  blue dresses and head scarves in the official green shade of the Bangladeshi flag for the women, and blue checkered button-down shirts and dark slacks for the men. When I walk into a classroom with Deseret News photographer Scott Winterton and Salt Lake general surgeon Scott Leckman, the 30 or so students immediately stop what they are doing and stand at attention by their desks, facing us with a rapt gaze seldom seen in distraction-laden 21st century American colleges.

Nursing students attend a class at the Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

But the important differences are more subtle. This is the Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing. It is meant to meet a desperate need in this impoverished country as much as to train bright young students.

Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing in Dhaka Bangladesh on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Nursing students attend a class at the Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing in Dhaka Bangladesh on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Nursing students attend a class at the Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing in Dhaka Bangladesh on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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Medical books in the library of the Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing in Dhaka Bangladesh on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A nursing student at Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing in Dhaka Bangladesh reads notes as students wait in the hallway for a one-on-one test on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Nursing students at Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing in Dhaka Bangladesh wait in the hallway for a one-on-one test on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

It is, as Vice Principal Kazi Shahina explained to us in a briefing before we entered the class, an enterprise designed to become an internationally regarded nursing college in a nation where nursing is not seen as an honorable profession.

Why is nursing not honored?

Maybe its because, as the World Bank reports, this country has only 0.6 nurses available for every 1,000 people, and average people seldom encounter one. (The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Utah has 7.26 per 1,000.) Maybe its because of old fears generated by a largely unregulated health care industry that allows pharmacies to operate despite dispensing expired or ineffective medicines. Maybe its because of a lack of effective training.

Regardless, the effects of this lack of trust are manifest by a statistic we were given earlier in the day  27% of those who die in Bangladesh each year do so without receiving any medical care.

Nursing students attend a class at the Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

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More than just a nursing college, Grameen Caledonian is a social business. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the current interim leader of Bangladesh, pioneered the concept of businesses that compete in a free market but whose aim is to solve a social need, not to generate profits for investors. Social businesses do indeed seek investors, but with the understanding that they stand to recoup their investments, plus an administrative fee, and nothing more.

Nothing, that is, except the feeling that comes from making life better for people.

An unofficial estimate by the British Council, Britains organization for educational opportunities and cultural relations, said there may be 150,000 various social enterprises underway in Bangladesh. Many more exist in other nations. Exact numbers are hard to find.

Elevating a social good over pure profits cuts against the core motivation behind American business and the idea that market needs can best be solved when consumers gain and entrepreneurs profit.

Shukhee, a social business in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. They use technology to bridge the gap between patients and health care providers, making it easier for them to manage their health care. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Solving problems in Utah?

Still, I cant help wonder  what if a business were created with the sole intent to save the Great Salt Lake, or to solve homelessness, heart disease or obesity? What if all the profits were dedicated to solving an urgent need that benefitted all? Would Americans, even in the bootstrap culture of the West, rally to the idea?

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In one such venture, Yunus partnered with Danone Yogurt to both provide needed nutrition and create employment opportunities. The result was a yogurt rich with the iron, zinc, vitamin A and iodine that was missing in the lives of many impoverished Bangladeshis.

I have a choice, Yunus, speaking in general terms about human motivations, told me in an interview, whether I become the richest man in the whole world, or I can change the whole world.

Muhammad Yunus, who is the chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, talks during an interview with Deseret News Opinion Editor Jay Evensen, at the guest house in Dhaka on Feb. 26, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Why should I be just the richest person? (Then), nobody cares for me. (Instead), I could change the whole world, and people would think, Hes a great guy.

Capitalism, he said, talks about choices, but the profits-above-everything version of it never grants the choice to pursue something other than money.

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Yunus reacts strongly when I press him on the notion, made popular by economists such as Milton Friedman, that all people are motivated by greed.

Thats absolutely wrong, he said. If you take the worst part of it, humans are made up of both selfishness and unselfishness. People need to discover how much of each part is in them.

Maybe you are 99% selfish and 1% unselfish, he said, but being even just that much unselfish ultimately may influence your selfish part.

Societys responsibility is to open the door for everybody so they can explore themselves, Yunus said. Educations purpose should be to find out who you are. What do you want to do with yourself? Thats the question that should be planted in our education system.

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Contributing to the world is a self-discovery.

Its clear which choice he believes most people would make after such self-discovery.

Health care for all

Our social business tour includes presentations by Shukhee, a new startup that aims to provide quality health care to all Bangladeshis, including those in hard-to-reach rural areas. The CEO, Dr. Ahmed Atmaan Siddiqui, explains how Shukhee, Bangla for happy, includes a smartphone app that gives people instant access to one of several qualified physicians working in a call center. People without smartphone access can contact these doctors via regular landline phones.

A group of doctors sit in a room waiting for phone calls from customers to call at Shukhee, a social business in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. They use technology to bridge the gap between patients and health care providers, making it easier for them to manage their health care. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

A consultation costs the equivalent of 15 cents.

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Shukhee hopes to set up reputable pharmacies nationwide, bringing every Bangladeshi within two kilometers of one.

The optimism of Shukhees leaders is infectious. We watch as doctors answer calls. We watch humorous television commercials aimed at Bangladeshis who may be inclined to self-diagnose over the internet rather than seek out a physician.

Social businesses often seek partnerships with established companies to help them succeed. The nursing school, for instance, has an agreement with Glasgow Caledonian University aimed at producing nurses and midwives using up-to-date curriculum and professional staff. There are signs that big things are in the works.

Next to the Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing is the foundation of a building the college hopes will become a hospital and medical school, allowing the training of medical students and giving nursing students real human patients, rather than the plastic human-like figures that currently occupy beds.

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Back in the classroom, a young man has raised his hand in answer to our question about what he hopes to get from the program. He stands at attention next to his desk and explains how he desires a masters degree and would like to study in the United States before coming back to Bangladesh to serve.

Others have opinions but are too shy to speak, obviously worried about their English. Many are from rural areas and are learning English for the first time as they study.

This alone  the idea of low-income, rural young people gaining education and skills  seems justification enough for the social business concept.

People work in rice fields outside Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

In his book, A World of Three Zeros: The New Economics of Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment and Zero Net Carbon Emissions, Yunus explains how many experts around the world insisted that his social business concept would fail because entrepreneurship is a rare quality in people  and even rarer in poor people, and extremely rare among poor women.

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I took the reverse position  that all human beings are entrepreneurs, with no exceptions, men or women, rural or urban, rich or poor, he wrote.

Its a theme he hits hard in my interview with him, as he has previous times we have met. If it is true, and if enough people embrace it, it could change the world.
Scientists have discovered a new species of dinosaur - in the collection of a Mongolian museum - that they say "rewrites" the evolutionary history of tyrannosaurs.

Researchers concluded that two 86 million-year-old skeletons they studied belonged to a species that is now the closest known ancestor of all tyrannosaurs - the group of predators that includes the iconic T.rex.

The researchers named the species Khankhuuluu (pronounced khan-KOO-loo) mongoliensis, meaning Dragon Prince of Mongolia.

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The discovery, published in Nature, is a window into how tyrannosaurs evolved to become powerful predators that terrorised North America and Asia until the end of the reign of the dinosaurs.

While there are beautiful, complete fossils that give us a clear picture of T.rex (like the one pictured) its earlier ancestors are more mysterious [Darla Zelenitsky]

"'Prince' refers to this being an early, smaller tyrannosauroid," explained Prof Darla Zelenitsky, a palaeontologist from the University of Calgary in Canada. Tyrannosauroids are the superfamily of carnivorous dinosaurs that walked on two legs.

The first tyrannosauroids though were tiny.

PhD student Jared Voris, who led the research with Prof Zelenitsky, explained: "They were these really small, fleet-footed predators that lived in the shadows of other apex predatory dinosaurs."

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Khankhuuluu represents an evolutionary shift - from those small hunters that scampered around during the Jurassic period - to the formidable giants, including T-rex.

It would have weighed about 750kg, while an adult T.rex could have weighed as much as eight times that, so "this is a transitional [fossil]," explained Prof Zelenitsky, "between earlier ancestors and the mighty tyrannosaurs".

"It has helped us revise the tyrannosaur family tree and rewrite what we know about the evolution of tyrannosaurs," she added.

The new species also shows early evolutionary stages of features that were key to the tyrannosaurs' tyranny, including skull anatomy that gave it a strong jaw. Jared Voris explained: "We see features in its nasal bone that eventually gave tyrannosaurs those very powerful bite forces."

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The evolution of such powerful jaws allowed T-rex to pounce on larger prey, and even bite through bone.

The two partial skeletons that the team examined in this study were first discovered in Mongolia back in the early 1970s. They were initially assigned to an existing species, known as Alectrosaurus, but when Mr Voris examined them, he identified the Tyrannosaur-like features that set it apart.

"I remember getting a text from him - that he thought this was a new species," recalled Prof Zelenitsky.

PhD student Jared Voris and Prof Darla Zelenitsky examine a tyrannosaur fossil [Riley Brandt/University of Calgary]

The fact that this group of dinosaurs were able to move between North America and Asia - via land bridges that connected Siberia and Alaska at the time - also helped them to find and occupy different niches.

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Mr Voris explained: "That movement back and forth between the continents basically pushed the evolution of different tyrannosaur groups" over millions of years.

Prof Zelinitsky added: "This discovery shows us that, before tyrannosaurs became the kings, they were they were princes."
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (WWLP)  The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) announced that Spirit Airlines is adding a new route from Bradley International Airport (BDL).

Springfield man charged with DUI, wrong-way driving in Enfield

The new route will be from Bradley International Airport (BDL) to Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) in Michigan. The first flight departed BDL Thursday morning and will operate daily.

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Spirit will also begin flying nonstop from BDL to Nashville International Airport (BNA) in Tennessee beginning in August. Nashville and Detroit will allow passengers to connect to other destinations within Spirits route network.

Spirit flies nonstop from BDL to Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) and Myrtle Beach, SC (MYR).

We greatly appreciate our partnership with Spirit Airlines and their continued investment in the Hartford region, said Michael W. Shea, Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. The daily service to Detroit will give passengers more travel options at affordable fares.

Were excited to add the Motor City to our Bradley (BDL) route map and offer a great value for our Guests looking to visit Detroit, said John Kirby, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. The new route also makes it easier for travelers to reach Connecticuts capital city and Spirits elevated Guest experience on their journey.

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.

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JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  A recent report reveals the current presence of hate groups in Mississippi.

During the Civil Rights Movement, the White Citizens Council and the Ku Klux Klan were the largest and most influential white supremacist organizations in Mississippi. Though its formal presence is no longer observed in the state, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) found seven discriminatory or anti-government organizations in Mississippi.

Below are the groups, their location and their background.

Active Club

Location: Statewide

Type: White nationalist

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Active Clubs are one of the largest networks of white power groups in the United States. It uses physical exercise such as sparring as a recruiting tool. It also recruits young men and boys in its series of youth clubs.

American Family Association

Location: Tupelo

Type: Anti-LGBTQ

The organization that seeks to promote traditional moral values specifically targets the LGBTQ community. It publicizes companies that support that community and organizes boycotts against them, according to SPLC. The national organization headquartered in Tupelo owns 200 radio stations and has a $20 million annual budget.

Hate groups in the US decline but their influence grows, report shows

Asatru Folk Assembly

Location: Statewide

Type: White nationalist

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According to the SPLC, neo-Folkish organizations rely on a romanticized Viking aesthetic and mythology to perpetuate their belief in white supremacy. Originally established as the Viking Brotherhood, it is the largest neo-Folkish hate group in the United States. The organization advocates for its members to homeschool their children in its schooling initiative known as the Asatru Academy. Mississippis chapter is one of 24 in the U.S., according to SPLC.

Folkish Active Clubs

Location: Statewide

Type: Neo-Folkish

This is a specific type of hate group that falls under the umbrella of active clubs generally. Neo-Folkish groups are growing in membership nationally.

Pacific Justice Institute

Location: Ocean Springs

Type: Anti-government

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The group which initially began in California has historical roots as an anti-LGBTQ organization. Its founders opposed legislation banning conversion therapy and have repeatedly shared fabricated stories about harassment caused by the LGBTQ community.

Patriot Front

Location: Statewide

Type: White nationalist

Patriot Front formed and separated from Vanguard America following the outcry of the 2017 Charlottesville, Virginia riots. It tried to portray itself as a mainstream organization by distancing from the group largely associated with those riots. The organization does not admit non-white members, seeing them as contrary to its mission of a white ethnostate.

Tactical Civics

Location: Hattiesburg

Type: Neo-Nazi

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Tactical Civics supporters across the country encourage the formation of militias and so-called citizen grand juries outside of the bounds of the current governmental and judicial system. Social media posts indicate the groups desire to reform the government is tied to overthrowing it.

Conclusion

The state has made significant progress in distancing itself from extremist groups. In 2000, the state had 27 hate groups statewide, according to SPLC. They ranged from Black separatist groups, multiple branches of the klan and a spinoff of the White Citizens Council.

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Jun. 11Two major immigration protests erupted in Spokane on Wednesday, sparking a massive police response leading to more than 30 protestor arrests.

Mayor Lisa Brown issued a 9:30 p.m. curfew for perhaps 1,000 protestors who flooded Riverfront Park and surrounding downtown streets. It's the first such measure since the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of George Floyd's murder.

The curfew was planned between Boone Avenue to the north to Spokane Falls Boulevard to the south and Howard Street to the west to Division Street. It also included all of Riverfront Park.

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"We want everybody to be safe and we thought this was the best path forward in order to achieve that," Brown said. "I made the decision that the safest course of action was by Spokane Police, not ICE, to try to safely disperse the crowd."

She made the call in response to hundreds of demonstrators who blocked federal immigration enforcement agents in Spokane on Wednesday evening from leaving a downtown immigration office reportedly with refugees who were detained at court hearings earlier in the day.

Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall said that while it appeared that officers deployed tear gas, it was actually smoke grenades. He also said officers used pepper balls but did not fire rubber bullets. He said about 185 city officers responded to both incidents.

"Certainly there were peaceful folks demonstrating and utilizing their First Amendment rights, and there were also people in the crowd who were committing crimes," Hall said.

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The fracas is arguably the most extreme local showing of resistance, among others in Los Angeles and across the country, to President Donald Trump's sweeping immigration crackdowns since he took office for the second time in January.

The day of unrest began on Cataldo Avenue after former City Council President Ben Stuckart sent a social media post at about 1 p.m. asking "that if you care at all about these illegal detainers you meet me at 411 West Cataldo by 2 p.m. I am going to set in front of the bus. Feel free to join me ....

"The Latino community needs the rest of our community. Not tonight, not Saturday but right now!!!!"

Stuckart was responding to the arrest of 21-year-old Cesar Alexander Alvarez Perez, who is seeking asylum from Venezuela, and Joswar Slater Rodriguez Torres, a Colombian national also in his early twenties.

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Stuckart said he officially became the Venezuelan's legal guardian three weeks ago, and arrived with him and the man from Colombia for a scheduled "check-in" appointment at the Spokane facility this morning.

The two were in the United States on work visas and had full-time employment at the Walmart in Airway Heights until Friday, when their "work permits were revoked," he said.

Both young men are hard workers who have been diligent about following the legal process and building better lives, Stuckart said.

"You can't help spend time with them and not understand just what great young men they are," Stuckart said. "They've done everything right, and they're escaping horrible situations, and then to have them come in for a checkup and be detained illegally is morally reprehensible."

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For the first few hours, most of the demonstration remained peaceful, aside from a masked person who covered the driver's side of the bus windshield with a layer of white spray paint about a half hour into the demonstration.

More than a dozen protestors joined Stuckart despite warnings from a pair of uniformed federal agents who came out of the building to warn the crowd that obstructing their pathway could lead to arrests and charges.

Protesters responded by parking their vehicles in front and behind the bus.

"I don't want this bus to leave with my friends," Stuckart said. "And I told everybody I was down here, and if people wanted to join me, they could. It's not right. It's not morally right, what's happening."

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The Cataldo crowd included several prominent politicians, activists and community leaders, including Spokane County Democratic Party Chair Naida Spencer; state Rep. Timm Orsmby; Spokane City Council candidate Sarah Dixit; union advocate and a former Democratic candidate for local, state and federal offices Ted Cummings; Thrive International Director Mark Finney and Latinos en Spokane Director Jennyfer Mesa.

While the protestors share a desire to see the young men let go, and frustrations with federal immigration enforcement, they disagreed as to how.

Some were a silent presence, others carried signs and chanted, while others were more direct in showing their displeasure by shouting at the law enforcement officers.

The disconnect became evident as barriers were formed in front of the gated parking lot using benches, cones and Lime scooters, taken down by others and then reformed in front of the line of Spokane police and Spokane County Sheriff's deputy cars next to the building.

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Mesa said both of the young men are clients of Latinos en Spokane. But her presence Wednesday was meant as a gesture for her friends, not just her clients.

"They're good kids," she said, choking back tears. "They have been volunteering, they're doing the process and everything legally. I just don't understand why they're being detained."

Stuckart said the federal employees in the ICE office would not allow him to accompanying Alvarez Perez during his appointment and they did not disclose why either young men were being detained.

Stuckart estimated it took around seven minutes from when they went back for their appointment for federal officials to come out and inform him they were being detained.

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"And each of them has a stack of legal paperwork at least 2 inches thick, with all their asylum paperwork and their guardianship paperwork, and they clearly didn't look at it," Stuckart said. "They just said, 'We're detaining them.'"

Stuckart said he started the legal guardianship process earlier this year after a call from Latinos en Spokane for local residents to assist local "vulnerable juveniles."

He volunteers with the organization regularly and said he has greatly enjoyed getting to know Alvarez Perez, who's lived in Spokane for six months.

Alvarez Perez came to Spokane by way of Miami, after walking through nine countries on his way from Venezuela and meeting Rodriguez Torres along the way. Stuckart said his main responsibility as a guardian is to provide mentorship.

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"He's not living with us, and I'm not in charge of his finances or anything," Stuckart said.

The gathering grew to about 100 people at about 5 p.m., including about 15 blocking the bus. Stuckart was not in front of the bus at the time, but he remained at the protest.

Among the protestors was Alicea Gonzalez, 27, who brought her 5-year-old son Javell and father, Adam Betancort, 46. She wore a Mexico T-shirt to the protest, and the pair brought flags, one of Mexico, the other half-Mexican, half-American.

The latter flag is representative of Betancourt and his identity, he said while holding the flapping fabric towards passing cars on the corner of Cataldo Ave and Washington Street, right outside the ICE facility.

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"I'm American and I'm a Mexican," he said.

Though they don't know either of the men detained by ICE, they're familiar with their story; Gonzalez's maternal grandmother crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in the 1950s, floating across the river in a car tire, she said. Betancort's parents are also immigrants from Mexico.

"I appreciate that; I wouldn't have the life that I live without her," Gonzalez said. "So I'm just showing my support, letting people know that they have people out here that will stand behind them, and use their voices to speak up for them."

Around 5:25 p.m., a group of roughly 150 protesters ran around the back of the building to obstruct three unmarked law enforcement vehicles from leaving a fenced-in parking area abutting the public parking area for Riverfront Park.

Protesters shouted "Shame" repeatedly and about 10 of them linked arms in a line in front of the parking lot gate.

A handful of agents, faces covered by ski masks and sunglasses, began to push the human chain of demonstrators knocking their glasses and handmade signs scattering on the ground.

Protestors and officers shoved each other in a mass of yelling and chanting for about a minute before the agents retreated into their parking lot and the gate closed.

Not long after the agents retreated back inside, a handful of protesters hauled Lime scooters and park benches as a barricade to block vehicles from leaving from the gate.

Spokane Police officers arrived shortly before 6:30 p.m., followed by Spokane County sheriff's deputies. The local law enforcement response grew to dozen by about 6:45 p.m.

The group then formed a sort of protective barrier for an exit on the Washington Street side of the building. They carried weapons to shoot less-lethal munitions, with what appeared to be tear gas canisters and large hip bags with unidentified materials inside.

As the officers widened their perimeter to encompass much of the yard abutting the Washington Street side of the building, another group of deputies and officers began forcibly removing protestors from around the small bus.

A Spokane Police Department officer spoke over the regional SWAT car speaker system at 7:13 p.m. and ordered everyone present to disperse. The officer gave the demonstrators five minutes to do so. Few left the scene when police warned at 7:22 p.m. that they would use force if the crowd did not leave.

Stuckart and at least a dozen others were arrested just after 7:30 p.m.

A second, planned protest at Riverfront Park escalated hours after the Stuckart-led event and riot-clad officers began shooting tear gas and making arrests, with the two eventually merging.

Harris Kahler, a 23-year-old protestor said he was standing in the front lines when officers pulled out paint guns and shot the ground in front of the line around 8:40 p.m.

After that, smoke canisters were thrown and Kahler kicked one back in response. Kahler then went to grab another, turned around and believed he was shot in the lower back with a rubber bullet.

"I'm in a lot of pain, but if I physically have to be here, I'll be the shield I got to be," Kahler said.

In a telephone interview, City Council President Betsy Wilkerson said she acknowledged the right of everyone to protest.

"If I wasn't somewhere else, I might be there myself to support our sisters and brothers," she said. "I'm just hoping for the best outcome, elevating the issue and getting people involved in the way they feel they best can, and that's a protest.

"With that being said, we're not trying to throw more wood on this fire, to elevate it to more than a peaceful protest."

Reached by phone, City Councilman Jonathan Bingle said he fully supports the right of every American to peacefully protest.

"It's one of the rights that makes our country so great! But, the moment a protest turns into small vandalism, threats, or lawlessness, it is no longer protected speech. It becomes a crime, and should be dealt with as such," Bingle said. "I am stunned by the position of some of our current and former elected officials in our city. Instead of standing for the rule of law and the officers who keep our streets safe, they seem more interested in scoring points or justifying bad behavior. That is not leadership."

City Councilman Paul Dillon in an interview that he supported those who were willing to stand up for their beliefs.

"No human being is illegal," he said. "This is a direct result of the escalation and fears the Trump administration inflicts on communities which create chaos."

Reporters Elena Perry, Thomas Clouse, Emry Dinman and Corbin Vanderby contributed to this report.
SPRING HILL, Tenn. (WKRN)  Construction is more than halfway done for Fire Station No. 4 in Spring Hill, known as the Mitchell Earwood Memorial Station. According to the city, the building will be complete and operational by November.

The station is named in honor of Mitchell Earwood, a former Spring Hill firefighter who lost his life in a weather-related incident in 2020.

Seeing it come to fruition at this time, with the growth of the city itself, is going to absolutely reduce response times in this area, Spring Hill Fire Chief Graig Temple told News 2. Were expecting that, within the first month, were going to see at least a 25% reduction in response times immediately as soon as the station is opened.

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VIDEO: Bodycam footage shows aftermath of Gallatin home explosion

Temple said the stations more centralized location will allow for quicker deployments around Spring Hill.

The city has been behind with needing this station for several years, and were not going to stop there, obviously. I mean, theres a definite need for a fifth and sixth station because of the citys growth, Temple added.

Based on the citys estimates, about 65,000 people currently live in Spring Hill, which is up from 50,687 in 2020, according to the U.S. Census.

Temple said the Spring Hill Fire Departments call volume has been steadily rising about 4% to 7% per year.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

As the call volume increases, it actually draws our resources apart because theyre handling other emergencies, so having this station here centrally located within the city allows us to go in any direction very, very quickly, Temple explained.

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According to Temple, the departments current average response time is 7.5 minutes, but the goal is to hit the 6-minute mark.

Officials said the Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to approve a contract with Chris Woods Construction Company for the new fire station in March 2024. The board approved a total of $10.5 million for the project in July 2024, just a few weeks before city, county, and state leaders gathered for the groundbreaking.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Two illegal firearms, crack-cocaine, marijuana, and cash were seized during a search warrant executed on Garland Street in Springfield.

In a news release sent to 22News from the Springfield Police Department, a several-months long investigation into a suspect, 50-year-old Howard Dukes of Springfield, allegedly distributing crack-cocaine led to a search warrant at his home on Garland Street.

Piles of trash, furniture and uncut grass led citation sweep in Springfield

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At around 6:15 a.m., officers executed the search warrant and found Dukes in the bathroom, allegedly flushing drugs down the toilet. Dukes and several other occupants were detained while officers searched the home. Two illegal firearms, more than the legal amount of marijuana, crack-cocaine and cash were seized and the following were arrested.

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Howard Dukes is charged with the following:

Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug

Tampering or Destruction of Evidence

Aziyah Glover (21) of Springfield is charged with the following:

Possession of a Firearm without an FID Card (Two Counts)

Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm

Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card (Two Counts)

Receiving Stolen Property Less than $1200

Improper Storage of a Firearm (Two Counts)

Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class D Drug

EuKali Glover (22) of Springfield is charged with the following:

Possession of a Firearm without an FID Card (Two Counts)

Possession of Ammunition without an FID Card (Two Counts)

Receiving Stolen Property Less than $1200

Improper Storage of a Firearm (Two Counts)

Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class D Drug

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.

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Sri Lanka counted more than seven million monkeys during a census of crop-destroying wildlife, authorities said Thursday, after a government minister called the figure "unbelievable".

Agrarian Research and Training Institute (ARTI) Chief Executive A. L. Sandika said that the refined data was in line with a previous survey "a few years ago", but did not elaborate.

"Initially, we had some issues with the data on monkeys. We had to check again to arrive at the final result," Sandika told reporters in Colombo.

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Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakodi announced last week that the census conducted on 15 March -- the first of its kind -- had turned up "unbelievable" data that required verification.

Authorities suggested that some enraged farmers might have exaggerated the numbers to suggest that the problem was even bigger in the nation of 21 million people.

Residents across the island were asked to count wild boar, peacocks, monkeys, and lorisesa small, largely nocturnal primatespotted near farms and homes during a five-minute period.

The move was aimed at drawing up a national plan to deal with nuisance wildlife.

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Opposition legislator Nalin Bandara had said the survey was "a complete failure, a waste of money".

Officials say more than a third of crops are destroyed by wild animals, including elephants, which are protected by law because they are considered sacred.

While elephants are major raiders of rice farms and fruit plantations, but they were not included in the March count.

The then-agricultural minister proposed in 2023 exporting some 100,000 macaques to Chinese zoos, but the plan was abandoned following protests from environmentalists.

Sri Lanka removed several species from its protected list in 2023, including all three of its monkey species as well as peacocks and wild boars, allowing farmers to kill them.

aj/fox
Walmart analysts reboot stock price targets on credit card deal originally appeared on TheStreet.

Look up, look down, Walmart (WMT) is all around.

First, we'll go high.

The world's largest retailer, which has a store within 10 miles of 90% of the U.S. popuation, recently said it would expand its drone delivery service through Alphabet-owned (GOOGL) Wing. The expansion will reach customers from 100 stores in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Orlando and Tampa within the coming year.

Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter 

With the expansion, Walmarts drone deliveries will be available in five states: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas.

As we look ahead, drone delivery will remain a key part of our commitment to redefining retail, Greg Cathey, senior vice president of Walmart U.S. Transformation and Innovation, said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the "Tonight Show"s Jimmy Fallon hosted Walmarts annual meeting, which also included such musical acts as the Killers, Noah Kahan, Camila Cabello and Post Malone. Walton Goggins, who is appearing in Walmart's new ad campaign, and Chris Paul, guard for the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, also showed up.

Walmart is No. 1, so shove it, Target, Fallon sang, digging at one of the company's key rivals. There is no place I would rather be on Friday at 8 a.m.

Walmart CEO says company embraces change

Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon told the audience that the company wanted "to be a lab of opportunity, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette reported.

Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart, during the 2024 CES event in Las Vegas on Jan. 9, 2024. McMillon says Walmart wants to be a lab of opportunity. Photo: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesBloomberg/Getty Images

The real magic happens with the combination of our people and technology, he said. "We love people and we embrace change.

More Retail Stocks:

And then there was the news that Synchrony Financial (SYF) and OnePay, a fintech majority-owned by Walmart, would launch a new credit card program. That's scheduled to go live in the fall.

OnePay, which Walmart created in 2021 with the venture firm Ribbit Capital, will handle the customer experience for the card program through its mobile app.

In 2023, Walmart sued Capital One to end their credit card partnership early, alleging that McLean, Va., financial services company was not fulfilling its contractual obligations.

A federal judge ruled in Walmart's favor, but Capital One was evaluating its right to appeal. The companies settled last year and the lawsuit was dismissed.
St. Anns School in Erie is undergoing a complete renovation as it celebrates its centennial, thanks to over a million dollars in improvements funded by grants and donations.

The historic school, established in 1925, had fallen into disrepair and was unused for years. Since 2022, Sarah Reed Childrens Center has been revitalizing the space to provide educational programs for students referred from the Erie School District.

We offer students a smaller class size, more support. Kind of a more nurturing setting, said Ron Rodney, Director of Integrative School Programs at Sarah Reed Childrens Center.

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The renovations at St. Anns School include new furniture, technology, and a sensory room, along with replaced HVAC systems, windows, and roofs. These improvements aim to make the school more functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing.

Erie Blue Coats share safety message as summer vacation begins

Work continues on hallways and stairwells with a focus on historic preservation. The school received recognition for its adaptive reuse, highlighting its commitment to maintaining its historical significance.

Sarah Reed leadership hopes to secure further funding to renovate the gymnasium, emphasizing the importance of the space as a community hub.

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With the ongoing renovations and educational programs, St. Anns School is poised to continue serving the Erie community, preserving its historical legacy while adapting to modern educational needs.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WJET/WFXP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WJET/WFXP staff before being published.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
The St. Petersburg City Council discussed ways to make downtown cleaner and safer Thursday after residents, business owners and employees pleaded last week for help following the fatal stabbing by a restaurant owner of a man who police said attacked him.

City and downtown officials pitched a program to clean sidewalks and remove graffiti, pay safety ambassadors to collaborate with local police and build relationships with people living on the street to better connect them with mental health and housing resources.

I know theres a speculation that somehow this is an anti-homeless initiative, but it absolutely is not, said Jason Mathis, CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, a private nonprofit company that supports urban redevelopment projects. Your housing status doesnt make it that you want a less clean or more clean downtown.

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The so-called Clean & Safe Program is not intended to discourage homeless people from being downtown, but instead help them find resources and housing options, Mathis said.

Mathis proposed a pilot project focused on high traffic areas such as downtown, Beach Drive, Central Avenue and Williams Park. It would include creating a commercial improvement district, in which businesses would pay a franchise fee to the city that would be passed along to a nonprofit to run the program. Mathis said the downtown partnership would not compete for the job.

If businesses arent on board with how to pay for the effort, Mathis said the program could also be funded through parking revenue, private donations or using Community Redevelopment Area funds if the county agrees. City Administrator Rob Gerdes said parking meters could be expanded to the Edge District.

Multiple residents, business owners and employees described problems with cleanliness and safety in the downtown area at last weeks council meeting. Some residents said they were harassed or threatened while working or walking around downtown.

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We see it everyday  individuals living on the streets or in temporary hotel housing exhibiting behaviors that represent deep, unmet needs," Karen Carmichael, the Downtown Neighborhood Associations president, said at the June 5 meeting. This is no longer a housing issue, its a public safety issue.

The address of the man who was stabbed and killed last month is listed as a room in the Williams Park Hotel on First Avenue North, according to a police report from a separate incident on the same day.

In March, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a ban on homeless people sleeping in public spaces. This includes park benches, sidewalks and streets. The law also lets business owners and residents sue counties or municipalities for failing to comply.

Residents at the June 5 meeting expressed concern with the citys enforcement the new law, as well as concerns with the citys compliance. Residents also circulated a petition, now with more than 400 signatures, in support of the Clean & Safe proposal.

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Other residents at Thursdays general City Council meeting at 1 p.m. expressed concerns that the Clean & Safe program would exclude or criminalize people who are homeless from the St. Petersburg community.

At a Thursday morning committee meeting, council member Brandi Gabbard said the proposed program should primarily focus on connecting homeless populations with available resources.

The cry for us to do more is really to help individuals who need help and cannot get those services, Gabbard said. If were not actually helping individuals and creating this in a way that it has (an) outspread to the entire city and a benefit, then I dont even want to continue this conversation.

Council members also discussed how the program would work with the existing CALL program, where social workers respond to mental health crises or homelessness complaints. The St. Petersburg Police Department also has a unit to assist the homeless in its patrol response division.

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Council member Richie Floyd said theres still a lot to shore up with the Clean & Safe proposal.

So many times I see what the issue with homeless people and transient populations are is that they just get shuffled around the city, he said. We cant make this an effort to do that regardless of whos in charge of the outreach and we have to think at a higher level.

The council agreed Thursday to hold another meeting to further discuss the topic.
Under the Istanbul agreements, another group of severely wounded and seriously ill service members were brought back to Ukraine from Russian captivity on 12 June.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X (Twitter); Ukraines Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War

Quote from Zelenskyy: "Today, warriors of our Armed Forces, National Guard and Border Guard Service are back home. They all require medical treatment, and they will certainly receive the care they need. This is already the second stage of bringing back severely wounded and seriously ill warriors."

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Details: Those released are members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, particularly the Air Assault Forces, Navy, Air Force, Territorial Defence Forces, Unmanned Systems Forces, State Border Guard Service and the National Guard of Ukraine.

Among those freed are defenders of Mariupol who had been held in captivity for over three years. All those released are men, ranked as privates and sergeants.

The new stage of the 66th prisoner exchange on 12 June.

Photo: Zelenskyy on social media

The new stage of the 66th prisoner exchange on 12 June.

Photo: Coordination Headquarters

Some of the Ukrainian soldiers released on Thursday had previously been considered missing in action.

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The freed soldiers fought on the Donetsk, Kherson, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and Luhansk fronts.

The defenders will undergo the necessary medical examinations, receive physical and psychological rehabilitation support and be granted all payments due to them for the entire duration of their captivity.

Background:

At the negotiations in Istanbul on 2 June, Ukraine and Russia agreed on a 6,000-for-6,000 exchange of bodies of fallen soldiers. The Ukrainian and Russian delegations also agreed on the all-for-all exchange involving severely wounded and young service members aged between 18 and 25.

On 9 June, the first group of released servicemen under the age of 25 returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity as part of the first stage of the 66th prisoner exchange.

On 10 June, Ukraine brought back from Russian captivity a group of defenders who had suffered severe injuries and have serious health conditions.

On 11 June, the bodies of 1,212 fallen defenders were brought back to Ukraine as a result of repatriation efforts.

The Coordination Headquarters emphasised that, for security reasons, the exact number of released service members will be announced after the completion of the exchange process.

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SRAMFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A scooter operator died at the hospital on Wednesday after being struck by a vehicle last month, according to police.

The scooter operator, 46-year-old Christian Dinamarca, of Stamford, died after suffering serious injuries, police said.

Stamford man on scooter hit by car suffers serious injuries

The incident happened around 10:59 p.m. on May 29 when a 2011 BMW was traveling northbound on Hope Street and collided with a person riding a stand-up scooter operator who was also going northbound on Hope Street. The impact caused Dinamarca to be thrown from his scooter onto the roadway, according to police.

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The scooter was heavily damaged and broken into several pieces, police said.

No charges have been filed, police said.

The crash remains under investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
The Los Angeles protests have prompted a number of highly unusual developments  from the president sending in the Marines and National Guard troops for a domestic law enforcement mission over Californias objections, to the White House flirting with invoking the Insurrection Act  but few have been stranger than the meme war underway between California and the Trump administration.

In recent days, both sides have posted a flurry of memes on X mocking the other, in parallel with more serious clashes like California suing the administration over the National Guard deployment.

For his part, California Governor Gavin Newsoms office has shared posts mocking Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems love of wearing law-enforcement tactical gear, as well as memes comparing Donald Trump and White House deputy Stephen Miller to villains from the Star Wars franchise, and brushing off a critical video from Trump ally and actor Jon Voight using a common meme from The Simpsons, featuring an image of a newspaper with the headline, Old Man Yells At Cloud.

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The Trump administration, which regularly bashes critics online from government accounts, has used similar tactics.

In one post, the Department of Homeland Security borrowed a GIF featuring high-tech magnifying sunglasses from the Spy Kids movies to insinuate they would try to deport a popular fashion writer who has criticized the administrations position towards undocumented migrants.

Gavin Newsom has sued the administration and mocked it with memes, while Trump has blasted state in front of active-duty troops and skirted local officials on deploying National Guard (AP)

In another, in a response to a Star Wars-themed meme from Newsom, DHS drew from The Simpsons using a common meme format with the caption, Dont make me tap the sign, in this case pointing to an X post that read, Liberals dont know things. They dont read history, they dont obsess over stats, the few data points they do see they forget.

The online jousting is part of a more serious and alarming divide between state and federal Republican officials over the direction of the crisis.

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell have described being shut out of regular communications around federal troop movements in response to the protests, while Newsoms office is suing over the Guard deployment.

Newsom, when hes not trolling, has alternated between grave warnings that two branches of government have been lost to Trumpism and dares to tough guy federal officials to arrest him, after White House border czar Tom Homan said anyone who impedes immigration enforcement could end up behind bars.

(Department of Homeland Security / Gavin Newom / X)

On Capitol Hill, meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson has said Newsom should be tarred and feathered over his handling of the protests and accused Newsom of being more interested in appearances than maintaining law and order. The California governor is widely thought to be interested in a 2028 presidential campaign.

Inside the White House, administration officials are reportedly thrilled with how the standoff has played out before the nation, believing images from the protests reinforce their claims that migrants are dangerous and Democrats are weak on law and order issues.

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We couldnt have scripted this better, a senior White House aide told The Atlantic of the dynamic inside the Oval Office. Its like the 2024 election never ended: Trump is strong while Democrats are weak and defending the indefensible.

(Gavin Newsom / X)

Trump has raised the temperature in other ways, including giving a fiery partisan speech about the crisis before cheering active-duty soldiers at Fort Bragg, which critics said broke with longstanding norms separating the military from politics.

The mocking clashes, while highly unusual for taking place during a national crisis, likely grow from both sides increasing attempts to win over the media landscape as a means of dominating the political one.

Donald Trump has long used social media as his main mouthpiece  he owns his own platform, after all  and his administration has embraced memes and AI throughout its second term, including hopping on the Studio Ghibli-style AI cartoon trend to mock a Dominican woman it was deporting.

(Gavin Newsom / X)

Newsom, perhaps the most prominent Democrat outside of Washington, also has long used media to position himself as a key face squaring off against Trump and other top Republicans, whether it was debating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Fox News on Fox News, or launching a podcast this year where he has sparred with influential conservative voices.

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Whatever the rationale behind the strategy, it seems protests over the administrations immigration policies are here to stay.

Theyve spread to at least 35 cities across the U.S. and have resulted in hundreds of arrests.
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of using private school VAT cash to house illegal migrants after he suggested the policy would fund Labours house-building targets.



The Prime Minister wrote on X, formerly Twitter, yesterday that the decision to levy 20pc VAT on private school fees had allowed the Government to make the largest investment in a generation to affordable housing.

Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, accused Sir Keir of taxing childrens education to build homes which would be given away to migrants.

Labour has long-maintained that its controversial VAT raid, which has already seen dozens of schools close as a result, would be used to improve state schools.

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But this week it was forced to abandon its manifesto promise to hire 6,500 new state school teachers.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister tweeted how the tough choice on VAT had paid off.

In the budget last year, my government made the tough but fair decision to apply VAT to private schools.



The Tories opposed it.

Reform opposed it.



Today, because of that choice, we have announced the largest investment in affordable housing in a generation.  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 11, 2025

Ms Trott described the post as madness. She told The Telegraph: Labour needs to come clean with the public. Not only have they broken their promise to hire 6,500 more teachers but now they are taxing British childrens education to build homes that will be given away to illegal migrants.



The sums dont add up. Its children, parents and teachers in the state sector wholl pay the price for Labours ideological agenda.

The Treasury hopes to raise 1.5bn from its VAT raid this year, rising to 1.7bn by 2029-30.

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In December, Chancellor Rachel Reeves told reporters every single penny of the 1.5bn it hoped to raise from the private school VAT raid would be ring-fenced for state education.

In an interview with ITV, Ms Reeves was asked: Will all of that money be ring-fenced for state schools?

She replied: Yes, every single penny of that money will go into our state schools to ensure that every child gets the best start in life.

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, said her party had opposed the VAT raid because it was terrible policy. She said: It has forced schools to shut, sending thousands of pupils into state schools that are now struggling for space, teachers and money you didnt account for. You said every single penny would go into state schools, but now its housing?

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Questions have also been raised over whether the Governments forecasts are accurate. It was revealed last week that four times as many pupils left private schools last year than was predicted.

In the spending review, Labour said it would spend 4bn by 2029-30 on its Affordable Homes Programme. It also vowed to stop housing asylum seekers in hotels by 2029, raising suggestions these people would instead be moved into social housing.

Rachel Reeves said she was providing a cash uplift of more than 4.5bn for schools between now and 2029.

However a large proportion of this is as a result of the decision to extend free school meals to 500,000 more children. When this figure is removed, the core budget for schools will rise by 0.4pc over the next three years.

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Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council, said: Throughout the debate on VAT, schools were promised that the money raised  if any  would go to state education. We have seen the rhetoric on this watered down to public services and now the revelation that it will now pay for housing.

We are in the worst-case scenario, one that we have warned about since the introduction of this policy: real damage has been done to independent education without any benefit to state schools, who are also facing further cuts. It is children who will lose out as a result.

A Number 10 source denied the Prime Ministers tweet implied the VAT raid was funding affordable housing projects. They said the post was intended to highlight how the Governments tough decisions had produced good outcomes.

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Teachers at Franklin Elementary School in Yuba City are jazzed about the four new classrooms that are now ready on the schools campus. Two of the new rooms are for kindergarteners, and the other two rooms are for transitional kindergarteners.

Superintendent and principal Lisa Shelton said the spaces are very nice, and that Meehleis Modular Buildings Inc. did an amazing job with them.

They are just state of the art, Shelton said.

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The new connected rooms feature noticeably spacious classrooms, a peaked ceiling, red accents, bathrooms, connected workrooms and windows that face a walnut orchard that neighbors the school.

Sharon Carothers, a TK teacher at Franklin Elementary School, said the orchard belongs to her family; her cousin inherited it. For Carothers, the school itself is family.

My mom and dad went to school here, Carothers said.I went to school here. My kids went to school here. This is family.

Creating a family-friendly atmosphere, the school had a ribbon-cutting event on Tuesday where folks could check out the new classrooms; the classrooms were completed in May. Students at the school watched as the classrooms came together, and Project Manager Matt Meehleis said that that was the most rewarding part of it all.

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Beyond the new classrooms, this construction project, which began around August, also involved the addition of a new playground for the youngest students at the school and enhanced parking.

The total cost of the project was around five million. For this project, they were able to secure a $4 million grant from the Office of Public School Construction. The Franklin Elementary School District also contributed approximately one million dollars to the project. Shelton spoke on the need for this project.

We just were short (on) rooms, Shelton said. Were adding another TK classroom and we did not have the available space, and the space we had was not code compliant. So this allowed us to have rooms that are compliant for TK and K.

This project was guided by Title 5 and its requirements. Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations includes provisions that govern the design, construction and functionality of school facilities in California.

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Because of this project, the school now has more space for TK students to enter the school, as the school went from having one TK classroom to two TK classrooms. Carothers thinks that TK gives the students a good boost for kindergarten.

My goal isnt to teach them the academics of kindergarten, but to get them to be a student, Carothers said.

She tells the parents that the academics are a bonus.

So they will learn their sounds and their letters, count to 100, those are all the things that we work on to learn to be a student. So theyll repeat those things in kindergarten, but it just gets them ready, and its familiar, Carothers said. Theyre not scared that first day like they are (in) the first day of TK.
Ohio corrections officials are changing how they supervise offenders once they've been released after the fatal stabbing of Patrick Heringer in Over-the-Rhine.

Sarah Heringer slammed city leaders and said the man accused of killing her husband should not have been on the streets, and since then, city officials and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction have been scrambling to explain themselves.

Patrick Heringer was fatally stabbed in his Over-the-Rhine home June 4 in an unusual break-in, police said. Mordecia Black has been charged with murder in connection with his death.

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More: Patrick Heringer, Army veteran and Cincinnati gym owner, was 'champion' to community

The police chief and the mayor have blamed the state for not alerting them Black violated his probation. Ohio corrections officials said they put out a warrant for Black when he went missing, which law enforcement could have seen.

The incident has raised questions about who is responsible for prioritizing and tracking down people who skip probation and could commit another crime. There are more than 150 violators from Hamilton County as of June 12 who local or state authorities need to find.

Local law enforcement will now get a direct notification

Sarah Heringer's callout has already yielded results.

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In a statement released June 12, the corrections department said the policies were followed, but Director Annette Chambers-Smith said there was room for policies to be improved.

Now, when a person jumps supervision, the process will include a "direct notification to a law enforcement agency when a warrant is issued on a targeted violent offender, as a secondary and additional notification to the arrest warrant."

"The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) offers its most sincere condolences to Patrick Heringers family and friends in light of the senseless crime that an individual on post-release control is charged with committing," the statement said.

City says it wasn't informed by state. State says the information was available

Black was sent to prison for nine and a half years for beating a man on Government Square. After serving his full sentence, he was released in January to a halfway house, beginning his three-year term of "post-release control." He cut off his ankle monitor in February, officials said.

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Black was not on parole. Parole typically occurs after a person has served a minimum amount of time for a long sentence. The state's parole board decides if the person is fit to reenter society.

Mordecia Black (left) appears in Hamilton County Municipal Court with his attorney, Chris Collman, for an arraignment on June 6, 2025, after his arrest on charges of murder and burglary

Police Chief Teresa Theetge and Mayor Aftab Pureval say the state failed to alert them Black was on the run and couldn't be located.

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction said parole officers made face-to-face contact with Black six times between Jan. 10 and Feb. 11. But Black wasn't there for a visit Feb. 19.

"Attempts were made to locate Mr. Black on Feb. 19. A warrant was issued within 24 hours for Mr. Blacks arrest," said agency spokeswoman JoEllen Smith. "This warrant would have been immediately visible to any law enforcement agency."

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Smith indicated the warrant complied with the agency's policy to inform local law enforcement the same day a violator goes missing.

Months after going missing, Black becomes suspect in burglary

Three months after going missing, and roughly three weeks before police say he stabbed Heringer, Black was identified by Cincinnati police as the suspect in a different burglary.

On May 15, police charged Black with breaking into a home on Straight Street in University Heights. He was not arrested because he fled the scene before police arrived, court documents show.

It is not clear what efforts were made by Cincinnati police to locate Black after this incident.

In the June 12 statement, the state corrections department said: "It can be reasonably assumed that local law enforcement would have, at the very least, been made aware of the (probation violation) warrant at the time it issued Blacks warrant for the May 15 incident."

Patrick Heringer and his wife Sarah during a drive-in movie event in 2020.

While the state agency can and does search for people who go missing from supervision, local police can also do this.

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Cincinnati police spokesman Lt. Jonathan Cunningham said the department prioritizes these searches based on how much risk the person poses.

"If there's a murder warrant or a crime of violence, we're going to look for them," Cunningham said.

Burglaries and failing to report for probation are not considered violent crimes.

Mordecia Black had lengthy record as a teen, served several prison terms as an adult

Beginning at the age of 13, Black started getting into trouble with the law. Before he was an adult, he had 27 adjudications in Hamilton County Juvenile Court, 12 of which were for violating parole or court orders like curfew.

The charges ranged from misdemeanor assault to receiving stolen property to carrying a gun.

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He spent time in an Ohio Department of Youth Services prison for about six months in 2002 and about three months in 2003.

Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge has called for more police officers after a recent uptick in violent crime.

As an adult, he was first charged with a felony at 18 after fleeing from police. As part of plea deal, the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor and he was sentenced to 180 days, the maximum sentence for the charge.

In 2006, Black was convicted twice for selling crack. Both cases ended in plea deals. He served six months in one case and 13 months in the other.

In 2012, he was arrested for selling heroin. Police said he also led them on a chase and tried to ditch his firearm as he ran. He was indicted on five felonies.

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He was offered a plea deal in this case as well. He pleaded guilty to two felonies, one of which carried a maximum sentence of three years. He was sentenced to two years in prison.

Black's last prison sentence stemmed from 2015 fight

It was July 4, 2015. Downtown was packed with people as a Reds game ended with fireworks. At some point, a group became disorderly on Fountain Square and police stepped in. Officers fought with members of the group and seven people ended up getting arrested.

According to court documents, Black was in the initial group on Fountain Square but left with some others to go to Government Square where they attacked an Indiana man leaving him with a concussion and a broken nose.

Prosecutors said after his initial fight with the victim, he stepped away and other people jumped in to attack, then Black jumped back in to continue the attack.

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He was convicted of felonious assault and aggravated riot. The jury acquitted him on the other charges.

Judge Megan E. Shanahan sentenced him to nine and a half years in prison. She said Black's criminal record is "replete with instances of complete disregard for our public safety, public authority, what is legal, what is acceptable, and what is violent in our community."

Police say more officers needed

In February, once Black cut off his ankle monitor, in the state's eye, he became a "violator at large."

There are total of 1,465 people on supervised release from Hamilton County.

According to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation's own website, there are 153 violators at large from Hamilton as of June 12. Of those, at least 52 have been convicted of violent offenses.

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More: Police chief blames state, doesn't address rise of violent crime in clip after OTR killing

Since the killing, Theetge has also called for more police officers. Her department has struggled with recruitment and retention for years. Several recruit classes in recent years were not filled.

Sarah Heringer, who has quickly become an outspoken advocate for transparency and reform, has also called for more police officers on the streets of Cincinnati. She's called for the mayor to find the holes in the communication process between the state and local police as well.

She is meeting with the police union to learn more about staffing issues and what the officers on the street need.

Ken Kober, Cincinnati police union president, said the department is still 130 officers short of its recommended level of staffing.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio officials: Police should have seen warrant for Mordecia Black
A sign directs voters to a polling place at Edward Hynes Charter School in New Orleans' Lakeview neighborhood on Nov. 8, 2022. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

Louisiana voters will get to weigh in next on whether civil service protections should be removed from certain state employees, though its not clear whether the measure will result in current government workers losing their status.

Senate Bill 8, sponsored by Sen. Jay Morris. R-West Monroe, received final passage Wednesday in the Senate on a 28-9 party-line vote.

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The proposal is a constitutional amendment that will be placed on a ballot April 18, 2026, pending approval of a separate bill to set that election date.

Morris bill would give state lawmakers power that currently rests with the Civil Service Commission, a seven-member independent review panel that oversees the hiring, promotion and firing of 39,000 classified state workers. The commission, working with state agencies on staffing goals, has the power to create and eliminate job positions and decide which jobs should have a protected status and which should not.

Classified employees enjoy some degree of protection against politically motivated or otherwise unfair terminations and disciplinary practices because they have the right to appeal such decisions to the Civil Service Commission, which has the final say on staffing matters for most state agencies.

Although there was debate and confusion earlier in the week over whether the bill would apply to current classified employees or just future-hires, Morris said in an interview Thursday it could affect current employees to a degree.

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Obviously, it can affect future employees. Thats obvious, he said. But it can affect existing employees.

The degree to which it will affect current employees would depend on how the Legislature decides to use the amendment if voters adopt it. Morris said lawmakers would still need to pass a new statute that contains those specifics.

Any bill passed would have to be carefully constructed to avoid any issues of an unconstitutional taking of an existing employees job, he said.

Steven Procopio, president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR), a state government watchdog group, said the amendment would give lawmakers power to determine which state employees should be removed from classified civil service.

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Whether they choose to take it that far remains to be seen, he said.

Does it affect current employees? Procopio said. I think its technically possible. You can do it, but there has to be due process applied.

There is a legal precedent from a court case that could require some level of due process before currently classified employees can be fired, he added.

PAR is for civil service reforms, but I am concerned this doesnt provide enough safeguards, Procopio said.

At any rate, the matter could end up in court before the election over the proposals ballot language, which does not mention the classified civil service and could mislead voters into thinking it doesnt apply to those workers.

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The ballot language states: Do you support an amendment to allow the legislature to remove or add officers, positions, and employees to the unclassified civil service?

Lawmakers based the ballot language off of a current constitutional provision that states: Additional positions may be added to the unclassified service and those positions may be revoked by rules adopted by a commission.

All state employees are classified unless their job falls under one of the 13 unclassified positions listed in the Louisiana Constitution.

I think that the ballot language could be misleading, Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, said, noting that the state constitution specifically allows for legal challenges in such situations.

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WAVERLY, Ohio (WCMH)  Several thousand marijuana enthusiasts will descend upon Waverly next month for the second annual Stargazer Cannabis Festival. It may also be the last.

Were very sad about that fact, and it would be very ironic that this festival was conceived out of a celebration for legalization, and then ironically, the law will make it illegal, festival organizer Chad Thompson said.

Dispensary reacts to Ohio marijuana limit changes

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Thompson is concerned about changes to cannabis laws in consideration at the state and federal level that would minimize or eliminate the three-day cannabis festival. Ohio lawmakers have weighed multiple changes to Ohios recreational marijuana laws, which passed in 2023 with 57% of the vote. Federally, a provision currently included in the Big Beautiful Bill would prohibit most products that use hemp-derived THC.

Under the new federal proposal, the U.S. would redefine which hemp products are legal. Hemp was redefined in President Donald Trumps first term to mean cannabis that has minimal THC levels, 0.3% or lower. People have used this definition to synthetically manufacture cannabis products that are both legal and intoxicating. The budget draft would ban those hemp products, making ingestible hemp federally illegal again.

There is an effort to eliminate that segment of the hemp market, which would really give a big hit to hemp businesses and us, as a cannabis festival, also would be greatly impacted by that, Thompson said. It would take a big portion of our vendors and make them illegal.

Black bear spotted in Licking County for the first time in over two decades

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Thompson said changes to cannabis law would significantly harm Ohios emerging marijuana industry, which is on track to be a $2 billion market. Among higher taxes and a decreased legal maximum THC level, legislators have also considered a ban on ingesting cannabis in public spaces, which would largely prevent the festival from taking place.

Thompson said if the state changes cannabis laws, Stargazer Festival will have to consider relocating to a friendlier state, taking its business with it. The festival will nearly double the population of Waverly for the weekend, and Thompson said visitors are coming from 35 states.

This festival this year will cost us close to $200,000 to organize and put on, and thats all revenue that is being filtered in the state down through porta potties, tent rentals, local performers, Thompson said.

More than 400,000 Ohioans see drivers license suspensions lifted

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Thompson said he does not want to move the festival, saying it would be a sad day if they had to leave their home state. Stargazer began as a celebration for Ohio activists after voters successfully legalized recreational marijuana. As part of the celebratory mission, many festival events involve giveaways for festival attendees, including a $1,000 bonus for five randomly selected cannabis judges and a giveaway dream cannabis wedding officiated by Afroman.

Thompson said as this July 25-27 may be the last festival, people should get their tickets ahead of time, as they will likely be sold out at the door. He said he and other advocates are prepared to rally and adjust, but hope the laws will stay favorable.

Even after legalization, the fight is not done to ensure the best possible cannabis laws on the books for the greater good of the people currently and into the future, Thompson 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.
This plush toy is making Warren Buffett even richer originally appeared on TheStreet.

Not many shareholder meetings provide investors with the chance for retail therapybut then again, not many companies are Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) .

Typically, shareholder meetings are staid events where investors discuss financial reports and vote on proposals, but Berkshire Hathaway, founded by the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett, has taken its annual meetings up a notchby offering investors the chance to get to know the products they are investing in while they participate in company affairs.

In fact, Warren Buffetts $1.1 trillion investment conglomerate is revered for its awesome shareholder meetings, even earning the nickname Woodstock for Capitalists, since thousands of investors flock to Omaha for a few days to not only learn the latest in company news, but also to hear Buffett share his personal views on the market, investing, and life in general.

Buffett is famous for solely investing in companies he believes in that make products he actually uses. This includes eating breakfast at McDonalds (MCD), drinking five cans of Coca-Cola (KO) a day, and often visiting his local Dairy Queen for a sundae with cherry syrup and nuts. He believes these productsand their companieswill stand the test of time, and in fact, they have already made him very, very rich.

Warren Buffett has amassed billions by investing in quality companies trading at a discount; he's also known for enjoying life's simple pleasures.Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

What happened at Berkshire Hathaways 2025 shareholder meeting?

Berkshire Hathaways annual meeting took place May 23, 2025, at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha. Festivities included a 5k run, a shareholder picnic, and the Berkshire Bazaar of Bargainsa 20,000-square-foot shareholder-only shopping event that featured products from the conglomerates holdings.

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Shareholders could purchase everything from Brooks Sports' clothing to chocolate coins from Sees Candies to a limited-edition trio of Squishmallows in the likenesses of Buffett, Berkshires Vice Chairman, the late Charlie Munger, and Omaha, a plush pit bull.

These adorable toys werent the first time Squishmallows immortalized Buffett and Munger, either. To commemorate Berkshires acquisition of Alleghany Corporation, the parent company of Squishmallows' manufacturer, Jazwares, the company released an exclusive set of Buffett and Munger plushies in time for Berkshires 2023 shareholder meeting. CNBC reported that in a mere few hours, 10,000 sets of the toys had been sold.

Today, the original, limited-edition set of Buffett and Munger Squishmallows can be found on eBay for as much as $480.

But Buffett's 2025 edition Squishmallow already has special significance, since during his shareholder address, the famed investor revealed that he would be stepping down as Berkshires CEO and Chairman at the end of the year.

Social media was immediately flooded with images of the cuddly collectors item.

View the original article to see embedded media.

What are Squishmallows?

Squishmallows have not only captivated Buffett; they've also taken the world by storm. Jazwares ultra-soft collectibles are woven from a unique fabric thats said to feel like marshmallowhence its name.

Squishmallows range in size from tiny 3.5 keychains to life-sized, two-foot dolls. There are a whopping 3,000 varieties of Squishmallows, each with its own name, charming backstory, and collector number.

Their relatively wallet-friendly prices ($10 to $100+) have made them the must-have toy of the decade. As of the end of 2024, Jazwares had sold more than 400 million Squishmallows.

Related: Charlie Munger's net worth: The late Berkshire Hathaway vice chair's wealth

The egg-shaped toys are so popular, Squishmallows are even doing their own crossover collabs with Berkshire Hathaways other 70 companies. For example, not only did Jazwares produce plush toys in Warren Buffett and Charlie Mungers likeness, it also created a line of Halloween toys through a partnership with Sees Candy, a Berkshire Hathaway holding since 1972.

The collab, which launched in October 2024, featured Squishmallows' popular bat, Emily, tricked out in a Sees logo and carrying a treat bucket. In addition, Emily-shaped boxes of Sees Candies were filled with lollipops and chocolates. The set retailed for $40.

Attendees pose at a Squishmallows display at Berkshire Hathaway's 2023 Shareholder Meeting.David Williams/Bloomberg via Getty Images

How Warren Buffett met the Squishmallows

Squishmallows caught Buffetts attention back in 2021. The famed investor had lamented in a letter to shareholders that Berkshire was sitting on $44 billion in cash because we find little that excites us in the markets. Then he discovered Squishmallowsand the rest is history.

Squishmallows parent company, Jazwares, is part of a diverse set of business interests that comprised Alleghany Corporation (Y), a New York-based holding company that also includes insurance, hotels, and heavy industrial manufacturers under its umbrella. In March 2022, Berkshire Hathaway made a $11.6 billion offer to purchase Alleghany; the deal was sealed in October 2022, and Jazwares officially became a Berkshire Hathaway Company.

Buffett himself has amassed a $155.5 billion fortune by identifying companies trading below their intrinsic value, buying them, and then holding onto them for decades as shares ascend skyward.

It seems Buffett's endorsement has already raised Jazwares profile, too. While the company remains privately held, its 2022 sales were $1.2 billion, according to company insiders.

In interviews, Buffett has called Jazwares a gem and Judd and Laura Zebersky, the husband-and-wife team behind Jazwares, the ideal Berkshire managers.

The love, it appears, is mutual. Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger were actually the first humans to appear as Squishmallows. Their debut set featured Buffett and Munger wearing suits: Buffett held a popsicle, in testament to his notorious sweet tooth, while Munger carried a copy of a book of Benjamin Franklin quotes, since the value investor frequently cited his admiration for the Founding Father.

The Zeberskys both left jobs in the legal profession to pursue their passion for toys. In addition to Squishmallows, Jazwares also makes popular lines for Hasbro (HAS) as well as the Disney (DIS), Star Wars, Marvel, and Pokemon franchises.

Overall, Squishmallows make up an impressive 40% of Jazwares total revenues.

Why are Squishmallows so popular?

Anyone can make a squishy soft toy  savvy marketing is what elevates Squishmallows to greatness. President and COO Laura Zebersky is known for seeking out nontraditional advertising channels to sell her companys products, such as on social media and through influencer marketing.

The fact that Squishmallows appeal to both kids and adults is another reason for their enduring popularity. Jazwares has even admitted that the Squishmallows biggest buyers are adults 18 and up.

More on smart investors:

Ironically, the COVID-19 pandemic may have been Squishmallows biggest boon. Everyone was stuck at home, giving many adults the chance to play with toys again. The cuddly nature of Squishmallows helped ease the feelings of anxiety and isolation that people were experiencingjust hug a Squishmallow and you'll see for yourself!

Where to buy Squishmallows

You can pick up a Squishmallow at nearly every major retailer from CVS to Walmart, but if youve got your eyes on a specific squad member, youd best do your homework before you head out, because stock can change quickly.

Some stores also have exclusive rights to sell certain Squishmallows: Jazwares was intentional in selecting a curated list of retailers it licensed with, which helped to spur near-obsessive levels of demand.

You can literally feel the difference between an authentic Squishmallow and one of its many knockoff counterparts. Squishmallows have a soft polyester fiber and spandex fabric that is unique to the brand, which also imparts a sense of exclusivity.

Some online retailers, like Amazon AMZN, are so certain of the plush toys' appeal that they have opted to offer specific deals on Squishmallows instead of site-wide holiday sales. Collectors should be sure to keep their eyes peeled.

Or, you could always invest in BRK and have the chance to go shopping at its annual shareholder meetings. As of June, 2025, Class A shares are going for a mere $740,396 each.

Related: The 10 most reliable car brands in 2025 according to Consumer Reports

This plush toy is making Warren Buffett even richer first appeared on TheStreet on Jun 10, 2025

This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
DALE COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  President Joe Biden changed the name of Fort Rucker in southeast Alabama to Fort Novosel during his administration. Thats because Gen. Edmund W. Rucker, for whom it was originally named, served as a Confederate Officer. Now, President Donald Trump is restoring that name in honor of a different veteran, also named Rucker.

The name of Fort Novosel is changing back to Fort Rucker, now after Capt. Edward Rucker, a WWI pilot. Rep. Rick Rehm (R-Dothan) said the change is a good thing.

That doesnt mean that we need to be erasing history or forgetting, he said. We need more history in the schools. We need to talk about the past. How we came to today and keep working on all working together.

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But Congressman Shomari Figures (D-AL) said in a statement, in part quote, This is really a middle finger to black people in Alabama, and the black soldiers who have to serve at this base.

Democratic leaders on the state level had similar convictions.

People of color, such as myself, are reminded of what black people had to go through just to get to the freedoms that we have now, said Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham). Wars that were fought to keep people like me enslaved.

Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith accuses district attorney of lying about severity of charges against him

We should be past this, said Rep. Kenyatte Hassell (D-Montgomery). I think this is undermining to the Biden Administration, which is the whole purpose of this.

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Unless the Lord intervenes, were gonna suffer, said Rep. Thomas Jackson (D-Thomasville). Some difficult days, some very difficult days ahead for our nation, he said of the current state of affairs.

But, Rep. Rehm said this is not a step backward- its a reset.

For veterans, and army aviators, and the soldiers that serve today, its always been known as Fort Rucker, said Rehm. And so, I think it just kind of puts that controversy back, ends that controversy. Its no longer named after a Confederate general.

In a statement, the Army said they will take all necessary actions to change the names of seven Army installations in honor of heroic Soldiers who served.

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Gov. Wes Moore (left) heads to the state's sale of $1.6 billion in bonds Wednesday. Officials said the state "did very well" on the sale, after weeks of concern about a slight credit downgrade. (Photo by Sam Gauntt/Maryland Matters)

Maryland did very well in the sale Wednesday of about $1.6 billion in bonds, state officials said, despite a recent credit downgrade that rattled their confidence and raised fears of higher costs.

The Maryland Board of Public works on Wednesday voted to approve the sale of about $1.6 billion worth of bonds at a true interest cost of 3.55% and premiums of more than $125 million, according to a statement from the Maryland Treasurers Office.

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Its impossible to compare one year to another because of shifting markets and the many factors that go into a sale, said Treasurer Dereck Davis after the board meeting. But last year, by comparison, the state sold about $1 billion of tax-exempt bonds with about $151 million in premiums, his office said.

The bond sale was the first since ratings agency Moodys downgraded Marylands creditworthiness in May from AAA to Aa-1, the second-highest rating. The other ratings agencies, Fitch and Standard & Poors, reaffirmed their AAA ratings for Maryland. But it was the first time in decades that the state went into a bond sale without AAA ratings from all three agencies.

The downgrade could have meant less interest from banks or higher interest on the bonds. But Davis said the bond sale went as expected, and that the states bonds are as desirable as theyve always been. Each group of bonds sold Wednesday received six bids, he said.

During the meeting, the board sold packages of general obligation bonds to four New York firms: $485.2 million to Jefferies LLC; $414.8 million to the Bank of Americas BofA Securities, $362 million to Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC; and $294.7 million to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC.

Maryland Treasurer Dereck Davis said Wednesdays bond sale showed continued confidence in the state. (Photo by Sam Gauntt/Maryland Matters)

In the statement, Davis said the sale represents the strong demand for Marylands bonds and continued investor confidence in the fiscal strength and creditworthiness of our state.

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Baltimore economist Anirban Basu said the market had a strong reception to the bonds, given the significant uncertainty regarding U.S. stocks and equities, and because the state was still rated AAA by two other agencies.

So the penalty for Marylands credit rating downgrade is extremely small at this time, said Basu, president of the Sage Policy Group. But the states economy is still heading in the wrong direction, he said, as the states budget continues to grow without the tax base increasing accordingly.

Moodys attributed its downgrade to the states economic underperformance compared to other AAA-rated states. The agency expects the underperformance will continue given Marylands high fixed costs and heightened vulnerability to shifting federal policies and employment, it said in a statement announcing the decision in May.

Maryland had almost 270,000 residents employed by the federal government in 2023, making the state particularly vulnerable to federal cuts by the Trump administration. Basu said that for years the states economic focus has been eds, meds and feds: educational services, medical research and delivery, and federal employment and contracting.

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Were institutional, he said. And therefore, because we are institutional, we are stable.

But now that education, medicine and federal employment are under pressure, the state needs to attract significantly more private investment  something Maryland is struggling to do with its high tax rate, Basu said.

But Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) said the state is seeing the uncertainty created by the Trump administration really create chaos.

Maryland is feeling the repercussions of that, Ferguson said Wednesday.

The state maintaining its stable AAA from its other two agencies prevented it from seeing a hugely negative impact, Ferguson said. He added the state is as stable as can be given our reliance on the federal government.

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Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, who is a member of the board but was not present at Wednesdays meeting, declined through her office to comment on the bond sale.

At the conclusion of the bond sale, Gov. Wes Moore (D) said that the state did very well.

Theres no reason for us to be Moody today, he said.

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MCALESTER, Okla. (KFOR)  The state of Oklahoma executed death row inmate John Hanson on Thursday.

Officials say Hanson and an accomplice carjacked and kidnapped 77-year-old Mary Bowles in Tulsa in 1999. Before she was shot to death, Hanson and his accomplice shot Jerald Thurman, an innocent bystander.

According to Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Hanson was transferred from a Louisiana federal prison at his request.

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The families of Mary Bowles and Jerald Thurman have waited more than a quarter-century to see justice carried out against this callous murderer, Drummond said. I appreciate the Pardon and Parole Board for rejecting clemency today. The Biden Administration protected this monster from justice for too long. Now is the time for him to atone for the pain and suffering he has wrought. Justice will be delivered when the death penalty is rightly served on June 12.

On June 9, a judge granted a temporary stay of execution days before Hanson was set to be put to death.

Two days later, the Court of Criminal Appeals of the State of Oklahoma denied his petition to stop the execution.

Some in the community are fighting against Hansons execution.

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We heard that John Hanson is a changed man, a responsible and trustworthy member of his prison community and that he expresses remorse for the senseless murder of Mary Bowles. By refusing mercy, the State will now carry out the senseless killing of John Hanson. responded Rev. Don Heath, Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty Chair.

Hanson was executed at 10:11 a.m. in McAlester, Oklahoma on Thursday, June 12.

Today, justice was finally served for Mary Bowles and Jerald Thurman. After more than 25 years of waiting, the killer who brutally took these two precious lives has paid the ultimate price for his heinous crime, Drummond said. This case demonstrates that no matter how long it takes, Oklahoma will hold murderers accountable for their crimes.

Dr. Elizabeth Overman, Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty Chair, also responded following the execution.

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The Oklahoma Coalition Against the Death Penalty extends sincere condolences to the family of Mr. John Fitzgerald Henson and to the family of Mrs. Mary Bowles. Today the state of Oklahoma extended the cycle of violence to another family and a wider community. Retaliatory killing brings neither closure to the Bowles family nor justice to the Hansons. The horrible murder of another person by the state is not tenable. Violence is no excuse for more violence. It does not solve any of the criminal justice problems in this state. It only leads to more violence.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Detroit student Maykol Bogoya-Duarte's request to be released from immigration custody to finish high school was denied Wednesday, his attorney said. (Courtesy of MIRC)

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for Chalkbeat Detroits free newsletter to keep up with the citys public school system and Michigan education policy.

Maykol Bogoya-Duarte, an undocumented immigrant, hoped to finish high school in Detroit before returning to Colombia. That dream is likely over, his attorney said Wednesday, after his request for a stay of deportation was denied.

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The Western International High School junior is in an immigration processing center in Louisiana, and his deportation is imminent, according to his legal team at the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. Once Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, have enough individuals to fill a plane to Colombia, Maykol will likely be sent out of the U.S., Christine Sauve, the organizations communications manager, told Chalkbeat.

Even as dozens of people supporting Maykol packed the Detroit school board meeting Tuesday night, Ruby Robinson, his attorney, got word that the student had been moved to the Pine Prairie ICE Processing Center in Louisiana. The news wasnt a good sign  most charter ICE charter flights out of the country leave from Louisiana or Texas, the attorney said.

Officials from ICE did not immediately respond to confirm the status of Maykols case or his whereabouts.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District school board on Tuesday night made a public statement urging for the teens release so he can finish high school. Board members had been quiet about publicly advocating for Maykols release until hearing more than two hours of public comment from community members urging them to act.

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Before the district made the statement, Robinson said support for the teen from his school would help his immigration case.

Superintendent Nikolai Vitti told Chalkbeat last week that the district has done everything it can to protect students while they are on school grounds. He added that Maykol was not under the protection and responsibility of the district when he was arrested during a traffic stop in May.

Please help him, one of Maykols friends pleaded with the board at the meeting through a translator.

Another speaker from Maykols neighborhood said the students detention is heartbreaking and horrifying.

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Paula Duran, a parent of two students in the district, told the board ICEs recent actions in the city, including detentions of students family members, are destroying the school community.

All of us are impacted by this  the whole DPSCD community and the whole city of Detroit, she said.

Multiple teachers told the board Maykol was a good student and a hard worker. He worked late night shifts as a doorman at a hotel, but always came to school eager to learn.

The teen was focused on earning his diploma and was only 3.5 credits away from his goal.

Maykol was arrested and detained by ICE after Rockwood police pulled him over for allegedly tailgating another car. He was driving a group of other newcomer boys as they attempted to join a field trip to Lake Erie Metropark, about 25 miles away from Detroit.

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The boys had not turned in parental permission slips on time to join the trip on school buses with the other 70 to 80 other students who went, said Kristen Schoettle, one of his teachers.

The kids wanted to be with the rest of their friends on the trip, Schoettle told Chalkbeat.

As he was getting pulled over, Maykol called a friend in his class who was on the trip. The friend alerted Schoettle and other teachers. Schoettle said she asked an employee at the park to give her a ride to the scene of the traffic stop.

Once she arrived, the teacher said the Rockwood police did not speak Spanish and were having trouble communicating with Maykol. At that point, the police called Customs and Border Protection to translate for them, according to Robinson.

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The teen wasnt licensed to drive, according to Robinson, and only had a city identification card.

The teen already had been going through the legal process to return to Colombia. A judge issued a final order of deportation for the student in 2024, and Maykol was working with immigration officials and the Colombian Consulate to obtain a passport and the documentation he needed to board a plane with his mother.

Maykol planned on completing high school at Western International while those arrangements were made.

But those plans fell apart at the traffic stop.

Hannah Dellinger covers K-12 education and state education policy for Chalkbeat Detroit. You can reach her at hdellinger@chalkbeat.org.

Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), in a contentious exchange during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing Thursday, slammed New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) over recent crimes in the state committed by migrants living in the country illegally.

Stefanik invoked an executive order immigration signed by Hochul, along with a number of recent crimes committed by those who were in the country without authorization, including the burning of a woman on the New York City subway last year.

This is Kathy Hochuls New York. Its one of the many reasons why youre hemorrhaging support from hardworking New York families, Stefanik said. Theyre horrific crimes that are committed on your watch. You signed this executive order on your first day in office. You signed it again and again this January.

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We deserved a governor who stands up for New Yorkers, who doesnt put illegals first but actually puts New Yorkers first, she continued.

The exchange took place at the Oversight Committee hearing on sanctuary states Thursday, featuring Hochul, along with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D).

Live updates: Dem governors testify on sanctuary states amid protests over Trumps immigration raids

Stefanik several times spoke over Hochul during the heated back-and-forth as the New York governor struggled to recall specifics of the cases but repeatedly told Stefanik she condemns the horrific crimes Stefanik cited.

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She said New York cooperates with Immigration Customs Enforcement.

Rather than you going after the viral moment, I suggest you look at the facts, Hochul responded.

No, no, no. Im standing up for New Yorkers, Stefanik retorted.

Most scientific research on the connection between immigration and crime has found immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than their U.S.-born peers.

Stefanik, who is not on the Oversight Committee but appeared on the dais at the hearing as a member of House GOP leadership, is considering a run for New York governor.

Hochul is facing a potentially tough reelection bid in New York next year, four years after she won election in the blue state by single digits.

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A Siena College poll released last month showed 55 percent of New York voters said they want someone else in next years gubernatorial race, while 36 percent said they prefer Hochul, marking a shift of negative 10 points since the same poll last month.

However, the same poll showed that Hochuls approval rating remained relatively high at 50 percent, up from 48 percent last month.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
After two days of negotiations, the United States and China appear hopeful about the progress theyre making on a trade deal. But lets take a look at what actually went down this week.

Both countries say they have a "framework" that basically gets trade talks back to the agreement they made in Geneva a month ago. That agreement paused Donald Trumps 145% tariff on China and Chinas 125% tariff on U.S. exports, reducing them to 30% and 10%, respectively.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Wednesday that, as part of the agreement, China will start granting rare earth export licenses for U.S. companies immediately. Those materials are vital for automakers, semiconductor manufacturers and other tech companies. But those licenses will only last six months, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

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Also, as part of the deal, there are reports that the U.S. will ease restrictions it placed on its own exports of technology and other products to China. And the administration will also reportedly pull back on cancelling visas for Chinese students.

So if you call that a truce, its a thin one. Why? We still need to wait and see if Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping approve the concept. (Though that didnt stop the president from also declaring on social media, "Our deal with China is done.") And if they do, we also need to know when they actually plan to implement it.

Lutnick also said that our tariffs on China are not going to change from their current levels. So I guess were not going back up above 100%? That might sound like good news. Except, remember, the U.S. has already added 30% tariffs on Chinese imports since Trump took office  and China hit us back with 10% tariffs. And for those trying to follow the back and forth, the deal actually leaves tariffs on China at 55% after including the 25% tariffs already in place before Trump came into office.

Meanwhile, that 90-day countdown clock is still ticking for all the other countries that have to negotiate new trade deals with us. However, on Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told House lawmakers that its "highly likely" Trump will push back that July 9 deadline for countries engaged in good-faith negotiations.

All of which makes these hard-line trade deal deadlines seem more like a soft promise written with erasable ink.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
As White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller kept pushing for 3,000 immigration arrests a day, a former high school classmate who became a leading immigration lawyer was in court on Wednesday.

Cynthia Santiago remembers being on stage with Miller in 2002, when they were both running for student government at Santa Monica High School at the western edge of Los Angeles. She recalls that Miller was as much a deliberately provocative attention seeker then as now, and his microphone was turned off just a few moments into his campaign speech as a candidate for speaker of the house.

Im Stephen Miller, he began. Im the only candidate up here who really stands out I will say and I will do things that no one else in their right mind would say or do."

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And then he did just that.

Cynthia Santiago (left) was voted class president in June 2002, after an election which Miller tried to disrupt. / Courtesy of Cynthia Santiago

Am I the only one who is sick and tired of being told to pick up my trash, when we have plenty of janitors who are paid to do it for us? he asked.

Santiago might have been more surprised if she had not heard him speak dismissively in class about diversity, affirmative action, welfare, non-English speakers and anyone else who did not completely assimilate to his notion of being an American, all of it derived from right-wing writings. The reaction of his fellow students to his truncated speech presaged the fate of his candidacy.

They booed him off, Santiago recalled on Wednesday. He lost.

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Miller could not have been pleased when Santiago became the schools first Latina student body president.

He was very vocal about his political views of communities of color, she noted. We celebrated diversity, and we were respectful to our staff and to the custodians on campus.

Santiago went on to Wesleyan University and then Southwestern Law School. She began working immigration cases in 2012, when the Obama administration instituted the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which offered a temporary shield to young immigrants who arrived in the United States.

The student paper dedicated special coverage to Santiago's electionnoting that it had been married when Miller's microphone was cut off. / The Samohi

We were able to help a lot of young folks that could benefit from the DACA program, she said.

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But at the same time, Obama was starting to make a name for himself as the deporter-in-chief.

I also saw the side of many families being put into detention for being turned over by local law enforcement, because there was a very high number of contracts with local law enforcement, including in LA County, Santiago remembered.

She had one case involving a woman in Santa Monica who had just dropped off her child at middle school when she was arrested for driving without a license. The police turned the woman over to ICE, which put her on a bus to Mexico just as Santiago was in court, securing a deportation stay. The driver was instructed to keep the woman aboard when the bus reached the border and bring her back.

She was returned back that night, so she was able to be reunited with her family, Santiago reported.

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Santiago also represented a man on the same bus who had been picked up outside his home on the way to work. He too was returned.

When Trump was elected to a first term, her classmate Millers politics made him a perfect fit for a position at the White House.

I was very concerned about where his thoughts were going, his views on immigration and the immigrant communities, his views against diversity in the United States, she recalled.

But Millers time seemed to pass when Joe Biden defeated Trump. Deportations eased up, but Biden increased them as Trump sought to revive his political fortunes by conjuring fears of an invading horde of murderers, rapists and mental patients across the southern border.

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After Trump returned to office, he made Miller his deputy chief of staff. Miller had been relatively quiet during the campaign, and Santiago figures he spent the years in exile immersed in right-wing writings such as those that informed his world view during high school, a view that was more of an imagined past than the actual moment.

A lot of the thoughts are just things that he digs from history, and not very much a perspective of the world we live in today, she said. So, hes trying to repeat history, which is what we see now.

Cynthia Santiago is now an immigration attorneyand face-to-face with the impact of Miller's plans. / Cynthia Santiago

Trump declared that his second term was going to see mass deportations. But that requires more than a Sharpie signature on an executive order. And Miller began to push, push, push for it to happen.

ICE had been hunting down actual murderers and rapists but there was not enough of them to deliver a fraction of the 3,000 arrests a day Miller was demanding. Miller declared that even people who followed all the official procedures before crossing the border and applied for asylum are criminals.

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ICE mounted ever more raids, including at a Los Angeles clothing company on Monday that triggered an impromptu protest, during which police arrested a prominent union leader.

An unfounded rumor of another raid led to more protests. Trump used the disturbances as a pretext to activate the California National Guard without the approval of its Gov. Gavin Newsom.

As Newsom predicted, the arrival of soldiers on the street only inflamed the situation, though not to the degree that Trump claims. The LAPD said that it could handle the situation without the military, but Trump went ahead and activated a Marine Corps unit to augment the guard who were not needed in the first place.

Meanwhile, fear driven rumors reached Miller and Santiagos alma mater. The superintendent of the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District posted a letter on its website.

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I am writing to you today because I understand that many of you are feeling deeply concerned and anxious about recent reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the greater Los Angeles area, Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton wrote on June 9. We have heard the rumors circulating about ICE patrols in and around our schools and the Santa Monica community As of 2:30 p.m. today, these sightings have not been confirmed, and we can assure you that ICE officials are not currently present in or at our schools.

Shelton went on, We recognize that the unrest unfolding across Los Angeles, sparked by reports of ICE raids in public spaces, is unsettling. For many of our families, these fears are very real and can make daily activities like leaving home, using public transportation, or even bringing your children to school feel daunting. We want to emphasize that the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, (SMMUSD), along with the City of Santa Monica and the SMPD, remains committed to supporting and serving every single one of our families.

As the high school was preparing for its 2025 graduation on Wednesday, Miller was at the White House, expecting more arrests. Santiago was at Santa Ana Immigration Court, asking a judge to give her time to study the particulars of a new case.

The client has no criminal history, and the judge agreed. That gives the client an interim reprieve.

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While there, Santiago observed a new tactic by the government to increase the number of deportees. The government has been going back to pending asylum cases that have been filed away as favorable.

So they can put them back into court and try to deport them, Santiago said. Every angle they can, theyre doing this.

Then, having brought the asylum seeker into court and revived the case, the government asks the judge to dismiss it. And that removes the temporary protection asylum seekers receive when they successfully apply pending the ultimate outcome.

The person is basically at an undocumented status with no case pending, and theyre vulnerable to be picked up, Santiago said. They have no status, no filing, no case opening.

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And in several instances on Wednesday, ICE agents in their usual plainclothes attire of flannel shirts and jeans were waiting in the hallway of the courthouse to make an arrest and take the prisoner out to a van in the parking lot.

I saw [ICE ] taking people from courtrooms, sticking them in the van, she told the Daily Beast. Its very sad.

The sight was in keeping with the Miller she and her classmates knew back in high school. What she could not have foreseen is that a president would encourage him to do it.

I dont think anyone imagined that there would be an administration like the one we have, she said.

When she is not in court, the 2003 president of the Santa Monica student body travels California in a van of her own, advising as many people as she can of their rights.

Im just, you know, trying to do my best to see who I can help, Santiago said.
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Photographs by Robert LeBlanc

During a lull in the chanting outside the federal building targeted by protesters in downtown Los Angeles this week, I walked up behind a hooded young man wearing a mask and carrying a can of spray paint. He began to deface the marble facade in big black letters. WHEN TYRANNY BECOMES LAW, REBELLION BECOMES DUTYTHOMAS JEFFERSON, he wrote, adding his tag, SMO, in a smaller font.

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SMO told me that he is 21, Mexican American, an Angeleno, and a history buff who thinks about the Founding Fathers more than the average tagger does. He said he wanted to write something that stood out from the hundreds of places where FUCK ICE now appears.

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I needed a better message that would inspire more people to remember that our history as Americans is deeply rooted in being resistant to the ones who oppress us, he told me. Our Founding Fathers trusted that we the people would take it into our hands to fight back against a government who no longer serves the people. (The quote, although spurious, captures some of the ideas that Jefferson put into the Declaration of Independence, according to the Thomas Jefferson Foundation.)

Whether whats occurring in Los Angeles is a noble rebellion, a destructive riot, or a bit of both, the protests here have been the most intense demonstrations against President Donald Trump and his policies since he retook office. They were set off by a new, more aggressive phase of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids across the city last week. But its important to keep some perspective on the size of the confrontations. Los Angeles County covers more than 4,000 square miles, with a population of 10 million, and across much of that sunny expanse, life has carried on as usual this week.

[Missy Ryan and Jonathan Lemire: The White House is delighted with events in Los Angeles]

The protesters focal point has been the federal building in downtown Los Angeles where several Department of Homeland Security agencies, including ICE, have offices. Just across the 101 freeway is the El Pueblo de Los Angeles historic plaza, which marks the site where settlers of Native American, African, and European heritage first arrived in 1781. Nearly every city block in this part of town is taken up by a courthouse or some other stone edifice of law or government, including the Art Deco tower of Los Angeles City Hall. In a city built on shaky ground, these civic structures are meant to project stability and permanence. But L.A.s layered, fraught history seemed very much on the minds of many demonstrators I spoke with, who told me that they felt like their right to belongregardless of legal statuswas under attack.

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Although the crowd of protesters has not been especially large, drawing at most a few thousand people, it has been a microcosm of Los Angeles and the deep-blue Democratic coalition that has dominated the city for decades. Its a mix of young Hispanic peoplemany the children of first-generation immigrantsand older liberals, college students, and left-wing activists; also present is a contingent of younger, more militant protesters, who have been eager to confront police and inflict damage on the citys buildings and institutions, and film themselves doing it.

At one point on Monday, I watched a group of jumpy teen boys in hoods and masks who appeared no older than 15 or 16 approach one of the last unblemished surfaces on the federal building. One shook a spray can and began writing in large, looping letters. The nozzle wasnt working well, and his friends began to rush him. Trump is a BICH, he wrote, and ran away.

Observing the crowd and speaking with protesters over the past several days, I couldnt help but think of Stephen Miller, the top Trump aide who has ordered immigration officials to arrest and deport more and more people, encouraging them to do so in the most attention-grabbing of ways. The version of Los Angeles represented by the protesters is the one Miller deplores. The city has a voracious demand for workers that, for decades, has mostly looked past legal status and allowed newcomers from around the world to live and work without much risk of arrest and deportation. Trump and Miller have upended that in a way many people here describe as a punch in the face.

Los Angeles, specifically the liberal, upper-middle-class enclave of Santa Monica, is Millers hometown, and it became the foil for his archconservative political identity. He is often described as the architect of Trumps immigration policy, but his role as a political strategistand chief provocateuris much bigger than that. It is no fluke that Los Angeles is where Miller could most aggressively assert the ideas he champions in Trumps MAGA movement: mass deportations and a maximal assertion of executive power. No matter if it means calling out U.S. troops to suppress a backlash triggered by those policies.

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[Conor Friedersdorf: Averting a worst-case scenario in Los Angeles]

Huge swaths of the city where I was born now resemble failed third world nations. A ruptured, balkanized society of strangers, Miller wrote Monday on X. He was attacking Governor Gavin Newsom for suing to reverse the Trump administrations takeover of the California National Guardthe first time the government has federalized state forces since 1965. Trump has also called up 700 U.S. Marines.

Miller was defending the use of force to subdue protesters, but he was really talking about something bigger in his hometown. This was a culture war, with real troops.

Robert LeBlanc

Robert LeBlanc

What was the spark? On May 21, Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem brought the heads of ICEs regional offices to Washington for a dressing-down. Trump had promised the largest mass-removal campaign in U.S. history and wanted 1 million deportations a year. ICE officers had been making far more arrests in American communities than under Joe Biden, but they were well short of Trumps desired pace. Miller demanded 3,000 arrests a daya nearly fourfold increaseand demoted several top ICE officials who werent hitting their targets.

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Millers push is just a warm-up. The Republican funding bill Trump wants to sign into law by Independence Day would formalize his goal of 1 million deportations annually, and furnish more than $150 billion for immigration enforcement, including tens of billions for more ICE officers, contractors, detention facilities, and removal flights. If Los Angeles and other cities are recoiling now, how will they respond when ICE has the money to do everything Miller wants?

Trump and his border czar, the former ICE acting director Tom Homan, had been insisting for months that the deportation campaign would prioritize violent criminals and avoid indiscriminate roundups. Miller has told ICE officials to disregard that and to hit Home Depot parking lots.

So they have. The number of arrests reported by ICE has soared past 2,000 a day in recent weeks. Backed by the Border Patrol, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other federal law-enforcement agencies pressed into helping ICE, officers are arresting people who show up for immigration-court appointments or periodic check-ins to show that they have remained in compliance with court orders. Last week in Los Angeles, ICE teams began showing up at those Home Depot parking lots and work sites, including a downtown apparel factory. This was a red line for many Angelenos. Protesters told me that it was the moment Miller and Trump went from taunts and trolling to something more personal and threatening. About a third of the citys residents are foreign-born.

[Juliette Kayyem: Trumps gross misuse of the National Guard]

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This is humiliating, Hector Agredano, a 30-year-old community-college instructor who was demonstrating on Sunday outside a Pasadena hotel, told me. ICE officers were rumored to be staying at the location and two others nearby, drawing dozens of protesters who chanted and carried signs demanding ICE out of LA!

They are tearing apart our families, Agredano told me. We will not stand for this. They cannot sleep safely at night while our communities are being terrorized.

Some activists have been trying to track ICE vehicles and show up where officers make arrests to film and protest. More established activist groups are organizing vigils and marches while urging demonstrators to remain peaceful. They have struggled to contain the younger, angrier elements of the crowd downtown who lack their patience.

On Sunday, I watched protesters block the southbound lanes of the 101 until police cleared them with tear gas. Some in the crowd hurled water bottles and debris down at officers and set off bottle rockets and cherry bombs. The police responded with flash-bangs, which detonate with a burst of light. There were so many explosions happening, it wasnt easy to tell if they belonged to the protesters or to law enforcement. I tried approaching a police line, and a boom sounded near my head, making my ears ring.

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One group of vandals summoned several Waymo self-driving cars to the street next to the plaza where the city was founded and set them ablaze. People in the crowd hooted and cheered at the leaping flames, and the cars melting batteries and sensors sent plumes of oily black smoke toward police helicopters circling above. Firetrucks arrived and put out the last of the flames, leaving little piles of gnarled metal. City officials grew more alarmed the following evening, when smaller groups of masked teenagers rampaged through downtown and looted a CVS, an Apple Store, and several other businesses, prompting Mayor Karen Bass to set an 8 p.m. curfew in the area yesterday.

The smoke and flames began shifting attention away from the administrations immigration crackdown.The imagery has been giddily watched by White House officials, and its fueled speculation that it could create an opening for Miller to attempt to invoke the Insurrection Act. For years he has longingly discussed the wartime power, which would give troops a direct law-enforcement role on U.S. streets, potentially including immigration arrests.

Robert LeBlanc

Yesterday, Trump said that he would not allow Los Angeles to be invaded and conquered by a foreign enemy, and that he would liberate the countrys second-largest city. His send-in-the-Marines order underscored his apparent eagerness to deal with the demonstrators as combatants, rather than as civilians and American citizens.

Since Trumps announcement, protesters have been on the lookout for the Marines, wondering if their arrival would signal a darker, more violent phase of the governments response. But military officials said today that the Marine units will need to receive more training in civilian deployments before they go to Los Angeles.

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Despite the attention on the federalized California National Guard troops, they have had a minimal role so far, standing guard at the entrance to the federal building where SMO and other taggers have left messages for Trump and ICE. Mayor Bass said that about 100 soldiers were stationed there as of today. Trump has activated 4,000, and there are signs that their role is already expanding: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted a photo yesterday of soldiers with rifles and full combat gear standing guard for ICE officers making street arrests. This Well Defend, he wrote.

[David Frum: For Trump, this is a dress rehearsal]

In downtown Los Angeles, though, the LAPD and the California Highway Patrolwhich are under the control of the state and local Democratic leadershave been left to handle violent protesters and looters. By insisting that Trumps troop deployment is unnecessary and provocative, Newsom and Bass are under more pressure to make sure that their forces, not Trumps, can keep a lid on the anger.

Their officers have fired tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and a kind of less-than-lethal projectile known as a sponge grenade that leaves bruises and welts. One Australian television reporter was hit while doing a live report; many others have been shot at point-blank range. Over more than three days of street confrontations, there have been no deaths or reports of serious injuries.

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Some protesters gathered up the spent sponge munitions as souvenirs. With a hard foam nose and a thick plastic base, they resemble Nerf darts from hell. I met one protester, carrying a camera, who wore a bandage around his forearm where hed been struck minutes earlier. Castrohe wouldnt give me his first nametold me that he was a 39-year-old security guard whose parents are from El Salvador. He likened the pain to a sprained ankle. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I support, I love, I stand for America. I love the U.S.A., he told me. Im here today to support our people of Los Angeles. Thats it.

Some Democrats outside the state have chafed at the sight of protesters waving Mexican flags and those of other nations, which Trump officials have seized upon as evidence of anti-Americanism. Protesters told me the flags of their or their parents home countries are not intended as a sign of loyalty to another nation. Quite a few protesters waved the Stars and Stripes too, or a hybrid of the American flag and their home countrys.

Hailey, a 23-year-old welder carrying a Guatemalan flag, told me she wanted to display her heritage at a protest that brought together people from all over. That was part of belonging to California, she said: I was born on American soil, but I just think its appropriate to celebrate where my family is from. And America is supposed to be a celebration of that.

Dylan Littlefield, a bishop who joined a rally on Sunday led by union organizers, told me that he grew up in L.A. with Italian Americans displaying their flag. No one has ever made a single comment or had any objection to the Italian flag flying, so the people that are making the flag issue now really are trying to create a battle where theres no battle to be had, he said.

The protests against Trump in Los Angeles have picked up, to some extent, where those in Portland left off. In 2020, anti-ICE protesters targeted the federal courthouse in downtown Portland, and DHS sent federal agents and officers to defend the building and confront the crowds. The destructive standoff carried on for months, and the citys Democratic mayor and Oregons Democratic governor eventually had to use escalating force against rioters. Newsom and Bass seem keen to avoid the price they would pay politically if that were to occur here, but for now they are caught between the need to suppress the violent elements of the protests and their desire to blame the White House for fanning the flames.

Robert LeBlanc

[Anne Applebaum: This is what Trump does when his revolution sputters]

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Trump officials say they have delighted in the imagery of L.A. mayhem and foreign-flag waving, but they face a threat, too, if protests spread beyond blue California and become a nationwide movement. That would take pressure off Newsom and Bass.

Doe Hain, a retired teacher I met in Pasadena this week holding a Save Democracy sign for passing motorists, told me that the ICE push into California symbolizes the worst fears of an authoritarian takeover by a president unfazed by the idea of turning troops against Americans. I dont really think I can protest the existence of ICE as a federal agency, but we can protest the way that theyre doing things, Hain said. Theyre bypassing peoples rights and the laws, and thats not right.

Few people I spoke with said they thought the protests in Los Angeles would diminish, even if more troops arrive in the city. There have been fewer reports of ICE raids since the protests erupted, and one Home Depot I visited on Mondaysouth of Los Angeles, in Huntington Parkhad had only a handful of arrests that day, bystanders told me. ICE teams had moved to other locations in Southern California and the Central Valley. They will surely be back.

At a minimum, Miller and other Trump officials have come away from this round of confrontations with the imagery they wanted. Today, DHS released a none-too-subtle social-media ad with a dark, ominous filter, featuring the flaming Waymos, Mexican flags, looters, and rock throwers. RESTORE LAW AND ORDER NOW! it said, with the number for an ICE tip line. It fades out on an image of a burning American flag.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A Brooklyn teacher is accused of crossing the line, not once but several times, allegedly attacking and harassing three students in separate incidents inside PS 202.

The students and their parents spoke out to PIX11s Nicole Johnson and hired an attorney to take legal action.

More Local News

She grabbed my wrist and my neck, and it hurt, said one 10-year-old student as he described an encounter with the teacher inside a stairwell.

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The student also said the teacher told him there would be consequences.

The student is one of three students who have accused the same teacher of harassment and physical abuse; all of the incidents happened in May, and one incident in November.

Ann Peters said her 7-year-old son was victimized by the same teacher as well, but it was the actions of another teacher that sent her son to the nurse and then to a hospital with injuries to his hand.

This is not the first, this is not the second time that they had an encounter, Peters said. However, this is the first time she has been physical with my son, and it stops here.

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PIX11 News sat down with the parents, their attorney, and education advocates, who say the parents made several complaints and even went to the police, but nothing has been done. The teacher is still working in a classroom.

Councilman Chris Banks was made aware of the situation, and his office is looking into it. Banks said they want a full investigation.

The parents also hired Attorney Marcel Florestal to file a lawsuit against the Department of Education.

This is more of a systemic issue, DOE-wide, Florestal said. So I want parents watching this right now to ask themselves, is my child safe at a DOE school?

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The DOE issued a statement to PIX11 News, which stated:

At New York City Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We are actively investigating the incidents in question and will take appropriate actions based on the findings. We take these matters incredibly seriously and will always ensure that our schools remain safe, supportive environments for all students. DOE spokesperson

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Active weather has continued into today with widespread rainfall in northeastern KELOLAND. Rainfall totals are expected to climb there as a low pressure system slowly lifts to the north.

The low will drag a cold front through southern KELOLAND. With more sunshine in that area, there will be enough instability to spark more showers and thunderstorms. During the evening hours, we will watch the chance for severe weather. Areas like Huron and Winner are included in the slight risk, while other portions of KELOLAND are included in the marginal. Storms that do become strong to severe could contain large hail and damaging wind gusts.

Those showers and thunderstorms will diminish going into the overnight hours before more develop in far western South Dakota. We will see more scattered activity with a low threat for severe weather. Otherwise, winds will stay on the lighter side with lows in the 50s and 60s.

Near to above average temperatures will return for most of us tomorrow with highs in the the 70s ad 80s. A few 60s are likely to the northeast from the recent rainfall and northerly winds. It will be a quiet day overall before more thunderstorm chances return to southwestern South Dakota.

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Areas like the Black Hills are included in a slight risk for severe weather for tomorrow evening. Hail and strong wind gusts will be the main concerns again. West River wont go too long without a break from the severe weather chances as another marginal risk has been placed for Saturday.

More unsettled weather and warmth is in store as we go into the start of next week. We will continue to monitor additional chances for severe weather.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Key Points

J.M. Smucker reported an earnings beat but a sales miss this morning.

Management also forecast weaker-than-expected fiscal 2026 earnings, but improved free cash flow.

Smucker stock sells in the mid-teens for valuation, and pays a 3.9% dividend yield.

10 stocks we like better than J.M. Smucker 

Jam magnate J.M. Smucker (NYSE: SJM) got squashed on Tuesday, its share price tumbling 12.7% through noon ET, after reporting mixed earnings this morning.

Heading into the company's fiscal Q4 2025 report, analysts expected the foods company to earn $2.25 per share, adjusted for one-time items, on sales of $2.2 billion. Smucker beat the earnings target handily, reporting $2.31, but missed on sales, which were only $2.1 billion.

Image source: Getty Images.

J.M. Smucker's Q4 earnings

Not all the news was bad. Q4 sales declined 3% year over year, but only 1% "adjusted" to reflect divestitures of the company's Sahale Snacks, Canadian condiments, and Voortman businesses, as well as foreign currency rate fluctuations. But the bad news was... pretty bad.

Adjusted earnings for the quarter declined 13% year over year, and Smucker reported a $6.85-per-share net loss, as calculated according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). So Smucker didn't just earn less money; it actually lost money.

Indeed, for full-year fiscal 2025, Smucker reported a net loss of $11.57 per share on sales that declined 13%.

Is Smucker stock a sell?

And yet, all bad things must come to an end, and things may be looking up for Smucker as we move into the company's fiscal 2026. Management forecasts a return to sales growth of 2% to 4% this year, with adjusted earnings between $8.50 and $9.50, and positive free cash flow (FCF) of $875 million.

If Smucker hits that mark, it would mean year-over-year FCF growth roughly twice as good as sales growth -- about 7% -- and give the stock an unchallenging price-to-free cash flow ratio of only 13.6. Factor in a 3.9% dividend yield and a high-single-digit growth rate, and J.M. Smucker might be getting close to cheap enough to buy.

Should you invest $1,000 in J.M. Smucker right now?

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The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and J.M. Smucker wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.

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See the 10 stocks 
A black schoolgirl who was strip-searched by Metropolitan Police officers was told she "might be arrested" if she refused to comply, a misconduct panel has heard.

The girl, known as Child Q, was strip-searched at her school by officers in Hackney, east London, on 3 December 2020 after her teachers wrongly suspected her of carrying cannabis.

This involved the removal of the 15-year-old's clothing including underwear, her bending over and having to expose intimate parts of her body while she was menstruating, the panel has heard.

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Trainee Det Con Kristina Linge, PC Victoria Wray and PC Rafal Szmydynski, who were all constables at the time, deny gross misconduct over their treatment of the girl.

'Frightened?'

On Thursday, Det Con Linge, who conducted the strip-search alongside PC Wray, told the misconduct panel in south-east London she informed Child Q she "might be arrested" when the girl asked what could happen if she refused to be searched - but claimed there had been "no threat of arrest".

Elliot Gold, for the Independent Office for Police Conduct, asked: "Will you accept you were giving Child Q the option of being strip-searched or arrested?"

"There were no options given like that," the officer replied.

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"Do you accept that saying that to a 15-year-old might make them feel frightened?" Mr Gold said.

"Yes," Det Con Linge responded.

The panel heard that when asked previously what the officer had proposed to do if she found cannabis on Child Q, Det Con Linge had answered: "As per legislation, a juvenile found in possession must be arrested and brought to custody."

Det Con Linge previously said Child Q had consented to the search, but admitted under cross-examination by Mr Gold that this was not accurate.

More on this story

Det Con Linge joined the Met Police in 2018 and was still in her probationary period when the search took place.

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The officer confirmed she had completed equality training, including on unconscious bias and discriminatory stereotypes, and said she was aware of stereotypes relating to black people.

She told the hearing she did not "see the relevance" of the fact Child Q was being questioned by two white police officers.

Mr Gold asked whether she would accept that "a stereotype of black people is they may more likely be stopped and searched" and if she would accept that they are more likely to be "in receipt of use of force by police".

Det Con Linge replied "no" to both questions.

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The 46-year-old agreed there was no adult present in the room where the search happened who could have offered the child advice, assisted her in communication with police or ensured her rights were respected.

Det Con Linge also denied she "did not recognise Child Q as a child" and was, in effect, "treating her as older than she was".

The hearing continues.

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
STROUD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Authorities say a Stroudsburg man was arrested after allegedly beating a 60-year-old man with a belt before stabbing him on Tuesday.

The Stroud Township Police Department says 26-year-old Stroudsburg resident, Jerry Morris, is facing multiple charges, including Felony Count of Attempted Criminal Homicide and Aggravated Assault, among other related charges.

According to the criminal complaint, police were called on Tuesday just before 12:00 p.m. to Momentos Restaurant after Morris beat a 60-year-old man with a belt before stabbing him in the parking lot.

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Police say when they arrived, the victim was lying motionless before being transported to a local hospital.

Man shot in forehead during road rage incident, DA says

Morris was taken into custody after being identified by a witness as the attacker, authorities explained.

The victim told officials he was going to feed wildlife near an abandoned building in the area when he thought he saw a friend sleeping near the back part of the building, not knowing it was Morris.

Morris then allegedly attacked the victim with a belt and a tree branch due to the victim walking up to him, according to court documents.

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The complaint states that Morris then took the victims cane, struck him in the face with that before trying to gouge his eyes out, and suffered a puncture wound in his left hand.

Officials say Morris was also taken to a local hospital for minor injuries, but was then transported to the Monroe County Correctional Facility.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News.
The rising popularity of larger cars such as SUVs in Europe is driving up the height of car bonnets, raising concerns about road safety - especially for children - according to a report by the European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E).

Higher front ends reduce drivers' ability to see small children directly in front of the vehicle, the Brussels-based NGO warned.

In accidents, SUVs and pick-up trucks tend to hit adult pedestrians above the centre of gravity, often impacting vital organs and increasing the likelihood that victims are thrown forward and run over.

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In contrast, smaller cars strike lower on the body, making it more likely that pedestrians fall onto the bonnet and roll off to the side, improving chances of survival.

The average bonnet height in the European Union and United Kingdom has increased by 0.5 centimetres annually since 2010, reaching 83.4 centimetres in 2024, T&E said. Nearly half of all newly registered vehicles now have bonnet heights exceeding 85 centimetres.

A cited study based on Belgian data found that raising bonnet height from 80 to 90 centimetres increases the risk of death for pedestrians and cyclists in case of an accident by more than 25%.

The growing heights of bonnets is mainly due to the increasing popularity of SUVs and off-road vehicles. These two segments accounted for more than 40% of all new registrations in Germany last year, according to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).

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As of January 1 this year, approximately 6.6 million SUVs were registered in Germany, a nearly 10% annual increase. SUVs now make up more than 13% of all cars registered in Germany.

German experts say larger vehicles offer better protection for occupants, but increase injury risks for others due to their mass and shape.

However, the German Insurers Accident Research group (UDV) urged caution in interpreting the findings. While bonnet height can be a risk factor, injury severity also depends on speed, vehicle design, and use of driver-assistance systems, it said.
CAIRO (AP)  Sudanese paramilitaries at war with the countrys military for over two years claimed to have seized a strategic area along the border with neighboring Libya and Egypt.

The Rapid Support Forces said in a statement Wednesday that they captured the triangular zone, fortifying their presence along Sudan s already volatile border with chaos-stricken Libya.

The RSFs announcement came hours after the military said it had evacuated the area as part of its defensive arrangements to repel aggression by the paramilitaries.

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On Tuesday the military accused the forces of powerful Libyan commander Khalifa Hifter of supporting the RSFs attack on the area, in a blatant aggression against Sudan, its land, and its people.

Hifters forces, which control eastern and southern Libya, rejected the claim, saying in a statement that the Sudanese accusations were a blatant attempt to export the Sudanese internal crisis and create a virtual external enemy.

The attack on the border area was the latest twist in Sudans civil war which erupted in April 2023 when tensions between the Sudanese army and RSF exploded with street battles in the capital, Khartoum that quickly spread across the country.

The war has killed at least 24,000 people, though the number is likely far higher. It has driven about 13 million people from their homes, including 4 million who crossed into neighboring countries. It created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, and parts of the country have been pushed into famine.

The fighting has been marked by atrocities including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, especially in Darfur, according to the U.N. and international rights groups.
Sudanese nationals are now the most common illegal migrants detected in Britain within three days of evading border controls.

Thousands of Sudanese have arrived via small boats over the last year, and are at times discovered at ports when boats are intercepted or lorries are found with migrants aboard.

The latest Government data, however, shows them to be the top group not detected immediately on crossings, but within 72 hours of irregular entry.

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In the year to March, 21 per cent of those found within three days of crossing the border illegally were Sudanese.

They were also among the top three nationalities arriving via small boats to the UK in the first quarter of the year.

The data reflects the ongoing civil war in Sudan, which has created 14.3 million refugees, according to a new report by the UN refugee agency.

2103 Forces in Sudan

Smugglers have lowered their prices for Channel crossings by boat for Sudanese nationals, as many cannot afford to pay the thousands of euros typically charged for such journeys.

Bringing down prices is a response to the success that some Sudanese have had in sneaking onto boats intended for other migrants who have paid smugglers, or by jumping onto lorries and squeezing into the narrow space between the driver cabin and cargo bed.

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Whereas many small boat arrivals are intercepted, lorry crossings while hiding with the cargo are often not detected immediately.

Munzir, a Sudanese refugee in Calais, told The Telegraph: When we find some people who bring the boat, we jump in. Its not easy for us to cross; sometimes the police will come and destroy your boat.

As the Sudan conflict enters a third year and a humanitarian crisis continues to unfold, refugees are likely to keep seeking ways to flee the country.

The humanitarian conditions in Sudan continue to deteriorate, with the declared famine leading to acute malnutrition, starvation, and severe, widespread food insecurity, according to the Soufan Center, a Washington DC-based think tank that focuses on security issues.

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Last year, they were the sixth-largest nationality arriving on boats, at a total of 2,695 people, representing a 63 per cent increase from the year prior.

Sometimes you can negotiate with the smugglers, said Munzir. We say, we dont have money, and sometimes they agree, because you see, if they dont agree and we start to fight each other, then the police will come.

In Calais, hundreds of Sudanese refugees take shelter in what many refer to as the hangar, a large abandoned storage facility. Charity groups deliver humanitarian aid around here each week, supplying people  many of whom are minors  with hot meals and medical care.

The humanitarian conditions in Sudan continue to deteriorate, says the Soufan Center think tank - AFP

In 2024, people from Sudan and Ukraine were the top two nationalities seeking asylum, with each group accounting for more than 870,000 applications.

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Flooding and heavy rains last summer further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, displacing 200,000 people.

Chinese GB50A guided bombs and 155mm AH-4 howitzers, manufactured by Norinco, a Chinese state-owned corporation, have been used in Sudan, and were likely exported there by the UAE in violation of an arms embargo, finds Amnesty International.

Three in five people in Sudan are in need of aid, amounting to more than 30 million people  the first time that a single country has hit such a high figure, according to an April report by a consortium of aid groups.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Sullivan County officials, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and community members met on Wednesday to discuss the countys updated five-year mitigation plan.

Every county in Tennessee has a hazard mitigation plan to prepare for natural disasters. This is the first revision to the plan since Hurricane Helene.

Michael Lamphere, TEMAs East Regional Planner, said it is essential to anticipate all the possibilities of the future.

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Hazard mitigation is basically how I looked at what to look at, he said. It is think of the worst case scenario, the worst disaster that you could think of is going to happen to your community or your jurisdiction. How would you prevent that from actually causing damage and saving lives and property? What would you do to mitigate that today?

Lamphere said a hazard mitigation plan helps create less financial strain on the community.

Basically, for every dollar that is spent on mitigation, it saves between 6 and $8 on future damage, Lamphere said. So if something happened today, if you actually spent that money ahead of time to prepare for that, it would save a lot of money in the future if a disaster were to hit because you helped prepare it, mitigate that disaster before it actually happened.

Sullivan County Emergency Management Agency Director Jim Bean said that reviewing the plan at least every five years ensures that the most critical projects remain a priority in disaster recovery efforts.

Photo WJHL

The biggest reason to update, at least every five years, is, number one, not to go stale with your project, Bean said. When I first came into the job, a little over ten years ago, we were repeating projects that hadnt been completed in the past five years. So we wanted to make sure, you know, this wasnt something that fell to the wayside. And, so we would create a list of projects, and we worked toward them in those five years.

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The hazard mitigation plan only protects against natural disasters, not human-caused issues.

Floods, landslides, Bean said. Earthquakes, strong winds, tornadoes, all those, all the other natural disasters, and other than manmade, and nothing, specifically public health related like we went through two years ago.

Once the plan is submitted, FEMA has 60 days to review and accept it.

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For the past 50 years, Forsyth County, Georgia, has been one of the fastest-growing places in the United States. Today, the population of this Atlanta exurb, 45 miles northwest of the city, is 280,000more than 10 times as many people as lived there just 40 years ago. Its emblematic of the Sun Belt boom that has shifted the nations population geography south, into a string of fast-growing cities from Orlando to Phoenix.

Forsyth County may be emblematic of the Sun Belt in another way: It has soured on growth. In the last election, one commissioner ran as big corporate developers worst nightmare; another trumpeted zero apartments approved. This spring, county commissioners voted to establish a 180-day moratorium to freeze rezoning for residential development. Our roads are gridlocked, and our schools are full, said a third commissioner, Mendy Moore.

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Similar growing pains are playing out in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, as residents grow irate over the loss of farmland, overworked sewer systems, crowded schools, and traffic. They are responding with impact fees, traffic studies, minimum lot sizes, and moratoriums, among other urban-planning tactics to slow down subdivision builders. Anti-Growth Fervor Grips US South, Bloomberg wrote last year. The belt isnt buckling anymore.

In a new working paper, economists Edward Glaeser and Joe Gyourko put some data behind the anecdata. They show that the rate of new home construction is collapsing in big metro areas like Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Raleigh that have long been synonymous with sprawl and cheap housingespecially on the urban frontier. They are building housing at a pace much closer to those of Rust Belt cities like Detroit and coastal cities like Los Angeles these days. What we show is there is a sharp decline in the intensity of building in high-price, low-density housing tracts. Whats that? Thats the best suburbs, Gyourko, a professor at Penns Wharton School, told me.

As sprawl dries up, prices are soaring: The paper notes that home prices in Miami, Tampa, and Phoenix have grown faster than those in metro New York City since 2000. Increasingly, housing affordability is a national problem, inspiring policy action in once cheap cities like Dallas and states like Montana. But problem solvers in those places may be up against a vicious cycle, in which rising prices attract well-heeled buyers who support policies that stop developmentand cause prices to rise further.

Sun Belt residents are starting to behave and stop development the way Bostonians did in the 80s and 90s, Gyourko hypothesized. Its similar behavior but just starting much later. Theyre not [exactly like] coastal cities yet, but if this keeps going for another 20 years they will be, and housing will be very expensive.

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From the 1970s to the 2000s, Sun Belt cities built on a massive scalehundreds of thousands of new homes each decade. The sweet spot for those new homes, Glaeser and Gyourko show, was in high price, low density tractsplaces that were in high demand, relative to the metropolitan average, and very suburban in character. In the 1970s, for example, Atlanta built 88 percent of its new homes in such areasareas like Forsyth County. Miami built 65 percent of homes in those parts of the region in the 1980s. Dallas and Phoenix peaked in the 1990s.

Since then, the share of new homes getting built in those areas has fallen in all of those cities and othersevidence, the authors suggest, of a rising tide of not-in-my-backyard sentiment. And thats a smaller share of a much smaller pie: Overall, the housing stock in these cities is growing by less than 1 percent a year, a fraction of the pace of decades past.

Of course there are other possibilities. Nationally, construction has not recovered from the 2008 financial crisis. The accompanying mortgage finance crackdown boxed lower-income buyers out of the market. There may be geographical and temporal limits to desire in sprawl, points so far from the metropolitan center of gravity that nobody wants to live there. And then there is the shift toward demand for more housing in closer-in, denser neighborhoods, which command high per-square-foot prices and have long been starved for development.

But the data suggest that the sprawl decline began before the financial crisis. And while a comb of tall apartment buildings on Miamis Biscayne Bay waterfront in Brickell might reflect increased demand for urban living, there may be a push factor theredevelopment is going where development can go.

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In some quarters, this will be taken as good news. In addition to its environmental costs, sprawls reputation for affordability is undermined by the enormous transportation expenses that come along with living miles from schools, shops, and jobs. If you include the obligation that every adult in the household own, fuel, maintain, and insure a car, supposedly affordable cities like Houston can wind up being more expensive than cities like New York, by some measures.

Still, what construction has shifted to higher-density areas hasnt been enough to offset sprawls decline, and rising home prices reflect that. In April, Conor Dougherty wrote a story for the New York Times Magazine questioning the conventional wisdom of anti-sprawl, arguing that exurban development has been a vital escape valve for the nations failure to build enough infill housing. His focus was on Princeton, Texas, 43 miles from Dallas, where the population has more than doubled since the pandemic, to 37,000 last year.

In May, the Census Bureau dubbed Princeton the fastest-growing city in the country. But it is also a poster child for the limits of sprawl. Last year, Princeton passed a moratorium on new residential development. The city staff said: The citys water, wastewater and roadway infrastructure is operating at, near, or beyond capacity. Princeton, Texas, is full. Keep moving.
WASHINGTON (AP)  An Atlanta family whose home was wrongly raided by the FBI will get a new day in court, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Thursday.

The decision revives a lawsuit filed after a predawn 2017 raid in which armed members of an FBI SWAT team smashed in a front door and set off a flashbang grenade, pointing guns at a couple and terrifying a 7-year-old boy before realizing they were in the wrong house.

The FBI team quickly apologized and left for the right place, with the team leader later saying that his personal GPS device had led him to the wrong address. But Trina Martin and her then-boyfriend, Toi Cliatt, and her son were left with lasting trauma and a damaged home.

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Martin and Cliatt filed a lawsuit against the federal government accusing the agents of assault and battery, false arrest and other violations. While the government is typically immune from lawsuits, they are allowed in some cases. Congress changed the law specifically to allow suits over wrong-house raids after a pair of them made headlines in the 1970s, their lawyers said.

But lower courts tossed out the case.

Public interest groups from across the political spectrum urged the justices to overturn the ruling from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, saying it severely narrows the legal path for people to file law enforcement accountability cases against the federal government.

The high court ruled narrowly, reversing the appeals court on one of the issues in the case. The justices said it was wrong to toss out the case based on the Supremacy Clause, which says federal laws supersede state laws when the two conflict.

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The federal law at the center of this case actually refers back to state law, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote. While the government is typically immune from lawsuits, it allows those claims in some situations that would create liability under state law.

Congress has entered the field and expressly bound the federal government to accept liability under state tort law on the same terms as a 'private individual,' Gorsuch wrote.

That means there's no need to involve the Supremacy Clause, and the case should move forward, the justices said. The ruling sends the case back to the 11th Circuit, which will continue to weigh other questions raised by the case.

One of those questions is when the government can be held liable for mistakes made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. In a concurrence joined by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Justice Sonia Sotomayor suggested that raids on wrong houses likely aren't the kind of mistakes that are immune from liability.

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Lawyers at the nonprofit Institute for Justice said they're looking forward to continuing the fight."

In a brief telephone interview, Trina Martin said she was ecstatic.

Between laughing and crying, I cant stop, she said. If the Supreme Court can say theyre wrong, it gives me all the hope in the world.

___

Associated Press writer Sudhin Thanawala in Atlanta contributed to this story.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court.
In a unanimous opinion delivered by Chief Justice John Roberts, the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday sided with the family of Ava Tharpe, a teen with a rare form of epilepsy whose suburban Minneapolis district denied her request for a modified school day. The decision, A.J.T. vs. Osseo Area Schools, means K-12 students do not have to meet a higher standard of proof than others suing under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If the justices had agreed with the districts longstanding argument, children with disabilities would have had to prove their school system intentionally acted in bad faith in denying them in-school accommodations. In friend of the court briefs, numerous advocacy groups had warned that holding special education students to a different  and extraordinarily strict  definition of discrimination would have made it virtually impossible for families to assert their rights.

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The court agreed, saying everyone who files suit under the ADA should have to meet the same standard of deliberate indifference, or disregard for an individuals need for accommodations.

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That our decision is narrow does not diminish its import for A.J.T. and a great many children with disabilities and their parents,  Roberts wrote, citing language from a lower court decision. Together they face daunting challenges on a daily basis. We hold today that those challenges do not include having to satisfy a more stringent standard of proof than other plaintiffs to establish discrimination under Title II of the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

In a concurring opinion, Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson elaborated, citing examples of discrimination that, intent notwithstanding, must still be addressed.

Stairs may prevent a wheelchair-bound person from accessing a public space, Sotomayor wrote. The lack of auxiliary aids may prevent a deaf person from accessing medical treatment at a public hospital; and braille-free ballots may preclude a blind person from voting, all without animus on the part of the city planner, the hospital staff or the ballot designer.

Related

SCOTUS to Rule in Case That Could Upend Enforcement of Disabled Students Rights

Todays decision is a great win for Ava, and for children with disabilities facing discrimination in schools across the country, said Roman Martinez, a lead attorney on the case. This outcome gets the law exactly right, and it will help protect the reasonable accommodations needed to ensure equal opportunity for all.

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In a statement to The 74, a district spokesperson said the high court declined to decide what the particular intent standard is for such claims, noting that the case will now return to the trial court for next steps consistent with the courts ruling.

In 2015, when Ava was in fourth grade, her family moved from Kentucky to Minnesota. Because her severe form of epilepsy causes frequent seizures during the morning, she had been allowed to attend school in the afternoon and early evening. Initially, the Osseo district agreed to a modified schedule, but reneged after the family moved, saying it was unwilling to provide services outside the normal school day.

The state administrative law judge who heard the familys initial complaint called the districts arguments pretextual, saying it was more concerned with the need to safeguard the ordinary end-of-the-workday departure times for its faculty and staff than with outside evaluators assessments of Avas needs.

As the case made its way to the Supreme Court, the district had consistently argued Ava had to prove the school system acted out of ill intent  a standard that would have applied only to K-12 students. But in the brief it submitted before oral arguments, Osseo widened its argument, saying that a showing of bad faith is required in all ADA cases, not just those involving schools.

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The April 28 hearing erupted in rare verbal fireworks when Justice Neil Gorsuch took exception to a statement by the districts attorney that lawyers for the U.S. Department of Justice, who sided with the family, were lying when they said the district had changed its argument. Justice Amy Coney Barrett characterized the districts shift as a pretty big sea change, while Jackson questioned whether the district was saying the ADA does not necessarily require accommodations for people with disabilities.

In their concurring opinion, Sotomayor and Jackson noted that when they wrote the act, lawmakers addressed the question at the heart of the case head-on: Congress was not naive to the insidious nature of disability discrimination when it enacted the ADA and Rehabilitation Act. It understood full well that discrimination against those with disabilities derives principally from apathetic attitudes rather than affirmative animus. 

The decision comes at a time when disability protections have come under fire from the second Trump administration and a number of Republican governors. In October, motivated by new rules that said gender dysphoria could be considered a disability, 17 states sued the federal government. Gender dysphoria is the clinical term for distress caused when a persons gender does not match their sex assigned at birth.

That suit, Texas vs. Kennedy, originally sought to have Section 504, the portion of the ADA that outlaws in-school discrimination, declared unconstitutional. The states have since dropped that demand from the suit but are still asking courts to overturn rules prohibiting discrimination in a wide array of public settings.

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Whether the states will continue to press the new, broader case in the face of Thursdays decision remains to be seen.

For their part, disability advocates were quick to celebrate. The districts position was flatly inconsistent with the law and would have stripped millions of people with disabilities of the protections Congress put in place to prevent systemic discrimination, said Shira Wakschlag, senior executive officer of legal advocacy and general counsel for The Arc of the United States, which submitted a brief on the issues. The very foundation of disability civil rights was on the line.
(Refiles June 12 story to clarify Ramesh as surname of the survivor, and Viswashkumar as his given name, and not the other way around, based on interviews with his family)

By Shivam Patel

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Viswashkumar Ramesh, the only known survivor out of the 242 people onboard an Air India plane that crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday, had been sitting near an emergency exit of the London-bound flight and managed to jump out, police said.

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Speaking from his hospital bed, the 40-year-old told Indian media that he was a British national and was travelling to Britain with his brother after visiting family in India.

"When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital," Ramesh told the Hindustan Times.

It was not clear whether Ramesh managed to jump out before the plane made impact.

Social media footage shown on Indian news channels showed a man in a bloodstained white t-shirt and dark pants limping on a street and being helped by a medic. The man had bruises on his face and a goatee beard, resembling photographs of Ramesh in hospital after the crash that were published by local media.

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Reuters could not immediately verify the video, in which people gathered around the man and asked him where were the other passengers, to which he replied "they're all inside".

A photo of Ramesh's boarding pass shown online by the Hindustan Times showed that he was seated in seat 11A of the plane bound for Gatwick Airport.

He told the paper his brother Ajay had been seated in a different row on the plane and asked for help to find him.

"He was near the emergency exit and managed to escape by jumping out the emergency door," said Vidhi Chaudhary, a senior police officer in Ahmedabad, speaking about Ramesh.

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A member of Ramesh's family based in Britain, who requested anonymity, told Reuters over the phone that he had survived and that the family was in touch with him, but declined to share further details.

Ajay Valgi, a cousin of Ramesh who lives in Leicester, central England, told the BBC that Ramesh spoke by phone to confirm he was all right. "He only said that he was fine, nothing else," Valgi said.

Valgi said the family had not heard anything about his brother. "We're not doing well. We're all upset," he said.

Ramesh is married with one child, a boy, he added.

The aircraft came down in a residential area, crashing into a medical college hostel outside the airport during lunch time, in the world's worst aviation disaster in a decade.

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More than 240 people were killed in the crash. The dead included some on the ground. Police said a previously shared death toll of 294 was wrong due to some double-counted body parts.

Police said Ramesh was the sole passenger known so far to have survived but added that rescue operations were still ongoing.

"Chances are that there might be more survivors among the injured who are being treated in the hospital," Chaudhary said.

(Reporting by Shivam Patel in New Delhi; Additional reporting by Sachin Ravikumar in London and Sumit Khanna in Ahmedabad; Editing by Alison Williams and Sandra Maler)
The Brief

The Scottsdale Unified School District is defending itself against claims that it's providing a "one-sided" curriculum.

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne held a news conference on June 11, saying he would report the district to the federal government for adopting a "DEI-oriented textbook."

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Arizonas top school official is threatening to report Scottsdale to the federal government, claiming the district has adopted a "DEI-oriented textbook" and curriculum.

What they're saying

All the speakers at a June 11 press conference, and state superintendent Tom Horne, admitted that they did not read the textbooks they were critiquing in their entirety, just excerpts.

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Still, they call the text "indoctrination"  something the district vehemently denies.

"I will report to the federal government that the Scottsdale school district has violated the statement that they signed that they would not teach DEI," Horne said.

He's talking about a social studies curriculum.

"A very one-sided, propagandist statement without giving again, different points of view," Horne claimed.

Speakers pointed to several issues they felt textbook publisher Savvas presented unfairly or in a biased manner, including the pandemic, climate change and policing.

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"At a time when law enforcement agencies are expanding their focus and training on things like community outreach and de-escalation of conflicts, it is counterproductive for schools to push a politically misguided agenda that would make students suspicious and fearful," said Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan.

SUSD parent, Karen Martinson, who says she has a child who is a junior in high school, also shared concerns about how religion is discussed in a separate textbook with a separate publisher.

"When I read this, I was actually in shock. But the historical accuracy of the stories in the bible is questionable. This is under the heading of the origins of Judaism," she said about a section in the textbook.

The other side

Several parents were in support of the curriculum at a May 13 meeting.

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"Is it messy? Yes. Is it uncomfortable? Yes. You may not like the fact that George Floyd is brought up, but Derek Chauvin is spending time for murder. If you have a problem with that, and think its anti-police, I dont know what to tell you," a parent said.

Another parent said, "Our students deserve a quality curriculum that includes the rich, essential facts and the reality of our true history and avoids future embarrassment of our children when they find out that they are uneducated."

SUSD, Savvas respond

SUSD released a statement, defending itself against the claims.

"We reject the baseless accusations made during todays press conference by State Superintendent Tom Horne. His claims of indoctrination and a so-called leftist curriculum being imposed on students are simply untrue and unsupported by fact. Curriculum decisions in SUSD are made through a transparent, collaborative, and non-partisan process, guided by a curriculum adoption committee and aligned with Arizona state standards, standards for which Mr. Horne and the State Board are ultimately responsible. Our duly elected, non-partisan Governing Board, approved the social studies curriculum following months of review and community input. To single out SUSD while other districts, including Peoria Unified and charter schools like Legacy and American Leadership Academy adopted the same curriculum materials is disingenuous and politically motivated. SUSD remains committed to providing world-class, future-focused education. Our mission is to cultivate critical thinking, not to promote any ideology. This type of inflammatory rhetoric distracts from the real issues facing Arizona schools, most notably, the need to raise student achievement in math, science, reading, and writing. That is where our focus lies heading into the 2025-26 school year."

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SUSD also says other districts like Peoria and charter schools, like Legacy and ALA, also use the same curriculum.

Savvas released a statement, saying, in full, "We uphold the strictest editorial standards and take pride in developing the highest-quality K-12 instructional materials so that all students have access to rigorous, research-based, standards-aligned curriculum. The development process for all of our instructional materials, including our social studies programs, is rigorously designed to include the input of authors who are experts in their discipline, external content-area experts, academics, teacher reviewers, and third-party fact-checkers to ensure accuracy. Great care is taken to ensure that all of our social studies programs present balanced, unbiased, accurate, and fact-based content. We are proud of our social studies curriculum and fully stand by our high-quality instructional materials that challenge, engage, and inspire students to learn."
The Brief

A police chase broke out involving a person accused of attacking at cop at an anti-ICE protest.

It is unknown if the suspect was an agitator or a protester.

LOS ANGELES - The search is on for the suspect accused of attacking a cop at an anti-ICE protest in Los Angeles.

The suspect, inside a dark gray sedan, drove across parts of Westlake, South Los Angeles and Inglewood on a half-hour-long chase.

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The suspect eventually ditched the car a little after 11:20 p.m. and took off on foot.

Officials did not specify which protest site the suspect was linked to. It is also unknown if the suspect was an agitator or protester before allegedly attacking a law enforcement staff.

A description has not been released of the suspect.

The Source

This report used information provided by the Los Angeles Police Department.
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD)  A man is in custody Thursday for allegedly setting fire to a Bloomington apartment complex while people were there.

Tavarus C. Murray, 45, was booked into the McLean County Jail on charges of aggravated arson, residential arson and criminal damage to property, said Bryce Janssen, a Bloomington police spokesman.

The fire occurred at about 11:20 p.m. Wednesday. Officers with the Bloomington Police Department, were called to the 1000 block of Four Seasons Road after receiving a report of a building on fire.

The Bloomington Fire Department were already at the fire and had asked police assistance with a potential arson investigation.

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The Bloomington Emergency Communications Center received the initial report just after 11 p.m., when a commercial fire alarm was triggered due to smoke in the building. Firefighters responded and extinguished the fire within 10 minutes of receiving the call.

According to police, evidence gathered indicated the fire was intentionally set. Arson investigators from both the Bloomington Fire and Police departments worked the case together.

Police said there were no injuries caused by the fire. However, property damage to the building is estimated to exceed $1,000.

Murray remains in custody at the McLean County Detention Facility.

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Our community and department are grateful there was no loss of life or injuries as a result of this felonious conduct. I am thankful for the Bloomington Fire and Police Departments professionalism and collaboration during this arson investigation, said Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington.

The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information are told to contact Detective Kevin Raisbeck at (309) 434-2593 or Kraisbeck@cityblm.org.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Jun. 11The suspect in a shooting that killed a 32-year-old Fairborn man Monday night was taken into custody in Kentucky Wednesday.

Fairborn police identified a 38-year-old man as the suspect and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Investigators learned the man fled to Oak Grove, Kentucky, said Fairborn police Sgt. Nathan Penrod.

Around noon Wednesday Oak Grove police located the suspect and took him into custody.

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The suspect will be extradited back to Greene County.

He was not formally charged as of Wednesday afternoon.

On Monday night, Fairborn police responded to a shooting reported near June Drive and Williams Street.

Officers found a man, 32-year-old Cievion Smith, with multiple gunshot wounds.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Smith lived in an apartment in the area, according to police.

Fairborn police dispatchers received multiple calls around 10:38 p.m. Monday reporting gunfire.

"Someone's been shot and is laying by the car," a 911 caller said. "There's blood. He's not moving."

The caller said he had been shot in the chest multiple times and was breathing faintly.

They also found multiple shell casings nearby.
Police are searching for a man they said pulled out a gun at an Atlanta hotel last month.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On May 31, Atlanta officers were called to the Hampton Inn hotel on Ted Turner Drive, regarding a man yelling and pulling out a gun on a worker.

APD released surveillance video of the incident. According to police, the suspect pulls the gun out on the female employee.

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The suspect left the building shortly after, traveling northbound on Ted Turner Drive.

TRENDING STORIES:

Crime Stoppers Atlanta is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for anyone with information on the suspects identity or whereabouts.

Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-8477, online or texting CSGA and the tip to CRIMES (738477).

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department announced that a suspect wanted in connection with a deadly February 2023 shooting was arrested in Atlanta Tuesday night.

FEBRUARY 2023: Homicide investigation underway after shooting on Dickerson Pike

In a Wednesday press release, police said that coordination between the Atlanta Police Department and detectives with the MNPDs TITANS unit helped lead to the arrest of 36-year-old LaGarrion Blacksmith. He had been charged with criminal homicide, attempted criminal homicide and being a felon in possession of a weapon in October 2023.

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Blacksmiths charges stem from alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Chancellor Eddins outside a Dickerson Pike bar. The MNPD said that Eddins was found outside the bar with fatal gunshot wounds after shots were fired when he left the lounge.

A friend of Eddins was also struck by gunfire. An investigation revealed that Eddins and the friend got into a verbal altercation with Blacksmith before the shooting, police said.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

He has been on the MNPDs list of Most Wanted fugitives multiple times since November 2023.

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The MNPD said that Blacksmith would be returned to Nashville 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 WKRN News 2.
Thousands of National Guard troops are now deployed on the streets of Americas second-largest city, armed with rubber bullets, tear gas, and automatic weapons. Theyre officially tasked with protecting federal agents, who are, without warrants, kidnapping people of all ages from court hearings, churches, schools, convenience stores, hospitals, and street corners, on orders to arrest 3,000 per day nationwide. Without due process, those snatched up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be disappeared into its secretive network of detention centers and flown to a hellish Salvadoran prison or to countries theyve never visited. Seven hundred U.S. Marines are standing by to join them this week on the streets of Los Angeles.

It seems silly, in this context, when the stakes are so high, to talk about Waymo, a robotaxi company most of the country doesnt know exists because its driverless, for-hire electric vehicles operate only in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin, and Phoenix. It is silly. But Waymo has popped up repeatedly in press coverage of the governments ongoing mass abduction operation, which has left children orphaned, and the sizable protests that began in L.A. and have started spreading around the country. Thats because protesters destroyed some of the cars. Its not clear exactly how many have been torched and graffitied. Time counted six as of Tuesday. Waymo has suspended service around the area where protests are happening and has not commented on how much of its fleet of 300 electric vehicles in Los Angeles was damaged.

Theres no telling precisely why protesters have targeted Waymos in recent days; people tend not to publicly volunteer explanations for their illegal activities. But there are any number of possible practical and political reasons why they might. Some taking to the streets have reportedly dubbed Waymos spy cars, thanks to surveillance footage collected by 360-degree cameras that, as 404 News reported, has previously been obtained and published by the Los Angeles Police Department. GoogleWaymos parent companyhands over that data upon request, typically via court order, warrant, or subpoena. Like other Silicon Valley firms, Google and its parent company, Alphabet, have either directly or through third parties entered lucrative contracts with the federal government, including ICE. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai attended Trumps inauguration, to which Google donated $1 million. That company also recently removed a pledge in its AI principles to not develop or deploy products that cause or are likely to cause overall harm. Alphabets cloud computing unit in April expanded its partnership with fellow defense contractor Palantir to allow for the reliable and responsible deployment of AI solutions from Anthropic for sensitive government use cases. Andreessen Horowitzthe venture capital fund run by Trump ally Marc Andreessen, known as a16zwas also an early investor in Waymo.

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Again, nobody really knows why Waymos were vandalized. Maybe they offered a convenient, on-demand way to block traffic that would inconvenience Google executives rather than regular people who need their cars to get to work and the grocery store. While less common in the United States, burning cars are a ubiquitous part of large-scale protests just about everywhere else on the planet. Waymos were vandalized well before recent protests in Los Angeles for a number of reasons laid out by Brian Merchant, the author of Blood in the Machine. Among them seems to be their tendency to honk at each other outside of apartment buildings at 4 a.m.

But you dont need to look into the mind of a protester to see the symbolic power of a robotaxi. Its easy to comprehend what they stand for: an effort by the richest people on earth to eliminate employees and any other human friction that might get in the way of profit or interrupt their efforts to cozy up to the Trump administration and aid in its quest to terrorize millions of people. Robotaxis can also just be really fucking annoying. These arent unrelated phenomena.

As tech companies try to build the case for artificial intelligenceand its outsize demand for water and electricitytheyve resorted to increasingly grandiose claims. On one hand are the apocalyptic dangers of misaligned AI and its potential to enslave and torture humanity forever; on the other is the promise of a utopian fantasy wherein large language models turned thinking machines eliminate climate change, cancer, poverty, and human toil. The claims seem hard to square with what the products are currently doing for us, namely helping college students cheat, offering to summarize two-line emails, making photos of your pets look like Studio Ghibli films, and hailing a cheaper ride to the bar.

For the last several months, companies in the AI business have pitched their products to policymakers as an urgent necessity for national security, whether as a means of making the government more efficient or of beating China in the race toward a slippery concept known as artificial general intelligence. If OpenAI, Meta, and Alphabet cant slurp up unlimited amounts of power and resources, override state and local regulations, and steamroll antitrust rulesan especially sore spot for Googlethen whos to say what fresh hell awaits in our inevitable AI future?

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None of this, though, is inevitable. The scary/exciting stories companies like Google and Open AI proffer about our horrifying/glorious future mainly serve to obscure the more ho-hum realities of what theyre actually doing: clogging up our digital lives with fake and useless junk while helping the Trump administration tear apart families and communities. Waymos might help them do that, but the cars are neither all-powerful sentinels nor a transportation revolution; they certainly dont matter any more than the people whose lives are being upended by ICE. Waymos are vehicles with cameras peddled by a stubbornly unprofitable company that could fizzle out if it doesnt figure out how to make money. As Kyla Scanlon wrote on Wednesday of burning Waymos and the disconnect between our bleak, infinite-scrolling present and imagined corporate futures, the abundance of intelligence that AI companies create is currently hiding the truth: The same systems that will solve humanitys problems are being used to obscure the very real human cost of current policies.

Those companies successthe reason were supposed to give in to all their demandsrests on their promise that the products that are making a lot of peoples lives either more annoying or objectively worse will, at some point, render our shared future almost unimaginably bright, according to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Or else!

Our futures dont depend on AI developers continued existence. Real-world evidence seems to indicate that a world of their making is one thats worse to live in. And their bubble could burst soon enough. Like their allies in Silicon Valley, Republicans promise an apocalypse that only Donald Trump can protect us against. Trumps ghoulish deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, points to burned-out Waymos as all the proof you need that mass migration unravels societies. The people actively unraveling society for Angelenos, though, are the masked ICE agents who are abducting children from school, not a few protesters torching robotaxis. The hellish future Stephen Miller warns aboutof an alleged invasion of the United Statesis already here. His goons are the invaders.
Diamonds are losing their sparkle, at least for the stones dug out of the ground. The rapid development of lab-grown synthetic diamonds increasingly looks like it will deliver a death blow to diamond mining, with major repercussions for countries that built their economies on the sector.

The basic problem is that lab-grown diamonds are now virtually indistinguishable from natural stones. They have the same chemical properties and appearance as natural diamonds, and to tell the difference requires specialist equipment and expertise. Whats more, labs can now make a diamond in a few weeks, whereas the timescale to create natural diamonds is more like billions of years.

Labs also have the advantage of being much cheaper. In 2020, lab-grown diamonds were about 25 percent more expensive than natural diamonds. Now they are about 80 percent cheaper. This trend is dragging down the price of natural diamonds, which are now almost 40 percent lower than their all-time high in 2022.

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As mining diamonds is usually complicated and expensive, the diminished payoff is making the economic calculus unsustainable. For the countries that depend on diamonds for their economic wellbeing, that has now become a major problem.

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Diamond Economies

There has been much speculation over the years about when the growth of synthetic diamonds would begin hurting diamond mines. It looks like the real impact has now begun.

Botswana is currently the worlds biggest diamond producer by value and relies on diamonds for almost 80 percent of its export revenues. Yet in May, the government announced that 1,000 workers would be laid off at the countrys largest diamond mine, which is jointly managed by a state-owned company. This was followed by an announcement that production would be halted at some mines for three months.

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The layoffs represent a substantial proportion of the total mining workforce in the country. Despite their longstanding economic importance, diamonds are not a big driver of employment, with less than 10,000 people working in Botswanas mining sector.

It is a risky move from a government that was propelled to power in 2024 by voters angry over rising unemployment, bringing an end to six decades of rule by the Botswana Democratic Party. It is perhaps unavoidable, though, as in June the government cut its forecast for annual economic growth from 3.3 percent to almost zero.

Other countries in the region will be hit hard too. Diamonds are by far Lesothos largest export, and they are Namibias and Angolas second-biggest. This represents a dramatic and unfortunate economic reversal for these countries, which as recently as 2022 enjoyed a boost after diamonds from Russia, then the worlds largest producer by volume, were hit by sanctions and shunned by Western buyers.

Scarcity

In one sense, this is a kind of final reckoning that the diamond industry has been postponing for the past 150 years. Diamonds are valuable not only because of their translucent beauty and durability. They are also valuable because they are scarce. But their scarcity is not entirely a natural phenomenon.

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In the 1870s, the first in what turned out to be a series of big diamond discoveries in Southern Africa threatened to flood the market with precious stones and drive down prices. The feared price collapse did not happen, though, because of the sharp insight of a company that became synonymous with diamonds: De Beers.

Founded in 1888, De Beers realized that it could make more money by selling fewer diamonds, so long as it could control the global supply. By limiting production, it could keep prices high, something it was highly successful at doing.

Countries like Botswana must now build post-diamond economies, at a time when global trade disruption has made investors skittish and development aid has dried up.

This created a peculiar economic structure in the diamond industry. Usually, high prices for a commodity encourages greater production. The opposite occurred with diamond mining, where production remained limited despite high prices. The scarcity of diamonds was artificially induced.

This strategy had been more or less perfected by the time huge diamond deposits were discovered in Botswana in the 1960s. It was not only De Beers that benefited from these discoveries, however. Careful management of this bounty of precious stones transformed Botswana from one of the worlds poorest countries into a relatively wealthy one.

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A landlocked, mostly desert nation so neglected by Britain, its colonial ruler, that even the territorys capital was located outside its borders, Botswana defied the odds and became something of an economic miracle. All of this was built on diamonds.

De Beers

De Beers, however, is not what it once was. Although the company lost its monopoly on diamonds in the early 2000s, its fortunes were buoyed by rising demand from China. By the 2010s, in fact, it was selling more diamonds than ever. However, diamond sales in China have declined steeply in the past two years.

The slump has battered De Beers, and its parent company, Anglo American, is now offloading it after a century of ownership. Ahead of the sale, Anglo American has twice written down the De Beers value, by $1.6 billion in 2024 and $2.9 billion this year. The worlds biggest diamond company is worth less than half of what it was two years ago.

This is a major problem for Botswana. After years of tough negotiations, the government signed a new deal with De Beers covering the diamonds mined by their longstanding joint venture Debswana.

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Even a few years ago, the deal would have been viewed as something of a coup. For decades, Botswana has sought to sell diamonds independently of De Beers to gain a greater share of the revenue. As recently as 2010, Botswana could only sell 10 percent of the stones they mined. Under this new deal, Botswanas share of diamonds will rise to 50 percent by the late 2030s. The deal also allows Botswana to sell diamonds to selected buyers on long-term contracts for the first time, something that was previously the preserve of De Beers.

There is a painful irony that this long sought-after goal has been achieved precisely at the moment when diamonds are collapsing in value. Sales are due to begin in September. The question is: Who will want to buy the diamonds by then?

After Diamonds

More than anything, lab-grown diamonds cut away at diamonds image of exclusivity. A natural stone was once the ultimate ostentatious status symbol. It is not quite the same now that a synthetic replica is available for a fraction of the price, and no one can tell the difference between the two. Optimists for the industry point to the romance and glamor of large natural stones, like the enormous 2,492-carat diamond discovered at Karowe Mine in Botswana in 2024. But in the near future, this wont be hard to replicate in a lab.

The dilemmas of the wealthy whose exclusive symbols can now be copied by anyone pale in comparison to the dilemma faced by countries like Botswana, which must now build post-diamond economies, at a time when global trade disruption has made investors skittish and development aid has dried up.

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What Botswana and other Southern African heavyweights will do after diamonds is a question with no easy answer. And they dont have a billion years to come up with one.

Duncan Money is a historian and researcher who works on the mining industry, with a focus on copper, as well as on Southern Africa more broadly. He has a doctoral degree in history from Oxford and has worked in various countries in Africa, Europe and North America.

The post Synthetic Stones Are Sinking Botswanas Diamond-Based Economy appeared first on World Politics Review.
The evacuation and treatment of Syrians at Israeli hospitals have been a part of ongoing humanitarian initiatives, with full approval from military censors to ensure safety and well-being.

A 12-year-oldSyrian girl who was critically ill due to a heart problem received life-saving treatment at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa last week, following a joint humanitarian effort between the IDF and the "Yitro - Jews for Druze" association.

The young girl was evacuated from southern Syria last Thursday and brought to the Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital at Rambam.

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She was in a life-threatening condition, requiring urgent medical care. Accompanied by her mother, the girl underwent a medical procedure in the pediatric intensive care unit to treat her heart issue.

After four days of intensive care, her condition improved significantly, and she was released in stable condition.

Following her discharge from the hospital, the girl was transferred back to the IDF, which arranged for her safe return to a meeting point in southern Syria to reunite with her father.

A torn poster showing former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad meeting with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the Sayyidah Zaynab district in Damascus, Syria, December 14, 2024. (photo credit: REUTERS/AMR ALFIKY)

Humanitarian effort made possible by the IDF

Mr. Amnon Bartel, chairman of the Yitro Association, expressed his gratitude to the IDF for making the operation possible and praised Rambam Health Care Campus for its professional medical care. "This complex and moving humanitarian effort exemplifies our commitment to saving lives. Rambam and the Yitro Foundation will continue to work together to provide medical excellence and support to those in need," said Bartel.

The evacuation and treatment of Syrians at Israeli hospitals have been a part of ongoing humanitarian initiatives, with full approval from military censors to ensure the safety and well-being of all parties involved.
Playwright Chris Sorenson's melodrama, "The Colorado Colleen," opens Friday at The Butte Theater in Cripple Creek and runs through July 13. Set in 1893 in Cripple Creek, audiences will be asked to boo and hiss as the hero is encouraged to marry a cousin to save the family fortune, which is a problem as he's secretly already married to a woman nicknamed Colorado Colleen. The show will be followed by a 1950s-themed olio.
The City of Tacoma was relying on state funding to keep open more than 300 homeless shelter beds open scheduled to be closed at the end of June.

This week, the city reported that it was awarded half the funding it asked for and will be able to keep less than half of those shelter beds open through the next year.

The City of Tacoma has been planning to close roughly 339 emergency shelter beds due to an anticipated funding shortfall.

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Heading into the beginning of 2025, the City of Tacoma requested $6 million annually over the next two years to maintain 307 shelter beds through June 2027.

The budget recently passed by the Legislature did not directly name Tacoma as a recipient for such funding but did note an annual allocation of $58.8 million in grant funding to be available to support homeless housing programs and services in cities and counties. The funding will be distributed through the Department of Commerce.

On June 9, Maria Lee, a spokesperson for the City of Tacoma, told The News Tribune the city will be awarded $3 million to keep 140 shelter beds open through June 2026.

Lee said the 140 beds will be at the tiny-home village shelter at 602 N. Orchard St., the family shelter operated by Bethlehem Baptist Church at 4818 E. Portland Ave. and Holy Rosarys safe parking site at 520 S. 30th St.

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Pierce County has allocated $400,000 to help continue the tiny-home village shelter on North Orchard Street through June 2026, according to the city.

Lee said the decision to keep those shelters open over others was guided by factors including the capability of the providers hosting the sites, the locational feasibility of the sites, and the funding required to keep them operating.

Shelters planned to close after June 30 include the 32-bed shelter at Altheimer Memorial Church, Brotherhood RISEs 32-bed shelter at 2135 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, and the Tacoma Rescue Missions 135-bed Forging Path Community at 3561 Pacific Ave.

Tacoma Police Departments Crime Dashboard showed a 38% total reduction in crimes in the quarter-mile surrounding area of the Forging Path Community shelter compared to the year prior to its opening. The dashboard showed a 53% total reduction in crimes in the quarter-mile surrounding area of the Freedom Project shelter compared to three months prior to its opening.

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According to the city, Forging Path Community has served 295 people, with 66 individuals successfully transitioning to permanent housing as of May 26. Freedom Project has served 50 people, with 26 out of 38 people who exited transitioning to permanent housing as of May 26.

Mercy Housing was awarded the property where Forging Path Community sits for development of an 81-unit affordable housing project for residents earning 60% Area Median Income (AMI) or lower.

The city has said it is committed to ensuring transitions to other shelters or housing programs for those currently living at shelters scheduled to close.

According to Lee, Forging Path Community had 41 residents and Freedom Project had 11 residents as of June 2. The city is recommending a month-long operation extension with the funding for the Freedom Project shelter.

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This provides crucial time to decommission the site responsibly and, most importantly, to work intensively with the 11 current residents as of June 2, 2025 to find alternative shelter or housing, Lee told The News Tribune. The City plans to store the micro-shelter units while continuing to identify alternative locations and potential use by partners like Pierce County.

The city had about 1,099 shelter beds as of the beginning of 2025. Lee said the city anticipates having 860 available shelter beds after standing down Brotherhood RISE, Freedom Project and Forging Paths Community.

How did we get here?

When Tacomas homelessness strategy was drafted in 2022, it was anticipated that there would be a funding gap of roughly $12 million to maintain the shelters at the end of 2024. Part of the citys plan included increasing the inventory of permanent affordable-housing units to provide housing opportunities for those living in shelters.

Caleb Carbone, the homeless strategy, systems and services manager for the citys Neighborhood and Community Services department, previously told The News Tribune that during the pandemic, one-time funding opportunities, like those through the American Rescue Plan Act as well as resources from the state, were used to support the operation of the shelters. The city significantly increased its homeless-shelter capacity at a time when it was needed.

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The challenge has been that the demand for temporary shelter beds has exceeded the initial expectations, Tacomas deputy city manager Sonja Hallum told The News Tribune in an interview. So the stand down is not happening at the pace that the city had originally expected and hoped would occur.

Hallum said the beds set to disappear in 2025 represent a significant portion of the citys shelter beds.

With Tacoma hosting what is about 80% of Pierce Countys shelter capacity, the loss of shelter funding would have county-wide implications, Hallum said.

So the impact isnt just for the city, its for the entire region, she told The News Tribune. We are greatly concerned about the ability to provide for this very vulnerable population.
The Tacoma Police Departments former deputy chief, Paul Junger, wasnt fired for one egregious incident, an investigation report shows, but because of consistent demeaning behavior that created a hostile work environment for women.

One instance, in which Junger downgraded a patrol officers punishment for creating a meme that disrespected his commanding officer and three other women, was described as appearing to be part of a pattern of disrespect to women.

That pattern included belittling comments Junger made to Assistant Chief Crystal Young-Haskins, who brought a Human Resources complaint against him in November, weeks after she reported his behavior to former Police Chief Avery Moore. It also entailed questioning her judgment in front of her peers, interrupting her in meetings, not accepting her advice but taking it from men and undermining Young-Haskins by offering support to her in private but then withdrawing it in public.

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One witness said Jungers treatment was death by a thousand cuts.

Those are some of the findings outlined in a March 26 report authored by an attorney with the Seattle-based law firm Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC detailing an investigation into Jungers behavior in the workplace. The 21-page report was released to The News Tribune through a public records request with some redactions. It determined that allegations of a hostile work environment and gender discrimination were true.

Interim Police Chief Patti Jackson chose to terminate Jungers employment March 31 based on the external investigation.

The evidence provided by [redacted] and other witnesses was of numerous incidents, actions and comments, most of which if taken individually would be considered unpleasant, derogatory and/or inappropriate, but would not, taken alone, constitute a hostile work environment, the report states. However, the events and actions must be considered together, to show the totality of the circumstances.

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Junger did not respond to a request for comment about the investigation Tuesday. The report notes that after he returned to work from administrative leave last year, he apologized to several people individually for the way he had treated them.

Junger explained that his leadership style is building trust and relationships, and so after being placed on administrative leave he felt this was the appropriate way to try and rebuild relationships with individuals in the department, the report states.

The witnesses who spoke to the investigator about the apologies were all Black women, according to the report, and several described it as an apology tour. Most thought it was too little, too late, but one said Jungers apology felt sincere.

As deputy chief and the departments second in command, Junger was responsible for assisting in the overall direction of the departments internal operations. He reported to the chief of police, and the departments three assistant chiefs reported to him. According to The News Tribunes salary database, his total pay in 2023 was $272,455.60

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Young-Haskins also did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

Tacoma Police Department Assistant Chief Crystal Young-Haskins (left) and former Deputy Chief Paul Junger. Tacoma Police Department

Although it was Young-Haskins who filed a complaint with the citys HR department, the investigator described how multiple women were subjected to discriminatory behavior. According to the report, three women who left the Police Department tied their departures, in part, to how Junger treated them.

A witness who left the department after 35 years told me that she was treated extremely disrespectfully and condescendingly by Junger, including an incident where he was angry about something she and AC [redacted] had done, and he approached them, pointing his finger and saying You. Down the hall. NOW.

Young-Haskins now leads the Investigations Bureau for the Police Department. She came to Tacoma in summer 2022 from Little Rock, Arkansas, where she served as the citys interim police chief. Junger joined the Tacoma Police Department around the same time from the Dallas Police Department, where he worked with Moore.

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Young-Haskins complained of Jungers harassing behavior about two years after she began working in Tacoma, but her emailed report to HR said the hostile work environment began shortly after she was hired. She said she feared coming forward about Junger because she wanted to be a team player and of a desire to do her job to the best of her ability.

Not all of Young-Haskins allegations about Junger were substantiated by workplace investigation.

The claim that Junger engaged in race discrimination was not sustained, and allegations of age discrimination and that he retaliated against Young-Haskins were deemed to be unfounded.

The report said it was difficult to determine whether race played a factor in Jungers treatment of employees, noting that the treatment was directed toward a white woman as well as several Black women, but it wasnt directed toward all white women in the department. Instead, the treatment seemed directed toward women who reported directly to Junger, and it appeared more aligned with gender differences.

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One man interviewed for the investigation recalled a time when Junger referred to the women assistant chiefs as the girls in a private meeting in 2024 where no women were present. A man also reported that Junger commented to him that one of the women assistant chiefs wasnt really sick when she called out of work for a sick day.

Junger believed assistant chief was AWOL

Young-Haskins reported that Junger gave her unequal treatment for her use of leave. The investigation found examples of male employees receiving less scrutiny for leave requests, and it described one incident that escalated to Junger contacting a deputy city attorney.

That incident appears to have prompted Young-Haskins to report Jungers behavior to the police chief.

In October 2024, according to the report, Young-Haskins was scheduled to attend a conference that required her to travel from Seattle to Boston. Her leave request was for the dates of the conference, Oct. 18-22, but she didnt include time needed to travel to and from the conference, which required an extra day before it started and after it ended.

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Young-Haskins notified the person who was covering for her that she needed the extra time, and she sent a memo via email about the correct dates of her absence, which Junger received, according to the report.

On Oct. 23, while Young-Haskins was on her flight out of Boston, Junger emailed and texted her to ask her if she would be attending the one-on-one meeting they had scheduled that day. Young-Haskins tried to respond to the text, but it didnt go through, according to the report, and she wasnt able to respond to him until her plane landed hours later.

When Junger was interviewed about that for the investigation, he said he believed Young-Haskins was AWOL or absent without leave. According to the report, he repeatedly questioned her about the absence and talked to the deputy city attorney assigned to the Police Department.

Young-Haskins asserted that Junger was being unreasonable and treating her differently than her male counterparts.

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She noted that when Junger did not know where one of his team members were, he would ask around, but never implied or stated that the person was AWOL, the report states.

When Junger was interviewed, he said he relied on the dates in the leave request, and, when she was absent, he was concerned.

The day after Young-Haskins got back from Boston, she reported to Moore that she felt Junger had created a hostile work environment and subjected her to unlawful harassment, according to her email to HR.

Decision on offensive meme a slap in the face

An embarrassing image depicting a caricature of Young-Haskins and three other women in the department was another subject of Jungers investigation because of his decision to downgrade the punishment of the patrol officer who made it.

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The investigation doesnt show the meme or describe it in detail, but an internal investigation about it reportedly found it was offensive to women and constituted insubordination toward one of the women it depicted.

The creator of the meme was unapologetic about it and stated the women deserved it, according to the report.

A bureau-level reprimand was recommended for the patrol officer, which stays on file for five years. Typically the decision of whether to discipline an officer and how severe that punishment should be is up to the police chief, but Moore was on leave when the investigation concluded.

Junger was entitled to make the decision himself as acting chief in the meantime, and he decided to instead give the officer who created the meme an oral reprimand, which stays on file for one year instead of five.

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That outcome surprised and upset two people interviewed for Jungers workplace investigation. One said Jungers actions indicated the department doesnt support women in leadership. Another said his actions were a slap in the face.

Junger said he believed the five-year reprimand was too harsh, and he considered the fact that the patrol officer didnt have any prior disciplinary matters. Junger also said the officer would have to take some form of training, which he felt was consistent with the departments progressive discipline policy.
WASHINGTON, June 12 (UPI) -- Taiwan may be an island of just over 23 million people, but what happens there could ripple across the global economy. The small democratic nation produces the vast majority of the world's most advanced semiconductors -- chips that are used in everything from smartphones and electric cars to defense systems and spacecraft.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. "produces roughly 90% of the most sophisticated computer chips, and the loss of that would be devastating," said Steven David, a professor of political science at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. "We can't get around without it."

For Taiwan, this manufacturing dominance isn't just economic -- it's strategic. Analysts call it the island's "silicon shield." The world relies heavily on Taiwan's chips, which deters China from launching a military attack and pushes allies like the United States to come to Taiwan's defense.

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The geopolitical stakes around Taiwan's semiconductor dominance have soared as China escalates military pressure, through increased fighter jet incursions, large-scale naval drills and explicit threats of reunification.

U.S. lawmakers from both parties have increasingly voiced concern that a Chinese invasion could upend global chip supply chains and empower Beijing with outsized economic leverage.

"It [would be] monumentally stupid to try to keep something as fragile as chips production going during the time of war," said Kitsch Liao, associate director of the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub.

The United States has taken steps to address this vulnerability. In 2022, former President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act, allocating $280 billion to support domestic semiconductor manufacturing and research, including subsidies for Taiwan Semiconductor to build a plant in Phoenix.

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In March, President Donald Trump announced a new $100 billion deal with the company to dramatically expand its manufacturing presence in the United States.

"America is building plants with Taiwanese investment and cooperation in Arizona and elsewhere, but it would still be devastating," David said, referring to the potential impact of a Chinese attack on chip production.

Taiwan's government has had to carefully balance cooperation with the United States against growing fears at home that shifting too much chip production abroad could weaken its security.

Taiwan's two main political parties, the Kuomintang, or KMT, and the Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, have debated the best approach to cross-strait relations.

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While the KMT supports closer ties with China, the DPP, which currently holds the presidency under Lai Ching-te, has leaned toward reinforcing Taiwan's democratic independence and diversifying trade, actions that could increase already mounting pressure from China.

"If China does successfully invade Taiwan and takes over the TSMC plant, it won't be able to use the plant the way Taiwan does," David said. "But it would deny its use to others, and that would be devastating to the world economy. Several percentages of world GDP would drop as a result."

Analysts worry that even the threat of invasion could destabilize markets. Blockades or gray zone tactics by Beijing, short of all-out war, could still limit Taiwan Semiconductors' ability to export.

"Any erosion in Taiwan's ability to trade with the rest of the world would have a significant impact on the global economy," said Jack Burnham, a research analyst at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

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"It would disrupt the flow of semiconductors to a variety of different industries that are incredibly valuable to the United States, its allies and partners, and the global community."

Taiwan has long been one of the most contentious issues in United States-China relations. After the Chinese Civil War, the Nationalist government fled to Taiwan in 1949, and the Chinese Communist Party established the People's Republic of China on the mainland. Since then, Beijing has claimed Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory.

In 1979, the United States. ended formal diplomatic recognition of Taipei in favor of Beijing, but passed the Taiwan Relations Act, which commits the United States to help Taiwan maintain a "sufficient self-defense capability."

The United States, though, has remained deliberately vague about whether it would come to Taiwan's defense in the event of a Chinese invasion -- a policy known as strategic ambiguity.

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But as threats of an invasion increased, this stance continued to be tested. In a speech in Singapore last month, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed that "devastating consequences" could result should China seek to "conquer" Taiwan, warning that an invasion could be "imminent."

Beyond semiconductor and chips manufacturing, Taiwan remains a core interest in the Indo-Pacific region. The island sits at the heart of the "first island chain," a line of U.S.-aligned territories stretching from Japan to the Philippines.

If China were to take over Taiwan, experts warned it could use the island as a launchpad to project power deep into the Pacific, posing a direct challenge to U.S. interests.

"Should China be successful [in a reunification scenario], it would have a significant impact on the lives of everyday Americans -- both in their wallets and in the political situation they find themselves in," Burnham said.

"What's at stake when it comes to Taiwan is the free flow of trade, a significant part of the American economy, and the health and stability of the United States' key allies and partners in the region."
TAIPEI (Reuters) -A Taiwanese court sentenced the Chinese captain of a ship to three years in jail on Thursday after finding him guilty of intentionally damaging undersea cables off the island in February, in a case that alarmed Taiwan officials.

Prosecutors said the man was captain of the Chinese-crewed Hong Tai 58, registered in Togo, which Taiwanese authorities detained after suspecting the ship had dropped anchor near an undersea cable off southwestern Taiwan, damaging it.

The court in the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan said the ship's Chinese captain, whom they identified only by his family name, Wang, was guilty of damaging the cables, though added he had denied the crime and that he can appeal.

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Wang admitted that he told the crew to drop anchor, but denied that he was guilty of damaging the cables, and that he was merely negligent in his duties, the court said in a statement.

The court found that the captain had allowed the cargo ship to "wander", and that the cables broke due to the pulling of the anchor, it added.

Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom suffered losses of more than T$17 million ($576,564) in repair costs, the court said.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment and Reuters was not able to locate a contact for a representative of Wang.

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China has previously accused Taiwan of "manipulating" possible Chinese involvement in the case, saying it was casting aspersions before the facts were clear.

Seven other crew members of the ship have already been deported after prosecutors decided there was insufficient evidence against them.

Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has reported five cases of sea cable malfunctions this year, compared with three each in 2024 and 2023, according to its digital ministry.

($1 = 29.4850 Taiwan dollars)

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan - Taiwans coast guard and affiliated military units put on a show of strength during an "Ocean Day" drill last week amid growing threats from China.

Held in southern Taiwans largest city, Kaohsiung, the exercise was overseen by Taiwan President William Lai, and while framed as demonstrations of search and rescue and anti-terrorism abilities, there was no escaping the larger reason why Taiwan is strengthening frontline defenses and operational readiness.

Alongside the navy, Taiwans coast guard is undergoing modernization. On display during the Ocean Day exercise was one of Taiwans new Anping-class corvettes, stealth-capable vessels with surface-to-land missile systems, and, naturally, advanced rescue capabilities.

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Taiwan's President Targets China Influence, Kicks Out Pro-beijing Agitators Amid Rising Tensions

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, center, walks before an offshore anti-terrorism drill at the Kaohsiung harbor in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

This all comes as Taiwans top weapons developer recently announced they had developed various new sea drones  including so-called "kamikaze" or suicide drones. An anonymous official claimed Taiwans military will test the sea drones in waters off Southern Taiwan this August.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo confirmed late last month that the navy of independently-ruled Taiwan will soon add unmanned surface vehicles, while the army is set to inaugurate its first drone units this year. Reports say Taiwan produced around 10,000 drones last year, and this year plans to buy 3,000+ more made by local companies for military use.

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In remarks following the Ocean Day exercise, Lai urged Taiwans lawmakers to back his administrations latest defense spending proposals and told the group of select guests that included the highest-ranking American official based in Southern Taiwan, Neil Gibson, that the matter was about more than just ships and hardware.

"Its about national resilience."

Members of Taiwan's coast guard participate in an offshore anti-terrorism drill at the Kaohsiung harbor in Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan, on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

Taiwanese government officials frequently denounce what they term as escalating "gray zone" warfare from Beijing, actions such as harassing fishing vessels, illegal incursions, and, on at least one occasion, boarding a Taiwan-flagged civilian ferry. Taiwan sees these actions as Chinese attempts to create a "new normal" of uncontested control of the roughly 100-mile-wide Taiwan Strait that separates the two sides.

Taiwans coast guard is dwarfed by the growing Chinese coast guard, which is already the largest in the world in terms of the number and size of vessels. Last year, according to statistics provided to Fox News Digital by Taiwans Ocean Affairs Council, Taiwans coast guard drove away 1,196 vessels from Taiwanese waters  1,135 of which were from China.

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China Ramps Up Military Rehearsals Around Taiwan, Outstrips Us In Air, Maritime, Space

Lai said there is an urgent need for upgraded infrared surveillance to enable round-the-clock maritime monitoring, as well as other tech that could combat Chinese tactics that include illegal sand dredging, cyber disruptions and even sabotage of undersea cables, actions deliberately chosen to stay below the threshold of "acts of war."

Ross Darrell Feingold, a lawyer and political risk analyst based in Taipei, told Fox News Digital that Lais calls for bipartisanship arise from the presidents party not currently holding a majority in Taiwans Parliament, which will make the passage of his proposed $13.6 billion USD "special budget" much more difficult.

"This proposed spending would go to the coast guard, the military, and be used to assist domestic industries affected by higher U.S. tariffs," said Feingold, who noted that the Trump administration should have no issues with selling weapons to Taiwan.



Since he took office on May 20, 2024, Lai has increased defense spending within the limits of what he can do while not holding a majority in Parliament.

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Beijings communist government stubbornly claims Taiwan as its territory despite never having governed it for a single day, and in recent years, removed language calling for a "peaceful settlement" in official statements. One widely quoted assertion claims Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the Chinese military to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027, now less than two years away.





Original article source: Taiwan ramps up coast guard and military readiness in face of Beijing's 'gray zone' warfare
The Brief

Tampa General Hospital discussed its preparations for the hurricane season.

The plans include the AquaFence, which protected the hospital from a potentially devastating storm surge last year.

This year, TGH will also install an interior AquaFence to protect critical areas on the lower level.

TAMPA - Tampa General Hospital leaders laid out their plan to protect the hospital during the 2025 hurricane season, during a news conference and tour on Wednesday.

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The AquaFence, which is TGH's first line of defense, successfully prevented Hurricane Helene's storm surge from flooding the hospital. It can reach up nine feet high, is bolted into the ground and protects against a 15-foot storm and 140-mile-an-hour winds.

Tampa General Hospital is adding the AquaFence again this year to prevent storm surge.

Dustin Pasteur, the hospital's Senior Vice President of Facilities and Construction, said more water helps strengthen the fence.

"The more water you get, the stronger the system becomes because it's compressing all of these gaskets more and more together and down to the road tighter," Pasteur said.

Pasteur said TGH will be adding a new interior AquaFence this year to protect departments on the lower level, including the emergency center, surgery services and the sterile procession department.

What they're saying

"We're bringing in a seven-and-a-half-foot AquaFence to put in the halls of the hospital and around the sterile processing department, because the first floor of the hospital is at 12 feet," Pasteur explained. "If you had a storm surge more than 15 feet, you could end up with a few feet of water in the hospital. This will protect that department."

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While the AquaFence is the first layer of protection, there are several more that have been added in recent years: workers will cover the manholes around the facility; there are emergency water wells for clean drinking water; and the hospital has an emergency generator room that raised 30 feet above ground to keep it safe from flooding.

Hospital administrators also ensure enough supplies are brought in prior to a storm.

"We receive over 10 semi-truck loads of supplies, including medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, food, water, linen, to make sure we can care for our patients," said Mark Campbell, Vice President of Supply Chain.

Tampa General Hospital is adding the AquaFence again this year to prevent storm surge.

It's all done to ensure the hospital keeps this promise:

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"Tampa General is open to serve this community and will remain that way before and after the storm," Tony Venezia, Vice President of TGH Public Safety.

That's important, according to Pasteur, because TGH takes care of so many critical care patients, they can't be evacuated to other hospitals in Florida.

READ: Hillsborough County seeking input on spending $709M in hurricane recovery funds

"There's not enough critical care beds in the region to take those patients, but also logistically, you can't transport them safely or even with enough time, so you just can't evacuate," he said. "Instead, we've put enormous amount of thought and resources into protecting this campus here in storms, in floods and any other kind of disasters that we can contemplate because there's nowhere else for these patients to go. We're the place to take care of the most specialized cases, and we have to put in the measures to make sure we can do that no matter what."

Big picture view

Since the AquaFence was installed in 2019, TGH has needed to use it every year to protect the campus during a storm.

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As a result of the yearly need, the hospital plans to install it ahead of time. It'll be in place by August and stay installed until around Thanksgiving.

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Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Aaron Mesmer.

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Tariffs on China, which produces the vast majority of the worlds fireworks, arent expected to noticeably affect this years Fourth of July displays in Maryland. However, the companies behind the shows are already worried about supply  and even their own viability  as the U.S. prepares to mark its 250th birthday in 2026.

Before President Donald Trump began increasing tariffs on Chinese imports in February, Tim Jameson was looking to 2026 to be a once in a lifetime hit for his Charles County firework company, promising the largest revenue stream we could possibly have.

But now he says that his company of five full-time employees and 60 part-timers, Innovative Pyrotechnic Concepts, will be forced to close after exhausting its inventory on semiquincentennial displays, unless tariffs on China are lifted by late summer.

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China manufactures about 90% of professional display fireworks and 99% of consumer fireworks used in the United States, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association. Historically, fireworks imported from China have faced duties of about 5%.

As part of a broader trade war, this year President Donald Trump placed large tariffs on goods from China  going as high as 145% with combined tariff rules. While the highest tariffs are under a 90-day pause through August, the fireworks industry has remained fragile with 30% tariffs on imports from China since mid-May.

Just this week, Trump announced a deal with China that would include a 55% tariff on all Chinese goods coming to the United States.

Its the uncertainty that really makes it a challenge for small businesses, said Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association.

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Despite the uneasiness for the industry during its busiest time of year, tariffs did not change how much organizers are paying for large Baltimore-area public displays next month like those over Baltimores Inner Harbor, Annapolis Spa Creek, and Columbias Lake Kittamaqundi. Spectators shouldnt notice anything different about the displays, organizers said.

The fireworks for Baltimore Citys display were ordered before the tariffs hit, said Michaela OGallagher, the creative services director for Image Engineering, the firework company working with the city. An Annapolis spokesperson said the city got the quote from its contractor in December.

Contracts made months in advance have meant that some firework companies across the country have had to absorb costs from tariffs. This year and next year, some will likely have to do slightly shorter firework shows or use fewer shells to make their displays still happen with limited budgets, according to Heckman and Steve Houser, a former president of the National Fireworks Association and current counselor to the organization. But these changes, Heckman said, will likely be undetectable to the average viewer.

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Some companies, including Jamesons, have multi-year contracts with municipalities and worry about tariffs affecting their ability to deliver shows at the same budget.

I cant just go in and raise prices, Jameson said. Its going to be a dead loss if we ship this stuff.

Because of the dependence on China, the fireworks industry operates about a year in advance, starting with ordering product, according to Houser. Contracts for big Independence Day displays are signed in the fall and product ships from about mid-February to May, he said.

When the heavy tariffs went into effect, many businesses told their suppliers in China not to ship, creating a backlog. Stock filled up in warehouses, leading manufacturers to stop production.

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As some firework businesses have started to accept having to pay the 30% tariffs to get their product in, they are also dealing with higher shipping costs as companies compete for the limited space for hazardous cargo on container ships.

Jameson said he has paid for two containers worth of fireworks that are sitting in China waiting to ship. He usually sells four to five containers worth of fireworks per year  used for displays in Montgomery County, Prince Georges County, Marylands Eastern Shore and Northern Virginia. For next year, he says he likely will only be able to sell the two currently idled containers.

Were going to be able to take whatever shows we can get with that amount of product and call it a day, Jameson said. Theres just no way to recoup.

In 2026, Houser predicts a 30% to 40% increase in demand for fireworks as municipalities and individuals prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Big businesses and small businesses, Jameson said, wont be able to fulfill that demand.

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When Trump went up against China in a trade war in 2019, there was an exception for firework imports. This years tariffs, however, were made under an emergency declaration which provided no opportunity for the industry to formally apply for exceptions.

The American Pyrotechnics Association and the National Fireworks Association have jointly asked the Trump administration for a similar exemption or a reduced tariff rate. Houser, from the NFA, said the tariffs dont help the fireworks industry because the United States has never been a major manufacturer of fireworks.

U.S. regulatory standards, lack of supplies and labor costs prevent the industry from pivoting to domestic manufacturing, according to a joint letter to Trump from the APA and NFA.

Theres no other place to get them from, no other countries we can run to, Houser said.

Have a news tip? Contact Katharine Wilson at kwilson@baltsun.com.
ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY)  Law enforcement officers say they recovered a quarter ton of illegal products when raiding five vape shops in north central West Virginia last week.

According to a release, on June 5, members of the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force served search warrants at five Tobacco and Vape stores in Randolph and Upshur counties after receiving reports that minors under 18 were purchasing Delta 8 and Delta 9 products, as well as other illegal products that these stores were selling.

Mon County man gets up to 75 years for sexually assaulting foster child

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As part of a joint operation with several area law enforcement agencies, task force members raided these stores, where they seized around 500 pounds of illegal or banned products with a street value of around $500,000. Law enforcement officers also seized a large sum of cash.

Task Force raids Tobacco and Vape stores in Randolph, Upshur counties in West Virginia (Courtesy: Randolph County Sheriffs Department)

The release said that the investigation is ongoing in this case and that arrests are forthcoming.

Task force members were assisted by the Buckhannon and Elkins Police Departments, Barbour, Lewis, Randolph and Upshur County Sheriffs Departments, West Virginia State Police, and Task Force Officers with the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

This is not the first raid performed on vape shops in north central West Virginia. In July 2024, a man was arrested and charged with drug distribution after law enforcement raided two vape stores in Elkins and found $30,000 worth of drugs. In March 2025, law enforcement raided a similar shop in Kingwood and found suspected marijuana and a large amount of cash.

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TAYLOR, Texas (KXAN)  The mayor of Taylor, Texas, has doubled down on a decision to deny signing an official proclamation acknowledging June as Pride Month, just weeks ahead of an annual Pride festival in the city.

Mayor Dwayne Ariola made a Facebook post about it on Wednesday, saying he wanted to address recent concerns regarding the Pride Proclamation and clarify the position of my office and the City Council.

Previous coverage | Taylor Pride denied city proclamation after 4 years of approvals, sparking backlash, petition

The City Council is a nonpartisan body, and it is my strong belief that we should remain focused on representing all residents, without stepping into issues that are clearly divisive along partisan lines. The recent uproaron both sidesregarding this proclamation request makes it clear that this has become a partisan issue, and as such, I do not believe it would be appropriate for a nonpartisan council. Dwayne Ariola, Mayor of the City of Taylor, Texas, via Facebook

Earlier this month, non-profit organization Taylor Pride posted on social media about Ariolas decision to deny a request from a resident for an official Pride Month proclamation. The group also created a Change.org petition online pushing for Ariola to reverse the denial. As of Thursday morning, the petition had more than 1,600 signatures.

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Taylor Pride is the group behind organizing the citys annual Pride celebration. This year, the Taylor Pride Music and Arts Festival will be held Saturday, June 28, at Heritage Square Park, marking its fifth anniversary.

Ariola also said in the Facebook post that the permits for the annual Pride celebration were approved, saying, I fully support the right of individuals to celebrate and express themselves freely, and that the only difference this year is that there will not be a signed mayoral proclamation.

History of Pride celebrations in Taylor

Taylor was the first Williamson County city to host an official Pride celebration back in 2021. Other area cities, like Georgetown, Leander, and Cedar Park, followed suit. Since the first Taylor Pride celebration, the city has received a Pride Proclamation yearly, signed by former Mayor Brandt Rydell.

This is the first year in the last four that an official Pride Proclamation has been denied for the city of Taylor.

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The city of Taylor earlier this month sent KXAN the email correspondence between Mayor Ariola and the person who submitted the proclamation application this year. An email from Ariola stated his initial reasoning for denying the application was that there are other unifying observances during the month, such as Juneteenth and the birthday of former Texas Gov. Dan Moody, who is a Taylor native.

Taylor Pride organizers and other community members are planning to show up to the citys council meeting Thursday evening to voice concerns over the mayors decision.

Neighboring Williamson County cities Cedar Park and Georgetown are set to issue proclamations recognizing Pride month.

Cedar Park will issue a proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month at its city council meeting Thursday evening, according to the councils agenda. Georgetown is set to proclaim June as Pride Month on Friday, June 20.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR)  After a loss of 220 jobs, TCGUnion, the official union for TCGPlayer, approved a closing agreement with eBay.

Approximately two weeks ago, a six-year TCGPlayer employee, Richard Vallejo, rallied with his coworkers against union busting by their parent company, eBay. Now, they are walking away. But not empty-handed. They have an improved severance package.

Syracuses TCGplayer, eBay come to agreement over severance package

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We had a lot of back and forth to really, you know, really make sure our members got what they needed to, you know, try to get them through and kind of buy them time to find another job and get back on their feet, Vallejo said.

The package included 20 weeks of severance pay, six months of medical coverage, seven months of mental health benefits, and a $1,250 ratification bonus for everyone in the bargaining unit. But Vallejo said it does not feel entirely like a win.

Obviously, you always hope you can get more, and its reallyyou cant really get enough or anything to make up for the fact that were losing our communitywere losing our workplace, he said.

Vallejo said he dreads June 20, the first wave of dismissals.

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Thats definitely going to be a hit, he said. A lot of people are going to be gone, and its going to start to feel a bit more empty and barren around the workplace, and just a lot less life in general.

But Vallejo said he is grateful for the time spent with his work family.

I think a number of people feel similarlyfeeling, like, changed and trying to take this as an open door to step into the next part of our lives, he said,

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
For the most part, cases that are filed in state court proceed linearly through the state trial courts, appellate court and Supreme Court. Likewise, federal cases are heard by a federal trial judge, a federal appeals court and, on rare occasions, the nation's highest court.
HONEOYE FALLS, N.Y. (WROC)  The 19th annual Team Ali Gaiters Clambake will be held on Saturday, with proceeds going towards Golisano Childrens Hospital.

After Ali Klube received open heart surgery as a child and was treated weekly at the Golisano Heart Center, her family decided to give back to those facing similar challenges.

The day that we walked out with her healthy heart, her healthy functioning heart was the day we knew we had to give back. And so we wanted to help future Alis that walk through the door, said Jackie Klube, Alis mother.

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Today, Ali Klube is 22 years old.

Were lucky that we have grateful parents like Jackie that want to give back because it brings in these crucial funds for us to be able to, you know, purchase equipment that is needed to help more patients like Jackies daughter, Ali, said Sarah Craig, Associate Director for Community Affairs of Golisano Childrens Hospital.

The clam bake will be held at the Honeoye Falls Firemans Training Grounds located at 1321 Monroe Street from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Attendees can expect all-you-can-eat food while supplies last, beverages, clowns, costume characters, bounce houses, and raffles. It will also include a live music performance by Nick LeDuc, Grit and Grace, Axton Landing, and Genessee Junction.

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The event costs $45 for adult tickets in advance and $55 at the door, with tickets for those aged 13 to 20 costing $10. Admission for children 12 and under is free.

Advance tickets can be purchased by calling (595) 704-4124 or in person at the following locations:

American Hotel 7304 East Main Street Lima, NY

Canandaigua National Bank Honeoye Falls & Bloomfield Branches

Lupinettis Hair Styling  11 East Street Honeoye Falls, NY

Tysons Upper Deck  7311 East Main Street Lima, NY

The clambakes proceeds to date have helped raise over $371,000.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
Tear gas was fired into a crowd of protesters in Las Vegas. At least eight people in Seattle were arrested as a protest was declared illegal. Police detained 10 people in another day of protest in New York.

These were just some of the coast-to-coast rallies on Wednesday in the growing movement to oppose the U.S. governments immigration policies as ICE agents continue to carry out immigration raids across the country.

Protests also broke out in Los Angeles, the epicenter of the countrys attention, after unrest and curfews followed ICE raids in the city on Friday. More than 200 people have been arrested in Los Angeles this week, police said.

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Major rallies are also expected nationwide on Saturday to coincide with President Donald Trumps military parade.

Las Vegas

Many of the hundreds who attended the Las Vegas rally carried Mexican flags, some waved the Stars and Stripes, and others featured flags from Central and South America.

In what appeared to be a tense standoff, police told protesters to move back while one video showed a long line of police firing what appeared to be tear gas. Las Vegas police said they declared the protest an unlawful assembly.

One video showed protesters surrounding the Lloyd D. George Courthouse and chanting, If we dont get it, shut it down.

Washington state

In Spokane, Washington, Mayor Lisa Brown declared a state of emergency and imposed a curfew Wednesday from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time, as footage posted to X showed police officers detaining people and tying their hands with zip ties.

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At least 30 people were arrested, according to local broadcaster KREM, and video showed authorities firing tear gas as people protested outside an ICE field office.

In Seattle, at least eight people were arrested. Police said officers were peppered with fireworks, rocks and pieces of cement, while firefighters extinguished a dumpster fire.

California

Videos and photographs of high-profile ICE raids on Wednesday showed people clashing with, running from and being arrested by immigration agents in California.

In Los Angeles historic Mexican neighborhood of Boyle Heights, two vehicles pinned a passenger car at an intersection in what the Department of Homeland Security called a targeted arrest of a violent rioter who had allegedly punched an immigration officer.

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In Downey, another predominantly Latino city southeast of Los Angeles, officials from Downey Memorial Christian Church and others confronted a group of five armed men in plain clothes and tactical gear who swarmed a man sitting under a tree in the churchs parking lot, according to church pastor Al Lopez.

When we said, We dont want this on our property, this gentleman just shouted again: The whole country is our property, Lopez told reporters.

His wife and senior pastor Tanya Lopez recalled telling the men  whom she said identified themselves only as police  they werent welcome on church property, and after she got closer, They did point their rifle at me, and they said, You need to get back.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons appeared on Fox News on Wednesday night to defend federal actions to deport suspected criminals and described the protests in L.A. as pure anarchy.

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What the brave men and women of ICE, the brave men and women of the Department of Justice, all our federal partners, and the brave men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department, I have to think that all were trying to do is our law enforcement mission, and we have to deal with this, he said.

Legal fight over use of troops

In California, Trump has deployed thousands of troops, including 700 active-duty Marines, to Los Angeles to quell protests. The move has raised fears that Marines have not been properly trained for interacting with civilians.

On Wednesday, the Department of Justice formally responded to Californias lawsuit seeking to block the military from involving itself in immigration enforcement, calling it a crass political stunt that is endangering American lives. A court hearing is set for Thursday in San Francisco.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta argued in a Tuesday court motion that the Trump administrations deployment violates the Posse Comitatus Act, an 1878 law that bars federal troops from participating in civilian law enforcement efforts.

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The federalized National Guard and active-duty Marines deployed in Los Angeles will engage in quintessential law enforcement activity in violation of the PCA, the motion said.

A military official with knowledge of the operation told NBC News that the Marines would not conduct arrests and would only transport and guard ICE agents.

In San Antonio, Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott called up National Guard members in response to demonstrations. Texas is a law-and-order state, and we will use every tool that we can to ensure order across our state, he said Wednesday.

The citys outgoing mayor, Democrat Ron Nirenberg, said the governor wasnt asked to send in the guard and didnt give city leaders advance notice. Nirenberg urged peaceful protest and expressed confidence that the city knows how to do this right.

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Demonstrations in San Antonio remained peaceful Wednesday night. Some National Guard members sent to keep the peace were seen playing the popular card game Uno at a table.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Originally appeared on E! Online

Teen Mom alum David Easons ex-girlfriend is experiencing an insurmountable loss.

Olivia Leedhamwho shares son Kaden, 11, with the former Teen Mom starlost her younger daughter Lailah after the child visited the emergency room several times without a diagnosis, a friend of the family said in a GoFundMe statement. She was just 7 years old.

Our friend Olivia Leedham tragically lost her beautiful seven-year-old daughter, Lailah Price, yesterday, the message read. While in the hospital Friday night, she had a seizure and passed away early Saturday morning, June 7th. We have been friends with this family for many years. Olivia grew up in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, and attended Greencastle schools.

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After splitting from Olivia, Teen Mom star David married Jenelle Evans in 2017 before the couple separated in 2024. The former couple shares daughter Ensley, 8, who Jenelle currently has full custody of, as they continue to finalize their divorce. In Olivias GoFundMe, her friend says she was a single mom to both Kaden and Lailah and provided for them through a career as a barber.

More from E! Online

Lailah was a bright light in their family, the statement continued, and loved life and Jesus very much.

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Olivia's mom confirmed Lailah's passing to People. E! News has reached out to Olivia but has not yet heard back.

Over the years, Olivia documented her life in Naples, Florida with her two kids on social media, often sharing tributes dedicated to both of them about how happy they made her.

My little girlshe truly amazes me every day, Olivia wrote in a May 2024 post alongside a photo of Lailah. Her beautiful heart and mindshe is smart. She has the most amazing personality and Im so proud of her for who she is. I love you my little Lailah bug.

Olivia Leedham/Instagram

In another photo Olivia shared of her daughter was a toddler, she wrote, Gosh she just makes me melt and smile all at the same time! My sweet sassy Lailah bug.

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Olivia emphasized that her kids are her beautiful little miracles.

I will live each day to strive to make their lives better, she wrote alongside a sweet photo of Kaden and Lailah in 2020. They are my world and so much more. I look at them each day thinking about how grateful I truly am. It almost brings tears to my eyes because they mean more to me than I could ever explain in words. They are my light and my sunshine to my day.

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Two teenage boys have been charged with multiple felonies after a confrontation with police Wednesday afternoon near a south Columbus park.

Columbus police responded to a call of shots fired near Lincoln Pool and the Barack Community Center at 3:10 p.m. Officers on bicycles located three teenagers in a parking lot. When encountering them, a 15-year-old suspect immediately ran away. He was arrested and police said they recovered a reported stolen firearm that he threw near the pool while running away.

The 15-year-old has been charged with carrying a concealed weapon, receiving stolen property, tampering with evidence, and obstructing official business.

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Grove City dentist retires months after patient dies after procedure

A 16-year-old boy that stayed in the parking lot ignored commands given by officers and crouched near a parked vehicle, according to police. When an officer approached, he allegedly showed he had a gun, and the officer shot him. Police said the officer that shot the teen has been with CPD for two years.

Police did not release the identity of the officer, citing Marsys Law.

CPD said officers rendered medical aid before the teen was taken to a hospital in what was described as stable condition. The boy was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, tampering with evidence, and obstructing official business.

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The third suspect stayed in the parking lot and complied with police. Officers recovered a BB gun from that teen, a 15-year-old. Police said no charges have been filed against him at this time.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther called for the community to step up and help prevent incidents such as this.

This is a place where we need more cooperation and closer coordination with juvenile court and with the judges, because we need to hold parents accountable, he said. We need to hold kids accountable because this is the danger, when you have young people that are carrying guns and committing crimes, oftentimes what happens is those escalate the severity of the crimes.

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Two teenage drug dealers have been found guilty of fatally attacking a man "in cold blood" while he was sitting in a car in east London.

Abdul Jalloh, 23, was stabbed in the neck in a car park on the Isle of Dogs on 5 August last year.

At the Old Bailey, Shamiah McKenzie, 18, was found guilty of murder while Codee Godfrey, 19, was convicted of the manslaughter having been acquitted of murder.

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The court heard that after the attack, the pair changed their clothes and then mingled with the police officers who were searching for the killers.

McKenzie and Godfrey had been circling the area on their bicycles for more than an hour and were both armed, the trial heard.

They were disguised in dark clothing and their faces were covered by balaclavas, said prosecutor Caroline Carberry KC.

Within seconds of approaching Mr Jalloh, he was attacked.

"Abdul Jalloh did not stand a chance. He could offer no resistance. He was outnumbered, unarmed and vulnerable behind the wheel of his car," said Ms Carberry.

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The defendants rapidly cycled away, throwing a knife and its sheath along with McKenzie's bicycle into the River Thames at Caledonia Wharf and made their way to Godfrey's home.

There, the pair packed their clothing - some of it bloodstained - into bags and changed into shorts and t-shirts, before disposing of the bags in nearby bushes.

"Such was their confidence in their changed appearance that they mingled along the Thames Path with police officers who were searching for Abdul's killers," said Ms Carberry.

The killers finally handed themselves into police three days later, the court heard.

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The defendants were two young men who had "no qualms about settling a score with the blade of a knife", said Ms Carberry.

McKenzie and Godfrey were a drug-dealing team who used Godfrey's home on the Isle of Dogs as a base, the trial heard.

Inside the bags found discarded in bushes, police found 3,000 worth of cannabis bagged up and ready for sale and 2,000 in cash.

Also found in the bushes was McKenzie's phone which showed in the two-month period leading up to Mr Jalloh's death, 570 images of knives were saved on the phone, mostly taken during internet browsing. Four days before the killing, a photograph of a row of four Rambo knives and machetes in sheaths was on his phone.

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A picture of a knife in a sheath with the text "someone's going to get battered today" was uploaded on to the phone two days before the killing.

Before the start of the trial, McKenzie pleaded guilty to possessing a knife and both defendants admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Giving evidence in his defence, McKenzie admitted stabbing Mr Jalloh, but claimed he had been acting in self-defence. Godfrey did not give evidence.

The jury deliberated its verdicts for more than 44 hours.

Both men will be sentenced on 20 June.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  New data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) ranks Tennessee number one for its maternal mortality rate from 2018 to 2022.

According to the report, there were 166 pregnancy-related deaths in TN during the five year span, making the states maternal mortality rate 41.1 per 100,000 births.

Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis) told News 2 she sadly isnt surprised by the statistic.

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If we dont invest on the front end and give women access to services they need, we can only expect negative outcomes, Sen. Lamar said.

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According to TNs Maternal Mortality Review Board, from 2020 to 2022, the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths in the state were mental health conditions, including substance use disorders, cardiovascular conditions, and infections.

The committee also found in 2022, 76% of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable.

Sen. Lamar blames, in part, the states near-total abortion ban and lack of access to quality care for TNs high maternal mortality rate.

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We need to make great policy decisions and put our money where our mouth is if were going to be a pro-life state to ensure women have the healthcare services that they need, Sen. Lamar said.

Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom

The Democrat believes that includes building more hospitals and healthcare centers, reimbursing doctors, and implementing TennCare coverage for doula services.

Although the state currently has a pilot program requiring TennCare to reimburse for doula services, Sen. Lamar told News 2 making it permanent would improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

Doulas reduce the rate of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, period, because when someone has the education and support that they need, or someone has the training to identify things that could potentially be going wrong with the pregnancy, we can act faster, we can put you on the path to success, we can create a plan that can help you make it throughout the pregnancy process and afterwards in postpartum, Sen. Lamar said.

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Tennessee has taken steps aimed at reducing its maternal mortality rate over the years, including providing grant money for community organizations to increase the number of postpartum and substance use disorder screenings and efforts to improve access to support services.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

However, Sen. Lamar told News 2 she plans to continue to push for more.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
When immigration officers leapt out of unmarked vans and ran towards undocumented men waiting by a Home Depot in Los Angeles, the day laborers scattered, terrified at the prospect of arrest and deportation.

"People were hiding under wood, in the trash, wherever they could find a little hole," said Oscar Mendia, a Guatemalan who estimated 25 people were arrested.

"It was like something out of a movie."

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The raid was part of an anti-immigration crackdown ordered by President Donald Trump that has seen factories and work sites targeted since Friday, sparking days of angry protests in America's second biggest city.

"It all started here," Mendia said, pointing to the parking lot where around 20 workers had gathered on Wednesday.

Mendia, who has lived undocumented in the United States for 26 years, had never been involved in a raid before, not even during Trump's first term.

"It's one thing to see it on television," he said, "But it's another to experience it firsthand."

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- 'Families to support' -

Stories of migrants being held in crowded cells, unable to speak to family or lawyers before being rapidly deported are frightening, said another man, aged 40, who did not provide a name.

But they are not enough to keep these workers away from the parking lot, where they gather in the hope of snagging off-the-books work in construction, farming or manual labor.

"It's difficult, but we have to work, we have families to support," said the man, who sends most of his money to Honduras to provide for his six children.

Mendia, who also used remittances to educate and raise his three children in Guatemala, says men like him have less to fear in this anti-immigration climate.

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But for the new generation, the situation "is terrifying," he said.

"They come with hope, they come dreaming of a future."

Beside him, a 21-year-old nods nervously.

The young man was saved from Friday's raid because he had already been picked up for a construction project by the time the armed federal agents arrived.

On Monday, he almost didn't come back, but ultimately realized he had no choice.

"We need to do it," he told AFP.

- Paying taxes -

The men's stories are echoed in parking lots, car washes and on construction sites all over Los Angeles and throughout the United States.

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They fled countries devastated by economic and political crises, or by violence, in search of work to support their families.

After difficult and dangerous journeys, they work for low salaries, doing the kind of back-breaking jobs many Americans have long since abandoned -- and often pay taxes.

Undocumented migrants contributed nearly $90 billion to the public purse in 2023, according to an analysis by the American Immigration Council.

- 'Country of immigrants' -

Trump returned to power this year after campaigning on a pledge to conduct the biggest deportation operation in US history.

The ramped-up raids this week appear to be part of a push to make do on that promise, and come after White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller reportedly ordered ICE (Immigration Customs and Enforcement) bosses to make at least 3,000 arrests every day.

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In Los Angeles, a city with large foreign-born and Latino populations, the idea of these masked men swooping has horrified people, many of whom personally know undocumented people.

"Why is Donald Trump doing this?" asked a Mexican man who arrived in the United States nearly three decades ago.

The man, who asked not to be identified, said it was unfair to go after hard-working people who are just trying to make a living.

"Why is he attacking Los Angeles? Because we are a power, because we are the ones who make the economy," he said,

"This country will fall without Latinos."

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The migrants of the 21st century might be largely Latinos, but America's rich history is one of waves of different people coming to these shores.

"This is a country of immigrants," said Mendia, recalling Trump's own German roots.

"Everyone from the president to the person who sweeps the streets."

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The Brief

Texas has activated its National Guard in response to ongoing "Anti-ICE" protests across the state.

The number and specific locations of deployed troops are not disclosed by Governor Abbott.

Protests in Dallas and Austin have led to arrests and officer injuries, with more demonstrations expected.

Texas city leaders said they were well aware that a number of protests and demonstrations were scheduled in the coming days.

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What took many by surprise was that the Texas National Guard resources were being activated, some say, with little to no warning.

Big picture view

Texas and its leaders do not want a carbon-copy of the recent unrest in Southern California, over the White House's crackdown on immigration enforcement.

Governor Greg Abbott wouldn't disclose how many troops will be deployed or where they'll go.

Only saying they'll stage in strategic locations.

"As it concerns our tactics and things like that, we dont disclose those publicly," said Abbott. "That includes the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers as well as the Texas National Guard, in strategic locations, where they can provide the most robust response needed."

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It's also not clear whether any will be pulled from southern border missions to assist.

Texas "Anti-ICE" protests

"Anti-ICE" demonstrations were held earlier this week, in Dallas, yielding one arrest.

While down in Austin, at least 13 people were taken into custody, and four officers were slightly hurt.

On Thursday evening, hundreds turned out in San Antonio. The protesters were seen waving flags and holding signs reading "no human is illegal".

What they're saying

Officers say they appreciate people having the right to protest and assemble. Just not putting people or property at risk.

"If police intervention becomes necessary, it will be carried out by department policy with strong emphasis on public safety," said Chief William McManus of the San Antonio Police Department. "If police intervention becomes necessary, it will be carried out by department policy with strong emphasis on public safety."

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Oddly, when San Antonio leaders were asked specifically about the Texas National Guard being deployed to help, it was almost news to them.

"If they happen to be deployed when were here, we will make contact with the commander of that force, and well make sure they know what were doing, and we know what theyre doing," said Chief McManus.

What's next

FOX 4s Casey Stegall is trying to seek clarification from North Texas municipalities to see if anyone has received a heads-up or if people can expect to see some military equipment or personnel around.

The Source

Information in this article is based on previous FOX 4 reporting and press conferences held by the San Antonio police department.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday he has ordered the deployment of more than 5,000 Texas National Guard troops, along with more than 2,000 state police, to help local law enforcement manage protests against President Donald Trump and the ongoing federal immigration raids.

Abbott's announcement did not detail where the troops were sent, but some were seen at a protest Wednesday night in downtown San Antonio near the Alamo. That protest drew hundreds of demonstrators but did not erupt into violence.

More protests are planned on Saturday in San Antonio and across Texas in cities such as Houston, Austin and Dallas as part of the national No Kings movement.

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Protests earlier this week in Austin and Dallas led to brief clashes with police who used chemical irritants to disperse the crowds. About a dozen were arrested.

Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles in response to President Donald Trumps enforcement of immigration law, Abbott said. Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be arrested and held accountable to the full extent of the law.

The Republican Texas governor's move stands in sharp contrast to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, who has publicly clashed with Trump over his decision to deploy National Guard and Marine personnel in Los Angeles.

Mayors in San Antonio and Austin have said they did not ask for Abbott to mobilize the National Guard to their cities.

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Abbott, who has been governor since 2014, has been aggressive in deploying the Guard in the past, particularly for immigration enforcement on the border.

Since 2021, the Texas Guard has played a prominent role in Abbotts Operation Lone Star, and thousands of troops have been deployed to help clamp down on border crossings. An agreement with the Trump administration in February gave Texas National Guard soldiers the authority to arrest and detain people for entering the U.S. illegally from Mexico.

Texas also has established a permanent border base for Guard troops, an 80-acre (30-hectare) installation that will house up to 1,800 troops when completed.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  After heated protests against immigration enforcement actions in Austin and Dallas, and with more protests planned this weekend, Gov. Greg Abbott is calling on the Texas Army National Guard to help law enforcement maintain order and ensure peace.

We want to make sure that what has happened in California does not happen in Texas, Abbott said Wednesday. Texas is a law and order state, and we will use every tool that we can to ensure order.

Abbott added Thursday that more than 5,000 National Guard soldiers will be strategically positioned to bolster state and local law enforcement response to any criminal activity. He also said more than 2,000 Texas Department of Public Safety troopers will head to areas of protests, in addition to troopers already stationed throughout the state.

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The Texas Army National Guard will be used in Austin and San Antonio, at least, both cities confirmed. This comes as hundreds of protests  dubbed the No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance by Indivisible, a progressive activist organization  are expected to take place across the country on Saturday.

KXAN found at least 63 Texas locations listed online where anti-Trump demonstrations are advertised to take place this weekend, fueled by recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids targeting undocumented immigrants. In Central Texas, that includes Austin, Dripping Springs, Fredericksburg, Lockhart, Pflugerville and Taylor.

Some of the cities expected to have No Kings protests on Saturday, June 14. Source: No Kings (KXAN Map/Wendy Gonzalez)

Austins protest is listed as taking place on the Capitol grounds. KXAN confirmed the organizers of the No Kings event obtained proper authorization to do so by the Texas State Preservation Board.

No Kings protest organizer calls Texas National Guard deployment an overreaction by Governor

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A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action, according to the organizations website. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

KXAN called more than 15 Texas cities from the groups online list. At least 13  Arlington, Austin, Bastrop Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Fredericksburg, Houston, Lubbock, Pflugerville, San Antonio and Seguin  said they were aware of and prepared for protests. None that responded, besides Austin and San Antonio, knew if the Guard would be used.

Austin Mayor: Texas National Guard on standby to assist DPS during protests

Arlington: For safety and tactical purposes, were not going to get into specifics about any security plans, said Tim Ciesco with the Arlington Police Department. But we are aware of the demonstration that is planned for Saturday and we will be monitoring.

Bastrop: Bastrop is aware of the event Saturday, and organizers have taken the proper steps to obtain approval and hired an off-duty officer to be present, a spokesperson said.

Dallas: A spokesperson for the city of Dallas, which experienced tense protests on Monday, said it is aware a group is planning a protest.

El Paso: The city said it has not requested the Texas Army National Guard but is monitoring planned local demonstrations in coordination with local law enforcement and other public safety partners to support peaceful expression and maintain public order, according to a spokesperson.

Fort Worth: The city has not been contacted at this time about a Texas National Guard presence. Fort Worth Police Department is working closely with our community and our Intelligence Fusion Center to monitor all activity during any peaceful protests that may take place in the City of Fort Worth, said a city spokesperson.

Houston: The mayor of Houston encouraged people to express their views and to stand united with peaceful demonstrations, but not let disruptors infiltrate these groups that really have their own agenda.

Lubbock: The city is aware of a protest but said there are no plans for DPS troopers or the Texas National Guard to be there, according to a spokesperson.

Pflugerville: The Pflugerville Police Department said it is aware of a planned gathering over the weekend. We support our communitys right to peaceful assembly. We encourage anyone outside for long periods of time to stay hydrated, limit sun exposure and stay safe, a spokesperson said.

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At a news conference Wednesday, officials from San Antonio said the governors announcement caught them by surprise, saying Alamo City didnt get any advance warning.

Do I wish they would? Sure, said San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, who added his city will plan for the worst, and we hope, of course, for the best.

Exercise your right to free speech, but I urge you to keep it lawful and peaceful, said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. Disruption, destruction, is never appropriate, nor will it be tolerated.

A statement from Gov. Abbotts office on the use of the Texas National Guard. (KXAN Graphic/Wendy Gonzalez)

Similarly, Austin City Mayor Kirk Watson confirmed the city was told the Texas National Guard will be prepared to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety on Saturday, if deemed necessary.

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KXAN asked the governors office about that but didnt get an answer as of this report. Abbotts announcement comes a day after he sent a warning on social media to protesters who cross the line writing FAFO  an acronym for f around and find out.

The governor repeated that on Wednesday at a bill signing when asked what he meant by protesters who cross the line.

That leads to F-A-F-O? he said, laughing. Violating the law. You break the law, youve crossed the line, you will be arrested.

The governor would only say the Texas National Guard is ready in strategic locations but would not say how many or where.

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The State of Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary personnel and resources to uphold law and order across our state, said the governors press secretary, Andrew Mahaleris. Texas National Guard soldiers are on standby in areas where mass demonstrations are planned in case they are needed.

Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles, Mahaleris added. Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extent of the 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 KXAN Austin.
When Brita Horn took over as chair of the Colorado Republican Party after winning a vote at a state GOP meeting late last month, the volunteer fire department chief and rancher's wife from Routt County faced the prospect of trying to lead a sharply divided party still reeling over a months-long attempt by some Republicans  including Horn  to remove and replace the previous slate of state party leaders just months before last year's election.
Texas officials have notified local public health departments to brace for another $119 million in federal cuts at the end of the month that could impact the states disease detection and prevention efforts, including for HIV, diabetes, vaccine outreach and emergency preparedness.

The news comes three months after the federal government notified Texas officials it was prematurely clawing back $700 million in unspent COVID pandemic funding, some of which was used to fight the spread of measles in West Texas.

With the states regular biennial legislative session ending less than two weeks ago, the Texas Department of State Health Services has lost its opportunity to ask the state for more money. Lawmakers left Austin increasing state funds to the agency by $86 million over the next two years, but it also expects to lose $685 million in federal funds due largely to the end of the COVID funds.

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Imelda Garcia, chief deputy commissioner for the state health agency, made the disclosure on the latest potential cuts at the agencys committee on public health funding and policy on Wednesday.

We have staff checking the federal grant solution system every day, multiple times a day. We've made phone calls to our federal partners. However, we still don't have any additional information at this time, Garcia said.

Expiring at the end of June, the $119 million involves Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grants that trickle down to local public health departments. Among the potentially hardest hit would be:

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Other programs facing cuts include those to address diabetes, cardiovascular disease, tuberculosis, tobacco use, wastewater testing and some public health-related school funding.

Garcia stressed that while none of the $119 million has been formally cut, Texas health officials have not yet received word that the funding would be renewed.

I wanted to put them on your radar in case there are additional delays that we may see in the coming weeks, she said.

On May 30, Garcia notified health departments to pause HIV prevention and testing spending because the federal government hadnt notified the state that it will be renewing funding for those services.

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Local public health departments were also told this week at the meeting that there could be more cuts by the end of the year. This comes as Texas ranks among the worst in the country for public health funding.

In a post-covid COVID world, in a world where we've got this measles outbreak and  you're cutting immunizations, I mean, this just does not make any sense, Dr. Philip Huang, director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services and the committees vice chair.

He said the cuts ran counter to the messaging from U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy who has emphasized the federal agency should be focused on reducing the impact of chronic disease.

You say your priorities are chronic disease, and you eliminate the whole Office on Smoking and Health and the FDA tobacco control program, Huang said. This doesn't make sense at all.

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When the federal government abruptly cut off $700 million that the state had up until next year to spend, both state and local public health departments laid off employees. In May, the agency offered 63 employees transfers to other divisions and 32 employees were terminated. Of those laid off, 19 were fellows whose tenure ended a week early. Huang noted that he had to lay off more than 20 employees.

Amy Yeager, director of the Bell County Public Health District, noted that the day after she had to temporarily close the districts health clinic in Temple, the city reported its first measles case involving an unvaccinated man.

Texas has been at the center of a historic measles outbreak that has infected close to 750 people statewide and even more across state and international borders. Two children have died and although the number of new cases have decreased in recent weeks, the state cant consider the outbreak over until there are 42 days without a new infection.

Huang asked Garcia if the CDC could provide any leeway, perhaps, in light of the fact that Texas has been spending so many resources battling the measles outbreak.

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I think they're sympathetic, but there's so much going on," Garcia said. "CDC doesn't have a full time director as yet, so they are just having difficulty getting decisions made, is what we have heard."

Big news: 20 more speakers join the TribFest lineup! New additions include Margaret Spellings, former U.S. secretary of education and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center; Michael Curry, former presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church; Beto ORourke, former U.S. Representative, D-El Paso; Joe Lonsdale, entrepreneur, founder and managing partner at 8VC; and Katie Phang, journalist and trial lawyer.

Get tickets.

TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
This story has been updated with information from the Texas Governor's June 12 press release.

Gov. Greg Abbott has confirmed the deployment of thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers across Texas in anticipation of planned protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.

"Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles in response to President Donald Trumps enforcement of immigration law," Abbott said in a June 12 press release. "Today, I deployed over 2,000 Texas DPS troopers and over 5,000 Texas National Guard soldiers across the state to assist local law enforcement response to these protests and to maintain law and order. Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be arrested and held accountable to the full extent of the law. Don't mess with Texas  and don't mess with Texas law enforcement."

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The soldiers and troopers are to support local law enforcement in preparation for the weekend's nationwide anti-ICE protest. DPS troopers, including Special Agents and Texas Rangers, have been called to protest sites. The National Guard soldiers have been "strategically positions to bolster state and local law enforcement response to any criminal activity," per the press release.

Texas lawmakers criticize Abbott for National Guard deployment

Prior to publication of the June 12 press release, San Antonio's Democratic state House delegation called on Gov. Greg Abbott to brief the city on the National Guard deployment. Guard members arrived in the city Tuesday night, ahead of protests scheduled for June 11 and June 14.

In a letter addressed to the governor, Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer shared his "concern over the lack of coordination with local authorities in the staging of Texas National Guard troops in San Antonio." He explained that city officials and local law enforcement have not been briefed, citing a Wednesday press conference with Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Police Chief William McManus.

"The Governor has since confirmed that Texas National Guard troops are being deployed in cities around the state. That communication available purely on social media raises more questions than it answers," Fischer wrote. "If the protests around the state pose a threat significant enough to justify military intervention, then local leaders must be informed of that threat and the state's response."

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On behalf of the Bexar County Legislative Delegation, Fischer asked for a briefing "on the deployment's scope, legal authority, and operational goals." He referred to the legal challenge of a similar action in Los Angeles, in which federal troops responded to anti-ICE protests despite objections from California's governor as well as local officials.

Briefings and coordination at every level are critical," Fischer wrote in closing. "Sending soldiers into our cities without explanation invites conflict and puts our communities at risk."

Peaceful protests require coordination. Given what weve seen across the country, we need clear communication on the scope, authority, and goals of Governor Abbotts deployment of the Texas National Guard to San Antonio.



The lack of communication is frighteningso Im pic.twitter.com/PkH95jiW9D  TMF (@TMFtx) June 11, 2025

Fischer posted his letter to social media, saying, "The lack of communication is frightening." He also listed other state representatives who share his concerns: Ray Lopez, Liz Campos, Josey Garcia, Barbara Gervin-Hawkins and Diego Barnel.

As of 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Fischer had not publicly responded to the latest press release from the Governor's office.

When is 'No Kings Day'?

Several Texas cities are expected to hold rallies for "No Kings Day of Mobilizations" on Saturday, June 14. The protests are organized by "50501," a grassroots movement enabling independent organization across the country, My San Antonio reports. "No Kings Day" has been intentionally planned for the same day as the Trump administration's military parade in D.C., which also coincides with Trump's birthday.

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What is 'No Kings' day? What to know about Texas protests on June 14, Trump's birthday

News of the National Guard's deployment comes after hundreds of protesters assembled at the Texas Capitol in Austin Monday to show support for those protesting ICE actions in Los Angeles. Similar demonstrations were held in downtown Dallas that same evening, and protests also occurred in San Antonio and Houston over the weekend.

Tensions in Los Angeles escalated after an ICE raid on June 6 led to the arrest of several individuals. The operation sparked protests that escalated over the weekend, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to the city.

On June 9, California filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the deployment of the National Guard without prior consultation with Governor Gavin Newsom. The governor criticized the decision in a social media post, calling it "illegal and immoral." In another post that morning, Newsom accused Trump of "illegally" federalizing the Guard and declared, "We're suing him."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Gov. Abbott deploys National Guard amid criticism from Texas lawmakers
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Scammers are at it again, this time sending fake texts about unpaid traffic tickets.

The messages are similar to the toll scams going around, but these claim to be coming from the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles. Michigan doesnt have a DMV  the Secretary of States Office handles vehicle services.

This is a scam, the SOS warned in a statement. The Michigan Department of State / Secretary of State will never ask people to send money or personal information via text message. Please contact the Michigan Attorney Generals Office for more information on how to identify scams and to file a complaint.

A sign on US-131 warns drivers to be wary of scam texts about toll fees. (June 11, 2025)

Hudsonville woman duped by toll text message scam

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Michigan State Police called it a fraudulent text designed to produce fear and distress in order to convince people to pay a traffic ticket that doesnt exist.

All of us are under attack by these criminals. Stay vigilant and use good judgement before complying with any suspicious messages, MSP advised in a social media post.

Messages like these, which come from a variety of unfamiliar numbers and even email addresses, are part of a growing smishing scam. The text threatens severe consequences if immediate action is not taken, like claiming that the victims drivers license will be suspended if they dont pay a fine.

Alicia Thomas, a Grand Rapids resident, told News 8 she has received many smishing scams  including the DMV ticket one  and has found the tactics convincing.

A scam text falsely saying the recipient owes a fine on a traffic ticket. (June 11, 2025)

It is really intimidating and scary when you think about what the actions could be, especially if youre driving around with a kiddos or your family in the car. And youre like, Oh no, I dont want it to be impounded, or, I dont want to get a ticket, she said. It says that it could also be affecting your credit score and thats something I think a lot of people have anxieties about. So its really unfortunate that people are getting these and taking advantage and preying on peoples anxieties and stressors.

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AI scam nearly cheats mom of $50,000 by cloning daughters voice

Even Kent Countys undersheriff admits these scams arent always easy to spot.

Ive almost been victim to every one these scams, Ill be honest, Undersheriff Bryan Muir said. When you receive these texts, just take a minute to look where its originated from, what names are being used and do a little fact-finding.

Troy Baker, a spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau in Western Michigan, said this type of message may change shape, so its important to always remain skeptical about any texts asking for payments or personal information.

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Scammers look at these things like a business. If it didnt work, theyd move on to something else, he said. So the fact that we see it so much means that they are getting a lot of people to fall for it. Theyre making money on it.

5 signs its a scam call before you even pick up, according to an expert

If you get a similar text, dont click any links. Delete the message and report it as junk.

If you have people in your life who are maybe not tech savvy or maybe from an older generation who are not familiar with these things, just let them be aware because that is a population that definitely get preyed on a lot, Thomas, the Grand Rapids resident, advised.

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The Kent County Sheriffs Office says to reach out if you have any questions or if you would like to report a suspicious text.

I dont see these types of scams ever ending, Muir said. We do our best to stay on top of it and there is prosecution whenever possible, but just stay aware and stay mindful.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  The Tom Green County Sheriffs Office is hosting a run to raise funds for Special Olympics Texas.

TGSO is joining the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics with a 1K and 5K run in San Angelo on July 19 at the Red Arroyo Trail (Milbrook Loop) at 8:30 a.m.

This is our first run that were putting together with Special Olympics, said Lt. Quentin Williams.

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This is a family-friendly event to help raise funds to help with the cost of uniforms and the cost of travel for athletes.

Registration for the run is online at $25 per person and includes a t-shirt. Donations are also available online for those who want to help but do not want to participate in the event.

Anybody in the community can sign up for this actual run. Its a for-fun run, Williams said.

Volunteers for the event can contact Quentin.williams@co.tom-green.tx.us or at 325-450-0188 for more information.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Tharros Place provides support and shelter for survivors of human trafficking by providing residential services for girls ages of 12 to 17.

In 2024, Chatham County ranked 6th in the state of Georgia for highest reported cases of trafficking. More than 800 young people were reported as trafficking victims. Tharros Place has served nearly 20 teens since December 2023.

To ensure these young people get to experience just being kids, Camp Tharros was created. Jenn Steele, the education coordinator for Tharros Place, spoke with WSAV News 3s Andrew Davis about the camp, why its important and how you can get involved.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Astronomers' attempts to peer into the earliest reaches of the universe could be threatened by thousands of SpaceX Starlink satellites leaking radio emissions that ruin observations made with highly sensitive telescopes.

As New Scientist reports, a team of researchers led by Curtin University radio astronomy professor Steven Tingay tracked the signals of almost 2,000 Starlink satellites, with the help of a prototype telescope from the Square Kilometre Array, which is currently under construction in Australia.

They found that a third of the data at specific frequencies was being threatened by the radio emissions released by the Starlink satellites, a worrying sign that the Elon Musk-led space company could be hampering our efforts to study the early universe.

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And the problem is rapidly getting worse. As of May, the company has more than 7,600 satellites in low-Earth orbit, roughly two-thirds of all the operational satellites in orbit combined, and has plans to expand the constellation to tens of thousands.

As detailed in a yet-to-be-peer-reviewed paper, Tingay and his colleagues suggested the small satellites' electronics could be accidentally transmitting radio signals through their antennas.

In radio observations, they're extremely hard to miss.

"If you look at the signal strength produced by these unintended emissions, its not unusual for them to be comparable to the brightest natural radio sources in the sky," Tingay told New Scientist. "Its like taking the strongest sources in the sky and putting a bunch more artificial ones in the sky and making them move around a lot  that has a lot of impact, especially on experiments that seek to be ultra-sensitive."

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Interestingly, SpaceX is emitting signals at ranges that are protected by the International Telecommunication Union, explicitly for the purpose of radio astronomy. However, whether Musk's space firm is acting illegally remains unclear as the transmissions are likely unintentional.

"No ones breaking any rules from SpaceX or Starlink  these types of emissions are not regulated," Tingay told New Scientist. "But it is starting to become a discussion in the ITU as to how regulations over this type of emission could be introduced."

Besides releasing radio transmissions, SpaceX's satellites have previously been found to be extremely bright, showing up as enormous streaks in night sky observations. Since then, anti-reflective coatings and manipulating their orientations have made them somewhat less disruptive to astronomical surveys.

In 2023, SpaceX introduced a "distributed Bragg reflector" for its Starlink satellites, which is composed of multiple layers of plastic to scatter light, but still allow radio waves to pass through. The effectiveness of these reflectors remains unclear.

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Astronomers are now calling for SpaceX to address the problem of unintentional radio emissions as well.

"The best way to stop this unintended emission is for the satellites to either reduce it or to stop it," coauthor and Curtin University masters student Dylan Grigg told New Scientist. "From the operators side, it would be great to have mitigations on the satellite, and SpaceX has done that already in optical astronomy."

Fortunately, SpaceX has been open to dialogue, Grigg and Tingay found after reaching out to the company.

More on Starlink: United Airlines Shuts Down Starlink WiFi Service on Its Planes After the Antennae Caused Problems With Its Jets' Equipment
PORT BARRE, La. (KLFY) A stolen weed eater may seem small but for one veteran it is a major loss as it is the equipment used to maintain the grounds of the American Legion Hall.

Police Chief Deon Boudreaux said Tuesday evening the place was getting ready for an award ceremony and he was helping out. He said he noticed the brand new weed eater and when he left and returned later he was informed it was stolen.

Someone actually walked over here onto the American Legion property and stole the weed eater from the veterans here, Boudreaux said. The weed eater was bought so they can use it for their property here to maintain the property and the veteran bought it. Its brand new and he brought it here to work on the property while they were getting ready for the event last night and they thought it was safe sitting right here underneath the canopy and most of the people had left that were preparing the place and only a couple of people left inside and I guess the thief saw that and took advantage of that.

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Boudreaux said it is not just a theft but a hit to the heart of a place built on honor. He said the weed eater belongs to the Post Commander and is a military Army veteran who is a kind person and would give the shirt off his back.

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They do a lot for our communities here and its just heartbreaking to know that someone would come here on their property while theyre preparing to do something good for our community and steal from them, Boudreaux said. Stealing a weed eater is not the crime of the century. Even though theyre expensive. Theyre a couple hundred bucks, but its the principle behind it. Who they stole from? These are veterans, people that served in our armed forces, that gave us sacrifice and some of these men last night, one of them was honored because their son was in the military and lost his life in war.

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These are real men and women of our country that served and for someone from their own communities to come here and steal from them I find it very disheartening and very disrespectful to our men and women that serve our country. Boudreaux said.

Boudreaux continue how he and officers are investigation by going through three hours of video. He believes the suspect will be walking or riding a bicycle and live in the area near the hall.

Were sifting through that right now to try to see who actually came here. We suspect it is going to be someone thats going to be on a bicycle or walking and most likely someone that lives in this area. Boudreaux said. So were pretty certain we are going to find out who this is. But, you know, just want to let that person know if they are watching, this is stealing from veterans. These are people that that sacrificed their time, their lives to come here and serve our country and now they serve in our community through VFW and this post here does a lot for our communities and they were here last night giving back to the community and we have someone to take advantage of them and stole something from them.

Anyone with details on the theft are asked to contact Port Barre Police Department at (337) 585-6212. To learn more view Boudreauxs message on his Facebook post by clicking here.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A string of gas thefts in a San Diego neighborhood is leaving residents frustrated and footing expensive repair bills after people drilled into vehicle fuel tanks.

Marco, a resident on Idaho Street who asked that his last name be withheld for safety reasons, said he discovered a hole in his trucks gas tank last week when he attempted to take his children to school.

My computer dashboard said zero miles to empty, which is strange, Marco said. He recalled looking under the truck and seeing drill shavings on the ground before he smelled gas and noticed the hole.

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Prison officials search for man who fled San Diego County reentry program

Marco said the cost of replacing his damaged plastic gas tank is expected to exceed $2,000, since newer polyethylene tanks cant be patched due to their expanding and contracting properties.

Its infuriating and frustrating, he said. I work in South County, my spouse works in North County, our kids go to school in the middle. So its just not easy to live on one car.

After learning a neighbor had a similar experience, Marco posted about the incident on the Nextdoor app. He said he soon heard from others in the North Park area who reported gas thefts the same day  and even as far back as March.

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All of the incidents appear to have occurred in or near Idaho Street.

Lia Conrath, who lives in the area, said she hadnt heard about the thefts until recently. I usually park right outside of my house and we do have a big dog, so it helps keep people away. But I dont know  we might put up surveillance cameras. We dont have any at the moment.

Concerns grow over early plans to build in South Park canyon

Marco is also considering installing cameras. While he acknowledges the strain of high gas prices, he said the damage caused by the thefts is far more severe than the small amount of fuel being taken. In his case, he estimates just three gallons of gas was stolen from his truck.

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Its so little reward for so much damage, he said.

San Diego police say they have received at least two official reports so far, but they believe there may be more victims. Authorities are encouraging anyone affected to file a police report.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A third suspect was arrested in connection with thousands of gallons of fraudulent diesel fuel sales worth $63,000, according to the Covington Police Department.

Andre Davis, 30, was arrested Wednesday and had a warrant out for his arrest in January in connection with this theft. He was charged with theft of property over $1,000.

Diesel thieves fuel up with $63K in fraudulent sales, police say

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On Dec. 3, 2024, police received information of fraudulent credit sales activity at the CO-OP 24/7 fuel pumps at 597 East Liberty Avenue.

According to reports, the original complaint said the fraudulent sales occurred between September and December 2024, 54 transactions were made, totaling $24,234.07 in fraudulent diesel gas sales.

Andre Davis_Courtesy of Covington Police Department

Police said that the suspects stole 18,000 gallons worth $63,000 in fraudulent sales.

CO-OP employees saw trucks pumping large amounts of diesel into containers, and the fuel was charged to fraudulent credit card accounts.

Police said they confirmed multiple trucks were being used to commit fuel thefts.

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Two suspects in Memphis are accused of using multiple trucks to fill containers full of diesel, then charging the fuel to fraudulent credit cards, police said. A third suspect is still wanted.

The investigation began late last year with a tip about suspicious trucks and transactions at a CO-OP 24/7 gas station in Covington. Police say they also found similar thefts in Fayette and Hardeman counties.

Man accused of carjacking WREG reporter arrested

Detectives worked jointly with the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Memphis Police Department, and the Somerville Police Department to develop suspects.

One of the suspects is led into a Covington Police vehicle. (courtesy Covington PD)

Covington police arrested Rylan Hughes and Jordan Sykes earlier this year.

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Rylan Hughes, 22, was charged with Theft of Property Over $1,000. Covington detectives say they seized several debit cards, cell phones, and a white Ford F350 truck.

Jordan Sykes, 23, was charged with Theft of Property Over $1,000. Both Hughes and Sykes were taken to jail at the Tipton County Sheriffs Office and are being held on a $100,000 bond.

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A South Florida real estate brokerage accused of trapping thousands of Florida homeowners into fraudulent contracts is now cancelling those agreements in accordance with a February ruling from a Hillsborough County judge.

More than 9,000 Floridians signed homeowner benefit agreements with MV Realty, giving the company the exclusive rights to list their homes.

Many did not realize that those contracts lasted 40 years and allowed MV Realty to place a lien on their homes if they listed with another brokerage. The only way to get out of it was to pay a fee equivalent to 3% of the propertys value.

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After the Tampa Bay Times reported on the scheme in 2022, the Florida Attorney General sued MV Realty over its deceptive business practices.

In February, Circuit Court Judge Darren D. Farfante ordered the company to terminate any existing homeowner benefit agreements within 14 days.

That didnt happen.

In court filings, the Attorney General said the company violated the judges injunction by changing the language in some of its contracts instead of terminating them fully.

But now, MV Realty is starting to cancel the agreements.

Since March, it has filed paperwork to terminate more than 1,000 contracts in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.

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Charles Gallagher, a St. Petersburg attorney who has represented several clients in cases against MV Realty, said this is helping to correct a stain on the public record, thats prevented homeowners from selling their properties and taking out loans.

Youre kind of kidnapped in a way until those documents of record are terminated, he said. So this is a super positive outcome for homeowners.

Some homeowners have already paid a fee to MV Realty to get out of their contracts. Gallagher said the judges ruling does not entitle them to a refund, but it does give them a strong legal argument if they wanted to sue MV Realty to get their money back.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has suspended MV Realtys license, so it can no longer do business in the state.

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The Attorney Generals lawsuit is still ongoing as MV Realty tries to convince the judge to dismiss two of the claims over deceptive advertising.

Neither MV Realty nor the Attorney Generals Office responded to requests for comment from the Times.

Though the company is still continuing to operate unfettered in several other states, in Florida, I think this is the end of the line for them. Gallagher said. I dont think theyre going to be able to hurt homeowners again.
Federal judge bars evidence from pat-down, finds Sterling officer had no grounds to search motorist

'The Governments position essentially boils down to this: a suspect with a reputation can always be frisked. But the Fourth Amendment does not provide carte blanche,' wrote Judge Nina Wang
Thousands of Hampton Roads residents are expected to join a national movement this weekend in protesting against the Trump administration.

More than 2,000 cities across the country will host No Kings demonstrations Saturday to protest what organizers say is the militarization of democracy and authoritarian overreach. Coinciding with Flag Day, the anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official U.S. flag, and the Armys 250th anniversary, organizers say the protest is in response to President Donald Trumps military parade, cuts to Veterans Affairs resources and other cuts to social services and federal departments.

The parade, slated for Saturday in Washington, will be a large-scale military celebration with thousands of soldiers, rows of tanks, parachute jumps and flyovers. That day also marks Trumps birthday.

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In Hampton Roads, demonstrations are planned in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and Yorktown.

Residents gathered Wednesday at the Hampton Public Library to make signs ahead of weekend events.

We need to be sure to use the American flag because it represents us, said Diann Smith, an organizer with Indivisible Peninsula, who plans to be in Yorktown. Its not just the MAGA crowd. Its American flag, and we are Americans. Democracy is American, and we need to reclaim it.

Another sign maker, Steve Byrd, is a Vietnam War veteran who said he started protesting this year for the first time. Byrd was in Richmond for a Hands Off rally and said he really enjoyed it. Hes going out this weekend to protest because he believes the military is being used inappropriately by the Trump administration.

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I started protesting because voting wasnt really enough, Byrd said. Im glad Im doing it now, because to me, things have gotten really, really bad.

Armys 250th birthday commemoration held in Yorktown ahead of Fort Eustis event Friday

The event planned outside the Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse could be the regions largest. The Williamsburg-James City County Indivisible group is prepared to host more than 1,000 people Saturday, and organizer Heather Meaney-Allen said its possible upwards of 2,500 could attend. She said the Williamsburg event, which starts at 5 p.m., will be a protest and a celebration with several speakers, including members of the Virginia House of Delegates and military veterans.

Ive been surprised at the amount of older people that have never (protested) before, that are handicapped, and want to know how they can get involved, she said. We have elderly people who are so concerned about the state of our country that theyre getting out there for the first time, even in the shape theyre in, to say, No, were not doing this. No kings, authoritative government (or) fascist regime. 

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She said her team has organized more than 500 demonstrations since forming in 2017. Hands Off, a protest in April pushing back against Trump and Elon Musks cuts to federal programs, with roughly 1,500 attendees has been their largest event yet. WJCC Indivisible leaders have been communicating with police ahead of Saturdays event.

As of Thursday, more than 400 people had signed up for South Hampton Roads Indivisibles event in Chesapeake. Clay Lory, one of the leaders for the group, said members have completed training for de-escalation and crowd safety. There will also be marshals at the events to help out, who will wear fluorescent vests, to keep the demonstration running smoothly.

Protesters plan to gather at 10 a.m. with signs at the intersection of Battlefield Boulevard and Volvo Parkway. Demonstrators are encouraged to bring water, umbrellas and chairs, if needed. This weekends forecast has about a 50% chance of rain, and temperatures could reach the upper 80s.

Norfolks event will start with a rally at 11 a.m. in Jeff Robertson Park, in West Ghent and march along Hampton Boulevard to Smartmouth Brewing Co. Sharon McQueen, one of the organizers with COVA Coalition, said the rally will feature several speakers who will discuss threats to marginalized groups, such as people of color, veterans and the LGBTQ community.

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Between 600 to 750 people are expected, and McQueen said the more, the merrier. With each demonstration starting at a different time, she said she hopes community members can visit multiple protests.

Protests, like grapes, grow best in bunches, she said.

Though the No Kings protests were planned before anti-immigration raid demonstrations began in Los Angeles and other cities, national organizers said the military escalation from the Trump administration is further proof of the administrations overreach. In California, Trump ordered 700 Marines based out of Twentynine Palms and an additional 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles.

Editorial: Trump parade, nationwide No Kings protests mirror national division

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Organizers for No Kings demonstrations emphasized that this weekends events will be peaceful.

Now, this military escalation only confirms what weve known: this government wants to rule by force, not serve the people, a statement from national organizers said. From major cities to small towns, well rise together and say: we reject political violence. We reject fear as governance. We reject the myth that only some deserve freedom.

Staff writer Devlin Epding contributed to this report.

Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com

Hampton Roads protests

Chesapeake: Intersection of Battlefield Boulevard and Volvo Parkway, 100 Volvo Pkwy, 10 a.m. to noon

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Norfolk: Demonstration begins at Jeff Robertson Park, 1542 Armistead Bridge Rd, 11 a.m.

Virginia Beach: Intersection of Virginia Beach Boulevard and Independence Boulevard, 4592 Virginia Beach Blvd, 2-4 p.m.

Williamsburg: Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse, 5201 Monticello Ave, 5 p.m.

Yorktown: Yorktown Victory Monument, 803 Main St, noon to 1:30 p.m.
WESTFIELD  After an investigation by police, three people were arraigned in District Court Tuesday for trafficking cocaine, according to court documents.

Shelia Maldanado, 49, and Jose L. Paulino Ruiz, 36, both of Monroe Street, Westfield, and Marcus Johnson, 35, of White Street, Springfield, were each charged with one count of trafficking more than 36 and less than 100 grams of cocaine, according to court documents.

According to the detective who led the investigation, officers had the Monroe Street apartment building under surveillance and witnessed multiple hand-to-hand drug transactions.

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Using that information, on March 5, the detective applied for and was granted a warrant to search one of the apartments in the building.

While waiting for the right opportunity to execute the warrant, officers spotted Ruiz, who is known as Tall Guy, leave the apartment and then return several minutes later, according to the detectives report.

Detectives and officers with the police department executed the search warrant and entered the apartment.

Once inside, they saw Maldanado and Ruiz in the living and took both into custody, according to the report.

Jordan was then spotted going into the apartments bathroom.

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Officers then rushed into the bathroom and saw Jordan trying to pull an item out of his pants pocket.

The officers pinned him to a wall and took him into custody, according to the detectives report.

A total of four people were taken into custody, which included Ruiz, Maldanado, and Jordan, according to the report.

They were all taken into a hallway of the apartment building.

Officers saw that there was a sandwich bag sticking out of Jordans pocket.

When it was pulled out of his pocket it contained a few pieces of crack cocaine and a chunk of cocaine that appeared to have been broken off brick of cocaine.

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The total weight of the cocaine was 39 grams and tested positive at the police station.

After a thorough search of the apartment, officers found a digital scale, two boxes of sandwich bags (the corners of the bags are cut off and used to hold drugs offered for sale), a ledger with amounts owed by customers, a cell phone, and nearly $600 in cash, according to the detectives report.

The detective, Edward Tosado, wrote that based on his experience he knows drug dealers will purchase large quantities of narcotics at a wholesale price and break it into smaller quantities for sale.

After being arraigned, Ruiz was ordered held in lieu of posting a $1,000 cash bail, Jordan was ordered held in lieu of posting a $1,500 cash bail, and Maldanado was ordered held in lieu of posting a $2,000 cash bail.

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According to an official with the Hampden County Sheriffs Office, Ruiz and Jordan posted bail and were released.

Maldanado was still in custody on June 11 at the Western Massachusetts Regional Womens Correctional Center.

Each will return to court on July 10 for a pretrial hearing.

Read the original article on MassLive.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Three people were arrested Wednesday night after starting a fire outside the ICE building in South Portland, authorities said.

According to Portland police, they were monitoring the protests around 9:50 p.m. when they saw a man stacking flammable materials against the side of the building.

Police said they then saw another man walk up and place a lit flare on the material, starting a fire, which was then quickly extinguished by someone inside the ICE building.

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Portland police respond to protests outside ICE facility

A short while later, police said they moved in to arrest the two people involved in starting the fire, and during that time, a woman tried to punch and choke an officer, and she was arrested as well.

The three suspects were booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF)  The Washington County Sheriffs Office said Thursday it has arrested three people in connection to what they called an attempted prison contraband drop.

On Wednesday, deputies with the sheriffs office were made aware of drone activity in the area of Washington State Prison. They then located the drones and responded to a wooded area approximately two miles from the prison, where a K9 officer led police to the suspects.

Deputies arrested and charged the following three individuals: 32-year-old Dylan Scrutchins of Acworth, 37-year-old William White of Stone Mountain, Ga. and 51-year-old Johnathan James, who was homeless.

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All face the following charges:

6 counts Trading with Inmates(felony)

2 counts Illigeal Use of Unmanned Aircraft (felony)

1 count Possession of Tools During the Commission of a Crime (felony)

1 count Possession of Methamphetimine (felony)

1 Count Possible of Heroin (felony)

The Washington County Sheriffs Office, working closely with the Georgia Department of Corrections, remains on high alert, Sheriff Joel Cochran said in a statement. Whether its a late-night drone flight, a sneaky drop-off near the fence line, or some new trick straight off the internet, were watching. Were tracking. And were ready. We will continue to treat every single one of these incidents as a serious criminal offense  and we will pursue charges to the fullest extent of the law.

Last week, the Washington County Sheriffs Office arrested two women for what they called an attempt contraband drop.

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Three Rhode Island health insurers were fined for charging patients out-of-pocket costs for pandemic-related care, such as emergency room care, doctor visits, and hospital stays, that should have been fully covered, the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner said. (Getty image)

UnitedHealthcare paid $1 million and two Rhode Island health insurers paid lesser fines for violating state rules for health coverage of COVID-19 services.

Health Insurance Commissioner Cory King announced Thursday that his office had finished collecting fines charged to UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) and Aetna. The insurers were penalized for charging patients out-of-pocket costs for pandemic-related care, such as emergency room care, doctor visits, and hospital stays  services that should have been fully covered under a 2021 rule promulgated by Patrick Tigue, Kings predecessor in the the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC).

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UnitedHealthcare incurred the heaviest fine while Blue Cross and Aetna were fined $20,000 and $10,000, respectively. Consent decrees for the insurance companies stipulated payment was due for UnitedHealthcare and Aetna on June 2, while Blue Cross needed to pay up by June 6. King said Thursday that the final payment was made last week.

OHIC expects health insurance companies to comply with the law, King wrote in an email. When they do not, they must take corrective actions and face consequences.

The fines accumulated from July 3, 2021, when the rule was formalized into general law, through May 11, 2023, when Rhode Islands cost waiver rule expired and the COVID-19 public health emergency officially ended.

The cost waiver, however, only applied to fully insured plans, or coverage plans purchased by employers in which the insurer assumes the financial responsibility and risk. The cost mandate did not apply to people receiving services under self-insured plans  the kind of coverage often purchased by larger companies and held by about 60% of covered Rhode Islanders.

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The three consent decrees OHIC released Thursday detail the scope of violations and how the insurers fixed their billing problems. UnitedHealthcares hefty $1 million fine derived from 1,545 claims in which Rhode Island plan members were wrongly charged for COVID-related care. In 2023, the company reprocessed the claims and refunded roughly $270,000 to affected members.

We are pleased to have resolved this issue with the Rhode Island Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner, Bradley J. Alexander, a spokesperson for United, said in an email Thursday. We remain focused on helping individuals access care while supporting our employees, our network of care providers, our clients and the communities we serve.

The Blue Cross case was less straightforward. The insurer had already waived cost-sharing for COVID treatment in April 2020, according to spokesperson Rich Salit.

BCBSRIs cost-share waiver applied to all in-network services and out-of-network services received outside of Rhode Island, Salit wrote. For services in Rhode Island, BCBSRI was encouraging members to seek care from our broad network, as members going out-of-network could still be exposed to provider balance billing.

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Balance billing is when out-of-network providers charge patients for what insurance didnt pay.

According to the consent decree, Blue Cross believed its policy complied with the OHIC statute, at first indicating that it was not waiving cost sharing on services related to the treatment of COVID-19 if such services were provided by out-of-network providers within Rhode Island.

Nevertheless, OHIC did not agree with that interpretation and penalized the company for not covering the out-of-network care in 19 claims. Blue Cross was required to pay $1,751.60 in refunds, plus the $20,000 fine. Salit said the claims came from eight plan members.

BCBSRI agreed to reimburse the cost sharing those members incurred and updated its policy, and the matter was resolved, Salit wrote.

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Aetna, a subsidiary of CVS, only had three claims flagged under the OHIC rule.

We are pleased this agreement resolves issues with the OHIC related to three (3) Aetna claims, which we reprocessed in 2022, Phillip J. Blando, an Aetna spokesperson, wrote via email.

The penalty money goes into the states general fund, according to OHIC.

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UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  Five of the eleven defendants in the beating death of Messiah Nantwi were in court for their responses to plea deals on Thursday.

The five defendants met with Judge Michael Nolan in Oneida County Court on Thursday, June 12. One defendant  Daniel Burger  was originally intended to stand as well, but had his case adjourned to Tuesday, July 1.

Two of the defendants  Donald Slawson and Nicholas Vitale II  were required to give a decision on plea deals on Thursday.

Donald Slawson

Slawson rejected his offer on one count of tampering with physical evidence. When the defense files motions in reference to their rejection on July 17, the prosecution said their offer is off the table. He will face one to four years in prison if convicted.

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His case has been adjourned to Thursday, August 14.

Nicholas Vitale II

Vitale requested additional time to consider his offers. However, his defense attorney indicated during todays hearings that he may be willing to plead guilty under certain circumstances.

The prosecution agreed, saying that the defense provided a reasonable counter offer and are willing to come to an agreement.

Vitale is expected back in court on Tuesday, July 1 for his final decision. He is currently being charged with offering a false instrument for filing and conspiracy.

Michael Iffert

Iffert rejected his plea offer, facing only one count of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. If convicted, he will face one to four years in prison.

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However, the prosecution has said that their offer is now rescinded.

Iffert will be back in court on Thursday, August 14.

Thomas Eck

Eck called for more time to negotiate his plea offer, citing a disagreement with the number of years given during his deal. Judge Nolan marked Ecks offer as rejected for now  unless both parties can come to an agreement on a disposition for a resolution.

The prosecution stated that they will not extend any additional offers to Ecks team, especially when his team files motions.

His case will head to motion arguments on Friday, August 8. He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years if convicted.

David Ferrone

David Ferrone was granted more time to consider his offer.

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Defense attorney Scott Brenneck said that a guilty plea may be possible in his case. Brenneck also said that his team has plans to meet with the prosecution on Monday, June 16 to discuss details that may cause the defense to reconsider. He is facing a top charge of first-degree Manslaughter.

His case was adjourned to Tuesday, July 1.

Francis Chandler has had his case moved to Tuesday, July 1. Jonah Levi and Caleb Blair are scheduled to be in court on Friday, August 8, and must provide a decision on their deals. Another defendant, Craig Klemick, has rejected a plea offer and will be in court on August 8, but will begin scheduling suppression hearings.

Joshua Bartlett is also expected to be in court on August 8. He has pleaded guilty to falsifying business records and hindering prosecution, and will be sentenced on that date.

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WASHINGTON, DC (KELO)  Senate Majority Leader John Thune is defending President Trumps decision to federalize the National Guard and send in Marines to put a stop to clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement in Los Angeles.

Cheyenne River Reservation authorities investigating 2 deaths

The South Dakota Republican fielded reporters questions on a range of topics Wednesday on Capitol Hill, including the ongoing protests over immigration raids.

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The City of Los Angeles reported fewer clashes overnight as a curfew went into effect.

Yet tensions remain high as members of the military are on standby in case of more violence.

Thune says the military presence was needed because local officials in California didnt have a handle on the situation.

Thune called public safety a political imperative while discussing the protests taking place this week in Los Angeles.

Because one of the most fundamental questions most people, or most voters ask is my family safe? Is my neighborhood safe? Is my community safe? And when you cant answer that in the affirmative, then youve got a problem and I think thats what they ran into in Los Angeles which is why they needed some outside help, Thune said.

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But House Democrats say Los Angeles didnt need outside help from the military to keep the violence in check.

And state and local law enforcement officials are prepared to do that. At the same time, we respect the right and should embrace the right for any American to peacefully protest, (D) House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.

Thune wouldnt directly answer one reporters question about President Trumps pardons of January 6th rioters.

Manu Raju: Do you see any inconsistency when a president criticizes and condemns the violent LA protests but then pardons the violent January 6th protestors?

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I think the issue thats in front of us right now is the chaos in Los Angeles. And clearly, the local officials there, for whatever reason, didnt seem up to the task, Thune said.

Critics say President Trumps deployment of troops to Los Angeles will only provoke more violence. But Thune and other Republicans on Capitol Hill say it was a move that needed to be made.

At the end of the day, its about preventing chaos and preserving law and order, Thune said.

A federal judge will hold a hearing Thursday on California Governor Gavin Newsoms request to stop President Trump from using troops in Los Angeles.

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Tipping tops $78 billion in the U.S.; these states are the most generous

Americans spent an estimated $78 billion on tips at restaurants, bars and other food establishments in 2023, according to a new analysis by LendingTree.

The study, which used government data, found that tips made up 15.02% of spending at full-service restaurants and 6.75% of all food spending away from home.

New Hampshire led the nation in tipping rates, with 16.07% of away-from-home food spending going towards tips.

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New Hampshire: 16.07% District of Columbia: 12.65% South Carolina: 11.17% Minnesota: 10.11% North Carolina: 9.75% Washington: 9.51% Vermont: 9.31% Nebraska: 9.12% Rhode Island: 8.54% Maine: 8.18%

California was 31st at 6.15%. Utah had the lowest rate at 4.09%, with Mississippi and Idaho also at 5.10% or less.

The study also looked at per-person spending on dining out, which has grown over the past three years.

The District of Columbia topped this list with an annual per-capita spending of $10,291, followed by Nevada and Hawaii.

California ranked fourth nationwide, with residents spending an average of $5,072 per person annually on dining out, according to LendingTree.

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District of Columbia: $10,291 Nevada: $6,752 Hawaii: $6,628 California: $5,072 Massachusetts: $4,626 Colorado: $4,579 New York: $4,424 Rhode Island: $4,412 New Hampshire: $4,224 Washington: $4,182

Even as the rising cost of groceries stretches household budgets to the breaking point, we dont want to give up the fun and excitement  and convenience  of dining out, the studys authors wrote.

The full details of the study can be found here.

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GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)  South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued a warning to people planning to join any protests taking place Saturday.

While the Greenville County Sheriffs Office said they dont want to discourage people from using their voice, they encourage participants to keep it peaceful.

Sheriff Hobart Lewis said under the Trump administration, law enforcement now has the resources to facilitate deportations. He explained they are not large roundups of people, but he said there is an important focus.

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The people, right now, that were working with ICE to detain and get deported out of Greenville County, out of South Carolina, and out of this country, back to their home country are violent offenders, Lewis explained. These people were either wanted by law-enforcement or have been charged for a violent crime, validated gang members and those kinds of things. Thats what this is about.

The Greenville County Democratic Party (GCDP) said they have fear as they watch what is unfolding in places like Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles.

Stacey Mars, Chair of GCDP said the party plans to protest peacefully.

Well youve seen a lot of chaos if you will around the country, especially whats going on in California, she said. A lot of information if you will with everything going on and we dont want that to go on here, so we are going to protest peacefully and we expect that we be allowed to do that because thats our right.

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Mars said rallies will be held nationwide on June 14, including the Upstate region. She said her party want to remind lawmakers that they work for the people.

I think people are at a point where they are tired of what is going on, Mars said. Theyre tired of the chaos. Theyre tired of the division and we want them to do their jobs, what we voted for them to do, and right now we know that its not happening, and so people are going to come out and make their voices hard.

Lewis said the sheriffs office is prepared if protests get out of hand.

Everybody has a right to protest, speak their mind, he said. We want them to be safe. We certainly want our citizens to be safe. We want our community to be safe so that my advice to them would be the same as it would be to anybody else: if you commit a crime or violate the law, he will be arrested, and you will be charged simply for that.

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One morning this spring, as dawn broke over the mountains in southern Colorado, Valrie Eisemann loaded her truck with paint and climbing gear and drove about 65 miles to her canvas: a concrete wall angling high above the Arkansas River.

She arrived at her place along the Pueblo Levee Mural Project.

In recent years years, Eisemann has been among artists rappelling down the 30-foot wall in an effort to reclaim a record. Guinness World Records listed the Pueblo Levee as the largest outdoor mural for almost 20 years before the wall came down for reconstruction.

The Pueblo Levee Mural Project is more than just an effort to reclaim a record though.

This is what can come out of something thats terrible, Eisemann said. It shows that something can come out of tragedy and become something beautiful.

Tragedy overwhelmed Pueblo in 1921. That June, the Arkansas swelled and roared, destroying much of the town and claiming hundreds of lives.

The levee was built in the floods wake. It would span nearly 3 miles between the river and the citys core. It would rise about 65 feet. And over the decades, it would be covered in paint  by vandals, as some saw them. Cynthia Ramu knew them as artists.

She started painting along the wall in the 1980s. People were like, Youre doing that graffiti, she recalled, and I was like, Hey! Were in the Guinness Book of World Records! What are you talking about?

The record was largely thanks to her. Ramu built relationships with naysayers, with the governmental approving powers that be, and she rallied artists to fill blanks and expand the colorful scene reflecting atop the river.

Over the years, Ramu saw the project make lifelong friends out of strangers. She saw young, struggling people find purpose. Artists would sleep in their vans or in her yard. They were amateurs and professionals from near and far, some continuing careers and others using the wall to launch one.

There was a physical strain to painting along the 45-degree angle, but there was also mental and emotional relief. There was something about the fresh air, the rushing river below, the birdsong. There was a chance to leave a legacy.

Ramu met a woman who was dying. She said, I always wanted to do a piece on the wall. And I said, I can make that happen.

The record was marked in 1995: a mural occupying about 200,000 square feet. The record stood until 2014. Thats when work started to replace the crumbling levee.

Ramu watched murals jackhammered, watched the wall drop to its new 30-foot height, half its original, vibrant expanse. She often cried.

It was like watching my life go down the river, she said.

Construction finished in 2020. Then Ramu got to work.

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She got to work with the Pueblo Conservancy District overseeing the levee. Early talks were tense, Ramu recalled.

To some, it was still just graffiti, she said. They were like, Maybe we dont want anything on the wall.

Whether the lawyers and engineers liked it or not, the artists were coming, Ramu suggested. I said, If we created a process, I would be glad to help you figure it out.

An application process was created. Artists would submit proposals adhering to a set of guidelines while also waiving liability.

More than 100 artists have been approved over the past four years, some from as far as Canada and New York. Most are close by, including Shannon Palmer, the artist known as Deadhand.

The levee, she said, represents the resilience of her hometown. And it represents something more, she said: Its the heart of Pueblo.

The heart started beating in the 70s. A teenaged, ragtag bunch known as the Tee Hees would paint the levee under the cover of night. Their flashlights alerted police. The Tee Hees were known to escape by hopping the adjacent train.

Nonsense, thought local artist Dave Roberts.

He believed in supporting creativity and bringing people together, Ramu said. Someone needed to stand up, and he stood up.

Roberts negotiated the first deal with the Pueblo Conservancy District. He held an annual Paint-A-Thon.

He would show up with a bunch of paint from the recycle store, and people could just grab it and go paint whatever they wanted, Ramu said.

Roberts died in 2021, just as the new era of the Pueblo Levee Mural Project was beginning. He would be proud, Ramu thinks. But its not quite the Paint-A-Thon he knew.

As outlined in the application, artists must abide by certain themes  largely related to local nature, history and industry. The aim is to prevent anything that might be considered offensive.

Ramu understands as a diplomat. As an artist, she worries about expression being suppressed. I fight a lot, she said.

But the project is not about fighting, she knows. She knows it to be about the contrary  the theme of the mural being painted one morning this spring.

Eisemann arrived to finish her mandala, a splash of pink and white around a yellow circle like the sun. Power in unity would be the words in the center.

Which is what this whole project is about for me, Eisemann said. Its people coming together and showing strength in community.
The Brief

A February police shooting in Titusville that killed 25-year-old Trimarea Charles was ruled justified by the State Attorney.

Officers shot Charles after he rearmed himself with a modified pistol during a violent confrontation, investigators said.

Tensions flared at a city council meeting as Charles mother demanded answers and was escorted out.

TITUSVILLE, Fla. - A police shooting that left a 25-year-old man dead in February was a lawful use of force, State Attorney William Scheiner concluded in a letter released Tuesday.

What we know

The fatal shooting of 25-year-old Trimarea R. Charles by Titusville police officers was ruled a lawful use of force by State Attorney William Scheiner on June 10.

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Charles was shot Feb. 7 after a confrontation with officers outside a known trouble property on South Robbins Avenue. He had armed himself with a modified Glock pistol after an initial scuffle with Officer Xzevies Baez and was running toward another officer and a nearby home when police opened fire.

Video evidence, including body and dash cameras, showed Charles swinging at an officer, ignoring commands, and arming himself with a modified Glock pistol capable of automatic fire, prosecutors said. The weapon was later found to be linked to other shootings in different jurisdictions, according to authorities.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) took over the investigation, and the findings were forwarded to the State Attorneys Office.

At a recent Titusville City Council meeting, many expressed frustrations over the length of time the investigation had taken. Among those were city leaders and Samantha Charles, the mother of Trimarea Charles. Charles was removed from that council meeting after demanding answers.

The backstory

Police had responded to repeated reports of gunfire and criminal activity at the Robbins Avenue residence in the days leading up to the shooting.

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The home was under a trespass order authorized by the property owner. Charles had been spotted on the property before fleeing from officers, dropping a gun, then turning back to retrieve ita decision that investigators said triggered the use of deadly force.

What we don't know

It's unknown whether any internal disciplinary reviews or policy changes will follow.

What they're saying

In the June 10 decision, Scheiner said Titusville Police Officers Xzevies Baez and Zachary Blougouras were legally justified in using deadly force against Trimarea R. Charles on Feb. 7, citing Florida statutes and a U.S. Supreme Court standard that allows deadly force to prevent imminent harm or a forcible felony.

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"I have determined that the use of force by Officer Xzevies Baez and Corporal Zachary Blougouras was lawful and justified under the provisions of Chapter 776, Florida Statutes," said State Attorney William Scheiner.

In a letter to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Scheiner quoted Florida Satute 776.012(2), which reads, "A person is justified in using or threatening to use deadly force if he or she reasonably believes that using or threatening to use such force is necessary to prevent imminent harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony."

Scheiner also wrote that the United States Supreme Court in Barnes v Felix provides guidance and states, "[T]he totality of the circumstances inquiry into whether a use of force by a law enforcement officer was reasonable has no time limit; the history of the interaction, as well as other past circumstances known to the officer, may inform the reasonableness of the use of force."

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This story was written based on information shared by the Titusville Police Department, the Office of State Attorney William Scheiner, and from previous reporting by FOX 35 News.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti joined Students for fair admission to file an anti discrimination lawsuit against the US Department of Education.

The lawsuit claims the Hispanic Serving Institution program, or HSI program, is discriminatory and unconstitutional.

Click here to read the lawsuit.

According to the lawsuit, the reason the program discriminates is because it only provides federal funding to needy students who go to colleges and universities that already have a student body that is comprised of 25% or more of Hispanic students.

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AG Skrmetti cited the University of Memphis as an example, which is ineligible for the grant even though enrollment is 61% minorities.

A federal grant system that openly discriminates against students based on ethnicity isnt just wrong and un-Americanits unconstitutional, said Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. In SFFA v. Harvard, the Supreme Court ruled that racially discriminatory admissions standards violate the law, and the HSI programs discriminatory grant standards are just as illegal. Treating people differently because of their skin color and ancestry drags our country backwards. The HSI program perversely deprives even needy Hispanic students of the benefits of this funding if they attend institutions that dont meet the governments arbitrary quota. AG Skrmetti

The lawsuit is seeking to end the HSI programs nonsensical, divisive, and discriminatory requirement and declare the limitation on access unconstitutional.

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Since Gov. Jeff Landry took more control over Louisiana's public defense system in 2024, chief public defender contracts have been irregular. (Getty Images)

Two members of the Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board have resigned just 14 months into what were supposed to be four-year terms on the new governing body Gov. Jeff Landry created.

Freddie Pitcher Jr., a former state appellate judge in Baton Rouge who also ran Southern Universitys law school, and Shreveport attorney Ted Hernandez are leaving the board. Their decisions to step down come shortly before the board expects to have a contentious vote Monday about the dismissal of five attorneys who run local public defender offices.

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Pitcher, who Landry appointed to the board, said he is leaving because he is having personal issues that have been exacerbated by the board having too much drama. Hernandez, who was Senate President Cameron Henrys appointee, sent a short resignation letter to Landry at the end of last month.



Serving on the board has been a learning experience, wrote Hernandez, who could not be reached Wednesday by phone or email for additional comment.



The nine-member board helps supervise Louisianas sprawling public defense system with 37 local offices and approximately 850 attorneys. Public defenders represent 146,000 people annually and 88% of all criminal defendants in Louisiana.



Last year, Landry pushed through a controversial change in state law that dissolved the previous state public defender board and replaced it with the current, weaker version over which the governor has more influence.

State Public Defender Remy Starns lobbied Landry for the new board after clashing over policy with the previous one. Starns has been the leader of the public defender system since former Gov. John Bel Edwards appointed him in 2020. Landry and the newly-formed board agreed last year to keep him in the position.



Yet the new board and Starns have had some of the same disagreements he had with the old board.



The new board has voted down Starns proposals to reduce the pay of most chief public defenders who run local offices and incentivize some to operate part-time, private law practices on top of their state responsibilities. He also wanted to offer additional money to chiefs who agreed to represent more clients personally in court.



In February, Starns caused controversy when he told five chief public defenders who run local offices they would be losing their jobs on July 1 after their state contracts expire. The attorneys have appealed those terminations to the board, which is expected to decide Monday whether they will be terminated.

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The chief public defenders affected are Michelle AndrePont in Caddo Parish, Brett Brunson in Natchitoches Parish, Deirdre Fuller in Rapides Parish, Trisha Ward of Evangeline Parish and John Hogue, who works in Tensas, Madison and East Carroll parishes.

All five have been among the most critical of Starns policies in public. Over the past few years, they have testified at legislative hearings and public defender board meetings to oppose Starns efforts to remake the public defender board and curb their pay. They argue Starns targeted them for dismissal because they have spoken out against him.



If in fact these terminations are due in whole or in part to the participation of these District Defenders in the legislative process or Board meetings, then it is beyond question that the independence of the indigent defense function is under attack, wrote Stephen Haedicke, an attorney representing the lawyers.

Starns did not respond to phone calls and text messages asking for comment Wednesday.



A special subcommittee of the public defender board has recommended the board uphold Starns decision to fire the attorneys. It concluded Starns had the authority not to renew the public defender chiefs one-year contracts.



Mr. Starns had no obligation to enter into new contracts with these defenders, Paul deMahy, a retired state court judge and board member who chaired the subcommittee, wrote in a memo last month.



Pitcher also sat on the subcommittee and said his perspective was more nuanced. He agreed with deMahy that Starns had the legal authority to dismiss the five attorneys, but he wanted to recommend that the governor keep them in their jobs anyway.



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He has a technical win there. But from a moral standpoint, they should have their jobs back, Pitcher said Wednesday.

The attorneys are also challenging the subcommittees recommendation by saying an April hearing on the dismissals violated the states public notice and open meetings laws for government entities.

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While the review of the attorneys terminations was taking place over the last two months, Starns had also asked the Louisiana Legislature to approve two more bills that would have increased his authority further. The legislation stalled, however, after state lawmakers expressed concern Starns was trying to work around the new public defender board set up just last year.



Starns is also asking the 30-plus remaining chief public defenders who run local offices to waive their rights to challenge their dismissal and compensation if they want to keep their jobs, according to a copy of the contract provided by a public defender, who asked not to be named because of fear of retaliation.

The new one-year contracts Starns has sent to chief public defenders require the attorneys to forgo the compensation plan the public defender oversight board set for one Starns has implemented. He would also be able to fire them at any time without cause with 30 days notice, and the attorneys would no longer be able to appeal to the board for a reversal of that decision.



The agreements kick in on July 1.
By David Lewis, Jessica Donati and Daphne Psaledakis

(Reuters) -The U.S. State Department's top official for Africa, Troy Fitrell, will retire in mid-July, a State Department spokesperson said on Thursday, adding the Africa bureau's number two, Jonathan Pratt, will step into the role.

The change in leadership at the State Department's Africa bureau will come as President Donald Trump's administration is seeking to shift its strategy in the region to focus on trade rather than assistance.

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"After a long and distinguished career, the Department of States Bureau of African Affairs Senior Bureau Official Ambassador Troy Fitrell is retiring in mid-July as planned," the State Department spokesperson said.

"The Bureau of African Affairs Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Jonathan Pratt will step into the senior bureau official role after Ambassador Fitrells departure."

Troy Fitrell, previously U.S. Ambassador to Guinea, has been running the Bureau of African Affairs in the absence of an officially nominated assistant secretary of State under Trump. The senior bureau official position serves in an acting capacity when an assistant secretary, a Senate-confirmed position, is yet to be named.

Pratt, who previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti from 2021-2023, will also bring experience in the region to the role. He also previously held assignments in Republic of the Congo, Sudan and Angola, among other postings, according to the State Department website.

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Fitrell will leave his post on July 15, one source with direct knowledge of the decision told Reuters earlier on Thursday.

Fitrell shared his plans to leave by that date over an email, a second source said. Reuters did not review the email.

Fitrell did not respond to a request for comment.

He told reporters last month he had tasked U.S. ambassadors on the continent to find commercial opportunities for U.S. companies, as the Trump administration has focused on trade with the region.

The U.S. is keen to counter both Chinese and Russian influence on the continent, particularly over minerals and trade.

(Reporting by David Lewis, Jessica Donati and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Mark Porter and Chris Reese)
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday said that he knew "absolutely nothing" about the corruption case that prompted a top official in his Socialist Party to resign, and rejected calls for his resignation over the affair.

The case adds to mounting legal and political pressure on Sanchez, one of Europe's longest serving socialist leaders whose inner circle faces several ongoing investigations.

Santos Cerdan, the party's organisation secretary and its third-highest ranked figure, is suspected of being an accomplice in the alleged improper awarding of public contracts, according to a newly published judicial report.

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Cerdan, a member of parliament, stepped down from all his positions "to defend" the government and the party, adding in a statement that he "never committed any illegal act".

Shortly afterwards, Sanchez told a news conference he knew "absolutely nothing" about the corruption accusations against his longtime associate, having learned about them in the press earlier on Thursday.

"We never should have trusted him," the premier said, adding that he had demanded that Cerdan step down.

A judge said that a police report "reveals the existence of consistent evidence" suggesting that Cerdan acted in collusion with former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos and the latter's former adviser, Koldo Garcia Izaguirre, in exchange for financial gain.

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Cerdan's position became untenable after excerpts of recordings were published on Thursday in the press, reportedly capturing conversations with Abalos and Garcia.

In the recordings, the three men appear to discuss secret commission payments by companies in exchange for public contracts.

Cerdan has been invited to testify voluntarily before the Supreme Court on June 25.

Lawmakers from the main opposition Popular Party (PP) greeted Cerdan in parliament with chants of "resignation".

"If anyone had doubts that there was a mafia-like network behind the ruling party and the government, I suppose those doubts have now been dispelled," PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo told reporters, while calling for Sanchez to resign.

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"This is unacceptable in a European Union country. A European prime minister wouldn't last 10 minutes after the revelations we've seen in recent weeks," he added.

Feijoo branded Sanchez's explanations as "insufficient" and "disappointing", and called on the Socialist Party's coalition partners, including the far-left Sumar, to force Sanchez into resigning.

"They need to decide if they want to continue being complicit," he said in a press conference on Thursday evening.

Sanchez has ruled out calling early elections, saying that the case "does not affect the government of Spain, only the party".

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- 'Smear campaign' -

Tens of thousands of people took part in a protest Sunday in Madrid called by the PP against Sanchez's government.

Abalos, who served as transport minister from 2018 to 2021 and was once a key figure in Sanchez's administration, is accused of receiving illegal commissions through business contracts.

He faces charges of corruption, influence peddling and embezzlement.

Abalos was dismissed from Sanchez's cabinet in 2021 and expelled from the Socialist Party earlier this year, but remains a member of parliament as an independent.

His parliamentary immunity was lifted in January. During a court hearing in December, he denied receiving any kickbacks and maintained that there were no irregularities.

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Sanchez's wife, Begona Gomez, and his brother, David Sanchez, are also the targets of separate investigations for graft.

And Spain's top prosecutor, Alvaro Garcia Ortiz, who was appointed by Sanchez's government, is facing a possible trial over suspicions he leaked secret case files concerning the partner of Isabel Diaz Ayuso, the powerful conservative leader of the Madrid region.

The Spanish prime minister has dismissed the probes against members of his inner circle as part of a "smear campaign" carried out by the right wing to undermine his government.

Sanchez came to power in June 2018 after ousting his predecessor, Mariano Rajoy, in a no-confidence vote over corruption scandals involving the PP.

Most recent opinion polls show the PP holding a slim lead over the Socialists.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  The upcoming No Kings protest is expected to bring thousands of people to downtown Topeka, right outside of the Statehouse building.

Organizers say the goal is to stand up against what they see as government overreach from the administration of President Donald Trump. After similar protest in other cities have become chaotic and even violent, safety is the top priority for both protestors and law enforcement.

We are doing a lot of preparation, Kansas 50501 Protest Coordinator Christie Peterson said. We 100% expect this to be a peaceful protest. Thats always been our focus, and we think it needs to continue to be that.

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What are the ICE partnerships being formed with Kansas sheriffs?

Others are concerned about safety at the event after seeing the results of other protests around the country. The chairwoman of the Kansas Republican Party said shes not convinced the protest will stay civil.

Peaceful protests turned into riots in LA and then they continue to escalate and then to bring that to our community, to bring it to Kansas and expect it to be peaceful is probably unreasonable, said Kansas GOP Chairwoman Danedri Herbert. Its putting Kansas citizens in danger.

Topeka strip club owner indicted for machine gun possession

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Organizers say they have been working with capitol police to prepare for any situation.

Our policy has always been with counter-protesters to ignore them, Peterson said. So, if there are any counter-protesters, were not expecting a problem with that. Our people are just going to ignore them, and they have their right to speak and we have our right to speak.

The No Kings protest will be on the south side of the Statehouse in Topeka on Saturday, June 14 in the afternoon. You can learn more about other No Kings protests happening around the nation this weekend by clicking here.

Topeka motel could disappear with $15 million project

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A photo of Keeny Hall at Louisiana Tech University from September 2016. Sterlingrb and UpAhead Design, via Wikimedia Commons

The Louisiana Legislature has created a new award level for the states popular tuition assistance program that will cover the entirety of tuition and fees at public universities for the highest-performing students.

House Bill 77 by Rep. Chris Turner, R-Ruston, creates the TOPS Excellence award, which is available to any student with a 3.5 grade point average and a score of 31 or higher on the ACT or an equivalent score on a similar exam. The scholarship will provide tuition and fees at the Louisiana public university the student chooses or $12,000, whichever is less.

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Its a big win, Turner said.

Originally, Turners bill would have created a flat rate for each level of TOPS award rather than a unique allotment for each school. The new rate would have meant students at LSU, its two medical schools and the University of New Orleans would have paid more out of pocket, while students at other Louisiana schools would have paid less.

The provisions drew the criticism of Phyllis Taylor, whose late husband Patrick F. Taylor was responsible for the creation of the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, a merit-based scholarship program for Louisiana students who attend in-state public colleges and universities.

The original proposal was scaled back because it substantially increased the cost of the program.

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Instituting just the new TOPS Excellence award level will increase state spending $3 million in the first year, assuming 844 qualified students. The cost will increase over the next four years to a total cost of $12 million, when approximately 3,300 students are predicted to receive the award annually.

Turners bill also allows students to qualify for any TOPS award level by taking the conservative-backed Classical Learning Test, which evaluates students on math, writing and grammar with an emphasis on classic literature and historic documents. Its supporters frequently tout that the exam emphasizes texts that shaped Western culture.

The Classical Learning Test has been embraced by conservative lawmakers in Oklahoma, Florida and Arkansas. and has the support of the conservative Cato Institute and Heritage Foundation.

Oklahoma lawmakers extensively debated embracing the Classical Learning Test to qualify for their version of TOPS, with Democrats arguing it doesnt meet the same academic rigor and anti-cheating measures as the ACT.

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In Louisiana, only Louisiana Christian University accepts the Classical Learning Test for admissions, according to the CLT exam website.

Turners bill will go into effect unless Gov. Jeff Landry vetoes it.

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Council taxpayers in Tory areas will bear the brunt of Rachel Reevess squeeze on police funding, official figures show.

Police forces in rural areas, which are predominantly under Tory control, have to draw twice as much of their budgets from council taxpayers as metropolitan areas, which are largely overseen by Labour police and crime commissioners.

Conservative Surrey funds 57 per cent of its budget through its policing precept on council tax at the top of the table compared with 21.8 per cent for the West Midlands, 24.3 per cent for Merseyside and 27.1 per cent for the Metropolitan Police Service, which are all Labour-controlled, according to official data for 2024.

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This disparity means that they can only plug gaps from the Chancellors police cuts through a disproportionate reliance on their council taxpayers who face an anticipated increase of 14 on their tax bills for Band D properties, or more than 5 per cent.

The figures come a day after police chiefs warned Ms Reeves that the funding shortfall would mean they would be unable to deliver on the Governments pledges to put 13,000 more neighbourhood bobbies on the beat and halve knife crime and violence against women and girls.

Ms Reeves pledged police forces would get an increase of 2.3 per cent in their spending power, but this included the council tax precept on which rural areas disproportionately rely for their funding.

Police chiefs also maintained it was only a 1.7 per cent increase in reality because of carry-over funding for increases in National Insurance contributions and pay rises.

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Police and crime commissioners from the hardest-hit areas are urging Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, to revise the funding formula, which they claim pushes government grants away from sparsely populated rural areas to more densely populated metropolitan forces.

While the Met, which is overseen by Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, receives 5.11 per head of the population and Merseyside gets 4.58 per head. Meanwhile, Dorset gets 2.10, Surrey 2.11 and Lincolnshire 2.13, according to analysis of police data.

Marc Jones, Lincolnshires Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner, has previously threatened legal action against the Home Office over the unfair and outdated formula which still relies on population statistics from 2013 and even includes a metric based on pubs per square mile.

Government grants for the police need to be distributed in a fairer way, David Sidwick has said - Finnbarr Webster

David Sidwick, Dorsets Police and Crime Commissioner, said the formula failed to take account of the demands of policing sparsely populated rural areas such as his, which has also seen some 25 million day visitors per year.

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Why should the people of Dorset bear a bigger burden than other areas because they have better grant funding, said Mr Sidwick. What they are doing in a cynical way is saying that if you want extra policing, then the local people have to pay for it.

That would be fine if we were all starting from a level playing field but we are not. Those forces that do best from the grant are able to have the lowest precept. The money needs to be distributed in a fairer way otherwise it is unjust for people in Dorset.

Its also unjust police officers who have to deal with 25 million day visitors a year. They have the highest individual demand of every police force.

Roger Hirst, Essex Police and Crime Commissioner and joint finance lead for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said the police funding was disproportionately based on the policing precept.

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Those areas that are rural, non-urban and largely governed by Conservatives are having to bear the bigger burden of this real term increase in policing relative to urban areas where there is more grant, he said.

The precept is a bigger proportion for me than for the West Midlands, Newcastle or Manchester.

A Home Office spokesman said: We are committed to ensuring that police forces have the resources they need to keep our streets safe, part of our Plan for Change.

Council tax levels are a local decision, and elected Police and Crime Commissioners will consider the appropriate level for their local priorities. Further details for next year will be set out in the autumn as part of the annual police funding settlement.

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.
Makayla Wade points to the paintings and other artwork placed throughout the double-height lobby within the One Burton, one of Utahs newest apartment complexes.

Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol prints, along with work from other artists from the middle of the 20th century, are plastered on the walls next to a conference room and remote work space on the top half of the lobby. A chic clock adorns the wall next to the stairs leading to those spaces, which is near an entrance that pays homage to the old Kutchers Resort in upstate New York that rose to prominence during that era.

Its very midcentury modern. Thats kind of the inspiration for everything, says Wade, the complexs community manager, as she leads a tour around the property.

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Dubbed downtown South Salt Lakes first major development by project leaders and a significant milestone by South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood, its clear from the moment anyone steps in that art is a heavy focus inside the eight-story, 180-unit mixed-use development.

Theres art on every floor and a small art gallery space on the fourth floor featuring rotating art pieces on television screens to keep things fresh. Even its exterior oozes art, as a large mural was painted on one of its sides as part of South Salt Lakes annual Mural Fest earlier this year, and a few other murals from past festivals are located nearby.

The complex also comes with the same types of amenities common in other newly constructed apartment complexes, such as a community hot tub, game room, fitness center, coworking spaces and pet washing area. Theres also a dog park set aside for the residents best friends.

People tour an apartment during the grand opening of the One Burton development in downtown South Salt Lake on Wednesday. The eight-story building includes 180 rental residences across 24 floor plans, ranging from studios to two-bedroom rental units. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

Its units are a mix of studio to two-bedroom options, each coming with a washer and dryer, walk-in closets and wider space than many units. Theres also enough parking for every resident, along with space for bikes. Located on the corner of Main Street and Burton Avenue (2360 South), its also located near a Utah Transit Authority S-Line station.

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Three retail spaces are still under construction. Wade said a hairstyling business is slated to open in one of them, while management is also close to finalizing a deal to bring in a restaurant. Rental costs range from $1,390 to $3,575 per month.

From left to right, One Burton community manager Makayla Wade, South Salt Lake Mayor Cherie Wood, and Daniel Rudofsky and Jason Algaze, both partners at Abstract Development, all smile as they cut the ribbon during the grand opening of the One Burton development in downtown South Salt Lake on Wednesday. The eight-story building includes 180 rental residences across 24 floor plans, ranging from studios to two-bedroom rental units. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

While the first residents began moving in last month, project and South Salt Lake leaders gathered Wednesday to celebrate its completion, which they say marks a milestone for the city.

The $50 million project started as the New York-based Abstract Development Group toured sites for potential development in Salt Lake County, sometime after forming in 2020.

Developers fell in love with the corner of Burton Avenue and Main Street, which felt both underappreciated and blossoming with potential, said Jason Algaze, a principal at the firm. They particularly enjoyed the Mural Fest artwork and the creative reuse of industrial spaces nearby.

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Getting One Burton off the ground wasnt without its challenges, though. Development and construction required coordination with YesCo to move around an I-80 billboard in the area so that it wouldnt be intrusive to future residents, he said. Thats on top of the other challenges all development projects have faced in recent years, such as rising costs.

But the final product is essentially a love letter to the growing neighborhood. The Kutchers Resort references are a nod to resorts in upstate New York, also providing an outdoorsy vibe for the mountains in the background, Algaze explained. The art plays into the citys growing scene, which also received another boost on Wednesday.

Abstract Development presented the South Salt Lake Arts Council with a $2,000 donation before the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

I personally think this is like the creative side of Salt Lake or definitely will be, so we wanted to make sure we did something nice, he said.

Spencer Windes tours an apartment during the grand opening of the One Burton development in downtown South Salt Lake on Wednesday. The eight-story building includes 180 rental residences across 24 floor plans, ranging from studios to two-bedroom rental units. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

South Salt Lake leaders called One Burton a foundational piece of downtown South Salt Lakes downtown plans when construction began in 2022. And views from the top will soon offer a unique vantage point of whats to come in the surrounding area.

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The growing city has received additional redevelopment interest since then. Its located within a block or two of a large field where the development company Blaser Ventures has placed signs advertising a massive new development that seeks to bring about 500 affordable units and additional retail space to the area within the next few years.

South Salt Lake leaders say thats just the beginning, too, as they carry out their downtown vision that began about 15 years ago. Growth in this section has already contributed to the citys 12% population rise since then.

This is the first of many projects that will transform our community, Wood said.
All products featured on Conde Nast Traveler are independently selected by Conde Nast Traveler editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Conde Nast may earn an affiliate commission.

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Across Europes most popular destinations this weekend, the weather forecast says cloudy with a chance of water guns.

Coordinated anti-tourism demonstrations, which recently have taken the form of crowds of locals spraying tourists with water pistols, are scheduled to happen on Sunday, June 15, in cities such as Barcelona, Ibiza, and Palma in Spain, as well as elsewhere in Europe, including Venice, Palermo, Lisbon, and other cities.

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Tourists have been warned of potential disruptions caused by activist groups preparing a large-scale protest for June 15th, says Pablo Calvo, Spain Manager for travel operator Tours For You. The demonstration, organized by the Southern European Network Against Touristification (SET), will focus on major Spanish destinations, such as the Canary Islands (Lanzarote and Tenerife) and the Balearic Islands (Barcelona and Mallorca)."

The protests are a continuation of a movement that first gained momentum in summer 2024 in Barcelona and the Canary Islands, as locals demanded action from politicians to limit mass tourisms impact on housing, jobs, and daily life. Spain, and Barcelona in particular, remain ground zero for the movement. Here's everything to know if you have an upcoming trip planned to one of the impacted destinations.

Jump to

When and where are the protests?

In Barcelona, the protests are scheduled to start at noon on June 15 at the citys Jardinets de Gracia.

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Additional cities in Spain that are planning to participate include Donostia-San Sebastian, where demonstrations will begin at 12 p.m. at the clock at La Concha beach; Granada, where protests will start at 11 a.m. at the Mirador de San Nicolas; Palma, where demonstrations are scheduled for 6 p.m. at Placa d'Espanya; and Ibiza, where protests will start at 6 p.m. at Portal de Ses Taules and follow the Placa de la Constitucio, ending in the Plaza de sa Graduada at 9 p.m., according to local news site Periodico de Ibiza.

Protests are also expected to take place on June 15 in major cities throughout Europe, including Venice and Lisbon. Specific plans have not yet been released to the public, but parks, public squares, or popular tourist sites are likely gathering places.

What are the protests about?

The protests aim to highlight the growing concern over the uncontrolled growth of tourism and its negative effects on local communities, Calvo says, including rising housing costs, overcrowding, and the treatment of the industry's hospitality workers.

Lluis Diago, a worker at Barcelonas famous Park Guell, said in a statement many of the jobs in the city's tourism sector are plagued by subcontracting and undignified and unsafe working conditions.

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Improving working conditions and the housing market is a core focus of the coordinated demonstrations on June 15. The protests are fighting against "injustice from the economic model [tourism] sets, said a spokesperson from the Assembly of Neighborhoods for Tourist De-Growth. In Barcelona, locals are pushing the city's politicians to reform policies like stopping a proposed expansion to Barcelona's El Prat Airport, tightening restrictions on Airbnbs and other short-term rentals, and placing limits on cruise ship arrivals.

2162241980 Getty Images

Should travelers be concerned?

The message of the demonstrations may be geared toward politicians, but tourists could still be caught in the watery crossfire. We dont think there will be aggressive behaviors against tourists, so no fear for travelers," says Bruno Gomes, who works for We Hate Tourism tours in Lisbon, which aims to help visitors experience the city in a deeper way beyond its biggest tourist attractions.

Although the demonstrations may sound overwhelming, theres no reason for fear, no need to cancel trips, says Conde Nast Traveler travel specialist Murielle Blanchard, a consultant with Black Pearl Luxury Services.

My suggestion is to talk to the [hotel] concierge and find out the route of the demonstration, Blanchard says, adding that she has advised her clients to stay away from major sightseeing spots in affected cities on the day of the protests. It is better not to be in the middle of it. They have used water guns in the past, but I am not sure it will be the same this time."

Travel alerts and advice

Similar protests against overtourism occurred in Spain across major destinations like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, and the Canary Islands this May. Before those protests, the US Embassy and Consulate in Spain and Andorra sent an alert to travelers advising them to avoid the gatherings.

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The embassy also advised US travelers to:

Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests

Be aware of your surroundings

Follow the instructions of authorities and signs regarding closures and detours

Monitor local media for updates

Keep a low profile

The same advice can be applied to the upcoming June 15 protests.

How to be a responsible traveler

Tourists can also make strides to be more responsible and intentional about the way they travel. According to Gomes, more travelers are being led by social media to the same spots with hopes of recreating the content they see in viral posts and videos. This only exacerbates overcrowding issues and stress on destinations' infrastructures.

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We are traveling more and more with strict agendas and to-do lists, Gomes says. We know all about everything because of Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok, stripping away from us what traveling should be. Instead, travelers can strive to get off the beaten path, and venture beyond the tourist hotspots. Other helpful actions travelers can take include scheduling trips for the off season, traveling in smaller groups, hiring local guides, and supporting small businesses.

These are issues that can be solved on an individual level, one tourist at a time. Explore, and engage with locals to give you a true feeling of what life and culture are in each city, recommends Gomes. Go deeper. The biggest responsibility of overtourism is from politicians and greedy businesses, but we all have a responsibility too. If we consume and choose better, know where and to whom your money is going, we will in fact change things.

Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler

The Latest Travel News and Advice
One of the Pikes Peak region's most curious parks deserves an educational tour. That's the thinking of El Paso County, which recently launched guided hikes at Paint Mines Interpretive Park on select Saturdays this summer.
A 30-year-old man was gored by a bison at Yellowstone National Park, the National Park Service said.

The Randolph, New Jersey man, whose name was not released, was with a group of tourists at Old Faithful around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday when he was gored. The NPS said in a press release that the group had approached the animal too closely.

The man reportedly suffered minor injuries and was transported to a hospital by emergency medical personnel. There are no further updates to his condition at this time, but the incident remains under investigation.

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This marks the second time in just over a month that a Yellowstone tourist was attacked by a bison. Back on May 7, a 47-year-old man visiting from Cape Coral, Florida was gored.

Yellowstone reported two bison-related incidents in 2024 and one in 2023.

"Wild animals can be aggressive if people dont respect their space," the National Pak Service says. "It is your responsibility to stay more than 25 yards (23 meters) away from all large animals  bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes  and at least 100 yards (91 meters) away from bears, wolves, and cougars. If wildlife approach you, move away to always maintain these safe viewing distances."

Bison may appear calm and friendly but are "unpredictable" and "will defend their space when threatened."

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The bovine creatures are responsible for more incidents with Yellowstone visitors than any other animal, and are capable of running three times faster than humans.

Bison are North America's largest land animals, standing up to six feet tall and weighing as much as 2,000 pounds.

Tourist Suffers Gruesome Injury at Yellowstone National Park first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 11, 2025
When a judge dismissed an appeal by prolific ticket tout Peter Hunter and his husband and accomplice David Smith against their landmark conviction for fraud, he sounded an alarm.

The evidence, he said in a 2021 judgement, suggested the possibility of "connivance and collusion" between ticketing companies and touts, who buy up tickets for live events in bulk and sell them to the public at inflated prices.

A different judge sentencing another group of ticket touts for fraud, including the self-styled "Ticket Queen" Maria Chenery-Woods, last year raised similar concerns and suggested the possibility some ticketing sites had been "complicit" in the touts making "substantial profits" by reselling tickets.

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Hunter fraudulently traded tickets between 2010 and 2017, Chenery-Woods between 2012 and 2017. They both used all of the four big UK ticket resale sites: StubHub, Viagogo and the Ticketmaster-owned GetMeIn! and Seatwave.

For years, fans had battled touts to get the tickets they wanted and to avoid heavy mark-ups on resale sites. Meanwhile, Ticketmaster had publicly insisted that it was trying to combat ticket touting, which can be illegal in some circumstances.

The company - one of the UK's biggest ticket sellers - was in a unique position until 2018, as a ticketing website which also owned two major resale platforms.

Although Ticketmaster was not involved or represented in either of these court cases, the judges' comments about the industry suggested that the full story may not yet have been told. We wanted to investigate what was going on before the company shut its resale sites in 2018.

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We spoke to former and current ticketing staff, who enjoyed working for Ticketmaster but in some cases were concerned that fans might have been short-changed. We also spoke to promoters, venue managers and consultants, and combed through court transcripts.

What we heard was that ticket touts had inside help with their business buying and selling tickets from the ticketing platforms they used:

Former staff at resale sites which Ticketmaster used to own told us they worked closely with touts, and court documents at Chenery-Woods' trial revealed two staff at those companies bought tickets for touts

Touts trading huge volumes of tickets were offered financial "incentives" by resale sites, Hunter alleged during his trial

Email evidence in court suggested one tout was offered a meeting with a top Ticketmaster lawyer to "brainstorm" ways the company could help them

Other former Ticketmaster employees told us they were asked to develop software to help touts sell tickets in bulk on resale sites

Ticketmaster said in a statement that the allegations refer to "companies that were dissolved in 2018 and alleged events from over a decade ago, which have no relevance to today's ticketing landscape".

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"Revisiting outdated claims about long-defunct businesses only serves to confuse and mislead the public," the company said.

It added that Ticketmaster has "no involvement in the uncapped resale market" now and said: "We have always been committed to fair and secure ticketing."

When reselling tickets becomes a crime

Hunter and Chenery-Woods were not the kind of touts who stand outside a venue discreetly asking passers-by to buy or sell tickets. These two turned their spare rooms into registered, tax-paying companies and made millions from trading tickets online, the courts found.

Mike Andrews, who leads National Trading Standards' e-crimes unit and was involved in the investigation into Hunter and the Ticket Queen, told the BBC how he joined the early morning raid on the anonymous townhouse in a tree-lined north London street where Hunter ran his operation.

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Upstairs was a room filled with PCs, whirring away, buying and selling tickets. "It was obviously an operation that ran pretty much 24/7," Mr Andrews said. They also found rolls of tickets in seat-number order for events such as Lady Gaga concerts and the Harry Potter play, and multiple credit cards.

Reselling tickets for profit for live performances in the UK is not illegal. But Hunter and Chenery-Woods were convicted of using fraudulent practices to get around restrictions - such as limits on the number of tickets an individual can buy.

They pretended to be lots of different people, using lots of different credit cards, when they bought the tickets from companies such as Ticketmaster, See Tickets or AXS - which are known as primary ticketing websites.

The touts made millions from their spare rooms, buying and selling tickets in bulk [National Trading Standards]

The Ticket Queen used the details of family members, including a dead relative, to buy tickets, as well as using the names and addresses of dozens of people in and around the town of Diss, Norfolk where her business operated.

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To sell the tickets, the touts used resale sites, which are known as the secondary ticketing websites.

The 'VIP' touts who made millions for resale sites

Touts were "working hand-in-hand with resale platforms", Mr Andrews told us.

A former staffer at Ticketmaster-owned Seatwave, who asked to remain anonymous, told us touts were "VIPs" on the resale site. "They were doing a lot of business for us. We're talking about hundreds of thousands of pounds, if not millions."

Some staff at Seatwave had a cosy relationship with touts, according to the former employee, who said he would take Paul Douglas - the Ticket Queen's former brother-in-law, also convicted of fraud - out for a pint when he visited London.

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Resale sites make their money from fees paid by buyers and commission from the sellers - court papers show these could be as much as 25% of the resale price. Prosecutors calculated that Hunter's company received sales revenue of 26.4m over about seven-and-a-half years. Based on their typical commission, the UK's four main resale sites could have received 8.8m between them from Hunter's sales alone.

The Ticket Queen fraudulently bought up tickets for Lady Gaga's 2017 tour among others [Getty Images]

Touts who consistently delivered large volumes of tickets to customers were offered discounts by resale platforms, industry sources told us. During the case where he was convicted of fraud, Peter Hunter alleged that GetMeIn! - another Ticketmaster-owned company - offered him "incentives" for selling in bulk, such as 4,000 cashback if he hit sales of 550,000 over a three-month period.

Multiple sources told us that some touts also sourced tickets directly through relationships with promoters and venues, but sales at Hunter's level were far beyond what any regular customer could acquire legitimately from primary ticketing websites.

Even though the primary ticketing companies were victims of the fraud - as their purchase limits were breached by the use of false identities - Mr Andrews said none of the primary ticketing companies "directly supported" the prosecutions.

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Another former employee who worked in Ticketmaster's resale technical team, who also wanted to remain anonymous, told the BBC his team would work closely with touts, developing software that helped them sell tickets in the secondary market.

"You have to build a relationship with them, they're like a customer basically," he said. The team would show touts products and ask for feedback, including if they made selling tickets easier for them and often showing them multiple versions, he said.

Tip-offs, multiple accounts and fake names

We have been told that resale sites would liaise with big sellers, like Hunter.

In court, Hunter alleged a senior boss at GetMeIn! would help him by passing on information from Ticketmaster's legal department such as "government reports maybe from select committees" and ringing him weekly to tip him off about forthcoming sales before the public learned about them.

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This senior employee had described in emails how he added a "new privilege" to the accounts of "top brokers" - the resale sites' term for touts - which would allow them to automatically "drip feed" large inventories of tickets on to the site.

Other emails were read in court as evidence from Peter Hunter's defence team, suggesting that the senior GetMeIn! boss offered to help stop Hunter's tickets being cancelled by Ticketmaster when he had fallen foul of a purchase limit.

The court heard that the senior employee had written: "I think Ticketmaster are looking at cancelling primary bookings that have exceeded the ticket limit. However, if I flag them as GMI [GetMeIn!], I should be able to save them."

[BBC]

Hunter's defence alleged the correspondence showed the GetMeIn! boss knew the tout had multiple Ticketmaster accounts which he used to buy more tickets than the site's restrictions allowed.

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Using multiple names and identities to buy more tickets than the limit allowed was one of the reasons Hunter was jailed for fraud.

In the trial of the Ticket Queen, the prosecution said this same GetMeIn! boss and a colleague had both been "complicit or at least indifferent" in her use of a false name on the resale site to conceal the fact that the account belonged to a tout.

The court heard that Maria Chenery-Woods had emailed the two men asking to change her account name from "Ticket Queen" to "Elsie Marshall" in February 2017.

In both court cases, the prosecution questioned why it was necessary for the accused to pretend to be other people to buy tickets if, as the defendants alleged, Ticketmaster knew what they were doing.

How separate was Ticketmaster from its former resale sites?

The links with touts such as Hunter went right to the highest levels of Ticketmaster's group of companies, according to emails read out in court as evidence. They record the same senior GetMeIn! boss proposing a meeting between Hunter and Selina Emeny, the company's top legal representative and a director of Live Nation Ltd, an arm of Ticketmaster's parent company.

The proposed meeting in 2015 was intended to "address any worries" Hunter might have about a change in the law around ticket resale and "brainstorm what more can be done by our legal team to help UK brokers".

Ms Emeny is currently listed as an active director of 50 companies on Companies House, all related to Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

Ticketmaster maintained that its resale platforms, GetMeIn! and Seatwave, operated as "separate entities", in the words of then chairman Chris Edmonds at a 2016 House of Commons select committee hearing.

But both Mr Edmonds and Ms Emeny were directors of Ticketmaster UK Ltd and the holding company which owned Seatwave. Ms Emeny was also a director and secretary of GetMeIn! and at one time, all three companies operated out of the same open-plan office in central London.

David Brown, who worked in Ticketmaster's technology teams between 2011 and 2017, also told the BBC the companies had close enough links that they could have found out who was buying tickets in bulk and putting them up for resale on Ticketmaster's other platforms.

He said Ticketmaster and its resale sites used "a lot of the same infrastructure" and it would have been easy to "link everything together". "You're not building completely separate databases," he said.

He said it meant Ticketmaster could have connected the accounts and credit cards originally purchasing tickets with those selling in bulk on resale sales, and stop them reselling.

The touts used multiple credit cards with different identities to buy tickets in bulk [National Trading Standards]

"We should be able to pull enough data to say there's something not right about this, this isn't just members of the public selling tickets. If they wanted to really tackle the problem, they had all the tools in one place to do that," he said.

Christoph Homann, who was the then resale managing director of Ticketmaster/GetMeIn!, said in 2014 to a group of MPs that "they are able to cross-reference" some tickets on GetMeIn! "against Ticketmaster's records" to report suspected frauds.

The employee in Ticketmaster's resale technology team who developed software to help touts also told the BBC that there was a senior executive who had "oversight" over elements of the primary selling and resale side of the operation. That person could easily have accessed an internal list of top-selling brokers, the employee said.

He said the executive "would definitely ask that question, ask for that information. I can't believe that wouldn't be seen by him".

Mr Edmonds, Ticketmaster's chairman in 2016, had told Parliament that the company did not have "visibility" over how the sellers on its resale platforms acquired those tickets - but these accounts suggest Ticketmaster could have found out if they were buying them on their own website.

We also asked the other two large resale ticketing platforms, Viagogo and Stubhub about their relationships with large sellers, including account managers and inventory management software.

Viagogo told us such facilities are "standard industry practice", but it "takes its responsibilities under the law very seriously". It said it had a business relationship with Hunter, Smith and two of the Ticket Queen's accomplices "before they were found to be guilty of any fraudulent activity".

"Bad actors go against what we stand for and Viagogo is in full support of the legal action taken against them," the company said.

StubHub International told the BBC, it is "fully compliant with UK regulations and provides industry-leading consumer protections." It added: "As a marketplace we provide a safe, trusted and transparent platform for the buying and selling of tickets, and enforce strict measures to protect consumers against fraud."

Resale site staff were working for the touts

Some employees of companies then owned by Ticketmaster were occasionally paid by touts to buy tickets on their behalf, the prosecution told the court in the Ticket Queen trial.

The prosecution added the Ticket Queen's accomplices paid two GetMeIn! employees out of a separate bank account from the usual company one. According to a Skype message read in court, one accomplice said: "It will be best as it won't show a GMI employee being paid by TQ Tickets."

One of her buyers was an employee at GetMeIn! who received 8,500 in less than a year from this sideline, the prosecution said.

[BBC]

Our research found this employee's day job was to source replacement tickets when sellers failed to deliver, as they sometimes did.

The resale platforms would sometimes buy tickets from touts to fulfil orders in these circumstances, a SeatWave employee told the BBC. The touts would behave "like the mafia", and raise their prices when they knew the resale platform itself was in the market for tickets, the employee said.

Evidence presented in court suggested help for the touts to buy tickets in bulk also came from another well-known company: American Express, which offers its cardholders privileged access to tickets for events through pre-sales. Promoters say sponsors like American Express are important in making events such as Formula One and British Summer Time Hyde Park possible.

Peter Hunter told the court he had received a LinkedIn message out of the blue from a representative at the credit card company. The rep was offering "as many additional cards as you wanted" in the form of Platinum business credit cards with an "unlimited spend", according to Hunter.

[BBC]

The Amex representative wrote that he was aware of Ticketmaster's purchasing limit of six tickets per day on each credit card and told Hunter "there are ways around this with American Express".

The rep also suggested in an email to Peter Hunter that his vice-president at the company was "happy to waive card fees" and that the VP's "initial offer was to waive 15 card fees for 250k spend in the first two months".

American Express told the BBC: "When we identify instances of misconduct, we investigate the issues raised and take appropriate steps to address them, including disciplinary action with employees as necessary."

Has anything changed now?

Ticketmaster announced the closure of its resale sites, GetMeIn! and Seatwave in 2018, months after Peter Hunter was charged. Now it allows resales through its main site instead and says prices are capped at the ticket's face value.

Instead, Ticketmaster is now trying to "capture the value" of the resale market through different tiers of pricing for tickets labelled as "in demand" or "Platinum" tickets, as UK managing director Andrew Parsons told the House of Commons earlier this year.

"We think it is absolutely right that artists should be able to price a small amount of the tickets at a higher price to be able to keep overall prices down and capture some of that value away from the secondary market," he said.

Hundreds of tickets for Beyonce's UK tour were on resale sites within minutes [Reuters]

But ticket touts are still very much active. Minutes after Beyonce's first pre-sale started in February for the UK leg of her Cowboy Carter tour, hundreds of the tickets appeared on resale sites such as Stubhub.

Stubhub told us that "speculative listings" are not allowed on its platform and that it "[does] not support the use of bots which operate during sales on the primary market".

"Although the primary platforms do say that they have measures in place to try and prevent touts buying large numbers of tickets, it's quite evident that that practice took place then and still takes place now," said Mr Andrews from National Trading Standards.

But he said "the current situation is that we're not funded or we haven't got sufficient resources to continue to pursue further touts".
Keynote speech by Olga Aivazovska, Head of the Board of Civil Network OPORA for the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act at an event organized in Oslo by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, the Embassy of Finland, and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee on June 12, 2025.

Since the Helsinki Final Act was adopted, Europe, the US and Canada have lost the memory of World War II and fear of new mass violence and bloodshed. The law of force, as opposed to the rule of law, dominates the agenda and serves as a preventive factor to further violence.

International law developed as a system of safeguards and gentlemen's agreements. The Helsinki Final Act did not take the form of an international treaty in the classical conventional sense, but recorded agreements and the lessons learned from the World War II. At that time, Moscow insisted on protecting the principle of immutability of borders, but its true aim was to legitimize the occupation of the Baltic states.

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After the collapse of the Soviet Union, having recognized Ukraine's sovereignty, Russia then occupied 20% of Ukrainian territory and wants to take it all. It demands that Ukraine stops its legitimate self-defense in accordance with the UN Charter and withdraw even from territories that Russia had never occupied but which have been illegally included in the Russian Constitution as part of a dirty geopolitical game.

Would this have been possible if the world had reacted harshly and decisively to the attack on Georgia in 2008 or the beginning of the occupation of Ukrainian Crimea in 2014? No, because when those who break agreements faced only symbolic, rather than proportionate, consequences for their crimes, they kept going until they were stopped by force. The time for dialogues only is over. The dialogue must be accompanied by actions and readiness of the armed forces of Western countries for legitimate collective self-defence.

Today, Europe has changed because we didnt manage to stop Russia. This is not a pessimistic view, but a straightforward fact. Sometimes, even our international friends say (or think) that Ukrainians are overly emotional and traumatized. But the truth is that we have accepted a terrifying reality and are trying to resist it  rather than believing in wishful thinking, which belongs to the world of fantasy. There is no more security in Europe and all hybrid threats will become real for countries under the NATO umbrella if Ukraine loses to the aggressor.

Just two days before this event, on June 9 and 10, Russia launched 821 drones and missiles at Ukraine (mostly against Kyiv and Odesa). The country that claims to be the legal successor of the Soviet Union, which during the drafting of the Helsinki Final Act insisted on the inviolability of borders and cooperation in Europe, now uses different types of weapons: Iranian-made Shahed drones, Russian Iskander-K, Kh-101, Kh-22, Kh-31P, Kh-35 missiles, Kinzhal hypersonic weapons, and North Korean KN-23s. This is what cooperation within the new Axis of Evil looks like. In the past, at least some statements came from the OSCE. But now, not even a word is heard in response to a Russian missile striking maternity hospitals, a drone damaging a Saint Sophia Cathedral  a millennium-old monument to Ukrainian statehood and a UNESCO heritage site  or the repeated attacks on homes of civilians and completely unprotected human beings.

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I travelled from Kyiv to Oslo by land over 26 hours, as this is the only route left to us. Only two days ago, my city was blackened with smoke and soot, and over a million of its residents did not sleep at all on the night of June 9 to 10. Anyone who has experienced this kind of sleep deprivation and exhaustion caused by regular night-time attacks understands that this is a tactic of particularly cynical cruelty.

When the Ukrainian Security Service carried out a successful operation to destroy Russias strategic aviation on its own territory  the aviation that regularly attacks civilians every night and has been destroying Ukraines energy infrastructure for the past three years of war  we hear statements from partners that Russia will face consequences, and then there is nothing. In other words, when partners stay passive and accepting, it only fuels the aggressors appetite.

I want to emphasize: the week before that special operation, Russia killed three rescue workers who were trying to help civilians in Kyiv. Imagine  it has become the norm for our enemy to launch double strikes to kill not only civilians in their beds at night, but also those who come to help them. We are being killed every day, and it is not a reaction  it is punishment for the fact that Ukraine exists as a sovereign democratic state fighting for its independence and survival.

The Helsinki Final Act was not just a historic agreement  it was an aspiration  a shared promise for comprehensive security rooted in sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights, and cooperation. But half a century later, the gap between those promises and todays reality is huge  and keeps getting wider.

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The OSCE  an institution that should guard the Helsinki norms  is trapped in its own architecture. What was designed as a platform for consensus has become a victim of consensus rule abuse. When the Russian Federation, as a participating State, can systematically block urgent decisions, not for the sake of negotiation but to paralyze, we are no longer operating a security organization. We are enabling impunity.

Read also: Conveyor belt of terror: how Russia uses double-tap strikes in Ukraine, as it did in Syria

The Helsinki Final Act had set expectations, but those expectations have not been met. This isnt because the principles themselves were wrong, but because there were no effective tools to enforce them. OSCE commitments are political. They cannot be challenged in court. And in the name of diplomacy, some States and OSCE institutions often avoid what must be said  that states have violated the core norms they once signed.

We have entered a space of double standards, where "sharp corners" are omitted and breaches of the founding principles are observed but not addressed. The OSCE has become a stage where the aggressor is still welcomed, truth is softened, and violations are downplayed as positions.

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This is not neutrality. It is dysfunctional. I had the experience of working as an independent expert in the political subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk, and I can state, as an insider, that the dialogue process is not always accompanied by adherence to international law or OSCE standards  even by OSCE representatives themselves. Loyalty to falsehood is not a form of support for freedom of speech. Dialogue that avoids naming the guilty party as guilty does not foster trust.

Meanwhile, the appointment of heads of OSCE institutions increasingly resembles political bargaining  not based on merit or independence. Leaders enter office cautious not to provoke, mindful of reappointment, rather than driven by mandate. This results in timid institutions, increasingly reluctant to use the language and tools at their disposal.

Add to this Russias multi-year budget blockade. The OSCE Unified Budget  now largely consumed by staff costs  is slowly turning the OSCE into a shell. An event organizer, a convener of conferences, rather than a political actor with "teeth". Field work is weakened. Innovation is stalled. Vision is replaced by bureaucratic survival.

ODIHRs reporting on international humanitarian law violations, for instance, has been reduced to a formality. These reports, once expected to inform political pressure and advocacy, are now produced and posted on the backstage of the OSCE website. What is the follow-up? Where is the voice or campaign to ensure that victims are heard and perpetrators are named? Let us be honest: the OSCE failed to prevent the large-scale war in Ukraine through the means of its mandate. But what is worse is that today, it is failing to respond to it with moral clarity.

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We are often asked: "What is the alternative?"

Is there a difference between reform and denial? If we treat the OSCE as untouchable simply because no alternative exists, we make ourselves involved in its erosion. The better question is: How do we rebuild the OSCE into something that can again serve its purpose? Convening power is not about organizing events with balanced panels. It is about mobilizing political will around the values the organization was once created to protect. It is about inviting uncomfortable conversations, exposing violations, and convening not just dialogue, but the vision of a secure Europe.

The OSCE still has the infrastructure, some, yet limited, field presence, the normative framework. But if we are serious about multilateralism, then we must stop being cautious. We must act. Defend truth. Insist on accountability and lead it.

The question is not whether the OSCE still has a role. The question is whether the participating States and OSCE institutions have the courage to use it properly to ensure comprehensive European and transatlantic security.

Olga Aivazovska
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Transgender people are still struggling to figure out their legal documents amid the Trump Administration changes to U.S. Passports.

In January, President Trump issued an executive order stating that the federal government recognizes only two sexes, male and female.

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The U.S. State Department then eliminated the X gender as an option and stopped allowing transgender, intersex, and nonbinary people to change the sex field on their passports.

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The ACLU and other plaintiffs sued the Trump administration, arguing that the policy violated the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act.

A federal judge in Boston granted a preliminary injunction. The ruling means that six transgender and nonbinary plaintiffs can obtain passports reflecting their gender identity.

While the case makes its way through the courts, Allie Bohm, with the New York Civil Liberties Union says one of the things people have been doing is going out and getting a REAL ID now in New York and in other states that will recognize the gender identity so that they have an accurate gender marker.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

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Taylor Hubbard, who is transmasculine, told PIX11 News, It is helpful to have a document that says, and affirms who I am. If I go to a bar and Im dressed up very masculine, and they see my drivers license and they see female, at that point they now know Im trans, and so it can also be a safety issue.

Robert Vitelli, the CEO of the LGBT Network, said, This country was based on freedom  what were seeing is a rollback of true American values in terms of who were are.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Jun. 12Maine's immigrant communities are afraid, confused and saddened by the latest restrictions and foreign travel bans imposed by the Trump administration, local advocates say.

The crackdown on 19 countries  primarily in Africa and the Middle East  is having a profound chilling effect, whether the immigrants are registered asylum seekers, legal residents with official green cards or naturalized U.S. citizens who have lived here for decades.

They are canceling travel plans, curbing social media activity and struggling to understand how the restrictions, which began Monday, will affect them and their loved ones in the weeks and months ahead.

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Many are fearful for family members snared by sudden policy changes that are shattering long-standing reunification plans. Universities and private schools are monitoring the situation to see how it might disrupt foreign student travel and recruitment in the future.

One Maine family that has been granted asylum and has been planning to bring other family members to the U.S. tried but failed to purchase plane tickets so they could travel before the ban took effect, said Mufalo Chitam, executive director of the Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition.

"Their plans are being blown up," Chitam said. "It's devastating when you have people who have worked so hard to have asylum granted, and they have prepared for family members to come and now they are in limbo."

TRAVEL BAN

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A full ban on entering the U.S. applies to foreign nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Heightened restrictions apply to people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

On the advice of Cabinet members, Trump issued a proclamation on the travel ban last week after a firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado. It stated that some foreign nationals "pose significant risks of overstaying their visas in the United States," increasing immigration enforcement challenges and risks to national security and public safety.

"We don't want them," Trump said.

The man charged in the Boulder attack is from Egypt, which is not on the restricted list. Trump has said countries may be added or deleted at any time.

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The current action revisits Trump's first travel ban, enacted in January 2017 at the start of his first term, which targeted seven mostly Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court, it was repeatedly revised to include additional countries, such as North Korea and Venezuela, while others were dropped.

Chitam, who came to the U.S. from Zambia in 2000, said the sudden and open-ended aspects of the current ban are stoking fear and confusion, in part because the language and reasons for each country are unclear.

For instance, the list includes the Republic of the Congo, a small central African country beside the much bigger Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has a large immigrant community in Maine.

"There's still confusion over which Congo it is," Chitam said. "When you put out information like this, it is difficult for people to interpret and understand."

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DOUBLE WHAMMY

The travel ban is a double whammy for immigrants from Afghanistan because, effective mid-July, the Trump administration also has terminated Temporary Protected Status for Afghans who served alongside America's military, some of whom have settled in Maine.

Fazel Qaney, president of the Afghan Community of Maine, said the restrictions are having a negative impact on community members.

"The U.S. was stationed in Afghanistan for 20 years," Qaney said in an emailed statement. "During that time, there were thousands of Afghans who were working with the U.S. Army, U.S. Embassy and U.S. contractors directly or indirectly."

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About 60,000 Afghan evacuees were airlifted out of Kabul and flown to the U.S. in the wake of the war. As many as 225 were resettled in Maine, which already had about 400 Afghan-American residents.

Thousands of Afghans are still waiting to come to the U.S. Now, some who are already here won't be able to bring their spouses, he said.

"There are still thousands of them waiting in a third country for their cases to get processed and finally come to the country," Qaney said. "They feel really upset about it."

WIDE-REACHING EFFECTS

Reza Jalali, an author, educator and human rights activist who was born in Iran and came to Maine in 1985, said the immigration and travel restrictions will have far-reaching and long-lasting impacts, including on immigrants from other countries who fear being targeted in the current climate.

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"Who wants to be stopped at the airport and asked questions and have your devices examined  all for no reason at all?" Jalali asked.

Jalali predicted the travel restrictions will hurt Maine's economy, making it harder for businesses to fill jobs, labs to fill research positions, and universities and private schools to attract students whose tuition payments and spending habits benefit many communities.

"It's sending shock waves across the world," Jalali said. "It will affect companies that need foreign workers and are already dealing with tariffs. It will have a chilling effect on where foreign students choose to go."

The University of Maine System enrolled 939 foreign students among more than 24,000 students systemwide during the spring semester, with nearly two-thirds coming from Canada, Ghana, Nepal, China, India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Jamaica, Iran and Japan, according to data provided by spokesperson Samantha Warren.

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"That data is the extent of what the university (system) is providing to the press at this time," Warren said in an email. "We continue to communicate and provide support to all of our international students, including those impacted by this and other federal directives."

The University of New England, with campuses in Portland and Biddeford, has yet to see any impact of travel bans on its students, said spokesperson Sarah Delage.

"But we are closely monitoring the situation," Delage said in an emailed statement. "We are in close contact with our continuing and new, incoming international students, as well as with student groups traveling abroad for academic purposes."

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

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At North Yarmouth Academy in Yarmouth, head of school Ben Jackson said they are "cautiously optimistic" that the current pause in scheduling visa interviews will be lifted in time to support student travel for the upcoming school year.

In May, the Trump administration paused new student visa interviews while it considers requiring all foreigners applying to study in the U.S. to undergo social media vetting.

Recognizing the situation is a real concern for families, the academy has assured all enrolled students that they will receive a full refund if they are unable to obtain a visa due to these circumstances, Jackson said in a emailed statement.

The school's goal is to enroll 20 international students for fall 2025, representing countries such as South Korea, Vietnam, Brazil, Ukraine and Canada, he said. It currently has 13 enrolled, with several applications in process.

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"As long as visa processing resumes in the coming weeks, we remain confident in reaching our goal," Jackson said. "International students are an important part of the NYA community, and we value the contribution they make to our school."

The potential repercussions trouble Jalali, who consults with companies that want to increase their workforce diversity. It affects him on a personal level.

"I no longer recognize this country that I came to 40 years ago this month," Jalali said. "It really is so different from the America that lured me back then. I worry about the young people in different parts of the world who won't come here to start a company or work in research or teach or build or even to die for this country."

In the meantime, Jalali counts himself among those who won't be traveling anytime soon.

"I'm going to stay put, as many immigrants plan to do," he said.

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Key Points

An airline passenger was woken up on a red-eye flight by another passenger slapping their head, according to a Reddit post. Unruly and disruptive passenger behavior is on the rise, according to the FAA.







Disruptive airline passenger behavior is going viral on social media.



During a recent red-eye overnight flight between Portland, Oregon (PDX), and Newark, New Jersey (EWR), a passenger claims that the person behind him repeatedly "slapped" his head to wake him up and caused a large amount of noise and commotion during the quiet flight.



The experience was shared on Reddit, where the passenger detailed how the person seated behind him, in first class nonetheless, repeatedly tapped and slapped the person's head and hat to awaken him to help retrieve a lost earbud.



What makes a person think they are allowed to touch another person? the passenger shared in the post.

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Worst of all, after several minutes had passed, the passenger slapped the person again to let him know he had found the missing device, waking him up a second time.

If you need anything else from me on this flight, the one thing you WONT be doing is putting your hands on me again, the writer shared in their post.



Thats fair, the disruptive passenger allegedly replied back.

Within the comment section, fellow travelers commended the traveler for their relative patience despite the troubling circumstances.



"Handled it better than I would have, Kudos," one person wrote in the comments.



Other passengers said they would have flagged a crew member after the first incident.



Unruly and disruptive passenger behavior is on the rise, according to data collected by the International Air Transport Association. The agency recorded more than 24,500 incidents globally in 2023, which was 1 in 480 flights, versus 1 in 568 flights in 2022.



Within the United States, the FAA has referred more than 300 serious cases of unruly passengers to the FBI since 2021, according to a release. These cases included physical assault of travel companions, other passengers, crew members, and other "aggressive behavior."



As a way to deter unruly and disruptive passengers, the FAA has developed a series of clever memes and social media graphics. Several of the graphics emphasize that FAA fines can total above $37,000 and include suspension of flight privileges.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Originally appeared on E! Online

Police are confident Travis Decker will be brought to justice soon.

After the fugitives daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were found dead in a Washington state campground June 2, and he was subsequently charged with three counts of murder and three counts of kidnapping, authorities gave an update on their investigation.

Every single day Travis is out there, hes going to have to aim for perfection, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison said during a June 12 press conference. Hes not going to be able to make a mistake because all we need is one mistake and one day to go in our favor and hes going to be in custody.

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The sheriff went on to emphasize that he hopes Decker, 32, was tuning in to the press conference.

I hope he knows that we havent given up, he continued. We have not stopped our investigation.

Later, Morrison shared where the investigation stood.

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The Chelan County officials also reiterated that they are still hoping for more tips from civilians.

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We need as much information and help from the public as we can get, Morrison continued. As weve seen in the past with other manhunts, its going to take a group effort in the community in order to bring this to a conclusion.

Decker was last seen by his ex-wife Whitney Decker May 30 when the former couple was doing a regularly scheduled custody visit. Following the hand-off, Whitney expected her husband to bring their three children back to her residence by 8 p.m. and called the police when he did not show up and her subsequent phone calls to him went straight to voicemail.

Wenatchee Police Department

Following a two-day search, the young girls were found dead with plastic bags over their heads near Deckers abandoned truck at Rock Island Campground in Wenatchee National Forest. Their cause of death was determined as suffocation by matter of homicide in autopsy results provided in a June 9 press release by the County of Chelan.

Whitneys lawyer, Arianna Cozart, told CNN June 8 that Whitney and Decker had maintained a friendly relationship since their divorce many years ago, but she understood he suffered from mental health issues. However, Cozart emphasized to the outlet, He never displayed any sort of red flags to Whitney.

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In several press releases, Chelan law enforcement has reminded the public to not approach Decker if they see him, as the fugitive is trained in military combat and poses a threat.

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Hundreds of items from Communes now closed Norfolk location went up for sale Monday evening in a treasurer-ordered auction.

The Norfolk restaurant had three years of delinquent business tangible personal property taxes as of March 1, 2023, City Treasurer Daun Hester said.

Closed in late April, Communes Neon District location operated for eight years and boasted locally sourced, farm-to-table meals. Its original Virginia Beach location  which will celebrate its 10-year anniversary this October  is still open for business.

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Although Commune developed a payment plan with the city, managing both locations proved difficult, said Willson Craigie, the restaurants owner. When the lease expired in late April, Craigie and his wife decided to close the Norfolk establishment.

An online auction through Auction757 has listed hundreds of items from Commune in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 11, 2025. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot) An online auction through Auction757 has listed hundreds of items from Commune in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 11, 2025. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot) A KitchenAid mixer is among several kitchen items available in an online auction from Commune in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 11, 2025. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot) Show Caption1 of 4Auctioneer Tucker Freeman at Commune in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 11, 2025. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)Expand

We went with the less is more approach, Craigie said. The constant back-and-forth between the two cities was really taking a toll on our family, and we wanted to make sure we had enough time for our kids, dogs and everything in our family.

Craigie also said the auction has spared his team the trouble of packing, paying for storage and relocating equipment.

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The resolution to getting the things taken care of that needed to be taken care of was the auction, Craigie said.

Based in Norfolk, Auction757 is managing the entirely online auction. Auctioneer Tucker Freeman said there are over 420 lots, with listed items including outdoor signage, furniture, tablets, utensils, large cooking appliances and more.

There are some really unique pieces in there that might not be typical for your average restaurant, Freeman said.

Freeman highlighted the restaurants rustic reclaimed wood furniture  including tables and shelving units  as particularly popular among bidders.

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Some people were former patrons, and they see this as an opportunity to buy a piece of history, Freeman said. Its their opportunity to buy something they never thought they might have the opportunity to buy.

Auction757 will host an in-person inspection period Monday from 9 a.m.1 p.m., open to the public. The auction will close Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., beginning with the first lot and each item closing every 30 seconds afterward.

Maddie Mohamadi, madeleineleila.mohamadi@virginiamedia.com
Up to a dozen public schools across Clallam, Grays Harbor and Pacific counties could be swallowed by tsunami waves after a major Cascadia fault earthquake. (Photo by Tom Banse)

Teachers and staff in low-lying schools along the Pacific Northwest coast face an unusual extra responsibility alongside educators usual duties: can they herd the entire student body to higher ground on foot in 20 minutes or less to escape a tsunami?

Its a daunting challenge with the highest possible stakes should an offshore earthquake unleash a wall of incoming seawater. The last megathrust earthquake to hit the region was in 1700, and the Northwest is now in the window for the next magnitude 9.0+ Cascadia fault quake and tsunami.

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Its something thats always on your mind. You try not to let this take over, said North Beach School District Superintendent Richard Zimmerman.

The Washington Legislature allocated $151.5 million in the recently passed state construction budget to relocate three coastal schools out of the tsunami zone and build a refuge tower at a fourth. Zimmermans district is one of the beneficiaries, along with the Taholah and Cape Flattery school districts.

Were anxious to get this done because the lives of our students, staff and community might very well depend on it, Zimmerman said in an interview from Ocean Shores.

The Legislature giveth and taketh away

In 2022, the Washington Legislature got serious about the hundreds of older, unreinforced public schools at risk of collapse in a major earthquake. Lawmakers allocated $100 million to a revamped School Seismic Safety Grant Program overseen by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. In 2023, the Legislature chipped in another $40 million.

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But now comes an unexpected twist. This spring, the Legislature took back more than half of that initial sum  $80 million  because it was unspent. OSPI Director of School Facilities Randy Newman said money was left in the bank toward the end of the budget cycle because many of the prioritized seismic retrofits and school relocations were still in the design phase. The state schools superintendent asked to carry over the unspent balance into the next budget along with the new allocation, but lawmakers chose not to.

The reality of trying to find the right locations, negotiating the contracts, doing the engineering has taken more time, noted state Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Port Townsend, the chair of the House Capital Budget Committee. Its taken us a while to build momentum.

Tharinger said the Legislatures budget writers decided to be more prescriptive in the newly signed state budget by steering specific sums to projects ready to go in the most vulnerable coastal school districts. Hence, the green light to break ground in Ocean Shores, Taholah and Neah Bay.

Overall, the seismic safety program was renewed at a lower level than the state superintendent asked for in light of many other competing priorities for state construction dollars.

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Its pretty exciting to have avoided a tragedy and to be able to start building schools in safer places, Tharinger said.

From his perch in the state superintendents office, Newman wishes the Legislature had funded additional school seismic projects in the new budget. Since 2021, hes seen state-funded earthquake retrofits through to completion in Centralia, South Bend, Boistfort and Marysville  with Cosmopolis Elementary on deck to receive seismic strengthening this summer.

We were happy with the funding level we received from the Legislature, to now lift the highest priority schools out of the tsunami zone, Newman said in an interview last week.

Placed on standby pending future funding were multiple projects in Hoquiam, Aberdeen and the Long Beach peninsula, including seismic retrofits and elementary school consolidations and relocations. Also on the states future priority list is a rooftop tsunami refuge atop a seismically-strengthened North Beach Junior/Senior High School in Ocean Shores.

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Washington state has long lagged behind neighboring West Coast states and provinces in addressing earthquake risk in school buildings. The Oregon Legislature, way back in 2005, created a school seismic retrofit grant program on the scale now underway from Olympia. The provincial government of British Columbia started a seismic mitigation program for schools in 2004 and has shelled out more than $1.9 billion since then.

The tsunami-vulnerable Taholah public school was built in 1973. Its students will relocate to a new school on higher ground after the Legislature recently approved a $42.8 million construction grant. (Photo by Tom Banse)

Moving to higher ground or climbing tower stairs

The relocation of the Taholah K-12 public school is part of a larger, years-long process led by the Quinault Nation to move much of the lower village of Taholah about three-quarters of a mile uphill, out of danger from increasingly common floods, storm surges and a future tsunami. The new school will eventually be surrounded by neighborhoods, parks and ballfields to be built on freshly-cleared forestland.

Taholah Superintendent Herman Lartigue Jr. said he hopes to welcome roughly 200 students to their new quake-ready school in 2027. He said the use of cedar planking on the outside of the school and exposed cedar beams and columns inside  as well as installations of tribal art  would give the building a distinctive appearance.

This building is going to be indicative of the culture. Its great, Lartigue said.

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The Cape Flattery School District is making a parallel push to incorporate tribal culture in the new Neah Bay K-12 campus, which will replace an elementary school and secondary school at sea level on the Makah reservation. The groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for mid-July, with move-in anticipated in mid-2027.

The Makah Nation donated a long-term lease on a hillside parcel about one mile inland from Neah Bay to build the new school with a capacity for about 600 students. District Superintendent Michelle Parkin said she harbored a lot of concern last winter upon reading about the budget shortfalls the 2025 Legislature had to grapple with.

Its such a relief, the school relocation funding came through, Parkin said. Our children are going to be safe.

Some unusual features of the new Neah Bay school she mentioned include a fish hatchery on campus, carving and canoe making areas in the shop class space, and outdoor fire pits where students can learn to kipper salmon.

Rendering of the new Neah Bay K-12 school, whose construction is funded with a $92 million state seismic safety grant. (Image courtesy of Cape Flattery School District)

In Grays Harbor County, the $8.2 million budgeted by the Legislature to relocate Pacific Beach Elementary covers land acquisition and conceptual design, but isnt enough to construct a new school on higher ground. The existing school, which enrolls around 100 students, was built within earshot of the Pacific surf in 1956, long before modern seismic codes existed.

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Moving the North Beach districts other primary school out of harms way is virtually impossible because there is no suitable high ground nearby on the long and flat Ocean Shores peninsula. The solution the Legislature blessed with $8.2 million is to build a tsunami evacuation tower next to Ocean Shores Elementary.

This robust steel tower will have a platform on top with a minimum capacity of 300 people to host the entire student body and staff. Modeling done for the city of Ocean Shores in connection with another tsunami tower proposal said the refuge platform should be about 50 feet high to be comfortably above the surging waves.

Earthquake risk mitigation can also be done with local funding, which is how larger and wealthier Washington school districts have replaced or modernized the majority of their buildings to withstand strong shaking. But small and rural districts with limited tax bases and tax-averse voters usually have trouble with that approach.

Waiting years in line for state grant funding for seismic upgrades is a gamble, but theres a financial incentive for districts: taxpayers statewide foot the bill for at least two-thirds  if not close to 100%  of the school reconstruction costs.

We know that districts have struggled to pass local bonds and levies to modernize their school facilities, Newman said. Its a big lift to address all the seismic needs of aging school buildings.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A troubled Kansas City funeral home had its license revoked, the Missouri State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors announced Thursday.

The state board has revoked the funeral establishment license for S. Family Enterprises LLC, also known as Savory and Sons Funeral Home in Kansas City.

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This action comes following continued violations of Chapter 333 and 436, RSMo, and provisions of the boards rules. Savory and Sons Funeral Home was initially issued a probationary license in September 2020, which the board extended in July 2023 after a probation violation.

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During a probationary hearing on Tuesday, June 10, the board heard testimony from the owner of Savory and Sons and from individuals who allege to have been negatively impacted by the funeral establishments practices.

The board considered the information presented during the hearing in a closed session and determined that license revocation is warranted.

The revocation means Savory and Sons can no longer hold out or practice as a funeral establishment in Missouri.

In addition to the boards investigation, the Missouri Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Section has opened an investigation into Savory and Sons Funeral Home.

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Families who have unresolved issues with Savory and Sons are encouraged to contact the Missouri Attorney Generals Consumer Hotline at 800-392-8222.

Families with questions related to death certificates should contact the Missouri Electronic Vital Records (MoEVR) support line at (573) 751-6387, option 4.

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Editors note: Brauchler regularly writes op-ed columns for The Denver Gazette.

The Colorado Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel dismissed its investigation into 23rd Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler after he was accused of unprofessional social media posts earlier this year, according to judicial district officials.

Brauchler doesnt face any disciplinary action, a 23rd Judicial District spokesperson told The Denver Gazette Wednesday.

As previously reported, Justin Schreiber, who is being prosecuted within the 23rd Judicial District, requested an investigation into Brauchlers social media posts on X he published in January after taking office as the new judicial districts first district attorney.

In 2023, Schreiber dropped out of the 4th Congressional District race after he was charged with felony stalking, misdemeanor harassment and attempting to influence a public servant.

Brauchler, on social media platform X on Jan. 26, called Schreiber a racist in multiple different reply posts.

Schreiber filed a request for investigation into Brauchlers alleged extra-judicial statements with the Colorado Supreme Courts Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel (OARC). Officials then sent a letter to Brauchler on March 27 notifying him of the investigation and asking him for more information, according to a copy of the letter obtained by The Denver Gazette.

Attorney Regulation Counsel officials couldnt confirm the status of the investigation or its existence, per Colorado law.

Without further comment on the case being dismissed, Brauchlers spokesperson previously told The Denver Gazette the district attorney did respond to the investigation letter and request for more information. The spokesman declined to release a copy of Brauchlers response to the OARC.

The OARC was investigating whether Brauchler violated Colorado rules of professional conduct for attorneys, specifically stating a lawyer participating in litigation should not make extrajudicial statements about the case outside of court.

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If found to have violated any rules, an attorneys discipline depends on the severity of the violation.

An attorney who violates the law or the rules is subject to discipline, according to the OARC website. In cases involving minor misconduct, an attorney may be admonished, censured, or placed in a diversion program. In serious matters, attorneys face suspension of their license to practice law or disbarment.

Brauchler often uses social media to criticize laws passed by the state legislature. Notably, Brauchler has called out Democratic lawmakers, including Gov. Jared Polis, arguing they arent strict enough on crime and incarceration.

Schreiber continues to face felony stalking and influencing a public servant charges within the 23rd Judicial District. It serves Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties.

According to probable cause affidavits, Schreiber allegedly called in false reports to the Limon Police Department in Lincoln County, calling dispatch 32 times in three days claiming police broke into his home and planted drugs.

A protection order was issued against Schreiber after he allegedly followed an Elbert County Sheriffs Office deputy home from work, which the deputy claimed was an act of intimidation.

Schreiber, a military veteran, said he struggles with PTSD and argued his charges were fabricated during his political campaign, according to 2023 reports by KRDO.

Schreiber is due back in Lincoln County court for a status conference on July 20 for all three of his ongoing cases. His trial for stalking and sexual harassment is scheduled for July 22.

Brauchler has served as the new 23rd Judicial District Attorney since Jan. 14. The former DA for the 18th Judicial District, Brauchler is well known for handling high profile trials of the Aurora Theater and STEM Academy School mass shootings.
The Trump administration appears to have put on hold plans to dramatically ramp up transfers of undocumented migrants to Guantanamo Bay.

As of Monday, the transfers were expected to happen later in the week but were delayed in part because unrest related to immigration crackdowns in Los Angeles got in the way, said an administration official. The official said its unclear how long the plan may be shelved.

The person and others were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the discussions.

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At the State Department, where many officials have urged the Department of Homeland Security to abandon the plan, theres now confusion about what comes next, according to a U.S. diplomat familiar with the situation.

State Department officials have been told that clarification about the Guantanamo transfer process is coming at some point and not to use previous guidance on what to tell reporters, the U.S. diplomat said.

The apparent delay comes after POLITICO reported Tuesday that the administration was vetting at least 9,000 migrants for transfer to the base. The proposal, if it becomes a reality, would be an exponential increase from the roughly 500 migrants who have been held for short periods at the base since February. It would also be a major step toward realizing a plan President Donald Trump announced in January to use the facility to hold as many as 30,000 migrants found to be in the U.S. illegally.

On Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X that reports of the plan were incorrect. Not happening, she said.

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DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, when asked Thursday about the apparent delay, said: Thats not true. It was never a plan to begin with.

The proposal was designed primarily to free up bed space at detention facilities on domestic American soil, as the White House pushes Immigration and Customs Enforcement for higher arrest and deportation numbers. The agency is also tight on detention space and pressing Congress for additional funding to hire more agents and expand domestic detention capacity.

Documents obtained by POLITICO on Tuesday noted that the plan had come together only recently and could still change. The expectation was that the detainees would be at Guantanamo Bay temporarily before being deported to their countries of origin, though its not clear how long they would be held at the U.S. naval base.

U.S. diplomats have been particularly worried about plans to include some 800 Europeans in the group to be transferred. They worry it could strain alliances with European nations that are typically cooperative in taking back deportees.

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Many European officials have been blindsided by the plans. Italys foreign minister has said his country is doing everything it can to prevent its citizens from being sent there. According to documents seen by POLITICO, at least two Italians are under consideration for a transfer to Guantanamo.

The U.S. facility at Guantanamo, which is on Cuban soil but has been a U.S. naval base for many years, grew notorious because it has been used to hold terrorism suspects detained after the 9/11 attacks.

Immigrant rights groups have sued the Trump administration in recent months in a bid to block its use of Guantanamo to house immigrant detainees. A federal class-action lawsuit pending in Washington indicates that there are roughly 70 immigrant detainees currently held there and facing punitive conditions, such as insufficient food, weekly changes of clothes and rodent infestation.
The administration of President Donald Trump swiftly sought to downplay a Thursday incident in which Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was roughly pinned to the ground and briefly handcuffed during a press conference by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles.

Noem claimed that Padilla did not identify himself as he tried to ask her a question, even though he can clearly be heard saying his name near the start of the incident.

The White House similarly characterized Padillas disruption as an attention-seeking move, saying in a statement that the senator lunged toward Noem. He does not appear to have done so.

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Padilla embarrassed himself and his constituents with this immature, theater-kid stunt, the White House said.

Video of the interaction, however, shows Padilla stepping to the front of the press conference as she spoke about Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in some of the communities Padilla represents. He said later that he was initially there to watch the press conference peacefully, but that at one point, he had a question and wanted to demand an answer.

You insist on exaggerating, he told Noem as she spoke, before being grabbed by Secret Service officers and pulled backward.

Padilla can be heard saying, Sir! Sir! Hands off. Hands off. I am Sen. Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary.

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Noem appears to continue talking over the disruption.

Speaking later on Fox News, she said that nobody knew who he was when he came into the room creating a scene. She made a similar comment on CNN.

They started to put handcuffs on him when he finally identified himself, and then that was stopped, Noem told Fox viewers.

But the handcuffing came after Padilla had told security who he was.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that Noems security thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately.

Senator Padilla chose disrespectful political theatre and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin on as he lunged toward Secretary Noem, DHS said.

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The incident sparked instant, fiery criticism from Democrats, some of whom took to the Senate floor to decry Padillas treatment.

Being disruptive is OK if its just using your words and not your body! said Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). There is no context that justifies this action. Alex Padilla is not required to be impeccable in every single way in order to exercise his responsibilities as an American and one of two that represents California in the Senate.

This is the stuff of dictatorships! Schatz yelled.

Democrats have demanded a bipartisan investigation into the incident.

Related...
McALLEN, Texas (AP)  Immigration advocates filed a class-action lawsuit Wednesday over the Trump administration's use of a proclamation that effectively put an end to being able to seek asylum at ports of entry to the United States.

The civil lawsuit was filed in a Southern California federal court by the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, the American Immigration Council, Democracy Forward and the Center for Constitutional Rights.

The lawsuit is asking the court to find the proclamation unlawful, set aside the policy ending asylum at ports of entry and restore access to the asylum process at ports of entry, including for those who had appointments that were canceled when President Donald Trump took office.

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Unlike a similar lawsuit filed in February in a Washington, D.C., federal court representing people who had already reached U.S. soil and sought asylum after crossing between ports of entry, Wednesday's lawsuit focuses on people who are not on U.S. soil and are seeking asylum at ports of entry.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not respond to a request for comment, but the agency does not typically comment on litigation. The Department of Homeland Security, another agency among the listed defendants, did not respond to a request for comment either.

Trump's sweeping proclamation issued on his first day in office changed asylum policies, effectively ending asylum at the border. The proclamation said the screening process created by Congress under the Immigration and Nationality Act can be wholly ineffective in the border environment and was leading to the unauthorized entry of innumerable illegal aliens into the United States.

Immigrant advocates said that under the proclamation noncitizens seeking asylum at a port of entry are asked to present medical and criminal histories, a requirement for the visa process but not for migrants who are often fleeing from immediate danger.

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Nothing in the INA or any other source of law permits Defendants actions, the immigrant advocates wrote in their complaint.

Thousands of people who sought asylum through the CBP One app, a system developed under President Joe Biden, had their appointments at ports of entry canceled on Trump's first day in office as part of the proclamation that declared an invasion at the border.

The Trump administration has taken drastic steps to block access to the asylum process, in flagrant violation of U.S. law, the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies stated in a press release Wednesday.
Trump administration looks to bring back mining near Boundary Waters originally appeared on Bring Me The News.

Trumps top cabinet members say they are working to allow mining again in parts of northern Minnesota following a years-long ban.

This comes shortly after Senator Tina Smith declared victory in the fight to protect the Boundary Waters, after a provision granting Chilean mining giant Antofagasta permission to open copper nickel sulfide mining project was removed from the Senate version of the Republicans' "One Big Beautiful Bill."

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But the next morning, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins doubled down on the idea, declaring that she, along with Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, are working to cancel the "mineral withdrawal in the Rainey [sic] River watershed on the Superior National Forest," which is federal land.

Smith retorted, Not this mine. Not this place. The Boundary Waters are too precious. See you in court."

In 2023, President Biden banned mining over approximately 225,000 acres of the Superior National Forest. The area in question is near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and environmental activists have sounded the alarm and raised concerns about potential pollution.

Proponents of mining say the move could bring new jobs to the state. Minnesota representative Pete Stauber applauded the move, saying allowing mineral mining will reduce dependence on China.

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The so-called "One Big, Beautiful Bill" is now in the hands of the Senate, after being passed by the House of Representatives. President Trump has said he wants to sign the legislation by the Fourth of July.

Superior National Forest, Flickr

This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP)  Days before his arrest outside his daughters house in the outskirts of San Salvador, constitutional lawyer Enrique Anaya called Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele a dictator and a despot on live TV.

This week, lawyer Jaime Quintanilla stood outside a detention facility in El Salvadors capital with a box of food and clothes for his client, unsure if Anaya would ever be released.

The Saturday arrest of Anaya, a fierce critic of Bukele, marks the latest move in what watchdogs describe as a wave of crackdown on dissent by the Central American leader. They say Bukele is emboldened by his alliance with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has not only praised him but avoided criticizing actions human rights defenders, international authorities and legal experts deem authoritarian.

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Authorities in El Salvador have targeted outspoken lawyers like Anaya, journalists investigating Bukele's alleged deals with gangs and human rights defenders calling for the end of a three-year state of emergency, which has suspended fundamental civil rights. Some say they have been forced to flee the country.

Theyre trying to silence anyone who voices an opinion  professionals, ideologues, anyone who is critical  now theyre jailed. Quintanilla said. Its a vendetta.

Bukeles office did not respond to a request for comment.

I dont care if you call me a dictator

Observers see a worrisome escalation by the popular president, who enjoys extremely high approval ratings due to his crackdown on the country's gangs. By suspending fundamental rights, Bukele has severely weakened gangs but also locked up 87,000 people for alleged gang ties, often with little evidence or due process. A number of those detained were also critics.

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Bukele and his New Ideas party have taken control of all three branches of government, stacking the country's Supreme Court with loyalists. Last year, in a move considered unconstitutional, he ran for reelection, securing a resounding victory.

I dont care if you call me a dictator," Bukele said earlier this month in a speech. "Better that than seeing Salvadorans killed on the streets.

In recent weeks, those who have long acted as a thorn in Bukeles side say looming threats have reached an inflection point. The crackdown comes as Bukele has garnered global attention for keeping some 200 Venezuelan deportees detained in a mega-prison built for gangs as part of an agreement with the Trump administration.

'Of course Im scared'

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Anaya was detained by authorities on unproven accusations of money laundering. Prosecutors said he would be sent to relevant courts" in the coming days. Quintanilla, his lawyer, rejects the allegations, saying his arrest stems from years of vocally questioning Bukele.

Quintanilla, a longtime colleague of Anaya, said he decided to represent his friend in part because many other lawyers in the country were now too afraid to show their faces. On Tuesday, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights expressed deep concern over Anayas arrest.

Anaya, 61, is a respected lawyer and commentator in El Salvador with a doctorate in constitutional law. He has criticized Bukele's crackdown on the gangs and Bukele stacking of El Salvador's high court. Last year, he was among those who unsuccessfully petitioned the countrys top electoral authority to reject Bukeles re-election bid, saying it violated the constitution.

Days before his arrest, Anaya railed on television against the detention of human rights lawyer Ruth Lopez, who last week shouted, Theyre not going to silence me, I want a public trial, as police escorted her shackled to court.

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Of course Im scared, Anaya told the broadcast anchor. I think that anyone here who dares to speak out, speaks in fear.

While some of Bukeles most vocal critics, like Anaya and Lopez, have been publicly detained, other human rights defenders have quietly slipped out of the country, hoping to seek asylum elsewhere in the region. They declined to comment or be identified out of fear that they would be targeted even outside El Salvador.

Fear and an ally in Trump

Last month, a protest outside of Bukeles house was violently quashed by police and some of the protesters arrested. He also ordered the arrest of the heads of local bus companies for defying his order to offer free transport while a major highway was blocked.

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In late May, El Salvadors Congress passed a foreign agents law, championed by the populist president. It resembles legislation implemented by governments in Nicaragua, Venezuela, Russia, Belarus and China to silence and criminalize dissent by exerting pressure on organizations that rely on overseas funding.

Veronica Reyna, a human rights coordinator for the Salvadoran nonprofit Servicio Social Pasionista, said police cars now regularly wait outside her groups offices as a lingering threat.

Its been little-by-little, Reyna said. Since Trump came to power, weve seen (Bukele) feel like theres no government thats going to strongly criticize him or try to stop him.

Trumps influence extends beyond his vocal backing of Bukele, with his administration pushing legal boundaries to push his agenda, Reyna, other human rights defenders and journalists said.

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The U.S. Embassy in El Salvador, which once regularly denounced the government's actions, has remained silent throughout the arrests and lingering threats. It did not respond to a request for comment, but on Thursday, published photos of U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau meeting with Bukele Wednesday night on his brief visit to the country. We have a great partner in President Bukele and we appreciate El Salvadors leadership in the region, Landau said.

In its final year, the Biden administration, too, dialed back its criticism of the Bukele government as El Salvador's government helped slow migration north in the lead up to the 2024 election.

On Tuesday, Quintanilla visited Anaya in detention for the first time since his arrest while being watched by police officers.

Despite the detention, neither Anaya nor Quintanilla have been officially informed of the charges. Quintanilla worries that authorities will use wide ranging powers granted to Bukele by the state of emergency to keep him imprisoned indefinitely.

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Journalists stranded

Oscar Martinez, editor-in-chief of news site El Faro, and four other journalists have left the country and are unable to return safely, as they face the prospect of arrest stemming from their reporting.

At a time when many other reporters have fallen silent out of fear, Martinez's news site has investigated Bukele more rigorously than perhaps any other, exposing hidden corruption and human rights abuses under his crackdown on gangs.

In May, El Faro published a three-part interview with a former gang leader who claimed he negotiated with Bukele's administration. Soon after, Martinez said the organization received news that authorities were preparing an arrest order for a half-dozen of their journalists. This has kept at least five El Faro journalists, including Martinez, stranded outside their country for over a month.

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On Saturday, when the reporters tried to return home on a flight, a diplomatic source and a government official informed them that police had been sent to the airport to wait for them and likely arrest them.

The journalists later discovered that their names, along with other civil society leaders, appeared on a list of priority objectives" held by airport authorities. Martinez said Anaya's name was also on the list.

Now in a nearby Central American nation, Martinez said he doesn't know when he will be able to board another flight home. And if he does, he doesn't know what will happen when he steps off.

We fear that, if we return  because some of us surely will try  we'll be imprisoned, he said. I am positive that if El Faro journalists are thrown in prison, we'll be tortured and, possibly, even killed."

____

Janetsky reported from Mexico City.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
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Disappearing students off of city streets, sending asylum seekers to third-country prisons, storming sanctuary cities, and even deporting a US citizen child who has cancer. Thats the Trump administrations mass deportation agenda in action. Now, in an effort to stomp out righteous dissent from communities demanding an end to these cruel tactics, the administration's tactics include sending in the National Guard and active-duty US Marines against the very people they have sworn to protect.

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These are scary times, and Trumps actions hurt everyone, regardless of immigration status. When we deny due process to some, it erodes access to due process for us all.

Our job as litigators is to defend our clients in court, regardless of who is in office. Weve done that under Republican and Democratic administrations alike, and we have already secured critical victories. We know we are on the right side of the law and the right side of history. But we also know that courtroom success is only truly powerful if the community is in the fight with us.

As tensions escalate in Los Angeles and nationwide, we need to stay grounded and educated on how we can best show up for one another. Each of us, regardless of where we live and where we were born, should take a stand today in defense of due process and dignity for our immigrant communities.

Here's what we know about who is being swept up in Trump's immigration dragnet, and what we can all do to push back and keep one another safe.

Undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers

Trump has always focused his attention on those here without authorization  this is nothing new. Its also not new that this rhetoric lacks any nuance or room for facts. When you paint an entire population as illegal, you make it more permissible to strip them of rights or due process. This administration has also been frustrated by what it sees as the slow pace of deportations, and representatives are widening their definition of who is illegal so they can deport as many people as possible.

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The first thing to know is that seeking asylum is a legal process, and the United States has a legal and moral obligation to ensure that people seeking asylum are not sent back to danger. The Trump administration is ignoring this obligation, and it's using to its advantage the fact that the asylum system is unnecessarily and wildly complex.

As advocates and members of immigrant communities know well, politicians have a long-standing obsession with doing things the right way that is not grounded in reality, nor an earnest desire for practical solutions that provide accessible pathways to lawful immigration status.

Caught up in the administrations broad definition of illegal are people who are actively trying to apply for asylum or adjust their legal status by applying for more long-term status, which can take years  if not decades  to achieve, even when they do everything the government asks of them. If you dont believe us, just look at some of the many examples of people who have been detained and deported when they show up for a check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or to their immigration-court hearings.

This includes people like Andry Jose Hernandez Romero, a gay hairdresser from Venezuela who was unlawfully deported to CECOT, a mega-prison in El Salvador, alongside hundreds of other men. Andry, a client of Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef), was seeking asylum in the United States, and our colleagues only learned of his disappearance after they showed up to defend him at his scheduled court hearing and he wasnt there.

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Also caught up in this administrations definition of illegal are unaccompanied immigrant children who may have to represent themselves in court after the Trump administration revoked federal funding for legal services for infants and kids seeking asylum in the US. This unlawful action removed attorneys and legal support from at least 26,000 children for over a month, in direct violation of the law and a federal court order. Its villainous and morally corrupt, but its also a clear violation of federal law under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act.

Justice Action Center (JAC), ImmDef, and Amica Center for Immigrant Rights have come together with partners and service providers to sue the Trump administration for its failure to provide funding for childrens legal representation, and a court has already told Trump that it must continue to do so.

But the government openly refused to comply with the courts order for almost a month  just as it refused to comply with another courts order to facilitate the return of Kilmar Garcia Abrego, just as it refused to comply with yet another courts order not to remove people to CECOT in El Salvador.

In recent weeks an appeals court denied the governments attempt to pause the district courts ruling in our case. Every day that the Trump administration tries to evade its obligations to fund legal representation for unaccompanied children, it prevents kids from having their best advocates with them and compounds the risks and impacts to children and legal-service providers.

People with lawful immigration status

This administration is feverishly pushing its deportation agenda, and in order to do that, its representatives are the ones who are flouting the law: recklessly stripping away lawful protections and yanking the rug out from under millions of people who have overcome tremendous legal obstacles and personal hardship to call this country home.

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The Trump administration is both ignoring and trying to remove the rights of immigrants with active lawful status. This includes the 875,000 migrants who came to the United States through a humanitarian parole process Trump is attempting to end.

Many of these individuals came to the US via a sponsorship model grounded in legal authority that has been used by Republican and Democratic administrations alike for more than 70 years. The JAC team is currently fighting the administrations unlawful attempts to revoke humanitarian parole pathways and strip participants of their lawful status; and JAC and partners had secured critical victories in federal court before the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to continue with its plans to remove protections from hundreds of thousands of people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

The administration is also attempting to remove the protections of hundreds of thousands of people with temporary protected status, or TPS, which has provided a safe and legal way to offer protections for people who need refuge from certain countries embroiled in violence or instability. Litigators and their clients also made significant headway in the courts to block the Trump administrations moves before the Supreme Court once again allowed the administration to proceed with its cruel agenda.

These are people who have done everything the US government has asked of them, and the government is now failing to uphold its side of the bargain. As we said before, it was never about immigrants just needing to do things the right way.

So what can we do about it?

Weve been hearing from many folks who wonder whether and how this will impact them  and how we can fight back, especially as the president escalates his rhetoric and actions against immigrants and those who vocally support them.

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We should all be wary of a presidential administration that is actively and unlawfully seeking to widen the definition of who it considers illegal or criminal and therefore subject to removal from the US  an administration that is also willing to resort to drastic tactics to remove people from their homes, schools, and communities.

Administration representatives are actively creating a larger class of people to subject to their mass-deportation fantasy, and that should concern us all. Its already impacting tourists and students with valid visas, naturalized US citizens who have reported being detained upon reentering the country, and US citizen children of undocumented immigrants.

But there is also a whole lot we can do to fight back and keep one another safe. The first thing to remember is that we do have rights  and knowing them is the first line of defense. Immigrant-community leaders have been doing this work for decades, and we should look to them for guidance.

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights has an easy-to-access library of actionable Know Your Rights resources in English and Spanish, as does the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. Immigrant Defenders Law Center also has a robust compilation of resources and forms for immigrants and their loved ones. Immigrants Rising has shared guidance for undocumented travelers.

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For resources in other languages, Asian Americans Advancing Justice has Know Your Rights resources in Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, Chinese, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Karen, Khmer, Korean, Nepali, Punjabi, Urdu, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Thai, and Spanish. Haitian Bridge Alliance is compiling and sharing information in Haitian Kreyol, including specific resources for Haitians impacted by the administrations attacks on TPS and humanitarian parole. ImportaMi also includes resources in Indigenous languages.

Additionally, there are community groups providing resources and training opportunities throughout the country, including in New York, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Tennessee.

If you are worried about your current or pending immigration status, know that you are not alone. Continue to work with your attorney or a local organization like the ones named above for support.

Our inspiration comes from our many incredible clients, people who courageously choose to hold the president to account in the court of law at great risk to themselves, hoping they can make life better for others like them.

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Everyone should take inspiration from these clients. They come from all political walks of life. Some were born here; others have arrived recently. But they believe in the promise of a country where no one  not even the president  is above the rule of law.

Collectively, we must continue to fight tirelessly in court and on the streets to shield our communities from this administrations brazen attacks. A more just future is possible, but its going to take all of us doing our part to make it a reality.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump and executives from the tech and energy sectors will appear at an artificial intelligence and energy summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on July 15, the office of the state's U.S. Senator Dave McCormick said on Thursday.

McCormick's inaugural Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit will be held at Carnegie Mellon University, his office said in a statement.

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Axios reported that tech executives like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai were on the summit's guest list. Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods, Shell CEO Wael Sawan and Chevron CEO Mike Wirth were also on that list, according to Axios.

White House AI czar David Sacks, who is also expected to attend the summit, expressed concern earlier this week that regulating U.S. AI too tightly could stifle growth and cede the critical market to China.

The comments indicated the Republican president's approach to AI could be centered on expanding markets abroad for U.S. AI chips and models. Democratic former President Joe Biden had emphasized policies that countered risks the chips could be diverted to China and used to bolster Beijing's military.

A group of 40 state attorneys general, including Republicans from Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas, Utah and Virginia and other states, have pushed back against Republican attempts to block states from regulating AI, saying states should develop and enforce common-sense regulation to protect consumers.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh and Ismail Shakil; Editing by Leslie Adler)
Donald Trumps border tsar says he will flood the zone with arrest squads in liberal sanctuary cities as he punches back against protests that have rocked Los Angeles for days.

In an interview with The Telegraph, Tom Homan said the protesters will do nothing to slow the pace of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions.

If they think theyre going to shut ICE operations down, theyre wrong, he said, after returning to Washington DC from California, where he had seen the protests up close.

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What theyre going to see is an increase in ICE operations especially in sanctuary cities.

Last week the Department of Homeland Security issued a list of 500 cities, counties and states it said obstructed the Trump administrations deportation plan by protecting illegal immigrants.

Mr Homan said he already had teams operating across places including New York and Chicago, where local law enforcement did not share immigration status of people in detention.

Were going to send massive teams, we are going to flood the zone, he said.

California National Guard form a shield around the Federal building in downtown LA - Eric Thayer/Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

If we cant arrest the bad guy in jail well arrest them in the neighbourhood. If we cant find them there well arrest them at a workplace.

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So sanctuary cities are gonna get exactly what they dont want  more agents in the neighbourhood, more work site enforcement operations.

Mr Homan, a former police officer who has also served as acting head of ICE, is the public face of Mr Trumps operation to deport as many as a million people in a year.

So far, he said, the number was at about 140,000.

But with fewer people crossing the southern border the pace of detentions has slowed since the Trump administration took power.

The result has been a broader operation to find migrants wherever they might be.

Immigration officers, backed by FBI agents, raided several sites around Los Angeles on Friday triggering protests that grew into riots at the weekend.

LAPD SWAT officers detain a person during riots - Jon Putman

Mr Trump responded by sending in 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines.

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Since then protests have spread around the country offering Democratic politicians their first real chance to unite against Mr Trump.

Gavin Newsom, the Democratic governor of California, accused the administration of drawing a military dragnet across the nations second biggest city.

However, Mr Homan said media coverage had missed a key point about the raids.

It wasnt an immigration raid, it was a criminal investigation, he said.

The operation was investigating money laundering, tax evasion and customs fraud at a business, he said.

The big overarching investigation is looking at whether some of this money is making it to Mexico and Columbia to fund cartel activities, he said.

Tom Homan says media coverage has missed a key point about the raids - Will Oliver/ 2025 Bloomberg Finance LP

Relatives and protesters arrived as news of the raids spread. Some tried to confront the federal agents wearing camouflage.

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One person fell to the ground in front of a vehicle as he attempted to stop its progress.

Mr Homan said the FBI and ICE were investigating several organisations he believed supplied bricks and gas masks to protesters.

So we know theres a couple organisations that are behind it thats under criminal investigation, he said.

I cant talk about it but were going to prosecute them to the full extent of the law.

Online conspiracy theories have  without any evidence  suggested that George Soros, the Jewish donor to liberal causes, or Karen Bass, the citys mayor, were responsible for depositing pallets of bricks at strategic locations.

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Other commentators point out that one of the biggest flashpoints was beside a Home Depot store, which would have been stocked with building materials.

Protests slowed on Tuesday and Wednesday, in part because of a curfew.

Mr Homan said his officers had been placed at risk, night after night.

I was there Friday night. I saw the federal building surrounded with close to 1000 people, he said. I saw the threats. I saw the damage.

I saw them trying to breach the federal building.

He said officers had been doxxed and assaulted for trying to do their job. Sending in the troops was not a piece of political theatre or an effort to create a crisis.

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Thank God President Trump deployed the National Guard when he did, he added.

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(Left) Powerlines above the Columbia River move electricity from the Bonneville Dam to customers across the region in Hood River County, Oregon, on Thursday, July 25, 2024. (Right) Portrait of Farley Eaglespeaker, a member of the Nez Perce Tribe, sitting atop a fishing scaffold along the Columbia River, in Cascade Locks, Oregon on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

UPDATED at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 13, with a statement from Gov. Tina Kotek.

A historic deal made two years ago between the U.S. government, four tribes, Northwest states and environmentalists to put legal battles aside and invest in restoring endangered Columbia River fish runs is now off.

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President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a presidential memorandum withdrawing the U.S. government from a Dec. 14, 2023 agreement to help restore salmon, steelhead and other native fish being decimated by federal hydroelectric dams in the Columbia River Basin. The memorandum refers to the commitments as onerous, misguided and as placing concerns about climate change above the nations interests in reliable energy resources.

The 2023 agreement was reached after decades of legal battles that pitted the federal government against four Lower Columbia River tribes and environmental groups backed by the states of Oregon and Washington.

Groups behind the suits said they would forge on, and legal battles will likely reopen.

This move by the Trump administration to throw away five years worth of progress is shortsighted and reckless, said Mitch Cutter, a salmon and energy strategist at the Idaho Conservation League, in a statement. The Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement was a landmark achievement between the federal government, states, Tribes and salmon advocates to find solutions for salmon and stay out of the courtroom. Now, its gone thanks to the uninformed impulses of a disconnected administration that doesnt understand the Pacific Northwest and the rivers and fish that make our region special.

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The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon and the Nez Perce Tribe were part of the deal. In negotiations, the tribes, along with the states of Oregon and Washington, are referred to as the six sovereigns.

Gov. Tina Kotek said in a statement that she would work with the states and tribes to evaluate their next moves.

Extinction is not an option for these iconic fish, and we will do what we can to avoid that. This includes Oregons continued commitment to implement the Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative that we crafted with our sovereign partners, she said.

Shannon Wheeler, chairman of the Nez Perce Tribe, said in a statement that Trumps decision is a denial of the truth.

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This action tries to hide from the truth. The Nez Perce Tribe holds a duty to speak the truth for the salmon, and the truth is that extinction of salmon populations is happening now, he said. People across the Northwest know this, and people across the nation have supported us in a vision for preventing salmon extinction that would at the same time create a stronger and better future for the Northwest. This remains the shared vision of the states of Washington and Oregon, and the Yakama, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Nez Perce tribes, as set out in our Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative.

Groups representing utilities, farmers, ports and others who rely on Columbia River dams for power, moving goods and irrigation, celebrated the executive order.

As demand for electricity surges across the nation, preserving access to always-available energy resources like hydropower is absolutely crucial, said Jim Matheson, CEO of the trade group National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, in a news release.

Nearing extinction

At the heart of the issue are four Snake River dams that provide irrigation and emissions-free hydropower for nearby communities, but have also contributed to the near extinction of 13 salmon and steelhead populations that return to the Columbia Basin from the Pacific Ocean to spawn. The fish are important to tribal health and sovereignty and to basin ecosystems, and the declines are hitting southern resident orcas off the coasts of British Columbia, Washington and Oregon that rely on salmon for food and that are federally listed as endangered.

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Environmental advocates, tribes and others have pushed to remove the four dams  Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose and Lower Granite on the Snake River between Kennewick, Wash., and Lewiston, Idaho  to help the fish, including filing lawsuits. Earthjustice, an environmental law group, has led litigation against five federal agencies, seeking changes to dam operations in the Columbia River Basin to help protect salmon.

The 2023 agreement, coupled with Biden-era climate and clean energy funding, was meant to pour more than $1 billion in new federal investments for wild fish restoration into the Columbia River Basin over the next decade, along with clean energy projects on tribal lands. It also included potentially breaching the four Snake River Dams to restore natural flows that could revive native salmon populations.

Earthjustice Attorney Amanda Goodin said in a statement that they would not give up fighting in court to prevent salmon extinction in the Columbia River Basin.

The Trump administration is turning its back on an unprecedented opportunity to support a thriving Columbia Basin  and ignoring the extinction crisis facing our salmon, she said. Unfortunately, this short-sighted decision to renege on this important agreement is just the latest in a series of anti-government and anti-science actions coming from the Trump administration.

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Correction: a previous version of the story incorrectly said Trumps presidential memorandum also revoked another September 2023 presidential memorandum signed by former President Joe Biden meant to send Northwest tribes funding for salmon reintroduction.

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(Left) Powerlines above the Columbia River move electricity from the Bonneville Dam to customers across the region in Hood River County, Oregon, on Thursday, July 25, 2024. (Right) Portrait of Farley Eaglespeaker, sitting atop a fishing scaffold along the Columbia River in Cascade Locks, Oregon on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

A historic deal made two years ago between the U.S. government, four tribes, Northwest states and environmentalists to put legal battles aside and invest in restoring endangered Columbia River fish runs is now off.

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a presidential memorandum withdrawing the U.S. government from a Dec. 14, 2023 agreement to help restore salmon, steelhead and other native fish being decimated by federal hydroelectric dams in the Columbia River Basin. The memorandum refers to the commitments as onerous, misguided and as placing concerns about climate change above the nations interests in reliable energy resources.

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The 2023 agreement was reached after decades of legal battles that pitted the federal government against four Lower Columbia River tribes and environmental groups backed by the states of Oregon and Washington.

Groups behind the suits said they would forge on, and legal battles will likely reopen.

This move by the Trump administration to throw away five years worth of progress is shortsighted and reckless, said Mitch Cutter, a salmon and energy strategist at the Idaho Conservation League, in a statement. The Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement was a landmark achievement between the federal government, states, Tribes and salmon advocates to find solutions for salmon and stay out of the courtroom. Now, its gone thanks to the uninformed impulses of a disconnected administration that doesnt understand the Pacific Northwest and the rivers and fish that make our region special.

The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon and the Nez Perce Tribe were part of the deal. In negotiations, the tribes, along with the states of Oregon and Washington, are referred to as the six sovereigns.

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The federal government made a commitment to Washington, Oregon and the Yakama, Umatilla, Nez Perce and Warm Springs tribes to work together to balance the shared goals of abundant salmon and reliable clean energy in the Columbia Basin, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said in a statement. Today, the Trump administration has callously abandoned that commitment.

Washington remains committed to our shared vision for the Columbia, he added. We will do everything in our power to support its restoration and resiliency into the future.

Oregon Gov. Tina Koteks office did not respond to a request for comment.

Shannon Wheeler, chairman of the Nez Perce Tribe, said in a statement that Trumps decision is a denial of the truth.

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This action tries to hide from the truth. The Nez Perce Tribe holds a duty to speak the truth for the salmon, and the truth is that extinction of salmon populations is happening now, he said. People across the Northwest know this, and people across the nation have supported us in a vision for preventing salmon extinction that would at the same time create a stronger and better future for the Northwest. This remains the shared vision of the states of Washington and Oregon, and the Yakama, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Nez Perce tribes, as set out in our Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative.

Groups representing utilities, farmers, ports and others who rely on Columbia River dams for power, moving goods and irrigation, celebrated the executive order.

As demand for electricity surges across the nation, preserving access to always-available energy resources like hydropower is absolutely crucial, said Jim Matheson, CEO of the trade group National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, in a news release.

Reaction from Washingtons congressional delegation split along partisan lines.

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U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, a Republican who represents central Washington, applauded Trumps move, saying it reverses the efforts by the Biden administration and extreme environmental activists to remove the dams, which would have threatened the reliability of our power grid, raised energy prices, and decimated our ability to export grain to foreign markets.

Washington U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat, called the presidents action grievously wrong and shortsighted.

This was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernize infrastructure across the Columbia River Basin, support reliable clean energy, and save imperiled salmon and steelhead runs, Murray said in a statement. The Trump administrations senseless decision to tear it up is a betrayal of our Tribes and a tremendous setback for the entire Northwest.

Nearing extinction

At the heart of the issue are four Snake River dams that provide irrigation and emissions-free hydropower for nearby communities, but have also contributed to the near extinction of 13 salmon and steelhead populations that return to the Columbia Basin from the Pacific Ocean to spawn. The fish are important to tribal health and sovereignty and to basin ecosystems, and the declines are hitting southern resident orcas off the coasts of British Columbia, Washington and Oregon that rely on salmon for food and that are federally listed as endangered.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Environmental advocates, tribes and others have pushed to remove the four dams  Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose and Lower Granite on the Snake River between Kennewick, Wash., and Lewiston, Idaho  to help the fish, including filing lawsuits. Earthjustice, an environmental law group, has led litigation against five federal agencies, seeking changes to dam operations in the Columbia River Basin to help protect salmon.

The 2023 agreement, coupled with Biden-era climate and clean energy funding, was meant to pour more than $1 billion in new federal investments for wild fish restoration into the Columbia River Basin over the next decade, along with clean energy projects on tribal lands. It also included potentially breaching the four Snake River Dams to restore natural flows that could revive native salmon populations.

Earthjustice Attorney Amanda Goodin said in a statement that they would not give up fighting in court to prevent salmon extinction in the Columbia River Basin.

The Trump administration is turning its back on an unprecedented opportunity to support a thriving Columbia Basin  and ignoring the extinction crisis facing our salmon, she said. Unfortunately, this short-sighted decision to renege on this important agreement is just the latest in a series of anti-government and anti-science actions coming from the Trump administration.

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This article has been updated.

Correction: a previous version of the story incorrectly said Trumps presidential memorandum also revoked another September 2023 presidential memorandum signed by former President Joe Biden meant to send Northwest tribes funding for salmon reintroduction.

This article was first published by Oregon Capital Chronicle, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Julia Shumway for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.
A California judge granted Taylor Swift a temporary restraining order Monday against a Colorado man who is accused of stalking and harassing her.

Swift, who last came to Denver in 2023 for her Eras Tour at Empower Field, filed the request in Los Angeles Superior Court. It details how Brian Jason Wagner, 45, has allegedly repeatedly showed up at Swift's California home since July 2024.

During his first visit, Wagner was seen carrying a glass bottle that could've been used as a weapon, according to court documents. In subsequent instances where Wagner showed up at the property, he made claims about living at the property, being in a relationship with Swift, needing to see her in person and her being the mother of his son.

According to Swift, Wagner also sent members of her staff hundreds of emails with similarly concerning and threatening language, tried to divert mail from my residence to his attention, and even lied to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to somehow change the address on his drivers license to my Los Angeles home.

In the filing, Swift emphasized that she does not know Wagner, nor has she ever met him or spoken with him.

Wagners' attempts at communication and instances of trespassing have made Swift fear for her safety and the safety of her family, as she has never publicly shared her address. She claims that his threatening communication has escalated in recent weeks, creating a fear of imminent harm.

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According to the filing, Swifts security team ran a criminal history report on Wagner and discovered he had previously been incarcerated and had sent Swift lengthy communications while in custody.

According to Colorado court records Wagner pleaded guilty to forgery in 2023 in Clear Creek County and was given a deferred sentence. He was also arrested in 2023 in Jefferson County on a car theft charge. In January 2024, he pled guilty and was sentenced to probation.

Swift has previously dealt with harassment from another Colorado man, Disc jockey David Mueller.

Mueller was fired from his job at Denver radio station KYGO in June 2013 after Swift said he groped her while they posed together for a photograph.

Mueller denied the accusations, and sued Swift for $3 million. She countersued for a single dollar and won.
Jun. 12By Ryan Faircloth, Star Tribune (TNS)

President Donald Trump and members of his Cabinet are citing the Minneapolis riots and Gov. Tim Walz's response as they explain why they've deployed troops to quell protests in Los Angeles.

Trump has deployed about 700 Marines and federalized thousands of National Guard troops to Los Angeles to quash protests of immigration raids, despite objections from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has derided the move as an escalation by federal authorities.

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The president told reporters Tuesday that in his first term, he waited for governors to call in the military for riot response and "they didn't want to do it."

"I watched Minneapolis and other places burn for a long time and I said, 'When are you going to call? When are you going to call?' And I said if I ever do this again, if they're not responsive at the beginning ..." Trump said.

He then turned his comments to Walz, saying, "I waited for this guy, the same guy who ran for vice president, who's a very dumb person. He's a low-IQ individual like many Democrats are."

Teddy Tschann, a spokesman for Walz, said in a statement Wednesday that the governor "took action and deployed the National Guard to keep our city safe  Donald Trump did not."

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Trump and other top Republicans continue to use the riots that engulfed Minneapolis after the killing of George Floyd in 2020 as a line of attack against Walz and other Democrats, holding it up as an example that they're too slow to respond to unrest.

In a post on his Truth Social account Sunday, Trump blasted Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as "incompetent" and "unable to handle the task."

Republicans have been more critical of Walz's response to the 2020 riots since he ran for vice president last year and became a national leader in the Democratic Party.

Standing next to Trump in the Oval Office this week, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also criticized Walz as she defended sending troops to Los Angeles.

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"In 2020, I was a governor of a neighboring state to Tim Walz and watched him let his city burn," said Noem, the former South Dakota governor. "And the president and I have talked about this in the past, and he was not going to let that happen to another city and to another community where a bad governor made a bad decision."

Walz activated the National Guard three days after Floyd's death but was criticized for not deploying the troops sooner. However, Trump himself privately praised Walz in 2020 after the riots subsided, saying he "dominated" the situation.

"I was very happy with the last couple of days, Tim," Trump told Walz during a 2020 call with governors. "You called up big numbers and the big numbers knocked them out so fast it was like bowling pins."

Tschann, Walz's spokesman, said "Trump's own Secretary of Defense praised Governor Walz's response and told other Governors to follow his lead."
President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that United States personnel are being "moved out" of parts of the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Israel and Iran.

"Well, they are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we'll see what happens. But they are -- we've given notice to move out. We'll see what happens," Trump, who was walking the red carpet at the Kennedy Center, told reporters.

The State Department ordered the departure of all nonessential staff from its embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, due to concern over increased security risks in the region, according to two State Department officials familiar with the matter.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, June 10, 2025. (Ken Cedeno/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

MORE: State Department orders departure of nonessential staff from Baghdad embassy

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Another U.S. official said that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the Middle East.

Asked if there was anything that could be done to lower the temperature with Iran, Trump said: "They can't have a nuclear weapon, personally. They can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that."

Trump's comments on Wednesday come as the administration has worked to reach a deal with Tehran to limit its nuclear program. The two sides have held several rounds of talks, but have not come to an agreement.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Trump confirms US personnel are being removed from parts of Middle East originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree, or click on this link to fill out the form. We welcome diverse viewpoints.

I woke up this morning thinking, I cannot believe this is America.

I cannot believe my eyes as the National Guard smoke-bombs protesters  citizens standing up for the disappearance of their friends, family, and neighbors under the false pretense of an invasion.

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More: Rumors of Downtown Nashville ICE raids leave fear, confusion among workers on Broadway

I cannot believe the countless images of people being ripped from their lives and jobs by masked agents.

I cannot believe my ears as the American President denounces and threatens an iconic American company, an iconic American university and an iconic American city.

I cannot believe, in my heart, that American women no longer have complete agency over their own bodies.

People take cover as police fire rubber bullets to disperse protesters after a mandatory curfew went into effect near city hall in downtown Los Angeles, Calif., June 10, 2025.

I cannot believe, in my soul, that America is being governed by misinformation, fear-mongering and threats.

I cannot believe that this country is being governed by the social media account of an American President.

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Opinion: TN Republicans may lose political control and respect by supporting Trump

I cannot believe elected members of Congress are supporting this shift in American governance  the consolidation of power and control over information.

I cannot believe elected officials are perpetuating the lies and spreading fear, all the way down to the local level  either gleeful in their support of this anti-American President or paralyzed by fear. Either way, its shameful. Tides change, folks.

But I must believe  in America, in my family, in my friends, in my community.

I must believe we will survive this dark time. That good outweighs evil  always.

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I must believe, as Lincoln believed, that America will prevail over its worst impulses and choose the better angels of our nature.

Samantha Noel, Brentwood 37027

Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Amid ICE raids and protests, I still believe in America | Opinion
President Trump on Wednesday attended the opening night performance of Les Miserables, one of the first shows to hit the stage at the Kennedy Center since Trump drastically overhauled the performing arts centers operations.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended the show and a fundraiser in support of the center. A smattering of protesters greeted Trump outside the Kennedy Center, and a handful of performers skipped Wednesdays performance in protest of Trumps attendance.

I couldnt care less, Trump said of the boycotts. All I do is run the country well.

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The president said Wednesdays fundraiser brought in $10 million for the Kennedy Center. The performance at the Kennedy Centers nearly 2,400-seat Opera House was completely sold out, according to officials. Some specialty seating tickets, which included a meet-and-greet with the president, were being sold for as much as $2 million.

We want to bring it back better than ever. As you know it needs a little help from the standpoint of age and fitness, but its going to be fantastic, Trump said.

Les Miserables is one of the most major productions to hit the Kennedy Centers stages since Trump overhauled the performing arts institutions board in February and named himself its chair. The president, who had accused the Kennedy Center of being too woke, appointed his envoy for special missions Richard Grenell as its interim executive director.

The president went on to appoint a slew of political allies as board members, including chief of staff Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Fox News hosts Laura Ingraham and Maria Bartiromo and senior White House official Sergio Gor.

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The Kennedy Center earlier this month denied reports that it allegedly saw a 36-percent decline in sales subscriptions following Trumps takeover of the arts hub.

The president didnt step foot in the center during his first term in office, bucking tradition and declining to attend the annual Kennedy Center Honors event after several of the awards recipients criticized him.

Judy Kurtz contributed to this report.

Updated at 8:37 p.m. EDT.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A lawyer for Donald Trumps Justice Department recently argued in court that sometimes the president just says stuff  and it doesnt matter if what Trump says is or isnt accurate, because his comments arent necessarily reflective of the governments position on a given matter.

During an April 30 court hearing related to the governments unlawful imprisonment of Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador, Judge Paula Xinis asked attorneys representing the Trump administration why they were saying they had no ability to facilitate Abrego Garcias return to the U.S. when Trump had publicly acknowledged he could compel the mans return if he wanted to. Elsewhere, she noted, Trump said he was leaving the matter up to his lawyers.

Jonathan Guynn, a Justice Department attorney, responded: President Trump is a master messenger in many ways, but he also doesnt speak with precision about things sometimes. And I think that this might be one of those situations where perhaps his comments were based on what he was recalling may have been the state of play previously.

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Xinis was not convinced. Isnt it basic, isnt it black letter law that the Executive Branch must speak with one voice? she asked.

Right now, the administration is not speaking with one voice, and Im not here to credit one versus the other, she added. If I cant get that one voice  and you dont give me details [] I dont know what to do with that.

Later on, Guynn said, I cant even necessarily comment on some of the statements that President Trump has made.

Rolling Stone obtained a copy of the court reporters transcript of the hearing, which was heavily redacted. It was only made available over a month after the hearing took place  and after the Trump administration did, in fact, manage to bring Abrego Garcia back to the United States, as the Supreme Court had unanimously ordered officials to do.

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Top Trump officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, had previously claimed this was impossible, because Abrego Garcia was under the sole custody of the Salvadoran government  which the Trump administration is paying to imprison migrants.

In order to save face, the government has now charged Abrego Garcia with human smuggling in Tennessee. The case, according to legal commentator Mark Joseph Stern, is highly suspect.

Earlier this week, Abrego Garcias lawyers demanded that the Judge Xinis sanction the Trump administration over their vocal and sustained and flagrant defiance of judicial orders, noting that its been accompanied by misrepresentations, stonewalling, and even questioning of this courts authority.

The lengths the government has gone to resist discovery relating to these core questions raises a strong inference that the Government is trying to hide its conduct from the scrutiny of this court, the plaintiffs, and the public. What the government improperly seeks to hide must be exposed for all to see, they added.

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Watching from the audience in the Kennedy Center, Donald Trump would no doubt identify with the protagonist in Les Miserables.

Jean Valjean is, after all, a felon who rebuilds his life. He owns a factory and becomes mayor. He finds redemption.

With Melania at his side, and the seats filled with donors who have paid up to $2 million each to join the president, Trumps world is more cosseted. Less Cosette.

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Inside the reconstituted center no longer resembling anything Kennedy (RFK Jr. notwithstanding), all talk of revolution is confined to the stage and a bygone era in 19th-century France. And Valjean remains one step ahead of the law.

Donald Trump was watching Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday night. / James Gourley/Getty Images

Trump is chairman of the Kennedy Center board he has personally picked. He is the king. The audience is there at his favor, as is his Cabinet and the Republican lawmakers who have bent to his will.

Outside, though, the people arent singing. They are beginning to fight.

For generations, Los Angeles has been an enduring symbol of American optimism. The promised land of sun-kissed beaches and Hollywood dreams.

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On the day Beach Boy Brian Wilson died, downtown L.A. was under curfew, and Marines and National Guard troops walked the streets. Six days of rioting on the West Coast put the entire country on edge.

The city with fire seared into its consciousness was once again in flames.

It represented the perfect opportunity for the president who would be king.

Trump is always the main character of his own story, and he has found the perfect way to move the plot along from last weeks Tesla car-wreck of a squabble with Elon Musk.

The Democratic Party was outfoxed and out-hought when it was forced to defend the deported Maryland dad, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, with a history that is questionable at least. Now, Trump was doubling down on the insurrectionists protesting against the ICE raids that have turned 7-Elevens and Home Depots around the nation into no-go zones for minorities.

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The Authoritarian Show was playing to Trumps core audience. Karoline Leavitt called the L.A. protests left-wing riots. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Trump buddy, called in the National Guardjust in case.

The president also presented a heavily politically oriented MAGA rally to troops at Fort Bragg on Tuesday.

A military parade to celebrate Trumps 79th birthday and the Armys 250th anniversary will rumble around Washington, D.C. on Saturday as a reminder of the presidents power. He likes strong men. He considers himself one. Parades are what they do.

Donald Trump takes the stage during a rally with U.S. Army troops on June 10, 2025 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. / Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

But not everyone is buying it.

California Governor Gavin Newsom sees Trump more as a Star Wars villain, making his autocratic move. Newsom believes this is the time for his close-up, but he is insistent that bringing in the military is over the top.

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Its Trumps latest production, Law and Order: Special ICE Unit.

Deploying military forces and conducting militarized ICE raids in immigrant neighborhoods is not about public safety, said Arturo Flores, Mayor of Huntington Park. It is about political theater that is rooted in fear.

On Tuesday, 86 protesters were arrested during an anti-ICE demonstration in Chicago. There have been disturbances in Dallas, New York, and Washington, D.C. Activists across the country are planning protests on Saturday as part of the No Kings movement.

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt walked out of her press briefing when she was pressed about the 1st Amendment. The spokeswoman for the White House didnt want to discuss free speech.

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She was asked earlier if she thought Trump saw himself as a king.

The president views himself as the president of the United States of America, she said. This is a constitutional republic.

Fine words, indeed.

Trump is making his first visit to the Kennedy Center to watch Les Miserables. / J. David Ake/Getty Images

Its a popular misconception that Victor Hugo based his epic 1862 novel, Les Miserables, on the French Revolution of 1789. He actually used the June Rebellion of 1832, when a group of revolutionaries tried to overthrow the French government.

More than 100,000 Parisians raised barricades and rioted in the hopes of overthrowing the newly established King Louis Philippe. They were ultimately crushed by 20,000 National Guard troops and 40,000 regular army soldiers drafted into the capital.

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The show of power was successful, at least for a while. In 1848, the monarchy fell after Louis Philippe sought to hand the throne down to his 9-year-old grandson. It was the beginning of the Second French Republic.

King Donald is taking a calculated risk in ignoring the First Amendment. But in suppressing democracy in such brazen fashion, he may be risking the future of Americas 236-year republic.
US President Donald Trump's dream of hosting a grand military parade in Washington on his 79th birthday on Saturday could be clouded by thunderstorms.

Forecasters say there is a threat of lightning at the same time as nearly 6,000 troops, 50 helicopters and 150 armored vehicles are meant to roll through the capital, watched by thousands of spectators.

The Republican has been unlucky with the weather before, as freezing conditions meant that his inauguration for a second term in January had to be held indoors and a parade was canceled.

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The White House vowed that a "historic celebration" of the US army's 250th birthday would go on even if there were "changes" due to the weather.

"Any changes to the Army Birthday Parade will be announced by the Department of Defense or America 250 Commission," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement to AFP.

"No matter what, a historic celebration of our military servicemembers will take place!"

The army and the America 250 Commission, which is responsible for arranging the parade, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Hundreds of anti-Trump "No Kings" rallies are planned on Saturday in cities across the United States -- although not in Washington -- in protest against what critics call the president's growing authoritarianism.

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- 'Very big force' -

The rare military parade, the largest since the end of the Gulf War in 1991, comes after Trump sent National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles following protests.

Trump said on a visit to an army base on Tuesday that "we want to show off a little bit" with the parade, and vowed "very big force" if protesters try to disrupt it.

The army says the event could cost up to $45 million.

Nearly 7,000 soldiers will take part, wearing a variety of uniforms including some that date back through all of America's major wars since the Revolutionary War against Britain.

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Roaring overhead will be more than 50 helicopters including Apache gunships, giant twin-rotor Chinook transport choppers and sleek Black Hawks.

Around 150 military vehicles -- including 28 M1A1 Abrams battle tanks, 28 Bradley Fighting Vehicles and 28 Stryker eight-wheel vehicles -- will rumble past too.

The route will take them past historic landmarks including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, ending up near the White House.

The parade is meant to end with a parachute display as the army's Golden Knights team jump in and present Trump with a US flag.

- 'Believe in democracy' -

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The event is being held on Flag Day, which celebrates the Stars and Stripes -- but it also coincides with Trump's own birthday.

Long fascinated with military pomp, Trump has openly envied the military spectacles seen in cities from Paris to Moscow and Pyongyang ever since his first term as president.

Trump has been particularly obsessed with having a parade since his first term as president when he attended France's annual Bastille Day parade in Paris at the invitation of president Emmanuel Macron in 2017.

"One of the greatest parades I have ever seen," Trump said shortly afterwards. "Because of what I witnessed, we may do something like that."

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Back then he was put off by the huge cost -- an estimated $92 million -- and warnings that heavy tanks could damage Washington's streets.

But after his return to the White House in January, Trump would not be dissuaded again. This time, the army says metal plates will protect the roads from damage

Such displays of military might remain rare in the United States.

"We were founded by a group of merchants and farmers who were tired of a standing army invading their streets in the name of keeping them safe," Peter Loge, director of George Washington University's School of Media, told AFP.

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"We've always looked down on grand military parades in Russia across Red Square or in North Korea, because we're not like that. We're Americans, and we believe in democracy, not in military shows of force."

dk/sla
Days ahead of the militaristic parade he has ordered up for his 79th birthday, President Donald Trump has denied having any monarchical pretensions even as he continues to face questions over his use of American soldiers and marines to help put down protests over his harsh immigration enforcement efforts.

Speaking in the East Room during an impromptu press conference after signing legislation to block Californias ability to regulate vehicle emissions and push for more electric vehicle sales in an effort to protect the states air quality, Trump was asked about protests planned for Saturday as part of what organizers are calling No Kings Day to coincide with the parade, which is ostensibly meant to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

Trump replied: I don't feel like a king and proceeded to complain that he must go through hell to get anything done under Americas constitutional system, which strictly divides the federal governments authority between executive, legislative and judicial branches.

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Seemingly ignorant of reforms to the British monarchy starting with the Magna Carta in 1215, Trump opined that a king would never have had to suffer then indignity of asking for legislation to be enacted to nix Californias vehicle regulations.

He wouldn't have to call up [House Speaker] Mike Johnson and tune and say, fellas, you got to pull this off, and after years, we get it done, he said.

AI-generated image of Donald Trump as a king tweeted out by White House (White House)

No, no, we're not a king. We're not a king at all.

In fact, Trump has suggested that he should be regarded as an American monarch on at least one occasion since he returned to office for a second term this past January.

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In February, he took to Truth Social to declare himself king after his administration purported to strike down new tolls for Manhattan drivers to raise funds for the citys aging mass transit system.

CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD, he wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!

The White Houses X account then shared his statement with a mock cover of Time magazine featuring a portrait of the president wearing a crown with the caption long live the king.

White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich also shared an AI-generated image of the president wearing a crown and regal cape on his own official X account.

No Kings Protest What To Know

Trumps comments came at the tail end of a nearly 90-minute stemwinder of rambling remarks delivered to a crowd of supporters and Republican members of Congress as he prepared to sign a trio of resolutions making use of the Congressional Review Act to strike down Environmental Protection Agency waivers that had allowed the Golden State to set car emissions standards that have long been more strict than federal vehicle standards.

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One of them purported to nix a state regulation that would have required the vast majority of cars sold in the state to be electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid models starting in 2038, a goal which auto industry executives have called unworkable.

The president said he was going to officially rescue the US auto industry from destruction by terminating California Electric Vehicle mandate once and for all and complained how regulations devised in Sacramento had American automakers tied up in knots for years.

They'd pass these crazy rules in California, and what it would be 17 states would go by them, the automakers didn't know what to do, because they're really building cars for two countries, he said.

Trump slammed the previous Biden administration for approving the waivers, which he characterized as giving the Golden State dictatorial powers to control the future of the entire car industry, all over the country, all over the world and singled out Governor Gavin Newsom for having come up with a ridiculous plan to impose a 100% ban on all new gas powered cars within a very short period of time.

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He also claimed that California lacked the electricity to support so many electric vehicles before pivoting to criticizing Newsom over him not being harsh enough against protesters who have come out to oppose the administrations mass deportation efforts in the days since Trump White House officials ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to target suspected illegal immigrants at convenience stores and near home repair supply stores.

President Donald Trump departs after signing a bill blocking California's rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP)

Over the weekend, Trump federalized California National Guard soldiers over Newsoms objection and ordered the deployment of active duty Marines to help quell protests over his immigration enforcement. He claimed his actions, which Newsom has sued to halt, prevented widespread rioting and arson across Los Angeles, the countrys second-largest city.

I didn't bring the military in Los Angeles would be burning down right now. Be burning just like his damn houses burned down because he didn't have the water that he should have had, he said.

Continuing, the president also accused Newsom and California authorities of wanting to use the states strict vehicle emissions standards to effectively abolish the internal combustion engine and shatter our domestic supply chains and literally grind civilization to a halt by pushing for use of electric trucks used for long-haul shipping.

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Though Newsom and his state government have pushed back on the use of Congressional Review Act powers to strike down EPA waivers, Trump claimed nothing can be done to stop what he has signed into law.

They can't take us to court. They can't do any of the things they can do with the executive orders. And it's permanent. I'll sign three pieces of legislation that will kill the California mandates forever, and they're never coming back, he said.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he does not believe an Israeli strike on Iran is "imminent," amid high tensions in the region.

"Well, I don't want to say imminent, but it looks like it's something that could very well happen," Trump said, after US personnel were withdrawn from bases in Iraq over fears that Teheran could retaliate with attacks on US facilities in the Middle East.

Trump said an agreement with Tehran over Iran's nuclear programme is close, ahead of another round of negotiations in Oman on Sunday.

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US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said he considers an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities without US approval to be unlikely.

"I just don't in my mind see that that would be something that would likely happen because of the closeness of the relationship and the trust," Huckabee told the Israeli newspaper Jediot Achronot amid speculation about an imminent attack by Israel against Iranian nuclear facilities.

"There is a trust between the US and Israel," he added.

However, he said that the decision whether or not to attack Iran ultimately lies with Israel.

The ambassador also repeated threats by US President Donald Trump over what could follow if the talks fail.

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"If the Iranians don't come to the conclusion that they're not going to have a nuclear weapon, that it will be a very unfortunate decision on their part," Huckabee said.

Several US media outlets have recently reported that Israel is preparing an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

However, it is unclear whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has already made a final decision.
President Trumps approval rating dipped to 38 percent, the lowest of his second term, according to the latest poll from Quinnipiac University.

In the June poll, 38 percent of registered voters approved of the way Trump is doing his job, while 54 percent disapproved.

The results mark the first time Trumps numbers dipped below 40 percent since returning to office in January  when he enjoyed an all-time high job approval rating of 46 percent.

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In February, that number slumped to 45 percent; in March, to 42 percent; and in April, to 41 percent. Quinnipiac University did not release polling data in May.

Immigration remains the presidents best issue, with 43 percent approval and 54 percent disapproval ratings. But the numbers have declined slightly from April, when 45 percent approved and 50 percent disapproved of his handling of immigration.

On the issue of deportations, 40 percent approved and 56 percent disapproved  a slightly downward turn from April, when 42 percent approved and 53 percent disapproved.

Trumps approval is 40 percent on the economy, 38 percent on trade, 37 percent on universities, 35 percent on the Israel-Hamas conflict and 34 percent on the Russia-Ukraine war.

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As the Russia  Ukraine war grinds through its third year, Americans make it clear they have little appetite for the way the Trump administration is handling the situation, Quinnipiac University polling analyst Tim Malloy said in a statement.

Polling averages maintained by Decision Desk HQ show Trumps job approval rating at 47 percent approval and 49.9 percent disapproval. A poll this week from YouGov/The Economist has Trumps approval among registered voters at 45 percent and his disapproval at 53 percent.

The latest poll was conducted June 5-9, with 1,265 self-identified registered voters. The margin of error is 2.8 percentage points.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The website for Donald Trumps green card alternative has arrivedand it doesnt look like they spent a dime making it.

The site, which fields information for individuals interested in obtaining a $5 million gold card, is entirely blacksave for an image of the card itself. Green cards have traditionally looked similar to drivers licenses, but if Trumps mock-up is anything to go by, his gold card will feature his own face and his own signature on a piece of plastic that looks more like a credit card than a piece of government identification. At the top, the site says that it is an official website of the United States government.

Trump Gold Card screenshot

Trump announced the site on Truth Social Wednesday, writing that thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up to ride a beautiful road in gaining access to the greatest country and market anywhere in the world. Its called THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

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For months, Trump and his team have pitched the gold card as a replacement for the EB-5 visa program, which gives foreign investors a pathway to permanent residency. But the market for the gold card would almost singularly consist of rich foreigners due to its enormous price tag: $5 million a pop.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed in March that, in just a few weeks after initially announcing the idea, the administration had already made $5 billion off the gold card.

Yesterday I sold a thousand, Lutnick told the All In podcast, claiming at the time that the program would launch a couple weeks from then and that Elon Musk was developing the software to handle applications for the pricy legal papers.

Lutnick explained that American billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson was the brains behind the visa replacement and had shared the details of the gold card with Trump over the phone. If there was an iota of truth to Lutnicks claim, then that meant that people from around the world were willing to hand over $5 million for little more than a promise.
President Donald Trump is reportedly trying to reconnect with his old pen pal Kim Jong Unbut hes being bluntly rejected.

North Korean diplomats have refused to accept a letter Trump wrote to the North Korean despot in hopes of reviving the bizarre rapport they had during his first term, NK News reported, citing a high-level source.

The president famously said in 2018 that the two leaders fell in love through their letter exchanges.

President Donald Trump said North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has a great personality and is very smart and very talented after their historic meeting in 2018. According to the Human Rights Watch, Kim maintains his grip on power by using threats of torture, executions, imprisonment, and forced labor, and by denying basic liberties. / Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images

We went back and forth, then we fell in love, he said at the time. No, really! He wrote me beautiful letters. And they are great letters.

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The White House has attempted to hand-deliver Trumps latest letter multiple times, but North Korean diplomats at the U.N. headquarters in New York have repeatedly rejected it, according to NK News.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the report during Wednesdays briefing, saying Trump remains receptive to correspondence with Kim, but added, As for specific correspondence, Ill leave that for the president to answer.

In April, Trump claimed the U.S. was in communication with the nuclear-armed country and said his administration would probably do something at some point.

Leavitt said Trump hopes to build on his June 2018 meeting with Kim in Singapore, where he became the only U.S. president to meet with a sitting North Korean leader.

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Following that first date, Trump met with the dictator twice more, making history again by becoming the first U.S. president inside the isolated country by taking 20 steps at the border between North and South Korea in June 2019.

North Korea reportedly dispatched roughly 10,000 troops to back Russia in its attempted invasion of Ukraine. / Vladimir Smirnov/Getty Images

Their bromance, however, failed to deliver a hoped-for deal requiring North Korea to halt or dismantle its nuclear weapons program in return for sanctions relief, and Kim has continued to launch ballistic missile tests.

In fact, Kim may have less incentive to thaw relations with the U.S., as North Korea has grown closer to traditional American adversaries. Its struggling economy is supported by China, while Russia has also provided economic aid in exchange for thousands of North Korean troops deployed to back Russian forces in Ukraine.
Credit: Fox News

Donald Trump said he was amazed that Elon Musk ever endorsed him because of his long-held commitment to demolishing the electric vehicle mandate.

The worlds most powerful men entered a war of words trading insults from their respective social media platforms in an explosive row over Mr Trumps flagship spending bill.

Mr Musk, who has since apologised for his insults, called for the president to be impeached and accused the president of being in the Epstein files.

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Were going to abolish the EV mandate, and Elon still endorsed me. Because, honestly, he never, ever spoke to me about that, Mr Trump said as he signed a measure blocking Californias first-in-the-nation rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035.

And I used to say, Im amazed that hes endorsing me, because that cant be good for him.

Donald Trump bought a Tesla to support Elon Musks business in March - Kevin Lamarque/REUTERS

I once asked him about it. You never talked to me about that. He said, Well, as long as its happening to everybody, Ill be able to compete. Its a very interesting answer.

Now we know why Elon doesnt like me so much, Mr Trump joked.

Which he does, actually, he does. And he never had a problem.

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The bill signed by Mr Trump which Congress approved last month, aims to quash the countrys most aggressive attempt to phase out gas-powered cars.

It will also kill rules that phase out the sale of medium and heavy-duty diesel vehicles and cut tailpipe emissions from trucks.

It is the latest in an ongoing battle between the Trump administration and Gavin Newsom, Californias Governor, over everything from tariffs to the rights of LGBTQ+ youth and funding for electric vehicle chargers.

The president and Mr Newsom have clashed over Mr Trumps move to deploy troops to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests.

Immigration protests have taken place in Los Angeles over the past six days - Anadolu

California, which has some of the nations worst air pollution, has been able to seek waivers for decades from the Environmental Protection Agency, allowing it to adopt stricter emissions standards than the federal government.

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In his first term, Trump revoked Californias ability to enforce its standards, but Joe Biden reinstated it in 2022. Mr Trump has not yet sought to revoke it again.

He [Musk] said; as long as Im on the same plan as everybody else, were going to do good. We make a better product, Mr Trump added.

I said, Thats very cool. Thats very good. That was my answer. After that, he got a little bit strange, but I dont know why.

Mr Musk apologised to Mr Trump after a phone call with JD Vance, the US vice-president, following their explosive fallout.

Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump pose for a photo together during the Congressional Picnic on the South Lawn of the White House - Win McNamee/Getty Images

The details of the truce between the two men emerged after Mr Musk said publicly on Wednesday that he regretted writing inflammatory posts about the president on social media.

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In a podcast episode released the day after the feud erupted, Mr Vance said: I hope that eventually Elon comes back into the fold. Maybe thats not possible now because hes gone so nuclear  but I hope it is.

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Donald Trump is looking to Los Angeles to provide a much-needed distraction as his polling slips on some of his strongest issues and the Republican president grapples with Americans increasing displeasure towards the chaos brought on by his second term.

But on Thursday, it appeared that wish had been granted via cursed monkeys paw.

Trumps presidency will pass the six month mark next week. With midterm season fast approaching, Congress has yet to pass any of the presidents legislative priorities into law.

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A mass deportation program spearheaded by Stephen Miller, Tom Homan and Kristi Noem is increasingly proving unpopular as it abandons a focus on violent criminals for a nationwide smash-and-grab effort. Trumps promised trade deals continue to elude the administration; he touted an agreement this week which Chinas government has already downplayed and looks to largely bring both countries back to pre-reciprocal tariff rates  undoing only the US presidents own escalation.

Conflicts which Trump boasted he could end continue to rage on in Ukraine and Gaza; a third, in Iran, appears to be on the horizon after Wednesday.

Donald Trump has made a conflict with Democrat-run California a central focus of his administration (AFP via Getty Images)

And the congressional GOP remains mired in budget discussions as Democrats pound their opponents for planned changes to Medicaid and food stamps (SNAP) that would impose work requirements which the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates will kick millions off the programs.

All in all, the media-savvy Trump was eager for an opportunity to spin the narrative back against his opponents. On the issue of anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles, he thought he had it.

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But even as polling shows that Americans largely to not support the sometimes-violent protests which have broken out in Los Angeles for the past several days, polling released this week indicates Americans are just as opposed to Trumps handling of the situation  and are souring on his immigration agenda overall.

An Associated Press-NORC survey released Thursday had approval of Trumps immigration agenda at 46 percent approval to 53 percent disapproval, with Republicans being Trumps only bastion of support on the issue. Among independents, its nearly 2-1 against the president, as ICE agents say theyve ramped up daily arrest targets from 1,000 to 3,000.

In a Quinnipiac poll released a day earlier, nearly six in 10 voters from all parties said Republicans in Congress should do more to check Trumps power. He was similarly underwater with independents on the issue of immigration, though by a smaller margin. Both polls showed Trumps popularity hovering just below the 40 percent mark. Even as Trump sought to project an image of imposing law and order on a lawless city run by Democrats, a YouGov poll released on Monday showed his decision to send in Marines against the wishes of state and local leaders was unpopular.

On Thursday, the story took a turn for the worse for Republicans.

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As DHS Secretary Kristi Noem spoke to reporters in Los Angeles, her news conference was interrupted by Senator Alex Padilla, a Democrat, who started to make a statement while Noem was speaking. He was then forcibly pushed to the ground and taken out of the room by law enforcement agents.

Video of the incident shocked Democrats and many in Washington over the wholly unprecedented manhandling of Padilla, a sitting senator, in the clip. DHS further bungled the situation by tweeting that Padilla had not identified himself  this was verifiably false, the first words out of Padilla mouth in the clip were, Im Senator Alex Padilla.

Before the end of the day, tensions were soaring on Capitol Hill. Rep. Mike Lawler was shouted at by a Democrat on the House floor. A group of the senators Democratic colleagues marched to Sen. John Thunes office to demand action from the majority leader. In the lower chamber, Democrats demanded the House adjourn while GOP leadership condemned not the tackling of a sitting US senator but his decision to interrupt Noem as she spoke.

If there was any sign of the way things may be headed, it was a statement from Lisa Murkowski, a centrist Republican senator. She condemned Padillas treatment by federal agents in the video in strong language: It's horrible. It is shocking at every level. It's not the America I know."

With a new polling plunge this week and Thursdays events certain to galvanize his critics, Donald Trump heads into his weekend of spectacle in Washington with several major political narratives quickly spinning out of his control.
The Trump Administrations big night out at the re-tooled Kennedy Center, the Capitol venue now being led by the president after a stunning coup as he stormed back into the Oval Office, was marked by a protest attendance by local drag queens and an eruption of booing and reactive MAGA-rally-style chants from the crowd on Wednesday.

The president and First Lady Melania Trump attended the Kennedy Center Opera House debut of a touring groups performance of the smash hit musical Les Miserables  the beloved show that grew in popularity in 1980s New York as Trump made a name for himself in tandem as a commercial real estate mogul and tabloid fixture. As armed National Guard troops mobilized by Trump remain in Los Angeles to stand guard federal buildings amid initially peaceful protests but also are accompanying ICE in immigration raids, he and the first lady walked a red carpet ahead of the debut of the musical, which focuses the poor and downtrodden fighting with the resistance at the dawn of revolution. The show is a favorite of Trumps, he said from the red carpet on Wednesday.

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The political musical is the first show to land at the premier Washington, D.C. venue since Trump took control of the institution in February. Within the first month of his second term, Trump fired its entire board then replaced them with loyalists including Susie Wiles, his chief of staff, Second Lady Usha Vance, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnicks wife, Allison, and Fox News hosts Maria Bartiromo and Laura Ingraham; the new hand selected board soon voted him in as the chairman. Wednesday night was purportedly a fundraising event for the suddenly cash-strapped venue. The events gold sponsors paid $2 million for 10 premier seats, a photo op with the president and 10 VIP reception tickets.

Squared in with many members of his cabinet, Trump stood in the presidential box after seating, a few boos grew and were peppered with heckles shouted from above. This gave way to some cheers and a chanting of U.S.A! U.S.A! from some of the presidents supporters in attendance. As the president exited the theater, a woman yelled, Felon, youre a convicted felon! at Trump. She got in another clearer, Convicted felon, rapist! before security intervened.

That outburst and the scattered booing werent the only protest at the Kennedy Center last night, either. Seated in front of the presidential box was a group of four drag queens, whose noticeable attendance in the crowd, a mix of D.Cs new MAGA elite and arts patrons of the very blue District, was a response to Trumps comment while overtaking the beloved institution that there would now be no woke performances or drag shows at the Kennedy Center.

[This gives] a message of inclusivity. I really love musicals, I mean Im a drag queen, performer Tara Hoot told CNN while dressed in a hot pink dress and fluffy boa.

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The four queens, who The Advocate reports received tickets provided by supportive season ticket holders, mingled in the crowd ahead of the curtain, rubbing shoulders with attendees that included Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan, Vice President J.D. Vance, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., and adviser Corey Lewandowski. While entering the storied venue, the quad received a warm reception, mostly from locals complimenting their fashion choices and sizable hair.

Ahead of the touring group of Les Miserables Washington debut, there was also controversy from the cast. Ten of the 12 principal players said they would boycott the night over Trumps attendance. Its unclear how many of the shows actors followed through on this threat. None of this seemed to bother Trump, whose unprecedented escalation of the federal response to L.A.s protests this week saw a journalist shot with a rubber bullet while on camera.

I couldnt care less, honestly, I couldnt, he replied. All I do is run the country  well.

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The Army is reviewing how pro-President Donald Trump merchandise wound up being sold on one of its bases this week at a service-sponsored event orchestrated by the White House and the president's supporters.

Earlier this week, Trump spoke at Fort Bragg in North Carolina in celebration of the Army's 250th birthday. At the event, vendors were spotted selling Trump merchandise -- including "Make America Great Again" hats and other "America First" swag. The practice is likely at odds with long-standing Defense Department policy, which prohibits troops from wearing political garb such as hats or flags or expressing their political opinion while in uniform.

The policy is intended to preserve America's tradition of apolitical military forces, serving at the behest of a democratically elected president regardless of party.

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MORE: US military can temporarily detain protesters in Los Angeles, commander says

PHOTO: Pro-Trump merchandise was sold June 10, 2025, at Fort Bragg, NC, at an event commemorating the Armys 250th birthday attended by the president. (ABC News)

When asked about pictures of troops in uniform buying Trump merch on a military base, a spokesperson for the base said the matter was under review.

"The Army remains committed to its core values and apolitical service to the nation," said Col. Mary Ricks, a spokesperson for the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg.

"The Army does not endorse political merchandise or the views it represents," Ricks added. "The vendor's presence is under review to determine how it was permitted and to prevent similar occurrences in the future."

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The public event at Fort Bragg, which is home to the Army's 82nd Airborne Division and serves as the headquarters of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, was orchestrated much like a Trump campaign rally.

PHOTO: Pro-Trump merchandise was sold June 10, 2025, at Fort Bragg, NC, at an event commemorating the Armys 250th birthday attended by the president. (ABC News)

Trump spoke for nearly an hour, repeating false claims of a "rigged and stolen election" and bashing his political rivals. He referred to Los Angeles as a "trash heap" in the grip of "transnational gangs and criminals" -- a reference to the ongoing protests in the city. He said immigration protestors were part of a "foreign invasion," an assessment at odds with his top military adviser, Gen. Dan Caine, who publicly contradicted that statement in testimony.

Sources say organizers of the event placed soldiers who volunteered to attend directly behind the president as he aired his political grievances. Some of the troops nodded and cheered at Trump's suggestion of putting people in jail for burning the American flag and some jeered when he mentioned the "fake press."

Several of the soldiers booed at Trump's references to California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump stands onstage to deliver remarks during a visit to Fort Bragg to mark the U.S. Army anniversary, in North Carolina, June 10, 2025. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

"In Los Angeles, the governor of California, the mayor of Los Angeles, they're incompetent and they paid troublemakers, agitators and insurrectionists," he said of the protests in Los Angeles. "They're engaged in this willful attempt to nullify federal law and aid the occupation of the city by criminal invaders."

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MORE: Trump's military parade: What to know about the Army anniversary event

In hindsight, one Army official said, uniformed officials on the ground probably should have pushed back more on the political nature of the event. Two weeks prior, the president had turned a commencement ceremony at West Point into a politically charged speech in which he also advised cadets to avoid "trophy wives."

"But what can you do? To you, he's the president. To us, he's the commander-in-chief," the official said, a reference to the president's democratically appointed role in commanding the nation's fighting forces.

MORE: Secret Service, Park Police both preparing for Army birthday parade, 'We're not messing around'

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Sources say civilians from the federal commission America 250 -- many of them with close ties to the White House -- were given "full creative control" of the Fort Bragg event. America 250 did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

When asked about the Army review and concern that DOD policy might have been violated to accommodate the event, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said "its bizarre that ABC is taking issue with President Trumps moving, unifying speech at Fort Bragg, which honored 250 years of U.S. Army history and recognized military heroes and Gold Star families."

According to two people familiar with the planning effort, the organizers told Army officials on base ahead of the rally that they wanted a certain number of soldiers eager to stand behind the president. These troops would have to undergo a criminal background check for security reasons. Also required, according to sources, -- the troops would need to look fit, not fat, in keeping with the new administration's focus on fitness standards, warrior ethos and lethality.

The troops would have to agree to behave professionally and respectfully, sources said. No eyerolling, for example, or reacting negatively during Trump's speech.

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Army officials from the base worked diligently with America 250 organizers to find troops that would fit the bill.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a rally with thousands U.S. Army troops, June 10, 2025, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

"We're soldiers," one person said. "We do what we're told."

As it turned out, finding troops on base willing to be respectful of Trump wasn't hard, sources said. Trump tends to be popular at Fort Bragg among many of the rank-and-file there. And because the event was voluntary, the spectacle attracted his most ardent supporters.

In the end, footage of troops booing and cheering a political speech while being offered MAGA merch was regrettable, said the Army official.

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"We wish it hadn't happened," the official said. "The Army would like to focus on the history and the celebration of its 250th anniversary and its commitment to defend the nation."

ABC News' Luis Martinez contributed to this report.

Trump merchandise sold at Fort Bragg for president's speech now under review originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
If one correctly understands the large role that spectacle and distraction play in the Age of Trump, then its full horror and ugliness are easily demystified and revealed. Unfortunately, too many Americans, especially those in the mainstream news media and the responsible political class, refuse to do so. Why? It is very frightening to wake up one day and realize that you are a stranger in your own country.

Billionaires Donald Trump and Elon Musk recently engaged in a major and highly publicized dispute. Its origins have been well-documented: ego, ambition, money and power.

The news media were predictably obsessed with this fight, labeling it a divorce and using other such dramatic language.

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Applying the logic of professional wrestling and carny culture, I do not know (nor do I care) if the fight between Donald Trump and Elon Musk is a work (a pretend fight or some other scripted part of the business) or a shoot (a real fight) or something in between (a work that becomes a shoot and the audience is not exactly sure what is happening). We may never know the whole truth.

What really matters is that this fight, be it real or not, is a distraction from Trumps big beautiful bill and how it further guts the social safety net and gives trillions of more dollars to the richest individuals and corporations. It is critically important to emphasize how Donald Trump and his MAGA Republicans gutting of the social safety net, and further immiseration of the middle class and working poor to give even more money to the kleptocrats and plutocrats, is not separate and apart from the countrys rapid collapse into authoritarianism. These destructive forces gut and weaken democratic life. Moreover, such forces may bring a people closer to the authoritarian leader in an attempt to win favor as a protected group. Learned helplessness becomes a survival mode.

At the risk of mixing my metaphors, the fight between Donald Trump and Elon Musk is ultimately an example of the old African proverb that when two elephants fight, it is the grass beneath their feet that suffers.

To that point, the economic and larger societal harm that Trumps big beautiful bill will cause is well-documented, easily predictable and not hypothetical. In a public letter addressed to the Senate Finance Committee, public health experts at Yale University and University of Pennsylvania are warning that Donald Trump and his MAGA Republican policy changes and budget cuts to programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and the social safety net more broadly will kill at least 51,000 Americans a year.

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Donald Trumps big beautiful bill also guts educational funding, science and health research. These cuts will also imperil the health and well-being of the American people, making the country less prosperous and dynamic, both in the present and for future generations.

Decades of social science research have repeatedly shown that right-wing and conservative policies across a range of issues cause harm to the American people. To that point, Republican-controlled parts of the country are a type of laboratory for what happens when these policies are applied without sufficient pushback: People who live in Red State America live shorter lives, have less economic mobility, wealth, and income, are less educated, have higher rates of preventable diseases, more suicides, higher rates of addiction, experience higher rates of murder and in total enjoy a worse quality of life. As journalist William Kleinknecht documents in his book State of Neglect, What this means is that not all of us are living in a declining nation, only half of us":

If the United States were thought of as two countries, the Blue Nation would have much more in common with the America of the mid-twentieth century, when we led the world in almost every measure of progress, whereas the Red Nation would be middling and second-rate.

When enacted, Trumps big beautiful bill will take the harmful policies that have been inflicted on Americans who live in Republican-controlled parts of the country and make them national.

In a new essay at the Guardian, Brigid Schulte and Haley Swenson detail the harm that Trumps big beautiful bill will cause tens of millions of the most vulnerable Americans and the fictions about poverty that are being used to justify this Darwinian right-wing social engineering:

Heres the reality check: a majority of those receiving this aid who can work are already working. More than 70% of working-age people who receive nutrition benefits or Medicaid, the health insurance program for low-income children and adults that covers one in five Americans, are already working, according to the Government Accountability Office. Those who arent working, research shows, are mostly ill, disabled, caring for a family member, or in school. There is a problem with making policy decisions based on the unfounded belief that poverty is about people with bad moral character making bad choices, or on debunked racial tropes of undeserving welfare queens. (In fact, white people make up the largest group receiving public food and healthcare aid.) Shaping policy around false stereotypes, rather than the complex reality, prevents policymakers from working together on real solutions.

Why is the American news media so easily taken in by the professional wrestling-like feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk? On a basic level, this is a story that has heroes and villains, conflict and intrigue, an easy storyline to follow (and therefore is comparatively easy to write), and is fun for mainstream liberals, progressives, and centrists." Perhaps most importantly, the Trump versus Musk narrative attracts attention (the clicks and downloads that drive the 21st-century media) and ad revenue. In so many ways, Trump versus Musk is a type of sugar high for the news media (and those pro-democracy Americans who are desperate for some good news to distract them from the reality that their side is getting rolled over, rather easily, by MAGA).

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Al Jazeeras Andrew Mitrovica explains this as Trumps great power as the magician-in-chief:

Trump understands better, I reckon, than any US president since Ronald Reagan how to bend and manipulate the squirrel-like attention spans of much of the new and legacy media to his will and advantage. He does this by flashing shiny, fleeting baubles that further his parochial interests, while more consequential matters drift by like a passing cloud, unnoticed  leaving the hard, complex stuff to fade into neglect. Trump is the human equivalent of a 24/7 cable news outlet pumping out intriguing content that the real cable news channels are happily addicted to  admitted or not. What Trump wields is far more practised and pernicious. He doesnt just distract  he rewrites the story in real time, making the serious seem trivial, and the trivial seem epochal. Oh, and he figured out long ago that most political observers are far more captivated by personality than policy. The Beltway press is conditioned to look where the president points  again and again. The antidote to manipulation is not detachment  its sharp, vigilant coverage of the profound, human consequences of the presidents actions, not his antics. In its exhausting dance with Donald Trump, the fourth estate can and must stop mistaking the fireworks for the fire.

In the end, the American news media, the responsible political class, and the general public who are closely following the Trump-Musk feud will likely end up being marks who were being worked the whole time. As journalist D. Earl Stephens writes in a new essay, Right-wing media will trumpet Hail to the Victors and Democrats will be pointing at the smoking carnage of what was, while what is actually happening is even worse than it was 24 hours before":

Two weeks from now, all this will be forgotten, and we will be smack in the middle of the next existential crisis that will demand all of our time, while even more of our rights have been incinerated, and billionaires like Trump and Musk have even more of our money.

While Donald Trumps big beautiful bill is being forced through Congress by his MAGA Republicans, he has federalized thousands of National Guard troops and 700 active-duty United States Marines to help put down protests in response to the ICE deportation raids in the Los Angeles area (and per Trump's Executive Order other parts of the country as well). This is a violation of long-standing norms and laws governing how the United States military should not be used against the American people. The United States Marines are the countrys elite shock troops and an expeditionary force that specializes in amphibious assaults. The potential for a nightmare scenario is growing by the hour.

Once again, the American people and their news media and other leaders and gatekeepers are, in the words of media scholar Neil Postman, amusing themselves and their democracy to death. Professional wrestling and carny culture can be great fun. Having a ringside seat for the end of American democracy and the rule of law in real-time is not.
(Texas Scorecard)  Speaking at a recent event at Fort Bragg, President Donald Trump announced his intention to reverse the renaming of several U.S. military installations, including Texas Fort Cavazos, restoring their original names.

For a little breaking news, Trump said, we are also going to be restoring the names to Fort Pickett, Fort Hood, Fort Gordon, Fort Brucker, Fort Polk, Fort A.P. Hill, and Fort Robert E. Lee. We won a lot of battles out of those forts. Its no time to change.

Im superstitious, you know? Id like to keep it going, he added.

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Fort Hoodrenamed Fort Cavazos in 2023had been one of nine U.S. Army posts renamed after a federal commission recommended removing Confederate-linked names. The installation was renamed in honor of Gen. Richard Edward Cavazos, a decorated Korean and Vietnam War veteran and the first Hispanic four-star general in U.S. Army history.

Trump had previously opposed the renaming effort during his first term, vetoing the legislation that created the Naming Commission in 2020. Congress overrode his veto, however, and the commissions recommendations were later implemented under President Joe Biden.

Fort Hood, established in 1942 and named after Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood, remains one of the largest military installations in the world. It has grown to occupy 340 square miles and is home to around 34,500 military personnel and their families, 5,000 contractors, and 4,000 civilian employees.

Trumps speech notably took place at Fort Bragg, which had its own name restored earlier this year following his return to office. Bragg had originally been named for Confederate General Braxton Bragg, and then renamed Fort Liberty by the Biden administration. Earlier this year, the Bragg named was restored but this time for PFC Roland L. Bragg, a World War II paratrooper and a hero of the Battle of the Bulge.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said he would issue an order soon to address the effects of his immigration crackdown on the country's farm and hotel industries, which rely heavily on migrant labor.

"Our farmers are being hurt badly and we're going to have to do something about that... We're going to have an order on that pretty soon, I think," Trump said at a White House event, adding that the order would address the hotels sector, too.

He did not say what changes the order would implement or when it would take effect. Representatives for the White House and Department of Homeland Security had no specific comment about the order, while representatives at the Department of Agriculture could not be immediately reached.

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"We will follow the president's direction and continue to work to get the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens off of America's streets," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.

U.S. farm industry groups have long wanted Trump to spare their sector from mass deportations, which could upend a food supply chain dependent on immigrants.

Nearly half of the nation's approximately 2 million farm workers and many dairy and meatpacking workers lack legal status, according to the departments of Labor and Agriculture.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told CNBC that Trump was reviewing all possible steps but that Congress would have to act.

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Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, a leading farm lobby, said on Thursday that farm workers were key to the nation's food supply.

"If these workers are not present in fields and barns, there is a risk of supply-chain disruptions similar to those experienced during the pandemic," Duvall said in a statement.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in labor shortages and supply-chain snarls, with meat plants forced to idle and dairy farms to dump milk, and consumers encountering emptier shelves at grocery stores.

In recent days, demonstrations have been taking place in major U.S. cities to protest immigration raids.

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Trump is carrying out his campaign promise to deport immigrants in the country illegally. But protesters and some Trump supporters have questioned the targeting of those who are not convicted criminals, including in places of employment such as those that sparked last week's protests in Los Angeles.

On Thursday, Trump acknowledged the impact of the crackdown on sectors such as the hotel industry, which includes his company. The Trump Organization has said Trump's adult sons are running his business.

"Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace," he wrote on his social media platform. "Changes are coming!"

Farmers have a legal option for hiring temporary or seasonal labor with the H-2A visa program, which allows employers to bring in seasonal workers if they can show there are not enough U.S. workers willing, qualified and available to do the job.

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Rollins said Trump was "looking at every potential tool in the toolkit" and pointed to the length of the temporary H-2A visas.

"The president understands that we can't feed our nation or the world without that labor force, and he's listening to the farmers on that," she told CNBC.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason, Susan Heavey and P.J. Huffstutter; additional reporting by Bhargav Acharya, Aatreyee Dasgupta, Leah Douglas and Ted Hesson; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
Marine corps veteran Rep. Jake Auchincloss talks with Jen Psaki about why Donald Trump's use of the U.S. military in his domestic anti-immigrant crusade and in response to protests is wildly inappropriate and contrary to the Constitution, and put U.S. Marines in an impossible position. "They swear an oath to uphold the Constitution. They also swear an oath to obey orders from the president. Right now the president is ordering them to do something that does not support the Constitution."
(NewsNation)  A job posting on Washington, D.C. Craigslist has been circulating on social media, appearing to seek seat-fillers for the upcoming military parade on June 14. But is it real?

President Donald Trump is holding a large military parade to commemorate the Armys 250th birthday on Saturday, a date that also happens to be the presidents birthday.

Trump has long expressed admiration for militaristic parades that are often held by countries with authoritarian leaders, including China and North Korea. The parade has also been the subject of criticism.

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Democratic governors defend sanctuary policies before Congress

What does the ad say?

The ad purports to be seeking seat fillers for an event on Jun. 14, with potential attendees instructed to wear red, white and blue with gold accessories. People of color are encouraged to apply for perception control.

The ad states that attendees will be given a red hat to wear, a fast food lunch will be provided and they will receive a flat fee of $1,000 paid in an unnamed cryptocurrency.

Signs the ad could be a hoax

Watch: Hegseth, Joint Chiefs of Staff chair testify before Senate on Defense budget

There are numerous elements in the ad that could indicate a hoax posting, and fake postings for paid attendees at Trump events have been posted before.

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The picture accompanying the ad shows a Russian military parade, potentially a nod to Trumps long-standing entanglements with Russia.

The group purporting to host the event, T-Mellon Events, also doesnt appear to have any digital footprint or evidence that it exists.

Signs the ad could be real

Trump has allegedly paid people to attend events before, and mega donor Elon Musk is facing legal challenges over payments made to voters during the election.

God Bless the USA singer Lee Greenwood to perform at Army parade

T-Mellon Events has no footprint, but could have a connection to Trump donor Timothy Mellon. The company said to be providing the cryptocurrency, FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT LLC, is the one that administers Trumps memecoin.

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NewsNation has reached out to Craigslist for information on the posting and has not 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 NewsNation.
Senator Rand Paul was packing his picnic blanket in a huff, but Donald Trump says hes more than welcome to join his colleagues at the White Houses party Thursday. So, whos lying?

The Kentucky Republican told reporters Wednesday that despite his plans to take his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson to an annual White House picnic for members of Congress Thursday, he had found himself unwelcome from the festivities.

I think Im the first senator in the history of the United States to be uninvited to the White House picnic, Paul said in a video posted to X by Migrant Insiders Pablo Manriquez. Every Democrat will be invited, every Republican will be invited, but I will be the only one disallowed to come on the grounds of the White House.

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Paul has been an outspoken critic against Trumps big beautiful bill, and a strong opponent to raising the debt ceiling. He recently took Senator Lindsey Graham to task, arguing that the hawk only wanted to inflate the U.S. defense budget.

Now, hes claimed his words have come at a cost.

I just find this incredibly petty. I mean, I have been, I think nothing but polite to the president. I have been an intellectual opponent, a public policy opponent, and he has chosen now to invite me from the picnic, Paul said.

The level of immaturity is beyond words, he said, adding that hed been a critic of former presidents Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Trump during his first term, but never been uninvited.

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Theyve decided they want to declare war on my family and exclude us from the White House, and I just think its incredibly petty, Paul said.

But in a post on Truth Social Thursday just hours before the party, Trump claimed that Paul and his family were expected at the White House.

Of course Senator Rand Paul and his beautiful wife and family are invited to the BIG White House Party tonight. Hes the toughest vote in the history of the U.S. Senate, but why wouldnt he be? Trump wrote. Besides, it gives me more time to get his Vote on the Great, Big, Beautiful Bill, one of the greatest and most important pieces of legislation ever put before our Senators & Congressmen/women.

Its not clear whether Paul was bluffing, or whether Trump is pretending never to have rescinded the invite at all.

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Paul said he wasnt sure if the order had come from Trump himself or from staffers, who he alleged had been waging a paid influencer campaign against him. Paul even took a shot at White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, the architect behind the presidents crackdown on undocumented immigrants.

These are people that shouldnt be working over there. You have people that are basically going around casually talking about getting rid of habeas corpus, Paul said. And the same people that are directing this campaign are the same people that casually would throw out parts of the Constitution and suspend habeas corpus.

So, I think what it tells is they dont like hearing me say stuff like that, and so they want to quiet me down. And it hasnt worked, and so theyre going to try to attack me. Theyre going to try to destroy me in other ways. And then do petty little things like social occasions or whatever, he added.

When asked if he was speaking about Miller, Paul shrugged, nodding. When asked whether he thought Miller had him uninvited, Paul said he didnt know.

Paul told reporters hed received no explanation for the decision. Were just not welcome, he said.



This piece has been updated.
President Trump said Wednesday that Chinese college students, who two weeks ago were threatened with losing their visas to study in the U.S., can stay here as part of a trade deal negotiated with China.

The announcement, though, did little to quell the anxiety and uncertainty brought on by months of the administration targeting international students at the nations university campuses.

Well believe it when we see it, said Rachel Banks, senior director for public policy and legislative strategy at NAFSA: Association of International Educators, an 11,000-member group that advocates for global education.

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For now, she said, the situation remains fluid after a series of ping-ponging directives from the White House. It remains unclear how Trumps statement, made in a social media post, would translate to the process of applying for or renewing student visas.

During recent months, international students have had their visas revoked, although in some cases theyve been restored, and the U.S. has suspended the interviews necessary to apply or renew them. Some have had difficulty re-entering the U.S. after trips abroad, leading some universities to advise students not to travel.

Trump said in a post on his Truth Social account that the trade and tariff deal would allow the U.S. to obtain magnets and rare earth materials from China, and in exchange, we will provide to China what was agreed to, including Chinese students using our colleges and universities (which has always been good with me!).

Students and their college programs have been struggling with how to address the ever-fluctuating directives.

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People who are on student visas, theres a real climate of uncertainty, said Margaret Pearson, a government and politics professor at the University of Maryland, College Park, who works in the field of Chinese policy. Its very confusing in general. There are so many moving parts. Its all so not transparent and constantly changing.

The Chinese students in her PhD program are very nervous, and several declined a request forwarded to them to speak to The Baltimore Sun, she said. One recently admitted student for the coming academic year, who is from Shanghai, will need to get a visa. But Pearson said she does not know if he had been able to schedule the necessary interview at the consulate office there.

Last month, the Trump administration stopped scheduling student interviews at U.S. embassies and consular sections abroad. According to news reports, the administration ordered the pause as it considered expanding the vetting of applicants social media activity.

The Chinese students in her program generally return home every three or four years because the expense prevents more frequent visits, Pearson said. Now, theyre afraid to travel at all for fear of being questioned or denied entry upon their return, she said.

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Do I go home and renew my visa?' she said her students have been thinking. Do I dare to leave the country? Theres no reliable guidance I can give.

The uncertainty over Chinese students comes after months of the Trump administration targeting different groups of visa holders.

In April, an estimated 1,500 student visas were revoked nationwide, including at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland campuses. Later in the month, however, some were restored after a court order led to a reversal of the termination.

The focus then turned to Chinese students specifically, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying on March 28 that his department would aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students.

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And then earlier this month, the Trump administration issued a travel ban against citizens of 12 countries and partial limits against seven other countries. Saying the move may add further stress to our international community, UMCP officials offered services and counseling to students and staff who might be affected.

According to NAFSA, students from abroad are about 6% of the U.S. higher education population, although schools like Johns Hopkins University, have a much higher proportion. A recent article in The New York Times found Hopkins had the seventh highest percentage, 39%, of international students among selective four-year schools with at least 1,000 students.

Banks of NAFSA said beyond the immense academic and cultural contributions international students and scholars bring to the U.S., they also add an estimated $43.8 billion to the economy.

It remains to be seen how chilling an effect the Trump administrations actions on student visas will have on that, she said. It certainly is a disconcerting time to be in this moment now.

_____
US President Donald Trump called Thursday on ally Israel not to strike Iran's nuclear sites, saying a deal remained close if Tehran compromises.

Trump acknowledged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was considering a strike, which he said could spark a "massive conflict" -- leading to a US decision to draw down embassy staff in the region.

"We are fairly close to a pretty good agreement," Trump told reporters.

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Asked about his discussions with Netanyahu, Trump said: "I don't want them going in, because I think it would blow it."

Trump quickly added: "Might help it actually, but it also could blow it."

Trump's Middle East pointman Steve Witkoff is set to hold a sixth round of talks on Sunday in Oman with Iran, which defiantly said it would raise output of enriched uranium -- the key sticking point in talks.

Trump again described himself as a man of peace and said he would prefer a negotiated settlement with Iran.

"I'd love to avoid the conflict. Iran's going to have to negotiate a little bit tougher -- meaning they're going to have to give us some things that they're not willing to give us right now," he said.

On whether Israel could attack Iran, Trump said: "I don't want to say imminent, but it looks like it's something that could very well happen."

sct/jgc
Editors Note: Israel launched strikes against Iran early Friday, targeting the nuclear program and its long-range missile capabilities, an Israeli military official said. Follow live updates here.

President Donald Trump told CNN in a brief phone call Friday morning that the United States of course supports Israel and called the countrys strikes on Iran overnight a very successful attack, while warning Iran to make a nuclear deal.

When asked about a statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday that sought to put distance between the US and the Israeli action, Trump told Dana Bash: We of course support Israel, obviously, and supported it like nobody has ever supported it.

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The president went on to urge Iran to reach a deal.

Iran should have listened to me when I said  you know, I gave them, I dont know if you know but I gave them a 60-day warning and today is day 61, he told CNN.

They should now come to the table to make a deal before its too late. It will be too late for them. You know, the people I was dealing with are dead, the hardliners, the president said. He would not specify which people he was referring to.

In contrast to Trumps aggressive tone, Rubio clarified in a statement late Thursday that the US had no involvement in the strikes.

Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region, Rubio said.

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Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, a White House official said. Hed spoken to the prime minister several times on Thursday, including prior to Israel launching the strikes, a source familiar with the discussions told CNN.

The source would not divulge the substance of those earlier calls but reiterated that Trump believes the attack was a result of Iran failing to strike an agreement on a new nuclear deal before his 60-day deadline expired.

White House officials continue to argue that the president is committed to salvaging the nuclear talks. The source said special envoy Steve Witkoff is ready to meet Iranian officials when they are  whether it be in Oman on Sunday as previously scheduled or at some date thereafter.

The president had warned Iran earlier on Friday to agree to a nuclear deal before there is nothing left, suggesting in a social media post that subsequent Israeli attacks on the country will be even more brutal.

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The post marked Trumps first public comments since Israel launched strikes on Iran targeting its nuclear program and military leaders, with the US president saying he had tried to steer Iranian leaders toward diplomacy, but they failed to act at great cost.

I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal. I told them, in the strongest of words, to just do it, but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldnt get it done, Trump wrote.

Trump wrote that Iranian leaders didnt know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse!

There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end. Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, Trump added.

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A sixth round of nuclear deal talks was still scheduled to take place in Oman on Sunday as previously scheduled, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Special envoy Steve Witkoff was in touch with the Omanis overnight in an effort to keep the plans for this weekend on track, sources said. But those sources acknowledged that holding the talks this weekend is highly unlikely. Oman has facilitated the US-Iran talks to date.

Despite several rounds of talks between Iran and the US to thrash out a new nuclear deal, major sticking points remain, with Iran insisting on its right to nuclear enrichment. Trump said earlier this week that hes grown less confident of being able to strike a deal, saying in an interview earlier this week that Tehran could be delaying an agreement.

Trump warned of possibility of massive conflict in Middle East

Trump had warned earlier on Thursday of the possibility that massive conflict in the Middle East that could take place soon.

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US officials were increasingly concerned that the risk of Israel striking Iran had risen after Tehran said on Thursday that it would ramp up its nuclear activities due to the International Atomic Energy Agency passing a resolution saying that the country was not in compliance with its non-proliferation commitments, senior US officials told CNN.

Questioned about a potential strike earlier on Thursday, Trump said it could very well happen.

I dont want to say imminent, but its something that could very well happen, Trump told reporters at the White House.

US embassies in the Middle East carried out emergency action assessments this week, and that process is ongoing as the US monitors the threat environment in the region, the officials said.

This still from video from 2020 shows the US Embassy in Iraq. - Reuters

Asked what the Israelis told him to prompt the departure of US personnel from the region, Trump replied: They didnt tell me anything, but I said look, theres a chance of massive conflict.

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He described the deliberations that led him to the decision.

We have a lot of American people in this area, and I said, look, we gotta tell them to get out cause something could happen  soon. And I dont want to be the one that didnt give any warning and missiles are flying into their buildings. Its possible. So I had to do it. You know, I had the choice  do I do it or not? Doing it has its downside but it also has its upside, like youre going to save a lot of lives if it should happen. Hopefully that doesnt happen.

Later Thursday, Trump in a Truth Social post underscored his preference for diplomacy in Iran, saying his administration remains committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue!

Trump also said he does not want Israel to target Iran as negotiations on a potential nuclear deal continue, with a sixth round of talks set for Sunday in Oman.

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I want to have an agreement with Iran. Were fairly close to an agreement.  As long as I think there is an agreement, I dont want them going in because that would blow it. Might help it, actually, but also could blow it, he said when asked about a potential Israeli strike.

This story has been updated with additional details.

CNNs Kevin Liptak contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday the United States had a "golden share" in U.S. Steel as part of a deal for Nippon Steel to buy the iconic American company.

It was not immediately clear what structural element of the deal Trump was referring to, but he said the share meant that Americans would have a 51% share in ownership of the steelmaker.

"We have a 'golden share', which I control, the president controls," he told reporters at the White House. "If that gives you total control, it's 51% ownership by Americans."

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Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel did not respond to requests for comment.

On Friday, a Nippon Steel executive told the Nikkei business daily the acquisition of U.S. Steel required "a degree of management freedom" to go ahead, in a sign that last-minute discussions continue regarding the deal structure.

"The idea to contribute to the revival of U.S. manufacturing (through Nippon Steel's investment) is in line with the U.S. administration's policy," Nikkei quoted the unidentified executive as saying.

"Without a degree of management freedom, it may not be possible to reach an agreement with the U.S. government."

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At a rally in Pennsylvania on May 30, Trump lauded a deal between the companies, calling Nippon Steel a "great partner" for U.S. Steel.

But he later told reporters the deal still lacked his final approval, leaving unresolved whether he would allow Nippon Steel to take ownership.

Nippon Steel and the Trump administration asked a U.S. appeals court on June 5 for an eight-day extension of a pause in litigation, to give them more time to reach a deal for the Japanese firm to buy U.S. Steel for $14.9 billion.

Nippon Steel shares closed down 1.48% in Tokyo on Friday, outstripping a fall of 0.89% in the benchmark Nikkei.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Jeff Mason; additional reporting by Katya Golubkova in TokyoEditing by Chizu Nomiyama and Clarence Fernandez)
President Donald Trump said US personnel were being moved from the potentially "dangerous" Middle East on Wednesday as nuclear talks with Iran faltered and fears grew of a regional conflict.

Trump also reiterated that he would not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon, amid mounting speculation that Israel could strike Tehran's facilities.

Iran threatened Wednesday to target US military bases in the region if conflict breaks out.

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A US official had earlier said that staff levels at the embassy in Iraq were being reduced over security concerns, while there were reports that personnel were also being moved from Kuwait and Bahrain.

"Well they are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place," Trump told reporters in Washington when asked about the reports of personnel being moved.

"We've given notice to move out and we'll see what happens."

Trump then added: "They can't have a nuclear weapon, very simple. We're not going to allow that."

Tehran and Washington have held five rounds of talks since April to thrash out a new nuclear deal to replace the 2015 accord that Trump abandoned during his first term in 2018.

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The two sides were due to meet again in coming days.

Trump had until recently expressed optimism about the talks, but said in an interview published Wednesday that he was "less confident" about reaching a nuclear deal.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has revived his "maximum pressure" campaign on Tehran, backing nuclear diplomacy but warning of military action if it fails.

The US president says he has pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to hold off striking Iran's nuclear facilities to give the talks a chance, but has increasingly signaled that he is losing patience.

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Iran however warned it would respond to any attack.

"All its bases are within our reach, we have access to them, and without hesitation we will target all of them in the host countries," Iran's Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said in response to US threats of military action if the talks fail.

- 'Suffer more losses' -

"God willing, things won't reach that point, and the talks will succeed," the minister said, adding that the US side "will suffer more losses" if it came to conflict.

The United States has multiple bases in the Middle East, with the largest located in Qatar.

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In January 2020, Iran fired missiles at bases in Iraq housing American troops in retaliation for the US strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani days before at the Baghdad airport.

Dozens of US soldiers suffered traumatic brain injuries.

Amid the escalating tensions, the UK Maritime Trade Operations, run by the British navy, also advised ships to transit the Gulf with caution.

Iran and the United States have recently been locked in a diplomatic standoff over Iran's uranium enrichment, with Tehran defending it as a "non-negotiable" right and Washington calling it a "red line."

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Iran currently enriches uranium to 60 percent, far above the 3.67-percent limit set in the 2015 deal and close though still short of the 90 percent needed for a nuclear warhead.

Western countries have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire atomic weapons, while Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Last week, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said enrichment is "key" to Iran's nuclear program and that Washington "cannot have a say" on the issue.

During an interview with the New York Post's podcast "Pod Force One," which was recorded on Monday, Trump said he was losing hope a deal could be reached.

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"I don't know. I did think so, and I'm getting more and more -- less confident about it. They seem to be delaying and I think that's a shame. I am less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago," he said.

Iran has said it will present a counter-proposal to the latest draft from Washington, which it had criticised for failing to offer relief from sanctions -- a key demand for Tehran, which has been reeling under their weight for years.

burs-dk/jgc
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump signed a resolution on Thursday that blocks Californias first-in-the-nation rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035.

The state quickly announced it was challenging the move in court, with California's attorney general holding a news conference to discuss the lawsuit before Trump's signing ceremony ended at the White House.

The resolution was approved by Congress last month and aims to quash the countrys most aggressive attempt to phase out gas-powered cars. Trump also signed measures to overturn state policies curbing tailpipe emissions in certain vehicles and smog-forming nitrogen oxide pollution from trucks.

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Trump called Californias regulations crazy at a White House ceremony where he signed the resolutions.

Its been a disaster for this country, he said.

It comes as the Republican president is mired in a clash with California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, over Trump's move to deploy troops to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests. It's the latest in an ongoing battle between the Trump administration and heavily Democratic California over issues including tariffs, the rights of LGBTQ+ youth and funding for electric vehicle chargers.

The state is already involved in more than two-dozen lawsuits challenging Trump administration actions, and the state's Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the latest one at a news conference in California. Ten other states, all with Democratic attorneys general, joined the lawsuit filed Thursday.

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The federal governments actions are not only unlawful; theyre irrational and wildly partisan, Bonta said. They come at the direct expense of the health and the well-being of our people.

The three resolutions Trump signed will block Californias rule phasing out gas-powered cars and end the sale of new ones by 2035. They will also kill rules that phase out the sale of medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles and cut tailpipe emissions from trucks.

In his remarks at the White House, Trump expressed doubts about the performance and reliability of electric vehicles, though he had some notably positive comments about the company owned by Elon Musk, despite their fractured relationship.

I like Tesla, Trump said.

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In remarks that often meandered away from the subject at hand, Trump used the East Room ceremony to also muse on windmills, which he claimed are killing our country, the prospect of getting electrocuted by an electric-powered boat if it sank and whether he'd risk a shark attack by jumping as the boat went down.

Ill take electrocution every single day," the president said.

When it comes to cars, Trump said he likes combustion engines but for those that prefer otherwise, If you want to buy electric, you can buy electric.

What this does is it gives us freedom, said Bill Kent, the owner of Kent Kwik convenience stores. Kent, speaking at the White House, said that the California rules would have forced him to install infrastructure that frankly, is extremely expensive and doesnt give you any return.

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The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents major car makers, applauded Trumps action.

Everyone agreed these EV sales mandates were never achievable and wildly unrealistic, John Bozzella, the groups president and CEO, said in a statement.

Newsom, who is considered a likely 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, and California officials contend that what the federal government is doing is illegal and said the state plans to sue.

Newsom said Trumps action was a continuation of his all-out assault on California.

And this time hes destroying our clean air and Americas global competitiveness in the process, Newsom said in a statement. We are suing to stop this latest illegal action by a President who is a wholly-owned subsidiary of big polluters.

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Newsom later Thursday doubled down on his states assertion of its right to set environmental regulations. He signed an executive order requiring state air regulators to propose new rules further limiting air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks if a court ultimately upholds Californias rules that Trump sought to kill.

Trump's signing of the resolutions comes as he has pledged to revive American auto manufacturing and boost oil and gas drilling.

The move follows other steps the Trump administration has taken to roll back rules that aim to protect air and water and reduce emissions that cause climate change.

The Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday proposed repealing rules that limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants fueled by coal and natural gas.

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Dan Becker with the Center for Biological Diversity, said the signing of the resolutions was Trumps latest betrayal of democracy.

Signing this bill is a flagrant abuse of the law to reward Big Oil and Big Auto corporations at the expense of everyday peoples health and their wallets, Becker said in a statement.

California, which has some of the nations worst air pollution, has been able to seek waivers for decades from the EPA, allowing it to adopt stricter emissions standards than the federal government.

In his first term, Trump revoked Californias ability to enforce its standards, but Democratic President Joe Biden reinstated it in 2022. Trump has not yet sought to revoke it again.

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Republicans have long criticized those waivers and earlier this year opted to use the Congressional Review Act, a law aimed at improving congressional oversight of actions by federal agencies, to try to block the rules.

Thats despite a finding from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan congressional watchdog, that Californias standards cannot legally be blocked using the Congressional Review Act. The Senate parliamentarian agreed with that finding.

California, which makes up roughly 11% of the U.S. car market, has significant power to sway trends in the auto industry. About a dozen states signed on to adopt California's rule phasing out the sale of new gas-powered cars.

___

Austin reported from Sacramento, Calif.
The president was caught off guard by news that anti-ICE protests exist outside of Los Angeles.

Posing for photos with his wife, Melania Trump, on the Kennedy Centers red carpet Wednesday evening, Donald Trump refused to believe that dissent against his anti-immigration agenda had spread to more than a dozen cities around the country.

If this turns into another summer of unrest, what are you prepared to do, sir? asked a Fox News reporter.

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About what? Trump said.

Well, the protests have spread now to 16 cities across the U.S., she added.

Thats what youre saying, and do I believe you? I dont think so, Trump said.

Well, I got that from the Fox News brain room, the reporter clarified.

But Trump wouldnt address the national reaction. Instead, he was fixated on recalling how his administration had forcibly intervened in the Los Angeles protestswithout the express authorization of the California or city government.

What we have is a situation in Los Angeles that was caused by gross incompetence, Trump said. They didnt have the police to handle it. The police were asking us to come in. They were very late, we had to go in to save a lot of ICE officers, as you know, who were holed up. They were holed up in a building.

FOX: The protests have spread now to 16 cities across the U.S



Trump: I don't think so.



FOX: I got that from the Fox News brain room. pic.twitter.com/wvR14gnw1t  Acyn (@Acyn) June 11, 2025

But the Los Angeles Police Department did not request Trumps aid. On Tuesday, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell denied that he had asked the White House for help in handling the protests, telling CNN that the department was nowhere near calling on assistance from the National Guard.

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So far, anti-ICE protests have taken root from coast to coast. By Tuesday, NBC News accounted for at least 25 protests in cities across the country, with gatherings in New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco, San Diego, Denver, Seattle, Las Vegas, Raleigh, Columbus, Oklahoma City, Washington, and others.

The mass mobilization against Trumps agenda and his illegal decisions to send hundreds of Marines and thousands of National Guard members to Los Angeless doorstep echoes the civil unrest during the exreality TV stars first administration, when an estimated 26 million Americans participated in the Black Lives Matter protests in the summer of 2020. Those protests, which amounted to the largest protest movement in American history, were in direct reaction to police brutality against Black people following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Daniel Prude, and countless others.

But the recent wave of protests have already transformed into a symbolic rejection of Trumps authoritarian leanings. In an address to his state and to the nation, California Governor Gavin Newsom urged Americans to stand up to the White Houses aggressive and militaristic control, announcing that democracy is under assault under Trumps leadership.
The thousands of National Guardsmen President Trump sent to Los Angeles in an authoritarian power play are working for free.

More than a dozen guardsmen told Military.com that they remain unpaid, as they have yet to receive official activation orders. Receiving such orders would allow them to receive pay, Tricare health benefits, and Department of Veterans Affairs eligibility. Without them, the troops dispatched arent getting anything.

Trumps abrupt deployment of the guardsmen, against the wishes of Los Angeless mayor and Californias governor, circumvented executive norms and has resulted in thousands of soldiers who arent sure if theyll be compensated for the work theyre doing. Guardsmen have also complained about their living conditions, as many of them are sleeping on cots at a Naval Base on the edge of Los Angeles.

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Forcing people to work for no pay is very on brand for the president. He owes the city of Albuquerque nearly half a million dollars in unpaid safety fees for a 2019 rally. He did a similar dash in cities across the country, racking up millions of dollars in unpaid fees. Some places, like Nassau County, gave up on trying to bill Trump entirely and just ate the $1 million he owed them. Similar instances occurred in Eerie, Pennsylvania; Tuscon, Arizona; and Green Bay and Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin. Hes welcome here, but we need to have our bills paid. Any expenses incurred by us for him being here, or we dont really want him here, Prairie Du Chien Mayor Dave Hemmer said last year. We are a smaller city and if we incurred expenses like that, we expect to be reimbursed. Or wed say, Dont come. In his private life as a businessman, Trump frequently refused to pay contractorshundreds have claimed he stiffed them for completed work as a private citizen.

Now the guardsmen are getting the same treatment.
The News

The Trump administration is planning to ramp up civil and criminal prosecutions of companies that employ workers without legal status, White House border czar Tom Homan said in an interview Wednesday.

Worksite enforcement operations are going to massively expand, Homan said.

The White House has faced criticism from Democrats and even its own anti-immigration allies for exaggerating an immigrant crime wave while holding harmless the employers whose decisions shape huge sectors of the American economy.

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President Donald Trump wont prosecute companies for bribery and wont prosecute companies for hiring illegal immigrants, Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., said on X Tuesday. This administration just takes care of its donors.

But behind the scenes, American companies are freaking out about the possibility of civil and criminal sanctions, or about the operational impact of losing a huge labor force, said Chris Thomas, a partner at Holland & Hart, who represents employers in immigration cases.

He said clients have been calling in a panic  asking if they should be looking for ways to cut out potentially undocumented workers. (He added that his clients do not know themselves to be employing any.)

Employers are very scared  folks in LA, particularly, said Bruce Buchanan, a leading immigration lawyer based in Nashville.

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Trump appeared to respond to those worries on Thursday morning: Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace, he posted on Truth Social, promising that changes are coming.

For now, however, Homan confirmed that employers fears are justified.

Though the Trump administration prefers to focus on sanctuary city policies that prevent police from turning over migrants who have committed crimes, this weeks turmoil in Los Angeles began when federal agents raided four workplaces in the citys garment district as part of criminal investigations. Homan said the government will seek sanctions against employers.

And major public companies have begun to warn investors that their models depend on migrant labor: Increased enforcement efforts with respect to existing immigration laws by governmental authorities may disrupt a portion of our workforce or our operations, Smithfield, a major meatpacker, wrote in late March, the first time such language had appeared in its securities filings.

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DoorDash said in a recent filing that a crackdown may result in a decrease in the pool of Dashers.

Theyre coming here for a better life and a job, and I get that, Homan said. The more you remove those magnets, the less people are going to come. If they cant get a job most of them arent going to come.

Know More

Federal authorities have generally avoided targeting companies for a range of reasons, including the high burden of proof under laws that require showing that employers affirmatively knew the workers they hired lacked legal status.

Unlike most developed economies, the US has no standardized national requirement that employers use its system for checking workers papers, known as eVerify  and many workers evade that system by using a different legal workers identity.

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Trumps first term saw some stepped-up Immigration and Customs Enforcement action against employers, with a two-step nationwide audit in 2018 and a record-setting $80 million civil settlement against the giant Asplundh Tree Experts over an investigation that began in the Obama years.

Allies had expected the enforcement, which typically comes as much as a year after worksite raids, to ramp up before the coronavirus pandemic derailed immigration enforcement.

Employer enforcement makes sense, but it has political impact on both sides, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., told Semafor. Many entrepreneurs who are Republican by inclination would protest mightily. They cant have it both ways.

Such a move would reverberate through Congress, he said.

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A concerted focus on employer enforcement would also shake huge segments of the US economy. Almost a quarter of construction workers lack legal status, a 2021 survey found, and as many as half of meatpacking workers.

A focus on those industries could also undercut two of Trumps campaign promises: to make housing more affordable and bring down food prices. I won on the border, and I won on groceries, he told NBCs Kristen Welker in December.

President Trump suggested in April that he would propose a guest worker program for some of those businesses: We have to take care of our farmers, the hotels and, you know, the various places where they tend to need people.

But ICE raided a Nebraska meatpacking plant this week. Congress has a job to do, Homan said. Were going to do worksite enforcement operations until theres a deal made.

Bens view

When I first asked Homan about employers role, he turned to talking points about sanctuary cities and the importance of sending agents in to arrest bad guys who municipal authorities wouldnt turn over. Are employers, I asked, bad guys in his view?

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Depends, he replied. I know some employers dont know a fraudulent document from a legal document. But I truly believe that nobody hires an illegal alien from the goodness of their heart. They hire them because they can work them harder, pay them less, and undercut their competition  that hires US citizen employees, and drive wages down.

And yet, if and when the Trump administration moves past the popular, theatrical pursuit of alleged gang members and criminals, the White House and Congress will need to make hard decisions about how America sees its vast migrant workforce.

Even the most dedicated restrictionists, like Homan, acknowledge that criminals are a tiny minority.

Most illegal aliens are regular working stiffs, said Mark Krikorian, the executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies. If youre not going after those people, youre not going to change the fundamental calculus.

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(Krikorian is a longtime leader of the US anti-immigration movement  a figure who was so marginal in the Republican Party 20 years ago that when I, as a young reporter for the conservative New York Sun, tried to quote him, my editor told me he was beyond the pale. Now hes the intellectual architect of White House policy.)

Gallegos comment suggests that Democrats, flailing for an affirmative policy on the border and immigration, may also see employers, rather than workers, at the center of the debate. The magnet of migration is a decades-long, tacit agreement that meatpackers, construction companies, and farmers can employ migrants without any real penalties, and without the kind of tax and regulatory enforcement thats common across other developed countries.

The US has struggled for decades to reach an agreement to regularize that system. Restrictionists have long dreamed of trading the legalization of immigrants who arrived illegally as children, known as Dreamers, for broad use of employment authorization.

But many in Trumps movement simply want fewer immigrants, pitting them against big American business and Democrats alike, and while the outlines of a deal have been clear since the early 2000s, the prospect of a bipartisan agreement seems as remote as ever.

Room for Disagreement

The mixed signals toward employers have fed cynicism among those who like Trumps economic nationalism.

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The contradiction at the heart of the administrations approach reveals a fundamental tension between populist rhetoric and pro-business reality. While cameras roll for dramatic deportation footage, the industries dependent on illegal migration are maintaining business as usual. This disconnect could ultimately undermine the economic nationalism that propelled the Trump campaign to victory, Lee Fang wrote on Substack.

Notable
The Trump administration wants women to have more babies while their policies are making the cost of welcoming a child skyrocketand we now have the receipts to prove it. A new analysis shows Trumps tariffs have made essential baby products more expensive by a whopping 24 percent in just two months, a change one Democratic senator is calling a tax on babies.

The analysis by the Joint Economic CommitteeMinority, which the committee released exclusively to Glamour, analyzed how the prices of five essential baby items changed before Trumps tariffs were implemented on April 1 and June 9. It found the itemsa convertible car seat, a bassinet/crib, a stroller, a high chair, and a baby monitorrose by a total of $98, nearly a quarter increase from their previous total cost.

New parents already have their budgets stretched thin by all the products that they have to buy for their childthe last thing they need is a new tax on babies created by President Trump, Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, who is a ranking member on the committee, tells Glamour.

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To do their analysis, the committee chose some of the most popular products in each category on Amazon and then noted how much the price had increased since the tariffs were announced on Trumps so-called Liberation Day on April 2.

Every single item rose in price, with the most dramatic being the car seat. The product they tracked, the Graco SnugRide Lite LX Infant Car Seat, rose by $43 in this two-month period, with its current price now $139. The other items rose in price by between $10 to $20 in the same time period.

Of course, as any parent knows, you dont just need to purchase these five essentials. When the registry website Babylist examined a wider range of products babies need, like bouncers, activity centers, carriers, and diaper bags, the report says it found a 17% increase across the board$400 per family. What this means in practice is that if all new parents in the US had to pay these extra costs in 2025, they would spend $875 million extra compared to before the tariffs went into effect.

While the price increases are an added burden on American parents, they arent shocking. When Trump announced the economic sanctions against countries like China and Mexico in April, everyone from politicians to business owners and new parents warned that we were likely to see big price spikes on these key items.

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And this is in addition to all the challenges American parents already face, from soaring childcare costs to the loss of reproductive rights and no federal paid leave. Now, as Representative Kelly Morrison, a Democrat from Minnesota, told Glamour at the time, parents are facing yet another burden.

There was a lot of rhetoric during the campaign about making it easier to have babies in our country. And boy, the policy is not matching the rhetoric, she said. If anything, were making it much harder to raise a family in the United States. We already make it so hardwere rolling back reproductive rights. We dont offer paid family leave in the United States, and now were just going to pile on new expenses.

Morrison, along with nearly 50 other Democratic lawmakers, sent a letter on April 1 to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick asking him to exempt essential baby items from the price hikes, saying many of the items that have since risen in price are not purchases families can skip.

For parents, car seats, high chairs, strollers, and cribs are not optional purchasesthey are necessities, they wrote. American families should not be forced to choose between their livelihoods and reliance on poor quality baby gear.

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Hassan agrees, saying that families should not have to pay the price, literally, for the presidents chaotic economic policies.

Families need relief from rising costs, including childcare, housing, and health care costsinstead, President Trump is making essential products even more expensive, she says.

Originally Appeared on Glamour
The Department of Homeland Security started handing out termination notices to thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela this week after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a decision that allows the Trump administration to end a Biden-era humanitarian parole program.

Notices reviewed by CNN warned the migrants that if they do not leave voluntarily, they could face enforcement measures including detention and removal, without an opportunity to make personal arrangements and return to your country in an orderly manner.

The humanitarian parole program, introduced by the Biden administration, granted eligible migrants permission to enter the United States on a two-year stay. Approximately 530,000 citizens from the four countries were allowed in under the program.

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The Trump administration has criticized the program, claiming that it allowed poorly vetted migrants into the country. But the program does require applicants to pass background checks and secure a financial sponsor to ensure they would not become a public burden.

A migrant seeking asylum holds up the CBP One app showing his appointment was canceled after Trump was sworn into office (AP)

Last month, the Supreme Court granted an emergency request by the administration to halt the program, paving the way for DHS to begin rescinding protections for those living in the US under the programs terms.

In a statement released Wednesday, DHS confirmed it would be revoking the work authorizations of those enrolled in the program.

The Biden Administration lied to America, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. They allowed more than half a million poorly vetted aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela and their immediate family members to enter the United States through these disastrous parole programs; granted them opportunities to compete for American jobs and undercut American workers; forced career civil servants to promote the programs even when fraud was identified; and then blamed Republicans in Congress for the chaos that ensued and the crime that followed.

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The Biden administration had promoted the program as a strategy to relieve pressure on the southern border, offering a legal and controlled pathway for migration from nations frequently represented in asylum claims.

With the program now dismantled, immigrant advocacy groups and legal experts are bracing for a wave of legal challenges and humanitarian concerns surrounding those now facing removal.

It comes as tensions around immigration are at an all-time high.

In Los Angeles, protests broke out last weekend against ICE operations in the city and Trump responded by deploying the military.

Elsewhere, other anti-ICE demonstrations ignited across the country, with more planned for Saturday.
The Justice Department on Wednesday doubled down on its assertion that President Donald Trump has the authority to call up U.S. National Guard troops in California, describing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's emergency lawsuit to block his action as a "crass political stunt" that risks "endangering American lives."

At issue in the case is whether Trump, as commander in chief, has the authority to federalize the National Guard against the express wishes or consent of a state governor. Both sides are slated to appear in court Friday while a judge weighs California's request for injunctive relief.

In the new court filing, lawyers for the administration said Trump, as president, has "no obligation" to consult with, or even to notify, Newsom before federalizing the National Guard.

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'State Of Rebellion': Expert Weighs In On Newsom Challenge To Trump Deploying National Guard

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks as California Attorney general Rob Bonta looks on during a news conference.

"The extraordinary relief plaintiffs request would judicially countermand the Commander in Chiefs military directives  and would do so in the posture of a temporary restraining order, no less," lawyers for the Trump administration said in the filing.

"That would be unprecedented. It would be constitutionally anathema," they added. "And it would be dangerous."

Read On The Fox News App

That argument is unlikely to sit well with Newsom.

And it comes one day after California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Tuesday sued the Trump administration over what the state described as the president's unlawful action in federalizing the National Guard, which they noted was carried out without Newsom's consent.

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Bonta argued in the lawsuit that Trump's actions were both inappropriate and illegal, since he did not first seek Newsom's permission to federalize the troops. National Guard units fall under the dual control of state and federal governments, and any action to mobilize the units typically goes through the respective state governor first.

The judge overseeing the case declined the state's request for a temporary restraining order blocking Trump's actions but ordered both parties to court Friday to consider the request for broader injunctive relief.

Republican Attorneys General Accuse California Of Excusing 'Lawlessness'

A protester places debris in a fire as Border Patrol personnel in riot gear and gas masks stand guard outside an industrial park in Paramount, California, on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

At issue is 10 U.S.C.  12406, or the law that Trump invoked in his memo late last week to call up the National Guard.

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The law allows presidents to deploy the National Guard and other troops at the federal level in the event of "rebellion or danger of a rebellion" against the U.S. government.

In that case, the law says the president "may call into federal service members and units of the National Guard of any State in such numbers as he considers necessary to repel the invasion, suppress the rebellion, or execute those laws."

But lawyers for Newsom told the court that Trump lacked the power to federalize the troops under Section 12406, since the immigration protests, in their view, did not amount to a rebellion.

Trump Nominates Former Defense Attorney Emil Bove For Federal Appeals Court Vacancy

Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom

"At no point in the past three days has there been a rebellion or an insurrection. Nor have these protests risen to the level of protests or riots that Los Angeles and other major cities have seen at points in the past, including in recent years," they told the court.

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A group of 20 Republican state attorneys general filed an amicus brief supporting Trump's argument that he did not need Newsom's permission to activate the National Guard.

Also this week, a slightly larger group of 26 attorneys general said in a statement that federalizing the National Guard to address ICE riots and protests that broke out in parts of the state was the "right response."

"In California, were seeing the results of leadership that excuses lawlessness and undermines law enforcement," the attorneys general wrote in the statement. "When local and state officials wont act, the federal government must."

Fox News Digital's Ashley Oliver contributed to this report.





Original article source: Trump tells judge he does not need Newsoms permission to crack down on rioters, deploy National Guard
The Scoop

US President Donald Trumps top Africa diplomat, Troy Fitrell, has told colleagues he will leave the State Department in mid-July, three people familiar with the matter told Semafor.

Fitrell, a 30-year career diplomat who has worked across the African continent, is temporarily heading up the departments Bureau of African Affairs, and has been the most public proponent of the new administrations Africa policy, briefing both the media and Congress on Washingtons priorities.

He spearheaded the departments commercial diplomacy push with Africa, arguing that the continent should become one of the US biggest trading partners.

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Fitrell was seen as the most experienced Africa hand in the administration, and even more so after the White Houses top Africa official, Major General Jami Shawley, was removed from her position and the National Security Councils Africa team was merged with the Middle East office.

Fitrells departure raises greater uncertainty about Washingtons foreign policy direction: Two of the people Semafor spoke to said Fitrells pending retirement casts doubt on whether the administration will be able to successfully host a planned Africa Leaders summit on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September.

A State Department official told Semafor that Fitrell is retiring as planned after a long and distinguished career, and that Deputy Assistant Secretary Jonathan Pratt is set to lead the African Affairs Bureau after his departure.

Know More

While experts in Washington were initially optimistic that the second Trump administration would move quickly to bring in Africa expertise, tough vetting by MAGA loyalists and typical turnover has left the administration with few experienced policy hands.

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With Fitrells exit, Massad Boulos  the father-in-law of one of Trumps daughters  is now set to be Washingtons most senior Africa official. Boulos has led the administrations talks to bring an end to the conflict in eastern Congo and secure critical minerals.

While Africa has hardly been a priority for the administration, the relationship between Washington and the continent has made unexpected appearances in the headlines.

Most notably, Trump has clashed with South Africa over false claims that white South African farmers are being regularly killed by Black locals, leading Washington to cut all US aid to the country and extend some white Afrikaners refugee status.

Fitrell at a Congressional hearing last week also floated the prospect of Washington getting more involved in negotiations over the brutal Sudanese civil war.
The Trump administrations travel ban presents a complex case for immigration advocates who have challenged previous efforts by President Trump to close the U.S. to certain foreigners.

Trump needed multiple bites at the apple during his first term before the Supreme Court upheld the third version of his so-called Muslim ban in 2018.

His latest version is more sweeping, targeting 19 countries instead of seven. Its also more narrow in the exceptions that would allow people to skirt the new restrictions.

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Trumps Supreme Court-approved travel ban was finally able to win over the courts with the argument it was needed on national security grounds.

But his latest travel ban also points to visa overstay rates as a rationale for blocking citizens from U.S. travel.

That addition is something that could provide an opening to legal challenges, said experts interviewed by The Hill.

The rationales that are given in the order go far beyond national security-related justifications, said Ahilan Arulanantham, co-director of the Center for Immigration Law and Policy (CILP) at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law.

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He noted that when the Supreme Court upheld Trumps first travel ban, they were focused almost exclusively on national security-related justifications.

These are justifications that are not in any way national security related. Theyre just immigration policy rationales.  Thats definitely an area of potential legal vulnerability.

Trumps travel ban places full restrictions on citizens from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. It also places partial restrictions on seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

For some countries, the Trump administrations latest ban cites faulty screening and vetting measures inhibiting U.S. Embassy staff from reviewing visa candidates.

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But the executive order repeatedly references countries visa overstay rates  the percentage at which a countrys citizens remain in the U.S. beyond the time period allowed under their visa.

Its just collective punishment. None of the people who are banned under this proclamation are banned for anything that they did wrong, or any actual individual suspicion that they will do something wrong, said Adam Bates, a counsel at the International Refugee Assistance Project.

Its just this kind of collective punishment. We dont trust your country. We dont trust your government. We dont trust you based on no other reason than where you were born  not because of anything you did or have done or will do.

Raha Wala, vice president for strategy and partnerships for the National Immigration Law Center, said those inconsistencies will likely factor in the lawsuit.

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One of the real legal defects of this new, expanded ban is that its completely arbitrary. You know, folks from Canada have one of the highest visa overstay rates, but theyre not on this ban list, he said.

In issuing the new ban, the administration highlighted an Egyptian man arrested in an attack on demonstrators in Boulder, Colo., calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas. The man, Mohamed Soliman, filed for asylum shortly after arrival but overstayed his initial visa.

Yet the administration did not include Egypt on its travel ban, which Wala argued shows it is an arbitrary and capricious, expanded ban designed to ban or restrict individuals from countries that President Trump, perhaps personally, just doesnt like.

He added that the ban would disproportionately hit lots of countries of Black folk, brown folk, Asian folk and Latino folk.

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Trump has defended the exclusion of Egypt.

Egypt has been a country that we deal with very closely. They have things under control. The countries that we have dont have things under control, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office earlier this month.

Arulanantham said litigation will likely include a review of visa overstay rates for countries not included in the ban.

I think its highly problematic to assume that, Oh, because some people from Burundi overstay, therefore we should assume that the others will and ban them all. Its obviously highly problematic from a moral perspective. Its discriminatory. But if youre going to take that kind of approach that you have to ask the question like, OK, well, are these really outlying countries? he asked.

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Trump has already moved to lift protections on citizens from a number of the countries on the travel ban list, such as Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela.

Former President Biden designated Temporary Protected Status (TPS)  protections from deportation  for migrants from Afghanistan, Venezuela and Haiti. He also started a parole program that granted entry for two years and work permits to citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela and Nicaragua if they could secure a U.S.-based financial sponsor.

Trump has since scrapped the parole program while terminating TPS for countries now included in the travel ban. Those moves have been challenged in court.

In stripping TPS, Trump has argued Afghans, Haitians and Venezuelans no longer merit the temporary refuge the protections give for those fleeing civil unrest or natural disasters.

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All three countries are currently roiling from various political controversies and are facing severe food insecurity.

For the purposes of terminating TPS, Afghanistan is a safe, stable, secure country. And for the purpose of banning Afghans from getting visas, Afghanistan is a terrorist-run failed state, Bates said. Theyre self-contradicting.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott defended the ban as a national security measure as well as broader action from this administration on a whole host of visa issues.

This is a national security imperative, he said during a briefing earlier this month.

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Do we have the ability to vet people coming in, and this, again, has been that priority from the beginning of this administration. Can we say with confidence that people coming to the United States have been properly vetted? Is there essential authority in these countries that can confirm that? Can we trust what theyre telling us?

While immigration advocates felt confident the new travel ban was discriminatory, they hedged on whether any challenge would be successful in court.

Its certainly possible, its very possible, the Supreme Court upholds this, Arulanantham said, noting that such a move would have very dramatic impacts on immigrant communities and separate families.

Wala also expressed some doubts.

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I dont want to oversell the case, so to speak, he said.

Are we super confident this particular Supreme Court is going to come down the right side of this one? Well, not necessarily, because they upheld what we viewed and still view to be a very unconstitutional ban the prior time.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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This week, thousands of students traveled to the University of Maryland for the annual National History Day contest. However, this years competition celebrating Americas history almost didnt happen after the Trump administration abruptly gutted the organizing nonprofits funding in April.

For more than 50 years, students at middle and high schools across the country attempt to qualify for the competition by submitting a historical research project based on that years theme. Students can write papers, prepare exhibits or performances, produce documentaries or create a website. After qualifying at the local and state levels, contestants are invited to take part in the national competition in College Park, Maryland.

But in April, the event was put in jeopardy after the Department of Government Efficiency terminated more than 1,000 National Endowment for the Humanities grants, including money for National History Day. The organization received termination letters for its four-year grant totaling $650,000, USA Today reported.

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Without the governments assistance and the competition just weeks away, the executive director of National History Day turned to social media. We need your help, Cathy Gorn said in a video posted to Instagram in early April. We need to raise in the next few months about $132,000 to make History Day happen in June.

Gorns public plea worked: NHD raised the money it needed, and about 3,000 students were able to present their projects on this years timely theme, Rights and Responsibilities in History.

They are very in tune to whats happening in the world, and theyre concerned, and they want to know more, Gorn told USA Today. And theyre drawn naturally to topics of fairness. So youll see a lot of civil rights, human rights, justice-type of topics here, but thats so natural for a young person to kind of gravitate in that direction.

While this years competition survived, the future of National History Day remains uncertain.

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Everybody is here, but I dont know what next year is going to look like, Gorn told USA Today. Itll be a horrible, horrible shame for kids and teachers not to be able to participate.

Even though the fate of the 2026 competition is up in the air, NHD has selected its theme: Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
As protests against his immigration policies balloon nationwide, President Donald Trump is seeing one of his favorite musicals on Wednesday night: Les Miserables, the story of an anti-government uprising, abusive police and harsh imprisonment.

Trump is going to opening night of the famous musicals one-month run at Washington, D.C.s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, whose entire board of trustees he replaced in February and had name him chairman.

Weve seen it many times, Trump said upon arriving at the Kennedy Center with first lady Melania Trump. Love it. One of my favorites.

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When a reporter asked him which side of the musicals conflict he most identified with, Trump laughed and refused to answer.

Thats tough. You better answer that one, honey, he said, gesturing to the first lady. I dont know.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive to attend the opening night of "Les Miserables" at the Kennedy Center. ALEX WROBLEWSKI via Getty Images

When another reporter asked how he felt about reports that some of the Les Miserables cast would be boycotting the night of his performance, Trump said he couldnt care less.

All I do is run the country well, he retorted.

Trump received a mixture of cheers and boos when he took his seat at the theater. His attendance comes after he deployed National Guard troops to face largely peaceful protesters in Los Angeles and announced he was sending in Marines, despite pushback from local leadership.

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Les Miserables, the musical based on the 1862 novel of the same name, tells the story of French peasant Jean Valjean after he emerges from a 19-year prison sentence for stealing a loaf of bread for his niece. Much of the musical centers around student demonstrations against the French monarchy.

One of the musicals most recognizable songs  Do You Hear The People Sing?  has a long history as an anthem at pro-democracy demonstrations. Its also an apparent favorite of Trumps, as he played the song right before walking onstage to announce his third presidential run in 2022.

Several drag performers also attended the show Wednesday night to protest Trump, who announced in February there would be NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA at the Kennedy Center going forward. They received applause as they walked in to the theater, social media videos show.

Anti-ICE protesters march in San Francisco's Mission District on Monday. LAURE ANDRILLON via Getty Images

Vagenesis, whose government name is Anderson Wells, was one of the planned attendees.

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Theater is supposed to be a place of community, a place of storytelling, a place of celebration, joy, catharsis and it should be open and available to all, Vagenesis told NPR on Wednesday.

Trumps former Vice President Mike Pence similarly caused a stir when he went to see Hamilton shortly after winning the 2016 election. He was loudly booed when he arrived at the Manhattan theater. When Pence was trying to exit the theater after the final curtain call, actor Brandon Dixon, who was playing the part of Aaron Burr, asked him to stay and delivered a message to him.

We, sir, we are the diverse America, who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, Dixon said.

We truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us, he continued.

Related...
President Donald Trump touted a new website for his planned $5 million US residency permit on Wednesday, saying the waiting list for the golden visa has opened on TrumpCard.gov.

"Thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up to ride a beautiful road in gaining access to the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World," Trump wrote in a social media post.

Trump unveiled the first such visa aboard Air Force One in April, holding a golden prototype that bore his face and promising the special permit would probably be available "in less than two weeks."

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The visas are not available yet, but the website announced Wednesday allows interested parties to submit their name, desired visa and email address under a header that says "The Trump Card is Coming."

Trump previously said the new visa, a high-price version of the traditional green card, would bring in job creators and could be used to reduce the US national deficit.

The announcement comes as deportation raids are being ramped up across the country, prompting protests, and as Trump's administration faces ongoing lawsuits and accusations of rights violations over its anti-immigration blitz.

Trump has said the new card would be a route to highly prized US citizenship. He said in February that his administration hoped to sell "maybe a million" of the cards and did not rule out that Russian oligarchs may be eligible.

sla/des
On Wednesday, a jubilant Donald Trump declared that his trade deal with Beijing would open up China to American Trade, delivering a great WIN for both countries!!!

Yet even as the US president trumpets victory, a chorus of Western companies has been warning that the spoils may be underwhelming.

Cosmetics company Estee Lauder is grappling with retail softness, reflecting subdued consumer sentiment in China. Drinks giant Diageo, which makes Guinness and Johnnie Walker, said consumers remain cautious and the macroeconomic recovery is taking longer than expected.

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Unilever, the consumer goods giant behind Dove soap and Ben & Jerrys ice cream, told its shareholders that market growth in China remained subdued. Burberry reported waning sales there, while KFC and Pizza Hut-owner Yum China said sales in the first quarter were flat.

When Starbucks this week slashed the price of its tea lattes and frappuccinos in China by almost one fifth, it was only the latest sign that trouble was brewing in China for big Western businesses.

Trump wants Chinese consumers to buy more American goods, rebalancing what he sees as the lopsided trading relationship between the two countries. But the middle kingdoms economy is in a prolonged funk, reeling from a property crisis and a long hangover from harsh Covid restrictions.

With lingering US tariffs of up to 55pc taking a chunk out of Chinas exports, recovery in the worlds second-largest economy depends on the willingness of Chinese consumers to open their wallets and start spending.

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But unless companies cut prices, or the government steps in to boost demand, cautious Chinese consumers are at best spending selectively. Unlike Chinas gleaming motorways, the road to an economic rebound looks slow and uncertain  meaning Trump may well be disappointed.

Capital Economics compiles a measure of real-time indicators to gauge the health of the Chinese economy, and its flagging a slowdown is in the works.

Ending the US presidents anti-China crusade depends on the Chinese consumer taking out their wallets. Its the excess savings of Chinas households, coupled with the excess spending of the American government and consumers, that lie at the heart of the pairs unbalanced economic relationship.

In laymans terms, Chinese families save, while Americans buy  meaning China exports to the US far more than it imports.

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China has a singular opportunity to stabilise its economy by shifting away from excess production towards greater consumption, Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, said on Wednesday.

So far, there is little sign of the balance shifting. In a recent survey by McKinsey, Chinese households said they were not planning to increase how much they spend as a share of their income. (McKinsey saw this as progress; in the 2024 version of the survey, households had actually been planning to reduce consumption.)

The survey found that rural dwellers were slightly more enthusiastic about shopping than their urban counterparts. Thats unsurprising: its in the cities where the scars of the property crisis, which began with the collapse of the developer Evergrande in 2021, are most acute.

Property prices have fallen by around 20pc since the onset of the property crisis, says Leah Fahy, a China analyst at Capital Economics. That has been a massive hit to household wealth and really dampened propensity to spend, and confidence as well.

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And then more recently, you add all this tension around the trade war, whats going to happen with US tariffs. Even if the actual hit from that hasnt been massive yet.

Justin Koh, a Shanghai-based director at consultancy AlixPartners, says: When I first came to China about 15 years ago, there used to be an idea that everything would only go in one direction  up. People just thought sales would double every year.

Now, the consumer companies were working with are more pragmatic about growth. Theyre also very pragmatic about opening and closing stores, about what works and what doesnt work in the market.

Officially, Chinas economy is holding up, growing at 5.4pc in the first quarter from a year earlier. But the threat of a trade war looms over a country that still relies heavily on manufacturing.

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Exports to the US slumped by almost 35pc in April from a year earlier and China is struggling with deflation. Consumer prices dipped 0.1pc, the fourth consecutive month of decline, led by food and fuel.

A survey by the EU Chamber of Commerce in China found that 83pc of food and beverage companies felt their business environment in the country was deteriorating.

Many consumers seem to be looking for bargains, waiting for price decreases, or keeping their yuan in the bank or under the bed.

Beijing has been encouraging people to spend, pushing them to buy more white goods by backing a trade-in scheme. It seems to have worked: according to the Xinhua news agency, it spurred 175bn renminbi (18bn) of transactions this year, and 39pc yearon-year sales growth in April.

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But that would only be a drop in the ocean of what is required. It might stack a percentage point or two on to GDP growth, but Capital Economics reckons consumption might need to expand by 4pc to offset the hit from falling exports.

Fahy says the government seems reluctant to wheel out the fiscal artillery needed to deliver this.

You get a lot of lip service to the importance of supporting consumption, supporting demand, but theyre really hesitant to expand things like social security measures, pension payments, welfare benefits  the things that are most needed to boost households willingness to spend really and lower the savings rate, she says.

Worryingly for Trump, even if there is an upturn in consumer spending, Chinese may not choose to buy American products.

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There was probably more bargain hunting back in 2022, 2023  confidence was lower, there was a very clear dip, says Koh.

I think this bargain-hunting helped consumers understand other [non-Western] brands a little bit better  they realised that, Hey, there might not be that much of a difference there.

Chinese business news site Caixin says there has been an increase in promotions for repatriated foreign trade products  items originally made to sell overseas that are now being sold at home. This includes marketing campaigns and exhibitions at supermarkets, department stores and shopping malls.

Local brands are also gaining ground. Kohs 10-year-old daughter is wild for the Labubu dolls made by Chinese start-up Pop Mart, for example.

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Theyre the latest craze. If consumer confidence was at an all-time low, wed likely be seeing less people buying them  less of that type of consumer behaviour, he says.

Its a sign of a more discerning consumer, and a consumer thats expressing his or her consumer confidence in different ways.

The ball is now in Beijings court: the government needs to do more if it wants a consumer-led kickstart for the economy, and a fix for the US-China trade imbalances. Without action, Trumps great WIN may turn into a disappointing loss.

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Washington, DC  United States President Donald Trump has warned that there is a chance of massive conflict in the Middle East, confirming that an Israeli attack on Iran is possible.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump said he would love to avoid the conflict and suggested that the US would like Israel to hold off on plans to strike Irans nuclear sites while Washington and Tehran continue their negotiations.

I want to have an agreement with Iran. Were fairly close to an agreement  Id much prefer an agreement, the US president said.

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As long as I think there is an agreement, I dont want them [the Israelis] going in because I think that would blow it  might help it actually, but it also could blow it.

Yet, Trump said that an Israeli attack could very well happen without elaborating whether the US would participate or assist in any strikes.

His comments came a day after the US pulled some of its diplomats from the region and put its embassies on high alert amid reports of a possible Israeli attack on Iran.

Theres a chance of massive conflict, Trump said.

We have a lot of American people in this area. And I said: Weve got to tell them to get out because something could happen soon, and I dont want to be the one that didnt give any warning, and missiles are flying into their buildings. Its possible.





Later on Thursday, the US president reiterated his commitments to diplomacy with Iran. My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran, he wrote in a social media post. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon.

Nuclear talks

US and Iranian officials have held several rounds of talks since April to reach a nuclear deal to avert war.

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Trumps stated position is that Iran will never be allowed to obtain nuclear bombs.

Tehran denies seeking a nuclear weapon, but it stresses that it has a right to domestically enrich uranium  a process of altering the uranium atom to produce nuclear fuel.

But US officials have suggested that Iran must give up its enrichment capabilities to ensure that it cannot militarise its nuclear programme.

Despite the apparent impasse, the talks have continued. US and Iranian officials are scheduled to hold a sixth round of negotiations in Oman on Sunday.

Trump previously expressed optimism about the chances of reaching an agreement.

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But tensions spiked in recent days.

Earlier this week, Iran said it obtained a trove of secret documents on Israels own undeclared nuclear arsenal.

While Israel has not publicly said that it will attack Iran, the US move to partially evacuate its embassy in Baghdad and pull personnel from diplomatic posts across the Middle East on Wednesday raised concerns that violence could break out.

Moreover, the United Nations nuclear watchdog (IAEA) passed a resolution, put forward by the US, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, on Thursday that accused Iran of failing to comply with its nuclear obligations.

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Tehran forcefully rejected the measure, accusing Washington and its allies of politically exploiting the international body.

During his first term, in 2018, Trump nixed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which saw Iran scale back its nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions against its economy.

Since then, the US has been piling sanctions on Iran. Tehran has responded by escalating its nuclear programme.





Iran warns against aggression

Early in his second term, Trump signed an executive order to tighten sanctions against Iran to choke off the countrys oil exports, particularly to China. But the US president has also stressed repeatedly that he does not want war.

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Israel has been claiming for more than 20 years that Iran is on the cusp of obtaining a nuclear weapon.

In recent months, Israeli officials have suggested that they see an opportune moment to strike Iran, after the blows that Tehrans regional allies suffered last year, including the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the weakening of Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israel has never been stronger and the Iran terror axis has never been weaker, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in February.

Iran has been warning that it would retaliate harshly against any Israeli attack.

Iran is currently at its highest level of military readiness, and if the United States or the Zionist regime attempts any act of aggression, they will be caught by surprise, an unidentified Iranian official told Press TV on Thursday.

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It is unclear whether Israel has the military power to destroy Irans nuclear facilities, built deep underground and inside mountains, without direct US involvement  the billions of dollars in military aid that the US gives Israel every year notwithstanding.

Since the outbreak of the war on Gaza in October 2023, Iran and Israel have exchanged several rounds of attacks.
Trump's DHS Launches Hotline to Rat Out 'Foreign Invaders' as Immigration Raids Continue originally appeared on L.A. Mag.

The Department of Homeland Security's new flyer urging Americans to report 'foreign invaders'Department Homeland Security

The Trump Administration is ramping up its controversial immigration raids by releasing a flyer that urges Americans to "help your country and yourself" by reporting what the Department of Homeland Security calls "foreign invaders" to a new hotline.

Help your country locate and arrest illegal aliens.



To report criminal activity, call 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423). pic.twitter.com/VVy3TjKWhL  Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 11, 2025

The flyer, which is reminiscent of former Vice Presidential candidate Tim Waltz push for neighbors to report others for violating Minnesota's COVID-19 lockdowns, utilized imagery often associated with McCarthyism propaganda released during the Cold War. At the time, Americans were urged to report anyone they suspected of having communist leanings, which ensnared many Hollywood actors who landed on a blacklist that tore through the industry in the 1940s into the 1950s.



Eva Barrios, 28, of Echo Park, when shown the poster while walking down Sunset Boulevard, called it "terrifying." She says she supports deporting dangerous aliens, but she now believes the President is taking immigration actions too far. "We are going to turn in someone's nanny? Or the guy mowing the lawn? That poster is gross."



The DHS hotline was released as federal officials continue raids across Southern California. Last month, Stephen Miller, Trumps White House deputy chief of staff, told Fox News he has instructed ICE to arrest 3,000 people a day, a major increase in enforcement. Operations, according to ICE media releases, are happening across the nation.



Surprise raids in Los Angeles have led to six straight days of unrest and hundreds of arrests. Most recently, footage emerged of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement action on farms in the agricultural centers of Kern County, Tulare County, and Kings County located north of Bakersfield. It remains unclear exactly how many undocumented immigrants have been taken into custody.

This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Keith Kellogg, the US Presidents special envoy for Ukraine, who is involved in the peace negotiations, has said that the plan is to stop the hostilities along the line of contact and "try to bring the Russians back into what I would call the League of Nations".

Source: Kellogg at the Brussels Forum of the German Marshall Fund, as reported by Radio Liberty

Details: Kellogg stated that after reviewing the positions of both Ukraine and Russia, the US understands what a full ceasefire "could and should" look like.

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Quote: "A ceasefire in place means  the ground you are physically on, that is the ground that is yours now. You occupy that. [...] Then we want to get to the return of children, the prisoners that are out there, that made a sustainable ceasefire long-term, sustainable not only for the Ukrainians but for Europe as well. And then try to get the Russians back into what I would call the League of Proper Nations. So everybody is kind of working together Meaning you can all live with the results of this for the long term."

Background:

Ukraine insists on an unconditional ceasefire  a position also supported by the United States, which initiated the peace talks. Moscow, however, is refusing to comply.

On the evening of 2 June, Russian state news agencies published a memorandum containing Moscows terms for a ceasefire. These include the holding of elections in Ukraine, followed by the signing of a peace agreement. Russia is also demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson oblasts and international recognition of these four regions  along with Crimea, annexed in 2014  as Russian territory.

The so-called Russian memorandum also stipulates that Ukraine adopt a neutral status, meaning that it may not join military alliances or host foreign military forces on its territory. Moscow also insists that Russian be granted the status of an official language in Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump stated on 28 May that he would have "an answer within two weeks" as to whether Russian leader Vladimir Putin truly wants to end the war in Ukraine.

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russias Security Council, said on 3 June that the aim of Russias participation in talks with Ukrainian representatives in Istanbul is to secure Russias victory, not to achieve peace.

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A massive military parade is set to bring thousands to Washington, D.C., to mark the Army's 250th birthday on June 14 -- the same day as President Donald Trump's 79th birthday.

The Army has estimated more than 6,000 soldiers will participate in the event -- an all-day ordeal that's expected to include a fitness competition, festival and parade complete with tanks and infantry vehicles, helicopter flyovers and parachute jumps.

"We will celebrate a spectacular military parade in Washington, D.C., like no other," Trump said on his social media site last week, touting a parade that's "gonna be better and bigger than any parade we've ever had in this country."

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MORE: Army prepares tanks for DC military parade that could cost $45 million

Here's what to know about the event:

When is the military parade?

The parade is on June 14 at 6:30 p.m. -- and is a part of a day of events that goes from 8:30 a.m. until around 10 p.m.

The day begins with Army senior leaders laying a wreath on Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery. After that, a fitness competition will go from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

PHOTO: Washington D.C. Prepares To Host Military Parade To Mark Army's 250th Anniversary (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Then a festival -- open to the public -- will take place on the National Mall from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

After the parade, there will be a fireworks show over the Tidal Basin at 9:45 p.m.

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The festival and the parade are free events that are open to the public. Tickets are not required.

MORE: Trump warns 'any' protesters at military parade will be 'met with heavy force'

What is the parade route?

The parade route will follow along D.C.'s Constitution Avenue from 23rd to 15th streets and end near the White House, where parachutists with the Army's Golden Knights will jump on to the Ellipse and offer the president a folded flag.

The Army is estimating some 200,000 people will be along the parade route.

What will spectators see in the military parade?

The parade includes 6,700 soldiers, 28 Abrams tanks, 28 Bradley Fighter Vehicles, 28 Stryker vehicles, four Paladin self-propelled howitzers, eight marching bands, 24 horses, two mules and one dog named Doc Holiday, according to the Army. The Army has also added rocket launchers and precision-guided missiles to its birthday show.

PHOTO: Soldiers stand between columns of Stryker armored vehicles taking part in the Army's 250th birthday celebration parade during a preview at West Potomac Park in Washington, June 11, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

PHOTO: An M1A2/Abrams tank sits in front of a road sign ahead of the upcoming U.S. Army 250th anniversary celebration parade in Washington, June 11, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

There will also be 50 aircraft flying overhead -- including World War II-era platforms like the M4 Sherman tank, the Douglas C-47 transport aircraft and the P-51 Mustang fighter. There will be Cobra and Huey helicopters too, according to the Army.

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Members from every Army division are participating in the parade -- with a vision of telling the history of the Army. The parade will have troops dressed in Revolutionary War garb and then move through the various wars in history, the Army said. As the troops and equipment march through D.C., any aircraft corresponding to that era will fly overhead.

Below is a map of the parade route.

PHOTO: Military parade route (Google Earth)

MORE: Nearly 7,000 troops, tanks and parachute jumps: Army confirms military parade coinciding with Trump's birthday

What is the expected cost of the parade?

The Army said it expects to spend anywhere from $25 million to $45 million on this year's events, although the final tally is expected to be much higher when other costs are factored in.

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The U.S. Secret Service has designated the event a "national security special event" akin to the Super Bowl or a presidential inauguration, requiring significant security resources.

The Department of Homeland Secretary has not released a cost estimate for securing the event.

PHOTO: Tanks rest on the back of a rail car before being unloaded in Jessup, Maryland on June 9, 2025, during the arrival of heavy equipment and military vehicles that will be showcased during the U.S. Army's 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)

The Army also will be on the hook for any damage done to roads in Maryland and Washington.

Are any protests expected?

Progressive groups say they'll hold more than 1,500 "No Kings Day" events across the U.S. on Saturday to protest the Trump administration and to counter the military parade.

MORE: Progressives holding 'No Kings Day' protests across the US to counter Trump and military parade

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The Women's March is planning its own protests with events set for around the country.

When was the last U.S. military parade?

On June 8, 1991, the US Park Police estimated 800,000 people crammed on to the National Mall to celebrate the U.S. victory in the Persian Gulf War -- with 200,000 people lining the parade route.

At the time, ABC News reported the cost at $12 million, with $5 million of the cost covered by private donations.

Trump's military parade: What to know about the Army anniversary event originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Troops marching in lockstep. Patriotic tunes filling the air. The commander in chief watching over it all.

The military parade commemorating the U.S. Armys 250th anniversary and coinciding with President Donald Trumps 79th birthday will be a new spectacle for many Americans.

This will not be the first U.S. military parade. However, it is unusual outside of wartime, and Trump's approach stands out compared to his predecessors.

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The Army had long planned a celebration for its semi-quincentennial on June 14. Trump has wanted to preside over a grand military parade since his first presidency from 2017 to 2021. When he took office a second time, he found the ideal convergence and ratcheted the Pentagon's plans into a full-scale military parade on his birthday.

The president, who is expected to speak in Washington as part of the affair, pitches the occasion as a way to celebrate U.S. power and service members' sacrifice. But there are bipartisan concerns about the cost as well as concerns about whether Trump is blurring traditional understandings of what it means to be a civilian commander in chief.

Early US troop reviews

Ceremonial reviews  troops looking their best and conducting drills for top commanders  trace back through medieval kingdoms to ancient empires of Rome, Persia and China. The pageantry continued in the young U.S. republic: Early presidents held military reviews as part of Fourth of July independence celebrations. That ended with James K. Polk, who was president from 1845 to 1849.

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President Andrew Johnson resurrected the tradition in 1865, holding a two-day Grand Review of the Armies five weeks after Abraham Lincolns assassination. It came after Johnson declared the Civil War over, a show of force meant to salve a war-weary nation  though more fighting and casualties would occur. Infantry, cavalry and artillery units  145,000 soldiers, and even cattle  traversed Pennsylvania Avenue. Johnson, his Cabinet and top Army officers, including Ulysses S. Grant, Lincolns last commanding general and the future 18th president, watched from a White House viewing stand.

Spanish-American War and World War I: An era of victory parades begins

The Spanish-American War was the first major international conflict for a reunited nation since the Civil War. It ended in a U.S. victory that established an American empire: Spain ceded Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Guam, and the U.S. purchased the Philippines for $20 million. Puerto Rico and Guam remain U.S. territories.

New York City hosted multiple celebrations of a new global power. In August 1898, a fleet of warships, including the Brooklyn, the Texas, and the Oregon, sailed up the North River, more commonly known today as the Hudson River. American inventor Thomas Edison filmed the floating parade. The following September, New York hosted a naval and street parade to welcome home Rear Adm. George Dewey, who joined President William McKinley in a viewing stand.

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Many U.S. cities held World War I victory parades a few decades later. But neither Washington nor President Woodrow Wilson was the focal point. In Boston, a million civilians celebrated 20,000 troops in 1919. New York honored 25,000 troops marching in full uniform and combat gear.

New York was the parade epicenter again for World War II

On June 13, 1942, as U.S. involvement in World War II accelerated, about 30,000 people formed a mobilization parade in New York City. Participants included Army and Navy personnel, American Womens Voluntary Services members, Boy Scouts and military school cadets. Scores of floats rolled, too. One carried a massive bust of President Franklin Roosevelt, who did not attend.

Less than four years later, the 82nd Airborne Division and Sherman tanks led a victory parade down Manhattans Fifth Avenue. Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, the Allied commander during World War II, rode in a victory parade in Washington. In 1952, Eisenhower would join Grant and George Washington as top wartime commanders elevated to the presidency following their military achievements. Other World War II generals were honored in other homecoming parades.

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A long parade gap, despite multiple wars

The U.S. did not hold national or major city parades after wars in Korea and Vietnam. Both ended without clear victory; Vietnam, especially, sparked bitter societal division, enough so that President Gerald Ford opted against a strong military presence in 1976 bicentennial celebrations, held a year after the fall of Saigon.

Washington finally hosted a victory parade in 1991 after the first Persian Gulf War. The Constitution Avenue lineup included 8,000 troops, tanks, Patriot missiles and representatives of the international coalition, led by the U.S., that quickly drove an invading Iraq out of Kuwait. The commander in chief, George H.W. Bush, is the last U.S. president to have held an active-duty military post. He had been a World War II combat pilot who survived his plane being shot down over the Pacific Ocean.

Veterans of the second Iraq and Afghanistan wars that followed the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks have not been honored in national parades.

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Inaugurations and a flight suit

Inaugural parades include and sometimes feature military elements.

Eisenhower's 1953 inaugural parade, at the outset of the Cold War, included 22,000 service members and an atomic cannon. Eight years later, President John F. Kennedy, a World War II Naval officer, watched armored tanks, Army and Navy personnel, dozens of missiles and Navy boats pass in front of his reviewing stand.

More recent inaugurations have included honor guards, academy cadets, military bands and other personnel but not large combat assets. Notably, U.S. presidents, even when leading or attending military events, wear civilian attire rather than military garb, a standard set by Washington, who also eschewed being called General Washington in favor of Mr. President.

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Perhaps the lone exception came in 2003, when President George W. Bush, who had been a National Guard pilot, wore a flight suit when he landed on the USS Abraham Lincoln and declared the end of major combat operations in Iraq, which U.S. forces had invaded six weeks earlier. The aircraft carrier was not a parade venue but the president emerged to raucous cheers from uniformed service members. He put on a business suit to deliver a nationally televised speech in front a Mission Accomplished banner.

As the war dragged on to a less decisive outcome, that scene and its enduring images would become a political liability for the president.

___

Barrow reported from Atlanta.
In April, fresh off a presidential pardon that sprung him from prison, convicted fraudster Jason Galanis embarked on a new and audacious legal fight: an attempt to recover money that he had already paid back his victims.

As part of his 2017 sentence, a federal judge ordered Galanis to pay more than $80 million in restitution for his various fraudulent schemes. But when President Donald Trump commuted Galanis' 189-month prison sentence in March as part of a flurry of pardons, Galanis' pardon warrant stipulated that "no further fines [and] restitution" should be collected.

Days later, Galanis asked a federal judge to order the government to return some $2 million he had already paid, arguing that because the government had not yet released those funds to his victims, Galanis was entitled to them.

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MORE: Trump grants clemency to 2 of Hunter Biden's ex-associates

"Put very simply, the funds were taken for a particular purpose," attorneys for Galanis wrote last month in a letter to the judge. "It is indisputable that that purpose no longer exists and thus ... the funds must be returned."

U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel, the judge overseeing Galanis' case, ruled Wednesday that he cannot recoup the $2 million. But some legal experts say Galanis' bid to retrieve those restitution funds reflects a broader symptom of what they say is Trump's unprecedented use of executive pardon powers.

"Typically, the Department of Justice does not recommend a pardon in cases in which the candidate owes a significant amount of restitution ... so these pardons that wipe out large financial obligations are very unusual in their effect," former U.S. pardon attorney Liz Oyer, who is not involved in the case, told ABC News.

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By Oyer's count, the recipients of Trump's second-term clemency cumulatively owed more than $1 billion in restitution -- money intended for the victims of fraudulent schemes. Instead, according to Oyer, "victims are just out all of the money that they expected to be repaid as part of restitution, due to the pardons."

PHOTO: President Donald Trump holds during a press conference in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, May 30, 2025. (Evan Vucci/AP)

"The victims are the losers," Oyer said. "Those are people who have a legal entitlement under federal law to be repaid their losses ... and the president is overriding that legal requirement ... to the great detriment of people who, in some cases, have lost their life savings."

Those victims include a Native American tribe, an Arizona teachers' pension fund, and even a Republican governor.

In Galanis' case, prosecutors wrote that the victims of his scheme include "pension funds held for the benefit of, among others, transit workers, longshoremen, housing authority workers, and city employees."

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The majority of the victims are shareholders in companies like Nikola, whose disgraced founder and chief executive, Trevor Milton, was sentenced to four years in prison for lying about the viability of his electric vehicle technology.

Prosecutors had asked a federal judge to order Milton to pay more than $600 million in restitution, which they said was "the approximate amount of damages to investors in this case." Milton was pardoned before a judge had a chance to approve that figure, but experts said judges typically hew closely to prosecutors' calculations.

Asked in a local news interview in March whether he would repay the victims of his fraudulent scheme, Milton said he "wouldn't pay them back," but offered an alternative: "I've got a few big ventures I'm working on right now, I'd definitely be open to helping those people in the future."

MORE: Trump's flurry of pardons include some to campaign contributors

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"I'm not heartless," he added. "As a matter of fact, I feel for these people probably more than most."

Pardon recipients who owed outstanding restitution at the time they were pardoned include Carlos Watson, the founder and CEO of Ozy Media who pleaded guilty to fraud charges and owed nearly $37 million in restitution, and Ross Ulbricht, the Silk Road founder serving life in prison for an online drug scheme, who was ordered to pay almost $184 million in restitution.

Other pardon recipients include Todd and Julie Chrisley, the reality television celebrities sentenced to more than seven years in prison for tax evasion and bank fraud, whose attorney suggested to TMZ that they may seek to recoup some of the $17 million in restitution that they'd already begun to pay.

Former Las Vegas councilwoman Michele Fiore, who spent some $70,000 in donations to a slain police officer fund on personal expenses, including cosmetic surgery, was also pardoned. Trump issued Fiore's pardon before her sentencing, but experts say restitution generally aligns with the cost of the purported fraud scheme.

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Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, a fellow Republican, testified at trial that he had donated to Fiore's fund and was a victim of her fraud. Another victim, Harry Mohney, a strip club owner who donated $2,000 to the fund, said he was "distressed" to learn that Fiore would not have to pay restitution.

MORE: Ed Martin, Trump's DOJ pardon attorney, says he'll review Biden's outgoing pardons

"It certainly pisses me off to a great extent," Mohney told ABC News. "It's unfair that she never has to repay the people she got the money from under false pretenses, but there's nothing I can do about that."

In a statement to ABC News, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said that Trump is "using his pardon power to offer people second chances at life."

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"The Founding Fathers gave the President the pardon power to provide mercy where the President alone deems it necessary," Fields said.

Legal experts ABC News spoke with said it's unclear to what extent victims could seek to claim the restitution they're still owed following Trump's pardons. One option would be to file a civil lawsuit to reclaim damages, but that can be a lengthy and expensive proposition.

"Restitution makes it so easy -- you don't have to pay a lawyer, you don't have to go to court," said Mark Osler, an expert on clemency at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. "You can see why that would be a victim's first choice for how to be made whole."

Experts who spoke with ABC News struggled to cite past examples of fraudsters who were granted clemency prior to fulfilling their restitution obligations. Oyer said Trump's commutation of restitution payments is without precedent.

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MORE: Trump issues sweeping pardons and commutations for Jan. 6 rioters

"This is not normal," Oyer said.

The Justice Department, on its website, cautions fraud victims seeking restitution that "the chance of full recovery is very low," and that "while defendants may make partial payments toward the full restitution owed, it is rare that defendants are able to fully pay the entire restitution amount owed."

Nevertheless, experts say that regardless of whether victims ever completely recoup their lost money, restitution obligations remain an important mechanism in the criminal justice system.

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"One of the purposes of restitution, even if it's never fully repaid, is to ensure that the perpetrator of the crime cannot enrich themselves first, while they still owe money to victims," Oyer explained. "And that's exactly what [Trump's] pardons facilitate happening."

Trump's pardons have shortchanged fraud victims of millions of dollars in restitution, lawyers say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The House of Representatives passed President Donald Trump's $9.4 billion plan to claw back federal funds for foreign aid, PBS and NPR.

The 214 to 212 vote was mostly along party lines, with no Democrats voting for the bill. Four Republicans voted against the measure, however  Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., Mike Turner, R-Ohio, Mark Amodei, R-Nev., and Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y.

A dramatic scene played out on the House floor on Thursday afternoon as the bill appeared poised to fail, with six Republican lawmakers having voted "no."

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Fox News Digital observed Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., huddled with several moderate Republicans who either voted "no" or had not yet voted.

In the end, two of those holdouts  Reps. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., and Don Bacon, R-Neb.  elected to support the bill, enabling it to pass on a narrow margin.

Trump allies largely viewed the package as a test run to see whether congressional Republicans could stomach cuts that were widely seen across the GOP as low-hanging fruit.

Read On The Fox News App

Spending cuts in the legislation include a $8.3 billion rollback of funding to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and just over $1 billion in cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funnels federal dollars to NPR and PBS.

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Gop Unveils New Weapon To Help Slash Billions In Government Waste As Republicans Rally Behind Trump's Plan

Capitol Building, NPR, PBS

Republican leaders argued the majority of the USAID dollars getting cut were going toward "woke" programs like $1 million for voter ID in Haiti and $3 million for Iraqi Sesame Street.

On NPR and PBS, conservatives have long accused the two networks of taking federal money while growing increasingly liberal in their bias, rather than focusing on impartiality.

But some moderate Republicans had concerns about the legislation's effect on critical disease prevention research in Africa.

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Noncitizen La Rioters Could Be Deported Under New House Bill

President Donald Trump speaks as he welcomes the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles NFL football team to the South Lawn of the White House on April 28, 2025, in Washington.

Others argue that entirely slashing federal funding to public broadcasting would disproportionately hurt small local news outlets that rely on it most, and which are situated in areas that otherwise would be an information desert without those resources.

The legislation ultimately passed, however, and will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.

The $9.4 billion proposal is called a rescissions package, a mechanism for the White House to block congressionally approved funding it disagrees with.

Once transmitted to Capitol Hill, lawmakers have 45 days to approve the rescissions proposal, otherwise it is considered rejected.

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Such measures only need a simple majority in the House and Senate to pass. But that's no easy feat with Republicans' thin majorities in both chambers.

If passed, Republican leaders hope the bill will be the first of several rescissions packages codifying spending cuts identified by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).





Original article source: Trump's plan to slash 'woke' foreign aid, NPR funds clears House as Senate battle looms
President Donald Trump revived calls this week for people who burn American flags to go to jail after demonstrators in California were seen torching them and waving Mexican flags in protest of the administration carrying out immigration enforcement operations in the state.

"I happen to think if you burn an American flag, because they were burning a lot of flags in Los Angeles, I think you go to jail for one year, just automatic," Trump told the New York Post.

Flag burning in the United States is neither unlawful nor unconstitutional. Offenders can only be punished under the law for flag burning if they are committing another crime at the same time, such as violating fire safety laws or burning flags that they stole.

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Trump Vows Consequences For 'Animals' Burning American Flags In La, Slams Those Waving Other Countries' Flags

People hold Mexican flags and gesture next to a car in flames following multiple detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in the Los Angeles County city of Paramount, California, U.S., Jun. 7, 2025.

Trump also said this week during a speech in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, that he was working with Congress to pass a law that would outlaw burning American flags, noting Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., was on board.

"Well see if we can get that done," Trump said.

Read On The Fox News App

Hawley responded by proposing a bill on Thursday that would create stiffer penalties for rioters who burned American flags. The proposed legislation included the stipulation that the flag burning had to occur while the offender was also committing riot-related crimes. Hawley called the American flag a "symbol of our nation."

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In a landmark decision in 1989, the Supreme Court concluded that states could not pass laws that criminalize American flag burning, saying it would open the door to prohibiting the burning of state flags and copies of the presidential seal or Constitution.

Utah Bans Lgbtq+ Pride Flags, Maga Flags, Other Unapproved Flags In Government Buildings, Schools

"To conclude that the government may permit designated symbols to be used to communicate only a limited set of messages would be to enter territory having no discernible or defensible boundaries.  In evaluating these choices under the First Amendment, how would we decide which symbols were sufficiently special to warrant this unique status? To do so, we would be forced to consult our own political preferences, and impose them on the citizenry, in the very way that the First Amendment forbids us to do," the majority opinion read.

Chief Justice William Renquist dissented, writing that the flag was not "simply another 'idea' or 'point of view' competing for recognition in the marketplace of ideas."

Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, speaks to members of the media during a vote at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, Jun. 2, 2025. Significant changes are in store for President Donald Trump's signature $3.9 trillion tax-cut bill as the Senate begins closed-door talks this week on legislation that squeaked through the House by a single vote.

"Millions and millions of Americans regard it with an almost mystical reverence regardless of what sort of social, political, or philosophical beliefs they may have," Renquist wrote.

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Congress responded to the decision by passing a law called the Flag Protection Act that made knowingly desecrating the American flag a federal crime, but the Supreme Court struck down that law, too.





Original article source: Trump's renewed calls to jail American flag burners clashes with court precedent
DEARBORN, Mich. (AP)  The ban on travel from certain countries that took effect Monday  reminiscent of President Donald Trump's first-term restrictions that became known to many as the  Muslim ban   is once again souring relationships among Arab American voters in the key battleground state of Michigan, a group that Trump sought to make inroads with during the 2024 election.

It came as a particular shock to many Yemeni Americans in the Dearborn area, who were surprised to find their country on Trump's new list banning travel to the U.S. by citizens of 12 different countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East.

This is the reward to the community that defied everybody else?" asked Wali Altahif, a local activist who advocates for Yemeni and other immigrant communities. "That said, 'No, were going to support you, we going to vote for you'?

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The new proclamation, which Trump signed last week, applies to citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. While it may not elicit the same protests as 2017, many Yemeni and Arab Americans in the all important battleground state see it as yet another offense contributing to enormous dissatisfaction with both major political parties in the U.S.

The aim of the new ban, the Trump administration said, is to protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology, or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.

Altahif described it as selective discrimination and collective punishment.

Michigan is home to one of the largest Arab American populations in the U.S., largely concentrated in the Detroit metropolitan area. The state was an epicenter of anger at President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for the administrations support of Israels offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in a worsening humanitarian crisis and sparked a historic shift away from the Democratic Party.

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With Trump's history of policy and rhetoric, including the restriction on travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries during his first term, the new restrictions and anger over the toll on Gaza from the Israel-Hamas war have left many Arab American voters feeling that both major political parties have failed to deliver for them.

A dramatic change in Dearborn

In the November election, Trump became the first Republican presidential candidate to win Dearborn, Americas largest Arab-majority city, since 2000. Harris lost 15,000 of Democratic votes compared to Bidens 2020 win after Trump visited the area days before the election, campaigned in a local cafe and said he'd bring peace to the Middle East.

The shift was muted but real. Trump picked up 3,000 votes in the city and third-party candidate votes swelled to 20% of the overall vote. Many did not vote for a candidate at all. Trump won Michigan  and the presidency  for the second time in three attempts.

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In Dearborn, nearly half of its 110,000 residents are of Arab descent and the largest Arab nationalities represented are from Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq.

Many Yemeni Americans in the metro Detroit area voted for Trump in the 2024 election after his vows for peace, which came at a time of widespread conflict and instability in the Middle East, Altahif said. In Yemen, a near decade-long civil war has pushed its population to the brink of famine.

In Trumps first months in office, the U.S. bombed Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen in a two-month long campaign that ended with a ceasefire agreement in May.

Every single family of Yemeni descendant is affected by the war in Yemen, Altahif said. And we were hopeful based on Trumps promise that he was going to end the war.

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Rasheed Alnozili, publisher of the Dearborn-based online and print news services the Yemeni American News, said the travel ban will only stigmatize Yemeni and Arab communities in America and fuel Islamophobia, not counter terrorism.

They are part of the society, they are raising their kids, he said of Yemeni communities.

There are exceptions to the ban. They include green-card holders and people with U.S. family members who apply for visas in connection to their spouses, children or parents. Altahif expects the ban to make it much harder for families separated by the distance to reunite. He said it took his wife from Yemen five years to get a visa approved before coming to live in the U.S. in 2024.

Widespread unease

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Many in the community are reluctant to talk openly about the new travel restrictions for fear of retaliation, even if they are U.S. citizens or green-card holders. Others are reluctant to leave the country for fear of being held up by border agents when returning home, something Arab and Muslim Americans already report dealing with at airports.

Amir Makled, a Dearborn-based civil rights attorney, said the restrictions have been similarly chilling for Muslim travelers compared to the 2017 policy. Hes received several calls from people worried about being detained when traveling back to the U.S., even if they are citizens or lawful residents. One person of Yemeni descent ultimately canceled travel for the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, a pillar of Islamic faith, Makled said.

People overall are opting not to travel, even when they have a legal right to do so, he said.

Both major political parties will have to appeal to the Arab and Muslim communities in the Detroit area in key upcoming races in 2026. With open races for the governors office and a U.S. Senate seat, a few thousand votes could tip the balance of power in Lansing and in Congress.

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Where these voters land is going to, I think, make a difference in terms of who ends up in those seats, said Peter Trumbore, chair of the department of political science at Oakland University.

The war in Gaza drove Yemeni Americans away from the Democratic Party, Altahif said, and Trump has not made good on his promise to quickly bring an end to the Israel-Hamas war which has resulted in the deaths of more than 55,000 Palestinians. Altahif noted state Democrats who have vocally opposed the travel ban, but said he has not seen Republicans do the same.

Osama Siblani, publisher of the Dearborn-based Arab American News, said candidates from both parties who are running for governor and the U.S. Senate have met with him in recent months as the 2026 midterm races start. He also met with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a longtime Democrat who is running as an independent for the governors office.

Siblani called the travel ban a racist executive action that does nothing to help people in war-torn Yemen and Sudan, nations where many metro Detroit residents have relatives. But their disappointment in both Democrats and Republicans may leave them looking for a third option.

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I can see that there is an appetite in our community or a need in our communities to vote for an independent, Siblani said.

___

Associated Press video journalist Mike Housholder contributed to this report.
Published in The Guardian, Louisiana Illuminator

Environmental advocates are questioning the actions of a private university in Louisiana following the resignation of a scientist who researches the health and job disparities in a heavily industrialized part of Louisiana known as Cancer Alley.

Kimberly Terrell, who served as a director of community engagement and a staff scientist with Tulane Universitys Environmental Law Clinic, accused university leaders of trying to censor the work shes doing to spotlight the harms to local communities plagued by industrial pollution.

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Terrell said her research in collaboration with Floodlight highlighting job disparities in hiring at local petrochemical facilities triggered a backlash from state and university leaders. That led to her being put under an unprecedented gag order by the dean of the universitys law school, Terrell said in a prepared statement issued by a group calling itself the Louisiana Alliance to Defend Democracy.

Terrell resigned from the New Orleans-based university on Wednesday, saying she would rather leave her position than have her work used as a pretext to dismantle the law clinic.

After being affiliated with Tulane for 25 years and leading groundbreaking research at (the law clinic) for seven years, I cannot remain silent as this university sacrifices academic integrity for political appeasement and pet projects, Terrell wrote in a letter to her colleagues.

Kimberly Terrell, director of community engagement and staff scientist with the Tulane Universitys Environmental Law Clinic, is resigning from her position, citing what she says are attempts to censor her research into job disparities in the fossil fuel industry. (Courtesy of the Tulane Law School Environmental Law Clinic.)

On Thursday, a university spokesperson said Tulane is fully committed to academic freedom and the strong pedagogical value of law clinics. Tulane declined to comment on Terrells resignation, calling it a personnel matter.

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Debates about how best to operate law clinics teaching mission have occurred nationally and at Tulane for years  this is nothing new, the university said. We have been working with the leadership of the law school for the past several years to better understand how the clinics can most effectively support the universitys education mission.

Kate Kelly, spokesperson for Gov. Jeff Landry, said in an email that the governor never threatened to withhold state funding for the project. However, she said, I applaud Tulane for their actions standing up for our Louisiana businesses and jobs.

Punished for doing her job?

Terrells resignation is drawing outrage from grassroots environmental advocates in the state who credited her with providing data and scientific research substantiating the harm from the petrochemical industry suffered by the predominantly Black communities in southeast Louisiana.

Its appalling, said Jo Banner, who co-founded a nonprofit focused on community activism and cultural preservation in St. John the Baptist Parish.

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We are frustrated that a person who is just doing their job, and doing it well shouldnt be punished for it, she would be uplifted, Banner said.

Her twin sister and co-founder, Joy Banner, added: I cried at what is being done to someone who is so committed to just helping people, and doing right, and giving people access to objective information  that she is being penalized and censored so much. This is an attack on her freedom of speech.

An April 25 email provided to Floodlight from Tulane Law School Dean Marcilynn Burke states that effective immediately all external communications from the law clinic that were not client based would have to be approved by her. That communication included press releases, interviews, videos, social media postings, etc.

Workers extract petroleum on Endeavor Energy Resources LP's Big Dog Drilling Rig 22 in the Permian basin outside of Midland, Texas, in 2014. A report led by Tulane University scientist Kimberly Terrell found disproportionately few people of color work in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries. The gap is widest in Louisiana, researchers found. (Brittany Sowacke / Bloomberg via Getty Images and Floodlight)

In another email , dated May 4, Burke noted that the job disparity research was impeding the university from gaining political and financial support for its $600 million downtown redevelopment project in New Orleans . The email said Tulane University President Michael Fitts was facing criticism from elected officials and potential donors of the public-private project unless the universitys leadership curtailed the work of its environmental law clinic.

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At present, the president is focused upon the role of the staff scientist, Burke wrote. He understands her role in supporting the clinics representation of the clients. Thus, I need an explanation of how the study about racial disparities relates directly to client representation."

The email goes on to say, He is concerned, however, that her work may go beyond supporting the clinics legal representation and veer into lobbying.

Job disparities research cited

Floodlight reported on the research Terrell led for the university in April 2024 while it was still undergoing peer review. Preliminary data showed that minorities were being systematically underrepresented in the U.S. petrochemical workforce  despite promises that nearby communities would benefit from better job opportunities.

Terrell said the pollution vs. jobs narrative was oversimplified because the tradeoff affected different groups unevenly, with petrochemical jobs mostly going to white workers who dont live in the predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods that suffer most of the health impacts of that industry. That research and Floodlights reporting was recently featured in a documentary produced by The YEARS Project.

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Nationally, Terrells research found that higher paying jobs in the chemical manufacturing industry disproportionately went to more white people in Texas, Louisiana and Georgia where minorities represent 59%, 41% and 49% of their respective states populations but held 38%, 21% and 28% of the better paid jobs within the industry.

In the petroleum/coal industry, people of color were underrepresented in higher-paying jobs in at least 14 states  including Texas, California, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois, the research found.

These are the racial disparities identified by Tulane University scientist Kimberly Terrell in hiring in the chemical manufacturing sector, with the top map showing racial disparities for high-paying jobs and the bottom map showing disparities for low-paying jobs. States with the highest numbers of manufacturing jobs in the corresponding wage category (high or low) are indicated with an asterisk (*). Source: Kimberly Terrell, Gianna St. Julien, Michael Ash; People of Color are Systematically Underrepresented in the U.S. Petrochemical Workforce, 2024

Terrell, in her letter to colleagues, said the gag order came after the research had been peer reviewed and published online on April 9 in Ecological Economics .

Terrell said the research on job disparities has already been cited in legal arguments for student attorneys in the law clinic on behalf of clients from industrialized communities. And she said her 2022 study highlighting the health impacts in Cancer Alley ranks in the top 1% for research impact, garnering 28 citations and 87 news mentions to date, according to Almetric, which tracks the reach of research.

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Such impact would be celebrated by most institutions, Terrell wrote. Scholarly publications, not gag orders, are the currency of academia. There is always room for informed debate. But Tulane leaders have chosen to abandon the principles of knowledge, education, and the greater good in pursuit of their own narrow agenda.

The Banner sisters are concerned Terrells departure and the universitys focus on restricting the work of the law clinic will likely make collaborations harder going forward.

They're following their responsibility, they're following the mission of the organization, and answering our call for help, and then now they're getting slammed for it, Joy Banner said. The foundation the Tulane Environmental Law Clinic has already built, they cant tear that down. No one has questioned her findings. No one has questioned her assumptions. The only thing that they have said is: The truth is creating problems for us.
TUNIS (Reuters) -A Tunisian court sentenced Abir Moussi, a prominent opponent of Tunisian President Kais Saied, to two years in prison on Thursday for criticizing the electoral commission, her lawyer told Reuters.

Moussi, the leader of the Free Constitutional Party, has been imprisoned since 2023, after police arrested her at the presidential palace entrance on suspicion of assault intended to cause chaos, in what critics say was part of a crackdown on opposition politicians.

(Reporting by Tarek AmaraEditing by Alexandra Hudson)
Two men who allegedly stole excavators, generators, and other heavy equipment were arrested and booked into the Lewis County Jail, the Centralia Police Department (CPD) said in a release.

One of the men, 45-year-old Jonathan E. Dalo, is accused of stealing and reselling heavy equipment across multiple Washington counties over the last seven years, CPD said.

Centralia Police highlight a recent case that led to Dalos arrest where an excavator valued at around $92,000 was reported stolen from a job site in Lewis County on January 26.

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CPD obtained surveillance video from a local business which showed a green Ford Super Duty pickup towing the stolen excavator, according to police.

When police went to search the address associated with the truck on February 2 near Tennessee Road in Winlock, officers saw the truck arrive and immediately tried to drive away, the release said.

Police say they were able to intercept the truck and arrest Dalo who was behind the wheel of the Ford pickup.

According CPD, Dalo admitted to stealing the excavator and police found he was directly linked to the theft of other heavy equipment over the last seven years with a combined value of about $615,000.

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Police named another man, 49-year-old Brandon L. Moore, as a co-conspirator linked to Dalo. The two allegedly worked together to steal and re-sell the equipment between Lewis, Thurston, Cowlitz, and Clark Counties, CPD said.

Delo and Moore were booked into the Lewis County Jail on April 15 charged with theft, trafficking of stolen property, and Moore was also charged with leading organized crime, Centralia Police said.
GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Two men were arrested recently after being charged with a Gastonia hotel shooting that resulted in the death of an unborn child.

According to the Gastonia Police Department, the shooting occurred on March 20 at an Econo Lodge on Broadcast Street. Three people were reportedly shot, including a juvenile female who was pregnant; the unborn baby did not survive.

On Thursday, police announced the arrests of Trinity Hopper (June 4, Gastonia) and Jadedics Black (June 12, Gaffney, South Carolina), both 24, in connection to the shooting. Both suspects are being charged with three counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill that resulted in the death of an unborn child.

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At the moment, police say the circumstances of the shooting are still under investigation. The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested Black at another Econo Lodge motel in Gaffney.

Hopper is scheduled to appear in court June 26.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
This column first appeared in The Amendment, a biweekly newsletter by Errin Haines, The 19ths editor-at-large. Subscribe today to get early access to her analysis.

On two separate coasts this week, Donald Trump is wielding the military as a signal of his dominance and a hypermasculine display of leadership that is at odds with how many Americans think of the role of a commander-in-chief in a civilian-led democracy.

In Los Angeles, Trump has deployed thousands of members of the National Guard in an outsized response to protesters who took to the streets to oppose his immigration crackdown in the city. This was over the objections and without the cooperation of Californias governor, in the absence of a national emergency. There were incidents of violence, but the protests were overwhelmingly peaceful and in response to the administrations own actions in sweeping up immigrants who were working, not specifically targeting violent criminals.

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In Washington, dozens of tanks, thousands of soldiers, a parachute team and more than 50 types of aircraft will descend Saturday in a military parade to celebrate the Armys 250th anniversary  a celebration that, coincidentally, falls on Trumps 79th birthday.

Both scenes are the latest in Trumps reality show presidency, where strength and power are defined by a public and excessive show of force and pageantry is a means of reinforcing control.

For Trump, the military is the ultimate masculine accessory, said presidential historian Alexis Coe.

Historically, war-making was seen as the most masculine presidential duty, Coe said.

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What if the country isnt at war, and the threat doesnt rise to the level of crisis? For this president, patriotism still needs to be performed  and the perception, not reality, is the point.

But many Americans are also exercising their power in this moment. Its a reminder that military might isnt the only definition of strength, particularly in a democracy.

The last time an American president deployed the National Guard without a governors permission was 60 years ago. Then, it was to protect the civil and First Amendment rights of Black citizens in Alabama peacefully marching from Selma to Montgomery pushing for voting rights and a freer and fairer America. Now, it is a presidents actions that are raising questions about whose freedoms and rights matter in a democracy.

Unlike then-President Lyndon Johnsons actions in Selma, Trumps use of the military in Los Angeles is a counter to the protesters attempting to protect rights, said Maya Wiley, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Hes protecting the rights of armed law enforcement  not protesters or immigrants as his government faces rebukes in court for ignoring constitutionally-guaranteed due process rights.

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It demonstrates that he can use his military as law enforcement, which is the ultimate strongman stereotype, Wiley said. Its intended to say, I dominate you and the people you elected to office to enforce public safety and I can take their power. It suggests that what power is, is hurting people.

Protesters confront California National Guard and police outside of a federal building in Los Angeles on June 9, 2025 in Los Angeles. (David McNew/Getty Images)

Trump villainized protesters as a threat to his authority in his first term, from Charlottesville to the racial reckoning of 2020. He has suggested shooting protesters in Washington, to the alarm of military officials in his administration. But guardrails in official Washington seem to be largely gone: His current defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has deployed 700 active duty Marines to Los Angeles and is backing Trumps decision to send troops to any American city to enforce his immigration policy.

This weeks two-part performance points back to the administrations larger project of the erasure and exclusion of marginalized people in Trumps America. The president took office decrying diversity in the military and nominated a defense secretary who pledged to eliminate wokeness from the countrys armed forces. The administration has attempted to ban transgender troops, ended programs to boost womens leadership and participation in the national security sector, erased references to the historical contributions of women, Black and Hispanic Americans from military websites and banned books in military libraries they deemed as promoting anti-racism.

Trump has long coveted a large-scale military parade  he openly lobbied for one after attending Frances Bastille Day festivities in 2017  but such events are rare as displays of democracy and more common in authoritarian-led countries like China, North Korea and Russia.

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Trump, who has not served in the military, sees himself in the mold of former presidents like Andrew Jackson, who built his presidency and reputation as a military hero who would crush his opposition, or Teddy Roosevelt, who served in the Army Reserves, and his speak softly and carry a big stick mantra. (Even if the first part of that mantra clearly holds less resonance.)

Its worth noting that the leaders he admires, here and abroad, are men.

This kind of performative force has always targeted anyone challenging traditional power structures, Coe said. Its not always deployed by men, but in America, it seems to be.

The Washington Monument is visible as U.S. Army soldiers work on an assortment of M1 Alpha a3 Abrams tanks, stryker armored vehicles, and M2 Bradley fighting vehicles at West Potomac Park along the Potomac River on June 11, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Coe said Trumps style of leadership is less like that of many of his predecessors and more like those she has studied in fascist history.

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He rules by spectacle. He speaks mostly of intimidation. He equates dissent with insurrection, Coe said.

Trump is always going to see how far a president can stretch power in order to transform the office into that of an authoritarian  and that depends on weaponizing fear.

Amid Trumps show of force, Americans have taken to the streets to send a message that this is a moment they neither recognize or accept.

As the military occupation of Los Angeles continues, protests have spread to cities including Chicago, Washington, San Francisco, New York and Austin. On Saturday, millions of Americans in more than 1,500 cities nationwide are expected to join the No Kings protests in opposition to Trumps military parade.

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Many in the crowds will likely be people who have historically been marginalized in our democracy, raising their voices in support of the vulnerable being targeted by the administration. Collectively, theirs will be a different public display of strength.

Much of the events of the first five months of Trumps second presidency have reinforced who he is, as he has attacked American institutions, values and norms. The current moment is another opportunity for Americans to consider who we are.

The post On two coasts, a show of force  and a test of ours appeared first on The 19th.

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Three people  including two firefighters  were injured when a driver tried passing a vehicle on Interstate 91 in Hartford on Wednesday night and struck a fire truck that was blocking an exit ramp.

The collision occurred shortly before 11:50 p.m. on I-91 South at the Exit 32A-B off-ramp where the driver of a 2016 Acura TLX was in the exit lane and tried passing a 2020 Mazda CX-5 in the right lane prior to a lane closure, according to Connecticut State Police.

The Acura driver was going at a high rate of speed when he struck the driver side of a fire truck and then the passenger side of the Mazda, state police said. According to the Hartford Fire Department, the fire truck had responded at a single-vehicle crash. State police said fire crews were blocking the ramp.

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Fire officials said two firefighters were taken to a hospital to be evaluated for minor injuries. They were conscious and alert and were released by the morning, according to fire officials.

The driver of the Acura, a 22-year-old Davon Williams of Hartford, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Hartford Hospital, state police said. No other injuries were reported.

Williams was found at fault for the crash and was issued a misdemeanor summons on charges of reckless driving, driving to endanger, reckless endangerment, failure to slow down or move over for a stopped emergency vehicle and endangerment of a highway worker, according to state police. He is free on a $1,500 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on July 3.
Two women who were arrested for minor traffic violations and funneled into immigration detention  despite living here legally  have been released from ICE custody in Texas and are back with their families in Central Florida, attorneys announced Thursday.

Their situations  and, for now, the surprising resolution for each  underscore the confusion surrounding immigration enforcement in Central Florida and elsewhere. The Orlando Sentinel has previously reported that immigration arrests are surging in the region, far outstripping previous annual totals less than halfway through 2025.

One of the women who appeared at a Thursday press conference, Jennifer Rodriguez, was arrested in Polk County in March for failing to appear in court on a charge of driving without a license. The charge was eventually dropped, but she was still held in the Osceola County jail on an immigration detainer, said Phillip Arroyo, an attorney hired to represent her.

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Soon after, federal authorities moved her to a detention center in Texas for roughly two months ahead of potential deportation to her native Colombia. Ultimately, she was released and returned to Central Florida on June 3.

She has no criminal record, she paid taxes, she had a valid drivers license, Arroyo said at a news conference in Orlando Thursday. Yet that wasnt enough for ICE.

Rodriguez has an active asylum application, social security number, work permit and drivers license, Arroyo said.

She had all of her papers in place, he said.

Rodriguez appeared at the news conference with her husband and three children. Her daughter Maria said their time apart was tough, as they feared their mother would be deported to Colombia. They talked by phone often and she said her mothers health worsened in the facility.

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This was a very hard process, Maria Rodriguez said. Our life in Colombia is not the best right now, thats why we were worried about it.

Another woman, Fabiola Flores, was charged in Orange County for driving with a suspended license after being pulled over in Maitland on April 3. Arroyo said she, too, was transferred to an ICE detention facility in Texas without family or her legal team being informed.

Flores was pulled over by a Maitland Police officer on State Road 414 near Hope Road after the officer reported seeing a Hyundai being driven after 8 p.m. without headlights or tail lights turned on. The agency ran her information and found her license to be suspended. She also was in the United States seeking asylum, though the attorneys did not provide more details. Her husband and son are U.S. Citizens.

Flores held her young son as she thanked her legal team for sparing her from deportation to Venezuela.

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They did everything in their power to resolve it as quickly as possible, but of course, during that situation nothing can be done quickly, she said.

Phillip Arroyo said he was expecting a third client to return to Central Florida soon, after being granted bond by an immigration judge. His identity and the circumstances of his arrest are unclear  though the law firm said the man also was lawfully allowed to be here.

The firm added that none of the three people had prior convictions that would allow for immigration detention.

These cases come as immigration arrests are surging across Central Florida.

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Across Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties combined, local authorities have seen 1,796 people processed with ICE detainers so far this year, with 1,485 turned over to federal authorities, according to data obtained by the Orlando Sentinel.

An Orange County official told a state immigration panel that he feared if the spike continues, the county jail could reach maximum capacity.

But the Trump Administration is urging immigration authorities to ramp up efforts, seeking to arrest 3,000 people per day  and increase that quota even further over time.

While the administration has said its going after the worst of the worst undocumented immigrants, data compiled by the Sentinel shows less than 20% of those arrested on local charges in Central Florida face felony charges.

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Josephine Arroyo, a law partner with the firm, contended that the cases discussed Thursday were evidence that more people than just violent criminals were being roped into the system and pressured to self-deport in detention.

This is why its so important for immigrants and their families to remain vigilant  even with the proper documents in hand, youre not automatically protected from detention if you come into contact with the criminal legal system, she said.

rygillespie@orlandosentinel.com
DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A man was charged after a high-speed chase in Dauphin County last week ended in a serious crash, charging documents show.

Marquise Howard, 30, of Philadelphia, and an occupant of a second vehicle, were taken to Penn State Hershey, while a dog that was found in Howards vehicle was taken to Shores Animal Hospital for evaluation, according to a criminal complaint filed by Lower Paxton Township Police.

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After pulling over Howard on June 5 just before 2:30 a.m., for allegedly running a red light, police said Howard fled at a high rate of speed throughout Lower Paxton Township.

During the pursuit, police said Howard went the wrong way on S. Houcks Road before he eventually got onto Jonestown Road, weaving between vehicles during the chase.

The complaint states that Howard crashed into another vehicle while he was going faster than 100mph when he tried to go through the intersection of Jonestown Road and Colonial Road, where police noted there was a steady red light at the time.

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AEDs stolen from York County ambulance company

Police mentioned in the complaint that Howard had an ignition interlock Pennsylvania license, but officers did not find one inside his vehicle. Howard has an extensive criminal history with convictions of assaults, drugs and fleeing and eluding, police noted in the charging docs.

He faces felony charges of fleeing or eluding an officer and aggravated assault by vehicle. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty and summary charges of traffic violations.

Howard was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Wendy Grella, who released him on unsecured bail set at $50,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 7.

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For a generation, the promotion of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a core pillar of U.S. policy in the Middle East.

But ahead of a major United Nations conference on how to advance that solution, some are asking if Washington is eyeing a change.

On June 10, 2025, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, stated in an interview to Bloomberg that he opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state at this time, noting that unless there are some significant things that happen that change the [Palestinian] culture, there is no room for it. He added that those changes are not likely to occur in our lifetime.

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Asked if the establishment of a Palestinian state is still the goal of U.S. policy, Huckabee replied, I dont think so. He went on to mull the carving out of land from a Muslim-majority country for Palestinians, rather than a future homeland for them coming from the area currently controlled by Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.

The comments by Huckabee, a Donald Trump political appointee and ardent pro-Israel Evangelical Christian, have been interpreted as a signal that the Trump administration is potentially breaking away from long-standing U.S. policy. Adding credence to that view has been the administrations antipathy toward the U.N. conference on the two-state solution, due to convene in New York from June 17-20.

As a 25-year veteran of the Israeli Foreign Service who served in the embassy in Washington twice, I know that such a turn in U.S. policy is possible. But it is not without difficulties, as the Trump administration will need to present an alternative plan for resolving the conflict.

President Trump has recently shown he is prepared to break with long-standing U.S policies, as was the case in his decision to lift sanctions on Syria and meet with the countrys interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa  to the great surprise of many. But calling it quits on the two-state solution is different  it could lead to the further destabilization of an already unstable region.

What is the two-state solution?

For the past quarter-century, U.S. policy  endorsed by Republican and Democratic administrations alike  has advocated for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the advancement of a two-state solution. In practical terms, this means the establishment of a Palestinian state encompassing the Palestinian people currently living in the occupied West Bank and possibly the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, alongside the state of Israel.

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The idea that these two coexisting states could provide a permanent end to the conflict formally came to prominence in June 2002 as part of the Road Map to Peace for the Middle East Conflict announced by U.S. President George W. Bush and adopted by the International Quartet on the Middle East, comprising the U.S., Russia, European Union and the U.N.

U.S. President George W. Bush, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, left, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Aqaba, Jordan, in June 2003. Hussein Malla/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama took active steps to advance the two-state solution, including direct involvement in negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.

And in his first term, Trump presented his own plan, which he called the Deal of the Century. With the subheading a realistic two-state solution, it laid out a path to Palestinian statehood if the Palestinians political leadership met a set of benchmarks.

President Joe Biden continuously raised the two-state solution as the most viable way to resolve the conflict  even after the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas and the war subsequently launched by Israel in Gaza.

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But for years, international observers have worried about the viability of the two-state solution in the face of opposition from right-wing Israeli governments, continued Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank, and weak and divided Palestinian leadership and polity. Yet the alternatives  including continued Israeli occupation, a one-state solution or a confederation with Jordan  are viewed as less viable options.

Galvanizing support behind statehood

For these reasons, the two-state solution remains the most acceptable formula to much of the international community.

Member states of the European Union, Arab countries, as well as most countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa, have been advocating for decades for the implementation of the two-state solution and have incorporated it into their foreign policies.

The upcoming U.N. conference in New York, to be chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, intends to underscore the importance of getting to a two-state outcome.

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While there is no real expectation the conference will lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state anytime soon, it aims to galvanize international support for the concept of Palestinian statehood.

Huckabees comments were made in the context of the U.N. conference. And they are of no real surprise: Huckabees personal views on the subject are very well known.

But the former Arkansas governor is now the United States representative in Israel, and that gives his words weight.

Warning or notice of intent?

While there was wide speculation that the comments reflect a change in U.S. policy, the Trump administration did not rush to endorse them  but nor did it distance itself from Huckabees words.

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As the war in Gaza continues, there is a growing realization among leading Republicans as well as mainstream Democrats in the U.S. that talk of advancing the two-state solution is premature if not unrealistic at present, especially taking into account the stern opposition of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus nationalist-religious government.

But that does not suggest the Trump administration has necessarily steered away from this option for the future.

Rather, it could be that the U.S. administration has calculated that as it devotes efforts to ending the war in Gaza, at least temporarily, and securing the release of the remaining Israeli hostages being held, talk of a two-state solution now is counterproductive to its efforts.

And Huckabees comments may be aimed more at those delegates shortly arriving in New York for the U.N. summit, serving as a warning rather than a notice of intent.

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In a cable sent from the State Department to U.S. embassies around the world, American diplomats were reportedly asked to discourage countries from participating in the conference  not because the U.S. is disowning the two-state solution, but rather because the administration believes the conference may undermine its current efforts.

The cable stated that the U.S. opposes any steps that unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state, which it feels adds significant legal and political obstacles to the eventual resolution of the conflict.

The wording was not coincidental. U.S. policy has been consistent over the years in stating that any resolution of the conflict should be reached through negotiations between the main parties  the Israeli government and Palestinian representatives  which need to refrain from taking any unilateral steps.

A man walks in front of a sign with portraits of U.S. President Donald Trump and Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee in central Jerusalem on May 7, 2025. Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images

Getting ahead of policy

Notwithstanding all this, Huckabees comments were not made in a vacuum.

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While the U.S. administration has not formally moved away from the two-state formula, there is a growing number of conservatives in Congress, as well as in the Washington think-tank community, that see an opportunity to bring a change in U.S. policy in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks.

In his first term, Trump was relatively tepid in his approach. So far in his second term, he has given little sign of where he stands on the issue. Huckabees comments, in this regard, may have been a subtle nudge  with the ambassador getting ahead of where he hopes policy is heading.

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: Dan Arbell, American University

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Dan Arbell 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.
MOSCOW (Reuters) -Lynne Tracy, the U.S. ambassador to Russia, will soon leave her post, her embassy said on Thursday, after serving through one of the most tense and difficult periods in relations between Moscow and Washington.

Tracy, a career diplomat, arrived in Moscow in January 2023 and was greeted by protesters chanting anti-U.S. slogans when she went to the Foreign Ministry to present her credentials. Russia had questioned her suitability for the post, suggesting she might feel more at home in a hawkish think-tank.

Her term was dominated by the Ukraine war, which plunged U.S.-Russia ties to a level described by the Kremlin last year as "below zero".

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She was notably involved in efforts to win the release of U.S. citizens jailed in Russia including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former marine Paul Whelan, who were eventually freed in August 2024 as part of a big East-West prisoner swap.

Since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, Russia and the U.S. have launched a series of contacts aimed at improving relations. Russia's new ambassador to Washington, Alexander Darchiev, formally presented his credentials to Trump on Wednesday.

Both sides say there is huge potential for business and investment deals if relations improve, though Trump has voiced frustration about Russia's war actions in Ukraine and the lack of any visible progress towards a peace deal.

Tracy's tenure is likely to be similar in duration to her predecessor, John Sullivan, who served as ambassador for two years and seven months from February 2020 to September 2022.

Reuters could not immediately reach the U.S. embassy in Moscow for additional comment.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Alexander Marrow and Mark Trevelyan)
U.S. Army soldiers work on an assortment of M1 Alpha a3 Abrams tanks, stryker armored vehicles, and M2 Bradley fighting vehicles at West Potomac Park along the Potomac River on June 11, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Tanks and other heavy military equipment have arrived in the nation's capital for a military parade in honor of the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, which coincides with President Donald Trump's birthday and Flag Day. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Although the vast majority of attention has been directed towards Washington D.C. for the upcoming weekend, the Philadelphia region will be hosting a three-day celebration to mark the U.S. Armys 250th birthday.

The Army was founded in Philadelphia.

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Erica Liermann, a retired U.S. Army staff sergeant, is the director of Marketing and Communications for the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Penn and Franklin Chapters, a non-profit organization.

She said that the weekend is an opportunity to celebrate our heritage and focus on the history that the city has to offer.

This event is not political, Liermann said during a joint informational meeting of the state House and Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness committees.

The gathering kicks off on Friday afternoon in Valley Forge and includes a guided tour of the Washington Memorial Chapel, a Medal of Honor Grove tour and wreath laying ceremony. Both are free and open to the public. The final event of the evening will be a cocktail reception that is a ticketed event.

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The bulk of the celebration will take place on Saturday in Philadelphia. It begins in the morning with an opening ceremony at Independence Mall that includes a flag-raising ceremony, the national anthem, and remarks from elected officials and military leaders.

A brief military and civilian parade will be held in the early afternoon that features service members, veteran groups, re-enactors, marching bands, and SOCOM Para-Commando Parachute Demonstration. An enlistment ceremony will take place later in the afternoon that will feature 250 new soldiers taking their oath, followed by an Army Field Band Concert.

We are just turning the city into a party hall, Liermann said. We want everyone to consider everybody family. Everyone is welcome to join, to bring anybody.

Liermann emphasized that these events, which are free and open to the public, will be family friendly and include rock walls. She also said there will be military and armored vehicles on display, although they will not be rolling down the street.

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On Saturday evening, an invitation-only gathering will take place at the 1st City Troop Armory in Philadelphia.

The events wrap up on Sunday morning in Philadelphia with a church service at Christ Church, which will include remarks from the former Under Secretary of the U.S. Army Patrick Murphy, who represented a Bucks County-based district in the U.S. House from 2007-2011. Following mass, there will be a George Washington Commissioning Reenactment on the north side of Independence Hall, a procession to Washington Square, a wreath laying ceremony, and final words to mark the weekend long celebration. All of these events on Sunday are free and open to the public.

Thomas Long is a retired U.S. Army sergeant and organizer for GoArmy250, the group planning the event. He said the celebration is going to be monumental.

The birthplace of the Army, the birthplace of the Navy, and the birthplace of the Marines are here, the same birthplace as the nation, but we came first, he said.

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Long, a disabled veteran, noted that Saturday is also Flag Day and Philadelphia will host the Navy and Marines 250th birthday celebrations later this year in the fall.

Earlier in the week, state Sen. Doug Mastriano, chairman of the Senate Veterans and Emergency Preparedness Committee and a retired U.S. Army colonel, held an event in Harrisburg honoring the U.S. Armys anniversary. The state House also unanimously adopted a resolution sponsored by state Rep. Jim Haddock (D-Luzerne), designating June 14, 2025, as the 250th Birthday of the United States Army in the state.

In central Pennsylvania, the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center in Carlisle is opening its new exhibit on Saturday This Well Defend: Celebrating 250 years of Army History. A spokesperson told the Capital-Star that this museum is free of charge and open to the public.
As the summer tourist season heats up, the United States Department of State has warned Americans from traveling to one country in the Middle East altogether.

In a Level 4 travel advisory  the most severe category  the State Department warned American citizens not to travel to Iraq "for any reason," citing a number of safety concerns.

"Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the U.S. governments limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq. Do not travel to Iraq for any reason," the travel warning stated on Wednesday, June 11.

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The latest travel advisory, issued on Wednesday, June 11, comes after the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel due to heightened regional tensions, signaling just how dangerous it has become in Iraq, even for diplomats.

"U.S. citizens in Iraq face high risks, including violence and kidnapping. Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies. Attacks using improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles occur in many areas, including major cities. The Department of State requires U.S. government personnel in Iraq to live and work under strict security due to serious threats," the travel advisory continued.

The advisory noted that U.S. government personnel in Baghdad are even prohibited from using Baghdad International Airport due to safety concerns.

The State Department issued a number of rather ominous warnings and suggestions for anyone who does ignore the travel advisory and visit Iraq, anyway.

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Establish a personal security plan in coordination with your employer or host organization or consider consulting with a professional security organization.

Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.

Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them for identification purposes.

Have departure plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.

Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.

Share important documents, login information, and points of contact with loved ones so that they can manage your affairs if you are unable to return to the United States as planned.

Needless to say, Iraq should not be in your immediate travel plans.

U.S. Issues Level 4 Travel Warning For Iraq first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 12, 2025
The U.S. Department of State has already issued a plethora of travel advisories over the past month. The latest country to receive a warning is none other than Canada.

A travel advisory shares the risks and recommended precautions for U.S. citizens in a foreign destination. The U.S. Department of State has "no higher priority" than keeping Americans safe and secure overseas. With that said, Poland, Qatar and Thailand were the first three countries to receive a travel warning in June.

"The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for the region, including Qatar," the U.S. government's advisory for Qatar states. "This is due to risks to civil aviation from political and military tensions in the region. The notice advises U.S. operators to review current threat information and to report safety or security incidents. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration."

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On June 11, the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 1 travel advisory for Canada. It's still considered a "safe destination," which means travelers should exercise normal precautions.

U.S. citizens traveling to Canada this summer are advised to do the following:

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive messages and Alerts from the U.S. Embassy and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Review the Country Security Report for Canada.

Prepare a plan for emergency situations.

Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.

Canada has been dealing with wildfire season, as well.

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"In Canada, wildfires are common in forested and grassland regions from May to September. In 2024, Canada was affected by record-breaking wildfires affecting all 13 provinces and territories. We urge U.S. citizens visiting or living in Canada to be aware of wildfire conditions in their area and follow guidance from local authorities. Please see the list of resources and emergency services below to help prepare for wildfire season in Canada," the alert states.

The U.S. State Department is recommending the following actions for anyone traveling to Canada:

Dial 911 for immediate assistance from police, ambulance, or fire services in Canada

Review the Crisis and Disaster Abroad page, which urges travellers to stock up on essentials, keep key documents handy, and make an emergency planincluding for pets and communication. Stay aware of local risks (like storms or other disasters), follow official guidance, and sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updates

Follow the government of Canadas guidance on what to do before, during, and after a wildfire

Review the government of Canadas coordinated Wildfire page for information on the emergency response, support, and health measures for current wildfire events across Canada

Review the Country Security Report for Canada

Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel and return to the United States.

As of this Wednesday, the U.S. Department of State has not issued a Level 4 advisory since May 14. American citizens are being told to avoid Somalia at all costs due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and other concerns.

The full list of travel advisories can be viewed here.

U.S. Issues Official Travel 'Warning' for Canada first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 11, 2025
A United States deputy marshal was briefly and wrongly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the lobby of a federal building housing an immigration court in Arizona, federal officials confirmed last week.

Its unclear exactly when the incident, which occurred in Tucson, happened, though citing multiple sources, the Arizona Daily Star reported it was sometime in late May.

The detainment was explained away as a case of mistaken identity, with officials at the U.S. Marshals Service saying in a statement that the deputy marshal fit the general description of a subject being sought by ICE.

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Neither the Marshals Service nor the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the agency that ICE operates under, identified the deputy marshal or the person they believed he was.

In reporting by NBC News, the deputy marshals identity was quickly backed up by fellow law enforcement officers. He was then released and left the building without further incident.

No details about how the brief detention unfolded, whether the deputy was cuffed or if there was any resistance on his part, were provided.

A chopper from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which ICE operates under, circling the skies near downtown L.A. amid anti-ICE protests on June 10, 2025. (KTLA)

The tactics used by federal immigration enforcement agents under the Trump Administration have come under increasing scrutiny and criticism.

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ICE agents have detained immigrants attending scheduled court appearances in federal buildings in Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and Phoenix, many of them with no criminal records, Reuters reported.

School district officials in both Los Angeles and Ventura counties say federal agents have been seen loitering around public schools, presumably waiting for undocumented parents and or children.

Man, 38, accused of spiking pregnant girlfriends drink with abortion drug

Local restaurants, Home Depot parking lots and other areas where many undocumented residents are working or looking for work have also been targeted.

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ICE raids in L.A. have led to widespread protests, some of which have devolved into violence, vandalism and looting, prompting the president to deploy 4,000 members of the National Guard and 700 U.S. Marines to the city, neither of which Gov. Gavin Newsom nor Mayor Karen Bass requested.

On Tuesday, Bass declared a local state of emergency in the city and placed a single square mile of downtown, where most of the illegal behavior has occurred since demonstrations began, under a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for at least the next several days.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
U.S. State Department helicopters fly over Baghdad toward the U.S. embassy headquarters in Iraq on December 13, 2024. Credit - Andrew Caballero-ReynoldsPOOL/AFP/Getty Images

Fears of an Israeli strike on Iran were mounting amid rising tensions in the Middle East that prompted the U.S. to move some of its nonmilitary personnel out of the region.

Asked on Thursday about reports of a possible Israeli strike on Iran, President Donald Trump told reporters, I dont want to say its imminent, but it looks like something that could well happen.

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The growing concerns of a strike, which threaten to spark a regional conflict, came amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran as the countries negotiations over a potential nuclear deal appear to have stalled. In a podcast released on Wednesday, Trump said that he was growing less confident about the possibility of reaching an agreement with Iran that would limit the countrys ability to develop nuclear weapons.

On Thursday, however, Trump described a deal with Iran as being fairly close and warned that an Israeli strike on the country could blow it.

As long as I think there will be an agreement, I dont want them going in, he told reporters.

Trump has previously threatened to bomb Iran if negotiations over its nuclear program fail, and Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said Wednesday that Iran would strike U.S. military bases in the region if talks fail and conflict with the U.S. escalates. Last month, Israel also reportedly began preparing potential strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

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Daniel Shapiro, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel during the Obama Administration and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East during the Biden Administration, told the Jerusalem Post on Wednesday that the Trump Administration appears to be taking some preparations for potential military action, possibly by Israel, against Iran. It does not necessarily mean anything is imminent, as it takes time to move U.S. personnel from their posts. There is also still time for progress in upcoming nuclear talks. But it shows it is possible, and the United States wants to reduce risk. That can be useful leverage in the talks.

The U.S. was planning to remove nonessential embassy staff from Iraq, as well as some of its other nonmilitary personnel in the region, amid the rising tensions, Trump said Wednesday evening.

They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and well see what happens, the President told reporters at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Weve given notice to move out.

In a statement, the State Department said: President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce our Mission in Iraq. U.S. staffers who are deemed nonessential will be removed from the embassy in Baghdad, the State Department told the Associated Press.

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American and Iraqi sources confirmed the news to Reuters, but the sources didnt share with the news outlet what security risks sparked the move or how many officials would be removed from the country.

Citing an unnamed government official, state-run Iraqi News Agency reported that the evacuations of nonessential U.S. government employees from Baghdad were procedures related to the U.S. diplomatic presence in a number of Middle Eastern countries and do not only concern Iraq. The Iraqi official also said that from their side, they have not recorded any security indicator that requires this evacuation.

The AP reported that the State Department was authorizing nonessential staffers and their families to depart Bahrain and Kuwait as well.

A statement from the U.S. Central Commandwhich oversees U.S. military activity in the Middle Eastsaid that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents across the region as the command is monitoring the developing tension and working with the State Department and allies to maintain a constant state of readiness.

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The safety and security of our service members and their families remains our highest priority, the statement said.

No troops in the Middle East were ordered to evacuate, U.S. defense officials told Fox News.

The Washington Post reported that all the departures from Iraq came after all embassies in striking distance of Iran, including some in Europe and North Africa, were ordered to convene emergency action committees and send cables back to Washington about the measures they are taking to mitigate risks.

When asked what could dial down tension in the region, Trump said Wednesday at the Kennedy Center: They cant have a nuclear weapon, were not going to allow that, in apparent reference to Iran.

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Trump on Thursday told reporters that he would love to avoid a conflict, but that Iran is going to have to be willing to give us some things that theyre not willing to give us right now.

CBS reported Wednesday that U.S. officials learned Israel was fully ready to launch an operation in Iran and that Iran could respond with attacks on U.S. sites in Iraq. NBC reported that Israel was considering military action against Iran and that it would be without U.S. support.

A U.K. maritime trade agency issued a public advisory on Wednesday, cautioning commercial vessels in the area. The agency said that it had been made aware of increased tensions within the region which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners.

Omans Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi confirmed on X that the next round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S. are scheduled for Sunday, in Omans capital Muscat, amid concerns of a postponement.

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Irans mission to the United Nations posted on X Wednesday that threats of overwhelming force wont change facts: Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and U.S. militarism only fuels instability.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
One year after U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales survived his Republican primary by fewer than 400 votes, another GOP challenger has emerged to target him in next years midterms.

Susan Storey Rubio, a rancher from Cotulla, launched her campaign for Gonzales 23rd Congressional District Thursday evening, attacking the Republican incumbent for not taking a hard enough line on border security and accusing him of making empty promises.

Shell put $350,000 of her own money into the race, according to a source close to the campaign.

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Tony Gonzales is a spineless moderate who didnt do a thing to stand up to Joe Biden and the Democrats and hasnt lifted a finger to help President Trump, Storey Rubio said in a news release first shared with The Texas Tribune ahead of her campaign rollout.

In a 2-minute launch video, Storey Rubio tags Gonzales, who was first elected in 2020, as a bureaucrat and a career politician.

Its time to round up the career politicians and deport them out of Washington, D.C., she says in the ad, which features a bus labeled ICE  referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement  parked in front of the nations Capitol.

Gonzales, a centrist from San Antonio and U.S. Navy veteran, ran his tightest race yet in 2024, when he won with just 50.6% of the vote in a primary runoff against YouTuber and pro-gun activist Brandon Herrera. It was Gonzales first primary cycle after the Texas GOP censured him for splitting with House Republicans on key votes, including his support for a bipartisan gun law in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting in his district.

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The race drew national attention, with feuding between Gonzales and the right flank of the Republican Party spilling into public. Then-U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Florida, and leaders of the hardline House Freedom Caucus endorsed Herrera. Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson endorsed Gonzales, with Johnson traveling to Texas to fundraise for him.

Gonzales outspent Herrera more than 2-to-1  but won their head-to-head runoff by only 354 votes.

Gonzales reported $1.9 million cash on hand at the end of the most recent campaign filing period, which ended in March.

Texas 23rd Congressional District stretches from San Antonio to the outskirts of El Paso, covering the largest stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border of any district in the nation.

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Republican Zeke Enriquez has already filed to run against Gonzales in the March primary. Democrat Santos Limon, who lost to Gonzales with 38% of the vote last November, will vie again for the Democratic nomination. Another Democrat, Peter White, has also filed.

The primary election is scheduled for March 3.

Big news: 20 more speakers join the TribFest lineup! New additions include Margaret Spellings, former U.S. secretary of education and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center; Michael Curry, former presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church; Beto ORourke, former U.S. Representative, D-El Paso; Joe Lonsdale, entrepreneur, founder and managing partner at 8VC; and Katie Phang, journalist and trial lawyer.

Get tickets.

TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
DENVER (KDVR)  The bargaining committee for Safeway and Albertsons Company union workers in Colorado decided Wednesday to terminate their current contract extension, allowing a strike as early as Sunday morning.

The move comes on the heels of UFCW Local 7 union members overwhelmingly voting to approve strike action for unfair labor practices, with union members repeatedly noting chronic understaffing at stores.

Safeway, Albertsons employees vote to strike as King Soopers negotiations stagnate

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The union says that Safeway and Albertsons are holding hands with King Soopers to try and cut workers healthcare benefits, saying earlier this week that the company is backtracking on an agreement for retroactive pay and benefit increases, which the labor union cited as an unfair labor practice.

We took this decision very seriously and concluded that after so many months of bargaining, Safeway/Albertsons was giving us no choice but to further escalate our contract campaign, said Ivan Lopez, a Safeway distribution center worker in Denver. His comments were provided in a union press release.

Wed been clear since last fall that we needed them to address staffing, poverty-level wages, and ensure that workers health and pension benefits remain fully funded, Lopez continued. Unfortunately, the company responded with unfair labor practices like refusing to negotiate fairly and threatening workers. The Company was unwilling to reach a compromise, so the countdown will now begin towards a potential unfair labor practice strike.

The contract extension agreement had a 72-hour notice requirement before it could be terminated, and that notice was given Wednesday at 7:24 p.m. That means there are three days until there is no contract in place and a strike could begin.

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No official strike date has been set.

For months now, Safeway/Albertsons have been holding hands with their supposed competitor King Soopers and City Market by proposing workers take concessions on healthcare and retirement, while continuing to refuse to take meaningful steps to address chronic understaffing in grocery stores. These companies are even proposing to take benefits from retirees on fixed incomes. Workers have seen the billions of dollars in stock buybacks these two mega corporations have authorized in recent months on the back of record profits. These companies can afford to do better, said Kim Cordova, President of UFCW Local 7, in the unions announcement Wednesday.

The union has repeatedly said that Colorado grocery stores are chronically understaffed, and said that it has created an environment wherein workers cannot feed their families, but also impacts consumers. Recently, a report detailed deceptive pricing practices in grocery stores across the U.S.

Earlier this year, workers at King Soopers went on strike for unfair labor practices that lasted for 10 days. The union said it is pressuring both Safeway/Albertsons and King Soopers to address chronic understaffing, remove two-tier discrimination on vacation from the contract and address the night premium, which the union says has fallen below the rest of the Colorado job market.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The citys powerful teachers union is endorsing Council member Keith Powers in the race for Manhattan borough president  even though it endorsed his opponent for the seat the last time around.

The United Federation of Teachers, which boasts nearly 200,000 members, threw its weight behind State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigals unsuccessful bid for borough president in the 2021 race.

For years, Council member Powers has been a champion for our public schools and a relentless advocate for the needs of our educators, Michael Mulgrew, the unions president, said in a statement. As borough president, hell make government work for students and fight to ensure that our schools have the resources they need to thrive.

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Powers hailed the endorsement, saying that as B.P. he would work to shrink class sizes and secure higher pay for teachers.

Im extremely proud to be endorsed by UFT, which advocates for nearly 200,000 members across New York City, Powers said. Ill never stop fighting for our students and families.

Mark Levine, the current borough president, is running for city comptroller.

Powers has previously collected the endorsements of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, service workers union 32BJ and DC 37, the citys largest municipal public employee union. Hoylman-Sigal has nabbed the endorsement of healthcare workers union 1199.
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain is monitoring the situation in the Middle East but has no update on staffing in the region, a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Thursday after the United States announced it was moving some personnel due to security concerns.

"The safety of our staff is clearly our top priority so we are monitoring the situation closely but I don't have an update ... in terms of any partial evacuation or otherwise of our own embassies," the spokesperson told reporters.

(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill, writing by Elizabeth Piper, editing by William James)
Overnight Russian drone attacks injured 15 people, including four children, in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, regional military governor Oleh Syniehubov reported via Telegram on Thursday.

The entire Kharkiv region, which lies directly on the border with Russia, was attacked with dozens of drones and glide bombs, Syniehubov said.

"Civil infrastructure was damaged and destroyed," he said. In Kharkiv, 11 residential blocks, numerous cars and two schools were damaged, he said.

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The strikes reportedly targeted nine locations across the region, leaving a total of 16 people injured.

The Kharkiv region has been the focus of sustained attacks in recent days, resulting in casualties and widespread damage.

Elsewhere in the country, the civil protection authorities in the southern Odessa region said a major fire destroyed warehouses. There were no injuries reported.

Ukraine has been warding off Russian forces since a full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Editor's note: The story is being updated.

Ukraine has brought home another group of service members from Russian captivity, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on June 12, saying the latest exchange focused on "severely wounded and seriously ill warriors."

The prisoners of war (POWs) were released as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia agreed upon during recent peace talks in Istanbul, Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of the POWs said.

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The June 12 release follows a similar exchange on June 10, which also prioritized severely injured and ill captives. As during the previous swap, the number of personnel released was not immediately disclosed.

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Russia's Defense Ministry has also announced that its soldiers had been released from Ukrainian captivity as part of the swap, without disclosing their numbers.

Some of the POWs had been held by Russia for more than three years, according to the headquarters. Many of the released defenders had been classified as missing in action.

"This is part of a major exchange that continues in phases," the headquarters said in a statement. "These soldiers require urgent medical care and will receive full assistance, including psychological rehabilitation and financial compensation for their time in captivity."

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Soldiers from multiple Ukrainian military branches, including the Armed Forces, Air Assault Forces, Navy, Air Force, Territorial Defense Forces, National Guard, Border Guard Service, and the State Special Transport Service, were freed in the exchange. Many had served in combat operations across Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

The Istanbul deal was reached during a second round of direct talks between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations on June 2. While no political breakthrough was achieved, both sides agreed to a phased exchange of prisoners and the repatriation of fallen soldiers remains.

As part of that agreement, Russia pledged to return the bodies of up to 6,000 Ukrainian service members.

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Ukraine has brought back the bodies of 1,212 fallen service members on June 11. Vladimir Medinsky, aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, claimed Ukraine released the remains of 27 Russian service members, while Kyiv did not confirm this.

The recent prisoner swap comes weeks after the largest such exchange of the war to date, which took place between May 23 and 25, with each side releasing 1,000 captives. Since Russia's full-scale invasion began, more than 5,000 Ukrainian POWs have been returned home, according to official figures.

Ukraine continues to push for an "all-for-all" formula to bring every captured Ukrainian soldier back, but Moscow has so far rejected such a comprehensive agreement. Meanwhile, the Coordination Headquarters said preparations are underway for the next phase of exchanges in the coming weeks.

Read also: Ukraine, Russia conduct second prisoner swap under Istanbul deal

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
While Wednesday's agenda for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission didn't include an update on the wolf program, that didn't stop commissioners from bringing up the most recent rash of problems from reintroducing the apex predators.

The conversation that followed showed the frustration commissioners are experiencing over the wolf reintroduction program, the public feedback and media scrutiny.

One commissioner, who is also a cattle rancher, called the relocation of the Copper Creek wolf pack into his county a "mistake."

It started when Commissioner Marie Haskett of Meeker said she was glad not to see wolves on the commission's agenda Wednesday. But, she added, "I feel like wolves have taken over this agency and we're not getting the business done at this commission for all the other species that we manage."

Haskett wondered whether the wolves brought to Colorado from British Columbia were trying to return home, referring to two wolves that had traveled into Wyoming. The latest group appears to be wandering a lot more than the first group from Oregon, she noted.

Two of the British Columbia wolves died in Wyoming during the spring. One was killed by U.S. Fish & Wildlife after multiple attacks on sheep; no cause of death was announced for the second wolf.

The recent death of the fifth British Columbia wolf, out of 15 brought to Colorado, is also raising questions about the success of the program.

The wolf management plan calls for an evaluation of the "short-term success of wolf reintroduction efforts," and among the criteria is a survival rate of less than 70%, which would initiate a protocol review.

State wildlife director Jeff Davis noted that, with the death of the fifth wolf, the survival rate, at 67%, has now dropped below the 70% trigger.

The agency will examine the causes of mortality for the three Canadian wolves  for which necropsies are being conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife. Davis said officials are looking for any aspect of the "translocation protocol" that could be modified to prevent the same trend from occurring in the next round of translocations.

The wildlife agency has not yet announced where it will obtain the next group of wolves or when. Lawmakers at the state Capitol have made it clear they want to see the non-lethal deterrents program fully operational before any more wolves are brought to Colorado, and they have threatened to hold up future relocation funding if that doesn't happen.

The British Columbia wolves, along with the surviving female and four yearling wolves from the Copper Creek pack, were all dropped in Eagle and Pitkin County in January.

Over Memorial Day weekend, wolves attacked at least three livestock herds in Pitkin County, and the state agency shot and killed one of the yearling wolves from the Copper Creek pack for repeated attacks on livestock, in hopes it would impact the behavior of the rest of the pack.

That's not good enough for Commissioner Tai Jacober, a Pitkin County rancher whose neighbors are now dealing with wolf attacks. Jacober has been criticized in the past by ranchers for failing to stand up for production agriculture on the wolf issue.

His comments on Wednesday were markedly different.

"It's been quite ugly," Jacober told fellow commissioners. "We went against our management plan, captured the wolves, went further against the management plan, re-released the wolves, and here we are today," he said.

This is not only a "blunder" for the agency, it's also blunder for the wolves and it's been difficult for the ranchers, he said.

"We need to be accountable for a mistake that we've made by putting this depredating pack back on the landscape, and make a quick, fast discussion about how to move forward with clearly, unfortunately, a bad pack of animals. And I think that if we don't deal with a chronic depredating pack, it's just going to continue to kind of rub on all of us and on the program and make it unsuccessful," he said.

"We have an opportunity with a lot of wolves out on the landscape that aren't causing problems. But we went against what we said we were gonna do, and here we are facing problems," he said.

Biologically, this isn't challenging, Davis responded. It's a social evolution factor, he said. The state wildlife agency can hear from other states with an abundance of wolves, but "there's no 'on-off switch' for the social component of wolves on the landscape," he said.

He said the movement of the Copper Creek pack is being monitored daily, and the agency will act as necessary according to the plan.

Commission Chair Dallas May of Lamar also expressed concerns. A year ago, the problems were in Grand County, with criticisms from the pro-wolf community that ranchers weren't utilizing all the available tools.

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Today, ranchers are using every non-lethal tool available, May said, including cleaning out carcass pits when possible. He questioned how well the new range rider program is working and asked whether range riders are acting as a buffer between the wolves in Pitkin County and the livestock. May also noted that CPW has been feeding wild game, including "roadkill," to the wolves.

"It seems like we're right back in the same place where we were a year ago," May said.

Davis pushed back, stating he believes they aren't even close to the problems of a year ago because of the non-lethal programs.

The "diversionary feeding" is something CPW learned from their counterparts in other states, Davis said.

"This is the most monitored group of animals that I've ever seen, and we will react promptly when we see evidence of behaviors that are not going to be tolerated," he said.

Travis Black, the northwest regional manager for CPW, said there are two range riders near the Copper Creek pack, one specifically assigned to monitor the group.

Jacober acknowledged the range rider and other non-lethal techniques, but, he insisted, "the perfect storm has been said about this one group of animals. Well, it's a perfect storm again up there."

"I don't see how it could be viewed different," he said.

He said he believes that more animals have been lost in Pitkin County than were lost last year in Middle Park in Grand County due to depredations from the same group of animals.

Wolves have gone through his property several times, Jacober said, adding, "Producers feel like they're being left in the dark."

He pointed to the incident at Tom Harrington's ranch, where wolves killed a calf over Memorial Day weekend. They had a range rider on the allotment, but the rider wasn't in the right place, Jacober said.

Jacober questioned why CPW wouldn't call the producer, warn them that a wolf is in the area, and help the range rider get to the right place.

"There's a lot of frustration, and I have avoided it, and I've understood where we stand, and I understand how well the CPW does, but the more I'm watching it in my backyard, the more I'm realizing that there's some truth to this," he said.

Jacboer said his frustration is that it's one group of animals removed from Grand County and relocated to Pitkin County, and it is now causing the same problems.

"Why are we blundering an entire wolf program with one group of animals?" he asked.

Haskett noted that the problems are creating hardships, including an emotional toll on the ranching families. These wolves have established a presence on private land, she said.

"All of these issues have happened on private land that belongs to someone," and CPW must work with those people because wildlife, not just wolves, cannot be supported without private lands.

"I just hope we can do better and try to figure this out and do something about the problems," she said.

Commissioner Murphy Robinson said the issue is determining the role of the board in addressing the problem.

"What can we do as a policy board?" he said.

Complaining about it month after month takes a toll and doesn't reveal anything about the commission's role, he said.

If the commission doesn't figure out the policy and its role, these problems would continue to surface year after year, Robinson warned.

The commission is on the first day of a two-day meeting in Glenwood Springs. Public comment is slated for Thursday afternoon.

Editor's note: story has been corrected to properly identify CPW Director Jeff Davis.
KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine and Russia exchanged another group of ill and severely wounded servicemen on Thursday, officials from both countries said.

All of the Ukrainian troops need treatment, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a message on the Telegram messaging app that did not go into details on the numbers involved.

Kyiv and Moscow agreed to a large exchange of POWs and the remains of thousands of dead soldiers during talks in Istanbul earlier this month.

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Since then, Russia and Ukraine have swapped dozens of prisoners of war, focusing on under-25s and the severely wounded and sick. There are hopes they could build into some of the biggest exchanges in the war that was triggered by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Russia's defence ministry said a group of Russian troops had returned from Ukraine and crossed into neighbouring Belarus, in accordance with the agreements made on June 2.

"They are being provided with the necessary psychological and medical assistance," the ministry said on Telegram.

On Wednesday, Ukraine said it had brought home the bodies of 1,212 bodies of troops killed in the war with Russia. Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky said Ukraine had returned the bodies of 27 Russian soldiers.

(Reporting by Olena Harmash, Aleksandar Vasovic and Alexander Marrow; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Andrew Heavens)
Editor's note: The story is being updated.

Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces attacked the Rezonit Technopark in Russia's Moscow Oblast overnight on June 12, with explosions reported at the facility, the Ukrainian military said.

The operation was designed to "reduce Russia's ability to produce high-tech weapons and equipment," as the facility assembles circuit boards and electronics for the Russian military-industrial complex, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said.

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The consequences of the attack are being clarified, according to the statement.

"The Rezonit plant in the Zubovo technopark... is a juicy target, located roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Moscow's center," Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council official Andrii Kovalenko said.

According to Kovalenko, the circuit boards manufactured at Rezonit are used for flight control and navigation in Iskander, Kalibr, and Kh-101 missiles, as well as Orlan and Lancet drones and other systems.

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Ukrainian Telegram channel Supernova+ published alleged footage of an explosion in Zubovo, with drones audible in the background. The strike tore a hole in the plant's roof, the channel wrote.

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Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its forces shot down 52 Ukrainian drones overnight, including three over Moscow Oblast. Russian officials have not yet commented on a possible attack against the technopark.

Zubovo is located around 500 kilometers (300 miles) north of the Russia-Ukraine border.

Ukraine has repeatedly deployed long-range drones to target Russian military and industrial facilities deep in the rear, aiming to disrupt Moscow's ability to wage its all-out war.

In one of the most daring operations, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) attacked four Russian air bases on June 1, allegedly hitting 41 Russian bombers and other aircraft.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Key developments on June 12:

Ukrainian forces 'gradually pushing back' Russian troops from Sumy Oblast, Zelensky says

Germany to supply new Iris-T air defense systems to Ukraine, rules out Taurus missiles

Ukraine, Russia carry out another exchange of POWs under Istanbul deal

'Juicy target'  Ukraine says it struck Russian electronics plant in Moscow Oblast

For first time since invasion of Ukraine, US congratulates Russia on National Day

Ukrainian forces are gradually driving Russian troops back from parts of Sumy Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 12, amid escalating cross-border assaults in the region.

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"Today, there was a report from Commander-in-Chief (Oleksandr) Syrskyi  the front and, above all, the Pokrovsk direction, the Kursk operation, the border area of Sumy Oblast," Zelensky said in a video address.

"Our units in Sumy Oblast are gradually pushing back the occupiers. Thank you to each of our soldiers, sergeants, and officers for this result."

The statement follows weeks of intensified Russian offensives along the northeastern border. Russian troops have advanced into Sumy Oblast since Ukraine's withdrawal from most of its positions in Russia's Kursk Oblast in March.

Russia has reportedly taken control of about 200 square kilometers (80 square miles) in northern Sumy Oblast, including roughly a dozen small villages. As of May 31, mandatory evacuations were ordered for 213 settlements.

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In May, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his military to create a so-called "security buffer zone" along the border with Ukraine, while Zelensky said on May 28 that Moscow had massed 50,000 troops near Sumy.

In a separate interview with Bild on June 12, Zelensky dismissed Moscow's claims of significant territorial gains as "a Russian narrative" aimed at shaping global perceptions. He stressed that Ukrainian forces have managed to hold off a renewed offensive for nearly three weeks.

Sumy Oblast, which shares a long border with Russia, has been under near-constant attack since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

On June 3, Russian strikes on the city of Sumy killed six people and injured 28 others, including children.

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Read also: As Russian losses in Ukraine hit 1 million, Putins war economy heads toward breaking point

Germany to supply new Iris-T air defense systems to Ukraine, rules out Taurus missiles

Germany will deliver new IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine under a three-year supply plan, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a joint press conference with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who added Berlin has no plans to provide Taurus long-range missiles.

The announcement comes amid escalating Russian aerial assaults, including a June 10 missile and drone strike on Kyiv, one of the largest since the start of the full-scale invasion.

"We are grateful for the supply of IRIS-T air defense systems," Zelensky said on June 12. "We understand that deliveries are currently being planned... for the next three years. This is very important assistance."

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The IRIS-T is a German-made medium-range surface-to-air missile system capable of intercepting drones, aircraft, and cruise missiles.

Since first being delivered to Ukraine in late 2022, the system has at been at the core of the country's transition to Western-made high-end air defense systems.

Pistorius confirmed the delivery timeline but firmly ruled out the possibility of sending Taurus missiles  weapons Kyiv has repeatedly requested to strike deep into Russian territory.

"You asked me whether we are considering this, and my answer is no," Pistorius said.

Before taking office, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signaled openness to lifting former Chancellor Olaf Scholz's ban on the missiles. That stance has not yet resulted in a policy shift.

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Ukraine has already received long-range missiles  including ATACMS from the U.S. and Storm Shadow and SCALP from the U.K. and France. Initially restricted to use within Ukrainian territory, Western allies only began easing those limitations in late 2024.

Germany is Ukraine's largest military donor in Europe. Zelensky said that Berlin will provide 7 billion euros ($8.1 billion) in aid this year, with investments in defense production being considered.

"Today, we discussed that this aid will continue," he said. "We agreed on additional investments in production... both in Ukraine and in Germany."

Zelensky visited Berlin on May 28 for talks with Merz, part of an ongoing effort to bolster Ukraine's defense industry amid uncertainty over U.S. support under President Donald Trump.

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Read also: Why cant the West match Russias ammunition production?

Ukraine, Russia carry out another exchange of POWs under Istanbul deal

Ukraine has brought home another group of service members from Russian captivity, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on June 12, saying the latest exchange focused on "severely wounded and seriously ill warriors."

The prisoners of war (POWs) were released as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia agreed upon during recent peace talks in Istanbul, Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of the POWs said.

The June 12 release follows a similar exchange on June 10, which also prioritized severely injured and ill captives. As during the previous swap, the number of personnel released was not immediately disclosed.

Russia's Defense Ministry has also announced that its soldiers had been released from Ukrainian captivity as part of the swap, without disclosing their numbers.

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Some of the POWs had been held by Russia for more than three years, according to the headquarters. Many of the released defenders had been classified as missing in action.

"This is part of a major exchange that continues in phases," the headquarters said in a statement. "These soldiers require urgent medical care and will receive full assistance, including psychological rehabilitation and financial compensation for their time in captivity."

Soldiers from multiple Ukrainian military branches, including the Armed Forces, Air Assault Forces, Navy, Air Force, Territorial Defense Forces, National Guard, Border Guard Service, and the State Special Transport Service, were freed in the exchange. Many had served in combat operations across Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

The Istanbul deal was reached during a second round of direct talks between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations on June 2. While no political breakthrough was achieved, both sides agreed to a phased exchange of prisoners and the repatriation of fallen soldiers remains.

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As part of that agreement, Russia pledged to return the bodies of up to 6,000 Ukrainian service members.

Ukraine has brought back the bodies of 1,212 fallen service members on June 11. Vladimir Medinsky, aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, claimed Ukraine released the remains of 27 Russian service members, while Kyiv did not confirm this.

The recent prisoner swap comes weeks after the largest such exchange of the war to date, which took place between May 23 and 25, with each side releasing 1,000 captives. Since Russia's full-scale invasion began, more than 5,000 Ukrainian POWs have been returned home, according to official figures.

Ukraine continues to push for an "all-for-all" formula to bring every captured Ukrainian soldier back, but Moscow has so far rejected such a comprehensive agreement. Meanwhile, the Coordination Headquarters said preparations are underway for the next phase of exchanges in the coming weeks.

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Read also: Ukraine, Russia conduct second prisoner swap under Istanbul deal

'Juicy target'  Ukraine says it struck Russian electronics plant in Moscow Oblast

Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces attacked the Rezonit Technopark in Russia's Moscow Oblast overnight on June 12, with explosions reported at the facility, the Ukrainian military said.

The operation was designed to "reduce Russia's ability to produce high-tech weapons and equipment," as the facility assembles circuit boards and electronics for the Russian military-industrial complex, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said.

The consequences of the attack are being clarified, according to the statement.

"The Rezonit plant in the Zubovo technopark... is a juicy target, located roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Moscow's center," Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council official Andrii Kovalenko said.

According to Kovalenko, the circuit boards manufactured at Rezonit are used for flight control and navigation in Iskander, Kalibr, and Kh-101 missiles, as well as Orlan and Lancet drones and other systems.

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Ukrainian Telegram channel Supernova+ published alleged footage of an explosion in Zubovo, with drones audible in the background. The strike tore a hole in the plant's roof, the channel wrote.

Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its forces shot down 52 Ukrainian drones overnight, including three over Moscow Oblast. Russian officials have not yet commented on a possible attack against the technopark.

Zubovo is located around 500 kilometers (300 miles) north of the Russia-Ukraine border.

Ukraine has repeatedly deployed long-range drones to target Russian military and industrial facilities deep in the rear, aiming to disrupt Moscow's ability to wage its all-out war.

In one of the most daring operations, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) attacked four Russian air bases on June 1, allegedly hitting 41 Russian bombers and other aircraft.

Read also: They are not so successful  Zelensky rejects claims of major Russian advances

For first time since invasion of Ukraine, US congratulates Russia on National Day

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the Russian people on June 12, Russia's National Day, and expressed a desire for "constructive engagement" to bring peace to Ukraine.

"On behalf of the American people, I want to congratulate the Russian people on Russia Day," Rubio said in a statement published on the State Department's website.

"The United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people as they continue to build on their aspirations for a brighter future."

After taking office in January, the new U.S. administration took a sharp break from ex-President Joe Biden's policy on Ukraine and Russia.

U.S. President Donald Trump's team has sought to broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow while being reluctant to commit additional funds or military aid to the besieged country.

"It is our hope that peace will foster more mutually beneficial relations between our countries," Rubio said.

Washington has also signaled an intent to restore ties with Moscow, with both sides discussing venues for possible economic cooperation.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha later said that he found it "unpleasant" to read the congratulations from "some countries" on Russia Day.

"As the minister of a country at war, I found it particularly unpleasant this morning to read the public congratulations from some countries to the Russian aggressor," European Pravda quoted him as saying.

The minister also added that he "has the moral right to say this" and further noted that "there can be no reward for the aggressor country."

While the Biden administration imposed massive sanctions on Russia and sought to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin on the international stage, Trump has often boasted about his close ties with the Russian leader and refused to impose additional economic restrictions.

Russia Day, also known as the Day of Adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, has been celebrated annually on June 12 since 1992.

The day commemorates the declaration of Russia's state sovereignty from the Soviet Union, marking the start of a constitutional reform that eventually led to the breakdown of the USSR.

Note from the author:

Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The outgoing chief of Ukraine's land troops says he initially found his officers stuck in "stagnation."

Mykhailo Drapatyi, 42, took command in November as Kyiv urgently sought reform among its ranks.

His complaints of an "atmosphere of fear" and other issues echo frustrations in Ukraine's military.

The outgoing chief of Ukraine's ground forces said on Wednesday that his command was in a "state of managerial stagnation" when he first took his post in November.

Writing on social media on Wednesday, Mykhailo Drapatyi listed a slew of issues he discovered last year, including an "atmosphere of fear, lack of initiative, closure to feedback, indifference to personnel problems, a facade of discipline, a deep gap between headquarters and units."

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Drapatyi wrote that he replaced half of the leaders under him, slamming what he said was systematic abuse, staffing decisions based on connections, and chaos within the officer ranks.

"There was not even a trace of a developmental spirit in command," Drapatyi added.

The remarks from Drapatyi, who led Kyiv's land forces for roughly six months, reflect an oft-discussed frustration in Ukraine's military that it was thrown into war with an outdated structure and culture that cleaved to old Soviet habits.

Ukraine has urgently tried to initiate changes as it battles Russia on its own borders. Drapatyi, a 42-year-old general, was appointed command in November as part of a younger wave of leaders aimed at facilitating reform.

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"I worked to break this system," he wrote on Wednesday.

Drapatyi said one of his focuses was reshaping Ukraine's training divisions, which he said also saw half of its leading officers removed.

Additionally, the general said he had to bring digitalization to training management and logistics systems, and introduced "psychological support tools" for soldiers.

"The Command of the Ground Forces is only at the beginning of change. A system does not change in a few months, but the vector has already been set, the team assembled, and the approaches revised," he added.

Drapatyi stepped down from his post on June 1 in the aftermath of a Russian strike on a Dnipro training ground that killed 12 Ukrainians.

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While announcing his resignation, Drapatyi blamed himself for the deaths of the soldiers, calling them young Ukrainians who were "supposed to learn, live, fight not die."

"The behavior of fighters matters, but the main responsibility always lies with the command," he wrote.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy summoned Drapatyi for a meeting on June 3, after which the latter was reassigned to the commander of the Joint Forces of Ukraine, another military branch that reports to the General Staff.

Zelenskyy said that in his new role, Drapatyi would focus "exclusively on combat issues."

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Shortly after Zelenskyy's announcement, Drapatyi wrote that he would "remain in the ranks" and take on the new position assigned by the president.

"I am stepping down with a clear conscience," he wrote on Wednesday.

Read the original article on Business Insider
KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday he planned to attend the Group of Seven summit in Canada next week and hoped to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the meeting.

Zelenskiy told a news briefing he planned to discuss continued support for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and future financing for Kyiv's reconstruction efforts during the upcoming summit.

"Anyway, the final decision is in the White House, it depends on the President of the United States of America," Zelenskiy said regarding the possible imposition of tough sanctions against Russia.

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"I hope that we will have a conversation (with Trump) at the G7 summit and I hope that if no decisions are made before then, I will be able to have at least an understanding of how close we are to that decision," he added.

Trump last week said that he hadn't decided whether to deploy sanctions against Russia that are being considered by the U.S. Senate.

Zelenskiy said at a joint press conference with the German defence minister Boris Pistorius that Kyiv was unlikely to be able to compensate for U.S. weapons systems if such deliveries stopped.

He also said that Ukraine intends to expand cooperation with Germany in joint weapon production.

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"We need financing... Germany is one of those countries where they understand it and they know the rules and they always do what they say," Zelenskiy said.

Pistorius said on Thursday that his country's military support for Ukraine had reached 7 billion euros ($8.12 billion) this year and a further 1.9 billion euros are pending parliamentary approval.

(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk, writing by Olena Harmash; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle, Alexandra Hudson)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday he hoped to press his US counterpart Donald Trump at the G7 summit this weekend to step up sanctions against Russia, as peace talks between the warring sides stall with the US president blaming both sides.

In two rounds of negotiations in Istanbul, Moscow and Kyiv have so far only agreed large-scale prisoner exchanges. Russia has rejected calls to halt its three-year invasion.

Trump has urged both sides to strike a peace deal and shown increasing frustration with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin for not having found a way to end the war.

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Trump displayed his irritation again Thursday, telling reporters at the White House that "I'm very disappointed in Russia, but I'm disappointed in Ukraine also, because I think deals could have been made".

The US president has at times threatened new sanctions on Russia, which has ramped up its aerial attacks during the talks, but has so far failed to follow through.

Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv that "I count on having a conversation" with Trump at the G7.

"This sanctions package is very important. The final decision is still in the White House, it depends on the President of the United States," he added.

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US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, is pushing what he calls a bipartisan "bone-breaking" bill to introduce a 500-percent tariff on countries buying Russian oil and gas, mostly targeting China and India.

- 'Appeasement' -

Tens of thousands have been killed since Russia invaded in February 2022, with millions forced to flee their homes as towns and cities across eastern Ukraine have been flattened by heavy bombardments.

Trump's return to the White House has upended the West's vital aid for Kyiv.

Europe has been left scrambling to see how it could fill any gap if he decides to pull US military, financial and intelligence support.

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German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius appeared to deliver a blow to those plans during a visit to Kyiv on Thursday.

Speaking alongside Zelensky, he said Berlin was not planning to deliver Taurus long-range missiles to Ukraine, which could allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory.

Instead, Pistorius announced 1.9 billion euros ($2.2 billion) in additional military aid.

That setback for Kyiv came just after Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga told a security conference in Rome that the "diplomacy of appeasement does not work with Russia" -- a veiled reference to Trump's soft approach towards Putin.

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"We want to end this war this year," he said.

Russia has been advancing on the battlefield for months and launched record drone strikes at Ukraine in recent days.

Two civilians were killed in the frontline Donetsk region in a drone strike on Thursday, Ukrainian officials said.

Kyiv has responded to Russian bombardments with its own wave of drone strikes.

In Russia's Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, a two-year-old child was killed following one such attack, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram.

- POW swap -

The warring sides completed the latest stage of a prisoner swap on Thursday, freeing wounded soldiers in line with a deal struck at talks in Istanbul.

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"Today, warriors of our Armed Forces, National Guard, and Border Guard Service are back home," Zelensky said on social media.

The two sides agreed to each free more than 1,000 prisoners of war -- all wounded or under the age of 25 -- and return the bodies of killed soldiers.

Zelensky published pictures of the Ukrainian servicemen, all with freshly shaved heads, draped in national flags and smiling as they made phone calls and hugged people welcoming them at the border.

"They all require medical treatment," as they were "severely wounded and seriously ill", Zelensky added.

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At the exchange, AFP reporters saw dozens of people -- mostly women -- waiting with pictures of their captured or missing relatives, hoping the freed soldiers could offer news about them.

Russian state media showed Moscow's returned troops in uniforms chanting "Russia, Russia" with national flags around their shoulders.

Russia later accused Ukraine of not being "ready to conduct exchanges" on a daily basis, as it said the two sides had agreed at the Istanbul talks.

Kyiv said further swaps would take place in the coming days.

bur-gv/jj
Dmytro Shapovalov, a Ukrainian soldier from Vinnytsia Oblast who returned from Russian captivity on 26 April 2023, has died.

Source: Yuliia Pavliuk, Head of the Central Regional Centre of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War; Olena Shapovalova, Dmytros wife

Details: Pavliuk announced the tragic news on Instagram, stating, "The heart of the young hero, released from captivity, Dmytro Shapovalov, has stopped. Sincere condolences to his family.".

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A farewell ceremony for the Ukrainian defender will take place on 13 June in the village of Yosypivka in the Koziatyn district of Vinnytsia Oblast.

Dmytro Shapovalov (far right).

Photo: Yuliia Pavliuk

The Coordination Headquarters shared a video from the 26 April exchange, which showed Dmytro eating an apple for the first time after his year in captivity.

"I dreamed of it for a year," he said.

Background:

On 26 April 2023, 42 Ukrainian service members and two civilians were released from Russian captivity. The group consisted of 19 Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel, 11 border guards, 7 navy representatives, 2 National Guard members and 3 Territorial Defence Forces soldiers.

On 10 June 2025, a group of wounded and seriously ill Ukrainian defenders, whose exchange was agreed upon in Istanbul, returned home. One of the freed soldiers celebrated their birthday that day.

On 9 June 2025, the first group of prisoners of war under the age of 25 was also repatriated.

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SUMY, Ukraine (Reuters) -Margaryta Husakova, her broken arm secured in a metal orthopedic fixation device, smoked nervously as she sat on the staircase of a refugee shelter in Sumy, a city in northern Ukraine, contemplating what the future holds.

In May, Husakova, 37, a mother of eight, lost her mother, sister, and uncle in a Russian drone attack on a van near the town of Bilopillia, west of Sumy. Nine people died in total and Husakova was among the five wounded.

"A man pulled me out of the bus, emergency services arrived, and I was sitting there on the grass," she said.

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Despite talk of peace, the war is creeping closer to Sumy, a regional capital of 250,000 people, located just 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the border with Russia.

After the bus attack, Husakova and her family fled their native town Bilopillia, now a target of Russian artillery, and sought shelter at a refugee centre in Sumy.

"Whats next? Were sitting here, but if they offer us somewhere else, well go with the children," she said.

Her father, Vyacheslav, expressed worry about the future.

"I dont know whats next  the most important thing for me is to take the children away, because katsapy will come to Sumy too, he said, using a pejorative term for Russians.

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Russia, which controls just under one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, has seized over 190 square kilometres (73 square miles) of the Sumy region in less than a month, according to pro-Ukrainian open-source maps.

Russian troops have captured more ground in the past days, advancing to around 20 kilometres from Sumys northern suburbs, bringing the city closer to being within the range of long-range artillery and drones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, speaking in his nightly video address on Thursday, said Ukrainian forces were "gradually pushing back" Russian soldiers in the region, but offered no details.

The number of displaced people arriving in Sumy is increasing, said Kateryna Arisoi, head of Pluriton, a non-governmental organization that operates the shelter for internally displaced people.

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We are seeing the frontline slowly moving toward Sumy, she said. "So far evacuation has been ordered in more than 200 settlements."

Last week, a Russian rocket attack on Sumy killed three people and injured 28, including three children, while also damaging several buildings.

Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians in their attacks, but thousands of civilians have died in the three-year-long conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian.

(Reporting by Vitaly Hnidyi; Writing by Aleksandar Vasovic and Ron Popeski; Editing by Nia Williams)
When Lisa, 20, laces into her ultra-high heels for her shift at a strip club in Ukraine's Kharkiv, she knows that aside from dancing, she will have to comfort traumatised soldiers.

Since Russia's 2022 invasion, exhausted troops are the main clientele of the Flash Dancers club in the centre of the northeastern city, just 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Russian forces.

For some customers, it provides an "escape" from the war, said Valerya Zavatska -- a 25-year-old law graduate who runs the club with her mother, an ex-dancer.

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But many are not there just for the show. They "want to talk about what hurts," she said.

The dancers act as confidantes to soldiers bruised -- mentally and physically -- by a three-year war with no end in sight.

"Very often" they want to discuss their experiences and feelings, Lisa told AFP in a fitness centre, where the dancers practised choreography to an electro remix of the "Carmen" opera ahead of that night's show.

"The problem is that they come in sober, normal, fine. Then they drink, and that's when the darkness begins," said Zhenia, a 21-year-old dancer.

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Instead of watching the performance, soldiers sometimes sit alone at the bar, crying.

Some even show the women videos from the battlefield -- including wounded comrades or the corpses of Russian soldiers.

"It can be very, very difficult, so I personally ask them not to show me, because I take it to heart too much," Lisa said.

But Zhenia -- who used to study veterinary medicine -- said she watches the footage with something a professional interest, trying to understand how a soldier could have been saved.

- 'Family gathering' -

When performance time arrived, they put on red underwear, strapped into 20-centimetre (eight inch) platform shoes and covered their bodies with glitter -- a trick to stop married men getting too close, as the shiny specks would stick to them.

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The music started. One dancer twirled around a pole, another listened attentively to a customer, while a third sat on a man's lap.

The Flash Dancers describe themselves as more "Moulin Rouge" than a strip club, and say the dancers do not enter sexual relations for money.

Prostitution -- illegal in Ukraine -- is not uncommon in areas near the frontline.

Most soldiers -- though not all -- respect the boundaries.

Sometimes friendships have been struck up.

Zhenia recalled how one soldier wrote a postcard to her, picked out by his mother -- a "wonderful woman" who now follows Zhenia on social media and sometimes sends her messages.

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"I know their children, their mothers," she told AFP.

Some tell stories from their vacations, talk about their lives before the war and even come back with their wives.

"It's like a family gathering," said Nana, a 21-year-old dancer with jet-black hair.

- Killed dancer -

A Colombian soldier fighting for Ukraine sipped sparkling wine on a red bench having paid almost $10 to get into the club.

Coming here "clears your mind," the 37-year-old ex-policeman -- known as "Puma" -- told AFP.

"It entertains us a little. It takes our minds off the war."

But even in the club's darkened basement, the war has a way of creeping inside.

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Many of the regulars have been wounded and the dancers sometimes take gifts to hospitals.

And "an awful lot of guys who have come to us" have been killed, said Zavatska.

"Just this month alone, two died, and that's just the ones we know," she said, adding that one left behind a one-year-old infant.

A Russian strike in 2022 killed one of the group's dancers -- Lyudmila -- as well as her husband, also a former employee of the club.

She was pregnant at the time. Miraculously, her child survived.

The club closes at 10.00pm, an hour before a curfew starts.

Air raid alerts sometimes force them to stay longer, until they can head home in a brief period of relative safety.

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But in Kharkiv that never lasts long.

The dancers, like everybody else, are often woken by Russia's overnight drone and missile barrages.

Even after a sleepless night, the women head back, determined to put on a performance.

"The show must go on," Zavatska said.

"We have to smile."

led-oc/jc/tw
The number of refugees worldwide has climbed to record highs in recent years, and the trend is expected to persist when the UN refugee agency publishes its latest annual report on Thursday.

The agency is officially known as the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Major humanitarian crises, including those in Sudan and several other African countries, remain largely unchanged.

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There has been one significant development, however: the fall of Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria in December 2024.

Following more than a decade of brutal civil war, the regime's collapse has prompted some Syrians, particularly those who had fled to Germany, to return to their homeland.

But it is still unclear whether this shift will significantly reduce the overall number of refugees worldwide.
Eric Sondermann is a Colorado-based independent political commentator. He writes regularly for ColoradoPolitics and the Gazette newspapers. Reach him at EWS@EricSondermann.com; follow him at @EricSondermann
UNITED NATIONS (AP)  UN member nations vote overwhelmingly to demand immediate ceasefire in Gaza, hostage release, food for all Palestinians.
The United Nations nuclear watchdogs Board of Governors has approved a resolution declaring Iran is not complying with its commitment to international nuclear safeguards, diplomatic sources told Al Jazeera, prompting a swift response from Tehran.

The International Atomic Energy Agencys (IAEA) Board of Governors resolution passed on Thursday with 19 votes in favour, three against and 11 abstentions.

A key issue cited is Irans failure to provide the IAEA with credible explanations of how uranium traces detected at undeclared sites in Iran came to be there, despite the agency having investigated the issue for years.

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A text of the resolution seen by the Reuters news agency said that Irans many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the IAEA with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations constitute non-compliance with its obligations under its agreement with the UN agency.

In response, Irans Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) announced in a joint statement that the country will build a new uranium enrichment facility in a secure location, adding that other measures  will be announced later.

In a separate statement posted on X, the AEOI also announced that it will replace the first-generation centrifuges at the Fordow nuclear site with advanced sixth-generation centrifuges, signalling that it will continue its nuclear enrichment.

Irans Press TV also quoted the foreign ministry as saying that the board resolution has no technical and legal basis.

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Al Jazeeras Hashem Ahelbarra, reporting from Vienna, said that Russia, China and Burkina Faso were among the members of the 35-seat board to vote against the resolution.

Ahelbarra described the passage of the resolution as a significant diplomatic development, noting that it was the first time in almost 20 years that the IAEA had accused Iran of breaching its non-proliferation obligations.





Iran has a very small window to answer the resolution. Otherwise, it will face massive, massive repercussions, including the potential of further isolation and a wide range of sanctions, he said.

In a statement on X, Israels foreign ministry urged the international community to respond decisively to the resolution.

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The IAEA vote comes as Omans Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi announced on Thursday that the United States and Iran will hold a sixth round of talks over Tehrans advancing nuclear programme on Sunday.

Al Jazeeras Tohid Asadi, reporting from Tehran, said that the talks on Sunday in Oman would be highly influenced by the IAEA resolution on Thursday.

He also reported that Iran has written a letter to the UN warning that if the IAEA resolution triggers sanctions, then Iran could be prompted to exit from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, further complicating the talks with the US.

Reaching a new nuclear deal is one of the several diplomatic priorities being juggled by US President Donald Trump and his friend and Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

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Trump had until recently expressed optimism about the talks, but said in an interview published on Wednesday that he was less confident about reaching a deal.

Trump also reiterated that he would not allow Iran to have an atomic bomb amid mounting speculation that Israel could strike Iranian nuclear facilities.

On Thursday, Israeli media reported that Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Mossad intelligence agency head David Barnea will travel to meet Witkoff ahead of the US-Iran nuclear talks in Oman.

On Wednesday, Iran threatened to target US military bases in the region if conflict breaks out.

According to reports, the US has also evacuated non-essential staff from several countries in the Middle East amid the ongoing regional tensions.
VIENNA (AP)  Iran said it has built and will activate a third nuclear enrichment facility, ratcheting up tensions with the U.N. on Thursday immediately after its atomic watchdog agency censured Iran for failing to comply with nonproliferation obligations meant to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon.

Hours later, Israel said it had attacked Iranian nuclear targets. As explosions were heard across Tehran early Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes would continue for as long as it would take to remove this threat.

The censure by the International Atomic Energy Agency, its first in 20 years over Iranian non-compliance, could set in motion an effort to restore sanctions on Iran later this year.

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The Islamic Republic of Iran has no choice but to respond to this political resolution, the Iranian Foreign Ministry and Atomic Energy Organization said in a joint statement in response to the censure.

U.S. President Donald Trump had previously warned that Israel or America could launch airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities if negotiators failed to reach a deal on Iran's rapidly advancing nuclear program. A sixth round of Iran-U.S. talks is scheduled to begin Sunday in Oman, and as tensions simmer some American government staffers deemed nonessential have begun leaving the Gulf region.

Trump had said Thursday he was still urging Iran to negotiate a deal, but that he was concerned a massive conflict could occur in the Middle East if it does not.

I dont want to say imminent, but it looks like its something that could very well happen, Trump said in response to a question from a reporter about a potential Israeli attack. "Look, its very simple, not complicated. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.

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Hours before Israel's attack, Trump offered guarded optimism that a conflict could still be avoided, and said he was urging Netanyahu to hold off from taking action for the time being. He later took to social media to emphasize that his entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran."

As long as I think there is a (chance for an) agreement, I dont want them going in because I think it would blow it," Trump said in his comments to reporters.

Trump said he felt it was necessary for his administration on Wednesday to direct a voluntary evacuation of nonessential personnel and their families from some U.S. diplomatic outposts in the Middle East.

I dont want to be the one that didnt give any warning, and missiles are flying into their buildings. Its possible. So I had to do it," he said.

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Nineteen countries on the IAEA's board of governors voted for the resolution to censure Iran, according to diplomats who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the outcome of the closed-doors vote.

The resolution was put forward by France, the United Kingdom, Germany and the U.S. Russia, China and Burkina Faso opposed it, while 11 abstained and two did not vote.

The resolution calls on Iran to provide answers without delay in a long-running investigation into traces of uranium found at several locations Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites, according to a draft seen by The Associated Press.

Western officials suspect the uranium traces could provide further evidence that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program until 2003.

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Iran lists steps in retaliation for censure

Speaking to Iranian state television after the U.N. agency's vote, the spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said that his agency immediately informed the IAEA of actions Tehran would take.

One is the launch of a third secure site for enrichment, spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said. He did not elaborate on the location, but the organization's chief, Mohammad Eslami, later described the site as "already built, prepared, and located in a secure and invulnerable place.

Another step would be replacing old centrifuges with advanced ones at an underground site at Fordo. Our production of enriched materials will significantly increase, Kamalvandi said.

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Iran has two underground sites, at Fordo and Natanz, and it has been building tunnels in the mountains near Natanz since suspected Israeli sabotage attacks targeted that facility.

Iran said other measures were also being planned in response to the U.N. agency's censure. The IAEA draft resolution said Irans many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran ... constitutes non-compliance with its obligations.

Under those obligations, which are part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran is legally bound to declare all nuclear material and activities and allow IAEA inspectors to verify that none of it is being diverted from peaceful uses.

The IAEA's draft resolution hints at reporting Iran to the U.N. Security Council to consider more sanctions, stressing that the global body is the organ bearing the main responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

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It also said it supports a diplomatic solution to the problems, which includes the talks between the U.S. and Iran.

Still a chance for Iran to cooperate with IAEA

A senior Western diplomat last week described the U.N. watchdog resolution as a serious step, but added that Western nations are not closing the door to diplomacy on this issue. However, if Iran fails to cooperate, an extraordinary IAEA board meeting will likely be held in the summer, during which another resolution could get passed that will refer the issue to the Security Council, the diplomat said on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorized to discuss the issue with the media.

France, the U.K. and Germany have repeatedly threatened in the past to reinstate sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal if Iran does not provide technically credible answers to the U.N. nuclear watchdogs questions.

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The authority to reestablish those sanctions by the complaint of any member of the original 2015 nuclear deal expires in October. That puts the West on a clock to exert pressure on Tehran over its program before losing that power.

Thursday's resolution follows the IAEAs so-called comprehensive report that was circulated among member states last weekend. In the report, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said that Irans cooperation with the agency has been less than satisfactory when it comes to uranium traces discovered by agency inspectors at several locations in Iran.

One of the sites became known publicly in 2018 after Netanyahu revealed it at the United Nations and called it a clandestine nuclear warehouse hidden at a rug-cleaning plant. Iran denied this, but in 2019, IAEA inspectors detected the presence of uranium traces there as well as at two other sites.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, who campaigned on reaching out to the West, struck a harder line after the IAEA vote.

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I dont know how to cooperate with the outside world to stop them from doing evil acts and let the people live independently in this country, Pezeshkian said. We will continue down our own path; we will have enrichment.

___

The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

___

Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/

___

Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Madhani from Washington. Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.
The number of people returning to their home countries after being displaced by conflict rose last year, marking a rare positive trend amid continued global violence, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Thursday.

According to UNHCR's annual Global Trends report, 1.6 million refugees returned from abroad in 2024, the highest figure in more than two decades within this category. People displaced within their own countries also returned, marking the second-highest level of internal returns on record.

The trend continued into early 2025, with an increase in returns to Syria following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi said. Nearly 2 million Syrians have returned to the former civil war-torn country, according to the agency.

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As of the end of April, the total number of displaced people worldwide stood at 122 million, only slightly higher than a year earlier. Of these, 60% were internally displaced, while two-thirds of those who crossed borders were living in neighbouring countries, UNHCR said.

Over the full year of 2024, however, the number of displaced people increased by 7 million to 123.2 million.

By the end of 2024, Sudan had overtaken Syria as the country with the largest displaced population, following a brutal power struggle between government forces and rebel groups. Some 14.3 million people have been displaced in Sudan, compared with 13.5 million Syrians, 10.3 million Afghans, and 8.8 million Ukrainians.
The number of people returning to their home countries after being displaced by conflict rose last year, marking a rare positive trend amid continued global violence, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Thursday.

According to UNHCR's annual Global Trends report, 1.6 million refugees returned from abroad in 2024, the highest figure in more than two decades within this category. People displaced within their own countries also returned, marking the second-highest level of internal returns on record.

The trend continued into early 2025, with an increase in returns to Syria following the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi said.

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Nearly 2 million Syrians have returned to the former civil war-torn country, according to the agency. Grandi described this as a sign of hope.

As of the end of April 2025, the total number of displaced people worldwide stood at 122 million, up from 120 million a year earlier. Of these, 60% were internally displaced, while two-thirds of those who crossed borders were living in neighbouring countries, UNHCR said.

Over the full year of 2024, however, the number of displaced people increased by 7 million to 123.2 million.

"The main drivers of displacement remain large conflicts like Sudan, Myanmar and Ukraine, and the continued failure to stop the fighting," he said.

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Many returnees found their countries in ruin, Grandi said. "As a result, people that do return may have no choice but to leave again," he said.

By the end of 2024, Sudan had overtaken Syria as the country with the largest displaced population, following a brutal power struggle between government forces and rebel groups.

Some 14.3 million people have been displaced in Sudan, compared with 13.5 million Syrians, 10.3 million Afghans, and 8.8 million Ukrainians.

German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan said that countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Ethiopia and Kenya were bearing the brunt and performing great work.

German aid to countries taking in refugees was motivated by sympathy and solidarity, but also lay in Germany's interest, she said. "Nothing reduces flight better than opportunity and outlook at home," Radovan said.
The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urging nations to take "all measures necessary" to place pressure on Israel.

Following the United States' veto of a similar push in the Security Council last week, the General Assembly adopted the non-binding resolution by a vote of 149-12, with 19 abstentions.

The text demands "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire" in Gaza, as well as "the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages" seized during the unprecedented Hamas attack inside Israel on October 7, 2023 that sparked the war.

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However it goes further than the US-vetoed text, taking direct aim at Israel over its impeding aid deliveries into the Gaza Strip.

It "demands that Israel, the occupying Power, immediately end the blockade... and ensure that aid reaches the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip," which after more than 20 months of war is facing a catastrophic humanitarian situation.

It also calls on all UN members to "individually and collectively take all measures necessary, in line with international law... to ensure compliance by Israel with its obligations."

Israel's envoy Danny Danon slammed the resolution in remarks to the press ahead of the vote, saying it is "a farce, is a moral failure, is a political stunt."

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Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour meanwhile called on all nations to turn their votes "into resolute action."

"No arms, no money, no trade to oppress Palestinians," he urged.

- 'Accountability' -

Israel is facing mounting pressure to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the entire population is at risk of famine, according to the UN.

The resolution adopted on Thursday "strongly (condemns) any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and the unlawful denial of humanitarian access."

Israel recently ended a total blockade to allow some deliveries to resume through the newly formed, US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution centers.

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The United Nations, which until now has sought to coordinate aid deliveries throughout Gaza, refuses to work with the GHF, citing concerns over its practices and neutrality.

Dozens of people have been killed near GHF distribution points since late May, according to Gaza's civil defense agency. It said Israeli forces killed another 21 people waiting for aid on Thursday.

GHF meanwhile blamed the Palestinian militant group Hamas for the deaths of at least eight of its staff in Gaza late Wednesday.

- 'Mad march' -

In the absence of Security Council action, Mansour had called last week for all countries to take "immediate and real measures" to force Israel "to stop the mad march it is embarked on."

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With the vote taking place just days before an international conference at the UN on the Palestinian issue, the text also reiterates the Assembly's "unwavering commitment to the two-State solution... where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace and security."

It was a UN General Assembly resolution in 1947 that divided British-ruled Palestine into two states -- one Arab and one Jewish.

But only the creation of Israel was proclaimed on May 14, 1948. This triggered a war between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

Over the decades, the UN body has expressed its strong support for the Palestinians in the face of the continuing Israeli occupation.

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Israel has meanwhile relied on strong support from its veto-holding US ally, which has only deepened under President Donald Trump.

The resolution "does nothing to free the hostages, improve the lives of civilians in Gaza or bring us closer to a ceasefire," US acting ambassador Dorothy Shea told the Assembly.

Instead, she charged it was "yet another performative action that erodes the credibility of this body."

abd-des/nl
As demonstrators led to the abrupt end of Worcesters city council meeting on Tuesday, one person was arrested in connection with the disrupted meeting, City Manager Eric Batista said Wednesday night.

As protestors were peacefully cleared from the building, one individual was arrested for disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, and vandalizing property, Batista said in a statement.

The crowd entered the city council chambers on June 10 during the meetings public comment period, chanting, ICE [Immigrations and Customs Enforcement] out of Worcester now, according to footage of the city council meeting.

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Protesters were seen holding up signs in the chamber, with one reading Due process for all.

Earlier in his statement, Batista said he reaffirmed the citys policy of using City Hall.

Let me be clear: the city of Worcester respects the right to gather and protest peacefully, within the bounds of the law and appropriate venues, he said. The interior of City Hall is not a place of public assembly and last nights disruption was unacceptable.

Police arrived at City Hall after learning about a large group that had assembled inside the Esther Howland Chamber, preventing the public meeting from proceeding, Batista said.

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The municipality has a longstanding policy regarding the use of City Hall, which precludes protests, rallies, and demonstrations from taking place inside the building," Batista said. While this policy has not previously been widely distributed, we are making it publicly available and notifying the public that it will be strictly enforced. Any person found in non-compliance with the policy is subject to ejection and subject to arrest or other violations.

While he said he shares the publics frustration over what is happening at the national level... we cannot allow that to divide us, Batista said. Instead, we must find real ways to collectively support one another and those impacted while continuing to focus on the core services that municipal government is responsible for.

None of the items on the city councils meeting agenda for that night were discussed.

Unfortunately, we were unable to do the peoples business tonight  we had over 40 items on the agenda, and there were people in the audience who wished to speak on items that were important to them, but could not, Mayor Joseph Petty said in a previous statement.

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ICE has been the subject of previous protests in Worcester after agents arrested 40-year-old Rosane Ferreira-De Oliveira of Brazil on May 8.

Ferreira-De Oliveira is a mother of three who is currently being detained at the Wyatt Detention Center in Central Falls, Rhode Island.

In recent days, ICE raids in Los Angeles have resulted in almost a week of protests that have grown violent, with clashes erupting between protestors and both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

In response, President Donald Trump has deployed over 4,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Times reported. The Pentagon also deployed 700 U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton, with a military convoy heading from Twentynine Palms toward the City of Angels.

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Trump has traded words with California Gov. Gavin Newsom over his response to the raids, including suggesting Newsom be arrested for not approving the National Guard to be present in Los Angeles.

More stories on immigration

Read the original article on MassLive.
If law enforcement wrongly raids your house, damages your property and assaults innocent occupants, you might think you could sue the government over it. But legal accountability is hard to come by.

Yet, the Supreme Court just unanimously gave hope to a familys lawsuit in the wake of a predawn FBI SWAT raid in 2017 in suburban Atlanta.

Agents meant to search a suspected gang hideout but instead stormed into the home occupied by Hilliard Toi Cliatt, his partner Curtrina Martin and her 7-year-old son. Justice Neil Gorsuchs opinion for the court recounted the ordeal:

A six-member SWAT team, led by FBI Special Agent Lawrence Guerra, breached the front door and detonated a flash-bang grenade. ... Fearing a home invasion, Mr. Cliatt and Ms. Martin hid in a bedroom closet. ... But the SWAT team soon found the couples hiding spot, dragged Mr. Cliatt from the closet, threw [him] down on the floor, handcuffed him, and began bombarding [him] with questions. ... Meanwhile, another officer trained his weapon on Ms. Martin, who was lying on the floor half-naked, having fallen inside the closet. ... Only then did another officer stumble across some mail with the homes address on it and realize the team had the wrong house.

The couple sued the government under the Federal Tort Claims Act. But the district court rejected their claims, and the Atlanta-based federal appeals court affirmed the rejection.

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Gorsuchs opinion focused on the unusual nature of the appeals courts approach to the case. The justices didnt say the suit would prevail in the end; rather, they sent the case back to the 11th Circuit for further review.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor added a concurring opinion, joined by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, urging the lower court to analyze the case in a way that could help the suit prevail. She said the Federal Tort Claims Acts history confirms congressional intent to subject the government to liability for cases like this one.

The Institute for Justices Patrick Jaicomo, who argued the case in April, said they look forward to continuing this fight with the Martins in the Eleventh Circuit and making it easier for everyday people to hold the government accountable for its mistaken and intentional violations of individual rights.

Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in the Trump administrations legal cases.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Epic Charter School is headquartered at the 50 Penn Place complex in Oklahoma City. The virtual charter school laid off 357 employees this month. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Families and educators at Epic Charter School now face a summer of uncertainty as the charter school system downsizes its staff, facilities and course offerings.

A leadership change and a state investigation have piled on top of the cuts. The virtual charter schools superintendent, Bart Banfield, resigned Monday, days after Epic laid off 357 teachers and administrators. Its deputy superintendent of finance, Jeanise Wynn, resigned April 11.

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There hasnt been much transparency about why and what are we doing, Epic teacher and parent Sarah Kitterman said. What actions are we taking to make sure this changes and we dont do this again?

Kitterman, of Edmond, said Epic lost programs that were difference-makers for students. Her own children benefited from a now-eliminated ELA+ program that offered bonus reading classes.

Students wont get that extra English language arts instruction without the program, she said, and its unclear how Epic will repeat the incredible learning gains that ELA+ produced. A similar Math+ program has been reduced to grades 6-12 only.

Epic Charter School Superintendent Bart Banfield, front, listens during a meeting of the schools governing board Nov. 14 at the 50 Penn Place complex in Oklahoma City. Banfield resigned June 9 amid financial struggles at Epic. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

The closure of Epics Blended Learning Centers is a loss, too, Kitterman said. The centers, which offered in-person instruction in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, often had waiting lists.

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Students with disabilities especially sought a place at the learning centers, said Kitterman, a special education teacher.

Does that mean that were going to have an overload of students on our rosters now? she said. We cant serve those students the same way that they were being served. So where do those students go?

Epic announced it would give students from the learning centers priority in another face-to-face instructional option, Comet Academy.

Also gone are Epics options for full-time in-person instruction five days a week, its school meal services, and all of its Chinese and Latin courses. Other services, like Advanced Placement courses, have been outsourced to other entities, some now costing a fee.

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These changes are part of our ongoing reorganization to better serve the 30,000 students statewide who choose Epic for their education, and to position the states largest public virtual charter school for strength and success in the years to come, the school told families in an email last week.

Epic Charter School governing board Chairperson Ginger Casper, left, and Vice Chairperson Trevor Hammons, right, attend a board meeting Thursday at the 50 Penn Place complex in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Members of Epics school board spoke little of the schools financial situation Thursday in their first meeting since the layoffs and Banfields departure. The board, which is scheduled to meet again Tuesday, approved a new treasurer, assistant treasurer and encumbrance clerk for Epic, who will join the new chief financial officer, Michael Flory.

The school board has yet to approve a budget for the 2025-26 school year, which must be done before the next fiscal year begins on July 1.

The Statewide Charter School Board, a state agency that oversees Epic, is now investigating the schools finances.

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After its enrollment skyrocketed to over 60,000 children in 2020, Epic has steadily lost students and, as a result, state funding. An influx of federal pandemic aid funds also came to an end in September.

To make matters worse, Epic administrators significantly miscalculated when crafting their budget for the 2024-25 academic year. Enrollment came in 4,000 students short of what administrators expected, prompting a round of layoffs in October that cost 144 jobs.

The cuts continued this month when Epic slashed 83 teaching positions and 274 administrators.

Banfield soon followed out the door.

At Epic, we often say, The only constant is change, Banfield wrote in his resignation letter, which Oklahoma Voice obtained. Over the course of this school year, it has become clear to me that it is time for a new chapter. With deep gratitude, I am formally submitting my resignation. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Board of Education, the Epic staff, and most importantly, the hundreds of thousands of families who have chosen Epic as their school of choice since 2011. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you over the past 11 years. I wish you the very best. Go Comets!

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Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Justin Hunt will serve as interim superintendent while the board searches for a candidate to hire permanently.

Epic Charter School interim Superintendent Justin Hunt speaks to the schools governing board during a meeting Thursday at the 50 Penn Place complex in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

I appreciate the trust and respect, and (Im) looking forward to moving into next school year for the 30,000 kids that need us and choose us as a school option, Hunt said during Thursdays school board meeting.

As for Kitterman, she plans to return for her fourth school year teaching at Epic, and her three children will continue to attend, she said. Until this point, Kitterman has felt like a valued employee, she said, but the lack of transparency around the layoffs and cuts put that sense of value in doubt.

I plan to stay as long as Epic is open, Kitterman said. Weve loved it, so thats my hope. Its just so scary.

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SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  A Sumner County parent shared her frustration over a special education position being cut from her sons school.

Tina Stephensons son is nonverbal and attends Westmoreland High School. Sumner County Schools recently decided to remove a special education assistant position at WHS for the next school year, which raised concerns for Stephenson.

We are being underfunded, overlooked, and we dont know how to get someone just to come and see our kids and evaluate [them] in-person. They just dont come at all, said Stephenson.

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Stephensons son is part of a CDC, multi-handicapped classroom. She said that three of the students in the class, including her son, need full-time help while on campus.

Gallatin home explosion that left man critically injured ruled accidental, fire chief says

However, by letting one assistant go, Stephenson said the school is now under-staffed and cannot meet the pressing needs of her son and his peers.

The teachers know [my sons] personal sign language. They know how to understand his words, which no one else would. Its really hard to get teachers to even want to do these jobsFor my son, hes a choking hazard, a fall risk, Stephenson explained. Where is the neglect going to go? What students are not going to get their needs met?

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According to Stephenson, shes voiced her concerns since she first learned a staff position might be cut in March. She said Sumner County Director of Schools Scott Langford told her the decrease to two assistants was based upon teacher-student ratio, in-line with other CDC classrooms.

With multi-handicapped kids, you cant go by ratio; you have to go by need, Stephenson declared.

Amplifying Stephensons frustration: Sumner County Schools proposed budget for next year includes new, high-paying positions at the districts central office, plus raises for current staff.

American Baptist College president retiring after Nashville HBCUs 100th anniversary

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While the two are not directly tied together, Stephenson believes the optics around the situation are poor.

Is it budget? Dr. Langford told me it wasnt budget, but its coincidental that so many new positions are being added and raises going out, and our assistant has a very low salary, said Stephenson. Were not really asking for anything special. We just want the staff that we need to maintain safety in our classroom.

News 2 reached out to Sumner County Schools in hopes of speaking with Langford on Wednesday, June 11. As of publication, we have not heard back.

However, News 2 did speak with several members of the Sumner County School Board.

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One member agreed with Stephenson that the optics are poor in how the district has handled this situation. He clarified that the school board does not play a role in eliminating school positions.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Another board member, Steven King, shared a statement that reads, in part:

In talking with constituents in my district and those outside my district who are absolutely frustrated, I have been informed that district-wide there are over 25-30 positions that have been cut and eliminated, even though the population of students has not changed. We decided this year to cut those positions at the school level and in the classroom, where people work directly with students and have a real impact on student outcomes; we reduced those numbers while creating new positions that have never existed before at the central office at a $125,000 to $150,000 price tag. Its not okay, and its not moving the needle for our students. And something has to be done.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Archaeologists have discovered by chance what they say are the remains of a 16th-century merchant ship more than 1.5 miles underwater off southern France, the deepest such find in its section of the Mediterranean or any other French waters.

Archaeologists believe the ship was sailing from northern Italy loaded with ceramics and metal bars before it sunk.

Despite a little modern waste dotting its sunken cargo at 8,422 feet below sea level, researchers were excited about the potential of an archaeological site largely preserved intact.

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"It's the deepest shipwreck ever found in French territorial waters," Arnaud Schaumasse, the head of the culture ministry's underwater archaeology department, said late Wednesday.

France's Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research released images of the shipwreck on social media, saying the vessel was discovered "during a military operation to explore the seabed."

Archaeologists say they discovered by chance what they say are the remains of a 16th-century merchant ship more than 1.5 miles underwater off southern France. / Credit: National Navy via France's Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research

An underwater drone stumbled upon the sunken ship by chance in early March in waters near Saint-Tropez in southeastern France, deputy maritime prefect Thierry de la Burgade said.

"The sonar detected something quite big, so we went back with the device's camera, then again with an underwater robot to snap high-quality images," he said.

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The drone was patrolling the seabed as part of a government project to explore and monitor France's deep-sea resources, from minerals to deep-sea internet cables.

Archaeologist Marine Sadania said experts discovered 200 jugs with pinched spouts among the wreckage at the site they have dubbed "Camarat 4."

Some of these jugs were marked with the monogram "HIS," the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus, or covered with plant-inspired or geometric patterns.

Those details seemed to indicate the jugs hailed from the Liguria region in what is now northern Italy, she said.

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"Camarat 4 is a remarkable discovery for its depth, unprecedented character and the opportunity it offers to study an almost intact 16th-century wreck," France's Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research said.

"As if time froze"

Experts also identified piles of around 100 yellow plates, two cauldrons, an anchor and six cannons.

Modern waste, such as a soda can or an empty yogurt container, were spotted too. One image released by officials appeared to show an aluminum can next to an anchor.

Archaeologists say they discovered by chance what they say are the remains of a 16th-century merchant ship more than 1.5 miles underwater off southern France. / Credit: National Navy via France's Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research

But despite this, "the site  thanks to its depth which prevented any recovery or looting  has remained intact, as if time froze, which is exceptional," Sadania said.

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Over the coming two years, she and colleagues plan to draw up a 3D digital version of the ship, as well as extract samples from the site to better study them before returning them to the public domain.

According to the defense ministry in charge of exploring France's deep seas, researchers can remove an item from a shipwreck by guiding a submarine robot with pincers or arms, via a long cable linking the device to a boat on the surface.

Officials said further analysis will be carried out by ceramic experts, archaeologists and specialists in naval architecture.

The deepest French authorities had found a sunken vessel until now was 2.3 kilometers under sea level off the southern city of Toulon in 2019.

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The wreckage belonged to La Minerve, a French submarine that plunged to its demise in 1968 with 52 navy crew on board, only four minutes after the start of a routine assignment.

Archaeologists say they discovered by chance what they say are the remains of a 16th-century merchant ship more than 1.5 miles underwater off southern France. / Credit: National Navy via France's Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research

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The Brief

Undocumented students in Texas are seeking to challenge a court ruling that ended their access to in-state tuition rates.

This comes after the U.S. Department of Justice and the state of Texas agreed to end a 2001 law that allowed in-state tuition for certain undocumented students.

The students argue that ending the program could increase tuition costs by up to 810%, potentially forcing many of them to drop out of college.

DALLAS - A group of undocumented students are asking a federal judge to allow them to challenge the court's ruling that ended their access to in-state tuition.

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The filing comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against Texas over a 2001 law that allowed undocumented students who had lived in the state for more than three years and graduated from a Texas high school to attend public universities at the in-state rate.

Students for Affordable Tuition

What they're saying

The students are hoping for a chance to argue their case for the Texas Dream Act after and agreement was reached between the Department of Justice and the state to end the program on the same day the lawsuit was filed.

Court documents state the average cost for SAT members to attend a college or university in the state will increase by up to 810% compared to their current rates.

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"Such an increase puts college out of reach for many students--some of whom have already spent years in college and will not afford to complete their program," SAT's attorneys said.

The filing highlights several students across the state that may not be able to complete their degree if the Texas Dream Act is ended.

One such student pursuing a Master of Science degree at the University of North Texas has been paying out of pocket for the program since 2020.

"She has been able to afford her education because she was able to pay reduced tuition rates," court documents state. "However, she cannot afford to pay out-of-state tuition and will likely be forced to drop out of her program."

Texas Dream Act

Dig deeper

For nearly 25 years, the Texas Dream Act has provided access to in-state tuition for thousands of undocumented migrant students at Texas colleges and universities.

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The law allowed for students without legal resident status to qualify for in-state tuition if they have lived in the state for three years before graduating from high school, and for a year before enrolling in college. They must also sign an affidavit promising to apply for legal resident status as soon as possible.

The Texas Dream Act was signed into law by Republican Gov. Rick Perry with bipartisan support in the state legislature.

Well before DACA provided federal protection to undocumented children, Texas was the first state to create this type of tuition program for them.

Now more than a dozen states provide a similar program.

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The program serves around 20,000 students in Texas, according to the nonprofit organization Every Texan.

Despite multiple Republican attempts to repeal the law, those efforts never made it to a full vote in the Texas house.

The most recent attempt happened this session. Senate Bill 1798 passed out of committee on May 14, but was marked as "not placed again on intent calendar" on May 26.

The settlement between the state and federal governments came just days after the most recent Texas legislative session ended.

The Source

Information in this article comes court documents filed in the District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Information on the Texas Dream Act comes from previous FOX 4 reporting.
In a now-deleted post on her personal Facebook page, Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich said she will attend an upcoming anti-Trump protest and referred to the president as an incompetent, childish, selfish, uneducated jackal.

Pillich, the first Democrat to be elected prosecutor in the county in nearly a century, made the post sometime on Tuesday, June 10. It was still visible the evening of June 11. She had deleted it by early the following day.

Pillich began by responding to a Facebook prompt that users see.

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Whats on my mind? My job is to prosecute people who commit crimes, Pillich wrote. But all this is against a backdrop of such unconstitutional lawlessness at the federal level by an incompetent, childish, selfish, uneducated jackal who threatens our very democracy every day.

Even worse, he is backed up by vile humans whose acts and advice indicate they want to destroy our democracy.

The post shared an event listing for one of the No Kings protests scheduled for June 14, which are taking place nationwide. "Please join me Saturday," she wrote above a link to the University of Cincinnati protest.

A spokeswoman for Pillich did not respond to a request for comment.

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Many, particularly supporters of President Donald Trump, responded with outrage or worse, devolving into name-calling.

The Hamilton County Republican Partys Facebook page said Pillichs statement labeling Trump supporters as vile disparaged the millions of fellow Ohioans who voted for him.

This kind of rhetoric is not only divisive  it is dangerous, the Republican partys post said. It undermines the foundation of democracy: respect for the will of the people, even when we disagree. And when it comes from someone in a position of public trust  especially a prosecutor sworn to uphold the law impartially  it raises serious ethical concerns.

Other users accused Pillich of not being impartial and even being driven by hatred.

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Are you publicly admitting that youll shirk your responsibilities as a prosecutor to push a political agenda? conservative radio personality and podcaster Jack Windsor wrote on Facebook. "To say your constituents should be disappointed is an understatement  they deserve better."

University of Cincinnati professor David Niven, who studies American politics and follows local politics, said he believes Pillich was "sinking to the level of her political opponents."

"Prosecutors are supposed to be above politics" and have a duty "to stand up for the rule of law," said Niven, who was a onetime speech writer for former Ohio Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland. "Pillich could stand up for every vulnerable resident of Hamilton County in carrying out her duties. But name calling does not advance that agenda. While it is no doubt satisfying to speak frankly, Pillich would be better off acting on these observations than making them."

(This story was updated to add a video and a photo gallery.)

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Prosecutor Connie Pillich Facebook post slamming Trump gets backlash
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday overwhelmingly demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in the war in Gaza and aid access, after the United States vetoed a similar effort in the Security Council last week.

The 193-member General Assembly adopted a resolution that also demands the release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas, the return of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

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The text garnered 149 votes in favor, while 19 countries abstained and the U.S., Israel and 10 others voted against.

The resolution "strongly condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and the unlawful denial of humanitarian access and depriving civilians ... of objects indispensable to their survival, including willfully impeding relief supply and access."

Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told the General Assembly this was "blood libel." He had urged countries not to take part in what he said was a "farce" that undermines hostage negotiations and fails to condemn Hamas.

"It must be acknowledged that by failing to condition a ceasefire on the release of the hostages, you told every terrorist organization that abducting civilians works," he said.

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General Assembly resolutions are not binding but carry weight as a reflection of the global view on the war. Previous demands by the body for an end to the war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas have been ignored. Unlike the U.N. Security Council, no country has a veto in the General Assembly.

TWO-STATE CONFERENCE

Libya's U.N. Ambassador Taher El-Sonni told the General Assembly before the vote that for "those pressing the red button today to vote against this resolution (it) will become a blood stain on their fingers."

The U.S. last week vetoed a draft U.N. Security Council resolution that also demanded an "immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire" and unhindered aid access in Gaza, arguing it would undermine U.S.-led efforts to broker a ceasefire.

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The other 14 member states voted in favor of the draft as a humanitarian crisis grips the enclave of more than 2 million people, where the U.N. warns famine looms and aid has only trickled in since Israel lifted an 11-week blockade last month.

Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea told the General Assembly before the vote that the resolution "does nothing to free the hostages, improve the lives of civilians in Gaza, or bring us closer to a ceasefire, and is yet another performative action that erodes the credibility of this body."

The vote came ahead of a U.N. conference next week that aims to reinvigorate an international push for a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. The U.S. has urged countries not to attend.

In October 2023, the General Assembly called for an immediate humanitarian truce in Gaza with 120 votes in favor. In December 2023, 153 countries voted to demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Then in December 2024, it demanded - with 158 votes in favor - an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire.

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The war in Gaza has raged since 2023 after Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in Israel in an October 7 attack and took some 250 hostages back to the enclave, according to Israeli tallies. Many of those killed or captured were civilians.

Israel responded with a military campaign that has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. They say civilians have borne the brunt of the attacks and that thousands more bodies have been lost under rubble.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Don Durfee and Nia Williams)
After many hours of staring unblinking at a small patch of sky, JWST has given us the most detailed map ever obtained of a corner of the Universe.

It's called the COSMOS-Web field, and if that sounds familiar, it's probably because an incredible image of it dropped just a month ago. That, however, was just a little taste of what has now come to pass.

The full, interactive map and all the data have just dropped, a map that vastly outstrips the famous Hubble Ultra Deep Field's 10,000 galaxies. The new map contains nearly 800,000 galaxies  hopefully heralding in a new era of discovery in the deepest recesses of the Universe.

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"Our goal was to construct this deep field of space on a physical scale that far exceeded anything that had been done before," says physicist Caitlin Casey of the University of California Santa Barbara, who co-leads the COSMOS collaboration with Jeyhan Kartaltepe of the Rochester Institute of Technology.

"If you had a printout of the Hubble Ultra Deep Field on a standard piece of paper, our image would be slightly larger than a 13-foot by 13-foot-wide mural, at the same depth. So it's really strikingly large."

JWST is our best hope for understanding the Cosmic Dawn, the first billion or so years after the Big Bang, which took place around 13.8 billion years ago. This epoch of the Universe is extremely difficult to observe: it's very far away, and very faint. Because the Universe is expanding, the light that travels to us from greater distances is stretched into redder wavelengths.

With its powerful resolution and infrared capabilities, JWST was designed for just these observations: finding the faint light from the dawn of time which informs us on the processes that gave rise to the Universe we see around us today.

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The COSMOS-Web image covers a patch of sky a little bigger than the area of 7.5 full Moons, and peers back as far as 13.5 billion years, right into the time when the opaque primordial fog that suffused the early Universe was beginning to clear.

There, the researchers are looking not just for early galaxies, they're looking for an entire cosmic ecosystem  an interactive gravitational dance of objects bound by the cosmic web of dark matter that spans the entire Universe.

(ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, G. Gozaliasl, A. Koekemoer, M. Franco, and the COSMOS-Web team) The most massive galaxy group in the COSMOS-Web field. You can downlad the full-size image here

JWST data collected to date indicates that even with Hubble data, we've barely scratched the surface of what lurks within the Cosmic Dawn.

"The Big Bang happens and things take time to gravitationally collapse and form, and for stars to turn on. There's a timescale associated with that," Casey says.

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"And the big surprise is that with JWST, we see roughly ten times more galaxies than expected at these incredible distances. We're also seeing supermassive black holes that are not even visible with Hubble."

This profusion of well-formed galaxies hasn't just surprised astronomers  it's given them a whopping great puzzle to solve. According to our current understanding of galaxy evolution, not enough time had elapsed since the Big Bang for them to have formed.

Even one is a bit of a head-scratcher  but the numbers in which JWST is finding them just boggle the mind. With access to datasets free and available to everyone who wants to take a crack, however, we may get a few answers.

Six of the galaxies in the survey, from left to right, top to bottom, dating back to three, four, eight, nine, and 10 billion years ago. ( M. Franco/C. Casey/COSMOS-Web collaboration

"A big part of this project is the democratization of science and making tools and data from the best telescopes accessible to the broader community," Casey says.

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"The best science is really done when everyone thinks about the same data set differently. It's not just for one group of people to figure out the mysteries."

Papers on the data have been submitted to the Astrophysical Journal and Astronomy & Astrophysics. Meanwhile, you can head over to the COSMOS-Web interactive website and muck about zooming through the Universe nearly all the way back to the beginning of time.

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University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay Perman in a systemwide email warned of -- and apologized for -- a looming 7% budget cut. (Screengrab)

Campuses in the University System of Maryland were warned Thursday afternoon to brace for another 7% cut to their budgets in the coming year, on top of the 4% the system was forced to absorb as part of a statewide budget challenge earlier this year.

University System Chancellor Jay Perman, in a video message to more than 40,000 faculty and staff at campuses across the state, said individual campus presidents all agree that personnel cuts should be a last resort. But he noted that, given the size of the reduction and the different situations on different campuses, for some universities, personnel actions cannot be taken off the table.

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And he warned that the fiscal situation would likely get worse, as federal budget reductions and job cuts continue this year.

To those affected by these cuts, theres little I can say that makes it any better, Perman said, looking into the camera. Im sorry that this is happening. Its not a reflection of your value to the system, to your university, to the students we serve.

The cuts do not come as a surprise: In May, the Board of Regents unanimously approved a resolution to let campus presidents assess savings such as furloughs, reductions in salaries and the closing of schools for a certain number of days. That resolution was approved as the university systems 12 institutions and three regional centers stared down a reduction of $155 million, or 7% of their fiscal 2026 budgets.

While the message may not have been surprise, its delivery  broadcast to every worker in the system  was unusual.

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I dont usually send out a budget message, like this one to all employees of the statewide system, Perman said in the video. Im doing it now because these arent typical times.

Perman said the cuts would be managed campus-by-campus, because theres no one solution for the taking.

I know your campus leaders are sharing with you what these cuts will mean, not only for university programs and departments, but for you and your colleagues, Perman said.

Perman said he and campus leaders agreed to try and protect our people as much as possible, look for other cost savings or ways to generate revenue before cutting in to payrolls.

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Meanwhile, one of the states biggest labor unions said it had been made aware of Permans video message Thursday. But the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Maryland Council 3, which represents more than 6,000 employees in the university system, said it has not been notified by the university system, yet, of any pending personnel actions that would affect its members.

Per our union contract with the university system, there are certain processes that must be followed in the event of potential furloughs and layoffs, the union said in a statement. Given increasing attacks from the federal level on higher education and working people, our union has volunteered to work with university system leaders on cost-saving measures to protect our institutions and the people who keep them running.

AFSCME President Patrick Moran plans to speak at a Board of Regents meeting Friday about opportunities to collaborate, and we hope system leaders take us up on our offer.

While this latest round of cuts will be challenge, Perman also warned of future budget cuts as Maryland awaits federal budget decisions that could result in federal employee layoffs or loss of aid.

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We know it could get worse, said Perman, adding that the possibility of further cuts was being incorporated in the latest cuts.

Senate Majority Leader Nancy King (D-Montgomery) acknowledged the federal cuts to higher education programs by the Trump administration could mean more pain for universities.

Theyve been expecting it and planning for it, King said about school leaders preparing for budget cuts. There are probably more to come.

The Board of Regents is meeting in Hagerstown Friday, when the agenda includes possibly approving tuition and fee increases by an average 3.2%, for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. According to a tuition summary, Coppin State University in Baltimore would see the highest increase for in-state tuition at 4.5% and Towson University would have the highest increase for out-of-state students, at 5.1%.

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SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Towson University President Mark R. Ginsberg relayed Permans video message to faculty and staff Thursday adding that he would echo its sentiments.

We keep our entire USM family in our thoughts as some institutions will face personnel actions, including hiring freezes as well as possible furloughs and layoffs, Ginsberg wrote. As I shared at the end of the spring semester, TU will continue to put our students, faculty and staff first through careful and deliberate fiscal management.

Although the fiscal 2026 budget provides a 1% cost-of-living increase, Ginsberg wrote members of the presidents Cabinet will defer theirs and supplement support available for student aid.

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As part of the tuition rate approval, Towson and a few other schools may be allowed to offer differential tuition rates for specific programs.

Towson plans to offer market-based out-of-state tuition for nine online graduate programs. Although revenue would decrease in fiscal 2026, the school expects the following year to enroll an additional one to three students per program to bring in between $95,000 to $250,000. The current, full-time out-of-state tuition rate is nearly $23,000.

Nursing students who are residents of Washington, D.C., will get in-state tuition, but would have to be enrolled in the undergraduate program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, or doctor in nursing practice program at the Universities at Shady Grove in Montgomery County.

Students from D.C. would also pay in-state tuition at the University of Maryland Carey School of Law in Baltimore, in hopes of making it a more attractive option for students in the D.C. area, especially given the high cost of living and tuition in the nations capital. With the rate change, the school anticipates an additional five to 10 students.

 Maryland Matters reporter Sam Gauntt contributed to this story.
The University of Oklahoma plans to raise tuition and fees by at least 3% on academic programs in 2025.

OU's Board of Regents voted unanimously on June 12 to approve the request from President Joseph Harroz Jr., who asked for the increase to create a merit-based raise program for employees, add 25 new engineering and "workforce-aligned" faculty positions, increase funding for study-abroad scholarships, support undergraduate research and address needed maintenance projects that have been deferred.

The increase will take effect in the fall semester, pending final sign off by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

OU tuition hike approved by regents

During his presentation to the OU regents, Harroz acknowledged that asking for a tuition hike is "the most unpleasant" of tasks.

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"You have to address it because when you look at the funding of a research university, that is far and away the biggest component to how you operate," he said. "A lot of institutions will only talk about affordability. A lot of elite institutions will only talk about excellence. And to be a great public research university you have to do both, and that's not easy."

In-state residents attending the Norman campus are on track to see tuition costs increase by $5, now totaling $179 per credit hour.

In OU's request to increase tuition rates, the university said it has also increased tuition waivers, scholarships and grants to its students that are meant to offset the cost of attending the university. Doing so has saved the average in-state freshman $1,424 annually, the university said in its tuition request.

Speaking to reporters after the vote, Harroz reiterated that the ultimate cost to attend OU has fallen despite tuition and fee increases.

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"Because we've increased the funding for scholarships by 42% this last six years and increased need-based aid by 47%, if you look at the average cost for the average (in-state) student it's gone down by 27%," Harroz said. "Yes, sticker price tuition is going up. But when we look at the need-based aid and scholarships that are being provided to the average student, it's gone down materially."

If approved by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the 3% increase will be applied to tuition and mandatory fees at the Norman campus and online courses. Students at the OU College of Law will see a 5% tuition increase.

Tuition and fees will be increased by 3% or 4% for most medical programs at OU's Health Sciences Center. Dentistry school costs will increase by 9% for in-state students and remain flat for out-of-state students.

OU will now also require students to pay a $30 fee each semester if they join a fraternity or sorority. According to the university, the funds raised by the new fee would be used to hire additional Greek Life staff, provide specialized support for risk management and leadership development, implement hazing prevention, alcohol education, and harm reduction initiatives, expand training for student leaders and support student-run events.

OSU plans to keep tuition costs flat

The finance committee for Oklahoma State University's governing board was also scheduled to meet later on the same day. OSU President Jim Hess is requesting that tuition in Stillwater remains flat without an increase this year.

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Tuition requests at the two universities this year mirror requests made in 2024, with OSU tuition remaining flat and OU raising costs by 3%.

Contributing: Ryan Aber

(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU Oklahoma plans to increase tuition for 2025; OSU keeps tuition flat
As Muslims from across the world travelled to Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj pilgrimage in early June 2025 , images of an aircraft in flames were shared on social media alongside claims that a Mauritanian plane carrying pilgrims had crashed, killing over 200 people . This is false; one of the photographs dates back 18 years to an unrelated event in the Republic of the Congo, while a second image shows an air disaster in South Korea from December 2024 . The Mauritanian government also denied the claims.

A plane carrying Mauritanian hajj pilgrims crashed on their way to the holy city of Mecca. More than 210 hajj pilgrims were martyred, reads part of a text overlay published on a TikTok post on May 28, 2025.

The caption of the post, shared more than 1,300 times, includes the hashtag #airplanecrashmauritania.

Screenshot of the false TikTok post, taken June 5, 2025

The video contains two static images of burning planes on a runway, edited with a motion filter and Arabic music playing in the background.

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Similar claims were published elsewhere on Facebook here and here.

Millions of Muslims make the once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage each year to the site believed to be the birthplace of the prophet Mohammed (archived here).

However, posts claiming the images of a burning plane show a Mauritanian air disaster involving Muslims on their way to Mecca in June 2025 are false.

Old images

Search results showed that the image has been previously linked to reports of different airline disasters.

Two online publications dating from 2022 (archived here) and 2024 (archived here) also previously used the photograph to illustrate two separate incidents.

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The first occurred when a Nigerian air-force plane crashed in April 2022, killing the two pilots on board (archived here). The second incident, reported by the BBC in December 2023, wasn't a crash at all, but involved a NAF plane that apparently mistakenly fired at worshippers in a mosque in Kaduna, northwestern Nigeria, leaving some 85 people dead (archived here).

However, reverse image searches revealed that the photo was published by aviation website Airliners, on May 10, 2007 (archived here) and showed a Russian-made Ilyushin Il-76td military cargo plane fire that occurred at Pointe-Noire Agostino Neto Airport, in the southwest of the Republic of the Congo.

The Il-76 freighter caught fire on the ground while it was being loaded in preparation for a flight to Brazzaville (BZV), reads the photo caption.

The markings on the nose of the plane in the TikTok post clearly match those in the original image.

Screenshots comparing the first image from the false post (left) and the original photo published by Airliners (right)

Various articles in local news outlets from 2007 corroborate the date and location of this incident, stating that there were no casualties (archived here and here).

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Additional images of the event found on online forum Flightstory (archived here) were used alongside a Google Earth search to pinpoint the location of the fire, placing it next to an air-traffic control tower seen in a photograph taken outside the airport.

The spot where the plane burnt  located behind the control tower  is still visible on Google satellite imagery taken in 2018 (seen here).

Screenshots comparing image of the 2007 fire published on Flightstory (top) and Google Earth view (bottom)

Reverse image searches for the second image in the TikTok video led to an AFP report published on France 24 about a South Korean passenger plane that crashed in December 2024, killing 179 people (archived here).

Featured in the AFP article is a photograph showing the damage to the plane. The caption in AFPs archives reads: Firefighters and recovery teams work at the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in Muan, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 30, 2024.

Image of the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 that crashed in December 2024 JUNG YEON-JE AFP JUNG YEON-JE / AFP

The photo used in the false claim appears to have been altered to remove the South Korean flag, which is clearly visible on the side of the aircraft in the AFP photograph.

Screenshots comparing the second image from the false post (top) and the original AFP photograph published by France 24 (bottom)

AFP Fact Check did not find any credible reports on a recent Mauritanian plane crash.

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However, Mauritanias state-run news outlet published a statement confirming that all hajj pilgrims arrived safely on June 4, 2025 (archived here).

Additionally, Mauritanian Airlines dismissed all claims of a crash in a statement published on Facebook on May 27, 2025 (archived here).

Some foreign social media pages have circulated malicious rumors about a plane carrying Mauritanian pilgrims crashing off the Red Sea. These reports are completely unfounded, reads the statement in Arabic.

Mauritania Airlines confirms that all Mauritanian pilgrims have arrived safely and securely in the Holy Land, thank God, and no accidents have been reported related to the flights organized in this context.

AFP Fact Check has previously debunked other images relating to this claim here and here.
The Unusual Reason One Snack Giant Is Taking Legal Action Against This Fan-Favorite Grocery Chain originally appeared on Parade.

The tale of a corporate giant going after a smaller rival is nothing newand frankly, its a narrative thats wearing thin. This time around, it's snack giant Mondelez thats suing the beloved grocery chain Aldi, alleging that the grocers store-brand snack packaging blatantly copies its own.

While Mondelez, the extremely successful maker of Oreo, Triscuit and Chips Ahoy, might seem unlikely to object to similar products on the market, the company is taking a hard stance. The lawsuit filed May 27 claims Aldis cookie and cracker packaging is likely to deceive and confuse customers, raising broader questions about the boundaries of fair competition in grocery retail.

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At the moment, Aldi has not responded to inquiries from multiple sources regarding the lawsuit. What we do know is that the popular discount supermarket primarily sells its own versions of well-known name-brand products at significantly lower prices.

The lawsuit claims that Aldis peanut butter creme-filled cookies, chocolate chip cookies and Thin Wheat crackers have packaging similar to Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy and Wheat Thinsamong other similarities.

Mondelez previously contacted Aldi about alleged copycat packaging designs for several products, including Oreo cookies, Teddy Grahams, Belvita biscuits, Triscuit crackers and Tates Bake Shop cookies. In response, Aldi reportedly discontinued and changed certain of these infringing products, according to Mondelezs statement.

Related: This Cult-Favorite $10 Summer Treat Just Hit Costco and Fans are Obsessed: 'Yes Please!'

Top row from left to right: Mondelez's Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy! and Oreo cookies; Bottom row from left to right: Aldis Peanut Butter Creme, Chocolate Chip Cookies and Original Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla

I can go to the store and reasonably assume that I recognize the name, and thats who Im buying from, Trademark lawyer Josh Gerben told reporters. Some customers think that they might be buying something from the Oreo brand or Wheat Thins, but theyre actually getting a substitute.

Related: Trader Joe's Just Brought Back This Fan-Favorite Summer Item, and It's the Best $4 You'll Spend All Season

Per the lawsuit, Mondelez is seeking monetary damages as well as a court order to prevent Aldi from selling similar products. This isnt the first time Aldi has faced legal challenges either. Last December, the grocer found itself in Australian federal court over a copyright infringement dispute involving childrens snacks.

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With over 2,400 locations across the United States and more than 225 additional stores planned for 2025, its hard to imagine Aldi wouldnt want to nip this issue in the bud and adjust its strategy moving forward. While many shoppers appreciate the value of Aldi-branded products over big-name brands, no one wants to see the beloved discount retailer get caught up in unnecessary legal troubles.

Related: Shoppers Are Raving About Trader Joes $3 Sugar-Free Snack

The Unusual Reason One Snack Giant Is Taking Legal Action Against This Fan-Favorite Grocery Chain first appeared on Parade on Jun 12, 2025

This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  Connecticut Blood Center officials say theres an urgent need for type O-negative and B-negative blood as they prepare for the summer months.

They said the regions supply of critical blood types is at a two-day level, which is considered dangerously low during the summer, which is known as trauma season at local hospitals.

National Blood Pressure Awareness Month: Knowing your numbers can be a lifesaving step toward better heart health

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Thats because more people are outdoors for longer daylight hours and participating in activities that come with a higher chance of injuries, which may require blood transfusions.

While the blood center typically sees a dip in donations during the spring, officials said their years drop as been steeper than expected.

Universal artificial blood could be coming to a hospital near you

Type O-negative is especially important because its the universal blood type and can be used for anyone.

Visit ctblood.org or call 800-688-0900 to learn more about donating blood.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
U.S. Ambassador to Moscow Lynne Tracy will soon be stepping down from her post, the U.S. Embassy in Russia announced on June 12.

The statement said that Tracy is "concluding her mission at the U.S. Embassy in Russia," without providing further details.

The move comes as U.S. President Donald Trump makes a decisive break from the previous Biden administrations Russia policy, aiming to restore relations and negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine.

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Tracy replaced John Sullivan at the key diplomatic post in Moscow in January 2023, after being nominated by former President Joe Biden.

A seasoned diplomat, Tracy previously served as the U.S. ambassador to Armenia and held posts at diplomatic missions in Russia, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

The embassy announced a live stream on June 13 to "bid farewell" to the outgoing envoy.

Tracy led the U.S. mission in Russia in one of the lowest points of the U.S.-Russian relationship in decades, as Washington imposed massive sanctions on Moscow and backed Ukraine against Russian aggression.

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Though diplomatic contacts during this period were limited, Tracy played a key role in negotiating the release of U.S. citizens held in Russia, such as Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

The ambassador is concluding her mission after around two years, a similar time period to her predecessor. It is not immediately clear who will replace her.

In April, Bridget Brink, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, unexpectedly resigned, later explaining the move by opposition to Trump's foreign policy.

Russia also appointed its new envoy to the U.S., Alexander Darchiev, earlier this year amid a thaw in U.S.-Russian ties under Trump.

Read also: Americas weak strongman

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
(Reuters) -The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of joint air-to-ground missiles and related equipment to the Netherlands for an estimated cost of $215 million, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

The principal contractor for the sale is Lockheed Martin Corp, the Pentagon said in a statement.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward and Ryan Patrick Jones)
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Army will curtail VIP military helicopter flights around the Pentagon after safety concerns were raised following the January 29 fatal collision of a Black Hawk helicopter with an American Airlines passenger jet near Reagan airport, a senator said on Wednesday.

Senator Jerry Moran, a Republican who chairs an aviation subcommittee, told reporters that the Army will limit training missions near Reagan Washington National Airport and limit the number of senior military and defense officials who can use helicopters for transport.

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The Federal Aviation Administration in early May barred the Army from training or priority transport flights around the Pentagon after a May 1 close call that forced two civilian planes to abort landings. The FAA is currently negotiating a memorandum with the Army to govern future military flights near commercial planes near Reagan, the FAA's acting administrator, Chris Rocheleau, told reporters.

"We're working very closely with the Army," Rocheleau said.

The FAA, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Army briefed senators on Wednesday on Washington airspace issues.

Moran said that before January 29 the Army was ferrying three-star generals and above, but that now only the defense secretary and a limited number of other senior officials will be eligible when the Army resumes flights.

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"The number of flights, Army flights in that airspace, potential airspace has really been limited, and that's in my view a great development," Moran said. The Army's air "safety protocols are not as stringent as commercial aircraft," he added, saying he wants to see improvements.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy previously criticized the use of helicopters by generals for convenience. "Get a damn Suburban and drive - you don't need to take a helicopter," Duffy said.

Another question is whether a key safety system known as ADS-B, or automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast, is working on most Army helicopters.

Moran said testing shows the system is not working on other military aircraft and ADS-B was not in operation in the helicopter that crashed on January 29.

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ADS-B is an advanced surveillance technology that transmits an aircraft's location. Civilian aircraft must use it but the FAA in 2019 gave the military an exemption in rare circumstances. The FAA in March mandated its use on flights around Reagan.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler)
The U.S. Army will celebrate its 250th birthday on Saturday, June 14, 2025, with a parade in Washington, D.C., in which about 6,600 soldiers and heavy pieces of military equipment will roll through the streets. The parade aims to display the Armys history and power.

Its going to be incredible, President Donald Trump recently said. Trumps 79th birthday also occurs on June 14.

Despite the festivities, however, the parade will occur amid bleak times for the U.S. military, as it experiences a multiyear decline in recruitment numbers. In the face of a pandemic and a strong civilian job market, the Army, Air Force and Navy all missed their recruitment goals in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, the Army missed its quota by 25%.

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In 2024, the U.S. military met its recruitment target, which supports the argument that the bump is not due to Trump, as recruitment levels began to rise again before his reelection. But in some cases, the U.S. military has met its recruitment goals by lowering target numbers.

And as a scholar of terrorism and targeted violence, I believe a close reading of available data on military recruitment suggests U.S. gun violence may be largely to blame for the lack of interest in joining the military.

Gun violence data

Regardless of ones personal politics, the data on U.S. gun violence makes for painful reading.

Almost 47,000 Americans died from gun-related injuries in 2023. In 2022, there were 51 school shootings in which students were injured or killed by guns. And gun injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans between ages 1 and 19.

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Data about the perceptions of gun violence is equally staggering, especially among American youth between ages 14 and 30.

Four out of five American youth believe gun violence to be a problem, and 25% have endured real active-shooter lockdowns, according to data compiled by Everytown for Gun Safety, where I serve as a survivor fellow, the Southern Poverty Law Center and American Universitys Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab.

Moreover, these perceptions have considerable impacts on youth mental health and their sense of safety. Studies have linked concern over school shootings among adolescents with higher rates of anxiety and trauma-related disorders.

As Arne Duncan, who served as President Barack Obamas secretary of education during the Sandy Hook tragedy, said in 2023: Unfortunately, whats now binding young people across the country together is not joy of music, or sports, or whatever, its really the shared pain of gun violence  and it cuts through race and class and geography and economics.

National security threat

In the past couple of years, polls taken of Generation Z youth, born between 1997 and 2012, suggest mental health and mass shootings are among the most important political issues motivating this band of voters.

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Gun violence, in other words, is a national security emergency, undermining the U.S. governments ability to protect its citizens in their schools, places of worship and communities.

As former Marine Gen. John Allen wrote in 2019: Americans today are more likely to experience gun violence at home than they might in many of the places to which I deployed in the name of defending our nation.

U.S. Army National Guard members stand outside the Army National Guard office during training on April 21, 2022, in Washington. AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File

Rewriting American culture

Accordingly, gun violence has undercut American patriotism, corroding the U.S. governments soft power within its own borders. Generation Z, termed by some as the lockdown generation, is often derided as less patriotic than its predecessors.

Also, the belief in American exceptionalism is dropping among millennials, born between 1981 and 1996. That perception is combined with less confidence in U.S. global engagement and the efficacy of military solutions.

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American culture has long inspired military service, with recruits seduced by action movies and promises of heroic returns to the U.S. But American culture today is being rewired into one of suffering, pain and victimhood.

A fear of violence

Gun violence destroys youth tolerance for the violence that defines a career in the U.S. military.

Internal U.S. military surveys of young Americans show that the top three reasons young people cite for rejecting military enlistment are the same across all the services: fear of death, worries about post-traumatic stress disorder and leaving friends and family  in that order.

Generations already suffering a shattered sense of safety and place do not see the military as a viable option.

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The explanations the U.S. Defense Department gives for dismal recruitment levels focus on the younger generations supposed lack of backbone or hatred of America.

D'elbrah Assamoi, from Cote d'Ivoire, signs her U.S. certificate of citizenship after a military training ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, in San Antonio, Texas, in April 2023. Vanessa R. Adame/U.S. Air Force via AP

Republicans, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, have blamed alleged wokeness for low recruitment levels.

And the Trump administrations statements about improving recruitment numbers over the past several months overlook both a late Biden-era surge after a pandemic slump as well as the reality that numbers remain depressed due to military services repeatedly lowering their recruitment goals.

Very rarely are introspective questions publicly debated today about the objective attractiveness of military service or the appetite for violence among young people. The problem, I believe, is not that young people are insufficiently patriotic  its that they have already been fighting a war, daily, for their entire lives.

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In reversing the slide in recruitment, then, the military could improve its sensitivity to these important concerns.

Highlighting the range of careers within the services that do not involve front-line combat and physical danger could encourage more reluctant would-be recruits to volunteer.

Mental health support also could be made an essential element of military training and lifestyle  not a resource only for those bearing the hidden side-effects of life in the ranks. Encouraging those suffering from treatable mental health issues to seek meaning in service could also boost recruitment numbers.

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: Jacob Ware, Georgetown University

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Jacob Ware is a gun violence survivor and serves as a Survivor Fellow at Everytown for Gun Safety.
The new group backed by Israel and the US for aid distribution in Gaza says Hamas attacked a bus transporting some of its Palestinian workers, killing at least five people.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) said the attack happened on Wednesday night as the bus carrying more than two-dozen workers travelled to a distribution centre in southern Gaza, and that it came after days of threats from Hamas.

The BBC cannot independently verify the statement, and Hamas has not commented but it previously denied it had threatened the foundation's staff.

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The system started operating on 26 May, to bypass the United Nations (UN) and other established organisations to distribute aid in Gaza.

Since then, its work has been marred by controversy and violence, with deadly incidents happening near its hubs almost every day.

The UN, which has refused to co-operate with the system, and aid organisations say it contravenes the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence.

On Wednesday, local doctors said dozens more Palestinians were killed or injured by Israeli soldiers as they tried to access food at the foundation's distribution centres.

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The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) said the attack followed days of threats from Hamas - and that they feared some workers had been "taken hostage".

"We condemn this heinous and deliberate attack in the strongest possible terms," it said in a statement.

The Israeli military did not immediately corroborate the allegation, but shared part of the GHF's statement, adding: "Hamas will stop at nothing to maintain control and prevent the effective delivery of aid".

On Saturday, the GHF accused Hamas of making threats that "made it impossible" to operate in Gaza. Hamas denied this and said the GHF operation had "utterly failed on all levels".

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The GHF's mechanism has been criticised as insufficient, as a limited amount of supplies is being handed out, and inhumane, as it requires people to travel to crowded distribution hubs, at great risk.

Almost every day since it began operating, there have been deadly shootings near one or other of the four centres it has opened, by Israeli soldiers and armed Palestinians.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says more than 200 people have been killed and nearly 2,000 others injured while trying to reach areas designated for aid distribution during that time.

On Wednesday, at least 25 people were killed near a GHF convoy in Gaza's Netzarim corridor, according to two hospitals in Gaza City.

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The GHF had earlier said that 43,000 food parcels were handed out "without incident" across Gaza.

The US and Israel say delivering aid through the GHF will prevent it being stolen by Hamas. The UN says this is not a widespread issue, while Hamas denies doing it.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the United States- and Israel-backed organisation established to supplant the aid work of the United Nations, has accused Hamas fighters of killing eight of its staff and wounding multiple others in an attack on a bus en route to a food distribution centre.

The bus, carrying more than two dozen Palestinians working with the organisation, was brutally attacked on Wednesday night while travelling to a distribution centre west of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, the foundation said in a statement.

As of now, we can confirm at least eight fatalities, multiple injuries, and we fear that some of our team members have been taken hostage, the GHF said on Thursday.

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GHFs interim director, John Acree, said his organisation had considered closing its centres on Thursday after the bus attack but opted to remain open.

We decided that the best response to Hamas cowardly murderers was to keep delivering food for the people of Gaza who are counting on us, he said in a statement.

Hamas, which governs Gaza, did not immediately comment on the claims.





The GHF, which is led by Johnnie Moore, an evangelical Christian who advised US President Donald Trumps 2016 presidential campaign, has been mired in controversy since beginning operations on May 27.

The UN and aid groups have boycotted the foundation over concerns that it does not meet basic humanitarian standards and is not independent of Israel.

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Numerous Israeli attacks on Palestinians have taken place near the foundations distribution sites in Rafah and the Netzarim Corridor.

On Wednesday, 57 people were killed and more than 363 injured as they tried to access aid at the sites, Gazas Ministry of Health said.

More than 220 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid since the foundation began operations, according to Gaza health authorities.

In its statement, the foundation, which on Saturday reported that it had been unable to distribute aid due to Hamas threats, said the attack on its team did not happen in a vacuum.

For days, Hamas has openly threatened our team, our aid workers, and the civilians who receive aid from us. These threats were met with silence, the foundation said.

Tonight the world must see this for what it is: an attack on humanity, the foundation added. We call on the international community to immediately condemn Hamas for this unprovoked attack and continued threat against our people simply trying to feed the Palestinian people.
Israel charged on Thursday that Hamas was "weaponising suffering in Gaza" after a US and Israeli-backed charity accused the Palestinian militant group of killing eight of its aid workers in the territory.

The distribution of food and basic supplies in the blockaded and war-ravaged Gaza has become increasingly fraught and perilous, exacerbating the territory's deep hunger crisis.

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said a bus carrying its staff to a distribution site near the southern city of Khan Yunis was "brutally attacked by Hamas" around 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) on Wednesday.

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The GHF said: "As of now, we can confirm at least eight fatalities, multiple injuries, and we fear that some of our team members have been taken hostage."

Israel's foreign ministry said "Hamas is weaponising suffering in Gaza -- denying food, targeting lifesavers and forsaking its own people".

Asked to respond to the GHF accusation, the Hamas government media office in Gaza said GHF was a "filthy tool" of Israeli forces and was being used to "lure civilians into death traps".

It did not comment on the GHF's accusation.

Dozens of Palestinians have been killed while trying to reach GHF distribution points since they began operating in late May, according to Gaza's civil defence agency.

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The agency said another 21 people were killed while waiting for aid on Thursday, adding that they were among 29 people across the territory who were killed by Israeli fire.

Contacted by AFP about reports of a deadly incident near an aid distribution point close to the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza, the Israeli military said it had "conducted warning shots hundreds of metres from the aid distribution site, prior to its opening hours."

Israeli restrictions on media in Gaza and the difficulties of access on the ground mean AFP is unable to independently verify the casualty tolls provided by the civil defence agency or the deaths reported by the GHF.

- 'Died while waiting' -

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An officially private effort with opaque funding, the GHF began operating on May 26 after Israel cut off supplies into Gaza for more than two months, sparking international condemnation and warnings of imminent famine.

During its first week of operations, the GHF said it distributed more than seven million meals' worth of food, but its operations were widely criticised even before the deadly shootings near its sites.

The United Nations and major aid groups have refused to work with the GHF, citing concerns over its practices and neutrality.

Gaza medics have said hospitals are being inundated with people wounded while trying to obtain food.

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At Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital on Wednesday, the emergency department said it had received dozens of people who had been killed or wounded while waiting for aid in recent days, including 200 in a single day.

"Many Gazans went to the Nabulsi and Netzarim areas to receive aid and were shot at and shelled with tanks," said Mutaz Harara, head of Al-Shifa's emergency department.

But with few medical supplies and no operating theatres, "many patients died while waiting for their turn", he said.

The war has caused major damage to infrastructure across Gaza, including water mains, telecommunication cables, power lines and roads.

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The Palestinian Authority said internet and fixed-line communication services were down in Gaza on Thursday following an attack on the territory's last fibre optic cable which it blamed on Israel.

- Aid workers deported -

Meanwhile, Israel's foreign ministry said six people detained aboard a boat attempting to breach Israel's Gaza blockade were put on a plane for deportation on Thursday afternoon.

They included European parliamentarian Rima Hassan, it said.

"Bye-bye -- and dont forget to take a selfie before you leave," the ministry wrote on X.

The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted 149-12 with 19 abstentions a non-binding resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urging "all necessary measures" to pressure Israel into ending the conflict. The US vetoed a similar push at the Security Council last week.

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Egyptian authorities meanwhile detained more than 200 pro-Palestinian activists in Cairo ahead of a planned march to the Gaza border, the organisers said.

Egypt said while it backs efforts to put "pressure on Israel" to lift its Gaza blockade, any foreign delegations seeking to visit the border area must obtain prior approval.

The Gaza war was sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Israel said late on Wednesday that its forces had retrieved the bodies of two hostages from southern Gaza.

Prior to the latest announcement, out of 251 taken hostage during the Hamas attack, 54 were still held in Gaza, including 32 the Israeli military has said are dead.

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Hamas's assault resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.

The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 55,207 people, the majority of them civilians. The United Nations considers the figures reliable.

bur-acc-jd-lba/dv/gv
ROME (AP)  Spyware from a U.S.-backed Israeli company was used to target the phones of at least three prominent journalists in Europe, two of whom are editors at an investigative news site in Italy, according to digital researchers at Citizen Lab, citing new forensic evidence of the attacks.

The findings come amid a growing questions about what role the government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni may have played in spying on journalists and civil society activists critical of her leadership, and raised new concerns about the potential for abuse of commercial spyware, even in democratic countries.

Any attempts to illegally access data of citizens, including journalists and political opponents, is unacceptable, if confirmed, the European Union's executive branch said in a statement Wednesday in response to questions from members of parliament. The European Commission "will use all the tools at its disposal to ensure the effective application of EU law.

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Meloni's office declined to comment Thursday, but a prominent member of her Cabinet has said that Italy rigorously respected the law and that the government hadn't illegally spied on journalists.

Mercenary spyware industry

The company behind the hacks, Paragon Solutions, has sought to position itself as a virtuous player in the mercenary spyware industry and won U.S. government contracts, The Associated Press found.

Backed by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, Paragon was reportedly acquired by AE Industrial Partners, a private investment firm based in Florida, in a December deal worth at least $500 million, pending regulatory approvals. AE Industrial Partners didn't directly respond to requests for comment on the deal.

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Paragons spyware, Graphite, was used to target around 90 WhatsApp users from more than two dozen countries, primarily in Europe, Meta said in January. Since then, theres been a scramble to figure out who was hacked and who was responsible.

Weve seen first-hand how commercial spyware can be weaponized to target journalists and civil society, and these companies must be held accountable, a spokesperson for WhatsApp told AP in an email. WhatsApp will continue to protect peoples ability to communicate privately. Meta said the vulnerability has been patched and they have not detected subsequent attacks. Meta also sent a cease-and-desist letter to Paragon. Last month, a California court awarded Meta $168 million in damages from Israels NSO Group, whose spyware was used to hack 1,400 WhatsApp accounts, including of journalists, activists and government officials.

It is unacceptable in a democratic country that journalists are spied on without knowing the reason. We do not know how many there are and if there are others, Vittorio di Trapani, president of the Italian journalists' union FNSI, told the AP. The EU should intervene. The democracy of a founding country of the union and therefore of the whole of Europe is at stake."

Journalists targeted

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The Citizen Labs findings, released today, show that the use of spyware against journalists has continued, despite the backlash against NSO Group, and establish for the first time that Paragon was able to successfully infect Apple devices.

Ciro Pellegrino, who heads the Naples newsroom of an investigative news outlet called Fanpage.it, received a notice on April 29 that his iPhone had been targeted.

Last year, Fanpage secretly infiltrated the youth wing of Melonis Brothers of Italy party and filmed some of them making fascist and racist remarks. Pellegrinos colleague, Fanpage editor-in-chief Francesco Cancellato, also received a notice from Meta that his Android device had been targeted by Paragon spyware, though forensic evidence that his phone was actually infected with Graphite hasn't yet surfaced, according to Citizen Lab.

The Citizen Lab's report today also revealed a third case, of a prominent European journalist, who asked to remain anonymous, but is connected to the Italian cluster by forensic evidence unearthed by researchers at the laboratory, which is run out of the Munk School at the University of Toronto. The Citizen Lab, which has analyzed all the devices, said the attack came via iMessage, and that Apple has patched the vulnerability. Apple did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

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Paragon is now mired in exactly the kind of abuse scandal that NSO Group is notorious for, said John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at the Citizen Lab. This shows the industry and its way of doing business is the problem. Its not just a few bad apples.

Stealthy spyware

Paragons spyware is especially stealthy because it can compromise a device without any action from the user. Similar to the NSO Groups notorious Pegasus spyware, which has been blacklisted by the U.S. government, Graphite allows the operator to covertly access applications, including encrypted messengers like Signal and WhatsApp.

Theres no link to click, attachment to download, file to open or mistake to make, Scott-Railton said. One moment the phone is yours, and the next minute its data is streaming to an attacker.

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Parliamentary oversight

COPASIR, the parliamentary committee overseeing the Italian secret services, took the rare step last week of making public the results of its investigation into the governments use of Paragon. The COPASIR report said that Italian intelligence services hadn't spied on Cancellato, the editor of Fanpage.

The report did confirm the surveillance, with tools including Graphite, of civil society activists, but said they had been targeted legally and with government authorization  not as activists but over their work related to irregular immigration and national security.

Giovanni Donzelli, vice president of COPASIR and a prominent member of Melonis Brothers of Italy party, declined further comment Thursday, saying the parliamentary report was more relevant than an analysis done by a privately funded Canadian laboratory.

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Citizen Lab says it's rigorously independent, and doesn't accept research funding from governments or companies.

Italy and Paragon both say theyve terminated their relationship, but offer starkly different versions of the breakup.

Paragon referred questions to a statement it gave to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, in which the company said that it stopped providing spyware to Italy after the government declined its offer to help investigate Cancellatos case. Italian authorities, however, said they had rejected Paragon's offer over national security concerns and ended the relationship following media outcry.

U.S. contracts

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Paragon has been keen to deflect reputational damage that could, in theory, impact its contracts with the U.S. government.

A 2023 executive order, which so far hasn't been overturned by U.S. President Donald Trump, prohibits federal government departments and agencies from acquiring commercial spyware that has been misused by foreign governments, including to limit freedom of expression and political dissent.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded Paragon a one-year, $2 million contract last September for operations and support of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, public records show.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has also reportedly used the spyware. In December 2022, Adam Schiff, the California Democrat who at the time chaired the House Intelligence Committee, wrote to the administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration questioning whether the DEAs use of Graphite spyware undermined efforts to deter the broad proliferation of powerful surveillance capabilities to autocratic regimes and others who may misuse them.

___

Byron Tau in Washington, and Lorne Cook in Brussels, contributed to this report.
The Trump administration on Thursday continued to brace for significant escalation in the Middle East, as President Donald Trump sent mixed signals on how he would view an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities as the U.S. continues to pursue a diplomatic deal with Tehran.

"As long as I think there is agreement, I don't want them going in because I think that would blow it," said during an event at the White House. "It might help it actually, but it also could blow it."

Trump continued to characterize past discussions between American and Iranian negotiators as "very good," without saying whether he believed they would ultimately be able to reach an agreement.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks after signing a bill blocking California's rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, in the East Room of the White House, June 12, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP)

MORE: Israel considering military action against Iran in coming days: Sources

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The comments from the president are a shift from his statements last month, when he publicly revealed he had warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against striking Iran.

"I told him this would be inappropriate to do right now because we're very close to a solution," Trump said in May. "Now, that could change at any moment -- could change with a phone call."

On Thursday, three sources familiar with the situation in the Middle East told ABC News that Israel was considering taking military action against Iran in the coming days.

The State Department also issued a sweeping security alert for Americans working or traveling in the Middle East and North Africa, advising them to "exercise increased caution."

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"Historically, similar tensions have resulted in travel disruptions and increased security concerns for U.S. citizens in the region," the alert reads.

The president also acknowledged that "something could happen soon" in the region.

"I don't want to say imminent. But it looks like it's something that could very well happen," Trump told ABC News White House Correspondent Selina Wang when she asked whether an Israeli attack was imminent.

"Look, it's very simple. Not complicated: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," he said.

PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference, in Jerusalem, May 21, 2025. (Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)

The escalating tensions in the Middle East come as U.S. officials say that the Trump administration's top negotiator, Senior Advisor and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, is planning to push ahead with a sixth round of nuclear negations with Iran, scheduled to take place in Oman on Sunday.

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Iranian and Omani officials have also confirmed the plans, but the potential for military action has injected significant uncertainty into the diplomatic process.

Already, negotiations had appeared to hit a wall over Iran's ability to enrich uranium, which is a red line for both sides.

U.S. officials say that American negotiators initially put forth a proposal that would allow Iran to enrich uranium at a low level for its nuclear energy program, but that the president later retracted the offer -- doubling down on his insistence that Iran be banned from any such activity.

Earlier this week, the State Department and the Pentagon began making preparations for potential escalation in the Middle East.

PHOTO: President Donald Trump in Washington, May 30, 2025 and Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on June 4, 2025. (Reuters/AFP via Getty Images)

On Wednesday, a partial evacuation order was issued for non-essential staff at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, while an authorized departure was issued for the American embassies in Bahrain and Kuwait --allowing some employees and family members of diplomats to leave the country ahead of their regularly scheduled rotations.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also authorized the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the Middle East, according to a U.S. official.

"Well, they are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place, and we'll see what happens," Trump said on Wednesday.

ABC News' Luis Martinez, Selina Wang, Hannah Demissie, John Parkinson, and Anne Flaherty contributed to this report.

US braces for potential Israeli strike on Iran even as Trump pursues nuclear deal originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Michael A. Hancock is a retired high-tech business executive and a Coloradan since 1973. Originally from Texas, he is a musician, composer, software engineer and U.S. Air Force veteran whose wide-ranging interests  from science and religion to politics, the arts and philosophy  shape his perspective on culture, innovation and what it means to be a Coloradan.
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg, who has voiced support for progressive primary challenges to Democratic incumbents running for re-election in the 2026 midterm elections, said on Wednesday he will not run for his post again.

The party said its members had voted 294-99 to redo the contest that elected Hogg and another Democrat, Malcolm Kenyatta, as vice chairs earlier this year.

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In late April, DNC Chair Ken Martin issued a warning to Hogg to back away from plans to help finance progressive primary challenges to Democratic incumbents running for re-election in the 2026 midterm elections.

Martin's message came with the warning that Hogg could get involved in Democratic primary campaigns but not while holding down a DNC job, as the party weighed possible rule changes to facilitate the firings of DNC officials for such activities.

Hogg had said he would raise money through an outside group, "Leaders We Deserve," to foster such challenges.

"It is clear that there is a fundamental disagreement about the role of a Vice Chair - and it's okay to have disagreements. What isn't okay is allowing this to remain our focus when there is so much more we need to be focused on," Hogg said in a statement on Wednesday.

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"I have decided to not run in this upcoming election so the party can focus on what really matters."

Hogg, 25, gained national attention after surviving a 2018 mass shooting at his high school in Parkland, Florida. He became a voice for tighter gun control and has evolved into a political activist.

Since then, he has been active in progressive causes and in February won a DNC vice chair spot, as the party intensified efforts to appeal to more progressive voters.

The Democratic Party is engaged in a battle over its future after President Donald Trump won the 2024 U.S. elections while his Republican Party won control of both chambers of Congress.

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That left Democrats with little ability in Washington to limit Trump's policies, and sparked a wave of intra-party recriminations.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
By Steve Holland and Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff plans to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman on Sunday and discuss Iran's response to a recent American proposal for a nuclear deal, a U.S. official said late on Wednesday.

Iran said on Monday it will soon hand a counter-proposal for a nuclear deal to the United States in response to a U.S. offer that Tehran deems "unacceptable," while U.S. President Donald Trump said talks would continue.

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Trump told a podcast on Monday he was less confident that Iran will agree to stop uranium enrichment in a nuclear deal with Washington.

Trump has been seeking a new nuclear deal to place limits on Iran's disputed uranium enrichment activities and has threatened the Islamic Republic with bombing if no agreement is reached.

Iran has long said it has no plans to develop nuclear weapons and is only interested in atomic power generation and other peaceful projects.

During his first White House term, Trump withdrew the U.S. from a 2015 deal between Iran and world powers that placed limits on Tehran's uranium enrichment drive in exchange for relief from international sanctions.

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Uneasy relations between Iran and the U.S. go back decades. Tehran says Washington has interfered in its affairs, citing events ranging from a 1953 coup against a prime minister to the 2020 killing of its military commander in a U.S. drone strike.

Washington cites Iran's backing of militant groups in the Middle East including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen to say that Iran poses a threat to U.S. ally Israel and Washington's interests in the region.

The militant groups describe themselves as the "Axis of Resistance" to Israeli and U.S. influence in the Middle East.

Trump said on Wednesday U.S. personnel were being moved out of the Middle East because "it could be a dangerous place."

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The decision by the U.S. to evacuate some personnel comes at a volatile moment in the region. Trump's efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran appear to be deadlocked and U.S. intelligence indicates that Israel has been making preparations for a strike against Iran's nuclear facilities.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Lincoln Feast)
The United States is preparing a partial evacuation of its embassy in Iraq and has authorised the voluntary departure of dependants of US personnel from locations across the Middle East, including Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, as regional security concerns rise.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement on Wednesday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had authorised the departure of military dependants in the region and that CENTCOM was monitoring the developing tension.

Orders for all nonessential personnel to depart the US Embassy in Baghdad  which was already on limited staffing  was based on a commitment to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad, the Department of State said.

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Speaking on Wednesday evening, US President Donald Trump said the order to move staff out had been given because the region could be a dangerous place.

Well see what happens. Weve given notice to move out, and well see what happens, Trump said.

Trump then added in reference to Iran: They cant have a nuclear weapon, very simple. Were not going to allow that.

Uncertainty has been growing in recent days as talks between the US and Iran over its nuclear programme appear to have hit an impasse.

US news broadcaster CBS reported late on Wednesday that US officials have been informed that Israel is fully ready to launch an attack on Iran and that Washington anticipates that Tehran could retaliate by targeting certain American sites in neighbouring Iraq.





Al Jazeeras Alan Fisher, reporting from Washington, DC, said there have been clear signs in recent days of high-level discussions between senior military officials and the Trump administration amid concern around the ongoing talks with Iran over its nuclear programme.

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Donald Trump has in the last couple of days  expressed his concern that a deal might not be able to be done, Fisher said.

Therefore, we are seeing, effectively, the partial evacuation of the embassy in Baghdad with non-military personnel and non-essential staff being moved out. And the voluntary evacuation of other embassies in the region, he said.

Theyve done this sort of thing before, Fisher said, noting the Baghdad embassy was partially evacuated previously over concerns that the embassy could become a target for Iranian-aligned militias in Iraq.

Clearly, there is some concern that the discussions with the Iranians arent going well. Or, it could be that this is all designed to put pressure on Iranians. Because, you will remember, that Donald Trump said that if they couldnt get some sort of deal, then  there could be some sort of military action against the Iranians.

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As reports of US embassy staff and dependants departing the Middle East region emerged, Irans mission to the United Nations posted on social media that Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and US militarism only fuels instability.

Threats of overwhelming force wont change the facts, the Iranian mission said.

Diplomacy  not militarism  is the only path forward, it added.

Threats of overwhelming force wont change facts:

Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and U.S. militarism only fuels instability. CENTCOMs legacy of fueling regional instability, through arming aggressors and enabling Israeli crimes, strips it of any credibility to speak on  I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) June 11, 2025

Separately, Iranian Defence Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh told reporters earlier that he hoped talks with the US would be successful, though Tehran stood ready to respond to any aggression.

If conflict is imposed on us, the opponents casualties will certainly be more than ours, and in that case, America must leave the region, because all its bases are within our reach, he said.

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We have access to them, and we will target all of them in the host countries without hesitation.

The next round of talks  the sixth  between the US and Iran on limits to Tehrans nuclear programme in exchange for lifting sanctions on the country have been tentatively scheduled for this weekend in Oman, according to reports, and Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is still scheduled to attend.




California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling President Donald Trump's military intervention at protests over federal immigration policy in Los Angeles an assault on democracy. Meanwhile, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is putting the National Guard on standby in areas in his state where demonstrations are planned.

The divergent approaches illustrate the ways the two parties are trying to navigate national politics and the role of executive power in enforcing immigration policies.

In his live TV address this week, Newsom said that Trumps move escalated the situation  and for political gain. A judge on Thursday sided with Newsom in a lawsuit he filed challenging the deployment and issued a temporary restraining order directing Trump to return control of the National Guard to California on Friday. The government immediately appealed.

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All 22 other Democratic governors signed a statement sent by the Democratic Governors Association on Sunday backing Newsom, calling the Guard deployment and threats to send in Marines an alarming abuse of power that "undermines the mission of our service members, erodes public trust, and shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement.

Thursday, the Republican Governors Association said that showed their Democratic counterparts were siding with chaos and lawlessness in the streets over law and order.

The protests in Los Angeles have mostly been contained to five blocks in a small section of downtown; nearly 200 people were detained on Tuesday and at least seven police officers have been injured.

In Republican-controlled states, governors have not said when or how they're planning to deploy military troops for protests.

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Since Trump's return to office, Democratic governors have been calculating about when to criticize him, when to emphasize common ground and when to bite their tongues.

The governors' responses are guided partly by a series of political considerations, said Kristoffer Shields, director of the Eagleton Center on the American Governor at Rutgers University: How would criticizing Trump play with Democrats, Republicans and independent voters in their states? And for those with presidential ambitions, how does that message resonate nationally?

Democratic governors are weighing a number of considerations.

There probably is some concern about retributions  what the reaction of the administration could be for a governor who takes a strong stance," Shields said.

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And in this case, polling indicates about half of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling immigration, though that polling was conducted before the recent military deployment.

On other issues, Democratic governors have taken a variety of approaches with Trump.

At a White House meeting in February, Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills told Trump,  well see you in court  over his push to cut off funding to the state because it allowed transgender athletes in girls' school sports. Michigan's Gretchen Whitmer, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, publicly sparred with Trump during his first term but this time around, has met with him privately to find common ground.

Initially, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green referred to Trump as a straight-up dictator," but the next month he told a local outlet that he was treading carefully, saying: Im not going to criticize him directly much at all."

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Democratic governors make their case to Congress

Democratic governors called to testify before a House panel Thursday on so-called sanctuary policies blasted the use of military troops in the Los Angeles area.

Gov. JB Pritzker said Illinois complies with all laws when it comes to immigration while honoring First Amendment rights. We will not take away peoples rights to peacefully protest, Pritzker said. Its wrong to deploy the National Guard and active duty Marines in an American city over the objection of local law enforcement just as its wrong to tear children away from their homes.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul told committee members the focus should be on comprehensive immigration reform.

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As we speak, an American city has been militarized over the objections of their governor, she said. This is a flagrant abuse of power and nothing short of an assault on our American values.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, in an interview Wednesday in The Washington Post, said Trump should not send troops to a weekend protest scheduled in Philadelphia.

Hes injected chaos into the world order, hes injected it into our economy, he is trying to inject chaos into our streets by doing what he did with the Guard in California," Shapiro said.

As state attorney general during Trumps first term, Shapiro routinely boasted that he sued Trump over 40 times and won each time. As governor, he has often treaded more carefully, by bashing Trumps tariffs, but not necessarily targeting Trump himself.

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GOP governors weighing in

Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has often clashed with Newsom, a fellow term-limited governor with national ambitions.

Newsom's office said DeSantis offered to send Florida State Guard troops to California.

Given the guard were not needed in the first place, we declined Governor DeSantis attempt to inflame an already chaotic situation made worse by his Partys leader, Newsom spokesperson Diana Crofts-Pelayo said in an email to The Associated Press.

Speaking on Fox News on Tuesday, DeSantis said the gesture was a typical offer of mutual aid during a crisis  and was dismissive of the reasons it was turned down.

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The way to put the fire out is to make sure you have law and order, he said.

States are preparing for more protests this weekend

Protests against immigration enforcement raids have sprung up in other cities  and a series of No Kings demonstrations are planned for the weekend  with governors preparing to respond.

In Connecticut, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont said he has spoken with his public safety commissioner to make sure state and local police work together.

I dont want to give the president any pretext to think he can come into Connecticut and militarize the situation. That just makes the situation worse, said Lamont, who called Trump "a little eager to send federal troops and militarize the situation in Los Angeles.

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In Texas, Abbott said Thursday he's ordered more than 5,000 National Guard troops and 2,000 state police to be deployed around the state. In Austin, where police used chemical irritants to disperse several hundred protesters Monday, the mayors office said the National Guard was not requested.

San Antonio officials also said they did not request the Guard, but some troops were seen at a protest there Wednesday night.

On Thursday, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an order to activate his state's National Guard as a precautionary measure in reaction to recent instances of civil unrest across the country."

Florida's DeSantis said law enforcement in his state is preparing. The minute you cross into attacking law enforcement, any type of rioting, any type of vandalism, looting, just be prepared to have the law come down on you, DeSantis said Tuesday. And we will make an example of you, you can guarantee it.

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___

Associated Press reporters Nadia Lathan and Jim Vertuno in Austin, Texas; Sophie Austin in Sacramento, California; Isabella Volmert in Lansing, Michigan; Andrew DeMillo in Little Rock, Arkansas; Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut; Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York; Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; and Sophia Tareen in Chicago; contributed.
By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday narrowly passed President Donald Trump's request to slash $9.4 billion in spending on foreign aid and public broadcasting, sending the package for consideration by the Senate.

The measure passed the House, where Trump's Republicans hold a slim majority and have shown little appetite for opposing his initiatives, by 214-212. Only four Republicans joined 208 Democrats in voting against the bill after a few others who had initially cast "no" votes switched to the "yes" column.

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Six House members - two Republicans and four Democrats - did not vote.

It was a victory for Trump, who had lobbied for the measure, including in a post on his Truth Social media site just before the vote. He referred to foreign aid as wasteful and called National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service a "Radical Left Disaster."

If the Senate approves the bill and it becomes law, the "rescissions" memo requesting the elimination of $9.4 billion in spending already approved by lawmakers would make permanent some of the cuts put in place through Trump's executive orders or Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

The package's fate in the Senate is less certain. Several senators have expressed concerns about some cuts, including to local broadcasters and global health programs like PEPFAR, a program begun under Republican President George W. Bush to combat HIV/AIDS credited with saving 26 million lives.

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Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the Senate could change the package. "We'll see," he told reporters.

The Senate has until July 18 to act on the legislation, or it will expire and the White House will be required to adhere to the spending plans passed by Congress.

Presidential rescissions packages have not passed in years, because previous Congresses have not wanted to give up their constitutionally mandated control of government spending. For example, lawmakers rejected Trump's request to revoke $15 billion in spending in 2018, during his first term.

'AMERICA FIRST'

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Most of the cuts in this year's package - $8.3 billion - are for foreign aid, with the remaining $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR and PBS.

Backers of the legislation in the House said it supported Trump's "America First" agenda and that the United States should not be sending money abroad rather than spending it on Americans in the United States, at a time of budget deficits.

"It's all borrowed money," Representative Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the No. 2 House Republican, said in a speech before the vote.

Opponents noted that foreign aid accounts for less than 1% of federal spending but has a huge "soft power" impact in increasing goodwill toward the United States, and saving lives.

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Democrats noted studies estimating that hundreds of thousands of people risked starvation or death from preventable diseases because of the sharp cuts in foreign assistance by the United States, which had been the world's biggest donor.

"People will die," said Representative Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat, in remarks opposing the measure.

The cuts include rescinding $496 million of the $4 billion Congress approved for international disaster assistance, $460 million appropriated to assist former communist countries in Europe and Central Asia; $400 million of $6 billion for global health programs like fighting HIV/AIDS, and $142 million designated for UNICEF, the United Nations' children's fund.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Alistair Bell)
(WBRE/WYOU)  The United States Marshals Service (USMS) announced theyre looking for a 50-year-old man with ties to Pennsylvania on multiple drug charges.

The USMS is asking for the publics assistance in locating Yushonda Lee Durant.

The release states that a Grand Jury in the Middle District of Pennsylvania issued a warrant charging Durant with Drug Delivery Resulting in Death and offenses related to the Distribution of Cocaine and Heroin back in 2015.

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The case has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the warrant has been turned over to the USMS for apprehension.

Stroudsburg man arrested for allegedly beating man with belt, stabbing him

Authorities describe Durant as standing at five feet eight inches and weighing approximately 170 pounds, with ties predominantly to Bronx River Projects, the Bronx, and Queens, New York.

He also has ties to Maine, Ohio, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, according to officials.

The USMS is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to Durants arrest.

Tips can be called in to the USMS tip line at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or online.

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Hundreds of thousands of immigrants who were given special permission to come to the US will be told that they must leave the country immediately.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement Thursday that Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who were previously temporarily shielded from deportation will be emailed notices telling them to go.

The DHS said that more than half a million people from the four countries were allowed to remain in the US for two years under orders issued by former President Joe Biden.

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The directive is expected to face legal challenges from opponents of the Trump administration's mass deportation programme.

During his time in office Biden expanded the protection, which is called "humanitarian parole" and dates back to the Cold War, due to conditions in each of the four countries.

The DHS previously said that through the end of November 2024, a total of 531,670 people were granted permission to stay in the US under the programme, and that as a result, illegal crossings from citizens of the four countries had decreased by 98%.

It's unclear exactly how many people will be affected by the new directive, however, as some of the immigrants from those countries may have acquired legal status to remain in the US under other visa programmes.

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The Biden administration had said the immigrants, who each required a US-based sponsor, were screened and vetted. However, the Trump administration disagreed.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin called the Biden-era programme "disastrous" and in a statement said it opened the door for fraudulent claims and crime and it undercut American workers.

The programme became an issue during last year's presidential campaign, particularly when Trump and his allies focused attention on cities like Springfield, Ohio, which in recent years has seen a large influx of Haitian immigrants - many of whom were permitted to stay in the country under the programme.

Trump and others made inflammatory statements about Haitian immigrants eating pets, which were found to be lacking in evidence. However, Trump's running mate, Vice-President JD Vance, defended what he described as "creating a story" to highlight high levels of immigration and what he called "the suffering of the American people."

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President Trump cancelled Biden's order on parole with an executive order of his own shortly after he took office in January. In May the Supreme Court upheld his suspension of the humanitarian parole programme while a legal battle continues in lower courts.

The DHS has promised travel assistance and a $1,000 "exit bonus" to migrants without legal permission to be in the US who voluntarily leave the country.
The US began evacuating non-essential personnel from diplomatic and military installations across the Middle East after Israel was reported to be readying an operation in Iran.

The partial evacuation of the Iraq embassy, among other staff withdrawals, came as talks between Washington and Tehran over Irans nuclear program appear to have stalled, with American officials fearing reprisals if Israel follows through on its plans, CBS said.

US President Donald Trump held a tense call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which Trump reportedly told him that strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were off the table for now despite the Israeli leaders demand that a credible military threat be maintained.
US Presidents special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has said he tried to explain to Donald Trump the importance of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's efforts to achieve peace.

Source: Keith Kellogg during a speech at the German Marshall Fund forum in Brussels, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Kellogg said he told Trump that "we havent had an American president since Abraham Lincoln that's had to do what President Zelenskyy is done".

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Quote: "President Zelenskyy is fighting a war of national survival on his own soil, and thats what Abraham Lincoln did. He fought on his own soil for national survival, for national sovereignty. And when you see that, you have to appreciate the issues that they are facing right now on the ground."

More details: Kellogg added that Americans sometimes fail to see this because they "dont put themselves in their [the Ukrainians] shoes" and do not understand how "to work the way out of this".

Background:

Earlier, Kellogg said the US considered Russias concerns about NATO expansion legitimate and was open to discussing them.

He also advised Ukraine not to reject negotiations with Russia.

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(NewsNation)  Leaders in some Democratic-led cities are bracing for an increased presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents as demonstrations protesting the Trump administrations immigration enforcement policies and ICE tactics continue across the country, with more planned for this weekend.

Published reports on Wednesday stated that specialized ICE tactical teams would be sent to Chicago, Philadelphia, Seattle, New York and Northern Virginia after anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles reached a tipping point with hundreds being arrested.

More than two dozen protests nationwide this week have led to arrests as demonstrators rally against migrants being taken into federal custody. Federal officials insist ICE enforcement efforts will continue across the country despite the rallies, as advocates for migrant rights push back against what they say are deceptive practices being used by ICE.

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Inside largest ICE workplace operation in Omaha: NewsNation exclusive

We will not be deterred, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told NewsNation this week.

More protests, including thousands of No Kings events, are slated for Saturday amid reports that ICE is ramping up enforcement efforts, including during workplace raids in cities with sanctuary policies in place. That has raised concerns among some city leaders that clashes between federal agents and protesters, like those in Los Angeles, could spread.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom predicted Tuesday that other left-leaning areas of the country could be targeted by the Trump administration by using similar tactics.

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What we have seen in Los Angeles is really not about immigration, this is not about policy, this is about power, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said Wednesday. We have a tyrant in the White House that has a complete disregard for our Constitution and the dismissing of our democracy.

What cities are being targeted by ICE?

ICE is prepared to deploy Special Response Teams to several Democratic-run cities to continue to carry out immigration enforcement practices, according to NBC News. No timeline for the troops being sent to those cities has been laid out.

ICE did not respond to a request for comment from NewsNation on Wednesday. However, Chicago city officials confirmed on Wednesday that they had been alerted on Tuesday that agents had been given notice that they would be sent out within the next 48 hours.

Mayor Brandon Johnson answers questions during a news conference at Chicago City Hall on April 1, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Johnson said his main priority is keeping everyone safe and that the citys practice of constitutional policing would continue. Johnson said that because Trump is determined to insert chaos, the citys response would be to provide calm and structure.

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We have an absolutely criminalized approach towards governance, and this president clearly continues to show how low he will stoop in order to protect the interests of a handful of people, Johnson said.

Johnson said at a news conference that he has been in contact with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and other leaders about a unified stance but said that the city and state are committed to protecting the right of people to assemble and to help preserve their constitutional rights.

2 charged for alleged Molotov cocktail possession at LA protests

Johnson said that the citys strategic approach will remain in place Saturday when No Kings protests are scheduled both in Chicagos downtown district as well as in several suburbs. He said that demonstrators who act outside of their constitutional protections would be held responsible and accountable.

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Johnsons comments followed demonstrations that took place in Chicago, where 17 people were taken into custody, including four who were charged with felonies, NewsNation affiliate WGN reported.

Lisa Gilbert, the co-president of Public Citizen, which is helping to organize this weekends protests, told NewsNation that the demonstrations are intended to be peaceful, patriotic and focused on what regular Americans want and need. But she said, like leaders in cities being targeted, the group has concerns with how the Trump administation is using the military in places like Los Angeles.

They are escalating tensions rather than resolving them, and our events will not play into their need for more chaos, Gilbert said. Instead of allowing Trumps bombastic military parade (on Saturday) to be the center of gravity, we hope to make peaceful action everywhere else the story this Saturday. People will be coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption.

Johnson said that the Chicago Police will continue to protect local residents and protesters alike while also adhering to the Illinois Trust Act, which prevents local officers from cooperating with federal immigration officials.

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But other city leaders hope that despite the tensions felt in places like Los Angeles, demonstrations can remain peaceful while getting their message across.

The level of rage, the level of righteous anger that (protesters) might feel out there is genuine, Chicago Ald. Andre Vasquez told NewsNation. So, trying to make sure that people dont feel further oppressed while also recognizing that theres clearly a strategy of having crowds look like theyre chaotic is how the (Trump) administration is moving, its very challenging to try to communicate that.

NYPD ready to handle anti-ICE protests

In New York City, where 86 people were arrested by city police officers on Tuesday during anti-ICE protests that involved about 2,500 participants, Mayor Eric Adams said that the escalation of protests in Los Angeles is unacceptable and would not be tolerated if attempted in New York.

I understand that some New Yorkers may be angry, afraid, and I understand, NYC will always be a place to peacefully protest, but we will not allow lawlessness, Adams said, according to NewsNation affiliate Pix11.

FILE  New York City Mayor Eric Adams attends an event at the NYPDs 40th precinct, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, in the Bronx borough of New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

Earlier this week, 24 people were arrested during a sit-in at Trump Tower in New York, while seven people were taken into custody at another demonstration, three of whom were criminally charged. Yet with more protests planned in the coming days, city officials do not expect things to rise to the level they have in Los Angeles, an Adams spokeswoman told NewsNation on Wednesday.

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The spokeswoman said the city has not received any notification that additional ICE agents would be arriving in New York in the coming days. She added that the city does not anticipate involving the National Guard or the U.S. military being sent to New York, both of which have been called into action in Los Angeles by the Trump administration.

The mayors spokeswoman said that the city has made it clear to the federal government that no federal assistance is required to help maintain law and order and that city officials do not expect protests to escalate out of control.

Theres no invasion: California AG on Los Angeles protests

What were seeing in (Los Angeles) and what the feds are doing over there, were not seeing that here. The NYPD has it under control, she told NewsNation. The NYPD is literally prepared for anything.

Seattle officials ready to react

Despite hearing rumors and media reports about ICE tactical teams being sent to Seattle, city officials told NewsNation on Wednesday that they have not yet received official word about increased federal agents arriving.

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In a statement sent to NewsNation on Wednesday, Mayor Bruce Harrell said that the city remains in close contact with the governors and state attorney generals offices, as well as other local officials, to coordinate a response should ICE tactical teams arrive in Seattle in the coming days.

Harrell called the Trump administrations actions in Los Angeles an extreme and egregious overreach of federal authority meant to escalate tensions and to distract from the promises Trump hasnt lived up to. The mayor said he is working with Seattles police department to prepare for any demonstrations that may arise.

Seattle strongly supports the First Amendment rights of our residents, and we encourage residents to stand up for their values peacefully, Harrell said. There is no room for violence. Violence and property damage are exactly what Trump wants to spin his false narrative of our city.

National Guard Dispatched in Texas protest cities

After anti-ICE protests took place in Austin and San Antonio and with more demonstrations planned, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced plans on social media to dispatch the Texas National Guard to those cities.

Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Lloyd Easterling administered the oath of office to Texas National Guard soldiers at the Alpine Border Patrol Station, granting them Title 8 authority in a ceremony on Monday, March 4, 2025. (CBP)

Abbott wrote on X on Tuesday that the troops will use every tool and strategy to help law enforcement maintain order. Abbott wrote that while peaceful protest is legal, harming others and damaging or destroying property will lead to arrests.

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Abbott said on Thursday that he ordered 5,000 National Guard troops to areas where No Kings protests will be held this weekend along with 2,000 state police troopers.

Abbotts declaration followed a demonstration earlier this week at the state capitol building in Austin, which was attended by 500 people and in which local and state authorities used pepper spray and flashbang grenades. More than a dozen people were arrested, according to reports.

This weekends planned protests include No Kings demonstrations that are part of the nationwide collection of protests that decry the Trump administrations policies.

The deployment of the National Guard, which will remain on standby, is an attempt to prevent civil unrest from taking place, an Abbott spokesman told NewsNation on Wednesday.

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Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles, the spokesman, Andrew Mahaleris, said Wednesday. Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be swiftly held accountable to the full extent of the 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 NewsNation.
The US has launched a review of its multi-billion dollar submarine deal with the UK and Australia, saying the security pact must fit its "America First" agenda.

Under the trilateral pact, believed to be aimed at countering China, Australia is to get its first nuclear-powered subs from the US, before the allies create a new fleet by sharing cutting-edge tech.

Both Australia and the UK - which did its own review last year - have played down news of the US probe, saying it is natural for a new administration to reassess.

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The move comes as both Australia and the UK face pressure from the White House to lift military spending, demands heeded by Downing Street but largely resisted by Canberra.

The Aukus agreement - worth 176bn ($239bn; A$368bn) - was signed in 2021, when all three countries involved had different leaders.

A US defence official told the BBC the pact was being reviewed "as part of ensuring that this initiative of the previous administration is aligned with the President's America First agenda".

"As [US Defence] Secretary [Pete] Hegseth has made clear, this means ensuring the highest readiness of our servicemembers [and] that allies step up fully to do their part for collective defence," the defence official said.

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The US has been pushing allies to start spending at least 3% of GDP on defence as soon as possible.

The UK has agreed to spend 2.5% of GDP on its defence by 2028, and 3% by the next parliament, while Australia has also said it will lift funding, but not to the 3.5% that the US wants.

The review will be headed up by Elbridge Colby, who has previously been critical of Aukus, in a speech last year questioning why the US would give away "this crown jewel asset when we most need it".

Defence Minister Richard Marles, speaking to local Australian media on Thursday morning local time, said he was optimistic the deal would continue.

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"I'm very confident this is going to happen," he told ABC Radio Melbourne.

"You just need to look at the map to understand that Australia absolutely needs to have a long-range submarine capability."

Some in Australia have been lobbying for the country to develop a more self-reliant defence strategy, but Marles said it was important to "stick to a plan" - a reference to the previous government's controversial cancellation of a submarine deal with France in favour of Aukus.

An Australian government spokesperson told the BBC it was "natural" that the new administration would "examine" the agreement, adding the UK had also recently finished a review of the security pact between the long-standing allies.

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There is "clear and consistent" support for the deal across the "full political spectrum" in the US, they said, adding Australia looked forward to "continuing our close cooperation with the Trump Administration on this historic project".

A UK defence spokesperson told the BBC it was "understandable" for a new administration to look at the deal, "just as the UK did last year".

Aukus is a "landmark security and defence partnership with two of our closest allies", the spokesperson said, and "one of the most strategically important partnerships in decades, supporting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic".

Jennifer Kavanagh, from American thinktank Defense Priorities, told the BBC that the US was "absolutely right to take another look at this deal" as its submarine capacities were already stretched.

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"The US cannot meet its own demand for these nuclear-powered submarines," she said.

The other concern the US might have is whether Australia would use the submarines they buy in the way the US wants them to, she said, particularly if conflict erupts over Taiwan.

Dr Kavanagh said the review might see the security pact shift its focus away from providing submarines to sharing other long-range weapons technology.

However, if the US were to pull out of the deal, China would "celebrate" as they have long criticised the deal, Dr Kavanagh added.

What is Aukus?

For Australia, the deal represents a major upgrade to its military capabilities. The country becomes just the second after the UK to receive Washington's elite nuclear propulsion technology.

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Such submarines will be able to operate further and faster than the country's existing diesel-engine fleet and Australia would also be able to carry out long-range strikes against enemies for the first time.

It is a big deal for the US to share what is often called the "crown jewels" of its defence technology.

But arming Australia has historically been viewed by Washington and Downing Street as essential to preserving peace in a region they themselves aren't a part of.

From 2027, the pact will allow both the US and UK to base a small number of nuclear submarines in Perth, Western Australia.

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Canberra will also buy three second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the US at a yet-to-be-determined date in the early 2030s - with options to purchase two more.

After that, the plan is to design and build an entirely new nuclear-powered submarine model for the UK and Australian navies.

This attack craft will be built in Britain and Australia to a British design, but use technology from all three countries.

The security alliance has repeatedly drawn criticism from China, with the foreign ministry in Beijing saying it risked creating an arms race.

[BBC]

Follow the twists and turns of Trump's second term with North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher's weekly US Politics Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here.
Democratic US Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a news conference held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles on Thursday and placed in handcuffs.

Noem was giving an update on immigration enforcement after nearly a week of protests in the city, when Senator Padilla interrupted and started shouting a question.

"I'm Senator Alex Padilla," he said as he was confronted by authorities. "I have questions for the secretary!"

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Video of the incident shows the senator struggling with multiple Secret Service agents before being shoved out of the room and dragged away, before uniformed FBI agents placed him on the ground and arrested him.

Noem, who was speaking about immigration and the protests in LA, continued addressing reporters and law enforcement officers while the senator was ejected.

Padilla's removal prompted immediate condemnation and an angry backlash on Capitol Hill, where fellow Democratic members of Congress called the arrest a "sickening disgrace" and an "affront to democracy".

LA Mayor Karen Bass called it "absolutely abhorrent and outrageous", adding that the Trump administration's "violent attacks on our city must end".

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Some Republicans also condemned the incident. "It's horrible," Senator Lisa Murkowski told reporters. "It is shocking at every level. It's not the America I know."

In a video posted to social media later in the day, Padilla said he "couldn't accept the rhetoric anymore" during the news conference and so tried to interject with a question.

"I'm OK," he said. "But if they can do that to me, a United States senator... what are they doing to a lot of folks out there when the cameras are not on?"

"What we've seen here should not be normalised," he added.

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Kristi Noem said she met with Padilla for 15 minutes afterwards, saying while they "probably disagree on 90% of the topics", the pair would continue to talk.

"I wish he would've acted that way in the beginning rather than creating a scene," she said in a social media post.

The Trump administration accused Padilla of "disrespectful political theatre".

In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said he lunged at Secretary Noem. That was disputed by the senator's office and fellow Democrats.

The department said the senator was told to back away and did not comply with officers' commands, adding that the Secret Service "thought he was an attacker".

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Padilla told reporters that he was already in the federal building for a previously scheduled meeting. He said he stopped by Noem's news briefing because he and his colleagues have received "little to no information in response" to several immigration-related queries.

Padilla, the son of Mexican immigrants, is the most senior Democrat on the Senate's Border Security and Immigration subcommittee.

"I came to the press conference to hear what she had to say, to see if I could learn any new additional information," he said.

He urged Americans across the country to "continue peacefully protesting" the Trump administration and its policies.

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California's Governor Gavin Newsom called on Republican congressional leadership to condemn the detaining of Padilla.

"If they can handcuff a US Senator for asking a question, imagine what they will do to you," Newsom wrote on social media.

But the White House accused the California senator of storming the press conference.

"Padilla didn't want answers; he wanted attention," Abigail Jackson, White House spokesperson said. "Padilla embarrassed himself and his constituents with this immature, theatre-kid stunt  but it's telling that Democrats are more riled up about Padilla than they are about the violent riots and assaults on law enforcement in LA."
US Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla was forcefully removed from a press conference in Los Angeles Thursday and coerced to the ground after attempting to ask Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a question.

Padilla, Californias first Latino elected to the US Senate, interrupted Noem as she was giving remarks in the Los Angeles FBI headquarters on the administrations response to the protests in that city against Noems agency and its immigration-enforcement efforts. The senator had been in the federal building for a separate briefing when he learned of the press conference.

Padilla was removed from the room, ordered to the ground by law enforcement and placed in handcuffs during the rapidly unfolding incident.

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The incident comes amid a heightened atmosphere in Los Angeles, which has been roiled with protests against President Donald Trumps federal immigration raids. While the senator was ultimately not arrested, his ejection from the room by law enforcement follows the arrests of other public officials, who the administration has accused of impeding its enforcement of immigration laws.

I was there peacefully, Padilla said in his first public remarks shortly following the incident. At one point I had a question, and so I began to ask a question. I was almost immediately forcibly removed from the room. I was forced to the ground, and I was handcuffed. I was not arrested. I was not detained.

He added: If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question, if this is how the Department of Homeland Security responds to a senator with a question, you can only imagine, what theyre doing to farm workers, to cooks, to day laborers out in the Los Angeles community and throughout California and throughout the country.

Noem said the US Secret Service thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately.

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I wish that he would have reached out and identified himself and let us know who he was and that he wanted to talk. His approach was something that I dont think was appropriate, she said.

Video of the incident shows the senator identifying himself as officers grabbed him and pushed him toward a door.

The pair, Noem said, later met and had a great conversation. Sat down, talked for 10, 15 minutes about operations in LA, some activities of the Department of Homeland Security, and so I thought it was very productive, she told reporters.

Following the incident, Padilla urged people protesting the Trump administration to do so peacefully. In the coming days, thousands of protests are planned across the country as Trump plans to host a military parade in Washington, DC, this weekend.

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There is a lot of concern, there is a lot of tension, there is a lot of anxiety, and a lot of people are beginning to make plans for what they or may or may not do come this Saturday, the senator said.

He added: I encourage everybody to please peacefully protest  just like I was calmly and peacefully listening in that press conference.

No charges are currently planned against the senator, two law enforcement sources told CNN.

Video shows forceful removal

Video of the confrontation shows the senator disrupting Noem during her opening remarks at the event on DHS response to the protests, identifying himself as he was toward the door.

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Im Sen. Alex Padilla, he shouted as he was led out of the room. I have questions for the secretary.

The senator appeared to take a couple of steps forward as he was being forced back. Noem remained at her podium and attempted to speak over the senator.

Because the fact of the matter is, a half a dozen violent criminals that youre rotating onto your, Padilla said as he was pushed out a set of double doors.

He shouted, hands off! as Noem continued her remarks, and he did not finish his question.

Video taken by Padillas aides outside the room showed officers ordering him to his knees and demanding he put his hands behind his back. Uniformed FBI police officers, who provide security for bureau facilities, placed him in handcuffs as he lay on the ground.

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Asked about the incident later during the press conference, Noem responded: I dont even know the senator.

He did not request a meeting with me or to speak with me. So when I leave here, Ill have a conversation with him and visit and find out, really, what his concerns were.

The pair spoke privately after the press conference.

Elected officials, including several of Padillas colleagues in Congress, immediately denounced the way he was treated and described it as a brutish overreaction.

Lawmakers condemn incident

In Washington, California Democrats and Democratic leaders swiftly condemned the manhandling of the senator and demanded investigations into the incident.

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Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said he was sickened by the treatment of Padilla and called for immediate answers to what the hell went on. While his counterpart in the House, Hakeem Jeffries, vowed to hold the officers who forcibly removed Padilla from the press conference accountable.

The assault on Senator Padilla today was an assault on freedom of speech in our country. Its a federal offense to attack a member of Congress. But thats not what its about, it shouldnt be anybody in our country to be treated this way, said Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California, the former Democratic House speaker.

Fellow California Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff said he was disgusted, called on Noem to resign and said there should be an investigation of the conduct of the officers involved.

He has every right to ask questions, indeed, thats his responsibility and to be treated the way he was to be essentially bought to the ground and shackled after identifying himself is a disgraceful action, Schiff told reporters on Capitol Hill Thursday afternoon.

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also demanded a full investigation into the incident.

While a large group of House Democrats marched from the House side of the Capitol to Majority Leader John Thunes office to pressure Republicans to respond, the GOP leader provided a more muted response.

Thune said he is trying to investigate the facts surrounding the incident to determine next steps. He has spoken directly with Padilla, he said, as well as has tried to reach Noem and brought in the Senate sergeant-at-arms, the top law enforcement official in the Senate.

We want to get the full scope of what happened and do what we would do on any incident like this involving a senator, which is to try to gather all the relevant information, Thune said.

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House Speaker Mike Johnson, for his part, sharply criticized Padilla.

I think the senators actions, my view is it was wildly inappropriate. You dont charge a sitting Cabinet secretary, and everybody can draw their own conclusions, Johnson told reporters as a group of hecklers behind him audibly countered: Thats a lie.

Johnson appeared to try to keep his composure as he ignored the heckles.

A sitting member of Congress should not act like that. It is beneath a member of Congress. It is beneath a US senator. Theyre supposed to lead by example, and that is not a good example. You have to turn the temperature down in this country and not escalate it. The Democrat Party is on the wrong side. They were defending lawbreakers, and now theyre acting like lawbreakers themselves, the speaker went on to say.

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Still, two Senate Republicans did express concern.

I think its very disturbing, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said of the video showing Padilla being removed, though she added: I dont know what preceded it.

Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, meanwhile, told reporters she had also seen the video, saying: Its horrible. It is shocking at every level.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Josh Campbell, Alison Main, Nicky Robertson, Aileen Graef and Molly English contributed to this report.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his congratulations to the Russian people on Thursday on the occasion of the country's national holiday.

"The United States remains committed to supporting the Russian people as they continue to build on their aspirations for a brighter future," Rubio said.

"We also take this opportunity to reaffirm the United States' desire for constructive engagement with the Russian Federation to bring about a durable peace between Russia and Ukraine," he added.

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"It is our hope that peace will foster more mutually beneficial relations between our countries," Rubio concluded in a statement issued by the State Department.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed his displeasure without naming the US.

"As minister for a warring country, it was particularly unpleasant for me to read the public congratulations of certain countries addressed to the Russian aggressor," he said while on a visit to Rome, according to the Interfax Ukraine news agency.

Aggressors should not be rewarded, he said. "And I have the moral right to express this," Sybiha said. Ukraine has been warding off a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022.

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In contrast, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saw Rubio's congratulations as proof that the new US administration under President Donald Trump differs from Joe Biden's previous government.

Washington is now willing to solve problems in bilateral relations, he told Russian television.

Moscow has celebrated June 12 as Russia Day since 1992, marking the date when the the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic declared its sovereignty in 1990, one year before the collapse of the Soviet Union.
(KCAU)  A change of command ceremony recently took place on the USS Iowa.

Captain Jason Grizzle turned command of the submarine over to captain Thomas Flaherty back on June 6 in a traditional change of command ceremony, which happened on while the submarine was at the Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.

Story continues below

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I am honored to join this amazing team, Flaherty commented. Commanding officers and crews of our submarines, I am here to support you, to challenge you, and to ensure you have every tool you need to succeed. You embody naval power, and I will do everything I can to ensure your continued success, safety, and excellence.

The USS Iowa is the first fast attack submarine and third Naval vessel named after the Hawkeye State.

Those types of submarines are designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare and special operations.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  The University of Texas at Austin announced on Wednesday it would launch its new master of national security degree program. The program is set to welcome its first group of students in fall 2026, with applications opening Sept. 1.

Four-star Admiral William H. McRaven contributed to the programs curriculum and will teach as a professor of national security for the LBJ School, according to the press release.

Now is the perfect time to pursue a masters degree in national security, McRaven said. Whether youre a military officer or a civilian, national security and geopolitics are now players in every decision youre going to make.

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The LBJ School said students will learn directly from national security practitioners, including former military leaders as well as senior intelligence officials who have helped shape U.S. strategy.

America faces adversaries with rapidly evolving capabilities fueled by advances in AI, robotics, hypersonic weapons, and misinformation, said JR DeShazo, dean of the LBJ School. With a future-focused curriculum, unmatched access to mentors and a location at the crossroads of innovation and policy, were building the national security talent pipeline to prepare our state and nation to meet our security needs of tomorrow.

To learn more about the program visit the UT LBJ School website.

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Related video: Utah experts weigh in on sensitivity of DNA data after 23andMe files for bankruptcy

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Utah Attorney General has joined other states in filing a lawsuit that could prevent 23andMe from selling their genetic data following bankruptcy earlier this year.

Utah Attorney General Derek Brown has joined a bipartisan coalition of 27 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against 23andMe, according to a press release from the Utah Attorney Generals Office. According to the lawsuit, the company has collected Genotype Data from roughly 15 million people.

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Earlier this year, in March, 23andMe filed for bankruptcy, and their CEO stepped down. The company went up for sale, causing many experts to raise concerns about private data that was maintained by the genetic profiling company.

The Utah Attorney Generals Office recommended that Utahns delete their 23andMe data before the sale. It reminded Utahns of their rights under the Utah Consumer Privacy and the Genetic Information Privacy Acts.

How to protect (and delete) your DNA data after 23andMe bankruptcy filing

The goal of this lawsuit is to prevent the company from selling Utahns private genetic information to another company without their express consent, the press release states. The company is reportedly planning to sell the genetic information it gathered through home DNA collection kits.

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Utahns entrusted 23andMe with their most personal genetic information, under the promise of privacy and protection. The companys intent to sell this data to the highest bidder is an egregious betrayal of that trust and will not be tolerated, Katie Hass, Director of the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, is quoted in the release. Every consumer should have the right to decide how this intimate, personal, and unique data is handled going forward.

The lawsuit argues that genetic information is immutable, meaning that if it is stolen or misused, it cannot be replaced. Consumers who have their genetic data used by a company they do not trust have no way to protect themselves or change that information.

The States respectfully request that the Court (a) enter a declaratory judgment as to the issues set forth prior to any sale; (b) and enter any further relief to which the Court finds is just, the lawsuit concludes.

The other attorneys general joining the lawsuit are from the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

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Related video: Charges filed against third suspect in Alisa Petrov case

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Utah man arrested for allegedly messaging 15-year-old Alisa Petrov online before she went missing has requested bail.

Samuel Mitchell, 41, of Herriman, Utah, was charged with five counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a second-degree felony, and one count of enticement of a minor, a class A misdemeanor.

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He is accused of communicating with Alisa through the online messaging app Discord and having conversations that were sexual in nature.

PREVIOUSLY: Utah man, 41, messaged missing 15-year-old girl days before she disappeared: Documents

Mitchell has posted a bond between $5,000 and $10,000, arguing that he is not a flight risk due to strong ties to Utah. He has agreed to submit to ankle monitoring, a pretrial release supervision by a private probation provider  which would require regular phone check-ins  and have no internet access.

He claims he has no prior criminal history and has the financial resources to pay for home confinement/GPS geo-fencing monitoring if the court deems it appropriate.

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Mitchell was previously identified as a person of interest in the disappearance of 15-year-old Alisa Petrov. Police obtained a search warrant for his phone, and he was arrested on Wednesday, May 28.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Family releases statement after South Jordan girl found alive in Colorado

Petrov went missing on April 21 and turned herself in at the Colorado Springs Police station on June 1. The South Jordan Police Department (SJPD) told ABC4.com that she was found alive and healthy.

After finding several online messages exchanged between Petrov and three separate men, detectives believed Petrov was trying to get to Las Vegas, Nevada.

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The three men, including Mitchell, have been charged in connection with Petrovs disappearance. The other two have been identified as Matthew Nicholas Menard, 35, of Miami, Florida, and William Taylor Glines, 37, of Texas City, Texas.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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BILLINGS, Mont. (AP)  More than 2 million acres of federal lands would be sold to states or other entities under a budget proposal from Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee, reviving a longtime ambition of Western conservatives to cede lands to local control after a similar proposal failed in the House.

Lee, who chairs the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, included a mandate for the sales in a draft provision of the GOPs sweeping tax cut package released Wednesday.

Sharp disagreement over such sales has laid bare a split among Republicans who support wholesale transfers of federal property to spur development and generate revenue, and other lawmakers who are staunchly opposed.

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Land in 11 Western states from Alaska to New Mexico would be eligible for sale. Montana was carved out of the proposal after lawmakers there objected.

A spokesperson for Montana Sen. Steve Daines said Thursday that he is against the sale of public lands but glad to see Montana exempted.

Sen. Martin Heinrich, the ranking Democrat on the energy committee, said the proposal would exclude people from places where they fish, hunt and camp.

I dont think its clear that we would even get substantial housing as a result of this, Heinrich said. What I know would happen is people would lose access to places they know and care about and that drive our Western economies.

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Most public lands are in Western states. In some, such as Utah and Nevada, the government controls the vast majority of lands, protecting them from potential exploitation but hindering growth.

Lee's proposal does not specify what properties would be sold. It directs the secretaries of interior and agriculture to sell or transfer at least 0.5% and up to 0.75% of U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management holdings. That equals at least 2.1 million acres (868,000 hectares) and up to 3.2 million acres (1.3 million hectares).

The Republican said in a video released by his office that the sales would not include national parks, national monuments or wilderness. They would instead target isolated parcels" that could be used for housing or infrastructure, he said.

Washington has proven time and again it can't manage this land. This bill puts it in better hands, Lee said.

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Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke, who served as interior secretary in President Donald Trumps first term and led the effort to strip land sales out of the House version, said he remained a hard no on any legislation that includes large-scale sales.

States or other entities would nominate potential parcels. Before carrying out sales, federal officials would have to consult with governors, local officials and any impacted Native American tribes.

Conservation groups reacted with outrage, saying it would set a precedent to fast-track the handover of cherished lands to developers.

"Shoving the sale of public lands back into the budget reconciliation bill, all to fund tax cuts for the wealthy, is a betrayal of future generations and folks on both sides of the aisle," said Michael Carroll with The Wilderness Society.

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Housing advocates have cautioned that federal land is not universally suitable for affordable housing. Some of the parcels up for sale in Utah and Nevada under the House proposal were far from developed areas.

Last year Republican officials in Utah filed a lawsuit seeking to take over huge swaths of federal land in the state, but they were rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court. Twelve other states backed Utahs bid.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, you can find help and resources by calling Utahs 24-hour Sexual Violence Crisis and Information Hotline at 1-888-421-1100. You can also click here for a list of Rape Crisis Resources in Utah.

MAPLETON, Utah (ABC4)  A Utah County therapist is in custody, accused of grooming a patient for years before sexually assaulting her, according to court documents.

Kevin Michael White, 56, was booked into the Utah County Jail where he faces first degree felony charges of rape and object rape, second degree felony forcible sexual abuse and misdemeanor distribution of a controlled substance.

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When speaking with the police, the victim described multiple events where White would allegedly inappropriately touch her and kiss her despite her refusing and setting boundaries with him. The encounters allegedly happened both at his office and in various hotels throughout Utah County.

In one encounter, the victim said she had felt upset and left the room in tears. When she returned, she had found White had self-harmed, causing her to feel at fault. According to court records, the victim said she felt she could never say no to White again.

Idaho man self-deports, U.S. citizen family to uproot and follow

The two would also allegedly engage in Ketamine therapy at the hotels, with White saying he dreamed of them doing it together. The victim told police he was not certified to administer the Ketamine, and when Ketamine was administered in the office, a nurse was always present.

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White would allegedly send the victim pictures of self-harm and apologize for the encounters, saying he was devastated by what he had done.

Investigators spoke to White, who said he had a sexual relationship with his client and he knew it was wrong, but he believed it was consensual. White reportedly said he held the victim while she cried and one one point admitted to crossing a boundary. After that, when detailing one encounter where the victim said he crossed a line, White said she had given consent.

White has been ordered to be held without bail, pending a pretrial hearing.

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On July 1, County Social Services and its 19 employees will be a part of history. That is because all 19 employees, 17 of which are full time, will be out of work. In turn, that is because the Iowa Legislature, signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds, passed a bill (HF2673) in 2024 eliminating mental health and disability service regions in Iowa.

Law enforcement in Mitchell County will be further strained, as they already deal with mental health issues they are not equipped for or properly staffed to address. Another layer of support has been eliminated. CSS closure will be felt directly by the police department and the sheriffs office.

We currently have 19 employees, said Megan Taets, human resources director for CSS. And we will be losing our jobs.

Taets has been with CSS for 21 years.

We have been coordinating locally delivered mental health and disability services to adults and children within our region over the past several years, she said. We strive to help individuals by navigating high quality services and supports to meet their needs. Weve empowered individuals to create better lives for themselves through community partnerships, by encouraging independent living, employment and socialization within local communities.

CSS has also been able to provide gap funding for individuals while they apply for Medicaid benefits or on a waiting list for home and community-based waiver, which is long-term funding to access medically necessary services.

CSS and all 13 MHDS Regions in Iowa will be replaced by a behavioral health service system and disability access point services separated into seven districts. Taets is hopeful services will not be interrupted. At this time there will not be a replacement for the office in Mitchell County. Individuals may need to travel outside of the county to access services.

Discovering they had lost their jobs was an unpleasant surprise, which they found out at the end of February.

As you can imagine, it was very difficult, Taets said. We try to focus on the positive as much as possible and build up employee morale. We try to provide support for our employees going forward. Its a difficult situation. We have a lot of employees who have been working for this organization for a long time. Change is difficult and everyone experiences changes differently. I try to be mindful of what employees are going through at the time. We check in with the employees and make sure theyre okay, to support them and try to find future employment.

CSS staff located in the Mitchell County office advocated to keep the office and access to social services for individuals in Mitchell County, however, this did not work out.

We went through a request for proposal process to be selected either as a behavioral health administrative service organization or a disability access point, Taets said. Different agencies were awarded for this district we applied for. We found out towards the end of February 2025 that we didnt receive either award. Were being told by Iowa HHS (Health and Human Services) we need to do business as usual through June 30, 2025. Weve been working with these future partners and helping transition individuals to the right people, who they need to work with in the future. CSS wanted to be part of that process and that is something theyre wanting from us.

I was obviously disappointed and felt defeated when CSS didnt receive either the award in the state. But again, I try to stay positive for the employees and for the organization. I cant change whats happened. I love working for County Social Services and I always have. I dont want to be going through this situation at all. But I am.

Despite CSS best efforts to be part of the new HHS system alignment, which is ostensibly proposed to be better, it may not bring an office back to Mitchell County. It is not better for Mitchell County.

Taets is hopeful for the best for her clients and their families.

The key is making sure individuals dont fall through the cracks and that their needs are met, she said. If that means somebody having to come to Mitchell County to meet with them, even though their office might not be in Mitchell County, we are hopeful theyll do that. A lot of people need physical assistance with completing applications and paperwork for services and benefits, and we provide a lot of that. We are hopeful that will continue.

My concern is for those folks that physically need the help. It might be something they cannot do over the phone or on an iPad.

Im very compassionate about helping people and I think its important to us to be able, in society, to continue to do that. Ive been working here a long time, and I see firsthand there are more people that need help every day. I want to ensure that help is out there and theyre able to receive everything they need.

Without an office in Osage, travel is required, and travel is not easy for some individuals.

When I talk about the offices not being local, transportation is often a barrier, Taets said. Sometimes its a barrier if they live in town just to come to our office. We often go to them if thats the case. There are lots of barriers for people to get help or even to be able to walk through our door to ask for help. Thats often difficult for people to do. We try to be very welcoming and meet the person where theyre at and try to help them as much as we can. We hope for that in the future for everybody.

In the new District 3, for the Disability Access Point there will be offices in Cerro Gordo, Winneshiek and Bremer counties.

We do have people who come into our office on a daily basis, Taets said. They know our location is a place to go for help. Its hard for people to grasp the concept that our agency is going away. Theyre just used to coming here for help.

CSS has been managing the Mitchell County General Assistance program for many years for low-income individuals. Due to the dissolution of CSS, the Mitchell County Board of Supervisors approved for the Mitchell County Public Health office to take over this program going forward.

Its amazing for how small of a county Mitchell County is, how many people we do help, Taets said of CSS. Its because were here and we are available. We want to help and were very compassionate about helping. Its what we do and what weve always done. Its rewarding even to give someone a phone number  they might not want help today, but heres a number you can call our office if and when you decide you need help. Sometimes we plant a seed. We help a variety of different individuals, so I think its important to meet the person where theyre at, treating all people respectfully and with dignity.

We work with individuals with any kind of mental health or disability, Taets said. Physical disability, intellectual, brain injuries, mental health disorders. Children and adults, all ages. The people who work for the new Behavioral Health and Disability Services systems may not be in these local offices.

Contact information

If you or someone you care about is needing behavioral health services on or after July 1, please reach out to Iowa Primary Care Association (BH-ASO). Iowa PCA can be reached by phone at 515-244-9610, via email at infor@iowapca.org or by visiting their website at www.iowapca.org.

If you are inquiring or interested in receiving more information about disability services on or after July 1, please reach out to Collaborative Individual and Community Supports (CICS-DAP). CICS can be reached by phone at 515-513-6870, via email at info@cicsmhds.org, or by visiting their website at www.cicsmhds.org.

Please reach out to Mitchell County Public Health at 641-832-3500 for all general assistance needs.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has appointed a new vaccine advisory panel, including a medical doctor who has claimed that Covid vaccines may damage [childrens] brains, their heart, their immune system, and their ability to have children in the future.

The move comes just two days after the US health secretary unprecedentedly dismissed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the body responsible for advising on vaccine recommendations to prevent and control diseases.

Of the eight new members, four have actively spoken out against vaccination in some form.

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The most controversial pick is Dr Robert Malone, a prominent opponent of mRNA vaccines who also claims to have invented the technology. While Dr Malone was involved in some of the early research on mRNA, his role was minimal at best, say experts.

Dr Malone has previously stated that mass vaccination programs during the pandemic were enabled by mass formation psychosis, an unrecognised medical term he coined, which he says also explains how Nazi Germany carried out the Holocaust.

He was temporarily banned from X (formerly Twitter) for allegedly spreading misinformation about Covid-19, including claims that mRNA vaccines could cause irreparable harm, particularly to children.

Also on the panel is Dr Martin Kulldorff, a key figure in the Great Barrington Declaration, an open letter published in 2020 that opposed widespread lockdowns and was widely criticised by experts.

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The letter called for those in high-risk groups, including old people and those with underlying health issues, to shield, while those who are young and otherwise healthy to immediately be allowed to resume life as normal.

Scientists raised concerns at the time over the practicalities of shielding as well as worries over healthy people developing long-Covid.

Of the panel, which includes Joseph Hibbeln, Retsef Levi, Cody Meissner, James Pagano, Vicky Pebsworth and Michael Rossm, four have previously worked on committees associated with either the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or the Food and Drug Administration.

All of these individuals are committed to evidence-based medicine, gold-standard science, and common sense, Mr Kennedy said in a post on X.

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Its not clear what process these figures went through, but it typically takes more than a year to be appointed to a federal advisory panel.

Dr Noel Brewer, a professor in public health at the University of North Carolina who was a member of the ACIP, said it typically takes more than a year to be appointed as a member of a federal advisory panel  and that he went through a 1.5 year process to serve on ACIP.

You apply by writing an essay, he told the Telegraph. Once youre approved, you fill out maybe 20 or 30 forms. You disclose all of your financial stakes in companies and all sources of income. Then you get ethics training.

The health secretary added that the panel would attend a CDC meeting on June 25, where advisors are expected to deliberate and vote on who should receive a number of vaccines, including the flu shot, Covid-19 boosters, and vaccines for RSV, HPV, and meningococcal disease.

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Dr Peter Hotez, a vaccine expert and Dean for the National School of Tropical Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said: Kennedy is leading a MAHA [Make America Healthy Again] pseudoscience agenda, mostly as an economic stimulus for a very corrupt wellness/influencer industry.

Mr Kennedy said on X that the new panel members included highly credentialed scientists, leading public-health experts, and some of Americas most accomplished physicians.

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Vandals torched 11 NYPD police cars in a Brooklyn parking lot down the street from a police stationhouse early Thursday, police said.

The brazen act of vandalism happened just hours after protesters held a Speak Out at the 83rd Precinct stationhouse on Knickerbocker Ave. and Bleecker St. in Bushwick, decrying the cops for their treatment of Puerto Rican Day Parade celebrants at after-parties in the neighborhood on Sunday night and Monday morning.

The NYPD was aware of the Wednesday night demonstration, but it wasnt immediately clear if the two incidents were linked.

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The marked and unmarked NYPD vehicles were set ablaze inside the lot around 1:30 a.m. Thursday, cops said. The FDNY managed to put out the blaze within a few minutes.

No injuries were reported, but the vehicles suffered extensive damage, officials said.

Two men dressed in black were seen fleeing the scene.

Investigators believe someone poured gasoline on the marked police cars before setting them on fire. A torch lighter was found on the scene.

Vandals busted the windshields of some of the vehicles they didnt torch, a police source said. Palm-sized wads of kindling were found in the wheel wells of at least one car.

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Cops were scouring the area for surveillance video that captures the vandals walking to the lot, which is just down the block from the stationhouse.

Community leaders called for calm as the vandalism stokes growing tensions between the NYPD and Brooklyn residents.

City Councilmember Sandy Nurse, D-Bushwick, called the torching completely unacceptable.

Actions like this have no place in our neighborhood, Nurse wrote on X Thursday. Our community is already under stress with ICE present. Now is the time to de-escalate, stand together and work through our challenges peacefully.

City Councilwoman Jen Gutierrez, who also represents Bushwick, agreed with Nurse and called for cooler heads to prevail.

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We cannot stand up to this and any other threat with more violence, Gutierrez posted. We must de-escalate and keep our families safe.

Precinct officers are being accused on social media of having been heavy-handed as they broke up Puerto Rican Parade after-parties in Bushwick on Sunday.

On Sunday evening, NYPD pigs from the 83rd Precinct launched a fascist offensive against the community of Bushwick, NYC, attacking Puerto Ricans and non-Puerto Ricans during peaceful celebrations during the Manhattan and Brooklyn Puerto Rican Day Parades, one post noted. The first attack happened around the Bush Dyke Bar around 8 p.m. Victims of this unnecessary raid reported being slammed to the ground resulting in hospitalizations.

In a second incident, cops shut down an after-party at Mood Ring on Myrtle Ave. The incident resulted in at least one hospitalization, BKMag reported.

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An NYPD spokesman said cops were called to the venue around 12:20 a.m. Monday after getting a 311 call about a disorderly group outside.

Officers tried to disperse the crowd, but several people refused to leave, the spokesman said, adding that at least one partier assaulted a cop trying to move the crowd along.

Police took five people into custody. Three were hit with criminal charges, and two were given summonses for disorderly conduct, officials said. The criminal charges ranged from assault and resisting arrest to obstructing government administration and criminal mischief, cops said.

The NYPD did not shut down the premises and no enforcement action was taken inside the establishment, the NYPD spokesman added. The NYPD entered the establishment only to speak with management.

_____
A vandal torched 11 NYPD police cars in a Brooklyn parking lot just down the street from a police stationhouse early Thursday, police said.

At a press conference at the lot near the 83rd Precinct stationhouse on Knickerbocker Ave. and Bleecker St. in Bushwick, Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch decried the brazen act of vandalism, which the mayor tied to the ongoing anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles.

This is unacceptable, Adams said. We have stated over and over again, everyone has a right to peaceful protest. You do not have a right to destroy property of the City of New York. We have reasons to believe the person who participated in this act is connected to some of the protests thats taking place in Los Angeles and throughout the entire country, he added.

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But when asked what evidence he had connecting the vandalism to the unrest in LA, Adams did not elaborate.

The marked and unmarked NYPD vehicles were set ablaze inside the lot around 1:30 a.m. Thursday, cops said. The FDNY managed to put out the blaze within a few minutes. No injuries were reported, but the vehicles suffered extensive damage, according to officials.

Tisch did not offer a motive for the crime, but said that preliminary investigation has turned up surveillance footage of a masked suspect, who is dressed all in black, entering the lot after hopping a fence around 12:40 a.m. Around 40 minutes later, an officer from the 83rd Precinct caught the perpetrator in the act of committing the crime, or in flagrante delicto, as Tisch put it.

The officer interrupted the perpetrator as he was setting fire to a number of vehicles, at which point the perpetrator threw a piece of plywood and fled through an alleyway, Tisch said.

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Investigators believe the vandal poured gasoline on the police cars before setting them on fire.

On scene we found three vehicles that did not sustain fire damage with unignited fire-starter rolls and haystack bundles scattered across the rear passenger tires, the front tires and the windshield, Tisch said. In total, we found 12 unignited fire-starter balls and 10 unignited haystack bundles, as well as a torch-style lighter  all are legal to possess and can be purchased at stores like Home Depot.

The vandal also busted the windshields of some of the vehicles that werent torched, a police source said.

We are in the process of conducting a massive camera canvass at this time, Tisch said. The incident is being investigated by the NYPDs elite Arson Explosion Investigation Squad.

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The NYPD could not say if the perpetrator was connected with the protests in LA, as the mayor asserted, but tensions between the Brooklyn neighborhood and police are running high for several reasons.

The attack happened just hours after protesters held a Speak Out at the stationhouse, during which they blasted the cops for their treatment of Puerto Rican Day Parade celebrants at after-parties in the neighborhood on Sunday night and Monday morning.

Community leaders called for calm as the vandalism stokes growing tensions between the NYPD and Brooklyn residents.

City Councilmember Sandy Nurse (D-Bushwick) called the cars torching completely unacceptable.

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Actions like this have no place in our neighborhood, Nurse wrote on X Thursday. Our community is already under stress with ICE present. Now is the time to de-escalate, stand together and work through our challenges peacefully.

City Councilwoman Jen Gutierrez, who also represents Bushwick, agreed with Nurse and called for cooler heads to prevail.

We cannot stand up to this and any other threat with more violence, Gutierrez posted. We must de-escalate and keep our families safe.

Precinct officers are being accused on social media of having been heavy-handed as they broke up Puerto Rican Parade after-parties in Bushwick on Sunday.

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On Sunday evening, NYPD pigs from the 83rd Precinct launched a fascist offensive against the community of Bushwick, NYC, attacking Puerto Ricans and non-Puerto Ricans during peaceful celebrations during the Manhattan and Brooklyn Puerto Rican Day Parades, one post noted. The first attack happened around the Bush Dyke Bar around 8 p.m. Victims of this unnecessary raid reported being slammed to the ground, resulting in hospitalizations.

In a second incident, cops shut down an after-party at Mood Ring on Myrtle Ave. The incident resulted in at least one hospitalization, BKMag reported.

An NYPD spokesman said cops were called to the second venue around 12:20 a.m. Monday after getting a 311 call about a disorderly group outside.

Officers tried to disperse the crowd, but several people refused to leave, the spokesman said, adding that at least one partier assaulted a cop trying to move the crowd along.

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Police took five people into custody. Three were hit with criminal charges, and two were given summonses for disorderly conduct, officials said. The criminal charges ranged from assault and resisting arrest to obstructing government administration and criminal mischief, cops said.

The NYPD did not shut down the premises and no enforcement action was taken inside the establishment, the NYPD spokesman added. The NYPD entered the establishment only to speak with management.

The NYPD was aware of the Wednesday night protest, but it wasnt immediately clear if it was connected to the arson incident hours afterward.
NAIROBI (Reuters) -Kenyan authorities on Thursday arrested a police constable in the death of a political blogger who was in custody, local media reported, as angry protests over the case raged in the capital Nairobi.

Political blogger Albert Ojwang was declared dead on Sunday after his arrest two days earlier. The 31-year-old's case threw a spotlight on the country's security services, which have been accused of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances for years.

Hundreds of protesters angered by his death, which police initially suggested was suicide, demonstrated in Nairobi on Thursday. Vehicles were set ablaze and police fired teargas to disperse crowds, Reuters TV footage showed.

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President William Ruto responded to mounting pressure on Wednesday by saying Ojwang had died "at the hands of the police", reversing earlier official accounts of his death.

Ruto has repeatedly promised to stop extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, but rights groups accuse his government of covering up dozens of such crimes by security services.

Police have said Ojwang was arrested in western Kenya on Friday for allegedly defaming the country's Deputy Police Chief Eliud Lagat online and died "after hitting his head against a cell wall".

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority watchdog has launched an investigation, while the European Union and the United States have called for a transparent probe into the blogger's death.

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Protesters demanded Lagat's resignation on Thursday, with some carrying Kenyan flags and chanting "Lagat must go".

The blogger's wounds, including a head injury, neck compression and soft tissue damage, pointed to assault as the cause of death, according to independent pathologist Bernard Midia, who was part of a team that conducted an autopsy.

On Wednesday, Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja apologised for the police having previously implied that Ojwang died by suicide.

(Reporting by Jefferson Kahinju and Nelson Aruya; Writing by Ammu Kannampilly; Editing by Bate Felix, Hugh Lawson and Cynthia Osterman)
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A decision on what will replace the South Dakota State Penitentiary will not happen in July during a special session as Gov. Larry Rhoden requested earlier this year.

Jane Doe shares her name, story of sexual trauma

Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen and the chair of Project Prison Reset task force sent a letter to Rhoden asking him to consider delaying the target date of July 22 for a legislative special session on the task forces recommendations.

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Even if the task force is able to adopt a specific proposal on July 8, we do not feel that two weeks provides adequate time for a final proposal to be completed with adequate detail, and for state legislators to learn about that proposal prior to the special session, Venhuizen wrote.

You can view the full letter attached below.

6-9-25-Project-Prison-Reset-Task-Force-Ltr-to-GovDownload

In a statement to KELOLAND News, Rhoden said he will accept the task forces request to delay a special session date.

I will accept the task forces request and will consult with legislative leadership on a rescheduled date for the special session. Im eager to see what the task force can accomplish in their next meeting, Rhoden said in an emailed statement.

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At a June meeting, the task force asked for specific building recommendations for possible State Pen replacements. The task force wants options to build 1,500 to 1,700 beds at a maximum cost of $600 million located at existing Department of Corrections facilities or at proposed locations in Worthing or Mitchell.

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. The current State Penitentiary is more than 140 years old and predates South Dakota statehood.

The task force has unanimously supported a motion finding the State Penitentiary should be replaced.

The task force understands the urgency in making a final decision, so we do not make this

request lightly, and we would hope that a special session would be held as soon as is

reasonably possible, Venhuizen wrote.

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This is a developing story. Stay with KELOLAND News for more reaction and updates online and on-air.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LOWELL, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  Two Vermont residents face multiple charges, including unlawful mischief and criminal threatening, after they broke into a Lowell home and threatened residents Wednesday.

Police first received a call about the Tenakee Lane incident at 12:42 p.m., after one victim said that 47-year-old Jason Metras, of Troy had hit her home property with an axe.

Further investigations revealed that another man, 30 year-old Partick Debonville, of Wolcott came with Metras in an attempt to retrieve property. Both left the property but promptly returned, threatening one resident.

Pictured left to right: Jason Metras and Partick Debonville (VSP)

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Police say that Debonville pointed a firearm at another resident on the property, demanding a firearm. After authorities were called, the duo and an unidentified woman fled the scene in a white sedan.

Officers later found the sedan in Troy and conducted a vehicle stop. Metras and Debonville were arrested, taken to Northern State Correctional Facility, and held without bail.

They are set to appear in Orleans County Superior Court Thursday afternoon, June 12.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
RUTLAND, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  Two Vermont women are due in court after drugs were located in their vehicle during a vehicle stop Wednesday.

Officers say they conducted this stop on South Main Street after noticing a violation. Authorities identified the driver, 37-year-old Jamie Daniels, of Castleton, and the passenger, 46-year-old Ginger Springer.

Pictured from left to right: Jamie Daniels and Ginger Springer (Courtesy: VSP)

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Springer was reportedly found to have an outstanding warrant, and police at the scene noticed drug-related items in plain view within the vehicle.

Officers found cocaine inside this vehicle after Daniels consented to a search. Both were arrested, but Springer was lodged at Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility on her warrant, while Daniels was released on citation.

The pair is set to appear in Rutland County Court July 21.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Vertex Pharmaceuticals is laying off 125 workers in Rhode Island.

According to a Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification (WARN) letter sent by Vertex to the R.I. Department of Labor and Training, the layoffs are effective Aug. 5.

The company, which is located in Boston, has three buildings in Providence: two on Baker Street and one on Carolina Avenue. Vertex said the buildings operate as an integrated campus and will be consolidated going forward.

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We presently expect this action to be permanent, Vertexs letter stated.

Vertex said 140 total employees will be affected by the decision, with 125 being from its Providence locations.

We value the contributions of every team member impacted, and we are committed to ensuring as smooth a transition as possible, including offering severance, consideration for internal opportunities, outplacement support and career counseling, the company said.

NEXT: Taxes, fees going up in $14.3 billion RI budget as federal relief wanes

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Veteran Salute: Making history, paving the way for women

TOPEKA (KSNT)  Refusing to stand on the sidelines, retired Air Force Brigadier General Deborah Rose worked hard and made history in the Sunflower State.

Rose joined the U.S. Air Force in 1983 as a nurse. Early on in her career she spent 30 days in Saudi Arabia where the American service women had to abide by the same rules set for the women who lived there.

We couldnt drive, she said. If we wanted to go down to the souk, we had to have a male go with us. You know, things that we wouldnt think about. And we were at that point, we were required to wear the black abaya that the dress part of that.

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One of Deborahs goals was to find a new position every three years. When that time came, she was successful in moving up the ranks.

Veteran Salute: Fueling the frontlines of Iraq

So successful that, in 2007, she made history as the first woman to become a brigadier general in the Kansas National Guard.

The purpose was to break the glass window and make sure other people were able to go through it, she said.

Now, Rose said she knows many female colonels here in Kansas who would make a great brigadier general, to follow in the path that she paved for so many. In her 28-year long career, she said shes so proud of working with the airmen that she did.

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They are the true guardians of our country, Rose said. And Ive just been blessed all the way around with wonderful people to work with.

For more Veteran Salute, 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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Being a helicopter mechanic can get you many places, and for 41 years Topeka native, Clinton Goheen got that opportunity.

Getting the opportunity work on many helicopters across the world from the blackhawks, skycranes and the historic Huey. Clinton Goheen was drafted into the army in 1969 when he just was 19 years old. After just five days of being a draftee he enlisted in to becoming a helicopter mechanic.

After basic I went to Fort Rucker, Alabama through my AIT and then straight over to Vietnam, Goheen said. I stayed over there for 18 months. We were in a dust off unit station on arm bend in Vietnam.

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Veteran Salute: Fueling the frontlines of Iraq

In 1999, while serving in the National Guard, Goheen traveled to Hawaii to honor Kansas veterans of Pearl Harbor. Goheens father was invited to take part, allowing them to share a special moment during the ceremony.

We flew over in a KC 135 or ceremonial platoon with governor graves at the time and some other dignitaries, Goheen said. My wife, my sister and brother, mom and dad flew over there and best honor Ive ever had doing the color guard at Pearl Harbor. And then we went out on the Arizona, and my father and I laid a wreath on the Arizona together.

Goheen also got the experience of a lifetime when the historic Huey made its appearance in the capital city September 2025. Getting to ride in one of the main helicopters he got to work on was quite the full circle moment.

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Veteran Salute: Breaking the glass ceiling stateside, volunteering to fight overseas

That was an awesome trip. The Huey came to town. I crewed Hueys for many years, Goheen said. The gal that was the crew chief was from England. She had the accent. She was awesome. I signaled to her, I went like this which is drop the collective and do an auto rotation. And she just. And I knew they werent going to do it anyway.

One of the sky cranes Goheen worked on is now housed at the Civil Air Museum at Forbes field. He retired as a Sergeant first class from the National Kansas Army Guard in August 2010. He now enjoys his retirement life back in the capital city with his wife, Mary.

For more Veteran Salute, 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.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Mason City's East Park will play host to a unique new festival, the North Iowa Vintage and Oddities Expo, from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 14.

The expo is a celebration of antiques, vintage items, handmade art and more with 50 vendors scheduled to line the quarter mile walk from the historic bandshell to the pond.

Audrey Schlei is a one-woman show when it comes to creation and planning of the festival. She began recruiting vendors in December, and by January, she was sharing her vision on Facebook.

"I'm a huge music lover, so I go out to every single one of these bands. If they're playing, I've seen them. They were not chosen at random," Schlei said. "I lived in Minneapolis. It's all hand-picked music by me and hand-picked vendors by me. I had a lot of people who applied to be vendors, and I turned them down because it wasn't a good fit for the event. I'm looking for a specific, very niche market here."

Schlei spent the first month securing the first 25 vendors. She began by choosing businesses she had purchased from or that caught her eye at other shows. By the time she was actively advertising on Facebook she was fielding calls from others who wanted to be a part of something out of the ordinary.

While there are 50 vendors selling an array of merchandise, the daylong festival also will feature music on the bandshell in addition to fire performers and food trucks.

"I'm hoping people will explore Mason City that day. I've been advertising the Art Park that's up the street from there. I've been advertising the pool, the campground. Like, come make a weekend out of it," she said.

East Park allows visitors to bring chairs, blankets and coolers. Beer and wine are allowed, but may not be in glass bottles. There will be no alcohol sales, but Schlei encourages patrons to pack what they need for the day.

Food trucks will begin serving at noon. Vendors will have their wares unpacked and on display. The Limewires take the bandshell stage at noon followed by The Mercury 3 at 1 p.m. and Space Monkey Mafia at 2:30 p.m.

At 4 p.m. Orphic Illusions will take the stage and St. October will perform at 5:30 p.m. Mason City's Mad Delirious will play at 7 p.m.

At 8:30 p.m., Chaotica Fire Arts presented by Cirque Du Cham will perform displays of acrobatics and fire dancing set to music.

"It's an all-ages event," Schlei said, "and admission is free. There's no perimeter, so people can come and go as they like. We just really want them to take some time and get into the music."

Schlei's inspiration for the expo came from other festivals she's attended.

"I'm driven, and I'm an artist myself. I will be set up vending there, but I have a passion for our community, because I'm from Mason City, and I have a passion to see our community grow and and have cool stuff like this that larger cities have. We should have those things here. We're a small city, but why not this city? Let's have the big city vibe, because small towns can have a big city vibe."

Schlei said while working with city staff for permits and planning, everyone she encountered helped her understand how to bring a big event like this together. She encourages anyone who would like to see niche events reach out to city staff.

"It's a lot of work, and it takes a lot of passion to create something like this. But I also wouldn't be able to do it without the support of the fans, sponsors, my 25 volunteers, the food trucks and all the vendors coming together," Schlei said. "It's really a huge collaboration of a bunch of people coming together to make something awesome happen. And that's why it's important to me, is because I want it not for my benefit, for everyone."

An afterparty will be held at Brix Wine & Whiskey, 28 E. State St., beginning at 11 p.m. and is the fourth installment of Cinema Stomp. The film will be "The Undertaker and his Pals."
AUTHORS NOTE: This story contains details from court proceedings regarding allegations of sex crimes committed against a child victim. Due to the content of this story, discretion is advised before reading. If you know or suspect that someone is being abused sexually, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1 (800) 656-4673.

WILBARGER COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL)  The trial of a Vernon man accused of multiple sex crimes against a child victim got underway on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

John Butler, Jr., in the 46th Judicial District Court on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

John Dannie Butler, Jr., of Vernon, was indicted by a Wilbarger County grand jury for continuous sexual abuse of a young child, two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child, and two counts of indecency with a child by exposure stemming from between 2016 and 2020.

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PREVIOUS STORY: Vernon man faces trial for child sex crimes in Wilbarger County

A jury of six men and six women was selected and sworn in on Tuesday, June 10, and testimony began on Wednesday, June 11, in the 46th Judicial District Courtroom in the Wilbarger County Courthouse, with Judge Cornell Curtis presiding.

Inside the 46th District Court, over a dozen members were observed in the gallery on Wednesday in support of Butler.

Jon Whitsitt, 46th Judicial District Attorney, and Staley Heatly, Wilbarger County Attorney, are prosecuting Butlers case, calling a handful of witnesses on the first day of testimony.

Mother of the alleged victim testifies

Among the many witnesses called by the prosecution on Wednesday morning was the biological mother of the alleged child victim, who testified she was previously in a relationship with Butler.

Counsel for the prosecution and the defense in the 46th Judicial District Court on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

The victims mother testified that her daughter is currently 15 years old, but was about six when the sexual abuse began occurring. She testified that her daughter is from a previous marriage.

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According to the victims mothers testimony, she and Butler met in high school, but didnt begin dating until 2012, and he moved into her home. She testified that the two got married in 2017, separated in 2019, and divorced in 2020.

The victims mother testified that when Butler moved into her residence in Vernon, the alleged victim was two and a half years old. She testified that she began working at Wilbarger General Hospital in 2012, and while she was at work, Butler took care of her children.

LOCAL CRIME: Colorado man arrested in Wichita County for soliciting a minor online

The victims mother testified that Butler would bathe the alleged victim while he watched the children. She testified that Butler was a welder and worked a normal 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job, whereas she often worked overnight.

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According to the testimony of the victims mother, she, Butler, and her children moved several times. She testified that after she and Butler split up, she lost custody of her children.

The Wilbarger County Courthouse in Vernon, Texas (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

The victims mother testified that in March 2023, she thought there was a possibility that she and Butler would get back together. She testified that she talked to her daughter, the alleged victim, about this possibility.

According to the victims mothers testimony, the alleged victim messaged her on Facebook and told her that Butler had sexually assaulted her during her childhood, and that shed never told anyone about it.

During cross-examination, Butlers defense counsel questioned the victims mother regarding her criminal history and her history with alcohol and drugs.

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On re-direct examination from Whitsitt, the victims mother testified that she never suspected that Butler had sexually abused her daughter while they were in a relationship.

Defense attempts to admit previous police report

At around 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, after the lunch break, Butlers defense attorney attempted to admit into evidence a police report filed by the victims mother in 2012 outside the presence of the jury.

The report, made by the victims mother to the Vernon Police Department, alleged that the biological father of the children had sexually assaulted the victim when she was 12 months old.

The Honorable Judge Cornell Curtis, 46th Judicial District Judge, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

The victims mother testified that she had no evidence of any sexual assault committed by the victims biological father, but she suspected that it had taken place.

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The victims mother testified that ultimately, the investigation yielded no evidence to support the allegations, and no charges were filed against the victims biological father. She testified that due to her daughters age at the time, she was unable to make an outcry.

LOCAL CRIME: Child sex offender headed to prison for failing to register

Whitsitt objected to the evidence proffered by the defense, citing Roderick v. State, a piece of case law that established that evidence of an alleged third-party perpetrator is not admissible if a connection between the evidence and the alleged charges is established.

Butlers defense counsel argued that the same victim was involved in both instances, and the victims mother brought the allegations to light in both cases, also arguing that the evidence would go to impeach the outcry testimony of the victims mother.

John Butler, Jr., in the 46th Judicial District Court in Wilbarger County on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

Whitsitt then objected, citing Texas Code of Criminal Procedures Rule 403, which states that the prejudicial nature of the evidence far outweighs the probative value.

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Judge Curtis ruled to sustain the prosecutions objections, and the police report was not allowed into evidence.

Alleged child victim takes the stand

The next witness called to testify was the alleged victim, who was questioned on direct examination by Staley Heatly, Wilbarger County Attorney. The alleged victim appeared very shy and was soft-spoken, often mumbling, and was difficult to understand for the attorneys at various times during her testimony.

The alleged victim testified that she just finished ninth grade. She testified that her mother and Butler began dating when she was very little, and they later got married. She testified that when Butler lived with them, she referred to him as dad.

LOCAL CRIME: Anthony Pattersons alleged co-defendant denied lowered bond

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The alleged victim testified that when she was a child, Butler would force her to perform sex acts on him.

The 46th Judicial Courtroom inside the Wilbarger County Courthouse in Vernon, Texas (Photo credit: Josh Hoggard, KFDX/KJTL)

The victim testified that she was scared to tell Butler no, and she was worried that her mother wouldnt believe her if she told her what Butler did.

Testimony to resume on Thursday morning

Proceedings are set to resume at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, with the prosecution continuing to call witnesses to testify in Butlers case.

LOCAL CRIME: Former 97th District Attorney Casey Hall arrested after appeal bond revoked

Butler faces up to life in prison if the jury finds him guilty of the charges pending against him.

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.
Four shootings overnight across Cincinnati has left two dead and three more wounded, including one fatal incident inside Shake Shack near the University of Cincinnati, police said.

Cincinnati police have not announced any arrests in the shootings, but UC officers did say a subject was detained after the Shake Shack shooting.

The shootings come as Police Chief Teresa Theetge called for more officers after the recent fatal stabbing of gym owner Patrick Heringer in Over-the-Rhine has left community members on edge. Theetge blamed the stabbing on the state, saying her officers must be able to trust the people they arrest will be prosecuted and held accountable.

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Here's what we know about each shooting so far.

One man shot in chest at Shake Shack in Clifton Heights

One man was shot in the chest inside the Shake Shack off Calhoun Street in Clifton Heights June 11.

Cincinnati police and University of Cincinnati officers responded to the restaurant off 249 Calhoun St. around 8:20 p.m. after a report of a person shot, according to a Cincinnati police news release.

Christopher Stallworth, 41, was shot in the chest and later died at the UC Medical Center, Enquirer media partner Fox 19 reports police said at the scene.

Cincinnati police have not confirmed to The Enquirer if anyone was arrested in relation to the shooting.

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CUF, an amalgamation of Clifton Heights, University Heights and Fairfax, has had three reported shootings in 2025, according to city data. Last year, there were four shootings reported in CUF.

Two shot near Shell gas station on Liberty Street, off Walnut Street

Shortly after midnight, two people were shot on Walnut Street near the Liberty Street Shell gas station in Over-the-Rhine.

Police said 30-year-old Brandon Lawrence was found by officers with a gunshot wound when they arrived at the scene around 12:35 a.m. June 12. Lawrence was brought to the UC Medical Center, where he later died of his injuries.

A second person with non-life-threatening injuries brought themselves to Christ Hospital, according to a Cincinnati police news release.

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More: 'The time for excuses is over.' Wife of gym owner fatally stabbed in OTR rips city in video

Liberty and Walnut streets near the gas station were closed for several hours until police cleared the shooting scene shortly after 7 a.m.

Cincinnati police have not announced any suspects.

Along with a woman shot in Washington Park overnight, this is the eighth reported shooting in Over-the-Rhine in 2025, according to city data last updated June 9. Last year, there were 19 shootings reported in OTR.

Woman shot in Washington Park, person fired into house in Columbia Tusculum

Two women were also shot in separate non-fatal incidents overnight at Washington Park and a home in Columbia Tusculum.

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Around 8:10 p.m., Fox 19 reports a woman was shot in Washington Park off Elm Street. She brought herself to the UC Medical Center afterwards.

Then, around 4 a.m. June 12, a woman was shot in the 4300 block of Eastern Avenue inside a Columbia Tusculum home.

A car pulled up and several people got out, firing into the house, Fox 19 reports. A woman was shot twice, in her thigh and back leg, and was taken by ambulance to the UC Medical Center with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Enquirer media partner Fox 19 contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 4 shootings in Cincinnati overnight leave 2 dead, 3 injured
RADFORD, Va. (WFXR)  Crews with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and Radford Fire Department partnered Wednesday afternoon to practice water rescue skills on the New River.

Water rescues can be particularly difficult in rivers, where constantly changing conditions can complicate ensuring safety.

For rescue crews, navigating rocks, finding the channel, and judging water depth are all factors that can become obstacles when attempting a save.

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So, they work to stay sharp all year.

We do ourselves a great service by being prepared ahead of time, so that when we have those calls, we can send some of our officers with the Department of Wildlife Resources out to assist in a meaningful way and be ready for that call, said Sgt. Dan Rabago with the Department of Wildlife Resources.

Water safety instructor stresses boundaries, active adult watching in promoting swimming safety

DWR emphasizes water safety all year, but in the past month alone, the department says it has made two saves on the New River, a number they expect to rise in the months to come.

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Especially during the summer months when we have more kayakers on the river, we have higher risk of rollover and potential for the need of a river rescue, said Rabago.

In both of those rescues, and in 16 of the 17 water fatalities in Virginia last year, the victim was not wearing a life jacket.

Even on your nicest, calmest day, I really encourage everyone who gets on the river to wear a life jacket, said Rabago.

Other safety tips for recreationalists include participating in activities that match your skill level and planning trips to the water ahead of time.

That can be done easily by checking how high the water is and how fast its flowing by using the USGS database.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  Virginias car tax is widely considered the most-hated tax in the state, and it could be coming to an end soon.

Both candidates for the Virginia governors race have expressed their desire to eliminate the states car tax.

Republican Lt. Gov Winsome Earle-Sears recently announced her Axe the Tax initiative, which would end the states car tax as well as income taxes on tipped wages.

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A campaign spokesperson for Democrat Abigail Spanberger said, Abigail will work with both Democrats and Republicans to put Virginia on a real path towards eliminating the car tax once and for all.

However, the state estimates an elimination of the states car tax would cost localities around $2.5 to 3 billion a year, a price that has some state lawmakers concerned.

You got to wrestle through a way to deal with that. That doesnt leave the localities holding the bag because its localities who pick up most of the cost. For example, your local police department or your local school divisions, said Sen. Mark Warner.

In a statement sent to 10 On Your side, Sen. Tim Kaine said, This is a complicated issue that requires delicate balancing, and its ultimately up to the General Assembly to make changes to the state tax code.

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Despite the hefty price, some residents in the Hampton Roads area are still in favor of eliminating the tax.

I most certainly am in favor of whichever candidate wins to stop, to eliminate, to get rid of the personal property taxes on our cars. Theres other avenues, where a city can bring in that extra money so, I would say lets end it and go from there, said Portsmouth resident Michael Crowell.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
The Brief

A Virginia man was arrested for allegedly filming minors inside his home.

Detectives found hidden cameras and digital storage devices in his house and car.

Authorities urge potential victims to contact Fairfax County Police.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - A northern Virginia man is behind bars, accused of illegally recording children in his home, and police are concerned there are more alleged victims.

52-year-old Victor Souphom is currently being held in the Fairfax County Jail without bond, charged with two counts of unlawful filming of a minor.

Virginia man arrested

Detectives from the Child Exploitation Unit say they got a tip and arrested him a couple of weeks ago, for allegedly unlawfully recording several children inside his home in Alexandria.

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Detectives say they found hidden cameras and digital media storage devices in his house and car.

What we know

Police say Souphom was an employee at the Lao Heritage Foundation, an organization, according to their website, that runs cultural music and fine arts summer programs for kids.

Fox 5 spoke with some of Souphoms neighbors who were stunned by the allegations.

"Im shocked, but Im so thankful that hes caught. And I pray to god that the victims of that man will not suffer," one neighbor said.

"Were obviously pretty upset about it, kind of confused. And at first, we werent sure, we kind of heard that they were investigating something. And we were hoping that it wasnt what it sounded like. We have our own concerns," another neighbor told FOX 5.

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The Lao Heritage Foundation released a statement on their website saying, in part

"Souphom has been removed from his position as co-director and board member of LHF and will no longer be involved in LHF in any way..."

"To be clear, the activities for which Mr. Souphom was arrested occurred in his personal capacity. Nothing he did were either known or condoned by LHF or his family. He was not acting within the scope of his responsibilities to LHF or with the authorization of LHF."

52-year-old Victor Souphom is currently being held in the Fairfax County Jail without bond, charged with two counts of unlawful filming of a minor.

Police seek more victims

Detectives are asking anyone whose child attended events with the Lao Heritage Foundation and believes their child could be a victim, to call Fairfax County Police.

The Source

Information in this article comes from Fairfax County Police.
WASHINGTON, N.C. (WNCT)  According to a press release from the city of Washington, officers with the Washington Police Department arrested arrested Aaron Snider for raping a handicapped person in Virginia and taking residence in Washington.

After receiving a tip about Sniders location, officers acquired fugitive warrants from Virginia and arrested Snider at 108 E. 8th Street early Thursday morning. Snider is currently being held in Beaufort County Detention Center without bond, awaiting his return to Virginia for trial.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
This story was originally posted on MyNorthwest.com

The Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force (MMIWP) has made its first arrest.

Port Angeles police took a 55-year-old woman into custody in connection with the 2016 homicide of George David, the Port Angeles Police Department reported via Facebook Tuesday.

David, 65, was a respected master woodcarver from Port Alberni, British Columbia, and was living in Neah Bay at the time of his death in March 2016, the department stated. He was found dead in a Port Angeles apartment, where he had been staying temporarily before planning to visit family in British Columbia and attend a funeral.

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The 55-year-old woman was initially identified as a primary suspect and was arrested in April 2016 in Mount Vernon on an outstanding warrant from Arkansas. She is from Arkansas but has ties to Clallam County, police explained.

The woman was taken to Clallam County Jail but was later extradited to Arkansas and incarcerated for violating the conditions of her probation on an unrelated felony conviction for theft.

Port Angeles police reopen cold case with MMIWP

However, in 2024, the Port Angeles Police Department reopened the case in partnership with the MMIWP.

The task force provided critical support in advancing the investigation, offering culturally informed resources and victim advocacy in this matter of deep importance to Native and cross-border communities, the department wrote.

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The woman has been transported to the Clallam County Jail after coordination with officials in Arkansas. The Washington State Attorney Generals Office will be filing criminal charges in this case, police noted.

This case has never been forgotten, Port Angeles Police Chief Brian S. Smith stated, via the release. The renewed investigation, bolstered by our partnership with the MMIWP Task Force, reflects our commitment to justice and to honoring George Davids memory.

The woman remains in custody on $1 million bail, with her arraignment scheduled for June 20.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to call the Port Angeles Police Department at 360-452-4545 extension 1.
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Dr. Helen Chu gained attention early in the COVID-19 pandemic as her repurposed flu research project identified the first case of coronavirus spreading person-to-person in the United States.

She and her colleagues carried out this work in defiance of the federal government. And her efforts to accelerate the pandemic response later earned her a Washingtonian of the Year award from a state leadership board.

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After a two-year vetting process, the University of Washington scientist landed a spot last year on the federal Centers for Disease Control and Preventions influential panel of vaccine experts.

But on Monday, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired Chu and the 16 other members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

I really worry about the health and safety of people in our country and the future of our public health infrastructure, Chu told reporters Thursday in a call with U.S. Sen. Patty Murray.

Helen Chu, of the University of Washington, was fired this week from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. (Photo courtesy of UW Medicine)

Kennedy said he wanted to restore trust in a panel he believed was rife with conflicts of interest.

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And on Wednesday, he named eight replacement members, including several with track records criticizing vaccines.

Kennedy himself has a history of promoting skepticism and unfounded theories about vaccines.

He came to Olympia in 2019, for example, to advocate against legislation that would have made it harder for parents to opt their children out of the measles, mumps and rubella shot in the middle of a measles outbreak.

The medical field largely condemned this weeks firings.

For over 60 years, the committee has reviewed vaccine efficacy and recommended who should receive which shots. The guidance goes to the CDC director, who usually follows the groups decisions. These recommendations impact what vaccines insurers will cover, as opposed to forcing patients to pay out of pocket.

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Members typically serve four-year terms.

The purge comes on the heels of Kennedy announcing unilaterally that federal health officials would stop recommending COVID vaccines for healthy children and healthy pregnant women.

The federal panel is set to meet later this month, with recommendation votes scheduled for several vaccines, including for coronavirus.

RFK Jr is not just crossing a red line for public health, said Murray, a Democrat from Washington. He is sprinting into dangerous, uncharted territory in support of totally deranged conspiracies, and he is dragging us all along with him.

Gold standard

Chu used the example of a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, to show the importance of the committees work, and that its not just a rubber stamp for immunizations.

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When reviewing data on the proposed vaccine, the panel found a risk of the rare neurological disorder known as Guillain-Barre Syndrome. So Chu, an infectious diseases professor at the UW, and her fellow members decided to recommend the shot only for older adults at a higher risk of getting severe symptoms from RSV.

I think this example really illustrates the approach that the ACIP takes, that what we do is rooted in science, and that the decisions we make do not necessarily benefit the companies that have invested heavily to develop these vaccines, Chu said. As a result, ACIP is widely regarded as an international gold standard for vaccine decision making.

Lacking trust in the committees potential recommendations, Chu advised doctors to turn to groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology for science-based vaccine guidance.

She worries that turning the previously independent, unbiased committee into something driven by one persons beliefs, Americans will lose trust in national vaccine policy. This could lead to a patchwork of policies that differ state to state, Chu said.

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Washington state is a place where we have experts and scientists who work together, she said. There are other states where this may not exist, or where they may not choose to recommend vaccines, so that is going to create a lot of chaos.

Murray pleaded with her Republican colleagues in the Senate to tell Kennedy his moves are unacceptable. To get confirmed, Kennedy made concessions to moderate Republicans, namely Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, over how much he would disrupt existing vaccine policy.
(NewsNation)  David Thibodeau, one of the nine surviving members of the 1993 Branch Davidian siege in Waco, Texas, is offering insight regarding Justin Biebers membership in a church some consider controversial.

The Waco, Texas, siege killed four federal agents and injured 14 agents after David Koresh and his followers barricaded themselves in the Mount Carmel complex after an ATF raid. The complex was the headquarters for the Davidians, who had split from the Seventh-day Adventists decades before.

Churchome, the Beverly Hills-based church that Bieber reportedly belongs to, has a congregation in Washington state and attracts thousands of people online and in person. Bieber allegedly partakes in the churchs services at home through Zoom.

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Unexplained deaths in New England creating fears of serial killer

According to TMZ, Ryan Good, a former friend of Biebers and co-founder of his clothing line, Drew House, was also part of Churchome. However, he left the church and had a falling out with Bieber over it because he said it started to feel like a cult.

Churchome pastor denies cult allegations

Judah Smith, the pastor at Churchome, responded to allegations of the church being a cult, saying, We would be the worst cult in the history of all cults because the church only meets once a month. But Thibodeau said Bieber should trust his gut regarding the warning signs of whether or not Churchome is a cult.

R. Kelly attorney says govt. wants him dead, calls to be moved

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Theres all kinds of times you feel that youre doing something wrong, but everyone around you is telling you its right, Thibodeau said. Even though you have that feeling and so many people influencing it, it can overcome your own feeling of whats right and wrong.

Thibodeau added Bieber should take opposing viewpoints into consideration and read things other than the Bible. He said the fact that the church only meets once a month could be a good thing because it gives Bieber time to develop his own thoughts.

Justin Bieber still a Jesus guy despite social media drama

Bieber recently shared a series of posts on social media detailing his struggles in life and religion. In one post, he said he was tired of transactional relationships.

We wanna make our life about work so bad. But this life is about God. Loving us so we can love each other. Quit making ur life about work. God will always inspire you to want to work harder, he wrote.

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Katy Perry fan arrested, stormed on stage during The Lifetimes Tour

The 31-year-old singer ended his message with, Jesus was always the answer to pain we are all facing.

In 2020, Bieber shared pictures of his baptism along with his wife, saying it was one of the most special moments of his life. The moment @haileybieber my wife and I got baptized together! Bieber captioned the pictures.

Despite the drama in his life, Bieber is anchored by Christian principles. I believe forgiveness is what keeps this whole thang goinnnnn, he posted on Instagram.

Justin Bieber was on hook for millions after pulling out of tour: Report

This all comes as Bieber reportedly owed his former manager, Scooter Braun, millions of dollars after he pulled out of his 2022 tour.

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As crazy as this sounds, Justin Bieber made up to $1 billion in his career. In 2022, he was broke  so broke, were told, he borrowed one of his friends credit cards to play golf, TMZ executive producer Harvey Levin told Banfield. He was broke.

US businessman Scooter Braun (L) and Canadian singer Justin Bieber arrive for YouTube Originals Justin Bieber: Seasons premiere at the Regency Bruin Theatre in Los Angeles on January 27, 2020. (Photo by LISA OCONNOR / AFP) (Photo by LISA OCONNOR/AFP via Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA  JANUARY 27: Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber attend the premiere of YouTube Originals Justin Bieber: Seasons at the Regency Bruin Theatre on January 27, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CA  DECEMBER 14: Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber are seen on December 14, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) NEW YORK, NEW YORK  SEPTEMBER 01: Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber are seen at the 2023 US Open Tennis Championships on September 1, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images) Music executive Scooter Braun, left, appears with Justin Bieber at the World Premiere of Justin Biebers Believe in Los Angeles on Dec. 18, 2013. Braun is one of the most recognizable names in the music business for his work as an executive, entrepreneur, and artist manager. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File) Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Bieber performs onstage during the 64th Annual Grammy Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA  APRIL 03: Justin Bieber attends the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) In this screen shot provided by ABC on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, Justin Bieber performs at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. (ABC via AP) Add the Crocs x Justin Bieber with drew house Classic Clog 2, plus drew house socks, to your collection next week. Credit: Rory Kramer

TMZ recently created a documentary about Bieber, which revealed his relationship with Braun had hit a breaking point. Despite this, on a recent episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast, Braun said of Bieber, We were able to achieve some amazing things, and Im very proud of what we achieved and always rooting for him.

Scooters camp has told us that he just thinks Justin wanted to go home, TMZ executive producer Don Nash said. He was tired, he wanted to spend more time with (his wife), Hailey (Bieber), he wanted to go on vacation, and he wanted to live his life without going on tour.

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One source told Page Six that Bieber spends an eye-watering amount of money each month. The source also claimed that there was a point where Bieber couldnt get a credit card. Justin is surrounded by a lot of people that do not have his best interests at heart, the source claimed.

Justin Bieber sells music catalogue: TMZ

His money problems led him to sell his music catalogue, according to TMZ. Despite selling it for $200 million, one source told NewsNations Paula Froelich that his wife, Hailey Bieber, had saved the day financially.

King Charles, Prince William expected at Trooping the Colour; no Harry

Shes also very smart when it comes to business and having good people around her, so she can be trusted with the money  and make sure she, Jack and Justin have a good financial foundation from here on out, the source told Froelich.

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Braun reportedly told Bieber to wait until January 2023 to sell his catalogue, so he would get a tax break, but he sold it in December 2022.

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WACO, Texas (FOX 44)  According to officials with Carter BloodCare, a single blood donation can save up to three lives. This is a fact Katy Jansa and her family know well.

I actually had hemorrhaged postpartum hemorrhaging with both of my children, but the first was when we didnt know to expect it, Katy said.

Jansa had a C-section with her first child Gage, at the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center  Hillcrest, and said doctors used about four blags of blood to save her life.

Blood donations is just something that you kind of dont think about. You know, you dont think twice. You just assume that the hospital will have it if and when something ever comes up, or you assume its something that other people are doing, as far as donation. But you dont know until youre in that moment, she added, expressing that its because of blood donors that her family received a second chance.

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We have people in the hospital every day that need blood transfusions, whether its from iron deficiency, from pregnancy, from they have cancer, or theyve had a trauma or a car accident, Vickie Carpenter, the Managaer of Mobile Donor Recruitment for Carter BloodCare explained.

According to Carpenter, they need somewhere around 1,100 donors a day in order to meet the needs of blood for Carter BloodCare.

I was able to have a second chance very well at life and therefore have a second child, and she has a chance at life because of it, she said. Because, however, many strangers had donated and never knowing the impact or who it would reach.

Her son Gage is now four years old, and her daughter Colette is two years old. Since the birth of their children, Mr. and Mrs. Jansa have started to pay it forward, and doing their best to donate blood any chance they can. They hope to give another person or family a second chance at life.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
Billionaire Walmart heiress Christy Walton faced backlash from the White House and avoidance by Walmart itself after she bought an ad appearing to call Americans across the country to protest against President Donald Trump.

Walton, one of the richest women in America, bought a full-page ad in The New York Times declaring "NO KINGS," referring to the No Kings organization that is coordinating hundreds of protests across the country against Trumps administration on the same day as his military parade this weekend.

Andrew Cook, a spokesman for the No Kings organization, told Forbes there will be more than 1,800 events across America.

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While Walton's ad does not mention Trump directly, it instead appears to echo many common liberal critiques of the president and his policies by declaring, "We are a people of principle and honor. We honor our commitments and stand by our allies. We defend against aggression by dictators. We uphold and defend the Constitution."

Marines Arrive In Los Angeles As Mayor Issues Curfew For Part Of Downtown Amid Anti-ice Protests

The ad continued, "We care for our children and veterans. We respect our neighbors and trading partners. We support a healthy national and international economy, community, and environment. We are the world leader trusted to uphold the stability of the rule of law."

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It then concludes, "We are the people of the United States of America. The honor, dignity, and integrity of our country are not for sale. Our government is of the people, by the people, for the people."

A spokesperson for Walton told Fox News Digital in a statement: "The personal ad message from Christy Walton published, Sunday, June 8, focuses on encouraging people to engage peacefully and civically in next weekends events on June 14th. It is unrelated to the events we have seen unfold the past several days. Christy has provided no funding to organizations or individuals involved in the demonstrations in Los Angeles or other cities, nor has she provided any funding to those organizing the upcoming events."

The statement continued, "Her interest is simply in encouraging people to listen to one another, participate in their communities, and productively engage on the issues they care about. She believes while we have the right to protest, we do not have a right to violence. She condemns violence in all forms and her message promotes civic engagement, peaceful dialogue, and the sharing of diverse views and voices."

Trump Warns Any Potential Protesters At His Military Parade Will Be Met With Very Big Force

Protesters began gathering on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall early Tuesday afternoon after three days of anti-ICE riots in the city.

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House, which argued that the ad rings tone-deaf to the mandate of Americans who elected Trump last November.

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"Great, a left-wing billionaire feels like burning some of her inheritance for a PR stunt. Its not going to change the fact that over 77 million Americans voted for mass deportations, border security, and America First trade policies  a mandate that the Trump administration is committed to using every lever of executive power to deliver on," a White House spokesperson said.

Walmart appeared to distance itself from Walton and her activism in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying, "We condemn violence, including when its directed towards law enforcement, and the damaging of property."

Sen Josh Hawley Expands Probe Into Groups Allegedly Funding Anti-ice Riots, Threatens Subpoenas

"As a company with associates and customers in the Los Angeles region, we remain focused on their safety and that of impacted communities. The advertisements from Christy Walton are in no way connected to or endorsed by Walmart. She does not serve on the board or play any role in decision making at Walmart," the company statement added.





Original article source: Walmart distances itself from heiress' ad rallying anti-Trump protests
Walmart heiress Christy Walton promoted a planned nationwide protest against President Trump by placing a full-page advertisement that ran in the New York Times on Sunday.

The ad, which the billionaire heiress paid for, calls on people to participate in the "No Kings" protest slated to take place across the U.S. on June 14  the same day a military parade celebrating the Army's 250th Anniversary is set to take place in Washington, D.C. The date of the parade and protests also coincides with Mr. Trump's birthday.

Ad placed in the New York Times by Walmart heiress Christy Walton urging readers to participate in

The ad lists eight declarations, including "WE honor our commitments and stand by our allies, WE defend against aggression by dictators, WE care for veterans and children, WE respect our neighbors and trading partners, WE support a health national and international economy, WE uphold the stability of rule of law," and more.

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More text is printed at the bottom of the full-page advertisement. "We are the people of the United States of America. The honor, dignity, and integrity of our country are not for sale," it reads.

"Our government is of the people, by the people, for the people," the last line of the ad states.

A spokesperson for Ms. Walton told CBS MoneyWatch that Sunday's ad "focuses on encouraging people to engage peacefully and civically in next weekend's events on June 14th."

Walmart sought to distance the retail chain from Ms. Walton's ad. "The advertisements from Christy Walton are in no way connected to or endorsed by Walmart. She does not serve on the board or play any role in decision-making at Walmart," the company said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch.

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"Eat the tariffs"

Walmart is among the major U.S. retailers that have said Mr. Trump's tariff policies would force them to pass on added costs to customers.

"We can control what we can control," Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said during the company's first-quarter earnings call last month. "Even at the reduced levels, the higher tariffs will result in higher prices," he added.

Mr. Trump later warned Walmart against raising its prices, writing on social media that it should "eat the tariffs" instead of raising prices on some goods.

When asked about the planned protests Thursday, Mr. Trump said he did not feel like a king because "I have to go through hell to get stuff approved."

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What is the "No Kings" protest?

A website dedicated to the protest explains that Saturday will mark "a national day of action and mass mobilization" in response to what it calls "the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration."

"We've watched as they've cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political positions, threatened to deport American citizens, and defied the courts. They've done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies. They think they rule  but we are bigger than even their worst aspirations," the site reads.

The nationwide protest was deliberately scheduled for June 14 to divert attention away from the military parade in Washington, D.C. scheduled to take place on the same date, the group said on the site.

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Ms. Walton, through her spokesperson, added that she does not condone violence, and that her interest lies "in encouraging people to listen to one another, participate in their communities, and productively engage on the issues they care about."

"She believes while we have the right to protest, we do not have a right to violence. She condemns violence in all forms and her message promotes civic engagement, peaceful dialogue, and the sharing of diverse views and voices," her spokesperson said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch.

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A billionaire Walmart heiress has again taken aim at President Trump  this time encouraging people to participate in protests against his second presidency while Trump holds a military parade in Washington on Saturday.

Christy Walton, who is the widow of one of the Walmart founders sons, paid for a full-page ad in The New York Times on Sunday calling for people to defend against aggression by dictators by participating in No Kings demonstrations planned this weekend.

Trumps parade is scheduled to take place on the presidents 79th birthday, which is also the 250th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. Army.

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A spokesperson for Walton, 76, told The Hill on Thursday that the ad focuses on encouraging people to engage peacefully and civically in next weekends events and stressed that her support is not related to protests in Los Angeles and elsewhere against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Christy has provided no funding to organizations or individuals involved in the demonstrations in Los Angeles or other cities, nor has she provided any funding to those organizing the upcoming events, the spokesperson said in a statement. Her interest is simply in encouraging people to listen to one another, participate in their communities, and productively engage on the issues they care about.

She condemns violence in all forms, and her message promotes civic engagement, peaceful dialogue, and the sharing of diverse views and voices, the statement added.

While the ad promotes the No Kings protests and features the nokings.org website, a No Kings spokesperson told The Hill that the ads were not run by or in coordination with the group. Walmart also distanced itself from Waltons anti-Trump push.

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Trump rejected the king depiction while speaking to reporters on Thursday.

I dont feel like a king, he said. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.

Trump allies, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), have called out Waltons ad online.

Looks like the Walmart dynasty is big mad about China tariffs, Luna wrote on the social platform X alongside a photo of the full-page promotion.

Some far-right social media accounts also have encouraged boycotts against Walmart stores, despite pushback from the company.

The advertisements from Christy Walton are in no way connected to or endorsed by Walmart, a Walmart spokesperson said in a statement to The Hill. She does not serve on the board or play any role in decision making at Walmart.

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Walton in the past has aligned with the Lincoln Project, giving thousands of dollars to the group of prominent conservatives who oppose Trump and his Make America Great Again agenda.

The honor, dignity and integrity of our country are not for sale, Waltons ad this week read in bold text under an image of the Statue of Liberty. Our government is of the people, by the people, for the people.

Waltons venture capitalist husband, John T. Walton, who was the second-oldest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, died while piloting an experimental aircraft that crashed in 2005.

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Democratic "sanctuary governors" will face a barrage of tough questions at a highly anticipated congressional hearing Thursday morning, as California Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump continue to throw jabs over immigration policy.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker will testify before the House Oversight Committee and sources tell Fox that Los Angeles riots over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and Newsoms battle with Trump will likely be prominent topics of discussion.

Gop Leadership Unleashes Fury On Dem Governor Ahead Of Blockbuster Congressional Hearing

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Fox News Digital obtained opening remarks to be delivered by Oversight Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., which will set the tone for the fiery hearing.

House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer

"These Governors handcuff law enforcement from doing their jobs, harbor predators, and call it compassion," Comers opening remarks explain. "It is NOT compassion, and it is costing lives, hurting Americans, and draining taxpayer money. Congress must consider whether to defund every single penny of federal dollars going to cities and states that prioritize criminal aliens over the American people."

Gavin Newsom Mocked For Tech Issues During Anti-trump Address To Californians: 'Absolute Fail'

Read On The Fox News App

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"Americans want a return to common sense. The Trump Administration and this Republican Congress aims to restore our safety and sovereignty. It is past time for these governors to put Americans first."

All three Democratic governors testifying at the hearing sided with Newsom in a statement Sunday addressing Trumps use of the National Guard to dispel riots that have been raging over the past few days in Los Angeles. Rioters set cars on fire, looted businesses, and clashed with law enforcement.

Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom are squaring off.

"We stand with Governor Newsom who has made it clear that violence is unacceptable and that local authorities should be able to do their jobs without the chaos of this federal interference and intimidation," the statement signed by Walz, Pritzker and Hochul reads.

Los Angeles Business Owners 'Sick And Tired' Of 'Stupid' Anti-ice Rioters Looting Their Stores

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Since LAs riots, protests over President Trumps immigration policies have since spread to Pritzker and Hochuls states on Tuesday with large gatherings in Lower Manhattan in New York and Federal Plaza in Chicago, blocking off streets and causing disruptions.

Fox News Digital also received J.B. Pritzker's opening remarks, where the governor and potential 2028 presidential candidate said his state "could not simply ignore the suffering" illegal migrants faced in Illionis.

"The crisis at the southern border in recent years has been devastating; the response from some of our political leaders even more so," Prtizker's statement reads. "As individuals fleeing poverty, violence, and persecution arrived at our border, our nation's leaders were confronted with a choice: would we do everything possible to make the promise of America the practice of America?"

Jb Pritzker Rips Trump As Authoritarian, Responds To President Calling Out His Weight

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"Some border state governors and mayors abandoned our nation's highest ideals  instead of choosing to spend millions of taxpayer dollars to treat people as pawns, busing them to states like ours in a dehumanizing attempt to leverage the crisis for political gain. The State of Illinois chose a different path."

Republican members on the Oversight Committee spoke to Fox News Digital ahead of Thursdays action, saying the three governors testifying "are willing to trade public safety for left-wing virtue signaling."

"Democrat-run sanctuary states shield criminal aliens from federal immigration enforcement, put law enforcement in unnecessary danger, and disregard the safety of millions of Americans," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan told Fox News Digital. "Seventy-seven million people gave President Trump a mandate last November to put an end to the Democrats' prioritization of illegal aliens over American citizens. And hes doing just that."

National Guard Troops Detain Anti-ice Protesters In Los Angeles Under Trump's Orders

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"To folks like Walz, Hochul and Pritzker, sanctuary state policies are a badge of honor. They are willing to trade public safety for left-wing virtue signaling," said Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, told Fox News Digital.

"Perhaps Governor Gavin Newsom will take a break from defying federal authority to tune in and see why Americans are fleeing California in droves to escape his failed policies that invite illegal migrant crime and anarchist thugs," Fallon added.

The stage is set for the hearing, which will take place on Thursday at 10 a.m. Eastern time.

Fox News Digital reached out to Hochul and Walz but did not receive a response.





Original article source: Walz, Hochul, Pritzker face off with Congress as Newsom battles Trump
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  The case against two people charged in connection with an animal cruelty case that led to a dog being euthanized in Warren is heading before a Trumbull County grand jury.

Outside the courthouse were about two dozen animal advocates, holding signs in support of a dog named Baby, who had to be euthanized.

Someone needs to pay for her death, said advocate Jan Nelson. She was a living being. When I saw the pictures of her neglected at the bottom of the steps, chained up in a basement, suffering, that gets to you. Its heartbreaking.

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Baby was euthanized after she was found at a home on Oak Knoll Avenue in Warren last month.

At the time, Healthy Hearts and Paws Project Founder Jason Cooke said she was emaciated, dehydrated and had a mass with an open wound and infection. Cooke has said it was the worst case of animal neglect hes seen.

I feel like anybody that could treat an animal like that deserves the same punishment, said advocate Deborah Myers.

Inside the courtroom, Thomas Leimkuehler and Stephanie Swegan, the two people charged with a felony in connection with the case, both waived their rights to preliminary hearings. Their cases were bound over to Trumbull County Common Pleas Court for presentment to a grand jury.

Judge Patty Knepp continued their bonds with a specific condition.

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You are not to own, harbor or possess any animals, Knepp told them in court.

Itll now be up to a grand jury to decide if theres enough probable cause for an indictment.

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(Fixes typo in headline)

GENEVA (Reuters) -The number of people displaced by war and persecution around the world climbed above 122 million this year due to a failure to resolve multi-year conflicts such as those in Sudan and Ukraine, the U.N. refugee agency said on Thursday.

However, it said that funding to help the refugees has fallen to 2015 levels.

There were over 2 million more people displaced globally by the end of April 2025 than there were the previous year despite the return of nearly the same number of Syrians after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's rule, according to the report by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

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It attributed the rise to major conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar and Ukraine, and a continued failure to stop the fighting.

"We are living in a time of intense volatility in international relations, with modern warfare creating a fragile, harrowing landscape marked by acute human suffering," Grandi said in a statement alongside the report.

Humanitarians complain that a lack of political leadership in brokering peace deals is prolonging conflicts and stretching aid groups seeking to address their impact.

The surge in displacement numbers comes as funding to help them has fallen to 2015 levels when the total number of refugees around the world stood at about half current levels, UNHCR said.

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U.S. President Donald Trump has cut most foreign aid, while Britain and other European countries are also spending less on aid and more on defence.

UNHCR, without naming donors, described the cuts as "brutal and ongoing" and said the situation was untenable, leaving refugees and others vulnerable.

David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee aid group, said the cuts to support for poorer countries would drive further displacement.

The U.N. refugee agency, whose largest donor has historically been the U.S., has previously said the cuts put millions of lives at risk and left women refugees at a greater risk of rape and children at risk of trafficking.

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"We are already doing more with less  but we cannot do this indefinitely," said Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

(Reporting by Emma FargeEditing by David Gregorio and Gareth Jones)
Jun. 11Washington state could soon be responsible for a bigger share of disaster relief response, a possibility state officials have spent months preparing for.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, President Donald Trump said his administration is examining multiple options for "phasing out" the Federal Emergency Management Agency and providing funding directly to states that experience a natural disaster.

The plan, Trump said, wouldn't necessarily mean that states receive less money, but that the funds would be given "directly" from the president's office or Homeland Security. According to the president, the overhaul could take place after the hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, which ends on Nov. 30.

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"We're going to do it much differently," Trump said.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem added that administration will spend the next several months "working on reforms" for the agency. Established by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, the agency has a budget of $33 billion for fiscal year 2025.

"It will empower governors to go out and respond to emergency situations, and what the president does best is to make sure that the taxpayers are only fulfilling the need to which is appropriate," Noem said. "And that people are responsible to respond to their own people closest to home."

Noem said that in the past, the agency has failed "thousands if not millions of people."

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"And President Trump does not want to see that continue into the future," Noem said. "This agency, fundamentally, needs to go away as it exists."

Faced with a natural disaster, Trump said the governor of a state "should be able to handle it."

"And, frankly, if they can't handle it, the aftermath, then maybe they shouldn't be governor," Trump said.

For months, state lawmakers have been preparing for the possibility that Washington may receive less federal assistance during natural disasters. During an April 1 news conference, Gov. Bob Ferguson said the state receives $600 million for disaster recovery and response from the federal government during a two-year budget cycle. In total, federal funding accounts for 28% of the state's revenue.

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"There are no guarantees that federal funding will continue in these and other areas," Ferguson said.

During the news conference, which came as budget writers worked to craft the state's two-year budget, Ferguson called on the state to maintain its rainy day fund, which he said was necessary in part to maintain services should the state face additional federal cuts.

"Washington is the fourth-most disaster-prone state in the nation. The federal government, as you know, is making dramatic cuts to FEMA," Ferguson said. "It is a sad commentary on what is happening with the federal administration that we can no longer count on them when we have our next natural disaster. We must be prepared to help communities and Washingtonians across the state who find themselves confronting the impacts of, for example, a fire, if the federal government does not come through with assistance."

In April, FEMA denied Washington's application to assist with federal disaster relief to aid with an estimated $34 million in damage from a series of storms in Western Washington last fall. Following the announcement, Ferguson said the state would appeal the decision and said it was "another troubling example of the federal government withholding funding."
Credit: X/ccadelago

A California senator was dragged out of a Los Angeles press conference hosted by Kristi Noem after he tried to question the US homeland security chief about the controversial ICE raids targeting immigrants.

Im Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary, he declared while Ms Noem was speaking, prompting a number of security guards to grab him and shove him out of the room.

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Ms Noem was addressing a string of recent immigration raids conducted by ICE agents at Home Depot car parks and workplaces that have sparked protests in California which have spread across the country.

Footage of the incident showed FBI agents forcing the senator to the floor and handcuffing him. The senator was briefly detained.

Senator Alex Padilla is removed from the venue by security officers - Aude Guerrucci/REUTERS

He is then forced to the floor and handcuffed

Mr Padilla, one of two Democratic senators representing California in the upper chamber of Congress, can be heard trying to ask Ms Noem about the targeting of immigrants.

Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, told Politico in a statement: Padilla stormed a press conference, without wearing his Senate pin or previously identifying himself to security, yelled, and lunged toward Secretary Noem.

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Padilla didnt want answers; he wanted attention. Padilla embarrassed himself and his constituents with this immature, theatre-kid stunt  but its telling that Democrats are more riled up about Padilla than they are about the violent riots and assaults on law enforcement in LA.

It comes as tensions have continued to flare in Los Angeles after Donald Trump defied California governor Gavin Newsom and deployed thousands of National Guard troops and 700 Marines to help quell the protests.

Gavin Newsom, who has publicly sparred with Mr Trump in the week since the protests erupted, described Mr Padilla as one of the most decent people I know.

This is outrageous, dictatorial and shameful. Trump and his shock troops are out of control. This must end now, he wrote on social media.

Mr Padilla speaks to reporter following the incident - PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP

Mr Padilla said that he was demanding answers about the increasingly extreme immigration enforcement actions and only wanted to ask Ms Noem a question. He said he was handcuffed but not arrested.

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If this is how this administration responds to a senator with a question, I can only imagine what they are doing to farm workers, to cooks, to day labourers throughout the Los Angeles community, he said.

Ms Noem told Fox LA afterward that she had a great conversation with Mr Padilla after the scuffle, but called his approach something that I dont think was appropriate at all.

It wasnt becoming of a US senator or a public official, and perhaps he wanted the scene, she added.

She said that politicians should get over themselves.

Credit: X/@matt____rice

Democrat politicians described the incident as disturbing and disgraceful, with a number marching from the House floor into the Senate majority leaders office in protest, according to the New York Times.

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Kamala Harris, the former presidential candidate, said the move was a shameful and stunning abuse of power. United States Senator Alex Padilla was representing the millions of Californians who are demanding answers to this administrations actions in Southern California. This is a shameful and stunning abuse of power, she wrote on X.

Its very disturbing, we need answers, Senator Raphael Warnock told Politico.

Massachusetts Senator Elisabeth Warren told the website: As this event with Senator Padilla shows, the Republicans evidently embrace using fists.

Violence is never the answer.  Its looking more and more like a fascist state out there every day.

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Pete Aguilar, a high-ranking Democrat in the House said: Forcibly removing a United States Senator from a press conference is disgraceful.

This administrations chaos and corruption is out of control.

Adriano Espaillat, the Hispanic Caucus chairman, called for the officers involved in the incident to be arrested.

Karen Bass, the Los Angeles mayor, called the episode absolutely abhorrent and outrageous.

He is a sitting United States Senator. This administrations violent attacks on our city must end.

Sickened to my stomach

Speaking on the Senate floor, Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, said: I just saw something that sickened my stomach. The manhandling of a United States Senator, we need immediate answers to what the hell went on.

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Mr Padillas office told NBC News the politician had tried to ask the Secretary a question, and was forcibly removed by federal agents, forced to the ground and handcuffed. He is not currently detained.

Some Republicans expressed misgivings over the incident. House speaker Mike Johnson said that at a minimum, it rises to the level of a censure adding: I think there needs to be a message sent by the body as a whole that that is not what were going to do.

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Johnson had described Mr Padillas actions as wildly inappropriate.

Republican Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski said what had happened to Mr Padilla was horrible and not the America I know.

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The Los Angeles protests, while largely peaceful, have at times descended into violence with protesters torching and throwing rocks at police.

Officers have fired rubber bullets, flash bangs and tear gas at crowds and have been accused of targeting more than two dozen journalists.

The White House has sent 4,700 troops to the city, despite objections from local officials and the police, who said they had the manpower and ability to handle the demonstrations.

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Democratic governors from three sanctuary states will face questioning Thursday morning before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on their status as a refuge for migrants.

Lawmakers will hear testimony from Democratic Govs. Tim Walz (Minn.), Kathy Hochul (N.Y.) and JB Pritzker (Ill.) on their policies amid days of unrest over President Trumps sweeping immigration agenda and Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in Los Angeles.

The White House on Wednesday said more than 330 people have been arrested amid the protests.

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The hearing comes after Trump earlier this year proposed executive actions targeting sanctuary cities his administration said were not complying with federal efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.

The event is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. EDT.

Watch the live video above.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Gov. JB Pritzker will testify in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Thursday alongside Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. The subject of the hearing will be sanctuary laws protecting undocumented residents.

Gov. JB Pritzker set to testify before congressional committee about sanctuary states amid immigration turmoil

The hearing comes amid protests in Chicago and Los Angeles against President Donald Trumps widespread immigration crackdown.

The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. EST Thursday.

Watch live below:
President Trump on Thursday morning will hold a bill-signing ceremony at the White House.

He is expected to sign three congressional resolutions related to former President Biden-era electric vehicle standards, blocking Californias electric vehicle sale mandates and diesel engine rules.

The event is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. EDT.

Watch the live video above.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
SANDY, Utah (ABC4)  In new footage obtained by ABC4.com, a Bountiful woman and a known fugitive from Salt Lake City have been arrested after leading police on a large pursuit last month.

On May 29, Anastasia Greuber, 39, was arrested on charges of failure to stop for police, drug possession, and driving on a suspended license.

An officer with Taylorsville Police attempted to pull Greuber over near 8600 South and 700 East in Sandy after observing that she was driving on a suspended license.

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According to charging documents, unmarked police vehicles and the DPS helicopter were dispatched to follow the suspects car. Greuber then allegedly ran several red lights and drove into oncoming traffic with reckless disregard for public safety.

Idaho man self-deports, U.S. citizen family to uproot and follow

Police say that around 10600 South Automall Drive, Greuber was stopped in traffic and, in an effort to escape police, rammed into multiple civilian vehicles. Police say her tires were spiked several times during the altercation.

Finally, a collision with two more civilian vehicles at 9000 South and State Street disabled Greubers car, allowing police to arrest her.

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According to Lieutenant Aaron Chesire with the Taylorsville Police Department, Brenden Karpakis, 41, was a passenger in the suspect vehicle. Police say Karpakis was a fugitive from Adult Probation and Parole at the time of the arrest. Footage released by CollisionCam shows unmarked police vehicles surround the suspects before placing them under arrest.

Court documents show Karpakis was arrested for driving under the influence just 10 days prior to the Sandy pursuit.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Anyone involved in an accident at select locations can request free footage by visiting collisioncam.com or calling 435-327-0615.

Latest headlines:

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
A Polish member of the European Parliament was banned from the Polish Parliament building Tuesday after tearing down an LGBTQ-themed display inside the chamber.

Grzegorz Braun, a member of Polands right-wing Confederation Party, was seen on video ripping down banners and removing materials from an LGBTQ exhibition. The footage, originally posted by the account @ImMeme0, quickly went viral on X, prompting backlash from progressive lawmakers and media outlets across Europe.

NEW: Polish MEP Grzegorz Braun destroyed an exhibition promoting LGBTQ ideology in the Polish Parliament today. pic.twitter.com/zKtZEFYDvX  I Meme Therefore I Am  (@ImMeme0) June 11, 2025

Polish state broadcaster TVP World reported that Braun was immediately removed from the building and barred from returning. Legal consequences are reportedly under review.

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The incident follows a similar episode earlier this year, when Braun allegedly destroyed another LGBTQ display in the city of Opole, according to Notes from Poland. In both cases, Braun has characterized his actions as opposition to what he describes as the forced promotion of ideology in public institutions.

Supporters online praised the move as a defense of Polish cultural values, while critics accused Braun of intolerance and extremism.

The exhibition had been set up to mark Pride Month, which continues to spark political and cultural divisions across Europe. In Poland, where Catholic traditions remain deeply embedded in public life, LGBTQ activism has frequently clashed with more conservative social norms.

Prime Minister Donald Tusks liberal coalition has aligned itself with EU-backed diversity and inclusion initiatives, a shift that some nationalist politicians argue undermines Polands sovereignty and identity.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said Wednesday that he had no recollection of his fellow Democratic Party colleagues referring to the anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles as "peaceful."

"What do Democrats mean when they say the riots in L.A. are peaceful?" Durbin was asked by a reporter outside the Capitol.

"I never heard them say that," Durbin responded, leading the reporter to ask Durbin whether he condemned the ongoing anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, which some have said amount to riots.

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"I condemn violence, whether it's in the Capitol or in L.A.," Durbin shot back before being ushered away out of earshot.

California Officials Are Trying To Deny La Riot 'Chaos' For 'Political Gain,' Sheriff Says

The No. 2 Democrat in the Senate may not have heard any of his fellow party members use the word "peaceful" in their descriptions of the ongoing chaos in Los Angeles, but that doesn't mean they have not.

Read On The Fox News App

"A lot of these peaceful protests are being generated because the president of the United States is sowing chaos," Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., said on Sunday's "Meet the Press" on NBC.

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Just the day before, President Donald Trump called on thousands of National Guard troops to go to Los Angeles to help quell the ongoing chaos, which has included attacks on law enforcement, property damage and looting.

"The vast majority of protesters and demonstrators are peaceful," Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said on MSNBC. "They're passionate."

Sen. Cory Booker Calls Los Angeles Riots 'Peaceful,' Slams Trump For Deploying National Guard

Rep. Nanette Barragan, a Democrat who represents Californias 44th Congressional District, said on CNN's "State of the Union" program on Sunday, "We are having an administration that's targeting peaceful protests."

Sen. Cory Booker; LA rioters

Conservative critics also fired back after former Vice President Kamala Harris referred to the ongoing chaos as "overwhelmingly peaceful."

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"The country really dodged a bullet in November," Fox News contributor Guy Benson posted on X in response to Harris' social media post. In another post, Benson added, "Their official position is that theyre appalled by whats happening in Los Angelesbecause of Trump and ICE, not the violent rioters. In its current form, this party cannot be salvaged."

Dozens Of Anti-ice Rioters Arrested In La As Trump Sends In National Guard To Quell Violence

Meanwhile, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton got heat for describing the situation in Los Angeles as "peaceful."

"California Governor Newsom didn't request the National Guard be deployed to his state following peaceful demonstrations. Trump sent them anyway. It's the first time in 60 years a president has made that choice," Clinton posted on X. "Trump's goal isn't to keep Californians safe. His goal is to cause chaos, because chaos is good for Trump."

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was brutally mocked on social media for her post on the L.A. riots.

While there were initially examples of some peaceful protests at the start of this nearly weeklong chaos, by the start of the weekend, property destruction and violence broke out and devolved into a situation that became increasingly violent over the next few days. Several officers were injured during the riot, which included rocks and other projectiles thrown at them, and dozens of people were arrested related to the protests and rioting.

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Looting has also been an issue, as has property damage, and on Tuesday evening Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass instituted a citywide curfew.

In a rare intraparty dissent, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., criticized his own party this week for failing to adequately condemn the violence in Los Angeles.

"This is anarchy and true chaos," the Pennsylvania Democrat said in a Monday post on X alongside a picture of cars that had been destroyed by fire. "My party loses the moral high ground when we refuse to condemn setting cars on fire, destroying buildings and assaulting law enforcement."

"I unapologetically stand for free speech, peaceful demonstrations and immigration," Fetterman added. "But this is not that."





Original article source: WATCH: Top Dem says he has 'never heard' his fellow party members call LA riots 'peaceful'
Credit: K-2 combat group of the 54th separate mechanized brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Ukrainian soldiers are being rescued from the front lines by remote-controlled robots, a video has shown.

The 20th K-2 regiment, a robot-led unit, said it had evacuated four injured troops across four days using robotic systems, proving Kyivs growing success in deploying machines on the battlefield.

In drone footage of the rescue, the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), known as Ardal, approaches a wounded soldier lying in long grass and clutching his leg.

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He manages to heave himself into its trailer and the robot  operated remotely from a bunker miles away  carries him away from the front to an evacuation team.

Celebrating the units recent success, Kyrylo Veres, its commander, said: Four days, four lives saved. These are our comrades from infantry and assault units serving with us on the line. Unmanned systems have already changed warfare in the air and at sea. Now its time for ground robots.

Credit: K-2 combat group of the 54th separate mechanized brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The Ukrainian-produced Ardal robot is designed specifically for transporting wounded soldiers and carrying supplies across challenging terrain. Small and hard to detect, it can travel up to 30km and carry up to 200kg.

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In early April, days before it was officially approved for military use, Ardal had its first success. Dodging artillery and drones, it evacuated three wounded troops stranded behind enemy lines after several human-led rescue missions had failed.

Ukraine is one of the first countries in the world to deploy robots to the battlefield to rescue casualties and deliver critical supplies to the front.

It is also the first military to form a standalone drone force  the Unmanned Systems Forces, of which the K-2 regiment is part.

Kyiv pledged to deploy 15,000 robots this year in an effort to help overcome its manpower shortages at the front, where Ukrainian troops are often outmanned by Russians at a rate of three to one.

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By replacing humans with machines, Ukraine is hoping to gain a technological edge in a war of grinding attrition and save lives.

Compared to drones, which have become ubiquitous to the battlefield in Ukraine, UGV technology is still new and not yet widely deployed  but analysts say that is quickly changing.

Instead of being used in assault operations, ground robots have so far proved most effective in logistical and support roles.

The increasing use of UGVs on the battlefield has increased the depth of the so-called kill zone on both sides of the front, making transportation potentially lethal.

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The 13th Khartiiia brigade, a unit that carried out Ukraines first robot-only assault in late December, successfully evacuated a wounded man using a ground robot in May.

In the first known footage of such a mission, the Tarhan (Cockroach) ground system carried the soldier 12km from an inaccessible section of the front to an evacuation point and on to hospital.

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The UK food watchdog has warned people with allergies not to buy imported Dubai chocolate if they have any doubts about ingredients because of different labelling standards.

The Food Standards Agency's chief scientific advisor said shoppers should stick to "trusted" retailers in the UK as the products they sell are more likely to be made for the domestic market.

Dubai chocolate has become hugely popular fuelled by so-called "influencers" on TikTok, leading UK supermarkets such as Waitrose and Lidl to impose per person limits to meet demand.

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But a recent investigation by the BBC found several TikTok Shop users selling food without listing allergen information.

UK businesses are legally required to declare if a product they sell contains one of the 14 regulated allergens - including nuts and milk.

The FSA found some imported Dubai-style chocolate products may not have been intended for sale in the UK and therefore lack a full ingredients list or allergen labelling that are legally required.

Professor Robin May, the FSA's chief chief scientific advisor, said: "Some imported Dubai-style chocolate products don't meet our standards and could be a food safety risk, especially for consumers with allergies."

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He added: "As it's difficult for consumers to tell the difference between products made for the UK and those that aren't, if you have a food allergy or intolerance, we advise that you do not buy the product unless you're certain it's intended for sale here."

By law, products made to UK standards must have labels that have the ingredients written in English, the name of the food, a best before or use by date, and the name and address of a UK or European Union (EU) business that is responsible for information on the product.

If the food is not from the EU or UK then an importer must be listed.

The FSA said it had worked with local authorities to identify a number of Dubai chocolate products that posed a health risk to consumers with allergies.

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It said some of these products may also contain additives and colours which aren't allowed to be sold in the UK.

The popular treat combines the flavours of chocolate, pistachio and tahini with filo pastry, and is inspired by the Arab dessert Knafeh.

The regulator is now sampling products to work out the scale of the problem.

It said shoppers should report any concerns to their local authority and is working with allergy charities to raise awareness.

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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW)  Customers in St. Joseph and surrounding communities will now see increased water rates reflected on their monthly bills following approval by state regulators in May.

Effective May 28, a customer in St. Joe using 4,600 gallons a month will now pay $62.53 a month on average, an increase of approximately $9 a month, or $108 annually. This amount will vary based on how much a customer uses.

The increase comes after the Missouri Public Service Commission approved an agreement with Missouri American Water on May 7 to increase annual water and sewer revenues by $143 million. The company initially requested a 34% increase that would have raised rates by roughly $18 a month.

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Customers will receive information about the new rates on their Missouri American Water bill. Information will also be available on the companys website under Customer Service Billing, Water and Wastewater Rates.

Missouri American Water offers customers bill payment assistance programs including a payment installment plan and budget billing options available on the customer MyWater portal at missouriamwater.com. Income-eligible customers may also apply for assistance through the companys Help to Others (H2O) Program.

The increase was made to help cover part of $1.5 billion in completed or planned system improvements across the state from January 2023 to May 2026. Overall investments include the replacement or installation of approximately 250 miles of aging water and wastewater pipes to help reduce main breaks and sewer overflows.

Additional projects include upgrading of treatment plants, fire hydrants, storage tanks, wells, pumping and lift stations across the state.

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In March, the company began the process of replacing nearly 41,000 feet of aging water pipe, or roughly 7.5 miles, in St. Joseph. St. Josephs infrastructure project also includes enhancements to the Faraon and Randolph Water Boosters, a critical component of the water system that impacts water pressure and service reliability for residents and the effectiveness of 3,500 fire hydrants across St. Joseph.

Missouri American Water serves nearly 1.6 million Missourians and supplies drinking water to more than 31,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in St. Joseph.
WINONA, Texas (KETK)  Winona residents are left outraged after a town hall meeting was held on Tuesday, where they discovered the reason for high water and sewage rates costing them hundreds of dollars

Future of NASA Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine in question due to proposed budget cuts

The Winona City Council brought in Texas Rural Water Association wastewater specialist Louis Booth to discuss why several residents are seeing an increase in their water and sewage bills.

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After a rate study was conducted by the association, it was proposed that water and wastewater rates should see increases to generate more revenue for the companies. During the meeting, Booth told residents that their water rate would see a $14.16 increase and their wastewater rate would see a $17.75 increase.

These rates are based on the national water usage per residence of 2,000 gallons.

Winona customers see spike in bills

Some residents at the meeting pointed out how the $17.75 and $14.16 increases do not match the price on their bills. One resident told Booth they noticed an increase in their bill from $103 to $250, despite not having any leaks.

According to Booth, since 2020-2021, everything used in the water and wastewater industry has doubled or tripled in price, and these companies will need to charge more to continue making a profit. Booth said most people do not think of water and wastewater services in the same light as other services that people use every day.

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Most people dont think about water and sewer, and its unfortunate, but its a business just like anything else, and the cities have to stay in business to keep providing high-quality service to the customers, Booth said.

Cloudy water found in Lufkin is safe to drink, city officials say

A problem with digital meters?

Another resident said they suspect a problem with the digital meters used by multiple Winona residents that track how much water and wastewater is being used. The resident explained how on most days, nobody is at their home, but the meter reports high water usage. They also explained they dont have any leaks or running toilets.

I know there has to be a problem with at least the meter because I can leave in the morning, take a picture of my meter, and nobody is there, theres nothing running, the resident said. I can come back, and my meter has run 84 gallons.

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Booth acknowledged these issues by recommending that residents keep track of their water usage and try to conserve whenever possible. He also said that residents can check their toilet pipes by picking up dye tablets at the Winona City Hall that show for possible leaks.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Looking for something to do for Fathers Day? Searching for a Juneteenth celebration? Or maybe you are just looking for some fun over the weekend!

Below are some events happening in the Rochester area:

Throughout the Weekend

The Rochester Red Wings are home this weekend and will be facing the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp! Saturdays game starts at 6:45 p.m. and Sundays game is at 1:05 p.m.

You can buy tickets to any of the home games this week by clicking here.

The real clay extravaganza returns to Studio Sales Pottery in East Avon each day this weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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There will be live pottery making demonstrations and competitions, over 20 vendors showcasing their ceramics, raffles, and more!

Friday

Ever want to watch a movie outdoors? Downtown Definitely is screening movies at Parcel 5 this summer, with the first screening starting at 7 p.m. and ending at 10 p.m.

Fridays movie is the Whoopi Goldberg musical comedy Sister Act. Before the movie begins, there will be activities like a photo booth and face paint. Food and drinks will be served, and guests are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

ASL interpreters will be on-site, and there will be closed captioning. Wicked will be screened on July 18, and The Greatest Showman will screen on August 29.

Saturday

The Verona Street Animal Society is holding its 19th Fast & The Furriest pet festival at Brown Square Park starting at 8 a.m.

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The 10K begins at 8 a.m., the 5K starts at 8:15 a.m., and the dog walk starts at 10:30 a.m. For those not racing, there will be vendors, contests, a pet vaccination clinic, a silent auction, and more!

The Canandaigua Antique Show and Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Canandaigua Civic Center.

Over 60 dealers will be selling furniture, jewelry, vintage clothing, and more. Tickets can be purchased on the events website.

The Rochester Juneteenth Parade and Festival will be held at MLK Park, with the festivities going from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The parade kicks off the festivities at 11 a.m., with the festival following suit an hour later. You can expect to see live music and dancing, food, and cultural activities, all to honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

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This year, Grammy Award winner Robert Glasper will be headlining the festival. He will take the stage at 7 p.m.

Team Ali Gaiters will be hosting its 19th annual Clambake event from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Honeoye Falls Firemans Training Grounds.

The family-friendly event features live music, all-you-can-eat food, activities, raffles, and more. The event is to raise funds for Golisano Childrens Hospital.

AKOMA, Rochesters African American Womens Gospel Choir, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a scholarship concert at 6 p.m.

The anniversary show will be performed at the Robin and Tim Wentworth Arts Theatre at MCC. More information about the choirs scholarship can be found by clicking here.

Sunday

Deep 20 is teaming up with Pats Pigs to serve BBQ for Fathers Day from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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The staff will be roasting a whole pig and dishing out food, along with mimosas, beers. There will also be live music, yard games, and more!

The International Plaza will be hosting a Latin American and Caribbean-themed Fathers Day celebration from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.!

The event will feature live salsa music from Mairy and DJ Franco and a dominoes tournament organized by Condado Bar & Grill, a popular activity in Latin American and Caribbean nations. This celebration is free for all to attend.

A market inspired by Blockbuster Home Video will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Water Street Music Hall.

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Guests are invited to celebrate nostalgic cinema and pop culture from the 80s to the 2000s, with multiple vendors and live music.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
Nuanced research emerging over the last decade surrounding alcohol has the public wondering how harmful is it and what happens when it enters the body.

Boston 25 News Anchor spoke with Dr. Sarah Wakeman, Senior Medical Director for substance use disorder at Mass General Brigham, on the effects of alcohol ahead of the summer party season.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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WEST POINT, Ga. (WRBL) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is inviting the public to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of West Point Dam and Lake with a special ceremony on Friday, June 13 at 10:00 a.m. EDT. The event will be held at Hardley Creek Recreation Area, highlighting five decades of recreation, power generation, and flood control in the Chattahoochee Valley.

Bring a folding chair. Following the ceremony, time capsule items will be on display and refreshments will be served at the Powerhouse Visitor Center. Tours of the Powerhouse will be offered.

To prepare for the festivities, Hardley Creek Recreation Area and the Powerhouse fishing area will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, June 9 at 8:00 a.m. Both areas will reopen to the public just in time for the celebration at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 13.

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During the closure, no vehicle or pedestrian access will be allowed. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
The Trump administration is working on a new effort to both weaken Congress grip on the federal budget and freeze billions of dollars in spending at several government agencies, people familiar with the strategy told POLITICOs E&E News.

The strategy: order agencies to freeze the spending now  then ask Congress approval, using a maneuver that allows the cuts to become permanent if lawmakers fail to act.

The move would ax billions of dollars beyond the $9.4 billion in White House-requested cuts, known as rescissions, that the House approved Thursday. The Office of Management and Budget late last week directed several agencies to freeze upward of $30 billion in spending on a broad array of programs, according to agency emails and two people familiar with the plan.

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The architect of the freeze directive, OMB Director Russ Vought, has long lamented the limits placed on the presidents ability to direct federal spending. His latest gambit  first reported by E&E News  appears designed to test those boundaries.

The agencies targeted by the newest freeze include the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation and the departments of Interior and Health and Human Services. E&E News granted anonymity to the two people familiar with the strategy so they could speak freely without fear of reprisal from the Trump administration.

OMB's targets include NSF research and education programs that operate using funding leftover from 2024. Also on the list are tens of millions of dollars for national park operations as well as more than $100 million in science spending at NASA, which includes climate research.

While the president has some measure of control over how federal agencies spend their money, the power of the purse lies primarily with Congress under the U.S. Constitution. Put another way: Lawmakers set the budget.

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Vought is trying to turn that principle on its head.

The order to freeze some funding at more than a dozen agencies comes in advance of a budget spending deferrals package that the White House plans to send Congress. Spending deferrals allow the executive branch to temporarily prevent authorized dollars from going out the door  but only if lawmakers sign off on the move.

Freezing the spending before making that request seems to fly in the face of Congress' constitutional power and the 1974 Impoundment Control Act, said Joseph Carlile, former associate director at OMB in the Biden administration.

There is a right, a legal way, for the administration to rescind things and I guess theyre pursuing this because they don't have their stuff together or don't care about the law, said Carlile, who also worked previously on budgetary oversight on the House Appropriations Committee for 13 years.

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This is consistent with an administration that believes that they have broader powers around budget and spending than any other administration has ever been able to find, Carlile added.

White House officials did not deny the new strategy when asked about it. Rather, they described it as a way to lock in spending cuts prescribed by the Department of Government Efficiency, a cost-cutting outfit championed by Trump donor and entrepreneur Elon Musk.

Yet the White House has worked to keep the effort quiet, said one person in the administration with direct knowledge of the strategy. The person said the White House directive was communicated largely to agencies over the phone to avoid creating a paper trail.

Vought has said repeatedly he disagrees with the impoundment act, a Nixon-era law that limits the president's ability to block spending for political reasons. Democrats and legal scholars have said Trump already has violated the law.

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Were not in love with the law, Vought told CNN in an interview on June 1.

The separate $9.4 billion rescissions package that the House approved Thursday would permanently cut funding for NPR and PBS as well as foreign aid. Vought has said he expects to send more rescissions packages to Congress.

Voughts multipronged strategy also is likely to include a pocket rescissions strategy, by which the White House intentionally runs out the clock near the Sept. 30 end of the fiscal year. If the president introduces a recissions package then, Congress has a limited time to act  and if it does not do so, the funds slated for elimination are automatically canceled.

The White House may use the pocket rescissions strategy if the $9.4 billion rescissions package does not pass both chambers of Congress, the administration person said. And it could pursue another pocket rescissions strategy centered on Labor Department spending.

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The deferrals package is a third strategy  and it comes ahead of an expected congressional fight on lifting the debt ceiling before the end of the summer. It would essentially pause or significantly slow funding intentionally, until it can be crafted into a separate pocket rescissions package that can run down the clock and be made permanent.

Under the impoundment law, the White House can ask Congress to defer some of its budget spending authority "to provide for contingencies" or "to achieve savings" through efficiency gains. The White House is planning to argue that hitting the debt ceiling  a borrowing limit imposed and periodically raised by Congress  is such a contingency.

The nation is expected to reach the debt ceiling by the end of August.

The White House strategy is to delay or block funds now, then craft an additional rescissions package later in the year that would make such cuts permanent.

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OMB is hard at work making the DOGE cuts permanent using a wide range of tools we have at our disposal under the ICA [Impoundment Control Act] and within the Presidents authority just like the first rescissions package that was sent up to the Hill this week, OMB spokesperson Rachel Cauley said in a statement Monday. As a part of that process, we are constantly checking in with agencies to assess their unobligated balances.

Fight could land at Supreme Court

The latest effort may be more comprehensive than other blocks on federal funding that Vought has enacted, according to the person with direct knowledge of the move.

It could also be a trial balloon to see whether the White House can unilaterally block future spending if Trump administration officials object, said another person at an agency that would be affected.

The move appears to be a significant escalation of Voughts efforts to test the boundaries of the Impoundment Control Act.

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Voughts strategy is to rely on Section 1013 of the act, which grants the president the authority to freeze spending if the administration explains its actions to lawmakers. The act originally allowed one chamber of Congress to reject presidential deferrals, a power that courts rejected. As a result, the law was amended in 1987 to limit how long presidents could delay spending and under what conditions.

"It does not appear that any measures to disapprove a deferral have been considered since these amendments were made," the Congressional Research Service said in a February report on the impoundment law.

Vought has long argued that impounding some congressionally appropriated funding is constitutional, and he has said he wants the Supreme Court to validate what would be a significant weakening of congressional oversight of the federal budget.

The deferrals package the White House plans to send Congress would temporarily stop agencies from spending unobligated funds that remain at the end of the governments fiscal year on Sept. 30.

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The broad-based deferrals package is highly unusual and could be part of his strategy to take his fight for greater executive power to the Supreme Court, said Philip Joyce, a professor at the University of Marylands School of Public Policy and author of the book "The Congressional Budget Office: Honest Numbers, Power, and Policymaking."

It is a novel approach, but I think in the end, they really want this to go to the Supreme Court, Joyce said. They think they know how the Supreme Court is going to rule and once the Supreme Court opens the door, you know, it's kind of high noon for the separation of powers, which is what they want.

Last week, OMB officials reached out to federal agencies to tell them to enact the spending freeze. Some agency officials were shocked at the move, according to the administration official with direct knowledge of the plan.

The head of the National Science Foundation's budget office didn't know what to make of the directive, according to an email obtained by E&E News.

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OMB is targeting the agency's research and education "accounts for a deferral package," NSF Budget Director Caitlyn Fife wrote last Friday in a note to top officials.

"I imagine you will all have questions, as do we," she said. "However we are immediately focused on pulling the funds back to ensure there are no further commitments or obligations."

An NSF official briefed on the spending freeze said offices relying on previous-year funding could see their "programs gutted." The official also predicted that if OMB's ploy succeeds, it will use deferrals to impound any congressionally directed spending the administration opposes.

That means the deferrals package strategy is likely the start of a significant and questionable push to expand executive power, said Carlile, the former OMB associate director.

He said the White House is essentially seeking to subvert the Constitution, which grants Congress spending authority, in such an extreme way that it threatens the nations democratic structure.

I think it upends a fundamental check and balance contemplated in our Constitution, and I don't understand how you subordinate Congress' power of the purse, Carlile said.

Federal spending decisions are a deal between the executive and the legislative branch as institutions, he added. And this all starts to unravel real quick if our budgetary framework really actually meant nothing.
The White House has confirmed that it is preparing separate bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit which, in addition to the G7 leaders, the presidents of Brazil, Mexico and Ukraine are expected to attend.

Source: White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing in Washington, quoted by Ukrinform

Quote from Leavitt: "I can confirm there will be quite a few bilateral meetings between the president [Trump  ed.] and other foreign leaders."

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Details: Meanwhile, Leavitt did not specify whether a meeting between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is planned.

Quote from Leavitt: "The White House is still working very hard to finalise that schedule, and we will provide that for you as soon as we have it."

Background:

The Office of the President of Ukraine hopes to organise a meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit on 15-17 June.

Last week, Zelenskyy confirmed that he had received an invitation to the G7 summit.

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The White House said on Wednesday that 330 immigrants have been arrested in Los Angeles since Friday.

Since June 6, there have been 330 illegal aliens that have been arrested as part of these riots in Los Angeles, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a Wednesday briefing.

One-hundred and thirteen of those illegal aliens had prior criminal convictions, she added.

The Trump administration has taken a hardline stance on immigration during its first few months, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests topping 100,000 under President Trump this year, per a White House spokesperson.

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Theres been 157 people arrested for assault and obstruction-related charges, Leavitt said during the Wednesday briefing.

Trump deployed thousands of National Guard soldiers in Los Angeles over the weekend to quell expanding demonstrations in the city. Protestors were pushing back on local ICE raids that came amid the administrations crackdown on immigration.

If our troops didnt go into Los Angeles, it would be burning to the ground right now, just like so much of their housing burned to the ground, Trump said on Truth Social on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, federal prosecutors announced charges against two men accused of possessing Molotov cocktails amid recent Los Angeles protests in response to immigration raids.

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The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said Tuesday there were over 100 arrests Monday night amid recent protests, with 96 people arrested over Failure to Disperse.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The White House is in ongoing discussions with Capitol Hill to amend a proposed sanctions bill targeting Russia, Fox News Digital has learned, and prefers that route over sanctions led by the executive branch.

Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., introduced the legislation months ago and garnered 82 co-sponsors, but the Senate has delayed a vote to give President Donald Trump room to pursue a diplomatic settlement between Russia and Ukraine.

Now, with Trump increasingly skeptical of Vladimir Putins intentions to end the war, the bill could soon come to the floor. According to three sources familiar with the matter, talks between lawmakers and the White House are active, though no firm timeline has been set.

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"The House has appetite to move it, too," said one congressional source.

Companion legislation has 70 House co-sponsors.

State Department policy planner Michael Anton has privately indicated to allies that the White House isnt interested in imposing unilateral sanctions, but also wont stand in the way of the GrahamBlumenthal legislation.

Read On The Fox News App

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a cabinet meeting via videoconference at Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside of Moscow, June 4, 2025.

Behind the scenes, the White House is pushing for revisions that would grant the president greater discretion in enforcement. Specifically, officials are seeking to replace any "shall" with "may" in the bills text  a subtle but significant shift that would weaken mandatory enforcement.

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"The White House, no matter who is there, always wants the bill watered down  its normal," the source said. "Whenever any committee, congressman or senator wants to do a sanctions bill, career officials always email back and say, Change the shall to may."

Sen Lindsey Graham: Russia Sanctions Bill Aims To Change Putin's Calculus, Protect World Order

The legislation would impose sweeping economic penalties, including 500% tariffs on any country that does business with Moscow, and sanctions on key Russian officials and entities.

Graham has acknowledged that revisions are likely, including potential carve-outs from the tariff provision for nations providing aid to Ukraine. The exception would offer relief to European allies that are still dependent on Russian energy.

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"Why dont we carve out for countries who are helping Ukraine?" Graham said in an interview with Semafor earlier in June. "If youre providing military economic assistance to Ukraine, you get a carve-out. So China, if you dont want to get sanctioned, help Ukraine."

Trump, speaking candidly on a podcast published Wednesday, questioned whether Putin has any interest in ending the conflict.

Lindsey Graham To Push 'Bone-breaking Sanctions And Tariffs' To Pressure Russia Into Peace With Ukraine

"Im starting to think maybe he doesnt," Trump said when asked whether the Russian president minds losing thousands of soldiers in Ukraine each week.

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On Capitol Hill, Trumps top military advisors were pressed Wednesday on whether they believe Putin intends to halt his offensive.

"I dont believe he is," said Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"Remains to be seen," added Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The European Union unveiled a fresh sanctions package, that still needs to be voted on, which would ban transactions with the Nord Stream energy pipelines.

Since Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. has imposed sweeping sanctions: cutting Russian banks off from the U.S. financial system, freezing over $300 billion in Kremlin assets, banning key technology exports, and blocking imports of Russian fuel.





Original article source: White House takes interest in proposed Russian sanctions as Ukraine War peace talks drag on
LONDON (AP)  Londoners have reported thousands of sightings of Pitbull this week. With that bald head, goatee and suit, he's pretty hard to miss.

On closer inspection, though, it becomes clear that Mr. Worldwide is not actually everywhere all at once  in his stead, those are clones swarming London, on their way to the O2 Arena to see him onstage. That goatee? Drawn on. That bare head? Bald caps, in lieu of a dramatic shave.

More than two decades into his career, the Miami superstar whose hits  from Hotel Room Service to Timber and Give Me Everything to El Taxi  have become permanent playlist staples of weddings, bar mitzvahs and, yes, the club is stoking a growing fan frenzy in the U.K. and beyond. He started noticing the odd look-alike or two at concerts back in 2021, emerging from the pandemic-era lockdowns.

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Maybe out of 20,000 people coming to the show, 30,000 coming to show, youll see a thousand, he says of what happened next.

But that's before he hit the U.K.

We jumped the pond and we ended up in London and it was just something else. It was definitely a whole new movement, took it to a whole new level, Pitbull told The Associated Press, the day after Mondays show in London.

The phenomenon is something that has rapidly grown from a minority to the majority  or from a negative to a positive, as Pitbull is known to say. Unlike the celebrity look-alike contests that reward uncanny resemblance to the likes of Timothee Chalamet,Glen Powell or even Ernest Hemingway, it's less about the ability to grow the right facial hair and more about the vibe. After all, the vast majority of those dressed up at Monday's concert were women. (Pitbelles, one could say.)

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These wannabe clones were spotted on the underground to North Greenwich, where they proceeded to dance outside the arena to a live DJ set for hours before the show even started. Photos were taken in front of a giant poster of Pitbull and goatees were carefully colored in on friends faces before, finally, the sunglasses went on. Rebecca Petrie and Jamie Lee Hart spent hours online to get tickets, traveling from Scotland for the gig. They suggested that girls are more drawn to dressing up than guys.

Women are more brave, Hart said. And Pitbull appreciates that.

To have more women in the crowd, it just goes to show you that they are feeling what the most powerful woman in my life has taught me on stage, he says, referencing his mother, which is a gentleman that knows how to have a good time. Sometimes a little naughty, sometimes a little nice, but more than anything a good person that will do the right thing to the best of my ability.

Videos from Pitbulls London show in February flooded social media with a decent number of look-alikes vibing out to tracks like On the Floor and Fireball. When additional June shows for his Party After Dark tour went on sale, ticket buyers got the memo: Dress up or stand out as one of the few who didnt. Indeed, the floor of the arena on Monday looked like a sea of baked beans, courtesy the bald caps, while the stands looked like the destination of an unlikely school trip, with rows after rows of white shirts and black ties askew.

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If youre going to go to a Pitbull concert you need to really feel his energy and you cant do that without a bald cap and a suit, attendee Keeley James Elliot said, while posing with Mr. Worldwide-inspired inflated globes outside the venue.

Expect similar scenes at his upcoming Europe dates, as he winds his way through Paris, Prague and Poland. He'll jaunt back to the U.S. for dates in South Dakota, Las Vegas and a stop at the Iowa State Fair, before making his way to Australia in October. The 305 may be an area code, but it reaches far beyond South Florida.

Fans should know that Pitbull wholeheartedly appreciates their efforts and makes sure to watch the crowds arriving for the show. He too is a fan  of them: To have people out here feeling that good dressed up as me  man, unbelievable.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect new details of BAE Systems' new chemical process that the company confirmed to the Kyiv Independent after initial publication.

The West is failing to catch up to Russia's production of the most basic unit of war for the past half-millennium  gunpowder.

The modern propellants and explosives that power war have largely been offshored. While Western manufacturers are churning out shell casings, they are short on the materials to fill them with. A dearth of ammunition from NATO allies has long hampered Ukraine, but is more recently alarming the Western alliance.

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"Putin's war machine is speeding up, not slowing down," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said at a June 9 speech in London. "In terms of ammunition, Russia produces in three months what NATO produces in a whole year."

"Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years. Let's not kid ourselves: We are all on the Eastern flank now," Rutte continued.

It is no secret that Ukraine has relied on the West for ammunition since Russia's full-scale invasion. NATO's militaries have been sounding the alarm as to dwindling artillery reserves since at least late 2022. But they have been far slower in ramping up production than Russia.

Jammed between unequal arsenals, Ukraine has long felt the pinch.

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With stocks running low, NATO's armories are finally confronting the harsh reality that they have outsourced core defense manufacturing functions to hostile nations.

In part, that disparity is because Russia has converted to a wartime economy and can act more decisively. But it is also because Russia never had the environmental controls that the U.S. and EU have. The production of the raw chemicals that power guns, bombs, rockets, and artillery is a filthy business, literally.

"Gunpowder and propellants represent a bottleneck in the manufacturing process compared to the relatively straightforward production of shells."

Onshoring explosives into NATO territory will require either highly innovative chemistry or significant rollbacks of environmental regulations.

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Read also: As Russian losses in Ukraine hit 1 million, Putin faces an economic time bomb

European reloading

"Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, we have seen unparalleled demand for our specialist energetic materials," James McFarland, a representative for ChemRing, one of the largest explosives makers in Europe, wrote to the Kyiv Independent. "Our Norwegian business, in particular, has been running at full capacity, and its order book extends for a number of years."

ChemRing's Norwegian business, ChemRing Nobel, descends from Alfred Nobel, who managed to stabilize nitroglycerin in the form of dynamite in the mid-1800s, making enough money to fund prizes in everything from chemistry to, ironically, peace in perpetuity.

While there are many arms manufacturers left in Europe, the few plants left producing basic chemical explosives in Europe are, like ChemRing, the definition of legacy. Most shut down towards the end of the 20th century.

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"It is a fact that gunpowder and propellants represent a bottleneck in the manufacturing process compared to the relatively straightforward production of shells," Andrej Cirtek, a spokesperson for the Czechoslovak Group, or CSG, told the Kyiv Independent.

A technician works on 155mm shells for the Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzer at Rheinmetalls facility in Unterluss, Germany, on June 6, 2023. (Axel Heimken / AFP via Getty Images)

CSG is one of the many European ammunition makers that have announced the creation of new facilities to produce ammunition. They are, Cirtek explained, aiming for total vertical integration of a wide range of substances that go boom. But they are only doing so in existing industrial zones  especially flipping civilian chemical plants to military use.

"In Europe, starting production of explosive components from scratch is practically infeasible due to lengthy regulatory processes and limited availability of necessary technologies. For this reason, CSG focuses on restoring and expanding production at sites with a historical manufacturing legacy," Cirtek told the Kyiv Independent.

Basic ballistics

The most relevant "excitants" for military production are broken down into propellants and explosives. Gunpowder is a propellant. TNT is an explosive.

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As an example, a typical 155 mm artillery shell features a chamber filled with an explosive, often TNT or hexogen, usually called RDX. A modern mortarist loads a usually explosive-packed shell and then "bags" of propellant, whose weight and composition are determined by required range.

The divide between propellants and explosives is not black and white, says John Gray, a former U.S. Army ordnance disposal specialist who now trains U.S. servicemen how to make improvised explosives.

One especially flexible chemical compound called nitrocellulose is behind the bulk of Russia's firepower. Its shortage is likewise at the heart of the West's misfiring supply chain.

"Nitrocellulose is a monomolecular explosive  that's where we chemically attach the fuel and the oxidizer together," Gray explained to the Kyiv Independent. "It's used in everything as far as ammunition is concerned."

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Cellulose is just plant matter, usually derived from cotton linten or wood pulp. When treated with nitric acid, cellulose gains an oxidant. Very crudely, it's chemically like puffing air onto a fire.

While not a complicated process, nitrocellulose production leaves as waste enormous amounts of nitric as well as sulphuric acid  byproducts common across the production of TNT, RDX, and HMX that take decades to clean up.

Boom by numbers

The numbers are fairly stark. Recent research from the Jamestown Foundation shows a doubling in Russian gunpowder production between 2022 and 2024, as well as a steady supply of necessary cotton from Central Asia.

Western nations have let production of basic explosive materials  for example, nitrocellulose and TNT  slip overseas, specifically to China, which is also the largest cotton producer in the world. China, meanwhile, remains a key supplier of both nitrocellulose and its precursors, especially cotton linton, to Russia.

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A major Reuters investigation from last July found that nitrocellulose production was particularly hamstringing NATO's efforts to build artillery shells.

Russias President Vladimir Putin visits Uralvagonzavod, the countrys main tank factory, in Nizhny Tagil, Russia, on Feb. 15, 2024. (Alexander Kazakov / Pool / AFP via Getty Images)

Ukraine, like much of the West, produces more shell casings than it can obtain blast materials to put in them. The largest remaining Ukrainian ammunition factory is in northern Sumy Oblast, within easy strike distance of gathering Russian forces. And one of the forgotten casualties of Russia's full-scale invasion was Zarya, Ukraine's only TNT factory, in now-occupied Luhansk Oblast.

As an executive at Florida artillery producer Global Ordnance lamented to The War Zone at the start of May, "the US hasn't made TNT in decades."

Today, the only TNT manufacturer physically located in NATO is Poland's Nitrochem. Low-nitrogen nitrocellulose is made at factories for functions like lacquer, but NATO-made military-grade nitrocellulose effectively all comes from a single factory in Redmond, Virginia.

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There are multiple reasons. Raw materials or chemicals feature lower profit margins than end-stage weapons. They also leave massive environmental footprints, particularly of nitric and sulphuric acid, which are key to making everything from nitrocellulose to RDX.

Rheinmetall announced plans to build 155 mm artillery shells inside of Ukraine.

Explosives factories also have a tendency to blow up, as China's second-largest nitrocellulose factory did last May. A Northrop Grumman facility filled with rocket fuel in Utah suffered the same fate this past April.

For potential production within Ukraine, the concern is more that Russia will actively attack any large-scale manufacturing inside the country. New Ukrainian explosives producers have emerged but have had to remain relatively small scale.

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"For FPVs, they need 5 million (munitions) a year. Today, between 300,000 and 400,000 are made here, of which 80% are done on hand machinery, and they're not made in factories, they're made in the field," one Ukrainian explosives maker who asked to remain anonymous out of security concerns explained to the Kyiv Independent.

Charges meant for drones have the advantage of not needing propellants, as the drones themselves provide propulsion.

"For ammunition for FPV drones, deep-strike UAVs, other specific mechanisms  for them, what you need most of all is plastic explosives," the Ukrainian explosives maker continued.

Ukraine has stepped up its ability to manipulate explosive chemicals like those needed for drones. But they remain dependent on Western imports of raw chemicals like RDX and PETN, which nobody will be making at scale within Ukraine until next year.

Read also: If Germany sends Taurus missiles to Ukraine, Russia has a major Crimean Bridge problem

Production expansions

The West has clearly recognized this is a problem for both Ukraine and NATO members. A flurry of government contracts and arms maker announcements have touted acquisitions and refurbishments on industrial centers everywhere from Virginia to Saxony.

Those few companies that have hung onto the explosives industries are seeing massive profits.

ChemRing is planning a 275% expansion of its site in Norway. A representative wrote to the Kyiv Independent that it had seen firms buying its goods sign on to contracts extending 12 to 15 years in the future.

Rheinmetall, Europe's biggest ammunition maker, recently bought a formerly civilian nitrocellulose plant that it plans to refurbish and bring online for military-grade production by 2027.

A technician of German arms maker Rheinmetall works on 155mm shells for Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzers bound for Ukraine, at the companys facility in Unterluss, northern Germany, on June 6, 2023. (Axel Heimken / AFP via Getty Images)

Despite being formally a civilian plant, the recently purchased Hagedorn-NC factory was providing Russia with nitrocellulose via a Turkish intermediary up until at least early 2024, having found itself near bankruptcy earlier, a Wall Street Journal investigation found early in 2024.

Rheinmetall announced plans to build 155 mm artillery shells inside of Ukraine but has yet to begin production, with a representative telling the Kyiv Independent that "We expect to establish a joint venture with our Ukrainian partner shortly."

European ammo makers are generally pointing to 2027 as the start of new mass production.

"We are increasing our group-wide capacity for the production of propellant powder from 5,000 tonnes per year in 2022 to 12,000 tonnes per year in 2027," a spokesperson from Rheinmetall wrote to the Kyiv Independent.

For Ukrainians short on ammunition today, 2027 is eons away.

Exploring new chemical compounds

The only military-grade nitrocellulose production still in the United States is at a Virginia factory owned today by a local affiliate of the British BAE Systems, which is similarly dominant in RDX, a key blast explosive and the main ingredient in C4, almost all of the U.S.'s supply of which comes from a BAE factory in Holson, Texas.

BAE's U.K. branch previously announced plans to expand artillery production by a factor of 16. For that, the firm is toying with a new model of production that they say "will use continuous flow processing to synthesize explosive material and remove the need for nitrocellulose and nitroglycerine, which are high in demand across global supply chains, in propellant production."

BAE Systems' Steve Cardew told the Kyiv Independent that the new process will be an RDX-based propellant that does not require the plant-based raw materials that nitrocellulose production demands.

Gray pointed to patents for nitrocellulose-free powder originally filed by Dynamit Nobel  today ChemRing Nobel  and using RDX contained in fillers to produce a propellant as the most likely alternative.

A potential pivot away from nitrocellulose-derived propellant may be the most chemically interesting result of today's shortage.

Read also: Key to Russias defeat lies in its economy

Note from the author:

Hi, this is Kollen, the author of the story. The Kyiv Independent doesnt have a wealthy owner or a paywall. Instead, we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism funded.

Were now aiming to grow our community that has reached 20,000 paying members  if you liked this article, consider joining our community today.

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Credit: X/ShivAroor

It could take weeks, if not months, for the exact cause of the plane crash to become clear.

But the pilots mayday call of no thrust and a lack of power indicates a mechanical, electrical, or external issue likely plagued the General Electric engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on take-off.

A lack of thrust, perhaps worsened by other factors, could have brought about the aircrafts demise.

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Experts have already outlined a number of possible reasons why flight AI171 crashed in a ball of fire after less than a minute in the air.

Prof John McDermid, Lloyds Register chair of safety at the University of York, said: Take-off and landing are the most dangerous phases of flight  accidents from cruise are very unusual.

However, that said, its surprising that the accident occurred before the aircraft had even got to an 200 metres altitude.

Pilots can abort take-off until quite late in the take-off roll, so it seems like the problem occurred very suddenly in the final part of the take-off roll, or shortly after take-off, and was sufficiently serious to be unmanageable.

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Given the levels of redundancy in systems, the fact that aircraft are designed to climb out on only one engine, etc on initial sight this seems a very surprising accident.

BS Siwach, the former director general of Aviation Safety India, said: The pilots were highly qualified and accomplished professionals. The unfortunate thing which happened is that at about 400-odd feet, the aircraft suffered loss of power.

Technical error or engine failure

A significant loss of thrust, as appears to be indicated in the stricken planes Mayday call, could have resulted from a number of causes.

A wholesale engine failure  especially of the uncontained variety, where a turbine disintegrates due to failed bearings or blades  can be catastrophic, flinging out debris that shatters the engine casing and penetrates the fuselage.

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However, evidence of such an event should have been visible in the video footage, which showed no obvious signs of engine problems other than the planes struggle to gain altitude.

Engine failure could also have resulted from a less dramatic issue, such as a fuel-related problem.

Given that the plane had been prepared for a long haul flight  and the size of the fireball when it came down  it could hardly have been out of kerosene. But fuel contamination or mis-fuelling of some kind could have led the turbines to underperform.

Technical or engineering issues  such a fuel pump failure or malfunction of engine controls  could also have conceivably led to the disaster.

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While there has never been a major incident with the 787, which represented a step change in design and build quality when it was introduced, such a level of complexity and automation can bring its own problems.

It also means that the exact fault behind the loss of power, if that proves to have been the reason for the crash, may be difficult to ascertain, although readings from the planes black box flight data recorder, once recovered, should provide vital information.

If the crashed plane is found to have been brought down by a fundamental flaw, then the entire fleet could face grounding, though with the model in service for so long without incident a maintenance-related glitch may be more likely than a manufacturing or design error.

Dr Jason Knight, a senior lecturer in fluid mechanics at the University of Portsmouth, reviewed the CCTV footage of the planes ill-fated journey and told The Telegraph: It appears from the video, there is a cloud of dust just after take off [when the aircraft goes behind the building].

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The aircraft then seems to lose power and the pilot appears to increase its angle of attack to try and stay airborne for longer.

The aircraft could fly perfectly well on one engine. But without any power, the pilot has no choice but to do an emergency landing.

Im not sure, but it appears as though the cloud of dust could be from the engines as they both fail.

Bird strikes

A bird strike which took out both the General Electric engines is another possibility behind the crash.

In January 2021, a 787-8 Dreamliner had to abort a take-off in Mexico after birds flew into one of its engines as it readied to leave the tarmac.

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And in March 2024 a Saudi Airlines flight on a similar plane model flying from Jeddah to Heathrow suffered significant damage to its left wing from a bird strike.

Ahmedabad airport, the main city in Gujarat, is also notorious for having an issue with bird strikes due to being near an urban area.

A study in 2018 found the airport has a high potential of bird-aircraft collision hazards. Official data shows that in 2023 it had the second most bird strikes in India with its 81 reported instances behind only the 169 of Delhi. This is despite operating only a quarter the number of flights.

Salil Colge, a lecturer in aviation management at University College Birmingham who was born in Mumbai, told The Telegraph: Historically there have been reports of several bird strikes in this area in the past and that could be one of the possibilities.

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The airport had managed to control this significantly with a decrease in bird strike incidences in 2024. Did the aircraft have multiple bird strikes after take-off causing the engines to lose power?

Dr Knight added that in his opinion the most likely cause of the engine failure is a bird strike affecting both engines.

He said that the 787-8 was designed and certified to be able to fly and climb with just one engine to allow the plane to land safely, and that only simultaneous double failure could be to blame.

He added: This could be for a number of reasons, but in my opinion, the most likely is a bird strike in both engines. The black box will have all the flight data to confirm what happened.

Flap issues

Experts have suggested that video footage of the flights final seconds showed that its wing flaps were incorrectly set for a standard take-off climb.

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Flaps affect an aircrafts aerodynamics by changing the shape of the wing and play a crucial role in getting it airborne. Yet based on some interpretations of the video evidence they were fully retracted, a position in which they would provide minimal lift.

The aircrafts landing gear also remained deployed throughout the short flight, when on a 787 the wheels are normally withdrawn as soon as they leave the runway.

Credit: X

One possibility is that the landing gear became stuck and that the pilots responded by partially retracting the flaps to reduce drag and maintain the climb. If the adjustment was overdone the plane would lose lift and begin to descend.

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At some point the 787s wing would have stalled  the term for when the airflow is separated from the wings surface  through the combination of insufficient lift and excessive drag.

A more straightforward explanation may be that the flaps themselves malfunctioned, failing to respond to inputs from the cockpit.

The Boeing 787 has experienced flap issues in the past, with an American Airlines plane forced to return to Amsterdam in January after a problem was detected shortly after take-off for Philadelphia.

The aircraft dumped fuel over the North Sea before landing at Schiphol airport at a higher than normal speed attributed to the flaps problem.

That flight was rescheduled to depart the following day but the flight was cancelled after the crew discovered a hydraulics issue.

In the following three weeks, the same plane was forced to abort flights to Philadelphia from Dublin, Barcelona and Zurich, with the diversions punctuated by cancellations and at other times by successful flights.

The aircraft concerned was almost eight years old and had completed more than 4,000 flights.

Pilot error

The 787-8 is a modern, highly sophisticated plane which one expert described as a powerplant on wheels. Much of the processes are highly automated, with human pilots making only key decisions.

However, at this stage human error cannot be ruled out. It is believed the co-pilot, Clive Kundar, had more than 1,000 hours of flying experience and made a mayday call shortly after take-off. He was flying with a trained instructor with more than 8,000 hours experience, the captain Sumeet Sabharwal.

Radar tracking of the plane suggests the pilots did not use the full length of the runway when taking off, instead joining at an intersection around half way.

Estimates suggest the amount of runway utilised by the pilots was slightly less than 2,000 metres.

Experts told The Telegraph that on a hot day, loaded almost to full capacity and with enough fuel on board for a nine-hour flight, the amount of recommended runway would likely be around 2,500 metres as a minimum.

Some individuals on Pprune, a pilots forum, suggested the shortened runway was on the lower threshold of what may have been advisable.

This practice of not using the full runway is often used by pilots to avoid traffic jams and air-traffic control delays, and is permitted if deemed safe.

Planes get less lift on a hot day due to lower air density, and therefore they need to go faster to get as much lift as on a cooler day.

Flight AI171 took off in 40C heat in the early afternoon sunshine of Gujarat.

A plane struggling with insufficient speed or lift could hit a low obstacle or fail to overcome its inertia if lifting off early.

Overloading

It is possible the cause of the crash was that it was too heavy to take-off.

The weather, again, is a factor in this as that dictates how much ground velocity a plane needs to generate enough lift to get airborne.

However, this is checked by the airline ahead of take-off and experts say unless there was egregious oversight or error on this then it is improbable as a root cause.

It is very unlikely the plane was overweight or carrying too much fuel  there are careful checks on this, said Prof McDermid.

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When Rep. Mikie Sherrill won the New Jersey gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, the Hellcats group chat of aspiring female congresswomen lit up in celebration.

All four women in the "Hellcats" chat  named after the first female Marines who served in World War I  have military experience and are running for Congress in 2026. Sherrill, as a former Navy helicopter pilot, offers some much-needed inspiration for the partys next generation of candidates.

Democrats, looking to turn around their struggling brand and retake the House in 2026, point to Sherrill and presumptive Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger, a former congresswoman and CIA officer, as reasons the party will do well.

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Sherrill and Spanberger are held up as the model for how the party might turn the tables  running moderate, former veterans and national security officials in tough districts who can say they have put their country ahead of their party, said Dan Sena, who served as the executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in 2018.

Candidates with records of service showed in 2018 their ability to win in the most challenging districts and states in the country, Sena added. This cycle, the same dynamics are playing out with those kinds of candidates.

Democrats say these House candidates can point to their political aspirations as an extension of their public service that began in the military or national security realm, and bristle at Republicans claiming MAGA is equivalent to patriotism.



Right now, especially as this administration continues to create more chaos and dismantle our democracy, you're seeing veterans continuing to answer the call to serve their country, said JoAnna Mendoza, a retired US Marine who served in combat, now running to challenge Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.).

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Mendoza is a member of the Hellcats group chat, along with Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy officer who is taking on Rep. Tom Kean (R-N.J.), Maura Sullivan, a former Marine looking to replace Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Cait Conley, an Army veteran and former National Security Council official, who is up against Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.).

Democrats say these candidates bring in necessary enthusiasm that translates to fundraising. In Pennsylvania, Ryan Crosswell, a Marine and federal prosecutor who resigned when President Donald Trump pressured him to drop charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams, raised more than $215,000 in the first 48 hours after announcing his campaign on Monday, one of the biggest launch hauls that the party has seen this cycle.

Spanberger posted a selfie on X just minutes after her one-time Washington roommate Sherrill won her primary race in New Jersey on Tuesday. The pair is using their profiles as a springboard to higher office, after many of them helped Democrats flip the House in 2018.

In Michigan, former CIA analyst Sen. Elissa Slotkin fought off GOP Rep. Mike Rogers, himself an Army veteran, in a state that Kamala Harris lost in 2024. New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim, a former Department of State adviser on Afghanistan, easily won his election for the seat once held by former Sen. Bob Menendez, who was convicted of federal corruption charges.

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Patriotism is a value that the Democrats shouldn't be afraid to talk about, said Jared Leopold, a former communications director for the Democratic Governors Association. It is a productive conversation for Democrats to lead on as an entry point to the kitchen table issues of the day.



Democratic candidates with national security backgrounds mitigate one of the partys biggest liabilities  a perception that Democrats are weak. Democratic-run focus groups held after the 2024 election found voters across the spectrum saw the party as overly focused on the elite and too cautious. Voters regularly cite Republicans as the party they trust with national security issues in public polling, and the GOP bench of veterans elected to office runs deep.

But serving in the military or for the administration in a national security capacity inoculates them from attacks that they're not tough, said Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run For Something, a group that recruits young people to run for office.

It helps them ward off that opposition without having to say it out loud, Litman continued. Former Navy helicopter pilot, prosecutor  those are inherently tough, so that means women candidates don't have to posture, they can just be, because it's baked into their resumes.

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Of course, Republicans have, at times, effectively turned it against them. Former Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry, for instance, highlighted his military experience but also faced "swift boat" attacks . More recently, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's military record came under scrutiny when he was elevated to the vice presidential nomination.

Bennett, who is also a current member of the Air National Guard, believes her dual identity as a veteran and mother gives her a unique appeal to voters, and a natural way to discuss financial strains like high daycare costs.

I truly led in some of the most challenging environments that exist in this world, she said. And, I'm a mom too, and I fundamentally understand the issues and challenges that families are facing.



CORRECTION: This article originally misspelled Crosswell's last name.
The Air India disaster is the latest in a string of high-profile plane crashes that have occurred over the past year.

In recent months there have been incidents including an American Airlines jet colliding with a helicopter, a Delta Airlines plane flipping upside down on a runway, and passengers evacuating a burning American Airlines plane via the wing.

The impression is that such large-scale aviation disasters are becoming more frequent occurrences. Is this really the case?

2025 aviation safety, analysed

The Air India disaster is the second fatal accident involving a commercial passenger jet in 2025.

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On January 30, American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a helicopter when coming into land at Washingtons Ronald Reagan National Airport. There were no survivors on board.

There have been a number of high-profile but non-fatal incidents this year. These include an extraordinary event in February in which a Delta Airlines plane flipped upside down after a heavy landing at Toronto Airport, though all passengers and crew survived.

In mid-March 2025, another American Airlines plane caught fire after developing an engine fault. It was due to fly from Colorado Springs to Dallas-Fort Worth, but was forced to divert to Denver. Passengers were seen evacuating the plane onto the wing. All passengers and crew survived the accident, but six were taken to hospital for further evaluation.

Aside from the above, there have been 19 fatal disasters involving smaller aircraft in 2025. This includes the tragic case of a medical transportation jet crashing in Philadelphia while carrying a sick child travelling home after undergoing life-saving treatment.

How many planes crash each year?

Air accident records show that 2024 was the deadliest year for air disasters since 2018. There were 16 fatal accidents resulting in the deaths of 333 passengers and crew. This came after 2023, which was one of the safest years for air traffic accidents with just six fatal accidents resulting in the deaths of 115 passengers.

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Two of the most noteworthy crashes of 2024 came right at the end of the year. On December 25, an Azerbaijan Airlines plane was allegedly struck by missiles in Russian airspace, forcing a crash-landing in Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 on board. Days later a Jeju Air commuter jet collided with a wall at the end of the runway at Muan International Airport, killing all but two of the 181 people on board.

An Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash-landed in Kazakhstan in December 2024, killing 38 of the 67 on board - Getty

The two air disasters in Kazakhstan and South Korea almost tripled the annual fatality count, from 116 to 333, turning 2024 from looking like a fairly positive year for aviation safety to one of the worst in a decade.

Last year there was a higher-than-average number of accidents involving scheduled passenger services. Sometimes, an entire year will pass with zero fatalities on commercial planes. But in addition to the disasters mentioned above, in 2024 a passenger died on board Singapore Airlines 777-300ER due to turbulence, and a member of cabin crew died during a smoke and fumes incident on board a Swiss Airbus A220-300.

Looking further back, passenger jet accidents used to be a much more frequent occurrence, as aviation safety was less advanced. Between 1958 and 1980 there were more than 1,000 airline fatalities every year (in 1972 and 1973, this number exceeded 2,000). Between 2006 and 2024, however, there wasnt a single year with more than 1,000 airline fatalities. In 2017 there were just 59.

The perception of things getting worse

There has been greater scrutiny around the safety of aviation after a string of high-profile incidents in recent years, particularly on Boeing planes.

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Last April, passengers watched on in horror as the engine cowling of a Boeing 737 flapped in the wind and dislodged from the aircraft during take-off. The plane returned safely to Denver International Airport with all passengers unharmed.

This came after a door plug came off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 at 1,600ft, creating a large hole in the side of the plane and ripping the shirt off a childs back. One flight attendant reportedly sustained minor injuries in the incident.

The reason that Boeing faces greater scrutiny is that in 2018 and 2019 two Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft crashed  one a Lion Air flight in Indonesia, the other an Ethiopian Airlines flight  killing a total of 346 people. Investigators later discovered the crashes were linked to the activation of a new flight stabilisation feature. After software updates and intensive safety checks, the 737 Max 8 returned to service at the end of 2020.

It is worth considering that incidents have always occurred at 35,000ft, but we have greater awareness of these with the proliferation of smart phones and social media. If every incident, however minor, is captured on video and posted online, the upshot is a skewed sense of flying becoming less safe. But the opposite is in fact true.

What the experts say

Despite the fact that 2024 was the deadliest year for aviation since 2018, the past decade has been by far the safest on record. British and Irish airlines have the best safety records in the world, with both Ryanair and easyJet having never suffered a fatal accident.

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John Grant of flight database and statistics company OAG, says: In 2024 there were over 37 million scheduled flights operated by airlines around the world and the number of major incidents could be counted on two hands.

Such a level of safe flight completion highlights and confirms that air travel is one of the safest forms of transport available and that the professionalism and technical expertise of the industry continues to ensure that safety remains at the very heart of all flights operated.

Brian Smith, a pilot who has flown for many decades for commercial and cargo airlines, says: There have been several recent fatal accidents that understandably raise questions about the overall safety of air travel. Accident trends have followed a positive trajectory over the last 70 years when viewed against the volume of departures. For example, in 1959, there were 40 fatal accidents per one million aircraft departures in the US. Within 10 years this had improved to less than two in every million departures, falling to around 0.1 per million in 2014.

Giant strides in technology, in particular reliability of the jet engine, sea change improvements in aircraft control systems and in air traffic control, have made air travel the clear winner in terms of safety. So improved has been technology, that human factors like pilot error have overtaken mechanical or system failure as the main cause of accidents.

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The industry, and the organisations that regulate it, have brought about manifest improvements in human factors and pilot interaction with automation, through the introduction of Evidence Based Training (EBT). Pilot training encompasses the study of recent significant events to raise awareness of negative trends and develop strategies to mitigate them.

There will always be statistical blips, but overall, I believe aviation is still the safest form of travel, and passengers should continue to have confidence in the industry.

John Strickland, an aviation expert at JLS Consultancy, says: Flying remains an incredibly safe form of transport. Whilst every accident, especially where there are fatalities, is regrettable, they have to be viewed in the context of millions of flights operated and millions of passengers flown safely annually. For airlines safety is paramount, as is safety oversight by many global regulators.

Damien Devlin, a lecturer in aviation management at the University of East London, says: Recent incidents will inevitably attract attention and focus on the aviation sector. However, occurrences like this remain almost incalculably rare.

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According to IATA, there is, on average, just one accident for every 1.26 million flights. Though challenges persist during the take-off and landing phases, where half of the accidents occur. The industry must continue identifying how training, technology and flight decision-making can further enhance safety and its safety culture.

Nevertheless, for perspective, a person would need to travel by air daily for 103,239 years to encounter a fatal accident.

This story was first published in February 2025 and has been revised and updated.

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This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Sitting at the smart, horseshoe bar of El Tolono, veteran head chef Josu Armino is letting me into a secret. Weve got something that I think other places dont have, and thats the simplicity of the way we use ingredients, he says, sporting pristine chefs whites and a slightly mischievous smile. For me, the most important thing is the quality of the produce we have here.

In the Basque capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz, El Tolono is one of the most locally revered pintxos bars  and for good reason. Its not about creating things with foams and all that, Josu goes on to explain. Its about simplicity and building on the traditions of our grandparents cooking, he says. We add a touch of glamour and a bit more warmth and personality, but its always on a base of traditional cooking. And I think thats the secret of what we do here in Vitoria and in the Basque country.

Its not about creating things with foams and all that, explains chef Josu Armino, who runs El Tolono. Its about simplicity and building on the traditions of our grandparents cooking, he says. Photograph by Markel Redondo

Sitting under a neoclassical, 19th-century colonnade on the edge of Vitorias pedestrianised main square, Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, award-winning El Tolono is a key stop for locals out for a poteo  the pintxos equivalent of a pub crawl. Its a Basque tradition Im here to try for myself. On El Tolonos bar counter, each delicate pintxo certainly looks like itll live up to Josus description.

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I decide to start with the gilda. Arguably the most famous of all Basque pintxos, its made up of a Cantabrian anchovy skewered onto a cocktail stick between a plump, green manzanilla olive and a pickled green guindilla pepper. The gilda was named after Rita Hayworths character in the eponymous 1946 film noir, which, at the time of its release, was considered so risque that it was banned by Spains Francoist regime. Conceived as a homage to her punchy character, the gildas combination of slightly bitter, fruity olive, salty anchovy and spicy guindilla is anything but subtle.

Its the perfect opener to awaken my palate  especially when paired with a glass of txakoli, the Basque Countrys signature dry yet refreshingly fruity white wine. Josu pours it from a great height with a theatrical flourish, as is tradition. By the time Ive finished, the bar, with its elegant mix of slate-toned walls and black-and-white floor tiles, has filled up with middle-aged men in puffer jackets and smartly dressed businesswomen. Their lively chatter mingles with the clanking of beer glasses and coffee cups.

Arguably the most famous of all Basque pintxos, its made up of a Cantabrian anchovy skewered onto a cocktail stick between a plump, green manzanilla olive and a pickled green guindilla pepper. Photograph by Alamy, Hemis

The award-winning El Tolono is a key stop for a poteo  the pintxos equivalent of a pub crawl. Find the local favourite under a neoclassical, 19th-century colonnade on the edge of Vitorias main square, Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. Photograph by Markel Redondo

Despite its popularity, theres still nowhere near the amount of elbow jostling youll find in many bars in nearby San Sebastian or even Bilbao, both an hours drive north to the coast. While glamorous San Sebastian may have risen to stardom thanks to its pintxos and fine dining culture, not to mention its superb beachside location, those in the know will tell you that Vitoria is the secret jewel in the Basque Countrys culinary crown. Its inland location means that it benefits from both easy access to seafood from the Bay of Biscay and exceptional beef, vegetables and fruit from the countryside. Its been the Basque capital since 1980, when many of Spains regional boundaries were drawn up in the aftermath of the Franco dictatorship. Yet its tourism profile has suffered from the fact that it has neither a coastal location nor international airport.

In the spirit of the poteo, I take a short walk from El Tolono past the belle epoque townhouses and tram tracks that flow down Vitorias tree-lined avenues. My next stop is PerretxiCo, another bar thats won numerous awards in the Basque Countrys pintxos competitions. These annual events see bars vie with one another in an effort to create the tastiest and most innovative pintxos. One previous winner Im intrigued to try is PerretxiCos La Vacuna, which translates as the vaccine.

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Its a beef meatball of sorts, encased in a shell of crisp batter and topped with flying-fish roe. The dish arrives at my table alongside a small plastic syringe filled with a beefy jus, which Im instructed to inject into the meatball. I do as Im told, and find the intense, almost Bovril-like gravy adds a deliciously comforting warmth to the mix of crispy outer coating and finely textured minced meat.

While San Sebastian may have risen to stardom thanks to its pintxos and fine dining culture, those in the know will tell you that Vitoria is the secret jewel in the Basque Countrys culinary crown. Photograph by PerretxiCo

Taking a quick break from the kitchen in his black chefs apron, PerretxiCos head chef Josean Merino tells me that La Vacuna was invented during the pandemic, to add a touch of humour. Its also about balance. Josean says: I always say that a pintxo is one of the most complicated dishes to prepare, because you have to concentrate everything into one or two bites and get an almost surgical balance between the textures and flavours.

As the sound of church bells marks the hour, I leave PerretxiCo to head into the steep, narrow, medieval streets of Vitorias Old Quarter, high on a hilltop. Not far from the magnificent, 13th-century gothic cathedral and elegant, neoclassical palacios and plazas, I find El Portalon, one of the citys most famous restaurants. Set in a large, half-timbered house that was once a 15th-century staging post and inn, El Portalon also offers its own prize-winning pintxos. One of its signature dishes is the octopus carpaccio  tender slices of octopus lightly dusted with sweet paprika, served with dried red peppers on a small piece of rustic, home-baked farmhouse bread. I put in my order and pull up a chair in the cobbled entrance yard, originally used as the buildings stables.

Going out to eat is a big part of life here in Vitoria, says El Portalons manager and head chef Alberto Ortiz de Zarate, a youthful looking 50-year-old who comes to say hello. He first joined his father as a commis chef in El Portalons kitchen some 18 years ago. People appreciate good food and dont mind paying a little extra for it, so restaurants can spend more on the best produce, resulting in a higher-quality range of dishes, he says, trying to put his finger on what makes Vitorias food scene  and that of the broader Basque Country  so special. Its a cultural act  spending time at the table with friends and family, and enjoying it. Its not just about the food. Its about being with the people you care about  spending less time on your mobile phone and more time appreciating life.

Published in the June 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).



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The signs could hardly be more ominous.

The United States is withdrawing non-essential diplomats and the families of American servicemen from across the Middle East. Britain has warned commercial vessels in and around the Gulf to exercise caution.

It seems clear that Western officials are bracing for a potentially imminent Israeli attack on Irans nuclear facilities  and the retaliation Tehran would unleash in response.

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The sudden movement of personnel is being interpreted as a signal that Donald Trump has privately told Benjamin Netanyahu he will not stand in the way should the Israeli prime minister decide to act.

Such a message would mark a significant shift from the US presidents position just a few weeks ago, when he reportedly stayed the Israeli prime ministers hand.

A schoolboy holds a toy AK-47 as an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps military personnel perform with two masked men playing the roles of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu at a rally in Tehran - Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images

That does not mean military action is inevitable. Frustrated by the slow pace of nuclear talks, Mr Trump  a dove at heart  may simply be trying to rattle Tehran.

He was deeply riled last month after being branded Taco  an acronym that stands for Trump Always Chickens Out.

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Keenly aware that his adversaries may now view his threats as bluster, and assume the safest course is to wait him out, the US president may be trying to persuade the mullahs in Tehran that playing chicken with him is a dangerous miscalculation.

Likewise, even if Washington has given Mr Netanyahu the green light, the Israeli prime minister has backed down at the last minute in the past on the advice of his generals.

Ideally, any serious assault on Irans nuclear programme would include a commando component to cripple its deeply-buried enrichment facilities. But earlier this year, Israels generals reportedly told the prime minister that planning for a commando operation would not be completed until the autumn.

Mr Netanyahu may decide to press on regardless. There are certainly increasingly convincing reasons to believe that, after 16 years of threatening military action, Israel may now be preparing to follow that through.

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Much has changed since April, when Mr Trump is said to have talked him down, arguing that negotiations remained a better path to prevent Iran from building a bomb.

Credit: Reuters

Israel is believed to have a strike plan in place, with or without commandos, and Mr Netanyahu was ready to implement it last month.

Yet without US backing, he had to back down. No Israeli attack is feasible without American operational support and a commitment to help defend Israel from Iranian retaliation.

That calculus appears to be shifting. This week, Mr Trump acknowledged for the first time that diplomacy may be failing, and that he is no longer sure Tehran can be persuaded to halt nuclear enrichment.

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That impression was reinforced on Thursday when the UNs nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, formally found Iran in breach of its nuclear obligations for the first time in two decades.

Tehran responded defiantly, announcing plans for a new enrichment facility. In Israels eyes, that declaration may well amount to a casus belli.

Centrifuges at Irans Natanz uranium enrichment plant, pictured in 2021 - SIPA/Shutterstock

The stakes are high. Less hawkish voices in the Trump administration doubt that Israeli strikes could destroy Irans nuclear capability and warn that strikes could prompt Tehran to race to build a bomb while triggering a wider regional war.

Aware of these risks, Israel may instead opt for a more limited assault aimed not at eliminating Irans nuclear programme but at delaying it by a year.

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Such an operation, Israeli officials believe, is more likely to succeed now than in the past.

Irans proxy forces  Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and, to a lesser extent, the Houthis in Yemen  have been weakened by Israeli strikes, diminishing Tehrans capacity for retaliation. Irans principal deterrent has been blunted.

An Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps speedboat passes the Bushehr nuclear plant in southern Iran - Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Moreover, Irans nuclear facilities are more exposed after Israeli retaliatory strikes last year that destroyed much of its air defence capacity.

Still, the regimes most important nuclear facilities remain deeply buried. In the absence of commandos, the only realistic way to destroy them would be with US B-2 bombers carrying 30,000lb bunker-busting bombs flying in support of an Israeli-led mission. It is unclear whether Mr Trump would have the appetite for such a mission.

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Even a limited Israeli strike, however, risks triggering a wider regional conflagration. Iran is expected to retaliate with missile strikes on Israel  although, given the strength of Israeli air defences, the effectiveness of such an attack would be uncertain. Two Iranian missile assaults last year caused only limited damage.

Iranian strikes on US interests in the region or on energy infrastructure in the Gulf would be far more dangerous  steps that could draw Saudi Arabia and its allies into the conflict. Oil prices would soar, exacerbating strains on a global economy reeling from Mr Trumps trade wars.

There is still a chance to avert the worst. US and Iranian negotiators are due to meet in Oman on Sunday. What would once have been a routine round of talks has taken on far greater significance.

If they go ahead at all, they may now mark a moment of reckoning, with the Americans delivering a final ultimatum  get serious, or face the consequences.

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Over 50 wild horses will be up for adoption as part of an event hosted by Bureau of Land Management later this month at the Mesa County Fairgrounds.

The event, which will be held June 26-28, will also be the home of 15 wild horses fostered by the Friends of the Mustangs. These animals will also be available for adoption.

Viewing opportunities will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 26 and 27. The competitive bid for gentled horses will be at 10:30 a.m., June 28, while bids for un-gentled horses will happen at 1 p.m. later the same day. This will be followed by a silent auction for un-gentled horses at 1:45 p.m.

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Load out of the adopted horses will take place at 7:30 a.m., June 29. Fees start at $125 for the animals.

The BLM has placed nearly 300,000 wild horses and burros into private care since 1971, BLM Colorado Deputy State Director for Resources Alan Bittner said. This is an opportunity to provide a good home to one of Americas Living Legends.

To qualify to adopt a wild horse:

Applicants must be 18 years old or older with no animal abuse record

Homes must have a minimum of 400 square feet of corral space per animal with access to food, water and shelter.

Corral fences must be 6 feet for adult horses or 5 feet for yearlings. According to the BLM, trailers must be stock type, covered with swing gates and sturdy walls and floors.

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BLM staff will be onsite to give information and help with the adoption application process.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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SAN FRANCISCO  Gavin Newsom has rallied Democrats in his war with Donald Trump, casting it as a fight for the future of American democracy. But maybe not for long.

As the left watches the clashes in Los Angeles drag on  with images of burning vehicles and protesters brawling with law enforcement proliferating  Democrats are also beginning to fear the imagery could hurt them by highlighting Trumps hardline positions on immigration that helped propel him to the White House.

Its a winner for him. Remember, for (Trump), it's not California, it's not Massachusetts, it's not New York  its that slim margin in the battleground states that he's playing for, said Kevin de Leon, the former Democratic leader of the California state Senate. Hes not going to pull back.

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For Democrats, its a concern rooted in Trumps historic strength on immigration with voters not in Los Angeles, but watching on social media and TV in swing states and districts across the country.

There's a background and a history, and so that limits the sympathy of lots of fair-minded Americans watching this spectacle unfold, said Will Marshall, founder of Progressive Policy Institute, a center-left think tank.

In response, Democrats are scrambling to shift the debate away from deportations or immigration policy. Instead, theyre trying to make it about Trumps use of executive power  and what they argue is the presidents sweeping and unconstitutional overreach. Framing the conflict as an existential fight for the balance of power in America, Newsom in a speech Tuesday night delivered an ominous warning, claiming Trump is marching toward authoritarianism. He also mocked the president's plans to hold a military parade with thousands of soldiers Saturday on the streets of Washington, D.C.  saying Trump is forcing the military to put on a vulgar display for his birthday, just as other failed dictators have done.



Democracy is under assault right before our eyes, Newsom said. The moment weve feared has arrived.

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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, a Democrat who previously served in Congress, has similarly accused Trump of provoking violence by calling in the military. But Bass, too, was explicit in her concerns about the image her city was projecting. She has repeatedly urged residents to peacefully protest to avoid giving the Trump administration what they want  arguing the president is sowing chaos to justify his power grab.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson accused Newsom of trying to distract from upheaval on the streets of Los Angeles. Gavin Newsom is desperately trying to turn the conversation away from the wall-to-wall coverage of how he enabled lawless, violent riots against American law enforcement in support of criminal illegal aliens, she said in an email.

Democrats have some reason for optimism. A Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday found Trump's approval rating on immigration dropping 5 percentage points from April, to 43 percent. And YouGov polling this week found a plurality of Americans  45 percent  disapproved of deploying the National Guard to the Los Angeles area, while 38 percent approved.

Democrats are pushing to keep the focus on the presidents use of executive powers, with Newsom and state officials suing to stop Trumps unilateral deployment of Marines and commandeering of the states National Guard troops. A U.S. District court hearing in San Francisco is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

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De Leon, the former state Senate leader, said the optics of Marines  wearing fatigues and trained for lethal combat  rolling into Americas second largest city has given Democrats an opening to force a broader debate over presidential powers.

It shocks your senses  this act should send shivers down every American citizen's spine, regardless of their political persuasion, said De Leon, a former Los Angeles city councilmember who also authored Californias sanctuary law that limits police cooperation with immigration agents. Its so un-American. These are things that you think about in some Eastern European country during the Cold War, or in the Soviet Union.



Newsom has also highlighted the lack of logistical preparation for the deployments, including reports that Guard troops arrived without sleeping arrangements or funding for fuel, water and food. He and Bass both assailed Trump over the Pentagons estimate that the deployments will cost $134 million, which they have called unnecessary and wasteful.

But as much as Democrats have forced Trump to play defense in the courts, the severity of civil unrest in Los Angeles, including burning cars and vandalism in pockets of downtown, have given many in the party heartburn.

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Gavin Newsom, take control of the situation, former Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan, a Democrat, told POLITICO. The more the national brand is aligned with this level of instability, and defending people that are beating up cops, that national storyline, that national brand is not going to be good for candidates.

In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump said, If our troops didnt go into Los Angeles, it would be burning to the ground right now.

Some Democrats insist they arent thinking about the political calculation. Rep. Lou Correa, who represents nearby Orange County, flew home from Congress Monday night to deal with the havoc that immigration actions have wreaked in Santa Ana, a heavily Latino suburb that has been hit withICE sweeps, including raids targeting day laborers at Home Depots.

I don't know what the message is of the Democratic Party, but I can tell you as a member of Congress, that my message is, essentially, these are hardworking individuals, Correa said. I mean, this is terror in our communities.

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Protests over escalating ICE sweeps are now spreading to other blue cities  including Austin, New York, Boston, Chicago and Portland.



In the Pacific Northwest, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said his city is hoping to avoid the spectacle of Los Angeles by preparing its police force to tamp down unruly protesters. He said the city learned that lesson after it became a Republican target over its handling of 2020 racial justice protests, when Trump sent in Department of Homeland Security agents.

The federal government coming here [in 2020 was] because we weren't properly handling the force, Wilson said. But we've changed so much.

When similar protests transpired in Seattle that year, then-Gov. Jay Inslee activated the Washington National Guard. Now, the city is preparing for the possibility that troops could be sent without the invite of newly-elected Gov. Bob Ferguson, another Democrat. House Armed Services Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-Wash.), whose district includes part of Seattle, cast a stark contrast between the 2020 protests in the Northwest and the current protests in Los Angeles or Seattle.

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Things were out of control in Seattle in 2020, there is no arguing that, Smith said. This is an entirely different thing. This is the president superseding local and state authority to bring the military in where they are not needed.

California Democrats argue Trumps deployment of the military wasnt triggered by an ineffective law enforcement response in the Los Angeles area, but by a desire to expand his presidential powers  a threat that many Democrats, including presidential nominee Kamala Harris, warned about during the 2024 election.

Its as plain as day right now, and its scary, said Brian Brokaw, a veteran Democratic consultant and Newsom adviser. Now, what we are seeing is the practical manifestation.

Brakkton Booker and Liz Crampton contributed to this report.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Following months of public voting, the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest announced its 2025 winner on Wednesday.

The John Deere CP770 Cotton Picker was announced as the second winner of the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest during the Iowa Association of Business and Industry Taking Care of Business Conference on Wednesday.

The CP770 Cotton Picker was introduced in 2021 and is a leader in cotton harvesting technology. The picker is larger, faster, and more efficient than previous models. In addition, the model features smart tech that offers guidance to farmers in the fields.

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New law helps clear the way for birthing centers in Iowa

Following the announcement, John Deere released this statement.

Dedicated employees at Des Moines Works have been assembling cotton pickers in Ankeny since 1950, said Rosalind Fox, factory manager. We will forever innovate on behalf of our customers, committed to delivering the worlds most advanced cotton harvesting equipment to their fields. Every day, our employees arrive with pride, eager to serve our customers. This award belongs to everyone who has contributed to the success of the CP770, from concept to fabrication, assembly to delivery, and everything in between. We all continue to push boundaries to better serve farmers around the world. Rosalind Fox, John Deere Des Moines factory manager

This is the second year of the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest. The Vermeer ZR5-1200 self-propelled baler won during the first year in 2024. The Iowa Association of Business and Industry says the contest is successful and plans to bring it back next year.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A BJs Wholesale Club in Massachusetts sold a $100,000 lottery ticket that was claimed on Wednesday.

The $100,000 prize was from the Diamond Deluxe scratch ticket game, which costs $30 per ticket to play.

The winning ticket was sold at the BJs Wholesale Club located in Chicopee.

Additionally, someone won $100,000 during Wednesday nights Mass Cash drawing. The winning numbers for the drawing were 11, 18, 19, 21 and 34, and the winning ticket was sold in Ashland at a Colbea shop.

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Overall, at least 539 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Wednesday, including 11 in Springfield, 15 in Worcester and 44 in Boston.

The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600.

The two largest lottery prizes won so far in 2025 were each worth $15 million. One of the prizes was from a winning Diamond Deluxe scratch ticket sold in Holyoke, and the other was from a 300X scratch ticket sold on Cape Cod.

Massachusetts State Lottery

Read the original article on MassLive.
The Brief

Undocumented workers do an estimated 70% of the work on Wisconsin's dairy farms.

White House border czar Tom Homan said the country could see more workplace immigration actions than ever before.

All United States employers and their new hires must fill out a Form I-9, proving they are legally able to work with required government documents.

WISCONSIN - Gov. Tony Evers said he's worried about the growing push for deportations, while the Trump administration said it's restoring the rule of law.

Cracking down on undocumented people

What we know

White House border czar Tom Homan said the country could see more workplace immigration actions than ever before, saying these undocumented people have no right to be in the United States.

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"We're gonna increase the teams greatly, so you're gonna see more teams on the streets you've never seen before. You're gonna see more work site enforcement than you've ever seen in the history of this nation," Homan said. "If we can't find them in the community, we're going to find them at the work site. So we're going to flood the zone and sanctuary cities will get exactly what they don't want: more agents in their neighborhoods, more work site enforcement, because we're going to get the bad guy."

Wisconsin impact

Local perspective

This is not just worrying Evers, but some Wisconsin farmers.

Undocumented workers do an estimated 70% of the work on Wisconsin's dairy farms, according to a University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Workers study.

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"I dont know who the hell is going to milk the cows," Evers said. "So Im fearful [...] if its suddenly people who are not appropriately documented who are waiting to be documented, and theyre picked up because they dont have a document, and that makes them a criminal, thats just bulls, frankly."

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The Dairy State has about 70,000 undocumented immigrants, and about 47,000 of them are working, per the Migration Policy Institute's 2019 estimates.

Gov. Tony Evers

"Its certainly something that is a fear of many farmers across the state that have hispanic labor, immigrant labor," Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden said. "We all have the knowledge that most of our workers are documented, and we shouldnt be having an issue, but what happens when the ice enforcement agents show up and want to go after more people than those who have criminal records?"

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All United States employers and their new hires must fill out a Form I-9, proving they are legally able to work with required government documents.

"All of this needs to be done in the first three days of employment," said Brook Mayborne, Metro Milwaukee Society of Human Resource Management president-elect.

It's a felony to use a fake ID for this  and if someone doesn't have the documents within those three days?

"They should be taken off the schedule. They shouldnt be allowed to work until theyre able to produce it. That does happen quite a bit, where theyre not able to show their documentation," Mayborne said. "The paperwork is retained with the employer. They must retain it for at least three years or for the duration of employment. Its kept on file in case of any questions or audits or things like that."

It's not just the immigrant at risk of deportation, but employers can also face fines and even prison.

Breaking down visas

Dig deeper

So, when employers are checking papers in the U.S., there are two primary categories of visas: non-immigrant visas and immigrant visas.

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The purpose of the non-immigrant visa is temporary stay in the U.S., which means the holder is expected to leave the U.S. when the visa expires.

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Examples include business visas and student visas, as well as visas for crime victims and human trafficking victims.

With a non-immigrant visa, there's no intent to immigrate. So applicants have to prove they plan to return to their home country when their visa expires.

The purpose of an immigrant visa is to obtain permanent residence in the U.S. that leads to green card status, or lawful permanent resident status.

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Examples include family-based immigration, like the spouse of a U.S. citizen, employment-based immigration and diversity visas.

The Source

The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News.
WASHINGTON  Wisconsins top Republicans on Wednesday expressed support for President Donald Trumps planned military parade in the nations capital this weekend that will feature tanks, troops and warplanes to celebrate the U.S. Armys birthday  and Trumps own.

Some members of the states Republican delegation suggested the event, which the administration has said could cost as much as $45 million, could boost military recruitment. Though none appeared to be planning to attend.

Its a good celebration to have, said U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, who noted hed be in Wisconsin during the parade. We should commemorate these types of moments.

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Im a pretty frugal guy, Johnson added, when asked about the price tag, but when were celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, of fighting for this nation, its not a bad time to splurge.

Wisconsins House Republicans had similar responses to the parade that will snake through downtown Washington and the National Mall.

U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, a Navy SEAL veteran, said he had an event in his district this weekend that would prevent him from attending. But he added: You cannot put a price tag on patriotism.

We have the greatest army that has ever existed in the history of the world, Van Orden told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The reason were speaking English is because of that, and they should be honored.

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U.S. Reps. Glenn Grothman and Scott Fitzgerald suggested the parade could boost the U.S. Armys recruiting numbers. Still, both men said they would be at events in their districts this weekend.

The event, set for Saturday, marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and will feature tanks, helicopters, warplanes and thousands of troops on the streets of Washington. The parade also falls on Trumps 79th birthday. A reviewing stand is being erected for Trump south of the White House.

Administration officials have said the parade could cost as much as $45 million in taxpayer dollars  a figure that includes the cost of repairing the streets that could be torn by tank treads.

There are no planned parades for the U.S. Navy, which celebrates its 250th anniversary in October, and the Marine Corps, which has its 250th anniversary in November, also appears to have no parade scheduled.

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Democrats, including those in Wisconsin, have panned the weekends plans as fanning Trumps ego. Some have suggested the administration is choosing to celebrate the Armys anniversary simply because it coincides with the presidents birthday.

Asked this week about the parade and its projected cost, Wisconsin Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin responded: We should be using those resources differently. More of Trump behaving like a king or a dictator.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan said we should always honor our military, but a far more significant way would be to spend the $45 million that the parade will cost and put that into childcare or housing or benefits for our troops.

The fact that Donald Trump did this on his birthday is just one more sign of the pathetic, wannabe-King-attitude that Donald Trump shows every single day, Pocan said.

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And while a handful of Republicans in both the House and the Senate have balked at the parades cost, Wisconsins Republicans largely shrugged it off.

I think in any business, its up to the boss to make  you want to give your employees a chance to show off, and you want to keep our recruiting numbers high, Grothman said.

Spokespeople for U.S. Reps. Tom Tiffany, Tony Wied and Bryan Steil said the congressmen would also not attend the parade but did not respond to questions about the cost of the event.

Fitzgerald, who served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 27 years, said the parade was part of the Department of Defenses efforts to raise the profile and bolster the idea that the military is strong and people should be joining.

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Still, Fitzgerald was unaware of the price tag associated with the event. When a reporter told him the estimated cost, Fitzgerald responded: Thats a lot of money.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Republicans don't plan to attend Trump's military parade
Why has the Wisconsin State Bar take a pass on condemning unconstitutional intimidation of lawyers? And why can't anyone find out the details of how that decision was made? |Getty Images Creative

The State Bar of Wisconsin was created by the Wisconsin Supreme Court as the trade association that all Wisconsin lawyers must join to obtain their law licenses. Its vision statement declares its cardinal purpose: Our members are the respected guardians of the dignity and integrity of the rule of law within a fair and accessible justice system.

Yet recently, State Bar leaders deliberately violated their own vision statement by refusing in any way to push back against President Donald Trumps blatantly illegal executive orders attacking lawyers, without whom the rule of law cannot exist within a fair and accessible justice system. Why they shirked their express mission remains a mystery because State Bar leaders voted in secrecy on the issue and refused to explain themselves to the 25,000 State Bar members they purportedly serve. Instead, they have stonewalled membership with a bogus cone of silence over their deliberations.

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Here is the context:

Earlier this Spring, President Donald Trump issued punitive executive orders targeting 14 prominent law firms because he didnt like their lawyers, clients, cases, or speech. He acted to cripple their ability to provide legal services to their clients. Trump then offered these firms an extortionate deal he thought they couldnt refuse: agree to provide millions of dollars in pro bono legal work to further Trumps political agenda, such as free work for the coal industry, or else lose security clearances, access to federal buildings and even government contracts held by their clients.

Several of the firms capitulated, offering roughly $1 billion in legal services to Trump that otherwise would have funded true pro bono work for the underserved. Several others, including Perkins Coie, a distinguished national firm with Wisconsin members, refused. They fought back in court, and won.

Their wins are unsurprising. The U.S. Constitution undeniably bars our government from wielding its power to target lawyers based on their representation of clients, their employment decisions, or their advocating positions the administration doesnt like.

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Federal courts have been unanimous and unsparing in condemning Trumps orders. One judge characterized such an order as a personal vendetta by Trump that the framers of our Constitution would seeas a shocking abuse of power.

Retired conservative federal judge J. Michael Luttig commented that executive orders targeting law firms are the most sinister and corrupt of the ocean of unconstitutional orders coming out of the White House. He correctly emphasized that the legality of the executive orders is beside the point for Trump, who knows that no court will uphold them. The purpose, rather, is to intimidate lawyers.

Wisconsin lawyers are officers of the court, sworn to support the Constitution of the United States. We are thus duty-bound to guard the Constitution against existential hazards like Trumps illegitimate orders. The rule of law requires no less.

Because the State Bar, through its governing board, is uniquely positioned to speak on issues of universal concern to all lawyers, we and others have repeatedly urged the Bar to honor its vision statement and publicly condemn Trumps orders. Various versions of a statement supporting the rule of law have been offered for the board of governors consideration and adoption, statements that no reasonable lawyer could find objectionable while remaining true to the lawyers oath.

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We are not asking a lot. Already the State Baronce a national leader in advancing the rule of lawis woefully behind many other respected lawyer organizations. On March 26, 2025, for example, the American Bar Association was joined by more than a hundred other lawyer organizations in a public statement specifically rejecting the notion that the U.S. government can punish lawyers and law firms who represent certain clients

The ABA statement continued: There are clear choices facing our profession. We can choose to remain silent and allow these acts to continue or we can stand for the rule of law and the values we hold dear. We call upon the entire profession to speak out against intimidation.

On May 22, we were informed by a single member of the Wisconsin State Bar board of governors that the board met in closed session May 14, and following extensive discussion protected by the attorney-client privilege, the Board voted to make no statement concerning recent actions taken by the Executive Branch of the federal government.

Thats all we know because board members also voted to remain silent on what occurred during the closed meeting, for reasons they will also not disclose. Newly-elected members of the board of governors taking office July 1 will be barred from learning more about the May 14 closed meeting until they first take a vow of silence on what they may learn even though they are instructed by their position description to [c]ommunicate regularly with constituents, and to [b]e well versed in the State Bars public policy positions and be prepared to explain them tomembers of the bar.

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We have since asked 12 representatives on the board several questions about what happened in secret and why. Only three replied, but they provided little information. We still dont know: (1) why the question was taken up in closed session, (2) why State Bar leaders needed legal counsel to advise whether the Bar should issue a statement supporting the rule of law, (3) what was discussed, (4) why no statement was issued, and (5) what was the final vote.

We asked State Bar leadership and staff to forward our questions to all 52 members of the board but, despite an agreement to do so, the questions were not sent. We still have no answers.

More than 400 years ago Shakespeare highlighted the tyrants tactic for thwarting the rule of law: The first thing we do, lets kill all the lawyers. Federal District Judge Beryl Howell invoked Shakespeares warning in her scathing takedown of the executive order targeting Perkins Coie, further observing that when American history is written, those who stood up in court to vindicate constitutional rights and, by so doing, served to promote the rule of law, will be the models lauded.

The success of Trumps intimidation campaign depends largely on whether lawyers forcefully resist his illegal bullying at every opportunity. Thus, the State Bars cowering non-response bodes ill for the rule of law in Wisconsin. As the American Bar Association stated: If the lawyers do not speakwho will protect the bedrock of justice?

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WINNECONNE, Wis. (WFRV)  During a traffic stop near Winneconne High School on Wednesday afternoon, a woman from western Wisconsin who said she was in the area to fish was arrested on several drug charges.

On June 11, officers with the Winneconne Police Department say they conducted a traffic stop on Wolf Run near Winneconne High School.

Wisconsin man arrested for seventh OWI after officers find him unconscious in running vehicle

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Officers noted that the driver, a 44-year-old woman from Monroe County, said she decided to come to Winneconne to go fishing, and allegedly showed several suspicious indicators during the traffic stop.

The woman was also reportedly on active probation for five prior felony convictions, including for the manufacture and delivery of methamphetamine. Due to being on probation and the suspicious behavior, the officer searched the vehicle.

During the search, officers reportedly found the drugs and drug paraphernalia in the photo shown.

Automatic license plate readers help lead to arrest of two individuals in Wisconsin

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The woman was subsequently taken to the Winnebago County Jail on the following charges that will be referred to the Winnebago County District Attorneys Office:

Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (10-50g) Repeater

Possession with intent to distribute on/near certain places (high school) Repeater

Possession of Schedule I/II narcotics (fentanyl) Repeater

Possession of drug paraphernalia Repeater

Felony bail jumping

We welcome folks to our amazing community to enjoy our wonderful fishing, but please dont come here and bring this poison with youIf you do, you will certainly catch more than a fish, Winneconne PDs Facebook post concluded.

No other details were provided.

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NEED TO KNOW

Travel influencer Maria Eftimova died on Feb. 22 after falling around 65 feet while climbing a mountain in Wales. She was 28

An inquest was held to investigate the circumstances of her death, the BBC reported. Witnesses in her climbing group said she fell while trying to pull herself onto a ledge

The outlet noted that a rescue crew arrived quickly, but Eftimova died before she was taken off the mountain. The inquest concluded that Eftimova's death was an accident







An inquest has yielded new information about Maria Eftimova's death at age 28 earlier this year.

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The travel influencer died while mountaineering in Wales on Feb. 22. At the time, the BBC reported that Eftimova had been climbing the north ridge of Tryfan mountain  which stands at 3,010 feet  with a group when she fell into steep terrain. The outlet stated that she fell around 65 feet.

An inquest held in Caernarfon, Wales investigated the circumstances of Eftimova's death, per a recent update from the BBC published on June 13. It concluded that the Bulgaria native's fatal fall occurred after she attempted to pull herself onto a ledge during the climb.

Maria Eftimova/instagram Maria Eftimova. Maria Eftimova.

While rescue crew quickly arrived at the scene to perform CPR after the accident, the BBC stated that Eftimova died before she was taken off the mountain. She died from the injuries sustained in the fall.



Per the BBC, the inquest heard that Eftimova was one of about 18 people involved in organizing the trip up Tryfan. They ascended on a trail with no marked footpaths that requires scrambling  the use of both feet and hands to balance  in order to summit the hike.

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The U.K. news site reported that the group split up just past midway up the mountain. Most people took an easier path; Eftimova was one of six or seven people to opt for the harder route.

Another group member, Harry Jones, was directly behind the late influencer. He told the inquest about her struggle to grip a hold of the mountain while attempting to climb onto a ledge.

"She started to pull herself up," he said in a statement in the BBC's report. "But then I saw her flying over the top of my head down the mountainside."

Maria Eftimova/instagram Maria Eftimova. Maria Eftimova.

The outlet also included a statement from Neil Oakes, who was also in the group and recalled the tragic incident for the inquest. He said he saw Eftimova "tumbling through the air" below the group "in free fall."

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Oakes continued, "I was shouting 'no, no, no', and looked away. When I looked back, I knew she'd hit a ledge below."

The inquest heard that Eftimova's death was an accident, according to the BBC.

Read the original article on People
On the California-Oregon border, in the shadow of Mount Shasta, Axel Hunnicutt, state wolf coordinator for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, is on the hunt for the gray wolf.

"Because it is potentially a kill site, we will be, you know, kind of cautious," Hunnicutt told CBS News.

Once nearly extinct in the United States, wolves are making a comeback in California.

Trail cameras show wolf packs in Siskiyou County. They're healthy and well-fed, partly because these wolves have developed a taste for beef. The Department of Fish and Wildlife says there are now 10 packs in the state, with three discovered this year.

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Ranchers Jim and Mary Rickert said that in the last year, they've lost 16 cows to confirmed wolf attacks, with 60 suspected kills.

"It really eats into your herd and to your bottom line. It's hard for a lot of us to stay in business," Mary Rickert told CBS News.

The first gray wolf wandered back into California by accident in 2011, according to the state. Wolves in the state soon became the most protected in the country, listed as endangered by both the federal and state governments.

There are consequences for killing wolves, including jail time, the Rickerts said.

"And so, we are really defenseless," Mary Rickert said.

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The state's population surged to between 50 to 70 wolves in a decade. California is now helping ranchers with a wolf-tracking map and possibly allowing more aggressive deterrents, such as shooting off bean bag rounds.

"They need a negative lesson in order to have that reinforcement," Hunnicutt said.

Rancher Janna Gliatto said she's lost almost 50 animals, despite trying "every deterrent that has ever been known or suggested." The ranch had to hire a night watchman.

"We're probably paying about $70,000 to $100,000" a year, Gliatto said.

California has already spent more than $3 million compensating ranchers for their losses, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The state Legislature in 2021 appropriated the funds to develop a Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program based on the need to address direct livestock loss, nonlethal deterrents and to pay for presence, according to the department.

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But the money has run out; the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said funds were exhausted in March 2024. Now the state says it's only paying for confirmed wolf kills, not deterrents.

"The wolves, they're expensive. And if the state of California wants to sustain these sort of numbers, then it's going to be a costly project," Gliatto said.

"It should not be our job to feed the wolves," she added.

Patrick Griffin agrees. He investigates wolf attacks so ranchers can get paid.

"Wolves need tolerant people to survive. That's the bottom line. If there's no compensation, tolerance goes away over a period of time," Griffin told CBS News.

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It's a price California taxpayers may have to pay  for the love of wolves.

An accused woman skips her pedicure, kills her ex-husband

Coons blasts Hegseth for request to eliminate funding for Ukraine's war against Russia

Watch California Gov. Gavin Newsom's full speech on federal response to Los Angeles protests
A Chinese woman was arrested for allegedly trying to break into BTS member Jung Kooks home in Seoul on Wednesday (11 June).

The unnamed woman is in her thirties and is accused of trying to enter the K-pop stars home in Seouls Yongsan district by repeatedly entering different combinations into his keypad door lock around 11.20pm local time, the police said.

The police detained her at the scene after reports of her attempted trespassing attempts, reported Yonhap.

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She told the police that she had come to South Korea to see Jung Kook, real name Jeon Jung Kook, who was discharged from the military the same day after completing South Koreas 18-month mandatory military service.

He was discharged alongside his bandmate Jimin, real name Park Ji Min, at a ceremony near their former unit in Yeoncheon.

BTS, made up of members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, announced in 2022 they would be taking a break from group activities to focus on solo music, while each member completed their military service.

Jin, the oldest member of the band and the first of them to enlist, was discharged in June 2024, followed by J-Hope in October. RM and V were discharged on Tuesday, leaving Suga as the only bandmate left to finish his military service. He is currently posted in a nonactive duty role due to a shoulder injury and is expected to complete his service on 21 June.

Jung Kook He was discharged alongside his bandmate Jimin on Wednesday (Getty Images)

Fans take photos of Jungkook and Jimin of K-pop supergroup BTS at an outdoor sporting facility in Yeoncheon (AFP via Getty Images)

While the group and their management label, BigHit Music, have repeatedly discouraged fans from attending the musicians discharge ceremonies, hundreds of fans travelled to South Korea to attend Tuesday and Wednesdays ceremonies.

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Additionally, the discharge of the BTS members coincides with Festa, the annual celebration of the groups debut anniversary, which has also seen a huge influx of fans heading to the country this year.

Earlier this year, South Korean police summoned a Japanese woman in her fifties who was accused of sexual harassment for kissing BTS member Jin at a meet-and-greet event held a day after his discharge.

The incident took place in Seoul on 13 June last year when Jin held an event, where he hugged 1,000 fans who had won a raffle, to celebrate both his discharge and the groups anniversary. The woman reportedly kissed Jin on the cheek when he leaned in to hug her.

The musician looked visibly startled and turned his face away. My lips touched his neck. His skin was so soft, the woman later wrote in a blog post, according to Yonhap.
The Eau Claire County Jail | Photo by Frank Zufall/Wisconsin Examiner

Silver O. Jenkins

Silver O. Jenkins, 29, who was found unresponsive in the Eau Claire County Jail on the morning of March 12, 2023, had by choice eaten very little in the 27 days leading up to her death. She appeared emaciated, raising concerns among jail and medical staff. Still, no interventions were taken to save her life because the sheriffs office didnt believe it had the authority for drastic measures and instead continued to offer her food and water and monitor her condition.

The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation.

The Eau Claire County in-custody death investigation report on Jenkins, prepared by the St. Croix Sheriffs Office, was released Monday June 9.

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St. Croix County Sheriff Scott Knudson had told the Wisconsin Examiner back in July 2024 that the death investigation had been completed in August 2023, but the report was not available through a records request pending a review by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ).

On Monday, Eau Claire County Sheriff Dave Riewstahl issued a press release saying that the DOJ had declined to bring charges.

The investigation included interviews with the sheriff, the jails security services captain Travis Holbrook, four shift sergeants, 17 correctional officers, Christ Hill with the Eau Claire County Department of Health Services and five employees of Wellpath, an agency providing medical and mental health services to the jail.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice concluded criminal charges were not appropriate in this matter, said Riewestahl.

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Jenkins was booked into jail on February 9, 2023, for criminal trespass and held on a $500 cash bond. By Feb. 18, Jenkins had refused 22 meals.

On Feb. 19, 2023, due to difficulty breathing, Jenkins was transferred to the Mayo Clinic, where she received two liters of IV fluids and was returned to jail on Feb. 20, 2023.

On February 28, 2023, Jenkins again requested to go to the hospital due to chest pains, but the request was denied.

On March 3, Jenkins was moved to a special needs cell at the suggestion of a clinical social worker, where there are better facilities for showering.

On March 5, Jenkins asked to see a nurse and go to a hospital, and again her request was denied.

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The nurse attending Jenkins on March 5 said it was challenging to obtain heart rate and blood pressure because Jenkins would not sit still.

On March 8, Jenkins made a court appearance via a laptop held by correctional officer Craig Berg, who told the investigators on that date Jenkins looked malnourished. Berg later told Sgt. Phil Field, the day-shift sergeant, that he didnt think Jenkins would be physically able to make a court appearance the following week.

On March 8, Field sent out an email that states, I witnessed her in her cell a few moments ago and observed that she is very emaciated from the last time I personally saw her. It appears that most of her hair is gone and her overall physical appearance does not look well. Her log indicates that she did eat some the past 2 days but mostly refused for many days before.

The investigation revealed that Holbrook, who was in charge of the jail, took no action because he thought the situation was under control and the medical staff was monitoring her condition.

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Riewestahl said he had asked Hill whether his office could use a Chapter 51 mental health detainment to address the feeding issue with Jenkins.

Hill told the investigators that Chapter 51 emergency detentions cannot be used for medical conditions, although it was Riewestahls opinion that Jenkins was also experiencing mental health issues.

Jenkins cell | Photo from St. Croix Sheriff investigators report

Correctional officer Ryan Addis had the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift starting March 11. He said he passed by Jenkins cell in the early morning hours of March 12, between 1-2 a.m., and Jenkins was lying on the ground naked but moving. He didnt enter the cell because in a previous situation, he did try to help her, and she lunged at him and he noted she had previously slept on the floor naked.

Addis said he noticed Jenkins was breathing and moving. He could also see her skeletal structure and what he observed concerned him, prompting Addis to send an email to the nursing staff asking what was being done for Jenkins.

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Addis said he talked to his morning replacement, Byran Dachel, and they both thought Jenkins was dying.

Addis said he went home and told his wife that Jenkins would be dead within a week or a couple of days, and he determined, when he saw Jenkins again, to intervene and offer her some juice or something.

But later that Sunday morning, March 12, Jenkins was found in her cell by medical personnel not breathing, and her body was cold.

Jenkins cell | Photo from St. Croix Sheriff investigators report

The autopsy findings, reported by Kristin E. Howell, M.D. Assistant Medical Examiner, attributed Jenkins death to dehydration due to voluntary restriction of food and liquids.

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Day shift Sgt. Kevin Otto said in his interview that he didnt believe Jenkins death was inevitable.

I mean, all the players that were involved, something should have happened, and it always seemed to just get dumped back on us as a staff.

He added, I just think the staff was, were frustrated, we dont know what to do with her. Were not capable of doing it in our roles, and it seemed like the people that could werent doing it.

Several of the jail staff said they felt frustrated in that all they were being asked to do was monitor and document Jenkins condition, but nothing was being done to ameliorate it other than offering her food and water.

Sheriff and jail captain

Since 2019, Jenkins had spent 205 days in the Eau Claire County jail for various charges.

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Sheriff Riewstahl said that often when Jenkins was released, she would ask to be taken to a local hospital and then refuse to leave the hospitals premises, resulting in a complaint and Jenkins returning to jail.

Riewstahl, Holbrook and others interviewed also noted that Jenkins from previous stints in the jail would often not eat the food offered to her and even ask for bottled water instead of using water from the jail sink.

Hill said she believes Jenkins didnt have a food disorder, but that refusing to eat gave her one thing she could control in her otherwise chaotic life.

Silver has severe mental health issues, and our jail is the largest mental health facility here in Eau Claire County, said Riewestahl. Jails have been turned into the answer for mental health.

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He added, we are technically a jail but the people that come to us have more mental health crisis needs at a different level than a Chapter 51 [a person who is involuntarily committed for mental health reasons].

Investigator Dustin Geisness asked Riewestahl if he was aware of any concerns being expressed by the jail or medical staff regarding Jenkins.

Ultimately, the hunger strike was a concern, and it was a concern every time shes been here, he said.

Holbrook also told investigators there was concern every time Jenkins returned to jail

Obviously we know Silver as often as shes here, he said. We know shes a problematic inmate, not cooperative, whatever. We knew that something potentially could happen someday.

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He added, She was a non-cooperative inmate. She was offered food, medical services. A lot of times or sometimes she would refuse that, sometimes she wouldnt. You never knew what she was going to do.

He said Jenkins was never on a full hunger strike and occasionally would eat small amounts of food offered.

He was asked about March 12 when she was naked on the floor and noted that was normal behavior for Jenkins and that she was often naked.

Holbrook also said the local hospitals didnt want to see Jenkins unless it was an emergency because she had been disruptive there during previous visits. He said because everyone was aware the hospitals were reluctant to see Jenkins that may have played a part in not sending her to a hospital again before her death.

Most of the hospitals dont want nothing to do with her here, so even when wed bring her there for something, wed get a lot of heat from the hospital, he said.

Holbrook was asked by the investigator after Feb. 19, when Jenkins returned from the hospital, if anything different was done for Jenkins besides documenting her condition and food intake.

Theyre just still documenting, documenting, documenting and in my opinion that sounds like the definition of insanity, said investigator Geisness. Holbrook concurred, saying, Over and over.

Holbrook was also asked, Who is ultimately responsible for this jail? and he responded, Ultimately, ultimately, yeah, thats exactly. Thats the problem.

Holbrook also said there was a leadership issue, but he didnt specifically place responsibility for the issue on himself or staff or the sheriff.

Investigator Capt. Tim Kufus asked a similar question of the sheriff: But while shes here, whose responsibility is she?

Riewestahl responded, Ours.

When youre saying ours, youre saying collectively? asked Kufus.

The sheriff, the sheriffs office, responded Riewestahl

Okay, and are you the 

Im the sheriff, said Riewestahl.



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Atlanta police say a fight between a husband and wife that turned deadly in Buckhead has been deemed a justifiable homicide.

The domestic dispute forced neighbors out of the apartment complex.

At about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to the Cortland Peachtree Battle apartment complex at 2420 Peachtree Road in Atlanta to reports of shots fired.

When they arrived, they found a man dead in a hallway.

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Atlanta Police Homicide Commander Lt. Andrew Smith said a man entered the apartment building, approached his wifes apartment and fired two shots.

Smith said the man and woman were in the process of getting a divorce. The woman had two family members with her at the apartment.

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After the man fired the shots, police said family members attacked the man in self-defense, causing the gun to go off. No one was struck by gunfire.

Thats when police say the man was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher and died from those injuries.

Police arent sure at this time how he was able to enter the building, but once he was inside, someone pulled the fire alarm, and residents rushed out of the building.

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Investigators are collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses.

It is unclear if charges will be filed. Police urge anyone with information about this shooting to call Atlanta Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477). Tipsters can remain anonymous.

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Jun. 11A woman who killed a 35-year-old man in a crash while she was fleeing from deputies in Montgomery County will spend over a decade in prison.

Melissa Joan Hutchins, 51, was sentenced to 15 to 20 1/2 years on Wednesday in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court.

She also was ordered to pay for the victim's burial and had her license permanently suspended.

On May 20, 2024, a Butler Twp. police officer attempted to stop an SUV that was wanted for failure to comply in the Miller Lane and Benchwood Road area.

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The driver, Hutchins, fled onto Interstate 75 South, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office.

Butler Twp. police ended the pursuit and broadcasted the incident to area law enforcement officers.

About three hours later, a Montgomery County sheriff's deputy found Hutchins near Free Pike and Ohio 49. The deputy put out stop sticks, or tire deflation devices, while she was stopped at a red light.

When other deputies attempted to stop Hutchins, she fled again, the prosecutor's office said.

Deputies followed her onto Ohio 49 at speeds approaching 90 mph. The chase lasted around three minutes.

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Hutchins ran a red light at West Third Street and hit a BMW convertible going east on U.S. 35, according to the sheriff's office.

The BMW went into the westbound lane and hit a pickup truck. The driver of the BMW, 35-year-old Colby Ross, was ejected from the vehicle.

He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Cocaine was reportedly found during a search of the SUV. Hutchins' license was suspended at the time of the crash, according to the prosecutor's office.

On May 19, Hutchins pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide (driving while under suspension), possession of cocaine and two counts of failure to comply.

"There is simply no excuse for fleeing from a simple traffic stop and endangering the lives of others," said Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. "This defendant made the senseless decision to flee from police and ended up killing an innocent man."
WEST MEMPHIS, Ark.  A woman was set on fire Wednesday in West Memphis, and police say they are looking for a suspect.

West Memphis officers responded to a call of a person on fire shortly after 4 p.m. in a lot near 2200 Broadway.

West Memphis, AR Photo by WREG West Memphis, AR Photo by WREG

Officers found the victim on fire. She was rushed to Regional One hospital in critical condition, police said.

According to police, the incident could possibly be a domestic situation.

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Police are reviewing SkyCop cameras in the area for information on what happened and who is responsible.

This story will be updated.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.






NEED TO KNOW

An Indiana woman trapped in her car for six days after an accident is speaking out about how she managed to survive

Brieonna Cassell used her clothes to absorb water to drink from the ditch she was trapped in

She's undergone more than a dozen surgeries on her path to recovery







An Indiana woman trapped in her car for six days after an accident is speaking out about how she managed to survive and her path to recovery after spending months at a hospital.

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Two men discovered Brieonna Cassell on Tuesday, March 11, inside her vehicle off a roadway and out of sight from passing traffic, the Newton County Sheriffs Office reported at the time.

Three months later, Cassell is recounting the events that led to her discovery, telling CBS News affiliate WBBM that she fell asleep while driving and crashed her car into a ditch, leaving her legs pinned.

My car crunched like an accordion," Cassell told WBBM.

"I was like, 'Well, go to sleep  hopefully, somebody finds you,' " Cassell recalled to the news station. "Woke up in the morning, and I was still there, and I was like, 'Now I've got to figure out how to get out of here.' "

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To survive, Cassell used clothes to absorb water to drink from the ditch she was trapped in and relied on a mattress topper to keep warm, per local station WGN-TV.

The sheriffs office said that Johnny Martinez, who was operating equipment for a drainage company, noticed her vehicle and reached out to his supervisor, Jeremy Vanderwall, who is also the local fire chief. Together, they found Cassell alive but injured inside the vehicle. She was later flown to a hospital in Chicago.

"Despite her injuries, Cassell had survived 6 days waiting to be rescued," police said.

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I see the tire come up and stop," Cassell told WBBM. "Then I was just so relieved."

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"When they pulled me out of that car, my flesh had been rotting for two days. I had been smelling it," Cassell said to WBBM. "I didn't think my legs were coming out of the car with me."

WGN-TV reported she suffered multiple broken bones and had to undergo more than a dozen surgeries on her road to recovery. On Saturday, June 7, she came home from the hospital.

I just feel like He has a purpose that Im here, she told WGN-TV. I dont have any other explanation for it.

Read the original article on People
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Abilenes Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services hosted a Women Veterans Recognition Day celebration. The event honored all women who have served our nation.

Women Veterans Recognition Day was first established on June 12, 1948, and officially recognized by the state of Texas on June 9, 2017. While Texas was the first state to formally recognize the day, it is now observed in several other states as well.

One of the veterans honored in Abilene was Senior Airman Samantha Logsdon, who served as an Air Crew Flight Equipment specialist. Her husband is also in the military, and she followed him to Abilene. Logsdon explained how honored she felt to receive this award.

It was a recognition not just for me, but for all females who have served in the U.S. military because it is a vastly majority male-dominated field. And just having this little piece to recognize us as individuals was just a great honor, said Logsdon.

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Felicia Doss, a veteran honored in Abilene, served in logistics and transportation at Dyess Air Force Base. She expressed her gratitude.

Being in a room with women who have experienced the same challenges I have faced is truly an honor. Its a privilege to be part of the one percent and to accomplish something that not everyone is able to do, Doss said.

Doss emphasized the importance of veterans staying engaged in their communities, noting that many opportunities exist for them to contribute. She mentioned that veterans in Abilene have numerous ways to get involved, whether they want to support fellow veterans or actively assist those who are still serving.

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An estimated 45,000 Albertsons, Pavilions, Vons and Ralphs grocery store workers are preparing for a possible walkout after voting to authorize a strike.

KTLAs Omar Lewis was outside the union headquarters in Koreatown on Thursday as they prepared picket signs and trained strike captains for what could be Southern Californias largest grocery store strike in decades.

UFCW 324 said workers came together on Wednesday to overwhelmingly vote yes to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice Strike against the four grocery retailers.

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For months, weve pushed for real solutions to short staffing, unsafe conditions, and unfair wages, and while we had some good discussions on staffing in this session, we still dont have satisfactory results from Kroger and Albertsons, the union stated in a news release.

Grocery store workers in Koreatown prepare for a possible walkout after authorizing a strike. June 12, 2025. (KTLA)

Kroger, which acquired Ralphs in 1998, issued a statement in response to the strike authorization, saying it remains committed to bargaining.

Our current offer reflects that commitment, including market-leading wage increases for associates over the life of the agreement, and continued investment in industry-leading healthcare and a pension These are benefits that many non-union competitors do not offer, a portion of the statement reads.

While no official strike date has been set, union workers hope the authorization will send a message to the companies.

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Negotiations are expected to resume 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 KTLA.
Every year on June 15, communities across the world recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a time to shine a light on one of the most pervasive yet overlooked social issues of our time  abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.

With a reported one in 10 older adults experiencing abuse (according to the National Center on Elder Abuse), and with Tennessees older population growing faster than any other population in the state, theres no room for slacking on our efforts to get ahead of the need for greater support for those working to combat elder abuse. This year, we must shine that light on the public servants working daily to stop elder abuse in Tennessees nursing homes and assisted living facilities: Long-Term Care Ombudsmen.

Volunteers monitor 700 long-term care facilities in Tennessee

Tennessee is home to a small but mighty team of around 18 staff and 50 volunteer ombudsmen at the local level who consistently visit almost 700 long-term care facilities to advocate for residents. As independent, resident-directed advocates, much of their time is spent addressing concerns  everything from poor food quality and missing belongings to unexpected weight loss and abuse. They also help residents understand their options when choosing a new home, support resident councils, and work with facility staff to meet resident needs.

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Ombudsmen are trusted allies to family caregivers who are navigating the complex and overwhelming long-term care system. We know that caregiving doesnt stop at the nursing home doors. Ombudsmen act as a lifeline for caregivers who have nowhere else to turn with questions or when problems arise.

Behind every older adult protected by the ombudsman program is the landmark public policy that makes it possible: the Older Americans Act.

This federal law established back in 1965 has been the backbone of a national network of services and supports for older adults, such as home-delivered meals and caregiver respite. Its been the first line of defense against elder abuse for decades. In Tennessee, the law ensured the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program was able to respond to over 4,000 complaints and nearly 2,400 questions from family members and facility staff last year alone.

Many partners support services for the elderly

Thankfully for Tennesseans, ombudsmen arent in this alone; they work with a wide network of support services. Adult protective services, local law enforcement, the state survey agency that licenses these homes, the Attorney Generals Office, area agencies on aging and disability, and district attorneys are among the many dedicated professionals partnering to fight for and protect vulnerable Tennesseans. These public servants make up some of the most dedicated, impassioned people you could hope to have working on behalf of your loved ones.

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In honor of public servants on the front lines combating elder abuse, lets make this June 15 more than a day of awareness and recognize that the protection of Tennessees older adults is championed by long-term care ombudsmen and other protective service entities dedicated to the charge.

The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a programmatically independent advocacy service located within the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging. To find your District Long-Term Care Ombudsman, visit https://www.tn.gov/disability-and-aging.html or call 877-236-0013.

Teresa Teeple

Teresa Teeple is a Tennessee State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day puts focus on TN protectors | Opinion
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  From education, healthcare, mental wellness, and the arts, two dozen New Yorkers are vying for $200,000 in grants to build New York Citys future.

Barry Cooper, one of the finalists, is recognized as a first responder in creating healing spaces and providing mental health programs for young men of color in his neighborhood.

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Cooper grew up in Bedford-Stuyvesant. With two sisters, Cooper says his mom gave him the nickname the protector. Now he wants to help his community.

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Cooper is the executive and founder of The B.R.O. Experience Foundation, an organization that creates authentic and connected spaces for young men in Bed Stuy. Cooper also wrote a book called the Provider Guide for co-parenting dads, available on Amazon. Cooper says its the perfect gift for Fathers Day.

After five years of trying, Cooper is one of 14 finalists chosen out of thousands and is now in the running to receive the David Prize, supported by the Walentas Foundation.

Erika Augustine is the founding executive director of the David Prize. It awards five New Yorkers with $200,000 each year, no strings attached.

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Right now, Augustines team is working with all of the finalists to prepare for a final interview. Winners will be announced in September.

Meanwhile, Copper is releasing a childrens book in July, and says whether hes a winner or not, he says process has changed his life.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
YORK, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Downtown York was peaceful Wednesday afternoon, but what happened last week is disturbing and strange. And whos accused makes it even stranger.

York County deputies said the evening of June 5, a woman reported that a man started yelling at her from his apartment on North Congress Street for her to drop her kid off and come up and visit him.

Investigators, in the narrative of a report, said the victim identified Timothy Dover, a York Police training lieutenant, as the accused catcaller.

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It has a purpose: Trailer stolen from Union County Boy Scout troop

The victim said she also saw Dover throw eggs at young dancers coming out of a studio near the apartment.

She added that Dover targeted a tow truck and a group of teenagers, tossing eggs at them, too.

Timothy Dover.

Benjamine Wright.

Deputies arrested 39-year-old Dover and 51-year-old Benjamine Wright, the City of Yorks Public Utilities director, for the eggings, saying the men were drunk and disturbing the peace.

Dover resigned from the York Police Department, and Wright is on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

Queen City News stopped by Wrights house Wednesday, but no one came to the door.

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Crime & Public Safety

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Reports said police and state troopers Wednesday found guns and marijuana in two cars that were recovered during a high-speed chase Tuesday.

The cars, which were in a city impound at 703 Wilson Ave., were seized after a man was arrested following a chase about 11 p.m. Monday that ended after the driver went to a building in the 1100 block of Andrews Ave and parked there.

In the building, police found a Jeep heavily damaged by gunfire that had two guns inside in plain view and a dodge Charger that had a large amount of marijuana inside.

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Police had the cars towed and got a search warrant to search them Wednesday in the impound lot.

Inside the Jeep, officers found an AR-15 pistol and a 9mm handgun.

Inside the Charger, police found several packs of marijuana edibles, packages of marijuana in small and bulk size and five packs of disposal THC vape pens, reports said.

The man who led police on the chase, Derrian Thomas, was arraigned Wednesday in municipal court and is free after posting $7,500 bond. He is due for a preliminary hearing 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 WKBN.com.
Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu, who died last week, left instructions that his successor Hakainde Hichilema "should not be anywhere near" his body, a family spokesman has said.

This is the latest development in the bitter feud over funeral plans for the late president following his death in South Africa at the age of 68.

The government had planned to fly his body back home on Wednesday, but failed to do so because of a dispute with Lungu's family and his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), over mourning and funeral arrangements.

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The two leaders were long-standing political rivals, with Hichilema defeating Lungu in the 2021 election after failing in five previous attempts.

In an address to Zambians on Thursday evening, the president did not refer directly to the reported wishes of his predecessor, but reiterated a "call for peace, a call for love and a call for unity" in this time of "collective grief".

Appearing to make the case for a state funeral, he urged Zambians "to put aside our differences" and made a plea to "allow the people of Zambia to bid farewell to their former president with the respect and honour that befits the high office he once held".

Lungu died of an undisclosed illness, but the PF said last week that he had been receiving "specialised treatment" in South Africa.

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The PF alleged that Lungu was banned from leaving the country for years and that if he had been allowed to travel to seek medical treatment sooner, he might still be alive.

The government has denied the allegation.

Zambia's Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe was among government officials who flew to South Africa on Wednesday for talks with Lungu's widow, Esther, and his influential daughter, Tasila, to break the deadlock over what happens next.

The government wants to give Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, a state funeral.

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The Lungu family's spokesman, lawyer Makebi Zulu, previously told the BBC that the family was not opposed to this, but it wanted a say over who would preside over the service.

However, in a video released from South Africa on Thursday, Mr Zulu said the family had put in place "all logistics" to fulfil Lungu's wishes to be given a private funeral and that Hichelema "should not be anywhere near" his body.

The government was behaving as though the family had "no say" over his burial and the way he should be mourned, Mr Zulu added.

It was the family's desire that the "conscience of the deceased should not be betrayed", he said.

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In his response, Haimbe said that while the bereaved family had put forward its wishes, Lungu's funeral concerned all Zambians as he was a former president.

"I'm sure all of us would want to have a fitting send-off for our former president, and that is what we must work towards achieving," the foreign minister told local journalists.

In an earlier statement, the government said that "constructive consultations" were continuing with Lungu's family to ensure the "smooth repatriation" of his body.

The dispute has caused much sadness and confusion among Zambians who are unclear how to mourn the ex-president.

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The government declared a seven-day national mourning period starting last Saturday, even though the PF announced one days earlier.

The government declared that the official venue for mourning would be a lodge it owns in the capital, Lusaka, but the PF dismissed this plan, directing mourners to its headquarters instead.

Constitutional lawyer John Sangwa told the BBC that the "tug-of-war" highlighted the need for Zambia to come up with a law which outlined funeral arrangements for presidents and ex-presidents, but he believed that at the end of the day the wishes of the family should be respected.

After Lungu's defeat in the 2021 election, he stepped back from politics but later returned to the fray.

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He remained the biggest political drawcard of the PF, and he had ambitions to vie for the presidency again.

However, at the end of last year the Constitutional Court barred him from running, ruling that he had already served the maximum two terms allowed by law.

More BBC stories from Zambia:

[Getty Images/BBC]

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WELLINGTON (Reuters) -New Zealands Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will visit China and Europe next week, meeting with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang and leaders of the European Union, the government said in a statement on Friday.

China is New Zealands largest trading partner and a vital part of our economic story, Luxon said. The challenging global outlook makes it vital that we are sharing perspectives and engaging China on issues that matter to New Zealand.

This is Luxons first visit to China since he became prime minister in late 2023. His predecessor, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, visited in June 2023.

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The visit to China will focus on growing trade, which was worth over NZ$38 billion ($23 billion) last year, as well as look to strengthen education and tourism links and to maximize opportunities for New Zealand businesses, the government said.

Luxon will then head to Europe to undertake bilateral visits to Brussels and The Hague where he will meet with leaders, including from the EU, to discuss trade, security, and the shifting geopolitical landscape, the statement said.

He will also participate in the NATO summit in the Netherlands and hold one-on-one talks with several NATO leaders.

Prosperity is only possible with security, and our discussions will focus on connections between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security environments, Luxon said.

($1 = 1.6485 New Zealand dollars)

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Sonali Paul)
(Reuters) -Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that Ukrainian forces were gradually pushing Russian forces out of the border Sumy region, where Moscow has established a foothold in recent weeks.

Russian forces have been moving into Sumy region since April when Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin called for the creation of a buffer zone after he said all Ukrainian troops had been evicted from a months-long incursion into Russia's western Kursk region.

Both Russian and Ukrainian reports indicate that Russian forces have seized a series of villages in the region, which has for many months also come under heavy Russian air attacks. And Russian reports said Moscow's troops were advancing in the area.

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"Our units in Sumy region are gradually pushing back the occupiers," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address. "I thank you! Thanks to every soldier, sergeant and officer for this result."

The Ukrainian president provided no further details and offered no proof of Ukrainian advances in the area.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said there had been a concentration of Russian men and equipment in Sumy region because of months of military operations across the border in Kursk region. He advised caution to establish details of the situation on the ground.

"I think (Ukraine's) military has the situation under control and I think we shall see a different picture in the coming days," Podolyak told Ukrainian TV Channel 24.

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The popular Ukrainian military blog DeepState, which charts the position of Russian troops using open-source materials, reported Russian gains in recent days around villages inside the border.

Other Ukrainian bloggers said on Thursday that Russian forces had advanced to within 20 km (12 miles) of the city of Sumy and were likely to move southward on villages to secure high ground outside the city.

Russian media reported similar advances through the region. One military site "Voyennoe Obozrenie" said Russian forces had made "significant progress" and were now positioned south of a major highway.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Bogdan KochubeyEditing by Marguerita Choy)
President Volodymyr Zelensky hosted a trilateral meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu and newly elected Romanian President Nicusor Dan, the first such meeting since Dan's inauguration last month, Ukraine's Presidential Office announced on June 11.

The talks focused on strengthening coordination between the countries amid rising threats from Russia's ongoing war and hybrid operations across the Black Sea region, according to a statement.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Ukraine-Southeastern Europe summit held in the Black Sea port city of Odesa.

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Ukraine proposed the appointment of foreign ministry-level coordinators to maintain permanent contact among the three countries.

The leaders discussed regional and cybersecurity, defense cooperation, European integration, sanctions against Russia, and support for Moldova, whose stability was described as vital for the broader region.

They also addressed joint infrastructure projects, including the construction of a cross-border highway and improvements to rail connections between Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania.

Special attention was given to defending against Russian hybrid threats and cyberattacks, which Ukraine says have intensified across Black Sea states.

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Romania's new president, Nicusor Dan, took office on May 26 after winning the May 18 presidential election against a far-right, anti-Ukraine opponent, George Simion. His victory is widely seen as a boost for Ukraine-Romania relations and for continued support of Kyiv's pro-European path.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine and Moldova must remain united on their path toward EU membership, warning against any attempts to divide the countries during negotiations.

Both countries were granted EU membership candidate status in 2022 and launched the accession talks two years later.

Read also: Romanias new president faces daunting challenges after surprise victory over far-right upstart

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Ukrainian troops are pushing back Russian forces around the north-eastern region of Sumy, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday.

"Our units in the Sumy region are gradually pushing back the occupying forces," he said in a video message, after a report by commander-in-chief Olexander Syrsky on the situation at the front.

"I thank you! I thank every soldier, non-commissioned officer and officer for this result," said Zelensky in Kiev.

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According to Ukrainian military bloggers, the Russian troops are continuing to advance.

The Kiev General Staff's situation report for Thursday afternoon mentioned artillery attacks on locations in the Sumy region, but no ground battles.

The Russian military has amassed strong forces on the border near Sumy and is attempting to conquer a buffer zone.

After an advance of up to 15 kilometres into Ukrainian territory, the city of Sumy has come within range of Russian artillery and short-range drones.

Ukraine has been defending itself against a Russian invasion for more than three years.
Ukraine and Germany have agreed on a joint plan to supply Kyiv with IRIS-T air defence systems over the next three years.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a briefing following a meeting with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "We are also grateful for the supply of IRIS-T air defence systems. We now understand the delivery plan  I wont go into all the details. But its a plan for the next three years, and this is very important support for us regardless."

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Details: Zelenskyy stressed that the plan does not imply the war will last that long, but Ukraine requires air defence systems to protect its civilians.

He also noted that Ukraine expects to localise the production of these "very high-quality" German air defence systems.

Background: In May, Ukraine signed agreements with German company Diehl Defence for the production of IRIS-T systems and missiles for Ukrainian use.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that the first visit of his Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vucic to Ukraine is important because he has seen the war firsthand.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: On the evening of Wednesday 11 June, Zelenskyy spoke about his conversation with Vucic, who visited Odesa and attended the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit.

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"This is the [Serbian] Presidents first visit to Ukraine, and it is truly important to be here in Ukraine and witness the war firsthand," the Ukrainian leader said.

Zelenskyy and Vucic discussed mutual support on the path to the European Union, bilateral cooperation and Ukraines recovery.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "I thank [Vucic] for the initiative to help with the recovery efforts and to assume patronage over the reconstruction of several Ukrainian settlements. This is a truly effective form of cooperation, and we look forward to positive results."

Background:

Notably, the participants of the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit have signed a declaration in which they condemn Russia's war against Ukraine "in the strongest possible terms" and call on the international community "to maintain and further strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation".

Meanwhile, Vucic was the only participant in the event who did not sign it.

Commenting on this, Vucic said that in this way he "did not betray Russia".

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the Russian leader Vladimir Putin is using the topic of talks with Ukraine to avoid tougher sanctions and believes that "Russia is lying" to US President Donald Trump.

Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with German tabloid Bild

Details: Zelenskyy noted that it is important for Moscow "to show Trump that there is a diplomatic bridge between Ukraine and Russia".

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"So that sanctions are not imposed against Russia" while talks are ongoing, he added.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "Because Putin could always say: 'But we are talking to each other! There will be no more talks if sanctions are imposed."

Details: Zelenskyy is convinced that "Putin does not want peace".

However, in his opinion, the Russians are also pursuing another goal.

They want "dialogue without Europeans and without Americans" in order to isolate Ukraine.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "A prolonged war without support from our partners would be the perfect scenario for Putin.

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He cannot withstand a long war with partners and sanctions."

Details: Zelenskyy also believes that Trump "sees Putin for who he really is".

Quote from Zelenskyy: "President Trump sees that the Russian side is not being fully open and honest about the war.

I think Russia is simply lying to Trump."

Details: Zelenskyy said he will take Trump's criticism of him "in my stride", if it brings "an end to the war" closer.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "In my opinion, Putin understands nothing but strength. And the US has that strength.

And I really hope that the US sees and understands this."

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Details: "Trump must impose sanctions so that Putin immediately says: 'Let's talk about ending the war.

There is no other way," Zelenskyy added.

On the topic of sanctions, he believes they were introduced too slowly.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "This has given Putin the opportunity to adapt."

"Putin feels that his economy is now suffering.

But he wants to buy more time before tough sanctions are imposed, because he can hold on a little longer.

That is exactly why tough sanctions need to be introduced now."

Details: Zelenskyy believes that "the more support there is, the fewer Ukrainians will die".

Quote from Zelenskyy: "People are not firewood that we throw on the fire.

We do not treat our people the way the Russians do."

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that US President Donald Trump has the leverage to end the war between Russia and Ukraine  but to do so, he must understand what game Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is playing.

Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with Axel Springer Global Reporters Network, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy stated that Russia "is simply lying to Trump".

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"Most heads of state and government share my opinion, and I very much hope that America sees and understands this. That is the most important thing. How you respond to that is Americas decision," he said.

Zelenskyy stressed that Trump has the power to stop the war because "Putin understands nothing but strength, and America has that strength".

He also emphasised that Trump is aware that the Kremlin is not entirely sincere about the war.

Zelenskyy noted that Russia could only be victorious if the West abandoned Ukraine.

In his opinion, an American withdrawal from the war would be an ideal scenario for Putin.

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When asked about the quarrel between the US and Ukrainian leaders in the Oval Office in February, Zelenskyy ironically replied that he did not believe that the incident had brought them closer together, while emphasising that it was now in the past.

"Today we must do everything we can to ensure that the next meeting in the Oval Office is successful for both countries," he stressed.

Zelenskyy said that the United States and Ukraine had resumed a constructive dialogue. He added that a personal, friendly meeting between the presidents took place in the Vatican in April.

Background:

Trump recently shared details of a recent conversation with Russian ruler Vladimir Putin, 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, and this is me speaking, maybe in a negative sense, 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 response, Zelenskyy said that Putin is a murderer, not a child on a playground.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he regrets that his Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump in late February spun out of control, but explained that it was his impatience to reach "concrete decisions" during wartime that led to the blowup.



We simply dont have that much time in our lives. I wanted concrete decisions, Zelenskyy said on Wednesday in an interview in Odessa with the Axel Springer Global Reporters network, which includes POLITICO. We were unable to make certain decisions, extremely important decisions. I dont know whether America was ready to address these issues or not. I have to resolve this issue of war. You see, time is very precious. Not my personal time, but the time of my country.



Zelenskyy also said he liked his one-on-one meeting with Trump, held two months later on the sidelines of Pope Francis funeral at The Vatican, much better than his ill-fated visit to the White House.

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We were able to discuss much more than at the other meeting, which felt like it lasted a lifetime, Zelenskyy said, describing Trump as friendly.



Ukraines embattled president, whose assertiveness and persistent requests for additional aid also privately irked President Joe Biden and his top aides, has worked assiduously to improve his relationship with Trump since that fateful February encounter. And the two countries did eventually sign the economic agreement to jointly develop Ukraines rare earth minerals once the war is over, a pact that was temporarily tabled when the White House visit went sideways. Yet he also suggested in the interview that even his war-torn country may be able to turn the war into a new phase.



Relations between our countries are not entirely balanced, but that was in the past, Zelenskyy said. And today we must do everything we can to ensure that the next meeting in the Oval Office is successful for both countries. The lives of many people depend on it. And peace depends on it. Many countries in Europe depend on whether there will be security and peace in Ukraine. The security and stability of many countries in Europe depend on it.



After months of trying to browbeat Ukraine into negotiating a peace deal that would have required them to permanently cede occupied territory to Russia, Trump is showing a new willingness to allow the war to continue. Thats seemingly a response to Russian President Vladimir Putins refusal to seriously engage in peace talks.

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With Trump possibly rethinking his approach, Zelenskyy pushed the White House to maintain a sense of urgency and increase its pressure on Moscow.



Its important to impose sanctions. We shouldnt... play by Putins rules. It is important to impose sanctions and force Putin to agree to a ceasefire so that we can talk about ending the war, Zelenskyy said.



He will have a chance to make another direct appeal to Trump next week when he is scheduled to attend the G-7 leaders summit in the Canadian Rockies.



Trump, during a meeting last week with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, expressed hesitation about giving the Senate a green light to advance widely supported legislation to impose additional sanctions on Russia. Describing the proposal in its original form as very harsh on Russia, the president has been privately skeptical about the effectiveness of sanctions and, for months, has believed taking a harder stance toward Putin would backfire.

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The White House did not respond to a request for comment.



But with the Russian leader unwilling to make any substantive concessions toward a ceasefire while stepping up his bombings of Ukrainian cities, Trump appears to be shifting course away from his push for peace and tempering his hopes for a fast rapprochement with Putin.



In Wednesdays interview, Zelenskyy said Trump remains the key figure who can bring the war to an end and urged the president to allow the sanctions bill to move forward.



The strength of the sanctions, how strong the sanctions package will be, depends on him, Zelenskyy said. The speed with which decisions are made depends on him; we dont see any resistance from the senators, for example. On the contrary, the majority is in favor.

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Trump, during the meeting with Merz, said the timeline for when hell have to toughen up with Putin is in my head  a statement that Zelenskyy said gave him hope that the stronger pressure hes asking for from the U.S. will eventually come.



I very much hope that President Trump will stick to it, Zelenskyy said. Its not even about the fact that he promised during the election campaign that he would end the war. Thats not the point. Its more that he is a certain person  and lets also consider his age  and I think its important for him, I hope its important for him to end the war. He has spoken about it very often, he has repeated many times that he will end the killing.



Zelenskyy also spoke about Operation Spider Web, the clandestine and ultimately successful endeavor to sneak drones into Russia that earlier this month succeeded in taking out roughly a third of Putins long-range bomber fleet.



Trump, whose aides said he did not get a heads up about the attack, expressed only mild frustration over the attack and stated that Putin, in a call last week, told him that he planned to retaliate soon.

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The attack, Zelenskyy said, ushered the war into a new phase, suggesting that Kyiv is also capable of escalation if the fledgling peace talks run aground.



I think that both in the U.S. and everywhere else, we must do everything we can to end this war so that we do not have further phases in this war.




President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukrainian units are gradually pushing Russian forces back from Sumy Oblast.

Source: Zelenskyys address

Quote: "Today, Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi delivered a report  the front, particularly the Pokrovsk front, the Kursk operation and the border area of Sumy Oblast. Our units in Sumy Oblast are gradually pushing the occupiers back. Thank you! Thanks to every soldier, sergeant and officer for this result. To every unit."

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Details: The president also discussed the ongoing negotiation efforts and the financing of defence and domestic military production with Defence Minister Rustem Umierov.

Zelenskyy announced upcoming international meetings in the coming weeks.

Quote: "A clear task for all levels of our representatives  our partners must understand that sanctions against Russia truly work. They truly work when they outpace the Russian authorities in adapting to them. Sanctions on oil.

Sanctions on Russian banks and the entire financial sector. Sanctions on individuals and entities that help Russia adapt to global pressure. A clear limit is needed on Russia's ability to adapt  pressure so severe that they cannot withstand it. That will become the boundary of the war, beyond which a reliable peace is possible."

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The Scene

NEW YORK  Its easy to forget now, said Zohran Mamdani, but four years ago, Eric Adams was hailed as the new face of Democratic Party politics.

Mamdani, a 33-year old state assemblyman and member of Democratic Socialists of America, had just launched a canvass in Harlem with 100 of his campaigns 29,000 volunteers. He was waiting out a summer rainstorm in a coffee shop, laying out his strategy for the June 24 Democratic mayoral primary  briefly interrupted by three young women who saw him, gasped, and called him the mayor.

The candidate finished his point: Adams, who quit an unwinnable primary to seek election as an independent, had pitted different sets of New Yorkers against each other, so as to evade any actual institutional response to the citys problems.

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A new mayor could confront the Trump administration, which Adams decided not to do. He could also prove that progressives, if given the keys to a city, could make life cheaper and safer. To get there, and past former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, hes proposed $10 billion in upper-income and corporate tax hikes, for which hed need improbable sign-off from the state.

Four years ago, Democrats saw their future in a tough-talking Black ex-cop who seemed to synthesize calls for racial justice and safer streets. Now, even as its Washington wing frets about finding moderate candidates to remake the partys damaged, elitist image, the biggest city in the country is considering a move in the opposite direction.

That would be toward the Bernie Sanders model: A proud socialist and critic of modern Israel who promises huge new taxes and an expansion of city government.

Weve allowed this language of tackling fraud and waste, and prioritizing efficiency, to become the language of the right, when in fact it should be the language of the left, said Mamdani. If you are passionate about public goods and about public service, you have to be just as passionate about public excellence.

Know More

Thirteen days out from the primary, the race for Adamss job has evolved into a competition between Mamdani and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, with seven candidates trailing behind. Five are trying to notch enough ranked-choice votes to win the final count; state senator Jessica Ramos and businessman Whitney Tilson are largely running to stop Mamdani.

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None had built campaigns quite as ready for this moment, as Democratic anger at the Trump presidency boils over.

Mamdani did not join other Democrats in renouncing the defund the police movement. He defended his support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel, and his opposition to a Jewish state of Israel instead of one that defended equal rights unlinked from religion.

Those had been candidate-killing issues in other campaigns. But New York Democrats will vote while the Trump administration is ramping up immigration raids and enforcement in major cities; when Israels 20-month war in Gaza has infuriated younger voters; and when the cost of housing and groceries has become a bigger issue than crime.

In polling conducted by Data for Progress, which found Mamdani only narrowly behind Cuomo in the ranked-choice vote, 28% of voters ranked housing as their top issue, 20% ranked other economic issues, and 18% ranked crime and public safety. Support for Israel didnt rank.

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Trump has shown us that on one side of politics, theres a limitless imagination, and on the other, we are constantly constructing an ever-lowering ceiling, Mamdani told Semafor. He has promised to freeze rent, make city buses fare-free, open city-run discount groceries, and raise taxes on the richest New Yorkers and businesses to pay for this.

Those promises sounded more credible, he said, after Democrats watched the new president demand deeper tax cuts at the same time he wanted to buy Greenland. Im talking about less money than Andrew Cuomo gave to Elon Musk as a corporate tax break.

The View From Democrats

Mamdani entered the race in October, when conventional wisdom said that a more experienced, less progressive candidate could unseat the scandal-plagued Adams. City Comptroller Brad Lander positioned himself early as that candidate, joining the campaign before Mamdani; Adrienne Adams, the (unrelated) city council speaker, jumped in three months ago, after Adams deal with the Trump DOJ effectively ended his campaign as a Democrat.

Cuomo entered the race weeks later, and neither Lander nor Adams has been able so far to dislodge Mamdani as the ex-governors biggest threat.

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The ranked-choice voting system complicates any other candidates strategy. Voters cup to five candidates on their ballots, and tabulators count their preferences until one candidate gets a majority.

In 2021, the first year under the new system, city sanitation commissioner Kathryn Garcia was the first choice of only 20% of primary voters, but nearly won the primary, because so many Democrats marked her as an alternative, lower on their ballots.

The state of politics for New York right now for the Democratic Party is really an amazing litmus test for the Democratic Party across the nation, Adrienne Adams told the New York Editorial Board, in one of its candidate interviews.

Progressive groups and leaders, like the Working Families Party and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., have urged voters to leave Cuomo off their ballots and rank only the candidates they align with most.

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For the WFP, that was Mamdani in first place, followed by Lander, followed by Adams, followed by state senator Zellnor Myrie; for Ocasio-Cortez, it was Mamdani, Adams, Lander, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, and Myrie.

The non-Cuomo alternative candidates have sometimes portrayed Mamdani as green and unrealistic. But theyve been busier introducing themselves as the responsible alternatives to Cuomo, appealing to the 50% of likely primary voters who view him unfavorably.

If Im running against someone, Im running against Andrew Cuomo. Hes whos leading in the polls, Lander said in an interview after a forum for Jewish voters in the Upper West Side. Im running against a corrupt, abusive, self-serving politician whos only running to rehearse his own grievances.

Mamdanis buoyant, omnipresent social media campaign has been hard for Lander and the rest of the field to compete with. When the spotlight has fallen on him, he has kept it by proposing simpler, bigger, and more aggressive ideas, like free childcare and a graduated rise to a $30 minimum wage.

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Justin Brannan, a city council member running for comptroller with Mamdanis support, said that he would not support him on BDS. But Adams, he said, had helped create the conditions for an electorate that craved an anti-austerity agenda, and didnt want to be told it was impossible.

New York City used to be the place for big ideas, and somewhere along the way, we just stopped doing them, said Brannan. De Blasio with universal pre-K was, like, the last time we did something big. The past almost four years with Eric Adams, weve been like, Oh, if we can keep the libraries open six days a week, thats a huge victory.

At the Upper West Side New York Jewish Agenda forum, Stringer proposed a $1 billion very, very rainy day fund to protect the city from Trump administration attacks on grants or programs.

Lander suggested putting less than $100 million of the citys Medicaid funding into an independent authority so we can provide reproductive and gender affirming care without Trump interference.

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Three days later, Mamdani summoned reporters to the Financial District for his plan to Trump-proof New York: The taxes that would raise $10 billion, and total resistance to his deportations.

Asked if he agreed with Mayor Adams that the NYPD should arrest protesters who interfered with ICE enforcement, Mamdani rejected the premise.

Its ironic to hear that from a mayor who literally drove on the sidewalk in the final days of the previous mayoral election, he said. This is an indication of their willingness to be accomplices to what is going on and what ICE agents are inflicting upon New Yorkers.

Six months ago, that answer might have been a problem for Mamdani. But most Democrats assumed, at that time, he had a lower ceiling  that the positions hed taken would hold him down.

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After Mamdanis Trump-proof press conference, an X account that clips news interviews shared one of the candidate sticking to his position that ICE should be abolished altogether.

A lawless president does not mean we abolish entire agencies and our laws, Adrienne Adams wrote on top of the video. People elect us as leaders to solve problems, not pledge allegiance to rigid ideologies.

One day later, she deleted that response, which had been torn apart by pro-Mamdani commenters. It was not, according to her campaign, what she really wanted to say.

Davids view

The decline of Eric Adams, since he wrapped himself around the presidents finger, was the catalyst for Mamdanis rise. He presided over falling crime, which lowered the salience of that issue; he suggested that the forced busing of migrants from Texas, to take advantage of the citys generous sheltering laws, was forcing austerity on the city.

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As Adams receded, with Trump in office, the agenda changed. Mamdanis campaigning changed it too. His early ad campaign, put together by the team that made ads for Bernie Sanders and John Fetterman, got him into the conversation with candidates (Lander et al) who were taken more seriously as potential mayors. He leapt over them as Cuomos closest competitor  and then put him into the cohort of potential mayors.

This involved a lot of risks, taken in attention-getting ways, like his visit to the courthouse where a grad student leader of Gaza protests was being arraigned. Following the candidates, I heard many times that Trump had given Democrats envy of enormous plans that were crisp and memorable and not green-eyeshaded to death; Mamdani was the only contender doing that.

Two years ago, some of the same dynamics here played out in Chicago  which has an all-party runoff system, not a Democratic primary then a general election.

Voters forced a choice between Brandon Johnson, an anti-austerity progressive, and Paul Vallas, a conservative Democrat who, unfortunately for his campaign, was on tape attacking Barack Obama.

If Mamdani wins this primary, Id expect the specter of Johnson, who is tremendously unpopular now, to hover over New York. Adams is already running as an independent; Cuomo has the ability to.

Room for Disagreement

Tilsons campaign, after Cuomos, is the most oriented around stopping Mamdani.

At a weekend stop at a Ukrainian festival, after he gave a short speech while wearing a patch-covered jacket from his trips to bring aid to that country, he warned of a city that would be threatening to Jewish New Yorkers and far more poor, if Mamdani were able to win.

We are the wealthiest city in the world, said Tilson. I think he and the DSA people he surrounds himself with would create a hostile business environment that would drive away businesses and hurt economic growth.

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Dozens of mayors from across the Los Angeles region banded together to demand that the Trump administration stop the stepped-up immigration raids that have spread fear across their cities and sparked protests across the U.S. They also called on President Donald Trump to pull back from using troops alongside immigration agents during the raids
Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley.
George David, a Nuu-chah-nulth artist, carves the first of three panels depicting the life of Princess Angeline, Chief Seattle's daughter, in a Port Orchard studio. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times, 2010)
Compliance with the European Unions AI Act is becoming a pressing matter for businesses, many of whom may be surprised to learn that their activities could fall into the banned or high-level risk practices categories.

Multidisciplinary expertise will be required to avoid eventual hefty fines, EYs AI experts warn.



It wasnt that long ago that the GDPR was the buzzword that kept CEOs up at night. A similar landmark piece of European legislation should now be front of mind for executives, given that the first important deadline of the AI Act has already passed.



Companies were obliged to take inventory of all of their AI tools that are classified as banned practices and introduce AI Literacy training for all staff by Feb. 2. This is just the first phase, though.



If you agree with me on this very radical statement that pretty soon all technology will be AI technology, then you will understand the significance of this legislation and all other regulations that will hopefully be emerging, states EYs chief AI expert and president of the PHI Institute, George Tilesch - pictured above.



EYs lead AI confidence partner, Erik Slooten, warns that executives shouldnt just assume the AI Act doesnt concern them or can be put off.



Right now, people are like, Yeah, okay, its coming, well deal with it later. Thats a mistake, the expert notes. This is not just about banned practices like facial recognition or surveillance; its a fundamental shift in how AI is governed in Europe.



Slooten underlines that the act is not just about curbing extreme AI misuse, but also about setting new standards for AI applications in finance, healthcare, and advertising. Tilesch says companies must assess their own level of risks, what kind of AI they have, and who uses it in what role. Every company is unique in that sense, the expert explains.



We need to think together with companies and craft the unique strategies they need. Providing AI literacy is not a fire hazard checking-the-boxes kind of education, Tilesch stresses. Slooten agrees that AI literacy is essential: you cant run a company on AI tech without your employees understanding AI fundamentally, he says.



First Consequences This Year

We are seeing concrete steps from the Hungarian authorities. The ministries in charge are refining their approach, the National Bank [of Hungary] has prepared guidelines, and dedicated AI authorities should be set up by August, so businesses should expect to deal with the first consequences of the act within this calendar year, says EY law senior manager Adrienn Piskoti.



Hungarian companies must proactively assess their AI systems to avoid future compliance risks. It is important to note that the act affects all businesses that are connected to the technology as providers or deployers; furthermore, market players who use some AI-based solution for business purposes in their business processes must also prepare.



A major challenge is understanding which AI practices may be considered banned or high risk under the act.



If youre an insurance company using social scoring to determine creditworthiness or a business using emotion detection in HR processes, you may already be in a grey area, Slooten cautions. Many banks and insurers need to evaluate whether their AI-driven risk assessments comply with the new rules.



The European Commission recently issued detailed documentation outlining banned AI practices, and Tilesch warns that companies cannot afford to be ignorant.



This is a growing list. What may be acceptable today might be considered high-risk or banned in the future. Businesses must establish governance frameworks that allow them to monitor regulatory updates and adapt accordingly, Tilesch says.



Broad Framework



While the AI Act is a framework regulation rather than sector-specific, it is clear that industries relying on artificial intelligence will feel its effects the most.



Eurostat data shows that AI usage is most dominant in scientific and technology fields, as well as administrative and support services, notes Piskoti. However, industries like banking, insurance, and healthcare will have to pay special attention, as many of their AI-driven processes may fall into high-risk categories. She further emphasizes the importance of understanding the AI Acts core principles.



This regulation isnt just about compliance: its about safeguarding ethical AI use, preventing social scoring, and protecting fundamental rights. Companies must ensure they are not deploying AI solutions that could be classified as prohibited practices.



Regarding preparation, artificial intelligence is a socio-technical field; neither IT nor legal expertise alone will do.



This isnt just a legal issue. It requires a cross-functional team including risk managers, quality control specialists, legal teams, and AI experts, says Piskoti. Slooten notes that Hungarian companies have begun to engage with EY for AI compliance services, but many still underestimate the complexity.



Some businesses think they can just hire a chief AI officer or a lead AI thinker. Thats not how this works. AI governance must be embedded across multiple functions in an organization, he says. On top of providing AI training for employers, clients should map their AI practices against regulatory expectations and do their homework before further essential deadlines pass.



A Blessing or a Curse for EU Competitiveness?



The U.S. innovates, Europe regulates, goes the old saying. Will the AI Act do more good than harm for the EUs competitiveness? Tilesch believes the U.S. and China may have a short-term advantage, but remains optimistic about Europes long-term position.



Yes, Europe is slower due to regulation, but we are also creating a safer AI ecosystem. In the long run, this could be a competitive edge, he says. It is a view Piskoti agrees with: If a company knows that AI developed under European regulations is safer, it may be more willing to adopt it. This could drive greater AI adoption within the EU and even attract international businesses looking for compliant solutions.



How Hard Will Fines Bite?



Banned and high-risk AI systems carry potential fines of EUR 35 million and EUR 15 mln, or 7% and 3% of global turnover, respectively. However, it is hard to say how harshly authorities will crack down. We saw it with GDPR; once banks and telecoms started receiving audit notices and financial threats, the industry scrambled to comply. We expect a similar trajectory with the AI Act, Slooten predicts.



Shadow AI: Know What Your Staff are Doing



The biggest risk isnt that people arent using AI, its that theyre using AI without any oversight, warns Tilesch. This phenomenon is called shadow AI. Many employees are already feeding confidential data into their private AI tools like ChatGPT without realizing the risks.



This isnt just an AI Act issue; its a fundamental data security problem. Slooten, meanwhile, highlights the dangers of the generational gap in AI adoption.



Younger employees trust AI completely, while older generations are far more skeptical. Businesses must bridge this gap by training their workforce on AI risks, ethical concerns, and best practices.



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The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below.

Link to the newsletter:

https://xpatloop.com/newsletters/2025/12-june.html



1. First up is a quick look at great variety of video articles with trip ideas to Xplore Hungary:

 Aquaticum Water Park in Debrecen, Esztergom, Gemenc - Biggest Floodplain Forest in Europe,

Lake Tisza - Kiskore Reservoir, Lake Velence Area, Szeged 'City of Sunshine', Sopron City & Region.



2. As always there's essential info, trending Headlines, and new Movies & Specials to discover:

 Handy Vocab for Expats, Weekend Gourmet Festival, Home Prices Climb, How Safe is Hungary?



3. Also below you can see a great variety of Daily Events - for more just visit this handy Calendar:

 Budapest Book Week, Ibiza Style Party, Imagine Dragons Gigs, Sunset Sessions at feNNen Skybar.

Yours with best wishes,

Team XpatLoop



Photo by Krenn Imre Photography: Poppies in the city
Hungarians travelling abroad this summer can expect to pay 5-6% more for travel insurance premiums, insurance broker Insura.hu said on Tuesday, according to a report by MTI.

Insura.hus own data show travellers paid HUF 742/day, on average, for policies covering trips abroad in January-May, up from HUF 704 in the same period a year earlier.



Last summer, approximately 32% of travel policies were for trips to Croatia, some 14% covered visits to Italy and about 9% travel to Austria.



Data from the National Bank of Hungary show revenue from travel insurance premiums rose 14.3% to HUF 22.1 billion in 2024.



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Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary



You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters



As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here.
When Forest Moon Coffee Co. rolls into York, it brings more than cafe breves and chai tea lattes with it.

The trucks operators also have their food permit from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and their state sales tax ID number, said Jennifer Pliefke, who operates the business with her husband, Jesse.

Forest Moon is a frequent fixture at York General Hospital and also set up shop at the Kilgore Memorial Library in April.

The Pliefkes take their truck as far north as Columbus and as far south as Sutton  anywhere within an hour of Osceola, where theyre based.

In addition to the state permit and sales tax ID, theyre also sometimes asked about liability insurance, Jennifer said.

I have to show that I have a certain amount of coverage, she said.

But they havent had to apply for a solicitors permit, and Jennifer doesnt think they should have to.

Were not soliciting, she said, noting that Forest Moon doesnt go door to door selling coffee. People are coming to us.

Just what should be required of food trucks setting up shop in York  whether they should fall under the peddlers ordinance or some entirely different rule  created a quandary for the York City Council in its meeting on June 5.

The discussion began with a simple agenda item that read, Ordinance Committee Report on Food Trucks.

Council members had just heard the first reading of an ordinance to amend the rules for peddlers, allowing them to obtain a permit for a year  rather than just by the day, week or month.

We were discussing adding food trucks into that, said Councilman Tony North, who serves on the citys ordinance committee.

City ordinance describes a peddler as any person transacting a temporary business within the city at an established place of business.

And we just added and operators of food trucks, North said.

But then the ordinance committee changed its mind.

This is really sticky and, legally, pretty marginal, North said.

For instance, Nebraska law says that agricultural goods produced and processed in the state are exempt from the rules for peddlers, he said.

So, youve got your truck out, and youve got beef that was raised in Nebraska, you dont need a permit for that? North asked.

We kicked around the idea of, if we include food trucks, what about people that are selling crafts out of vehicles? City Attorney Charley Campbell said. What about people that are selling other types of things in addition to food trucks? How do we include them?

Food truck ordinances

So, what do the citys food truck ordinances say? As it turns out, the city doesnt have any.

You have to have a food license from the state, said Councilman Jerry Wilkinson, who owns JWs Catering, and you need a sales tax ID.

Beyond that, the requirements for having a food truck in York depend on where you want to operate it.

Asset Manager/Planning Director Dan Aude pointed out a page on the citys website under the pull-down menu I Want to . Under Operate a Food Truck, the website lists a variety of scenarios.

If the food truck owner wants to operate in city parks or streets adjacent to parks, they must fill out the Parks and Recreation Departments food truck vendor agreement.

If they want to operate during April through October at the Family Aquatic Center, Mincks Park or the Ballpark Complex, it will cost them $100 per day.

If the food truck owner wants to operate in the Holthus Convention Center or its parking lots, they must contact the centers director.

If they want to park their food truck on a city street or city parking lot, they have to apply for a right-of-way permit.

The page also says all trucks selling prepared food should apply for a license from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and a sales tax permit from the Department of Revenue.

We remind them, but were not getting on Lincolns website and seeing if they really have that, Aude said.

If you came into York, should you have to show your license and also report your sales tax? Mayor Barry Redfern asked. Do they come to the city and report that information to us?

The citys website also says food truck operators, other than those doing business in the parks or at the convention center, should apply for a solicitors permit  even though food trucks are not included under the citys definition of peddlers.

City ordinance says the term peddler shall include solicitor.

No solicitors permit

When Forest Moon Coffee Co. set up in the library parking lot as part of National Library Week, the Pliefkes contacted the city.

They had a list, Jennifer said, and she provided all the information the city asked for, but they didnt have to apply for a solicitors permit.

None of the forms mentioned on the citys website require the operator to provide proof of a state food license or sales tax ID number.

These food trucks are just coming in for all the big stuff, or some are just staying here forever, Wilkinson said, adding that many of them operate on cash only. Are they actually paying their fair share of sales tax to us for being here?

North said the city has been relying on the state to manage the food handlers license.

The only enforcement is your food inspector, and right now, theres like hardly any exist anymore, Wilkinson said. You could go for a couple of years maybe and never get caught, especially if youre doing it only on weekends.

He said the city should at least have on record a food truck operators sales tax ID number.

Its up to the state whether theyre reporting it or not, Wilkinson said. Were not going to get any city sales tax out of that if they dont have it.

Redfern said the city should have some kind of contact with everyone who is coming into York to sell something.

Wilkinson agreed, wondering what would happen if a food truck was linked to a listeria outbreak and the operator hadnt filled out any paperwork.

We dont know where they came from. We cant contact them, he said. If theyre in town with potentially hazardous food products, making money on our citizens, I think we should step up a level of due diligence, so to speak.

Complicated rules

Weve kicked that idea around, whether or not to adopt a food truck set of ordinances, Campbell said. Theres a number of reasons we havent done it.

One is the complexity of the potential rules, he said, citing very detailed ordinances in Lincoln and Omaha. Another is having city staff to administer the rules.

Jennifer Pliefke said Lincoln and Grand Island are two cities Forest Moon wont visit.

They have to inspect you themselves, she said. The Pliefkes operation has already been inspected and licensed by the state.

The Legislature keeps talking about food truck legislation, Campbell said. Were kind of hoping that they take it over.

Until that happens  if it happens  Wilkinson said the city needs a fee for a permit-type situation and maybe not just a bunch of rules. He said it should include contact information and the sales tax ID number, just so we have it on file.

Redfern referred to it as just a tracking law.

I like the idea of an online permitting system, North said.

Later this year, the city will begin using the iWorQ System for online building permits and contractor registrations. There was a suggestion that it could also be used for food truck permits.

Forest Moon Coffee Co. is in its second season of doing business.

Its been going well, Jennifer said. But she had a final thought on food truck permitting in York.

Dont make it so complicated that we cant sell there.
New Delhi: Munjya actor Abhay Verma has joined forces with Rasha Thadani in Phantom Film latest production, 'Laikey Laikaa'. The two talents were recently spotted together after their acting workshop for Laikey Laikaa. On his chemistry with Rasha, Abhay said, "It's too early to say anything but we are looking forward to making people feel something and it's a story about two people caught up in the world."

Laikey Laikaa Cast Locked

Not many know that the star once stood as a junior artist on the sets of Phantom Films' 'Super 30'. Reflecting on his Journey with immense gratitude Abhay shared "Life has come to a full circle, I used to secretly watch Hrithik sir perform in Super 30, when I was a junior artist, I wish with Laikey Laikaa I will be someones reason who feels closer to their dream. Beyond that, I hope this journey becomes an answer to all the questions that young aspiring actors have whether their dreams will come true or not or if they will get accepted in industry or not, I will be fortunate if my journey from a jr artist to leading a film at Phantom studios is considered as an answer to the questions of all the aspiring actors and bring them closer to their dream."

Talking about Laikey Laikaa Abhay said "Laikey and Laikaa is a story about two people caught up in a different world" He teased the fans with "many surprises" in Laikey Laikaa for the people together to anticipate until the film hits the screens.

Talking about his upcoming projects, apart from Laikey Laikaa Abhay will feature in Siddharth Anand's highly anticipated 'King' with Shahrukh Khan. He is also doing Sujat Saudagar's 'JC'.


New Delhi: Shares of Boeing fell sharply in pre-market trading on Thursday, dropping over 6 per cent after an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft crashed in Ahmedabad.

As of 3.31 p.m. IST, Boeing shares were down by 6.42 per cent in pre-market trading, at $196.51. On Wednesday, the stock had closed 0.80 per cent lower at $214.

Boeing is a US-based multinational company that designs, manufactures, and sells aeroplanes, helicopters, rockets, satellites, and missiles across the globe.

The aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and operated by Air India, was en route from Ahmedabad to London when it crashed shortly after takeoff.

The flight was carrying 242 people, including 10 crew members and three infants.

The crash occurred near the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad. Witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke rising from the site immediately after the crash -- indicating potentially extensive damage.

Multiple fire brigade vehicles rushed to the scene as rescue and relief operations began swiftly.

However, as of now, there is no official confirmation regarding the number of casualties or the extent of the damage.

"There is no confirmed cause of the crash at this stage. A detailed inquiry has been initiated," a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) spokesperson said, adding that all relevant agencies are being involved in the probe.

The aircraft took off at 13.39 IST from Runway 23 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. According to officials, a Mayday call was issued moments after liftoff, but no further communication was received from the cockpit. The flight was being operated by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, a long-time Air India pilot with over 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.

Thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site by residents and airport staff. According to the DGCA statement, emergency services were immediately dispatched, and rescue operations are still going on. The aircraft crashed outside the airport boundary, suggesting it failed to climb properly after takeoff.

According to information, the DGCA officials are on site collecting flight data, voice recordings, and witness accounts as part of the investigation. Sources said that Boeing representatives and officials are also expected to assist the ground staff.

This is one of the most serious aviation incidents in India in recent years involving a wide-body aircraft.

Boeing aircraft have been involved in multiple crashes over the years. The most recent was a Jeju Air flight in South Korea, which crashed in late December 2024 during a landing attempt, resulting in the loss of 179 lives. That aircraft was a Boeing 737-800.
Mumbai: Markets regulator SEBI encourages investors to pay fees to their investment advisers and research analysts through the Centralized Fee Collection Mechanism (CeFCoM). In a statement on Thursday, SEBI said that CeFCoM is a secure and transparent payment ecosystem developed to ensure that investors pay fees only to SEBI-registered investment advisers and research analysts. This mechanism is optional.

CeFCoM helps distinguish registered investment advisers and research analysts from unregistered entities posing as such. It has been operational since October 1, 2024, and is managed by BSE Ltd. in association with MF Utilities India Pvt. Ltd.

Through CeFCoM, investors can pay fees using multiple payment modes such as Net Banking, Debit Card, UPI/UPI Autopay, IMPS/NEFT/RTGS, eNACH, Cheque, and Credit Cards. As of June 10, 2025, investors have paid over 5 crore in fees through CeFCoM, SEBI stated.

On Wednesday, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced the launch of a new tool, SEBI Check, to validate UPI handles and registered bank accounts, ensuring secure payments by investors. The Validated UPI Handles and SEBI Check tools aim to enhance investor protection and combat deepfakes and cyber fraud. Investors can verify whether a UPI handle or bank account is registered before making any payment via SEBI Check.

Investors can authenticate UPI IDs either by scanning a QR code or by manually entering the UPI ID. For bank verification, they can confirm the bank account number and Indian Financial System Code (IFSC) of a registered intermediary.

The core of this new framework is a mandatory, structured UPI address for intermediaries, composed of a user-friendly name followed by a unique handle. For instance, the username will be a readable name chosen by the intermediary, followed by a suffix that clearly indicates their categorysuch as brk for a stock broker or mf for a mutual fund.

A valid handle will include a unique and exclusive identifier, "@valid", combined with the name of the self-certified syndicate bank. These validated handles will be exclusively issued by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for fee collection by SEBI-registered intermediaries.

SEBI Check will be available to investors starting October 1, 2025.

SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said, "In recent years, unregistered entities have increasingly misled investors by collecting funds without authorization, often siphoning off the money for personal gain. This new framework is designed to proactively curb such fraudulent activities, allowing investors to easily identify legitimate SEBI-registered market intermediaries and make payments to them securely and efficiently."

To address cyber frauds, deepfakes, and impersonation, SEBI stated that this new tool will boost investor confidence by enabling them to verify whether an intermediary asking for funds is registered. The SEBI Chairman added, "This innovative mechanism is set to significantly improve the safety and accessibility of financial transactions in the securities market by providing a verified and secure payment channel."

He also mentioned that SEBI will collaborate with online app stores to ensure only validated apps for payment are displayed.
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.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the 242 people aboard Air India's Ahmedabad-London flight that crashed shortly after the take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport in Ahmedabad. The 241 people who died in the crash included Rupani. Former Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was on his way to London to meet his family but, like other passengers, he lost his life in this plane crash. Sadly, Vijay Rupani's lucky number couldn't save his life.

Vijay Rupani Lucky Number 1206

Rupani had a penchant for 1206 number. Rupani's all vehicles had number 1206 on their numberplates. In the pictures, it can be seen that his scooter's number is 1206, and all of his cars also have the number 1206. Furthermore, the seat number he was sitting on today was also 12. Not only that, Rupani's boarding time was also 12:10 PM, but little did he know that this connection with the number 12 would prove unlucky for him. This is because Vijay Rupani became a victim of the crash on 12/06.

Second Gujarat CM To Die In Plane Crash

According to reports, Vijay Rupani had booked a Z-class ticket, which falls under the Business Class category. Vijay Rupani has joined the tragic list of chief ministers who have died in air accidents. This list, besides Rupani, includes former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Dorjee Khandu, who died in a helicopter crash in 2011, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), who died in a helicopter crash in 2009, and former Chief Minister of Gujarat Balwantrai Mehta, who died in a plane crash in 1965. Rupani is survived by his wife Anjali Rupani and two children  a son and a daughter.

BJP Leaders Mourn Rupani's Demise

Several Bharatiya Janata Party leaders mourned the death of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was onboard the London-bound Air India flight that crashed in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Thursday. In a post on X, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Vijay Rupani will be remembered as a grassroots leader who devoted his life to the development and welfare of his state.

"Tragic. Shocked at the demise of Shri. Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujaratsoft spoken, gentle and a committed leader. A big loss for BJP," said Nirmala Sitharaman.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "Shocked & saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Vijay Rupani ji, former CM of Gujarat, in the Ahmedabad plane crash along with other passengers. His service to the people of Gujarat will be remembered always."
Ahmedabad (Gujarat), New Delhi: The death toll from the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has climbed to 265, with police confirming that bodies, many burnt beyond recognition, have been brought to the citys Civil Hospital. Involving a London-bound Boeing 787, the crash is now being described as one of the deadliest air disasters in Indian aviation history.

Carrying 232 passengers and 10 crew members, the flight descended momentarily after taking off for London at 1:17 pm. Flight AI-171 had barely lifted off from Ahmedabads airport when disaster struck. Onboard were 242 people, 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese and one Canadian. Moments after takeoff, the aircraft lost altitude and slammed into a section of the BJ Medical College and Hospital, a busy area that was full of students, patients and families. The collision caused even more devastation on the ground. Twenty three people on ground are dead apart from those onboard.

Among the deceased is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, while one lone survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, has been found. Ramesh is a British national of Indian origin who was seated in 11A.

The plane took off at 2:38 PM from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and crashed barely five minutes later, plummeting into the residential quarters near BJ Medical College. The blast impact gutted entire hostel blocks, trapping dozens under debris. Four MBBS students have died and 19 others are injured  five critically. A doctors wife and multiple family members of hospital staff are also feared dead.

Locals who witnessed the crash say the aircraft nosedived with terrifying speed, trailing black smoke. There was a thunder-like boom, and then fire everywhere, said Santosh Patel, a shopkeeper near the site. Residents rushed in with fire extinguishers and water buckets before official teams could arrive.

The black box from the rear of the aircraft has been recovered. Search is still on for the second flight recorder, crucial for understanding what exactly went wrong in those final minutes. Officials from the US National Transport Safety Board are en route to assist Indias Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

Air India has confirmed that 242 people were aboard. Shockwaves have rippled across diplomatic circles, with world leaders expressing grief. US President Donald Trump called it one of the worst aviation tragedies ever and pledged all necessary assistance.

Two young cabin crew members from Manipur, Kongrabailatpam Nganthoi Sharma and Lamnunthem Singson, have also been confirmed dead. They were full of life and proud of their work, said former Manipur CM N Biren Singh in a social media post.

Among the confirmed victims is travel influencer Roshni Songhare, whose Instagram page had recently chronicled her journey across India and Europe. Maharashtra MLA Ravindra Chavan said her death is a loss to the young generation of aspiring explorers.

Emergency hotlines have been set up:

1. Ministry of Civil Aviation: 011-24610843 | 9650391859

2. Air India Helpline: 1800 5691 444

3. Ahmedabad Police: 079-25620359

Rescue teams continue to comb through the smoldering wreckage. For many families, the wait for a call, or a body, continues in painful silence. As investigators sift through evidence, India mourns what may be its darkest day in commercial aviation.
Ahmedabad Air India Plane Crash: Tata Group will offer Rs 1 crore in financial assistance to the families of each individual who lost their life in this tragic incident, according to the companys chairman, N. Chandrasekaran, on Thursday. The company will also cover the medical expenses of those injured, ensuring they receive the necessary treatment and support. Moreover, the Tata Group will provide support for the construction of B J Medical College's hostel.

Tata Sons chairman N. Chandrasekaran further said, "No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured".

We are deeply anguished by the tragic event involving Air India Flight 171.



No words can adequately express the grief we feel at this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones, and with those who have been injured.



Tata Group will  Tata Group (@TataCompanies) June 12, 2025

In a tragic incident, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft crashed in Ahmedabad's Meghani Nagar area on Thursday afternoon, prompting a massive emergency response. According to a statement shared by Air India on X (formerly Twitter), the flight had departed from Ahmedabad at 13:38 hrs with 242 passengers and crew members on board. Among the total passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals, and 1 Canadian national.

A dedicated passenger helpline has been activated at 1800 5691 444 for more information. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, widely used for long-haul international flights and considered a modern and efficient aircraft, has had a history of safety concerns.

According to information, the DGCA officials are on site collecting flight data, voice recordings, and witness accounts as part of the investigation. Sources said that Boeing representatives and officials are also expected to assist the ground staff.

This is one of the most serious aviation incidents in India in recent years involving a wide-body aircraft. Boeing aircraft have been involved in multiple crashes over the years. The most recent was a Jeju Air flight in South Korea, which crashed in late December 2024 during a landing attempt, resulting in the loss of 179 lives. That aircraft was a Boeing 737-800.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister and the Police Commissioner regarding the Ahmedabad plane crash and assured them of providing Central government assistance, as reported by ANI.

The accident took place in the highly populated Meghani Nagar locality close to the airport shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday.

"Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from (Ahmedabad to Gatwick) has crashed immediately after take off from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar," ANI quoted Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as saying

Meanwhile, three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel, have been moved from Gandhinagar to the plane crash site for rescue and relief operations.

"Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel, have been moved from Gandhinagar to the plane crash site. A total of three more teams are being moved from Vadodara," ANI quoted NDRF as saying.

Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has expressed shock over the incident and assured that all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site.

Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad.



We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.



Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all  Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 12, 2025

"Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site," Minister of Civil Aviation said on X.

Rammohan Naidu, who was in Vijayawada, has rushed to Ahmedabad immediately upon receiving news of the flight crash. He is in constant contact with senior officials from DGCA, AAI, NDRF, and the Gujarat State administration to ensure swift, coordinated response and support, ANI quoted Office of Rammohan Naidu as saying.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu and taken stock of the incident.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, and took stock of the Air India flight crash incident in Ahmedabad. The Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground. The Prime Minister has directed the Minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation. All relevant agencies are on high alert, and coordinated efforts are underway," ANI quoted Office of Rammohan Naidu as saying.

As per sources cited by ANI, Prime Minister Modi has spoken to Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and asked them to go to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected in the wake of the air mishap.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has taken cognisance of the incident and has instructed the officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing.

         .                     .



       Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) June 12, 2025

"I am deeply saddened by the incident of Air India passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. I have instructed the officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing. I have also instructed to arrange for a green corridor to take the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all arrangements for treatment in the hospital on priority basis. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to me and assured full cooperation," ANI quoted Gujarat CM as saying.

(With ANI inputs)
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The world has come together to express grief on the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, near the Ahmedabad airport. The flight, bound for London's Gatwick airport, was carrying over 240 passengers, including 169 Indians and 53 British nationals, when it crashed shortly after takeoff.

Leaders from across the globe have extended their condolences to the people affected by the tragic incident. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims.

"Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. Kindly convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and near ones of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe," said Putin

The UK government has also been quick to respond to the incident. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed shock and grief after the Air India flight crashed, stating that the scenes emerging from the crash site were "devastating."

"The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating. I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time," Starmer posted on X.

The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating.



I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time.  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 12, 2025

The British Defence Secretary, David Lammy, also expressed grief and offered condolences to those affected, while the UK Conservative Party MP Priti Patel urged the UK government to work with the Indian authorities to support the affected British families.

Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support, Lammy posted on X.

Deeply saddened by news of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India.



My thoughts are with all those affected. The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support.  David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 12, 2025

Former Prime Minister of the UK took to his social media and wrote, "Akshata and I are deeply shocked and distressed by the news of the Air India tragedy. There is a unique bond between our two nations, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the British and Indian families who have lost loved ones today."

Akshata and I are deeply shocked and distressed by the news of the Air India tragedy.



There is a unique bond between our two nations and our thoughts and prayers go out to the British and Indian families who have lost loved ones today.  Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 12, 2025

Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, wrote, "Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. On behalf of the Italian Government and myself, I express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and our full solidarity with the Indian people in this moment of great sorrow."

Profondamente addolorata per il tragico disastro aereo avvenuto ad Ahmedabad. A nome del Governo italiano e mio personale, esprimo le piu sincere condoglianze alle famiglie delle vittime e la nostra piena solidarieta al popolo indiano in questo momento di grande dolore.  Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) June 12, 2025

Emmanuel Macron, President of France wrote, "We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims loved ones and to Prime Minister Modi."

We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi.  Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 12, 2025

The President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, also expressed grief and extended solidarity with the Government and people of India. I express profound sadness at the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad. At this difficult time, the government and people of the Maldives stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of India, Muizzu posted on X.

I express profound sadness at the tragic crash of @airindia flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad.



At this difficult time, the government and people of #Maldives stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of India.  Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) June 12, 2025

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union, expressed shock over the "heartbreaking news" from India and offered her deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving the terrible loss. "My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss. We share your pain. Dear Narendra Modi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow," she said.

Heartbreaking news from India with the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad.



My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss.



We share your pain. Dear @narendramodi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of https://t.co/jWdKEmGGW1  Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 12, 2025

The Maldives Foreign Minister, Abdulla Khaleel, and the Foreign Minister of Israel, Gideon Sa'ar, also offered condolences on the tragic plane crash, extending their thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones affected.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic crash of an Air India flight. I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating incident. Our thoughts are with the injured and all those impacted, including the emergency responders working tirelessly at the scene," Khaleel posted on X.

"Deeply saddened to hear about the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. Our hearts are with the Indian people following this terrible incident," Sa'ar posted on X.

The Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, extended solidarity with all those affected in the tragic plane crash, while the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Azerbaijan offered deepest condolences to the people affected in the accident and prayed for their recovery. The US Charge d'Affaires in India, Jorgan Andrews, expressed sadness and offered thoughts to families affected by the horrific tragedy on behalf of the US Mission in India.

"Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Our hearts go out to the passengers and their families. We stand in solidarity with all those affected in this difficult time," Xu Feihong posted on X.

Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad.

Our hearts go out to the passengers and their families.

We stand in solidarity with all those affected in this difficult time.  Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) June 12, 2025

British Conservative Party MP Priti Patel urged the UK government to work with the Indian authorities to support the affected British families.

"My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the plane crash at Ahmedabad and with the emergency services at the scene. This will be a worrying time for the families of those on board. As further information comes forward, the Government needs to ensure it is working with Indian authorities to support British families affected," said Patel.

The international community has come together to show solidarity with the people affected by the tragic incident. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered his deepest condolences on the tragic accident, while global leaders have expressed their shock and grief over the loss of lives.

"Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the entire people of India on this tragic day. Our thoughts are with all victims relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. We share your shock and grief on this tragic day. We all pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and wish a speedy recovery to those injured," Zelensky posted on X.

Horrible news of a passenger plane crash in India. My deepest condolences to Prime Minister @narendramodi and the entire people of India on this tragic day. Our thoughts are with all victims relatives and close ones in India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. We share your shock and  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) June 12, 2025

The outpouring of condolences and support from leaders around the world is a testament to the global community's commitment to standing together in times of tragedy. As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, the world waits with bated breath for news of any developments.

The Air India flight AI-171 crash has left many families in shock and grief. The Indian government, along with the international community, is working to provide support to the affected families. The global leaders have expressed their commitment to standing with the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.
NEW DELHI/AHMEDABAD: The crash of Air India plane near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday was the second such major tragedy in the city since 1988, with both incidents linked to runway 23. As many as 133 people out of 139 on board were killed on October 19, 1988, when Indian Airlines Flight 113 from Mumbai to Ahmedabad crashed while approaching the airports runway 23. Before crashing, the flight to London on Thursday had also taken off from runway 23.

Findings of a probe into the 1988 incident attributed it to pilots error linked to descending below the minimum altitude of 500 feet or 150 metre. There were reports that the two pilots had problems sighting the runway and lost track of their altitude in their efforts to approach the airport that lacked approach lights or visual approach slope indicator (VASI).

While the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials are still to arrive at a conclusion on the cause of Thursdays crash, court of inquiry into the 1988 crash had concluded that the aircraft hit trees and high-tension electricity tower close to Chiloda Kotarpur Village.

The plane crashed near Noble Nagar Housing Society, about 2.5 km from the approach end of runway due to the pilots attempting to land without any clearance from the Air Traffic Control, it said. The plane crash in 1988 resulted in the death of Professor Labdhi Bhandari from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.

All six crew members, including two pilots, and 129 passengers, including 5 children, perished in the Ahmedabad crash in 1988. An inquiry panel had confirmed pilots' poor judgement due to non-adherence to laid down procedure, under poor visibility conditions. In a suit filed by victims kin, an Ahmedabad court had said that the degree of negligence on the part of the pilot-in-command and the co-pilot of the Indian Airlines was so high that the same amounted to recklessness on their part as contemplated by the Carriage by Air Act, 1972.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: In a bizarre coincidence, two British nationals, who were likely among the passengers on the ill-fated Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad, unknowingly recorded former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani at the airport before boarding the flight.

The footage, which has now gained significant attention, shows Rupani at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad. The two Brits, one of whom is a London-based yoga enthusiast, Jamie Meek, were at the airport to board the same flight that ultimately met with the tragic accident.

Two British nationals waiting to board the plane were seen joking and smiling in what would become their final video.



In a story posted to their wellness page, Wellness Foundry, founders Jamie Ray Meek and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek appeared in good spirits as they waited to board pic.twitter.com/UcQaTEWs3O  Mrs. SpaceX (@anuibi) June 12, 2025

In a post on Instagram on Wednesday night, Jamie Meek recalled the "magical experience" that he shared with his partner, Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, and rued that it was their "last night in India".

On Thursday morning, Jamie posted another video minutes before he boarded his flight to England from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. "Goodbye India...," he said.

It is not clear if the two individuals were among the survivors or the victims of the crash. However, their footage of Rupani has emerged as a strange and unexpected twist in the story of the ill-fated flight.

The Ahmedabad plane crash has sent shockwaves across the nation, with 242 people on board the Air India flight AI171 that was bound for London's Gatwick airport. The cause of the crash is still unknown, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the factors that led to the tragic accident. There were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese nationals.

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani was among the victims. Of the 242 people aboard the flight, only one passenger survived the crash miraculously.

The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has formally offered assistance to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, India. The UK AAIB will have expert status in the Indian safety investigation. This is in accordance with ICAO Annexe 13 because UK citizens were on board the aircraft. We are deploying a multidisciplinary investigation team to India to support the Indian led investigation.

Also Read: Air India Ahmedabad-London Plane Crash: 10 Points To Know

The flight was being flown by Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The official added that the copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi arrived at the site to take stock of the situation.

The emergence of this footage has added a new layer of complexity to the story of the crash, highlighting the strange and often unpredictable nature of fate. As the investigation into the crash continues, the nation remains in mourning, paying tribute to the lives lost in the tragic incident.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London met with an accident shortly after taking off on Thursday afternoon. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft had a total of 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Pilot-in-command Sumit Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kundar were flying the plane. The accident occurred in the residential area of Meghani Nagar, and several casualties are feared.

Visuals of Air India crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Over 200 were on board, including British, Portugal nationals. pic.twitter.com/FWFiKSr8ZL June 12, 2025

In such aviation accidents, a word often makes headlines - "Mayday". This word is spoken by the pilot when the aircraft is in a state of great danger. But what exactly is Mayday? What does it mean, and where did it come from? Let's find out.

What is Mayday?

Mayday is an emergency call made by a pilot to Air Traffic Control (ATC) in situations such as:

- Technical malfunction in the aircraft

- Engine failure

- Fire on board

- Cabin pressure loss

- Landing gear or navigation system failure

- Crash landing

The word is spoken three times consecutively over the radio - "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" so that the recipient clearly understands the gravity of the situation and immediate help is required.

Origin of Mayday

The term Mayday has its roots in France. In the 1920s, French aviation radio officer Frederick Stanley Mockford proposed this word as an emergency signal. At that time, air traffic between London and Paris had increased significantly, and the French word "m'aider", meaning "help me", inspired the adoption of Mayday. Later, it became part of international aviation communication and was recognized as the official emergency call signal by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

When is Mayday used?

A pilot sends a Mayday signal to ATC when they believe there is a serious threat to the safety of the aircraft, its passengers, or crew due to technical malfunction, fuel shortage, engine failure, fire, or collision risk. This call immediately alerts ATC and other aircraft in the vicinity, enabling prompt rescue and assistance.

DGCA Launches Investigation

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has sent its team to the crash site to probe into the mishap. "On June 12, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, in the course of operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff. There were 242 individuals aboard, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew," said a senior DGCA official.

The aircraft was being flown by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 flying hours, and was being helped by First Officer Clive Kundar with 1,100 flying hours of experience. The DGCA is investigating the reasons for the crash, and rescue services are reaching the spot. More information is to follow.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: A devastating plane crash occurred near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon, June 12, when Air India flight AI 171, bound for London, went down with 242 people on board. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM, crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar, resulting in feared casualties.

The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumit Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar, as stated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Captain Sumit Sabharwal was a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience.

Who is Clive Kundar, co-pilot of the plane?

Clive Kundar, a resident of Mumbai with roots in Mangaluru, was the First Officer on board Air India flight AI 171, which tragically crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12. With 1,100 hours of flying experience, Clive was assisting Captain Sumit Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with over 8,200 flying hours.

Clive had attended Paris Air Inc. and was part of the crew that took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 1:38 PM. Unfortunately, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar just five minutes into the flight, resulting in a catastrophic accident.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has deployed a team, including the Director of Airworthiness, Assistant Director of Airworthiness, and a Flight Operations Inspector who were already in Ahmedabad, to investigate the incident.

Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are working at the plane crash site in Ahmedabad. A total of three more teams are being moved from Vadodara: NDRF.

Western Railways said, "In response to the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, the Disaster Management Team of Western Railway is actively extending full support in relief and rescue operations at the site, while maintaining close coordination with the State. WR Medical Team and RPF personnel have also already been deployed to assist in rescue operations. Additionally, Western Railway will operate extra trains from Ahmedabad based on demand. As of now, one train for Mumbai and one train for Delhi are being planned from Ahmedabad."

The crash has sent shockwaves across the nation, and the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed. The DGCA team will work to identify the factors that led to the tragic incident and implement measures to prevent such accidents in the future.

The rescue efforts are being carried out with utmost urgency, and the local authorities are working closely with the NDRF and other agencies to ensure that the situation is brought under control. As the investigation begins, the focus will be on determining the cause of the crash and taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals were on board the Air India flight that crashed after take-off in Ahmedabad on Thursday, Air India said.

Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals, Air India said on X.

The accident took place in the highly populated Meghani Nagar locality close to the airport shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the incident and is on his way to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, and took stock of the Air India flight crash incident in Ahmedabad. The Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground. The Prime Minister has directed the Minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation. All relevant agencies are on high alert, and coordinated efforts are underway," ANI quoted Office of Rammohan Naidu as saying.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister and the Police Commissioner regarding the Ahmedabad plane crash and assured them of providing Central government assistance, as reported by ANI.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has instructed the officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers on a war footing.

Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel, have been moved from Gandhinagar to the plane crash site for rescue and relief operations.
An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to over six years in prison for his involvement in a nearly $2 million scheme to defraud senior citizens by using call centres abroad.

Giving him the 75-month sentence on Wednesday, Federal Judge William Jung also ordered Pranav Patel to forfeit $1.79 million that was collected from seniors in Florida and elsewhere.

According to court documents, Patel worked as a "money mule" -- collecting money or gold from victims -- and was convicted of money laundering, which he admitted to, in December.

"Preying on vulnerable, unsuspecting elderly victims to rob them of their hard-earned money is despicable," Secret Service Special Agent Robert Engel said after the sentencing in the federal court in Tampa, Florida.

"Even worse, the defendant's co-conspirators posed as government agents to defraud victims of nearly $2 million, threatening them with arrest if they didn't follow their demands," he said.

Patel was busted when he went to a house to collect what he thought was a box of gold.

Law enforcement officials, who had him under surveillance, arrested him immediately after he picked up the package.

According to court papers, his co-conspirators operating from call centres abroad fraudulently identified themselves as officers from the Treasury Department or other agencies and told the victims that there were "warrants for their arrest".

They were told that they had to pay them to avoid arrest, the documents said.

Sometimes, they also told victims that they had to give their money and gold to the "officers" for safekeeping, according to the documents.

Patel, 33, who lived in New Jersey, drove down to Florida and elsewhere on the East Coast to collect money and gold from seniors who had been threatened by people from the call centres.

One of his victims told the court that because of the scam, he could not pay his mortgage and had to sell his house.
Kerala Lottery Results Thursday 12-06-2025 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "Karunya KN-576" Lucky Draw Result today Karunya KN-576, June 12, 2025. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2025 for "Karunya KN-576" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Karunya KN-576 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 1 Crore. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Karunya KN-576 results today.

Kerala Lottery Result 12-06-2025 June: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA PLUS KN-576 Draw

LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 1 Crore IS: PS 782804

LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 50 LAKHS IS: PO 240923

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 5 LAKHS ARE: PP 347713



LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 5000 ARE: PN 782804 PO 782804 PP 782804 PR 782804 PT 782804 PU 782804 PV 782804 PW 782804 PX 782804 PY 782804 PZ 782804

(For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below)

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0043 0201 0203 0374 1285 1534 2402 3124 3362 3562 3742 4190 4851 5264 5905 7296 7323 7500 9083 9822

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 1000 ARE: 1109 2774 4564 5628 8537 9109

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0188 0534 0718 0815 0816 1322 1968 2063 2422 2800 3065 3379 3879 4453 4693 4822 4840 4873 5018 6726 7020 7052 7238 7679 7714 8204 8560 9291 9544 9710

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0065 0187 0451 0560 0646 1033 1114 1247 1360 1774 1778 1781 1943 1978 2134 2193 2347 2645 2687 2858 2966 3393 3631 3756 3898 3916 4229 4402 4480 4594 4792 4815 4858 5110 5144 5156 5243 5458 5514 5624 5778 5784 5896 5941 5978 6119 6356 6404 6779 6941 7217 7328 7543 7558 7641 7674 7716 7867 8049 8238 8315 8451 8508 8510 8519 8692 8735 8838 8851 8940 9226 9255 9447 9551 9654 9984

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 8TH PRIZE OF RS 50 ARE: To Be Announced

KERALA LOTTERY RESULT TODAY 12-06-2025 June: KARUNYA PLUS KN-576 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS

1st Prize: Rs 80 Lakhs

2nd Prize: Rs. 10 lakhs

3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh

4th Prize: Rs. 5,000

5th Prize: Rs. 1,000

6th Prize: Rs. 500

7th Prize: Rs. 100

Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000

(NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.)
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday that it is closely monitoring the situation in Los Angeles and noted that it remains in close touch with the community members. The remarks were made by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal during the media briefing.

Answering a query on the situation in Los Angeles, Randhir Jaiswal said, "On the situation in Los Angeles, we are aware of the developments and as you are aware, we take the safety, security, welfare of our citizens abroad with utmost seriousness."

Highlighting that a large number of Indian community members stay in that area, Jaiswal said, "The LA region and California in general it is home to a large community of Indians. We advise all Indian Nationals in the region to take suitable safety precautions. Our Consulate in San Francisco is closely monitoring the situation and remains in close touch with our community members for their welfare".

According to CNN, downtown Los Angeles is now under curfew for a second night as protests continue for a sixth day. It reported that similar protests are now taking place in several places in the US including in New York, Seattle, Chicago, Austin, Las Vegas and Washington, DC.

The protests erupted after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted raids across the city, arresting dozens of undocumented immigrants. In response, Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to restore order during the demonstrations.

"A once great American City, Los Angeles, has been invaded and occupied by Illegal Aliens and Criminals. Now, violent, insurrectionist mobs are swarming and attacking our Federal Agents to try and stop our deportation operations, but these lawless riots only strengthen our resolve," US President Donald Trump previously wrote on his Truth Social account.
Mumbai Police stopped an autorickshaw driver's innovative locker service within the vicinity of the US Consulate in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) of Mumbai, which gained notoriety for purportedly making him Rs 5-8 lakh a month, on account of security and licensing breaches, officials said on Wednesday.

Viral Claim Causes Fuss

The driver became famous after VenueMonk co-founder Rahul Rupani put his tale on LinkedIn last week. Rupani recounted leaving his bag with the driver for Rs 1,000 during a visa appointment, as bags are prohibited inside the consulate. "Sir, bag de do. Safe rakhunga, mera roz ka hai," the driver reportedly said. Rupani's post, praising the driver's "brilliant business" model, claimed he earned Rs 5-8 lakh monthly by safeguarding belongings for consulate visitors. The tale, which was hailed as "pure Indian jugaad" by billionaire Harsh Goenka, drew thousands of views on X and LinkedIn before being debunked.

Police Crackdown

Mumbai Police called in the driver and 12 others who were providing similar unauthorized locker services around the consulate. A senior police officer at BKC police station informed the Hindustan Times that parking is not allowed in the high-security area and auto drivers are only allowed to drop passengers. "The driver has a permit to carry passengers, not operate a locker facility," the officer said, pointing out keeping things in surrounding stores raised security concerns, such as lost items activating alarms.

The police inquiry established the drivers did not have any legal sanction to conduct such services. "We spoke to him about it, and he has stopped offering lockers now," the authorities informed the Free Press Journal. The inflated Rs 5-8 lakh income claim was also rejected as unsubstantiated, with the police establishing the real income to be much less.

Security And Compliance Issues

The strict no-bag policy of the US Consulate has generated demand for such services, but officials stressed that unregulated activity in the vicinity of a sensitive installation cannot be allowed. The clampdown has generated controversy on X, with users such as @MumbaiMatters commending the driver's creativity but concurring with the necessity for regulation. Others, such as @BKCResident, felt relieved, referring to safety in the congested area.

What's Next?

The shutdown highlighted the tension between entrepreneurial innovation and security protocols in Mumbai's high-stakes zones. The driver has ceased the service, and police are monitoring the area to prevent similar operations. As the story fades from viral fame, it underscored the challenges of informal businesses navigating legal and safety frameworks in urban India.
SHILLONG: In a sensational revelation on Thursday, East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem narrated the entire sequence of events leading to the cold-blooded murder of Raja Raghuwanshi, terming it a pre-planned conspiracy orchestrated by Raj Kushwaha, lover of the victims wife Sonam Raghuwanshi. Speaking to media persons, SP Syiem dismissed the angle of a contract killing and instead described it as a crime committed by friends as a favour to Raj.

Raj is the mastermind behind Rajas murder, Syiem stated. He hatched the plot, and SonamRajas wifesupported him throughout. According to police, Raj had planned to make Sonam disappear in February this year. The first plan was to drown her in a river. The second plan involved arranging a womans dead body and burning it along with Sonams scooty, so that everyone would believe Sonam had died. However, both these plans failed.

On May 11, Sonam married Raja Raghuwanshi. Days later, the couple visited the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati. Meanwhile, Rajs three friends -- Vishal, Anand, and Akash, one of whom is Rajs cousin -- had already arrived in Guwahati on May 19. The trio initially planned to kill Raja in Guwahati, but that attempt also failed. Eventually, Sonam herself suggested shifting the plan to Sohra (Cherrapunji), where the group reconvened.

According to Syiem, all accused met in a parking lot in Sohra. There, the three men murdered Raja and threw his body into a gorge. Sonam was present during the killing.

Timeline of Events:

Around 2:18 PM, all accused fled the crime scene.

Sonam handed her raincoat to Akash to help cover bloodstains on his shirt.

Sonam then rode a scooty out from the scene, later discarding the raincoat at AV Point.

After that, Akash began riding the scooty with Sonam riding pillion.

The rented scooty, booked earlier by Raja, was later dumped by Anand near the Sohra border.

The police investigation revealed that blood stains were found on Akashs shirt. After discarding the raincoat, Sonam used a taxi from the local stand. She wore a burqa that had been arranged and delivered by Vishal through Raj.

Her escape trail spanned multiple states: from Guwahati to Siliguri by bus, then Patna, Ara, Lucknow, and finally to Indore by bus.

Once the group realised that police had identified them, Raj reportedly told Sonam to leave Indore. SP Syiem said Raj, in a panic, called Sonam and instructed her to contact her family and falsely claim she had escaped from kidnappers.

All five accused have now been arrested. Interrogations are ongoing, and the crime scene will be recreated soon, SP Syiem concluded.
A woman Constable was killed and two other on-duty officers were injured after being rammed by a speeding SUV in Patna during a late-night vehicle check, an official said.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday during a special night vehicle checking campaign on Atal Path near the Srikrishna Puri locality in Patna.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Avkash Kumar said that two individuals, including the SUV driver, have been arrested and the vehicle has been seized for further investigation, as reported by IANS.

SSP Avkash Kumar added that two suspects are currently being questioned, and a case of rash and negligent driving has been registered against them.

The incident took place when a police team signalled a speeding SUV to stop for a check. But, instead of stopping the vehicle, the driver rammed into three policemen present at the checkpoint. The collision was so strong that all three personnel were thrown in the air and fell several meters away.

A video of the incident, which is now in wide circulation on social media, shows one cop bleeding heavily with an injury to his head and the SUV coming to a stop with damage to its bonnet.

The injured policemen, Sub-Inspector Deepak Kumar, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Awadhesh Kumar and Constable Komal Kumari were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared Komal dead during treatment on Thursday morning, IANS reported.

The SUV driver and another youth named Ashok were also injured in the incident and were admitted to a nearby hospital along with the policemen.

The SSP assured that the matter is being thoroughly investigated and the vehicle is being thoroughly examined, as reported by IANS.

For the past few days, Patna Police has been conducting aggressive vehicle checking drives in the district to prevent criminal activities as well as road accidents.
NEW DELHI: Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney's forthcoming meeting will be an important opportunity for them to explore pathways to set or reset ties based on mutual respect, shared interests, and sensitivity to each other's concerns and exchange views on bilateral and global issues.

While addressing a weekly media briefing on Thursday, Jaiswal stated that PM Modi is travelling to Canada after he received an invitation from Carney. He said that the phone call was an opportunity to reflect on India-Canada ties. India and Canada, he said are vibrant democracies, which are bound by shared democratic values, a steadfast commitment to the rule of law and very vibrant people-to-people ties.

On PM Modi's upcoming visit to Canada for the G7 Summit, the MEA spokesperson said, "As you are aware, our Prime Minister had received a call from the Canadian Prime Minister last week. During the call, Prime Minister Carney had invited the Prime Minister to attend the G7. And as you are aware, the invitation has been accepted. It was also an occasion for the two Prime Ministers to talk about India or reflect on India-Canada relations and how do we take it forward."

"As you are aware, India, Canada are vibrant democracies which are bound by shared democratic values and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law and of course very vibrant people-to-people ties. We believe that the forthcoming meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis in Canada will offer an important opportunity for them to exchange views on bilateral and global issues and explore pathways to set or reset the relationship based on mutual respect, shared interests, and sensitivity to each other's concerns. Our views on some of these have already been shared publicly in considerable detail," he added.

When asked about Carney's statement in the Canadian readout about PM Modi agreeing to engage in law enforcement dialogue, Jaiswal responded, "I would say that there are existing mechanisms between Indian and Canadian law enforcement agencies that have discussed issues of mutual security concern over a period of time. This engagement is likely to continue."

On June 6, PM Modi received a call from Canadian Prime Minister Carney, who invited him to attend the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada later this month. In a post on X, PM Modi congratulated Carney on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation. PM Modi said he looks forward to meeting PM Carney later this month in Canada.

"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 on X.

The G7 Leaders' Summit will be held in Alberta's Kananaskis from June 15 to 17. The G7 Summit is an international forum held annually for the leaders of the G7 member states of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada and the European Union (EU). The development comes after a period of strained relations between the two countries, triggered by Canadian allegations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside gurdwara in Canada in 2023. India strongly denied the claims, and both nations expelled senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat escalation.

India has expressed concern about extremism and the culture of violence and anti-India activities in Canada and has asked Canadian authorities to take action against these activities.
West Bengal Police have arrested four people in connection with a clash between two groups over the opening of a shop in South 24 Parganas.

The clash took place in Rabindranagar in South 24 Parganas on Wednesday. Eight policemen, including a woman constable, were injured in the clash. The mob attacked the police when a team of officers reached the spot to deal with the situation.

They came in hundreds and were indiscriminately pelting stones and glass bottles. We were few in number. Many police personnel were injured. A brick hit my head, Hindustan Times quoted a lady police constable as saying.

Prohibitory orders were imposed under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS) following the incident.

Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS have been issued. A few police personnel, including an IPS officer, sustained injuries after a mob pelted stones and bricks. Police had to resort to lathi charge and fire tear gas shells to disperse the mob, Hindustan Times quoted a senior officer as saying.

Security has been heightened in the area after the incident. Meanwhile, police are conducting raids to arrest the person involved in the attack on police personnel.

The situation is now under control. Raids are going on to arrest those who attacked police personnel, Hindustan Times quoted an officer as saying.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) IT cell chief Amit Malviya has claimed that the violence in Rabindranagar erupted over an illegal attempt to build a shop in front of a Shiva temple in the area.

In Ward No. 7 of Maheshtala Municipality (Metiabruz Assembly), an illegal attempt was made to construct shops right in front of a Shiv temple near Rabindranagar Police Station. When local Hindu residents objected and built a small Tulsi Mandir instead, mobs launched violent attacks on Hindu homes and temples, Malviya said on X.

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim condemned the incident, saying violence will not be tolerated and said strict action will be taken against the culprits behind the incident.

Violence wont be tolerated. Police are doing their job. People of all religions live here peacefully. I am not bothered by what the BJP is saying. They incite communal violence. Strict actions will be taken against those who take law in their own hands, Hindustan Times quoted Hakim as saying.

West Bengal Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said his party will hold a protest in the ongoing assembly session on Thursday over the incident.
Social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, popularly known as 'Kamal Kaur Bhabhi,' was found dead inside a parked car at Adesh Hospital in Bhucho, Bathinda, on Wednesday evening, June 11, 2025, with police suspecting murder, authorities confirmed on Thursday.

Discovery Of The Body

The influencer's body, aged 30, was found inside the back seat of a deserted car after hospital staff complained about a stench, the Bathinda police said. Superintendent of Police (City) Narinder Singh informed, "Due to advanced decomposition, injury marks are not yet identifiable. The body has been sent to Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Civil Hospital for a post-mortem to determine the cause of death."

#WATCH | Punjab | Body of Ludhiana-based social media influencer, Kanchan Kumari, alias Kamal Kaur, found in her own car, in Bathinda.



SP Bathinda, Narinder Singh says, "Yesterday evening, we received a call that a car was parked in Adesh Hospital and some foul smell was coming pic.twitter.com/KPzOKNVwkV  ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2025

Who Was Kamal Kaur?

Kanchan, a resident of Lachman Colony in Ludhiana, had a verified Instagram account with 383,000 followers and 1,351 posts, and was active across multiple social media platforms. Months earlier, she faced public criticism from an overseas-based gangster for allegedly using objectionable language in her content, police sources revealed to The Tribune.

Investigation Underway

SP Singh added that Kanchan departed Ludhiana on June 9 to attend a promotional show in Bathinda and then lost contact with her family. "The family of the victim has been alerted and further legal action will be taken based on their affidavits," he said in a press conference. Investigators believe that she was killed somewhere else and then her body was thrown into the car. "Preliminary indications go in the direction of foul play," a police officer told ANI.

Public And Social Media Response

The news has created shockwaves among Kanchan's online public, with X users such as @PunjabPulse mourning and calling for justice. "Death of Kamal Kaur Bhabhi is tragic. Police need to work speedily," was one of the posts. The news has brought back into focus issues of the safety of social media influencers, particularly women, in light of online threats.

Subsequent Steps

Police are waiting for the post-mortem report to ascertain the cause of death and are also checking CCTV footage around the hospital to track the movement of the vehicle. The probe is also investigating Kanchan's recent activity and any connection with the gangster's threat. While Bathinda weeps for the loss of a public figure online, authorities have promised a proper investigation into suspected murder.
Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Shillong (Meghalaya): What was supposed to be a picture-perfect honeymoon in the hills of Meghalaya turned into a premeditated murder plot so cold-blooded, it has left the country stunned. Eleven days after tying the knot, 29-year-old transport businessman Raja Raghuwanshi was found dead in a forest gorge near Shillong. His newlywed wife, Sonam Raghuwanshi, is now in custody as the prime suspect who allegedly orchestrated his killing with clinical precision.

As layers of this twisted tale unravel, here are eight questions that piece together what really happened  from the conspiracy to the cover-up and the bizarre surrender that has raised even more eyebrows.

1. Why did Sonam want her husband killed?

Behind the carefully staged wedding and social media smiles was a messy love triangle. Sonam, a 24-year-old HR executive from Indore in Madhya Pradesh, was allegedly in a long-standing relationship with Raj Kushwaha, a former employee of her fathers company. Despite the arranged marriage to Raja, Sonam reportedly told Raj she would remove Raja from the picture so they could be together.

Even before the wedding, Raja had sensed something was wrong. According to his mother, he had doubts after Sonam avoided meeting him and even considered calling the wedding off. But the marriage went ahead on May 11, 2025. Eleven days later, Raja was dead.

2. How did Sonam plan the murder?

Shortly after the wedding, Sonam returned to her parental home and connected with Raj, who allegedly introduced her to three of his friends  Akash Rajput, Vishal Chauhan and Anand Kurmi. Together, they hatched a plan.

Sonam bought two new SIM cards, one of which was passed on to Vishal. She handed over Rs 50,000 against cash allegedly to fund the operation. On May 20, Raj and the three men reached the railway station, but Raj himself never boarded the train. Instead, he gave the SIM card to Vishal and allegedly sent the trio to execute the plan.

By May 23, Sonam and Raja had reached Shillong for their honeymoon. Under the pretext of a photo shoot, Sonam allegedly led Raja into the forested Korsha Hills. There, the hired men allegedly ambushed him. Vishal is said to have made the first strike. The group then allegedly dumped Rajas body into a ravine and walked away as if nothing had happened.

3. What clues led the police to Sonam and her co-conspirators?

It was the small details that cracked the case:

The fasting lie: Sonam allegedly told her mother-in-law that she was fasting on May 23, but the guesthouse owner saw her enjoying a full meal alone.

No honeymoon photos: Despite being on a romantic trip, not one picture of the couple appeared online. Only one post surfaced that day  a cryptic caption: Together for seven lifetimes.

The blood soaked jacket: A red-and-blue jacket worn by Sonam in CCTV footage was later recovered from the forest, stained with blood.

Murder weapon: A hatchet-like blade, unusual for local use, was allegedly found near the crime scene. The police suspected outsider involvement.

The guides tip-off: A local guide reportedly confirmed seeing Sonam and Raja with three other men speaking Hindi  a clue that led the police to the suspects.

4. Why didnt Raj go to Shillong himself?

There are two possibilities, say investigators. Either Raj wanted to keep his hands clean and avoid suspicion. He even attended Rajas funeral in Indore. Or he had a last-minute change of heart. His sister told the media that Raj cried uncontrollably after the cremation that suggests guilt.

5. How did Sonam travel all the way to Ghazipur after the murder?

After the crime, Sonam allegedly returned to Indore via Siliguri. She reportedly stayed with Raj at his rented flat. A few days later, a hired driver dropped her in Varanasi. From there, she took a bus to Ghazipur, where she called her brother  eventually leading to her arrest on June 9.

6. Why did she surrender at a roadside eatery in Ghazipur?

This move has baffled investigators and the public alike. Ghazipur happens to be where Raj Kushwahas family originally hailed from before moving to Indore. Was Sonam seeking refuge or simply staging a dramatic surrender? Locals claim she appeared calm and composed at the eatery, and one woman on the bus later told Rajas family that Sonam had pretended to be a helpless widow.

7. What was the couples plan after the murder?

Sonam allegedly wanted to spin the story as a robbery-gone-wrong. In Ghazipur, she told people that her husband was killed by robbers in Shillong, and she barely escaped with her life. In the police custody, she now claims she was kidnapped and drugged.

The police believe Sonam and Raj hoped her widow status would open the door for their eventual marriage, and even her strict father would then approve.

8. What happens next?

The Ghazipur court has granted the Meghalaya Police a 72-hour transit remand for Sonam and the three suspected hired killers. While the exact charges and the main accused designation are still under wraps, the police are gathering watertight evidence before presenting them in the Shillong court.

Meanwhile, Rajas family is not buying the widow act. She walked off that bus like she was going shopping, his brother said. The family may also demand a deeper probe, possibly an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Sonams family, on the other hand, insists she is innocent. They might move court for an independent inquiry.
New Delhi: Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, better known as Sidhu Moosewala was shot in broad daylight in Punjab's Mansa district on May 29, 2022. The horrific killing sent shockwaves across India and condolences poured in for the rapper. He was 28.

Canada-based gangster named Goldy Brar and a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility for the killing, which the police said was the culmination of an inter-gang rivalry. On 23 June 2022, his first posthumous single, "SYL", was released.

Almost three years later, in an interview with the BBC Eye, Satinderjit Singh or Goldy Brar as he is better known spoke about why he and his associates killed Sidhu Moose Wala.

Goldy Brar on Sidhu Moose Wala Killing

"In his arrogance, he (Moose Wala) made some mistakes that could not be forgiven," Brar told the BBC. "We had no option but to kill him. He had to face the consequences of his actions. It was either him or us. As simple as that."

"Lawrence was in touch with Sidhu [Moose Wala]. I don't know who introduced them, and I never asked. But they did speak. Sidhu used to send 'good morning' and 'good night' messages in an effort to flatter Lawrence, " Brar told the BBC.

Reason Behind Sidhu Moosewala and Bishnoi gang rivalry

Brar claimed that the tension began over a kabaddi tournament in Punjab. "That's a village our rivals come from. He was promoting our rivals. That's when Lawrence and others were upset with him. They threatened Sidhu and said they wouldn't spare him," Brar claimed.

According to the BBC report, tensions were defused through the intervention of Vicky Middukhera, an associate of Bishnoi's and an intermediary. But Middukhera was gunned down in Mohali in August 2021.

"Everyone knew Sidhu's role, the police investigating knew, even the journalists who were investigating knew. Sidhu mixed with politicians and people in power. He was using political power, money, and his resources to help our rivals. We wanted him to face punishment for what he'd done. He should have been booked. He should have been jailed. But nobody listened to our plea. So we took it upon ourselves. When decency falls on deaf ears, it's the gunshot that gets heard, Brar said.

He also sounded dismissive of India's legal system and said, "Law. Justice. There's no such thing. Only the powerful can... [obtain] justice, not ordinary people like us. I did what I had to do for my brother. I have no remorse whatsoever", Brar told the BBC.
Flight Attendant Brace Position: In the shocking incident, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner heading from Ahmedabad in Gujarat to London crashed shortly after take-off. Flight AI171 was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and 10 cabin crew members. As investigations begin into the cause of the incident, attention is also being drawn to the crucial safety protocols followed by cabin crew during such critical phases of flight.

Have you ever noticed a flight attendant sitting upright with their hands tucked under their thighs during takeoff or landing? It may look unusual, but this posture is part of a strict safety rule known as the "brace position." Since takeoff and landing are statistically the most dangerous parts of any flight, cabin crew adopt this position to minimize injury and stay prepared to act swiftly in case of an emergency.

At first glance, it might appear to be a nervous habit or a relaxed sitting style. However, this carefully trained posture plays a critical role in aviation safety, helping prevent serious injuries and enabling cabin crew to spring into action the moment the aircraft comes to a stop.

Why Brace Position Is Crucial?

The concept is straightforward but crucial: in emergency situations, loose limbs can become dangerous. By sitting on their hands with feet flat on the floor and backs upright, cabin crew prevent their arms from flailing during sudden movements, lowering the risk of fractures, dislocations, or head injuries.

This position isn't just for their own protection. Flight attendants must be ready to act immediately once the aircraft stops. Whether it's opening emergency exits, deploying slides, or helping passengers evacuate, their quick response can save lives.

In short, flight attendants are not just there to serve refreshmentsthey are highly trained safety professionals, constantly alert and prepared to respond in critical moments while keeping passengers calm and safe.

Whats Safest Position For Passengers While Flying?

An aviation safety expert emphasized that the safest position for passengers is to remain seated with their seat belt securely fastened. In the event of turbulence, travelers are advised to keep both feet flat on the floor and hold onto their seat or armrests for stability. Adding further, the advisory comes amid growing concerns over in-flight injuries caused by unexpected turbulence. Airlines are also urging passengers to comply with seatbelt signs, even when the ride seems smooth.
Air India Plane Crash: In a tragic incident, a London-bound Flight of Air India, AI171 with 242 people aboard, crashed near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. While casualties are feared, rescue operations are underway at the accident site. The plane reportedly crashed into a medical college hostel building and several medical students are also feared dead. The exact number of casualties is not known yet.

Air India shared key details about the plane and the passengers. "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals," said Air India.

Visuals from the site show a thick plume of grey smoke rising from the ground. At least two dozen ambulances were rushed to the spot for relief and containment efforts. Some of the injured have been rushed to the nearby hospital.

Air India Ahmedabad-London Flight Crash Reason

Civil Aviation expert JP Singh said that the visual of the flight in the air shows that no smoke was seen coming from the engines and there was no damage to the body. He said that the smoke and fire seen in the video was after the crash impact was made. He shared that the aircraft could have been carrying 100 tons of Aviation Turbine Fuel as it was a long flight.

Experts are investigating the crash of Flight AI 171, suggesting a possible loss of thrust or lift, or a bird strike, as contributing factors. They noted that the aircraft's engine appeared to lose thrust, and its landing gear remained extended at the time of the incident.

Since the pilot had issued a Mayday call, it's being said that there was no option to make a safe landing. The flight crashed shortly after takeoff and was at a height of 624 feet before plunging and crashing into a medical college mess building. The most likely reason as per experts is said to be the engine failure but the exact cause will be known only after the black box data is retrieved.
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, calling it a "heart-rending disaster" as they conveyed their condolences to the affected families and offered prayers for strength and recovery.

"I am deeply distressed to learn about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief", President Murmu posted on the social media platform X.

Vice President Dhankhar also posted his grief on X, saying: "The unfortunate incident in Ahmedabad has left us confronting a devastating human tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. In this moment of grief, the nation stands united in solidarity with them."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the incident, calling it a national tragedy.

"The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. I have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," he said on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended his condolences and assured that all necessary emergency response mechanisms had been activated.

"Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. I have spoken with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and the Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad, to assess the situation," Shah posted.

BJP National President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda termed the crash extremely tragic and said he had been in close contact with state leaders to monitor ongoing relief operations. I spoke with Gujarat BJP State President and Union Minister C.R. Paatil and Health Minister Rushikesh Patel to get updates on healthcare arrangements and relief efforts, Nadda said.

He urged BJP workers to assist on the ground, adding: "I appeal to all BJP workers to actively engage in relief and rescue operations and provide every possible assistance to the affected families. I pray for strength for the bereaved and a speedy recovery for the injured."

The crash occurred shortly after Air India Flight AI171 took off from Ahmedabads Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to Londons Gatwick Airport. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down near the Meghaninagar area, causing widespread panic among the residents.

Emergency teams immediately locked down surrounding roads to ensure unhindered rescue and medical operations. Search, recovery, and treatment efforts are currently ongoing.
New Delhi: Filmmaker Karan Johar, known for his eye for fresh and exciting pairings, is all praise for Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Pandays chemistry in the upcoming romantic entertainer Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. While the film has been under wraps, early glimpses from the shoot have already created quiet excitement  and Karans recent comments on Bollywood Hungama podcast have only added fuel to the anticipation.

Tu Meri Main Tera is hugely fun  its vibrant, emotional, and has all the makings of a blockbuster entertainer, Karan shared. And I have to say, Kartik and Ananya have terrific, terrific chemistry. From the dailies Ive seen, they look amazing together on screen. Im genuinely excited about this one.

ALSO READ: Let Bygones Be Bygones: Karan Johar On New Collab With Kartik Aaryan Post 'Fallout'

The film marks second collaboration between Kartik and Ananya, who were last seen together in Pati Patni Aur Woh. Their effortless camaraderie and screen compatibility had already won audiences over then, and it seems the duo is ready to recreate that magic with even more intensity and charm in this new outing.

As fans eagerly await the first look and trailer, one thing is certain  Kartik and Ananyas sizzling dynamic, backed by Karan Johars keen instinct, is set to deliver something truly special.

Kartik Aaryan's Upcoming Releases

Whats more exciting is his unmissable line-up of three big films, announced within just two months. First up is Anurag Basus untitled musical romance, followed by Nagzilla  a comedy-drama , and finally Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri under Dharma Productions.
Recently enacted state rules for day care facilities forbid licensed child care centers from enforcing universal vaccine mandates. The change has elicited frustration and even panic among some industry professionals and families in Montana who say it leaves them unable to ensure the health and wellbeing of young kids.

The rules require day care centers to open their doors to unvaccinated children whose parents have secured religious exemptions to otherwise mandatory shots that violate their faith beliefs.

I think I understand that the intent of this new rule is to provide freedom to families to choose care that aligns with their beliefs, said Katie Heckert, executive director of Missoula-based Clark Fork School. But Im concerned it limits options for families who prefer to enroll their kids in programs that do require vaccines.

Since 2022, religious exemptions have been allowed in child care centers, but providers have been able to choose whether to accept them. Medical exemptions  when a childs existing health condition means they cant receive certain vaccines  have long been permitted, though theyre rare.

But the new administrative rules package penned by the Department of Public Health and Human Services upended that when the 2025 legislative session concluded.

Licensed day care centers  defined in state code as facilities housed outside of a persons home with a capacity of 16 or more kids  are now required to accept religious and medical exemptions for enrolling children.

On the other hand, home-based programs that enroll fewer children at a time can choose whether to admit those who are unvaccinated for the same reasons. These providers can decide to exclude families with religious and medical exemptions to their vaccine policies  if they bar one, they must bar the other  or to accept both.

Already, providers are hearing from families who say they might remove their kids from day care rather than risk them contracting measles, for example.

I feel powerless and hopeless right now, said Andrea Buckingham, whose five-month-old son is enrolled at Birds Nest in Kalispell. It makes it to where we have to make really hard choices for our family that shouldnt have to be made, like who has to stop working in order to protect our kids.

DPHHS says the change is necessary to comply with laws from the 2021 legislative session that aim to protect religious freedom and prevent discrimination based on vaccine status.

Ultimately, the Department must meet the requirements of the law and balance the right to immunization exemptions with the health, safety, and welfare of children being served by Montanas child care providers, said DPHHS spokesperson Jon Ebelt in an email. We stand firm in our assessment that the promulgated child care rules strike the right balance.

The agency first tried to mandate licensed child care centers accept religious exemptions in 2022, but failed when lawmakers pushed back. It took another swing the next year as part of a 97-page rules package overhauling all kinds of child care regulations.

At the time, the mammoth proposal sparked controversy. On one hand, it was seen as key to paving the way for day cares and after-school programs to operate more sustainably; on the other, a number of child care providers and pediatric health advocates took issue with the vaccine provision.

Many children start day care before theyre old enough to get their shots, making them more vulnerable to the spread of preventable diseases like whooping cough, polio and measles if surrounded by unvaccinated classmates, they worried.

It feels like religious freedom is imposing on public health, Buckingham said. And, in my mind, public health has nothing to do with our freedoms.

There was no way for lawmakers on the Montana Legislatures Children, Families, Health and Human Services Interim Committee to remove the vaccine portion on their own. The committee could only lodge a formal objection that would prevent the package from being rolled out until after the following session  a route it chose.

Doing so gave the 2025 Legislature the opportunity to craft its own policy, but lawmakers largely shied away from giving DPHHS guidance on how to proceed.

The only attempt that got any traction was Senate Bill 382, sponsored by Great Falls GOP Sen. Daniel Emrich, which would have expanded exemptions even more. When the measure died and no other alternative followed, the rules package was left as the law of the land to the surprise of many child care providers.

Heckert said it was an absolute shock to see an email from DPHHS in her inbox only a few days after the 2025 Legislature concluded explaining how the new rules were going into effect.

Multiple child care providers said in interviews that they were under the impression the new rules package had gone by the wayside after not hearing much from the health department since the interim committees formal objection.

Corinne Kuntz, who owns the Birds Nest, said she found out the rules were still on the table a few months before, when her licensor mentioned it during a site visit.

Had she not mentioned something, it wouldnt have been shared with us in any way, shape or form, Kuntz said. It felt like a lets just keep this on the hush, hush and see if nobody notices.

DPHHS refutes this narrative. The department says there has been plenty of time to air concerns over the rules, calling the package nothing new at this point.

The immunization exemption requirements set forth in this rules package have been publicly debated for at least three years in multiple forums  from standing legislative committees to interim committees to written comments and public hearings associated with several rulemaking processes, Ebelt said. We are confident that child care providers, families, legislators and other stakeholders have had ample opportunity to offer feedback over several years.

These changes come as measles is showing up in Montana for the first time since 1990. The respiratory virus can be fatal for children, pregnant women or others with compromised immunity. There have been a total of 20 confirmed cases in the state.

Two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine are the best way to protect a person from contracting the virus and passing it along to others.

Licensed child care centers tend to be big enough to divide students by age, which the department has said should limit the mixing of unvaccinated infants with older kids who have exemptions. By comparison, home-based providers usually have children of all ages in one room, which is why theyve been given the option to pick their own exemption policy so long as they communicate it clearly.

Kuntz said any parent knows how quickly illnesses fly through schools and day cares, and a wall between classrooms wont keep germs from spreading.

Adrienne Kenison runs the Monarch Mountain Montessori School in Helena, and has already watched her two-year waitlist for infants wind down to nearly zero in the wake of the vaccine rules. She had to close one infant classroom because so many parents pulled their kids from the program.

Parents said they dont feel safe and their pediatrician recommended not attending a child care center due to outbreaks in Montana, Kenison said. As a parent myself, I do not blame them. I cannot guarantee infant safety.

Child care providers can apply for a waiver to licensure rules, and the Montana State News Bureau spoke to a handful of center owners who had sought permission to continue operating without accepting religious vaccine exemptions.

All of their applications were rejected. DPHHS confirmed it has not granted any waiver requests in regards to the immunization rule.

We are business owners, Kuntz said. Let the market do what the market does best and force us to set our policies.
New Delhi: Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor's ex-husband and industrialist Sunjay Kapur died following a heart attack. Several media reports suggest that the incident occurred while he was playing polo. Sunjay was currently married to Priya Sachdev. He was 53.

Actor and author Suhel Seth confirmed the death and extended his condolences in a post on X. He wrote: Deeply saddened at the passing of @sunjaykapur : he passed away earlier today in England: a terrible loss and deepest condolences to his family and to his colleagues @sonacomstar Om Shanti

Deeply saddened at the passing of @sunjaykapur : he passed away earlier today in England: a terrible loss and deepest condolences to his family and to his colleagues @sonacomstar Om Shanti  SUHEL SETH (@Suhelseth) June 12, 2025

Coincidentally, his last post on X (formerly known as Twitter) was on the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash. He tweeted: Terrible news of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected. May they find strength in this difficult hour. #planecrash

Terrible news of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected. May they find strength in this difficult hour. #planecrash  Sunjay Kapur (@sunjaykapur) June 12, 2025

Who Was Sunjay Kapur?

He headed Sona Comstar, a global auto components company based in Gurugram, and served as President of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). He also co-chaired the Manufacturing Council of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and sat on the board of The Doon School in Dehradun, where he studied, reports Harper Bazaar.

He completed his BBA at the University of Buckingham and later attended Harvard Business School's Owner-President Management Program.

Sunjay Kapur's Personal Life

Sunjay was first married to ace fashion designer Nandita Mahtani, after which he tied the knot with Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor in 2003. The couple divorced in 2016 after a long legal battle. They had two children: daughter Samaira and son Kiaan.

He then married Priya Sachdev, whom he met in New York, reportedly. Sunjay Kapur is survived by his wife Priya, his children, and extended family.
New Delhi: Manushi Chhillar is gearing up for her upcoming film, Maalik, a gritty gangster drama alongside Rajkummar Rao. Her latest social media post hint that the Miss World has left fans speculating that is she already been signed on for her next project?.

Manushi took to her Instagram and posted a mirror selfie from a dance rehearsal studio in Mumbai, which has gotten everyone talking. The actress was Dressed in an all-black outfit, she rocked a fitted crop top and relaxed cargo pants with crisp white sneakers, looking like she meant business. She further teaser her followers with a simple yet open-ended caption 'Sneak Peek', but the setting and her look suggest something bigger is brewing.

What is Manushi training for? Is this for a new music video? Or Is Manushi simply brushing up on her dancing skills? Or is this Manushi's hint about having on-boarded her next project? Only she can say!, comment section is filled with these speculation about her recent post.

Check Out Her Post Below:

Manushi has been slowly and steadily diversifying her acting repertoire with her careful selection of films. And it hasn't gone unnoticed by netizens, who have applauded her for not shying away from experimenting with roles. Testament to that fact is her role in Maalik with Rajkummar Rao, where she will be seen in a de-glam look sporting traditional Indian attire.

Apart from this gangster drama, Manushi will be next seen in her upcoming action movie 'Tehran' opposite John Abraham.

Maalik is all set to hit theatres on July 11, 2025.
iQOO Z10 Lite 5G India Launch: iQOO, the Chinese smartphone brand, has officially announced the launch date of its next-generation iQOO Z10 Lite smartphone in India. The device is scheduled to launch on June 18. According to teaser images shared by the company, the iQOO Z10 Lite features a boxy design and a dual-camera setup on the rear panel.

The upcoming smartphone is targeted at students and users with active lifestyles. It is designed to meet everyday needswhether its attending classes, staying connected, streaming videos, scrolling through reels, gaming on the go, or multitasking with multiple apps. The QOO Z10 Lite will be available in Cyber Green and Titanium Blue colour options.

iQOO Z10 Lite 5G Specifications (Expected)

It is expected to be powered by MediaTeks Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on an efficient 6nm process, promising a balance of performance and power efficiency. The smartphone is loaded with a 6,000 mAh batterythe largest in its segmentdesigned to deliver long-lasting usage. On the photography front, the device is likely to sport a 50 MP Sony main sensor paired with a 2 MP secondary lens, while the front will feature a 5 MP selfie camera.

Adding further, the smartphone will also include AI-powered tools such as AI Erase, AI Photo Enhance, and AI Document Mode for smarter image editing and productivity. The iQOO Z10 Lite 5G is expected to come with IP64-rated dust and water resistance, offering extra durability for everyday use. The company has also revealed that the upcoming Z10 Lite 5G will have an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance.
OPPO K13 5G Review: Oppo has introduced a new addition to its K-series lineup with the launch of the Oppo K13 5G in India, aimed at buyers looking for a feature-packed device under Rs 20,000. The smartphone is available in two variants  8GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB. It is priced at Rs 17,999 and Rs 19,999, respectively. The device comes in two stylish colour options: Icy Purple and Prism Black.

The Oppo K13 5G is powered by Snapdragons Elite Gaming features, promising smoother visuals, faster response times, and low latency  a treat for mobile gamers and heavy users. After using the phone for over a month, it clearly stands out as a performance-focused mid-ranger that delivers solid value for money.

From a vibrant display and reliable battery life to AI-backed camera features, the Oppo K13 5G ticks most boxes. Lets take a closer look at what this phone brings to the table  from its design and performance to the finer software details.

Oppo K13 5G Design

The OPPO K13 5G makes a bold first impression with its textured matte finish rear panel, available in Icy Purple and Prism Black. The finish not only enhances grip but also resists fingerprints and smudges. The vertically aligned dual-camera setup resembles that of the iPhone 16, giving it a modern aesthetic. However, at 8.45mm thickness and 208g, the phone feels quite bulky and heavy, which could be a downside for users who prefer slim and lightweight devices.

Oppo K13 5G Display

Up front, the device boasts a 6.67-inch flat AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The screen delivers crisp visuals, punchy colors, and fluid scrolling, making it ideal for watching content, playing games, or just browsing. The brightness and color accuracy are solid for most use cases, though HDR+ support is missing on platforms like Netflix, which limits its appeal for serious OTT watchers.

Oppo K13 5G Processor And Performance

It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset and coupled with 8GB of RAM, the OPPO K13 5G delivers consistent performance across apps, multitasking, and gaming. Games like BGMI and Call of Duty: Mobile run smoothly at higher settings with no frame drops or lag. The phone also includes an impressive cooling systema 5700mm Vapour Chamber and 6000mm graphite sheetto keep the temperature in check during long gaming sessions.

Oppo K13 5G Battery Life

The standout feature of the OPPO K13 5G is its massive 7000mAh battery. It easily lasts 1516 hours even with heavy usage, including gaming, streaming, and social media. When it comes to charging, the 80W SuperVOOC fast charger tops up the device in just 45 to 50 minutes. Adding further, OPPO claims a battery health retention of over 80% after 5 years, making it a strong option for long-term usage.

Oppo K13 5G Camera

On the back, the OPPO K13 5G offers a dual-camera setup: a 50MP main sensor with EIS and a 2MP depth sensor. In daylight, photos come out clear and vibrant with good detail. The camera app also includes portrait, night mode, high-resolution, and panorama. However, low-light performance is averageimages appear grainy, with some loss in detail, especially due to the absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation). On the video front, it supports 4K at 30fps from the rear and 1080p from the front.

Oppo K13 5G AI Features

OPPO has packed several AI-powered features into the K13 5G to enhance the overall experience. On the photography front, tools like AI Eraser 2.0, AI Unblur, AI Clarity Enhancer, and AI Reflection Removal help users fine-tune images effortlessly. These features are intuitive and useful, especially for social media-savvy users.

Adding further, the phone runs ColorOS 15 based on Android 15, offering a refined and responsive software experience. Useful tools like Always-On Display, Circle to Search, smart photo editing, and customizable lock screens add further value.

Oppo K13 5G Pros:

Point 1: The Oppo K13 5G packs a long-lasting 7000mAh battery paired with 80W fast charging support, ensuring minimal downtime and extended usage throughout the day.

Point 2: It features a smooth 120Hz AMOLED display that delivers an immersive and fluid viewing experience, ideal for gaming, streaming, and everyday scrolling.

Point 3: The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chipset, the device ensures lag-free multitasking and gaming performance, making it suitable for power users and mobile gamers.

Point 4: The Oppo K13 5G comes with a Vapor Chamber at 5700mm and a 6000mm graphite sheet for thermal efficiency during gaming which keep the phones performance stable even during long gaming sessions or heavy app usage, preventing thermal throttling.

Point 5: The phone runs on feature-rich ColorOS 15 based on Android 15, the software experience feels modern, responsive, and packed with customisation options and productivity tools.

Point 6: The smartphone comes with built-in AI tools enhance both image editing and camera output, allowing users to capture sharper photos and make smarter visual adjustments with minimal effort.

Oppo K13 5G Cons:

Point 1: The Oppo K13 5G feels noticeably bulky at 208g, and the stiff physical buttons may affect day-to-day usability. Despite the matte finish, fingerprint smudges are still an issue.

Point 2: The camera performance struggles in low-light conditions, and the lack of HDR+ support hampers the streaming experience on platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.

Point 3: The phone misses out on NFC support, which could be a downside for users who depend on contactless payments and seamless device connectivity.

Verdict

The OPPO K13 5G shines in areas like battery life, performance, and display, making it an ideal choice for gamers, heavy users, and those who want a phone that simply lasts all day without slowing down. While camera quality in low-light and the hefty build leave some room for improvement, it still delivers great value for money. In the sub-Rs 20,000 segment, the Oppo K13 5G takes on strong contenders like the Vivo T4X, Nothing Phone (2a), CMF Phone 2 Pro, Realme P3x, Redmi 14C, and more.
If you want a trendy denim jacket that you can afford, this store may have what youre after. Flipkart offers everything from classic clothing to prints and clothes with vintage style. These four handpicked jackets by Bebe, KASHIAN, TrendHunter, and Geetanjali Creations offer comfort, durability, and flair for daily wear or layering. Each one brings something uniquebe it tailoring, design, or fit. Read on to find the one that best reflects your vibe!

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The awesome off-white jacket from BEBA will help you look more polished with your casual outfits. Because of its full sleeves and firm motif, it is perfect for wearing when the weather isnt consistent. The smart fit makes it elegant, but the plush fabric guarantees it is very cozy.

Key Features:

Tough cotton-blend fabric

Timeless spread collar and button-front

Full sleeves with button cuffs

Two convenient front pockets

Easy machine-wash maintenance

Only a few colour choicesavailable in solid blue.

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A smart budget choice, this KASHIAN jacket provides a neat fit with an adaptable 18" length. Constructed from 100% denim, its timeless build features a button closure and a straight hem, perfect for layering or with skirts.

Key Features:

Value 100% denim construction

Four sizes available (SXL)

Full sleeves with button cuffs

Button-down front

Western-approved design with spread collar

Reviews mention uneven sizingcheck measurements with care.

Image source- Flipkart.com



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Add some individuality to your outfits by choosing Trendhunters colorful printed denim jacket. The combination of full sleeves and unique graphics turns this top into an attractive choice for young people looking for fashion. Wear it with your simple clothes or over dresses to look strong and feel comfortable all day.

Key Features:

Eye-catching multicolor print

Regular fit for easy layering

Durable button-up & spread collar

Quality denim blend

Adds instant style to basic outfits

Printed fabric may feel rougher than classic denim.

Image source- Flipkart.com



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Because of its washed vintage style, this jacket gives an impression of being both premium and stylish. Sleeves that are turned up and two exterior pockets make the mid-length design fit both modern and retro fashion sense.

Key Features:

Fashion-forward vintage wash finish

Completely covered sleeves with buttoned cuff

Two side pockets for ease

Comfortable spread collar design

Machine-washable, daily wear

A few reviews suggest that lightweight material might lose shape eventually.

From timeless staples to bold statement pieces, the Flipkart denim jackets come in all sorts of tastes and styles. The bebe charm delivers polish with minimal effort; KASHIAN offers timeless style on a budget; TrendHunter lets you express individuality with prints; Geetanjali brings vintage flair to modern wardrobes. A jacket guarantees you durability, great comfort, and the ease of styling across different times of the year. Since Flipkart makes it convenient and quick to shop with hassle-free returns, you can now update your denim look. Are you looking to improve your look? Click through for today's top denim trends.

Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
Middle-length or midi skirts are timeless wardrobe staples that offer grace, comfort, and versatility. Perfect for workwear, casual outings, or date nights, these skirts pair effortlessly with crop tops, shirts, or sweaters. Myntras End of Reason Sale from 31st May to 12th June is your opportunity to shop flattering midi skirts in pleated, A-line, or wrap-around styles. With flowing fabrics and on-trend patterns, midi skirts are a fashion win across all seasons.

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Annabelle by Pantaloons presents a versatile A-Line Midi Skirt tailored to bring sophistication and ease to your daily wear. With its flowy silhouette and knee-to-mid length, it's a smart pick for office, brunches, or even light evening events. Its subtle structure flatters a wide range of body types effortlessly.

Key features:

Classic A-line cut enhances shape while offering generous movement

Midi length strikes a perfect balance between modest and trendy

Breathable, wrinkle-resistant fabric for everyday work or casual wear

Easily styled with fitted tops, shirts, or cropped jackets

May require lining for very light color options

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Vero Modas Pure Cotton Flared Skirt is designed for women who love fluid silhouettes with breathable ease. It comes with a smart belt detail and flared shape that adds flow and grace to your outfit. Ideal for casual day-outs or minimalist summer looks, this knee-length skirt feels both relaxed and refined.

Key features:

Soft pure cotton build ensures high breathability for warmer climates

Comes with a chic belt that cinches the waist for a neater profile

Flared hem adds grace and balances out fitted tops effortlessly

Suitable for pairing with both ethnic and western upperwear

Slight transparency in pastel tones may require a slip

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Chemistry offers a modern take on classic style with this Pleated A-Line Skirt featuring a fabric belt. The pleats create flattering vertical lines while the belt defines the waist. Its a perfect piece to transition from workdays to weekends with just a change in footwear and accessories.

Key features:

Crisp pleats offer visual texture and elongate the leg line

Waist belt adds polish while allowing a more adjustable fit

Knee-to-midi length makes it versatile across multiple settings

Comfortable waistband stays in place without digging in

Pleats may require occasional ironing to maintain neatness

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Allen Solly Woman presents a Straight A-Line Formal Midi Skirt built for smart workwear and refined gatherings. The simple silhouette lends a structured, no-fuss appearance while still allowing comfortable movement. A staple addition to your formal wardrobe, especially for a clean, minimal look.

Key features:

Structured straight A-line cut ideal for office or formal occasions

Falls just below the knee for a polished, elegant finish

Easy-care material resists wrinkles and holds shape all day

Pairs beautifully with button-down shirts or sleek blouses

Lacks stretch, so fit may feel snug on curvier silhouettes

Midi skirts let you express your style with elegance and ease. From structured workwear pieces to breezy, flared silhouettes, theres a style for every preference. During the Myntra End of Reason Sale (31st May12th June), you can upgrade your wardrobe with quality skirts at unbeatable prices. Don't miss your chance to style midi skirts your wayclassy, comfy, and completely chic.

Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
Nail polish is a simple yet impactful way to express your style. Whether you're into glossy nudes, bold reds, or trendy pastels, there's a shade for every mood and occasion. During the Myntra End of Reason Sale from 31st May to 12th June, stock up on high-quality nail lacquers that offer smooth application and long-lasting wear. Add a pop of colour to your look with cruelty-free, chip-resistant formulas.

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Elle 18s Nail Pops range delivers playful, high-shine color at an affordable price point. Shade 160 is a bright, glossy hue that adds instant vibrancy to nails. Its travel-friendly bottle and fast-drying formula make it ideal for students, working professionals, or anyone who loves quick DIY manicures with bold results.

Key features:

Vibrant, youthful shade with a glossy finish

Quick-drying formula perfect for on-the-go use

Affordable and easy to reapply for upkeep

Sleek brush offers smooth, even application

Smaller bottle size runs out quicker with regular use

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Lakmes Glitterati Nail Paint brings sparkle to your fingertips with a refined touch. Designed for festive looks and night-outs, this polish combines high-shine glitter with a long-wearing base. The smooth consistency helps prevent clumps while building dramatic shine, making it perfect for accent nails or full-glam manis.

Key features:

Ultra-sparkly glitter finish for festive occasions

Glides evenly for a polished, shimmer-rich look

Lasts longer with a top coat, resists dulling

Enhances both natural and artificial nails

Multiple coats required for intense sparkle payoff

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Revlons Cherry Berry is a versatile berry-red enamel that pairs well with both western and ethnic wear. Its strong pigmentation gives near-opaque coverage in a single coat, while the chip-resistant, fast-drying formula keeps nails looking polished for days. The professional-quality applicator ensures precise edges and no mess.

Key features:

Bold cherry tone with smooth, glossy texture

High pigment gives full coverage in fewer coats

Resistant to everyday chipping and fading

Wide brush tip ensures clean and neat edges

Slightly thicker consistency may need careful layering

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Swiss Beautys Color Splash Nail Polish in Shade 27 brings together vibrancy, staying power, and value. Its ideal for fashion lovers who change their nail look frequently. The rich color payoff, combined with a sleek finish and quick-dry performance, makes it perfect for quick updates or casual everyday wear.

Key features:

Smooth, vivid color that dries within minutes

Budget-friendly with a stylish, salon-like effect

Consistent formula allows even one-coat use

Works well with both matte and glossy top coats

Color shade names or numbers may be unclear on label

From classic elegance to playful experimentation, nail polish is the finishing touch that completes your beauty routine. Myntras End of Reason Sale (31st May12th June) features a curated selection of nail polishes in every finishglossy, matte, glitter, and more. Find the perfect formula for salon-like nails at home. Whether for daily wear or festive flair, theres a shade for every style.

Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
With top brands offering massive discounts up to 7080%, shoppers can explore various silhouettes such as A-line, pencil, pleated, wrap, and flared skirts in different fabrics like cotton, denim, and satin. Whether you're dressing for a brunch, office, or vacation, this sale is the ideal time to add statement skirts to your wardrobe that balance comfort and style at irresistible prices.

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The Kotty Denim Straight Midi Skirt offers a clean and timeless silhouette, combining casual denim with a modest midi length. It features a straight cut and classic styling with a front slit, making it perfect for both casual day-outs and slightly dressed-up settings.

Key Features:

Made from durable, structured denim

Straight-fit design with front slit for ease of movement

Midi length offers a balance between style and coverage

Button and zip closure for a secure fit

Great for casual and semi-formal looks

Cons:

Denim fabric may feel heavy in warmer weather

Limited stretch could restrict movement

May require ironing to keep its crisp shape

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The Purple Feather Skort Mini Skirt blends playful design with practical functionality. Featuring built-in shorts underneath a flared mini skirt, its perfect for active days or events where comfort and freedom of movement are essentialall while looking stylish.

Key Features:

Skort design combines shorts with a mini skirt

Lightweight fabric for comfort and breathability

Flared silhouette with a trendy, feminine touch

Ideal for casual, college, or day events

Unique design with fashion-forward vibes

Cons:

Not suitable for formal settings

May run short for taller wearers

Color and style may be too bold for minimalists

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The Berrylush Bodycon Mini Skirt is a sleek and figure-hugging option for parties or night outs. Its solid black color and minimalist design make it a versatile piece that pairs well with both statement and basic tops.

Key Features:

Bodycon fit enhances curves

Solid black color for versatile styling

Mini length perfect for evening or club wear

Stretchable fabric offers comfort and flexibility

Easy to dress up or down

Cons:

Tight fit may not suit all body types

Not ideal for casual or conservative occasions

Requires confidence to wear due to its length and fit

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This Tokyo Talkies Burgundy A-Line Skirt offers a classic and flattering fit. The A-line shape suits most body types and the rich burgundy color adds elegance, making it a great piece for both work and casual wear when styled accordingly.

Key Features:

A-line silhouette flatters various body shapes

Rich burgundy tone for a stylish appearance

Mini length adds a youthful touch

Suitable for casual, smart-casual, and even office wear

Zip closure for secure and neat fit

Cons:

May ride up when walking due to shorter length

Fabric may need gentle washing to retain color

Limited stretch in the waist area

The Myntra End of Reason Sale is a great time to revamp your wardrobe with trendy, versatile skirts that suit every occasion and mood. Whether its the classic appeal of the Kotty denim midi, the playful comfort of the Purple Feather skort, the sleek edge of the Berrylush bodycon, or the chic sophistication of the Tokyo Talkies A-line, theres a perfect skirt for every style and silhouette. With discounts of up to 7080%, you can grab premium styles at pocket-friendly prices. From everyday wear to statement pieces, this sale has something for everyonedont miss the chance to elevate your style effortlessly!

Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
Seven social media influencers have been detained in Jaipur, Rajasthan, after a viral video caught them distributing beer among commuters on a public street on Nirjala Ekadashi, a holy Hindu fasting day, evoking widespread outrage and accusations of hurting religious sentiments, police told Reuters on Wednesday.

Viral Video Sparks Controversy

The video, which included influencer Sachin Singh, alias "Lappu Sachin," and six othersPradeep Kadwasra, Vikas Sharma, Abhishek Nirmal, Sunil Kumar, Aditya Mahariya, and Ankit Sharmadepicted the group distributing beer bottles and glasses among commuters. In one scene, an auto-rickshaw driver was reportedly forced to drink before he drove away, causing safety concerns. Filmed on June 2, 2024, on Nirjala Ekadashi day, the stunt attracted strong criticism for the timing on a fast and abstinence day.

The clip went viral after an X user warned Jaipur Police, writing, "These boys are stopping people and making them drink and drive. Fine them and give them a taste of jails drink." Public outrage ensued, with X posts such as "Aryabhatta invented zero after seeing their IQ" and "This is getting out of hand," evidencing widespread disapproval. The presence of some nervous commuters in the clip, as well as those laughing and participating, was described in reports by NDTV.

Hello @jaipur_police ye ladke logon ko road par rok rok ke drink and drive karwa rahe hain. In sabka challan kaato aur in ladko ko thode din jail ki drink pilao

pic.twitter.com/ViSW3BSxvA  Madhur (@ThePlacardGuy) June 10, 2025

Police Action And Charges

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Digant Anand confirmed the arrests, saying the act was "offensive to religious sentiments" because of the timing on Nirjala Ekadashi. "The influencers were passing out alcohol in the open on a day of religious fasting, and it is not acceptable," Anand said to Hindustan Times. The group was charged under IPC sections for public nuisance and under the Rajasthan Excise Act, with further investigations into possible drunk-driving issues.

Under interrogation, the influencers stated their intention was to attract social media followers without intending to offend. They posted a public apology video, kneeling and covering their ears, with some of them having ripped clothes, which was posted by Rajasthan BJP spokesperson Laxmikant Bhardwaj on X, who commented, "Jaipur Police taught them a lesson."

Public And Political Reaction

The event has triggered arguments on social media stunts and cultural sensitivity. X users such as @RajasthanPulse condemned the influencers, while others, such as @JaipurVibes, commented, "Reels are ruining respect." The arrests were made during an increasing focus on influencer behavior, with demands for increased regulation of content celebrating illegal behavior. BJP leaders used the incident to give publicity to law enforcement, and the apology video saw its popularity enhanced.

Ongoing Developments

The influencers are being detained, with additional interrogations being conducted to find any other offenses. Jaipur Police requested people to report such stunts and claimed strict action in this regard. The incident highlighted the dangers of pursuing viral popularity, as public opinion on X calls for responsibility. Authorities are examining CCTV footage as well to determine the level of public danger involved in the stunt.
New Delhi: Elon Musk made a quiet phone call to Donald Trump on June 9. The reason? A string of pointed posts the Tesla CEO had fired off on social media against the US president just days before. What started as online jabs had quickly turned into a media frenzy. Now, Musk was stepping back and saying he had gone too far.

According to reports, the call did not come out of the blue. There had already been pressure from Trumps inner circle. Vice President JD Vance and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles had both reportedly reached out to Musk privately. Their message was to dial it down. The spat had spiraled beyond politics, and the stakes were getting higher.

By early June 11, Musk wrote a message of regret on X. He did not mention which posts specifically, but in recent days, his feed had included digs at Trumps past, policy choices and even his ties to the controversial Epstein files. One of those posts was eventually taken down. The tone had shifted from critique to something more personal.

I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 11, 2025

Back at the White House, the olive branch was not ignored. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump appreciated Musks message. There were no plans to revisit government contracts tied to Musks companies  a signal that Washington is not looking to escalate things further.

Trump, speaking later, sounded calm but mildly bruised. He said he was surprised by the attacks, but did not hold any grudges. No hard feelings, he said in a podcast interview.

Still, he admitted to being disappointed. The door to reconciliation is still open. But not swinging wide.

The Musk-Trump feud was brief, loud and full of drama. It rattled supporters, confused pundits and stirred speculation. Musk, once seen as a wild card with Trump-leaning views, had taken a turn and then reversed it just as suddenly. Whether this is a temporary truce or the start of a larger break remains unclear.

What is certain is that in the world of politics and tech, egos clash and headlines follow. This time, it ended with a phone call. But not necessarily with closure.
Far from tourist trails and modern highways in Laos lies a forgotten piece of Cold War history. A cracked airstrip cuts through the green hills of Long Tieng, a village that, five decades ago, was ground zero for a covert U.S. operation that ran parallel to the Vietnam War.

Today, Long Tieng, according to CNN, looks like any other rural settlement in Southeast Asia. A few guesthouses, basic shops and farming plots line the road. Children ride scooters across what used to be a military runway. Most residents work the land. Few of them have ever flown on a plane. Even fewer realise that this valley was once considered the most secret place on Earth.

From the early 1960s to 1975, Long Tieng served as the headquarters of a clandestine war effort backed by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The goal was to block the spread of communism across Southeast Asia, specifically in Laos, where American forces were officially barred from operating under international agreements.

The CIA partnered with the Hmong ethnic minority, led by General Vang Pao, to build a paramilitary base in the village. The site rapidly grew into a military hub. At its peak, over 30,000 people, including Hmong fighters, their families, Thai soldiers, American agents and CIA-linked pilots, lived and worked here.

Roughly 4,500 feet long, the CNN report says, the airstrip handled up to 900 take-offs and landings each day. Supplies such as ammunition, food and fuel were flown in by aircraft operated by Air America, a CIA-owned airline. Smaller planes then distributed these resources to remote outposts across the region.

Pilots known as Ravens operated from the site as well. These U.S. Air Force personnel flew low-level missions to identify targets and direct bombing runs. Many of them worked in civilian clothing under diplomatic cover, blurring the line between soldier and spy.

Despite its size and significance, the report suggests, Long Tieng remained unknown to much of the outside world. Even U.S. troops fighting in neighboring Vietnam were unaware of the base. Secrecy was absolute.

After the U.S. withdrew in 1975 and the Pathet Lao took power, Long Tieng emptied out almost overnight. Thousands of Hmong were displaced. The site was abandoned. What remains now are skeletal buildings, overgrown runways and rusting equipment. Many of the bunkers and hangars have collapsed.

Today, reaching Long Tieng is still difficult. The journey from Vientiane takes more than eight hours. Roads are unpaved, narrow and often blocked by landslides or mining trucks. Communication is limited, and phone signals are unreliable in the mountains.

Despite its history, the site sees very few visitors. A handful of local tour operators organise occasional trips, but there are no museums, no signs and no official preservation efforts.

General Vang Paos former headquarters still stands. A plain two-story house, now empty, with a no entry without permission sign posted in English. Visitors who make it inside find little more than a wooden desk, artillery shells stacked in a corner and a view of the now-silent airstrip.

The legacy of the conflict continues to affect Laos. According to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), roughly 80 million unexploded submunitions remain scattered across the countryside. Villagers in the Long Tieng area still avoid walking off known trails for fear of triggering dormant explosives.

Since 1995, the United States has invested nearly $400 million to support weapons clearance programs in Laos. Still, progress is slow, and fears about future funding cuts continue to raise concerns.

For many in Long Tieng, life has returned to a quiet rhythm. Children play where warplanes once launched. Farmers plant rice on land that once held military barracks. But for those who know the history, the scars remain visible and buried.

The war may have ended 50 years ago, but its echoes still shape this hidden valley.
Iran has said that they are "ready," as US intelligence reports revealed that Israel is preparing to attack Iran's nuclear facilities, as reported by Hindustan Times.

In a cryptic post on the social media platform X, the Islamic Republic of Iran said, We are Ready.

This development comes as US President Donald Trump on Thursday stressed that the US will not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons.

"They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that," ANI quoted Trump as saying.

Trump also said that Washington is pulling some of its military personnel from the Middle East as the region could be a dangerous place.

"They (US military personnel) are being moved out (of some countries of the Middle East) because it could be a dangerous place and we will see what happens...We have given notice to move out," ANI quoted Trump as saying.

Trump's remarks came after a failed round of talks between the US and Iran over its nuclear program.

Earlier, Iran's mission to the United Nations said that "Iran does not seek to develop nuclear weapons, and US militarism only promotes instability."

Meanwhile, according to media reports, Iranian Defence Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh on Wednesday said that his country would attack US military installations in the region if there is a conflict with the US.
New York: A federal judge in New York on June 11 told the President Donald Trump administration that it cannot keep holding Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil just because he joined a protest. But in a twist straight out of a legal thriller, the judge also delayed his release.

Khalil had led pro-Palestinian demonstrations, sweeping US campuses this year. For weeks, the Trump administration has tried to paint him as a threat tied to foreign policy interests. On Wednesday, Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled that argument does not hold water.

But there is a catch.

Even after calling the detention unlawful, the judge said Khalil will stay in custody for now. The ruling will not kick in until June 13 morning. That gives Trumps team time to push back or possibly appeal. In the meantime, Khalil remains behind bars.

This is not the first time the administration has been called out for its crackdown on student protesters. Just last week, the same court stopped efforts to deport 21-year-old Columbia student Yunseo Chung to South Korea  a country she has not lived in since childhood  all because she joined a peaceful demonstration earlier this year.

The two cases have spotlighted what critics are calling a pattern  using immigration law to intimidate or punish dissent. Legal experts say these rulings could set important limits on what the government can do to non-citizens who speak out.

Khalils wife, Noor Abdalla, a Columbia grad student herself, told Reuters the wait has been agonising. She posed for a portrait just after the hearing, capturing the heavy mix of hope and uncertainty hanging over their lives.

As the clock ticks down to Fridays deadline, all eyes are on whether Trumps legal team doubles down or backs off. Either way, the battle over speech, protest and immigration enforcement just got a new face.
US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that Washington is pulling some of its military personnel from the Middle East as the region could be a dangerous place.

"They (US military personnel) are being moved out (of some countries of the Middle East) because it could be a dangerous place and we will see what happens...We have given notice to move out," ANI quoted Trump as saying.

Trump also stressed that the US will not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons.

"They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that," ANI quoted Trump as saying.

Trump's remarks came after a failed round of talks between the US and Iran over its nuclear program.

The US State Department and the military on Wednesday ordered the withdrawal of all non-essential personnel from operations in the Middle East due to the possibility of regional unrest.

As per media reports, the department has also allowed non-essential personnel and family members to leave Bahrain and Kuwait, giving them the option to leave the country.

In addition, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorised the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the Middle East, a US official said.

Additionally, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorised the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations in the Middle East, ANI quoted a US official as saying.

Another US official said the order is mainly relevant to family members based in Bahrain, where most of them live.

Tensions have been rising in the region in recent days, as talks between the US and Iran over its rapidly expanding nuclear programme have reached an impasse.

Earlier, Iran's mission to the United Nations posted on social media that "Iran does not seek to develop nuclear weapons, and US militarism only promotes instability."

Meanwhile, according to media reports, Iranian Defence Minister General Aziz Nasirzadeh on Wednesday said that his country would attack US military installations in the region if there is a conflict with the US.

(With ANI inputs)
US President Donald Trump on Thursday launched a waiting list website for a new visa program that offers permanent residency to individuals prepared to invest $5 million in the United States.

"For five million $dollars, the Trump card is coming. Thousands have been calling and asking how they can sign up to ride a beautiful road in gaining access to the Greatest Country and Market anywhere in the World. It's called the United States of America. The waiting list is now open. To sign up, go to trumpcard.gov," Trump declared in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The newly launched trumpcard.gov website features an image of a gold-colored card bearing Trumps face.

Trump first announced the gold card programme in February to give wealthy foreigners a chance to gain permanent citizenship in the United States.

Trump had earlier said the card would offer green card privileges and a path to citizenship.

Were going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million and thats going to give you green card privileges, plus its going to be a route to citizenship. Wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card, Hindustan Times quoted Trump as saying.

Earlier, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had praised the Gold Card program, saying that the card would provide a great opportunity for people to come to America.

I think, the ordinary path of immigration for America is changing. The Trump Card is coming out. I expect the Trump Card will create really an enormous opportunity for people to have the ability to come to America, Hindustan Times quoted Lutnick as saying.

Trumps gold card programme is expected the replace the existing EB-5 visa scheme, which allow foreigners to get green cards by paying fees ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and by either investing $1.8 million in a business or $900,000 in areas with high unemployment.
New Delhi: US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released a three-minute video this week, straight from Japan, and it was not usual diplomatic talk. No handshakes. No soft words. Just a raw warning  the world is sleepwalking into nuclear disaster.

She had just visited ground zero (Hiroshima in Japan), where a single bomb once wiped out an entire city. And what she saw there changed something in her.

She stood at the blast site, listened to the stories and looked at photos that do not show up in school textbooks. Scorched earth, broken bodies and children who never stood a chance. It stays with you, she said. And from that silence, she spoke up.

I recently visited Hiroshima, and stood at the epicenter of a city scarred by the unimaginable horror caused by a single nuclear bomb dropped in 1945. What I saw, the stories I heard, and the haunting sadness that remains, will stay with me forever. pic.twitter.com/TmxmxiGwnV  Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) June 10, 2025

Gabbard said, We are closer to nuclear war now than at any point since 1945. But she was not pointing fingers at foreign enemies. Her message was for the people in charge, the ones fueling the fire.

She called out political elites, warmongers and decision-makers who, in her words, are playing games with the worlds survival while keeping their families safely tucked away in underground shelters. She warned that ordinary people, the ones without bunkers and escape routes, will be the ones left to face the fallout.

The video shows flashes of Hiroshimas ruins, archived footage of the bombing and simulations of modern-day blasts. Gabbard did not name countries, but the timing says plenty. Russia is threatening. Iran talks are dragging. And North Korea? Still posturing.

All of it paints a clear picture  if something goes wrong, it will not be a slow burn. It will be lights out in minutes.

Back home, President Trump is reportedly frustrated. Peace talks with Russia are stalled. Negotiations with Iran are fragile. And now, with Gabbards statement echoing louder each day, the pressure is mounting.

In the final moments of her video, Gabbard did not speak like a politician. She sounded more like a parent, a soldier and someone who has seen what happens when warnings go ignored.

This path ends in ash. We can still choose another, she said.
In a landmark moment, Indian-origin doctor Dr. Bobby Mukkamala was sworn in as the AMA's 180th president on June 11, 2025, becoming the first Indian-American to head the powerful group. Mukkamala, who has just recovered from surgery for an 8-cm brain tumor, attributed his success to his immigrant parents and his upbringing in Flint, Michigan, during an emotional inaugural speech.

Historic Appointment And Personal Success

"When I was recovering from brain surgery at the Mayo Clinic, this recognition was a far cry," Mukkamala said in his address to AMA members, recalling his recovery from a potentially lethal condition. The Flint-based ENT specialist, who was born to Indian immigrant physicians Apparao and Sumathi Mukkamala, was very clear about highlighting his parents' sacrifices. I stand here on the shoulders of my parents, who believed America offered opportunities not possible in India, he said. Mukkamala, who earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan and completed residency at Loyola University in Chicago, practices alongside his wife, Dr. Nita Kulkarni, an obstetrician-gynecologist. They have two sons, Nikhil, a biomedical engineer, and Deven, a PhD candidate in political science.

Please join us in celebrating the inauguration of Bobby Mukkamala, MD, the 180th president of #OurAMA. Dr. Mukkamala is an accomplished otolaryngologist based in Flint, Michigan, with over two decades of dynamic leadership in organized medicine and public health. He is also the pic.twitter.com/xTSUAZDzsF  AMA (@AmerMedicalAssn) June 11, 2025

Advocacy And Public Service

Mukkamala has been a leading AMA voice, serving as chair of the Substance Use and Pain Care Task Force to address the overdose epidemic through evidence-based policy. Public service includes leading the Community Foundation of Greater Flint through the city's water crisis to address mitigating lead exposure in children. In his remarks, he emphasized health disparities in under-served communities such as Flint, where life expectancy is almost six years lower than the national standard, according to CDC statistics. "My wife and I have seen these disparities up close," he said, citing the increasing shortage of physicians and economic pressures driving doctors out of private practice.

Vision For Healthcare Reform

Mukkamala urged prompt reforms to eliminate gaps in the US healthcare system. Struggling for proper health coverage and a sustainable, equitable model of healthcare is vital," he urged, cautioning that patients are prevented from seeing them as physicians wrestle. He recounted a patient's devotion after surgery, waiting six weeks for his return, in order to emphasise trust in physicians. As AMA president, Mukkamala will seek to promote accessible, affordable care and greater government funding for research and for public health. "Our patients, physicians, and country deserve better," he stated.

Public and Social Media Reaction

The nomination has widely resonated, with X users such as @HealthEquityNow commending Mukkamala's emphasis on underserved communities. His background of perseverance and immigrant achievement has lifted many, with tweets referring to him as a "trailblazer for Indian Americans." As he starts his term, Mukkamala's leadership is set to influence U.S. healthcare policy under urgent challenges.
When Rimini Streets Luiz Mariotto speaks about the difficulties many organisations are having in being forced to upgrade their SAP ERP system to S/4HANA, people should listen.

Mariotto is Rimini Streets global lead of third-party consulting and support services for SAP customers and was in Australia to meet the companys growing team here as well as customers. He travels the world talking to Rimini Street clients and potential clients about the struggles they are having in getting the business case up to undertake the upgrade.

But before joining Rimini Street nine years ago, Mariotto was at SAP for 15 years. His views therefore carry some weight, and he can be quite blunt when asked about the change being forced on SAP customers.

When I talk with clients, they say there is no business case. The reason so many have not started the transition is because the value proposition of the new version is not enough to justify the cost and risks and everything else a business needs to put into a transformation. Because there is no value proposition, SAP is forcing their hand by saying that beyond 2027 they will not be supported.

My recommendation to clients is that you always need a business justification so dont it if you dont have one.

With any transformation you are going to start in the areas that are more critical or a priority. I spoke to a CIO the other day who said that when he goes to his business users and asks who wants to do an ERP upgrade, nobody wants to do it because it is painful. It is not only the cost, but you need to involve a lot of people. My advice is that you can stay in this version for longer until you need to do a full transformation.

A few days after ITWires interview with Mariotto, Rimini Street, a provider of enterprise software support, management and innovation solutions, announced that it was extending full support coverage for all SAP ECC 6.0 and S/4HANA releases through until 2040.

Mariotto said this means organisations can keep current SAP systems running smoothly, stay in full tax and legal compliance and re-allocate IT budget savings to self-fund innovation. The total annual maintenance savings by switching support to Rimini Street can be as much as 90%, and businesses avoid the cost and risks of the migration.

SAPs Mainstream Maintenance for ECC 6.0 is scheduled to end by 2027, but for those on enhancement packs 0-5, the end date is December 31, 2025. Similarly, SAP S/4HANA has several releases where Mainstream Maintenance has already ended or will end in 2025, 2026, or 2027, depending on the version. SAPs Extended Maintenance is available for some versions of ECC 6.0 and S/4HANA, but not all, and at a significant cost increase.

Mariotto said Rimini Street launched Rimini Support for SAP more than 15 years ago and currently supports hundreds of SAP ECC 6.0 and S/4HANA clients. This announcement extending SAP ECC 6.0 and S/4HANA support for another 15 years applies to both current and new clients.

Mariotto said an estimated 20,000 SAP ECC licensees have not even licensed S/4HANA, and many of those who have licensed S/4HANA still have not completed an S/4HANA or S/4HANA on RISE migration.

Mariotto said he thinks for SAP and SAP stakeholders that the migration strategy is good if they can convince clients to over. The most important thing from SAPs perspective is to convert clients from the perpetual licence and moving them to a subscription one. Once you have a subscription you dont own the software anymore. When SAP starts bringing in newer versions you will likely be forced into upgrading. That is the way they are going to deliver more and more software to you, AI and everything else.

He said for Rimini Street, the SAP migration is the companys biggest opportunity in its 20-year history. SAP still earns probably 11 billion Euros annually in providing support services which is probably one-third of their revenue. Even if they convert 60% of these clients by 2030 there is still a lot of money in the support business for us.
nimbus, technology solutions provider today announced its nimbus compliance solution is now available on the Genesys AppFoundry, a marketplace of solutions offering a curated selection of applications and integrations that elevate customer and employee experiences.

In an era of complex employment regulation, nimbus makes it easy for Genesys customers to manage compliance with regulatory requirements  including Fair Work. Businesses often struggle to navigate the complexities of award interpretation, compliance monitoring and payroll accuracy. The nimbus compliance solution simplifies this process by automating compliance checks, flagging potential breaches, and ensuring accurate adherence to Australian awards, labour laws and industry standards. The solution does this by assessing employee schedule data against pre-configured Australian award conditions to interpret expected pay outcomes, ensuring wage compliance.

nimbus compliance seamlessly integrates with existing workforce management systems - including Workforce Engagement Management (WEM) from Genesys - and over 30 Australian payroll providers of Interpreted Time Formats.

We are proud to bring nimbus to the Genesys AppFoundry, giving Genesys customers access to our compliance solution and empowering them to navigate complex regulatory requirements with confidence, said Harrison Custance, Executive Director at nimbus. As technology innovators, nimbus is committed to delivering empowering solutions that address the challenges faced by todays businesses, and were confident this collaboration will bring significant value to the Genesys community.

The collaboration reflects the growing importance of compliance and the increasing pressure on businesses to meet regulatory requirements. Today, compliance is a critical obligation that can shape a companys reputation and financial future, and businesses need to adopt a proactive approach to minimise wage compliance risk.

nimbus application is now available with Genesys Cloud, the AI-powered experience orchestration platform. With Genesys Cloud, organisations can coordinate every interaction and touchpoint through a full suite of omnichannel options, built in employee experience, native and turnkey AI, and end-to-end journey optimisation. As the trusted platform born in the cloud, Genesys Cloud accelerates growth for organisations by enabling them to differentiate with the right customer at the right time.

To learn more about the specific features and benefits of nimbus compliance visit our AppFoundry listing.

About nimbus

nimbus is driven by a bold vision: to empower organisations with sophisticated compliance, workforce management, and business continuity technology that transforms the way they work for the better. We are proud to partner with clients across Local, State, and Federal Government, many of Australias Emergency Service organisations, some of the top ASX organisations, and multinational enterprisesdelivering innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, collaboration, and operational performance.

Our core values of innovation, advancement, connection, and excellence fuel our work to support customers and speed up the transition to success.

With a deep commitment to excellence, we provide technology and services that not only meet todays challenges but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow. Our solutions drive real impact, helping organisations streamline operations, improve decision-making, and create safer, more connected, and more resilient workplaces.

www.nimbus.cloud
GUEST RESEARCH: NiCEs 2025 Global Happiness Index reveals that consumers are now experiencing the benefits of AI in CX, and 69% trust AI-powered companies as much, or even more, than those without it.

NiCE has announced the findings of its 2025 Global Happiness Index, revealing a surprising contrast: while global happiness has dropped nearly 10 points, from 66% in 2024 to just 58% in 2025, happiness with the state of customer service is on the rise. In fact, customer service happiness surged 5 percentage points year over year, reaching a new high of 41%. The key driver behind this positive shift: AI. 72% of consumers now report experiencing the benefits of AI and automation in customer service. Explore the full 2025 Global Happiness Index and C-Suite Survey results here.

NiCEs 2025 Global Happiness Index surveyed 12,000 consumers across the US, UK, Australia, Japan, Mexico and Brazil. NiCE also surveyed 270 C-Suite executives from large enterprises across the US and UK.

Trust in AI is also growing. In fact, 60% of global consumers say they trust companies that use AI as much as, or more than, those that dont. And that trust translates to positive sentiment: among Australian consumers who trust AI-powered companies more, 66% report feeling happier with customer service, and 72% feel happier overall. Regular interaction with AI boosts trust even further. Among those who use AI weekly or daily in Australia, and trust in AI-powered companies, confidence in them nearly doubles - and 57% of these frequent users say AI has improved their customer service experience.

Omer Minkara, vice president and principal analyst, Aberdeen, said, Rising customer service happiness shows consumers want more than transactions, they want meaningful support when it matters the most. In uncertain times, exceptional service and the ability to cultivate happiness - not just satisfaction  becomes a powerful value-add that sets brands apart.

Yet a disconnect remains for the C-suite. Over one in three C-suite leaders globally (37%) fear consumers dont trust AI. Additionally, leaders think 24/7 availability is what consumers want the most, while consumers rank speed of resolution as their top priority. Whats more, while 68% of C-suite leaders cite customer service as their AI and automation investment priority, only 44 per cent feel very equipped to manage the transition.

Australian consumers reported the following as the most important in making them happy in customer service: Stress-free service (43 per cent), effortless service (32%), and personalised service (25%). The 2025 Index also revealed that the services consumers most want to be automated globally include cancelling or changing subscriptions (38%), checking in or out of hotels (29%), and cancelling accounts after bereavements (28%).

Almost half (43%) of Australian consumers surveyed would spend more for happier experiences. On average, they are willing to spend AU$41/month for an AI assistant to handle customer service needs seamlessly - rising to US$39 in the US and almost US$50 among US Gen Z. Regionally, Brazilians are most willing to spend, while Brits the least. Executives overestimate consumer willingness, expecting a 76 per cent premium23 points higher than reality.

David Richie, head of customer experience, SSE Airtricity, said, The truth is that our customers also use Google, Amazon, Netflix, and TikTok, so their expectations of AI-powered experiences are high. Were making great strides with new technologies that deliver richer insights and smarter feedback, shaping our strategy for whats next. Over the coming months, we will accelerate into new areas with agentic AI, virtual assistants, and smarter data insights. This is the beginning of an exciting journey.

Jeff Fawcett, director, call center and training, Wine Country Gift Baskets said The last twelve months feels like a tipping point for AI and customer service  weve moved beyond theory and today, theres a lot of hard, measurable data that is showing how AI is actually working in the real world, whether its reducing talk time, reducing staffing needs, or reducing training requirements. Looking ahead, Im excited by the possibilities of NiCEs CXone Mpower Copilot in speeding up seasonal onboarding and improving overall experience - ensuring agents feel better prepared, while customers feel they are in safe hands.

In a NiCE world, tech does the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matterscreating effortless, meaningful connections. Powered by NiCEs AI platform, CXone Mpower, brands are turning every interaction into a moment of happiness.

About NiCE

NiCE (NASDAQ: NICE) is transforming the world with AI that puts people first. Our purpose-built AI-powered platforms automate engagements into proactive, safe, intelligent actions, empowering individuals and organisations to innovate and act, from interaction to resolution. Trusted by organisations throughout 150+ countries worldwide, NiCEs platforms are widely adopted across industries connecting people, systems, and workflows to work smarter at scale, elevating performance across the organisation, delivering proven measurable outcomes.
no-bake cheesecake (Metropolis Magazine)



The top of a mountain is generally not the place you expect to eat some of best cheesecake of your life, particularly not the top of a mountain in Japan. Yet this was exactly what happened on a day trip to Mount Takao just outside of Tokyo, when I stumbled on Japanese cheesecake shop Tenguya, conveniently nestled by the cable car back to ground level. Tenguya sells crispy pastry tarts filled with a creamy, light and fluffy cheesecake centre akin to taking a bite out of the mountains surrounding clouds.

This light and fluffy mousse-like form (affectionately known as fuwa-fuwa in Japanese onomatopoeia) is typical of the cheesecake varieties native to Japan. While nothing about cheesecake may seem typically Japanese  dairy, cake  its a modern staple in cafes, bakeries, patisseries, specialty shops, convenience stores and dessert menus across Japan. Several famous cheesecake tart chains, like BAKE and PABLO, attract around-the-block queues for their stores, both nationally and internationally.

Japanese souffle cheesecake (Metropolis Magazine)



There are two main types of Japanese cheesecake, both the result of a slight remodelling to fit local tastes  lighter, less sweet and delightfully lower in calories. The Japanese souffle cheesecake is a baked variety, but differs from a traditional New York-style cheesecake by incorporating a meringue egg white batter to the cream cheese mixture, which is cooked in a bain-marie to produce a soft, chiffon-like consistency. It may or may not have a molten center, depending on the cooking time, and is also sometimes topped with a smear of apricot jam. Japan also has its own take on the Western unbaked cheesecake, known as rare cheesecake. This version uses a setting agent, like agar-agar or gelatin, and a base of cream cheese and yogurt rather than cream, giving it a sour tang.

To reach this point of distinction and global following, Japanese cheesecake traversed the globe, went through many iterations, and overcame challenges in culinary predispositions. Its history is therefore relatively brief  around 40 years  considering the cheesecakes history of over 2000 years. The oldest record of cheesecake is credited to the writer Athenaeus in 230 AD, but records from as far back as 776 BC note it being fed to players of the Olympic Games to provide stamina for tired bodies. Archaeological findings show this version as cheesecake made from flour, wheat, honey and cheese, and was more of a pudding-style number.

Romans spread the Greek cheesecake across Europe, with the modern baked-style cheesecake thought to have its origins in medieval Poland, and was a mixture of cottage cheese, creme patissiere, lightly fermented raw milk and fresh cheeses. Polish immigrants took this cake with them to the US, then after the invention of cream cheese in New York in 1872, cheesecake recipes featuring cream cheese began to appear.

Meanwhile in Japan, the recently-established Meiji government was encouraging the adoption of foreign foods, with a recipe book published in 1873 making the first mention of cheesecake  albeit a mixture of cheese and rice rather than a Western-regarded cake. But as traditional Japanese palates of the time found cheese particularly noisome, the cake was not readily adopted. It wasnt until the postwar period, when American forces stationed in Japan had brought with them American-baked cheesecake, along with other foreign flavors and foods, that tastes started to evolve. During the early Showa Period, soft cottage cheese and cream cheeses were introduced to Japan, and began appearing as a novel ingredient in traditional confectionary, which grew in consumption with the introduction of electric refrigerators in the home during the 1950s, and slowly the Japanese partiality for cheese and cheese-based desserts followed.

Commercial pioneers of cheesecake in Japan appeared in the 1960s. On a trip to Berlin in 1969, Tomotaro Kuzuno, owner of Kobes Morozoff, encountered a local kasekuchen cheesecake (a German variant), and was so enamoured that he decided it needed to be made available back in his home country. Rikuro Ojisan in Osaka was among the first chains serving up the characteristic wobbly, airy, souffle-style Japanese cheesecake. During the 1970s, womens magazines featuring cheesecake catalysed a boom in the cakes popularity across the country. In the late 1980s, more desserts featuring cheese-like tiramisu and cheese-filled steamed buns began to appear and solidify the place of cheese in Japanese cuisine. Since the 1990s, the appetite for, and availability of, cheesecake has been widespread across Japan.

German-style cheesecake with fruit (Metropolis Magazine)



If climbing a mountain for cheesecake isnt your thing, PABLO has its largest store in Harajuku, also serving up flavors like matcha with red beans in addition to a traditional plain cheesecake, and letting customers decide whether they want their cheese tarts taken out of the oven a little earlier, for an oozy centre, or baked a little longer for a mousse-like centre. BAKE, which uses three different cheeses in their cheesecake tarts  one from Hakodate in Hokkaido  can be found in various parts of Tokyo. Otherwise, there are many other chains, cheesecake-selling cafes, and even regular old konbinis where you can sample the soft and fuwa-fuwa delight of Japanese cheesecake.

PABLO Harajuku (Metropolis Magazine)



metropolisjapan.com
Opponents of President Donald Trump's administration are set to rally in Charleston and hundreds of other cities Saturday during the military parade in Washington for the Army's 250th anniversary  which coincides with Trump's birthday.

The "No Kings" protests are set to take place to counter what organizers say are Trump's plans to feed his ego on what is also his 79th birthday and Flag Day.

Locally, the event is slated for noon to 2 p.m. at Morton Park, located along Lincoln Avenue/Illinois 16, a block north of Eastern Illinois University's campus.

"We are exercising our freedom to assemble," event organizer Charleston Indivisible said in a prepared statement. "This is a freedom that comes with the responsibility to not be violent, threaten anyone's safety, block traffic or the sidewalk, or engage in any other illegal behavior."

About 140 people gathered in Morton Park on April 5, part of a similar national movement of "Hands Off" protests scheduled on that date.

Elsewhere in Central Illinois, other protests are set for Saturday in Springfield, Effingham, Bloomington, Urbana and Danville.

The Army birthday celebration had already been planned. But earlier this spring, Trump announced his intention to ratchet up the event to include 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks and Paladin self-propelled howitzers rolling through the city streets. He has long sought a similar display of patriotic force.

Why is it called No Kings?

The "No Kings" theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of everyday Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.

Protests earlier this year have denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, the now former leader of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, a government organization designed to slash federal spending. Protesters have called for Trump to be "dethroned" as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.

"They've defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services," the group says on its website, referring to the Trump administration and its policies. "They've done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies."

Why are they protesting on Saturday?

The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country's democracy, according to a press release from No Kings.

It is happening to counter the Army's 250th anniversary celebration  which Trump has ratcheted up to include an expensive, lavish military parade. The event, will feature hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft and thousands of soldiers. It also happens to be his 79th birthday and Flag Day.

"The flag doesn't belong to President Trump. It belongs to us," the No Kings website says. "On June 14th, we're showing up everywhere he isn't  to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings."

Where are the protests?

Protests in nearly 2,000 locations are scheduled around the country, from city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, according to the No Kings website.

No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., however, where the parade will be held. The group says it will "make action everywhere else the story of America that day."

No Kings plans instead to hold a major flagship march and rally in Philadelphia to draw a clear contrast between its people-powered movement and what they describe as the "costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade" in Washington, according to the No Kings website.

What is planned at the No Kings protests?

People of all ages are expected to come together in the protest locations for speeches, marching, carrying signs and waving American flags, organizers said in a call Wednesday.

On the group's website it says a core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with them.

Weapons of any kind should not be brought to events, according to the website.

How many people are expected to participate?

The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said. Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states and commonwealths.

Rob Stroud of the JG-TC contributed to this story.
Whether they realize it or are willing to say so out loud, the job for the embattled Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools system also involves sales.

Interim Superintendent Catty Moore, whomever steps in after her and the current members of the school board wearing the collective stink from a feckless lack of financial awareness, every last one of them now has to think about rebuilding public trust while digging out of a deep financial hole.

Parents, taxpayers, teachers and county commissioners  perhaps even state lawmakers  all have to see that the ship has steadied before agreeing to any potential bailouts.

It wont be easy.

A startling and shifting budget deficit, $42 million this fiscal year at one point, will do that.

More tough news

The latest in a steady run of tough news came Tuesday when Moore told the school board that despite good-faith efforts to find millions in savings, the school system will, in all likelihood, come up short by as much as $18 million by the end of the fiscal year.

Which, in case you dont budget household finances on the same schedule, would be June 30.

The first, and most obvious, move would be to once again go to the county commissioners in hopes that a majority would find an $18 million infusion more palatable than the $32.1 million ask county officials swatted away just last week.

Moore indeed floated that trial balloon Tuesday night. But if shes as savvy as shes shown so far, she already knows its probably not going to fly.

Just ask Commissioner Don Martin, the board chairman uniquely positioned as a former school superintendent to understand the byzantine world of school finance.

I cant speak for other commissioners, he wrote in a text message, but I am not supportive without having a good idea when (the $18 million) could be restored. A lot depends on what, if anything, the state is able to do.

Its a big number for us to pay out of fund balance.

What, if anything, the honorables in Raleigh may (or may not) do, be that a loan or a one-time payment, remains to be seen.

Beyond the immediate pickle, local school leaders have to sell its 7,400 employees on the idea that the course is being corrected.

Early on as consultants and accountants were trying to plumb the depths of the deficit, teachers and support personnel wondered  with good reason  whether payroll would be met.

It was, of course, but now some educators have moved on to worrying about something every red-blooded American fears: the Internal Revenue Service.

Lacking confidence

The school deficit, Moore told the school board Tuesday, could increase yet again.

This time, the superintendent said, the issue could be with the IRS over discrepancies with federal withholding payments and reports that we owe them quarterly.

Um, what?

There may be some funds due associated with that, and some of it might be the actual federal withholding, but there are also penalties and interest when we dont pay stuff on time, the Winston-Salem Journal quoted Moore as telling the board. My current understanding is some of these issues go back to 2021.

The word withholding set off alarms among school employees who read their pay stubs. Anyone with a rudimentary understanding of taxes  or access to Google  knows that mistakes in calculating what gets sent to the feds could put employees at risk of being asked to repay their employer.

Unconfirmed stories about bogus deductions dating back to 2021 circulated in some corners of the Internet. Moore said any IRS issues do not involve employee withholding but given all that has transpired in a few short months, who can blame teachers for being jumpy?

Makes me want to go back through every check stub, one nervous employee told me.

Yeah.

While Moore, consultants and other school officials continue to hunt for financial solutions, another equally important task  rebuilding trust  remains.

Selling weary and skeptical parents, taxpayers, employees and elected officials with the power to help balance the books is going to require Dale Carnegie-level salesmanship.

Heres hoping Moore and whoever hops into the hot seat permanently are up to the task.
The day after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers raided an Omaha meat processing plant, Omaha Mayor John Ewing said he does not support worksite raids in the city.

He noted, however, that he has no influence on how raids are carried out. Instead, his administration has been working with community and advocacy groups since they found out about Tuesday's raid at Glenn Valley Foods to determine the facts and get help to impacted families.

Certainly this does impact our community," he said. "And it does create fear."

The agents escorted workers from Glenn Valley Foods, 6824 J St. in Omaha, onto a bus Tuesday after conducting the raid. ICE officials said in a statement Wednesday that the operation resulted in the detention of more than 70 people.

ICE officials said the agency executed a search warrant at Glenn Valley Foods "based on an ongoing criminal investigation into the large-scale employment of aliens without authorization to work in the United States." No other businesses were targeted, ICE said.

In the Wednesday statement, ICE officials said Tuesday's raid was the largest worksite enforcement operation in Nebraska under the current Trump administration, which has "prioritized immigration enforcement efforts and strengthened focus on border security."

It also appears to be the largest immigration enforcement action in the state since 2018, when ICE agents raided a tomato greenhouse, potato processing plant and cattle feedlot in O'Neill. More than 130 workers were detained and 17 people arrested in connection with an illegal employment service run by Juan Pablo Sanchez-Delgado, who took a cut of the undocumented workers' paychecks and failed to pay taxes.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said in a statement Wednesday that the country's immigration policy failed the American people for four years under the Biden administration.

"We have to address the issue of illegal immigration, and I support the work of our federal partners to ensure that the law is followed," he said. "And I remain supportive of President Trumps efforts to secure the border.

While federal officials did not say where the workers on the bus were taken, U.S. Rep. Don Bacons office confirmed Wednesday the migrants were taken to an ICE facility near Eppley Airfield but it was unclear how many are still being held there.

Douglas County Board Chairman Roger Garcia said Wednesday that he understands the need to find and administer legal consequences to individuals who have committed high-level crimes.

"But the individuals caught up yesterday, at least from the personal stories that I am aware of, did not fit that profile," he said.

Omahans driving across the city, he said, will see a thriving, contributing immigrant community, whether at construction sites, in restaurants or in schools; people who are working to support their families and contributing to the local economy.

His wife's aunt was among those detained. She has lived in the area for decades and raised a family, contributing to the community and to the economy.

Her son was seeking to arrange legal counsel, he said, but family members do not currently know where she is being detained.

"We can assure you she wasn't involved in any high-level criminal activity," said Garcia, who represents parts of South Omaha.

Such raids, however, create fear and anxiety, he said. Businesses along South 24th Street closed yesterday, and some remained closed Wednesday.

"We want to all partner to restore that sense of peace and vibrancy that we know Omaha has," Garcia said.

Ewing acknowledged that the city has received questions about the Omaha Police Department's role in the incident.

Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said the department was made aware on an "extremely general basis" that immigration officials might be coming to the city about 10 days before the raid.

But it wasn't until Tuesday morning, when federal agents were already staging, that the department was contacted by federal authorities asking for traffic control, which the department provided as part of its public safety mission, he said. The police department did not have any role in detaining anyone. He assured residents that they can contact police for help without fear that police will check their legal status. Only if they were arrested for a serious crime would that happen.

Later Tuesday, the police department monitored two protests. About 400 protesters gathered near 33rd and L streets, waving flags and signs as vehicles drove past. About 200 people were present at the peak of another protest at 72nd and Dodge streets.

He said the department encourages demonstrations but asks that they be done safely. Organizers should contact the department to find out how to make that happen.

The raid, however, came as tensions continue to build over immigration enforcement and responses in Los Angeles, where people protesting immigration raids have clashed with law enforcement. President Donald Trump has deployed National Guard troops and U.S. Marines. Large demonstrations also took place Tuesday in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Austin and Washington, D.C.

In their Wednesday statement, ICE officials said some of the individuals who had been detained in Omaha had active local warrants, prior convictions for driving under the influence or had previously been deported.

An individual from Honduras, described as in the country illegally, brandished a weapon at federal agents during the raid. No agents were injured.

Many of the detained now face additional federal charges: fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents; assaulting a federal officer; resisting arrest; illegal reentry; and use or misuse of Social Security numbers.

"Workforce enforcement remains a priority for ICE as it seeks to protect the nation's workforce, eradicate labor trafficking and hold employers accountable for practices that encourage illegal immigration," agency officials said in the statement.

Ewing said Wednesday that he did not know why Omaha was targeted for a raid at this time.

David Cruz, national communications director for the League of United Latin American Citizens, asked Ewing what message the nonpartisan organization could carry back to Congress. Leaders had just visited Los Angeles and were returning to Washington, D.C.

Said Ewing, "Let's develop a comprehensive immigration policy that actually works."

"That's not soft on crime," added the former Omaha police deputy chief. "Let's take care of the people in our city and our state and our country."

Ramon Palomares, LULAC's president, said in a separate interview that immigration raids in places like Glenn Valley will have ripple effects.

Palomares said meatpacking and dairy plants need immigrant labor.

Nobody else is going to take these jobs, he said. Its going to have an impact on the economy  scarcity of goods, prices go up.

Heath Mello, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, said in a statement that the organization supports Ewings position that immigration enforcement is a federal matter and should not involve or compromise the mission of local law enforcement.

The chamber believes the city's immigrant workforce is essential to the fabric of the local economy and will work with partners to understand the impact of federal immigration policies and clearly define the role that our local community plays in this issue.

"Omaha is a welcoming city and we value everyone here who collectively make us one of the best metro areas in the country, he said.

Omaha World-Herald staff writer Dan Crisler contributed to this report.
The University of Nebraska Board of Regents will consider a 5% tuition increase for the 2025-26 school year to help close a budget gap created by rising operational costs and limited growth in state aid.

The proposed hike will be part of a $1.1 billion state-aided budget that will also go before NU regents on June 19. The public meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. in the Varner Hall Boardroom.

The tuition increase comes just weeks after the Legislature passed a budget with a 1.25% increase to NUs state aid over the next two years. State lawmakers voted to raise NUs appropriations by $7 million over the next biennium.

That amount is significantly less than NU sought. Last year, the NU Board of Regents requested senators raise the appropriation for the states only public university system by 3.5%.

Gov. Jim Pillen, a former regent who represented northeast Nebraska on the board, recommended a 2% cut to NUs $700 million appropriation, or more than $14 million.

The Appropriations Committees initial budget followed Pillens recommendation, but the loss of millions of dollars in federal funds for research and other programs led them to reconsider.

In April, the governor, state lawmakers and university administrators settled on a 1.25% increase over the biennium, or roughly 0.625% in each of the next two years.

NU President Jeff Gold said the muted growth in state aid, combined with annual increases in the cost of doing business will force NU to consider raising revenue through tuition increases and imposing cuts across the system to balance its budget this year.

A 5% average increase in tuition  each increase of 1% raises approximately $3.5 million in revenue  will leave NU between $15 million and $20 million short of achieving that goal, Gold said.

Current projections show NUs shortfall at $18.7 million if the tuition increase is approved by regents next week.

But setting the increase at 5% rather than 6-7% will also keep NUs four campuses the lowest, or among the lowest compared to peer institutions in per credit hour cost, he added.

This will ensure that our tuition rates remain extremely low compared to our peers across the country, Gold said.

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the cost for in-state students will go up by about $14 per credit hour for most undergraduate courses to roughly $291. Tuition rates for students in programs like engineering, business and law will be higher.

For out-of-state students enrolled in undergraduate courses at UNL, the per credit hour cost will go up by about $44 to $932.

In-state students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha will pay about $12.50 more per credit hour next year for a total of $251, and University of Nebraska at Kearney students will see the cost go up by roughly $11 to $234 per credit hour.

The decision to raise revenue on one side of the balanced budget equation and cut costs on the other side is an effort to remain accessible and affordable while continuing to afford what Gold described as world-class higher education.

This is not just about the cost, he said, it is about the value of higher education that we offer. We are not doing anything as part of this budget cycle that would erode the quality of what were doing.

If we need to reduce offerings or consolidate or change our structures, all of that is on the table. What is not on the table is reducing the quality, he said.

Also included in NUs budget:

* In May, NU administrators said they planned to keep the salary pools allocation for merit-based increases flat this year. Each 1% increase to the pool results in $20 million of additional expenses to NU.

If we were to do even a 1% across-the-board increase, that would more than double the amount of cuts that we would have to take, Gold said.

NU has included funds in its budget for promotions and will give campuses some leeway in how it awards those increases.

Administrators also have discretion to hire positions such as public safety positions or others instrumental to NUs operations.

The freeze does not affect faculty at UNO and UNK who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement approved by regents in April.

* The Presidential Scholars program, which awards free tuition and room and board to students who score a perfect 36 on the ACT college-entrance exam will continue. The program currently costs the university about $1.5 million each year.

The university expanded the program to Nebraska students who score between 32 and 35 on the ACT this fall, but Gold said NU will revisit that decision later this year to determine if the expanded program can continue.

* NU will also reexamine its other tuition remission programs  the university does not give scholarships, it offers discounted prices  that have been created through legislative action or other mechanisms.

The university will provide $10 million in tuition remissions through unfunded mandates this year, Gold said.

* The university president said NU will also keep in place the Nebraska Promise program, which offers full tuition remission for Nebraska students from families with household incomes of $65,000 or less.

Depending on the year, Nebraska Promise costs the university between $11 million and $15 million annually, according to Gold.

But the program could change if the Trump administration changes how Pell Grant eligibility is calculated, he added. Roughly 4 in 5 of NUs students apply for federal aid each year in order to make college more affordable.

If that changes, it will significantly alter access to higher education in the University of Nebraska system, Gold said, and widely, widely across our nation.

* Gold said the best way NU can navigate its budget challenges remains through growth.

The secret sauce to all of this is growth, he said, including increases in enrollment, federal grants and contracts, philanthropy or state support.

NU provides a 10-to-1 return on investment for every dollar spent by the state, according to an economic impact study commissioned by the university last year. Gold often cites the figures in talks with lawmakers or the public at large.

I keep coming back to the fact that when the family budget gets tight, you only make investments that are high-return, safe and secure, he said. Higher education is an incredibly important investment for every Nebraska family.
STATEMENT OF SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN ON THE COMMEMORATION OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

The 127th commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day today is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for our sovereignty and the enduring spirit of the Filipino people.

However, true independence will remain elusive for as long as many of our fellow citizens grapple with the chains of indigence, joblessness, and learning deprivation. Bilang isang bansa, kailangan nating italaga ang ating mga sarili sa pagsugpo sa mga hamong ito upang matamo ang mas makabuluhang kalayaan para sa bawat Pilipino at mas maunlad na buhay para sa mga susunod na henerasyon.

STATEMENT OF SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN ON THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL ALLOWANCE TO PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS, NON-TEACHING STAFF

The provision of medical allowance worth P7,000 to qualified public school teachers and non-teaching staff is a way to uphold their welfare, especially now as we look forward to the opening of classes. Mahalaga ito upang maitaguyod ang kapakanan ng ating mga guro at mapanatili nating mataas ang kanilang morale.

Moving forward, I will continue working with the Department of Education and other stakeholders to ensure that we can guarantee and expand these health care benefits, which I proposed in the Revised Magna Carta for Public School Teachers.
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Internal medicine and pediatric physician Charles LeBaron discusses his article How the CDCs opioid rules created a crisis for chronic pain patients. Charles discusses the 2016 CDC opioid guideline, initially framed as a solution to over-prescription and overdose deaths, and critically examines its actual impact. He reveals how the guideline, despite being based on low quality of evidence, led to widespread restrictions on opioid prescriptions by states, federal agencies, insurance companies, and pharmacies. Charles highlights the severe, unintended consequences for chronic pain patients, including increased pain, worsened quality of life, and a rise in suicides and overdoses among those whose opioid dosages were reduced or discontinued. He also touches on the devastating impact on cancer patients experiencing undertreated pain and discusses criticisms from pain specialists and the damning report by Human Rights Watch, which characterized the de facto denial of pain relief as a potential human rights violation.

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Transcript

Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome Charles LeBaron. Hes an internal medicine and pediatric physician and author of the book, Greed to Do Good: The Untold Story of CDCs Disasters, War on Opioids. He has an excerpt from that book on KevinMD, and were going to talk about that today. Charles, welcome to the show.

Charles LeBaron: Thank you, Kevin.

Kevin Pho: OK, so just briefly share your story, and then tell us why you decided to share this excerpt on KevinMD.

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Charles LeBaron: Well, as you know, Kevin, I think you and I both remember from medical school that they told us we learn more from our patients than from our books. What they didnt add, which maybe they should have, is that you can discover for yourself that you often learn more by being a patient than even from your patients because its an enlightening experience to be at the other end of the stethoscope.

In my case, what was enlightening was that I was at the other end of severe pain. Unexpectedly, I developed staphylococcal septicemia and meningitis and collapsed a bunch of my vertebrae both in the neck and in the lower spine. Then, in the midst of fighting that off, I got disseminated shingles, which is an ulcerating condition affecting half of my body. So I developed a very intimate experience with what severe pain is like and what the obstacles are to getting relief from that severe pain.

I had discovered that the place where Id worked, the CDC, had been prominent in basically creating obstacles for people in severe pain to get the medications they needed for relief. That was such an enlightening experience that I decided to write a book about it.

Kevin Pho: OK. So tell us the key messages you want readers to come away with after reading your book.

Charles LeBaron: Well, there are two things. One is that were in a paradoxical situation where we have had an explosion of overdoses. At the same time, we have great difficulty with people in pain getting appropriate pain relief. In some ways, its sort of a worst-case scenario because you would prefer exactly the opposite: low cases of overdoses and adequate pain relief.

The history on this is sort of peculiar in the sense that it represents a sequence of good intentions gone wrong. In the 1990s and early 2000s, it is well known there was a concern that pain was undertreated. A number of manufacturers of opioids decided this was a good, profit-making environment in which to work, so they promoted their pain relief, which was addictiveOxyContin and others. That became, in essence, so popular because of their promotion that we ended up with basically a prescription overdose environment where people were dying of prescription overdoses. Whereupon the CDC, my old employer, stepped in and came up with recommendations which were actually very, very severe on who should be getting opioid medications for pain relief.

The effect of that, in an environment where treatment of addiction was not widespread and alternatives to opioids were not freely available, in effect, created a large population of people who are opioid-dependent. They had no access to legal opioids. So, a group of entrepreneurs in Mexico, in Sinaloa and other locations, decided they could expand their market share from their traditional target population, heroin users, to this expanded group of folks who were opioid-dependent, thanks to opioid manufacturers, and began to promote fentanyl for widespread use.

In a sense, like prohibition, illegality became normalized. Fentanyl became a widespread drug of use. The difficulty is that the cartels dont adhere to the same safety procedures and dosage that an FDA-approved opioid would typically have. So we had a massive explosion of overdoses as a result. Hence, we were placed in this paradoxical situation where there was an extreme limitation on prescription opioids for those who actually needed it. At the same time, there was widespread availability of very dangerous illicit opioids.

In a sense, were just now barely coming out of that paradoxical situation. That was basically what I was writing about in the book: that you can go wrong sometimes with the best intentions. You want to treat pain, and you create an opioid epidemic. Then you try and restrict that, and you create an overdose epidemic. In each case, you really need to be minding the store on what youre doing, and thats the substance, in essence, of what my book is.

Kevin Pho: Now, just so were clear, and for people who arent aware, what were some of the key points for the CDCs guidelines? Just for those who arent familiar with them?

Charles LeBaron: Well, what they, with good intentions but in a misguidedly draconian fashion, wanted to do were three things, which are logical. One was to reduce the number of people who are getting opioids so that its restricted to people who really have severe, legitimate pain. But again, its a restriction which had some boomerang effects. Two was to restrict the level of dosage and the duration of dosage, and both of those had evidence behind them in the sense that people on high dosages for long periods of time are much more likely to end up in an addictive situation than those who are not.

So those three thingsrestriction of the people who could get the opioids, limitation of the total dosage, and limitation of the durationwere the three interventions that the CDC, in a sense, recommended. So again, well-intentioned, but they were implemented in such a restrictive and draconian way that, in effect, it created a mass withdrawal situation and then led to the entry of illicit opioids into the general population.

Kevin Pho: Ive had a lot of physicians and patient advocates saying what youre saying about how draconian the CDCs guidelines were and how they led to this epidemic of overdoses and illicit substances. So, you are in Atlanta, and obviously, the CDC is your former employer. You have some inside knowledge, so Im sure that they heard some of these criticisms. What was their response to some of these criticisms?

Charles LeBaron: Well, I would like to say that the CDC, I think in many cases, we follow Winston Churchills old dictum that no matter how beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally consult the result. There was no dishonor in coming up with that logical limitation of opioids in a context where they were massively overprescribed. But you have to examine the unexpected adverse effects and then say what you need to do about it. In retrospect, and it should have been in prospect as well, the CDC should have recognized that if you severely limit opioid access for people who are dependent on it, then theyre going to seek it elsewhere. When you have a doubling of the number of fatal overdoses within 24 months of implementing an intervention, you should really reconsider the intervention, take a look at it, and say what we should modify and how we should not.

Unfortunately, the CDC had a tendency in this situation to kind of stick to its guns and not modify. If I were to give them an excuse, which I dont really, I could understand the notion behind this restriction was that it was going to take a while for the benefits to become apparent, that were basically preventing people from initiating opioid use and its going to take years to see that. So on that premise, they sort of stuck to their guns.

The problem was more and more and more people were dying. Were not talking about just being unhappy but actually dying. Overdoses reached a level where the deaths were more frequent each year than guns and automobile accidents combined. They are more than every single cancer. Theyre the number one killer of adults between the ages of 18 and 45. So when you have a situation where theres that level of mortality, you really need to haul back a little bit. Unfortunately, it took them roughly about five years to haul back, and only in 2022 did they come up with more appropriate prescription guidelines.

Kevin Pho: So what are the changes that they made to their original 2016 guidelines, and are the changes still in effect today? What modifications did they make?

Charles LeBaron: Yes, they made modifications. 2022 is when the relaxed, or more appropriate, guidelines were put into effect. In essence, they said these are not strict guidelines. You can go up on the dosage, and you can widen the number of people for whom it is available.

The implementation problem was that the folks who had decided to follow the guidelineswhich were basically insurance companies, pharmacy benefit managers, Medicaid, Medicareall these folks had already embedded the original guidelines into their practices and their restrictions. So it wasnt enough for the CDC to just come up with, OK, were having more appropriate guidelines. It really needed to, in a sense, go on a campaign to make sure that the more appropriate guidelines reached the implementation stage rather than just being a piece of paper that was sent out. So even today, that problem continues, despite the fact that the CDC has improved its guidance on paper.

Kevin Pho: So on a more practical level, inside the exam room, this is an issue that physicians across the country deal with many, many times per day: the issue of chronic pain, opioid dependence, and possible overdose due to exposure to illicit substances. Do you have any practical tips that you could share with these clinicians who may be listening to you today and experiencing this type of encounter several times on a daily basis?

Charles LeBaron: Well, clinical practice right now is certainly placed in a dilemma because the original draconian guidelines are still, in effect. Physicians have actually been put in jailthat sounds strangebut for exceeding those guidelines. The dilemma continues, but what I would say is that the opportunities to push up against those restrictions are much more available than they used to be. The DEA, for instance, while it monitors opioid use on the part of physicians, no longer basically assumes that going over those guidelines is going to be inherently a criminal event.

And so, for people in pain, I think they need to advocate for themselves, which is a difficult thing. I spent a long time in the ICU, and its hard to advocate for yourself when youre in the ICU. But I think for most physicians who are going to be dealing with severe chronic pain, its going to be on an outpatient basis, and there needs to be that interactive, cooperative interaction between the patient and the physician.

The second thing that physicians should keep in mind is that one of the recommendations, and this is quite correct, is that anyone whos on high doses of opioids or extended doses of opioids should also have the antidote, Narcan, available to them. Thats available actually over the counter as a nasal spray. Its also available by prescription, and even though the over-the-counter version is easier to obtain, the reason you might write a prescription from your physician is that theres no reimbursement for the patient when they buy an over-the-counter version, whereas when they buy a prescription, most of the insurance companies will pay for it. So it sounds strange to recommend a physician make a prescription for an over-the-counter drug, but that helps the patient have that around.

That being said, the proportion of patients who actually die of prescription opioids now is very, very low compared to illicit opioids. But its also true that folks who are on prescription opioids are at greater risk to get illicit opioids if their prescription isnt adequate for their needs. And so having the Narcan, the naloxone, around in some fashion can be a lifesaver.

Kevin Pho: Were talking to Charles LeBaron. Hes an internal medicine and pediatric physician. Todays KevinMD article is, How do the CDCs opioid rules create a crisis for chronic pain patients? Charles, lets end with some take-home messages that you would like to leave with the KevinMD audience.

Charles LeBaron: Well, I think there are two issues that are important. I come from a public health background more than a clinical background, so when I look at the situation, I see a tragedy of good intentions gone wrong. The Winston Churchill dictum of looking at the results is the most important take-home for us public health folks. For the clinical folks, I think its very important to recognize that severe pain can be treated safely, but it needs to be treated by prescription opioids, and we shouldnt let the cartels be Americas pharmacists. We clinicians should be treating it, and adequately.

Kevin Pho: Charles, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight, and thanks again for coming on the show.

Charles LeBaron: Thanks, Kevin.
Perhaps the most often repeated complaint about Rust is its slow feedback loop and long compilation times. I hear about it all the time; in Rust podcasts, blog posts, surveys, conference talks or offline discussions. I also regularly complain about it, being a Rust user myself!

Recently, in addition to the usual compile times complaints, I also started noticing the following sentiments being expressed by frustrated Rust developers: Why doesnt the Rust Project care more about this pressing and known issue? Why dont they do something about it?. As a member of the Rust compiler performance working group, I take these questions very seriously, and I of course have some opinions on the topic. In this blog post, I would like to offer some thoughts that might serve as answers to these (and other similar) questions.

Disclaimer: all opinions expressed in this post are mine only and do not necessarily represent the broader views of the Rust Project (the diverse set of contributors and maintainers that contribute to the Rust toolchain).

Do we even care?

First, let me assure you - yes, we (as in, the Rust Project) absolutely do care about the performance of our beloved compiler, and we put in a lot of effort to improve it. We triage performance improvements and regressions each week. We run a comprehensive benchmark suite after every merged PR . We enthusiatically welcome any performance improvements (unless they have complicated trade-offs, more on that later), and try to quickly revert (or fix) PRs that introduce performance regressions. Very smart people are continously working on finding bottlenecks and speeding up the compiler. And some significant improvements to make compilation faster by default are currently in the works.

And all this effort shows results; Rust build performance has improved quite a lot over the past few years! When we talk about the long-term trends, we usually show this dashboard, but I find it a bit dull, because it averages results of several benchmarks together and the benchmarks are quite short, so they start running into diminishing returns. Instead, I did a little experiment to show how did the build performance evolve on my favourite test subject, hyperqueue. I took its first commit (from March 2021) and compiled it with a few different Rust compiler versions, with ~1 year increments between them. I did this on a relatively modest laptop with 8 AMD cores running Linux. Here are the results:

rustc version Clean build [s] Incremental rebuild [s] Speedup (clean build) 1.61.0 (May 2022) 26.1s ~0.39 - 1.70.0 (June 2023) 20.2s ~0.37 1.29x 1.78.0 (May 2024) 17.0s ~0.30 1.53x 1.87.0 (May 2025) 14.7s ~0.26 1.77x

On this benchmark, the compiler is almost twice as fast than it was three years ago. Of course, this is just a single data point, in different cases the speedup will be larger or smaller, and it will likely be smaller in general on other platforms than x64 Linux, because we spend the most effort optimizing that specific target. But the fact remains that the performance of the compiler is continuously improving.

Its still not fast enough though

Now, all that is nice, but it doesnt change the fact that for many Rust developers, compilation performance is still a big bottleneck, and they could be much more productive if the feedback loop was an order of magnitude (or more) faster. To be fair, this will depend on who you ask, e.g. some C++ developers dont mind Rusts compilation times at all, as they are used to the same (or worse) build times, while Python programmers likely arent very impressed by Rusts feedback loop speed. But its definitely not a stretch to say that for many users, Rust compilation just isnt fast enough today, and that is a problem.

Before we examine that problem in more detail, I think that its interesting to think about whether the problem is even fundamentally solvable, and what is the end goal that we would eventually like to achieve. Can Rust ever hope to achieve near-instant (re)build speeds, with its complex type system, borrow checking, monomorphization, proc macros and build scripts, large translation units, machine code generation and a rebuild the world from source compilation model? When it has a historical track record of favoring runtime (rather than compilation) performance at nearly every opportunity?

I think that it depends on the use-case. If were talking about building projects with hundreds of dependencies from scratch or doing super-duper LTO -optimized release builds, I think that we wont ever get to a point where the build will be truly instant. On the other hand, I personally believe (although others might disagree!) that it is not fundamentally impossible to have a Rust compiler that will be able to almost instantly rebuild a Rust project of nearly any size in incremental (and at least moderately optimized) mode after making a small change to the source code, one where rebuilds are truly O(number of performed changes) and not O(size of the codebase) . We might have to make some trade-offs, particularly around the resulting runtime performance, but I think that we can get there. In fact, we can even see examples that can already achieve something akin to this (in somewhat limited scenarios for now) today!

And its not like we dont have some ideas on how to get (at least closer) to this goal. There are several northstar approaches for speeding up the compilation process in various ways, like the parallel frontend, alternative codegen backends, defaulting to a faster linker, deferring code generation (MIR-only rlibs, -Zhint-mostly-unused), avoiding useless workspace rebuilds, having smarter incremental compilation (including incremental linking or even binary hot-patching), and many others.

Some of these approaches are not prepared for wider usage yet, but others are, and you can opt into them today. They usually (but not always) help. I believe that if we had a magic wand and we could land all these changes today, we could get very snappy incremental rebuilds for a large (certainly much larger than today) fraction of Rust projects.

And its not like only the broader Rust community would benefit from this. Improving build performance makes Rust toolchain contributors themselves much more productive. It reduces the time required to build the compiler itself when making changes to it, it speeds up our CI workflows, reduces the time that we have to wait for tests and compiler performance benchmarks Everyone would benefit! So whats blocking us from making progress faster? WHy dONt We dO SOmEtHIng ABoUt iT??!

So why dont we do more?

This is a tough question, one that doesnt have a simple answer. I will try to provide a variety of reasons (in mostly arbitrary order) why I think we have not been making progress faster, based on my personal experiences working within the Rust Project.

Technical reasons

First, lets start with the technical reasons, which are in a way the most straightforward. Simply put, making non-trivial improvements to the performance of the Rust compiler is hard! It is a large codebase that has a lot of technical debt risk, as probably all large (compiler) codebases do, and although we provide a guide for contributing to it, it still takes time before you can understand whats going on. In fact, there is probably not a single person that understands the whole compiler codebase (maybe except for compiler-errors ).

While it is possible to make performance improvements even without deeply understanding how the compiler works, by profiling and micro-optimizing its various parts, this approach can only get you so far, and most of the low-hanging fruit has already been picked. A lot of things have been optimized and overfitted to reach a local performance minimum on a variety of benchmarks and use-cases, so even if an improvement is made for some use-cases, it often regresses something else, which can lead to that localized improvement not being accepted.

We also have to consider various trade-offs when deciding whether to land certain performance optimizations. For example, we know a few tricks that could make the compiler a bit faster on x64 Linux, the most popular target. We could compile rustc with support for newer instruction architectures, e.g. AVX256, which seems to provide some wins. However, that would mean that the compiler would no longer work on older x64 CPUs that we still officially support! Or we could use a different memory allocator (e.g. mimalloc), which also seems to provide some modest performance wins, but at the cost of increased memory usage, which could cause rustc to go OOM on devices with smaller amounts of RAM . Maybe youre thinking why cant we just ship multiple versions of the compiler (for the same target) with different optimizations and then let people (or rustup ) choose which one to use? Well, building the most optimized variant of the compiler for Linux already takes an enormous amount of CI resources right now, not to mention that distributing the toolchain in multiple variants could balloon the amount of data we ship to users over the network, which is already gigantic. There are simply trade-offs everywhere.

I think that to achieve truly significant build performance wins, there are mostly two ways forward. The first one, which I find highly promising, is improving certain compilation workflows. We dont necessarily have to make the whole compiler faster if we can vastly improve the performance (or reduce the amount of work required) of specific workflows that currently limit the productivity of a large fraction of Rust developers. An example of this is the Relink, dont rebuild proposal, which has the potential of reducing the amount of compilation that has to be performed when you modify a crate in a large Cargo workspace. Approaches such as this one do not necessarily make the compiler faster per se, rather they make the compilation process smarter, which is an area in which rustc could be improved a lot. Many of these potential workflow improvements are also not strictly tied only to the compiler itself, but they happen at the intersection of rustc and the used build system (most often Cargo).

I hope that some of these ideas will make the most common Rust compilation workflows much faster in the short-to-medium term, without requiring massive changes to the implementation of the compiler. Nevertheless, even such targeted optimizations are not easy to land. Achieving an impressive performance win with a proof-of-concept is the easy part. But then comes the long tail of the really hard work - making sure that your change supports all the edge-cases and quirks of the Rust compilation process, works on all targets, doesnt regress important use-cases and benchmarks, is not a maintenance nightmare, keeps backwards compatibility, etc.

The second way forward, as you might have guessed, is performing massive changes and/or refactorings to the implementation of the compiler. However, that is of course challenging, for a number of reasons. First, you need to do a vibe check with the rest of the compiler team with a Major Change Proposal, to make sure that other compiler maintainers are on board with you performing such a major change. Then you will obviously need to implement these changes, which can take a lot of effort. For example, if you change one thing at the bottom layer of the compiler, you will then have to go through hundreds of places and fix them up, and also potentially fix many test cases, which can be very time-consuming. You will also need to find reviewer(s) with bandwidth to approve your changes, which can span over many PRs and weeks, months or even years of work.

Performing large cross-cutting changes is also tricky because it will necessarily conflict with a lot of other changes being done to the compiler in the meantime. You can try to perform the modifications outside the main compiler tree, but that is almost doomed to fail, given how fast the compiler changes. Alternatively, you try to land the changes in a single massive PR , which might lead to endless rebases (and might make it harder to find a reviewer). Or, you will need to do the migration incrementally, which might require maintaining two separate implementations of the same thing for a long time, which can be exhausting.

An example of a large internal change (albeit one that is not directly related to performance) is the reimplementation of the compilers trait solver. Even though it is being worked on by very smart and incredibly skilled people, this is a process that takes several years to finish. Thats the scale that were dealing with if we would like to perform some massive refactoring of the compiler internals, and it should set the expectations for people that ask us when are we finally going to rewrite the whole compiler using Data-oriented Design to make it a bazillion times faster.

Speaking of DoD , an additional thing to consider is the maintainability of the compiler codebase. Imagine that we swung our magic wand again, and rewrote everything over the night using DoD , SIMD vectorization, hand-rolled assembly, etc. It would (possibly) be way faster, yay! However, we do not only care about immediate performance, but also about our ability to make long-term improvements to it. If we overfitted the performance using code that is hard to evolve, understand, debug or maintain, it wouldnt serve us well in the long term. The compiler receives contributions from hundreds of volunteers, and we want to keep the codebase (at least somewhat) approachable to them. So the long-term maintaintability of the codebase is also something that we need to keep in mind.

While the challenges presented above are very real, they are of course not exactly unique to rustc . The fact that making major changes to a large (compiler) codebase is difficult is probably not very surprising. Im sure that GCC/LLVM/Clang maintainers also have a lot of ideas on how to improve or speed up things, but it takes a lot of effort and time to get these done. But there are also other reasons why compiler performance is not the only thing we focus on.

Prioritization

Even though many Rust users seem to want compiler performance to be the primary priority of the Rust Project, we should not forget that there are also other priorities that we have to keep in mind.

The Rust compiler is (at least in my opinion) very stable and dependable, and I can count on a new version being released every six weeks. That is no small feat! And we should not take it for granted. It does not happen simply by starting from a working state and then not doing anything. There is so much work that goes into simply making sure that things are not on fire, our infrastructure and CI works, really bad bugs are being fixed in a timely manner, incoming issues are being triaged, backwards compatibility is still being upheld, PRs are being reviewed, security issues are being quickly resolved, we stay on top of changes in external dependencies, such as LLVM, and much, much more. And we have to ensure all of that works on all of our supported targets! At this moment, thats 8 Tier 1 targets (those have to build and all tests have to pass) and 91 (!) Tier 2 targets (those have to at least build). By a large part, that work is being done by volunteers who care so much about Rust and its toolchain ( ) and want to keep it working as well as it was so far. There is simply a ton of work to do on Rust.

And all that work is of course eating away from time that could be spent e.g. on making the compiler faster. If you do not consider that work to be all that important, ask yourself if you would enjoy a twice faster compiler if it randomly started miscompiling your code :)

Another thing is that both the language and the compiler are getting new features all the time. New compiler flags to support projects like Rust for Linux, syntactical improvements, complex language features, and so many other things. In general, the language seems to be far from done, and so many things are in process; there are almost 200 open RFCs pull requests, and many other RFCs were accepted, but havent been implemented or stabilized yet. At any given point, we have ~700 opened PRs on the main Rust repository, we have over 10 thousand open issues, theres just so much going on.

And it seems that Rust users want Rust to evolve as fast as it does today, or even faster, which means more changes! When was the last time you just wanted this small feature X to be finally stabilized so that you could make your code nicer? It is perfectly fine to want new features from a language, but we should not forget that (amongst other things, such as design discussions) it requires a lot of experimentation, refactoring, bug fixes, testing and implementation effort in the compiler, which again takes time from optimizing performance. Not to mention that adding new features usually makes compiler performance slightly worse, as it tend to do more work, rather than the opposite.

Contributors

In the end, the amount of effort that gets spent on optimizing the performance of the compiler ultimately depends on the people who contribute to it and maintain it. They are often volunteers, and they have diverse interests. Some (compiler) contributors are not interested in doing performance optimizations at all, and that is perfectly fine! Remember, Rust is not a company (this is a great blog post by Mara Bos, I recommend you to go read it!). We dont tell people what they should work on, nor do we assign them tasks or tickets. If there wont be people interested in making the compiler faster, it mostly likely will not get done, its as simple as that.

That being said, there are certain ways of how we can empower people to work on compiler performance. The Rust Project now has the Project Goals program, which specifies a set of goals and projects that we consider to be important, and we explicitly welcome contributions (and promise to provide reviews and support) in these areas. Im going to try to make compiler performance be one of the flagship goals in the near future, as I think that it really deserves to be one. That could perhaps help motivate more people to work on it.

Even though it may sound a bit banal, making progress faster is also (at least partially) a matter of funding. Sometimes I hear people complaining about certain projects designed to improve compilation performance taking too long to be ready. It sounds like they expect that there is a fully staffed team of well-paid engineers working on these projects. Well, we should not forget that the Rust Project is still mostly built on volunteers, and many people contribute to it in their free time. Many improvements (including some important compiler performance projects) to Rust were literally driven by a single university student who works tirelessly to make Rust better day by day, without maybe even getting paid for it in any way, and the reason why progress pauses can be (for example) that they must finish university exams or do some actual paid work so that they could afford rent and food.

During the recent RustWeek conference and the associated All Hands event, I saw an increased interest from various companies to invest into improving the performance of the Rust compiler, which is great! Improving the performance of rustc requires long-term concentrated effort, and providing stable funding for contributors doing that work is definitely one of the ways of how we could make progress faster. However, it is also important that making improvements is not just about doing the implementation work; someone will also need to review it, and then maintain it in the future. In an ideal world, companies would fund long-term ongoing work on the maintenance of the compiler, rather than paying their employees to implement an optimization that scratches their itch and then disappearing. Sometimes, the best way to help something move forward in Rust is not to implement it, but gather knowledge, become an expert in some compiler area, and help review the code of others, so that you can unblock other people to do the actual work :) But that of course takes a long-term investment (both in terms of time and money).

Based on my experience, the interest amongst Rust compiler contributors to work on compiler performance does not correspond to the amount of discourse this topic gets online (and again, this is fine!). If I used the magic wand again, and could persuade more contributors to care about it, would I do it? Probably yes. Would it be a good thing for Rust, long-term? I dont know! So far, the development of the language and compiler seems to be going fine, and who am I to determine priorities. I trust the people in the Project to collectively do whats best for Rust, both today and in the future.

One thing that I find interesting is that maybe more people would actually do performance work if they didnt feel the need to work on so many other things at the same time. Case in point: when I started contributing to Rust back in 2021, my primary interest was compiler performance. So I started doing some optimization work. Then I noticed that the compiler benchmark suite could use some maintenance, so I started working on that. Then I noticed that we dont compile the compiler itself with as many optimizations as we could, so I started working on adding support for LTO /PGO/BOLT, which further led to improving our CI infrastructure. Then I noticed that we wait quite a long time for our CI workflows, and started optimizing them. Then I started running the Rust Annual Survey, then our GSoC program, then improving our bots, then Many of these contributions did (at least I hope) affect the performance of compiler in some indirect way, either by unblocking or supporting other contributors or improving our infrastructure (in various meanings of that word). However, only now, after a few years of getting sidetracked, Im finally trying to get back to doing direct compiler performance work again.

In other words, the more help we can get with maintaining Rust (regardless in which specific area!), the better the chance that we will collectively have more time to improve the performance of the compiler :)

Conclusion

Funnily enough, after I wrote this post, I realized that I could probably replace the term compiler performance with pretty much anything else that people want from Rust (why doesnt Rust do X), and a lot of the same reasoning would still apply. In this regard, compiler performance is not that special, its just one of (so) many (very important!) things that we care about and that we try to improve to the best of our ability.

In terms of future compiler performance work, Im hopeful about several initiatives that were discussed at the All Hands events, and also about making LLD the default linker on Linux, which will hopefully finally land in the upcoming months. Im also planning to run a compiler performance survey soon, so that we can find out what workflows cause bottlenecks for Rust users, and I also want to build better infrastructure for profiling what the compiler is actually doing during the compilation process.

I hope that this blog post provided a bit of insight into why making progress in build performance is not so easy. If youd like to join the fray and help with it, we would be happy to see you! Let me know what you think on Reddit.
Major China-Africa trade expo to kick off in Changsha amid closer economic ties

08:25, June 12, 2025 By Liu Yang ( Global Times

Chinese and African government officials and businesses are gathering in Changsha, Central China's Hunan Province, for the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, a major platform for China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, which is scheduled to kick off on Thursday.

Inside the Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center on Wednesday, exhibitors from Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and other African countries are ramping up efforts to set up the venue with local specialties, including Namibian chili sauce, Kenyan flowers and malachite bracelets, Beninese sweet bread pineapple, Tanzanian sapphires, and Lesotho wool blankets.

Themed "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization," the event will feature 30 economic and trade activities in fields including China-Africa industrial chain collaboration, green minerals, infrastructure, traditional medicine, cultural industries and youth entrepreneurship, according to the organizer.

As of Wednesday, more than 30,000 people from 53 African countries, 11 international organizations, 27 domestic provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, and more than 4,700 Chinese and African enterprises, business associations, and financial institutions have registered to attend the conference and the exhibition, the Global Times learned from the organizer on Wednesday.

Among the high-level attendees, Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN assistant secretary-general and director of the Regional Bureau for Africa of the United Nations Development Programme, will take part in the expo, with the mission focusing on leveraging trade, innovation, and responsible investment to accelerate sustainable development across the African continent, according to a statement sent to the Global Times on Wednesday.

"Since the first event in 2019, China has continuously held the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, with its scale gradually expanding, demonstrating the increasingly close economic and trade ties between China and African countries, as well as China's unwavering commitment to opening-up and sharing the dividends of development," He Wenping, a director of the Institute of West Asian and African Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The expo has collected 279 projects for signing between Chinese and African businesses, an increase of 43.8 percent over the previous session. After review, 175 cooperation projects will be signed during the session, involving an amount of $11.39 billion, according to the organizer.

He noted that as the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing last year proposed 10 partnership action plans, the upcoming expo marks concrete action to implement those plans. With the support of this platform, China-Africa trade has expanded from traditional agricultural and mineral products to diversified sectors, the expert said.

On the one hand, high-quality African specialty agricultural products, handicrafts, and light consumer goods are entering China, enriching product supply; on the other hand, Chinese technologies, cross-border e-commerce, power communications, and green industrial chains are increasingly brought to the African market, injecting new momentum into China-Africa pragmatic cooperation, He noted.

Economic and trade cooperation between China and Africa has demonstrated strong vitality, with a rapid increase in trade over the past 25 years, official data from China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) showed on Wednesday.

China's total imports and exports with African countries increased from less than 100 billion yuan ($13.9 billion) in 2000 to 2.1 trillion yuan in 2024, with an average annual growth rate of 14.2 percent, according to the data.

The GAC also published the 2024 China-Africa trade index, which reached a record high of 1,056.53 points. The index uses the year 2000 as its benchmark, set at 100 points.

Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, told a press conference on Wednesday that in recent years, under the guidance of the FOCAC, China-Africa relations have achieved leapfrog development.

China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China have established strategic partnerships, and China has been the largest trading partner for Africa for 16 years in a row. Since the FOCAC Beijing Summit last year, China has made an additional investment of over 13.3 billion yuan, and provided funding of over 150 billion yuan to Africa, according to Lin.

"China always views enhancing solidarity and cooperation with African countries as an important cornerstone of our foreign policy," the spokesperson said. "We stand ready to work with Africa to make solid progress in implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit."

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Restoration Brings Life Back to One of Oldest Christian Monuments in Syria

At the heart of al-Hasakah city, and prior to decades of transformations and disasters, Syriac Orthodox Cathedral of St. George stands as a living testament to the resilience of the Syriac people and their determination to persevere and take roots. This cathedral, founded in the early 20th century after the tragedies of the Sayfo massacres, is now being revived through comprehensive restoration work that began in 2022, restoring the church's status as a spiritual and cultural beacon for Christians in North and East Syria.

Collective Memory After the Nakba

St. George's Cathedral was established in the early 20th century, as thousands of Syriac Christians escaped the "Sayfo Massacres" the Ottoman Empire committed against them in 1915 and settled in al-Hasakah city. The church has developed over time as a religious and social center that brings together members of society and represents their identity.

Mar Maurice Amsih, Bishop of the Diocese of al-Jazira and Euphrates, said in an exclusive interview with ANHA's agency: "After massacres of Sayfo and immigrations of our nation into Syria, we constructed this cathedral that turned out to be the biggest church in the Middle East. After all the wars the region had been going through, and with the devastating destruction of religious monuments, we have never abandoned our church. We started restoring it three years ago because we believe attachment to the land is life itself."

Restoration Restores Hope and Identity

The restoration in process today encompasses the infrastructure, towers, and interior furnishings, with every effort being made to maintain the original Syriac architectural integrity that blends Byzantine and Eastern art, in a setting that replicates ancient spiritual rituals.

Bishop Amsih stressed, "We are rebuilding the church, but actually, we are restoring the spirit, renewing hope, and affirming our presence in our land. It is a message to all those who left, to return and participate in rebuilding the homeland and identity."

A Cultural Landmark for All Syrians

The Cathedral of St. George covers an area of 950 square meters and includes a main hall that can accommodate more than 1,200 worshippers. It also houses the seat of the Bishop of the Diocese of al-Jazira and the Euphrates, which includes the areas of Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor, and parts of the Euphrates.

Bishop Amsih clarified, "This church is not just a symbol of Christians but symbolizes a common cultural and human legacy for all island communities. Upon completion of the restoration work, we will conduct a spiritual wedding in front of His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East."

The Cathedral of Life After Pain

Despite the destruction it suffered as a result of ISIS/ Daesh mercenary attacks in the city of al-Hasakah, St. George's Cathedral rises today from the rubble of war as a symbol of steadfastness. Through it, the Syriac Orthodox affirm that faith in and belonging to the land is stronger than all storms, and that restoring the stones is a prelude to healing souls and reviving spiritual life in cities exhausted by absence.
The leader of the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, Nelson Mandela, has been jailed for life for sabotage.

Seven other defendants, including the former secretary-general of the banned African National Congress (ANC), Walter Sisulu, were also given life prison sentences.

Crowds gathered silently outside the court building in Pretorias Church Square waiting for the verdict to be handed down. Hundreds of police patrolled the area.

The Rivonia trial  named after the suburb of Johannesburg where several of the defendants were arrested  began eight months ago, with Mandela, 46, and his co-defendants proudly confessing their guilt to plotting to destroy the South African state by sabotage.

As members of the ANC  the main African nationalist movement  they have campaigned for an end to the oppression of black South Africans.

But the movement was banned in 1960 following the Sharpeville massacre and campaigners decided they had no choice but to resort to violent means.

Mandela  a lawyer by training  told the court earlier: I do not deny that I planned sabotage. I did not plan it in a spirit of recklessness nor because I have any love of violence. I planned it as a result of a calm and sober assessment of the political situation that had arisen after many years of tyranny, exploitation and oppression of my people by the whites. []

Lawyer for the defendants, Harold Hansen QC said: These accused represent the struggle of their people for equal rights. Their views represent the struggle of the African people for the attainment of equal rights for all races in this country.

But the judge, President Quartus de Wet, said he was not convinced by their claim to have been motivated by a desire to alleviate the grievances of the African people in this country.

Judge de Wet said: People who organise revolution usually plan to take over the government as well through personal ambition.

However, he stopped short of the imposing the supreme penalty of death.

The convicted men were cheered as they left court in a police lorry. The crowd was dispersed without any serious incident.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

This was the second time Nelson Mandela had been tried for high treason  in 1956 he was charged but after a four year trial the case was dropped.

There were demonstrations in Britain following the 1964 sentencing. A world petition calling for the prisoners release was handed to the United Nations Secretary General.

Nelson Mandela spent most of his 27 years behind bars serving hard labour in Robben Island prison off Cape Town.

He was released in 1990, jointly awarded the Nobel peace prize with President FW de Klerk in 1993 and elected South Africas president in the countrys first multi-racial elections held in 1994.

He stepped down in favour of Govan Mbekis son Thabo in 1999 but continues to travel the world campaigning for peace.

Walter Sisulu died at the age of 90 in May 2003.
Lawmaker Jose Pereira Coutinho opposes the governments methods for amending the rules on eligibility for the annual cash handouts.

In a spoken inquiry delivered at the Legislative Assembly (AL) during the period preceding yesterdays plenary session agenda, the lawmaker protested the lack of public consultation before the changes to eligibility rules.

The lawmaker remarked that the way the government proceeded sets a bad precedent that could eventually lead to the termination of the cash handout program without input from the public or the AL.

Over the years, many citizens and several members of this chamber have argued that this scheme [Wealth Partaking Scheme] should be permanent, long-lasting, and regulated by special legislation to be approved by this Legislative Assembly. However, without consulting the citizens or this Assembly, the government, through Administrative Regulation No. 15/2023, unilaterally decided to stipulate that the program for allocating cash handouts would be provisional in nature  contrary to the permanent nature that most citizens and some lawmakers have suggested over the years. In other words, next year, the Macau government, citing random reasons, could easily abolish it, he said.

The second surprise came with the implementation of the 183-day rule for the allocation of the scheme for the current year. Here, too, society, citizens, and the AL were never consulted on this important issue, he added.

The lawmaker expressed particular disagreement with the fact that the changes are retroactive, leaving citizens without any opportunity to respond or make informed personal and family decisions.

Imposing rules today on events that occurred in 2024 in the allocation of the 2025 scheme is utterly unfair and unreasonable, because residents did not have the opportunity or time to adapt their family and professional lives to the requirements of the Administrative Regulation, which were only disclosed this year, he said.

Additionally, Pereira Coutinho claimed that the regulation overlooks several exceptional cases involving hundreds of residents who will not receive the cash handout this year. Among these, he cited fishermen who work on the high seas and are unable to meet the 183-day requirement.

He also called on the government to publicly disclose the total amount of unallocated funds, where that money will be spent, the administrative costs of the new measures, and how many residents have been affected.

Pereira Coutinho accused the government of enforcing measures that contribute to public dissatisfaction and divisions among different social and ethnic groups.

He said this could have been avoided if there had been common sense, skill, and political tact from the government, adding, this is not the right time to implement measures that cause social instability.

The lawmaker also urged the government to implement an immediate subsidy policy for workers who have been working part-time for more than six consecutive months and earning low wages.
The government has proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Law that would reduce the current 15-day limit for free street parking to a maximum of eight consecutive days. Under the draft, parking beyond this period would be considered overtime parking, aimed at improving traffic circulation and maximizing the use of limited parking resources in Macau. In addition, the proposed legislation introduces a cooperation obligation that would require vehicle owners  both individuals and legal entities  involved in traffic accidents to actively assist with investigations carried out by the relevant authorities.

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Los Angeles police swiftly enforced a downtown curfew Tuesday night (yesterday, Macau time), making arrests moments after it took effect, while deploying officers on horseback and using crowd control projectiles to break up a group of hundreds demonstrating against President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown.

Members of the National Guard stood watch behind plastic shields, but did not appear to participate in the arrests.

Hours later, many of the protesters had dispersed, although sporadic confrontations continued that were much smaller than in previous nights. Officials said the curfew was necessary to stop vandalism and theft by agitators looking to cause trouble.

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier accused Trump of drawing a military dragnet across the nations second-largest city with his escalating use of the National Guard. He also deployed Marines, though none were seen on the streets Tuesday.

Newsom asked a court to put an emergency stop to the military helping federal immigration agents, with some guardsmen now standing in protection around agents as they carried out arrests. He said it would only heighten tensions and promote civil unrest. The judge set a hearing for Thursday, giving the administration several days to continue those activities.

The change moves troops closer to engaging in law enforcement actions like deportations as Trump has promised as part of his administrations immigration crackdown. The Guard has the authority to temporarily detain people who attack officers but any arrests ultimately would be made by law enforcement.

Trump has activated more than 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines over the objections of city and state leaders. They were originally deployed to protect federal buildings.

Demonstrations have spread to other cities nationwide, including Dallas and Austin, Texas, Chicago and New York, where a thousand people rallied and multiple arrests were made.

In Texas, where police in Austin used chemical irritants to disperse several hundred demonstrators Monday, Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts office said Texas National Guard troops were on standby in areas where demonstrations are planned, Abbott spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris said Tuesday evening.

Guard members were deployed to San Antonio, according to assistant police chief Jesse Salame. He said he did not know how many were sent or details on the deployment.

LA mayor puts curfew in place

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency on the fifth day of protests and said the curfew will run from 8 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday. She said it was expected to last for several days.

We reached a tipping point after 23 businesses were looted, Bass said during a news conference Tuesday.

The curfew covers a 1 square mile section of downtown that includes the area where protests have occurred since Friday. The city of Los Angeles encompasses roughly 500 square miles.

The curfew doesnt apply to residents who live in the designated area, people who are homeless, credentialed media or public safety and emergency officials, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell.

McDonnell said unlawful and dangerous behavior had been escalating since Saturday.

The curfew is a necessary measure to protect lives and safeguard property following several consecutive days of growing unrest throughout the city, McDonnell said.

Trump is open to using Insurrection Act

Trump left open the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, which authorizes the president to deploy military forces inside the U.S. to suppress rebellion or domestic violence or to enforce the law in certain situations. Its one of the most extreme emergency powers available to a U.S. president.

If theres an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it. Well see, he said from the Oval Office.

Later the president called protesters animals and a foreign enemy in a speech at Fort Bragg ostensibly to recognize the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

Trump has described Los Angeles in dire terms that Bass and Newsom say are nowhere close to the truth.

In a public address yesterday [Macau time], Newsom called Trumps actions the start of an assault on democracy.

California may be first, but it clearly will not end here. Other states are next, he said.

Newsom warned people against inciting violence, but urged them to stand up to the presidents actions.

What Donald Trump wants most is your fealty, your silence. To be complicit in this moment, he said. Do not give it to him.

The protests began Friday after federal immigration raids arrested dozens of workers in Los Angeles. Protesters blocked a major freeway and set cars on fire over the weekend, and police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades.

The demonstrations have been mostly concentrated downtown in the city of 4 million. Thousands of people have peacefully rallied outside City Hall and hundreds more protested outside a federal complex that includes a detention center where some immigrants are being held following workplace raids. JAKE OFFENHARTZ, LOS ANGELES, MDT/AP
Pope Leo XIV made his first appointment of a Chinese bishop under the Vaticans 2018 agreement with Beijing, signalling he is continuing one of Pope Francis most controversial foreign policy decisions.

The Vatican expressed satisfaction that Leos June 5 nomination of Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou was recognized yesterday by Chinese authorities.

The Vatican said in a statement that Lin taking possession of the diocese and the civic recognition of his appointment constitutes a further fruit of the dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese authorities and is a significant step in the dioceses communal journey.

Francis had riled conservatives when he approved a deal in 2018 over bishop nominations, which had been the most divisive issue in Vatican-China relations since diplomatic ties were severed when the Communists came to power. China had insisted on an exclusive right to name bishops as a matter of national sovereignty, while the Vatican asserted the popes exclusive right to name the successors of the original Apostles.

Chinas estimated 12 million Catholics have been divided between an official, state-controlled church that didnt recognize papal authority and an underground church that remained loyal to Rome through decades of persecution. The Vatican tried for decades to unify the flock and the 2018 deal was aimed at healing that division, regularizing the status of seven bishops who werent recognized by Rome and thawing decades of estrangement between China and the Vatican.

The details of the 2018 deal were never released, but it affords the state-controlled church a say in its church leaders, though Francis insisted he retained veto power over the ultimate choice.

The deal has been criticized by some, especially on the Catholic right, for having caved to Beijings demands and sold out the underground faithful in China. The Vatican has said it was the best deal it could get and has been renewed periodically since then.

One of the big foreign policy questions facing Leo, historys first American pope, was whether he would continue renewing the accord or heed conservative demands and make some changes.

There have been apparent violations on the Beijing side with some unilateral appointments that occurred without papal consent. The issue came to a head just before the conclave that elected Leo pope, when the Chinese church proceeded with the preliminary election of two bishops, a step that comes before official consecration. MDT/AP
Portugals Prime Minister Luis Montenegro is expected to visit Macau in September as part of an official trip to China, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced earlier this week.

The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation between Macau and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The president ruled out his own return to the Special Administrative Region this year, citing scheduling conflicts with Portugals June 10 National Day celebrations.

As reported by Lusa, president Marcelo had originally planned to attend the events in Macau, but said it was impossible to travel there due to commitments in Portugal on June 12.

Instead, Montenegro will make the trip while the President attends the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

He has a visit to China that also includes a trip to Macau, the president said.

The cancellation of Portugal Day events in Macau followed the collapse of the PSD/CDS-PP government in March and the resulting early legislative elections in May.

Ultimately, the president and prime minister celebrated Portugal Day in the western Algarve town of Lagos.

President Marcelo previously made a state visit to China and Macau in 2019, meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing before visiting Shanghai and Macau.

Meanwhile, at Tuesdays reception marking Portugals National Day, Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai praised the Portuguese communitys significant contributions to Macaus socioeconomic progress. The event was held at the Residence of the Consul General of Portugal.

The CE stated, The contribution of the Portuguese communities has been important for the healthy development of this region in many ways.

Amelia Antonio, head of Casa de Portugal, also highlighted Macaus position as a bridge between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Speaking to the media, she expressed optimism but raised concerns about recent challenges, including the mass exodus of Portuguese residents.

On the sidelines of the event, Antonio told the media, I want to make it clear that I trust what Chinese leaders say today about the importance of Macau, about the importance of Portuguese as an official language here [] what is essential at this point is to definitively clarify whether what the Chinese authorities have been saying in relation to Macaus role is to be taken seriously.

Concerned about restrictive residency policies, Antonio questioned whether Macau remains fully committed to its bridging role, stating, Ever since this situation began, it has worried me deeply, and it worries me even more now [] you cant make an omelet without eggs. How can Macau become a hub for spreading the Portuguese language, a hub of difference as China intends for Macau, if it lacks the necessary ingredients?

She expressed hope that a potential visit by the Chief Executive to Portugal could address these issues.
Philippine senators set themselves as an impeachment court this week for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte over corruption and other criminal allegations, but voted to send the raft of complaints back to the lower House of Representatives due to legal questions.

Dozens of activists protesting outside the Senate condemned Senate President Chiz Escudero and 17 other senators for voting to send back the impeachment complaint to the House instead of immediately bringing Duterte to trial. Five senators rejected the move.

The Senate action will delay the start of Dutertes impeachment trial but its unclear what other impact it would have on her case.

There is no `remand or `return in the constitution, said Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who has demanded an immediate trial of the vice president. Our obligation is to try and decide.

Escudero said the move did not mean that the impeachment complaint was being dismissed and underscored that point by issuing summons for Duterte to appear before the impeachment court when the trial proceeds.

Duterte was impeached by the House in February on a range of accusations that include plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and large-scale corruption.

Many legislators who backed Dutertes impeachment were political allies of Marcos and her impeachment deepened a bitter political rift between the two highest leaders of one of Asias most rambunctious democracies.

The vice presidents supporters have said the legislators violated the constitution and congressional rules to force her impeachment and prevent her from running in presidential elections in 2028, when Marcos six-year term ends.

Duterte, 47, is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte who was arrested in March and flown to The Netherlands to face charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court.

The Hague-based court had ordered the former presidents arrest through Interpol, the global police organization, after accusing him of committing a crime against humanity over deadly anti-drug crackdowns he oversaw while in office. MDT/AP
South Koreas military has shut down loudspeakers broadcasting anti-North Korea propaganda along the inter-Korean border, marking the new liberal governments first concrete step toward easing tensions between the war-divided rivals.

The South resumed the loudspeaker broadcasts in June last year following a years-long pause in retaliation for North Korea flying trash-laden balloons toward the South in a psychological warfare campaign.

South Koreas Defense Ministry said yesterday that the move was part of efforts to to restore trust in inter-Korean relations and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea, which is extremely sensitive to any outside criticism of its authoritarian leadership and its third-generation ruler, Kim Jong Un, didnt immediately comment on the step by Seoul.

From May to November last year, North Korea flew about 7,000 balloons toward South Korea in 32 separate events to drop substances such as wastepaper, cloth scraps, cigarette butts and even manure. The North said that its balloon campaign came after South Korean activists sent over balloons filled with anti-North Korean leaflets, as well as USB sticks filled with popular South Korean songs and dramas.

Trash carried by at least one North Korean balloon fell on the South Korean presidential compound in July, raising concerns about the vulnerability of key South Korean facilities. Officials said that the balloon contained no dangerous material and no one was hurt.

South Korea, in response to the North Korean balloons, reactivated its front-line loudspeakers to blast propaganda messages and K-pop songs toward the North. The playlist was clearly designed to strike the nerve of Pyongyang, as Kims government since the COVID-19 pandemic has been intensifying a campaign to eliminate the influence of South Korean pop culture and language among the population in a bid to strengthen his familys dynastic rule.

The Cold War-style psychological warfare campaigns added to tensions fueled by North Koreas growing nuclear ambitions and South Korean efforts to expand joint military exercises with the United States and strengthen three-way security cooperation with Japan.

South Koreas new liberal president, Lee Jae-myung, who took office last week after winning an early election to replace ousted conservative Yoon Suk Yeol, has vowed to improve relations with Pyongyang, which reacted furiously to Yoons hard-line policies and shunned dialogue.

During the election campaign, Lee promised to halt the loudspeaker broadcasts, arguing that they created unnecessary tensions and discomfort for South Korean residents in border towns. In recent months, those residents had complained about North Koreas retaliatory broadcasts, which included howling animals, pounding gongs and other irritating sounds.

In a briefing on Monday, South Koreas Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, also called for South Korean civilian activists to stop flying anti-North Korean propaganda leaflets across the border. Such activities could heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula and threaten the lives and safety of residents in border areas, said Koo Byoungsam, the ministrys spokesperson.

In his inaugural address last week, Lee vowed to reopen communication channels with North Korea to ease tensions. But prospects for an early resumption of dialogue between the rival Koreas remain dim, as North Korea has consistently rejected offers from South Korea and the United States since 2019, when nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang collapsed over sanctions-related disagreements.

North Koreas priority in foreign policy is now firmly with Russia, which has received thousands of North Korean troops and large amounts of military equipment in recent months for its war with Ukraine.

Yoon, who was removed from office in April over his short-lived imposition of martial law in December, had focused on strengthening military partnerships with Washington and Tokyo and on securing stronger U.S. assurances of a swift and decisive nuclear response to defend the South against a North Korean attack.

In a fierce reaction to Yoons policies, Kim in January 2024 declared that he was abandoning the long-standing goals of a peaceful unification with the South and instructed the rewriting of the Norths constitution to cement the South as a permanent principal enemy. KIM TONG-HYUNG, SEOUL, MDT/AP
* Graft buster flags sick leave abuse

 In one case, four customs officers fraudulently claimed between 900 and 1,400 sick days, CCAC annual report reveals

* Cash handouts | Coutinho accuses govt of stirring social unrest

* Concert scandal |Case of illegal workers still sending shockwaves

* Portugals Prime Minister Luis Montenegro expected to visit Macau in September as part of an official trip to China

* Macaus unique strengths to drive national development, says Secretary Tai

* HK police accuse a mobile game app of promoting armed revolution

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Thursday, June 12 2025  edition no. 4736
Senior U.S. and Chinese negotiators have agreed on a framework to get their trade negotiations back on track after a series of disputes that threatened to derail them, both sides have said.

The announcement came at the end of two days of talks in the British capital that wrapped yesterday [Macau time].

The meetings appeared to focus on finding a way to resolve disputes over mineral and technology exports that had shaken a fragile truce on trade reached in Geneva last month. Its not clear whether any progress was made on the more fundamental differences over Chinas sizeable trade surplus with the United States.

First we had to get sort of the negativity out and now we can go forward, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters after the meetings.

Asian stock markets rose Wednesday after the agreement was announced.

The talks followed a phone call between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping last week to try to calm the waters.

Li Chenggang, a vice minister of commerce and Chinas international trade representative, said the two sides had agreed in principle on a framework for implementing the consensus reached on the phone call and at the talks on Geneva, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

Further details, including any plans for a potential next round of talks, were not immediately available.

Li and Wang Wentao, Chinas commerce minister, were part of the delegation led by Vice Premier He Lifeng. They met with Lutnick, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at Lancaster House, a 200-year-old mansion near Buckingham Palace.

Wendy Cutler, a former U.S. trade negotiator, said the disputes had frittered away 30 of the 90 days the two sides have to try to resolve their disputes.

They agreed in Geneva to a 90-day suspension of most of the 100%-plus tariffs they had imposed on each other in an escalating trade war that sparked fears of recession. The World Bank, citing a rise in trade barriers, cut its projections Tuesday for U.S. and global economic growth this year.

The U.S. and China lost valuable time in restoring their Geneva agreements, said Cutler, now vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute. Now, only sixty days remain to address issues of concern, including unfair trade practices, excess capacity, transshipment and fentanyl.

Since the Geneva talks, the U.S. and China have exchanged angry words over advanced semiconductors that power artificial intelligence, visas for Chinese students at American universities and rare earth minerals that are vital to carmakers and other industries.

China, the worlds biggest producer of rare earths, has signaled it may speed up the issuing of export licenses for the elements. Beijing, in turn, wants the U.S. to lift restrictions on Chinese access to the technology used to make advanced semiconductors.

Lutnick said that resolving the rare earths issue is a fundamental part of the agreed-upon framework, and that the U.S. will remove measures it had imposed in response. He did not specify which measures.

When they approve the licenses, then you should expect that our export implementation will come down as well, he said.

Cutler said it would be unprecedented for the U.S. to negotiate on its export controls, which she described as an irritant that China has been raising for nearly 20 years.

By doing so, the U.S. has opened a door for China to insist on adding export controls to future negotiating agendas, she said.

In Washington, a federal appeals court agreed Tuesday to let the government keep collecting tariffs that Trump has imposed not just on China but also on other countries worldwide while the administration appeals a ruling against his signature trade policy.

Trump said earlier that he wants to open up China, the worlds dominant manufacturer, to U.S. products.

If we dont open up China, maybe we wont do anything, Trump said at the White House. But we want to open up China. JILL LAWLESS & KEN MORITSUGU, LONDON, MDT/AP
From artificial intelligence to military defense, China has offered a few DeepSeek moments this year, showcasing that the country is more than just the worlds biggest factory, and that it also can compete with the US on the technology front. Now biotech is having its own.

In late May, Pfizer Inc. agreed to pay a record $1.25 billion upfront to license an experimental cancer drug from Shenyang-based 3SBio Inc., as well as making a $100 million equity investment in the Hong Kong-listed biotech company. Two weeks later, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. said it would pay BioNTech SE $1.5 billion guaranteed to license a similar cancer asset. It was a win for BioNTech, which bought Biotheus Inc., the Chinese company that developed the drug, late last year for $800 million.

Increasingly, big pharmaceutical companies are seeing Chinese biotech as the disruptors. These two deals will allow Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squib to go after Merck & Co.s Keytruda, the worlds top-selling medicine. 3SBios drug works in the same way as a therapy from Chinas Akeso Inc., which outperformed Keytruda in one trial. US-based Summit Therapeutics Inc. licensed Akesos assets for $500 million upfront in late 2022.

These billion-dollar deals got bankers and investors excited. The Hang Seng Biotech Index is up about 60% this year. By comparison, the S&P biotech index is down 6.5%.

There are good reasons to believe this rapid pace of dealmaking and enthusiasm for China biotech will last, with US President Donald Trumps economic policies serving as a major catalyst.

Trumps threats to slash US prescription drug costs by 59%, PLUS, as well as Medicaid and Medicare cuts in his big, beautiful tax and spending bill, will inevitably dent Big Pharmas bottom line. To cut in-house R&D expenses, these multinationals might have to come to China, where early-stage human tests are much cheaper and easier to run, despite comparable safety protocols.

So far, the biotech industry is relatively insulated from Trumps tariffs, providing a meaningful safe haven for global investors. Rare earths materials and Boeing plane deliveries might be used as negotiation tools, but Beijing is making an exception for public health. It continues to welcome American-made medical supplies, including Pfizers lung cancer drug Lorbrena and Mercks Gardasil, a HPV vaccine that protects against cervical cancer. Being in Beijings good books allows Big Pharma to seal licensing deals with local partners.

What is innovation without human talent? Chinas engineer dividend is likely to pay off big time in the next few years, propelled by a hostile White House that vows to aggressively revoke visas of Chinese studying in critical fields.

Between 2000 and 2020, the number of engineers in China ballooned from 5.2 million to 17.7 million, according to the State Council. The discipline and medicine are among the most popular fields for graduate studies.

Those under the age of 30 account for 44% of the total engineering pool, versus 20% in the US, according to data compiled by Kaiyuan Securities. As a result, compensation for researchers is only about one-eighth that in the US. In other words, Chinese engineers are young, cheap and abundant.

So what weve got are a lot of tailwinds: A group of strategic buyers eager to cut expenses and outsource research, a relatively benign local authority, and competitive talents. Chinas biotech industry is starting to dazzle.

[Abridged]

Courtesy Bloomberg/Shuli Ren
A 35-year-old woman from mainland China has been arrested on suspicion of conducting illegal currency exchange activities in local casinos. The Judiciary Police believe she has been operating across multiple casinos in Macau since April, earning an estimated RMB16,000. During a routine inspection in Cotai on June 10, officers saw her exchanging chips with a male gambler. She admitted to converting RMB18,000 into HKD20,000 in chips. Authorities seized HKD46,000 in chips, HKD10,000 in cash, and a mobile phone.

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Duplexes, backyard houses and mid-sized residential developments could be easier to build under Madison leaders latest push to bring more varied housing options into city neighborhoods.

A trio of proposed ordinance changes announced Wednesday by Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway would permit two-unit and twin homes in all residential areas where single-family homes are allowed, loosen restrictions on dividing residential properties with deep backyards into multiple lots and raise the threshold for housing projects Downtown that have to go through a more extensive conditional use permitting process.

Rhodes-Conway said the changes would encourage the sort of missing middle housing  defined as housing that falls somewhere between single-family homes and large apartment buildings  that is prevalent in some of the citys oldest and most popular neighborhoods, such as Tenney-Lapham and Marquette on the Near East Side, which were developed before zoning codes began favoring single-family construction.

What were trying to do is make it legal to build the kinds of neighborhoods that used to get built in Madison, that people want to live in, she said.

The changes are part of the mayors Housing Forward initiative, which aims to ease the shortage of housing in Madison and create more rental and ownership options that residents can afford. Since the initiative began in 2021, the city has approved zoning changes including establishing a Transit Oriented Development Overlay District that promotes increased density along Bus Rapid Transit routes, removing some restrictions on building accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, doing away with the usable open space requirement for new housing developments and simplifying the approval process for most demolitions.

In February, the city set a goal of adding 15,000 new housing units, including 3,750 low-cost units, by 2030, and launched an online Housing Tracker to document its progress.

One way that the city can continue to create housing options for residents is to streamline approvals, remove exclusionary zoning restrictions that can prevent smaller and medium-sized projects, basically get rid of red tape, Rhodes-Conway said. All three of these proposals will help us create a mix of homes of all sizes and prices.

What would be different

Madisons zoning code currently restricts or bans two-unit and twin homes  distinguished from one another by how the units are placed within a shared building  on most residential lots. The proposed changes would allow them in all zoning districts where single-family homes can be built and would introduce more flexibility in parts of Downtown where some types of duplexes are already permitted. The city adopted similar rules for two-unit and twin homes along BRT routes in 2023, despite pushback from some residents who worried that duplexes would alter the character of their neighborhoods.

The zoning code already permits owners of properties with deep backyards to divide them into multiple residential lots under certain conditions. Rhodes-Conway wants to make those divisions easier. Her proposal would standardize the minimum depth of properties where homeowners can create separate backyard lots for additional housing, and it would significantly reduce the minimum width of the strip of land that must connect the back lot to the street. A backyard lot can be developed into housing in much the same way as any other individual residential property, a notable difference from an ADU, which is on the same lot as the main house and is subject to more limitations.

Developers often need to seek a conditional use  that is, a use that is not always allowed and must be approved by Madisons Plan Commission  if a project is above a certain height, square footage or unit count. The changes announced Wednesday would raise and simplify the conditional use threshold for housing developments in parts of Downtown, including much of Capitol Square, to projects exceeding six stories. In some more residential zoning districts Downtown, the threshold would go from above four units to above 12, or from above eight units to above 36, depending on how the property is zoned.

The proposals are another modest, incremental step in the right direction, said Ald. Tag Evers, 13th District. They will not transform our neighborhoods dramatically ... but over time, they will help create enough homes so that people from all walks of life can live all around our city. Increasing the availability of smaller homes will result in more opportunities for first-time homebuyers and enable older people to downsize without having to leave their neighborhoods, he said.

Ald. John Guequierre, who represents the West Side 19th District where some residents have been wary of multifamily developments in traditionally single-family neighborhoods, said he expects his constituents response to the proposed changes to be mixed but largely favorable. He noted that many residents who spoke out against a planned 138-unit apartment building on Old Sauk Road last year said they would be open to smaller missing middle housing types being built instead.

Guequierre doesnt anticipate many homeowners in his district choosing to redevelop their properties following the ordinance changes. Still, he said, This duplex amendment is a step on the path to more missing middle ownership developments.

Support for the proposals

Rhodes-Conway said she is absolutely confident the City Council will approve expanding where duplexes can go, making backyard lots easier to create and raising Downtowns conditional use threshold.

Each resolution will require 11 votes to pass, according to the mayors office, and each is co-sponsored by more than 11 council members, city filings show.

Developer doubles size of planned apartment building near Hilldale The proposal calls for a six-story building on University Avenue with 146 apartments, a rooftop pool and 4,000 square feet of commercial space.

All three resolutions are co-sponsored by Alds. John Duncan, 1st District; Will Ochowicz, 2nd District; Mike Verveer, 4th District; Davy Mayer, 6th District; MGR Govindarajan, 8th District; Yannette Figueroa Cole, 10th District; Julia Matthews, 12th District; Evers, 13th District; Sean OBrien, 16th District; Sabrina Madison, 17th District, and Guequierre, 19th District.

Alds. Badri Lankella, 7th District; Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford, 15th District, and Carmella Glenn, 18th District, are co-sponsoring the changes to duplexes and backyard lots, while Ald. Derek Field, 3rd District, is co-sponsoring the changes to backyard lots and Downtown permitting.

The resolutions are scheduled to be introduced at the June 17 council meeting.

Future zoning code changes

More reforms to the citys housing ordinances are coming later, with the next batch expected in the late summer or early fall, Rhodes-Conway told the Wisconsin State Journal.

City staff and council members have compiled a list of roughly 20 parts of the zoning code or review process where housing projects have run into issues, Rhodes-Conway said. Changes proposed down the line could include raising conditional use thresholds in parts of Madison where they have yet to be updated and adjusting requirements for new neighborhoods, among others, she said.

Most items on the list, she said, are these relatively small zoning changes, places where weve seen projects come in and staff have looked at it and said, Well, you know, you should be able to do this, but right now weve got this ordinance that says you cant.
The latest edition of the Baseline Profitability Index (BPI), a benchmark developed by Harvard-trained economist Professor Daniel Altman, showed that the Philippines trailed India, Rwanda, Malaysia and Botswana.

The index, originally launched in 2013, uniquely factors in both growth potential and the preservation and repatriation of returns. It ranks markets for foreign investment based on asset growth, value preservation, and ease of capital repatriation.

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As the United States continues to experience slowed growth and unsteady marketsand as tariffs force multinationals to reorient supply chainsmore investors are looking abroad for new locations to invest their capital, the report said.

The BPI serves as a practical benchmark for foreign direct investment by accounting for the share of proceeds that can actually be returned to the investors country of origin.

It considers a five-year time horizon for roughly 100 countries.

The Philippines received a BPI score of 1.20, placing it fifth. It outranked Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Georgia and Uganda, which occupied the sixth to tenth places.

The BPI highlights two main groups of economies with the potential to offer attractive repatriation of proceeds to foreign direct investors. One group offers high growth rates and potential for real exchange rate appreciationan increase in the value of its goods and services relative to those of other countries. Among the leaders of this group are India, Rwanda, the Philippines and Vietnam, the report said.

The other group provides a secure investment environment where returns can be preserved and easily repatriated. This group is led by Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Czechia, and Poland. A few highly ranked countries, like Malaysia and Botswana, fall between these two groups.

The newest edition of the Baseline Profitability Index shows once again that the economies making headlines for fast growth  like Ethiopia and Bangladesh  arent always the ones that will deliver the highest returns, Altman said.

Investors who want to know how much of their returns will actually reach their pockets need to take a more nuanced approach, and the Baseline Profitability Index is exactly the right tool for balancing those risks, he said.

India topped the list in 2025. Indias growing economy continues to offer an extremely attractive home for foreign direct investment, Altman said.

The Baseline Profitability Index suggests that investors in India can also expect further appreciation of the real exchange rate to make their Indian assets more valuable. In the meantime, there is still plenty of room for India to improve its scores in areas like security, finance, governance and property rights, he said.
In Senegal, former Minister of Mines Sophie Gladima appeared before the investigative commission of the High Court of Justice on Wednesday, 11 June, as part of ongoing inquiries into alleged mismanagement of the Force Covid-19 relief fund. Gladima, who also serves as mayor of Joal-Fadiouth, is suspected of misappropriating nearly 200 million CFA francs during her tenure, joining four other former ministers under President Macky Salls administration who are facing similar accusations.

Her legal counsel, Antoine Mbengue, described the hearing as calm and constructive, stating that Gladima provided complete and composed responses to the court. According to Mbengue, the allegations stem from two procurement contracts executed during her time in office. The first involved equipment that was successfully delivered, while the second, more contentious deal, related to the proposed construction of a factory in Kedougou. Though an advance payment was made to secure the project, the site later proved unavailable, and the factory was never built.

Mbengue maintained there was no intent to embezzle public funds, asserting that the money remains traceable and that the service provider has even offered a refund. The defence team is expected to request the lifting of Gladimas detention order, arguing that the issue amounts to a managerial error rather than criminal misconduct. The commission will now deliberate on whether to dismiss the case or proceed with formal charges before Senegals High Court of Justice. Only one former minister, ex-Justice Minister Ismaila Madior Fall, has yet to testify.
In a rare and pointed admission from the highest office on June 11, Kenyan President William Ruto has decried the death of 31-year-old blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang while in Police custody as a cruel and unacceptable tragedy.

Ruto extended personal condolences to Ojwangs family and demanded full cooperation from the police with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which has already launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. This move signals a potential shift in how state brutality is addressed in Kenyas deeply troubled law enforcement landscape.

Ojwang, a well-known social media commentator on X (formerly Twitter), was detained in Homa Bay for allegedly criticising a senior police official. Transferred to Nairobi shortly thereafter, he died in custody at Central Police Station. A subsequent autopsy revealed that his death was caused by blunt-force trauma and neck compressionfindings that directly contradict initial police claims of self-harm. The revelation has deepened national outrage and revived longstanding calls for reform in a police force widely criticised for brutality and impunity.

The death has galvanised a coalition of civil rights groups and citizens, with protests erupting in Nairobi and being met with tear gas by security forces. Organisations such as Amnesty International Kenya, Vocal Africa, and the Bloggers Association of Kenya have demanded an impartial probe and legal accountability for those involved. President Rutos strong condemnation, while welcomed by some, is now under scrutiny as the public waits to see whether it will lead to meaningful reform or amount to yet another rhetorical gesture in a nation where police violence often goes unpunished.
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Legal and ethical distinctions of withdrawing TIV. Credit: Reina Hayashi

A new study reveals striking international differences in how doctors approach the sensitive issue of tracheostomy invasive ventilation (TIV) for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Cultural norms and health care systems appear to significantly influence physician attitudes and, consequently, patient choices regarding this life-sustaining treatment.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that gradually robs individuals of their ability to control muscle movement. As the disease advances, breathing becomes compromised, and patients face the difficult decision of whether to use mechanical ventilation to extend their lives.

TIV, which involves creating a surgical opening in the trachea (windpipe) to provide long-term ventilator support, is a particularly challenging choice. It offers a chance for extended survival but comes with considerable burdens, including potential discomfort, increased dependence on caregivers, and significant financial costs.

Researchers conducted a qualitative study involving interviews with physicians in Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom to explore their perspectives on TIV for ALS patients. They found substantial variations in how doctors approached this complex issue. The findings are published in the journal AJOB Empirical Bioethics.

U.S. and U.K. physicians emphasized patient autonomy and the right to refuse treatment, often characterizing TIV as a burdensome intervention. However, practical limitations within the U.K.'s health care system meant TIV was often not even presented as an option. In the U.S., patient choice was paramount but often constrained by insurance coverage.

Japanese physicians aimed for a neutral presentation of TIV as one treatment choice. However, they also expressed significant caution due to the legal and practical difficulties in discontinuing TIV once it has been initiated. The study also found that physician and family preferences seemed to heavily influence patient choices in Japan, potentially impacting patient autonomy.

These findings highlight the complex interplay of cultural values, health care systems, and medical ethics in end-of-life decision-making. "While patient autonomy is increasingly emphasized in Western medicine, the Japanese context reveals a more nuanced approach where family and physician perspectives play a substantial role," states lead author Reina Ozeki-Hayashi.

This study raises important questions about the balance between individual choice, family involvement, and the responsible use of limited health care resources. The research suggests a need for greater intercultural dialog and culturally sensitive guidelines to ensure that patients with ALS receive the best possible care, tailored to their individual needs and values.

The research also underscores the need for health care systems to provide adequate resources and support for patients and families facing these incredibly challenging choices. Furthermore, the findings indicate the necessity of open communication between physicians, patients, and families about the benefits, burdens, and ethical implications of TIV.

By understanding these cultural nuances, health care professionals can better support patients and families in making informed decisions that align with their values and goals of care.

More information: Reina Ozeki-Hayashi et al, 'An Unimaginable Challenge': A Cross-Cultural Qualitative Study of Ethics and Decision-Making Around Tracheostomy Ventilation in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, AJOB Empirical Bioethics (2025). DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2025.2474928

Provided by University of Osaka
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Flowchart for screening fragile X syndrome carriers using a nanopore sequencing assay. Credit: The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2025.03.008

Researchers have developed an innovative new nanopore sequencing assay to identify carriers of fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading cause of monogenic autism spectrum disorder and inherited intellectual disabilities. The study, published in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, addresses the urgent need for a screening tool to identify carriers of FXS in a more comprehensive, faster, efficient, and cost-effective way compared to current methods, for better informed genetic counseling.

FXS affects approximately 1 in 7,000 females and 1 in 4,000 males worldwide. Common characteristics include mild to severe intellectual disability, developmental delays in speech and motor skills, behavioral and social issues such as ADHD-like and autism spectrum disorder symptoms, sensory sensitivities, and sometimes characteristic physical features.

Lead investigator Qiwei Guo, Ph.D., Department of Central Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Key Clinical Specialty of Laboratory Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China, says, "Although FXS carrier prevalence is high, with all major ethnic groups and races being susceptible to FXS, widespread FXS carrier screening for the general population has remained debatable.

"Based on previous research, clinical interest has shifted from 'whether to perform' to 'how to perform' population-based FXS carrier screening. However, an accurate, fast, affordable, and effective carrier screening assay that can examine a large number of female samples was still lacking. In this study, we developed a reliable and user-friendly software to analyze sequencing data and report results."

The gene responsible for FXS is fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein1 (FMR1), an X-linked dominant gene with full penetrance in all males and many females. It plays a crucial role in synapse formation and normal dendrite development. The number of CGG repeats, a specific sequence of DNA building blocks, is a key indicator of whether someone has a normal FMR1 gene, carries a premutation, or has the full mutation that causes FXS.

Co-investigator Yulin Zhou, Ph.D., Department of Central Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujian Key Clinical Specialty of Laboratory Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China, explains, "We demonstrated that the nanopore sequencing assay can accurately identify the full range of premutation FMR1 alleles, which account for the majority of FXS carriers, and the nanopore sequencing assay was able to reliably quantify CGG repeats and AGG interruptions, two specific DNA sequence variations that are critical for determining the risk of full mutation expansion in carriers, thus facilitating genetic counseling for carrier screening."

By utilizing identifier sequences, the researchers were able to test multiple samples in a single assay, dramatically increasing test capacity and reducing costs. The nanopore sequencing assay can be accomplished within a short turnaround time (approximately two days for an assay testing 100 simultaneously) by a technician in a standard molecular diagnostics laboratory. Compared to other commonly used techniques, the equipment for nanopore sequencing assays is more accessible and portable, and thus could be more readily and widely adapted, particularly in underdeveloped regions of the world.

Dr. Guo concludes, "We focus on controlling human genetic diseases and reducing birth defects. Given the significant morbidity associated with FXS and the lack of effective treatments, prenatal diagnosis and intervention are warranted. Our findings demonstrate that this novel nanopore sequencing assay overcomes key limitations of existing methods for FXS carrier screening, ultimately paving the way for enhanced genetic counseling and broader implementation worldwide."

More information: Zhongmin Xia et al, Fragile X Syndrome Carrier Screening Using a Nanopore Sequencing Assay, The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2025.03.008 Journal information: Journal of Molecular Diagnostics
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A study published in PLOS Mental Health has explored whether having a sibling born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation) affects the behavior of children born at term.

In the study by the University of Oulu, researchers found no evidence that siblings of preterm-born children experience more behavioral problems than those with only term-born siblings. However, children without any siblings showed higher levels of behavioral difficulties.

The study analyzed data from 65,711 children aged 14 and under, using information from birth cohorts in Denmark, Norway, Italy, and the Netherlands. Children were divided into three groups: those with at least one preterm-born sibling, those with only term-born siblings, and those without siblings.

Researchers assessed internalizing behaviorssuch as anxiety, depression and stressand externalizing behaviors, including impulsivity, aggression and rule-breaking. Behavioral data were gathered using parental reports via the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Child Behavior Checklist.

The results showed that children with preterm-born siblings did not differ significantly in behavioral outcomes compared to those with only term-born siblings. In contrast, children without siblings had higher internalizing and externalizing scores.

While the study did not identify a behavioral risk associated with having a preterm-born sibling, it highlights the need for further research. The authors note that the mental health of siblings and larger sample sizes for specific subgroups should be included in future longitudinal studies. Children with preterm-born siblings remain an understudied group that could potentially be at increased risk of mental health challenges.

The researchers emphasize that continued investigation could provide essential evidence for targeted support, especially if future studies reveal specific vulnerabilities among siblings of preterm-born children.

The study analyzed all data using DataSHIELD, an analysis platform which allows remote access to data and aims to facilitate data sharing across institutions, while ensuring total data protection.

More information: Wnurinham Silva et al, Internalising and externalising behaviour in siblings of children born preterm Preterm birth: Internalising and externalising behaviour of siblings, PLOS Mental Health (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000334
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Malaria is often associated with jaundice, where levels of the yellow pigment bilirubin are higher. In this study of mice, scientists show that bilirubin generated by the enzyme biliverdin reductase helps decrease the severity of malaria. Credit: Bindu Paul, Ph.D., created with BioRender.

Scientists say they have new experimental evidence of a novel role for bilirubin, a natural yellow pigment found in the body, in protecting humans from the worst effects of malaria and potentially other infectious diseases. The findings could advance the search for drugs that mimic the pigment bilirubin, or deliver it to the body to help protect people from severe forms of some infections.

The report, published in Science, which builds on a previous Johns Hopkins Medicine study on the protective role of bilirubin in the brain, is a collaboration between the labs of Miguel Soares, Ph.D., at the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine in Portugal, and Bindu Paul, Ph.D., at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

The parasitic disease, transmitted by the bites of some mosquitoes, is estimated to affect more than 260 million people a year in tropical and subtropical areas, and kills about 600,000 people annually, according to the World Health Organization.

The new research findings suggest bilirubin may be a potential target of drugs that boost its production to prevent malaria's most deadly or debilitating effects, says Paul, associate professor of pharmacology and molecular sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Although bilirubin is one of the most commonly measured metabolites in the blood, Paul says its roles in the body are only beginning to be understood.

Additionally, doctoral student Ana Figueiredo, of the Soares lab, who helped spearhead the study, says these findings may indicate that bilirubin could help protect people against other infectious diseases.

Soares connected with Paul after seeing her research published in Cell Chemical Biology in 2019, which identified the important role bilirubin plays in protecting brain cells from damage from oxidative stress. Although prior research from the Soares lab had shown protective effects potentially related to bilirubin in people with malaria, Paul says it was unclear whether the pigment protected or worsened the disease.

The mouse model and methods used to measure bilirubin in the new study were initially developed by Paul's lab for her 2019 study.

Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, is a common presentation of malaria, says Paul, and anywhere from 2.5% to 50% of patients with malaria experience jaundice, according to two studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and Clinical Infectious Disease.

In a bid to pin down the role of bilirubin, the scientists collaborated with the lab of Florian Kurth at Charite Berlin, Germany, and Center de Recherches Medicales de Lambarene in Gabon to conduct an analysis of blood samples taken with permission from a volunteer group of 42 patients who were infected with malaria parasite P. falciparum, which causes the deadliest form of the condition, according to the World Health Organization.

Using techniques developed by Paul and further optimized at the Gulbenkian Institute to measure bilirubin and its precursor biliverdin, the scientists measured the amount of bilirubin not yet processed by the liver in blood samples with both asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria. They found that, on average, people with asymptomatic malaria had 10 times more unprocessed bilirubin in the blood than symptomatic people, and suspected that accumulation of the pigment may have helped protect them from malaria.

Next, the researchers exposed normal mice and mice genetically engineered to lack BVRA, a protein that helps produce bilirubin, to a form of malaria that infects rodents.

Using the same methods developed by Paul, the researchers analyzed the rate at which the malaria parasite died off in both bilirubin-lacking mice and in normal mice.

In normal mice, Soares says the concentration of unprocessed bilirubin in their systems increased significantly after they were infected with malaria, and all of the mice survived. In the mice lacking BVRA, the parasite spread vigorously, and all of the mice died.

The scientists at the Gulbenkian Institute then set out to test whether bilirubin could help BVRA-lacking mice overcome their infections, or whether it contributed to worsening symptoms. They gave bilirubin to malaria-infected mice that were also lacking BVRA, and saw that providing mice with higher doses of bilirubin resulted in survival times similar to that of normal mice.

Paul plans to further study bilirubin in mice to determine the potential protective effect of the pigment in the brain.

"Bilirubin was once considered to be a waste product," Paul says. "This study affirms that it could be one critical protective measure against infectious disease, and potentially neurodegenerative diseases."
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Credit: Sora Shimazaki from Pexels

About 1 in 10 women worldwide have endometriosis. This common condition causes tissue similar to the lining of the uterus to grow in other parts of the body. This can result in painful periods, chronic pain and even infertility.

Yet despite how common endometriosis is, there's currently no cure for it. This may partly be due to the fact that researchers still aren't entirely sure what triggers endometriosis.

But one factor that might increase a woman's likelihood of developing endometriosis is their early life experiences. Recent research published by my colleagues and I has revealed a link between difficult childhood circumstances and a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with endometriosis.

Our study included all women born in Sweden between 1974 and 2001, totaling more than 1 million women. We then followed them from birth using the Swedish register system, which allowed us to track each participant's health data.

We also looked at different indicators of childhood adversity that had been captured through the registers. We focused specifically on experiences which previous studies have shown can lead to negative mental or physical health later in life.

This included having a parent with substance abuse problems, having had to spend a night in the care of child-protection services, having to move around a lot or being exposed to violence. In total, we included 11 indicators of childhood adversity in our analysis.

We then compared the likelihood of receiving an endometriosis diagnosis in women who had experienced each specific type of childhood adversity with women who had not. We controlled for factors that might have influenced the results, including the women's ages, the year they were born, their county of birth and if they had been smaller than average at birth.

Our results showed that having experienced some form of adversity between birth to 15 years of age was associated with a higher risk of being diagnosed with endometriosis later in life. The only adverse childhood event that wasn't linked with a greater risk of being diagnosed with endometriosis was familial death.

Women who had been exposed to violence had the highest risk increase, with an over twofold greater likelihood of being diagnosed with endometriosis compared with all other women.

The likelihood of being diagnosed with endometriosis increased the more adversity a woman had experienced in their childhood. Women who had experienced one type of adversity in childhood had a 20% greater likelihood of being diagnosed with endometriosis. But women who had experienced five or more types of adversity had a 60% greater likelihood.

We also ran a separate analysis that included women who experience painful periods (dysmenorrhea) to see if it affected the results. Many women who are diagnosed with endometriosis initially seek help from their doctor because they experience painful periods. We included women who had dysmenorrhea to capture women who might have endometriosis, but had not yet received a proper diagnosis. The results were similar even when we included women with dysmenorrhea in our analysis.

Previous studies which have looked at self-reported early childhood trauma have seen a link with endometriosis. But our study looked not only at remembered experiences of trauma, but also at other indicators of stress.

Endometriosis and immune function

Our findings may be explained, at least in part, by immune system processes and chronic inflammatory responses.

Having experienced adversity during childhood has previously been linked to higher levels of chronic inflammation, as well as an increased risk for autoimmune disorders. Greater levels of inflammation in the body could worsen endometriosis symptoms or even trigger endometriosis to develop.

Another possible way childhood adversity could affect endometriosis is through increased pain. Childhood adversity has been linked to a higher risk for chronic pain conditions. This could lead to women in our study who had gone through childhood adversity experiencing more painful symptoms on average, and therefore being more likely to seek medical help and receive a diagnosis.

Further research might dig into these possible mechanisms. This would improve our understanding of how and why the disease develops. A better understanding of the mechanisms behind the pain experienced by women with endometriosis might also allow researchers to develop more effective treatments than those currently available.

Our study reinforces the conclusions of previous studies which show a link between early childhood adversity and poor health in later life. This kind of research suggests a connection between mental and physical health, and indicates that we need to re-examine our view of the mind and body as separate entities.

It should be noted that our study is observational, which means it cannot prove that adverse events in childhood cause endometriosis, it can only show an association between the two things.

However, our study does highlight the importance of devoting resources to help parents and children. Helping families escape poverty, treating parental addiction or providing stable housing could lead to a healthier population in the future.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Frequency of Indoor Temperatures Over 80F at Work during Summer by Subsectors. Credit: https://shift.hks.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Heat_Report_Final.pdf

Indoor heat exposure is a rising problem for service sector workers, according to a report authored by Hana Shepherd, an associate professor of sociology at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and a senior researcher with the Workplace Justice Lab@RU.

The report, released by the Shift Projecta joint initiative of Harvard Kennedy School's Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy and the University of California, San Franciscowas co-authored by Kristen Harknett, a professor of sociology at the University of California, San Francisco; and Henri Jackson, a pre-doctoral fellow at the Shift Project.

Based on data from 3,514 service sector employees throughout the United States, researchers found widespread reports of indoor workers feeling overheated and regularly experiencing temperatures exceeding 80F, often with little recourse.

"We expected to find some indoor heat exposure among retail workers, but not nearly the levels we did find," Shepherd said. "These numbers suggest that millions of service sector workers across the country are regularly exposed to potentially unsafe levels of heat indoors each summer and they have very limited ability to mitigate their heat exposure. This creates various health risks for them."

Among workers employed in retail or food service who work indoors, 65% reported feeling uncomfortably hot or overheated at work and 36% reported experiencing uncomfortable heat at work often or always.

Federal standards being proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration would use a threshold of 80 degrees to define workplace heat exposure, which nearly half of workers surveyed report already experiencing. New Jersey does not have a state heat standard; a bill establishing one has been proposed in the state Assembly.

Additionally, the researchers found that among retail and food-service workers who work indoors:

37% had a heat-related headache

34% experienced heat-related fatigue

24% had heat-related nausea in the past year

The greatest exposure to heat among indoor retail workers was reported by warehouse workers (63%), fast-food workers (58%) and restaurant workers (52%).

However, researchers noted nearly 40% of indoor workers in retail storesa group historically omitted from heat standards and regulationsregularly experience at least 80-degree temperatures at work.

"We need to broaden our conception of who is affected by workplace heat exposure. It's not just those working outdoors or in kitchens," Harknett said.

Citing what they described as a patchwork of state and federal workplace protections and the inconsistent enforcement of existing indoor heat policies, authors of the report said their findings illustrate a "clear need for updated federal and state regulations and enforcement regarding standards and procedures for evaluating and mitigating exposure to heat in indoor work."

More information: Heat Exposure in Indoor Service Sector Workplaces: Prevalence, Health Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies. shift.hks.harvard.edu/wp-conte  eat_Report_Final.pdf
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Social determinants of health (SDH), such as socioeconomic status and educational background are factors that are increasingly recognized as critical contributors to health outcomes in chronic diseases. Understanding how certain factors impact different rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) is important, and new research into this for both systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and inflammatory arthritis was presented at the EULAR 2025 congress in Barcelona.

SLE is a chronic autoimmune disease that exhibits considerable clinical heterogeneity, and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. While disparities in SLE outcomes have been linked to SDH, research exploring these associations in unselected populationsparticularly in Europeis limited. A population-based cohort of 2,434 people newly diagnosed with SLE in Sweden was used to examine the association between SDH and key health outcomes, including organ damage and mortality.

SDH variables included earned income, education level, marital status, work ability, employment, and immigration status. Models were used to estimate the hazard ratio for first organ damage accrual and mortality associated with each SDH variable, adjusted for age and sex.

The findings showed that 39% of people accrued damage over a median time of 2.8 years, and 5.0% died. Having a lower annual earned income and nine years or less of education were both associated with a 3040% higher risk of first organ damage compared to people with a higher income and more than 12 years of education.

Marital status was also associated with organ damage, with divorced or widowed people showing a significantly higher risk compared with those who were partnered. Perhaps less surprisingly, a history of sick leave or disability was associated with a greater than 40% increased risk in organ damage.

Similar patterns were found for mortality, with individuals in the lowest income and education categories experiencing over 2- and 1.5-fold increased risk, respectively, compared to those in the highest categories. Again, people who were single, separated, or widowed had higher mortality risk compared to people in relationships, and having had any days of sick leave or disability was associated with a 78% increased risk of mortality. But being born outside Sweden was not associated with either damage accrual or mortality.

Presenting the work, Daniel Guimaraes de Oliveira said "Our study identifies key social determinants of health that could be used to predict who is at risk of poor outcomesand if we know that then we can apply targeted interventions, including improved health care access, support for medical and non-medical treatment, improved health literacy and community-based networks, all of which could help improve outcomes."

As in SLE, the association between social determinants of health, patient-reported outcomes, and clinical outcomes in people with inflammatory arthritis remains poorly understood. Mrinalini Dey and colleagues from King's College London in the UKthrough a project awarded to senior author Elena Nikiphorouaimed to investigate the association between health literacy and social determinants of health, clinical and non-clinical outcomes.

This work was undertaken in people recruited into the National Early Inflammatory Arthritis Audit in England. 995 participants completed an online survey, which included the nine-domain Health Literacy Questionnaire. This encompasses aspects such as feeling understood and supported by health care providers; having sufficient information and social support to manage their health; and having the ability to actively engage with health care providers, navigate the health care system, and find good health information.

Findings showed that health literacy across all domains was associated with higher self-reported disease activity within the past 2 weeks, and greater anxiety and depression. Limited health literacy in all domainswith the exception of being able to appraise health informationwas significantly associated with more severe joint pain and stiffness and higher tender and swollen joint counts.

Increased likelihood of corticosteroid use in the past 2 weeks was associated with three different findings: having high health literacy in the domain around feeling understood and being supported by health care providersbut also limited ability to find good health information, and limited literacy around knowing health information well enough to know what to do.

People on conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARD) were more likely to have high health literacy around social support for health and were better able to actively engage with health care providersas compared to those not taking a csDMARD.

People on a biologic or targeted synthetic DMARD (b/tsDMARD) were more likely to have high health literacy in the domain around feeling understood and being supported by health care providers.

Looking at work, people were more likely to be employed if they had high health literacy in their ability to find good health information, and understood health information well enough to know what to do. Limited health literacy across six of the nine domains was associated with high levels of absenteeism. Limited health literacy in eight of the nine domains was associated with greater levels of presenteeism and greater work productivity loss. Limited health literacy across all domains was associated with greater activity impairment.

Taken together, these two abstracts highlight that a better understanding of the impact of SDH on outcomes in RMD provide valuable insights that can be used to design targeted interventions and ultimately improve health equity in disease management.

More information: Gomez A, et al. Associations Between Social Determinants of Health and Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Evidence from a European Nationwide Population-Based Cohort. Presented at EULAR 2025; OP0200. DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2025-eular.B2043. Dey M, et al. Health literacy associates with clinical, treatment and work status in people with inflammatory arthritis: Results from a national cohort. Presented at EULAR 2025; OP0026.

DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2025-eular.B1218.

Provided by European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology
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Colorado State University Mathematics Professor Jennifer Mueller's lab created torsos made out of ballistic gel to test a medical ultrasound imaging technique for bedside monitoring. Credit: Jennifer Mueller/CSU

Scientists from Colorado State University and the University of Sao Paulo have overcome a challenge that has prevented medical ultrasound imaging from being used in intensive care and emergency room settings. This technological advancement could someday lead to improved critical care for patients.

Obtaining accurate medical images using ultrasound computed tomography (USCT) is challenging due to the uncertainty of sensor positioning, which changes with patient movement. The interdisciplinary team, including a mathematician, an engineer and a geophysicist, found a seismological solution to this problem and improved the resolution of ultrasound images for lung monitoring.

Their results, published in IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, bring USCT one step closer to being a safe, cost-effective and portable solution to radiation-emitting medical imaging.

Safer than CT scans

Ultrasound computed tomography does not emit ionizing radiation, so it is a safer alternative to medical imaging that uses X-ray computed tomography, or "CAT" scans. Ionizing radiation can damage living tissue, especially with repeated scans.

CT scanners are also generally large and stationary, so patients must be transported to the machines, regardless of their condition or life-saving equipment to which they might be connected. Moving patients with head or back trauma can be dangerous, and USCT offers a portable solution that can be brought to patients.

CSU Mathematics Professor Jennifer Mueller has been working to develop a USCT imaging option for bedside monitoring, so doctors can monitor and treat dangerous conditions quicker, without exposing patients to ionizing radiation.

"[USCT] has the potential to provide a real-time response to developing conditions that could be treated sooner rather than later when they're a big problem," Mueller said.

However, to use USCT in intensive care units and emergency rooms, sensors must be attached to the patient for ultrasound to be transmitted through the body. USCT sensors would be worn by the patient on a belt strapped around their body.

Unlike the fixed parameters of CT machines, USCT boundaries vary with body size and shape. Patients also cannot remain perfectly still, so sensor positions would change constantly, with every breath.

Mueller was working to make USCT a viable option for bedside monitoring in early 2024 when Roberto Ceccato, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Sao Paulo's Electrical Engineering School in Brazil, joined her project as a research intern.

Interdisciplinary collaboration and a little bit of serendipity

Ceccato had used CSU Geosciences Professor Rick Aster's textbook "Parameter Estimation and Inverse Problems" and sought out the geophysicist while working in Mueller's lab.

Sound-based seismic imaging is used to analyze Earth's interior. When Ceccato explained the sensor positioning problem to Aster, Aster suggested trying a seismic tomography technique used to accurately locate earthquakes and study Earth structure by correcting for irregular, near-surface geologic featuresstatic correction.

Static corrections in seismology are estimates of how much a seismic wave slows down or speeds up close to a receiver during the final leg of its path through the earth. The corrections account for variations such as elevation, local geology and weathering, which can delay or advance the signal's arrival.

In medical ultrasound imaging, the same mathematical method can be applied to find unknown changes in sensor position. Resolving this effect improves imaging so that more accurate and finer details can be distinguished.

"It provides adaptive sort of eyeglasses to correct for the distortion of not knowing exactly where your receivers and sources are located in this kind of a problem," said Aster, who co-authored the study.

Whether viewing internal organs or the interior of the earth, the mathematics and physics are the same, he added. "USCT is applying seismology to the human body, basically."

Nearing clinical testing

Mueller and Ceccato developed an algorithm to accurately estimate the positions of ultrasound sensors and tested the approach in simulations and experiments using fake torsos made of ballistic gel, which is similar to human tissue. They consulted with medical experts to make sure the procedure would be useful in clinical settings.

In a previous study, Mueller's team ensured that they were using amplitudes and frequencies within the FDA safety ranges and tested the approach on pigs. She said their method is close to being tested on humans.

The new study demonstrably improved the resolution of the images by correcting the positioning problem.

"With this solution, continuous lung monitoring at the bedside becomes more practical, helping physicians make more informed decisions about mechanical ventilation strategies and track lung health in conditions such as COVID-19," Ceccato said.

Aster said this study is a good example of why it's important for students to learn the fundamentals of math and physics to achieve science and technology innovations. "It shows the power of science and mathematics to be applied across lots of different applications."

More information: Roberto C. Ceccato et al, Time of Flight Transmission Mode Ultrasound Computed Tomography with Expected Gradient and Boundary Optimization, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering (2025). DOI: 10.1109/TBME.2025.3550823 Journal information: IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering
Former Navy SEAL Rob ONeill said Thursday he believes most people in Butte love America and dont believe in some of the crazy stuff coming from Democrats in Washington, D.C.

Butte people are good, honest people, ONeill said in a Thursday morning email to The Montana Standard. The folks they are voting for in DC are not.

O'Neill's most-recent comments came two days after he took a shot at his native hometown of Butte and the Democratic Party on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The Montana Standard reported on the posting Wednesday.

I grew up in a mining town, he posted around 9 a.m. on Tuesday. Unions were good. Its so frustrating to go home to Butte, MT and see how blind they are to the demons that have hijacked the democrat party. Pure evil.

Aaron Flint, a conservative who has a syndicated morning talk radio show in Montana, mentioned the ONeill comment on X in passing Wednesday morning and posted it on his Montana Talks website.

O'Neill said in 2014 that he was the SEAL Team Six member who shot Osama bin Laden dead in a May 2, 2011, raid code-named Operation Neptune Spear on a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

He has often espoused conservative views, was once a Fox News contributor, has been a motivational speaker and now has a podcast called "The Operator."

The Standard reached out to ONeill via social media Wednesday morning and he indicated he would get in touch with the newspaper regarding the comment.

On Wednesday around 10 a.m., he sent a direct message to a Montana Standard employee stating Im a registered independent and the democrats have completely lost their way. They need leaders.

Later Wednesday, shortly after messaging the employee, he posted publicly on X: I love Butte, MT and the people there. Op-ed coming soon @MontanaStandard.

He followed that with extensive comments in his Thursday email to The Standard, saying he was in Butte last week and most people here have much better values than the democrat party in New York, Washington DC and most of California.

Among numerous things, he said most people in Butte want law and order, dont want to be overrun with migrants and crime, dont want men beating up women in sports and believe in having a nuclear family.

The point I was making (on X) is that it surprises me when people vote straight down the line just because it has a D next to it and just because your parents did. I dont think many of you are democrats anymore.

The full text of ONeill's comments to the Montana Standard from Thursday can be seen here:

People in Butte have much better values than the democrat party in New York, Washington DC and most of California.

They dont believe in the same crazy stuff coming out of the democrats in DC. Most parents in Butte will have a problem with men sharing locker rooms with their daughters. Most dont want men beating up women in sports. Most people in Butte want law and order with a secure border. Most people in Butte dont want to be over-run with migrants and crime, even though you are starting to see it. Most in Butte dont want endless wars and higher taxes.

Most dont want abortion up until birth. Most people in Butte dont want the obscene fraud, waste and abuse with your tax dollars or the billions we spend on courtiers who hate us. Most people are not anti-Israel and do not support Hamas taking over our universities. Most people in Butte believe in having a nuclear family. Most people in Butte have guns. A lot of them. Most people in Butte go to church. Most of the people I talked to last week are totally against sexualizing children. I live in New York, and I see that happening in the elementary schools and libraries. I dont think that would go over well in Butte. I personally have a problem with the four years of our borders being opened because I know that at least 10,000 terrorists are here now. Remember what 19 dudes did? That is a major concern, but maybe thats just me. But most people in Butte love America.

This is what I gathered after spending last week there. Butte people are good, honest people. The folks they are voting for in DC are not. I think traditional, JFK democrats are a thing of the past and the party hast been hijacked by people with ill-intention based on personal power and greed. That is not what Butte does. The point I was making, is that it surprises me when people vote straight down the line just because it has a D next to it and just because your parents did. I dont think many of you are democrats anymore. Look down the line of their major issues and ask yourself if you agree with them. If I am wrong hit me or pull me aside if you see me."
State fisheries officials said Wednesday they might have to start putting hoot-owl fishing restrictions in place soon on parts of several rivers across Montana because current flows and water temperatures are already where they would sit in mid-July, and some rivers are already seeing historically low flows.

With drought continuing to worsen by the week and not expected to improve through what is forecast to be a hotter and drier than normal summer, it could mean anglers will have to break down their rods by 2 p.m. each day for much of the summer on some rivers to protect Montanas cold-water fish, and officials said full closures might have to be implemented if current trends continue.

Weve reached out and said, Hey, its drought season. Be prepared. Hoot owls and closures are coming. And were doing everything we can through that lens, especially in these really, really extreme drought years, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Fish Chief Adam Strainer said during Wednesdays town hall meeting hosted by the department. You know, Im not trying to be too rosy here; its going to be a rough one this summer.

Over the past two weeks, meteorologists and other scientists and forecasters have started to warn that current drought and water supply conditions could make for a rough summer in Montana both in terms of the risks of low water and high wildfire potential.

After another week of warm, dry weather, FWP fisheries staff said water levels are plummeting, even in areas that got a normal snowpack this winter and spring.

Region 2 Fish Manager Patrick Saffel, based in Missoula, said the Upper Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers are both seeing about one-third of their average flows for this time of year, and that the recent warm weather hasnt bumped up water levels, indicating the snowpack is effectively gone.

Our warmest times in rivers in an average year is roughly the third week in July to the third week in August, Saffel said. So if its like mid-July now, then were going to be possibly talking about hoot-owl restrictions in the coming weeks.

FWP does own water rights along both rivers that officials will consider using if flows continue to drop, he said. Hoot-owl restrictions in that region go into effect when water temperatures reach either 71 or 73 degrees depending on the river for brown and rainbow trout. For cutthroat trout, temperatures must reach 66 degrees three days in a row, and that drops to 60 degrees for river stretches holding bull trout.

Mike Duncan, the Region 3 Fisher Manager based in Bozeman, said conditions are similar in southwest Montana. There are stretches of the Big Hole River that are at their lowest levels in more than 15 years, and some stretches of the river near Wisdom are already creeping up near 70 degrees, he said.

Wed start to see hoot-owl restrictions come into play much earlier than wed expect in a normal year, he said.

In line with the rivers drought management plan, water users, outfitters and others in the region have already started spreading the word about possibly conserving water, he said.

Duncan said the Madison River coming out of Yellowstone National Park is close to its all-time low, marked in 1931, and less than half what it typically is mid-June. He said temperatures in the river between the park and Hebgen Lake have already touched the 70s in recent days and it wouldnt surprise me if hoot-owl restrictions might be considered in the next couple weeks.

NorthWestern Energy has already reduced outflows from the reservoir, which is not currently expected to reach full pool this year.

The Dearborn River was flowing at 63 cubic feet per second as of Wednesday, said Region 4 Fish Manager Jason Mullen, which marks the lowest flow out of 55 years of records at that site for this time of year and beats the prior low marked in 2000, another year of drought.

Throughout the Rocky Mountain Front, the story is largely the same, Mullen said. The Sun River was running about at about 1/14th of its normal flow for the time of year this week, and most of the reservoirs will get nowhere near filling and could see early drawdowns.

In general, rivers and reservoirs on the front are in really poor condition, he said.

Even in the Smith River basin, which had been a bright spot in terms of water supply just weeks ago, flows are now down below median levels. And while Canyon Ferry Reservoir outside Helena is still expected to fully fill, outflows are expected to stay at or near the minimum release levels through most of the summer, he said.

Strainer said current outlooks point to another hoot-owl restriction on the North Fork Flathead River being needed this summer because of high water temperatures after the department issued the first ever on that stretch of the river last summer.

The fisheries managers said high temperatures and low flows during drought can have rippling negative effects on fish populations, particularly because juvenile fish struggle to survive, leading to less reproduction. But those effects might not show up for two or three years after fish mature and begin to spawn, they said.

Saffel said there were some trout declines along different stretches of the Clark Fork in the most recent survey, while sampling on the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby showed a mixed bag as those rivers trout populations try to bounce back from years of declining numbers.

Strainer and Duncan said it was important to start the outreach now for anglers both who live in Montana and those coming from out of state to fish the states storied waterways. But even if restrictions or closures do go in place for parts of the summer, Duncan said people would still be able to go higher into the mountains to fish streams or lakes that hold colder water and not threaten the fish on the mainstem rivers.

Several of the fisheries managers compared this summers outlook to that of 2021. That year, drought levels in early June were similar to current levels, but worsened throughout the summer.

By the end of August that year, 68% of Montana was experiencing extreme or exceptional drought, and closures had gone into place on the Jefferson River and parts of the Big Hole, while hoot-owl restrictions were dotted across many of the other rivers in southwest and western Montana.

Strainer said the department continually works with the Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to efficiently manage flows and water use, and those conversations will continue as Montana continues to see multi-year droughts, warmer average temperatures and less water.

Youre right when you say nothings changing in the near term here, unless we get back into a wet period, he responded to a question about whether there might be future efforts to increase water storage. And I think that will likely be the exception, not the rule.
In a devastating aviation tragedy, Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed into a residential neighbourhood in Meghani Nagar shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad at 1:38pm. The flight was carrying 242 individuals, including 230 adult passengers, two infants and 12 crew members.

The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control within minutes of departure from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, crashing around 15km from the runway. The impact sent thick smoke and flames billowing over the area, causing severe damage to homes and infrastructure in the densely populated locality.

The flight was piloted by captain Sumeet Sabharwal and first officer Clive Kundar. As of now, the airline has not released details on casualties, but rescue and relief operations are ongoing on a war footing.

Air India confirmed the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating: Flight AI171, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an incident. We are ascertaining details and will share further updates."

Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are  Air India (@airindia) [June 12, 2025](twsrc%5Etfw)

The Gujarat police confirmed that the aircraft went down in a residential block of Meghani Nagar, far from the airports usual flight path, raising questions about the aircrafts trajectory in its final moments.

The cause of the crash remains unclear. Preliminary information from directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) confirms that contact was lost within five minutes of take-off. Whether the crash was due to technical failure, human error, or other factors will be known only after a detailed analysis of the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.

Three teams from the national disaster response force (NDRF) have reached the scene and are assisting in search-and-rescue efforts, with debris being combed through for survivors and victims. Injured passengers are being moved to hospitals even as a DGCA-led probe into the cause of the crash is underway.

All flight operations at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport have been temporarily suspended following the crash, the airport authorities confirmed.

This is the most serious aviation disaster in recent years for Air India and one of the worst to strike the region in over a decade. With families awaiting news and emergency teams racing against time, the nation watches anxiously for updates.

Gujarat chief minister (CM) Bhupendra Patel expressed profound anguish over the crash and directed officials to launch immediate rescue and medical efforts. A green corridor has been established to expedite the transport of the injured to hospitals, with all emergency medical services in the city activated and hospitals placed on high alert.

Fire brigade units with three engines were deployed to the site, along with police teams and local authorities. Eye-witnesses described scenes of panic and devastation, but also acts of heroism, as residents rushed to help pull survivors from the wreckage.

Union home minister Amit Shah reviewed the situation and has assured full support from the Centre. Minister of civil aviation Ram Mohan Naidu rushed to Ahmedabad to personally oversee the response.

Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad.



We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action.



Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all  Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 12, 2025

Air India chairman N Chandrasekaran expressed deep sorrow in an official statement: With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating AhmedabadLondon Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. Our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams and provide necessary care. An emergency centre has been activated and support teams have been set up for families seeking information.

A helpline has been set up by Air India for relatives of passengers. More information is expected to be released in the coming hours.

In light of the AI171 crash, an operational control room has been activated at the Union ministry of civil aviation to coordinate all details.

Contact: 011-24610843 | 9650391859
A tragic air disaster struck Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, with reports suggesting that Gujarats former chief minister (CM) Vijay Rupani and prominent industrialist Pramukh Nandas family may have been aboard the ill-fated Air India flight AI171. The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after take-off while on route to London Gatwick.

The flight was carrying 242 individuals, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, one Canadian and seven Portuguese passengers.

While official confirmation is awaited, sources indicate that Mr Rupani may have been travelling on this flight. A senior leader from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mr Rupani served as Gujarat's 16th CM from 2016 to 2021 and has held multiple significant roles in both state and national politics.

A leaked passenger manifest also reveals the names of Neha Pramukh Nanda, Pramukh Pravesh Nanda and Prayash Pramukh Nandaconfirming that three members of the Nanda family were on board. Pramukh Nanda, founder of Cargo Motors group, was a key figure in Gujarats automobile and transport sectors and well known in the states business circles.

The aircraft reportedly struck the hostel mess building of BJ Medical College in Ahmedabads Meghani Nagar locality, intensifying fears of casualties and injuries among students on the ground. The incident has added a civilian tragedy to the disasters already grim toll.

According to the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA), the aircraft, registered VT-ANB, took off from Runway 23 at 1:39pm and issued a MAYDAY distress call within minutes. The crash occurred just outside the airport perimeter.

Initial ADS-B data from flight #AI171 shows that the aircraft reached a maximum barometric altitude of 625 feet (airport altitude is about 200 feet) and then it started to descend with an vertical speed of -475 feet per minute. pic.twitter.com/29szCqRcgR  Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 12, 2025

Emergency rescue operations are in progress, with response teams working to clear debris and assist any survivors. The number of confirmed casualties remains unknown and official victim identification will be carried out following proper procedures and after notifying families.
In a move aimed at reducing power consumption and promoting energy efficiency, the Indian government is set to enforce new rules that will limit the operational temperature range of air conditioners (ACs) across the country. Earlier this week, Union minister for housing and urban affairs Manohar Lal Khattar announced that ACs will soon be restricted from cooling below 20C (degrees Celsius) or heating above 28C.

The announcement comes amid a prolonged heatwave gripping Delhi and several parts of northern India, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for extreme temperatures.

Speaking to the media, Mr Khattar said that the temperature standardisation provision is being introduced to ensure uniform usage of air-conditioners and help manage the soaring power demand during the summer months.

According to the minister, most ACs currently operate at settings as low as 16C or 18C, which is not only energy-intensive but also unnecessary from a thermal comfort standpoint. Once implemented, users will no longer be able to cool spaces below 20C or heat them beyond 28C.

Experts believe that the regulation, while seemingly restrictive, is a practical solution to Indias recurring power crises during peak summer. The bureau of energy efficiency (BEE) has long advocated for higher AC temperature settings to reduce electricity consumption.

Studies indicate that each 1C increase in air-conditioning temperature can reduce power usage by around 6%. Raising the temperature setting from 20C to 24C alone could result in energy savings of up to 24%. Given that nearly 100mn (million) air-conditioning units are already in use across India, and 15mn new ones are added every year, even marginal improvements in efficiency can yield enormous results.

Indias electricity consumption has been climbing rapidly, particularly in urban areas. The country recorded its highest ever power demand at 250GW (gigawatts) last year and this years demand is expected to cross 270GW. On 9 June 2025, India saw a peak load of 241GW, despite a dip in May due to early monsoon rains. In May 2025 alone, India consumed 148.71bn units of electricity, down 4% from May 2024, but forecasts suggest that power needs will again rise sharply as the monsoon recedes.

The governments broader objective with the new AC temperature rule is to ease pressure on the national power grid, cut electricity costs for consumers, and support climate goals by reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based power generation.

According to a University of California, Berkeley study, better air-conditioner efficiency standards could slash Indias peak power demand by up to 60GW by 2035. This would avoid the need for an estimated Rs7.5 lakh crore or around US$88bn in new power infrastructure investment.

BEE also dispels the common belief that setting an air-conditioner to a lower temperature cools a room faster. In reality, the compressor uses the same amount of energy regardless of the set temperature; setting the AC to 18C instead of 24C simply makes the compressor run longer, wasting electricity without offering tangible comfort benefits.

In fact, the BEE states that indoor environments are comfortable for most people in the 24C25C range, particularly when humidity and air movement are properly regulated.

While the government is yet to announce detailed enforcement mechanisms, the upcoming policy will apply to both residential and commercial air-conditioners. Manufacturers will be required to reprogram devices to ensure compliance with the new 20C28C range. Once the provision comes into effect, ACs will no longer function outside this set band. The government also plans to monitor adherence to the new rules and assess their impact over time.

Reactions to the proposed change have been mixed. While many experts and environmentalists have welcomed the move as a step in the right direction, sections of social media have expressed concern over the regulation, viewing it as unnecessary government intrusion into private life.

However, officials maintain that the regulation is a necessary response to the twin challenges of rising electricity demand and environmental degradation.

According to officials, air-conditioners account for about 50GW of electricity demandroughly 20% of Indias total demand. Even a 1C increase in the default setting could save around 3GW during peak usage.

India is not alone in this approach. Other countries have introduced similar measures to reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions. Spain, for example, mandates that public buildings maintain cooling at no lower than 27C and heating at no higher than 19C.

China enforces a minimum cooling temperature of 26C in government offices and penalises violators. In the US, the department of energy recommends a setting of 26C for home cooling. Singapore and Australia also advise households to maintain AC settings between 24C and 26C, though these are not legally enforced.

The Indian governments move, therefore, aligns with global best practices and represents a significant shift toward sustainable energy use. By encouraging behavioural change in how Indians use air-conditioners, the policy could substantially reduce the countrys energy footprint.

With temperatures rising due to climate change and urbanisation surging, the need for efficient cooling systems has never been more urgent. If implemented effectively, the AC temperature cap could play a critical role in helping India meet its energy and environmental goals while reducing the risk of summer blackouts and cutting household electricity bills.
The Philippines has joined an expanding list of nations offering visa-free access to Indian travellers, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to tap into one of the world's fastest-growing outbound tourism markets. Beginning 8 June 2025, Indian passport-holders can enter the Philippines without a visa, joining countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Qatar, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Jamaica in removing traditional barriers to travel.

This ground-breaking policy represents a strategic shift in the Philippines' approach to international tourism, as the archipelago nation seeks to diversify its visitor base and recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The move comes at a time when Indian travellers are gaining unprecedented global access, with 2025 emerging as a pivotal year for barrier-free international travel.

Under the newly-implemented guidelines, Indian nationals can now stay in the Philippines for up to 14 days without requiring a visa, provided they meet standard entry requirements. The policy becomes even more attractive for travellers who hold valid visas or permanent residence permits from select countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Schengen zone nations, Singapore and Japan. These individuals qualify for an extended visa-free stay of up to 30 days.

The entry requirements remain straightforward but essential for compliance. Travellers must present a passport valid for at least six months beyond their arrival date, confirmed return or onward travel tickets within their allowed stay period, proof of accommodation arrangements during their visit, and evidence of sufficient financial resources to support their stay. While the visa requirement has been eliminated, these standard immigration protocols ensure orderly entry and maintain security standards.

Alongside the Philippines' announcement, Palau has also opened its doors to Indian travellers by joining the visa-free club. This Pacific island nation, renowned for its pristine marine environments, world-class diving sites and unique Jellyfish Lake represents another exciting destination now accessible to Indian passport holders without the traditional visa application process.

Palau's decision to eliminate visa requirements for Indian nationals reflects the broader global trend of destinations recognising India's potential as a major source market for international tourism. The country's spectacular underwater biodiversity, including the famous Blue Corner and German Channel dive sites, combined with its commitment to sustainable tourism practices, makes it an attractive proposition for Indian travellers seeking unique and environmentally conscious experiences.

The inclusion of Palau in the visa-free arrangement is particularly significant given its status as a premium diving and eco-tourism destination. Indian travellers interested in marine adventures, snorkelling, and diving expeditions now have streamlined access to one of the world's most celebrated underwater paradises.

The Philippines' decision to implement visa-free entry stems from encouraging tourism statistics and the recognition of India's potential as a major source market. In 2024, nearly 80,000 Indian nationals visited the Philippines, representing a solid 12% year-on--year (y-o-y) increase according to official department of tourism data. However, this figure still represents a relatively small portion of the country's total tourist arrivals, which exceeded 5mn (million) visitors last year.

As India's middle class continues to expand and disposable incomes rise, more Indian citizens are seeking international travel experiences beyond traditional destinations. The Philippines recognises this trend and aims to position itself as an attractive alternative in the competitive Southeast Asian tourism market.

The timing of this policy aligns with broader regional travel patterns, as Indian tourists increasingly explore Southeast Asia through improved air connectivity and competitive pricing. The Philippines seeks to establish itself not only as a primary destination but also as an attractive stopover for Indian travellers exploring the wider region.

The visa-free policy extends beyond tourism convenience to encompass broader economic and strategic objectives. The Philippine hospitality, transportation and service sectors, still recovering from pandemic-related disruptions, stand to benefit significantly from increased Indian visitor numbers. Higher hotel occupancy rates, increased bookings for domestic flights and island tours and stronger demand for retail and food services are anticipated outcomes.

Travel industry professionals in both countries have welcomed the development, citing its potential to simplify travel planning and reduce administrative barriers for clients. The policy is expected to encourage not only leisure travel but also business exchanges, medical tourism, and educational partnerships, particularly given the Philippines' popularity among Indian students pursuing medical and aviation education.

Airlines operating routes between India and the Philippines, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and regional carriers connecting through major hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, are positioned to benefit from increased passenger demand following the policy implementation.

The policy also supports the Philippines' broader strategy of diversifying its tourism source markets. Historically dependent on visitors from South Korea, China and the United States, the country is actively pursuing non-traditional markets like India to create a more balanced and resilient tourism portfolio.

The visa policy announcement coincides with significant improvements in air connectivity between the two countries. Air India has announced the launch of non-stop flights between Delhi and Manila beginning 1 October 2025. The airline will operate five weekly flights using Airbus A321neo aircraft, offering business, premium economy and economy class options. This development makes Air India the sole carrier providing direct connectivity between India and the Philippines, eliminating the need for connecting flights and making travel more convenient for Indian tourists.

The Philippines, a country of more than 7,000 islands provide endless opportunities for beach lovers, with world-renowned destinations like Boracay's white sand beaches, Palawan's El Nido with its dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters and Siargao's surf-friendly coastlines. Beyond beaches, the Philippines offers rich cultural experiences in cities like Cebu, historical sites in Manila and vibrant festivals throughout the archipelago.

The visa-free policy is part of a broader modernisation of the Philippines' immigration and tourism infrastructure. The country has recently introduced an e-visa system to streamline applications for longer stays and non-tourism purposes, making the overall travel experience more efficient and user-friendly.

Additionally, President Bongbong Marcos has announced plans for a digital nomad visa which will allow remote workers employed by companies based outside the Philippines to live and work in the country for extended periods. This initiative reflects the Philippines' ambition to attract international professionals and long-term visitors, positioning itself as a hub for remote work and digital entrepreneurship.

The Philippines' visa-free policy aligns with similar initiatives by other Southeast Asian countries competing for Indian tourism. Thailand and Indonesia have already implemented streamlined entry processes for Indian travellers, recognising the market's potential. Malaysia and other regional destinations have also introduced various facilitation measures to attract Indian visitors.

This regional competition benefits Indian travellers who now have multiple visa-free or simplified entry options throughout Southeast Asia. The Philippines' challenge lies in differentiating itself through unique experiences, competitive pricing and superior service quality while maintaining the accessibility that visa-free travel provides.
The government has unveiled plans to introduce a new voting system that will allow visually impaired citizens to vote independently and in private during future elections, a move hailed as a major step toward electoral inclusivity.

On Wednesday, June 11, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura announced that the state will roll out a special secret ballot mechanism specifically designed to empower visually impaired voters. The system will eliminate the need for external assistance at the ballot box, giving every Kenyan the right to vote confidentially.

The new system will mean that visually impaired people will be able to cast their votes without assistance from another person as has been the case, Mwaura explained on his official X account.

Currently, voters with visual disabilities must rely on officials from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to help them mark their ballots. While these officials are trained and take an oath of secrecy, the arrangement has raised longstanding concerns about voter privacy and potential influence.

In the 2022 General Election, IEBC personnel assisted visually impaired voters, but the lack of a truly independent process necessitated the need for reform.

Mwaura said the upcoming system will address these concerns and ensure that visually impaired voters can exercise their democratic rights without interference or compromise.

To promote electoral inclusivity, secret ballot mechanisms for the visually impaired are being introduced to ensure their full participation in elections, he added.

The government mouthpiece also reaffirmed the governments broader commitment to disability rights, citing the recent enactment of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) Act 2025.

President William Ruto signed the law on May 8, and it provides a comprehensive framework for addressing challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

According to Mwaura, the government will champion the Acts full implementation and continue introducing inclusive systems that promote accessibility, equity, and active participation across all sectors of public life.

RELATED  Persons with Disabilities Bill 2024 Becomes Law: What It Means for Inclusion in Kenya
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has brushed aside renewed calls for his resignation following the brutal death of blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died while in police custody.

Addressing the Senate during a plenary session on Wednesday, Murkomen defended his tenure and rejected the criticism, saying demands for him to step down have become a political chorus hes all too familiar with.

Some people speak as if I am six months old in this office. Even when I was two months in the office, they said I should resign. It is a song I have heard, he told the Senate.

Murkomen noted that some lawmakers have made his resignation a personal mantra, repeatedly calling for his exit regardless of context.

I know of a particular senator who never even waited for two months. His national song is Murkomen Must Resign. Mister Speaker, I am used to that song, he added.

Senator Khalwale Demands Murkomens Resignation

His remarks came came in direct response to Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who issued a strong statement urging Murkomen to step down. Citing his position in the National Security Council, Khalwale accused the CS of failing in his duty to ensure public safety.

CS Murkomen, the National Security Council where you sit is charged with promoting and guaranteeing the security of the country, and you have the audacity to come and face the Parliament of Kenya and tell Kenyans that you dont see and you dont know, Khalwale charged.

He also questioned Murkomens moral standing to lead, urging him to resign in respect of the 31-year-old bloggers life.

Please, for the respect of this young man Can you immediately resign? You are not fit to be in that docket. It is not personal. You cannot be an inspiration to be in the Cabinet, Khalwale added.

CS Murkomen Stands Firm

Murkomen, however, stood firm, reiterating his stance against police brutality and enforced disappearances. He insisted that he remains committed to pushing for accountability within the National Police Service.

My position has never changed. I am as strong as I was five years ago. My position on police brutality and abductions remains the same, he said.

Acknowledging challenges within the National Police Service, Murkomen noted that Kenya has systems in place to handle misconduct, including legal frameworks and oversight bodies.

As a CS, I know there are challenges in the National Police Service. There is enough precedent to deal with police brutality and extrajudicial killings, he said.

He also expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which has already ruled out suicide and exposed tampering with CCTV footage at the Nairobi Central police station where Ojwang died.

I have no doubt that with the speed of IPOA, the perpetrators of this act will be brought to book, Murkomen asserted.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have detained a woman accused of abducting her friends two-day-old baby in Nairobi before fleeing across counties to avoid arrest. The suspect, Catherine Kerubo, is now in custody at Buruburu Police Station as officers race to find the missing infant.

According to police, the baby belongs to Emily Mosweta, who had just been discharged from Mimosa Hospital in Kasarani after giving birth. On May 26, Kerubo, accompanied by another woman, visited Mosweta at the hospital, posing as a supportive friend.

Kerubo then offered to help Mosweta get home to Umoja. Together with the other woman, the three boarded a matatu from Kasarani to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD). But once they reached the Tea Room stage downtown, Kerubo disappeared with the baby, leaving Mosweta shocked and stranded.

Panicked and heartbroken, Mosweta tried calling Kerubo, only to find that her phone had been turned off. Attempts to reach the other woman were also unsuccessful. Realizing something was terribly wrong, Mosweta reported the incident at Umoja Police Post and then filed a more detailed report at Buruburu Police Station.

DCI officers immediately launched an investigation into the childs disappearance. In an affidavit submitted to Makadara Law Courts, Corporal Erastus Kioko of the Buruburu DCI office described how the suspect had initially gone off-grid, switching off her phone and vanishing from Nairobi.

Investigations established that the respondent switched off her mobile phone and could not be traced within Nairobi. Information was later received that she had travelled to her rural home in Nyamira County. However, on June 6, 2025, through an intelligence report, she was traced and arrested in Nyali, Mombasa, the affidavit stated.

After the arrest, officers escorted Kerubo back to Buruburu Police Station.

In court, Corporal Kioko requested 14 more days to hold the suspect. He explained that the DCI needs additional time to trace the missing baby and gather crucial evidence.

Detectives are also working to locate and question the second woman who visited Mosweta at the hospital with Kerubo. Investigators plan to review hospital records, examine CCTV footage, and conduct a search at Kerubos rural home in Nyamira, hoping to uncover leads that could bring the baby back safely.

Senior Principal Magistrate Joseph Karanja approved the request for continued detention, granting the DCI more time to unravel the chilling case and reunite the mother with her child.
The government has dismissed calls from opposition leaders to declare June 25 a public holiday in remembrance of Gen Z protesters killed during the 2024 anti-government demonstrations.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka had urged Kenyans to stay away from work on that day, calling it a symbolic gesture to honor the young lives lost during the protests.

However, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura firmly rejected the proposal, making it clear that June 25 will not be recognized as a public holiday. He urged citizens to continue with their daily economic activities without interruption.

We have heard people say June 25 will be a public holiday. There is no public holiday on June 25. It is a working day if it falls on a weekday, Mwaura stated.

Speaking during the Sema na Spox forum on Tuesday night, Mwaura criticized the oppositions push, calling it divisive and politically motivated. He urged the public to ignore such appeals and focus instead on national unity and development.

According to Mwaura, declaring the day a holiday would be equivalent to celebrating a tragedy. He accused opposition leaders of trying to exploit the emotional weight of the protests to reignite political tensions and score points.

Whatever people are trying to do is to recreate the Gen Z movement. We want to tell them that that is a thing of the past. We must move forward, he added.

Mwaura emphasized that the government remains committed to healing and national progress, not reigniting past unrest.

On the other hand, Kalonzo Musyoka continues to advocate for the recognition of June 25 as a day of national significance. He described it as a liberation day meant to challenge injustice, condemn abductions, fight corruption, and speak against the economic hardships many Kenyans face.

I want to make a serious proposal to honour the young Kenyans who died, many of them on June 25, which I call J25. If it meets the approval of young Kenyans, we will declare it a public holiday, Kalonzo said.
Safaricom has publicly denied any role in the arrest of blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang, whose death in police custody  now ruled a murder  has ignited a nationwide outcry over police brutality and data-privacy abuse.

Chief Executive Peter Ndegwa says the telco discovered Ojwangs detention from news reports and insists the firm never shared customer data with security agencies, echoing growing calls from rights groups, and foreign missions for a credible, transparent probe.

On the onset, Safaricom wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Albert, Peter Ndegwa said.

Ndegwa flatly dismissed remarks by former Attorney-General Justin Muturi suggesting the telco leaked Ojwangs location, stressing there was no contact with police before or after the arrest.

He urged Kenyans to ignore attempts to incite them and instead press for accountability through an independent investigation.

Ojwang, 31, was picked up in Homa Bay on 6 June over an online post allegedly defaming Deputy Inspector-General Eliud Lagat and was later transferred to Nairobis Central Police Station.

A post-mortem found head trauma and neck compression, contradicting initial police claims he hit his head on a cell wall.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has named five officers in its murder probe, while CCTV at the station was reportedly tampered with.

President Ruto condemned the killing as heart-breaking and unacceptable, pledging a probe free from interference. He alone wields the power to dismiss the Deputy Inspector General at any moment.

Opposition leaders have demanded Deputy IG Lagats suspension, and activists continue daily vigils outside the station.

The US and UK embassies, along with local faith leaders, have pressed for swift justice, underscoring Kenyas troubled record on extrajudicial killings.

Why Safaricom Is in the Spotlight

Kenyan law lets investigators seek call-data records, but only with a court order; Safaricom says requests are logged, vetted, and disclosed in transparency reports.

Privacy lapses still haunt the brand: in February the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner fined the firm KSh250,000 for mishandling a customers ID image.

Digital-rights groups warn that ambiguous national-security requests can pressure telcos into covert cooperation, fueling distrust when deaths like Ojwangs occur.

Safaricom says it welcomes oversight and will continue to keep customer data safe, today and in the future. Whether that assurance satisfies an angry public will depend on how swiftly investigators deliver justice for Albert Ojwang and clamp down on rogue officers.
Mumias East MP Peter Salasya has come out strongly against a proposed law by President William Rutos administration aimed at regulating political campaigns, calling it a dangerous assault on Kenyas democracy.

In a bold statement posted on his official X account on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Salasya warned that such legislation could usher in an era of political repression reminiscent of Ugandas current authoritarian climate.

I wish to categorically and unapologetically state my strong opposition to any legislative attempt by President William Rutos administration to regulate or control political campaigns in Kenya under the guise of law and order, he wrote.

Salasya argued that the proposal threatens the heart of Kenyas democratic freedoms, particularly the right of every citizen to organize, campaign, and seek leadership without intimidation or interference. He emphasized that these rights, enshrined in the 2010 Constitution, were earned through years of civic struggle and must remain untouchable.

if this law passes, Kenya risks sliding into full-blown political repression similar to what were witnessing in Uganda  where opposition voices are constantly under siege, democracy is a facade, and power is protected, not contested, Salasya averred.

The vocal legislator described the multiparty system as a cornerstone of the countrys democracy and warned that restricting campaign freedoms would open the door to dangerous levels of state control.

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 is very clear: every Kenyan has the right to campaign, to mobilise, and to seek leadership freely and fairly, Salasya stated. We will not allow any law to reverse that legacy for the comfort of one regime or one man.

Salasya Accuses of Govt of Crippling Opposition

Salasya also accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of attempting to silence the opposition instead of focusing on improving public service delivery.

You cannot win future elections by crippling the opposition. You win by performing, by delivering, and by respecting the rule of law, he said.

He cautioned that allowing the bill to pass would normalize the suppression of dissent, warning that such a move would have long-term consequences for the countrys democratic health.

Calling on his fellow lawmakers to reject the legislation regardless of political affiliation, Salasya urged Parliament to prioritize national interest over party politics.

I will reject this proposed law on the floor of the National Assembly, and I call on my fellow MPs, regardless of party affiliation, to rise above party loyalty and defend the soul of our democracy, he declared.

Salasya concluded with a chilling warning about the road ahead if the legislation proceeds.

If we allow this law to pass, we will have betrayed the future of this nation. We will have opened the door to dictatorship dressed in legal robes. I will not sit and watch as our country walks into political darkness, he warned.

His remarks came just a day after the High Court instructed Attorney General Dorcas Oduor to draft new laws governing political campaigns held outside official election periods. In her ruling, Justice Hedwig Ongudi said such campaigns violate current legal frameworks and gave the AG 12 months to present new legislation.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended a contentious proposal that would expand the Kenya Revenue Authoritys (KRA) powers, granting it access to personal and financial data of Kenyans.

The move, outlined in the proposed 2025 Finance Bill, seeks to bolster tax enforcement and address chronic revenue shortfalls.

At the heart of the proposal is a plan to repeal Section 59A(1B) of the Tax Procedures Act  a provision that currently shields individuals and businesses from being compelled to share customers personal data with tax authorities. Scrapping this section would give KRA authority to monitor sensitive financial records, such as bank statements and mobile money transactions, in a bid to catch tax cheats more effectively.

While the government insists this change is necessary, it has triggered public concern. Critics warn that expanding KRAs powers could open the door to privacy violations, abuse of personal data, and a surveillance-style approach to tax collection.

Speaking during a live town hall on Citizen TV on Wednesday, Mbadi stood by the proposed changes, arguing they are essential to improve tax compliance and keep the government financially afloat.

Our constitution is robust and protects Kenyans privacy but we must be alive to the fact that to run our country, we must pay taxes, he said. There are no two ways about it  it is compulsory.

Public Spending Key to Voluntary Tax Compliance, Says Mbadi

He acknowledged the difficulty of relying on voluntary compliance, even among high earners, and admitted that human nature often leads people to understate their income.

If it were up to us, even those earning well like me would not be honest in paying taxes. I will probably return 5060 percent of what I am supposed to, he confessed.

Mbadi pointed out that convenience often makes people avoid fulfilling their tax obligations unless strict enforcement is in place.

People love convenience, especially where money is involved. If you just let Kenyans pay taxes at will without being followed up, they will not, he said.

Despite the tough stance, Mbadi pointed out that real change will come from the government managing tax revenue responsibly. He argued that better public spending would earn citizens trust and naturally improve tax compliance.

I think it is all about using the taxes well so that Kenyans love paying taxes, instead of feeling like they are being coerced to do so, he explained.

To ease public fears, Mbadi clarified that KRA does not intend to dig into citizens private lives. Instead, the taxman only wants access to financial records from banks and financial institutions to verify tax declarations.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has applauded 12 outstanding Kenyan university students for their stellar performance at the Huawei ICT Competition Global Final 20242025, held from May 20 to 24 in Shenzhen, China.

Speaking during a recognition ceremony held at Parliament Buildings this week, organized in collaboration with Huawei, local universities, and government partners, Wetangula praised the young tech minds for flying Kenyas flag high on the global stage. He hailed their success as a testament to the nations growing reputation in digital innovation and technological excellence.

I warmly applaud our brilliant students for their resounding victory at the Huawei ICT Competition Global Final, said Wetangula. Life is a continuous journey, and success is a constantly moving target.

Wetangula urged the students to see their victory not as a final destination but as a stepping stone to even greater accomplishments. He challenged them to pursue leadership in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things, fields that are defining the future of innovation worldwide.

Let this achievement be a stepping stone. Continue to push forward and leverage emerging fields to create practical solutions for Kenya and the world, he added.

Kenya Bags Multiple Awards at Global Tech Competition

Kenyas participation in the Huawei ICT Competition Global Final was nothing short of remarkable. The 12 students, selected from top institutions across the country, competed against some of the worlds brightest talents and emerged with four international awards, signaling Kenyas rise as a force in global tech education.

A joint team from JKUAT and Machakos University clinched First Prize in the Computing Track, showcasing exceptional expertise in software development and digital systems.

Meanwhile, the Network Track saw a collaborative team from Machakos University, JKUAT, and the University of Nairobi win Second Prize, while JKUAT and Moi University students earned Second Prize in the Cloud Track for their proficiency in cloud computing and digital infrastructure.

In the Innovation Track, Egerton Universitys Silicon Savannah team secured Third Prize for their Smart Air Quality Monitoring System, a cutting-edge solution that captures real-time environmental data to support healthier, smarter urban communities.

All-Girls Team Wins Women in Technology Award

This years competition also celebrated a major milestone in gender inclusion in STEM. Kenya fielded an all-girls team that won the prestigious Women in Technology Award, underscoring the countrys commitment to empowering women in the digital economy.

The team included Rukia Mwari (Telecommunication Engineering) and Banzy Nyaga (Mathematics and Computer Science) from JKUAT, alongside Beverlyne Ndombi and Ifrah Hussein, both Electrical and Communication Engineering students from Moi University.

Their innovative spirit and technical excellence earned international recognition, positioning them as role models for the next generation of women in tech.

Girls are increasingly embracing ICT career paths, and this years female finalists are a testament to that. These are the future leaders of our digital economy, said Stephen Zhang, Deputy CEO of Huawei Kenya.

Building Kenyas Digital Future

Kenyas participation in the Huawei ICT Competition is part of a larger national effort to boost digital skills, foster innovation, and bridge the gap between academia and industry. Since the competitions local launch, more than 12,000 Kenyan students have participated, with 50 reaching the global finals.

Many top performers have gone on to secure roles in the Huawei Management Trainee Program or within other major tech firms.
Yiwu's global buying spree reflects broader trends in China's foreign trade

08:27, June 12, 2025 By Hu Weijia ( Global Times

(Illustration: Liu Rui/GT)

In the bustling heart of China's export powerhouse, Yiwu, located in East China's Zhejiang Province, a campaign to expand imports is underway. According to a report released by Yiwu Fabu, the city's official social media account, on Wednesday, the Yiwu Bonded Logistics Centre achieved imports of 6.907 billion yuan ($961.2 million) from January to May, a 49.2-percent year-on-year increase. Notably, imports for May alone reached 2.48 billion yuan, up 149.7 percent, setting a new record.

Yiwu is often referred to as the barometer of China's foreign trade. The city's initiative to boost imports is not just a local economic strategy but also aligns with China's broader policy goals of embracing greater openness and encouraging imports. Amid the rise of global trade protectionism, Yiwu's increasing demand for imports offers insight into the evolving landscape of foreign trade in China, showcasing its proactive efforts to combat protectionism.

Yiwu initiated its import trade innovation pilot program in December last year. This initiative represents the city's first reform effort following the State Council's approval of a comprehensive plan aimed at advancing international trade reforms in the city, according to a CCTV News report.

The pilot program selects products from the existing list of goods for cross-border e-commerce retail imports, focusing on items that are in high demand within the domestic market and are already widely used by consumers. The initial list comprises 35 types of pilot products, covering categories such as children's toys, daily necessities, and household appliances. These goods after being imported are sold to wholesalers at the Yiwu China Imported Commodities Mall, which then engage in both wholesale and retail sales.

This initiative is just one aspect of Yiwu's efforts to expand its trade. These measures, while bolstering Yiwu's exports, leverage the city's long-established strengths in cross-border e-commerce and trade logistics to enhance its import capabilities. This approach not only positions Yiwu as a global seller but also as a global buyer, facilitating more balanced participation in the international trade ecosystem.

At a press conference in December 2024, Yiwu announced goals for its international trade sector. The city aims to reach an import trade value of 100 billion yuan this year and aims to surpass 300 billion yuan by 2030, people.com reported.

These efforts are expected to boost Yiwu's imports from various countries and regions, stimulating exports from these areas and generating economic benefits. Take Europe as an example. Since its launch in 2014, the Yixin'ou (Yiwu-Xinjiang-Europe) China-Europe Railway Express has become a vital cargo transport corridor linking Yiwu and Europe. The number of return import trains has grown rapidly, and the range of goods being imported has expanded significantly.

Customs and other departments have introduced a series of supportive service measures to promote the rapid growth of imports through the return trains of the Yixin'ou China-Europe Railway Express. In the first four months of 2025, the Yixin'ou China-Europe Railway Express operated 462 return trains, with a total shipment volume of 38,100 standard containers, a year-on-year increase of 25.6 percent, according to the Zhengjiang Daily.

With the continuous expansion of the domestic market and the upgrading of consumption, demand for raw materials, agricultural products, electromechanical products, and consumer goods from Europe has been steadily increasing, driving the growth of imports.

Yiwu serves as a microcosm for observing China's endeavors to increase its imports. China has maintained its position as the world's second-largest import market for 16 consecutive years, fully demonstrating the opportunities presented by China's vast market and its determination to open up further.

He Yadong, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, previously stated that actively expanding imports is a proactive responsibility of China as a major responsible country and an important contribution to the development of the global economy.

China's push to expand imports not only diversifies the domestic market and fosters consumption upgrades, but also plays a role in stabilizing global trade through its sustained demand. This approach starkly contrasts with the trade protectionism pursued by some countries. In times of global economic uncertainty, the steady demand from the Chinese market serves as a stabilizing force for businesses around the world, contributing to the growth of global trade.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is currently on a three-day official visit to Sweden, where he is engaging with key Swedish and Indian businesses to strengthen trade and investment ties. On the first day of his visit, Goyal participated in a series of high-level business events to boost the trade relations between India and Sweden. He also addressed the Confederation of Swedish Enterprises and took part in the India-Sweden High-Level Trade and Investment Policy Forum. During the session, Goyal spoke about the vast potential for collaboration between India and Sweden, highlighting how both countries can benefit through a shared vision and cooperative efforts. In a social media post, the Minister said, "Delighted to address the dynamic Confederation of Swedish Enterprises and engage with leading Swedish and Indian businesses at the India-Sweden High-Level Trade and Investment Policy Forum. Discussed the immense potential for collaboration between the two sides". A major highlight of the event was the release of a joint paper on the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Goyal mentioned that the release of this paper demonstrates the joint commitment to building stronger economic ties and working towards inclusive and sustainable growth. He said, "The joint paper on the proposed India-EU FTA released at the event, underscores our collective commitment to forging stronger economic ties and a future of inclusive growth". The Minister also held a meeting with Marie Sandin, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Sweden. They discussed ways to boost collaboration in the field of sustainable packaging. Further, both sides explored expanding research and development (R&D) activities in India and enhancing capabilities in the manufacturing of advanced equipment. In the evening, Goyal attended a dinner reception hosted by the Sweden-India Business Council and the Embassy of India. He interacted with several Swedish business leaders and highlighted India's growing investment opportunities. He pointed out that India is on a path of impressive sustainable growth and is committed to its "Zero Defect, Zero Effect" policy. He encouraged Swedish companies to explore India's potential, especially in areas like technology, innovation, and R&D. Goyal praised India's skilled workforce and said it is the backbone of the country's progress in these sectors. He expressed hope that the discussions and engagements during this visit would soon translate into concrete opportunities and long-term partnerships. (ANI)
Indian stock markets opened on a cautious note on Thursday, reflecting weak global cues and rising geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States. Investors remained on edge as global sentiment turned negative, keeping domestic indices in check during early trade. The benchmark Nifty 50 index opened at 25,164.45, gaining 23.05 points or 0.09 per cent, while the BSE Sensex index started at 82,571.67, up by 56.53 points or 0.07 per cent. Ajay Bagga Banking and Market Expert, told ANI "Geopolitical concerns are at Centre stage today with both the US and Iran taking strident positions ahead of the meeting over the weekend. This is again noise, as we have seen repeatedly over the last few weeks, with an imminent Israeli strike on Iran being a big risk. He further said, "We feel this is noise ahead of the third round of talks, in a bid to get the most favourable negotiation terms by both sides. An attack on Iran will plunge the entire region into a massive retaliation chaos, and no sane government will want that to happen, including the Chinese and Russian allies of Iran". Despite the slight uptick in the headline indices, broader market sentiment remained subdued. On the NSE, the Nifty Next 50 was down marginally by 0.02 per cent soon after opening. The Nifty Smallcap index slipped 0.05 per cent, and the Nifty Midcap index declined by 0.06 per cent, indicating pressure in the wider market. Sectoral performance was mixed, with most indices in the red except Nifty Media and Nifty Pharma, which managed to stay positive in the early session. Among the laggards, Nifty IT fell by 0.43 per cent, Nifty Realty declined 0.21 per cent, and Nifty Metal was down by 0.25 per cent. The Nifty FMCG index traded flat in the opening hours. Commenting on the market trend, Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research at Axis Securities, noted that although the Nifty ended higher yesterday, it slipped from its intraday peak. He said, "Technically speaking, yesterday's candle was a doji with a slightly longer upper shadow immediately following the 'upside-gap two crows' pattern, so the onus is on bulls to protect 25029 in the near-term. If bears are able to drag the index below the 24987 - 25029 zone, a test of the 24800 - 24863 area will become a high probability event". Other Asian markets also presented a mixed picture in Thursday's trade. Japan's Nikkei 225 index dropped 0.5 per cent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell 0.56 per cent, and Taiwan Weighted index lost 0.8 per cent. In contrast, South Korea's Kospi index gained 0.9 per cent, offering some relief to the otherwise cautious sentiment in Asia. (ANI)
PNN Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 12: AVP Infracon Limited (NSE - AVPINFRA), a prominent player in the Indian infrastructure development sector, has announced the receipt of a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from the Superintending Engineer, Highways NABARD & Rural Roads Circle, Salem-7. The order pertains to the construction of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Km 0/6 of Thaneerpandal Road, replacing the existing Level Crossing No. 6 located between Singanallur and Peelamedu railway stations in Tamil Nadu. The contract, awarded by a domestic government entity, carries a total value of approximately 16.23 Cr. As per the terms of the agreement, the project is scheduled for completion within a timeframe of 18 months from the commencement date. This development marks a significant addition to AVP Infracon's growing portfolio of transportation infrastructure projects and underscores the company's continued presence in critical road and bridge construction initiatives across southern India. The new ROB is expected to ease traffic congestion, enhance commuter safety, and facilitate smoother connectivity between the Singanallur and Peelamedu regions, which are vital transit points within the Coimbatore urban agglomeration. AVP Infracon Limited has built a robust reputation for executing infrastructure projects across highways, bridges, and civil construction sectors. The company's focus on timely delivery, engineering excellence, and compliance with stringent quality standards has positioned it as a reliable partner for public infrastructure development in the country. The newly awarded project aligns with the government's broader agenda to modernize transportation networks and improve rural and urban connectivity through enhanced road infrastructure. With this contract, AVP Infracon strengthens its role in supporting regional development and contributing to long-term mobility solutions in Tamil Nadu. Commenting on the receipt new order, Mr. Prasanna Dhandayuthapani, MD of AVP Infracon Limited, said, "We are pleased to announce the receipt of the Letter of Acceptance for the construction of a Road Over Bridge, awarded to us by the Superintending Engineer, Highways NABARD & Rural Roads Circle, Salem-7. This order further strengthens our position as a trusted execution partner for state infrastructure agencies and highlights our expanding footprint in Tamil Nadu's road development landscape. This project is aligned with our long-term vision to contribute meaningfully to the state's mission of building safe, sustainable, and future-ready infrastructure. At AVP Infracon, we remain committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure assets through our strong technical capabilities, rigorous project execution, and a dedicated workforce. Our team is fully prepared to complete this project within the stipulated 18-month timeline, upholding the highest standards of engineering excellence, safety, and compliance. We are grateful to the authorities for their continued trust in AVP Infracon Limited and look forward to playing a continued role in Tamil Nadu's infrastructure growth journey." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PRNewswire New Delhi [India], June 12: As India sharpens its focus on achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and meeting its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, Mr. Girish Tanti, Co-Founder of Suzlon Group, has been appointed Chairman of the CII Renewable Energy Manufacturing Council and the CII National Committee on Renewable Energy for 2025-26. Under Mr. Tanti's leadership, CII Renewable Energy Committee & Manufacturing Council will focus on advancing a balanced and inclusive energy strategy that supports all renewable technologies. Mr. Tanti, a founding member of Suzlon, kickstarted India's renewable energy movement over 30 years ago, much before it became a global imperative. He has been deeply passionate about driving India's clean energy transition and continues to lead efforts to make the country self-reliant and sustainable. He brings decades of global experience and policy influence to the table and is currently designated as Vice Chairman of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), Chairman of GWEC's Global Supply Chain Forum, Chairman of GWEC India, and Chairman of the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA). Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Girish Tanti said, "A Viksit Bharat--a developed India--must be built on a foundation of clean, reliable, affordable and self-sufficient energy. This is a defining moment for our energy future, and we must move from ambition to accelerated action. Renewable energy must drive our growth--not just by reducing emissions, but by creating jobs, strengthening industries, and securing our energy needs. 'Make in India' will play a key role in enabling this transformation. With India already achieving 222 GW of renewable capacity, our next challenge is to double this capacity in under six years to meet our ambitious 500 GW target. As the world watches, India must set a strong example. My focus will be on fostering robust collaboration between the government and industry to drive national goals while bolstering domestic manufacturing in renewables, including wind, solar, hydro, and bioenergy." About The Suzlon Group The Suzlon Group is a leading global renewable energy solutions provider, with approximately 21.1 GW* of wind energy capacity installed across 17 countries. Headquartered at Suzlon One Earth in Pune, India, the Group includes Suzlon Energy Limited (NSE: SUZLON, BSE: 532667) and its subsidiaries. A vertically integrated organisation, Suzlon has in-house R&D centres in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and India, and world-class manufacturing facilities across India. With 30 years of operational excellence and a diverse workforce of ~7,800 employees, Suzlon is India's No. 1 Renewable Energy Solutions company, managing 15.1 GW of assets and an additional ~6 GW installed outside India. Its portfolio includes the advanced 2.x MW and 3.x MW series of wind turbines. *Global installations of Suzlon-manufactured wind turbine generators. Data as of 31st March 2025 Suzlon corporate website: www.suzlon.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2708633/Suzlon_Girish_Tanti_Chariman.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN New Delhi [India], June 12 : As Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers (VBJ Since 1900) celebrates its landmark 125th anniversary, the iconic Chennai-based heritage brand is poised for a bold phase of expansion and transformation. In line with this vision, VBJ is pleased to welcome Deepansh Bhargava to its senior leadership team in a strategic marketing role. Deepansh brings extensive experience in retail and lifestyle marketing, having previously led brand strategy and digital initiatives for leading names in fashion and premium retail. His modern, customer-centric approach will support VBJ's plans for growth both in India and abroad. Deepansh has been instrumental in shaping multiple iconic brands. On-boarding of Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh (Pacho) for U.S. Polo Assn's Global Ambassador is one of his recent work. At Future Group, he played a pivotal role in the launch and national expansion of Brand CENTRAL, and contributed significantly to the early marketing success of brands like Brand Factory, Food hall from Bangalore. His time with DLF Luxury and Premium Retail further deepened his understanding of upscale consumer behaviour and experiential retail. Mr. Amarendran Vummidi, Managing Director, shared: "Our journey towards becoming a 5000 Cr brand is only beginning. After the success of our Dallas, Texas showroom, we are gearing up to expand into key international markets like Chicago, California, and Virginia. Domestically, we are also working on strengthening our presence in Tamil Nadu--with upcoming stores in Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai, and additional Chennai locations including T. Nagar, Chrompet, and more. We believe Deepansh's experience will bring strategic depth to this exciting journey." Mr. Jithendra Vummidi, Joint Managing Director, added: "Jewellery is an emotional and cultural investment. Staying relevant means being deeply connected with evolving customer expectations. We look forward to the fresh ideas Deepansh will bring to build the brand & its communication while staying true to our legacy." Deepansh Bhargava commented: "I'm honoured to join VBJ at such a significant time in its history. It's a privilege to be part of a brand that not only represents excellence in craftsmanship but also carries forward a rich cultural legacy. I look forward to contributing to its continued success." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 12: After the phenomenal success of Oviya Sangamam 2025, which brought together thousands of art enthusiasts and resulted in over 30 lakh in sales, Selvakannan Rathinam--CEO of Indian Art Factory--is once again taking the lead to elevate Chennai's artistic presence on the national stage. His next venture, the IAF Elite Art Fair 2025, promises to be a transformative event that introduces the city to a grand-scale art show on par with exhibitions in India's major metropolitan centers. Scheduled to be held from August 15 to 17, 2025, at the Wings Convention Centre, Shenoy Nagar, Chennai, the event is poised to be a first-of-its-kind art experience in Tamil Nadu. A Game-Changer for Chennai's Art Scene "The idea of an elite art fair isn't new to India, but it's definitely new to Chennai," says Selvakannan, with an evident passion for challenging artistic boundaries. "We've taken inspiration from cities like New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, where high-end art events are the norm. Now, it's Chennai's turn." Unlike the traditional perception of Chennai as being conservative or slow to embrace contemporary artistic innovation, Selvakannan is determined to break stereotypes and prove that the city is ready--and eager--for something more. Making Elite Art Accessible While most elite art fairs in other cities often remain out of reach for upcoming or mid-tier artists due to high participation costs, IAF Elite Art Fair 2025 strikes a balance. "In Mumbai, stall rentals range between 75,000 and 2,00,000," says Selvakannan. "We've deliberately priced ours starting at just 16,000 to make it inclusive and artist-friendly. This affordability has already attracted participants from eight different states, proving that Chennai has become a viable platform for serious artists from across the country." The three-day fair is expected to draw over 500 artists and will feature a minimum of 5,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, crafts, and mixed-media installations. This diversity ensures that there will be something for every kind of art lover--whether they are seasoned collectors, casual buyers, or curious newcomers. Learning from Oviya Sangamam Selvakannan refers to the success of Oviya Sangamam 2025 as a powerful motivator for the Elite Art Fair. "That event saw 11,500 footfalls and significant sales. It was an eye-opener. We realized that Chennai's appetite for art is much larger than we thought. The success wasn't just in numbers--it was in the conversations, the interest, and the awareness it created." Building on that momentum, the IAF Elite Art Fair aims to create a more focused and premium experience that appeals to elite buyers and serious collectors while still welcoming broader public participation. National Participation & Celebrity Presence The Indian Art Factory has already received registrations from artists across India, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, and West Bengal. This national presence not only elevates the quality of the event but also fosters cultural exchange and artistic diversity. To enhance the visibility and status of the event, Selvakannan and his team are in talks with celebrities, influencers, and art ambassadors, aiming to bring in a powerful mix of media attention and public curiosity. "We want to break the notion that elite art belongs only to certain cities. Chennai deserves that recognition," he says. Redefining Public Perception of Art in Tamil Nadu One of the core missions of the IAF Elite Art Fair is to educate and engage the public. "In Tamil Nadu, the concept of contemporary or curated art fairs is still new," Selvakannan notes. "Many people think art shows are only about traditional paintings or temple sculptures. We want to expand that perception--art is vast, it's evolving, and it deserves a wider platform." With the launch of IAF Elite Art Fair 2025, Chennai is ready to take a bold step forward in redefining its cultural identity. Under the leadership of Selvakannan Rathinam and the vision of Indian Art Factory, this initiative is more than just an exhibition--it's a movement aimed at rewriting the narrative of Chennai's role in the Indian and global art community. Whether you're an artist seeking exposure, a collector in search of your next masterpiece, or simply someone who appreciates the transformative power of creativity, the IAF Elite Art Fair 2025 is an event not to be missed. Mark your calendars: August 15-17, Wings Convention Center, Shenoy Nagar, Chennai. Art in Chennai will never be the same again. A Call to Artists and Art LoversThe Indian Art Factory is currently inviting entries from artists interested in showcasing their work at this landmark event. With limited stall spaces available and growing national interest, artists are encouraged to act quickly. To participate, Contact: WhatsApp: +91 81223 17518 Website: www.indianartfactory.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
New Delhi [India], June 12: Viamigos.com is transforming the way Indian travelers plan and book international trips by focusing on delivering the cheapest round-trip flight deals to all popular destinations, tailored itineraries for maximum savings, and 24/7 support--all from a single, user-friendly platform.

Key Features for Budget-Conscious International Travelers

* Cheapest Return Ticket Deals from All Major Indian Cities

- Viamigos.com compares flights from all major airlines and online travel agents, ensuring travelers get the lowest possible prices for round-trip international flights departing from key Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

- The platform leverages advanced search technology and industry relationships to consistently offer fares that are significantly cheaper than traditional booking channels.

* Extensive Network of Destinations

- Access to over 100 international destinations, covering everything from iconic world capitals to hidden gems, so travelers can find affordable flights whether they're headed to Europe, Southeast Asia, the Americas, or beyond.

* Tailor-Made Itineraries for Maximum Savings

- Viamigos.com's team of travel experts works closely with each customer to create personalized itineraries that align with their travel style, interests, and budget.

- This bespoke approach ensures that every journey is unique, maximizing savings by suggesting the most cost-effective routes, travel dates, and accommodation options.

- The platform also helps travelers discover off-peak travel periods and alternative airports, further reducing costs.

* 24/7 Dedicated Support

- Travelers benefit from round-the-clock assistance, providing peace of mind before, during, and after their trip.

- Whether it's last-minute changes, flight disruptions, or on-the-go travel advice, Viamigos.com's support team is always available to resolve issues promptly.

* User-Friendly Booking Experience

- The website offers a seamless interface, secure transactions, and a centralized system for managing all travel details, making the booking process simple and transparent.

What Sets Viamigos.com Apart

* Holistic Travel Planning: Unlike generic travel platforms, Viamigos.com integrates cheap flight booking, custom itinerary creation, and 24/7 support into one cohesive service, ensuring travelers save both time and money.

* Personalized Experiences: Every trip is crafted to the traveler's preferences, whether it's a romantic escape, a family holiday, or a solo adventure, resulting in more meaningful and cost-effective journeys.

* Continuous Innovation: As travel trends evolve, Viamigos.com is expanding its destination network and enhancing service offerings to stay ahead in delivering affordable, personalized travel solutions.

Summary

For Indian travelers seeking the cheapest round-trip international flights from all major cities, along with tailor-made itineraries and 24/7 support, Viamigos.com stands out as a comprehensive, reliable, and cost-effective choice. By combining unbeatable prices, expert planning, and continuous assistance, Viamigos.com makes global travel more accessible and enjoyable than ever before.

(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)
BusinessWire India Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 12: Prologis, the global leader in logistics real estate, and Jhaver Group executive Vedant Jhaver today announced a strategic partnership to support the growth of India's industrial and logistics infrastructure. With $207 billion in assets under management and a portfolio of ~1.3 billion square feet across 20 countries, Prologis brings deep expertise and innovation to the relationship. Vedant Jhaver brings local market insight, decades of business leadership in India, and a strong track record of building successful ventures. Vedant Jhaver serves as group president of the Jhaver Group, a 130-year-old Indian conglomerate with businesses spanning infrastructure, healthcare, agricultural inputs, information technology and apparel accessories. He is also the founder and chairman of Prodapt Solutions, a global provider of IT services focused on the connectedness industry. Developing Best-In-Class Logistics Real Estate in India The new partnership, Prologis India, will address the country's rising demand for modern, scalable industrial and logistics facilities. The partnership will help Prologis develop a best-in-class logistics real estate portfolio across India's largest cities, strengthening the country's supply chain and connection to the global economy, while creating long-term value for Prologis customers and investors. Prologis India has already launched projects in Chennai, Hosur, Bangalore, and Pune. Vedant Jhaver serves as Chairman of Prologis India, and Vineet Sekhsaria is the Head of India for Prologis. "We are excited to deepen our longstanding partnership with Vedant," said Dan Letter, President, Prologis. "India continues to emerge as a top destination for global investment, and through Prologis India, we are well-positioned to build an exceptional portfolio of logistics and industrial assets." Vedant Jhaver added, "This partnership combines Prologis' world-class expertise with my deep knowledge of building businesses in India. Together, we aim to create a new standard for logistics and industrial parks to meet the country's growing manufacturing and consumer demand." "This is a pivotal moment for India's logistics infrastructure," said Sekhsaria. "With our global scale, development track record, and customer-centric approach, Prologis is well equipped to help modernize and strengthen the country's industrial backbone." Prologis India has acquired land of more than 300 acres for the total development of 6.5 MM sf across four cities: Chennai, Bangalore, Hosur, and Pune. (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)
Rare-earth magnet inventories are likely to 'taper off' by mid-July 2025 for the automobile industry, weighed down by the export restrictions from China and ensuing shipment delays, according to a release by rating agency ICRA. "With China tightening export controls and delaying shipment clearances, rare earth magnet inventories are projected to last only until mid-July 2025 for several, if not all, passenger vehicle and two-wheeler applications," Jitin Makkar, Senior Vice President and Group Head - Corporate Ratings, ICRA Limited.The Industry is looking for contingency options and alternative supply chains, but it is riddled with difficulties. "While the automobile industry is exploring a range of contingency options, each of these appears ridden with logistical, regulatory, and engineering complexities, exacerbating the prevailing uncertainty," the rating agency said."India imported around USD 200 million worth of these magnets for both automotive and non-automotive applications, with approximately 85% of this sourced from China. While the trade value may appear modest, the strategic dependence it reflects is anything but the supply uncertainty has cast a shadow on production planning. The dependence on China for these specialised materials could upend the automobile sector, particularly the fast-growing electric vehicle segment, if the concern remains unresolved." Makkar added. In order to deal with this risk, India is exploring various options such as importing fully assembled motors from China, or shipping the rotors, on which the rare earth magnets are mounted, to China for magnet assembly and then re-importing the assembled rotors.Additionally, substituting rare earth magnets with alternatively engineered materials or introducing rare earth magnet-free motors could also be seen as alternative options.However, a Maruti Suzuki spokesperson on Thursday said, "Regarding the situation on rare earth, as of now, there is no disruption in our operation due to this issue. There is a lot of uncertainty and the situation is continuously evolving." Maruti Suzuki added, "We are monitoring the situation and pursuing multiple solutions to ensure continuity in our operations. If and when there is any material impact to our business, we will inform all stakeholders in line with regulatory requirements." (ANI)
Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) [India], June 12: Paving the Way for Innovation, Global Competitiveness, and Excellence in Higher Education - ITM University Gwalior

The best university in Madhya Pradesh, ITM University Gwalior, has taken a giant leap towards digital transformation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft Education. This landmark partnership aims to empower students and faculty with world-class digital skills, globally recognized certifications, and enhanced employment opportunities.

The MoU signing ceremony was held in the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Prof. Yogesh Upadhyay (Vice Chancellor, ITM University Gwalior), Dr. Ranjit Singh Tomar (Registrar Incharge), Rahul Bhargava (Director, R.Dot Venture), and senior faculty members from the School of Computer Science and Applications.

A Strong Step Toward a Tech-Ready Future

Vice Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Upadhyay stated, "This MoU is not just a partnership but a concrete step towards innovation, global competitiveness, and excellence for our students and faculty."

Registrar Incharge Dr. Ranjit Singh Tomar added, "This initiative places ITM University Gwalior as a leadership center ready for the digital age, equipping students with both degrees and globally valued certifications."

Highlights of the Collaboration

Microsoft Certified Courses & Certifications: Students will get access to industry-relevant certifications in Microsoft Azure, Power BI, Office 365, and more.

Structured Technical Training: Expert-led sessions and practical labs will enhance students' technical abilities and real-world problem-solving skills.

Global Exposure & Mentorship: Students will be mentored for international competitions, scholarships, and certification programs.

Microsoft Certification Center Status: ITM University Gwalior will be officially recognized as a Microsoft Certification Center, with two state-of-the-art labs aligned with Pearson VUE and Certiport standards.

This collaboration further strengthens ITM University Gwalior's position as the best university in Madhya Pradesh, committed to preparing students for success in the digital world.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 12: Sasken Technologies Ltd. (BSE: 532663) (NSE: SASKEN), a global leader in product engineering and digital transformation, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Microsoft through the Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform (MDEP). This collaboration, enhanced by Sasken's recent acquisition of Borqs Technologies' Connected Devices business, positions Sasken at the forefront of intelligent device innovation. By combining Sasken's expanded capabilities with Microsoft's foundational platform, this alliance will empower OEMs and ODMs to fast-track creation and the launch of cutting-edge, next-generation smart devices. The Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform (MDEP) is designed to accelerate the development and deployment of intelligent & secure collaboration devices by bringing together hardware partners, solution providers, and system integrators. By collaborating with MDEP, Sasken will bring enhanced product engineering expertise, strengthened by Borqs' connected device portfolio and chipset partnerships, combined with its strengths in embedded systems, IoT, and lifecycle services, enabling faster innovation, reduced complexity, and superior user experiences. "We are excited to collaborate with Microsoft and become a part of the Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform," said Hareesh Ramanna, Chief Experience Officer & President Borqs Technologies (a Sasken Group company). "This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to enable our customers to build differentiated products and accelerate their time-to-market. The integration of Borqs' connected device engineering talent and chipset expertise into Sasken has significantly augmented our capabilities. Now, by combining this enhanced prowess with the power and scale of MDEP, we are well positioned to deliver unparalleled value to Enterprise OEMs looking to build cutting-edge & secure Collaboration, IoT, and Special Purpose devices that meet the demands of a connected future." Through this partnership, Sasken will provide end-to-end product development & product engineering services, including Hardware design, platform porting, application development, system integration, testing, and lifecycle support on MDEP. Sasken will also work closely with Microsoft to support MDEP's strategic focus areas including security, manageability, and modernization. "Microsoft is committed to empowering device partners with the tools and platforms they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving market," said Juha Kuosmanen, Head of MDEP. "We are excited to welcome Sasken to the Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform. Sasken's deep engineering heritage will be a significant asset to our ecosystem. This will help OEMs bring innovative devices to market more efficiently and tap into a broader range of device opportunities." This partnership highlights Sasken's vision to be a trusted technology partner for global enterprises looking to build the next generation of connected, intelligent products. To learn more about Sasken, visit www.sasken.com. To learn more about Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform, visit MDEP Overview. Media Contact: Rekha Sahay Ghosh Head of Marketing & Communications E: pr@sasken.com T: +91 080 6694 3009 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/820857/Sasken_Technologies_Limited_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PRNewswire Gurugram (Haryana) [India], June 12: Manipal Hospital, one of the leading healthcare institutions in Gurugram, welcomes renowned surgeon Dr Amita Shah, Chairman & HOD, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Laparoscopy Endoscopy. Dr Shah has joined the expert team of Manipal Hospital Gurugram, to strengthen and enhance the medical expertise of healthcare delivery to the people of Gurugram. Through dedicated women's wellness and preventive health initiatives, she contributes to early detection and long-term health planning. Dr Amita Shah will further enhance Manipal Hospital's expertise with extensive knowledge and experience spanning more than 29 years in diagnosing and treating numerous complex gynaecological issues. She is an expert in procedures like 3D and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Gynaecological Surgeries, Gynae Oncology - Screening & Management, Infertility & Reproductive Endocrinology and many more. Her focus is to provide preventive health, advanced management of gynaecological disorders, and fertility care through a dedicated specialty clinic that has cutting-edge technology to treat advanced gynaecological issues. She is an active member of the Indian Fertility Society (IFS) and the Indian Association of Gynae Endoscopists (IAGE). Her addition to the team strengthens the hospital's capabilities in providing comprehensive heart care. Dr Shah practices a 360-degree approach to women's health, providing care from conception through childbirth and postnatal vaccination, making Manipal Hospital a one-stop destination for maternity and reproductive care. She will play a key role in various Obstetrics and Gynecological programs such as Spandan, a parent support initiative aimed at easing the journey of parenthood through expert-led educational sessions and Manipal Sakhi, a comprehensive health card packed with exclusive patient benefits for women. Expressing his enthusiasm for joining the team, Navin Pascal, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, said, "We are delighted to have Dr Amita Shah in our team of medical experts. With a wealth of experience in women's healthcare, Dr. Shah brings with her a deep commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centered care. Her expertise across complex gynaecological procedures, high-risk obstetrics, and holistic reproductive health makes her a valuable addition to our multidisciplinary team. With her being a part of Manipal Hospital, we will be able to deliver advanced clinical management of gynaecological disorders, including minimally invasive and robotic surgeries for faster recovery and improved outcomes. At Manipal Hospital, we are dedicated to continuously enhancing the quality and scope of our healthcare services. Her joining marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to elevate healthcare standards in Gurugram and assure our position as a trusted leader in women's health." About Manipal Hospitals As a pioneer in healthcare, Manipal Hospitals is among the top healthcare providers in India serving over 7 million patients annually. Its focus is to develop an affordable, high quality healthcare framework through its multispecialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to out of hospital care. With the completion of acquisition of Medica Synergie hospitals and AMRI Hospitals Limited (acquired in Sept 2023), the integrated network today has a pan-India footprint of 37 hospitals across 19 cities with 10,500+ beds, and a talented pool of 5,600+ doctors and an employee strength of over 18,600. Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe. Manipal Hospitals is NABH, AAHRPP accredited and most of the hospitals in its network are NABL, ER, Blood Bank accredited and recognized for Nursing Excellence. Manipal Hospitals has also been recognised the most respected and patient recommended hospital in India through various consumer surveys Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2709681/Munipal_Hospitals_Dr_Amita_Shah.jpgPhoto - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2709682/Munipal_Hospitals_Photo.jpgLogo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1941277/5194308/Manipal_Hospital_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 12: This year, Pride@Godrej builds on a decade-long project of cultural inclusion within the Godrej Industries Group, to create a meaningful platform for authentic queer storytelling, entrepreneurial spirit and artistic expression. The Group recently hosted a vibrant Pride March at its headquarters, Godrej One, led by Manish Shah, Managing Director of Godrej Capital, and joined by senior leaders across the organization. This march was a powerful demonstration of solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, including Godrej's queer employees in India and globally, alongside their allies. A key highlight of Pride@Godrej 2025 was the launch of Queer Directions--a pioneering publishing imprint in collaboration with Westland Books, dedicated to amplifying queer voices and narratives. The event began with the Pitch Bazaar, where over a dozen unpublished queer writers connected with publishers and media professionals. In parallel, a Queer Bazaar showcased products from queer-owned small businesses, fostering visibility and economic opportunities. The celebration culminated in a delightful performance of Jhumkewali, a play supported by Godrej Properties Limited, which explores themes of lesbian first love and self-discovery set in the 1970s. Performed in multiple Indian languages, the play embodied the event's inclusive ethos, celebrating the intersection of queerness with India's linguistic and cultural diversity. This day-long celebration seamlessly blended culture, conversation, and community through thoughtfully curated experiences. "What excites me most about this celebration is how we moved beyond just rainbow flags to create real opportunities," said Parmesh Shahani, Head of the Godrej DEI Lab and author of Queeristan. "When queer writers feel confident enough to pitch their stories to industry professionals, when small queer businesses get a platform to showcase their work, that's when you know inclusion is working. We are not just talking about diversity; we are actively creating pathways for queer voices to thrive." "The launch of Queer Directions represents our belief that great stories deserve great platforms," said Karthika V.K., Publisher at Westland Books. "This isn't just about publishing--it's about ensuring that authentic queer narratives find their rightful place in Indian literature and reach readers who need to see themselves reflected in books." Throughout June, the Group companies will engage in a series of impactful Pride-focused initiatives, moving beyond symbolic gestures to drive meaningful change. Godrej Properties is celebrating Pride Month across its zones with Pride marches, storytelling sessions, inclusive workshops, and creative activities such as art contests and wall painting. Godrej Capital is fostering inclusion through events at Pride@Godrej One, including Nukkad Nataks, allyship panels, LGBTQIA+ hiring drives, and wellness programs. Godrej Consumer Products is leading QueeRising 2025, a global campaign celebrating queer identity through conversations, connections, and inspiring change. Godrej Chemicals is championing Pride Month with awareness campaigns and LGBT+ sensitization workshops, while Godrej Agrovet Limited is organizing employee workshops focused on workplace allyship. This year too, a Pride flag and other queer-affirming signage have sparked meaningful conversations among employees and visitors alike, reflecting the organization's evolving commitment to visibility, dialogue, and genuine inclusion. About the Godrej DEi Lab The Godrej DEI Lab empowers inclusion ecosystems both within and outside the Godrej Industries Group. www.godrejdeilab.com About Godrej Industries Group Godrej Industries Ltd. is the holding company of the Godrej Industries Group (GIG). We are privileged to serve over 1.1 billion consumers globally through our businesses with market leadership positions in the consumer products, real estate, agriculture, financial services and chemicals industries. www.godrejindustries.com About Westland Books Westland Books is an award-winning Indian publisher with a diverse and exciting range of books from popular and literary fiction to business, politics, biography, spirituality, popular science, health and self-help. Its key publishing imprints include Context, Ekada, Tranquebar, Westland Sport, Westland Business, IndiePress, IF and Red Panda. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2709686/GODREJ_Pride_March.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2561817/5367444/Godrej_Industries_Group_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)
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], June 12: In a bold departure from conventional industry recognition, HRKatha, India's leading HR publication, today announced the launch of the HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards - the country's first awards programme designed exclusively to celebrate emerging talent in human resources. The groundbreaking initiative challenges the long-held industry belief that leadership recognition should correlate with years of service, instead focussing on impact, innovation, and the potential to reshape India's HR landscape. "The HR profession has evolved dramatically, and we need recognition platforms that reflect this transformation," said Prajjal Saha, Founder & Editor of HRKatha. "These awards aren't about celebrating past achievements - they're about identifying the leaders who will shape the future of work in India. We're looking for professionals who think differently, act boldly, and create lasting impact regardless of their years in the industry." A response to industry transformation The awards programme emerges at a critical juncture for Indian HR. Digital transformation, artificial intelligence integration, and evolving workforce expectations have fundamentally altered the profession's landscape. Yet traditional recognition systems have remained anchored in outdated paradigms that privilege tenure over innovation. Consider the profound shifts witnessed across Indian organisations: the rise of people analytics transforming decision-making, AI revolutionising talent acquisition processes, employee experience emerging as a strategic discipline, and diversity and inclusion evolving from compliance function to business imperative. These transformations weren't driven by decades-old playbooks but by professionals willing to challenge conventional wisdom and experiment with new approaches. The HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards recognises this reality, celebrating seven distinct categories that represent both current excellence and future potential in HR: - HR Tech Innovator: Professionals leveraging technology to solve complex people challenges - Talent Acquisition Expert: Those redefining organisational attraction and hiring strategies - Diversity & Inclusion Champion: Leaders creating truly inclusive workplaces - Employee Experience Architect: Professionals crafting engaging employee journeys - Organisational Change Leader: Those navigating transformation with excellence - HR Business Partner of the Year: Masters of translating people strategy into business results - Emerging HR Leader: Early-career professionals demonstrating exceptional promise Industry veterans champion fresh perspective The programme's credibility stems from its distinguished jury panel, comprising CEOs and CHROs with over 350 years of combined experience across diverse industries. Their enthusiasm for recognising emerging talent reflects a broader industry acknowledgment that innovation often comes from unexpected places. "Delighted to be part of the HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards with such a stellar panel," said Sandip Ghose, MD & CEO, Birla Corporation Ltd. "HR has changed in a way we could not have imagined even a few years ago. So, greatly looking forward to the ideas the young trailblazers bring to the table. Sure, it is going to be an enriching experience for the jury as well." Praveen Purohit, Deputy CHRO, Vedanta Group, echoed this sentiment, "Superb opportunity to showcase best practices and leadership that can inspire many more to rise in time to come. For now, 'own your rise'! I look forward to seeing some of the motivating entries along with my other jury colleagues." A stellar jury panel Sandip Ghose (MD & CEO, Birla Corp) Harit Nagpal (CMD, Tata Play) Ramesh Mitragotri (Group Executive President - HR, Aditya Birla Group) Ashwani Prashara (CHRO, Hydrocarbons, Reliance Industries) Saba Adil (CHRO, Edelweiss Life Insurance) Praveen Purohit (Dy CHRO, Vedanta Group) Ayush Gupta (Director - HR, GAIL India) Subir Verma (Executive Director & CHRO - Power Business, RP Sanjiv Goenka Group) Vinay Ranjan (Director HR, Coal India) Rajorshi Ganguli (President & Global CHRO, Alkem Laboratories) Pooja Minocha (CHRO, Bata India) Rupesh Tripathi (Head People, Performance & Culture, KPMG) Defining the Rising Star mindset What distinguishes a rising star from traditional HR professionals? According to the programme's framework, it's not about having all the answers but asking better questions. It's not about following established processes but improving them. It's not about managing people but inspiring them to achieve their potential whilst driving organisational success. Rising stars share distinct characteristics: comfort with ambiguity, embracing technology as an enabler rather than threat, understanding evolving employee needs and adapting accordingly, and measuring success not just in metrics but in meaningful human outcomes. "Rising stars understand that HR is no longer a support function - it's a strategic differentiator," explains Saha. "In an economy increasingly driven by talent, knowledge, and innovation, HR professionals hold the keys to organisational success. Rising stars embrace this responsibility and leverage it to drive meaningful change." Building a community of change-makers Beyond individual recognition, the awards programme aims to build a community of forward-thinking professionals who will collectively shape India's future of work. Winners won't merely receive recognition - they'll join an exclusive network of innovators, change-makers, and visionaries. This community approach addresses a critical industry need. When rising stars connect, collaborate, and share insights, the entire profession benefits. The programme creates a platform for cross-pollination of ideas, peer learning, and collective advancement. Industry impact and expectations As nominations open for the inaugural awards, organisers anticipate discovering transformative stories across Indian organisations. Expected entries include professionals who have transformed recruitment processes using AI, created inclusive cultures in traditionally homogeneous industries, designed employee experiences that rival consumer brands, and led organisational changes that seemed impossible just years ago. The traditional HR career path - starting at entry level and slowly climbing hierarchy over decades - is giving way to a more dynamic model where impact and innovation can accelerate advancement. The HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards acknowledges this reality and celebrates those who embody it. A broader industry call The initiative extends beyond recognition to catalyse broader industry conversations. What skills will tomorrow's HR leaders need? How can organisations better prepare emerging talent for future challenges? How can the industry create more opportunities for innovation and experimentation? "To every HR professional reading this: if you've implemented something innovative, if you've challenged the status quo, if you've created positive change in your organisation or the lives of employees - consider yourself a potential rising star," urges Saha. "The criteria for these awards isn't about having the perfect resume or the longest tenure. It's about having the courage to lead, regardless of your title or years of experience." Looking ahead The inaugural ceremony is scheduled for August 2025, marking what organisers believe will be a new chapter in HR recognition - one that celebrates potential over position, innovation over tradition, and impact over tenure. "Every established leader was once a rising star. Every industry transformation began with someone willing to challenge conventional wisdom. Every great organisation was built by people who saw possibilities where others saw limitations," reflects Saha. "The HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards is our commitment to identifying, celebrating, and nurturing these visionaries." The programme represents more than recognition - it's a statement about the industry's future direction and a commitment to nurturing the talent that will define it. By 2030, half of today's HR practices will be obsolete. The professionals who will define what replaces them aren't sitting in corner offices--they're in cubicles, co-working spaces, and virtual meetings, quietly revolutionising people practices one innovation at a time. The HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards is our attempt to find them before everyone else does. For more information visit www.hrkatha.com/risingstarawards. (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)
India on Thursday said it is in touch with the Chinese side, seeking predictability in the supply of rare earth metals -- which had been put under the export controls regime by the Xi administration. "We are in touch with the Chinese side, both here in Delhi as also in Beijing to bring predictability in supply chain for trade, consistent with international practices," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in the weekly briefing. The MEA spokesperson was asked about India's engagement with China on rare earth, given that it is to an extent impacting the auto industry, among others in India. "We have been in touch with the Chinese side. The Chinese ministry of commerce and general administration of customs in early April...had announced a decision to implement export controls on certain rare earth related items," the MEA spokesperson said. Amidst this key supply chain issue, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed that the US reached a "deal" with China following intense trade negotiations. As part of the deal, the US, according to Trump, will get rare earth supplies from China. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal described China's rare earth export restrictions as a global "wake-up call" on Monday, emphasising that India is actively building alternative supply chains while positioning itself as a trusted partner for international businesses seeking to reduce their dependence on Chinese suppliers. Speaking to reporters during his official visit to Switzerland, where he met with Swiss government officials and business leaders, Goyal acknowledged that China's export curbs will create short-term challenges for India's automotive and white goods sectors. However, he expressed confidence that collaborative efforts between government, industry, and innovators will transform these challenges into long-term opportunities. China's overwhelming control of global rare earth processing - commanding over 90 per cent of the world's magnet production capacity - has created significant vulnerabilities for industries worldwide. These materials are critical across multiple sectors, including automobiles, home appliances, and clean energy systems. Beyond China, there are only a few alternative suppliers. The new Chinese restrictions, effective from April 4, require special export licenses for certain specific rare earth elements and their related magnetic products. Separately, India and Central Asian countries have recently expressed interest in joint exploration of rare earth and critical minerals at the recently held India-Central Asia Dialogue. The renewed expression of interest in collaboration in rare earths and critical minerals comes as China has restricted its exports of some key industrial inputs. According to a joint statement by India and Central Asian countries -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and, Uzbekistan -they appreciated the outcomes of the first India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum held in September 2024 in New Delhi, as they called upon the relevant authorities to hold the second India-Central Asia Rare Earth Forum meeting at the earliest convenience. (ANI)
Netflix has provided a sneak peek into its upcoming talent discovery series, 'Building The Band', scheduled for release on July 9, 2025. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show will include late One Direction member Liam Payne as a guest judge, following the approval of his family after his tragic passing. Liam Payne, who met a tragic end in October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, will still be featured in the new music competition show. After his untimely death, the show's producers and Payne's family deliberated over his participation, ultimately deciding to proceed with his inclusion. "Liam Payne's family reviewed the series and is supportive of his inclusion," a Netflix spokesperson confirmed. 'Building The Band' is set to be hosted by AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys, with Nicole Scherzinger from The Pussycat Dolls serving as a mentor-judge. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child will also appear as a guest judge. Before his death at the age of 31, Payne had already been named to the judging panel and had participated in the show's filming at Aviva Studios in Manchester, England, in August 2024. The initial trailer for 'Building The Band' does not explicitly reference Payne or detail any changes made to honour his legacy. The competition format is designed to challenge musicians to compete for a spot in a newly formed band. As per The Hollywood Reporters, participants will rehearse separately in individual booths, assessing each other's musical compatibility and merit without meeting face-to-face until their performances before a live audience. The producers of the series promise an exciting blend of performances, emotional drama, and the quest to discover the next great music band. "What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography and style come into play? With incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal, to find the next great music band, the stage is set for an unforgettable experience," the producers wrote in the synopsis, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter. 'Building The Band' will air over three weeks, with two episodes released on July 9, July 16, and July 23. The series is executive produced by Cat Lawson, Alison Holloway, Katrina Morrison, Clara Elliot, and Simon Crossley. (ANI)
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Eggers will write and direct the film, which Chris Columbus and Eleanor Columbus will produce for Maiden Voyage.

Willem Dafoe, who recently starred in Eggers' vampire film 'Nosferatu,' is reportedly in consideration to play the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

The story follows Scrooge's transformation after being visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley and three spirits.

Dickens' novella, first published in 1843, has been adapted numerous times for film and television.

Previous notable adaptations include a 2009 animated feature directed by Robert Zemeckis starring Jim Carrey and a 2019 British television version starring Guy Pearce.

Eggers is known for his work on atmospheric and eerie films like 'The Witch,' 'The Lighthouse,' and 'Nosferatu.' His approach to storytelling often emphasises the supernatural and the unknown.

In a recent interview, Eggers mentioned his preference for period settings, expressing discomfort with filming modern subjects like cars.

Eggers' next project, 'Werwulf,' a werewolf horror film co-written with co-writer, is set for release on Christmas Day 2026 by Focus Features. (ANI)
According to sources, Universal has scheduled the sequel for release on December 4, 2026.

David Harbour will once again play the lead role of a rough-around-the-edges Santa Claus, who finds himself in the midst of a violent battle.

In the first film, Harbour's character was a bitter drunk who rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas with the help of a young girl.

It's unclear if his character's newfound lucidity will remain intact in the sequel.

Kelly McCormick and David Leitch of 87North will produce the film, with Pat Casey and Josh Miller returning to write the screenplay.

Production is slated to begin in Winnipeg in September, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

The first film was a commercial success, reportedly grossing USD 50 million domestically and USD 25.9 million internationally on a budget of around USD 20 million.

Wirkola previously expressed interest in exploring ideas that couldn't be included in the first film, such as the North Pole, Mrs Claus, and the elves.

"We don't see the North Pole, we don't see Mrs Claus, and we don't see the elves," Wirkola said in an interview, as quoted by the Hollywood Reporter.

The filmmaker's vision for the sequel is eagerly anticipated by fans of the original. (ANI)
The makers of Darling Krishna and Prakash Raj starrer 'Father' have released the poster of the film. Producers and R Chandru unveiled the new poster of their upcoming multi-lingual project, 'Father', today. Taking to Instagram, Anand Pandit shared the poster of the film. He wrote, "Anand Pandit Motion Pictures along with R Chandru proudly present their upcoming multilingual blockbuster #Father, an emotional and heartwarming journey of love and legacy, starring the legendary Prakash Raaj and beloved Darling Krishna, directed by Raj Mohan!" https://www.instagram.com/p/DKy-K_BRDXV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Trade expert Taran Adarsh also shared the details about the film along with other poster, "ANAND PANDIT - R CHANDRU UNVEIL POSTER OF PAN-INDIA FILM 'FATHER' ON ACTOR DARLING KRISHNA'S BIRTHDAY... Presenter #AnandPandit and producer #RChandru unveil the poster of their upcoming multi-lingual film #Father. The poster launch also coincided with lead actor #DarlingKrishna's birthday... #Father also features #PrakashRaaj in a prominent role and is directed by #RajaMohan. #RCStudios," he wrote in the caption. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKy99BCM0pe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Starring Darling Krishna and Prakash Raj in the lead, the film is presented by Anand Pandit in association with Alankar Pandian. 'Father' is produced by RC Studios and directed by Raj Mohan. The refreshingly nostalgic poster features Prakash Raj and Krishna on a Bajaj Chetak. The release of the new poster also coincides with actor Krishna's birthday, making it a special tribute to him from the team, as per the press release. "The word 'father' itself evokes warmth and care, and this poster conveys the emotional depth of this very special bond. We are also happy that the poster release has unfolded just ahead of Father's Day, which falls on June 15," said Pandit in a statement shared in the press release. Producer R. Chandru of RC Studios shared that the post-production work is underway and the film will hit the theatres soon in major Indian languages apart from its original Kannada version. "One of the major highlights of this emotionally powerful film is the casting of the legendary actor Prakash Raj in the titular role of the 'Father.' Though we have seen films that explore the father-son relationship, this one has a unique narrative and freshness that will appeal to both new-age audiences and general viewers alike," added Chandru. Presented by Anand Pandit Motion Pictures and produced by RC Studios, the film is in the final stages of production. The movie has been filmed across various locations, including Mysuru, Dharmasthala, Mangaluru, and Bengaluru, with a significant portion also shot in Varanasi. The cinematography is by Sugnaan, and the music is composed by Goura Hari. The film is set for a nationwide release in the second half of 2025. (ANI)
Following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday, actor Shah Rukh Khan took to social media to offer his condolences and prayers for the victims and their families. In a post on X, he expressed, "Absolutely heartbroken with the news about the crash in Ahmedabad... my prayers for the victims, their families and all affected." A while ago, actor Anushka Sharma also reacted to the incident, paying her heartfelt condolences to the victims. "Saddened to hear about the plane crash today. Thoughts and prayers with the passengers and their families," she posted on Instagram Story. Aamir Khan offered his condolences to the families of the victims of the Air India crash via a post on the "Aamir Khan Productions" Instagram account. In the message, his team expressed grief and said they stand in solidarity with everyone. The note read, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash that occurred today. At this moment of profound loss, our thoughts and condolences are with the families of those affected. We stand in solidarity with the individuals, communities, and responders impacted by this devastating event. Stay strong India. Team AKP." Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut said, "The news of the Ahmedabad plane crash is extremely tragic and painful. I pray to God for everyone's safety, may God provide strength to all affected families in this hour of crisis." "Shocked and speechless at the Air India crash. Only prayers at this time," Akshay posted on X. The Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. According to an Air India statement, the Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating as Flight AI-171, departed from Ahmedabad at 1:38 pm IST with 242 people on board, including crew. "The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information," the airline said in a statement. The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an LTC with 8,200 hours of flying experience. He was assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flying experience, the official said. As per Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Runway 23 at 1339 IST (0809 UTC). It gave a mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. "Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site," the official added. (ANI)
Amid ruckus over the alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched a scathing attack against the family of former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao, accusing them of being the "true enemies" of the state. The CM said that he would present detailed facts and documents related to the Kaleshwaram Project within two days. He also ruled out the possibility of anyone from the KCR family being inducted into the Congress. "As long as I am in power, there will be no entry for KCR's family into Congress," Reddy said. He further accused Union Minister G Kishan Reddy of obstructing Telangana's development, calling him "the biggest hurdle to the state's progress." "Kishan Reddy is the biggest hurdle to Telangana's progress," Reddy said. Speaking about BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha's letter to her father, KCR, the Telangana CM labelled it a "film-style drama" for attention. Earlier, Kavitha took potshots at the leaders of her party. Without naming anyone, she said that when her father, KCR, received notices in relation to the Kaleshwaram probe, no plan of action was set up. "When KCR is given notices, there is no action plan. Instead of teaching me, tell me what is your action plan. Twitter tweets are not enough. Shouldn't we be on the ground?" Kavitha said, adding, "During the Delhi liquor policy, when I went to KCR and wanted to resign, he said that they can't face me, and that's why the case has been filed against you." The BRS MLC further criticised people in her party, labelling them "converts." "Is it okay to say there are converts? Coverts should be controlled, and KCR should be protected," Kavitha said, adding, "If BRS is weak, BJP and Congress will become strong." Meanwhile, KCR on Wednesday appeared before the PC Ghosh Commission in connection with alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project. Heavy police deployment was witnessed at Hyderabad's BRK Bhavan ahead of his appearance. Previously, BRS MLA and former Irrigation Minister Harish Rao and BJP MP Etela Rajender, who previously served as Finance Minister in the BRS government, appeared before the commission. Justice PC Ghose Commission on Tuesday issued summons to former Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), former Minister Harish Rao, and BJP MP Etela Rajender, who also served as a minister during the BRS regime, in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP). The Commission, which has been probing financial and procedural lapses in the multi-crore irrigation project, directed the three political leaders to appear for questioning in the first week of June. (ANI)
Republican Party of India (A) chief and Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale criticised Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge for rejecting the demands made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the resignation of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar over the Chinnaswamy stadium stampede that claimed 11 lives, and said that it was not right since Congress has made similar demands during the Mahakumbh stampede. "Congress has made similar demands earlier. Mallikarjun Kharge is not right in saying that it is not right to demand the CM's resignation," Athawale told ANI. Reiterating the BJP's demand for Siddaramaiah's resignation, he said that it was the job of the Opposition to demand resignation in such incidents. He added that the Opposition parties in Karnataka were demanding CM Siddaramaiah's resignation for similar reasons Congress asked for the resignation of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the wake of the Mahakumbh stampede. "After the Mahakumbh stampede, Congress demands UP CM's resignation. It is the job of the Opposition to demand resignations. Just like them, we are also demanding resignation (of CM Siddaramaiah). There was a need to manage the crowd, but they did not succeed in doing so, which resulted in the deaths of many. This is why the Chief Minister should resign," Athawale said. On Wednesday, Siddaramaiah dismissed the BJP's demand for his resignation over the Bengaluru stampede, accusing the party of "doing politics in everything." Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned why BJP had not demanded the resignation of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath when a stampede occurred during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj earlier this year. "40-50 people died in a stampede at Kumbh Mela. Did they demand the Chief Minister's resignation then? A bridge collapsed on the day of the inauguration, and 140 people died. Did they demand the Prime Minister's resignation then?" CM Siddaramaiah asked while talking to reporters here. "The BJP has a habit of misleading people by telling lies and demanding resignations. The BJP does politics in everything," he said. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team was officially felicitated by the Karnataka government on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha (State Assembly) on June 4, before the stampede incident occurred at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Following the Bengaluru stampede that claimed 11 lives and left many injured, the Karnataka government on June 5 suspended top police officials at the Cubbon Park Police Station and formed a one-man commission under a retired High Court Judge to probe the incident. (ANI)
The southwest monsoon has become active again after a brief halt of nearly two weeks, with rains lashing out in several parts of Karnataka in the early hours on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a seven-day warning for Karnataka, predicting "widespread" rainfall in nearly all districts until June 17. The Hubballi area in the Dharwad district of Karnataka witnessed torrential rainfall early on Thursday, which caused massive waterlogging in several parts of the district, especially in Hanashi village. According to the weather department, rainfall will remain widespread in coastal and north interior Karnataka until June 17. Meanwhile, rainfall will be "fairly widespread" in the districts of south interior Karnataka until June 14 before turning "widespread" for the next three days. In coastal Karnataka districts, the IMD has forecast "heavy to very heavy rain with sustained wind at 30 to 40 kilometre per hour (kmph), which likely to occur at a few places and extremely heavy rain likely to occur at one or two places over Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada and Udupi districts." In north interior Karnataka, "Heavy to very heavy rain with sustained wind at 50 to 60 kmph likely to occur at a few places and extremely heavy rain with sustained wind likely to occur at one or two places over Belagavi, Dharwad and Gadag districts." "Heavy rain with sustained wind at 40 to 50 kmph likely to occur at one or two places over Koppal, Haveri, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Kalburgi and Raichur districts. Moderate rain with sustained wind at 40-50 kmph is likely to occur at most places over Bidar and Yadgir districts," IMD said in its report. In south interior Karnataka, the weather department has predicted heavy to very heavy rain with sustained wind at 50-60 kmph, which are likely to occur at a few places and extremely heavy rain with sustained wind at the same speed is likely to occur at one or two places over Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu districts. "Heavy rain with sustained wind (40-50 kmph) likely to occur at one or two places over Ballari, Bengaluru (Rural), Bengaluru (Urban), Chikkaballapura, Mandya, Ramanagara, Tumakuru, Mysuru, Davangere, Hassan and Vijayanagar districts. Moderate rain with sustained wind (40-50 kmph) likely to occur at most places over Chamarajanagar, Chitradurga and Kolar districts," IMD said. These weather predictions are likely to remain relevant till June 17. (ANI)
Hitting out at Congress and CPI-M ahead of the Nilambur assembly by-polls, BJP leader V Muraleedharan alleged that instead of raising common issues, both parties are trying to get votes from pro-terrorists and communal organisations. He highlighted that the election became necessary due to the resignation of the MLA, who had said that the Kerala CM is "protecting" the underground elements and smugglers. "Instead of raising key concerns of Nilambur and Kerala, both the Congress and the Communists (CPI-M) are trying to get the votes of pro-terrorist and pro-communal organisations... This election was necessitated due to the resignation of an MLA who said that the Kerala CM is protecting underground elements and smugglers", V Muraleedharan told ANI. The former Union Minister said that instead of discussing issues, both Congress and CPI-M are after the votes of Jamaat-e-Islami, whose motto is to form religion-based governments. He also alleged that the Congress created a misunderstanding about the stance of the Indian government over Israel and said that both Congress and CPI-M are supporting Hamas. "Instead of discussing this issue, both parties are after the votes of Jamaat-e-Islami, whose motto is religion-based governments. Congress is also trying to create a misunderstanding that the Indian Government has changed its stand on Israel. Both (Congress and CPI-M) are trying to get the support of those elements who support Hamas", V Muraleedharan said. The election for the Nilambur seat was necessitated after the resignation of PV Anvar, an LDF-backed MLA, who stepped down in January after making several allegations against the Left government in the state, including claims of RSS influence in the home department and the framing of Muslim youth in false cases. The election will be held on June 19, and the counting is scheduled for June 23. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have fielded Michael George as their candidate from the Nilambur assembly constituency in the upcoming bypolls. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary underlined the significance of the handloom and handicraft sector of Kashmir and vowed to revive and promote it. Speaking to mediapersons here on Wednesday, Choudhury said, "The handloom and handicraft sector is the identity of Kashmir that must be revived and promoted... I've instructed my officers to bring a detailed project proposal to me, which we will escalate to the Chief Minister. "This isn't just about a product--it's about heritage, dignity, and livelihoods... We used to see these crafts proudly displayed in government buildings, circuit houses, and ministerial homes. Today, much of it has faded. Craftsmen invest over a year to make a single Pashmina shawl, yet their returns are dismal. We must ensure their work is recognised, respected, and fairly rewarded," the Deputy Chief Minister added. He further emphasised the promotion of handicraft through media. "I appeal to everyone, including social media creators, to amplify this message. Share these stories with the country and the world," he said He also said that tourism is key to this revival. On Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that no amount of development in the region is enough, given Pakistan's constant attempts to destabilise the situation. Abdullah made these remarks while responding during a visit to Aligarh Muslim University's Ahmadi School. The Chief Minister also emphasised that not only are efforts important, but succeeding is also very important to achieve the highest degree of progress and development in Jammu and Kashmir. "The way our neighbouring country is trying to spoil the atmosphere, we have to ensure that maximum development and progress take place in Jammu and Kashmir," Abdullah told reporters. The J-K chief minister said that the construction of the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, is a good thing and that the focus should be on continuing to build such infrastructure. Abdullah said, "It is a good thing that at present there is the world's tallest railway bridge; our endeavour should be to keep it the same." The bridge on the River Chenab, being the highest bridge in the world, is a milestone project for the Indian Railways, which was completed after several ups and downs in a difficult terrain. It connects Kashmir to Jammu and the entire country via rail. 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. Regarding the reservation bill in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah stated that since the assembly is not in session, no bill can currently be presented. The Cabinet Sub-Committee has prepared its report, which will be presented to the Cabinet in a few days. "There is no session of our assembly, so no bill will be presented. The cabinet subcommittee has prepared its report; that report has to be presented in the cabinet. The cabinet meeting is held twice a month. This month it has not happened yet. There will be a cabinet meeting in a few days; the recommendations of the cabinet subcommittee on reservation will be put before the cabinet, and after that it will be considered," CM added. (ANI)
Two miscreants who had allegedly looted Rs 36 lakh from HDFC Bank branch in Kapurthala, Punjab nearly two weeks ago have been arrested, a senior police official said. The duo were arrested in Mathura and Rs 2.2 lakh cash was recovered from their possession. Avanish Kumar Mishra, Superintendent of Police (SP) Crime, told ANI a day earlier, "On May 30, the miscreants had looted Rs 36 lakh. We had received information about their presence near Mathura. SOG, Govindnagar police team and Punjab Police team arrested two miscreants (Navjot Singh and Zorawar Singh)". SP Mishra added, "Rs 2.2 lakh cash, 5 mobiles and Innova car were recovered from the possession of the miscreants..." Meanwhile, in Delhi on June 4, a criminal wanted in robbery and murder cases was arrested by the team of Police Station Nand Nagri following a brief exchange of fire. According to the police, a pistol and two fired cartridges were recovered from the accused during the operation. The incident took place on May 4, when a police team comprising Constables Mukesh, Paramjeet, and Jitender was patrolling the area of District Park, A-Block Nand Nagri. At about 10:30 PM, the team received information regarding the presence of a wanted criminal near the northern side of District Park, opposite the main Wazirabad Road flyover. Upon reaching the spot, the team noticed a suspicious person and asked him to stop for a check. However, sensing danger, the suspect opened fire at the police team. Despite the threat, the team showed restraint and warned him to surrender, but the suspect fired again. In self-defence, Constable Paramjeet fired twice from his service pistol, one of which struck the suspect in the right leg. The accused stumbled and was immediately overpowered and disarmed by the police team. (ANI)
Security tightened in the Rabindra Nagar area of South 24 Parganas in West Bengal on Thursday after a clash broke out between Police and miscreants yesterday. Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal assembly, Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP leaders in the state alleged that a Shiva Temple was vandalised in Ward No. 7, Maheshtala, under the Metiabruz Assembly constituency, near Rabindra Nagar Police Station. Meanwhile, Adhikari on Thursday approached the SP of Diamond Harbour Police District and DGP of West Bengal to visit Maheshtala and meet the victims of the Hindu families. In a post on X, Adhikari said the visit is a step towards understanding the grievances of affected Hindu shopkeepers and families and ensuring their voices are heard. "I have approached the SP of Diamond Harbour Police District and DGP @WBPolice so that today, I, along with one MLA can visit Maheshtala under Rabindranagar Police Station to meet and express solidarity with the victims of the Hindu families and the affected Hindu shopkeepers who came under the attack of the Jihadis yesterday. This visit is a step towards understanding their grievances and ensuring their voices are heard. "I hope that the Administration doesn't obstruct my visit," Adhikari said on X. This comes months after violence in some parts of West Bengal in the wake of protests against the Waqf Board Amendment Act. Earlier, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Tuesday said the Trinamool Congress only extends full support to terrorism and is turning the state here into a "valley of extremists". Adhikari's response came in response to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's reported statement on the Pulwama attack. "TMC party extends full support to terrorism and extremists... People of Mamata Banerjee's party are turning Bengal into a valley of extremists and are protecting them," Adhikari said. The West Bengal Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution conveying appreciation for the Indian armed forces for their recent action targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The resolution moved in the state Legislative Assembly on Tuesday also condemned the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists. (ANI)
BJP MP Bhubaneswar Kalita, who was a member of the all-party delegation under the Operation Sindoor global outreach, said that their meeting with US Vice President JD Vance was successful and described it as a 'diplomatic victory.' The BJP MP also said that the members of the all-party delegation met the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate as well as Congress in the US and received a positive response and support from them. Kalita was part of the all-party parliamentary delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Speaking to ANI, BJP MP Kalita said, "We met the Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate as well as Congress (in the US). We met the members of the India Caucus. They were already aware of the entire situation. So, our discussion and interaction with them were very positive. We received very positive support from them." "We also met the Vice President JD Vance, who knew India because a month before he visited India and he knows the India-Pakistan situation very well. So, our meeting with Vice President JD Vance was very successful, and we can say that it is a diplomatic victory," Kalita said. The BJP MP also spoke about the Colombian government's statement, as they condoled the deaths of Pakistanis in Indian strikes. Later, Shashi Tharoor and his delegation cleared the air and explained India's stance to Colombia on how India exercised its right to self-defence. Tharoor explained how Pakistan-based 'The Resistance Front', a unit of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack twice. "Initially, when we came to know about the statement, we conveyed our dissatisfaction with that; that without knowing the actual situation, the first statement was given. We could convey to their Parliament, their leadership and their External Affairs Secretary General and also we met their Think Tank, many of whom are former diplomats, former ministers, and former Presidents. So, after our discussions, we could present the actual situation, what happened in Pahalgam and how it all happened. Then they withdrew the earlier statement and made a new statement...I think the visit of this delegation was very successful and it is a success for India," said Kalita. Earlier, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who led the all-party parliamentary delegation to the US, said that their meeting with US Vice President JD Vance was "remarkable." Speaking to reporters, Tharoor stated that the two sides had "a good conversation" and the Indian delegation felt they "could not have had a better meeting." The delegation met Vance during their visit to the US last week. On the delegation's meeting with Vance, he said, "JD Vance, I must say, it was a remarkable meeting. He gave us a good 20-25 minutes. It was a busy day. They just had a one-and-a-half-hour phone call with the Chinese president, he said, and they were about to go into a meeting with the German Chancellor. So, we were right in between. But we had a very good conversation." "I can't say how good it was without revealing details that would not be appropriate to reveal. But again, we felt we could not have had a better meeting. We were able to make every single one of the points we wanted to make. I spoke for the delegation, and we got back exactly the kind of feedback we would have wanted. So I think we left very happy," he added. Tharoor made these remarks after returning to India after the delegation concluded their visit to the US, Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil. Shashi Tharoor led the all-party delegation which included Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), GM Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejasvi Surya (BJP), and Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from the BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora. The delegation was one of the seven all-party delegations formed by the central government and was tasked with visiting several nations as part of the global outreach program, conveying India's stance of zero-tolerance against terrorism and discussing Operation Sindoor. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, which claimed 26 lives and injured several others. The Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. The Indian Armed Forces responded effectively to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. India and Pakistan agreed for a cessation of hostilities on May 10. (ANI)
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, interacted with Commodore Arogyaswami Paulraj (retd) on issues and initiatives related to strengthening the ecosystem for Artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, indigenisation of defence systems, and infusion of technology. Coimbatore-born Commodore Paulraj who jointed the Stanford University faculty after serving in the Indian Navy for 26 years is a pioneer of the APSOH SONAR system and inventor of MIMO technology. Before interacting with the CNS, Commodore Paulraj (retd) also addressed senior officers of the Indian Defence Forces on AI and Core Technologies in Modern Warfare and National Security at Nausena Bhawan on Wednesday. Drawing from his distinguished naval R&D career, including the development of the APSOH SONAR system and contributions to semiconductor and electronics systems, Comomdore Paulraj emphasised the urgent need to invest in indigenous capabilities for data processing, autonomous systems, and AI-enabled platforms. Globally renowned for inventing MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) antenna technology - now foundational to 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi - he underscored the strategic necessity of integrating AI into the Indian military ecosystem. His talk highlighted that self-reliance in core technologies is no longer a choice, but a national imperative aligned with the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and ViksitBharat 2047, the Indian Navy said in a statemement.. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Indian Navy delegation, led by Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha, NM, participated in the 10th Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks with the Royal Malaysian Navy held in Kuala Lumpur on June 10. The Royal Malaysian Navy delegation was led by First Admiral Harisundar Rajoo, Senior Director, Operations and Training. During the talks, both sides discussed ongoing bilateral naval engagements and outlined plans for future collaborative activities. The Indian Navy, in a post on X, stated, "Rear Admiral Shantanu Jha, NM, led the #IndianNavy delegation for the 10th Navy to Navy Staff Talks with the #RoyalMalaysianNavy, at Kuala Lumpur on 10 June. The #RoyalMalaysianNavy delegation was led by First Admiral Harisundar Rajoo, Senior Director, Operations and Training. Both sides held discussions on ongoing bilateral naval engagements and outlined plans for future collaborative activities." In parallel to the naval dialogue in Kuala Lumpur, India also expanded its diplomatic outreach in the region. Secretary (East) P. Kumaran met Permanent Secretary, Brunei Darussalam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hajah Johariah Binti Abdul Wahab, on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit Senior Officials' Meeting (EAS SOM) in Malaysia's Penang on Tuesday. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further deepen the enhanced partnership between India and Brunei and cooperation under ASEAN and other frameworks.(ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote a letter to Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu urging him to lift the ban on the entry of Karnataka's Totapari mangoes in Andhra's Chittoor district. In his letter, the Karnataka CM raised his concern over the reported order issued by the Chittoor district collector over a ban on entry of Totapari mangoes into the district from other states. Siddaramaiah mentioned that teams from the revenue, police, forest, and marketing departments have been deployed at the inter-state check-posts adjoining Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to implement the order. "I am writing to convey my deep concern over an order reportedly issued by the District Collector of Chittoor on 07.06.2025, imposing a ban on the entry of Totapuri mangoes from other States into the district. I understand that multidisciplinary enforcement teams comprising officials from the Revenue, Police, Forest, and Marketing Departments have been deployed at the inter-State check-posts adjoining Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to implement this directive", Siddaramaiah's letter read. Furthermore, the Karnataka CM considered it an "abrupt" and "unilateral" move. He highlighted that the decision from the Andhra Pradesh government has caused hardship to the mango growers in Karnataka and especially to the ones who cultivate mangoes in large numbers in the border regions of the state. The Karnataka Chief Minister mentioned that the decision "has disrupted this well-established supply chain and threatens significant post-harvest losses." "This abrupt and unilateral move has caused considerable hardship to mango growers in Karnataka, particularly those in the border regions who cultivate Totapuri mangoes in substantial quantities. These farmers have long relied on the robust linkages with Chittoor-based processing and pulp extraction units for marketing their produce. The current restriction has disrupted this well-established supply chain and threatens significant post-harvest losses, directly impacting the livelihoods of thousands of farmers", the letter further read. Siddaramaiah stated that the decision may lead to retaliatory measures and said that the stakeholders have expressed their discontent on the issue, which may lead to disruption in the inter-state movement of vegetables and other agricultural commodities. "Moreover, actions of this nature, taken without prior consultation or coordination, run contrary to the spirit of cooperative federalism. I am also concerned that this may lead to avoidable tension and retaliatory measures, with stakeholders already expressing discontent that could potentially disrupt the inter-State movement of vegetables and other agricultural commodities", the letter said. Siddaramaiah urged Chandrababu Naidu to intervene in the matter and believed that he would take the issue seriously to restore the seamless movement of agricultural produce in the interest of farmer welfare. "I urge your kind intervention in this matter and request that necessary directions be issued to the authorities in Chittoor District for the immediate revocation of the said order. I trust that you will treat this issue with the seriousness it warrants, and take swift steps to restore the seamless movement of agricultural produce in the interest of farmer welfare", the Karnataka CM said in his order. (ANI)
A groundbreaking geopolitical travelogue, "Mayan Routes, Indian Roots: A Geo-Political Travelogue Through Central America and Tracing Its Connections to India," was formally launched today in New Delhi, marking a significant moment for cultural and historical exchange between India and the Central American region. The ceremonial launch was graced by the esteemed presence of His Excellency Omar Castaneda Solares, the Ambassador of Guatemala to India, and His Excellency Guillermo Rubio Funes, the Ambassador of El Salvador to India. The event saw a gathering of eminent personalities from various walks of life, including diplomats, academics, cultural enthusiasts, and media representatives, all interested in the narrative presented in the book. Authored by Vineet Kumar, the book is a meticulous exploration of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, delving beyond traditional travel narratives to uncover profound and often surprising historical, cultural, and even contemporary connections with India. From shared philosophical introspections and ancient mythological echoes to modern-day phenomena like Indian diaspora communities and the presence of 'Made in India' products, the travelogue offers a fresh perspective on global interconnectedness. During the launch, both Ambassadors spoke of the book's importance in fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Central America in India, and vice versa. The author expressed profound gratitude for the diplomatic support, emphasising the book's aim to catalyse deeper engagement and exchange. "This book is born from a deep curiosity to find the unseen threads that connect our seemingly disparate worlds," said Vineet. "It highlights how human stories, wisdom, and resilience echo across continents, whether it's the ancient ingenuity seen in Mayan pyramids or the enduring spirit of communities building bridges across cultures. I hope 'Mayan Routes, Indian Roots' will encourage readers to look beyond the obvious and discover the rich, shared heritage that binds us all." The launch ended with book signings and enthusiastic interactions, reinforcing the potential for "Mayan Routes, Indian Roots" to become a pivotal resource for anyone interested in geopolitics, cultural studies, and the fascinating, untold stories of global connections. (ANI)
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan arrived in Surat on Thursday to take part in several programmes, including a farmer interaction in Bardoli under the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp' Abhiyan. During his visit, he will interact with farmers in Bardoli, Gujarat, and discuss their practical problems. Before that, he will attend Kisan Chaupal to listen to them personally. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will also be present during the visit aimed at addressing farmers' concerns and promoting advanced, region-specific agricultural research. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Chouhan interacted with farmers during a 'Kisan Chaupal' event held in Tigipur village, Delhi, and emphasised his deep commitment to farmers, declaring that,"serving farmers was like the service of God to him." Speaking at the event, the Minister said that serving farmers was like the serving of God to him. He added that this was the reason he was going among farmers across the country and interacting with them. The Minister highlighted that while the 'Developed Agriculture Resolution Campaign' drew close, it marked "a new beginning" in India's agricultural policy direction. The program was organised as part of the nationwide 'Developed Agriculture Sankalp Abhiyan', which concludes today. According to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, this 15-day campaign started in Odisha on 29 May. Under this nationwide campaign, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has interacted with farmers from Odisha, Jammu, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and Delhi. During this program, 2170 teams of 16 thousand scientists from across the country will join virtually. So far, these teams have reached one crore eight lakh farmers through the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan program. Through this program, farmers are being informed about research for advanced agriculture, keeping in mind the needs of their specific area, climatic conditions, soil fertility capacity, and other factors. Along with this, efforts are also being made to listen to the practical problems and needs of farmers and find their solutions so that the direction and policies of future agricultural research can be decided. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday highlighted the achievements of the central government's digital initiatives and said that India has emerged as a leading digital economy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 11 years of governance. The Home Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed every sector of the economy and society through the digital revolution. "The Modi government democratised the use of technology and harnessed its power for the business sector, making Bharat a leading digital economy in the world in the 11 years of Digital India. Whether it is healthcare, education, trade, or commerce, PM Narendra Modi has transformed every sector of the economy and society through the digital revolution," posted Shah on X. Earlier on Tuesday, Amit Shah expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Union Cabinet approved the two multitracking projects across Indian Railways covering seven Districts in Jharkhand, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. In a post on X, Shah said that the projects will "turbocharge" the growth journey of these states. "Gratitude to PM @narendramodi Ji for approving the project of multi-tracking of railways in 7 districts across Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The projects will turbocharge the growth journey of these states, speeding up the prosperity of businesses and individuals and creating ample employment opportunities for the youth," Amit Shah said. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, approved two projects of the Ministry of Railways worth Rs 6,405 crore, with the aim to improve travel convenience, reduce logistic cost, decrease oil imports and contribute to lower CO2 emissions. The two projects covering seven Districts across the states of Jharkhand, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 318 km. The approved multi-tracking project will enhance connectivity to approximately. 1,408 villages, which have a population of about 28.19 lakh. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Thursday mocked Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and said that the people had not yet forgotten Yadav's 'dynasty misrule'. In a post on social media X, Maurya further alleged that more than four and a half dozen members of Yadav's family and relatives were immersed in 'sour power' by taking 'red light'. "People have not yet forgotten the 'dynasty misrule' of former Chief Minister and SP leader Shri Akhilesh Yadav. More than four and a half dozen members of his family and relatives were immersed in the 'sour of power' in some way or the other by taking the 'red light'," the post read. Maurya further wrote in his post that the situation during the 'misrule' of Yadav was such that many members were the Chief Ministers of the state. "The situation was such that as many members, so many were the 'Chief Ministers' of the state. This was his real PDA, i.e. 'Dynasty Development Authority'," the post further read. On June 9, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav alleged an internal conflict in Uttar Pradesh's Bharatiya Janata Party. (BJP) He alleged that Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak of pitting people of two communities against each other. Sharing a post on X, Akhilesh said, "In the shameful fight of BJP's internal politics, now two BJP Deputy Chief Ministers in Kaushambi are making people of two communities fight with each other. First, one Deputy Chief Minister did injustice and made the people of 'Pal' community a pawn, then the second Deputy Chief Minister showed false sympathy in the name of his community, which is not liked by the 'superstitors' of both of them, that is why those who have an old tussle with the first Deputy Chief Minister also became active from behind." He added that a 'big battle' is going on within the BJP, and the public is suffering. "And then the superiors of these superiors are also in conflict with each other, that is why the people of the Centre are standing with the people doing politics of Kaushambi. If understood carefully, then this is a big battle going on in the internal politics of BJP, in which the BJP politics of 'Kaushambi, Lucknow, Delhi' is playing its disgusting game by making two or more communities fight with each other, the victim of which is the public," he added. (ANI)
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying that he should read facts about the Henry J Hyde United States-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Act of 2006, which he claimed, made India and Indians slaves. "Rahul baba, please read this Hyde Act. We became slaves under this law of America till 2006/2008. America can inspect almost all the citizens of our country and strategic nuclear plants whenever it wants. Can India also go to America and respond in the same manner?" posted Dubey on X. Taking a dig at Congress, Dubey questioned in the post, "What was the pressure from America that in 2008, parties were broken and MPs were bought with money to pass this law? If India is a sovereign nation, then how can the US Parliament make laws for India? Finally, Rahul Baba, at that time, you were the General Secretary of the Congress." Earlier, Nishikant Dubey hit out at Rahul Gandhi, asking whether his family "imposed the 1962 war on India by supporting China. "In his 'X' post, Nishikant Dubey accused former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of creating a new slogan of the "non-aligned countries". Non-aligned countries were a group of those newly independent countries that neither joined the US nor the Soviet (modern-day Russia) bloc during the Cold War era. Sharing glimpses of the declaration of the 1961 Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Belgrade Conference, Nishikant Dubey stated that the conference "ordered" the United Nations to make China its only member. The BJP MP stated that India was isolated from Russia and the US, due to which neither country came to its rescue during the 1962 war with China. He further called for an investigation regarding the relationship between China and Jawaharlal Nehru's family. On June 7, in another tirade against Rahul Gandhi, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey slammed the Congress leader for his accusation that the 2024 Maharashtra assembly election was "rigged" in favour of the BJP. Dubey urged the Congress leader to read the 1975 judgement of the Allahabad High Court to know how his grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi "fixed" and "stole" the 1971 Lok Sabha elections to win from the Rae Bareli constituency in Uttar Pradesh. "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. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar on Thursday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his statement on injustice done to backwards and Dalits and stated that the Congress leader was himself responsible for the injustice. "Rahul Gandhi himself is criticising the 60 years of his government. He says that the backwards and Dalits have not been uplifted. If injustice has been done to the backwards and Dalits, then he has done injustice to the backwards and Dalits. Now, why is he shouting about these 11 years of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA government)?" Rajbhar told ANI. Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor also criticised the NDA's leadership, and alleged a collapse in law and order due to ineffective governance. Speaking on the deteriorating situation, Kishor stated that Bihar's leadership is failing due to the chief minister's inability to govern effectively, with corrupt officers and a few ministers exploiting the system. "The law and order situation in Bihar is deteriorating because the state's leadership is ineffective. When a physically and mentally unfit person occupies the top position, the government lacks authority, and no one is truly governing. A few corrupt officers and ministers are solely focused on exploiting the government and the public. The worsening law and order is evident, yet has anyone heard of Nitish Kumar holding a high-level meeting to review the situation? There's no discussion," he remarked. This comes after Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the NDA government, led by Nitish Kumar, over the death of a minor Dalit girl, alleging negligence in her treatment at the Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH). In a post on social media website X, LoP Gandhi alleged that the "double-engine" government's negligence led to the dalit girl's death. "The brutality against a minor Dalit girl in Muzaffarpur and the subsequent negligence in her treatment is extremely shameful. If she had received timely treatment, her life could have been saved. But the double-engine government was negligent not only in providing security but also in saving his life," he said. (ANI)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bhardwaj on Thursday accused the Delhi government of acting under pressure from private school lobbies by introducing a school fee ordinance without any legislative scrutiny or public consultation. Addressing a press conference, Bhardwaj alleged that soon after the formation of the new government in Delhi, private schools began arbitrarily raising fees under various heads--uniforms, books, stationery, air conditioning, extra classes, and extracurricular activities--without any recourse for parents. He said the fee hike was imposed from April 1, even though the law requires prior approval from the Department of Education. "The government has not taken action against any school nor asked them to roll back the increased fees. Instead, it quietly brought a law via ordinance without any discussion or public consultation," Bhardwaj said. He accused the government of avoiding scrutiny by not tabling the bill in the Delhi Legislative Assembly and instead seeking Presidential assent. He further alleged that details of the ordinance were selectively leaked to only two newspapers, and the complete text had not been made public. According to Bhardwaj, the ordinance appears designed solely to protect the interests of private school owners. He also took issue with the new fee regulation mechanism introduced in the ordinance. "The regulation committee at the school level will now decide fees. This committee comprises school insiders: three teachers, one principal, and a representative from the management, and only one parent selected through a lottery. That parent may not even know school accounts or audits," Bhardwaj said. Bhardwaj said that it is deemed valid under the new arrangement if the committee approves a fee hike. "There is no longer any requirement for approval from the Director of Education," he added, terming the setup as a "rubber stamp" for private schools. He criticised the clause that provides a penalty of Rs 50,000 only if a school charges more than the committee-approved fee. "Why would a school demand more when the committee itself will approve the inflated fee? There will never be a penalty," he argued. Highlighting another issue, Bhardwaj said that if parents want to appeal against a fee hike, the law requires signatures from 15 percent of all students' parents. "For a school with 3,000 students, where will parents find 400 others with addresses and consent to file an appeal?" he asked. Calling the law anti-parent and pro-management, the AAP leader said it betrayed Delhi's middle class. He said the ordinance bypassed the Assembly even though a special session could easily have been called. "The government is hiding behind procedural excuses and running away from debate because it knows it is working at the behest of private school owners," Bhardwaj said during the press conference. Earlier, the Delhi Cabinet approved the School Fee Act, which regulates fee increases in all private schools across the city. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that the Act would bring transparency to the fee structure of 1,677 private schools. The Chief Minister emphasised that the Act was meant to regulate fees, transparently ending arbitrary fee hikes. She claimed that previous governments had allowed fees to increase unchecked, but her government had taken steps to address the issue. The Delhi Cabinet gave its nod to the Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill, 2025, relieving thousands of students and parents across the capital. The bill's key provisions included a three-tier committee structure to govern fee regulation. The first level comprised the School-Level Fee Regulation Committee, which included a DOE nominee, five parents selected by lottery (including two women and one SC/ST member), and school representatives. The second level consisted of the District-Level Committee, which was invoked if the first level failed to resolve the issue within 30 days. The third level included the State-Level Committee, which was to be involved if the issue remained unresolved at the district level within 30-45 days. Parents representing at least 15 per cent of a school's students were allowed to directly escalate a case to the district committee if dissatisfied. Schools violating the provisions faced penalties ranging from 1 lakh to 10 lakh for non-compliance or bypassing the process. (ANI)
The incident occurred on the night of March 13 during Holika Dahan celebrations, but an FIR was registered only on June 9, following a directive from a local court in Raipur.

In their complaint, the victims identified as Tilak Sahu, Naresh Sahu and Amar Singh Sahu alleged that the group of people held them hostage after suspecting that the victims were practising black magic at the crematorium of the village.

The victims alleged that the accused looted their valuables, forced them to wear garlands made of slippers, smeared black colour on their faces, paraded them semi-naked through the village, rubbed chilli powder on bleeding wounds, and repeatedly tortured them even after they fell unconscious.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr Lal Umed Singh said, "On the suspicion of practising black magic at the cremation ground, a group of people nabbed and assaulted the victims. The incident took place on the night of Holika Dahan. Following a plea in court by the victims, a case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)."

The SP confirmed that the names of 21 accused have surfaced so far, and a detailed investigation is underway, including verification of claims relating to witchcraft or black magic.

Further details on the matter are awaited. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's advisor Nasir Aslam Wani on Thursday said that J-K's relationship with Leh and Ladakh will become stronger. He was speaking about a visit by a 30-member delegation of the Kashmir Travel Agents Association to Kargil. Wani stated that when the government is worried about promoting tourism in the region, it tries to promote it in Kargil as well. Aslam Wani considered the issue a "big deal" and said that the primary interest of the government is the development of tourism in the region. "Our relationship with Leh and Ladakh will become stronger. When we worry about promoting tourism in our region, we try to promote tourism in Kargil. This is a big deal. You can guess that we have no vested interest in all this. The primary interest is the development of tourism in the region", he told ANI. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah met with the delegates of the Travel Agents Association of India in Srinagar. "Chief Minister met the delegates from the Travel Agents Association of India today in Srinagar. He appreciated their continued support in promoting J&K as a premier travel destination and assured all steps will be taken for enhancing tourism infrastructure & ease of doing business", an 'X' post from Jammu and Kashmir CMO said. Earlier on Tuesday, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) initiated a campaign called "Rally for Valley" to promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir after the terror attack in Pahalgam. The association aims to showcase the region as a safe destination and support the local livelihood dependent on tourism. "The primary purpose of this campaign is to promote J-K as a safe tourist destination and support local livelihood. Around 75 travel company heads from across India are participating in the campaign," said Sunil Kumar, the president of The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI). "We are committed to the revival of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. As the President of TAAI, I recall our successful convention in Srinagar in 2018, attracting 700 agents from across India and transforming the region. Following the recent Pahalgam incident, we couldn't remain silent. We've launched the 'Rally for Valley' campaign to promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir again, " added Sunil Kumar, President of TAAI. The group will visit tourist destinations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg to gather feedback from local tourism stakeholders. The association will submit reports to the Tourism Minister, and each state member will share insights with their local governments. (ANI)
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, applauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stated that the schemes he had brought in 11 years of governance had laid the foundation for progress. "Every person experiences what PM Modi has done for the poor in 11 years. He brings such schemes that we had not imagined. When Swachh Bharat Abhiyan started, people used to make fun of it, saying it wouldn't happen. But look at today, it has progressed," Kataria told ANI. The Punjab Governor also stated how the PM's schemes had brought people in the country above the poverty line, further stating that it was a big achievement for the country. "We had never thought that every household would get water, but now it is happening. 50 crore people have got food grains, every household has got electricity, and Mudra Yojana- every kind of business has benefited from it. In the last few years, about 24-35 crore people have come out of the poverty line. This is a big achievement for the country," he further added. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari emphasised that whatever happened in the 11 years under the PM's governance was a "sanjeevani." Speaking to the media, Tiwari emphasised that they are not going to stop now. "Whatever has happened in these eleven years is a 'Sanjeevani', but we are not going to stop now. We are planning for at least Rs 8000 crores more in the next five years, and we are fully confident that there will be no shortage of it as long as Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister," he said. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta credited the Central Government for significant development and relief initiatives in Delhi over the past 11 years on Tuesday, citing achievements in healthcare, infrastructure, and welfare schemes. Speaking to media reporters, Delhi CM said, "The situation in Delhi was different during the 11 years of the Central Government's tenure." Citing developments in healthcare, she pointed to the performance of AIIMS. "Just look at the hospitals today. AIIMS handles 5 lakh OPD cases annually, which helps reduce the burden on Delhi's hospitals," she added. Delhi CM also highlighted the infrastructure growth, "The central government approved a road project worth RS 1.25 lakh crore." She further said, "The credit for the metro goes to the central government. The Centre has launched one phase after another of the metro." She listed various schemes implemented by the central government. "Under the Mudra Yojana, loans were distributed to the people of Delhi. Under the Garib Kalyan Yojana, free ration was provided." "1,731 colonies were regularised. Loans worth Rs 300 crore were given to 2 lakh street vendors. Rs 6,000 was provided as Kisan Samman Nidhi to 12,000 farmers," CM Gupta added. (ANI)
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said that today's cabinet meeting will discuss the caste census re-survey, as several communities have raised concerns about missing or incorrect data. Speaking to mediapersons, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said, "We will discuss it in today's cabinet meeting. Many people have raised many questions. Therefore, we will review it in today's special cabinet meeting. We also discussed whether it should be taken to the session. The party high command has also asked us to review it. Some people have said that our community has been left out. Some have said their numbers are less than the actual. That is why we are discussing it today." Earlier, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar questioned the BJP's intention in questioning the state government's decision to re-conduct the caste census. "The BJP was opposed to the earlier caste census, citing data sanctity issues. We have announced a redo of the census, but the BJP is still opposing this too," he said, while speaking to reporters here. Asked about BJP criticising the decision to reconduct the caste census, he said, "The BJP did not accept the earlier caste census report, why the opposition now when we are trying to address the concerns? We are not rejecting the earlier census, we are only trying to correct the shortcomings of the earlier survey in order to allay concerns of several communities." Asked if the survey would be conducted in a scientific manner this time, he said, "The modalities would be discussed in the Cabinet meeting. Several communities, including Lambanis, Jains, Bestha communities had met me and raised concerns on the earlier survey. The previous survey was also done scientifically through door-to-door visits, but some of the people were hesitant to share their caste details. Our national leaders have given us certain guidelines. The AICC President too has given us many suggestions. The CM will discuss this in the Cabinet meeting and make a decision." Bihar, Karnataka and Telangana have already conducted a caste census in their respective state. Telangana has also implemented a 42 per cent backwards class reservation for people in the state. The Karnataka State Commission for Backwards Classes has also submitted the caste census (socio, economic and educational survey) report to the Siddaramaiah-led cabinet. The caste census report, if released, will be the second by a Congress-ruled state, after Telangana. (ANI)
The national capital continued to reel under intense heat as several parts of the city recorded a maximum temperature of over 43 degrees Celsius on Thursday. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several weather stations across the city reported scorching daytime temperatures until 8:30 AM today, with Ayanagar recording the highest maximum temperature at 45.0C. The Ayanagar area recorded 45.0C (Max) / 30.5C (Min), Palam saw 44.5C (Max) / 30.2C (Min), Ridge witnessed 43.6C (Max) / 26.2C (Min), Lodhi Road saw 43.4C (Max) / 29.2C (Min) and Safdarjung area experienced 43.3C (Max) / Minimum temperature data. Earlier this week, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning that Delhi NCR may experience heatwave-like conditions with temperatures potentially exceeding 45C. "If we talk about Northwest India, then for the next four days, most of the subdivisions--especially in the plains--are likely to experience heatwave conditions. In Delhi-NCR, the temperature is expected to rise above 45C today and tomorrow, creating heatwave conditions in isolated places. A yellow alert has been issued for the region," IMD scientist Akhil Srivastava told ANI on Monday. As per the IMD's digital portal, an orange alert was issued in the capital city for June 10 and 11 and a yellow alert for June 12 and 13. According to the Met Department, Delhi may witness rain by the middle of the week. IMD predicted light to moderate rainfall across parts of North India, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40-50 kmph). After days of intense heat, a gradual respite from heatwave conditions is likely over Northwest India beginning June 14, according to the latest forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Severe heatwave conditions were reported at a few places in West Rajasthan, with isolated areas experiencing extreme temperatures. According to the weather department, the highest maximum temperature reported over the plains of the country was Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan) at 48.0 degrees Celsius. Heat wave conditions also prevailed in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and isolated pockets of East Rajasthan, South Uttar Pradesh, and Northwest Madhya Pradesh. In its forecast for the maximum temperature, the IMD said that there was no significant change likely over Northwest and Central India during the next three days and predicted a gradual fall by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius thereafter. On Tuesday, IMD official Radheshyam Sharma said that Western Rajasthan, particularly Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, and Bikaner, was experiencing a severe heat wave with temperatures above 47 degrees Celsius. The heat wave is expected to continue for three to four days. (ANI)
Meghalaya Minister Alexander Laloo Hek on Thursday considered the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case as a "pure organised and a pre planned crime". The court has remanded all five key accused, including Sonam Raghuvanshi, to eight-day police custody in the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case, police said on Wednesday. The Meghalaya minister highlighted that the government and the people of Meghalaya want that the accused of the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case shall be punished as per the law. "This is a very Meghalaya Minister Alexander Laloo Hek on Thursday considered the Raja Raghuvanshi murder case as a "pure organised and a pre planned crime". . It was initiated by Sonam Raghuvanshi and it is a pure organised and a pre planned crime. From beginning they wanted to eliminated Raja Raghuvanshi. We have to go with full investigation and they should be punished under the law. The government and people of Meghalaya want that they should be punished as per the law of murdering the person in the state of Meghalaya", Meghalaya minister Alexander Laloo Hek told ANI on Thursday. The Meghalaya minister also expressed his happiness after the family of Raja Raghuvanshi apologised to the state government and police. He said that Raja Raghuvanshi's family was blaming Meghalaya police and state's people after they heard the shocking news regarding the murder of their son. Laloo Hek expressed his condolences on demise of Raja Raghuvanshi and congratulated the Meghalaya police for nabbing the culprits of the case. "I would to give my precisions to the Meghalaya state police for doing a very significant job for nabbing the culprits. Those culprits will be in the remand of the police for eight days. I would like to convey my condolences to the family of Raja Raghuvanshi who was brutally murdered in Meghalaya. I understand that in the beginning they were very angry because after they received the news they were very shocked. It was very sad that there own son was brutally murdered and at that moment they blamed the people of Meghalaya, police but now we are very happy that they have apologised", he added. The state minister revealed that the police have found a mangalsutra and a ring from Sonam Raghuvanshi's suitcase which was left in their homestay. He considered it as a "vital" clue for the Meghalaya police. "I saw the news that Meghalaya police have found a mangalsutra and ring from Sonam's suitcase, which was left in the homestay. So I think this is a very vital clue... The people of Meghalaya and the government of Meghalaya want the accused to be punished according to the law", he said. Sonam Raghuvanshi, the wife of the victim, along with four others, including Akash Rajput, Vishal Singh Chauhan, Raj Singh Kushwaha and Anand, are accused of murdering Raja Raghuvanshi, who recently got married and went on a honeymoon to Meghalaya. Raja's body was found on June 2 in a gorge at Sohra near Cherrapunji in Meghalaya. Sonam Raghuvanshi was later found near a dhaba on the Varanasi-Ghazipur main road. Raja Raghuvanshi and his wife, Sonam, both residents of Madhya Pradesh's Indore, had gone missing during their honeymoon in the northeastern state of Meghalaya. Raja Raghuvanshi's body was later recovered in Meghalaya. (ANI)
Marking the 11th edition of International Yoga Day, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary initiative has taken yoga from India's villages to the global stage, adding that "yoga has reached the hearts of all the people participating" over the past decade. Speaking to ANI, Minister Jadhav said, "Because of the initiative started by our PM Modi, 21st June is celebrated worldwide as International Yoga Day. His initiative has completed one decade now, and in this decade, Yoga has reached the hearts of all the people participating." "People all over the world have started recognising Yoga. Therefore, due to its 11th year, our Prime Minister has directed that this 11th Yoga Day be celebrated significantly worldwide, especially in our country. From villages to the national capital, Delhi, and everywhere, we aim to organise yoga with the state government's efforts," Jadhav added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to mark celebrations for the International Yoga Day, scheduled to be celebrated on June 21 in Andhra Pradesh. Earlier, in a post on X, the Prime Minister expressed happiness at witnessing people's enthusiasm before the Yoga Day celebrations and said that "Yogandhra 2025" was a commendable effort to popularise the ancient practice."Gladdening to see enthusiasm building up towards Yoga Day 2025. #Yogandhra2025 is a praiseworthy effort by the people of AP to make Yoga popular. I look forward to marking Yoga Day in AP on the 21st," PM Modi said. "I call upon all of you to mark Yoga Day and make Yoga a regular part of your lives," he added. The Prime Minister was responding to a post by Union Minister of State (MoS) Health Prataprao Jadhav, who posted on X, "Over 2,000 yoga enthusiasts gathered at the majestic Puligundu Twin Hills near Chittoor for Yogandhra 2025, a powerful and peaceful kickoff to Andhra Pradesh's month-long lead-up to IDY2025. Surrounded by 1,000-ft rock formations, the energy was as grounded as uplifting." This year's International Yoga Day is set to be a grand celebration, with Visakhapatnam hosting a record-breaking yoga event. On June 21, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the celebrations, featuring over 2.5 lakh people performing yoga together at a single location -- an attempt to set a new world record. The grand event will take place along the 27-kilometre-long coastal road of Visakhapatnam, serving as the venue for this massive yoga session. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is also expected to join PM Modi for the yoga performance. (ANI)
On the auspicious day of June 11, 2025, the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives (LTWA) honoured the 55th anniversary of its establishment and the laying of its foundation stone, which was graciously blessed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in 1970. According to a report by the Central Tibetan Administration, it is one of the most important libraries and institutions for Tibetan literature in exile. The 55th anniversary was attended by the Chief Guest, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration, and Special Chief Guest Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel. The ceremony began with the Chief Guest and Special Guest lighting the traditional butter lamp, followed by Geshe Lhakdor, the LTWA Director, delivering a welcome address. In his speech, he provided a brief outline of the Library's 55-year history and founding mission, according to CTA. He stated that the key goals of LTWA are to serve as a vital source of Tibetan cultural knowledge while also fostering an academic environment that stimulates study and learning among researchers and students. He emphasised that such efforts are especially crucial in today's world, where political and spiritual uncertainty continue to challenge communities around the world, according to the CTA report. Former LTWA employees gave speeches, expressing their personal views, work experiences, and perspectives on the Library's critical role in conserving and promoting Tibetan history. Sikyong provided an account of the LTWA's history and accomplishments in the preservation of Tibetan writings, old manuscripts, artefacts, and other aspects of Tibetan cultural heritage, according to the CTA report. When Communist China annexed Tibet in 1959, it put Tibetan culture in grave peril. Many schools, historic manuscripts, artefacts, and other aspects of Tibetan history were taken or destroyed in the name of modernisation. Seeing this serious threat, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama established the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives to conserve, safeguard, and promote Tibetan culture, according to CTA. He further highlighted that when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama first arrived in exile in India and outside of a foreign country, he did not speak of Tibet's struggle or exile, but rather of human values, empathy, and compassion, which sparked increased interest in Tibetan Buddhism and culture around the world. Foreigners and politicians gradually began to support the Tibetan cause and struggle, CTA reported. The event concluded with closing remarks and a vote of appreciation from Ngawang Yeshi, LTWA's General Secretary, who expressed deep gratitude to all of the Library's guests, former personnel, and supporters. He thanked them for their ongoing support and efforts to safeguard the institution's purpose of preserving Tibetan knowledge and tradition, CTA stated. (ANI)
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the 35th General Body meeting of the Kerala Grama Panchayat Association and said that the state government has decided to transform Kerala into an 'elderly-friendly state.' The Kerala Chief Minister also underscored the vital role of local self-government institutions in the state's development trajectory. Chief Minister Vijayan said, "In the last financial year, local self-government institutions in the state were able to utilise 90 per cent of their plan allocation - a significant contribution to the state's development. The Association must further strengthen this efficiency." "We have decided to transform Kerala into an elderly-friendly state. Currently, 138 gram panchayats have initiated steps in this direction. This must be expanded to all panchayats. In the field of palliative care, effective and active interventions are being made. Alongside government initiatives, many NGOs also work in this sector. These palliative care services must be integrated, and panchayats should take the lead in this effort," said Vijayan. The Kerala Chief Minister also said that the state government aims to implement a coordinated approach involving everyone. "We've also achieved agricultural growth above the national average. This is a testament to the grassroots strength of Kerala's development model," he said. Earlier, the Election Commission of India released the schedule for the bye-elections which are to be held to fill vacancies in Assembly constituencies of Gujarat, Kerala, Punjab and West Bengal. Polling for the constituencies will be held on June 19, and votes will be counted on June 23. In Kerala, the bye-election will be held in Nilambur to fill the post of PV Anvar, an LDF-backed MLA who resigned in January this year. He was appointed convenor of the Kerala unit of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Bye-election will be held in Gujarat's constituencies Kadi and Visavadar to fill the posts of Karsanbhai Punjabhai Solanki, who passed away in February this year and the resignation of Bhayani Bhupendrabhai Gandubhai. In Punjab, the bye-election will be held in Ludhiana West to fill the post of Gurpreet Bassi Gogi after his demise their January. The bypolls will be held in West Bengal's Kaliganj to fill the post of Nasiruddin Ahamed, who passed away from a cardiac arrest in February this year. (ANI)
Karnataka minister Ramalinga Reddy on Thursday said that he does not have any clue regarding the discussions which took place in New Delhi between Karnataka CM-Deputy CM and Congress party high command that resulted in the state ordering a re-do of the caste census. Speaking to the reporters, Reddy mentioned that the government will conduct a cabinet meeting where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and other ministers will give their views on the caste survey. He stated that the caste survey report was submitted to the government a long time back, but the BJP government did not take any action against it. The Karnataka minister asserted that in 1931, the last caste census took place in the country, and since then, no one knows how many people are in their respective communities. "I don't know what happened in Delhi, now we are having a cabinet meeting. CM, DCM and other ministers will give their opinion. I don't know what they discussed with the high command. This report was submitted to the government long ago. But the BJP government was there, and why didn't they take any decision? 1931 was the last caste census; since then, there has been nothing. Nobody knows how many people are in their community and their actual strength. BJP people are liars, and why are you giving prominence to them?", Ramalinga Reddy told reporters in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, earlier today, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said that today's cabinet meeting will discuss the caste census re-survey, as several communities have raised concerns about missing or incorrect data. Speaking to mediapersons, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said, "We will discuss it in today's cabinet meeting. Many people have raised many questions. Therefore, we will review it in today's special cabinet meeting. We also discussed whether it should be taken to the session. The party high command has also asked us to review it. Some people have said that our community has been left out. Some have said their numbers are less than the actual. That is why we are discussing it today." (ANI)
Taking a dig at Congress leadership, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sambit Patra on Thursday said that Jairam Ramesh was always in a hurry to put India in the dock in the name of attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Patra said that India stands very high on the global platform. "Jairam Ramesh and Rahul Gandhi are always in a hurry to put India in the dock in the name of attacking PM Modi. They said the same things about the G7. But where will they hide their faces regarding that? There is no need to take them seriously. "Today, India stands very high on the global platform," said BJP MP Sambit Patra on Congress MP Jairam Ramesh's X post on the US reportedly extending an invitation to Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir. In a response to Congress leader Nana Patole comparing Operation Sindoor to 'children's video game', Patra said, "If the Congress party has decided to commit suicide, then as good citizens of this country, we should appeal to them not to commit suicide, for god's sake. Who are the children that Nana Patole is referring to? The Indian armed forces? Were the BrahMos missiles that were fired a part of a video game?... Rahul Gandhi is the child he was talking about, who plays video games day and night. That is why an essential issue like Operation Sindoor looks like a video game to the leaders of his party. Ask Rahul Gandhi not to play video games but to be serious about the affairs happening around him." This came after Congress MP Jairam Ramesh questioned the US for inviting Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, to US Army Day celebrations on June 14. Jairam Ramesh condemned the decision, citing the 'two nations' remarks by Munir just before the Pahalgam terror attacks. In a post on X, he said, "This is the man who spoke in such incendiary and provocative language just before the Pahalgam terror attacks. What is the US really up to? This is another huge diplomatic setback for India." Jairam Ramesh called the US' comment on Pakistan - 'great partner in the counter-terrorism campaign' - a setback for India. In a post on X, he said, "Recently, the head of the US Central Command called Pakistan a 'great partner in the counter-terrorism campaign'. What will our Prime Minister and his government say to this? Is this not a diplomatic setback for India?" Munir is reportedly set to arrive in Washington, DC, following an invitation from his American counterpart to participate in the US Army's 250th anniversary celebrations. The main festivities for the US Army parade will be held on Saturday, June 14, coinciding with US President Donald Trump's birthday, The News reported. The US Army's 250th anniversary will be marked with a large-scale festival and parade in Washington on Saturday, June 14. The event is expected to feature approximately 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. (ANI)
Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) protested outside the West Bengal assembly on Thursday, demanding a discussion on the clashes that erupted between police and miscreants in South 24 Parganas. Meanwhile, BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari demanded a discussion on the clashes that took place in South 24 Paraganas between the miscreants and police. Adhikari also stated that two adjournment motions had been sent for the same. "We are filing a petition seeking the same. We have also given two adjournment motions for the same... We demand a discussion on this since this is a serious issue....I have already sent an email to the DGP and SP Diamond Harbour that LoP, along with 1 MLA, be allowed to go and meet the victims. Our party's state president will also try to go there, let's see what the police do... Sanatanis in the state will organise protests at different places in the state from 2 PM onwards, today," Adhikari said in a video. He also stated that in case of communal violence, it had been mentioned in an order that the High Court would give directions to the central paramilitary forces. "High Court in an earlier order especially said that wherever there will be communal violence, common people will be looted, police will be stopped from taking action and will be injured, the petitioner will send a mail to the DGP, and hence I did that yesterday. I tried to meet him but couldn't. Some officers have told me that he (the DGP) talked to Mamata Banerjee, and she told him that there is no need to meet him (Suvendu Adhikari). In that very order, it is also mentioned that if police don't take action, the court will give direction to the central paramilitary force; this order is valid until 30th July," he further added. Adhikari further stated that a protest would be organised by Sanatanis in different places in the state. "Sanatanis in the state will organise protests at different places in the state from 2 PM onwards, today...Our party's state president will also try to go there, let's see what the police do.." he further added. Adhikari stated that 30 to 35 police personnel had been injured in the clashes, while five vehicles had been torched and vandalised."30-35 police personnel were injured. 5 police vehicles torched and vandalised... The unruly mob pelted stones at the police, and the police waved white flags; this is all there in the media," he said. Earlier today, security was tightened in Rabindra Nagar of South 24 Parganas after the clash broke out. (ANI)
As part of the ongoing Gau Dhwaj initiative established by Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, his national media in-charge Shailendra Yogiraj Sarkar reiterated the demand that the Central Government should officially declare "Gau Mata" (the holy cow) as "Rashtra Mata" (Mother of the Nation). Addressing the media at a press conference in Shimla on Wednesday afternoon, Shailendra Yogiraj Sarkar said that there is a need to withdraw the slaughter permission in some Indian states. "We worship Gau Mata, but in some states, governments have legally permitted her slaughter. This contradiction must end. Our primary demand is to ban cow slaughter across India and to enact a central law declaring Gau Mata as Rashtra Mata." he said. Shailendra Yogiraj Sarkar is currently on a nationwide Gau Dhwaj Parikrama and inspection tour, during which he is visiting sites where the Gau Dhwaj (cow flag) was established last year under the guidance of Shankaracharya Ji. The initiative aims to raise awareness and moral pressure on both state and central governments for cow protection. He pointed out that this movement has already borne fruit in Maharashtra, where, following Shankaracharya Ji's visit and appeal, the Eknath Shinde-led government officially declared Gau Mata as the Rajya Mata (Mother of the State), passing legislation to that effect. "Shankaracharya Ji toured all 36 states and Union Territories last year. He appealed to each state to declare Gau Mata as Rajya Mata. If more states follow, it will compel the central government to act." Sarkar told reporters in Shimla and reiterated the same while speaking to ANI later. "If the Central Government talks of 'One Nation, One Constitution', then why can't there be one uniform law for Gau Mata's protection across communities? Gau Mata must be removed from the list of animals and granted the legal sanctity of motherhood through a central law." Said Sarkar. As part of his campaign, Shailendra Yogiraj Sarkar is performing Gau Puja (worship of the cow) and Gau Dhwaj Aarti at each location where the sacred flag has been installed. He added that Shankaracharya Ji has instructed him personally to inspect the sites and prepare for the next phase of the campaign. "Wherever the Gau Dhwaj has been established, I have been asked to go and perform the rituals. Shankaracharya Ji is expected to arrive in Himachal Pradesh soon, and I'm also here to assess preparations for his visit. We are meeting local people and mobilizing support." He said. On the political front, Sarkar made it clear that the campaign would also influence electoral decisions. "We are appealing to people to vote only for candidates,irrespective of their party, who promise to protect Gau Mata. Whether it is a Lok Sabha or a Vidhan Sabha election, we will support only those who commit to this cause." He added. Also present was Narender Bhardwaj, Shankaracharya's representative in Himachal Pradesh. Speaking to the media, Bhardwaj recalled Shankaracharya Ji's last visit to Shimla. "At that time, the Chief Minister was not present in Shimla. So Shankaracharya Ji had conveyed his message to the Chief Minister's wife and requested her to take concrete steps for cow protection. She assured that she would work towards declaring Gau Mata as Rajya Mata in Himachal too." Said Bhardwaj. Bhardwaj added that with the Shankaracharya's upcoming visit to Himachal Pradesh, the campaign team would once again approach the Chief Minister's Office to renew this demand. The Gau Dhwaj initiative, envisioned and established by Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, seeks not only to spiritually elevate the cow's status but to ensure her legal and constitutional protection as a revered symbol of Indian culture and dharma. (ANI)
A railway over bridge constructed nearly after a decade-long wait in Aishbagh locality in Madhya Pradesh's capital Bhopal has hit the headlines and sparked a controversy due to its design having around 90 degrees sharp turn. The Opposition Congress party raised questions on the design of the overbridge saying the government should wake up before it becomes a ground of death. The bridge design is such that vehicles will have to take almost 90 degree sharp turns, resulting in the bridge being seen as an accident point. The Railway Overbridge is about 648 meters long and 8 meters wide. It has been built at a cost of Rs 18 crore. Nonetheless, state PWD (Public Works Department) minister Rakesh Singh said it was a five years old project and its design was already prepared though it was inspected by NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) and further action would be initiated based on the report. Speaking to ANI, MP Congress Chief Jitu Patwari, "How did the department (PWD) accept this kind of design? There is a BJP government in the state and their real thinking and mind can be understood. Still, the government should wake up and punish the people who created such a design with the public's hard-earned money. The government should get up before it becomes a death ground." "Railway officials raised objections over the design but the railway officials have not stopped them (PWD). They are equally responsible for this mistake," he added. Meanwhile, state PWD Minister Rakesh Singh said that the NHAI inspected the bridge on Wednesday and its report was likely to arrive today. Action into the matter will be taken based on it. "It is a 5 year old project and its drawing design was already prepared. Though NHAI inspected it yesterday and its report will arrive today. Further action will be taken based on the report," the minister told ANI. According to the information, it is being said that at the time of construction, the railways had raised objections to the design, but the PWD ignored it citing lack of space. This bridge construction is being considered as the negligence of the PWD. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami condemned the incident of an attack by a violent mob at Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral home in Bangladesh and stated that the attack was "beyond vandalism" and was a "premeditated hate crime" and an attack on the "civilizational spirit and cultural heritage of Bharat." "Shocking and Unacceptable. A violent mob in Bangladesh has desecrated the ancestral home of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, the iconic Kutchery House in Shahjadpur, shattering windows, destroying property, and raising hateful slogans, all under the silent gaze of Mohammad Yunus's government. This is far beyond mere vandalism, it is a premeditated hate crime, an attack on the civilizational spirit and cultural heritage of Bharat," the post read. Dhami further wrote that these attacks were the marginalisation of Hindu Bengalis in Bangladesh, which was eroding their identity, history and legacy. He further stated that the incident demanded attention, condemnation and action. "Tagore is a global figure, but he remains a treasured symbol of India's soul. What we are witnessing is the ongoing marginalisation of Hindu Bengalis in Bangladesh, their identity, history, and legacy being systematically eroded. The international community cannot afford to remain indifferent. This is a moment that demands attention, condemnation, and action," the post further read. Earlier in the day, BJP MP Sambit Patra called on the global community to denounce the reported vandalism. Patra stated that Rabindranath Tagore's ancient home in Bangladesh was attacked by some miscreants on Tuesday (June 10). Addressing media persons at the BJP headquarters in the national capital, Patra said, "Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral house, located in Bangladesh, was attacked and damaged... His Kacharibari, built by his grandfather, has been attacked. We are getting to know that the people of Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam carried out this attack. It is also coming to light that this was a pre-planned attack. For five days, it was planned that the house of Rabindranath Tagore, the foundation and pillar of our civilisation and culture of Bengal, would be attacked so that they could send a big message to the world. It was a planned attack." "Rabindranath Tagore is no ordinary personality. When his house was attacked, his way of thinking was attacked; we appeal to the world community to come together against this. This is the appeal of the BJP, a party that believes in inclusiveness. We are making a global call to all countries that value morality, creativity, and culture. "Everyone should come together to condemn what has happened today in Bangladesh," he added. Patra further condemned the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, saying that the international monument could not be protected. (ANI)
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi take suggestions from the opposition to decide the national strategies in the national interest. In a post on X, Kharge wrote about two incidents of national interest, which were of extreme worry, namely the US Centom Commander calling Pakistan a "phenomenal counter terrorism partner" and vandalism of Rabindranath Tagore's ancestral house. "There are two incidents on the international stage which are extremely worrying for us - US Centcom Commander calling Pakistan a "phenomenal counter-terrorism partner" and then inviting the Pakistani Army Chief to the 250th anniversary of the US Army and Vandalism of the ancestral house of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, the author of 'Amar Sonar Bangla' - the national anthem of Bangladesh, in Sirajganj, Bangladesh. The Congress Party strongly condemns this. There are many other crucial issues of foreign policy," the post read. Kharge also wrote that an all-party meeting and special Parliament session had been demanded to discuss the issues. "We have been demanding an all-party meeting and a special session of Parliament since day one. The Modi government should take suggestions from the opposition, discuss them and decide the national strategy in the presence of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister. This has happened many times before. This would be necessary in the national interest," the post further read. Earlier on June 11, Kharge hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stated that he had never seen such a PM who told so many lies. The Congress President said that he has been in politics for 65 years, and alleged that PM Modi is deceiving the youth and taking votes by luring the poor. "I have been saying this in Parliament for a long time, and I have never seen a Prime Minister who lies so much, makes so many mistakes, traps people, deceives the youth, and takes votes by trapping people. I have been in politics for 65 years. He has lied on everything and not even one has been implemented", Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters in Kalaburagi on Wednesday. (ANI)
Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL), a global leader in vaccine innovation and manufacturing on Thursday announced that it has partnered with GSK plc (LSE/NYSE: GSK) for the ongoing development and potential use of the Shigella vaccine candidate, altSonflex1-2-3. As per an official release, the agreement marks a critical step in the advancement of this vaccine, targeting Shigellosis--a severe form of bacterial diarrhoea that disproportionately affects children under five in low and middle-income countries. The in-licensed candidate, altSonflex1-2-3, has already shown encouraging results in early-stage clinical trials. A Phase 1 study conducted in Europe demonstrated a favourable safety profile and strong immune response. Subsequent Phase 2 trials in Africa, including vaccination of 9-month-old infants--the primary target population--reported no safety concerns. Interim results from 2024 confirmed that the candidate met its pre-set immunogenicity goals. The altSonflex1-2-3 vaccine candidate, developed by GSK and now advancing through a strategic collaboration with Bharat Biotech, represents one of the most advanced Shigella vaccine candidates globally. With no licensed Shigella vaccine currently available and rising antimicrobial resistance, this candidate stands out for its broad serotype coverage, innovative Generalised Modules for Membrane Antigens (GMMA)-based platform, and robust early clinical results. It has already demonstrated a strong safety and immunogenicity profile in both European and African trials, including in the primary target population of 9-month-old infants. Now entering Phase 3 trials under Bharat Biotech's leadership, altSonflex1-2-3 is poised to become the first scalable, affordable, and globally accessible vaccine to combat this urgent public health threat. GMMA technology is an innovative platform that uses bacterial outer membranes to deliver the O Antigen to the immune system. This novel approach allows for high-yield production with a simple and cost-effective manufacturing process, offering a pathway to create affordable vaccines for underserved populations. Dr Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman, Bharat Biotech, said, "As the market leader in vaccines for diarrhoeal infections, including rotavirus, typhoid, polio, non-typhoidal salmonella, cholera, and paratyphi, Bharat Biotech is proud to partner with GSK to develop a next-generation Shigella vaccine candidate, for a severe form of bacterial diarrhoea affecting millions of children under five. With no approved vaccine currently available and antimicrobial resistance on the rise, there is an urgent need for scalable, science-backed solutions focused on low and middle-income countries. This collaboration combines our strengths in innovation, manufacturing, and global health commitment. The use of GMMA technology reflects our mission to deliver accessible vaccines that protect and improve lives worldwide." As part of this agreement, Bharat Biotech will lead the further development of altSonflex1-2-3, including Phase 3 clinical trials, regulatory advancement, and large-scale manufacturing. GSK will continue to support the programme by assisting with clinical trial design, securing external funding, and contributing to the Access and Delivery Plans and commercialization strategy. GSK has an established relationship with BBIL, after signing a product transfer agreement for the world's first malaria vaccine, RTS,S, to the Indian Biotech company in 2021. Thomas Breuer, Chief Global Health Officer, GSK, said , "With young children in lower-income countries disproportionately impacted by Shigella, the development of a low-cost vaccine is an important goal for global public health. With no licensed vaccines widely available, the development of our Shigella vaccine candidate which has demonstrated promising clinical trial results, fills us with immense pride. We are proud to collaborate with Bharat Biotech, whose expertise in developing and supplying vaccines for infectious diseases, especially as a trusted supplier to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF, positions them to further advance this important work. This agreement allows us to combine our strengths in science, research, and technology with Bharat Biotech's capacity to develop and deliver vaccines at scale, potentially preventing illness and saving lives around the world." Shigella is a major contributor to child morbidity and mortality, and the emergence of drug-resistant strains underscores the urgent need for a preventive vaccine. By helping reduce illness and antibiotic use, this vaccine has the potential to play a critical role in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This collaboration reinforces Bharat Biotech's dedication to tackling neglected diseases through cutting-edge science and partnerships. The ultimate goal is to deliver life-saving vaccines to the people who need them most. GSK's vaccine candidate, called altSonflex1-2-3, combines S. sonnei with S. flexneri 1b, 2a and 3a O Antigens, has been designed by scientists in the Global Health team with the ambition to develop an affordable vaccine with broad protection against the most prevalent Shigella serotypes. The vaccine uses the GMMA technology (Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens), a novel platform based on bacterial outer membranes for delivery of the O Antigen to the immune system. GSK's goal is to advance vaccine innovation against Shigella, contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance, which still causes millions of deaths worldwide. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Thursday, felicitated the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Mountaineering Expedition Team, comprising five girls and five boys aged an average of 19 years, who scaled Mount Everest on May 18, as per the release. Honouring the raw courage, grit and patriotism of the team, led by Col Amit Bisht, he presented a cheque of Rs 10 lakh for achieving the feat in the harshest of conditions without any injury. During the event held at South Block, New Delhi, the cadets shared their experiences of the expedition, detailing the rigorous training, meticulous planning and challenges encountered. Defence Minister commended the team for passing the test of courage, discipline, resilience and composure with flying colours. Terming the cadets as a source of inspiration to the younger generation, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that, with the expedition, the brave cadets have sent a message that even the world's highest peak is no limit for the youth of the country. He exuded confidence that the cadets would overcome future challenges with the same courage and determination they displayed while scaling Mount Everest. Defence Minister acknowledged the efforts of NCC towards instilling the feeling of national pride among the cadets while ensuring their holistic growth by making them physically, mentally & emotionally strong and developing their social skills. He also appreciated the family members of the cadets who supported them in this endeavour. DG NCC Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh was among the dignitaries present on the occasion. The feat marked the third successful Everest expedition by the NCC, following similar accomplishments in 2013 and 2016. The expedition team comprised 10 cadets, a contingent of officers, junior commissioned officers, instructors and non-commissioned officers. The team consisted of Subedar Major Balkar Singh, the first Subedar Major of the Indian Army to summit Mount Everest. The young cadet of the team was just 16 years old. The expedition team was formally flagged off by the Defence Minister on April 03, 2025. Throughout the expedition, the team adhered strictly to established safety protocols and operational guidelines, ensuring the well-being of all members at every stage. (ANI)
Khaitan, speaking via Zoom, said recent media reports wrongly implied that Vadra was evading ED summons.

"These reports are misleading. Vadra developed flu-like symptoms and was advised to undergo a COVID-19 test, which he has taken. He is following all necessary health precautions," Khaitan stated.

Reaffirming Vadra's cooperation with the investigation, Khaitan said, "He has willingly offered to join the probe through virtual mode and has previously submitted voluminous documentation to the ED."

The lawyer further stated that Vadra's prior appearances, including a three-day questioning in April in a separate money laundering case linked to a 2008 Haryana land deal.

Khaitan also disclosed that Vadra plans to travel abroad later this month to attend his daughter's graduation ceremony, but remains open to participating in the ED probe either before or after the trip.

Vadra, the husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, was summoned by the ED recently in connection with a case involving UK-based arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari. Sources said Vadra sought a deferment of the summons and will be given a new date for recording his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

In 2023, the ED filed a chargesheet alleging that Bhandari purchased and renovated a property at 12, Bryanston Square, London, on Vadra's instructions and with his financial support--an allegation Vadra strongly denies. He has dismissed the case as a "political witch hunt" aimed at "harassing him for political reasons."

The agency is also probing Vadra in another money laundering matter linked to land transactions in Bikaner, Rajasthan, where he and his mother have previously been questioned. (ANI)
A specialised team comprising one pilot and two aircrew divers was deployed onboard an Indian Air Force MI-17 helicopter to carry out aerial firefighting operations.

During the mission, the team successfully dispersed 1,000 kg of Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) directly onto the fire's core.

To mitigate environmental risks near the coast, the ICG is maintaining the vessel's position using a towline while closely monitoring the situation.

Although the external fire has been extinguished, dense smoke continues to emanate, indicating residual internal heat and possible metallic fire.

Firefighting efforts remain ongoing, with all responding assets on high alert to ensure complete containment of the fire.

Earlier on Tuesday, the ICG winched five salvage team members and an aircrew diver onto the burning Singaporean container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 to facilitate towing operations.

According to an official release from the Ministry of Defence, the vessel, which caught fire off the Kerala coast on June 9, continues to drift south-east within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), approximately 42 nautical miles from Beypore, Kerala.

The vessel is carrying 1.2 lakh metric tons of fuel and hundreds of containers, including hazardous cargo, posing a serious risk to the marine environment and regional shipping routes.

"Intensive firefighting efforts by ICG have significantly reduced visible flames, with only smoke now seen across the cargo holds and bays. However, the fire remains active in the inner decks and near fuel tanks," the release stated.

"Five ICG ships, two Dornier aircraft, and a helicopter are engaged in the ongoing firefighting mission, supported by two vessels from the Directorate General of Shipping. A salvage team appointed by the ship's owners is working in coordination with ICG, and the Indian Air Force has been requested for additional aerial support," it added.

With the fire yet to be fully extinguished, efforts to establish a towline and pull the vessel away from the coast are underway to prevent a potential ecological disaster. The situation remains critical and is being monitored continuously. (ANI)
The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) Thiruvananthapuram committee took out a protest march in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday to the Accountant General (AG) office. The DYFI workers alleged that the Union Government is cutting down posts and closing the regional offices of the AG department. The protestors were dispersed by the police with the use of water cannons. Meanwhile, the politics in Kerala have heated up due to the upcoming Nilambur assembly by-election. On Thursday, hitting out at Congress and CPI-M ahead of the Nilambur assembly by-polls, BJP leader V Muraleedharan alleged that instead of raising common issues, both parties are trying to get votes from pro-terrorists and communal organisations. He highlighted that the election became necessary due to the resignation of the MLA, who had said that the Kerala CM is "protecting" the underground elements and smugglers. "Instead of raising key concerns of Nilambur and Kerala, both the Congress and the Communists (CPI-M) are trying to get the votes of pro-terrorist and pro-communal organisations... This election was necessitated due to the resignation of an MLA who said that the Kerala CM is protecting underground elements and smugglers", V Muraleedharan told ANI. The former Union Minister said that instead of discussing issues, both Congress and CPI-M are after the votes of Jamaat-e-Islami, whose motto is to form religion-based governments. He also alleged that the Congress created a misunderstanding about the stance of the Indian government over Israel and said that both Congress and CPI-M are supporting Hamas. "Instead of discussing this issue, both parties are after the votes of Jamaat-e-Islami, whose motto is religion-based governments. Congress is also trying to create a misunderstanding that the Indian Government has changed its stand on Israel. Both (Congress and CPI-M) are trying to get the support of those elements who support Hamas", V Muraleedharan said. The election for the Nilambur seat was necessitated after the resignation of PV Anvar, an LDF-backed MLA, who stepped down in January after making several allegations against the Left government in the state, including claims of RSS influence in the home department and the framing of Muslim youth in false cases. The election will be held on June 19, and the counting is scheduled for June 23. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have fielded Michael George as their candidate from the Nilambur assembly constituency in the upcoming bypolls. (ANI)
The flight operations at the Ahmedabad airport have been suspended temporarily until further notice following the Air India plane crash after take off, according to an official spokesperson. According to DGCA, the London-bound Air India flight crashed in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad following the take off at 01:38 pm on Thursday. The Boeing aircraft was carrying 242 people including 12 crew members. "As a result of Air India plane crash incident, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice", according to a statement by SVPIA spokesperson. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu who was in Vijaywada has rushed to Ahmedabad after receiving the news of the plane crash. "Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu, who was in Vijayawada, rushed to Ahmedabad immediately upon receiving news of the flight crash. He is in constant contact with senior officials from DGCA, AAI, NDRF, and the Gujarat State administration to ensure swift, coordinated response and support. Rescue and medical teams are on site", as per the Rammohan Naidu. As per the sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Ram Mohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah. PM Modi has asked them to go to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected in the wake of the air mishap. "Air India, B787 Dreamliner aircraft, Ahmedabad to London (Gatwick) airport, had crashed into a residential area (Meghani Nagar), taking off at 1:38 PM, and crashed 5 minutes after takeoff. Directorate of Airworthiness (DAW), Assistant Directors of Airworthiness (ADAW) and one Flight Operations Inspector (FOI) already in Ahmedabad for some other task. They are getting details", DGCA said in a statement. According to the Police Control room, the Air India Flight AI 171 was bound for London. "On 12th Jun, 2025, M/s Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmadabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Immediately after departure from Runway 23, the Aircraft fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site", said a source in the DGCA. "Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on http://airindia.com and on our X handle", Air India said in their 'X' post. A total of three Natural Disaster Response Force teams have been moved from Gandhinagar to Ahmedabad, comprising of 90 personnel. Three teams from Vadodara are also moving to Ahmedabad. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah, and took stock of the crash incident in Ahmedabad involving an Air India flight bound for London, according to sources. The Civil Aviation Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground, the Civil Aviation Ministry said. As per sources, the PM has asked both ministers to rush to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected in the wake of the air mishap The Prime Minister has directed the Minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation, they said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to the Gujarat Chief Minister and promised all Central assistance. All relevant agencies are on high alert, and coordinated efforts are underway as per a statement by the office of HMCA. The Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport early today. Confirming the incident, Air India said that Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in the incident. An Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation. "On 12th Jun, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew," said a senior DGCA official. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience, the official further added. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a mayday Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site, said the official. (ANI)
Political leaders across the country expressed shock and deep sorrow over the plane crash in Ahmedabad with 242 people on board, calling the incident "extremely sad and worrying." In a post on X, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma expressed sorrow over the crash of the London-bound plane and prayed for the well-being of all passengers and crew members. "The news of the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat is extremely sad and worrying. I pray to God for the well-being and safety of all the passengers and crew members in this unfortunate incident," Bhajanlal Sharma said. https://x.com/BhajanlalBjp/status/1933096301853573287 Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "The news of the crash of Air India plane carrying passengers in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is extremely sad and painful. Relief and rescue work is going on at war footing, I pray to God for the safety of the passengers." Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini called the incident "unfortunate" and prayed for the safety of all people on board. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan expressed shock over the incident and wrote on X, "The news of the horrific plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat has shocked the heart and filled the mind with grief. In this hour of grief, the entire country stands with the bereaved family." https://x.com/ChouhanShivraj/status/1933100741255987454 "The news of the unfortunate Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad is sad and painful. I pray to God for the well-being of the passengers and the aircraft staff." Saini said in a post on X. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi also expressed concern over the incident, "Very concerned about the Air India crash in Gujarat. My prayers are with those on the flight and their loved ones. I hope for a thorough investigation into the disaster," he wrote on X. Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik said, "Deeply anguished to learn about the disastrous crash of the Ahmedabad-London Air India flight with hundreds of people onboard. My thoughts and prayers are with the families deeply affected in the tragic plane crash." Additionally, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident, saying that the news is "extremely sad and heartbreaking." "The news of the passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is extremely sad and heartbreaking. I pray to Baba Mahakal for the safety of all the passengers and the crew," he wrote on X. An Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation. "On 12th Jun, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew," said a senior DGCA official. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience, the official further added. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site, said the official. Thick plumes of smoke could be seen at the accident spot. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is en route to Ahmedabad to assess the situation following the plane crash which occurred near the city's airport today, according to sources. Shah had also spoken with Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi, and Ahmedabad's Police Commissioner on Thursday and took stock of the situation regarding the crash. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with HM Shah, Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, with Naidu informing the PM that he will be rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground. "Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with the Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad to assess the situation," Shah said in a post on X. Flight operations at the Ahmedabad airport have been suspended temporarily until further notice following the Air India plane crash after takeoff, according to an official spokesperson. The Air India flight AI171, departing from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, London, crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport early today while carrying 242 passengers. According to DGCA, the London-bound Air India flight crashed in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad following the takeoff at 01:38 pm on Thursday. The Boeing aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members. According to Air India, "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals." A total of three Natural Disaster Response Force teams have been moved from Gandhinagar to Ahmedabad, comprising 90 personnel. Three teams from Vadodara are also moving to Ahmedabad. (ANI)
Union Minister of State Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Thursday addressed a press Conference on the Occasion of the 11-year completion of the Modi Government in the Centre and highlighted the achievements made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Rai said that the Modi government's priority has always been the four pillars of a developed India: the poor, youth, farmers, and women. MoS Home Nityanand Rai further said in a Press Conference that now, strict action will be taken against terrorist attacks like a war. Operation Sindoor has precisely hit the terrorist camps and airbases of Pakistan, which is a symbol of the new strength of the changing India. Pakistan has received a clear and strong message that terror, water and trade cannot go together. Blood and water cannot flow together. Any attack on Indian soil will be treated as an act of war. The 11 years of the Modi Government are about development and legacy. The Modi government means good governance and welfare of people with low incomes. India is creating a history of development and valour, in which Modi Ji's resolve, herculean efforts, and success are visible in the last 11 years," Rai added. MoS Home Nityanand Raid further said that Swami Vivekananda had predicted that the 21st century would belong to India, where no one would be hungry, illiterate, or homeless. Swami Vivekananda's childhood name was Narendra; today, the name of India's Karmayogi Prime Minister is also Narendra. One, Narendra, made a prophecy; another is fulfilling it. Before 2014, the thinking of the Previous Congress government was "It cannot happen," and today, "Modi hai toh Mumkin Hai." The government is now responsive, accountable, and public participation-oriented, and the mantra is "Reform, Perform, Transform," he added. MoS Home further said that Under the Modi regime, several historic developments were made, including the removal of Article 370, the construction of Ram Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, the Statue of Unity, Panchtirtha, and the National War Memorial, the honouring of heroes, the implementation of GST, and the coming into force of the Waqf Act. "There has been a revolution in infrastructure under the leadership of Modi Ji. The Hon'ble Prime Minister inaugurated the world's tallest Chenab railway bridge. One hundred eleven waterways have been declared national waterways. 3600 km of high-speed corridor has been constructed," he added. Rai further added that under the Modi government, 99% of villages have connectivity under the government. 34 km of highways have been constructed daily. The railway budget has increased 9 times. 136 Vande Bharat trains have been run.103 Amrut Bharat stations have been renovated. The number of airports has risen to 160 due to the Udan scheme, and air travel has become affordable. (ANI)
Union Minister and BJP President JP Nadda, on Thursday, instructed all the party workers to engage in relief and rescue operations following the crash incident in Ahmedabad involving an Air India flight bound for London. In a post on X, Nadda expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. "The news of many casualties in the plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is extremely sad," he said. https://x.com/JPNadda/status/1933099565369983233 The BJP President also said he talked to the Gujarat BJP Chief and State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel over the preparedness. "Regarding this tragic incident, I spoke to Gujarat BJP State President and Union Minister Shri @CRPaatil ji and the State Health Minister Shri @irushikeshpatel and took information about health facilities and relief work," Nadda said. "I appeal to all BJP workers to engage in relief and rescue operations and provide all possible help to the affected families. I pray to God to give strength to the bereaved families to bear the unbearable pain and to provide speedy recovery to the injured," JP Nadda said. The Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport earlier today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah and took stock of the crash incident, according to sources. The Civil Aviation Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground, said the Civil Aviation Ministry. The Prime Minister has directed the Minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation, they said. Confirming the incident, Air India said that Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in the incident. An Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation. "On 12th Jun, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew," said a senior DGCA official. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience, the official further added. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a mayday Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen emanating from the accident site, said the official. (ANI)
Chairman of Adani group, Gautam Adani, on Thursday expressed grief over the Air India Flight 171 crash incident, which happened near Ahmedabad airport and said that the group is working closely with authorities over the situation. In a post on X, Gautam Adani said, "We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragedy of Air India Flight 171. Our hearts go out to the families who have suffered an unimaginable loss. We are working closely with all authorities and extending full support to the families on the ground." The Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airports spokesperson said, " Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London, Gatwick, earlier today, was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, outside the airport. As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport. We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation. Further updates will be provided as soon as available." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah, and took stock of the crash incident in Ahmedabad involving an Air India flight bound for London, according to sources. The Civil Aviation Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground, the Civil Aviation Ministry said. As per sources, the PM has asked both ministers to rush to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected in the wake of the air mishap. The Prime Minister has directed the Minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation, they said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to the Gujarat Chief Minister and promised all Central assistance.All relevant agencies are on high alert, and coordinated efforts are underway as per a statement by the office of HMCA. The Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport early today. Confirming the incident, Air India said that Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in the incident. An Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation."On 12th Jun, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew," said a senior DGCA official. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience, the official further added. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a mayday Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site, said the official. (ANI)
Politicians from across the country have expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences following the tragic crash of an Air India flight near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Thursday. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing a gathering in Lucknow, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the crash. "I express deep sorrow over the incident in Ahmedabad. My prayers are with the bereaved families and those injured in the accident," CM Yogi said. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also issued a statement reacting to the tragic event. In a post on X she said, " The news of Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad is extremely painful and shocking. I express my deepest condolences to all the passengers and their families. I pray to God that all the passengers remain safe and the injured get speedy recovery. We stand with all the affected families with full sensitivity in this difficult time." Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also expressed sorrow in a post on X, praying for the well-being of those on board. "The news of the Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat is extremely sad and worrying. I pray to God for the well-being and safety of all the passengers and crew members in this unfortunate incident," CM Sharma said. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called the incident "extremely sad and painful." Relief and rescue work is going on at war footing, I pray to God for the safety of the passengers," he said. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini described the crash as "unfortunate" and also offered prayers for the safety of everyone on board. According to an Air India statement, the Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating as Flight AI-171, departed from Ahmedabad at 1:38 pm IST with 242 people on board, including crew. "The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information," the airline said in a statement. Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran confirmed the crash and expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. "With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," he said in a statement. He added that the airline's immediate focus is on extending full support to those impacted by the tragedy. "At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted," Chandrasekaran said. "Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and a support team have been set up for families seeking information," he added. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation. "On 12th Jun, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew," said a senior DGCA official. The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an LTC with 8,200 hours of flying experience. He was assisted by with First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flying experience, the official said. As per Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Runway 23 at 1339 IST (0809 UTC). It gave a mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. "Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site," the official added. (ANI)
The relatives of those affected in the Gujarat plane crash have started rushing to the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad. An Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London with 242 people on board crashed into a doctors' hostel near the Ahmedabad Airport shortly after taking off on Thursday, a senior police officer said. The relative of the passenger outside the hospital, where people affected in the crash have been rushed to, expressed concern over the crash Speaking with ANI, a concerned relative, Bhawna Patel said, "My sister was going to London. She had her flight around 1.10 pm, but the flight crashed." "My sister-in-law was going to London. Within an hour, I got news that the plane had crashed. So I have come here," another person with her added. The mother of a boy inside the hostel, where the plane crashed, also rushed to the civil hospital in the wake of this horrific tragedy. She said that her son jumped from the second floor and suffered some injuries. "My son had gone to the hostel during lunch break, and the plane crashed there. My son is safe, and I have spoken to him. He jumped from the second floor, so he suffered some injuries," she said. The London-bound Air India flight crashed into a doctor's hostel near the Ahmedabad Airport. The senior Ahmedabad police officer stated that about 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the crash site had been cleared. He also appealed to the public to cooperate with the green corridor for the ambulance. "After the takeoff, the plane crashed here, and after a preliminary enquiry, we found out that the plane crashed into a building, which is a doctors' hostel. After a few minutes of the incident, the concerned authorities reached the spot... We have cleared about 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the area... We urge all the people to cooperate with us so that we can make a green corridor for the ambulance to go to the hospital," the senior officer stated. Efforts are ongoing to ensure a safe and efficient rescue operation with the Gujarat government mobilising three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel, from Gandhinagar to the plane crash site. The Ahmedabad City Police has issued an emergency number for the police emergency services and to get necessary information related to the plane crash. "Ahmedabad City Police Emergency Number for Police Emergency Services and necessary information related to the Ahmedabad Plane Crash 07925620359," Ahmedabad Police stated in a post on X. The flight operations at the Ahmedabad airport have been suspended temporarily until further notice following the Air India plane crash, according to an official spokesperson. (ANI)
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress MP Jairam Ramesh expressed their deep condolence following the plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, involving an Air India flight bound for London. In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi shared, "My heart goes out to the families of the passengers and crew on board the Air India flight. The whole nation is hoping against hope that your loved ones survive this horrifying crash. May God be with all of you." Mallikarjun Kharge extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the passengers, pilot and the crew. In a post on X, Kharge shared, "Absolutely shocked to know about the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where several passengers and crew members were on board. It's heart-wrenching to see the horrific visuals. Our heartfelt sympathies, thoughts and prayers with the families of the passengers, pilot and the crew. I urge Congress leaders and workers to provide all assistance and support to the victims and their loved ones." Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot expressed his grief after receiving the report of the plane crash. "Received the news of the plane crash in Ahmedabad. This news is extremely sad and heartbreaking. I pray to God for the safety of all the passengers and staff," Ashok Gehlot said. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh shared, "The Indian National Congress is shocked by the devastating tragedy that overtook AI-171 minutes after its takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. While full details are awaited, local Congress workers have already been directed to assist in rescue, relief, and other efforts. Our prayers continue for the passengers and the crew. It is a moment of utmost grief." Air India on Thursday confirmed that flight AI171 with a destination to Gatwick in London, was involved in an accident today after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident," the Airline said. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational, and all flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice, the airport said. Earlier today, an Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation. "On 12th Jun, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew," said a senior DGCA official. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience, the official further added. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a mayday Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site, said the official. (ANI)
The London-bound Air India flight crashed into a doctors' hostel near the Ahmedabad Airport shortly after took off on Thursday, a senior police officer said. Providing an update on the flight that crashed carrying 242 people including 12 crew members onboard, the senior Ahmedabad police officer stated that about 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the crash site had been cleared. He also appealed to the public to cooperate for the green corridor for the ambulance. "After the takeoff, the plane crashed here and after a preliminary enquiry, we got to know that the ... plane crashed into a building, which is a doctors' hostel. After a few minutes of the incident, the concerned authorities reached the spot... We have cleared about 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the area... We urge all the people to cooperate with us so that we can make a green corridor for the ambulance to go to the hospital," the senior officer stated. Efforts are ongoing to ensure a safe and efficient rescue operation with the Gujarat government mobilising three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel, from Gandhinagar to the plane crash site. The Ahmedabad City Police has issued an emergency number for the police emergency services and to get necessary information related to the plane crash. "Ahmedabad City Police Emergency Number for Police Emergency Services and necessary information related to the Ahmedabad Plane Crash 07925620359," Ahmedabad Police stated in a post on X. The flight operations at the Ahmedabad airport have been suspended temporarily until further notice following the Air India plane crash, according to an official spokesperson. According to DGCA, the London-bound Air India flight crashed in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad following the take off at 01:38 pm on Thursday.The Boeing aircraft was carrying 242 people including 12 crew members. "As a result of Air India plane crash incident, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice", according to a statement by SVPIA spokesperson. (ANI)
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Thursday said rescue operations are being carried out in close coordination with local authorities and emergency services at the spot of the plane crash incident in Ahmedabad, in which London-bound Air India Flight 171 was involved in a tragic accident. In a post on X, CISF said all emergency protocols were immediately activated and rushed to the site upon receiving the information. "CISF Rescue Operations Underway at AI 171 Crash Site, Ahmedabad. Following the tragic crash of the London-bound Air India flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad Airport, CISF personnel immediately activated emergency protocols and rushed to the site. Rescue operations are being carried out in close coordination with local authorities and emergency services," CISF posted on X. The paramilitary force, which plays a crucial role in aviation security, also expressed solidarity over the incident. "CISF stands in solidarity with the victims and their families in this hour of grief," they added. The Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport early today. According to Air India, "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. " Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday and took stock of the crash incident in Ahmedabad involving an Air India flight bound for London, according to sources. The Civil Aviation Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground, the Civil Aviation Ministry said. In this regard, the Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airports spokesperson said, " Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London, Gatwick, earlier today, was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, outside the airport. As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport. "We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation. Further updates will be provided as soon as available," airport authorities said. (ANI)
Western Railway has announced that it would operate addtional trains from Ahmedabad following the tragic crash of a London-bound Air India flight. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. In the aftermath, flight operations at the airport were suspended until further notice, prompting the railways to step in to address the resulting travel disruption. Western Railway has also dispatched its Disaster Management Team, along with medical personnel and RPF staff, to assist the Gujarat government and other agencies involved in relief and rescue efforts. "In response to the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, the Disaster Management Team of Western Railway is actively extending full support in relief and rescue operations at the site while maintaining close coordination with the State," the railway said in a statement. "Western Railway Medical Team and RPF (Railway Protection Force) personnel have also already been deployed for assisting in rescue operations. Additionally, Western Railway will operate extra trains from Ahmedabad based on demand. As of now, one train for Mumbai and one train for Delhi are being planned from Ahmedabad," it added. Meanwhile, the Gujarat government has mobilised three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 personnel, from Gandhinagar to the crash site to aid rescue operations. According to senior police officials, the aircraft crashed into a doctor's hostel located just outside the airport perimeter. "After the takeoff, the plane crashed here and after a preliminary enquiry, we got to know that the ... plane crashed into a building, which is a doctors' hostel," Jaipal Singh Rathore, Joint Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad told reporters. The Ahmedabad City Police has release an emergency helpline number for assistance and information related to the crash. "Ahmedabad City Police Emergency Number for Police Emergency Services and necessary information related to the Ahmedabad Plane Crash 07925620359," Ahmedabad Police stated in a post on X. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the London-bound Air India flight crashed in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad following the takeoff at 01:38 pm on Thursday. The Boeing aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members. (ANI)
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said on Thursday that the Air India plane crash incident in Gujarat's Ahmedabad should be investigated, as all the facts, whether it was the pilots' fault or something else, should come out. Speaking to the media, Kharge paid tribute and condoled the loss of lives in the incident. "I pay my tribute and condolences to those who have passed away. The government should immediately help the families of those who have passed away, and also the people of the area where the plane crashed... Congress leaders will also help people manage this incident. This accident should be investigated. Was it the pilot's fault or the one who was at the task with providing information? all these things need to come out," the Congress Chief said. The Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. According to Air India, "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. " Meanwhile, expressing sadness over the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it is "heartbreaking" beyond words. He said he is in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected. "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," PM Modi said in a post on X. The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an LTC with 8,200 hours of flying experience. He was assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flying experience, the official said. As per Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Runway 23 at 1339 IST (0809 UTC). It gave a mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. "Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site," the official added. (ANI)
An eyewitness on the ground recounted the Gujarat plane crash horrors and said that he saw fire, clouds of smoke and debris scattered all around. An Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London with 242 people on board crashed into a doctors' hostel near the Ahmedabad Airport shortly after taking off on Thursday, a senior police officer said. Speaking with ANI, the eyewitness said, "I saw fire, clouds of smoke, debris scattered all around. I couldn't understand anything. Later, I realised that the plane had crashed here. The police then cordoned off the area." Speaking about the building in which the plane crashed, the eyewitness said, "It is a residential building, doctors live there." Another eyewitness recalled the incident and said, "We heard the blast, so we rushed to the spot. I saw smoke and fire. Doctors' flats have been damaged. It's a horrific incident." The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. According to senior police officials, the aircraft crashed into a doctor's hostel located just outside the airport perimeter. "After the takeoff, the plane crashed here and after a preliminary enquiry, we got to know that the ... plane crashed into a building, which is a doctors' hostel," Jaipal Singh Rathore, Joint Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad, told reporters. The Gujarat government has mobilised three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 personnel, from Gandhinagar to the crash site to aid rescue operations. Western Railway has announced that it will operate additional trains from Ahmedabad after the plane crash to ensure smooth transportation. The Ahmedabad City Police has released an emergency helpline number for assistance and information related to the crash. "Ahmedabad City Police Emergency Number for Police Emergency Services and necessary information related to the Ahmedabad Plane Crash 07925620359," Ahmedabad Police stated in a post on X. (ANI)
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed their grief following the plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, involving an Air India flight bound for London. Sonia Gandhi, in a statement, said, "I am deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts are with the families of the passengers and the crew. The visuals are most heart-wrenching. The entire country is overtaken by grief and is praying." Rahul Gandhi urged Congress workers to help with rescue and relief efforts. Rahul Gandhi said, "The Ahmedabad Air India crash is heartbreaking. The pain and anxiety the families of the passengers and crew must be feeling is unimaginable. My thoughts are with each one of them in this incredibly difficult moment. Urgent rescue and relief efforts by the administration are critical - every life matters, every second counts. Congress workers must do everything they can to help on the ground." Earlier, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress MP Jairam Ramesh expressed their deep condolence following the plane crash. In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi shared, "My heart goes out to the families of the passengers and crew on board the Air India flight. The whole nation is hoping against hope that your loved ones survive this horrifying crash. May God be with all of you." Mallikarjun Kharge extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the passengers, pilot and the crew. In a post on X, Kharge shared, "Absolutely shocked to know about the devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where several passengers and crew members were on board. It's heart-wrenching to see the horrific visuals. Our heartfelt sympathies, thoughts and prayers with the families of the passengers, pilot and the crew. I urge Congress leaders and workers to provide all assistance and support to the victims and their loved ones." Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot expressed his grief after receiving the report of the plane crash. "Received the news of the plane crash in Ahmedabad. This news is extremely sad and heartbreaking. I pray to God for the safety of all the passengers and staff," Ashok Gehlot said. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh shared, "The Indian National Congress is shocked by the devastating tragedy that overtook AI-171 minutes after its takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. While full details are awaited, local Congress workers have already been directed to assist in rescue, relief, and other efforts. Our prayers continue for the passengers and the crew. It is a moment of utmost grief." Air India on Thursday confirmed that flight AI171 with a destination to Gatwick in London, was involved in an accident today after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident," the Airline said. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational, and all flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice, the airport said. Earlier today, an Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation. "On 12th Jun, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew," said a senior DGCA official. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience, the official further added. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a mayday Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site, said the official. (ANI)
Four residents of Rajasthan's Udaipur district were among the 242 people on board the Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, officials said. According to Udaipur district administration authorities, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has spoken with the affected families and assured them of all necessary assistance. "As per initial information, there were four passengers from Udaipur district on board the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad. The Chief Minister has spoken to their family members... The administration stands with them, and all necessary help will be extended. The families have been contacted," Udaipur District Magistrate Namit Mehta told reporters. The London-bound Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed in the Meghani Nagar area soon after departing from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. It was carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members. Western Railway has announced that it will operate additional trains from Ahmedabad following the tragic crash incident. Western Railway has also dispatched its Disaster Management Team, along with medical personnel and RPF staff, to assist the Gujarat government and other agencies involved in relief and rescue efforts. "In response to the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, the Disaster Management Team of Western Railway is actively extending full support in relief and rescue operations at the site while maintaining close coordination with the State," the railway said in a statement. "Western Railway Medical Team and RPF (Railway Protection Force) personnel have also already been deployed for assisting in rescue operations. Additionally, Western Railway will operate extra trains from Ahmedabad based on demand. As of now, one train for Mumbai and one train for Delhi are being planned from Ahmedabad," it added. Meanwhile, the Gujarat government has mobilised three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 personnel, from Gandhinagar to the crash site to aid rescue operations. According to senior police officials, the aircraft crashed into a doctor's hostel located just outside the airport perimeter. "After the takeoff, the plane crashed here and after a preliminary enquiry, we got to know that the ... plane crashed into a building, which is a doctors' hostel," Jaipal Singh Rathore, Joint Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad, told reporters. The Ahmedabad City Police has released an emergency helpline number for assistance and information related to the crash. "Ahmedabad City Police Emergency Number for Police Emergency Services and necessary information related to the Ahmedabad Plane Crash 07925620359," Ahmedabad Police stated in a post on X. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the London-bound Air India flight crashed in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad following the takeoff at 01:38 pm. (ANI)
The Adventure Tour Operators Association (ATOA) has joined the ongoing search and rescue operation for a missing Israeli-American national, Samuel (Shmuel) Vengrinovich, who has been missing in the Indrahar Pass region near Dharamshala since June 6. According to a statement, ATOA had received an urgent request from the Israeli Rescue Team on the night of June 10, seeking support in the challenging high-altitude rescue mission. Promptly, a team of three trained and experienced mountain rescuers from Manali, led by Ramesh Kumar, President of ATOA, was dispatched to Dharamshala with technical mountain rescue equipment. The team was joined on site by four local trekking guides familiar with the difficult terrain. The on-ground coordination is being handled by Praveen Sood (Pintu), General Secretary of ATOA Kullu Manalli and a veteran in Himalayan rescue operations. "We are working in close coordination with the Israeli Rescue Team, the local administration, and volunteer groups. The District Administration and DC Office Dharamshala have extended full logistical and operational support to the mission, including providing satellite phones to ensure seamless communication in the remote and rugged areas," said Praveen Sood. As per information gathered, 44-year-old Samuel Vengrinovich had set out on a trek towards Indrahar Pass with friends and was last seen on 6th June at approximately 12:37 PM near a glacier adjoining the Indrahar Pass trail. Bad weather conditions are believed to have caused him to lose his way. The tourist was last seen on Friday, at 12:37 PM, at the base heading towards a glacier next to the Indrahar Pass trail, Himachal Pradesh, India. Indrahar Pass is located in the Dhauladhar range in the Himalayas. The trek is at an altitude of more than 4 thousand meters above sea level and connects the Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh. The trek starts from McLeodganj and goes on for around 35 kilometres. (ANI)
Horticulture Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jagat Singh Negi on Wednesday chaired a key review meeting with the Horticulture Department and senior officials to discuss preparations for the upcoming apple season. Speaking to reporters after the meeting in Shimla, Negi said that the government would strictly enforce universal carton packaging norms this year to ensure fair returns for fruit growers and prevent exploitation by middlemen. "Last year, we introduced the policy of selling apples based on weight using universal cartons. A law was also made to support this. This year, we have decided that the rule will be enforced with full authority so that farmers do not suffer losses and get fair prices for their produce," Negi said. The minister also addressed concerns among apple growers about a possible increase in import tariffs by the United States on Indian apples. Growers fear that if the tariff is raised from 50 per cent and the duty relief on imported apples from the US is reduced, it could hurt the domestic apple market. The meeting also discussed long-term measures to strengthen the horticulture sector. Among the key suggestions was a shift in storage infrastructure strategy. "Instead of investing in large-scale controlled atmosphere (CA) storage units, we are considering smaller, decentralised CA stores across the apple belt to support local growers," Negi said. The minister also criticised the inaccurate yield estimates made in the past, saying these often lead to poor planning and market mismanagement. "We have decided that starting next year, crop yield estimations will be made using scientific methods," he added. Another major issue raised in the meeting was the increasing number of cases where traders buy produce but flee without payment. Negi revealed that so far, data shows that traders have absconded with Rs 14 crore owed to growers, and this figure could be even higher, as not all farmers have filed complaints. "We are forming a special subcommittee to look into how traders are exploiting farmers, especially after purchasing the produce and not making payments. Despite High Court orders, many farmers are not getting justice. We are determined to address this," said Negi. The minister also mentioned discussions on implementing APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) laws more effectively. The APMC chairman attended the meeting, and steps are being taken to ensure better regulation and protection for growers in mandis (markets). Two sub-committees have been formed, one to focus on improving marketing and facilities for fruit growers, and another to recommend ways to protect farmers from market exploitation. "If apples are sold in any packaging other than the mandated universal carton, then both the seller and the buyer will be held legally accountable," Negi warned. He said that the focus on infrastructure, insurance, and subsidy clearances is being given by the state government. Negi noted that unseasonal weather has had varying impacts across the lower, middle, and higher belts of the apple-growing regions. "Weather changes have certainly impacted apple production, although some areas are likely to have a good season. We are planning accordingly," Negi said. Negi said instructions have been issued to ensure roads remain accessible, allowing fruits to reach markets on time to address potential disruptions during the monsoon season. He also provided updates on pending subsidies for anti-hail nets and other support schemes. "In most apple-growing areas, farmers have already installed anti-hail nets. The remaining subsidy dues are being cleared," he said, adding that Rs 48 crore is still due to be paid to the farmers were pending under the MIS (Market Intervention Scheme), and during the past two years, most of such payments to farmers for their produce have now been paid. Negi criticised the central government's move to scrap the MIS scheme and noted that Himachal is now working on alternative projects to ensure financial support reaches farmers. "We are trying to bring in a large-scale project for apple belt development using scientific methods. Though the Centre reduced our budget, our ongoing HP Shiv Project, which is worth Rs 1,200 crore, is directly benefiting 15,000 farmers," he said. The horticulture minister said the state government remains committed to making apple farming more sustainable, profitable, and scientifically advanced, despite budget constraints and challenges in central support. (ANI)
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic crash of a London-bound Air India flight shortly after it took off from the Ahmedabad airport this afternoon, describing it as a "devastating human tragedy". In a post on X, Vice-President Dhankar described the incident as "unfortunate" and shared his thoughts and prayers with the victims and their families. "The unfortunate incident in Ahmedabad has left us confronting a devastating human tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. In this moment of grief, the nation stands united in solidarity with them," Dhankhar stated. The Air India flight with 242 people onboard, including 12 crew members, rammed into a doctors' hostel in the Meghani area shortly after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after it took-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft reportedly crashed into a doctors' hostel near the airport perimeter. Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw also conveyed his condolences on the incident, noting that he was "deeply saddened" over the tragic crash. "Deeply saddened by the tragic flight crash in Ahmedabad. Praying for the safety of all passengers and crew onboard. Thoughts are with families affected," Vaishnaw stated in a post on X. BRS Working President and MLC KT Rama Rao also expressed his profound condolences on the incident. In a statement, the BRS Working President said the incident was "deeply heartbreaking." "The news of the crash and the loss of innocent lives, including passengers, local residents, and medics, is deeply heartbreaking. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident," he stated. He also prayed for the people who lost their lives in the crsh and wished strength and courage to the bereaved families to cope with this immense loss. He further urged the Central and Gujarat State Governments to provide the best possible medical assistance to the victims. Meanwhile, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has deployed around 150 personnel to assist in the ongoing rescue and relief operations following the crash. According to a statement by the CRPF, troops from the 100 Battalion of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), along with personnel from the CRPF's Group Centre in Gandhinagar, have been sent to the crash site to support efforts on the ground. The Gujarat government has also mobilised three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel from Gandhinagar, to assist in rescue operations. (ANI)
The chargesheet, submitted before the NIA Special Court in Ernakulam, invokes various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) Act).

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) worker Sreenivasan was hacked to death on April 16, 2022, a day after PFI leader Subair was hacked to death in front of his father in Kerala's Palakkad district.

Subair, a popular front worker, had been hacked to death in Elupplly, Palakkad district, on April 15, and as a retaliation, Sreenivasan, a former RSS worker, was murdered on April 16.

Notably, earlier in 2022, the Central Government imposed 5 5-year ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI).

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a notification declaring "the PFI and its associates or affiliates or fronts as an unlawful association with immediate effect".

Along with PFI, the ban was also imposed on its fronts, including Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), National Women's Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation, and Rehab Foundation, Kerala, as an "unlawful association."

In an interview with ANI in February of 2023, Amit Shah said that the organisation promoted "radicalism and religious bigotry" and tried to prepare "raw material for terrorism", and any delay in action would not have been in the national interest.

"We have banned PFI successfully. PFI promoted radicalism and religious bigotry.

They were, in a way, trying to prepare raw materials for terrorism. So many documents have been found which show that their activities were not good for the country's unity and integrity," Amit Shah had said in an exclusive interview with ANI. (ANI)
Western Railway will run two Superfast Special trains from Ahmedabad to Delhi and Mumbai to ease the passenger traffic after an Air India plane crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport on Thursday afternoon. According to a notification from Western Railway, Train No. 09497 will depart from Ahmedabad Junction at 11:45 pm on Thursday and reach Delhi Junction at 2:45 pm the next day. The train (train no. 09498) will then complete a return trip to Ahmedabad from Delhi on Friday. The other superfast special train with train number 09494 will depart for Mumbai Central from Ahmedabad Junction at 11:55 pm on Thursday. The same train (Train no. 09493) will return to Ahmedabad from Mumbai on Friday, Western Railway notified. Western Railway has also dispatched its Disaster Management Team, along with medical personnel and RPF staff, to assist the Gujarat government and other agencies involved in relief and rescue efforts. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Gujarat government has mobilised three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 personnel, from Gandhinagar to the crash site to aid rescue operations. According to senior police officials, the aircraft crashed into a doctor's hostel located just outside the airport perimeter. "After the takeoff, the plane crashed here and after a preliminary enquiry, we got to know that the ... plane crashed into a building, which is a doctors' hostel," Jaipal Singh Rathore, Joint Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad, told reporters. The Ahmedabad City Police has released an emergency helpline number for assistance and information related to the crash. "Ahmedabad City Police Emergency Number for Police Emergency Services and necessary information related to the Ahmedabad Plane Crash 07925620359," Ahmedabad Police stated in a post on X.
One survivor has been found in the deadly crash of an Air India plane carrying 242 people, after it rammed into a nearby doctors' hostel shortly after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, a senior police officer said. Speaking to ANI on a phone call, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik says, "The police found one survivor in seat 11A. He has been in the hospital and is under treatment. Cannot say anything about the number of deaths yet. The death toll may increase as the flight crashed in a residential area." The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. "After the takeoff, the plane crashed here and after a preliminary enquiry, we got to know that the ... plane crashed into a building, which is a doctors' hostel," Jaipal Singh Rathore, Joint Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad, told reporters. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into the doctors' hostel near the airport perimeter. Air India said that among the 230 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian national. "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident," the Airlines said. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The official added that the copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It made a Mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, the aircraft did not respond to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. The official said that heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site. Meanwhile, the Gujarat government has mobilised three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), comprising 90 personnel, from Gandhinagar to the crash site to aid rescue operations. The Ahmedabad City Police has released an emergency helpline number for assistance and information related to the crash. "Ahmedabad City Police Emergency Number for Police Emergency Services and necessary information related to the Ahmedabad Plane Crash 07925620359," Ahmedabad Police stated in a post on X. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed profound shock and grief over the tragic crash of the London-bound Air India flight in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon, which had 242 people onboard. The London-bound flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, ramming into the doctors' hostel in the Meghani Nagar area in Ahmedabad. In a statement on X, Stalin said, "Deeply shocked by the horrifying crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad with 242 people on board. My thoughts are with everyone affected and the families of those on board. Hoping every possible effort is underway for rescue and relief." The incident has drawn widespread condolences from political leaders in Tamil Nadu. DMK MP Kanimozhi echoed the Chief Minister's sentiments, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. "Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic plane crash near Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which claimed precious lives. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured and strength to all affected by this tragedy," she stated in a post on X. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President and actor-turned-politician Vijay also expressed his sorrow, saying, "Deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 people on board. Heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured." Earlier today, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 242 people onboard, including 12 crew members, rammed into a doctors' hostel in the Meghani Nagar area shortly after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport. Air India said that among the 230 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian national. Meanwhile, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has deployed around 150 personnel to assist in the ongoing rescue and relief operations following the crash. According to a statement by the CRPF, troops from the 100 Battalion of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), along with personnel from the CRPF's Group Centre in Gandhinagar, have been sent to the crash site to support efforts on the ground. The Gujarat government has also mobilised three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel from Gandhinagar, to assist in rescue operations. Air India said that among the 230 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian national. (ANI)
A 38-year-old nurse Ranjitha Gopakimar hailing from Thiruvalla in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district was among the victims of the London-bound Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad on Thursday, her family confirmed. A London-bound Air India flight, carrying 242 people onboard, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport today, striking a doctors' hostel and claiming numerous lives. Kerala BJP chief and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandesekhar posted on X, "Tributes to Ranjitha R. Nair from Kozhencherry, who lost her life in the Ahmedabad plane crash." https://x.com/RajeevRC_X/status/1933154093981380789 Ranjitha who worked as a nurse in the United Kingdom was on the ill-fated flight has been confirmed to be dead, her relatives also said. She is survived by her two children and her mother who currently reside in Thiruvalla. Meanwhile, a person from Surat, Mahendra Vasandiya told ANI that his younger brother and wife were part of the AI flight and were on their way to meet their daughter in London. "My younger brother and his wife were on board and they were on their way to meet their daughter in London... I have no information yet," Vasandiya stated. Udaipur District Magistrate Namit Mehta also stated that so far four residents of Rajasthan's Udaipur district were among the 242 people on board the Air India flight. According to Udaipur district administration authorities, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has spoken with the affected families and assured them of all necessary assistance. "As per initial information, there were four passengers from Udaipur district on board the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad. The Chief Minister has spoken to their family members... The administration stands with them, and all necessary help will be extended. The families have been contacted," Mehta told reporters. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has deployed around 150 personnel to assist in the ongoing rescue and relief operations following the crash. According to a statement by the CRPF, troops from the 100 Battalion of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), along with personnel from the CRPF's Group Centre in Gandhinagar, have been sent to the crash site to support efforts on the ground. The Gujarat government has also mobilised three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel from Gandhinagar, to assist in rescue operations. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived on Thursday evening at the site of the London-bound Air India aircraft crash in Ahmedabad to take stock of the ongoing relief and rescue operations. The Union Home Minister was accompanied by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, the Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi. The London-bound flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed shortly after it took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport this afternoon, and rammed into a doctors' hostel in the Meghani Nagar area in Ahmedabad. As per DGCA, the crash occurred at approximately 1:30 PM IST. Meanwhile, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik confirmed that one survivor has been found in the deadly crash of an Air India plane after it rammed into a nearby doctors' hostel shortly after takeoff. Speaking to ANI on a phone call, Malik said, "The police found one survivor in seat 11A. He has been in the hospital and is under treatment. Cannot say anything about the number of deaths yet. The death toll may increase as the flight crashed in a residential area." After the crash, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has deployed around 150 personnel to assist in the ongoing rescue and relief operations following the crash. According to a statement by the CRPF, troops from the 100 Battalion of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), along with personnel from the CRPF's Group Centre in Gandhinagar, have been sent to the crash site to support efforts on the ground. The Gujarat government has also mobilised three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel from Gandhinagar, to assist in rescue operations. As per Air India, among the 230 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals onboard the AI171 flight to Gatwick in London. (ANI)
After the unfortunate event of Boeing 787-8 plane, Air India flight 171, crashing in Ahmedabad, the family of 21-year-old Nganthoi Sharma Kongbrailatpam here remains in mourning, awaiting official confirmation from the authorities, anxious to know whether she is dead or alive. Nganthoi Sharma, the middle child of three daughters in the family, was part of the cabin crew on duty on the flight. Her father, Kongrailatpam Nandesh Kumar Sharma, said that he had not received any information from the authorities that could inform his family about his daughter's condition. In shock, the father holds onto hopes that his middle child might still be alive and pleads to the authorities to give them the actual updates. "I found out through the news on mobile around 2.35 pm today. We have not received any information from Air India till now. I still have hopes (for her to be alive). Earlier, I heard that a few of the many people who were onboard had survived. However, I am hearing now that no one has survived. It depends on my daughter's and my fate," Nandesh Sharma told ANI. In desperation, the father has appealed to the concerned authorities in Gujarat and Air India to provide them with information about his daughter, who was part of the cabin crew. "Our family is grieving. Air India must provide us with some kind of information. We haven't received any information from the government or Air India authorities. She is my middle child. We have tried contacting her phone, but there is no answer. We must get some information about her, but that is not happening," he added. Khenjita Kongrailatpam, the cousin of Nganthoi Sharma, joins the family at a time of grief and remains uncertain about the whereabouts of her elder cousin. She said that the family hasn't received any confirmation about the 21-year-old crew member but only knows that the authorities will release the survivor list tonight. "We are devastated, but we haven't received any confirmation. So, we are hoping that she is well and alive. We tried to reach Air India and even the Trauma Casualty of the hospital. However, they say they will release the patient and survivor list after 11 pm. So, we don't have any update or confirmation right now," Kongrailatpam told ANI. Nganthoi Sharma was merely 19 years old when she started working as an air hostess. "She had joined around April 2023. She was very young when she joined. I think she is just 21 right now," Kongrailatpam added. Scores of people have died in the Ahmedabad plane crash after the Boeing 787-8, carrying 242 passengers, including 12 crew members onboard, crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport into a resident doctors' hostel building shortly after take-off on Thursday. Miraculously, just one person has survived the deadly crash. Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told ANI that one survivor was found. "The police found one survivor. He has been hospitalised and is under treatment. It is too early to confirm the death toll, but it may rise as the plane crashed into a residential area," he said. Air India confirmed that flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in an accident shortly after takeoff at 13:38 IST. The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 flying hours. According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It made a Mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, the aircraft did not respond to the calls made by ATC. Immediately after departing Runway 23, the aircraft fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. An official said heavy black smoke was coming from the accident site. The Tata Group has announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of each person who lost their lives in the crash. "Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support. Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical's hostel," N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, said in a post on X. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu assured that a fair and thorough investigation would be carried out to uncover the cause behind the tragic incident. "We are going to do a fair & thorough investigation, and probe why this incident happened. We still have to find out the numbers. We will go into depth about why this incident happened," Naidu told the media. The Gujarat government has mobilised three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel from Gandhinagar, to aid in ongoing rescue operations. (ANI)
The body of an electrician associated with the Agartala Smart City project was found stuffed inside an ice-cream freezer at a shop in Gandacherra's Narayanpur area, police said. The victim, identified as Sharif Miah, a resident of Indranagar, had gone missing on the evening of June 8 after receiving a phone call. According to West Tripura District Superintendent of Police, Kiran Kumar, the case was cracked following the confession of Dibakar Saha -- the prime accused -- who was apprehended during the investigation. Dibakar, who is reportedly the cousin of Sharif's girlfriend, allegedly lured Sharif under the pretence of gifting him a shirt brought from Kolkata. Sharif was taken to the house of Joydeep Das at South Indranagar in Agartala, where he was reportedly strangled to death. The murder was premeditated, as Dibakar had purchased a trolley bag two days prior, which was later used to transport Sharif's body from Agartala to Gandacherra. The body was concealed in an ice cream freezer inside a shop in Narayanpur. The investigation led to the arrest of multiple individuals allegedly involved in the crime. Apart from Dibakar, others arrested include Nabaneeta Das (25), Animesh Yadav (21), Joydeep Das, and Dibakar's parents -- Dipak and Debika Saha. Police suspect a possible romantic conflict and past dispute involving Sharif, his girlfriend, and Dibakar as the motive behind the murder. However, Sharif's mother, speaking to the media, refuted claims of a strained relationship. She revealed that her son and his girlfriend were in close contact the night he disappeared. It was, in fact, the girlfriend who informed her that Dibakar had brought a shirt for Sharif and had invited him to collect it. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and police continue to investigate the deeper motive behind the gruesome killing. The incident has sparked outrage and sorrow across the city, raising concerns over rising youth violence and betrayal under the guise of close relationships. (ANI)
Former Union Civil Aviation Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy condoled the Air India flight crash near Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport on Thursday. Rudy highlighted how the plane's model, Boeing's 787-8 Dreamliner, is known for efficiency, and he cannot comment on the cause before an investigation is completed.. "This is very sad and unfortunate. But I am not an expert. It will be very difficult to say what the cause of the accident was. It can be clear only after an investigation. This was a 787 Dreamliner aircraft which is considered a very efficient aircraft. It can easily fly for 12-14 hours after taking off," the former union minister told reporters here. "The flight was going from Ahmedabad to London. So, the plane must have 80-90 tons of fuel...I can't comment on the cause of the accident, but only after an investigation can it be clear. This is very sad and unusual," he added. Earlier, Rudy condoled the demise of people in the crash in a post on X. "The tragedy of the plane crash in Ahmedabad has deeply saddened my heart. This pain is beyond words. My condolences are with all the passengers, crew and their families. I pray to God to give strength to the bereaved families and speedy recovery to the injured," the former union minister wrote. Earlier today, Rajasthan Deputy CM Prem Chand Bairwa expressed grief over the incident, and that "all central and state activities have been stopped." "This is the first time such a thing has happened and the loss is unbearable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have reached the spot. The injured will be given relief... All state and central activities have been stopped... May the deceased rest in peace," Bairwa said. Till now, one survivor has been found in the deadly crash of an Air India plane carrying 242 people, after it rammed into a nearby doctors' hostel shortly after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, a senior police officer said. Speaking to ANI on a phone call, Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik says, "The police found one survivor in seat 11A. He has been in the hospital and is under treatment. Cannot say anything about the number of deaths yet. The death toll may increase as the flight crashed in a residential area." The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday afternoon. "After the takeoff, the plane crashed here and after a preliminary enquiry, we got to know that the ... plane crashed into a building, which is a doctors' hostel," Jaipal Singh Rathore, Joint Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad, told reporters. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into the doctors' hostel near the airport perimeter. Air India said that among the 230 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian national. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It made a Mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, the aircraft did not respond to the calls made by ATC. Immediately after departure, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. The official said that heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site. (ANI)
A total of 241 people onboard the Boeing 787-8, Air India flight 171, including 12 crew members, have died in the deadly Ahmedabad plane crash, Air India confirmed post-midnight on Friday. The passenger plane crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Gujarat's Ahmedabad into a resident doctors' hostel building shortly after take-off on Thursday. Miraculously, one person has survived the deadly crash, the airline authorities said, adding that the survivor was a British national of Indian origin. "The 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew. The aircraft crashed shortly after take-off. We regret to inform that, of the 242 aboard, there are 241 confirmed fatalities. The sole survivor is being treated in a hospital, Air India posted on X. The flight, which was operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025, carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. The Tata group-owned airline has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Those calling from outside India can call +91 8062779200. Air India has also deployed a team of caregivers in Ahmedabad to provide additional support and is cooperating with government authorities probing the incident. "Regular updates will continue on Air India's X handle (https://x.com/airindia) and on http://airindia.com as further information comes to hand," the airline said. Air India has also requested media persons not to call the dedicated passenger hotline number. The aircraft was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 flying hours. According to Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It made a Mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, the aircraft did not respond to the calls made by ATC. Immediately after departing Runway 23, the aircraft fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. An official said heavy black smoke was coming from the accident site. The Tata Group has announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of each person who lost their lives in the crash. "Tata Group will provide Rs 1 crore to the families of each person who has lost their life in this tragedy. We will also cover the medical expenses of those injured and ensure that they receive all necessary care and support. Additionally, we will provide support in the building up of the B J Medical's hostel," N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, said in a post on X. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu assured that a fair and thorough investigation would be conducted to uncover the cause of the tragic incident. "We are going to do a fair & thorough investigation, and probe why this incident happened. We still have to find out the numbers. We will go into depth about why this incident happened," Naidu told the media. The Gujarat government has mobilised three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel from Gandhinagar, to aid in ongoing rescue operations. (ANI)
The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom collectively announced sanctions and other measures targeting Israel ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, a statement by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong said. https://x.com/SenatorWong/status/1932770103638327673 "Settler violence is incited by extremist rhetoric which calls for Palestinians to be driven from their homes, encourages violence and human rights abuses, and fundamentally rejects the two-state solution. Settler violence has led to the deaths of Palestinian civilians and the displacement of whole communities," the statement read. "We are steadfastly committed to the two-state solution, which is the only way to guarantee security and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability in the region, but it is imperiled by extremist settler violence and settlement expansion," it added. Further, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous. These actions are not acceptable. "We have engaged the Israeli Government on this issue extensively, yet violent perpetrators continue to act with encouragement and impunity. This is why we have taken this action now - to hold those responsible to account, as per the statement," the statement added. It insisted that the Israeli government must uphold its obligations under international law and take meaningful action to end extremist, violent and expansionist rhetoric. The measures announced today do not deviate from our unwavering support for Israel's security and we continue to condemn the horrific terror attacks of 7 October by Hamas. Today's measures are targeted towards individuals who in our view undermine Israel's own security and its standing in the world. We continue to want a strong friendship with the people of Israel based on our shared ties, values and commitment to their security and future, the joint statement said. "Today's measures focus on the West Bank, but of course this cannot be seen in isolation from the catastrophe in Gaza. We continue to be appalled by the immense suffering of civilians, including the denial of essential aid. There must be no unlawful transfer of Palestinians from Gaza or within the West Bank, nor any reduction in the territory of the Gaza Strip," it emphasised. "We will continue to work with the Israeli government and a range of partners. We will strive to ensure an immediate ceasefire, the release now of the remaining hostages and for the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid including food. We want to see a reconstructed Gaza no longer run by Hamas and a political pathway to a two-state solution," the statement concluded. (ANI)
German Ambassador to India, Philip Ackermann held talks with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and discussed coal mining, which is important for the state and Germany. Ackermann, in conversation with ANI, said that Soren is a thoughtful man when it comes to such complex operations. "So the Chief Minister is a very thoughtful man when it comes to this transition, transition complex. It's a very, very difficult plan, and I think he's somebody who thinks about it a lot and has a lot of ideas, and we had a very substantive discussion on it," he said. Ackermann said that Soren intends to visit Germany soon to see some German coal mines that have been transformed to parks or business opportunities. "It was a bit along the lines that we heard on the podium tonight, but I can tell you that the Chief Minister intends to visit Germany at some stage in order to get an idea and some inspiration on how the German way to organise the transition works," he said. "So he wants to go to see some German coal mines that have been transformed to parks or business opportunities or even museums and to get some ideas. One, it's not a solution that will fit 100 per cent for India, but I think you can have some, you can get some inspiration. You can get some ideas from a trip to Germany. So I'm very, very happy that he intends to do that," he added. Ackermann said that Jharkhand plays a major role in Green and Sustainable Development and has flagged several projects with Germany. He added that Germany would love to host him. "We'll welcome him wholeheartedly in Germany. I think it's a very, very host we will be happy to see in Germany and organise a nice programme for him. So as you know, we are in this partnership of the green and sustainable development. Jharkhand has a big role in this partnership. We do projects on many levels in Jharkhand, and the transition project hopefully will also see the light of the day, not so far future," he said. He said that coal in Germany and Jharkhand is different, and there are mines in Germany that have been closed. He said that they will also discuss the impact of the same with Soren. "It's different, of course, because the coal is different, you know, it's also the coal mines in Germany, most of them of the black coal mines have been closed by now so but the same, you know, impact on the population is there. So, what do people do when you close the coal mines? What is their next livelihood? Where do they, you know, earn their money and increase their prosperity, and that's similar, and I think there we can sit together and discuss," he said. https://x.com/HemantSorenJMM/status/1932782183762301079 Talking about his meeting with Ackermann, Soren said in a post on X, "Pleased to welcome Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India, in Ranchi today. We had a fruitful discussion on avenues of collaboration on mutual interests. Jharkhand is keen to deepen ties with Germany and explore shared opportunities." (ANI)
US President Donald Trump on Thursday while attending a performance of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center said that the US military personnel are being moved out of some countries in the Middle East because it would otherwise be perilous. Trump said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. "They (US military personnel) are being moved out (of some countries of the Middle East) because it could be a dangerous place and we will see what happens...We have given notice to move out," he said. The comments come after a failed round of talks of the US with Iran. "They can't have a nuclear weapon. Very simple. They can't have a nuclear weapon. We're not going to allow that," he said. The US is withdrawing the presence of people who are not deemed essential to operations in the Middle East due to the potential for regional unrest, the US State Department and military said on Wednesday, as tensions with neighboring Iran rose amid deteriorating nuclear talks, as per The Times of Israel. "President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq," a State Department official told The Times of Israel. The department also authorised the departure of nonessential personnel and family members from Bahrain and Kuwait, giving them an option on whether to leave the country, as per The Times of Israel. In addition, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorised the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the Middle East, a US official said. Another US official said that it was mostly relevant to family members located in Bahrain -- where the bulk of them are based. Tensions in the region have been rising in recent days as talks between the US and Iran over its rapidly advancing nuclear program appear to have hit an impasse. (ANI)
The US is withdrawing the presence of people who are not deemed essential to operations in the Middle East due to the potential for regional unrest, the US State Department and military said on Wednesday as tensions with neighboring Iran rose amid deteriorating nuclear talks, as per The Times of Israel. "President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad. In keeping with that commitment, we are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies. Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq," a State Department official told The Times of Israel. The department also authorised the departure of non-essential personnel and family members from Bahrain and Kuwait, giving them an option on whether to leave the country, as per The Times of Israel. In addition, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorised the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the Middle East, a US official said. Another US official said that it was mostly relevant to family members located in Bahrain -- where the bulk of them are based. Tensions in the region have been rising in recent days as talks between the US and Iran over its rapidly advancing nuclear program appear to have hit an impasse. In light of mounting friction, Michael Kurilla, who directs American forces in the Middle East as the head of US Central Command, postponed his testimony before US lawmakers he was set to give on Thursday, according to two officials, as per The Times of Israel. Iran's mission to the UN posted on social media that "threats of overwhelming force won't change the facts." "Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, and US militarism only fuels instability," the Iranian mission wrote. Iranian Defence Minister Gen Aziz Nasirzadeh told journalists Wednesday that he hoped talks with the US would yield results, though Tehran stood ready to respond with strikes on American bases in the region, Times of Israel reported. (ANI)
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh questioned the US for inviting Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir to US Army Day celebrations on June 14. Jairam Ramesh condemned the decision, citing the 'two nation' remarks by Munir just before the Pahalgam terror attacks. In a post on X, he said, "This is the man who spoke in such incendiary and provocative language just before the Pahalgam terror attacks. What is the US really up to? This is another huge diplomatic setback for India." https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1932795637898358835 Jairam Ramesh called US' comment on Pakistan - 'great partner in the counter-terrorism campaign' - a setback for India. In a post on X, he said, "Recently, the head of the US Central Command called Pakistan a 'great partner in the counter-terrorism campaign'. What will our Prime Minister and his ovation say to this? Is this not a diplomatic setback for India?" https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1932786842539340080 Munir is reportedly set to arrive in Washington DC, following an invitation from his American counterpart to participate in the US Army's 250th anniversary celebrations. The main festivities for the US Army parade will be held on Saturday, June 14, coinciding with US President Donald Trump's birthday, The News reported. Munir has been invited to the commemorative event. This visit comes weeks after a conflict between India and Pakistan. The US Army's 250th anniversary will be marked with a large-scale festival and parade in Washington on Saturday, June 14. The event is expected to feature approximately 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The most recent time the US hosted a military parade was in 1991, to mark the end of the Gulf War. The National Victory parade featured around 8,000 service members, and about 2,00,000 people watched the parade. According to The Washington Post, the event cost USD 8 million, as per CBS News. (ANI)
The US State and Defence Departments have begun moving non-essential personnel out of several locations across West Asia amid growing regional tensions, CNN reported citing US officials and sources familiar with the matter. While the exact cause of the shift in posture remains unclear, a defence official told CNN that US Central Command (CENTCOM) is monitoring "developing tension in the Middle East." President Donald Trump, commenting on the situation, said, "They are being moved out because it could be a dangerous place... we've given notice to move out, and we'll see what happens CNN reported that the voluntary departure of military dependents from locations across the region has been authorized by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. "The safety and security of our service members and their families remains our highest priority," an official said. CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael Kurilla postponed his scheduled testimony before a Senate committee due to the evolving situation, according to a defence official. The State Department, in coordination with the Pentagon, is also preparing to order the departure of non-essential personnel from US embassies in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait, as well as the consulate in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, CNN reported. A local Iraqi official, however, stated that the movements were not connected to the security environment in Iraq. A State Department spokesperson said, "President Trump is committed to keeping Americans safe, both at home and abroad... Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq." The department also updated its travel advisory, citing "heightened regional tensions" as the reason for the ordered departure. CNN further reported that President Trump expressed waning confidence in reaching a new nuclear agreement with Iran, telling a New York Post podcast that Tehran may be "delaying" the deal. "I'm getting more and more less confident about it... Something happened to them," Trump said, adding that his instincts suggest the deal is increasingly unlikely. In a related development, CNN cited sources saying Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call on Monday to stop discussing a potential attack on Iran. The call, according to Trump, went "very well, very smooth." Last month, CNN reported the US had obtained intelligence suggesting that Israel was preparing for a potential strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. US officials noted signs of Israeli military posturing, including the movement of air munitions and completion of an air exercise, though a final decision by Israeli leadership had not been confirmed. Amid these developments, Iran's Defence Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh issued a stern warning. As per Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, he said if nuclear talks fail and conflict erupts, the US would be "forced to leave the region," asserting that all US bases are within the reach of Iranian forces. "The adversary will certainly suffer heavier casualties," he added, though he did not clarify whether he was referring to the US, Israel, or both. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump while attending 'Les Miserables' Opening Night at Kennedy Center with US First Lady Melania Trump said that he was proud of the work done in Los Angeles in curbing the riots. Trump said that the protests were caused by the radical left. He said, "I am very proud to have helped Los Angeles survive... If we didn't bring the National Guard and the Marines, Los Angeles would be burning to the ground, and that's not over yet... These are radical left lunatics that you're dealing with. They are tough, smart. They are probably paid many of them." "What happened in Los Angeles was caused by gross incompetence. They did not have the police to handle it, the police were asking us to come handle it," he added. Earlier in the day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during her press briefing too echoed Trump's remarks on radicals. "What we have seen transpire in Los Angeles, California in recent days is shameful. Left-wing radicals waving foreign flags viciously attacked ICE and Border Patrol agents as well as Los Angeles police officers," she said. "These criminals injured police, threw rocks at police, cars and officers, burned vehicles, shut down freeways and lobbed Molotov cocktails- all because the Trump administration was removing violent criminal illegal aliens from the city," she added. Leavitt said that these attacks were aimed at American society itself. https://x.com/PressSec/status/1932882908047413711 "These attacks were aimed not just at law enforcement, but at American culture and society itself. Rioters burned American flags, chanted death to ICE and spray painted anti-American slogans on buildings," she said. She said that the mob rule will never prevail in the Trump administration. "But President Trump will never allow mob rule to prevail in America. The most basic duty of government is to preserve law and order and this administration embraces that sacred responsibility," she said. Demonstrations against the Trump administration's deportation crackdown are taking place beyond California as Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents conduct raids. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested that Trump's order to federalize the National Guard in California to respond to the protests could extend to other states, as per CNN. (ANI)
According to Geo News, the epicentre of the earthquake was located in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush mountain range, at a depth of 211 kilometres.

No immediate damage or casualties were reported following the tremors.

This latest quake comes nearly a month after a 5.3-magnitude earthquake struck Islamabad and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Mardan, Swat, Nowshera, Swabi, and North Waziristan. That quake also had its epicentre in the Hindu Kush region at a depth of 230 kilometres, with coordinates recorded at latitude 36.63 N and longitude 71.13 E, Geo News reported.

Earlier in April, two more earthquakes had hit various regions across Pakistan.

Pakistan is prone to seismic activity as it lies on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

The Indian plate's northward push into the Eurasian plate causes frequent tremors in the region.

Meanwhile, Geo News highlighted that the port city of Karachi has experienced nearly 30 mild quakes in recent days.

Chief Meteorologist Aamir Haider explained that the Landhi Fault Line had become active after decades and is currently undergoing a normalisation phase. (ANI)
State Department spokesperson Timmy Bruce, addressing a press briefing on June 10, said that consular processing of Afghan SIV applications is proceeding uninterrupted at all US embassies and consulates around the world, according to Khaama Press.

The exemption has brought relief to thousands of Afghans awaiting relocation under the program.

When asked about the rise in ISIS activity under Taliban rule, Bruce declined to comment, saying there were no specific updates.

This comes days after the Taliban claimed it killed two alleged ISIS fighters in Kabul, asserting control over internal security threats.

The travel ban, introduced via executive order by President Trump, had targeted citizens from 12 countries, including Afghanistan.

However, the exemption for Afghan SIV holders signals Washington's ongoing support for individuals who assisted US missions during its two-decade presence in the country, Khaama Press reported.

The Afghan SIV program was created to protect local allies--including interpreters, embassy staff, and military contractors--facing threats following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Human rights organizations have welcomed the clarification, calling it a vital step to uphold international responsibility.

With continued instability and rising threats from extremist groups, experts stress the need to keep strong resettlement pathways open for vulnerable Afghans. (ANI)
The protesters were later handed over to local law enforcement officials.

According to Fox News, Major Gen. Scott Sherman, head of Task Force 51, is overseeing the deployment of over 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines in Los Angeles.

Immigration officials have circulated images showing National Guard soldiers providing security to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents during enforcement actions.

Fox News further reported that California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed an emergency motion to halt the Trump administration's use of military forces in immigration operations without prior consultation with state authorities.

Newsom has alleged that 2,000 state National Guard members were commandeered illegally and without coordination.

The Trump administration, however, has defended its actions, stating that ICE operations are focused on detaining individuals involved in violent crimes such as murder, human trafficking, drug offenses, and domestic abuse, Fox News added.

Meanwhile, controversy continues over whether local authorities were adequately informed ahead of the ICE raids.

According to CNN, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass stated the city had not been given advance notice about the timing or locations of the enforcement actions. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell also said the department was not properly briefed to prepare for unrest.

However, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin disputed these claims, asserting that the LAPD was notified two days prior.

A spokesperson for LAPD, as cited by CNN, reiterated that their leadership maintained they were not informed. "Per Chief McDonnell, the Department was not notified," the statement said.

Mayor Bass reaffirmed this, stating on Tuesday that her office had received no information regarding upcoming operations.

Demonstrators have since clashed with law enforcement, blocked roads, and caused property damage across parts of Los Angeles.

The situation underscores ongoing tensions between California's sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement efforts. (ANI)
China, Spain pledge to deepen strategic partnership

Xinhua) 08:40, June 12, 2025

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Madrid, Spain, June 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

MADRID, June 11 (Xinhua) -- China and Spain are ready to work together to further advance their comprehensive strategic partnership, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said during a meeting in Madrid on Wednesday.

Han recalled Sanchez's latest visit to China in April, the third in three years, during which Sanchez had profound exchanges with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The two sides agreed to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, maintain the free trade order, and safeguard international fairness and justice, underscoring the vital significance of China-Spain relations in promoting global stability and prosperity, Han added.

This year marks 20 years since the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Spain. Han said China is ready to take this opportunity to work with the Spanish side to implement the important consensus reached by their leaders, maintain high-level exchanges, continuously strengthen political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, further enhance communication, collaboration and mutual support in multilateral mechanisms including the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, and promote greater development of the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership.

Against the backdrop of the current volatile international situation, China and Europe should enhance solidarity and cooperation, maintain multilateralism and free trade, Han said, adding that such efforts are not only beneficial to China and Europe, but also conducive to stabilizing the global economy.

Han expressed hope that Spain will play an active role in pushing forward the sound and steady development of China-Europe relations, taking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU) as an opportunity.

Sanchez said China's adherence and commitment to multilateralism are particularly valuable at a time when unilateralism and protectionism are harming all countries' interests. There is no winner in a tariff war, he said, adding that Spain and the EU, both opposed to unilateralism and supportive of free trade, are willing to work with China to maintain the international trade order and safeguard multilateralism.

The Spanish government adheres to the one-China policy and welcomes more Chinese businesses to invest in Spain, he added.

Sanchez also expressed the Spanish government's willingness to play an active role in boosting Europe-China relations.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The phone call, which took place on Monday, comes amid ongoing indirect ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and the US, as well as Washington's efforts to secure a nuclear agreement with Iran.

CNN noted that despite Trump later describing the call as "very well, very smooth," tensions between the two leaders have grown in recent weeks over the Gaza conflict.

According to CNN, Trump urged Netanyahu during the call to stop public discussion of a potential attack on Iran and halt leaks about related military plans.

In response, Netanyahu reportedly told Trump that Iran was stalling through negotiations and was not genuinely committed to any deal.

Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations have shown some movement. Netanyahu convened a meeting of top ministers on Tuesday night after "some progress" was made toward a deal, according to his office.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also acknowledged recent advances, though he cautioned against premature optimism.

On Thursday, Hamas confirmed it had not rejected the US-proposed deal but sought stronger guarantees against future Israeli attacks.

The rift between the US and Israel appears to be deepening. The Trump administration recently bypassed Israel during a Middle East trip, secured a ceasefire deal with Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis that failed to curb missile attacks on Israel, and lifted sanctions on Syria--moves that have drawn criticism from Israeli officials.

The Trump administration is also working to expand the Abraham Accords, aiming to include Saudi Arabia.

However, Riyadh has maintained that normalisation with Israel is contingent upon steps toward Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told Bloomberg News that the two-state solution is no longer a goal of US policy, citing cultural and political realities.

Earlier in the war, Trump had floated the idea of a "Gaza Riviera" under US control, which would involve the relocation of a large portion of the Palestinian population from the coastal strip. (ANI)
The East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) has strongly condemned the newly proposed U.S.-China rare earth trade framework unveiled on Wednesday by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, warning that the agreement would facilitate the continued import of strategic minerals sourced from East Turkistan--an occupied nation undergoing genocide and widespread forced labor. "This is not diplomacy; it is complicity," said Mamtimin Ala, President of the ETGE. "These minerals are soaked in the blood of enslaved Uyghurs. There is no neutral ground when dealing with China: either you stand against the Uyghur genocide, or you enable it." The ETGE noted that the proposed framework blatantly contradicts the U.S. government's genocide designation from January 2021 and violates the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act, which prohibits goods linked to forced labour in East Turkistan from entering the U.S. market. A report by Global Rights Compliance documented dozens of Chinese state-linked firms operating in the region's mining sector under "labour transfer" programs--a euphemism for state-enforced forced labour. A report by Global Rights Compliance reveals that numerous Chinese state-affiliated companies in East Turkistan's mining and rare earth industries are involved in so-called "labour transfer" programs, an official term used to mask the systematic use of forced labour targeting Uyghurs and other Turkic ethnic groups. These practices are a core component of China's broader campaign of genocide, colonial domination, and resource exploitation in the region. "This proposed deal is a license for China to keep looting our homeland and enslaving our people," said Salih Hudayar, ETGE's Minister of Foreign Affairs. "If America still claims to stand for liberty and human dignity, it must stand with East Turkistan, not China." It is estimated that up to 20 percent of China's rare earth output originates from East Turkistan, where extraction occurs without local consent, under coercion, and with severe environmental degradation, as noted by ETGE. "East Turkistan is not China. Our people are oppressed, our lands exploited, and our wealth stolen," added Ala. "Every ton of rare earth exported under China's boot tightens the chains on our nation." The ETGE emphasized its readiness to work with democratic governments. "An independent East Turkistan, free from Chinese occupation, would be prepared to supply the United States and other democratic nations with critical minerals at competitive, and potentially discounted, rates," said Hudayar. "We call on the U.S. to abandon this framework and stand for justice." The East Turkistan Government in Exile calls on the United States to withdraw from the proposed trade agreement and take a principled stand by spearheading a global initiative to isolate the Chinese regime. It urges Washington to uphold justice by holding China accountable for its ongoing atrocities and to support the East Turkistani people in their legitimate struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and national independence. (ANI)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated he will only discuss territorial matters directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian state controlled network RT reported. Zelensky's remarks follow the second round of peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul earlier this month. In an interview with Hungarian outlet Valasz Online, as reported by RT.com, Zelensky said the Ukrainian delegation involved in peace talks in Istanbul is not authorized to negotiate on sovereignty or territorial integrity. The report further said that Zelensky clarified the Ukrainian delegation's mandate only covers humanitarian issues and ceasefire discussions. "What they do not have a mandate for is to discuss the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," he emphasized, adding that only he will handle such matters, especially in talks with Putin. During the recent peace talks, both Russia and Ukraine presented proposals for ending the conflict. RT noted that Moscow's roadmap involves Ukraine recognizing the loss of five regions to Russia, withdrawing its forces, maintaining neutrality, and reducing its military capabilities. Zelensky, however, rejected the proposal, calling it "an ultimatum" and demanding an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Amid ongoing tensions and stalled peace efforts, RT reported that a second group of Russian prisoners of war (PoWs) was released from Ukrainian captivity as part of the prisoner swap deal reached between Moscow and Kiev in Istanbul last week. According to RT, while the Defence Ministry did not disclose the exact number of servicemen returned, it released a video showing the freed soldiers draped in Russian flags preparing to board buses. The soldiers are currently receiving psychological and medical assistance in Belarus and will be transferred to Russian military hospitals for rehabilitation. Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed the exchange, describing it as "the first stage" of a swap involving "seriously wounded... soldiers" and called it "an important humanitarian act." RT reported that during the second round of direct negotiations in Istanbul, both sides agreed to exchange seriously injured, ill, or under-25 captives. The Russian Defence Ministry did not specify which categories were included in this phase. Additionally, Russia announced the return of over 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers' bodies as a unilateral humanitarian gesture. Moscow attempted to hand over 1,212 bodies on Saturday, but Ukrainian representatives failed to arrive at the exchange point, RT reported. (ANI)
Russia has returned the remains of 1,212 Ukrainian soldiers in the latest exchange with Kiev, RT reported, citing Kremlin official Vladimir Medinsky. The bodies, recovered from multiple front-line regions, mark a continued effort in the humanitarian coordination between the two nations. According to RT, the Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War first announced the transfer. The remains were recovered from Kursk, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye regions of Russia, along with Ukraine's Kharkiv region. No individual identities were released. Meanwhile, Russia received the remains of 27 of its soldiers during the exchange. RT further reported that Medinsky, Moscow's chief negotiator in talks with Kiev, stated on Telegram that both sides had agreed to initiate "urgent sanitary exchanges" involving severely wounded prisoners of war. He emphasized Russia's commitment, saying, "Russia does not abandon its own people." The exchange followed discussions held earlier this month in Istanbul. As per RT, Moscow had earlier offered to return over 6,000 Ukrainian bodies but accused Kiev of delaying acceptance. Despite logistical setbacks, Russian Lieutenant General Aleksandr Zorin affirmed Moscow's intent to uphold the agreement, calling it a "purely humanitarian action." Adding to the momentum from the Istanbul talks, a second group of Russian prisoners of war (POWs) has been released from Ukrainian captivity following a major prisoner swap agreement between Moscow and Kiev last week, RT reported, citing the Russian Defense Ministry. According to RT, while the Defense Ministry did not disclose the exact number of servicemen returned, it released a video showing the freed soldiers draped in Russian flags preparing to board buses. The soldiers are currently receiving psychological and medical assistance in Belarus and will be transferred to Russian military hospitals for rehabilitation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the exchange, describing it as "the first stage" of a swap involving "seriously wounded... soldiers" and called it "an important humanitarian act." RT reported that during the second round of direct negotiations in Istanbul, both sides agreed to exchange seriously injured, ill, or under-25 captives. The Russian Defense Ministry did not specify which categories were included in this phase. Additionally, Russia announced the return of over 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers' bodies as a unilateral humanitarian gesture. Moscow attempted to hand over 1,212 bodies on Saturday, but Ukrainian representatives failed to arrive at the exchange point, RT reported. (ANI)
As India cements its place as the world's fourth-largest economy, the global balance of power is shifting -- and Canada must take note, says Ujjal Dosanjh, former Canadian Minister of Health, senior lawyer, and vocal advocate against extremism. Speaking in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the G7 summit, Dosanjh says this moment offers a much-needed opportunity to reset strained India-Canada relations, particularly due to long-standing tensions over Khalistan-linked extremism. "India, even before it became the fourth-largest economy, was being recognised by leaders like Carney as indispensable on the global stage," Dosanjh remarked, referring to Prime Minister Mark Carney, who assumed office earlier this year. "Now that India has moved up in global rankings, it only strengthens the case for deeper cooperation." Dosanjh pointed out that G7 leaders are well aware of India's growing influence and are likely advising Canada not to let political disagreements override strategic and economic interests. "Leaders know that even when they have issues with a country, they can't ignore its importance. They find ways to engage constructively -- and that's the approach Carney seems to be taking," he said. Prime Minister Carney's invitation to Prime Minister Modi drew protests from several Sikh separatist groups in Canada. But Dosanjh, a long-time critic of extremism, questioned the seriousness with which these groups should be taken, especially given their historical role in damaging Canada's global reputation. "These elements did massive damage to Canada's image when they bombed Air India Flight 182 in 1985," Dosanjh said, referencing the worst act of aviation terror before 9/11. "That wasn't India's wound -- it was Canada's wound. Those were Canadian citizens who died." He also recalled the role of Khalistani militant Talwinder Singh Parmar, believed to be the mastermind of the Air India bombing. "Parmar had earlier killed police officers in India and fled here. Indira Gandhi sought his extradition, but Canada didn't act, partly because there was no extradition treaty at the time. That failure had grave consequences." Dosanjh emphasised that Canada has allowed such extremist elements to penetrate mainstream politics. "Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper rightly said we shouldn't tolerate separatists in our political parties -- especially those seeking to break up allied democracies. I've always believed that, and I suspect Carney privately does too," he added. India has sought the extradition of 26 fugitives, including several Khalistani extremists. On this issue, Dosanjh confirmed that there are signs of cooperation, although progress remains slow. "I spoke with Mr. Verma, India's former High Commissioner to Canada, and he said publicly -- and to me privately -- that Canada has started moving on some of those cases," he revealed. "There is an extradition treaty in place. It now depends on the quality of the evidence provided, and on Canada's willingness to act on it." With both countries being democracies and promoting strategic autonomy in foreign policy, Dosanjh sees a natural alignment between India and Canada, especially on trade and global issues. "Canada exports a lot of lentils and grains to India. I know someone personally in that business who's been suffering because of the diplomatic chill -- no trains are moving from his location," he said. "It's critical for both countries to stabilise relations not just for trade, but also to collaborate on global challenges as democratic allies." Dosanjh believes PM Modi's visit to the G7, hosted by Canada this year, is a promising step toward restoring ties. "Mr. Carney signalled his intent to reset the relationship during his campaign. Inviting Modi to the G7 is the first concrete step in that direction," he said. While tensions remain, especially around the killing of separatist figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Dosanjh believes these should not prevent broader cooperation. "Countries always have disputes. But responsible governments work on multiple tracks: you can address law enforcement matters on one track and continue dialogue on trade, people-to-people ties, and international cooperation on other tracks." On the recent attack on journalist Mocha Bezirgan in Vancouver -- where Khalistani supporters allegedly surrounded, threatened, and snatched his phone -- Dosanjh didn't mince words. "Khalistanis have never shied away from violence. Air India was just the most dramatic example," he said. "Unless there are serious prosecutions, these incidents will continue. Canada has been slow to prosecute Khalistani violence, and that delay is hurting our society." He stressed that the problem is not just about India's security. "It's in Canada's own interest to control this menace, for the peace and safety of Canadians. We must protect journalists, uphold free speech, and prosecute threats without fear or political calculations." The extradition of Pakistani national Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired attack in New York, has raised further concerns about radicalisation in Canada. Dosanjh believes these fears are well-founded. "Nearly 100 Canadians went to fight alongside ISIS. Some returned and were prosecuted, some are in jail. Canada is aware of the threat, but our responses are often too slow and reactive," he said. "The same lethargy we showed after Air India shouldn't be repeated with new threats whether from Islamist extremists or Khalistani groups." Dosanjh also pointed to Pakistan's long-standing role in fuelling the Khalistan movement -- a connection made more visible during recent protests in Vancouver where Pakistani flags were seen alongside Khalistani banners. "This isn't new. In the 1970s, Jagjit Singh Chohan declared Khalistan in a U.S. newspaper after returning from Pakistan. That declaration was funded by Pakistani money, funnelled in part by the CIA. I met Chohan in Canada back then," he recalled. He warned that the ISI's hand remains visible today. "Figures like Pannun are believed to be working with Pakistani handlers in the U.S. Indian officials know this. Many Canadian politicians, either gullible or ignorant, still look the other way. But now, with the Pakistani flag appearing openly in these rallies, the truth is harder to deny." Despite all the tensions and painful history, Dosanjh remains hopeful. "This G7 summit, hosted by Canada, is a turning point. Prime Minister Carney has taken the first step by inviting Modi. Now it's time for sustained engagement, honest dialogue, and zero tolerance for those who threaten democracy in any form." He concludes with a clear message: "Canada and India are both democracies. They may have their differences, but the shared values and the global stakes are too high to let those differences define the relationship." (ANI)
Only nine individuals remain under monitoring, with all deemed appropriately tracked.

According to the TOLO News report, as of July 2024 those nine evacuees were still listed, while the FBI determined the other 46 no longer posed a threat.

The findings clarify security concerns tied to evacuation procedures and post-exit screening.

TOLO News further reported that despite President Trump's visa suspension affecting citizens of twelve countries, Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders are exempt.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that Afghan SIV processing and interviews continue uninterrupted at US embassies and consulates worldwide.

Meanwhile, TOLO News highlights nationwide unrest sparked by Trump's immigration restrictions.

Violent protests and over 200 arrests have occurred, prompting a nighttime curfew in downtown Los Angeles.

Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency, noting vandalism at 23 businesses, and Governor Gavin Newsom warned that "criminal behavior will not be tolerated."

Justice officials state that more arrests are pending as investigations continue. (ANI)
Shafi Burfat, Chairman of the Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM), has issued an urgent and impassioned appeal to the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), detailing what he describes as a relentless and systematic campaign of human rights violations and political persecution carried out by the Pakistani state and its military-intelligence establishment against the people of Sindh. In a detailed letter submitted on behalf of the Sindhudesh National Movement and JSMM, Burfat provides a bleak picture of life in Sindh, claiming that villages are raided, families are terrorised, and political opposition is met with violence, abductions, and enforced disappearances. He cites recent crackdowns in Hyderabad's Qasimabad, where members of the Mirani minority, known for their political allegiance to the Sindhi national movement, have been specifically targeted. According to the letter, police and intelligence officers invaded residences, assaulted women, and abducted numerous people, including Mukhtiar Mirani, Sansar Mirani, and Imran Mirani. Burfat emphasises that none of these individuals were directly involved in politics; their only 'crime' was being linked to well-known Sindhi politicians. Burfat claims that these acts are part of a premeditated repression program aimed at eroding Sindh's political consciousness and suppressing the nonviolent movement calling for Sindh's control of its natural resources and political sovereignty. He describes how entire villages are under attack, with families subjected to midnight raids, young people abducted without a warrant, and relatives left in despair, unsure of their loved ones' fate. The disappearances, he adds, are the result of similar violent operations in communities like Bajarani Laghari, where civilians were beaten, homes were burned, and residents were removed without due process. Burfat emphasises the broader political backdrop, arguing that Sindh is currently engaged in an existential struggle for survival as a historical and national entity, rather than just a governance issue. The letter accuses Pakistan's authorities of participating in an aggressive campaign of land grabs, economic marginalisation, and cultural erasure, which he refers to as "Punjabi colonialism." Burfat alleges that the military establishment is aiming to illegally occupy millions of acres of Sindhi land, including urban areas, forests, and mountains. He adds that Sindh's national movement has engaged in a peaceful and democratic political battle to resist the occupation and safeguard Sindh's territorial sovereignty. According to Burfat, political freedom in Sindh has vanished. Peaceful expression of national identity is criminalised, and activists face enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and extrajudicial killings on a daily basis. He accuses Pakistan of becoming a militarised, fascist regime in which even dissent is met with murder and disappearances. Citing the international community's moral and legal responsibilities, Burfat encourages the United Nations to take prompt action in response to the egregious human rights violations in Sindh. He calls on the United Nations to send a Human Rights Fact-Finding Mission to Sindh, and urges the international community to put pressure on Pakistan to suspend all military operations in civilian areas and release missing political activists. He also advocates for international probes to hold those responsible in Pakistan's military and intelligence services accountable. Burfat further states that the people of Sindh seek justice, not charity, based on international human rights values and the United Nations Charter's acknowledgment of the right to self-determination. He cautions that global silence in the face of such injustice will only strengthen authoritarianism and undermine the principles on which the United Nations was founded. Burfat describes the petition as a desperate cry from a people being crushed by an unjust and militarised state. He stated that the world must act "before it is too late." (ANI)
The United States and China have reached a new trade agreement, reviving terms first agreed to in Geneva last month, after escalating tensions led to a virtual halt in bilateral trade, CNN reported. The agreement was confirmed Tuesday night by top negotiators from both sides and will now be forwarded to their respective leaders for final approval. The trade truce brings temporary relief to global markets, businesses and consumers rattled by months of tariff hikes and growing uncertainty. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social on Wednesday that the "deal" was complete, confirming that both countries would ease export restrictions. "Our deal with China is done," Trump posted in all-caps, stating that China would supply "full magnets, and any necessary rare earths...up front," as per the Geneva framework. However, despite the breakthrough, trade relations remain fraught. Tariff levels are still at historic highs, and the US has not lifted restrictions on Chinese autos or resumed sales of advanced AI chips. As CNN noted, this truce is more a reset to the status quo before April 2 than a full resolution of underlying trade tensions. After Trump's "Liberation Day" announcement in April that imposed a 145% tariff on most Chinese imports, trade had nearly frozen. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the lead negotiator, admitted previous tariff levels were "unsustainable." On May 12, both countries agreed to roll back some tariffs, and economists scaled back recession fears. But mutual accusations of non-compliance quickly followed. Trump officials accused China of delaying the release of rare earth materials vital for electronics and defense, while China claimed the US failed to honour its Geneva commitments. Industry experts told CNN that, despite Xi Jinping's reported promises, rare earth flows had not returned to previous levels. Meanwhile, the second Trump administration has enforced steep trade barriers, including a 10% universal tariff and an extra 20% on Chinese goods linked to fentanyl concerns. The removal of the de minimis exemption on sub-$800 packages has also impacted Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu. Major firms like Apple face increased costs, with the company projecting a $900 million quarterly hike due to current tariffs. Others, like Boeing, have virtually lost access to China's market since 2019, despite no official bans. Still, Trump expressed optimism: "President XI and I are going to work closely together to open up China to American Trade," he said on Wednesday, calling it a potential "great WIN for both countries." Meanwhile, according to Chinese state media report Global Times when asked whether China can confirm US President Donald Trump's claim, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Thursday stressed that the China-US trade meeting was held under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, and the two sides reached a consensus in principle on the framework of measures to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state in their phone call on June 5 and consolidate the results of the Geneva economic and trade talks, and made new progress in resolving the economic and trade concerns of both sides. The Chinese spokesperson was cited in the Global Times report as saying that China always honours its commitments with concrete actions and that now that a consensus has been reached, both sides should abide by it. "It is hoped that the US will work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone call, give full play to the role of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism, enhance consensus, reduce misunderstandings and strengthen cooperation through communication and dialogue," Lin said when asked abou the social media post of Trump that the US has reached a deal with China and China will supply rare earths magnets and others to the United States. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met French President Emmanuel Macron and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings during his visit to France. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Honoured to call on President @EmmanuelMacron of France. Conveyed greetings of PM @narendramodi." He also expressed gratitude for France's support in counter-terrorism efforts. "Thanked him for France's strong message of support in the fight against terrorism," he wrote. Jaishankar said the conversation underscored the strong bilateral relationship. "Our discussions reflected the trust, comfort and ambition of our Strategic Partnership." Reflecting on broader diplomatic trends, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while speaking at GMF Brussels Forum 2025, explained his comment on Europe that he made in 2022, saying that in these three years, Europe's stance has evolved. "Somewhere Europe has to grow out of the mindset that Europe's problems are the world's problems but the world's problems are not Europe's problems. That if it is you, it's yours, if it is me, it is ours. I see reflections of that," Jaishankar had said this when India was pressed to take a rougher stance against Russia on their conflict with Ukraine. When asked by a journalist if Europe has evolved from it, Jaishankar jested, saying that the quote was 'thrown at him' frequently. "You have no idea how many times that quotation has been thrown back at me!" he said. "I do want to say this we're now in 2025 and I think there's been a big change where Europe is concerned in these three years which is a large part of being on your own or being part of a multipolar architecture one is to realize your own capabilities and limitations and compulsions and relationships. So you are more self-reliant in a way, but the other part of it is also to try to put yourself in the shoes of the other party. It's not easy to do," he said. Jaishankar stressed that he was not justifying anything, but Europe should have put itself in Russia's shoes, if they truly know what they want. "I know Russia is a big issue right now. My honest answer to you is I don't think Europeans had a good sense of how the Russians felt about the relationship or about the direction of events when people say we didn't see that coming, you normally don't see that. I'm not justifying anything," he said. Jaishankar said that to be a good practitioner in international relations, one has to understand the behaviour and practices of other countries. "I'm just saying that in international relations if you have to be a good practitioner, if you have to do well even for your own country or for your own group of countries. It's smart to try to understand the thinking processes, the interests, the anxieties, the behavioral traits of other parties and I certainly didn't see that I would say in respect of Russia also," he said. Jaishankar pointed out that Europe's narrative of evolution after the formation of the Russian state is starkly different from the Russian version. "So in fact often the narrative you hear from Russia is so starkly different about let us say the evolution of Europe after 1992. Europe has one version or much of Europe has one version, Russia has a very different version," he said. Jaishankar said that the quote in question here meant to draw attention of Europe to Asia, African, and Latin American countries- the third world- while Europe made any decision. "So the point, the quotation which was recalled, was more like okay look worry about the rest of us as well. We folks in Asia and Africa and Latin America, we are also taking a hit on at that time 2022 on energy, on food prices, on fertilizers so spare some thought to us and when you make your decisions factor that in that was the intent then," he said. Jaishankar said that operating in a multipolar world is like playing a game of chess, one has to anticipate the moves of other players too. "The larger point I would make is in a multipolar world one is of course to in a way you're more selfish but you also have to be more realistic and some ways smarter in trying. It's more of a chess game. You've got to see many more moves ahead which means you got to be able to have the ability to read the minds of the other players as well," he said. (ANI)
Mahrang Baloch, a well-known Baloch rights activist, accused the Pakistani government of targeting peaceful dissenters through imprisonment, smear campaigns, and enforced disappearances in an article written from her prison cell in Quetta's Hudda Jail, according to The Balochistan Post. Mahrang Baloch writes: "It has been more than two and a half months since I was thrown into Hudda Prison in Quetta, Pakistan--the same place my father was caged nearly two decades ago, also for promoting the rights of the people of Balochistan," TBP stated. "Since my arrest, Pakistan's state security agencies have deployed every tactic to break me. I have been offered a deal: stay silent, avoid political activity, and you can be home. I refused. The state has failed to produce a single piece of evidence linking me to any act of violence or criminality. The only 'proof' they cite is a press conference I gave a few days before my March 22 arrest," she asserted, as quoted by TBP. "I spoke to reporters after armed militants had hijacked a train and held 300 passengers hostage for hours. The attack occurred in Balochistan, the largest province in Pakistan, and was carried out by Baloch separatists who have been fighting with the state for decades. At the press conference, I spoke not to defend the hijackers. Our movement, the Baloch Yakjehti [Unity] Committee, has always renounced violence. Indeed, I intended to distinguish between those who confront the state with arms and those who confront it with words," she stated, as quoted by TBP. She also revealed that "My work had already drawn unwelcome international attention. In May 2024, Pakistani officials were outraged after I visited Norway at the invitation of PEN Norway, the Norwegian branch of PEN International and the World Expression Forum. I was even harassed on Norwegian soil by individuals linked to Pakistan's embassy in Oslo, whose intervention was ended by the Norwegian domestic security agency, PST. When I returned to Pakistan, I was immediately charged with sedition and treated as if I had returned from an ISIS camp in Syria or Iraq rather than one of the most peace-loving countries in the world," the TBP report cited. She added that "For decades, Pakistan has kept the rest of the country, and the world, in the dark about Balochistan. It remains an information black hole. Among those the military and intelligence agencies have forcibly disappeared, killed, or forced into exile are journalists who dare to write about these atrocities. According to the Balochistan Union of Journalists, more than 40 have been killed since 2000. Foreign media are denied access to the region," TBP report quoted. She emphasised that "Our movement is rooted in peace. We speak against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, forced displacement, and the systematic denial of basic rights to the Baloch. We are the rightful owners of the Saindak Copper-Gold Project (worth billions of dollars, but the profits are not shared with the local population), the Reko Diq mine (estimated to hold copper and gold reserves worth over $60 billion, but the benefits are not reaching the Baloch people), and Gwadar, the gateway to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Yet, 70% of Balochistan's population lives below the poverty line," the TBP report cited. She concluded by saying, "Speaking up for justice is not a crime. Raising our voices against state violence is not treason. Demanding rights is not terrorism; it is humanity. And one day, we believe, this struggle will succeed." (ANI)
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth stated on Tuesday that China poses a more aggressive threat to the US and that repelling Beijing is the Pentagon's top regional priority, despite its rapid military development and invasion manoeuvres near Taiwan, according to a Taipei Times report. "Our pacing threat is communist China," Hegseth told the US House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Defence during an oversight meeting with Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine. "Beijing is preparing for war in the Indo-Pacific as part of its broader strategy to dominate that region and then the world," Hegseth said, adding that if it succeeds, it may impede US reindustrialization and choke its economy, according to the Taipei Times. Hegseth believes US President Donald Trump's "peace through strength" strategy is the appropriate response, and that the stagnating US defence industrial base must be revitalised. "China is undertaking a historic military buildup and actively rehearsing for an invasion of Taiwan," he said, adding that only having the world's most powerful and lethal military--focused on protecting key US interests--can effectively deter adversaries and win a potential conflict, according to the Taipei Times report. Caine stated that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) is demonstrating its capabilities through military pressure, as operations against Taiwan grow in size, frequency, and complexity. "These violent actions are not ordinary exercises; they are rehearsals for a forced unification," he stated. According to the Taipei Times, Hegseth and Caine's comments were in line with warnings issued by US Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific force. The deployment of integrated deterrence is one of the aspects that will help maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the Taiwan Strait, Minister of National Defence Wellington Koo told the legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defence Committee in Taipei yesterday. According to Koo, the Ministry of National Defence is closely monitoring PLA manoeuvres, as Beijing may shift from training to invasion. Chinese military exercises--whether announced or unannounced--are growing in size, he said. The military has always focused on responding to the onset of war, but it is also studying military responses to "grey zone" tactics and how threat levels should be calculated for such incidents, according to the Taipei Times. (ANI)
Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and all 11 Republican members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party wrote to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, requesting that the Office of Foreign Assets Control and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network investigate six People's Republic of China (PRC) companies that support Iran's military and energy sectors. According to a release by the Select Committee on the CCP, these corporations assist Iran in circumventing existing US sanctions and jeopardize US strategic interests. Billions of dollars in US investment, goods, and services flow to these PRC enterprises. In an April report, the Select Committee discovered that as of 2023, $6.5 billion in US investment funds had been invested in PRC enterprises assessed to pose national security threats. Many of those enterprises were identified in a similar January assessment published by the Prague Security Studies Institute as having a strategic tie to Iran's military or energy industry worth at least $6 billion, according to the SCCCP release. The lawmakers write, "Many of these companies even appear to engage in activities that violate existing U.S. sanctions against Iran. As a result, U.S. retirees are likely indirectly funding activities that run counter to U.S. national security and international stability," as quoted by the release. They continue, "The United States must counter the new authoritarian axis spearheaded by the PRC and Iran and penalize those PRC companies that help fund Iran's activities to support Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and stoke attacks against Israel by Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad -- all Specially Designated Nationals by Treasury," the SCCCP release quoted. Lawmakers requested the Treasury investigate the six companies to determine whether their activities concerning Iran have violated U.S. sanctions or otherwise warrant sanctions: China North Industries Group Co., Ltd. (Norinco), Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), China Ocean Shipping Co., Ltd. (COSCO), China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), CRRC Corporation Limited (CRRC), China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), the SCCCP release emphasised. (ANI)
The Baloch National Movement (BNM) held a demonstration outside the British Prime Minister's residence in London on Tuesday to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the enforced disappearance of Zakir Majeed Baloch, a prominent leader of the Baloch Students Organisation (Azad), according to The Balochistan Post report. Protesters carried banners and posters reading "Release Zakir Majeed," "End Enforced Disappearances," and "Justice for the Forcibly Disappeared." The marchers urged the international community, particularly the United Nations and the UK government, to identify and respond to persistent human rights atrocities in Balochistan. They urged world powers to put pressure on Pakistan to ensure the safe return of forcefully disappeared people, TBP said. Raj Bibi, Zakir Majeed's mother, spoke to the crowd about her experiences with loss and displacement. She said that after exhausting all options for justice in Pakistan, she was forced to seek asylum in the United Kingdom. "I did not come to the UK only for my son," she claimed. "I came to raise my voice for every Baloch who has been forcibly disappeared, and for all the mothers who are denied justice," according to a story published by TBP. Other speakers during the protest emphasised the Pakistani government's continued persecution of Baloch individuals, claiming that these acts are motivated simply by their national identity, regardless of political ideas or affiliation. According to TBP, the protest aimed to raise global awareness about the Baloch people's persistent mistreatment. BNM officials emphasized their unshakable opposition to enforced disappearances, condemning the practice as a serious violation of human rights. They emphasized that the Baloch people remain united in their demand for justice and accountability. "We will continue our struggle until Pakistan is held accountable and every disappeared Baloch individual is returned," a representative stated, according to the TBP report. In addition to Raj Bibi, the protest featured speeches from BNM Junior Joint Secretary Hassan Dost Baloch, Foreign Secretary Faheem Baloch, Coordinator of the Foreign Department Niaz Baloch, and BNM UK Chapter President Master Manzoor Baloch. Each speaker condemned the continuing repression in Balochistan and appealed to British and international institutions to take immediate action, TBP reported. (ANI)
The UK High Commission in India has said that it is aware of the tragic plane crash in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport and is working with local authorities to establish the facts and provide support. The ill-fated flight was en route from Ahmedabad to London. In a statement shared on X, the UK High Commission in India said, "We are aware that a flight from Ahmedabad to London has crashed near Ahmedabad airport. We are working with local authorities to urgently establish the facts and provide support. Our thoughts are with all those affected." The UK High Commission in India also shared a helpline number for British nationals requiring consular assistance. "British nationals who require consular assistance or have concerns about friends or family should call 020 7008 5000," it said. https://x.com/UKinIndia/status/1933099594285809786 According to an Air India statement, the Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating as Flight AI-171, departed from Ahmedabad at 1:38 pm IST with 242 people on board, including crew. "The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information," the airline said in a statement. Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran confirmed the crash and expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. "With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," he said in a statement. He added that the airline's immediate focus is on extending full support to those impacted by the tragedy. "At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted," Chandrasekaran said. "Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and a support team have been set up for families seeking information," he added. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation. "On 12th Jun, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew," said a senior DGCA official. The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an LTC with 8,200 hours of flying experience. He was assisted by with First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flying experience, the official said. As per Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Runway 23 at 1339 IST (0809 UTC). It gave a mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. "Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site," the official added. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar extended condolences over the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on Thursday. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, "Deeply shocked to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. Our prayers are with the passengers and their families." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1933098940078973411 The Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport early today. The Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airports spokesperson said, " Flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London, Gatwick, earlier today, was involved in a crash shortly after takeoff, outside the airport. As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport. We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation. Further updates will be provided as soon as available." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday and took stock of the crash incident in Ahmedabad involving an Air India flight bound for London, according to sources. The Civil Aviation Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground, the Civil Aviation Ministry said. As per sources, the PM has asked both ministers to rush to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance is extended to those affected in the wake of the air mishap. The Prime Minister has directed the Minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation, they said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to the Gujarat Chief Minister and promised all Central assistance.All relevant agencies are on high alert, and coordinated efforts are underway as per a statement by the office of HMCA. The Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport early today. Confirming the incident, Air India said that Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in the incident. An Air India plane from Ahmedabad to London with 242 passengers crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation."On 12th Jun, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew," said a senior DGCA official. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience, the official further added. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a mayday Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site, said the official. (ANI)
UK Prime minister Keir Starmer on Thursday said his thoughts were with the passengers and families of those on the Air India flight bound for Gatwick which crashed in Ahmedabad. "The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating, he said in a post on X. "I am being kept updated as the situation develops, and my thoughts are with the passengers and their families at this deeply distressing time" Starmer said. https://x.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1933108640002588855 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar extended condolences over the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad today. In a post on X, the EAM said, "Deeply shocked to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. Our prayers are with the passengers and their families." The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick with 242 passengers crashed in Meghaninagar area at 1; 39 pm (IST) shortly after it took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport airport. As per Air India the passengers comprised 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, one Canadian and seven Portuguese nationals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Home Minister Amit Shah and took stock of the crash incident. The Civil Aviation Minister informed the Prime Minister that he is rushing to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground, said the Civil Aviation Ministry. The Prime Minister has directed the Minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation, they said. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that a team has been rushed to the spot for investigation. "On 12th Jun, 2025, Air India B787 Aircraft VT-ANB, while operating flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, has crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad. There were 242 people on board the aircraft, consisting of 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew," said a senior DGCA official. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience, the official further added. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It gave a mayday Call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen emanating from the accident site, said the official. Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said in a statement following the Air India crash that an emergency centre had been set up for families seeking information about their loved ones. "At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families," he said in a post on X. A spokesperson for Ahmedabad airport has said that all flights have been suspended. (ANI)
Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is now in London on a bilateral official visit to the United Kingdom. The visit is taking place from June 10 to 13, 2025.

Earlier, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said that the Chief Adviser is likely to hold a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the visit.

"British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus is not taking place", a Bangladeshi diplomat told ANI over the phone without elaborating.

The Bangladesh Awami League on Monday expressed deep concern over UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's reportedly scheduled meeting with Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, the party said in a statement.

"The Awami League has today expressed deep concern over UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's reportedly scheduled meeting with Muhammad Yunus, the self-declared Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, warning that any formal meeting lends legitimacy to an unelected and unconstitutional administration", said the Awami League statement posted on its Facebook page.

A formal letter from the Awami League's UK branch has been sent to Downing Street, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the King's Foundation, and the Commonwealth Secretariat, urging British officials not to unwittingly launder Yunus's administration, just as Bangladesh's crisis deepens, it added. (ANI)
Condolences are pouring in from across the world after a London-bound Air India aircraft carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed near Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat on Thursday. President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, extended his condolences and said that Maldives stands in solidarity with India during this difficult time. "I express profound sadness at the tragic crash of @airindia flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad. At this difficult time, the government and people of #Maldives stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of India." https://x.com/MMuizzu/status/1933112916032766452 Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, also extended his condolences over the plane accident. "Deeply saddened to hear about the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. Our hearts are with the Indian people following this terrible incident." https://x.com/gidonsaar/status/1933111701135597661 The High Commission of Canada said in a post on X, "The High Commission of Canada expresses our deepest condolences following the tragic plane crash in #Ahmedabad. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims." https://x.com/CanadainIndia/status/1933117703713128653 President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the Gujarat plane crash in Ahmedabad, saying that it is a heart-rending disaster. In a post on X, President Murmu conveyed her condolences and said, "I am deeply distressed to learn about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief." Meanwhile, expressing sadness over the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it is "heartbreaking" beyond words. He said he is in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected. "The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with Ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected," PM Modi said in a post on X. Air India said that among the 242 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian national. "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident," the Airlines said. The aircraft was under the command of Capt Sumeet Sabharwal with First Officer Clive Kundar. Capt Sumeet Sabharwal is an LTC with 8200 hours of experience. The official added that the copilot had 1100 hours of flying experience. As per ATC, the aircraft departed from Ahmedabad at 1339 IST (0809 UTC) from runway 23. It made a Mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, the aircraft did not respond to the calls made by ATC. Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. The official said that heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site. (ANI)
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney's forthcoming meeting will be an important opportunity for them to explore pathways to set or reset ties based on mutual respect, shared interests, and sensitivity to each other's concerns and exchange views on bilateral and global issues. While addressing a weekly media briefing on Thursday, Jaiswal stated that PM Modi is travelling to Canada after he received an invitation from Carney. He said that the phone call was an opportunity to reflect on India-Canada ties. India and Canada, he said are vibrant democracies, which are bound by shared democratic values, a steadfast commitment to the rule of law and very vibrant people-to-people ties. On PM Modi's upcoming visit to Canada for the G7 Summit, the MEA spokesperson said, "As you are aware, our Prime Minister had received a call from the Canadian Prime Minister last week. During the call, Prime Minister Carney had invited the Prime Minister to attend the G7. And as you are aware, the invitation has been accepted. It was also an occasion for the two Prime Ministers to talk about India or reflect on India-Canada relations and how do we take it forward." "As you are aware, India, Canada are vibrant democracies which are bound by shared democratic values and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law and of course very vibrant people-to-people ties. We believe that the forthcoming meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis in Canada will offer an important opportunity for them to exchange views on bilateral and global issues and explore pathways to set or reset the relationship based on mutual respect, shared interests, and sensitivity to each other's concerns. Our views on some of these have already been shared publicly in considerable detail," he added. When asked about Carney's statement in the Canadian readout about PM Modi agreeing to engage in law enforcement dialogue, Jaiswal responded, "I would say that there are existing mechanisms between Indian and Canadian law enforcement agencies that have discussed issues of mutual security concern over a period of time. This engagement is likely to continue." On June 6, PM Modi received a call from Canadian Prime Minister Carney, who invited him to attend the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada later this month. In a post on X, PM Modi congratulated Carney on his recent election victory and thanked him for the invitation. PM Modi said he looks forward to meeting PM Carney later this month in Canada. "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 on X. The G7 Leaders' Summit will be held in Alberta's Kananaskis from June 15 to 17. The G7 Summit is an international forum held annually for the leaders of the G7 member states of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada and the European Union (EU). The development comes after a period of strained relations between the two countries, triggered by Canadian allegations that Indian agents were involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside gurdwara in Canada in 2023. India strongly denied the claims, and both nations expelled senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat escalation. India has expressed concern about extremism and the culture of violence and anti-India activities in Canada and has asked Canadian authorities to take action against these activities. (ANI)
Nepal has extended its condolences over the tragic Air India plane crash in Gujarat's Ahmedabad on Thursday and expressed solidarity with India in this hour of grief. In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal said, "The Government of Nepal is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 in Ahmedabad, India today. The Government of Nepal extends its heartfelt condolences to the Government and friendly people of India, and to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident." The statement added, "During this time of profound sorrow, the Government and people of Nepal stand in solidarity with the Government and people of India, offering heartfelt sympathy while wishing for speedy recovery of the injured." Nepali Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba also expressed her condolences in a post on X, saying, "Deeply saddened to hear about the crash of the London-bound Air India AI 171 flight in Ahmedabad, India. I express my sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected. Nepal extends its heartfelt solidarity to India during this difficult time." The foreign minister tweeted. Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel also offered his condolences, stating, "I am deeply shocked learning about the Air India plane mishap in Ahmedabad. I express my profound sorrow over the loss of innocent and precious lives." According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the London-bound Air India flight crashed in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad following the takeoff at 01:38 pm on Thursday. The Boeing aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members. Air India said that among the 242 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian national. "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident," the airline said. The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an LTC with 8,200 hours of flying experience. He was assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours of flying experience, an official said. As per Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft departed from Runway 23 at 1339 IST (0809 UTC). It gave a mayday call to ATC, but thereafter, no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. "Aircraft immediately after departure from Runway 23, fell on the ground outside the airport perimeter. Heavy black smoke was seen coming from the accident site," the official added. (ANI)
Condolences are pouring in from across the world after a London-bound Air India aircraft carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed near Ahmedabad airport in Gujarat on Thursday. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, are among the several world leaders who have offered condolences to India in this hour of loss. In a post on X, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said, "Deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. On behalf of the Italian Government and myself, I express my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and our full solidarity with the Indian people in this moment of great sorrow." https://x.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1933126833966403768 The Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bangladesh expressed shock at the accident and said that Bangladesh joins in prayers and stands with India in this difficult hour. "Shocked at the tragic crash of #AirIndia flight carrying 242 passengers in Ahmedabad. We join all in prayers for the bereaved ones and their families. #Bangladesh stands in solidarity with people and government of #India at this trying time." https://x.com/ChiefAdviserGoB/status/1933125978269872502 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Europe stands with India in this moment of sorrow. "Heartbreaking news from India with the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones grieving this terrible loss. We share your pain. Dear @narendramodi, Europe stands in solidarity with you and the people of India in this moment of sorrow." https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/1933112969207947746 Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that Sri Lanka stands with India in this moment of deep sorrow. "I am deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 near Ahmedabad today. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of all those affected onboard. Equally heartbreaking are the civilian casualties on the ground, including young medical students whose lives and futures were struck by this tragedy. At this moment of deep sorrow, the people of Sri Lanka stand in solidarity with India. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted." https://x.com/anuradisanayake/status/1933134326092189743 The Embassy of Iran expressed heartfelt condolences and offered prayers. The Embassy also wished for swift recovery of the injured and underscored that Iran stands with India in this time of sorrow. "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of #Iran in New Delhi expresses its deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences over the tragic crash of a passenger aircraft in #Ahmedabad. We extend our sympathies to the Government and people of #India, especially to the bereaved families of the victims. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. We also wish a swift and full recovery to all those who have been injured in this heartbreaking incident. We stand with the people of India in this moment of sorrow" https://x.com/Iran_in_India/status/1933111322008310066 The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan offered condolences on the accident. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. We extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected. We hope for strength and healing in the days ahead", it wrote on X. https://x.com/AzerbaijanMFA/status/1933114980745760958 According to an Air India statement, the Boeing 787-8 aircraft, operating as Flight AI-171, departed from Ahmedabad at 1:38 pm IST with 242 people on board, including crew. "The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number 1800 5691 444 to provide more information," the airline said in a statement. Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran confirmed the crash and expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. "With profound sorrow, I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event," he said in a statement. Boeing said on Thursday that it is in contact with Air India regarding the AI-171 flight with 242 passengers and 12 crew bound for London's Gatwick airport, which crashed shortly after it took off in the Meghaninagar area in Ahmedabad. The official X handle of US planemaker Boeing said, "We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected." Air India posted on X that the Boeing Dreamliner 787 flight was carrying 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian and seven Portuguese. The flight crashed in a residential area at 1:39 pm (IST) after taking off from the Ahmedabad-Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport here. Meanwhile, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it is in contact with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding Air India flight AI171. (ANI)
Following the plane crash in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have expressed sadness over the incident and said that their sympathies are with those affected by it. The Air India flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers, crashed in the Meghaninagar area near Ahmedabad airport earlier today. The flight was heading from Ahmedabad to London. Macron said that his thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "We have learned with deep emotion of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. In this time of sorrow, I extend our heartfelt thoughts to the victims' loved ones and to Prime Minister @NarendraModi," Macron posted on X. https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1933130524098265463 Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolences to PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu over the plane crash in Ahmedabad. He also extended sympathies to the families of the victims and wished for the speedy recovery for those injured in the incident. In the message, he wrote, "Esteemed Mrs President, Esteemed Mr Prime Minister, Please accept the deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad. Kindly convey the words of sincere sympathy and support to the families and near ones of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured in this catastrophe." Anthony Albanese stated that the news of the passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is "absolutely devastating" and Australia's thoughts are with everyone affected. He stated that the Australian government is receiving regular updates and will continue to monitor the situation closely. In a post on X, Albanese stated, "The news of a passenger plane crash in Ahmedabad is absolutely devastating. In this time of tragedy, Australia's thoughts are with everyone affected. Our government is receiving regular updates and we will continue to monitor the situation closely." https://x.com/AlboMP/status/1933126270059176066 Mark Carney said that he is "devastated" to learn about the crash of the Air India plane in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers, including one Canadian. He said Canada's transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and receiving updates as the situation develops. "Devastated to learn of the crash of a London-bound Air India plane in Ahmedabad, carrying 242 passengers -- including one Canadian. My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board. Canada's transportation officials are in close contact with counterparts and I am receiving regular updates as the response to this tragedy unfolds," Carney wrote in a post on X. https://x.com/MarkJCarney/status/1933138048469844421 Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that he is "deeply saddened" over the plane crash in Ahmedabad and offered condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. In a post on X, Wong stated, "Deeply saddened by the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad earlier today. The loss of so many lives is heartbreaking. We extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, and to the people of India in this time of sorrow." https://x.com/LawrenceWongST/status/1933131174781849944 Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan offered condolences and sympathies to the people of India over the plane crash in Ahmedabad. "Most sincere condolences and sympathies to the friendly People and Leadership of #India over the tragic plane crash in city of Ahmedabad, which claimed numerous human lives. Wishing fortitude and tenacity to the victims' families and relatives," Vahagn Khachaturyan posted on X. https://x.com/President_Arm/status/1933121273791475851 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he is "saddened" to learn about the plane crash and his prayers and thoughts are with the families of the victims. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: To my friend @PMOIndia @narendramodi and the people of India, I was saddened to learn of the tragic Air India crash that has taken the lives of 242 men, women and children. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen," Israeli PM posted on X. https://x.com/IsraeliPM/status/1933148295607590973 The Air India flight with 242 people onboard, including 12 crew members, rammed into a doctors' hostel in the Meghani area shortly after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport. The aircraft crashed into doctors' hostel near the airport perimeter. Earlier, Air India confirmed that flight AI171 with a destination to Gatwick in London, was involved in an accident today after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. "Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off. The flight, which departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hours, was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Of these, 169 are Indian nationals, 53 are British nationals, 1 Canadian national and 7 Portuguese nationals. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. We have also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. Air India is giving its full cooperation to the authorities investigating this incident," the Airline said. Meanwhile, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed around 150 personnel to assist in the ongoing rescue and relief operations following the crash. According to a statement by the CRPF, troops from the 100 Battalion of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), along with personnel from the CRPF's Group Centre in Gandhinagar, have been sent to the crash site to support efforts on the ground. The Gujarat government has also mobilised three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel from Gandhinagar, to assist in rescue operations. (ANI)
AICHI, Jun 11 (News On Japan) - Two teenagers have been arrested in Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture, for allegedly firing an airsoft gun at an elementary school boy riding a bicycle.

The suspects, a 15-year-old high school student and a 17-year-old part-time worker, both residents of Tsushima, were taken into custody on suspicion of assault. According to police, on May 15th, the two fired multiple pellets from what appeared to be an airsoft gun at an 11-year-old boy who was riding his bicycle on a street in Tsushima, striking him in the right ankle. The boy was not injured.

The two had previously been arrested and referred to prosecutors in May for driving without a license. Police determined their involvement in the shooting after confirming that the vehicle they used during the earlier offense matched the one seen at the scene of the recent incident.

Both suspects have admitted to the charges during questioning.

Source: Nagoya TV News
The new UGA Poultry Science Building was made possible through a $54.1 million public-private partnership, with half of the funding goal allocated by the Georgia legislature and equipment assistance from a federal grant. Additional private and industry support combine with public funding to uphold UGA as the global epicenter of poultry science. (Photo by Sean Montgomery)

Wayne-Sanderson Farms has announced an additional $2 million donation for the new Poultry Science Building at the University of Georgia. The gift brings project support from the Georgia-based poultry producer to $4.1 million.

The combined gift will name the Poultry Science Building student lobby, a 1,300-square-foot space for students to study and network with industry partners.

The UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) is continually grateful for our partnership with Wayne-Sanderson Farms, and this new gift to support our student lobby showcases their commitment to the future of the poultry industry, said Nick Place, CAES dean and director. This space fosters collaboration and gives students a space to prepare for their future careers, which will ultimately serve to make Georgias poultry industry stronger, more resilient and successful as these students take the reins as leaders.

Celebrating the longtime support of UGA poultry science

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is the nations third-largest poultry producer, employing more than 26,000 team members and working with more than 2,000 family farms.

The company, which owns and operates 23 fresh and further-processing facilities throughout the Southeast, has been a longtime supporter of the CAES Department of Poultry Science, one of the top programs in the nation.

At Wayne-Sanderson Farms, we are proud to invest in the future of agriculture and contribute to the continued strength of Georgias poultry industry, said Kevin McDaniel, president and chief executive officer of Wayne-Sanderson Farms. This state-of-the-art facility and student lobby reflect the University of Georgias commitment to advancing poultry science, and we look forward to the enduring positive impact it will have on students, researchers and the broader industry for years to come.

CAES advances poultry science with cutting-edge facility

A combined gift from Wayne-Sanderson Farms will name the Poultry Science Building student lobby, a 1,300-square-foot space for students to study and network with industry partners. (Photo by Lavi Del Carmen Astacio)

Situated on UGAs South Campus, the 70,000-plus square-foot Poultry Science Building provides nearly double the space per student in each classroom than the previous facility, growing from roughly 17 square feet to 28 to 30 square feet per student.

Additional updates include new labs and collaborative spaces, a food safety intervention space where researchers can run validations of poultry processing methods to reduce common foodborne pathogens, and much-needed infrastructure updates.

Through our campaigns, weve solidified and built new partnerships with many in the private sector. We are immensely thankful for the continued support from Wayne-Sanderson Farms as we prepare the next generation of leaders for the poultry industry in Georgia and beyond, said Todd Applegate, poultry science department head and R. Harold and Patsy Harrison Chair in Poultry Science.

The Poultry Science Building was made possible through a $54.1 million public-private partnership, with half of the funding goal allocated by the Georgia legislature and equipment assistance from a federal grant. Additional private and industry support combine with public funding to uphold UGA as the global epicenter of poultry science.

To learn more about the Poultry Science Building project, visit poultrybuilding.caes.uga.edu. To make a gift to the CAES Department of Poultry Science, visit the CAES giving page.
When the Western Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America meets for its assembly Friday and Saturday, the theme will be "God's love made real."

One order of business for the church body is to vote on a successor to The Rev. Lorna Halaas, a 68-year-old Sioux City resident and, since July 2019, bishop of the synod, with its 40,000 members and 116 congregations, including in Council Bluffs.

The theme is a fitting one for Halaas to go out on. In her single term as the synod's first female bishop, she has worked to get the church more involved in local efforts and have it be in greater dialogue with other denominations and faiths. In fact, the assembly will have events at locations like Trinity Heights and Congregation Beth Shalom.

"We need to get to know our neighbors and not live in fear of new neighbors, of people that we don't know their story," Halaas said during a conversation at St. Mark Lutheran, which is pastored by her husband David, a columnist for The Journal. "We have a chance to learn their story, to get to meet them, to be part of their life and to just listen and learn, and it breaks down barriers. We have too many barriers in this world right now and so how do we listen and learn and discover one another's stories and be people, God's people, together?"

Bishop Lorna Halaas prepares for retirement Halaas sits in front of a stained glass window on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the St. Mark Lutheran Church in Sioux City. The window pictured

Halaas, who has lived and worked in multiple states, describes her tenure as "an emotional roller coaster." One high? Riding in the 2023 RAGBRAI with the two other Iowa ELCA bishops. That effort was to raise money for the Hunger Program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America which supports advocacy and charity projects to alleviate hunger in the United States and around the world. (They raised over $90,000 but weren't able to make it all the way to the northeast corner of the state so they'll be going again this year to raise more money and finish the route.)

An ongoing point of pride for Halaas and the synod is a "pig project" -- wherein the church body has worked with area hog producers to take hogs that aren't market ready and pay for the processing with a local processor, then give the meat to a community food bank.

"To see projects like that happening, and to see ideas coming forward for more projects, it's like, oh, I want to keep going and be a part of this. But nope, there are other people that can do this. I don't need to hang on to this," she said.

One of the biggest challenges came early in her time as bishop with the COVID-19 pandemic.

"February, March we were shutting down. And so how do we continue to be a community of 100-plus congregations when we can't see each other, and so that was challenging. And just mixed messages of, should we be in person or not be in person? And everybody was on a different page about that. That was challenging," Halaas said.

Bishop Lorna Halaas showcases some of her church's signs Halaas poses with two signs that she felt represent her church on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the St. Mark Lutheran Church in Sioux City. We

More recently the challenge has been to speak into the culture. To speak, as followers of Jesus, to the needs of the people whose voice isn't heard be they poor people or immigrants or members of the LGBTQ community.

"Our call is to love our neighbor and how is that love lived out? How are we welcoming to all people? Sometimes that means whatever side of the fence you might fall on, politically. The Gospel calls us to love our neighbor, and we need to to speak to that," Halaas said. "Not just in our pulpits or in our buildings, but take the church into the street to listen, not necessarily to force our ideas onto folks, but to listen and to be present with people and a voice of love and justice and mercy."

In February, former U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn made a post on X (formerly Twitter) that organizations of the Lutheran faith doing refugee work were responsible for money-laundering operations. That post was then amplified by Elon Musk, who said his Department of Government Efficiency would work to shut down "illegal payments" by the federal government to such organizations. Various Lutheran groups, including the Western Synod, pushed back against the claim.

That same month, the Western Synod released a statement slamming the passage and signing of an Iowa bill that removed gender identity protections from the Iowa Civil Rights Act.

"I think for me that has always been an important piece, that my faith is not a private thing, that my faith has called me into community, to be in a community as we gather for worship. But at the end of worship we don't just come together for one hour. We are sent to go into the world to live our vocation, whether it's a journalist or a teacher or a doctor, our faith goes with us. Our faith goes with us when we go into the voting booth or when we meet people on the street," Halaas said. "And how do we live that out? And so as we see people being harmed by laws, rights or voices being stifled, I think that for me the Gospel calls me to speak to that, that I live my faith out in the world, and when I see a need for justice, I see a need for forgiveness or to work for peace or to work for human rights, that is me living out my faith."

Halaas doesn't anticipate such matters disappearing for the church anytime soon. And though she was reluctant to go overboard with advice for the next bishop, she did offer two pointers.

"Breathe," Halaas said. "And remember that you don't do this alone. You have people around. It's Christ's church. It's not (one person's) church. You breathe. You do what you're able with the help of others and listen to the power of the Holy Spirit. I certainly didn't work this ministry alone. It takes everybody working together. The synod staff, there's six of us that serve on staff together. We've laughed and cried and argued a bit over these six years."

Once she steps down in August, Halaas said she has a long list of things to address.

"Probably first would be to dig in the dirt, in the flowers. I love to dig in the dirt in the backyard. Ride my bike more. Read more. In the long run its continue to keep learning. Theres all kinds of places Id love to go to learn that I havent had the time."
Angolas capital city Luanda will become the epicenter of global business diplomacy as it hosts, June 22  25, the 17th US-Africa Business Summit. Organized by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) in partnership with the Angolan government, the summit is set to welcome over 1,500 participants, including African heads of state, U.S. government officials, and executives from both continents.

The event, held under the theme Pathways to Prosperity: A Shared Vision for United StatesAfrica Partnership, aims to redefine U.S.-Africa economic relations. Focus sectors include infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, healthcare, digital transformation, and sustainable finance. High-level dialogues, investor roundtables, and deal rooms will foster strategic partnerships, while sector-specific sessions will offer in-depth insights into emerging opportunities.

CCA Chairman John Olajide, who is otherwise a Nigerian based in Dallas, emphasized the summits role in promoting inclusive, mutually beneficial partnerships. The presence of these leaders reinforces the strategic importance of the US-Africa commercial relationship and the commitment of African nations to creating enabling environments for business and investment, he said. Angolas leadership, particularly through its Lobito Corridor initiative, highlights a growing emphasis on regional integration and trade facilitation.

Countries like Namibia have publicly aligned their participation with national investment goals, underlining the summits influence. As global markets shift toward sustainable growth and innovation, the Luanda summit offers a rare, high-impact opportunity to shape the future of U.S.-Africa economic cooperation  under one roof, over four transformative days.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has issued a stark warning that desert locust swarms are expected to intensify across Libya and North Africa throughout June and July, posing a growing threat to food security in the region.

The swarms, which are already forming in parts of Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria, are anticipated to move southward towards the Sahel in search of rainfall to support breeding.

In its latest update, the FAO confirmed that significant infestations have been detected in key areas of Libya, including north of Ghat, south of Ghadames, and near Sebha. Smaller swarms have also emerged in Tazerbo and south of Bani Walid, where hopper bandsclusters of immature locustshave been developing since May. These groups are expected to take flight in the coming weeks, forming larger swarms that will sweep into southern Algeria, northern Niger, and Mauritania as the summer breeding season begins.

While spring breeding has concluded in Egypt, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia, the FAO highlighted the urgent need for heightened surveillance and control efforts across North Africa. The organization cautioned that without decisive intervention, the advancing swarms could lead to large-scale crop devastation, exacerbating food insecurity across the Sahel and threatening livelihoods in vulnerable communities.
Morocco denounced, on Tuesday before the UN Committee of 24 (C-24), the obstinacy and intransigence of Algeria, which is holding the Sahara political process hostage to the detriment of regional stability.

The political process conducted under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General, facilitated by his Personal Envoy, and supported by all United Nations Member States, cannot remain held hostage by the obstinacy and intransigence of a single country, at the expense of regional stability, stressed Moroccos Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Majda Moutchou, during the C-24 regular session, held in New York from June 9 to 20.

The Moroccan diplomat affirmed that this is the conclusion reached by the international community, as well as the majority of the permanent Members of the Security Council, adding that it is regrettable that certain parties continue to politically exploit the issue of the Moroccan Sahara to serve interests that have nothing to do with the principles of the right to self-determination.

A neighboring country, the main party to this regional dispute, which proclaims itself to be a defender of the right to self-determination, has for decades blocked any realistic and constructive solution by manipulating the principles of the United Nations Charter for political and hegemonic purposes, she said.

She added that this same country, quick to speak out on the Moroccan Sahara and to mobilize substantial diplomatic and financial resources to fuel division and separatism, nevertheless maintains a deafening silence on the other situations on the Committees agenda.

This selective attitude speaks volumes about its true motivations and demonstrates a clear desire to divert the UN political process from its objective, for the sake of a strategy of regional instability, added the diplomat.

Moroccos Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN also highlighted the positive international momentum toward a realistic, pragmatic, and lasting political solution, based on compromise, to the regional dispute, noting that this momentum is crystallizing around the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative.

This initiative, welcomed by the UN Security Council since its submission to the Secretary-General in 2007, is recognized as a concrete response to the expectations of the international community, fully in line with the spirit of the relevant UN resolutions, she emphasized, recalling that today, this initiative is supported by more than 118 countries across all regions of the world, including the former colonial power in the region, as well as three permanent Members of the Security Council, namely the USA, France, and the UK.

The speaker also noted a fundamental contradiction in the discussions within the C-24, which continue to wrongly confine the Sahara issue to a matter of decolonization. This reflects neither the historical reality on the ground, nor the evolution of the issue within the Security Council, nor the majority opinion of the international community, including the many countries that have expressed their views before this Committee on this issue, she explained.

The diplomat emphasized that the C-24, responsible for implementing Resolution 1514 adopted on December 14, 1960, by the United Nations General Assembly, has a duty to take into account the evolution of international law concepts and instruments, adding that it cannot efficiently implement its mandate by ignoring the mechanisms for implementing the said resolution, identified and approved by United Nations Member States, particularly in Resolution 1541, adopted on December 15, 1960, by the same Assembly.

It is imperative to recall that Resolution 1541, often deliberately omitted in this debate, specifies that autonomy is a means of implementing the right to self-determination, the diplomat added, noting that contrary to the narrow ideological narratives advocated by a handful of countries, this right is not reduced to systematic independence. It can be exercised, according to international law itself, through a status of internal autonomy within a broader State framework, she said.

The diplomat explained that this realistic approach is precisely the one proposed by the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, which offers a framework for advanced autonomy, while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco.

This approach is, moreover, clearly supported by the populations of the Moroccan Sahara, through their broad participation in all national, regional, and local elections, as well as through their commitment to the economic, social, and cultural development of their region, Majda Moutchou emphasized, noting that this participation is a direct expression of their adherence to the Moroccan institutional framework and must be recognized as such by this body.

In this context, she urged this Committee to follow the path outlined by the members of the Security Council, recognizing the clear and consensual direction taken by the international community, and supporting a realistic approach based on autonomy.

The time has come for the C-24 to adopt a courageous stance on the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative, in accordance with United Nations principles. A political solution to this dispute can only emerge within this framework, and not through a distorted and instrumentalized interpretation of the right to self-determination, the Moroccan diplomat concluded.
The Algerian regime has failed to fulfil its promise of raising the tourist currency allowance from a meager 106 euros to 750 euros. The promise was made by Tebboune who has turned Algiers into the capital of illusion, following his repetitive blunders.

Tebboune, with a theatrical flair, pledged to increase the tourist allowance, in an announcement in late 2024, that was hailed by the local sycophant media as revolutionary step towards economic openness.

Nearly a year later, the announcement has faded as a lie wrapped in a populist rhetoric. Today, the Algerian citizen sees the truth as they struggle with a falling dinar on the black currency market.

As the Algerian people awake to deception, they compare their meagre tourist allowance to that of Moroccans at 9000 euros and Tunisians at about 2000 euros.

Behind the empty regime slogans and promises, lies a crumbling economic reality. When the promise was made, oil and gas prices had yet to witness their new plunge. The drop in Algerias main exports led to bleeding reserves currently at about 60 billion dollars.

The worsening economic and financial outlook is exacerbated by a widening trade deficit and a fiscal deficit that is expected to exceed 20% this year in the state-controlled economy.

The state of foreign exchange reserves is barely enough to buy a year of social peace, through subsidies and cash handouts to the countrys inflated bureaucracy.

Shrinking reserves, soaring deficits, and a collapsing dinar will wake up the Algerian regime from its lies.
The Polisario-run Tindouf camps have become a breeding ground for the recruitment of jihadists in full connivance of Algerian regime, said a recent analysis published on the National Interest, a leading US media focusing on geopolitics.

The op-ed by, Ahmed Sharawi, notes how Algeria perpetuated the conflict over the Sahara territory and abandoned its sovereignty over the Tindouf camps, ruled now by the Polisario militias.

The camps have become a breeding ground for jihadist recruitment and a nexus for extremist networks operating across the Sahel, he said.

The groups ties to extremism are well documented. Adnan Abu al-Walid al-Sahrawi, a former Polisario fighter, went on to lead the Islamic State in the Greater Sahel (ISGS) before being killed by French forces in Mali in 2021, he said.

The analysis recalls that in 2008, the Fath al-Andalus terror cell emerged from the Tindouf camps, followed by the Khilafah group in 2009, which pledged allegiance to ISIS.

It also underscored how a German intelligence report noted that ISIS and al-Qaeda operate freely in the Tindouf camps and the broader Sahel-Sahara region.

The Polisarios most recent terrorist activities include its withdrawal from a 29-year ceasefire in 2020, and its multiple attacks targeting Moroccan civilians since 2021, Sharawi said.

Polisario also has a long record of recruiting child soldiers. A Geneva-based NGO told the UN Human Rights Council that Polisario systematically blocks children from completing their education, forcing them into military training and combat, the article added.

Meanwhile, the writer notes the global momentum in support of Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara territory, with the UK being the latest Security Council country to back Rabats territorial integrity, following the example of the US, Spain, Israel, France and a growing number of Arab and African states.
Morocco, one of U.S. major strategic partners & allies, is set to acquire F-35A fighter jets, becoming the first Arab and African nation to receive such a leading stealth fighter, equipped with most advanced sensors and supersonic speed.

According to Timesaerospace media outlet, Moroccos acquisition of these most lethal, survivable, and connected fighter aircraft will consolidate further the Kingdoms airpower superiority in the region and enhance its deterrence capabilities.

Moroccos partnership with Lockheed Martin company, the manufacturer of the 5th generation of F-35, dates back to 1974 when the U.S. defense contractor delivered the first C-130H Hercules tactical airlifter to the Royal Moroccan Air Force.

Today, the company supplies the Kingdom with advanced defense platforms such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, Sikorsky helicopters, radars, and integrated air and missile defense technologies.

In 2022, the company helped establish the Maintenance Aero Maroc (MAM) joint venture to provide Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services for Morocco and regional operators of F-16 and C-130H fleets, further solidifying its long-term commitment to the Kingdoms defense capabilities.

In April, a Lockheed Martin delegation visited Morocco and showed interest in the countrys investment opportunities offered in the defense industry which has attracted several companies including Indias Tata Advanced Systems, Turkish Baykar, Bluebird Company

The visit was in line with Lockheed Martins broader strategy to further integrate Morocco into its global supply chain and enhance local manufacturing capabilities.

Morocco is also expected to receive two intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance Gulfstream 550s aircraft to bolster its ISR capabilities, crucial for military operations and national security.
South Africas uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has thrown its full support behind Moroccos sovereignty over Western Sahara, calling for a bold new strategic partnership between the two African powerhouses.

In a newly released policy paper, the party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, made the case for African unity rooted in shared liberation histories between Morocco and South Africa, economic cooperation, and the defense of territorial integrity.

The 17-page document, titled A Strategic Partnership for African Unity, Economic Emancipation & Territorial Integrity: Morocco, defines Morocco as a natural ally in the struggle for a self-reliant and sovereign Africa. It praises Moroccos leadership in multilateral diplomacy, its resistance to separatist movements, and its enduring commitment to African-led development.

Moroccos efforts to reclaim its full territorial integrity align with the MK Partys commitment to preserving the sovereignty and unity of African states, the paper states.

The MK Party highlights Moroccos early support for South Africas anti-apartheid struggle, noting that Morocco was the first country to provide financial and military assistance to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962. This solidarity, the party argues, laid the foundation for a deeper alliance between the two powerhouses of the continent.

In a significant departure from South Africas support for separatist in the Sahara territory, the MK Party unequivocally supports Moroccos territorial integrity and sovereignty over the territory. The paper emphasizes that the region has been historically and culturally tied to Morocco for centuries, long before Spanish colonization.

The Moroccan claim predates colonization and is rooted in tribal allegiance to the Moroccan throne, the document asserts.

The international community must take into account the regions historical ties to Morocco and the legitimate interests of the Moroccan people in maintaining their territorial integrity, it added.

The MK Party endorses Moroccos autonomy plan for Western Sahara as a balanced and peaceful solution, offering local governance to the Sahrawis while preserving Moroccan sovereignty.

The policy paper envisions a future where Morocco and South Africa lead the charge for African unity, economic emancipation, and institutional reform. It calls for stronger South-South cooperation, investment in infrastructure, and a united front against foreign interference and separatist agendas.

This partnership is a model for how African nations can internally build a brighter future  by Africans and for Africans, the paper concludes.

As the MK Party gains political momentum in South Africa, its pro-Morocco stance could reshape regional diplomacy and offer a new blueprint for African solidarity in the 21st century.
Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, General Carmine Masiello, paid a visit to Tunis Wednesday for talks with Tunisias Defense Minister, Khaled Sehili, on ways of expanding cooperation in key sectors such as joint military training, coordinated exercises, hydrographic surveys, medical support, and socio-economic development.

The two officials expressed shared commitment to regional peacebuilding, underpinned by a legacy of diplomatic goodwill and operational synergy. Sehili commended Italys continued support for infrastructural and development efforts, particularly in Tunisias marginalized desert zones, and called for a robust rollout of existing bilateral agreements to meet the regions evolving security and development needs.

General Masiello, for his part, reaffirmed Italys strategic interest in Tunisia as a partner of priority. Applauding the strength of military cooperation thus far, he underscored that the shared pursuit of capacity building and tactical interoperability would not only bolster defense preparedness but also contribute to the socio-political resilience of both nations. The meeting, according to observers, reflects a growing momentum toward integrated regional defense diplomacy.

Sehili stressed the urgency of leveraging shared interests to consolidate security and stability across the Mediterranean corridor.
The Sudanese military has accused on June 11 Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar of direct involvement in a deadly cross-border assault that it says struck Sudanese army positions in the sensitive border triangle shared with Egypt and Libya.

The Sudanese army alleges the attack was carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), aided by Haftar-linked Salafi militants from the Subul Al-Salam battaliona move described by Khartoum as a blatant violation of Sudanese sovereignty.

In a strongly worded statement, the army claimed the offensive forms part of a broader regional and international conspiracy designed to destabilize Sudan. Sudanese military leaders have framed the conflict as not merely internal, but a proxy war involving foreign interests aiming to fracture national unity.

This sharp escalation comes as clashes in Darfur and surrounding border areas continue to intensify, with Khartoum repeatedly pointing fingers at Haftars Libyan forces for bolstering RSF insurgents led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti. The army, invoking the resilience of the Sudanese people, vowed to repel the aggression regardless of the scale of the conspiracy, further underscoring the conflicts spiralling regional dimensions.
Moroccos industrial development strategy emphasizes diversifying productive sectors to strengthen the economys foundation, Industry and Commerce Minister Ryad Mezzour stated Wednesday during a national symposium on macroeconomic policies and investment dynamics in Rabat.

The kingdoms industrial portfolio spans agri-food, automotive, chemical and parachemical industries, aeronautics, textiles and leather, and pharmaceuticals. Mezzour highlighted two particularly promising sectors: electric vehicle batteries, where Morocco possesses all necessary attributes for an integrated industrial chain, and green hydrogen, positioning the kingdom strategically in European markets.

Moroccos industrial transformation, guided by King Mohammed VIs strategic vision, has established a strong, integrated industrial economy. Industrial exports multiplied five-fold since 2000, reaching approximately 398 billion dirhams in 2024, representing 88% of national exports. Foreign direct investment in the industrial sector tripled over the past decade to 16.5 billion dirhams in 2024, reflecting growing international confidence.

Bank Al-Maghrib Director of Economic Studies Mohamed Taamouti emphasized Moroccos substantial investment efforts, noting that the kingdom dedicates approximately 30% of GDP to investment, exceeding the global average of 25.2%. This demonstrates clear commitment to developing economic and social infrastructure.

World Bank representative Javier Diaz Cassou praised Moroccos socio-economic progress, citing strategic geographic location, political stability, and consistent public policies as key advantages. The kingdom benefits from a solid macroeconomic framework supporting its capacity to attract investments and foster sustainable growth.

The national symposium aimed to create multidisciplinary reflection on relationships between investment, employment, territorial governance, and skills development, analyzing interactions between macroeconomic policies, business climate, and employment dynamics to guide strategic choices for inclusive, sustainable growth.
General Michael Langley, AFRICOM commander, has described Morocco as a regional leader exporting security and economic development throughout the African continent.

In his latest statement during a Senate hearing, the four-star General said the North African Kingdom provides training to more than 1200 African partners annually. The training includes every level of military education from basic training to War College, spans all services, and includes professional medical, intelligence, airborne, and special operations training.

Further, Moroccan trainers travel to neighboring countries to train partner personnel in a myriad of tasks and skills, he added, noting that this strong security exporter role is rooted in Moroccos position as a significant contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Over 1700 Moroccan troops per year participate in UN peacekeeping missions in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

September 2025 will witness the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Peacekeeping Center of Excellence in Morocco, with the capacity to train thousands of personnel in critical skills, while also having the ability to host strategic-level defense engagements, diplomatic summits, and senior leader peacekeeping training and discussions. This center is co- funded by the U.S. and will train thousands of Moroccan and other African partners.

General Langley also stressed the importance of the US-led African Lion exercise hosted annually by Morocco with the participation of several African & European countries and NATO. This military exercise, the largest in Africa, not only strengthens multinational cooperation but also enhances readiness across all domains.

The African continent is a wide and vast space that presents the United States  and our competitors  with challenges and opportunities, he said, reiterating his countrys commitment to matching military capabilities to threats and supporting solutions conducive to lasting security, stability, and prosperity in Africa.
Morocco has exposed before the UN Committee of 24 (C-24) the selective and fallacious rhetoric used by Algeria to evade its historical and unequivocal responsibility in the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.

Moroccos Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Majda Moutchou, exercising the right of reply during the regular session of the C-24, held from June 9 to 20 in New York, noted that Algeria, by so doing, is seeking in vain to mislead the international community and is only reinforcing its well-established role as the main party to this artificial conflict and exposing its hegemonic ambitions in the region.

She recalled that this country, which is cited as many times as Morocco in the latest Security Council resolution, itself acknowledged this reality in the letter addressed by its former ambassador to the UN to the Council in November 1975, when the latter explicitly emphasized that the parties concerned and interested in the Sahara issue were Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania.

The diplomat further indicated that Algeria has even resorted to economic retaliation against countries that support the Moroccaness of the Sahara and the Autonomy initiative, pointing out that it was indeed Algeria that created the so-called polisario, providing the separatist front with shelter, arms, and finances.

In a second right of reply debunking the myth of the so-called referendum rehashed by the Algerian delegation, Majda Moutchou recalled that this idea was completely buried, not by Morocco, but by the United Nations, which concluded that it was inapplicable.

Responding to the Algerian delegations repeated mention of the right to self-determination, the Moroccan diplomat underlined that this right can take many forms, including autonomy, noting that the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative therefore offers the only credible, mutually acceptable path to self-determination, through negotiation and not confrontation.
The relief teams of the Ertiqaa Association for Community Development in Gaza completed on Wednesday the distribution of 500 food baskets for the benefit of the most vulnerable families in various regions of the Gaza Strip. This initiative was launched by the Rabat-based Bayt Mal Al-Qods Acharif Agency, the financial branch of Al-Qods Committee chaired by King Mohammed VI.

The operation, conducted in several phases, benefited displaced families in Al-Mawasi (Khan Younis), in the central province, in the central camps, and in Gaza City.

The initiative, launched by the Bayt Mal Al-Qods Acharif Agency, is funded by the Moroccan Association for Support to Reconstruction in Palestine, with the contribution of the Morocco-Palestine Solidarity Association.

This humanitarian action is part of Moroccos ongoing  both official and popular  support for the Palestinian cause, in response to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis affecting the Gaza Strip since October 2023.

The objective is to enhance food security for families affected by bombings, mass displacement, and infrastructure destruction, while easing their suffering in a context marked by shortages and isolation.

Last May, Bayt Mal Al-Qods Acharif Agency had disbursed the first installment of the budget for a project to provide prosthetics to 23 amputee children in Gaza, in coordination with the Palestinian Ministry of Social Development in Ramallah and with the support of the Moroccan Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family.

The agency is also continuing its efforts in the field of education, by equipping Al-Azhar University in Gaza with cloud servers and a distance learning platform to meet the challenges of accessing education during wartime.

It has also funded registration scholarships for students at the King Hassan II College of Agricultural Sciences, and enabled eight of them to continue their studies in Rabat at the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute (IAV).

These multiple interventions confirm Moroccos active role as a credible and compassionate humanitarian actor, combining state-level diplomacy that seeks peace with on-the-ground action focused on the real needs of the Palestinian population. The approach of the Al-Qods Committee, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, thus combines emergency aid, development support, and educational cooperation.
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held on June 11 in Changsha, capital of Chinas Hunan province, followed on June 12 by the official inauguration of the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, once again clearly and unequivocally confirmed that the so-called SADR has no legitimacy or place in Sino-African cooperation mechanisms.

Like previous editions of the Forum, notably the Beijing Summit in September 2024, this event was attended exclusively by sovereign African states, members of the United Nations and recognized by the international community, as well as the Peoples Republic of China and the African Union Commission.

In full compliance with the principles of sovereignty and international legality, the presence of a chimerical separatist entity was once again neither requested nor expected. This observation reinforces the Chinese partners consistent position that only fully sovereign states participate in continental and international cooperation frameworks.

Thus, the recurrent absence of the pseudo-SADR from international forums belies unfounded allegations of any participation by this entity in the strategic partnerships of the African continent. It confirms that this entity has never had, and never will have, a place either within a united Africa, or in its international relations based on the legitimacy, and sovereignty of states.
Material: Pebbled leather | Price: $$$

When our former best overall work bag, Madewells Transport Tote, was discontinued earlier this year, I embarked on a monthslong search for a worthy replacement. I seriously felt the pressure to find something better than the Madewell Transport Tote  especially since the bag had been a favorite of Strategist editors and readers alike since 2018. Specifically, I wanted our new pick to score high points in the areas where I felt the Transport Tote fell short. Since the style of the Transport had started to feel outdated, I wanted to find something that was current but not overly trendy. I also wanted to find a bag that was more structured than the Transport without being bulky. And finally, I felt our best overall pick should have a leather exterior preferably pebbled leather, which is known for hiding scratches and scuffs  and I wanted it to have a padded tech compartment or sleeve. After testing over a dozen work bags, I finally landed on Dagne Dovers Allyn Leather Tote because it has all of those qualities and more.

The Dagne Dover Allyn Leather Tote is a pebbled-leather bag with a padded tech space, a removable water-bottle holder, and long over-the-shoulder handles. During my testing, I kept coming back to it because it was just so easy to use. Its sharp looking, thanks to the brushed zinc-alloy hardware, but the slightly slouchy sides (that are not so slouchy that it tips over) keep it from looking out of place in more casual work settings. The interior is where it truly shines: It has a padded laptop sleeve, a removable neoprene water-bottle holder, multiple smaller pockets, and a detachable key leash. While it doesnt have a zippered top, the magnetic closure is strong enough to secure the top of the bag, and theres also an adjustable snap fastener that lets you make the bag smaller depending on its contents. I loved that the handle drop is over 11 inches, which is one of the longest on this list; even when I was wearing a thicker jacket or coat, the straps still fit over my shoulder comfortably.

Its $380 for the medium size, which fits laptops up to 13 inches. Yes, this is a much higher price point than our old faithful Transport Tote, but in my research, I found that this price is pretty standard for leatherwork bags with highly organized interiors. For example, Lo & Sons recycled saffiano-leather Trinity bag starts at $350, and Cuyanas Classic Easy Zipper Tote with the additional $108 insert comes out to around $400. Given the Dagne Dover bags thoughtful internal construction and soft, genuine leather, I believe its worth the price.
The nuclear power industry has been enjoying the spotlight lately. In just the past two days, the UK pledged $19 billion in additional funding for a nuclear project, and the World Bank lifted a ban on nuclear financing in developing nations, in place since 2017. A nuclear age is coming.

We need new nuclear to deliver a golden age of clean energy abundance, because that is the only way to protect family finances, take back control of our energy, and tackle the climate crisis, UK energy minister Ed Miliband said in a statement in comments on the news that the Keir Starmer government would invest the equivalent of $19.3 billion in the construction of the Sizewell C nuclear power plant.

We will support efforts to extend the life of existing reactors in countries that already have them, and help support grid upgrades and related infrastructure, the president of the World Bank, Ajay Banga, said in an email to staff, as quoted by the Financial Times. We will also work to accelerate the potential of small modular reactors  so they can become a viable option for more countries over time.

In separate nuclear news, a German fusion startup raised a record amount of money, at 130 million euros, for its effort to bring the technology to market. It may not seem like a lot, but the company, Proxima, started with a funding round of just 7 million euros, so this latest round shows a definite spike in interest. Its pitch: building an alternative to the tokamak that other fusion developers use, called the stellarator, which it believes would make fusion commercial.

What all these developments have in common is the recognition that the world will be needing a lot more electricity in the not-too-distant future, especially the developing world. Indeed, the World Bank expects electricity demand in developing countries to increase twofold over just the next decade. This is good news because it means more people are going to be able to afford a consistent electricity supply. It is, at the same time, challenging because this electricity has to come from somewhere, and the World Bank is still not sure it wants to resume funding gas-fired generation. Nuclear, on the other hand? Thats all right. Its emission-free. It is also baseload.

Building more nuclearand extending the life of existing reactorsis part of the latest round of COP pledges, made at the latest edition of the gathering, last year. There, more than 30 signatories agreed to triple the worlds nuclear power generation capacity by 2050 as part of efforts to meet their Paris Agreement promises of a net-zero economy. It was an important acknowledgment that, despite years of campaigning, the wind and solar lobby could not convince everyone that wind and solar can handle the grid on their ownbecause they clearly cant. And this makes nuclear the only comparable alternative if the level of carbon dioxide emissions remains a top priority.

Of course, nuclear is not problem-free. The biggest problem with it is that it takes years to build. This may be why the World Bank is focusing on extending the life of existing infrastructure rather than funding the construction of new power plants. The UK is a case in point: it has two nuclear projects in progress, both are in massive cost overruns, and the one that is actually under construction has been experiencing a string of delays and, per the latest update, should be up and running by 2029. The other problem: construction emissions.

Yet if the World Bank is lifting its ban on nuclear and climate-conscious governments are throwing their weight behind the atom, then these emissions could probably be overlooked. After all, some situations call for certain sacrifices, and the situation of having an increasingly electricity hungry population is definitely of the kind that could use a sacrifice of a few tons of CO2 to build the power plants that can supply that electricity.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The United Nations nuclear watchdog on Thursday declared Iran in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations, just as tensions in the Middle East escalate and Oman prepares to host the next round of indirect U.S.-Iran nuclear talks.

The 35-nation Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution slamming Irans non-compliance with its obligations. The resolution was proposed by the U.S., the UK, France, and Germany. At the closed-door vote, 19 of the 25 countries voted in favor of the resolution, 11 abstained, and three countries  Russia, China, and Burkina Faso  voted against condemning Iran for breaching its obligations.

Earlier this week, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said in an address to the Board of Governors that the Agencys inspections had concluded that Iran did not declare nuclear material and nuclear-related activities at three undeclared locations in Iran.

Grossi called upon Iran urgently to cooperate fully and effectively with the IAEA.

Unless and until Iran assists the Agency in resolving the outstanding safeguards issues, the Agency will not be in a position to provide assurance that Irans nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful, he added.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump is now less confident that the United States could reach a nuclear deal with Iran to prevent the Islamic Republic from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Im less confident now than I would have been a couple of months ago, President Trump said in a podcast this week.

Regardless of whether a deal is reached, the U.S. will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear bomb by enriching uranium at the necessary level, the President added.

Omans capital city of Muscat will host the 6th round of Iran-U.S. talks on Sunday, June 15, Omans Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi wrote on X on Thursday.

The talks will be held in a potentially tenser atmosphere than in the previous rounds as the U.S. State Department ordered the departure of non-essential personnel from its embassy in Baghdad amid escalating security risks tied to stalled nuclear negotiations with Iran.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The oil and gas industry is pushing back against the methane policy adopted recently by the European Union aimed at limiting emissions of the potent greenhouse gas.

A new report, published June 10 by the research group InfluenceMap, highlights how oil and gas companies and lobby groups across the EU and U.S. are using a range of tactics to destabilise the EUs methane regulation. The policy was adopted in August 2024, and includes new rules to reduce emissions in the energy, agriculture and waste sectors, and is due to be fully implemented by 2030.

DeSmog writes that "The surge in industry lobbying highlighted by InfluenceMap coincides with the EUs strategy to regulate the energy market, as it weans off Russian gas by 2027 and signs deals to import gas from the United States and other countries."

Under the new rules, which could reduce methane emissions associated with oil and gas imports to the EU by at least 64 percent by 2031, oil, gas and coal companies will be required to measure, report and verify (MRV) emissions as well as meet specific conditions for detecting leaks and repairs. They would also be banned from routine venting and flaring, including from imported fossil fuels.

George Oddy, an analyst at InfluenceMap, told DeSmog that Over the past six to nine months weve seen a concerted lobbying push. Were seeing a significant amount of pressure on policymakers from the [fossil fuel] industry, led by a couple of main industry associations.

Related: Trumps Big Beautiful Bill Could Hurt His Own Energy Agenda

The concerted industry lobby is being justified on something called the simplification mantra. The European Commission has adopted a new mandate of competitiveness, security and simplification. The Commission is in the process of amending numerous sustainability reporting laws through an omnibus package. While the methane regulation is not yet included in the omnibus package, InfluenceMaps research suggest industry groups are pushing to include it to weaken climate action.

In February, the European managing director of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) told Politico that the regulation jeopardizes a deal to secure US LNG. DeSmog writes:

Weeks later, industry group Eurogas raised its concerns in a position paper over the regulations impact on EU competitiveness as well as security of supply.

In April, in a joint letter addressed to EU Commission officials, 19 U.S. and EU energy groups highlighted the significant challenges the regulation creates for the security of the EUs gas supply, particularly as the EU seeks to ensure affordability and [] replace Russian gas imports. Signatories included a roster of oil and gas multinationals: BP, ConocoPhillips, Engie, Eni, Equinor, Naturgy, Repsol, and Uniper, as well as lobby group Eurogas.

European nations have significantly increased their imports of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) since 2022, primarily due to a decline in Russian pipeline gas supplies following the war in Ukraine. The US has become the EU's largest LNG supplier, with imports from the US more than doubling since 2021. This shift has been driven by Europe's need to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on Russian gas.

Industry groups in the United States have been particularly forceful in getting the EU to weaken measures that would ensure fossil fuel imports are meeting Europes methane requirements.

InfluenceMap research refers to a May 2024 correspondence between EU Commissioner Maros Sef?ovi? and LNG company Cheniere Energy, which defined the MRV requirements for importers as unworkable.

Last November, a letter to EU officials signed by US trade groups including the Chamber of Commerce and American Petroleum Institute voiced concerns that the EU methane requirements might prevent the EU from importing US fossil fuels, thereby impacting EU security of gas supply.

A March 2025 letter to the US Trade Representative echoed these concerns.

Indeed, the InfluenceMap report describes the industrys lobbying efforts as a two-pronged approach: pushing for weaker regulations, while raising concerns around energy security.

DeSmog states:

Since the Trump administration officially started work in January, we have heard many [actors] from the U.S. oil and gas industry being quite vocal at the EU level, and calling to the fact that the methane requirements on imports would be a problem to conclude long-term LNG import contracts, said Esther Bollendorff, senior gas policy coordinator at the Climate Action Network.

Natural gas is mostly methane (CH4), a powerful greenhouse gas that is over 25 times more efficient than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period. The Global Methane Pledge from COP26 acknowledges that methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases, responsible for a third of current warming from human activities.

Most methane leaks come from flaring excess natural gas instead of putting it into a pipeline.

Separately, McGill University in Montreal, Canada last week released the results of a new study which found methane emissions from the countrys non-producing oil and gas wells appear to be seven times higher than existing estimates.

We measured the highest methane emission rate from a non-producing oil and gas well ever reported in Canada, said Mary Kang, associate professor of civil engineering at McGill and senior author on the paper.

Kangs team measured methane emissions from 494 wells across five provinces and analyzed well data such as age, depth and plugging status. The national emissions estimate they arrived at  230 kilotonnes per year  is sevenfold higher than the 34 kilotonnes reported in Canadas National Inventory Report. The study was published in Environmental Science & Technology.

There are more than 425,000 inactive oil and gas wells across Canada, most of which are in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The study only measured the methane emissions in 0.1 percent of them.

By Andrew Topf for Oilprice.com

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Iran is making good progress on its first concerted oil drilling operation in the Caspian Sea in 30 years, a senior energy source who works closely with the Islamic Republics Petroleum Ministry exclusively told OilPrice.com over the weekend. The signs are promising in the block [18 in the Roudsar formation from 70-metre waters around 15 kilometres from the northern Iranian coastline] and if it continues to be so then there is great potential there, he said. Official estimates are that this small area could have around 600 million barrels of oil and around two trillion cubic feet of gas in it, he added. This is not surprising, as across the wider Caspian basins area, including both onshore and offshore fields, there are a conservatively estimated 48 billion barrels of oil and 292 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas in proved and probable reserves. Around 41% of total Caspian crude oil and lease condensate and 36% of natural gas exists in the offshore fields, with an additional 35% of oil and 45% of gas estimated to lie onshore within 100 miles of the coast, particularly in Russias North Caucasus region. The remaining 12 billion barrels of oil and 56 Tcf of natural gas are believed to be variously located further onshore in the large Caspian Sea basins, mostly in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. The area accounts for an average of 17% of the total oil production of the five littoral states that share its resources, on average totalling 2.5-2.9 million barrels per day (mbpd). Given these numbers, two natural questions emerge: why has Iran not resumed drilling activity here earlier, and why is it doing so now?

Related: WTI Spikes Nearly 5% as U.S. Embassy Prepares Iraq Evacuation

On the first point, several factors have conspired to keep Iran from focusing on drilling in the Caspian Sea, despite its vast potential resources, but one in particular has prevented it from doing so in recent years. Of the broader reasons, a great degree of the engineering, technology, know-how, and money required for Iran to develop its Caspian reserves, much of which are located in challenging geological areas, has been denied it through the various sanctions regimes in place since its 1979 Islamic Revolution. Given this, Iran has focused instead on its multitude of oil sites offering easy development opportunities, with the lifting cost in many of these equalling the lowest rate in the world  around $1-3 per barrel  along with some sites in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. This is one part of the explanation as to why Iran dug the last shallow-water well in its Caspian Sea region in 1997 and stopped developing the deep-water wells in 2014. The other  special  reason why it has done nothing to restart these operations more recently dates back to the 2018 signing of the stunningly dull-sounding Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, which in reality surely figures as one of the biggest  but least well known -- swindles in recent years in the global oil industry, as analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order.

The officially published papers on the agreement refrain from going to details about share allocations in the Caspian Sea resource and talk only vaguely about giving the area a special legal status. However, the Iran source exclusively told OilPrice.com at that time in 2018 that there was a second part to the deal, never officially released, that has proven explosive for the perennially-fractious relations between the Caspian states -- in particular Irans with every other partner -- and its genesis lies in what happened when the USSR collapsed and fractured into its constituent independent states. Prior to this, Iran and the USSR had struck the original agreement in 1921 to split all fishing rights in the Caspian area 50-50. This was amended in 1924 to include any and all resources recovered, meaning in practical terms that all hydrocarbons resources would be shared equally between Russia and Iran. However, following the dissolution of the USSR, three new independent countries adjoining the Caspian Sea were created  Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan - to add to the original partnership of Russia and Iran. Iran should have said back then that Russia should have shared its Caspian stake with the three former USSR states, but it [Iran] was content to wait for the official legal dispute to be settled, underlined the Iran source. Irans trust in Russias fair play was of course misplaced, and by changing the legal definition of the Caspian from a lake  its original designation in the original agreement  to a sea (because Russia had opened up the channel from the Volga River into the Caspian to prevent the levels dropping), the original even share distribution of oil and gas profits for the region no longer held good. Instead, Russia was effectively able to divide up the shares as it saw fit, and the way it saw fit was to benefit its existing ally, Kazakhstan (which was assigned a 28.9% share), and its wished-for ally, Azerbaijan (which secured a 21% stake), while Russia saw a slight increase (to 21%), Turkmenistans share went down (to 17.225%), and Irans share plummeted to just 11.875%. This switch from 50% to just over 11% meant that based on hydrocarbons values at that time Iran was set to lose at least US$3.2 trillion in revenues from the disputed and lost value of energy products going forward. Unsurprisingly, then, Irans appetite to start drilling again in its Caspian region was further diminished.

So what has changed now? The answer in part is financial necessity  not just on Irans part given the parlous state of its economy, but also on Russias for the same reason. The Islamic Republics development efforts will provide it with 11.875% of the value of the oil and gas drilled but it will give Russia 21%. The other part of the answer is that even Irans relatively paltry share is increasingly required to service the terms of the ongoing multi-layered oil-for-arms swaps taking place between it and Russia. These swaps are of an altogether greater complexity than those between Iran and North Korea, for example, which were characterised by the latter sending personnel, information, and technology (much of which first came from China) relating to its nuclear weapons programme to Iran in return for oil being sent back to it. The swaps between Russia and Iran, according to the Iran source, involve oil-only (designed to reduce transport and distribution costs on both sides), weapon-only (Iranian drone and ballistic missiles in exchange for Russian assistance on nuclear weapons development), and a combination of oil for weapons in each direction. All of this was agreed as part of the 20-year comprehensive cooperation deal between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia, agreed by Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, on 18 January 2024, as exclusively revealed at the time by OilPrice.com. In several key respects, this new deal  The Treaty on the Basis of Mutual Relations and Principles of Cooperation between Iran and Russia  mirrored key elements of the all-encompassing Iran-China 25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, as first revealed anywhere in the world in my 3 September 2019 article on the subject and analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order.

It is no secret now that Iran has been supplying Russia with munitions, artillery shells, drones and ballistic missiles since the onset of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Iran has also long been promised Suhkoi-35 fighter jets, Mig-28 attack helicopters, and the S-400 missile defence system, although several of these assurances remain unfulfilled by Russia. However, according to a senior figure in the European Unions energy security complex spoken to exclusively by OilPrice.com in the past two weeks: Verified reports show that Iran is becoming ever more active in the Russia-Belarus campaign of eroding NATOs eastern flank defences particularly along the vulnerable northern and southern border defences that are most vulnerable. He added: In the last delivery of mid- and long-range missiles from Tehran to Moscow, for the first time the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps] included as they had promised in February in a meeting a visit to Moscow, Etemad [a late generation ballistic missile], and Fath 360 [a multi-lunch ballistic missile launching system], with most of the latter to be positioned by Moscow near the Belarus border with Poland. Consequently, Russia for its part has increased the assistance it is giving to Iran on its nuclear programme, for which it is charging Iran much more than for any such assistance previously given, so Iran now needs more money, which means developing its Caspian resources too.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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JP Morgan is sticking to its base-case oil price forecast for 2025, projecting Brent crude will trade in the low-to-mid $60s, despite a sharp escalation in geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the U.S., and potentially Israel.

In a note published Thursday, the bank said it sees oil averaging $60 in 2026, but flagged $120$130 per barrel as a potential range in the event of worst-case outcomesnamely, military conflict and a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil flows.

Markets are already partially pricing in a risk premium: Brent is trading near $69.54, with WTI at $68.07 as of midday in New Yorkroughly $4 above JP Morgans June fair value estimate of $66.

The backdrop: The IAEA on Thursday formally declared Iran in breach of nuclear non-proliferation obligations, a first in 20 years, after uncovering undeclared nuclear activity at multiple sites. Indirect U.S.Iran nuclear talks resume June 15 in Oman.

Meanwhile, Israel is reportedly weighing unilateral military action against Iranian nuclear sites, even as President Trump pursues a framework deal. The U.S. has already pulled non-essential personnel from embassies across the region.

JP Morgan notes that while such escalations could lead to meaningful supply disruptionparticularly if Irans 2.1 million bpd of exports are cut offits base case still assumes diplomacy holds.

Oil is currently supported by summer demand and low U.S. inventories. But come fall, macroeconomic headwinds and rising OPEC+ output are expected to weigh on prices.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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While the UK government has recently secured trade deals with the US, India, and the EU, the overall global economic slowdown threatens to negatively impact the UK economy.

The UK's total trade deficit increased due to a larger rise in imports than exports, indicating that protectionist policies are affecting British firms.

UK exports to the US have seen a record monthly drop, which is likely connected to the implementation of US tariffs.

Exports to the US  the country the UK trades with the most with  saw its largest monthly decrease in April since records began, official data has shown.

The onset of President Trumps trade war with some of his closest allies and foes put governments on standby as major forecasters warned the world economy would suffer from painful tariffs on goods.

Fresh data published by the Office for National Statistics showed the UK was not immune to turmoil as exports of goods to the US fell by 2bn after four months of steady increases.

ONS researchers admitted the drop was likely linked to the implementation of tariffs on goods by the US.

Figures also revealed the total trade deficit grew to 11.5bn in the three months to April due to a larger rise in imports than exports, suggesting Trumps protectionist policies were taking a toll on British firms.

The ONS said there were decreases in exports of most commodities to the US but researchers suggested that monthly data can be erratic and should be taken with a pinch of salt.

In separate data released on Thursday morning, it was revealed that the UK economy shrank by 0.3 per cent in April in a further indication that global tensions are hitting output levels.

The UK also saw the value of its goods exports drop by nearly nine per cent in April due to falls in sales to both EU and non-EU countries.

Exports to the EU fell by more than four per cent compared to the month before while those to non-EU countries dropped by 12.6 per cent.

The Labour government will be hoping that April trade results are a one-off after it struck deals with the US, India and the EU over the last two months.

Trade deal hopes

Its deal with the US saw tariffs on steel and cars fall according to certain quotas but it has not yet been signed off.

President Trump spared the UK from aggressive 50 per cent tariffs on steel but a baseline tariff of ten per cent on all goods could still come into effect in a matter of weeks.

The UK government also said a trade deal with the EU on food standards will inject nearly 9bn into the UK economy by 2040, with the agreement running against mounting global trade tensions.

But the UK stands to suffer from a weakened world economy as the World Bank says global growth would fall to its slowest pace since the 2008 financial crisis.

By City AM

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Japans JERA will boost its purchases of liquefied natural gas from the United States to up to 5.5 million tons annually, making up close to a third of its total LNG, up from 10% at the moment.

The move aims to reduce the Japanese energy companys dependence on Australia in LNG supply, Reuters reported, citing the company.

The purchases will be made under long-term contracts, with deliveries starting from 2030. Half of the contracted amount, or 2.5 million tons annually, is part of non-binding agreements. The LNG producers involved in the deals include Cheniere Energy, Sempra Infrastructure, and Commonwealth LNG.

When we can sell energy to our friends and allies, our great ally like Japan, so that they don't have to buy it from our adversaries, that makes the world a more secure place, U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in comments on the news.

In Japans case, however, diversification is not away from a U.S. adversary. It is away from a staunch ally in the face of Australia, which has been the leading supplier of LNG to the island nation for very obvious geographical reasons. Recently, however, domestic supply problems have made Japanese LNG buyers nervous about future deliveries.

Of the 81 million tons of LNG that Australia exported last year, as much as 40% went to Japan. But Australias east coast has been suffering tight gas supply, which has become a hot political topic, with parties running in the latest elections, earlier this year, all prioritizing supply security for Australians in the east.

This, however, would mean less LNG for exports, which has spurred Japanese energy importers into diversification action. JERA specifically urged the Australians to make their LNG more competitive, per a Reuters report, citing a senior company executive as saying that U.S. LNG was about to get abundant and cheaper by the mid-2030s.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Crude oil prices dropped back slightly on Thursday, after jumping by 4% on Wednesday to hit the highest in two months on the news that the U.S. was pulling out its staff from the embassy in Baghdad. The drop was driven by profit-taking, but bullish sentiment remains.

At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at $68.95 per barrel, with West Texas Intermediate at $67.41 per barrel, after on Wednesday Irans defense minister threatened strikes on U.S. bases in the region in case the nuclear talks with Washington failed.

The market wasn't expecting this big geopolitical risk, Price Futures Group analyst Paul Flynn said, as quoted by Reuters.

The market did brace for Israeli strikes on Iran, after reports emerged earlier this year that Tel Aviv was considering such a move more seriously than before. Those reports also fueled a rally in oil prices.

There is also the matter of fundamentals. Greater oil demand within OPEC+ economies  most notably Saudi Arabia  could offset additional supply from the group over the coming months and support oil prices, Hamad Hussain from Capital Economics said in a note, as quoted by Reuters earlier today.

Summer is peak demand season in the Middle East because of the heat, which drives peak air conditioning use. That goes counter to reports that global oil demand growth is weakening, and warnings that the market would swing into a surplus in the second half of the year.

World oil demand rose by 990,000 barrels per day in the first quarter of 2025, but the remainder of the year will see demand growth at just 650,000 bpd, the International Energy Agency said in its latest monthly report on oil, citing record sales of electric cars and weaker economic growth globally. As a result, the IEA put its full-2025 oil demand growth forecast at 740,000 barrels daily.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Senior Russian and Chinese officials have discussed LNG and pipeline gas supply from Russia to China and cooperation in joint energy projects, the Russian Energy Ministry said this week.

Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev and Chinese Ambassador to Russia, Zhang Hanhui, discussed LNG deliveries, developing natural gas transportation infrastructure, and expanding cooperation in the oil and coal industries.

China has become a top buyer of Russian energy since the Kremlins war in Ukraine cut off most of Russias oil, gas, and coal supplies previously headed to Western countries. Embargos and price caps on Russian oil and products have prompted Russia to turn east and expand its exports to Asia.

China is buying cheaper Russian oil and pipeline gas, but hasnt committed yet to a major new natural gas pipeline from Siberian gas fields.

Russias giant Gazprom started sending gas to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline at the end of 2019, and flows have now reached the maximum design capacity.

But a significant boost to supply that would more than double the current flows with a new pipeline, Power of Siberia 2, looks further away than it did earlier this decade.

China has been negotiating from a position of strength after becoming Russias key gas customer and key trade partner in all other areas following the invasion of Ukraine, which severed decades-long gas supply relations between Russia and Europe. Russia appears to be struggling to convince China to take on more pipeline gas amid disagreements over the price China would pay.

Last month, Tsivilev said that Russia is in an active stage of talks with China over the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline.

Despite the touted active talks, it is unlikely that Russia and China will sign an agreement on the proposed gas pipeline soon, Russian news agency TASS quoted Tsivilev as telling reporters.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Workers detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during a raid at an Omaha meatpacking plant Tuesday have been transferred from an Omaha-based processing center to a detention facility elsewhere in Nebraska, according to the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement and a staff member from U.S. Rep. Don Bacons office.

We now know that 63 of those in custody have been transferred from the DHS processing center to a detention center in Nebraska. The other 11 people detained on Tuesday have either been deported or sent to other locations for processing, a statement from CIRA said.

Of the remaining 11, some were held by U.S. Marshals as part of a broader federal criminal investigation, some were deported under existing deportation orders, others were released, according to James Wright, a deputy chief of staff in Bacons office.

More than 70 workers of Glenn Valley Foods were detained during the ICE raid and bussed to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security processing center, 1717 Ave. H near Eppley Airfield, where they were expected to be held 24-48 hours.

CIRA, which has filed paperwork to provide legal representation to many of those detained during the raid did not specify a specific location, but ICE lists the Phelps County Jail in Holdrege on its website as its only detention facility in Nebraska.

Anne Wurth, associate legal director for CIRA, said in an interview with The World-Herald Thursday afternoon that CIRA had been unable to have direct contact with any of those who were detained or confirm which remained in ICEs custody.

Wurth said she is concerned that immigration officials are holding workers without due process.

We should be able to have definite names, the numbers of people, the names of people, and we dont, and thats concerning, Wurth said.

CIRA said it plans to deploy its legal team to the detention center to provide legal counsel and do everything in its power to reconnect families.

ICE officials have said the agency executed a search warrant at the meatpacking plant based on an ongoing criminal investigation into the large-scale employment of aliens without authorization to work in the United States.

Immigation officals said 76 individuals who had been detained had active local warrants, prior convictions for driving under the influence or had previously been deported and now face additional federal charges such as fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents; assaulting a federal officer; resisting arrest; illegal reentry; and/or misuse of social security numbers. The U.S. Attorneys Office said in a statement that it would not release specific charges because this is an active and ongoing investigation.

Wurth said if the workers are facing criminal charges, they still have the right to due process and to fight the charges in court, regardless of status.

All were asking is to adhere to due process for both access to counsel and for whatever criminal charge they may be claiming, Wurth said.

A similar account was described by Julia Cryne, an immigrant attorney at Carlson & Blakeman LLP, who was contacted by the family of one of her clients who was picked up during the raid.

Cryne had been unable to contact him, or even locate him Wednesday. Federal officials have declined to say exactly where Glenn Valley workers are being held.

Theres nothing anywhere, Cryne said. Thats the part thats the worst, is that it doesnt usually work like this. But I have no idea, I mean, he could be in a different state. So who knows?

Cryne said that she has usually been able to find clients through ICEs Online Detainee Locator System or contact immigration officials directly, but none have told her where her client is. Additionally, she hasnt seen any criminal charges against her client in state or federal systems.

Its like hes been kidnapped and disappeared off the face of the Earth.

Wright, of Bacons office, said he was told families should be able to find them in the ICE Detainee Locator System by Thursday evening.

Families of the workers whove been detained have also reported theyve had little contact with their loved ones.

A woman who spoke to The World-Herald on the condition that her name be withheld, fearing reprisals against her family, said she grew up worrying whenever her parents were late, constantly fearing they could be detained.

Then, on Tuesday morning, her father was among those arrested at Glenn Valley.

The raid, she said, has left her community heartbroken.

Were all trying to come together and be there for each other, she said. We all understand and know the pain.

Late Wednesday, her father was allowed to contact a family member.

He called one of our relatives and let us know he is OK, she said.

While the family has been able to speak with the patriarch, his attorney has not.

She said her father expected to be transferred soon but wasnt able to tell the family where. She said a few of the workers have already been deported.

Mexican Consul Jorge Ernesto Espejel Montes told the Nebraska Examiner that about 40 of those detained are Mexico natives  mostly men  and that his staff has started talking to each. At least two had decided to voluntarily deport.

Guatemalan Consul General Flor de Maria Sanchez Fuentes told The World-Herald through a translator that ICE notified her office that 18 workers, all men, were from Guatemala. As of Thursday, her office hasnt been able to make direct contact with any of those detained.

The woman who spoke to The World-Herald also said her father did not have a criminal record. The World-Herald was unable to verify her fathers criminal history.

My dad had no record, he pays his taxes every year, she said. There was always a risk. Its something we never imagined would happen to us.

Hes been in the U.S. for more than 20 years, she said, and has worked in the packing industry for most of that time. He started on an assembly line before being promoted multiple times.

She is a legal resident and tried to protect her father as much as she could. She said the family had a recent meeting to make sure documents were in order if one of them was arrested. But it didnt prepare her for Tuesday.

When she heard about the raid, she stopped by Glenn Valley, hoping to see her father one more time. She was unsuccessful.
By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

In so many ways, the rest of America speaks about Portlands unusual tolerance for rioting, which only attracts more rioters.

On Fox News (Laura Ingraham, 6/11/25) Florida Governor Ron DeSantis quipped on how Portland gives rioters a hand-slap for acts of violence. So true, since 660 riot charges were dropped in 2020. This is why so many of the people who got arrested in Portland were from out of town. The word is out that Portland is a safe place to riot.

Here is what Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis said about Portland, We didnt let that happen in Florida [rioting]. We recognize that this is what the Left does, so in Florida we did landmark anti-rioting legislation. So in Florida, if you riot, if you loot, if you engage in any type of violence, you are not going to be treated like they treat you in Portland where you get a slap you on the wrist and then you just get put back on the street. You do that in Florida you are going to jail and be held accountable.

There was also the time when the Attorney General of Georgia began assisting arresting Atlanta rioters pledging that the City was not Oregon

DeSantis even offered to help California Governor Gavin Newsom, but was rejected.

Please enjoy some Taxpayers Association of Oregon memes made during the Portland riots a few years ago:

 Was this helpful? If so, contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty).


By Lars Larson,

The Northwest Nonsense

The last failed Mayor of Portland actually welcomed the riots that turned the citys downtown into a ghost town for business.

Mostly peaceful, dontcha know it.

Ted Wheeler even took to the streets to talk one-on-one with rioters. The humiliating photos of Tear Gas Teddy on the internet seem likely to follow him to his grave.

The next failure in progress, Keith Wilson, should remember that Wheelers first mistake didnt come in 2020s Summer of Love. It was 2 years earlier when, guess who, pro-illegal alien forces surrounded, guess what, the Portland ICE headquarters.

The siege lasted for weeks, and Mayor Wheeler supported it vocally, declaring that Trump was wrong to deport illegals.

Funny, how forked tongue politicians refuse to help ICE, not my job, then side with criminal actions to block ICE.

ICE accused police of ignoring their 9-1-1 calls for help.

Wheeler declared he would only send help for imminent threats to life.

2020s riots sent dozens to hospitals and one man to the morgue.

Last night, the anarchists set fire to, guess what, the ICE building.

Police stopped it before it did serious damage and made several arrests.

I figure these crazies are just warming up for their big day, June 14th, SaturdayFlag Day, when they plan hundreds of riots nationwide.

Im just curious Does Portland plan to be ground zero again?

Thats the Rose City Rap. Join me at noon on KXL for 4 hours of Honestly provocative talk. Im Lars Larson
FAIRBURY  Some of Brian Steffen's earliest memories are from inside his parents' grocery store, Dave's Supermarket in Fairbury.

"I got involved in kindergarten," he said, eyes looking to the past. "(I) would walk from kindergarten here and go into the back room and get a guy ... to put 100 pounds of potatoes in a bin, and I'd weigh out 10-pound bags of potatoes."

That was in the mid-1960s, and Steffen would get 2 cents per bag. As he moved up through grade school, he sorted bottles of soda pop, he said.

"The alley was full of glass pop bottles. ... They were there year-round, bumblebees everywhere," he said.

That same grocery store is celebrating 75 years serving Fairbury in the same location through four generations of Steffens.

Brian Steffen and his nephew, Justin, currently helm the mainstay at 120 S. 3rd St. that employs around 110.

In honor of the 75th anniversary, the supermarket offered special prices on items ending in 75 cents, and held cookouts for the community. After all, their relationship with the community is what has allowed them to continue for the better part of a century.

When his grandparents first opened the store, there were at least 10 other grocers in town, Justin Steffen said.

Now, besides a few dollar stores, pharmacies and a Casey's gas station, Dave's Supermarket is the only committed grocery store in Fairbury.

"It's an honor to think about 75 years, to see generations of customers and employees both. It's humbling. We wouldn't here without the support," Justin Steffen said. "It's just, kind of, a 'lost for words' moment."

Atmosphere of service

Founded by David and Emma Lou Steffen in 1950, Dave's Supermarket was not the Steffen family's first grocery store. David and his brother had owned and operated Steffen Brothers in Deer Creek until a spot in Fairbury opened, Brian Steffen said.

"Mom was from here," he said. "She was born and raised in Fairbury, so that was part of it."

Dave's Supermarket was originally only a grocery store, sharing the building with a post office, barber shop and a plumbing and heating store, Brian Steffen said.

In those days, Brian Steffen and his siblings would stamp prices on the goods with fixed-price ink stampers before Garvey sticker-labelers came along, he said.

"That was so cool when we got those, because you could change the price fast," he said.

Even so, that was before Universal Product Codes, or UPCs.

"Grandpa just had everything in his head," Justin Steffen said. "He would do the math, and all the cashiers had everything memorized."

When the modern scanning cash registers arrived with UPC readers, it was like "science fiction," Brian Steffen said.

The first item featuring a UPC to be scanned in America was a pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit gum on June 26, 1974, at Marsh Supermarket in Troy, Ohio. They are now an integral part of commerce in the 21st century.

"Now all the craze is the ... electronic shelf tags," Brian Steffen said.

One thing that has remained the same since the store opened, though, is the Steffens' relentless commitment to "wowing" every shopper with customer service.

"That's why you don't see self-checkout up front," Justin Steffen said. "You won't have customers putting their own groceries on a conveyer belt. The cashiers do it. The cashiers are engaged. And we have a carry-out team that still goes out to the car."

Natalie Simmons, who has been a cashier at Dave's for five years, takes that mentality to heart.

"I really like the customers," she said. "Like, you get those customers that have a bad day, and then you get a chance (to) make their day with simple conversations at the register."

Simmons is glad to be helping the Steffens mark 75 years in Fairbury, she said.

"I just have a little pride, you know? And it's hard to find a job that you genuinely love and have a lot of pride," she said.

Expanding over time

Over the decades, Dave's Supermarket has expanded to include a more robust produce section with pre-cut fruit, a full bakery, and a deli with ready-to-eat as well as heat-and-serve meals.

To that end, the store's 3rd Street Deli and Old-World Bakery have become a major draw for shoppers in and around Fairbury, Justin Steffen said.

"People want convenience. They want good quality food at a fair price, but they want to be able to serve it quick or have it on hand in case they have people over," he said.

However, the store did not feature anything close to ready-to-eat meals until the early 1970s, when Brian Steffen was 10 years old, he said.

"The first thing we ever got halfway that was a deli was rotisserized chickens in about '71 or something like that. And mom (said), 'Those things are a mess. We're not going to sell,'" Brian Steffen recalled.

These days they can make up to 16 rotisserie chickens at a time, he said.

The deli also sells handmade potato salad alongside sandwiches and fried chicken, Brian Steffen said.

The convenience of ready-made meals is one thing, but their customers enjoy the handmade difference, Justin Steffen said.

With many ultra-processed foods, "no one know(s) where it comes from or how things are made. And obviously there's the list of ingredients on the back of the label (that) is a lot less" with their made-from-scratch products, he said.

"You taste the difference," his uncle said.

Besides the deli, Dave's Supermarket makes doughnuts from scratch every day.

And, the store is USDA-licensed to can its own meat and to sell four kinds: chicken, pork, and two kinds of beef that are shelf-stable for up to three years.

"There's just nobody else that's doing something like this. This is pretty unique," Justin Steffen said.

On top of that, for the last decade and a half the Steffens have been smoking meats like brisket, pulled pork and baby back ribs to sell hot, or frozen to be reheated. They even cater.

One of their specialty items, and something not sold in many supermarkets around Central Illinois, is the Big Green Egg, a ceramic outdoor cooker that is widely popular with serious barbecue aficionados.

"That's how we got into smoked meats, was on the Green Eggs," Justin Steffen said.

In addition to selling the Big Green Eggs, those used to be the means with which they smoked their brisket and ribs every Monday, Brian Steffen said.

About three years ago, they moved the smoking inside with an Ole Hickory Pit commercial smoker, he said. It's so popular that now-retired Mark Steffen, Justin's father, still helps operate the smoker, among other things.

"We call him the Dave's ambassador," Justin Steffen said. "He likes to come in and face the shelves (move product to the front)."

Tight-knit family

The younger Steffen recalls feeling welcomed at the grocery store, but not pressure by his grandparents to make that his living.

"I'll never forget my grandma encouraging us to try something else before committing," Justin Steffen said. "There's a lot of third-generation members that worked here through high school quite a bit. And I did an internship at Caterpillar during college for a while and, kind of, saw the corporate lifestyle."

Of course, that was not the path he ultimately chose.

His choice to join the family business seems to have worked out. Over the last eight or so years, Justin Steffen, his father and his uncle have been handling the major decisions for the store.

"Couldn't ask for a better nephew to work with," Brian Steffen said.

With his father retired and uncle looking to step down, officially, at least, within the next 18 months, Justin Steffen will carry the full responsibility of three generations of Steffen legacy.

"It's very humbling, but there's also a lot of challenges and weight of leading a company and not being that generation that lets it fall," he said.

Still, like his grandparents, he feels no need to shoehorn his children into the role.

"As far as my kids, I kind of have the same approach (as Emma Lou). I'd like to encourage them to see what's out there," Justin Steffen said.

His oldest son, a sophomore at Normal West High School, currently works part time in Dave's produce department.

"(He) aspires to be an engineer, so, I doubt he'll come back here," Justin Steffen said.

And yet, 75 years in downtown Fairbury is a milestone that means so much to the community.

"I feel like it means a lot more than even the owners or the family that runs it even (knows)," said Simmons, the cashier.

"Because Fairbury is a very small town, and to have a store that, like, an award-winning produce (department) or has all this stuff ... I mean, it means  there's no words to describe what it means. It's just such a great store," she said.

"I walk in; I'm genuinely happy," Simmons said. "There's not an employee that I'm angry or upset at. I mean, even if you're not family, you feel like family working with the Steffens."

IF YOU GO What: Dave's Supermarket Where: 120 S. 3rd St., Fairbury Hours: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed on Sundays Phone: 815-692-2822 Online: davessupermarket.com and facebook.com/DavesSupermarket
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, as well as his Democratic counterparts in New York and Minnesota, testified before the House Oversight Committee on the state's immigration policies.

Follow live coverage below.

Pritzker urges two parties to 'get together' and pass immigration reform as hearing ends

5:01 p.m. The committee has adjourned more than seven hours after it began. In his closing remarks, Pritzker urged Congress to take bipartisan action on immigration reform.

"This Congress is about 50/50 between the two parties," Pritzker said. "Isn't it about time that you got together and got comprehensive immigration reform done?"

His message to Republicans: "You can get together with Democrats and get something put together that will secure our border and have a big door that allows people to come who are working hard, who will raise families in the United States and help our economy."

Pritzker decries 'disrespect' shown to California senator

3:56 p.m.: Pritzker decried the removal of U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Ca., from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems news conference in Los Angeles.

Padilla was handcuffed by officers as he tried to speak up about immigration raids that have led to protests in California and around the country.

I cannot believe the disrespect that was shown to a United States Senator who was thrown down and handcuffed and not allowed to ask a question of our Secretary of Homeland Security that seems completely irrational, Pritzker said.

The shocking scene of a U.S. senator being aggressively removed from a Cabinet secretarys news conference prompted immediate outrage from his Democratic colleagues. Images and video of the scuffle ricocheted through the halls of Congress, where stunned lawmakers demanded an immediate investigation and characterized the episode as another in a line of mounting threats to democracy by President Donald Trumps administration.

The Associated Press contributed.

GOP congressman calls for Pritzker's arrest

12:38 p.m.: Alabama Republican Rep. Gary Palmer told the governors that their sanctuary policies now constitute a threat to our national security, and says that they should be arrested. It comes one week after Trump suggested that California Gov. Gavin Newsom should be arrested.

Charges for obstruction should be brought against each one of you for doing this, Palmer said. I'll leave that up to the Department of Justice.

Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York said that the threat of arrest was a form of intimidation and that his words be struck from the record. It appeared that they were.

Pritzker on if federal agents tried to arrest him: 'He can try'

11:24 a.m.: Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., asked Pritzker and the other governors what they would do if federal agents tried to arrest them for impeding immigration enforcement.

"Let me begin by saying, I have the highest duty to protect the people of my state," Pritzker said. "And indeed, if (US border czar) Tom Homan were to come to try to arrest us  me, rather  I can say, first of all, that he can try.

"I can also tell you that I will stand in the way of Tom Homan going after people who don't deserve to be frightened in their communities, who don't deserve to be threatened, terrorized. I would rather that he came and arrested me than do that to the people of my state."

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Republicans and Democrats have a responsibility to work together.

And I think threatening arrests of elected officials, Congressman, it doesn't help any of us, Walz said. And Governor Pritzker is right: Our citizens are scared and angry, and it's not necessary. We can fix this with a bipartisan border bill.

'So you're admitting that this is just a political circus?'

10:47 a.m.: Pritzker engaged in a heated back-and-forth Texas Republican Rep. Brandon Gill on topics that went beyond immigration.

Gill first asked Pritzker if he supported abolishing ICE, to which the governor responded, No, I believe we need an immigration force in the United States.

Gill then asked Pritzker if he thought transgender women should be allowed to use womens restrooms, citing a social media post from the Chicago Democrat's Twitter account in 2017, two years before he was elected governor.

Pritzker questioned why the topic was being brought up.

Gill asked Have you ever used the women's restroom?

Pritzker, responding, Not that I can recall ever.

After some more back and forth, Pritzker rhetorically asks so you're admitting that this is just a political circus?

Gill: Do you support Hamas agenda?

Pritzker:  Sir, I do not. They are a terrorist organization.

Pritzker takes friendly questions from top Illinois Democrat

10:25 a.m.: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg, who is running for the United States Senate seat held by retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, asks Pritzker friendly questions about the Illinois TRUST Act.

The Illinois law generally prohibits state and local law enforcement from assisting the federal government with civil immigration enforcement. Cooperation is permitted, however, when there is a federal criminal warrant.

Krishnamoorthi: This is the 2017 law signed by then-Republican governor Bruce Rauner, which requires state agencies to cooperate with (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) when it presents a criminal arrest warrant for an individual.

Pritzker: Yes, thats correct.

Krishnamoorthi: And just to be clear, the Illinois State Police, the Department of Corrections and other Illinois agencies must cooperate with ICE when they present a criminal arrest warrant.

Pritzker: Correct and (they) do every single time. This is Illinois law.

Krishnamoorthi then touts Pritzkers fiscal stewardship of Illinois, Illinois ranking as the top soybean producing state and second-highest corn producing state in the country and Chicagos status as the top destination for corporate relocations.

(Illinois is) where the cell phone was invented, was home to the first McDonald's and was the home of amazing leaders  Lincoln, Reagan, Obama, Grant, even Superman, and yes, the Pope, Krishnamoorthi said. And here's a picture of the Pope wearing a Chicago White Sox cap. The next Pope's gonna be a Cubs fan.

Comer questions Pritzker on Urbana crash, Biden

9:59 a.m.: In their first exchange, Comer asked Pritzker whether Julio Cucul Bol, the undocumented Guatemalan driver of the vehicle that killed Katie Abraham and Chloe Polzin in an Urbana crash in January, had the right to be in the country.

After offering his condolences to Abraham's family, who are in the audience, Pritzker reiterates that it is the responsibility of the federal government to enforce immigration policy.

I have responsibility for the state of Illinois. I can tell you that it's the responsibility of the federal government to manage immigration in this country, Pritzker said. And if you're suggesting that the federal government didn't do its job, that is up to you.

Comer then asked Pritzker if he believed former President Joe Biden did his job in securing the border.

I was critical of things that President Biden did, Pritzker said. I think I've been very public about that. I wrote a letter to the president telling him that.

Pritzker: 'We will not participate in abuses of power'

9:47 a.m.: In his opening statement, Pritzker invokes his own familys immigrant story.

My own family owes everything to this country for accepting a young refugee named Nicholas Pritzker to its shores over a century ago, Pritzker said. My great grandfather fled the massacre of Jews in Ukraine and arrived in the United States when he was just 10 without a penny to his name. A social service agency provided him a place to live, a public school taught him English, a public university allowed him to pursue a higher education.

My father and grandfather both were naval officers and raised their families with a powerful sense of duty to community and patriotism to our country that still lives deep in my generation. Both were successful entrepreneurs, he said. My family story is not unique. Today, Illinois is home to 1.9 million immigrants, just like my great-grandfather, they are hard working, raising families and paying taxes.

Pritzker also references the protests over federal immigration raids in Los Angeles, saying that we can all agree that violence of any kind, whomever it is directed at, is unacceptable. But, he said that we expect the federal government to follow the law too. He criticized President Donald Trumps deployment of Marines and National Guard troops to the scene, saying it was just to inflame a situation and create a crisis.

We will not participate in abuses of power, Pritzker said. We will not violate court orders, we will not ignore the constitution. We will not defy the Supreme Court. We will not take away people's rights to peacefully protest. We also respect and expect this administration to respect the traditions and legal precedent that dictate how and when our National Guard and military are deployed.

Comer opens hearing

9:33 a.m.: House Oversight Committee chair Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., opened the hearing referencing the death of 20-year-old University of Illinois student Katie Abraham, who was killed in a car crash earlier this year that involved an undocumented immigrant.

Urbana, like the state of Illinois, is a sanctuary jurisdiction, Comer said. ... The illegal alien who took Katie's life should never have been allowed into our country. This was a preventable crime.

I invited these governors here today because as the chief executives of their states, they willfully ignore federal law, shield illegal aliens and pass the cost of free services on to their hard working taxpayers, Comer added.

Illinois Freedom Caucus members in attendance

9:04 a.m.: Gov. JB Pritzker is not the only Illinois elected official to make the trip to Washington.

Joining him in the committee room are members of the far-right Illinois Freedom Caucus. The caucus, in a social media post, said they are ready to witness JB attempt to spin how he justifies putting illegals over taxpayers.

State legislators attending include state Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport; and state Reps. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville; Marty McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills; Chris Miller, R-Hindsboro; and Blaine Wilhour, R-Dieterich.

U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Hindsboro, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, also posed with the group.

Pritzker's to defend state's immigration policies in prepared remarks

SPRINGFIELD  Invoking both verifiable data and his family's own American origin story, Gov. JB Pritzker will offer a defense of Illinois' sanctuary immigration policies and urge Congress to enact federal immigration reform in testimony he will deliver before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday.

Pritzker, along with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will appear before the committee starting around 9 a.m. to discuss their states' immigration policies, which generally limit state and local cooperation with the federal government on civil immigration enforcement.

This hearing comes just days after Trump, in an extraordinary display of presidential power, ordered the deployment of Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles to put down protests over federal immigration raids.

In prepared remarks released in advance of his testimony, the second-term governor plans to offer a defense of the state's policy, which he said complies with federal law and does not prevent cooperation in apprehending criminals. Additionally, he said, the state's approach strengthens public safety by fostering trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

"I have consistently said and will reaffirm today: Violent criminals have no place on our streets, and if they are undocumented, I want them out of Illinois and out of our country," Pritzker plans to say. "Illinois law allows government employees to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement authorities in the execution of a criminal warrant issued by a federal judge or magistrate."

"Federal officials should operate in Illinois, as they do in every state, to enforce federal immigration policy, " he will continue. "But we will not divert our limited resources and officers to do the job of the federal government when it is not in the best interest of our state, our local communities or the safety of our residents."

Pritzker also plans to point out that the law setting the state's policy, known as the TRUST Act, was signed in 2017 by his predecessor, then-Gov. Bruce Rauner, who is a Republican.

"It is important that all members of the community trust law enforcement," Pritzker will say. "Prosecuting criminals and preventing crime in our communities becomes exponentially harder when victims or witnesses do not come forward because they are undocumented and afraid of law enforcement."

However, such policies have drawn scrutiny from President Donald Trump's administration and congressional Republicans, who have accused state and local Democratic leaders of impeding the federal government's crackdown on illegal immigration.

In February, the Trump administration sued Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, seeking to have state and local sanctuary policies invalidated. The case is pending.

It has also become the focus of congressional hearings. Earlier this year, the committee hosted a panel of big-city mayors, including Chicago's Johnson, to discuss their policies. While highly anticipated, the hearing concluded without many fireworks.

Pritzker's prepared remarks avoid the rhetorical flourishes of recent political speeches that have drawn attention to the businessman-turned-politician, who is widely considered a potential Democratic candidate for president in 2028.

Pritzker plans to tell the GOP-led committee that states like Illinois "have had to shoulder the consequences of a broken immigration system," namely in 2023 and 2024 when more than 50,000 asylum-seeking migrants were bused from border states like Texas to Illinois with little-to-no coordination.

His remarks will first walk the committee through how Illinois responded to the migrant crisis. He will then highlight the state's steps to address public safety and all the ways state and local law enforcement cooperate with federal agencies. He will also cite data showing crime rates in the state trending downward.

In closing, Pritzker plans to invoke his own family's immigrant story to advocate for reform that provides for "a secure border while also having real immigration pathways that allow people to come here, work, and support themselves on a reasonable timeline."

Pritzker's great-grandfather Nicholas, a Ukrainian Jew, found refuge in the United States in 1881 after fleeing Russian pogroms.

"This country accepted them as refugees, even though they had almost nothing except the shirts on their backs," Pritzker will say, adding that "they would not have succeeded without the support of their neighbors and the government."

"It is urgent that Congress act to fix our immigration laws so law-abiding immigrant families can pursue the same opportunities that my great-grandfather had when he arrived here," Pritzker said. "The vast majority of immigrants contribute to our communities, pay taxes, and abide by the law. We should value their entrepreneurship, ingenuity, and hard work."

"Both political parties are to blame for Americas broken immigration system," he said. "I hope that this committee chooses to be part of the solution by pursuing bipartisan comprehensive federal immigration reform."

This post will be updated.
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Credit: SSRN Electronic Journal (2025). DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5249915

There was a time when corporate America was not very online. Most companies used social media for promoting products and services or engaging with consumers in a friendly fashion. Political posts on a company Twitter account were rare.

That all changed between 2012 and 2022, when the volume of partisan speech on Twitter (now called X) from large corporations surged, more than doubling beginning in 2017, according to a new National Bureau of Economic Research working paper.

Researchers said the spike was driven disproportionately by companies using language associated with Democratic politicians. The moves frequently had negative effects on company stock prices.

In this edited conversation, the paper's co-authors, Elisabeth Kempf, Jaime and Raquel Gilinski, Associate Professor of Business Administration, explain corporate Twitter's abrupt shift.

It seems ubiquitous now, but corporations putting out partisan-sounding tweets is only a recent development. What did you find?

Partisan speech was very rare for companies. Less than 1% of all the tweets they sent between 2012 and 2017 would constitute what was, according to our measures, very partisan speech.

Wading into partisan, polarized issues can be tricky for companies. We saw the first big change in 2017 where both Democratic and Republican partisan speech picks up, and then this big asymmetry starting in 2019.

That was the part that I found the most surprising. I was expecting to see some companies also start to use more Republican-sounding speechto see, essentially, evidence of polarization. It was quite surprising to see that everybody seemed to adopt more Democratic speech after 2019 and that it was happening across the board, companies in blue states, red states, companies that are in consumer-facing businesses, also B2B [business to business].

How did you define partisan corporate speech?

We built on previous work by Jesse Shapiro, my colleague at Harvard, and his co-authors. They developed this methodology to look at partisan speech in Congress that identifies phrases that allow you to correctly guess a speaker's political party.

We used their methodology and applied it to tweets sent by Democratic and Republican politicians. That allowed us to identify highly partisan phrases and then apply it to corporate speech. Essentially, phrases that sound like they could be coming from a Democratic or Republican politician is what we consider partisan speech.

What did you learn about how partisan corporate speech has changed over time?

The first fact is that partisan corporate speech has become more common over this time period, 2012 to 2022. The second fact is that this growth was really asymmetric.

Starting in 2019, we see rapid growth in Democratic-sounding speech, while Republican-sounding speech stayed constant or, if anything, decreased toward the end. And third, when we look at stock returns around these partisan corporate statements, we see that they tend to be followed by negative abnormal stock returns.

That said, we also see a lot of heterogeneity depending on the investor composition. For example, if there are more funds with ESG [environmental, social, and governance] objectives, then we see that the stock return after a Democratic-sounding statement tends to be less negative.

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Is it clear why these partisan Twitter statements suddenly escalated during this time?

In 2017, we see both Democratic- and Republican-sounding speech go up for the first time. We don't have so much to say on that.

What we do have more to say on is when we start to see this divergence between Democratic- and Republican-sounding speech, which is in January 2019. That was when BlackRock chief executive Larry Fink put out a pretty influential letter, his "Dear CEOs" annual letter. He explicitly called on CEOs to be more vocal, take more stances on polarizing issues.

This would be another potential piece of evidence to suggest that large institutional investors may have also played a role in this. BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager so there was a lot of news reporting that this had kicked off a lot of discussion in the business world.

Also in 2019, the Business Roundtable [a CEO lobbying association] came out saying shareholder value maximization should not be the sole purpose. So, I do think it was quite influential.

We also see that 2019 was a massive growth in terms of the assets under management with a sustainability mandate. This is when a big shift happened in the investment industry.

Recently, we've seen protest campaigns against Tesla and Bud Light spurred by perceived partisan corporate statements. Could robust consumer boycotts that threaten profits have contributed to declines in shares as opposed to just public or investor reaction to statements?

This was the finding we struggled the most to make sense of. One possibility is, as you say, that maybe there could be facts of this partisan speech that affect what we would call the cash flows in finance or the profits that the companies make. For example, it might be losing employees or losing customers. We argue that partisan speech can affect a third potential stakeholder groupinvestorsand how much they are willing to hold the stock.

We were looking at the 500 largest companies by market capitalization, so these are very big companies that need to raise capital from a pretty heterogeneous investor base. It's hard for these large companies to raise capital only from Democrats or only from Republicans. And so, once you make a partisan statement that aligns with one group but not with the other, you might see precisely this negative stock price effect.

It is also difficult to explain the growth in Democratic-sounding speech with consumer or employee preferences alone. To be clear: we wouldn't want to conclude that investor or consumer preferences did not play a role at all. But we thought it was worth pointing out that it was hard to explain everything just with consumers or just with employees.

Why is that? Because we see this rapid growth both for companies that are in consumer and non-consumer-facing industries. Boycotts could explain why maybe certain retail companies might adopt a certain speech, but we see it even in materials, which is a sector with companies that make metals, chemicals, coatings and things like this. It's hard to think that there the consumer preferences for partisan speech would be super strong.

I thought employees could be quite relevant, but we saw the same trend in companies with employees located in very Democratic areas versus Republican areas. We also didn't see that labor market tightness played a role. You might imagine that if you're really in desperate need of talent, maybe you would engage more in this partisan speech if you thought it would help in hiring.

There were a couple of results that just made it hard to explain this with consumers or employees alone. Whereas, if you think about this investment channel, it could explain why we see it in companies that are based in blue areas, red areas. It could explain why this is such a broad-based phenomenon.

Are there other aspects of corporate speech ripe for further research?

Yes. I don't think we have fully answered the question of why this big shift was happening then. We have suggestive evidence that investors could have played a role. But I don't think there's a full, causal relationship yet. So that is one big open question: How influential were investors versus consumers versus employees?

The second question is what were the more long-term effects? We're looking at stock prices over a relatively short window. What does this do in the longer run to companies, and potentially also to their relationship to politicians or how partisan speech by companies influences politics, I think, are exciting areas for future research.

More information: Elisabeth Kempf et al, Partisan Corporate Speech, SSRN Electronic Journal (2025). DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5249915

This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The European Space Agency (ESA) said Thursday it was looking to bolster alliances with countries other than the United States as it adapts to looming cuts at key partner NASA.

The ESA needs to grow "its resilience and autonomy, for its own good," ESA chief Josef Aschbacher told journalists.

That requires bolstering links with other partners, he said, citing Canada, India and Japan.

The announcement, made after a meeting of the ESA's board, came as NASA faces drastic budget cuts under US President Donald Trump's administration.

The cost-cutting measures, which have to be approved by US lawmakers later this year, would hit NASA projects involving the ESA.

Those include the development of an Orion moon capsule, building a Gateway space station orbiting the moon, and the return to Earth of Mars rock samples.

Aschbacher said the scope of the NASA budget cuts was still being studied, but ESA's member countries were already working out how to proceed.

 2025 AFP
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

All children in England living in households claiming universal credit will soon be eligible for free school meals, the UK government has announced. This will improve the lives of 500,000 more children and save their families 500 per year.

This will reduce hunger at school. But it will not solve the UK's child poverty crisis.

In her spending review on 11 June, Chancellor Rachel Reeves described the moveas well as investment in educationas "a downpayment ahead of publication of the Child Poverty Strategy in the autumn." However, the two-child benefit cap, which the government is considering scrapping, and challenging school budgets, remain major barriers to addressing child poverty and food insecurity.

According to analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the new free school meals policy will ultimately lift 100,000 children out of poverty and cost 1 billion a year. Under the current system, only families in receipt of universal credit and earning below 7,400 a year qualify for free school meals. This incredibly low threshold has excluded a huge number of children living in poverty from getting a good meal at school.

Reactions have been justifiably positive. Nick Harrison, CEO of social mobility charity the Sutton Trust, has called the move "a significant step towards taking hunger out of the classroom."

The Institute for Fiscal Studies pointed out, however, that the implied poverty-reducing benefits of the policy will only be realized in the long term.

This is partly because, since 2018, the eligibility for free school meals has been temporarily widened to mitigate the impact of changes in the welfare system (the roll out of universal credit) on families. During this period, which ended in April this year, children still received free school meals even if family entitlements to universal credit changed.

This means that many children made eligible for free school meals under the new policy are already receiving them. And far fewer than 100,000 children will immediately be "lifted out of poverty," as the government had claimed.

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A mission against child poverty?

The education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, called the new school meals entitlement part of "the moral mission of this government to tackle the stain of child poverty." She said, "Today this government takes a giant step towards ending it with targeted support that puts money back in parents' pockets."

Such forceful language almost does justice to the scale of the problem. In the UK, 4.45 million children live in poverty. One in five children live in food-insecure householdsmeaning their families struggle to put food on the table.

My own research shows that a fifth of all schools now run a food bank. Extending free school meals is an undoubtedly positive step but it will only scratch the surface of these much deeper problems.

Given the depths of child poverty in the UK, the government must build on this development if it really wants to tackle the problem. Firstly, the government must commit to removing the two-child benefit cap, which limits benefits paid for children to the first two children in a family. Doing so would lift 350,000 children out of poverty immediately and reduce the number of children turning up to school too hungry to learn.

Extending free schools meal coverage is the less contentious policy option. There is, rightly or wrongly, public support for the two-child limit.

But it is also the comparatively less ambitious and effective one. Lifting the two-child benefit cap would help more children at a lower cost per child.

Secondly, too often the government asks schools to meet essential costs, duties and innovations out of their existing budgets. In the long run, this disadvantages all children and particularly those living in poverty. This needs to change.

For example, the government currently only funds 75% of the costs of the new national school breakfast clubs. Next year schools will have to find 400 million from their existing budgets to fund pay rises for teachers. This figure dwarfs the amount schools will receive next year for extending free school meals.

Finally, we need to tackle the root causes of poverty and build viable pathways out of it. This cannot be achieved by largely focusing on education and providing more funding to schoolsimportant as this is.

Child poverty is shaped by how our welfare and benefits system is organized, insecure and low-paid work, the high costs of housing and bills, and the absence of high-quality services and community resources that help children thrive. Only by tackling all of these issues in a coordinated and progressive way will we be able to make child hunger and poverty things of the past, which is where they belong.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Map of Gas Station locations (square blue icons) on Portsea Island, Portsmouth, UK. Credit: European Journal of Operational Research (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2025.04.026

A new study proposes a rigorous framework to guide the temporary closure of petrol stations in the face of heightened safety or security risks.

The researchpublished in the European Journal of Operational Researchfocuses on the vulnerabilities of petrol stations and the wide-ranging consequences of potential incidents, from environmental damage and economic loss, to social disruption and loss of life.

Led by Professor Dylan Jones from the University of Portsmouth's Faculty of Technology and Dr. Oleksii Ivanov of Odesa Polytechnic National University (OPNU), the project developed advanced decision-support algorithms to assess when petrol station closures should be enacted. The model weighs the severity of potential incidents alongside their wider sustainability impacts, using a sophisticated scoring and prioritization system.

The project, rooted in the discipline of multiple criteria decision-making, proposes a vulnerability index that prioritizes human life above all other factors. It also introduces a goal programming approach to recommend which stations, if any, should close temporarilystriking a balance between minimizing public disruption and ensuring safety.

Portsmouth, a densely populated island city on England's south coast, was chosen as the case study site due to its constrained geography and infrastructure density. While there is no immediate risk to the city, the researchers stress that the methodology is designed for use in regions facing acute threatswhether due to military conflict, terrorism, or extreme weather events.

Dr. Ivanov's contributions to the projectand his wider body of researchwere recently recognized with a prestigious academic award from the Ukrainian Parliament, highlighting the international significance of the work.

"In an age where infrastructure has become a target as much as a utility, we need better tools to guide the difficult decisions about what stays open and what closes during a crisis," said Professor Jones. "This study is about equipping authorities with a way to make those calls in a transparent, evidence-based way."

The need for such approaches has been highlighted by recent events, including the sabotage of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the Baltic Sea, the vulnerability of nuclear sites in war zones, and the severing of undersea internet cables. In this context, infrastructure planning is increasingly seen not just as a technical issue, but a matter of national security.

The authors also suggest that their methodology could be adapted for other forms of critical infrastructure, such as airports, bridges, fuel depots and even electric vehicle charging networksparticularly as energy systems undergo major transformation.

While their current model is designed for emergency closures, future applications could include urban planning decisions or long-term infrastructure resilience assessments. The team hopes to further refine their approach by integrating risk management and safety science perspectives.

By connecting safety analytics with broader sustainability goals, such as those set out in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals on infrastructure and urban resilience, the study points toward a future where smarter infrastructure decisions can help mitigate both immediate threats and long-term vulnerabilities.

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The study also marks a milestone in the growing partnership between the University of Portsmouth and Odesa Polytechnic National University, as the two institutions celebrate the third anniversary of their collaboration under the UK-Ukraine Twinning Initiative.

Launched in 2022 in response to the ongoing conflict, the initiative supports Ukrainian universities by fostering international collaboration and strengthening academic resilience. Over the past three years, the University of Portsmouth and Odesa Polytechnic National University have worked together on a range of research and innovation projects aimed at supporting Ukraine's long-term welfare and economic recovery.

Dr. Ivanov said, "We are grateful for the opportunity, provided by the UK-Ukraine twinning grants scheme platform, to join leading researchers from the University of Portsmouth and be able to conduct research. This project has grown from a Masters thesis into a thorough study, and we hope its results will be used to enhance the safety of city residents and ensure their sustainable development. Thank you to Professor Dylan Jones and other co-researchers for their cooperation, and I look forward to further collaboration. It was a fascinating experience."

These collaborative efforts were recently highlighted at an event celebrating the launch of the science, technology and innovation pillar of the UK-Ukraine 100-Year Partnership Agreement. The event was attended by Patrick Vallance, the UK's Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, and Oksen Lisovyi, Ukraine's Minister of Education and Science.

Dr. Andrii Zharikov, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Business and Law at University of Portsmouth and Academic Lead for the OPNU partnership, said, "This enduring collaboration exemplifies the strength of international academic partnerships in times of crisis, demonstrating our shared commitment to education, research, and mutual support. I'm proud to be part of an initiative that has delivered such impactful results."

More information: DF Jones et al, Multiple sustainability criteria mapping of gas station incident consequences and subsequent decision optimisation, European Journal of Operational Research (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2025.04.026
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4,000 households near the borders running through southern and central Sweden responded to the survey. Credit: University of Gothenburg

Households affected by high electricity prices during the energy crisis tend to be more negative toward climate policy. Research from the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg shows that perceived unfairness reinforces misconceptions about fuel taxes.

Sweden introduced four electricity bidding zones in 2011.

The study examined the attitudes of 4,000 households living near one of Sweden's electricity bidding zone borders toward carbon pricing. The results show that exposure to doubled electricity prices increases opposition to fuel taxes by 20%.

The study also shows that higher electricity prices led many people to develop an exaggerated perception of how costly and unfair the taxes are, particularly believing them to be unjust toward lower-income households.

"Much of the opposition to carbon taxes is based on misconceptions. People tend to underestimate the environmental benefits and overestimate the cost to their own household," says Jens Ewald, a Ph.D. candidate in economics and the author of the study.

Electricity zones cause frustration

Sweden introduced four electricity bidding zones in 2011. Until 2022, there were no significant price differences between them. However, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent energy crisis in Europe, significant price disparities have emerged between southern and northern Sweden. The government has now tasked Sweden's electricity transmission system operator, Svenska kraftnat, with investigating whether the system of bidding zones should be abolished.

"People get angry about what they perceive as unfairness, which makes them more skeptical of climate policy. This doesn't mean we should abolish the electricity zones, but it does show that we need to do a better job of explaining the purpose and workings of the system," says Ewald.

Credit: University of Gothenburg

Sweden as a pioneer

Sweden was the first country in the world to introduce a carbon tax in 1991 and has since been a global leader. However, the 2022 election, in which several parties campaigned to lower petrol prices, marked a turning point.

"Carbon taxes often face political resistance, despite being crucial tools in climate efforts. The exemptions and tax reductions introduced in recent years represent the first clear break in this trend, meaning that the effective carbon tax has been lowered and Sweden's climate policy has been weakened," says Ewald.

More information: Jens Ewald. Opposition to Carbon Pricing: Beliefs, Revenues, and Protesters (2025). Thesis: gupea.ub.gu.se/handle/2077/86500
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Airline seat constraints (V72). Credit: Journal of Sustainable Tourism (2025). DOI: 10.1080/09669582.2025.2490671

Plus-size tourists "can and will travel" and the travel industry needs to wake up to their needs, according to a study of TikTok posts.

Researchers from Newcastle University and the University of Essex have shown that despite "paying lip service" to improving equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI), the travel and tourism industry is failing to make adjustments for plus-size tourists.

By analyzing TikTok videos and comments using the hashtag #plussizetravel, they have shown that plus-size travelers continue to face exclusion, despite wanting to take part in the same typical activities as slimmer tourists.

Their study also shows how the plus-size community is challenging stereotypical views of what a tourist body, typically represented as slim, white and conventionally attractive, looks like.

Writing in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism, Dr. Weizheng Zhang from Newcastle University Business School and Dr. Whitney Vernes Smith from Edge Hotel School at the University of Essex, explore how inequalities hinder the inclusion of alternative, non-conforming body types.

They reveal that plus-size travelers are using social media to hold the industry to account and demand action.

They also highlight the economic value in accepting that body types are changing.

Dr. Weizheng Zhang, Lecturer in Marketing, Newcastle University Business School, said, "The most recent 20162017 report on the UK plus-size market suggests 63% of people are overweight, while more than 73% of the US adult population are considered overweight.

"The industry needs to make progress on size-inclusive regulations and policies if it is to create a more inclusive environment and take advantage of the significant economic and commercial opportunities."

Dr. Vernes Smith explained, "It's really an activist movement. Plus-size travelers are empowered to represent themselves how they want to be seen, not how the travel and tourism industry typically sees them, as a problem.

"They are using TikTok to show us they engage in the typical tourist activity we all enjoy like eating local cuisine and visiting tourist sites, but they also use it to reveal the structural barriers to inclusion that still exist.

"Across their posts and comments, we see an underlying tone of defiance. In their own words, they 'can and will travel' and why shouldn't they? Tourism should be accessible to all."

Despite steps forward in the representation of LGTBQ communities, the researchers argue the travel and tourism industry focuses only on obvious accessibility issues, like supporting wheelchair users or blind travelers. They are calling for industry leaders to recognize that plus-size travelers have accessibility needs too.

"Where travelers face barriers they are often told to change their behaviors but airplane toilets, theme park rides and sun loungers are things we all use. Shouldn't we be considering why aircraft seats or hotel towels only come in certain sizes?" Dr. Vernes Smith added.

More information: Whitney Estanita Vernes et al, Plus size people can and will travel too: body positivity in travel and leisure, Journal of Sustainable Tourism (2025). DOI: 10.1080/09669582.2025.2490671
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Experts from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have analyzed how targeted management of invasive alien species (IAS) can reduce extinction risks for threatened species across the European Union (EU), in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

Published in the open-access journal NeoBiota, a new study identifies where and how targeted action against IAS (species that have been introduced to areas outside their natural range, either intentionally or unintentionally by human activities, and cause negative impacts) can have the highest conservation impact.

The authors applied the IUCN Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) metric to measure opportunities for species threat abatement caused by IAS.

The research estimates that fully removing threats from IAS could reduce extinction risk for EU species by up to 16%.

The Macaronesian Islands, namely the Canary Islands (Spain), Madeira (Portugal), and the Azores (Portugal), present the largest opportunities for reducing species extinction risk.

The research calculates this at an over 40% reduction in extinction risk if IAS were eliminated, illustrating how IAS pose a significantly higher threat to islands compared to mainland ecosystems. Islands are particularly vulnerable due to their unique biodiversity, high levels of endemism, and often fragile ecosystems.

"Given the alarming impact that invasive alien species have on native biodiversity and the economy, it is essential to identify where action can have the greatest effect," said Randall Jimenez Q., Senior Conservation Scientist, Science team, IUCN (first author of the research).

"In this context, our work presents the first regional application of the Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) metric, a science-based method that links conservation actions to the reduction of species extinction risk.

"By applying STAR with data from the EU Red List of threatened species, we highlight opportunities for addressing invasive alien species across national and subnational levels in the EU."

"Mitigating the impacts of invasive alien species offers some of the greatest potential gains for conserving native biodiversity, while also delivering benefits for ecosystem services and local economies," Boris Erg, IUCN European Regional Director, said.

"This analysis provides decision-makers with guidance on where efforts can achieve the most significant results, supporting progress towards the EU Biodiversity Strategy target of reducing impacts on threatened species from invasive alien species by 50%."

For specific IAS, the greatest opportunities to reduce regional species extinction risk by mitigating threats from IAS come from managing feral goats (12.4%), mouflons (8.1%), rabbits (5.3%) and rats (4.6%).

Invasive alien species are a major threat to global biodiversity and the total cost of biological invasions across all European Union member states has been estimated at 129.9 billion US dollars between 1960 and 2020.

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In Europe, measures for IAS management are mainly established through the European Union Biodiversity Strategy 2030, which aims to halve the number of IUCN Red List of Threatened Species at risk from IAS by 2030.

Across the EU, 3,759 species (excluding marine animals) have been assessed as Near Threatened or Threatened with extinction, of which 579 (15%) are documented to be threatened by IAS (IUCN 2024).

A 2023 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) found that IAS have been a significant driver in 60% of documented plant and animal extinctions.

The report, informed by experts from the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG), identified 3,500 invasive species that are severely harming biodiversity and human livelihood. These are increasing rapidly, with a forecast increase of 36% by 2050posing threats to the realization of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

"This study provides compelling evidence that targeted action against invasive alien species in priority areas can significantly reduce extinction risk for hundreds of species across the EU," said Piero Genovesi, Chair, IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group.

"It underscores the urgent need for science-based, well-coordinated responses to biological invasionsresponses that integrate biosecurity, invasive alien species management, and ecosystem restoration, particularly in biodiversity hotspots such as the Macaronesian Islands."

More information: Jimenez RR, et al. Guiding action on invasive alien species towards meeting the EU's Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, NeoBiota (2025). DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.99.148323 Journal information: NeoBiota
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An illustration from a 15th-century manuscript showing the coronation of the first king of Poland, Boleslaw I. Credit: Chronica Polonorum by Mathiae de Mechovia

For two centuries, scholars have sparred over the roots of the Piasts, Poland's first documented royal house, who reigned from the 10th to the 14th centuries.

Were they local Slavic nobles, Moravian exiles, or warriors from Scandinavia?

Since 2023, a series of genetic and environmental studies led by molecular biologist Marek Figlerowicz at the Poznan University of Technology has delivered a stream of direct evidence about these enigmatic rulers, bringing the debate onto firmer ground.

Digging up the dynasty

Field teams have now opened more than a dozen crypts from the Piast era. The largest single haul came from Pock Cathedral in what is now central Poland.

The exhumed bones were dated between 1100 and 1495, matching written records. Genetic analysis showed several individuals were close relatives.

"There is no doubt we are dealing with genuine Piasts," Figlerowicz told a May 2025 conference.

The Poznan group isolated readable DNA from 33 individuals (30 men and three women) believed to span the dynasty's full timeline.

Surprise on the Y chromosome

The male skeletons almost all carry a single, rare group of genetic variants on the Y chromosome (which is only carried and passed down by males). This group is today found mainly in Britain. The closest known match belongs to a Pict buried in eastern Scotland in the 5th or 6th century.

These results imply that the dynasty's paternal line arrived from the vicinity of the North Atlantic, not nearby.

The date of that arrival is still open: the founding clan could have migrated centuries before the first known Piast, Mieszko I (who died in 992), or perhaps only a generation earlier through a dynastic marriage. Either way, the new data kill the notion of an unbroken local male lineage.

Yet genetics also shows deep local continuity in the wider population. A separate survey of Iron Age cemeteries across Poland, published in Scientific Reports, revealed that people living 2,000 years ago already shared the genetic makeup seen in early Piast subjects.

Another project that sequenced pre-Piast burials drew the same conclusion: local Poles were part of the broader continental gene pool stretching from Denmark to France.

In short, even if the Piasts were exotic rulers, they governed a long-established community.

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A swamp tells its tale

While the DNA work progressed, another Poznan team dug into the history of the local environment via samples from the peaty floor of Lake Lednica near Poznan, the island-ringed stronghold often dubbed the cradle of the Piast realm.

Their study of buried pollen, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows an abrupt switch in the 9th century: oak and lime pollen plummet, while cereal and pasture indicators soar. Traces of charcoal and soot point to widespread fires.

The authors call the shift an "ecological revolution," driven by slash-and-burn agriculture and the need to feed concentrated garrisons of soldiers guarding local trade routes carrying amber and slaves.

Mieszko I, the first Piast ruler documented in written sources. Jan Matejko, c. 1893 (via Wikimedia)

Modeling boom and bust

Using this environmental data, historians and complexity scientists constructed a feedback model of population, silver paid as tribute to rulers, and fort-building. As fields expanded, tributes rose; as tributes rose, chiefs could hire more labor to clear more forest and build forts.

The model reproduces the startling build-out of ramparts at Poznan, Giecz and Gniezno around 990. It also predicts collapse once the silver stopped flowing.

Pollen data indeed show the woodlands recovered to some extent after 1070, while archaeological surveys record abandoned hamlets and shrinking garrisons.

The early Piast state rode a resource boom as the Piasts controlled part of the amber and slave trade routes that linked the shores of the Baltic Sea to Rome.

The impact of Mieszko's conversion to Christianity on that lucrative trade remains subject to scholarly debate.

Reconciling foreigners and locals

How do these strands fit together? Evidence of a Scottish man in the Piast paternal line does not necessarily imply a foreign conquest. Dynasties spread by marriages as well as by swords.

For example, Swietosawa (the sister of the first Piast king, Bolesaw the Brave), married the kings of both Denmark and Sweden, and her descendants ruled England for a time. The networks of Europe's nobility were highly mobile.

Conversely, the stable genetic profile of ordinary folk suggests that, whoever sat on the ducal bench, most people remained where their grandparents had farmed.

The broader research engine

None of this work happens in isolation. Poland's National Science Center has bankrolled a 24-person team across archaeology, paleoecology and bioinformatics since 2014, generating 16 peer-reviewed papers and a public database of ancient genomes.

Conferences at Lednica and Dziekanowice now bring historians and molecular biologists to the same table. The methodological pay-off is clear: Polish labs can now process their own ancient DNA rather than exporting it to Copenhagen or Leipzig.

What still puzzles researchers

Three questions remain. First, does that British-leaning male line really start with a Pict? The closest known match to the Piasts may change as new burials are sequenced.

Second, how many commoners carried the same genetic variant? Spot samples from Kowalewko and Brzeg hint that it was rare among locals, but the data set is small.

Third, why did the silver dry up so fast? Numismatists suspect a shift in Viking routes after 1000 AD, yet the matter is far from settled.

A balanced verdict

Taken together, the evidence paints a nuanced picture. The Piasts were probably not ethnic Slavs in the strict paternal sense, yet they ruled, and soon resembled, an overwhelmingly Slavic realm.

Their meteoric rise owed less to outsider brilliance than to the chance alignment of fertile soils, cheap labor, and an export boom in amber and captives.

As geneticists conduct more DNA sequencing of remains, such as those of princes in crypts at Krakow's Wawel castle, and paleoecologists push their lakebed pollen samples back to 7th century, we can expect further surprises.

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Operating principle Simulated longitudinal electron speeds, from blue (stationary) to orange (fast), overlaid on a simplified schematic of a TH2167HE-style klystron. An electron gun (left) emits electrons that are bunched by an input cavity which is excited by an input RF wave (red arrow, left). Four intermediate cavities improve electron bunching, until the output cavity quickly decelerates the now tightly bunched electrons, yielding a strongly amplified RF wave (red arrow, right) through a coaxial waveguide. The vacuum tube is encased within a solenoid to contain the beam. Credit: I Syratchev (simulation)/A Epshtein (art)

The Higgs boson is the most intriguing and unusual object yet discovered by fundamental science. There is no higher experimental priority for particle physics than building an electronpositron collider to produce it copiously and study it precisely.

Given the importance of energy efficiency and cost effectiveness in the current geopolitical context, this gives unique strategic importance to developing a humble technology called the klystrona technology that will consume the majority of site power at every major electronpositron collider under consideration, but which has historically only achieved 60% energy efficiency.

The klystron was invented in 1937 by two American brothers, Russell and Sigurd Varian. The Varians wanted to improve aircraft radar systems. At the time, there was a growing need for better high-frequency amplification to detect objects at a distance using radar, a critical technology in the lead-up to World War II.

The Varian's RF source operated around 3.2 GHz, or a wavelength of about 9.4 cm, in the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum. At the time, this was an extraordinarily high frequencyconventional vacuum tubes struggled beyond 300 MHz. Microwave wavelengths promised better resolution, less noise, and the ability to penetrate rain and fog. Crucially, antennas could be small enough to fit on ships and planes. But the source was far too weak for radar.

The Varians' genius was to invent a way to amplify the electromagnetic signal by up to 30 dB, or a factor of 1,000. The U.S. and British military used the klystron for airborne radar, submarine detection of U-boats in the Atlantic and naval gun targeting beyond visual range. Radar helped win the Battle of Britain, the Battle of the Atlantic and Pacific naval battles, making surprise attacks harder by giving advance warning. Winston Churchill called radar "the secret weapon of WWII," and the klystron was one of its enabling technologies.

With its high gain and narrow bandwidth, the klystron was the first practical microwave amplifier and became foundational in radio-frequency (RF) technology. This was the first time anyone had efficiently amplified microwaves with stability and directionality. Klystrons have since been used in satellite communication, broadcasting and particle accelerators, where they power the resonant RF cavities that accelerate the beams. Klystrons are therefore ubiquitous in medical, industrial and research acceleratorsand not least in the next generation of Higgs factories, which are central to the future of high-energy physics.

Klystrons and the Higgs

Hadron colliders like the LHC tend to be circular. Their fundamental energy limit is given by the maximum strength of the bending magnets and the circumference of the tunnel. A handful of RF cavities repeatedly accelerate beams of protons or ions after hundreds or thousands of bending magnets force the beams to loop back through them.

Thanks to their clean and precisely controllable collisions, all Higgs factories under consideration are electronpositron colliders. Electronpositron colliders can be either circular or linear in construction. The dynamics of circular electronpositron colliders are radically different as the particles are 2,000 times lighter than protons.

The strength required from the bending magnets is relatively low for any practical circumference, however, the energy of the particles must be continually replenished, as they radiate away energy in the bends through synchrotron radiation, requiring hundreds of RF cavities. RF cavities are equally important in the linear case. Here, all the energy must be imparted in a single pass, with each cavity accelerating the beam only once, requiring either hundreds or even thousands of RF cavities.

Either way, 50 to 60% of the total energy consumed by an electron-positron collider is used for RF acceleration, compared to a relatively small fraction in a hadron collider. Efficiently powering the RF cavities is of paramount importance to the energy efficiency and cost effectiveness of the facility as a whole. RF acceleration is therefore of far greater significance at electronpositron colliders than at hadron colliders.

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From a pen to a mid-size car

RF cavities cannot simply be plugged into the wall. These finely tuned resonant structures must be excited by RF poweran alternating microwave electromagnetic field that is supplied through waveguides at the appropriate frequency. Due to the geometry of resonant cavities, this excites an on-axis oscillating electrical field. Particles that arrive when the electrical field has the right direction are accelerated. For this reason, particles in an accelerator travel in bunches separated by a long distance, during which the RF field is not optimized for acceleration.

Despite the development of modern solid-state amplifiers, the Varians' klystron is still the most practical technology to generate RF when the power required is in the MW level. They can be as small as a pen or as large and heavy as a mid-size car, depending on the frequency and power required. Linear colliders use higher frequency because they also come with higher gradients and make the linac shorter, whereas a circular collider does not need high gradients as the energy to be given each turn is smaller.

Klystrons fall under the general classification of vacuum tubesfully enclosed miniature electron accelerators with their own source, accelerating path and "interaction region" where the RF field is produced. Their name is derived from the Greek verb describing the action of waves crashing against the seashore. In a klystron, RF power is generated when electrons crash against a decelerating electric field.

Every klystron contains at least two cavities: an input and an output. The input cavity is powered by a weak RF source that must be amplified. The output cavity generates the strongly amplified RF signal generated by the klystron. All this comes encapsulated in an ultra-high vacuum volume inside the field of a solenoid for focusing.

Inside the klystron, electrons leave a heated cathode and are accelerated by a high voltage applied between the cathode and the anode. As they are being pushed forward, a small input RF signal is applied to the input cavity, either accelerating or decelerating the electrons according to their time of arrival. After a long drift, late-emitted accelerated electrons catch up with early-emitted decelerated electrons, intersecting with those that did not see any net accelerating force. This is called velocity bunching.

A second, passive accelerating cavity is placed at the location where maximum bunching occurs. Though of a comparable design, this cavity behaves in an inverse fashion to those used in particle accelerators. Rather than converting the energy of an electromagnetic field into the kinetic energy of particles, the kinetic energy of particles is converted into RF electromagnetic waves. This process can be enhanced by the presence of other passive cavities in between the already mentioned two, as well as by several iterations of bunching and de-bunching before reaching the output cavity. Once decelerated, the spent beam finishes its life in a dump or a water-cooled collector.

Optimizing efficiency

Klystrons are ultimately RF amplifiers with a very high gain of the order of 30 to 60 dB and a very narrow bandwidth. They can be built at any frequency from a few hundred MHz to tens of GHz, but each operates within a very small range of frequencies called the bandwidth. After broadcasting became reliant on wider bandwidth vacuum tubes, their application in particle accelerators turned into a small market for high-power klystrons.

Most klystrons for science are manufactured by a handful of companies which offer a limited number of models that have been in operation for decades. Their frequency, power and duty cycle may not correspond to the specifications of a new accelerator being consideredand in most cases, little or no thought has been given to energy efficiency or carbon footprint.

When searching for suitable solutions for the next particle-physics collider, however, optimizing the energy efficiency of klystrons and other devices that will determine the final energy bill and CO 2 emissions is a task of the utmost importance. Therefore, nearly a decade ago, RF experts at CERN and the University of Lancaster began the High-Efficiency Klystron (HEK) project to maximize beam-to-RF efficiency: the fraction of the power contained in the klystron's electron beam that is converted into RF power by the output cavity.

The complexity of klystrons resides on the very nonlinear fields to which the electrons are subjected. In the cathode and the first stages of electrostatic acceleration, the collective effect of "space-charge" forces between the electrons determines the strongly nonlinear dynamics of the beam. The same is true when the bunching tightens along the tube, with mutual repulsion between the electrons preventing optimal bunching at the output cavity.

For this reason, designing klystrons is not susceptible to simple analytical calculations. Since 2017, CERN has developed a code called KlyC that simulates the beam along the klystron channel and optimizes parameters such as frequency and distance between cavities 100 to 1,000 times faster than commercial 3D codes. KlyC is available in the public domain and is being used by an ever-growing list of labs and industrial partners.

Perveance

The main characteristic of a klystron is an obscure magnitude inherited from electron-gun design called perveance. For small perveances, space-charge forces are small, due to either high energy or low intensity, making bunching easy. For large perveances, space-charge forces oppose bunching, lowering beam-to-RF efficiency. High-power klystrons require large currents and therefore high perveances. One way to produce highly efficient, high-power klystrons is therefore for multiple cathodes to generate multiple low-perveance electron beams in a "multi-beam" (MB) klystron.

Overall, there is an almost linear dependence between perveance and efficiency. Thanks to the efforts made in recent years, high-efficiency klystrons are now outperforming industrial klystrons by 10% in efficiency for all values of perveance, and approaching the ultimate theoretical limit.

One of the first designs to be brought to life was based on the E37113, a pulsed klystron with 6 MW peak power working in the X-band at 12 GHz, commercialized by CANON ETD. This klystron is currently used in the test facility at CERN for validating CLIC RF prototypes, which could greatly benefit from a larger power. As part of a collaboration with CERN, CANON ETD built a new tube, according to the design optimized at CERN, to reach a beam-to-RF efficiency of 57% instead of the original 42% (see "CLIC klystron" image and CERN Courier September/October 2022 p9).

As its interfaces with the high-voltage (HV) source and solenoid were kept identical, one can now benefit from 8 MW of RF power for the same energy consumption as before. As changes in the manufacturing of the tube channel are just a small fraction of the manufacture of the instrument, its price should not increase considerably, even if more accurate production methods are required.

In pursuit of power

Another successful example of re-designing a tube for high efficiency is the TH2167the klystron behind the LHC, which is manufactured by Thales. Originally exhibiting a beam-to-RF efficiency of 60%, it was re-designed by the CERN team to gain 10% and reach 70% efficiency, while again using the same HV source and solenoid.

The tube prototype has been built and is currently at CERN, where it has demonstrated the capacity to generate 350 kW of RF power with the same input energy as previously required to produce 300 kW. This power will be decisive when dealing with the higher intensity beam expected after the LHC luminosity upgrade. And all this again for a price comparable to previous models.

The quest for the highest efficiency is not over yet. The CERN team is currently working on a design that could power the proposed Future Circular collider (FCC). Using about a hundred accelerating cavities, the electron and positron beams will need to be replenished with 100 MW of RF power, and energy efficiency is imperative.

Although the same tube in use for the LHC, now boosted to 70% efficiency, could be used to power the FCC, CERN is working towards a vacuum tube that could reach an efficiency more than 80%. A two-stage multi-beam klystron was initially designed that was capable of reaching 86% efficiency and generating 1 MW of continuous-wave power.

Motivated by recent changes in FCC parameters, we have rediscovered an old device called a tristron, which is not a conventional klystron but a "gridded tube" where the electron beam bunching mechanism is different. Tristons have a lower power gain but much greater flexibility. Simulations have confirmed that they can reach efficiencies as high as 90%.

This could be a disruptive technology with applications well beyond accelerators. Manufacturing a prototype is an excellent opportunity for knowledge transfer from fundamental research to industrial applications.

Provided by CERN
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the UK this week announced sanctions against two members of the Israeli cabinet: National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

This is a momentous development. The governments concerned make it clear that they consider Ben-Gvir and Smotrich to be involved in "serious abuses of Palestinian human rights," including "a serious abuse of the right of individuals not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."

This is an allegation rarely leveled against sitting ministers of a democratic state, predictably causing the Israeli government to protest.

While diplomatic consequences play out, what are sanctions anyway, and what do they mean for Ben-Gvir and Smotrich?

Three direct consequences

"Sanctions" is a broad umbrella term. Whole countries can be sanctioned, but so can be individuals.

Sanctions on individuals are imposed by means of a government placing them on its national sanctions list, such as Australia's Consolidated List (which now features both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich).

Three direct consequences flow from such a sanctions designation.

First, all of the sanctioned person's assets in the relevant country are frozen. This means that, while in principle they remain the sanctioned person's property, they cannot be used or sold. This places those assets in limbo, potentially for a very long time.

Second, no person within the sanctioning state's jurisdictionthat is, no one in its territory, nor any of its citizens or residentsis allowed to make money or other resources available for the benefit of the sanctioned person.

So, it is an offense for anyone in Australia to send funds to anyone on the Consolidated List. Interestingly, there is no prohibition on receiving money from sanctioned persons.

Third, sanctioned persons are subject to an entry ban.

So, if a foreigner is sanctioned by the Australian government, their permission to enter Australia will be denied or revoked.

Legal challenges are possible. For example, in 2010, the daughter of a Burmese general studying at Western Sydney University unsuccessfully sued the foreign minister for sanctioning her and canceling her visa based on her family ties.

The sanctions against Ben-Gvir and Smotrich are what's known as "Magnitsky" sanctions.

This refers not to the substance of sanctions, but rather the reasons for their adoption, namely alleged corruption or human rights abuse, rather than other forms of wrongdoing. The imposition of sanctions on those grounds was pioneered by two US statutes named after Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian whistleblower killed in a Moscow prison.

In the case of the Israeli ministers, human rights abuses are alleged.

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Sanctions can hurt in other ways, too

But what is the practical effect of these kinds of sanctions designations?

After all, many people sanctioned by Australia will not have any property in the country, will never receive any money from Australia, and may never contemplate visiting.

One might be tempted to conclude that, in those circumstances, sanctions are ineffectual. But the reality is more complicated.

In 2023, together with the London-based International Lawyers Project, I conducted the first study of the effect (or impact) of "Magnitsky" sanctions, focusing on the first 20 individuals sanctioned for alleged corruption under the US Global Magnitsky Act 2016.

We found there were no less than ten types of effects that sanctions might have.

And in at least two-thirds of the case studies we looked at, sanctions had an impact.

This may be skewed by the high-profile nature of those first 20 corruption-related designations under the 2016 act, which included former heads of states and major businesspeople. Still, sanctions can mean more than their direct impact.

Of these categories of effects, private sector action is especially important. This involves businesses globally dropping the targeted person as a customer even when not legally required to do so.

For example, non-Australian banks are not bound by Australian sanctions. But, once Australian sanctions are in place, they feed into major private-sector sanctions databases that are used by banks worldwide.

Global banks may well decide thatonce someone is accused of human rights abuse, corruption or other misconduct by a credible governmentkeeping the targeted person on the books is no longer worthwhile, not least reputationally.

For US sanctions, this effect is turbocharged by the fact virtually all banks need to route US dollar transactions via the US financial system, and they cannot do so on behalf of a sanctioned person. Banks soon drop such customers.

In a famous example, Carrie Lam, the chief executive of Hong Kong, complained of having to keep piles of cash at home due to US sanctions precluding any Hong Kong bank from taking her on as a customer. (To be clear, the US has not imposed any sanctions on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, and has opposed their designation by Australia and others.)

Could Ben-Gvir and Smotrich fight these sanctions?

Australian sanctions would not have such a profound impact, but they are a reputational irritant at the very least.

This may account for the (failed) judicial challenges brought against Australian sanctions by two Russian oligarchs, Alexander Abramov and Oleg Deripaska, as well as another billionaire's more successful petitioning of Australia's foreign minister to lift the sanctions against him.

In general, contesting sanctions in court is exceedingly difficult. Few claimants succeed, in Australia or elsewhere.

It is far more likely the sanctions against Ben-Gvir and Smotrich will result in diplomatic discussions and lobbying behind the scenes.

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Artist's conception of the mystery of the magnetic moment of the muona sub-atomic particle similar to, but heavier than, an electron. The muon is represented by the Greek letter mu. Credit: Dani Zemba/Penn State.

Sharing disappointing results with a world of researchers working to find what they hope will be the "discovery of the century" isn't an easy task, but that is what Penn State theoretical physicist Zoltan Fodor and his international research group did five years ago with their extensive calculation of the strength of the magnetic field around the muona sub-atomic particle similar to, but heavier than, an electron. At the time, their finding was the first to close the gap between theory and experimental measurements, bringing it in line with the Standard Model, the well-tested physics theory that has guided particle physics for decades.

Earlier on the same day, after almost 20 years, a new experimental result was also published showing a strong discrepancy between the theory and the experiment. This was interpreted by most physicists as a sign of new physics, and many physicists shared some skepticism of Fodor's results and hoped that with more research, the other groups' result would ring true.

Why? Twenty-four years ago, in an experiment at Brookhaven National Laboratory, physicists detected what seemed to be a discrepancy between measurements of the muon's "magnetic moment"the strength of its magnetic fieldand theoretical calculations of what that measurement should be, raising the tantalizing possibility of undiscovered physical particles or forces. They reported that the muon was more magnetic than was predicted by the Standard Model.

At the time, this opened up the possibility of a new kind of particle or forcean exciting prospect for physicists, including Fodor, who contributed to researching the mystery in the hopes of making a discovery. Last week, however, the original research group, called the Muon g-2 collaboration, presented its final results at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), which align with Fodor's 2020 calculations and are consistent with the Standard Model.

"Like many other physicists, my original motivation was not to prove that there was agreement between the Standard Model and the muon observation," said Fodor, distinguished professor of physics in the Eberly College of Science and a co-hire of the Institute for Computational and Data Sciences.

"My original goal was to provide a real and controllable calculation and be part of the discovery of the century. That dream was a real motivation for me. But nature has the ultimate say, and we were the first to realize that a new discovery was not the case."

Since their 2020 results, Fodor and his group have also improved on their calculation, with the result showing an even better agreement with the Standard Model.

In the following Q&A, Fodor spoke about his work on the quantum theory surrounding muons, the value of investment in basic research and why even disappointment is a valuable part of scientific discovery.

What is the background of this 24-year-old mystery?

I'd describe the mystery as the tension, or the discrepancy, between a measured quantity, which is the magnetic moment or the magnetism, of the muon and the theoretical calculation. You calculate the particle's magnetism under the Standard Model, and then you measure it directly, and you end up with two different results.

In the Standard Model of particle physics, you can calculate essentially everything. We know only four interactions: gravitation, which we know from our childhood lessons explains apples falling; electromagnetism, which the Greeks realized when they observed that magnets attract iron; and the weak and the strong interactions, which were discovered in the 19th and 20th centuries, respectively.

Finding such a tension, which was the focus of the 24-year-old mystery, could suggest that the physics we know today is not complete, and there might be a new force. It turned many people to think that there could be a new undiscovered physics interaction behind the muon tension. And if you find a new interaction, that would be the discovery of the century.

Our calculation five years ago was the first indication that such tension probably did not exist. What people were observing was somehow a result of a calculation that used data in the form of underestimated experimental uncertainties. It was a complicated issue, but we were able to produce a really precise calculation in 2020 and have since improved even that precision.

When we first suggested there is nothing here, no new interaction, people didn't want to believe us. Since then, additional evidence has been gathered, and people started to accept our result more and more.

Today, the experimental result is now more precise, matching our 2024 calculated theoretical result. Most theorists are accepting that what we previously suggested explains the earlier tension, and, now, last week's the final experimental result aligns with the Standard Model of particle physics.

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How long have you been working on this problem? Can you talk about your group's approach to solving this problem?

Like many other physicists, when I started this work about 10 years ago, my original motivation was to prove that there was a disagreement between the Standard Model and the muon observation. Why?

Faced with the original discrepancy, there were three options: Either the theoretical prediction was incorrect, the experiment was incorrect, or, as most physicists believed, this was a sign of an unknown force of nature.

Originally, we decided to try to find a better way to calculate the prediction. Our team of physicists, called the Budapest-Marseille-Wuppertal collaboration, took the most basic underlying equations of the strong interaction, put the equations on a space-time grid and solved as many of them as possible at once.

So, essentially, instead of relying on experimental data, we simulated every aspect of our calculations from the ground upa task requiring massive supercomputing powerand we didn't find any disagreement, therefore we concluded that the first option was correct: The gold-plated, old theory result was off in some way.

The technique we used is kind of like making a weather forecast. As aircraft fly their routes, they measure pressure, temperature and the speed of wind at given points on Earth. Similarly, we placed the strong interaction equation on a space-time grid. The weather data at individual points are then put into a supercomputer that combines all of the data to predict the evolution of the weather.

Our team put the strong interaction forces on a grid and looked for the evolution of these fields. For weather forecasts, the more planes collecting data, the better the prediction. In this metaphor, we used billions of airplanes to calculate the most precise magnetic moment we could using billions of computer processing hours at multiple supercomputer centers in Europe.

Our new approach produced a value of the strength of the muon's magnetic field that closely matches the experimental value measured by the Brookhaven and Fermilab scientists. It essentially closes the gap between theory and experimental measurements and confirms the Standard Model that has guided particle physics for decades.

How does it feel to read about this week's Muon g-2 experiment results five years after publishing your theoretical calculation results?

There were hundreds of people who were involved in these measurements and various calculations within and beyond the Standard Model. At the time, they didn't like our result because they were hoping for a Nobel Prize-worthy discovery. So, we had a very strong headwind against us, and that was a strange feeling.

But that is also where the value of support for basic, theoretical research comes into play. Science is not a democratic institution where you need a consensus. Nature is as it is, and there are not majorities that can define nature without scientific proof. The collective curiosity and contributions of many researchers with many ideas over time is what scientific discovery is all about.

What does last week's latest finding mean for physics? For society?

Our research group's calculations have been checked and recalculated by several groups, and I would say that our research group's result is now so precise that, for me, it is not feasible to make it even more precise.

However, there are other groups who are working in this field from different angles. It's very useful and sensible for these physics research groups to continue to reach for more precisioneventually, they'll be able to say our result should be either confirmed or refuted by other calculations. That's the goal of scienceto continue to work through theories and find additional evidence.

For society, of course, whenever you have a new interaction, then you have the hope to solve many problems of mankind, so in a way this finding could be disappointing. For example, electromagnetism solved many questionsthat's the reason I can conduct this interview over the phone, using electromagnetic waves.

The weak interaction is responsible for radioactive decay, which is used in medicine, and in many, many other cases. The strong interaction is used in nuclear power plants. So, there are many things you can do once you identify a new interaction, and unfortunately, we don't have the new interaction that we hoped for.

So, it is a consequence for society, but there's also a positive side to emphasize. Our calculation is so precise that it cannot be accidental and provides excellent evidence for the confirmation of quantum field theory. This is the primary theoretical framework for understanding many aspects of the universe and harnessing it for several applications, hopefully including computing, health care and imaging, timing keeping and energy.

And that's a highly meaningful result. Everything established using quantum field theory is justified to an incredible position. So, in other words, this is a huge success!

What do you love most about your work?

I love the Penn State Department of Physics and my colleagues. My colleagues are conducting an extremely high and impactful level of research, and it's a great honor to be here and working with these scientists. I really like the collaborative nature of Penn State and the huge scope of the research. You don't feel isolated. You have a connection to many, many other fields, and it's just hard to imagine a more interdisciplinary department, college and institution.
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Species identity of samples collected from the Australian cities Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, identified using the cytochrome b gene. The occurrence of the Vkorc1 mutation associated with anticoagulant resistance (Tyr25Phe) in Rattus rattus is indicated with the hatched pattern. Credit: Pest Management Science (2025). DOI: 10.1002/ps.8936

A team of wildlife management specialists, environmental toxicologists and geneticists at the Conservation and Biodiversity Research Center, Edith Cowan University, in Australia, has found that some black rats living in Australian cities have developed a genetic mutation that potentially increases their resistance to the most popular poisons used to kill them.

In their study published in the journal Pest Management Science, Alicia Gorbould, Quinton Burnham, Michael Lohr, and Annette Koenders sequenced the genes of nearly 200 rats from three species captured in several cities in Australia. The team has also presented its findings at the Australasian Wildlife Management Society 2024 Annual Conference.

In the 1970s, second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) were developed as a means to kill rats and mice. Such poisons work by preventing blood clotting, leading to internal bleeding and eventual death. Not long after they were put into use, researchers discovered that animals that ate the dead rats were killed, too, leading countries such as Canada, the U.S. and those in the European Union to ban them. Australia has continued to allow their use.

Prior research has shown that over time, rodents can become resistant to the poison due to genetic mutations that allow blood clotting even during exposure to rat poisons. In this new effort, the team in Australia wondered if rats in their country have developed such mutations that would increase their resistance to SGARs.

To find out, they obtained 192 rats captured and killed in four of Australia's biggest cities, with most of the collection taking place over the years 2021 to 2024. Testing was done using tissue samples collected from their tails.

Of the three species sampled, 108 were black rats (Rattus rattus). In sequencing the samples of this species, the research team found the genetic mutation, Tyr25Phe, which has previously been tied to coagulation in rodents, in 53.7% of the black rats tested, suggesting that black rats in Australia are well on their way to becoming immune to SGARs. In one city, Perth, 80% of the rats had the mutation.

The researchers note that people who use such poison to kill rats often increase the amount used when they find it becoming ineffectivean approach that will not work. This only puts other animals without the mutation at risk. They suggest that other methods be used instead, such as snap or electrocution traps. They also note that removing food sources is the best approach.

Written for you by our author Bob Yirka, edited by Lisa Lock, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Eganthis article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you.

More information: Alicia F Gorbould et al, Detection of Vkorc1 single nucleotide polymorphisms indicates the presence of anticoagulant rodenticide resistance in Australia's introduced rats, Pest Management Science (2025). DOI: 10.1002/ps.8936 Journal information: Pest Management Science

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers have developed a new model that can suggest the optimal conditions for farmers to plant cover crops, or crops grown in between cash-crop seasons, to help ensure long-term cash-crop success. The findings, which appear in the European Review of Agricultural Economics, could help improve farm budgets and serve as aids to farmers making decisions about their land.

The model, based on an examination of 35 years of available data on an experimental cotton farm in west Tennessee, accounts for local conditionsincluding current prices of cash crops and fertilizer as well as the health and fertility of the soiland then suggests whether an investment in cover crops would be economically beneficial for farmers.

North Carolina State University researchers involved in the study say the model generally favors planting cover crops on fields with relatively healthy soil and on land that has not been tilled. The cost of planting and maintaining cover crops appears to reduce the need for fertilizer treatments, so high fertilizer costs would be one key factor in favor of planting cover crops, the researchers add.

Cover crops have been shown in the academic literature to improve soil conditions by controlling excess water and fixing nitrogen, among other benefits. But only a small percentage of farmersabout 4% nationallyutilize cover crops. Many farmers looking for short-term benefits may consider the costs of planting cover crops overly excessive.

"There is a lot of academic literature looking at short-term effects of cover crops, but our contribution here is in thinking about cover crops as a long-term investment," said Rod Rejesus, professor and department extension leader of agricultural and resource economics at NC State and a co-author of the paper describing the research.

"Agronomists seem to mostly agree that cover crops are a worthwhile investment; many economists say they are not. We find some truth to both sides of the argument in this paper: In certain conditions it might be worth it to plant cover crops; in other conditions it might not be worth it."

Poor soil quality and low prices for nitrogen fertilizer products are two factors that tend to make cover-crop adoption sub-optimal, according to the model.

"If you're starting from a place where the soil is degraded, it takes so long to build up better soil conditions that, from an economic perspective, it's not worth it to plant cover crops," said Zachary Brown, associate professor of agricultural and resource economics at NC State and a co-author of the paper.

"Like other investments, farmers are interested to know how fast the returns are for cover-crops investments."

The research also shows that, over time, cover crops can serve as "substitutes" for nitrogen fertilizer, as two of the studied cover crops, crimson clover and hairy vetch, both "fix" nitrogen in the soil.

"The more you use cover crops, the fewer fertilizer inputs are needed," Brown said. "That effect also increased over time. So, the longer you used cover crops, the more they were able to offset nitrogen fertilizer."

Former NC State Ph.D. student Le Chen, who is now at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, is the paper's corresponding author.

More information: Le Chen et al, Dynamically optimal cover crop adoption, European Review of Agricultural Economics (2025). DOI: 10.1093/erae/jbaf018
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Laser activation of tin-related defect centers. Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60373-5

A new study led by researchers at the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Manchester has achieved a major advance in quantum materials, developing a method to precisely engineer single quantum defects in diamondan essential step toward scalable quantum technologies. The results have been published in the journal Nature Communications.

Using a new two-step fabrication method, the researchers demonstrated for the first time that it is possible to create and monitor, "as they switch on," individual Group-IV quantum defects in diamondtiny imperfections in the diamond crystal lattice that can store and transmit information using the exotic rules of quantum physics.

By carefully placing single tin atoms into synthetic diamond crystals and then using an ultrafast laser to activate them, the team achieved pinpoint control over where and how these quantum features appear. This level of precision is vital for making practical, large-scale quantum networks capable of ultra-secure communication and distributed quantum computing to tackle currently unsolvable problems.

Study co-author Professor Jason Smith, Department of Materials (University of Oxford) said, "This breakthrough gives us unprecedented control over single tin-vacancy color centers in diamond, a crucial milestone for scalable quantum devices. What excites me most is that we can watch, in real time, how the quantum defects are formed."

Specifically, the defects in the diamond act as spin-photon interfaces, which means they can connect quantum bits of information (stored in the spin of an electron) with particles of light. The tin-vacancy defects belong to a family known as Group-IV color centersa class of defects in diamond created by atoms such as silicon, germanium, or tin.

Group-IV centers have long been prized for their high degree of symmetry, which gives them stable optical and spin properties, making them ideal for quantum networking applications. It is widely thought that tin-vacancy centers have the best combination of these propertiesbut until now, reliably placing and activating individual defects was a major challenge.

Professor Richard Curry and Dr. Mason Adshead with the Platform for Nanoscale Advanced Materials Engineering tool used to place single atoms of tin into diamond. Credit: University of Manchester. Credit: University of Manchester.

The researchers used a focused ion beam platformessentially a tool that acts like an atomic-scale spray can, directing individual tin ions into exact positions within the diamond. This allowed them to implant the tin atoms with nanometer accuracyfar finer than the width of a human hair.

To convert the implanted tin atoms to tin-vacancy color centers, the team then used ultrafast laser pulses in a process called laser annealing. This process gently excites tiny regions of the diamond without damaging it. What made this approach unique was the addition of real-time spectral feedbackmonitoring the light coming from the defects during the laser process. This allowed the scientists to see in real time when a quantum defect became active and adjust the laser accordingly, offering an unprecedented level of control over the creation of these delicate quantum systems.

Study co-author Dr. Andreas Thurn (University of Cambridge) said, "What is particularly remarkable about this method is that it enables in-situ control and feedback during the defect creation process. This means we can activate quantum emitters efficiently and with high spatial precisionan important tool for the creation of large-scale quantum networks. Even better, this approach is not limited to diamond; it is a versatile platform that could be adapted to other wide-bandgap materials."

Moreover, the researchers observed and manipulated a previously elusive defect complex, termed "Type II Sn," providing a deeper understanding of defect dynamics and formation pathways in diamond.

Study co-author Professor Richard Curry (University of Manchester) said, "This work unlocks the ability to create quantum objects on demand, using methods that are reproducible and can be scaled up. This is a critical step in being able to deliver quantum devices and allow this technology to be utilized in real-world commercial applications."

More information: Xingrui Cheng et al, Laser activation of single group-IV colour centres in diamond, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60373-5 Journal information: Nature Communications
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Training for police officers and soldiers often focuses on exceptional situationsthe so-called "split second" in which everything is decided. But in practice, this does not adequately prepare them for day-to-day work.

Wendy Dorrestijn, Ph.D. student and project director at the Royal Netherlands Military Constabulary, analyzed 430 real incidents and 1,250 scenario exercises, with the participation of more than 1,900 police and military personnel, spread across 12 training centers in the Netherlands and the Caribbean.

"We looked at what really happens on the streets and in trainings. What is striking is that training sessions are often focused on exceptional situations, while most of the work actually takes place in the low violence spectrum."

Dorrestijn's research shows that training participants often experience more stress than during real incidents. "That says something about how high in the violence spectrum training takes place. If you constantly confront people with extreme scenarios, you create a distorted picture of reality and unnecessarily increase mental pressure."

Action intelligence

Dorrestijn advocates a broader approach to training, in which not only the confrontation is central, but also the preparation and reflection afterwards. "Good performance actually requires switching between social and tactical skills. We call this action intelligence, and it starts before the incident. It is about recognizing signals, making a plan, and the ability to adjust that plan if the situation turns out to be different than expected. An officer or soldier who can switch gears acts more effectively and safely."

"We train the exception, instead of training basic exceptionally well. As a result, we miss that base," Dorrestijn explains. With so-called reality-based training, policemen and soldiers are taught to use ALL their skills. "If you only train on extreme force, that is also what people deploy under pressure. But if you train in three phasesbefore, during and after the incidentyou create three learning moments instead of one. That increases the skill and self-confidence of professionals."

Well-trained professionals

Better training is not only important for the safety of policemen and soldiers themselves, but also for society's confidence, Dorrestijn said. The study also shows that physical and mental fitness is an important characteristic of successful performance. Physically and mentally fit people with self-confidence in their own abilities deliver better results in a deployment than those who are less fit (physically or mentally). "Society is entitled to well-trained professionals. And those professionals are entitled to training that protects them from burnout, PTSD and physical risks."

Dorrestijn's research is already making an impact: the insights are being incorporated into the mandatory curriculum for trainers in police and defense. According to her, it is important that those trainers are given the space to design their training based on their own understanding, and not just on the wishes of policymakers. "Leave the content of training to the professionals. Political incidents should not determine what is trained. We need to invest in structural quality, not token policies."
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SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon capsule stands ready for launch on pad 39A for a mission to the International Space Station at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Terry Renna

A chartered spaceflight for India, Poland and Hungary's first astronauts in decades has been delayed indefinitely because of leak concerns at the International Space Station.

NASA said Thursday that it wants to monitor the cabin pressure on the Russian side of the orbiting lab before accepting visitors. Officials stressed that the seven astronauts currently at the space station are safe and that other operations up there aren't affected.

SpaceX was supposed to launch four private astronauts this week on a 14-day space station mission, but bad weather and SpaceX rocket trouble delayed the flight. Then the station leak issue cropped up.

The Russian Space Agency has been dealing with cracks and air leaks in its station compartments for more than five years"a top safety risk," according to NASA's Office of Inspector General. Recent repairs resulted in what NASA calls "a new pressure signature." Additional details were not immediately available.

The three Russians aboard the space station recently inspected the inside walls of the aging Zvezda service module, which launched in 2000, as well as a connecting tunnel. They sealed some areas and measured the current leak rate.

"Following this effort, the segment now is holding pressure," NASA said in an online update.

The private mission's delay provides extra time for NASA and the Russian Space Agency "to evaluate the situation" and determine whether more repairs are needed.

The chartered flight was arranged by the Houston company Axiom Space, and was to be Axiom's fourth trip to the space station with paying customers since 2022.

"This is the right thing to do," Axiom Space's executive chairman Kam Ghaffarian said in a written statement. "We will continue to work with all of our partners to finalize a new launch date."

The four astronautsled by retired NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, now an Axiom Space employeewill remain in quarantine in Florida.

NASA wants to keep the space station operating until 2030 before dropping it out of orbit. The goal is to replace it with a number of privately owned stations; Axiom Space is among the companies looking to fill the gap.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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AVIRIS-NG on board a research aircraft: The imaging spectrometer can be used to precisely detect methane leaks in oil and gas infrastructure even from high altitudes. Credit: UZH / Empa

Methane damages the climatein the first 20 years after it is released, it is around 80 times more harmful than CO. At the same time, the short-lived greenhouse gas offers enormous potential for climate mitigation, particularly in the oil and gas industry. This is because leaks can often be eliminated quickly, costeffectively and permanently with "noregret" measures. What would otherwise escape unnoticed can instead be captured, burned or reused.

A study by Empa based on two international measurement campaigns in southern Romania shows that measurements are effective: After the first campaign in 2019, the companies responded to the identified leaksand repaired their infrastructure. The study is published in the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics.

"When we measured again in 2021, many of the leaks had disappeared," says the study's lead author Gerrit Kuhlmann from Empa. Depending on the scenario, methane emissions in the region have fallen by up to 60%.

Super emitters are key to reduction

In the EU, around a third of energy-related methane emissions are attributable to oil and gas production. A significant proportion of emissions are produced in Romaniaalthough the official figures are based on calculations, not direct measurements.

To close this gap, the ROMEO campaign (Romanian Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas) was launched in 2019: Using mobile measuring devices, drones and aircraft, international research teams collected independent data for the south of Romania for the first time.

A study carried out by Utrecht University showed that the measured methane emissions from southern oil production were not only significantly higher than previously assumed. They were even two to three times higher than the officially reported values for the entire oil and gas sector in Romania.

Comparison of methane emissions from oil and gas infrastructure in the region studied, derived from measurements, with the emissions reported by Romania to the UNFCCC. Credit: Empa

Particularly striking: Just 10% of the emitters caused around 70% of methane emissions. "These socalled super emitters have a disproportionately high impactand are therefore particularly important for climate mitigation measures," explains Kuhlmann.

As it is hardly possible to use conventional measurement methods to specifically search an area the size of Switzerland with several thousand sites for super emitters, a new measurement campaign followed in 2021this time exclusively from the air: The AVIRISNG instrument was able to determine the emissions directly for each potential source within two days. The imaging method creates maps of methane in the atmosphere with a resolution of around five meters, allowing methane leaks to be detected from several kilometers up.

Emissions significantly reduced

The researchers used the measuring instrument to fly over around 80% of the oil and gas infrastructure in the southern region of Romania in a short space of time. However, they discovered significantly fewer superemitters than expected. "We informed the relevant companies about the biggest leaks of 2019and many of them have apparently been repaired," says Kuhlmann.

Subsequent onsite visits revealed that leaks had been sealed or the escaping methane was being burned in a controlled manner. The latter is around 80 times more climatefriendly than simply letting it escape.

In addition, sources that were overlooked in 2019 were identified for the first time. These are vent pipes that discharge excess gas into the atmosphere away from the actual facilities for safety reasons.

In order to compare the data from the first ROMEO measurement campaign in 2019 with the new measurements from 2021, the researchers developed four scenarios. This is because AVIRISNG provides precise data, but only above 10 to 100 kilograms of methane per hour. Smaller leaks therefore remain invisible.

While the most pessimistic scenario for the measurement region in southern Romania assumes a purely "visible" reduction of around 20%, the most optimistic scenario assumes that smaller emission sources have also been reduced to yield a reduction of around 60%.

Map with AVIRIS-NG flight lines in 2021 for four regions (AD) with locations of super-emitters and O&G infrastructure. Background map from the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (GioLand/VHR_2018_WM). Credit: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (2025). DOI: 10.5194/acp-25-5371-2025

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Making emissions visible

"We assume that the real emissions are somewhere in between," says Kuhlmann. It is not possible to precisely quantify the reduction, as there are no additional ground measurements, and daily fluctuationsfor example due to maintenance work during the dayinfluence the results.

But one thing is clear: If you want to effectively reduce methane emissions, you first have to make them visible. This is the only way to identify the actual sources, understand their causes and realistically assess the progress of reduction measures.

The ROMEO campaign is supported by the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The initiative has a clear objective: to uncover emissions, inform companiesand thus facilitate concrete measures.

"With robust and actionable data, operators can reduce methane emissions and have a real impact on the climate. Romania has huge mitigation potential, and we look forward to continuing our work with government and industry leaders to ensure they have the data needed to seize this opportunity," says Andreea Calcan, Methane Science Studies Coordinator IMEO.

A new measurement campaign in southern Romania is already planned for 2026this time with the successor instrument AVIRIS 4, which has a significantly lower detection limit and can also detect smaller leaks. Initial test flights were promisingand open the possibility of systematically monitoring more countries and regions in the future.

More information: Gerrit Kuhlmann et al, Evidence of successful methane mitigation in one of Europe's most important oil production region, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (2025). DOI: 10.5194/acp-25-5371-2025 Journal information: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
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Various small shelly fossils recovered from the beds surrounding the Cambrian reefs. Scale bar is 1 mm. Credit: University of Missouri

More than 514 million years ago, long before dinosaurs roamed Earth, sponge-like creatures called archaeocyathids were already busy building some of the planet's earliest reefsjust north of Death Valley in present-day Nevada.

In a recent study published in Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, University of Missouri researchers looked at how these ancient reef-building organisms shaped their environment. They also studied tiny, fossilized sea creatures called "small shelly fauna"some of the earliest animals with hard shells ever found on Earth.

Modern coral reefs are known as biodiversity hotspots, teeming with marine life and supporting entire ecosystems. But this study found that early reefs did not appear to boost biodiversity in the same way, Casey Bennett, a graduate student in the Department of Geological Sciences and lead author on the study, said.

"With modern reefs, biodiversity is expected to decrease as you move away from the reef structure due to reduced shelter and food access," she said. "However, we didn't find a consistent pattern with these ancient reefsinstead, it was pretty inconsistent and was largely dependent on localized conditions."

This discovery offers a glimpse into how life evolved in early oceans and challenges assumptions about how ecosystems develop around reef structures. It's a reminder that not all reefs are created equal, and understanding their ancient forms could offer insight into how modern marine systems might change.

Ancient ocean currentsand rocks

To conduct the study, the team analyzed fossil assemblages across multiple rock sections. Their results show a relatively low-diversity but high-abundance community, with some organisms dominating certain layers possibly shaped by ancient ocean currents.

Sarah Jacquet, an assistant professor of paleontology in Mizzou's College of Arts and Science and co-author on the study, believes hydrodynamics, or how water moved around the reef, played a significant role.

"Potentially, this happened by preferentially removing or keeping certain faunas, rather than the reef serving as a major food source for surrounding organisms," she said.

Additionally, sediment conditions, including the type of rock, impacted the quality of fossil preservation.

"Different rock types around the reef appeared to represent different 'sub environments' that tended to preserve certain organisms better than others, leading to localized patches of specific fossil groups," Bennett said.

The team emphasizes the need for continued fieldwork and fossil analysis to piece together how early reef habitats influenced the spread and organization of life in Earth's oceans.

"Just because we know how the world works today doesn't mean it worked the same way back then," Jacquet said. "This research helps us step back and appreciate how life evolved under very different conditions."

More information: Casey C. Bennett et al, Small shelly fauna biodiversity from reef-adjacent facies of the lower Cambrian Harkless Formation, Nevada, Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.palaeo.2025.112922 Journal information: Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology
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Credit: University of Exeter

An estimated 12.5 million dogs live in the UKup by about 30% since before the COVID pandemic.

The RENEW project held workshops with conservationists and professionals working with dog owners to review evidence, and came up with recommendations to help reduce the potential impacts of dog walking on the environment. The report is titled "Paws for thought: Towards environmentally friendly dog walking in the UK."

These include a "traffic light" systemgreen, amber or red pawprints to show where dogs can roam off leashes, where paws should be kept on paths, and where dog walking should be prevented to protect sensitive wildlife or habitats.

"Dogs are an important part of many people's lives, and the vast majority of dog owners don't set out with an intention to disturb wildlife," said David Bavin, lead author on the report.

"The aim of this research is to find a balance between providing welcoming spaces for people and dogs and minimizing any negative impacts on wildlife and the environment."

Having a national standardwith clear signs like the traffic light pawprintswould make it easier for everyone to know what's expected, the researchers say.

"This traffic light system is a simple way of helping dog walkers understand the landscape they're in, and opens up great conversations about how we share space," said Hannah Molloy, from the Parliamentary Group for Dog Welfare.

The reportby RENEW's ExCASES research groupfinds:

Balancing the needs of people, dogs and wildlife is a top priority for conservationists.

Evidence that dog walking can have some negative impactsincluding displacement of wildlife, increased stress levels in wild animals, and pollution of freshwater habitats by spot-on flea and tick treatments.

Dog numbers are higher in urban and coastal areas, especially in the south of England, creating greater pressure on sensitive habitats in these places.

The researchers advocate a "One Health" approachmeaning one that aims to balance the health and well-being of people, animals and ecosystems.

They say we should strive for no "net loss" of access for dog walkers. Instead, restrictions should be evidence-based, only used where necessary, andwhere possiblealternative sites should be created where dogs can be walked without restrictions.

"Some of this is being done really well already," Bavin said. "Projects such as Dorset Dogs are working very effectively with dog owners, while Holkham Estate, in Norfolk, employed a zoning approach following consultation with local communities."

Stephen Jenkinson, an independent specialist on dogs in the outdoors, said, "It's so helpful this report confirms how walkers with dogs will avoid conflict with wildlife if given clear, credible and relevant choices about where to go and what to do. While such vital information is lacking in most places, the report usefully highlights the good practice that already exists."

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The team argue that expanding public access to UK landwhich is largely privately owned and inaccessiblewould ease pressure on current pinch points such as nature reserves.

"We hope to encourage a positive national conversation about dog walking, in collaboration with people and organizations working in both the conservation and canine sectors," said report co-author Dr. Sarah Crowley, from the University of Exeter.

Bavin added, "We all rely on the health of our environment, which is why our approach seeks to support the health, welfare and resilience of people, dogs, and nature."

The ExCASES report includes an accessible overview of current evidence of dog walking impacts on biodiversity, and best practice recommendations for how to fairly and sustainably manage these.

The RENEW project (Renewing biodiversity through a people in nature approach) is a collaboration between the University of Exeter and the National Trust.

More information: David Bavin et al, Paws for Thought: towards environmentally friendly dog walking in the UK, University of Exeter and The National Trust / RENEW (2025). DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15144930
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Electrical engineer Nikolas Gibson performs calibration tests on the MODIS/ASTER Airborne Simulator (MASTER) spectrometer, co-developed by NASAs Ames Research Center and NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Gibson works at the Airborne Sensor Facility at Ames, which builds, maintains, miniaturizes, and calibrates instruments. Credit: NASA/Milan Loiacono

NASA's Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley houses a unique laboratory: the Airborne Sensor Facility (ASF). The engineers at the ASF are responsible for building, maintaining, and operating numerous instruments that get deployed on research aircraft, but one of their most important roles is instrument calibration.

Think of calibration like tuning a piano between performances: A musician uses a tuner to set the standard pitch for each string, ensuring that the piano remains on pitch for every concert.

The "tuners" at ASF include lasers, mirrors, and a light source called an integrating spherea hollow sphere about 36 inches in diameter that emits a set amount of light from a hole in the top. By checking an instrument against this baseline between each mission, engineers ensure that the instrument sensors provide accurate, reliable data every time.

In the photo above, electrical engineer Nikolas Gibson performs calibration tests on the MODIS/ASTER Airborne Simulator (MASTER) spectrometer, co-developed by NASA Ames and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.

A spectrometer separates light into individual wavelengths, providing researchers with information about the properties of whatever is creating or interacting with that light. The MASTER instrument measures about 50 individual spectral channels, providing data on wavelengths from the visible spectrum through the infrared.

When it comes to calibration, each of these channels functions like a specific key on a piano and needs to be individually checked against the "tuner." By pointing the instrument's sensor at a known quantity of light coming from the integrating sphere, the team checks the accuracy of MASTER's data output and repairs or adjusts the sensor as needed.

In this image, MASTER had returned from an April 2025 scientific campaign observing prescribed fires in Alabama and Georgia with NASA's FireSense project. It was recalibrated before heading back into the field for the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment, or GEMx, mission in late May 2025, which will use the instrument to help map critical minerals across the southwestern United States.

Provided by NASA
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Light excites the quantum dot core, transferring energy to a magnetic manganese ion through ultrafast sub-picosecond spin exchange. The manganese ion then undergoes spin-flip relaxation, resulting in the highly efficient generation of two excitons in the quantum dot shell. Credit: Los Alamos National Laboratory

Quantum dots are microscopic semiconductor crystals developed in the lab that share many properties with atoms, including the ability to absorb or emit light, a technology that Los Alamos researchers have spent nearly three decades evolving. Through carrier multiplication, in which a single absorbed photon generates two electron-hole pairs, called excitons, quantum dots have the unique ability to convert photons more efficiently to energy.

"Our work demonstrates how purely quantum mechanical spin-exchange interactions can be harnessed to enhance the efficiency of photoconversion devices or photochemical reactions," says Victor Klimov, the team's principal investigator at the Lab. "This not only deepens our fundamental understanding of quantum mechanical phenomena but also introduces a new paradigm for designing advanced materials for energy applications."

In this latest research, published in the journal Nature Communications, Los Alamos researchers improved this ability by introducing magnetic manganese impurities into quantum dots. This novel approach to highly efficient carrier multiplication leverages ultrafast spin-exchange interactions mediated by manganese ions to capture the energy of energetic (hot) carriers generated by incident photons and convert it into additional excitons.

Jungchul Noh, a postdoc on Klimov's team and lead chemist on this project, is excited about the potential impact of this discovery. "The ability to enhance charge carrier yield through spin-exchange carrier multiplication has far-reaching implications for a wide range of photoconversion technologies, from solar electricity and high-speed photodetectors to light-driven chemical synthesis," Noh says.

A new mechanism for efficient charge generation

Unlike conventional carrier multiplication, which relies on impact ionization, spin exchange carrier multiplication exploits ultrafast bidirectional energy transfer between the manganese dopants and the intrinsic states of quantum dots. This process significantly increases the likelihood of generating multiple electron-hole pairs from a single photon absorption, resulting in enhanced photoconversion efficiency.

Los Alamos researchers verified the effectiveness of this process through optical spectroscopy and, notably, photocurrent measurements in a real-world photoconductive device, demonstrating its potential for practical applications.

Through years of research, Los Alamos scientists found that traditional carrier multiplication is constrained by the rapid cooling of hot carriers via phonon emission, which competes with impact ionization, the primary mechanism driving conventional carrier multiplication.

The research team circumvented this limitation by incorporating manganese dopants into core-shell quantum dots, which feature an inverted band structure, where the shell material has a lower bandgap than the core. This unique design facilitates efficient localization of electrons and holes in the shell, optimizing carrier extraction for energy applications.

The key breakthrough lies in the spin-exchange interaction of these manganese-doped quantum dots, which enables:

Ultrafast excitation transfer from hot carriers to manganese ions

Spin-flip relaxation of manganese ions, releasing energy to generate additional excitons

Significantly higher carrier multiplication efficiency compared with traditional quantum dots, with a carrier multiplication yield over four times greater than for undoped quantum dots

Conventional carrier multiplication (CM) and spin-exchange carrier multiplication (SE-CM). Credit: Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58066-0

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Potential impact

With its potential to significantly impact solar energy conversion, photodetectors, and photocatalysis, this research marks a major step toward the development of next-generation quantum-based energy technologies.

To assess the practical applicability of this technology, researchers tested the quantum dots in photoconductive devices. These devices demonstrated a sharp enhancement in photocurrent generation immediately above the spin-exchange carrier multiplication threshold, defined by the energy of the manganese ion's spin-flip transition. This confirms that the increased carrier yield directly translates to improved device performance.

Power conversion efficiency simulations from the study predict that this method could achieve an efficiency increase of up to 41%, which is approaching the theoretical limit for fully optimized devices utilizing conventional carrier multiplication.

Additionally, this technology could play a crucial role in photochemical transformations, particularly those requiring multiple reduction and oxidation stepsfor example, energy-intensive processes like ammonia production via nitrogen fixation, which currently consumes more than 2% of global energy.

More information: Jungchul Noh et al, Highly efficient carrier multiplication in inverted CdSe/HgSe quantum dots mediated by magnetic impurities, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58066-0 Journal information: Nature Communications
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The fluke of a blue whale off the coast of California. Credit: Katherine Whitaker, CalCOFI

Scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego were able to "hear" the impacts of a marine heat wave and even economic slowdowns by analyzing 15 years of ocean sounds recorded off the coast of Southern California.

The recordings, collected between 2008 and 2023, allowed researchers to hear whales moving north in response to a marine heat wave that began in 2014 as well as the massive decrease in noise from container ships during the 2008 financial crisis.

The findings, published in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, show that listening to the sea can be a tool for monitoring ocean ecosystems and even human economic activity.

Sound travels far and fast in the ocean. The loud, low-frequency songs of giant whales can be heard up to 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) away, and sound travels roughly four times faster in seawater than in the air. This is why whales evolved to use their voices to communicate underwater. Unfortunately, human activities, such as global shipping, are also filling the oceans with noise that can make it harder for whales to communicate.

The researchers behind the study are part of the Scripps Marine Bioacoustics Research Collaborative, where, according to study co-author and Scripps postdoctoral researcher Natalie Posdaljian, "the question we are always asking is what can sound tell us about the health of the ocean or what is happening in the ocean."

In 2023, the study authors delved into recordings collected by six underwater microphones that were secured to the seafloor off the coast of Southern California in 2008. Since their installation, these microphones have created the longest acoustic timeseries on the California coast.

Long-term sound recordings are exceptionally rare and valuable at a time in history when climate change is rapidly altering ocean conditions. For creatures like whales that spend much of their time underwater, tracking their movements can be challenging, but sound offers a wide-reaching, cost-effective window into their activities.

To focus their analysis of the sounds recorded in various locations in the Southern California Bight, the team chose four specific frequency ranges that correspond to different sources of sound in the ocean.

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The study analyzed 1825 Hertz (Hz) for fin whale calls, 4048 Hz for blue whale calls, 63 Hz for ship noise and 800 Hz for wind-generated sounds. Once they had isolated these frequency bands, the team compared the patterns they found with climate data, ship tracking information, wind measurements and major economic events to identify relationships between ocean sounds and environmental changes.

The study revealed dramatic shifts in whale behavior during the 20142016 marine heat wave known as "the Blob": whale calls decreased by up to 50% at southern sites while increasing at northern sites near the colder water of the California Current.

Ship noise levels crashed by over 40% during the 20082009 financial crisis and still hadn't returned to pre-recession levels by 2023. The recordings even captured daily "rush hours" in the ocean, with ship noise peaking at 3 a.m. and 2 p.m. Pacific Time as vessels arrived and departed the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The study also found a relationship between whale activity and a climate phenomenon called the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), which is a bit like a longer-acting version of El Nino /La Nina that occurs in the North Pacific instead of near the equator.

The PDO is associated with shifts in ocean temperature patterns, alternating between warmer and cooler phases roughly every 20 or 30 years, though recently the intervals have been shorter. Fortunately, the dataset included a phase change of the PDO that revealed that during the cool phase, fin whale calls were 30% more frequent than during the warm phase.

The findings show how ocean soundscapes can serve as a near real-time monitoring system for marine ecosystem health, providing early warning of species displacement and habitat shifts due to climate change and increasingly frequent marine heat waves.

The connection between economic events and ocean noise also demonstrates yet another dimension of humanity's pervasive effects on the natural world.

"We can actually hear climate change and economic shifts in the ocean when we use this type of analysis," said Posdaljian.

The study also underscores the importance of long-term monitoring.

"If we just had sensors in the water during or after a marine heat wave, we wouldn't be able to establish a baseline for how the ocean normally sounds," said Vanessa ZoBell, a Scripps postdoctoral researcher and lead study author.

"That baseline creates a basis for comparison and seeing how things change can give us ways to identify and protect areas that could serve as refuges for marine life in the future."

"Current funding challenges are a big threat to this type of long-term monitoring, which depends on consistent support," said Posdaljian. "If funding is interrupted, we will lose valuable data, and with it the ability to detect long-term trends in how the ocean is responding to climate change and human activity."

ZoBell and Posdaljian recommend expanding acoustic monitoring to other ocean regions to track global patterns of marine life moving in response to climate change. Remote locations that are harder or more costly to access or monitor via other means could especially benefit from the passive nature of sound collection.

The study authors also suggested shipping companies and ports could use soundscape data to measure the effectiveness of vessel quieting technologies and speed reduction programs aimed at reducing ocean noise and the incidence of ships hitting whales.

"You can learn so much just by listening," said ZoBell.

More information: Vanessa M. ZoBell et al, Climatic and economic fluctuations revealed by decadal ocean soundscapes, The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (2025). DOI: 10.1121/10.0036778 Journal information: Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
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2025: the second warmest May on record.

Global heating persisted as the new norm, with last month the second warmest May on record on land and in the oceans, according to the European Union's climate monitoring service.

The planet's average surface temperature dipped below the threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, just shy of the record for May set last year, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

The same held for the world's oceans. With a surface temperature of 20.79C, last month was second only to May 2024, with some unprecedented warmth regionally.

"Large areas in the northeast North Atlantic, which experienced a marine heat wave, had record surface temperatures for the month," Copernicus reported. "Most of the Mediterranean Sea was much warmer than average."

The increasingly dire state of the oceans is front-and-center at the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC), which kicked off Monday in Nice, France.

Ocean heat waves are driving marine species to migrate, decimating coral reefs, damaging ecosystems, and reducing the ability of ocean layers to mix, which hinders the distribution of nutrients.

Covering 70% of the globe's surface, oceans redistribute heat and play a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate.

Surface water warmed by climate change drive increasingly powerful storms, causing new levels of destruction and flooding in their wake.

Some parts of Europe, meanwhile, "experienced their lowest levels of precipitation and soil moisture since at least 1979", Copernicus noted.

Britain has been in the grips of its most intense drought in decades, with Denmark and the Netherlands also suffering from a lack of rain.

Persistent dry conditions have also led to the lowest spring river flow across Europe since records began in 1992.

Drought in late May 2025.

'Brief respite'

Boreal forests across Canada, northern Europe and Siberia saw the second warmest spring on record, fueling forest fires in Canada where two provinces declared a state of emergency.

Ten days into June, more than 220 active fires burned across the country, half of them classified as out-of-control.

Earth's surface last month was 1.4C above the preindustrial benchmark, defined as the average temperature from 1850 to 1900, before the massive use of fossil fuels caused the climate to dramatically warm.

"May 2025 interrupts an unprecedentedly long sequence of months above 1.5C," noted Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

All but one of the previous 22 months crossed this critical threshold, which marks the 2015 Paris Agreement's most ambitious target for capping global warming.

"This may offer a brief respite for the planet, but we expect the 1.5C threshold to be exceeded again in the near future due to the continued warming of the climate system," he added.

Over the 12-month period June 2024 to May 2025, warming averaged 1.57C compared to the 1850-1900 benchmark.

The Paris treaty target, however, is pegged to a 20-year average, in order to account for the influence of natural variability.

The UN's climate science advisory panel, the IPCC, has said there is a 50% chance of breaching the 1.5C barrier in line with these criteria between 2030 and 2035.

Using this method of calculation, the world today has warmed by at least 1.3C.

The UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO), meanwhile, has said there is a 70% chance the five-year period 2025-2029, on average, will exceed the 1.5C limit.

Scientists stress the importance of limiting global warming as soon and as much as possible because every fraction of a degree increases the risks of more deadly and destructive impacts, on land and in the sea.

Limiting warming to 1.5C rather than 2C would significantly reduce the most catastrophic consequences, the IPCC concluded in a major report in 2018.

 2025 AFP
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Credit: Mikhail Nilov from Pexels

Showing students audiovisual narratives that simulate homophobic bullying scenarios in schools can capture their attention and generate reflection on social prejudices, promoting respect and inclusion. This strategy is presented in an article published in the Journal of School Violence.

In the study, researchers from Sao Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil investigated the extent to which this type of tool can serve as an instrument for research and educational intervention.

According to data from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), up to 85% of LGBTQIA+ students experience homophobic bullying in certain countries. The practice compromises physical, psychological, emotional, and psychosocial health, and it also affects students who are wrongly perceived as LGBTQIA+.

To better understand these dynamics and their possible solutions, the study was conducted in three different stages. First, 178 individual interviews and 45 focus groups were held with adolescents, in which participants were exposed to audiovisual narrativesshort videos created specifically to simulate homophobic bullying scenariosand their reactions were captured and discussed. This generated a dialog about experiences and different ways of resolving conflicts. This analysis produced a detailed classification of the coping strategies employed in school bullying situations.

In the second stage, a panel of 25 international experts, made up of academics and professionals from around the world, reviewed and validated this classification, reaching a consensus on an operational definition for each strategy. The third stage is still ongoing and includes individual and group interviews with 38 homophobic bullying survivors from different countries, to incorporate their voices and experiences and refine the proposed classification.

"The idea was to understand the phenomenon not only from a scientific point of view, but also taking into account the knowledge of the young people themselves, in order to obtain more comprehensive and richer results," explains Emerson Vicente-Cruz, a researcher at UNESP's Faculty of Sciences and Letters, Assis campus, and first author of the article.

He says that the chosen approach made the process more accessible and less intimidating. It facilitated the engagement of young people in a controlled and safe environment without judgment. This allowed for critical reflection on their emotions and attitudes toward bullying. "It also promoted empathy in relation to social prejudices," he says.

Three groups of strategies used by young people in situations of homophobic bullying were identified from these sessions: avoidance and self-destructive behaviors, which include self-harm and social isolation in response to violence; survival of the homophobic structure, which can involve denying one's identity; and social support and promotion of egalitarian practices, in which young people seek help, solidarity, and actions that favor inclusion.

"It's crucial to understand that many young people feel that their safety is at stake, and this leads them to adopt behaviors that may seem contradictory in some cases," adds Vicente-Cruz.

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Paths to inclusion

"In a scenario of growing intolerance, the study identifies in an unprecedented way the strategies that young people use in their interactions and proposes recommendations for schools and educational institutions, such as creating intervention programs that directly address prejudice and the training of teachers and managers to identify the nuances of homophobic bullying," argues Vicente-Cruz. "This reaffirms the importance of education in shaping school environments that welcome and include diversity."

According to the researcher, creating educational policies and implementing programs based on these results with the active commitment of educators can increase inclusion and respect among students. This can transform school institutions into places where all identities are valued, contributing to a more united community and a more just and equal society.

More information: Emerson Vicente-Cruz et al, Taxonomy of Strategies for Coping with School Homophobic Bullying, Journal of School Violence (2025). DOI: 10.1080/15388220.2025.2479775

Provided by FAPESP
Skimmer Festival Weekend: The 63rd annual Skimmer Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday in Sea Isle City.

Starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, there will be a Seaside Vendors Market along the oceanfront Promenade, selling handmade crafts, artwork, assorted clothing, accessories, pet and baby items, and more. Additionally, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be live music from Brass Pocket Band, inflatable bounce houses, balloon artists, face painters, a photo booth and an art bar in Excursion Park.

On Sunday, the Skimmer Antique Auto Show will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Promenade north of JFK Boulevard. At 10 a.m., the Snake Brothers Band will take the stage under the Gazebo on the Promenade at JFK Boulevard. At 1 p.m., Mayor Leonard Desiderio will present plaques to the winning cars from the auto show, and at 1:30 p.m., the vehicles will parade and exit the Promenade at 44th Street.

For more information, call the Sea Isle City Tourism Office at 609-263-8687, visit visitsicnj.com or visit the Sea Isle City Welcome Center at 300 JFK Blvd.

Student art show in Somers Point: Custard Hut and the Somers Point Education Foundation will host a student art show from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Thursday. The artwork on display will be from K-3rd grade students from Dawes Avenue Elementary School. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go the Education Foundation.

Women Veterans Recognition Day: Sea Isle City will host its first Women Veterans Recognition Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday at Veterans Park at Landis Avenue and JFK Boulevard. Officials will commemorate the 1948 signing of the Womens Armed Services Integration Act by President Harry S. Truman.

Featured speakers will include two women veterans from Cape May County and County Clerk Rita Rothberg. For more information, call 609-263-4461, ext. 1245.

National Marbles Tournament: The 102nd National Marbles Tournament will take place Monday through Thursday at Ringer Stadium on the beach in Wildwood.

The event will showcase the skills of some of the best marbles players in the country as they compete to become the king and queen of marbles. In addition to the adult tournament, there will be an event for players ages 8-14 in which they will compete for various prizes, including college scholarships.

Over 1,200 games of marbles will be played across the four-day event, with free admission and games running from 8 a.m. to noon daily.

On the final day of the event, Leah Lee, author of Pudgy Knuckles, A Mibsters Story, will be at the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce to meet with fans.

For more information, visit nationalmarblestournament.org or call 304-337-2764.

Juneteenth screening: The East Lynne Theater Company will host a screening of Whispers from the Forgotten to commemorate Juneteenth at 3 p.m. June 22 at the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME Church at 717 Franklin St. in Cape May.

Whispers from the Forgotten is a 33-minute documentary about the history of Union Bethel Civil Cemetery.

East Lynne Theater Companys recent move into the Clemans Theater for the Arts at the Allen AME Church has given us a responsibility to offer programming that remains true to the original reason this structure is here  as a place of worship for Cape Mays African American population, said Mark David Boberick, East Lynnes executive director. The Clemans Theater is now a venue for world-class arts programming, yes. But we also feel deeply about continuing our strong connection with this treasured community.

Following the screening there will be a Q&A with South Jersey filmmakers Tim Millaway and Tom Coyle.

Free energy workshop: The Atlantic Cape May Sustainable Jersey Hub will host a free energy workshop at 6 p.m. June 25 at the Ocean City Community Center, 1735 Simpson Ave.

The event will offer residents, municipal leaders and community advocates the opportunity to learn how to manage rising temperatures and increasing utility bills.

State and local experts will offer attendees resources to reduce their energy bills and save money through renewable energy and community solar programs.

Speakers will include Brian Lipman, director of the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel, Theo Banks from the New Jersey Clean Energy Program, Atlantic City Electric and South Jersey Gas representatives, Greenlife Energy Solutions representatives and Sustainable Jersey staff.

This event is about more than just understanding rate increases, said Ralph Cooper, co-chair of the Atlantic Cape May Sustainable Jersey Hub. Its about connecting residents with programs that can help them save money and support our shared sustainability goals.

Advance registration is encouraged. To sign up and learn more, visit tinyurl.com/ACMHub25June or atlanticcapemayregionalhub.wordpress.com.

Police youth camp: The New Jersey Department of Law and Safety has awarded an $8,256 grant to the Middle Township Police Department for its annual summer camp.

The weeklong camp will be held this year for the eighth summer in a row, funded by grants, business sponsorships and donations.

Over the past seven summers, about 500 middle schoolers have attended the camp free of charge. Students participate in activities like boating and team bonding and hear from representatives from Cape Assist, a substance abuse treatment and prevention agency in Wildwood, about making good and healthy decisions.

We are excited to receive this continuing support from the State of New Jersey towards the annual funding for our Police Youth Camp, Mayor Chris Leusner said. The camp would not be possible without the generous support of our many local sponsors. This additional contribution will facilitate our effort to ensure that as many of our kids as possible have the opportunity to participate in 2025.
DES MOINES  As artificial intelligence continues to expand into different aspects of life, officials found new uses in at least one important place in Iowa this year: the Iowa State Capitol Building.

During this years session, the Iowa House of Representatives and the governors office used an Iowa-based AI-native program to help streamline the legislative process for evaluating and tracking bills, a first for the state.

While Iowa is one of the first states to use AI in the legislative process, a few are also utilizing it, including California and Utah, with a slate of other states considering adopting similar programs.

The program, Legible, was created by Zack Krawiec and Kasey Clary, the founders of technology company Upvote. Krawiec and Clary first met as pages in the Iowa legislature in 2014 before clerking for House lawmakers, where they saw how policy was crafted up close.

Krawiec said it was during that time that he and Clary gained a good understanding of how the legislative process worked and how monitoring and policy analysis systems could be made more efficient.

I spent quite a bit of time understanding and working within the information ecosystem and state politics, specifically in Iowa, so I really had a good feel for some of the frustrations that existed for folks in that space, Krawiec said. We decided to come together and start playing around with potential solutions for those problems.

Clary went on to go into software and product management and Krawiec got his law degree at Drake University before they both came back together in 2022 to create a news aggregation program. The program was designed to find and communicate relevant policy-related news at a state level and deliver it to people based on which part of the state they were in to see what policy issues at the capital would impact them.

They found it difficult to commercialize but noticed that many lobbyists started signing up for the program and realized people who worked in the capital wanted a system to simplify legislative tracking, so they pivoted to creating Legible.

Legible was used by House caucus staff during the 2025 session for document and bill analysis, tracking legislation and streamlining other aspects of the legislative workflow.

The Iowa House Republican and Democratic caucuses and the governors office declined to comment for this article.

One feature of the program, named bill chat, allows users to "talk" with legislative documents, ask questions and fact-check to better understand bills. The program also provides a workflow for staff to keep track of bills in both chambers and track them through the legislative process, which Krawiec says saved staff a significant amount of time, especially during a session where over 2,000 pieces of legislation were introduced.

The work being done by caucus staff and research staff and legislative services agencies is just insane. Throughout the legislative session, these folks are working crazy hours purely because the current tech is a little bit outdated, and legislative machinery tends to being heavy in procedure and making it difficult to sometimes get all of the information in one place, Krawiec said. To the extent that we're able to help, I think that there's a lot of quality of life for folks that work in the space that can be added, as well as, ultimately, better work product.

Beyond the Iowa legislature, Upvote has picked up other clients, including legislative liaisons for different agencies, multi-client lobbyists and trade associations. The program is also being used by municipalities in a number of other states, including Illinois, Arizona, Georgia and Nebraska.

Krawiec says the company hopes the Iowa legislature decides to renew the contract with the company for the next session.

Implications of AI for Iowa and other states

While the Iowa legislature used an AI-based program in its legislative process for the first time this session, many states are also incorporating AI into their legislative branches.

Will Clark, a program principal for the National Conference of State Legislatures' Center for Legislative Strengthening, surveyed legislative staffers across the country last year on whether they use AI to aid their work. Clark says some are already using multiple applications, including Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT and Google Gemini for research, legislative tracking, analysis and early bill drafting.

According to the 2024 survey, 20% of surveyed legislative staffers and workers said they are currently using AI, while 42% said their offices are considering using it. Clark added that while the use of AI in state capitols is growing, states are still mixed on adopting the technology.

Legislatures are open to using these new tools, but I think they really want some assurances, especially with confidentiality, privacy, and then making sure, again, that any kind of protections are in contracts, Clark said. They're waiting for maybe a kind of stasis moment where a little more is known about these tools, about how they're used in the institution, and then they can craft policies based on that.

Sean McSpaden, the principal legislative IT analyst with the Oregon Legislature, said they are piloting the use of Microsoft Co-Pilot in the legislature, as staff are already using AI-based programs.

The trend lines say that regardless of branch and state government, our employees are using these tools, whether we know it or not, whether they're authorized or not, and so it's really important for the organization to be proactive on this front, McSpaden said. We're all in the environment of bring your own AI, we have employees that, if they don't have these tools provided to them, they're going to bring their own.

While he thinks AI shows great promise for streamlining legislative work and making the legislature more accessible for the public through transcribing, translating and summarizing public meetings, McSpaden added that states should have guardrails in place to ensure accuracy in research and analysis.

Again, that kind of that trifecta of some sort of governance and oversight, some sort of policy or guardrails, and then workforce development and training to make sure our technical staff and our non-technical staff become more and more aware of these tools, how they can be used for good, and how, if we're not careful, they can be used for bad, he said.

Along with multiple states, including Kansas, South Dakota and Pennsylvania, Iowa has guidance on the government's use of generative AI. The policy developed by the Iowa Department of Management outlines guidance for generative AI usage by state employees, including provisions prohibiting the use of sensitive and protected data in AI programs and requiring human evaluation and interaction for any finalized output from AI technologies.

McSpaden said transparency around AI use in government is essential to maintaining public trust in the systems, as people are still getting used to its integration into society.

Initially, there was some hesitancy around using the program in the Iowa legislature, but it faded as caucus staff interacted with it more, Krawiec said.

We haven't really found anything that would be considered a pure inaccuracy throughout the legislative session on our platform this year, which I think helped build a lot of trust," he said. "But that said, you know, we were pretty straightforward with everyone where it's like, Hey, this is a tool at this point. It's not a replacement for your expertise or understanding.

Correction: This story was updated to correct an incorrect name used for the National Conference of State Legislatures.